A55202	----	The third volume of Plutarch's lives. Translated from the Greek, by several hands Lives. English. Vol. III. Plutarch. 1693 Approx. 912 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 331 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A55202 Wing P2638BA ESTC R219473 99830941 99830941 35403 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A55202) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 35403) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2094:13) The third volume of Plutarch's lives. Translated from the Greek, by several hands Lives. English. Vol. III. Plutarch. Burghers, M., engraver. [4], 635 [i.e. 636]+ p., [11] leaves of plates printed by R.E. for Jacob Tonson, at the Judges-Head in Chancery-Lane, near Fleet-street, London : 1693. Frontispiece and other engravings signed: MBurghers sculp. P. 636 mis-numbered 635. With a chronological table and list of contents. A translation of volume 3 of: Plutarchus. Vitæ parallelæ. Copy cataloged has catchword 'Books' on last p. of text. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Greece -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. 2007-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-09 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2007-09 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion PLUTARCH's Lives the thierd Volum . THE Third Volume OF PLUTARCH'S LIVES . Translated from the Greek , BY SEVERAL HANDS . LONDON , Printed by R. E. for Jacob Tonson , at the Judges-Head in Chancery-Lane , near Fleet-street , 1693. LIVES contained in this Volume . PYrrhus , translated by Dr. Croune . Page 1. Cajus Marius , Mr. Stapleton . Page 70 Lysander , Mr. Boyle . Page 154 Sylla , Mr. Davis . Page 204 Cimon , Mr. Morgan . Page 284 Lucullus , Mr. Thornburgh . Page 327 Nicias , Mr. Rymer . Page 411 Crassus , Mr. Amhurst . Page 472 Eumenes , Page 548 Sertorius , Dr. Brown. Page 575 A Chronological Table to the Third Volume of Plutarch's Lives .   The Olympiad . The Year of the Olympiad . After the building of Rome . After the Worlds Creation . Before the Com. of Christ . The Julian Period . Pyrrhus . 123 1 465 3662 286 4426 Caius Marius first time Consul . 168 2 646 3843 105 4607 Lysander . took Athens . 93 4 348 3545 403 4309 Sylla Consul . 173 1 665 3862 86 4626 Cimon overthrew the Persians . 78 1 285 3482 466 4246 Lucullus . 177 2 682 3879 69 4643 Nicias . 91 1 337 3534 414 4298 Marcus Crassus , first time Consul . 177 3 683 3880 68 4644 Eumenes . 114 2 431 3628 320 4392 Sertorius , the Battel of Sucro . 175 4 676 3873 75 4637 PYRRHUS . THE LIFE OF PYRRHUS . From the Greek , By William Croune , M. D. Fell. of the Coll. of Physicians . VOLUME III. OF the Thesprotes and Molossians after the great Inundation , the first King some write was Phaeton , one of them who in Pelasgus's Company came into Epirus : Others tell us Deucalion and Pyrrha having built a Temple at Dodona , settled there among the Molossians . In after time Neoptolemus , Achilles's Son , transplanting a Colony , possess'd these Parts himself , and left a Succession of Kings after him , nam'd Pyrrhidae ( for he in his Youth was call'd Pyrrhus ) and of his Legitimate Children , one born of Lanassa Daughter of Cleodes , Hyllus his Son , he nam'd Pyrrhus also . From him Achilles came to have Divine Honours in Epirus , under the name of Aspetus in the Language of the Country : After these first Kings , those of the following middle times becoming barbarous , and so rendred both in their Governments and Lives obscure ; Tharrytes is said to be the first , who , by adorning Cities with Greek Manners and Learning , and Laws acceptable to Mankind ▪ left any Fame of himself . Alcetes was the Son of Tharrytes , Arybas of Aleetes , and of Arybus and Troas his Queen , Aeacides : He married Pthia the Daughter of Menon the Thessalian , a very brave man ▪ living at the time of the Lamiac War , and of highest Command in the Confederate Army next Leosthenes . To Aeacides , were born of Pthia , Deidamia and Trojas Daughters , and Pyrrhus a Son. The Molossians afterwards falling into Factions , and throwing off Aeacides , brought in the Sons of Neoptolemus , and such Friends of Aeacides , as they could take , were all cut off : Pyrrhus yet an Infant , and search'd for by the Enemy , Androclides and Angelus had stol'n away and fled ; but being obliged to take with them a few Servants , and the Women that nurs'd the Child , it made their Escape more difficult and slow ; so being overtaken they deliver'd the Infant to Androclion , Hippias , and Neander , faithful and able young Fellows , giving them in charge with all imaginable diligence to reach Megara , a Town of the Macedons ; and themselves partly by entreaty , and partly by force , stopt the course of the Pursuers till very late in the Evening ▪ at last having hardly forc'd them back , they joyn'd those who had the care of Pyrrhus : But the Sun being already set , and they near the utmost point now of their hopes , were on the sudden defeated ; for coming to the River that runs by the City , it look'd very dreadful and rough , and endeavouring to pass over , they found it was not fordable ; for some late Rains had swell'd the Water , and made it run very foul : The darkness of the Night added to the horrour of all , so that they durst not adventure of themselves to carry over the Child and the Women that attended it ; but perceiving some of the Country People on t'other side , desir'd they would assist their passage , and show'd them Pyrrhus , calling out aloud , and importuning them , but they could not hear for the noise and roarings of the Water : Thus time was spent while those call'd out , and the others did not understand what was said , till one recollecting himself , pill'd off a piece of Bark from an Oak , and writ on it with ▪ the tongue of a Buckle , expressing the Necessities and the Fortunes of the Child , and then rowling it about a Stone , which was made use of to give force to the Motion , threw it over to the other side ; some report they fastned it to the end of a Javelin , and darted it over , when they on the other Shore read what was on the Bark , and considered the shortness of the time , instantly cutting down some Trees , and lashing them together , came over to them ; it fell out , he who first got a-Shore , and took Pyrrhus in his Arms , was named Achilles , the rest were help'd over by others as they came to hand : Thus being safe , and out of the reach of pursuit , they addrest themselves to Glaucias then King of Illyria , and finding him at Court sitting with the Queen , they laid down the Child before them : The King began to weigh this affair , fearing Cassander a mortal Enemy of Aeacides , and being in a deep consideration , said nothing for a long time ; while Pyrrhus scrambling about , got hold with his hand on his Robe , and so helping himself upon his feet against the knees of Glaucias , first mov'd Laughter , and then Pity , as a little humble crying Petitioner . Some say he did not lie groveling before Glaucias , but catching hold of an Altar of the Gods , and spreading his hands about it , rais'd himself up by that , which Action to Glaucias seem'd to have in it something of divine , and immediately gave Pyrrhus into the Queen's Arms , commanding he should be brought up with his own Children ; a little after the Enemies sending to demand him , and Cassander himself offering two hundred Talents , he would not deliver him up ; but when he was twelve years old , bringing him with an Army into Epirus , made him King ; Pyrrhus in the Air of his Face had something more of Fierce , than of the August of Majesty ; he had not many Teeth , but all above was one continued Bone , divided with small Lines , resembling the spaces of a Row of Teeth ; it was a general belief he could cure the Spleen by sacrificing a white Cock , and with his right foot gently pressing upon the Spleen of the Persons laid down on their backs a little to one side , nor was any so poor or inconsiderable as not to receive the benefit of his Royal Touch , if he desired it ; after the Sacrifice he accepted the Cock as a Reward , and the Present was almost welcome to him ; the Toe of that foot was said to have a divine Virtue ; for after his death , the rest of the body being consum'd , this was found unhurt and untouch'd by the Fire ; but of these things afterwards . Being now about Seventeen years old , and the Government in appearance well setled , he took a Journey out of the Kingdom to the marriage of one of Glaucias's Sons , with whom he was brought up , at which time the Molossions again rebelling , turn'd out all of his Party , ri●●ed his Exchequer , and gave up themselves to Neoptolemus : Pyrrhus having thus lost the Kingdom , and in want of all things , apply'd himself to Demetrius the Son of Antigonus , that married his Sister Deidamia , who while she was but a little Miss , they us'd to call Alexander's Wife Son of Roxana ; but their Affairs after proving unfortunate , when she came to Age , Demetrius married her . At the great Battle of Ipsus , where so many Kings were engag'd , Pyrrhus taking party with Demetrius , tho' yet but a Youth , routed those that encountred him , and highly signaliz'd himself among all the Souldiery ; after when Demetrius's Fortunes were low , he did not forsake him then , but secur'd for him those Cities of Greece , with which he was entrusted . Upon Articles of Agreement made between Demetrius and Ptolomy , he went over an Hostage into Aegypt , and both in Hunting , and other Exercises , gave Ptolomy a lively demonstration of his Courage and Strength . Here observing Berenice in greatest Power , and of all Ptolomy's Wives , highest in Esteem for Vertue and Understanding , he made his Court , and paid his respects principally to her ; for he had a particular Art of obliging the Great for his own Interest , and easily overlook'd such as were below him : In Dyet very elegant but temperate ; so that among all the young Princes then at Court , he was thought most fit to have Antigone for his Wife , one of the Daughters of Berenice by Philip , before she marry'd Ptolomy . After this Match , advancing in Honour , and Antigone being a very good Wife to him . having setled a Fond of Money , and rais'd an Army , he so ordered matters , to be sent into his Kingdom of Epirus , and arriv'd there to the great satisfaction of many , from their hate to Neoptolemas , governing in a violent and arbitrary way . But fearing lest Neoptolemus should enter into Alliance with some Neighbour Princes , he came to Terms and Friendship with him in an equal share of the Government : Sometime after there were those who secretly exasperated them , and fomented Jealousies of one another . The cause chiefly moving Pyrrhus , is said to have had this beginning . It was customary for the Kings in Parasso , a Province of Molossia , after Sacrifice to Mars , to enter into a solemn Covenant with the Epirots ; they to Govern according to Law , these to preserve the Government , as by Law establish'd . This was performed in the presence of both Kings , who were there with their particular Favourites , giving and receiving many Presents : Here Gelon , one faithful to Neoptolemus , taking Pyrrhus familiarly by the hand , presented him with two pair of draught Oxen , these Myrtilus his Cup-bearer being then by , begg'd of Pyrrhus , who not giving them to him , but another , Myrtilus extremely resented it . which Gelon took notice of , and inviting him to a Treat ( where as some report he debauch'd him too after drinking , being in the Flower of his Youth ) he entred into discourse , perswading him to adhere to Neoptolemus , and destroy Pyrrhus by Poyson ; Myrtilus receiv'd the Design , as praising and consenting to it , but indeed privately discovered it to Pyrrhus , by whose Command he recommended Alexicrates his chief Cup-bearer to Gelon , as a fit Instrument for their Design , because Pyrrhus was very desirous to have proof of the Plot by several Evidences ; so Gelon being deceiv'd , Neoptolemus , who was as much deceiv'd by him , and imagining the Design went prosperously on , could not hold , but for Joy vented it among his Friends , and once at an Entertainment at his Sister Cadmia's , spoke very frankly of it , thinking none heard but themselves . Nor was any there but Phenaretate the Wife of Samon , who had the care of managing Neoptolemus's Flocks and Herds . She being turn'd towards the Wall upon a Pallet , seem'd fast asleep ; but having heard all that past unsuspected , next day came to Antigone Pyrrhus's Wife , and told her what she heard Neoptolemus say to his Sister ; which Pyrrhus understanding , for the present said little , but on a Sacrifice day , making an Invitation for Neoptolemus , kill'd him ; being satisfied before that the Great men of the Epirots were his Friends , advising him to rid himself of Neoptolemus , and not love one who shar'd the least point in the Government with him , but follow his own inclination in undertaking his greater Designs , and a just ground of suspicion already appearing ▪ prevent Neoptolemus , by taking him off first . In memory of Berenice and Ptolomee , he nam'd his Son by Antigone , Ptolomee , and having built a City in the Peninsula of Epirus , call'd it Berenicis . From this time he began to revolve many and vast things in his thoughts ; but his first hope and design was particularly laid near home , and he found means to engage himself in the Macedonian Affairs under this pretension . Of Cassander's Sons , Antipater the eldest both kill'd Thessalonica his Mother , and expuls'd his Brother Alexander , who sent to Demetrius entreating his assistance , and also call'd in Pyrrhus ; but Demetrius being retarded by multitude of business , Pyrrhus coming first demanded in reward of his Service the City of Nymphaea and the Sea-Coasts of Macedon , and of their new Conquests Ambracia , Acarnania , and Amphilochia . The young Prince giving way , he took possession of these Countries , and secur'd them with good Garrisons , and kept for Alexander himself the other part of the Kingdom which he gain'd from Antipater . Lysimachus designing to send aid to Antipater was involv'd in much other business , but knowing Pyrrhus would not disoblige Ptolomee , or deny him any thing , sent pretended Letters to him as from Ptolomee , desiring him to give over that Expedition , upon the payment of 300 Talents to him by Antipater : Pyrrhus opening the Letter quickly discover'd the fraud of Lysimachus ; for it had not the accustom'd Stile of Salutation , The Father to the Son health , but King Ptolomee to Pyrrhus the King health ; and reproaching Lysimachus , he notwithstanding made a peace , and they all met to confirm it by a Solemn Oath upon Sacrifice : a Goat , a Bull , and a Ram being brought out , the Ram on a sudden fell dead , which although some only laugh'd at , Theodotus the Priest forbid Pyrrhus to swear , declaring Heaven by that portended the death of one of the three Kings , upon which he refused to ratifie the peace . The Affairs of Alexander being now in some kind of Settlement , Demetrius arriv'd , and 't was evident he came undesir'd , and struck a Terrour into Alexander ; after they had been a few days together , their mutual Jealousie made them design upon each other ; but Demetrius taking advantage of the first occasion was before hand with the young King , and slew him , and proclaim'd himself King of Macedon . There had been formerly no very good understanding between him and Pyrrhus ; for besides the inroads he made into Thessaly , the innate disease of Princes , Ambition of greater Empire , rendred their Neighbourhood formidable and suspected , especially since Deidamia's death , and both having seiz'd Macedon , they came foul upon the same thing , and the difference between them had the fairer colours : Demetrius having entred into a War with the Aetolians and subdu'd them , and left Pantanchus there with a considerable Army , march'd directly against Pyrrhus , and , Pyrrhus ( as he thought ) against him , but by mistake of the ways they past by one another , Demetrius falling into Epirus wasted the Country , and Pyrrhus meeting with Pantanchus prepar'd for an Engagement . The Soldiers falling in pell-mell , there was a sharp and great Fight , especially where the Generals were . Pantanchus in courage , dexterity , and strength of body , being confessedly the best of all Demetrius his Captains , and having both Resolution and Conduct challeng'd Pyrrhus to fight hand to hand ; on the other side Pyrrhus not less than any of the Kings in Valour and Glory , and esteeming the Honour of Achilles rather due to him for his Courage than his Blood , advanc'd against Pantanchus through the Front of the Army ; First , they us'd their Lances , then came to a close Fight , and manag'd their Swords both with Art and Force , Pyrrhus receiving one wound but returning two for it , one in the Thigh , the other near the Neck , repuls'd and overthrew Pantanchus , but did not kill him outright , for he was suddenly rescu'd by his Friends : the Epirots rais'd with the Victory of their King , and admiring his Courage , forc'd through and cut in pieces the close Body of the Macedonians , and pursuing those that fled , kill'd many , and took 5000 Prisoners . This Fight did not so much exasperate the Macedonians with Anger for their Loss , or with Hatred to Pyrrhus , as it caus'd an Esteem , and Admiration of his Virtue , and a great Discourse among those that saw what he did and were engag'd against him in the Action : They thought his Countenance , and Swiftness , and Motion exprest those of the Great Alexander , and that in him they beheld Shadows , and Resemblances of his Vivacity and Strength in Fight ; other Kings in Purple and Guards , and a formal bending of their Necks , and speaking in a lofty tone only Pyrrhus in Arms , and Action representing Alexander . Of his Knowledge in Military Order and Discipline , and his Great ability that way we have the best information from the Commentaries he left behind him about this Argument : Antigonus being ask'd who was the greatest Souldier , said Pyrrhus , if he liv'd to be ▪ old , meaning those only of his own time ; Hannibal of great Commanders esteem'd Pyrrhus for Sufficiency and Conduct the first , Scipio the second , and himself the third , as is reported in the Life of Scipio . In a word , he seem'd ever to make this all his Thought and Philosophy , as the most Kingly part of Learning , other Curiosities he held in no Account . He is reported , when ask'd at a Feast whether he thought Python or Caphisias the best Musician , to have said Polysperchon was the best Souldier , as becoming a King only to enquire and understand such things . Towards his Familiars he was mild , and not easily incensed , forward and ready in answering Kindnesses , so that when Aeropus was dead , he could not bear it with moderation , saying , he indeed had suffer'd what was common to humane Nature , but condemning and blaming himself , that by puttings off and delays he had not return'd his kindness in time ; for our Debts may be satisfy'd to the Creditor's Heirs , but the acknowledgement of receiv'd Favours not paid in , while they to whom it is due can be sensible of it , afflicts a good and a worthy Nature . Some thinking it fit that Pyrrhus should banish a certain ill-tongu'd Fellow in Ambracia who had spoke very indecently of him ; let him rather , said he , spake against me here to a few , than rambling about to a great many . And others who in their Wine had made reflections upon him , being afterward question'd for it , he ask'd them whether they spoke such words ; one of the young Fellows told him : Yes , Sir , those very words , and should have said more if we had had more Wine ; at which smiling he discharg'd them . After Antigone's death he married several Wives to enlarge his Interest and Power . He had the Daughter of Antoleon King of Paeonia , Barcenna , Bardyllis the Illyrian's , Daughter , Lanassa Daughter of Agathocles the Syracusian , who brought with her in Dowry the City of Cercyra taken by Agathocles : By Antigone he had Ptolomee , Alexander , by Lanassa , and Helenus the youngest by Barcenna ; he brought them up all in Arms , hot and eager Youths , and by him sharpned to war from their very Infancy . 'T is said when one of them yet a child , ask'd him to which he would leave his Kingdom , he reply'd , to him that had the sharpest Sword , which was much ▪ like that Tragical Curse of Oedipus to his Sons . — Divide not as the Common Rout , But with the Sword each cut his portion out . So unsociable and brutal are the measures which Ambition takes . After this Battle Pyrrhus returning gloriously home , entertain'd himself with the sense of his own Honour and Greatness of Mind , and being call'd Eagle by the Epirots : By you ( says he ) I am an Eagle ; for how should I not be such while I am born up by your Arms as on Wings ? A little after having Intelligence that Demetrius was dangerously sick , he fell on a sudden into Macedon , intending only an Incursion , and to harrass the Country ; but was very near seizing upon all , and taking the Kingdom without a blow : He march'd as far as Edessa unresisted , great numbers deserting , and coming in to him : This danger excited Demetrius beyond his Strength , and his Friends and Commanders in a short time got a considerable Army together , and with all their Forces briskly attack'd Pyrrhus , who comming only to pillage would not stand a Fight , but retreating lost part of his Army , as he went off , by the close pursuit of the Macedonians . Demetrius although he had easily and quickly forc'd Pyrrhus out of the Country , yet did not slight him , but having resolv'd upon great Designs , and to recover his Father's Kingdom with an Army of 100000 men , and 500 Sail of Ships , would neither embroil himself with Pyrrhus , nor leave the Macedonians so active and troublesome a Neighbour ; and since he had no leisure to continue the War with him , was willing to treat and conclude a Peace , and to turn his Forces upon the other Kings : Articles being agreed upon , the Designs of Demetrius quickly discover'd themselves by the greatness of his preparation . And the other Kings being alarm'd , sent to Pyrrhus Ambassadors and Letters , expressing their wonder that he losing so fair an Occasion ; would rather stay till Demetrius was ready to fight , and being now able to chase him out of Macedon , involv'd in designs and disturb'd , would expect till he were at Leisure , and grown greater , and bring the War home to his own door , and fight for their Temples and Sepulchres in Molossia : Especially having so lately by his means lost Cercyra and his Wife together . For Lanassa had taken offence at Pyrrhus for too great an inclination to those Wives of his that were Barbarians , and so withdrew to Cercyra , and desiring to marry some King , invited Demetrius , knowing of all the Kings , he was most ready to entertain an offer of Marriage from fair Ladies ; so he sail'd thither , marry'd Lanassa , and plac'd a Garrison in the City . The Kings having writ thus to Pyrrhus , did themselves likewise find Demetrius work , while he was delaying and making his preparations ; Ptolomee setting out with a great Fleet , drew off many of the Greek Cities , Lysimachus out of Thrace wasted the upper Macedon , Pyrrhus also taking Arms with these , march'd to Beraea , expecting , ( as it fell out ) that Demetrius drawing his Forces against Lysimachus would leave the lower Country without Supplies . That very Night he seem'd in his Sleep to be call'd by Alexander the Great , and approaching saw him sick a-bed ; but was receiv'd with very kind Words and much Respect , and promis'd a suddain assistance : He making bold to reply ; How , Sir , can you being sick assist me ? With my Name , says he , and mounting a Nisaean Horse seem'd to lead the way : At the sight of this Vision he was much assur'd , and with swift Marches over-running all the Interjacent Places , takes Beraea , and making his Head Quarters there , reduc'd the rest of the Country by his Commanders : When Demetrius receiv'd Intelligence of this , and perceiv'd likewise the Macedonians ready to mutiny in the Army , he was afraid to advance farther , lest coming near Lysimachus , a Macedonian King , and of great Fame , they should revolt to him . So returning , he march'd directly against Pyrrhus , as a Stranger and hated by the Macedonians ; while he lay encamp'd there by him , many coming out of Beraea infinitely prais'd Pyrrhus as one invincible in Arms , a very Illustrious Prince , and treating those he had taken kindly and obligingly ; several of these Pyrrhus himself sent privately , pretending themselves Lacedaemonians , and saying , now was the time to be deliver'd from the severe Government of Demetrius , by coming over to Pyrrhus , a gracious Prince , and a lover of Soldiers : By this Artifice a great part of the Army was mov'd , and looking every way about , sought for Pyrrhus . It hapn'd he was without his Helmet , till understanding they did not know him , he put it on again , and so was quickly remark'd by his lofty Crest , and the Goat's horns he wore upon it ; Then the Macedonians running to him , desir'd the Word , others clap'd Oaken boughs upon their Heads , because they saw them worn by the Soldiers about him . Some took the confidence to say to Demetrins himself , that he would be well advis'd to withdraw , and lay down the Government . And he indeed finding the Mutinous humour of the Army agreeable to that sort of Discourse , privately got away disguis'd in an old Hat , and a common red Coat . So Pyrrhus became Master of the Army without fighting , and was declar'd King of the Macedonians . But Lysimachus now arriving , and affirming the defeat of Demetrius , was in common perform'd by both , and that the Kingdom ought to be shar'd between them , Pyrrhus not extremely assur'd of the Macedonians , and in doubt of their Faith , consented to the Proposition of Lysimachus , and divided the Country and Cities between them accordingly . This was for the present useful , and prevented a War ; but shortly after they found the partition not so much an avoydance of dissatisfactions , as an occasion of more Complaint and Difference . For to such whose Ambition neither Seas nor Mountains , nor the forsaken Deserts can limit , nor the bounds dividing Europe from Asia , confine their vast desires ; 't is hard to say how they should forbear injuring one another , when they touch , and are close together . These are ever naturally in War , envying and seeking advantages of one another ; They make use of those two Words , Peace and War , as of Money , not so much guided by Justice , as when it falls out to be for their Interest , and are really better men when they openly enter on a War , than when they give to the meer forbearance of doing wrong only for want of opportunity , the sacred Names of Justice and Friendship . Pyrrhus was an instance of this , for setting himself against the rise of Demetrius again , and endeavouring to hinder the recovery of his Power , as it were from a kind of Sickness , assisted the Greeks , and came to Athens , where having ascended the Acropolis , and offer'd Sacrifice to the Goddess , and the same day came down again , told the Athenians he was much pleas'd with their kindness , and the confidence they had of him ; but if they were wise , advis'd them never to let any King come thither again , or open their City Gates to him ; he concluded also a Peace with Demetrius , but a little after he was gone into Asia , at the perswasion of Lysimachus tampper'd with the Thessalians to revolt , and besieg ▪ d his Cities in Greece ; finding he could make better use of the Macedonians in War than in Peace , and being of his own Inclination not much given to rest ; at last having routed Demetrius in Lycia , Lysimachus who had secur'd his Affairs , and nothing to do , immediately turn'd his Forces upon Pyrrhus , who was in Quarters at Edessa , and falling upon and seizing his Convoy of Provisions , brought first a great Scarcity into the Army , then partly by Letters , partly by spreading Rumours abroad , he corrupted the principal Officers of the Macedonians , reproaching them they had made on their Master who was both a Stranger , and descended from those who had ever been Servants to the Macedonians , and thrust the old Friends and Families of Alexander out of the Country : The Macedonian Soldiers being much prevail'd upon , Pyrrhus withdrew himself with his Epirots and Auxiliary Forces , relinquishing Macedon just after the same manner he took it : Thus Kings have no reason to condemn the People changing for their Interest , who in that do but imitate them , as the great Instructors of Unfaithfulness and Treachery ; holding him the bravest that makes the least Account of being an honest man. Pyrrhus having thus retir'd into Epirus , and left Macedon , Fortune gave him a fair occasion of enjoying himself in quiet , and peaceably governing his own Subjects ; but he who thought it a nauseous Course of Life , not to be doing mischief to others , or receiving some from them , as Achilles could not endure repose , — But languish'd there , When left alone , desiring Noise and War , serv'd his inclination of this pretence of new business . The Romans were in War with the Tarentines , who not able to go on with the War , nor yet give it over , by reason of the bold and ill advis'd Harangues of Popular men , desir'd to make Pyrrhus their General , and ingage him in this War , as of all the Neighbouring Kings the most at leisure , and the greatest Souldier . The more grave and discreet Citizens opposing these Counsels , were run down by the noise and violence of the Multitude ; which when they saw , they came no more into the Assemblies ; only one Meton a very sober man , the day this Publick Decree was to be ratifi'd , and the People all plac'd ; like one quite drunk , with a wither'd Garland and a Torch in his hand , and a Woman playing on a Flagellet before him , came dancing into the Assembly ; and as in great Multitudes met at such popular Assemblies , no decorum can be well observ'd ; some clap'd him up , others laught , none forbid him , but call'd to the Woman to play , and him to sing to the Company , and when they thought they went about it ; 'T is very well done of you ( says he ) Tarentines , not to hinder any from making themselves merry that have a mind to it , while it is yet in your power , and if you are wise you will still keep and enjoy this Freedom , for you must change your course of Live , and eat other Diet when Pyrrhus comes to Town . These words made a strange impression upon many of the Tarentines , and a confus'd Murmur went about , that he had spoke much to the purpose ; but some who fear'd they should be sacrific'd if a Peace were made with the Romans , revil'd the whole Assembly for so tamely suffering themselves to be abus'd by a lewd drunken Sot , and crowding together upon Meton , thrust him out ; so the Publick Order was pass'd , and Ambassadors sent into Epirus , not only in their own Names , but of all the Italick Greeks , carrying Presents to Pyrrhus , and letting him know they wanted a General of Fame and experience , that they could furnish him with very great Forces made up of Lucanians , Messapians , Samnites , and Tarentines amounting to 20000 Horse , and 350000 Foot : This did not only quicken Pyrrhus , but rais'd an eager desire of this War in the Epirots . There was one Cineas a Thessalian , a man in appearance of very good Sense , a Disciple of the great Orator Demosthenes , and of all who were in the highest Fame at that time for speaking well , seem'd as in a Picture , to revive most in the minds of the Audience the memory of his huge force and vigour of Eloquence , and being always about Pyrrhus , and by him imploy'd to several Cities , confirm'd that of Euripides , — That force of Weighty Words Can out do all that 's done by conquering Swords . And Pyrrhus was us'd to say , that Cineas had taken more Towns with his Words , than he with his Arms , and always did him the honour to use him in his most important occasions : This Person seeing Pyrrhus with all diligence preparing for Italy , entertain'd him one day at leisure with this kind of discourse : The Romans , Sir , are reported to be great Warriours and Conquerors of many warlike Nations ; If God permit us to overcome them , how should we use our Victory ? Thou askest ( said Pyrrhus ) a thing of it self evident . The Romans once conquer'd , there is neither Greek or Barbarous City will resist us , but we shall presently be Masters of all Italy , whose Greatness , and Force , and Strength it is more fit any should be ignorant of , than your self . Cineas after a little Pause , and having subdu'd Italy , what shall we do next ? Pyrrhus not yet discovering his intention ; Sicily , reply'd next he holds out her Arms to receive us , a fortunate and populous Island , and easie to be gain'd ; For since Agathocles left it , Faction and Anarchy , and the licentious humour of the Demagogues only prevails . You speak , says Cineas , what is hugely probable , but shall the possession of Sicily put an end to the War ? God grant us ( answer'd Pyrrhus ) Victory and Success in that , we will use those as fore-runners of greater things , who can forbear Libya and Carthage then within reach ? which Agathocles even when forc'd to fly from Syracuse , and passing the Sea only with a few Ships , had almost surpriz'd . These Conquests once perfected , will any deny , even that Enemy who now pretends to despise us , dare not make any further resistance ? None , reply'd Cineas , for then 't is manifest we may with such mighty Forces regain Macedon , and make an absolute Conquest of Greece , and when all these are in our power , what shall we do then ? Said Pyrrhus smiling , we 'll live at our ease , my dear Friend , and drink all day , and divert our selves with pleasant discourse . When Cineas had lead Pyrrhus with this Argument to this Point : And what hinders us now , Sir , if we have a mind to be merry , and entertain on another ? Since all things necessary for it are at hand without trouble , to which through much bloud and great labour , and infinite hazzards , we design at last to arrive ? With this talk he rather afflicted Pyrrhus under the consideration of what happiness he lost , than any way alter'd his purpose , being unable to quit the hopes of what he so much desir'd . And first , he sent away Cineas to the Tarentines with 3000 men ; presently after , many Vessels for Transportation of Horse , Galleys , and flat bottom'd Boats of all sorts arriving from Tarentum , he ship'd upon them 20 Elephants , 3000 Horse , 20000 Foot , 2000 Archers , and 500 Slingers : All thus in readiness he set Sayl , and being half Seas over , was driven with the Winds blowing hard at Nore ( contrary to the Season of the Year ) and forc'd to Leeward ; but by the great skill and resolution of his Officers and Seamen he bore with the Land , and kept the Italian Shore with infinite Labour , and beyond Expectation ; the rest of the Fleet could not get up , and some of the dispers'd Ships being beaten off from the Coast of Italy , were driven into the Libyan and Cicilian Sea ; others not able to double the Cape of Japygium , were overtaken by the Night , and a very boysterous and grown Sea , throwing them upon a dangerous and rocky Shore , they were all very much disabled , except the Admiral ; and she while the Sea bore upon her Sides , resisted with her Bulk and Strength , and avoided the force of it , till the wind coming about , blew directly in their Teeth from the Shore , and the Vessel keeping up with her Head against it , was in danger of opening by the raking of the Sea over her ; on the other hand to suffer themselves to be driven off to Sea again , which was very raging and tempestuous , and the Wind shifting about every way , seem'd to them the most dreadfull of all their present Evils . Pyrrhus rising up threw himself over board , and his Friends and Guards strove eagerly who should be most ready to help him , but Night and the Sea with its mighty roaring and breaking off again from the Shore made it extream difficult to save him ; so that hardly by day-light the Wind being quite laid he got a ▪ Shore almost breathless , and indeed hugely weak'ned in Body , but with high courage and strength of Mind resisting his hard Fortune ; the Massapians , upon whose Shore they were thrown by the Tempest , run with all diligence to help them in the best manner they could , and met with some of the straggling Vessels that had escap'd the Storm ; in which were a very few Horse , and not quite 2000 Foot , and two Elephants ; with these Pyrrhus march'd streight to Tarentum , and Cineas being inform'd of his Arrival , drew out his Forces to meet him ; when he enter'd the Town , he did nothing unpleasing to the Tarentines , nor put any force upon them , till his Ships were all in Harbour , and the greatest part of the Army got together ; then considering the People as neither able to preserve themselves nor secure others , unless they were necessiated to it , and intending , while he engaged for them in the Field , to remain at home bathing and feasting themselves ; he first shut up the Places of Publick Exercise , and their Walks , where vainly solicitous they fought for their Country only in discourse of Wars ; he prohibited likewise all Solemn Festivals , Revels and Jollities as unseasonable , and call'd them to Arms , being most severe and inflexible in Listing men fit for Action and Service . Upon which many left the Town , unaccustomed to such a Discipline , calling it mere Slavery not to live in Pleasures . He now received Intelligence that Levinus the Roman Consul was upon his March with a great Army , and plundering Lucania as he went. The Confederate Forces were not come up to him , yet he thought it very indecent to suffer so near an approach of an Enemy , and neglect it ; and drew out with his Army , but first sent an Herald to the Romans to know if before the War they would decide the differences between them and the Italicks by a course of Justice , and make use of his Mediation to determine them ; but Levinus returning Answer , that the Romans neither accepted him as Arbitrator , nor fear'd him as an Enemy , Pyrrhus advanc'd , and Encamp'd in the Plain between the Cities of Pandosia and Heracléa , and having notice the Romans were near , and lay on the other side of the River Lyris , he rode up to take a view of them , and seeing the Order , the appointment of the Watches , the Excellent Form , and , in a word , the whole Scheme of their Encampment , he was amaz'd , and calling one of his Friends next to him ; This Order , says he , Megacles , of a Barbarous Nation , is not at all Barbarous , we shall see afterward what they can do ; and growing a little more thoughtful of the Event , resolv'd to expect the arriving of the Confederate Troops . And to hinder the Romans ( if in the mean time they should endeavour to pass the River ) he planted men all along the Bank to oppose them , but they hast'ning to prevent the coming up of those Forces he look'd for , attempted the Passage with their Infantry , where it was fordable , the Horse getting over in several places , so that the Greeks fearing to be surrounded , were oblig'd to retreat ; which Pyrrhus understanding was hugely surpriz'd , and commanded his Foot Officers to range their men in Battalia , and continue in Arms , himself with 3000 Horse advanc'd , hoping to attack the Romans as they were coming over , scatter'd and disorder'd ; but when he saw a vast number of Shields appearing above the water , and the Horse following them in good order , drawing up his men in a closer Body , himself in the Head of them began the Charge ; he was very remarkable by the bravery and Glistering of his Arms , which were exceeding rich , but more by the things he did there , which gave signal proof that his Fame had not out-gone what he was able effectually to perform ; but especially when exposing his hands and Body to the Fight , he bravely repell'd all that engag'd him , managing the Battel with a steady and undisturb'd Reason , and such a presence of mind , as if he had been quite out of any Action himself , flying from place to place , and assisting those whom he thought most oppress'd by the Enemy . Here Leonatus a Macedonian , observing one of the Italians very intent upon Pyrrhus , riding up towards him , and changing places as he did , and moving as he mov'd : Do you see , Sir , said he , that Barbarian on the black Horse with white feet ? he seems to me one that designs some great and dangerous thing ; he looks constantly at you , attends on you only full of Fury and Violence , and takes no notice of others ; Good Sir , have a care of that Fellow . Leonatus , said Pyrrhus , it is impossible for any man to avoid his Fate ; but neither he nor any other Italian shall have much satisfaction in ingaging with me . While they were in this discourse , the Italian placing his Spear and quickning his Horse rid furiously at Pyrrhus , and run his Horse through with his Launce ; at the same Instance Leonatus ran his through , both Horses falling . Pyrrhus his Friends surrounded him and brought him off safe , and kill'd the Italian , bravely defending himself . He was by Birth a Tarentine ; Captain of a Troop , and nam'd Oplacus . This made Pyrrhus use greater caution , and now seeing his Horse give Ground , he brought up the Infantry and rang'd them in order , and then changing his Robe and his Arms with Megacles one of his Friends , and obscuring as it were himself in his , charg'd upon the Romans , who receiv'd and engag'd him , and a great while the Success of the Battle remain'd undetermin'd ; and 't is said there were seven Turns of Fortune both of pursuing and being pursu'd : This change of his Arms was very opportune for the safety of his Person , but had like to have overthrown his Affairs , and lost him the Victory ; for several falling upon Megacles , the first that gave him his mortal wound was one Dexter , who snatching away his Helmet and his Robe , rid presently to Levinus , holding them up , and saying aloud he had kill'd Pyrrhus . These Spoils being carried about , and shown among the particular Ranks , the Romans were transported with Joy , and gave a huge Shout , but mightily discouraged and terrified the Greeks . Pyrrhus understanding what had hap'ned , rid about the Army with his face bare , stretching out his hand to his Souldiers , and telling them aloud it was He. At last the Elephants principally distress'd the Romans , their Horses , before they came near , not enduring them , went back with their Riders ; upon which he commanded the Thessalian Cavalry to charge them in this disorder , and gave them a total rout with great effusion of Bloud . Dionysius affirms near 15000 fell of the Romans . Hieronymus , no more than 7000. On Pyrrhus's side , the same Dionysius makes 13000 slain , the other under 3000 ; but they were the flower of his men , as well of his particular Friends as Officers in whom he always most confided , and made use of in greatest occasions : Beside , he possess'd himself of the Romans Camp which they deserted , and drew off several Confederate Cities , and wasted the Country round about , and advanc'd so far , that he was within about 37 Miles of Rome it self . After the Fight many of the Lucanes and Samnites came in and join'd him , he chid them for their delay , and appear'd extreamly satisfi'd and rais'd in his thoughts that he had defeated so great an Army of the Romans with the assistance of the Tarentines alone . But the Romans did not remove Levinus from the Consulship , ( it being reported Caius Fabritius should say , That the Epirots had not overcome the Romans , but Pyrrhus had only the better of Levinus : insinuating their loss was not through want of Valour , but Conduct ) but fill'd up their Legions , and listed presently fresh men , talking high and boldly of War ; which struck Pyrrhus with amazement . He thought it advisable , by sending first to make an experiment , whether they had any inclination to treat , thinking that to take the City and make an absolute Conquest , was no work for such an Army as his was at that time , but to settle a Friendship and bring them to terms , would be highly honourable after his Victory . Cineas was dispatch'd away , and apply'd himself to several of the Great Ones , with Presents for themselves and their Ladies from the King ; but not a Person would receive any , and answer'd as well Men as Women , That if any Agreement were publickly concluded , they should be ready for their parts to express all Respect and Service to the King ; and Cineas discoursing with the Senate the most soft and obliging things in the World , yet was not heard with kindness or inclination , although Pyrrhus offer'd also to return all he had taken in the Fight without ransom , and promising his assistance for the entire Conquest of all Italy , asking for himself only their Friendship , and Security for the Tarentines , and nothing farther : Many seem'd well inclin'd to a Peace , having already receiv'd one great Defeat , and fearing another from an additional Force of the Italick Greeks joyning with Pyrrhus . Here Appius Claudius , a man of great Honour , but who in respect of his Age and want of Sight not intermedling with Affairs , declin'd the fatigue of Publick Business : after these Propositions had been made by the King , hearing a report that the Senate was ready to vote the Conditions of Peace , could not forbear , but commanding his Servants to take him up , was carried ▪ in his Chair through the Forum to the Senate House ; when he was set down at the door , his Sons , and Sons-in-law took him up in their Arms , and going all close round about him , brought him into the Senate : Out of reverence of so worthy a man , the whole Assembly was respectfully silent , and he a little after rising up himself ; I bore , says he , until this time the misfortune of my Eyes with some impatience , but now having heard of those unhandsome Debates and Resolves of yours , and so dishonourable to the Glory of Rome ; it is my great affliction , that being already blind , I am not deaf too : Where is now that Discourse , of yours that has made such a noise in the World , that if He had come into Italy , the Great Alexander , and dar'd to attack us when we were young men , or our Fathers , who were then flourishing , he had not now been celebrated Invincible , but either flying hence , or falling here , had left Rome more Glorious ? You demonstrate now all that was but foolish Arrogance and Vanity by your fears of the Molossians and Chaonians , ever the Macedonian's Prey , and trembling at Pyrrhus , who was himself but an humble Servant to one of Alexander's Life-guard ; and here , not so much to assist the Greeks that inhabit among us , as flying from his Enemies at home , he ranges about Italy , and dares promise you the Conquest of it all by that Army which has not been able to preserve for him a little part of Macedon : And do not perswade your selves , that making him your Friend is the way to be rid of him , but to bring more Forces over , contemning you as easie to be reduc'd , if Pyrrhus goes off without doing you reason for the Affront he has put upon you ; nay , receiving also this reward , of having render'd even the Tarentines and Samnites capable of laughing at the Romans . When Appius had done , every man was eager for War , and Cineas dismiss'd with this Answer , That when Pyrrhus had drawn his Forces out of Italy , then if he pleas'd , they would treat with him about Friendship and Alliance , but while he staid there in Arms , they were resolv'd to prosecute the War against him with all their Force , though he should have defeated 1000 Levinus's . 'T is said , that Cineas while he was managing this Affair , made it his Business , with an exact Care to inspect the manners of the Romans , and perfectly understand their Methods of Government . Afterwards in discourse with the Grandees of the Court , he told Pyrrhus , among other things , the Senate seem'd to him an Assembly of Kings , and for the People , he fear'd least they should 〈◊〉 thought to fight with the Hydra , or Se●pent of Lerna fen ; for the Consul had already rais'd twice as great an Army as the former , and there were a great many times over the same number of Romans able to bear Arms. Then Caius Fabritius came in Ambassy from the Romans to treat about the Prisoners that were taken , one whom Cineas had reported to be a man of highest consideration among them for a right honest man and a great Soldier , but extreamly poor . Pyrrhus receiv'd him with much Kindness , and privately would have perswaded him to accept of his Gold , not for any evil purpose , but calling it an Argument of Respect and hospitable Civility ; upon Fabritius's refusal , he press'd him no farther , but the next day having a mind to discompose him , who had never seen an Elephant before , commanded one of the largest compleatly arm'd to be placed behind the Hangings , as they were talking together , which being done , upon a Sign given , the Hanging was drawn aside , and the Elephant raising his Trunk over the head of Fabritius , made an horrid and ugly noise ; He gently turning about and smiling , said to Pyrrhus . Neither your Money yesterday , nor this Beast to day make any Impression upon me . At Supper amongst 〈◊〉 sorts of things that were discours'd , but more particularly of Greece , and of the Philosophy there , Cineas by accident had occasion to speak of Epicurus , and explain'd what they held about the Gods and the Commonwealth , placing the chief Happiness of Man in Pleasure , and declining Publick Affairs as an Injury and Disturbance of an happy Life ; removing the Gods afar off both from Kindness or Anger , or any Concern for us at all , to a life wholly without Business and flowing in Pleasures . Before he had done speaking , Fabritius cry'd out , O Hercules ! said he , to Pyrrhus , may Pyrrhus and the Samnites entertain themselves with this sort of Opinions as long as they are in War with us . Pyrrhus admiring the Wisdom and Gravity of the man , was the more transported with desire of making Friendship instead of War with the City , and apart intreated him , after the Peace should be concluded , to accept of living with him as his Chief Minister of State , and Generalissimo of his Armies . Fabritius told him softly , Sir , this will not be for your advantage , for they who now honour and admire you , when they have had experience of me , will rather chuse to be govern'd by me , than by you , so great a man was Fabritius . Pyrrhus heard him say this unmov'd , and without any Tyrannick Passion ; nay , among his Friends highly commended the great mind of Fabritius ; and Entrusted the Prisoners to him alone , on Condition , that if the Senate should not vote a Peace , after they had convers'd with their Friends , and celebrated the Festivals of Saturn , they should be remanded , and accordingly they were sent back after the Holy-days ; It being Decreed pain of death for any that stay'd behind . After this Fabritius taking the Consulate , a Person came with a Letter to the Camp , writ by the King 's principal Physician , offering to take off Pyrrhus by Poyson , and so end the War without farther hazard to the Romans , if he might have a Reward proportionable to his Service . Fabritius enrag'd at the Villainy of the man , and disposing the other Consul to the same Opinion , sent dispatches immediately to Pyrrhus to caution him against the Treason . His Letter was to this effect ; Caius Fabritius and Quintus Aemilius , Consuls of the Romans , to Pyrrhus the King , Health . You seem to have made a very ill Judgment , both of your Friends and Enemies . You will understand by reading this Letter sent to us , That you are in War with honest men , and trust Villains and Knaves ; we have not discover'd this to you to insinuate into your Favour , but lest your ruine might bring a reproach upon us , as if we had ended the War by treachery , not as able to do it by force : When Pyrrhus had read the Letter , and made strict Enquiry into the Treason , he Executed the Physician , and for acknowledgment of this Civility of the Romans , sent to Rome the Prisoners without Ransom , and again imploy'd Cineas to negotiate a Peace for him : but whether they believ'd it too great a kindness from an Enemy , or two great a Reward of not doing an ill thing to accept their Prisoners so , released to them as many of the Tarentines and Samnites ; but would admit of no debate of Alliance or Peace till he had removed his Arms and Forces out of Italy , and sail'd back to Epirus in the same Ships that brought him over : After , his Affairs bringing on a second Fight , when he had refresh'd his men , he decamp'd , and meeting the Romans about the City Asculum , being incommoded by a woody Country , unfit for his Horse , and a very swift Current of the River , that the Elephants , for want of sure treading , could not get up with the Infantry : After many wounded and many killed , the Night put an end to the Engagement ; next day designing to make the Fight on even Ground , and have the Elephants among the thickest of the Enemy , he caus'd a Detachment to possess themselves of those incommodious Grounds , and mixing Slingers and Archers among the Elephants with great Courage and Fury , he advanc'd in a close and well order'd Body ; and the Romans not having those advantages of retreating and falling on as they pleas'd , which they had before , were oblig'd to fight man to man upon plain Ground , and hastning to disorder the main Battel before the Elephants could get up , they made bloudy work with their Swords among the Macedonian Spears , not sparing themselves in the least ; to wound and kill was all their thought , without regard of what they suffer'd : after a long and obstinate Fight , the first giving Ground is reported to have been where Pyrrhus himself engag'd with extraordinary Courage ; but they were most put to it by the mighty Force of the Elephants , the Romans not being able to make use of their Valours , but as it were overthrown by the irruption of a Sea or an Earthquake , thinking it better to give way than die without doing any thing , and not gain the least advantage by suffering the utmost Extremity ; the Retreat to their Camp not being far . Hieronymus says , there died Six Thousand of the Romans , of Pyrrhus his men , the King 's own Commentaries report 3550 lost in this Action . Dionysius of Halicarnasse neither gives an account of two Engagements at Asculum , nor allows the Romans were certainly beaten , and that once only after they had fought till Sun-set , both Armies were unwillingly separated by the Night . Pyrrhus being wounded by a Javelin in the Arm , and his Baggage plunder'd by the Samnites , that in all there died of Pyrrhus his men and the Romans above 15000 , and then both retreated . 'T is said , Pyrrhus reply'd to a Gentleman that gave him the Joy of his Victory ; That such another would utterly undo him ; for he had lost a great part of the Forces he brought with him , and almost all his particular Friends and principal Commanders : There were no others there to make Recruits , and he ▪ saw the Confederates very slow in their motion . On the other hand , as from a Fountain continually flowing out of the City , the Roman Camp was quickly and plentifully filled up with fresh men ; not at all abating in Courage for the losses they sustain'd , but even from their very anger gain'd new Force and Resolution to go on with the War. Among these difficulties he fell again into vain hopes and businesses that hugely distracted his Mind ; for at the same time some Persons arrived from Sicily , offering into his hands the Cities of Agrigentum and Syracuse , and that of the Leontines , and begging his assistance to expulse the Carthaginians , and rid the Island of Tyrants ; Others brought him News out of Greece , that Ptolome call'd Ceraunus , was slain in a Fight , and his Army cut in pieces by the Gauls , and that if he came now in time , the Macedonians were at a great loss for a King. Here he began extreamly to accuse Fortune for bringing him so many occasions of great things all together at a time , and considering that by grasping at both , he should lose one of them , was a long time balancing in his thoughts : But the Affairs of Sicily seeming to promise him matter of the greater business , Africa lying so near , he turn'd himself to them , and presently dispatch'd away Cineas ( as he used to do ) to make Terms before-hand with the Cities . Then he plac'd a Garrison in Tarentum , infinitely against their Wills , and requiring him either to perform what he came for , and continue with them in a War against the Romans , or leave the City as he found it , he return'd ▪ no pleasing Answer , but commanded them to be quiet and attend his time , and so sail'd away . Being arriv'd in Sicily , what he had design'd in his hopes , was confirm'd effectually , and the Cities frankly surrendred to him . Where-ever his Arms and Force were necessary , nothing at first made any considerable resistance , for arriving with 30000 Foot , and 2500 Horse , and 200 Ships , he totally routed the Phaenicians , and overturn'd their whole Government ; Eryx being the strongest Town they held , and having a great Garrison in it , he resolv'd to take it by Storm : The Army being in readiness to give the Assault , he put on his Arms , and coming into the head of his men , made a Vow of Plays and Sacrifices to Hercules in Honour , if he signaliz'd himself in that day's Action before the Greeks that dwelt in Sicily , as became his great Descent and his Fortunes . The Sign being given by sound of Trumpet , he dissipated first the Barbarians with his Shot , and then brought his Ladders to the Wall , and was the first that mounted upon it himself , and the Enemy appearing in great Numbers , he beat them back , some he threw down from the Walls on each side , others he laid dead in a heap round about him with his Sword , nor did he receive the least wound , but seem'd very terrible in his Aspect to the Enemy ; and gave a clear Demonstration that Homer was in the right , and pronounc'd according to the truth of Fact ; that Fortitude alone of all the Virtues is often inspir'd with Furious and Enthusiastick Transports . The City being taken he offer'd to Hercules most magnificently , and exhibited all Varieties of Shows and Plays . A sort of Barbar●us People about Mesena , call'd Mamertines , gave much trouble to the Greeks , and put several of them under Contribution . These being numerous and valiant ( from whence they had their Name , as much as to say , Martial in the Latin Tongue ) he first intercepted the Collectors of the Contribution ▪ Money , and cut them off , then beat them in open Fight , and destroy'd many of their Places of Strength . The Carthaginians being now inclin'd to Composition , and offering him a round Summ of Money , and to furnish him with Shipping , if a Peace were concluded , he told them plainly ( aspiring still to greater things ) there was one way for a Friendship and right understanding between them , if they wholly abandoning Sicily , he would consent the African Sea should be the limit between them and the Greeks . And being heightned with his good Fortune and the Strength of his Forces , and pursuing those hopes , in prospect of which he first sail'd thither , his chief aim was at Africk : He had abundance of Shipping but very ill Equipp'd , and when he began to press Seamen , not carrying himself fairly and obligingly towards the Cities , but forcing them in an haughty and insolent way , and menacing them with punishments ; whereas at first he was not so , but more winning than any other , by a sweet manner of Converse , ready to believe , and uneasie to none ; now of a Popular Prince , becoming a Tyrant by this severe proceeding , he got the name of an ungrateful and a faithless man. However they gave way to these things as necessary , although they took them very ill from him ; and especially when he entertain'd a Suspicion of Thion and Sostratus , men of the first Quality in Syracuse , who invited him over into Sicily , and when he was come , put the Cities into his power , and were most instrumental in all he had done there since his Arrival , and would neither suffer them to be about his Person , nor leave them at home . Sostratus out of fear withdrew himself , then he charg'd Thion as in a Conspiracy with t'other , and put him to death ; and now the Scene of his Affairs was chang'd , not by little and little , nor yet all at once , but a mortal hatred being rais'd in the Cities against him , some fell off to the Carthaginians , others call'd in the Mamertines , and seeing Revolts in all places , and desires of Alteration , and a Potent Faction against him , he receiv'd Letters from the Samnites and Tarentines , who were beaten quite out of the Field , and scarce left able to secure their Towns against the War , earnestly begging his help : This serv'd as a Colour to make his relinquishing Sicily , no Flight , nor a Despair of good Success , but in truth , not being able to keep it , which was as a Ship labouring in a Storm , and willing to be out of her , he suddenly threw himself over into Italy . 'T is reported that at his going off , he look'd back upon the Island , and said to those about him , How brave a Field of War do we leave , my Masters , for the Romans and Carthaginians to fight in , which as he then conjectur'd fell out indeed not long after . When he was just ready to Sail , the Barbarians having conspir'd together , he was forc'd to a Fight with the Carthaginians in the very Road , and lost many of his Ships , with the rest he fled into Italy . There were about 1000 Mamertines had cross'd the Sea a little before , but afraid to engage him in open Field , only setting upon him where the Passages were difficult , put the whole Army in Confusion , two Elephants fell , and a great part of his Rear was cut off ; he therefore coming up in Person , repuls'd the Enemy , but was hugely in danger , among men train'd long in War and enrag'd : his being wounded in the Head with a Sword , and retiring a little out of the Fight , had heightned the Enemy , one of which , advancing a good way before the rest , large of Body , and in bright Armour , with an haughty voice , challeng'd him to come forth , if he were alive : Pyrrhus in a great rage , violently turn'd himself among his Guards towards him , and storming and beswear'd with Bloud ; he was terrible to look upon , and breaking through his own men , got afore and stroke the Barbarian on the Head with his Sword such a blow , as with the strength of his Arm , and the excellent temper of the Weapon , pass'd downward so far , that in a moment , his Body being cut asunder , fell in two pieces ; this stop'd the course of the Barbarians , amaz'd and confounded at Pyrrhus , as one more than man : So that continuing his March all the rest of the way undisturb'd , he arriv'd at Tarentum with 20000 Foot , and 3000 Horse ; where reinforcing himself with the choicest Troops of the Tarentines , he advanc'd immediately against the Romans , who then lay encamp'd in the Territories of the Samnites , whose Affairs were extreamly shatter'd , and their Councils broken , having been in many Fights beaten by the Romans . There was also a discontent among them at Pyrrhus , for his Expedition into Sicily , so that not many came in to join him : But he divided his Army in two Parts , and commanded the first into Leucania , to oppose one of the Consuls there , that he should not come in to assist the other ; the rest he led against Manius Curius , who had posted himself very advantageously near Beneventum , and expected the other Consul's Forces , and partly , because the Priests had frighted him with ominous Birds and Sacrifices , he resolv'd to remain there . Pyrrhus hast'ning to attack these before the other could arrive , with his best men , and the most courageous Elephants , march'd in the Night toward their Camp , but being forc'd to go round about , and through a very woody Country , their Flambeaus fail'd them , and their Soldiers lost their way ; a Council of War being call'd , while they were in debate , the Night was spent , and at the break of Day , his approach was discover'd by the Enemy , as they came down the Hills , which put the whole Camp into much disorder and tumult , but the Sacrifices being auspicious , and the time absolutely obliging them to fight , he drew out of the Trenches , and fell in with their Vantguard , and having routed them , all the Army was in a Consternation , so that a great many were cut off , and some of the Elephants taken . This success drew on Manius fighting into the Field , and in plain Ground , he totally defeated one Wing of the Enemy ; on the other hand , being opprest by the Elephants , and forced back to his Trenches , he commanded out those who were left to guard them , standing thick on the Ramparts , all in Arms and fresh men ; these coming down from the Fort , and charging the Elephants , forc'd them to retire , and in the Flight turning back upon their own men , caus'd a huge disorder and confusion , which at once brought the Romans both Victory and Empire ; for now having got the Fame of Invincible , both for their Conduct , and Courage , and Glory as well in this Action as in a great many others , they soon over-run Italy , and not long after Sicily too . Thus fell Pyrrhus from his Italian and Sicilian hopes , after he had consum'd six Years in these Wars , and though unsuccessful in his Affairs , yet preserv'd his Courage unconquerable among all these Misfortunes , and was held for Military Experience , and Personal Valour , and Undertaking , much the bravest of all the Princes of his time , but what he got by great Actions , he lost again by vain Hopes , and by new desires of what he had not , kept nothing of what he had : So that Antigonus used to compare him to one who at Dice threw excellently well , but knew not how to make the best of his Game : He return'd into Epirus with 8000 Foot , and 500 Horse , and for want of Money to pay them , was fain to look out for a new War to maintain the Army . Some of the Gauls joining him , he fell into Macedon , where Antigonus , Son of Demetrius , govern'd , designing to plunder and waste the Country , but after he made himself Master of several Towns , and 2000 men came over to him , he began to hope for something greater , and adventured upon Antigonus himself , and meeting him at a narrow Passage , called the Straits , put the whole Army in disorder , but the Gauls who brought up Antigonus his Rear , were very numerous and stood firm , and a brisk Fight hapning , the greatest part of them were cut off . They who had the charge of the Elephants , being surrounded every way delivered up both themselves and the Beasts : Pyrrhus taking this advantage , and advising more with his good Fortune , than his Reason , boldly set upon the main Body of the Macedonian Foot , already surpriz'd with Fear , and troubled at the former loss , so that they declin'd any Action or Engagement with him , and he holding out his Hand , and calling aloud , both to the Superiour and under-Officers by Name , brought over the Foot from Antigonus ; who flying privately , kept only some of the Sea-Towns . Pyrrhus among all these kindnesses of Fortune , thinking what he had effected against the Gauls the most advantageous for his Glory , hung up their richest and goodliest Spoils in the Temple of Minerva Itonis with this Inscription , These Shields of the brave Gauls , Great Goddess ! I Offer to Thee , gain'd in full Victory Over Antigonus . 'T is no strange thing For Pyrrhus , who from Aeacus does spring . After this defeat in the Field , he quickly took in the Cities , and having Aegis in his Power , beside other hardships put upon them , he left in the Town a Garrison of Gauls , some of those in his own Army , who being insatiably desirous of Wealth , instantly dug up the Tombs of the Kings that lay buried there , and took away the Riches , and insolently scatter'd about their Bones . Pyrrhus in appearance made no great matter of it , either deferring it by reason of other extraordinary business , or wholly passing it by , out of a fear of punishing those Barbarians ; but this made him hear very ill among the Macedonians , and his Affairs being yet unsettled , and brought to no firm Consistence , he notwithstanding entertained new visionary hopes , and in raillery call'd Antigonus Impudent , that he had not put on a mean Habit , but still wore Purple : Cleonymus the Spartan arriving and inviting him to Lacedaemon , he frankly embrac'd the Overture , Cleonymus was of Royal Descent , but seeming too Arbitrary and absolute , had no great respect nor credit at home . And Areus was King there . This was the occasion of an old and publick grudge between him and the Citizens ; but beside that Cleonymus in his old Age had married a young Lady of great Beauty and Royal Bloud , Chelidonis Daughter of Lectychides , who falling desperately in Love with Acrotatus , Areus his Son , a Youth gay and airy ; render'd this Match both uneasie and dishonourable to Cleonymus ; for there was none of the Spartans who did not very well know how much his Wife slighted him ; so these Domestick Troubles added to his Publick discontent . He brought Pyrrhus to Sparta with an Army of 20000 Foot , 2000 Horse , and 24 Elephants , but so great a preparation made it evident to the whole World , that he came not so much to gain Sparta for Cleonymus , as to take all Peloponnesus for himself , yet he expresly denied this to the Lacedaemonian Ambassadors , that came to him to Megalopolis , affirming he came to deliver the Cities from the Slavery of Antigonus , and vowing to send his younger Sons to Sparta ( if he might ) to be inform'd with Spartan Education , that so they might be better bred than all other Kings . With these pretensions amusing those who came to meet him in his March , as soon as ever he entred Laconia , he began to plunder and waste the Country , of which the Ambassadors complaining , that he began the War upon them before it was proclaimed . We know ( said he ) very well , that neither you Spartans , when you design any thing , use to talk of it before-hand . One Mandracidas , then present , told him in the broad Spartan Dialect ; An yau be a God do us no harm , for wee'se harm none , and if yau be a mon , ther'se be some auther as stout as yau . He now march'd away directly for Lacedaemon , and being advised by Cleonymus to give the Assault as soon as he arrived , Pyrrhus ( as 't is said ) fearing least the Souldiers entring by Night , should plunder the City , answer'd , they might do it as well next Morning , because there were but few Soldiers in Town , and unprovided by reason of his sudden approach , for Areus was not there in Person , but gone to aid the Gortynians then in War , and it was this alone that saved the Town , because in regard of the small number of Soldiers , and the scarcity of Provisions he despised it as not tenable , and so imagining no Defence would be made , sat down before it that Night : Cleonymus's Friends and the Heilots , his Domestick Servants , had made great preparation at his House , as expecting Pyrrhus there at Supper . In the Night , the Lacedaemonians held a Consult , to Ship over all the Women into Crete , but they unanimously refused , and Archidamia came into the Senate , with a Sword in her Hand , in the Name of them all , representing how unkindly they took it , to think they would survive the ruins of Sparta . It was next resolved to draw a Trench in a Line directly over against the Enemies Camp , and at each end of it , to sink Waggons-in the Ground , as deep as the Naves of the Wheels , that so being firmly fix'd , they might obstruct the passage of the Elephants . When they had just begun the Work , both Maids and Women came to them , those had their Clothes truss'd up about their Linen , and others in their Shifts only , to assist the Elder sort of men ; As for the Youth that were next day to engage , they left them to their rest , and undertaking their proportion , they themselves finish'd a third part of the Trench , which was in breadth six Cubits , four in depth , and 800 foot long , as Phylarchus says . Hieronymus makes it somewhat less . The Enemy beginning to move by break of day , they brought their Arms to the young men , and giving them also in charge the Trench , exhorted them to defend and keep it bravely , as a most worthy thing to conquer in the view of their whole Country , and glorious to die in the Arms of their Mothers and Wives falling as became Spartans . As for Chelidonis , she retired with a Halter about her Neck , resolving to die so , rather than fall into the Hands of Cleonymus , if the City were taken . Pyrrhus himself in Person laboured with his Foot to force through the Shields of the Spartans ranged against him , and to get over the Trench , which was scarce passable , because the looseness of the fresh Earth afforded no firm footing for the Soldiers . Ptolomee , Pyrrhus's Son with 2000 Gauls , and some choice men of the Chaonians went about the Trench , and endeavoured to get over where the Waggons were , but they being so deep in the Ground , and plac'd close together , did not only make his passage , but also the defence of the Lacedaemonians very troublesom ; yet now the Gauls had got the Wheels out of the Ground , and were drawing off the Waggons towards the River , when Young Acrotatus seeing the danger they were in , passing through the Town with 300 men , surrounded Ptolomee undiscerned , taking the advantage of some hollow ways , till he fell upon his Rear , and forced them to wheel about , thrusting one another into the Ditch , and falling among the Waggons , and at last they with much ado were cut off with a very great slaughter ; the Elderly men , and all the Ladies saw this brave action of Acrotatus , and when he returned back into the Town to his first Post all covered with Blood , and fierce and elate with Victory , he seem'd to the Spartan Dames more gallant and beautiful than ever , and they envied Chelidonis so worthy a Lover . And some of the old men followed him , crying aloud , Go on Acrotatus , enjoy Chelidonis , and get brave Fellows for Sparta . Where Pyrrhus himself fought , was the hottest of the Action , and many of the Spartans did gallantly , but in particular , one Phyllius signaliz'd himself , and killed most of those that pressed upon him ; and when he found himself ready to sink with the many Wounds he had received , retiring a little out of his place behind another , fell down among their own men , that the Enemy might not carry off his Body . The Fight ended with the day , and Pyrrhus in his Sleep dream'd he threw Lightning upon Lacedaemon , and set it all on fire , and seemed to rejoyce at the Sight ; and in this Transport of joy waking , commanded his Officers to get all things ready for a second Assault ; and interpreting his Dream among his Friends , that he should take the Town by Storm , several assented to it with admiration ; but Lysimachus was not pleased with the Dream , and told him he feared , lest as Places struck with Lightning are held Sacred , and not to be entred ; so the Gods might by this let him know the City should not be taken . Pyrrhus replied , All these things were but idle talk , full of uncertainty , and only fit to amuse the Vulgar ; but you my brave Men , with your Swords in your hands , should always think of that Verse of Homer . 'T is the only good presage , That for Pyrrhus you engage . Changing the last Word of his Verse , and surprising them in raillery , with putting in the Word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , he got up , and drew out his Army to the Walls by break of Day ; the Lacedaemonians in resolution and courage , made a defence even beyond their power , the Women were all by , helping them to Arms , and bringing Bread and Drink to those that desired it , and taking care of the wounded : The Macedonians attempted to fill up the Trench , bringing huge quantities of Materials , and throwing them upon the Arms and dead Bodies that lay there all covered over ; while the Lacedaemonians opposed this with all their Force , Pyrrhus in Person appeared on their side of the Trench , and the Waggons pressing on Horseback towards the City , at which , the Soldiers who had that Post , making a great Noise , and the Women shreiking and running about , while Pyrrhus violently pushed on , and in Person beating down all that disputed his way ; his Horse receiv'd a shot in the Belly , with a Cretan Arrow , and flouncing as he died , threw off Phyrrus on slippery and very steep Grounds , at which , all about him being in a Confusion , the Spartans came boldly up , and making good use of their Arrows , forced them off again . This caused Pyrrhus to retreat a second time , thinking the Lacedaemonians would abate of their vigour , when almost all of them were wounded , and very great numbers killed outright : But the good Fortune of the City , either resolving to make the utmost Experiment of the bravery of her own Citizens upon her self , or giving a demonstration how great a power she has in dubious Accidents , the Lacedaemonians having now but very slender hopes left , brought Ameinias , the Phocian , one of Antigonus's Commanders , from Corinth to their assistance , with an Army of Strangers , and they were no sooner receiv'd into the Town , but Areus their King , arrived there himself too from Crete with 2000 men more : The Women upon this went all home to their Houses , finding it no longer necessary for them to meddle with the business of the War ; and they also were sent back , who though under age , were by necessity forced to take Arms ; the rest prepared to fight Pyrrhus upon the coming of these additional Forces , who was possessed with a more eager desire and ambition than before to make himself Master of the Town ; but his Designs not succeeding , and receiving fresh losses every day , he gave over the Siege , and fell to plunder the Country , determining to winter thereabout . But Fate is unavoidable , and a great Feud happ'ning at Argos between Aristeus and Aristippus , two principal Citizens , after Aristippus had resolved to make use of the Friendship of Antigonus , Aristeus to prevent him invited Pyrrhus thither ; and he always revolving hopes upon hopes , and taking advantage from good successes to embrace occasions of more , and when things went unprosperously , to make up those defects by doing better another time , he neither made Losses nor Victories the bounds of his receiving or giving Trouble , and so presently went for Argos . Areus by frequent Ambushes , and lining the Hedges where the ways were most unpracticable , cut off many of the Gauls and Molossians that brought up the Rear . It was told Pyrrhus by one of the Priests that found the Liver of the sacrificed Beast imperfect , that some of his near Relations would be lost ; in this Tumult and Disorder of his Rear , forgetting the Prediction , he commanded out his Son Ptolomee , with some of his Guards to their assistance , who quickly getting out of the narrow ways , march'd up to them , and the Fight being very warm where he was ( for the most select men of the Lacedaemonians commanded by Evalcus , were there engaged ) one Oraesus , of Aptera , in Creet , a stout man and very swift , running on the one side of the young Prince , as he was fighting bravely , gave him a mortal wound and slew him ; he falling , those about him turned their backs , the Lacedaemonian Horse pursuing and cutting off many , were got into the open Field engaged with the Enemy before they were aware , without the Infantry ; Pyrrhus , who had received the ill news of his Son , and was infinitely afflicted at it , drew out his Molossian Horse against them , and charging in the Head of his men , satiated himself with the Blood and Slaughter of the Lacedaemonians , always indeed appearing an invincible Hero , and mighty in Arms , but now exceeded all he had ever done before in Courage and Force : Then riding up furiously to Evalcus , he declining a little to one side , had almost cut off Pyrrhus his Hand in which he held the Reins , but lighting on the Reins only , cut them , at the same instant Pyrrhus running him through with his Spear , fell from his Horse , and on foot as he was cut in pieces all those choice men that fought about the Body of Evalcus , and the obstinate fury of the Commanders on both sides brought this great loss to Sparta , even when the War was now at an end : Pyrrhus having thus offered so many as it were in Sacrifice to the Ghost of his Son , and made his Fight a kind of Funeral Show , converting much of his Grief into Rage against the Enemy , marched away to Argos . And having Intelligence that Antigonus kept the high Grounds , he encamped about Nauplia ; the next day he dispatched an Herauld to Antigonus , calling him persidious , and challenging him to descend into the plain Field , and fight with him for the Kingdom ; he answered , his Conduct should be measured by Times as well as by Arms , and that if Pyrrhus had no leisure to live , there were ways enough open to death . To both the Kings also came Ambassadours from Argos , desiring each Party to retreat , and not suffer the City to fall into the hands of any one of them that had a great honour for both . Antigonus was perswaded , and sent his Son an Hostage to the Argives ; but Pyrrhus , although he promised a recess , yet sending no Hostage , he was much suspected . At this time a great Prodigy happen'd to Pyrrhus , for the Heads of the Sacrificed Oxen lying apart from the Bodies , were seen to thrust out their Tongues , and lick up their own gore . And in the very City of Argos , a Priestess of Apollo Lycius , ran about the Streets , crying , She saw the City full of Carcasses and Slaughter , and an Eagle coming out to fight , and presently vanishing again . In the dead of the Night Pyrrhus approaching the Walls , and finding the Gate called Diamperes set open for them by Aristeas , was undiscovered till such time as all his Gauls had entred , and took possession of the Market place , but the Gate being too low to let in the Elephants , they were fain to take down their Towers , and put them on again in the dark , and in disorder ; so that time being lost , the City took the Alarm , and the People , some run to Aspis , the chief Citadel , and others to other Places of Defence , and sent away to Antigonus to assist them , who coming pretty near , made an halt , but sent in some of his principal Commanders , and his Son with a very considerable Force ; Areus came thither too with 1000 Cretans , and some of the briskest of the Spartans , and all falling on at once upon the Gauls , put them in great disorder . Pyrrhus entring in with a mighty Noise and Shout at a place called Cylabaris , when the Gauls returned another Cry to them , it did not express Courage and Assurance , but the Voice of men distressed , and that had their hands full . Therefore Pyrrhus in haste pushed on the van of his Horse that marched but slowly and dangerously , by reason of the Drains and Sinks , of which the City was full . In this Night-Engagement , there was infinite confusion both in those that acted , and those that commanded , mistaking and stragling in the narrow Streets ; it was impossible to make use of Conduct or Order in that darkness and variety of Noises and strait Passages ; so both sides continued without doing any thing , and expecting Day-light . At the first dawn , Pyrrhus seeing the great Citadel ▪ Aspis full of Men , was disturbed , and remarking among many Figures dedicated to the Market-place , a Wolf and Bull of Brass , as it were ready to attack one another , he was struck with horrour ; reflecting upon the memory of an Oracle , that formerly predicted , Fate had determined his Death when he should see a Wolf fighting with a Bull. The Argives report these Figures were placed in memory of a thing that fell out anciently there : For Danaus , when he first invaded those Parts , passing by the ways called Pyramia in Thyreatis , as he marched towards Argos , espied a Wolf fighting with a Bull , and imagining the Wolf to represent him ( for this Stranger fell upon a Native as he designed to do ) stay'd to see the Issue of the Fight , and the Wolf prevailing , after he had offered his Devotions to Apollo Lycius , he assaulted and carried the Town , Gelanor , who was then King , being displac'd by a Faction : And this was the Cause of dedicating those Figures . Pyrrhus quite out of heart at this Sight , and seeing none of his Designs succeed , thought best to retreat , but fearing the strait Passage at the Gates , sent to his Son Helenus , who was left without the Town with a great part of his Forces , commanding him to break down part of the Wall , and assist the retreat if the Enemy pressed hard upon them : But what with the hast and confusion of the Person that was sent , he delivered nothing clearly ; so that quite mistaking , the Young Prince , with the best of his men , and the remaining Elephants , marched streight through the Gates into the Town to assist his Father . Pyrrhus was now making good his Retreat , and while the Market-place afforded them Ground enough both to Retreat and Fight , frequently repulsed the Enemy , that bore upon him ; when he was forced out of that broad place , into a narrow street leading to the Gate , and fell in with those who came the other way to his assistance , they not hearing him call out to them to give back , and coming on very briskly of themselves , were also pushed forward by others behind , who poured in at the Gate : Besides the largest of the Elephants falling down on his side , in the very Gate , and terribly braying , lay in the way of those that would have got out . Another of these already in the Town , called Nicon ▪ striving to take up his Rider , who after many wounds received , was fallen off his back , bore forward upon them that Retreated , and thrusting as well Friends as Enemies , tumbled them all confusedly upon one another , till having found the Body , and taken it up with his Trunk , he carried it on his Tushes , and returning in a great Rage , trode down all before him . Being thus pressed and crowded together , not a man could do any thing singly , but wedged so close , as it were one Mass , the whole multitude rolled and swayed this way and that altogether , they did very little Execution upon the Enemy , either in their Front or Rear , but very much harm to one another ; for he who had either drawn his Sword , or directed his Lance , could neither advance it again , nor put his Sword up , but wounded their own men , as by chance they were thrust together , and so fell dead one among another . Pyrrhus seeing the mighty Storm and Confusion of things , took off the Crown he wore upon his Helmet , by which he was distinguished , and gave it to one nearest his Person , and trusting to the goodness of his Horse , rid in among the thickest of the Enemy , and being wounded with a Lance through his Brest-plate , but not dangerously , nor indeed very much , he turned about to him that struck him , who was an Argive , not a man of any Illustrious Birth , but the Son of a poor old Woman : She was looking upon the Fight among other Women , from the top of an House , and perceiving her Son engaged with Pyrrhus , and affrighted at the danger he was in , took up a Tile with both Hands , and threw it at Pyrrhus , which falling on his Head , below his Helmet , and bruising the Vertebres of the lower part of the Neck , his Eye-sight was taken away , his Hands let go the Reins , and sinking down from his Horse , fell just by the Tomb of Lycimnius ; the common Soldiers knew not who it was ; but one Zopyrus , that served under Antigonus , and two or three others running thither , and knowing it was Pyrrhus , dragg'd him to a Threshold hard by , just as he was recovering a little from the blow ; Zopyrus drawing out an Illyrian Sword , and ready to cut off his Head , Pyrrhus gave him so fierce a Look , that confounded with Terror , and sometimes his Hands trembling , and then again endeavouring to do it , full of Fear and Confusion , he could not strike him right , but cutting over his Mouth and Chin , it was a long time before he got off the Head : This was quickly known to a great many , and Alcyoneus hast'ning to the place , desired to look upon the Head , and see whether he knew it , and taking it in his hand , rid away to his Father , and threw it at his feet , while he was sitting with some of his particular Favourites : Antigonus looking upon it , and knowing it , thrust his Son from him , and struck him with his Cane , calling him wicked and barbarous , and covering his Eyes with his Robe , fell a weeping , when he reflected upon the instances of the change of Fortune in his own Family , both in his Grandfather , and his Father , and caused the Head and Body of Pyrrhus to be burned with all due Solemnity : after this , Alcyoneus discovering Helenus under a mean disguise , in a poor thred ▪ bare Coat , used him very respectfully , and brought him to his Father : When Antigonus saw him , This , Son , ( said he ) was done much more Nobly than before , but yet there is a defect , that you have not taken off that old Coat , which is a Scandal to us who have got the Victory ; and then treating Helenus with great kindness , and as became a Prince , restored him to his Kingdom of Epirus , and gave the same obliging Reception to all Pyrrhus his principal Commanders , after he had reduced the whole Army under his Obedience . THE LIFE OF CAIUS MARIUS . Englished from the Greek , By Miles Stapleton , Fellow of All-Souls Colledge in Oxon. VOLUME III. CAIUS MARIUS . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. We have seen Marius's Effigies in Stone at Ravenna in * Gallia , very agreeable to that roughness and Sowreness of his behaviour remarked by all Authors ; for being naturally valiant and warlike , more acquainted also with the Discipline of the Camp than of the City , he could not moderate his Passion , when in Authority . He is said , neither to have much studied Greek , nor ever to have made use of that Language in any matter of consequence ; as thinking it ridiculous to bestow time in that Learning , the Teachers whereof were little better than their Slaves . So after his second Triumph , when at the Dedication of a Temple , he presented some Shews after the Greek Fashion , coming into the Theatre , he only sate down , and immediately departed . Wherefore , as Plato often used to say to Xenocrates the Philosopher , who was seemingly of a more than ordinary rigid disposition : Prethee , good Xenocrates , sacrifice to the Graces ; so if any could have perswaded Marius to pay his Devotions to the Greek Muses and Graces , he had never brought those his incomparable Designs both in War and Peace , to so unhappy a Conclusion , or plunged himself into a turbulent and unpleasant old Age through his Passion , ill tim'd Ambition , and insatiable Avarice ; but this will farther appear by and by , from his Actions . 3. He was born of Parents altogether obscure , indigent , and that supported themselves by their daily labour ; his Father of the same name with himself , his Mother called Fulcinia . He had passed a considerable part of his Age before he saw and tasted the pleasures of the City ; at first he lived in Cirraeaton , a Village in the Territory of Arpinum , a life compared with the City delicacies , harsh and rustical ; yet temperate , and much resembling the ancient Roman severity . He first listed himself in the War against the Celtiberes ; when Scipio Africanus besieged Numantia , where he soon signalized himself to his General , by his Courage , very far above his Comrades ; and particularly , by his so chearfully complying with Scipio's Reformation of his Army , before almost ruined by Pleasures and Luxury . 'T is reported too , that he challenged , or at least encountred and vanquished an Enemy in his General 's sight , wherefore he had several Honours conferred upon him ; and among the rest , when at an Entertainment , a Discourse arising about Commanders , one of the Company ( whether really desirous to know , or only in Complaisance ) asked Scipio , where the Romans , after him , should obtain such another General ? Scipio gently clapping Marius o' th' back , who sate next him , replied ; Here , perhaps . So promising was his Nature , that in his very Youth , there appeared Omens of his future Greatness , and from his low beginnings the height of his advancement might be collected . 4. Marius fired with ▪ this Speech of Scipio , as with a Divine Oracle , took the courage to apply himself to the management of Publick Affairs , and by the assistance of Caecilius M●tellus ( on whose Family , he as well as his Father , had continual dependence ) obtained the Office of Tribune of the People . In which place , when he would have made a Law concerning Voting , which seem'd to lessen the Authority of the great Men in matters of Judicature ) the Consul Cotta opposed him , perswaded the Senate to declare against the Law , and call Marius to an account for it : But he , while this Decree was preparing , coming into the Senate , did not behave himself like a young man newly and undeservedly advanced to Authority : But taking as much courage as his future Actions would have inspired into him , threatned Cotta , unless he recalled the Decree , to clap him in Prison ; and turning to Metellus , asked his Vote ; Metellus rising up , concurred with the Consul , whereupon Marius calling for an Officer , commanded to take Metellus too into Custody ; who though he appealed to the other Tribunes , yet not one of them assisted him ; so that the Senate immediately complying , repealed the Decree . 5. Marius , now famous among the People for this Exploit , confirmed his Law , and was henceforth esteemed of an undaunted Courage and Assurance , as well as a vigorous Opposer of the Senate in favour of the Commons . But he immediately lost this their Opinion of him by a contrary Action ; for when a Law concerning the distribution of Corn was proposed , he very vigorously contradicted the Citizens , and carried it , making himself equally honoured by both Parties in gratifying neither , contrary to the Publick Interest . After his Tribuneship he was Candidate for the Office of chief Edile ; for there are two Orders of them , one called Curulis , from the Stool on which he sate when he executed his Authority ; the other inferiour , is called Aedilis plebis : as soon as they have chosen the former , they give their Voices again for the latter : Wherefore Marius , when he was apparently like to be put by the greater , immediately changed his Design , and stood for the less ; but because he seemed too forward and opiniatre , he was disappointed of that also . And though he were in one day twice frustrated of his desired Preferment ( which never happ'ned to any before ) yet he was not at all discouraged ; but a little while after sought for the Praetorship , and was near suffering a Repuse , and then too , tho' he was returned last of all , was nevertheless accused of indirectly acquiring it . 6. Cassius Sabaco's Servant , who was observed within the Rails among them that voted , chiefly occasioned the suspicion ; for this Sabaco was an intimate Friend of Marius , and being called to appear before the Judges , alledg'd ; That being thirsty , by reason of the heat , he called for cold water , and that his Servant brought him a Cup , and as soon as he drank , departed ; however he was excluded the Senate by the succeeding Censors , and not undeservedly neither ( as was thought ) either for his false Evidence or Intemperance : Caius Herennius was also cited as Evidence ; but pleaded that it was not customary for a Patron ( for so the Romans call their Advocates ) to witness against his Clients , and that the Law excused them from that disobligement : Now both his Parents and himself were always Clients to the Family of the Herennii , and when the Judges would have accepted of this Plea , Marius himself opposed it , and told Herennius , that when he was first created Magistrate , he ceased to be his Client , which was not altogether true : For it is not every Office that frees Clients and their Posterity from the observance due to their Patrons , but only that to which the Law has assigned a Sella Curulis . Notwithstanding , though at the beginning of the Suit it went somewhat hard with Marius , and he found the Judges no way favourable to him ; yet at last their Voices being equal , he was beyond expectation acquitted . 7. In his Praetorship he got not much Honour , yet afterwards obtained the farther Spain ; which Province he is said to have cleared of Thieves , when as yet it was not throughly setled in Peace , and much wasted by the late Wars ; and the Spaniards in those days thought Robbery a piece of Valour . Returning to the Affairs of the City , he trusted neither to Riches nor to Elequence , with which the leading Men chiefly took the People ; but the Citizens having his fierce disposition , indefatigable pains and popular way of living in high esteem , he acquired by these Offices great Wealth and Power ; so that he made a very honourable Match with Julia of the Renowned Family of the Caesars , to whom that Caesar was Nephew , who was afterwards so great among the Romans , and who by the relation he had to Marius , was popular with that Party ; as in his Life we have observed . They attribute to Marius both Temperance and Patience , of which latter he gave a pregnant instance in an operation of Surgery ; for having ( as it seems ) both his Legs full of great Tumours called Varices , and being troubled at their deformity , he determined to put himself into the hands of an Operator : where without being tied , he stretched out one of his Legs , and silently , without changing Countenance , endured most excessive torments in the cutting , never either flinching or complaining ; but when the Surgeon went to the other , he suffered him not ; saying , I see the Cure is not worth the Pain . 8. The Consul Caecilius Metellus being declared General in the War against Jugurtha in Africk , took with him Marius for Lieutenant ; where he putting himself upon the performance of dangerous Actions and honourable Adventures , neglected Metellus's Glory and the serving his Interest , as others before him had practised ; for attributing his Honour of Lieutenancy not to Metellus but Fortune , which had presented him with a proper opportunity and Theatre of great Actions , he exerted his utmost Courage . That War too affording several difficulties , he neither declined the greatest , nor disdained undertaking the least of them ; but surpassing his Equals in Counsel and Conduct , and matching the very common Soldiers in Labour and Abstemiousness , he strangely won their Affections ; for the voluntary partaking with them in their Labour seems to be an easing of them ; inasmuch as they apprehend it to take away the constraint and necessity of working . It is the most obliging sight in the World to the Romans to see a Commander eat the same Meat with his Soldiers , or lie upon an ordinary Bed , or assist the Work in the drawing a Trench and raising a Bulwark ; for they do not so much admire those that conferr Honours and Riches upon them , as those that partake of the same labour and danger with themselves ; but love them better that will vouchsafe to forward their work , than those that encourage their idleness . 9. Whilst Marius was thus employed , and thereby won mightily upon the Soldiers , he immediately filled both Africk and Rome with his Fame , and some too wrote home from the Army , that the War with Africa would never be brought to a Conclusion , unless they chose C. Marius Consul , whereas Metellus was apparently incensed ; but was more especially grieved at the Calamity of Turpilius . This Turpilius had from his Ancestors been a Friend of , and kept constant Hospitality with Metellus ; and now being made by him Overseer of the Workmen , was concerned in this War , where commanding a Garrison in Vacca a considerable City , and trusting too much to the Inhabitants , because he treated them civilly and kindly , he unawares fell into the Enemies hands , for they received Jugurtha into the City , yet nevertheless at their request Turpilius was dismissed safe , and without receiving any Injury ; whereupon he was accused of betraying it to the Enemy . Marius , being one of the Council of War , was not only violent against him himself , but also incensed most of the others , so that Metellus was forced ( much against his Will ) to put him to death . Not long after , the Accusation proved false , and when others were comforting Metellus , who took heavily the loss of his Friend . Marius rather insulting and arrogating it to himself , boasted in all Companies that he had lodged a Fury in Metellus's Soul , by forcing him to put to death his dearest Friend . 10. Henceforward they were at open variance ; and 't is reported , that Metellus should say , drolling upon Marius then present . Oh Sir , you design to leave us to go home and stand for the Consulship , would not you be well enough contented to be Consul with this Boy of mine ? Now Metellus's Son was very young ; yet for all this Marius being very importunate to be gone , after several delays , he was dismissed about twelve days before the Election of Consuls ; and performed that long Journey from the Camp to Vtica ( a Sea Town ) in two days and a night , and there doing sacrifice before he went on Ship-board , it is said , the Augur told him , that Heaven promised him some incredible good Fortune , and such as was beyond all expectation . Marius not a little proud of this Omen , began his Voyage , and in four days with a favourable wind , passed the Sea ; he was extreamly welcome to the People ▪ and being brought into the Assembly by one of the Tribunes , he sued for the Consulship , mightily inveighing against Metellus , and promising either to slay Jugurtha , or take him alive . 11. He was elected with great Applause ; but presently levied Soldiers contrary both to Law and Custom , listing several Slaves and poor People ; whereas former Commanders never accepted of such ; but bestowed Arms , like other Favours , with Honour on deserving Persons ; every one esteeming his Wealth as a pledge for his good performance . These were not the only prejudices against Marius ; but some haughty * Speeches , utter'd with great arrogance and contempt , grieved the Nobility extreamly ; as that he should say , he took the Consulship as a prey from the effeminacy of the wealthy and nobler Citizens ▪ and tell the People that he gloried in the wounds he received for them , more than others in the Monuments of the Dead and Images of their Ancestors , often speaking of those Commanders , Bestia and Albinus , that were unfortunate in Africk , said , that they were indeed men of very good Families , but unfit for War , and such as miscarried through want of experience ; and asked them that were about him , if they did not think that their Ancestors had not much rather have left a Posterity like him , since they themselves grew famous not by Nobility , but by their Valour and great Actions ? This he did not say merely out of Vanity and arrogance , or that he were willing without any advantage to reproach the Nobility ; but the People always delighting in Affronts and scurrilous Contumelies against the Senate ( whereby they measure greatness of Spirit ) continually encouraged him in it , and instigated him not to spare the most worthy Persons , so that he might thereby gratifie the Multitude . 12. As soon as he arrived again in Africk , Metellus now not able to bear up under the violence of the others Envy , and Vehemence of his own Passion ; That having finished the War , and nothing left but to secure the Person of Jugurtha , Marius now grown great merely through his Ingratitude to him , should bereave him both of his Victory and Triumph , he could not stand the Interview ; but of himself retired , whilst Rutilius his Lievtenant surrendred up the Army to Marius , which the just wrath of the Gods returned upon his Head in the end of the War ; for Sylla deprived him of the glory of the Action , as he had done Metellus ; the manner of it I shall lay down in a word or two , having more particularly insisted upon it in Sylla's Life . Bocchus was King of Mauritania , and Father-in-law to Jugurtha , yet sent him little or no assistance in his War , pretending his unfaithfulness , though really jealous of his growing Power ; but after Jugurtha fled , and in his distress came to him as his last Sanctuary , he received him indeed as a Suppliant , rather because ashamed to do otherwise , than out of real kindness ; and when he had him in his power , he openly intreated Marius on his behalf , and vigorously interceded for him , giving out that he would by no means deliver him , yet privately designing to betray him , he sent for L. Sylla , Quaestor to Marius , and who had sometimes befriended Boccchus in the Army . When Sylla relying on his word came to him , the African began to repent of his purpose , and often changed his mind , being for several days unresolved with himself whether he should deliver Jugurtha , or retain Sylla ; at length he fixed upon his former Treachery , and put Jugurtha alive into Sylla's possession . 13. This gave the first rise to that sad and deplorable Civil War , which almost ruined the whole Roman Empire ; for many that envied Marius , attributed the Success wholly to Sylla ; and Sylla himself made him a Seal , wherein was engraven Bocchus betraying Jugurtha to him , and this he constantly used ; whereby he highly provoked Marius , a man extreamly ambitious and jealous of a Rival in his Glory , his Enemies especially promoting the Dissention , and ascribing the beginning and chief business of the War to Metellus , and the conclusion to Sylla ; that so the People might give over admiring and esteeming Marius as the worthiest Person . But these Envyings and Calumnies were soon dispersed and wiped off from Marius , by the eminent danger that threatned Italy from the * West ; for the City had great need of a good Commander , and fought about whom she might set at the Helm , to repel the Inundation of so great a War ; and when not of the Noble or Potent Families appeared Candidate for the Consulship , they created Marius , though then absent . 14. Now Jugurtha's Defeat was just noised about , when the News of the Invasion of the Teutones and Cimbri began : at first it exceeded all credit , as to the number and strength of the approaching Army ; but at length that report proved much inferior to the Truth , for they were 300000 effective fighting men ; besides a far greater number of Women and Children . Their pretence was the seeking New Countries to sustain their so great Multitudes , and Cities where they might settle and inhabit ; as they had heard the Celtae before them had expulsed the Tyrrheni , and possessed themselves of the best part of Italy . Now these having had no Commerce with the Southern Nations , and coming from Countries far remote ; no man knew what People they were , or whence they came , that thus like a Cloud hovered over Gallia and Italy : yet by their grey Eyes and the largeness of their Stature , they conjectured them to be some of those Germans that dwell by the Northern Sea : besides that the Germans call their * Soldiers Cimbri . 15. There are some that say , that the Country of Celtae , through the largeness and extent of the Place , reacheth from the farthest Sea and Northern Climes to the Lake Maeotis Eastward , and to that part of Scythia which is near Pontus ; and that there the two Nations mingled together : that they did not swarm out of their Country all at once , or on a sudden , but at a certain Season every year ; still going forward at several times , gave disturbance with their Wars to the whole Continent ; whereby , though each Party had several appellations , yet the whole Army was called by the common name of Celtick-Scythians . Others say that they were a small parcel of the Cimmerii , anciently well known to the Grecians ; who upon some Sedition raised among the Scythians , passed all along from the Lake Maeotis to Asia , under the Conduct of one Lygdamis ; but the greater and more warlike part of them still inhabit the remotest Regions lying upon the farther Ocean . These they say , live in a dark Woody Country , hardly penetrable by the Sun-beams , by reason of their many high and spreading Trees ; which also reach inward as far as the Hercinian Forest ; that they are under that part of Heaven , where the Pole is so elevated , that by the Declination of the Parallels , the Zenith of the Inhabitants seems to be but little distant from it ; and that their Days and Nights being almost of an equal length , they divide their Year into one of each . This dismal Country gave Homer occasion for the Fiction , that when Ulysses would call up the dead , he retired into the Country of the Cimmerians ; as conceiving it either Hell it self , or a place nearest to it ; and that from hence those People , who were anciently called Cimmerii , and then ( though not from their manner of Life ) Cimbri , came into Italy ; but this is rather Conjecture then an Authentick History . 16. However , most Writers agree , that the number of this Rascality was not less , but rather greater than was reported . They were of an invincible strength and fierceness in their Wars ▪ and came on with the same irresistable violence as a deavouring flame ; nor could any withstand their fury in their march , but all , as many as they assaulted , were troden down and hurried along as their Prey . Several of the greatest Roman Commanders with their whole Armies , that were set for the Defence of Gallia Transalpina , were ingloriously overthrown ; who indeed by their faint resistance chiefly gave them the boldness of marching towards Rome : for having vanquished all they set upon , and being well laden with Plunder , they resolved to settle themselves no where till they should have raised the City , and wasted all Italy . The Romans being from all Parts alarmed with this News , sent for Marius to manage the War , and nominated him the second time Consul ; though the Law did not permit any one that was absent , or that had not stayed a certain time from his first Consulship to be again created : yet the People rejected all Opposers ; for they considered this was not the first time , that the Law gave place to the Common Interest , nor the present occasion less urgent than that , when contrary to Law , they made Scipio Consul ; then not fearing the destruction of their own City , but desiring the ruine of that of the Carthaginians . 17. This prevailed , and Marius bringing over his Legions out of Africk on the very first day of January ( which the Romans reckon the beginning of their Year ) he received the Consulship , and then also entred into Triumph , shewing Jugurtha a Prisoner to the People , a Sight beyond their expectation ; for none could hope to subdue that Province while he lived ; so cautelous was the man in complying with all the turns of Fortune , and to his Valour had the addition of a great share of Craft . 'T is said , that when he was led in Triumph , he fell distracted , and was afterwards thrown into Prison , where some forcibly tore off his Cloaths ; and others whilst they strove for his Golden Pendant , with it pulled off the tip of his Ear ; and when he was cast naked into the Dungeon , full of horrour , yet forcing a smile , he cryed out , O Heavens ! How intolerably cold is this Bath of yours ? where for six days struggling with extream hunger , and to the very last minute seeming desirous of Life , he was over taken by the just reward of his Villainies . In this Triumph was brought ( as was reported ) of Gold 3007 pound weight , of Silver Bullion 5775 , of Money in Gold and Silver Coin 17028 Drachms . After the Solemnity , Marius called together the Senate in the Capitol , and entred the Court insolently , whether through inadvertency , or too much puffed up with his good Fortune , in his Triumphal Habit ; yet presently observing the Senate offended at it , he went out , and putting on his ordinary Purple Robe , immediately returned . 18. In his Expeditions he appeared in the Head of his Army , and trained them in their exercises while they marched ; using them to labour and weariness , to long and tedious Journies , and compelled each Soldier to carry his own Baggage , and provide his own Victuals ; insomuch that thence forward such as were very laborious , silently without grumbling doing their work , were called Marius's Mules . But some think there was another occasion of this Proverb ; that when Scipio besieged Numantia , he being careful to inspect not only their Horses and Arms , but their Mules and Carriages too , and see how well equipped and in what readiness each one 's was , Marius brought forth his Horse , which had fed extreamly well , and a Mule in better case , stronger and gentler than those of others ; whereupon the General was very well pleased with , and often mentioned , Marius's Beasts ; insomuch that when they would droll in the praise of a continual drudging , laborious Fellow , they called him Marius's Mule. 19. But to proceed ; Very great good Fortune seemed to attend Marius ; for the Enemy in a manner changing their course , and falling first upon Spain , he had time to exercise his Soldiers , and confirm their Courage ; and which was most considerable , to shew them what he himself was . For that fierce humour of his in Authority and inexorableness in punishing , proved both just and advantageous to those that did not use to do amiss , and were not stubborn in their faults ; and his turbulent Spirit , stern Voice , and sowre Aspect , which were in a little while grown familiar to them , they esteemed terrible not to themselves , but only to their Enemies . But his Uprightness in judging did more especially please the Soldiers , whereof this is a remarkable instance . One C. Lucius his own Nephew , had a command under him in the Army , who was a man in other respects not notoriously debauched , but much given to the unlawful Love of young men ; he particularly loved one that was under his Command called Trebonius , with whom notwithstanding his many solicitations , he could never prevail ; at length one Night he sent a Messenger for him , and Trebonius came ( for it was not lawful for him to refuse when he was sent for ) and being brought into his Tent , as Lucius endeavoured to force him , he drew his Sword and ran him thorough . This was done whilst Marius was absent ; who , when he returned , appointed Trebonius a time for his Tryal ; where whilst many accused him , and not any one appeared in his Defence , he himself with an undaunted assurancer elated the whole matter , and brought witness that he had often resisted Lucius's importunity ; and that though he had given him considerable Presents , he had never consented to him . Marius admiring , and very much pleased at it , commanded a Garland ( the usual reward of Valour ) to be brought , wherewith he himself Crowned Trebonius ; as having performed an excellent Action , at a time that very much wanted such good Examples . 20. This being told at Rome , proved no small help to Marius towards his Third Consulship ; to which also conduced the expectation of the Barbarians at that time of the year , the People being unwilling to trust their Fortunes with any other General but him ; however their arrival was not so sudden as was imagined , but the time of Marius's third Consulship was again expired . The Election coming on , and his Collegue being dead , he left the Command of the Army to Manius Aquilius , and hastned to Rome , where several eminent Persons being Candidates for the Consulship , Lucius Saturninus ( who more than any of the other Tribunes , swayed the Populace , and of whom Marius himself was very observant ) made an Harangue to the People , advising them to chuse Marius Consul ; but he seeming to decline the Office , as one pretending never to be ambitious of it , Saturninus called him Traytor to his Country , that in such apparent danger would desert the War. And though it was not difficult to discover that he was assistant to Marius in putting this Sham upon the People ; yet they considering , that the present Juncture very much required his rough Discipline , and his good Fortune too , voted him the fourth time Consul , and made Catulus Lutatius his Collegue , a man very much esteemed by the Nobility , and not unagreeable to the Commons . 21. Marius having notice of the Enemy's approach , with all expedition passed the Alps , and pitching his Camp by the River Rhone , he took care first for plentiful Supplies of Victuals ; lest at any time he should be forced to fight at a disadvantage for want of Necessaries . The Carriage of Provision for the Army from the Sea , which was formerly long and chargeable , he made speedy and easie ; for the mouth of the Rhone , by the Reflux of the Sea , being barred and almost filled up with Sand and Dirt , the Passage there became narrow , difficult , and dangerous for those Ships that brought their Provisions . Hither therefore bringing his Army then at leisure , he drew a great Trench , and thereby turning the course of a great Trench , and thereby turning the course of a great part of the River , brought it to a convenient Haven , deep and fit to receive Ships of considerable Burthen , as also having a calm and easie opening to the Sea ; and this still returns the name it took from him . 22. The Enemy dividing themselves into two parts , the Cimbri chose to go against Catulus higher up through the Country of the Norici , and to force that Passage . The Teutones and Ambrones to march against Marius by the Sea-side through Liguria , whereupon the Cimbri were longer before they arrived in Italy . The Teutones and Ambrones with all expedition passing over the interjacent Country , appeared to be an incredible number , and of a terrible Aspect , much different from all others in their ordinary Speech , and Shoutings , they taking up a great part of the Plain with their Camp , challenged Marius to Battel ; he seemed to take no notice of them , but kept his Soldiers within their Fortifications , and sharply reprehended those that were of too forward and eager a Courage , and who would needs be fighting , calling them Traytors to their Country ; and telling them they were not now in pursuit of the Glory of Triumphs and Trophies , but how they might repel such an impetuous Tempest of War , and save Italy . 23. Thus he discoursed privately with his Officers and Equals , but placed the Soldiers by turns upon the Bulwarks to survey the Enemy , and so made them acquainted with their shape and voice ( which were indeed altogether extravagant and barbarous ) and he caused them to observe their Arms , and way of using them , so that in a little time what at first appeared terrible to their appprehensions , by often viewing became familiar ; for he very rationally supposed , that the strangeness of Foreign things conduces very much to the rendring them formidable ; and that by our better acquaintance with them , even those things , which are naturally terrible , lose very much of their frightfulnss . Now this daily converse did not only diminish some of the Soldiers fear , but their Indignation warmed and inflamed their Courage , when they heard the threats and insupportable insolence of their Enemies ; who not only plundered and depopulated all the Country round , but also with great Contempt and Resolution threatned to storm their Trenches . 24. Hereupon such like Complaints of the Soldiers as these came to Marius's ears . What Effeminacy does Marius see in us , that he should thus like Women lock us up from encountering our Enemies ? Come on , let us shew our selves men , and ask him if he expect any others that must fight for our Liberty : Shall he always employ us in servile Offices , when he would draw Trenches , cleanse places of mud and dirt , and turn the course of Rivers ? In such Works as these , it seems , he will exercise us ; then return home , and brag of these great performances of his Consulships to the People . Or does the defeat of Carbo and Caepio , who were vanquished by the Enemy , affright him ? Surely they were much inferiour to Marius both in Glory and Valour , and commanded a much weaker Army ; at the worst it is better to be in Action , though we suffer for it like them , than to sit idle Spectators of the destruction of our Allies and Companions . Marius not a little pleased to hear this , gently appeased them , pretending that he did not distrust their Valour , but that he took his measures as to the time and place of Victory from some certain Oracles . 25. He used solemnly to carry about in a Litter , a Syrian Woman , called Martha , a supposed Prophetess , and to Sacrifice by her directions . She had formerly been driven away from the Senate ; to whom she addressed her self , offering to inform them about these Affairs , and to foretel future Events , whereupon she betook her self to the Ladies , and gave some experiments of her skill , especially to Marius's Wife ; who sitting to see the Gladiators combat , she foretold which of them should overcome ; and was for this and the like Predictings sent by her to Marius , and the Army , where she was very much admired , and for the most part carried about in a Litter ; when she went to Sacrifice she wore a Purple Robe lined and buttoned up , and had in her Hand a little Spear trimmed with Rubans and Garlands . This Farce made many question , whether Marius did really give any credit to her himself , or only play'd the Counterfeit when he shewed her publickly to impose upon the Soldiers . 26. But what Alexander Mindius relates about the Vultures , does really deserve admiration ; that always before his Victories there appeared two of them , and accompanied the Army ; which were known by their brazen Collars ( for the Soldiers , when they took them , put these about their Necks , and so let them go , whereupon they in a manner knew and saluted the Soldiers ) and whensoever these appeared in their Marches , they very much rejoiced as at an Omen of good Success in that Expedition . But of the many Prodigies , that then were taken notice of , the rest were but of the ordinary stamp ; as , that it was reported at Ameria and Tudertum ( two Cities in Italy ) there were seen at Nights in the Sky , flaming Darts and Shields , now waved about , and then again clashing against one another , resembling those postures and motions Soldiers use in their fighting ; that at length one Party retreating , and the other pursuing , they all disappearing Westward . Much about the same time came Batabaces one of Cybele's Priests from Pessinunce , and reported how the Goddess had declared to him by her Oracle , That the Romans should obtain the Victory , and no small Glory in this War. The Senate giving credit to him , and voting the Goddess a Temple to be built in hopes of a Victory ; Aulus Pompeius a Tribune prevented Batabaces , when he would have gone and told the People this same Story , calling him Impostor , and ignominiously pulling him out of the Rostra ; which Action chiefly got repute to the Fellow's report ; for Aulus had scarce dissolved the Assembly , and returned home , when so violent a Fever seized him , that it was notoriously known and in every bodies Mouth , that he died within a week after . 27. Now the Teutones , whilst Marius lay quiet , ventured to attack his Camp ; from whence , being encountered with showers of Darts , and losing several of their men , they determined to march forward , hoping to recover the other side of the Alps without opposition , and packing up their baggage , they passed securely by the Roman Camp , where the greatness of their number chiefly appeared by the long time they took in their March ; for they were said to be six days continually going on in passing Marius's Fortifications ; they marched pretty near , and revilingly asked the Romans , if they would send any recommendations by them to their Wives ? for they would shortly be with them . As soon as the Enemy was gone by , and continued their motion , Marius began to move , and follow them at his leisure ; always encamping at some small distance from them ; chusing also convenient places for his Camp , and strongly fortifying it , that he might quarter with the greater safety . Thus they marched till they came to Aquae-Sextiliae , whence the Alps were but little distant , where Marius put himself in readiness for the Encounter . 28. He chose a place for his Camp of considerable strength , but where was scarcity of Water ; designing ( as was reported ) by this means to put an edge on his Soldiers Courage , whereat when several were not a little grieved , and complained of thirst ; he pointing to a River that ran near the Enemy's Camp : There , says he , you may have drink , but at the expence of your Bloud . Why then , replyed they , do you not lead us to them , that we may have something that is liquid though it be Bloud ? But , says he , in a softer tone ; Let 's first fortifie our Camp ; whereupon the Soldiers for all their repining durst not but obey . Now as a great company of their Boys and Pedees having neither drink for themselves nor Horses , went down to that River , some taking Axes , others Halberts , and some two Swords and Darts with their Pitchers , resolving to have water though they fought for it . These were first encountred by a small party of the Enemies ; for most of them were after bathing at dinner , and several were then too bathing themselves ( for the Country thereabouts abounds very much with hot Springs ) so that the Romans fell upon them whilst they were enjoying themselves , and very much transported with the wonderful pleasantness of the place . Upon hearing their shouts ( more still coming in ) it was not a little difficult for Marius to contain his Soldiers , so much concerned for their Servants , and the more warlike part of the Enemies , who had overthrown Mallius and Coepio ( they were called Ambrones , and were in number one with another above 30000 ) taking the Alarm , stood to their Arms. 29. These , though they had sufficiently filled their bellies , yet retained their minds undisturbed ; and though they indulged themselves even to Intemperance , yet did they not rush on like mad-men disorderly or sending forth confused noises ; but all of them dancing and clashing their Arms , in a kind of Consort , often repeated their name Ambrones ; either the better to encourage one another , or to strike the greater terrour into their Enemies . Of all the Italians in Marius's Army , the Ligurians were the first that charg'd ; and when they understood that the Enemy's confused Shout , was calling themselves Ambrones , they also echoed the same word , which was an Ancient Name of their Country . This Acclamation , bandied from one Army to the other before they joined , the more incensed the Germans ; so that their Officers on either side encouraging them , they strove with all possible vehemence the one to overshout the other , taking it mutually for an Omen of Victory , and a great Incentive of their Courage . 30. The River divided the Ambrones ; and before they could draw up all their Army on the other side of it , the Ligurians presently fell upon the Van , and began to charge them Hand to Hand . The Romans too coming to their assistance , and from the higher Ground pouring upon the Enemy , forceably repelled them , the most of them ( one thrusting another into the River ) were there slain , and filled it with their Bloud and dead Bodies . Those that got safe over not daring to make head , the Romans slew as they fled to their Camp and Carriages ; where the Women meeting them with Swords and Halberts , and making an hideous out-cry , set upon those that fled as well as those that pursued ; the one as Traitors , the other as Enemies ; and mixing themselves with the Soldiers , with their bare Arms pulling away the Romans Shields , and laying hold on their Swords , endured the wounds and slashing of their Bodies to the very last with undaunted Resolution . Thus the Battel seems to have hapned at that River rather by accident than by the design of the General . 31. After the Romans were retreated from the great slaughter of the Ambrones , Night came on ; but the Army was not caressed as it used to be , with Songs of Victory , drinking in their Tents , and kind mutual Entertainments , and ( what is most welcome to Soldiers after an happy Conquest ) quiet sleep : But they passed that Night chiefly in Fears and Tumults ; for their Camp was without Fortifications and Trenches , and there remained several Thousands of their Enemies as yet unconquered ; to whom were joined as many of the Ambrones as escaped . There were heard at Night sad Mournings , nothing like the sighs and Groans of Men ; but a kind of salvage howling and roaring , joined with threats and Lamentations , proceeded from so great a multitude , which the neighbouring Hills and hollow Caves of the River echoed about and filled the whole Plain with an hideous Noise ; insomuch that the Romans were not a little afraid ; and Marius himself was astonished with apprehension of a confused tumultuous Night-Engagement . But they did not stir this Night or the next Day , but were employed in consultation how to dispose and draw themselves up to the greater advantage . 32. Of this occasion Marius made good use : for there were beyond the Enemies some woody Cliffs and Vallies well shaded with Trees , whether he sent Claudius Marcellus very secretly with 3000 Soldiers , giving him orders to post them in ambush there , and shew themselves at the Rear of the Enemies , when the Fight was begun ▪ the others whom he had refreshed with Victuals and Sleep , as soon as it was day he drew up before the Camp , and commanded the Horse to march into the Plain , which the Teutones perceiving , could not contain themselves till the Romans should come down and fight them on equal terms ; but hastily arming themselves , they inconsiderately ran towards a Hill hard by , where the Romans were drawn up . Marius sending Officers to all Parts , commanded his men to stand still and keep their Ground : when they came within reach , to throw their Piles , then use their Swords , and joining their Shields , repel the Enemy ; for he shewed that the steepness of the Ground rendred the Enemies Charge infirm , and abated the force of their blows ; nor could their Shields be joined close together , the inequality of the Ground hindering the stability of their Bodies . 33. This Counsel he gave them , and was observed to be the first that followed it ; for he was inferiour to none in the exercise of his Body , and far excelled them all in resolution . Wherefore the Romans vigorously opposed , and by that means forced them to retreat from the Hill ; the Ambrones , as soon as they had put their Van in a posture of resistance , found those in the Rear very much disordered : for Marcellus had not let slip the opportunity , but as soon as the Shout was raised among the Romans on the Hills , he encouraging his men , fell in upon the Enemy behind , and running and shouting routed those nearest him ; and they breaking the Ranks of those that were before them , the whole Army was immediately filled with confusion ; they made no long resistance after they were thus broke in upon , but having lost all Order , fled . 34. The Romans pursuing them , slew and took Prisoners above 100000 , and possessing themselves of their Spoil , Tent ▪ and Carriages , voted as many of them as were not purloin'd , to Marius's share , which , though so Magnificent a Present , yet was generally thought less than his Conduct deserved in so great a danger . Other Authors do not agree about the division of the Plunder and number of the slain . They say , the Inhabitants of Massilia hedged in their Vineyards with the bones , and that the Ground enriched by the moisture of the putrefied Bodies ( which was soaked in with the rain of the following Winter ) yielded at the season a prodigious Crop , which seems to confirm Archilochus's Relation who said , that the Fallows were fatted by them . Now it is an observation not improbable , that extraordinary Rains usually fall after great Battels ; whether it be , that some Deity washeth and cleanseth the polluted Earth with showers from above , or that bloud and corruption steaming forth a moist and gross Vapour , thicken the Air , which by reason of its tenuity is subject to alterations arising generally from the smallest causes . 35. After the Battel , Marius chose out from amongst the Barbarians Spoils and Arms , those that were whole and handsome , and that would make the greatest shew in his Triumph ; the rest he heaped upon a large Pile , and offered a very splendid Sacrifice . Whilst the Army stood round about with their Arms and Garlands , himself attired ( as the fashion is on such occasions ) in a Purple Robe , taking a lighted Torch , and with both Hands lifting it up towards Heaven , was then going to put it to the Pile , when some of his Friends were espied with all haste coming towards him on Horse-back ; whereupon every one remained in great silence and expectation ; when they came near , they alighting , saluted Marius , and bringing him the News of his fifth Consulship , delivered him Letters to the same purpose . This gave the addition of no small joy to the Solemnity . which the Army expressed in a Warlike kind of rejoycing and acclamations , and the Officers again crowning Marius with a Lawrel-wreath , he set fire to the Pile and finished his Sacrifice . 36. But whatever it be , which permits us not the enjoyment of Prosperity pure and sincere , but still interchanges humane Affairs with the mixture of good and bad , whether Fortune or Providence , or the necessity of the Nature of Things , within a few days Marius received an account of his Collegue Catulus , which as another Cloud in this Serenity and Calm terrified Rome with the apprehension of an imminent Storm . Catulus , who marched against the Cimbri , despairing of being able to defend the tops of the Alps ; lest , being compelled to divide his Forces into several Parties , he should very much weaken himself , with all expedition returned to Italy , and posted his Army by the River Athesis ; where blocking up the Passages on both sides the River with strong Fortifications , he made a Bridge , that so he might go to their assistance that were on the other side , if so be the Enemy having forced the narrow Passages , should storm the Fortresses . The Barbarians came on with such Insolence and Contempt of their Enemies , that to shew their Strength and Courage , rather than out of any necessity , they went naked in the showers of Snow , and through the Ice and deep Snow climbed up to the tops of the Hills , and from thence , placing their broad Shields under their bodies , let themselves slide from the Precipices along their vast slippery Descents . 37. When they had pitched their Camp at a little distance from the River , and surveyed the Passage , they began to cast up their Banks , Giant-like , tearing up the neighbouring Hills ; and brought Trees pulled up by the roots , and heaps of Earth to the River , therewith damming up its course , and with great heavy Materials rowlled down the Stream and dashed against the Bridge , they forced away the Planks which supported it ; whereat the greatest part of the Roman Soldiers very much affrighted , left their Camp and fled . Here did Catulus shew himself a generous indulgent General , in preferring the Glory of his People before his own : for when he could not prevail with his Soldiers to stand to their Colours , but saw how cowardly they all deserted them ; he commanded his own Standard to be taken up , and running to the foremost of those that fled , he led them forward , chusing rather that the disgrace should fall upon himself than his Country ; and that they should not seem to fly , but , following their Captain , to make a retreat . The Barbarians assaulted and took the Fortress on the other side Athesis ; where admiring at the few Romans there left ; who had shewn themselves of an extream great Courage , and had fought worthy their Country , they dismissed them with an easie Composition , swearing them upon their Brazen Bull ; which was afterwards taken in the Battel , and they say , carried to Catulus's House , as the chief Trophy of the Victory . 38. Thus falling in upon the Country , destitute of defence , they wasted it extreamly , whereupon Marius was presently sent for to the City ; where when he arrived , every one supposing he would Triumph , the Senate too unanimously voting it , he himself did not think it convenient ; whether that he were not willing to deprive his Soldiers and Officers of their share of the Glory ; or that to encourage the People in this juncture , he would make the honour of his Victory give place to the present Fortune of the City ; deferring it now to receive it afterwards with the greater Splendour . Having left such Orders as the occasion required , he hast'ned to Catulus , whose drooping Spirits he very much raised , and sent for his Army from Gallia : as soon as it came , he passing the River Po , endeavoured to drive the Barbarians out of that part of Italy which lies South of it . 39. But they pretending they were in expectation of the Teutones , and wondering they were so long in coming , deferred the Battel ; either that they were really ignorant of their Defeat , or at least were willing to seem so ( for they very much abused those that brought them such News ) and sending to Marius , required some part of the Country for them and their Brethren , and Cities fit for them to inhabit . When Marius enquired of the Ambassadors who their Brethren were , and they calling them Teutones , all that were present fell out a laughing ; but Marius scoffingly answered them , Do not trouble your selves for your Brethren , for we have already provided Lands for them , which they shall possess for ever . The Ambassadors perceiving the jeer , railed at him , and threatned that the Cimbri would make him smart for it , and the Teutones too when they came . And they are not far off , replied Marius , it will be very unkindly done of you to go away before you have taken leave of your Brethren ; saying so , he commanded the Kings of the Teutones to be brought out , as they were , in chains ; for they were taken by the Sequani before they could make their escape from the Alps. This was no sooner made known to the Cimbri , but they with all expedition came against Marius , who then lay still and guarded his Camp. 40. 'T is said , that against this Battel Marius first made their Javelins after a new fashion ; for before at the place where the Wood was joyned to the Iron , it was made fast with two Iron-pins ; now Marius let one of them alone as it was , and pulling out the other put a weak wooden peg in its place ; contriving it so , that when it was stuck in the Enemy's Shield , it should not stand right out ; but the wooden peg breaking , the Iron should bend , and so the Pile sticking fast by its crooked point , should weigh down the Shield . Now Baeorix , King of the Cimbri , came with a small Party of Horse to the Roman Camp , and challenged Marius to appoint the time and place , where they might meet and fight for the Country . Marius answered , That the Romans never consulted their Enemies when to fight , however he would gratifie the Cimbri so far ; and so they pitched upon the third day after ; for the place , the Plain near Vercellae ; which was convenient enough for the Roman Horse , and afforded room for the Enemy to display their Numbers . 41. They observed the time appointed , and drew out their Forces against each other . Catulus commanded 20300 , and Marius 32000 , who were placed in the two Wings , leaving to Catulus the Main Battle . Sylla , who was present at the Fight , gives this Relation , saying withal , that Marius drew up his Army in this Order , out of malice to Catulus ; for he hoped , with his Wings stretched out farther , to fall in upon the Body of the Enemies Army [ it being customary in that manner of embattelling , that the Army should represent a Crescent ; the two extream Points much advancing , and the main Battel remaining behind ] and to rout them before Catulus and his Army should be able to charge them . They observe likewise , that Catulus himself alledgeth this in vindication of his Honour , accusing this enviousness of Marius . The Infantry of the Cimbri marched quietly out of their Trenches , having their Flanks equal to their Front ; ( every side of the Army took up thirty ( furlongs ) their Horse , that were in number 15000 , made a very splendid appearance . They wore Helmets , whereon were the gapings of wild Beasts , and other strange shapes , which they heightning with Plumes of Feathers , appeared greater than they were ; they had on Breast-plates of Iron , and white glittering Shields ; and for their offensive Arms , every one had two-edged Darts , and when they came hand to hand , they used great and heavy Swords . 42. They did not fall directly upon the Front of the Romans , but turning to the right , they endeavoured to enclose them by little and little , getting the Enemy between them and their Infantry , who were placed in the left Wing . The Roman Commanders soon perceived the Design , but could not contain the Soldiers : for one happ'ning to shout out , that the Enemy fled , they all hastned to pursue them ; whereupon the Barbarian Foot came on moving like a great Ocean . Here Marius , having washed his hands , and lifting them up towards Heaven , vowed an Hecatomb to the Gods ; and Catulus too in the same posture solemnly promised to consecrate a Temple to the Fortune of that day : they say that Marius having the Victim shewed to him , as he was sacrificing , cried out with a loud voice , The Victory is mine . 43. However in the Engagement , they that write Sylla's Life , say , that Marius was very unfortunate ; for a great dust being raised , which ( as it might very probably happen ) almost covered both the Armies ; he , as soon as he had charged them , leading his Forces to the pursuit , missed of the Enemy ; and having passed by their Army , for a good space wandered up and down the Field ; mean while the Enemy by chance engaged with Catulus ; and the heat of the Battel was chiefly with him and his men , among whom Sylla says he was . The Romans had great advantage of the heat and Sun that shone in the faces of the Cimbri ; for they , though very well able to endure cold , as having been bred up in cool and shady places , ( as we observed before ) were yet overcome with the excessive Heat : they sweat extreamly , and were much out of breath , being forced to hold their Shields before their Faces ; for this Battel was fought not long after the Summer Solstice ; or , as the Romans reckon , about the third of the Calends of August , then called Sextilis . The Dust too gave no small addition to their Courage , in as much as it hid the Enemy , for they could not afar off discover their number ; but every one advancing to encounter those that were nearest to them , they were come to fight hand-to-hand before the sight of so vast a multitude had struck terror into them . 44. The Romans were so much used to labour , and so well exercised , that in all the heat and toil of the Encounter , not one of them was observed either to sweat , or to be out of breath , insomuch that they say Catulus recorded it in commendation of his Soldiers . Here the greatest part and most valiant of the Enemies were cut in pieces ; for those that fought in the Front , that they should not break their Ranks , were fast tied to one another with long Chains put through their Belts . As they pursued those that fled to their Camp , they met with a most horrid Tragedy ; the Women standing in Mourning by their Carriages , slew all that fled ; some their Husbands , some their Brethren , others their Fathers ; and strangling their little Children with their own hands , threw them under the Wheels , and Horses feet , and then killed themselves . They tell of one that was hanging on the very top of a Waggon , with her Children tied dangling at her heels ; the men for want of Trees , tied themselves , some to the horns of the Oxen , the necks of others were fastned to their legs , that so pricking them on by the starting and springing of the Beasts , they might be torn and troden to pieces . Yet for all they thus massacred themselves , above 60000 were taken Prisoners , and those that were slain were said to be twice as many . 45. The ordinary plunder Marius's Soldiers forcibly took away ; but the other Spoils , as Ensigns , Trumpets , and the like they say , were brought to Catulus's Camp , which he used for the best Argument that the Victory was obtained by himself and his Army . Whereupon some Dissentions arising ( as it often happens ) among the Soldiers , the Ambassadors from Parma being then present , were made Judges of the Controversie ; whom Catulus's men carried about among their slain Enemies , and manifestly shewed them that they were slain by their Piles , which were known by the Inscriptions , having Catulus's Name cut in the Wood : nevertheless the whole Glory of the Action was ascribed to Marius , by reason of his former Victory and under colour of his present Authority . The Populace more especially stiling him the third Founder of their City , as having diverted a danger no less threatning than was that when the Gauls sacked Rome ; and every one rejoicing at home with his Wife and Children sacrificed to the Gods and to Marius ; and would have had him solely to have the honour of both the Triumphs . However he would not do so , but Triumphed together with Catulus ; being desirous to shew his Moderation even in so great Circumstances of good Fortune ; besides , he was not a little afraid of the Soldiers in Catulus's Army , lest if he should wholly bereave their General of the Honour , they should endeavour to hinder him of his Triumph . 46. Marius was now in his Fifth Consulship , and he used for the Sixth in such a manner as never any before him had done ; he took the People by the hand , and ingratiated himself with the Multitude by his Complaisance , thereby not only derogating from the Publick Grandeur and Majesty of his Office , but acting also contrary to his own inclination , that so he might seem popular and obliging , for which nature had never designed him . He was , they say , exceeding timorous through his Ambition in any business which concerned the Government , or was handled in Publick Assemblies ; and that undaunted presence of Mind he always shewed in Battel against the Enemy , forsook him when he was to Harangue the People ; being one that was apt to shew very great Concern either at their commendation or dispraise . 'T is reported , that having at one time made free of the City 1000 men of Camerino , who had behaved themselves valiantly in this War ; and this seeming to be illegally done , some or other calling him to an account for it , he answered , that the Law spake too softly to be heard in such a noise of War : however he himself appeared to be more concerned and astonished at that noise which was made by the Assemblies . The need they had of him in time of War procured him his Wealth and Dignity ; but in Civil Affairs when he despaired of getting the first place , he was forced to betake himself to the favour of the People , never regarding to be a good man , so that he were but a great One. 47. Whereupon he became very odious to all the Nobility , and especially fearing Metellus , who had been so ingratefully used by him ; and who , being truly vertuous , was naturally an Enemy to those that managed the People , not for the publick good , but for their private pleasure . Marius therefore endeavoured to banish him the City , and to this purpose he contracted a familiar Acquaintance with Glaucias and Saturninus , a couple of daring resolute Fellows , who had a great company of poor seditious People at their beck ; by their assistance he enacted certain Laws , and gathering some Soldiers , he placed them in the Assembly , and by this Faction oppressed Metellus . And as Rutilius relates ( in all other respects a faithful and authentick Historian , but indeed privately an Enemy to Marius ) he obtained his Sixth Consulship , by distributing vast Sums of Money among their Tribes , and so too bought their Votes to put by Metellus from the Office , and to elect Valerius Flaccus his Instrument rather than his Collegue in the Consulship . The People had never before bestowed so many Consulships on any one man , except on Valerius Corvinus only ; and he too , they say , was forty five years between his first and last ; but Marius from his first ran through five more with one push of his good Fortune . 48. In the last of which especially he contracted a great deal of hatred , by committing several gross misdemeanours in compliance with the irregular desires of Saturninus ; among which was the murther of Nonius , * whom Saturninus , because he stood in competion with him for the Tribuneship , slew ; and afterwards being Tribune , made a Law about the division of Lands and fields , wherein it was provided , that the Senate should come and swear to confirm whatever the People should vote , and not to oppose them in any thing . Marius in the Senate cunningly feigned to be against this Clause of the Law , and said , that he would not take any such Oath , nor any else , he thought , that were wise ; for if there were no ill Design in the Law , it would be an affront to the Senate to be compelled to give their approbation , and not to do it rather willingly or by perswasion . This he said , not that it was agreeable to his own Sentiments , but that he might thereby entangle Metellus in an unavoidable snare ; for making a great part of his Virtue and Gravity to consist in deceit , he made very little account of what he had openly professed to the Senate ; he knowing too that Metellus was one of a fixed resolution , and ( as Pindar has it ) that esteemed Truth the greatest Principle of Heroick Virtue , designed by this his refusal of the Oath in the Senate to ensnare him by making him refuse the Law also ; and thereby to cast such an Odium upon him with the People , as should never be wiped off . Which accordingly succeeded to his wish ; for as soon as Metellus had declared that he would not swear to it , the Senate adjourned . 49. Within a sew days Saturninus citing the Senators to make their appearance , and pressing them to take the Oath , Marius stepped forth , ( whereupon was a profound silence , and every one very intent upon him ) and bidding farewel to those fine smooth Speeches he had before made in the Senate , said ; That he was not grown so obstinate as to do any thing to the prejudice of so good a design ; but would willingly swear and submit to the Law , if so be it were one ( which Caution he added as a Pretext for his Impudence . ) The People extreamly pleased at his taking the Oath , mightily extolled and applauded him , the Nobility were very much ashamed and vexed at Marius's Inconstancy ; but they were forced , for fear of the People , to swear in order till it came to Metellus's turn . But he , though his Friends followed and entreated him to take the Oath , and not to plunge himself irrecoverably into those Penalties which Saturninus had provided for them that would not take it , would not flinch from his resolution , nor swear ; but according to his usual custom , being ready to suffer any thing rather than do a base unworthy Action , left the Forum telling them that were with him , That it was base to do any thing that is ill , and common to do well , where there is no danger ; but where there is , even in despite of that , to do well was the property of a good man. 50. Hereupon Saturninus put it to the Vote that the Consuls should declare Metellus banished , and that none should entertain him : there was enough too of the basest of People ready to kill him ; and when many of the better sort were extreamly concerned for , and gathered about Metellus , he would not suffer them to raise a Sedition upon his account ; but more advisedly left the City , saying ; Either when the posture of affairs is mended , and the People repent , I shall be recalled ; or if things remain in the present posture , it will be best to be absent . But how great Favour and Honour Metellus received in his Banishment , and after what manner he spent his time at Rhodes in Philosophy , we shall more opportunely shew you when we write his Life . 51. Marius , for this piece of Service done him , forced to connive at Saturninus , now arrived at the very height of Insolence and Force , had unawares occasioned such a flame as could not now be easily quenched , but by Outrages and Massacres directly tending to Tyranny and the Subversion of the Government ; for standing in some awe of the Nobility , and withal flattering the Commonalty , he did a very cowardly and dishonest Action . When some of the great men came to him at night to stir him up against Saturninus , he let him in unknown to them at the other door ; then making the same pretences of doing his necessary occasions to both , he ran from one Party to the other , and staying one while with them and another with him , he instigated and exasperated them one against another . At length , when both the Senate and Equestrian ▪ Order , agreed together , and shewed their resentment at it , he filled the Market-place with Soldiers ; and by cutting off the Aqueducts , he forced those that retreated to the Capitol to surrender for want of Water : they in this distress submitted themselves upon the Publick Faith , whom he endeavoured all ways imaginable to preserve , but without Success ; for when they came into the Forum , they were all basely murthered . Hereupon equally odious both to the Nobility and Commons , when the time was come to create Censors , though he were the most likely man , yet he did not petition for it ; but fearing the disgrace of being repulsed , permitted others his Inferiours to be elected ; yet he pleased himself in giving out , that he was not willing to disoblige too many by a severe inspection into their Lives and Conversations . 52. There was now an edict preferring to recal Metellus from Banishment ; this he vigorously , but in vain , opposed both in his Discourse and Actions : yet at length desisted ; for the People unanimously voting for it , and he not able to endure the sight of Metellus's Return , made a Voyage to Cappadocia and Galatia ; giving out that he was to perform some Sacrifices , which he had vowed to Cybele ; but had indeed another reason for his departure , which was not to be discovered to the People . He being one altogether ignorant of Civility and State-Affairs , had received all his advancement from the War ; and then too supposing both his Power and Glory would by little and little decrease by his lying quiet and out of action , sought by all means to lay the Foundation of some new Commotions , and hoped too that by setting at variance some of the neighbour Kings , and by stirring up and exasperating Mithridates especially , who was then apparently making preparations for War , he himself should be chosen General against him , and so furnish the City with new matter of Triumph , and his own House with the Plunder of Pontus , and the Riches of its King. Wherefore , though Mithridates had entertained him with all imaginable obligingness and respect , yet he was not at all wrought upon or softned by it ; but said , O King ! either endeavour to be indeed more potent than the Romans , or else quietly submit to their Commands . With which he almost astonished him , having indeed often heard the Fame of the bold speaking of the Romans , but was now first acquainted with that Impudence . 53. When Marius returned again to Rome , he built an House close by the Market-place , either ( as he himself gave out ) that he was not willing his Clients should be tired with going far , or that he imagined it would cause the greater Concourse at his Gates : yet this was not the true reason neither ▪ but because being inferiour to others in obliging Conversation and the Arts of Courtship , like a meer Tool and Implement of War , he was thrown aside in time of Peace . Amongst all those , whose brightness eclipsed his Glory , he was most extreamly incensed against Sylla , who had received his Rise from the hatred which the Nobility bore Marius ; and had made his disagreement with him the first step of his Preferment . When Bocchus King of Numidia , who was stiled the Associate of the Romans , dedicated some Trophies of Victory in the Capitol , and by them the Picture of himself in Gold delivering Jugurtha to Sylla : Marius upon this was almost distracted with rage and Ambition ( as though Sylla had arrogated this Honour to himself ) and endeavoured forcibly to pull down these Presents : Sylla on the other side as vigorously resisted him , but the War of the Confederates then on a sudden threatning the City , put a stop to this Sedition just ready to break out . Now the most warlike and best peopled Countries of all Italy conspired together against Rome , and were within a little of subverting the Empire ; their chief strength consisting not only in their Weapons and the Valour of their Soldiers ; but standing upon equal terms with the Romans , as to the Courage and sufficiency of their Commanders . 54. This War so various as to its Encounters , and so uncertain as to its Success , what Glory and Power it conferred upon Sylla , of so much it deprived Marius , who seeded not to be very brisk in his Charges , but was for the most part guilty of Delays , Retreats and almost Cowardice ; whether it were , that his Age had quenched that heat and vigour he was formerly Master of ( for he was now above sixty five years old ; ) or that , as he himself said , having some distemper in his Nerves , and his Body unfit for Action , he had for meer shame ventured upon some Expeditions above his strength . Yet for all this he came off Victor in a considerable Battel , wherein he slew 6000 of the Enemies , and never gave them any advantage over him . Nay , though he was once surrounded by the Works of the Enemy he contained himself ; and though insulted over , braved , and challenged , yet he seemed not much concerned at it . There goes a report , that when one * Publius Silo , a man of the greatest Worth and Authority among the Enemies , said to him ; If thou beest that great Captain Marius , come to a Battel ; he answered , If you be such an one , force me to fight . And another time , when the Enemy gave them a good opportunity of a Battel ; and the Romans through fear durst not charge , so that both Parties retreated ; he called an Assembly of his Soldiers , and said ; It is no small question whether I should call the Enemies or you the greater Cowards , for neither dare they face your backs nor you theirs . 55. At length pretending to be worn out with the Infirmity of his Body , he laid down his Command . Afterwards when the Italians were worsted , several at Rome , by the Interest of those that led the People , sued for Employment in the War with Mithridates . Sulpitius Tribune of the People , a bold resolute Fellow , contrary to every body's expectation bringing in Marius , declared him Proconsul and General in that War ; whereupon the People were divided , some were on Marius's side , others voted for Sylla ▪ and jeeringly bad Marius go to his Baths at Baiae to cure his Body worn out , as himself confessed , with Age and Catarrhs . Now Marius had indeed there , about Misenum , a Villa more effeminately and luxuriously furnished than became a man employed in so many and great Wars and Expeditions . This same House Cornelia bought for 75000 Denarii , and not long after Lucius Lucullus for 250000 : in so short a time did the Luxury and Effeminacy of the Romans increase . After all this , Marius very ambitiously and childishly affecting to shake off his Age and weakness , went into the Field , where exercising himself with the Youth , he shewed himself still nimble in his Armour , and expert in riding ; though indeed he were grown less active in his Age by reason of his great belly , and his inclining to fatness and corpulency . 56. These Actions of his pleased some that went to see his vain-glory in those Justs and Exercises ; but the better sort that saw him , pitied his Avarice and Ambition , that from a begger growing so extreamly rich , and from nothing becoming so great , would know no bounds of his good Fortune , nor be content with being admired , and quietly enjoy what he had already got ; but , as if he still were in extream poverty , should at so great an Age leave Glory and Triumphs to go into Cappadocia and the Euxine Sea , to fight Archelaus and Neoptolemus , Mithridates's Generals . Marius's pretences for this Action of his seemed very ridiculous ; for he said he had a mind himself to educate his Son in that War. This soon ruined the City , which had been a long time sick of such practices , when Marius had once found so opportune an Instrument for the publick destruction as Sulpitius's Insolence . 57. This Fellow in all other respects admired and imitated Saturninus ; only found fault with his Cowardice and backwardness in his Designs ; he therefore made no such foolish delays , but got 600 Horse about him as his Guard , which he named Anti-Senators ; with these Assassines he set upon the Consuls whilst they were at the Assembly , and took the Son of one of them , who fled from the Market-place , and slew him . Sylla being hotly pursued , took into Marius's House , which none could suspect ( by that means escaping those that sought him , who hastily passed by there ) and it is said was safely conveyed by Marius himself out at the other door , and came to the Camp. Yet Sylla in his Memoirs positively denies that he fled to Marius , but that he was carried thither to consult of those matters , to which Sulpitius would have forced him against his Will to consent ; that he , surrounding him with drawn Swords , hurried him to Marius , and restrained him thus , till he should go thence to the Market place , and put such a Conclusion to these Affairs as his Masters the People would approve . 58. Whilst these things were acting , Sulpitius having obtained the sole Power , decreed the Command of the Army to Marius ; who making preparations for his March , sent two Tribunes to receive the charge of the Army from Sylla . Sylla hereupon exasperating his Soldiers ( which were six Legions , or about 5000 Horse , and 30000 Foot ) brought them to Rome , who first falling upon the Tribunes Marius had sent , slew them ; and Marius did as much for several of Sylla's Friends in Rome , and made many of the Slaves free , that he might have their assistance in the War ; whereof they say , there were but three that answered his expectation . He , for some small time , made head against Sylla's assault , but was soon over-powred and fled ; those that were with him , as soon as he had escaped out of the City , were dispersed , and Night coming on , he hast'ned to a Country-house of his , called Solonium . Hence he sent his Son to some neighbouring Farms of his Father-in-law Mutius , to provide Necessaries ; himself went to Ostia , where his Friend Numerius had prepared him a Ship , and not staying for his Son , he took with him his Son-in-law Granius , and weighed Anchor . 59. Young Marius , as soon as he came to Mutius's Farms , and had ordered some small matters , the day breaking , he was almost discovered by the Enemy ; for there came thither a Party of Horse that suspected some such matter ; whom when the Steward perceived , he hid Marius in a Cart full of Beans , then putting to his Team , and driving toward the City , he met those that were in search of him . Marius thus conveyed home to his Wife , took with him some Necessaries , and came at Night to the Sea-side , where going on board a Ship that was bound for Africk , he went away with it . Marius the Father , when he had put to Sea , with a good gale passing along the Coast of Italy , was in no small apprehension of one Geminius , a great a man at Tarracina , and his Enemy ; and therefore bad the Sea men hold off from that place : they were indeed willing to gratifie him , but the Wind rising at Sea , and making the Waves swell to a great height , they were afraid the Ship would not be able to weather out the Storm , Marius too being indisposed and Sea-sick , they with great difficulty reached the Haven at Circaeum . 60. The Storm now increasing , and their Victuals failing , they put to Shore , and wandered up and down they knew not whither ( as it usually happens in great Distresses ; ) they always shun the present as the greatest evil , and relie upon the hopes of uncertainties ; for the Land and Sea were both equally unsafe for them , it was dangerous to meet with People , and it was no less so to meet with none , by reason of their want of Necessaries . At length , though late first , they light upon a few poor Shepherds , that had not any thing to relieve them ; but knowing Marius , advised him to depart as soon as might be , for they had seen a little beyond that place a Party of Horse that were gone in search of him . Whereupon finding himself in a great straight , especially because those that attended him were not able to go farther , being spent with their long fasting ; he turned aside out of the Road , and hid himself in a thick Wood , where he passed the Night in great distress . The next day pinched with hunger , and willing to make use of the little strength he had , before it were all exhausted , he travelled by the Sea-side , encouraging his Companions not to desert him in the last of his hopes , for which he reserved himself , relying on the credit of some old Prophecies . 61. That when he was yet but very young and lived in the Country , he brought home in the skirt of his Garment an Eagle's Nest , wherein were seven young ones , which his Parents seeing and much admiring , consulted the Augures about it , who told them , that he should become the greatest man in the World , and that the Fates had decreed he should seven times be possessed of the Supream Power and Authority . Some are of Opinion that this really happ'ned to Marius after the same manner we have related it ; others-say , that those men who then and through the rest of his Exile heard him tell these Stories and believed him , have recorded a Relation altogether fabulous ; for an Eagle never hatches more than two ; besides they give Musaeus the Lye , who speaking of the Eagle , say , That she lays three Eggs , hatches two , and nourishes but one . Whatever this be , it is certain Marius in his Exile and greatest Extremities would often say , that he had still a prospect of a Seventh Consulship . 62. When Marius and his company were now about twenty furlongs distant from Minturnae , a City in Italy , they espied a Troop of Horse making up toward them with all speed , and by chance also at the same time two Ships under sail ; whereupon they ran every one with what speed and strength they could to the Sea , and plunging themselves into it , swam to the Ships . Those that were with Granius seized upon one of them , and passed over to an opposite Island called Aenaria ; Marius himself , whose Body was heavy and unwieldy , was with great pains and difficulty born above the Water by two Servants , and put into the other Ship. The Soldiers were by this time come to the Sea-side , and from thence commanded the Sea-men to put to Shoar , or else to throw out Marius , and then they might go whither they would . Marius besought them with tears to the contrary ; and the Masters of the Ship , after some consultation , which inclined first to one then to the other side , resolved at length to answer the Soldiers , that they would not throw out Marius . As soon as they were gone in a rage , the Sea-men immediately changing their resolution , came to Land , and casting Anchor at the mouth of the River Liris , where it overflowing makes a great Marish ; they advised him to Land , refresh himself on Shore , and take some care of his discomposed body , till the Wind came fairer , which , say they , will happen at such an hour , when the Wind from the Sea will calm , and that from the Marishes rise . Marius following their advice , did so , and when the Sea-men had set him on Shore , he laid him down in an adjacent Field , suspecting nothing less than what was to befall him . They , as soon as they had got into the Ship , weighed Anchor and departed , as thinking it neither honourable to deliver Marius into the hands of those that sought him , nor safe to protect him . 63. He thus deserted by all , lay a good while silently on the Shore ; at length , recollecting himself , he travelled very disconsolately through by-ways , till wading through deep Bogs and Ditches full of Water and Mud , he stumbled upon the Old man's Cottage that looked after the Fens ; and falling at his Feet , he besought him to assist and preserve a man , who if he escaped the present danger , would make him returns beyond his expectation . The poor man , whether he had formerly known him , or were then moved with his Venerable Aspect , told him , that if he wanted only rest , his Cottage would be convenient ; but if he were flying from any body's search , he would hide him in a more retired place . Marius desiring him to do so , he carried him into the Fens , and bad him hide himself in an hollow Cave by the River side , where he laid upon him a great many Reeds and other things that were light , and would cover , but not oppress him . But within a very small time he was disturbed with a noise and tumult from the Cottage , for Geminius had sent several from Tarracina in pursuit of him ; whereof some happ'ning to come that way , frightned and threatned the poor Old-man for having entertained and hid an Enemy of the Romans . Wherefore Marius arising and uncovering himself , plunged into a puddle full of thick muddy water ; and even there he could not escape their search , but was pulled out naked of Cloaths , but covered with mire , and in that pickle carried away to Minturnae , and delivered into the Magistrate's Power ; for there had been a Proclamation through all those Towns , to make publick search for Marius , and if they found him to kill him ; however the Magistrates thought convenient to consider a little better of it first , and sent him Prisoner to the House of one Fannia . 64. This Woman was supposed not very well affected towards him upon an old account . One Tinnius had formerly married this Fannia ; from whom she afterwards being divorced , demanded her Portion , which was considerable ; but her Husband accused her of Adultery ; so the Controversie was brought before Marius in his Sixth Consulship ; when the cause was examined thorowly , it appeared both that Fannia had been incontinent , and that her Husband , though he knew her to be so , had married and lived a considerable time with her : So that Marius was severe enough with both ; commanding him to restore her Portion , and laying a small Fine upon her by way of disgrace . But Fannia did not then behave her self like one that had been injured , but assoon as she saw Marius remembred nothing less than old Affronts ; took care of him according to her ability , and very much comforted him . He made her his returns , and told her he did not despair , for he had met with a very lucky Omen , which was thus ; When he was brought to Fannia's House , as soon as the door was open , an Ass came running out to drink at a Spring hard by , and looking very pertly and briskly upon Marius , first stood still before him , then brayed aloud and pranced by him . Upon which Marius making his observation , said , That the Fates designed his safety to be procured rather by Sea than Land , because the Ass neglected his dry Fodder , and turned from it to the Water . Having told Fannia this Story he commanded the Chamber-door to be shut , and went to rest . 65. Mean while the Governors and Senators of Minturnae consulted together , and determined , not to delay any longer , but immediately to kill Marius ; and when none of their Citizens durst undertake the business , a certain Soldier , a Gaul or Cimber ( the story is told of both ) went in with his Sword drawn to him ; the Room it self was not very light , that part of it especially , where he then lay , was dark , from whence Marius's Eyes , they say , seemed to the Fellow to dart out flames at him , and a loud voice to say , Fellow , darest thou kill C. Marius ? The Ruffian hereupon immediately fled , and leaving his Sword in the place , rushed out of doors , crying only this , I cannot kill C. Marius . At which they were all at first astonished , afterwards pitied him , and reversed their Sentence , and were even angry at themselves for making so unjust and ungrateful a Decree against one who had preserved Italy , and whom it was base not to assist to their utmost . Let him go , say they , where he please to banishment , let him find his Fate somewhere else ; we beg pardon of the Gods for thrusting Marius distressed and deserted out of our City . 66. Whilst they were taken up with such like thoughts , there came a great company about him , and conducted him towards the Sea-side , where though every one was very officious to him , and all made what haste they could , yet a considerable time was spent ; for there was a Grove called Marice ( which the People thereabouts held sacred , and suffered nothing that is brought into it to be carried out again ) this lay just in their way to the Sea , and if they should go round about , they must needs come very late thither . At length one of the Old men cried out and said , there was no place so sacred , but they might pass though it for Marius's preservation ; and thereupon first of all taking up some of the Baggage that was carried for his accommodation to the Ship , passed through the Grove , all the rest immediately with the same readiness accompanying him . [ He afterwards had the Picture of these things drawn and placed it in a Temple thereabouts . ] One Belaeus having by this time provided him a Ship , Marius there went on board , and hoisting Sail , was by chance thrown upon the Island Aenaria , where meeting with Granius and his other Friends , he sailed with them to Africk . But their water failing them in the way , they were forced to put in at Erycine in Sicily , where was a Roman Quaestor presiding over those Places , who had almost taken Marius going on Shore , and killed sixteen of his retinue that went to fetch Water . Marius with all expedition loosing thence , passed over to the Isle Meniux , where he first heard the News of his Son's escape with Cethegus , and of his going to implore the assistance of Hiempsal King of Numidia . 67. With this News being somewhat comforted , he ventured to pass from that Isle towards Carthage . Sextilius a Roman was then Pretor in Africk ; one that had never received either any Injury or kindness from Marius , yet he hoped he would out of meer pity lend him some help . He was now scarce got ashore with a small retinue , when an Officer was sent to him , and meeting him , said , Sextilius the Pretor forbids thee , Marius , to set foot in Africk ; if thou doest , he says , he will put the Decree of the Senate in execution , and treat the as an Enemy to the Romans . When Marius heard this he wanted Words to express his Grief and Resentment , and for a good while held his peace , looking sternly upon the Messenger , who asked him what he should say , or what answer he should return to the Pretor ? Marius answered him with a deep sigh ; Go tell him that you have seen C. Marius sitting upon the Rubbish of Carthage : very appositely applying the example of the Fortune of that City to the Change of his own Condition . 68. In the interim , Hiempsal , King of Numidia , often changing his Designs , treated young Marius and those that were with him very honourably ; but when they had a mind to depart , he still had some pretence or other to detain them ; and it was manifest he made these delays upon no good designs ; however there hap'ned a strange accident ( as it sometimes falls out ) that made well for their preservation . The hard Fortune which still attended young Marius , who was of a very comely Aspect , nearly touched one of the King's Concubines , and this pity of hers was the beginning and pretence for her Love. At first he declined the Woman's sollicitations , but when he perceived that there was no other way of escaping , and that she caressed him with greater kindness than one that designed only the gratifying her sensuality , he complied with her Love , and being thereupon set at liberty by her , he escaped with his Friends , and fled to his Father Marius . As soon as they had saluted each other , and were going by the Sea-side , they saw some Scorpions fighting , which Marius took for an ill Omen , whereupon they immediately went on board a little Fisher-boat , and made toward Cercina , an Island not far distant from the Continent . They had scarce put off from Shore when they escaped some Horse sent after them by the King , with all speed making toward that very place from which they were just retired ; so that Marius thought that in all his Life he had never escaped a greater danger . 69. At Rome it was discovered that Sylla was engaged with Mithridates's Generals near Baeotia , whilst the Consuls from a Tumult were fallen to down-right fighting , wherein Octavius prevailing , drove Cinna out of the City for affecting a Tyrannical Government , and made Cornelius Merule Consul in his stead ; but Cinna raising Forces in all Parts of Italy , carried on the War against them . As soon as Marius heard of this , he resolved with all expedition to put to Sea again , and having leavied in Africk some Maurusian Horse , and a few others that came to him out of Italy ( which all together were not above 1000 ) he with this handful began his Voyage . Arriving at Telamone , an Haven in Hetruria , and coming ashore , he made several of the Slaves free ; many of the Country-men also and Shepherds thereabouts ( that were already Freemen ) at the hearing his name came flocking to him to the Sea-side ; he perswaded the most warlike of them , and in a small time got together a competent Army , wherewith he filled forty Ships . Now he knowing Octavius to be a very good man , and willing to execute his Office with the greatest Justice imaginable , and Cinna to be suspected by Sylla , and then in actual War against the established Government , determined to join himself and all his Forces with the latter : he therefore sent a Message to him to let him know , that he submitted himself to him , as Consul , in whatsoever he should command him . 70. When Cinna had very joyfully received him , calling him Proconsul , and sending him the Fasces and other Ensigns of Authority , he said , that Grandeur did not become his present Fortune ; but wearing an ordinary Habit , and letting his hair grow from that very day he first went to banishment , and being now above threescore and ten years old , he came slowly on foot , as designing to move Peoples compassion ; ( thus his naturally rough Aspect became more so , when joined with his nasty Garb ) which yet did not make him appear as though his mind were dejected , but exasperated , by the change of his condition . Having performed his Ceremonies to Cinna , and saluted the Soldiers , he immediately prepared for War , and soon made a considerable alteration in the posture of Affairs . He first cut off all Provision from the Enemies Ships , and plundering all the Traders , possessed himself of their Stores ; then bringing his Navy to the Sea-port Towns , took them , and at last treacherously became Master of Ostia too ; pillaged the Town , and slew a Multitude of the Inhabitants , and making a Bridge over the River , he took from the Enemy all hopes of Supply from the Sea ; then marched with his Army toward the City , and posted himself upon the Hill called Janiculum . 71. The Publick Interest did not receive so great damage from Octavius's unskilfulness in his management of Affairs , as from his omitting what was necessary , through his too strict observance of the Law : for he , when several advised him to make the Slaves free , said , That he would not commit the protection of his Country to Servants from which he then , in defence of the Laws , was driving away Marius . When Metellus ( Son to that Metellus , who was general in the War in Africk , and afterwards banished through Marius's means ) came to Rome , and was esteemed to be a much better Commander than Octavius ; the Soldiers deserting the Consul , came to him , and desired him to take the Command of them and preserve the City ; that they , when they had got an experienced valiant Commander , should fight courageously and come off Conquerors . But Metellus offended at it , commanded them angrily to return to the Consul ; whereupon for very spight they revolted to the Enemy . Metellus too seeing the City in a desperate condition , left it ; but a Company of Chaldeans , Priests and Interpreters of the Sibyls Books , perswaded Octavius , that things were in a good condition , and kept him at Rome . Now he was a man of all the Romans the most upright and just ; one that kept up even the Formalities of the Law inviolable in his Consulship ; but fell I know not how into some weaknesses , giving more observance to Impostors and Diviners , than to men ▪ skilled in Civil and Military Affairs . He therefore , before Marius entred the City , was pulled down from the Rostra , and murthered by those that were sent before by Marius ; and it is reported there was a Chaldean Inscription found on his breast when he was slain . Now it is a thing very unaccountable , that of two such Famous Generals , Marius should be often preserved by the observing Divinations , and Octavius ruined by the same means . 72. Whilst Affairs remained in this posture , the Senate assembled , and sent Ambassadors to Cinna and Marius , desiring them to come into the City peaceably and spair the Citizens . Cinna as Consul received the Embassy sitting in the Sella Curulis , and returned a kind obliging answer to the Messengers : Marius stood by him and said nothing , but gave sufficient testimony by the sowreness of his Countenance , and the sternness of his Looks , that he would in a short time fill the City with Massacres . As soon as the Council arose , they went toward the City , where Cinna with a strong Guard entred ; but Marius stay'd at the Gates , and dissembling his Rage , said ; That he was then an Exile and banished his Country by course of Law ; That if his Presence were necessary , they must by a new Decree repeal the former Act by which he was banished , as if he had been a religious observer of the Laws , and as if he entred into a City free from fear or oppression . Hereupon the People were assembled , but before three or four Tribes had given their Votes , he throwing off his Mask and Pretences of the Justice of his Banishment , came into the City with a select Guard of Slaves , which came in to him , whom he called Bardiaei . Those Fellows by his Orders murthered a great company at his express Command , and as many at his private beck . At length Aucharius a Senator , and one that had been Pretor , coming to Marius , but not being resaluted by him , they with their drawn Swords slew him before Marius's Face ; and henceforth this was their token immediately to kill all those who met Marius , and saluted him , were taken no notice of ; or not answered with the like Courtesie : so that his very Friends were not without dreadful apprehensions and horrour , whensoever they came to attend him . 73. When they had now butchered a great number ▪ Cinna grew more remiss and cloy'd with Murders ; but Marius's rage was still fresh and unsatisfied , and he daily fought for all that were any way suspected by him . Now was every street , and every corner of the City filled with those that pursued and haunted them that fled and hid themselves ; and it was remarkable that there was no more confidence to be placed , as things stood , either in Hospitality or Friendship ; for there were found but a very few that did not betray those that fled to them for shelter . Wherefore the Servants of Cornutus deserve the greater praise and admiration ; who having concealed their Master in the House , took a body of one of the slain , cut off the head , put a Gold ring on the Finger , and shewed it to Marius's Guards , and buried it with the same Solemnity as if it had been their own Master . This trick was perceived by no body , but so Cornutus escaped and was conveyed by his Domesticks into Gallia . 74. Marcus Antonius the Orator , though he too found a true Friend , had ill Fortune . The man was but poor and a Plebeian , who entertaining a man of the greatest rank in Rome , and kindly furnishing him with what he had , sent his Servant to get some Wine of a neighbouring Vintner ; the Servant carefully tasting it , and bidding him draw better , the Fellow asked him what was the matter , that he did not buy new and ordinary Wine as he used to do , but richer and of a greater price ; he without any design told him as his Croney and Acquaintance , that his Master entertained Marcus Antonius whom he concealed . The villainous Vintner , as soon as the Servant was gone , went himself to Marius then at Supper , and being brought into his Presence , told him , he would deliver Antonius into his hands ; as soon as he heard it , it is said he gave a great shout , and clapped his hands for joy , and had very nigh rose up and gone to the place himself ; but being detained by his Friends , he sent Annius and some Soldiers with him , and commanded him to bring Antonius's head to him with all speed . Now when they came to the House , Annius stay'd at the door , and the Soldiers went up stairs into the Chamber ; where , seeing Antonius , they endeavoured to shuffle off the Murther from one to another ; for so great it seems were the Graces and Charms of his Oratory , that as soon as he began to speak and beg his Life , none of them durst touch or so much as look upon him ; but hanging down their heads , every one fell a weeping . When their stay seemed something tedious , Annius followed after , saw Antonius discoursing , and the Soldiers astonished and quite softned by it , for which he checked them severely , and went himself and cut off his head . 75. Catulus Lutatius who was Collegue with Marius and his Partner in the Triumph over the Cimbri , when Marius had told those that interceded for him and begged his life , that he must die , shut himself up in a room , and making a great fire smothered himself . When maimed and headless Carcasses were now frequently thrown ▪ about and trampled upon in the streets , People were not so much moved with compassion at the sight , as struck into a kind of Horrour and consternation . The outrages of those that were called Bardiaei was the greatest grievance imaginable ; for they murthered those that had been their Masters in their own Houses , abused their Children , and ravished their Wives , and were uncontrolable in their Rapine and Murthers , till those of Cinna's and Sertorius's Party taking Counsel together , fell upon them in the Camp , and killed them every man. 76. In the interim , as by a certain turn of Fortune , there came News from all Parts , that Sylla having put an end to the War with Mithridates , and taken possession of the Provinces , was returning into Italy with a great Army . This gave some small respit and intermission to these unspeakable Calamities , when they thought that a War threatned them ; whereupon Marius was chosen Consul the Seventh time , and appearing on the very Calends of January , the beginning of the Year , he threw one Sextus Lucinus from the Tarpejan Precipice , which was no small Omen of approaching miseries both to their Party and the City . Marius himself now worn out with Labour and sinking under the burthen of his Cares , could not bear up his Spirits flagging with the apprehension of a New War , and fresh Encounters and Dangers , which he had by his own experience found formerly very troublesome ▪ He considered too that he was not now to hazard the War with Octavius or Merula , commanding the unexperienced Multitude or seditious Rabble ; but that Sylla himself was approaching , the same who had formerly banished him , and since that driven Mithridates as far as the Euxine Sea. 77. Perplexed with such thoughts as these , and calling to mind his Banishment , the tedious wanderings and dangers he underwent both by Sea and Land , he fell into great Troubles , nocturnal Frights and unquiet Sleep , still fancying that he heard some telling him , That the Den , though of an absent Lion ; is dreadful ; above all things fearing to lie awake , he gave himself over to drinking and sotting at Nights very unagreeable to his Age ; by all means provoking Sleep , as a diversion to his Thoughts . At length there came an express Messenger from the Sea , giving him such an account of Affairs as overcharged him with fresh Cares and Frights ; so that what with his fear for the future , and what with the weight and tediousness of the present , having some small disposition to it , he fell into a Plurisie , as Possidonius the Philosopher relates , who says he went to , and discoursed with him when he was sick , about some business relating to his Embassy . One Cajus Piso an Historian tells us , that Marius walking after Supper with his Friends , when they fell into a discourse about his concerns , and reckoned up the several changes of his Condition , that from the beginning had happ'ned to him , he said , that it did not become a prudent man to trust himself any longer with Fortune ; and thereupon taking leave of those that were with him , he kept his bed seven days , and then died . 78. Some say he very much betrayed his Ambition even in his Sickness , and fell into an extravagant frenzy , fancying himself to be General in the War against Mithridates , acting such postures and motions of his body , as he used when he was in the Battel ; with frequent Shouts and loud Acclamations , with so strong and invincible a desire of being employed in that business as he possessed through his Pride and Emulation . He , though he had now lived threescore and ten Years , and was the first man that ever was chosen seven times Consul , possessed of such a Palace , and so great Riches as were sufficient for many Kings , yet complained of his ill Fortune ; that he must now die before he had attained what he desired . Plato when he saw his death approaching , thanked his God and Fortune ; First , that he was born a man and a Grecian , not a Barbarian or a Brute , and next , that he happ'ned to live in Socrates's Age. And so indeed they say Antipater of Tarsus , in like manner at his death recollecting what prosperity he had enjoyed , did not so much as omit his happy Voyage to Athens ; thus returning to every favour of his indulgent Fortune with the greatest acknowledgments , and retaining it to the very last in his memory , than which Man hath not a more secure Treasure . But on the contrary , Persons foolish and ungrateful to God and Nature , lose the enjoyment of their present prosperity by fansying something better to come ; whereas by Fortune we may be prevented of this , but that can never be taken from us . Yet they reject their present success , as though it did not concern them , and do nothing but dream of future uncertainties ; and in this they have but what they deserve , for till they have by Learning and Education laid a good Foundation for external Superstructures ; in the seeking after and gathering them , they can never satisfie the unlimited desires of their mind . 80. Thus died Marius on the Seventeenth Day of his Seventh Consulship , to the great Joy and content of Rome ; which thereby was in good hopes to be delivered from the Calamity of an Insolent , bloody and fatal Tyranny ; but in a small time they found , that they had only changed their old Master for another young and vigorous ; so much cruelty and salvageness did his Son Marius shew in murthering the Nobility : At the first being esteemed resolute and daring towards his Enemies , he was named the Son of Mars , but afterwards his actions betraying his contrary disposition , he was called the Son of Venus . At last he was besieged by Sylla in Praeneste , where he endeavoured by all means to save his life , but in vain ; for when the City was taken , there being no way of escape , he slew himself . THE LIFE OF LYSANDER . By the Honourable Charles BOYLE of Christ-Church . VOLUME III. LYSANDER . 'T is generally agreed that Aristoclitus Lysander's Father , though he was not immediately ●●●●…ded from royal ancestors , was howev●● ▪ some way , related to the Family of the Heraclidae . Lysander himself was bred up under much hardship , and behav'd himself all along wit●●● due respect to the disciplin● ▪ and manners of his Country . He was 〈◊〉 and above all sort of pleasure , that alone 〈…〉 arose from a sense of honour , 〈…〉 that attends just and generous Actions ; and to indulge this pleasure was very excusable at Sparta , where their yough was fire'd with an early desire of Glory , taught to be dejected under disgrace , and rais'd by commendation . And he that was insensible of these , was look'd upon as one of a mean spirit , and uncapable of aspiring to any thing that 's great or manly . That emulation then and thirst after fame which appear'd in the whole course of Lysander's Life we have no reason to blame him for ; it came from his Country , and education ; but another fault he had which was purely his own ; He paid too servile a deference and more than became a Spartan , to great men ; and where his interest was concern'd , bore the frowns of men in Authority something too patiently . Which however by some is reckon'd no small part of Policy . Aristotle , where he observes that great wits are generally enclin'd to Melancholy ( instancing in Socrates , Plato and Hercules ) says too , that Lysander , though not in his Youth , was in his declining Age subject to it . But that which peculiarly distinguish'd his Character , was the way he had of making poverty sit well upon him , and of keeping his mind steady and untainted under the greatest affluence . For he reserv'd nothing for himself out of all those spoils of Gold and Silver that he brought from the Attick War , but liberally dispers'd 'em among his Country-men , who upon this increase of riches began to value 'em as much as they despis'd 'em before . Another instance of his generous disposition was this , when Dionysius the Tyrant wou'd have presented his Daughters with some Garments of a rich Embroidery , he refus'd 'em , with that handsome excuse , That they were fit only to make unhappy faces more remarkable : But this temper wore off by degrees ; for being sent Embassadour some time after to the same Tyrant who offer'd him the choice of two Vests , I like this best says he , and modestly took both . After a long continuance of the Peloponnesian War , when the Athenians had receiv'd a great blow in Sicily , and were under fearful apprehensions of a total overthrow both by Sea and Land , Alcibiades being recall'd from banishment ▪ manag'd the War with such success that he quickly chang'd the whole scene of Affairs , and after some engagements , made the Athenians equal in naval power to the Lacedaemonians , who now began to be sensible of their dangerous condition , and were resolv'd to exert themselves more vigorously . They knew this design requir'd greater preparations and a bold Commander . After the strictest enquiry they found none of more ability for this service than Lysander . In discharge of this new Office he went to Ephesus , and found that City particularly well inclin'd to him , and withal wholly in the interest of the Lacedaemonians , though at that time in very mean circumstances , and almost over-run with the barbarous Persian customs , by reason of their frequent commerce with 'em , being situated opportunely enough to invite the great Officers of that kingdom often to reside there . This kind reception he met with from the Ephesians engag'd him to pitch his Tents among ' em . He commanded all Victuallers to be brought into their harbour , and built a dock for his capital Ships , and by this means their ports were frequented by Merchants , their exchange was full of business , and their Shops had a plentiful Trade ; so that this City is so far oblig'd to Lysander that it ought to date from that time the hope and rise of the greatness and splendor with which it now flourishes . But hearing that Cyrus was now at Sardis , he went thither chiefly to acquaint him with the treachery of Tissaphernes , who though he had a commission to assist the Lacedaemonians against the Athenians , upon some sollicitation from Alcibiades ( as 't was suspected ) acted remissly , and by neglecting to pay his Soldiers , had occasion'd the ruine of his Fleet. Cyrus was easily perswaded to believe the truth of this accusation , for he had before heard an ill character of Tissaphernes , and was himself particularly disoblig'd by him . Lysander by these means , and the opportunities he had of being familiar with the young Prince , entirely gain'd his affections , and by affable conversation , and due respect , engag'd him strongly on his side . Cyrus to shew how great a kindness he had for Lysander , after he had splendidly entertain'd him , desir'd him to deal freely , and assured him whatsoever he ask'd should be granted . Lysander was so modest as only to ask a small addition to the Sea-men's pay . Cyrus was taken with his generous answer , and made him a present of ten thousand pieces of Silver . Lysander manag'd this to the best advantage , and out of his own stock liberally encreased the Sea-men's pay ; by this encouragement to his Soldiers , in a short time he quite wasted the Enemies fleet , for many of the common Soldiers were glad to go over to that party where the most money was stirring . And those few that staid behind behav'd themselves with a great deal of indifferency to their Officers , and often mutini'd . Though he had thus drain'd and weaken'd his adversaries , he durst not engage 'em , because Alcibiades who was their admiral , had the advantage of him in the number of Ships , and had been better experienc'd , and hitherto more successful in whatever enterprize he undertook either by Sea or Land. Alcibiades having occasion to go from Samos to Phocea , left Antiochus his Vice-Admiral , who to upbraid and provoke Lysander , sail'd to the very mouth of the Harbour at Ephesus , and impudently pass'd by him with a great deal of noise and scorn . Lysander who was too high spirited , not to resent this open affront , with two or three Ships immediately pursu'd him , but when he saw fresh supplies come to the relief of Antiochus , he call'd up more to his assistance , and in a little while the whole Fleet was engag'd . Lysander soon got the better , took fifteen of their Ships , and set up a Trophy . The people of Athens were highly displeas'd at Alcibiades , and turn'd him out of their service , who being now disrespected and slightly spoken of by the Soldiers in Samos , left the Army and withdrew to Peloponnesus . This fight was no farther considerable than as Alcibiades's misfortune made it so . Lysander while he had a little respite , sent a choice number of bold and prudent men to Ephesus , with instructions , to form themselves into Companies , and apply themselves to Policy and business , upon promise that assoon as the Athenians Government was broken , their Democracy shou'd be dissolv'd , and they made Governors in their respective Cities ; by this contrivance , he secretly made way for the Decemviri , and all other innovations which afterwards succeeded in that Common-wealth . For he kept his word with his Friends , and still promoted those that acquitted themselves well in any Office , to higher honours and preferments , and to comply with their covetous humours , was himself or Accomplice in all their injustice and oppression . So every body endeavour'd to ingratiate himself with Lysander ; to Him only people made their Court and application , and promis'd themselves all that was Great or Honourable , while the chief power of the Republick was lodg'd in him . Wherefore assoon as he left 'em they were very uneasie under his Successor Callicratidas , whose Actions indeed show'd him to be Great and Just , yet the people were all along discontented with his Conduct , which favour'd too much of Dorick plainness as they call'd it , that is , true Honesty and Sincerity . 'T is true , they admir'd his virtue as men do the Beauty of some Hero's statue , but their desires all this while were bent upon Lysander , the loss of whose Favour and benevolence they were so sensible of , that some of 'em exprest their Concern with Tears . Nay , he drew off their Affections yet more from Callicratidas , for he sent back to Cyrus the residue of that money he had receiv'd from him for the Soldiers pay , and scornfully said , Let 's see now how you , Callicratidas , can support the Charges of the Army . I have resign'd that Fleet to you which Commands the whole Ocean . This empty and affected vanity , Callicratidas thus handsomely reprov'd . First pass the Athenian Navy at Samos , after that resign me your Command , and then I 'll confess you have deliver'd up to me that Fleet which rides master of the Seas , for till it dares face the Enemy there , it can scarce , I think , claim that Title . No says Lysander , I have done with it now , 't is wholly under your conduct , so he sail'd off for Peloponnesus . Callicratidas was left in great perplexity , for he had brought no money from home with him , neither cou'd he raise any , the People had been too much oppress'd to endure another Tax . The only refuge he had was to beg Supplies , as Lysander had done , from some foreign Prince . And he was the most unqualified of any man for this employ , for he was of so Noble and generous a Spirit , that he cou'd sooner brook Slavery under a Grecian Enemy , than bring himself to flatter and caress a Barbarian , who had nothing to value himself upon but his Gold. However necessity forc'd him to Lydia , and when he came to Cyrus his Palace , he bid one of the attendants tell him , Callicratidas was come to wait upon him . The Servant reply'd , The King is not at leisure now , he 's drinking . Well , says Callicratidas , ( without any design of an Affront ) I 'll stay till he has done . The Lydians upon this answer took him for some ill bred Clown . So when he saw himself laugh'd at , and slighted by the Barbarians he withdrew a while , but upon his return not gaining admission , he resented it so highly , that he went immediately to Ephesus , reflecting with indignation upon those mean wretches , that first cring'd to Barbarians , and encourag'd 'em to be proud , only because they were rich ; he farther protested to some of his Friends , that assoon as he arriv'd at Sparta , he wou'd make it his business to reconcile the differences among the Greeks , and unite 'em against the Barbarians , or at least perswade 'em so far , as never to accept assistance from their hands against one another . These resolutions indeed were worthy of Callicratidas , whose virtue and bravery were not inferiour to the greatest of the Lacedaemonians , but he was unhappily taken off , after he had lost the victory at Arginusa , before he cou'd put 'em in execution . The prospect of affairs looking now very dismally , the Confederates sent an Ambassy to Sparta to desire that Lysander might be chose Admiral , expressing very earnestly the great confidence they had of success under his Conduct . Cyrus too dispatch'd Letters thither to the same effect . Now there was a Law among the Lacedaemonians that oblig'd 'em never to conferr that command twice upon the same person , yet they were desirous to gratifie their Allies ; so they gave one Acacus the Title , but Him the power . This news was receiv'd with great satisfaction by the chief Magistrates of the Republique . For he had long since rais'd their expectations , and given 'em hopes , that the Democracy shou'd soon be put down , and the whole Government devolve upon them . Whoever takes an impartial view of these two Generals , will find in Callicratidas an open and sincere carriage , in Lysander craft and cunning , for he ow'd most of his success in War to some under-hand trick , and never scrupl'd to preferr Interest to Honesty ; he thought nature had fix'd no difference between truth and falshood , and so made advantage the measure of both . When he was told , 't was below the character of one descended from Hercules , to relie upon Stratagems in War , he turn'd it off with a Jest , and said , When the Lions strength fails , we must take in the Fox's subtilty . He gave a remarkable instance of his disposition this way at Miletus . For when his Friends whom he had promis'd to help in subverting the present Government , had chang'd their Opinions , and sided with the contrary party , he pretended openly to be much pleas'd with their proceedings , and to desire a reconciliation , but secretly thus contriv'd their ruine . First he provok'd 'em to set upon the multitude , and assoon as they had rais'd a tumult he himself came up to the head of 'em , and in the ears of the common people gave 'em a severe reprimand , but privately fomented the disturbance , and assur'd 'em of his assistance . This treacherous management of his encourag'd the Rebels to stay in the City where they were all kill'd just as he had design'd . Androclides takes notice that this deceitful temper ran through the whole course of his Life ; for he says , he cheated Children with foul play , and men with perjury , and all along follow'd the example of Polycrates . Though 't is inexcusable in a General to imitate a Tyrant , and very disagreable to the character of a Spartan to use his Gods more contemptibly than he does his Enemies , for he that over-reaches his Adversary by a false Oath , declares he fears Him , and despises the Gods. Without any farther reflection upon Lysander's vices , let us return to his Conduct . We left the Fleet under his Command , yet he thought he had too few Ships , to encounter the Enemy with , and too many to lie still , so he cruis'd about some neighbouring Islands , and surpriz'd Aegina , and Salamis , from whence he steer'd his course to Attica , where he waited upon Agis , and with great Ostentation , as if he had been Master of the Seas , drew out his Fleet before him , but hearing that the Athenians pursu'd him , he made off , not without some confusion , towards Asia , and finding the Hellespont open without any guard , he attack'd Lampsacus by Sea , whilst Thorax at the same time besieg'd it by Land , and assoon as the Town was storm'd , he gave his Soldiers the plunder of it . In the mean while the Athenian Fleet consisting of an hundred and eighty Sail , were going for Elis , but having intelligence that Lampsacus was taken , they alter'd their measures and put in at Sestos , whence after they had taken in Provisions , they went to the River Egus , where they were just opposite to the Enemy , which was still cruising about Lampsacus . Amongst the Athenian Commanders Philocles was one , the same that formerly stir'd up the common People to a Rebellion , and mov'd once in Council to cut off the right Thumb of every Captive , that they might be disabled from managing any Weapon , and yet be serviceable to 'em in handling the Oar. The two navies now were in sight of one another , and every body expected an Engagement the next morning ; but Lysander had quite other designs ; he commanded all the Seamen on board , as if they were to fight by break of day , and gave 'em a strict charge to be in readiness upon the first sign ; he gave the same orders to the Infantry who lay upon the shore : About Sun-rising the Athenian Fleet drew up in a line directly before the Lacedaemonians , and gave the challenge , but Lysander wou'd not accept it , however he heart'ned his men , bid every one keep his post and be silent . So the Athenians at evening were forc'd to retire , and the same game was play'd over for three or four days together . Upon this news Alcibiades came up to 'em out of Peloponnesus , and finding some fault with the situation of the Camp , and the ill management of some things relating to the Fleet , met with a scornful rebuke from Tydeus that sent him back again . When he was gone they offer'd Battle as they had done several times to no purpose ; Lysander , when he saw 'em returning with disdain and ( as they thought ) security to their Harbours , dispatch'd some few light Vessels to observe their motion , and bid the Captains , row back assoon as ever they saw the Athenians Land , and lift up the Golden Shield from the fore deck , upon which sign he 'd immediately make up to ' em . Afterwards he gave ▪ orders to the Officers in the Fleet diligently to look after the Soldiers and Mariners , and take care they shou'd be all ready to run in briskly upon the Enemy , at the first sight of the Shield . By that time he had given his instructions , the sign immediately appear'd , and the Trumpet from the Admiral sounded to Battel , the Ships set sail , and the Land men marched up along the shore to the promontory . The distance between the two continents was fifteen Furlongs , but the Sea-men were so eager and industrious , that they soon reach'd the opposite shore ; yet Conon the chief Captain of the Athenians had descry'd 'em , and made what haste he cou'd , to get his Soldiers on board ; some he commanded , some he perswaded , and others he forc'd into the Ships ; but all his endeavours were in vain , his men , not in the least suspecting any surprize , were dispers'd ; one party was walking in the Fields , another slept in their Tents , a third was gone to Market . So Conon when the noise and Cries of the Lacedaemonians drew very near him , made his escape with eight Ships to Evagoras King of Cyprus . The Peloponnesians fell upon those that remain'd , and either took or disabled 'em all . Those Soldiers that came to the relief of the navy were slain in the attempt , those that thought to make their escape by flight , were pursu'd and taken . Lysander took three thousand Prisoners with their Commanders , and seiz'd the whole Fleet , except those few Ships that convey'd Conon to Evagoras . Thus after he had compleated this famous Victory by his own Counsel and Conduct , and in so little a time , with such unexpected success , put an end to that War which had been so long depending , and in which more Grecians lost their Lives , than in all the former ones , he return'd in Triumph to Lampsacus . This Action was so surprizing that 't was thought a particular Providence was concern'd in it . Some say Castor and Pollux plac'd themselves on each side Lysander's Ship , and attended this affair with extraordinary influence . Others fansi'd a stone , that seem'd to fall from Heaven , to be an Omen of this overthrow . 'T was of a vast bigness , and fell by the River Egus . The Peloponnesians esteem it very much , and show it among their Curiosities to this day . Theophrastus tells us that Lysander , when the three Thousand Athenians which he took prisoners were condemned by the Council , call'd Philocles and asked him What punishment he thought that man deserv'd , who advis'd the Citizens to proceed so severely against the Grecians ? Philocles not at all daunted in his Adversity , reply'd , You are no judge in this Case , but do you use your Prisoners as I wou'd have us'd you , if you had been mine . After this bold answer , with all gayety and cheerfulness he led on his Country-men , as if he had been going rather to a Triumph , than his Execution . When this Tragedy was over , Lysander visited all the neighbouring Cities , and Commanded all the Athenians he found , upon pain of death , to repair to Athens . His design was this , That the City being thus throng'd might soon be reduc'd to Famine , and glad to surrender upon discretion , as soon as he open'd the Siege . Where-ever he came , he chang'd the present Government of the place , and put in a Lacedaemonian as Chief with ten other Assistants . Thus he dealt not only with his Enemies , but his Allies , and by this means had in a manner engross'd to himself the whole Empire of Greece . He did not employ the Nobility or the wealthy Citizens in any part of the Government , but put it into the hands either of private Friends , or strangers , and entrusted 'em with full power of Life and Death . Many were executed whilst he was present , and whoever exprest any dislike of his Friends proceedings were sure to meet with very hard usage . This management gave the Greeks an ill Opinion of the Lacedaemonian Government . From hence Theopompus took occasion by way of drollery to compare the Lacedaemonians with Vint'ners , who whilst they pretend to entertain us with sweet Wine give it a dash of Vinegar ; for though Lysander openly profess'd he allow'd 'em all their Freedom and privileges , yet he oppress'd 'em so much by his Ambitious and Tyrannical Officers that no Slavery cou'd be more uneasie to 'em than what he call'd Liberty . Having settled Affairs here according to his mind , and dispatch'd Messengers to tell the Lacedaemonians , that he shou'd return to them with two hundred Sail in a very short time , he appear'd before Attica , with such assurance , as if he thought of nothing less than the immediate surrender of the City . But when he found the Athenians made a vigorous defence beyond his expectation , he retreated into Asia , and made the same alteration in other Cities as he had done in those we mentioned before ▪ putting some to death who did not submit to his Tyranny , and forcing others to quit their Country . He utterly routed the Samians , and gave Fugitives the possession of their Cities . He us'd the same Barbarity to the Inhabitants of Sestos , which was then in the hands of the Athenians , and divided it among his Sea-men . The Lacedaemonians themselves were displeas'd at these inhumane proceedings , though against their Enemies , and re-establish'd the Sestians . The Greecians were well satisfi'd with Lysander's Conduct , for by his means the Aeginites were restor'd to their own Cities , of which the Athenians had injustly possess'd themselves . By this time Lysander had intelligence that there was a Famine in Athens , upon which he sail'd to the Piraeum , and had no sooner began his siege , but the City surrendred , submitting to whatever Terms he demanded . 'T is reported among the Lacedaemonians , that Lysander wrote to the Magistrates thus , Athens is taken : To which they return'd this Answer in the same way ; You say 't is taken , we are satisfi'd . But this was recorded rather as Laconick than true , for they commanded him to observe these orders . They run thus : Know this is the decree of the Lacedaemonians ; Pull down the Piraeum , and the long Wall ; Divide their Lands among the neighbouring Cities ; Allow 'em what 's necessary , and set the Captives at liberty . When you have perform'd this , enjoy that peace which you have so well deserv'd : As for the number of Ships , use your own discretion in that matter . When these orders came to the Athenians , they took Theramenes his advice thereupon , whom Cleomenes one of the young Councellors ask'd , why he acted contrary to the intention of Themistocles , and gave those Walls into the hands of the Lacedaemonians , which he built in defiance of ' em . Youth , says he , I have my eye upon Themistocles his design . He rais'd these Walls for the preservation of the City , and I for the very same reason wou'd have 'em destroy'd ; and if Walls only secure a City , Sparta which has none is in a very ill condition . Lysander as soon as the Ships and Fortifications of the Athenians were deliver'd into his hands , attempted the same alteration among them , as he had made in the other parts of Greece , but finding 'em more stubborn than he expected , he complain'd to the Lacedaemonians , that their orders were not observ'd by the Athenians , that the Walls were yet standing , after the time fix'd for their pulling down was expir'd , and now since they had broke their first Articles , he declar'd he wou'd not enter into new conditions with ' em . Some say he mov'd in Council that they might be reduc'd to Slavery , when at the same time Erianthus the Theban propos'd wholly to destroy the City , and leave the Country desolate ; but a little afterwards at an entertainment of the Captains , one of 'em repeated some verses out of Eurypides's Electra : They begun thus , Electra , O unhappy Queen , Whither wou'd you fly ! return ; Your absence the forsaken Groves And desert Palace seem to mourn . This struck 'em , and , gave 'em occasion to reflect , how barbarous 't wou'd appear to lay that City in ruine , which had been renown'd for the birth and education of so many famous men . However Lysander , the Athenians entirely submitting to him , call'd a great consort of Musick , both out of the City and Camp , and whilst he pull'd down the Walls and burn'd the Ships , his associates dancing and Crown'd with Garlands , express'd as much joy , as if the end of other men's happiness , had been the beginning of their own . After this , according to his usual way of dealing with Conquer'd People , he alter'd their Government , appointed thirty Rulers over the City , and ten over the Piraeum , plac'd a strong Garrison in the Tower , and made Callibius a Spartan the Governour , who upon some slight occasion offer'd to strike Autolycus ( a famous wrestler , the same whom Xenophon mentions in his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) but the young Gentleman avoided the blow , and gave Callibius a fall . Lysander , though this reflected upon one of his Officers , seem'd not to be much disturb'd at it , he only mildly reprimanded Autolycus , and told him Callibius was unacquainted with the Athenian Polity , and did not know the distinction of his quality : But soon after the Governours to ingratiate themselves with Callibius , kill'd Autolycus . Lysander when he had settled his Affairs , sail'd to Thrace . All the money and presents which he had receiv'd ( and in all probability a man in his station must have receiv'd many ) he sent to Lacedaemon by Gulippus , whom he had made Captain over the Troops in Sicily . This Gulippus ripp'd up every bag , and when he had taken out of each as much as he thought fit , sow'd 'em up again ; but this was not manag'd so cunningly as he imagin'd , for in every bag it seems there was a bill that gave a particular account of its summ , so that when he came to Sparta , having first secur'd , as he thought , under the tiles of his House what he had taken for his own use , he deliver'd up his charge to the Magistrates , and with a good assurance show'd 'em the Seals as a mark of his fidelity . But when they examin'd the money and found it fall short of the Accounts express'd in the Bills , not suspecting any cheat in the Messenger they were something surpriz'd at the difference , till Gulippus his Servant betray'd the Secret , and told 'em by way of Riddle , That he had observ'd a great many Owls lodg'd under his Masters tiles : Now the Athenian money being generally stamp'd with the image of an Owl , this Mystery was quicly understood , and Gulippus having stain'd his former reputation with this mean action , was asham'd to appear any more at Lacedaemon . Some of the wisest among the Spartans , probably upon this occasion , being sensible what an ill influence money had over most mens manners , and how easily the best were corrupted by it , were very warm in their reflections upon Lysander , and earnestly press'd the Magistrates to send away all their treasure of Gold and Silver . This debate was referr'd to a Council , where as Theopompus says Scirophidas , as Ephorus will have it , Phlogidas , openly declar'd against receiving Gold or Silver into the City , and mov'd that no money might be us'd amongst 'em , but their own , which was Iron dip'd in Vinegar whilst it was Red-hot , to make it hard and unpliable , that it might not easily be cover'd with Counterfeit Brass , this Coin of theirs made in the fashion of a Pyramid , was heavy , and that which was much in weight , was but little in value , so that 't was very troublesome to carry any considerable Summ. This party that Voted against keeping the money was over-power'd by Lysander's Friends , and at last 't was decreed that it shou'd be employ'd upon Publick Occasions , and that it shou'd be a Capital Crime to convert any of it to Private uses ; But this did not at all answer Lycurgus his design , who by a scarcity of money intended to prevent Covetousness which is generally the ill Consequence of Riches ; now this was not so much prevented by forbidding the use of money in Private , as 't was encourag'd by allowing it in Publick , and it cou'd not be imagin'd that People who manag'd wealth to so General an Advantage of the Republick , shou●d think it of no concern to themselves ; nay 't is much more reasonable to conclude that the common Custom of a Nation shou'd influence particular men , than that the whole Nation shou'd be corrupted by the Actions of some few , who upon any misdemeanor may be call'd to account , and reduc'd to a better sense of their duty , by sound Laws and strict Discipline . So that the order of State which we just now mentioned , was of no benefit to the Commonwealth , for though the fear of punishment was a pretty secure Guard upon men , not to hazard their Lives in Treasuring up money , yet the prohibition only heighten'd their desires , and if their Actions did not break out , at last their affections were tainted . But I shall say no more of this matter here , because I have reflected upon it in another place . Lysander , as we observ'd before , being much enrich'd with plunder and presents , rais'd his own and several of the chief Commanders statues in Brass at Delphos , and represented in Gold the Constellations of Castor , and Pollux , which had shone so favourably upon him at the Battel of Leuctra . The great Ship that Cyrus sent him when he congratualted him upon his Victory , he plac'd in the Treasury of Brasidas , and the Acanthians , and Alexandrides in his History names a very considerable Summ left there by Lysander . But this account is not agreeable to the latter circumstances of his Life . It must be own'd that never any Lacedaemonian General had so absolute an Authority as Lysander , yet his Pride and Haughtiness of Spirit still carried him beyond it , insomuch that Douris says the Grecians rais'd Altars to his Honour and sacrificed to him as a God. He was the first that was complimented with Songs of Triumph ; one of which begun thus , To the brave Leader of our Bands , Begin the Song , which Gods inspire ; With Tuneful Voice , and Artful Hands : Io Paean ! touch the Lyre ! And the Samians decreed that the Feasts which were Celebrated in the Honour of Juno , shou'd now be transferr'd to Lysander . Chaerilus a Poet was always one of his retinue and ready upon all occasions to Celebrate his Actions . Antilochus presenting him with a Panegyrick which he was much pleas'd with , was very splendidly rewarded . There was a great emulation between Antimachus of Colophon and Niceratus of Heraclea , who shou'd write the best Poem in Lysander's Praise . The Lawrel was given to Niceratus , which Antimachus taking ill , suppress'd his Verses . Plato who was then a young Man , and an admirer of Antimachus his Poetry , desir'd him to bear this little misfortune with more Courage , telling him that ignorance affects only those that are ignorant , as Blindness hurts those alone that are Blind , and that this affront was not so much his own unhappiness , as theirs who were not able to judge of his excellencies . Aristonous the Musician who had six times won the prize of the Pythian games , openly declar'd , that if ever he had the fortune to be conquerour once more , he 'd employ all his art in Lysander's praises . Lysander's Haughtiness and Ambition was alike uneasie to his Superiours and his equals ; he had so many Creatures follow'd him , that he look'd upon every Body with careless disdain , and was so regardless of other peoples Opinions , that he made his own humour the measure of all his Actions ; to his Friends and those strangers that humbly attended him , and sided with his party , he was too liberally grateful , and rewarded their services with unlimited Commissions to govern Cities as absolutely as they pleas'd : But an Enemy seldom escap'd his revenge , and that was never satisfi'd but with the death of the Offender . To compass this he stuck at nothing that was base or treacherous , as 't is plain from his dealing with the Milesians . They had appear'd too forward in maintaining the right of the people , and when they found their designs discover'd , he was afraid they might secure themselves by flight , to prevent this he solemnly swore not a man of them should suffer ; Upon this they were all so credulous as to relie upon his word , nay many who upon apprehension of punishment had before absconded , appear'd abroad again , so when he had got 'em all in his power , he order'd 800 of 'em to be slain at one execution . In every City he exercis'd cruelties of this nature , and no man cou'd be safe who was suspected of any inclinations to popular Government . He did not only sacrifice men to his own private caprices , but with the same barbarity gratifi'd either the malice or Covetousness of his Friends . From whence Eteocles his saying became famous ; that Greece cou'd never bear two Lysanders . Theophrastus says that Archistratus appli'd the same thing to Alcibiades . Pharnabazus after he had been plundred and very ill us'd by him , sent informers against him to Sparta . The Magistrates took this complaint into Consideration , and put some of his Friends to death , amongst which was his Fellow-Captain Thorax , who against the late Law was found with Silver in his possession ; neither did they stop here in punishing his accomplices , but commanded him home by their Scytale . The nature and use of which was this . When the Magistrates gave their Commission to any Admiral or General , they took two round pieces of Wood both eactly equal in breadth and thickness , one they kept themselves , the other was deliver'd to their Officer , so when they had any thing of moment which they wou'd secretly convey to him ; they cut a long narrow scrowl of Parchment , and rowling it about their own staff one fold close upon another , they wrote their business on it , when they had wrote what they had to say , they took off the Parchment and sent it to the General , he appli'd it to his own staff , which being just like that of the Magistrates , the folds fell in with one another , exactly as they did at the writing , and the Characters , which , before 't was wrapt up , were confusedly disjoin'd , and altogether unintelligible , appear'd now very plainly . Lysander was startled at the Scytale , and being conscious how ill he had us'd Pharnabazus , thought this message was chiefly upon his Account , so he took all the care imaginable to have a speedy conference with him , and hop'd by a little discourse to compose all differences between ' em . When they met , he desir'd him to give another information to the Senate , and to contradict what his Messengers had told 'em before . Pharnabazus seem'd to comply with these proposals , but , as 't is in the Proverb , Put the cheat upon the deceiver ; for he wrote a Letter in Lysander's Presence according to his directions , but had contriv'd to have another by him , which was to a quite contrary effect ; so when they came to Seal the Letter , he put that upon him which he had writ under-hand ; Lysander return'd boldly to Lacedaemon , and attending the Magistrates , as 't is their Custom , at the Palace , he deliver'd Pharnabazus his Letter to 'em , which he was pretty confidently assur'd , wou'd take off his greatest Accusation , for he knew Pharnabazus was much valu'd by the Lacedaemonians , as being an expert Soldier and a favourite of Artaxerxes . The Magistrates read the Letter , and show'd it Lysander , he was much surpriz'd to meet with what he had not in the least suspected , and in great confusion left the Palace . Some days after when he was amongst the Governors , he told 'em he was oblig'd to go to Ammon's Temple , and pay that Sacrifice which he had Vow'd to him before the Battel , and 't is indeed reported that Ammon appear'd to him in a Dream , when he besieg'd the Aphygaeans , upon which as the God had directed he rais'd the Siege , and bid the Aphygaeans Sacrifice to Ammon : But 't is generally believ'd that this was only a pretence , and that the true occasion of his retiring was a suspicion that the Magistrates wou'd call him to an Account , for having Rul'd so long without controul ; his haughty Spirit cou'd not brook Submission to any Body , like an Horse that after he had been free a great while and rang'd in open Pasture , is very unwilling to be confin'd again to the Stable , and submit to the manage of his Rider . Ephorus gives another Account of his retiring , which I shall mention by and by . Whatever the occasion was , he found it very difficult to get the Magistrates leave , and when with much ado they had given their consent to his Voyage , considering that most of their Cities were in the possession of his Friends , that he consequently must needs have a great sway among 'em , and be likely to be receiv'd by 'em with all the respect due to their great Commander and Patron , they took particular care to dispossess 'em and put the Government into other hands . This Revolution rais'd every where new disturbances , and first of all the Athenians attempted to seize upon their thirty Governors , but Lysander happen'd to come very opportunely to their relief , and perswaded the Lacedaemonians to join with the Rulers against the People , they did not only grant him this , but presented the Governors too with an hundred Talents , and chose him their Captain : Some of the Chief of the the Athenians were jealous of Lysander , and fearing least he shou'd take the City again , resolv'd one of 'em shou'd be deputed to discourse with him . Pausanias was the man. When he came to Lysander , he pretended he had been a great Friend to the Tyrants against the People , but his design was to break off the War , least Lysander shou'd again make himself Master of Athens . This design he compass'd very easily , for he reconcil'd the Athenians , and compos'd the Tumults , and so put a stop to Lysander's Ambition . However the Athenians made another insurrection , but Pausanias made a plausible excuse for it , and said that 't was no strange thing to see People that were just free from their usual discipline , and left more to their own liberty , break out into insolent Affronts ; withal he gave Lysander the commendation of a generous man , who never employ'd his Arms either for the gratification of Friends or his own fame , but purely for the Glory of Sparta . Thus he preserv'd the City a second time from Lysander's Tyranny . Lysander's Courage and Spirit appear'd in his expressions , no less than it did in his Actions . Once when the Argives contended about their bounds , and thought they cou'd make a better Plea than the Lacedaemonians , he held out his Sword , and said , He that 's Master of this will best make out his Title . A Megarean using more freedom than ordinary with him , met with this reprimand , By your discourse , Sir , a man may guess you are a stranger at Court. When the Boeotians stood wavering whether they shou'd engage on his side , or his Enemies , he told 'em they must fix their resolutions , he wou'd be with 'em speedily , and bad 'em consider whether they had rather be visited in a Friendly or hostile manner . After the Corinthians had revolted , and the Lacedaemonians seem'd backward in their Assault , an Hare by chance leaping over the Ditch , Are ye not asham'd , said he , to fear those Enemies , whose laziness is such that the Hares sleep under their very Walls ? After Agis his death , Agesilaus his Brother , and Leotychides his suppos'd Son , were the only pretenders to the Crown , Lysander who was Agesilaus his particular Friend , perswaded him to claim his Right to the Kingdom , as being legitimately descended from Hercules , for 't was very much suspected that Leotychides was Alcibiades his Son , who had been observ'd to be familiar with Agis his Wife Timaia , all the time he was a fugitive in Sparta , and Agis computing the time , concluded that he himself cou'd not be the Father , so openly disown'd him and neglected him as a Bastard ; yet afterwards when he fell sick and was carri'd to Herea , by the importunity of the Youth himself , and his Friends , just before he died he declar'd before many witnesses that Leotychides was his lawful Son , and desired them to testify these his last words to the Lacedaemonians ; which accordingly they did . Every body respected Agesilaus as a very deserving man , and his acquaintance with Lysander was a farther recommendation of him , but he was abus'd by Diopithes a great dealer in Prophecies , who apply'd this Speech of the Oracle to Agesilaus his lameness . Proud as thou art , Sparta , beware How thou obeyest a limping Heir ! War and discord without end , Shall on that luckless Hour attend ; Every Labor , every Fate , That can waste , or sink a state . Many believ'd the interpretation , and began to favour Leotychides his party . But Lysander said that Diopithes had mistook the sence of the Oracle , that 't was not meant the Lacedaemonians would be unhappy under a lame King , but that they 'd be a lame people if they suffer'd the posterity of Hercules to be govern'd by illegitimate princes . Having thus put a plausible construction upon the words of the Oracle , and being otherwise one that had got a great interest among the People he prevail'd with 'em to make choice of Agesilaus ; As soon as he was setled in his Kingdom , Lysander press'd him very earnestly to make War upon Asia , putting him in hopes of raising to himself a great reputation by the Conquest of Persia ; to further this design he writ to his Friends in Asia , and desir'd 'em they wou'd Petition Agesilaus to accept the Command of their Forces against the Barbarians . They comply'd with his request , and sent Ambassadours to Lacedaemon for that purpose . Agesilaus thought himself no less oblig'd to Lysander for this favour , than he had been before for his Kingdom . But ambitious Spirits however otherwise qualifi'd for Government , are hindred in their way to Glory by that Envy which they generally bear to their equals , and so make them the chief opposers whom they might make the greatest promoters of their Heroick Actions . Thus Agesilaus at first chose Lysander for his particular Favourite , made him one of his Cabinet Council , and consulted him upon all Affairs of moment , but when they came into Asia , having little acquaintance there , the People seldom addrest themselves to him but made their greatest Court to Lysander , some upon the account of a former familiarity and Friendship , others out of a servile Compliance . Thus as it often happens in Plays , a chief Actor represents one of a mean Character , yet is much taken notice of , while he that personates the King has but a small part , and is little regarded by the Spectators ; so here the Councellour had all that was really valuable in Government , and left the King only the empty name of Power . Indeed both of 'em ought to have moderated their Ambition , Lysander was too forward in accepting those honours which ought first to have been paid Agesilaus : On the other side Agesilaus did ill , so unhandsomely to discard a Friend that he had been so much oblig'd to . For first of all he never gave him any opportunity of appearing with reputation , never put him in any post of Command ; besides whoever he engag'd for , was sure to miscarry , and to be thought Lysander's Friend was fault enough to deserve the King's displeasure . Lysander was so unsuccessful in every thing he undertook , and found so often that what he design'd as a kindness was prejudicial to his Friends , that he desir'd 'em to forbear their addresses , and take no publick notice of him , that they shou'd either speak to the King himself , or to those Favourites who had more interest than he at present to preferr ' em . Upon this many gave him no farther trouble with their concerns , but still continu'd their respects to him , and waited upon him in all places of publick entertainment . This griev'd Agesilaus yet more , when he saw all his endeavours to call off the Peoples Affections from Lysander were in vain : So to show his resentment , when he made new Officers in his Army , and Governours of Cities , he affronted Lysander so far as to make him overseer of his House-provisions , and then by way of derision bid the Ionians , go and pay their complements to his Caterer . Lysander cou'd brook this usage no longer , and resolv'd freely to tell the King his mind . Their discourse was very short and Laconick . Agesilaus , says Lysander , you know very well how to despise your Friends ; Yes , says he , when they affect to be greater than my self , and 't is just they shou'd have the greatest share in my power who most endeavour to promote it . Lysander reply'd very modestly , Sir , this is rather what you please to say , than what I ever did . I beg of you , since our Enemies have an eye upon our carriage to one another in hopes to make advantage of it , let me serve you in some Office where I may be least suspected , and most useful to you . This favour was granted him , and he was sent Ambassador to the Hellespont , and though he did bear some secret grudge to the King , yet that did not hinder him from a very faithful discharge of his duty . He perswaded Mithridates the Persian who had fallen out with Pharnabazus to revolt with all the Army under his Command , and brought him over to Agesilaus : However he was not employ'd upon any other service , but return'd in disgrace to Sparta , not only highly incens'd against Agesilaus in particular , but displeas'd more than ever with the whole frame of the Government . Things had been a great while ripe for change , and People were ready to break into Rebellion ; he resolv'd therefore not to miss the opportunity but set it on foot assoon as possible . His stratagem was this . Some of the Heraclidae who came into Peloponnesus and mix'd with the Dorians , were now grown very numerous and powerful in Sparta . But two Families only cou'd claim any right to succession in the Kingdom ; those were the Eurytiontidae and the Agiadae , others had no privilege in the Commonwealth by the Nobleness of their Birth , but those who cou'd plead most merit had the best Titles to the common Rewards of Vertue . Lysander was one of these , and when he had gain'd a great Reputation by his Actions , many Friends , and much Power , he was uneasy to see that City which ow'd its encrease chiefly to him , rul'd by others no better descended than himself . So he contriv'd to alter the settlement which confin'd the Government to two Families , and gave all the Heraclidae an equal right to it ; nay some say not the Heraclidae only , but all the Spartans , and make it a reward not so much of Hercules his posterity , as of those who bravely imitated that valour which gave him a place among the Gods. He had great hopes that when the Kingdom was thus to be dispos'd of , no Spartan cou'd appear with those advantages that he cou'd . Upon which prospect first he endeavour'd to insinuate the reasonableness of this change into private People , and afterwards to the same purpose spoke an Oration which Cleon of Halicarnassus had made for him . But perceiving that this new project was very extraordinary , and not to be brought about by common means , as in Tragedies , when any thing of great importance is to be resolv'd , the assistance of some God is made use of , so he to promote his designs with more colour of Authority counterfeited answers from Delphos , presuming he shou'd terrifie those by Apollo's Oracles whom he cou'd not perswade by Cleon's Eloquence . Ephorus says that after he had in vain endeavour'd to pervert the Pythian Oracle , and as unsuccessfully sent Pericles to corrupt Dodona , he went himself to Ammon , and profer'd the Priests prodigious Summs of Gold , who with great indignation rejected his Bribes and sent people to accuse him at Sparta . Where he met with such favourable Judges that he was easily clear'd from their impeachments , upon which the Libyans took their leave of the Spartans in this manner , When you come to live among us in Africa you 'll find us more impartial Judges . Now there was an ancient Prophecy which foretold that the Lacedaemonians shou'd some time or other inhabit Africa . Lysander's designs in this matter were very subtile and intricate , and manag'd by very great Politicians , so in order to clear the whole intrigue we must trace it as we do a Mathematical demonstration , up to its first principles ; I shall therefore at large explain it as 't is related by a certain Historian and Philosopher . There was a Woman in Pontus who was said to conceive by Apollo , many with a great deal of reason suspected it , others were so credulous as to believe it . After she was deliver'd of a Boy many People took peculiar care of its education , and for some reason or other gave it the Name of Silenus . Lysander taking hold of this , made it the Ground of his whole stratagem , and chose such confidents to assist him in it , whose Character might bring the story into reputation without the least suspicion of forgery . To make the best advantage of this they spread abroad another story , that there were very ancient Oracles closely conceal'd in the custody of the Priests , and 't was upon record that they were not to be profan'd by vulgar hands , neither was it lawful for any man to read 'em , till in some future Age one shou'd arise who shou'd manifestly prove himself the Son of Apollo , and challenge to himself the Interpretation of these Mysteries . When the credit of this report was well established among the People , Silenus was to come and demand the prerogative of his Birth . The Priests who were Confederates in this Plot , were strictly to examine into every circumstance and particular of his Nativity , and afterwards being fully convinc'd that he was the true Son of Apollo , were to deliver up their charge to him : who when he publickly open'd the Oracles before the People , was to declare several things concerning the Government , among which he was to tell 'em 't wou'd be more for their honour and interest to break the present succession , and choose their Kings out of the most deserving men in the Commonwealth . But when Silenus was grown up and every thing ready for Action , the whole business miscarri'd by the Cowardice of one that was an agent in it , whose heart failed him just at the time of Execution . However nothing of this was discover'd while Lysander liv'd , for he died , before Agesilaus return'd from Asia , in the Baeotian , or as some say the Grecian , War. For 't is reported both ways . Some say he himself was the occasion of his death , others blame the Thebans for it , others accuse both . To the Thebans 'tis objected that they us'd the Sacrifice so irreverently , as to scatter it in pieces on the Ground ; that suffering themselves to be corrupted by the King about Androclides and Amphitheus , they engag'd the Lacedaemonians in the Grecian War , that they set upon the Phocians and laid waste their Country . They say too Lysander took it ill , that they alone , when the rest of the Confederates were content , pretended to the privilege of assuming to themselves the tenth part of the spoils ; and that they complain'd of his sending money to Sparta . But he was most of all displeas'd , because they made way for the Athenians to free themselves from the Tyranny of that Government which he had establish'd among ' em . To terrifie the Athenians from this revolt , the Lacedaemonians decreed that those who fled out of Athens shou'd be apprehended where-ever they shou'd be found , and that those who endeavour'd to rescue 'em shou'd be treated as Enemies to the Government . The Thebans gave out a counter order which was generous and becoming the posterity of Hercules , and Bacchus , that every House and City in Baeotia shou'd be open and free for any Athenian that desir'd protection , and that whoever did not assist a fugitive that was in danger of being seiz'd , shou'd be fin'd a Talent , besides if any one shou'd march Arm'd through Baeotia to the Relief of the Athenians , he shou'd find a safe passage without being taken notice of . Neither did they stop here , for as their decree was hospitable and friendly , so their Actions were agreeable to it . For Thrasibulus with several other fugitives was so far aided by them secretly , with Money , and Arms , that he made an assault upon the Phile , and possess'd himself of it . Lysander cou'd not but resent these affronts , which the Thebans had so openly offer'd both to him and the Lacedaemonians . His Anger grew very fierce , and was encreas'd by a Splenetick humour which he was troubled with in his old Age. This urg'd him to importune the Magistrates to employ him once more in their Service , so he march'd out with the Army under his Command , and Pausanias follow'd him with another . Pausanias went round by Cythaeron with a design to invade Baeotia ; Lysander pass'd through Phocis in order to meet him . As he march'd along he took by surrender the City of the Orchomenians , and laid waste Lebadia . From whence he sent Letters to Pausanias that he shou'd remove from Platea , and make haste to join Forces with him at Haliartus , where he himself wou'd certainly meet him by break of day . These Letters fell into the hands of the Enemies Spies , and were brought to the Thebans . Upon the opening of 'em they entrusted their City with the Athenians , and they sallying out at the first Watch arriv'd at Haliartus , and put part of their Forces into the City a little before Lysander came . Lysander had at first resolv'd to pitch his Tents upon the side of an Hill , and wait for Pausanias , but day drawing on he grew impatient , and led his Soldiers out in a direct line along the Road to the Walls of the City . There is a Fountain call'd Cisseusa in which they say Bacchus was wash'd immediately after his birth , for the Water is like Wine , of a bright Colour , and a pleasant taste , not far off grows the Cretian Storax , by which the Haliartians guess Radamanthus dwelt there , and the rather because his Sepulchre too , which they call Alea , is seen in this place . The monument of Alcmena is hard by , where they pretend she was buri'd , when after Amphitryo's death she marri'd Radamanthus . 'T was here about on the left side of Haliartus , that those Thebans who had not entred the City were plac'd , from whence with great fierceness they fell upon the Enemies Rear . In the mean time those within the City putting themselves into one body with the Haliartians kept their order in quiet . But assoon as Lysander appear'd with his Van-Guard before the Gates , they rush'd out , killed him and one of his Priests , with some few more , for the greater part made their escape to the main Army , but the Thebans pursu'd 'em so closely that they all soon dispers'd and fled to the Hills . A Thousand of them were kill'd in this pursuit , and 300 of the Thebans fell by chasing 'em too rashly into craggy and dangerous places . These 300 had been suspected of correspondence with the Lacedaemonians , which made 'em so rash and desperate that they were resolv'd to wipe off this disgrace though with the loss of their Lives . The news of this defeat came to Pausanias as he was going from Platea to Thespias . He presently put his Army in order and made towards Haliartus , where about the same time Thrasybulus was arriv'd with a party of the Athenians under his Command . Pausanias wou'd have articled with 'em upon terms for the dead , but the Spartan Magistrates wou'd not consent to it , and were angry with him for offering such mean proposals . They declar'd Lysander's body shou'd not be redeem'd by conditions , but if they fought it out , and Conquer'd they might carry it off honourably , if they happen'd to be overcome themselves 't wou'd however be more glorious to die upon the spot with their Commander . The Magistrates carrying it thus high with the usual haughtiness of Spartans , Pausanias , who was more calm , saw 't was too difficult a matter to think of routing the Thebans , who were just now flush'd with Victory ; besides if this cou'd have been done , the body lay so near the Walls , that it cou'd not easily be bore off without a truce , so he immediately dispatch'd an Herauld , obtain'd a Treaty ; drew back his Forces , carri'd away Lysander , and buri'd him in the Country of his Friends , the Panopeans . His Monument is still to be seen in the Road from Delphos to Chaeronea , where the Lacedaemonians for some time took up their quarters , and while they staid there , one of Phocis giving an account of the Battel to one of his Companions , said , The Enemy fell upon 'em , after Lysander had pass'd Ophlites . A Spartan , Lysander's Friend that stood by , having not heard of that name , ask'd what Ophlites he meant , and yet says the Phocian that's the place where we lost our bravest men , 't is the River that runs by the City . The Spartan immediately wept and broke out into this expression , O how unavoidable are the decrees of Fate ! For it seems the Oracle had pronounced this to Lysander . Take care to shun Ophlites watery Field , And him who bears a Dragon in his Shield . Some indeed say Ophlites doth not run to Haliartus , but is a River near Coronea , which mix'd with the River Phliarus passes along to that City . 'T was formerly call'd Oplias , but now 't is known by the name of Isomantus . Neocorus the Haliartian who kill'd Lysander , bore a Dragon in his Shield , and 't is probable that this was signifi'd by the Oracle . 'T is reported there was an Oracle concerning the Thebans in the Peloponnesian War , which foretold the Battel at Delium , and this at Haliartus , though this hapned thirty years after . The Oracle runs thus . Don't follow in your chase the eager Hound Vpon the Confines , fly th ' Orchalian Ground That den of Foxes . This place about Delium he calls the Confines , where Baeotia borders upon Attica ; and the Hill Orchalides , which now they call Alopecon , lies in that part of Haliartus , which is towards Helicon . The Lacedaemonians look'd upon Pausanias his proceedings as so dishonourable to a Spartan General , that they wou'd have tri'd him for his Life , but he durst not venture to appear , so fled into Tegaea , where he devoted himself to a private Life in the Temple of Minerva . Lysander's poverty which was discover'd at his death , made his virtue more admir'd , when it appear'd that from so much plenty and power , such rich presents from so many Cities , which were under his Government , he had not at all encreas'd the wealth of his own private Family . This is observ'd by Theopompus , whom we may sooner believe when he commends , than when he finds fault , for men are more apt to discommend than praise . Ephorus says that upon some dispute between the Confederates with Sparta , when Lysander's writings were to be examin'd , Agesilaus was order'd to make the search , who finding a discourse of Lysander's concerning the Government , where he endeavour'd to show how advantageous 't wou'd be to the Commonwealth , if the right of succession , which the Family of the Eureutiontidae and Agiadae pretended to , was broke , and the Kingdom made elective . This discourse Agesilaus design'd to publish , and discover by that means what sort of a Friend Lysander was to 'em in private . But Lacratidas a wise man , and at that time President of the Council , wou'd not suffer him so basely to abuse a great General 's memory , and told him that these papers which were so plausibly and ingeniously writ , deserv'd to rest honourably with their Author , and that 't was inhumane to dig Lysander out of his Grave . The Spartans bestow'd many honours on him after his death , amongst which this was none of the least ; There were some who had engag'd themselves to Lysander's Daughters while every thing about him appear'd Rich and Splendid , but when they saw how poor and honest he died , they broke off their contract . These in respect to Lysander's memory the Spartans severely fin'd : For there was it seems in Sparta a Law which punish'd as well those that broke off , or deferr'd a promis'd marriage , as those who engag'd in an ill one , and this Law laid hold on those chiefly who endeavour'd to marry into rich , rather than good Families . Thus we have faithfully related all the Remarkable passages which we cou'd gather of Lysander's Life . THE LIFE OF L. C. SYLLA . Englished from the Greek , By William Davies , Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge . VOLUME III. LVcius Cornelius Sylla was descended of a Patrician or Noble Family . Of his Ancestors , Rufinus , they say , had been Consul , and that his Honour met with a more signal disgrace : For being found possessed of Plate , to the value of above ten pounds more than the Law allowed , he was thereupon put out of the Senate . His Posterity have lain ever since in obscurity , nor had Sylla himself any such splendid Education . SYLLA . ●e Sylla lays his Arms and Empire down quits his power , and takes a private gown ●imple strange ! and which we scarce beleive ; ●●erce Tyrants sheath their swords , and yet they live ! In his younger days he dwelt in hired Lodgings , for which he paid but a very small rate , insomuch as in after-times it was upbraided to him as one who had been fortunate above his Quality . And as he was boasting and magnifying himself for his Exploits in Libya , a Person of Worth and Ingenuity made answer ; And how canst Thou be an honest man , who since the death of a Father , who left thee nothing , hast purchased so much ? The then present Age was not absolutely an Age of clean and upright manners , but was already declin'd and fallen in love with Riches and Luxury : however then , in this Gentleman's Opinion , they who had deserted the Ancient Hereditary meanness of their Family , were as much to blame as those who had run out a fair Estate . And after , when he had seized the Power into his hands and slew many , a Freeman of the City , being suspected to have concealed one of the Proscribed , and for that reason sentenced to be cast headlong down the Tarpeian Rock , in a reproachful way , recounted , how that they had lived long together in familiar converse under the same Roof , himself for the upper Rooms paying two thousand Sesterces , and Sylla for the lower three thousand ; so as the difference between their Fortunes then was no more but one thousand Sesterces , which in Attick Coin give two hundred and fifty Drachma's . And thus much of his Original . His other shape of Body appears by his Statues , only his grey Eyes , of themselves extream fierce and glaring , the complexion of his face rendred yet more formidable to look on , for it brake out into red fiery Pimples , intermixt here and there with spots of white . Hence , by report , he was surnamed Sylla , in allusion to which an Athenian Droll cast out this Scoff in Verse , Sylla's a Mulberry drudg'd o'er with Meal . Nor is it improper to make use of such remarks as these , in the decyphering of a Person , who by Nature was so addicted to raillery , as in his youthful obscurer years he would converse freely with Mimicks and Jesters , and accompany them in all their wild Fegaries . And , when Lord of All , he was often wont to muster together the most impudent Stage-Players and merry Fellows of the Town , to drink with , and play Prizes of Wit , without seasonable regard had to his Age , or Dignity of his Place , and to the prejudice of other important Affairs . At hours of refreshment it was not in Sylla's Nature to admit of any thing that was serious , and though at other times he was a man of business , and somewhat austere of countenance , yet would he alter so , all of a sudden , at his first entrance upon Wine and good Fellowship , as to Minstrels and Danceing-women he became tractable , and to all sorts of humours pliant and condescending . The cause of this loose distemper in him , could be no other than Nature her self , ever prone to love and violently breaking forth into all manner of voluptuousness , from which in his old Age he could not refrain . He constantly from his youth affected Macrobius , the Player . In his first Amours it happ'ned , that he made court to a common but rich Lady , Nicopolis by Name , and what by the air of his Youth , and what by an agreeable behaviour , won so far on her Affections in Quality of a Gallant , as dying she bequeathed him her whole Substance ; he likewise inherited the Estate of a Mother-in-law , who loved him as her own Son. By these means he had pretty well advanced his Fortunes . He was chosen Questor to Marius in his first Consulship , and set sail with him for Africa , to War upon Jugurtha . Here as to other Points he approved himself to all men , but more especially , by closing in dexterously with an accidental occasion , made a Friend of Bocchus King of Numidia . For having honourably entertained the King's Embassadors , after their escape from Numidian Robbers , he sent them on their Journey with Presents and a safe Convoy . As for Bocchus , he had long since hated and dreaded his Son-in-law , Jugurtha , who at that time had been worsted in the Field , and fled to him for shelter : Wherefore spying his opportunity , he called Sylla in , as chusing by him , rather than by himself , to make seizure and delivery of Jugurtha . Sylla , when he had communicated the business to Marius , and received from him a small Detachment , put himself on imminent danger ; for confiding in a Barbarian , and one who had been unfaithful to his own Relations , out of desire to apprehend another man's Person , he made surrender of his own . Bocchus , having both of them now in his power , was necessitated to betray one or other , and after long debate with himself , at last resolved on his first Design , and gave up Jugurtha into the hands of Sylla . For this Marius Triumphed , but the Glory of the Enterprize , which the conscious Envy of Marius thought due to Sylla , grieved him inwardly . And the truth on it is , Sylla himself was by Nature vain-glorious , and this being the first time , that from a low and private condition he had risen to Esteem amongst the Citizens , and tasted of Honour , his Ambition bore him up higher to such a pitch of Ostentation , as to cause the Figure of this Action to be engraved on a Signet , which he made use of ever after . The Impress was , Bocchus delivering and Sylla receiving of Jugurtha . This toucht Marius to the quick , however judging Sylla to be below a Rival , he made use of him as Lieutenant-General in his second Consulship , and in his third , as Tribune . And by his means were many considerable Services done . In his Lieutenant-Generalship he took Copillus , Chief of the Tectosages , Prisoner , and compelled the Marsians , a great and populous Nation , to become Friends and Confederates of the Romans . From henceforward Sylla perceiving that Marius bore a jealous eye over him , and would no longer afford him opportunities of Action , but rather opposed his growth , he applied himself to Catulus , Marius his Collegue , a brave man , only somewhat unactive as to War. Under this General , who entrusted him with the chiefest and greatest Commands , it came to pass , that , together with Glory , he arrived at Power . He subdued by Arms most part of the Alpine Barbarians . There happ'ning a scarcity in the Armies , he took that care upon himself , and brought in such store of Provisions , as not only to refresh the Soldiers of Catulus with Plenty , but likewise to supply Marius . This , as he writes himself , struck Marius to the very Heart . So slight and childish was the first beginning and rise of that Enmity between them , which nourished with Civil Blood and endless Divisions , grew up to Tyranny , and the Confusion of the whole State. This argues Eurypides to be a wise Man , and well skilled in the Distempers of the Body Politick , in that he forewarned all Men to beware of Ambition , as the most destructive and pernicious Goddess to those who consult her . Sylla by this time thinking that the Reputation of his Arms abroad was sufficient to entitle him to part of the Civil Administration , betook himself immediately from the Camp to the Assembly , and fell a canvassing for a Pretorship , but lost it . The fault of this disappointment he wholly ascribes to the People , who knowing his intimacy with King Bocchus , and for that reason expecting , that if he was made Aedile before his Pretorship , that he would then shew them noble Game , and the Encounters of Lybian Beasts , chose other Pretors , on purpose to force him on the Aedileship . The vanity of this Pretext was sufficiently disproved by matter of fact . For the year following , partly by stroaking the People with fair Words , and partly by Money , he got himself elected Pretor . Wherefore carrying the Place , and withal hastily telling Caesar , that against him he should make use of his Own Authority , Caesar smilingly replied , You do well to call it your Own ; for you have bought it . At the end of his Pretorship he was sent over into Cappadocia , with a specious pretence , to re-establish Ariobarzanes in his Kingdom , but in reality to give check to the growing Power of Mithridates , a mighty stirring Prince , who had already invested himself in as vast a new-acquired Power and Dominion , as was that of his ancient Inheritance . He carried over with him no great Forces of his own , but making use of the chearful supply of the Confederates , flung out Gordius , with huge Slaughter of the Cappadocians , more especially of the Armenian Succours , and declared Ariobarzanes King. During his stay on the Banks of Euphrates there came unto him Orabazus , a Parthian , in quality of Ambassador from King Arsaces , whereas yet there had been no Correspondence between both Nations . And this we may lay to the account of Sylla's Felicity , that he should be the first Roman to whom the Parthians made address for Alliance and Friendship . At the time of Reception , having ordered three Chairs of State to be set , one for Ariobarzanes , one for Orobazus , and a third for himself , he placed himself in the midst and gave Audience : For which the King of Parthia afterwards put Orobazus to death . Some People commended Sylla for his lofty carriage towards the Barbarians : Others again accused him of Arrogance and unseasonable Ambition . It is reported , that a certain Chalcidian , of Orobazus his Retinue , looking Sylla wistfully in the Face , and observing judicially the Motions of his Soul and Body , according to the Rules of Art , should say , That it was impossible for him not to be the greatest Man , or rather a wonder how he could eventhen abstain from being Head of all . At his return Censorinus impeach'd him of Extortion , for drawing a vast sum of Money from a well affected and associate Kingdom . However Censorinus appeared not at the Tryal , but let fall his Accusation . The quarrel between Sylla and Marius began to break out afresh , receiving new life from the Ambition of Bocchus , who to please the People of Rome , and gratifie Sylla , set up in the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus consecrated Images of Victory , and withal a Golden Jugurtha , in posture as he was delivered by him to Sylla : but as Marius attempted to pull them down in a rage , and others were aiding to Sylla , the City had like to have taken fire by that violent Commotion , had not the Confederate-War , which lay long a smothering , blaz'd forth at last , and respited the Sedition . In the course of this War , which had many great Revolutions , and which shockt the Romans most , and endangered the very being of the Commonwealth , Marius was not able to signalize his Valour in any action , but left behind him a clear proof , that a warlike Spirit stands in need of a strong and vigorous Body . Sylla , on the other hand , by his extraordinary Deeds , got the name of a great Commander amongst the Citizens , of the greatest amongst his Friends , and the most fortunate amongst his Adversaries . Nor made this the like Impression on him , as it made on the Spirits of Timotheus the Son of Conon , an Athenian , who , when his Adversaries had pictured him asleep , and Fortune by his side , casting her nets over Cities , rag'd and storm'd at those who did it , as if by ascribing his successes to Fortune , they had rob'd him of his just honours , and to the People at his return from the Wars , said , And in this , ye men of Athens , Fortune had no part . For this high presumption of his , the Goddess grew so perversely cross , that from that time he was never able to compass any thing that was great , but proving altogether unfortunate in his attempts , and falling into discredit with the People , was at last banisht the City . Sylla on the contrary would not only having frankly acknowledged such Divine Felicities and Favours , but withal magnifying and extolling what was done to the Skies , had plac'd it all to Fortune , whether out of haughty purpose , or a real sense of the Deity . He remarks , in his Memoirs , that of all his well-advised Actions , none proved so lucky in the Execution , as what on a sudden he had boldly enterprized . And in that Character which he gives of himself , That he was born for Fortune rather than War , he seems to attribute more to his Fortune than Valour . In short , he makes himself entirely the creature of Fortune , accounting even his unanimous agreement with Metellus , a man of equal Authority with himself , and his Father-in-law , as a blessing from Heaven . For expecting to have met in him a turbulent , he found a quiet Collegue . Moreover , in those Memoirs which he hath dedicated to Lucullus , he admonisheth him to esteem nothing more solid , than what the Gods should advise him in a Vision by Night . And when he was sent forth with an Army to the Confederate-War , he relates , how that the Earth about Laverna opened wide , and from thence issued much fire , shooting forth a bright flame up to the Heavens . The Southsayers upon this foretold , that a valiant Person of rare and singular aspect , should take the Government in hand , and quiet the present troubles of the City . Sylla affirm'd , he was the man , for he had that about him which was extraordinary , a golden head of hair ; nor was he asham'd openly to attest his Valour , after so great and gallant performances . And thus much of his opinion of the Gods. As to the rest of his conditions , he was an irregular sort of man , inconsistent with himself : much given to Rapine , to Prodigality much more : in promoting or disgracing whom he pleased , alike unaccountable : cringing to those he stood in need of , and domineering over others who stood in need of him ; so that it was hard to tell , whether his Nature had more in it of disdain or flattery . As to his unequal distribution of punishments , when upon slight grounds he would put to the torture , and again bear gently with the greatest Crimes , and receive into grace the most hainous Transgressors upon easie terms , but small and inconsiderable offences chastise with Death , and Confiscation of Goods ; one might from hence judge , that in himself he was really of a bitter revengeful Nature , which however he could qualifie , upon reason of Interest . In this very Confederate-War , when the Soldiers with Stones and Clubs , had killed a chief Commander , his own Legate , Albinus by name , he passed by such horrid indignity without taking Cognizance , giving it out moreover in a boast , that hereafter he should have the Soldiers more intent upon the War , to repair their breach of Discipline , by some notable piece of service ; nor took he notice of the clamours of those that cried for Justice , but casting in mind , how to crush Marius , now that he saw the Confederate-War to be at an end , he made much of the Army , in hopes to get himself declared General of the Forces against Mithridates . At his return to Rome he was chosen Consul with Quintus Pompeius , in the fiftieth year of his Age ▪ and then he took to Wife , the Illustrious Lady Cecilia , Daughter to Metellus , the Chief Priest . The common People made Sonnets on the Marriage , and many of the Nobility were disgusted at it , esteeming him , as Livy writes , unworthy of the Lady , whom before they thought worthy of a Consulship . This was not his only Wife , for first in his younger days he was joined to Ilia , by whom he had a Daughter ; after her to Aelia , and then to Caelia , whom he dismissed as Barren , but with respect and a good report , adding moreover Presents . The Match between him and Metella falling out a few days after , gave suspicion that he had wrongfully accused Caelia : he was evermore indulgent to Metella , insomuch as when he refused to recal the banisht Marians , the People made their humble application to Metella . And the Athenians , it 's thought , had harder measure , at the Sacking of the Town , because in a jeering way , they had affronted Metella from off the Walls . But of this hereafter . At present esteeming the Consulship but small in Comparison of things to come , he was impatiently carried on in thought to the Mithridatick War. Here he was withstood by Marius , who out of mad affectation of Glory , and thirst of Empire , those never dying Passions , though he were broken in Body , and insufficient for the last services , by reason of his Age , yet still coveted after Foreign and Transmarine Wars ; and whilst Sylla was departed for the Camp , to order the rest of his Affairs there , sate brooding at home , and at last hatcht that execrable Sedition , which wrought Rome more mischief , than all her Enemies together could have done , as was foretold by the Gods. For a flame broke forth of its own accord , from under the staves of their Ensigns , and was hard to be extinguisht . Three Ravens brought forth their young and eat them , carrying the reliques into the Nest again . Mice having gnawed the Consecrated Gold of the Temple , the Aediles took one Female in a trap , but she bringing forth five young ones in the very trap , devoured three of them . But what was greatest of all , in a calm and clear sky there was heard the sound of a Trumpet , but with such a strong and dismal blast , as struck terror and amazement into the hearts of the People . The Hetruscane Sages affirmed , that this Prodigy betok'ned the mutation of the Age , and revolution of the whole Universe . For according to them there be in all eight Ages , differing one from another in Lives and Conversation , and to each of these God has allotted a certain measure of times , determined by the Circuit of the great year ; when one Age is run out , at the approach of another , there appears some wonderful sign from Earth or Heaven , as is plain to those who have made it their business to study such things , that there has succeeded in the World a new race of Men , disagreeing in Customs and Institutes of Life , and more or less regarded by the Gods , than the preceeding . Amongst other mighty changes that happen , as they say , at the turn of Ages , even the Art of Divination grows into esteem sometimes , and predicts certainties from clear and evident tokens , sent from God : and then again , in another Generation waxes as low to a decline , as frivolous for the most part , taking in future events through weak and darksome Organs . This was the Mythology of the Tuscan Sages , who were thought to be more knowing than other People . Whilst the Senate sate in Consultation with the South-sayers , concerning these Prodigies , in the Temple of Bellona , Goddess of War , a Sparrow came flying in before them all , with a Grashopper in the mouth ; and part she let fall , and part she bore away . The Diviners doubted a Commotion and Dissention to arise between the Country and City . For with them the clamorous Grashopper signifies the Country , and Sparrow , the City . Now Marius join'd to him Sulpitius , a Fellow second to none for the most exquisite Villainies , so as we need not enquire wherein he excelled others , but wherein he excelled himself in Wickedness . He was cruel , bold , rapacious , openly dishonest , and throughout a Rogue , making sale by out-cry of the Roman Freedom to Libertines and Strangers , and telling out the price on the publick Money-tables . He maintained three thousand Sword-men , and had always about him a company of young Gentlemen ready on all occasions , whom he styled his Antisenatarian-band ; having caused a Law to be enacted , that no Senator should contract a debt of above three thousand Drachma's , he himself after Death , was found indebted three Millions . This was the man whom Marius let in upon the Commonwealth , and who ordering all things by Force and the Sword , made several Ordinances of dangerous consequence , and amongst the rest , that same , which gave to Marius the Conduct of the Mithridatick War. Upon this the Consuls proclaim a Publick Cessation of business , but as they were holding a Senate in the Temple of Castor and Pollux , he let loose the Rabble upon them , and amongst many others slew Pompey , the Consuls young Son , in the Forum , Pompey himself hardly escaping in the Crowd . But Sylla being closely pursued into the House of Marius , was forc'd to come forth and dissolve the Cessation ; for this cause Sulpitius having deposed Pompey , continu'd Sylla in his Consulship , only the Mithridatick Expedition , that he conferred on Marius . There were immediately dispatcht to Nola , Tribunes , to receive the Army , and bring it to Marius ; but seeing that Sylla was got before to the Camp , and the Soldiers upon hearing of the News had stoned the Tribunes , Marius in requital , put the Friends of Sylla in the City to the Sword , and rifled their Goods . The People were all up in a hurry , shifting and running to and fro , some from the Camp to the City , others from the City to the Camp. The Senate , then no more its own , but wholly Governed by the Dictates of Marius and Sulpitius , alarm'd at the report of Sylla's advancing his Troops towards the City , sent forth two of the Pretors , Brutus and Servilius , to forbid his nearer approach : The Soldiers would have slain these Pretors in a fury , for their rough Language to Sylla ; however , breaking their Rods asunder , and tearing off their Purple Robes , after much contumelious usage , they sent them back , to the sad and sudden dejection of those that beheld their Magistrates despoiled of Pretorian Ensigns , and withal declaring , that things were now manifestly come to a Rupture and past cure : Marius put himself in a readiness , and Sylla with his Collegue moved from Nola , at the head of six compleat Legions , all whom he found willing to march up directly against the City ; but he himself as yet was doubtful in thought , and apprehensive of the danger . As he was sacrificing , Posthumius the South-sayer having inspected the Entrails , stretching forth both hands to Sylla , required to be bound and kept in Custody till the Battel was over , as willing if they had not speedy Success , to suffer the utmost Punishment . It 's said , that there appeared to Sylla in a Dream a certain Goddess , whom the Romans learnt to worship from the Cappadoces , whether she was the Moon , or Pallas , or Bellona : This same Goddess , to his thinking , stood by him , and put into his Hand Thunder and Lightning , then naming his Enemies one by one , bad him discharge on them , who all of them dropt at the discharge , and disappeared . Encouraged by this Vision , and relating the same to this Collegue , next day he led on towards Rome : About Picinae being met by an Embassy , beseeching him not to fall on of a sudden , in the heat of a March , ( for the Senate had decreed to do him all the right imaginable ) he consented to lodge on the place , and sent his Officers to measure out the Ground , ( as is usual ) for a Camp ; so as the Ambassadors believing it , returned . They were no sooner gone , but he sent a Party before , under the Command of Lucius Basillus and C. Mommius , to secure the City-Gate and Wall on the side of the Aesculine-hill ; then at the Heels of these he himself followed with all speed . Basillus fell with success into the City , but the unarmed Multitude pelting him with Stones and Tiles from off the Houses , stopt his further Progress , and beat him back to the Wall. Sylla by this time was come up ▪ and seeing what was done , called aloud on his Men to set fire to the Houses , and taking a flaming Torch , he himself led the way , and commanded the Archers to make use of their Fire-darts , letting fly at the tops of Houses : This he did without the least consideration ▪ all enraged , and yielding the Conduct of that days work to Passion , as if all he saw were Enemies , without respect or pity either to Friends , Relations , or Acquaintance , he went on by Fire , which knows no distinction betwixt Friend or foe . In this dispute Marius being driven into the Temple of Mother Earth , would from thence have drawn in the Bondmen by Proclamation of Freedom , but the Enemy coming on , he was overpowered and fled the City . Sylla having called a Senate , had Sentence of Death passed on Marius , and some few others , amongst whom was Sulpitius Tribune of the People . Sulpitius was executed , being betrayed by his Servant whom Sylla first made free , and then threw him head-long down the Tarpeian Rock . As for Marius , he set a Price on his Life , by Proclamation ; but neither gratefully nor politickly , if we consider into whose House not long before he put himself at Mercy , and was safely dismissed . Albeit had Marius not let go Sylla , but suffered him to be slain by the Hands of Sulpitius , he might have been Lord of all ; but he spared his Life , and a few days after , upon like occasion , received not like measure . By these Proceedings Sylla gave secret distaste to the Senate ; but the displeasure and free indignation of the Commonalty shewed it self plainly by their Actions . For they ignominiously rejected Nonius his Nephew , and Servius , who put in for Offices of State by his Interest , and chose others for Magistrates , by honoring whom , they thought to have grieved him most . He made semblance of extreme satisfaction hereat , as if the People by his means had again enjoyed the Liberty of doing what seem'd best to them . And to pacifie the publick Odium , he created Lucius Cinna Consul , one of the adverse Party , having first bound him under Oaths and Imprecations , to be true to his Interest : For Cinna ascending the Capitol with a Stone in his Hand , swore solemnly and with a direful Curse , that he himself , if he kept not the Accord , might be cast out of the City , as that Stone out of his Hand ; he thereupon cast the Stone to the Ground , in the presence of many People . Cinna had no sooner entred on his charge , but fell to disturb the Establishment , and having prepared an information against Sylla , suborned Virginius , one of the Tribunes of the People , to be his accuser ; but Sylla leaving him and the Court of Judicature to themselves , set forth against Mithridates . About the time that Sylla was making ready , to put off with his Forces from Italy , besides many other Divine Omens which befell Mithridates at Pergamos , there goes a Story , that the Statue of Victory , with a Crown in her hand , which the Pergamenians by Engines from above let down on him , when she had almost reach'd his head , fell asunder , and the Crown tumbling down into the midst of the Theatre , broke to pieces against the ground , so as this startled the Vulgar , and hugely disquieted the Mind of Mithridates , altho his Affairs hitherto had succeeded beyond expectation ; for at present having wrested from the Romans Asia , from the * Kings Bithynia and Cappadocia , he made Pergamus his Royal Seat , bestowing on his Friends Riches , Principalities , and Kingdoms . Of his Sons , the one ( Arcathias ) residing in Pontus and Bosphorus , held his Ancient Realm as far as the Desarts , above the Lake Maeotis , without molestation : Ariarathes ( the other ) was about reducing Thrace and Macedon , with a great Army , to Obedience . His other Commanders with Forces under them , invaded other Quarters ; especially Archilaus , who by his Ships gave in a manner absolute Law at Sea , had subjected the Isles Cyclades , together with other situated within Malea , and had taken Aeubaea it self . From Athens , his Seat of War , he made his Excursions as far as Thessaly , and drew after him most of the States of Greece , without the least impeachment , save only at Chaeronea . For here Brutius Sura , Deputy of Sentius , Governour of Macedon , a man excelling in Valour and Prudence , met with Archelaus , and though , like a Torrent , he came pouring along Baeotia , made stout resistance , and giving him thrice Battel , repulsed and forc'd him off again to Sea ; however being Commanded by Lucius Lucullus to give place to his Successor Sylla , and resign the War to whom it was decreed , he presently left Baeotia , and returned back to Sintius , although his Success had out-gone all hopes , and Greece was well disposed to a Revolt , upon account of his gallant behaviour . These be the glorious Actions of Brutius . Sylla at his arrival received by their Ambassadors the Complements of all the Cities of Greece , except Athens , which being forc'd by the Tyrant Aristion within to hold for the King , he came against it with all his might , and investing the Haven Pyreus , laid formal Siege to it , erecting all manner of Batteries , and trying all manner of Assaults ; whereas had he forborn never so little , he might without hazard have taken the Upper City by Famine , being already reduc'd to extreamity , through want of Necessaries ; but hasting to Rome , and fearing some Innovation there , by many Adventures , many Fights , and vast Expence , he pusht on the War ; for besides other Equipage , the very Work about the Engines of Battery was supplied with no less than ten thousand Yoak of Mules , employ'd daily in that Service ; and when Timber grew scarce ( for many of the Works fail'd , some quash'd to pieces by their own weight , others taking fire by the continual play of the Enemy ) he made bold with the sacred Groves , and cut down the stately Walks of the Academy , which stands in the Suburbs , and the Lyceum ; and being there wanted a vast Summ of Money to carry on the War , he broke up the unvoidable Treasures of Greece , that of Epidaurus , and that of Olympia , sending for the fairest and richest Offertories ; he wrote likewise to the Amphyctiones at Delphos . That it were better to remit the Wealth of the God to him , for that he would keep it more securely , or in case he made use of it , restore as much . And of his Friends he sent Caphis the Phocean on this Message , commanding him to receive each Particular by weight . Caphis came to Delphos , but was loth to touch holy things , and with many Tears in the presence of the Amphyctiones , bewailed the Necessity : But some of them making as if they heard the sound of a Harp from the innermost Shrine , he , whether himself believ'd it , or else was willing to strike a Religious awe into Sylla , sent back an Express . To which Sylla replied in a scoffing way , That it was matter of wonder to him , that Caphis understood Musick to be a sign of Joy , not Anger ; and therefore wish'd him to go on boldly , and receive it from the hands of a Gracious and bountiful God. The rest of the things that were delivered out , escaped the memory of most Grecians , save the Silver Tun , that only Relick of Regal Donation , which for its weight and bulk the Carriages not being able to receive , when the Amphyctiones were forced to cut in pieces , they presently call'd to mind , now Titus Quinctius Flaminius , and Manius * Acelius , now Paulus Aemilius . One of whom , when he had thrown Antiochus out of Greece , the others when they had brought under * Macedonian Kings , not only abstained from the Grecian Temples , but added to them Gifts and Honour , and much Veneration . Those indeed according to Law being only elected Chief Leaders of Men well-disciplined , and taught to yield ready obedience to Command , themselves Great in Soul and Mean in Expences , lived within the Bounds of the ordinary establish'd Charges , accounting it a greater disgrace to stoop basely to their own Soldiers , than to stand in awe of an Enemy ; whereas the Commanders of these times , attaining to Superiority by force , not worth ; and having need of Arms one against another , rather than an Enemy , were constrained to temporize in Authority , and hiring the Soldiers labour at the price of Luxury , have rendred their whole Country at unawares Mercenary , and themselves Slaves to the vilest of Wretches , to the intent they might Lord it over their Betters . These Practices cast out Marius , and again brought him in against Sylla , The same caused Cinna to be the Assassin of Octavius , and Fimbria of Flaccus . To which beginnings Sylla contributed not the least ▪ For he to corrupt and call over those who were under the Command of others , would be munificent and profuse towards those who were under his own , so as by drawing some of the adverse Party to a revolt , and his own men to a dissolute course , he came to be in want of a large Treasury , especially for that Siege . Sylla had a vehement and an implacable desire to Conquer Athens , whether out of emulation , fighting as it were , against the shadow of that once Famous City , or out of anger , stomaching those Flouts and Scurrillous jests , wherewith the Tyrant Aristion , fooling and skipping about daily , had provoked him and Metella from off the Walls . The Tyrant Aristion had his very Being compounded of Wantonness and Cruelty , receiving into himself as common Sewer the worst of Mithridates his ill humours and vicious qualities , who like some satal disease , after its deliverance from innumerable Wars , many Tyrannies and Seditions , brought the City to the last extreamity . At the time when a * Medimnus of Wheat was to be sold in the City for one Thousand Drachma's , and men were forc'd to live on Feverfew , growing round the Cittadel , and eat shooes and Oyl-bags sodden , he daily carrousing and feasting it in the open face of Noon , then dancing in Armour , and sporting at the Enemy , suffered the holy Lamp of the Goddess to expire for want of Oyl , and to the Chief-Priestess , who demanded of him an * Hemina of Wheat , he sent the like quantity of Pepper . The Senators and Priests , who came in humble guise , to beg of him to take Compassion of the City , and treat a Peace with Sylla , he drove at and dispersed with a flight of Arrows . At last with much ado , he sent forth two or three of his revelling Companions to parley , whom Sylla , perceiving that they made no overtures towards an accommodation , but went on haranguing in praise of Theseus , Eumolpus , and their Median Trophies , replyed to them thus , Happy men ! ye may put up your Speeches and be gone , for I was sent by the Romans to Athens , not to learn , but to reduce Rebels to obedience . In the mean time News came to Sylla , that some old men discoursing in the Ceramicum , were over-heard to blame the Tyrant , for not securing the Passages and Avenues on the side of the Gate Heptachalcos , where only the Enemy might easily get over . Sylla neglected not the report , but going in the Night , and discovering the place to be assaultable , set streight to work : Sylla himself makes mention in his Memoirs , that Marcus Teius , the first man who scal'd the Wall , meeting with an Adversary , and striking him on the head-piece a home stroke , broke his Sword , however shrunk not from his ground , but withstood and held him fast . The City was taken on that part , as 't is recorded by the most ancient of the Athenians . When they had thrown down the Wall , and made all level betwixt the Pyrean , and Sacred-Gate , about the dead of night , Sylla entred the breach in dreadful manner with many Trumpets and Cornets , with the rowsing shout and cry of an Army , falling to the spoil and slaughter , and scouring through the streets with Swords drawn , so as there was no numbring of the slain ; only from the space of ground overflowed with Blood , we may even now take a survey of their Multitude , for to pass by the execution done on other Quarters of the City , the bloodshed about the Market place , took up the whole Ceramicum , within the Double gate , and according to most Writers , passing through both doors , overwhelmed the Suburbs . Nor did the People which fell thus in such vast heaps , excel the number of those , who out of pity and love of their Country , then at point of destruction , slew themselves ; the best of them despairing and dreading to survive ; as not expecting either Humanity or Moderation in Sylla . At length , partly by the instance of Midias and Calliphon , two exil'd men , beseeching and casting themselves at his feet , partly by the intercession of those Senators who followed the Camp , having had his fill of Revenge , and making some honourable mention of the Ancient Athenians , I forgive ( said he ) the Many for the sake of a Few , the Living for the Dead . He took Athens , according to his own Memoirs , on the Calends of March , which fall out exactly on the first of Authesterion , on which day the Athenians keep a Solemn Commemoration of the many Ruins and Devastations , occasioned by excessive rains , particularly of the Deluge which hap'ned about that time . At the taking of the Town , the Tyrant fled into the Cittadel , and was there besieged by Curio , who had that charge under Command . He held out a considerable time , but for want of Water yielding up himself , clearly evidenced the Divine Providence . For on the same day and minute that Curio conducted him down , the Clouds gathering in a calm Heaven , there showred down a great quantity of rain , and filled the Cittadel with Water . Not long after Sylla won the Haven Pyreus , and burnt most of it , amongst the rest Philo's Arsenal , a stupendious Work. In the mean time Taxilles , Mithridates his General , coming down from Thrace and Macedon , with an Army of one hundred thousand Foot , ten thousand Horse , and ninety Chariots , fang'd at Axles with Iron Sythes , would have joyn'd Archelaus , who lay hovering with a Navy on the Coast of Munichia , with intention , neither to quit the Sea , or engage the Romans in Fight , but to draw out the War in length , and cut off the Enemies Provision , which Sylla perceiving much better than himself , passed with his Forces into Baeotia , from out a region barren and unable to maintain a Camp in time of Peace . He was thought by some to have taken false measures , when leaving Attica , a rugged Country , and uneasie for the Cavalry to move in , he put himself into the plain and open Fields of Baeotia , knowing the Barbarians strength to consist most in Horse and Chariots . But as was said before , to avoid Famine and Scarcity , he was forc'd to run the risque of a Battel : Moreover he was troubled for Hortensius , a man expert in War , and of a rough Soldiery Constitution , whom on his way to Sylla with Forces from Thessaly , the Barbarians awaited in the * Streights : For these reasons Sylla drew off into Baeotia ▪ Caphis * our Country-man led Hortensius another way unknown to the Barbarians , by Parnassus just under Tithora , being then no such great City as 't is now , but a Garrison built a round on a steep Precipice , which the Phocenses , to escape the Invasion of Xerxes , put themselves and goods into , and were saved . Hortensius encamping here , kept off the Enemy by day , and at night descending by difficult passages into Patronis , join'd the Forces of Sylla , who came to meet him . Thus united , they posted themselves on a fertile Hill , on the Plains of Elateia , set round with Trees , and watered at the foot : It 's called Philobeotus , the Situation and Richness of which Soil , Sylla praiseth wonderfully . As they lay thus encamped , they seemed to the Enemy a contemptible number , for they were not above fifteen hundred Horse , and less than fifteen thousand Foot ; wherefore , the rest of the Commanders over-perswading Archelaus , and drawing up the Army , covered the Field with Horses , Chariots , Bucklers , Targets : The clamour and hideous roar of so many Nations , standing thick together in Battalia , tore the Sky ; nor was the Pomp and Gallantry of their costly array , altogether idle and unserviceable for terrour : For the brightness of their Armour , embellished with Gold and Silver magnificently , and the lustre of their Median and Scythian Coats , intermixt with Brass and shining Steel , cast forth a flaming and a dreadful sight , by the waving and moving to and fro of the Army , insomuch that the Romans shrunk them into their Trenches ; and Sylla being unable by any means to remove the fear , and unwilling to force them to fight against their wills , was fain to sit down in quiet , ill-brooking though , to become the Subject of Barbarian Insolence and Laughter ; this however above all advantaged him , for the Enemy from contemning of him , fell into disorder amongst themselves , and being less subject to Command , by reason of many Commanders , some few of them remained within the Line , but others , the Major part , lur'd out with hopes of prey and rapine , flew about the Countries many days Journey from the Camp , and by report demolished the City of Panope , rifled Lebadea , and rob'd the Oracle , without any Discipline . Sylla all ▪ this while chasing and fretting to see the Cities all around destroyed , suffered not the Soldiery to indulge , but going forth , compelled them to divert Cephisus from its ancient Channel , by casting up ditches and giving respite to none , shew'd himself rigorous in punishing the remiss , that growing weary of labour , they might be drawn by hardship to embrace danger ; which fell out accordingly , for on the third day being hard at work , as Sylla passed by , they beg'd and clamour'd to be led against the Enemy . Sylla replied , That this demand of War proceeded rather from a backwardness to labour , than any forwardness to fight ; but if they were in good earnest Martially given , he bad them with their Arms get up thither , pointing at the ancient Tower of the Parapotamians , whereof at present , the City being laid wast , there remained only the Mountainous head , steep and craggy on all sides , and severed from Mount Edulium , the breadth of the River Assus , which running betwixt , and at the bottom of the same Hill , falling into Cephisus , with an impetuous Confluence , made that a safe Height to lodge on ; wherefore beholding the Brass Targettiers to make up hastily , Sylla was willing to take prepossession , and took it by the vigorous Address of the Soldiers . Archelaus put back from hence , bent his Forces upon Chaeronea . The Chaeroneans , who bore Arms in the Roman Camp , beseeching Sylla not to abandon the City , he dispatcht Geminius the Tribune with one Legion , and withal sent out the Chaeroneans , endeavouring , but not able to get in before Geminius ; so active ▪ was he , and more swift to relief , than they who prayed Relief . Juba writes , that Ericius was the man sent , not Geminius . Thus narrowly escaped * our Native City . From Lebadea and the Cave of Trophonius there were spread abroad favourable Rumours and Prophecies of Victory to the Romans , which the Inhabitants report at large : And as Sylla himself affirms in the tenth Book of his Memoirs , Quintus Titus , an obscure Man of those who traffick into Greece , came to him after the Battel won at Chaeronea , and declared that Trophinius had foretold another Fight and Victory on the same place , within a short time . After him a Soldier , by name Salvenius , brought an account from the God of the issue of Affairs in Italy . As to the Vision , they both agreed in this , that for Stature , and Majestick Grace they had seen somewhat in the likeness of Jupiter Olympius . Sylla when he had passed over the Assus , march'd up to Edylium , and encamped close to Archelaus , who had intrench'd himself strongly between the Mountains Acontium and Edylium , towards those called Assia : The Place of his Intrenchment is to this day named from him Archelaus . Sylla after one days respite having left Muraena behind him , with one Legion and two Cohorts , to amuse the distracted Enemy with continual Alarms , went and sacrificed on the Banks of Cephisus . The holy Rights ended , he held on towards Chaeronea , to receive the Forces there , and view Mount Thurion , where the Enemy had posted themselves . This is a craggy Heighth , running up gradually to a Point , which we call Orthopagon ; at the foot of it , is the River Morius , and the Temple of Apollo Thurius : The God had his Surname from Thuro , Mother of Cheron , whom ancient Fame makes Founder of Chaeronea . Others assert , that the Cow , which Apollo gave to Cadmus for a Guide , appeared there , and that the Place took its Name from the Beast ; for the Phaenicians call a Cow , Thor. At Sylla's approach to Chaeronea , the Tribune , who had been commanded out to guard the City , drew his Men into Arms , and meet him with a Garland of Laurel in his hand ; which Sylla accepting of , and withal caressing and animating the Soldiers to the Encounter , two Men of Chaeronea , Homoloichus and Anaxidamus , present themselves before him , and proffer with a small Party to dislodge those who were posted on Thurium ; for that there lay a Path , unknown to the Barbarians , from Petrochus along by the Musaeum , leading over head upon Thurium ; by this way it was easie to fall on , and either stone them from above , or force them down into the Plain . Sylla assured of their Faith and Courage by Geminius , when he had exhorted them to go on with the Enterprise , Embattelled the Army , and disposing of the Cavalry on both Wings , himself commanded the Right , and the left he committed to the direction of Muraena ; in the Rear of all , Gallus and Hortensius , his Legates , had planted themselves on the upper Grounds , with the Cohorts of Reserve , to watch the motion of the Enemy , who with infinite numbers of Horse , and expedite light-armed Foot , having made the Wing pliant , and ready to wind about at pleasure gave suspicion that he intended to over-reach and enclose the Romans . In the mean time the Chaeroneans , who had Ericus for Commander by appointment of Sylla , covertly surrounding Thurium , and discovering themselves , there arose a great Confusion and Rout , and mutual Slaughter amongst the Barbarians ; for they kept not their stand , but making down in that hurry , cast themselves on their own Spears , and violently bore each other headlong , the Enemy from above pressing on , and wounding them on the open side , insomuch as there fell three thousand about Thurium . Some of them who escaped being met by Muraena as he stood in Array , were cut off and destroy'd . Others breaking through to their Friends , and falling disorderly into the Ranks , filled most part of the Army with fear and Tumult , and put the Chief Officers to a stand , which was no small disadvantage . For immediately upon the Discomposure , Sylla coming full speed to the Charge , disappointed the Service of their Armed Chariots , which require a good space of Ground to gather strength and impetuosity in the Career , whereas a short drift proves weak and ineffectual , like that of Engines without a full swing . Thus it fared with the Barbarians at present , whose first Chariots , that set forth spurtingly , and made but a faint impression when the Romans had repulsed , with a clattering din and slaughter they called for more , as is usual in the publick Cirque . By this time the Gross of both Armies met . The Barbarians , on one side , charged their long Pikes , and with Shields lock'd close together like a Roof over head , strove what in them lay to preserve their Battalion entire : The Romans , on the other side , threw by their Piles , and with drawn Swords put by their Pushes , the sooner to mingle with them , in the rage they were then in : For in the Front of the Enemy they beheld fifteen thousand Slaves , whom the Royal * Commanders had set free by Proclamation , and rang'd amongst the Men of Arms. Whereupon a Roman Centurion is reported to say , That he never knew Servants allowed to play the Masters , unless on the Holy-days of Saturn . These Men , by reason of their deep and thick Array , as well as for their daring Courage , yielded but slowly to the weighty Legions , till at last by slinging Engines and Darts , for which the Roman spar'd not from behind , they were forc'd to give way and scatter . And as Archelaus was extending the the Right Wing to encompass the Enemy , Hortensius with his Cohorts came down amain , with intention to charge him in the Flank ; but Achelaus wheeling about suddenly , with two thousand Horse , Hortensius , overlaid with numbers , withdrew himself to the upper Grounds , not far from the main Body , and was surrounded by the Enemy : When Sylla heard this , he came speeding from the right to his succour , before the Engagement ; but Archelaus guessing the matter by the dust of his Troops , turned to the right Wing , from whence Sylla came , in hopes to have surprised it without a Commander : At the same instant likewise Taxilles with his Brass-Targetiers assailed Muraena , so as a Cry coming from both places , and the Hills repeating it around , Sylla stood in suspence which way to move ; it seeming best to reassume his own Station , he sent in aid to Muraena four Cohorts , and commanding the fifth to follow him , returned on the spur to the right Wing , which then of it self held Archelaus to equal play ; at his appearance they gave one lusty push for all , and overcoming , followed them disorderly flying to the River and Mount Acontium . Neither was Sylla unmindful of the danger Muraena was in ; for hasting thither , and finding them Victorious , he help'd to pursue . Many Barbarians were slain on the spot , many more cut in pieces , as they were making to the Camp : Of such infinite Multitudes , ten thousand only got safe into Chalcis . Sylla writes , that there were but fourteen of his Soldiers wanting , and that two even of those returned towards evening ; wherefore he inscribed on Trophies , Mars , Victory , and Venus , as having won the Day no less by Good-fortune , than by true management and force of Arms. That Trophie of the Field-Battel stands on the Place where Archelaus first gave back , as far as the Streums of Molus : The other is erected high , on the top of Thurium , where the Barbarians were environ'd signifying in Greek Letters , That Homoloichus and Anaxidamus were the Chief Leaders . The Hymns of Victory for this Action were celebrated at Thebes , where Sylla built a Stage for Musick , near Oedipus's Well . As for the Judges of the Performance , they were Grecians chosen out of other Cities , because he bore an implacable hatred to the Thebans , and having cut off from them half their Territories , he consecrated the same to Apollo and Jupiter , commanding them , out of the Revenue , to make satisfaction to the Gods , for the Riches himself had taken from them . After this , hearing that Flaccus a Man of the contrary Faction , being chosen Consul , had crossed the Ionian Sea with an Army , to act in shew against Mithridates , but in reality against himself , he took the way of Thessalia , designing to meet him ; but in his March , about Meleteia , received Advises from all Parts , That the Countries on his back were over spread and harrased by no less a Camp-Royal than was the former : For Dorilaus arriving at Chalcis , with a mighty Fleet ( on board of which he brought over with him Eighty Thousand of the best-appointed and best disciplin'd Soldiers of Mithridates his Army ) had made a sudden Incursion into Baeotia , and secured that Coast , in hopes to bring Sylla to a Battel , making no account of the disswasions of Archelaus , but giving it out , as to the last Fight , that without Treachery so many Thousand Men could never have perished . However , Sylla facing about expeditiously , made it appear to Dorilaus , that Archelaus was a wise Man , and had good skill in the Roman Valour ; insomuch as Dorilaus himself , after some small Skirmishes with Sylla at Tilphossion , was the first of those who thought it not advisable to put things to the decision of the Sword , but rather by expence of Time and Treasure to wear out the War ; nevertheless the Field of Orchomenos , where they then lay encamped , gave no small encouragement to Archelaus , as being most advantageous to those who excel in Cavalry to engage in . For of the Baeotian Campagnes , that is the fairest and largest , which confining on the Principal Seat of the Orchomenians , alone opens a clear Prospect , void of Cover as far as the Fens , where the River Melas is swallowed up . Of all the Grecians Rivers , this only , which ariseth from under the City Orchomenus , draws with it a deep and navigable Water from the very Head , encreasing about the Summer Solstice like Nile , and bringing forth all things growing there ; yet small , and without Fruit. It runs not far , before the main Stream loseth it self among the blind and woody Marsh Grounds , a small Branch whereof mingleth with Cephisus , about that place especially where the Lake is thought to produce the best Flute-reeds . Now that both Armies were posted near each other , Archelaus lay still , but Sylla fell to casting up Ditches athwart from either side , that , if possible , by cutting the Enemies from the firm and open Champagne , he might force them into the Fens . They on the other hand , not enduring this , but at the Word of Command , issuing out furiously in full Bodies , not only the Men at work were dispersed , but most part of those who stood in Arms to justifie the Work , cast themselves disorderly into flight . Upon this Sylla leaps from his Horse , and snatching hold of an Ensign , rusht through the midst of the Rout upon the Enemy , crying out aloud , To me , O Romans , it seems glorious to fall here : And as for you , when demanded where was it , you betrayed your General , remember you say , at Orchomenus . His men Rallying again at these words , and two Cohorts coming to his succour from the Right-Wing , he gave a fierce Onset and turn'd the Day . Then retiring some few Paces back , and refreshing his Men , he came on again to block up the Enemies Camp but they again sallied out in better Order than before . Here Diogenes , Son in-law to Archelaus , having fought on the Right-Wing with much Gallantry , made an Honourable end . And the Archers , being pressed on hard by the Romans , and wanting space for a retreat , took their Arrows by handfuls , and striking with those as with Swords , beat them back . In the end they were all shut up into the entrenchment , and had a sorrowful Night of it , by reason of their slain and wounded . The next day again Sylla leading forth his men up to their Quarters , went on finishing the Line , and as they were drawing out to give him Battel , fell on , and putting a large Party of them to the rout , in the fright they were in , none daring to abide , he took the Camp by force , whence the Marishes were filled with Bloud , and the Lake with dead Bodies , insomuch as to this day there be found , of the Barbarian make , many Bows , Helmets , pieces of Breast-plates , and Swords , buried deep in Mud , some two hundred years since the Fight . Thus much of the Action , of Chaeronea and Orchomenus . Cinna and Narbo at Rome , using injustice and violence towards Persons of the greatest Eminency , many of them to avoid that Tyranny , repaired to Sylla's Camp , as to a safe Harbour , where in a short space he had about him the Majestick face of a Senate . Metella likewise having with difficulty conveyed her self and Children away by stealth , brought him word that his City and Country houses were set on fire by the Adversary , and prayed his help at home . Whilst he was in doubt what to do , being impatient to hear his Country abused , and not knowing how to leave so great a work , as the Mithridatick-War unfinished , comes unto him Archelaus , a Merchant of Delos , with some hopes of an accommodation , and private instructions from Archelaus the King's General . Sylla lik'd the business so well as to desire a speedy conference with Archelaus in Person , and had a meeting at Sea on that side of Delos , where the Temple of Apollo stands . When Archelaus began to propose and demand of Sylla , that quitting his Pretensions to Asia and Pontus , he should set sail for the War in Rome , receiving Money and Shipping , and such Forces as he should think fitting , from the King : Sylla interposing , bad him take no further care for Mithridates , but assume the Crown to himself , and become a Confederate of Rome , delivering up the Navy . Here Archelaus professing his abhorrence of Treason , Sylla proceeded : Thou , O Archelaus , Cappadocian as thou art , and Slave ( on , if it so please thee , Friend ) to a Barbarian King , dost thou upon such vast Considerations scruple any thing of Baseness ? and to me Roman General and Sylla dar'st talk of Treason ? as if thou wert not the self same Archelaus who ran away at Chaeronea , with a few in Company , the Reliques of One hundred and twenty thousand Men ; who lay squat for two days in the Fens of Orchomenus , and left Baeotia unpassable for heaps of dead Carcases . Archelaus , chang'd at this , in humble manner fell at his Feet , beseeching him to lay aside the thoughts of War , and make Peace with Mithridates . Sylla consenting to this Request , Articles of Agreement were concluded on ; That Mithridates should quit Asia and Paphlagonia , restore Bithynia to Nicomedes , Cappadocia to Ariobarzanes , and pay the Romans two Thousand Talents , and give him seventy Ships of War , with all their Furniture : On the other hand , That Sylla should confirm to him his other Dominions , and declare him a Roman Confederate . On these terms he returned by the way of Thessaly and Macedon for the Helespont , having Archelaus with him in great esteem . For Archelaus being taken desperately ill at Larissa , he staid the March of the Army , and took care of him , as one of his own Captains , or Joynt Comander in Chief . This gave suspicion of foul play in the Business of Chaeronea , as well as because Sylla had discharged all the Friends of Mithridates , taken Prisoners in War , save only Aristion the Tyrant , whom disaffected to Archelaus , he made away by Poison ; but more especially the ten Thousand Acres of Baeotian Land , given to a Cappadocian , and him styled by Sylla , Friend and Allie of the Romans . For all which , Sylla apologizeth in his Memoirs . The Embassadors of Mithridates arriving , and withal declaring , That they accepted of the Conditions , only Paphlagonia they could not part with , and as for the Ships , they knew of no such Capitulation ; Sylla in a rage answered , What say you ; does Mithridates then with-hold Paphlagonia ? and as to the Ships , denies he that Article ? Whom I thought to have seen prostrate at my foot , had I left him only that right hand of his , which cut off so many Romans . Sure he will shortly , at our coming over into Asia , speak another Language ; in the mean time , let him at his ease in Pergamus , sit managing a War which he never saw . The Embassadors out of fear stood silent by , but Archelaus with humble supplication asswag'd his wrath , laying gentle hold on his right hand and weeping ; in the conclusion he obtained to be sent Embassador to Mithridates . For that he would either Mediate a Peace , to the satisfaction of Sylla or , if not , slay himself . Sylla having thus dispatched him away , made an Inroad into Media , and after wide Depopulation returned back again into Macedon , where he received Archelaus about Philippi , bringing word that all things were well , and moreover that Mithridates earnestly requested an interview . The chief cause of this meeting was Fimbria ; for he having assassinated Flaccus the Consul , one holding of the contrary Faction , and worsted the Mithridatick Commanders , was advancing against Mithridates himself , who fearing this , chose rather to enter into Alliance with Sylla . There met at Dardanus of Troas , on one side Mithridates , attended with two hundred Ships compleatly equipped , and of Land forces twenty thousand Men of Arms , two thousand Horse , and a large train of Sythed-Chariots : on the other , Sylla with only four Cohorts , and two hundred Horse . As Mithridates drew near and put out his hand , Sylla demanded , Whether he was willing or no to end the War on what Archelaus had agreed to ? but seeing the King made no answer , Why then ( said he ) it behoveth the distressed to speak first , and as for the Conquerors it is sufficient to give audience . And when Mithridates , entering upon his Plea ▪ began slily to shift off the War , partly on the Gods , and partly to blame the Romans themselves , he took him up , saying , That he had heard indeed long since from others , and now knew it himself for truth , that Mithridates was a powerful speaker , who to set off such foul and unjust practices , wanted not for handsome pretences . Then charging him with , and inveighing bitterly against outrages by him committed , he askt again , Whether he was willing or no , to ratifie the Treaty of Archelaus ? Mithridates answering in the affirmative , Sylla ran into and embracing kissed him . Not long after he introduced Ariobarzanes and Nicomedes , the two Kings , and made them all Friends . Wherefore Mithridates , when he had furnisht Sylla with seventy Ships , and 500 Archers , set sail for Pontus . Sylla perceiving the Soldiers to be dissatisfied with the Peace , for the most pernicious of Kings , and one who had caused one hundred and fifty thousand Romans to be massacred in one day throughout Asia ; they thought it a heinous thing to behold him sailing out with the Riches and Spoils of Asia , which he had pillaged , and put under contribution for the space of four years ; ) alledged , that he was not able to have made head against Fimbria and Mithridates , had they both withstood him in Conjunction . Thence he arose and went in search of Fimbria , who lay with the Army about Thiatira , and pitching hard by , began to fortifie himself with a Trench . The Soldiers of Fimbria came out in their single Coats , and saluting his men , lent ready assistance to the work , which change Fimbria beholding , and withal apprehending Sylla as irreconcileable , laid violent hands on himself in the Camp. Sylla impos'd on Asia in general a Tax of twenty thousand Talents , and particularly wasted each Family by the licentious behaviour , and long residence of the Soldiery in private Quarters . For he ordained , that every Host should allow himself four Tetradrachma's each day , and moreover entertain him , and as many Friends as he should invite , with a Supper ; that a Centurion should receive fifty Drachma's a day , together with one Sute of Clothes to wear within doors , and another when he went abroad . Having put off from Ephesus with the whole Navy , he came the third day to Anchor in the Pirean Haven . Here he was initiated in the Mysteries of the Goddess Ceres , and seizing to his use the Library of Apellicon a Teian , in which were most of Theophrastus and Aristotle's Works , then unknown to most , he transported the same to Rome . It 's said , That Turannion the Grammarian made his Collection chiefly from hence , and that Andronicus the Rhodian having through his means the Command of divers Copies , put out those Heads of Treatises which be common now in every Mans hands , under the Title of Tables . The ancient Peripateticks were of themselves indeed Men of Polite and Universal Learning ; but of all the Writings of Aristotle and Theophrastus , they had no exact knowledge ; because Theophrastus bequeathing his Study to the Heir of Neleus Sceptius , these happ'ned to fall into rude and illiterate Hands . During Sylla's stays about Athens , there fell into his Feet a lumpish benuming Pain , which Strabo calls , the first fetterring on of the Gout . Wherefore taking a Voyage to Adipsus , he made use of the Hot Waters there , easing his thoughts of Care likewise , and merrily passing away the time with Drolls . As he was walking along the Sea-shore , certain Fishermen brought him a lovely Present of Fish . Being taken therewith , and understanding that they were Men of Alaeae , What , said he , be there any of Alaeae surviving ? ( For having won the Field at Archomenus , in the heat of a Pursuit he had destroyed three Cities of Baeotia , Anthedon , Larymna , and Alaeae . ) The Men knowing not what to say for fear , Sylla with a smiling Countenance bad them cheer up and return in peace , as who had brought with them no small or contemptible Intercessors . The Alaei from hence took Courage , and embodying , re-entred the City . Sylla having march'd through Thessaly , and Mecedon , down to the Sea-coast , prepared with twelve hundred Vessels to cross over from Dyrrachium to Brundisium . Not far from hence is Appollonia , and near it a spot of Ground dedicated to the Nymphes , which from among flowry Dales and Meads discovers here and there springs of Fire continually streaming out . Here , they say , was a Satyr , such as Statuaries and Painters represent , found sleeping , and brought before Sylla , where he was ask'd by several Interpreters who he was , when with much ado he sent forth a harsh unintelligible Noise , like the Neighing of a Horse , and crying of a Goat , in mixt Consort : Sylla dismay'd at it , turned aside in detestation . At the point of Transportation , because Sylla was concerned , least at the first setting foot upon Italy , the Army should dissolve of it self one by one among the Cities , they of their own accord first took an Oath to stand firm by him , and with good-will not to injure Italy ; then seeing him straitned for a round summ of Money , they readily offered their assistance , and contributed each Man according to his Ability . However Sylla would not accept of the Benevolence , but praising their Good-will , and withall rowzing up their Courage , he put over ( as himself writes ) against fifteen Commanders , with four hundred and fifty Cohorts under them . The happy success of Affairs was plainly foretold him by the Divine Power ; for as he was sacrificing at his first landing about Tarentum , the Liver seemed to have on it the figure of a Crown of Laurel , with two Labels pendant . And little while before his arrival , in Campania , about the Mountain Hephaeus , two stately Goats were seen , in a Rencounter by day , performing like Men in a Battel . This Apparition rising up gradually from the ground , dispersed several through the Heavens , like to fancied Representations in the Clouds , and so vanish'd out of sight . Not long after , in the self-same place , when Martius the younger , and Norbanus the Consul attack'd him with two great Armies , without prescribing the Order of Battle , or ranging his Men according to their Divisions , by the sway only of one common Alacrity and Transport of Courage , he overturn'd the Enemy , and shut up Norbanus into the City of Capua , with the loss of seven thousand of his Men. This was the reason , says he , that the Soldiers disbanded not throughout the Towns , but stuck close together , and despised the Enemy , though infinitely more in number . At Silvium ( as he himself relates it ) there met him a Servant of Pontius , an Enthusiast , saying , That he brought him the power of the Sword and Victory from Bellona , the Goddess of War ; and if he hasted not , that the Capitol would be burnt ; which fell out on the same day the Man foretold it , namely on the sixth day of the Month Quintilis , which we now call July . Moreover , at Fidentia , Marcus Lucullus , one of Sylla's Commanders , reposed such confidence in the sprightly forwardness of the Soldiers , as to dare to face fifty Cohorts of the Enemy , with only sixteen of his own ; but because many of them were unarmed , delayed the Onset . As he stood thus in gaze , considering with himself , a gentle gale of Wind bearing along with it from the neighbouring Meadows , an innumerable company of Flowers , threw them in scatteringly among the Army ; which falling about casually , and resting upon the Shields and Helmets , shew'd them to the Enemy as crown'd with Chaplets . Upon this being further animated , they joyned Battel , and victoriously slaying eight thousand Men , took the Camp. This Lucullus was Brother to that Lucullus who in after-times conquered Mithridates and Tygranes . Sylla seeing himself surrounded with so many Armies , and such mighty Powers , had recourse to Art , inviting Scipio the other Consul to a Treaty of Peace . The Motion was willingly embrac'd , and thereupon followed several Meetings and Consultations , in all which Sylla interposing still matter of delay and new Pretences , in the mean while debauched Scipio's Men by Under-instruments of his own , who in subtil train and all the Methods of Inveigling , were as well practised as the General himself . For entring into the Enemies Quarters , and intermixing , they wrought off some by present Money , some by Promises , others by fair Words and Perswasions ; so as in the end , when Sylla with twenty Cohorts drew near , they came forth to salute him , leaving Scipio behind them in his Tent , where he was found all alone and dismissed . Thus Sylla having used twenty Cohorts as Stales , to draw in forty more Cohorts of the Enemy , led them all back into the Camp. On this occasion Carbo was heard to say , That having a Fox and a Lion in the Breast of Sylla to deal with , he was plagued most with the Fox . Some time after , at Signium , Marius the younger , with eighty five Cohorts , offered Battel to Sylla , who was extreamly desirous to have it decided on that very day ; for the night before he had seen a Vision , which to his thoughts represented Marius the Elder , who had been long since dead , advising his Son Marius to beware of the following day , as of fatal consequence to him . For this reason Sylla , longing to come to a Battel , sent to the Camp afar off for Dolabella . But because the Enemy had beset and lock'd up the Passes , his Soldiers were exceedingly tired by Skirmishing and Marching at once . To these difficulties was added moreover tempestuous rainy Weather , which distressed them most of all ; wherefore the Principal Leaders came to Sylla , and besought him to defer the day , shewing him withall how the Soldiers lay all along on the Ground , cast down with Toil , and leaning upon the Target . When with much difficulty he had yielded , and given order for the setling of the Camp , they had no sooner begun to cast up a Rampart , and draw a Ditch across , but Marius came riding up furiously at the Head of his Troops , in hopes to have scattered them in that disorder and confusion . Here the Gods fulfilled Sylla's Dream : For the Soldiers stirred up with anger , left off to work , and sticking their Piles on the Bank , with drawn Swords and a couragious Shout , came to handy blows with the Enemy , who made but small resistance , and were miserably slain in the Flight . Marius fled to Praeneste , but finding the Gates shut , tied himself round by a Rope , that was thrown down to him , and was taken up on the Walls . Some there are ( as Fenestella for one ) who affirm that Marius knew nothing of the Fight , but over-watch'd and spent with hard Duty , had reposed himself , when the Signal was given , beneath some Shade , and was hardly to be awakned at the Flight of his Men. Sylla ( according to his own account ) lost only three Men in this Brush , having killed of the Enemy , twenty thousand , and taken alive eight thousand . The like Success had others of his Commanders , as Pompey , Crassus , Metellus , Servilius , who with little or no loss cut off vast numbers of the Enemy , insomuch as Carbo , the prime Supporter of the Cause , fled by night from his Charge of the Army , and sailed over into Libya . In the last Encounter , the Samnite Telesinus , like to some Champion whose lot it is to enter last of all into the List , and take up the wearied Conqueror , came nigh to have foiled and overthrown Sylla before the Gates of Rome . For Telesinus with his second Lamponius the Lucan , having drawn together huge Levies of Men , made all hast toward Praeneste , to free Marius from the Siege ; but perceiving Sylla at the Head of him , and Pompey in the Tail , both making violently at him , streightned thus before and behind , he , as a valiant and expert Soldier , arose by night , and marching directly with his whole Army , had like to have fallen unexpectedly into Rome it self . He lay that night before the City , some ten Furlongs off from the Gate Collatina , all jocund and swoln with further Hopes , as having already bafled so many eminent Commanders by Stratagem : At break of day being charged by the Noble Youth of the City , among many others , he overthrew Appius Claudius , a Person renowned for Nobleness of Blood and Valour . The City , as it is easie to imagine , was all in an Uproar , the Women shrieking and running about , as if he had been entred forcibly by Assault , till at last Balbus advanced , with seven hundred Horse on full speed , and after some small halt made for rubbing and bridling again , fell into skirmish with the Enemy . In the mean time Sylla appeared , and commanding the formost to take refreshment , drew into order . Dolabella and Torquatus were extreme earnest with him to desist a while , and not with spent Forces to hazard the whole sum of Affairs , having before them in the Field not Carbo or Marius , but two warlike Nations , bearing immortal hatred to Rome , the Samnites and Lucans to grapple with ; but he put them by , and commanded the Trumpets to sound a Charge , about four a Clock in the afternoon . In this Conflict , which was the sharpest as ever was , the Right-wing , where Crassus stood embattelled , had clearly the advantage ; the Left was overcharged , and in a declining condition , when Sylla came to its succour , mounted on a white Courser , full of mettle , and exceeding swift of foot , which two of the Enemy knowing him by , had their Lances in a readiness to cast ; but this Gentleman giving the Horse a touch , he was , unknown to himself , so far advanced , as that the Points falling beside the Horse-tail , stuck in the Ground . There goes a Story , That having a golden Image of Apollo from Delphos , he was always wont in the day of Battel to carry it about him in his Bosom , and that then he kissed it , with these words : O Apollo Pythius , the Fortunate Cornelius Sylla , whom in so many Battels thou hast raised to Honour and Greatness , wilt thou now cast down , bringing him before the Gate of his Country , to perish shamefully with his Fellow Citizens ? After he had thus addressed himself to the God , some of his Men he intreated , some he threatned , and others he laid hold on , till at length the left Wing being wholly shattered , he was forc'd in Company of the Rout to betake himself to the Camp , having lost many of his Friends and Acquaintance ; many likewise of the City-spectators were trod to Death . So as Common Fame gave the City for taken , and had like to have raised the Siege of Praeneste ; many who escaped by Flight posting thither , and advising Lucretius Offella ( who was appointed to keep on the Siege ) to rise in all haste , for that Sylla was defeated , and Rome fallen into the Hands of the Enemy . About Midnight there came into Sylla's Camp Messengers from Crassus , to fetch Provision for him and his Soldiers ; for having vanquish'd the Enemy , they pursu'd him to the Walls of Antemna , and had sat down there . Sylla hearing this , and that most of the Enemy were destroyed , came to Antemna by break of day , where three Thousand of the Besieged having sent forth a Herald , he promis'd to receive them to Mercy , on condition they did the Enemy mischief in their coming over . Trusting to his Word , they fell foul on the rest of their Companions , and made a great Slaughter one of another ; but however Sylla gathered together in the Cirque , as well those as others of the remaining party , to the number of seven Thousand , and as he was speaking to the Senate in the Temple of Bellona , causeth them all to be slain , by Men appointed for that Service . The cry , as must needs be , of so vast a multitude put to the Sword , in so narrow a space , flying abroad and startling the Senators ; he , as he was speaking , with a secure unconcern'd Countenance , bad them listen to what he had to say , and not busie themselves with what was a doing without doors ; for himself had ordered the Chastisement of a few naughty People . This gave the most stupid of the Romans to understand , that they had made an exchange only of Tyrannical Government , not a change . Marius , being in himself austere , altered not , but confirmed Nature by Authority ; whereas Sylla behaving himself moderately and prudently at first , and giving good hopes of a true Patriot , firm to the Interests both of the Nobility and Commonalty , being moreover of a gay pleasant humour from his youth , and of such a melting compassionate disposition , as to weep easily , has perhaps deservedly cast a Blemish upon the higher Offices of State , as if these put us beside our former course of Life , and were occasion of Folly , Pride , Inhumanity . This whether it be real change , and new frame of Mind , arising from Fortune , or rather a malicious sly Nature , discovering it self in Authority , to decide were matter of another sort of Disquisition . Now that Sylla was wholly bent upon , slaughter , and filled the Town incessantly with infinite Executions , ( many disinteressed Persons falling a Sacrifice to private Enmity , through his permission and indulgence to a Party ) Cajus Metellus , one of the Noble Youths , made bold in the Senate to ask him , what ends was there of those Evils , and where he intended to stop ? We pray thee not ( said he ) to pardon such as thou hast resolved to destroy , but to free from doubt such as it hath pleased thee to save . Sylla answering , That he knew not as yet whom to spare : Why then ( said he ) tell us whom thou wilt punish . This Sylla said he would do . Those last Words , as some Authors would have it , were spoken not by Metellus , but by Offidius , one of Sylla's fawning Companions . Immediately upon this , without imparting the matter to the Magistracy , Sylla proscrib'd eighty Persons , and notwithstanding the generality of Men stomach'd it , after one days respite he posted two hundred and twenty more , and on the third again as many . In an Harangue to the People on this occasion , he told them he had put up as many Names as he could think of ; and those who had escaped his memory , he should hereafter proclaim . He publish'd an Edict likewise , making Death the Punishment of Humanity , to any one who should dare to receive and cherish an Outlaw , without exception to Brother , Son , or Parents . And to him who should slay any one proscribed Person , he ordained two Talents , as a Reward of Parricide , whether it were a Slave , who had beat out the Brains of his Master , or a Son his Fathers . But what was most unjust of all , he cause'd the Attainder to pass upon their Sons , and Sons Sons , and made open sale of the Goods of them all ; nor reign'd the Proscription only at Rome , but throughout all the Cities of Italy , where the Effusion of Blood was such , as neither the Temples of the Gods , nor Sanctuaries , nor private Houses , escaped clear ; Men were butchered in the Embraces of their Wives , Children in the Arms of their Mothers . They who fell thus through publick hatred , or private spleen , were nothing in comparison of the numbers of those who suffer'd for their Riches . The Assassin might safely say , A fair House killed this Man , a Garden that , a third his Hot Baths . Quintus Aurelius , a quiet peaceable Man , and one who thought it his Duty to bear a part in the common Calamity , so far as to condole the Misfortunes of others , coming into the Forum , and finding himself among those who were set up , cried out , Woe 's me , my Alban , Mannor has informed against me . He had not gone far , before he was dispatched by a Ruffian sent on that Errand . In the mean time Marius on the point of being taken , killed himself . Sylla at his first coming to Praeneste , proceeded judicially against each particular Person , till at last , finding it a Work of too much time , he cooped them up close together in one place , to the number of two and twenty thousand Men , and gave order for the Execution of them all , his Hoast only excepted ; but he brave Man , scorning the Obligation of Life it self , from the Hands of one who had been the Ruine of his Country , plung'd into the Herd , and submitted willingly to the Stroke . That of Lucius Catilina was a rare Contrivance : For before Matters came to an issue , having made away his Brother , he beseeched Sylla to clap him into the List of Outlawry , as living , and was so ; wherefore Catiline , to return the kind Office , assassinated Marius , one of the adverse Party , and brought the Head to Sylla , as he was sitting in the Court of Judicature ; then going to the Holy Water of Apollo , which was nigh , wash'd his Hands . There were other things beside matter of Tragedy , which gave offence : for Sylla had declared himself Dictator , whereas that Form of Government had then been laid aside for the space of one hundred and twenty years . There was likewise an Act of Grace passed on his behalf , granting Impunity for what was past , and for the future entrusting him with the Power of the Sword , Confiscations , Trasplanting of Colonies , erecting and demolishing of Cities , taking away of Kingdoms , and bestowing them at pleasure . He managed the Sale of Conficsated Goods after such an arbitrary imperious way , seated on a Chair of State , amidst beautiful Women , Mimicks , Fidlers , and such like rascally People , on whom he squandred away the Revenues of whole Countries and Cities , bestowing on some of them Ladies in Marriage against their will ; so as his Gratuities were much more intolerable than his Usurpations . Having a mind to assure Pompey the Great by a nearer Tie of Bloud , he commanded him to make void the Nuptial Bed , and forcing Aemilia ( the Daughter of Scaurus and Metella , his own Wife ) from Marcus Glabrio , he bestowed her , great with Child , on him ; but she died in Labour at Pompey's House . When Lucretius Offella , the same who reduced Marius by Siege , put in and push'd his Fortune hard for the Consulship , he first forbad him ; then seeing he could not restrain him from coming down into the Forum , with a numerous Train of followers , he commanded a Centurion of the Guards out and slew him , himself sitting on the Bench in the Temple of Castor , and beholding the Murder from above . The Citizens apprehending the Centurion , and dragging him to the Tribunal , he bad them cease tumultuous clamouring , and let go the Centurion , for he had commanded it . His Triumph , tho' of it self exceeding stately , and set off with the unusual Pomp , and Magnificence of Royal Spoils , was yet further illustrated , and drew after it a goodly Spectacle , the Exiles . For in the Reer followed the most eminent and most potent of the Citizens , Crowned with Garlands , and calling Sylla , Saviour and Father , by whose means they were restored to their own Country , and again enjoyed their Wives and Children . When the Solemnity was over , and the time come to render an Account of his Actions , in a Publick Assembly , he was as punctual in innumerating the lucky hits of War , as any of his own Military Vertues . And from his Faelicity it was , that he made choice to be Surnamed Felix . In his Addresses and Answers to the Graecians , he styled himself , Epaphroditus , or Beloved of Venus . His Trophies which are still extant with us , bear this Inscription , Lucius Cornelius Sylla Epaphroditus . Moreover when his Wife had brought him forth twins , he named the Male Faustus , and the Female Fausta ; by which words the Romans understand Success and Good Omen . The Confidence which he reposed in his good Genius , rather than in any Abilities of his own , emboldned him , though deeply engaged in Blood , after such great Changes and Revolutions of State , to lay down his Authority , and settle the Right of Consular Elections once more on the People . So that he not only came abroad , but on the Forum exposed his Person publickly to the People , walking up and down as a private Man. And whereas , contrary to his will , a certain bold Man , and his Enemy , Marcus Lepidus , was in Election to be Consul , not by his own Interest , but by the Power and Sollicitation of Pompey , who was extream gracious with the People ; when the business was over , seeing Pompey going home overjoyed with the Success , he called him to him , and said , Was it not politickly done of you , Young man to pass by Catulus the best of Men , and chuse Lepidus the worst ? Take heed , and look to thy self , or the Adversary thou hast raised will be too hard for thee . Sylla spoke this it may seem by Divine Instinct , for not long after Lepidus grew insolent , and broke into open defiance with Pompey . Sylla consecrating the Tenth of his whole Substance unto Hercules , entertain'd the People with sumptuous Feastings . The Provision was so much above what was necessary , as that they were forced daily to throw great quantities of it into the River , and drank Wine forty years old and upward . In the midst of the Jollity , which lasted many days , Metella died of a Disease . Now because that the Priest forbad him to visit the Sick , or suffer his House to be polluted with Mourning , he sent her a Bill of Divorce , and caused her to be removed into another House , whilst alive ; in this he observed the Law to a Tittle , out of Religious Superstition ; but as for the Retrenching Act which himself made , himself break it , sparing for no Funeral Cost . He trangressed likewise for his own Sumptuary Laws , thinking to allay his Grief by excessive Drinking and Revelling . Some few Months after , at a Prize of Gladiators , when Men and Women sat promiscuously in the Theatre , no distinct Places being as yet appointed , there sat by Sylla a beautiful Lady of high Birth , by name Valeria , Daughter of Messala , and Sister to Hortensius the Orator . Now it hapned that she had been lately divorced from her Husband . The same came gently behind Sylla , and putting out her Hand , plucked a lock of his Garment , and then passed on to her Seat again . Sylla looking on and wondring what it should mean ; No harm , Mighty Sir , ( said she ) for that I also was desirous to partake a little of your Felicity . It appeared straight that Sylla was well pleased , and even tickled with the Fancy ; for the sent to enquire her Name , her Quality , and Behaviour of Life . From this time there passed between them many an amorous Glance , both of them at once oftentimes turning one on another , and interchanging Smiles . In the end Overtures were made , and a Match concluded on . All which was innocent perhaps on the Ladies sides ; but though the Lady was never so modest and Vertuous , it was no such modest and seemly beginning of Love in Sylla , to take fire , as became Youth rather , at a Face , and buxom Humour , those common Incentives to the most disorderly and shameless Passions . Notwithstanding this Marriage , he kept company with Actors , Actresses , and Minstrels , drinking with them night and day . His chief Favourites were , Roscius the Comedian , Sorex the Arch-Mimick , and Metrobius the Woman Actor , for whom , though past his Prime , he ever retained a profest Kindness . He fell by these Courses into a Disease , which grew so leasurely upon him , as of a long time he perceived not his Bowels to fester , till at length the corrupted Flesh broke all out into Lice . Many being employed Day and Night in destroying them , the Work so multiplied under their hands , as not only his Cloaths , Baths , Basons , but his very Meat was polluted with that Flux and Contagion , they came swarming out in such numbers . Wherefore he went often by day into the Waters , to scowr and cleanse his Body , but all in vain ; the Course returned so quick , and with such numerous Supplies , as overcame all manner of Riddance . There died of the Lowsie Disease , amongst those of ancient note , Acastus the Son of Pelias ; of later date , Alcman the Poet , Pherecides the Theologe , Callisthenes the Olyntian in the time of his Imprisonment , as also Mutius the Lawyer ; and if it be fit to bring in Men of infamous Memory , Eunus the Fugitive , who stirred up the Slaves of Sicily to rebel against their Masters ; after that , he was brought Captive to Rome , died of this creeping Sickness . Sylla not only foresaw his End , but also writ somewhat concerning it ; for in the two and twentieth Book of his Memoirs , which he finished some two days before his death , he writes , That the Chaldeans foretold him , That after he had led a Life of Honour , he should conclude the last Act in fulness of Prosperity . He declares moreover , That in a Vision he had seen his Son , who had departed not long before Metella , to stand by in mournful Weeds , and beseech his Father to cast off further care , and come along with him to his Mother Metella , there to live at ease and quietness with her . However , he could not refrain intermedling in Publick Affairs ; for ten days before his decease , he composed the Differences of the Puteolaxians , and prescribed Laws for their better Government ; and the very day before his End , it being told him that Cranius a Man in Authority , deferred the Payment of a Publick Debt , in expectation of his Death , he sent for the Man to his House , and calling his Servants about him , caused him to be strangled ; but through the straining of his Voice and Body , the Imposthume breaking , he cast forth a great quantity of Bloud . Upon this his strength failing him , after a troublesome Night he died , leaving behind him two young Children by Metella . Valeria was afterwards delivered of a Daughter , named Posthuma ; for so the Romans call those who be born after the Fathers Death . Many ran tumultuously together , and join'd with Lepidus , to deprive the Corps of the accustomed Solemnities ; but Pompey , though offended at Sylla , ( for he alone of all his Friends was left out of his Will ) having kept off some by his Interest and Intreaty , others by Menaees , gave it a secure and honourable Burial . It 's said , that the Roman Ladies threw on such vast heaps of Spices , as beside what was brought in one hundred and ten Vessels , sufficed to raise a large Statue for Sylla , and another for his Lictor , out of the precious Frankincense and Cinnamon . The day being Cloudy over head , they deferred carrying forth the Corps till about three in the Afternoon , expecting it should rain , but a strong Wind blowing full against the Funeral Pile , and setting it all on a bright Flame , his Body was consumed in a moment . As the Pile shrunk down and the Fire was upon expiring the Clouds showr'd down , and continued raining till Night ; so as his good Fortune was firm even to the last , and did as it were officiate at his Funeral . His Monument stands on Campus Martius , with an Epitaph of his own Writing . The Substance this , That neither Friend nor Foe had out-done him , either in good or bad turns . The Comparison of Lysander with Sylla . HAving in like manner run through this Life , come we now to the Comparison . That which was common to them both , was , that they were Founders of their own Greatness , with this difference , that Lysander had the Consent of the Citizens , in Times of right understanding , for the Honours he received ; nor forc'd he any thing against their good will , or sought to raise himself above the Laws ; whereas , In Civil Broils the Slave himself gets Honour ; as then at Rome , when the People were distempered , and the Government out of order , one or other was still a getting uppermost ; no wonder then if Sylla reign'd , when the Glauciae and Saturnini drove out the Metelli , when Sons of Consuls were slain in the Assemblies , when others for Silver and Gold bought Men and Arms , and with Fire and Sword set up new Laws , in spite of all Lawful opposition ; nor do I blame any one in such Circumstances , for working himself into Supream Power ; only I would not have it thought a sign of Sovereign Goodness , to be Head of a State so wretchedly discomposed . But Lysander being employed in the greatest Commands and Affairs of State , by a sober and well-disciplin'd City , was ever esteemed the best and most Vertuous Man , in the best and most vertuous Commonwealth . Wherefore Lysander often returning the Government into the hands of the Citizens , received it again as often ; for the Excellencies of his Vertues ever held the first place . Sylla on the other hand , when he had once made himself of the Army , kept up his Command for ten years together , creating himself sometimes Consul , sometimes Proconsul , and sometimes Dictator , but was always a Tyrant . It 's true , Lysander ( as was said ) designed to introduce a new Form of Government , after a milder fashion however , and more agreeable to Justice , than Sylla ; not by force of Arms , but Perswasion ; nor by subverting the whole State at once , but by more orderly directing the Succession of Kings . And by Nature it seems just , that the most deserving should rule , especially in a City which it self got the leading hand of Greece , upon the account of Vertue not Nobility . For as the Hunter considers the Whelp it self , not the Bitch ; and the Horse-courser the Foal , not the Mare , ( for what if the Foal should prove a Mule ? ) so likewise were that Politician extreamly out , who in the Choice of a Chief Magistrate should enquire , not what the Man is , but how descended . The very Spartans themselves have deposed several of their Kings , for want of Kingly Vertues , as degenerated and good for nothing ▪ A depraved Nature , though of an ancient Stock , is dishonourable ; whereas Vertue without Birth is honourable . Moreover , the one was injurious to many , upon the score of his Friends ; the other to his very Friends . It 's confessed on all hands , that Lysander offended most commonly for the sake of his Companions , committing several Slaughters to uphold their Power and Dominion ; but as for Sylla , he out of Envy would have discarded Pompey from Commanding by Land , and Dolabella by Sea , although himself had given them those Places ; he ordered Lucretius Offella , who sued for the Consulship , upon divers meritorious accounts , to be slain before his Eyes , raising thereby strange Apprehensions and Jealousies in the Minds of all Men , for his Cruelty to his Dearest Friends . The Business of Riches and Pleasure do's further yet demonstrate in one a Princely , in the other a Tyrannical Disposition . Lysander did nothing that was intemperate or extravagant , in that full range of Power and Licence , but kept aloof as much as ever Man did , from that trite Saying , Lion within , but Fox without , he ever maintained such a sober , Laconick , well tempered Conversation ; whereas Sylla could never break his unruly Affections , either by Poverty , when young , or by a long run of Years , when grown old ; but would be still prescribing of Laws to the Citizens , concerning Chastity and Sobriety , himself living all that time ( as Salust affirms ) in open Lewdness and Debauchery . By these ways he had so impoverished and drained the City of her Treasures , as to be forced to sell her Liberties and Immunities to the associated and well-affected Cities for Silver , although he had daily exposed the wealthiest and greatest Families to publick Sale and Out-cry . There was no end of his Favours vainly spent and thrown away on Flatterers ; for what mean , what likelihood of Parsimony in his more intimate Conversation , and Endearments over Wine , when in the open face of the People , upon Auction of a large Estate , which he would have passed over to one of his Friends at a small Price , because another bidding higher , the Officer had made Proclamation of the Advance , he broke out into a Passion , saying , What a strange unjust thing is this , O Citizens , that I cannot dispose of my own Booty as I please ? But Lysander , on the contrary , with the rest of the Spoil , sent even the Presents which were made him to the Citizens . Nor do I commend him for it , ( for he perhaps by excessive Liberality did Sparta more harm , than ever the other did Rome by Rapine ) only I make it an Argument of his Contempt of Riches . They had a strange peculiar influence each Man on his own City . Sylla , a profuse Debauchee , brought in Sobriety however amongst the Citizens : Lysander agen , temperate as he was , filled the Town with Luxury : So as they both were blame-worthy , the one for raising himself above his own Laws ; the other for causing his Citizens to fall beneath his own Example , in that he taught Sparta to want those things , which himself had learnt not to want . And thus much of their Civil Administration . As for Feats of Arms , wise Conduct , innumerable Victories , perillous Adventures , Sylla was beyond compare . Lysander indeed came off twice victorious at two Sea-fights ; I shall add to that the Siege of Athens , a Work of greater Fame than Difficulty . For all this , the Business of Aliartus in Baeotia , altho perhaps it came about by ill Fortune , bears yet the semblance of ill Advice , when out of Ambition and Eagerness to fight , without further attending the Kings Forces , which were then almost at hand from Plataeae , he unseasonbly approached the Walls , and was miserably defeated by a Sally of inconsiderable Men ; he received his Death-wound , not as Cleombrotas at Leuctra , resisting manfully the impression of a just Enemy ; not as Cyrus or Epaminondas , pressing hard on the declining Battel , and making sure the Victory ; who all of them died the Death of Kings and Generals : But he , like some Common Soldier , or one of the Forlorn Hope , cast away his Life ingloriously , giving testimony to the ancient Spartans , that they did well to avoid storming of Walls , in which the stoutest Man may chance to fall by the Hand not only of an abject Fellow , but by that of a Boy or Woman , as they say , Achilles was slain by Paris in the Gates . As for Sylla , it was somewhat hard to reckon up how many set Battels he won , or how many thousands he slew : He took Rome it self twice , and forc'd the Pyraean Haven , not by Famine , as Lysander did , but by several sharp Encounters , driving out Archelaus from Land to Sea. And what most importeth , there was a vast difference between the Commanders they they had to deal with ; for I look upon it as an easie Task , or rather Sport , that same Overthrow of Antiochus , Alcibiades his Pilot , as likewise the Circumventing of Philocles the Atheninian Orator , Sharp only at inglorious point of Tongue : both whom Mithridates would have scorned to compare with the Master of his Horse , or Marius with his Lictor . But of all the Grandees , Consuls , Commanders , and Daemagogues , to pass by others who opposed themselves to Sylla ; who amongst the Romans so formidable as Marius ? What King more powerfull than Mithridates ? Who of the Italians sturdier than Lamponius and Telesinus ? Yet of these , one he drove into Banishment , one he quelled , and the others he slew . Now the greatest of all , which has been as yet related , in my judgment , was , That Lysander had the Assistance of the State in all his Archievements ; whereas Sylla , besides that he was a Banish'd Person , and sorely overcharged by a Faction , at what time his Wife was driven from home , his Houses demolished , and Adherents slain , himself ▪ then in Baeotia stood Embattelled against infinite Numbers of the Enemy , and adventuring all for the sake of his Country , erected a Trophie : Nor , when Mithridates came with Proposals of Alliance and Aid against his Enemies , would he shew any the least Compliance , or so much as Civil Respect , either by greeting or vouchsafing him his Hand , till such time that he had it from the Kings own Mouth , that he was willing to quit Asia , surrender the Navy , and restore Bithynia and Cappadocia to the two Kings ; than which Action , Sylla never performed a braver , or with a Nobler Courage , when preferring the Publick Good to the Private , and , like a generous Dog , where he had once fix'd , never letting go his hold , till he had conquered the Enemy , he then set himself to revenge his own private Quarrels . We may perhaps make a better estimate of their Manners , by weighing both their Athenian Actions in the Ballance . Sylla , when he had made himself Master of that City , which had upheld the Dominion and Power of Mithridates , in opposition to him restored her to Liberty . and the free Exercise of her own Laws . Lysander , on the contrary , when she had fell from such a vast height of Dignity and Rule , unmercifully took away the Democracy , imposing on her the most Cruel and Lawless Tyrants . It 's now time to consider , whether we should swerve from the Truth or no , by declaring , that Sylla performed the more Glorious Deeds , but Lysander committed the fewer Faults ; as likewise by giving to one the Preheminence for Moderation and Abstinence , to the other for Conduct and Valour . THE LIFE OF CIMON . Englished from the Greek , By Mat. Morgan , A. M. of St. John's College in Oxford . VOLUME III. PEripoltas the Diviner having brought the King Opheltas and those under his Command from Thessaly into Baeotia , left there a Family which flourish'd a long time after ; the greatest part of them inhabited Chaeronea , the first City out of which they expelled the Barbarians . The Descendants of this Race , being men of bold Attempts , exposed themselves to so many CIMON . This was the valiant and obliging Greeke Who Conqver'd when he acted or did speake ▪ His Courage and his Courtesy were greate The haughty Persian bravely did defeate ; Gott in one day a double Victory And so 〈◊〉 Triumph'd over earth 〈…〉 Dangers in the Incursions the Medes made upon them , and in Exploits against the Gauls , that at last they were almost wholly consumed . There was left one Orphan of this House , called Damon , surnamed Peripoltas , for Beauty and greatness of Spirit surpassing all of his Age ; but of Temper fierce and untractable . A Roman Captain of a Foot-Company that Wintered in Chaeronea , fell in love with this Youth ; but since he could not obtain his infamous Desires , either by Gifts or Entreaties , 't was much feared that he would proceed to Violence . The Suspicion was made more probable by the condition of Chaeronea , which was then so weak , that it had not power either to prevent the Attempt , or punish the Commission of the Crime . Of which Damon being sensible , and looking upon his Sollicitations as Injuries , resolved to be revenged of him : Accordingly he and sixteen of his Companions , conspired against the Captain ; but that the Design might be managed without any danger of being discovered , they all daubed their Faces with Soot . Thus disguised , and inflamed with Wine , they set upon him by break of day , as he was sacrificing ; and having killed him , and not a few of those that were with them , they fled out of the City ; which was extreamly alarmed and troubled at the Murder : The Council Assembled immediately , and pronounced Sentence of Death against Damon and all his Accomplices . This they did to justifie the City to the Romans . But , that evening , as the Magistrates were at Supper together , according to Custom , Damon and his Confederates breaking into the Room , killed them all , and then again fled out of the Town . About this time , Lucius Lucullus passing that way with his Forces upon some Expedition , and this disaster having but newly hapned , he staid to examine the matter . Upon enquiry he found the City was in no wise faulty , but rather that they themselves had suffered ; therefore he drew out the Soldiers , and carried them away with him . Yet Damon continuing to ravage the Country all about , the Citizens by Messages , and Decrees in appearance favourable , enticed him into the City , and upon his return made him Gymnasiarque ; but afterward as he was suppling himself with Oyl in the Baigno , they set upon him and kill'd him . For a long while after Apparitions being seen , and lamentable Groans heard in that place , ( as our Fathers have told us , ) they ordered the Gates of the Baigno to be made up : and even to this day those who dwell about that place affirm that they sometimes see Spectres , and hear terrible Voices . The posterity of Damon ( of which some remain in the Country of Phocide , near the City Stiris , living after the manner of the Aeolians ) are called Asbolomenoi , that is , Men dawbed with Soot . Because with that Damon was besmeared when he committed this Murther . But there being a Quarrel betwixt those of Chaeronea and the Orchomeniens , who bordered upon them ; they hired an Informer , a Roman , to excuse the Community of Chaeronea , as if it had been a single Person , of the Murther of the Romans , of which only Damon and his Ruffians were guilty ; accordingly the process was formed , and the cause pleaded before the Petor of Macedon , for as yet , the Romans had not sent Governours into Greece . The Advocates who defended the Inhabitants , appealed to the Testimony of Lucullus , who in answer to a Letter the Pretor writ to him , returned a true account of the matter of Fact. By this means the Town gain'd their Cause , which otherwise they were in great danger of losing . The Citizens thus preserved , erected a Statue to Lucullus in the Forum , next to that of the God Bacchus . We also have the same Impressions of Gratitude ; and tho removed from them by the distance of so many Ages , yet we think our selves obliged by that Act. And as to draw the Genius and Noble Inclinations of a great Personage , is harder , and so more valuable , than to hit the Lines of his Face ; we will put Lucullus his Life amongst our Parallels of Illustrious Men. Wherein we will not use one stroke of Flattery , but keep close to the Truth . It is sufficient we shew how we preserve a grateful Remembrance of his generous Kindness ; and he himself would not expect , that in recompence of that Service , which consisted in speaking the Truth , we should abuse his Memory with a false and counterfeit Narration . For as we would , that a Painter who is to draw a beautifull Face , in which there is yet some Imperfection , should neither wholly leave out , nor entirely express what is defective , because this would deform it , and that spoil the Resemblance ; so since it is very hard , nay almost impossible , to shew the Life of a Man wholly free from Blemish , let us in the same manner follow Truth : But if any Lapses occur , which have been occasioned by the Emotions of a sudden Passion , or the necessity of the Times , let us look upon them rather as Defects of Vertue , than as Vices ; let us carry the Pencil gently over them , out of respect to Humane Nature , which never furnished any Man with so many good Inclinations to Vertue , but that there was somewhat still wanting which rendred him Imperfect . Considering with my self to whom I should compare Lucullus , I find none so exactly his Parrallel as Cimon . They were both valiant in War , and successful against the Barbarians , but affable and courteous to their Fellow-Citizens : Both extinguished the Civil Broils at home , and gained signal Victories abroad . In short , no Greek before Cimon , nor Roman before Lucullus , ever carried the Scene of War so far from their own Country , unless we except the Exploits of Bacchus and Hercules , those of Perseus against the Aethiopians , Medes , and Armenians , and the Acts of Jason , ( if of these any Monuments that deserve Credit are derived down to our days . ) Moreover in this they were alike , that they finished not the Enterprises they undertook : They brought their Enemies near their Ruin , but never entirely defeated them . There was yet a greater Conformity in their Nature , for the Civility and generous Reception they shewed to all Strangers , and the splended Provisions of their Tables . But we will omit those other good qualities , in which they were alike , for 't will be easie to observe them in the following Relation . Cimon was the Son of Miltiades and Hegesipyle , who was by Birth a Thracian , and Daughter to the King Olorus ; this appears from the Poems of Melanthius and Archelaus , which they both write in praise of Cimon . By this means the Historian Thucidides was his Kinsman by the Mother's side ; for his Father's name also was Olorus , and possessed Mines of Gold in Thrace , and was killed in Scaptahyla , a District of Thrace , so called from its being full of Ditches . His bones were afterward brought into Attica , and his Monument is shown amongst those of the House of Cimon , near the Tomb of Elpinice Cimon's Sister . But Thucidides was of the Tribe of Alimus , and Miltiades of that of Lacia . Miltiades being condemned in a Fine of fifty Talents to the State , and unable to pay it , was cast into Prison , and there died . Thus Cimon was left an Orphan very young , with his Sister Elpinice , who was also young and unmarried . At first he had no Reputation , being looked upon Riotous , and one who lived a dissolute Life , as in reality he did , therefore they said , there was an Agreement of Temper , as well as Appellation , betwixt him and his Grand-father , whose name was Cimon too ; but they Proverbially called him , for his Stupidity , Coalemos ( the Ideot ) Stesimbrotus of Thassus , who lived near about the same time with Cimon , reports of him ; that he had little docility ; that they could never teach him Musick , nor the Rudiments of any other Science , which were so easily learned by the young Gentlemen of Athens : That he wanted a Vivacity of Parts requisite for Conversation , was ungentile in his Carriage ; neither had he any Capacity to manage serious Affairs : However , that there appeared in him something that was great ; and that he had such a plain openness of Humour , that you would have taken him , rather for a Native of Peloponnesus than Athens . He being such an one , as Euripides describes Hercules . Accomplishment of Carriage he did want , But he was honest , tho not Elegant . For this Character may well agree with that which Stesimbrotus had given of him . They accused him in his younger years , that he incestuously caressed his own Sister Elpinice , who otherwise had no very great Reputation for Chastity : However , if her Brother was not her Gallant , 't was reported that Polynotus was . For when he painted the Trojan Dames in the Porch , then called Plesinaction , now Paecile , he drew Laodice by her Face . He was not an ordinary Mechanick , to be payed for his Work : But studying all ways to please tho Athenians , he bestowed it freely on the Publick . This all the Historians report of him ; and the Poet Malanthius particularly in these Verses . This famous Painter at his own Expence , Gave Athens Beauty and Magnificence : New Life to all the Heroes did impart ; Embellish'd all the Temples with his Art : The Splendour of the State restor'd again : And so he did oblige both Gods and Men. Some do affirm that Elpinice did not dissemble her Familiarities with her Brother : But lived publickly with him , as if she had been his Wife : For though she was no Fortune , yet he could meet with none , that was an equal Match for her , by reason of the Quality of her Birth . But afterward , when Callias , one of the richest Men of Athens fell in Love with her and proffered to pay the Mulct the Father was condemned in , if he could obtain the Daughter in Marriage : Cimon accepted the Condition , and betrothed her to Callias . There is no doubt to be made , but that Cimon was of an amorous Complexion . For Melanthius gives him hints of his Tendency that way , when in his Eulogies he facetiously rallies him for his Mistresses : The one was called Mnestra , and the other was Aristeria of Salamis ; and these the Poet saith , he was very fond of . However this is certain , that he loved his Wife Isodice very passionately ; she was the Daughter of Euryptolemus the Son of Megacles . Her death he regretted even to impatience , as appears by those Elegies of Condolance , addressed to him upon his loss of Her. The Philosopher Panaetius is of Opinion , that Archelaus was the Author of those Elegies ; and indeed the time seems to favour that Conjecture . But take Cimon in all his other Capacities , you shall find nothing in him that is justly blameable , but rather all the Customs of his Life were very good . For as he was as daring as Miltiades , and not at all inferiour to Themistocles for Judgement , so he was incomparably more just and honest then either of them . As he was equal to them in understanding , and in discharging all the Functions of a Commander ; so for the Political part of Government , he excelled them and every one else : And this too when he was very young , his years not yet confirmed by any experience . For when Themistocles , upon the Medes threatning them with an Invasion , advised the Athenians to forsake their Town and the Country about it , and to carry all their Arms on Ship board , and in the Streights of Salamis dispute the Dominion of the Sea with their Enemies , When all the World stood amazed at the Confidence and Rashness of this advice ; Cimon only was not at all surprised , but chearfully passed through the Street of Ceramicon , accompanied with other young Men , toward the Castle , carrying a Bridle in his hand to offer to the Goddess Minerva ; by this intimating , that there was no more need of Horsemen now , but Mariners . Thus after he had paid his Devotions to the Goddess , and offer'd up the Bridle , he took down the Bucklers that hung upon the Walls of the Temple , and so went down to the Port. By this Example he encouraged the Citizens to follow him in order to their Embarking . Besides , he was an handsome Person , of a just Stature , his Hair thick and curled . After he had acquitted himself gallantly in this Battle of Salamis , he obtained a great Reputation among the Athenians ; and they not only admired his Actions , but loved his Person . So that they were continually , enflaming him with Emulation , to perform Deeds as Famous as that of Marathon ; that entertaining great Conceptions of things , he might act sutably thereunto . The People were very glad , when they saw him applying himself to matters of State ; for they were disgusted with Themistocles : In opposition to whom , and because of the Candor and Freeness of Cymon's Temper , which was agreeable to every one , they advanced him to the highest Employments in the Government . The man that contributed most to his Promotions was Aristides , who still cultivated that honest Genius he saw in him : And purposely raised him , that he might be a Counterpoise to the Craft , and repress the insolence of Themistocles . But when the Medes were driven out of Greece , Cimon being Admiral , though the Athenians had not yet attained the Chief Dominion , but still followed Pausanias and the Lacedaemonians ; he kept his Citizens in Heart , and by the Goodness of their Order and Equipage , but chiefly by their Valour , they were distinguished from the rest . Besides he perceiving , that Pausanias managed an intelligence with the King of Persia , to betray Greece to the Barbarians , and puft up with Arrogance and Success , treated his Allies haughtily , and committed Insolencies upon them ; Cimon taking this advantage , robbed him of the Esteem and Command of the Greeks , before he was aware . This he did not by open Enmity , but by affable Discourse and the Obligingness of his Conversation . So that the Allies no longer able to endure the Sourness and Pride of Pausanias , revolted all from him to Cimon and Aristides : Who , having gain'd such a Party from him , writ to the Ephori of Sparta , and sent particular Messengers to complain of him , desiring them to recall a Man who was a dishonour to Sparta , and a trouble to Greece . They report of Pausanias , that when he was in Bysantium , he sollicited a young Lady of a noble Family in the City , whose name was Cleonice , to debauch her : Her Parents dreading the cruel Humour of the Man , were forced to consent , and so abandon'd their Daughter to his Embraces . Cleonice commanded the Servants to put out all the Lights ; So that approaching silently , and in the dark towards his Bed , she stumbled upon the Lamp , which she overturned and spilled : Pausanias , who was fallen asleep , awaked , and startled with the noise , thought an assassin had taken that dead time of the Night to murder him ; so that hastily snatching up his Poinard that lay by him , he wounded his supposed Enemy to Death . After this he never enjoyed himself , but was disturbed in his Thoughts . For his Dear Mistress haunted his Bed , and would not let him Sleep , but interrupted his repose with these Angry Words . Villain , be just at last , and so repent ; Or see the hand that brings thy Punishment . This Tragical Accident gave the last stroke to his Ruin. For after this the Allies joyning their Resentments and Forces with Cimon's , besieged him in Byzantium : but he escaped out of their Hands , and fled to Heraclea . Here coming to a place which might be called the Oracle of the Dead , where they raise up Spirits to know future Events , he solemnly invoked Cleonice , and intreated her Ghost to be reconciled : Accordingly she appeared to him , and answered him in these Words . As soon as thou comest to Sparta thou shalt be freed from all the Misfortunes which now afflict thee . Hereby obscurely foretelling ( in my opinion ) that imminent Death he was to suffer . This is the Story that is told of him . Cimon strengthned with this accession of the Allies , went General into Thrace : For he was told that some great Men among the Persians , of the Kings Kindred , having possessed themselves of Eione , a City situated upon the River Strymon , infested the Greeks which confin'd upon them : First , he defeated these Persians , and shut them up within the Walls of their Town . Then he fell upon the Thracians themselves , who were Borderers , because they supply'd those of Eione with Victuals ; he drove them entirely out of the Country , and took possession of it as Conqueror : By this means he reduced the Besieged to such straights , that Butes , who Commanded there for the King , in a desperate resolution set fire to the Town , and burned himself , his Goods , and all his Relations , in one common Flame . By this means Cimon got the Town , but no great Booty ; for these Barbarians not only consumed themselves in the Fire , but the richest of their Moveables . However , the Country about it he gave the Athenians , which was a pleasant and fruitful Soil . For this Action the People permitted him to erect Stone Mercuries ; upon the First of which was this Inscription . Those were the valiant Heros , who in Thrace Did , Conquering the Persians , them disgrace ; By Sword and Famine made them all to die , And unto Death , as to a refuge , fly . Upon the Second was this . This Monument did grateful Athens raise , To give to her Commanders lasting Praise ; That this might make her Emulous Sons contend , Encountring Death , their Country to defend . This was the Inscription of the Third . Since Mnestheus to Atrides Succours led , From Athens , by whose Hands his Foes lay dead ; And as old Homer doth report the same , All Troy did tremble at this Warriour's Name . Then no one justly ought for to admire That Athens to this Honour doth aspire : None are so Wise and Valiant as They , As Chiefs to Lead , as Soldiers to Obey . Tho' the Name of Cimon is not mention'd in these Inscriptions , yet his Contemporaries do assert them wholly as erected to his Honour ; and being so , it was a peculiar one to him . For Miltiades and Themistocles could never obtain the like . And when Miltiades desired a Crown of Olive , one Sochares , who was of the Tribe of Decelia , stood up in the midst of the Assembly , and spoke these words , which being agreeable to the Populace , were applauded by them , tho unjust , and very ungratefully spoken . When thou shall conquer alone , ( Miltiades ) thou shall triumph so too . What then induced them so particularly to honor Cimon ? it was certainly this , that under other Commanders they stood upon the defensive ; but by his Conduct , they not only repulsed their Enemies ; but invaded them in their own Country . Thus they became Masters of Eione and Amphipolis , where they planted Colonies : and afterwards took the Isle of Scyros , which Cimon gained after this manner . The Dolopians were the Inhabitants of this Isle , a People of a slothful disposition , and who neglected all Husbandry , their only course of life was Piracy ; this they practised to that degree of mischief , that they rifled those that brought Merchandise into their own Ports , and so violated all the Laws of Commerce . Some Merchants of Thessaly , they not only spoil'd of their goods , but confined their Persons . Who afterwards breaking out of Prison , went and demanded justice of the Amphictyons , which is a general Assembly made up of the People of Greece . These , maturely weighing the fact , condemned the Isle in a great Pecuniary Mulct : but the People that were enriched with the Plunder , began to apprehend that 't was they particularly that must refund ; therefore they writ to Cimon to succour them with his Fleet , and they declared themselves ready to deliver the Town into his hands . Cimon by these means got the Town , expelled those Dolopian Pirates , and so opened the Traffick of the Aegean Sea. After this , understanding that Theseus the Son of Aegeus , when he fled from Athens , and took refuge in this Isle , was here slain by King Lycomedes upon certain suspitions ; Cimon endeavoured to find out where he was Buried : For the Oracle had commanded the Athenians to bring home his Ashes and to honour him as an Hero. Cimon could not for a long time learn where he was interred ; for those of Scyros dissembled the knowledge of it , and were not willing he should search . But at length after diligent enquiry he found out the Tomb ; and then carried the Reliques into his Admiral Galley , and with great Pomp and Show brought them into Athens , 400 years after Theseus first left that Country . This Act got Cimon the Hearts of the People , who received the Discovery with great Joy and abundance of Thanks . To signalize and perpetuate the Memory of this Deed , and their sense of it , they appointed that memorable Decision of Victory betwixt the two Tragedians , Aeschylus and Sophocles : For the latter having writ his first Play , being yet very young , the Applause of the Theatre was divided , and the Spectators sided into Parties : To determine this , Aphepsion , who was at that time Archon , would not cast Lots who should be Judges ; but when Cimon and the other Commanders with him came into the Theatre , to see the issue of the Contention , after they had performed the usual Rites to the God of the Festival , the Archon , came to them , and made them swear ( being ten in all ) to speak their Judgments in this Contention according to Equity and Honour . And so being sworn Judges , he made them all sit down to give a decesive Sentence . The Contention for Victory grew warm , and both Sides ambitiously strove who should get the Suffrages of such honourable Judges ; but the Victory was at last adjudged to Sophocles ; which Aeschylus took so ill , that he left Athens , and went to Sicily , where he died of discontent , and was buried near the City of Gela. Ion reports , that when he was a young Man , and newly returned from Chios to Athens , he chanced to sup with Cimon at Laomedon's House : After Supper , when they had ( according to Custom ) poured out Wine to the Honour of the Gods , Cimon was desired by the Company to give them a Song ; which he did with so good grace , that they were all charmed with his Voice , and extreamly pleased with his Humour , declaring that he was more complaisant than Themistocles , who being entreated upon such an occasion to play upon the Lute , answered , That he could not touch an Instrument , but give him a small Village , and he would raise it into a strong and wealthy City . After talking of many indifferent things incident to such Entertainments , they entred into the Particulars of those several Actions for which Cimon had been Famous . And when they had run over the most signal , he told them they had omitted one , upon which he valued himself most for Address and good contrivance . He gave this Account of it . When the Athenians and their Allies had taken a great number of the Barbarians Prisoners in Sestos and Byzantium , giving him the preference to divide the Booty , he put the naked Prisoners in one Lot , and the Spoils of their rich Attire and Jewels in the other . This the Allies complained of , as an unequal Division ; therefore he gave them their choice to take which Lot they would , and the Athenians should be content with that which they refused . One Herophytus of Samos advised them to take the Ornaments for their Share , and leave the Slaves to the Athenians : Upon this Cimon was laugh'd at for his ridiculous Division : For the Allies carried away the Gold Chains and Purple Robes , and the Athenians had only the naked Bodies of the Captives , which they could make no advantage of , being unused to Labour . But a little while after , the Parents and Kinsmen of the Prisoners coming from Lydia and Phrygia , every one redeemed his Relations at a very high Ransom . By this means Cimon got so much Treasure , that he maintained his whole Fleet of Gallies with the Money for four Months ; and yet there was some left to lay up in the Treasury at Athens . Now Cimon growing rich , what he gain'd from the Barbarians with Honour , he spent hospitably upon the Citizens . For he pull'd down all the Enclousures of his Gardens and Grounds , that all Travellers , but his Citizens especially , might gather of his Fruits freely and without danger . At home he kept a Table that was not furnished indeed with great Delicacies , but where was a Noble Competency of Provisions , and all very good , hear the poor Townsmen had a constant and easie Access , so that their Care was employed in discharging this Publick duties , from which otherwise they would have been distracted by seeking after a Subsistence . But Aristotle reports , That he was partial in this Reception , and that it did not extend to all the Athenians , but only to those of the Tribe of Lacia . Besides , he always went attended with a Train of young Gentlemen , who were his Domesticks , and very well clad ; and if he met with an elderly Citizen in a poor Habit , he would strip one of his Retinue , and cloath the decayed Citizen ; and this was looked upon as very well done . He did enjoyn them likewise to carry great Sums of Money about them ; and if they met in the Streets any one that they either knew , or who looked as if he were in distress , they had order to relieve him , and convey something privately into his Hand . This Cratinus the Poet speaks of , in one of his Commedies called Archilocha , after this manner . I am Metrobius , who still believed , Nay justly did expect , to be relieved By such a Table Cimon once did hold For men as poor as I , and men as Old. Cimon of all the Grecians was the best , Rich , Valiant , Honest , Noble to his Guest . Gorgias the Leontine gives him this Character , That he got Riches that he might use them , and so used them that he got himself Credit by them . And Critias one of the thirty Tyrants of Athens , Did wish to be , his Fortune to Compleat , As rich as Scopas Heirs , like Cimon Great ; And if the Gods his Life would farther bless , He 'd have in fight Agesilas's Success . Lichas , we know , became Famous in Greece , only because on the days of the Sports , when the young Lads run naked , he used to entertain the Strangers that came to see these Diversions . But Cimon surpassed all the ancient Athenians for Hospitality and good Nature : For tho those taught the rest of Greece to sow Corn , and the use of Fire and Water : Yet Cimon by keeping open House , and giving Travellers Liberty to eat all his Fruits , which the several Seasons afforded , seemed to restore to the World that Community of Goods which the Poets fabulously tell us was in the Reign of Saturn . Those who object to him , that he did this to be popular , and gain the applause of the Vulgar , are confuted by the constant Tenour of the rest of his Actions , which all tended to uphold the Interests of the Nobility against the Populace ; of which he gave instances , when he together with Aristides opposed Themistocles , who was for advancing the Authority of the People beyond its just Limits ; and down right quarrelled Ephialtes , who , to ingratiate himself with the Multitude , was for abolishing the Jurisdiction of the Areopagites . And when all of his time , except Aristides and Ephialtes , took Presents , he still kept his hands clean and untainted , and never acted nor Counsell'd any thing but what was just and innocent . They report that Raesaces a Persian , who had Traiterously revolted from the King his Master , fled to Athens , and there being harass'd by Sycophants , who were still accusing him to the People , he applyed himself to Cimon , for redress ; to gain his Favour he brought him two Cups , the one full of * Dariusses of Gold , and the other of Silver : Cimon would not receive them , but asked him smilingly whether he would have him to be his Mercenary , or his Friend ; he replyed , his Friend : If so ( said he ) take away these pieces , for being your Friend , I presume they are at my Service , when I shall have occasion for them , and when I have I 'll send to you . The Allies of the Athenians began now to be very weary of the War , and were willing to have some intervals of repose , that they might look after their Husbandry and Traffick . For they saw their Enemies driven out of the Country , and did not fear any new Incursions : Yet they still paid the Taxes they were assess'd at , but would not send men and Gallies , as they had done before . This the other Athenian Generals would constrain them to by rigour of process , till at last by fining them so grievously they did render the Government uneasie to them , and even odious . But Cimon practised a contrary Method , he forced no man to go that was not willing , but of those that desired to be excused from Service , he took Money , and Vessels unman'd : And permitted the men to stay at home and follow what gainful Vocations they liked best , whether of Husbandry or Merchandise . By this means they grew Luxurious , and enervated all their Courage by living at ease . But the Athenians he took into his Gallies , and by employing them in all his Naval expeditions , inured them to suffer Hardship : So that being severely Disciplined , and continually bearing Arms , the Allies began to dread , and then flatter them who were grown thus dreadful at their cost ; till they fell to that degree of Subjection , as of Allies they almost became Tributaries and Slaves . No man ever checked the growth of the Persians Ambition so much as Cimon ; for he not only beat them out of Greece , but closely pursuing them , would not let them take Breath , nor put their Affairs in any posture ; but either took their Towns by open force , or made them revolt , by managing Intelligence within their Walls . So that in all Asia , even from Ionia to Pamphylia there was not one Soldier that appeared for the King of Persia . When word was brought that some Persian Commanders were upon the Coasts of Pamphylia with a Land Army , and a great Fleet of Gallies ; Cimon , that he might intercept them before they should come into the Sea that lies betwixt the Chelidonian Isles , set forth from Triopium and Gnidos with two hundred Gallies , very fleet , and that could easily tack about . They were first contrived and built by Themistocles , but Cimon enlarged them , that when they came to grapple , there might be a greater number of Combatants to oppose the Enemy . The first place he shaped his Course to was Phaselis , which tho 't was inhabited by Greeks , yet they would not quit the Interests of Persia , but denied his Gallies entrance into their Port : Whereupon he wasted the Country , and drew up his Army to their very Walls ; but some Soldiers of Chios , which were then listed under Cimon , being ancient Friends to the Phaselites , endeavour'd to mitigate the General in their behalf ; and in the mean time shot Arrows into the Town , to which were fastened Letters of Intelligence , which gave them account of the state of Affairs : At length Peace was concluded upon these Conditions , That they should pay down ten Talents , and join their Forces with Cimon against the Barbarians . Ephorus saith , the Admiral of the Persian Fleet was Tithraustes , and the General of the Land Army Pherendates : But Calisthenes is positive , that Argomandes the Son of Gobrias had the supream Command of all the Forces . The whole Fleet Anchored at the Mouth of the River Eurymedon , but with no Design to fight , because they expected a re-inforcement of Phaenician Sail , which were to come from Cyprus ; but Cimon , being resolved to prevent their joining , ranged his Gallies in such a posture , that if they declined fighting he might force them to it . The Barbarians seeing this , retired within the mouth of the River , to prevent their being attacked ; but when they saw the Athenians come upon them notwithstanding their retreat , they met them with six hundred Sail , as Phaenodemus relates , but according to Ephorus only with three hundred and fifty . Yet notwithstanding this odds of number , they did nothing worthy such mighty Forces ; for they presently turned the Prows of their Gallies toward the shore , where those that came first threw themselves upon Land , and fled to their Army drawn up thereabout , but the rest perish'd with their Vessels , or were taken ; by this you may guess at their number ; for though a great many escaped out of the Fight , and a great many others were sunk , yet two hundred Gallies were taken by the Athenians . When their Land-Army drew toward the Sea-side , Cimon was in suspence whether he should make a descent : For thereby he should expose his Greeks , wearied with Slaughter in the first Engagement , to the Swords of the Barbarians , who were all fresh Men , and Superiour to them in number : But seeing his men resolute , and flush'd with Victory , he made them land , tho they had not yet wiped off the Sweat and Bloud of the first Battel . As soon as they touched Ground , they set up a shout , and ran furiously upon the Enemy , who stood firm and sustained the first shock with great obstinacy ; so that the fight began to be very doubtful ; the principal men of the Athenians for Quality and Courage , were slain ; at length , tho with much ado , they routed the Barbarians , some they took Prisoners , and plundered all their Tents and Pavillions , which were full of very rich Spoil . Cimon being thus a perfect Conqueror , having in one day gained two Victories , wherein he surpassed that of Salamis by Sea , and that of Platea by Land , was encouraged to pursue his Success : So ▪ that News being brought that the Phaenician Succours , in number eighty Sail , were at the Gulf of Hidram , he bended his Course toward them , and encompassed them about . They had not received any certain account of the former defeat , and now were in great doubt what to think : so that thus surprized they lost their Vessels , and all the men were either Slain or Drowned . This success of Cimon so daunted the King of Persia , that he presently made that memorable Peace , whereby he engaged that his Armies should come no nearer the Grecian Sea than the length of a Horse-race : And that none of his Gallies or Vessels of War should appear between the Cyanean and Chelidonian Isles . Calisthenes says , that he agreed not to any Articles , but that upon the fear this Victory gave him , he prudently kept off so far from Greece , that when Pericles with fifty , and Ephialtes with thirty Gallies , cruised beyond the Chelidonian Isles , they could not discover one Persian Sail. But in the Collection which Craterus made of the publick Acts of the People , there is an Original draught of this Treaty , as following upon that defeat . And 't is reported , that at Athens they erected the Altar of Peace upon this occasion ; and decreed particular Honours to Callias , who was employed as Ambassador to manage the Treaty . The People of Athens raised so much Money from the Spoils of this War , which were sold by publick Out-cry , that besides other Expences , and raising the South Wall of the Cittadel , they laid the Foundation of those Walls ( afterwards finished ) which they called Skele , i e , Long Shanks , that join the City to the Port ; but the place where they built them being a Moorish Ground , they were forced to sink great Weights of Stone to secure the Foundation ; and all this they did out of the Money Cimon supplied them with . It was he likewise that adorned Athens with those Publick Places of Exercise , which they afterward so much frequented and delighted in : He set the Forum with Plain-trees : The Academy , which was before open , and exposed to the Weather , he fenced with Trees , and beautified with Fountains ; he made covered Alleys to walk in , and set out Ground for Foot and Horse-races . Afterward being informed that some Persians , who had made themselves Masters of the Chersonese , were so peremptory in not quitting it , that they called in the People 〈◊〉 the higher Thrace to help them against Cimon , whom they despised for the smallness of his Forces ; he set upon them with only four Gallies , and took thirteen of theirs . Then having drove out the Persians , and subdued the Thracians , he made the whole Chersonese subject to the Commonwealth of Athens . From hence he went against the People of Thasos , who had revolted from the Athenians ; and having defeated them in a Fight at Sea , where he took thirty three of their Vessels , he stormed their Town , seized for the Athenians all the Mines of Gold on the other side of it , and all the Country dependant of it . This opened him a fair Passage into Macedon , so that he might have Conquered the greatest part of it . But because he neglected that Opportunity , he was suspected of Corruption , and that he was bribed off by King Alexander : So , by the Combination of his Adversaries , he was accused of being false to his Country . Before the Judges he pleaded , That he never made an Interest with the Rich Ionians nor Thessalians , as others have , from whence they drew both Honour and Profit ; but that he always embraced the Friendship of the Macedonians ; for as he admired , so he wished to imitate the Sedateness of their Temper , their Temperance and Simplicity of ●iving , which he preferred to any sort of Riches ; tho he had always been , and still was Ambitious to enrich his Country with the Spoils of her Enemies . Stesimbrotus making mention of his Trial , reports , That Elpinice in behalf of her Brother , addressed her self to Pericles , one of the most vehement of his Accusers ; to whom Pericles answered with a Smile , You are too Old ( Madam ) to manage Affairs of this Nature . However , after that , he became the mildest of his Prosecutors , and rose up but once all the while to plead against him , which he did but very faintly : And Cimon was acquitted . As for his demeanour at home , he always restrained the Common People , who would have encroached upon the Nobility , and affected the Supream Power over them . But when he afterward was called out to War , the Multitude broke loose as it were , reversed all the ancient Laws and Customs they had hitherto observed ; this they did chiefly at the instigation of Ephialtes ; they withdrew likewise the Cognisance of almost all Causes from the Areopagus ; so that all Appeals being made to them , the Government was reduced to a perfect Democracy ; and this by the help of Pericles , who declared in favour of the Common People . But Cimon , when he returned , seeing the Authority of this Great Council so eclipsed , was exceedingly troubled , and endeavoured to remedy these Disorders , by bringing things to their former state , and restoring the Nobility to those Degrees of Command they had in the time of Calisthenes : This the others declaimed against , with all the vehemence possible , and began to revive those Stories concerning him and his Sister , and cried out against him as addicted to the Lacedaemonians . Consonant to these Calumnies are the famous Verses of Eupolis the Poet upon Cimon . Ill Nature to him we cannot reproach ; But he is Lazy , and he will Debauch . He goes to Sparta , and is so unkind , He leaves poor Elpinice in Bed behind . But if when Slothful and a Drunkard he could storm so many Towns , and gain so many Victories ; certainly if he had been sober , and minded his Business with the least application , there had been no Grecian Commander , either before or after him , that could have surpassed him for Exploits of War. He was indeed a Favourer of the Lacedaemonians even from his Youth ; and Stesimbrotus reports , That of two Sons ( Twins ) that he had by a Woman of Clitorium , he named one Lacedemonius , and the other Eleus : Whence Pericles often upbraided them with the Race of their Mother . But Diodorus the Geographer doth assert , That both these , and another Son of Cimon's , whose Name was Thessalus , were born of Isodice the Daughter of Euryptolemus the Son of Megacles . However this is certain , that Cimon was countenanced by the Lacedaemonians in opposition to Themistocles , whom they hated ; and while he was yet very young , they endeavoured to raise and encrease his Credit in Athens : This the Athenians perceived , but dissembled their knowledge of it ; for the Favour of the Lacedaemonians shewed him was at that time advantageous to them and their Affairs ; who were then Practising with the Allies to win them over to their side : So they seemed not at all offended with the Honour and kindness shewed to Cimon , for he then bore the greatest sway in the Affairs of Greeee , was kind to the Lacedaemonians , and Courteous to the Allies . But afterwards the Athenians grown more powerful , when they saw Cimon so entirely devoted to the Lacedaemonians , they began to be angry , for he would always in his Speeches preferr them to the Athenians ; and upon every occasion , when he would reprimand these for a Fault , or incite them to Emulation , he would Cry , The Lacedaemonians would not do thus . This raised the discontent , and got him the hatred of the Gitizens ; But that which ministred chiefly to the accusation against him fell out upon this Occasion . In the fourth year of the Reign of Archidamus the Son of Zeuxidamus King of Sparta , there hapned in the City of Lacedaemon the most dreadful Earthquake that ever was known in the Memory of Man ; the Earth opened into most frightful Abysses ; and the top of the Mountain Taygetus was so shaken , that the hanging Rocks and abrupt prominent Parts of it fell down ; and except five Houses , all the Town was shattered to pieces . They say , That a little before any Motion was perceived , as some young Men were exercising themselves in the middle Portico , an Hare of a sudden started out just by them , which some of them , tho all naked , and daubed with Oyl , run after shouting ; no sooner were they gone from the place , but the Gymnasium fell down upon them that were left , and killed them all . In memory of this fatal Accident , the Monument where they were afterwards interred is to this day called Sismatias , ( that is , ) The Tomb of those who were killed by the Earthquake . ) Archidamus , by the present danger , made apprehensive of what might follow ; and seeing the Citizens intent upon removing the richest of their Goods he commanded an Alarm to be sounded , as if their Enemies were comming upon them , that they should presently with Arms resort to him . 'T was this alone that saved Sparta at that time : For the Helotes were got together from the Country about , with design to surprise the Spartans , and spoil those whom the Earthquake had spared : But finding them Armed , and well prepared , they stole away into their Towns , and openly made War with them , having drawn into Confederacy not a few of their Neighbours ; and together with them , the Messenians fell upon the Spartans , who therefore dispatch'd Periclidas to Athens to sollicite for Succours ; of whom Aristophanes , mocking , said , Go to the Altars , and there prostrate lie , And , clad in Purple Robes , demand Supply . This Ephialtes opposed , protesting that they ought not to raise up or assist a City that was Rival to Athens ; but that being down , it were best to keep her so , and break the Pride and Arrogance of Sparta . But Cimon ( as Critias relates ) preferring the Safety of Lacedaemon to the Grandeur of his own Country , so perswaded the People , that he soon marched out with a great Army to their Relief . Ion reports the Speech he used to move the Athenians , That they should not suffer Greece to be maimed by the loss of so considerable a Member , nor their own City to be deprived of her Companion . In his return from aiding the Lacedaemonians , he passed with his Army through the Territory of Corinth : Whereupon Lachartus reproached him for bringing his Army into the Country , without first asking leave of the People : For he that knocks at another Man's Door , ought not to enter the House without the Master's leave . But you , Lachartus , ( said Cimon ) did not knock at the Gates of the Cleonians and Megarians , but broke them down , and entred by force , thinking that all should be open to the Powerful . And having thus rallied the Corinthian , he passed on with his Army . Some time after this the Lacedaemonians sent a second time to desire Succours of the Athenians , against the Messenians and Helotes , who had seized upon Ithone : But when they came , the Spartans fearing their Courage and Resolution , of all that came to their Assistance they sent them only back , alledging they were turbulent and seditious . The Athenians returned home , enraged at this Usage , and vented their Anger upon all those who were Favourers of the Lacedaemonians ; therefore upon some slight occasion they banished Cimon for ten years , which is the time prescribed to those that are banished by the Ostracism . In the mean time the Lacedaemonians intending to free Delphos from the Phoceans , brought an Army to Tanagra , whither the Athenians presently marched with design to fight them . Cimon also came thither armed , and ranged himself amongst those of his own Tribe , which was that of Aeneide ; but the Council of five hundred being informed of this , and frighted at it , ( his Adversaries crying out he would disorder the Army , and bring the Lacedaemonians to Athens ) Commanded the Officers not to receive him ; wherefore Cimon left the Army , conjuring Euthippus the Anaphlystian , and the rest of his Companions , who were also suspected as favouring the Lacedaemonians , to behave themselves bravely against their Enemies , and by their Actions make their innocence evident to their Country-men . These being in all an hundred , took the Arms of Cimon , and followed his advice : and making a Body by themselves , they charged so desperately upon the Enemy , that they were all cut off , leaving to the Athenians a deep regret , for the loss of such brave Men , and repentance for having so unjustly suspected them . Whereupon they did not long retain their severity toward Cimon , partly upon remembrance of his former services , and partly constrained by the juncture of the times : For being defeated at Tanagra in a great Battle , and fearing the Peloponnesians would come upon them , at the opening of the Spring ; they recalled Cimon by a decree , of which Pericles himself was Author : so reasonable were Mens resentments in those times , and so moderate their Anger , that it always gave way to the publick good ; even Ambition , the most ungovernable of all humane Passions , could then yield to the necessities of the State. Cimon as soon as he returned , put an end to the War , and reconciled the two Cities . Peace thus establish'd , seeing the Athenians impatient of being Idle , and eager after the Honour and Spoils of War ; lest they should set upon the Grecians themselves , or with so many Ships cruising about the Isles and Peloponnesus , they should give Occasions to intestine Wars , or Complaints of their Allies against them ; He equipped two hundred Galleys , with design to make an attempt upon Aegypt and Cyprus ; by this means to use the Athenians to fight against the Barbarians , and enrich themselves by spoiling those who are by nature Enemies to Greece . But when all things were prepared , and the Army ready to imbark , Cimon had this Dream : It seemed to him an angry Bitch bark'd at him , and a kind of humane voice mixt with barking uttered these Words . Go on , for shortly thou shalt be , A Friend to my young Whelps and me . This Dream was hard to interpret ; yet Astyphylus of Posidonium , a man skilled in Divinations , and intimate with Cimon , told him , that his Death was presaged by this Vision , which he thus explained . A Dog is Enemy to him he barks at , and one is always most a friend to ones Enemies , when one is dead ; that mixture of humane Voice with barking signifies the Modes , for the Army of the Medes is mixt of Greeks and Barbarians . But after this Dream , as he was sacrificing to Bacchus , and the Priest cutting up the Victim , a great number of Emmets , taking up the little congealed particles of the blood , laid them about Cimon's great Toe : This was not observed a good while ; but as soon as Cimon spied it , the Priest came and shewed him the Liver of the Sacrifice imperfect , wanting that part of it , which they called the head of the Entrail . But he could not then recede from the Enterprize , so he set sail ; sixty of his Ships he sent toward Aegypt ; with the rest he went and fought the King of Persia's Fleet composed of Phaenician and Cilician Sail : subdued all the Cities thereabout , and threatned Aegypt ; designing no less than the entire Ruin of the Persian Empire ; And the rather for that he was informed Themistocles was in great repute among the Barbarians , and had promised the King to lead his Army , whenever he should make War upon Greece ; but they say Themistocles losing all hopes of compassing his designs , and despairing to equal the Vertue and good fortune of Cimon , dyed a voluntary Death . Cimon still framing great designs , and keeping his Navy about the Isle of Cyprus , sent Messengers to Consult the Oracle of Jupiter Hammon upon some secret matter ; for 't is not known about what they were sent ; the God would give them no Answer , but commanded them to return again , for that Cimon was already with him . Hearing this they returned to Sea , and as soon as they came to the Grecian Army , which was then about Aegypt , they understood that Cimon was dead ; and computing the time of the Oracle , they found that his Death was meant by it , as being then with the Gods. Some say he died of Sickness at Citium in Cyprus , and others of a wound he received in a Skirmish with the Barbarians ; when he perceived he should dye , he commanded those under his charge to return to their Country , and by no means to spread the news of his Death by the way ; this they did with such secrecy , that they all came home safe , and neither their Enemies nor Allies knew what had hapned . Thus , as Phaenodemus relates , the Grecian Army was , as it were , conducted by Cimon thirty days after he was dead . But with him perished all the good fortune of Greece ; for after his Death there was not a Commander that did any thing considerable , or which might deserve the name of a great action , and instead of uniting against their common Enemies , they who bore sway in the Principal Cities , animated them against one another to that degree , that none durst or would interpose their good Offices to reconcile them . Thus by mutual discord ruining themselves , the Persians had time to recover Breath , and repair all their losses . 'T is true indeed Agesilaus made some shew of the Grecian Forces in Asia , but 't was a long time after ; he seemed to revive some little appearances of a War against the Kings Lieutenants in the Provinces , but they all quickly vanisht ; for before he could perform any thing of moment , he was recalled by civil Dissentions at home : So that he was forced to leave the Persian Kings Officers to impose what Tribute they pleased on the Grecian Cities in Asia , tho under the Dominion of the Lacedaemonians . Whereas in the time of Cimon , no Officer of What Quality or Character soever could Command there , nor durst any Souldier in Arms come within four hundred furlongs of the Sea. The Monuments called Cimonian , to this day in Athens , shew that to be the place of his Burial ; yet the Inhabitants of the City Citium , pay particular honour to a certain Tomb , which they call the Tomb of Cimon , according to Nausicrates the Rhetorician ; who also reports , that in a Famine , when there necessities were very great , they sent to the Oracle , which commanded them to honour Cimon as a God. Thus have I drawn the Life of this Famous Captain , and by these Proportions judge of him . LUCULLUS . See siere Lucullus sues , He humbly bends , Of PRISCA bvys his Honors and his friends The way is base : but thus hard state commands , For ffortune still is in a Womans hands : THE LIFE OF LUCULLUS . Translated by Giles Thornburgh , A. M. VOLUME III. LVCVLLVS his Grandfather had been Consul , his Uncle by the Mothers Sister was Metelius surnamed Numidicus . As for his Parents , his Father was convict of Extortion , and his Mother Caecilia's Reputation was blasted by her loose Life . The first thing that Lucullus did , before ever he came to any Office , or medled with the Affairs of State , being then but a Youth , was , to accuse the Accuser of his Father , Servilius the Augur having caught him in a Publick Trespass . This thing was much taken notice of among the Romans , who commended his Justice therein , as an Act of singular Vertue . Even without the Provocation , the Accusation was esteem'd no unbecoming Action ; for they delighted to see young Men as eagerly pursuing injustice , as good Dogs do wild Beasts . But when great Animosities arose thereupon , insomuch that some were wouned and killed in the Fray , Servilius fled . Lucullus followed his Study , and became Master of the Greek and Latin Tongues ; which made Sylla dedicate to him the commentaries of his Life , which he wrote himself , that the History thereof might be more methodically ordered and digested . His Speech was not Elegant , and ready for Gain only , like one That disturbs the Hall , as a mad Thynnus doth the Waters ; Out of it , altogether as dry , illiterate , and mute . For in his younger days he chiefly addicted himself to the commendable Study of the Liberal Arts ; and growing old in the Camp , he refreshed his Mind with the more comfortable Profession of Philosophy , chiefly favouring the Theoretick Part , and thereby wisely preventing that dangerous Contest that was breeding between Pompey and himself . Besides what hath been said of his great Learning already , one Instance more was , That in his Youth , upon a Proposal of writing the Marsican War in Greek and Latin Verse and Prose , after some witty Rallery upon the Occasion , he seriously protested to Hortensius the Lawyer , and Sisenna the Historian , that hewould take his Lot for it ; and very probable it is , that the Lot directed him to the Greek Tongue , for the Greek History of that War is still extant among us . Many are the Signs of the great Love which he bore to his Brother Mark , the earliest whereof the Romans at this day commemorate : Tho he was elder Brother , he would not step into Authority without him , but deferred his own Advance , until his Brother was fitly qualified to bear a share with him , who thereby so won upon the People , as when absent , to be chosen Aedyle with him . Many and early were the Proofs of his Valour and Conduct in the Marsican War , being admir'd by Sylla for his Constancy and Mildness , and always employ'd in dispatching affairs where Industry and Fidelity were required ; especially in the Mint , most of the Money for carrying on the Mithridatick War , being Coyned by him . Which being soon exchanged for necessaries in the Camp , was for a long time Current in the Army , and from thence called Luculleian Coyn. After this , when Sylla conquered Athens and necessaries for his Army were cut off by reason the Enemy was Master at Sea : Lucullus was the man whom he sent into Libya and Aegypt , to procure him shipping . It was then the depth of Winter , when he ventured but with three small Greek Vessels , and as many Rhodian Galleys , not only into the main Sea , but also among multitudes of the Enemies shipping , even there where they were absolute Masters . Arriving at Crete , he gained it : and finding the Cyrenians harassed by long Tyranny and War , he took Care of their publick Affairs , and settled them : Putting their City in mind of that saying which Plato had Divinely uttered of them : who being requested to prescribe Laws to them , and mould them into some sound form of Government , made answer , That it was a hard thing to give Laws to the Cyrenians , abounding with so much Wealth and Plenty . For nothing renders a man more intractable than Felicity , nor more gentle than the shock of Fortune . This made the Cyrenians so willingly submit to the Laws which Lucullus imposed upon them . From thence sailing into Aegypt , and pressed by Pyrates , he lost the best part of his Navy : but he himself narrowly escaping was brought in State to Alexandria . The whole Fleet ( a Complement due only to his Majesty ) met him , and young Ptolomy shewed wonderful kindness to him , allowing him Lodging and Diet in the Palace , in such a manner as no Stranger before him had been received in . Besides , he gave him Gratuities and Presents , not only such as were usually given to men of his Condition , but four times as much ; but he received nothing more than served his necessity , and accepted of no Gift , tho one worth Eighty Talents was offered him . 'T is reported he neither went to see Memphis , nor any of the celebrated Wonders of Aegypt : It was for a man of no Business , and much Curiosity to see such things , not for him who had left his Commander in the Trenches , storming the Walls of his Enemies . Ptolomy fearing the Effect of that War , deserted the Confederacy ; but nevertheless sent a Convoy with him as far as Cyprus , and at parting , with much Ceremony wishing him a good Voyage , gave him a very precious Emerauld set in Gold : Lucullus at first refused it , but when the King shewed him his own Image graven thereon , 't was too late for a Denial ; for had he shewed any discontent at parting , it might have endanger'd his Passage . Drawing his Squadron together , which he had summoned out of all the maritime Towns , except of those suspected of Pyracy , he sailed for Cyprus ; and there understanding that the Enemy lay in wait under the Promontories for him , he laid up his Fleet ; and sent to the Cities to send in Provisions for his wintering among them : But when Tide and Time served , he Rigg'd them out and went off , and Hoising up his Sails in the Night which he let down in the Day , came safe to Rhodes . Being furnished with Ships at Rhodes , he soon prevailed upon the Inhabitants of Chios , and Knidia to leave the King's side , and joyn with him against the Samians . Out of Chios he drove the King's Party , and set the Colophonians at Liberty having seized Epigonus the Tyrant who oppressed them . About this time Mithridates left Pergamus , and retired to Pitane , where being closely besieged by Fimbria , and not daring to engage with so bold and Victorious a man as Fimbria , he contrived his Escape by Sea , and sent for all his Fleet to attend him . Which when Fimbria perceived , having no Ships of his own , he sent to Lucullus , entreating him to assist him with his in subduing the most Odious and Warlike of Kings , lest the opportunity of humbling Mithridates , an enterprize which cost the Romans so much Blood and Trouble , should now at last be lost , when he was within reach , and so easily to be taken ; who being caught , no one would be more highly commended than he , who stopt his passage and seized him in his flight . He being drove from the Land by the one , and stopt in the Sea by the other , would be matter of Renown and Glory to them both . As for the great Actions of Sylla against the Orchomenians about Choeronea , they were little valued by the Romans . The proposal was no unlikely thing , it being obvious to all Men , that if Lucullus had hearkned to Fimbria , and with his Navy , which was then near at hand , had block'd up the Haven the War soon had been brought to an end , and infinite Numbers of mischiefs prevented thereby . But he , whether from the Sacredness of Friendship between himself and Sylla , reckoning all other Motives far inferiour to it , or out of Detestation to wicked Fimbria , whom he abhorred for advancing himself by the late Death of his Friend , and the General of the Army ; or , at least by divine Providence sparing Mithridates then , that he might have him an Adversary for the time to come , would by no means comply , but suffered Mithridates to escape , and laugh at the attempts of Fimbria , he himself alone first , near Lectos of Troas in a Sea-fight overcame the King's Forces ; and afterwards when Neoptolemus came upon him with a greater Fleet , he went aboard a Rhodian Quinquereme Galley , commanded by Demagoras , a Man very expert in Sea Affairs , and altogether as Friendly to the Romans , and sailed before the rest . Neoptolemus made up furiously at him , and Commanded the Master with all imaginable might to bear up to him , but Demagoras fearing the Bulk and Massy stem of the Admiral , thought it dangerous to meet him ahead , but Tacking about received him a-stern , in which place though violently bore upon , he received no manner of harm , the blow being defeated by falling on those parts of the Ship which lay under Water . At which time the rest of the Fleet coming up to him , he Tack'd about , and vigorously falling upon the Enemy , put them to flight , and pursued Neoptolemus . After this he came to Sylla in Chersonesus , as he was passing the Strait , and brought timely assistance for the safe Transportation of the Army . Peace being now made , Mithridates sailed off to the Euxine Sea , but Sylla Taxed the Inhabitants of Asia two thousand Talents , and ordered Lucullus to gather and Coyn the Money : And it was no small Comfort to the Cities under Sylla's severity that not only a Man of spotless Life and Justice , but also of Moderation , should be employed in so heavy and disgustful an Office . The Mytilenians who deserted him , he was willing should return to their Duty , and to be moderately fin'd for the offence they had given in the Case of Marius . But upon their obstinacy , he came up to them , overcame them at Sea , block'd them up in their City and besieged them ; then Sailing off from them openly in the Day to Elea , he returned privately ; and an Ambush being laid round the City , lay quiet himself . Whereupon the Mytilenians disorderly and eagerly plundering the deserted Camp , in the very fact he fell upon them , took many of them , and slew five hundred , who stood upon their defence ; he gained six thousand Slaves and a very rich Booty . He was no way engaged in the Great and General Troubles of Italy , which Sylla and Marius had caused , Providence at that time detaining him in Asia about business . He was as much in Sylla's favour as any of his other Friends , to whom ( as is said before ) he dedicated his Memoirs as a Token of his kindness , and at his Death passing by Pompey , made him Guardian to his Son , which seems to be the rise of the Quarrel between them two , both young Men , equally contending for Honour . A little after Sylla's Death he was made Consul with M. Cotta , about the one hundred seventy sixth Olympiad . The Mithridatick War being then under debate , Marcus reported that it was not finished , but only respited for a time : Wherefore upon choice of Provinces , the Lot falling to Lucullus to have that part of Gaul that was within the Alpes , a Province where no great Action was to be done , nor Glory to be obtained , he was exceedingly troubled : But chiefly , the Success of Pompey in Spain fretted him most , being a man highly Renowned , and after the Completion of the Spanish War , the onely one likely to be chosen General against Mithridates . So that when Pompey sent for Money , and signified by Letter that unless it were sent him , he would leave the Country , and Sertorius , and bring his Forces home to Italy ; Lucullus most readily espoused his Cause , that Money might be sent him , to prevent any pretence of his returning home during his Consulship ; for all things would have been at his Disposal at the Head of so great An Army . Cethegus a very popular Man both for Words and Actions , the Chief manager of Affairs in Rome , had conceived a mortal hatred against him , for declaiming against his Debaucht , Insolent , and lewd Life , Lucullus therefore openly set himself against him . But Lucius Quintus , another Demagogue , inveighing against Sylla's Administration , and endeavouring to put things out of Order , by private Exhortations and Publick Admonitions , he hindred his Design , and suppressed his Ambition , wisely and safely encountring so great an Evil in the very Bud. At this time , News came that Octavius the Provincial of Cilicia was Dead , and many appeared for the place , courting Cethegus , as the man best able to serve them . Lucullus set little value upon Cilicia it self , no otherwise than as he thought by his acceptance of it , no other man besides himself might be employed in the War against Mithridates , by reason of its nearness to Cappadocia . This made him use all his Interest that that Province might be allotted to himself , and to none other ; which put him upon a Project , not so Honest and Commendable , as expedient for compassing his Design , submitting to necessity against his own Inclination . There was one Proecia , a most celebrated Wit and Beauty , but in other things nothing better than an impudent Harlot : Who to the Charms of her Person , adding the Reputation of one that loved and served her Friend , by making those who came to her , as they discoursed of the Designs and Promotions of their Friends , had got a great Interest . She had seduced Cethegus ; the Chiefest Man in esteem and Authority of all the City , and enticed him to her Love , and so made all Authority follow her . For nothing of moment was done , wherein Cethegus was not concern'd , nothing by Cethegus without Praecia . This Woman Lucullus gain'd to his side by Gifts and Flattery ( and great cost it was to procure so stately and famous a Dame , to be earnestly concern'd for Lucullus ) and presently found Cethegus his Friend , using his utmost Interest to procure Silicia for him : Which when once obtained , there was no more need of applying himself , either to Praecia , or Cethegus ; for all unanimously voted him to the Mithridatick War , by no hands likely to be so successfully managed as his . Pompey was still contending with Sertorius , and Metellus by Age unfit for Service ; which two alone were the only Competitors , who could stand equal with Lucullus for that Command . Cotta his Collegue , after much ado in the Senate , was sent away with the Fleet to guard the Propontis , and defend the Bithynians . Lucullus listed his Forces and carried them over into Asia , where he collected some fresh ones , the old ones being utterly disabled by dissoluteness and rapine . The Fimbrians , as they were called , being utterly unmanageable by their long mis-use , and unfit for service . For these were they that had slain Flaccus the Consul and General , under Fimbria , and these were they who afterward betrayed Fimbria to Sylla ; a bold , and barbarous People , warlike , expert and hardy in the field . Lucullus in a short time took down the Courage of these , and disciplin'd others , who then first ( in all probability ) knew what a true Commander , and Governour was , who in former times had been courted to service , and took up Arms at no bodies Command , but their own Wills. The Enemies provisions for War stood thus . Mithridates , like many of the Sophisters , very proud , and haughty at first , set upon the Romans , with a very unprovided Army , such indeed as made a good shew but was nothing for service ; but being shamefully routed , and better instructed against a second Engagement , he formed his Forces into a just , and well martiall'd Army . And removing the Dangers , and Inconvenience which might happen among Men of different Nations , and Tongues , and no less from gilt and rich Armour , a greater Temptation to the Victors , than security to the Bearers , gave them broad Swords like the Romans , and Massy Shields ; chose Horses better for Service than Shape , drew up an hundred and twenty Thousand Foot in the figure of the Roman Phalanx ; had sixteen Thousand Horse , besides Chariots Arm'd with Scyths no less than an hundred . Besides which he set out a Fleet not at all cumbred with Golden Cabins , lascivious Baths , and Womens furniture , but stored with Weapons and Darts and other necessaries , and made a descent upon Bithynia . Not only these parts willingly received him again , but almost all Asia , grievously oppressed before by the Roman Extortioners and Publicans , seemed to be recovered of their former Distemper . These afterwards , who like Harpies stole away their very Nourishment , Lucullus drove away , and by reproving them , did what he could to make them more moderate , and thereby prevented a general Sedition , then breaking out in all parts . While Lucullus was detained in rectifying this , Cotta finding Affairs ripe for Action prepared himself for the War with Mithridates , and News coming from all hands , that Lucullus was then Marching into Phrygia , and he thinking Victory just almost in his hands , lest his Collegue should share in the Glory of it , hasted to Battel without him . But being routed both by Sea and Land , he lost sixty Ships with their Men , and four Thousand Foot : he himself was forced into , and besieged in Chalcedon , there waiting for relief from Lucullus . There were those about Lucullus , who would have had him leave Cotta , and go forward , being then in a ready way to surprise the defenceless Kingdom of Mithridates . And it was highly resented by the Soldiers , that Cotta should not only lose his own Army , but hinder them also from Conquest , which at that time without the hazard of a Battel , they might so easily have obtained . But Lucullus in a Solemn Speech declared unto them , That he would rather save one Citizen from the Enemy , than be Master of all that they had . Archelaus Governor of Baeotia under Mithridates , revolting from him and siding with the Romans , demonstrated to Lucullus , that upon his bare coming , he might easily surprise all the Country of Pontus ; but he answered , that it did not become him to be more fearful than Huntsmen , to leave the chase of the wild Beasts abroad , and seek after sport in their deserted Lodges . Having so said he made towards Mithridates , with thirty Thousand foot , and two Thousand five hundred Horse . But being come in sight of his Enemies , he was astonished at their Numbers , and resolved to forbear fighting , and wear out time . But Marius , whom Sertorius had sent out of Spain to Mithridates with Forces under him , stepping out and challenging him , he prepared for Battel . In the very instant of joining no manifest alteration preceeding , of a sudden the Sky opened , and a great Body of light fell down in the midst between the Armies , in shape like a Hogshead , but in Colour like melted Silver , insomuch that both Armies being surprised stood off . This wonderful Prodigy hap'ned in Phrygia near Otryae . Lucullus after this began to think with himself , that no Man could have Power and Wealth enough , to sustain so great Numbers as Mithridates had , for any long time in the face of an Enemy , Commanded one of the Captives to be brought before him , and first of all asked him how many Companions were quartered with him , and how much provision he had left behind him ? and when he had answer'd him , Commanded him to stand aside ; then asked a second and a third the same question , after which comparing the quantity of provision , with the Men , he found that in three or four days time , his Enemies would be brought to want . As for himself he was able to subsist longer , having stor'd his Camp with all sorts of provision , and living in plenty , was better able to beset his hungry Enemy . Which made Mithridates set forward against the Cyzicenians , miserably shattered in the fight at Chalcedon , where they lost no less than three thousand Citizens , and ten Ships . And that he might the safer steal away from Lucullus , immediately after Supper by the help of a dark , and gloomy Night , he went off , and by the Morning gained the City opposite to it ▪ and sat down with his Forces upon the Adrastian Mount. Lucullus saw his Motion , and pursued him , but daring not to fall upon him with disorderly Forces , sate down also near the Village called Thracia , a convenient pass , and plentiful place , from whence , and through which all the provisions for Mithridates's Camp must of necessity come . Whereupon judging of the event , he kept not his mind from his Soldiers , but when the Camp was fortified , and the Works finished , called them together , and with great assurance told them , that in few days , without the expence of Bloud , he would bring Victory to them . Mithridates besieged the Cyzicenians with ten Camps by Land , and with his Ships blockt up the Strait that was betwixt their City and the Continent , and stormed them on all sides , who were fully prepared stoutly to receive him , and resolved to endure the utmost extreamity , rather than forsake the Romans . That which troubled them most was , that they knew not where Lucullus was , and heard nothing of him , though at that time his Army was visible before them . But they were imposed upon , by the Mithridatians ; who shewing them the Romans Encamped on the Hills , Do ye see those , said they ? those are the Auxiliary Armenians and Medes which Tigranes sent to Mithridates . These were astonish'd at the vast numbers round them , and could not believe any place of relief was left them , no not if Lucullus had come up to their assistance . Demonax sent by Archelaus was the first who told them of Lucullas's arrival ; but they disbeliev'd his report , and thought he came with forged News to comfort them : At which time a Fugitive Boy was taken and brought before them ; who being asked where Lucullus was , smiled at their jesting , as he thought ; but finding them in earnest , with his finger shewed them the Roman Camp ; upon which they took Courage . In the Lake Dascylitis they used Vessels of a midling size , the biggest whereof Lucullus drew ashoar , and carrying her in a Waggon to the Sea , filled her with Soldiers , who Sailing along unseen in the dead of the Night , came safe to the City . The Gods themselves wondring at the constancy of the Cyzicenians , seem to have animated them with signs from above , but more especially now in the Festival of Proserpina , where a black Heifer being wanting for Sacrifice , they supplied it by a Meat-offering , which they set before the Altar . The holy Heifer set apart for the Goddess , and at that time grazing with the Herd of the Cyzicenians on the other side of the Strait , left the Herd and came home to the City alone , and offered her self for Sacrifice . By Night the Goddess appearing to Aristagoras the Town Clerk , I am come , said she , and have brought the Lybian Piper against the Pontick Trumpeter ; bid the Citizens therefore be of good Courage . While the Cyzicenians were wondring at the Revelation , by a sudden North wind there arose a great storm at Sea. The Kings battering Engines , the wonderful Contrivance of Nicomedes of Thessaly , then under the Walls , by their cracking and shivering soon demonstrated what would follow ; after which a mighty tempestuous South-wind succeeding , broke down the rest of the works in a Moments space , and by a violent concussion , threw down a wooden Tower a hundred Cubits high . 'T is said that in ●…ium Minerva appeared unto many in the Night with bloudy and torn Garments , telling them that she then came from relieving the Cyzicenians : and the Inhabitants to this day have a Monument , with an Inscription by publick order of the same . Mithridates , through the knavery of his Officers , not knowing the want of Provision in his Camp , was troubled in mind , that the Cyzicenians should hold out Siege against him : But his Ambition and anger fell , when he saw his Soldiers in want , and feeding on Mans flesh ; Lucullus being no airy vain-glorious Enemy , but one according to the Proverb , who made the seat of War in their Bellies , by seizing on the food , which should sustain them . Mithridates therefore took advantage of the time , while he was storming a Fort , and sent away almost all his Horse to Bithynia , with the Sumpters , and as many of the Foot as were unfit for service . Which Lucullus understanding , came to his Camp ; and in the Morning during the storm , took ten bands of Foot , and the Horse with him , and pursued them through Tempest and Cold , though the severity of the Weather forc'd some of his Soldiers back , who were ready to perish under it ; and with the rest coming upon the Enemy , near the River Ryndacus , overthrew them with so great an Overthrow , that the very Women of Apollonia came out to seize on the Booty , and rob the Slain . Great numbers , as we may suppose , were slain , six Thousand Horses taken , with an infinite number of labouring Cattel , and no less than fifteen Thousand Men ; all which he led along by the Enemies Camp. And here I cannot but wonder at Salust , who says , That this was the first time Camels were seen by the Romans ; as if he thought those who fought under Scipio against Antiochus before , or those lately under the Command of Archelaus against the Orchomenians about Chaeronea , had not known what a Camel was . But however , 't is well known , that Mithridates soon fled , and contrived Delays and Diversions for Lucullus , while he sent his Admiral Aristonicus to the Greek Sea ; who was betray'd in the very instant of going off , and Lucullus became Master of him , and ten Thousand pieces of Gold , which he was carrying with him , to corrupt some of the Roman Army . After which , Mithridates himself made for the Sea , leaving the Foot-Officers to conduct the Army ; upon whom Lucullus fell about the River Granicus , where he took a vast number alive , and slew 15000. 'T is reported that the number of fighting Men , and others who followed the Camp , destroy'd , amounted to thirty Myriads . Lucullus first went into Cyzicum , and then fitting his Navy , sail'd away into the Hellespont , and arriving at Troas , he lodg'd in the Temple of Venus , where in the night he thought he saw the Goddess coming to him , and saying , Why sleepest thou , great Lion , when the Fawns are nigh ? Rising up hereupon , he called his Friends to him , and told them his Vision ; at which instant some Ilians being present , acquainted him , that thirteen of the King 's Quinqueremes were seen off of the Achean Haven , sailing for Lemnos . He took these , and slew their Admiral Isidorus ; and then made after another Squadron , who were in Harbour , with their Vessels ashoar , but fought from above-deck , and sorely gall'd Lucullus's Men ; there being neither room to sail round them , nor to bear upon them for any damage , while they stood secure , and fix'd on the Sand. After much ado , at the only Landing-place of all the Island , he Landed the Choicest of his Men , who falling upon the Enemy behind , kill'd some , and forced others to cut their Cables , who making from the Shoar , fell foul upon one another , or came within reach of Lucullus his Fleet. Many were kill'd in the Action . Among the Captives was Marius the Commander , sent by Sertorius , a Man who had but one Eye : And it was Lucullus's strict Command to his Men before the Engagement , that they should kill no Man who had but one Eye , that he might rather die under disgrace and reproach . This being over , he hastned his Pursuit after Mithridates , whom he hoped to find at Bithynia , block'd up by Voconius , whom he sent out before to Nicomedia with part of the Fleet , to stop his Flight : But Voconius , by his mirth and jollity in Samothracia , slipt out his opportunity , Mithridates being pass'd by with all his Fleet ; who hastning into Pontus before Lucullus came up to him , was nevertheless catch'd in a Storm , which dispersed his Fleet , and sunk several Ships . The Wreck floated on all the neighbouring Shoar for many days after . The Ship wherein he himself was , uncapable of being brought ashoar by the Masters for its bigness , rolling up and down in the Flood , being heavy with Water and ready to sink , he left , and went aboard a Pyratical Vessel , delivering himself into the hands of Pyrats , and unexpectedly and wonderfully came safe to Heraclea in Pontus . There hapned a generous Emulation between Lucullus and the Senate : For they having decreed him 3000 Talents to furnish out a Navy , he himself was against it , and sent them word , that without so great Supplies , by the Confederate Shipping alone , he did not in the least doubt but to rout Mithridates from the Sea. And so he did , by Assistance from above ; for 't is reported , that Diana Priapina sent the great Tempest upon the People of Pontus , because they had robbed her Temple , and removed her Image . When many were perswading Lucullus to go directly on , he rejected their Counsel , and march'd through Bithynia and Galatia , to the King's Country ; in so great scarcity of Provision at first , that thirty Thousand Galatians followed , every Man carrying a Bushel of Wheat at his Back . But he subduing all in his Progress before him , at last arrived at so great Plenty , that an Ox was sold in the Camp for a single Groat , and a Slave for four . The other Booty they made no account of , but took and destroyed as they pleased ; there being no Contest among them , where all were satisfied . But inasmuch as they had made frequent Incursions and Advances , as far as Themiscyra and the inner Thermodon , and had laid waste the Country before them , they began to discourse with Lucullus in good earnest , Why he took so many Towns by Surrender , and never an one by Storm , which might enrich them with the Plunder . And now , forsooth leaving Amisus behind , a rich and wealthy City , of easie Conquest ( if closely besieged ) to carry us into the Tibarenian and Chaldean Wilderness , to fight with Mithridates . Lucullus little thinking this would be of so dangerous consequence as it afterwards prov'd , took no notice of it , but slighted it , and choose rather to excuse himself to those who blamed his Tardiness , in losing time about small pitiful Places , not worth the while , and allowing Mithridates time to recruit . That is what I design , said he , and am contriving by my delay , that he may grow great again , and gather a considerable Army , which may induce him to stand , and not fly away before us , for do ye not see the vast and boundless Wilderness behind ? Caucasus is not far off , and the steep and craggy Mountains , enough to conceal numbers of Kings in their flight from Battel . Besides , 't is a Journey but of few days from Cabira to Armenia , where Tigranes Reigns , King of Kings , who by his Power dissolved the Parthian Empire in Asia , brought several Greek Towns under the Median Yoke , Conquered Syria and Palaestine ; extinguished the Royal Line of Seleucus , and carried away their Wives and Daughters by violence . This same is Relation and Son-in-Law to Mithridates , and cannot but receive him upon entreaty , and enter into War with us to defend him ; so that while we endeavour to depose Mithridates , we shall endanger the bringing in of Tigranes against us , who already hath sought occasion to fall out with us , but can never find one so justifiable as the Succour of a Friend and necessitous Prince . Why therefore should we put Mithridates upon this strait , who as yet knows not how he may best fight with us , and utterly disdains to stoop to Tigranes ; and not rather allow him time to gather a new Army and grow insolent , that we our selves might fight with the Colchians and Tibarenians , whom we have often defeated already , and not with Medes and Armenians . Upon these Motives Lucullus sat down before Amisus , and slowly carried on the Siege ; but the Winter being well spent , he left Murena in charge with it , and went himself against Mithridates , then Rendezvouzing at Cabira , and resolving to wait for the Romans with forty Thousand Foot about him , and thirteen Thousand Horse , wherein he chiefly confided . But passing the River Lycus , he challenged the Romans into the Plains , where the Cavalry engaged , and the Romans were beaten . Pomponius , a Man of good note , was taken , wounded , and sore , and in pain as he was , was carried before Mithridates , and asked by the King , If by saving his Life , he would become his Friend , who answered , Yes , if thou , O King , wilt be reconciled to the Romans ; if not , thy Enemy . Mithridates wondred at him , and did him no hurt . The Enemy being Master of the Plains , Lucullus was something afraid and delayed getting to the Mountains , being very large , woody , and almost inaccessible ; when by good luck some Greeks , who had fled into a Cave , were taken , the eldest of whom , Artemidorus by name , promised to bring Lucullus , and seat him in a place of safety for his Army , and a Fort that overlook'd Cabira . Lucullus believing him , lighted his Fires , and marched in the Night , and safely passing the Strait , gained the Port , and in the Morning was seen above the Enemy , pitching his Camp in a place advantageous to descend upon them , if he desired to fight ; and secure from being forced , if to lie still . Neither side was willing to engage at present ; but 't is reported that some of the King's Party being hunting a Stag , some Romans quartered upon them and met them . Whereupon they Skirmished , more still drawing together to each side . In short , the King's Party prevailed , where , upon the Romans from their Camp seeing their Companions fly , were enraged , ran to Lucullus with Intreaties to lead them out , pressing that Sign might be given for Battel . But he , that they might know of what consequence the Presence and Appearance of a wise Governour is in time of Conflict and Danger , commanded them to stand still ; but himself went down into the Plains , and meeting with the foremost that fled , commanded them to stand , and turn back with him . These obeying , the rest followed , and making up a Body , with no great difficulty drove back the Enemies , and pursued them to their Camp. After his return , Lucullus inflicted a just punishment upon the Fugitives , and made them dig a Trench naked , of twelve Foot , while the rest stood by and look'd on . There was in Mithridates's Camp one Olthacus , Governour of the Dardarians , a Barbarous People , living near the Lake Maeotis , a Man remarkable for Strength and Courage in Fight , Wise in Council , and Pleasant and Free in Conversation . He , out of Emulation and Glory , outvying the rest of the Lords , promised a great piece of Service to Mithridates , no less than the Death of Lucullus . The King commended his Resolution , and according to agreement counterfeited Anger , and slighted him ; whereupon he took Horse and fled to Lucullus , who kindly received him , being a Man of great Credit in the Army . After some short trial of his Sagacity and Wisdom , he found way to Lucullus's Board and Council . The Dardarian thinking he had a fair opportunity , commanded his Servants to lead his Horse out of the Camp , while he himself , as the Soldiers were refreshing and easing themselves in the Shade , it being then High-noon , went to the General 's Tent , not at all suspecting that entrance would be denied him , who was so familiar with the General , and came under pretence of extraordinary Business with him . He had certainly been admitted , had not Sleep , which hath destroyed many Captains , saved Lucullus . For so it was , that Menedemus , one of the Bed chamber , was standing at the Door , who told Olthacus , that it was altogether unseasonable to see him , since after long Watching and hard Labour , he was but just before laid down to compose him . Olthacus would not go away upon this Denial , but still persisted , saying , that he must go in to discourse of some necessary Affairs whereupon Menedemus grew angry , and replied , That nothing was more necessary than the safety of Lucullus , and forced him away with both hands . Whereupon , out of sear , he straightway left the Camp , took Horse , and without Effect returned to Mithridates . Thus in Time , as in Physick , there are Moments of Life and Death . After this , Somatius being sent out with ten Companies for Forage , and pursued by Menander , one of Mithridates's Captains , stood his Ground , and after a sharp Engagement slew and destroyed the Enemy . Adrianus being sent afterward with other Forces , to procure Food enough and to spare for the Camp , Mithridates would by no means suffer him , but dispatch'd Meremachus and Myro with a great Force , both Horse and Foot , against him ; all which , except two , ( as is reported ) were cut off by the Romans . Mithridates concealed the Loss , giving it out , that it was a small Defeat , nothing near so great as reported , and occasioned chiefly by the unskilfulness of the Leaders . But Adrianus in great Pomp passed by his Camp , having many Waggons full of Corn , and other Booty ; which brought Despair upon himself , and Confusion and a horrible Consternation upon his Army . 'T was resolv'd therefore no longer to stay . But when the King's Servants sent away their own Goods in quiet , and hindred others from doing so too , in great fury they thronged and crowded to the Gates , seized on the Guards and kill'd them ; where Dorylaus the Captain , having nothing else besides his Purple Garment , lost his Life for the same ; and Hermoeus the Priest was trod under foot in the Gate . Mithridates having none of his Guards or Attendance with him , got out of the Camp in the Throng , but had none of his Horses with him ; but Ptolomy the Eunuch looking back , and seeing him flying among the others , dismounted , and gave his Horse to the King. The Romans , as they pressed on , were just ready to take him , the close Pursuit which they made , reaching up just to him : But Greediness and Avarice hindred the Romans from acquiring that Booty , which in so many Fights and Hazards they had sought after , and hindred Lucullus from the Glory of Conquest : For the Horse which carried the King was just ready to be seized ; but one of the Mules that carried the Sumpter , either by accident steping in , or by order of the King so appointed to go between him and the Pursuers , they seized and pilfered the Gold , and falling out among themselves about , the prey let slip the great Prize . Neither was their Greediness prejudicial to Lucullus in this only , but also they slew Callistratus the King's Secretary , under suspicion of having five hundred pieces of Gold quilred up in his Clothes , whom he had ordered to be conveyed safe into the Camp ; notwithstanding all which , he gave them leave to plunder the Camp. After this , in Cabira , and other strong Holds which he took , he found great Treasures , and private Prisons , wherein many Greeks , and many of the Kings Relations had of old been confin'd : who counting themselves no other than dead Men , by the Favour of Lucullus met not only with Relief , but a new Life and Resurrection : Nyssa Sister of Mithridates was made Captive by a blessed Captivity : but those who seemed to be most out of danger , Wives and Sisters at Pharnacia , placed in safety as they thought , all miserably perished by the comming back of Bacchides the Eunuch from Mithridates to them . Among others , there were two Sisters of the King , Roxana and Statira , Virgins of forty years old , and two Ionian Wives , Bernice of Chios , and Monime of Milesium . This latter was the most celebrated among the Greeks , because she so long withstood the King in his Courtship to her , when he presented her with fifteen thousand Pieces of Gold , until such time as the Marriage was consummate , the Crown was sent her , and she was saluted Queen . She had been a sorrowful Woman before , and often bewailed her Beauty , that had procured her a Keeper in stead of a Husband , and Watch of Barbarians in stead of a Nuptial House and Attendance . Being removed from Greece , she enjoyed the Pleasure , which she proposed to her self , only in a Dream , being in the mean time robb'd of that which is real . Bacchides came and bid them prepare for Death , as every one thought most agreeable and easie . She took the Diadem from her Head , and fastning the String to her Neck , suspended her self therewith : Which being soon broke , O cursed Head-band , said she , not at all able to help me in this small thing ! And throwing it away , she spat on it , and gave her Neck to Bacchides . Bernice had prepared a Potion for her self , but at her Mother's intreaty , who stood by , she gave her part of it : Both drank of the Potion , which prevailed over the weaker Body ; but Bernice having drank too little , was nothing changed , but being something indisposed , was strangled by Bacchides for haste . 'T is said that one of the unmarried Sisters , with bitter Execrations and Curses , drank the Poison ; but Statira uttered nothing ungentile or reproachful , but , on the contrary , commended her Brother , who in his own Danger neglected not theirs , but carefully provided , that without shame or disgrace they might go out of the World. Lucullus , being a tender and good-natur'd Man , was concerned at these things ; but however going on , he came to Talauri , from whence , four days before his arrival , Mithridates fled , and was got to Tigranes in Armenia . Whereupon he took in the Chaldeans and Tibarenians , with the lesser Asia , and having placed Garrisons in their Cities , he sent Appius to Tigranes to demand Mithridates . He himself went to Amisus , which still held out Siege under the Command of Callimachus , who by his great Skill and no less Experiencein Tacticks , as much as could be shown in a Siege , incommoded the Romans ; for which after he paid dear enough : For Lucullus unexpectedly coming upon him at the same time of the Day when the Soldiers used to lie quiet and still , gained part of the Wall , and forced him to leave the City , which he fired , either envying the Romans the Booty , or at least contriving his own Escape the better thereby . No Man look'd after those who went off , but as soon as the Fire had seized on most part of the Wall , the Soldiers prepared themselves for Plunder ; where Lucullus pitying the Ruins of the City , brought Assistance from without , and encourag'd his Men to extinguish the Flames . But all Men being intent upon the Prey , and giving no heed to him , with great shoutings brandished their Weapons in the Air ; whereupon he was compelled to let them plunder , that by that means at least he might save the City from Fire . But they did quite contrary ; for in searching the Houses with Lights and Torches , every where with them they increas'd the flames ; insomuch that Lucullus the next day went in , and weeping , said to his Friends , that he had often before blessed the Fortune of Sylla , but never so much admir'd it as then , because when he was willing , he was also able to save Athens ; but my infelicity is such , that while I endeavour to imitate him , I become like Mommius . Nevertheless he endeavoured to save as much of the City as he could ; and at the same time also , by a lucky Providence , the Rain concurred to extinguish the Fire . He himself , while present , repaired the Ruins as much as he could , receiving the Inhabitants who fled , and setling as many Greeks as were willing to live there adding a hundred and twenty Furlongs of Ground to the Place . This City was a Colony of Athens , built at that time when she flourished , and was powerfull at Sea ; upon which account those who fled from Aristo's Tyranny , setled here and , were made free ; but had the ill luck to fly from Evils at home , intogreater abroad . As many of these as survived , Lucullus furnished every one with Clothes , and two hundred Groats , and sent them away into their own Country ; at which time Tyrannio the Grammarian was taken . Murena begg'd him of Lucullus , and took him , and set him free ; but he abused Lucullus's Favour therein ; for he by no means liked that a Man of Learning should be first made a Slave , then Free ; for Freedom thus speciously granted again , was a real deprivation of what he had before . But not in this Case alone Murena shew'd himself far inferiour in Generosity to the General : Lucullus was now busie in looking after the Affairs of Asia , and having no War to divert his time , spent it in the distribution of Justice , which by the continuance of dismal Troubles and Revolutions , had been for a long time a stranger in the Province ; which was then also miserably oppressed and enslaved by Publicans and Usurpers , insomuch that they were forced privately to sell their Sons in the flower of their Youth , and their Daughters in their Virginity , and their Consecrated Gifts , Pictures , and holy Images in the open Market , and in the end to yield up themselves Slaves to their Creditors ; before which worser troubles lay upon them , which were Tortures , Imprisonments , Racks , standing abroad to be scorched when the Sun was near , and confin'd to stand in ice and clay in the cold ; insomuch that flavery was no less than redemption , and joy to them . Lucullus in a short time freed the Cities from all these evils and oppressions ; for first of all , he ordered there should be no more taken than One per Cent. Secondly , where the use was greater than the Principal , it should wholly be abolished : the Third , and most considerable Order was , that the Creditor should receive the fourth part of the Debtors income ; but if mens persons were engaged , it was utterly disallowed ; insomuch that in the space of four years all debts were paid , and lands return'd to their right Owners . The publick debt was contracted when Asia was fin'd twenty thousand Talents by Sylla , but twice as much was paid to the Collectors , who by Use and Interest had at last advanced it to a hundred and twenty thousand Talents . Whereupon they inveighed against Lucullus at Rome , as injured by him , and by their Wealth , and Credit , which they had over many of the Principal Officers , they stirr'd up several leading Men against him . But Lucullus was not only beloved by those People whom he obliged , but was also wished for by other Provinces , who blessed the good luck of those , who had such a Governour over them . Appius Clodius , who was sent to Tigranes ( the same Clodius , was Brother to Lucullus's Wife ) being led by the Kings guides in an unnecessary , and tedious way , over the Mountains , through many Windings , and Turnings , being better informed by his Free-man , a Syrian by Nation , of the direct rode , left that long and fallacious one ; and kindly bidding the Barbarians his Guides adieu , in a few days passed over Euphrates , and came to Antiochia upon Daphne . There being commanded to wait for Tigranes , ( who at that time was reducing of Phoenicia ) he brought over many great Men to his side , who unwillingly had submitted to the King of Armenia ( among whom was Zarbienus King of the Gordyenians ) where also many of the Conquered Cities Corresponded privately with him , whom he assured of relief from Lucullus , but ordered them to lie still at present . The Armenian Government was very heavy and intolerable to the Greeks , especially that of the present King , who growing insolent and proud with his Success , imagined all things valuable and esteem'd among men , that had been already in his power and purposely created for him alone . From a small , and inconsiderable rise , he had Conquered many Nations , broke the Parthian Power ( more than any before him ) and filled Mesopotamia with Greeks , whom he carried out of Cilicia and Cappadocia . He transplanted the Wild Arabs from their Country , and manner of living , and setled them near him for improvement of Trade . Many Kings serv'd at his Table , but four he always carried with him as Servants and Guards , who ran by his Horse side in poor habit , and with folded hands attended him , when sitting on his Throne , and publishing his Decrees to the People : Which posture of all others was that which most expressed slavery , it being of Men , who had bid adieu to Liberty , and had prepar'd their Bodies more for the Chastisement , than service of their Masters . Appius being nothing dismayed , or surprized at so Tragical a sight , so soon as audience was granted him , said , he came to demand Mithridates , due to Lucullus's triumph , otherwise to denounce War against Tigranes : Insomuch that tho Tigranes endeavoured to receive him with a pleasing Countenance and a composed Smile , he could not dissemble his concern to them who stood about him , at the frank humour of the young Man ; for it was the first time in twenty five years any free Speech had been uttered to him , so many years had he then Reigned . But however he made answer to Appius , That he would not desert Mithridates , but would make the Romans pay dear enough for beginning the War. That he was angry with Lucullus for calling him only King in his Letter , and not King of kings , and therefore in his Answer he would not call him Imperator . Great Gifts were sent to Appius , which he refused ; but they being augmented , that he might not seem to go away in Anger , he took one Goblet , and sent the rest back , and went off to the General . Tigranes before this neither vouchsafed to see nor speak with Mithridates , tho a near Kinsman , and forced out of so considerable a Kingdom ; but proudly and scornfully at a distance contemn'd him , and in a manner secured him in Moorish and unhealthy Places ; but then with respect and kindness sent for him , and at a private conference between them in the Palace , they healed up all private jealousies between them , punishing their Favourites , who bore all the blame : Among whom Metrodorus Scepsius was one , a witty and learned Man , and a bosom Friend , vulgarly called the King's Father . This Man as it hapned , being employed in an Embassy by Mithridates to sollicite help against the Romans , Tigranes ask'd him , What would you , Metrodorus , advise me to in this Affair ? In return to which , either out of good Will to Tigranes , or of desire to have Mithridates taken off , made Answer , That as Embassador he counsell'd him to it , but as a Friend disswaded him from it . This Tigranes reported , and affirmed to Mithridates , thinking that no harm would come of it to Metrodorus . But upon this he was presently taken off , for which Tigranes was sorry , being not indeed the principal cause of Metrodorus's death , but no small addition to the anger of Mithridates against him ; for he privately hated him before , as appeared from his Cabinet-Papers when taken , wherein it was ordered that Metrodorus should die ; Tigranes buried him splendidly , sparing no cost to his dead Body , whom he betrayed when alive . In Tigranes's Court died also Amphicrates the Orator , ( if at least for Athens sake , we may remember him , ) for 't is reported that he fled to Seleucia , upon the River Tygris , and being desir'd to teach Philosophy among them , arrogantly reply'd , that the Dish was too little to hold a Dolphin . Wherefore he came to Cleopatra , Daughter of Mithridates , and Queen to Tigranes , but being accused of high Misdemeanors , and prohibited all Commerce with his Country-men , soon ended his Days . Lucullus , when he had established wholesome Laws , and a lasting Peace in Asia , did not altogether banish Pleasure , and Mirth ; but during his residence at Ephesus , gratified the Country with Sports , Festival Triumphs , Wrestling Games , and Prizes . And they in requital , instituted others , called Lucullian Games , in honour to him , thereby manifesting their real love to him , which was of more value to him , than all the Honour in the World. But when Appius came to him , and told him he must prepare for War , he went again into Pontus , and gathering together his Army , besieged Synope , or rather those of the Kings side who held it ; who thereupon killed most of the Synopeans , and set the City on fire , and by night endeavoured to escape : Which when Lucullus perceived , he came upon the City , and killed Eight thousand of those who were left behind ; but to the others he restored what was their own , and took special care for the Welfare of the City . To which he was chiefly prompted by this Vision . One seemed to come to him in his sleep , and say , Go on a little further Lucullus : for Autolicus is coming to see Thee . When he arose , he could not imagine what the Vision meant . The same day he took the City , and as he was pursuing the Cilicians , who were fled , he saw a Statue lying on the Shoar , which the Cilicians carried so far , but had not time to carry it aboard . It was one of the Master-pieces of Sthenis : And one told him , that it was the Statue of Autolicus , the Founder of the City . Which same Autolicus is reported to be Son to Dimachus , and one of those who under Hercules went in the Expedition out of Thessaly against the Amazons ; from whence , in his return with Demoleon , and Phlogius , he lost his Vessel on a point of the Chersonesus , called Pedalion . He himself , with his Companions , and their Weapons , being saved , came to Synope , and dispossest the Syrians there . The Syrians held it , descended from Syrus , ( as is reported ) the Son of Apollo , and Synope , the Daughter of Asopis . Which as soon as Lucullus heard , he remembred the saying of Sylla , who positively affirms in his Memoirs , That nothing is so credible , and beyond dispute , as what is revealed in Dreams . But as soon as it was told him that Mithridates and Tigranes were just ready to transport their Forces into Lycaonia and Cilicia , he much wondred why the Armenian , if he had any real intention to fight with the Romans , did not assist Mithridates in his flourishing condition , and joyn Forces when he was fit for service ; but suffering him to be vanquisht , and broken in pieces , should now , at last , upon slender hopes , begin the War , and throw himself down headlong with them , who were irrecoverably fal'n already . But when Macares the Son of Mithridates , and Governour of the Bosphorus , sent him a Crown valued at a thousand pieces of Gold , and desired to be listed a Friend , and Confederate of the Romans , he justly reputed that War at an end , and left Sornatius his Deputy , with Six thousand Souldiers to take care of the Province . He himself , with Twelve thousand Foot , and little less than Three thousand Horse , advanced to the second War. But it was very plain , that with two great , and ill-advised speed , he Marched against Warlike Nations , many Thousands of Horse , into a vast Champaign , every way enclosed with deep Rivers , and Snowy Mountains . Which made the Souldiers , besides the disorder of their ranks , with great unwillingness , and reluctancy , follow him . When as at the same time also the Tribunes at home publickly inveighed , and declared against him , as one that raised up War after War , not so much for the Interest of the Republick , as that he himself , being still in Commission , might not lay down Arms , but go on enriching himself by the Publick loss . These Men , at last , were even with him . But Lucullus , by long journeys , came to Euphrates , where finding the Waters out , and rough , by reason of the late Winter , was much troubled for fear of a delay , where danger might come on him , while he procured Boats , and made a Bridge of them . But in the evening the flood giving , and decreasing more in the night , the next day they saw the River within his Banks : Insomuch that the Inhabitants discovering the little Islands in the River , and the Water stagnating round them , a thing which had rarely hapned before , worshipped Lucullus , before whom the very River was humble and submissive , and yielded an easie and swift passage . Making use of the opportunity , he carried over his Army , and met with a lucky sign at landing . Holy Heifers are preserved on purpose for Diana Persica , whom of all the Gods , the Barbarians beyond Euphrates chiefly adore . They use only Heifers for her Sacrifices . Which , at other times , wander up and down undisturbed , with the Mark of the Goddess upon them , shining brightness ; and it is no small , nor easie thing , when occasion requires to seize one of them . But one of these , when the Army had passed Euphrates , coming to a Rock Consecrated to the Goddess , stood upon it , and then laying down her Neck , like others that are forc'd down with a Rope , offered her self to Lucullus for Sacrifice : Besides which , he offered also a Congratulatory Bull to Euphrates , for his safe passage . All that day he tarried there , but on the next , and those that followed , he travelled through Sophene , using no manner of Violence to those who came to him , and willingly received his Army . But when the Soldiers were desirous to plunder a Castle , that seemed to be well stored within . That is the Castle , said he , that we must storm , shewing them Taurus at a distance ; there are the rewards of Triumph : Wherefore hastning his March , and passing the Tigris , he came over into Armenia ; The first Messenger that gave notice of Lucullus his coming , was so far from pleasing Tigranes , that he had his Head cut off for his pains ; and no Man daring to bring farther Information ; without any Intelligence at all , Tigranes sate fuming with Hostility and Wrath , giving ear only to those who flattered him , by saying , That Lucullus would shew himself a greater Commander , by standing before Tigranes at Ephesus , than by his running away out of Asia , frighted with the many Thousands that come against him . He is a Man of a strong Body that can carry off a load of Wine , and of a singular Constitution that can digest Felicity . Mithrobarzanes , one of his chief Favorites , first dar'd to tell him the truth : But had no more thanks for his pains , than to be immediately sent out against Lucullus with Three thousand Horse , and a great number of Foot , with peremptory Commands to bring him alive , and trample down his Army . Some of Lucullus's Men were then pitching their Camp , and the rest were coming up to them , when the Scouts gave notice that the Enemy was approaching , whereupon he was in fear lest they should fall upon him , while his Men were at a distance , and not come up into a Body : Which made him stay for setling the Camp himself ; and send out Sextilius the Legate with Sixteen hundred Horse , and almost as many heavy and light Arms , with Orders to advance upon the Enemy , and keep their ground , until Intelligence came to him that the Camp was finished . Sextilius designed to have kept this Order : But Mithrobarzanes himself coming furiously upon him , he was forced to fight . In the Engagement Mithrobarzanes himself fighting , was slain , and all his Men , except a few who run away , were destroyed . After which Tigranes left Tigranocerta , a great City built by himself , and retired to Taurus , and called all his Forces about him . But Lucullus giving him no time to Rendezvous , sent out Murena to hinder , and cut off those who Marched to Tigranes , and Sextilius also to disperse a great Company of Arabians then going to the King ; both Sextilius fell upon the Arabians in their Camp , and destroyed most of them ; and also Murena , in his pursuit after Tigranes through a Craggy and Narrow way , opportunely fell upon him : Upon which Tigranes throwing away all cumbrances , fled ; many of the Armenians were killed , and more taken . After this Success Lucullus went to Tigranocerta , and sitting down before the City , besieged it . In it were many Greeks carried away out of Cilicia , and many Barbarians in like circumstances with the Greeks , Arraberrians , Assyrians , Gordyenians , and Cappadocians , whose Countries he had destroyed , and forced away the Inhabitants to settle here . It was a rich and beautiful City ; every Nobleman , and Commoner , in imitation of the King , studied to enlarge and adorn it . Which made Lucullus more vigorously assault it , being perswaded that Tigranes would by no means suffer him , but even against his own Judgment come down in anger to force him away ; Wherein he rightly Judged . Mithridates earnestly disswaded him from it , sending Messengers to him not to engage , but rather with his Horse to hinder him from forraging . Taxiles also the Messenger , then in his Army , very much intreated the King to forbear and avoid the Roman Forces , as a Business not to be medled with at that time . To this he hearkened at first , but when the Armenians , and Gordyenians in a full Body , and the joint-Forces of Medes and Adiabenians under their respective Kings , came up to him : When many Arabians came up the River from Babylon , others from the Caspian Sea , Albanians , Iberians , and their Neighbours , and not a few of the ungovernable People near Araxe by intreaty and hire , came together up to him ; all the Kings Tables and Councils rung of nothing but Expectations , Boastings , and Barbarick Threatnings . Taxiles went in danger of his Life for giving Counsel against fighting , and it was imputed to Envy in Mithridates , to divert him from so Glorious an Enterprize : Whereupon Tigranes would by no means tarry for him , for fear he should share in the Glory ; but march'd on with all his Army , lamenting to his Friend , ( as is said ) that he should fight with Lucullus alone , and not with all the Roman Generals together . Neither was his Boldness to be accounted frantick or rash , when he had so many Nations and Kings attending him , with so many Thousand of well-armed Foot and Horse about him . He had Twenty thousand Archers , and Slingers , Fifty five thousand Horse ( whereof Fifteen thousand were all in Armour , as Lucullus wrote to the Senate ) a Hundred and fifty thousand heavy Arms drawn up partly into Companies , partly into Phalanges ; besides others appointed to open the ways , and lay Bridges to drein the Waters , and prepare Fuel , with other necessary attendance , to the number of Thirty five thousand : Who being quartered behind the Army , made it the more formidable to behold . As soon as he had passed Taurus , and appeared with his Forces , and saw the Romans beleaguering Tigranocerta , the barbarous People within with shoutings and acclamations received the sight , and threatning the Romans from the Wall , pointed to the Armenians . In a Council of War , some advised Lucullus to leave the Siege , and march up to Tigranes , others , that it would not be safe to leave the Siege , and so many Enemies behind . He himself answered , that neither side rightly , but both together gave sound advice ; whereupon he divided his Army , and left Murena with Six thousand Foot , the Charge of the siege , he himself went out with Twenty four Bands , in which were no less than Ten thousand men at Arms , all the Horse , and about a Thousand Slingers and Archers , and sitting down by a River in a large Plain , appeared very inconsiderable to Tigranes , and a fit Subject for the flattering Wits about him . Some whereof jeared , others cast Lots for the spoil , every one of the Kings and Commanders came , and desir'd the Engagement alone , and that he would be pleased to sit still and behold . Tigranes himself something Witty and Pleasant upon the occasion , made use of the old saying , That they were too many for Ambassadors , and too few for Soldiers . Thus they continu'd laughing and scoffing . As soon as day came , Lucullus brought out his Forces in their Arms. The Barbarian Army stood at the Eastern part of the River , but Lucullus at the West , and at a turn of the River where it was best passable , while he led his Army in haste , seemed to Tigranes to fly . Who thereupon called Taxiles , and in derision said , Do you not see this invincible Army of the Romans flying ? But Taxiles reply'd , I would to God , O King , some such Fortune may attend your Soul ! But surely Travellers never put on their best Cloths , nor use bright Shields and naked Head-pieces , and unsheathed Weapons , as now you see ; but this is a preparation for War , and of Men just ready to engage with their Enemies . While Taxiles was thus speaking , as Lucullus wheeled about , the first Eagle appeared , and the Bands , according to their Divisions and Companies , were just ready to pass over , when , with much ado , and like a Man in a Debauch , Tigranes cryed out twice or thrice , What are you coming upon us , Sirs ? In great hast therefore he put his Army in Array , keeping the main Body to himself , the Left Wing was given in Charge to the Adiabenian , and the Right to the Mede , in the Front whereof were most of the Armed Men placed . Some Officers advised Lucullus to lie still that day , being one of those unfortunate ones , whom they call Black-days , for therein the Army under Scipio , engaging with the Cimbrians , was destroyed : But he , by a very memorable Saying , replyed , I will make this a happy day to the Romans . It was the day before the Nones of October . Having so said , he bad them Courage , passed over the River , and himself first of all led them against the Enemy . A Coat of Mail with shining Scales he had on , and a fringed Mantle ; and drew out his naked Sword , as if they had been to engage with Men that used to fight at a distance , and by a sudden falling in , he straitned the open places , which were necessary for the Archers . But when he saw the armed Horse , the Flower of the Army , drawn up under a Hill , on the top whereof was a broad and open Plain , about four Furlongs high , and of no difficult or troublesome access , he commanded his Thracian and Gallogrecian Horse to fall upon their Flanck , and beat down their Lances with their Swords . ( The only Defence of the Men in Arms are their Lances , they have nothing else to defend themselves , or annoy their Enemy , by reason of the weight and hardness of their Armour , in which they are enclosed . ) He himself , with two Bands , made to the Mountain , the Souldiers briskly following on , when they saw him in Arms , afoot , first toiling and climbing up . Being on the top , and standing in an open place , with a loud Voice he cried out , We have overcome , we have overcome , O my Fellow-Soldiers ! And having so said , he marched against the armed Horsemen , commanding his Men not to throw their Piles , but coming up hand to hand with the Enemy , to hack their Shins and Thighs , which Parts alone are unguarded in armed men . But there was no need of this way of fighting , for they stood not to receive the Romans , but with great clamour , and worse Fiight , they and their heavy Horses broke the Ranks of the Foot before ever the Fight began ; insomuch that without a Wound , or Blood-shed , so many thousands were overthrown . The greatest Slaughter was made in the Flight , or rather in endeavouring to fly away , which they could not well do by reason of the depth and closeness of the Ranks , which hindred them . Tigranes at first fled with a few , but seeing his Son in the same misfortune , he took the Crown from his Head , and with Tears gave it him , bidding him save himself in some other way if he could . But the Prince daring not to put it on , gave it to one of his trustiest Servants to keep for him . This Man , as it hapned , being taken , was brought to Lucullus ; so among the Captives the Crown also of Tigranes was taken . 'T is reported , that above a hundred thousand Foot were lost , and few of the Horse escaped . Of the Romans a hundred were wounded , and five kill'd . Antiochus the Philosopher making mention of this Fight , in his Book about the Gods , says , That the Sun never saw the like . Strabo , another Philosopher , in his Historical Collection , says , That the Romans could not but blush and deride themselves , for putting on Armour against such pitiful Slaves . Livy also says , That the Romans never fell upon an Enemy with so unequal Force ; for by more than a twentieth part the Conquerors were less than the Conquered . The most understanding Roman Captains , and expert in War , have chiefly commended Lucullus for conquering two great and potent Kings , by two different ways , Haste and Delay . For he broke the flourishing Power of Mithridates by Delay and Time , and that of Tigranes by Haste ; being one of those rare Generals who made use of Delay for advantage , and Speed for security . Whereupon it was , that Mithridates made no haste to come up to fight , imagining Lucullus would , as he had done before , use Caution and Delay , which made him march the slower to Tigranes : And as he met some stragling Armenians in the way , running in great fear and consternation , he suspected the worst , and when greater numbers of naked and wounded Men assured him of the Defeat , he sought for Tigranes ; and finding him naked and destitute , he by no means requited him with Insolence , but lighting off his Horse , and condoling the Publick Loss , gave him a Princely Guard to attend him , and animated him for the future ; and they together gathered fresh Forces about them . In the City Tigranocerta the Greeks divided from the Barbarians , and delivered it up to Lucullus , which he came and took . He seized on the Treasury himself , but gave the City to be plunder'd by the Soldiers , wherein were found eight thousand Tallents of coined Money : Besides which also he distributed eight hundred Groats per Man , out of the Spoils . When he understood that many Players were taken in the City , which Tigranes invited from all Parts , for opening the Theatre which he had built he made use of them for celebrating his Triumphal Games and Spectacles . The Greeks he sent home , allowing them Money for their Journey ; the Barbarians also , as many as had been forced away from their own dwelling ; insomuch that this one City being dissolved , many were repaired by the restitution of their former Inhabitants . By all which Lucullus was belov'd , as a Benefactor and Founder . Other things also prospered under him , as deserved , being more desirous of praise for Justice and Clemency , than for Feats in War ; for these are due partly to the Soldiers , most of all to Fortune ; but those are a demonstration of a gentle and liberal Soul , whereby Lucullus at that time , even without the help of Arms , conquered the Barbarians . For the Kings of Arabia came to him tendring what they had ; and with them the Sophenians also submitted . But he dealt so with the Gordyenians , that they were willing to leave their own Habitations , and were ready to follow him with their Wives and Children ; which was for this Cause : Zarbienus King of the Gordyenians ( as is said ) being grieved under the Tyranny of Tigranes , by Appius had secretly made Overtures of Confederating with Lucullus ; but being discover'd , was executed and his Wife and Children perished with him , before ever the Romans had invaded Armenia . Lucullus forgot not this , but coming to the Gordyenians , made a solemn Enterment for Zarbienus , and adorning the Funeral Pile with a Royal Canopy , and Gold and Spoils of Tigranes , he himself being present , kindled the Fire , and poured in perfumes , with the Friends and Domesticks of the Deceased , calling him his Companion , and Friend of the Romans , and ordered a stately Monument for him . There was a large Treasury of Gold and Silver found in Zarbienus his Palace , and no less than three hundred Myriads of Measures of Corn ; insomuch that the Soldiers were provided for , and Lucullus was highly commended for maintaining the War at his own Charge without receiving one Groat from the Publick Treasury . After this came an Embassage from the King of Parthia to him desiring Amity and Confederacy ; which being readily embraced by Lucullus , he dispatch'd another to the Parthian , which discovered him to be a double minded Man , and dealing privately with Tigranes to take part with him , upon Condition Mesopotamia were delivered up to him . Which as soon as Lucullus understood , he resolved to pass by Tigranes and Mithridates , as Enemies well nigh subdued , and try the Power of Parthia , by leading his Army against them . He esteemed it a renowned act , like a Wrestler , to throw down three Kings one after another , and like an invincible Conquerour , successively to deal with three of the greatest Commanders under the Cope of Heaven . He sent therefore into Pontus , to the Officers with Sornatius writing to them to bring the Army thence , and joyn with him in this Expedition out of Gordyene . They found the Soldiers resty and stubborn before , but now plainly discovered their unruliness , by no manner of Intreaty or Force to be reclaim'd ; for they protested and cried out , That they would stay no longer there , but go away and desert Pontus . Which being reported to Lucullus , did no small harm to the Soldiers about him , who were corrupted with Wealth and Plenty , and desirous of Ease ; and hearing the boldness of the others , called them Men , and such as they ought to imitate ; for the Actions which they had done , did now well deserve rest and quiet . Upon these and worse Words , Lucullus left off the thoughts of invading Parthia , and in the midst of Summer went against Tigranes ; where passing over Taurus , he was astonish'd at the green Fields before him , so much the Season by reason of the cold Air is deferred . But however he went down , and putting to flight the Armenians , who dared to come out against him , he plundered and burnt their Villages , and seizing on the Provision designed for Tigranes , who was afraid of the same , reduced his Enemies to great necessity . But when he provok'd the Enemy to fight , by marching round their Camp , and burning the Country before them , he could by no means bring them out after their frequent Defeats before , he rose up and marched to Artaxata , the Royal City of Tigranes , where his Wives and Children were kept : judging that Tigranes would never suffer that to go without the hazard of a Battel . It is reported , that Annibal the famous Carthaginian , after the Defeat of Antiochus under the Romans , coming to Artaxas King of Armenia , instructed him in several necessary and useful things ; who being taken with the pleasant and delightful Situation of that Place , then uncultivated and neglected , drew a Model of a City for the same ; and bringing Artaxas thither , shewed him the same , and encouraged him to build : At which the King being pleased , and desiring him to oversee the Work , erected a large and stately City , called after his own Name , and made it Metropolis of Armenia . Tigranes would by no means suffer Lucullus to come upon this City , but came with his Army , and on the fourth day sate down by the Romans , the River Arsania lying between them , which of necessity Lucullus must pass in his March to Artaxata . Lucullus , after Sacrifice to the Gods , as if Victory were already obtained , carried over his Army , having Twelve Bands in Front , the rest being disposed to prevent the Enemies enclosing them : For there were many choice Horse drawn up against him : In the Front stood the Mardians Horse-Archers , and Iberians with long Spears , who being the most Warlike , Tigranes more confided in than any other Strangers ; but nothing of moment was done by them ; for though they skirmished with the Roman Horse at a distance , they were not able to stand when the Foot came up to them ; but being broken and divided on both sides , drew the Horse in pursuit after them . Though these were routed , yet Lucullus was afraid when he saw the Horse about Tigranes in good Order , and great Numbers coming upon him : Whereupon he recalled his Horse from pursuing , he himself first of all withstood the Nobles , and engaged with the best of them , as they came upon him , and before ever they came to close Fight , with the very Terror overthrew them . Of three Kings in Battel against him , Mithridates of Pontus fled away the most shamefully , being not so much as able to endure the Noise of the Romans . The Pursuit reach'd a long way , wherein the Romans not only slew them all night , but took many alive , seized and carried away great Riches , with other Booty , till they were weary and left off . Livy says , There were more taken and destroyed in the first Battel ; but in the second , those of better note . Lucullus being flush'd and animated hereby , determined to march into the Vplands , and there compleat his Conquests over the Barbarians ; but the Winter-season coming on , contrary to his expectation , brought severe Weather , and frequent Snows , and even in the most clear Days , hard Frost and Ice ; which made the Waters scarce drinkable for the Horses , by exceeding Cold ; and scarce passable , for the breaking of the Ice , and cutting the Horses Sinews . The Country , for the most part , being Forest , Inclosed and Woody , made them continually wet , being covered with Snow as they Marched in the day , and sitting down in Moorish places at Night . After the Battel they followed not Lucullus many days , before they began to be unruly ; first of all intreating , and sending the Tribunes to him ; but afterwards tumultuously gathered together , and made a noise all night long , which was a plain sign of a mutinous Army . But Lucullus as earnestly entreated them , desiring them to have patience but till they took the Armenian Carthage , and overturn'd the Work of that cursed Man Annibal . But when he could not prevail , he led them back , and by another Road over Taurus , came into the fruitful and pleasant Country of Mygdonia , where was a great and populous City , by the Barbarians called Nisibis ; by the Greeks , Antioch of Mygdonia . Gaurus , Brother of Tigranes , was the Governour , Callimachus Overseer of the Works and Fortifications , the same who so much annoyed the Romans at Amisus . He brought his Army to it , and laying close Siege , in a short time took it by Storm : He kindly used Gaurus , as he surrendred himself ; but by no means hearkened to Callimachus , though he offered to make discovery of hidden Treasures ; commanding him to be kept in Chains , to be punished for firing the City of Amisus , which hindred him from shewing Favour and Kindness unto the Greeks , as he intended . Hitherto one would imagine Fortune attended and fought for Lucullus ; but afterward , as if the Wind had fail'd of a sudden , he did all things by force , and as it were against the Grain ; wherein he shewed the Conduct and Patience of a wise Captain ; but his Actions met with no Honour or Reputation : For by bad Success and Divisions in his Army , he came within a Hairs-breadth of losing what what he had before . Himself was not the least cause of all this , being no ways indulgent to his Soldiers , but one who thought all Favour shewn to them , to be a beginning of Disobedience , and Dissolution of Authority . But what was worst of all , he was naturally unsociable to his Great Officers in Commission with him , despising others , and thinking them worthy of nothing in comparison with himself . These were the Evils attending Lucullus his other Vertues ; for he is said to have been a lusty , goodly , and eloquent Man , Wise both in Court and Camp. Salust says , The Soldiers were ill-affected to him from the beginning of the War , for being forced to keep the Field two Winters at Cyzicum , and afterwards at Amisus . There were other Winter-quarters that vexed , besides these ; for they either were in an Enemies Country , or else confined to their Tents in the open Fields , among their Confederates ; for Lucullus not so much as once went into a Greek Confederate Town with his Army . To this ill affection abroad , the Tribunes contributed at home , invidiously accusing Lucullus , as one who for Empire and Riches delayed the War , and under his sole Power had then got Cilicia , Asia , Bythinia , Paphlagonia , Pontus , Armenia , as far as the River Phasis . And of late had laid waste the Kingdom of Tigranes , as if he had been Commissioned not so much to subdue , as destroy Kings . For this is reported to have been spoken by L. Quintus , one of the Praetors , at whose instance the People determined to send one who should succeed Lucullus in his Province , and disband most of his Army . Besides these Misdemeanours , that which most of all prejudiced Lucullus , was P. Clodius , an insolent Man , very vicious and bold , Brother to Lucullus his Wife , and by reason of her Incontinency shrewdly suspected of Adultery with her . Being then in the Army under Lucullus , but not in so great Authority as he expected ; for he would fain have been of the Chief Officers , though of an inferior Rank to several of them . He got in with the Fimbrian Army , and stirred them up against Lucullus , using fair Speeches to them , who , of old , had been used to be flattered in such a manner . These were those whom Fimbrius before had perswaded to destroy the Consul Flaccus , and chose him their Leader ; which made them willingly deal with Clodius , and call him the Soldiers Delight , for his Care and Concern for them . If there must be no end of Wars and Toils , but by fighting with all Nations , and wandring throughout all the World they must spend their lives ; receiving no other Reward for their Service , than to guard the Carriages and Camels of Lucullus , laden with Gold and precious Goblets . As for Pompey's Souldiers , they were Citizens again , safe at home with their Wives and Children , not hunting after Mithridates , or Tigranes , in wild Deserts , nor overturning the Kingdoms of Asia , but reducing Exuls in Spain , or Fugitives at home . What , must we never have an end of Fighting ? Should we not rather reserve the Remainder of our Bodies and Souls for such a General , who will reckon his chiefest Glory to be the Wealth of his Army ? By such Practices the Army of Lucullus being corrupted , neither followed him against Tigranes , nor against Mithridates , when he returned into Pontus out of Armenia , and resumed his Kingdom ; but under pretence of Winter coming on , sate idle in Gordyene , every minute expecting some other General to succeed Lucullus . But when News came that Mithridates had defeated Fabius , and was Marching against Sernatius and Triarius , out of shame they followed Lucullus . Triarius ambitiously aiming at Victory , before ever Lucullus came to him , though he was then very near , was overthrown after a bloody Fight , wherein it is reported , that above Seven thousand Romans fell , among whom were a Hundred and fifty Centurions , and Four and twenty Tribunes , and even the Camp it self taken . Lucullus coming up a few days after , concealed Triarius from the angry Soldiers : But when Mithridates declined Battel , and waited for the coming of Tigranes , who was then on his March with great Forces , he resolved before both joyned , once more to meet and engage with Tigranes . But in the way the mutinous Fimbrians deserted their Colours , as Men disbanded by Decree of Senate , and would no longer obey Lucullus , the Provinces being then allotted to others . There was nothing beneath the Dignity of Lucullus , which he was not forc'd to bear , entreating them , one by one , from Tent to Tent , going up and down dejected and sorrowful , and submitting to shake some by the Hands . But they turned away from his Salutes , and threw down their empty Knapsacks , bidding him alone engage with the Enemy , who alone made advantage thereby . At length , by the intreaty of the other Soldiers , the Fimbrians being prevailed upon , consented to tarry that Summer under him ; but even during that time , if no Enemy came to fight them , to be free . Lucullus of necessity was forc'd to comply with this , or else to leave the deserted Province to the Barbarians . He kept them indeed with him , but without any Power over them : Nor did he lead them out to Battel , being contented that they would stay with him , though he then saw Cappadocia wasted by Tigranes , and Mithridates again doing mischief , whom not long before he reported to the Senate to be wholly subdued : whereupon Legats were arrived to settle the Affairs of Pontus , as if all had been quiet there . But when they came they found him not so much as Master of himself but contemned and derided by the Common Soldiers ; who arrived at that height of Insolence against their General , that at the end of Summer they put on their Armour , and drew their Swords , and defied their Enemies then absent , and gone off a long while before , with great Outcries and Aiery Skirmishes , going round the Camp , and proclaiming that the time was expired which they promised to stay with Lucullus . Pompey had drawn many to his side by Letters ; by the Favour of the People , and his Interest with the Tribunes , being then chosen General of the Army against Mithridates and Tigranes . But it then appeared to the Senate , and all unbiassed Men , that Lucullus was injured , having those put over his Head , who succeeded rather to his Triumph , than the War ; being not only deprived of Command , but the Glory which he justly deserved , and forc'd to yield it to another . It was just matter of Pity to those who were present ; for Lucullus remained no longer Master of Rewards or Punishments , for Actions of War ; nether would Pompey suffer any man to go to him , or give heed to what he did himself , or with advice of his ten Legats : but expresly gave Command to the contrary , and could not but be obey'd , by reason of his greater Power . But Friends on both sides thought it necessary to bring them together , who met in a certain Village of Galatia , and friendly saluted each other . Lucullus was the Elder , but Pompey the more Honourable , for his oftner Command , and two Triumphs . Both had Rods of Laurel carried before them for their Victories ; and when Pompey's Laurels were withered , by passing through hot and droughty places , Lucullus his Viergers friendly gave them some of the fresh and green ones which they had ; which Pompey's Friends counted a good Omen , for the others Actions were they which truly adorned his Empire . At the interview they came to no amicable Agreement , but went off more disatisfied . Pompey repealed all the Acts of Lucullus , drew off his Soldiers , and left him no more then sixteen hundred for Triumph , and even those unwilling to go with him . So unqualified was Lucullus , either by Nature or Mis-fortune , for the chiefest thing in a General , which had he added to his other singular Virtues ( his Fortiude , Vigilance , Wisdom , Justice ) the Roman Empire had not had Euphrates for its Boundary in Asia , but the uttermost parts of the Earth , and the Hyrcanian Sea. Other Nations being then disabled by the late Conquests of Tigranes , the Power of Parthia could not be so considerable against Lucullus , as it afterwards appeared against Crassus , being then also divided at home by Domestick and intestine War , and utterly unable to keep off the Encroachments of Armenia , But Lucullus seems more to have injured his Country by others , than he profited it by himself . For the Trophies in Armenia stand near the Parthians , and Tigranocerta , and Nisibis , and the great Wealth brought from thence to Rome , with the Captive Crown of Tigranes carried in Triumph , did all puff up Crassus , as if the Barbarians had been nothing else but Spoils and Booty : Who falling among the Parthian Archers soon demonstrated that Lucullus his Triumphs were not beholden to the Inadvertency and Effeminacy of his Enemies , but to his own Courage and Conduct . But of this afterwards . Lucullus , upon his return to Rome , found his Brother Mark accused by C. Memmius , for what he did when Treasurer , by the Command of Sylla ; who being fled , Memmius changed the Scene , and animated the People against him , and perswaded them to deny him a Triumph , for suppressing the Spoils , and prolonging the War. Lucullus his Case being much disputed , the Nobility and Chief Men mixed themselves among the Tribes , and with much Entreaty and Labour scarce at length prevailed upon them to consent to his Triumph . The Pomp of his Triumph was not amazing and tedious ▪ as others had been , with along Train , and number of things carried therein ; but consisted chiefly in vast quantities of Armour , and Machins of the King 's , placed in the Flaminian Cirque . A Spectacle nothing despicable . In his Progress passed by a few Horsmen in Armour , ten Chariots armed with Scythes , sixty Friends and officers of the King 's , and a hundred and ten long-beak'd Ships were carried along with them . The Golden Image of Mithridates , six Foot high , and rich Head pieces , twenty Loads of Silver Vessels , and thirty two of Golden Cups . Armour , and Money all carried by Men. Beside which , eight Mules were laden with Golden Beds , fifty six with Bullion , and a hundred and seven with Coined Money and Silver , little Less than two hundred and seventy Myriads . In Publick Tables were written what Moneys he gave Pompey for prosecuting the Pyratick War , what he delivered into the Treasury , and what beside he gave to every Soldier , which was nine hundred and fifty Drachma's per Man : After all which , he nobly feasted the City and Suburbs . Being divorc'd from Clodia , a dissolute and and wicked Woman , he married Servilia Sister to Cato : It proved an unfortunate Match , for she was guilty of all Clodia's vices but one , and that was Incest with her Brothers . Out of reverence to Cato , he for a while connived at her Impurity and Immodesty , but at length dismissed her . When the Senate expected great things from him as one that would be a Check to the Usurpation of Pompey , and by the Greatness of his Station and Credit would defend the Nobility , he retired from Business and left the Republick ; either because he saw her in a languishing condition , and irrecoverable , or , as others say , because he was as great as he could well be , and inclined to a quiet and easie Life , after those Labours and Toils , which had not succeeded under him . There are those who highly commend his change of Life , avoiding thereby that Rock whereon Marius split : For he , after his Cimbrian Conquest , wherein he did Noble and Great things , would by no means be contented with the Honour thereof , but out of an infatiable desire of Glory and Power , even in his old Age , managed a Faction in the Government against the Youth , and became Guilty of horrid crimes , and worse Murthers . Better had it been for Cicero , after Catiline's Conspiracy , to have retired in his Age ; and for Scipio , after his Numantine and Carthaginian Conquests , to have sate down contented . For the Administration of publick Affairs will determine , and States-men , as well as Wrestlers , are laid aside , when strength and youth fail . Crassus , and Pompey , laugh'd to see Lucullus become luxurious , and effeminate , feasting being altogether as inconvenient for his Age , as Government of Affairs at home , or an Army abroad . In Lucullus his Life , as in the old Comedy , we meet with Policy , and action in the beginning ; and good eating , and drinking in the end : And indeed scarce any thing but Feastings , and Revellings , and Sports . Among which I count his stately Buildings , Portico's , and Baths ; but above all his Pictures and Carving , and great industry about these Curiosities , which with vast expence he collected , lavishly bestowing all the Wealth , and Treasure which he got in the War upon them : insomuch that now adays , when Luxury reins , the Lucullian Gardens are counted the noblest that the Emperor hath . Tubero the Stoick , when he saw his Buildings at Neapolis , where he suspended the Hills upon Arches , brought in the Sea for Moats , and Fish-ponds round his House , and built Pleasure-Houses in the Waters , called him Xerxes in a Gown . He had also fine Seats in Tusculum , pleasant Prospects , and large Apartments , and Portico's for Men ; where Pompey coming to see him , blam'd him for making his Habitation so pleasant in Summer , but inconvenient in Winter : To whom he smilingly reply'd . Do you think I am less provident than Cranes and Storks , not to change my habitation with the season ? When a Praetor with great charge and pains , was setting out a Spectacule to the People , and asked him to lend him some Purple hangings for the Stage , he told him he would goe home , and see , and if he had any , he would lend him ; and on the next day asking how many he wanted , and being told that a hundred would suffice , ordered him to take twice as many , which made Horace say , That he esteemed that a poor house where the lumber and unnecessary Utensils , are not more than the Furniture in sight . Lucullus his Entertainments were every new , and extravagent , not only with Purple Carpets , and Plate adorned with Precious Stones , and Dancings , and Interludes , but for all manner of Dainties , and Sweetmeats pil'd up , which made the People admire him . It was a happy thought of Pompey in his Sickness , when his Physician prescribed a Thrush for his dinner , and his Servants told him , That in Summer time Thrushes where no where but in Lucullus his Penns , would not suffer them to fetch one thence , but told his Physician , Had not Lucullus fed on Thrushes , Pompey had not liv'd , and thereupon ordered some other thing at hand to be made ready for him . Cato was his Friend and Companion , but nevertheless so hated his Life , and Diet , that when a young Man in the Senate , made a long and tedious speech in praise of Frugality and Temperance , Cato standing up replyed , Will you never have done ? You who are as Rich as Cressus , live like Lucullus , and speak like Cato . It is plain from his own Mouth , that Lucullus was not only pleased with , but gloried in his way of living , for he is said to have feasted several Greeks upon their coming to Rome day after day ; who out of a true Grecian Principal being ashamed , and refusing the invitation , where so great an expence was every day caused for them , he with a pleasing Countenance told them , Some of this indeed , my Grecian Friends , is for your sakes , but more for Lucullus his own . Once , when he supped alone , there being only one table , and that but moderately furnisht , he called his Steward and reproved him ; who imagining that there would be no need of any great Entertainment , when no Body was invited , was answered ; What do you not know , that to day Lucullus is to eat with Lucullus ? Which being noised about the City , Cicero and Pompey one day met him loitering in the Market-place ; one a principal Friend and Acquaintance ; but there had been some falling out between Pompey and him , about the Command of the Army , but however they used civilly to discourse , and talk together . Cicero saluted him , and asked him , How he stood affected to disputing ? Who answering , Very well ; and inviting them to it , We , said he , will eat with you , to day , if there shall be no more than what is already provided . Lucullus being surprised , and requested a days time , they refused to grant it , neither suffered him to talk with his Servants , for fear he should give order for more than what was appointed before . But thus much they consented to , that before their Faces he might tell his Servant , That to day he would sup in the Apollo ( for so one of his best dining Rooms was called ) and , by this evasion , impos'd upon his Guests . To every Room ( as it seems ) was allotted a proportion of Diet , having its proper Costs and Furniture belonging to it ; so that the Servants knowing where he would dine , knew also how much was to be expended , and how the Supper was to be prepared . The expence for the Apollo was fifty thousand pence , which being that day consumed , the greatness thereof did not so much amaze Pompey , as the haste in dressing . He insulted over Money , as Captive and Barbarian ; as indeed it was . But however his furnishing a Library , deserved praise and thanks , for he collected very many , and choice Manuscripts ; but the use they were put to , was more commendable than the purchase . The Library being always open , and the Walks and Schools about it free to all Greeks , who , from business , came thither as to the habitation of the Muses , walking about , and diverting one another . He himself often studied there , disputing with the learned in the Walks , and giving his advice to States-Men who required it , insomuch that his House was altogether a Receptacle , and a Greek Prytaneum to all that came to Rome . He understood all sorts of Philosophy , and was well read , and expert in them all . But he always favoured , and valued the Academy from the beginning . Not the new one ( which at that time under Philo flourish'd with the Precept of Carneades ) but the old one , then under the Government of Ascalonites Antiochus , a learned and eloquent Man : Lucullus , with great labour , made him his Friend and Companion , and set him up on purpose against Philo's Auditors , among whom Cicero was one , who Wrote an excellent Book in defence of his Sect , wherein he hath made a discourse for Lucullus , about apprehension contrary to his own opinion . The Book is called Lucullus . For , as 't is said , they were good Friends , and acted jointly in the publick Concern . For Lucullus did not wholly retire from the Republick , but from Ambition , and desire of Superiority , and Greatness equally dangerous and troublesome , which he left to Crassus , and Cato . To whom the Senate , who suspected Pompey's greatness , joined themselves , when Lucullus refused to head them . For his Friends he came into the Forum , and into the Senate to curb the Ambition and Pride of Pompey ; whose orders , after his Conquests over the King 's , he annull'd , and by the assistance of Cato hindred a division of Lands to the Soldiers , which he proposed . Which made Pompey go over to Crassus , and Caesars Friendship , or rather Conspiracy , and then by filling the City with Armed Men , to establish his Decrees by force , and drive Cato and Lucullus away . Which being resented by the Nobility , Pompey's party produc'd one Vectius , pretending they apprehended him in a design against Pompey's Life . Who , in the Senate-house , accused others , but among the People named Lucullus , as if he had been suborned by him to kill Pompey . No Body gave heed to what he said , and it soon appeared that they had produced a Man with a false charge , and accusation . After a few days the whole Intrigue was discover'd , the Carcase of the accuser being thrown out of Prison , reported indeed to have died a natural Death , but carrying marks of a Halter , and blows about him ; and seeming rather to have been taken off by those who suborned him . These things kept Lucullus at a greater distance from the Republick . But when Cicero left the City , and Cato was banished to Cyprus , he became altogether sottish ; it is reported , that before his Death , his parts fail'd him by degrees . But Cornelius Nepos denies that either Age or Sickness impair'd his Mind , which was rather doz'd by a Potion given him by Callisthenes his Freeman . The Potion given him by Callisthenes , was to endear him to him , being so prepared ; but it acted quite otherwise , and so disabled and intoxicated his Mind , that even while he was alive , his Brother ordered his Affairs . At his Death , which was the Death of one taken off in the very flower of Martial and Civil Discipline , the People were much concerned , and flockt together , and even by force would have taken his Corps , as it was carried into the Market-place , by young Men of the best Quality , and have Buried it in the Martian field , where they buried Sylla . Which being altogether unexpected , and Necessaries not easily to be procured on a sudden , his Brother , after much intreaty and sollicitation , prevailed upon them to suffer him to be buried in the Tusculan field , as was appointed . He himself surviv'd him but a small time , coming not far behind in Death , as he did in Age and Renown , being a most loving Brother . The Comparison of Lucullus with Cimon . ONe might bless the End of Lucullus , who died before the great Alteration of Affairs , which Fate by intestine Wars was bringing , on , and left this Life in a free , though troubled State , wherein , above all other things , Cimon and he agreed . For he died also when the state of Greece was free , and flourished ; though in the Field , at the Head of his Army , not recalled , nor disgraced , nor sullying the Glory of his Wars , Engagements , and Conquests , with Feastings and Debauches : As Plato reprehended Orpheus for saying , That an eternal Debauch hereafter , was the Reward of those who lived well here . Indeed ease and Quiet , and the Study of pleasant and speculative Learning , to an old Man , unfit for War or State , is a most ornamental and comfortable thing ; but to misguide vertuous Actions to Pleasure , as their utmost End , and to leave the Wars for the Sports and Delights of Venus , did not become the gravity of the Academy , and a Follower of Xenocrates , but one that rather inclined to Epicurus . But the greatest wonder of all is , their Youthful days were flat opposite ; the ones being infamous and vicious , the others well disciplin'd and sober ; yet better is the Change for Good , for it argues a more ingenuous Mind , where Vice decayeth , and Vertue increaseth . Though both had great Wealth , they differently employed it ; and there is no Comparison between the South-wall of the Tower built by Cimon , and the stately Mansions and watry Prospects at Neapolis , built by Lucullus , out of the Spoils of the Barbarians . Neither can we compare Cimon's popular and numerous Table , to the Noble and Royal one of Lucullus , that receiving a great many Guests every day at small Expence , this being richly spread for a few Good-Fellows : unless you will say that different times made the alteration . For who can tell , but that Cimon , if he had retired in his old age from Business and War , to Quiet and Solitude , might have liv'd a more luxurious and debauch'd Life , who was a Good-fellow , a pleasant Companion , and ( as is said ) a Lover of Women ? But brave and generous Actions , transported with other Delights than arise from the lower Appetite , make active and heroick Men neglect and forget these . Had but Lucullus ended his days in the Field , Envy itself and Detraction could never have accused him . So much for their manner of Life . In War it is plain they were both Men of excellent Conduct , both at Land and Sea. And as they honoured those Champions , who on the same day , in the same Games , were Crowned for their Mastery in all , by calling their Actions , Wonderful Victories ; so likewise Cimon , honouring Greece with a Sea and Land-Victory on the same day , is worthy to be placed in the first Rank of Commanders . Lucullus received Command from his Country , but Cimon brought it to his . He united the Lands of his Enemies to her , who ruled over Confederates before ; but this Man taking the Power out of other Hands , made his Country both rule over Confederates , and Conquer Enemies too ; forcing the Persians to relinquish the Sea , and the Lacedaemonians to submit . But if it be the chiefest thing in a General to win his Soldiers to Obedience by Gentleness ; Lucullus was despised by his own Army , but Cimon was obeyed by others . Those deserted the one , these fled for Protection to the other . He came home without those Forces he led out ; this Man sent out at first under the Command of others , returned home with Authority even over them also , having served his City in three difficult Negotiations , establishing Peace with the Enemy , Dominion over Confederates , and Unity with Lacedaemon . Both aiming to destroy great Kingdoms , and subdue all Asia , fail'd in their Enterprise . Cimon very unfortunately ; for he died when General , in the height of Felicity : But Lucullus , no Man can excuse from a Fault to his Soldiers , whether he knew not , or would not comply with the Distaste and Complaints of his Army , which brought him into so great hatred among them . But did not Cimon also suffer like him in this ? For the Citizens arraigned him , and never left till they had banished him ; that , as Plato says , They might not hear him for the space of ten Years . For Heroick Minds seldom please the Vulgar , or are acceptable to them ; for by punishing their Extravagancies , they oftentimes pinch to the quick , like Chirurgeons bands , reducing dislocated Bones to their natural position . But both of them perhaps may be cleared of this . Lucullus very much out-went him in War , being the first Roman who carried an Army over Taurus , passed the Tigris , took and burnt the Royal Palaces of Asia , in the sight of the Kings , Tigranocerta , Cabira , Sinope , and Nisibis , subduing the North Parts as far as Phacis , the East as far as Media , and the South and Red Sea , through the Kingdoms of Arabia ; broke the Power of Kings , and narrowly missed their Persons , who fled away like Wild Beasts into the Desarts , the thick and unpassable Woods . A Demonstration of which was , That the Persians , as if no great harm had befel them under Cimon , soon after appeared in Arms against the Grecians , and overcame and destroyed a great Army of theirs in Aegypt . But after Lucullus , Tigranes and Mithridates were able to do nothing : The latter being disabled and broken in the former Wars , never dared to shew his Army to Pompey without the Camp , but fled away to Bosphorus , and there died . Tigranes threw himself naked and unarmed down before Pompey , and taking his Crown from his Head , laid it at his Feet , complementing Pompey with what was not his own , but that which Lucullus had triumphed over before ; and when he received the Ensigns of Majesty again , he was well pleased , because deprived before . Greater is that Commander , who , like a Wrestler , leaves an Adversary almost Conquered for his Successor ; and therefore Cimon , at his Arrival , finding the Forces of the King dispersed , and the Minds of the Persians down , by their continual Overthrows and Flights under Themistocles , Pausanias , and Leotychides , easily overcame their Bodies , whose Souls were dis-spirited and faint before . But Tigranes , never yet baffled in Fight , but flush'd with Success , engaged against Lucullus . There is no comparison between those Numbers which came against Lucullus , and those subdued by Cimon . All which things being rightly considered , it is a hard matter to give judgment : For the Gods were favourable to both Parties , directing the one what to act , and the other what to avoid ; and they have thereby declared them both brave Men , and of Heavenly Extract . NICIAS . THE LIFE OF NICIAS . English'd from the Greek , by Thomas Rymer , Esq VOLUME III. CRassus , in my Opinion , may most properly be set against Nicias , and the Parthian Disaster compared with that in Sicily . But then , in the first place , I must beseech the Reader , in all Courtesy , not to think that I contend with Thucydides , in matters so Pathetically , so Nobly , so beyond all Imitation , and even beyond himself exprest by him ; nor to believe me guilty of the like folly with Timaeus , who hoping , in his History , for Majesty of Style , to surpass Thucydides , and make Philistius appear a trifler and very dolt , pushes on his descriptions thorow the thickest of their main Battels , Atchievements at Sea , and Debates of Council , the most laboured , and the most accurately delineated by them , bearing up with them . No more , by Jove , Than a limping Footman , to the Lydian Chariot . As Pindar has it . He shows himself all along half-lettered , a dealer in small Wares . And , according to that of Diphilus , All Fat , and rowling in Sicilian Grease . He oftentimes falls so very low , as even with Xenarchus to quibble ; telling us , That he thought it Ominous to the Athenians , that their General who had * Victory in his Name , refused to Command in the Expedition : And that from the defacing of the † Hermae , some God foretold they should very much suffer in War , by ▪ Hermocrates the Son of Hermon . And moreover , how ' t was likely , that Hercules would aid the Syracusians , for the ‡ Maiden's sake , by whose means he took Cerberus , but would be angry with the Athenians for protecting the Egesteans , descended from Trojan Ancestors , when as he for an injury of their King Laomedon , had Sack't their City . But this Author peradventure , chose to write these things out of the same abundant consideration , and Wisdom , as he finds fault with the Language of Philistus ; and carps at every where what he meets with in Plato and Aristotle . This sort of contention , and vying with others in matter of Style , in my mind , at the best , looks very little , and shows the certain Spirit of a Pedant ; but in things unimitable is intolerable . Such actions therefore as Thucydides and Philistius have related , seeing they are not to be past by , especially those that discover the Genius of the Man , and his disposition , which under his many and great troubles lay concealed , those I say , that I may not seem altogether negligent , I shall briefly run over ; and such things as are not vulgarly known , and lie scattered here and there , in other Mens Writings , or are found amongst the old Monuments and Archieves , I shall endeavour to bring together ; not huddling up an impertinent Story , but delivering what may make his disposition and temper understood . First of all , I would premise what Aristotle has written concerning Nicias , That there had been three good Citizens eminent above the rest for their Fatherly Affection and love to the People , Nicias the Son of Niceratus , Thucidides the Son of Milesius , and Theramenes the Son of Agnon ; but the last less than the others ; for his mean extraction , was cast in his Teeth , as a Forreigner from Ceos , and his unconstancy , siding sometimes with one Party , sometimes with another , in the Commonwealth , made him be Nick-named the * Buskin . Thucydides was the foremost in time , he on the behalf of the Nobility , stiffly opposed Pericles , who cajol'd the Commons . Nicias came after , yet was in some reputation even whilst Pericles lived ; insomuch as to be in joint-Commission with him , and many times to be General alone ; but Pericles dying , he presently rose to the highest preferments , chiefly by the favour of the Nobility , who set him for their Bulwark against the Presumption and Insolence of Cleon ; yet withal , he held the good Will of the Commons , who likewise contributed to his advancement . For tho Cleons interest ran very high by his caressing the Old Men , and by his frequent Dole to the Poor ; yet even they , whom he practised upon for their Favour , beholding the Avarice , the Arrogance , and the Presumption of the Man , stood many of 'um for Nicias . For his was not that sort of Gravity , which is over harsh or odious , but tempered with a certain awful Respect and Deference , winning upon the People , by seeming affraid of them . And being naturally Diffident and Timorous , in feats of War , his good Fortune supplied his want of Courage , and kept it from being detected , his Enterprizes proving always successful . But his Timerousness , in point of Government , and his huge dread of Informers , tended very much to conciliate the good will of the People ; and gave him no small Power over them : They being fearful of one that despises them , but promoting him that pays them Reverence ; for their greatest Honour , from their Betters , is not to be Contemned . Pericles , who by solid Virtue , and the pure dint of Eloquence ruled the Common-wealth , stood in need of no disguise , nor wheadling with the People ; which Talents Nicias wanting , but abounding in Riches , with these he was faint to truck for Popularity . Neither was he made with the Nimble Wit of Cleon , so as by breaking Jests , and playing the Droll to tickle the Athenians ; therefore being unprovided of such like Qualities , he treated the People with Dances and Games , and other publick Shows , more Sumptuous and more Splendid , than had been ever known in his , or in former Ages . Amongst his Works of Devotion there was Extant , even in our days , a Shrine of Minerva in the Cittadel , having lost the Gold that covered it : And a Temple in that of Bacchus under the Tripods , that were presented by those at the publick Games , who won the Prize : For at these Games he had often carried off the Prize , and never once failed . 'T is reported , that at one of these publicks Shows , a Slave of his past along in Masquerade , personating Bacchus , Fair and Goodly to behold , nor yet any Beard upon his Chin ; The Athenians pleased with the sight , and hopping a long time , Nicias stood up , and said , He held it impious to keep any Body for a Slave , who had publickly been likened to a God. And forthwith he set the young Man free . His performances at Delos are remembred , as Noble and Magnificent Works of Devotion . For whereas the Choras which the Cities had sent to sing Anthems to the God , were wont to arrive all in Confusion ; the Rabble coming presently to meet the Ship , and crying to 'um to sing : And they out of haste , debarking in disorder , and making a Clutter , some for their Garlands , some for their Surplices . Now he being to Convoy the Chorus , shipt them over to Rhenia , together with the Sacrifice , and other Holy Appurtenances . And moreover , took along with him from Athens , a Bridge ready fitted for the purpose , and Curiously adorned with Manufactures of Gold , and with Pictures and Garlands , and Tapestries ; this he joyned together in the Night over the Channel , betwixt Rhenia and Delos , being no great distance : And presently by break of day he marcht forth with all the Provision to the God , and led the Chorus with all their Ornaments in exquisite Order , singing all along over the Bridge . The Sacrifices , the Games , and the Feast being over , he set up a Palm-Tree of Brass for a present to the God , and bought a parcel of Land with ten thousand Drachma's , which he Consecrated ; with the Revenue the Inhabitants of Delos were to Sacrifice , and to Feast , and to pray the Gods for many good Things to Nicias . This he ingraved on a Pillar , which he left in Delos to be a Record of his Request . This same Palm-tree , afterwards broken down by the Wind , fell on the huge Statue which the Men of Naxus had presented , and beat it to the Ground . 'T is very plain , that much of this looks like Vain-glory , and shews a strong affectation of Popularity and Applause : Yet from other Qualities and Carriage of the Man , one might believe all this Cost and Magnificence to be purely the Effect of his Devotion : For he was one of those who dreaded the Divine Powers extreamly , and ( as Thucydides informs us ) was moap'd with Godliness . In one of Pasiphon's Dialogues 't is written , That he daily sacrificed to the Gods , and keeping a Divine at his House , he pretended to be consulting always about the Commonwealth ; whereas for the most part he enquired only of his private Affairs , more especially concerning his Silver Mines : For he possess'd many , and of great avail , in the Lauriotick Ground ; but wrought them not without hazard . He maintained there a multitude of Slaves , and his Wealth consisted chiefly in Silver ; whereby he had many Retainers , and many Hangers-on about him , craving and having ; for he gave to them who could do him mischief , no less than to those who deserved well of him . In short , his Fear made a Rent-charge for the Rogues , and his Humanity for Honest Men. Of these things we have Testimony , even in our Comedies ; for Teleclides brings in an Informer , saying thus : Troth , Charicles refus'd to give five Mark , Lest it be said that he ( an Elder Brother ) Came first of all from out his Mother's Fob : But Nicias , Niceratus's Son , Gave twenty Mark : Wherefore ! Tho well I know , I say not ; He is a Friend , and Wise , if I mistake not . And he who is brought in by Eupolis ( in his Maricas ) representing a good simple Poor Man : How long ( Friend ) since thou last saw Nicias ? I saw him not , save lately standing in the Streets . The Man confesses that he saw Nicias . And what the wiser he for seeing him , unless he had a Spell from him ? You have heard ( Companions ) Nicias taken in the very Fact. Think you ( ye Sots ) to take a good Man in any Crime ? Cleon , in Aristophanes , threatning , says , I 'll throttle their fine Speakers , and make Nicias all agast . Phrynichus represents him wanting Courage , and ready to be scar'd out of his Senses , in these Verses : Good Man was he ( that very well I know ) And never did , like Nicias , trembling go . So afraid he was of Informers , and so reserved , that he neither would venture to eat with any Citizen , nor to have ordinary Discourse with them , nor any Conversation nor Pastime whatsoever . Nor indeed had he any leisure for those Diversions . When he was Archon , he staid in Court till night , was the first upon the Bench , and the last that left it . And if no Publick Business took up his time , yet was it very hard to have Access , or to speak with him , he being retir'd at home , and lock'd up . And when any came to the Door , some Friend of his gave them good words , and begg'd their Pardon , for that Nicias was then very busie , certain Affairs of State and the Publick lay heavy upon him . Who principally acted this Part for him , and contributed mostwhat to his Pride and Vanity in this matter , was Hieron , a Man educated in Nicias's Family , and instructed by him in Letters and Musick : He pretended to be the Son of Dionysius surnamed Chalcus , whose Poems are yet extant , and who was Governour of a Colony that planted in Italy , and built Thurii . This Hieron also transacted all the Secrets for Nicias with the Divines ; and gave out in Speeches to the People , What a toilsom and miserable Life he led , for the sake of the Commonwealth . He ( said Hieron ) can never be at quiet , neither at the Bath , nor at his Meat , but some Publick Care seizes him : Careless and negligent of his own , zealous for the Publick Good ; scarce ever going to Bed , till after that others have had their first sleep : So that his Health is impaired , and his Body wasted : Neither chearful nor affable with his Friends , but abandons them , together with his own Concerns , for the Publick . Other Men make Friends by being in Office , enrich themselves , fare deliciously , and play with the Government . And this truly was Nicias his manner of Life ; so that well might he apply to himself that of Agamemnon , With Pageantries and Pomp , the World I brave ; Yet , in effect , am but the Peoples Slave . He observed , That the People , in a Man of Eloquence , or of eminent Parts and Ability , made use of his Talent to serve their Occasions ; but were always jealous , and held a watchful Eye upon his Power , curbing and breaking it , and taking down his Authority and Reputation . This was manifest in their Condemnation of Pericles , their Banishment of Damon , their Distrust of Antiphon the Rhamnusian , but especially in the Case of Laches , that took Lesbos , who giving an Account of his Conduct , in the very Court of Justice unsheathed his Sword , and slew himself . On these Considerations Nicias declined all difficult , and all little Enterprises : Or if he took a Command , he was for doing what was safe . Thus , 't is likely , he had for the most part Success ; which he did not attribute to any Wisdom , Conduct , or Courage of his own , but ( to avoid Envy ) he thank'd Fortune for all , and gave God the Glory . This the Actions themselves testifie ; for at that time there hapned many and terrible Shocks to the City of Athens , yet had not he a hand in any of them . The Athenians were routed in Thrace by the Chalcedonians , Calliades , and Xenophon Commanding in Chief : Demosthenes was the General when they received the Blow in Aetolia : At Delos they lost a Thousand Citizens , under the Conduct of Hippocrates : The Plague was principally laid to the charge of Pericles , he having shut up close together in the Town , a Crowd of Country-Fellows for the War , who , by the change of Place , and their unusual Course of Living , bred the Pestilence . Nicias stood clear of all this ; and by his Conduct was taken Cythera , an Island most commodious against Laconia , and held by the Lacedaemonians : Many Places likewise in Thrace , which had revolted , he took and subdued : He , shutting up the Megareans within their Town , seized upon the Isle Minoas ; and soon after , marching swiftly from thence to Nisaea , made himself Master there ; then , making a Descent upon the Corinthian Territory , he overcame in Battel , and slew a great number of the Corinthians , with their Captain Lycopheon . There it hapned that two of his Men were left , by an oversight , when they carried off the Dead ; which when he understood , he made an Halt , and sent an Herald to the Enemy for leave to carry off the Dead ; though by a certain Law and Custom , he that by a Truce craved leave to carry off the Dead , seemed to quit the Victory : Nor was it lawful for him that did this , to erect a Trophy ; for his is the Victory , who is Master of the Field , and he is not Master who asks leave , as wanting Power to take . But he chose rather to renounce his Victory and his Glory , than to let two Citizens lie unburied . He scowred the Coast of Laconia all along , and beat the Lacedaemonians that made Head against him . He took Thyraea , Garrison'd by the Arginetans , and carried the Prisoners to Athens . When Demosthenes had fortified Pylos , and the Peloponnesians brought together all , both their Sea and Land Forces , before it , after the Fight , about the number of Four hundred Native Spartans were left ashore in the Isle Sphacteria : Now the Athenians thought it a brave Exploit ( as indeed it was ) to take these Men Prisoners . But the Siege , in places that wanted Water , being very difficult and untoward ; and to convoy the vast necessaries about by Sea , in Summer , tedious and vastly chargeable , in Winter doubtful , or plainly impossible ; this grieved them , and they repented their having rejected the Ambassy of the Lacedaemonians , that had been sent to treat a Peace and League with them : Which was done at the Importunity of Cleon , who opposed it , chiefly out of a Pique to Nicias : For , being his Enemy , and observing him to labour a Complyance with the Lacedaemonians , he perswaded the People to break off the Treaty . Now therefore that the Siege held long , and they heard of the dismal Extremities that press'd their Army , they grew inraged against Cleon ; but he turns all the blame upon Nicias , charging it on his Softness and Cowardice , that the besieged Escap'd : Were I the General ( quoth he ) they should not hold out so long . The Athenians presently replyed , Why then do not you go with a Squadron against them ? And Nicias standing up resigned his Command at Pylos to him , and bids him take what Forces he pleased along with him , and not swagger with VVords , out of harms way , but go forth and perform some memorable Service for the Common-wealth . Cleon , at the first shrunk back , startled with the surprize , but the Athenians Commanding , and Nicias lowdly upbraiding him , he , so provoked , and fired with Ambition , took upon him the Charge ; and said farther , That once within Twenty days after he embarqu'd , he would either kill the Enemy upon the place , or bring them alive to Athens . This the Athenians were readier to laugh at , than to believe , for on other occasions , his Flashes and Extravagances used to make them sport , and were pleasant enough . As for Instance , 't is reported that once when the People were assembled , and had waited his coming a long time , at last he enters with a Garland on his Head , and prays them to Adjourn to the next day , For ( quoth he ) I am not at leisure to day , I have Sacrificed to the Gods , and am to Feast my Strangers . Whereat the Athenians laughing , rose up , and dissolved the Assembly : However , at this time he had the lucky hit , and Commanded so Gallantly , in Conjunction with Demosthenes , that within the time he had limited , he carried Captive to Athens all the Spartans that had not fall'n in Battel . This brought an horrible Disgrace on Nicias ; for this was not to throw away his Shield , but something more foul and Ignominious , to quit his Charge voluntarily out of Cowardice , and by yielding up his Command , of his own accord , to put into his Enemies hand the opportunity of Atchieving so brave an Action . Aristophanes has a fling at him on this occasion , in his Birds , saying thus , No time , by Jove , is left for us to snort in , Nor to be restif like Nicias . — In his Husbandmen , he says thus , A. I VVou'd be telling . B. VVell , And who hinders thee ? A. You , yet wou'd I give an Hundred Marks That you wou'd rid my hands of the Charge . B. Content , with those of Nicias they will make Two hundred . Besides all this , he did a vast prejudice to the City , by suffering the Accession of so great Reputation and Power to Cleon ; whereby he assumed that Turbulent Spirit , and unbridled Impudence , and opened the Door for greater Mischief to the Common-wealth ; whereof a sufficient part fell to his own share : For now Cleon banisht away all Decorum from the Pulpit , and first of all broke out into Exclamations , flung open his Cloak , smote his Thigh , and ran up and down whilst he was speaking , which soon after introduced amongst those who managed the Affairs of State , such License and Contempt of decency , as brought all into Confusion . Now also grew up at Athens , Alcibiades , such another Common-wealth-Man , tho not altogether so unruly . But as the Land of Egypt , which through the Richness of the Soyl , is said , Great Plenty to produce , Both wholesome Herbs , and Drugs of deadly Juyce . So the Nature of Alcibiades , was strong and luxuriant in both kinds ; and made way for a great many Innovations . Whereby it fell out , that after Nicias had got his hands clear of Cleon , yet had he not opportunity to settle the City perfectly in quietness . For having brought Matters to a pretty fair pass , all was dash'd and plung'd again into Confusion by Alcibiades , through the Wildness and Extravagance of his Ambition ; and he embroyled again in War worse than ever . Which sell out thus . They who principally hindred the Peace , were Cleon and Crasidas ; War setting off the Vertue of the one , and hiding the Villainy of the other ; it gave to the one occasions of Atchieving brave Actions , to the other of Committing enormous Crimes . Now when these two were in one Battel both slain near Amphipolis ; Nicias having perceived that the Spartans had long been desirous of a Peace , and that the Athenians had no great Stomach to the War ; both being alike tyred , and ( as it were by consent ) laying down their Arms : He therefore in this nick of time , employs all his Might to make a Friendship betwixt these two Cities , and to deliver the other States of Greece from the Evils and Calamities they laboured under , and so establish their Happiness to after Ages . He found the Men of Substance , the Aged Men , and the Husbandmen generally all inclined to Peace ; besides many others , by discoursing in private , and by Informing them , he brought over , to be not so very Keen for a War. Whereupon he now encouraged the Hopes of the Lacedaemonians , counselled them , and put them upon it to seek Peace . They confided in him , as being on other Occasions , a moderate Man ; and because of his Kindness and tender Care over the Prisoners , taken at Pylos , and in Chains , making their Misfortune the more easie upon them . The Athenians and the Spartans had before this , concluded amongst themselves , a Cessation for a Year , whereby conversing with one another , they tasted again the sweetness of Peace and Security ; and mingling together Familiars and Strangers , they wisht an end of that fighting and Blood-shed . And with delight heard the Chorus sing such as this , Rest my Launce , and no man mind thee , Till around the Cobwebs bind thee . And with joy remembred that saying , They who sleep in peace , are awaked by the Cocks-Crow , not by the Trumpet . And on the same score they curst and kickt them out of Company , who said that the Fates decreed this to be a War of thrice nine Years . It followed afterwards , that all points having been debated , they made a Peace . And most People thought , now , indeed they had got an end of all their Evils : And Nicias was in every Man's mouth , as one especially beloved of the Gods , who for his Piety and Devotion , had given him to bear the same Name with the fairest and greatest of all Blessings ; For in Truth , they called the Peace Nicias's work , as the War the Work of Pericles : Because on very light occasions he seemed to have plunged the Grecians into very great Calamities : Whereas Nicias perswaded them to forget the highest injuries , that they might be Friends : Wherefore they call that to this day the Nician Peace . The Articles being , that the Garrisons and Towns , taken on either side , and the Prisoners should be restored , and they to restore the first to whom it should fall by Lot ; now ( as Theophrastus tells us ) Nicias secretly purchas'd with Money the Lot for the Lacedaemonians to deliver the first . Afterwards when the Corinthians and the Boeotians shewed their dislike of what was done , and by their Complaints and Accusations well nigh brought back again the War upon them , Nicias perswaded the Athenians and the Lacedaemonians , besides the Peace , to make a League offensive and defensive , which would be such a tye and strength to them , as should make them more Terrible to those that held out , and be the firmer to each other . Whilst these matters were on Foot , Alcibiades , who was not of an Humour to be quiet , and who hated the Lacedaemonians , because of their Applications to Nicias , and that they attended him , but overlookt and despised Alcibiades . Yet from first to last , he heartily opposed the Peace , tho' all in vain . Till some time afterwards , finding that the Lacedaemonians did not altogether come up to please the Athenians , but seemed to do them Injustice in having made a League offensive and defensive with the Boeotians , and had not observed the Agreement so fully in the delivery of Penactus , nor yet of Anthipolis , he laid hold on these Occasions for his purpose , and from every trifle instigated the People . At the length taking aside the Ambassadours of the Argives , he endeavoured to bring them over into a Confederacy with the Athenians . But afterwards when the Lacedaemonian Ambassadours were come with full Powers , and at their first Audience by the Council , they seemed to come in all Points , with just Proposals : He , fearing that the People would be drawn to be of their Mind , Circumvented the Ambassadours , topping upon them , and swearing that he was ready to assist them in all things , provided that they would not confess that they came with full Powers , that being the only way for them to attain their Desires . They being over-perswaded , and decoyed from Nicias , to follow him , he Presented them to the Assembly , and asked them presently whether or no they came in all Points with full Powers , which when they denyed , he , contrary to their Expectation , changing his Countenance , called the Council to witness their Words and now bids the People , Beware how they trust , or transact any thing with such manifest Lyars : Who now affirm this , now the quite contrary of the very same thing . These Plenipotentiaries ( as well-they might ) being astonisht at this , and Nicias at a loss what to say being struck with Amazement and Wonder , the Assembly resolved to send away immediately for the Argives , to strike up a League with them . But an Earth-quake , which interrupted and brake the Assembly , made for Nicias's advantage : For the next day the People being again assembled , after , many Speeches , and great Canvassing and Solliciting , with much ado he brought it about that the Treaty with the Argives , should be deferred , and he be sent to the Lacedaemonians , he promising that so all would go well . When he arrived at Sparta , they received him there as a good Man , and one well-inclined towards them ; yet he effected nothing , but overcome by them that favoured the Boeotians , he returned home , not only Dishonoured , and hardly spoken of , but likewise in fear of the Athenians : who were vext and enraged , that through his Perswasions they had let go so many , and so considerable Persons ; for they who had been brought from Pylos , were of the chiefest Families of Sparta , and had the highest there in Place and Power , for their Friends and Kindred . Yet did they not in their heat proceed against him , otherwise than that they chose Alcibiades their General , and took the Mantineans and Eleans ( who had revolted from the Lacedaemonians ) into the League , together with the Argives : And sent to Pylos Free-Booters to infest Laconia , whereby the War began to break out afresh . But the Enmity betwixt Nicias and Alcibiades , running higher and higher , and the time at hand for decreeing the Ostracism ( or Banishment for ten Years , which the People putting the Name in a Shell , were wont to inflict at certain times , on some Person suspected , or otherwise envied for his Popularity or Wealth ) on which occasion very much Trouble and Danger attended them both , one of them ( in all likelihood ) being to undergo this Ostracism , for the People did abominate the Life of Alcibiades , but stood in fear of his Boldness and Resolution ; as is shewn particularly in the History of him . Then for Nicias , his Riches made him envied , and besides more especially , his course of Life seemed neither Popular nor Civil , but reserved , unsociable , and austere . And now because he strongly ( against the Grain ) opposed their Inclinations , forcing them against their Interest , they hated him . To speak plainly , it was a Contest of the young Men and Soldiers of Fortune , against the men of Years , and Lovers of Peace , they turning the Ostracism upon the one , these upon the other . Into Divisions when the People fall , The choice oft lights on the worst Man of all . As now it happened , that the City distracted into two Factions , preferred the most impudent and profligate Persons : Amongst whom was Hyperbolus of Perithus . A fellow not presuming from any Power , but from his Presumption rising into Power ; and by the Honour he found in the City , becoming the Scandal of it . He at this time thought himself far enough from the Ostracism , as more properly deserving the Gallows , and made account that one of these men being dispatched out of the way , he might be able to Bandy against the other that should be left ; he openly shew'd himself to rejoyce at the Dissention , and stirred the People against both of them . Nicias and Alcibiades , perceiving his Malice , did secretly combine together , and setting both Interests jointly at work , did prevail that neither of them both , but even Hyperbolus should undergo the Ostracism . This indeed at the first made sport , and raised Laughter amongst the People , but afterwards they took it in great Indignation , as having injured the thing by so unworthy a Fellow , there being a kind of Honour in this Punishment ; looking upon the Ostracism as a Punishment rather for Themistocles , Aristides , and such like Persons . But for Hyperbolus 't was a Glory , and a fair Pretence for him to boast , when for his Villainy he suffered the same with the best Men : As Plato the Comick Poet said of him , He suffers what was for ill manners fit , Vnfit for him , unfit for branded Villains , Ostracism was not meant for such as he . And in Fact , none ever afterwards suffered this sort of Banishment , but Hyperbolus was the last . Hipparchus the Cholargian ( who was of kin to the Tyrant ) was the first . There is no judgment to be made of Fortune ; 't is not to be comprehended by reason : For if Nicias had run the risk with Alcibiades whether of the two should undergo the Ostracism , he had either prevailed , and ( his Rival expelled the City ) he had remained secure ; or being overcome , he had avoided the utmost Disasters , and preserved the Reputation of a most excellent Commander . I am not ignorant that Theophrastus says , Hyperbolus was banish'd ; Phaeax , not Nicias , contesting it with Alcibiades ; but most Authors differ from him . When the Egestan and Leontin Ambassadors arrived , and perswaded the Athenians to make War upon Sicily , Nicias opposed them , but was run down by the Perswasions and Ambition of Alcibiades ; who even before the People could be assembled , entertained and corrupted them with Hopes and with Speeches ; insomuch that the young Men at their Sports , and the old Men in their Porches , and sitting together on the Benches , would be drawing Maps of Sicily , and making Charts , describing the Seas , the Harbors , and Places that this Isle shews opposite to the African Shore : For they made not Sicily the end of the War , but the Magazine from whence they might carry it to the Carthaginians , and be Masters of Africk , and of all the Seas , even to Hercules's Pillars . Now therefore the Bulk of the People pressing this way , Nicias's Party , who opposed them , was neither many , nor of much Interest ; for the Men of Substance ( fearing lest they should seem to decline the Publick Charges , and Ship money ) were quiet , against their Inclination , yet was not he tired , nor gave off ; but when the Athenians decreed a War , and chose him in the first place General , together with Alcibiades and Lamachus , when they were again assembled , he stood up , disswaded them , and protested against the War ; and impeach'd Alcibiades , charging him with going about to involve the City in Foreign Dangers and Difficulties , merely out of respect to his private Lucre and Ambition . Yet it came to nothing : For Nicias , because of his Experience , was look'd upon as the fitter for the Employment ; his Wariness , with the Bravery of Alcibiades , and the mildness of Lamachus , all mix'd together , promis'd great Security , and very much promoted the Suffrages : So that Demostratus ( who , of the leading Men , chiefly press'd the Athenians to the Expedition ) stood up and said , He would stop the Mouth of Nicias from urging any more Excuses ; and thereupon mov'd that the Generals might have absolute Power , both at home and abroad , to Order and to Act what they list . And this he got pass'd into a Law. However , the Priests are said to have very earnestly opposed this Enterprize . But Alcibiades had his Divines of another Cut , who from some old Prophecies foretold the Athenians to get great renown from Sicily . And certain Pilgrims came back to him from Jupiter Ammon , with Oracles importing that the Athenians should take all the Syracusians . They who knew any thing that boded ill , concealed it , lest they might seem to forespeak ill Luck ; for even Prodigies that were obvious and plain , would not deterr them ; nor the defacing of the Hermae , all in one Night maimed , save only that one , called the Herma of Andocides , erected by the Aegean Tribe , placed then directly before the House of Andocides , nor what was perpetrated on the Altar of the twelve Gods , where a certain man leapt suddenly upon the Altar , and then turning round , with a stone cut off his Privities . Likewise at Delphos there stood a Golden Image of Minerva in a Palm-tree of Brass , erected by the City of Athens , for the Spoils they won from the Medes ; this was peckt at several days together by Crows flying upon it , and they pluckt off the Fruit of the Palm-tree , which was Gold , and threw it down . But the Athenians said , these were all but Tricks of the Delphians , corrupted by the Men of Syracuse . And a certain Oracle requiring them to bring from Clazomene a She-priest of Minerva ( whom they now sent for ) named Hesychia , that is to say , Quietness , hereby , 't is likely , the Divine Powers advised the City at this time to be quiet . Whether therefore the Astrologer Meton feared these Presages , or that from Humane reason he doubted the Success ( for he was appointed a Commander ) he feigning himself mad , set his house on fire . Others say , he did not counterfeit himself mad , but set his house on fire in the Night , and the next Morning went into the Court in woful plight , and beseeched the People in Consideration of the sad Disaster , to release his Son from the Service , who was about to go Captain of a Gally for Sicily . Moreover the Genius of the Wise Socrates , by the usual Tokens , revealed all this to him , and that this Expedition would prove the Ruin of the Common-wealth ; the which he imparted again to his Friends and Familiars , and afterwards it spread about amongst the People . And not a few were troubled , because of the days on which the Fleet set Sail , it hapning to be at that time when the Women celebrated the Funeral of Adonis ; there being every where then exposed to view Images of dead Men , carried about with Mourning and Lamentation , and Women beating their Breasts : So that such as lay any stress on these Matters , were extreamly troubled ; and feared lest that all these Warlike Preparations , so Splendid and so Glorious , should suddenly , in a little time be blasted , and come to nothing . Now for Nicias , in that he opposed the Voting of this Expedition , and neither was puft up with Hopes , nor transported with the Honour of his high Command , he show'd himself Wise , and a man of Constancy : But when his endeavours could not divert the People from the War , nor get leave himself to be discharged of the Command , but the People , as it were , violently forced him against his Will , to be their General , this was no longer now a time for his mighty Caution , and his Delays , or for him ( even like a Child ) to look back from the Ship , often repeating , and reflecting over and over again , how that he had not been over-ruled by Reasons , thereby blunting the Courage of his Fellow-Commanders , and losing the nick of time for Action . VVhereas he ought presently to have rusht upon the Enemy , brought the matter to an issue , and thrown all upon Fortune immediately . But when Lamachus had counsell'd to Sail directly to Syracuse , and give the Enemy Battel under their City-Walls : And Alcibiades advised to cut off their Communication with the other Towns , and then to march against them ; Nicias dissented from them both , and stiffly insisted that they should Cruise around the Island , and alarm the Coasts , and having Landed a small supply of men for the Egesteans , return to Athens . Thus he distracted their Counsels , and cast down the Spirits of the men . And a little while after , ( the Athenians having called home Alcibiades in Order to his Tryal ) he being , though joyned with another in Commission , in effect the only General , made now no end of Loytering , of Cruising , and Considering , till their hopes were grown stale , and all the Disorder and Consternation which the first approach and view of their Forces had cast amongst the Enemy was worn off , and had left them . VVhilst yet Alcibiades was with the Fleet , they went before Syracuse with a squadron of sixty Gallies , fifty of them were kept in Battalia without the Haven , the other ten forced their way in to make discovery . And by an Herald they demanded the Leontins to be sent home . These scouts took a Gally of the Enemies , wherein they found certain Tablets , on which was set down a List of all the Syracusians , according to their Tribes . These were wont to be laid up remote from the City , in the Temple of Jupiter Olympius , but were now brought forth to furnish a Muster-Roll of young Men for the War. These being so taken by the Athenians , and carried to the Officers , and the multitude of Names appearing , the Divines put an ill Construction upon 't , as if hereby were fulfill'd the Old Prophecy , That the Athenians shall take all the Syracusians . Yet indeed this was said to be accomplisht by the Athenians at another bout , that time when Callipus the Athenian having slain Dion , held Syrucuse . But when Alcibiades and a few with him were shipt off from Sicily , the Command fell wholly to Nicias ; for Lamachus handled his Weapon in fight with great Dexterity , was stout , and very honest , yet so extremely Poor and Low , that as often as the Athenians bestowed on him a Command , he would always to their Account , bring some little reckoning or other of Money for his very Cloaths , and Shooes to his Feet . On the Contrary , Nicias , as in other matters , in Riches and Ostentation carried it high . 'T is said , that once upon a time , the chief Magistrates being in Consultation together , he bid Sophocles the Poet speak his Opinion first , as the Ancientest Magistrate . I ( quoth he ) am indeed before you in Years , but you are the first in Authority and Honour . So here having Lamachus , that better understood Military Affairs , at under ; and evermore delaying and dodging , and faintly employing his Forces : First , his Sailing about Sicily , at the greatest distance , aloof from the Enemy ; then afterwards besieging Hyble , a small pitiful Town , and drawing off before he could take it , rendered him extremely despicable ; at the length he retreats to Catana , without having atchieved any thing , save that he demolish't Hyccara , a little poor quarter of the Barbarians , where 't is reported that Lais the Harlot , whilst yet a Maiden , was sold amongst the other Slaves , and carried thence away to Peloponnesus . But when the Summer was spent , after that it was noised about that the Syracusians were grown so Cock-a-hoop , that they would come , and first attack him : And the Troopers skirmishing to the very Camp , twitted them , asking , Whether they came to Pension with the Cataneans ? Or they came to put again the Leontins in Possession of their Houses ? Now it was , that with much ado Nicias resolved to sit down before Syracuse . And to the end he might safely and without Molestation form his Camp , he sent a Man , as a Renegade from Catana , with Intelligence to the Syracusians , That they might seize the Athenian Camp void of Men , and all their Arms , if they on such a day march with all their Forces to Catana : And , That the Athenians living mostwhat in the Town , the Friends of the Syracusians had contrived , so soon as they should perceive them coming , to possess themselves of one of the Gates , and to fire the Navy ; that many now were in the Conspiracy , and waited their Arrival . Nicias show'd good Conduct in this only Instance of all the Sicilian Expedition ; for having drawn away all the strength of the Enemy , and made the City quite destitute of Men , he set out from Catana , he entred the Haven , and he chose a fit place for his Camp , where the Enemy could nor incommode him , with that wherein lay their Excellency ; but in those things wherein he had the Advantage , he might expect to maul them without impediment . When the Syracusians returned from Catana , and stood in Battle-Array before the City-Gates , he on the sudden drawing forth the Athenians , fell on them and defeated them ; yet he slew not many , the Horse hindering their pursuit . But his cutting and breaking down the Bridges that lay over the River , gave Hermocrates ( heartning the Syracusians ) occasion to say , That , Nicias was ridiculous , whose great Conduct is to avoid fighting , as if fighting were not the thing he came for . However he cast the Syracusians into a grievous Fright and Consternation , so that in the stead of Fifteen Generals then in Service , they chose Three others to whom the People engaged by Oath to let them Command absolute . There was nigh them a Temple of Jupiter Olympius , which the Athenians ( there being in it many Consecrated things of Gold and Silver ) had a great mind to take , which Nicias industriously delaying , lost the Opportunity , and let a Garrison of the Syracusians enter it , he judging that if the Soldiers should make Booty of that wealth , 't wou'd be no manner of advantage to the Publick , and he should bear the Infamy of the impiety . But Nicias , not improving in the least his Victory , that had made so much noise every where , after a few days stay , whip away goes he to Naxus , there Winters with such an Army upon excessive Charges , and performs little of moment with some Sicilians revolted to him . Insomuch that the Syracusians took Heart again , made Excursions to Catana , wasted the Country , and fired the Camp of the Athenians . Now every Body blam'd Nicias as who with his Argumentations , his Considerations , and his mighty Cautions had let slip the time for Action . None ever found fault with the Man when once set a going , for in the brunt he was brisk and active , but was slow , and wanted assurance to engage . When therefore he brought again the Army to Syracuse , such was his Conduct , and with such both celerity and safety , he came upon them , that no Body knew of his Arrival with the Gallies at Thapsus , of his Descent , nor his Surprisal of Epipolae : Then beat he the choicest Regiments , took three hundred Prisoners , and routed the Cavalry of the Enemy , which were thought invincible . But that which chiefly astonish'd the Syracusians , and seemed incredible to the Grecians , was , in so little time the walling about of Syracuse , a Town not less than Athens , but far more difficult , by the unevenness of the Ground , the nearness of the Sea , and the Marishes adjacent , to have such a Wall drawn in a Circle round it . Yet this , all within a very little , finish'd by a Man that had not his Health competent for so weighty Cares , but lay all ill of the Stone ; Which may justly be blam'd for what was left undone . I admire the Toyl of the General , and the Bravery of the Soldiers , for what they performed . Eurypides after their Rout and Disaster , writing their Funeral Elegy , thus Sang , These did eight times the Syracusians Foyl , But then the Gods stood Neuter all the while . And in truth one shall not find eight , but many more Victories won by these Men against the Syracusians ; till the Gods or Fortune plainly gave a Check to the Athenians , when lifted to the top of their Power and Greatness . Nicias therefore doing violence to his Body , was present in most Actions . But when his Disease was the sharpest upon him , he lay in the Camp , with some few Servants to attend him . And Lamachus having the Command , fought the Syracusians ( who were bringing a Cross-Wall from the City , along to that of the Athenians , to hinder them from carrying it round ) and in the Victory , the Athenians hurrying in some Disorder to the pursuit , Lamachus , left alone , withstood the Syracusian Horse that came upon him ; before the rest advanced Callicrates , a man of good Courage and Mettle , Lamachus upon the Challenge engaged with him in single Combat , who received the first wound , yet returned it so home to Callicrates , that they both fell down and died together . And now the Syracusians took away the Body and Arms of Lamachus , and in great hast marcht to the Wall of the Athenians , where Nicias lay without any Guards ; yet rouzed by this necessity , and beholding the Danger , he bid those about him go and set on Fire all the Wood , and Materials that lay provided before the Wall for the Engines , and the Engines themselves ; this put a stop to the Syracusians , saved Nicias , saved the Walls , and all the Money of the Athenians . For when the Syracusians saw so much Fire flaming in the middle of them , they wheeled off . Now whilst these things were Atchieved , Nicias only was left of all the Generals , and he began to conceive great Hopes , for the Cities revolted to him , and Ships laden with Corn from Coast every came to the Camp , every one favouring when Matters went well . And now some Discourses past amongst the Syracusians ( desparing to defend the City ) about a Treaty with him . And when Gylippus who came with a Squadron to their aid from Lacedaemon , heard on board of the Wall surrounding them , and of their Streights , he so steered for the rest , as that giving Sicily for lost , he might now if possible secure the Italians their Cities . For a strong report was every where spread about , that the Athenians carried all before them ; and had now a General for Conduct , and for Fortune invincible . And Nicias himself now against his Nature , grown Presumptuous in his present Strength and Success ( especially from the Intelligence he received under-hand of the Syracusians , believing they would surrender the Town upon Terms ) had no manner of regard to Gylippus coming to their Assistance , nor set out any Scouts to purpose ; so that neglected altogether , and despised , Gylippus went in a long Boat ashore , without the knowledge of Nicias ; and having Landed in the remotest parts from Syracuse , he mustered up a great Army , the Syracusians neither knowing of his Arrival , nor expecting him : So that an Assembly was summoned in Order to a Parley with Nicias , and some were hasty to have all dispatched , before the Town should be quite walled round , for now remained very little to be done , and the Materials lay all ready on the place . In this very nick of Time and Danger , arriv'd Gongylus in one Gally from Corinth , and every one ( as you may imagine ) flocking about him , he told them that Gylippus would be with them speedily , and other Ships to relieve them . Now , e're they could perfectly believe Gongylus , an express was brought from Gylippus , to bid them go forth to meet him : So now , plucking up a good Heart , they took Arms ; and Glyippus was presently upon the March , and by the way ranged them in Battel-array against the Athenians , as Nicias also embattelled these . And Gylippus in view of the Athenians laying down his Arms , sent an Herald to tell them , He would give them leave with Bag and Baggage to depart quietly from Sicily . To this Nicias would not vouchsafe any Answer , but some of his Soldiers laughing , askt if with the sight of one Cloak and Laconian Staff , the Syracusian Matters were so well hop'd up , in the turn of an hand to despise the Athenians , who had released to the Lacedaemonians three hundred , whom they held in Chains , Goodlier men than Gylippus , and with longer Locks ? Timaeus also writes , That even the Syracusians made no Account of Gylippus , at the first sight , drolling upon his Staff and long Hair , as afterwards they hated his Avarice and narrow Spirit . The same Author says , that Gylippus appearing , many came fluttering about him , as it were some Owl , and were listed under him . And this is more like the Truth than what was said before ; for in the Staff and the Cloak beholding the Badge and Authority of Sparta , they crowded to him . And Thucydides affirms , that all the Work was done by him alone ; so does Philistus , who was a Syracusian , and a Spectator of all that past . However , the Athenians had the better of the first Encounter , and slew some few of the Syracusians , amongst whom was Gongylus of Corinth . Yet the next day Gylippus show'd what it is to be a Man of Experience , for with the same Arms , the same Horses , and on the same spot of Ground , changing only the Figure of the Battel , he overcame the Athenians : and they fleeing to their Camp , he set the Syracusians to work , and with the Stone and Materials that had been brought together for finishing the Wall of the Athenians , he built a Cross ▪ Wall to intercept theirs and break it down , so as nought remained to them of all their toyl . Hereupon the Syracusians taking Courage , manned out their Gallies , and with their Horse and followers ranging about , they gathered up a great many Prisoners , and Gylippus going himself to the Cities , stirred and instigated them , who all heard him readily , and took Arms. So that Nicias fell again to his old Considerations , and , seeing the Face of Affairs change , he desponded and writ to Athens , bidding them send either another Army , or rather recall this out of Sicily ; that he might however be wholly discharged of the Command , because of his Disease . Before this , the Athenians had been very hot of sending another Army to Sicily , but Envy of Nicias's former great Atchievements and Success , cast in many Delays , till now that they were all for hastening away Recruits . Eurymedon went before , in Mid-winter , with Money , and to declare Euthydemus and Menander ( chosen out of those that served there under Nicias ) to be Joint-Commanders with him . Demosthenes was to go after in the Spring with a great Navy . In the mean time Nicias was briskly attackt both by Sea and Land ; in the beginning he had the disadvantage in his shipping , yet did he destroy and sink many Gallies of the Enemy . But by Land , he could not provide succour in time , so Gylippus fell upon , and surprized Plemmyrion at the first Assault in which the Stores for the Navy , and a great summ of Money ( being there kept ) was all lost , many there he slew , and took others Prisoners . What was of greatest importance , he cut off the Provisions from Nicias , which were safely and readily convoy'd to him whilst the Athenians held Plemmyrion ; they being beaten out , he could not be supplied but with great Difficulty , and with fighting the Enemy , who rid at Anchor under that Fort. And now it seemed manifest to the Syracusians that their Navy had not been beaten by Strength , but by their Disorder in the Pursuit : Now therefore all Hands , went to work to fit out a gallanter Fleet than the former , however Nicias had no Stomach to a Sea-fight , but said , ' t was madness for them ( when Demosthenes was coming in all haste with so great a Fleet and fresh Forces to their Recruit ) to engage the Enemy with a less number of Ships and ill provided . On the contrary Menander and Euthydemus , puft up with their new Command , let loose their Ambition , and envy against both the Old Generals : They were for preventing Demosthenes by some brave Action before his coming ; and were for doing something beyond Nicias , they pretended the Honour of the City , which ( said they ) would be blemish'd and utterly lost , if they should be afraid of the Syracusians , who dared them to Battel . Thus they forced Nicias to a Sea-fight ; and by a Stratagem of Ariston , who commanded the Corinthian Gallies , they in the left Wing ( as Thucydides tells us ) were worsted , and lost many of their Men. Hereupon Nicias was overwhelmed with Despair , beaten when he had the sole Command , and again miscarrying with his Companions . But now by this time was discovered before the Haven Demosthenes , most splendidly equipp'd , and terrible to behold . He brought along , in seventy three Gallies , five thousand Men of Arms ; of Darters , Archers , and Slingers , not less than 3000 , with the glitterring of their Armour , the Flags and Streamers , waving in the Air from the Gallies , the multitude of Trumpeters , and Minstrels , and Hoboys , and set off with all the Warlike Pomp and Ostentation , to dismay the Enemy . Now ( one may believe ) the Syracusians were again in a deadly fright , seeing no end nor expectation , but toiling in vain , and perishing to no purpose . But Nicias was not long overjoyed for this Reinforcement ; for the first time he came to speech with Demosthenes ( who advised forthwith to attaque the Syracusians , and speedily to put all to the hazard ; to win Syracuse , and return home ) afraid , and wondring at his briskness and temerity , he beseeched him to do nothing rashly and desperately , seeing that delay would be the Ruine of the Enemy , whose Money would not hold out , nor their Confederates be long kept together ; that when once they came to be pinch'd with Want , they would again presently seek to him for Terms , as formerly ; that many in Syracuse , who held secret Correspondence with him , wish'd him to stay , in regard they were tired with the War , nor could endure Gylippus longer : And if their Necessities should the least sharpen upon them , they would give up all . Nicias , glancing darkly at these matters , and partly unwilling to speak out plainly , put the Captains to imagine , that it was pure Cowardice which made him talk in this manner : And they ( saying that he was now again upon the relapse to his old Cautions , and Shifts , and Trifling , whereby he let slip the Opportunity , in not immediately falling on the Enemy , but suffering his Men to cool , and to grow contemptible ) stuck to Demosthenes , and with much ado forced Nicias to comply . Hereupon Demosthenes , with a Party of Foot , by night made an Assault upon Epipolae ; part of the Enemy he slew ere they took the Alarm ; the rest , defending themselves , he put to flight . Nor was he content with this Victory there , but push'd on further , till he fell among the Baeotians ; for these were the first that made head against the Athenians , and , after a great Shout , warmly charged them with Push of Pike , and killed many on the Place . And now was there nothing but Horror and Confusion throughout the whole Army ; the Body that stood involved with those that fled , they that defended , and those who came round , falling foul together , knock'd one another down , taking them in the pursuit for those that fled , and handling their Friends as if they were the Enemy . For jumbled thus in disorder , distracted with blind Fear and Uncertainties , and discerning false , the Night not being absolutely dark , nor yielding any steady Light , the Moon then towards setting , shadowed with many Weapons and Bodies that moved to and fro , and glimmering so as not to shew an Object plain , but to make , through fear , a Familiar , suspected for a Foe ; which cast the Athenians into horrid difficulties and despair . Besides all this , they had the Moon on their Backs , whereby they shaded one another , and both hid their Numbers and the Glittering of their Arms ; but the reflection of the Moon from the Shields of the Enemy , made them shew more numerous , and better appointed than indeed they were . Lastly , Being press'd on every side where they had retreated , they took the rout ; and , in their flight , some were destroyed by the Enemy , some fell by the hands of their Friends , and some tumbled down the Rocks . Those that were dispers'd and stragled in the Fields , were pick'd up in the morning by the Horsemen , and put to the Sword ; the slain were Two thousand ; of the rest few came off safe with their Arms. Upon this Disaster , Nicias , struck , as might be expected , accused the rashness of Demosthenes ; but he coloured it over , and advised to be gone in all haste ; for neither were other Forces to come , nor the Enemy to be beaten with the present ; or supposing they were yet too hard for the Enemy , however they ought to remove , and avoid that place , being always accounted a sickly place , and dangerous for an Army ; especially now , because of the season , being ( as they see by experience ) Pernicious . It was the beginning of Autumn , and many now lay sick , and all were out of heart . It grieved Nicias to hear of flight , and departing home , not that he did not fear the Syracusians , but he was worse affraid of the Athenians , their Impeachments , and Sentence , therefore he made as if he apprehended nothing farther there ; or , should ought happen , better dye by the hand of an Enemy , than by his Fellow-Citizens . He was not of the opinion which afterwards Leo of Byzantium declared to his Fellow-Citizens , I had rather ( said he ) perish by you , than with you . Nicias therefore , for the matter of place and quarter , whither to remove their Camp , said , That might be debated at leisure : And Demosthenes , his former Counsel having succeeded so ill , ceased to press him farther ; others thought Nicias expected , and had assurance from some Body within the City , which made him so stoutly oppose their retreat , so they did acquiesce . But another Army coming to the Syracusians , and the Sickness raging in his Camp , he also now approved of their retreat ; and commanded the Soldiers to make ready to go aboard . And when all were in readiness , and none of the Enemy had observed them , not expecting such a thing , the Moon fell Eclyps'd in the Night , to the great fright of Nicias , and of others , who , for want of experience , or out of Superstition , are scar'd with these Appearances . That the Sun would be dark'ned about the Thirtieth day of the Month by the Moon going between , this even the ordinary People now well enough understood ; but the Moon it self to be dark'ned , how that could come about , and how on the sudden a broad full Moon should lose all her light , and shew such various colours , that was not easie to be comprehended : But they concluded it to be Ominous , and a sign from God of heavy Calamities to ensue . For he , who the first , and the most plainly of any , and with the greatest assurance , committed to Writing how the Moon is enlightened and overshadowed , was Anaxagoras ; yet neither was he ancient , nor his Notion much taken notice of , but was lookt upon as Heterodox , and kept secret , passing only amongst a few , under some kind of Caution and Confidence . For they would not suffer Naturalists and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as they then called them , that is , such who dispute of things above ; as lessening the Divine Power , by deducing things from Natural senseless Causes , and a long Chain of Necessity , without any thing of Providence , or a free Agent . Hence it was , that Protagoras was Banisht , and Anaxagoras cast in Prison , Pericles had very much ado to procure his Liberty ; and Socrates , though he medled not at all in this sort of Learning , yet was put to death for Philosophy . At the length the Reputation of Plato shining forth by his Life , and because he subjected Natural Necessity to a divine and more excellent Principle , he wiped off the obloquy and scandal from these contemplations , and made way for the Mathematicks to all People . So his Friend Dion , when the Moon ( at the time he was to Embark from Zacynthus to go against Dionysius ) was Eclyps'd , was not in the least disturbed , but went on , and arriving at Syracuse , drove away the Tyrant . But it so fell out with Nicias , that he had not at this time a skilful Divine with him ; for his Domestick ( and who took off much of his Superstition ) Stilbides dyed a little before . However , this Prodigy ( as Philochorus saith ) could not be unlucky to them that flee , but surely very favourable ; for things done in fear require to be hidden , for the Light is their Foe . Nor was it usual to observe the Sun or Moon more that three days , as Autoclides has related in his Commentaries : But Nicias perswaded them to wait another course of the Moon ; as if he had not presently seen it clear again , after it passed the shady place , that the Light was no longer obstructed by the Earth . Yet he in a manner abandoning all other cares , betook himself wholly to his Sacrifices ; till the Enemy came upon them with their Infantry , besieging the Forts and Camp , and drew their Ships in a circle about the Harbour . Nor did they from the Gallies only , but the little Boys every where got into Cock-boats , and rowed about , provoking the Athenians , and insulting over them . Amongst these a Youth of Noble Parentage , Heraclides by name , having launch'd out before the rest , in Athenian Ship pursued and well nigh took him , his Uncle Pollichus , in fear for him , made out with Ten Gallies , whereof he had the Command ; and the rest , to relieve Pollichus , in like manner drew forth , which brought on a very sharp Engagement ; wherein the Syracusians had the Victory , and slew Eurymedon , with many others . Hereupon the Athenian Souldiers had no patience to stay longer , but mutiny'd against their Officers , requiring them to depart by Land ; for the Syracusians upon their Victory , immediately shut , and lockt up the Entrance of the Harbour ; but Nicias would not consent to this , for it was a shameful thing to leave behind so many Ships of Burthen , and Gallies , little less than Two hundred ; putting therefore on board the best of the Foot , and the lustiest Darters , they filled one Hundred and ten Gallies ; the rest wanted Oars : the remainder of his Army , Nicias posted along by the Sea-side , deserting the great Camp , and Walls that reach'd to Hercules's Temple . So the Syracusians , not having of a long time performed their usual Sacrifice to Hercules , went up now , both Priests and Captains to Sacrifice ; And now their Gallies being Manned , the Divines predicted from their Sacrifice , Victory and Glory to the Syracusians , provided they would not be the Aggressors , but fight upon the Defensive ; for so Hercules overcame all , by only defending himself when set upon . In this confidence they set out : And this proved the hottest and fiercest of all their Sea-fights ; raising no less concern and passion in the beholders , than in the actors ; because they might oversee the whole action , with all the various turns , so sudden and unexpected ; wherein the Athenians suffered no less from their own preparations , than from the Enemy ; for they fought against light nimble Ships , with theirs laden , heavy , and at every turn falling foul on one another . And they were thrown at with Stones that fly indifferently any way , for which were returned Darts and Arrows , which glancing on the waves , no longer fly point blank , or regard the mark at which they were levell'd . Ariston , a Corinthian Captain , taught this the Syracusians , who fighting stoutly , fell himself in this very Engagement , even whilst the Syracusians had the Victory . The Athenians , their loss and slaughter being very great , their flight by Sea cut off , their safety by Land so difficult , did neither hinder the Enemy towing away their Ships , from under their noses , nor demanded their Dead , judging their want of Burial a less Calamity than the leaving behind the sick and the wounded ; all this they had before their eyes , yet far more miserable than those did they reckon themselves , who were to work yet thorow more such evils , after all , to make certainly the same end . Now the Athenians prepared to dislodge that night . Gylippus seeing the Syracusians fast at their Sacrifice and their Cups for their Victories , and it being also a Holiday , expected not either by Perswasion , or by Force to rouze them up , and carry them against the Athenians as they decamp'd . But Hermocrates , of his own Head , put a trick upon Nicias ; sending some of his Companions to him , that pretended they came from those that were wont to hold secret intelligence with him , to advise him not to stir that night , the Syracusians having laid ambushes , and all beset the ways . Nicias , caught with this stratagem , did simply stay ; as if he feared lest that he should not feel the Enemy effectually . For they the next Morning Marching before , seized the Passes , fortified where the Rivers were fordable , cut down the Bridges , and ordered their Horsemen to range the Plains and Ground that lay open , so as to leave no manner of way for the Athenians to move without fighting . They stay'd both that day , and another night , then went along , as if they were leaving their own , not an Enemies Country , lamenting and howling for want of Necessaries , and for their parting from Friends and Familiars that were not able to help themselves ; and likewise judging the present evils lighter than those they expected to come . But among the many miserable Spectacles that appeared up and down in the Camp , the saddest sight of all , was Nicias himself , labouring under his Malady , and unworthily reduced to extreme want of all accommodations , necessary for his condition , which required more than ordinary , because of his Sickness ; yet he bore up under all this Illness , and underwent more than many in perfect health could be able to endure : And it was plainly evident , that all this toyl was not for himself , or from any regard to his own Life , but purely for their sake under his Command , he would not abandon hope . And indeed the rest were given over to weeping and lamentation through fear or sorrow , but he , whenever forced thereunto , 't was manifest , he reflected on the shame and dishonour of this Adventure , set against the Greatness and Glory he had expected to win . Not only beholding his person , but calling to mind his words , and the disswasions he used to prevent this Expedition , they reckoned that so much the less did he deserve to be thus wretched . And they had no heart to put their trust in the Gods , considering that a Man so Religious , who had performed to the Powers Divine so many and so great Acts of Devotion , should have no more favourable Success than the wickedest and meanest Fellow of the whole Army . Nicias however endeavoured all the while by his Voice , his Countenance , and his Carriage , to be above these Misfortunes ; and all along the way pelted at , and receiving Wounds eight days continually from the Enemy : Yet preserved he the Forces with him in a Body entire , till that Demosthenes was taken Prisoner . The Party that he led , whilst they fought and made a stout resistance , were at the Village Polyzelia hemmed in ; Demosthenes thereupon drew his Sword , and smote , but killed not himself , the Enemy presently running in and seizing upon him . So soon as the Syracusians had gone and informed Nicias of this , and he sent some Horsemen , and by them knew the certainty of that Armies Defeat , he then vouchsafed to sue to Gylippus for a Truce , for the Athenians to depart out of Sicily , leaving Hostages for the Money that the Syracusians had expended in the War. But now they would not hear of these Proposals , but threatning them in great fury and storm , and upbraiding them , let fly at them , destitute of all things necessary . Yet Nicias made good his Retreat all that Night , and the next day , through all their Darts , held on his way to the River Assinarus ; there the Enemy encountring them , drove some into the Stream ; others , ready to die for thirst , plunged in headlong , there drinking and drowning with the same labour . And here was the cruellest and most immoderate Slaughter ; till Nicias , falling down to Gylippus , Let Pity , O Gylippus , ( said he ) move you in your Victory ; not for me , who have some Glory and Name from such like Misfortunes , but for the other Athenians : You well know , that the Chance of War is common to all ; and the Athenians used it moderately and mildly towards you in their Prosperity . At these Words , and at the sight of Nicias , Gylippus was somewhat troubled ; for he was sensible that the Lacedaemonians had received good Offices from Nicias in the late Treaty ; and he thought it a great and glorious Action , to carry off the Chief Commanders of the Athenians alive : Wherefore he received Nicias with respect , and bid him be of good Chear ; and commanded his Men to spare the Lives of the rest ; but the Word of Command being communicated slowly , the Slain were far the greater number than the Prisoners . Yet many were privily conveyed away by particular Soldiers ; those taken openly were hurried together on heaps , their Arms and Spoils hung up on the goodliest and the fairest Trees all along the River ; the Conquerors Crowned , their Horses splendidly adorned , with those of their Enemy cropp'd and cut bare , entred the City , having , in the noblest Contest , wag'd by Greeks against Greeks , and with the greatest Strength , and the utmost Effort of Valour and Manhood , won a most entire Victory . And a General Assembly of the People of Syracuse , and their Confederates , sitting , Euricles , a leading Man , moved first , That the Day on which they took Nicias , should from thence-forward be kept Holy-day , by Sacrificing , and forbearing all manner of Work ; and from the River , be called , the Assinarian Feast . This was the Twenty sixth day of the Month of July . And that the Servants of the Athenians , and the other Confederates , be sold for Slaves ; themselves , and the Sicilian Auxiliaries , to be kept and employed in the Quarries ; except the Captains , and they to be put to death . As the Syracusians debated these matters ▪ Hermocrates saying , That to use well a Victory , was better than to gain a Victory ; They , in a great Hubbub , rebuked him warmly . And Gylippus demanding the Athenian Generals to be delivered to him , that he might carry them to the Lacedaemonians , the Syracusians , now insolent with their good Fortune , gave him ill Words . Yet before this , even in the War , they hardly endured his austere Carriage , and Lacedaemonian Haughtiness : And ( as Timaeus tells us ) they condemned in him his Sordidness and Avarice , an Hereditary Vice ; for which also his Father Cleandrides , convicted of Bribery , was banish'd : And this very Man , of the One thousand Talents which Lysander sent to Sparta , embezell'd Thirty , and hid them under the Tyles of his House ; which being detected , he most shamefully ran his Country . But these Matters are more at large handled in the Life of Lysander . Timaeus does not say , that Demosthenes and Nicias were stoned to death , as Thucydides and Philistus have left written , but that upon a Message from Hermocrates ( whilst yet the Assembly were sitting ) admitted to them by some of the Guards , they slew themselves ; and their Bodies , thrown out before the Gates , lay open for a Publick Spectacle . I have heard that now to this day , in a Temple at Syracuse , is shown a shield , said to have been Nicias's , with Gold and Purple curiously wrought and embroidered . Most of the Athenians perish'd in the Quarries by Diseases and ill Dyet , allowed only two pints of Barley every day , and one of Water . Many of them were carried off by stealth and sold , or concealed amongst the Slaves , and sold as Slaves , having mark'd an Horse on their foreheads , which they suffered over and above their slavery . But their modesty and handsome carriage was an advantage to them ; for they were either soon set free , or winning respect , continued with those who possest them . Several amongst them were saved for the sake of Euripides ; for , of all the In-land Grecians , his Muse ( it seems ) was of highest esteem with the Men of Sicily . And when any Travellers arrived , that could tell them some Copy , or give them any tast of his Verses , they lovingly communicated them to one another . Many of those that were preserved , are said , after they got home , to have gone and made their acknowledgments to Euripides , relating how that some of them had been released from their slavery , by teaching what they could remember of his Poems ; and others , when stragling after the fight , been relieved with Meat and Drink for repeating some of his Lines . Nor need this be any wonder , for 't is reported , That a Ship of Caunus fleeing into their Harbour for Protection , pursued by Pyrats , was not received , but forced back , till one asked if they had any of Euripides's Verses , who saying they had , they were admitted , and their Ship brought into Harbour . 'T is said , that the Athenians , chiefly , because of the Reporter , cou'd not believe their loss ; for a certain Stranger ( it seems ) coming to Peiraeum , and there sitting in a Barbers Shop , and talking of what had hapned , let fall some words , as if the Athenians already knew all that had past ; which the Barber hearing , before he acquainted any body else , he ran , in all hast , up into the City , applyed himself to the Archons , and presently spread it all about . Whereupon there being every where ( as may be imagin'd ) great Fear and Consternation , the Archons summoned a general Assembly , and there brought in the Man , and questioned him how he came to know those things ; and he , giving no satisfactory account , was taken for a spreader of False News , and one that trouble the City ; and was therefore fastned to the Wheel , and rack't a long time , till other Messengers arrived , that related the whole Disaster particularly . Thus , at the length , was Nicias believed , suffering what he so often had foretold . THE LIFE OF MARCUS CRASSUS . Translated from the Greek , by Mr. Amhurst , Esq Volume III. MArcus Crassus , whose Father had born the Office of a Censor , and received the Honour of a Triumph , was Educated in a little House together with his two Brothers , who both Married in their Parents Life-time , and they kept but one Table amongst them all , which ( perhaps ) was not the least reason of this Man's Temperance and Moderation in Diet ; but one of his Brothers MARCUS CRASSUS . This is y e. certain Hate of Avarice , Like Dropsy Patients , Crassus drinks , and dys . dying , he Married his Widow , by whom he had his Children ; neither was he , as to this , less continent than any of the Romans , though when he was grown up , he was suspected to have been familiar with one of the Vestal Virgins , named Licinia , who was nevertheless acquitted , one Plotinus managing the Evidence against her . Now this Licinia stood possessed of a fair Country Seat , which Crassus desiring to purchase at under-rate , he was always lying at her , and attending of her , and this gave occasion to the Scandal ; but he likewise was acquitted , his Avarice , in some measure , clearing him of Incest ; but however he never left the Lady till he had got her Estate . People were wont to say , That all the many Vertues of Crassus were darkned by this one Vice of Avarice , and indeed he seemed to have no other but that ; for it being the most predominant , obscured the other Vices to which he was inclined , and the Arguments they alledged , were the vastness of his Estate , and the manner of raising it ; for whereas at first he was not worth above 300 Talents , yet being entered upon Administration of Affairs , though he had Sacrific'd the Tenths of all he had to Hercules , and feasted the People , and gave to every Citizen Corn enough to serve him Three Months ; yet upon casting up his Accounts , before he went upon his Parthian Expedition , he found them amount to Seventy thousand Talents , most of which , if we may scandal him with a Truth , he got by Fire and Rapine , making his advantages of the Publick Calamities : for when Sylla seized the City , and exposed to sale the Goods of those that he had caused to be slain , accounting them Booty and Spoyls , and calling them so too , and being willing to make as many of the most substantial Citizens as he could , partakers in the Crime , Crassus never was the man that refused to accept , or give money for them . Moreover , observing how extreamly subject the City was to fire , and falling down of Houses , by reason of their height , and standing so near together ; he bought Slaves that were Builders and Architects , and when he had got to the number of 500 , he bought the Houses that were on fire , and those in the Neighbourhood , which , by reason of the present danger and uncertainty , the old Proprietors were willing to part with for little or nothing : so that the greatest part of Rome , at one time or other , came into his hands . Yet for all he had so many Workmen , he never built any thing but his own House ; because , said he , those that are addicted to Building will undo themselves soon enough without the help of other Enemies ; but hired his Servants out to Citizens that had a mind to build , and sold 'em as much Ground as they had need of : But although he had so much ready Cash , and rich Land , and Labourers to work in it , yet all this was nothing in Comparison of his Servants . So many , and so excellent Lecturers , Amanuenses , Silver-Smiths , Stewards , and Table-waiters , and he always stood over them to inspect and teach them himself , accounting it the Duty of a Master to look over the Servants , that are indeed the living tools of House-keeping ; and herein he was in the right ( if he spoke as he meant ) that the Servants ought to look after all other things , and the Master after them : For Oeconomy , which in things Inanimate is but good Huswifery , in men becomes Policy : but surely he was mistaken when he said , No man was to be accounted Rich , that could not maintain an Army at his own Cost and Charges ; for War , as Archidamas well observed , has no certain Allowance , the charge of which is indefinite ; and he was clear of another opinion than C. Marcus ; for he when he had distributed fourteen Acres of Land a Man , and understanding that some desired more ; God forbid ( says he ) that any Roman should think that too little which is enough to keep him alive and lusty ; but however Crassus was very hospitable to Strangers , for he kept open House ; and to his Friends he would lend Money Interest-free ; but he called it in precisely at the time ; so that his Kindness was worse than the paying the Interest would have been . As for his Entertainments , they were very frank and courteous , his Company generally of the middle sort , the neatness and contrivance of them looking better than if they had been more Magnificent . As for Learning , he chiefly minded Rhetorick , and such Studies as might accomplish most for Publick Employments ; for although he was naturally as good a Spokesman as almost any of them , yet in his Pains and Industry he surpassed them all ; for there was no Trial , how mean and contemptible soever , that he came to unprepared ; nay , several times he has gone through with a Cause , when Pompey , and Caesar , and Tully himself have refused to stand up , upon which account particularly he got the Love of the People , who looked upon him as a necessary Man , and one ready to do a good turn : Besides , the People were pleased with his courteous and frank Salutations and Greetings ; for he never met any Citizen , how mean and low soever , but he returned him his Salute by Name . He was looked upon as a man well read in History , and pretty well seen in Aristotle's Philosophy , which one Alexander read to him , whose Commerce with Crassus was a sufficient Argument of his good nature and meek disposition : For 't is hard to say whether he was poorer when he entered into his Service , or while he continued in it ; for being his only Friend that used to accompany him in his Progresses he would lend him a Cloak for a Journey , and when he came home demand it again . O the patience of the Wretch , when even the Philosophy he professed did not look upon Poverty as a thing indifferent ! but of this hereafter , when Cinna and Marius got the Power in their hands , 't was soon perceived that they came not for any good they intended to their Country but designing the ruine and utter destruction of the Nobility , and as many as they could lay their hands on they slew , amongst which was Crassus his Father and Brother ; but himself being very young , for the present escaped the danger ; but understanding that he was every way beset , and hunted after by the Tyrants , taking with him three Friends and ten Servants , with all possible speed he fled into Spain , having formerly been there , and contracted a great acquaintance while his Father was Prator of that Country ; but finding all People in a Consternation , and dreading the Cruelty of Marius , as if he was already at their Doors , he durst not discover himself to any Body , but hid himself in a large Cave , which was by the Sea-shore , and belonged to Vibius Pacianus , to whom he sent one of his Servants to sound him , his Provisions also beginning to fail . Vibius was well pleased at his Escape , and enquiring the place of his abode , and the number of his Companions , he went not to him himself , but Commanded his Bayliff to provide every day a good Meals-meat , and carry it and leave it upon such a Stone , and so return without taking any further notice , or being inquisitive , promising him his Liberty if he did as he commanded , and that he would kill him if he did otherwise . The Cave is not far from the Sea , made by the closing together of some Cliffs , through the Chinks of which enters a refreshing and delicate Gale : When you are entred , you find a wonderful high Roof , and a great many very large Rooms one within another ; neither is it void of Water or Light ; for a very pleasant and wholsome Spring runs through the Cliffs , and the natural Chinks let in the Light all day long ; and by reason of the thickness of the Rock , the Air within is pure and clear , that which is foggy and unhealthful being carried away with the Stream . While Crassus remained here , the Steward brought them what was necessary , but never saw them , nor knew any thing of the matter , though they within saw , and expected him at the customary times ; neither was their entertainment such as just to keep them alive , but very plentiful and delicious ; for Pacianus resolved to treat him with all imaginable Civility ; and considering he was a young Gentleman , he resolv'd to gratifie a little his youthful Inclinations ; for to give just what is needful , seems rather to come from necessity , than from a hearty Friend . Taking with him therefore two handsom Damsels , he shew'd them the place , and bid them go in boldly ; whom when Crassus and his Friends saw , they were afraid of being betray'd ; demanding therefore what they were , and what they would have , they , according as they were instructed , answered , They came to wait upon their Master , who was hid in that Cave . Then Crassus perceiving 't was a kind Trick of Vibius , took the Damsels to him , and kept them there with him as long as he staid , who gave an account to Vibius of what they wanted , and how their Case stood . One of which Ladies , though she was very old , Femestellus says , he had seen , and often heard her tell the Story . When Crassus had lain concealed there eight Months , as soon as he understood Cinna was dead , he appeared abroad , a great number of People flocking to him , out of which he selected 2500. He visited many Cities ( and as some write ) sack'd Halaca ; though he ever obstinately denied it ; hence getting together some Ships , he passes into Africa , and joyns with Metellus Pius an eminent Person , that had raised a very considerable Army ; but upon some difference between him and Metellus , he stay'd not long there , but went over to Sylla , by whom he was very much esteemed ; when Sylla passed over into Italy , he kept all the young Noble-men , that were with him in Employment , some he dispatched one way , and some another , it fell to Crassus his share to raise men among the Marsians , he demanded a Guard , being to pass through the Enemie's Countrey , to whom Sylla replied sharply ; I give you for Guard , your Father , your Brother , your Friends and Kindred , whose unjust and cruel murther I am now going to revenge ; whereat Crassus being netled , he went his way , broke boldly through the Enemy , and behaved himself briskly in all Sylla's Encounters , from whence , they say , began the Emulation for Glory between him and Pompey ; for though Pompey was the younger man , and had the disadvantage to be descended of a Father that was disesteemed by the Citizens , and hated as much as ever Man was ; yet in these Affairs he appeared so glorious and great , that Sylla always used when he came in , to stand up , and pull off his Hat , an Honour which he seldom shewed to Older men , and of as good Quality , evermore he saluted him Imperator ; this fir'd and stung Crassus , though indeed 't was but Pompey's due to be preferred , for he both wanted experience , and his two innate Vices , Sordidness and Avarice , Tarnish'd all the Lustre of his Actions ; for when he had taken Turdesia , a Town of the Vmbrians , he converted all the Spoil to his own use , for which he was complained of to Sylla : Nay , in the last and greatest Battle before Rome it self , where Sylla was worsted , some of his Batalions giving ground , and others quite broken ; though Crassus got the Victory in the right Wing which he Commanded , and pursued the Enemy till night , he then sent to Sylla to acquaint him with his Success , and demand Provision for his Soldiers . By Prescriptions and Sequestrations he lost his repute , by making great purchases for little or nothing , and expecting Presents too besides : Nay , they say he sequestred some one of the Brescians without Sylla's Order , only for his own profit , wherefore Sylla never after trusted him in any Publick Affairs . As no man was more cunning than Crassus to ensnare others by flattery ; so no man lay more open to it , or swallowed the Bait more greedily than himself ; and this particularly was observed of him , that though he was the most covetous and scraping man in the World , yet he ever hated and railed at such People . It troubled him to see Pompey so successfull in all his Undertakings , that he had rode in Triumph before he was capable to sit in the Senate , and that the People had sirnamed him the Great , and when some body was saying , Pompey the Great was coming , he smiled and asked him , Why , how big is he ? despairing therefore to equal him by Feats of Arms , he betook himself to the long Robe , when by doing kindnesses , pleading , lending money , by standing by and voting for those that stood for Offices , he arrived at as great Honour and Power , as Pompey had from his many famous Expeditions , and this was peculiar to them , Pompey's name and interest in the City was greatest when he was absent , for his Renown in War , but when present he was often less esteemed than Crassus , by reason of his superciliousness and haughty way of living , shunning mean Company , and appearing rarely at the Forum , assisting only some few , and that not readily , that his Interest might be the stronger when he came to use it for himself ; whereas Crassus being a Friend always at hand , ready and easie of access , and very well experienced in these Affairs , with his Freedom and Courtesie got the better of Pompey's Formality . As for the Gracefulness of Body , Eloquence of their Discourse , and Dignity of their Persons , they were equally excellent : But however this Emulation never transported him so far as to quarrel him , or bear him any ill will ; for though he was grieved to see Pompey and Caesar preferred to him , yet he never added Baseness to his Jealousie , though Caesar , when he was taken Captive by the Corsairs in Asia , cried out , O Crassus , how wilt thou rejoice at the News of my Captivity ? Though afterwards they lived friendly together : For when Caesar was going Praetor into Spain , and wanting Money , his Creditors fell upon him , and seized upon his Equipage , Crassus then stood by him and relieved him , and was his Bail for 830 Talents ; now the City of Rome being divided into three Factions , of Pompey , Caesar and Crassus , ( for as for Cato his Fame was greater than his Power , being rather admired than followed ) the sober and substantial part were for Pompey , the brisk and hot headed followed Caesar's Ambition , but Crassus trimmed between them , making advantages of both , and caused a great alteration in the Government of the City , being neither a trusty Friend nor implacable Enemy , and was easily angred or appeased according as he found it for his advantage , so that in a small time he would assert and decry the same Laws and the same men , but though he was so much favoured , he was more feared , so that Sicinius who was the greatest Teizer of the Magistrates , and Ministers of his time , being ask'd how chanc'd he let Crassus alone ? Oh , says he , he carries Hay on his horns , alluded to the custom of tying Hay to the Horns of a Bull that used to Butt , that People might avoid him . Now the Insurrection of the Gladiators , and the Desolation of Italy , which many call the Sparteceian War , began upon this occasion : One Lentulus Batiatus trained up a great many Gladiators in Capua ( many of which were Gauls and Thracians ) who not for any fault by them committed , but by the injustice of their Master , were compell'd often to fight one with another . Two hundred of these consulted how to escape , but their Plot being discovered , they who first perceived it for preventions sake , being seventy eight , got out of a Cooks shop chopping-knives , Spits , &c. and made their way through the City ; and lighting by the way on several Waggons , that were carrying Gladiators Arms to another City , they seized upon them and Armed themselves ; and seizing upon a defensible place , they chose three Captains , of which Spartacus was chief , a Thracian Shepherd , a Man not only of an high Spirit and valiant , but more understanding and courteous than could be expected from one of his condition , and more Civiliz'd than the People of that Country usually are . When he first came to be sold at Rome , they say a Snake twined about his Face as he lay asleep and his Wife who also accompanied him , his Country-Women , a kind of Prophetess , and inspired by Bacchus , declared that it was a great and terrible sign , portending great Power to him with an happy event . First then routing those that came out of Capua against them , and seizing upon their Arms , they gladly threw away their own as barbarous and dishonourable ; afterwards Clodius the Praetor , was Commanded against them with a Party of three thousand , who besieged them within a Mountain , which had but one narrow and Difficult passage , which Clodius kept guarded , encompassed with broken and slippery precipices , but upon the top grew a great many wild Vines ; they cut down as many of their boughs , as they had need of and twisted them into Ladders , that would reach from thence to the Bottom , by which without any danger they got down all but one , who stayed there only to throw them down their Arms , and after all he saved himself . Now the Romans were ignorant of all this , wherefore coming upon their backs , they assaulted them at unwares , took their Camp , and several of the Shepherds and Herdsmen that were there , stout nimble fellows , revolted over to them ; these they Armed and made use of them for Scouts and light Armed Soldiers . Again Publius Varinus is sent General against them , whose Lieutenant General Phrurius , with two thousand Men , they fought and routed . Then Cossinius Collegue to Varinus , was sent with considerable Forces , him Spartacus missed but very little of taking , as he was Bathing at Salenae , for he with great difficulty made his escape , but Spartacus possessed himself of his Baggage , and following the chase with a great slaughter , stormed his Camp and took it , where Cossinius himself was slain ; nay after many Skirmishes with the Praetor himself , and in one taking Prisoners his Lictors and his own Horse , he began to be great and terrible , wisely therefore considering , that he was not to expect to match the Force of the Empire , he marched his Army towards the Alps , intending when he had passed them that every Man should go to his own home , some to Thrace , some to Gaul , &c. but they being grown confident in their numbers , and puffed up with their Success , would give no Obedience to him , but with Excursions ravaged Italy , so that now the Senate was not only moved at the Indignity , and Baseness , both of the Enemy , and of the Insurrection , but looking upon it as of dangerous Consequence , both the Consuls are sent to it as to a great and difficult Enterprize , and Consul Gellius falling suddenly upon a Party of Germans , who through Contempt and Confidence , were stragled from Spartacus , fell upon them on a sudden , and cut them all to pieces . But Lentulus with a mighty Army besieging Spartacus , he sallied upon him , and joyning Battel took his chief Officers Prisoners , and made himself Master of all his Baggage . As he made toward the Alps , Cassius that was Praetor of that part of Gaul that lies about the Po , met him with ten thousand Men , but being overcome in Battel he had much ado to escape himself , with the loss of a great many of his Men ; when the Senate understood this , they were displeased at the Consuls , and ordering them to meddle no farther , they appointed Crassus General of the War , and a great many of the Nobility went Volunteers with him , partly out of Friendship , and partly to get Honour . He staid in Picena , expecting Spartacus would take a compass and come that way , and sent his Lieutenant with two Legions , to wheel about and observe the Enemies motion , but upon no account to engage or Skirmish ; but he upon the first opportunity joyned Battel , and was routed , having a great many of his Men slain , and a great many saving their lives with the loss of their Arms. Crassus rebuked Mummius severely , and Arming the Soldiers again , he made them find Sureties for their Arms , that they would part with them no more ; but for Five hundred that were the Beginners of the flight , he divided them into Fifty tenths , and one of each was to Die by Lot , thus he revived the ancient punishment of Decimation , where Ignominy is added to the Circumstances of Death , like the representation of a dismal and terrible Tragedy , where the rest sit as Spectators . When he had thus reclaimed his Men , he led them against the Enemy , but Spartacus retreated into Lucania , toward the Sea , and in the straights meeting with some Cilician Pyrats , he had thought of attempting Sicily , whereupon Landing Two thousand Men , he hoped to new-kindle the War of the Slaves , which was but lately extinguished , and seemed to need but little fewel ; but after the Pyrats had struck a bargain with him , and received his Earnest , they deceived him , and sailed away . He thereupon retired again from the Sea , and pitched his Camp in the Peninsula of Rhegium ; there Crassus came upon him , and considering the nature of the place , and that it supplyed him for all that was necessary for his undertaking , he designed to build a Wall cross the Isthmus ; thus keeping his Soldiers at once from idleness , and his foes from forrage ; which great and difficult undertaking he perfected in a small time , beyond all expectation , making a Ditch from one Sea to the other , over a neck of land of Three hundred furlongs long , fifteen foot broad , and as much in depth , and upon it built a wonderful high and strong Wall , which Spartacus at first slighted and despised , but when Provisions began to fail , and intending to pass further , he found he was walled in , and no more was to be had in the Peninsula , taking the opportunity of a snowy stormy night , he filled up part of the Ditch with earth , and boughs of Trees , and so passed over the third part of his Army , wherefore Crassus was afraid lest he should March directly to Rome ; but was soon eased of that fear , when he saw many of his men upon a mutiny revolt from him , and encamp by themselves upon the Lucanian Lake . This Lake they say is very changeable , sometimes sweet , and sometimes so salt , that it cannot be drunk . Crassus falling upon these beat them from the Lake , though he could not pursue the slaughter , by reason of Spartacus his coming in , who stayed the flight . Now he began to repent that he had formerly writ to the Senate , to call Lucullus out of Thrace , and Pompey out of Spain , so that he did all he could to finish the War , before they came , knowing that the honour of the Action , would redound to him that came to his assistance ; resolving therefore first to set upon those that were revolted , and encamped apart , whom C. Cunicius and Castus Commanded , he sent six thousand men before to secure a little Eminence , and to do it , as privately as possible , which that they might do , they covered their Helmets , but being discovered by two Women that were sacrificing for the Enemy , they had been in great hazard , had not Crassus immediately appeared , and joined Battel with them , which proved very Bloody , for twelve thousand three hundred were slain , and two only wounded in their backs , the rest all died standing in their ranks , and fighting bravely : Spartacus after this Discomfiture , retired to the Mountains of Petilia , but Quintus one of Crassus his Commanders and Scropha the Questor , pursued , and overtook him , but when Spartacus rallied and faced them , they basely betook themselves to flight , and had much ado to carry off their Questor who was wounded ; this Success ruined Spartacus , because it encouraged the Fugitives , who now disdained any longer to make a flying Fight , not to obey their Officers , but as they were upon their March , they came to them with their Swords in their Hands , and compelled them to lead them back again through Lucania , against the Romans , and to make what haste they could to find out Crassus ; here News is brought that Pompey was at hand , and people used to talk openly , that the honour of this War was reserved for him , who would come and oblige the Enemy to fight , and certainly rout him . Whereupon Crassus desiring to fight , he encamped very near the Enemy and made Lines of Circumvallation , but the Slaves made a Sally , and attacqu'd the Pioneers ; now as fresh Supplies came in , on either side , and Spartacus seeing there was no avoiding it , he set all his Army in Array , and when his Horse was brought him , he drew out his Sword , and killed him , saying , if he got the day , he should have a great many better Horses of the Enemies , and if he lost it , he should have no need of this ; so making directly towards Crassus himself , through Wounds and Darts he missed of him , but two Centurions that fell upon him together , he slew ; at last being deserted by those that were about him , he himself stood his ground , and being surrounded by the Enemy , he bravely defending himself was cut in pieces . But though Crassus made use of his Fortune , and not only did the part of a General , but gallantly exposed his Person ; yet Pompey shared in the honour of the Action , for he met with many that fled and slew them , so that he Wrote to the Senate , that Crassus indeed had Vanquished the Fugitives in a pitched Battle , but that he had put an end to the War. Pompey was honoured with a magnificent Triumph for his Conquest over Sertorius and Spain ; but Crassus himself , could not so much as desire a Triumph , and it look'd meanly in him to accept of an Ovation for a Servile War , and pass through the City on Foot : ( as to the Difference between Ovation and Triumph it is writ in the life of Marcellus : ) And Pompey being immediately called to the Consulship , tho Crassus hoped to be joyned with him , he did not scruple to request his Assistance , who very readily laid hold on that Opportunity , ( for he desired by all means to lay some Obligation upon Crassus ) and briskly furthered his Interest ; and at last he declared in his Speech , that he was not less beholden to them for his Collegue , than for the Honour of the Office. But being entred upon the Employment , this Amity continued not long ; but differing almost in every thing , clashing and maligning one another , the time of their Consulship passed without any matter of Consequence , except that Crassus made a great Sacrifice to Hercules , and feasted the People at ten thousand Tables , and measured them out Corn for three Months . Now as their Command was ready to expire , and they were making their farewel Speeches , a Roman Knight , one Ovatius Aurelius , a private Country-Gentlemen , mounted the Rostrum , and declared a Vision he had in his Sleep . Jupiter , says he , appeared to me , and commanded me to tell you , That you should not suffer your Consuls to lay down their Charge before they were made Friends . When he had spoke , the People cryed out , that they should be reconciled . Pompey stood still and said nothing ; but Crassus first offering him his hand , I cannot think , says he , my Country-men , that I do a mean thing , and unworthy my self , if I make the first Offers of Accommodation and Friendship with Pompey , whom you your selves stiled the Great , before he was of Mans Estate , and decreed him a Triumph before he was capable of sitting in the Senate . This is what was memorable in Crassus's Consulship ; but as for his Censorship , that was altogether idle and unactive ; for he neither made a Scrutiny of the Senate , nor took a Review of the Gentry , nor an Account of the People , though he had as mild a Man as could be desired for his Colleague , Lutatius Catulus , though 't was reported , that when Crassus intended a violent and unjust action , which was the reducing Egypt to be tributary to Rome , Catulus strongly opposed it , and falling out about it , they laid down their Office by consent . As for that great Conspiracy of Catiline , which was very near subverting the Government , Crassus was not without some suspicion of being concerned , and one man swore him in the Plot ; but no body credited him , yet Cicero in one of his Orations , openly charges both Crassus and Caesar with it , though that Speech was not published till they were both dead , and in that Speech which he made upon his being elected Consul , he declares that Crassus came to him by Night and brought a Letter concerning Catiline and confirming the Conspiracy , for which Crassus hated him ever after , but was hindered by his Son from doing him any Injury ; for Publius was mightily addicted to Learning and Eloquence , and a constant follower of Cicero , insomuch that he put himself into Mourning for his Banishment , and oblig'd all the young Gentlemen to do the same ; at last he reconciled him to his Father . Now Caesar returning from his Command , and designing to get the Consulship , and seeing that Crassus and Pompey were again at Variance , was unwilling to disoblige one , by making application to the other , and despaired of success without the help of one of them ; he therefore made it his business to reconcile them , making it appear , that by destroying one the other , they advanced the Cicero's , the Catuli , and the Cato's , who would really be of no Account , if they would joyn their Forces and Factions together , and so they might manage the Affairs of the Empire as they pleased ; so they being reconciled by his Perswasion , they three set up an irresistible Power , which utterly subverted the Government , both as to Senate and People ; not that he made them greater than they were before ; but by their means made himself greatest of all ; for by the Adherents of both he was gloriously declared Consul , which Office when he administred with Credit , they decreed him the Command of the Army , and allotted him Gaul for his Province , and so placed him as in the Cittadel , not doubting but they should divide the rest at pleasure , when they had confirmed him in the Command he desired . Pompey was moved hereto by an immoderate desire of Ruling ; but Crassus , adding to his old Disease of Covetousness , an affectation of Trophies and Triumphs , emulating Caesar's Exploits , not content to be beneath those two , tho above all others , could never rest contented till it ended in an ingnominious Overthrow , and a Publick Calamity . When Caesar came out of Gaul to Luca , a great many People went thither to meet him ▪ Pompey and Crassus had various Conferences with him , how to get the whole management of Affairs into their hands , and subject every thing to their Power ; Caesar to keep up his Army , and Pompey and Crassus to get new ones , and new Provinces , in which there was but one way , the getting the Consulate a second time , which they were to stand for , and Caesar to assist them by writing to his Friends , and sending many of his Souldiers to vote ; but when they returned to Rome their Design was presently suspected , and a report was spread , that this interview was for no good . When Marcellinus and Domitius asked Pompey in the Senate , If he intended to stand for the Consulship ▪ he answered , Perhaps he would , perhaps not ; and being urged again , replied , He would ask it of the Honest Citizens , but not of the Dishonest . Which Answer appearing too haughty and arrogant , Crassus answered more civilly , He would desire it , if it might be for the advantage of the Publick , otherwise he would desist ; wherefore some others were daring enough to desire it , amongst which was Domitius ; but when such eminent Men appeared for it , the rest were frighted to give it over ; but Cato encouraged Domitius to proceed , who was his Friend and Relation , exciting him to persist , as though he was now defending the Publick Liberty , for they did not so much aim at the Consulate , as at Arbitrary Government , and this last was not a Petition for an Office , but a seizure of the Provinces and the Army . Thus spoke Cato , and he spoke his thoughts only , and almost compelled Domitius to appear at the Forum , where many sided with them ; for People admired what should make 'um desire the Consulship again , and why they two together , and not with some third Person ; we have a great many Men not unworthy to be Fellow-Consuls with Pompey or Crassus ; Pompey's Party being apprehensive of this , committed all Undecencies and Violencies , and , amongst other things , lay in wait for Domitius , as he was coming thither before day-break with other Company ; his Torch-bearers they killed , and wounded several others , of which Cato was one : these being beat back and shut into a House , mean while the Consuls are declared ; not long after they besieged Domitius his House , thrust Cato out of Doors , killed some that made resistance , and Decreed Caesar his Command for Five years longer , and Provinces for themselves , Syria , and both the Spains , which being decided by Lots , Syria fell to Crassus , and the Spains to Pompey ; they were both well-pleased with their Chance , for the People were desirous that Pompey should not go far from the City , and he being extreamly fond of his Wife , was very glad to continue there ; but Crassus was so transported with his Fortune , that 't was manifest he never thought he had so good luck befel him as now ; so that he had much ado to contain himself before Company and Strangers , but amongst his Confidents he blurted out many vain and childish things , which were unworthy of his Age , and contrary to his Nature , for he was not much given to boasting in all his life besides ; but then being strangely puft up , and his head heated , he would not limit his fortune with Parthia and Syria , but looking on the Actions of Lucullus against Tygranes , and the Exploits of Pompey against Mithridates but Childs-play , he proposed to himself in his hopes to pass beyond Bactria and India , and the utmost Ocean ; not that he was obliged by his Office to undertake a Foreign Expedition , but 't was well known that Crassus affected it , and Caesar ▪ wrote to him out of Gaul , commending his resolution , and inciting him to the War ; and when Atteius the Tribune of the People design'd to stop his Journey , for most men murmured , that one man should undertake a War against a People that had done them no injury , and were at Amity with them , he desired Pompey to stand by him and accompany him , for he had a great Authority amongst the Mobile , and when several were ready to rise and exclaim against it , Pompey appeared with a pleasing Countenance , and so mollified the People , that they let Crassus pass quietly ; but Atteius met him , and first by word of mouth conjured him ▪ not to proceed , and then commanded his Sergeant to seize him and detain him ; but the other Tribunes not permitting it , they released Crassus ; Atteius therefore running to the gate , whither , when Crassus was come , he kindled a fire in a Caldron , he offered Fumigations and Sacrifices , calling upon and naming several strange and horrible Deities , and cursed him with most dreadfull imprecations : now the Romans conceit there is so much Virtue in these sacred and ancient Rites , that no Man can escape the effects of them , and that the Conjurer himself seldom prospers ; so that they are not often made use of , and that but upon a great occasion ; so that Atteius was to be blamed to devote that City to such Calamities , upon whose account only he was so highly offended with Crassus . Crassus arrives at Brundusium , and though the Sea was very rough , he had not patience to wait , but went on Board , and lost many of his Ships , and with the remnant of his Army marched a foot through Galatia , where , meeting with King Deiotarus , who , though he was very old , was about building a New City ; whereupon Crassus scoffingly , told him , Your Majesty begins to build at the 12th Hour . Neither do you , says he , O General , undertake your Parthian Expedition very early ; for Crassus was then Threescore years old , and he seemed older than he was . At his first coming things went as he would have them , for he made a Bridge over Euphrates without much difficulty , and passed over his Army in safety , and took in many Cities of Mesopotamia , which yielded themselves up voluntarily ; but he lost a hundred of his Men before one , where Apollonius had usurped ; wherefore drawing all his forces down he took it by Storm , plundered the Goods , and sold the Inhabitants ; the Greeks call this City Zenodotia , upon the taking of which he permitted the Army to salute him Imperator , but it looked mean and poor , as if he despaired a Nobler Atchievement that was so exalted with this little Success ; putting Garrisons of seven thousand Foot and one thousand Horse in the new Conquests , he return'd to take up his Winter Quarters in Syria , where his Son , a most accomplished Gentleman , met him coming from Caesar out of Gaul , and brought with him 1000 select Horse ; here Crassus seemed to commit his first Error , unless you will allow the whole Expedition to be one ; for whereas he ought to have gone forward and seiz'd Babylon and Seleucia , Cities that were ever at enmity with the Parthians , he gave the Enemy time to provide against him ; besides he spent his time there more like an Usurer than a General , for he took no account of the Arms , nor Discipline of his Soldiers , but in computing the Revenue of the Cities , and weighing the Treasure that was in the Temple of Hierapolis , giving Commissions for levying of Soldiers , and dismissing them for Money , whereupon he lost his credit and became despicable ; here he met with the first ill Omen from this Goddess , which some call Venus , others Juno , others Nature , or the Cause that produces all things out of Moisture , and instructs us in all good ; for as they were going out of the Temple , young Crassus stumbled , and his Father fell upon him ; when he drew his Army out of Winter quarters , Embassadors came to him from Arsaces with this short Speech ; If the Army was sent by the People of Rome , he denounced a mortal War , and would give no quarter ; but if ( as he understood it was ) that against the Consent of his Country , Crassus for his own ends had invaded his Country , then their King would be more merciful , and taking pity upon Crassus his dotage , would send back those Soldiers whom he looked upon rather besieged , than in a Garrison . Crassus vainly told them , he would return his Answer at Seleucia , whereat Vagises the Chief of them smiling , shew'd the Palm of his Hand , saying Hair will grow here before you will see Seleucia ; so they returned to their King Hyrodes , telling him 't was War Several of the Romans that were in Garrison in Mesopotamia , with great hazard made their escape , and told them the danger was worth their Concern ; for that they by experience knew the number of the Enemy , and the manner of their fighting , when they assaulted their Towns , ( and as the manner is ) they made it seem greater than really it was , that by flight it was impossible to escape them , and as impossible to overtake them when they fled , that they had new strange sort of Weapons as swift as sight , that they pierced whatever they met with , before you could see who threw ; their Kataphracti , or Arm'd Men at all points , were so provided as that they would beat down any thing , and give way to nothing ; which when the Soldiers heard , their hearts failed them ; for before they thought there was no difference between the Parthians and Armenians , or Cappadocians , who tyred Lucullus in following and pursuing of them , and were perswaded that the difficulty of the War consisted only in the tediousness of the March , and the trouble of chasing those that durst not come to handy blows , so that the danger of a Battel was beyond their expectation ; wherefore the Officers advised Crassus to proceed no further at present , but take new Measures upon the whole ; especially Cassius the Questor , and the Southsayers told him privately the Omens were unlucky , and that the Sacrifices portended dismal Consequences ; but he gave no heed to them or any body else , but those that exhorted him to proceed ; nor did Artabaces King of Armenia confirm him a little , who came to his aid with 6000 Horse ; these were said to be only the King's Life-guard , for he promised 10000 Curiassiers more , and 30000 Foot at his own Charges ; he perswaded Crassus to invade Parthia by the way of Armenia , for he would not only supply his Army with Forage , but his Passage would be more secure , by reason of the roughness of the Country , and a continued Chain of Mountains , which were almost impassable to Horse , in which the main strength of the Parthians consisted ; Crassus returned him but cold thanks for his readiness to serve him , and the Splendour of his Assistance , and told him he was resolved to pass through Mesopotamia , where he had left a great many brave Roman Soldiers , whereupon the Armenian went his way . As Crassus was passing his Army by Zeugma , many strange and supernatural Thunders were heard , and the Lightning flashed upon the Army , and during the Storm a Hurricane broke down the Bridge , and carried part of it away , and two Thunderbolts fell upon the very place where the Army was going to Encamp , and one of the General 's Horses famously caparison'd , broke from the Groom , leap'd into the River , and was seen no more ; and when they went to take up the great Standard , the Eagle turned its head backward , and after he had passed over his Army , as they were distributing Provisions , they first gave Lentils and Salt , which the Romans account ominous , being what is set before the dead . And as Crassus was haranging his Soldiers , he let fall a Word which struck a great terror in the Army ; for , said he , I will break down the Bridge , that none of you may return ; and whereas he ought when he had perceived his blunder to have corrected himself , and explained his meaning to those that were so concerned at it , he wou'd not do it out of meer stubbornness ; and when at the last general Sacrifice the Priest gave him the Entrails , they slipt out of his hand , and when he saw the standers by concerned at it , he laught and said , See what 't is to be an old Man , but I 'll hold my Sword fast enough ; so marching his Army along the River with seven Legions , little less than 4000 Horse , and as many light armed Soldiers , the Scouts returning , declaring that not one Man appeared , but that they saw the footing of a great many Horses which seemed to retire and fly ; whereupon Crassus conceived great hopes , and the Romans began to despise the Parthians , as men that would not come to handy-strokes ; but Cassius and the rest advised him to refresh his Army in some of the Garrison Towns , and remain there till they could get some certain Intelligence of the Enemy , at least to make toward Seleucia , and keep by the River , that so they might have the convenience of Ships to bring him Provisions , which might always accompany the Army , and the River would secure them from being environed , and if they should fight it might be upon equal terms . As Crassus was considering hereupon , there came to the Camp an Arabian Tribune named Ariamnes , a cunning subtle Fellow , and one which was the chief cause of all the misfortune that befell them ; some of Pompey's old Soldiers knew him , for he had serv'd with them under him , and had received some Kindnesses of him , and was looked upon as a Friend to the Romans , but was now suborned by the King's Officers , and sent to Crassus to entice him if possible from the River and Hills into the Plain , where he might be surrounded , for the Parthians desired any thing rather than to be obliged to meet the Romans face to face ; he therefore coming to Crassus and he had his Tongue well hung ) highly commended Pompey as his Benefactor , and admired the Forces that Crassus had with him , but seemed to wonder why he delayed and made Preparations , as if he should not use his Feet more than his Arms , against those Men that taking with them their best Goods and Chattels , had designed long ago to fly for refuge to the Scythians or Hyrcanians ; but supposing they were to fight , at least he ought to make what hast he could , before the King could recover Courage , and get his Forces together ; for you see Surena and Syllaces are opposed to you , to hinder your further progress , but the King himself does not appear ; but this was all a Lye for Hyrodes had divided his Army into two parts , with one he in Person wasted Armenia , revenging himself upon Artuasdes , and sent Surena against the Romans , not out of Contempt as some pretend , for there is no likelihood that he should despise Crassus , one of the Chiefest men of Rome , to go and fight with Artuasdes , and invade Armenia ; but for my part I believe he apprehended the danger , and therefore he expected the Event , and that Surena should first run the hazard of a Battel and circumvent the Enemy : Nor was this Surena an ordinary Person , but for Wealth , Family , and Authority , the second man in the Kingdom , but for Courage and Prowess he was the first , neither was any one so large sized , or so well shaped ; whenever he travelled alone he had 1000 Camels to carry his Baggage , 200 Chariots full of Concubines , 1000 compleatly Arm'd men for his Life-Guards , and a great many more light Arm'd , and at least 10000 of his Servants and Retinue , and the Honour had long belonged to his Family , that at the King's Coronation he put the Crown upon his Head , and when this very King Hyrodes had been exiled , he brought him in ; 't was he that took the great City of Seleucia , was the first Man that scaled the Walls , and with his own hand beat off the Defendants , and though at that time he was not above 30 years old , he was counted as wise and discreet ; wherein he had much the advantage of Crassus , who was easy to be imposed upon , first through his overweening confidence , and afterwards because he was dastarded and cow'd by his Calamities . When Ariamnes had thus work'd upon him , he drew him from the Rivers into vast Plains , by a way that at first was pleasant and easie , but afterwards very troublesome by reason of the depth of the Sand , not a Tree , not any Water , and no end of this to be seen ; so that they were not only spent with thirst , and the difficulty of the passage ; but the uncomfortable Prospect of not a bough , not a stream , not a hillock , not a green herb , dismayed them quite , but an odd kind of a Sea of Sand , which encompassed the Army with its Waves . Here they began to suspect some Treachery , and at the same time came Messengers from Artuasdes , that he was engaged in a bloody War with Hyrodes , that had invaded his Country , so that now 't was impossible for him to send him any succours . Wherefore he advised Crassus to turn back , and with joynt Forces to give Hyrodes Battle , or at least that he should so March and Encamp where Horses could not easily come , and keep to the Mountains . Crassus out of Anger and Vanity , writ him no Answer , but told them , At present he was not at leisure to mind the Armenians , but he would call upon them another time , and revenge himself upon Artuasdes his Treachery . Here Cassius his Party began again to complain , but when they perceived how much Crassus was displeased , they gave him over , but privately rail'd at the Barbarian . What evil Genius , O thou worst of Men , brought thee to our Camp , and with what charms and potions hast thou bewitched Crassus , that he should march his Army through a vast and deep Desart , through ways which are rather fit for a Captain of Arabian Robbers , than the General of a Roman Army ? But the Barbarian being a very subtle fellow , very submissively exhorted them , and encouraged them to sustain it a little farther , but ran about the Camp , and under pretence of cheering up the Souldiers , asked them in scoff , What do you think you march through Campania , expecting every where to find Springs , and Shades , and Baths , and Inns of Entertainment , consider you now travel the Confines of Arabia and Assyria . Thus he managed them like Children , and before the cheat was discovered , he rode away , not but that Crassus was privy to his going , but he had perswaded him , that he would go and contrive how to disorder the Affairs of the Enemy ; and it was observed that Crassus came not abroad that day in his Scarlet Robe , which Roman Generals use to wear , but in a black one , which , as soon as he perceived , he changed . And the Standard-Bearers had much ado to take up their Eagles , which seemed to be fixed to the place ; Crassus laught at it , and hastened their March , and compelled his Infantry to keep pace with his Cavalry , till some few of the Scouts returned , and told them that their Fellows were slain , and they hardly escaped , that the Enemy was at hand , resolved to give them Battel ; here all was in an uproar , Crassus was struck into an amaze , and , for hast , could not put his Army in good order . First therefore , as Cassius advised , they opened their Ranks and Files , that they might take up as much space as could be , to prevent their being surrounded , and distributed the Horse into the Wings , but afterwards changing his Mind , he drew up his Army in a square , and made a Front every way , each of which consisted of Twelve Companies , to everyone of which he alotted a Troop of Horse , that no part might be destitute of the Assistance that the Horse might give , and that they might be ready to assist every where , as need should require ; Crassus Commanded one of the Wings , young Crassus t'other , and himself was in the middle ; thus they marched on till they came to a little River named Bolissus , a very inconsiderable one in it self , but very grateful to the Soldiers , who had suffered so much by Drought and Heat all along their march . Most of the Commanders were of the opinion , that they ought to remain there that night , and to inform themselves as much as possible of the number of the Enemies and their Order , and so march against them at break of Day , but Crassus was so exalted at the eagerness of his Son , and the Horsemen that were with him , who desired and urged him to lead them on , and engage , that he Commanded those that had a mind to it , to eat and drink as they stood in their Ranks ; and before they had all well done , he led them on , not leisurely and by stops , as if he was going to Battel , but kept on his pace as if he had been in haste , till they saw the Enemy , contrary to their expectation , neither so many nor so magnificently Armed as the Romans expected , for Surena had hid his main Force behind the first ranks and ordered them to hide the glittering of their Armour , with Coats and Skins ; but when they approached and the General gave the Signal , immediately all the field rung with a hidious noise , and terrible clamour ; for the Parthians do not encourage themselves to War , with Cornets and Trumpets , but with a kind of Kettle Drum which makes a dead , and solemn noise , like the Bellowing of Beasts , mixt with something like thunder ; for they well considered that the sense of hearing , which receives the first impressions , most easily disturbs the Mind , and subverts the understanding . When they had sufficiently terrified the Romans with their noise , they threw of the covering of their Armour , they shone like lightening in their Brest-plates , and Helmets polished and furbished , and made of Margianian Steel , and their Horses were covered with Brass and Steel Trappings . Surena was the tallest and comelyest Man himself . And the Sweetness of his Looks , and Effeminacy of his Habit , could not promise so much Manhood , as he really was Master of ; for his Face was Painted , and his Hair parted , after the fashion of the Medes , whereas the other Parthians look'd more terrible , with their hair shaggy , after the Scythian Mode . Their first design was with their Launces to beat down , and force back the first Ranks of the Romans , but when they perceived the depth of their Battel , and that the Soldiers kept their ground , they made a retreat , and pretending to separate and break their Orders , they encompassed the Romans round , ere they were aware of it ; then Crassus Commanded his Light Armed Soldiers to charge in , but they had not gone far , before they were received with such a shower of Arrows , that they were glad to retire amongst the heavy-Armed , which was the first occasion of their disorder and terror , when they perceived the strength and force of their Darts , which pierced and broke their Arms , Body and all . Now the Parthians divided themselves and began to shoot from all sides , not aiming at any particular , for indeed the order of the Romans was so close , that they could not miss if they would , and Arrows being forced out of strong bent Bows , the strokes were very violent . Now was the state of the Romans desperate , for if they kept their ranks , they were wounded , and if they charged , though they hurt the Enemy ne'er the more , they suffer'd ne'er the less . For the Parthians threw their Darts when they fled , an Art , which none but the Scythians are better practis'd in , and 't is cunningly contriv'd ; for while they thus fight to make their escape , they avoid the dishonour of a Flight ; however the Romans had some comfort to think , that when they had spent all their Arrows , they would either give over , or come to Handy-strokes ; but when they understood there were several Camels loaded with Arrows , and when the first Ranks had discharged those they had , they wheeled off , and took more ; Crassus seeing no end of it , was out of all heart , but sent to his Son that he should endeavour to fall in upon them , before he was quite surrounded ; for the Enemy charged mostly upon that Quarter , and rode about that they might come behind him ; wherefore the young Man taking with him 1300 Horse ( 1000 of which he had from Caesar ) 500 Archers , and Eight Companies of his best Armed Soldiers that stood next him , he led them up with design to charge the Parthians . Whether it was that they feared to stand an Army in so good Array , ( as some think ) or else designing to entice young Crassus , as far as they could , from his Father , pretended to fly ; whereupon he crying out , That they durst not stand , pursued them , and with him Censorinus and Vegabacchus , both famous , one for his Courage and Prowess , the other for being of a Noble Family , and an excellent Orator , both Intimates of Crassus , and his Contemporaries . The Horse thus pushing on , the Infantry staid little behind , being exalted with hopes and joy , for they supposed they had already Conquered , and now were only pursuing , till , when they were gone too far , they perceiv'd the Deceit ; for they that seemed to fly , now turned again , and a great many fresh ones came on ; hereupon they made an Halt , for they doubted not but now the Enemy would Attack them , because they were so few , but they placed their Curiassiers against the Romans , and with the rest of their Horse , rode about scowring the field , and stirring up the sand , they raised such a Dust , that the Romans could neither see nor speak to one another , and , for want of room , tumbling upon one another , they were slain , not by a quick and easie Death , but with intolerable pain and convulsions ; for , rowling among the Darts , they lingered away of their Wounds , and when they would , by force , pluck out the barbed Arrows , they caught hold of the Nerves and Veins , so that they tore and tortured themselves ; many of them Died thus , and those that survived were Disabled for any service , and when Publius exhorted them to charge the Curiassiers , they shewed him their Hands nailed to their Shields , and their Feet stuck to the ground , so that they could neither fly nor fight ; wherefore he charged in briskly with his Horse , and made a gallant Onset ; but the Fight was very unequal , either as to the offensive or defensive part ; for the Romans with their weak and little Javelins , struck against Targets that were of tough raw Hides , or Steel ; whereas the naked Bodies of the Gauls were exposed to the strong Spears of the Enemy ; for upon these he mostly depended , and with them he wrought Wonders ; for they would catch hold of their Spears , and seize upon the Enemy , and so pull them off from their Horses , where they could scarce stir by reason of the heaviness of their Armour , and many of them quitting their own Horses , would creep under those of the Enemy , and stick them into the Belly ; which growing unruly , by reason of the pain , trampled upon their Riders , and Enemies promiscuously . The Gauls were chiefly tormented by reason of the Heat and Drought , being not accustomed to them ; and most of their Horses were slain , by being spurred on against the Spears , so that they were forced to retire among the Foot , bearing off Publius grievously wounded : Observing a sandy Hillock , not far off , they made to it ; tying therefore their Horses to one another , and placing them in the midst , and joyning all their Shields together , before them , they thought they might make some Defence against the Barbarians , but it fell out quite contrary , for when they were drawn up in a Plain , the Front , in some measure , secured those that were behind , but when they were upon the Hill , one being higher than another , there was no avoiding of it , but all were equally exposed , bewailing their Inglorious and useless Fate . There were with Publius two Greeks , that lived near there at Carras , Hieronymus , and Nichomachus , they perswaded him to retire with them to Icenas , a Town not far from thence , and Allie of the Romans . No , said he , there is no death so terrible , for the fear of which Publius would leave his Friends that die upon his Account ; but wishing them to take care of themselves , he embraced them and sent them away , and because he could not use his Arm , for he was run through with a Spear , he opened his Side to his Armour-Bearer , and Commanded him to run him through ; and 't was said , that Censorinus fell after the same manner , Vegabacchus slew himself , as also the rest of best note , and the Parthians coming upon the rest with their Lances , killed them fighting , nor were there above 500 taken Prisoners ; cutting off the head of Publius , they directly march towards Crassus ; and this was the posture of Affairs , when he had commanded his Son to fall upon the Enemy , and word was brought him that they were fled , and perceiving that the Enemy did not press upon him so hard as formerly , for they were gone to fall upon Publius , he began to take heart a little ; and drawing his Army into a convenient place , expected when his Son would return from the pursuit of those whom he thought defeated ( as soon as he saw his danger ) the first Messengers were intercepted by the Enemy , and slain , the last hardly escaping came and declared , That Publius was lost , unless he had speedy Succours ; Crassus was mightily distracted , not knowing what Counsel to take , being fearful for the main Chance , and desirous to help his Son , at last he resolved to move with his Forces : Just upon this , up came the Enemy with their shouts and noises , now more terrible , with their Drums astonishing the Romans , who now feared a fresh engagement ; and they that brought Publius his Head upon the point of a Spear , when they were come so near that it could be known , scoffingly enquired where were his Parents , and what Family he was of , for 't was impossible that so brave and gallant a Gentleman , should be the Son of so pitiful a Coward as Crassus : This sight , above all the rest , dismayed the Romans , for it did not incite them to courage as it ought to have done , but to horror and trembling , though they say , Crassus out-did himself in this Calamity , for he passed through the ranks , and cried out to them : This , dear Country-men , is my own peculiar Loss , but the Fortune and the Glory of Rome is safe and untainted so long as you are safe , but if any one be concerned for my loss of the best of Sons , let him shew it in revenging him upon the Enemy : Take away their joy , revenge their Cruelty , nor be dismayed at what is past ; for whoever attempts great matters must suffer something : Neither did Lucullus overthrow Tigranes without Bloodshed , nor Scipio Antiochus : Our Ancestors have lost 1000 Ships about Sicily , and how many Generals and Captains in Italy ? None of which notwithstanding failed to overthrow the Conquerors , for the State of Rome did not arrive to this height by Fortune , but by perseverance and virtue . While Crassus thus spake , exhorting them , he saw but few that gave much heed to him , and when he ordered them to shout for the Battel , he found the deadness of heart of his Army , which made but a faint and weak noise , but the shout of the Enemy was clear and bold , and when they came to the business , the Horsemen riding about shot their Arrows , and the foremost ranks with their Spears drove the Romans close together , except those who rush'd upon them for fear of being killed by their Arrows . Neither did these do much Execution , being quickly dispatched , for the strong thick Spear made great Wounds , and often run through two Men at once ; as they were thus fighting , the Night coming on parted them , the Parthians boasting that they would indulge Crassus one Night to mourn his Son , unless upon better consideration he would rather go to Arsaces , than be carried to him ; and therefore took up their Quarters near them , being flush'd with their Victory : But the Romans had a sad Night of it , for neither taking care for the Burial of their dead , nor the Cure of the Wounds , nor the Groans of the expiring , every one bewailed his own Fate : For there was no means of escaping . Whether they should stay for the Light , or venture to retreat into the vast Desart in the Dark , and now the Wounded Men gave them new trouble , for to take them with them would retard their flight , and if they should leave them , they might serve as Guides to the Enemy by their Crys , but however they were desirous to see and hear Crassus , though they were sensible he was the cause of all their Mischief ; but he retired and hid himself , where he lay as an Example of Fortune to the Vulgar , but to the Wise an Example of Inconsiderateness and Ambition : Who , not content to be Supperior to so many Millions of Men , but being inferiour to two , esteemed himself as the lowest of all . Then came Octavius his Lieutenant General , and Cassius to comfort him , but he being altogether struck sensless , they called together the Centurions , and Officers , and agreeing that the best way was to fly , they ordered the Army to march without sound of Trumpet , and at first with silence ; but when the disabled Men found they were left behind , a strange Confusion and Tumult , with an Outcry and Lamentation seized the Camp , and a trembling and dread fell upon them , as if the Enemy were at their heels ; by which means now and then turning back , now and then standing to their order , sometimes taking up the Wounded that followed , sometimes laying of them down , they wasted the time , ( except 300 Horse ) whom Ignatius brought safe to Carrae about midnight ; where calling to the Watch , assoon as they heard him , he bid them tell Coponius the Governour , that Crassus had fought a very great Battel with the Parthians ; having said but this , and not so much as telling his Name , he rid away at speed to Zeugma : 'T is true , by this means he saved himself and his Men , but he lost his Reputation by deserting his General ; but however his Message to Coponius was for the advantage of Crassus , for suspecting by this hasty and confused delivery of himself , that all was not well , he immediately ordered the Garrison to be in Arms , and assoon as he understood ▪ that Crassus was upon the way towards him , he went out to meet him , and received him with his Army into the Town ; but the Parthians , although they perceived their dislodgment in the Night , yet did not pursue them , but as soon as it was day , they came upon those that were left in the Camp , and put no less than 4000 of them to the Sword , and with their light Horse pick'd up a great many straglers ; Vargontinus the Legate broke off from the main Body with about three Cohorts , which strayed out of the way , the Parthians encompassing these in an eminence , slew every Man of them excepting twenty , who with their drawn Swords forced their way through the thickest , and they admiring their Courage , opened their Ranks to the right and left , and let them pass without any further molestation , to Carrae . Soon after a false report was brought to Syrena , that Crassus with his principal Officers had escap'd , and that those who were got into Carrae , were but a confused Rout of insignificant People not worth further pursuit . Supposing therefore that he had lost the very Crown and Glory of his Victory , and yet being uncertain whether it were so or not , and therefore not able to resolve , whether he should besiege Carrae or follow Crassus , he sent one of his Interpreters to the Walls , commanding him in Latin to call Crassus or Cassius ; for that the General Syrena had a mind to threat with him ; as soon as Crassus heard this he embrac'd the Proposal , and soon after came up a Band of Arabians , who very well knew the faces of Crassus and Cassius , as having been frequently in the Roman Camp before the Battel . They having espied Cassius from the Wall , told him that Syrena desired a Peace , and would give them safe Convoy , if they would make a League with the King his Master , and withdraw all their Garrisons out of Mesopotamia , and this he thought most advisable for them both , before things came to extremity . Cassius greedily embracing the Proposal , desired that a time and place might be appointed , where Crassus and Syrena might have an interview . The Arabians having charged themselves with the Message , went back to Syrena , who was not a little rejoiced , that Crassus would stand a Siege ; next day therefore he came up with his Army , insulting over the Romans , and haughtily demanding of them Crassus and Cassius bound , if they expected any mercy ; the Romans , seeing themselves deluded and mock'd , were much troubled at it , and advising Crassus to lay aside his long and empty Hopes of aid from the Armenians , resolved to fly for it ; and this Design ought to have been kept private , till they were upon their way , but Crassus could not conceal it from the Villain Andromachus , nay he was so infatuated , as to chuse him for his Guide . The Parthians then to be sure had punctual intelligence of all that passed ; but it being forbid to them by the Laws of their Country , and no less difficult to fight by Night , Crassus chose that time to set out in , and the trusty Andromachus , lest he should get the start too far of his Pursuers , led him into Morasses , and places full of Ditches and Inclosures , so that it was exceeding painful and vexatious to his Company , and some there were who supposing by these Windings and Turnings of Andromachus , that no good was intended , resolved to follow him no further ; and at last Cassius himself returned to Carrae , and his Guides the Arabians advising him to tarry there till the Moon was got out of Scorpio , he told them , that he was most afraid of Sagittarius ; and they with 500 Horse left , him and went into Assyria . Others there were , who having got honest Guides , took their way by the Mountains , and got into places of security by day-break ; these were 5000 , under the Command of Octavius , a very gallant Man ; but Crassus fared worse , for Andromachus had so intangled him in the Fens and rough Ways , that before he could get clear of them , the Parthians were at his Heels . There were with him four Cohorts of Legionary Soldiers , a very few Horsemen , with whom having with great difficulty got into the way , and not being above a Mile and half from Octavius , instead of going to joyn him , he retreated unto another Hill , neither so defensible nor unpassable for the Horse , but yet lying under the Hills of Sinnaca , and continued in a long Ridge through the Plains , Octavius could see in what danger the General was ; and himself , at first but slenderly followed , came in to the rescue . Soon after the rest upbraiding one another with Baseness , in forsaking their Officers , marched down , and falling upon the Parthians , drove them from the Hill , and compassing Crassus about , and fencing him with their Shields , they declared that their General should never lie exposed to a Parthian Arrow , so long as there was a Man of them left alive ; Syrena therefore perceiving his Soldiers grew faint in their Attaque , and knowing that if the Romans should spin out the Battel till Night , they might then gain the Mountains , and be out of his reach , he betook himself to his usual Craft ; for some of the Prisoners were set free , who had heard a contrived discourse in the Camp , that the King did not design a War to be pursued with the utmost extremity against the Romans , but rather by his gentle Treatment of Crassus , to make a step towards Reconciliation of the two Empires ; and the Barbarians desisted from fighting , Syrena himself going gently to the Hill , unbent his Bow , and held out his Hand , inviting Crassus to an Agreement , and withal assured him , that it was besides the Kings intentions , that they had thus far shewn their Valour and Force ; that now he desired no other contention but that of Kindness and Friendship , by making a firm Alliance , and permitting them to go away in fafety : These Words of Syrena some received joyfully and accepted the Offer ; but Crassus , who had had sufficient experience of their Perfidiousness , and not being able to assign any Reason of the sudden Change , would give no ear to them , and only took time to consider ; but the Soldiers cried out and advised him to treat , afterwards upbraided and affronted him , saying , That it was very unreasonable that he should bring them to fight with such Men Armed , whom himself without their Arms durst not look in the Face . He tried first to prevail with them by Intreaties , and told them , That if they would have patience till Evening , they might get into the Mountains and Passes , unaccessible for Horse , and so be out of danger of the Parthian Darts ; and withal he pointed out the Way with his Hand , entreating them not to neglect their Preservation , which presented it self to them . But when they mutinied , and clash'd their Targets in a threatning manner , he was overpower'd and forced to go , and turning about at parting , said , You , Octavius and Petronius , and the rest of the Commanders which are present , you see the necessity of going , which I lie under , and ye cannot but be sensible of the Indignities and Violence which is offered to my Person ; however out of tenderness to the Honour of the Romans , declare to all the World , that Crassus perish'd rather by the subtilty of his Enemies , than by the Treason and Perfidiousness of his Friends and Country-men . But Octavius would not stay there , but with Petronius , went down from the Hill ; as for the Lictors , Crassus bid them be gone . The first that met him were two half-blood Gr●cians , who leaping from their Horses , made a profound Reverence to Crassus , and desired him ( in Greek ) to send some before him , who might see that Syrena himself was coming towards them , his retinue disarmed , and not having so much as their wearing Swords along with them ; but Crassus answered , That if he had but the least Concern for his Life , he would never have intrusted himself in their Hands ; but sent two Brothers the Roscii by name , to take an account how accoutred , and in what numbers they came , and them Syrena ordered immediately to be seized , and himself with his principal Officers came up to him upon the Spur , and greeting him , says he , This is a most undecent Spectacle , a Roman Emperor on Foot , whilst I and my Train are on Horse-back : But Crassus , replyed , That there was no error committed on either side , for they both met according to the custom of their own Country , Syrena told him that from that time there was a League betwixt the King his Master and the Romans , but that Crassus must go with him to the River to sign it , for you Romans ( says he ) are something forgetful of your Articles and Agreements , and therefore need some remarkable sign to keep it in your Memory , and withal reacht out his Hand to him . Crassus therefore gave order that one of his Padds should be brought , Syrena told him there was no need he should put himself to that trouble , for the King his Master presents him with one ; and immediately , a Horse with a Golden Bit , and very rich Trappings , was brought up to him , and himself was forcibly put into the Saddle , and his Gentlemen switched the Horse to make the more hast ; but Octavius running up got hold of the Bridle , and soon after one of the Colonels with Petronius and the rest of the Company came in striving to stop the Horse , and pulling back those who on both sides of him forced Crassus forward . Thus from pulling and thrusting one another , they came to a Tumult , and soon after to blows . Octavius drawing his Sword killed a Groom of one of the Barbarians , and one of them getting behind Octavius killed him , Petronius was not Armed , but being struck on the Breast , he fell down from his Horse , though without hurt ; one Pomaxaithres killed Crassus , others say it was another , and that this man only cut off his Head and right Hand ; for as for those that were by , they had not leisure to observe Particulars , being either killed fighting about Crassus , or using their heels to get to their Comrades on the Hill. But the Parthians coming upon them , and saying that Crassus had the punishment he justly deserved , Syrena bid the rest to come down from the Hill without fear ; some of them came down and surrendred themselves , others were scattered up and down in the Night , ( a very few of which got safe home ) and others the Arabians , beating the field , hunted and put to Death . It is generally said , that in all 20000 Men were slain , and 10000 taken Prisoners , but Syrena sent the Head and Hand of Crassus to Hyrodes the King , into Armenia ; but himself by his Messengers scatering a Report , That he was bringing Crassus alive to Seleucia , made a ridiculous Procession , which by way of scorn he call'd a Triumph . For one Caius Pacianus , who of all the Prisoners was most like to Crassus , being put into the Habit of the Barbarians , and instructed to take the Title of Crassus and Emperor from those who spoke to him , was brought sitting upon his Horse , but before him went a parcel of Trumpeters and Lictors upon their Camels ; the Girdles and Purses of the Romans were hung as the end of the Bundles of Rods , and the Heads of the slain , fresh bleeding , at the end of their Axes ; after them followed the Seleucian Minstrelsie making abundance of scurrilous and abusive Reflections , upon the Effeminacy and Cowardliness of Crassus , with a musical Cadence ; and this Show was seen by every Body : but Syrena calling together the Senate of Seleucia , shewed to them a wanton Book of Aristides , called his Milesia ; neither was this a Forgery , for it was found amongst the Spoyls of Roscius , and was a good subject for Syrena to droll upon the Romans , who were not able even in the time of War to forbear such wanton Writings and Practices ; but the people of Seleucia , had reason to commend the Wisdom of Aesop's Fable of the Sack , seeing their General Syrena carrying a bag full of loose Milesian Sonnets before him , but drawing after him a whole Parthian Syberis , or Brothel house , if I may so call it , with so many Coaches full of his Wenches , which might well be compared to Vipers and Aspes ; for he resembled that Fable , where the Front looks great and terrible with Spears and Arrows , and Darts , and Horsemen , but the Rear consisted of loose Women , and Ministrels , and Players on Castianetta's , and all Instruments of Luxury . Roscius indeed is not to be excused , but sure the Parthians had forgot ( when they mock'd at the Milesiaca ) that many of the Royal Line of their Arsacidoe , had been born of Milesian and Ionian Strumpets . Whilst these things were doing , Hyrodes had struck up a Peace with the King of Armenia , and made a match betwixt his Son and the King of Armenia's Daughter , their Feastings and Entertainments were very Sumptuous , and sometimes some Grecian Compositions , suitable to the Occasion , were recited amongst them , for Hyrodes was not altogether ignorant of the Greek Language , but Artuasades was so expert in it , as that he wrote Tragedies and Orations , and Histories , some of which are still extant . When the head of Crassus was brought to the Door , the Table was just taken away , and one Jason an Actor of Tragedies sung the Scene in the Bacchoe of Eurypides concerning Agave , he having gotten a great deal of Applause . Sillaces comming into the Room , and having ador'd the King , threw down the head of Crassus into the midst of the Company , the Parthians taking it up with Joy , and Acclamations , Sillaces by the King's order was made to sit down , but Jason laid aside the Person of Pentheus , and taking up the head of Crassus , and acting one inspired by Bacchus , he , in a rapturous and Enthusiastical manner , pronounced these words . A. G. We'he hunted down a mighty stag to day . And from the Mountains bring a Noble prey . Cho. What happy hand the fatal Monster slew ? A. G. I claim that honour to my Courage due . And this humour took wonderfully , but in the recital of those Verses , who slew him , & c. Pomaxaithres who happened to be at Supper , started up and would have got the head into his own hands , for it is my due , says he , and no Mans else . The King was hugely pleased at this scuffle , and according to the Custom of the Parthians , gave large rewards to them , and to Jason the Actor he gave a Talent . Thus truly Tragical was the end of Crassus's Expedition , but yet the divine Justice , failed not to punish both Hyrodes for his Cruelty , and Syrena's Perjury ; for Syrena not long after was put to death by Hyrodes , out of meer envy to his Glory ; and Hyrodes himself having lost his Son Paccoras ( who was slain in a fight with the Romans ) falling into a Disease which turned to a Dropsie , had Aconite given him by his second Son Phraates : the Poyson working only upon the Disease , and carrying away the Dropsical matter with it , the King began to recover on the sudden , so that Phraates at length was forced to take the shortest course and stifled him with his Pillow . The Comparison of Crassus with Nicias . IN the Comparison of these two , first if we compare the Estate of Nicias with that of Crassus , we must acknowledge Nicias's to be more honestly got ; for otherwise indeed one cannot much approve of enriching ones self by labouring of Mines , the greatest part of which is done by Malefactors and Barbarians , some of them too bound , and others perishing in those close and unwholesome places ; but yet , if we compare this with the Sequestrations of Sylla , and Crassus's undertaking to build Houses ruined by Fire , we shall then think Nicias came very honestly by his Money ; but Crassus publickly and professedly made use of those Arts , as other Men do of Husbandry , and putting out their Money to Interest ; but to deny that his Voice was venal in the Senate , though it was proved upon him ; to do Injustice to his Allies , and to court Widows to be made their Heir , and for advantage to conceal Criminals ; these are things of which Nicias never fell under the least suspicion ; nay he was rather laugh'd at for giving Money to Sycophants , meerly out of timorousness ; a Course indeed that would by no means become Pericles and Aristides ; but necessary for him , who by nature was destitute of good Assurance : And this Lycurgus the Orator frankly acknowledged to the People ; for when he was accused for buying off an Evidence , he said that he was very much pleased , that having administred their Affairs for so long a time , he was at last accused rather for giving than receiving . Again , Nicias in his Expences was of a more Publick Spirit than Crassus , priding himself much in the Dedication of Temples , endowing of Schools , and adorning Processions ; but the Expences of Crassus , only in Feasting so many Myriads of People , was much greater than the whole Estate of Nicias , together with what he spend upon good accounts ; so that here we may see confirmed that old Observation , That Vice is an unequal thing , and unsupportable to it self : For what these two great Persons infamously got , they expended very honourably . And let so much be said of their Estates . As for their Management of Publick Affairs , I see not that any Craft , or Injustice , or Arbitrary Action can be objected to Nicias ; but Crassus is generally blamed for his changeableness in his Friendships and Enmities , for his Unfaithfulness , and his Ungentleman-like Proceedings ; for he himself could not deny , that to compass the Consulship , he hired men to lay violent Hands upon Domitius and Cato . Then at the Meeting for the disposing of the Proconsulships , many were wounded , and four outright killed . And this puts me in mind of a Passage , which I had forget in the Relation of his Life , That he struck with his Fist one Lucius Analius a Senator , for contradicting of him , and drove him out of the Court bleeding . As Crassus was to be blamed for his Tyrannical and Arbitrary Courses so is Nicias no less to be blamed for his timorousness and meanness of Spirit which made him submit himself to the meanest and most profligate sort of Villains ; but in this respect , Crassus shewed himself more Noble-spirited and Magnanimous . who having to do , not with such as Cleon or Hyperbolus , but with the Magnificence of Caesar , and the three Triumphs of Pompey , would not stoop , but bravely bore up against their Joint-interests ; and in the Office of Censor he surpassed the Dignity even of Pompey himself : For a Minister that truly loves his Country , ought not to regard how invidious the thing is , but how noble and useful , and by the greatness of his Interest to overpower Envy ; but if he will be always aiming at security and quiet , and yield to Alcibiades upon the Bench and to the Lacedaemonians at Pylus , there are opportunities enough of retirement , and he may sit out of the noise of Business , and weave to himself Garlands of dull and quiet Inactivity . His desire of Peace indeed , and to finish that tedious War , was a Divine and truly Grecian Design ; nor does Crassus deserve to be compared to him on this account , although he had enlarged the Roman Empire from the Caspian Sea to the Indian Ocean . However in a State where there is some sense of Vertue left , a powerful Man ought not to give way to the ill-affected , or expose the Government to those that are uncapable of it , nor suffer high Trusts to be committed to those who want common Honesty . This did Nicias , who by his Connivence raised Cleon , a Fellow remarkable for nothing but his loud Voice and brazen Face , to the command of an Army . Indeed I do not commend Crassus , who in the War with Spartacus was more forward to fight than became a discreet General , though he was put upon it by a point of Honour , lest that Pompey by his coming should rob him of the Glory of the Action , as Mammius did Metellus at the taking of Corinth ; but Nicias's Proceedings are inexcusable ; for he did not yield up an Opportunity of getting Honour and Advantage to his Competitor , but thinking that the Expedition would be very hazardous , resolved to take care of one ; and left the Common wealth to shift for it self ; and when as Themistocles , lest that a mean and pitiful Fellow should ruine the State by his Conduct in the Persian War , bought him off from his Command , and Cato in a most perplex'd and critical Conjuncture , stood for the Tribuneship , for the sake of his Country , Nicias that reserved himself for trifling Expeditions , such as for Minoas , Cythera , and the miserable Meleans , if there be occasion to come to blows with the Lacedaemonians , sneaks out of his Generalship , and betrays to the Unskillfulness and Rashness of Cleon , the Fleet , the Sea-men , and his whole Country together , with an Army that needed and deserved a most skilful Commander . I say , such a man is not to be thought so much careless of his own Fame , as of the Interest and Preservation of his Country . By this means it came to pass he was in a sort prest for the Sicilian War , men generally believing that he was backward in it , not so much for the Difficulty of the Enterprize , as out of his immoderate Love of his Privacy and Ease : But yet this is a great sign of his Integrity , that though he was always averse from War , and unwilling to command , yet they always pitched upon him as the best experienced and ablest General they had : On the other side , Crassus could never have attained to it , unless by meer Necessity in the Servile War , Pompey and Metellus and the two Lucullus's being absent , although at that time he was at his highest pitch of Interest and Reputation . THE LIFE OF EUMENES . Translated from the Greek . VOLUME III. DVris reports that Eumenes the Cardian was the Son of a poor Wagoner , in the Thracian Chersonesus , yet liberally educated , both as a Scholar and a Soldier ; and that while he was but young , Philip passing through Cardia diverted himself with a sight of the Training , and other Exercises of the Youth of that place , among whom Eumenes performing with the greatest address and activity ; Philip was so pleasured EUMENES . with him , as to take him into his Service . But they seem to speak more probably , who tell us , That Philip advanc'd Eumenes for the Friendship he bore to his Father , whose Guest he had sometime been . After the Death of Philip , he continued in the Service of Alexander , with the Title of his Principal Secretary , but in as great favour as the most intimate of his Familiars , being esteemed as wise , and faithful as any Person about Court : So that he went General in the Expedition against India , and succeeded in the command of Perdiccas , when Perdiccas advanced to that of Hephaestion then newly deceased . Wherefore after the Death of Alexander , when Neoptolemus who had been Captain of his Life-guard , said , That himself had followed Alexander with Shield and Spear , but Eumenes only with Pen and Paper , the Macedonians laught at him , as knowing very well that besides other particular marks of Favour , the King had done him the Honour to make him a kind of Kinsman to himself by Marriage . For Alexander's first Mistress in Asia , by whom he had his Son Hercules , was Barsine the Daughter of Artabazus : Now , in the famous distribution of the Persian Ladies amongst his Captains , Alexander gave her Sister Apame to Ptolomy , but Barsine to Eumenes . Notwithstanding he frequently incurred Alexander's displeasure , particularly once upon the Score of Hephaestion : For the Quarrels that had been taken up for Eumenes , Hephaestion assigned to Euijus a Musician . Whereat Eumenes in a rage , and Mentor came to Alexander , and aloud upbraided him , and told him , That the way to be regarded was to throw away their Arms , and turn Fidlers , or Tragedians , insomuch that Alexander took their part and ▪ chid Hephaestion . But soon after changed his mind , and was angry with Eumenes , and accounted the freedom he had taken , to be rather intended as an Affront to the King , than a Reflection upon Hephaestion . Afterwards when Nearchus with a Fleet was to be sent into the Gulph of Persia , Alexander borrowed money of his Friends ( his own Treasury being exhausted ) and would have had 300 Talents of Eumenes ; but he sent a hundred only , pretending that 't was not without great difficulty he had raised so much . Alexander neither complained , nor took the money ; but gave private order to set Eumenes his Tent on fire , designing to take him in a manifest Lye , when his money was carried out ; but before that could be done , the Tent was consumed , and Alexander repented of his Orders , all his Papers being burnt . Now the Gold and Silver which was melted down in the fire , being afterwards digged up , was found to be more than a Thousand Talents , yet Alexander took none of it , and only writ to the several Princes to send new Copies of the Papers that were burnt , and ordered them to be delivered to Eumenes . Another difference happen'd between him and Hephaestion concerning a Gift , and a great deal of ill Language passed between them , yet Eumenes still continued in favour . But Hephaestion dying soon after , the King took it very much to heart , and presuming , all those that differed with Hephaestion in his life-time , did now rejoyce at his death , used great strangeness , and severity towards them , especially towards Eumenes , whom he often twitted with his Quarrels , and ill-Language to Hephaestion . But he being a wise and dextrous Courtier , made advantage of what had done him prejudice , and struck in with the King's humour of honouring his Friends memory , suggesting divers inventions to do him honour , and contributing very largely and readily towards erecting him a stately Monument . After Alexander's Death , a dispute hap'ning between his own Phalanx , and his more intimate Friends ; Eumenes , though in his Judgment he inclined to the latter , yet in his Words and Action stood neuter , as if he thought it unbecoming him who was a stranger , to interpose in the private Quarrels of the Macedonians . And when the rest of Alexander's Friends left Babylon , he stayed behind , and , in great measure pacified the Foot , and disposed them towards an accommodation . When the Officers had agreed among themselves , and quelled the Mutiny of the Soldiers , they shared the several Commands and Signiories , and made Eumenes Governour of Cappadocia and Paphlagonia , and all the Coast upon the Pontic Sea , as far as Trapezond , which at that time was not subject to the Macedonians ( for Ariarathes kept it as King ) but Leonnatus and Antigonas , with a great Army , were to put him in possession of it . Antigonus ( being now grown haughty , and despising all Men ) took no notice of Perdiccas's Letters ; Leonnatus with his Army came down into Phrygia to the Service of Eumenes ; but being visited by Hecataeus , the Tyrant of the Cardians , and requested rather to relieve Antipater and the Macedonians that were besieged in Lamia ; he resolved upon that Expedition , inviting Eumenes to a share in it , and endeavouring to reconcile him to Hecataeus . For there was an hereditary feud between them upon some Politick Account , and Eumenes had often declared openly , that Hecataeus was a Tyrant , and had exhorted Alexander to restore the Cardians their Liberty . Wherefore at this time also he declined the Expedition proposed , pretending that he feared least Antipater , who already hated him , should , for that reason , and to gratifie Hecataeus , kill him . Leonnatus so far believed , as to impart to Eumenes his whole Design , which , as he pretended , and gave out , was to aid Antipater , but , in truth , was to seize the Kingdom of Macedon ; and he shewed him Letters from Cleopatra , wherein she seemed to invite him to Pella , with a design to Marry him . But Eumenes , whether fearing Antipater , or looking upon Leonnatus as a fond , rash , unconstant , and therefore lost Man , stole away from him by Night , taking with him all his Men ( which were Three hundred Horse , and Two hundred of his own Servants armed , ) and all his Gold , which was to the value of Five thousand Talents of Silver , and fled to Perdiccas , discovered to him Leonnatus's Design , and thereby gained great interest in him , and was made of his Council . Soon after Perdiccas , with a great Army , which he led himself , conducted Eumenes into Cappadocia , and having taken Ariarathes Prisoner , and subdued the whole Countrey , declared him Governour of it . Who disposed of the Chief Cities to his own Friends , and made Captains of Garrisons , Judges , Receivers , and other Officers of such as he thought fit himself , Perdiccas not at all interposing . Notwithstanding Eumenes still waited on Perdiccas , both out of respect to him , and a desire not to be absent from Court. But Perdiccas ( believing he was able enough alone to secure his March forwards , but the Countrey he left behind him might stand in need of an active and faithful Governour ) when he came into Cilicia dismiss'd Eumenes , under colour of sending him to his Command , but , in truth , to secure Armenia , which was Frontier to it , and unsettled through the Practices of Neoptolemus . Him , though a proud and vain Man , Eumenes endeavoured to gain by Civility ; but to balance the Macedonian Foot , whom he found both insolent , and very stout , he contrived to raise an Army of Horse , excusing from Tax and Contribution all those of the Countrey that were able to serve on Horseback , and buying up great store of Horses , which he gave among such of his own Men , as he most confided in . Inflaming the Courage of his Souldiers , by many Gifts and Honours , and inuring their Bodies to service , by often Marching and Exercising ; so that the Macedonians , some of them , were astonisht , others overjoyed to see , that in so short a time he had got together no less than 6300 able Horse . Now when Craterus and Antipater , having subdued Greece , were advanced into Asia , with intention to quell the power of Perdiccas , and were reported to design an impression upon Cappadocia ; Perdiccas being himself to march against Ptolomy , made Eumenes Commander in chief of all the Forces of Armenia and Cappadocia , and to that purpose wrote Letters , requiring Alcetas and Neoptolemus to be obedient to Eumenes , and giving full Commission to Eumenes , to dispose and order all things as he thought fit . Alcetas flatly refused to serve , because his Macedonians ( he said ) were ashamed to fight against Antipater , and loved Craterus so well , they were ready to receive him for their Commander . Neoptolemus designed Treachery against Eumenes , but was discovered ; but being summoned , refused to obey , and put himself in a posture of defence . Here Eumenes first found the benefit of his own foresight and contrivance ; for his Foot being beaten , he routed Neoptolemus with his Horse , and took all his Carriage ; and pursuing close upon the Phalanx which he had broken , and disordered , obliged the Men to lay down their Arms , and take an Oath to serve under him . Neoptolemus with some few straglers which he rallied , fled to Craterus and Antipater . From them came an Embassy to Eumenes , inviting him over to their side , whereby he should have the advantage of being secured in the Government he was possest of , and being put into further Command by them of obliging his Enemy Antipater to become his Friend , and keeping Craterus his Friend from turning to be his Enemy . To which Eumenes replied , That he could not so suddenly be reconciled to his old Enemy Antipater , especially since he saw him use his Friends like Enemies ; but was ready to reconcile Craterus to Perdiccas , upon any just and equitable terms ; but if his desires should prove unreasonable , he was resolved to assist the injured to his last breath , and would rather lose his Life than betray his word . Antipater receiving this Answer , took time to consider upon the whole matter ; when Neoptolemus after his defeat arrived , and acquainted them with the ill success of his management , and requested both of them to assist him ; but especially Craterus , because the Macedonians loved him so excessively , that if they saw but his hat , or heard his voice , they would all Arm and follow him . And in truth Craterus had a mighty name among them , and the Soldiers after Alexander's death were extremely fond of him , remembring how he had often for their sakes incurred Alexander's displeasure , restrained him from following the Persian Fashions , to which he very much inclined , and keeping up the Customs of his Country , when through Pride and Delicacy they began to be disregarded . Craterus therefore sent Antipater into Cilicia , and himself and Neoptolemus Marcht with a great Army against Eumenes ; expecting to come upon him unawares , and to find his Army disordered with revelling after the late Victory . Now that Eumenes should suspect his coming , and be prepared to receive him , is an Argument of his Vigilance , but no great one of his Sagacity : But that he should contrive both to conceal from his Enemies , the ill Posture he was in , and from his own Men , whom they were to fight with , so , as to serve against Craterus himself , not knowing he commanded the Enemy , this indeed seems to shew the peculiar Address and Talent of a great General . He gave out therefore that Neoptolemus , and Pigris , with some Cappadocian and Paphlagonian Horse , and designing to March by night , he fell into a deep sleep , and had an extraordinary Dream . For he thought he saw two Alexanders ready to engage , each Commanding his several Phalanx , the one assisted by Minerva , the other by Ceres ; and that after a hot dispute , he on whose side Minerva was , was beaten , and Ceres gathering the Corn , wove it into a Crown for the Victor . This Vision Eumenes interpreted as boading Success to himself , who was to fight for a fruitful Corn-Country , the whole being sowed with Corn , and the fields so thick with it , that they made a beautiful shew of a long peace ; And he was farther confirmed in his opinion , when he understood that the Enemy bore Minerva and Alexander in their Colours ; wherefore he also bore Ceres and Alexander , and gave his Men orders to make Garlands for themselves , and to dress their Arms with wreaths of Corn ; he found himself under many temptations to discover to his Captains and Officers whom they were to engage with , and not to conceal a secret of such moment in his own breast alone , yet he kept to his first resolutions , and ventured to run the hazard of his own Judgment . ( When he came to give Battel , ) he would not trust any Macedonian to engage Craterus , but appointed two Troops of Foreign Horse , commanded by Pharnabazus , Son to Artabazus , and Phaenix of Tenedos , with Order to charge as soon as ever they saw the Enemy , without giving them leisure to speak or retire , or receiving any Herauldor Trumpet from them ; for he exceedingly feared the Macedonians , lest , knowing Craterus , they should go over to his side . He himself with 300 of his best Horseled the right Wing against Neoptolemus . When the Enemy having past a little Hill came in view , and Eumenes his Men charged with more than ordinary briskness , Craterus was amazed , and bitterly reproached Neoptolemus for deceiving him , with hopes of the Macedonians revolt , but he encouraged his Men to do bravely , & forthwith charged . The first Ingagement was very fierce , and the Spears being soon broke to pieces , they came to close fighting with their Swords ; and here Craterus did by no means dishonour Alexander , but slew several of his Enemies , and repulst divers that assaulted him ; but at last received a Wound in his side , from a Thracian , and fell off his Horse . Being down , many not knowing him went over him , but Gorgias one of Eumenes his Captains knew him , & alighting from his Horse guarded his Body , which was now in an ill condition , and even in the very Agony of Death . In the mean time Neoptolemus , and Eumenes were engaged , who being inveterate and mortal Enemies , sought for one another , but missed for the two first Courses , but in the third , discovering one another , they drew their Swords , and with loud Shouts they immediately charged , their Horses striking against one another like two Galleys , they quitted their reins , and taking mutual hold they drew off one anothers Helmets , and their Armour from their Shoulders ; while they were thus stripping one another , each of their Horses went from under them , and they fell together to the ground , each of them keeping their hold and wrestling . Neoptolemus getting up first , Eumenes wounded him in the hamm , and withal got upon his feet before him , Neoptolemus staying himself upon one knee , the other Leg being grievously wounded , and himself undermost , fought courageously , though his strokes were not mortal , but receiving a blow in the neck he fell down and fainted . Eumenes transported with Rage , and inveterate Hatred to him , sell to reviling and stripping of him , and perceived not that his Sword was still in his hand , wherewith he wounded Eumenes in the Groin near the privy parts , but in truth rather frighted than hurt him ; his blow being faint for want of strength . Having stript the dead Body , ill as he was of the Wounds he had received in his Legs and Arms , he took Horse again , and made towards the left Wing of his Army , which he supposed to be still engaged . Hearing of the Death of Craterus , he rode up to him , and finding there was yet some Life in him , alighted from his Horse and wept , and laying his right hand upon him , inveighed bitterly against Neoptolemus , and lamented both Craterus his Misfortune , and his own hard fate , that he should be necessitated to engage against an old Friend and Acquaintance , and either do or suffer so much mischief . This Victory Eumenes obtained about ten days after the former , and got a great reputation for atchieving it , partly by his Conduct , and partly by his Valour . But on the contrary it created him great Envy both among his own , and his Enemies , that he a Stranger , and a Foreigner , should employ the Forces , and Arms of Macedon , to cut off one of the bravest and most considerable Men among them . Had the news of this defeat come timely enough to Perdiccas , he had doubtless been the greatest of all the Macedonians ; but now he being slain in a Mutiny in Aegypt , two days before the News arrived , the Macedonians in a rage decreed Eumenes his Death , giving joint-Commission to Antigonus and Antipater to prosecute the War against him . Passing by Mount Ida , where the King had a breed of Horses , Eumenes took as many as he had occasion for , and sent an account of his doing so to the Masters of his Horse . Whereat Antipater is said to have laught , and profest to admire the wariness of the Man , who seemed to think that an account of the King's Affairs would either be expected from him , or given to him . Eumenes had designed to engage in the Plains of Lydia near Sardis , both because his chief strength lay in Horse , and to let Cleopatra see how powerful he was : But at her particular request ( for she was afraid to give any umbrage to Antipater ) he marched into the upper Phrygia , and Wintered in Celaene , when Alcetas , Polemon , and Docimus disputing with him , who should command in Chief : You know ( said he ) the old saying , That destruction regards no Punctilio's . Having promised his Soldiers pay within three days , he sold them all the Farms and Castles in the Country , together with the Men and Beasts wherewith they abounded ; every Captain or Officer that bought , did with Eumenes's consent , employ his Machins to storm the place , and divided the Spoil among his Company , proportionably to every man's Arrears . Hereby Eumenes came again to be beloved , so that when Letters were found thrown about the Camp by the Enemy , promising one hundred Talents , besides great Honours to any one that should kill Eumenes , the Macedonians were extremely offended , and made an Order that from that time forward one thousand of their best men should continually guard his Person , and keep strict Watch about him by Night in their several turns . This Order was chearfully obeyed , and they gladly received of Eumenes such Honours as Princes use to confer upon their Favourites : for he had power to bestow purple Hats and Cloaks , which among the Macedonians is one of the greatest Honours the King can give . Now good Fortune puffs up narrow Souls , to imagine themselves high and mighty , and looking down upon the World ; but a truly noble and resolved Spirit , in distress and misadventure raises it self , and becomes more conspicuous , and such was Eumenes . For having by the Treason of one of his own men , lost the Field to Antigonus at Orcyni in Cappadocia , in his flight he gave the Traitor no opportunity to escape to the Enemy , but immediately seized and hanged him . Then in his flight taking a contrary course to his Pursuers , he stole by them unawares , returned to the place where the Battel had been fought , and there encamped . There he gathered up the dead bodies , and burnt them with the Doors and Windows of the neighbouring Villages , and raised heaps of Earth upon their Graves , insomuch that Antigonus , who came thither soon after him , was astonished at his great Courage , and firm Resolution . Lighting afterwards upon Antigonus his Carriage , he might easily have taken many Captives , both bond and freemen , and much Wealth collected from the Spoils of so many Wars ; but he feared lest his men overladen with so great Booty , might become unfit for so many Marches , and through softness unwilling to hold out so long time as he designed ; For upon those two things he laid the main stress of his Action , expecting to tire Antigonus into some other course . But then considering it would be extremely difficult to restrain the Macedonians from plunder , when it seemed to offer it self , he gave them order to provide themselves , and bait their Horses , and then attack the Enemy . In the mean time he sent privately to Menander , who had care of all his Baggage , pretending a Concern for him upon the score of old Friendship and Acquaintance ; and therefore advising him to quit the Plain , and insconce himself upon the side of a neighbouring Hill , where the Horse might not be able to hem him in . When Menander , sensible of his danger , had trussed up his Carriage , and decamped , Eumenes openly sent his Scouts to discover the Enemies posture , and commanded his men to arm , and bridle their Horses , as designing immediately to give Battel ; but the Scouts returning with News that Menander had secured so difficult a Post , it was impossible to take him , Eumenes pretending to be aggrieved with the disappointment , drew off his men another way . 'T is said , that when Menander reported this afterwards to Antigonus , and the Macedonians commended Eumenes , imputing it to his singular good nature , that having it in his power to make Slaves of their Children , and ravish their Wives , he forbore , and spared them all , Antigonus should thus reply , Alas , good man , he had no regard to us , but to himself , being loth to wear so many Shackles when he designed to fly . From that time Eumenes daily flying , and wandring about , perswaded divers of his men to disband , whether out of kindness to them , or unwillingness to lead about such a Body of Men , as were too few to engage , and too many to fly undiscovered . Being come to the Cittadel of Nora in the Confines of Lycaonia and Cappadocia , with fifteen hundred horse , and two hundred Foot well appointed , he again dismist as many of his friends as desired it , through fear either of the straitness of the place , or want of Provisions , and imbracing them with all demonstrations of kindness , gave them license to depart . Antigonus when he came before this Fort , desired to have an interview with Eumenes before the siege ; but he returned Answer , That Antigonus had many Friends who might Command in his room ; but they whom Eumenes defended , had no body to substitute if he should miscarry ; wherefore if Antigonus thought it worth while to treat with him , he should first send him Hostages , and when Antigonus required that ▪ Eumenes should first come to him , as being the greater man ; he replied , while I am able to wield a Sword , I shall think no man greater than my self . At last , when according to Eumenes his demand , Antigonus sent his own Nephew Ptolomy to the Fort , Eumenes went out to him , and they mutually imbraced with great civility and friendship , as having formerly been very intimate . After long Conversation , Eumenes making no mention of his own Pardon and Security ; but insisting that he would be confirmed in his several Governments , and withall be honourably rewarded for his Service , all that were present were astonished at his Courage and Gallantry , and many others of the Macedonians flocked to see what manner of person Eumenes was ; for since the death of Craterus , no man had been so much talked on in the Army . But Antigonus being afraid for him , lest he might suffer some violence , first commanded the Souldiers to keep off , calling out , and throwing stones at them that pressed forwards . At last embracing Eumenes in his arms , and keeping off the crowd with his Guards , not without great difficulty ▪ he returned him safe into the Fort. Then Antigonus having built a Wall round Nora , left a Force sufficient to carry on the siege , and drew off the rest of his Army ; Eumenes was beleaguered , and kept Garrison , having plenty of Corn , and Water , and Salt , but no other thing , either for Food or Delicacy ; yet with such as he had , he kept a chearful Table for his Friends , inviting them severally in their turns , and seasoning his Entertainment with a gentle , and affable behaviour ; for he had a sweet countenance , and looked not like a rough batter'd Souldier , but was smooth and florid , and his shape as delicate , as if his limbs had been carv'd by Art in the most accurate proportions . In conversation he was not quick , but courteous and obliging . The greatest distress of the besieged , was the straitness of the place they were in , their Quarters being very narrow , and the whole place but two Furlongs in compass ; so that both they , and their horses fed without exercise ; wherefore not only to prevent the restiness that both might contract by that large living , but to have them in condition to fly , if occasion required , he assigned a Room fourteen Cubits long ( the largest in all the Fort ) for the men to walk in , directing them to begin their walk gently , and so gradually mend their pace . And for the Horses , he tied them to the Roof with great Halters , which being fastened about their Necks with a Pully , he gently raised them , till standing upon the ground with their hinder feet , they just touched it with the very ends of their fore-feet . In this posture the Grooms plied them with Whips and Noise , provoking them to curvet and caper , endeavouring to stand upon their fore-feet ; and thus their whole Body was exercised , till they were all in a foam , and groaned again ; an excellent sort of exercise this , whether for strength or speed ; and then he gave them their Corn boiled , that they might sooner dispatch , and better digest it . The Siege continuing long , Antigonus receiv'd advice that Antipater was dead in Macedon , and that Affairs were embroyl'd by the differences of Cassander and Polyperchon , whereupon he conceiv'd no mean hopes , purposing to make himself Master of all , and in order to his design , to bring over Eumenes , that he might have his advice and assistance . Wherefore he sent Hieronymus to treat with him , proposing a certain Oath , which Eumenes first corrected , and then referred himself to the Macedonians themselves that besieg'd him , to be judged by them , which of the two Forms were the most equitable . Antigonus in the beginning of his had slightly mentioned the Kings , but all the sequel referred to himself alone : But Eumenes would have the Form of it to Olympias and the Kings , and would swear not to be true to Antigonus only , but to them , and to have the same Friends and Enemies not with Antigonus , but with Olympias and the Kings . This Form the Macedonians thinking the more reasonable , swore Eumenes according to it , and raised the Siege , sending also to Antigonus , that he should swear in the same Form to Eumenes . Now all the Hostages of the Cappadocians which Eumenes had in Nora he returned , and from those they were returned to , took War-horses , Beasts of Carriage , and Tents in exchange , and rallying those men which from the time of his flight were scattered , and wandering about the Country , got together a Body of near a thousand Horse , and with them fled from Antigonus , whom he justly feared ; for he had not only ordered him to be first blocked up , but had sent a very sharp Answer to the Macedonians , for admitting Eumenes his Amendments of the Oath . While Eumenes was flying he received Letters from them in Macedonia , who were jealous of Antigonus his greatness , to wit , from Olympias , inviting him thither , to take the Charge and Government of Alexander's little Son , against whom there was divers Plots . Other Letters he had from Polyperchon and Philip , the King , requiring him to make War upon Antigonus , making him General of all the Forces in Cappadocia , and impowring him out of the Revenue of Cyndos , to take fifty Talents to reimburse himself , and levy as much more as he thought necessary to carry on the War : they write also to the same effect to Antigenes , and Teutamus , the Chief Officers of the Argyraspides , who , receiving these Letters , treat Eumenes with a shew of respect , and kindness , but it was apparent enough they were full of Envy and Emulation , disdaining to give place to him . Now their Envy , Eumenes very fairly declined , by refusing to accept the Money , as if he had not needed it ; and their Ambition , and Emulation , who were neither able to govern , nor willing to obey , he conquered by turning it into Superstition . For he pretended that Alexander had appeared to him in a Dream , and shewed him a Regal Pavilion richly furnished , with a Throne in it ; and told him if they would sit in Council there , he himself , would be present , and prosper all the Consultations , and Atchievements , upon which they should enter in his name . Antigenes and Teutamus were easily prevailed upon to believe this , being unwilling to come and consult Eumenes , as much as he disdained to wait at another Man's Threshold . Wherefore they erected a Tent-Royal , and a Throne , and called it Alexander's , and there they met to consult upon all Affairs of moment . Afterwards they advanced into the upper Country , and in their March met with Peucestus friend to Eumenes , and with other of the Lords , who joined Forces with them , and greatly encouraged the Macedonians with the number and appearance of their Men. But they themselves having since Alexander's Decease , been from under Government , and lived with great delicacy , and so becoming soft and effeminate , and imagining themselves great Princes , which fond conceit of theirs , was daily pampered by the flattery of the Barbarians ; all these things concurring , made them rude to one another , and unconversable , and all of them unmeasurably flatter the Macedonians , inviting them to Revels , and Sacrifices , till in a short time they brought the Camp to be a dissolute Place of Entertainment , by every Captains endeavouring to make a Party among the Commons , as in all Democracies is usual . Eumenes perceiving they despised one another , and all of them feared him , and sought an opportunity to kill him , pretended to be in want of Money , and took up many Talents , of those especially , who most hated him , to make them both confide in him , and forbear all Violence to him for fear of losing their own Money . Thus his Enemies Estates , were the guard of his Person , and by receiving Money , he purchased safety , for which other Men use to give it . Now the Macedonians while there was no shew of Danger , made all their Court , and came to the Levè of those that treated , and presented them ; and they had their Guards , and affected to appear Generals . But when Antigonus came upon them with a great Army , and their Affairs themselves seemed to call out for a true General , then not only the common Soldiers cast their Eyes upon Eumenes , but these Men who had appeared so great in a peaceful time of ease , submitted all of them to him , and quietly posted themselves severally as he appointed them . And when Antigonus attempted to pass the River Pasitygris , all the rest that were appointed to guard the Passes , were not so much as aware of his March ; only Eumenes met and encountered him , slew as many of his Men as filled up the River with their Carcases , and took 4000 of them Prisoners . Chiefly when Eumenes was sick the Macedonians discovered that in their Judgment , others would treat handsomely , and make fire-balls , but he alone knew how to fight and lead an Army . For Peucestas having made a splendid Entertainment in Persia , and given each of the Soldiers a Sheep wherewith to Sacrifice , promised himself to Command in chief , some few days after the Army was to march , and Eumenes being dangerously sick , was carried in a Litter without the Body of the Army , that his rest might not be disturbed . But when they were a little advanced , unexpectedly they had a view of the Enemy , who had passed the Hills that lay between them , and was marching down into the Plain ▪ seeing therefore the glittering of the Enemies Golden Armour , which glar'd in the Sun , the good Order of their March , the Elephants with their Castles on their backs , and the Men in their Purple , ( as their manner was when they were going to give Battel ) the Front stopt their March , and called out for Eumenes , for they would not advance a step but under his Conduct ; and fixing their Arms in the ground , gave the Word among themselves to stand , requiring their Officers also not to stir or engage , or hazard themselves without Eumenes . News of this being brought to Eumenes , he hastned them that carried his Litter , and put forth his right hand . Assoon as the Soldiers saw him ; they saluted him in the Macedonian Language , and took up their Shields , and striking them with their Pikes , gave a great shout , inviting the Enemy to come on , for now they had a Leader . But Antigonus understanding by some Prisoners he had taken , that Eumenes was sick and to that degree as to be carried in a Litter , presumed it would be no hard matter to tread in pieces the rest of them , since he was ill . Wherefore he made the greater haste to come up with them and engage . But being come so near , as to discover how the Enemy was drawn up , and appointed , he was astonished , and paused for some time , at last he saw the Litter carrying from one Wing of the Army to the other , ( and as his manner was ) laughing aloud , he said to his Friends , That Litter there , it seems , is the thing that offers us Battel ; but withal he immediately wheeled about with all his Army , and decamped . The other side finding a little respite , returned to their former custom of revelling , and assuring every Man the port of a General , taking up for their Winter-Quarters near the whole Country of the Gabeni , so that the Front was quartered near 100 furlongs from the Rear , which Antigonus understanding , marcht immediately towards them , taking the worst way , through a Country that wanted Water ( but the way was short though uneven ) hoping if he should surprize them thus scattered in their Winter-Quarters , the Soldiers would not easily be able to come up time enough , and join with their Officers . But being to pass through a Country uninhabited , where the Winds were bleak and boisterous , and the Frosts great , he was very much checkt in his March , and his men exceedingly tired . The only relief in this case was making continual fires , whereby his Enemies got notice of his coming . For the Barbarians who dwelt on the Mountains , bordering upon the Desart , amazed at the multitude of fires they saw , sent Messengers upon Dromedaries , to acquaint Peucestus : He being astonisht and almost struck dead with the News , and finding the rest in no less disorder , resolved to flee , and get up what Men he could by the way . But Eumenes delivered him from his great fear and trouble , undertaking to stop the Enemies Career , that he should arrive three days later than he was expected . Having persuaded them , he immediately dispatched Expresses to all Officers , to draw the Men out of their Winter-Quarters , and Muster them with speed . He himself with some of the chief Officers rode out , and chose an eminent place within view of such as travelled the Desart ; this he fortified and quartered out , and commanded many fires to be made in it , as the Custom is in a Camp This done , and the Enemies seeing the fire upon the Mountains , Anguish and Despair seized Antigonus , supposing that his Enemies had been long advertised of his March , and were prepared to receive him . Wherefore lest his Army now tired and wearied out with their March should be forced immediately to encounter with fresh Men , who had Wintered well , and were ready for him , quitting the near way , he marched slowly through the Towns and Villages , to refresh his Men. But meeting with no such Skirmishes as are usual , when two Armies lie near one another , and being assured by the People of the Country , that no Army had been seen , but only continual Fires in that place , he concluded he had been outwitted by a Stratagem of Eumenes , and being very much troubled , advanced towards him , resolving immediately to give Battel . By this time the greatest part of the Forces were come together to Eumenes , and admiring his Conduct , declared him sole Commander in chief of the whole Army . Whereat Antigenes and Teutamus , Captains of the Argyraspides , being very much offended , and envying Eumenes , formed a Conspiracy against him ; and assembling the greater part of the Lords and Officers , consulted when and how to cut him off . When they had unanimously agreed , first to abuse his service , and make him miscarry in the next Battel , and thence take an occasion to destroy him ; Eudamus the Master of the Elephants , and Phadimus , gave Eumenes private advice of this design ; not out of kindness , or good will to him , but lest they should lose the Money he had lent them . Eumenes having commended them retired to his Tent , and telling his Friends he lived among a Herd of wild Beasts , made his Will , mangled and tore all his Letters , lest his Correspondents after his Death , should be questioned or punished for the Intelligence they had given him . Having thus disposed of his Affairs , he thought of letting the Enemy win the Field , or of flying through Media , and Armenia , and seizing Cappadocia , but came to no Resolution while his Friends stayed with him . After forecasting divers things in his mind , which his changeable Fortune made unsteady and sickle , he at last put his Men in Array , and encouraged the Greeks , and Barbarians , as for the Argyraspides , they encouraged him , and bid him be of good heart , for the Enemy would never be able to stand them . For indeed they were the oldest of Philip and Alexander's Soldiers , tried Men , that had long made a Trade of War , that had never been beaten or so much as foiled , most of them 70 , none less than 60 years old ▪ Wherefore when they charged Antigonus his Men , they cried out , You fight against your Fathers , you Rascals ; and furiously falling on , routed the whole Troop at once , no Body being able to stand them , and the greatest part dying by their hands , so that Antigonus his Foot were routed , but his Horse got the better , and he became Master of the Baggage , through the Cowardise of Peucestus , who behaved himself negligently and basely . While Antigonus , not daunted with the loss of his Infantry , was vigilant and active , and had the advantage of the ground . For the place where they fought was a large Field , neither deep , nor hard under foot , but like the Sea-shore , covered with a fine soft sand , which the treading of so many Men and Horses , in the time of the Battle , reduced to a small white dust , that like a Cloud of Lime darkened the Air , so that one could not see clearly at any distance , and so made it easie for Antigonus to take the Carriage unperceived . After the Battel Teutamus sent a Message to Antigonus to demand the Baggage . He made Answer , He would not only restore it to the Argyraspides , but serve them farther in other things , if they would but deliver up Eumenes . Whereupon the Argyraspides made a villainous Resolution , to deliver up this great Man alive into the hands of his Enemies . So they came to wait upon him , being unsuspected by him , but watching their opportunity against him , some lamenting the loss of the Baggage , some encouraging as if he had been Victor , some accusing the rest of the Captains , till at last they all fell upon him , and seizing his Sword , bound his hands behind him with his own Girdle . When Antigonus had sent Nicanor to receive him , he begged he might be led through the Body of the Macedonians , and have liberty to speak to them , neither to request , nor deprecate any thing , but only to advise them what would be for their Interest . A silence being made , as he stood upon a rising Ground , he stretched out his hands bound , and said , What Trophy , O ye basest of all the Macedonians , could Antigonus have wished for , so great , as you your selves have erected him , in delivering up your General Captive into his hands ? How vile is it when you were Conquerors , to own your selves Conquered , for the sake only of your Baggage , as if it were Wealth , not Arms wherein Victory consisted ? Nay , you deliver up your General to redeem your Lumber . As for me I am unvanquished , though a Captive , Conqueror of my Enemies , and betrayed by my Fellow-Souldiers . For you , I adjure you by Jupiter , the Protector of Arms , and by all the Gods that are the avengers of Perjury , to kill me here with your own hands , for 't is all one ; and when I am murdered yonder , it will be esteemed your Act ; nor will Antigonus complain ; for he desires not Eumenes alive , but dead . If ye would with-hold your own hands , release but one of mine , it shall suffice to do the Work ; but if you dare not trust me with a Sword , throw me bound as I am , to wild Beasts . This if you do , I shall freely acquit you from the guilt of my death , as the most just and kind of Men to their General . While Eumenes was thus speaking , the rest of the Souldiers wept for grief ; but the Argyraspides bawled out to lead him on , and gave not attention to his trifling . For it was nothing so grievous the Lamentation of this Chersonesean Plague , which in thousands of Battels , had annoyed and wasted the Macedonians , as it would be for the choicest of Philip and Alexander's Souldiers to be defrauded of the Fruits of so long Service , and in their old Age to come to beg their Bread ; besides that their Wives had lain now three Nights with their Enemies . So they pushed him on with all speed and violence . But Antigonus fearing the Multitude , ( for no body was left in the Camp ) sent ten of his strongest Elephants with divers of his Mede and Parthyaean Lances to keep off the Press . Then he could not endure to have Eumenes brought into his presence , by reason of their former Intimacy and Friendship ; but when they that had taken him , had enquired of Antigonus how he would have him kept ? As I would ( said he ) an Elephant or a Lion. A little after , being moved with Compassion , he commanded the heaviest of his Irons to be knock'd off , one of his Menial Servants to be admitted to anoint him , and that any of his Friends that were willing , should have liberty to visit him , and bring him what he wanted . Long time he deliberated what to do with him , sometimes inclining to the advice and Promises of Nearchu● of Crete , and Demetrius his Son , who were very earnest to preserve Eumenes , whilst all the rest were unanimously instant and importunate to have him taken off . 'T is reported that Eumenes should enquire of Onomarchus his Keeper , why Antigonus , now he had his Enemy in his hands , would not either forthwith dispatch or generously release him ? And that Onomarchus contumeliously answered him , That the Field was a more proper place than this to shew his Contempt of Death . To whom Eumenes replied , And by Jupiter I shewed it there ; ask the men else that engaged me ; but I could never meet a Man that was too hard for me . Therefore ( rejoyned Onomarchus , ) now you have found such a Man , why don't you submit quietly to his pleasure ? When Antigonus resolved to kill Eumenes , he commanded to keep his Meat from him , and so with two or three days fasting , he began to draw near his end : But the Camp being on a sudden to remove , an Executioner was sent to dispatch him . Antigonus granted his Body to his Friends , permitted them to burn it , and having gathered his Ashes into a Silver Urn , to send them to his Wife and Children . Eumenes being thus taken off , the Divinity appointed no other of the Captains or Commanders to revenge the Disloyalty of them that had betrayed him ; but Antigonus himself abominating the Argyraspides , as wicked and inhumane Villains , delivered them up to Ibyrtius Procurator of Arachosia , commanding him by all ways and means to confound and destroy them , so that not a man of them might ever come to Macedon , or so much as within sight of the Greek Sea. SERTORIUS . THE LIFE OF QUINTUS SERTORIUS : Translated from the Greek . By Edward Browne , M. D. VOLUME III. IT is no great wonder , if in long process of time , the Wheel of Fortune running variously hither and thither through the Universe , shall happen to fall divers times into the same Trace , and the like Occurrences be often produced ; and if the number of Subjects to be wrought upon , be infinite , Fortune being supplied with matter sufficiently copious , may more easily produce this remarkable likeness in humane Affairs : Or if otherwise all things be composed and framed out of a finite and limited number of Events ; when these have all appeared , the same of necessity must again come to pass ; the Series , and whole course of Accidents having already been performed . Now some , being delighted with such casualties as exactly resemble one another , make Historical Collections of those fortuitous Occurrences they have heard , or read of ; and observing some Fatality therein , represent them as the works of a rational predeterminating Power and Providence . Thus they observe that of two eminent Persons , both whose Names were Attis , both Nobly Born , and of most Illustrious Families , the one of Syria , the other of Arcadia , both of them were slain by a wild Boar ; that of two Noblemen , Both whose Names were Actaeon , the one was torn in pieces by his Dogs , the other by his Lovers ; that of two famous Scipio's , the one overthrew the Carthaginians in war , the other totally ruin'd and destroy'd them ; the City of Troy was the first time taken by Hercules for the horses promis'd to be given him by Laomedon ; the second time by Agamemnon , by means of the celebrated great wooden Horse ; and the third time by Charidemus , by occasion of a Horse falling down at the Gate , which hindred the Trojans , so as they could not shut them soon enough ; and of two Cities which take their Names from most delightful odoriferous Plants , Jos and Smyrna , the one from a Violet , the other from Myrrh , the Poet Homer is reported to have been born in the one , and to have died in the other . To these Remarks , if it may be permitted , we may further observe , that the most warlike Commanders , who have perform'd the greatest exploits , and carried on the most notable Stratagems by their Courage and Skill in Martial Affairs , have had but one Eye ; as , Philip , Antigonus , and Hannibal , and Sertorius also , whose Life and Actions we describe at present , and who far surpassed the other in all noble Vertues ; for we may give this true report of him , That he was more Temperate , Sober , and Continent than Philip , more Faithful to his Friend than Antigonus , and more Merciful and Courteous to his Enemies than Hannibal ; for Prudence , Wisdom , and Judgment , he gave place to none of them ; but in Fortune was inferiour to them all , who though she was every where more severe and cruel to him , than to all his Illustrious Enemies , yet for Skill and Experience in War he made himself equal to Metellus ; for bold Attempts , Valour , and Bravery , he might compare with Pompey ; and in Success , he no ways yielded to Sylla ; and for Power and Force he made himself a March for the whole Roman Empire , and fought gloriously against the united Arms of Rome , when he was a Banished Man , and a Stranger amongst Barbarous People . Of all the Grecian Commanders , Eumenes of Cardia may be best compared with him ; for they were both of them great Generals , both Valiant and Politick Commanders , making use of Deceit , intricate designs , and cunning Stratagems in War ; they were both Aliens and Strangers , Banished from their Countries , and had the Command of Foreign Forces ; both had Fortune for their Adversary , and so extravagantly injurious to them in the end , that they were both betrayed , and villainously murdered by those who served them , and by whom they had formerly overcome their Enemies . Quintus Sertorius was of a noble Family , he was born in the City of Nursia , in the Country of the Sabines , his Father died when he was young , he was carefully and decently educated by his Mother , whose Name was Rhea , and whom he extreamly loved and honoured ; he exercised himself in Oratory , and pleading in his Youth , which he performed so judiciously , that he acquired no small Reputation and Power in Rome by the force of his Eloquence ; but the splendor of his glorious Actions in Arms , and his successful Atchievments in the Wars , induced him to alter his Ambition , and to seek for Honour wholly in martial Affairs . At his first entring the Field , he served under Scipio , when the Cimbri and Teutones invaded Gaul ; where , the Romans fighting unfortunately , and being put to flight , he was wounded in many parts of his Body , and thrown from his Horse , yet nevertheless he swam cross the River Rhosne in his Armour , with his Breast-plate and Shield , bearing himself up against one of the swiftest Rivers in the World , and breaking through its furious Waves by clear strength , so strong a Body he had , inur'd to hardship , and by long exercise brought to endure all Labour . The second time that the Cimbri and Teutones came down with some hundreds of thousands , threatning death and destruction to all , when it was no small piece of Service for a Roman Souldier to keep his Rank , and obey his Commander , Sertorius undertook to view the enemies camp , and to discover their utmost Forces , and Designs , and to this intent having learned the manner of their Salutations , and the ordinary expressions of their Language , he threw himself in amongst the Barbarians , dressed in the Habit of a Celtick Gaul , where having carefully seen with his own Eyes , or having been fully informed by Persons upon the place , of all their most important Concerns , and Affairs of greatest Moment , he returned to Marius , General of the Roman Army , from whose hands he received the honourable Rewards of his Valour : And afterwards giving frequent Demonstrations both of his Conduct and Courage in all the following War , he was advanced to Places of Honour and Trust under his General , who highly esteemed and consided in him . After the Wars with the Cimbri and Teutones , he was sent into Spain , having the Command of a thousand Men , under Didius the Roman General , and wintered in the Country of the Celtiberians , in the City of Castulo , where the Souldiers enjoying great plenty of all things , grew insolent , and continually drinking , the Inhabitants despised them , and sent for aid by Night to the Gyrisenaeans their near Neighbours , who sell upon the Romans in their Lodgings , and slew a great Number of them ; but Sertorius being alarm'd , withdrew out of the City , with a few of his Souldiers , and rallying together the rest who had slipp'd out , he marched round about the Walls , and finding the Gate open , by which the Gyrisaenians privately entring , had set upon the Romans , he gave not them the same opportunity , but placing a Guard at the Gate , and seizing upon all Quarters of the City , he slew those who were of age to bear arms ; and then ordering his Souldiers to lay aside their weapons , and put off their own Cloaths , and put on the accoutrements of the Barbarians , he commanded them to follow him to the City , from whence those were sent , who fell upon the Romans by Night , and deceiving the Gyrisaenians with the sight of their own Armour and Equipage , he found the gates of their City open , and took great Numbers of them Prisoners , who came out , thinking to meet their Friends and Fellow-Citizens , coming from performing a worthy piece of Service . Many also were slain by the Romans at their own Gates , and the rest within yielded up themselves , and were sold for Slaves . This action made Sertorius to be highly renowned throughout all Spain , and as soon as he returned to Rome , he was constituted Treasurer General of Gallia Cisalpina on both sides of the River Po , very advantageously for the Roman Affairs at that time ; for the War with the Marsi being unanimously resolved upon , Sertorius was ordered to raise Souldiers , and provide Arms , which he performed with such Diligence , Speed , and Alacrity , contrary to the languishing feebleness and slothfulness of his Companions , that he got the repute of a man of Life and Spirit in Business ; nor did he any ways desist from his Milirary Boldness and Bravery , when he arrived at the Dignity of a great Commander , but performed Wonders with his own hands , and never sparing himself , but exposing his Body freely in all Conflicts , he lost one of his Eyes , which was cut out of his head , and yet continued to have a chearful Look , and always esteemed it an honour to him : For others do not continually carry about with them the marks and testimonies of their Valour , but often lay aside their Chains of Gold , their Spears and Crowns ; whereas his Ensigns of Honour , and the Manifestations of his noble Courage always remained with him , and those who beheld his Scars and Misfortunes , admired at the same time his undaunted Prowess and Magnanimity ; the People also paid him due Respect , and honoured him suitably to his Merit ; and when he came into the Theatre , they applauded him , and received him with clapping their hands , beating their feet against the Seats , and with joyful Acclamations , which sort of Applause was not easily obtained , even by Persons who were more venerable in respect of their Age , and of greater Dignity in the Common-Wealth . Notwithstanding this Popularity , when he stood to be Tribune of the People , he was disappointed , and lost the place , being oppos'd by a Party stirred up by Sylla , which seems to be the principal cause of their inveterate irreconcileable hatred . After that Marius was overcome by Sylla , and fled into Africa , and that Sylla , had left Italy to go to the Wars against Mithridates , that of the two Consuls , Octavius and Cinna , Octavius remained stedfast to the Designs of Sylla , but Cinna ( affecting Innovations ) attempted to recall the lost Interest of Marius , and to set up a Party again that was declined and trodden under foot ; Sertorius adhered to Cinna , perceiving that Octavius was somewhat heavy , could not distinguish of the worth of a Man , and was also suspicious of any one that was a Friend to Marius . When the Battel was fought between the two Consuls in the Market-Place , Octavius overcame , and Cinna and Sertorius having lost not less than ten thousand Men , left the City , and persuading the Soldiers who were dispersed about , and gaining those who remained still in many parts of Italy , they united their Forces , and in a short time mustered up a Party against Octavius , sufficient to give him Battel again , and Marius coming by Sea out of Africa , proffered himself to serve under Cinna , as a private Soldier under his Consul and Commander . Most were for the speedy Reception of Marius , but Sertorius openly declared against it , and whether he thought that Cinna did not herein consult his own Interest , and that his Greatness would be diminished by the presence of a Person of greater Splendour and Authority , or whether he feared that the violence of Marius would bring all things to Consusion , and that by his boundless Wrath and Vengeance after Victory , he would go beyond all the Rules and Limits of Justice , he insisted upon it with Cinna , alledging that they were already Victorious , that there remained little to be done , and that if they admitted Marius , he would not only deprive them of the Glory and Aduantage of the War , but would also prove a very uneasie and unfaithful sharer in the Government . To which Cinna answered , That he had rightly computed these affairs , but that he himself was at a loss , and ashamed , and knew not how to reject him , whom he sent for to be Partner in all his Concerns : To which Sertorius replied , That he thought Marius came into Italy of his own accord , and therefore he deliberated what might be most expedient , but that it was not fair for Cinna to consult whether he should accept of him whom he had already vouchsafed to invite , but should honourably receive and employ him , for his word once past , left no room for debate , and his promise being sacred , ought never to be disputed . Marius being sent for by Cinna , and their Forces being divided into three parts , under Cinna , Marius , and Sertorius , the War was carried on successfully ; but those about Cinna and Marius committing all manner of Insolence , Severity , and Rapine , made it evident to the Romans , that the Original and chief inducement to these Wars , was Booty and Plunder ; but on the contrary it is reported of Sertorius , that he never slew Man in his Anger , to satisfie his own private Revenge , nor never insulted over any one whom he had overcome , but was much offended with the inhumane Rigour of Marius , and would often converse privately with Cinna , and entreat him to mitigate his Fury , and to use his Power more moderately ; in the end , when the Slaves whom Marius had freed at his landing , to increase his Army , being made not only his fellow-Soldiers in the War , but also his Guard , and the Executioners of his Tyrannical Cruelty , became strong and numerous ; and either by the Command , or Permission of Marius , had , contrary to all Law , forcibly oppressed their Masters , slain their Lords , ravished their Ladies , and forced , and abused their Children ; their Crimes appeared so intolerable to Sertorius , that he slew no less than four thousand of them upon the place ; commanding his Soldiers to strike their Darts through the Bodies of them all as they lay encamped together . Afterwards when Marius was dead , and Cinna was slain , when the younger Marius had usurped the supreme Authority , and made himself Consul against the mind of Sertorius , and the known Laws of Rome : When Carbo , Norbanus , and Scipio had fought unsuccessfully , and made but small resistance against the fortunate Arms of Sylla , returning victoriously from the Wars with Mithridates and Fimbria ; when much was lost by the softness and effeminate remissness of the Commanders , but more destroyed by the treachery of their own Party ; when their Affairs were so miserably shattered , and born down that they were not able to be supported even by the presence of Sertorius , and that he was able to do little by reason that those who had the greatest Command , and Authority , were persons of no great Prudence or Conduct ; in the end , when Sylla had placed his Camp near to Scipio , and by pretending friendship , and putting him in hopes of a good Peace , had corrupted his Army ; and Scipio could not be made sensible thereof , although often foretold , and forewarned of it by Sertorius ; he utterly despaired of the prosperity of Rome , and made haste into Spain ; that by taking possession thereof before-hand , he might establish his Power in a Country , which would be a resuge to his Friends , and a support to his declining party . But having bad weather in his journey , and travelling through Mountainous Countries , and the Inhabitants stopping the way , and demanding a Toll , and Money for passage , those who were with him were out of all patience ; and highly aggravating in their discourses the indignity and shame it would be for a Proconsul of Rome to pay Tribute to a Crew of wretched Barbarians ; he little regarded their censure ; but slighting that which had only the appearance of an undecency , told them he must buy time , the most precious of all things , to those who go upon great Enterprizes ; and pacifying the barbarous People with Money , he hastned his journey , and took possession of Spain , a Country flourishing , and populous , abounding with lusty young Men fit to bear Arms ; but by reason of the Insolency and covetousness of the Commanders , sent thither yearly from Rome , they had generally an aversion to the Roman discipline ; and were very ill prepared to receive any sort of Government . But he soon gained the affection of the Nobility , by his Civilities and free Conversation amongst them and got the good Opinion of the People by remitting their Taxes . But that which made him generally beloved , and wan the hearts of all , was his exempting them from finding Lodgings for the Soldiers , when he Commanded his Army to take up their Winter Quarters without the Cities , and to pitch their Tents in the fields ; and when he himself first of all , caused his own Pavilion to be raised without the Walls ; yet not being willing to rely totally upon the good inclination of the Inhabitants , he armed all the Romans who lived in those Countries that were of Age , and undertook the building of Ships , and the making of all sorts of Warlike Engins , by which means he kept the Cities in due Obedience , being affable and courteous in time of Peace , and appearing formidable to his Enemies , by reason of his great Preparations for War. As soon as he was informed that Sylla had made himself Master of Rome , and that the Party which sided with Marius and Carbo was utterly destroyed , he expected that some Great Commander with a considerable Army would speedily come against him , and therefore sent away Julius Salinator immediately with six thousand Men well Armed , to Guard the Mountains , and to fortifie and defend the narrow passages of the Pyrenaeans ; snd Caius Annius not long after being sent out by Sylla , finding that Julius Salinator could not be approached unto , and that his Camp was impregnable by reason of its Situation , nor to be forced by any assault , he sat down short at the foot of the Mountains in great perplexity ; but Calpurnius Lanarius having treacherously slain Julius Salinator , and his Forces astonished at this accident , forsaking the tops of the Pyrenaeans , Caius Annius came forward with a great Army , and passed over the Mountains , and forced those from their Stations who endeavoured to hinder his March ; Sertorius also not being strong enough to give him Battel , retreated with three thousand men into new Carthage , where he took Shipping , and crossed the Seasinto Africa , and coming near to the coast of Mauritania , his men went on shoar to water ; and stragling about negligently , the Africans fell upon them , and slew a great number . This new misfortune forced him to sail back again into Spain , from whence he was also repulsed ; but the Cilician Pyrats joyning with him , they made for the Island of Pityusa , where they landed and overpowred the Garrison placed therein by Caius Annius , who also came thither not long after with a great Fleet of Ships , and five thousand Souldiers , and Sertorius made ready to fight him by Sea , although his Ships were not built for strength , but for lightness and swift Sayling ; but a violent West-wind raised such a storm at Sea , that many of Sertorius's Ships were run on ground , and shipwrack'd all along the rocky Shoars , and he himself with a few Vessels , being kept from putting further out to Sea , by the storms and fury of the Weather , and hindred from Landing by the power of his enemies , was tossed about for ten days together , and the Seas running high , and the waves being boisterous and violent , he escaped with great difficulty , and after the Wind ceased , ran into certain desolate Islands scattered about in those Seas , affording no Water , from whence making out to Sea again , he passed the Streights of Gadiz ; between the Pillars of Hercules , and sailing outward , keeping the Spanish Shoar on his right hand , he landed a little above the mouth of the River Baetis , where it falls into the Atlantick Sea , and gives the Name to all that part of Spain . Here he met with Sea-men , newly arrived from two Islands in the Atlantick , which are divided from one another , only by a narrow Channel , and are distant from the Coast of Africa ten thousand Furlongs ; These are called the Fortunate Islands , where the Rain falls seldom , and then in moderate showers , but for the most part they have gentle Breezes , bringing along with them soft dews , which renders the Soil not only fat ▪ and fit to be ploughed , and planted ; but so abundantly fruitful , that it produces of its own accord Plants and fruits for plenty and delicacy , sufficient to feed and delight the Inhabitants , who may here enjoy all things without Trouble or Labour . The Seasons of the year are temperate , and the alteration from Quarter to Quarter so moderate , that the Air for the most part is serene and refreshing , and the Weather generally fair and pleasant . The rough Northerly and Eastern Winds , which blow towards these Islands from the Coasts of Europe and Africa , are divided and dissipated by reason of the vast distance , and utterly lose their force long before they reach these Parts . The soft Western and Southerly Winds which breath upon them , do sometimes produce gentle sprinkling Showers , but for the most part they calmly impregnate the Earth only with the fruitful Dews , and the nourishing Moisture of the Air , which they bring along with them from the Sea ; so that it is firmly believed , even by the barbarous People themselves , that this is the seat of the Blessed , and that these are the Elysian Fields highly celebrated by Homer . As soon as Sertorius heard this Account , he was seized with a wonderful affection for these Islands , and had an extreme desire to live there in peace and quietness , far from the noise of Wars , and free from the Troubles of Government ; but his inclinations being perceived by the Cilician Pirates , who desire neither Peace nor Quiet , but rove after Riches and Spoils , they immediately forsook him , and sailed away into Africa , to assist Ascalis the Son of Iptha , and to help to re-establish him in the Throne of his Father , and to restore him to his Kingdom of Mauritania . The sudden departure of the Cilicians , did no ways discourage Sertorius , or cause him to desist from further Attempts ; for he presently resolved to assist the Enemies of Ascalis , and by this new Adventure kept his Soldiers together , who from hence conceived new Hopes of their future Prosperity , and began to have better prospect of their Affairs . His arrival in Mauritania being very acceptable to the Moors , he lost no time , but immediately giving Battle to Ascalis , beat him out of the Field , and besieged him ; and Pacciacus being sent by Sylla with a Powerfull supply to raise the Siege , Sertorius slew him in the field , and overthrew all his Forces , with this great advantage , that he not only took the whole Roman Army Prisoners , but also forced the City of Tingis , where Ascalis and his Brothers were fled for refuge . The Africans report that Antaeus was buried in this City , a Gyant of a wonderfull stature , but Sertorius being unwilling to trust common Fame , which gave out that his Body was of a most Prodigious length , he caused his Sepulchre to be opened , and finding that his Corps was effectually full threescore Cubits long , he was infinitely astonished , and immediately offered up Sacrifice to the Gods , and closed up the Tomb again , whereby he confirmed the report of the Inhabitants , increased the Fame of the Sepulchre , and added new honours to the Memory of Antaeus . The Africans further alledge that after the Death of Antaeus his Wife Tinga lived with Hercules , and had a Son by him called Sophax , who was King of these Countries , and gave his Mothers name to this City , whose Son also was Diodorus a great Conqueror , who subdued many other Regions , and brought the greatest part of Africa under his Subjection , with an Army of Greeks , which he raised out of the Colonies of the Olbianians and Myceneans placed here by Hercules . I mention these passages for the sake of King Juba , the most excellent Historian of any Prince that ever yet hath honoured History with his own Pen , and who numbers for his Progenitors a long Race of Mauritanian Kings . Who derive their Genealogies from Diodorus and Sephax , and are lineally descended from Hercules . When Sertorius had made himself absolute Master of the whole Country , he was very just to those who had confided in him , and shew'd not the least unkindness to others , who yielded to his Mercy , but restored to them their Estates , their Cities , their Laws and Priviledges , accepting only of such acknowledgments as they themselves freely offered . And whilst he considered which way next to turn his Arms , the Lusitanians sent Ambassadors to desire him to be their General , for being terrified with the Roman Power , and finding the necessity of having a Commander of great Authority and experience in war , being also sufficiently informed of his Worth and Valour , by those who had formerly served him , they were extremely desirous to commit themselves and their Fortunes wholly to his care , and humbly beseeched him to accept of the Command . And to give a true Character of Sertorius , he was of a temper not to be surprized with fear , nor easie to be Captivated with pleasure , in Adversity and Dangers undaunted , and no ways puffed up with Prosperity , but of an even Mind , Courteous and Obliging . Upon a sudden Assault or dangerous Attempt , no Commander in his time was more bold and daring , for whatever was to be performed in War by Deceit , Circumvention , or Surprize ; or if any strong place was to be taken in any pass to be gained speedily , any sudden Invasion or Inroad to be made , he was a most notable Contriver , and politick Advancer of all such intricate and difficult Designs , in bestowing Rewards , and conferring Honours upon those who had performed good service in the Wars . He was Bountifull and Magnificent even to Prodigality , but very sparing and backward in punishing Crimes , and Mild and Mercifull to Offenders ; yet that piece of Harshness and Cruelty , which he executed in the latter part of his Days , upon the Spanish Hostages , seems to argue , that his Clemency was not Natural , but only acted and handsomely dissembled , as his Occasions or Necessity required ; and as to my own Opinion , I am perswaded that sincere Vertue established by Reason and Mature Judgment , can never be totally Perverted or Extirpated by any Misfortune whatever . Not that I think it impossible but that great Indignities offered without cause , and frequent Abuses put upon those of the best Nature , and most vertuous Inclinations , may make some impression and alteration in their Temper ; and thus I suppose it happened to Sertorius , who being exasperated by the repeated Injuries of ungratefull Persons , he was at last severe to those who had unworthily injured him . The Lusitanians having sent for Sertorius , he left Africa , and being made General with absolute Power and Authority , he ordered all things for the best Advantage , and brought the Neighbouring Parts of Spain under his Subjection ; many Countries also voluntarily submitted themselves won by the Fame of his Clemency , and of his Martial Performances . Upon some Occasions also he would not fail to invent strange Artifices to please the People , and to make use of alluring Devices , and even of deluding Impostures , amongst which certainly that of the Hind was none of the least . Spanus a Country-man , who lived in those Parts , meeting by chance a Hind that had newly Calved , flying from the Hunters , he let the Dam go , and pursuing the Hind-calf , took it , being wonderfully pleased with the Rarity of it , and the strangeness of the Colour , which was all milk-white , and at the same time Sertorius keeping his Court in those Parts and receiving courteously such Presents of Fruit , Fowl or Venison as the Country afforded , and rewarding liberally those who presented them , the Country-man brought him his young Hind , which he kindly accepted , and was much taken with it at the first sight , but when in time he had made it so tame and gentle , that it would come when he called , and follow him wheresoever he went , and could endure the Noise and Tumult of the Camp ; knowing well that Barbarous People are naturally prone to Superstition , by Degrees he gave out that it was inspired with a Deity , that it was given him by the Goddess Diana , that it discovered to him hidden Mysteries , and revealed to him what was to come to pass hereafter : To which also he added these further Contrivances ; if he had received at any time private Intelligence , that the Enemies had made an Incursion into those Provinces which were under his Command , or had sollicited any City to revolt , he pretended that the Hind had informed him of it in his sleep , and charged him to keep his Forces in readiness ; or if otherwise he had notice that any of the Commanders under him had got a Victory , he would hide the Messengers , and bring forth the Hind crowned with flowers , for joy of the good News that was to come , and would encourage them to Rejoyce and Sacrifice to the Gods for the good account they should soon receive of their Prosperous Success , and by those Inventions filling their Heads with strange Imaginations , and the thoughts of Miracles , he brought them to be more Tractable and Obedient in all things ; for now they thought themselves no longer to be led by a Stranger , but rather conducted by a Hero , or one nearly related to a God. Considering also that his Power dayly encreased contrary to all Humane Reason or Probability . For with two thousand five hundred , which for Honour's sake he called Romans , joyned with seven hundred Africans , who landed with him when he first entred Lusitania , together with four thousand foot , and seven hundred Horse , he made War with four Roman Generals , who commanded a hundred and twenty thousand Foot , six thousand Horse , two thousand Archers , and Slingers , and Cities innumerable , whereas at the first he had not above twenty Cities in all , and from this weak and slender beginning , he became afterwards so considerable that he took many good Cities and overcame Great and Powerfull Countries . Of the Roman Commanders which were sent against him , he overthrew Cotta in a Sea-fight , in the Channel near the City of Mellaria , he routed Phidius chief Commander of Hispania Baetica , and slew two thousand Romans near the Banks of the River Baetis . Domitius and Lucius Manlius Proconsul of another Province of Spain , were overthrown in a set Battle by one of his Lieutenants , he slew Toranius a Commander sent against him by Metellus with a great Force , and destroyed his whole Army ; and Metellus the greatest General in those Times , and a Person of the most approved Experience of any Roman then living , was often supplanted and circumvented by him , and reduced to such extremities that he was forced to call Lucius Lollius to his assistance out of Gallia Narbonensis , and Rome it self being alarmed and terrified , parted with her beloved Pompey the Great , and sent him into Spain in all haste with the most considerable Forces of the Roman Empire . Nor did Metellus know which way to turn himself , having to do with a man of undaunted Boldness and Sagacity , who was continually molesting him , and yet could not be brought to a set battle , but by the swiftness and dexterity of his Spanish Soldiery he was able to change his Station , and to cast his Army into all Forms and Figures , to lead them on , and bring them off again , and wind himself out of all Streights and Difficulties ; and although Metellus had great Experience in conducting entire well appointed Legions , and was an excellent Commander of Soldiers armed with heavy Armour , and drawn up in due order into a standing Phalanx able to encounter the Enemy hand to hand , and overpower them by clear Force , yet he was no way able to climb up steep Hills , and be continually upon the pursuit of a swift Enemy , or attend the speedy Marches of Men that were accustomed to range about the Mountains , to endure Hunger and Thirst , and to live expos'd to the Wind and Weather without Fire or Covering ; Besides that , Metellus being now in years , and having been formerly engaged in many Fights and dangerous Conflicts , he was now inclinable to lead a more remiss , easie , and voluptuous Life , and was the less able to contend with Sertorius who was in the Flower and Strength of his Youth , full of Spirit and Life , and had a Body wonderfully fitted for War , being strong , active , and temperate , continually accustomed to endure hard Labour , to take long , tedious Journeys , to pass many Nights together without Sleep , to eat little , and to be satisfied with very coarse Fare , and was never stained with the least Excess in Wine , even when he was most at leisure , but what time he had to spare , he spent in hunting , and riding into all Parts ; whereby he understood the Course of the Country , the Situation of all places , and where there were passages , and where not ; with this advantage to himself , that when he could not maintain the Fight , he knew which way to fly and escape , and where certainly to ensnare and encompass his Enemy , when Victory accompanied his Arms ; insomuch that those with Metellus suffered all inconveniences like Men that were conquered , although he earnestly desired to fight , and Sertorius ( though he refused the Field ) reap'd all the advantages of a Conqueror ; for he hindered them from Foraging , and cut off all Provision ; if they proceeded forward he stopped their March , if they stayed in any place and encamped , he continually molested and alarmed them ; if they besieged any Town he presently appeared and besieged them again , and reduced them to great Extremities for want of necessaries , whereby he wearied out the Roman Army , and reduced them to so low and despairing a condition , that when Sertorius challenged Metellus to fight singly with him , they commended him , and cryed out it was a Fair Offer for a Roman to fight against a Roman , and a General against a General , and when Metellus refused the Challenge , they reproached him , but Metellus derided and contemned them , in doing which he did well ; for as Theophrastus observes , a General should die like a General , and not like a Gladiator . Metellus perceiving that the City of the Lagobrites , which gave great assistance to Sertorius , might easily be taken for want of water , ( there being but one Well within the Walls ) and that whosoever besieg'd the Place , would make himself Master of the Springs and Fountains in the Suburbs , he hoped to force the Town in two days time , there being no more water , and gave command to his Soldiers to take five days Provisions only ; but Sertorius resolving to send speedy relief , ordered two thousand Vessels to be filled with water , and a good Reward for the carriage of every Vessel , and many Spaniards and Moors undertaking the work , he chose out those who were the strongest and swiftest of Foot , and sent them through the Mountains , with order , that when they had delivered the water , they should remove and convey away privately all those who would be least serviceable in the Siege , that there might be water sufficient for the Defendants . As soon as Metellus understood this , he was highly disturbed , and when he had spent most part of the necessary Provisions for his Army , he sent out Aquinus with six thousand Soldiers to fetch in fresh Supplies : but Sertorius having notice of it , laid an Ambush for him , and having sent out beforehand three thousand men , which he placed within a shady Vally , in a Channel which had been made hollow by the rapid fall of Water from the Hills ; they set upon the Rear of Aquinus in his Return , while Sertorius charging him in the Front , destroyed part of his Army , and took the rest Prisoners , Aquinus only escaping , after he had been thrown from his Horse , and lost his Armour , and Metellus being forced shamefully to raise the Siege , became the Laughter and Contempt of the Spaniards , and Sertorius the Object of their Esteem , Love and Admiration . He was also highly honoured for his instituting a right Discipline , and good Order amongst them ; for he altered their furious savage manner of Fighting , and brought them to make use of the Roman Armour , taught them to keep their Ranks , and follow their Ensigns , and out of a confus'd Number of Thieves and Robbers , he constituted a regular well disciplin'd Army : he afterwards bestowed Silver and Gold upon them liberally to gild and adorn their Helmets , he caused their Shields to be wrought , and engraved with various Figures and Designs , he brought them into the Mode of wearing flowered and richly embroidered Cloaths , and by courting them , by paying their Expences , by conversing familiarly with them , he won the Hearts of all , and led them whither he pleased , but that which delighted them most , was the Care that he took of their Children , when he sent for all the Noblemen's Sons in those Parts , and placed them in the great City of Osca , where he appointed Masters to instruct them in the Grecian and Roman Learning , that when they came to be men they might be fitted to share with him in Authority , and in the Government of the Commonwealth , although under this pretence of their better Education , he really made them Hostages and Sureties for their Country ; however their Fathers were wonderfully pleased to see their Children going daily to the Schools in good order , handsomely dressed in fine long Garments edged with Purple , and that Sertorius paid a Sallary for their Learning ; examin'd them often , distributed Rewards to the most deserving , and gave them Jewels to hang about their Necks , and Golden Bosses which the Romans called Bullae . There being a Custom in Spain , that when a great Commander was slain in Battle , those who attended his Person fought it out till they all died with him , which the Inhabitants of those Countries called an Offering , or a pouring out of Blood in Sacrifice . There were few Commanders that had any considerable Guard or Number of Attendants ; but Sertorius had many thousands who offered up themselves , and vowed to sacrifice their Lives , and spend their Bloods with his , and it is reported that when his Army was defeated near to a City in Spain , and the Enemy pressed hard upon them , the Spaniards took no care for themselves , but being totally sollicitous to save Sertorius , they took him up on their Shoulders and passed him from one to another , till they carried him into the City , and when they had thus placed their General in safety , every one provided afterwards for his own security . Nor were the Spaniards alone ambitious to serve him , but the Roman Soldiers also that came out of Italy were impatient to be under his Command , and when Perpenna , who was of the same Faction with Sertorius , came into Spain with great Riches , and a good Army , and designed to make War against Metellus in a distinct Body by himself , his own Soldiers opposed it , and discoursed continually of the great Fame and Merit of Sertorius ; which was no small Mortification to Perpenna , who was puffed up with the Grandeur of his Family and his Riches . When they afterwards understood also that Pompey the Great had passed the Pyrenaens , they took up their Arms , laid hold on their Ensigns , called upon Perpenna to lead them to Sertorius , and threatned him that if he refused it , they would go and place themselves under a Commander who was sufficiently able to defend himself and those that serv'd him , which forced Perpenna to yield to their desires , who immediately joining with Sertorius , added to his Army three and fifty Cohorts ; and when all the Cities on this side of the River Iberus also united their Forces together under his Command , his Army grew great , for they flocked together , and flowed in upon him from all Quarters ; but when they continually cried out to charge the Enemy , and were impatient of Delay , their unexperienced Rashness was troublesome to Sertorius , who at first strove to restrain them with Reason and good Counsel , but when he perceived them refractory and unseasonably violent , he gave way to their impetuous Desires , and permitted them to engage with the Enemy , in such sort , that being repulsed yet not totally routed , he hoped they would become more obedient to his Commands for the futue ; which happ'ning as he conjectured , he soon rescued them , and brought them safe into his Camp ; and after a few days being willing to encourage them again , when he had called all his Army together , he caused two Horses to be brought into the Field , one an old , feeble , lean Jade , the other a lusty strong Horse , with a very fair , thick , long Tail ; near to to the lean Jade he placed a tall strong man , and near to the strong young Horse a weak , little , despicable Fellow to look upon , and at a Sign given , the strong Man took hold of the weak Horses Tayl with both his hands , and drew it to him with his whole force , as if he would presently pull it off ; the other little weak Fellow in the mean time fell to plucking off hair by hair from the great Horses Tail ; and when the strong man had given trouble enough to himself in vain , and sufficient divertisement to the Company , and had given over his intent , whilst the weak pitiful Wretch in a short time and with little pains had left never a hair on the great Horses Tail. Sertorius rose up , and spake to his Army after this manner . You see Fellow . Soldiers , that Ingenuity is greater than Force , and Perseverance more prevailing than Violence . Many things which cannot be overcome when they are together , do yield themselves up by degrees when they are separated , Assiduity and continued Diligence is resistless , and in time overthrows and destroys the greatest Powers whatever ; Time being the favourable Friend and Assistant of those , who through mature Judgment understand aright how to take their best Advantages ; and the destructive Enemy of those who are unseasonably urging and pressing forward ; with such like Inventions and Discourses , wherewith he frequently entertained them , he brideled the rash fierceness of the Barbarous People , and taught them to attend and to watch for their best Opportunities of Fighting . But of all his Remarkable Exploits , and wonderful Stratagems in War , none raised greater Admiration in all , than that which he put in practice against the Characitanians ; these are a People beyond the River Tagus , who inhabited neither Cites nor Towns , but liv'd in a vast high Hill , within the deep Dens and Caves of the Rocks , the Mouths of which open all towards the North , the Country below it is a clayish , chalky Soyl , and being also light , full of Pores , and spungy , it is apt to be crummed and broken into Powder , and is not firm enough to bear any one that treads upon it , and if you touch it in the least it flies about like Ashes , or unslaked Lime . In any danger of War , these People descend into their Caves , and carrying in their Booty and Prey along with them , are free from all fear , and think themselves invincible . And when Sertorius being at some distance from Metellus , had placed his Camp near this Hill , they slighted and despised him , imagining that he retired into these Parts being overthrown by the Romans ; and whether out of Anger , and just Resentment , or out of his unwillingness to be thought to fly from his Enemies , he caused himself to be carried thither early in the Morning to view the situation of the Place ; but finding there was no way to come at it , as he rode about threatning them in vain , and troubled in his Mind , he took notice that the Wind raised the dust and carried it up , towards the Caves of the Characitanians , the Mouths of which , as we said before , opened towards the North ; and the Northerly Winds , which some call Coecias , prevailing most in those Parts , engendred out of the moist Morish Plains , or the Mountains covered with Snow , and in the Heat of Summer being supplied and encreased by the Relaxation and Melting of the Ice on the Peaks of the Northern Hills , it blows a delightful fresh Gale , which recreates the Characitanians , and refreshes their Cattle all the Day long . Sertorius confidering well all Circumstances , wherein either the Information of the Inhabitants , or his own Experience had instructed him , commanded his Soldiers to shovel up a great Quantity of this light dusty Earth , to heap it up together , and make a Mount of it , over against the the Hill wherein these Barbarous People resided , who imagining that all this Preparation was for the Raising of a Fort , or for the making of a Bulwark against them , they looked upon it as a Design most worthy to be laughed at ; however he continued the Work till the Evening , and brought his Soldiers back into their Camp. The next Morning when a gentle Breeze arose , and moved the lightest Parts of the Earth , and dispersed it about as the Chaff before the Wind , and when the Sun coming to be higher , the blustering Northerly Wind had covered the Hills with the dust , the Soldiers turned this new Mount of Earth over and over , and brake the Clots of Clay in Pieces , whilst others on Horseback rode through it backward and forward , and raised a Cloud of dust , which being committed to the Wind , was blown into the Dwellings of the Characitanians , the entrances into which were all towards the North , and there being no other Vent or Passage , than that through which blustering Caecias rushed in upon them , together with all the powdered Earth and Dust , tossed and blown about , it quickly blinded their Eyes , and filled their Lungs , and causing a Difficulty of Breathing , choak'd them up , whilst they strove to draw in the rough harsh Air mingled with streams of Dust , nor were they able with great hardship to hold out above two Days , but yielded up themselves on the third . This Success added not so much to the Strength and Power of Sertorius , as it encreased his Glory and Renown , in letting the World see that he was able to conquer those Places by Art , and by the Strength of his Brain , which were impregnable and never to be taken by the Force of Arms. He was continualy Successful during the whole War against Metellus , who by Reason of his Age and his slow Temper was not able to resist the active Boldness and Bravery of Sertorius , who commanded a light army more like a Band of Robbers than a due established Militia . When Pompey also had passed over the Pyreneans , and placed his Camp near him , where both of them gave their utmost Proofs of their Gallantry and Skill in War , both in Receiving and Attacking one another , Sertorius far surpassing him , either in defending himself , or countermining the Designs of his Enemies , his fame was then highly celebrated even in Rome it self , for the most terrible Warriour , and the most expert Commander of his Time. For considering that the Renown of Pompey was not small , who had already won much Honour by his Prowess and Magnanimity in the Wars of Sylla , from whom he received the Title of Magnus , and was called Pompey the Great ; and who had ascended to the Honour of a Triumph before the Hairs were grown on his Face , and many Cities which were under Sertorius had an earest Desire to Revolt , when they were deterred from it by that great Action amongst others which he performed near the City of Lauron , contrary to the Expection of all . As soon as Sertorius had laid siege to Lauron , Pompey came with his whole Army to relieve it , and there being a Hill near this City very advantagiously seated , they both made haste to take it . But Sertorius prevented him , and took possession of it first , and Pompey having drawn down his Forces , was not sorry that it had thus succeeded , for he imagined that he had hereby enclosed his Enemy between his own Army and the City , and sent in a Messenger to the Citizens of Lauron , to bid them be of good Courage and to come upon their Walls , where they might see their Besieger Besieged . Sertorius perceiving their Intentions , smiled , and told them , he would now teach Sylla's Scholar ( for so he called Pompey in derision ) that it was the Part of a General to look as well behind him as before him , and at the same time shewed them six thousand Soldiers which he had left in his former Camp , from whence he marched out to take the Hill , where if Pompey should assault him , they might fall upon his Rear , Pompey discovered this too late , and not daring to give Battle , for fear of being encompassed in on every side , and yet being ashamed to leave his Friends and Confederates in extream Danger , was forced to sit still and see them ruined before his Face ; for the Besieged despaired of Relief , and delivered up themselves to Sertorius , who spared their Lives and granted them their Liberties , but burnt their City , not out of Anger or Cruelty , for of all Commanders that ever were , Sertorius seems least of all to have indulged these Passions , but only for the greater Shame and Consusion of the Admirers of Pompey , and that it might be reported amongst the Spaniards , that the Fire which burnt down his Confederates , tho' 〈◊〉 was so near as to be well warm'd at it , was not able to raise heat enough in him to dare to relieve them . Sertorius sustained some Losses in these Wars , but he always defended those with him , and maintain'd himself Invincible , and it was by other Commanders under him that he suffer'd , and he was more admir'd for being able to repair his Losses , for shewing himself brave in danger , for recovering the Victory , when the Field seem'd already to be lost , than the Roman Generals against him for gaining these Advantages : As at the Battle of Sucro against Pompey , and at the Battle near Turia , against him and Metellus together . It is reported that the Battle near the City of Sucro was fought through the Impatience of Pompey , lest that Metellus should share with him in the Victory , and thro' the willingness of Sertorius to fight with him before the Arrival of Metellus : However Sertorius delay'd the time till the Evening , considering that the darkness of the Night would be a great disadvantage to his Enemies , either Flying , or Pursuing , who were meer Strangers , and had no knowledge of the Country . When the fight began it happened that Sertorius was not placed directly against Pompey , but against Afranius , who had Command of the Left Wing of the Roman Army , as he commanded the Right Wing of his own ; but when he understood that his Left Wing began to give way , and yield to the furious Assaults of Pompey , he committed the care of his Right Wing to other Commanders , and made haste to relieve those in distress , and rallying some that were flying , and encouraging others that still kept their Ranks , he renewed the Fight , and set upon them with that Force that he routed the Enemy , and brought Pompey who was pursuing into great danger of his Life ; for after being wounded and thrown from his Horse ; he escaped unexpectedly , for the Africans with Sertorius who took Pompey's Horse , set out with Gold , and covered with rich Trappings , fell out with one another , and upon the dividing of the Spoyl , gave over the Pursuit . Afranius in the mean time , as soon as Sertorius had left his Right Wing to assist the other part of his Army , overthrew all that opposed him , and pursued them to their Camp , fell in with them , and plunder'd them till it was dark Night ; knowing nothing of Pompey's Overthrow , nor being able to restrain his Soldiers from Pillaging . When Sertorius returning with Victory fell upon the Forces of Afranius , which were in Disorder , and slew great Numbers of them ; and the next Morning came into the Field again , well arm'd , and offered Battle , but perceiving that Metellus was near , he drew off , and returned to his Camp , saying , If this old Woman had not been here , I would have whipped that Boy soundly , and sent him to Rome . Sertorius being much concerned that his white Hind could no where be found ; whereby he was destitute of an admirable Contrivance , both to amuse , and encourage the Barbarous People , at a time when he most stood in need of it ; some of his Men wandring in the Night chanced to meet her , and knowing her by her colour , took her ; to whom Sertorius promised a good Reward , if they would tell no one of it ; and presently shut her up ; a few days after , he appeared in Publick with a very chearfull Look , and declared to the Chief Nobility of the Countrey that the Gods had foretold him in a Dream that some great good Fortune should suddenly attend him ; and being set on the Tribunal to Answer the Petitions of those who applied themselves to him : The Keepers of the Hind let her loose , and she no sooner espied Sertorius , but she ran leaping with great joy to his Feet , laid her Head upon his Lap , and licked his Hands as she formerly used to do , and Sertorius stroaking her , and making much of her again , with that tenderness that the Tears stood in his Eyes , all that were present were immediately filled with Wonder and Astonishment , and afterwards accompanying him to his House with respectfull Congratulations , and loud Shouts for Joy , they looked upon him as a Person above the Rank of Mortal Men , as one that was influenced from above ; and that was highly beloved by the Gods , and being hereby mightily encouraged they conceived far better hopes for the future . When he had reduced his Enemies to the last extremity for want of Provision , he was forced to give them Battle ( in the Plains near Saguntum ) to hinder them from foraging , and plundring the Countrey , where both Parties fought gloriously , and Memmius the greatest Commander in Pompey's Army was slain in the heat of the Battle ; but Sertorius overthrew all before him , and with great slaughter of his Enemies pressed forward towards Metellus . This old Commander making a stout resistance beyond what could be expected from one of his years , was wounded with a Lance , which struck amazement into all that saw it , or heard of it , and filled the Roman Soldiers hearts with Sorrow and with Shame , to be thought to have left their General in distress ; but at the same time it provoking them to Revenge and Fury against their Enemies , they soon covered Metellus with their Shields , and brought him off in safety , and then valiantly repulsed the Spaniards , whereby Victory changed sides , and Sertorius that he might afford a more secure Retreat to his Army , and that more Forces might more easily be raised , retired into a strong City in the Mountains ; and thought it was the least of his Intention to sustain a long Seige yet he began to repair the Walls , and to fortifie the Gates , whereby he deluded his Enemies , who came and set down before the Town , hoping to take it without much resistance ; and gave over the pursuit of the Spaniards , affording them opportunity to gather together again , and to raise new Forces for Sertorius , to which purpose he had sent Commanders to all their Cities , with Orders , when they had sufficiently encreased their Numbers , to send him word of it , which News he no sooner received , but he sallied out and forced his way through his Enemies , and easily joyned with the rest of his Army , and having received this considerable reinforcement , he set upon the Romans again , and by fiercely assaulting them , by alarming them on all sides ; by ensnaring , circumventing , and laying Ambushes for them ; he cut off all Provisions by Land , while with his Ships of War , and Pyratical Vessels , he kept all the Coast in awe , and hindred their Recrutes by Sea ; whereby he forced the Roman Generals to dislodge , and to separate from one another : Metellus departed into Gallia , and Pompey wintered among the Baccaeans , in a wretched condition , where being in extreme want of Money , he wrote a lamentable Letter to the Senate , to let them know that if they did not speedily supply him , he must draw off his Army ; for he had already spent his own Estate in the Defence of Italy . To these Extremities the Chiefest and the most Powerfull Commanders of the Age , were reduced by the Skill and Valour of Sertorius ; and it was the common Opinion in Rome , that he would be sooner in Italy than Pompey , and how far Metellus was terrified with his Greatness ; and at what rate he esteemed him , he plainly declared , when he offered by Proclamation an hundred Talents , and twenty thousand Acres of Land to any Roman that should kill him ; and leave if he were banished , to return ; attempting villanously to betray and sell him , when he despaired of ever being able to overcome him in open War , with all the powerfull Forces of the Roman Empire . And when afterwards he gained some advantage in a Fight , against Sertorius , he was so wonderfully pleased and transported with his good Fortune , that he caused himself to be publickly proclaimed Imperator , or Sovereign Commander ; and ordered that all the Cities which he visited should receive him with Altars dedicated , and Sacrifices offered to him : where indulging himself in splendid Entertainments , and costly Suppers , he would sit drinking in his Triumphal Robes , with Garlands and Crowns upon his Head , while the Images and Figures of Victory , were introduced by the motion of Machins , bringing in with them Crowns and Trophies of Gold , to present to him , and Companies of young Men and Women danced before him , courted him , and sang to him Songs of Joy , and Triumph ; whereby he rendred himself deservedly ridiculous , for being excessively delighted and puffed up with the thoughts of following one that retired of his own accord , and for having once the better of him , whom he used to call Sylla's Fugitive , and his Forces the Remainder of the scattered Troops of Carbo . The Generosity of Sertorius signally appeared when he appointed a Senate , and called together all the Roman Senators which fled from Rome , and came and resided with him ; and out of these he chose Praetors , and Quaestors , and adorned his Government with all the Roman Laws and Constitutions ; and though he made use of the Arms , Riches , and Cities of the Spaniards , yet he would never permit them so much as to mention any thing of Government , but set Roman Officers and Commanders over them , whereby he restored Liberty to the Romans , without increasing the Spaniards Power against them ; for he was a sincere Lover of his Countrey , and had a great desire to return home , but in adverse Fortune he shew'd his undaunted Courage , and behaved himself towards his Enemies free from all dejection and mean spiritedness ; but when he was in his Prosperity and in the heighth of his Victories he sent word to Metellus , and Pompey , that he was ready to lay down his Arms , and live a private Lite , if he were called home , declaring that he had rather be the meanest Citizen in Rome , than Supreme Commander of all other Cities together ; and it is thought that his great Love for his Countrey was in no small measure promoted by the respect which he had for his Mother , under whom he was brought up in his tender Years , after the Death of his Father , and upon whom he had placed his intire Affection , and after that his Friends had sent for him into Spain to be their General , as soon as he heard of his Mother's Death , he had almost cast away himself , and died for Grief ; for he lay seven days together continually upon the Ground , without giving the Word , or being seen by the nearest of his Friends ; and when the Chief Commanders of the Army , and Persons of the greatest Note came about his Tent , with great difficulty they prevailed with him at last to come abroad and speak to his Soldiers , and to take upon him the Management of Affairs , which were in a prosperous Condition ; by all which he seems to have been of a mild and compassionate Temper , and naturally given to Ease and Quietness , and that he accepted of the Command of Military Forces contrary to his own Inclination ; but not being able to live in safety , he was forced by his Enemies to have recourse to Arms , and to espouse the Wars as a necessary Guard for the defence of his Person . His Administration of Affairs with King Mithridates , does further argue the greatness of his Mind ; for after that Mithridates was overthrown by Sylla , and had recovered himself ; and , as a strong Wrastler that is desirous to try another fall , was again endeavoring to re-establish his Power in Asia , at which time the great Fame of Sertorius was frequently celebrated in all Places ; and the Merchants which came out of Spain and the Western Parts of Europe , to furnish the Asiaticks with Forreign Commodities , had filled all the Kingdom of Pontus with their Discourses of his Exploits in War. Mithridates was earnestly desirous to send an Embassy to him , being also highly encouraged to it by the Boastings of his Parasites , and flattering Courtiers , who comparing Mithridates to Pyrrhus , and Sertorius to Hannibal , gave out that the Romans would never be able to make any considerable resistance against such great Forces , and Commanders of that Temper and sublime Judgment ; when they should be set upon on both sides at once , on one side by the most Warlike General that ever was , and on the other side by the most Powerfull Prince on Earth . Mithridates having sent Embassadours into Spain to Sertorius with Letters , and Instructions , and with full Power and Commission to promise Ships , and good Sums of Money , towards the Charge of the War , if Sertorius would vouchsafe to confirm his Pretensions upon Asia , and Authorize him to possess all that he had surrendred to the Romans , in his Treaty with Sylla . Sertorius called a full Council , which he named the Senate ; where , when all joyfully approved of the Conditions , and were desirous immediately to accept of his Offer , seeing that he desired nothing of them but a Name , and an empty Title to Places , not in their Power to dispose of , in recompence of which they should be supplyed with what they then stood most in need of , Sertorius would by no means agree to it ; declaring , that as he was willing that King Mithridates should exercise all Royal Power and Authority over Bithinia and Cappadocia , Countries accustomed to a Monarchical Government , and not belonging to Rome , so he could never consent that he should seize or detain a Province , which by due Right and Title , was possessed by the Romans , which Mithridates had formerly lost in open War to Fimbria , and had afterwards quitted upon a Treaty of Peace with Sylla , for he looked upon it as his Duty to enlarge the Roman Possessions by his Conquering Arms , and not to encrease his own Power , by the Diminution of the Roman Territories , telling them that a generous-minded man , though he willingly accepts of Victory , when it comes accompanied with Honour , yet he will never so much as endeavour to defend himself or save his own Life , upon any dishonourable terms . When this was related to Mithridates he was struck with admiration , and said to his intimate Friends , What will Sertorius enjoyn us to do , when he comes to be seated in the Senate-house in Rome , who at present , when he is driven out to the furthest parts of the Earth , bordering upon the far remote Western Ocean , sets bounds to our Kingdoms in the East , and threatens us with War , if we Attempt the recovery of Asia ? However they solemnly upon Oath concluded a League between them , upon these Terms , That Mithridates should enjoy the free possession of Cappadocia and Bythinia , and that Sertorius should send him Soldiers , and a General for his Army , in recompence of which the King was to supply him with three thousand Talents , and forty Ships . Marcus Marius a Roman Senator , who had quitted Rome to follow Sertorius , was sent General into Asia , by whose Conduct when Mithridates had reduced divers of the Asian Cities , Marius made his entrance with Rods and Axes carried before him , as before a Proconsul of Rome , and Mithridates followed in the second place , voluntarily waiting upon him ; some of these Cities he set at liberty , and others he freed from Taxes , signifying to them by Letters , that these Priviledges were granted to them by the Grace and Favour of Sertorius , and hereby Asia which had been miserably tormented by the unsatiableness of the Publicans , and oppressed by the insolent Pride and Covetousness of the soldiers began to rise again , and with new Wings added to their former hopes , to soar alost in earnest Desires towards their long wished for change of Government . But in Spain the Senators about Sertorius and others of the Nobility , finding themselves strong enough for their Enemies , and having no less hopes of returning to Rome ; they no sooner laid aside all fear ; but Envy , immediately , and unreasonable Jealousies inflamed their minds , and chiefly Perpenna , who being of a Noble Family , and extremely envious of Sertorius's Greatness , was at this time so arrogantly transported with a fond Ambition of Commanding the Army , that he threw out villanous Discourses in private amongst his intimate Acquaintance , and among those whose seditious Ingratitude , had made more willing to hearken to him . What evil Genius ( would he often say ) hurries us perpetually from worse to worse , and we who disdained to obey the Dictates of Sylla , the great Ruler of Sea , and Land , and might have lived at home in Peace and Quiet , are come hither to our destruction , hoping to enjoy Liberty , where most wretchedly we have made our selves Slaves of our own accord , and are become the contemptible Guards and Attendants of the banished Sertorias , who that he may expose us the further , gives us a name that renders us ridiculous to all that hear it , and calls us the Senate , when at the same time he makes us undergo more hard Labour , and forces us to be more subject to his haughty Commands and Insolencies , than the poor Spaniards and Lusitanians . With these mutinous Discourses , he continually seduced them ; and many who could not be brought to fall into Rebellion openly against Sertorius , fearing his great Power and Authority , were prevailed with , to endeavour to destroy his Interest secretly ; and by many ways to ruin his Affairs . For by abusing the Lusitanians and Spaniards , by inflicting severe Punishments upon them , by raising exorbitant Taxes , and by pretending that all this was done by the strict Command of Sertorius , they caused great Troubles and made many Cities to revolt : and those who were sent to mitigate and heal these Differences , did rather exasperate them , and encrease the Number of his Enemies , and left them at their return more obstinate and rebellious than they found them . Which so highly incensed Sertorius , and caused so great an alteration in his former Clemency and Goodness towards the Spaniards Sons , educated in the great City of Osca ; that coontrary to all Civil Justicie , he cruelly put some of them to Death , and sold others . In the mean time Perpenna having encreased the Number of his Conspirators , drew in Manlius , a Commander in the Army , who at that time loved a Youth , and to endear him the more discovered the Confederacy to him , perswading him to neglect his other Lovers , and to be constant to him , alone ; who in a few days was to be a person of great Power and Authority ; but the Youth having a greater Inclination for Aufidius , disclosed all to him , which much surprized and amazed him ; for he was also one of the Confederacy ; but knew not that Manlius was any ways engaged therein ; but when the Youth began to name Perpenna , Gracinus , and others , which he knew very well were sworn Conspirators , he was very much terrified , and astonished ; but made slight of it to the youth , and bid him not regard what Manlius said , a vain boasting fellow ; but however went presently to Perpenna , and giving him notice of the danger they were in , and of the shortness of their time , desired him immediately to put their designs in Execution ; and when all the Confederates had consented to it , they provided a Messenger who brought feigned Letters to Sertorius , in which he had notice of a Victory obtained by one of his Lieutenants , and of the great slaughter of his Enemies ; and as Sertorius , being extreamly well pleased , was Sacrificing and giving thanks to the Gods for his prosperous Success , Perpenna invited him and those with him ( who were also of the Conspiracy ) to an Entertainment , and being very importunate , prevailed with him to come . At all Suppers and Entertainments where Sertorius was present , great Order and Decency was wont to be observed , for he would not endure to hear or see any thing that was rude or unhandsome , and their Freedom and Mirth , was Modest and Inoffensive ; but in the middle of this Entertainment , those who sought occasion to quarrel , fell into dissolute Discourses openly , and making as if they were very Drunk , committed many Insolencies on purpose to provoke him ; and Sertorius being Offended with their ill behaviour , or perceiving the unquietness of their Minds by their muttering and sudden disrespect , changed the posture of his lying , and leaned backward , as one that neither heard nor regarded them . When Perpenna took a Cup full of Wine , and as he was drinking , let it fall out of his hand , and made a noise , which was the sign agreed on between them ; and Antonius who was next to Sertorius , immediately wounded him with his Sword , and whilst Sertorius upon receiving the Wound turned himself and strove to get up , Antonius threw himself upon his Breast , and held both his hands , whereby not being able to free himself , he was exposed to the fury of the rest of the Confederates , who killed him upon the place with many Wounds . Upon the first News of his Death , most of the Spaniards left the Conspirators , and sent Embassadors to Pompey and Metellus , and yielded themselves up to them . Perpenna attempted to do something with those that remained , but he made so ill use of Sertorius's Arms and Preparations for War , that he soon made it evident to all , that he understood no more how to Command , than he knew how to Obey , and when he came against Pompey he was soon overthrown , and taken Prisoner ; neither did he bear this last affliction with any bravery of Mind , but having torius's Papers and Writings in his hands , he offered to shew Pompey Letters from Persons of Consular Dignity , and of the highest Quality in Rome , written with their own hands , expresly to call Sertorius into Italy , and to let him know , what great Numbers there were that did earnestly desire to alter the present State of Affairs ; and to introduce another manner of Government . Upon this occasion Pompey behaved himself not like a young Man , or one of a light inconsiderate Mind , but as a Generous Commander of a confirmed , mature , solid Judgment : whereby he freed Rome from great Fears and Innovations , for he put all Sertorius's Writings together and read not one of them , nor suffered any one else to read them , but burnt them all , and caused Perpenna immediately to be put to Death , lest by discovering their Names , further Troubles and Revolutions might ensue . Of the rest of the Conspirators with Perpenna , some of them were taken and slain by the Command of Pompey , others fled into Africa , and were set upon by the Moors , and run through with their Darts ; and in a short time not one of them was left alive ; except only Aufidius , the Rival of Manlius , who hiding himself , or not being much enquired after , dyed an Old Man , in an obscure Village in Spain , in extreme Poverty , and hated by all . The Comparison of Sertorius with Eumenes . THese are the most Remarkable Passages , that are come to our knowledge , concerning Eumenes and Sertorius . In comparing their Lives , we may observe , that this was common to them both ; that being Aliens , Strangers , and banished Men , they came to be Commanders of Powerful Forces , and had the leading of Numerous , and Warlike Armies , made up of divers Nations . This was peculiar to Sertorius , that the Chief Command was by his whole Party , freely yielded to him , as to the Person , undoubtedly of the greatest merit , and of the highest Worth and Renown ; whereas many contended with Eumenes , till by his great Performances , he at length obtained the Superiority . The Soldiery followed the one , being earnestly desirous to be Commanded by him , and submitted themselves to the other for their own security . The one being a Roman , was the General of the Spaniards and Lusitanians , who for many years before , had been under the Subjection of the Roman Empire ; and the other a Cherronesian , was chief Commander of the Macedonians , who were the great Conquerors of Mankind , and had at times subdued the World. Sertorius being already in high esteem for his Courage and Conduct , and admired for his former services in the Wars , and his great Abilities in the Senate-House , was advanced to the Dignity of a General over a great and numerous Army . Whereas Eumenes obtained this honour from the Office of a Writer or Secretary , and from having been a long while despised by the great Ones , for his Scribling Employment . Nor did he only at first take his rise from these slender Opportunities , but afterwards also met with great Impediments in the further Encrease , and Progress of his Honour and Authority , and that , not only from those who publickly resisted him , but from many others that privately Conspired against him ; but it was much otherwise with Sertorius , for not one of his Party did ever publickly oppose him , or promote any Insurrection against him ; nor secretly ; till at last a few of his Acquaintance entered into a private Conspiracy . Sertorius put an end to his Dangers , as often as he was Victorious in the Field , whereas the Victories of Eumenes were the beginning of his Calamities , through the Malice of those that envied his Glory . Their martial performances were equal and parallel , but their manners and inclinations were different . Eumenes naturally loved War and Contention , but Sertorius esteemed Peace and Tranquility : When Eumenes might have lived in safety , with honour , if he would have quietly retired , he persisted in his contentions , and made War with the greatest of the Macedonian Princes , with the danger and loss of his Life : But Sertorius , who was unwilling to trouble himself with any publick disturbances , was forced , for the safety of his Person , to make War against those who would not suffer him to live in peace : If Eumenes had not violently contended for the Superiority , or could have contented himself with the second place , Antigonus would have used him handsomly , and shewn him all favour and respect , whereas Pompey's Friends would never permit Sertorius to live in quiet . The one made War of his own accord , out of his ambition to Rule and Govern ; and the other was constrained to accept of the Soveraign Power and Authority , to defend himself from his Enemies that made War against him . Eumenes was certainly a true Lover of War , for he preferr'd his covetous Ambition before his own ease and security ; but Sertorius was truly warlike , who procured his own safety by the successful force of his Arms. As to the manner of their Deaths , it hapned to one without the least thought or surmise of it ; but to the other when he suspected it daily ; which in the first argued a clear equal temper , and a noble mind not to distrust his Friends : But in the other it shewed some infirmity of Spirit , for Eumenes intended to fly and was taken . The death of Sertorius dishonoured not his life , he suffered that from his companions , that none of his mortal enemies were ever able to perform . The other not being able to deliver himself before his imprisonment , being willing also to live in captivity , did neither prevent nor expect his fate with any honour or bravery ; for by meanly supplicating and petitioning , he made his enemy , that pretended only to have power over his Body , to be Lord and Master of his Body and Mind . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A55202-e1470 Descent of Pyrrhus . Pursu'd by Enemies while an Infant hardly escapes . Glaucias surpriz'd with an ominous action of the Child , resolves to protect him . Instead of upper Teeth one Bone. He touches for the Spleen . An early Warriour , His exercises . Care of his Interest . Temperance . Builds the City Berenicis . Pyrrhus designs mighty Things . Jealousies between Pyrrhus and his Brother-in-Law Demetrius . Glories in his Descent from Achilles . He fights single with Pantanchus , How Pyrrhus imitated Alexander the Great . Writes Commentaries of Military Discipline . Hannibal's Judgment of Pyrrhus . What he held the only Philosophy of Kings . His Marriages and Issue . His Sons all bred to War. How Pyrrhus accepts the Appellation of an Eagle . Vast Preparation of Demetrius . The Army of Demetrius revolts to Pyrrhus . Himself escapes with difficulty , in a mean disguise . Ambitious Princes ill Neighbours . Pyrrhus his Advice to the Athenians . The Macedonians revolt from Pyrrhus , just as they had done before from Demetrius . Pyrrhus uneasie without War. The Occasion of his War with the Romans . Pyrrhus his great Esteem of Eloquence . Cineas represents to Pyrrhus , he had all that already , which he sought by the labours and hazzards of War. Pyrrhus his Fleet dispers'd by Storm . Himself in Great danger . His severe Discipline unpleasing to the Tarentines . Pyrrhus his Judgment of the Roman's Encamping . His first Engagement with them . His Courage without Passion . The Roman Army routed . They not at all discourag'd . They refuse Pyrrhus his Presents and Offers of Peace . Appius Claudius his Speech against a Peace with Pyrrhus . The Romans reject all Overtures of Peace till Pyrrhus be first gone out of Italy . The Roman Senate . Caius Fabritius . Contemns Riches , though extreamly poor . Much admir'd by Pyrrhus . Discovers to Pyrrhus a Design to poyson him . A second Engagement with the Romans . Pyrrhus's Reply to one that gave him Joy of his Victory . Pyrrhus goes into Sicily . The mighty personal Valour of Pyrrhus . The Mamertines . Pyrrhus disobliges the Sicilians . They revolt from him . He is call'd over again into Italy . His Prophetick farewel to Sicily . A third Fight with the Romans . The Romans now at once gain both Victory and Empire . Pyrrhus held the best Souldier of all Princes of his Time. Antigonus his Character of him . Returns home out of Italy . His fresh Successes there . Conquers Antigonus . Pyrrhus invited against Sparta . Here Plutarch himself changes his style into the broad Poric . Pyrrhus too secure of Success , loseth the opportunity of taking Sparta . The great Resolution of the Spartan Ladies . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pyrrhus draws off from Sparta . Pyrrhus sent for to Argos . Ptolomee one of his Sons kill'd . Antigonus's answer to a Challenge Pyrrhus . He enters the Town by Night undiscovered . Infinite confusion on all hands in the Night . The Sight of a Figure in the Market-place , strikes him with horrour . A remarkable kindness of an Elephant to his keeper . Pyrrhus almost killed by a Tile thrown off an house by an old Woman . Pyrrhus when half dead , terrifies a Soldier so with a Look , he could hardly cut off his Head. Royal Generosity of Antigonus . Marius's Statue . * Cisalpina . His Parentage . His Tribuneship . His standing to be Aedile . His Praetorship and accusation . His Wife . His Deportment in the War against Jugurtha . Turpilius ▪ Marius an Enemy to him . M●rius goes to Rome . His first Consulship . * See his Speech in Salust . Metellus's grief for giving place to him . Jugurtha delivered to Sylla . Sylla provokes Marius . * The Cimbri , though a Northern People , yet having routed Mallius and Caepio in Spain and Gallia , came immediately from those Parts to Rome . The Teutones and Cimbri . * Not Thieves , though Latrones now generally signifies in the worse sence . S. Odyss . 11. Marius's second Consulship . His Triumph . His disciplining his Army . His good Fortune . Hih Justice . Trebonius . Marius's Third Consulship . His Fourth Consulship . La Fosse Mariane . Marius's Policy . His Soldiers Complaints . Martha a Prophetess . Vultures appear . Other Prodigies . Batabaces . The Battel begun by Slaves . The Fight . The second Battel . Marius's Fifth Consulship . He allows the fashion of the Piles . Baeorix . The Romans well exercised . The Cimbrian Women's cruelty . Marius and Catulus Triumph . How Marius got his sixth Consulshiy . His Faction with Glaucias and Saturninus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , seems to be a mistake for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Design to entrap Metellus . His double dealing with the Senate and Commons . Why he was not Candidate for the Censorship . His Impudence to Mithridates . His dispute with Sylla . The Consederates War. * Or Popedius . Marius affects to be thought young . Sulpitius's Riot . Sylla drives Marius from Rome . Young Marius's escape . Marius's distress . His good Hopes . Marius is taken and sent to Minturnae . Fannias's kindness to him . His good Omen . A Gaul attempts to kill him . He is brought by Minturnae to the Sea. Hiempsal's designs upon young Marius . He makes his escape . Cinna raises a Sedition . Marius returns to Italy . And joins himself with Cinna . Octavius's ill Conduct . Marius and Cinna are called to Rome . Marius's cruelty . Cornutus preserved by his Servants . Marcus Antonius slain . Catulus kills himself . The villainies and punishment of the Bardiaei . Marius's Seventh Consulship . His discontent and death . Plato . Antipater . Young Marius . Notes for div A55202-e21040 At seven pence half penny a Drachma . Romans and Perthians . * Nicomedes and Ariobarzanes . * Acilius . * Philip & Perses . * About six bushel . * About a Pint. * Thermopule . * Plutarch's Country-man a - Chaeronean . * Plutarch ' s. * The Commanders of King Mithridates . Notes for div A55202-e37890 * Pieces of Money . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Fish that grows mad after Midsummer . Clark of the Market . Metropolis of Aegypt . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 300000. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , more than a Bushel . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2700000 ▪ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A55202-e55620 Of Timaeus the Historian . * Nicias . † Images of Mercury . ‡ Proserpina . Three eminent Citizens . * Theramenes Cothurnus . Nicias's Acts of devotion . His Timorousness . Informer . Poor man. Informer . Author . Reservedness . His caution . His Success . Cleon. Alcibiades . Ambassy to Sparta . Ostracism . Hyperbolus . Nicias against th● War. Prodigies . Meton . Socrates his genius . Lamachus ▪ Gylippus . An Eclipse . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 35000. l. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , for the Streets were exceeding narrow , & crooked , and built most with Timber , after it had been burnt by the Gauls . He alludes to Aesop's Fable of the Sack , that we put our own faults in the bottom , and other Mens in the top of it . Notes for div A55202-e72440 Great Commanders who had but one Eye , Philip , Antigonus , Hannibal , Sertorius , and others . Sertorius compared with Eumenes . Sertorius was of a Noble Family . Sertorius was a good Orator . He swims cross the Rhosne in his Armor . He is sent as a Spy into the Camp of the Cimbri and Teutones , to discover their Designs . He is sent into Spain under Didius the Praetor . He recovers the City of Castulo . He deceives the Gyrisaenians , and takes their City . He is made Questor of Gallia Cisalpina , now called Lombordy . Sertorius highly applauded by the People . A Battel fought in the Forum at Rome . The Army commanded by Cinna , Marius , and Sertorius . Sertorius punishes the insolency of the Slaves He leaves Italy and hastens into Spain . He sends Julius Salinator to Guard the narrow passages of the Pyrenaean Mountains . Cartagana . Pityusa , Ebusus , now . Y●ica Baetis or Guadil quiver . Called from them Hispania Baetica . The fortunate Islands . Sertorius desirous to live in the Fortunate Islands . He takes the City of Tingis , now Tangier . He causeth the Tomb of Antaeus to be opened . The Lusitanians send Embassadors to him . Sertorius's Hind . Mellaria now Tariffa , between Trafalgar and Gibralter , in the Streights mouth . Cape Spartel , and Trafalgar , Abyla , and Gribalter , are places well known to Seamen that Sail into the Mediterranean Sea. Pompey sent against Sertorius . Sertorius challenges Metellus . Sertorius relieves the City of the Lagobrites . Osca Huesca . Sertorius infinitely beloved by the Spaniard . The Roman Soldiers with Perpenna desire to be under his Command . Perpenna joins his forces with Sertorius . His Stratagem against the Characitanians . Caecias is the North-East-Wind or the North-East ●and by East . The Siege of Lauron . Sertorius burns the City of Lauron in the sight of Pompey the Great who is not able to relieve it . Pompey in great danger , wounded , and thrown from his Horse . Sertorius overthrows Afranius . He fights with the Romans in the Territories of the Saguntines . Memmius slain . Metellus wounded . He cuts off all Provision from the Roman Army both by Sea and Land. He constitutes a Senate out of the Roman Senators which fled to him from Rome . His Treaty with Mithridates . Mithridates sends Embassadours to Sertorius . He makes a League with King Mithridates . Perpenna conspires against Sertorius . The manner of Sertorius's Death . The Spaniards forsake the Conspirators , and yield themselves up to Pompey and Metellus . Perpenna put to Death . 
A55198	----	The second volume of Plutarch's Lives Translated from the Greek, by several hands. Lives. English. Vol. II. Plutarch. 1688 Approx. 923 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 328 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A55198 Wing P2636A ESTC R220060 99831489 99831489 35952 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A55198) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 35952) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2036:2) The second volume of Plutarch's Lives Translated from the Greek, by several hands. Lives. English. Vol. II. Plutarch. The second edition. [4], 435 [i.e. 635], [1] p., [11] leaves of plates : ill. (engraved) printed for Jacob Tonson, at the Judges-Head in Chancery-Lane, near Fleet-Street, London : 1688. A translation of the third volume of: Plutarchus. Vitae parallelae. With additional engraved title page, reading: Plu:tarch Lives Vol: 2d. Page 635 is misnumbered 435. With a final page of advertisements. Stained, affecting legibility. Reproduction of the original in the Magdalene College Library, Cambridge. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Greece -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. 2007-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-01 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2008-01 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Plutarch Lives vol : 2 d ▪ THE Second Volume OF PLUTARCH'S LIVES . Translated from the Greek , BY SEVERAL HANDS . The Second Edition . LONDON , Printed for Jacob Tonson , at the Judges-Head in Chancery-Lane , near Fleet-Street . 1688 . A Chronological Table to the Second Volume of Plutarch 's Lives .   The Julian Period . Before the Coming of Christ . After the Worlds Creation . After the building of Rome . The Year of the Olympiad . The Olympiad . Alcibiades . 90 3 335 3532 416 4296 C. M. Coriolanus his Banishment . 73 2 266 3463 485 4227 Timoleon . 108 4 408 3605 343 4369 Paulus Aemil. overcame K. Perseus . 152 3 583 3780 168 4544 Pelopidas the Battel at Leuctrum . 102 3 383 3580 368 4344 Marcellus took Syracuse . 142 2 542 3739 209 4503 Aristides . 72 1 261 3458 490 4222 Marcus Cato . 144 2 550 3747 201 4511 Philopoemen . 147 3 563 3760 1884 524 T. Quintius Flaminius Consul . 145 3 555 3752 196 4516 The LIVES contained in the Second Volume . ALcibiades , page 1 Coriolanus translated by Dr. Blomer , p. 81 Paulus Emilius , Mr. Arrowsmith , 171 Timoleon , Dr. Blomer , 241 Pelopidas , Mr. Creech , 317 Marcellus , Dr. Charlton , 369 Aristides , Mr. Cooper , 433 Marcus Cato , Mr. Lydcot , 485 Philopoemen , Dr. Short , 549 Titus Flaminius , Mr. Whitaker , 583 ALCIBIADES . M. Burgers sculp . See with what joy the Exile is restor'd , So Hated once , and now so much ador'd ; His fortune various , & noe less his mind , Where every vice with every vertue joyn'd . Nothing seem'd hard to his courage , will , or pride , Success still following as he chang'd his side . THE LIFE OF ALCIBIADES . Translated from the Greek . Volume II. ALcibiades , as it is suppos'd , was anciently descended from Eurysaces , the Son of Ajax , by his Fathers side , and by his Mothers side from Alcmeon , for Dinonache , his Mother , was the Daughter of Me●acles . His Father Clinias , having fitted out a Gally at his own expence , gained great Honour in a Sea-fight near Artimisium , and was afterwards slain in the Battel of Coronea , fighting against the Baeotians . Pericles and Ariphron , the Sons of Xantippus , being nearly related to Alcibiades , were his Guardians . 'T is said , and not untruely , that the Kindness and Friendship which Socrates shewed to him , did very much contribute to his Fame . Hence it is , that tho' we have not an account from any Writer , who was the Mother of Nicias or Demosthenes , of Lamachus or Phormio , of Thrasybulus or Theramenes , notwithstanding they were all of them Illustrious Persons , and of the same Age ; yet we know even the Nurse of Alcibiades , that her Countrey was Lacedaemon , and her Name , Amyclas ; and that Zopyrus was his Schoolmaster ; the one being recorded by Antisthenes , and the other by Plato . It is not perhaps material to say any thing of the Beauty of Alcibiades , only that it lasted with him in all the Ages of his Life , in his Infancy , in his Youth , and in his Manhood ; and thereby rendred him lovely and agreeable to every one . For it is not universal what Euripides saith , that , Of all Fair things the Autumn is most Fair. But this happened to Alcibiades , amongst few others , by reason of his happy Composition , and the natural Vigor of his Body . It is said , that his Lisping , when he spoke , became him well , and gave a Grace to his Pronunciation . Aristophanes takes notice , that he lisped in those Verses wherein he jeers Theorus , because Alcibiades , speaking of him , instead of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pronounced 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and so called him Flatterer unawares to himself . From whence the Poet takes occasion to observe , How very luckily he lisp'd the Truth . Archippus also makes mention of it , thus reflecting upon the Son of Alcibiades : His Father he will imitate in all ; Like one dissolv'd in Ease and Luxury , His long loose Robe he seems to draw with pain , Carelesly leans his Head , and in his Talk Affects to lisp . His Manners were very different , nor is it strange that they varied according to the many and wonderful Vicissitudes of his Fortune . He was naturally subject to great Passions , but the most prevailing of all was his Ambition , and Desire to be esteem'd the first : which appear'd by several memorable Things spoken by him whilst he was a Child . Once being hard press'd in Wrastling , and fearing to be thrown , he got the Hand of the Person who strove with him to his Mouth , and bit it with all his sorce ; his Adversary loos'd his hold presently , and said , Thou bitest , Alcibiades , like a Woman : No , replied he , I bite like a Lion. Another time as he played at Cockal in the Street , being then but a Boy , a loaded Cart came that way , when it was his Turn to throw ; at first he requir'd the Driver to stay , because he was to cast in the way over which the Cart was to pass ; but the rude Fellow did not hearken to him , and driving on still , when the rest of the Boys divided and gave way , Alcibiades threw himself on his Face before the Cart , and stretching himself out , bid the Carter drive on , if he would : This so startled the Man , that he put back his Horses , while all that saw it were terrified , and crying out , ran to assist Alcibiades . When he began to study , he obeyed all his other Masters with great Respect , but refused to learn upon the Flute , as a sordid thing , and not becoming a Gentle man ; for he would say , To play on the Lute or the Harp , does not disorder the Posture of a man's Body , or the Air of his Face ; but one is hardly to be known by his most intimate Friends , when he play on the Flute . Besides he who plays on th● Harp , may discourse or sing at the sam● time ; but the use of the Flute does so contract the Mouth , that the Voice is intercepted , and all Speech taken away . Therefore said he , let the Theban Youths pipe , because they know not how to discourse ; but we Athenians , ( as our Ancestors have told us , ) have Minerva for our Patroness , and Apollo for our Protector , one of which threw away the Flute , and the other stripped off his Skin who play'd upon it . Thus between Raillery and good Earnest , Alcibiades not only kept himself but others from learning upon that Instrument ; for it presently became the Talk of the young Gentlemen , that Alcibiades with good Reason despis'd the Art of playing on the Flute , and ridicul'd those who studied it . Whereupon it quickly ceas'd to be reckon'd amongst the Liberal Arts , and became universally exploded . It is reported in the Invective which Antiphon wrote against Alcibiades , That once when he was a Boy , he fled to the House of Democrates , one of his Lovers , and that Ariphron had determin'd to cause Proclamation to be made for him , had not Pericles diverted him from it , by saying , That if he were dead , the Proclaiming of him could only cause it to be discover'd one day sooner , and if he were safe , it would be a Reproach to him whilst he liv'd . Antiphon does also say , That in the publick Place of Exercises in Syburtius , he slew one of his own Servants with the blow of a Staff. But it may be unreasonable to give Credit to all that is objected by an Enemy , who makes profession of his Design to defame him . It was manifest , that the many Persons of Quality who were continually waiting upon him , and making their Court to him , were surpriz'd and captivated by his extraordinary Beauty only . But the Affection which Socrates express'd for Alcibiades , was a great Evidence of his Vertue and good Disposition , which Socrates perceiv'd to appear and shine through the Beauty of his Person ; and fearing lest his Wealth and Quality , and the great Number both of Strangers and Athenians , who flatter'd and caress'd him , might at last corrupt him , he therefore resolv'd to interpose , and take care to preserve so hopeful a Plant from perishing in the Flower , and before its Fruit came to perfection . For never did Fortune surround and enclose a Man with so many of those things which we vulgarly call Goods , whereby to keep him from being touch'd or approach'd , by the free and clear Reasonings of Philosophy , as she did Alcibiades : who from the beginning was softned by the Flatteries of those who convers'd with him , and hindred from hearkning to such as would advise or instruct him . Yet such was the happiness of his Genius , that he discern'd Socrates from the rest , and admitted him , whilst he drove away the Wealthy and the Noble who made Court to him . And in a little time they grew into a Familiarity ; Alcibiades observing that his Discourses aimed not at any effeminate Pleasures of Love , nor sought any thing wanton or dishonest , but laid open to him the Imperfections of his Mind , and repress'd his vain and foolish Arrogance . Then like the Craven Cock he hung his Wings . Esteeming these Endeavours of Socrates , as Means which the Gods made use of , for the Instruction and Preservation of Youth . So that he began to think meanly of himself , and to admire Socrates ; to be pleas'd with his Kindness , and to stand in awe of his Vertue : and unawares to himself there was form'd in his Mind an Idea of Love , or rather of that mutual Affection whereof Plato speaks . Insomuch that all men wondred at Alcibiades , when they saw Socrates and him eat together , do their Exercises together , and lodge in the same Tent , whilst he was reserv'd and rough to all others who made their Addresses to him , and carried himself with great Insolence to some of them . As in particular to Anytus the Son of Anthemion , one who was very fond of him , and invited him to an Entertainment which he had prepared for some Strangers : Alcibiades refused the Invitation ; but having drank to excess at his own House with some of his Companions , he went thither to play some Frolick ; and as he stood at the Door of the Room where the Guests were treated , and perceiv'd the Tables to be cover'd with Vessels of Gold and Silver , he commanded his Servants to take away the one half of them , and carry them to his own House ; and then disdaining so much as to enter into the Room himself , as soon as he had done this , he went away . The Company was extreamly offended at the Action , and said He behav'd himself rudely and insolently towards Anytus : But Anytus made Answer , That he had used him kindly and with great Humanity , in that he left him part , when he might have taken all . He behav'd himself after the same sort to all others who courted him , except only one Stranger , who ( as it is reported ) having but a small Estate , sold it all for about a 100 Staters , which he presented to Alcibiades , and besought him to accept : Alcibiades smiling and well pleas'd at the thing , invited him to Supper , and after a very kind Entertainment , gave him his Gold again , withall requiring him , not to fail to be present the next day , when the publick Revenue was offer'd to Farm , and to out-bid all others . The Man would have excus'd himself , because the Farm was so great , and would be lett for many Talents ; but Alcibiades , who had at that time a private Picque against the old Farmers , threatned to have him beaten if he refus'd . The next morning the Stranger coming to the Market-place , offer'd a Talent more than the old Rent : The Farmers were enrag'd at him , and consulting together , call'd upon him to name such as would be Sureties for him , concluding that he could find none . The poor Man being startled at the Proposal , began to retire ; but Alcibiades , standing at a distance , cryed out to the Magistrates , Set my Name down , he is a Friend of mine , and I will undertake for him . When the old Farmers heard this , they perceiv'd that all their Contrivance was defeated ; for their way was , with the Profits of the present year , to pay the Rent of the year preceding ; So that not seeing any other way to extricate themselves out of the Difficulty , they began to entreat the Stranger , and offer'd him a Sum of Money . Alcibiades would not suffer him to accept of less than a Talent ; but when that was paid down , he commanded him to relinquish the Bargain , having by this Device reliev'd his necessity . Tho Socrates had many and powerful Rivals , yet he still prevail'd most with Alcibiades , by reason of the excellency of his natural Parts . His Discourses master'd him to that degree , as not only to draw Tears from his Eyes , but to change his very Soul. Yet sometimes he would abandon himself to Flatterers , when they proposed to him varieties of Pleasure , and would desert Socrates ▪ who then would pursue him , as if he had been a fugitive Slave . The truth is , Alcibiades despis'd all others , and did reverence and stand in awe of him alone . And therefore it was that Cleanthes said , He had given his Ears to Socrates , but to his Rivals , other Parts of his Body , with which Socrates would not meddle . For Alcibiades was certainly very much addicted to Pleasures , and that which Thucidides says , concerning his Excesses in his course of Living , gives occasion to believe so . But those who endeavour'd to corrupt Alcibiades , took advantage chiefly of his Vanity and Ambition , and thrust him on to undertake unseasonably great things , perswading him , that as soon as he began to concern himself in publick Affairs , he would not only obscure the rest of the Generals and Statesmen , but exceed the Authority and the Reputation which Pericles himself had gain'd in Greece . But in the same manner as Iron which is softned by the Fire , grows hard with the Cold , and all its Parts are clos'd again ; so as often as Socrates observ'd . Alcibiades to be misled by Luxury or Pride , he reduc'd and corrected him by his Discourses , and made him humble and modest , by shewing him in how many things he was deficient , and how very far from perfection in Vertue . When he was past his Childhood ▪ he went once to a Grammar School , and ask'd the Master for one of Homer's Books ; and he making Answer , that he had nothing of Homers , Alcibiades gave him a Blow with his Fist , and went away . Another Schoolmaster telling him , that he had Homer corrected by himself ; How , said Alcibiades , and do you imploy your time in teaching Children to read ? You who are able to amend . Homer , may well undertake to instruct Men. Being once desirous to speak with Pericles , he went to his House , and was told there , that he was not at leisure , but busied in considering how to give up his Accompts to the Athenians ; Alcibiades as he went away , said , It were better for him to consider how he might avoid giving up any Accompts at all . Whilst he was very young , he was a Souldier in the Expedition against Potidaea , where Socrates lodg'd in the same Tent with him , and seconded him in all Encounters . Once there happen'd a sharp skirmish , wherein they both behav'd themselves with much Bravery ; but Alcibiades receiving a Wound there , Socrates threw himself before him to defend him , and most manifestly sav'd him and his Arms from the Enemy , and therefore in all Justice might have challeng'd the Prize of Valour . But the Generals appearing earnest to adjudge , the Honour to Alcibiades , because of his Quality , Socrates , who desir'd to increase his Thirst after Glory , was the first who gave Evidence for him , and press'd them to Crown him , and to decree to him the compleat Suit of Armour . Afterwards in the Battel of Delium , when the Athenians were routed , and Socrates with a few others was retreating on Foot , Alcibiades who was on Horse-back observing it , would not pass on , but stay'd to shelter him from the danger , and brought him safe off , tho' the Enemy press'd hard upon them , and cut off many of the Party . But this happened some time after . He gave a Box on the Ear to Hipponicus , the Father of Callias , whose Birth and Wealth made him a Person of great Power and Esteem . And this he did unprovok'd by any Passion or Quarrel between them , but only because in a Frolick he had agreed with his Companions to do it . All men were justly offended at this Insolence , when it was known through the City : But early the next Morning Alcibiades went to his House , and knock'd at the Door , and being admitted to him , stripp'd off his Garment , and presenting his naked Body , desir'd him to beat and chastize him as he pleas'd . Upon this Hipponicus forgot all his Resentment , and not only pardon'd him , but soon after gave him his Daughter Hipparete in Marriage . Some say , that it was not Hipponicus , but his Son Callias , who gave Hipparete to Alcibiades , together with a Portion of 10 Talents , and that after , when she had a Child , Alcibiades forc'd him to give 10 Talents more , upon pretence that such was the Agreement if she brought him any Children . And yet after , Callias for fear of being assassinated by him , in a full Assembly of the People did declare , that if he should happen to die without Children , Alcibiades should inherit his House and all his Goods . Hipparete was a vertuous Lady , and fond of her Husband ; but at last growing impatient of the injuries done to her Marriage-bed , by his continual entertaining of Curtezans , as well Strangers as Athenians , she departed from him , and retir'd to her Brother's House . Alcibiades seem'd not at all concern'd at it , and liv'd on still in the same Luxury ; but the Law requiring that she should deliver to the Archon in Person , and not by Proxy , the Instrument whereby she sought a Divorce ; when in obedience to the Law , she presented her self before him to perform this , Alcibiades came in , and took her away by force , and carried her home through the Market-place , no one all this while daring to oppose him , nor to take her from him . And she continu'd with him till her death , which happened not long after , when Alcibiades made his Voyage to Ephesus . Nor was this Violence to be thought so very enormous or unmanly . For the Law , in making her who desires to be divorc'd , appear in pubblick , seems to design to give her Husband an opportunity of discoursing with her , and of endeavouring to retain her . Alcibiades had a Dog which cost him 70 Mina , and was a very great one , and very handsom ; his Tail , which was his principal Ornament , he caus'd to be cut off ; and his Acquaintance childing him for it , and telling him , that all Athens was sorry for the Dog , and cried out upon him for this Action ; he laugh'd , and said , It is then come to pass as I desir'd , for I would have the Athenians entertain themselves with the Discourse of this , lest they should be talking something worse of me . It is said , that the first time he came into the Assembly , was upon occasion of a Largess of Money which he made to the People . This was not done by Design , but as he pass'd along he heard a Shout , and enquiring the Cause , and having learn'd that there was a Donative made to the People , he went in amongst them , and gave Money also . The Multitude thereupon applauding him , and shouting , he was sotransported at it , that he forgot a Quail which he had under his Robe and the Bird being frighted with noise , fled from him : Thereupon the People made louder Acclamations than before , and many of them rose up to pursue the Bird ; but one Antiochus , a Pilot , caught it , and restor'd it to him , for which he was ever after very dear to Alcibiades . He had great Advantages to introduce himself into the Management of Affairs : His noble Birth , his Riches , the personal Courage he had shewn in divers Battels , and the multitude of his Friends and Dependents . But above all the rest , he chose to make himself Considerable to the People by his Eloquence : That he was a Master in the Art of Speaking the Comick Poets bear him witness ; and Demosthenes , the most eloquent of men , in his Oration against Midias , does allow , that Alcibiades , among other Perfections , was a most exact Orator . And if we give Credit to Theophrastus , who of all Philosophers was the most curious Enquirer , and the most faithful Relator , he says , that Alcibiades was very happy at inventing Things proper to be said upon the Occasion . Nor did he consider the Things only which ought to be said , but also what Words and what Expressions were to be us'd ; and when those did not readily occur , he would often pause in the middle of his Discourse for want of apt words , and would be silent and stop till he could recollect himself , and had consider'd what to say . His Expences in Horses kept for the publick Games , and in the number of his Chariots , were very magnificent ; for never any one besides himself , either private Person or King , sent seven Chariots to the Olympick Games . He carried away at once the first , the second , and the fourth Prize , as Thucydides says , or the third , as Euripides relates it ; wherein he surpass'd all that ever pretended in that kind . Euripides celebrates his success in this manner . Thee lovely Son of Clinias will I sing , Thy Triumphs down to future Ages bring . Thou Pride of Greece ! which never saw till now , So many Crowns adorn one conquering Brow. With how much ease the three-fold Prize he gains , And smiles to see from far his Rivals Pains . Their Chariots lagging on the distant Plains , His Temples thrice the willing Judges crown , And general Shouts do the just sentence Own. The Emulation which those who contended with him , expressed in the Presents which they made to him , rendred his Success the more illustrious . The Ephesians erected a Tent for him adorned magnificently : The City of Chios furnished him with Provender for his Horses , and with great numbers of Beasts for Sacrifice . And the Lesbians sent him Wine and other Provisions , for the many great Entertainments which he made . Yet in the midst of all this , he escap'd not without Censure , occasion'd either by the Malice of his Enemies , or by his own ill Carriage . For 't is said , that one Diomedes , an Athenian , a good man , and a Friend to Alcibiades , passionately desiring to obtain the Victory at the Olympick Games , and having heard much of a Chariot which belogned to the State ●t Argos , where he had observ'd that Alcibiades had great Power and many Friends , ●e prevail'd with him to undertake to buy ●he Chariot . Alcibiades did indeed buy it , ●ut then claim'd it for his own , leaving ●iomedes to rage at him , and to call upon he Gods and Men to bear witness of the ●njustice . There was a Suit at Law comnenc'd upon this Occasion , and there is ●et extant an Oration concerning a Cha●ot , written by Iscrates in Defence of Al●●biades , then a Youth . But there the ●laintiff in the Action is named Tisias , and ●ot Diomedes . As soon as he began to intermeddle in 〈◊〉 Government , which was when he was very young , he quickly lessen'd the Credit of all who pretended to lead the People , except Pheax the Son of Erasistratus , and Nicias the Son of Niceratus , who alone durst contend with him . Nicias was arriv'd at the Age which is proper for War , and was esteem'd an excellent General ; but Pheax was but beginning to grow in Reputation , ( as Alcibiades was . ) He was descended of noble Ancestors , but was inferior to Alcibiades , as in many other things , so principally in Eloquence . He could speak well , and had the Art of Perswading in private Conversation , but could not maintain a Debate before the People ; that being true which Eupolis said of him , That he could talk well , but was not good at making Speeches . There is extant an Oration written against Pheax and Alcibiades , wherein , amongst other things , it is said , that Alcibiades made daily use at his Table of many gold and silver Vessels , which belong'd to the Common-wealth , as if they had been his own . There was one Hyperbolus , a Native of Perithoide , ( of whom Thucydides makes mention , as of a very ill man ) who furnish'd Matter to all the Writers of Comedy in that Age for their Satyrs . But he was unconcern'd at the worst things they could say , and being careless of Glory , he was also insensible of Shame . There are some who call this Boldness and Courage , whereas it is indeed Impudence and Madness . He was lik'd by no body , yet the People made frequent use of him , when they had a mind to disgrace or calumniate any Persons in Authority . At this time the People by his Perswasions were ready to proceed to pronounce the Sentence of ten years Banishment , which they called Ostracism . This was a way they made use of to lessen and drive out of the City such Citizens , as exceeded the rest in Credit and Power , therein consulting their envy rather than their fear . And when at this time there was no doubt but that the Ostracism would fall upon one of those three , Alcibiades contriv'd to unite their several Factions , and communicating his Project with Nicias , he turn'd the Sentence upon Hyperbolus himself . Others say , that it was not with Nicias but Pheax that he consulted , and that by the help of his Party he procured the Banishment of Hypenbolus himself , when he suspected nothing less . For never any mean or obscure person fell under that Punishment before that time . Which gave occasion to Plato the Comick Poet , speaking of this Hyperbolus , to say that he was , Worthy to suffer what he did and more , But not in such an honourable way : The abject Wretch the Sentence did disgrace . But we have in another place given a fuller account of all that History has delivered down to us of this Matter . Alcibiades was not less disturbed at the Reputation which Nicias had gain'd amongst the Enemies of Athens , than at the Honours which the Athenians themselves paid to him . For tho' Alcibiades was the Person who did publickly receive the Lacedaemonians when they came to Athens , and took particular Care of such of them as were made Prisoners at the Fort of Pylos , yet after they had obtained the Peace and Restitution of the Captives by the Procurement of Nicias , they began to respect him above all others . And it was commonly said in Greece , that the War was begun by Pericles , and that Nicias made an end of it , and therefore as being his Work , this Peace was by most men called the Nician Peace . Alcibades was extreamly troubled at this , and being full of Envy , set himself to break the League . First therefore observing that the Argives , as well out of fear as hatred to the Lacedaemonians , sought for protection against them , he gave them a secret Assurance of a League offensive and defensive with Athens And transacting as well in Person as by Letters , with those who had most Authority amongst the People , he encouraged them neither to fear the Lacedaemonians , nor submit to them , but to betake themselves to the Athenians , who , if they would expect but a little while , would repent of the Peace , and soon put an end to it . And afterwards when the Lacedaemonians had made a League with the Baeotians , and had not delivered up Panactum entire , as they ought to have done by the Treaty ? but defac'd and slighted it , which gave great offence to the People of Athens , Alcibiades laid hold of that opportunity to exasperate them more highly . He exclaim'd fiercely against Nicias , and accus'd him of many things , which seemed probable enough : As that when he was General , he would not seize upon those men who were deserted by the Enemies Army , and left in the Isle of Sphacteria ; and that when they were afterwards made Prisoners by others , he procur'd them to be released , and sent back to the Lacedaemonians , only to get favour with them ; that he would not make use of his Credit with them , to prevent their entring into this Confederacy with the Baeotians . and Corinthians ; and yet on the other side he sought to hinder those Grecians who were inclined to make an Alliance and Friendship with Athens , if the Lacedaemonians were not pleased with it . It happen'd at the very time when Nicias was by these Arts brought into disgrace with the People ; that Ambassadours arrived from Lacedaemon , who at their first coming said what seemed very satisfactory , declaring that they had full power to concert all Matters in difference upon equal terms . The Council received their Propositions , and the People was to assemble on the morrow to give them Audience . Alcibiades grew very apprehensive of this , and ordered Matters so , that he had a secret Conference with the Ambassadors . When they were met , he said ; What is it you intend , you Men of Sparta ? Can you be ignorant , that the Council always carry themselves with Moderation and Respect towards Ambassadors , but that the People are haughty , and affect great things ? So that if you let them know what full Powers your Commission gives you , they will urge and press you to yield to unreasonable Conditions . Quit therefore this indiscreet Method , if you expect to obtain equal Terms from the Athenians , and would not have things extorted from you contrary to your Inclination ; and begin to treat with the People upon some reasonable Articles , not owning at the first that you are Plenipotentiaries , and I will be ready to assist you , as being very zealous to serve the Lacedaemonians . When he had said thus , he gave them his Oath for the performance of what he promised , and by this way drew them from Nicias to rely entirely upon himself , and to admire him as a Person extraordinary for Wisdom and Dexterity in Affairs . The next day when the People were assembled , and the Ambassadors introduc'd , Alcibiades with great Civility demanded of them , with what Powers they were come ? they made answer , That they were not come as Plenipotentiaries . Instantly upon that Alcibiades with a loud Voice , ( as tho' he had receiv'd , and not done the wrong ) began to call them faithless and inconstant , and to shew that such men could not possibly come with a purpose to say or do any thing that was sincere . The Council was highly incens'd , the People were in a rage , and Nicias , who knew nothing of the Deceit and the Imposture , was in the greatest Confusion imaginable , being equally surpriz'd and asham'd at such a Change in the Men. So that without more ado , the Lacedaemonian Ambassadors were utterly rejected , and Alcibiades was declar'd General , who presently drew the Argives , the Elians , and those of Mantinoea , into a Confederacy with the Athenians . No man commended the Method by which Alcibiades effected all this , yet it was a great reach in the Politicks , thus to divide and shake almost all Peloponnesus , and to bring together so many men in Arms against the Lacedaemonians in one day before Mantinoea ; thereby removing the War and the Danger so far from the Frontier of the Athenians , that even success would profit the Enemy but little should they be Conquerors , whereas if they were defeated , Sparta it self was hardly safe . After this Battel at Mantineoea , the Officers of the Army of the Argives attempted to destroy the Government of the People in Argos , and make themselves Masters of the City ; and by the Assistance of the Lacedaemonians they abolished the Democracy . But the People took Arms again , and having gain'd some Advantage , Alcibiades came in to their Aid , and made their Victory compleat . Then he perswaded them to build long Walls , and by that means to joyn their City to the Sea , that so at all times they might more securely receive Succour from the Athenians . To this purpose he procur'd them many Masons and Hewers of Stone from Athens , and in all things made shew of the greatest Zeal for their Service , and thereby gain'd no less Honour and Power to himself , than to the Common-wealth of Athens . He also perswaded the Patroeans to joyn their City to the Sea , by lengthening their Walls ; and when they were warn'd , That the Athenians would swallow them up at last ; Alcibiades made Answer , that possibly it might be so , but it would be by little and little , and beginning at the Feet , whereas the Lacedoemonians will begin at the Head , and devour you all at once . He did also advise the Athenians to make themselves strong at Land , and often put the young Men in mind of the Oath which they had made at Agraulos , and excited them to the effectual performance of it ; for there they were wont to swear , that they would repute Wheat and Barley , and Vines and Olives , to be the Limits of Attico ; by which they were taught to claim a Title to all Lands that were manured and fruitful . But with all these excellent Things which he said and did , with all this Wisdom and Eloquence , he intermingled exorbitant Luxury in his Eating and Drinking , and in his Loves , joyn'd with great Insolence , and Effeminacy . He wore a long purple Robe , which dragg'd after him as he went through the Market-place . He caus'd the Planks of his Galley to be cut away , that so he might lye the softer , his Bed not being plac'd on the Boards , but hanging upon Girths . And his Shield , which was richly gilded , had not the usual Ensigns of the Athenians , but a Cupid holding a Thunderbolt in his Hand , was painted upon it ; which when those of the best Quality in the City saw , they did not only detest it , and resent it highly , but were afraid of his dissolute Manners , and insolent Contempt of Laws , as things monstrous in themselves , and tending to a Change of the Government . Aristophanes has well express'd in what manner the People stood affected towards him : They hate him , yet they love to see him too , Still Popular amidst his wild Debauches . And in another place he doth more plainly discover the Jealousie which was conceiv'd of him : 'T is folly to breed up an infant Lion , But to provoke him after , downright Madness . The truth is , his Liberalities , his publick Shews , and other Munificence to the People , ( which were such as nothing could exceed , ) the Glory of his Ancestors , the Force of his Eloquence , the Loveliness of his Person , his Strength of Body , joyn'd with his great Courage , and extraordinary Knowledge in Military Affairs , prevail'd upon the Athenians to endure patiently his Excesses , to indulge many things to him , and to give the softest Names to his Faults , attributing them only to his Youth and good Nature . He kept Agatharcus the Painter a Prisoner , till he had painted his whole House , but then dismis'd him with a Reward . He publickly struck Taureas , who exhibited certain Shews in opposition to him , and contended with him for the Prize . He took to himself one of the captive Melian Women , and had a Son by her , whom he took care to educate . This the Athenians styl'd great Humanity : and yet he was the principal Cause of the Slaughter of all the Inhabitants of the Isle of Melos , who were of Age to bear Arms , by speaking in favour of that cruel Decree . When Aristophon the Painter had drawn Nemea the Curtezan , sitting and holding Alcibiades in her Arms , the Multitude seem'd pleased with the Piece , and throng'd to see it , but the graver sort were highly offended , and looked on these things as great Enormities , and savouring of a Tyranny . So that it was not said amiss by Archestratus , that Greece could not bear two Alcibiades . Once when Alcibiades succeeded well in an Oration which he made , and the whole Assembly attended upon him to do him Honour , Timon , sirnamed the Man-hater , would not pass slightly by him , nor avoid him as he did others , but purposely met him , and taking him by the Hand , said , Go on boldly , my Son , maist thou increase in Credit with the People , for thou wilt one day bring them Calamities enough . Some that were present laugh'd at the Saying , and some reproached Timon ; but there were others upon whom it made a deep Impression : So various was the Judgment which was made of him , by reason of the Inequality of his Manners . The Athenians in the Life-time of Pericles had cast a longing Eye upon Sicily , but did not attempt any thing in relation to it , till after his Death . For then , under pretence of aiding their Confederates , they sent Succours upon all Occasions to those who were oppress'd by the Syracusans , and thereby made way for the sending over of a greater Force . But Alcibiades was the Person who inflam'd this Desire of theirs to the height , and prevail'd with them no longer to proceed secretly in their Design , and by little and little , but to set out a great Fleet , and undertake at once to make themselves Masters of the Island . To this purpose he possess'd the People with great Hopes , whilst he himself had much greater ; and the Conquest of Sicily , which was the utmost Bound of their Ambition , was but the beginning of those things which he thought of . Nicias endeavour'd to divert the People from this Expedition , by representing to them , that the taking of Syracuse would be a work of great Difficulty . But Alcibiades dreamt of nothing less than the Conquest of Carthage and Lybia , and by the Accession of these , fancied himself already Master of Italy and of Peloponnesus ; so that he seemed to look upon Sicily as little more than a Magazine for the War. The young Men were soon rais'd with these Hopes , and heark'ned gladly to those of riper years , telling them strange things of this Expedition ; so that you might see great Numbers sitting in Rings in the Places of Exercise , some describing the Figure of the Island , and others the Situation of Lybia and Carthage . But it is said , that Socrates the Philosopher , and Meton the Astrologer , never hop'd for any good to the Common wealth from this War : The one , ( as 't is probable , ) presaging what would ensue , by the Assistance of his Daemon , who conversed with him familiarly ; and the other , either upon a rational Consideration of the Project , or by making use of the Art of Divination , was become fearful of the success : and therefore , dissembling Madness , he caught up a burning Torch , and seem'd as if he would have set his own House on fire : Others report , that he did not take upon him to act the Mad man , but that secretly in the night he set his House on fire , and the next morning besought the People , that for his Comfort after such a Calamity , they would spare his Son from the Expedition . By which Artifice he deceived his fellow-Citizens , and obtained of them what he desired . Together with Alcibiades , Nicias , much against his Will , was appointed General for he endeavour'd to avoid the Command as disliking his Colleague . But the Athenians thought the War would proceed mor● prosperously , if they did not send Alcibiades free from all Restraint , but temper'd hi● ▪ Heat with the Caution of Nicias . Thi● they chose the rather to do , because Lamachus the third General , tho' he was in hi● declining years , yet in several Battels had appeared no less hot and rash than Alcibiades himself . When they began to deliberate of the number of Forces , and of th● manner of making the necessary Provisions Nicias made another Attempt to oppose th● Design , and to prevent the War ; but Alcibiades contradicted him , and carried his Point with the People . And one Demostrates , an Orator , proposing to them , that they ought to give the Generals absolute Power , both as to the greatness of the Preparations , and the management of the War , it was presently decreed so . But just when all things were fitted for the Voyage , many unlucky Omens appear'd . At that very time the Feast of Adonis happened , in which the Women were used to expose in all Parts of the City , Images resembling dead men carried out to their Burial , and to represent Funeral Solemnities by their Lamentations and mournful Songs . The maiming also of the Images of Mercury , most of which in one night had their Faces broken , did terrifie many persons who were wont to despise things of that nature . It was given out , that this was done by the Corinthians , for the sake of the Syracusans , who were a Colony of theirs , in hopes that the Athenians observing such Prodigies , might be induc'd to repent of the War. Yet this Report gain'd not any Credit with the People , nor the Opinion of those , who would not believe that there was any thing ominous in the Matter , but that it was only an extravagant Action , committed by some wild young men coming from a Debauch ; but they were both enrag'd and terrifi'd at the thing , looking upon it to proceed from a Conspiracy of persons , who design'd some great Commotions in the State. And therefore as well the Council , as the Assembly of the People , which upon this Occasion was held frequently in a few days space , examin'd diligently every thing that might administer ground for Suspicion . During this Examination , Androcles , one of the Demogogues , produc'd certain Slaves and Strangers before them , who accus'd Alcibiades and some of his Friends for defacing other Images in the same manner , and for having prophanely acted the sacred Mysteries at a drunken Meeting . Wherein one Theodorus represented the Herald , Polytion the Torch-bearer , and Alcibiades the Chief Priest , and that the rest of his Companions were present , as persons initiated in the holy Mysteries , and acting the Part of Priests . These were the Matters contain'd in the Accusation , which Thessalus the Son of Cimon , exhibited against Alcibiades , for his impious Mockery of the Goddesses , Ceres and Proserpina . The People were highly exasperated and enrag'd against Alcibiades upon this Accusation , which being aggravated by Androcles , the most malicious of all his Enemies , at first disorder'd him exceedingly . But when he perceiv'd that all the Sea-men design'd for Sicily , were fond of him , and that at the same time the Forces of the Argives and the Mantineans , which consisted of a 1000 men at Arms , spar'd not to say openly , that they had undertaken this tedious maritime Expedition for the sake of Alcibiades , and that if he was ill us'd , they would all presently be gone , he recover'd his Courage , and became eager to make use of the present opportunity for justifying himself . At this his Enemies were again discourag'd , as fearing lest the People should be more gentle towards him in their Sentence , by reason of the present Occasion which they had for his Service . Therefore to obviate this Mischief , they contriv'd that some other Orators , who did not appear to be Enemies to Alcibiades , but really hated him no less than those who avow'd themselves to be so , should stand up in the Assembly , and say , that it was a very absurd thing , that one who was created General of such an Army with absolute Power , after his Troops were compleated , and the Confederates were come , should lose the present Opportunity , whilst the People were choosing his Judges by Lots , and appointing times for the hearing of the Cause . And that therefore he ought to set Sayl presently , ( and may good Fortune attend him , ) but when the War should be at an end , he might then in Person make his Defence according to the Laws . But Alcibiades soon perceiv'd the Malice of this Delay , and appearing in the Assembly , represented to them , that it was a very grievous thing to him , to be sent forth with the Command of so great an Army , when he lay under such Accusations and Calumnies , that he deserv'd to die , if he could not clear himself of the Crimes objected to him . But when he had purg'd himself , and appear'd to be innocent , he should then chearfully apply himself to the War , as standing no longer in fear of false Accusers . But he could not prevail with the People , who commanded him to sail immediately . So he departed together with the other Generals , having with them near 140 Galleys , 5100 men at Arms , and about 1300 Archers , Slingers , and light arm'd men , and all the other Provisions were answerable , and every way compleat . Arriving on the Coast of Italy , he landed at Rhegium , and there propos'd his Advice in what manner they should manage the War. Wherein he was oppos'd by Nicias , but Lamachus being of his opinion , they sail'd for Sicily forthwith , and took Catana . That was all which was done while he was there , for he was soon after recall'd by the Athenians , to abide his Tryal . At first , ( as we before said , ) there were only some slight suspicions offer'd against Alcibiades , and accusations by certain slaves and strangers . But afterwards in his absence his Enemies attack'd him more fiercely , and confounded together the breaking the Images with the pro 〈…〉 anation of the holy Mysteries , as tho' Span● been committed in pursuance of the ●ame Conspiracy for changing the Government . Thereupon the People imprison'd all that were accus'd , without distinction , and without hearing them , and repented themselves exceedingly , that having such pregnant Evidence , they had not immediately brought Alcibiades to his Tryal , and given Judgment against him . And if any of his Friends or Acquaintance fell into the Peoples hands , whilst they were in this Fury , they were sure to be us'd very severely . Thucydides hath omitted to name his Accusers , but others mention Dioclides and Teucer . Amongst whom is Phrynichus the Comic Poet , who introduces one speaking thus : Hear Hermes thy deceiv'd Athenians call ! Preserve thy Image from a second fall . Lest Dioclydes once again accuse , And sacred Justice by false Oaths abuse . To which he makes Mercury return this Answer . Safe from Affronts my Statues I will guard , False Teucer shall not meet with new Reward , Nor shall his impious Lyes obtain Regard . The truth is , his Accusers alledg'd nothing that was certain or solid against him . One of them being ask'd , How he knew the men who defac'd the Images ; when he said , He saw them by the light of the Moon , was grosly mistaken , for it was just New Moon when the Fact was committed . This made all men of Understanding cry out upon the thing as a Contrivance , but the People were as eager as ever to receive further Accusations , nor was their first Heat at all abated , but they instantly seiz'd and imprison'd every one that was accus'd . Amongst those who were detain'd in Prison in order to their Tryals , there was Andocides the Orator , whom the Historian Hellanicus reports to be descended from Vlysses . He was always look'd upon to hate the Popular Government , and to affect an Oligarchy . The chiefest ground of causing him to be suspected for defacing the Images , was because the great Mercury which was plac'd near his House , and was an ancient Monument of the Tribe of the Aegeides , was almost the only Statue , of all the remarkable ones , which remain'd entire . For this Cause it is now call'd the Mercury of Andocides , all men giving it that Name , tho' the Inscription is an Evidence that it belongs to another Tribe . It happen'd that Andocides , above all others who were Prisoners upon the same account , did contract a particular Acquaintance and Friendship with one Timaeus , a Person not equal to Andocides in Quality , but very extraordinary both for Parts and Boldness . He perswaded Andocides to accuse himself and some few others , of this Crime , urging to him , that upon his Confession he would be secure of his Pardon , by the Decree of the People , whereas the event of Judgment is uncertain to all men , but to great Persons , as he was , most terrible . So that it was better for him , if he regarded himself , to save his Life by a Falsity , than to suffer an infamous Death , as one really guilty of the same Crime . And if he had a regard to the publick Good , it was commendable to sacrifice a few suspected men , by that means to rescue many excellent Persons from the Fury of the People . The Arguments us'd by Timaeus so far prevail'd upon Andocides , as to make him accuse himself and some others , and thereupon , according to the Decree of the People , he obtain'd his Pardon , and all the persons which were nam'd by him , ( except some few who sav'd themselves by Flight ) suffer'd Death . To gain the greater Oredit to his Information , he accus'd his own Servants amongst others . But notwithstanding this , the Peoples Anger was not appeas'd ; and being now no longer diverted by those who had violated the Images , they were at leisure to pour out their whole Rage upon Alcibiades . And in conclusion , they sent the Galley call'd the Salaminia , to recal him . but they gave it expresly in Command to those that were sent , that they should use no violence , nor seize upon his Person , but address themselves to him in the mildest terms , requiring him to follow them to Athens , in order to abide his Tryal , and purge himself before the People . For indeed they fear'd a Mutiny and a Sedition in the Army in an Enemy's Countrey , which they knew it would be easie for Alcibiades to effect , if he had a mind to it . For the Souldiers were dispirited upon his departune , expecting for the future tedious delays , and that the War would be drawn out into a lazy length by Nicias , when Alcibiades , who was the Spur to Action , was taken away . For tho' Lamachus was a Souldier , and a Man of Courage , yet being poor he wanted Authority and Respect in the Army . Alcibiades just upon his departure prevented Messina from falling into the hands of the Athenians . There were some in that City who were upon the point of delivering it up , but he knowing the persons , discover'd them to some Friends of the Syratusans , and thereby defeated the whole Contrivance . When he arriv'd at Thuria he went on shore , and concealing himself there , escap'd those who search'd after him . But to one who knew him , and ask'd him , If he durst not trust his native Countrey ? he made Answer , Yes , I dare trust her for all other things ; but when the Matter concerns my Life , I will not trust my Mother , lest she should mistake , and unwarily throw in a black Bean instead of a white one . When afterwards he was told , that the Assembly had pronounc'd Judgment of Death against him , all he said was . I will make them sensible that I am yet alive . The Information against him was conceiv'd in this Form : Thessalus , the Son of Cimon , of the Town of Laciades , doth accuse Alcibiades , the Son of Clinias , of the Town of Scambonides , to have offended the Goddesses Ceres and Proserpine , by representing in derision the holy Mysteries , and shewing them to his Companions in his own House . Where being habited in such Robes as are us'd by the Chief Priest , when he shews the holy things , he nam'd himself the Chief Priest , Polytion the Torch-bearer , and Theodorus , of the Town of Phy●ea , the Herald , and saluted the rest of his Company as Priests and Novices . All which was done with design to expose the Rites and Institutions of the Eumolpides , and the Priests , and other Officers of the holy Mysteries of the Temple at Eleusis . He was condemn'd as contumacious upon his not appearing , his Estate confiscated , and it was decreed that all the Priests and Priestesses should solemnly curse him . But one of them , Theano , the Daughter of Menon , of the Town of Agraulos , is said to have oppos'd that part of the Decree , saying , That her holy Office oblig'd her to make Prayers , but not Execrations , Alcibiades lying under these heavy Decrees and Sentences , when first he fled from Thuria , pass'd over into Peloponnesus , and remain'd some time at Argos , But being there in fear of his Enemies , and seeing himself utterly rejected by his native Countrey , he sent to Sparta , desiring Letters of safe Conduct , and assuring them , that he would make them amends by his future Services for all the Mischief he had done them , while he was their Enemy . The Spartans giving him the Security he desir'd , he went thit her chearfully , and was well receiv'd . At his first coming he brought it to pass , that laying aside all further Caution or Delay , they should aid the Syracusans , and he quickn'd and excited them so , that they forth with dispatch'd Gylippus into Sicily at the Head of an Army , utterly to destroy the Forces which the Athenians had in Sicily . Another thing which he perswaded them to do , was to make War also upon the Athenians , on the side of Peloponnesus . But the third thing , and the most important of all the rest , was to make them fortifie Decelea , which above all other things did streighten and consume the Common-wealth of Athens . As Aloibiades gain'd Esteem by the Services which he rendred to the Public , so he was no less respected for his manner of living in private , whereby he wholly captivated the People , and made them dote on him . For he conform'd himself entirely to the Laconic way , so that those who saw him shav'd close to the Skin , and bathe himself in cold Water , and feed upon a course Cake , and use their black Broth , would have doubted , or rather could not have believ'd , that he ever had a Cook in his House , or had ever seen a Perfumer , or had worn a Robe of Milesian Purple . For he had ( as it was observ'd ) this peculiar Talent and Artifice , whereby he gain'd upon all men , that he could presently conform himself to , and take up their Fashions and way of Living , more easily than a Chamaelion can change himself into new Colours . For a Chamaelion , they say , cannot imitate one Colour , that is , White ; but Alcibiades , whether he convers'd with debauch'd or vertuous persons , was still capable of imitating and complying with them . At Sparta he was diligent at his Exercises , frugal , and reserv'd . In Ionia he was luxurious , frolick , and lazy . In Thracia he was always drinking , or on Horse-back . And when he transacted with Tisaphernes , the King of Persia's Lieutenant , he exceeded the Persians themselves in Magnificence and Pomp ▪ Not that his natural Disposition chang'd so easily , nor that his Manners were so very variable , but being sensible that if he pursu'd his own Inclinations , he might give offence to those with whom he had occasion to converse , he therefore transform'd himself into such . Shapes , and took up such Fashions , as he observ'd to be most agreeable to them . So that to have seen him at Lacedaemon , if a Man judg'd by the outward appearance , he would say of him : 'T is not Achilles Son , but it is He , The very man the wise Lycurgus taught . But if one look'd more nearly into his Manners , he would cry out , according to the Proverb : 'T is the old Woman still , still lewd as ever . For while King Agis was absent , and abroad with the Army , he corrupted his Wife Timaea , and got her with Child . Nor did she deny it , but when she was brought to Bed of a Son , call'd him in publick Leotychides , but when she was amongst her Confidents and her Attendants , she would whisper that his Name ought to be Alcibiades . To such a degree was she transported by her passion for him . But he on the other side would say in sport , he had not done this thing out of Revenge or Lust , but that his Race might one day come to Reign over the Lacedoemonians . There were many who acquainted Agis with these Passages , but the time it self gave the greatest Confirmation to the Story . For Agis being frightned with an Earthquake , fled out of Bed from his Wife , and for ten months after never lay with her , and therefore Leotychides being born after those ten months , he would not acknowledge him for his Son ; which was the Reason that at last he never came to the Kingdom . After the Defeat which the Athenians receiv'd in Sicily , Ambassadors were dispatch'd to Sparta at once from Chios , and Lesbos , and Cyzicum , to signifie their purpose of deferting the Interests of the Athenians . The Boeotians interpos'd in favour of the Lesbians , and Pharnabazus of the Cyzyanians , but the Lucedoemonians , at the perswasion of Alcibiades , chose to assi●● those of Chios before all others . He himself also went instantly to Sea , and procur'd almost all Ionia to revolt at once , and joyning himself to the Lacedaemonian Generals , did great mischiof to the Athenians . But Agis was his Enemy , hating him for having dishonour'd his Wife , which he resented highly , and also not able to bear patiently the Glory he acquir'd , for most of the great Actions , which succeeded well were universally ascrib'd to Alcibiades . Others also of the most powerful and ambitious amongst the Spartans , were ready to burst with Envy against Alcibiades , and labour'd it so , that at last they prevail'd with the Magistrates in the City to send Orders into Ionia that he should be kill'd . But Alcibiades had secret Intelligence of it , and was afraid , so that tho' he communicated all Affairs to the Lacedaemonians , yet he took care not to fall into their hands . At last he retir'd to Tisaphernes , the King of Persia's Lieutenant , for his security , and immediately became the first and most considerable Person about him . For this Barbarian not being himself sincere , but artificial and full of deceit , admir'd his Address and wonderful subtilty . And indeed his Carriage was so agreeable in their daily Conversations and Pleasures ; that it could not but soften the worst Humour , and take with the roughest Disposition . Even those who fear'd and envi'd him , could not but take delight and have a sort of Kindness for him , when they saw him , and were in his Company . So that Tisaphernes , who was otherwise fierce , and above all other Persians hated the Greeks , yet was so won by the Flatteries of Alcibiades , that he set himself even to exceed him in Civility ; to that degree , that being owner of some Gardens which were extreamly delightful , by reason that they were near Fountains and sweet Meadows , wherein there were Apartments and Houses of Pleasure , royally and exquisitely furnish'd , he caus'd them to be call'd Alcibiades , and afterwards every one gave them that Name . Thus Alcibiades , quitting the Interests of the Spartans , as those whom he could no longer trust , because he stood in fear of Agis , endeavour'd to do them all ill Offices , and render them odious to Tisaphernes , who by his means was hindred from assisting them vigorously , and from finally ruining the Athenians . For his advice was to furnish them but sparingly with Money , whereby he would wear them out , and consume the● insensibly , and when they had waste● their strength upon one another , they would both become an easie prey to 〈◊〉 King. Tisaphernes did readily pursue 〈◊〉 Counsel , and did so openly express the Value and Esteem which he had for him , that Alcibiades was consider'd highly by th● Grecians of all Parties . The Athenians now in the midst of their Misfortunes , repent●● them of their severe Sentence against him ▪ And he on the other side began to be troubled for them , and to fear , lest if th●● Common-wealth were utterly destroy'd he should fall into the hands of the Lacedaemonians , his mortal Enemies . At that time the whole Strength of the Athenia● was at Samos . And their Fleet which ro●● there , was imploy'd in reducing such 〈◊〉 had revolted , and in protecting the rest of their Territories , for as yet they were in a manner equal to their Enemies at Sea. But they stood in fear of Tisaphernes and the Phaenician Fleet , consisting of an 150 Galleys , which was said to be already under Sayl , and if those came , there remain'd then no hopes for the Common-wealth of Athens . When Alcibiades understood this , he sent secretly to the chief of the Athenians , who were then at Samos , giving them hopes that he would make Tisaphernes their Friend , not with any Design to gratifie the People , whom he would never trust , but out of his Respect to the Nobility , if like men of Courage , they durst attempt to repress the Insolence of the People , and by taking upon them the Government , would endeavour to save the City from Ruine . All of them gave a ready Ear to the Proposal made by Alcibiades , except only Phrynichus , one of the Generals , who was a Native of the Town of Dirades . He oppos'd him , suspecting , as the truth was , that Alcibiades concern'd not himself , whether the Government were in the People or the Nobility , but only sought by any means to make way for his Return into his native Countrey , and to that end inveigh'd against the People , thereby to gain the Nobility , and to insinuate himself into their good Opinion . But when Phrynichus found his Counsel to be rejected , and that he was now become a declar'd Enemy of Alcibiades ; he gave secret Intelligence of this to Astyochus , the Enemy's Admiral , cautioning him to beware of Alcibiades , and to look upon him as a double Dealer , and one that offer'd himself to both sides , not understanding all this while that one Traitor was making Discoveries to another . For Astyochus , who was zealous to gain the Favour of Tisaphernes , observing the great Credl● which Alcibiades had with him , reveal●● to Alcibiades ▪ all that Phrynichus had sai● against him . Alcibiades presently dispatch●● away some to Samos , to accuse Phrynich●● of the Treachery . Upon this all the Commanders were enrag'd at Phrynichus ; and 〈◊〉 themselves against him , and he seeing no ●●ther way to extricate himself from the pr●sent Danger , attempted to remedy one Ev●● by a greater . For he sent away to Astyoch●● to reproach him for betraying him , and 〈◊〉 make an Offer to him at the same time 〈◊〉 deliver into his hands both the Army 〈◊〉 the Navy of the Athenians . But neither di● this Treason of Phrynichus bring any Damage to the Athenians , by reason that Astyochus repeated his Treachery , and revea●●● also this proposal of Phrynichus to Alcibiades This was foreseen by Phrynichus , who fea●ing a second Accusation from Alcibiades to prevent him , advertis'd the Athenia●● before-hand that the Enemy was ready to sail , in order to surprize them , and ther●fore advis'd them to fortifie their Cam● and to be in a readiness to go aboard the●● Ships . While the Athenians were inten● upon doing these things , they receiv'd other Letters from Alcibiades , admonishing them to beware of Phrynichus , as one who design'd to betray their Fleet to the Enemy , to which they then gave no credit at all , conceiving that Alcibiades , who knew perfectly the Counsels and Preparations of the Enemy ▪ made use of that Knowledge , in order to impose upon them in this false Accusation of Phrynichus . Yet afterwards when Phrynicus was stabb'd with a Dagger in the Market-place by Hermon , who was then upon the Watch , the Athenians , entring into an Examination of the Cause , solemnly condemn'd Phrynichus of Treason , and decreed Crowns to Hermon and his Associates . And now the Friends of Alcibiades carrying all before them at Samos , they dispatch'd Pisander to Athens , to endeavour a Change in the State , and to encourage the Nobility to take upon themselves the Government , and destroy the Republic , representing to them , that upon those Terms , Alcibiades would procure that Tisaphernes should become their Friend and Confederate . This was the Colour and the Pretence made use of by those , who desir'd to reduce the Government of Athens to an Oligarchy . But as soon as they prevail'd , and had got the Administration of Affairs into their hands , they took upon themselves the Name of the 5000. whereas indeed they were but 400. and began to slight Alcibiades extreamly , and to prosecute the War with less Vigor than formerly . Partly because they durst not yet trust the Citizens , who secretly detested this Change , and partly because they thought the Lacedaemonians , who did ever affect the Government of the Few , would now press them less vehemently . The People in the City were terrifi'd into a Submission , many of those who had dar'd openly to oppose the 400 having been put to death . But they ●●ho were at Samos , were enrag'd as soon as they heard this News and resolv'd to set Sayl instantly for the Piraeum . And sending for Alcibiades , they declar'd him General , requiring him to lead them on to destroy these Tyrants . But in that Juncture he did not act like one rais'd on a sudden by the Favour of the Multitude , nor would yield and comply in every thing , as being oblig'd entirely to gratifie and submit to those , who from a Fugitive and an Exile , had created him General of so great an Army , and given him the Command of such a Fleet. But as becmae a great Captain , he oppos'd himself to the precipitate Resolutions which their Rage led them to , and by restraining them from so great an Error as they were about to commit , he manifestly sav'd the Common-wealth . For if they had return'd to Athens , all Ionia and the Isles of the Hellespont , would have fallen into the Enemies hands without opposition , while the Athenians , engag'd in Civil Wars , destroy'd one another within the Circuit of their own Walls . It was Alcibiades principally who prevented all this Mischief , for he did not only use Perswasions to the whole Army , and inform them of the Danger , but appli'd himself to them one by one , entreating some , and forcibly restraining others . And herein he was much assisted by Thrasybulus of Stira , who having the loudest Voice of all the Athenians , went along with him , and cry'd out to those who were ready to be gone . Another great Service which Alcibiades did for them was , his undertaking that the Phaenician Fleet , which the Lacedaemonians expected to be sent to them by the King of Persia , should either come in Aid of the Athenians , or otherwise should not come at all . He went on board with all expedition in order to perform this , and so manag'd the thing with Tisaphernes , that tho' those Ships were already come as far as Aspendos , yet they advanc'd no farther , so that the Lacedaemonians were disappointed of them . It was by both sides agreed that this Fleet was diverted by the Procurement of Alcibiades . But the Lacedaemonians openly accus'd him , that he had advis'd this Barbarian to stand still , and suffer the Graecians to waste and destroy one another , For it was evident that , the Accession of so great a Force to either Party , would have enabled them to have ravish'd entirely the Dominion of the Sea from the other side . Soon after this the 400 Usurpers were driven out , the Friends of Alcibiades vigorously assisting those who were for the popular Government . And now the People in the City not only desir'd , but commanded Alcibiades to return home from his Exile . However he disdain'd to owe his Return to the meer Grace and Commiseration of the People , and therefore resolv'd to come back with Glory , and upon the Merit of some eminent Service . To this end he sail'd from Samos with a few Ships , and cruis'd on the Sea of Gnidos , and about the Isle of Coos , and got Intelligence there that Mindarus , the Spartan Admiral , was sail'd with his whole Army into the Hellespont , in pursuit of the Athenians . Thereupon he made haste to succour the Athenian Commanders , and by good fortune arriv'd with 18 Galleys at a critical time . For both the Fleets having engag'd near Abydos , the Fight between them had lasted from morning till night , the one side having the Advantage on the right Wing , and the other on the left . Upon his first Appearance , both sides conceiv'd a false opinion of the end of his coming , for the Enemy was encourag'd and the Athenians terrifi'd . But Alcibiades suddenly advanc'd the Athenian Flag in the Admiral Ship , and with great Fury fell upon the Peloponnesians , who had then the Advantage , and were in the pursuit . He soon put them to flight , and follow'd them so close that he forc'd them on shore , broke their Ships in pieces , and slew the men who endeavour'd to save themselves by Swimming ; altho' Pharnabazus was come down to their Assistance by Land , and did what he could to cover the Ships as they lay under the shore . In fine , the Athenians having taken 30 of the Enemies Ships , and recover'd all their own , erected a Trophy . After the gaining of so glorious a Victory , his Vanity made him affect to shew himself to Tisaphernes , and having furnish'd himself with Gifts and Presents , and an Equipage suitable to so great a General , he set forwards towards him . But the Thing did not succeed as he had imagin'd , for Tisaphernes had been long suspected by the Lacedaemonians , and was afraid to fall into Disgrace with his King upon that account , and therefore thought that Alcibiades arriv'd very opportunely , and immediately caus'd him to be seiz'd , and sent away Prisoner to Sardis ; fancying by this Act of Injustice , to purge himself from all former Imputations . But about 30 days after Alcibiades escap'd from his Keepers , and having go● a Horse , fled to Clazomene , where he accus'● Tisaphernes as consenting to his Escape . From thence he sail'd to the Athenian Camp , and being inform'd there that Mindarus and Pharnabazus were together at Cyzicum , he made a Speech to the Souldiers , shewing them that it was necessary to attack the Enemies both by Sea and Land , nay even to force them in their Fortifications ; for unless they gain'd a compleat Victory , they would soon be in want of necessary Provisions for their subsistance . As soon as ever he go● them on Ship-board , he hasted to Proconesus , and there gave Command to place all the smaller Vessels in the midst of the Navy , and to take all possible care that the Enemy might have no notice of his coming , and a great Storm of Rain , accompani'd with Thunder and Darkness , which happen'd at the same time , contributed much to the concealing of his Design . So that it was not only undiscover'd by the Enemy , but the Athenians themselves were ignorant of it , for he suddenly commanded them on board , and set Sayl before they were aware . As soon as the Darkness was o●er , he perceiv'd himself to be in sight of the Peloponnesian Fleet , which rode at Anchor before the Port of Cyzicum . Alcibiades fearing lest if they discover'd the number of his Ships , they might endeavour to save themselves by Land , commanded the rest of the Captains to slacken their Sayls , and follow after him slowly , whilst he advancing with 40 Ships , shew'd himself to the Enemy , and provok'd them to fight . The Enemy being deceiv'd in their Number , despis'd them , and supposing they were to contend with those only , made themselves ready and began the Fight . But as soon as they were engag'd , they perceiv'd the other part of the Fleet coming down upon them , at which they were so terrifi'd that they fled immediately . Upon that Alcibiades with 20 of his best Ships breaking through the midst of them , hastned to the shore , and suddenly making a Descent , pursu'd those who abandon'd their Ships and fled to Land , and made a great Slaughter of them . Mindarus and Pharnabazus coming to their Succour , were utterly defeated . Mindarus was slain upon the Place , fighting valiantly , but Pharnabazus sav'd himself by flight . The Athenians slew great Numbers of their Enemies , won much Spoyl , and took all their Ships . They also made themselves Masters of Cyzicum , it being deserted by Pharnabazus , and put to death all the Peloponnesians that were there , and thereby not only secur'd to themselves the Hellespont , but by force drove the Lacedaemonians from out of all the other Seas . They intercepted als● some Letters written to the Ephori , whic● gave an account of this fatal Overthrow ▪ after their short Laconic manner . Our Hope● are at an end . Mindarus is slain . The Souldiers starve ; and we know not what Measures to take . The Souldiers who follow'd Alcibiades in this last Fight , were so exalted with the Success , and come to that degree of Pride , that looking on themselves as Invincible , they disdain'd to mix with the other Souldiers , who had been often overcome . For it happen'd not long before , Thrasyllus ▪ had receiv'd a great Defeat near Ephesus , and upon that Occasion the Ephesians erected a brazen Trophy to the Disgrace of the Athenians . The Souldiers of Alcibiades reproach'd those who were under the Command of Thrasyllus , with this Misfortune , at the same time magnifying themselves and their own Commander , and it went so far at last , that they would not do their Exercises with them , nor lodge in the same Quarters . But soon after Pharnabazus with a great Strength of Horse and Foot , falling upon the Souldiers of Thrasyllus , as they were laying waste the Territory of the Abydenians , Alcibiades coming to their Aid , routed Pharnabazus , and together with Thrasyllus , pursu'd him till it was night . Then their Troops united and return'd together to the Camp , rejoycing and congratulating one another . The next day he erected a Trophy , and then proceeded to lay waste with Fire and Sword the whole Province which was under Pharnabazus , where none durst appear to oppose them . In this Action he took divers Priests and Priestesses , but releas'd them without Ransom . He prepar'd next to make War upon the Chalcedonians , who had revolted from the Athenians , and had receiv'd a Lacedaemonian Governour and Garrison . But having Intelligence that they had remov'd their Corn and Cattel out of the Fields , and had sent all to the Bithynians , who were their Friends , he drew down his Army to the Frontier of the Bithynians , and then sent a Herald to accuse them of this Procedure . The Bithynians being terrifi'd at his Approach , deliver'd up to him the whole Booty , and entred into an Alliance with him . Afterwards he proceeded to the Siege of Calcedon , and enclos'd it with a wall from Sea to Sea. Pharnabazus advanc'd with his Forces to raise the Siege , and Hippocrates , the Governour of the Town , at the same time gathering together all the strength he had , made a Sally upon the Athenians . Alcibiades divided his Army so , as to engage them both at once , and not only forc'd Pharnabazus to a dishonourable flight , but slew Hippocraces , and a great number of th● Souldiers which were with him . After this he satl'd into the Hellespont , in order to raise supplies of Money , and took the Cit● of Selybria , in which Action through hi● precipitancy , he expos'd himself to grea● Danger . For some within the Town had undertaken to betray it into his hands , and by Agreement were to give him a Signal by a lighted Torch about midnight . But one of the Conspirators beginning to repent himself of the Design , the rest for fear of being disover'd , were driven to give the signal before the appointed hour . Alcibiades as soon as he saw the Torch lifted up in the Air , tho' his Army was not in readiness to march , ran instantly towards the Walls , taking with him about 30 Men only , and commanding the rest of the Army to follow him with all possible Diligence . When he came thither , he found the Gate open'd for him , and entred with his 30 Men , and about 20 more light arm'd Men , who were come up to them . They were no sooner fallen into the City , but he perceiv'd the Selybrians all arm'd coming down upon him : so that there was no hope of escaping if he stay'd to receive them ; and on the other side , having been always successful till that day , wherever he commanded , his Glory would not suffer him to fly . But on the sudden he thought of this Device : he requir'd Silence by sound of a Trumpet , and then commanded one of his Men to make Proclamation , that the Selybrians should not take Arms against the Athenians . This cool'd such of the Inhabitants as were fiercest for the Fight , for they suppos'd that all their Enemies were got within the Walls , and it rais'd the hopes of others who were dispos'd to an Accommodation . Whilst they were parlying , and Propositions made on one side and the other , Alcibiades whole Army came up to the Town . But then conjecturing rightly that the Selybrians were well inclin'd to Peace , and fearing lest the City might be sack'd by the Thracians , ( who came in great Numbers to his Army to serve as Volunteers , out of their particular Kindness and Respect for him ) he commanded them all to retreat without the Walls . And upon the Submission of the Selybrians , he sav'd them from being pillag'd , and only taking of them a Sum of Money , and placing an Athenian Garrison in the Town , he departed . During this Action , the Athenian Captains who besieg'd Chalcedon , concluded a Treaty with Pharnabazus upon these Articles : That he should give them a Sum of Money : That the Chalcedonians should return to the Subjection of Athens , and that the Athenians should make no Inroad into the Province whereof Pharnabazus wa● Governour ; and Pharnabazus was also to provide safe Conducts for the Athenian Ambassadors to th● King of Persia . Afterwards when Alcibiades return'd thither , Pharnabazus requir'd that he also should be sworn to the Treaty ▪ but he refus'd it , unless Pharnabazus would swear at the same time . When the Treaty was sworn to on both sides , Alcibiades went against the Byzantines , who had revolted from the Athenians , and drew a Line of Circumvallation about the City . But Anaxilaus and Lycurgus , together with some others , having undertaken to betray the City to him , upon his Engagement to preserve the Lives and Estates of the Inhabitants , he caus'd a Report to be spread abroad as if by reason , of some unexpected Commotion in Ionia , he should be oblig'd to raise the Siege . And accordingly that day he made a shew to depart with his whole Fleet ; but return'd the same night , and went ashore with all his Men at Arms , and silently and undiscover'd march'd up to the Walls . At the same time his Ships were row'd into the Haven with all possible Violence , coming on with much Fury , and with great Shouts , and Outcries . The Byzantines being thus surpriz'd , and quite astonish'd , while they were universally engag'd in defence of their Port and Shipping , gave opportunity to those who favour'd the Athenians , securely to receive Alcibiades into the City . Yet the Enterprize was not accomplish'd without Fighting , for the Peloponnesians , Baeotians , and Megareans , not only repuls'd those who came out of the Ships , and forc'd them to get on board again , but hearing that the Athenians were entred on the other side , they drew up in order , and went t● meet them . But Alcibiades gain'd the Victory after a sharp Fight , wherein he himself had the Command of the right Wing , and Theramenes of the left , and took about 300 of the Enemy Prisoners . After the Battel , not one of the Byzantines was slain , or driven out of the City , according to the Terms upon which the City was put into his hands , that they should receive no prejudice in their Persons or Estates . Whereupon Anaxilaus being afterwards accus'd at Lacedaemon for this Treason , he neither disown'd nor was asham'd of the Action : For he urg'd that he was not a Lacedaemonian , but a Byzantine , and that he saw not Sparta , but Bysantium in extream Danger ; the City so streightly begirt , that it was not possible to bring in any new Provisions , and the Peloponnesians and Baeotians which were in Garrison , devouring their old Stores , whilst the Byzantines with their Wives and Children were ready to 〈◊〉 ▪ That he had not betray'd his Country to En●mies , but had deliver'd it from the Calamit●●● of War , wherein he had follow'd the Exa●ple of the most worthy Locedaemonians , wh● esteem'd nothing to be honourable and jus● but what was profitable for their Countr●● ▪ The Lacedaemonians upon the hearing h● Defence , were so well pleas'd , that they di●●harg'd all that were accus'd . And now Alcibiades began to desire to 〈◊〉 his native Countrey again , or rather to show his fellow-Citizens a Person who had gain so many Victories for them . To this 〈◊〉 he set Sayl for Athens , his Ships being adorn● on every side with great Numbers ●● Shields and other Spoyls , and towing after them many Galleys taken from the Enemy and the Ensigns and Ornaments of many others which he had sunk and destroy'd ; all of them together amounting to 200. But there is little Credit to be given to what Daris the Samian ( who pretended himself to be descended from Alcibiades ) does add that Chrysogonus , who had won the Prize at the Pythian Games , play'd upon his Flute as the Galleys pass'd on , whilst the Oars kept time with the Musick ; and that Calipides the Tragaedian , attir'd in his Buskins , his purble Robes , and other Ornaments which he us'd in the Theatre , excited those who labour'd at the Oars ; and that the Admiral Galley entred into the Port with a purple Sayl. For these things are such kind of Extravagances as are wont to follow a Debauch , and neither Theopompus , nor Euphorus , nor Xenophon , mention them . Nor indeed is it credible , that one who return'd from so long an Exile , and such variety of Misfortunes , should carry himself with so much Insolence and Luxury . On the contrary he entred the Harbour full of Fear , nor would afterwards venture to go on shore , till standing on the Deck , he saw Euryptolemus his Nephew , and others of his Friends and Acquaintance , who were ready to receive him , and invited him to Land. As soon as he was landed , the Multitude who came out to meet him , disdain'd to bestow a Look on any of the other Captains , but came in Throngs about Alcibiades , and saluted him with loud Acclamations , and still follow'd him . They who could press near him , crown'd him with Garlands , and they who could not come up so close , yet stay'd to behold him a far off , and the old Men pointed him out , and shewed him to the young ones . Nevertheless this publick Joy was mix'd with some Tears , and the present Happiness was allay'd by the remembrance of all the Miseries they had endur'd . They made Reflections , that they could not have so unfortunately m●●carri'd in Sicily , or been defeated in any 〈◊〉 those things which they had ever hop'd 〈◊〉 if they had left the management of their A●fairs , and the Command of their Forces , 〈◊〉 Alcibiades . Since upon his undertaking 〈◊〉 Administration , when they were in a ma●ner ruin'd at Sea , and could scarce defen● the Suburbs of their City by Land , and the same time were miserably distract●● with intestine Factions , he had rais'd the● up from this low and deplorable Conditi●● and had not only restor'd them to their a●cient Dominion of the Sea , but had 〈◊〉 made them every where victorious ov●● their Enemies at Land. There had b●●n decree for recalling him from his Banishme●● already pass'd by the People , at the Instanc● of Critias , the Son of Calleschrus , as appea● by his Elegies , in which he puts Alcibiad● in mind of this Service : From my proposal the Decree did come , ( hom● Which from your tedious Exile brought yo● That you 're restor'd , you to my Friendship ow● I was the first durst press it should be so . The People being summon'd to an Assembly , Alcibiades came in amongst them and first bewail'd and lamented his ow● Sufferings , and gently and modestly complain'd of their Usage , imputing all to hi● hard Fortune , and some ill Genius that attended him . Then he discours'd at large of the great Assurance of their Enemies , but withal exhorted them to take Courage . The People crown'd him with Crowns of Gold , ●nd Created him General both at Land and Sea with absolute Power . They also made Decree , that his Estate should be restor'd to ●im , and that the Eumolpides and the holy Heralds should again absolve him from the Curses which they had solemnly pronounc'd ●gainst him , by Sentence of the People . Which ●hen all the rest obey'd , Theodorus the High-●riest excus'd himself , For , said he , I never ●enounc'd any Execration against him , if he have ●one nothing against the Common-wealth . But notwithstanding the Affairs of Al●●biades succeeded so prosperously , and so ●uch to his glory , yet many were still much ●●sturb'd , and look'd upon the time of his ●rrival to be ominous . For on the same ●ay that he came into the Port , the Feast ●f the Goddess Minerva , which they call 〈◊〉 Plynteria , was kept . It is the 25th . ●ay of September , when the Praxiergides ●o solemnize those Mysteries which are ●ot to be reveal'd , taking all the Orna●ents from off her Image , and keeping 〈◊〉 Image it self close cover'd . Hence it that the Athenians esteem this day most ●auspicious , and never go about any thing of Importance upon it : and therefore th●● imagin'd , that the Goddess did not recei●● Alcibiades graciously and propitiously , ●h● hid her Face from him , and rejected hi●● Yet notwithstanding every thing succeed●● according to his Wish . When the 100 G●●leys were fitted out and ready to sail , 〈◊〉 honourable Zeal detain'd him till the Cel●bration of those Mysteries was fully pa●●●● For since the time that Decelea was fortii●● the Enemies had made themselves Masters 〈◊〉 the Ways which lead from Athens to El●●sis , and by reason thereof , the Processio● being of necessity to go by Sea , could not 〈◊〉 perform'd with Solemnity ; but they we●● forc'd to omit the Sacrifices , and Dance● and other holy Ceremonies , which were us●● to be done in the way , when they brin● forth Iacchus . Alcibiades therefore judg'd 〈◊〉 would be a glorious Action , whereby h● should do Honour to the Gods , and gai● Esteem with Men , if he restor'd the ancien● Splendor to these Rites , in conducting th● Procession again by Land , and protectin● it with his Army from the Enemy . Fo● thereby he was sure , if Agis stood still an● did not oppose him , it would very much diminish and obscure his Glory , or otherwise that he should engage in a Holy War in the Cause of the Gods , and in defenc● of the most sacred and solemn Ceremonie● and this in the sight of his Countrey , where he should have all his fellow-Citizens Witnesses of his Valour . As soon as he had resolv'd upon this Design , and had communicated it to the Eumolpides , and other holy Officers , he plac'd Sentinels on the ●ops of the Mountains , and at the break of day sent forth his Scouts . And then taking with him the Priests , and consecrated Persons , and those who had the Charge of ●nitiating others in the holy Mysteries , and compassing them with his Souldiers , he conducted them with great Order and profound Silence . This was an august and venerable Procession , wherein all who did not envy him said , He perform'd at once the Office of an High-Priest and of a General . The Enemy durst not attempt any thing against them , and thus he brought them back in safety to the City . Upon which as he was exalted in his own Thought , so the opinion which the People had of his Conduct , was rais'd to that degree , that they look'd upon their Armies as irresistible and invincible while he commanded them . He so won upon the lower and meaner sort of People , that they passionately desir'd he would take the Soveraignty upon him , some of them made no difficulty to tell him so , and to advise him to put himself out of the reach of Envy , by abolishing the Laws and Ordinances of the People , and suppressing those ill affected pe●sons who would overturn the State , that 〈◊〉 he might act and take upon him the management of Affairs , without standing in fea● of being call'd to an Account . How far hi● own Inclinations led him to usurp soveraig● Power , is uncertain , but the most consid●rable Persons in the City were so much afrai● of it , that they hastned him on Ship boa●● all they could , granting him Liberty 〈◊〉 choose his own Officers , and allowing hi● all other things as he desir'd . Thereupon 〈◊〉 set Sayl with a Fleet of an 100 Ships , an● arriving at Andros , he there fought with an● defeated as well the Inhabitants , as the L●cedaemonians who assisted them . But yet 〈◊〉 took not the City , which gave the first occasion to his Enemies for all their Accusat●ons against him . Certainly if ever 〈◊〉 was ruin'd by his own Glory , it was Alcibiades . For his continual Success had bego● such an opinion of his Courage and Conduct ▪ that if he fail'd in any thing he undertook , 〈◊〉 was imputed to his Neglect , and no one woul● believe it was through want of Power . Fo● they thought nothing was too hard fo● him , if he went about it in good earnest ▪ They fanci'd also every day that they should hear News of the reducing of Chios and of the rest of Ionia , and grew impat●ent that things were not effected as fa● and as suddenly as they imagin'd . They never consider'd how extreamly Money was wanting , and that being to make War with an Enemy , who had Supplyes of all things from a great King , he was often forc'd to forsake his Camp , in order to procure Money and Provisions for the Subsistance of his Souldiers . This it was which gave occasion for the last Accusation which was made against him . For Lysander being sent from Lacedaemon with a Commission to be Admiral of their Fleet , and being furnish'd by Cyrus with a great Sum of Money , gave every Mariner four Oboles a day , whereas before they had but three . Alcibiades could hardly allow his Men three Oboles , and therefore was constrain'd to go into Caria to furnish himself with Money . He left the Care of the Fleet , in his absence , to Antiochus , an experien'd Sea-man , but rash and inconsiderate , who had express Orders from Alcibiades not to engage , tho' the Enemy provok'd him . But he slighted and disregarded the Orders to that degree , that having made ready his own Galley and another , he presently stood for Ephesus , where the Enemy lay , and as he sail'd before the Heads of their Galleys , us'd the highest Provocations possible both in Words and Deeds , Lysander at first mann'd out a few Ships , and pursu'd him . But all the Athenian Ships coming in to his Assistance , Lysander also brought up his wh●● Fleet , which gain'd an entir● Victory . H● flew Antiochus himself , took many Men and Ships , and erected a Trophy . As soon as Alcibiades heard this News ▪ he return'd to Samos , and loosing from thence with his whole Fleet , he came an● offer'd Battel to Lysander . But Lysander c●●tent with the Victory he had gaind , 〈◊〉 not stir . Amongst others in the Arm● who had a malice to Alcibiades , Thrasybul●● ▪ the Son of Thrason , was his particular E●●my , and went purposely to Athens to acc●●● him , and to exasperate his Enemies in th● City against him . In an Oration to the P●●ple he represented that Alcibiades had ruin'● their Affairs , and lost their Ships , by insolently abusing his Authority , committi●● the Government of the Army in his absen●● to such as by their Debauchery and scur●lous Discourses were got most into Cre●● with him , whilst he wandred up and down 〈◊〉 pleasure to raise Money , giving himself up 〈◊〉 all Luxury and Excesses amongst the Abyd●nian and Ionian Curtezans , at a time wh●● the Enemy's Navy rode at Anchor so 〈◊〉 his . It was also objected to him , that he h●● fortify'd a Castle near Byzanthe in Thr●● for a safe retreat for himself , as one th●● either could not , or would not live in 〈◊〉 own Country . The Athenians gave Cred●● to these Informations , and discover'd the Resentment and Displeasure which they had conceiv'd against him , by choosing other Generals . As soon as Alcibiades heard of this , he immediately forsook the Army , being afraid of what might follow . And getting many Strangers together , he made War upon his own account against those Thracians who pretended to be free , and acknowledg'd no King. By this means he amass'd to himself a great Treasure out of the Spoyls which he took , and at the same time secur'd the bordering Graecians from the Incursions of the Barbarians . Tydeus , Menander and Adimantus , the new made Generals , were at that time riding in the River Aegos , with all the Ships which the Athenians had left . From whence they were us'd to go out to Sea every Morning , and offer Battel to Lysander , who lay at Anchor near Lampsachus : and when they had done so , returning back again , they lay all the rest of the day carelesly , and without order , as Men who despis'd the Enemy . Alcibiades who was not far off , did not think so slightly of their Danger , nor did neglect to let 'em know it , but mounting his Horse , he came to the Generals , and represented to them , that they had chosen a very inconvenient Station , as wanting a safe Harbour , and far distant from any Town : so that they were constrain'd to send for their necessary Provisions as far as Sestos . He als● reprov'd them for their Carlesness , in suffe●ing the Souldiers when they went ashore , 〈◊〉 disperse themselves , and wander up and down at their pleasure , when the Enemies Fleet , which was under the Command of one General , and strictly obedient to Discipline , lay so very near them . Alcibiades admonish'd them of these things , and advis'd them to remove the Fleet to Sestos . But the Admirals did not only disregard what he said , but Tydeus with great Insolence commanded him to be gone , saying , that now not he , but others had the Command of the Forces . Whereupon Alcibiades suspecting something of Treachery in them , departed . But he told his Friends who accompani'd him out of the Camp , that if the Generals had not us'd him with such insupportable Contempt he would within a few days have forc'd the Lacedaemonians , however unwilling , either to have fought the Athenians at Sea , or to have deserted their Ships . Some look'd upon this as a piece of Ostentation only , but others said , the thing was probable , for that he might have brought down by Land great Numbers of the Thracian Cavalry and Archers , to assault and disorder them in their Camp. The Event did soon make it evident , how very rightly he judg'd of the Errors which the Athenians committed . For Lysander fell upon them on a sudden , when they least suspected it , with such Fury , that Conon with 8 Galleys only escap'd him , all the rest , ( which were about 200 ) he took and carried away : together with 3000 Prisoners , which he afterwards put to death . And within a short time after he took Athens it self , burnt all the Ships , which he found there , and demolish'd their long Walls . After this Alcibiades standing in dread of the Lacedaemonians , who were now Masters both at Sea and Land , retir'd into Bithynia . He sent thither great Treasure before him , took much with him , but left much more in the Castle where he had before resided . But he lost great part of his Wealth in Bithynia , being robb'd by some Thracians who liv'd in those Parts , and thereupon he determin'd to go to the Court of Artaxerxes , not doubting but that the King , if he would make tryal of his Abilities , would find him not inferior to Themistocles , besides that he was recommended by a more honourable Cause . For he went , not as Themistocles did to offer his Service against his fellow-Citizens , but against their Enemies , and to implore the King's Aid for the defence of his Country . He concluded that Pharnabazus would most readily procure him a safe Conduct , and therefore went into Phrygia to him , and continu'd to dwell there some time , paying him great Respect , and being honourably treated by him . The Athenians in the mean time were miserably afflicted ●● their loss of Empire , but when they wer● depriv'd of Liberty also , and Lysander had impos'd 30 Governours upon the City , and their State was finally ruin'd , then they began to reflect on those things , which they would never consider whilst they were in a prosp●rous condition : then they did acknowledge and bewail their former Errors and Follies , and judg'd this second ill Usage of Alcibiades to be of all others the most inexcusable . For he was rejected , without any Fault committed by himself , and only because they were incens'd against his Lieutenant , for having shamefully lost a few Ships , they much more shamefully depriv'd the Common-wealth of a most valiant and most accomplish'd General . Yet in this sad state of Affairs they had still some faint Hopes left them , nor would they utterly despair of the Athenian Common-wealth while Alcibiades was safe . For they perswaded themselves before when he was an Exile , he could not content himself to live idly and at ease , much less now ( if he could find any favourable opportunity ) would he endure the Insolence of the Lacedaemonians , and the Outrages of the 30 Tyrants . Nor was it an absurd thing in the People to entertain such Imaginations , when the 30 Tyrants themselves were so very solicitous to be inform'd , and to get Intelligence of all his Actions and Designs . In fine , Critias represented to Lysander , that the Lacedaemonians could never securely enjoy the Dominion of Greece , till the Athenian Democracy was absolutely destroy'd . And tho' now the People of Athens seem'd quietly and patiently to submit to so small a number of Governours , yet Alcibiades , whilst he liv'd , would never suffer them to acquiesce in their present Circumstances . Yet Lysander would not be prevail'd upon by these Discourses , till at last he receiv'd secret Letters from the Magistrates of Lacedaemon , expresly requiring him to get Alcibiades dispatch'd . Whether it was that they fear'd the vivacity of his Wit , or the greatness of his Courage in enterprizing what was hazardous , or whether it was done to gratify King Agis . Upon receipt of this Order , Lysander sent away a Messenger to Pharnabazus , desiring him to put it in execution . Pharnabazus committed the Affair to Magaeus his Brother , and to his Uncle Susamithres . Alcibiades resided at that time in a small Village in Phrygia , together with Timandra , a Mistress of his . As he slept , he had this Dream : He thought himself attir'd in his Mistresses Habit , and that she , holding him in her Arms , dress'd his Head , and painted his Face , as if he had been a Woman . Others say , he dream'd that Magaeu● cut off his Head , and burnt his Body . And it is said , that it was but a little while before his Death , that he had these Visions . They who were sent to assassinate him , had not Courage enough to enter the House , but surrounding it first , they set it on fire . Alcibiades as soon as he perceiv'd it , getting together great Quantities of Cloaths and Furniture , threw them upon the Fire , with a Design to choke it , and having wrapp'd his Robe about his left Arm , and holding his naked Sword in his right , he cast himself into the middle of the Fire , and escap'd securely through it , before his Cloaths were burnt . The Barbarians , as soon as they saw him , retreated , and none of them durst stay to expect him , or to engage with him , but standing at a distance , they slew him with their Darts and Arrows . When he was dead , the Barbarians departed , and Timandra took up his dead Body , and covering and wrapping it up in her own Robes , she bury'd it as decently and as honourably as her present Circumstances would allow . 'T is said , that the famous Lais , ( who was call'd the Corinthian , tho' she was a Native of Hyccaris , a small Town in Sicily , from whence she was brought a Captive ) was the Daughter of this Timandra . There are some who agree with this Relation of Alcibiades Death in all things except only that they impute not the Cause of it either to Pharnabazus , Lysander , or the Lacedaemonians . But they say , that he kept a young Lady of a noble House , whom he had debauch'd , and that her Brothers not being able to endure the Indignity , by night set fire to the House where he dwelt , and as he endeavour'd to save himself from the Flames , slew him with their Darts , in the manner before related . CORIOLANUS . M Burghers sculp . THE LIFE OF CAIVS MARCIVS CORIOLANVS . Translated from the Greek : By Thomas Blomer D. D. Volume II. THE House of the Marcii in Rome , did produce many noble Patricians , that were Men of great Renown ; and among the rest , Ancus Marcius , Grandson to Numa by his Daughter , who reign'd there after Tullus Hostilius . Of the same Family were also Publius , and Quintus Marcius , which two convey'd into the City the best Water the● have at Rome , and that in the greatest quantity . As likewise Censorinus , who having been twice chosen Censor by the People did afterward himself perswade them t● make a Law , that no body should bear th●● Office a second time . But Caius Marcius ▪ of whom I now write , being left an Orphan , and brought up under the Widowhood of his Mother , has shewn by Expe●●ence , that although the early loss of a Father may be attended with other disadvantages , yet it can hinder none from bein● either vertuous or eminent in the Wor●● and that it is no obstacle to true Goodne●● and Excellence ; however bad men 〈◊〉 pleas'd to lay the blame of their corruption and debauched lives upon that misfortun● and the neglect of them in their Minority ▪ as if they fell into Vice and Meanness , rathe● by a loose and careless Education , than 〈◊〉 degenerate and ignoble Mind . And 〈◊〉 very Man comes in as a Witness to the trut● of their Opinion , who conceive that a generous and worthy Nature , if it want Discipline and Breeding , ( like a fat Soyl which lyes unimprov'd and without Culture ●● does with its better productions bring forth a mixture of vitious and faulty things For as the force and vigor of his Soul and a persevering Constancy in all he undertook , did supply him with great and effective Instincts for many handsom Actions , so likewise on the other side by indulging the vehemence of his Passion , and through an obstinate stiffness which knew not how to yield , or accommodate his Humours and Sentiments to those of other men , he became harsh and disagreeable , and wholly unfit for the easiness of Friendship , and the gentler parts of Conversation ; insomuch that those who did esteem his other good Qualities , and admir'd to see that he was the same equal proof against all the softnesses of Pleasure , and the hardships of Travel , and the allurements of Gain , allowing that universal Firmness of his , the respective Names of Temperance , Fortitude and Justice , yet as to the Vertues of Humanity and civil Intercourse , he was so defective therein , that they could not chuse but be disgusted at him for the hateful Severity , and unpleasant Ruggedness of his stern deportment , as being one of an over-bearing , haughty , and imperious Temper . It was therefore a thing much to be desir'd , that Marcius had spent some time in Philosophy , and studying the Art how he might sweeten his Address , and polish his Demeanour ; for indeed men can draw no great Advantage from the Mildness and Benignity of the Muses than to civilize and cultivate their Nature by Rules of Prudence , and the Precepts o● Morality , while they observe those Limit● and Boundaries which are set by Reason , 〈◊〉 as always to embrace the sober mean , and avoid the wildness of Extremities . Now those were the Times wherein tha● kind of Worth and Gallantry was in high Credit , and preferr'd at Rome above all th● rest , which did appear in martial Deeds an● military Atchievments ; as an Evidenc● whereof , the Latin word for Vertue came the● to signifie Prowess , and as if Valour and a● Vertue had been the same thing , they di● confine the general notion , and appropriate the common term to that particular Excellence . But Marcius having a more passionate Inclination , than any of that Age fo● Feats of Chivalry , began presently from his Childhood to handle Arms , and being o● opinion , that adventitious Implements and artificial Arms would effect little , and b● of small use to such as have not their native and congenite Weapons well fixt and prepar'd for Service , he did so exercise and inure his Body to all sorts of Activity , and the different ways of Encounter , that he became swift and nimble to pursue , and beside the lightness of a Racer , had that weight and heaviness in close Seizures and Wrestlings with an Enemy , from which it was hard for any to get loose , or forcibly clear and disengage himself ; so that his domestick Rivals , and those that stood ●n competition with him for true Courage and Magnanimity , being loth to own them●elves inferior in that respect , were fain to excuse their Foyls and Deficiencies , by saying he had a robust , inflexible Body , that was hardned against all Fatigues , and the utmost stress of Opposition . The first time he went out to the Wars , being yet a Stripling , was when Tar●uinius Superbus ( who had been King of Rome , but driven thence for his Pride and Lewdness ) after many Skirmishes , and no fewer Defeats , did now enter upon his last Effort , and hazard all as it were upon a single Throw ; for a great number of the Latins , and other People of Italy , had joyn'd their Forces , and were marching with him toward the City , as resolv'd to procure his Restoration and Settlement in the Regal Throne ; but this however not so much out of a desire to serve and oblige Tarquin , as to gratifie their own Fear and Envy , at the growth and increase of the Roman Greatness , which they did intend to pull down from its late Advancements , under a pretence of raising him to his ancient Royalties . The Armies then being met and engag'd in a decisive Battel , which had divers Turns and Variations on both sides , Marcius fighting bravely in the Dictator's presence , saw a Roman Souldier struck down at a little distance , whom he did not abandon in that posture , but immediately stept in , and stood before the Man , and made so vigorous a defence , that he slew the Aggressor which bore furiously upon him . The General having gotten the Victory , did not forget how well he had behav'd himself , whom he therefore crown'd ▪ one of the first with 〈◊〉 Garland of Oaken branches ; for it was the Roman Custom thus to adorn those wh● had protected a Citizen ; whether that Law did intend some special Honour to the Oak , in memory of the Arcadians , 〈◊〉 People the Oracle had made famous by the Name of Acorn-eaters ; or whether the Reason of it was , because they might easily and in all places where they fought , have plenty of Oak ▪ for that purpose ; or last o● all , the Oaken Wreath , being otherwise sacred to Jupiter , the great Guardian of their Cities , they might therefore think it the most proper Ornament for him who had preserv'd a Citizen ; Beside that the Oak , as it is a Tree which bears the most and the prettiest Fruit of any that grow wild and without Improvement , so likewise is it stronger than any of those which are dress'd and manur'd by us ; its Acorns too were the principal Diet of the old Mortals , and the Honey which was lodg'd there , did help to make them a pleasant Liquor ; yea , I may say , it furnish'd out Fowl and other Creatures for their Dainties , in producing Misselto for Birdlime , that artful Instrument to ensnare them . But that I may return from these wandring Speculations , and keep the way of my History , it is reported , that Castor and Pollux appear'd in the Battel before mention'd , and that presently after it they were seen at Rome , just by the Fountain where their Temple now stands , upon Horses all foaming with a white frothy Sweat , as if they had rid Post to bring tidings thither of the Victory , on which account the 15th . of July , ( being the day of this Conquest ) became a solemn Holiday to the kind and Officious Brethren . Now from the Grace which was then done Coriolanus , and the manner how it did affect him , I may observe in general , That when young Men do arrive at Fame and Reputation betimes , if they happen to be of a Nature that is but slightly touch'd with Emulation , this early Attainment does soon extinguish their thirst , and satiate the desire they have for Glory ; whereas the first Honours that dignifie and illustrate those who ar● of a more solid and weighty Mind , make them study to grow still in merit , and to shine the brighter , and are so far from dulling , that they even whet their appetite , and carry them on , like a fair wind , in the pursuit of every generous thing and applauded Enterprize ; while they look upon these Marks and Testimonies of their Virtue , not as a recompence receiv'd for what they have already done , but as a Pledge given by themselves of what they will perform hereafter , being asham'd now to forsake or under-live the Credit they have won , yea , not to exceed and obscure all that is gone before , by the lustre and worthiness of their following Actions . Marcius therefore , having a Spirit of this noble Make , was ambitious always to get the better of himself , and did nothing how extraordinary soever , but thought he was bound to out-do it at the next occasion , so that his own deeds provok'd him dayly to ▪ excel , and being infinitely desirous to give some fresh Instance , and new Experiment of his prowess , he added one Exploit to another piece of Bravery , and heap'd up Trophies upon Trophies , by all which he brought in many rich Spoyls from the Enemy . This also became the Matter of a glorious Contest among the Roman Generals , the latter still striving with the former , which of them should pay him the greatest Respect , and speak highest in his Commendation ; for there being frequent Wars and numerous Conflicts in those days , Marcius was present at them all , and return'd back from none without Laurels and without Rewards ; and whereas others made Glory the end of their daring , the end of his Glory was his Mothers gladness ; for the delight she took to hear him prais'd , and to see him crown'd , and her weeping for joy in his Embraces , did render him in his own thoughts the most honourable and most happy Person in the World. An Affection or Sentiment not unlike that of Epaminondas , who made no scruple to profess , that he reckon'd it the greatest Felicity of his whole Life , that his Father and Mother did still survive to behold his Conduct and Victory in the Plains of Leuctra ; he had the Advantage indeed to have both his Parents partake with him , and enjoy the pleasure of his good Fortune ; but Marcius believing himself oblig'd to pay his Mother Volumnia , all that Gratitude and Duty which belong'd to his Father , had he also been alive , could never satisfie his mind , or think he did enough , in all the Consolations and Caresses she receiv'd from him , but took a Wife also at her motion and entreaty , and liv'd still with his Mother , without parting Families , wh●● she had brought him Children . The ●●pute of his Integrity and Courage , had 〈◊〉 this time gain'd him a considerable Inter●●● and Authority in Rome , when the Senate favouring the wealthier sort of Citizens , happen'd to be at odds and variance with the common People , who made very sad Complaints , touching that rigorous and inhuman ▪ Usage they found among the Usurers which had lent them Money ; for as many as wer● behind with them , and had any small matter in possession , they presently stripp'd even o● that little Stock , by the way of Pawns and Auctions ; but such as through former Exactions were reduc'd already to extream Indigence , and had nothing more to be depriv'd of , these they led away in person , and put their Bodies under constraint , notwithstanding they did expose the Scars and Slashes of their Wounds , and shew their mangl'd Limbs , as a proof of that Service they had done the Publick in several Expeditions , the last whereof was against the Sabins , which they undertook upon a promise made by their rich Creditors , that they would treat them with more Gentleness for the future , Marcus Valerius the Consul , having by Order from the Senate , engag'd also for the performance of it ; but seeing , that after they had fought couragiously , and acquitted themselves so well in the late Action , as to vanquish the Enemy , there was however no such Moderation and Forbearance us'd , as they had reason to expect , since the Senate also did pretend to remember nothing of that Agreement , and sate without testifying the least concern to see them dragg'd away like Slaves , and their Goods seiz'd upon as formerly , there began now to be open Mutinies , and dangerous Factions in the City , insomuch that the Enemy being aware of that popular Tumult , did invade and lay waste the Countrey ; upon which when the Consuls gave notice , that all who were of an age to bear Arms , should make their personal Appearance , and no body for all that did regard the Summons , the chief Magistrates then coming to consult what course should be taken , were again of several minds , and still differ'd in opinion : for some thought it most advisable to comply a little , and yield somewhat in favour of the poor Plebeians , by relaxing their over-s●rain'd Rights , and that excessive ridgedness of the Law , whereas others did withstand this Proposal , but Marcius in particular , and with more vehemence than the rest , alledging that the business of money on either side was not the main thing in question , or to be most minded , but he lookt upon this disorderly proceeding as an Essay and Rudiment of the Peoples Insolence , and their hardiness to affront and defie the stablish● Laws , that it would therefore become the wisdom of the Government to stop them ▪ in their first Career , and stifle those unruly heats that were now flaming out into a Combustion . There had been frequent Assemblies of the whole Senate , and that within a small compass of time , about this ticklish Affair , but without any certain issue or final resolution : the poor Commonalty perceiving then there was like to be no redress of their grievances , came suddenly together in a body , and after some warm discourses among themselves , forsook the City with one accord , and marching up that Ascent which is now called the Holy Mount , they sate down by the River Anien , doing no sort of violence or seditious outrage all the while , only they made loud and heavy outcries as they went along , that the rich men , havin● endeavoured it of old , did now actually expell and thrust them out of Rome , but that Italy however would every where afford them the benefit of Air and Water for the small remainder of their days , and a place of burial , when they dy'd , which was all they cou'd expect by their continuance in the City , beside the priviledge of being cut and kill'd in a time of War for the defence of those cruel Banquiers . The Senate apprehending the dangerous consequence of this Rupture , sent away the gravest of their own Order , and such as had been most moderate , and were most gracious among the people , to treat with them . Menenius Agrippa their chief Spokesman , after much Courtship to the Rabble , and no less freedom us'd on behalf of the Senate , came at length to conclude his discourse with this celebrated Fable . It once happen'd , says he , that all the other Members of a man fell to mutiny against the Stomach , which they accus'd as the only idle uncontributing part in the whole Body , while the rest were put to mighty hardships , and the expence of much labour to supply that and minister to its Appetites : but the provident and painful stomach hearing such a sensless charge brought against her , could not choose but laugh at the ignorance and ill breeding of those dissatisfied members , who either wanted the wit to understand , or else the civility to acknowledge that she receives the nourishment into her Office out of meer charity to the publick , which she returns ever with advantage , that being prepared by the art of her Chymistry , it may pass and circulate to all , and so furnish them with spirits for life and acti●●● Now this is exactly the case betwixt you a●● the Senate , O ye Roman Citizens , and the very image of its care and kind dealing as 〈◊〉 your regard ; for there they mingle counsels and digest matters , which become the strength and maintenance of the whole state , and that secretly disperse and bring home all manner of support and convenience to every one of you . This ingenious and sensible representatio● of things , did pretty well pacifie and reconcile the Multitude , the Senate too having granted their request for an annual choice o● five Patrons or Protectors of such among them as should need assistance , which Patron● are now called the Tribunes of the People ; th● two first they pitcht upon were Junius Brut●● and Sicinnius Vellutus the prime Authors o● that Apostacy . The City being thus united , the Commo●● stood presently to their Arms , and follow'● their Commanders to the War with grea● alacrity . As for Marcius , though he w●● not a little vext himself to see the Populace prevail so far , and get ground of the Senators , and might observe many other Patrician's have the same dislike of their late Concessions , yet he besought them after all not to yield at least to the common people in that zeal and forwardness they now shew'd for their Countries service , but make it evidently appear that they were superiour to them , not so much for their power and riches , as their heroick minds and noble resolutions . The Romans were now at War with a Nation call'd the Volscians , whose principal Seat or City of the greatest note and eminence , was that of Corioli ; when therefore Cominius the Consul had invested this important Place , the rest of the Volscians , fearing it should be taken , muster'd up what ever force they could make from all parts , in order to relieve it , designing to give the Romans Battel before the City , and so attack them on both sides : Cominius to avoid this Inconvenience , divided his Army , marching himself with one body to encounter those Volscians that made towards him from without , and leaving Titus Larcius ( the bravest Roman of his time ) to command the other , and still carry on the Siege . Those within Corioli despising now the smalness of that number , made a brisk sally upon them , wherein they prevail'd at first , and pursu'd the Romans into their Trenches : Here it was that Marcius flying out with a slender Company , and cutting those in pieces that were nearest and did first engage him , oblig'd the other Assailants to slacken the speed they were making to fall on , and then with a strong forcible Cry , did as it were sound in the Romans to renew the Skirmish ; for he was a man ( that which Cato required in a Warriour ) not only dreadful to meet with in the Field by reason of his hand and stroke , but insupportable to an Enemy for the very tone and accent of his voice , and the sole terrour of his aspect . Divers of his own party then rallying and making up to him the Enemies soon retreated for fear of a smarter on-set from those they had but now routed ; but Marcius not content to see them draw off and retire , prest hard upon the Rear , and drove them , as they fled away in haste , to the very Gates of their City ; where perceiving the Romans to fall back from the pursuit , beaten off by a multitude of Darts pour'd in upon them from the Walls , and that none of his followers had the hardiness to think of falling in Pell-mell among the Runnagates , or forcing an entrance into the City , which had a strong Garison arm'd at all points , and ready to give them a warm reception ; he was however instant with , and did mightily encourage them by his words and actions , crying out , That Fortune had now set open Corioli , not so much to shelter the Vanquisht , as to receive the Conquerours ; which he had no sooner spoken , but seconded by a few that were willing to venture with him , he bore along the Croud , and made good his passage , and thrust himself into the Gate through the midst of them , no body daring to resist , or sustain the violence of his first impressions ; but after he had lookt well about him , and could discern but a very small number of Assistants who had slipt in to engage in that hazardous service , and saw that Friends and Enemies were now mingled together , he was said to commence a Combate within the Town , wherein he perform'd the most extraordinary and incredible things , as well for the mightiness of his force , as the nimbleness of his motion , and the audacity of his mind , breaking thorough all he made any attempts upon , constraining some to shift for themselves in the farthest corners of the City , and others to throw down their Weapons as despairing they should be able to oppose him : By all which he gave Titus Lartius a fair occasion to bring in the rest of the Romans with ease and safety . Corioli being thus surpriz'd and taken , the greater part of the Souldiers fell presently to spoil and pillage it , and were imploy'd still in Rapine , or carrying off their Booty : that which Marcius was highly offended at , and reproacht them for it as a dishonourable and unworthy thing , that when the Consul and their fellow-Citizens had now perhaps encountred the other Volscians , and were hazarding their lives in Battel , they should basely mispend the time in running up and down for Pelf and Treasure , and under a pretence of enriching themselves , decline the present jeopardy ; yet for all he could alledge , there were not many that would leave plundering for a share in glory : Putting himself then at the head of those generous Spirits that were still ready to deserve well , he took that Road where the Consuls Army had marcht before him , often exciting his Companions , and beseeching them as they went along that they would not falter and give out , praying often to the Gods too , that he might be so happy as to arrive before the Fight was over , and come seasonably up to assist Cominius , and partake in the peril of that action . It was customary with the Romans of that Age , when they stood in Battel-array , and were now taking up their Bucklers , and girding their Gowns about them , to make a● the same time an unwritten Will or mee● verbal Testament , and to name who should be their Heirs in the hearing of three or fou● Witnesses : In this posture did Marcius fin● them at his arrival , the Enemy being advanc'd within view . They were not a little disorder'd by his first appearance , seeing him all over bloody and sweating as he was , and attended with a small Train ; but when he hastily made up to the Consul with an air of gladness in his looks , giving him his hand , and recounting to him how the City had been taken ; when they saw Cominius also embrace and salute Marcius upon that discourse , then every one took heart a fresh , and both such as were near enough to hear the Relation of his Success , and those that , being at a greater distance , could only guess what had happen'd by the manner of their greeting , besought the Consul with a loud voice , that he would lead them on to engage the Enemy : but , before he did that , Marcius desir'd to know of him , how the Volscians had dispos'd the order of their Battalia , where they had plac'd the Men of Metal , and the more stout and pugnacious part of their whole Army ; who answering , that he took those Troops of the Antiates in the middle Rank to be their prime Warriors , and that would yield to none for Prowess and Bravery ; let me then demand and obtain of you , says Marcius , that I may be directly confronted to these daring People . The Consul then favour'd him in that request , admiring much the forwardness and ardor of his mind ; when the Conflict was begun by darting at each other , and Marcius sally'd out before the rest , the Vant-guard of the Volscians was not able to make head against him , for wheresoever he fell in , he presently broke their Ranks , and made a Lane through them ; but the Parties turning again , and enclosing him on each side with their Weapons , the Consul , who observ'd the danger he was in , dispatch'd some of the choicest Men he had for his speedy rescue . The Dispute then growing warm and sharp about Marcius , and many falling dead in a little space ; the Romans bore so hard upon the Enemies , and press'd them with such violence , that they were forc'd at length to abandon their Stations , and to quit the Field ; and going now to prosecute the Victory , they besought Marcius , tir'd out with his Toyls , and faint and heavy through the loss of Blood , that he would retire himself to the Camp ; but he replying , that Weariness was a thing which did not befit Conquerors , joyn'd with them in the pursuit ; the rest of the Volscian Army was in like manner defeated , a great multitude being slain , and no less taken . The day after , Marcius , with a numerous Assembly of other Persons ; appearing at the Consuls Tent , he mounted up to his Chair of State , and having render'd al● due Gratulation and Acknowledgment to the Gods for the prosperity of that Enterprize , he applies himself immediately to Marcius , and first of all he made an admirable Panegyrick upon his rare Exploits , which he had partly been an Eye-witness of himself in the late Battel , and had partly known from the Testimony of T. Lartius , reporting what had been done at the Siege and Conquest of Corioli . And then he requir'd him to choose a tenth part of all the Treasure , and Horses , and Captives , that had fallen into their hands , before any division should be made to others ; beside which , he made him the Present of a goodly Horse with Trappings and Military Ornaments , as a mark and cognizance of his signal Fortitude ; which being highly applauded by the whole Army , Marcius stept forth , and declar'd his thankful acceptance of that single Horse , and how extreamly satisfi'd he was with the Praise and Elogy which his General had vouchsaf'd to bestow upon him , but as for other things , which he look'd upon rather as Mercenary Accruements , than any significations of Honour , he did wave them all , and should be content that his proportion of such Rewards might not exceed that of the meanest Souldier . I have only , says he , one singular Grace to beg , and this , Sir , I hope you will not deny me : There was a certain hospitable and courteous Friend of mine among the Volscians , a Person of great Probity and Vertue , who is now become a Prisoner , and from the Wealth and Freedom wherein he liv'd , reduc'd to Poverty and present Servitude ; the man has fallen under many Misfortunes , but he would think it a sufficient Deliverance , if my Intercession shall redeem him from this one at least , that he may not be sold as a common Slave . Now so handsom a Refusal in Marcius , was follow'd still with louder Acclamations , than the Consuls Offer had been before , and he had many more Admirers of that generous Resolution whereby he conquer'd Avarice , than of the warlike Stoutness he had shewn in subduing Enemies ; for those very persons who did conceive some Envy and Despight , to see him thus infinitely honour'd , could not choose then but acknowledge , that he was worthy to receive the greatest things , even for his noble declining the reception of them ; and they were more deeply in love with that Vertue of his , which made him despise so many fair Advantages , than any of his former Actions , whereby he did so well deserve they should be conferr'd on him ; for it is much more commendable to be dextrous and skilful in the use of Riches than of Arms , and yet a man shall have higher Veneration still , who does not w●nt or desire Money , than he that understands how to use and employ it as he ought . When the noise of Approbation and Applause ceased , Cominius turning to the Company : There is no way , says he , fellow-Souldiers , to force and obtrude those other Gifts of ours , on a person who seems to be above such Gratuities , and is so unwilling to accept them ; let us therefore give him that which is so proper and suitable to the Service he has done , that he cannot well reject it ; let us pass a Vote , I mean , that he shall hereafter be call'd Coriolanus , unless you think that his performance at Corioli has it self prevented us in decreeing him the priviledge of that Title . Hence therefore he came to acquire his third Name of Coriolanus ; by which it is manifest , that Caius was a personal proper Name , that the second or Sirname of Marcius , was a Name in common to his House and Family , and that the third Roman Appellative was a peculiar Note of distinction , drawn afterwards and impos'd either from some particular Fact , or Fortune , or Signature , or Vertue of him that bore it ; for thus also the Grecians in old time , were wont to fix an additional Character on their great Men , for any famous Atchievement , such as Soter , that is , a preserver , and Callinicus , one renown'd for his Victories ; or to express something remarkable in their shape and figure , as Physcon a Gorge-belly , and Grypus , Eagle-nos'd ; and then upon the account of their Virtue and Kindness , as Euergetes , a Benefactor , and Philadelphus , a lover of his Brethren ; or because of their unusual Felicity and good Fortune , as Eudaemon , the prosperous or happy , an Epithite given to the second Prince of the Race of Battus ; yea , and several Monarchs have had Names appropriated to them in reproach and mockery , as Antigonus that of Doson , or one that was liberal only in the future , since he did always promise , but never came to performance ; and Ptolemy who was styled Lamyrus for the fond opinion he had of his own wit and pleasantness ; which latter kind of denomination by way of rail , lery the Romans did very much delight in ; for one of the Metelli was surnam'd by them Diadematus , because he had for a long time together walkt about with his head bound up by reason of an Ulcer in his Forehead . Another of the same Family they call'd Celer , i. e. the swift or nimble , for that expedition and dispatch he made to procure them a Funeral Entertainment of so many pair of Gladiators within a few days after his Fathers death , the hast and magnificence of which provision was thought very strange and extraordinary for so short a time : there are some that even at this day derive Names from certain casual Incidents at their Nativity ; one for instance , who happens to be born when his Father is abroad in a foreign Country , they term Proculus , but if after his decease , they style him Posthumus ; and when two Twins come into the World , whereof one dies at the Birth , the Surviver of them is call'd Vopiscus ; nay , they use to denominate not only their Sylla's and Nigers , that is , men of a pimpled or swarthy Visage , but their Caeci and Claudii , the blind and the lame from such corporal blemishes and defects ; thus wisely accustoming their people not to reckon either the loss of sight , or any other bodily misfortune , as a matter of ignominy and disgrace to them , but that they should ansswer to such Names without shame or confusion , no otherwise than the most familiar and civil Compellations : But to treat of these things is not so proper to the Argument I have now in hand . The War against the Volscians was no sooner at an end , but the popular Tribunes and factious Orators fell again to revive domestick troubles , and raise another Sedition , without any new cause of complaint or just grievance to proceed upon ; but those very mischiefs that did unavoidably ensue from their former differences and contests , were then made use of as a ground and pretence to quarrel with the Nobility : The greatest part of their Arrable Land had been left unsown and without tillage , and the time of War allowing them no means or leisure to fetch in Provision from other Countries , there was an extreme scarcity of things in Rome : The Movers of the People then observing that there was neither Corn brought into the Market , or if there had been Grain to supply them , yet they wanted Money to buy it , began to calumniate the Wealthy with false stories , and whisper it about , as if they out of an old grudge , , and to revenge themselves , had purposely contrived it thus to bring a Famine upon them . While these things were in agitation , there came an Embassie from the Velitrani , who delivered up their City to the Romans , desiring that they would send some new Inhabitants to people it , inasmuch as a late Pestilential Disease had swept away so many of the Natives , and made such havock and destruction among them , that there was hardly a tenth part remaining of their whole Community . Now this sad necessity of the Velitrani , was consider'd by the more prudent sort as a seasonable relief unto themselves , and seemed to happen very opportunely for the present state of their Affairs ; for not only the dearth of Victuals had made it needful to ease and unburden the City of its superfluous Members , but they were in hope also at the same time , and by this means to scatter and dissolve the Faction which now threatned them , through a purgation and discharge of the more restless and inflamed Party , that like a redundancy of morbid humours , put them all into so dangerous a ferment . Such as these therefore the Consuls singled out to supply the desolation at Velitrae , and gave notice to others that they should be ready to march against the Volscians , which was politickly design'd to prevent intestine Broyls by employing them abroad . And there was some reason to presume , that , when as well the rich , as the poor , those of the Plebeian side , and the Patrician Interest , should be mingled again in the same Army , and the same Camp , and engage in one common service and jeopardy for the Publick , it would mutually dispose them to reconciliation and friendship , and to live upon gentler terms , and after a more sweet and benign fashion with each other . But Sisinius and Brutus , a couple of seditious Tribunes , did presently interpose here , crying out , That the Consuls went about to disguise the most cruel and barbarous action in the World , under that so mild and plausible name of a Colony , for no other end , but that they might precipitate so many poor Citizens , as it were , into the very gulf of Perdition , by removing them to settle in an infectio●s Air , and a place that was covered with noysome Carkasses , and sending them to sojourn , not only under a strange Deity , but an angry and revengeful Genius ; and then , as if it would not satisfie their hatred , to destroy some by hunger , and expose others to the mercy of a Plague , they must proceed to involve them also in a needless War of their own choosing , that all other Calamities might fall upon the City at once , because it did refuse to bear that of being any longer in slavery to the rich . By which kind of discourses , the people were so fill'd with aversion and insolence , that none of them would appear upon the Consular Summons to be listed for the War , and they did as little relish the Proposal for a new Plantation ; This put the Senate into such perplexity that it was utterly at a loss what to say , or do . But Marcius , who began now to swell and bear himself higher than ordinary , and to take more Spirit and Confidence from his noble Actions ; being admired too by the best and greatest men of Rome , did openly oppose the harangues and practices of these Popular Incendiaries ; so that in spite of them a Colony was dispatcht to Velitrae , those that were chosen by lot , being oblig'd to depart and repair thither upon high Penalties ; but when he saw them obstinately persist in refusing to Inroll themselves for the Volscian Service , Marcius then muster'd up his own Clients , and as many others as cou'd be wrought upon by perswasion , and with these he made an inroad into the Territories of the Antiates , where finding a considerable quantity of Corn , and lighting upon much booty both of Cattel and Prisoners , he reserved nothing for himself in private , but return'd safe and empty to Rome , while those that ventur'd out with him were seen loaden with rich Pillage , and driving their Prey before them ; which made the rest that staid at home repent of their perversness , and envy such as had sped so well by the Enterprize ; yea , and to be aggrieved and repine at Marcius , and the power and reputation he still got , as that which did encrease and rise only to the lessening and ruine of the Peoples Interest . It was not long after that he stood for the Consulship , when the people however did relent and incline to favour him , as being sensible what a shame it wou'd be to repulse and affront a man of his Family and Courage , and that too after he had done them so many signal Services , and been the Author of so much good and benefit to the Publick ; for it was the custom of those that pretended to Offices and Dignities among them , to sollicite and caress the people at their General Assemblies , clad only in a loose Gown without any Coat under it , either to promote their Supplications the better , by suing in such an humble Habit , or that such as had receiv'd Wounds might thus more readily demonstrate the visible tokens of their fortitude : for it was not from any suspicion the people then had of bribery and corruption , that they required such as did petition them to appear ungirt and open without any close Garment ; for it was much later , and many Ages after this that buying and selling crept in at their Elections , and Money was an Ingredient into the Publick Suffrages ; but Gifts and Presents had no sooner shewn what influence they had , and what Parties they cou'd make for choosing Magistrates , but the same practice came to attempt their Tribunals , and even attack their Camps , till by hiring the Valiant , and enslaving Iron to Silver , it grew Master of the State , and turn'd their Common-wealth into a Monarchy ; for it was well and truly said by him , who did affirm that the person who began to give Treats and Largesses to the people , was he that first depriv'd them of their strength and power ; but the mischief it seems stole secretly in and by little and little , not being presently discern'd and taken notice of at Rome ; for it is not certainly known who the Man was that did there first either bribe the Citizens , or corrupt the Bench ; but in Athens it is said , that Anytus the Son of Anthemion , was the first that gave Money to the Judges toward the latter end of the Peloponnesian War , he being then accus'd of Treachery , for delivering up the Fort of Pylus ; while those of the pure golden kind did as yet preside and give sentence in the Roman Courts : Marcius therefore , as the fashion of pretenders was , laying open the scars and gashes that were still extant in his body , from those innumerable Skirmishes and Conflicts wherein he had successively engag'd , and always signaliz'd himself for seventeen years together ; they had a certain reverence for his Virtue , and told one another that they ought in common modesty create him Consul ; but when the day of Election was now come , and Marcius appear'd at the place where they were to give their Votes with a pompous Train of Senators attending him , and all the Patricians did manifestly express a greater concern , and acted more vigorously in his particular , than they had ever done before on the like occasion ; the Commons then fell off again from all the kindness they had conceiv'd for him , and in stead of their late Benevolence , were carried to Indignation and Envy on the sudden : the Malignity of which Passions was assisted too by the general fear they were in , that if a man who was clearly to have the Senate govern , and was so mightily respected by the Nobles , should be invested with all the Power which that Office would give him , he might employ it to their prejudice , and utterly deprive the People of that Liberty which was yet left them : Being therefore so ill affected , and reasoning thus among themselves , in conclusion , they rejected Marcius ; but when two other Persons were declared Consuls , the thing was taken very hainously by the Senate , as reckoning that the Indignity of such a Slur did reflect rather upon it self than Marcius , who for his part was more sensibly nettled at their proceeding , and cou'd not bear that disgrace with any temper or patience , having commonly us'd himself to follow the more wrathful and stickling motions of the Soul , as if there were somewhat of Grandeur and bravery in those Transports , without a due mixture of that gravity and meekness , which are the effects of Reason and Discipline , and Vertues so necessary for Civil Conduct , and not considering that whoever undertakes to manage publick Business and Converse with men , should above all things avoid opiniateness and pertinacy in his own way , which ( as Plato speaks ) belong to the Family of Solitude , and become a lover of that forbearance , and those enduring qualities that are so much derided by some ridiculous persons ; whereas Marcius being plain and artless ; but ever rigid and inflexible , and strongly perswaded that to prevail and vanquish all he had to do with , was the proper work of Fortitude , and not rather a weakness and effeminacy of mind , which pushes out Fury from within , like the swelling of a bruised and painful part , flung away in great disorder , and bitterly enrag'd against the People : Those also of the young sparkish Gallants that did most flourish and flutter it in the City upon the score of their Noble Birth , as they had been always marvellously devoted to his Interest , so adhering to him at that time , and unhappily present when he was thus slighted , did by their Resentments and Condolence much aggravate the Baffle , and blow up his heat into a flame ; for he was not only their Captain and Leader , but a kind Instructor of the Roman Gentlemen , when they went out with him , as to all that did belong unto the Art of War ; and taught them a true vertuous Emulation , how they shou'd mutually exalt , and without Envy extol one another for any brave Atchievement . In the midst of these Distempers , a great deal of Corn happen'd to come into Rome , a considerable part whereof had been bought up in Italy , which was equall'd by another Stock arriving from Syracuse , as a Present from Gelo , the King of Sicily ; insomuch that many began now to hope well of their Affairs , supposing the City by this means wou'd be deliver'd at once both of its Wa● and Discord . A Council therefore being presently held , the People came flocking about the Senate-house , and did there eagerly attend the issue of that Deliberation , a● expecting that the Market Rates wou'd be more gentle and easie , for that which shou'd be expos'd to sale , and also that which wa● sent in as a Gift , shou'd come on free cost and be distributed gratis among them , fo● there were some within who advis'd the Senate thus to moderate the price of one , and give such Orders for the disposal of the other . But Marcius standing up , did sharply inveigh against those who spoke in favour of the Multitude , calling them Flatterers of the base Rabble , but down-right Traytors to the Senate and alledging that by such mean and foolish Gratifications , they did nothing else 〈◊〉 cherish those ill seeds of Boldness and Petu●●ance that had been sown among the People , against themselves and to their own prejudice , which they shou'd have done well to observe and stifle at their first appearance , and not have suffer'd the Plebeians to grow so strong , by giving such Authority to their Tribunes ; for now they were become formidable , through a compliance with their humour in all they did demand and insist upon , and for want of constraining them to any thing which was contrary to their own will ; so that living , as it were , in Anarchy , they wou'd no longer obey the Consuls , or acknowledge any superiour Magistrate , but the Heads and Leaders of their own Faction . And when things are come to such a pass , for us to sit here , and decree Largesses and Dividends for them , like those Grecians where the Populace is supream and absolute , what wou'd it be else , says he , but to foster and supply their Stubbornness for the common ruine of us all ? for sure they will not look upon these Liberalities as a Reward of publick Service , which themselves know they have so oft deserted ; nor yet of those Apostacies and Departures from us , whereby they did openly renounce and betray their Countrey , and much less of the Calumnies and Slanders they have been always so ready to entertain , against the just and honourable Proceedings of this Senate , but will rather conclude that a Bounty , which seems to have no other visible Cause or Reason , must needs be the effect of our Fear and Flattery ; so that hoping we shall go on to yield and condescend still to any further Submissions , which may serve to pacifie and gain them , they will come to no end of their Disobedience , nor ever cease from Riots and Uproars , and seditious Practices . It is therefore a direct madness in us to be so tame and coming , as we have hitherto shewn our selves ; nay , if we had but the Wisdom and Resolution which becomes those of our Rank and Order , we shou'd never rest till we had retriev'd that Tribunitian Power they have extorted from us , as being a plain subversion of the Consulship , and a perpetual ground of separation in our City , that is no longer one as heretofore , but has thereby receiv'd such a Wound and Rupture , as , for ought I can foresee , is never likely to close and unite again , or suffer us to be of a joynt Body and the same Mind , and so much in our right wits , as to leave heightening our own Distempers , & being a Plague and Torment to each other . Marcius discoursing many things to this purpose , did strangely inspire the brisk Youngsters with the same furious Sentiments , and had almost all the wealthy on his side , who cry'd him up as the only Person their City had , that was both insuperable by Force and above Flattery ; but some of the more grave and elderly sort did 〈◊〉 him herein , suspecting the ill consequence of his Procedure , as indeed there came no good of it ; for the Tribunes that were present at this Consultation , perceiving how the Proposal of Marcius took and carry'd it against them , ran out into the Croud with Exclamations , calling on the Plebeians to stand together , and come in to their assistance . The Assembly then being grown tumultuous , and the sum of what Marcius had spoken , having been reported to them , the Rabble fell into such a Rage , that they were ready to break in upon the Senate ; but the Tribunes prevented that , by laying all the blame on Coriolanus , whom therefore they cited by their Messengers to come before them , and give an account of his late violent Oration ; and when he contemptuously repuls'd the Officers who brought him such a Summons , they came presently themselves with the Aediles , or Overseers of the Market , designing to carry him away by force , and accordingly began to lay hold on his Person ; but the Nobility striking in to his rescue , did not only thrust off the Tribunes , but also beat the Aediles that were their Seconds in the Quarrel , and then the Night approaching , put an end to their present Scuffle . But as soon as it was day , the Consuls observing the People to be highly exasperated , and that they ran from al●●●arters , and met together in the Market-place , were afraid for the whole City , lest the business shou'd come to a general Uproar ; so that convening the Senate afresh , they desir'd them to advise how by gentle Speeches and more benign Edicts , they might best qualifie and compose that incensed Multitude : for if they did wisely consider the state of Things , they must needs find that it was no longer time to stand upon terms of Reputation , and that the matter of this Contest was not a meer point of Glory , but that such a ticklish and critical Conjuncture did oblige them to kind Methods , and require temperate and good-natur'd Counsels . The majority therefore of the Senators submitting to new Measures and a milder Sentence , the Consuls proceeded to bespeak and pacifie the People in the best manner they were able , answering gently to such Imputations and Charges as had been cast upon the Senate , and using much Tenderness and Modesty in those Admonitions and Reproofs they gave them for their late exorbitant Demeanor . And as for a supply of the Market with Provisions , or the moderate and reasonable Rates of what shou'd be there expos'd to Sale , they said , there shou'd be no difference at all between them upon that Subject . When a great part of the Commonalty was grown cool , and it appear'd from their orderly and peaceful Audience , that they had been wrought upon , and very much appeas'd by what was spoken , the Tribunes standing up declar'd in the name of the People , that since the Senate was pleas'd to act soberly , and do them Reason , they likewise shou'd be ready to condescend in all things that were fair and equitable on their side ; however they did peremptorily insist that Marcius shou'd give in his Answer to the several particulars he was accus'd of ; as first , whether he cou'd deny that he did instigate and provoke the Senate to confound the Government , and dissolve the Authority of the People ; and in the next place , if being call'd to account for it , he did not insolently slight and disobey their Summons ; and last of all , whether by the blows and other publick affronts given to the Aediles , he did not as much as in him lay , introduce and commence a Civil War , and become a Leader to the rest of the Citizens to take up Arms one against another . Now these Articles were brought in against him , with a design either to humble Marcius , and make it appear he was one of a mean Spirit , if contrary to his nature he should now Court and Caress the people ; or , if he did still maintain the usual haughtiness of his mind , ( which they did rather hope and expect as guessing rightly at the man ) he might work up their Choller to such a height , that they shou'd remain implacable , and never more be reconcil'd to him . He came therefore as it were to make his Apology , and clear himself from the Impeachment ; in which belief the People kept silence , and gave him a quiet hearing : But when , in stead of the submissive and deprecatory language was expected from him , he began to use not only an offensive kind of freedom , wherein he seem'd rather to accuse then apologize ; but , as well by the tone and sierceness of his Voice , as the stern and searless air of his Countenance , did demonstrate a security that was not far from disdain and contempt of them , the whole multitude then was ruffled and incens'd to purpose ; and gave sufficient indication of their uneasiness and disgust , and that they cou'd no longer endure the pride and arrogance of such a scornful Orator ; hereupon Sicinnius the most hardy and violent of all their Tribunes , after a little private Conference with the rest of his Collegues , did solemnly pronounce before them all that Marcius was condemn'd to die by the Tribunes of the People , and without more ado , bid the Aediles hurry him up to the Tarpeian Rock , and presently throw him headlong from that precipice ; but when they , in compliance with their Order , came to seize upon his body , the action did appear horrible and insolent to many even of the Plebeian Party ; but the Patricians being wholly beside themselves , and infinitely affected with it , began to cry out for help ; and while some made use of their hands to hinder the Arrest , and surrounding Marcius , got him in among them , others stretcht out theirs unto the multitude , beseeching them that they would not proceed to such furious Extremities ; but in so great a hurly-burly and tumult , there was no good to be done by words and out-crys , till at length the Friends and Acquaintance of the Tribunes wisely perceiving how impossible it would be to carry off Marcius to punishment without much bloodshed and slaughter of the Nobility , perswaded them to take off that which was unusual and odious therein , and that they would not dispatch him by such a sudden violence , or without regular Process and the due Forms of Justice , but refer what did concern the life of so eminent a Person to the general Suffrage of the People : Sicinnius then after a little sober pause , turning to the Patricians , demanded what their meaning was thus forcibly to rescue Marcius out of the Peoples hands as they were going to punish him for such high Misdemeanours ; when it was reply'd by them on the other side , and the question put , yea rather , how came it into your mind ? and what is it you design , thus to hale one of the chief and the worthiest men of Rome , to such a barbarous and illegal Execution , and not allow him so much as a free Tryal , which is the right and priviledge of the meanest Citizen ? Very well , said Siccinnius , i● that be all , it shall be no ground of your squablings and factious differences with the People , which grants all you require as to this particular ; namely , that your swaggering Hero may be judg'd and sentenc'd according to the course of Law : And as for you , Sir , directing his speech to Marcius , we assign you the third Term of Judicature which shall next ensue , to make your appearance and defence in , and to try if you can satisfie the Roman Citizens of your Innocence , who will thoroughly examine the Case , and then put it to a Vote , which shall decide your doom . The Noble-men were content with such a Truce and respite for that time , and gladly return'd home ; having weather'd the present storm , and brought off Marcius in safety . During the Interval of that appointment , ( for the Romans hold their Sessions every Ninth day , which from thence are call'd Nundinae in Latine ) there fell out a War with the Antiates , which , because it was like to be of some continuance , gave them hope they might one way or other elude the Judgment , as presuming the People wou'd become mild and tractable , and that their Indignation must needs lessen and languish by degrees in so long a space , if it did not totally cease while they were taken up with the business of that Enterprize ; but when contrary to expectation ; they quickly made an agreement with those of Antium , and the Army came back to Rome , the Patricians were again in great perplexity about the affair of Marcius , and had frequent Meetings and Consultations among themselves , the subject whereof was , how things might be so order'd , that they shou'd neither abandon him , nor yet give an occasion to those that did influence the People to put them into new disorders . Now Appius Claudius , whom they reckon'd among those Senators that were most of all averse to the Popular Interest , made a solemn Declaration , and told them before hand , that the Senate wou'd utterly destroy it self , and betray the Government if they should once suffer the People to become their Judges , and assume the Authority of pronouncing Capital Sentence upon any of the Patricians ; but then the most aged and most inclin'd to Popularity , did alledge on the other side , and deliver it as their Opinion that the People wou'd not be so harsh and severe upon them , as some were pleas'd to imagine , but rather become more gentle and courteous through the concession of that Power , since it was not their contempt of the Senate , but the fear of being despis'd by it , which made them pretend to such a Prerogative of judging , the allowance whereof wou'd be a Testimony of Respect , and a means of Consolation to them ; insomuch , that at the very time of receiving a liberty to Vote in these Cases , they wou'd presently dismiss and let fall their Animosities and Displeasures . When therefore Coriolanus saw that the Senate was in no little pain and suspence upon his account , divided as it were betwixt the kindness they had for him , and their apprehensions from the People , he desir'd to know of the Tribunes , what the Crimes were they did intend to charge him with , and what the Heads of that Indictment they wou'd oblige him to plead to before the People ; and being told by them , that he was to be Impeacht for a tyrannical Usurpation , and that they wou'd prove him guilty of designing to introduce Arbitrary Government ; Stepping forth hereupon , let me go then , says he , to clear my self from that Imputation before an Assembly of them , and as I do freely expose my person to any sort of Cognizance touching this Article , so neither will I refuse any kind of Punishment whatsoever , if I be convicted of it ; only , says he , let what you now mention , be made the true Title of my Accusation , and be sure you do not falsifie or impose upon the Senate in this matter : when they gave consent thereto , and promis'd they wou'd stick to that as the chief ground of their prosecution ; he came to his Tryal upon these terms . But the People being met together , the Tribunes , contrary to all former practice , did extort and obtain first , that Voices shou'd be given , not according to their Hundreds , but their Tribes ; by which Inversion of Order , the indigent and factious Rabble , that had no respect for Honesty and Justice , and wou'd be sure to carry it by Number at the Poll , were to have a Precedency in Voting before the rich and eminent , and military sort of men , who did serve and support the Publick with their Lives and Fortunes : And then in the next place , whereas they had engag'd to prosecute Marcius upon no other head but that of Tyranny ( which cou'd never be made out against him ) they did wave and relinquish this Plea , and instead thereof , fell to repeat and aggravate some words of his which had been formerly spoken in the Senate ; as , that he did there oppose and disswade an abatement of the price of Corn , but advise and encourage them to resume the Tribunitian Power ; adding further as a new Impeachment , the distribution that was made by him of the spoyl and booty he had taken from the Antiates , when he over-run their Country , which upon his own head , and to gain the Souldiery , he had divided among those that were readiest to follow him ; whereas it ought rather to have been brought into the publick Store-house , and dispos'd of by Authority of the Senate for the common Interest ; which last Accusation did , they say , more surprize and discompose Marcius than all the rest , as not expecting he shou'd ever be question'd upon that subject , and therefore less provided to give a plausible and satisfactory Answer to it on the sudden ; but when , by way of excuse , he began to magnifie the Merits of those who had been Partakers with him in the Action , such as staid at home being more numerous than the other , and not enduring to hear them commended , did so disturb him by the noise they made , that he cou'd not proceed upon that Argument : In conclusion , when they came to Vote , there were three intire Tribes that did condemn him more than those that gave their Suffrage in his Favour , and the Penalty they adjudg'd him to , was perpetual banishment . The Sentence of his Condemnation being pronounc'd , the People went away with greater joy and triumph , and exaltation of mind , then they had ever shewn for any Victory against their Enemies : But the Senate was all in heaviness , and a deep dejection , repenting now and vexed at the very Soul that they had not done and suffer'd all things rather than give way to the insolence of the People , and permit them to assume and abuse so great an Authority : there was no need then to look upon their habit or other marks of distinction , for discerning a Senator from any vulgar Citizen , for it did plainly appear that the brisk and jocund were all Plebeians , and you might presently know a Noble-man by his sad Countenance ; only Marcius himself was not struck or humbled in the least by that severe Judgment which had past upon him , appearing still by his gesture and motion , and aspect to be the same steady person , and when all ●thers of the same Rank were so passionately toucht therewith , he alone did not seem t● be any whit affected at his own misfortune ▪ but this however was not so much an effec● of reason , and the meekness of his Tempe● ▪ or because he bore the Accident with Patience , as a certain Transport of Fury and profound Displeasure , which with ordinary an● ignorant Judges does not then pass for a grie● of Mind , for when this passion lighting 〈◊〉 a fiery Nature , does as it were kindle an● flame out into Choler , it throws off all th●● depression and sluggishness , which is otherwise so proper to it ; from whence it happen● that an angry Man is sometimes thought t● be extream vigorous and active ; just as o● in a Feaver , may seem to have a hot Const●tution , when all this high beating is no mo●● than a disorderly Pulse and Palpitation 〈◊〉 the heart , or as it were a painful Distentio● and shooting Tumour of the Soul : Now , th● such was the Distemper of Marcius , it immediately appear'd by his following Actions for upon his return home , after saluting hi● Mother and his Wife , that were all in Tea● and full of loud Lamentations , and exhorting them to moderate the sense they had of hi● Calamity , he presently went toward the Cit● Gates , whither all the Nobility did atten● him , and so not so much as taking ough● with him , or making any Request to the Company , he departed from them , having only three or four Clients about his Person . He continu'd solitary and musing for a few days in some Villages he had , toss'd and distracted with great variety of Counsels , such as Rage and Indignation did suggest to him ; in all which therefore he did not propose to himself any honourable or useful end , but only how he might best satisfie his Revenge in persecuting the Romans , and for this purpose he resolv'd at length to raise up a heavy War against them from their nearest Neighbours . In order hereunto , his business was in the first place to make trial of the Volscians , whom he knew to be still vigorous and flourishing enough both in Strength and Treasure , and did imagine their Force and Power was not so much abated , as their Spite and wrathful Pertinacy was increas'd , by the late Overthrows they had receiv'd from the Romans . Now there was a Man of Antium , call'd Tullus Ausidius , who , for his Wealth and Prowess , and the Splendor of his Family , had the Respect and Privi●edge of a King among all the Volscians , but ●ne whom Marcius knew to have a particular Pique and an inveterate Malice against him above any Roman whatsoever ; for ●here having frequent Menaces and Challenges pass'd between them , as they met together in the Field , and by often defying each other through a competition of their Valour ( as the Strife and Emulation of youthful Spirits does usually prompt them to such Braveries ) they had , beside the common Quarrel of their Countrey , conceiv'd a mutual Enmity and private Hatred to each other ; but for all this , considering the great Generosity of Tullus , and that none of the Volscians did so much desire an occasion , to return back upon the Romans some part of the Evils they had done them , he ventur'd at a thing , which mightily confirms that Saying of the Poet : Hard and unequal is with Wrath the Strife , Which makes us buy its pleasure with our life . For putting on such Cloaths and Habiliments , by which he might appear most unlike the Person he was , to all that should see him in that Equipage , as Homer says of Vlysse● ▪ The Town he enter'd of his mortal Foes . His Arrival at Antium was about Evening and though several met him in the Street● yet he pass'd along without being know● to any , and went directly on to the Hou●● of Tullus ; where stealing in undiscover'd he presently made up to the Fire-heart● ( a Place that was sacred to their Lares and seated himself there without speaking a word , or using any motion , after he had cover'd his Head , to prevent observance . Those of the Family could not choose but wonder at the man's Confidence , and yet they were afraid either to raise or question him , ( for there was a certain air of Majesty about him , which shew'd it self both in his Posture and his Silence ) but they recounted to Tullus ( being then at Supper ) the strangeness of this Accident , who immediately rose from Table , and coming to Coriolanus , ask'd him , who he was , and for what business he came thither : whereupon Marcius unmuffling himself , and pausing a while , If , says he , you cannot yet call me to mind , Tullus , if you do not believe your eyes concerning me , I must of necessity be my own Accuser ; know therefore that I am Caius Marcius , the same Man that has been Author of so much Mischief to the Volscians , which if I should offer to deny , the Surname of Coriolanus I now bear , would be a sufficient Evidence against me , for I have no other Recompence to boast of , for all the Hardships and Perils I have gone through during the Wars between us , but a Title that proclaims my Enmity to your Nation , and this is the only thing which ●s still left me ; as for other Advantages , I have ●een stripp'd and depriv'd of them all at once by ●he Envy and Outrage of the Roman People , and ●hrough the Cowardise and Treachery of the Magistrates , and those of my own Order ; so the I am driven out as an Exile , and become as humble Supplicant before your houshold Gods , not so much for safety and protection , ( for wh●● should make me come hither had I been afra●● to die ? ) as to seek and procure Vengeance against those that did expel me from my Countrey , which , methinks , I have already obtain'd , by putting my self into your hands ; if therefore you have really a mind to attack and defeat you Enemies , come on , noble Sir , make use of the Affliction you see me in to assist the Enterprize and let my personal Infelicity prove a comm●● Blessing to the Volscians ; for I am like to be s● much more serviceable in fighting for , than against you , as they who understand the Secrets ●● their Enemies , do manage the War better , th●● such as are unacquainted with the way and ma●ner of their Conduct : But if you despond 〈◊〉 give out , and refuse to make any further Attempts upon them , I am neither willing to li●● my self , nor will it be safe and prudent in 〈◊〉 to preserve a Person who has been your Ri●● and Adversary of old , and now , when he offe●● you his Service , is so far slighted , as to ●● thought unprofitable and useless to you . Tullus having heard the Discovery an● Discourse he made , was wonderfully pleas● with it , and giving him his right Hand , ●rise , says he , Marcius , and be of good Courag● for it is a considerable Happiness you bring 〈◊〉 Antium , in that welcome Present you do here make us of your self , and you may look for all manner of Civility and respectful Vsage from the Volscians ; and so for that time he did only feast and entertain him with great Kindness , but for several days after they held private Conference , and were in close Deliberation touching the Means and Requisites of a War. While this Design was forming , there were great Troubles and Commotions at Rome , from the Animosity of the Senators against the People , which came to be heightned too at present by a new Grudge , for the late Condemnation of Marcius ; beside that their Soothsayers and Priests , and even private Persons , brought in fearful tidings of Signs and Prodigies , that were very much to be regarded , one whereof I shall mention here , which they report to have happen'd in this manner . Titus Latinus , one of ordinary Condition , but yet a sober and vertuous man , free from all superstitious Fancies on one hand , and much more from Vanity and Boasting on the other , had an Apparition in his Sleep , as if Jupiter came within view and bid him tell the Senate , that they had sent a very uncouth and disagreeable Dancer , to march before the Pomp of that Supplication they design'd him ; but having beheld the Vision , he said , he did not much mind it , or the words spoken at the first Appearance , and having seen and slighted it a second and third time , he then saw the most hopeful Son he had , expire before his Eyes , and his own Body was so struck and loosen'd on a sudden , that himself became utterly impotent . These things he related , being brought hastily into the Senate on a Couch , and the Story goes , that he had no sooner deliver'd his Message there , but he presently felt his Strength and Vigour to return , insomuch that he got upon his Legs , and went home alone , without need of any assistance or support , which the Senators much wondring at , made a diligent search into the Matter . Now that which his Dream alluded to was this : A Person whose Name I know not , had for some hainous Offence , given up a Servant of his to the rest of his Fellows , with charge to whip him first through the Market , and then to kill him ; while they were executing this Command , and scourging the poor Creature , that skrew'd and turn'd himself into all manner of Shapes and unseemly Motions , through the Pain and Torture he was in , a solemn Procession made in Honour of Jupiter , chanc'd to follow at their heels ; several of the Assistants therein were very much scandaliz'd at such a sight , the horrible sufferings and the indecent postures of that Wretch , being equally offensive to the Spectators , and detested by them ; yet no body would interpose , or call the Actors to account for it , they did only spend some Reproaches and Curses on the Master , who was so bitter and barbarous in his Inflictions : for the Romans treated their Servants with much Humanity in those days , because they did then work and labour themselves , and live together among them , and so were apt to be more gentle and familiar with their own Domesticks ; for it was one of the greatest Pennances for a Servant who had highly misdemean'd himself to take up that piece of Wood upon his shoulders wherewith they did support the Thill of a Waggon , and carry it round about through the Neighbourhood , and he that had once undergone the shame of this , and was seen by those of the Houshold and other Inhabitants of the place , with that infamous burden , had no longer any trust or credit among them , but was styled Furcifer by way of ignominy and reproach ; for what the Greeks in their Language call Hypostates , i. e. a Prop or Supporter , is by the Latins termed Furca , from the forked Figure of that rustical Instrument . When therefore Latinus had given in such a Relation of his Dream , and all the Senators were devising who this disagreeable and ungainly Dancer should be , some of the Company ( having been much affected with the strangeness of his punishment ) did call to mind and mention the miserable Slave which was lasht through the Streets , and afterward put to death ; the Priests then being consulted in the Case , did all unanimously agree , that this must be the same ungraceful and odious Tripper , which Jupiter complain'd of ; whereupon his Master was punisht , and they renew'd the Supplication to their God , with all the Shows and Solemnities of that Performance . By which it appears , that Numa was both in other respects a very wise Author of what did belong to holy Offices , and that this in particular was an excellent institution of his , to make the People attentive at their Religious Ceremonies ; for when the Magistrates or Priests do perform any Divine Worship , there is a Herald goes before , and proclaims with a loud voice , Hoc age , which signifies , Do this you are about , and so warns them heedfully to mind whatever Sacred Action they are engag'd in , not suffering any other business , or worldly avocation to come in between , that may disturb their thoughts , and interrupt the Exercise ; and this he judg'd to be the more necessary here , inasmuch as most of the things which men do , especially of this kind , are in a manner forc'd from them , and effected by constraint . Now it is usual with the Romans to begin their Sacrifices , and Processions , and Sights afresh , not only upon such a Cause as this , but for any slighter reason ; for if but one of the Horses which drew the Chariots call'd Tensae , upon which the Images of their Gods were plac'd , did happen to fail and falter , or if the Coach-man took hold of the Reins with his left hand , they made a Vote that the whole Operation should commence anew ; and in latter ages one and the same Sacrifice was perform'd thirty times over , because there seem'd always to be a defect or mistake , or some vitious and offensive Accident in that Service ; so great was the Reverence and Caution which the Romans then shew'd towards the Deity in all things . But Marcius and Tullus did now secretly discourse of their Project before the chief men of Antium , advising them to invade the Romans while they were at odds among themselves , and embroyl'd in Dissentions and Contests with each other ; and when the Respects of Shame and Decency did hinder them from embracing the motion , inasmuch as they had agreed and sworn to a Truce and Cessation of Arms for the space of two years , the Romans ▪ themselves soon furnisht them with a Pretence , by making Proclamation ( out of a certain jealousie , or slanderous report ) in the midst of their Shews and Exercises , that all the Volscians who came thither to see them , shou'd depart the City before Sun-set : there are some who affirm , that all this was a Contrivance and Trick of Marcius , who sent one privately to the Consuls that should falsly accuse the Volscians , as if they did intend to fall upon the Romans while they were at their Plays and Pastimes , and set the City on fire . Now so publick an Affront did extremly nettle those of that Nation , and dispose them more than ever to Hostility and hatred against the Romans ; which Tullus perceiving , made his advantage of it , much aggravating the Fact , and working on their present Indignation , till he did provoke and perswade them at last to dispatch Embassadors to Rome , that should require them to restore that part of their Country , and those Towns which they had taken from the Volscians in the late War : When the Romans heard such a Message , they were in great wrath , and smartly reply'd , That if the Volscians were the first that did take up Arms , the Romans shou'd be the last that would lay them down . This Answer being brought back , Tullus made a General Assembly of the Volscian States , in which Convention the Vote passing for a War ; he did propose that they should call in Marcius , laying aside the remembrance of former grudges , and assuring themselves that the Services they should now receive from him as a Friend and Associate , would abundantly out-weigh any harm or damage he had done them when he was their Enemy : Marcius having made his Entrance , and spoken to the People , he was thought to be a shrewd Warriour no less by his Discourse than by his Deeds , and to excel in Prudence as well as Courage ; whereupon they joyn'd him in Commission with Tullus , to have full Power as General of their Forces in all that related to the War ; who fearing lest the time that would be requisite to bring all the Volscians together , with their Ammunition and Equipage for that Service , might be so long as to make him lose the opportunity of some considerable Action ; he left order with the chief Persons and Rulers of the City to provide and furnish out other things , while he himself , prevailing upon the most brisk and forward , to assemble themselves , and march out with him as Voluntiers , without staying to be enroll'd , made a sudden Inroad into the Roman Confines when no body did expect him , by which nimble surprizal he possest himself of so much Booty , that the Volscians were incumber'd with their Prey , as unable to drive away and carry it all off , or when they had done so , to consume and spend it in their Camp ; but the abundance of Provision which he gain'd , and that waste and havock of the Country which he made , were of themselves and in his account , the smallest things in that Invasion , the great mischief he intended , and for the sake whereof he did all the rest , was to increase at Rome their slanders and jealousies of the Nobles , and to make them still upon worse terms with the People ; for which end , in ●poyling all the Fields , and destroying the Goods of other men , he took special care to preserve their Farms and Villages untoucht , and would not allow his Souldiers to ravage there , or seize upon any thing which belong'd to them ; from whence their Invectives and Quarrels against one another , broke out afresh , and rose to a greater height than heretofore ; the Senators reproaching those of the Commonalty , with their late injustice to Coriolanus , as if they were rightly serv'd for banishing a man of so great Importance ; while the Plebeians on their side did not stick to accuse them for having , out of meer spite and revenge , solicited Marcius to this Enterprize , and that , when others were involv'd in the miseries of a War by their means , they sate like unconcern'd Spectators , as being secure themselves , and furnisht with a Guardian or Protector abroad of their own Wealth and Fortunes , in the very person of him who was a Mortal Enemy to the People . After this Incursion and Exploit which was of great use and singular advantage to the Volscians , inasmuch as they learnt by it to grow more hardy , and then first of all to contemn those Enemies they so much dreaded before , Marcius drew them off , and return'd in safety . But when the whole strength of the Volscians was with great Expedition and Alacrity brought together into the Field , it appear'd so considerable a body , that they agreed to leave part thereof in Garrison for the security of their Towns , and with the other Moyety to march against the Romans : Coriolanus then desired Tullus to consider which of the two Charges would be most agreeable to him , and that he would choose accordingly ; to which Tullus make answer , That since he knew Marcius to be equally valiant with himself , but far more fortunate in all Rencounters , he would have him take the Command of those that were going out to the War , while he made it his care and business to defend their Cities at home , and provide all Conveniences for the Army abroad . Marcius therefore , being thus reinforc'd , and much stronger than before , mov'd first toward the City call'd Circaeum , that was a Roman Colony , which being freely deliver'd up , he did not the least harm there to the Place or its Inhabitants : And passing thence , he enter'd and laid waste the Country of the Latins , where it was expected the Romans should have come in to their assistance , and fought against him in behalf of the Latins , who were their Confederates and Allies , and had often sent to demand Succours from them ; but because as well the People on their part shew'd little inclination for the Service , and the Consuls themselves were unwilling now to run the hazard of a Battle , when the time of their Office drew so near its end , and was almost ready to expire , they dismist the Latin Embassadors without any effect : So that Marcius finding no Army to oppose him , marcht up to their very Cities themseives , and having taken by force that of the People call'd Tolerienses , and of the Vicani and Pedani , and of the Belani too , who stood it out against him ; he not only plunder'd their Houses , but made a Prey likewise of their Persons : But he had a particular regard for all such as came over to his Party , and was so tender of them , that for fear they might sustain any damage against his will , he encampt still at the greatest distance he could , and wholly abstain'd from the Lands of thei● Propriety . After he had made himself Master of Bola , a City that was not above a hundred Furlongs from Rome , where he met with great Treasure , and put almost all to the Sword that were of an age to carry Weapons ; the other Volscians that were order'd to stay behind as a safeguard to their Cities , hearing of his Atchievements and Success , had not the patience to remain any longer at home , but came running with their Arms to Marcius , and saying , that he alone was their General , and the sole person they would own as a Commander in Chief over them ; upon which he had a mighty Name , and the Renown of him spread throughout all Italy , with a marvellous Opinion of his single Prowess ; who , by changing sides , had himself alone given that sudden turn to the Affairs of two Nations , and made such a strange and notable alteration in the state of things . All was at Rome now in very great disorder , for they were utterly averse from Fighting , and spent their whole time in Cabals and Conspiracies , and seditious words , and perpetual Bandyings against each other ; until News was brought that the Enemy had laid close Siege to Lavinium , wherein were all the Images and Sacred things of their tutelar Gods , and from whence they did derive the Original of their Nation , that being the first City which Aeneas built in Italy ; which tidings did produce great variety of Sentiments , and wrought a wonderful difference all at once as to the Thoughts and Inclinations of the People , but a very odd and unexpected change of Mind among the Patricians ; for the former now was for repealing the Sentence against Marcius , and calling him back into the City ; whereas the Senate , being assembled to deliberate and resolve upon that Point , did finally dislike and oppose the Proposition ; either out of a cross humour , to contradict and withstand the People in what-ever they should motion , or because they were unwilling perhaps , that he should owe his Restoration to their Kindness ; or having now conceived a Displeasure against Marcius himself , who did harass and plague them all alike , though he had not been ill treated by all , and was become a declar'd Enemy to the whole Countrey , though he knew well enough that the principal Men , and all the better sort , did condole with him , and suffer in his Injuries . This Resolution of theirs being made publick , the People was utterly at a loss , and could proceed no further , as having no Authority to pass any thing by Suffrage , and enact it for a Law , without a previous Decree from the Senate . But when Marcius came to hear of that Vote for prohibiting his Return , he was more exasperated than ever , insomuch that quitting the Siege of Lavinium , he march'd furiously towards Rome , and incamp'd at a Place call'd Fossa Claelia , about five miles from the City ; but as the nearness of his Approach was terrible , and did create much Trouble and Disturbance , so likewise did it surcease their Animosities and Dissentions for the present ; for no body now wheth●● Consul or Senator , durst any longer contradict the People in their design of recalling Marcius ; but seeing their Women run frighted up and down the Streets , and the old Men at Prayer in every Temple with Tears and earnest Supplications , and that , in short , there was a general defect among them both of Courage and Wisdom , to provide for their own safety , they came at last to be all of one mind , that the People had been very much in the right , to propose and endeavour , as they did a Reconciliation with Marcius , but that the Senate was extreamly out , and guilty of a fatal Errour , then to begin a Quarrel with , and provoke Marcius , when it was a time to forget Offences , and they should have studied rather to appease him . It was therefore unanimously agreed by all Parties , that Embassadors should be dispatch'd away , offering him the liberty of a Return to his former state at home , and desiring he would free them from the Apprehensions and the Straits of that War. The Persons sent by the Senate with this Message , were chosen out of his Kindred and acquaintance , who did therefore expect a very kind Reception at their first Interview and Audience , upon the score of that Relation , and their old Familiarity and Friendship with him ; but it seems they were very much mistaken in their Count , for being led through the Enemies Camp , they found him sitting in great State amidst a crowd of Officers , with insupportable Arrogance and a sullen Gravity ; the Chief of the Volscians being then present , he bid them openly declare the Cause of their coming , which they did in the most gentle and benigne terms , and with a Behaviour sutable to the modesty of that Language . When they had made an end of speaking , he return'd them a sharp Answer , full of Bitterness and angry Resentments , as to what concern'd himself , and the ill Usage he had receiv'd from them ; but as General of the Volscians , he demanded restitution of the Cities and the Lands they had seiz'd upon during th● late War , and that the same Rights and Franchises should be granted them at Rome , which they had before accorded to the Latines , since there could be no assurance that a Peace wou'd be firm and lasting , without fair Condition● on both sides , and if it had not Justice and Equality to secure it ; and having made these Proposals , he allow'd thirty days to consider and resolve about them . The Embassadours being departed , he prefently withdrew hi● Forces out of the Roman Territory ; that which those of the Volscians , who had long envy'd his Reputation , and could not endure to see the Interest and Sway he had with that People , did lay hold of , as the first matter of an Impeachment against him . Among his chief Maligners was even Tullus himself , not for any personal Offence or private Injury , but out of humane passion , and a Vice so incident to Mankind , he felt an inward Pique , to find his own Glory thus totally obscur'd , by that of Marcius , and himself overlookt and neglected now by the Volscians , who had so great an Opinion and Esteem of their new Leader , that he alone was instead of all to them , and they would have other Captains be content with that share of Government and Power , which he should think fit to vouchsafe them . From hence the first Seeds of Complaint and Accusation were scatter'd about in secret , and the Heads of that Conspiracy assembling together , did help to raise and heighten each others Indignation , saying , that to retreat as he did , was in effect to betray and deliver up , though not their Cities and their Arms , yet the proper Times and Opportunities for Action , which is a dammage of no smaller consequence than the other , inasmuch as the preservation or the loss of all these , and every thing else , does naturally depend on them , seeing in less than thirty days space , for which he had given a respite from th● War , there might happen the greatest changes in the World. Albeit Marcius spent not any part of the time idely , but did attack and damnifie the Confederates of the Enemy , yea , and took from them seven great and populous Cities in that Interval . The Romans in the mean while durst not venture out to their relief , but were of a sluggish and unactive Spirit , feeling no more disposition or Capacity for the Affairs of War , than 〈◊〉 their Bodies too had been struck and benum'd with a dead Palsie , and so become utterly destitute of sense and motion : Bu● when the thirty dayes were expir'd , an● Marcius appear'd again with his whole A●my , they sent another Embassie to besee●● him that he would moderate his Displeasu●● and marching off with the Volscians conside● what was fit to be done , and propose th●● which he judged most agreeable to the ●nterest of both Parties , remembring alway● that the Romans were not men to be wrough● upon by Menaces , or that would yie●● any thing out of Fear , but if it were 〈◊〉 Opinion that the Volscians ought to hav● some favour shewn them , upon laying dow● their Arms , they might obtain all the● could in reason desire and fairly prete●● to . The Reply of Marcius was , That 〈◊〉 should answer nothing thereto as General of the Volscians , but in the quality still of a Roman Citizen , he would advise and exhort them , as the case stood , not to carry it so high , but think rather of a just Compliance , and return to him before three days were at an end , with a Ratification of those equal demands he had formerly made , and did insist upon ; for otherwise they should not have the same freedom and security of passing through his Camp again upon such idle Errands , and for like impertinent and fruitless Treaties . When the Embassadors were come back and had acquainted the Senate with this resolute Answer , seeing the whole State now threatned as it were by a Tempest , and the Waves ready to overwhelm them , they were forc'd as we say , in extream Perils , to handle and let down the Sacred Anchor ; for there was a Decree made , that the whole Order of their Priests , with such as did initiate in Mysteries , or had the care and custody of Holy Things , or the skill of Prophecying by Birds ( an ancient way of Divination among the Romans ) should all and every one of them go in full Procession to Marcius with their Pontifical Array , and the same Dress and Habit which they respectively us'd in their several Functious or Religious Ceremonies ; which venerable Orators were to bespeak him as before , and recommend the former Request ; that , upon their instance at least , he would be perswaded to surcease the War , and then discourse with his Country-men about the Volscian Articles ; he consented so far indeed as to give these reverend and peaceful persons an Admittance into his Camp , but granted nothing at all out of respect and complaisance for them , nor did he so much as behave or express himself with more civility or smoothness upon their account ; but without capitulating further , or receding from his main point , bid them once for all choose whether they would yield or fight , for the old terms were the only terms of Peace . When there was no better effect of such a solemn Application , ( the Priests too returning unsuccessful ) they determin'd to sit still within the City , and keep Watch about their Walls , intending only to repulse the Enemy , should he offer to attack them , and placing their hopes chiefly in the strange and extraordinary Accidents of Time and Fortune : for as to themselves , they had neither the Wit to contrive , nor the Courage to undertake ought for their own deliverance , but confusion and terror , and ill-boding Reports run through the whole City ; till a certain thing did arrive , not unlike those we so often read of in Homer , ( which however most people will hardly believe ) for when he upon great occasions , and some rare and unusual events does affirm and exclaim in this manner . — But him the Goddess Pallas did inspire . — And elsewhere , But some Immortal being turn'd their mind , Who left another tale and bruit behind . — And then , Whether 't were his own thought , or God's Command . Men are ready here to despise or censure the Poet , as if he went about to destroy the Credit and the use of Reason , and indeed the very freedom of their Choice , by submitting all to such impossible things and absurd Fictions ; whereas Homer can no way be suppos'd to attempt or design this , for what is probable and usual , and brought about by the ordinary way of Reason , he ascribes that to humane performance , and leaves it wholly to our own power and management , frequently discoursing to this effect , — But I consulted with my own great Soul. And in another passage . This said , Achilles was with grief possest , And various thoughts did bustle in his breast ▪ And then again , Yet brave Bellerophon her charms withstood , On Vertue fixt , and ever true to good . But in such things and actions as are unaccountably daring , and of a prodigious and transcendent kind , and therefore need some touches of Enthusiasm and divine hardiness that may instigate and carry us thereto : Here , I say , he does introduce God not as taking away the liberty of our Will , but as moving it to act freely ; neither as working in us the Inclinations and Pursuits themselves ▪ but as offering those Phantasms and Objects to our Minds , from whence the Impulse is conceiv'd , and the Resolution taken ; by which Representments however , he makes not the Deed involuntary , but only gives a beginning to spontaneous Operations , and superadds confidence and good hope to what is thus willingly undertaken : for we must either totally discharge and remove God from all manner of causality as to what we do , and a prime Original Influence on our Affairs , or be forced to confess that there is no other way of Insinuation beside this whereby he does secretly assist men and co-operate with them ; for sure the help which he affords us , cannot be imagin'd to consist in fashioning the postures of our body , or directing the motions of our hands and feet , so as they may be serviceable to us for the use of life , but in exciting the practical part , and the elective powers of our Soul , by initial overtures and certain Images and Instincts from above ; or else on the contrary , in a sudden aversion or seasonable restraint of them from other ▪ things , and that also by hints and apprehensions of his sending . Now in this perplexity of Affairs which I before mention'd , the Roman Women went some of them to other Temples , but the greater part , and the Ladies of best quality were at high Devotion about the Altar of Jupiter Capitolinus ; Among these Supplicants was also Valeria , Sister to the great Publicola , a person who had done the Romans that eminent service both in Peace and War : Publicola himself was now deceas'd ( as I have written in the History of his Life ) but Valeria liv'd still with a mighty Reputation and Esteem at Rome , as one whose Conduct was thought not to disparage her Kindred , or any way shame the Relation she had to him . She therefore being suddenly seiz'd with an instinct or emotion of mind not unlike those I but now spoke of , and happily lighting ( not without Divine Guidance ) on the right Expedient , both arose her self , and caus'd the rest of the Votaries to get up , and made directly with them toward the House of Volumnia , the Mother of Marcius ; when she came in , and found her sitting with her Daughter-in-law , and having her little Grand-children on her Lap , Valeria then surrounded by her Female-companions , spoke in the name of them all to this purpose . — We that now make our appearance , O Volumnia , and you , Madam Vergilia , approach as women unto women , being come hither not by direction of the Senate , or an Order from the Consuls , or the appointment of any other Magistrate ; but God himself , as I conceive , mov'd first to compassion by our Prayers , has consequently mov'd us to visit you in a body , and request a thing wherein our own and the common safety is concern'd , and which , if you consent to it , will raise your Glory above that of the Daughters of the Sabines , who , by hazarding themselves , did reduce their Fathers and their Husbands from mortal enmity to peace and friendship . Come along then , my good Ladies , and joyn with us in our Supplication to Marcius , and do your Country the right of giving him this true and just testimony on her behalf ; that notwithstanding the many mischiefs and calamities she has suffer'd , yet she did never outrage your Persons , nor could so much as think of treating you ill , in the midst of all her Resentments , but does now restore and present you safe into his hands , though there is small likelihood she should obtain from him any better terms for her self , or the least favourable and gentle usage on that account . This Discourse of Valeria was seconded by loud Approbations and Incentives of the other women ; to which Volumnia made answer . — Both I my self , Ladies , and my Daughter Vergilia , have an equal share with you all in the common miseries , beside this particular affliction which is wholly ours , that we have lost the merit and the fame of Marcius , and may perceive his person to be secur'd , rather then protected by the Arms of the Enemy ; but I reckon this the greatest of all Misfortunes , if indeed the Affairs of Rome be sunk to that desperate and feeble state , as to have its last dependance upon two simple insignificant women ; for it is hardly imaginable he should have any consideration left for us , when he has no regard for his Country , a man who was wont to prefer that before his Mother , and Wife and Children put together . Yet notwithstanding this , if it be your opinion that we may do any good here , vouchsafe to make use of our service , and lead us to him , who , if we fail of every thing else , at least can die for , though not redeem our Countrey , and spend the last breath we have in making suit to him for its deliverance . Having spoken thus , she took Vergilia by the Hand , and the young Children , and so accompani'd those other Ladies to the Volscian Camp. So lamentable a sight did very much affect the Enemies themselves , and create in them a respectful Silence . Marcius was then sitting in an elevated Place ▪ with his chief Officers about him , and seeing that female Party advance toward them , he wondred what should be the Matter ; but came to perceive at length that his own Wife Vergilia was at the head of their Company ; whereupon he endeavour'd to harden himself in his former obstinacy , and would fain have kept up the same inexorable Stiffness against all Entreaties ; but overcome by Affection , and strangely disorder'd at such an Appearance , he could not endure they shou'd approach him sitting in that Stately posture , but came down hastily to meet them , saluting his Mother first , and embracing her a long time , and then his Wife and Children , sparing neither ▪ Tears nor Caresses on this occasion , but suffering himself to be born away , and carried headlong as it were by the impetuous Torrent , and the pleasing Violence of his present Passion . When he had taken his fill of these Sweetnesses and Indearments and observ'd that his Mother Volumnia was desirous to say something , the Volscian Councel being first call'd in , he heard her Discourse before them to this effect : You may easily conjecture , Son , though we should say nothing our selves , and might conclude from the very form and habit of these wretched Bodies you behold here , in how forlorn a condition we have liv'd at home since your unhappy Banishment and Absence from us ; and now consider with your self , whether we are not to pass for the most unfortunate of Women , and if ours be not the hardest of all Cases , seeing that , which ought to prove the most delightful thing , and a very gladsome Spectacle , is , through I know not what Fatality , become of all others the most formidable and dreadful to us , when poor Volumnia has the Displeasure to see her Son , and that sad Vergilia the Regret to find her Husband now planting his Batteries against the Walls of Rome ; yea even the business of Prayer it self , from whence others do fetch Comfort and Relief in all manner of Misfortunes and Distresses , is that which adds to our Confusion , and does intangle and perplex us above all the rest ; for our best wishes are grown inconsistent with themselves , nor can we at the same time petition the Gods for Rome's Victory , and your Preservation ; but what the worst of our Enemies would imprecate as a Curse , that is the very Subject of our Vows , or at least is interwoven and mingled with them ; for your Wife and Children lye under this w●ful necessity , that they must either be depriv'd of you , or of their native Soyl. As for my self , I am resolv'd not to live till Fortune put an end to this War , and determine the Advantage for one side ; but if I cannot prevail with you to prefer Amity and Concord before Quarrelling and hostile Practices , and shall not perswade my Son Marcius to become a Benefactor to both Parties , rather than a Plague to either , be assur'd of this from me , and reckon stedfastly upon it , that you shall not be able to stir a foot towards treading down your Countrey , unlest you trample first upon the dead Corps of her , that brought you into the World , and who will deserve to be so treated for having given you Life ; for it will be indecent for me to wait and loiter in the World till that dismal day come , wherein I shall see a Child of mine either led in Triumph by his own Countreymen , or else erecting Trophies on the Waste and Ruine of that City where he was born . Did I require you at once to save your Countrey , and destroy the Volscians , here , I confess , the Case would be a little hard , and you might well pretend some difficulty to resolve it ; for as it seems unnatural and barbarous to slaughter our fellow Citizens , so likewise it is unjust and perfidious to betray those who have plac'd their Confidence in us . But now without doing the least harm to others , we desire only a Deliverance from our own Evils ; and though the thing be equally expedient for them and us , yet will it look more handsom and honourable on the Volscian side , who having so much the better of us at present , will be thought freely to bestow the two greatest Blessings of Peace and Friendship , even when they receive no less at our hands than is conferr'd by them . If we obtain these , the common Thanks and Acknowledgement will be chiefly owing to you , as the principal Cause of such a Reconciliation between us ; but if they be not granted , you alone must expect to bear the blame of that , and whatever Mischief does ensue , from both Nations . And when the Chance of all War is uncertain , this will be the certain Event of that you are engag'd in , that , by conquering the Romans , you shall only get the reputation of having undone your Countrey ; but if the Volscians happen to be defeated under your conduct , then the World will say , that to satisfie a revengeful Humour , you have been the Author of the greatest Misery to your Friends and Patrons , and procur'd the Overthrow even of a kind and obliging People . Marcius listned to his Mother , while she went on with her Discourse , and answer'd not a word ; but Volumnia seeing him stand mute for a long time after she had left speaking , fell again to press him : O my Son , says she , why will you not vouchsafe to answer me , or what can be the meaning of this profound Silence ? Does it become you thus to comply with Passion , and yield all things to a sense of Injuries ? And will you not think it fit to gratifie your Mother , that does now appear i● so worthy a Cause , and solicit Matters of such weight and consequence ? Can it pass for the property of a noble Mind and a gallant Person , to preserve the memory of Affronts and ill Vsage ? And shall we not reckon it the Character and Business of a great and a good Man to remember Benefits , and own the Obligation which Children receive from Parents , by a return of Honour and Reverence to the Authours of them ? But you above all Persons in the World , ought to shew a very grateful Resentment of the Fovours have been done you , since no body living did ever punish Ingratitude , and persecute that Vice in others , with so much Severity as your self ; and , to say the truth , you have been sufficiently aveng'd of your Countrey , for requiting your services so ill , but the amends of al● mine towards you is behind still , and I wait now for the Recompence of a Mothers Care and Kindness ; the most sacred Tyes both of Nature and Religion , without any other constraint , should methinks oblige you to grant me things that are so fair and equal ; but if , after all , I am s● unhappy as to be deny'd , why should I spare my self any longer , and to what purpose do I spi● out my last Hope ? Having said this , she threw her self down at his Feet , and so did his Wife and Children ; upon which Marcius crying out , O Mother ! what is it you have done to me , and whither am I reduc'd by it ? rais'd her up from the ground , and pressing her right Hand with more than ordinary vehemence , You have gain'd a Victory , says he , over me , that is fortunate enough for the Romans , but destructive to my self , for I am preparing to depart hence , as vanquish'd and driven away by you only . After which , and a little private Conference with his Mother and his Wife , he sent them back again to Rome , as they desir'd of him . The next Morning he discamp'd and led the Volscians homeward , who were variously affected with what was done , nor did they all testifie a like Concern at it ; for some of them did both complain of the man , and condemn the action ; while others inclining to reconciliation and a peaceable composure of things , did blame neither ; and there was a third sort , which very much dislik'd his proceedings ; yet they could not look upon Marcius as a treacherous person , but thought it pardonable in him , to be thus shaken and broke , and forc'd to surrender at last , through the stress and pressure of so many violent assaults and redoubled applications ; however none were so hardy as to contradict his orders , but they did all obediently follow him , mov'd rather by the admiration of his Vertue , then any regard they now had to his Authority . As for the Roman people they did more effectually discover how much fear and danger they had been i● while the War lasted , by the manner o● their deportment after they were freed fro● it ; for those that guarded the Walls had ●● sooner given notice that the Volscians were dislodg'd and drawn off , but they set ope● all their Temples in a moment , and bega● to Crown themselves with Flowers , and prepare for Sacrifice , as they were wo●● to do upon Tidings brought of any signa● Victory : But the joy and transport of the whole City became chiefly remarkabl● from that honour and courtship of the Women , which was joyntly paid them 〈◊〉 well by the Senate as the Vulgar , every one declaring it his Opinion , that they were evidently the Causes and Instrument● of their publick safety ; and the Senate having past a Decree , that whatsoever they would ask by way of Recompence as a Memorial and acknowledgment of their Fame and Merit , should be allow'd and done fo● them by the Magistrates ; they demande● nothing else but that a Temple might b● erected to Female Fortune , all the Expence whereof they did offer to defray out of their own Stock , if the City woul● be at the cost of Sacrifices , and furnis● them with other things which appertain to the due Honour of the Gods , out of their common Treasury . The Senate then very much commending the Forwardness and Bounty of their Minds , caus'd the Temple to be built , and a Statue to be set up therein at the publick Charge ; nevertheless they would needs make a Purse among themselves , for another Image of Fortune , which as the Romans say , at the time of Dedication and placing of it , spoke to this purpose : O ye Ladies , great is your Piety and Devotion in the Present you have made of me . And they fabulously report that the same words were repeated a second time , endeavouring to make us believe things that were never done , and so like Impossibilities , that it is very hard to credit them . For I think it possible enough , that Statues may seem both to sweat , and to run with Tears , yea , and stand with certain dewy drops of a sanguine Dye ; for Timber and Stones are frequently seen to contract a kind of Scurf and Rottenness , that does produce moisture ; and they do not only send forth many different Colours of themselves , but receive variety of Tinctures from the ambient Air , by which it is not absurd to imagine , that the Deity may advertise and forewarn us of several things . It may happen also , that these Images and Statues shall sometimes make a noise not unlike that of a Squeak or Groan , through a rupture at the bottom , or the violent separation of their inward Parts ; but that articulate Voice , and such express words , and so clear and accurate , and even Language , should be thus formed by inanimate beings , is , in my judgment , a thing utterly unfeasible ; seeing it was never known , that either the Soul of Man , or even God himself , did utter vocal Sounds and Discourse alone , without an organiz'd Body , and Instruments fitted for Elocution . But where History does in a manner force our Assent by the Concurrences of many credible Witnesses , in this Case we are to conclude , that an Impression not unlike that which does affect Sense , falling then upon the Fancy , draws in the Imaginative part to comply therewith , and take it for a true Sensation ; just as it happens to us when we are fast asleep , our Eyes and Ears seem to be entertain'd with those things which we neither see nor hear . As for those Persons who , out of good will towards God , and their friendly inclination for him , and a great Tenderness as to all religious Matters , are so over-fond and passionate herein , that they cannot easily perswade themselves to despis● or reject any thing of this kind , they have th● admirable efficiency of divine Power ( which surpasses our Comprehension ) as a mighty Motive and Support to the belief thereof . For God has no manner of Resemblance , either as to his Nature , or his Motion , or his Skill , or his Ability , with what is humane , and therefore it is no wonder at all if he should devise and perform that , which cannot be contriv'd or accomplish'd by any Mortal ; and though he differs from , and does infinitely excel us in all things else , yet the dissimilitude and distance betwixt Him and Men appears no where so much , as in the Prodigiousness of his Working , and the strange Effects of his Omnipotence ; however a considerable part of the Divine Operations ( as Heraclitus affirms ) do pass by unobserv'd , and escape our Knowledge , because we are Infidels in the Point , and have not Faith enough to believe them . But let us now look after Marcius , and enquire how he was treated upon his Return to Antium ; where we shall find Tullus , a Man that did perfectly hate him , and could not longer endure one he was so much afraid of , consulting how he might immediately dispatch him , who , if he did escape at present , was never like to afford him such another Advantage for that purpose . Having therefore got together , and suborn'd several Partisans against him , he requir'd Marcius to resign his Charge , and give the Volscians an account of his Administration of Affairs ; who apprehending the danger of a private Condition , if Tullus should be made Commander in Chief , that of all others had the greatest Power and Interest with those of Antium , made Answer , That he was ready to lay down his Commission , whenever the Volscian States , from whose common Authority he had receiv'd it , should think fit to command him , and that in the mean time he did not refuse to give the Antiates satisfaction , as to all Particulars of his Conduct , if they were desirous of it . An Assembly then being call'd , there arose certain Orators , appointed for that Design , who by their popular Harangues did exasperate and incense the Multitude ; but when Marcius stood up to answer those Objections and Impeachments they had brought against him , the more unruly and tumultuous part of the People waxed calm and quiet on the sudden , and out of Reverence to his Person , gave him liberty to speak without the least disturbance ; beside that all the better sort of Antium , and such as were most delighted with a Peace , made it evident by their whole Composure , that they would give him a favourable Hearing , and then judge and pronounce according to Equity . Tullus therefore began to dread his Apology , and suspect the issue of that Defence he was going to make for himself ; for he was an excellent Spokes-man , and one of singular Eloquence ; and the former Services he had done the Volscians , did procure and still preserve for him a much greater Kindness , than could possibly be out-weigh'd by that new Displeasure , and the Blame of his late Conduct ; yea , the very Crime and Accusation it self , was a proof and testimony of the greatness of his Merits , for that People could never have complain'd or thought that he had been injurious to them , because Rome was not then brought into their Power , without a plain Confession , that by his means only they were so near taking it . For these Reasons the Confederates judg'd it prudent not to make any further Delays , or Attempts upon the Vulgar , and so the boldest of their Faction crying out , that they ought not to listen to a Traytor , nor allow him still to bear Rule , and play the Tyrant among them , fell upon Marcius in a Body , and slew him there , none of those that were present so much as offering to defend him . But it quickly appear'd , that this base and unworthy Action was in no wise approv'd by the Majority of the Volscians , for they came running out of their several Cities , to shew Respect unto his Corps , which they did by an honourable Interment of it , adorning his Sepulchre with Arms and Trophies , as the Monument of a noble Hero and a famous General . When the Romans heard tidings of his death , they gave no other signification either of Honour or of Anger towards him , but only granted this Request of the Women , that they might put themselves into Mourning , and bewail him for ten Months , as their Custom was upon the loss of a Father , or a Son , or a Brother ; that being a period set for the longest Lamentation in such Cases , by the ancient Laws of Numa Pompilius , as it is more amply related in what I have written of his Life and Actions . Now Marcius was no sooner deceased , but the Volscians came to need his Assistance , and wish for him again ; for they fell to swabble first with the Sicani , ( their Confederates and their Friends ) about the nomination of a ●●neral , that should be Commander in Chief of their joynt Forces , which Dispute for Preheminence was carried on with so much fierceness , that it came at length to Bloodshed and Slaughter on both sides . After this they were defeated by the Romans in a pitch'd Battle , where not only Tullus lost his Life , but the principal Flower of their whole Army was cut in pieces ; so that they were forc'd to submit , and accept of Peace upon very dishonourable terms , promising to observe the Roman Orders , and obey their Enemy in whatever he should impose . See where Emilius does a couqueror stand While at his feet y e once great Perseus lyes ▪ A generous valour may y e world command And Kings may fall thus low by Avarice ▪ THE LIFE OF PAULUS EMILIUS . English'd from the Greek : By Mr. Joseph Arrowsmith , late Fellow of Trin. Coll. Camb. Volume II. I First undertook this History , that I might be serviceable unto others , but go on and persevere in my Design , that I may advantage my self ; whilst the Vertues of these great Men are as a Looking-glass , by which I learn how I ought to order and adorn my own Life . For by this means I enjoy the greatest Familiarity , and am no less conversant with them all by Turns , than if the same Table and Bed were common to us both . When I read their Story , each particular Vertue and Excellence makes a deep Impression in my Mind , and hence I gather , how great and valuable the Owner of these Accomplishments must needs have been , and with Care collect the most beautiful and remarkable Passages of their Lives , as Patterns for Imitation . A greater Pleasure than which , the Gods can scarce grant us , or a more ready way to teach us Vertue . Democritus laid it down as a Principle in his Philosophy , ( though utterly false , and tending to endless Superstitions , ) That there were Phantasms appearing in the Air , and tells us that we ought to pray , that such may present themselves as are propitious , and that we may see those that are agreeable to our Natures , and would instruct us in that which is good , rather than such as are unfortunate , and would lead us into Vice. But my Method is , by daily conversing with History , and a diligent Collection of what I read , to fix in my Mind things worthy Memory of the best and most vertuous of Men. For thus am I enabled to free my self from that Contagion of Idleness & Vice , which I may have contracted from the ill company I am sometimes forc'd to converse with ; it being a powerful Remedy , with a sedate and quiet Mind , seriously to consider such noble Examples . Of this kind are those of Timoleon the Corinthian , and Paulus Emilius , to write whose Lives is my present Business ; Men not only equally famous for their Virtues , but Success ; insomuch that they have left it doubtful , whether they owe their greatest Atchievments to good Fortune , or their own Prudence and Conduct . Almost all Historians agree , That the Family of the Emilii was one of the most ancient of the Roman Nobility ; and those Authors who affirm that King Numa was Pupil to Pythagoras , tell us , that the first who gave the Name to his Posterity was Marcus , the Son of that wise Man , who for his particular Eloquence and grace in Speech was call'd * Emilius . The greatest part of this Race that have been celebrated for their Virtue , which they with Zeal pursued , have been crown'd with Success ; and even the Misfortune of Lucius Emilius at the Battel of Canna , gave ample Testimony of his Wisdome and Valour . For not being able to perswade his Colleague from hazarding the Battel , he , though against his Judgement , engaged with him , but was no Companion in his flight : on the contrary , when he that was so resolute to engage , deserted him in the midst of danger , 〈◊〉 kept the Field and died fighting . This Emilius had a Daughter nam'd Emilia , that 〈◊〉 married to Scipio the Great , and a Son Paul●● , who is the Subject of my present History . His Youth fell out , and he was remarkable , in a time which flourish'd , by reason of the Virtues and Reputations of most excellen● and great Persons , though he followed not the ordinary Studies with the young men of Quality of that Age , nor trod the same Paths to Fame . For he did not exercise himself in pleading Causes , nor would he stoop to salute , embrace , and entertain the Vulgar , which were the usual insinuating Arts by which many grew Popular . Not that he was incapable of either , but chose to purchase a much more lasting Glory by his Valour , Justice and Integrity , and 't was by these Virtues he soon outstript all his Equals . The first honourable Office he pretended to was that of Edile , which he carried against twelve Competitors of such considerable Worth and Quality , that all of them in process of time were Consuls . Being afterwards chose into the number of Priests call'd Augurs , who amongst the Romans were to observe and register such Divinations as were made by the flight of Birds , or Prodigies in the Air ; he with such Intention studied the ancient Customs of his Countrey , and so throughly understood the Religion of his Ancestors , that his Office which was before only esteem'd a Title of Honour , and upon that account sought after , by his means appear'd to be one of the most sublime Arts : and that definition of the Philosophers of Religion true , that it was the knowing how we ought to worship the Gods. When he perform'd any part of his Duty he did it with great Skill and utmost Care , making it his only Business , not omitting any one Ceremony , or adding the least Circumstance , but always contending with his Companions of the same Order , about things that might seem inconsiderable , and instructing them , that though they might think the Deity was easily pacified , and ready to forgive Faults of Inadvertency and Negligence , yet would such Favour and Pardon be dangerous for a Commonwealth to grant . Because no Man ever began the Disturbance of his Countreys Peace , by a notorious breach of its Laws , but they by degrees grew negligent in things of greatest concern , who gave themselves liberty in Matters of lesser moment . Nor was he less severe , in requiring and observing the ancient Roman Discipline in military Affairs ; not endeavouring , when he had the Command , to ingratiate himself with his Souldiers by popular flattery , though this Custom prevail'd at that 〈◊〉 amongst many , who by their Courtship and seeming affable and mild to those 〈◊〉 were under them in their first Employmen● sought to be promoted to a second ; but 〈◊〉 instructing them in the Laws of militar● Discipline , with the same Care and Exa●●ness a Priest would teach his Ceremonies an● dreadful Mysteries , by being severe to suc● as transgress'd and contemn'd those Law● he re-establish'd his Country in its form●● Glory , esteeming Victory it self but as a● accession to the well disciplining of Souldiers . Whilst the Romans were engaged in a 〈◊〉 with Antiochus the Great , against whom the● most experienc'd Commanders were employed , there arose another War in the West , an● they were all up in Arms in Spain . Thither they sent Emilius , in the Quality of Praetor , not with six Axes , which number othe● Praetors were accustomed to have carried before them , but with twelve , so that in hi● Praetorship he was honour'd with the dignity of a Consul . Twice he overcame the Ba●barians in Battel , of whom 30000 wer● slain ; which Victory is chiefly to be ascribed to the Wisdom and Conduct of the Commander , who by his great Skill in choosin● the Advantage of the Ground , and makin● the Onset at the Passage of a River , led 〈◊〉 Souldiers to an easie Conquest . Having made himself Master of 250 Cities , whose ●nhabitants voluntarily yielded and obliged ●hemselves by Oath to Faithfulness , he left ●he Province in peace , and return'd to Rome , ●ot enriching himself a Drachma by the War. The truth is , he never gave himself ●he trouble of heaping up Riches , but always ●●v'd splendidly and generously on the pre●ent Stock , which was so far from being ●reat , ( as was evident after his death ) that ●here was scarce enough left to answer his Wives Dowry . His first Wife was Papiria , the Daugh●er of Masso , who had formerly been Con●●l , with whom he liv'd a long while in Wedlock , and afterwards divorc'd her , ●●ough she bare him a beautiful and illu●●rious Off-spring , for she was Mother to ●●e so renowned Scipio , and Fabius Maxi●us . The Reason of this Separation is not ●●me to our Knowledge ; but there seems to 〈◊〉 truth in another Roman's being divorc'd ●●om his Wife , which may be applicable to 〈◊〉 purpose . This Person being highly ●●am'd by his Friends , who demanded , ●as she not chaste ? Was she not fair ? ●as she not fruitful ? Putting forth his ●oe , ask'd them , Whether it was not new , and ●ell made ? Yet , added he , none of you 〈◊〉 tell where it wrings me . Certain it is , that great and open Faults are the usu●● occasions of Mens putting away their Wive● ▪ yet do liatle Jarrings and private Distast● which arise from the disagreeableness of the●● Tempers , and peevishness of Dispositions though they may be conceal'd from other● often make so great an estrangement an● alteration in affections , that it is not possible for them to live together with any content . Emilius having thus put away Papyri●● married a second Wife , by whom he h●● two Sons , which he brought up in hi● own House , adopting the two former into the greatest and most noble Families 〈◊〉 Rome . The elder was adopted by Fabi●● Maximus , who was five times Consul ; 〈◊〉 younger by the Son of Scipio African●s his Cousin-german , and was by him named Scipio . One of Emilius his Daughte● was married to the Son of Cato , the ●ther to Elius Tubero , the very best of Me● and one who knew how to support ev●● his Poverty with Magnificence . For the●● were 16 near Relations all of them of 〈◊〉 Family of the Elii , who were possess'd of 〈◊〉 one Farm , which sufficed them all , whi●● a small House or rather Cottage contain●● them , their numerous Offspring , and 〈◊〉 Wives : amongst whom was the Daught●● of our Emilius , who although her Father 〈◊〉 been twice Consul , and twice triumph'd , was so far from being ashamed of her Husbands Poverty , that she admired his Virtue , that had reduced him to that condition . Far otherwise it is with the Brothers and Relations of this Age , who if different Countreys , or at least , Walls and Rivers , part not their Inheritances , and they live at a distance , never cease ftom mutual Quarrels . This History will suggest good Counsel to ●uch as endeavour to make their Improvement of it , by well considering and weigh●ng things . But to proceed . Emilius being chosen Consul , waged War with the Ligurians , ●r Ligustines , a People dwelling near the Alpes . They were a valiant and warlike Nation , and from their Neighbourhood to the Romans , well skill'd in the same Di●cipline and Arts of War. For they pos●ess'd the utmost Bounds of Italy , which bor●ers upon the Alpes , and that part of the ●ame Mountain which is wash'd by the Tuscan ●ea , and were mingled with the Gauls and Spaniards , who inhabited the Coasts . Besides ●t that time they were busie at Sea , and ●ayling as far as the Streights mouth , in light Vessels fitted for that purpose , robb'd and ●estroy'd all that traffick'd in those Parts . These waited the coming of Emilius with ●n Army of 40000 , who brought with him not above 8 , so that the Enemy was 〈◊〉 to one when they engaged ; yet did he vanquish and put them to flight , forcing them 〈◊〉 retire into their wall'd Towns , and in 〈◊〉 condition gave them hopes of an Acco●modation ; it being the Policy of the R●mans not utterly to destroy the Liguri●● whilst they were as a Guard and Bulwark ●gainst the Gauls , who made such frequent A●tempts to over-run Italy . Trusting who●● therefore to Emilius , they delivered up th● Towns and Shipping into his hands : ●●ras'd only the Fortifications , and deliver'● their Towns to them again , but all th● Shipping he took away with him , lea●ing them no Vessels bigger than those 〈◊〉 three Oars , and set at liberty great nu●bers of Prisoners they had taken both by 〈◊〉 and Land , Strangers as well as Romans , Th●● were the things most worthy of Remark , the first year of his Consulship . Afterwards he frequently declared 〈◊〉 Desire of being a second time Consul , a● was once Candidate ; but meeting with Repulse , and being pass'd by , mov'd no 〈◊〉 in it , but was wholly intent upon his 〈◊〉 of Augur , and the Education of his Childre● whom he not only brought up as he hims●●● was , in the Roman and ancient Discipli●● but also in that of Greece , which was steemed more genteel and honourable . 〈◊〉 this purpose he not only entertained Masters to teach them Grammar , Logick , and Rhetorick , but the Arts of making Statues and Painting , and also such as were skilful in breeding Horses and Dogs , and could instruct them in Hunting and Riding . And if he was not hindred by publick Affairs , he himself would be with them at their Studies , and see them perform their Exercises , being the most indulgent of Fathers amongst the Romans . As to Matters relating to the Common-wealth , at that time the Romans were engaged in a War with Perseus , King of the Macedonians , and highly blamed their Commanders , that either through their want of Skill or Courage , they so ill and shamefully manag'd the Concerns of the Common-wealth , that they did less hurt to the Enemy than they received from him . For they that not long be●ore had forc'd Antiochus the Great to quit the ●est of Asia , and driving him beyond Mount ●aurus , confin'd him to Syria , glad to buy his ●eace with 15000 Talents . They that not ●ong since had vanquish'd King Philip in Thes●aly , and freed the Greeks from the Ma●edonian Yoke , nay , had overcome Han●ibal himself , who far surpass'd all Kings 〈◊〉 Bravery and Courage , thought it scorn ●hat Perseus should think himself an Ene●y fit to match the Romans , and to be ●ble to wage War with them on equal terms , with the remainder only of his Father 's routed Forces ; but they little weigh'd , that the Macedonian Army was become much more powerful and expert after the Overthrow of Philip. To make which appear , I shall briefly recount the Story from the beginning . Antigonus , who was the most potent a●ongst the Captains and Successors of Alexander , having obtained for himself and his Posterity the Title of King , had a Son nam'd Demetrius , Father to Antigonus , call'd Gonatu● , and he , to Demetrius , who reigning some short time , died , and left a young Son call'd Philip. The Nobility of Macedon fearing great Confusions might arise in the Minority of their Prince , trusted the Government in the hands of Antigonus , Cousin german to the late King , and married him to his Widow the Mother of Philip. At first they only styled him Regent and General , but when they found by experience that he govern'd the Kingdom with Moderation , and to their Advantage , they gave him the Title of King ▪ This was he that was sirnam'd * Doson , as if he was only a promiser , not a performer of his words . To him succeeded Philip , who in his Youth gave great hopes of equalling the best of Kings , and that he one day would restore Macedon to its former State and Dignity , and be alone able to give a stop to the Power of the Romans , which was now a general Oppression to the World. But being vanquish'd in a pitch'd Battel by Titus Flaminius , near to Scotusa , his Resolution was dash'd , and he yielded himself and all that he had to the Mercy of the Romans , well contented that he could escape with paying a small Tribute . Yet afterwards recollecting himself , he bore it with great Regret , and thought he liv'd rather like a Slave that was pleas'd with ease , than a Man of Sense and Courage , whilst he held his Kingdom at the pleasure of his Conquerors , which made him resolve upon a War , and prepare himself with as much Cunning and Privacy as possible . To this end , he left his Cities on the high-Roads and Sea-Cost ungarrison'd , and almost desolate , that they might seem inconsiderable ; in the mean time furnishing his mid-land Castles , strong-holds and Towns , with Arms , Money , and Men fit for Service , he provided himself for War , and yet kept his Preparations close . He had in his Armory Arms for 30000 Men ; in Granaries , in Places of Strength , 8 millions of Bushels of Corn , and as much ready Money , as would defray the Charge of maintaining 10000 mercenary Souldiers , to defend his Country for 10 years . But before he could put these things into motion , and bring his Designs to effect , he died for grief and anguish of Mind , being sensible he had put his innocent Son Demetrius to death upon the Calumnies of one that was far more guilty . Perseus his Son that surviv'd inherited his Hatred to the Romans as well as his Kingdom , but was very unfit to carry on his Designs , through his want of Courage , and the viciousness of his Manners , especially when amongst the Vices and Diseases of his Mind of all sorts , Covetousness bore the chief sway . There is a Report also of his not being legitimate , but that the Wife of King Philip took him from his Mother Grathania , ( a Woman of Argos , that earn'd her living by Botching ) as soon as he was born , and brought him up privately as her own . And this might be the chief Cause of his contriving the Death of Demetrius , for the might well fear , that whilst there was a lawful Successor in the Family , his being illegitimate would not lye conceal'd . Notwithstanding all this , and tho' his Spirit was so mean , and temper so sordid , yet trusting to the strength of his Preparations , he engaged in a War with the Romans , and for a long time maintain'd it . Some of their Captains , and those of Consular Dignity and great Armies and Fleets he repulsed , and some of them he vanquish'd . For he overcame Publius Licinius , who was the first that invaded Macedonia , in a Battel of Horsemen ; in which he slew 2500 stout Souldiers , and took 600 Prisoners : and surprizing their Fleet , as they rode at Anchor before Orcum , he took 20 Ships of Burden , with all their Lading , and sunk the rest that were fraighted with Corn. Besides this , he made himself Master of 4 Galleys , with 5 Oars in a Seat ; and fought another Battel with Hostilius the Consul , who making an Inroad into his Countrey by the way of Emilia , he forc'd to retreat ; and when he afterwards by stealth design'd an Invasion through Thessaly , he urg'd him to fight , which the other fear'd to hazard . Nay more , to shew his Contempt of the Romans , and that he wanted Employment ; as a War by the By , he made an Expedition against the Dardanians , in which he slew 10000 of those barbarous People , and brought a very great Spoyl away with him . He privately also solicited the Gauls , ( they are also call'd Basternae ) a warlike Nation , and famous for Horsemen , dwelling near the Danube ; and practised with the Illyrians , by the means of Genthius their King , to joyn with him in this War. It was also reported that the Barbarians being allured by him through the promise of Rewards , were to make an Irruption into Italy , through the lower parts of Gallia Cisalpina , near the Adriatick Sea. The Romans being advertis'd of these things , thought it necessary no longer to choose their Commanders for Favour or Solicitation , but to pitch upon one for their General , that was a Man of Wisdom , and vers'd in the management of great Affairs . And such was Paulus Emilius , one well stricken in years , as being near threescore , yet vigorous in his own Person , and surrounded with his valiant Sons and Sons-in-law , besides a great number of very considerable Relations and Friends , who all of them perswaded him to yield to the Desires of the People , who call'd him to the Consulship . But he at first carried it nicely to the Vulgar , and as one averse to govern , refus'd both the Honour and Care that attended it ; yet when they daily came to him to his Gate , urging him to come forth to the place of Election , and prosecuting him with noise and clamour , he granted their Request . When he appear'd amongst such as were Candidates , he did not look as if he were about to receive the Consulship , but to bring Victory and Success to the War ; and as soon as he yielded to come down into the Field , they all received him with so great hopes and chearfulness of mind , that they unanimously chose him a second time Consul ; nor would they suffer the Lots to be cast as was usual to determine which Province should fall to his share , but immediately decreed him the Command of the Macedonian War. It is reported , that when he was design'd General against Perseus , and was honourably accompanied home by great numbers of People , he found his Daughter Tertia , a very little Girl , weeping , and making much of her , demanded why she cryed ? She catching him about the Neck and kissing him , said , O Father , know you not that our Perseus is dead ? meaning a little Dog of that Name that was brought up in the House with her : to which Emilius replied , Good Fortune , my Daughter , I embrace the Omen . This Cicero the Orator relates in his Book of Divination . It was the Custom for such as were chosen Consuls , from a Pulpit design'd for such purposes , kindly to bespeak the People , and return them thanks for their Favour . Emilius therefore having gather'd an Assembly , spake as follows . That he sued for the first Consulship , because he himself stood in need of such Honour ; but for the second , because they wanted a General ; upon which account he thought there was no thanks due : if they judg'd they could manage the War by any other to more Advantage , he would willingly yield up his Charge ; but if they confided in him , they were not to make themselves his Colleagues in his Office , or raise Reports , and censure his Actions , but without Reply , and to their utmost , to obey such Commands as were necessary to the carrying on the War ; for if they endeavour'd to gover● him who was to command , they would render this Expedition more ridiculous than the former ▪ By this Speech he imprinted a Reverence for him amongst the Citizens , and great expectations of future Success , being all of them well pleased , that they had pass'd by such as sought to be preferr'd by Flattery , and pitch'd upon a Commander endu'd with Wisdom and Courage to tell them the truth . Thus the People of Rome were Servants , and obedient to Reason and Vertue , that they might Rule , and make themselves Masters of the World. Now that Emilius , setting forward to the War , by a prosperous Voyage and successful Journey , arrived with speed and safety at his Camp , I attribute to good Fortune : but when I consider the Concerns of the War and his Government , manag'd partly by his own daring Boldness , partly by his good Counsel , partly by the ready administration of his Friends , partly by his presentness of Mind , and skill to embrace the most proper Advice in the extremity of danger , I cannot ascribe any of his remarkable and famous Actions , ( as I can those of other Commanders ) to his so much celebrated good Fortune ; unless you will say , that the Covetousness of Perseus was the good Fortune of Emilius . The truth is , the fear of spending his Money , was the destruction and utter ruine of all those splendid and great Preparations , by whose Help the Macedonians were in hopes to carry on the War with Success . For there came at his Request 10000 Horse-men of the Basternae , and as many Foot , who were to keep Peace with them , and supply their Places in case of failure , all of them mercenary Souldiers , a People neither skill'd in tilling of Land , or Merchandize , or able to get their Livings by Grasing , but whose only business and perpetual study it was to fight and conquer those that resisted them . When these came near Medica , and were encamp'd and mix'd with the King's Souldiers , being Men o● great Stature , admirable at their Exercises , great Boasters , and loud in their Threats against their Enemies , they added Courage to the Macedonians , who were ready to think , the Romans would not be able to abide their coming , struck with terror at their Looks and Motions , they were so strange and terrible to behold . When Perseus had thus encouraged his Men , and puff'd them up with so great Hopes , as soon as a 1000 Crowns were demanded for each Captain , he was so astonished and besides himself at the vastness of the Sum , that his Covetousness made him send them back , and refuse their Assistance , as if he had been the Steward , not the Enemy of the Romans , and was to give an exact account of the Expences of the War , to those with whom he waged it . Nay , when he had his Foes for his Tutors , to instruct him what he had to do , who besides their other Preparations , had a 100000 Men drawn together , and in a readiness , when occasion should require their Service ; yet he that was to engage against so considerable Force , and in such a War , whose necessary Expences must needs be very great , weigh'd and seal'd up his Money , as if he fear'd or had no right to touch it . And all this was done by one , not descended from the Lydians or Phoenicians , but who challeng'd to himself the Vertues of Alexander and Philip , from his Alliance to them ; Men who conquer'd the World by judging , that Empire was to be purchased by Money , not Money by Empire ; whence it grew a Proverb , that not Philip but his Gold took the Cities of Greece . And Alexander , when he undertook an Expedition against the Indians , and found his Macedonians encumbred , and to march heavily with their Persian Spoyls , first set fire to his own Carriages , and thence perswaded the rest to imitate his Example , that thus freed , they might proceed to the War without hindrance . Whereas Perseus , abounding in Wealth , would not preserve himself , his Children , and his Kingdom , at the expence of a small part of his Treasure ; but amongst a great many others , our wealthy Slave chose to be carried away Captive , and shew the Romans what great Riches he had husbanded and preserved for them . For he did not only falsifie with the Gauls , and send them away , but also alluring Genthius , King of the Illyrians , by the hopes of 300 Talents , to assist him in the War , he caused the Money to be told out by his Embassadors , and suffer'd it to be seal'd up . Whereupon Genthius thinking himself possess'd of what he desir'd , committed a wicked and dreadful Crime ; for he imprison'd the Embassadors which were sent to him from the Romans . Whence Perseus concluding that there was now no need of Money , to make Genthius an Enemy to the Romans , but that he had given a lasting Earnest of his Enmity , and by his great injustice sufficiently involv'd himself in the War , defrauded the unfortunate King of his 300 Talents , and without any Concern beheld him , his Wife and Children , in a short time after carried out of their Kingdom , as from their Nest , by Lucius Anicius , who was sent against him with an Army . Emilius coming against such an Adversary , made light of his Person , but admired his Preparations and Force . For he had 4000 Horse , and not much fewer than 40000 * Macedonian Foot , and planting himself along the Sea-side , at the foot of Mount Olympus in a Place impossible to be approach'd , and on all sides fortified with Fences and Bulwarks of Wood , remain'd in great security , thinking by Delay and Charge to weary out Emilius . But he in the mean time , wholly intent on his Business , weigh'd all Counsels , and all ways of Attack , and perceiving his Souldiers , from their former want of Discipline , to be impatient of Delay , and ready on all turns to teach their General his Duty , angerly reprov'd them , and commanded that they should not intermeddle with what was not their Concern , but only take care that they and their Arms were in a readiness , and to use their Swords like Romans , when their Commander should think fit to employ them . Further , he order'd , that the Sentinels by Night should watch without Javelins , that thus they might be more careful and able to resist Sleep , having no Arms proper to withstand the Assaults of their Enemies . That which most infested the Army , was the want of Water , ( for only a little , and that foul , flow'd out , or rather came by drops from a Spring near the Sea ; ) but Emilius considering that he was at the foot of the high and woody Mountain Olympus , and conjecturing by the flourishing of the Trees , that there were Springs that had their course under ground , dug a great many Holes and Wells in the side of the Mountain , which were presently fill'd with pure Water , by the current and force of that , which being freed from restraint , had now space to unite . Although some deny , that there are any Sources of Water ready provided and concealed in the Places from whence they flow , which by their course are discovered and break forth ; but affirm , that they owe their Being and Consistance to the Matter that then grows liquid : now this change is made by Density and Cold , when the moist Vapour by being closely press'd together , becomes fluid . As Womens Breasts are not like Vessels full , of Milk , always prepar'd and ready to flow from them ; but their Nourishment being chang'd in their Breasts , is there made Milk , and from thence strain'd . In like manner , the Places of the Earth that are cold and stor'd with Fountains , do not contain any hidden Waters or Receptacles which are capable as from a Source always ready and furnished , to supply so many Brooks , and the depths of so great Rivers ; but pressing by crowding together , and condensing the Vapours and Air , they turn them into that Substance . Whence those Places that are opened , by that means do flow and afford more plenty of Water , as the Breasts of Women do Milk by their being suck'd ) by moistning the Vapour , and rendring it fluid ; whereas the Earth that remains idle and undug , is not capable of producing any Water , whilst it wants that motion which is the true Cause of it . But those that assert this Opinion , give occasion to the doubtful to argue , that on the same ground there should be no Blood in living Creatures , but that it must be form'd by the Wound , some sort of Spirit or Flesh being chang'd into a Matter that is liquid , and proper to flow . Moreover , these are refuted by such , who digging deep in the Earth to undermine some strong-Hold , or search for Metals , meet with Rivers , which are not collected by little and little , ( which must necessarily be , if they had their Beings at the very instant the Earth was open'd ) but break out at once with violence ; and upon the cutting through a Rock , there often gushes out great quantities of Water , and then as suddenly ceases . But of this enough . Emilius lay still for some days , and it is said , that there were never two great Armies so nigh , that enjoyed so much Quiet . When he had tryed and considered all things , he was informed , that there was y●● one Passage left unguarded through Perrebi● * by the Temple of Appollo , and the great Pea● Having therefore more Hopes , by reaso● the Place was left defenceless , than Fears , because of the roughness and difficulty of the Passage , he proposed it to be consulted on . Amongst those that were present at the Counsel , Scipio surnam'd Nasica , Son-in-law to Scipio Affricanus , who afterwards bore such great Sway in the Senate-house , was the first that profer'd himself to command those that should be sent to encompass the Enemy . Next to him Fabius Maximus , eldest Son of Emilius , although yet very young , offer'd himself with very great Chearfulness . Emilius rejoycing at this , gave them , not so many as Polybius relates , but as many as Nasica himself tells us he took , in that short Epistle he writ to a certain King concerning this Expedition : for he had 3000 Italians that were not Romans , and his left Wing consisted of 5000 ; besides these , taking with him 120 Horse-men , and 200 Thracians and Cretans intermix'd , that Harpalus had sent , he began his Journey towards the Sea , and encamp'd near the Temple of Hercules , as if he design'd to embark , and so to sail round and environ the Enemy . But when the Souldiers had supp'd , and that it was dark , he made the Captains acquainted with his real Intentions , and marching all night a quite contrary way to that of the Sea , till he came under the Temple of Apollo Pithius , he there rested his Army . In this Place , Mount Olympus stretches it self in heighth more than ten Furlongs , as appears by this Epigram made by him that measured it . Thy top , Olympus , measur'd from the Place , The Pythian Temple does so nobly grace , Ten compleat Furlongs does in height exceed . — Xenagoras this did leave upon Record , He travell'd here , here he that God ador'd . 'T is confess'd , Geometricians affirm , that no Mountain in heighth or Sea in depth , exceeds ten Furlongs ; yet it seems probable , that Xenagoras took not his Measures at all adventures , but according to the Rules of Art , and with Instruments fit for that purpose . Here it was that Nasica pass'd the night . A traiterous Cretian who fled to the Enemy in the March , discovered to Perseus the Design which the Romans had to incompass him : who seeing Emilius lay still , mistrusted no such Attempt . He was startled at the News , yet removed not his Camp , but sent 2000 mercenary Souldiers , and 2000 Macedonians , under the Command of Milo , with Order to hasten with all Diligence , and possess themselves of the Streights . Polybius relates , that the Romans set upon them whilst they slept ; but Nasica , that there was a sharp and dangerous Conflict on the top of the Mountain ; that he himself encountred a mercenary Thracian , pierc'd him through with his dart and slew him ; and that the Enemy being forc'd to retreat , and Milo stript to his Coat , shamefully flying without his Armour , he followed without danger , and all the Army march'd down into the Countrey . These things happening to Perseus , now grown fearful , and fallen from his Hopes , he removed his Camp in all haste , yet was it necessary for him either to stop before Pydne , and there run the hazard of a Battel , or disperse his Army into Cities , and there expect the event of the War , which being once entred into his Country , could not be driven out without great Slaughter , and Bloodshed . But Perseus being told by his Friends , that he was much superior in number , and that such as fought in the defence of their Wives and Children , must needs be endued with great Courage , especially when all things were done in the sight of their King , who himself was engaged in equal danger , was again encouraged , and pitching his Camp , prepared himself to fight , view'd the Country , gave out the Commands , as if he design'd to set upon the Romans as soon as they approach'd . The Place was a Field both proper to draw up a Phalanx , which required a plain Valley and even Ground , and also had divers little Hills one joyn'd to another which serv'd for a Retreat to such as were lightly arm'd , and fitted to skirmish , and gave them withal Opportunities to incompass the Enemy ; through the middle ru● the Rivers Eson and Leucus , which though not very deep , it being the latter end of Summer , yet were they likely enough to give the Romans some trouble . As soon as Emilius was joyned to Nasica he advanced in Battel-array against the Enemy ; but when he found how they were drawn up , and the number of their Force● he stood still as one amazed , and considering within himself . But the young Commande●● being eager to fight , press'd him earnestly not to delay , and most of all Nasica flush'd with his late Success on Olympus . To whom E●●lius answer'd with a Smile : So would I d● were I of your Age , but my many Victories have taught me the Miscarriages of the Conquer'd and forbid me to engage such as are weary with their long March , against an Army so well dra●● up and prepar'd for Battel . Then he gave Command , that the Front of his Army , and such as were in sight of the Enemy , should imbattel themselves , as ready to engage , and those in the Rear should cast up the Trenches , and fortifie the Camp ; so that the foremost of his Men still wheeling of● by degrees , their whole Order was chang'd , the Battel insensibly broke , and all his Army incamped without noise . When it was Night , and no Man after his Supper thought of any thing but Sleep and Rest , all on a sudden the Moon , which was then at Full , and great height , grew dark , and by degrees losing her Light , cast divers sort of Colours , till at length she was totally eclipsed . The Romans , according to their Custom , with the noise of brass Pans , and lifting up a great many Firebrands and Torches endeavoured to recover her Light : whilst the Macedonians behav'd themselves far otherwise ; for Horror and Amazement seiz'd their whole Army , and a Rumour crept by degrees into their Camp , that this Eclipse portended no less than that of their King. But Emilius , that was no Novice in these things , but very well understood the seeming Irregularities of Eclipses , and that in a certain Revolution of Time , the Moon in her Course was obscur'd and hid by the Shadow of the Earth , till passing that Region of Darkness , she is again enlightned by the Sun. Yet being very devout , a religious Observer of Sacrifices , and well skill'd in the Art of Divination , as soon as he perceiv'd the Moon regain'd her former Lustre , he offer'd up to her a 11 Heifers ; at the break of day he sacrific'd 20 to Hercules , without any token that his Offering was accepted ; but at the one and twentieth the Signs promis'd Victory to such as were forc'd to defend themselves . Then he vow'd a Hecatomb and Solemn Sports to Hercules , and commanded his Captains to make ready for Battel , staying only till the Sun should decline , and come about to the West , lest being in their Faces in the Morning , it should dazle the Eyes of his Souldiers ; so he whil'd away the time in his Tent , which was open towards the Valley where his Enemies were incamp'd . When it grew towards Evening , some tell us , Emilius himself laid the following Design , that the Enemy might first begin the Fight : he turn'd loose a Horse without a Bridle , and sent some of the Romans to catch him , upon whose following the Beast , the Battel begun . Others relate , that the Thracians , under the Command of one Alexander , set upon the Roman Carriages that brought Forrage to the Camp : that to oppose these , a Party of 700 Ligurians were immediately detach'd and that Relief coming still from both Armies , the main Bodies were at last engag'd . Emilius , like a wise Pilot , foreseeing by the present Waves and Motion of the Armies , the greatness of the following Storm , came out of his Tent , went through the Legions , and encourag'd his Souldiers Nasica in the mean time , who was advanc'd to the Place where the Skirmish began , saw the whole force of the Enemy preparing to engage . First march'd the Thracians , who , he himself tells us , were very terrible to behold ; for they were Men of great Stature , with bright and glistering Shields , their Cassocks were black , their Legs arm'd with Greaves , and as they mov'd , their weighty long Spears shook on their Shoulders . Next the Thracians , march'd the mercenary Souldiers , arm'd after the different Fashions of their Countreys ; and with these the Peonians were mingl'd . These were follow'd by a 3d. Body of Macedonians , all chosen Men , of known Courage , and all in the prime of their Age , who glitter'd in their gilt Armour , and new scarlet Coats . Behind these were the old Bands drawn out of the Camp , all arm'd with brass Targets ; the whole Plain shin'd with the brightness of their Arms , and the Mountains rang with their Noises and Shouts , by which they gave mutual Encouragement one to the other . In this Order they march'd , and that with such Boldness and Speed , that those that were first slain , died but at two Furlongs distance from the Roman Camp. The Battel being begun , Emilius came in , and found that the foremost of the Macedonians , had already pitch'd the end of their Spears into the Shields of his Romans , so that it was impossible to come near them with their Swords . When he saw this , and that the rest of the Macedonians took the Shields that hung on their Backs , and brought them before them , and all at once stoop'd their Pikes against their Enemies Bucklers , and well consider'd the great Strength of their united Targets , and dreadful Appearance of a Front so arm'd , he was seiz'd with Amazement and Fear , as not having seen any thing more terrible , nor would he stick afterwards to give a Relation of this Sight , and his own Dread . But this he dissembled , and rode through his Army without either Breast-plate or Helmet , with a pleasant and chearful Countenance . On the contrary , ( as Polybus relates ) no sooner was the Battel begun , but the Macedonian King basely withdrew to the City Pidne , under a pretence of sacrificing to Hercules ; a God that is not wont to regard the faint Offerings of Cowards , or grant such Requests as are unjust , it not being reasonable , that he that never shoots , should carry away the Prize ; he triumph , that sneaks from the Battel ; he that takes no pains meet with success , or the wicked man prosper . But to Emilius his Petitions the God listned , for he pray'd for Victory with his Sword in his hand , and 't was fighting that he implor'd his divine Assistance . But Possidonius , who writ the History of Perseus , and tells us he liv'd at that time , and was himself in this Battel , denies that he left the Field either through fear or pretence of Sacrificing , but that the very day before the Fight , he receiv'd a Kick from a Horse on his Thigh ; that though very much indispos'd , and disswaded by all his Friends , he commanded one of his Pads to be brought , and enter'd the Field unarm'd ; that amongst an infinite number of Darts that flew about on all sides , one of Iron lighted on him , and though not with the point , yet by a glance hit him with such force on his left Side , that it rent his Cloaths , and so bruis'd his Flesh , that the Scar remain'd a long time after . This is what Possidonius says in defence of King Perseus . The Romans not being able to make a Breach in the Phalanx , one Salius , a Commander of the Pelignians , snatch'd the Ensign of his Company , and threw it amongst the Enemies ; which as soon as the Pelignians perceiv'd , ( for the Italians esteem it base and dishonourable to abandon their Standard ) they rush'd with great violence towards that Place , and the Conflict was very fierce , and the Slaughter terrible on both sides : for these endeavour'd to cut their Spears a sunder with their Swords , or to beat them back with their Shields , or put them by with their Hands ; on the other side , th● Macedonians held their Pikes in both hand● and pierc'd those that came in their wa● ▪ and their Armour quite through , no Shield or Corslet being able to resist the force of their Spears . The Pelignians were thrown headlo●● to the Ground , who against all Reason , and more like Bruits than Men , had run upon unavoidable Dangers , and certain Death : and their first Ranks being 〈◊〉 , those that were behind were forc'd to give back ; it cannot be said they fled , but that they retreated towards Mount Olocrus . When Emilius sa● this ( as Possidonius relates ) he rent his Cloaths , for some of his Men were ready to fly , the rest were not willing to engage with a Phalanx , into which they could hope for no Entrance , but seem'd altogether unconquerable , and as secure as if intrench'd , whilst guarded with such great numbers of Pikes , which on al● sides threatned the Assailers . Nevertheless the Unequalness of the Ground , would not permit the Body that was long , to be so exactly drawn up , as to have their Shield● every where joyn'd : but Emilius perceiv'd , that there were a great many Interstices and Breaches in the Macedonian Phalanx ; as it usually happens in all great Armies , according to the different Efforts of the Combatants , whilst in one part they press forward with eagerness , and in another are forc'd to giv● back . Wherefore taking this Occasion , with all speed he divided his Men into small Companies , and gave them Order to fall into the Intervals , and void Places of the Enemies Body , and to make their Attack not in any one Place with them all , but to engage , as they were divided into Parties , in several . These Commands Emilius gave to his Captains , and they to their Souldiers ; who had no sooner enter'd the Spaces , and separated their Enemies , but some charg'd them on their sides where they were naked and expos'd , others fetching a Compass , set on them behind , and these destroy'd the force of the Phalanx , which consisted in their mutual Help , and being closely united . And now come to fight Man to Man , or in small Parties , the Macedonians smote in vain upon firm and long Targets with their little Swords , whilst their slight Shields were not able to sustain the weight and force of those of the Romans , which pierc'd through all their Armour to their Bodies , so that at length they fled . Very sharp was the Fight , in the Place where Marcus , the Son of Cato , and Son-in-●aw of Emilius , whilst he shew'd all possible Courage , let fall his Sword : for he being a young Man , educated according to the Principles of Honour , and as Son of so renown'd a Father , oblig'd to give Testimonies of more than ordinary Vertue , thought his Life but a burden , should he live and permit his E●●mies to enjoy this Spoyl . Wherefore 〈◊〉 speeded through the Army , and wher●ever he spy'd a Friend or Companion , 〈◊〉 declar'd his Misfortune , and begg'd 〈◊〉 Assistance : the number of these being great and valiant , they with one accord made their way through their Fellows after their Leader , and fell upon the Enemy ; who● after a sharp Conflict , many Wounds , and much Slaughter , they repuls'd , possess'd th● Place that was now deserted and free , and set themselves to search for the Sword , whic● at last they found cover'd with great heap● of Arms and dead Carkasses . Over-joy'd with this Success , they sang Songs of Triumph , and with more eagerness than eve● charg'd the Foes that yet remain'd firm and unbroke . In the end , 3000 of the chose● Men , who kept their Stations , and foug●● valiantly to the last , were all cut in piece● and very great was the Slaughter of such 〈◊〉 fled , insomuch as the Plain and the 〈◊〉 were fill'd with dead Bodies , and the Water of the River Leucus , which the Romans did not pass till the next day after the B●ttel was then mingled with Blood ; for it is said there fell more than 25000 of the Enemy of the Romans , as Possidonius relates , a 100● as Nasica , only fourscore . This Battel though so great , was very quickly decided it being * 9 of the Clock when they first engag'd , and not 10 when the Enemy was vanquish'd ; the rest of the day was spent in the pursuit of such as fled , whom they follow'd 120 Furlongs , so that it was far in the Night when they return'd . All the rest were met by their Servants with Torches , and brought back with Joy and great Triumph to their Tents , which were set out with Lights , and deck'd with Wreaths of Joy and Laurel . But the General himself was overwhelm'd with Grief ; ●or of the two Sons that serv'd under him ●n the War , the youngest was missing , whom he held most dear , and whose Courage and good Qualities , he knew , much excell'd those of his Brethren ; and though yet a Stripling , that he was valiant , and thirsting ofter Honour , which made him conclude he was lost , whilst for want of Experience he had too far engag'd himself amongst his Enemies . The whole Army was sensible of his Dejection and Sorrow , and quitting their Sup●ers , ran about with Lights , some to Emilius his Tents , some out of the Trenches , to seek him amongst such as were slain in the first Onset . There was nothing but Grief in the Camp , and the Valley was fill'd with ●he Cryes of such as call'd out for Scipio ; for from his very Youth , he was endu'd above ●ny of his Equals , with all the good Qualities requisite either to command or Counsel . At length when it was late , and they almost despair'd , he return'd from the Pursuit , with only two or three of his Companions , all cover'd with the fresh Blood of his Enemies , having , like a well-bred Dog follow'd the Chase with too eager pleasure of Victory . This was that Scipio that afterwards destroy'd Carthage and Numantiu● , that was , without Dispute , the valiantest of the Romans , and had the greatest Authority amongst them . Thus Fortune deferring the execution of her Spite at so brave a● Exploit , to some other time , let Emilius at present enjoy this Victory , with full Satisfaction and Delight . As for Perseus , from Pydne he fled to Pell● , with his Horse-men , which were as yet almost entire . But when the Foot met them , and upbraiding them as Cowards and Traytors , threw them off their Horses , and fell to Blows , Perseus , fearing the Tumult , forsook the common Road , and lest he should be known , pull'd off his Purple , and carry'd it before him , and took his Crown in his hand , and that he might the better convers● with his Friends , alighted from his Hors● and led him . Of those that were about him , one pretended to tye his shoe that was loose , another to water his Horse , a thi●● to drink himself ; so that thus lagging behind they by degrees left him , as having not so much reason to fear their Enemies , as his cruelty , who fretted at his misfortune , sought to free himself , by laying the cause of the overthrow upon every body else . He arrived at Pella in the night , where Eactus and Eudeus two of his Treasurers came to him , and what with their reflecting on his former miscarriages , and their free and mistimed admonitions and counsels , so exasperated him , that he kill'd them both , stabbing them with his own dagger . After this , no body stuck to him but Evander the Cretan , Archedemus the Etolian , and Neo the Beotian : and of the common Souldiers there followed him only those from Crete , not out of any good will , but that they were as constant to his Riches , as the Bees to their Hive . For he carried a great treasure with him , out of which he had suffered them to take Cups , Bowls , and other vessels of Silver and Gold , to the value of fifty talents . But when he was come to Amphipolis , and afterwards to Alepse , and his fears were a little abated , he relapsed into his old and natural disease of Covetousness , and bewailed to his Friends that he had through inadvertency distributed the gold Plate belonging to Alexander the Great amongst the Cretans , and beseeched those that had it , with tears in his eyes , to exchange with him again for money . Those that understood him throughly knew very well he only plaid the Cretan with those of Crete , but those that believed him , and restored what they had , were cheated ; for he not only did not pay the Money , but by craft got thirty Talents more of his friends into his hands ; ( which in a short time after fell to the Enemy ) and with them sail'd into Samothracia , and there fled to the Temple of Castor and Pollux for refuge . The Macedonians were always accounted great lovers of their Kings , but now , as if their chief prop was broken ; they submitted themselves with an unanimous consent to Emilius , and in two days made him Master of their whole Country . Which seems to confirm their opinion , who ascribe whatsoever he did to his good fortune ; to which agreed the Omen that happen'd to the Sacrifice at Amphipolis , where Emilius being about to offer , and the holy Rites begun , on a sudden the Lightning fell upon the Altar , set the Wood on fire , and sanctify'd the Sacrifice . But above all , that of Fame does far exceed all they tell us of the Gods , or his good Fortune : for the 4th . day after Perseus was vanquish'd at Pydne , whilst the People were beholding the running of the Horses in the Place design'd for those Games , there arose an unexpected Report at the entrance of the Theatre , that Emilius had overcome Perseus , and brought all Macedonia under his Power , and from thence , when the Rumour was spread amongst the People , there was a general Joy , with Shoutings and Acclamations for that whole day through the City . But when no certain Author was found of the News , and every one alike had taken it on trust , it vanish'd for the present and came to nothing , till within a few days after these tydings came certainly confirm'd , and then the first Intelligence was look'd upon as no less than a Miracle , whilst it could be no other than feign'd , though it contain'd in it what was real and true . It is reported also , that the News of a Battel that was fought in Italy , near the River Sagra , was carry'd into Peloponnesus the same day , and of that nigh Mycala , against the Medes , to Platee . When the Romans had defeated the Tarquins , who were combin'd with the Latins , there were almost at the same time at Rome seen two goodly tall Men , who themselves brought the News from the Camp. The first Man that spake to them in the Market-place near the Fountain , where they were refreshing their Horses which were all of a Fome , much wondred at the Report of the Victory , when , 't is said they both smil'd and gently strok'd his Beard with their hands , the Hairs of which from being black , was on the Spot chang'd to be yellow . This Circumstance gave credit to what they said , and fix'd the Name of Enobarbus ( which is as much as yellow Beard ) on the Man. But that which happen'd in our own Time , will make all these credible ? for when Antony rebell'd against Domitian , and Rome was in a Consternation , expecting great Wars in Germany , all on a sudden , and no body knows upon what account , the People spread abroad a Rumour of the Victory , and the News ran current through the City , that Antony himself was slain , his whole Army destroy'd , and that not so much as a part of it escap'd : nay this belief carry'd with it such Clearness and Force , that many of the Magistrates offer'd up Sacrifices . But when at length the Author of this Report was sought , and none was to be found , it vanish'd by degrees , whilst every one shifted it off , from himself to another , and at last was lost in the numberless Crowd , as in a vast Ocean , and having no solid Ground to support its Credit , was in a short time not so much as nam'd in the City . Nevertheless when Domitian march'd out with his Forces to the War , he met with Messengers and Letters , that gave him a Relation of the Victory ; and the Fame of this Conquest came the very day it was gain'd , though the distance of the places was more than 2500 miles . The truth of this no Man amongst us can be ignorant of . But to proceed : Cneius Octavius , who was joyn'd in Command with Emilius , came to an Anchor with his Fleet under Samothrace , where out of his Devotion to the Gods , he permitted Perseus to enjoy the benefit of Refuge , but took care that he should not escape by Sea. Notwithstanding Perseus secretly practis'd with Oroandes of Crete , who was Master of a Bark , to convey him and his Treasure away . He , making use of the common Arts of his Country , took in the Treasure , and advis'd him to come in the Night with his Wife , Children , and necessary Attendants , to the Port call'd Demetrius , but as soon as it was Evening , set Sayl without him . Miserable was now the Fate of Perseus , who was forc'd to let down himself , his Wife and Children , through a narrow Window by a Wall , People altogether unaccustom'd to hardship and Flying . But that which yet fetch'd deeper Sighs from his Heart was , when he was told by one , as he wondred on the Shore , that he saw Oroandes under Sayl in the Main Sea , for now it was Day . So that there being no Hopes left of Escaping , he fled back again to the Wall , which he and his Wife recover'd ( though they were seen by the Romans ) before they could reach them . His Children he himself had deliver'd into the hands of Ion , one that had been his Favourite , but now prov'd his Betrayer , and was the chief Cause that forc'd him ( and t is no other than Beasts themselves will do when their young ones are taken ) to come and yield himself up to those that had them in their Power . His greatest Confidence was in Nasica , and 't was to him he call'd , but he not being there , he bewayl'd his Misfortune , and seeing there was no possible Remedy , surrendred himself to Octavius . And here it was that he made it manifest , that he was possess'd with a Vice more sordid than Covetousness it self , to wit ▪ the fondness of Life ; by which he depriv'd himself even of Pity , the only thing that Fortune never takes away from the most wretched : for he desir'd to be brought to Emilius , who arose from his Seat , and accompany'd with his Friends , went to receive him with Tears in his Eyes , as a great Man fallen by the Anger of the Gods , and his own ill Fortune ; whilst Perseus , which was the most scandalous of Sights , threw himself at his Feet , embrac'd his Knees , and utter'd such unmanly Cryes and Petitions , as Emilius was not able to bear , or would vouchsafe to hear : but looking on him with a sad and angry Countenance ; What ( says he ) miserable as thou art , dost thou thus discharge Fortune , of what might seem her greatest Crime ? for by these Actions thou appearest worthy of thy Calamity , and that it is not your present Condition , but your former Happiness , that was more than your Deserts . What! do you thus take away from my Victory , and make my Conquest little , by proving your self a Coward and a Foe below a Roman ? The most unhappy Valour challenges a great Respect , even from Enemies ; but Cowardise , though never so successful , from the Romans always met with Scorn . Yet for all this he took him up , gave him his Hand , and deliver'd him into the Custody of Tubero . After this , he carry'd his Sons , his Sons-in-law , and others of the chiefest Quality , especially those of the younger sort , back with him into his Tent , where for a long time he sate down without speaking one word , insomuch that they all wondred at him . At last , he began to discourse of Fortune and humane Affairs . Is it meet ( says he ) for him that knows he is but a Man , in his greatest Prosperity to pride himself , and be exalted at the Conquest of a City , Nation , or Kingdom , and not rather well to weigh this Change of Fortune , which proposes a great Example to all Warriors of our common Frailty , and teaches them this Lesson , that there is nothing to be accounted durable or constant ? For what time can Men choose to think themselves secure , when that of Victory it self must chiefly force us to dread our own Fortune , and a little Consideration of the Fate of Things , and how all are hurry'd round , and each man's Station chang'd , will introduce Sadness in the midst of greatest Mirth ? Or can you , when you see before your Eyes the Succession of Alexander himself , who arriv'd at the height of Power , and rul'd the greatest Empire , in the short space of an hour trodden under foot ? When you behold a King , that was but even now surrounded with so numerous an Army , receiving Nourishment to support his Life , from the Hands of his Conquerors : can you , I say , believe , there is any Certainty in what we now possess , whilst there is such a thing as Chance ? No , young Men , cast off that vain Pride , and empty Boast of Victory ; sit down with Modesty , and always think on what 's to come , and what , through the spite of Fortune , may be yet the end of this our present Happiness . 'T is said , Emilius having spoke much more to the same purpose , dismiss'd the young Men well chastiz'd , and with this Oration , as with a Bridle , curb'd their Vain-glory and Insolence . When this was done , he put his Army into Garisons , to refresh themselves , and went himself to visit Greece ; a Pleasure not more honourable , than conducing to the Benefit of Mankind . For as he pass'd , he eas'd the Peoples Grievances , reform'd their Government , and bestow'd Gifts upon them ; to some Corn , to others Oyl out of the King's Store-houses , in which ( they report ) there was so vast Quantities laid up , that there sooner wanted Receivers , and such as needed , than they could be exhausted . In Delphos he found a great square Pillar of white Marble , design'd for the Pedestal of King Perseus his Statue , on which he commanded his own to be plac'd , alledging , that it was but just , that the Conquered should give place to the Conquerors . In Olympia he is said to have utter'd that so known Speech , That Phidias had carv'd Homers Jupiter . When the ten Commissioners arriv'd from Rome , he deliver'd up again to the Macedonians their Cities and Countrey , granting them to live at liberty , and according to their own Laws , only yielding to the Romans the Tribute of a hundred Talents , when they were wont to pay double the Sum to their Kings . Then he celebrated all manner of Shews , and Games , and Sacrifices to the Gods , and made great Entertainments and Feasts ; the Charge of all which he liberally defray'd out of the King's Treasury ; and shewed that he understood the ordering and placing of his Guests , and how every Man should be receiv'd , answerable to their several Ranks and Qualities , with such nice Exactness , that the Greci●●● very much wondred , that the Care and Experience of these things of Pleasure should not escape him , and that a Man involv'd in so great Business , should observe the Decency of such little Matters . That which very much satisfy'd him was , that amidst such magnificent and splendid Preparations , he himself was always the most grateful Sight , and greatest Pleasure to those he entertain'd . And he told them that seem'd to wonder at his Diligence , That there was the same Spirit shewn in marshalling a Banquet as an Army , whilst the one was to be rendred very dreadful to the Enemy , the other very acceptable to the Guests . Nor did Men less praise his Liberality , and the greatness of his Mind , than his other Vertues : for he would not so much as see those great Quantities of Silver and Gold , which were heap'd together out of the King's Palaces , but deliver'd them to the Questors , to be put into the Publick Treasury . He only permitted his own Sons , who were great Lovers of Learning , to take the King's Books ; and when he distributed such Rewards as were due to extraordinary Valour , he gave his Son-in-law , Elius Tubero , a Bowl that weigh'd five pounds : this is that Tubero we have already mention'd , who was one of the sixteen Relations that liv'd together , and were all maintain'd out of one little Farm : and 't is said , that this was the first Plate that ever enter'd the House of the Elians , and that brought thither , as an Honour and Reward of Vertue ; for before this time , neither they nor their Wives would ever make use either of Silver or Gold. Having thus well setled Things , taking his leave of the Grecians , and exhorted the Macedonians , that mindful of that Liberty they had receiv'd from the Romans , they should endeavour to maintain it , by their Obedience to the Laws , and Concord amongst themselves , he departed for Epire ; for he had Orders from the Senate , to give the Souldiers that follow'd him in the War against Perseus , the Pillage of the Cities of that Countrey . Wherefore that he might set upon them all at once , and that by Surprize and unawares , he summon'd ●en of the principal Men out of every City , whom he commanded on such an appointed day , to bring all the Gold and Silver they had either in their private Houses ●or Temples ; and with every one of these , as if it were for this very purpose , and under a pretence of searching for and receiving the Gold , he sent a Centurion , and a Guard of Souldiers ; who , the set day be●ng come , rose all at once , and at the very self-same time fell upon them , and set themselves to invade and ransack their Enemies so that in one hour a hundred and fifty thousand Persons were made Slaves , and threescore and ten Cities sack'd . Yet what was given to each Souldier , out of so vast Destruction and utter Ruine , amounted 〈◊〉 no more than eleven Drachms ; which made all Men dread the Issue of a War , when the Wealth of a whole Nation thus divided , turn'd to so little Advantage and Profit to each particular Man. When Emilius had done this , which was perfectly contrary to his gentle and mild Nature , he went down to Oricum , where he imbark'd his Army for Italy . He sayl'd up the River Tibur in the King's Galley , that had sixteen Oars on a side , and was richly adorn'd with the Armour of the Prisoners , and with Cloaths of Purple and Scarlet ; so that rowing the Vessel slowly against the Stream , the Romans that crowded on the Shore to meet him , had a taste of his following Triumph . But the Souldiers who had cast a covetous Eye on the Treasures of Perseus , when they did not obtain what they thought they so well deserv'd , were not only secretly enrag'd and angry with Emilius for it , but openly complain'd , that he had been a severe and tyrannical Commander over them ; no● were they ready to shew their desire of his Triumph . When Servius Galba , who was Emilius his Enemy , though he commanded a thousand Men under him , understood this , he was so hardy , as plainly to affirm , that a Triumph was not to be allow'd him , and sow'd divers Calumnies amongst the Souldiers , which yet further increas'd their ●ll will ? nay more , he desir'd the Tribunes of the People , because the four hours that were remaining of the day , could not suffice for the Accusation , that he would put it off till another . But when the Tribunes commanded him to speak then , if he had any thing to say , he began a long Oration , stuff'd with all manner of Reproaches , in which he spent the remaining part of the time , and the Tribunes , when it was dark , dismiss'd the Assembly . The Souldiers growing more vehement by this , throng'd all to Galba , and entring into a Conspiracy , early in the Morning again beset the Capitol , where the Tribunes had appointed the following Assembly to be held . As soon as it was day , it was put to the Vote , and the first Tribe with a general Consent rejected the Triumph . When what was done , was spread about , and understood by the rest of the Assembly , the common People declar'd themselves very much griev'd , that Emilius should meet with such Ignominy : but this was only in words , which had no effect : whilst the chief of the Senate exclaim'd against it as a base Action , and excited one another to repress the Boldness and Insolence of the Souldiers , which , if not timely prevented , would in a while become altogether ungovernable and violent , when they sa● already they went about to deprive Emilius of his Triumph . Wherefore driving away the Crowd , they came up in great Number● and desir'd the Tribunes to defer Polling till they had spoken what they had to say to the People . All things thus suspended , and Silence being made , Marcus Servili●● stood up , a Man of Consular Dignity , and who had kill'd 23 of his Enemies , that had challeng'd him in single Combat . 'T is 〈◊〉 more than ever ( says he ) that I understa●● how great a Commander our Paulus Emilius it when I see he was able to perform such 〈◊〉 and great Exploits , with an Army so full of Sedition and Baseness : nor can I enough admire , that a People that seem'd to glory i● the Triumphs over the Illyrians and Africans should now through Envy refuse to see th● Macedonian King led alive captive , and all th● Glory of Philip and Alexander subdu'd by th● Roman Power . For is it not a strange thing fo● you , who upon a slight rumour of Victory , th●● came by chance into the City , did offer Sacrifices , and put up your Requests unto the Gods that you might see the Report verify'd , now when the General is return'd with an undoubted Conquest , to defraud the Gods of Honour , and your selves of Joy , as if you fear'd to behold the greatness of his warlike Deed , or were resolv'd to spare the King. And of the two , much better were it to put a stop to the Triumph , out of pity unto him , than out of envy to your General : yet to such a height of Power is Malice arriv'd amongst you , that one in a whole Skin , shining fat with Ease , and nicely bred in Shades , dares talk of the Office of a General and a Triumph , and that before you , who by your own many words , have learn'd to judge of the Valour or the Cowardise of your Commanders . And at the same time putting aside his Garment , he shew'd an infinite number of Scars upon his Breasts , and turn●ng about , discover'd those Parts which it ●s not decent to expose . Then applying himself to Galba : You ( says he ) deride me for these , in which I glory before my fellow-Citizens , for 't is in their Service in which I have rode night and day , that I receiv'd them ; but go on to collect the Votes , whilst I follow after , and note the base and ungrateful , and such as ●hoose rather to obey the Rabble in War , than to be commanded by their General . 'T is said , ●his Speech so stopp'd the Souldiers Mouths , and alter'd their Minds , that ●ll the Tribes decreed a Triumph for Emilius ; which was perform'd after this manner : The People erected Scaffolds in the Market , and Places where the running of Horses us'd to be seen , ( they are call'd by them Cirques ) and in all other Parts of the City , where they could best behold the Pomp ▪ The Spectators were clad in white Garments ▪ all the Temples were open , and full of Garlands and Perfumes , the Ways clear'd and cleans'd by a great many Officers and Tip staves , that drove such as throng'd the Passage , or straggled up and down . This Triumph lasted three days . On the first , which was scarce long enough for the Sight , was to be seen the Statues , Pictures , and Images , of an extraordinary bigness , which were taken from the Enemy , drawn upon 750 Chariots . On the second , was carried in a great many Wains , the fairest and richest Armour of the Macedonians , both of Brass and Steel ▪ all newly furbish'd and glistering ; which although pil'd up with the greatest Art and Order , yet seem'd to be tumbled on heaps carelesly and by chance ; Helmets were thrown upon Shields , Coats of Male upon Greaves , Cretian Targets , and Thracian Bucklers , and Quivers of Arrows , lay huddled amongst the Horses Bits , and through these there appear'd the points of naked Swords , intermix'd with long Spears . All these Arms were ty'd together with such a just liberty , that they knock'd against one another as they were drawn along , and made a harsh and terrible noise , so that the very Spoils of the Conquer'd could not be beheld without dread . After these Waggons loaden with Armour , there follow'd 3000 Men , who carried the Silver that was coyn'd , in 750 Vessels , each of which weigh'd three Talents , and was carried by four Men. Others brought silver Bowls , and Goblets , and Cups , all dispos'd in such Order as to make the best Show , and all valuable , as well for their bigness as the thickness of their engraved Work. On the 3d. day , early in the Morning , first came the Trumpetters , who did not sound as they were wont in a Procession or solemn Entry , but such a Charge as the Romans use when they encourage their Souldiers to Fight . Next follow'd young Men girt about with Girdles curiously wrought , which led to the Sacrifice sixscore stall'd Oxen , with their Horns gilded , and their Heads adorn'd with Ribbands and Garlands , and with these were Boys that carried Platters of silver and gold . After this was brought the gold Coin , which was divided into Vessels , that weigh'd three Talents , like to those that contain'd the silver ; they were in number fourscore wanting three . These were follow'd by those that brought the consecrated Bowl , which Emilius had caus'd to be made that weigh'd ten Talents , and was all be●e● with precious Stones . Then were expos'd to view the Cups of Antigonus and Seleucus , and such as were made after the fashion invented by Thericles , and all the gold Plate that was used at Perseus his Table . Next to these came Perseus his Chariot , in the which his Armour was plac'd , and on that his Diadem . And after a little intermission , the King's Children were led Captives , and with them a Train of Nurses , Masters , and Governours , who all wept , and stretch'd forth their Hands to the Spectators , and taught the little Infants to beg and entreat their Compassion . There were two Sons and a Daughter , who by reason of their tender Age , were altogether insensible of the greatness of their Misery , which Insensibility of their condition , render'd it much more deplorable ; insomuch that Perseus himself was scarce regarded as he went along , whilst Pity had fix'd the Eyes of the Romans upon the Infants , and many of them could not forbear Tears , all beheld the Sight with a mixture of Sorrow and Joy , until the Children were past . After his Children and their Attendants came Perseus himself , clad all in black , and wearing Slippers after the fashion of his Countrey ; he look'd like one altogether ●stonish'd and depriv'd of Reason , through the greatness of his Misfortunes . Next follow'd a great Company of his Friends and Familiars , whose Countenances were disfigur'd with Grief , and who testify'd to all that beheld them , by their Tears , and their continual looking upon Perseus , that it was his hard Fortune they so much lamented , and that they were regardless of their own . Perseus sent to Emilius to entreat , that he might not be led in Pomp , but be left out of the Triumph ; who deriding ( as was but just ) his Cowardise , and fondness of Life , sent him this Answer ; That as for that , it was before , and is now , in his own power ; giving him to understand , that this disgrace was to be prevented by Death : which the faint-hearted Wretch being not able to sustain , and made effeminate by I know not what Hopes , became a part of his own spoyls . After these were carried 400 Crowns , all made of Gold , and sent from the Cities by their respective Ambassadors to Emilius , as a Reward due to his Valour . Then he himself came seated on a Chariot magnificently adorn'd , ( a Man worthy to be beheld , even without these Ensigns of Power ) he was clad in a Garment of Purple , inter woven with Gold , and held out a Laurel Branch in his right hand . All the Army in like manner with Boughs of Laurel in their hands , divided into Bands and Companies , follow'd the Chariot of their Commander , some singing Odes ( according to the usual Custom ) mingled with Raillery ; others , Songs of Triumph , and the Praise of Emilius his Deeds ; who was admir'd and accounted happy by all Men , and unenvy'd by every one that was good : only that it seems the Province of some God , to lessen that Happiness which is too great and inordinate , and so to mingle the Affairs of Humane Life , that no one should be entirely free and exempt from Calamities ; but ( as it is in Homer ) that those should think themselves truly bless'd , to whom Fortune has given an equal share of Good and Evil. Emilius had four Sons , of which Scipio and Fabius ( as is already related ) were adopted into other Families ; the other two , which he had by a second Wife , and were yet but young , he brought up in his own House . One of these died at 14 years of age , five days before his Father's Triumph ; the other at 12 , three days after : so that there was no Roman without a deep sence of his Suffering , and every one dreaded the Cruelty of Fortune , that did not scruple to bring so much Sorrow into a House replenish'd with Happiness , Rejoycing and Sacrifices , and to intermingle Tears and Complaints , with Songs of Victory and Triumph . But Emilius reasoning according to Judgment , consider'd that Courage and Resolution was not only requisite to resis● Armour and Spears , but also to withstand all the Shocks of ill Fortune , and so did he adapt and temper the necessity of his present Circumstances , as to overbalance the Evil with the Good , and his private Concerns with those of the publick , that thus they might neither take away from the Grandeur , nor sully the Dignity of his Victory . For as soon as he had bury'd the first of his Sons , ( as we have already said ) he triumph'd ; and the second deceasing almost as soon as his Triumph was over , he gather'd together an Assembly of the People , and made an Oration to them , not like a Man that stood in need of Comfort from others , but of one that undertook to support his fellow Citizens , who griev'd for the Sufferings he himself underwent . I ( says he ) that never yet fear'd any thing that was humane , amongst such as were divine , have always had a dread of Fortune as faithless and unconstant , and on the very account that in this War she had been as a favourable Gale in all my Affairs , I still expected some Change and Reflux of Things . For in one day ( says he ) I pass'd the Ionian Sea , and arriv'd from Brundisium at Corsica ; thence in five more I sacrific'd at Delphos , and in other five days came to my Forces in Macedonia , where after I had finish'd the usual Sacrifices for the purifying of the Army , I fell to my design'd Business , and in the space of 15 days put an honourable period to the War. But when I still had a jealousie of Fortune , even from the smooth Current of my Affairs , and saw my self secure and free from the Danger of an Enemy , I chiefly dreaded the Change of the Goddess at Sea , whilst through my Success I brought home with me so great and victorious an Army , such vast Spoyls , and Kings themselves Captives . Nay more , after I was return'd to you safe , and saw the City full of Joy , Congratulating and Sacrifices , yet still did I suspect Fortune , as well knowing , that she never conferr'd any Benefits that were sincere ; and without some Allay . Nor could my mind ( that was still as it were in Labour , and always foreseeing something to befall this City ) free it self from this Fear , until so great a Misfortune befel me in my own Family , and that in the midst of those days set apart for Triumph , I carried two of the best of Sons one after another to their Funerals . Now therefore am I my self safe from Danger , at least as to what was my greatest Care , and I trust and am verily perswaded , that for the time to come Fortune will prove constant and harmeless unto you ; for she has sufficiently wreck'd her Envy at our great Exploits on me and mine ; nor is the Conquerour a less famous Example of humane Frailty , than the Man he led in Triumph , with this only difference , that Perseus though conquer'd does yet enjoy his Children , and the Conquerour Emilius is depriv'd of his . This was the generous and magnanimous Oration Emilius is said to speak to the People , from a Heart truly sincere , and free from all Artifice . Although he very much pitied Perseus his condition , and studied to befriend him in what he was able , yet could he procure no other Favour , than his removal from the common Prison , into a more cleanly and humane Place of Security , where whilst he was guarded , ( it is said ) he starved himself to death . Others relate a very particular and unheard of manner of his dying : That the Souldiers that were his Guard , having conceiv'd a Spite and Hatred against him for some certain Reasons , and finding no other way to grieve and afflict him , kept him from Sleep , with all diligence disturb'd him when he was dispos'd to rest , and found out Contrivances to continue him still waking , by which means at length he was quite tired out , and gave up the Ghost . Two of his Children also died soon after him ; the third , who was named Alexander , ( they say ) prov'd an exquisite Artist in turning and graving in little , and withal learn'd so perfectly to speak and write the Roman Language , that he became Clerk to the Senate , and behav'd himself in his Office with great Skill and Conduct . They ascribe to Emilius his Conquest in Macedonia , this most acceptable Benefit to the People , viz. that he brought so vast a quantity of Money into the publick Treasury , that they never pay'd any Taxes , until Hircius and Pansa were Consuls , which was in the first year of the War between Anthony and Caesar . There was this peculiar and remarkable in Emilius , That though he was extreamly belov'd and honour'd by the People , yet he always sided with the Nobles , nor would he either say or do any thing to ingratiate himself with the Vulgar , but constantly adher'd to the Nobility , and Men of the chiefest Rank , in all matters of Government . Which thing in after-times was cast in Scipio Africanus his Teeth by Appius ; for these two were in their Time the most considerable Men in the City , and stood in Competition for the Office of Censor . The one had on his side the Nobles and the Senate , ( to which Party the Family of the Appians were always true ; ) the other , although his own Interest was great , yet did he make use of the Favour and Love of the People . When therefore Appius saw Scipio come to the Market-place surrounded with Men of mean Rank , and such as were but newly made free , yet were very fit to manage a Debate , gather together the Rabble , and carry whatsoever they design'd by Importunity and Noise , crying out with a loud voice : Groan now , ( says he ) O Paulus Emilius , if you have knowledge in your Grave of what is done above , that your Son pretends to be Censor , by the help of Emilius a common Cryer , and Licinius , a Barriter . As for Scipio , he always had the Good will of the People , because he was still heaping up Favours on them ; but Emilius , although he still took part with the Nobles , yet was he as much their Darling , as he that was esteem'd most popular , and sought by little Arts to ingratiate himself with the Multitude . and this they made manifest , when amongst other Dignities , they thought him worthy of the Office of Censor , a Trust accounted most sacred , and of very great Authority , as well in other things as in the strict examination into mens Lives : for the Censors had power to expel a Senator , and inrol whom they judg'd most fit in his room , and to disgrace such young Men as liv'd licentiously , by taking away their Horses . Besides this , they were to value and cess each Man's Estate , and register the number of the People : there were number'd by Emilius , 337452 Men. He declar'd Marcus Emilius Lepidus , Prince of the Senate , who had already four times arriv'd at that Honour , and remov'd from their Office three of the Senators of the least Note . The same Moderation he and his fellow - Censor , Marcius Philippus , us'd at the Muster of the Horse-men . Whilst he was thus busie about many and weighty Affairs , he son sick of a Disease , which at first seem'd hazardous ; and although after a while it prov'd without Danger , yet was it very troublesom and difficult to be cur'd : so that by the Advice of his Physicians he sayl'd to Velia , a Town in Italy , and there dwelt a long time near the Sea , where he enjoy'd all possible Quietness . The Romans in the mean while long'd for his Return , and often times by their Speeches in the Theaters , gave publick Testimonies of their great Desire and Impatience to see him . When therefore the time drew nigh , that a solemn Sacrifice was of necessity to be offer'd , and he found , as he thought , his Body strong enough , he came back again to Rome , and there perform'd the Holy Rites with the rest of the Priests , the People in the mean time crowding about him , and congratulating his Return . The next day he sacrific'd again to the Gods for his Recovery ; and having finish'd the Sacrifice , return'd to his House , and set him down to Dinner , when all on a sudden , and when no Change was expected , he fell into a raving Fit , and being quite depriv'd of his Senses , the third day after ended his Life , in which he had wanted no manner of thing , which is thought to conduce to Happiness . Nay , his very Funeral Pomp had something in it remarkable , and to be admir'd , and his Vertue was grac'd with the most solemn and happy Rites at his Burial ; for these did not consist of Gold and Ivory , or in the usual Sumptuousness and Splendor of such Preparations , but in the Good-will , Honour and Love , not only of his fellow-Citizens , but of his Enemies themselves . For as many Spaniards , Ligurians , and Macedonians , as happen'd to be present at the Solemnity , that were young , and of vigorous Bodies , took up the Bed and carry'd it , whilst the more aged follow'd , calling Emilius the Benefactor and Preserver of their Countries . Nor did he only at the time of his Conquest , demean himself to all with Kindness and Clemency , but through the whole course of his Life continu'd to do them good , and look after their Concerns , as if they had been his Familiars and Relations . They report , that the whole of his Estate scarce amounted to three hundred threescore and ten thousand Drachms , to which he left his two Sons Co-heirs ; but Scipio , who was the youngest , being adopted into the more wealthy Family of Africanus , gave it all to his Brother . Such is said to have been the Life and Manners of Emilius . TIMOLEON Compared with PAULUS EMILIUS . IF we consider these two Heroes , as Historians have represented them to us , without doubt in the Comparison very little difference will be found between ' em . They made War with two powerful Enemies : The one against the Macedonians , and t'other against the Carthaginians , and the Success was glorious . One conquer'd Macedon from the seventh succeeding Heir of Antigonus ; the other freed Sicily from usurping Tyrants , and restor'd that Isle to its former Liberty . Unless this be disputed for , that Emilius engag'd with Perseus , when his Forces were entire , and compos'd of such Men as had often with Success fought with the Romans : And that Timoleon found Dionysius in a despairing condition , his Affairs being reduc'd to the last Extremity . On the contrary , this may be said in favour of Timoleor : That he vanquish'd several Tyrants , and a powerful Carthaginian Army , with an inconsiderable number of Men gather'd together from all Parts : Not with such an Army as Emilius had , of well disciplin'd Souldiers , experienc'd in War , and accustom'd to obey ; but such as through the hopes of Gain resorted to him , unskill'd in Fighting and ungovernable . And when Actions are equally glorious , and the means to compass them unequal , the greatest Esteem is certainly due to that General who conquers with the smaller Power . Both have the Reputation of behaving themselves with an uncorrupted Integrity , in all the Affairs they manag'd : But Emilius had the advantage of being from his Infancy , by the Laws and Customs of his Countrey , brought up to the well management of publick Affairs , which Timoleon wanted , but by use brought himself to . And this is plain ; for at that time all the Romans were educated with the greatest Modesty and Temperance , and paid an inviolable Observance to the Laws of their Country : Whereas 't is remarkable , that not one of the Grecian Generals commanding in Sicily , cou'd keep himself uncorrupted , except Dion , and of him they entertain'd a Jealousie , that he wou'd establish a Monarchy there after the Lacedaemonian manner . Timaeus writes , that the Syracusians sent Gylippus home loaden with infamy , for his unsatiable Covetousness , and the many Bribes he took when he commanded the Army . Divers Historians mention , that Pharax the Spartan , and Calippus the Athenian , committed several wicked and treacherous Acts , designing to make themselves Kings of Sicily . — But what were these Men , and what strength had they to nourish so vain a Thought ? For the first of them was a Follower of Dionysius , when he was expell'd Syracuse , and the other a hired Captain of Foot under Dion , and came into Sicily with him . — But Timoleon at the Request and Prayers of the Syracusians , was sent to be their General , not seeking for the Command , but when plac'd in his hands , managing it to the best advantage , and no sooner had he restor'd Sicily to her Liberty , but he willingly resign'd his Charge . This is truly worthy our Admiration in Emilius , That though he conquer'd so great and so rich a Realm as that of Macedon , yet he wou'd not touch , nor see any of the Money , nor did he advantage himself one farthing by it , though he was very generous of his own to others . — This is not mention'd to reflect on Timoleon , for accepting of a fair House and handsom Estate in the Countrey , which the Syracusians presented him with ; for on that occasion it was not dishonest to receive 'em : But yet there is greater glory in a Refusal ; and that is the supremest Vertue , which lets the praise of good Men be the Reward of its actions , and refuses all gifts , how well soever it may have deserv'd them . And as that Body is without doubt , the most strong and healthful , which can the easiest support extream Cold , and excessive Heat , in the change of Seasons ; and that the most firm and collected Mind , which is not puff'd up with Prosperity , nor dejected with Adversity : so the Vertue of Emilius was eminently seen , in that his Countenance and Carriage was the same upon the loss of two dear Sons , as when he atchiev'd his greatest Victories and Triumphs . But Timoleon , after he had justly punish'd his Brother , a truly heroick Action , let his Reason yield to a causless Sorrow , and , dejected with Grief and Remorse , he forbore for 20 years to appear in any publick Place , or meddle with any Affairs o● the Common-wealth . 'T is truly very commendable to shun and abhor the doing o● any base Action ; but to stand in fear o● the Peoples Censure or common Talk , may argue a harmless and peaceable Mind , bu● never a brave and truly heroick Soul. Timoleon . T. Sturt sculp : THE LIFE OF TIMOLEON . Translated from the Greek : By Tho. Blomer , D. D. Volume II. THE Affairs of the Syracusians , before Timoleon was sent into Sicily , were in this posture : After Dion had driven out Dionysius the Tyrant , he was slain by Treachery , and those that had assisted him in delivering Syracuse were divided among themselves , so that the City , by a continual change of Governours , and a train of Mischiefs that succeeded each other , became almost desolate and forsaken . As for the rest of Sicily , part thereof was now utterly destroy'd and ruin'd , through a long continuance of the Wars , and most of the Cities that had been left standing , were seiz'd upon by a mix'd Company of Barbarians , and Souldiers under no Pay , that were ready to embrace every Turn of Government . Such being the state of Things , Dionysius takes the Opportunity , and in the tenth year of his Banishment , by the help of some foreign Troops he had got together , forces out Nysaeus , then Master of Syracuse , recovers all afresh , and was again settled in his Dominion . And as he had been at first strangely depriv'd , of the greatest and most absolute Power that ever was , by a very small Party , so now after a more wonderful manner , being an Exile , and of mean condition , he became the Soveraign Lord of those that did eject him . All therefore that remain'd in Syracuse , were made to serve under a Tyrant , who at the best was of an ungentle Nature , and that exasperated them to a greater degree of Savageness , by the late Misfortunes and Calamities he had suffer'd But those of the better sort , and such as were of Note and Eminence , having timely retir'd thence to Icetes , that bore sway over the Leontines , put themselves under his Protection , and chose him for their General in the War ; a Person hardly preferrable to any of those that were open and avowed Tyrants : but they had no other Sanctuary at present , and it gave them some ground of confidence , that he was both of a Syracusian Family , and had an Army besides able to encounter that of Dionysius . In the mean time the Carthaginians appear'd before Sicily with a great Navy , watching when and where they might make a Descent upon the Island ; the terror of which Fleet , made the Sicilians incline to send an Embassy into Greece , that should demand Succours from the Corinthians , whom they did address to and confide in rather than any others , not only upon the account of their near Kindred , and by reason of the great Benefits they had often receiv'd by trusting them heretofore , but because Corinth had ever shewn her self an entire Lover of Freedom , and the most averse from Tyranny , by the many noble Wars she had engag'd in , not upon the score of Empire and Avarice , but for the sole Liberty of the Greeks . But Icetes , who made it the business of his Command , not so much to deliver the Syracusians from other Tyrants , as to enslave them to himself , had already held some secret Conferences with those of Carthage , while in publick he commended the Design of his Syrac●sian Clients , and dispatch'd Embassadors from himself , together with those which they sent into Peloponnesus ; not that he really desir'd there should come any Relief from thence , but , in case the Corinthians ( as it was likely enough ) should , by reason of the Troubles of Greece , and those Diversions that were given them at home , refuse their Assistance , hoping then he should be able with less difficulty to dispose and incline things for the Carthaginian Interest , and so make use of these foreign Pretenders , as Instruments and Auxiliaries for himself , either against the Syracusians , or their common Enemy Dionysius , as occasion serv'd ; which Project and Subtilty of his was discover'd a while after . But the foresaid Embassadors being now arriv'd , and their Request known , the Corinthians , who were wont to have a particular Concern for all their Colonies and Plantations , but especially for that of Syracuse , since by good fortune too there was nothing to molest them in their own Countrey , but they enjoy'd Peace and leisure at that time , did readily and with one accord pass a Vote for their Assistance . And when they were deliberating about the choice of a Captain for that Expedition , and the Magistrates of their City did nominate and propose several Persons , that had made it their Care and Study to be esteem'd among them , one of the Plebeians standing up , happen'd to name Timoleon , the Son of Timodemus , who had long ago left off to concern himself in publick Business , and had neither any hopes of , nor the least pretension to an Employment of that nature ; insomuch that the thing was thought to proceed from a divine Instinct , and that some God or other had put it in the man's heart to mention him ; so great an indulgence of Fortune did then immediately appear at his Election , and so much of her Favour did accompany his following Actions , as it were on purpose to recommend his worth , and add some grace and ornament to his personal Vertues . If you regard his Parentage , both Timodemus his Father , and his Mother Demariste , were of a Noble and Illustrious Rank in that City ; as for himself , he was a mighty Lover of his Country , and one of admirable Meekness towards all , excepting that extream hatred he bore to Tyrants and wicked men . His Natural Abilities for the War were so happily temper'd , and of that excellent and even mixture , that , as a rare and extraordinary Prudenee might be seen in all the Enterprises of his younger years ▪ so a strange firmness of Mind , and the most undaunted Courage did attend him still , even to the last Exploits of his declining Age. He had an Elder Brother , whose Name was Timophanes , one of a different Make , and every way unlike him , being indiscreet , and rash , and corrupted with a Love of Monarchy , by the suggestion of some lewd Friends and foreign Souldiers , which he kept always about him . He seem'd to have a certain Force and Vehemence in all Attempts , and even to delight in Dangers , whereby he took much with the People , and upon that account did not only aspire , but was advanc'd to the highest Charges , as a vigorous and effective Warriour ; for the obtaining of which Offices and Promotions , Timoleon did very much assist him , who either help'd wholly to conceal his Errors and Defaults , or at least to lessen and diminish those he was thought guilty of , and beside this , took care to magnifie and adorn whatever was commendable in him , and set off his good Qualities to the best advantage . It happen'd once in a Battle of the Corinthians , against those of Argos and Cleone , that Timoleon serv'd among the Infantry , when Timophanes , commanding their Cavalry , was brought into extraordinary danger , for his Horse being wounded fell forward , and threw him head long amidst the Enemies , whereupon part of his Companions were presently dispers'd through a sudden fear , and the small number that remain'd , bearing up against a great Multitude , had much ado to maintain the Fight , and make any long Resistance . As soon therefore as Timoleon was aware of that Accident , he run hastily in to his Brother's rescue , and covering the fallen T●nophanes with his Buckler , after having receiv'd abundance of Darts , and several Strokes by the Sword into his Body and his Armour , he at length with much difficulty oblig'd the Enemies to retire , and brought off his Brother alive and safe out of that desperate extremity . But when the Corinthians , for fear of losing their City a second time , by taking in Associates , ( a thing they had formerly suffer'd from them ) made a Decree to entertain 400 Strangers for the security thereof , and gave Timophanes the Command over them , he , without any regard to Honour and Equity , put all those things in speedy Execution , whereby he might become absolute , and bring the Place under his own Power ; and having cut off many principal Citizens , uncondemn'd and without Tryal , that were most likely to hinder his Design , declar'd himself to be King of Corinth ; a Procedure that did infinitely afflict the good Timoleon , as reckoning the Wickedness of such a Brother , to be his own Reproach and Calam●ty . He therefore undertook to perswade him by his Discourse , that , desisting from that 〈◊〉 and unhappy Ambition , he would bethi●k himself how he should make the Corinthians some Amends , and find out an Exp●●●ent to remedy and correct the Evils he had done them . But when his single Admonition was rejected and contemn'd by him , he makes a second and more powerful Attempt , taking with him one Aeschylus his Kinsman , Brother to the Wife of Timophanes , and a certain Prophet or Diviner , that was his Friend , whom Theopompus in his History calls Satyrus , but Ephorus and Timaeus mention in theirs by the Name of Orthagoras . After a few days then he returns to his Brother with this Company , all three of them surrounding and earnestly importuning him upon the same Subject , that now at length he would listen to sober Counsel , and use Reason , and be of another mind . But when Timophanes began first to laugh at the Mens simpl●city , and being vehemently press'd , fell afterwards into Rage and Indignation against them , Timoleon stepp'd aside from him , and stood weeping , with his Face cover'd , while the other two , drawing out their Swords , dispatch'd him in a moment . The rumour of this Fact being soon scatter'd about , the better and more generous sort of the Corinthians did highly applaud Timoleon for his detestation of Improbity , and extol the greatness of his Soul , that being of a sweet and gentle Disposition , and having so much Love and Kindness for his Family , he should however think the Obligations to his Countrey much stronger than the Tyes of Consanguinity , and prefer that which is handsome and just , before Gain and Interest , and his own particular Advantage ; for the same Brother , which with so much Bravery had been sav'd by him , when he fought valiantly in the Cause of Corinth , he had now as nobly sacrific'd , for enslaving her afterward by his base and treacherous Usurpation . But then on the other side , those that knew not how to live in a Democracy , and had been us'd to make their humble Court unto the Men of Power , though they did openly pretend to rejoyce at the death of such a Tyrant , yet secretly reviling Timoleon , as one that had committed the most impious and abominable Act , they cast him into a strange Melancholy and Dejection . And when he came to understand how heavily his Mother took it , and that she likewise did utter the saddest Complaints and terrible Imprecations against him , he went to satisfie and comfort her as to what had happen'd ; who would not endure so much as to look upon him , but caus'd the Doors of her House to be shut , that 〈◊〉 might have no admission into her prese●●● the grief whereof did so disorder his 〈◊〉 and make him grow so hugely disco●●●late , that he determin'd to put an end 〈◊〉 that perplexity with his Life , and sta●● himself by abstaining from all manner 〈◊〉 Sustenance ; but through the Care and Diligence of his Friends , who were very instant with him , and added force to th●● Entreaties , he came to resolve and prom●● at last , that he would endure Living , provided it might be in Solitude , and remo●● from Company : so that quitting all civ●● Transactions , and his former Commerce 〈◊〉 the World , for a long while after his first R●tirement , he never came into Corinth , but wandred up and down the Fields , full of anxio● and tormenting Thoughts , and spent his tim● in those desart Places , that were at the farthest distance from society and humane Intercour●● ▪ Which Behaviour of his may give us occasion to observe , that the Minds of Men are easily shaken and carry'd off from their own Sentiments , through the casual Commendation or Reproof of others , unless the Judgments that we make , and the Purposes we conceive , be confirm'd too by Reason and Philosophy , which give strength and steadiness to our Undertakings , for an Action must not only be just and la●dible in its own nature , but it must proceed likewise from solid Motives , and a lasting Principle , that so we may fully and constantly approve the thing , and be perfectly satisfi'd in what we do : for otherwise having once finish'd a Design , and brought our Resolution to Practice , we shall out of pure weakness come to be troubled at the Performance , when the grace and goodliness thereof begins to decay and wear out of our Fancy , which render'd it before so amiable and pleasing to us . As it happens to those liquorish sort of People , that seizing on the more delicious Morsels of any Dish with a keen Appetite , are presently disgusted when they grow full , and find themselves oppress'd and uneasie now , by what they did before so greedily desire : for a succeeding Dislike is enough to spoyl the very best of Actions , and Repentance makes that which was never so well done , ●o become base and faulty ; whereas the Choice and Procedure that is founded upon Knowledge and wise Reasoning , does not change by Disappointment , or suffer us to re●ent , though it happen perchance to be less prosperous in the issue . And therefore Phocion of Athens , having still vigorously oppos'd ●he Attempts of Leosthenes , which how●ver did succeed contrary to his Opinion , ●nd all the appearance of things , when he 〈◊〉 the Athenians fall to sacrifice , and look very big and haughty upon a Victory that ●●gotten by him , I should have been glad ▪ 〈◊〉 he to them , that I my self had been the ●thor of what Leosthenes has atchiev'd for 〈◊〉 but cannot wish that I had offer'd you ●●●ther Advice than what I always gave , and then appear to be most reasonable . But A●●des the Locrian , one of Plato's Companio● made a more sharp and severe Reply to D●onysius the elder , who demanding one 〈◊〉 his Daughters in Marriage , I had 〈◊〉 says he to him , see the Virgin in her G●●●than in the Palace of a Tyrant . And wh● the same Dionysius , enrag'd at the 〈◊〉 made his Sons be put to death a while 〈◊〉 and did then again insultingly ask , 〈◊〉 he were still in the same mind as to the 〈◊〉 of his Daughters ? His Answer was 〈◊〉 cannot but grieve at the cruelty of your dee● but am not a whit sorry for the freedom of 〈◊〉 own words . Now such Expressions as th● may peradventure pass for the Effects of more sublime and accomplish'd Vertue . But as for that passionate Disorder of T●moleon upon the late Fact , whether it 〈◊〉 from a deep commiseration of his Brother Fate , or the Reverence he bore his Mother it did so shatter and dissolve his Spirits , th● for the space of almost 20 years , he had 〈◊〉 offer'd to concern himself in any honou●●ble or publick Action . When therefore 〈◊〉 was pitch'd upon for a General , and joyfully accepted as such by the Suffrages of the People , Teliclides , one of the greatest Power and Reputation in Corinth , began to exhort him , that he would act now like a Man of Worth and Gallantry : For , says he , if you appear magnanimous , and do bravely in this Service , we shall then believe that you deliver'd us from a Tyrant ; but if you behave your self basely , and come off ill , it will be thought by all that you kill'd your Brother . While he was yet preparing to set Sayl , and listing Souldiers to imbark with him , there came Letters to the Corinthians from Icetes , that plainly discover'd his Revolt and Treachery ; for his Embassadors were no sooner gone for Corinth , but he openly joyn'd himself to the Carthaginians , and further'd them in their Designs , that they likewise might assist him to throw out Dionysius , and become Master of Syracuse in his room . And fearing he might be disappointed of his Aim , if any considerable Force and a skilful Leader should come from Corinth before this were effected , he sent a Letter of Advice thither in all haste to prevent their setting out , telling them , they needed not be at any cost and trouble upon his account , or run the hazard of a Sicilian Voyage , especially since the Carthaginians would dispute their Passage , and lay in wait to attack them with a numerous Fleet , 〈◊〉 he had now engag'd himself , ( being 〈◊〉 thereto by the slowness of their motions ) ●●lend him all necessary Assistance against ●●onysius . This Letter being publickly 〈◊〉 if any had been cold and indifferent 〈◊〉 as to the Expedition in hand , yet that 〈◊〉 dignation they conceiv'd against the 〈◊〉 of Icetes , did now exasperate and 〈◊〉 them all , insomuch that they willingly ●●●tributed to supply Timoleon , and joyntly 〈◊〉 deavour'd to hasten his departure . When the Vessels were equipp'd , and 〈◊〉 Souldiers every way provided for , th●●●male Priests of Proserpina had a Dream● Vision , wherein she and her Mother 〈◊〉 appear'd to them in a travelling Garb , 〈◊〉 were heard to say , that they would sail 〈◊〉 Timoleon into Sicily ; whereupon the Co●●●thians having built a sacred Galley , it 〈◊〉 devoted to them , and call'd the Galley 〈◊〉 the Goddesses . Timoleon went in Person 〈◊〉 Delphi , where he sacrific'd to Apollo , 〈◊〉 descending into the Place of Prophecy , 〈◊〉 was surpriz'd with this marvellous Occ●●rence : A Wreath or Garland interwov●● with Crowns and Trophies , slipp'd off 〈◊〉 among the Gifts that were there consec●●ted and hung up in the Temple , which 〈◊〉 directly down upon his Head ; so that ●●pollo seem'd already to crown him with Success , and send him thence to conquer and triumph in that Enterprize . He put to Sea only with seven Ships of Corinth , two of Corcyra , and a tenth which was furnish'd out by the Leucadians ; being now enter'd into the deep by night , and carri'd with a prosperous gale , the Heaven seem'd all on a sudden to be rent in sunder , and a bright spreading Flame to issue from the division , and hover over the Ship wherein he was , which having form'd it self into a Torch , not unlike those that are us'd in their religious Mysteries , began to steer the same course , and run along in their company , guiding them by its light to that Quarter of Italy where they design'd to go ashore . The ●oothsayers affirm'd , that this Apparition did agree with that Dream of the holy Wo●en , and make good what they had hap●ily foretold , since the Goddesses did now ●●sibly joyn in the Expedition , and set up ●hat heavenly Lamp to march before them ●s a Convoy ; Scicily being thought sacred 〈◊〉 Proserpina , for Poets feign , that the Rape ●as committed there , and that the Island ●as given her in Dowry when she married ●luto . Now these early demonstrations of ●ivine Favour did mightly encourage his ●hole Army ; so that making all the Sayl ●ey were able , and nimbly crossing the ●ea , they were soon brought upon the Coast of Italy : but the tidings that came 〈◊〉 Sicily did very much perplex Timoleon , 〈◊〉 dishearten his Souldiers , for Icetes hav● already beaten Dionysius out of the Field , 〈◊〉 reduc'd the greater part of Syracuse it 〈◊〉 did now , straiten and besiege him in the ●●tadel , and that Remnant which is call'd 〈◊〉 Isle , whither he was lately fled for his 〈◊〉 Refuge ; while the Carthaginians by Agr●●ment , were to make it their business to 〈◊〉 Timoleon from landing in any Port 〈…〉 ; so that he and his Party being driv●● back , they might with more ease and 〈◊〉 their own leisure divide the Island 〈…〉 themselves . In pursuance of which 〈◊〉 the Carthaginians send away 20 of their ●●leys to Rhegium , having aboard them 〈◊〉 Embassadors from Icetes to 〈◊〉 that carri'd Instructions suitable to 〈◊〉 Proceedings , which were nothing else 〈◊〉 specious Amusements and plausible 〈◊〉 to colour and conceal his knavish 〈◊〉 for the Men had Order to propose and ●●mand , that Timoleon himself ( if he 〈…〉 Offer ) should come to advise with 〈◊〉 and partake of all his Conquests , but tha● he might send back his Ships and Forces unto Corinth , since the War was in a 〈◊〉 finish'd , and the Carthaginians had block'● up all the Road , as resolving to oppose then if they should press towards the Shore . Whe● therefore the Corinthians met with these ●nvoys at Rhegium , and receiv'd their Mes●●ge , and saw the Punick Vessels riding at ●nchor in the Bay , they became deeply ●●nsible of the Abuse that was put upon ●hem , and had a general Indignation against ●●etes , and mighty Apprehensions for the ●oor Sicilians , whom they now plainly ●erceiv'd to be as it were a Prize and Re●●mpence betwixt the Falshood of Icetes ●n one side , and the Ambition of Carthage 〈◊〉 the other ; for it seem'd utterly impos●ble to force and overbear the Carthaginian ●hips that lay before them , and were dou●●e their number , as also to vanquish the 〈◊〉 victorious Troops which Icetes had ●ith him in Syracuse , for the Conduct and ●●ief whereof they had undertaken that ●●yage . The Case being thus , Timoleon , 〈◊〉 some Conference with the Legates Icetes , and the Carthaginian Captains , ●ld them , he should readily submit to ●●eir Proposals , ( for it would be to no pur●ose to refuse Compliance ) he was desi●●us only before ▪ his Return to Corinth , ●●at what had pass'd between them in pri●ate , might be solemnly declar'd before the ●eople of Rhegium , which was a Grecian ●ity , and a common Friend to the Parties ; ●r this would very much conduce to his ●wn Security and Discharge ; and they likewise would more strictly observe such Articles of Agreement , on behalf of the Syra●●sians , which they had oblig'd themselves to in the presence of so many Witnesses . The Design of all which was , only to give them Diversion , while he got an opportunity of ●lipping through their Fleet : a Contrivance that all the principal Rhegians were pri●● and assisting to , who had a great desire that the Affairs of Sicily should fall into Corinthian hands , but dreaded nothing so much as the consequence of a Punick Neighbourhood . An Assembly was therefore call'd , and the Gates shut , that the Burghers might have no liberty to scatter and apply themselves to other Business : being met together , they made tedious Harangues , and spoke one by one upon the same Argument , without driving the Matter to any certain Head , but purposely spinning out the 〈◊〉 by that and other artificial ways , till the Corinthian Galleys should get clear of the Haven , the Carthaginian Commanders being detain'd there without any suspicion , because Timoleon was still present , and gave Signs as if he were just now preparing to make an Oration . But upon secret notice that the rest of the Galleys were already gone off , and that his only remain'd waiting for him , by the Help and Concealment of those Rhegians that were about the Chair , where they made Speeches , and favour'd his Departure , he made a shift to slide away through the Crowd , and running down to the Port , hoised up Sayl with all speed , and having reach'd his other Vessels , they came all safe to Taurome●●●m in Sicily , whither they had been formerly invited , and where they were now kindly receiv'd by Andromachus , the Guardian and Ruler of that City . This Man was Father of Timaeus the Historian , and incomparably the best of all those that bore Sway in Sicily at that time , for he govern'd his Citizens according to Law and Justice , and had ever openly profess'd an Aversion and Enmity to all Tyrants ; upon which account he gave Timoleon leave to muster up his Troops there , and to make that City the Seat of War , perswading the Inhabitants to joyn their Arms with the Corinthian Forces , and assist them in the Design of delivering Sicily . But the Carthaginians who were left in Rhegium perceiving , when the Assembly was dissolv'd , that Timoleon had given them the Go-by , were not a little vex'd to see themselves out-witted , which did occasion much Pastime and Pleasantness to the Rhegians , who could not choose but smile and rally them , when they heard those exquisite Masters in all Cunning and Subtilty , to complain , forsooth , of such slippery Tricks , and testifie their dislike of Fraud , and Fetches , and deceitful Doings . However they dispatch'd a Messenger aboard one of their Galleys to Tauromentum , who after much Blustering , in the Barbarick way , and mighty Menaces to Andromachus , if he did not forthwith send the Corinthians packing , stretch'd out his Hand with the inside upward , and then turning it down again , threatned he would handle their City just in that fashion , and turn it topsy-turvy in as little time , and with as much ease . Andromachus then laughing at the Man 's boisterous Confidence , made no other Reply , but in contempt thereof fell to imitate his Legerdemain , and bid him presently be gone , unless he had a mind to see that kind of Dexterity practis'd first upon the Galley which brought him thither . Icetes being certifi'd , that Timoleon had made good his Passage , he was in great fear of what might follow thereupon , and sent to desire the Carthaginians , that more Galleys might be order'd to attend and secure the Coast . And now it was that the Syracusians began wholly to despair of Safety , seeing the Carthaginians possess'd of their Haven , and Icetes Master of the City , and Dionysius commanding in the Fortress ; whereas Timoleon had as yet but a very slender hold of Sicily , which he only seiz'd upon as it were by the Fringe or Border in that small City of the Tauromenians , with a feeble Hope and a poor Company ; for he had but a 1000 Souldiers at the most , and no more Provisions either of Corn or Money , than were just necessary for the Maintenance and the Pay of that inconsiderable number . Nor did the other Towns of Sicily confide in him , being lately over-run with Violence and Outrage , and then exasperated against all that should offer to lead Armies , for the sake chiefly of Calippus an Athenian , and Pharax a Lacedaemonian Captain , and the Mischiefs they had suffer'd by their Treachery ; for both of them having given out that the design of their coming was to introduce Liberty , and depose Tyrants , they . did so tyrannize themselves , that the Reign of former Oppressors seem'd to be a Golden Age , if compar'd with the Lordliness and Exaction of these pretended Deliverers , who made the Sicilians reckon them to be far more happy that did expire in Servitude , than any that had liv'd to see such a dismal Freedom ; so that looking for no better Usage from this Corinthian General , but imagining that the same Devices and Wheadles were now again set a foot , to allure and sweeten them by fair Hopes and kind Promises into the Obedience of a new Master , they did all generally ( unless it were the People of Adranum ) suspect the Exhortations , and reject the Overtures that were made them in his 〈◊〉 . Now these were Inhabitants of a small City , but that consecrated to Adra●us , ( a certain God that was in high Veneration throughout Sicily ) and they happen'd then to be at variance among themselves , insomuch that one Party call'd in Icetes and the Carthaginians to assist them , while the other sent addresses to Timoleon , that he would come and espouse their Quarrel . Now it so fell out , that these Auxiliaries , striving which should be there soonest , did both arrive at Adranum about the same time ; Icetes brought with him at least 5000 Fighting Men , but all the Force Timoleon could make , did not exceed 1200 : with these he march'd out of Tauromenium , which was above 42 miles distant from that City . The first day he mov'd but slowly , and took up his Quarters betimes after a short Journey ; but the day following he much quickned his pace , and having pass'd through many difficult Places , towards Evening he receiv'd Advice , that Icetes was newly come to Adranum , and lay encamp'd before it : upon which Intelligence , his Captains and other Officers caused the Vanguard to make a halt , that the Army being refresh'd , and having repos'd a while , they might engage the Enemy with greater Briskness . But Timoleon coming up in haste , desir'd 〈◊〉 not to stop for that Reason , but rather use all possible Diligence to surprize the Icet●ans , whom probably they would now find in Disorder , as having lately ended their March , and being taken up at present in erecting Tents , and preparing Supper ; which he had no sooner said , but laying hold on his ●●ckler , and putting himself in the Front , he led them on as it were to a certain Victory ; the braveness of such a Leader made them all follow him with a like Courage and Assurance . They were now within less than 30 Furlongs of Adranum , which having soon got over , they immediately fell in upon the Enemy , that was seiz'd with Confusion , and begun to retire at their first Approaches ; whence also it came to pass , that amidst so little Opposition , and so early and general a Flight , there were not many more than 300 slain , and about twice the number made Prisoners , but their Camp and Baggage was all taken . The Fortune of this Onset soon oblig'd the Adranitans to unlock their Gates , and embrace the Interest of Timoleon , who recounted to him in a strange Affrightment , and with great Admiration , how at the very minute of that Encounter , the Doors of their Temple flew open of their own accord , that the Javelin also which their God held in his hand , was observ'd to tremble at the Point , and that drops of Sweat had been seen running down his Face ; which prodigious Accidents did not only presage the Victory that was then gotten , but were an Omen it seems of all his future Exploits , to which the leading Felicity of this Action gave him so fair an Entrance . For now the neighbouring Cities and Potentates sent Deputies one upon another , to seek his Friendship , and make the Offer of their Service ; among the rest , Mamercus , the Tyrant of Catana , both a stout Warriour and a wealthy ▪ Prince , struck up an Alliance with him ; and , what was of greater Importance still , Dionysius himself being now grown desperate , and well nigh forc'd to surrender , began to despise Icetes , as one shamefully baffled ; but much admiring the Valour of Timoleon , found means to advertise him and his Corinthians , that he should be content to deliver up himself and the Arsenal into their hands . Timoleon , gladly embracing this unlook'd for Advantage , sends away Euclides and Telemachus , two Corinthian Captains , with 400 Men , for the Seizure and Custody of the Castle , who had Directions to enter not all at once , or in open view , ( for that was not to be done while the Enemy kept a Guard upon the Haven ) but only by stealth , and in small Companies . And so they took possession of that Fortress , and the Palace of Dionysius , with all the Stores and Ammunition he had prepar'd and laid up , as useful to maintain the War ; for there was found within a good number of Horses , and all manner of Engines , and a multitude of Darts , and Weapons to Arm out 70000 Men , that had been the Magazine of old , beside 2000 Souldiers that were then with him , which he gave up likewise among the rest for Timoleon's Service . But Dionysius himself putting his Treasure aboard , and a few Friends , sail'd away without the knowledge of Icetes , and being brought to the Camp of Timoleon , he there appear'd first in the lowly Guise and ignoble Equipage of a private Person , and was shortly after sent to Corinth with a single Ship , and a small sum of Money . He who had been born and educated in the most splendid Court , and the most absolute Monarchy that ever was , which he held and kept up for the space of ten years after his Father's Death , and since the Attempts of Dion , who constrain'd him to quit the Empire , had spent twelve years more in a continual Agitation of Wars and Scufflings , and great variety of Fortune , during which time , all the Mischiess and Vexations ●● his former Reign , were abundantly 〈◊〉 and outdone by those Evils and Calam●ties which he then suffer'd ; for he liv'd ●● see both the Funeral of his Sons , being now about the Prime and Vigour of th●● Age , and the Rape of his Daughters ; ●● the flower of their Virginity : he had a●●ther mortifying sight too , from the 〈◊〉 and prostitution of his own Sister that b●came his Wife , who being first villaino●●y treated , and her Person expos'd to all the Lust and Lewdness of the common So●●diery , was then murther'd with her Children , and their Bodies cast into the 〈◊〉 ; the Particulars whereof I have more exa●●●y related in the Life of Dion . Upon the fame of his landing at Corin●● , there was hardly a Man in Greece , which had not the Curiosity to come and 〈◊〉 the late formidable Tyrant , and discour●e with him : some , rejoycing at his Disasters , were led thither out of meer 〈◊〉 and Hatred , that they might have the pleasure of seeing him in such a despicable state , and of trampling on the Ruines of his broken Fortune ; but others who 〈◊〉 a ferious and good-natur'd use of that Accident , did so consider the Change , as ●● reflect upon it with Pity and Compassion 〈◊〉 him , contemplating withal that marvello●● and mighty Power , which invisible and divine Causes do exercise here below , in the great and notorious Examples of humane Weakness . For neither Art or Nature did in that Age produce any thing , comparable to this Work and Wonder of Providence , which shew'd the very same Man , that was not long before supream Monarch of Sicily , holding Conversation now , perhaps with a greazy Cook , or sitting whole days in a Perfumer's Shop , or drinking the diluted Wine of Taverns , or squabbling in the Street with common Strumpets , or pretending to instruct the Musical in their Odes , and seriously disputing with them , about the measure and harmony of certain Airs that were sung in the Theatre . Which Behaviour of his met with different Censures ; for being lustful and vitious in himself , and of an immodest Temper , he was thought by many to do this , out of pure compliance with his own natural Inclinations : but the ●iner sort of Judges were of Opinion , that all this while he was acting a sly politick Part , with design hereby to be more contemn'd among them ; that the Corinthians might not suspect or dread him , as if he did ill brook such a Vicissitude of Fortune , and were secretly contriving ways to undermine the State , or advance himself to his former Dignity . For prevention of which Surmises ; and those Dangers they might create him , he did purposely seem delighted with many sordid things that were against his Genius , and affect an appearance of much ridiculous Folly , in the choice and manner of all his publick Divertisements . However it be , there are certain Sayings and Repartees of his left still upon Record , which sufficiently declare , that he was not dejected under so great a Fall , and whereby it seems he did handsomely accommodate himself to his present Circumstances ; as may appear in part from the Ingenuity of that Confession ▪ when being come to Leucadia , which ▪ was a Corinthian Colony as well as Syracuse ▪ he told the Inhabitants thereof , that he found something in himself not unlike the Passion and Humour of those Children ▪ which had been guilty of some Misdemeanour ; for as they did chearfully converse among their Brethren , but were asham'd to come into their Father's presence ; so likewise should he gladly reside with them in that Island , having a certain awe upon his Mind , which made him fearfully decline the sight of Corinth , that was a common Mother to them both . But the thing is further evident , from that Reply he once made to a Stranger in Corinth , who deriding him in a very rude and scornful manner , about the Conferences he us'd to have with Philosophers , whose company had been so delightful to him , while yet a Monarch , and demanding , in fine , what his Highness was the better now for all those wise and learned Discourses of Plato ? Do you think , says he , I have made no advantage of his Philosophy , when you see me bear the late Alteration in my Fortune , and this Insolence of yours , with such an even Temper ? And when Aristoxenus the Musician , and several others , desir'd to know wherein Plato had offended him , and what was the ground of his Displeasure to that worthy Man , he made Answer , That the condition of Soveraign Princes , being attended with many other Misfortunes , had this great Infelicity above all the rest , that none of those who were accounted their Friends , and had the liberty of Favourites , would venture to speak freely , or tell them the plain honest truth , and that by means of such he had been depriv'd of Plato 's Kindness , the only Person from whom he was like to hear it . At another time , one of those pleasant Companions , that are desirous to pass for Wits or Humourists , in Abuse and Mockery to Dionysius , as if he were still the same guarded and suspicious Tyrant , fell himself to examine and shake his own Cloak , as he was entring into the Room , where he was , to show there were no hidden Daggers or concealed Weapons about him . But Dionysius wounded the Man with the sharpness of his own Jest , in retorting smartly , Do you hear , Friend , it would be more satisfactory from one of your thievish Looks , and I should like it much better , if you would th●● open and shake your Garment , when you d●part hence , that I might be sure you had stolen nothing out of my Chamber . And whe● Philippus Macedo , as they two were to 〈…〉 it together , began to talk , after a dro 〈…〉 way , about the Verses and Tragedies whic● his Father , Dionysius the elder , had left behind him , and pretended to wonder how he could get any time from his other ●●siness , to compose such elaborate and in●●nious Pieces , he reply'd very much to the purpose , It was at those leisurable ho●● ▪ when such as you and I , and all that see● or count themselves the happy men , were e●ploy'd in Merriment and Revelling , and the sottish Follies of Intemperance . Now Pl●●● had not the opportunity to see Dionysius 〈◊〉 Corinth , being already dead before he came thither ; but Diogenes Sinopensis at their first meeting in the Street there , saluted him with this ambiguous expression , O Dionysius , how little dost thou deserve to live thus . Upon which Dionysius stopp'd and reply'd I am much oblig'd to thee , Diogenes , that thou dost so kindly commiserate my case , and seem to be concern'd for the Disasters that have befallen me : Dost thou imagine then , says Diogenes , that I condole with thee for what has happen'd ? and am not rather heartily vex'd , that such a Slave as thou , who , if thou hadst thy due , shouldst have been let alo●e to grow old , and die in the wretched state of Tyranny , as thy Father did before thee , does now enjoy the quietness and ease of private Persons , and is here at his own disposal , to s●●rt and frolick it in our Society . So that when I compare with the words of this Philosopher , those sad Stories of Philistus , touching the Daughters of Leptines , where he makes pitiful moan on their behalf , as fallen from all the Blessings and Advantages of powerful Greatness , to the Miseries of an humble Life , they seem to me like the Lamentations of a poor Lady , who had lost her Box of Ointment , and her purple Colouring , and her golden Trinkets . Now that which I have inserted here , is agreeable enough to my Design of writing Lives , and representing the true Characters of Men , neither will it , I presume , be thought useless and impertinent , by such Readers as are not in too much haste , or busi'd and taken up with other Concerns . But if the unhappiness of Dionysius appear strange and extraordinary , we shall have no less Reason to admire at the good Fortune of Timoleon , who within 50 days after his landing in Sicily , both recover'd the Cittadel of Syracuse , and sent Dionysius an Exile into Peloponnesus . Which lucky beginning , did so animate the Corinthians , that they order'd him a supply of 2000 Foot , and 200 Horse , who being come as far as Thuriu● , intended to cross over thence into Sicily ; but finding all beset with Carthaginian Ships , which made the Road unpassable , they were constrain'd to stop there , and watch their opportunity : which time however was employ'd in a noble Action ; for the Thurians going out to war against those of Brutium , left their City in charge with these Corinthian Strangers , who defended it as carefully as if it had been their own Countrey , and then resign'd it up again with the Justice and Faithfulness of honest Guardians . Icetes in the interim continu'd still to besiege the Castle of Syracuse , and hinder'd all Provisions from coming in by Sea , to relieve the Corinthians that were in it . He had engag'd also , and dispatch'd towards Adranum , two unknown Foreigners to assassine Timoleon , who at other times did not use to have any standing Guard about his Person , and was then altogether secure , diverting himself without Jealousie or Caution , among the Citizens of that Place , through the Confidence he had , not only in them , but in the Favour and Protection of their God Adranus . The Villains that were sent upon this Enterprize , having casually heard that Timoleon was about to sacrifice , came directly into the Temple with Poniards under their Cloaks , and pressing in among the Crowd , by little and little got up close to the Altar ; but as they were just looking for a Sign from each other to begin the Attempt , a third Person struck one of them over the Head with a Sword , who suddenly falling down , neither he that gave the Blow , nor the Partisan of him that receiv'd it , kept their Stations any longer ; but the one making way with his bloody Sword , put no stop to his Flight , till he gain'd the top of a certain lofty Precipice , while the other laying hold of the Altar , besought Timoleon to spare his Life , and he would reveal to him the whole Conspiracy ; his Pardon being granted , he confess'd , that both himself and his dead Companion , were sent thither purposely to slay him . While this Discovery was made , he that kill'd the other Conspirator , had been fetch'd down from his Sanctuary of the Rock , who loudly and often protested as he came along , that there was no Injustice in the Fact , for he only took righteous Vengeance for his Father's Blood , of a Man that had murder'd him before in the City of Leontium ; the truth whereof was attested by several there present , who could not choose but wonder too at the curious Intrigues , and the rare management of Providence , which does so dextrously proceed , and work in that admirable Order , as to make this little Event the Spring and Motion to that great Emergency , uniting every scatter'd Accident , and loose Particular , and remote Action , and interweaving them together to serve its purposes : from whence we see it frequently arrive , that things otherwise extreamly different , and that seem to have no connexion or dependance among themselves , do interchangeably and by turns become the end and the beginning of each other . The Corinthians therefore being satisfi'd as to the Innocence and Equity of this seasonable Feat , did honour and reward the Author with a Present of 10 l. in their Money * , because he made use of his own just Indignation , to gratifie the good Genius or guardian-Angel of Timoleon , and did not spend those Resentments he had treasur'd up of old before that time , but luckily defer the Revenge of a private Quarrel for his preservation . But this so fortunate an Escape had Effects and Con●equences beyond the present , for it inspir'd the Corinthians with mighty Hopes and future Expectations of Timoleon , seeing the People now reverence and protect him as a sacred Person , and one sent by God to avenge and redeem Sicily . Icetes having miss'd of his aim in this enterprize , and perceiving also that many went off , and sided with Timoleon , he began to chide himself for his foolish Modesty , that when so considerable a Force of the Carthaginians lay ready to be commanded by him , he should imploy them hitherto by degrees and in small numbers , introducing their Auxiliaries by stealth , and after a sneaking clandestine manner , as if he had been asham'd of the Action . Therefore now laying aside his former Niceness and Caution , he calls in Mago , their Admiral , with his whole Navy , who presently set Sayl , and seiz'd upon the Port with a formidable Fleet of at least a 150 Vessels , landing there 60000 ▪ Foot , which were all lodg'd within the City of Syracuse : so that in all mens opinion , the time anciently talk'd of , and long expected , wherein Sicily should be over-run by a barbarous People , was now come to its fatal period ; for in all their preceeding Wars , and so many desperate Conflicts with those of Sicily , the Carthaginians had never been able , before this , to take Syracuse ; but Icetes then receiving them , and putting the City into their hands , you might see it become now as it were a Camp of these Barbarians . By this means the Corinthian Souldiers that kept the Castle , found themselves brought into great Danger and Hardship ; for beside that their Provision grew scarce , and they began to be in want , because the Havens were strictly guarded and block'd up , the Enemy did excercise them still with Skirmishes and Combats about their Walls , and they were not only oblig'd to be continually in Arms , but to divide and prepare themselves for Assaults and Encounters of every kind , and to sustain the shock of all those forcible Engines and Instruments of Battery , which are devis'd and made use of by such as besiege Cities . Timoleon however made a shift to relieve them in these Straits , sending Corn from Catana by small Fisher-Boats and little Skiffs , which commonly got a Passage through the Carthaginian Galleys in the most tempestuous season , creeping over the Waves and Billows , and stealing up to the Castle , when those other were driven and dispers'd by the stress of weather : which Mago and Icetes observing , they agreed to fall upon Catana , from whence these Supplies were brought in to the Besieged , and accordingly put off from Syracuse , taking with them their prime chosen Men , and the stoutest Souldiers in their whole Army . Then Leo the Corinthian , ( who was Captain of those that kept the Cittadel ) taking notice that the Enemies which stay'd there behind , were very negligent and careless in keeping Guard , made a sudden Sally upon them as they lay scatter'd , wherein killing some , and putting others to Flight , he took and possess'd that Quarter which they call Acradina , and was thought to be the best and strongest , and the most entire part of Syracuse , a City made up and compacted as it were of several Towns put together : having thus stor'd himself with Corn and Money , he did not abandon the Place , nor retire again into the Castle , but fortifying the Precincts of Acradina , and joyning it by certain Works to the Cittadel , he undertook the defence of both . Mago and Icetes were now come near to Catana , when a Horse-man dispatch'd from Syracuse , brought them tidings that Acradina was taken ; upon which they return'd in all haste with great Disorder and Confusion , having neither been able to reduce the City they went against , nor to preserve that they were Masters of . Now these Adventures were such , as might leave Foresight and Courage a pretence still of disputing it with Fortune , which did contribute most to the Success of them . But the following Event seems altogether an Effect of good Luck , and can be ascrib'd to nothing but pure Felicity ; for the Corinthian Souldiers which stay'd at Thurium , partly for fear of the Carthaginian Galleys , which lay in wait for them under the Command of Hanno , and partly because of the tempestuous Weather which had lasted for many days , took a resolution to march by Land over the Brutian Territories , and what with Perswasion and Force together , made good their Passage through those Barbarians to the City of Rhegium , the Sea being still rough and raging as before . But Hanno not expecting the Corinthians would venture out , and supposing it would be in vain to wait there any longer , be thought himself , as he imagin'd , of a very notable Stratagem , and such a cunning Invention , as would be apt to delude and insnare the Enemy ; in pursuance of which Subtilty , he commanded the Sea-men to crown themselves with Garlands , and adorning his Galleys with Bucklers both of the Greek and Carthaginian Make , he sail'd away for Syracuse in this triumphant Equipage , and using all his Oars as he pass'd under the Castle with much Clapping and Laughter , he cry'd out on purpose to dishearten the Besieged , that he came from vanquishing and taking the Corinthian Succours , which he fell upon at Sea , as they were passing over into Sicily . While he was thus trifling and playing his Tricks before Syracuse , the Corinthians , now come as far as Rhegium , observing the Coast clear , and that the Wind was laid as it were by Miracle , to afford them in all appearance a quiet and smooth Passage , went immediately aboard on such little Barques and Fisher-boats as were then at hand , and got over to Sicily with so much safety and such a strange calmness , that they drew their Horses by the Reins , swiming along by them as the Vessels were under Sayl. When they were all landed , Timoleon came to receive them , and presently took in Messina by their means , from whence he march'd in good order to Syracuse , trusting more to his late prosperous Atchievements , than his present strength , for the whole Army he had then with him , did not exceed the number of 4000 ; however Mago was troubled and fearful at the first notice of his coming , but grew more apprehensive and jealous still upon this occasion . The Marishes about Syracuse , that receive agreat deal of fresh Water , as well from Springs and Fountains , as from Lakes and Rivers , discharging themselves into the Sea , do breed abundance of Eels , which may be always taken there in great quantities , by any that will fish for them . Now the mercenary Souldiers that serv'd on both sides , were wont to follow the Sport together at their vacant hours , and upon any cessation of Arms ; who being all Greeks , and having no Cause of private Enmity to each other , as they would venture bravely in Fight , so in the times of Truce , they did meet and converse amicably together ; and at that season , happening to be employ'd about the common business of Fishing , they fell into various Conference , some expressing their admiration as to the nature and fruitfulness of that Sea , and others telling how much they were taken with the Convenience , and commodious scituation of the adjacent Places , which gave a hint to one of the Corinthian Party to demand thus of the others : And is it possible that you who are Grecians born , should be so forward to reduce a City of this Greatness , and endu'd with so many rare Advantages , into the state of Barbarism ? and lend your Assistance to plant Carthaginians , that are the worst and bloodiest of men , so much nearer to us ; whereas you should rather wish there were many more Sicilies to lye between them and Greece : have you so little sense as to believe , that they come hither with an Army from Hercules his Pillars , and the Atlantick Sea , to hazard themselves for the establishment of Icetes ? who if he had had the Consideration which becomes a General , would never have thrown out his Ancestors and Founders , to bring in the Enemies of his Countrey in the room of them , but might have enjoy'd all suitable Honour and Command , with consent of Timoleon and the rest of Corinth . The Greeks that were in Pay with Icetes , noising these Discourses about their Camp , gave Mago some ground to suspect ( who had long sought for a Pretence to be gone ) that there was Treachery contriv'd against him ; so that albeit Icetes entreated him to tarry , and made it appear how much stronger they were than the Enemy , yet conceiving they came far more short of Timoleon , both as to Courage and Fortune , than they did surpass him in number , he presently went aboard , and set Sayl for Africa , letting Sicily escape out of his hands with dishonour to himself , and for such unknown Causes , that no humane Reason could give an account of his departure . The day after he went away , Timoleon came up before the City , appointed for a Battel ; but when he and his Company both heard of their sudden Flight , and saw the Haven empty , they could not forbear laughing at the Cowardise of Mago , and by way of Mockery caus'd Proclamation to be made throughout , that he should have a good Reward for his Intelligence , who could bring them tidings whither it was that the Carthaginian Fleet had convey'd it self from them . However Icetes resolving to fight it out alone , and not quitting his hold of the City , but sticking close to those Quarters he was in possession of , as Places that were well fortifi'd , and not easie to be attack'd , Timoleon divided his Forces into three parts , and fell upon that side himself , where the River Anapus run , and which was most strong and difficult of access , commanding others that were led by Isias , a Corinthian Captain , to make their Assault from the Post of Acradina , while Dinarchus and Demaretus , that brought him the last Supply from Corinth , should with a third Division attempt that Quarter which is call'd Epipolae . So that a forcible Impression being made from every side at once , by which the Souldiers of Icetes were beaten off and put to flight , that the City now came to be taken by Storm , and fall suddenly into their hands , upon such a Defeat and Recession of the Enemy , we must in all justice ascribe this to the Valour of the Combatants , and the wise Conduct of their General ; but that not so much as a Man of the Corinthians was either slain or wounded in the Action , that the Good Fortune of Timoleon seems to challenge for her own Work , and boast of the Protection , as striving out of a jealous Fondness , to exceed and obscure his Fortitude by her extraordinary Favours , that those who hear him commended for his noble Deeds , may rather admire the Happiness , than the Merit of them : for the Fame of what was done , did not only pass through all Sicily , and run over Italy in a trice , but even Greece it self after a few days came to ring also with the greatness of his Exploit , insomuch that those of Corinth , who could hardly believe their Auxiliaries were yet landed on the Isle , had tidings brought them at the same time that they were safe and Conquerors ; in so prosperous a course did Affairs run , while Fortune added haste and quickness as a new Ornament , to set off the native Lustres of that Performance . Timoleon being Master of the Cittadel , did avoid the Error which Dion had been guilty of before ; for he spar'd not that Place for the beauty and sumptuousness of its Fabrick , but declining the Causes of that Suspicion , which did first slander , and then destroy him , he made a publick Cryer give notice , that all the Syracusians who were willing to have a hand in the Work , should bring Pick-axes and Mattocks , and other Instruments , and help him to demolish that Fortress of Tyranny . When they all came up with one accord , looking upon that order and that day , as the surest foundation of their Liberty , they not only pull'd down the Castle , but overturn'd the Palaces and Monuments adjoyning , and whatever else might preserve any Memory of former Tyrants . Having soon levell'd and clear'd the Place , he there presently erected a Common-Hall , for the Seat of Judicature , gratifying the Citizens by this means , and building Popular Government on the Fall and Ruine of Tyranny . But since he had recover'd a City , that was now destitute of Inhabitants , some of them perishing in their Civil Wars and Insurrections , and others being fled to escape Tyrants , through Solitude and want of People , the great Market-place of Syracuse was overgrown with such quantity of rank Herbage , that it became a Pasture for their Horses , the Grooms lying along in the Grass as they fed by them ; inasmuch also as other Towns , ( very few excepted ) were become full of Stags and Wild Boars , and such as had nothing else to do , went frequently a Hunting , and found Game in the Suburbs and about the Walls : but not a Man of those who had possess'd themselves of Castles , or made Garisons in the Countrey , could be perswaded to quit their present Abode , or would accept an Invitation of returning back into the City , so much did they all dread and abhor the very Name of Assemblies , and Corporations , and Tribunals , that did produce the greater part of those Usurpers , which had successively assum'd a Dominion over them . Timoleon therefore , with the Syracusians that remain'd , considering that vast Desolation , and how little hope there was to have it otherwise supplied , thought good to write unto the Corinthians , that they would send a Colony out of Greece to re-people Syracuse , for else the Land about it would lye fallow and unimprov'd ; and beside this Inconvenience , they did expect to be involv'd in a greater War , from Africa , having News brought them , that when Mago had kill'd himself , the Carthaginians , out of Rage for his ill Conduct in the late Expedition , did cause his Body to be nail'd upon a Cross , and that they were raising a mighty Force , with design to make their Descent upon Sicily the next Summer . These Letters from Timoleon being deliver'd at Corinth , and the Ambassadours of Syracuse beseeching them at the same time , that they would take upon them the Care of their poor City , and once again become the Founders of it , the Corinthians were not tempted by a greedy Humour to lay hold of that Advantage , nor did they seize and appropriate such a famous City to themselves , but going about first to those Games and Exercises , which they term sacred in Greece , and their solemn Meetings of greatest Confluence , they made Publication by Heralds , that the Corinthians having destroy'd the Usurpation that was at Syracuse , and driven out the Tyrant , did thereby call home the Syracusian Exiles , and any other Sicilian that would come and dwell in the City , to an enjoyment of freedom under their own Laws , with promise that the Land should be divided among them in just and equal Proportions . And after this , sending Messengers into Asia , and the several Islands , where they understood that most of the scatter'd Fugitives did then reside , they made it their Request , that they would all repair to Corinth , upon assurance that the Corinthians would afford them Vessels , and Commanders , and a safe Convoy , at their own Charges ; which noble Atchievment of theirs , and such a generous Proposal , being thus spread about , they had the due Tribute , and most honourable Recompence of Praise and Benediction , for delivering the Countrey from Oppressors , and saving it from Barbarians , and restoring it at length to the rightful Owners of the Place ; who whe● they were assembled at Corinth , and found how insufficient their Company was , besough● the Corinthians , that they might have a Supplement of other Persons , as well out 〈◊〉 their City as the rest of Greece , to cohab●●● with them , which being made up to the number of 10000 , they sail'd together unto Syracuse . By this time great Multitudes from Italy and Sicily had flock'd in to Timoleon , so that , as Athanis reports , their entire Body did amount now to 60000 Men : among these he divided the whole Territory , and sold the Houses for 1000 Talents ; by which Contrivance , he both left it in the power of the old Syracusians to redeem their own , and made that an occasion too of raising a Stock for the Community , which had been so much impoverish'd of late , and was so unable to defray other Expences , and especially those of a War , that they expos'd their very Statues to Sale , a kind of regular Process being form'd in the Business , and sentence of Auction pass'd upon each of them by most Voices , as if they had been so many Criminals and Condemned Persons : but it is said , the Syracusians did then agree to exempt and preserve the Statue of Gelo , one of their ancient Kings , when all the rest were doom'd to suffer a common Sale , in Admiration and Honour of the Man , and for the sake of that Victory he got over the Carthaginian Forces at the River Himera . Syracuse being thus happily reviv'd , and replenish'd again by a general Concourse of its Inhabitants from all Parts , Timoleon was desirous now to rescue other Cities from the like Bondage , yea even wholly and once for all to extirpate Arbitrary Government out of Sicily ; and for this purpose , marching into the Territories of those that us'd it , he compell'd Icetes first to renounce the Carthaginian Interest , and further to consent , that , demolishing the Fortresses which were held by him , he should live among the Leontinians as a private Person . Leptines also , the Tyrant of Apollonia , and divers other little Towns , after some Resistance made , seeing the danger he was in to be taken by Force , surrender'd himself ; wherupon Timoleon spar'd his Life , and sent him away to Corinth , counting it a very glorious thing both for himself and Countrey , that their Mother-City should expose those Sicilian Tyrants to the view of other Greeks living now in an Exil'd , and a low condition . After this he return'd to Syracuse , that he might have leisure to attend the Constitution of their Community , and assist Cephalus and Dionysius ( who were sent from Corinth to make Laws ) in establishing the principal Things , and the best Orders for a publick Settlement . In the mean while , having a mind that his hired Souldiers should not want Action , but rather enrich themselves by some Plunder from the Enemy , he dispatch'd Dinarchus and Demaretus with a select Body of them , into a certain Province that belong'd to the Carthaginians , who obliging several Cities to revolt from the Barbarians , did not only live in great abundance themselves , but rais'd Money from their Captives and their Prey to carry on the War. But when these Matters were transacting , the Carthaginians landed at the Promontory of Lilybaeum , bringing with them an Army of 70000 Men , aboard 200 Galleys , besides a 1000 other Vessels , laden all with Engines of Battery , and Chariots , and quantity of Corn , and other military Preparations , as if they did intend not to manage the War by piece-meal , and in parts as heretofore , but to drive the Grecians altogether and at once out of all Sicily . And indeed it was a Force sufficient to seize and subdue the Sicilians , though they had then had the Entireness and the Strength of a perfect Union among themselves , and much more when they were so infeebled through their own Distempers , and harass'd in pieces by one another . Hearing therefore that a Territory of their Dependance was laid waste , they presently made toward the Corinthians with great Fury , having . Asdrubal and Hamilcar for their Generals ; the report of whose multitude and Approach flying suddenly to Syracuse , they were so terrifi'd there at the greatness of such a Power , that hardly 3000 , among so many Myriads of them , had the Courage to take up Arms , and joyn themselves with Timoleon . The Strangers that serv'd for Pay , were not above 4000 in all , and about a 1000 of those grew faint-hearted by the way , and forsook Timoleon in his March toward the Enemy , looking on him as a frantick and distracted Person , destitute of that Sense and Consideration , which might have been expected from one of his Age ▪ who must needs venture out against an Army of 70000 Men , with no more than 5000 Foot , and a 1000 Horse , and when he should have stay'd to defend the City with the small Forces which he had , chose rather to remove them eight days journey from Syracuse , so that if they were beaten out of the Field , there was no Place of Retreat whither they might retire with safety , or , if they happen'd to die upon the spot , there would be none to take care of their Burial . Timoleon however reckon'd it some kind of Advantage , that they had thus discover'd themselves before the Battel , and encouraging the rest , he led them with all speed to the River Crimesus , where it was told him the Carthaginians were drawn together ; and as he was marching up an Ascent , from the top of which they might take a view of the Army , and strength of the Enemy , there met him by chance a company of Mules loaden with Parsly , that which his Souldiers conceiv'd to be an ominous Occurrence or ill-boding Token , because this is the very Herb wherewith we usually adorn the Sepulchres of the Dead , which Custom gave birth to that desparing Proverb , when we pronounce of one who is dangerously sick , that he has need of nothing but Parsly , which is in effect to say , He is a dead Man , and ready for his Grave . Now that Timoleon might ease their Minds , and free them from these superstitious Thoughts , and such a fearful Expectation , he put a stop to his March , and having alledg'd many other things in a Discourse suitable to the Occasion , he concluded it by saying , That a Garland of Triumph was here luckily brought them , and had fallen into their hands of its own accord , as an Anticipation of Victory ; inasmuch as the Corinthians do crown those that get the better in their Isthmian Games , with Chaplets of Parsly , accounting it a sacred Wreath , and proper to their Countrey ; for Parsly was ever then the conquering Ornament of the Isthmian , as it is now of the Nemean Sports , and it is not very long that Branches of the Pine-tree came to succeed , and be made use of for that purpose . Timoleon therefore , as I said , having thus bespoke his Souldiers , took part of the Parsly , wherewith he made himself a Chaplet first , and then his Captains and their Companies did all crown themselves with it , in imitation of their Leader . The Soothsayers then observing also two Eagles on the wing toward them , one of which bore a Dragon struck through with her Talons , and the other , as she flew , made a great and terrible kind of noise , which argu'd Boldness and Assurance , they presently shew'd them to the Souldiers , who with one consent fell to supplicate the Gods , and call them in to their Assistance . It was now about the beginning of Summer , and conclusion of the Month call'd * Thargelion , when the season of the year inclines toward the Solstice , the River then sending up a thick Mist , all the adjacent Plain was first darkned with the Fog , so that in a while they could discern nothing from the Enemies Camp , only a confused Buz and undistinguish'd mixture of Voices came up to the Hill , from the distant Motions and Clamours of so vast a Multitude . When the Corinthians were mounted and stood upon it , and had laid down their Bucklers to take breath and repose themselves , the Sun coming about , and drawing up the Vapours from below , the gross foggy Air that was now gather'd and condens'd above , did overcloud the Mountains , and all the under Places being clear and open , the River Crimesus appear'd to them again , and they could easily desery the Enemies passing over it , who mov'd in this order : First with their warlike Chariots , that were terribly appointed for the Conflict ; after these came 10000 Foot-men , with white Targets on their Arms , whom they guess'd to be all Carthaginians , from the splendour of their Weapons , and the slowness of their motion , and the order of their March ; and when several other Nations , flowing in behind them , did throng for Passage in a turbulent and unruly manner , Timoleon perceiving that the River gave them opportunity to single out as many of their Enemies , as they had a mind to engage at once , and bidding his Souldiers observe how their Forces were divided into two separate Bodies by the intervention of the Stream , some being already got over , and others still to ford it , he gave Demaretus Command to fall in upon the Carthaginians with his Horse , and disturb their Ranks , before they should be cast into a form of Battel : and coming down into the Plain himself , he made up his right and left Wing of other Sicilians , intermingling a few Strangers in each , but plac'd the Natives of Syracuse in the middle , with the stoutest Mercenaries he had , about his own Person , and then stay'd a little to observe the Action of his Horse ; but when he saw they were not only hindred from grapling with the Carthaginians , by those armed Chariots that run to and fro before their Army , but forc'd continually to wheel about , to avoid the danger of having their Ranks broken , and then to make frequent Careers , as they had means to return upon them , he took his Buckler in his hand , and crying out to the Foot , that they should follow him with Courage and Confidence , he seem'd to speak with a more than humane Accent , and a Voice stronger than ordinary ; whether he strain'd it to that loudness , through an apprehension of the present danger , and from the vehemence and ardour of his mind to assault the Enemy , or else ( as many then were of opinion ) some God or other did exclaim with him in such a thundring Utterance . When his Souldiers gave a dreadful Eccho thereto , and besought him to lead them on without any further delay , he made a sign to the Horse , that they should draw off from the Front where they had plac'd the Chariots , and fetching a side compass , attack the Enemies in the Flank ; then making his Vantguard firm , by joyning Man to Man , and Buckler to Buckler , he caus'd the Trumpet to sound , and so bore in with the Carthaginians ; who did stoutly receive and sustain his first Onset ; for having their Bodies arm'd with Breast-plates of Iron , and Helmets of Brass , beside great Bucklers to cover and secure them , they could easily repel the force of their Javelins : but when the business came to a decision by the Sword , where Mastery depends no less upon Art than Strength , all on a sudden there broke out terrible Thunders and fiery Flashes , darting forth from the Mountain tops ; after which , the Gloominess that hover'd about the upper Grounds and the rocky Cliffs , descending to the Place of Battel , and bringing a Tempest of Rain , and of Wind and Hail along with it , was driven upon the Greeks behind , and fell only at their Backs , but discharg'd it self in the very Face of the Barbarians , and through the stormy Showers , and continual Flames pouring down together from the Clouds , did dazle and confound their sight : in which Accident , there were many things that did sorely afflict them all , but chiefly their unexperienc'd Men , who had not been us'd to such Hardships , among which the very Claps of Thunder , and the sounding noise of their Weapons , beaten with the violence of Rain and Hail-stones , were not their least Annoyance , as that which kept them from hearing the Commands of their Officers . Beside this , the very Dirt also was a great hindrance to the Carthaginians , as lest expedite and nimble in their Harness , they being , as I said before , all loaden with heavy Armour ; and then their Jackets too , drench'd through with Water in the foldings thereof about their Bosom , grew unweildy and cumbersom to them as they fought , but gave the Greeks an Advantage of overturning them with ease , and when they were once down , it was impossible under that weight , to disengage themselves from the Mire , and rise again with Weapons in their Hand : for the River Crimesus swollen partly by the Rain , and partly by the stoppage of its Course , from the multitude of those that were passing through , did overflow its Banks , and the Level on each side lying under several Cavities and Confluences of Water , was fill'd with Rivulets and Currents that had no certain Channel , which the Carthaginians rowling about in , were very hardly bestead ; so that in fine , the Storm and Torrent bearing still upon them , and the Greeks having cut in pieces 400 Men of their first Ranks , the whole Body of their Army began to fly , great numbers of which being overtaken in the Plain , were put to the Sword there ; and many of them as they fled , falling foul upon others that were yet coming over , they all tumbled and perished together , born down and overwhelmed by the impetuousness o● the River ; but the major part attempting to get up the Hills , and so make their Escape , were prevented and slain by those that were lightly armed . It is said that of 10000 which lay dead after the Fight , 3000 at least were all Natives of Carthage , a lamentable and uncommon loss to that City , for those that fell therein were inferiour to none among them , as to the quality of their Birth , or the wealthiness of their House , or the reputation of their Courage : nor do their Records mention that so many natural Carthaginians were ever cut off before in any one Battel ; for they did usually imploy the Africans , and Spaniards , and Numidians , in their Wars , so that if they chanc'd to be defeated , it was still at the cost and damage of other Nations . Now the Greeks did easily discover of what condition and account the Slain were , by the richness of their Spoils ; for when they came to seize upon the Prey , there was very little reckoning made either of Brass or Iron , so great was the plenty of better Metals , and that abundance of Silver and Gold which fell into their hands , for passing over the River , they became Masters of their Camp and Carriages : as for the Captives , a great many of them were filch'd away , and sold privately by the Souldiers , but about 5000 were brought in , and deliver'd up for the benefit of the Publick ; they took beside 200 of their warlike Chariots . The Tent of Timoleon did then afford a very graceful Sight and magnificent Appearance , being heaped up and hung round with all variety of Spoyls and military Ornaments , among which there were a 1000 Breast-plates of rare workmanship and Beauty , and 10000 Bucklers expos'd to view : but the Victors being but few to strip so many that were vanquish'd , and meeting too with great Boo●y , it was the 3d day after the Fight before they could erect and finish the Trophy of their Conquest . Timoleon sent tidings of his Victory to Corinth , with the best and goodliest Arms he had taken , as a Proof of it , that he might render his Country an object of Emulation to the whole World , when of all the Cities of Greece , men should there only behold their chief Temples adorn'd , not with Grecian Spoyls , nor Offerings that were got by the Bloodshed and Plunder of their own Countrymen and Kindred , ( which must needs create very unpleasing Remembrances ) but such as had been stripp'd from Barbarians , and Enemies to their Nation , with the most handsome Titles inscrib'd , which did manifest the Justice as well as Fortitude of the Conquerours , namely , that the People of Corinth , and Timoleon their General , having redeem'd the Grecians that dwelt in Sicily , from Carthaginian Bondage , did make an Oblation thereof to the Gods , in acknowledgment of the Advantage they had gain'd by their Favour . Having done this , he left his hired Souldiers in the Enemies Countrey , to drive and carry away all they could throughout the Province of Carthage , and so march'd with the rest of his Army to Syracuse , where he made an Edict for banishing the 1000 Mercenaries , which had basely deserted him before the Battel , and obliged them to quit the City before Sun-set , who sailing into Italy , lost their Lives there by the hands of the Brutians , though they had given them the assurance of publick Faith ; thus receiving from God ( the avenger of Perfidiousness and Falshood ) a very just Reward of their own Treachery . But Mamercus the Tyrant of Catana , and Icetes after all , either envying Timoleon the Glory of his Exploits , or fearing him as one that would keep no Agreement , nor have any Peace with Tyrants , made a League with the Carthaginians , and press'd them very much to send a new Army and Commander into Sicily , unless they would be content to hazard all , and to be wholly ejected out of that Island . Whereupon they dispatch'd Gisgo with a Navy of 70 Sail , who took several Grecians into Pay , that being the first time they had ever been listed for the Punick Service ; but then it seems they began to admire them , as the most insupportable and pugnacious of Mankind . The Inhabitants of Messina entring now with one accord into a general Conspiracy , slew 400 of those Strangers which Timoleon had sent to their Assistance ; and within the Dependencies of Carthage , at a Place call'd Hierae , ( i. e. Sacred ) the Mercenaries that serv'd under Euthymus the Le●cadian , were all cut off by an Ambush that was laid for them : from which Accidents however the Felicity of Timoleon grew chiefly remarkable , for these were the men that with Philodemus of Phocis and Onomarchus , had forcibly broke into the Temple of Apollo at Delphi , and were partakers with them in the Sacriledge ; so that being hated and shunn'd by all , as so many execrable Persons , they were constrain'd to wander about in Peloponnesus , when for want of others , Timoleon was glad to entertain them in his Expedition for Sicily , where they happen'd to be successful , in whatever Enterprize they engaged under his Conduct . But the most and greatest of those Rencounters being now ended , he sent them abroad for the relief and defence of his Party in several Places , and here they were lost and consum'd at a distance from him , not altogether , but in small parcels ; the Vengeance then inflicted making Timoleon's Prosperity an excuse of its delay , that good Men might not suffer any harm or prejudice , by the punishment and ruine of the wicked ; insomuch that the Benevolence and Kindness which the Gods had for Timoleon , came to be discern'd and admir'd no less , from his very Miscarriages and Disasters , than any of those former Atchievments he had been the most fortunate and successful in . But amidst their late Misadventures , that which did vex and provoke the Syracusians most , was their being affronted too by the insolent Behaviour of these Tyrants ; for Mamercus in particular valuing himself much , upon the faculty he had to make Poems and Tragedies , took occasion to boast of that and his Victory together , when coming to present the Gods with the Bucklers of their hired Souldiers that were slain by him , he caus'd such an abusive Elegy or Epigram to be under-written . These Shields , with Purple , Gold , and Ivory wrought , Were taken by us that with poor ones fought . After these things , while Timoleon march'd to Calauria , Icetes made an Inroad into the Borders of Syracuse , where he met with considerable Booty , and having done great mischief and havock , he return'd back even by Calauria it self , in contempt of Timoleon , and the slender Force he had then with him , who suffering Icetes to pass along before , pursu'd him with his Horse-men and light Infantry , which Icetes perceiving , cross'd the River Damyrias , and then stood as it were in a posture to receive him ; for the difficulty of that Passage , and the heighth and steepness of the Bank on each side , gave advantage enough to make him thus confident . But there happen'd a strange Contention and Dispute among the Officers of Timoleon , which did a little retard the Conflict , for there was none of them that would let another pass over before him to engage the Enemy , but every one did challenge it as a Right , to venture first and begin the Onset ▪ so that their fording over was like to be tumultuous and without order , while they did mutually justle and press forward , striving which should be the foremost . Timoleon therefore desiring this Controversie might be decided by Lot , took a Ring from each of the Pretenders , which he cast into his own Robe , and having shak'd them together , the first he drew out and expos'd to view , had by good Fortune the Figure of a Trophy engraven for the Seal of it , which when the younger Captains saw , they all shouted for joy , and without waiting any longer , to see how Chance would determine it for the rest , every man took his way through the River with all the speed he could make , and fell to buckle with the Enemies , who were not able to bear up against the violence of their Attack , but running away in haste , they left their Arms behind them all alike , and a 1000 dead upon the Place . It was not long after that Timoleon marching up to the City of Leontium , took Icetes alive , and his Son Eupolemus , and Euthymus the Commander of his Horse , that were bound and brought to him by their own Souldiers : Icetes , with the Stripling his Son , were then executed as Tyrants and Traytors ; and Euthymus , though a brave Man , and one of singular Courage , was slain without Mercy , being charg'd with some contemptuous Language that had been us'd by him , in disparagement of the Corinthians ; for it is said , that when they first sent their Forces into Sicily , he told the People of Leontium in a Speech of his , That the News did not sound terrible , nor was any great danger to be fear'd — If the Corinthian Dames were come abroad . Now , from hence we may remark , that men are usually more stung and galled by a few reproachful words , than many hostile actions ; for they bear the slightings of Disdain and Affront with less patience , than they will Harm , or Mischief , since to plague and damnifie by Deeds , is what the World does allow and count pardonable from Enemies , because it is a necessary thing , and no less can be expected in a state of War ; whereas the Virulence and Contumely of the Tongue , is an Argument and Expression of needless Hatred , and seems to proceed from a superfluity of Malice and excessive Rancor . When Timoleon came back to Syracuse , the Citizens brought the Wives and Daughters of Icetes and his Son to a publick Tryal , who , being there condemned to die , did all suffer accordingly ; which seems to have been the most disagreeable and unhandsom Action of Timoleon's Life , for if he had interpos'd his Authority to hinder it , the poor Women doubtless had never come to this unhappy End ; but he was thought to connive thereat , and give them up to the incensed Multitude , that did thus revenge the Injuries of Dion , who expell'd Dionysius ; for it was this very Icetes which took Arete the Wife , and Aristomache the Sister of Dion , with a Son of his , that had not yet pass'd his Childhood , and threw them all together into the Se● alive , as I have related that Villany in the Life of Dion . After this he mov'd toward● Catana against Mamercus , who giving him Battel near the River Abolus , was overthrow● and put to flight , losing above 2000 men , 〈◊〉 considerable part of which were the Punick Troops , that Gisco sent in to his Assistance . Upon this Defeat , the Carthaginians besought him to make a Peace with them , which he consented to , under the observance of these Articles : 1. That they should confine themselves to that part of the Countrey , which lyes within the River Lycus . 2. That such as were desirous to transplant themselves , and remove thence to the Syracusians , should have the liberty of doing it with their whole Family and Fortune . And last of all , That they of Carthage should from that day forward renounce all Leagues and Associations , whereby they might any ways stand engag'd to succour and relieve the Sicilian Tyrants . Mamercus , forsaken now , and despairing of Success , went aboard for Italy , with a Design to bring in the Lucanians against Timoleon , and the People of Syracuse : but when those of his Company tack'd about with their Galleys , and landing again at Sicily , deliver'd up Catana to Timoleon , he was forc'd to shift for himself , and make his Escape to Messina , that was under the Tyranny of Hippo. Timoleon then coming up against them , and besieging the City both by Sea and Land , Hippo , fearful of the Event , endeavour'd to slip away in a Vessel , which the People of Messina surpriz'd as it was putting off , who seizing on his Person , and bringing his Children from School into the Theatre , to be entertain'd as it were with the most goodly Spectacle of a Tyrant punished , they first publickly scourg'd , and then put him to death . Whereupon Mamercus made Surrender of himself to Timoleon , with this Proviso , that he should be try'd at Syracuse , and Timoleon have no hand in his Accusation : whither he was brought accordingly , and appearing to plead before the People , he essay'd to pronounce an Oration he had long before made in his own Defence ; but finding himself interrupted by Noise and Clamours , and observing from their Aspect and Demeanour , that the whole Assembly was inexorable , he threw off his upper Garment , and running cross the Theatre as hard as he could drive , violently dash'd his Head against one of the Posts where they were sitting , with intention to have kill'd himself ; but he had not the fortune to perish , as he design'd , but was taken up alive , and hurry'd to the same Execution by which they dispatch Robbers . After this manner did Timoleon cut the Nerves of Tyranny , and put a period to their Wars : for whereas at his first entring upon Sicily , the Island was all savage and hateful to the very Natives , by reason of the Evils and Miseries they suffer'd there , he did so civilize , and quiet , and reform the Country , and render it so desirable to all men , that even Strangers now came by Sea to inhabit those Towns and Places , which their own Citizens had forsaken and left desolate : for Agrigentum and Gelo , two famous Cities , that had been ruin'd and laid waste by the Carthaginians after the Attick War , were then peopled again , the one by Megellus and Pheristus , that came from Elea in Peloponnesus , the other by Gorgus from Cea , one of the Isles called Cyclades , who having pick'd up some of the old Inhabitants among other Company , brought them back with the rest to their former Dwellings ; to all which Timoleon did not only afford a secure and peaceable Abode in their new Settlement , after so obstinate a War , but making provision of other Necessaries , and giving them a chearful Assistance in all things , he had the same Love and Respect from them , as if he had been their Founder ; which Inclination and Esteem for him running through all the rest of the Sicilians , there was no Proposal for Peace , nor Sanction by Law , nor Assignation of Dwelling , nor any Form and Order of Government , which they did acquiesce in , or could think well of , unless he were at the end of it , as a chief Architect to finish and adorn the Work , supperadding some graceful Touches from his own Hand , which might render it agreeable and pleasing both to God and Man : for although Greece had produc'd several Persons of extraordinary Worth , and much renown'd for their Atchievments in his time , such as Timotheus , and Agesilaus , and Pelopidas , and the great Epaminondas , whom Timoleon did admire , and most endeavour to imitate , above all the rest , yet the lustre of their brightest Actions , was mingled with an allay of certain Violence and Labour , insomuch that some of them became matter of Reproof , and a Subject of Repentance ; whereas there is not any one Fact of Timoleon's ( setting aside the necessity of that in reference to his Brother ) whereunto , as Timaeus does observe , we may not fitly apply that Exclamation of Sophocles : — O Gods ! what Venus , or what Grace divine , Touch'd the Performance here , and made it shine ? For as the Poetry of Antimachus , and the Painting of Dionysius , both Natives of Colophon , having force and vigour enough in them , did yet appear to be strained and claborate Pieces , when the Pictures of Nicomachus , and the Verses of Homer , besides other Advantages of Strength and Beauty , have this peculiar Excellence , that they seem to come readily from them , and to be wrought off with ease , and a stroke of Mastery ; so likewise if with the Expeditions and Conduct of Epaminondas , or Agesilaus , that were full of Toil and Strugling , we compare that of Timoleon , which had much smoothness and facility , joyn'd with the Splendour and worthiness of what he did , it will appear to all that consider well , and judge rightly , to be the effect not of simple Fortune , but rather of a prosperous and happy Courage ; though he himself did modestly ascribe the great Success of his Undertakings to the sole Favour of Providence ; for both in the Letters which he wrote to his Friends at Corinth , and in those Speeches he made to the People of Syracuse , he would say , That he was very thankful unto God , who ( having a mind to preserve Sicily ) was pleas'd to honour him with the Name and Title of that Deliverance he vouchsaft it ; and having built a Chappel in his House , he there sacrific'd to good Hap , as a Deity that much favour'd him , and devoted the House it self to the same sacred Genius , that being a Fabrick which the Syracusians had rais'd for him , as a Reward and Monument of his brave Exploits , whereunto they annex'd the most delicious and goodly Mannor of their whole Countrey , where he kept his Residence for the most part , and enjoy'd a sweet Privacy with his Wife and Children that came to him from Corinth , for he return'd thither no more , as unwilling to be concern'd in the Broyls and Tumults of Greece , or expose himself to the publick Envy , ( that ever fatal Mischief which many great Commanders do run upon , from an unsatiable Appetite of Honour and Authority ) but wisely chose to spend the remainder of his days in Sicily , and there to partake of those Blessings he had brought among them , the greatest whereof was , to behold so many Cities flourish , and so many thousands of People live happy through his means and procurement . But seeing not only all the Larks of that tufted sort which the Latins call Cassitae , must , as Simonides Proverbially speaks , have a Crest growing on their Heads , but in every Republick there will start up some lew'd Sycophant to raise Calumnies , it so happen'd at Syracuse , that two of their popular Spokesmen , Laphystius and Demaenetus by Name , fell to slander Timoleon ; the former of which requiring him to put in Sureties , that he would answer to a certain Indictment should be brought against him , Timoleon would not suffer the Citizens who were incens'd at his Demand , to oppose the Man , and hinder him from proceeding , since he of his own accord had been at all that trouble , and run so many dangerous Risks for this very end and purpose , that every one of them who had a mind to try Matters by Law , should freely have recourse to it . And when Demaenetus , in a full Audience of the People , laid several things to his charge , which had been done while he was General , he made no other reply to him , but only said , He was much indebted to the Gods , for granting the Request he had so often made them , namely , that he might live to see the Syracusians enjoy that liberty of Speech , which they now seem'd to be Masters of . Timoleon therefore having by confession of all , done the greatest and the noblest things of any Grecian of his Age , and alone gotten the preheminence in those Actions , to which their Orators did always exhort the Greeks , by such Harangues and Panegyricks as they usually made at their solemn National Assemblies , and being carry'd off thence by Fortune unspotted and without blood , from the Calamities of Civil War , wherein ancient Greece was soon after involv'd ; having also given sufficient proofs , as of his sage Conduct and manly Courage to the Barbarians and Tyrants , so of his Justice and Gentleness to the Greeks , and all his Friends in General ; having raised too the greater part of those Trophies he won in Battel , without any Tears shed , or any Mourning worn , by the Citizens either of Syracuse or Corinth , and within less than 8 years space deliver'd Sicily from its old Grievances and Mischiefs , and intestine Distempers , and given it up free to the native Inhabitants , his Eyes began to fail him , as he grew in Age , and a while after he became perfectly blind ; not that he had done any thing himself which might occasion this Defect , or was depriv'd of his Sight by any outrage of Fortune , but it seems to have been some inbred and hereditary weakness that was founded in natural Causes , which by length of time came to discover it self ; for it is said , that divers of his Kindred and Family were subject to the like gradual Decay , and lost all use of their Eyes , as he did , in their declining years , but Athanis the Historian tells us , that even during the War against Hippo and Mamercus , while he was in his Camp at Myloe , there appear'd a white Speck within his Eye , from whence all did foresee the total Blindness that was coming on him ; however this did not hinder him then from continuing the Siege , and prosecuting that War , till he got both the Tyrants into his power ; but upon his coming back to Syracuse , he presently resign'd the Authority of sole Commander , and besought the Citizens to excuse him from any further Service , seeing things were already brought to so fair an issue . Now it is not so much to be wondred , that he himself should bear the Misfortune without any marks of Trouble , but that Respect and Gratitude which the Syracusians show'd him when he was stark blind , may justly deserve our Admiration , going themselves to visit him in Troops , and bringing all the Strangers that travel'd through their Countrey , to his House and Mannor , that they also might have the pleasure to see their noble Benefactor ; making it the great matter of their Joy and Exultation , that , when , after so many brave and happy Exploits , he might have return'd with Triumph into Greece , he should despise all the glorious Preparations that were there made to receive him , and by a strange kind of Endearment , chose rather to abide there , and end his days among them : whereas therefore several other things were decreed and done in honour of Timoleon , I reckon this Vote of the Syracusians , to be a signal Testimony of their value for him , viz. that when-ever they did happen to be at War with any foreign Nation , they should make use of none but a Corinthian General ; and the method of their proceeding in Council , was a handsome demonstration of the same Deference for his Person ; for determining Matters of less Consequence themselves , they ever called him to advise in the more difficult Cases , and such as were of greater moment ; who being carry'd through the Market-place in a Litter , and that brought with him sitting into the Theatre , the People with one Voice saluted him by his Name ; then returning that Civility , and pausing for a time , till the noise of their Gratulations and Blessings began to cease , after hearing the Business in Debate , he deliver'd his Opinion , which being confirm'd by a general Suffrage , his Servants went back with the Litter through the midst of their Assembly , the People waiting on him out with Acclamations and Applauses , and so returning to consider of such publick Causes , as they us'd to dispatch in his absence ; being thus cherish'd in his old Age , and with that Honour and Benevolence as if he had been their common Father , he was seiz'd with a very slight Indisposition , which however did assist and enable Time to put a period to his Life . There was an Allotment then of certain days given , within the space whereof the Syracusians were to provide what-ever should be necessary for his Burial , and all the neighbouring Inhabitants and Sojourners were to make their Appearance in a Body ; so that the Funeral Pomp was set out with great Splendor and Magnificence in all other Respects , and the Herse being deck'd with rich Ornaments and Trophies of War , was born by a select number of young Gentlemen , over that Ground where the Palace and Castle of Dionysius stood , before they were demolish'd by Timoleon . There attended on the Solemnity several thousands of Men and Women , all crowned with Flowers , all aray'd in fresh and cleanly Attire , which made it look like the Procession of a publick Festival ; the Discourse of all which , and their Tears mingled with the Praise and Benediction of the dead Timoleon , did manifestly show , that it was not any superficial Honour , or commanded Homage , which they then paid him , but the testimony of a just sorrow for his Death , and the expression and recompence of true Kindness . The Bier at length being plac'd upon the Pile of Wood that was kindled to consume his Corps , Demetrius , one of their loudest Cryers , began to read a Proclamation or written Edict to this purpose : — The People of Syracuse has made a special Decree to interr Timoleon , the Son of Timodemus , that noble Corinthian , at the common Expence of 200 Attick * pounds , and to honour his Memory for ever by an Appointment of annual Prizes to be celebratee in Musick , and Horse-races , and all sorts of bodily Exercise , and that , because he destroy'd Tyrants , and overthrew the Barbarians , and replenish'd many great Cities , that were ruinous and desolate before , with new Inhabitants , and then restor'd the Sicilians to a State of Freedom , and the Priviledge of living by their own Laws . Beside this , they made a Tomb for him in the Market-place , which they afterward built round with Galleries , and joyn'd certain Cloisters thereto , as a Place of Exercise for their Youth , which had the Name of Timoleont●um ; and then keeping to that Form and Order of Civil Policy , and observing those Laws and Constitutions which he left them , they liv'd themselves a long time in all manner of Prosperity . PELOPIDAS . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . M Burg. sculp . THE LIFE OF PELOPIDAS . Translated from the Greek : By Thomas Creech of Wadham Colledge in Oxon. Volume II. CAto Major hearing some commend one that was rash , and inconsiderately daring in a Battel , said , There is a difference between a man's prizing Valour at a great rate , and valuing Life at little : an excellent Saying ; for Antigonus had a Souldier , a venturous Fellow , but of an ill Complexion , and very meager ; and the King asking the Cause of his Paleness , and understanding from him that 't was a secret Disease , he strictly commanded his Physicians to imploy their utmost Skill , and recover him , if possible : but this brave Fellow being cur'd , never afterward sought Danger , never appear'd venturous in a Battel ; insomuch that Antigonus wondred , and upbraided him with his Change : but the Man told him the Reason , and said , Sir , You are the Cause of my Cowardise , by freeing me from those Miseries , which made me despise Life . And upon the same account , the Sybarite seems to have said concerning the Spartans , That 't was no commendable thing in them to die in the Wars , since by that they were freed from such hard Labour , and miserable Diet ; but in truth the Sybarites , a soft and dissolute People , might imagine that they hated Life , because in their eager pursuit of Vertue and Glory they were not afraid to die : yet the Lacedaemonians esteem it a Vertue to be willing either to die or live , as that Epicedium testifies : They dy'd , but not as lavish of their Blood , Or thinking Death it self was simply good ; Or Life , both these the strictest Vertue try'd , And as that call'd , they gladly liv'd , or dy'd . For an Endeavour to avoid Death is not discommendable , if we do not basely desire to live ; nor willingness to die good and vertuous , if it proceeds from a Contempt of Life : and therefore Homer always takes care to bring his brave and stout Men well arm'd into the Battel ; and the Greek Law-givers punish'd those that threw away their Shields , but not him that lost his Sword or Spear , intimating , that they should be more careful to defend themselves , than offend their Enemies . This every one ought to mind , but especially a Governour of a City , or a General ; for if , as Iphicrates divides , the light arm'd are the Hands ; the Horse the Feet ; the Infantry the Breast ; and the General the Head ; when he puts himself upon danger , he doth not only venture his own Person , but all those whose safety depend on his ; and so on the contrary . And therefore Callicratides , though in other things a great Man , did not answer the Augur well , who advis'd him , the Sacrifice being unlucky , to be careful of his Life ; Sparta , says he , doth not consist in one Man : 't is true , Callicratides in any Engagement either at Sea or Land , was but a single Person , but being General , he seem'd to contain the Life of all , and so must be more than one , since by his Death so many must be ruin'd . But better was the Saying of old Antigonus , who when he was to fight at Andros , and one told him , The Enemies Ships are more than ours ; reply'd , For how many then wilt thou reckon me ? intimating , that a stout and experienc'd Commander is highly to be valued , whose principal care it is to save him that preserves the rest : and therefore I applaud Timotheus , who when Chares show'd the Wounds he had receiv'd , and his Shield pierc'd by a Dart , told him , Indeed I should have been asham'd , if when I fought against Samos , a Dart should have fallen near me , as behaving my self more rashly than became a General of such an Army . Indeed where the General 's hazarding himself will do a great deal of good , there he must fight and venture his Person , and not mind their Maxims ; who would have a General still die with Age , or at least an old Man ; but when the Advantage will be but small if he gets the better , and the Loss considerable if he falls , who then would desire that good which a common Souldier might perform , with the danger of the Commander ? This I thought fit to premise before the Lives of Pelopidas and Marcellus , who were both great Men , but both ruin'd by their Rashness ; for being stout Men , and having gotten their Countrey great Glory and Reputation by their Conduct , and fighting against terrible Enemies , the one ( as History delivers ) overthrew Annibal , who was till then invincible ; the other in a set Battel beat the Lacedaemonians , the Commanders at Sea and Land ; but they ventur'd too far , and were heedlesly prodigal of their Lives , when there was the greatest need of such Men , and such Commanders : and this Agreement in their Tempers and their Deaths , is the Reason why I compare their Lives . Pelopidas , the Son of Hippoclus , was descended , as likewise Epaminondas was , from an honourable Family in Thebes ; and being bred in Gallantry , and having a fair Estate left him whilst he was young , he made it his business to relieve the good and deserving amongst the Poor , that he might shew himself Lord and not Slave to his Estate . For amongst Men , ( as Aristotle observes ) some are too narrow-minded to use their Wealth , and some are loose , and abuse it ; and these live perpetual Slaves to their Pleasures , the others to their Gain . Others permitted themselves to be oblig'd by Pelopidas , and thankfully made use of his Liberality and Kindness ; but amongst all his Friends , he could never perswade Epaminondas to be a sharer in his Wealth ; therefore he stepp'd down into his Poverty , and pleas'd himself in mean Attire , spare Diet , unwearied diligence in labour , and plain-dealing in the Art of War : like Capaneus in Euripides , who had abundance of Wealth , but no Pride with it ; he was asham'd any one should think that he spent more upon his Body than the meanest Theban . Epaminondas made his familiar and hereditary Poverty more light and easie , by his Philosophy and single Life , but Pelopidas was match'd to a Woman of a good Family , and got Children ; but yet still forgetful of the main Chance , and spending all his time on the Publick , he ruin'd his Estate ; and when his Friends advis'd him , and told him , That Money , which he now neglected , was a necessary thing ; Yes , he reply'd , 't is necessary to that same Nicodemus , pointing to a Cripple . Both seem'd equally born to all sorts of Vertue , but Exercise chiefly delighted Pelopidas , Learning Epaminondas , and the one spent his spare hours in Hunting , and the Palestra , the other in hearing Lectures or Philosophizing . And though there are a thousand Excellencies which commend both , yet the judicious esteem nothing equal to that constant Benevolence and Friendship , which they inviolably preserv'd in all their Expeditions , publick Actions , and Administrations of the Common-wealth : for if any one looks on the Administrations of Aristides and Themistocles , of Cimon and Pericles , of Nicias and Alcibiades , good Gods ! what Confusion , what Envy , what mutual Jealousie appears ? And then if he casts an eye on the Kindness and Reverence that Pelopidas shew'd Epaminondas , he must needs confess , that these are more truely and more justly styl'd Companions in Government and Command than the others , who strove rather to overcome one another , than their Enemies . But the true cause of this was their Vertue ; upon whose account they did not make their Actions aim at Wealth and Glory , which troublesome and contentious Envy necessarily attends , but both from the beginning being inflam'd with a divine desire of seeing their Countrey glorious by their Endeavours , they us'd to that end one anothers Excellencies as their own . Many indeed think , this strict and entire Friendship is to be dated from the Battel at Mantinea , where they both fought being part of those Succors that were sent from Thebes to the Lacedaemonians , their then Friends and Allies ; for being plac'd together amongst the Infantry , end engaging the Arcadians , when the Lacedaemonian Wing , in which they fought , gave Ground , and many fled , they joyn'd one another , and resisted the Invaders . Pelopidas having receiv'd seven Wounds in the fore-part of his Body , fell upon an heap of slain Friends and Enemies ; but Epaminondas , though he thought him past recovery , advanc'd to defend his Arms and Body , and singly fought a Multitude , resolving rather to die than forsake his helpless Pelopidas . And now he being much distress'd , wounded in the Breast by a Spear , in the Arm by a Sword , Agesipolis , the King of the Spartans , came to his Succour from the other Wing , and beyond hope , deliver'd both . After this , the Lacedaemonians pretending themselves Friends to Thebes , but in truth having an eye on the Designs and Power of the City , and chiefly hating the Combination of Ismenius and Androclides , in which Pelopidas also was an Associate , as tending to Liberty , and Advancement of the People , Archias , Leontidas , and Philip , all rich Men , and of Oligarchical Principles , and immoderately ambitious , perswaded Phaebidas the Spartan to surprize the Cadmea with a considerable Force , and banishing the contrary Faction , establish an Oligarchy , and by that means make the City obnoxious to the Power of the Spartans . He accepting of the Motion , and at the Festival of Ceres unexpectedy falling on the Thebans , made himself Master of the Castle : Ismenius was taken , carry'd to Sparta , and in a short time murther'd ; but Pelopidas , Pherenicus , and many more that fled , were publickly proclaim'd Outlaws . Epaminondas stay'd at home , being not much look'd after , as one whom Philosophy had made unactive in Affairs , and Poverty unable to pursue a Design . the Lacedaemonians cashier'd Phaebidas , and fin'd him 100000 Drachmas , yet still kept a Garrison in the Cadmea , which made all Greece wonder at the Inconsistency of their Actions , since they punish'd the Doer , but approv'd the Deed. Now though the Thebans , having lost their Polity , and being enslav'd by Archias and Leontidas , had no Hopes to get free from this Tyranny , which they saw supported by the Spartan Common-wealth , and no means to break the Yoke , but such as was sufficient to beat them from the Command of Sea and Land , yet Leontidas and his Associates understanding that the Exiles liv'd at Athens , were gracious with the People , and honour'd by all the good and vertuous , they form'd secret Designs against their Lives , and dispatching some unknown Fellows , they snapp'd Androclides , but were not successful on the rest ; besides , Letters were sent from Sparta to Athens , warning them neither to receive , nor cherish the Exiles , but expel them as declar'd common Enemies by their Allies . But the Athenians , besides their natural Inclination to be kind , to make a grateful return to the Thebans , ( who had very much assisted them in restoring their Democracy , and publickly enacted , that if any Athenian would march arm'd through Beotia against the Tyrants , that no Beotian should either see or hear it ) did the Thebans no harm . Now Pelopidas , though one of the youngest , privately excited each single Exile , and often told them at their Meetings , that 't was both dishonourable and impious to neglect their inslav'd and ingariso●'d Countrey , and lazily contented with their own Lives and Safety , depend on the Decrees of the Athenians , and for fear fawn on every smooth-tongu'd Orator , that is able to work upon the People : no , they must venture for this great Prize , taking Thrasybulus his bold Courage for Example , that as he advanc'd from Thebes , and brake the Power of the Athenian Tyrants , so they should march from Athens , and free Thebes . When by this method he had perswaded them , they privately dispatch'd some Persons to those Friends they had left at Thebes , and acquainted them with their Designs . They applauded the Contrivance , and Charon , a Man of the greatest Quality , offer'd his House for their Reception : Philidas had contriv'd to get himself Secretary to Archias and Philip , who were then Captains of the Militia ; and Epaminondas had already inflam'd the Youth , for in their Exercises he advis'd them to challenge and wrestle with the Spartans , and when he saw them puff'd up with Victory and Success , he sharply told them , 't was the greater shame to be such Cowards , as to serve those whom in Strength they so much excell'd . But the day for Action being set , it was agreed upon by the Exiles , that Pherenicus with the rest should stay at Thriacium , and some few of the younger Men try the first Danger , by endeavouring to get into the City , and if they were surpriz'd by their Enemies , the others should take care to provide for their Children and Parents . Pelopidas first undertook the Business , then Melon , Damoclides , and Theopompus ; Men of noble Families , and in other things loving and faithful to one another , but constant Rivals in Glory , and couragious Exploits . They were twelve in all , and having taken leave of those that stay'd behind , and sent a Messenger to Charon , they went forward , clad in short Coats , and carrying Hounds and hunting Poles with them , that they might be taken for Hunters beating o're the Fields , and prevent all suspicion in those that met them on the way . Now when the Messenger came to Charon , and told him they were approaching , he did not change his Resolution at the ●ight of Danger , but being a Man of his word , offer'd them his House . But one Hipposthenides , a Man of no ill Principles , and a Lover of his Countrey , and a Friend to the Exiles ▪ but not of as much Resolution , as the shortness of Time , and the quality of the Action requir'd , as it were dizzy'd at the greatness of the approaching Enterprize , and not able to comprehend , how relying on that weak Assistance which could be expected from the Exiles , they should be strong enough to shake the Spartan Government , and free themselves from that Power , went privately to his House , and sent a Friend to Melon and Pelopidas , desiring them to forbear for the present , but return to Athens , and expect a better opportunity . The Messenger's Name was Clidon , who going home presently , and bringing out his Horse , ask'd for the Bridle ; but his Wife being at a Stand , and when it could not be found , telling him she had lent it to a Friend , first they began to chide , then curse one another , and his Wife wish'd the Journey might prove ill to him , and those that sent him ; insomuch that Clidon's passion made him spend most of the day in these Brawls , and then looking on this Chance as an Omen , he laid aside all thoughts of his Journey , and heeded other Business : so near had these great and glorious Designs , even in their very Birth , lost their opportunity . But Pelopidas and his Companions dressing themselves like Clowns , divided , and whilst it was yet day , entered at several Quarters of the City ; besides it was a stormy day , and it began to snow , which contributed much to their Concealment , because most of the Citizens kept within doors to avoid the Weather ; but those that were concern'd in the Design , receiv'd them as they came , and presently conducted them to Charon's House , and together with the Exiles made up forty eight in number . Now the Tyrants Affairs stood thus : Secretary Philidas ( as I have already observ'd ) was an Accomplice in , and privy to all the Contrivance of the Exiles , and he a while before had invited Archias with others to an Entertainment on that day , to drink freely , and accompany some married Whores , on purpose that when they were drunk , and softned with Pleasures , he might deliver them over to the Rage of the Conspirators . But before Archias was throughly heated , notice was given him that the Exiles were privately in Town ; a true Report indeed , but obscure , and not well confirm'd : nevertheless though Philidas endeavoured to divert the Discourse , Archias sent one of his Guard to Charon , and commanded him presently to attend . Now it was Evening , and Pelopidas , and his Friends with him in the House , were putting themselves into a fit posture for Action , having their Armour on already , and their Swords girt : but at the sudden knocking at the door , one stepping forth to enquire the Matter , and learning from the Serjeant that Charon was sent for by the Officers , in great confusion he return'd , and acquainted those within ; and this made all presently conjecture , that the whole Plot was discover'd , and they should be cut in pieces , before any Action worthy Men of their Bravery was perform'd ; yet all agreed that Charon should obey , and attend the Officers , to prevent Suspicion . Now tho' Charon was a Man of Courage and Resolution in all Dangers , yet in this Case he was extreamly concern'd , lest any should suspect that he was the Traytor , and the Death of so many and so brave Citizens be laid on him . And therefore when he was ready to depart , he brought his Son out of the Womens Apartment , a little Boy as yet , but very pretty , and stronger than his Equals , and deliver'd him to Pelopidas with these words : If you find me a Traytor , use that Boy as an Enemy , and be cruel in the Execution . This Concernment and Affection of Charon drew Tears from many : but all were extreamly troubled , that any one of them should be thought so mean spirited , and grown so base , at the appearance of approaching danger , as to suspect or blame him ; and therefore desir'd him not to involve his Son , but set him out of harms way , that so scaping the Tyrants Power , he might live to revenge his City , and his Friends . But he refus'd to remove him , and said , What Life , what Safety can be more honourable , than to die bravely with his Father , and such generous Companions ? Thus imploring the Protection of the Gods , and saluting and encouraging them all , he departed , considering with himself , and composing his Voice and Countenance , that he might look like one not at all concern'd in the Design . When he was come to the Door , Archias with Philidas came out to him , and said , I have heard , Charon , that there are some come to Town , and lurk here , and to whose Cabal some of the Citizens resort . Charon was at first disturb'd , but presently return'd , who are they ? and who conceals them ? But finding Archias did not throughly understand the Matter , he conjectur'd , that none that was privy to the Design , had made this Discovery , and therefore told them , Perhaps 't is an empty Rumour that disturbs you , yet however I●le examine , for no Report in such a Case is to be neglected . Philidas that stood by , commended him , and leading back Archias , drank him to a pitch , still prolonging the Entertainment with the hopes of the Womens Company at last . But when Charon was return'd , and found the Men prepar'd , not as if they hop'd for Safety and Success , but to die bravely , and with the Slaughter of their Enemies , he told Pelopidas the truth , but deceiv'd the rest , pretending that Archias discours'd him about other Matters . This Storm was just blown over , when Fortune brought another ; for a Messenger came with a Letter from one Archias , the Pontifick of Athens , to his Name-sake Archias , who was his Friend and Guest : this Letter was not fill'd with an idle and feign'd Suspicion , but as appear'd afterwards , discover'd each particular of the Design . The Messenger being brought in to Archias , who was now pretty well drunk , and delivering the Letter , said to him , He that sent this , desires you to read it presently , for it contains Matters of Concern ; but Archias smilingly return'd , Matters of Concern to morrow : and so receiving the Letter , he put it under his Pillow , and then fell to his ordinary Discourse with Philidas ; and these words of his are a Proverb to this day amongst the Greeks . Now when the Opportunity seem'd convenient for Action , they march'd out in two Companies ; Pelopidas and Damoclides with their Party went against Leontidas and Hypates , that liv'd near together ; Charon and Melon against Archias and Philip , having put on Womens Apparel upon their Armour , and thick Garlands of Fir and Pine to shade their Faces ; and therefore as soon as they came to the Door , the Guests clapp'd and gave an Huzza , thinking those had been the Women they expected . But when the Conspirators had look'd about the Room , and diligently view'd all that were at the Entertainment , they drew their Swords , and making at Archias and Philip over the Table , presently discover'd what they were : Philidas perswaded some few of his Guests to sit still , and those that stirr'd , and endeavour'd to assist their Officers , being all drunk , were easily dispatch'd . But Pelopidas and his Party met with a harder Task ; for they attempted Leontidas , a sober and stout Man , and when they came to his house , they found his Doors shut , he being already gone to Bed : they knock'd a long time before any one would answer , but at last a Servant that heard them , coming out ▪ and unbarring the Door , as soon as the Gate gave way , they rush'd in , and over-turning the Man , made all haste to Leontidas his Chamber . But Leontidas guessing at the Matter by the noise and running , leap'd from his Bed , and drew his Dagger , but forgot to put out the Lights , and by that means make them fall foul on one another in the dark . But now being easily seen by reason of the Light , he received them at his Chamber-door , and stabb'd Chephisidorus , the first Man that entered : he falling , the next that he engag'd was Pelopidas ; between whom , the Passage being narrow , and Chephisidorus his Carkass lying in the way , there was a fierce and dangerous dispute . But at last Pelopidas prevail'd , and having kill'd Leontidas , he and his Companions went in pursuit of Hypates , and after the same manner broke into his House ; but he perceiving the Design , and flying to his Neighbours , they closely follow'd , and caught and kill'd him . This done , they joyn'd Melon , and sent to hasten the Exiles they had left in Attica : they proclaim'd Liberty to the Citizens , and taking down the Spoyls from the Porches , and breaking open all the Shops of Armoury that wear near , they arm'd those that came to their Assistance . Epaminondas and Gorgidas came in provided with a gallant Train of young Men , and best of the old . Now the City was in a strange Confusion , a great noise and hurry , Lights set up in every House , Men running here and there ; yet the People did not gather into a Body , but all amaz'd at the Actions , and not clearly understanding the Matter , waited for the Day . And therefore the Spartan Officers are to be blam'd for not falling on presently , since their Garrison consisted of about 1500 Men , and many of the Citizens ran to them ; but terrify'd with the noise , the Fires , and the confus'd Running of the People , they kept quietly within the Cadmea . As soon as day appear'd , the Exiles from Attica came in arm'd , and there was a general Assembly of the People : Epaminondas and Gorgidas brought forth Pelopidas and his Party , incompass'd by the Priests , who held out their Garlands , and exhorted the People to fight for their Countrey and their Gods. The Assembly excited at this Appearance , with Shouts and Acclamations receiv'd the Men as their Deliverers and Benefactors . Then Pelopidas being chosen Governour of Beotia , together with Melon and Charon , presently block'd up the Castle , and storm'd it on all sides , being extreamly desirous to beat out the Lacedaemonians , and free the Cadmea , before an Army could come from Sparta to their Relief ; and he was so quick , that they surrendring upon Articles , met Cleombrotus at Megara marching towards Thebes with a considerable Force . The Spartans condemn'd and executed Hermippides and Acissus , two of their Governours at Thebes , and Duscoridas the third being severely fin'd , fled to Peloponnesus . This Action being so like that of Thrasybulus , in the Courage of the Actors , the Danger , the Encounters , and equally crown'd with Success , is call'd its Sister by the Greeks ; for we can scarce find any others , who being few and weak , by their bold Courage overcame their more numerous and more powerful Enemies , and brought greater Blessings to their Countrey . But the following change of Affairs made this Action the more famous ; for that War which brake the Spartan's Power , and for ever ruin'd their Pretensions to command , proceeded from that night , in which Pelopidas not surprizing any Castle , Garrison , or Town , but coming the twelfth Man to his own private House , loos'd and broke ( if we may speak Truth in Metaphor ) the Chains of the Spartan Government , which before seem'd Adamant , and indissoluble . Now when the Lacedaemonians invaded Beotia with a great Army , the Athenians frighted at the Danger , declar'd themselves no Allies to Thebes , and prosecuting those that stood for the Beotian Interest , some they executed , some they banish'd , and fin'd some : and thus the Affairs of Thebes , having no Allies for their Support , seem'd in a desperate condition . But Pelopidas and Gorgidas being Governours of Beotia , and designing to breed a Quarrel between the Spartans and Athenians , made this Contrivance : One Sphodrias , a Man famous indeed for Martial Exploits , but of no sound Judgement , full of ungrounded Hopes and foolish Ambition , was left with an Army at Thespia , to receive and succour the Theban Renegades . Pelopidas privately sent a Merchant , a Friend of his , to carry him Money , and what prov'd more prevalent , advice , that it more became a Man of his Worth , to set upon some great Enterprize ; and making a sudden Incursion on the unprovided Athenians , surprize the Pireum ; for nothing could be so grateful to Sparta , as to take Athens , and to be sure , the Thebans would not stir to their Assistance , whom they now hated , and look'd upon as Traytors . Sphodrias being at last wrought upon , with his Army march'd into Attica by Night , and advanc'd as far as Eleusina ; but there his Souldiers Hearts failing , and his Design discover'd , when by this Action he had engag'd the Spartans in a dangerous War , he retreated to Thespia : for upon this the Athenians very readily sent Supplyes to Thebes , and putting to Sea themselves , sail'd to many Places , and receiv'd and engag'd those who were willing to revolt . Now the Thebans singly having many Skirmishes with the Spartans , and fighting some Battels , not great indeed , but fit to train them up , and instruct them , their Minds were rais'd , and their Bodies inur'd to Labour , and they got both Experience and Courage by these frequent Encounters : insomuch that 't is reported Antaclides the Spartan said to Agesilaus returning wounded from Beotia , Indeed , Sir , the Thebans have given you a very fair Reward , for instructing them in the Art of War against their Wills : but in truth , Agesilaus was not their Master in this , but those that did prudently and opportunely , as Men do young Mastiffs , set them on their Enemies , and then cherish them after they had tasted the Sweets of Victory and Resolution . Of all those Leaders , Pelopidas deserves the most Honour ; for after they had once chosen him General , he was every year in Command as long as he liv'd ; either Captain of the sacred Band , or , what was most frequent , Governour of Beotia . About Platea and Thespia the Spartans were routed and fled , and Phebidas , that surpriz'd the Cadmea , slain ; and at Tenagra they worsted a considerable Force , and kill'd the Leader Panthoides . But these Encounters , though they rais'd the Victors Spirits , did not quite dishearten the Unfortunate ; for there was no set Battel , or regular Fighting , but Incursions on Advantage , Charges and Pursuits , and thus they fought and got the better . But the Battel at Tegura , which seem'd a Praeludium to Leuctra , won Pelopidas a great Reputation ; for none of the other Commanders could pretend an hand in the Design , nor the Enemies a shew of Victory : for the City of the Orchomenians siding with the Spartans , and receiving two Companies for their Guard , he kept a constant Eye upon them , and watch'd his Opportunity . Now when he heard that the Garison drew off to Locris . hoping to find Orchomenum defenceless , he march'd with his sacred Band , and some few Horse-men ; but when he approach'd the City , and found that a reinforcement of that Garison was on its March from Sparta , he fetch'd a Compass round the foot of the Mountains , and retreated with his little Army through Tegura , that being the only way he could march ; for the River Melas , almost as soon as it rises , spreads its self into Marshes and navigable Pools , and makes all the Plain unpassable : a little below the Marshes stands the Temple of Apollo Tegureus , now forsaken , nor was it famous long , but flourish'd till the Medes Wars , Echecrates being then Priest . Here they report that the God was born ; the neighbouring Mountain is call'd Delos , and there the River Melas comes again into a Channel ; behind the Temple rise two Springs , admirable for the sweetness , abundance , and coolness of the Streams ; one they call Phaenix , the other Elaea , as if Lucina had not been deliver'd between two Trees , but Fountains : besides there is a Place hard by call'd Ptoum , where they say she was affrighted by the appearance of a Boar ; and all the Stories of the Python , Tytius , and the like , these Places apply to the Birth of the God. I omit a thousand other Conjectures , for our Tradition doth not rank this God amongst those that were born , and so made immortal , as Hercules and Bacchus , whom their Vertue rais'd above a mortal and passible condition ; but he is one of the eternal , if we may gather any certainty concerning these things , from the Discourses of the oldest and wisest in these Matters . Now the Thebans retreating from Orchomenum towards Tegura , the Spartans at the same time marching from Locris , met them , and as soon as they had pass'd the Straits , and came in view of one another , and one told Pelopidas , We are fallen into our Enemies hands , he reply'd , And why not they into ours as well ? and presently commanded his Horse to advance from the Rear , and charge , and he himself drew his Infantry , being three hundred in number , into a close Body , hoping by that means , whatsoever way he press'd , he should make the greater Slaughter on his more numerous Enemies . The Spartans had two Divisions , ( each consisted , as Ephorus reports , of five hundred ; Calisthenes says seven hundred ; others , as Pollybius , nine hundred ) and their Leaders , Gorgoleon and Theopompus , confident of success , press'd upon the Thebans . The Charge being made against the Leaders of both Divisions with much Fury and Bravery , the Spartan Captains that engag'd Pelopidas , were first kill'd , and then their Companies being most wounded or slain , the whole Army was disheartned , and a Lane opened for the Thebans , as if they desired to pass through and escape . But when Pelopidas entred , and turning against those that stood their ground , still went on with a bloody Slaughter , there began an open Flight amongst the Spartans . They pursu'd but a little way , because they fear'd the neighbouring Orchomenians , and the Reinforcement from Lacedaemon , but they press'd on to a full Victory , and a total Rout of the flying Army ; then erecting a Trophy , and spoyling the slain , they return'd home extreamly rais'd with the Success : for in all the great Wars manag'd against the Greeks or the Barbarians , the Spartans were never before beaten by a smaller Company than their own , nay , nor when their Number was equal ; and thus their Courage seem'd irresistible , their Fame wounded their Enemies before the Battel , and made them afraid to venture an Engagement , though on equal terms . But this Battel first taught the other Greeks that not only Eurotas , or the Countrey between Bubace and Cnacion , breeds Men of Courage and Resolution ; but where-ever the Youth is asham'd of Baseness , and would venture in a good Cause ; where-ever they fly Disgrace more than Danger , there are the stoutest Men , then the most dreadful to their Enemies . Gorgidas ( as some report ) first form'd the sacred Band of three hundred chosen Men , to whom being a Guard for the Castle , the City allow'd Provision , and all things necessary ▪ for Exercise : and hence they were call'd the City Bands , for Castles of old were usually call'd Cities . Others say , that it was compos'd of Lovers and their Belov'd ; and there goes a merry Saying of Pammenes , that Homer's Nestor was not well skill'd in ordering an Army , when he advis'd the Greeks to rank Tribe and Tribe , and Family and Family together : he should have joyn'd Lovers and their Belov'd , for Men of the same Tribe or Family , little value one another when Dangers press ; but a Band cemented by Friendship grounded upon Love , is never to be Broken , and invincible , since the Lovers , asham'd to be base in sight of their Belov'd , and the Belov'd before their Lovers , willingly rush into Danger for the Relief of one another : and Reason good , since they have more Regard for their absent Lovers than others present ; an Instance of which that Man gave , who , when his Enemy was ready to kill him , earnestly requested to run him through the Breast , that his Lover might not blush to see him wounded in the Back . 'T is reported likewise , that Iolaus , being the Lover of Hercules , assisted him in his Labours : and Aristotle observes , that even in his Time , the Lovers plighted their Faith at Iolaus his Tomb. 'T is likely therefore this Band was call'd sacred on this account ; as Plato calls a Lover , a divine Friend ; and Fame says , that it was never beaten till the Battel at Cheronaea : and when Philip after the Fight took a view of the slain , and came to that Place where the three hundred that fought his Phalanx , lay dead together , he wondred , and understanding that 't was the Band of Lovers , he wept , and said , Let them be damn'd , who suspect that these Men either did or suffer'd any thing that was base . Indeed it was not the Disaster of Laius , as the Poets imagine , that first rais'd these Lovers amongst the Thebans , but their Law-givers , who designing to soften , whilst they were young , their natural Fierceness , brought the Pipe into great Esteem both in serious and ludicrous Concerns , and encourag'd an excellent Love in their Palestra's , to temper the Manners of the Youth : and therefore they did very well to make Harmony , the Daughter of Mars and Venus their Tutelar , because where Force and Courage is joyn'd with Gracefulness , and winning Behaviour , the most admirable and best contriv'd Government is fram'd . All things being then Harmoniously dispos'd , Gorgias dividing this sacred Band into the Front Ranks of his Infantry , their Courage seem'd not so conspicuous ; for not being order'd in one Body , they were weakned , by being mingled with others of lesser Resolution . But Pelopidas having sufficiently tryed their Bravery at ▪ Tegura , and that they kept their Ground , and fought well , he never afterwards divided them , but keeping them entire , as one Body , he gave the first Charge in the greatest Battels : for as Horses run brisker in a Chariot than single , not that their joynt Force divides the Air with greater ease , but because they run together , and their Emulation raiseth their Courage ; thus he thought , stout Men provoking one another to commendable Actions , would prove more useful , and more resolv'd , in an Enterprize where they were all concern'd . Now when the Lacedaemonians had made Peace with the other Greeks , and warr'd upon the Thebans only , and their King Cleombrotus march'd with 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse , and not only Slavery , as heretofore , but total Destruction threatned , and Beotia was in a greater fear than ever , Pelopidas going out of his own House , and his Wife bringing him on his way , and with tears begging him to be careful of his Life , he reply'd , Wife , Private Men should be advis'd to look to themselves , Generals to save others . And when he came to the Camp , and found the Generals disagreeing , he first joyn'd with Epaminondas , who advis'd to fight the Enemy ; he was not then Archon ▪ but Captain of the sacred Band , and a Man in Trust , as 't was fit he should be , who had given his Countrey so great proof of his sincere Endeavours for their Freedom . Well then , when a Battel was agree'd on , and they fac'd the Spartans at Leuctra , Pelopidas saw a Vision , which very much discompos'd him : for in that Plain lye the Bodies of the Daughters of one Scedasus , call'd from the Place , Leuctridae , for there they were bury'd , having been ravish'd by some Spartan Strangers . When this base and impious Deed was done , and their Father could get no Satisfaction at Lacedaemon , with bitter imprecations on the Spartans , he kill'd himself at his Daughter's Tombs : and from that time the Prophesies and Oracles still warn'd them to have a great Care of the Gods Revenge at Leuctra ; but many did not understand the meaning , being uncertain of the Place , because there was a little maritime Town of Laconia call'd Leuctron , and near Megalopolis in Arcadia a Place of the same Name ; and the Villany was committed long before this Battel . Now Pelopidas being asleep in the Camp , thought he saw the Maidens weeping about their Tombs , and cursing the Spartans , and Scedasus commanding , if they desir'd the Victory , to sacrifice a red Virgin to his Daughters . Pelopidas looking on this as an harsh and impious Injunction , rose , and told it to the Prophet , and Commanders of the Army , some of which contended , that 't was fit to obey , and brought for Examples from the Ancients , Meneceus , the Son of Creon ; Macaria , the Daughter of Hercules : and from latter Times , Pherecydes , the Philosopher , slain by the Lacedaemonians , and his Skin , as the Oracles advis'd , still kept by their Kings : that Leonidas , warn'd by the Oracle , did as it were sacrifice himself for the Good of Greece : that Themistocles offer'd some to Bacchus Omestes , before the Engagement at Salamis , and that the Success shew'd their Actions to be good . On the contrary , Agesilaus going from the same Place , and against the same Enemies that Agamemnon did , and being commanded in a Dream at Aulis to sacrifice his Daughter , he being too fond , deny'd it , and therefore his Expedition was unsuccessful and inglorious . But some on the other side urg'd , that such a barbarous and impious Oblation could not be pleasing to any of those above : that Typhons and Giants did not preside over the World , but the Father of the Gods and Men : that 't was absurd to imagine , any Daemons delighted in Slaughter and Sacrifices of Men ; or if there were any such , they were to be neglected , as weak and unable to assist ; for unreasonable and impious Desires could only proceed from , and live in weak and deprav'd Minds . The Commanders thus disputing , and Pelopidas being in a great Perplexity , a Mare ▪ Colt breaking from the Herd , ran through the Camp , and when she came to the place where they were , stood still ; and whilst some admir'd the sparkling Redness of her Colour , others her Mettle , or the strength and fury of her Neighing , Theocritus the Augur having consider'd the Matter , cry'd out to Pelopidas , Happy Man ! look , the Sacrifice is come , expect no other Virgin , but use that which the Gods have sent thee : with that they took the Colt , and leading her to the Maidens Sepulchers , with the usual Solemnity and Prayers , offer'd her with joy , and then told the whole Army Pelopidas his Dream , and how they had given the requir'd Sacrifice . Now in the Battel Epaminondas bending his Phalanx to the left , that , as much as possible , he might divide the right Wing , compos'd of Spartans , from the other Greeks , and distress Cleombrotus , by a brisk Charge on that Wing , the Enemies perceiv'd the Design , and began to change their Order , to open their right Wing , and far exceeding him in Number , incompass Epaminondas . But Petopidas came briskly up before Cleombrotus could open , and close his Divisions , and so fell upon the disorder'd Spartans ; tho' the Lacedaemonians are the most expert and cunning in the Art of War , and are train'd up , and accustom'd to nothing more , than to keep themselves from Confusion , when their Order is disturb'd ; but to follow any Leader , or Right hand Man , and order themselves , and fight on what part soever Dangers press , in this Battel Epaminondas his Phalanx neglecting the other Greeks , and charging them alone , and Pelopidas coming up with such incredible speed and fury , so brake their Courage , and baffled their Art , that there began such a Flight and Slaughter amongst the Spartans , as was never before known : and so Pelopidas being neither Archon nor General , but only a Captain of a small Band , got as much Reputation by the Victory , as Epaminondas who was both General and Archon . The two Archons march'd into Peloponnesus , and recover'd many Places from the Spartans ; Elis , Argos , all Arcadia , and much of Laconia it self . Now it was the dead of Winter , and but few days remain'd of the last declining Month , and in the beginning of the next new Governours were to succeed , and whoever refus'd to deliver up his Charge , forfeited his Head : therefore the other Archons fearing the Law , and to avoid the sharpness of the Winter , advis'd a Retreat . But Pelopidas joyn'd with Epa●inondas , and encouraging his Citizens , led them against Sparta , and passing the Eu●●tas , took many of their Towns , and wasted their Countrey as far as the Sea. This Army consisted of 70000 Greeks , of which number the Thebans could not make the 12th part ; but the Reputation of the Men made all their Allies contented to follow them as Leaders , tho' no Articles had been made ; for it seems the first and chiefest Law , That he that wants a Defender , is naturally a Subject to him that ●s able to defend : as Mariners , tho' in a Calm 〈◊〉 in the Port they grow insolent , and brave the Pilot , yet when a Storm comes , and Danger is at hand , they all attend , and put their Hopes in him ; so the Argives , Eleans , and Arcadians , in their Consults , would contend with the Thebans for Superiority in the Army , yet in a Battel . or any hazardous Undertaking , they willingly follow'd their Captains . In this Expedition they united all Arcadia into one Body , and destroying the Spartans that inhabited Messenia , they call'd back the old Messenians and gave them Ithone to possess , and returning through Cenchrea , they dispers'd the Athenians , who design'd to set upon them in the Streights , and hinder their March. For these Exploits , all the other Greeks lov'd their Courage , and admir'd their Success ; but their Citizens Envy still increasing with their Glory , provided for them no pleasing nor agreeable Reception : for both were try'd for their Lives , because they did not deliver up their Command in the first Month ( Bucation ) as the Law requir'd , but kept it four Months longer , in which time they did all those memorable Actions in Messenia , Arcadia , and Laconia : Pelopidas was first try'd , and therefore in greatest danger , but both were freed . Epaminondas bore the Accusation and Tryal very patiently , esteeming it a great piece of Courage and Generosity , not to resent the Injuries of his Citizens ; but Pelopidas being a Man of a fiercer Temper , and stirr'd on by his Friends to revenge the Affront , took this occasion : Meneclides the the Orator was one of those that caball'd with Melon and Pelopidas at Charon's House ; but not receiving a suitable Reward , and being powerful in his Speech , but loose in his Manners , and ill-natur'd , he abus'd his natural Endowments , even after this Tryal , to accuse and calumniate his Betters . He put by EPaminondas from the Archonship , and a long time kept the upper hand of him : but he was not powerful enough to bring Pelopidas out of the Peoples Favour , and therefore endeavour'd to raise a Quarrel between him and Charon : and since 't is some Comfort to the Envious , to make those Men whom themselves cannot excel , to appear worse than others , he studiously enlarg'd upon Charon's Actions in his Speeches to the People , he made Panegyricks on his Expeditions and Victories ; and of that Victory which the Horsemen wan at Platea , before the Battel at Leuctra , under Charon's Command , he endeavour'd to make this sacred Memorial : Androclydes , a Cyzicenian , undertaking to paint another Battel for the City wrought at Thebes ; but when the Revolt began , and the War came on the Thebans kept the Picture that was then almost finish'd : this Picture Menaclides perswaded them to dedicate , and subscribe Charon's Name , designing by that means to obscure the Glory of Epaminondas and Pelopidas . Now this was an absurd Ambition , to prefer a single Victory , where only one Gerandias , an obscure Fellow , and 40 more were slain , before so great and noble Encounters . This Motion Pelopidas oppos'd , as contrary to Law , alledging that it was not the Custom of the Thebans to honour any single Man , but attribute the Victory to their Countrey ; yet in all the Contest , he extreamly Commended Charon , and shew'd Menaclides to be a troublesom and envious Fellow , earnestly asking the Thebans , if they had done nothing that was excellent : insomuch that Menaclides was severely fin'd , which he being not able to pay , endeavour'd afterwards to disturb the Government ; and these things give us some light into Pelopidas his Life . Now when Alexander , the Pherean Tyrant , made open War against some of the Thessalians , and had Designs against all , the Cities sent an Embassy to Thebes , to desire Succours and a General ; Peloptdas knowing that Epaminondas was detain'd by the Peloponnesian affairs , offer'd himself to lead the Thessalians , being unwilling to let his Courage and Skill lye idle , and thinking it unfit that they should be destitute of a Leader , till Epaminondas could be ready . When he came into Thessalia with his Army , he presently took Larissa , and endeavour'd to reclaim Alexander , who submitted , and bring him from being a Tyrant , to govern gently , and according to Law ; but finding him untractable and bruitish , Pelopidas began to be severe , and us'd him roughly , insomuch that the Tyrant stole away privately with his Guard. But Pelopidas leaving the Thessalians fearless of the Tyrant , and Friends amongst themselves , march'd into Macedonia , for Ptolomy then warr'd with Alexander , the King of Macedon , and both sent for him to hear and determine their Differences , and assist him that appear'd injur'd . When he came , he reconcil'd them , call'd back the Exiles , and receiving for Hostages , Philip , the King's ●rother , and 300 Children of the Nobles , ●e brought them to Thebes , shewing the other Greeks , how much the Thebans had gain'd by the Reputation of their Honesty and Courage . This was that Philip , which afterward endeavour'd to enslave the Gre●ians : then he was a Boy , and liv'd with one ●ammenes ; and hence some conjecture , that be took Epaminondas his Actions for the Rule of his own ; perhaps indeed he observ'd his Conduct , and Excellence in the Art of War , which was but a small portion of that Man's ●●rtue ; but of his Temperance , Justice , Ge●●rosity and Mildness , in which he was ●ruely great , Philip enjoy'd no share , either 〈◊〉 Nature or Imitation . After this , upon a ●●cond Complaint of the Thessalians against Alexander the Pherean , as a Disturber of the Cities , Pelopidas was joyn'd with Ismenius , 〈◊〉 an Embassy to him ; he led no Forces from ●●ebes , not expecting any War , and there●ore was necessitated to make use of the Thessalians in those urgent Affairs . At the same time also Macedon was in confusion again , for Ptolomy had murther'd the King , and seiz'd the Government : but the King's Friends sent for Pelopidas , and he being willing to be meddling in the Matter , but having no Souldiers of his own , listed some Mercenaries in the Country , and with those march'd against Ptolomy . Now when they fac'd one another , Ptolomy corrupted these Mercenaries with a sum of Money , and perswaded them to revolt to him ; but yet fearing the very Name and Reputation of Pelopidas , he came to him as his Superior , submitted , begg'd his Pardon , and protested that he kept the Government only for the Brothers of the dead King , and would prove a Friend to the Friends , and an Enemy to the Enemies of Thebes ; and to confirm this , he gave his Son Philoxenus , and 50 of his Companions for Hostages . These Pelopidas sent to Thebes ; but he himself being vex'd at the Treachery of the Mercenaries , and understanding that most of their Goods , their Wives and Children , lay at Pharsalus , ( so that if he could take them , the Injury would be sufficiently reveng'd ) he got together some of the Thessalians , and march'd to Pharsalus . When he was just entred the City , Alexander the Tyrant appear'd before it with an Army ; but Pelopidas and his Friends thinking that he came to purge himself from those Crimes that were laid to his charge , went to him , and tho' they knew very well that he was profligate and cruel , yet they imagin'd that the Authority of Thebes , and their own Dignity and Reputation , would secure them from Violence . But the Tyrant seeing them come unarm'd , and alone , seiz'd them , and made himself Master of Pharsalus . Upon this , his Subjects were extreamly afraid , that after so great and so bold an Injury , he would spare none , but behave himself toward all , and in all Matters , as one just despairing of his Life . The Thebans , when they understood this , were very much enrag'd , and dispatch'd an Army , Epaminondas being then in Disgrace , under the Command of other Leaders . Now when the Tyrant brought Pelopidas to Phera , at first he permitted those that desir'd it , to speak with him , imagining that this Disaster would break his Spirit , and make him appear contemptible . But when Pelopidas advis'd the complaining Phereans to be comsorted , as if the Tyrant in a short time would smart for his Injuries , and sent to tell him , That 't was absurd , daily to torment and ●●rder his wretched innocent Subjects , and yet spare him , whom , he well knew , if ever he got his Liberty , would be bitterly reveng'd ; the Tyrant wondring at his Bravery , reply'd , And ●hy is Pelopidas in haste to die ? And he hearing of it , return'd , That thou mightest be the sooner ruin'd , being then more hated by the Gods than now . From that time he forbad any to discourse him ; but Thebe , the Daughter of Jason , and Wife to Alexander , understanding from the Keepers , the Bravery and generous Carriage of Pelopidas , had a great desire to see and speak with him . Now when she came into the Prison , and , as a Woman , could not presently perceive his Greatness in his Calamity , but guessing by the meanness of his Attire and Provision , that he was us'd basely and not befitting a Man of his Reputation , she wept . Pelopidas at first not knowing who she was , stood amaz'd ; but when he understood her Quality , he saluted her by her Father's Name , for Jason and he had been Friends and Familiars ; and she saying , I pity your Wife , Sir ; he reply'd , And I you , that being not in Chains , can endure Alexander . This touch'd the Woman , for she already hated Alexander for his Cruelty and Injustice , for his other Debaucheries , and for abusing her younger Brother to his Lust ; and therefore going often to Pelopidas , and speaking freely of the Indignities she suffer'd , she grew more enrag'd , and more exasperated against Alexander . The Theban Generals that were sent into Thessaly did nothing , but being both unskilful and unfortunate , made a dishonourable Retreat , for which the City fin'd each of them 10000 Drachma's , and sent Epaminondas with their Forces . The Thessalians rais'd with the Fame of this General , presently began to stir , and the Tyrants Affairs sank into a very dangerous condition , so great was the fear that possess'd his Captains , and his Friends , so eager the desire of his Subjects to revolt ; so much they rejoyc'd at Alexanders approaching Ruine , which they so passionately expected . But Epaminondas being more solicitous for the Safety of Pelopidas than his own Glory , and fearing that if things came to Extremity , Alexander would grow desperate , and like a wild Beast , turn and worry him , did not vigorously prosecute the War : but hovering still over him with his Army , he so handled the Tyrant , as not to make him despair , nor exasperate his Fury ; for he understood his Savageness , and the little Value he had for Right and Just ; insomuch that sometimes he buried Men alive , sometimes he dress'd them in Bears and Boars Skins , and then baited them with Dogs , or shot at them for his Divertisement . At Melibea and Scotusa , two Cities , his Allies , he call'd all the Inhabitants to an Assembly , and then surrounded them , and cut them to pieces with his Guards . He consecrated the Spear with which he kill'd his Uncle Polyphron , and crowning it with Garlands , sacrific'd to it as a God , and call'd it Tychon . And once seeing a Tragaedian act Euripides his Troades , he went out of the Theatre , but sending for the Actor , bad him not to be concern'd at his Departure , but go on with the Play , for 't was not in Contempt of him that he departed , but he was asham'd that his Citizens should see him , who never pity'd any Man that he murder'd , weep at the Sufferings of Hecuba and Audromache . This Tyrant , startled at the very Name , Glory and Appearance of an Expedition under the Conduct of Epaminondas , presently sent an Embassy to entreat and offer Satisfaction ; but Epaminondas refus'd to admit such a Man for an Ally to the Thebans , but granted him a Truce of 30 days , and Pelopidas and Ismenius being deliver'd , he return'd . Now the Thebans understanding that the Spartans and Athenians had sent an Embassy to the Persian for Assistance , they likewise sent Pelopidas ; an excellent Design to encrease his Glory , no Man of so great Fame and Reputation , having ever before entred the Dominions of the King : for the Glory that he won against the Spartans , did not creep slowly or obscurely , but after the Fame of the first Battel at Leuctra was gone abroad , the Report of some new Victories continually following , exceedingly encreas'd and far and near spread his Reputation ▪ When he came to the Nobles and Captains that waited at the King's Palace , he was the Object of their Wonder and Discourse ; This is the Man , said they , who hath beaten the Lacedaemonians from their Principality of Sea and Land , and confin'd Sparta within Geta and Eurotas , which but a little before , under the Conduct of Agesilaus fought the great King about Susa and Ecbatana . This pleas'd Artaxerxes , and he increas'd Pelopidas his Reputation and Honours , being desirous to seem reverenc'd , and sought to by the greatest . But when he saw him , and heard his Discourse , more solid than the Arthenians , and not so haughty as the Spartans , his Love was heightned , and truly acting like a King , he conceal'd not the Respect that he had for him : and this the other Ambassadors perceiv'd , tho'he seem'd to have done Antaclidas , the Spartan , the greatest Honour , by sending him that Garland dipp'd in Oyntment , which he himself had worn at an Entertainment . Indeed he did not deal so wantonly with Pelopidas , but according to the Custom , gave him the most splendid and considerable Presents , and granted him his Desires ; that the Grecians should be free ; Messena inhabited ; and the Thebans accounted the King's ancient Friends : with these Answers , but not accepting one of the Presents , except what was a Pledge of Kindness and Good-will , he return'd . This Behaviour of Pelopidas ruin'd the other Ambassadors : The Athenians condemn'd and executed their Timagoras , and indeed if they did it for receiving so many Presents from the King , their Sentence was just and good ; for he not only took Gold and Silver , but a rich Bed , and Slaves to make it , as if the Greeks were unskilful in that Art ; besides 80 Kine and Herdsmen , as if he needed Cows Milk for some Distemper ; and lastly , he was carry'd in a Chair to the Sea-side , and 4 Talents given to the Chair-men by the King. But the Athenians were not so much concern'd at his greediness for the Presents , ( for one Epicrates a Scullion , did not only confess to the People , that he had receiv'd Gifts from the King ▪ but made a Motion , that instead of 9 Governours , they should yearly chuse nine poor Citizens to be sent Ambassadors to the King , and enrich'd by his Presents , and the People only laugh'd at the Motion ) but were vex'd that the Thebans obtain'd their Desires , never considering , that Pelopidas his Fame was more powerful than all their Rhetorical Discourse , with a Man who still inclin'd to the most victorious ; and this Embassy having obtain'd the Restitution of Messena , & the Freedom of the other Greeks , got Pelopidas a great deal of Love at his Return . At this time Alexander the Pherean falling back to his old Nature and having seiz'd many of the Thessalians and put Garrisons upon the Pthiotae , Achaian and Magnesians , the Cities hearing that Pelopidas was return'd , sent an Embassy to Thebes , requesting Succours , and him for their Leader . The Thebans willingly granted their desire ; and now when all things were prepar'd , and the General beginning to march , the Sun was eclips'd , and darkness spread o're the City at Noon-day . Now when Pelopidas saw them startled at the Prodigy , he did not think it fit to force them on who were afraid , and out of heart , nor to hazard 7000 of his Citizens ; and therefore only with 300 Horse Voluntiers , he set forward to Thessaly , much against the will of the Augurs & his Citizens , who all imagin'd this considerable Accident to portend somewhat to this great Man. But he was fierce against Alexander for the Injuries he receiv'd , and hop'd likewise by the Discourse which formerly he had with Thebe , that his Family by this time was divided , and out of order . But the Glory of the Expedition chiefly excited him ; for he was extreamly desirous at this time , when the Lacedaemonians assisted Dionysius , the Sicilian Tyrant , and the Athenians took Alexander's Pay , and honour'd him with a brazen Statue as a Benefactor , to show the other Greeks , that the Thebans alone undertook their Cause , who were oppress'd by Tyrants , and destroy'd ▪ the violent and Illegal Forms of Government in Greece . When Pelopidas was come to Pharsalus , he form'd an Army , and presently march'd against Alexander ; and Alexander understanding that Pelopidas had few Thebans with him , and that his Inafntry was double the number of the Thessalians , fac'd him at Thetidium : and when one told Pelopidas , The Tyrant meets us with a great Army ; So much the better , he reply'd , for then we shall overcome the more . Between the two Armies lay some steep high Hills about Cynocephale , which both Parties endeavour'd to take by their Footmen . Pelopidas commanded his Horse , which were good and many , to charge the Enemies , and those they routed , and pursu'd through the Plain . But Alexander took the Hills , and charging the Thessalian Footmen that came up later , and strove to climb the steep and craggy Ascent , kill'd the foremost , and the others much distress'd , could do the Enemies no harm . Pelopidas observing this , sounded a Retreat to his Horse , and gave Orders , that they should charge the Enemies that kept their ground ; and he himself taking a Shield in his hand , quickly joyn'd those that fought about the Hills , and advancing to the Front , fill'd his Men with such Courage and Alacrity , that the Enemies imagin'd they came with other Spirits and other Bodies to the Onset . They stood 2 or 3 Charges , but finding they came on briskly , and the Horse returning from the pursuit , they gave ground , and retreated in order . But Pelopidas perceiving from a rising ground , that the Enemies Army was not yet routed , tho' full of Disorder and Confusion , he stood , and look'd about for Alexander ; and when he saw him in the right wing , encouraging and ordering his Mercenaries , he could not moderate his Anger , but inflam'd at the sight , and blindly and heedlesly following his Passion , he advanc'd far before his Souldiers , crying out , and challenging the Tyrant : he did not dare to receive him , but retreating , hid himself amongst his Guard. The foremost of the Mercenaries that came hand to hand , were cut down by Pelopidas , and many kill'd , but many at a distance shot through his Ar●our and wounded him , till the Thessalians deeply concern'd at the Matter , ran down from the Hill to his Relief . Now when he was slain , the Horse came up , and routed the Phalanx , and following the pursuit a great way , fill'd the whole Country with the slain , which were above 3000. 'T is no wonder , that the Thebans then present , were very much griev'd for the Death of Pelopidas , calling him their Father , Deliverer , and Instructor , in all that was good and commendable . But the Thessalians and the Allies , exceeding by their publick Edicts , all the just Honours that could be given to Courage , by their Concernment gave more certain demonstrations of the Kindness they had for him ; for 't is reported , that none of the Souldiers when they heard of his Death , would put off their Armour , unbridle their Horses , or dress their Wounds , but still hot and with their Arms on , ran to his Carkass , as if he had been yet alive ; they heap'd up Spoyls about his Body , cut off their Horses Mains , and their own Hair , and many kindled no Fire in their Tents , took no Supper , and Silence and Sadness was spread o're all the Army , as if they had not gotten the greatest and most victorious Victory , but were overcome by the Tyrant , and inslav'd . As soon as this was nois'd about the Cities , the Magistrates , Youth , Children , & Priests came out to meet the Body , and brought Trophies , Crowns , and Suits of golden Armour : and when he was to be int●●r'd , the Elders of the Thessalians came and begg'd the Thebans , that they might give the Funeral ; and one of them said , Friends , we ask a favour of you , that will prove both an Honour and Comfort to us in this our great Misfortune ; for the Thessalians shall never again wait on the living Pelopidas , never give Honours , of which he can be sensible , but if we may have his Body , adorn his Funeral , and interr him , we shall certainly show th at we esteem his Death a greater loss to the Thessalians than the Thebans : you have lost only an expert General , we a General and our Liberty , for how shall we desire from you another Captain , since we cannot restore Pelopidas ? The Thebans granted their Request , and there was never a more splendid Funeral in their opinion , who do not think the Glory of such Solemnities consists only in Gold , Ivory and Purple ; as Phili●●us , who extravagantly celebrates the Funeral of Dionysius , where his Tyranny concluded like the pompous Exit of some great Tragedy . Alexander , at the Death of Hephesti●● , did not only cut off the Mains of his Horses and his Mules , but took down the Battlements from the City-Walls , that even the Towns might seem Mourners , and instead of their former beauteous Appearance , look bald at his Funeral . But these things being commanded and forc'd from the Mourners , attended with the Envy of those that enjoy'd them , and hatred of those that compell'd them , were no Testimonies of Love and Honour , but of the barbarous Pride , Luxury , and Insolence of those , who lavish'd their Wealth in these vain and inimitable Fancies . But that a Man of common Rank , dying in a strange Countrey , neither his Wife , Children , nor Kinsmen present , none either desiring or compelling it , should be attended , buried , and crown'd by so many Cities , that strove to exceed one another in the Demonstrations of their Love , seems to be the height of Happiness : for ( as Aesop observes ) the Death of the happy Men is not the most grievous , but most blessed , since it secures their Felicity , and puts it out of Fortunes Power . And that Spartan advis'd well , who embracing Diagoras , who had himself been crown'd in the Olympian Games , and saw his Sons and Grandchildren Victors , said , Dye Diagoras , for thou canst not be a God : and yet who would compare all the Victories in the Pythian and Olympian Games with one of those Enterprizes of Pelopidas , of which he successfully perform'd many , and having spent his Life in brave and glorious Actions ; he dy'd fighting for the Liberty of the Thessalians ? His Death , as it brought Grief , so likewise Profit to the Allies ; for the Thebans as soon as they heard of his fall , delay'd not their Revenge , but presently sent 7000 Foot , and 700 Horse , under the Command of Malcitus and Diogiton : and they finding Alexander weak , and without Forces ▪ compell'd him to restore the Cities he had taken ; to draw his Garrisons from the Magnesians , Pthiotae , and Achaians , & swear to assist the Thebans against whatsoever Enemies they should require . This contented the Thebans , but Punishment follow'd the Tyrant for his wickedness , and the Death of Pelopidas was reveng'd in this manner : Pelopidas ( as I have already mention'd ) taught his Wife Thebe , not to be afraid of the outward Bravery and Guard of the Tyrant , since she was within his Arms , & Slaves . Now she fear'd his Inconstancy , and hated his Cruelty , and therefore conspiring with her three Brothers , Tisiphonus , Patholaus , and Lychophron , dispatch'd him in this manner : All the other Apartments were full of the Tyrants Night-Guards , but their Bed-Chamber was an upper Room , and before the Door lay a chain'd Dog to guard it , which would fly at all but the Tyrant , and his Wife , and one Servant that fed him : now when Thebe had a mind to kill him , she hid her Brothers all day in a Room hard by , and she going in alone , according to her usual custom , to Alexander , that was asleep already , in a little time came out again , and commanded the Servant to lead away the Dog , for the Tyrant would take some rest ; she cover'd the Stairs with Wooll , that the young Men might make no noise as they came up ; and then bringing up her Brothers , and leaving them at the Chamber-door , she went in , and brought away the Tyrants Sword that hung over his head , and shew'd it them , for a confirmation that he was fast asleep : now the young Men appearing fearful , and unwilling to do the Murder , she chid them , and angrily swore she would wake Alexander , and discover the Conspiracy ; so with a Candle in her Hand , she conducted them in , being both asham'd and afraid , and brought them to the Bed , one of them caught him by the Feet , the other pull'd him backward by the Hair , and the third ran him through . The Death was more speedy than was fit , but in that he was the first Tyrant that was kill'd by the contrivance of his Wife , and his Carkass abus'd , thrown out , and trodden under foot by the Phereans , he seems to have suffer'd what his Villanies deserv'd . Marcellus . THE LIFE OF M. MARCELLUS . Englished from the Original , by Walter Charleton , Dr. of Physick , and Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians , London . Volume II. THey say , that MARCUS CLAUDIUS , who was five times Consul of the Romans , was the Son of Marcus : and that he was the First of his Family called MARCELLUS , that is , Martial , Posidonius affirms . For he was by long experience skilful in the art of War , of a strong body , valiant of his hands , and by natural inclination addicted to War. This great fierceness therefore , and heat he brought with him to battels : in other things modest , obliging , and so far studious of Greek and Learning Discipline , as to honour and admire those that were therein excellent ; but he attained not to a proficiency in them equal to his desire , by reason of his imployments . For if God ever destined any other men , as Homer saith , To be from their first years to their last day , Viers'd in fierce War ; he certainly destined the Roman Princes of that time . Who in their youth had War with the Carthaginians , in their middle age in Sicily , with the Gauls in the defence of Italy it self ; at last , being now grown old , strugled again with Hannibal and the Carthaginians , and wanted in their old age , what is granted to the Vulgar , vacation from the toils of War ; because they were according to their Nobility and Vertue , advanced to the management of Wars , and to Empire : And Marcellus , ignorant or unskilful of no kind of fighting , contending in single Combat upon a Challenge , overcame himself . Wherefore by whomsoever he was challenged , he declined not the provocation , and killed all by whom he was challenged . His Brother Oracilius circumvented in Sicily , he protected and saved , and slew the Enemies that press'd him ; for which facts he was by the Generals , while he was yet but young , presented with Crowns and other honourable Rewards . But when his Vertue more and more shined forth , the people created him Aedilis Curulis ; and the High-Priests , Augur ( which is that Priesthood to which chiefly the Law assigns the procuration and observation of Auguries ) In his Aedility , by a certain mischance he was brought to a necessity of commencing a Suit , and bringing an impeachment into the Senate . He had a Son named Marcus , both of excellent beauty in the flower of his Age , and of such sweet manners , and rare Erudition , that the Citizens admired him . This Youth , one Capitolinus , a lascivious and audacious man , Marcellus his Collegue , vehemently loved , and attempted . Whose temptation the Lad at first by himself rejected : but when the other again sollicited him , he discover'd the thing to his Father . Marcellus highly offended with the indignity , accuses the man in the Senate . Who having appeal'd to the Tribunes of the people , endeavoured by various shifts , and various exceptions to elude the impeachment : and the Tribunes not receiving the appeal , by flat denial rejected the charge . But because there was no witness of the fact , Capitolinus having attempted the Youth privately and alone ; therefore the Senate thought fit to call the Youth himself before them . Whose blushing , and tears , and bashfulness mix'd with highest indignation , when the Fathers observed , seeking no farther evidence of the Crime , they condemn Capitolinus , and set a fine upon him according to the estimation of the injury ; of the money of which mulct , Marcellus caused to be made a Silver Table , * which he dedicated to the Gods. But after the end of the first Punic War , that lasted one and twenty years , the Seeds of the Gallic tumults sprang up , and began again to trouble Rome . The Iberes , a people inhabiting the Subalpine region of Italy , strong in their own forces , raised out of the rest of the Gauls aids of mercenary Souldiers , which are called Goesatoe [ from the heavy Darts or Javelins used by them in Fights . ] And it was a miracle , and the good fortune of Rome , that the Gallic War was not coincident with the Punic , but that they had with fidelity stood quiet as Spectators , while the Punic war continued , that they might with their whole power set upon the Conquerour ; and deferr'd their invasion till the Romans were at leisure to resist them . Yet the Neighbourhood and ancient renown of the Gauls struck no little fear into the minds of the Romans , who were about to undertake a War so near home and upon their own borders . For that they fear'd more than any other Nation the Gauls , because they had once taken their City , is apparent . From which time it was by a special Law provided , that the High Priest should enjoy an exemption from all military Offices , except onely in Gallic insurrections . The great preparations made by the Romans for War ( for it is not reported that the people of Rome ever had at one time so many Legions in Arms , either before or since ) and their extraordinary Sacrifices , were plain arguments of their fear at that time . For though they were most averse from the Institutions and Rites of barbarous and cruel Nations , and above all had with the Grecians pious and reverent Sentiments of the Gods ; yet when this year was coming upon them , they then , from some Prophesies in the Sibyls Books , put alive under ground a pair of Greeks , one male , the other female ; and likewise two Gauls , one of each Sex , in the Market call'd the Beast-market : continuing even to this day the same secret and abominable Sacrifices of Greeks and Gauls , in the month of November . In the beginning of this War , when the Romans sometimes obtain'd remarkable Victories , sometimes were shamefully beaten ; nothing was done toward the final determination of the Contest , until C. Quintius Flaminius , and P. Furius Philo being Consuls , brought mighty forces against the Insubres , a people of Gallia on the farther side of the River Po. Then they saw the River that runs through the Countrey of Picenum , flowing with blood . There was a report , that three Moons had been seen at once at Ariminum . And in the Consular Assembly , the Augurs declared , that the Consuls had been unduly created . The Senate therefore immediately sent Letters to the Camp , recalling the Consuls to Rome with all possible speed ; and commanding them to desist from acting farther against the Enemies , and to abdicate themselves from the Consulship on the first opportunity . These Letters being brought to Flaminius , he defer'd to open them till having defeated and put to flight the Enemies forces , he wasted and ravaged their borders : Wherefore the people went not forth to meet him returning with huge spoils ; nay , because he had not instantly obeyed the command in the Letters , by which he was recalled , but slighted and contemned them , they wanted not much of denying him the honour of a Triumph . Nor was the Triumph sooner pass'd , than they deposed him with his Collegue from the Magistracy , and reduced them to the state of private Citizens . So much did all things at Rome depend upon Religion . Though the course of their Affairs were smooth and prosperous , yet if their Enterprizes met not with successes happy enough to answer their wishes ; presently they gave out , that the Auspices and ancient Rites were neglected ; thinking it to be of more importance to the Publick Safety , if the Magistrates reverenced the Gods , than if they overcame their Enemies . And so Tiberius Sempronius , whom for his probity and Vertue the Citizens highly esteem'd , created Scipio Nafica and Caius Martius Consuls , successors [ to those that had been exauctorated . ] When these were gone into their Provinces , he lighted upon books concerning the Religion of the people , where he found somewhat he had not known before ; which was this . When the Consul made his solemn Auspice , he sate without the City in a house , or Tabernacle hired for that occasion : but if it hapned that he , for any emergent cause , return'd into the City having not yet seen any certain signs ; he was obliged to leave that first Tabernacle , and to seek another , out of which he might survey the Heaven round about , and finish his Contemplation . This having ( as I conceive ) deceiv'd Tiberius , who twice used one and the same Tabernacle ; he renounced or protested against the Consuls , [ as not legitimately and with due Ceremonies elected . ] And afterwards understanding his errour , he referr'd the matter to the Senate : nor did the Senate neglect this minute fault , but soon wrote expresly of it to Scipio Nasica and C. Martius ; who leaving their Provinces , and without delay returning to Rome , laid down their Magistracy . But these things followed afterward . At the same time the Priesthood was taken away from two men of very great honour , Cornelius Cethegus and Q. Sulpitius : from the former , because he had not rightly held forth the entrails of a Beast slain for Sacrifice ; from the latter , because while he was immolating , the little woollen tuft , which the Flamens wear on the top of their Cap , had faln from his head . Minutius the Dictator , who had named C. Flaminius Master of the Horse , they deposed from his Command , because the noise of a gnawing Rat was heard : and they put others into their places . And yet notwithstanding , by observing so anxiously these punctillios and little niceties , they stumbled not upon any Superstition , because they neither varied nor exceeded the Institutes of their Ancestors . So soon as Flaminius with his Collegue had resign'd up the Consulate , M. Marcellus is by the Regents or Viceroys during the interregnum or vacancy , declar'd Consul ; who entring into the Magistracy , chose Cn. Cornelius his Collegue . There was a report that the Gauls endeavouring a pacification , and the Senate also inclining to peace , yet still Marcellus inflamed the people to War. But notwithstanding a Peace was agreed upon , which the Gesatae are said to have broken : who to the number of thirty thousand passing the Alps , stirr'd up the Insu●●es , and conjoyn'd themselves with them ; of whom there were far more Legions , and proud of their strength , they marched directly to Acerrae , a City seated on the bank of the River Po. From thence Viridomarus , * King of the Gesatae , taking with him ten thousand Souldiers , harass'd the Country round about . Of which the news being brought to Marcellus , leaving his Collegue at Acerrae with the foot , and all the heavy Arms , with a third part of the Horse , and carrying with him the rest of the Horse , and six hundred light arm'd Foot , marching night and day without remission , he staid not till he came up to the Enemy near to a Village of Gallia , call'd Clastidium * , which not long before had been subjected to the Roman jurisdiction . Nor had he time to refresh his Souldiers , or to give them rest . For the Barbarians that were then present , immediately seeing his approach , contemn'd him , because he had very few foot with him . And the Gallic Horse being singularly skillful in Horsmanship , and therefore thought to be therein excellent ; and at present in number also exceeding Marcellus , made no account of him . Instantly therefore they rush upon him , as if they would trample him under their Horses feet , threatning all kind of cruelties . Before their Ensigns rode the King. But Marcellus because his Men were few , that they might not be encompassed and charged on all sides by the Enemy , extended his wings of Horse , and riding about , made thinner and drew forth in length his wings of Foot , till he came near to the Enemy . Then , while he directed his Van-guard to charge the Enemy , his Horse , frighted by their yelling and shouts , gave back , and by force carried Marcellus aside . He fearing lest this accident , converted into an Omen , might discourage his Souldiers ; quickly turning his Horse to the left , again confronted the Enemy , and adored the Sun , as if he had wheel'd about his Horse , not by chance , but out of Devotion . For it was customary to the Romans , when they adored the Gods , to turn themselves round in a circle . When they came up now to charge , 't is reported he vowed the best of the Enemies Arms to Jupiter Feretrius or the Helper . Then the King of the Gauls beholding Marcellus , and from the signs or badges of his Authority , conjecturing him to be the General , advanced far before his embattled Army , and with a loud voice challenged him , and brandishing his Lance , fiercely ran with a full carreer at him ; exceeding the rest of the Gauls in stature , and by reason of his Armour , that was adorned with gold and silver , and painted with various colours , shining like lightning . These Arms seeming to Marcellus , while he view'd the Enemies Army drawn up in Battalia , to be the best and fairest , and he thinking them to be those he had vowed to Jupiter ; instantly ran upon the King , and pierced through his Breast ▪ plate with his Launce ; then pressing upon him with the weight of his Horse , threw him to the ground , and with two or three strokes more slew him . Immediately he leaped from his Horse , laid his hand upon the dead Kings Arms , and looking up toward Heaven , thus spake : O Jupiter Feretrius , Arbiter of the remarkable Exploits of Captains , and of the acts of Emperours in War and Battels , thou being witness , I a General have slain a General , I a Consul have slain a King with my own hand : to thee I consecrate these first and most excellent of the Spoils . Give thou to us now proceeding to dispatch the reliques of the War , the same course of Fortune . Then the Roman Horse joyning Battel not onely with the Enemies Horse , but also with the Battalion of Foot charging upon them ; obtain'd a singular , and even now a new and stupendous Victory . For never before or since have so few Horse and Foot defeated so numerous forces ; at least no such atchievement is recorded in History . The Enemies being to a great number slain , and the Spoils collected , he returns to his Collegue : who managing the War against the Enemies at the greatest and most populous City of Gallia ( they call it Millan ) had ill success . This City the Gauls on this side the Alps have for their Head City . Wherefore fighting valiantly in defence of it , they were not so much besieg'd by Cornelius , as they besieg'd him . But Marcellus return'd and the Gaesatae , so soon as they were certified of the death of the King , and the defeat of his Army , retiring ; Milan is taken . The rest of their Towns , and all they had , the Gauls deliver up of their own accord to the Romans , Peace upon conditions equitable enough was granted to the Gauls . Marcellus alone by a decree of the Senate triumphed . The triumph was in magificence , opulency , spoils , and the gigantic Bodies of the Captives , exceeding noble and memorable . But the most grateful and most rare Spectacle of all was the General himself , who carried the Arms of the barbarous King to the God [ to whom he had vowed them . ] Of a tall and straight stock of an Oak lop'd off , he had prepared a bearer shaped like a Trophy . Upon this he bound , and hung round about the Arms of the King , fitly and decently ●ying on every piece of them . The pomp advancing solemnly before , he carrying this Trophy ascends the Chariot ; and being himself the fairest and most graceful triumphant Image , was carried into the City . The Army adorned with shining Armour followed in order , and with Verses on that occasion composed , and with songs of Victory , celebrated the praises of Jupiter and of their General . Then entering the Temple of Jupiter Feretrius , he dedicated his gift : the third , and to our memory the last that ever did so . The first , Romulus , who having slain Acron King of the Coeninenses , brought home and dedicated rich spoils : the second , Cornelius Cossus , from Volumnius the Hetruscan : after them Marcellus , from Viridomarus King of the Gauls ; after Marcellus , no man. The God to whom they are consecrated , is call'd Jupiter Feretrius , from the Trophy carried on feretrum , [ a bearer , on which spoils were carried in triumph ] the name being deduced from the Greek Language , which at that time was every where confused with the Latin. Others affirm that this Surname of Jupiter fulminans is derived à feriendo , from striking ; because Lightning strikes , and to strike , is in the Roman Language ●erire . Others there are , who would have this name to be deduced from the strokes that are given in fight ; for now also in all conflicts when they press upon their Enemies , they mutually encourage each other to strike . These Spoils are properly call'd Opima , i. e. magnifie and ample ; though in their Commentaries they say , that Numa Pompilius made mention of first , second , and third opime Spoils ; and that he prescribes , that the first taken be consecrated to Jupiter Feretrius , the second to Mars , the third to Quirinus ; as also that the reward of the first be three hundred asses or half-pennies ; of the second , two hundred : of the third , one hundred : but fame hath obtain'd , that those Spoils only are honourable , which the General first takes in Battel , and takes from the Enemies chief Captain whom he hath slain with his own hand . But of these things enough . This Victory and the ending of the War was so highly grateful to the people of Rome , that they sent to Apollo of Delphos , in testimony of their gratitude , a Present , a golden Cup of an hundred pound weight ; and gave a great part of the prey to their associate Cities , and took care that many Presents should be carried also to Hiero King of the Syracusans their Friendand Allie . But at what time Hannibal made an irruption into Italy , Marcellus was dispatch'd with a Fleet into Sicily . Soon after , the Roman Army having suffer'd that sad defeat in the Battel of Cannae , in which many thousands of them perished , when few had saved themselves by flying to Cannusium , and all fear'd lest Hannibal , who had destroy'd the strength of the Roman Army , should straight post with his Victorious Troops to Rome : Marcellus first sent for a guard of the City 1500 Souldiers , which were design'd for the Fleet. Then by decree of the Senate going to Cannusium , having heard that many of the Souldiers had come together in that place , he brought them out of the Fortifications to prevent the Enemies ravaging and depopulation of the Countrey . And the Princes and chief Noblemen of Rome had most of them fallen in Battels . But the Citizens complain'd , that the anxious care of Fabius Maximus , ( who for his Faith and Prudence was of greatest authority ) in bewaring lest the Common-wealth might sustain any detriment , 〈◊〉 too slow for the management of Affairs , a●d full of fear . They thought him indeed ●t , and confided in him for providing for the● safety : yet they held him not to be a Captain brisk and daring enough to repel th● Enemy . Wherefore converting their though● upon Marcellus , and tempering and compounding his boldness , confidence , an● promptitude with Fabius's caution and providence ; they sent one while both wit● Consular command , otherwhile one as Consul , the other as Proconsul , against the Enemy . Posidonius writes , that Fabius wa● call'd the Buckler , Marcellus the Sword o● Rome . Certainly Hannibal himself confessed that he feared Fabius as a Schoolmaster , Marcellus as an Adversary : the former , lest he should be hindred from doing mischief ; the latter , lest he should receive harm ▪ And when among Hannibal's Souldiers , proud of their late Victory , licentiousness and cruelty was grown to a great height ; Marcellus setting upon them dispersed without their Camp , and loaden with prey and plunder gotten in the Countrey , cut them off , and by little and little diminished his Forces ▪ Hence bringing aid to the Neapolitans and Nolans ; he confirmed the minds of the former , of their own accord faithful enough to the Romans . But entring Nola , he there found discord : the Senate not being able ●o rule and keep in the common people , ●ho were generally favourers of Hannibal . There was in the Town one Bantius * , a man renown'd for Nobility and Virtue . This man , after he had fought most fiercely at Cannae , killed many of the Enemies , and at last lying in a heap of dead bodies , covered with Darts , being found and brought ●o Hannibal ; Hannibal so honoured him , ●hat he not only dismissed him without ran●om , but also contracted an entire friend●hip with him , and became his guest . In gratitude for this great favour , he became ●ne of those that drew all things to Han●ibal's interest , and being powerful in Ri●hes , sollicited the people to Sedition . Mar●ellus could not be induced to put this man to death , a man so eminent , and who had pass'd so great dangers in fighting on the Romans side : but knowing that himself was able , not only by singular humanity , ●ut also by gentle and winning Speech to ●eeten and endear men , and to gain up●n even a proud mind ; when Bantius came ●ne day to salute him , he asked him who ●e was ; not that he knew him not be●●re , but seeking an entrance and occasion ●f conference . When Bantius had told who he ●as , Marcellus seeming surpriz'd with joy and wonder , replied ; art thou that Bantius whom the Romans commend above the rest that fought at Cannae , and praise as the person that did not onely not forsake the Consul Paulus Aemilius , but receive in his own body many Darts thrown at him ? Bantius owning himself to be that very man , and shewing his Scars : why then , saith Marcellus , didst not thou , having so great marks of thy good affection toward us , come to me at my first arrival here ? Dost thou think that we are unwilling to requite with favour those who have well deserved , and who are honoured even by our Enemies ? Besides this obliging courtesie of Speech , embracing the young Gentleman , he gave him an excellent Horse , and five hundred Bigates [ that is , pieces of money stamp'd with a Chariot drawn by two Horses . ] From that time Bantius became a most faithful Assistant and Allie of Marcellus , and a most sharp Discoverer and Delator of those that attempted Innovation and Sedition . These were many , and had enter'd into a Conspiracy to plunder the Waggons and other Carriages of the Romans when they should make an eruption against the Enemy . Wherefore Marcellus , having marshal'd his Army within the City , placed the baggage near to the Gates , and by an Edict forbad the Nolans to go to the Walls . Without the City no Arms appear'd , by which prudent device he allured Hannibal to move with his Army in some disorder , to the City , thinking that there all things were full of tumult . Then Marcellus , the next Gate being , as he had commanded , thrown open , issuing forth with the flower of his Horse in front , fights with the Enemy . By and by the Foot sallying out of another Gate , with a loud shout ran up to them . And while Hannibal opposes to these part of his forces , the third Gate also is opened , out of which the rest break forth , and on all quarters charge the Enemies surprized with fear at this unexpected encounter , nor strongly enough resisting those with whom they had been first engaged , because of their attack by others that sallied later . Here it was that Hannibal's Souldiers with huge consternation and many wounds beaten back even to their Camp , first turned their backs to the Romans pursuing them . There fell in this Action , as it is related , of them more than five thousand ; of the Romans , not above five hundred . Livy affirms , that neither the Victory , nor the slaughter of the Enemies , was so great : but certain it is , that the adventure brought great glory to Marcellus , and to the Romans mighty confidence after their Calamities ; because they now conceived a strong hope , that the Enemy with whom they contended , was not invincible , but obmoxious to Defeats . Therefore , the other Consul being deceas'd , the people recall absent Marcellus , that they might put him into his place , and in spight of the Magistrates obtained , that the Consular Assembly should be prorogued till his arrival ; and that he was by all the Suffrages created Consul . But because it happen'd to thunder , the Augurs muttering that he was not legitimately created , and yet not daring , for fear of the people , to declare this their Sentence openly ; Marcellus voluntarily resigned the Consulate , but declined not the Sovereign Command of the Army . So being created Proconsul , and returning to the Camp at Nola ; he with fire and Sword wasted the fields of those that followed the Party of the Carthaginian . Who coming with speed to succour them , Marcellus , though provoked by Hannibal , declined fighting a set Battel with him . But when Hannibal had sent forth a Party to plunder , and now expected no Fight ; Marcellus brake forth upon him with his incensed Army . He had distributed to the Foot long Lances , such as are commonly used in Naval fights ; and instructed them to throw them with great force at convenient distance against the Enemies unexperienced in that way of Darting , and used to Fight with short Darts . Which seems to have been the cause why in that conflict the Carthaginians , as many as were engaged , turned their backs , and shamefully fled . There fell of them five thousand . Of Elephants four were killed , two taken . But what was of greatest moment , on the third day after more than three hundred Horse , Spaniards and Numidians mix'd , fled over to him , a disaster that had never to that Day hapned to Hannibal , who had long kept together in highest Concord a fierce Army gathered out of the sink and dregs of dissonant and disagreeing Nations . Marcellus and his Successors in all this War made good use of the faithful service of these Horsemen . Now he a third time created Consul sailed over into Sicily . For the success of Hannibal had excited the Carthaginians to lay claim to that whole Island ; chiefly because after the murther of the Tyrant Hieronymus , all things had been in tumult and confusion at Syracuse . For which reason the Romans also had sent before to that City some Legions under the conduct of Appius , Praetor . While Marcellus was receiving that Army , the Roman Souldiers in great numbers cast themselves at his feet , upon occasion of this calamity . Of those that surviv'd the Battel at Cannae , some had escaped by flight , some were taken alive by the Enemy , in so great a multitude , that it was thought there were not remaining Romans enough to defend the walls of the City . And yet the magnanimity and constancy of the City was so great , that it would not redeem the Captives from Hannibal , though it might have done so for little ransom ; nay by a decree of the Senate denied it , and chose rather to leave them to be kill'd by the Enemy , or sold out of Italy : and commanded that all who had saved themselves by flight , should be transported into Sicily , nor permitted to return into Italy , until the War with Hannibal should be ended . These therefore , when Marcellus was arriv'd in Sicily , address'd to him in great numbers : and casting themselves at his feet , with much lamentation and tears humbly besought him to admit them into the honourable Order of Souldiers , and promised to make it appear by their future fidelity and services , that that defeat had been received rather by some misfortune than by any cowardise of theirs . Marcellus pitying them , petitioned the Senate by Letters , that he might have leave at all times to recruit his Legions out of them . But after much debate about the thing , the Senate Decree● , They were of opinion , that the Commonwealth ought not to be committed to Cowardly Souldiers : if Marcellus perhaps thought otherwise , he might make ufe o● them ; provided no one of them be by the General honoured with a Crown or military Gift , as a reward of his Virtue or Courage . This Decree pinched Marcellus , who being return'd to Rome , after the Sicilian War was ended , smartly upbraided the Senate , that they had denied to him , who had so highly deserved of the Republick , Liberty to relieve so great a number of Citizens in great calamity . About the same time Marcellus first incensed by injuries done him by Hippocrates Praetor of Syracuse ( who to give proof of his good affection to the Carthaginians , and to acquire the Tyranny to himself , had made a great slaughter of the Romans upon the borders of the Leontins ) besieged and by force took the City of the Leontins : yet violated none of the Townsmen . Onely Deserters , as many as he took , underwent the punishment of the Rods and Ax. But Hippocrates , first sending a report to Syracuse , that Marcellus had put all the young men to the Sword ; and then coming upon the Syracusans risen up into a tumult upon that false Report , surpriz'd the City . Hereupon Marcellus moved with his whole Army to Syracuse , and encamping near the Wall , sent Ambassadors into the City to relate to the Syracusans the truth of what had been done in Leontium . When these could not prevail by Treaty , the Syracusans being now no longer at their own will and pleasure , because the whole power was in the hands of Hippocrates ; the City began to be oppugned both by Land and by Sea. All the Foot , Appius brought up . Marcellus with LX. Gallies each with five Oars in a Seat , furnish'd with all sorts of Arms and Weapons to be thrown , and a huge Bridge of Planks laid upon eight Ships chain'd together , upon which he carried the Engin to cast stones and Darts , assaulted the Walls : animated with confidence by the abundance and magnificence of his preparations , and by his own glory . All which were easily eluded by Archimedes and his Machines . Of these he had design'd and contriv'd none as worth the pains and cost , but to divert and sport himself in the exercise of his skill in Geometry . A good while before King Hiero had courted and induced Archimedes to put into practice some part of his admirable speculations in this Art , to shew some example of the power of it , and to exhibit to the sense an experiment accommodated to use . For Eudoxus and Archytas had first begun to set on foot this celebrated and admired Machinal Science , by this elegancy illustrating Geometry and Propositions by demonstration , that may be explicated by reason and clear evidence ; and confirming the more remote by examples of Organs or Instruments objected to Sense . As both of them brought to light that abstruce and by demonstration inexplicable Proposition of two middle lines ( an Element necessary to delineate many things ) by contriving Instruments , by certain intermediate lines deflecting from Curve Lines and Sections . But as Plato being offended sharply inveighed against these eminent Geometricians , saying , that they corrupted and destroy'd the good of Geometry , which leaving those things that are free from body , and consist only in notion of the mind , was now converted to things obnoxious to sense , and forced to reassume bodies , where much of odious and sordid idleness would be required : So the Mechanics or Art of making Engines came to be rejected and separated from Geometry , and being despised by Philosophers , lay long hid among Arts military . But Archimedes wrote to King Hiero , whose near kinsman and friend he was , that by little force any weight how great soever might be moved . He boasted also , relying on the strength of Demonstration , that if there were another Earth , he going into it would remove this out of its place . Hiero struck with amazement at this , and intreating him to make good this Problem by some effect , and shew some great weight to be moved by a small Engine : he fix'd upon a Ship of burthen bought out of the Kings Arcenal , which could not be drawn out of the Dock without mighty labour and many men ; and loading her with many Passengers and a full fraight , sitting himself the while far off , with no great endeavour , but onely holding the head of the Pully in his hand , and drawing the Cord by degrees , he drew the Ship in a streight line , without stop or sticking , nay swiftly sliding along , as if she had been in the Sea. The King astonish'd at this , and convinced of the power of the Art ; prevail'd upon Archimedes to make for him Engines accommodate to all ways of assaulting an Enemy , by which he might either beat off danger , or Batter Cities . These the King himself never made use of , because he spent almost all his life in a profound quiet and highest affluence of fortune . But then this apparatus was in a most opportune time ready at hand for the Syracusans , and with it also the Engineer himself . When therefore the Romans assaulted the Walls in two places at once , fear and consternation so stupified the Syracusans , that nothing was able to resist that violence and those forces . But when Archimedes play'd his Engines , he at once shot against the Land-forces all sorts of missile Weapons , and huge stones with horrible noise and violence : against which no man could stand , but they knock'd down those in heaps , upon whom they fell , and brake their Ranks and Files . The arms of Main-sail Yards suddenly put forth from the Walls , [ and catching hold of Ships ] they sunk some by mighty weight let down from on high upon them ; others they lifted up into the Air by an iron hand or beak like a Cranes beak , and when they had hung them up by the Prow , and set them an end upon the Poop , they plu●ged them to the bottom of the Sea ; or else the Ships drawn by Engines within , and whirl'd about , were dash'd against steep Rocks , that stood jutting out under the Walls , with great destruction of the Souldiers that were aboard them . A Ship several times lifted up to a great height in the Air ( a dreadful thing to behold ) was rowl'd to and fro , and kept swinging , until the Marriners being thrown down and struck against the Wall , at length it was dash'd against the Rocks , or let fall . At the Engine that Marcellus brought upon the Bridge ( 't was call'd Sambuca from some resemblance it had of an Instrument of Musick , [ in respect chiefly of the many chords by which it was bent ] ) when it was from afar d●iven to the Wall , was discharg'd a piece of a Rock of ten Talents weight , then a second and a third , which striking upon it with mighty force and thundering noise shook the Basis of it , loosened the joints of the Engine , and tore it from the Bridge . So Marcellus , doubtful what counsel to pursue , drew off his Ships to a safer distance , and sounded a retreat to his forces on Land. Then they took up a resolution of coming up close under the Walls , if it were possible in the night ; thinking that because Archimedes was necessitated to use Ropes stretch'd at length in playing his Engines , the Souldiers would be under the shot , and the Darts would , for want of sufficient distance to throw them , fly over their heads without effect . But he had long before framed for that purpose Engines accommodate to any distance , and shorter Weapons , but such that might be thrown thicker , to give many and frequent wounds at a blow . He had already provided also small Scorpions , not to be perceived by the eyes of the Enemies , by which they might be wounded near at hand . As they therefore , who thought then to deceive the Defendants , came close up to the Walls ; instantly a shower of Darts and other missile Weapons was again cast upon them . And when stones tumbled down as it were perpendicularly upon the heads of the Assailants , and Arrows from all parts of the Wall were shot at them ; they retired . Of whom , as they were going off , by Arrows and Darts discharged at greater distance great slaughter was made , and their Ships knock'd one against another ; while themselves were not able to offend their Enemies in the least . For Archimedes had provided and fix'd most of his Engines under the Wall. Whence the Romans , seeing that a Sea of mischiefs o●●er whelm'd them from a conceal'd source , thought they fought with the Gods. Yet Marcellus escaped unhurt , and deriding his own Artificers and Carpenters ; What , saith ●e , do we proceed to fight with this Geometrical Briareus , who fitting still hath shamefully eluded our Naval assault by Sea ? Truly 〈◊〉 that at one time hath poured upon us so great a power of Weapons , excels those fabulous Giants with an hundred hands . And doubtless the rest of the Syracusans were all but the body of Archimedes's apparatus , which one Soul moved and governed : for the Enemies , laying aside all other Arms , did with his alone both infest the Romans , and protect their own safety . In fine , when so great terrour had seiz'd upon the Romans , that if they had but seen a little Rope or a piece of wood from the Wall , instantly crying out that Archimedes was about to let fly some Engine at them , they turned their backs and fled : Marcellus desisted from the Conflicts and Assaults , putting all his hope in a long Siege . But Archimedes had so high a Spirit , so sublime a Wit , and such a treasure of Theorems Mathematical ; that having now by those Engines of his Invention acquired to himself Renown , and the Fame of not human , but Divine Science , he could not condescend to leave any Commentary or Writings concerning them behind him : but repudiating as vile and ●●●did , that industry in contriving Engi●es ▪ and the Art of Mechanicks accomodating Mathematick knowledg to use and prof●●●ble practice , placed his whole study and delight only in those Speculations , which being noble and excellent in themselves , nor tied to any necessity , not indeed to be compared with others , but which may raise a contest with matter for Demonstration ; since that excels in bulk and shew , but this in exquisite certainty and incredible power . For in Geometry you cannot find more implicate and intangled questions or hypotheses , written in more simple and clearer Elements . This some attribute to the dexterity of his Wit : others think it ought rather to be referr'd to his indefatigable labour , by which it is probable that he was able with ease and without sweat to effect any thing . For if you seek , you will not by your self find a demonstration of his Questions : but when you have once learned it , you will think that you might by your own Wit have found it ; so plain and smooth is the way , by which he leads to what he intends to demonstrate . Wherefore those things are not to be rejected , which are reported of him ; that he was perpetually soothed and charmed by a certain familiar Siren , so that he was wont to forget his food , and neglect the care of his body , and when he was now and then carried against his will to have his body Anointed and Bathed , he would draw Geometrical Figures in the ashes , and lines with his finger ; so much was he taken with the sweetness of the Art , and his mind so ravish'd with the intellectual delight of the Theorems thereof . And after he had found out many and excellent things , he is said to have begg'd of his friends , that they would after his death put upon his Sepulchre a Cylindre comprehending a Sphere , and inscribe the proportion , how much a solid containing exceeds the contained . And Archimedes being this great man [ we have described ] render'd himself , and , as much as lay in him , the City also invincible . While the Siege is prolonged , Marcellus takes by assault Megara the most ancient City of Sicily . He expugns also the Camp of Hippocrates , and coming upon them fortifying themselves , slew above eight thousand . He also runs through all Sicily : At which time he reduced many Towns from the Carthaginians , and overcame all that dared to encounter him . During the Siege , one Damasippus * a Lacedaemonian putting to Sea in a Ship from Syracuse , was taken by Marcellus . When the Syracusans much desired to redeem this man , and there were many meetings and Treaties about the matter betwixt them and Marcellus ; he takes exact notice of a Tower that might receive Souldiers into it secretly , by reason that the Wall near to it was not difficult to be passed over , and he observed it to be neglected . Coming often thither , and entertaining Conferences [ with the Commissioners about the Redemption of Damasippus ] the height of the Tower was exactly calculated , and Ladders prepared . The Syracusans celebrated a Feast to Diana . This juncture of time , when they were given up entirely to Wine and Sport , Marcellus laid hold of , and before the Citizens perceiv'd it , not onely possessed himself of the Tower , but before the break of day filled the Wall round with Souldiers , and brake open the Hexaphylum [ or place with six Gates . ] The Syracusans now beginning to stir , and trembling at the Tumult , and the sound of the Trumpets , so soon as they heard it ; he frighted them all into flight , and vehemently amazed them , thinking that all places of the City were already won . But the most fortified and the fairest , and most ample part remained still ungained . It is call'd Arcadina , because it was by a Wall divided from the outward City , one part of which they call Neapolis , [ or the new City ] the other Tycha [ or Fortune . ] These being possess'd , Marcellus , about break of day , entred from the Hexaphylum into the City , all his Praefects congratulating him . Who looking down from higher places upon the most beautiful and very great City below , is said to have wept much , commiserating the calamity that hung over it , when his thoughts represented to him , how dismal and foul the face of the City would in a few hours be , when plunder'd and sack'd by the Souldiers . For among the Praefects [ or chief Officers of his Army ] there was not one man that durst deny the plunder of the City to the Souldiers demanding it ; nay , many were instant that the City might be set on fire and laid level to the ground . But this Marcellus plainly denied . Yet he granted , but with great unwillingness and reluctancy , that the money and bond-men should be made prey . And he sent forth an Edict , that none should violate any free body , nor kill any Citizen , nor ravish or drag any into servitude . Though he had used this moderation , yet he esteemed the condition of that City to be miserable , and even in so great a congratulation of his friends for the Victory , expressed grief of mind and sorrow , beholding all the riches ●ccumulated during a long felicity , now dissipated in a moment of an hour . For it is related tbat no less of prey and plunder was taken here , than afterward in Carthage . For not long after , they furiously plunder'd also the other parts of the City , taken by treachery , leaving nothing untouch'd but the Kings money , which was brought into the publick Treasury . Of all these doleful events nothing afflicted Marcellus his generous Soul so much as the death of Archimedes . Who was [ then as Fate would have it ] with his mind intent upon some Diagramms or Geometrical figures : and having fix'd not onely his mind upon that Speculation , but his eyes also upon the lines he was drawing , perceiv'd not the hurry of the Romans , nor that the City was taken . In this transport of study and Contemplation , a Souldier unexpectedly coming up to him , commanded him to follow him to Marcellus : which he declining to do before he had finish'd his Probleme or Proposition , and fitted it to demonstration ; the Souldier , inraged with anger , drew his Sword , and ran him through . Others write , that a Roman Souldier running upon him with a drawn Sword offer'd to kill him ; and that Archimedes , looking back , earnestly besought him to hold his hand a little while , that he might not leave what he was then searching for , imperfect and rude ; but the Souldier , nothing moved by his intreaty , instantly kill'd him . Others again relate , that as Archimedes was carrying to Marcellus Mathematical Instruments , Horologes , or Dialls , Sphears , Angles , by which the magnitude of the Sun might be measured to the sight ; some Souldiers seeing him , and thinking that he carried Gold in a Vessel , slew him . Fer certain it is , that his death was highly afflicting to Marcellus , and that Marcellus ever after hated him that kill'd him as a nefarious Murtherer , and having sought for his kindred honoured them with signal favours . Indeed foreign Nations held the Romans to be excellent Souldiers and formidable in fights ; but since they had given no memorable example of gentleness , or humanity , or civility , Marcellus seems first to have shewn to the Grecians that the Romans were more illustrious for their justice . For such was his moderation to all with whom he had any thing to do , and such his benignity also to many Cities and private Men ; that if any thing too hard or sever was decreed concerning the Aetnensians , or Megarensians , or Syracusans , the blame thereof seems to belong rather to them upon whom the storm fell , than to those who brought it upon them . One example of many I will commemorate . In Sicily there is a Town , called Enguium , not great indeed ; but very ancient and ennobled by the presence of the Goddesses call'd the Mothers . The Temple , they say , was built by the Cretians ; and they shew some Spears and brazen Helmets , partly of Merion , partly of Vlysses , who consecrated them to the Goddesses . This City highly favouring the party of the Carthaginians , Nicias the most eminent of the Citizens counselled them to make a defection to the Romans ; to that end acting most freely , and openly in Harangues to their Assemblies , arguing the Adversaries guilty of imprudence and madness . They fearing his wealth , power , and authority , resolv'd to deliver him in bonds to the Carthaginians . This their design when he had smelt out , and knew it to be kept secret : he spake irreligiously to the vulgar of the Mothers , and shewed many signs of disrespect , as if he denied and contemned the receiv'd Opinion of the presence of those Goddesses ; his Enemies the while rejoycing , that he of his own accord sought the destruction hanging over his head . When they were just now about to lay hands upon him , the people were assembled together to hear him haranguing . Here Nicias making a Speech to the people concerning some Affair then under deliberation in the middest of his Speech cast himself upon the ground , and soon after , while amazement ( as usually it happens on such surprizing occasions ) held the Assembly immoveable , raising and turning his head round , he began in a trembling and deep Tone , but by degrees sharpen'd his Voice . When he saw the whole Theatre struck with horrour and silence , throwing off his Mantle , and rending his Tunick , he leaps up half naked , and runs towards the Door , crying out aloud that he was driven by the Furies of the revenging Mothers . When no man durst , out of religious fear , lay hands upon him , or stop him , but all gave way to him , he ran out of the Gate , not omitting any shriek or gesture of men possess'd and mad . His Wife conscious of his counterfeiting , and privy to his design , taking her Children with her , first cast her self a supplicant before the Temple of the Goddesses ; then pretending to seek her wandering Husband , no man hindering her , went out of the Town in safety ; and by this means they all escaped to Marcellus at Syracuse . Now after many other such practices and affronts offered him by the men of Enguium , Marcellus having taken them all Prisoners , and cast them into bonds , resolved to inflict upon them the last punishment ; Nicias with tears in his eyes address'd himself to him . In fine , casting himself at Marcellus's feet , and deprecating for his Citizens , begged most earnestly their lives , chiefly of his Enemies . Marcellus herewith relenting , set them at liberty , and rewarded Nicias with ample Lands and rich Presents . This History Posidonius the Philosopher hath committed to memory . Marcellus at length recall'd by the people of Rome to a near and suburban War , to illustrate his Triumph , and adorn the City , carried away with him very many and the most beautiful Ornaments of Syracuse . For before that , Rome neither had , nor had seen any thing of those polite and exquisite Rarities ; nor were there any pieces of workmanship of the like Elegancy and Skill . Stuffed with barbarous Arms and Spoils , stain'd with blood , and every where crown'd with triumphal Ornaments and Trophies : she was no pleasant or delightful Spectacle , fit to feed the eyes of peaceful or delicate Spectators : But as Epaminondas named the Fields of Boeotia , the Stage of Mars ; and Xenophon call'd Ephesus , the work-house of War ; so in my judgment , may you call Rome , at that time , ( that I may use the words of Pindarus ) the Temple of Mars rustling in Armour . Whence Marcellus was more grateful to the People , because he had adorned the City with delights that had the Grecian gracefulness , and symmetry of parts , exhibiting grateful variety to the beholders . Fabius Maximus touched not , nor brought away any thing of this kind from Tarentum , when he had taken it . The Money and Riche●●e carried thence , but forbad the Statues to be moved : adding withal , as it is vulgarly related , Let us leave to the Tarentines these offended Gods. But they reprehended Marcellus , first that he had rais'd up envy against the City , in which there was now a Triumph , not onely over men , but also over the Gods as Captives : then that he had cast into idleness , and pratling about the curious Artifices and Artificers , the common people , which bred up in Wars and Agriculture , had never tasted of Luxury and Sloth , and as Euripides said of Hercules , Rude in ill Arts , Skilful in things of Vse ; so that now they mispent much of their time ( in gazing upon , and pratling about these new-induced Monuments of the Grecian Magnificence and Delicacy . ) And yet notwithstanding this Reprimand , Marcellus gloried even before the Greeks themselves in this , that he had taught the Romans , till then rude and unskilful in such Master-pieces of Art , to esteem and admire the Elegant and wonderful things of Greece . But when the Envious opposed his being brought triumphant into the City , because there were some reliques of the War in Sicily , and a th●● triumph would offer it self to the eyes of men , he gave way . He triumphed in monte Albano , thence enter'd the City in Ovation ; but in this Ovation , he was neither carried in a Chariot , nor crown'd with Lawrel , nor usher'd by Trumpets sounding ; but went a foot with shoes on , many Flutes or Pipes sounding in consort the while he passed along , wearing a Garland of Myrtle ; as peaceable , with an aspect raising rather love and respect than fear . Whence I am by conjecture led to think , that heretofore the difference betwixt Ovation and Triumph was , not from the greatness of Atchievements , but from the manner of performing them . For they who having fought a set Battel , and slain the Enemies , returned Victors ; led that Martial , and ( in my judgment ) cruel Triumph , and as the custom then was , in lustrating the Army , adorned their Arms and Souldiers with a great deal of Lawrel : but they who without force , by benevolence , favour , and civil Language had done the business ( and prevented shedding of human blood ) to these Captains custom gave the honour of this Pacate and plausible Ovation . For a Pipe is the Ensign or badg of Peace , and Myrtle the plant of Venus , who more than the rest of the Gods and Goddesses abhors force and War. It is call'd Ovation , as most think , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , because they act it with shouting and Songs of Bacchus . But the Greeks have wrested the word to their own Language , thinking that this honour also ought to be in part referr'd to father Bacchus , whom we call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . But the thing is otherwise . For it was the custom for Emperours in their triumph to immolate an Ox , but in their Ovation , a Sheep : hence they named it Ovation . But it is worth our labour to contemplate the Laconic Legislator , who instituted Sacrifices contrary to the Roman . For at Lacedaemon , a Captain , who had performed the work he undertook , by cunning or courteous Treaty , laying down his Command , immolated an Ox ; he that did the business by Battel , offer'd a Cock : the Lacedaemonians , though most warlike , thinking an Exploit performed by Eloquence and subtilty , to be more excellent and more congruous to man , than one effected by meer force and courage . But whether of these two is to be preferr'd , I leave to the determination of others . Marcellus being the fourth time Consul , his Enemies suborned the Syracusans to come to Rome to accuse him , and to complain that they had suffer'd indignities and hostile wrongs , contrary to the League . It hapned that Marcellus was in the Capitol offering Sacrifice , when the Syracusans petitioned the Senate yet sitting , that they might have leave to accuse him and present their grievances . Marcellus's Collegue put them out of the Court , taking it extreamly ill , that the business was moved Marcellus being absent . Which when he understood , he made haste thither . And first presiding as Consul , he referr'd to the Senate the cognizance of other matters : but when that charge against him came to be explicated , rising from his Seat , he passed as a private man into the place where the accused were wont to make their defence , and gave free liberty to the Syracusans to impeach him . But they struck with vehement consternation by his Majesty and confidence , stood astonish'd : and the power of his presence now in his Robe of Estate appear'd far more terrible and severe , than it had done when cover'd with Armour . Yet reanimated at length by Marcellus's Rivals , they began their impeachment , and made an Oration composed of Lamentation and Complaint , whereof this was the sum . That being Allies and Friends of the people of Rome , they had notwithstanding suffer'd those things , which other Emperours had abstain'd from inferring upon many Enemies . To this Marcellus answers ; That though they had committed many acts of hostility against the people of Rome , yet they had suffer'd nothing but what Enemies conquer'd by War , and by force taken Captives , cannot possibly be defended from suffering . That it was their own fault they had been made Captives , because they refused to give ear to him attempting all fair and gentle means ; neither were they by the power of Tyrants drawn into War , but rather imposed upon the Tyranny , to the end they might make War. The Orations ended , and the Syracusans , according to the custom turned out of the Court ; Marcellus left his Collegue to ask the Sentences [ of the Senators ] and together with the Syracusans went out of the Temple , and staid expecting at the folding Doors of the Court ; not in the least discomposed in Spirit , either by the accusation , or by anger against the Syracusans ; but with high civility and modesty attending the issue of the cause . The Sentences at length all ask'd , and a decree of the Senate made in Vindication of Marcellus , the Syracusans with tears flowing from their eyes , cast themselves at his knees , beseeching him to forgive them present , and to be moved by the misery of the rest of their City , which would ever be mindful of and grateful for his benefits . Thus Marcellus softned by their tears and distress , was not onely reconcil'd to them , but most generously received the rest of the Syracusans into his faith and protection . The Liberty which he had restored to them , and their Rights , Laws , and Goods that were left , the Senate confirmed . Upon which account the Syracusans both decreed other Honours to Marcellus , and made a Law , that if Marcellus should at any time come into Sicily , or any of his Posterity , the Syracusans crowned should offer Sacrifices to the Gods. After this he moved against Hannibal . Now whereas the other Consuls and Emperours since the defeat receiv'd at Cannae , had all made use of the same stratagem against Hannibal , namely to decline coming to a Battel with him ; and that none had the courage to encounter him in the Field , and put themselves to the decision by the Sword : Marcellus enter'd into a diverse way of Counsel , thinking that Italy would be destroy'd by the very same thing , viz. delay , by which they looked to consume Hannibal ; and that Fabius who was excessively cautious , expecting that the Enemies forces by length of time wasting away , the War would at length fall of it self without blows , after the manner of timid and fearful Physicians , who dreading fo administer opportune Remedies , stay waiting till the decay of the Patient's strength put an end to the Disease ; took not a right course to heal the sickness of his Countrey . And first , great Cities of the Samnites , which had revolted , came in to his power : in which he found a huge quantity of Corn and Money , and three thousand of Hannibal's Souldiers , that were left for the defence of those places . After this , the Proconsul Cn. Fulvius , with eleven Tribunes of the Souldiers being ●ain in Apulia , and the greatest part of the Army also at the same time cut off : he by Letters dispatch'd to Rome , bad the people ●e of good courage , for that he was now ●pon his march against Hannibal , to drive him out of that Countrey . These Letters being read , Livy writes that the people were not onely not encouraged , but more discouraged than before . For the Romans expected so much a greater danger than the ●ast , by how much Marcellus excell'd Fulvi●s in Virtue and Conduct . He , as he had written , advancing in the Territories of the Lucans , came up to him at Numistro , and 〈◊〉 a plain place , the Enemy keeping him●●lf upon the Hills , pitch'd his Camp , and he next day drew forth his Army in or●er for Fight . Nor did Hannibal refuse the ●hallenge . They fought stoutly and long ●n both sides ; Victory yet seeming un●●solv'd on which to place the Lawrel : and after three hours Conflict , Night hardly parted them . The next Day as soon as the Sun was risen , he again brought forth his Troops , and ranged them among the dead bodies of the slain , challenging Hannibal to decide the question , to which of the two Fortune would give the Victory . When he disloged and drew off , Marcellus gathering up the spoils of the Enemies , and burning the bodies of his slain Souldiers , closely followed him . And though Hannibal often used stratagems , and laid Ambushes to entrap Marcellus , yet he could never circumvent him . By tumultuary fights and skirmishes , which were all successful to Marcellus , he rais'd so great a fame of himself , that when the time of the Comitia at Rome was near at hand , the Senate thought fit rather to recall the other Consul from Sicily , than to recall Marcellus pursuing Hannibal . At his return to Rome , the Fathers enjoyn'd him to name Q. Fabius Dictator . For the Dictator is created neither by the people , nor by the Senate ; but either the Consul or Praetor before the Assembly pronounces him to be Dictator , whom he hath approved . Wherefore that great Magistrate is call'd Dictator à dicendo . Others affirm that he is named Dictator , not from a decree of the Senate , nor from an Order of the common-people ; but because his word is a Law , and he commands what he pleases . For the Romans call the Magistrates Commands , Edicts . But now because Marcellus's Collegue , who was recall'd from Sicily , had a mind to name another Man Dictator , and would not be forced to change his Opinion , he sail'd away by Night into Sicily . So the common people made an Order , that Q. Fabius should be chosen Dictator : and the Senate by an express commanded Marcellus to nominate him . He obeying , proclaim'd him . Dictator acccording to the order of the common people ; but the Office of Proco●●●● was continued to himself for a Year . 〈◊〉 when he had before resolved with Fabius , that while he besieged Tarentum , himself would by following and drawing up and down Hannibal , detain him from coming to the relief of the Tarentins ; he overtook him at Cannusium : and as Hannibal , often shifted his Camp , and still declined the Combat , he every where attended to engage him . At ●ast pressing upon him encamping , by light ●kirmishes he provok'd him to a Battel ; but Night again divided them in the very heat of the Conflict . The next day Marcellus again shew'd himself in Arms , and brought up his Forces in array . Hannibal enraged with extream grief , calls his Carthaginians *********** together to an Harangue ; and vehemently prays them , to enter into Battel with courage , that they might maintain the honour and renown they had formerly acquired ; For you see , saith he , how after so great Victories we have not liberty to respire , nor to repose our selves , though Victors ; unless we drive this man back . Then the two Armies joyning Battel , they fought most fiercely ; when the event of an untimely stratagem shew'd that Marcellus was guilty of an Error . The Right wing being hard press'd upon , he commanded the twelfth Legion to be brought up to the front of his engaged 〈◊〉 . This change perturbing the 〈◊〉 and posture of the Legions , gave the Victory to the Enemies : and there fell two thousand seven hundred Romans . Marcellus , after he had retreated into his Camp , calling his Souldiers together ; I see , said he , many Roman Arms and Bodies , but I see not so much as one Roman ▪ To them imploring his pardon , he refus'd to give it while they remain'd beaten , but promis'd to give it so soon as they should overcome ; and that he resolv'd to bring them into the Field again the next day , that the fame of their Victory might arrive at Rome before that of their flight . Dismissing the Assembly , he commanded Barly instead of Wheat to be given to those Companies of Foot that had turned their ba●●●s . These things were so bitter to the Souldiers , that though a great number of them were grievously wounded , yet they report , there was not one to whom the Generals Oration was not more painful and smarting than his wounds . The Day breaking , a Scarlet Cassock , the sign of instant Battel , was shewn forth . The Foot-Companies mark'd with ignominy , begg'd they might be posted before the Ensigns , and obtain'd their request . Then the Tribunes , [ or Collonels ] bring forth the rest of the forces , and strengthen the first Battel with aids or reserves inserted . Whereof Hannibal being advertised , O strange saith he , what will you do with this man , who can bear neither good nor bad fortune ? He is the onely man , who neither suffers us to rest when he is Victor , nor resteth himself when he is overcome . Shall we perpetually fight with him , who both in prosperous and adverse successes hath modesty to cover his fierceness and boldness ? Then the Armies rush upon each other . When the Fight was doubtful , Hannibal commanded the Elephants to be brought into the first Battalion , and to be driven upon the Van of the Romans . When the Beasts , trampling upon many , soon disordered the Ensignes , Flavius , a Tribune of Souldiers , snatching an Ensign , meets them , and wounding the first Elephant with the Ensign-staff , puts him to flight . The Beast turned back upon the next , averts both him and the rest that followed . This Marcellus seeing , pours in his Horse with great force upon the disordered Elephants ; and commands terrour to be added to their confusion , that they might tread and crush each other under their feet . The Horse making a fierce impression , pursued the Carthaginians home to their Camp , cutting down a great number in the pursuit . The Elephants also wounded and running upon their own Party , made a very great slaughter of the Enemies . 'T is said ; more than eight thousand were slain ; of the Roman Army three thousand were slain , and almost all wounded . This was the thing that gave Hannibal opportunity to dislodge in the silence of the Night , and to remove to greater distance from Marcellus ; whom care and solicitude for his wounded men kept from pursuing him , though he vehemently desired so to do . Wherefore by soft and small Marches he removed into Campania , and to refresh his Souldiers , he kept them during the heat of the Summer lodged in Houses But because Hannibal , having disentangled himself from Marcellus , rambled with his Army round about the Countrey , and wasted Italy , as now free from all fear ; at Rome Marcellus was evil spoken of . Whose Detractors induced C. Publicius Bibulus Tribune of the People , a man Eloquent and fierce , to undertake his accusation . He by assiduous Harangues prevail'd upon the People to abrogate from Marcellus the command of the Army ; Seeing that Marcellus , saith he , a little time exercised in the War , hath retired himself to take care of his Body , as if from the wrestling place to hot Baths . Marcellus hereof advertised , appointed Lieutenants to govern his Camp , and hasted to Rome to refute the Crimes charged upon him : and he there found ready drawn up against him an Impeachment consisting of those Calumnies . At the Day prefix'd , in the Flaminian Circus , into which place the people had assembled themselves , Bibulus from a higher place accused him . Marcellus answered , using a succinct and plain Speech . But the Lords and Princes of the City discoursed many things of the greatness of his Exploits and Atchievements , very freely advising the People not to shew themselves worse Judges than the Enemy , condemning Marcellus of timidity , from whom alone of all their Captains the Enemy fled , and perpetually endeavour'd , not to come to blows with him , but to fight with the rest . When they made an end of speaking , the Accuser's hope to obtain Judgement [ on his side ] so far deceiv'd him , that Marcellus was not onely absolved , but the fifth time created Consul . No sooner had he entred upon the Consulate , but he surpressed a huge commotion in Hetruria , that had proceeded near to a Defection , and entring the Towns softned the minds of the Citizens . Hence , when the dedication of the Temple , which he had vowed out of the Sicilian Spoils to Honour and Virtue , was hinder'd by the Priests , because they denied that one Temple could be lawsully dedicated to two Gods ; he began to adjoyn another to it , highly resenting the Priests Objection , and almost converting the thing into an Omen . And truly many other Prodigies also affrighted him ; as some Temples struck with Lightning , and that in Jupiter's Temple Mice had gnawn the Gold. It was reported also , that an Ox had spoke , and that a Boy born with a head like an Elephant's was yet living . All which Predigies were indeed expiated , but no Attonement succeeded , nor was peace and reconciliation obtain'd from the Gods. Wherefore the Aruspices [ or Diviners from the entrails and vital parts of the Sacrifices ] detain'd him at Rome glowing and burning ( with desire to return to the War. ) For no man was ever inflamed with so great desire of any thing , as that man was to fight a Battel with Hannibal . That was the Object of his Dreams in the Night , the subject of all his Discourses with his friends and familiars , nor did he present to the Gods any other wish , but that he might take Hannibal in fight . And I think , that he would most gladly have set upon him , both Armies being invironed with a Wall or Trench . Had he not been even loaded with Honours , and given proofs many ways of his maturity [ of judgment ] and prudence above other Emperours ; you might have said , that he was agitated by a juvenile ambition , above what became a man of that age : for he had passed the sixtieth year of his life when he began his fifth Consulship . The Sacrifices offered , and all things that belong to the propitiation of the Gods , performed according to the prescript of the Diviners ; he with his Collegue went to carry on the War. Many ways he provoked Hannibal at that time having a standing Camp betwixt Bantia and the City Venusia [ in Apulia . ] But he held it not safe to commit the Dispute to the hazard of a Battel . And when he had gotten intelligence , that some Foot-Companies were sent to the Locri Epizephyrii [ a people of the Brutii in Italy , seated near the Promontory of Zephyrium , whence they are call'd Epizephyrii , i. e. the Western Locrians ] placing an ambush under the little Hill of Pitetia [ a City of the Brutii , now call'd Policastro ] he slew two thousand five hundred Souldiers . This incensed Marcellus to revenge . Wherefore he removed his Camp nearer to Hannibal . Betwixt the two Camps was a little Hill , affording a station not enough secure , but woody , and having watch-Towers overlooking both sides : and below were Fountains of Rivulets sliding down in sight of the Spectators from above . This place so fit and advantageous , the Romans admired that Hannibal , come thither before them , had not seiz'd upon , but left it to the Enemies . But to him the place seem'd commodious indeed for a Camp , yet more commodious for an Ambuscade : and to that use he chose to put it . So in the lawns of the Wood and the hollows he hid a great power of Archers and Spear-men , most confident that the commodiousness of the place would allure the Romans . Nor was he deceived in his expectation . For presently in the Roman Camp they mutter'd and disputed as if they had all been Captains , that that place was to be feiz'd , and how great opportunities they should thereby snatch from the Enemies before-hand , chiefly if they transferr'd their Camp thither , and strengthen'd the place with a fortress : and they moved Marcellus to go with a few Horse to view it . He , having call'd a Diviner to him , sacrificed . In the first slain Beast the Aruspex shew'd him the Liver without a head ; in the second the head appear'd grown above measure great , and all the rest fair and highly promising good success . When these seem'd to free them from the dread of the former , the Diviners declared that they were more terrified by the latter : because entrails too fair and promising , when they appear after maimed and monstrous , render the Novity of the change of doubtful signification . But Nor fire nor brasen Wall can keep out fate ; as Pindarus observes . Marcellus therefore taking with him his Collegue Crispinus , and his Son a Tribune of Souldiers , with two hundred and twenty Horse at most , among whom there was not one Roman , but all were Hetruscans , besides forty Fregellans , of whose courage and fidelity he had in all occasions receiv'd full proof ; goes to view the [ inviting ] place . The Hill was full of high woods , and darksom ; on the top of it sate a Centinel , cover'd from the sight of the Enemy , but having the Roman Camp exposed to his eyes . Upon a sign receiv'd from him , they that were placed in Ambush , stirr'd not till Marcellus came near . Then all rising up in an instant , and encompassing him from all sides , they fell to invade him with Darts , to strike , and wound the backs of those that fled , to press upon those who bravely resisted . These were the forty Fregellans . And though the Hetruscans fled in the very beginning of the fight , the Fregellans cast themselves into a Ring , bravely defending the Consuls , till Crispinus , struck with two Darts , turned his Horse to fly away ; and Marcellus's side was pierced through with a Lance with a broad head . Then the Fregellans also , the few that remain'd alive , leaving the fallen Consul , and rescuing young Marcellus , wounded also , got into the Camp by flight . There were slain not many above forty ; five Lictors , and twelve Horsemen came alive into the Enemies hands . Crispinus also died of his wounds a few days after . This Defeat , in which both Consuls fell together , was the first of that kind that ever befell the Romans . Hannibal little valuing the other events , so soon as he was told of Marcellus's death , immediately hasted to the Hill. From him viewing the Body , after he had long consider'd the strength and shape thereof , there fell not a word expressing the least of pride or arrogancy , nor did he shew in his countenance any sign of gladness , as another perhaps would have done , when his fierce Enemy had been taken away : but amazed by the so sudden and unexpected fall of so great a man , and taking off his Ring , gave order to have the Body , most magnificently clad and adorned , honourably burned . The Reliques , put into a silver Urn , with a Crown of Gold to cover it , he sent back to his Son. But some of the Numidians setting upon those that were carrying the Urn , took it from them by force , and cast away the bones . Which being told to Hannibal , How impossible is it , saith he , to do any thing against the will of God! Then he punished the Numidians with Death : but took no farther care of sending or recollecting the bones ; conceiving that Marcellus so rashly fell , and lay unburied , by a certain fate . So Cornelius Nepos and Valerius Maximus have left upon Record : but T. Livius and Augustus Coesar affirm , that the Urn was brought to his Son , and then carried forth with a magnificent Funeral . Besides the Monuments rais'd for him at Rome , there was dedicated to his memory at Catana in Sicily an ample Wrestling-place call'd Gymnasium Marcelli . Statues and Pictures , of those he took from Syracuse , were set up in Samothracia in the Temple of the Gods named Cabiri [ Phaenician Gods , chiefly worship'd at Berytus ] and in the Temple of Minerva at Lindum [ one of the three best Towns in the Island Rhodes ] where to a Statue of his was added ( as Posidonius delivers ) this Epigram . This ( Stranger ) was to Rome a Glorious Star , Noble by Blood , but nobler much by War , Marcellus Claudius ; seven times Consul made , His Sword sent Foes in millions to the shades . The Author of this Epigram accounts to Marcellus's five Consulates , his two Proconsulates . His Progeny continued in high honour even to Marcellus Son of Octavia Sister of Augustus , whom she brought to her Husband C. Marcellus . He deceased a Bridegroom in the year of his Aedileship , having not long before married Caesars Daughter . His Mother Octavia dedicated a Library to his honour and memory : and Caesar , the Theatre , on which he caused to be engraven Theatrum Marcelli . The PARALLEL . THESE are the memorable things I have found in Historians of Marcellus and Pelopidas . Betwixt which two [ great Men ] though in Wit , Inclinations , and Manners they nearly resembled each other ; because both were valiant , and diligent , and daring , and haughty : there was yet some diversity in this , that Marcellus in many Cities that he reduced into his Power , committed great slaughter ; but Epaminondas and Pelopidas , when they had gotten a Victory , never kill'd any Man , nor deprived the Citizens of their Liberty . They report , that the Thebans also would not , when they were present , have so resolved against the Orchomenians . Marcellus's Exploits against the Gauls are admirable and ample : when guarded by a few Horse he defeated and put to flight a vast number of Horse and Foot together ( an action you cannot easily in Historians find to have been done by any other Captain ) and took their King Prisoner . To which honour though Pelopidas aspired , he attain'd not to it , but was kill'd by the Tyrant , and prevented . But to these you may perhaps oppose those two most noble and very great Battels , the one at Leuctra , the other at Tegyrae . But there is extant no Memoir of any Atchievement of Marcellus , by stealth , or treachery , or Ambuscade : such as were those of Pelopidas , when he returned from Exile , and kill'd the Tyrants at Thebes . But in this he seems to be worthy of commendation , more than for all his Atchievements performed in the dark and by cunning and stratagems . Now Hannibal , a terrible Enemy , and a hard , urged the Romans : as in truth the Lacedaemonians did then the Thebans . But that these were in the Fights of Leuctra and Tegyrae beaten and put to flight by Pelopidas ; is confess'd . Polybius writes , that Hannibal was never so much as once vanquished by Marcellus , but remain'd in all Encounters invincible until Scipio ( managed the War against him . ) But we believe rather Livius , Caesar , Cornelius Nepos , and among the Greeks King Juba , who all expresly affirm , that the whole Army of Hannibal was in some Fights routed and put to flight by Marcellus , though these defeats conduced little to the sum of the War. And it appears , that the Carthaginians cunning and stratagems deceived him in those Conflicts . But this may seem truly admirable , that Marcellus made the Romans , after the defeat of so many Armies , the slaughter of so many Captains , and in fine , the confusion of almost the whole Roman Empire , valiant still , and of courage equal to their losses , and fit to engage in new Battels . For Marcellus was the only man , that took from them that great and inveterate fear and dread , and revived , raised , confirmed the Spirits of the Souldiers fighting with the Enemies for Glory and Victory , to that degree of bravery , that they would not easily yield the Victory , but contend for it [ to the last . ] For the same men , whom assiduous Defats had accustomed to think themselves happy , if they coud but save themselves by running from Hnnibal ; These he taught to esteem it base and ignominious to return safe after a loss of the Victory ; lest thereby they should implicitly confess , that they had given back in the ardor of the Fight ; and to grieve to extremity , they had not forced the Palm out of the Enemies hands . Truth is , though Pelopidas was never overcome in any Battel , where himself was present , and commanded in Chief ; and Marcellus referr'd many Victories to his equals : truly he that could not be easily overcome●● was of right to be compared with the most invincible . But Marcellus took Syracuse ; whereas Pelopidas was frustrated of his hope to reap the spoils of Sparta . But in my judgment , 't was more difficult to advance his Standard even to the Walls of Sparta , and to be the first of Mortals that ever passed the River Eurotas in Arms , than it was to tame Sicily ; unless it be your judgment , that that Adventure , is with more of right to be attributed to Epaminondas , as was also the Leuctrick Battel . Whereas Marcellus's Renown , and the glory of his brave Actions came intire and undiminished to him alone . For he alone took Syracuse ; and without a Companion or Rival , fought with Hannibal ; and quite changing the face of the War , was the first Captain that durst attempt any thing memorable upon him , even at a time when all other Captains declined to fight him . The Gauls in like manner he routed and put to most shameful flight , without his Collegue . I commend not the death of either of these , nay rather I sigh and groan , and am truly afflicted for their sudden and unexpected fall . But I much admire , that in so many sharp Conflicts , more than can be reckon'd in one day , Hannibal received not so much as one wound . I commend also Chrysantes ( in Xenophon's Cyrot●dia ) who having lost his Sword , and about to strike his Enemy , so soon as a Retreat was sounded , left his Enemy , and retired himself sedately and modestly . Yet the anger , which provoked Pelopidas to pursue revenge in the heat of fight , may excuse him . The first thing for a Captain is to gain Safe Victory ; the next to be with honour slain . as Euripides teacheth . For then no incommodity is offer'd , but Death is called the action of him going off . Now the end of Pelopidas's Victory , which consisted in the slaughter of the Tyrant , besides the flame presenting it self to his eyes , did not wholly carry him away unadvisedly : because it was not easie to lay hold of another glorious occasion conjoyned with matter so honourable and splendid . But Marcellus , when it made little to his advantage , and when no violent ardour ( as it usually falls out in present danger ) transported him to passion , throwing himself into danger , fell into an unexplored Ambush : he who had born five Consulates , three Triumphs , won the spoils and glories of Kings and Victories , to act the part of a fore-runner , Scout , or Centinel , and to expose all his Atchievements to be trod under foot by the mercenary Spaniards that served the Carthaginians , and by Numidians ; so that even themselves envied to themselves that unhoped success , that they had oppress'd among a few Fregellans , that were Scouts , the most Valiant , the most Potent , and most Renowned man among the Romans . Let no man think that we have said these things out of design to accuse , but of freely reprehending , in their names , those and their Virtue and Courage , or to which when they despise Life , and refer the rest of their noble Endowments ; they perished not more to their Countrey , Allies and Friends , than to themselves . After Pelopidas his death , his friends , for whom he died , made a Funeral for him ; the Enemies , by whom he had been kill'd , made one for Marcellus . That was to be wish'd for , and fortunate . For he that honours Virtue pursuing him with enmity , is more noble and excellent , than he that requites a benefit . Since virtue alone challenges to it self the honour of the former : but in the latter , profit and private advantage is rather beloved , than Virtue . Ask'd by th' illiterate Clown his vote to wit Tho 'gainst himself does y e Good man submit Noe wrong . to him had Aristides done , But he was just and that disgusts the Clown Thus where y e Rabble rule y e Great th'y erislave , And vertues self 's destructive to the Brave ▪ THE LIFE OF ARISTIDES . Translated from the Greek , by John Cooper , Fellow of Trinity Colledge in Cambridg . Volume II. ARISTIDES the Son of Lysimachus was of the Tribe Antiochis and Borough of Alopece ; but concerning what Estate he had there are various Discourses : some that he passed his Life in extream Poverty , and left behind him two Daughters , whose Indigence long continued them unmarried . But Demetrius the Phalerian opposing this general Report in his Socrates , professes to know a Farm at Phalera , going by Aristides's Name , where he was interred , and as marks of the plentiful Condition of his Family supposeth first the * Office of Archon to be one , which he obtained by the lot of the Bean drawn amongst those Families of the most considerable Possessions whom they call'd Pentacotiomedimnos . Secondly the Ostracism , accustomed to be inflicted on none of the poorer sort but those of great Houses , and who were by their eminent Quality exposed to Envy ; The third and last , that he left certain Tripodes in the Temple of Bacchus Offerings for his Victory in the Stage-Plays , which are even in our Age to be seen retaining this Inscription upon them , The Tribe Antiochis obtain'd the Victory : ARISTIDES defrayed the Charges : ARCHESTRATUS 's Play was Acted . But this Argument , tho in appearance the greatest , is of the least moment of any . For Epaminondas , whom all the World knows was Educated and lived in much poverty , and Plato the Philosopher exhibited very Magnificent shews , the one setting forth an Entertainment of Flutenists , the other of the Singers of Dithigrambicks : Dion the Syracusian supplying the expences of the latter , and Pelopidas those of Epaminondas . For good men are not irreconcileable Enemies to the receiving Presents from their friends , but looking upon those that are taken to hoard , and with an avaritious intention as sordid and mean , refuse not such as are had on the score of Ambition and Splendour whence no gain accrueth . But Panaetius sheweth that Demetrius was mistaken concerning the Tripode through the likeness of the Name . For from the Persian War to the end of the Pelopennesian there are upon Record onely two by the Name of Aristides , who have set sorth Plays and carried the Prize , neither of which was the same Son of Lysimachus ; but the Father of the one was Xenophylus , and the other much more modern ; As the way of writing by the Grammar in use since the time of Euclid , and the addition of the Name of Archestratus prove , whom in the time of the Wars with the Medes no one Writer mentions , but several during those of Peloponnesus Chronicle as a Dramatick Poet. But this of Panaetius ought to be more nearly considered . As for the Ostracism ; every one was liable to it , who for his Reputation , Quality , or Eloquence ; was esteemed above the common Level ; In so much as even Damon Praeceptor to Pericles was banished thereby because he seemed a man of more than ordinary Sense . And more Idomeneus saith , that Aristides was not made Archon by the lot of the Bean but the free Election of the People . And if he governed after the Battel of Plateae , as Demetrius himself hath written , it is very probable that by reason of his so great Reputation and success in the Wars , he was preferred to that for his Virtue which others received in consideration of their wealth . But Demetrius manifestly endeavoureth not only to exempt Aristides , but Socrates likewise from Poverty as a great Ill ; for he saith the latter had not onely an House of his own , but also seventy Minae put out to use with Crito . But Aristides being the familiar acquaintance of that Clesthenes , who setled the Government after the Expulsion of the thirty Tyrants , and above all Politicians imitating and admiring Lycurgus the Lacedaemonian , adhered to the Aristocratical way of Government ; but had Themistocles Son to Neocles his Adversary in behalf of the Populacy . Some say that , being Boys and bred up together from their Infancy , they were always at variance with each other in all their Words and Actions as well serious as divertive , and that from this their contention they soon made discovery of their natural Inclinations ; the one being ready , adventurous and subtle , soon and with much ease carried to any thing : the other a stayed and setled Temper and intent on the exercise of Justice , not admitting in any degree falsifying , ill language or deceit , no not so much as at his play . Aristo of Chios saith , their Enmity had its beginning from Love , and thence encreased to so great an height ; for being both enamoured of Stesilaus of Cea , the most beautiful of Youths , they were passionate beyond all moderation , neither laid they down their Rivalship even with the decaying Beauty of the Boy ; but as it were exercised therein , they immediately applied themselves to publick business with Heats and Differences . Themistocles therefore joyned to a Party fortified himself with no inconsiderable strength , insomuch as to one who told him were he impartial he would govern Athens well ; I wish , replied he , I may never sit on that Tribunal where my Friends shall not plead a greater Priviledg than strangers . But Aristides was in a manner singular in his Politicks , being unwilling in the first place to go along with his Associates in ill doing , or by not gratifying them therein to become displeasing to them ; secondly , observing that many were encouraged by the Authority of their Friends to act injuriously ; he was cautious ; being of Opinion that the integrity of of his Words and Actions was the onely security to a good Citizen . Howbeit Themistocles making many dangerous alterations , and withstanding and interrupting him in the whole Series of his Actions , he also was necessitated to set himself against all Themistocles did , partly in consideration of his Revenge , and partly to impede his Power still increasing by the favour of the Multitude ; esteeming it better to forget some publick conveniences rather than he by prevailing should be powerful in all things . In fine , when he once opposed Themistocles in an Action that was expedient and had the better of him , he could not refrain saying when he left the Assembly , that unless they sent Themistocles and himself to the * Barathrum there could be no safety for the Affairs of Athens . Another time moving a certain matter to the people , though there were opposition and stirring against it , yet he carried it . But the President of the Assembly being about to put it to the Vote , perceiving by the Debates the inconvenience thereof , he let it fall . Also he often brought in his Bills by other persons , lest Themistocles , through his strife with him , should be any hinderance to the good of the Publick . In any alteration of Affairs his Constancy was admirable , as not being puffed up with Honour , and demeaning himself undisturb'd and sedately in Adversity , and also of Opinion that he ought to offer himself to the service of his Countrey unmercinary and without the Reward not onely of Riches but even glory it self . Whence it is likely , at the recital of these Verses of Aeschylus in the Theatre relating to Amphiaraus . He aims at being just , not seeming so : Profound of Mind the fruit thereof to shew ; Where sage Advice , and prudent Counsels grow . The eyes of all the Spectators were converted on Aristides , as if this Vertue did in a most especial manner appertain unto him . For he was a most strong Champion for Justice , not onely against Friendship and favour but wrath and malice . Therefore it is reported of him that prosecuting the Law against one who was his Enemy , and the Judges after accusation refusing to hear the Criminal , but immediately proceeding to pass Sentence upon him , he rose in haste from his Seat , and joyned in Petition with him for a hearing , and that he might enjoy the priviledge of the Law. Another time Judging between two private persons , the one declaring his Adversary had very much injured Aristides ; Relate rather good Friend , he said , what wrong he hath done thee . For it is thy cause , not my own , which I now sit Judge of . Being chosen publick Treasurer , he made it appear , that not onely those of his time , but the preceeding Officers had alienated much Treasure , and especially Themistocles . For he was a wise Man , but light fingered . Wherefore [ Themistocles ] associating several persons against Aristides and impeaching him when he gave in his Accounts , caused him to be condemned of robbing the Publick ; but the best and chiefest men of the City ill resenting it , he was not only exempt from the Fine imposed upon him , but likewise again designed to the same Imployment . But pretending to repent him of his former practices , and carrying himself with more remissness , he became acceptable to such as had pillaged the Treasury , by not detecting or calling them to an exact account . So that those who had had their fill of the publick Cash began highly to applaud Aristides , and sued to the people , making it their business to have him once more chosen Treasurer . But being upon the point of Election he reproved the Athenians . When I discharged you my Office well and faithfully , said he , I had dirt thrown in my face ; but now I pass over many things in those who rob the Treasury , I seem an admirable Patriot . I am more ashamed therefore of this present Honour than the former Sentence , hut I commiserate your condition , with whom it is more praise-worthy to oblige ill men , than conserve the Revenue of the Publick . By saying thus and discovering their Thefts , he stopped the mouths of those who cryed him up and vouched for him , but gain'd a real commendation from the best men . When Datis ( being sent by Darius under pretence of revenging upon the Athenians . their burning of Sardis , but in reality to subjugate the Grecians to his Dominion ) put in at Marathon and laid waste the Countrey , among the Commanders set over the Athenians to manage the War. Miltiades was of the greatest Authority ; but the second place , both for Reputation and Power , was possessed by Aristides : and when his Opinion to joyn Battel was added to that of Miltiades , it did not a little incline the Ballance . Every Leader by his Day having the Command in chief : When it came to [ Aristides ] his turn , he delivered it into the hands of Miltiades , giving his Fellow-Officers to understand that it is not dishonourable to obey and follow men of good Conduct , but the contrary and safe . So appeasing their contention , and exho●●ing them to acquiesce in one and the best Advice , he confirmed Miltiades in the strength of an undivided Authority . For now every one quitting their Day of Command had regard to him onely . During the Fight the the main Body of the Athenians being the hardest put to it , the Barbarians for a long time making opposition there against the Tribes Leontis , and Antiochis , Themistocles and Aristides being ranged together fought valiantly ; for the one was of the Tribe Leontis , the other of Antiochis . But after the had beaten the Barbarians back to their Ships , and perceived that they sailed not for the Isles , but were driven in by the force of Sea and Wind towards the Countrey of Attick ; fearing lest they should take the City [ of Athens ] unprovided of defence , they speeded away thither with nine Tribes , and reached it the same Day . But Aristides being left with his Tribe at Marathon to guard the Plunder and Prisoners deceived not the Opinion they had of him . For the abundance of Gold and Silver , of all sorts of Apparel , and an infinite number of other things that were in the Tents and Vessels they had taken , he had no desire to meddle with himself , nor suffered any else to do it , unless there were such who took away any thing unknown to him . Of this number was Callias the * Torch-bearer ; [ in the Sacrifices of Ceres . ] One of the Barbarians it seemeth prostrated himself before this man , supposing him to be a King by his Hair and Fillet : and when he had so done , taking him by the hand shewed him a great quantity of Gold hid in a Ditch . But Callias the most cruel and impious of men , took away the Treasure but slew the Person , lest he should reveal it to any other . Hence they say the Comick Poets gave his Family the name of Laccopluti , or inrich'd by the Ditch , reflecting upon the place where Callias found the Gold. Aristides soon after this was Archon , although Demetrius the Phalerian saith he governed a little before he died , after the Battel of Plateae . But in the Records after Xanthippides in whose Year Mardonius was overthrown at Plateae , amongst very many there mentioned , there is not so much as one of the same Name as Aristides : But immediately after Phanippus , during whose Regency they obtained the Victory of Marathon , Aristides is Registred . Of all his Vertues the Vulgar were most affected with his Justice , because of its continual and common use . Whence being a Person of mean fortune and Birth , he possessed himself of the most Kingly and divine Appellation of Just . Which no King or Tyrant ever sought after ; who have taken delight to be surnamed , a Overcomers of Cities , b Thunderers , c Conquerours , and some d Eagles , and e Hawks ; Affecting it seems the Reputation which proceeds from Power and Violence , rather than that of Vertue . Although the Divinity ( to whom they desire to compare and assimilate themselves ) excels in three things , Immortality , Power , and Vertue ; but the most venerable and Divine is Vertue . For the Elements and Vacuum have Immortality ; Earthquakes , Thunders , Storms , and Torrents , have great power ; but as for Justice and Equity , nothing participates thereof except what is Divine , by the means of Sapience and Ratiocination . Wherefore there being three ways the Vulgar stand affected towards the Deity , an esteem of his happiness , a fear and honour of him ; they seem to think him blest and happy for his want of Death and Corruption : to fear and reverence him for his Power and Dominion : But to love , honour , and adore him for his Justice . Nevertheless being thus disposed they covet that Immortality which our Nature is not capable of , and that Power the greatest part of which is at the disposal of Fortune ; but foolishly postpone the onely Divine good in us , Vertue : For as much as Justice makes such as are in Prosperty , Power and Authority to lead the life of a God , the contrary that of a Beast . Aristides therefore had , at first , the fortune to be belov'd for this surname , but at length envied . Especially when Themistocles spread a Rumour amongst the people , that by determining and judging all matters by himself , having destroyed the Courts of Judicature , he secretly made way for a Monarchy in his own person without the assistance of Guards . Now the spirits of the people grown high , and set on great matters by reason of their late Victory , were offended at all of eminent Fame and Reputation . Coming together therefore from all parts into the City , they banished Aristides by the Ostracism , giving their Envy to his Reputation the Name of Fear of Tyranny . For it was not the punishment of any flagitious Act , but speciously term'd the Depression and Restraint of exceeding Greatness and Power . It was a gentle mitigation of Envy , determining its malice to work Injuries in no intolerable thing , only a 10 years Banishment . But after the People began to subject base and villanous Fellows hereunto , they desisted from it ; Hyperbolus being the last whom they banished by the Ostracism . The cause of Hyperbolus his banishmen● is said to be this , Alcibiades and Nieias , Men that bore the greatest sway in the City were of different factions . As the people therefore were about to Vote the Ostracism and apparently to decree it against one of them ; consulting together , and uniting their Parties , they contrived the Banishment of Hyperbolus . Whereupon the people being offended , as if some Contemp● or Affront was put upon the thing , lest off and quite abolished it . It was performed , to be short in this manner , Every one taking the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Shell , and writing upon it the Citizen's Name he would have banished , carried it to a certain part of the Market-place surrounded with wooden Rails . First , the Magistrates numbered all the Shells in gross ; ( for if there were less than six hundred the Ostracism was imperfect , ) then laying every Name by it self , they pronounced him whose Name was written by the major part banished for ten Years , enjoying his Estate . As therefore they were Inscribing their Shells , it is reported that a very illiterate clownish Fellow giving Aristides his Shel● as to one of the Mobile , entreated him to write Aristides upon it ; but he being amazed and asking if Aristides had ever done him any injury , None at all , said he , neither know I the man , but am troubled to bear him spoken of every where , as a just Person . Aristides hearing this is said to have made no Reply but returned the Shell with the Inscription of his own Name . At his departure from the City , lifting up his Hands to Heaven , he prayed , as appears , contrary to Achilles , that the Athenians might never have any occasion which should constrain them to remember Aristides . Nevertheless three Years after , when Xerxes marched through Thessaly and Baeotia into the Countrey of Attica , Repealing the Law , they Decreed the return of the Banished ; chiefly fearing Aristides , lest , joyning himself to the Enemy , he should corrupt and bring over many of his Fellow Citizens to the party of the Barbarians , being mistaken in the Man , who , even before the Decree , was continually exciting and encouraging the Grecians to the defence of their Liberty ; And afterwards when Themistocles was [ General of the Athenians ] he assisted him in all things both of Action and Council ; rendring the greatest Enemy he had the most glorious of men in consideration of the common security . For when Eurybiades was deliberating to desert the Isle of Salamis , and the Gallies of the Barbarians putting out by Nigh● to Sea , surrounded and beset the narro● passage and Islands ; no body knowing ho● they were environed ; Aristides undauntedly sailed from Aegina through the Enemies Fleet , and coming by Night to Themistocle● his Pavilion , and calling him out by himself : If we are Wise , said he , Themistocle● laying aside at this time our vain aad childis● contention , let us enter upon a safe and honourable dispute , contending with each other fo● the preservation of Greece ; you in the Rulin● and Commanding , I in the Executive and Advising part . For as much as I now understan● that you alone adhere to the best Advice in counselling without any delay to engage in th● Streights . And though our own party oppose● yet the Enemy seems to assist you herein . Fo● the Sea behind , and all around us is covered with their Fleet : so that we are under a necessity of approving our selves men of Courag● and Fighting , whether we will or no ; fo● there is no room left us for flight . To which Themistocles answered , I would not willingly Aristides , be overcome by you on this occasion : and shall endeavour , in emulation 〈◊〉 this commendable beginning to go beyond th● same in my Actions . Also relating to hi● the Stratagem he had framed against th● Barbarians , he entreated him to persuade Eurytiades and shew him , how it was impossible they should save themselves without an Engagement . For he gave more to him . Whence in the Council of War , Cleocritus the Corinthian telling Themistocles that Aristides did not like his Advice , for he was present and said nothing : Aristides ●nswered , That he should not hold his peace if Themistocles did not speak that which was ●ost expedient , but that he was now silent not ●ut of any good will to the person , but in ap●robation of his Counsel . In this sort were ●he Grecian Captains busied . But Aristides ●erceiving Psyttalia a small Island that lieth ●ithin the streights over against Salamis whol● taken up by the Enemy , he put aboard ●is Tenders the most forward and coura●ious of his Country-men , and went ashore ●pon it ; and joyning Battel with the bar●arous people , slew them all , except such ●emarkable Persons as were taken alive . A●ongst these were three Children of Can●auce the King's Sister , whom he immedi●tely sent away to Themistocles , and it is re●orted , that according to a certain Oracle , ●hey were by the Command of Euphrantides ●he Seer , s●crificed to Bacchus Omestes , or ●he Devou●er . But Aristides surrounding ●he Island with Armed Men , lay in wait ●r such as were cast thereon , to the intent none of his Friends should perish , or any of his Enemies escape . For the greatest engagement of the Ships , and the main fury of the whole Battel , seemeth to have been about this place . Wherefore a Trophy was erected in Psyttalia . After the fight Themistocles , to sound Aristides , told him they had performed a good piece of service , but there was a better yet to be done , the keeping Asia in Europe by sayling forthwith to the Hellespont and cutting in sunder the Bridg. But Aristides exclaiming , desired him to let fall the Discourse , but to deliberate and Essay , as soon as possible , to remove the Mede out of Greece , lest being inclosed through want of means to escape , necessity should convert him to force his way with so great an Army . So Themistocles once more dispatched Arnaces the Eunuch his Prisoner , giving him in Command privately to advertise the King that he had diverted the Greeks from their intention o● setting Sail for the Bridges out of a desire h● had to preserve him . Xerxes being much terrified herewith , immediately speeded t● the Hellespont . But Mardonius was le●● with the most serviceable part of the Army , about three hundred thousand 〈◊〉 and was formidable , through 〈◊〉 great confidence he had reposed in his Infantry menacing the Grecians and writing to the● in this manner , You have overcome by Sea Men accustomed to sight on Land and unskilled at the Oar ; but now there is in the Champaign Countrey of Thessaly , and the Plains of Beeotia convenient for the Valiant , either Horse or Foot to contend in . But he sent privately to the Athenians both by Letter and word of Mouth from the King , promising to re-edifie their City , to give them a vast sum of Money , and constitute them Lords of all Greece , on condition they were not engaged in the War. The Lacedaemonians being advertised hereof , and fearing , dispatched an Embassy to the Athenians , entreating that they would send their Wives and Children to Sparta , and receive Alimony from them for their superannuated . For being spoiled both of their City and Countrey an extream poverty oppressed the people . Having given Audience to the Embassadors , they returned an Answer upon the motion of Aristides , which was to admiration , declaring that they forgave their Enemies if they thought all things ●urchasable by wealth , than which they knew no●hing of greater value ; but that they were high●y offended at the Lacedaemonians , because they ●ad respect onely to their present poverty and ●xigence , without any remembrance of their ●alour and Magnanimity , when they ex●ort them to fight in the cause of Greece for the reward of their Bread. Aristides making this Proposal , and bringing back the Embassadours into the Assembly , charged them to tell the Lacedaemonians , that all the Treasure in the whole World was 〈◊〉 of that value with the people of Athens as the liberty of Greece . And shewing the Su● to those who came from Mardonius , as long as that retains the same course , so long said he , shall the Citizens of Athens wage War with the Persians for that Country which has been wasted , and those Temples that have been profaned and burnt by them . Moreover , he preferred a Decree that the Priests should Anathematize him who sent any Embassage● to the Medes , or deserted the Alliance of Greece . When Mardonius made a second Incursion into the Countrey of Attica , * they passed over again to the Isle of Salamis . But Aristides being sent to Lacedaemon , reproved in them their delay and neglect , as abandoning Athens once more to the Barbarians but demanded their assistance for that par● of Greece which was not yet lost . The Ephori , hearing this , made shew of sporting all Day , and carelesly keeping Holy-day ( fo● they celebrated the Hiacynthia . ) But in th● night selecting five thousand persons , each o● which was attended by seven Ilotes , they sent them forth unknown to those o● Athens . And when Aristides came again to reprehend them , they told him in derision that he either doted or dreamed , for the Army was already at Oresteum in their march towards the Strangers ; ( for so they called the Persians . ) But Aristides said they jested unseasonably , deluding their Friends instead of their Enemies . Thus says Idomeneus . But in the Decree of Aristides , not himself but Cimon , Xanthippus and Muronides are appointed Embassadors . Being chose General of the War , he repaired to Plateae with eight thousand Athenians , where Pausanias Generalissimo of all Greece , joined him with the Spartans , and the forces of the other Grecians came in to t●em . The whole Camp of the Barbarians being extended all along the Bank of the River Asopus , their numbers were so great there was no bounding them , but their Carriages and most valuable things they surrounded with a square Bulwark , each side of which was the length of ten ●urlongs . Now Tisamenes of this had prophesied ●o Pausanias and all the Grecians , and fore●old them the Victory if they made no at●empt upon the Enemy , but stood on their defence . But Aristides sending to Delphos , ●he God answer'd , that the Athenians should overcome their Enemies , in case they made supplication to Jupiter and Juno of Citheron , Pan and the Nymphs Sphragitides , and s●crificed to the Heroes Androcrates , 〈◊〉 , Pisander , Damocrates , Hypsion , Actaeon , and Polyidus ; and if they fought within their own Territories in the Plain of Ceres Eleusina and Proserpina . Aristides was perplexed at the return of this Oracle : for the Heroes to whom it commanded him to S●crifice , had been Chieftains of the Plataeans , and the Cave of the Nymphs Sphragitides was on the top of Mount Citheron , on that side which in the Summer season in opposed to the setting Sun ; In which place , as Fame goeth , there was formerly an Oracle , and many that dwe●● 〈◊〉 those parts were inspired with it , whom t●●y called Nympholepti , possessed with th● Nymphs ; But the Plain of Ceres Eleusina and giving Victory to the Athenians , if they fought in their own Territories , recalled again and transferred the War into the Country of Attica . In this Juncture Arimnestu● who commanded the Plataeans , dreamed that Jupiter the Saviour , asking him what the Grecians had resolved upon ; he answered ▪ To morrow , Lord , we march our Army to Eleusis and there give the Barbarians Battel according to the directions of the Oracle of Apollo ; And that the God replyed they were utterly mistaken , for that the places spoken o● by the Oracle were within the bounds of Plateae , and if they sought there they should find them . These things appearing plainly to Arimnestus , when he awoke , he sent for the most aged and experienced of his Country-men , with whom communicating and examining the matter , he found that near Nysia at the foot of Mount Citheron , there was a very ancient Temple called the Temple of Ceres Eleusina and Proserpina : therefore he forthwith took Aristides to the place , as being very convenient to embattel an Army of Foot , because the bottom of the Mountain Citheron rendred the Plain , where it cometh up to the Temple , inaccessible to those whose strength consisted in Cavalry . Also in the same place there was the Fane of Androcrates invironed with a thick shady Grove . And that the Oracle might be accomplished in all particulars for the hope of Victory , the Platoeans decreed , Arimnestus motioning the thing , that the frontiers of their Countrey towards Attica should be removed , and the ground where the bounds were set given to the Athenians that they might fight in defence of Greece in their own proper Dominions . This liberality of the Plataeans became so famous , that Alexander many years after having obtained the Dominion of all Asia , when he erected the Walls of Plataea , caused Proclamation to be made by the Herald at the Olympick Games , that the King did the Plataeans this favour in consideration of their good deed and magnanimity , because in the War with the Medes they freely gave their Land to the Grecians . The Tegeatae striving with the Athenians for place , demanded , That , according to custom , the Lacedaemonians being ranged in the right Wing of the Battel , they might have the left , alledging several things in commendation of their Ancestors . But the Athenians being moved to indignation , Aristides coming forth into the midst of them ; To contend with the Tegeatae , said he , for good Quality and Valor the present time permits not : but this we say to you , O you Spartans , and you the rest of the Greeks , that the place neither takes away nor contributes courage : But we shall endeavour by crediting and maintaining the Post you design us , to reflect no dishonour on our former performances . For we are come , not to differ with our Friends , but , fight our Enemies ; not to extol our Ancestors , but to behave our selves towards Greece as valiant Men : For as much as this Battel will manifest what esteem each City , Captain and private Souldier is to bear in the Opinion of the Grecians . This the Council of War hearing , applauded the Athenians , and gave them the other Wing of the Battel . All Greece being in suspence , and especially the affairs of the Athenians unsetled , certain persons of great Families and Possessions , having been impoverished by the War , and seeing all their Authority and Reputation in the City vanished with their Wealth ; others being possessed of their Honours and Places , conven'd privately at a House in Plataea and conspired the dissolution of the Commonwealth . And if the Plot should not succeed , to ruin things , and betray all to the barbarous people . These matters being in agitation in the Camp , and many persons already corrupted ; Aristides perceiving the design , and dreading the present juncture of time , determined neither to let the business pass unanimadverted upon , nor yet totally to detect it , not knowing how many the Accusation might reach ; willing rather to set bounds to his Justice than the publick convenience . Therefore , of many that were concerned , he apprehended eight only , two of which , who were first proceeded against and most guilty ( Aeschines of Lampra , and Agesias of Acharnae ) made their escape out of the Camp. The rest he dismiss'd ; giving opportunity to such as thought themselves concealed to be bold and repent ; declaring that they had the War the great Tribunal to clear their guilt by manifesting their sincere and good intentions towards their Country . After this Mardonius made Trial of the Grecian courage , by sending a very great number of Horse , wherein he thought himself much the stronger against them , who were all pitch'd at the foot of Mount Citheron , in strong and rocky places , except the Megareans . But they being three thousand in number were encamped on the plainer ground , by which means they were damaged by the Horse charging and making inroads upon them on all hands . They sent ●herefore in haste to Pausanias , demanding relief , as not being able alone to sustain the great numbers of the Barbarians . Pausanias hearing this , and perceiving the Tents of the Megareans already covered with a multitude of Darts and Arrows , and they contracted into a narrow space , was at a loss himself how to aid them with his Battalion of heavy-armed Lacedaemonians . But to the other Captains and Commanders about him , he proposed it as a subject of Emulation in Valour and Glory , if any would voluntarily take upon them the defence and succour of the Megareans . The rest being backward , Aristides undertook the enterprize for the Athenians , and sent Olympiodorus the most valiant of his inferiour Officers with three hundred chosen Men and some Archers under his Command . These persons being soon in readiness , and running upon the Enemy , as soon as Masistius who commanded the Barbarians Horse , a man of wonderful str●●gth and extraordinary Bulk and comliness of person , perceived it , turning his Steed he made towards them . And they sustaining the shock and joyning Battel with him , there was a sharp Conflict , as if by this Encounter they were to try the success of the whole War. But after Masistius his Horse being wounded with an Arrow , flung him , ( and he falling could hardly raise himself through the weight of his Armour , and the Athenians pressing upon him with blows , was not without difficulty to be wounded , being armed compleatly with Gold , Brass , and Iron , ) a certain person running him in at the Visour of his Helmet , slew him , and the rest of the Persians , leaving the Body , fled . The greatness of the Grecians success was known , not by the multitude of the slain ( for an inconsiderable number were killed ) but the sorrow the Barbarians express'd . For they shaved themselves , their Horses and Mules for the death of Masistius , and filled the Plain with howling and lamentation ; having lost a Person who next to Mardonius himself , was by many degrees the Chief among them both for Valour and Authority . After this skirmish of the Horse they kept from fighting a long time ; for the Sooth sayers by the Sacrifices foretold the Victory both to Greeks and Persians if they stood upon the defensive part onely , but if the Aggressors the contrary . At length Mardonius when he had but a few days provision , and the Grecian forces encreased continually by some or other that came in to them , impatient of delay determined to lie still no longer ; but , passing Asopus by day break , to fall unexpectedly upon the Grecians , and signified the same over Night to the Captains of his Host . But about Midnight a certain Horseman stole into the Greek Camp , and coming to the Watch desired them to call Aristides the Athenian to him , who with speed obeying the Summons ; I am , said he , Alexander King of Macedonia , but am arrived here through the greatest danger in the World for the good will I bear you , lest a sudden Onsent should so dismay you , that you behave your selves in the fight worse than usual . For to morrow Mardonius will give you Battel , not moved thereto by any hope of success or Courage , but want of Victuals . For the Prognosticators by their ill-aboding Sacrifices and Oracles prohibit him the Battel . And the Army is in great despair and Consternation ; but necessity emboldens him to try his Fortune , or sit still and endure the last extremity of want . Alexander thus saying , entreated Aristides to take notice of and remember the same , and not reveal it to any other . But he told him , it was not convenient to conceal the matter from Pausanias ( because he was General ) but as for any other , he determined to keep it secret from them till such time as the Battel was fought ; but if the Grecians obtained the Victory , that then no one should be ignorant of Alexander's good will and kindness towards them . After this , the King of Macedonia rode back again , and Aristides went to Pausanias his Pavilion and told him what had been said ; and they sent for the rest of the Captains , and gave Orders that the Army should be in Battel Array . Here ( according to Herodotus ) Pausanias spake to Aristides , desiring him to transfer his Athenians to the right Wing of the Army opposite to the Persians ( for that they would do better service against them , having been experienc'd in their way of Combat , and embolden'd with their former Victories ) and give him the left , where the Medizing Greeks were to make their Assault . The rest of the Athenian Captains therefore looked upon Pausanias as very unjust and arrogant , because permitting the rest of the Army to keep their stations , he removed them only from place to place like so many Slaves opposing them ********** to the greatest strength of the Enemy ▪ 〈◊〉 Aristides said , they were altogether 〈◊〉 if they of late contended with the ●●geatae for the right Wing , and gloried in ●●ing preferred before them ; but now wh●● the Lacedemonians give them place in the l●ft , and yielded them in a manner the leading of the Army , they neither are contented with the honour that is done them , nor look ●●on it as an advantage not to fight against their Countrymen and Kindred , but Bar●arians , and such as were by nature their Enemies . Hereupon the Athenians very ●●dily changed places with the Lacedaemonians , and there went a great talk amongst them as they were encouraging each other , that the Enemy approached with no better Arms or stouter Hearts than those who fought the Battel of Marathon ; but had the same embroidered Coats and Gold upon their delicate Bodies and effeminate Minds : but we have the same Weapons and Bodies , and our Courage augmented by our Victories ; and fight not like them * in defence of our Country onely , but for the Trophies of Salamis and Marathon ; that they may not be looked upon as due to Miltiades or Fortune , but the people of Athens . Thus therefore were they making haste to change the Order of their Battel . But the Thebans understanding it by their Fugitives , forthwith acquaint Mardonius ; and he , either for fear of the Athenians , or a desire to engage the Lacedaemonians , marched over his Persians to the Right , and commanded the Greeks of his party to be posted opposite to the Athenians . But this Transposition being mainifest , both Pausanias , wheeling about again , ranged himself in the Right , and Mardonius , as at first took the left Wing over against the Lacedaenians . So the day passed without Action . After this the Grecians determined in Council to remove their Camp something further , to possess themselves of a place convenient for watering , because the Springs near them were troubled and polluted by the Barbarian Cavalry . But Night being come , and the Captains marching towards the place designed for their encamping , the Souldiers were not very ready to follow , and keep in a Body , but as soon as they passed the first fortifications made towards the City of Plateae , and a great Tumult was there caused by those who were dispersed , and pitched their Tents in disorder . The Lacedaemonians , though against their wills , had the fortune to be left by the rest . For Amompharetus a brave and daring Man , who being a long time before fired with a desire of the Fight , and ill resenting their many lingrings and delays , calling the removal of the Camp a meer running away and flight , protested 〈◊〉 would not desert his Post , but there to 〈◊〉 main with his Company , and sustain the charge of Mardonius . And when Pausanias came to him and told him he did the●● things by the Votes and determinations of the Grecians , Amompharetus taking up a great stone and flinging it at Pausanias his feet , and by this token , said he , do I give my suffrage for the Battel , not minding the cowardly Consultations and Decrees of other Men. Pausanias not knowing what to do in the present juncture sent to the Athenians , who were drawing off , to stay and accompany him ; so he himself marched the rest of the Army to Plateae to the intent to make Amompharetus move . In the interim Day came upon them , and Mardonius ( for he was not ignorant of the Grecians deserting their Camp ) having his Army in Array , fell upon the Lacedaemonians with great shouting and noise of the barbarous people , as if they were not about to joyn Battel , but spoil the Greeks in their flight . Which within a very little time came to pass . For Pausanias perceiving what was done made a halt , and commanded every one to put themselves in order for the Battel , but ( either through his anger with Amompharetus , or the disturbance he was in by reason of the sudden approach of the Enemy ) forgot to give the Grecians the Word . Whence it was that they came not immediately , or in a body , to their assistance , but by small Companies and stragling when the Fight was already begun . [ For Pausanias ] offering Sacrifice , he found it not acceptable to the Gods , so commanded the Lacedaemonians , laying down their Shields at their feet to abide quietly and attend his directions , making no resistance to any of their Enemies . And offering a second time , as the Hors● charged , one of the Lacedaemonians was 〈◊〉 . At this time also Callicrates , who , by report , was the most comely proper man in the Army , being shot with an Arrow and upon the point of expiring , said , that he lamented not his death ( for he came from home to lay down his life in the defence of Greece ) but that he died without Action . The case was hard , and wonderful the forbearance of the Men ; for they Repel●ed not the Enemy that charged them , but expecting their opportunity from the Gods and their General , suffered themselves to be wounded and slain in their ranks : some ●y , that Pausanias being at Sacrifice and Prayers some space out of the Battel , that cer●ain Lydians falling suddenly upon him plun●ered and squandered the Sacrifice . But that Pausanias and his Company having no Arms beat them with Staffs and Whips . W●●●●fore at this day in imitation of this Inva●●●● the whipping the boys about the 〈◊〉 in Sparta , and after that the Lydian ●●●cession is performed Pausanias 〈◊〉 being troubled at these things , the 〈◊〉 offering one Sacrifice after another , 〈◊〉 himself towards the Temple with 〈◊〉 his eyes , and lifting up his hands to ●eaven , beseeched Juno of Citheron and the ●ther tutelar Gods of the Plataeans , if it 〈◊〉 not in the 〈…〉 the Grecians to 〈◊〉 the Victory , that ●●nt might perish , performing some remarkable thing , by their Actions demonstrating to their Enemies , that th●● waged war with men of Courage and Soul●●ers . These Prayers of Pausanias being heard 〈◊〉 he made his Supplications , the Sacrif●●● appeared propitious , and the Southsay●● foretold the Victory . The word being ●ven , the Lacedaemonian ▪ Battalion of 〈◊〉 seemed on the sudden like some one fierc● Animal , setting up his Bristles and betak●●● himself to the Combat . Then it was th●● the Barbarians considered they encountre● with men who would fight it to the death wherefore holding their Targets befor● them they shot their Arrows amongst 〈◊〉 Lacedaemonians . But they keeping tog●ther in the order of a Phalanx , and ●●●ling upon them , forced their Targets 〈◊〉 of their hands , and smiting the breasts and faces of the Persians overthrew many of them , who fell not either unrevenged or without courage . For taking hold of the Spears with their bare hands , they brake many of them , and betook themselves not in vain to Swords drawing , but making use of their Battel-Axes and Falchions , and wresting the Lacedaemonians Shields from them , and grapling with them , it was a long time that they made resistance . In the mean time the Athenians stood still in expectation of the Lacedaemonians . But when they heard the noise of those that were engaged in the Fight , and a Messenger , ●s they say , came from Pausanias to adver●ise them of what was done , they soon spee●ed to their assistance . And as they passed ●●rough the Plain to the place where the ●oise was , the Greeks who took part with ●he Enemy came upon them . But Aristides 〈◊〉 soon as he saw them going a considerable ●●ce before the rest , cried out to them , con●●ing them by the Guardian Gods of Greece 〈◊〉 forbear the fight , and be no impediment 〈◊〉 stop to them , who were succouring per●●●s that fought in defence of Greece . But ●●en he perceived they gave no attention 〈◊〉 him , and had prepared themselves for 〈◊〉 Battel , then turning from the present 〈◊〉 ( of the Lacedaemonians ) he engaged them being five thousand in number . But the gr●●test part soon gave way and retreated , for the Barbarians also were put to flight . The sharpest Conflict is said to have been against the Thebans , the chiefest and most powerful persons among them at that time ●●ding with the Medes , and leading the multitude not according to their own inclinations , but as being subjects of an Oligarchy . The Battel being thus divided , the Lacedaemonians first beat off the Persians ; and a Spartan named Arimnestus , slew Mardonius by a blow on the head with a stone , as the Oracle in the Temple of Amphiaraus , foretold him . For Mardonius sent a Lydian thither , and another person a Carian to the Cave of Trophonius . This latter , the Priest o● the Oracle answered in his own Language ▪ But the Lydian sleeping in the Temple o● Amphiaraus , it seemed unto him that a certain Minister of the Gods stood before him and commanded him to be gone ; but refusing to do it , he flung a great stone at 〈◊〉 Head , so that he thought himself slain wit● the blow . In this manner are these thing● said to come to pass . But they * blocke● up those that fled within their Walls 〈◊〉 Wood : and a little time after the Atheni●● put the Thebans to flight , killing three hundred of the chiefest and of greatest not among them in the Fight . For when the began to fly , news came that the Army of the Barbarians was besieged within their Rampires . So giving the Greeks opportunity to save themselves , they marched to assist them at the fortifications . And coming in to the Lacedaemonians who were altogether unhandy and unexperienced in Storming , they took the Camp with great slaughter of the Enemy ; for of three hundred thousand , forty thousand onely are said to escape with Artabasus ; but on the Grecians side there perished in all thirteen hundred and sixty : of which were fifty two Athenians all of the Tribe Aiantis that fought ( saith Clidemus ) with the greatest courage of any , ( wherefore those of that Tribe , according ●o the Oracle of Apollo , offered Sacrifice ●●r the Victory to the Nymphs Sphragitides at the expence of the publick . ) There were ninety one Lacedaemonians and sixteen Tegeatae . It is strange therefore upon what grounds Herodotus saith , that they onely , ●●d none other , encountred the Enemy ; ●or the number of the slain and their Monu●ents testifie that the Victory was obtained ●y all in general : and if the rest standing ●ill , the Inhabitants of three Cities onely had ●een engaged in the fight , they would not ●ave set this Inscription on an Altar . The Persians chas'd by valiant deeds of War , This common Altar the freed Greeks did rear , Sacred to Jupiter the * Deliverer . They fought this Battel on the fourth day of the Month Boedromion , according to the stile of the Athenians , but in that of the Boeotians the twenty seventh of Pa●● 〈…〉 s ; on which day there is still a Convention of the Greeks at Plateae , and those of that place offer Sacrifice for the Victory to Jupiter the Deliverer . As for the difference of Days it is not to be wondered at , seeing at this time when there is a more accurate search made into matters relating to Astronomy , some make one some another beginning and ending of the Month. After this the Athenians , not yielding the honour of the Day to the Lacedaemonians , nor consenting they should erect 〈◊〉 Trophy , things were well nigh ruined by a dissention amongst the armed Greeks had not Aristides by much soothing and counselling the Commanders , especially Leocrites and Muronides , pacified and perswaded them to leave the thing to the Decision of the Grecians . And they debating the matter ; Theogiton the Megarean declared the honour of the Victory was to b● given some other City , if they would prevent a Civil War. After him Cleocritus of Corinth rising up , made people think he would ask the Palm for the Corinthians ( for next to Sparta and Athens Corinth was in greatest estimation ; ) But he delivered his Opinion , which had the good liking and Admiration of all , in favour of the Plataeans ; and counselled to take away all contention by giving them the Reward and glory of the Victory , whose being honoured could be disgusted by neither Party . This being said , first Aristides gave consent in the name of the Athenians , and Pausanias for the Lacedaemonians . So being reconciled , they set apart fourscore Talents for the Plataeans , wherewith they built a Temple and dedicated an Image to Minerva , and adorned the Temple with Pictures which even to this very day retain their Lusture . But the Lacedaemonians and Athenians , each erected a Trophy apart by themselves . Consulting the Oracle about offering of Sacrifice , Apollo answered , that they should dedicate an Altar to Jupiter the Deliverer , but not to sacr●●●ce , till extinguishing the Fire throughout the Country , as having been defiled by the Barbarians , they kindled unpolluted Fire at the Common Altar at Delphos . The Magistrates of Greece therefore went forthwith and compelled such as had Fire to put it out ; and Euclidas a Plataean , promising to fetch Fire , with all possible speed , from the Altar of the God , went to Delphos , and having sprinkled and purified his body , crowned himself with Laurel , and taking the fire from the Altar ran back to Plateae , and returned before Sun set : performing the same day a Journey of a thousand Stadiums ; but saluting his fellow Citizens , and delivering them the fire , he immediately fell down , and in a short time after expired . Bu● 〈◊〉 Plataeans taking him up interred him 〈◊〉 the Temple of Diana Euclia , setting this Inscription over him , Euclidas ran to Delphos and back again in one Day ; Many are of Opinion that Euclia is Diana and call her by that Name . But some say she was the Daughter of Hercules and Myrto the Daughter of Menaetius and sister of Patroclus , who dying a Virgin was worshipped by the Baeotians and Locrians . Her Altar and Image are set up in all their Market-places , and those of bot● Sexes that are about Marrying , Sacrifice to her before the Nuptials . A general Assembly of all the Greeks being called , Aristides proposed a Decree , that the Deputies of Greece and the Overseers of things Holy might assemble annually at Plateae , and every fifth Year celebrate the Games of Liberty . And that there should be a Levy upon all Greece , for the War against the Barbarians , of ten thousand Spearmen , one thousand Horse , and an hundred Sail of Ships ; but the Plataeans to be exempt and sacred to the service of the Gods , offering Sacrifice for the wellfare of Greece . These things being ratified , the Plataeans undertook the performing an Annual Sacrifice to such as were slain and buried in that Place ; which they still perform in this manner . On the sixteenth day of * Maimacterion ( which with the Baeotians is Alalcomenius ) they make their Procession , the which , beginning by break of Day , is led by a Trumpeter sounding a Point of War ; then follow certain Chariots loaden with Myrrh and Garlands , and a black Bull : then come the young men of free Birth carrying Libations of Wine and Milk in large two-eared Vessels , and Jars of Oil and precious Ointments ( for it is not permitted any of servile condition to have any hand in this Ministration , because the men died in defence of their Liberty ) after all comes the chief Magistrate of Plateae ( for whom although it be unlawful at other times either to touch Iron or wear any other coloured Garment but wh●●e ) at that time apparelled in a Purple 〈◊〉 ; and taking a Water-pot out of the City Chamber , proceeds , bearing a Sword in his Hand through the middle of the Town to the Sepulchres : Then drawing Water out of a Spring he washes and anoints the ●●lars of the Monuments , and sacrificing the Bull upon a Pile of Wood , and making supplication to Jupiter and Mercury of the Earth , invites those Valiant Men who perished in the defence of Greece to the Banquet and Parentations ; After this filling a Bowl with Wine , and pouring it out , he saith , I drink to those persons who lost their lives for the liberty of Greece . These Solemnities even to this day do the Plataeans observe . Aristides perceived that the Athenians after their return into the City endeavoured at a Democracy , and as well deeming the People worthy his care in consideration of their valiant behaviour , as also that it was a matter of difficulty , they being powerful and much conceited of their Victories , to deal with them by force , he makes a Proposal that every one might share in the Government , and Magistrates be chosen out of the whole body of the Athenians . Themistocles telling the People in Assembly that he had some Advice for them , which was not to be given in Publick , but of great advantage and security to the City ; they commanded Aristides onely to hear and consider of it with him . And he acquainting Aristides that his intent was to set fire on the Grecian Fleet ( for by that means should the Athenians become most powerful and Lords of all ) Aristides returning to the Assembly , told them , that nothing was more advantageous than what Themistocles designed , nor nothing more unjust ; The Athenians hearing this , gave Themistocles order to desist ; Such lovers of Justice were the People , and such Credit and confidence did they repose in this Man. Being sent in joint Commission with Cimon to the Wars , he took notice that Pausanias and the other Spartan Captains were morose and crabbed to the Confederates , and by being himself gentle and courteous in his Conversation , and making Cimon agreeable and sociable in his Expeditions , he stole away the chief Command from the Lacedaemonians neither by Weapons , Ships , or Horses , but by his civility and good behaviour . For the Athenians being endeared to the Grecians by the justice of Aristides and Cimon's moderation , the Tyranny and Austerity of Pausanias rendred them yet more desirable : for he always discoursed the Commanders of the Confederates hastily and roughly , and the Common Souldiers he punished with stripes , or standing under the Iron Anchor for a whole day together , neither was it permitted any to provide straw for themselves to lie on , or forrage for their Horses , or come near the Springs to Water before the Spartans were furnished , but servants with Whips drove away such as approached . Concerning which things when ▪ Aristides once was about to expostulate with and reprimand Pausanias , he told him with an angry look that he was not at leisure , and gave no attention to him . Hereupon , both the Sea Captains and Commanders of the Land Army of the Grecians coming to Aristides perswaded him to be their General , and receive the Confederates into his Command who had long desired to relinquish the Spartans and come over to the Athenians . But he answered , that he saw both Equity and Necessity in what they said , but their fidelity stood in need of some Action , the performance of which might keep the multitude from changing their minds , Vliades the Samian , and Antagoras of Chios , conspiring together boarded Pausanias his Gally , getting her between them as she was sailing before the rest . But when Pausanias beholding them rose up , and furiously threatned soon to make them know that they had not attempted upon his Gally , but their own natural Countrey , they willed him to depart and thank Fortune that fought for him at Plateae ; for hitherto in reverence to that the Grecians did not inflict condign punishment upon him . In the end they revolted to the Athenians . And here the magnanimity of the Lacedaemonians was wond●rful . For when they perceived that their Generals were corrupted by the greatness of their Authority , they voluntarily laid down the chief Command , and left off sending any more of them to the Wars , choosing rather to have Citizens of Moderation and perseverance in their Customs and Manners than to possess the Dominion of all Greece . Now even during the Command of the Lacedaemonians , the Grecians paid a certain Contribution towards the maintenance of the War ; and being desirous to have all particular , Persons , Town by Town , rated their due proportion , they desired Aristides of the Athenians , and gave him Command , surveying the Countrey and Revenue , to Sesse every one according to their ability and what they were worth . But he being so largely impowered , Greece as it were permitting all her Affairs to his sole management , went out Poor , and returned Poorer ; laying the Tax not onely without corruption and injustice , but with the good liking and convenience of all . For as the Ancients c●lebrated the age of Saturn ; so did the Confederates of Athens , Aristides his Taxation ▪ terming it the happy Time of Greece , and that more especially , the same being in a short time doubled , and soon after trebled . For the Assessment which Aristides made was four hundred and sixty Talents . But to this Pericles added very near one third part more , for Thucydides saith , that in the beginning of the [ Peloponnesian ] War , the Athenians had coming in from their Confederates six hundred Talents . But after Pericles his death , the Demagogues encreasing by little and little , raised it to the sum of thirteen hundred Talents , not through the Wars being so expensive and chargeable , either in the length or ill success thereof , as by their exciting the people to Largesses , Play-House-expences , and the erecting of Statues and Temples . Aristides therefore acquiring a wonderful and great Reputation by his levying the Tribute , Themistocles is said to deride him as if this were not the commendation of a Man but a Money-bag , making a dislike return to the free speech of Aristides . For he , when Themistocles once was saying , that he thought the chiefest Vertue of a General was to understand and foreknow the Measures the Enemy would take , replied , This indeed , Themistocles , is necessary , but abstinence from bribes is an excellent thing and truly worthy a General . Moreover , Aristides made all the people of Greece swear ( to keep the League ) and himself took the Oath in the name of the Athenians , flinging Wedges of red hot Iron into the Sea after Curses [ pronounced against them that should make breach of their Vow . ] But afterwards , it seems , when things were at such a pass as constrained them to govern with a stronger hand , he advised the Athenians , throwing the Perjury upon him , to manage Affairs as their convenience required . Upon the whole matter Theophrastus tells us , this Person was in his own private affairs , and those of his fellow Citizens nicely just , but that in publick matters he did many things according to the state and condition of his Countrey , as frequently requiring acts of injustice . It is reported of him , that he should say to one who was in debate whether he should convey the Treasure from Delos to Athens contrary to the League at the perswasion of the Samians , that the thing indeed was not just but expedient . In fine , having established the Dominion of his City over so many people , he himself remained indigent ; and always delighted as much in the glory of being Poor , as in that of his Trophies . And it is evident from this : Callias the Torch-bearer 〈◊〉 related to him : This Person his Enemi●● prosecuting in a Capital cause , when they had slightly argued the matters whereof they indicted him ; thus , nothing to the point , bespoke the Judges : You know , said they , Aristides the Son of Lysimachus , who is the Admiration of all Greece : In what 〈◊〉 condition do you think his Family is in at his House , when you see him appear in publick in such a threadbare Cloak ? Is it not probable therefore , that , not keeping the cold from him abroad , he wants food and other necessaries at home ? yet this Man , though his Cousin-German , doth Callias the most wealthy of the Athenians take no care for , being with his Wife and Children in a necessitous condition ; having made use of him in many cases , and often reaped advantage by his Interest with you . But Callias perceiving the Judges were moved hereby , and exasperated against him , Subpoena'd Aristides , requiring him to testifie that when he frequently offered him divers presents , and entreated him to accept them , he refused , answering , that it became him better to be proud of his Poverty than Callias of his Wealth : for there are many to be seen that make a good and bad use of Riches , but it is hard to meet with one who bravely suffers Poverty ; but that they should be ashamed of it who sustained it against their Wills. Aristides deposing these things in favour of Callias , there was none who heard them that went not away desirous rather to be Poor like Aristides , than Rich as Callias . Thus Aeschines the follower of Socrates writes . But Plato of all the great and renowned Men in the City of Athens , declares this person only worthy of consideration ; for Themistoles , Cimon , and Pericles filled the City with Porticoes , Treasure , and many other vain things , but Aristides squared his Actions by the Rule of Justice . Great were the manifestations of his Moderation even towards Themistocles himself . For though he was his Adversary in all his undertakings , and the cause of his Banishment , when he afforded an opportunity of Revenge being accused to the City he bore him no malice ; but Alcmaeon , Cimon , and many others , Prosecuting and Impeaching him ; Aristides only neither did nor said any ill against him , nor insulted over his Enemy in his Adversity , as he never envied him his Prosperity . Some say Aristides died in Pontus , going by Sea upon the Affairs of the Public . Others that he died of Old Age at Athens , being in great Honour and Veneration amongst his fellow Citizens . But Craterus the Lacedoemonian speaks of his Death in this manner . After the Banishment of Themistocles , he saith , the people growing insolent , there arose a great number of Evidences , who impeaching the Nobility and principal men in the City , subjected them to the Envy of the multitude , swelled with their good fortune and Power . Amongst which Aristides was condemned of Bribery , upon the Accusation of Diophantus of Amphitrope , for taking Money from the Ionians , when he was Collector of the Tribute . But of this Craterus bringeth no written proof neither the Sentence of his Condemnation nor the decree of the People ; though he is wont fairly to set down such things , and cite● his Authors : almost all others who have discoursed of the miscarriages of the People towards their Generals , collect together and treat of the Banishment of Themistocles , Miltiades his Bonds , Pericles his Fine , and the death of Paches in the Judgment-Hall , who upon receiving Sentence , slew himsel● before the Tribunal , with many things o● the like nature ; and they add the Banishment of Aristides ; but of this his condemnation they make no mention . Moreover , h●● Monument is to be seen at Phalera , whic● they say was built him by the City , a● not leaving enough even to defray Funeral Charges . And Story saith , that h● two Daughters were publickly married o● of the Prytaneum or Common Treasur● by the City , decreeing each of them three hundred Drachma's for her Portion ; But upon his Son Lysimachus the people bestowed an hundred Minae of Silver , and a Plantation of as many Acres of ground , and ordered him besides , upon the motion of Alcibiades , four Drachma's a day . Furthermore , Lysimachus leaving a Daughter named Policrite , ●s Callicrates saith , the People Voted her ●lso the same provision of Corn with ●hose that obtained the Victory in the O●ympic Games . But Demetrius the Phalerian , Hieronymus the Rhodian , Aristoxenus the Musician and Aristotle ( if the Treatise ●f Nobility is to be reckoned among the genuine Pieces of Aristotle ) say that Myrto Aristides his Grand-Daughter was marryed ●o the wise Socrates having another Wife , ●ut taking her as remaining a Widow by ●●ason of her Indigence , and wanting the ●ecessaries of life . But Panaetius sufficiently ●onfuteth this in the Books he hath written ●oncerning Socrates . And Demetrius the ●halerian in his Socrates saith , he knew one ●ysimachus Son to the Daughter of Aristides ●●treamly necessitated , who sitting at a ●ace called the Jaccheum , sustained himself ●y a Table to interpret Dreams , and that ●e being the Author of the Decree induced ●e People to give his Mother and Aunt ●alf a Drachma a Day . Moreover , the same Demetrius saith , that reviewing the Laws he decreed each of these Women a Drachma a Day . And it is not to be wondred at , that the People of Athens should take such care of those that live in the City , since hearing the Grand-Daughter of Aristogiton was in a low condition in the Isle of Lemnos , and so poor no body would marry her , they brought her back to Athens , and marrying her to a Person of great Quality , gave with her a Farm in the Borough of Potam , of which Bounty and Humanity this City of Athens , even in this our Age , giving divers Demonstrations is had in Admiration , and celebrated deservedly . Labour and paine did Catoes yeares employ The Country gave his youth an honest joy Sometime hee little Villages wou'd see And plead y e poore mans cause w th out a fee THE LIFE OF MARCUS CATO THE CENSOR . By Sir John Litcott , late Fellow of King's Colledge in Cambridge . Volume II. MArcus Cato ( as it is reported ) was born at Tusculum , though ( till he betook himself to Civil and Military Affairs , ) he liv'd and was bred up in the Countrey of the Sabines , where his Father's Estate lay . His Ancestours seeming to almost every one unknown , he himself is fain to praise his Father Marcus as a Worthy and Valiant Person , and Cato his great Grandfather too , as one who had often obtain'd the Military Prizes , and who , having lost five Horses under him , receiv'd , on the account of his Valour , the Worth of them out of the Publick Exchequer . Now it being the custome among the Romans to call those ( who , having no lustre by Birth , made themselves Eminent by their own Worth ) Freshmen or Vpstarts , they call'd even Cato himself so , and so he confess'd himself to be , as to any publick Eminency or Employment , but yet asserted that in reference to the Exploits and Virtues of his Ancestours , he was very ancient . His third name formerly was not Cato , but Priscus , though afterwards he had the Sir-name of Cato , by reason of his great Abilities ; for the Romans signify'd by Cato a Prudent or Experienc'd Man. He was of a Ruddy complexion , and grey ey'd , as he hints to us , who , with no good will , made the following Epigram upon him . Porcius , who snarls at all in every place , With goggling grey eyes , and his fi●ry face , Ev'n after Death , will not received be By Proserpin , th' Infernal Deity . He contracted even from his Childhood a very good habit of Body by his Exercises , so that he seem'd to have an equal portion both of Health and Strength : But he exerted and us'd still his Eloquence through all the Neighbourhood and little Villages , it being as requisite as a second Body , and a necessary Organ to one who has great business . Nor wou'd he ever deny to be Council for those who needed him , and he was indeed early reckon'd a good Lawyer , and quickly after an Eminent Oratour . Hence his Wisdome and depth of Capacity did appear more and more to those who us'd his Conversation , which Talents requir'd an Employment in the management of great Affairs , and those even of the Roman Commonwealth it self . Nor did he onely abstain from taking Fees for his Counsel and Pleading , but did not so much as affect the honour which proceeded from such kind of Combats , seeming much more desirous to signalize himself in the Camp and in real Fights ; for being yet but a youth , his Breast was full of the scars he received from the Enemy ; being ( as he himself says ) but seventeen years old when he made his first Campagne : About which time Hannibal burnt and pillag'd all Italy . In Engagements he wou'd use to strike lustily , without the least flinching stand firm to his ground , with a fierce countenance stare upon his Enemies , and with a harsh threatning voice accost them . Nor was he out in his Opinion , whilst he taught , That such a rugged kind of Behaviour sometimes does strike the Enemy more than the Sword it self . In his Marches he bore his own Arms on foot , whilst one only Servant follow'd , to carry the Provisions for his Table , with whom he is said never to be angry or hasty whilst he made ready his Dinner or Supper , but wou'd sor the most part , when he was free from Military Duty , assist and help him himself to dress it . Moreover , when he was with the Army , he us'd to drink onely Water ; but , when thirsty he wou'd mingle it with a little Vinegar ; or if he found his strength fail him , take a little Wine . The little Countrey-house of Marcus Curius , who had been thrice carry'd in Triumph , happen'd to be near his Grounds ; so that going thither often , and contemplating the small compass of the Place , and littleness of the Dwelling , he cou'd not but wonder at the mind of the Person , who being one of the greatest of the Romans , and having subdu'd the most War-like Nations , nay and driven Pyrrhus out of Italy , should himself after three Triumphs dig in so small a piece of ground , and live in such a kind of Cottage . Here it was that the Ambassadours of the Samnites finding him boiling of Turnips in the Chimney-corner , offer'd him a good present of Gold ; but he sent them away with this Saying ; That He , whom such a Supper did suffice , had no need of Gold ; and he thought it more honourable to conquer those who possess'd the Gold , than to possess the Gold it self . Cato reflecting much upon these things , went his way , and reviewing his Farms , Servants and House-keeping ; encreas'd his Labour , and retrench'd all superfluous Expences . When Fabius Maximus took Tarentum , Cato , being then but a youth , was a Souldier under him , and being lodg'd once with one Nearchus a Pythagorean , he desir'd to understand some of his Doctrine , so that hearing the man discourse of a few Sentences which Plato uses , as , That Voluptuousness is the greatest Bait for Vice ; The Body is the principal Calamity of the Soul ; and that those Thoughts which do most separate and take it off from the Affections of the Body , do most affranchise and purify it ; he indeed fell in love the more with Frugality and Temperance . Farthermore , He is said to have learn'd Greek late , and when he was pretty old ; and that as to his Rhetorick , he profited a little by Thucydides , but much more by Demosthenes : and indeed his Writings are handsomly mix'd both with Greek Sayings and Histories , nay many of them translated word for word , are interwoven with his own Apophthegmes and Sentences . Now there was a certain Nobleman , and one very powerful among the Romans , call'd Valerius Flaccus , who was wonderful skilful in discerning a budding Vertue , and also very much dispos'd to nourish and advance it : He , it seems , had Grounds bordering upon Cato's ; nor cou'd he but admire , when he understood by his Servants the manner of his Living , how he labour'd with his own hands , went on foot betimes in the morning to the Pleading Courts to assist them who wanted his Counsel ; how returning home again when it was Winter , he wou'd throw a little Jacket over his shoulders ; but in the Summer-time work bare with his Domesticks , sit down with them , eat of the same Bread , and drink of the same Wine . Whilst they related also his other Affabilities , and great Moderation , together with some of his Wise Sayings ; he order'd , That he shou'd be invited to him to Supper ; from which time being well acquainted with his agreeable and facetious disposition , which , like a Plant , seem'd to require cultivating , and to be grafted in a more eminent place : He did exhort and persuade him to apply himself to the study of State-Affairs at Rome . Thither therefore he went , and streight by his pleading got many Friends and Admirers ; but Valerius chiefly promoting him to Honour and Power . He first of all got a Colonel's Place , and afterwards was made Questor or Treasurer . And now becoming eminent and noted he ran with him through the greatest Commands , being first his Fellow-Consul , and then Censor . But among all the ancient Senatours , he did most keep company with Fabius Maximus ; not so much for the honour of his Person , and greatness of his power , as that he might set before him his particular Worth and manner of life , as the best Examples to follow , whereupon he made nothing to oppose Scipio the Great , who being then but a young man , seem'd to envy and set himself against the Power of Fabius ; for being sent together with him as Treasurer , when he saw him according to his natural custome make great Expences , and distribute among the Souldiers without sparing ; he freely told him , That the Expence in it self was not the greatest thing to be considered , but that he corrupted the ancient Frugality , giving occasion to the Souldiers to abandon themselves to unnecessary Pleasures and Pastimes : But Scipio answer'd , That he had no need of too accurate a Treasurer , for he resolv'd to go , as it were , full sail to the War , and that he ought to give the People an account of his Actions , and not of the money he spent . Hereupon Cato return'd from Sicily , and together with Fabius , made a huge noise in the open Senate against Scipio's lavishing of unspeakable Summs , and his childish loytering away his time in Wrestling-Matches and Comedies , as if he were not to make War , but Holy-day ; so that he caus'd some of the Tribunes of the People to be sent to call him back to Rome , in case the Accusations shou'd prove true : But Scipio demonstrating as it were to them , an ensuing Victory , and appearing onely to live pleasantly with his Friends , when there was nothing else to doe , shewing also he was not by his Liberality the more negligent in things of consequence and moment , he forthwith set sail towards the War. Now Cato grew more and more powerful by his Eloquence , so that most call'd him the Roman Demosthenes , but his manner of Life was yet more famous and talkt of ; for Eloquence was as an Exercise commonly study'd and affected by all the Youth , but he was very rare who wou'd endure bodily Labour , a light Supper , and a Dinner which never saw the Fire ; or be in love with a poor thin Garment , and a homely Lodging , nay and did more esteem a mind that wanted not great things , than the real possession of them : For now the State ( unable to keep its Purity , by reason of its Greatness , and having so many Places and People from all Parts under its Government ) was fain to receive many mix'd customs , and new fashions of living : With reason therefore did every body admire Cato , when they saw others sink under their Labours , and grow quite effeminate by Pleasures ; and yet beheld him unconquer'd by either , and that not onely when he was young and desirous of Honour , but also when Old and Bald , after his Consulship and Tri●mphs . As a true Victour too in Wrestling , he wou'd persevere and carry on that Exercise to his very last . He himself also says , That he never wore a Garment which cost more than a hundred Drachms , and that when he was General and Consul , he drank the same Wine which his Workmen did ; and that the Provision which was bought in the Market for his Dinner cost not ( usually ) above thirty Asses . Now all this was for the sake of the Commonwealth , that so his Body might be the more Robust and Hardy for the War. Having a piece of the finest mixt Babylonian Tapestry left him , he sold it ; for that none of his Countrey Houses were so much as Plastred . Nor did he ever buy a Slave for above 1500 Drachms , or seek for effeminate handsome ones , but able , sturdy Workmen , such as are Ostlers and Neat-herds : And these he thought ought to be sold again , when once they grew old ; nor wou'd he allow them so much as Victuals , when they became useless . In short , He reckon'd nothing a good penn'oth , which was superfluous ; but whatever it was , though sold for a farthing , he wou'd think it a great Price , if you had no need of it . He purchas'd also good Arable and Pasture-ground , rather than your well swept Gardens with their fine Water-works . Some did impute these things to the sordid Avarice of the Man , but others approve of him therein , as if he did onely the more strictly deny himself for the rectifying and amending of others : But for my part , I impute it to an unnatural temper , when a Person uses his Servants like brute Beasts , by turning off and selling them in their old Age , and thnks there ought to be no farther Commerce between man and man , than whilst there arises some profit thereby . Besides , we see that good Nature or Humanity has a larger Field than bare Justice to exercise it self in ; for naturally indeed we are born to deal with men according to Law and Justice ; but we may extend our Goodness and Charity even to irrational Creatures , and such Acts flow from a mild good nature , as Water from an exuberant Fountain ; so that 't is doubtless the part of a good natur'd man to keep even cast Horses and Dogs , and not onely take care of them when they are Foles and Whelps , but also when they are grown old . The Athenians , when they built their Hecatompodon , turn'd those Mules loose to feed freely , which they had observ'd to have undergone the greatest labour . One of these ( they say ) came once of it self to offer its service , and ran along with , nay and went before , the Teams which drew the Carriages up to the Castle , as if it would incite and encourage them to draw more stoutly ; upon which there pass'd a Vote , That the poor Mule should be kept at the Publick Charge even till it dy'd . The Graves of Cimon's Horses , which won thric● the Olimpian Races , are yet to be seen next his own Monument . Old Xantippus too ( as well as many others who buried the Dogs they had bred up ) entomb'd his which swam after his Gally to Salamina , when the People fled from their City [ Athens ] on the top of a Cliff , which they call the Dog's Tomb to this day . Nor are we to use Living Creatures like old Shooes or Platters , and throw them away when they are worn out or broken with service ; but if it were for nothing else but to express the respect we have for Humanity , a man ought always to shew himself in these things to be of a kind and sweet disposition . As to my self , I wou'd not so much as sell my Draught-Ox on the account of his Age , much less for a small piece of money sell a poor old man , and so chase him , as it were , from his own Countrey , by turning him not only out of the place where he has liv'd a long while , but also out of the manner of living he has been accustom'd to , and that more especially when he would be as useless to the buyer as to the seller . Yet Cato for all this glory'd that he left that very Horse in Spain , which he us'd in the Wars when he was Consul , onely , because he wou'd not put the Pubto the charge of his Freight . Now whether these things are to be ascrib'd to the greatness or poorness of his spirit , let every one argue as they please : However as to the Temperance he himself us'd , he was really to be admir'd , it being beyond even the ordinary course of nature ; for when he commanded the Army , he never took for himself , and those that belong'd to him , above three Bushels of Wheat for a Month , and about a Bushel , and a half a day for his Carriages and Horses : Nay when he enter'd upon the Government of Sardinia , though his Predecessors there us'd to require Tents , Bedding and Cloaths upon the publick account , and to charge them heavily by furnishing Provisions and Entertainments for a great Train of Servants and Friends ; He , on the contrary , by his Frugality shew'd an incredible difference , for in nothing wanted he the Contribution of the Publick ; nay he wou'd walk without a Coach to visit the Cities , and with one onely of the Common Town-Officers , who carry'd his Garment , and a Cup to offer Sacrifice in ; yet though he seem'd thus easie and sparing to all who were under his Power , he , on the other hand , shew'd great severity and strictness , being always inflexible in what related to Publick Justice , and most upright and severe in what concern'd the Ordinances of the Common-wealth ; so that the Roman Government , where he was , never seem'd more terrible , and yet more mild . Nay his very manner of speaking seem'd to have such a kind of Idea with it , for it was Courteous , and yet Grave ; Pleasant and Piercing ; Facetious and Austere ; Sen●entious , and yet Pithy : And ( as Plato says ) he was like Socrates , who seem'd outwardly to those about him to be but a simple , blunt and sullen Fellow ; whilst at the bottom he was full of such Gravity and Matter , as wou'd even move Tears and touch the very Hearts of his Auditours . Wherefore I know not what has perswaded some to say , That Cato's Style was chiefly like that of Lysias ; however , let us leave those to judge of these things , who profess most to distinguish between the several kinds of Roman Styles ; whilst we write down some of his memorable Sayings ; being of the opinion with some others , That a Man's Parts appear much more by his Words , than Looks . Being once desirous to dissuade the common people of Rome from their unseasonable and impetuous Clamour for Largesses and Distributions of Corn , he began thus to harangue them : 'T is a difficult task , O Citizens , to make Speeches to the Belly , which has no Ears . Reproving also the ill managery of Affairs , he said , 'T was hard to preserve that City , where a Fish was sold for more than a● Ox. He had a Saying also , That the Roman People were like Sheep ; for they , when single obey not ; but when altogether in a Flock they follow their Leaders : So ye ( said he ) are guided by those got together in a Body though singly you wou'd not use the Counse of a man of ' em . Discoursing of the Powe● of Women : All men , quoth he , usually command Women ; We command all Men , and the Women command us . But this indeed is taken out of the Sayings of Themistocles , for he being in many things govern'd by his Son , by means of the Mother : Wife ( says he ) the Athenians govern the Greeks ; I govern the Athenians , but thou govern'st me , and thy Son governs thee ; wherefore pray let him use his Power sparingly , whereby as simple as he is , he can do more hurt than all the Athenians together . Another Saying of Cato's was , That the Roman People did not onely prize such and such Purple Dies , but such and such Studies and Exercises also ; For , said he , as Dyers do most of all dye such Colours which they see most agreeable , so the young men learn , and zealously affect what is most cry'd up . He did also exhort them . That if they were grown Great by their Vertue and Temperance , they should not change for the worse ; but if by Intemperance and Vice they became Great , they should change for the better , for by that means they were grown indeed too too great . He would say likewise , That they who endeavour'd to have a share in the Government , ought like those who know not their way to go along with Beadles , who have long Sticks , ●est they should go astray . He did also reprove the Citizens for chusing still the same Governours ; for ye will seem ( said he ) either not to esteem the Government worth much , or that many are not worthy to Govern. Speaking too of a certain Enemy of his , who liv'd a very base and discreditable life : This Blade's Mother ( quoth he ) when she prays that he may survive her , is lookt upon rather to curse than to pray . Pointing at one who had sold the Land which his Father had left him , lying near the Sea-side , He made as if he wonder'd at him , being stronger even than the Sea it self ; for what it washed away with a great deal of labour , he with a great deal of ease drank away . When the Senate with a greet deal of splendour receiv'd King Eumenes at his entrance into Rome , and the chief Citizens strove who should be most about him ; Cato seem'd only to stare upon , and watch him as it were at a distance . One that stood by too , took occasion to say , That he was a very good Prince , and a great Lover of the Romans ; It may be so , ( quoth Cato ) but by Nature that same Animal of a King , is a kind of Man-Eater . Nor were there ever Kings so fortunate as to be compared with Epaminondas , Pericles , Themistocles , Marcus Curius , or Amilcar , surnamed Barcas . He us'd to say too , That his Enemies did envy him because he wou'd rise before day , and neglected his own Business to follow that of the Publick . He would also tell you , That he had rather be deprived of the Reward for doing well , than not to suffer the Punishment for doing ill ; and that he could pardon all Offenders but himself . The Romans having sent three Ambassadours to Bithynia , of which one was Gouty , another had his Scull trepan'd , and the other seem'd little better than a Fool ; Cato laughing , gave out , That the Romans had sent an Embassy , which had neither Feet , Head nor Brains . Being entreated by Scipio , on the account of Polybius , for those who were banished out of Achaia , and there happening to be a great Dispute in the Senate about it , some being for , and some against their Return ; Cato standing up , thus deliver'd himself : Here do we sit all day long , as if we had nothing to do but beat our brains whether these old Greeks should be carried to their Graves by the Bearers here , or by those in Achaia ; But the Senate voteing their Return , it seems that a few days after Polybius's Party did farther request , that it should be moved in the Senate , that the said Banished Persons should again receive the honours which they first had in Achaia , and to this purpose they sounded Cato for his Opinion , but he smiling , answered , That Polybius , Vlysses-like , seem'd to have a mind to go back to the Cyclop's Den , as having forgot his Cap and Belt behind him . He wou'd use to assert also , That wise Men profited more by Fools , than Fools by Wise Men ; for that Wise Men would avoid the Faults of Fools , but that Fools would not imitate the good Examples of Wise Men. He would profess too , That he was more taken with young Men that blush'd , than with those who look'd pale ; and that he never desir'd to have a Souldier that would use his hands too much in marcbing , and his feet too much in fighting ; or snor'd lowder in his sleep , than he hallow'd in an Engagement : Intending to put-upon a huge fat Fellow ; How ( quoth he ) can that Body be profitable to the Commonwealth , when all the space between the Throat and Groyn is taken up by the Belly ? When one who was much given to Epicurism , desir'd his acquaintance , Begging his pardon ( he said ) He could not live with a Man whose Palate was of a quicker sense than his Heart or Brains . He would likewise say , That the Soul of a Lover liv'd in the Body of another ; and that in his whole life he did most repent him of three things ; One was , That he had trusted a Secret to a Woman ; Another , That ever he went by Water when he might have gone on Foot ; The third , That he had remained one whole day without doing any business of moment . Applying himself to an old Man who was committing some Vice , Honest man ( quoth he ) being old age has of it self Blemishes enough , do not you add to it the deformity of Vice. Speaking to a Tribune , who was reputed a Poisoner , and was very violent for the bringing in of a Bill , in order to make a certain Law ; Young man ( cry'd he ) I know not which wou'd be better , to drink what you mix , or confirm what you wou'd put up for a Law. Being revil'd by a Fellow who liv'd a profligate and wicked life ; A Contest ( reply'd he ) is unequal between thee and me , for thou canst hear ill words easily , and canst as easily give them ; but it is unpleasant to me to give such , and unusual to hear them : And this was his manner of expressing himself in his memorable sayings . Now being chosen Consul , with his Friend and Acquaintance Valerius Flaccus , the Government of that part of Spain which the Romans call the Interiour Spain , fell to his Lot ; Having overthrown the people hereabouts , some by force , and overcome others by good words , a great Army of Barbarians fell in upon him , so that there was danger of being disgracefully forc'd out again . Wherefore he called upon his then neighbours the Celtiberians for help ; but they demanding Two hundred Talents for their Auxiliaries , every body made as if it were intollerable that ever the Romans should promise Barbarians a Reward for their Assistance ; but Cato said , There was no discredit or harm in it ; for if they overcame , they would pay them out of the Enemies Purse , and not out of their own ; but if they were overcome , there wou'd be no body left to demand the said Reward . But he stoutly won that Battel , and after that , all his other affairs succeeded splendidly ; for Polybius says , That by his command the Walls of all the Cities , on this side the River Baetis , were in one days time demolished , and yet there were a great many of them full of stout and warlike men . Cato himself says , That he took more Cities than he stay'd days in Spain . Neither is this a Rhodomantado , if it be true , that the number was Four hundred . Now though the Souldiers themselves had gotten much in the fights , yet he distributed a pound of silver to every man of them , saying , It was better , that many of the Romans should return home with Silver , rather than but a few with Gold. But he affirms , That of all the things that were taken , nothing came to him besides what he ate and drank . Neither do I find fault ( continu'd he ) with those that seek to get by these spoils , but I had rather strive with the Best for Valour 's sake , than for Wealth with the Richest , or with the most covetous for love of Money . Nor did he only keep himself clear from taking any thing , but even all those who more immediately belong'd to him . Now he had five servants with him in the Army ; one of them , called Paccus , bought three Boys , out of those who were taken Captive ; which Cato coming to understand , the poor fellow , rather than he would venture into his presence , hang'd himself , so that Cato again sold the said Boys , and carried the Price he got for them into the publick Exchequer . Scipio the Great being his enemy , and desiring , whilst he carry'd all things so successfully , to obstruct him , and take the affairs of Spain into his own hands , accordingly brought about his own ends , so as to be appointed his Successour in the Government , making therefore all possible haste he put an end to Cato's Authority ; but he , taking with him a Convoy of five Companies of Foot , and five hundred Horse to attend him home , overthrew by the way the Lacetanians , and taking from them six hundred Deserters , he caus'd them all to be beheaded ; Upon which Scipio seem'd to be in Indignation , but Cato smiling , said , Thus Rome wou'd become great indeed , if the most honourable and great men would not yield up the first Place of Valour to those who were more obscure , and when they who were of the Commonality ( as he himself was ) would contend in valour with those who were most eminent in Birth and Honour . Now the Senate having voted to change nothing of what had been establish'd by Cato , that Government pass'd away under Scipio to no manner of purpose , in idleness and doing nothing ; and so diminish'd his credit much more than Cato's . Nor did Cato , even after he had triumph'd , remit , and slacken the Reins of Vertue , as many of those doe , who strive not so much for Vertue 's sake , as Vain-Glory ; and having attain'd the highest Honours , as the Consulship and Triumphs , pass the rest of their Life in Pleasure and Idleness , and so quit all affairs relating to the Publick . But he , like those who are just got into Office , and thirst after Honour and Glory , would stretch himself , as if he were but just setting out ; and offering still publickly his service to his Friends and Citizens , he wou'd give over neither his pleadings or Souldiery . He did also as an Ambassadour accompany and assist Tiberius Sempronius , when he went into Tracia and Istria ; and in quality of a Colonel went along with Manlius Aquilius into Greece , against Antiochus the Great , who , after Hannibal , did more than any one strike terrour into the Romans ; for having taken as much of Asia as Seleucus Nicanor possessed , and having brought under his obedience many and warlike Nations of the Barbarians , he long'd to fal upon the Romans , as if they onely wer● now worthy to fight with him : So on h● came with his Forces , pretending as a specious Cause of the War , that it was to free the Grecians , who had indeed no need thereof , they having been but newly deliver'd from the power of King Philip and the Macedonians , and made Masters of their own Laws , and that by the goodness even of the Romans themselves ; so that hereupon all Greece was in a Commotion and elevated , having been corrupted by the mighty hopes which the Governours of their Cities put them into . Manlius therefore sent Ambassadours to the said Cities , and Titus Flaminius ( as it is written among the Affairs concerning him ) did compose and quiet most of the Attempts of the Innovatours , and that without any trouble . Cato did also suppress the Corinthians , those of Patras , and the Aegians , and spent too a good deal of time at Athens . There is also an Oration of his said to be extant , which he spoke in Greek to the people , and wherein he highly commended the Vertue of the ancient Athenians , and signified , that he came with a great deal of pleasure to be a spectatour of the Beauty and Greatness of their City . But this is not true ; for he spoke to the Athenians by an Interpreter , though he was able to have spoken himself ; but his intention thereby was to keep up the Fashion of his own Countrey , and as it were scornfully laugh at those who admired nothing but what was in Greek . Wherefore jesting upon Posthumius Albinus , who had written a Greek History , and begg'd pardon for doing so , he said , Pardon indeed ought to have been given him had he not undertook the Work by the Votes or Order of the Amphictyones . The Athenians , they say , did admire the quickness and celerity of his Speech , for an Interpreter wou'd be very long a repeating what he expressed with a great deal of brevity . In short , he made them believe , that the words of the Greeks came onely from their Lips , whilst those of the Romans came from their Hearts . Now Antiochus having guarded with his Army the narrow passages about the Mountains , called Thermopyloe , and added Trenches and Walls to the natural Fortifications of the place , sate down there thinking he had done enough to divert the War from thence , so that the Romans seem'd wholly to despair of forcing the Passage ; but Cato calling to mind the Compass and Circuit which the Persians had formerly made to come at this place , went forth in the night , taking along with him part of his Army ; after which , whilst they were climbing up , the Guide who was a prisoner went out of his way , and wandring up and down by unpassable and crooked paths , struck the Souldiers with a terrible fear and consternation . Cato perceiving the danger commanded all the rest to hault , and stay where they were , whilst he himself , taking along with him one Lucius Manlius , a wonderful man at climbing of Mountains , went forward with a great deal of labour and danger , in the dark night , and without the least Moon-shine , over the wild Olive-Trees , and steep craggy Rocks , there being ( as has been hinted ) nothing but Precipices , and darkness before their eyes , till they fell into a little pass which they thought might lead down into the Enemies Camp ; There they put up marks upon some of the most conspicuous tops which hung over the Mountain Callidromus , so that returning again they led the Army along with them to the said Marks , till they got into their little Path again , and there once made a halt ; but when they began to go farther , the Path did ( as it were ) leave them , and a great Precipice seem'd to receive them , and put them in another strait and fear ; nor did they perceive all this while that they were near the Enemy . And now the day began to give some light , when they seem'd to hear a noise , and presently after to see the Greek Trenches and Guard at the foot of the Rock . Here therefore Cato staid his Forces , and commanded the Firmians onely without the rest to stick by him , for them he had found always faithful and ready , and streight they stood round him at their close order , whilst he thus spoke to them . I desire ( said he ) to tak● one of the Enemy alive , that so I may understand what kind of Blades they are who guard the Passage ; their number ; and with what Discipline , Order and Preparation they expect us : but to bring about this Feat ( continu'd he ) you must snap him with a great deal of quickness and boldness , such as the couragious Lyons use , when unarm'd they fall upon the timorous Beasts . Cato had no sooner thus exprest himself , but the Firmians forthwith rushed down the Mountains , and that in the very posture they were in upon the Guard , so falling unexpectedly in upon them , they frighted and dissipated them all ; one armed man too they took , and brought to Cato , who quickly learned from him , That the rest of the Forces lay in the narrow Passage about the King ; That those who kept the tops of the Rocks were Six hundred choice Aetolians ; Now Cato despising the smallness of their number and carelesness , forthwith drawing his sword , fell upon them with a great noise of Trumpets and shouting . The Enemy perceiving them thus tumbling as it were upon them from the Precipices , flew to their Main Guard , and put all things into Disorder . In the mean time whilst Manlius was forcing the Works below , and pouring the thickest of his Forces into the narrow Passages , Antiochus was hit in the mouth with a stone , so that his teeth being beaten out thereby , he felt such excessive pain , that he was fain to turn tail with his Horse ; nor did any part of their Army stand the shock of the Romans . Now though there seem'd no hopes of Fight by reason of the inaccessible ways and By-paths , as also of the deep Marishes and steep Rocks , which look'd as if they were ready to receive those who shou'd tumble down ; the Athenians nevertheless crowding and pressing together in the strait Passages , destroy'd even one another whilst they seem'd afraid of the Swords and Blows of the Enemy . Cato ( as it plainly appears ) was never over-sparing of his own Praises , and seldom shunn'd boasting of any Exploit , which quality indeed seems much to accompany great Actions , and with any such kind of Actions he was indeed usually puff't up ; nay , he wou'd say , That those who saw him pursue and slay his Enemies , stickt no● to assert , That Cato ow'd not so much to the Publick , as the Publick did to Cato : nay , and adds , that Manlius the Consul , coming hot from the Fight , embrac'd him for a great while , when all over in a sweat , then cry'd out with a deal of joy , That neither he himself , no , nor all the People together cou'd make him Recompences equal to his great Actions . After the Fight he was sent to Rome , that he himself might be the Messenger of it ; so that with a favourable Wind he sail'd to Brandusium , and in one day got from thence to Tarentum ; and having travell'd four days more , upon the fith , counting from the time he came from Sea , hearriv'd at Rome , and so he himself brought the first news of the Victory ; whereby he fill'd the whole City with Joy and Sacrifices ; and the People with an opinion , that they were able to conquer both Sea and Land. Now these are almost all the Eminent Actions of Cato , relating to military Affairs : but as to Civil Policy , he was of opinion , that a great part of it ought to be employ'd in accusing and enditing Malefactours ; for he himself did prosecute many , and wou'd also assist others who prosecuted them likewise ; nay wou'd even procure such , as he did Petilius's Party against Scipio ; but not being able to destory him , by reason of the greatness of his Family , and the integrity of his mind , he at last wou'd meddle no more with him , yet joining with the Accusers against his Brother Lucius , he cast him in a great sum which was forfeited to the Publick ; but he being insolvent , and in danger of being thrown into Goal , was by a Petition to the Tribunes of the People with much ado , dismiss'd . 'T is also said of Cato , that when he met a certain youth , who had with disgrace overthrown one of his Father's Enemies , walking in the Market-place ; He shak'd him by the hand , telling him , That we ought to sacrifice to our dead Parents , not Lambs and Goats , but the Tears and Mulcts of our Adversaries . But neither did he himself ' scape scot-free in his Managery of Affairs ; for if he gave his Enemies but the least Hold , he was still in danger , and ready to be brought to Justice , for he is reported to have escap'd at least 50 Enditements ; and one above the rest , which was the last , when he was fourscore and six years old , about which time , he had this remarkable Saying , That it was hard for him who had liv'd contemporary with others a great while ago , to plead now before a new Race of Men. Neither did he make this the last of hi● Law-suits , for four years after , when 〈◊〉 was fourscore and ten , he accus'd Servil●● Galba : So that he arriv'd [ we see , as N●●tor did ] to three usual Ages of Man , and that in continual Action , for [ as is 〈◊〉 of him ] having had several Suits with Scipio the Great , about Affairs of 〈◊〉 he stretch'd them down even to Scipio 〈◊〉 younger , who was his adopted Grand 〈◊〉 and the Son of that Paulus , who ov●● threw Perseus and the Macedonians . Now Cato , ten years after his Consulship , pu● 〈◊〉 for the Office of Censor , which was indeed the Top of all Honour , and in 〈◊〉 manner the highest step in Civil Affairs ● for besides all other Power , it had also that of an Inquisition into any ones 〈◊〉 and Manners ; for the Romans though● that not so much as a Marriage , or 〈◊〉 nights lodging for the Procreation 〈◊〉 Children , nay not a Feast or Drinking bout ought to be permitted according 〈◊〉 ev'ry ones Appetite or Fancy , without ●●ing censur'd and enquir'd into ; bein● therefore of opinion , That a Man's ●●mour was much sooner perceiv'd in these kind of things , than in what is done p●●lickly and in open day , they chose two Persons ; one out of the Patricians , the other out of the Commons , who were to watch correct and punish , if any one ran too much after Voluptuousness , or transgress'd the usual manner of living in the place where he was : And these they called Censors . They had power to take away a Horse , or expel out of the Senate any one who liv'd intemperately and out of order . 'T was also their business to take an estimate of what every one was worth , and to put down in Registers every bodies Birth and Quality : The said Office had also many other Prerogatives , wherefore the chief Nobility oppos'd his Pretensions to it ; for Emulation vex'd the Patricians , who thought that it wou'd be 〈◊〉 stain to every bodies Nobility , when men of no honour originally shou'd rise to the ●ighest Dignity and Power . Others , con●cious of their own evil Practices , with the Violation of the Laws and Customs of their own Countrey , were afraid of the Au●terity of the Man ; which , when he was ●n Power , was very uneasie and inexorable . Wherefore consulting among them●elves , they set up in opposition to Cato , ●even Competitours , who with obsequiousness and fair hopes sooth'd the People , which seem'd desirous of such a kind of Magistracy , which would govern gently , ●nd serve their Pleasures . Now Cato on ●he contrary promising no such mildness , but openly threatning evil Livers , from the very speaking Desk he thus express'd himself , and cry'd out , That the City wanted great Reformation , therefore persuaded the people , if they were wise , not to chuse one of the gentlest , but roughest of Physicians ; and that such a one he was ; and Valeri●● Flaccus , one of the Patricians , another ; so that , together with him , he doubted not ( he said ) but he should do something worth the while , and that by cutting to pieces , and burning like a Hydra , all Luxury and Voluptuousness . He added too , That he saw all the rest endeavouring after the Office with ill intent , because they were afraid of those who wou'd exercise it justly , as they ought . Upon this occasion the People of Rome did really express themselves Great , and worthy also of great Officers ▪ shewing , that they fear'd not the severity and grim countenance of Cato , for rejecting those soothing Blades who seem'd to do all things to ingratiate themselves , they took him , together with Flaccus ; nay forth with hearken'd to , and obey'd him , not ● one who stood for the Place , but as if he ha● had the actual power of Commanding an● Governing already . By these means [ I say ] he put down th● name of this his friend Lucius Valerius Flac●● to be his Collegue in that Office , and thre● out of the Senate ( among several others Lucius Quintus , who had been Consul seven years before , and ( which was greater honour to him than the Consulship ) Brother to that Titus Flaminius , who overthrew King Philip. Now the reason he had for the Expulsion was this ; Lucius it seems took along with him a youth , whom he had kept always as a Minion from the very flower of his Age , and to whom he gave as much power and respect as to the chiefest of his Friends and Domesticks . Now it happen'd that Lucius being Governour of one of the chief Provinces , the youth clapping himself down by him , as he us'd to do , among other Flatteries with which he did easily turn and wind him , when he was in his Cups , he thus express'd himself ; I love you so dearly ( quoth he ) that though there was a prize to be seen of the Gladiators at home [ viz. Rome ] of which nature I never beheld one in my life ; and though I , as 't were long'd to see a Man kill'd , yet did I make all possible haste to come to you . Upon this , Lucius mutually caressing him , reply'd , Pri●hee sit not so melancholy , for that longing of yours I will cure : Ordering there-fore forthwith one of those condemned to dye to be brought to the Feast , together with the Heads-man and Axe : He askt his Paramour , if now he desired to see the ●ellow executed ? The Boy answering that he did : Lucius commanded the Executioner to cut off his Neck : and this several Historians mention ; nay Cicero himself in his Dialogue de Senectute brings in Cato expressing the same thing ; but Livy says , That he that was kill'd was a French Renegade , and that Lucius did not execute him by the stroke of the Publick Executioner , but even with his own hand . And all this is written in a Speech of Cato's . Now Lucius being thus expelled out of the Senate by Cato , his Brother took it very ill , and addressing himself to the People , desir'd that Cato shou'd declare how the said Execution was ; which when he began to relate , and bring in the Transactions of the Feast , Lucius , with lifted up hands , eadeavour'd to deny it ; but Cato calling him to his Oath , he fell off and refus'd it , so that he was then acknowledg'd to suffer deservedly . Afterwards when there was some show at the Theatre , he pass'd by the seat , where those who had been Consuls us'd to be plac'd , and sate a great way off , whereby he mov'd Compassion in the common people , who presently with a great noise made bim go on forward , and so as much as possibly they cou'd did set right and salve what had happen'd . Manilius also , who according to the publick vogue , wou'd have been next Consul , he threw out of the Senate , and that because in the presence of his Daughter , and in open day he was a little too sweet upon his own Wife . He wou'd use to say too , That his Wife never hugg'd him so close as when there was a great Thunder ; therefore when he had a mind to rally , he wou'd add , That he was happy when Jupiter thunder'd . Lucius likewise , the Brother of Scipio , and one who had been honour'd vvith a Triumph , occasion'd some Envy against Cato for taking his Horse from him , and seeming to do it vvith a design of putting an affront on Scipio Africanus ; but most of all he chock'd the people , by retrenching from their Luxury , though ( most of the youth being thereby already corrupted ) it seem'd almost impossible to take it away vvith an open hand and directly ; vvherefore going , as it were , obliquely round the hedge , he caus'd all Victuals , Voitures , Womens Apparel , Utensils of Housevvifery , whose price exceeded a Thousand and five hundred Drachms , to be rated at ten times as much as they vvere vvorth ; intending by thus making the said Rates greater , to make greater also the publick Tributes . He did also ordain , that for ev'ry thousand Asses , three shou'd be paid ; so that they vvho vvere press'd vvith these Taxes ( and savv others , of as good Estates , more frugal and sparing , pay less into the publick Exchequer ) shou'd be tyr'd out of their prodigality . Hereby , on the one side , not onely they were disgusted at Cato who bore the Taxes for the sake of their Luxury , but those too who on the other side lay'd by their Luxury for fear of the Taxes ; for the common people reckon , That an Order not to shew their Riches , is equivalent to the taking away their Riches ; because Riches are seen much more in superfluous , than in necessary things , though this made Aristo the Philosopher , much wonder that we shou'd account them who possess'd superfluous things more happy than those who abounded with what was necessary and useful . In troth , reply'd he , in these unuseful and unnecessary things am I happy and rich . Thus the ardent desire of Riches , proceeds not from any natural Passion within us , but arises rather from some vulgar and extrinsick opinion . Cato notwithstanding being little sollicitous as to those who exclaim'd against him , grew more stiff in his Austerity : He therefore caus'd the Pipes , through which some persons brought the publick Water into their own Houses and Gardens to be cut , and threw down all the Porches which jetted out into the common streets . He beat down also the price of publick Works , and , on the other side , rais'd the Imposts on all things that were sold ; by which proceedings he contracted a great deal of hatred to himself . Now those who were of Titus Flaminius's Cabal , vacated in open Council all the Bargains and Contracts made by him for the repairing and carrying on of the sacred and publick Buildings , as bringing no profit to the Commonwealth : They did incite also the boldest of the Tribunes of the people to accuse him to the Rabble , and to fine him two Talents . They did likewise very much oppose him in building the Palace which he caus'd to be erected at the common charge , just by the Senate-house , in the Market-place , and call'd it by his own name , Porcia House . However the people it seems did like his Censourship wondrous well , for setting up a Statue for him in the Temple of the Goddess of Health , they put an Inscription under it , not of his War-like Feats and Triumphs , but such a one as signify'd , That this was Cato the Censour , who by his good Discipline and Ordinances reclaim'd the Roman Common-wealth when it was declining and supinely tumbling into Vice. Now before this Statue-honour was done to himself , he us'd to laugh at those who lov'd such kind of things , saying , They were not sensible that they glory'd chiefly in the Workmanship of Engravers and Painters , but that the Citizens bore about his fairest Image in their Breasts . When any seem'd to wonder at him , that he should have never a Statue , when many ordinary persons had one ; I wou'd ( said he ) much rather be ask'd why I have not one , than why I have one . In short , He would not have any honest Citizen endure to be prais'd , except it might prove advantageous to the Common-wealth ; yet still he most of all commended himself ; for he would often intimate , that they who were of an ill life , and found fault with , us'd to say , It was not sure so great a feat to blame them , for they pretended not all to be Cato ' s. He wou'd also add , That they who did awkardly mimick some of his Actions , were called left-handed Cato's ; and that the Senate in most perillous times wou'd cast their eyes on him , as upon a Pilot in a Ship , and that often when he was not present wou'd they put off Affairs of greatest consequence . These things are indeed too testify'd of him by others ; for he had a great Authority in the City , both for his Life , Eloquence and Age. He was also a good Father , an excellent Husband to his Wife , and an extraordinary Oeconomist ; nor did he manage all these his Affairs carelesly , and as things of little moment . Wherefore I think I ought to run over a little farther , whatever was commendable in him . He marry'd a Wife more noble than rich ; being of opinion nevertheless , that both of them so qualify'd are usually haughty and proud : but yet that those of noble blood , wou'd be more asham'd of base things , and consequently more obedient to their Husbands in all that was fit and handsome for them . Him that beat his Wife or Child , he esteem'd as one that laid violent hands on what was most sacred ; and a good Husband he reckon'd worthy of more Praise than a great Senatour ; wherefore he did in nothing more admire old Socrates , than that with a scolding Wife and block-headed Children , he liv'd contented and quiet . As soon as ever his Son was born , though he had never such urgent business upon his hands , ( if it related not to the Publick ) he wou'd be by when his Wife did unswaddle and wash it ; for she her self suckled it , nay did often too give her Breast to her Servants Children , to beget by sucking the same Milk a kind of natural Love in them to her Son. Now when he began to come to years of Discretion , Cato himself would teach him his Book , although he had a Servant , a very honest fellow and a good Grammarian , called Chilo , who also taught a good many others ; but he thought not fit , as he himself said , to have his Son reprimanded by a Servant ; or pull'd it may be , by the Ears when found tardy in his Lesson : Nor wou'd he have him owe to a Servant the obligation of so great a thing as his Learning ; vvherefore he himself ( as we vvere saying ) taught him Grammar , Law and Fencing : Nor did he onely shew him too how to throw a Dart , to fight with other Arms , and to Ride , but even to play at Fisty-cuffs , to endure both heat and cold , and to swim over the most rapid and rough Rivers . He says likewise , that he wrote Histories , in great Characters , with his own hand , that so his Son without stirring out of the House , might learn the Experience and vertuous Exploits of his Forefathers : Nor did he less abstain from speaking any thing obscene before his Son , than if it had been in the presence of those sacred Virgins , which we call Vestals : Nor would he ever go into the Bagno with him , which seems to be according to the common custome of the Romans ; for Sons-in-Law avoided still bathing with Fathers-in-Law , being asham'd to see one another naked : But having in time learn'd of the Greeks to strip with the Men , they have since taught the Greeks to doe it even with the Women themselves . Thus Cato form'd and fashion'd his Son to Vertuous Inclinations , who was not to be found fault with as to his spritefulness ; but being of too weak a constitution for hardships , he requir'd not of him any austere or hard way of living . However , though he was thus tender and delicate , he prov'd a stout man in the Field , and valiantly behav'd himself when Paulus Aemilius fought against Perseus , where when his Sword was struck from him by a blow , or rather slipt out of his hand by reason of the moistness thereof ; He so far resented it , that he turned to some of his friends about him , and taking them along with him again fell upon the Enemy ; and having by along Fight and much force clear'd the place at length found it among great heaps of Arms , and the dead Bodies of his Friends as well as Enemies pil'd one upon another . Whereupon Paulus the Governour very much recommended the youth ; and there is even a Letter of Cato's to his Son , which does very highly praise this his honourable Exploit and Prowess for the Recovery onely of his Sword. Afterwards he married , Tertia Paulus Aemilius's Daughter , and Sister to Scipio ; nor did he match into this Family less for his own Worth than his Father's , so that Cato's care in his Sons Education had an effect suitable . He purchas'd still a great many Slaves out of the Captives taken in War , but chiefly he bought up the young ones , who were capable to be ( as it were ) broken and taught like little Whelps and Colts ; but none of these ever went into another man's house , except sent either by Cato himself or his Wife . If any one of them were ask'd what Cato did ; they answer'd , Nothing that they knew of . When a Servant was at home , he was oblig'd either to do● some work , or sleep ; for indeed Cato lov'd those most , who us'd to lye down often to take a nap , accounting them mure docile than those who sate up much , and more 〈◊〉 for any thing when they were refresh'd with a little slumber . Being also of an opinion , that Servants would take the greatest pains imag●nable to satisfie their Venery ; he set a certain price to be paid by those who consorted with his Bondwomen , but wou'd suffer none to be concern'd with any others abroad . At first when he was but a poor Souldier , he wou'd not be difficult in any thing which related to his Diet , but look'd upon it as a pitiful 〈◊〉 thing to quarrel with a Servant for the 〈◊〉 of his own belly ; but afterwards , when 〈◊〉 grew richer , and made any Feasts for his Friends and Comrades , presently when Supper was done , would he with a Leathern Thong scourge those who had waited and dress'd the meat carelesly . He always contriv'd too , that his Servants should have some difference one among another , always suspecting and fearing a good Understanding between 'em ▪ Now those who had committed any thing worthy of Death , he accordingly punish'd , if in the opinion of their Fellow-servants they were found guilty . But being after all much given to an extravagant desire of Gain , he lookt upon Agriculture rather as a pleasure than Profit ; resolving therefore to lay out his money in lasting and solid things , he purchas'd Ponds , Hot baths , Grounds full of Fullers Earth , Pastures and Wood , whereby a great Revenue flow'd in unto him , and such a one ( he us'd to say ) as Jupiter himself cou'd not hurt . He was also given to a most blameable Usury in his Trafick by Sea ; and that thus : He would that those whom he put out his money to , shou'd have many Partners ; now when the number of them and their Ships came to be Fifty , he himself wou'd put in but one share ; for which Quintion , whom he had made a Freeman , and who traded and sail'd along with the said Adventurers , was to be his Factour ; so that thus there was no danger of losing his whole stock , but onely a little part , and that with a prospect of great profit . He likewise lent money to those of his Slaves , who would borrow any , with which they bought also other young ones , whom , when they had taught and bred up at his Charges , they wou'd sell again at the years end ; but some of them Cato wou'd keep for himself , giving just as much for them as another had offer'd . To incline his Son to be of this kind of Temper , he wou'd use to say , That it was not like a solid man to lessen an Estate , but rather like a weak W●●dow . But a farther Argument of Cato's av●ricious humour , was , when he took the boldness to affirm , That he was a most wonderf●l● nay a God-like man , who left more behind him than he received . He was now grown old , when Carneades the Academick , and Diogenes the Stoick came Ambassadours from Athens to Rome , with request of releasing a Fine of 500 Talents lay'd on the Athenians ; in which the Oropians were Plaintiffs , and the Sicyonians Judges . Now all the most studious Youths streight waited on the old Gentlemen , and frequently with admiration , heard them speak : But the Gracefulness of Carneades his Oratory ( which had greatest force , and was not inferiour to the Fame of it ) ( especially when he had a great and good natur'd Auditory ) fill'd , like a sudden Wind , all the City with the sound of it ; so that it soon flew about , that a Grecian , famous even to Admiration , winning upon , and carrying all before him , had impress'd so strange a Love upon the young men , that quitting all their Pleasures and Pastimes , they ran mad , as it were , after Philosophy , which indeed did much please all the Romans in general ; nor cou'd they but with much pleasure see the Youth receive so welcomely the Greek Literature , and frequent the company of these Learned men : But Cato on the other side , seeing this same Zeal for the Greek flowing into the City , did , from the beginning , take it in dudgeon , fearing lest the youth shou'd be diverted that way , and so prefer the Glory of Speaking well before that of Arms , and Doing well : Now when the Fame of these Philosophers encreas'd in the City , and Caius Aquilius , one of the principal Senatours , at his own Request became their Interpreter , Cato resolv'd under some specious pretence to have all Philosophers sent packing out of the City ; and coming into the Senate , did , as it were , accuse the Magistrates , That the Ambassadours stay'd a long time without being dispatch'd , they being persons that cou'd easily persuade the People to what they pleas'd ; that therefore in all haste something should be concluded as to their Embassy , that so being sent home again to their own Schools , they might declaim to the Grecian Children , and the Roman Youth , might , as they formerly did , be obedient to their own Laws and Governours . Yet this he did not out of any anger ( as some think ) to Carneades ; but because he wholly despis'd Philosophy , and out of a kind of Pride , scoff'd at the Greek Muses and Literature ; for indeed he wou'd use to say , That Socrates was a prating seditious fellow , and endeavour'd by all means possible to tyrannize over his Countrey , to violate the ancient Customs , and to entice and withdraw the Citizens to Opinions contrary to the Laws ; then scoffing at Socrates's School , he wou'd add , That his Scholars grew so old before they had done Learning with him , as if they were to use their Art and plead Causes in the next World ; and to fright his Son from any thing that was Greek , he us'd a much harsher tone than was usual with one of his age , pronouncing , as it were , with the voice of an Oracle , That the Romans wou'd certainly be destroy'd when they began once to be infected with Greek , though time shew'd the Vanity of this his way-ward Saying ; for in truth , the City of Rome grew never greater than when they entertain'd the Grecian Learning ; nor had he an aversion onely against the Grecian Philosophers , but the Physicians also , for having it seems heard , how Hippocrates shou'd say , when the King of Persia sent for him , and would have feed him even with several Talents ; That he wou'd never assist Barbarians , who were Enemies to the Grecians ; he affirm'd , that this was now become a common Oath to be taken by all Physicians , and so enjoin'd his Son to have a care and avoid them ; for that he himself had written a little Treatise ; whereby he gave Prescriptions , and cur'd those who were sick in his Family ; that he never enjoin'd Fasting to any one , but order'd them a little Duck , Pigeon or Levret , such kind of Diet being of light digestion , and fit for sick folks , onely it made those who eat it , rave and dream a little too much ; and by the use of this kind of Physick , he wou'd tell them , he did not onely make those about him well , but kept them so : However , for this his presumptuous bragging , he seem'd not to escape unreveng'd ; for he lost both his Wife and his Son , though he himself being of a strong robust constitution , held out longer , so that he would often , even in his old days , make use of Women , nay when he was past a Lover's Age , he married a young Woman , and that upon this pretence : You must know , that having lost his own Wife , he married his Son to the Daughter of Paulus Aemilius , who was Sister to Scipio ; so that being now a Widower himself , he made use of a small Girl , who came privately to him ; but the House being very little , and a Daughter-in-law also in it , the Intrigue was quickly discover'd ; for the young wench seeming once to pass by a little too boldly to Cato's Bed-chamber , the youth , his Son , though he said nothing , seem'd to look a little grim upon her ; the old man perceiving it a little offensive , without finding any fault , or saying a word , away he goes , as his custome was , vvith his usual company to the Market : Among the rest , he call'd aloud to one Salonius , a Clerk of his , and ask'd him whether he had marry'd his Daughter ? He answer'd no , nor wou'd not , till he had consulted him : Quoth Cato , then by Jove I have found out a fit Son-in-law for thee , if he may not displease by reason of his Age , for in all other things there is no fault to be found in him : but he is indeed , as I said , a little Old. However , Salonius streight desir'd him to undertake the business , and to give the Virgin to whom he pleas'd , she being an humble Servant of his , and one who stood in need of his Care and Patronage : Upon this Cato , without any more ado , told him , he desir'd to have the Damosel himself . These words did ( as you may well imagine ) at first astonish the fellow , conceiving that Cato was as far off from marrying , as he from a likelyhood of being ally'd to the Family of one who had been Consul , and triumph'd ; but perceiving him in earnest , he took hold of it vvillingly ; and going onwards to Market , they quickly struck up the match . Now whilst this same Marriage was in hand , Cato's Son taking some of his friends along with him , vvent and askt his Father for what offence he brought in a Mother-in-law upon him ? but Cato presently cry'd out , Soft and fair , good Son , what thou doest is a greeable enough to me , nor do I find any fault with it ; onely I desire to have many Children , and to leave the Commonvvealth more such Citizens as thou art . Pisistratus , the Tyrant of Athens , made , they say , such a kind of Ansvver to his Sons , vvhen they vvere grovvn men , and vvhen he marry'd his second Wife Timonassa of Argos , by vvhom he had ( as is reported also ) Jophon and Thessalus . Now Cato had a Son by this same second Venter , to vvhom from his Mother , he gave the Sir-name of Salonius ; in the mean time his eldest dy'd in his Pretorship , of vvhom Cato makes often mention in his Books , as having been a very good man : Hovvever , he is said to have born the Loss moderately , and like a Philosopher , and that he vvas never the more remiss in minding Affairs of State ; so that he did not , as Lucius Lucullus and Metellus did , aftervvards grovv languid in his old Age under the burthen of Publick business , looking still upon that as a sacred Duty incumbent upon him . Nor did he , as Scipio Africanus had done before , vvho because Envy had struck at his Glory , turn'd from the Publick , and so chang'd and pass'd avvay the rest of his Life vvithout doing any thing . But as one persuaded Dionysius , that the most honourable Tomb he could have , wou'd be to dye in the exercise of his Dominion ; so he thought that Age to be the most honourable , vvhich vvas busied in publick Affairs , though he wou'd now and then , when he had leisure , recr●rate himself with Husbandry and Writing ▪ and indeed he compos'd several Books and Histories , nay in his youth addicted kimself to Agriculture , and that for Profit 's sake ; for he us'd to say , he had but two ways of getting by , Agriculture and Parsimony ; the first of which gave him , in his old Age , both Pleasure and Contemplation . One Book he wrote of Countrey-affairs , in which he treated particularly of making Cakes , and preserving Fruit ; being emulous to be excellent , and singular in all things . His Suppers at his Countrey-house us'd also to be plentiful , for he daily invited his Friends and Neighbours about him , and pass'd away the time merrily with them ; so that his company was not onely agreeable to those of the same Age , but even to the younger Fry ; for he had experience in a great many things , and had been concern'd in much Business and Conversation worth ones hearing . He lookt upon a good Table , for the most part , to be fittest to make Friends with , where the Commendations of brave and good Commonwealths-men was usually introduc'd , but not a word of base and ill ones ; for Cato wou'd . not give leave in his company to have either good or ill spoken of such kind of men . Some will have the Overthrow of Carthage to have been one of his last Feats of State , when indeed Scipio the younger did by his Valour give it the Necking-blow , though indeed chiefly by the Counsel and Advice of Cato . The War happen'd upon this occasion , Cato was sent to the Carthaginians and Massanissa , King of Numidia , who were at War with one another , to know the cause of their difference . He , it seems was a Friend of the Romans from the beginning ; and they too , since they were conquer'd by Scipio , were their Confederates , and kept in awe by taking away their Dominion , and laying a heavy Tax upon them . Now he finding Carthage , not ( as the Romans thought ) low and in an ill condition , but well mann'd , full of Riches , all sorts of Arms and Ammunition , and perceiving the Carthaginians thereupon carry it high , he conceiv'd that the Romans had not time to adjust Affairs betwen them and Massanissa , but rather that they themselves wou'd fall into danger , except they kept under that same City , which had of old been an Enemy , and still bore a grudge to Rome , and grew incredibly stronger and stronger : Wherefore returning quickly to Rome , he acquainted the Senate , That the former Defeats and Blows given to the Carthaginians , had not so much diminish'd their Strength , as it had abated their Imprudence and Folly ; that they were not become weaker , but more experienc'd in War , and did onely skirmish with the Numidians , to exercise themselves the better to cope with the Romans : That the Peace and League they had made was but a kind of Suspension of Arms , till they expected a fairer opportunity to break again . Moreover they say , That shaking his Gown , he took occasion to let drop some Africk Figs before the Senate . Now they admiring the bigness and fairness of them , he presently added , That the Place that bore them was but three days sail from Rome ; Nay , he never after this gave his Opinion ; but at the end he wou'd be sure to come out with this Sentence , CARTHAGE METHINKS OUGHT UTTERLY TO BE DESTROY'D . But P. Scipio Nasica wou'd always declare his opinion to the contrary , in these words , It seems requisite to me that Carthage should still stand . Now P. Scipio seeing the Romans very haughty , and by reason of their prosperity , growing obstinate and disobedient to the Senate ; as also drawing the whole City whither they wou'd after them . He vvould have had the Fear of Carthage to serve as a Bit to hold in the Contumacy of the Multitude ; for though he look't upon the Carthaginians too weak to overcome the Romans , yet he thought them too Great to be despis'd . On the other side , it seem'd a dangerous thing to Cato , that a City which had been always great , and was now grown sober and wise by reason of its former Calamities , shou'd still lie as it were upon the Catch with the Romans , who were now become wanton and faulty by reason of their Power ; so that he thought it the wisest course to have all outward dangers remov'd when they had so many inward ones among themselves . Thus Cato ( they say ) stirr'd up the third and last War against the Carthaginians : But no sooner was the said War begun , but he dy'd , prophecying of the Person that should put an End to it ( viz. Scipio the second ) who was then but a young man ; but being a Colonel , he in several Fights gave proof of his Courage and Conduct . The news of which being brought to Cato's Ears at Rome , he thus express'd himself . He onely breathes couragiously , Whilst others like swift shadows fly . This same Prophecy Scipio soon confirm'd by his Actions . In fine , Cato left no Posterity , besides one Son , by his second Wife , who was nam'd ( as we said ) Cato Salonius ; and a little Grandson by his Eldest Son , who dy'd . Cato Salonius dy'd when he was Praetor , but his Son Marcus was afterwards Consul , and Grand-father of that Cato the Philosopher , who for Vertue and Renown was one of the most Eminent Personages of his time . THE COMPARISON OF ARISTIDES With MARCUS CATO . By Edward Blount , Esquire . HAving mention'd the most Memorable Actions of these Great Men , if the whole Life of this be compar'd with that of the other , it will not be easie to discern the difference between them , being involv'd under so many like circumstances , by which they resemble each other ; But if we examine them a-part , as we should consider a piece of Poetry , or some Picture , we shall find this common to them both , that they advanc'd themselves to great Honour and Dignity in the Common-wealth , by no other means than their own virtue and industry : But it seems when Aristides appear'd , Athens was not in its grandeur and plenty , the chief Magistrates and Officers of his time being Men only of moderate and equal fortunes among themselves : The estimate of the greatest Estates then , was 500 Medimns ; The second of Knights 300 ; The third andlast , called Zeugitae , 200. But Cato out of a petty Village from a Country life , leapt into the Commonwealth , as it were into a vast Ocean ; at a time when there were no such Governours as the Curit , Fabricii , and Hostilii : Poor labouring Men were not then advanc'd from the Plough and Spade to be Governours and Magistrates ; but greatness of Families , Riches , profuse Gifts , large Distributions among the People , Ambition and Power were the only things regarded , keeping a high hand , and in a manner insulting over those that courted them for Preferment : It was not equal to have Themistocles for an Adversary , a Person of mean extraction , and small Fortune , ( for he was not worth , as it 's said , more than four or five Talents when he first apply'd himself to Publick affairs ) and to contest with Scipio Africanus , Sergeus . Galba and Quintius Flaminius , having no other aid but a Tongue free to assert right : Besides Aristides at Marathon , and again at Plateae , was but the tenth Commander ; whereas Cato was chosen second Consul , having many Competitours , and was preferr'd before seven most Noble and Eminent pretenders to be second Censor too : But Aristides was never Principal in any Action , for Miltiades carried the day at Marathon , at Salamis Themistocles , and at Plateae , Herodotus tells us , Pausanias got the glory of that Noble Victory ; Moreover Sophanes , and Aminias Callimachus , and Cynaegyrus behav'd themselves so well in all those Engagements , that they contended with Aristides even for second place . Now Cato not onely in his Consulship was esteem'd as Chief for Courage and Conduct , but even whilst he was onely Colonel at Thermopylas , under another's Command , he gain'd the glory of the Victory , for having , as it were , open'd a large Gate for the Romans to rush in upon Antiochus , and brought War on his back , whilst he onely minded what was before him : For that Victory , which was beyond dispute all Cato's own work , clear'd Greece of Asia , and by that means made way thither afterwards for Scipio : Both of them indeed were always Victorious in War ; but at home Aristides stumbled , being banish'd and oppress'd by the faction of Themistocles ; yet Cato , notwithstanding he had almost all the chief and most powerful of Rome his Adversaries , and wrastled with them even to his old age , kept still his footing ; ingag'd also in many publick Suits , sometimes Plaintif , sometimes Defendant ; he cast the most , and came off clear with all ; thanks to his Eloquence , that bulwark and powerful instrument of life , to which more truly , than to chance or his fortune , he ow'd , that he sustain'd his Dignity to the last : for Antipater gives this high commendation to Aristotle the Philosopher , writing of him after his death , That among his other Vertues , he was endow'd with a faculty of persuading people which way he pleas'd ; questionless there is no perfecter endowment in man than Politicks , whereof Oeconomicks is commonly esteem'd not the least part ; for a City which is a Collection of private houses , grows into a Commonwealth by the particular manners of the Citizens that compound it . Also Licurgus prohibiting Gold and Silver in Sparta , made the Citizens money of Iron spoil'd by the fire , did not discharge them from minding their houshold Affairs , but cutting off Luxury , the corruption and tumour of riches , he provided there should be an abundant supply of all necessary and useful things for all persons , as much as any other Lawmaker ever did ; always being more apprehensive of a poor , needy , and indigent Citizen , than of one that was rich and haughty : And truly Cato seem'd no less wise in the management of domestick concerns , than in the government of publick affairs ; for he increas'd his Estate , and became a Master to others in Oeconomy and Husbandry ; concerning which he collected in his Writings many useful things : But on the contrary , Aristides by his poverty made Justice odious , as if it were the Pest and Impoverisher of a family , and more beneficial to all , rather than those that were indow'd with it ; yet Hesiod said many things to exhort us both to Justice , and a care of our own private concerns , and inveighs against idleness as the Origine of injustice ; and Homer excellently sung , — 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . — I lov'd not Work , Nor house affairs , or breeding up fine boys , But well rig'd Ships were always my delight And Wars , keen Darts and Arrows — As if those were alike that carelesly imbezled their own Estates , and who liv'd by Rapine ; for it is not as the Physicians say of Oil ; that outwardly apply'd it's very wholesome ; but taken inwardly very destructive ; so a just man provides carefully for others , and is heedless of himself and his own affairs : but in this Aristides's Politicks seem'd to be defective ; for ( as most say ) he took no care to leave his Daughters a Portion , or himself enough to defray his Funeral-charges : whereas Cato's family produc'd Senatours and Generals to the fourth generation , for his grand-children and their Children came to the highest preferments : But Aristides , who was the principal man of Greece , through extream poverty reduced some of his to get their living by shewing Juglars-tricks , others for want , to hold out their hands for publick Alms ; leaving none means to perform any noble Action , or worthy his Dignity : But why must this needs follow ? for poverty is dishonourable not in it self , but when it is a sign of laziness , intemperance , luxury and carelesness ; yet in a person that is temperate , industrious , just and valiant , employ'd in publick affairs , furnish'd with all manner of Vertues , it shews a great and lofty mind ; for he is unfit for great matters , who concerns himself with petty ones ; nor can he relieve many needy , who himself needs many : But the main inablement to serve the Publick is not wealth , but a self-sufficiency ; which vertue requiring no superfluity at home , distracts not the mind from the Commonwealth : For God is entirely exempt from all want : of humane Vertues , that which needs least , is the most absolute and most divine : For as a Body bred ▪ to a good habit , requires no exquisite , either cloaths or food ; so a man and a sound house keep themselves up with a small matter . Now Riches ought to be proportion'd to the use we have of them ; for he that scrapes together a great deal , making use of but little , is not content ; but vvhether he vvants them not , he is vain in preparing those things he relishes not ; or if he doth relish them , and restrains his enjoyment out of sordidness , he is miserable : I would fain know of Cato himself , if we therefore seek riches , that we may enjoy them ; why doth he boast in that having a great deal , he is contented with little ? But if it be noble , as it is , to feed on course Bread , and drink the same Wine with our Hinds , and not to covet Purple and Plaister'd Houses ; neither Aristides nor Epaminondas , nor Manius Curius , nor Caius Fabricius wanted necessaries , who took no pains to get those things whose use they approv'd not ; for it was not worth his while who esteem'd Turnips a most delicate food , and who boil'd them himself , whilst his Wife bak'd the Bread , to brag so often of a half-peny , and write how a man may soonest grow rich ; for its a vast good to be contented with very little ; because at once it cuts off the desire and care of superfluities : Therefore they say Aristides thus deliver'd himself in Callias's case ; It is for them to blush at poverty , who are poor against their wills , they , who like him , are willingly so , may glory in it ; for it is ridiculous to think Aristides's neediness imputable to his sloth , who might handsomly enough by the spoil of one Barbarian , or seizing one Tent , have become wealthy : But enough of this . Moreover Cato's Expeditions added no great matter to the Roman Empire , which already was so great , as in a manner it could receive no addition ; but those of Aristides are the noblest , most splendid and prime actions the Grecians ever did , viz. the Battels at Maratha , Salamis and Plateae : Nor indeed is Antiochus , nor the Walls of the Spanish Towns demolish'd at the cost of innumerable Legions both by Land and Sea , to be compar'd with Xerxes ; in all which noble exploits Aristides yielded to none but he left the Glory , the Laurels , the Wealth and Money to those who needed and thirsted more greedily ▪ after them for that he was above all those things I don't blame Cato for perpetually boasting and preferring himself before all others , though in one of his Orations h● says , It 's equally absurd to praise and dispraise ones self : yet he seems to me more perfectly vertuous , who doth not so much as desire others praises , than he who is always extolling himself ; for a mind free from Ambition is a main help to Meekness : Ambition , on the contrary , is rough , and the greatest fomenter of Envy , from which Aristides was wholly exempt , Cato very subject to it ; for Aristides assisted Themistocles in matters of highest importance , and as his Officer , in a manner , rais'd Athens : Cato , by opposing Scipio , almost broke and defeated his expedition against the Carthaginians , in which he overthrew Hannibal , who till then was even invincible ; and at last by raising always some suspicions and calumnies or other of him , he chac'd him from the City , and basely condemn'd his Brother for robbing the State : Finally that temperance which Cato always highly cry'd up , Aristides preserv'd truly pure and untainted : But Cato's Marriage unbecoming his Dignity and Age , drew upon him no slight or improbable aspersion ; for it was not at all decent for him at that age to bring home to his Son and his Wife , a young woman , the Daughter of an Apparitour , and one that work'd publickly for wages : But whether he did this out of Lust or Anger , to be reveng'd of his Son , for his Harlots sake , both the fact and the pretence were unhandsome ; for the reason he pretended to his Son was false : for if he desir'd to get more as worthy Children , he ought to have married some Person of Quality , and one well look'd on from the beginning , not to forbear as long as he could conceal his keeping her a Miss ; and when it was discover'd , to chuse such a Father-in-law as was easiest to be got , instead of one whose affinity might be a credit to him . The End of the Comparison of Aristides with Marcus Cato , the Censor . PHILOPAEMEN . THE LIFE OF PHILOPOEMEN . Translated out of the Greek , By Thomas Short , M. D. Volume II. CAssander was a Man of great quality and power in the City of Mantinea , but by the revolution of Fortune hapned to be driven from thence . There being an intimate friendship betwixt him and Crausis , the Father of Philopoemen , who was a Person of extraordinary Worth ; he setled at Megalopolis , where while his friend lived , he had all he could desire . When Crausis dyed , he repay'd the Father's hospitable kindness in the care of the Orphan-Sons ; by which means Philopoemen was Educated by him , as Homer says Achilles was by Phoenix , and from his Infancy moulded to great and vertuous Inclinations . But Ecdemus and Demophanes had the principal tuition of him , after he was past the years of Childhood . They were both Megalopolitans ; who had been Scholars in the Academick Philosophy , and friends to Arsesilaus , and above all men of their time , apply'd Learning to Action , and State-Affairs . They had freed their Countrey from slavery , by the death of Aristodemus , whom they caus'd to be kill'd : They had assisted Aratus in driving out the Tyrant Nicocles from Sycione ; and at the request of the Cyreneans , where the Publick was in much confusion , went thither by Sea , instituted for them excellent Laws , and setled their Commonwealth in exact Discipline . Of all their Actions , they most valu'd the Education of Philopoemen , thinking they had done a general good to Greece , by training him to so much Worth. And indeed all Greece ( which lookt upon him as a kind of latter brood , brought sorth , after so many famous Captains in her decrepit age , ) lov'd him wonderfully ; and as his Glory grew , increas'd his Power . A certain Roman , to praise him , calls him the last of the Grecians ; as if after him Greece had produc'd no great man , nor who deserv'd the name of Grecian . His Person was not , as some fancy , deform'd ; for his Statue is yet to be seen at Delphos . As for the mistake of the Hostess of Megara , they say it was occasioned by the meanness of his habit , the homeliness of his garb , and the easie plainness of his conversation . This Hostess having word brought her that the General of the Achaeans was coming to her House in the absence of her Husband , was all in a hurry about providing of his Supper . Philopoemen , in a thread-bare unfashionable Cloak , arriving in this point of time , she took him for one of his own train , and pray'd him to lend her his hand in her Houshold-work : He presently threw off his Cloak , and fell to Cleaving of Logs : The Husband returning , and catching him at it , Why , what , says he , may this mean , my Lord Philopoemen ? I am , reply'd he in his Dorick dialect , paying the fine of my deformity and ungraceful presence . Flaminius seeming to rally the fashion of his body , told him one day , he had well-shap'd hands and feet , but no belly : And he was indeed slender in the waste . But this railery was meant to the poverty of his fortune ; for he had good Horse and Foot , but often wanted money to entertain and pay them . And these pleasant stories go about of Philopoemen . As he was insatiably covetous of honour , his conditions were somewhat rough and cholerick , and not altogether free from censure . He strove to be like Epaminondas , and came not much behind him in Valour , good conduct and uncorruptible integrity : But his boiling contentious humour not suffering him in civil Contests , to keep within the bounds of gravity , sweetness and obliging condescendence , he was thought more proper for the Camp than for the City ; for he was strongly inclin'd to War , even from his childhood , he both studied and practis'd things belonging to it , taking great delight in managing of Horses , and handling of Weapons . Because he was naturally dispos'd for Wrestling , his Friends and Tutours perswaded him to bestow some pains that way . But he would first be satisfy'd whether it would not hinder him from becoming a Souldier . They told him as it was , that the one was directly opposite to the other , their ways of living , and exercises quite different : the Wrestler sleeping much , and feeding plentifully , punctually regular in his set-times of exercise and rest , and apt to spoil all by every little excess , or breach of his usual method ; whereas the Souldier by all variety of irregular changes was , to bring himself to endure hunger , and watching without difficulty . Philopoemen hearing this , not onely laid by all thoughts of Wrestling and contemn'd it then , but when he came to be General , discourag'd it by all marks of reproach and infamy he could imagine , as a thing which made men , otherwise excellently fit for War , to be utterly useless and unable to fight on necessary occasions : When he left off his Masters and Governours , and began to bear Arms in the incursions which his Citizens us'd to make upon the Lacedemonians for pillage or sudden surprizes , he would always march out the first , and return the last . When there was nothing to doe , he sought to harden his body , and make it strong and active by hunting or labouring in his ground : For he had a good Estate about 20 furlongs from the Town , and thither he would go every day after Dinner and Supper ; and when night came , throw himself upon the first Mattras in his way , and there sleep as one of the Labourers . At break of day he would rise with the rest , and work either in the Vineyard or at the Plow , from thence return again to the Town , and employ his time with his friends , or the Magistrates in publick business . What he got in the Wars , he laid out on Horses , Arms , or redeeming Captives ; but endeavour'd to improve his own Estate , the justest way , by Tillage . And this not slightly , by way of diversion , but thinking it precise duty , so to manage his own fortune , as to be out of the temptation of wronging others . He spent much time on Eloquence and Philosophy , but selected his Authors , and cared onely for those by whom he might profit in Vertue . In Homer's fictions he attentively minded whatever he thought apt to raise the Courage . But he studdied principally the Commentaries of Evangelus for the Marshalling of Armies . He took delight also in the Histories of Alexander at leisure hours , still considering how to bring what he read into practice : For never heeding what such Books use for speculation sake to draw out in figures ; He lov'd to see , and discourse of what the nature of places and their situations wou'd bear . So that he would be exercising his thoughts , and considering , as he travell'd , and arguing with those about him of the difficulties of steep or broken ground ; what might happen at Rivers , Ditches or Straits ; in marching close or open ; in this or that particular form of battel . The truth is , he was too much addicted to War , which he passionately lov'd as the means to exercise all sorts of vertue , and utterly contemn'd those who were not Souldiers , as Drones and useless in the Commonwealth . When he was thirty years of age , Cleomenes , King of the Lacedemonians , surpriz'd Megalopolis by ●●ght , forc'd the Guards , broke in , and seiz'd the Market-place . Philopoemen ran in at the noise , and fought with extreme courage and danger , but cou'd not beat the enemy out again . Yet he sav'd the Citizens , who got away while he made head against those who pursu'd them , and amus'd Cleomenes , till after he had lost his Horse , and receiv'd several wounds , he had much adoe to get off himself , being the last man in the retreat . The Megalopolitans sav'd themselves at Messene , whither Cleomenes sent to offer them their Town and goods again . Philopoemen perceiving them transported with the news , and eager to return , stopt them with a Speech , in which he made them sensible that what Cleomenes call'd restoring the City , was taking the Citizens , and holding it with more security . That bare solitude would without more ado force him presently away , since there was no staying for him to guard empty Houses and naked Walls . These reasons stay'd the Megalopolitans , but gave occasion to Cleomenes to pillage and destroy a great part of the City , and carry away a great booty . A while after King Antigonus coming down to succour the Achoeans , they marcht with their united forces against Cleomenes ; who having seiz'd the Avenues , lay advantageously posted on the Hills of Sellacia . Antigonus drew up close by him , with a resolution to force him in his strength . Philopoemen with his Citizens , was that day placed among the Horse , follow'd by the Illyri●● foot , a great number of try'd and able m● who brought up the rere of the Army . The Orders were to keep their ground , and not i●gage till from the other wing where t● King fought in person , they should see a r●● Coat of Arms lifted up on the point of a Spe●● The Achaeans obey'd their Orders , and sto●● fast ; but the Illyrians fell briskly in . Euc●●das the Brother of Cleomenes , seeing the Fo●● thus sever'd from the Horse , detacht the be● of his light armed men , commanding them t● wheel about , and charge the naked Illyrian● behind , This charge putting things in confusion , Philopoemen considering those light armed men would be easily squander'd went first to the King's Officers to make them sensible what the occasion requir'd . But they not minding what he said , but slighting hi● as hare-brain'd , because he was yet of sma●● credit , and not reputed a man of Conduc● he charg'd upon them with his own Cit●zens , and at the first encounter disorder'd and soon after put those men to flight wit● great slaughter . Then to encourage th● King's Army , to bring them all upon the Enemy while he was in confusion , he quitte● his Horse , and fighting with extream difficu●ty in his heavy Horse-arms , in rough uneve● ground , full of Springs and Bogs , ha● both his thighs below the buttock struc● through with a Thong'd Javelin . It was thrown with a good will , so that the head came out on the other side , and made a great , though not a mortal wound . There he stood a while , as if he had been shackled and unable to remove . The Thong in the middle of the Weapon hinder'd it from being drawn out , nor would any about him venture to do it . But the fight being now at the hottest , and like to be quickly over , he was transported with desire of Combat , and strugled and strain'd so long , setting one leg forward , the other back , till at last he broke the Staff , and made the pieces be pull'd out . Being in this manner set at liberty , he caught up his Sword , and running through the midst of those who vvere fighting in the first ranks , strangely animated his Men , and set them a fire with emulation . Antigonus , after the Victory , ask'd the Macedonians , to try them , how it hapned the Horse had charged without order before the Signal ? They answering , that they were against their wills forc'd to it by a young Gentleman of Megalopolis , who had fallen in before his time ; that young Gentleman , reply'd Antigonus smiling , did like an experienc'd Commander . This , as needs it must , brought Philopoemen into great repuration . Antigonus was earnest to have him in his service , and offer'd him very advantageous conditions both as to Command and Pay. But Philopoemen , who knew that his nature brooked not to be under another , would not accept them ; yet not enduring to live idle , and hearing of Wars in Crete , he pass'd over thither . He spent some time among those very war-like , but withall sober , temperate men , improving much by experience in all sorts of service , and then return'd with so much fame , that the Achoeans presently chose him General of the Horse . These Horse at that time had neither experience nor heart , having gotten a custome to serve on pitiful Jades , the first and cheapest they could procure , when they wereto march , which too they seldom did , but hired others in their places , and staid at home themselves . Their former Commanders winkt at this , because it being a degree of honour among the Achoeans to serve on Horse-back , they had a great deal of power in the Commonwealth , and were able to gratifie or molest whom they pleas'd . Philopoemen finding them in this condition , yielded not to such respects , nor would pass it over as formerly . But went himself from Town to Town , where speaking with the young Gentlemen man by man , he endeavour'd to bring them in love with praise and honour , and making a handsome appearance in the Field , setting Fines on them who came unfurnish'd of what was requisite for their parade . Where they were like to have most Spectatours , there he would be sure to exercise them , and make them skirmish in sport one with another . In a little time he made them wonderful strong and bold , and which is reckoned of greatest consequence in War , quick and vigorous . With use and industry they grew so perfect , to such a command of their Horses , such a ready exactness in wheeling whole or half turns , and all motions , that in the change of postures the whole body seem'd as easily and as steadily mov'd as one Man. In the great Battel which they fought with the Aetolians and Elians by the River Larissus , he set them an example himself . Demophantes , General of the Elian Horse , singled out Philopoemen , and ran with full speed at him . Philopoemen prevented , and with a violent blow of his Spear overthrew him dead to the ground : Upon whose fall the Enemy fled immediatly . And now Philopoemen's name was in every bodies mouth , as a man who in fighting valiantly with his hands yielded not to the youngest , nor to the oldest in good conduct , and than whom there came not into the Field a better Souldier or Commander . Aratus indeed was the first who rais'd the Achoeans , inconsiderable till then , into reputation and power , by uniting the divided Cities into one Commonwealth , and setling a way of Government moderate , and becoming Grecians . Whence it hapned as in running waters , where when few and little bodies once stop , others stick to them , and one part strengthning another , the whole becomes firm and solid ; So in a general weakness , when every City relying onely on it self , all Greece lay expos'd to an easie destruction . The Achaeans first united themselves into a body , then drawing in their neighbours round about , some by protection , others by Naturalization , design'd at last to bring all Peloponnesus into one Community . Yet while Aratus liv'd , they depended much on the Macedonians , courting first Ptolomy , then Antigonus and Philip , who had a great influence on the affairs of Greece . But when Philopoemen came to command , the Achaeans growing strong enough for the most powerful of their Enemies , would march no longer under Foreigners . The truth is Aratus , as we have written at large in his Life , was not of so War-like a temper , but did most by sweetness , and his taking carriage and friendship with Foreign Princes . But Philopoemen being a man both of Execution and Command , a great Souldier , and fortunate in his first attempts , wonderfully heightned both the Power and courage of the Achaeans , accustomed to Victory under his Conduct . But first he alter'd what he found amiss in their Arms , and form of battel . Formerly they us'd light , thin Bucklers , too narrow to cover the body , and Javelins much shorter than Pikes . By which means they were practis'd in skirmishing at a distance , but in a close Fight had much the disadvantage . Then in their form of Battel , they understood nothing of fighting in a Ring , nor any figure but a Square ; To which too not allowing front enough , nor closing it strongly , as in the Macedonian Phalanx , where the Souldiers shoulder close , and their Bucklers touch , they were easily opened and broken . Philopoemen reform'd all this , persuading them to change the narrow Target and short Javelin , into a large Buckler and long Pike ; to arm their heads , bodies , thighs and legs ; and instead of loose skirmishing , fight firmly and foot to foot . After he had brought them all to wear Armour , and by that means , into the confidence of thinking themselves now invincible , he turn'd their wanton riotous profusions into an honourable expence . For being long us'd to vie in Cloaths , furniture of their Houses , and service of their Tables , and to glory in out-doing one another , the disease by custom was grown incurable , and which there was no thinking to take quite away . But he diverted the humour , and brought them , instead of these superfluities , to love useful and more manly bravery , and sparing from other things , to take delight in appearing magnificent in their Equipage of War. Nothing then was to be seen in the shops but Plate breaking or Melting down , gilding of Backs and Breasts , studding Bucklers and Bits with Silver : Nothing in the places of Exercise , but Horses managing , and young men Exercising their Arms : Nothing in the Ladies hands , but Helmets and Crests , Feathers of all colours , Embroidered Coat-armours , and Caparisons for Horses . The sight of which bravery quickning and raising their Spirits , made them contemn dangers , and ready to venture on any honourable dangers . Their former Gallantry did indeed please ; but withal effeminate : the tickling of the sense slackning the vigour of the mind ; but in these it strengthned and heightned their courage , as Homer makes Achilles at the sight of his new Arms springing with joy , and on fire to use them . When Philopoemen had obtain'd of them to Arm , and set themselves out in this manner , he proceeded to Train them , Mustering and Exercising them perpetually , and they obey'd him with great exactness . For they vvere vvonderfully pleas'd with their new form of battel , vvhich being so knit and cemented together , seem'd almost impossible to be broken . And then their Arms , vvhich for their Riches and Beauty they wore with pleasure , becoming light and easie with constant use , they longed for nothing more than to try them with an Enemy , and fight in earnest . The Achaeans at that time were at War with Machanidas the Tyrant of Lacedaemon , who having a strong Army , watch'd all opportunities of becoming entire Master of Peloponnesus . When intelligence came that he was fall'n upon the Mantineans , Philopoemen presently took the field , and march't towards him . They met near Mantinea , and drew up in sight of the City . Both , besides the whole strength of their several Cities , had a good number of Mercenaries in pay . When they came to fall on , Machanidas , with his hir'd Souldiers , beat the Darts and Lances which Philopoemen had placed in the Front. But when he should have charged immediately into the main Battel , which stood close and firm , he hotly follow'd the chace ; and instead of routing the Achaeans Army , disorder'd his own . With so untoward a beginning the rest of the Confederates gave themselves for lost ; but Philopoemen seem'd to slight , and make it a matter of small consequence : And observing the Enemies oversight , who left his main body undefended behind , and the ground clear , would not make head against him , but let him pursue the chace freely , till he had run himself a great distance from his main body . Then seeing the Lacedaemonians before him deserted by their Horse , with their flanks quite bare , he charged suddenly , and surprized them without a Commander , and not so much as expecting an Encounter : For when they saw Machanidas driving the beaten enemy before him , they thought the Victory already gain'd . He overthrew them with great slaughter , for they report above 4000 kill'd in the place , and then fac'd about against Machanidas , who was returning with his Mercenaries from the pursuit . There hapned to be a broad deep ditch between them , where both strove a while , one to get over and fly , the other to hinder him . It bore a resemblance of wild beasts , forc'd to fight for their Lives , when prest by so eager a Huntsman as Philopaemen , rather than of Generals in a field . The Tyrant's Horse was mettled and strong ; and feeling the bloudy Spurs in his sides , ventur'd to take the ditch . He had already planted his hinder-feet on the bank , and rais'd his fore-feet to leap , when Simmias and Polyaenus , who us'd to fight by the side of Philopoemen , came up on Horse-back to his assistance . But Philopoemen , preventing both , stood Machanidas himself ; and perceiving that the Horse with his head high rear'd , cover'd his Master's body ; he turned his own a little , and striking at the Tyrant with all his force , tumbled him dead into the ditch . The Achaeans wonderfully taken with his Valour in this single Combat , and conduct the whole day , set up his Statue in Brass at Delphos , in the posture in which he kill'd the Tyrant . The reports goes , that at the Nemaean-games , a little after the Victory , Philopoemen being then General the second time , and at leisure by reason of the solemnity , first shew'd the Grecians his Army , drawn up as if they were to fight , with all the motions occurring in a battel perform'd with wonderful order , strength and nimbleness . After which he went into the Theatre , while the Musicians were singing for the prize , waited on by Gentlemen in their Leaguer-cloaks , and Scarletarming Coats , all handsom men and in the flower of their age , and all carrying a great respect to their General ; yet breathing out a noble confidence in themselves , rais'd by success in many glorious Encounters . At their coming in , by chance one Pilades , with a voice well suited to the lofty style of the Poet , was Singing this Verse out of the Persians of Timotheus . Vnder his Conduct Greece was free and great . The whole Theatre presently cast their eyes on Philopoemen , and fell a clapping with wonderful joy , and ravish'd with hopes to recover again their former fame , and a confidence little short of their ancient vertue . Now it was with the Achaeans , as with young Horses , which go quietly with their usual riders , but boggle and grow unruly under strangers . The Souldiers , when any hot service was towards , and Philopoemen not at their head , grew dejected , and look't about for him ; but if he once appear'd , came presently to themselves , and recover'd their confidence and courage . Of which their very Enemies being sensible , they could not endure to look him in the face ; but as appear'd in several occasions , were frighted with his very name . Philip , King of Macedon , thinking to terrifie the Achaeans into subjection again , if he could rid his hands of Philopoemen , employ'd some privately to assassinate him . But the treachery coming to light , he became infamous , and mortally hated through all Greece . The Baeotians besieging Megara , and ready to carry the Town by Storm , upon a groundless feign'd rumour , that Philopoemen was at hand with succour , ran awy , and left their scaling Ladders at the Wall behind them . Nabis , ( who was Tyrant of Lacedemon after Mechanidas ) had surpriz'd Messene at a time when Philopoemen was out of Command . He try'd to perswade Lysippus , then General of the Achaeans , to succour Messene : but not prevailing with him , because he said the Enemy being now within it , the place was irrecoverably lost , resolv'd to go himself , without order or commission , but follow'd by his own Citizens , who went all with him as their General by commission from nature , which had made him fittest to Command . Nabis hearing of his coming , though his Army quarter'd within the Town , thought it not convenient for him to stay ; but stealing out of the farthest gate with his men , march't away with all the speed he could , thinking himself a happy man if he could get off with safety . And he did escape , but Messene was rescued . All hitherto makes for the praise and honour of Philopoemen . But when at the request of the Gortynians he return'd again into Crete to Command for them , at a time when his own Countrey was distrest by Nabis , he was taxed either of cowardise , or unseasonable ambition of honour amongst Foreigners . For the Megalopolitans were then so press'd , that the Enemy being master of the Field , and encamping almost at their Gates , they were forc'd to keep themselves within their Walls , and sow their very Streets . And he flying from a War at home , and commanding in chief in a foreign Nation , furnish'd his ill-willers with matter enough for their reproaches . Some said he took the offer of the Gortynians , because the Achaeans chose other Generals , and left him but a private man. For he could not endure to sit still , but looking upon War , and commanding in it as his great business , always coveted to be employ'd . And this agrees with what he once said smartly of K. Ptolomy . Some-body was praising him for keeping his Army and himself in perpetual exercise : And what praise , reply'd Philopoemen , for a King of his years , to be always preparing , and never performing ? However , the Megalopolitans thinking themselves betray'd , took it so ill , that they were about to banish him . But the Achaeans dash't that design , by sending their Praetor Aristanetus to Megalopolis , who though he were at difference with Philopoemen about affairs of the Common-wealth , yet would not suffer him to be banish'd . Philopoemen being upon this account out of favour with his Citizens , cajoll'd divers of the little neighbouring places from obeying them , putting in their heads to say , that from the beginning they were not subject to their Taxes , or Laws , or any way under their Command . In these pretences he openly took their part , and at the same time fomented seditions in the City against the Achaeans . But these things hapned a while after . While he stay'd in Crete , in the service of the Gortynians , he made War not like a Peloponnesian or Arcadian fairly in the open Field , but fought with them at their ovvn vveapon , and turning their strategems and tricks against themselves , shew'd them to play Craft against Skill , and were but Children to an experienc'd Souldier . Having manag'd it then with great bravery , and great reputation to himself , he return'd into Peloponnesus , where he found Philip beaten by T. Quintius , and Nabis at War both with the Romans and Achaeans . He was presently chosen General against Nabis , but venturing to fight by Sea , seem'd to have split upon the same Rock with Epaminondas , and by a success very different from the general expectation , and his own fame , lost much of his former reputation . But for Epaminondas , some report he was backward by design , to disgust his Country-men with the Sea , lest of good Souldiers , they should by little and little turn as Plato says , ill Mariners . And therefore return'd from Asia and the Islands without doing any thing on purpose . Whereas Philopoemen thinking his skill in Land-service would prevail likewise at Sea , learnt how great a part of valour experience is , and how much it imports in the management of things to be accustom'd to them . For he was not only put to the worst in the fight for want of skill , but having rigged up an old Ship , which had been a famous Vessel forty years before , and ship'd his Citizens in her ; she foundring , he had like to have lost them all . But then finding the Enemy , as if he had been driven out of the Sea , had , in contempt of him , besieged Gytheon , he presently set sail again , and taking them unexpectedly , disperss'd , and careless after their Victory , Landed in the night , burnt their Camp , & kill'd of them a great number . A few days after , as he was marching through rough ways , Nabis came suddenly upon him . The Achaeans were dismay'd , and in so strait a place , and which was seiz'd by the Enemy , despair'd to get off with safety . Philopoemen made a little halt , and when he had view'd the ground , made it appear , that the greatest thing in War is skill in drawing up an Army . For by advancing onely a few paces , and without any confusion or trouble altering his order according to the nature of the place , he presently took away all apprehension from his men , and then charging , put the enemy to flight . But when he saw they fled not towards the City , but dispersed every man a several way all over the Field , which for Wood and Hills , Brooks and Ditches was not passable by Horse , he sounded a retreat , and encamped by broad day-light . Then foreseeing the enemy would endeavour to steal scatteringly into the City in the dark , he posted strong parties of the Achaeans all along the Banks and Hillocks near the Walls . Many of Nabis's men fell into their hands . For returning not in a body , but as the chance of flight had dispos'd of every one , they were caught like birds e'er they could enter into the Town . For these things he was wonderfully lov'd , and was also honour'd in all the Theatres of Greece , but got the secret ill-will of Titus Flaminius , a man covetously ambitious of glory . For he thought it but reasonable a Consul of Rome should be otherwise esteem'd by the Achaeans , than a Gentleman of Arcadia ; especially seeing there was no comparison between what he , and what Philopoemen had done for them . For he by one Proclamation had restor'd all Greece , as much as had been under Philip and the Macedonians , to liberty . After this Titus made peace with Nabis , and Nabis was circumvented and slain by the Aetolians . Things being then in confusion at Sparta , Philopoemen lay'd hold on that occasion , and coming upon them with his Army , prevail'd with some by persuasion , with others by fear , till he brought the whole City over to the Achaeans . As it was no small matter for Sparta to become a member of Achaia , this action gain'd him infinite praise from the Achaeans , for strengthning the Union by the addition of so great and powerful a City , and not a little good-will from the Nobility of Sparta it self , who hoped they had now procured a General who would defend their freedom . Wherefore having made 120 Silver Talents by sale of the House and Goods of Nabis , they decreed him the money , and sent some in the name of the City to present it . But here the honesty of Philopoemen appear'd as it was , a real uncounterfeited vertue . There was not a man among them durst mention the matter to him , but every one excusing himself , and shifting it off to his fellow , they laid it at last on Timolaus , with whom he had lodg'd at Sparta . Timolaus came to Megalopolis , and was entertain'd by Philopoemen , but struck into admiration with his grave manner of discourse , his thrifty and upright way of living , judg'd him not a man to be tempted , and , so pretending other business , return'd without a word mention'd of the Present . He was sent again , and did just as formerly . But the third time with much ado , and faltring in his words , he acquainted Philopoemen with the good will of the City of Sparta to him . Philopoemen harkned to him obligingly and gladly , and then went himself to Sparta , where he advis'd them not to bribe good men and their friends , of whose vertue they might be sure without charge to themselves ; but buy off and silence ill Citizens , who were perpetually disquieting the City with their seditious Speeches in the Senate , or to the People . For it was better to bar liberty of speech in Enemies , than Friends . Thus it appeared how much Philopoemen was above bribery . Diophanes being afterwards General of the Achaeans , and hearing the Lacedaemonians were bent on new commotions , resolv'd to chastise them . They on the other side being set upon War , embroil'd all Peloponnesus . Philopoemen did what he could to sweeten Diophanes , and make him sensible that as the times went , while Antiochus and the Romans were disputing their vast Pretensions with vast Armies in the heart of Greece , it concern'd a man in his employment to keep a watchful eye over them , and dissembling and putting up many injuries to preserve all quiet at home . Diophanes would not be rul'd , but joyn'd with Titus , and both together falling into Laconia , march'd directly to Sparta . Philopoemen was so netled , that he did an action , in it self not justifiable , but which proceeded from a great spirit , and involv'd in it a great design . For getting into the Town himself , he , a private man as he was , kept out both the Consul of Rome and General of Achaia , quieted the disorders in the City , and re-united it once again to the Achaians . Yet afterwards , when he was Praetor himself , upon some new misdemeanour of the Lacedaemonians , he brought back those who had been banish'd , put , as Polybius writes 80 , according to Aristocrates 350 Citizens to death , raz'd the Walls , took away a good part of their Territory , and laid it to the Megalopolitans , forc'd out of the Country , and carried into Achaia all who had been made free of Sparta by Tyrants , except 3000 who would not submit to Banishment . Those he sold for Slaves , and with the money , as if to insult over them , built a Porch at Megalopolis . Lastly , Unworthily trampling upon the Lacedemonians in their calamities , and even glutting his hatred with a most cruel and inhumane action ; he abolish'd the Laws of Lycurgus , and forc'd them to educate their Children , and live after the manner of the Achaeans . For while they kept to the Discipline of Lycurgus , there was no pulling down their haughty spirits but now their calamities had given Philopoemen opportunity to cut the sinews of their Commonwealth asunder , they were brought low , and grew tame and humble . Yet this lasted not long ; for applying themselves to the Romans , and getting their consent , they soon threw off their new Achaian fashions ; and as much as in so miserable and deprav'd a condition they could , re-establish their old discipline . When the War betwixt Antiochus and the Romans broke out in Greece , Philopoemen was a private man. At which he repin'd grievously , when he saw Antiochus lay idle at Calcis , spending his time in unseasonable Courtship and Weddings , and his Men disperc'd in several Towns without Order or Commanders , and minding nothing but their pleasures . He us'd to tell the Romans that he envy'd their Victory ; and that if he had had the fortune to be then in Command , he wou'd have surpriz'd the Enemy , & cut all their throats at their debauches . When Autigonus was overcome , the Romans press'd harder upon Greece , and surrounded the Achaeans with their power ; The leading men in the several Cities grew out of heart ; the the great strength of the whole body insensibly vanish'd , and the rowling of fortune began to settle on the Roman basis . Philopoemen in this conjuncture carry'd himself like a good Pilot in a high Sea , sometimes shifting sail , and sometimes yielding , but still steering steady ; and omitting no opportunity nor earnestness to keep all who were considerable , whether for eloquence or riches , fast to the defence of their Common liberty . Aristaenetus , a Megalopolitan of great credit among the Achaeans , but always a favourer of the Romans , said one day in the Senate , that the Romans were not to be displeas'd , or refus'd any thing . Philopoemen heard him with an impatient silence : But at last , not able to hold longer , said angerly to him , And why in such haste , wretched Man , to behold the Grecian ruine ? Manlius , the Roman Consul , after the defeat of Antiochus , moved the Achaeans to restore the banish'd Lacedaemonians to their Countrey , which motion was seconded and supported by all the interest of Titus . But Philopoemen cross'd it , not for any ill will to the men , but because they should be beholding to him and the Achaeans , not to Titus and the Romans . For when he came to be Praetor himself , he restor'd them . So impatient was his great Spirit of doing things by command , and so prone his nature to shock and contend with men in power . Being now Threescore and ten , and the eighth time General , he was in hope to pass in quiet not onely the year of his Magistracy , but his remaining life . For as diseases are weaker in weaker bodies , the quarrelling humour of the Grecians abated much with their power . But envious Fortune threw him down in the close of his life , like one who with unmatchable speed runs over all the race , and stumbles at the Goal . 'T is reported , that being in company where one was prais'd for a great Commander , he reply'd , There was no great account to be made of a man , who had suffer'd himself to be taken alive by his Enemies . A few days after , news came that Dinocrates a Messenian , a particular Enemy to Philopoemen , and for his wickedness and villanies generally hated , had brought Messene to revolt from the Achaeans , and was about to seize upon a little place call'd Colonis . Philopoemen lay then sick of a Fever at Argos . Upon the news he hasted away , and reach'd Megalopolis , which was distant above 400 furlongs in a day . From thence he presently drew out the Horse , the chiefest of the City , and who in the vigour of their age and mettle were forward in the matter , both for their extraordinary love to Philopoemen and compassion of the case . As they marched towards Messene , they met with Dinocrates about Evander's Tomb , charged and routed him . But five hundred fresh men , vvho being left for a guard to the Countrey came late in , hapning to appear , the flying Enemy rally'd again about the hills . Philopoemen fearing to be inclos'd , and solicitous for his men , retreated over ground extremely disadvantageous , bringing up the rere himself . As he often fac'd , and ran upon the Enemy , he drevv them all upon himself ; yet they caracoll'd aloof , and shouted about him , no body daring to approach him . With care to save every single man , he left his main body so often , that at last he vvas left himself alone among the thickest of his Enemies . Yet even then none durst come up to him , but being pelted at a distance , and driven to stony steep places , he vvas fain vvith much spurring to vvind up and dovvn as he vvas able : His age vvas no hinderance to him , for vvith perpetual exercise it was both strong and active . But being weakned with sickness , and tired with his long journey , his Horse stumbling , threw him encumber'd with his arms , and faint upon a hard and rugged piece of ground . His head being grievously bruis'd with the fall , he lay a while speechless , so that the Enemy thinking him dead , began to turn and strip him . But when they saw him lift up his head , and open his eyes , they threw themselves in crouds upon him , bound his hands behind him , and carry'd him off with all the provoking scorn and opprobrious language of insulting insolence ; him ( I say ) who had never so much as dreamt of being led in triumph by Dinocrates . The Messenians wonderfully pufft up with the news , throng'd in swarms to the City gates . But when they saw Philopoemen in a posture so unsutible to the glory of his great Actions and famous Victories , most of them struck with grief , and cursing the deceitful vanity of humane fortune , fell a weeping with compassion . Their tears by little and little turn'd to kind words , and 't was almost in every bodies mouth that they ought to remember what he had done for them and the Common liberty , which by driving away Nabis , he had perserv'd . Some few , to make their court to Dinocrates , were for tormenting , and putting him to death as a dangerous and irreconcilable Enemy ; and who , if he once got loose , Dinocrates was lost , who had taken him prisoner , and us'd him basely . They put him at last into a Dungeon under-ground , which they call'd the Treasury , a place into which there comes no air nor light from abroad ; and which having no doors , is clos'd with a great stone ; which rowling to the entrance , they fix'd ; and placing a guard about it , left him . In the mean time Philopoemen's Souldiers recovering themselves after their flight , and fearing he was dead when he appear'd no-where , made a stand , calling him with loud cries , and reproaching one another with their unworthy and shameful escape ; and , betraying their General , who to preserve their lives , had lost his own . Then they fell to searching curiously every-where , till hearing at last he was taken , they sent away Messengers round about with the news . The Achaeans resented the misfortune deeply , and decreed to send and demand him , and in the mean time drew their Army together for his rescue . While these things past in Achaia , Dinocrates fearing all delay would save Philopoemen , and resolv'd to be before-hand with the Achaeans , as soon as dark night had dispers'd the multitude , sent in the Executioner with poison , and order not to stir from him till he had taken it . Philopoemen was then laid down , wrapt up in his Cloak , not sleeping , but opprest with grief and trouble . But seeing light , and a man with poison by him , strugled to sit up ; and taking the Cup , ask't the Hangman if he heard any thing of the Horsemen , particularly Lycortas ? The fellow ansvvering , that the most part had got off safe , he nodded , and looking chearfully upon him , 'T is well , says he , that we are not every way unfortunate . And without a word more drank it off , and laid him down again . His weakness strugling but little with the poison , it dispatch'd him presently . The news of his death fill'd all Achaia with grief and lamentation . The Youth , with some of the chief of the several Cities met at Megalopolis with a resolution to take revenge without delay . They chose Lycortas General , and falling upon the Messenians , put all to fire and sword , till the City by common consent yielded . Dinocrates with as many as had voted for his death ; prevented their revenge , and kill'd themselves . Those who would have had him tormented , Lycortas put in Chains . They burnt his Body , and put the ashes into an Urn , and then march'd homeward , not in a disorder'd hurry , but with a kind of solemn pomp , half Triumph , half Funeral , Crowns of Victory on their heads , and tears in their eyes , their Captive Enemies in Fetters by them . Polybius , the General 's Son , carried the Urn , whereof there was hardly any thing to be seen but Garlands and Ribons . The chief of the Achaeans went round about it . The Souldiers follow'd bravely arm'd and mounted , with looks neither altogether sad as in Mourning , nor lofty as in Victory . The people from all Towns and Villages in their way , flock'd out to meet him , as at his return from conquest , and saluting and touching the Urn , fell in with the Company , and follow'd on to Megalopolis . Where when the old Men , the Women and Children were mingled with the rest , the whole City was fill'd with sighs , complaints and cries , looking upon the loss of Philopoemen as the loss of their Greatness , and on themselves as no longer Chief among the Achaeans . So he was honourably buried according to his Worth , and the Prisoners ston'd about his Tomb. Many Statues were set up , and many Honours decreed him by the several Cities : all which a certain Roman , who after the destruction of Corinth , prosecuted him as if he had been alive for an Enemy to the Romans , vvould have remov'd . The business made a noise , and Polybius ansvver'd the Sycophant at large . But neither Mammius nor the Legats vvould suffer the honourable Monuments of so great a Man to be defac'd , though he had often cross'd both Titus and Manlius . They distinguish't well in my opinion , and as became honest men , betwixt Interest and Vertue , Honest and Profitable , when they thought thanks and reward due to him who does a benefit , from him who receives it , and Honour never to be deny'd by the good to the good . And so much concerning Philopoemen . T. Q. FLAMINIUS . THE LIFE OF TITUS Q. FLAMINIUS . Englished from the Original , By Charles Whitaker , of the Inner-Temple , Esquire . Volume II. TItus Quintius Flaminius ( whom we pitch upon for a Parallel to Philopoemen ) what he was to his outward appearance , they who are led with a Curiosity that way , may view him in his Brazen Statue , which stands in Rome next that of the Great Apollo , brought from Carthage , opposite to the Circus Maximus , with a Greek Inscription upon it . But for the Temper of his mind , 't is said to have been somewhat * of the hottest both in his angry and in the kinder expressions of himself , but not to an equal pitch or continuance in both ; for when he came to Punishing , he was ever moderate , not inflexible . But whatever courtesie or good turn he set about , he went through with it . So civil , so obliging was he always to them on whom he pour'd his Favours , as if they , not he , had been the Benefactours ; he practised as much observance and care towards all that had tasted of his Beneficence , as if in them had been lodg'd his choicest Treasures : But being ever thirsty after Honour , and a mighty affecter of Glory , if any thing of a greater and more extraordinary nature , were to be done , he would be sure to be the doer of it himself : He took more pleasure in those that needed , than in those that were capable of conferring Courtesies ; looking on the former as proper objects for his virtue , and on the latter as his Competitors in Glory . Rome had then many and sharp Contests abroad , and her Youth betaking themselves early to the Wars , learn'd betimes the Art of Commanding ; when Flaminius , having pass'd through the Rudiments of Souldiery , began his first Charge in the War against Hannibal , as Commander of 1000 Foot under Marcellus the then Consul . Marcellus , indeed , falling into an Ambuscade , was cut off . But Titus getting the Governourship as well of Tarentum ( then re-taken a second time ) as of the Countrey about it , grew no less famous for his Administration of Justice , than for his military Skill . This rais'd him to the Triumvirate Dignity of Leader and Chieftain of those two Colonies which were sent into the Cities of Narnia and Cossa ; which fill'd him with loftier thoughts , and made him step over those previous Honours which such young Candidates use to pass through of Tribune , Praetor and Aedile , and level his first aim at the Consulship . Having therefore these Colonies , and all that Interest ready at his Devotion , without more adoe , he stands for it : But the Tribunes of the People , Fulvius and Manlius , and their Party , strongly oppos'd him ; alledging how undecent a thing , how ill a Precedent 't was , that a Man of such raw years , one who was yet , as 't were , untrain'd , never initiated in the first sacred Rights and Mysteries of Government , should , in contempt and opposition of their Laws , intrude and force himself into the Sovereignty . However the Senate remitted it to the Peoples choice and suffrage ; who Elect him ( though not then arrived as his Thirtieth year ) and Sextus Aelius Consuls . The War against Philip and the Macedonians fell to Titus by Lot , and surely some kind Genius propitious at that time to the Roman affairs had a hand in the drawing it ; for the Macedonians were not men of that stubborn nature , as to need a General to be sent against them , who would always be upon the point of force and dry blows , but were rather reducible by persuasion and gentle usage . 'T is true that the Kingdom of Macedon furnish't supplies enough to Philip to enable him to adventure on ● single Battel with the Romans : But to maintai● a long and lingring War , he must call in Ai● from Greece ; from Greece must he recruit hi● strength ; from Greece replenish his stores ; from thence must he borrow his Strong-holds and retreating-places ; and in a word , all the Materials of War must the Macedonian Army fetch from thence . Unless therefore that the Grecians could be taken off from siding with Philip , this War with him must not expect its Decision from a single Battel . Now Greece ( who had not hitherto held much Correspondence with the Romans , but first began an Intercourse under this Scene of affairs ) would no● so soon have embrac'd a Foreign Authority instead of the Governours she had been enur'd to ; Had not the Roman Consul been of a sweet and winning nature , one who work'd rather by fair means than force ; of a most insinuating address in all Applications of himself to others , and no less easie ▪ courteous , and open to all Addresses of others to him . But above all , had a constant Eye to Justice ; but the after-account of his Actions will best illustrate him as to these Particulars . Titus finding that as well , Sulpitius , as Publius , who had been his Predecessours in that Command , had not taken the Field against the Macedonians till late ; and when their Consulships were on the point of Expiring : And then too set their hands but tenderly to the War , but stood skirmishing and scouting here and there for Passes and Provisions , and never came to close fighting with Philip. He thought it not meet to trifle away an year , as they did , at home in Ostentaton of their new-gotten Honours , and in the Administration of Civil Affairs , and after , in the close of the year , to betake themselves to the Army , a mere artifice to eke out their Dignity and Government a year longer , acting the Consul in the first , and the General in the latter . But Titus was withal infinitely desirous to employ his Authority with effect upon the War ; which made him slight those Home-Honours and Prerogatives . Requesting , therefore , of the Senate , that his Brother Lucius might go Admiral of the Navy , and taking with him 3000 gallant and stout men * as so many sure Cards , which he drew out of those who , under Scipio , had defeated Asdrubal in † Iberia , and Hannibal in Africa , he got safe into Epirus ; and finding Publius encamp'd with his Army over against Philip , who had long made good the Pass over the River Apsus , and the Straits there ; Publius not having been able , for the the natural strength of the place , to effect any thing upon him . Titus therefore takes upon him the Conduct of the Army , and having dismissed Publius , views the Coast . The place is no less inaccessible and * impregnable than the craggy Rocks of Tempe , but falls short of that goodly Ornament of Trees , that Verdant prospect of the Woods ; it lacks Tempe's pleasant Fields and Walks at the foot of it ; for the Apsus ( falling from those great and lofty Mountains , which , standing as a mighty Bank on each side the River , make a deep and large Chanel in the midst ) is not unlike the River Peneus , either for the swiftness of its Current , or the manner of it ; for it swells over , and covers the foot of those Hills , insomuch that there 's left onely a cragged narrow path cut out hard by the stream , not easily passable at any time for an Army , but not at all when guarded by the Enemy . There were some , therefore , who would fain have had Titus fetch a Compass through Dassaretis , along the River Lycas , which was a passable and easie Tract . But he fearing , if he should engage himself too far from the Sea , into barren and untill'd Countries , and Philip should decline Fighting , he might , through want of Provisions be constrain'd to march back again to the Sea-side without effecting any thing , as his Predecessour had done before him . This put him upon a resolution of forcing his way over the Mountains . But Philip , having possessed himself of them with his Army , show'rd down his Darts and Arrows from all parts about the Romans Ears . Sharp were the skirmishes , and many fell wounded and slain on both sides , and small appearance there was of thus ending the War. When some of the men , who fed their Cattel thereabouts , came to Titus with a Discovery , that there was a Round-about-way which the Enemy neglected to Guard ; through which they undertake to conduct his Army , and to bring them , within three days at farthest , to the top of the Hills ; and to gain the surer credit with him , they alledged that Charops of Machara , was not onely privy unto , but would make good all they had promised ( this Charops was at that time Prince of Epirus , and a Well-willer to the Romans , and one that gave them assistance , but under-hand , for fear of Philip. ) Titus , crediting the Intelligence , sends avvay a Captain with 4000 Foot , and 300 Horse : These Herdsmen vvere their Guides , but kept in Bonds . In the day-time , they lay still under the Covert of the hollow and woody places , but in the night they march'd by Moon-light ( for the Moon was then at full : ) Titus having detach'd off this Party , lay still afterwards with his main body , unless it were that he sometimes gall'd and incommoded the Enemies Camp by shooting up amongst them . But when the day arrived , that those who stole round , were expected upon the top of the Hill , he drew up his Forces early into Battalia , as well the light-arm'd as the heavy , and dividing them into three Parts ; Himself led the Van , marching his Men along the Bank , up the narrowest point of those Straits , darted at by the Macedonians , and engaging , amidst those Rocks , hand to hand with all his Assailants . Whilst the other two Squadrons , on either side of him , with a Transcendent Alacrity and Courage clinging to the Rocks , as if they had grown to them , contended all they could to come to Action . But when the Sun was up , a thin smoak discovers it self rising afar off , ( like Mists that usually hang upon the Hills , ) but unperceived by the Enemy ( for 't was behind them who were at top already , ) And the Romans as yet under a doubt and suspence in the toil and difficulty they were in , construed their Hopes according to their Desires . But as it grew thicker and thicker , spreading Darkness over the Air , and mounting to a greater height , they no longer doubted but 't was the Fiery-signal of their Companions ; whereupon they give a mighty shout , and climbing up stoutly and couragiously , they drave the Enemy into the most craggy places ; in the interim those behind the Enemy Ecchoed back their Acclamations from the top of the Mountain . Quickly then did the Macedonians fly with all the heels they could make ; there fell not more than 2000 of them , for the difficulties of the place rescued them from a long and close pursuit . But the Romans pillag'd their Camp , seized upon their Wealth and Slaves , becoming absolute Masters of those Straits , travers'd over all Epirus ; but with such Order and Discipline , with such Temperance and Moderation , that though they were far from the Sea , at a great distance from their Vessels , and stinted of their Monthly allowance of Corn , and the like Provisions , and wanting the opportunities of Markets to furnish themselves from ; yet plunder'd they not the Country which had Provisions enough of all sorts in it . For Titus receiving an Intelligence that Philip rather fled than marched through Thessaly , that he forced the Inhabitants from the Towns to take shelter in the Mountains , that the Towns themselves he burnt down , that a great part of their goods , which for the quantity or cumbersomness of them , they could not carry with them was left a Prey to the Victour ; in so much that the whole Country in a manner was quitted to the Roman Army : He therefore was very desirous , and intreated his Souldiers , that they would pass through it as their own ; as a Place put into their hands : and indeed they quickly perceived by the Event what Benefit they derived from that Orderliness . For they no sooner set Foot in Thessaly , but the Cities Surrender to him , and the Graecians , within the Pylae , did perfectly long for and were quite transported with a Zeal of Committing themselves into the hands of Titus . The Acheans not onely broke their League with Philip , but , at the same time , voted to joyn with the Romans in actual arms against him . As for the Opuntians ; the Aetolians ( who though they then acted with a mighty forwardness and Valour in Confederacy with the Roman ) did strongly Solicite them to put their City under their protection , but they embrac'd not the Proposition ; But sending for Titus , to him they intrust and commit themselves . 'T is reported of Pyrrhus , that when at first from an adjacent Hill or watch-Tower which gave him a full prospect of the Roman Army , he descryed them so orderly drawn up ; he should openly declare , " he espied no " Barbarity in the Barbarians Ranks . All that came near Titus , could not chuse but say as much of him , at their first view . For they who had been told by the Macedonians of an Invader at the head of a Barbarian Army , * carrying every where Slavery and Destruction on his Sword 's point ; when in lieu of such an one , they meet a man , in the Flower of his Age , of a graceful Aspect , and full of Humanity , a Grecian in his Voice and Language , and a lover of true Honour , they were most wonderfully pleas'd and satisfied in him ; and when they left him , they fill'd the Cities and all places where they came with a value and esteem for him , as reckoning they had now got a Leader to Liberty . And when afterwards Philip made as if he would condescend to Terms of Peace , ●●tus came , and made a Tender to him o● Peace and Friendship , upon the Conditions that the Grecians be left to their own Laws and Liberties , and that he withdraw his Garrisons thence . This he refused to comply with . But now after these easie proposals , the general voge of all , even of the Favourers and Partisans of Philip , was , that the Romans came not to fight against , but for the Grecians , and against the Macedonians . As for the rest of Greece , all clos'd with him in a yeilding Peaceable way . As he march'd into Boeotia , without committing the least act of Hostility , The Nobility and Chief-men of Thebes came out of their City to meet him . These Thebans , by the Influence of Brachyllelis and his Faction , favour'd the Macedonian State , but however complimented , and paid their Honour and deference to Titus ; for they were , yet , at Amity with both parties . Titus received them in the most obliging and courteous manner , but keeps going gently on , Questioning and Inquiring of them , after this and that , and sometimes entertaining them with Narratives , and apposite Replyes and Relations of his own , till his Soldiers might a little recover the weariness of their Journey . Thus passing easily on , He and the Thebans came together into their City , not much to their Satisfaction ; But to deny him Entrance they durst not , for a good competen●●umber of his men followed him in . Titus s●●ll Proceeded by way of address to them , as if he had not had the City at his mercy , and set a persuading them to take in with the Roman Interests . King Attalus , joyns with him in the same requests , pressing the Thebans so to do . But Attalus , being ambitious to give Titus a Specimen of his Rhetorical faculty beyond what , it seems , his age could bear ; a Dizziness or Flux of Rheum surprising him in the midst of his Speech , he swouned away , and , being not long after conveyed by Ship into Asia , dyed there . As for the Boetians , they sided with the Romans . But now when Philip sent an Embassy to Rome , Titus dispatch'd away Agents on his part too , to Solicite the Senate to decree him a Continuance in his Command , if they did so , to the War ; or if they determin'd an end to that , that he might have the Honour of striking up the Peace . For having a great Itch after Glory , his fear was , that if another General were Commission'd to carry on the War , the Honour even of what was past would be lost to him ; but his Friends transacted matters so well on his behalf , that neither Philip prevail'd in his Proposals , and the management of the War was confirm'd in his hands . He no sooner receiv'd the Senat 's * Determination in this point , and the Ratification of his Authority ; But , big with hopes , he marches directly into Thessaly , to Engage Philip. His Army consisted of 26000 Men , whereof the Aetolians furnished 6000 of the Foot and 400 of the Horse . The Forces of Philip were much about the same Number . In this Eagerness to encounter they advance each against the other , till both drew near unto Scotusa , where they resolved to hazard a Battle . The Vicinity of two such Puissant Armies had not the Effect that might have been easily supposed , to strike into the Generals a mutual Terrour of each other , but rather inspir'd them with Ardour and Ambition ; on the Romans part ' to be the Conquerours of Macedon ; a name which was Famous and Formidable amongst them , for strength and Valour on the score of Alexander's Grandure : whilst the Macedonians on the other hand , esteeming of the Romans as another-guess Enemy than the Persian , hoped , that if Victory stood on their side , to make the name of Philip shine brighter in the Annals of Fame than that of Alexander . Titus therefore presses and incites his Souldiers to play the part of Valiant and Daring men for that they were now to enter the Lists upon the most glorious Theatre of the World , Greece , and with Champions that stand in Competition with the foremost for Valour . Philip on the other side begins an Harangue to his Men , as is usual to do just before an Engagement , to whet and call up their Courage : and in order to his being the better heard ( whether 't were meerly accidental , or out of an unseasonable haste , not observing what he did ; ) he mounts upon an Eminence without their Camp , which proved indeed a Burying-place . Philip himself was not a little concern'd for the strange Damp and Despondency that seiz'd his Army at the unluckiness of the Omen , in so much that all that day he kept in his Camp , and declined Fighting . But on the morrow , as day came on , after a slabby , wet night , the Clouds changing into a mist fill'd all the Plain with a mighty Darkness ; and a foggy thick Air descending , by that time 't was full day , from the adjacent Mountains betwixt the two Camps , cover'd their Stations from each others view : Whereupon the Parties sent out on either side , some for an Ambuscade , some for Discovery ; these falling in upon one another , quickly after they were thus detach'd from their main Bodies , began the Fight at the narrow Passage called Cyno-cephalae ( that is , Dogs-heads , which are sharp tops of Hills that stand thick and close to one another , and have gain'd the name from the Likeness of their shape to a Dog's-head . ) Now many turns and changes hapning , as may well be expected in such uneven passages , sometimes hot in the Pursuit , and sometimes the same Party flying as fast ; each General commands out Succours and Recruits from their Camp , as they see their own pressed or giving ground , till at length the Heavens clearing up , let them into a fairer Prospect of all that passed ; upon which the whole Armies became Engaged . Philip who was in the Right Wing , from the advantage of the hanging ground which he had , pour'd down his Forces upon the Romans with such briskness that the stoutest of them could not stand the roughness of the Shock , nor bear up against the pressure of so close-compacted Files . But the Left Wing being , by reason of the Hilliness of the Place , more shatter'd and broken , Titus observing it , and cherishing little or no hopes on that side where his own gave ground , makes in all haste to the other ; and there charges in upon the Macedonians ; who , in regard of the Inequality and Roughness of the Country , could not keep their Body Intire , nor line their Ranks to any great Depth ( which is the Principal point of their strength ) but were forced to fight man for man , under heavy and unwieldy Armour : For the Macedonian Phalanx is , for its strength , like some masterless Beast , whilst 't is embodyed into one as 't were , and keeps lock't together , Target to Target , all as in a Piece ; but , if once broken , every single Souldier that composed it looses of his own private strength ; the nature of their Armour is such ; and besides , each of them is strong , rather , as he among the rest makes a part of the whole , than in his single self . When these were routed , some gave chace to the Flyers , others charged those Macedonians in the Flanks who were still Fighting , so that the conquering Wing was quickly shatter'd , put to Flight , and threw down their Arms. There were then slain no less then 8000 , and about 5000 were taken Prisoners . The Aetolians were the main occasion that Philip himself got safe off . For whilst the Romans were yet in Pursuit , these fell to ravaging and plundring the Camp to that degree , that when the others return'd they found no booty in it . This bred at first hard words , Quarrels and misunderstandings betwixt them . But ever after they gall'd Titus more , in ascribing the Victory to themselves , and Prepossessing the Graecians with Reports on their own behalf ; in so much that their Poets , and the vulgar sort in the Pamphlets and Songs that were Sung or written of this action , still rank't the Aetolians foremost : but the Verses that were most in every body's mouth were these ; Without a Tear , without a Sigh Without a Monument or Grave Here , Passenger ! thou may'st descry On heaps we thrice ten Thousand Lie , Alas ! no Burial we could have . Aetolian Prowess was our overthrow And Latian Bands Which Titus did Command From the broad Italian Strand Has laid us Low. Sad Fate of Macedon ! Philip's daring Soul , Which Lyon like when first he took the Field Thought that he might the Universe , Controul ; But when , alas ! he once began to yield , Like Stags pursu'd , he fled away , But far more Swift and more afraid than they . This was of Alcaeus his Composing which he did in a Jear and mockery to Philip , though indeed he belyed him in it , as to the number of the slain . However being frequently repeated and by almost every body , Titus was more netled at it than Philip , for the latter plaid upon . Alcaeus again , annexing the following verses by way of Elegy upon him . What , Traveller ! on yonder Hill you see A Lofty Bark-less , Leave-less Gallow-tree Stands to reward Alcaeus's Poetry . But such little matters heinously fretted Titus , who affected a Reputation among the Grecians , and therefore he managed all after occurrences by himself , and had but a very slender regard for the Aetolians . This stuck in their Stomachs ; and when Titus listned to terms of accommodation , and had admitted of an Embassy upon the proffers of the Macedonian King ; these Aetolians made it their business to divulge it through all the Cities of Greece , that he sold Philip his Peace , and that , at a time , when 't was in his hand to have cut up all the springs and roots of War , and have laid waste that Empire which first put the yoke of servitude upon Greece . But whilst , with these and the like Rumours , the Aetolians labour'd to shake the Roman Confederates ; Philip , making overtures of Submission of himself and Kingdom to the Discretion of Titus and the Romans , puts an end to those Jealousies ; as Titus , by accepting them , did to the War ; for he re-instated Philip in his Kingdom of Macedon , but Enjoyns him at the same time , that he Quit Greece , that he pay 1000 Talents ; and withall , he took from him all his shipping , save 10 Vessels ; and sent away Demetrius , one of his Sons , Hostage to Rome ; Improving that short time of the Treaty to the best advantage could then be made of it , and by way of Provision against an after - clap . For Hannibal the African , a profest Enemy to the Roman name , an Exile from his own Country , and not long since arriv'd at King Antiochus his Court , lay at that Prince , not to be wanting to the good Fortune that had been hitherto so propitious to his Affairs : for his Arms as yet had never wanted a Success , and the Grandeur of his actions had purchased him the Sirname of GREAT ; in so much that he began to level his aim at the Universal Monarchy , but above all to make some attempt upon the Romans . Had not therefore Titus upon a principle of Prudence and Fore-sight lent an Ear to Peace , but , instead of that , Antiochus had found Philip holding the Romans play in Greece ; and these two the most Puissant and Warlike Princes of that age , and confederated for their common Interests against the Roman State , Rome might once more have run as great a Risk and been a-fresh reduced to no less extremities than she had felt under Hannibal . But now Titus opportunely clapping in this Peace between the Wars ; pruning away thereby the present danger , before that which was but in expectation had sprouted out : He at once disappointed Antiochus of his first Hopes , and Philip of his last Refuge ; now when the ten Commissioners , delegated to Titus from the Senate , advised him to restore the rest of Greece to their Liberty , but that Corinth , Chalcis and Demetrias should be kept Garrison'd for a Bulwark and protection against Antiochus . The Aetolians , ever * eminent in the way of slandering , shook the Faith of the Cities here in an eminent degree , for they call upon Titus to knock off the Shackles of Greece ( for so Philip used to term the aforesaid three Cities . ) They ask the Grecians , whether 't were not matter of much consolation to them , that , though their Chains weigh'd heavier , yet they were now neater and better polish't than formerly ? Whether Titus were not deservedly admired by them as their Benefactour , who had unshackled the feet of Greece , and tied her up by the Neck ? Titus vex'd and angry hereat , made it his Request to the Senate , and at last prevailed in it , that the Garrisons in these Cities should be dismantled , that so the Grecians might be no longer Debtors to him , for a partial , but intire Favour . The Isthmian Games were now renewed , and multitudes set crouded in the Theatre to see the Exercises ; for Greece , who of late days not onely found Respite from War , and was in a full Possession of Peace , but entertain'd farther hopes of regaining their Liberty too , made Holiday for it ; as these were in celebrating , silence was commanded by sound of Trumpet ; and the Cryer , stepping forth amidst the Spectatours , makes Proclamation , That the Roman Senate , and Titus Quintius the Proconsular General , having vanquished King Philip and the Macedonians , restored the Corinthians , Locrians , Phocaeans , Eubaeans , Achaians , Pthiotaeans , Magnetians , Thessalians , and Perraebians to their own Country , Laws and Liberty ; took off all Impositions upon them , and withdrew their Garrisons thence . At the first , many heard not at all , and others not Distinctly , what was said ; but an odd kind of Bustle and Stir there was in the Theatre , some wondring , some asking , some calling out to the Cryer ; Repeat that again , Repeat that again . When therefore fresh silence was made , the Cryer raising his Voice , his Speech more easily reach'd the Ears of the Company . The shout which in that Extasie of Joy they gave was so incredibly great that 't was heard to Sea. The people all jump up upon their Legs , there was no farther regard to the Diversions they came for ; but all fell a leaping , and Dancing , and hugging one another . And all salute Titus with the Title of Saviour and Defender of Greece . † The strength there is in Voices and the many Relations we have , speaking excessive things that way , were seen verified upon this occasion . For the Crows , that were then accidentally flying over the Stage , fell down dead into it upon the shout . The breaking the Air must needs be the cause of it , for the Voices being numerous , and the Acclamation violent , and the air thereby scatter'd and routed thence as 't were , it could no longer give support to the Birds but lets them tumble , like one that should * attempt to walk upon a Vacuum , or such empty space , which affords nothing to set the Foot upon , unless we should rather imagine these Crows to fall and die , shot with the noise as with a Dart. And withall , there may possibly be a circular agitation of the air , acquiring ( like Marine Vortexes ) an additional strength from the excess of its Fluctuation which whirls it round . But for Titus ; ( The sports being now quite at an end ) so beset was he on every side , and by such multitudes , that had he not , spying the throng and concourse of the people , timely withdrawn , he would scarce 't is thought have ever got clear of them . But when they had tired themselves with Acclamations all about his Pavilion , and night was now come , whatever Friends or Fellow-Citizens they saw , they fell embracing and hugging them , and from that , to Feasting and Carousing together . At which , no doubt , redoubling then their Joy , they begin to recollect and talk of the State of Greece , what Wars She had run through in defence of her Liberty , yet was ever perhaps Mistress of a more setled or grateful one than what others arms put into her hands : that by the Bounty of Titus She now bears away without , almost , one-drop of Blood , without the mournful effects of War , the most glorious of rewards , and best worth the contending for . That courage and wisdom are , indeed , Rarities amongst men . But of all that 's good , a just man is the most scarce . For such as Agesilaus , Lysander , Nicias and Alcibiades , knew how to play the General 's par● how to manage a War , how to bring off their men Victorious by Land and Sea ; but how to employ that Success to generous and honest purposes , they were far enough to seek . For should a man except the atchievement at Marathon , the Sea-Fight at Salamis , the Ingagements at Plataeae and Thermopylae , Cimon's Exploits at Eurymedon , and on the coasts of Cyprus , Greece fought all her other Battels against and to enslave her self . She erected all her Trophies to her own shame and misery , and was brought to ruine and desolation by the Villany and ambition of her Rulers . But a Foreign Nation who might rather be expected to retain some small Sparks , something of a Tincture derived to them from their ancient Sires ; a Nation from whom it may be wondred that Greece should reap any design'd benefit , or indeed a good word ; yet these are they who have retrieved Greece from her severest Pressures , and deepest Extremities ; have rescued her out of the hands of insulting Lords and Tyrants and reinstated her in her former Liberties . Thus they entertain'd their tongues and thoughts ; whilst Titus his actions made good what had been Proclaim'd . For he immediately dispatch'd away Lentulus to Asia , to set the Bergillians free , Titillius to ●●r●ce , to see the Garrisons of Philip removed out of the Towns and Islands there ; Publius Julius set Sail in order to the treating with Antiochus about the freedom of the Grecians under him . Titus himself passed on to Chalcis , and after sailing thence to Magnesia he dismantled the Garrisons there , and surrendred the Government into the peoples hands . At Argos he was chosen Judge or Moderatour of the Nemaean Games , and did his part in the management of that Solemnity extraordinary well ; there he made a second Publication by the Cryer , of Liberty to the Grecians : And still through all the Cities he passed , he prest upon them conformity to their Laws ; A constant practice of Justice , and Unity and Friendship one towards another . The Seditious among them he Quell'd , the Banish'd he reduc'd , and in short , his conquest over the Macedonians , gave him not a more sensible pleasure , than to find himself prevalent in reconciling Greeks with Greeks , so that their Liberty seem'd now the least part of the kindness he conferr'd upon them . The story goes that when Lycurgus the Oratour had rescued Xenocrates the Philosopher from the Collectors who were hurrying him away to Prison for the Metoecia ( Taxes which Strangers residing at Athens were to pay ) and prosecuted them at Law for the affront offer'd to the Philosopher , he afterwards meeting the Children of Lycurgus , Children ( says he ) I am not now behind-hand with your Father in point of gratitude ; for all THE WORLD cries him up for what he did for me . But the Returns which attended Titus Quintius and the Romans , for their beneficence to the Greeks terminated not in empty Praises only , for these proceedings gain'd them a deserved Credit and Trust in the World , and open'd a new door to Empire . For now many Nations not onely admitted of the Governours set over them by Rome , but even sent and intreated to be under their Protection . Neither was this done by the Populacy alone , by some petty Common-wealths , or single Cities . Bu● King opprest by Kings cast themselves into their Protecting hand . In so much that in a very short time , ( though perchance notwithout the finger of God in it ) all the World did Homage to them . Titus also himself valued himself most upon the Liberty he restor'd to Greece , for having dedicated silver Targets , together with his own Shield , to Apollo at Delphos , he Inscribed upon them the following Verses . Triumph , ye Spartan Kings , ye Royal Twins , The equal Sons of Tyndarus and Jove , Who in swift Horsemanship have plac'd your Love ; Titus , sprung from the Great Aeneas Loins , Presents to you , of Grecian Progeny , The best of Gifts , a regain'd Liberty . He offer'd also to Apollo a golden Crown , with this Inscription on 't , This Golden Crown upon thy locks Divine , Thou bright Latona's Son , did Titus place ; Titus , the Leader of th' Aenean Race : Bestow on him some equal strength to Thine , Thou distant-striking God! that he May share a Glory with thy Deity . Now hath the same thing twice betided the Grecians in the City of Corinth ; For Titus then , and Nero again in our days , both at Corinth , and both alike , at the Celebration of the Isthmian Games , permitted the Grecians to enjoy their own Laws and Liberty . The former ( as hath been said ) proclaim'd it by the Cryer , but Nero did it in the publick meeting-Place , from the Tribunal , in an Oration he there made to the People . ( But this hapned a good while after : ) Titus after this commences a gallant and just War upon Nabis , that most Profligate and Villanous Tyrant of the Lacedemonians , but herein at long-run he fail'd the expectations of the Grecians . For when he had an opportunity of taking him , he Industriously slipt it , and struck up a Peace with him , leaving Sparta to bewail an undeserved Slavery : whether it were that he feared , if the War should be protracted , Rome would send a new General who might rob him of the Glory of it ; or that the Emulation and Envy of Philopoemen's wreaths , ( a Man that had signalized himself among the Grecians upon all other occasions , but in that War especially had done wonders both for matter of Courage and Counsel ; one whom the Grecians celebrated in their Theatres , and put into the fame Balance of Glory with Titus , ) touch'd him to the Quick. For he scorn'd that an Arcadian ; a Captain and Leader , in a few Rencounters upon the confines of his Country should be look'd on by them with an equal admiration to the Roman Consul , who Warr'd on the behalf of all Greece . But besides , Titus was not without an Apology too for what he did , ( to wit , ) that he put an end to the War onely then when he foresaw that the Tyrant's Destruction must have been attended with a sweeping train of Ruine upon the other Spartans . The Achaeans indeed decreed , and studied , to honour Titus in many things , but none seem'd to come up to the height of the Actions that merited them , unless it were one Present they made him , which affected and pleas'd him beyond all the rest ; and 't was this : The Romans , who in the War with Hannibal had the misfortune to be taken Captives , were sold about here and there , and disperst into Slavery ; 1200 in number , were at that time in Greece . That turn of their Fortune always rendred them Objects of Compassion , but more particularly then , as well it might , when some met their Sons , some their Brothers , some their Acquaintance ; Slaves , Freemen ; Captives , Conquerours , Titus though deeply concern'd on their behalf , yet took none of them from their Masters by Constraint . But the Achaeans redeeming them at five Pounds a Man , brought them altogether into one place , and made a Present of them to Him , as he was just going on Ship-board , so that he now Sail'd with a full Gale of Satisfaction ; His generous Actions procured him as generous Returns , worthy of so brave a Man , and so intimate a Lover of their Country . This seem'd the most Pompous part of all his succeeding Triumph , for these Redeemed Romans , ( as 't is the custom for Slaves upon their manumission , to shave their Heads and wear a peculiar kind of Caps , ) followed in that Habit , Titus's Triumphant Chariot ; But to add to the Glory of this Shew , there were the Grecian Helmets , the Macedonian Targets and Javelins , and the rest of the Spoils bore along in Pomp and Ostentation before him ; besides vast Sums of Money , for as Itanus relates it , there was carried in this Triumph 3713 pounds weight of Massie Gold , 43270 of Silver , 14514 pieces of coin'd Gold , called Philipicks , all this over and above the 1000 Talents which Philip owed , and which the Romans were afterwards prevail'd upon , but chiefly by the agency and mediation of Titus , to remit to Philip , withal declaring him their Allie and Confederate , and sending him home his Hostage-Son . After this Antiochus makes an Expedition into Greece attended with a numerous Fleet , and powerful Army , solliciting the Cities there to Sedition and Rebellion : The Aetolians did abet and second him , for they of a long time had born a grudge and secret Enmity to the Romans , and now suggest to him as matter of manifesto , for a cause and pretext of War , that he came to bring the Grecians Liberty . When alas ! they never less wanted it , for they were free before , but , for lack of a more smooth and specious Pretence , they intrust him to use a word of the nearest and dearest Import : The Romans , in the interim , ( fearing from them , an Insurrection and Revolt ; and , from him , the Reputation of his Puissance ) Dispatch'd away the Consul Manius Attilius to take the charge of the War , with regard to Antiochus ; and Titus , as Embassador , out of regard to the Grecians ; some of whom he no sooner saw but he confirm's them in the Roman Interests : others who began to falter ( like a Physician that prescribes Remedies in time , before the Disease seize the Vitals ) he † underprop't , and kept their affections and good-will they had born to him , from warping . Some few there were whom the Aetolians were before-hand with , and had so wholly tainted and perverted that he could do no good on them ; yet these , howsoever angry and exasperated he was against them before , he saved and Protected , when the Engagement was over . For Antiochus , receiving a Defeat at Thermopylae , not onely fled the Field , but hoisted Sail instantly for Asia . Manius the Consul laid Siege himself to some of the Aetolians ; others he allowed King Philip to ravage and waste at his pleasure ; for instance the Dolopi and Magnetians on one hand , the Athamani and Aperanti on the other were harassed and ransackt by the Macedonians , whilst Manius laid Heraclae waste , and besieg'd Naupactus , then in the Aetolians hands . But Titus still with a commiserating care for Greece , makes over from Peloponnesus to the Consul ; at first he falls a chiding him , that the Victory should be owing alone to his arms , and he to suffer Philip to bear away the Prize and profit of the War : he to sit lazily wreaking his anger upon a single Town , whilst the Macedonians over-ran several Nations and Kingdoms . Titus hapned to stand then in view of the Besieged , they no sooner spied him out , but they call to him from their Wall , they stretch forth their hands , they supplicate and intreat him ; at that time he said not , a word more , by way of answer to them or otherwise , by turning himself above with tears in his Eyes , he went his way ; some little while after , he discoursed the matter so effectually with Manius , that he wrought him off from his Passion , and prevail'd with him to give a Truce and time to the Aetolians , to send Deputies to Rome to Petition the Senate for terms of Moderation . But the hardest task , and that which put Titus to the greatest plunge ▪ was to intreat with Manius for the Chalcidians , who had incenc'd him on account of a Marriage , which Antiochus had made in their City , even whilst the War was on Foot : A match no-ways suitable for their Age , he an ancient man , she a very Girl ; and as little proper for the time , for a General to Marry at the Head of an Army , and unbend his thoughts , to such dalliances , in the midst of a War. But deeply smitten and charm'd he was with the Damsel . She was the Daughter of Cleoptolemus , and none of the young Ladies there , were comparable to her for Beauty : on this occasion , the Chalcidians both embrac'd the King's Interests with zeal and alacrity , and yieded him their City for his Retreat and Refuge during the War. Thither therefore he made with all speed when he was routed and fled ; and shelter'd himself in Chalcis , but without making any stay , for taking this young Lady , and his Money and Friends with him , away he Sails to Asia . And now Manius's Indignation carrying him in all haste against the Chalcidians , Titus posts after him , endeavouring to asswage and divert the Stream ; at length what with much Intreaties to him , what with a sedulous application to others of the greatest Quality and Interest in Rome , he work't upon him . The Chalcidians thus deriving their fafety from Titus , dedicated to him all the best and most magnificent of their Structures which they had before consecrated to other Gods , whose Inscriptions may be seen to run thus to this Day . THE PEOPLE dedicate THIS † GYMNASIVM TO TITVS AND TO HERCVLES : so again , THE PEOPLE consecrate THIS * DELPHINIVM TO TITVS AND TO HERCVLES , and what 's yet more , even to our time , there is a Priest of Titus formally Elected and Declared ; besides , they Sacrifice to him as to a God , and when their † Libations are over , they sing a set Song , much of which for the length of it we omit , but shall transcribe what they have in the close of this Sonnet , Roman Faith we all adore . A Faith so white , a Faith so pure : By all that 's Sacred we our selves adjure To honour Roman Faith for evermore . Sing , Muses , sing of mighty Jove , Sing of Rome 's and Titus 's Love , Repeated Io's , Poean's too , All to Roman Faith are due O Saviour Titus , and to you . Other parts of Greece also heap'd Honours upon him sutable to his merits , but that which conferr'd Honour on his very Honours , and stamp'd sincerity and truth upon them , was the wonderful heartiness and affection they did them with , upon a sense of that Moderation and Equity that was natural to him . For if he were at any time at variance with any body upon the account of business , or in point of Emulation and Honour ( as once with Philopoemen , and another time with Diophanes Pretor of the Achaeans ▪ ) his Resentments * went not far , nor did they ever break out into acts , but when it had vented it self with a civil boldness in words , there was an end of it . In fine , no body charges malice or bitterness upon his Nature , but many have imputed Hastiness and Levity to it ; but otherwise he was the most complaisant , sweet man , for Conversation in the World ; and spoke the most pleasant obliging things , with a great deal of acuteness and wit. For instance , defigning once to divert the Achaeans from their purpose , who had the Conquest of the Isle Zacynthus in their Eye , If ( says he ) they but put their Head out of Peloponnesus , they may hazard themselves as much as a Tortois out of its shell . Again when he and Philip first met to treat of a Cessation and Peace , The latter complaining that Titus came with a mighty train , but himself came ALONE , and unattended : Yes , replies Titus smartly , you have made your self ALONE , by killing your Friends and Relations out of the way . At another time Dinocrates the Messenian , having been fudled at a merry meeting in Rome , danc'd there in a Woman's habit , and the next day addresses to Titus for assistance in his design to get Messene out of the Achaeans hands . I shall ( says he ) consider of it , but can't but wonder that you who are enterprizing Designs of that moment can find leisure to revell and sing in your Cups . When again the Embassadours of Antiochus were recounting to those of Achaea , the various multitudes of their Royal Master's Forces , and ran over a long Catalogue of hard and sundry names tht they had : Isupp'd once , ( says Titus ) with mine Host , and could not but chide him for that choice of Dishes he had got me , and withall I admir'd whence he had so readily furnish'd himself with that store and variety ; Mine Host tells me , Sir , to confess the truth 't is all Hogs-meat , but the Sauce and Cookery has made it as so many several things . My Advice to you is the same , ye men of Achaeà , stand no more amazed at Antiochus his might when ye hear tell of Pikemen , Pioneirs , Halberdiers and the like , for they are all but STRIANS differently armed . After these his Gallantries perform'd in Greece , and that the War with Antiochus was at an end ; Titus was created Censor , ( which is the most eminent Office , and in a manner the Top-preferment , in that Commonwealth . ) The Son of Marcellus , who had been fiive times Consul , was his Collegue . These by virtue of their Office cashier'd four of the Senatours , for not having Nobility enough of Birth to qualifie them for the Place : They admitted all that offer'd themselves , to be Inroll'd free Denizens of Rome , whose Parents had Enjoy'd a Freedom before . But this was more by constraint , than their cum Choice ; for , Terentius Leo , the then Tribune of the People , to spight the Nobility , spurr'd on the Populacy to order it to be done . There were at this time in the City two most Eminent and brave Persons , Africanus Scipio , and Marcus Cato , but there was no good understanding betwixt them : The former Titus made President of the Senate , as a man of principal Dignity and worth , but grew an Enemy to Cato upon this unlucky occasion ; Titus had a Brother Lucius Flaminius , in no respects of a Nature comparable to his , but withall highly dissoluteand licentious in point of his Pleasures , and a Scoffer at all Sobriety : There was a Youth whom he lov'd , for a vitious purpose , and used to be naught with : Him Lucius carryed with him not only * when he had the Army under him , but even when the charge of a Province was committed to him , this Lad still accompanied him thither : one day at a drinking-bout , the Youngster wantoning with Lucius ; I love you , Sir , so dearly ( says he ) that , preferring your satisfaction before my own , I have forebore seeing the Sword-Players , though I have never seen a Man kill'd in my Life . Lucius delighted with what the Boy said ; Let not that trouble thee , my Dear ( says he ) for if thou hast a mind to see a Man kill'd I 'll quickly satisfie thy longing ; and with that , orders a condemn'd Man to be fetch'd out of the Prison , and the Executioner to be sent for , and commands him to strike off the Malefactour's Head in the midst of their Jollity , before they rose from Table . Valerius Antias varies the story a little , in that he tells us Lucius did not this to gratify his Boy , but his Miss . But Livy out of the Oration of Cato , relates it , that a revolted Gaul coming with his Wife and Children to the Door , Lucius took him into the Banqueting-Room and kill'd him with his own hand to gratifie his Paramour Boy . Cato 't is probable , might say this by way of aggravation of the Crime he stood charg'd with : But that the slain was no such Fugitive , but a Prisoner , and one Condemn'd to die , as well Cicero , ( as others , ) in his Treatise of Old Age confirms ; where he brings in Cato himself giving that account of the matter . However this is certain , Cato during his Censorship , made a narrow and severe scrutiny into the Senatours Lives , in order to the Purging and Reforming the House , and then put Lucius out , though he had been once Consul before : His Brother looks upon this as a Proceeding that reflected Dishonour upon himself ; Hereupon both of them come out , and appeal to the People in a suppliant submissive manner , not without tears in their Eyes , requesting barely that Cato might but shew the reason and cause of his fixing such a Stain and Infamy upon so honourable a Family . The Citizens thought it a modest and moderate request . Cato for all this , ne'er shrinks for the matter , but out he comes , and standing up with his Collegue , Interrogates Titus whether he knew the Story of the Treat . Titus answering in the Negative , Cato gives him a Relation of it , conjuring withall his Brother Lucius to say , whether every syllable of it were not true . Lucius made no reply , whereupon the People adjudg'd the disgrace just and suitable to his Demerits , and waited upon Cato home from the Tribunal in great State. But Titus still so deeply resented his Brother's degrading , that he struck in with those who had born a long grudge to Cato ; and winning over a major part of the Senate to him , he revok'd and made void all the Contracts , Leases and Bargains made formerly by Cato , relating to the publick Revenues , and stirr'd up many and violent actions and accusations against him : But how well , and how like a good Citizen , I know not , for a person to reserve an Inveterate hatred against a lawful Magistrate , an excellent Common-wealths-man , and in the cause of a private man , who stood indeed related to him , but unworthy to be so , and a man that had but his Desert . But notwithstanding all this , when afterwards a Shew was exhibited to the people in the Theatre , the Senatours sitting orderly up above as they were wont , Lucius was spied at the lower end , set in a mean dishonourable place : it made an Impression upon the people , nor could they longer endure the sight , but set a crying , up , up , up , till he was got in among those of Consular Dignity , who received him into their Seat. This natural Ambition of Titus was well enough look't upon by the World , whilst the Wars we have given a Relation of , afforded competent Fuel to feed it ( for after the expiration of his Consulship he had a command of Military Tribune , which no body prest upon him : ) But being now out of all Employ in the Government , and advanced in years , he stands more condemned , that that poor remainder of Life , wholly unfit for action , should strut and swell with thoughts of Glory , and put on such youthful passions which made him not master of himself . Some such transport , 't is thought , set him against Hannibal , an action , which lost him the love and hearts of many . For Hannibal having fled his Country , first took Sanctuary with Antiochus ; but he having been glad to strike up a Peace , after the Battel in Phrygia , Hannibal was put to shift for himself by a second Flight , and , after a Ramble through many Countries , fixeth at length in Bithynia , * profering the Service of his Sword to their King Prusias . None at Rome , but knew where he was , but they looked upon him , at the same time , with contempt , for his little Power , and great Age ; one whom Fortune had quite cast off . Titus , coming Embassadour thither , ( though 't is true he was sent from the Senate to Prusias upon another Errand , ) yet , seeing Hannibal resident there , it stirr'd up Resentments in him to think that he was yet alive . And though Prusias used much Intercession and Intreaties in favour of him , as a man of his acquaintance , a Friend , a Suppliant that cast himself into his arms for refuge , Titus was not to be intreated . There was an antient Oracle it seems , which prophesied thus of Hannibal's End. Libyssan Earth shall Hannibal Inclose . He interpreted this to be meant of Libia that is Africk , and that he should be Buried in Carthage , as if he might yet expect to return and live there again , and onely there to Die. But there is a Sandy place in Bithynia bordering on the Sea , and near that a little Village call'd Libyssa . Hither 't was Hannibal's chance to retire himself , and having ever from the beginning had a distrust of the easiness and ductile Nature of Prusias , and a fear of the Romans , he had long before , ordered seven Vaults , as so many Outlets , to be digg'd in his house , leading from his Lodging , and running a great way under ground , and so many several ways opposite to one another , but all undiscernible from without ; As soon , therefore , as he heard what Titus had order'd , he attempted through these Caves to make his Escape ; but finding them beset with the King's Guards , he resolved upon making away with himself . Some say that wrapping his outward Garment about his Neck , he commanded his Servant to set his Knee against his Back-parts , and not to leave twisting , and pulling of it , till he had quite strangled and kill'd him . But others say , he drank Bulls-blood after the Example of Themistocles and Midas : Livy writes that he had Poyson in a readiness which he mix't for the purpose , and that taking the Cup into his hand , Let us ease ( says he ) the Romans of their continual dread and care , who think it long and tedious to await the Death of an Hated Old man. Yet shall not Titus bear away a Glorious Victory , nor worthy of those Ancestours who sent to caution Pyrrhus , an Enemy , and a Conquerour too , against the Poyson prepar'd for him by Traytors . Thus various are the Reports of Hannibal's Death , but when the News of it came to the Senatours Ears , some had an Indignation against Titus for it , blaming as well his officiousness , as his Cruelty ; who , when there was neither Reason of State , nor other Circumstance to oblige it , but out of Preposterous affectation of Glory , and to raise himself a Name from his dead ashes , sent him to his Grave , who , like a Bird that hangs his Wings , or has moulted his Tail through age , was let alone to live Tamely . Then began they to set out , with fresh Eulogies , the Clemency , the Courage , the Gallantry of Scipio Africanus ; they admire him now more than ever , for when he had vanquished in Africa the till then Invincible and Terrible Hannibal , he neither banish'd him his Country , or exacted it of his Country-men , that they should put him into his hands . Nay at a Parly just before they joyn'd Battel , Scipio embrac'd him , and in the Peace made after it , † he put no hard Article upon him , nor insulted over his declin'd Fortune . Report goes , that they had another meeting again at Ephesus , and , as they were walking together , Hannibal Industriously took the upper hand , Africanus let him alone , and kept walking on without the least Concern : Afterwards they fell to talk of Generals ; Hannibal affirming that Alexander was the bravest Commander the World had ever seen , but next to him Pyrrhus , and the third was Himself : Africanus , with a Gentle smile , asks , What would you have said , if I had never Vanquisht you ? O Scipio ( says he ) I would not then have made my self the third , but First Commander . The Generality of Rome had Scipio in Veneration for these Gallantries . But they observed so wide a Disparity in this Deportment of Titus , that they revil'd him , as one , who had put his Sickle into other mens Corn , had laid his hands upon another's dead Corpse . Not but that there were them , who put a better Construction upon , and applauded the action , who look'd upon a living Hannibal as Fire , which wanted onely Bellows to blow it into a Flame . For when he was in the Prime , and Flower of his Age , 't was not his Body , 't was not his Hand that struck Terrour into the Roman Eagles , but his Head-piece , his experience and skill in Martial Affairs , joyn'd with an innate malice and inveterate rancour against the Roman name , which doth not impair with Age. For the Temper and bent of the Soul keeps to its Pole , and Participates of the same Nature still ; but Fortune varies her Points , and even in her greatest Declination , upon new hopes of Success , rallies together for new attempts , all such whom Hatred and Revenge keep ready listed for Action . But the After games that were plaid Rome make yet farther to the Justification of Titus . For first Aristonicus the Son of a Fidler's Daughter , upon the Reputation of being the natural Son of Eumenes , fill'd all Asia with Tumults and Rebellion . Then again , Mithridates , after a Total Rout given him by Sylla and Fimbrias , and so vast a slaughter , as well among his prime Officers , as common Souldiers , made head again against Lucullus , with a puissant Army both by Sea and Land. Besides , Hannibal was never reduc'd to so contemptible a State as Caius Marius , for the former had something reserv'd to him , the amity of a King , a Pension and subsistence under him , the Enjoyment of his Friends , and , what was yet more dangerous a trust and Charge in the Navy , and over the Horse and Foot of Prusias . Whereas the condition of Marius was so Despicable , as to be look't upon by Rome with Laughter and Contempt , whilst he wander'd about Africa Destitute and Beggarly ; and yet a little after , when in their own Streets , their Backs were exposed to the Rods , and their Necks to the Axe , they Prostrate themselves to the same Marius . So that there is nothing either Great or Little at this Moment , which will hold so to all Futurity ; for nothing puts an end to the mutability and vicissitude of things , but what does so to their very Being : Some therefore tell us , that Titus did not this of his own head , but , that he was joyn'd in Commission with Lucius Scipio , and that the whole affair of the Embassy , was to effect Hannibal's Death . But now that we find no farther mention in History , of any thing done by Titus , either in point of War , or in the Administration of the Government , but that he Died in Peace ; 'T is time to look upon him as he stands in parison with Phelopoemen . THE COMPARISON OF TITUS Q. FLAMINIUS , AND PHILOPOEMEN . FIrst then for Greatness of Good-Turns which Titus conferr'd on Greece , neither Philopoemen , nor many Braver men than he , can make good the Parallel : For , under him , Greece drew upon Greece to her Ruine ; But , in Titus , a Stranger to Greece , fought for her Defence . And at the time when Philopoemen went over into Crete , destitute of any means , whereby to succour his Besieged Country-men , then did Titus , by a defeat given to Philip in the heart of Greece , set both them , and all their Cities free . Again , if we examine into the Battels fought by each of these ; Philopoemen , whilst he was the Achaeans General , slew more Grecians , than Titus in aiding the Grecians slew Macedonians . As to their Failings . Ambition was Titus his Weak-side , and Obstinacy Philopoemen's ; in the former anger was easily kindled , in the other , 't was as hardly quench'd . For Titus reserv'd to Philip the Royal Majesty , and dignity of his Kingdom ; besides , he Pardon'd the Aetolians , and stood their Friend again : But Philopoemen , exasperated against his own Country , took from them the Contributions which the adjacent Villages paid . Titus was ever constant to those he had once befriended , the other upon any grudge , as prone to Cancel kindnesses ; for he who had afore-time been a Benefactour to the Lacedaemonians , afterwards laid their Walls Level with the Ground , wasted their Country , and in the end chang'd and destroy'd the whole frame of their Government : He seems , in truth , to have Prodigall'd away his own Life , through Passion and Perverseness ; for he fell upon the Messenians with an eagerness as unsuitable , as unseasonable , not with that Conduct and Caution that Titus led on his men with . But the many Battels he fought , the many Trophies he won , got Philopoemen a deeper Experience for Titus decided the matter betwixt Philip and him in two Engagements , but Philopoemen came off Victorious , in more than ten thousand Rencounters , to all which Fortune had almost no Pretence , so much was owing to his skill . Besides , Titus got his Renown , assisted by the power of a flourishing Rome , the other flourish'd under a declined Greece , so that this Man's Gallantry was owing to himself alone ; Rome shar'd in the Glory of the other . The one had Brave men under him , the other made his Brave , by being over them ; and though all Philopoemen's actions , having no other Scene than his own Country , no other Enemy than Grecians to Cope with , afford no Instances of a * Virtue Fortunate in the Subject of it ; yet , they do of one Prevalent in its Success , and where all other advantages are Equal , Courage is sure to bring Victory over to her side . He had , indeed , to do with two the most Warlike Nations of all Greece , the Cretans on the one hand , and the Lacedemonians on the other ; the craftyest of them , he master'd by art and subtilty , the stoutest he made to stoop to his Valour . It may be said withal , that Titus , having his men arm'd and disciplin'd to his hand , * reap'd Laurels ready wreath'd for him : Whereas Philopoemen was forc'd to Introduce a Discipline , and Tacticks of his own , and to new-mould and model his Souldiery in those Points ; so that , that which is of greatest Import towards ensuring a Victory , ( they being defective therein before , ) was owing to his Invention , whilst the other had it put into his hand , to help him on to Conquest . Philopoemen , therefore , effected many Gallant things with his own hand , but Titus , none ; Insomuch that one Archedemus an Aetolian one day plaid upon him , That whereas , Philopoemen ran with his drawn Sword , where he saw the Macedonians keep closest lock'd and press'd him hardest ; Titus stood still , fell a Praying , and with hands stretch'd out to Heaven , call'd to the Gods for aid : 'T is true , Titus acquitted himself excellently well , both as a Governour , and as an Embassadour ; but Philopoemen was no less serviceable and useful to the Achaeans in the capacity of a private man , than in that of a Commander . For when he was General , he restor'd the Messenians to their Liberty , and clear'd their City from Nabis . But when he rescu'd the Lacedemonians , and shut the Gates of Sparta against the General Diophanes and Titus who would have entred it , he was then but a private Person . He had a nature so adapted and cut out for Empire and Command , that , when occasion serv'd , or the publick good requir'd it , he knew how to Govern the Laws themselves , and not always to Govern himself by the strict rules of them , for he waited not the Formality of being elected into Command by the Governed , but put them presently upon Service , if the case requir'd it . Esteeming of him as the truer General , who consulted and understood their Interests , not who was chosen to the Employment . In Fine , the Equity , Clemency , and Humanity of Titus towards the Grecians speak a Great and Generous nature in him ; but the actions of Philopoemen , full of Courage , and forward to assert his Countrys Liberty against the Romans , carry something Greater in them . For 't is not a task of that difficulty , to gratifie the Indigent and distressed , as 't is to bear up against , and adventure angring the Powerful . To conclude , since 't is hard to draw from the Premisses , the true difference of their merits , and to which a Preference is due ; Consider , Reader , whether we may seem to judge amiss betwixt them , if we let this Grecian Heroe bear away the Crown for Military conduct , and Warlike skill , and the Roman for Justice and Clemency . ADVERTISEMENT . I Have in the foregoing Translation , taken a Liberty ( Common with many Translatours of old Authours into modern Languages ) to add , by way of Explanation and Paraphrase . beyond what I shall undertake to shew to a word in the Original . 'T is true , that such Versions which are but Subsidiary , ( as the Latin , for the most part ) and not intended to be read apart , but to help out the Reader of an Original by a Glance upon occasion , are , or may be , most Commendable when most 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and give you word for word . But where a Translation is calculated for other purposes , and to let the present age , into the Sense , and knowledge of the ancient , who have no Curiosity , or no time to learn their words , a looser Interpretation may be best , provided it be faithful to the Author's Sense , 't is certainly more palatable , where 't is well Cook'd , and greater skill and caution is required in the dressing it : But yet , all that is addition , ought to be so distinguish'd ( either in Parenthesis , or by a different Character , or the like ) that the Reader may not be misled ; for not onely he , who passes over part untranslated ( as the Abbot of Tellemont does , not only words , but Sentences and intire passages in this very Life ) but he who adds ( as the ancient and better French Interpreter Amyot doth ) leaveth the Reader at a loss for Plutarch in Plutarch ; The one by not exhibiting himself whole and intire to the view , the other , by shewing himself for him ; as therefore I have been faithful in giving all Plutarch , so my additions are to be found in a different Letter . I have not loaded the Margent with the various constructions , I suspected my self might be given to some places , as not thinking them of that Import , be the truth which way ' twill . This only I would advertise the Reader that in pag. 658. what I render , something of a Tincture deriv'd to them — the Latin renders exigua antiquae Propinquitatis cum iis vincula . Amyot , no Communication . Tellemont , no Communication nor alliance , taking in both the former Interpretations . But I do not conceive that either of them has reach'd the Authour's meaning : for , if I mistake not , Plutarch aludes to Rome's original deduced from Aeneas and the Trojans , who came with him into Italy , from whom not only Romulus descended in a right line , but all the Romans after him were called Aeneadae from Aeneas , and twice so called in this very Life . Now , how the Trojans and Grecians had been affected to each other , is a known Story , and Plutarch from thence takes an handsome occasion to magnifie the Romans , that they who might seem to have 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ad verbum , Tenacious Participations : i. e. Something of an Enemies Blood running in their veins , as they are of the Trojan Race , should do such great things for Greece . So that I understand the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to be Trojan not Grecian Ancestours . Though the Latin Translatour means , I suppose , the latter , with reference to those ancient Colonies of Greeks , which seated themselves in several parts of Italy before Aeneas his time , and thence had the Romans and Grecians a remote Relation in Blood one to another . And the meaning must be then , that 't is a wonder , that the Romans having a small relation to them , should do them a great kindness , &c. Which is neither so High , nor Genuine a Sense , in my mind as the former . FINIS Books Printed for Jacob Tonson at the Judges Head in Chancery-Lane near Fleetstreet . POETRY . MIltons Paradise Lost , in Folio , with 13 Copper Cuts . The Works of that famous English Poet , Mr. Edmond Spencer , viz. The Fairy Queen . The Shepherds Calendar . The History of Ireland , &c. with an account of his Life , and several Pieces of his , never Printed till the year , 1679. Ovid's Love Epistles : Translated into English by The Earl of Mulgrave , Sir Carr Scrope , Mr. Dryden , and several other Eminent Hands : Adorn'd with variety of Copper Cuts . The Odes , Satyrs , and Epistles of Horace , Translated into English by Mr. Creech of Oxford . Missellany Poems , containing a new Translation of Virgil's Eclogues , and several parts of the Eneids : Ovids Love Elegies , several Odes of Horace , and Parts of Lucretius ; with variety of Original Poems : Written by the most Eminent Hands , and Publish'd by Mr. Dryden . Syphilis ; Or a Poetical History of the French Disease : Written in Latin by Fracastorius , and Englished by Mr. Tate . Poems upon several Occasions , with a voyage to the Island of Love : Written by Mrs. Bhen . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A55198-e1610 His Family and Education . His Beauty . He lisped . He was naturally Ambitious . He refuses to learn to play on the Flute . The ground of Socrates 's love to Alcibiades . His Reverente for Socrates . His Insolence to others . Alcibiades addicted to pleasure . His first Appearng in Arms. His Marriage . His Wife leaves him . He takes her agai● by force . The occasion of his first Appearance in Publick . Alcibiades eloquent . His Victories at the Olympick Games . Niclas and Pheax his Rivals in the Pecptes Favour . The Sentence of Ostracism pronounce against Hyperbolus . Alcibiades breaks the Nician Peace . Alcibiades restores the Democracy et Argos . His Luxury . Timon's Opinion of him . Alcibiades pr●●●tes the Sicilian Expedition Is made General , together with Nicias and Lamachus . Is suspected of breaking the Mercuries , and accus'd for prophaning the Mysteries . Departs for Sicily . I● retall'd to answer the accusaion . Andocides accuses himself and other of breaking the Mercuries . Alcibiades escapes from those who were to bring him task . The Information against him . He is condemn'd . He goes to Sparta . Takes up the Laconic way of living . He ● the ●● King The Lacedaemonians design his Death . He flees to Tisaphernes . And does ill Offices in the Lacedaemonians . Alcibiades makes Offers to the Athenians . Phrynichus Treachery . The Government chang'd in Athens . Alcibiades made General of the Athenians at Samos . Is recall'd by the Athenians . Alcibiades defeats the Lacedaemonians at Sea. Is made Prisoner by Tisaphernes . Destroys the Lacedaemonian 〈◊〉 at Cyzicum . He makes War upon the Chalcedonians . Takes the City of S●lybria . Treaty between Pharnabazus and the Athenians . He besieges and takes Byzantium . Alcibiades returns ●o . Athens . His Reception there . Alcibiades conducts the Procession to Eleusis with his Army . He defeats the Lacedaemonians at Andros . The Athenian Fleet is defeated in his absence . Alcibiades is accus'd again at Athens . He fors●k●s the Army . The Atheniars create new Generals . The Athenians finally overthrown . Athens taken . Alcibiades flyes into Bithynia . Lysander sets 30 Governours over Athens The Lacedaemonians send Orders that Alcibiades should be slain . The-manner of his Death . His first going to the Wars ▪ The Romans besiege Corioli . Corioli taken . The Volscian Army is routed . The tenth part of the Spoils offer'd to Marcius . He nobly refuses ' em . The Name of Coriolanus is given to him . Coriolanus invades the Antiates . Stands for the Consulship . Is rejected . A great quantity of Corn brought to Rome . Coriolanus 's Speech against its being distributed among the People . The People rise against him . Sicinnius the T●ibune pronounces Sentence of Death against Co●iolanus . His Accusation . He is banished . He leaves Rome . He goes to the Volscians . His Arrival at Antium . His Speech to Tullus Aufidius . Valeria 's Speech to Volumnia , &c. Volumnia 's Answer . Volumnia 's Speech to her Son Marcius . Notes for div A55198-e18240 The use of History . Democritus his Opinion of Phantasms . Emilius his Extraction . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Facundia lepor . His way to Honour . Is chosen Edile . Then Augur . His strictness in Military Discipline . Emilius sent Praetor into Spain . His Wives and Children . The Character of Elius Tubero . He is chosen Consul , and wages War with the Ligurians . He stands to be Consul a second time , but is ●●puls'd . The Education of his Children . The Romans at War with Perseus , King of Macedon . Perseus his Extraction . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , q●an ●aturus . His War with the Romans . He over-comes Licinius . Surprizes their Fleet. Fights with Hostilius . Soli●its the Barbarians to joyn with him . Emilius a 2d . time Consul . General against the Macedonians . A good Omen . Emilius his Speech to the People . His Success not to be ascribed to Fortune . Perseus ruin'd by his Covetousness . A Description of the Basternae . He cheats Genthius . Perseus his strength . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Emilius his Conduct . His Army wants W●ter , how supply'd . Of the Original of Springs . This Place is still call'd Pythagone in the modern Gre●k ▪ Emilius sends Nasica to surprize the Enemy by the way of Perrebia . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . To heighth of Mount Olympus . Nasica his Design discover'd . Perseus removes his Camp. Prepares to fight . The Places of Battel . Emilius joyns again with Nasica . Emilius incamps . An Eclipse of the Moon . The Reason of an Eclipse . The Rise of the Battel . The Army of the Macedonians , and Order of their March. The Battel between Emilius and Perseus . Perseus his Cowardize . Perseus vindicated by Possidonius . Salius flings his Ensign amongst his Enemies . The Romans forc'd to retreat . The Phalanx broken by Emilius . The Valour of Marcus Cato . * Three in the Afternoon . Emilius his grief for the suppos'd loss of his S●n Scipio . Scipio his Character . Perseus flyes in Disg●ise . His Cruelty . And Covetousness . All M●cedonia de ●ver'd up to Emilius . This News miralously convey'd to Rome . Examples of the like . Perseus surrenders himself . Emilius his Speech to Perseus . His Speech to the young Men. Emili●s goes in●o Gree●● . He goes into Epire. He returns into Italy . Galba endeavours to hinder his Triumph . Servilius his Speech . Emilius his Triumph describ'd . Two of Emilius his Sons die about the time of his Triumph . Emilius his Speech upon the death of his Sons . Perseus his Death . Emilius always ▪ sided with the Nobles . Emilius his Sickness and Death . A moral reflection . * About 31 l. 5 s. sterling . * Which answers to our May. N. * valu'd at 625 l. in our Money . Notes for div A55198-e33100 Pelopidas of a good Family . Careless of his Estate . T●● Friendship 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 . Phaebidas surprizeth the Cadmea . Pelopidas ex●ites the 〈…〉 to fr●e their Count●●y . He goes to Thebes . The Plot almost ruin'd . Archias inform'd that the Exiles were come . Charon 's bravery . A Letter sent to Archias concerning the Design . Archias and Philip kill'd . Pelopidas kills Leontidas and Hypates . Pelopidas r●gains the Cadmea . The Athenians refus'd to assist Thebes . Sphodrias the Spartan designs against the Athenians The Thebans prevail'd against the Spartans . Pelopidas beats the Spartaus at Tenagra . The Spartans Courage . The sacred Band of Lovers . Pelopidas his Saying . Pelopidas his Vision . Of Men-Sacrifices . The Battel at Leuctra . The Spartans very expert . Pelopidas t●y'd for his Life . Pelopidas generous . Pelopidas assists the Thessalians against Alexander . Settles Macedon . Of Philip of Macedon . Pelopidas go●s to Pharsalus . Pelopidas taken by Alexander . Pelopidas his Bravery in Prison . Alexander's Savageness Pelopidas set free . Pelopdas goes Ambassadour to Persia . Is honour'd by Artaxerxes . Pelopidas goes against Alexander The Battel . Pelopidas slain . Alexander 's death * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , mensam argentariam reddit interpres Latinus , verum rectius reddi potest , in usum eorum qui nummorum commutationem exercent in foro . Nam 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 retributionem , permutationem , commercium , & poenae responsionem indicat . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A55198-e47790 * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Because at Atbens they reckoned the years by their Archons , as the Romans by their Consuls . One of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was to this purpose chose by lot out of the rest , and his Name Inscribed in the publick Records . * A Prison or Dungeon in Athens . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Demetrius , Polycrates , b Seleucus , Ptolomeus Ceraunus , c Demetrius Nicanor , d Pyrrhus is surnamed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in the following Account of his Life . e Antiochus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * The Athenians . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * The Lacedaemonians . * The Lacedaemonians . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . August . 125 Italian Miles . * Septem - 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . A Measure containing six Bushels . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The difference between their Adversaries . Cato always esteemed for his Courage and Counsel . Aristides supplanted by Themistocles . Cato 's excellent husbandry . Aristides an ill manager of his own private concerns . Vid. Homer in his 14 Odyss . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , three Asses made two pence . Ambition odious in a Common-wealth . Cato 's worst actions reckon'd up . Cato 's second marriage condemn'd . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A55198-e62210 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Above 2000 pound . Fifty Miles . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Titus his Character . Liv. L. 2. Dec. 4. Chosen Consul at thirty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 But I read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Sets out immediately for the War. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ●IV . Ibid. † Spain . Takes the Army of Publius . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Apsus . Liv. ibid. Liv. ibid Herdsmen discover a way to Titus to bring his Men up the Mountains . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Macedonians routed . Titus plunders not the Country . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Titus proffers Philip a peace , on condition that Greece be left free . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Nobles of Thebes come to meet Titus . An Embassy sent to Rome . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Titus advances with an Army against Philip . The second Engagement betwixt Titus and Philip. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Liv. Dec. 4. L. 3. † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Titus made Peace with Nabis . Titus his triumph . † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . † The place where the Exercises of Wrestling and the like were perform'd . * Th● Tem● of Apollo . † Eati●g and drinking in a Festival w●y , of part of th● things Sac●ifi●ed , and after the ●ffering thereof . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Titus bis witty answers . Polybius ( in his 17 book p. 747 Ed. Caus. ) tells this , a little differently ▪ Titus made Censor . an Enemy to Cato . * Cum Consul esset in Gallia . Say● Cato . in Cicero de senectute . Cicero in his Cato Major ag●ees with Antias , the words are , Exoratus in Convivio a Scorto est . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Titus Embassadour to Prusias , Procures the death of Hannibal . The Commendations of Scipio . † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * His misfortune 't was to have always his arms employed against some part of Greece . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Conquer'd upon the stock of former preparations . 
A55194	----	Plutarch's Lives. Their first volume translated from the Greek by several hands ; to which is prefixt The life of Plutarch. Lives. English. Dryden Plutarch. 1683 Approx. 1094 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 415 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A55194 Wing P2635 ESTC R30108 11244647 ocm 11244647 47090 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A55194) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 47090) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1448:25) Plutarch's Lives. Their first volume translated from the Greek by several hands ; to which is prefixt The life of Plutarch. Lives. English. Dryden Plutarch. Dryden, John, 1631-1700. [34], 128, 656 p. : ports. Printed for Jacob Tonson ..., London : 1683. "The Epistle dedicatory" and "The life of Plutarch" by John Dryden. Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Greece -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. 2007-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2007-11 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2007-11 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Touroude de Vandrebanc fe . PLUTARCHS LIVES . Translated From the GREEK BY SEVERAL HANDS . To which is prefixt the LIFE of PLUTARCH . The First Volume . LONDON , Printed for Jacob Tonson , at the Sign of the Judges-head in Chancery-lane near Fleet-street , 1683. MANUS IUSTA NARDUS Charles Lord Maynard blazon or coat of arms TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF Ormond , &c. My Lord , LVcretius , endeavouring to prove from the principles of his Philosophy , that the world had a casual beginning from the concourse of Atomes ; and that Men , as well as the rest of Animals , were produc'd from the vital heat and moisture of their Mother Earth ; from the same principles is bound to answer this objection , why Men are not daily form'd after the same manner , which he tells us is , because the kindly warmth , and procreative faculty of the ground is now worn out : The Sun is a disabled Lover , and the Earth is past her teeming time . Though Religion has inform'd us better of our Origine , yet it appears plainly , that not only the Bodies , but the Souls of Men , have decreas'd from the vigour of the first Ages ; that we are not more short of the stature and strength of those gygantick Heroes , than we are of their understanding , and their wit. To let pass those happy Patriarchs , who were striplings at fourscore , and had afterwards seven or eight hundred years before them to beget Sons and Daughters ; and to consider Man in reference only to his mind , and that no higher than the Age of Socrates : How vast a difference is there betwixt the productions of those Souls , and these of ours ? How much better Plato , Aristotle , and the rest of the Philosophers understood nature ; Thucydides , and Herodotus adorn'd History ; Sophocles , Eurypides and Menander advanc'd Poetry , than those Dwarfs of Wit and Learning who succeeded them in after times ? That Age was most Famous amongst the Greeks , which ended with the death of Alexander ; amongst the Romans Learning seem'd again to revive and flourish in the Century which produc'd Cicero , Varro , Salust , Livy , Lucretius and Virgil : And after a short interval of years , ( wherein Nature seem'd to take a breathing time for a second birth , ) there sprung up under the Vespasians , and those excellent Princes who succeeded them , a race of memorable Wits ; such as were the two Plinies , Tacitus , and Suetonius ; and as if Greece was emulous of the Roman learning , under the same favourable Constellation , was born the famous Philosopher and Historian Plutarch . Then whom Anquity has never produc'd a Man more generally knowing , or more vertuous ; and no succeeding Age has equall'd him . His Lives both in his own esteem , and that of others , accounted the Noblest of his Works , have been long since render'd into English : But as that Translation was only from the French , so it suffer'd this double disadvantage , first that it was but a Copy of a Copy , and that too but lamely taken from the Greek Original : Secondly that the English Language was then unpolish'd , and far from the perfection which it has since attain'd : So that the first Version is not only ungrammatical and ungraceful , but in many places almost unintelligible . For which reasons , and least so useful a piece of History , shou'd lie oppress'd under the rubbish of Antiquated words , some ingenious and learned Gentlemen , have undertaken this Task : And what wou'd have been the labour of one Mans Life , will , by the several endeavours of many , be now accomplish'd in the compass of a year . How far they have succeeded in this laudable attempt , to me it belongs not to determine ; who am too much a party to be a Judge : But I have the honour to be Commission'd from the Translators of this Volum , to inscribe their labours and my own , with all humility , to your Graces Name and Patronage . And never was any Man more ambitious of an employment , of which he was so little worthy . Fortune has at last gratify'd that earnest desire I have always had , to shew my devotion to your Grace ; though I despair of paying you my acknowledgments . And of all other opportunities I have happen'd on the most favourable to my self ; who , having never been able to produce any thing of my own , which cou'd be worthy of your view , am supply'd by the assistance of my friends , and honour'd with the presentation of their labours . The Author they have Translated , has been long familiar to you : Who have been conversant in all sorts of History both Ancient and Modern ; and have form'd the Idea of your most Noble Life from the instructions and Examples contain'd in them ; both in the management of publick affairs , and in the private Offices of vertue ; in the enjoyment of your better fortune , and sustaining of your worse ; in habituating your self to an easie greatness ; in repelling your Enemies , in succouring your Friends , and in all traverses of fortune , in every colour of your Life , maintaining an inviolable fidelity to your Soveraign . T is long since that I have learn'd to forget the art of praising ; but here the heart dictates to the pen ; and I appeal to your Enemies , ( if so much generosity and good nature can have left you any ) whether they are not conscious to themselves that I have not flatter'd . T is an Age indeed , which is only fit for Satyr ; and the sharpest I have shall never be wanting to launce its Villanies , and its ingratitude to the Government : There are few Men in it , who are capable of supporting the weight of a just and deserv'd commendation : But amongst those few there must always stand excepted the Illustrious Names of Ormond and of Ossory : A Father and a Son , only Worthy of each other . Never was one Soul more fully infus'd into anothers breast : Never was so strong an impression made of vertue , as that of your Graces into him : But though the stamp was deep , the subject which receiv'd it was of too fine a composition to be durable . Were not priority of time and nature in the case , it might have been doubted which of you had been most excellent : But Heaven snatch'd away the Copy to make the Original more precious . I dare trust my self no farther on this subject ; for after years of mourning , my sorrow is yet so green upon me , that I am ready to tax Providence for the loss of that Heroick Son : Three Nations had a general concernment in his Death , but I had one so very particular , that all my hopes are almost dead with him ; and I have lost so much that I am past the danger of a second Shipwreck . But he sleeps with an unenvy'd commendation : And has left your Grace the sad Legacy of all those Glories which he deriv'd from you . An accession which you wanted not , who were so rich before in your own vertues , and that high reputation which is the product of them . A long descent of Noble Ancestors was not necessary to have made you great : But Heaven threw it in as over-plus when you were born . What you have done and suffer'd for two Royal Masters has been enough to render you Illustrious ; so that you may safely wave the Nobility of your birth , and relie on your actions for your fame . You have cancell'd the debt which you ow'd to your Progenitors , and reflect more brightness on their memory than you receiv'd from them . Your native Country , which Providence gave you not leave to preserve under one King , it has given you opportunity under another to restore . You cou'd not save it from the Chastisement which was due to its Rebellion , but you rais'd it from ruin after its repentance : So that the Trophies of War were the portion of the Conquerour , but the Triumphs of peace were reserv'd for the vanquish'd . The misfortunes of Ireland were owing to it self , but its happiness and Restoration to your Grace . The Rebellion against a Lawful Prince , was punish'd by an Usurping Tyrant : But the fruits of his Victory were the rewards of a Loyal Subject . How much that Noble Kingdom has flourish'd under your Graces Government , both the Inhabitants and the Crown are sensible . The riches of Ireland are increas'd by it , and the Revenues of England are augmented . That which was a charge and burden of the Government is render'd an advantage and support : The Trade and Interest of both Countries are united in a mutual benefit ; they conspire to make each other happy ; the dependance of the one is an improvement of its Commerce , the preeminence of the other is not impair'd by the intercourse , and common necessities are supply'd by both . Ireland is no more a Cyon , to suck the nourishment from the Mother Tree ; neither is it overtop'd , or hinder'd from growth by the superiour branches ; but the Roots of England , diving ( if I may dare to say it , ) underneath the Seas , rise at a just distance on the Neighbouring Shore ; and there shoot up , and bear a product scarce inferiour to the Trunk from whenee they sprung . I may raise the commendation higher , and yet not fear to offend the truth : Ireland is a better Penitent than England : The Crime of Rebellion was common to both Countries ; but the repentance of one Island has been steady ; that of the other , to its shame , has suffer'd a relapse : Which shews the Conversions of their Rebels to have been real , that of ours to have been but counterfeit . The Sons of Guilty Fathers there have made amends for the disloyalty of their Families : But here the descendants of pardon'd Rebels have only waited their time to copy the wickedness of their Parents , and if possible to out do it : They disdain to hold their Patrimonies by acts of Grace and of Indempnity : and by maintaining their old Treasonable principles , make it apparent that they are still speculative Traytors . For whether they are zealous Sectaries or prophane Republicans , ( of which two sorts they are principally compos'd ) both our Reformers of Church and Sate , pretend to a power superiour to Kingship . The Fanaticks derive their Authority from the Bible ; and plead Religion to be antecedent to any secular obligation : By vertue of which Argument , taking it for granted that their own Worship is only true , they arrogate to themselves the right of disposing the Temporal power according to their pleasure ; as that which is subordinate to the Spiritual : So that the same Reasons , and Scriptures , which are urg'd by Popes for the deposition of Princes , are produc'd by Sectaries for altering the Succession . The Episcopal Reformation has manumiz'd Kings from the Usurpation of Rome ; for it preaches obedience and resignation to the lawful Secular power : but the pretended Reformation of our Schismaticks , is to set up themselves in the Papal Chair ; and to make their Princes only their Trustees . So that whether they or the Pope were uppermost in England , the Royal Authority were equally depress'd : The Prison of our Kings wou'd be the same ; the Gaolers only wou'd be alter'd . The broad Republicans are generally Men of Atheistick principles , nominal Christians , who are beholding to the Font , only that they are so call'd , otherwise Hobbists in their politicks and Morals : Every Church is oblig'd to them that they own themselves of none ; because their Lives are too scandalous for any . Some of the Sectaries are so proud , that they think they cannot sin ; those Common-wealth Men are so wicked , that they conclude there is no sin . Lewdness , Rioting , Cheating and Debauchery , are their work a day practise : Their more solemn crimes , are unnatural Lusts , and horrid Murthers . Yet these are the Patrons of the Nonconformists ; these are the Swords and Bucklers of Gods cause ; if his cause be that of Separatists and Rebells . T is not but these Associates know each other at the bottom , as well as Simeon knew Levi : The Republicans are satisfy'd that the Schismaticks are Hypocrites , and the Schismaticks are assur'd that the Republicans are Atheists : But their common principles of Government are the chaines that link them : For both hold Kings to be Creatures of their own making , and by inference to be at their own disposing . With this difference , notwithstanding , that the Canting party face their pretences with a call from God , the debauch'd party with a Commission from the people . So that if ever this ill contriv'd and equivocal association shou'd get uppermost , they wou'd infallibly contend for the supream right ; and as it was formerly on their mony , so now it wou'd be in their interests ; God with us wou'd be set up on one side , and the Common-wealth of England on the other . But I the less wonder at the mixture of these two natures , because two Salvage beasts of different species and Sexes shut up together , will forget their Enmity to satisfie their common lust ; and 't is no matter what kind of Monster is produc'd betwixt them , so the brutal appetite be serv'd . I more admire at a third party , who were Loyal when Rebellion was uppermost , and have turn'd Rebells ( at least in principle , ) since Loyalty has been Triumphant . Those of them whose services have not been rewarded , have some pretence for discontent ; and yet they give the World to understand , that their Honour was not their principle , but their Interest . If they are old Royallists , 't is a sign their vertue is worn out ; and will bear no longer ; if Sons to Royallists they have probably been grafted on Whig stocks , and grown out of kind ; like China Oranges in Portugal : Their Mothers part has prevail'd in them , and they are degenerated from the Loyalty of their Fathers . But if they are such , as many of them evidently are , whose service has been , not only fully but lavishly recompens'd , with Honours and preferment , theirs is an ingratitude without parallel ; they have destroy'd their former merits , disown'd the cause for which they fought , bely'd their youth , dishonour'd their age ; they have wrought themselves out of present enjoyments , for imaginary hopes , and can never be trusted by their new friends , because they have betray'd their old . The greater and the stronger ties which some of them have had , are the deeper brands of their Apostacy : For Arch-Angels were the first and most glorious of the whole Creation : They were the morning work of God ; and had the first impressions of his Image , what Creatures cou'd be made : They were of kin to Eternity it self ; and wanting only that accession to be Deities . Their fall was therefore more opprobrious than that of Man , because they had no clay for their excuse : Though I hope and wish the latter part of the Allegory may not hold , and that repentance may be yet allow'd them . But I delight not to dwell on so sad an object : Let this part of the Landschape be cast into shadows , that the heightnings of the other may appear more beautiful . For as Contraries the nearer they are plac'd are brighter , and the Venus is illustrated by the Neighbourhood of the Lazar , so the unblemish'd Loyalty of your Grace , will shine more clearly , when set in competition with their stains . When the Malady which had seiz'd the Nobler parts of Britain threw it self out into the limbs , and the first sores of it appear'd in Scotland , yet no effects of it reach'd your Province : Ireland stood untainted with that pest : The care of the Physician prevented the disease , and preserv'd the Country from infection . When that Ulcer was rather stop'd than cur'd , ( for the causes of it still remain'd ) and that dangerous Symptoms appear'd in England ; when the Royal Authority was here trodden under foot , when one Plot was prosecuted openly , and another secretly fomented , yet even then was Ireland free from our contagion : And if some venemous Creatures were produc'd in that Nation , yet it appear'd they could not live there : They shed their poyson without effect : They despair'd of being successfully wicked in their own Country , and transported their Evidence to another , where they knew 't was vendible : Where accusation was a Trade , where forgeries were countenanc'd , where perjuries were rewarded , where swearing went for proof , and where the Merchandize of Death was gainful . That their Testimony was at last discredited , proceeded not from its incoherence : For they were known by their own party when they first appear'd ; but their folly was then manag'd by the cunning of their Tutors ; they had still been believ'd , had they still follow'd their Instructors : But when their witness fell foul upon their friends , then they were proclaim'd Villains , discarded and disown'd by those who sent for them ; they seem'd then first to be discover'd , for what they had been known too well before ; they were decry'd as inventours of what only they betray'd : Nay their very wit was magnified lest being taken for fools , they might be thought too simple to forge an accusation . Some of them still continue here detested by both sides , believ'd by neither : ( for even their betters are at last uncas'd , ) and some of them have receiv'd their hire in their own Country : For perjury , which is malice to Mankind , is always accompanied with other Crimes : and tho not punishable by our Laws with death , yet draws a train of vices after it : The Robber , the Murderer and the Sodomite , have often hung up the forsworn villain : And what one sin took on trust , another sin has pay'd . These travelling Locusts are at length swallow'd up in their own Red-Sea . Ireland as well as England is deliver'd from that flying Plague ; for the Sword of Justice in your Graces hand , like the Rod of Moses , is stretcht out against them : And the third part of his Majesties Dominions is owing for its peace to your Loyalty and vigilance . But what Plutarch can this age produce to immortallize a life so Noble ? May some excellent Historian at length be found , some Writer not unworthy of his Subject , but may his employment be long deferr'd : May many happy years continue you to this Nation and your own ; may your praises be celebrated late ; that we may enjoy you living rather than adore you dead . And since yet , there is not risen up amongst us , any Historian who is equal to so great an undertaking , let us hope that Providence has not assign'd the workman , because his employment is to be long delay'd ; because it has reserv'd your Grace for farther proofs of your unwearyed duty , and a farther enjoyment of your fortune . In which tho no Man has been less envy'd , because no other has more Nobly us'd it , yet some droppings of the Ages venom have been shed upon you : The Supporters of the Crown are plac'd too near it , to be exempted from the storm which was breaking over it . 'T is true you stood involv'd in your own Vertue , and the Malice of your Libellers cou'd not sink through all those folds to reach you . Your Innocence has defended you from their attacks , and your pen has so Nobly vindicated that Innocence , that it stands in need of no other second . The difference is as plainly seen , betwixt Sophistry and truth , as it is betwixt the stile of a Gentleman , and the clumsy stifness of a Pedant . Of all Historians God deliver us from Bigots ; and of all Bigots from our Sectaries . Truth is never to be expected from Authors whose understandings are warp'd with Enthusiasm : For they judge all actions and their causes by their own perverse principles ; and a crooked line can never be the measure of a streight one . Mr. Hobbs was us'd to say , that a Man was alwaies against reason , when reason wasagainst a Man : So these Authors are for obscuring truth , because truth would discover them . They are not Historians of an Action , but Lawyers of a party : They are retain'd by their principles , and brid'd by their interests : Their narrations are an opening of their cause ; and in the front of their Histories , there ought to be written the Prologue of a pleading , I am for the Plaintiff , or I am for the Defendant . We have already seen large Volumes of State Collections , and Church Legends , stuffd with detected forgeries in some parts , and gaping with omissions of truth in others : Not penn'd I suppose with so vain a hope as to cheat Posterity , but to advance some design in the present Age : For these Legerdemain Authors , are for telling stories , to keep their trick undiscover'd ; and to make their conveyance the more clean . What calumny your Grace may expect from such Writers , is already evident : But it will fare with them , as it does with ill Painters ; a Picture so unlike in all its features and proportions , reflects not on the original , but on the Artist : For malice will make a piece more unresembling than ignorance : And he who studies the life , yet bungles , may draw some faint imitation of it ; But he who purposely avoids nature , must fall into grotesque , and make no likeness . For my own part I am of the former sort : And therefore presume not to offer my unskillfulness for so excellent a design as is your illustrious life : To pray for its prosperity and continuance is my duty ; as it is my Ambition to appear on all occasions , Tour Graces most obedient and devoted Servant , JOHN DRYDEN . THE Publisher to the Reader . YOV have here , the first Volume of Plutarchs Lives , turn'd from the Greek into English ; And ( give me leave to say ) the first attempt of doing it from the Originalls . You may expect the Remainder , in four more ; One after another as fast as they may conveniently be dispatch'd from the Press . It is not my business , or pretence , to judge of a work of this quality , neither do I take upon me to recommend it to the world any farther , then under the Office of a fair , and a careful Publisher , and in discharge of a trust deposited in my hands for the service of my Country , and for a Common good . I am not yet so insensible of the Authority and Reputation of so great a Name , as not to consult the Honour of the Author , together with the benefit , and satisfaction of the Bookseller , as well as of the Reader , in this undertaking . In order to which ends , I have with all possible Respect , and Industry , Besought , Sollicited , and Obtain'd the Assistance of persons equal to the enterprize , and not only Criticks in the Tongue , but Men of known fame , and Abilities , for style and Ornament , but I shall rather refer you to the Learned and Ingenious Translators of this first part , ( whose Names you will find in the next page ) as a Specimen of what you may promise your self from the Rest ? After this Right done to the Greek Author , I shall not need to say what profit , and delight will accrue to the English Reader from this version , when he shall see this Illustrious piece , in his own Mother Tongue ; and the very Spirit of the Original , Transfus'd into the Traduction . And in one word ; Plutarchs Worthies made yet more famous , by a Translation that gives a farther Lustre , even to Plutarch himself . Now as to the Booksellers Part ; I must justifie my self , that I have done all that to me belonged : That is to say , I have been punctually Faithful to all my Commissions toward the Correctness , and the Decency of the Work , and I have said to my self , that which I now say to the Publick ; It is impossible , but a Book that comes into the World with so many circumstances of Dignity , usefulness , and esteem , must turn to account . A Table of the Lives contained in this first Volume . Plutarch , Written by Mr. Dryden . Theseus Translated by Mr. Duke , pag. 1. Romulus , Mr. Smallwood , p. 63. Lycurgus , Mr. Chetwood , 129. Numa Pompilius , Mr. Rycaut , 205. Solon , Mr. Creech , 275. Poplicoca , Mr. Dodswell , 329. Themistocles , Dr. Brown , 367. Furius Camillus , Mr. Pain , 427. Pericles , Dr. Littleton , 501. Fabius Maximus , Mr. Carryl , 601. PLUTARCH portrait THE LIFE OF PLUTARCH . Written by Mr. DRYDEN . I Know not by what Fate it comes to pass , that Historians , who give immortality to others , are so ill requited by Posterity , that their Actions and their Fortunes are usually forgotten ; neither themselves incourag'd , while they live , nor their memory preserv'd entire to future Ages . 'T is the ingratitude of Mankind to their greatest Benefactors , that they , who teach us wisdome by the surest ways , ( setting before us what we ought to shun or to pursue , by the examples of the most famous Men whom they Record , and by the experience of their Faults and Vertues , ) should generally live poor and unregarded ; as if they were born only for the publick , and had no interest in their own well-being ; but were to be lighted up like Tapers , and to waste themselves , for the benefit of others . But this is a complaint too general , and the custom has been too long establish'd to be remedied ; neither does it wholly reach our Author : He was born in an Age , which was sensible of his vertue ; and found a Trajan to reward him , as Aristotle did an Alexander . But the Historians , who succeeded him , have either been too envious , or too careless of his reputation ; none of them , not even his own Country-men , having given us any particular account of him ; or if they have , yet their Works are not transmitted to us ; so that we are forc'd to glean from Plutarch , what he has scatter'd in his Writings , concerning himself and his Original : Which ( excepting that little memorial , that Suidas , and some few others , have left concerning him ) is all we can collect , relating to this great Philosopher and Historian . He was born at Chaeronea a small City of Boeotia in Greece , between Attica and Phocis , and reaching to both Seas . The Climate not much befreinded by the Heavens ; for the air is thick and foggy ; and consequently the Inhabitants partaking of its influence , gross feeders , and fat witted ; brawny , and unthinking , just the constitution of Heroes : Cut out for the Executive and brutal business of War ; but so stupid in the designing part , that in all the revolutions of Greece they were never Masters , but only in those few years , when they were led by Epaminondas , or Pelopidas . Yet this foggy ayre , this Country of fat weathers , as Juvenal calls it , produc'd three wits , which were comparable to any three Athenians : Pyndar , Epaminondas , and our Plutarch , to whom we may add a fourth , Sextus Chaeronensis , the Praeceptor of the learned Emperour Marcus Aurelius ; and the Nephew of our Authour . Choercnea , ( if we may give credit to Pausanias , in the ninth Book of his description of Greece ) was anciently call'd Arnè ; from Arnè the Daughter of Aeolus ; but being scituated to the west of Parnassus in that low land country , the natural unwholsomness of the Ayre was augmented by the evening Vapours cast upon it from that Mountain , which our late Travellers describe to be full of moisture and marshy ground inclos'd in the inequality of its ascents : And being also expos'd to the winds which blew from that quarter , the Town was perpetually unhealthful , for which reason , sayes my Author , Chaeron , the Son of Apollo and Thero , made it be rebuilt , and turn'd it towards the rising Sun ; From whence the Town became healthful and consequently populous ; in memory of which benefit it afterwards retain'd his name . But as Etymologies are uncertain , and the Greeks , above all Nations , given to fabulous derivations of Names , especially , when they tend to the Honour of their Country , I think we may be reasonably content to take the denomination of the Town from its delightful or chearful standing ; as the word Chaeron sufficiently implies . But to lose no time , in these grammatical Etymologies , which are commonly uncertain ghesses , 't is agreed that Plutarch was here born ; the year uncertain ; but without dispute in the reign of Claudius . Joh. Gerrard Vossius has assign'd his birth in the latter end of that Emperour : Some other Writers of his Life , have left it undecided , whether then , or in the beginning of Nero's Empire : But the most accurate Rualdus ( as I find it in the Paris Edition of Plutarch's Works ) has manifestly prov'd him to be born in the middle time of Claudius , or somewhat lower : For Plutarch in the inscription at Delphos , of which more hereafter , remembers that Ammonius his Master disputed with him and his Brother Lamprias concerning it , when Nero made his progress into Greece ; which was in his twelfth year ; and the Question disputed cou'd not be manag'd with so much learning as it was , by meer Boyes ; therefore he was then sixteen , or rather eighteen years of age . Xylander has observ'd that Plutarch himself , in the Life of Pericles , and that of Anthony , has mentioned both Nero and Domitian , as his Contemporaries . He has also left it on Record in his Symposiaques , that his Family was ancient in Chaeronea ; and that for many descents , they had born the most considerable Offices in that petty Common-wealth . The cheifest of which was known by the name of Archon amongst the Grecians ; by that of Praetor Vrbis among the Romans ; and the Dignity and Power was not much different from that of our Lord Mayor of London . His Great Grand-Father Nicarchus perhaps injoy'd that Office in the division of the Empire betwixt Augustus Caesar and Mark Anthony . And when the Civil Wars ensued betwixt them , Chaeronea was so hardly us'd by Anthonies Lieutenant or Commissary there , that all the Citizens without exception , were servilely imployed to carry on their shoulders a certain proportion of Corn from Chaeronea to the Coast over against the Island of Antycira , with the Scourge held over them , if at any time they were remiss : Which duty after once performing , being enjoynd the Second time with the same severity , just as they were preparing for their journey , the welcom news arriv'd that Mark Anthony had lost the Battel of Actium , whereupon both the Officers and Souldiers , belonging to him in Chaeronea , immediately fled for their own safety ; and the provisions thus collected , were distributed among the Inhabitants of the City . This Nicarchus , the Great Grand-Father of Plutarch , among other Sons , had Lamprias , a Man eminent for his Learning ; and a Philosopher , of whom Plutarch has made frequent mention in his Symposiaques , or Table Conversations , and amongst the rest , there is this observation of him , that he disputed best , and unravell'd the difficulties of Philosophy with most success when he was at Supper , and well warm'd with Wine . These Table Entertainments were part of the Education of those times , their discourses being commonly the canvasing and Solution of some question , either Philosophical or Philological , alwayes instructive , and usually pleasant ; for the Cups went round with the debate ; and Men were merry and wise together , according to the Proverb . The Father of Plutarch is also mention'd , in those Discourses , whom our Author represents as arguing of several points in Philosophy ; but his name is no where to be found in any part of the works remaining to us . But yet he speaks of him , as a Man not ignorant in Learning and Poetry , as may appear by what he says , when he is introduc'd disputing in the Symposiaques ; where also his prudence and humanity are commended , in this following Relation . Being yet very young ( says Plutarch ) I was joyn'd , in Commission with another in an Embassy to the Proconsul , and my Collegue falling sick was forc'd to stay behind , so that the whole business was Transacted by me alone . At my return , when I was to give account to the Common-wealth of my proceedings , my Father , rising from his Seat , openly enjoyn'd me not to name my self in the singular Number , I did thus , or thus , I say'd to the Proconsul , but thus we did and thus we say'd , alwaies associating my Companion with me , though absent in the management : this was done to observe , as I suppose , the point of good manners with his Collegue , that of respect to the Government of the City , who had commission'd both , to avoid envy , and perhaps more especially , to take off the forwardness of a pert young Minister , commonly too apt to overvalue his own services , and to quote himself on every inconsiderable occasion . The Father of Plutarch had many Children besides him ; Timon and Lamprias , his Brothers , were bred up with him , all three instructed in the Liberal Sciences , and in all parts of Philosophy . 'T is Manifest from our Author that they liv'd together in great friendliness , and in great veneration to their Grand-father and Father . What affection Plutarch bore in parricular to his Brother Timon may be gather'd from these words of his . As for my self , though fortune on several occasions has been favourable to me , I have no obligation so great to her , as the kindness , and entire friendship , which my Brother Timon has alwayes born , and still bears me : and this is so evident that it cannot but be noted , by every one of our acquaintance . Lamprias , the youngest of the three , is introduc'd by him in his Morals , as one of a sweet and pleasant Conversation , inclin'd to Mirth and Raillery ; or , as we say in English , a well humour'd man , and a good Companion . The whole Family being thus addicted to Philosophy , 't is no wonder if our Author was initiated betimes in Study , to which he was naturally inclin'd . In pursuit of which he was so happy , to fall into good hands at first ; being recommended to the care of Ammonius an Egyptian , who , having taught Philosophy with great Reputation at Alexandria , and from thence travelling into Greece , settled himself at last in Athens , where he was well receiv'd , and generally respected . At the end of Themistocles his Life , Plutarch relates , that being young , he was a Pentioner in the house of this Ammonius ; and in his Symposiaques he brings him in disputing with his Scholars , and giving them instruction . For the custom of those times was very much different from these of ours , where the greatest part of our Youth is spent in learning the words of dead languages : The Grecians , who thought all Barbarians but themselves , despis'd the use of Forreign tongues ; so that the first Elements of their breeding was the knowledge of Nature , and the accommodation of that knowledge by Moral precepts , to the service of the publick , and the private offices of vertue . The Masters imploying one part of their time in reading to , and discoursing with their Scholars , and the rest in appointing them their several Exercises either in Oratory or Philosophy ; and seting them to declaim and to dispute amongst themselves . By this liberal sort of Education , study was so far from being a burden to them , that in a short time , it became a habit , and Philosophical questions , and criticisms of humanity , were their usual recreations at their Meals . Boyes liv'd then , as the better sort of Men do now ; and their conversation was so well bred and Manly , that they did not plunge out of their depth into the World , when they grew up ; but slid easily into it , and found no alteration in their Company . Amongst the rest , the Reading and Quotations of Poets were not forgotten at their Suppers , and in their Walks ; but Homer , Euripides , and Sophocles , were the entertainment of their hours of freedom . Rods and Ferula's were not us'd by Ammonius , as being properly the punishment of slaves , and not the correction of ingenuous free-born Men. At least to be only exercis'd by parents , who had the power of life and death over their own Children . As appears by the Example of this Ammonius , thus related by our Author . Our Master ( sayes he ) one time , perceiving , at his afternoon Lecture ; that some of his Scholars had eaten more largely than became the moderation of Students , immediately commanded one of his Free-Men to take his own Son , and Scourge him in our sight ; because , sayd the Philosopher , my young Gentleman cou'd not eat his Dinner , without Poynant sauce , or Vinegar ; and at the same time he cast his eye on all of us : So that every Criminal was given to understand , that he had a share in the reprehension , and that the punishment was as well deserv'd by all the rest , had the Phylosopher not known , that it exceeded his Commission to inflict it . Plutarch therefore having the assistance of such a Master , in few years advanc'd to admiration in knowledge : And that without first Travelling into Forreign parts , or acquiring any Forreign tongue ; though the Roman Language at that time was not only vulgar in Rome it self , but generally through the extent of that vast Empire , and in Greece , which was a Member of it , as our Author has remark'd towards the end of his Platonick questions . For like a true Philosopher , who minded things , not words , he strove not even to cultivate his Mother Tongue with any great exactness . And himself confesses in the beginning of Demosthenes his life , that during his abode in Italy , and at Rome , he had neither the leisure to study , nor so much as to exercise the Roman language ; ( I suppose he means to write in it , rather than to speak it , ) as well by reason of the affairs he manag'd , as that he might acquit himself to those who were desirous to be instructed by him in Philosophy . In so much that till the declination of his age , he began not to be conversant in Latin books ; in reading of which it happened somewhat oddly to him , that he learnt not the knowledge of things by words ; but by the understanding and use he had of things , attain'd to the knowledge of words which signified them . Just as Adam ( setting aside divine illumination ) call'd the Creatures by their proper Names , by first understanding of their natures . But for the delicacies of the Tongue , the turns of the Expression , the figures and connexions of words , in which consist the beauty of that language , he plainly tells us , that tho he much admir'd them , yet they requir'd too great labour for a Man in Age , and plung'd in business to attain perfectly . Which Compleplement I shou'd be willing to believe from a Philosopher , if I did not consider , that Dion Cassius , nay even Herodian , and Appian after him , as well as Polybius before him , by writing the Roman History in the Greek language , had shewn as manifest a contempt of Latin , in respect of the other , as French Men now do of English , which they disdain to speak , while they live among us : But with great advantage to their trivial conceptions , drawing the discourse into their own language , have learnt to despise our better thoughts , which must come deform'd and lame in conversation to them , as being transmitted in a Tongue of which we are not Masters . This is to arrogate a superiority in nature over us , as undoubtedly the Grecians did over their Conquerours , by establishing their language for a Standard ; it being become so much a mode to speak and write Greek in Tully's time , that with some indignation I have read his Epistles to Atticus , in which he desires to have his own consulship written by his friend in the Grecian language ; which he afterwards perform'd himself ; a vain attempt in my opinion , for any Man to endeavour to excel in a Tongue which he was not born to speak . This , tho it be digression , yet deserves to be consider'd at more leisure ; for the honour of of our Wit and Writings , which are of a more solid make than that of our Neighbours , is concern'd in it . But to return to Plutarch , as it was his good fortune to be moulded first by Masters the most excellent in their kind , so it was his own vertue , to suck in with an incredible desire , and earnest application of mind , their wise instructions ; and it was also his prudence so to manage his health by moderation of diet and bodily exercise , as to preserve his parts without decay to a great old age ; to be lively and vigorous to the last , and to preserve himself to his own enjoyments , and to the profit of Mankind . Which was not difficult for him to perform , having receiv'd from nature a constitution capable of labour ; and from the Domestick example of his Parents , a sparing sobriety of diet , a temperance in other pleasures , and above all an Habitude of commanding his passions in order to his health . Thus principled , and grounded , he consider'd with himself , that a larger Communication with learned Men was necessary for his accomplishment ; and therefore , having a Soul insatiable of knowledge , and being ambitious to excell in all kinds of Science , he took up a resolution to Travel . Egypt was at that time , as formerly it had been , famous for learning ; and probably the Mysteriousness of their Doctrine might tempt him , as it had done Pythagoras and others , to converse with the Priest-hood of that Country , which appears to have been particularly his business by the Treatise of Isis and Osyris , which he has left us . In which he shews himself not meanly vers'd , in the ancient Theology and Philosophy of those wise Men. From Egypt returning into Greece , he visited in his way all the Academies , or Schools of the several Philosophers , and gather'd from them many of those observations with which he has enrich'd Posterity . Besides this , he applyed himself , with extream diligence , to collect not only all books which were excellent in their kind , and already publish'd , but also all sayings and discourses of wise Men , which he had heard in conversation , or which he had receiv'd from others by Tradition . As likewise the Records and publick Instruments , preserv'd in Cities , which he had visited in his Travels ; and which he afterwards scatter'd through his works . To which purpose he took a particular Journy to Sparta , to search the Archives of that famous Commonwealth , to understand throughly the model of their ancient Government , their Legislators , their Kings , and their Ephori , digesting all their memorable deeds and sayings , with so much care , that he has not omitted those even of their Women , or their private Souldiers ; together with their Customes , their Decrees , their Ceremonies , and the manner of their publick and private living , both in peace and war. The same methods he also took in divers other Commonwealths , as his Lives , and his Greek and Roman Questions sufficiently testifie . Without these helps it had been impossible for him to leave in writing so many particular observations of Men and manners , and as impossible to have gatherd them , without conversation and commerce with the learned Antiquaries of his time . To these he added a curious Collection of Ancient Statues , Medals , Inscriptions , and Paintings , as also of proverbial sayings , Epigrams , Epitaphs , Apothegmes , and other Ornaments of History , that he might leave nothing unswept behind him . And as he was continually in Company with Men of learning , in all professions , so his memory was always on the stretch , to receive and lodge their discourses ; and his Judgment perpetually employ'd in separating his notions , and distinguishing which were fit to be preserv'd , and which to be rejected . By benefit of this , in little time he inlarg'd his knowledge to a great extent in every Science ; himself in the beginning of the Treatise which he has compos'd of Content , and Peace of mind , makes mention of those Collections , or Common places , which he had long since drawn together for his own particular occasions : And 't is from this rich Cabinet that he has taken out those excellent peices , which he has distributed to Posterity , and which give us occasion to deplore the loss of the residue , which either the injury of time , or the negligence of Coppiers have denyed to us . On this account , tho we need not doubt to give him this general commendation , that he was ignorant of no sort of learning , yet we may justly add this farther , that whoever will consider through the whole body of his Works , either the design , the method , or the contexture of his Discourses , whether Historical or Moral , or Questions of natural Philosophy , or SoSolutions of Problems Mathematical , whether he arraigns the opinions of others Sects , or establishes the Doctrines of his own , in all these kinds there will be found , both the harmony of order and the beauty of easiness . His reasons so solid and convincing , his inductions so pleasant and agreeable to all sorts of Readers , that it must be acknowledged he was Master of every Subject which he treated , and treated none but what were improveable to the benefit of Instruction . For we may perceive in his Writting the desire he had to imprint his Precepts in the Souls of his Readers ; and to lodge Morality in Families , nay even to exalt it to the Thrones of Soveraign Princes , and to make it the Rule and measure of their Government . Finding that there were many Sects of Philosophers then in vogue , he search'd into the foundation of all their principles and opinions ; and not content with this disquisition , he trac'd them to their several fountains . So that the Pythagorean , Epicurean , Stoick and Peripatetick Philosophy were familiar to him . And tho it may be easily observ'd that he was chiefly inclin'd to follow Plato ( whose memory he so much reverenc'd , that Annually he celebrated his Birth-day , and also that of Socrates ; ) yet he modestly contain'd himself within the bounds of the latter Academy , and was content , like Cicero , only to propound and weigh opinions , leaving the Judgment of his Readers free without presuming to decide Dogmatically . Yet it is to be confess'd , that in the midst of this moderation , he oppos'd the two extreams of the Epicurean and Stoick Sects : Both which he has judiciously combatted in several of his Treatises , and both upon the same account , because they pretend too much to certainty , in their Dogma's ; and to impose them with too great arrogance ; which he , who ( following the Academists , ) doubted more and pretended less , was no way able to support . The Pyrrhonians , or grosser sort of Scepticks , who bring all certainty in question , and startle even at the notions of Common sense , appear'd as absurd to him on the other side ; for there is a kind of positiveness in granting nothing to be more likely on one part than on another , which his Academy avoided by inclining the ballance to that hand , where the most weighty reasons , and probability of truth were visible . The Moral Philosophy therefore was his chiefest aym ; because the principles of it admitted of less doubt ; and because they were most conducing to the benefit of human life . For after the Example of Socrates he had found , that the speculations of Natural Philosophy , were more delightful than solid and profitable ; that they were abstruce and thorny , and much of Sophism in the solution of appearances . That the Mathematicks indeed , cou'd reward his pains with many demonstrations , but tho they made him wiser , they made him not more vertuous , and therefore attain'd not the end of happiness : For which reason tho he had far advanc'd in that study , yet he made it but his Recreation , not his business . Some Problem of it , was his usual divertisement at Supper , which he mingled also with pleasant and more light discourses . For he was no sowr Philosopher ; but pass'd his time as merrily as he cou'd , with reference to vertue : He forgot not to be pleasant while he instructed ; and entertain'd his friends with so much chearfulness and good humour , that his learning was not nauseous to them ; neither were they affraid of his Company another time . He was not so Austere as to despise Riches , but being in possession of a large Fortune , he liv'd tho not splendidly , yet plentifully ; and suffer'd not his friends to want that part of his Estate , which he thought superfluous to a Philosopher . The Religion he profess'd , to speak the worse of it , was Heathen . I say the Religion he profess'd ; for 't is no way probable , that so great a Philosopher , and so wise a Man , should believe the Superstitions and Fopperies of Paganism : But that he accommodated himself to the use and receiv'd Customes of his Country . He was indeed a Priest of Apollo , as himself acknowledges , but that proves him not to have been a Polytheist . I have ever thought , that the Wise-men in all Ages , have not much differ'd in their opinions of Religion ; I mean as it is grounded on human Reason : For Reason , as as far as it is right , must be the same in all Men ; and Truth being but one , they must consequently think in the same Train . Thus it is not to be doubted , but the Religion of Socrates , Plato , and Plutarch was not different in the main : Who doubtless beleiv'd the identity of one Supream Intellectual Being , which we call GOD. But because they who have written the Life of Plutarch in other languages , are contented barely to assert that our Authour believ'd one God , without quoting those passages of his which wou'd clear the point ; I will give you two of them , amongst many , in his Morals . The first is in his Book of the Cessation of Oracles ; where arguing against the Stoicks ( in behalf of the Platonists , ) who disputed against the plurality of Worlds with this Argument ; That if there were many Worlds , how then cou'd it come to pass , that there was one only Fate , and one Providence to guide them all ? ( for it was granted by the Platonists that there was but one : ) and why should not many Jupiters or Gods be necessary , for Government of many Worlds ? To this Plutarch answers , That this their captious question was but trifling : For where is the necessity of supposing many Jupiters , for this plurality of Worlds ; when one excellent being , indued with mind and reason , such as he is , whom we acknowledge to be the Father and Lord of all things , is sufficient to direct and Rule these Worlds ; whereas if there were more Supream Agents , their decrees must still be the more absurd and contradictious to one another . I pretend not this passage to be Translated word for word , but 't is the sence of the whole , tho the order of the Sentence be inverted . The other is more plain : 'T is , in his Comment on the Word EI or those two Letters inscrib'd on the Gates of the Temple at Delphos . Where having given the several opinions concerning it , as first that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fignifies if , because all the questions which were made to Apollo began with If ; as suppose they ask'd , if the Grecians should overcome the Persians ; if such a Marriage shou'd come to to pass , &c. And afterwards that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 might signifie thou art , as the second person of the present tense of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intimating thereby the being or perpetuity of being belonging to Apollo , as a God ; in the same sense that God express'd himself to Moses , I am hath sent thee ; Plutarch subjoyns , ( as inclining to this latter opinion ) these following words , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sayes he , signifies thou art one , for there are not many Deities ; but only one . Continues , I mean not one in the aggregate sense , as we say one Army , or one Body of Men , constituted of many individuals ; but that which is , must of necessity be one ; and to be , implies to be One. One is that which is a simple being , uncompounded , or free from mixture : Therefore to be One in this sense , is only consistent with a Nature , pure in it self , and not capable of alteration , or decay . That he was no Christian is manifest : Yet he is no where found to have spoken with contumely of our Religion , like the other Writers of his Age , and those who succeeded him . Theodoret says of him , that he had heard of our holy Gospel ; and inserted many of our Sacred Mysteries in his Works , which we may easily believe , because the Christian Churches were then spread in Greece ; and Pliny the younger was at the same time conversant amongst them in Asia , tho that part of our Authors Workes is not now extant , from whence Theodoret might gather those passages . But we need not wonder that a Philosopher was not easie to embrace the divine Mysteries of our Faith. A modern God , as our Saviour was to him , was of hard digestion to a Man , who probably despis'd the vanities and fabulous Relations of all the old . Besides a Crucfy'd Saviour of Mankind , a Doctrine attested by illiterate Disciples , the Author of it a Jew , whose Nation at that time was despicable , and his Doctrine but an innovation among that despis'd people , to which the Learned of his own Country gave no credit , and which the Magistrates of his Nation punish'd with an ignominious death ; the Scene of his Miracles acted in an obscure Corner of the world ; his being from Eternity , yet born in time , his Resurrection and Ascension , these and many more particulars , might easily choke the Faith of a Philosopher , who believ'd no more than what he cou'd deduce from the principles of Nature ; and that too with a doubtful Academical assent , or rather an inclination to assent to probability : which he judg'd was wanting in this new Religion . These circumstances consider'd , tho they plead not an absolute invincible ignorance in his behalf , yet they amount at least to a degree of it ; for either he thought them not worth weighing , or rejected them when weigh'd ; and in both cases he must of necessity be ignorant , because he cou'd not know without Revelation , and the Revelation was not to him . But leaving the Soul of Plutarch , with our Charitable wishes , to his Maker , we can only trace the rest of his opinions in Religion from his Philosophy : Which we have said in the General to be Platonick ; tho it cannot also be denyed , that there was a tincture in it of the Electick Sect , which was begun by Potamon under the Empire of Augustus , and which selected from all the other Sects , what seem'd most probable in their opinions , not adhering singularly to any of them , nor rejecting every thing . I will only touch his belief of Spirits . In his two Treatises of Oracles , the one concerning the reason of their Cessation , the other enquiring why they were not given in verse , as in former times ; he seems to assert the Pythagorean Doctrine of Transmigration of Souls . We have formerly shewn , that he own'd the the Unity of a Godhead ; whom according to his Attributes , he calls by several names , as Jupiter from his Almighty Power , Apollo from his Wisdom , and so of the rest ; but under him he places those beings whom he styles Genii , or Daemons , of a middle nature , betwixt Divine and Human : for he thinks it absur'd that there shou'd be no mean betwixt the two extreams , of an Immortal and a Mortal Being : That there cannot be in nature so vast a flaw , without some intermedial kind of life , partaking of them both ; as therefore we find the intercourse betwixt the Soul and body , to be made by the Animal Spirits , so betwixt Divinity and humanity there is this species of Daemons : Who , having first been Men , and following the strict Rules of vertue had purg'd off the grossness and faeculency of their earthly being , are exalted into these Genii ; and are from thence either rais'd higher into an Aetherial life , if they still continue vertuous , or tumbled down again into Mortal Bodies , and sinking into flesh after they have lost that purity , which constituted their glorious being . And this sort of Genii , are those , who , as our Author imagines , presided over Oracles : Spirits which have so much of their terrestrial principles remaining in them , as to be subject to passions and inclinations ; usually beneficent , sometimes Malevolent to Mankind , according as they refine themselves , or gather dross , and are declining into Mortal Bodies . The Cessation , or rather the decrease of Oracles , ( for some of them were still remaing in Plutarchs time ) he Attributes either to the death of those Daemons , as appears by the story of the Egyptian Thamus , who was Commanded to declare that the great God Pan was dead , or to their forsaking of those places , where they formerly gave out their Oracles ; from whence they were driven by stronger Genii , into banishment for a certain Revolution of Ages . Of this last nature , was the War of the Gyants against the Gods , the dispossession of Saturn by Jupiter , the banishment of Apollo from Heaven , the fall of Vulcan , and many others ; all which according to our Authours , were the battles of these Genii or Daemons amongst themselves . But supposing , as Plutarch evidently does , that these Spirits administer'd , under the Supream Being , the affairs of Men , taking care of the vertuous , punishing the bad ; and sometimes communicating with the best , as particularly the Genius of Socrates , always warn'd him of approaching dangers , and taught him to avoyd them . I cannot but wonder that every one , who has hitherto written Plutarchs Life , and particularly Rualdus , the most knowing of them all , should so confidently affirm that these Oracles , were given by bad Spirits according to Plutarch : As Christians , indeed we may think them so ; but that Plutarch so thought , is a most apparent falshood : 'T is enough to convince a reasonable Man that our Author in his old age , ( and that then he doted not , we may see by the Treatise he has written , that old Men ought to have the management of publick Affairs ) I say that then he initiated himself , in the Sacred Rities of Delphos ; and dyed , for ought we know , Apollo's Priest . Now it is not to be imagin'd , that he thought the God he serv'd a Cacodaemon , or as we call him a Devil . Nothing cou'd be farther from the opinion and practice of this holy Philosopher than so gross an impiety . The story of the Pythias , or Priestess of Apollo , which he relates immediately before the ending of that Treatise , concerning the Cessation of Oracles , confirms my assertion , rather then shakes it : For 't is there deliver'd , That going with great reluctation , into the Sacred place to be inspir'd ; she came out , foaming at the mouth , her eyes gogling , her breast heaving , her voice undistinguishable , and shril , as if she had an Earthquake within her , labouring for vent ; and in short , that thus tormented with the God , whom she was not able to support , she died distracted in few dayes after . For he had sayd before , that the Devineress ought to have no perturbations of mind , or impure passions at the time when she was to consult the Oracle , and if she had , she was no more fit to to be inspir'd , than an instrument untun'd , to render an harmonious sound : And he gives us to suspect , by what he says at the close of this Relation , That this Pythias had not liv'd Chastly for some time before it . So that her death appears more like a punishment inflicted for loose living by some holy power , than the meer malignancy of a Spirit delighted naturally in mischief . There is another observation which indeed comes nearer to their purpose , which I will digress so far , as to relate , because it somewhat appertains to our own Country . There are many Islands ( says he ) which lie scattering about Britain , after the manner of our Sporades : They are unpeopled , and some of them are call'd the Islands of the Heroes , or the Genii . One Demetrius was sent by the Emperour , ( who by computation of the time must either be Caligula or Claudius ) to discover those parts , and arriving at one of the Islands next adjoyning to the foremention'd , which was inhabited by some few Britains , ( but those held Sacred and inviolable by all their Country-men , ) immediatly after his arrival , the air grew black and troubled , strange Apparitions were seen , the winds rais'd a Tempest , and fiery spouts or Whirlwinds appear'd dancing towards the Earth . When these prodigies were ceas'd the Islanders inform'd him , that some one of the aerial Beings , superior to our Nature , then ceas'd to live . For as a Taper while yet burning , affords a pleasant harmless light , but is noysome and offensive when extinguish'd , so those Hero's shine benignly on us , and do us good , but at their death turn all things topsie turvy , raise up tempests , and infect the air with pestilential vapours . By those holy and inviolable men , there is no question but he means our Druydes , who were nearest to the Pythagoreans of any Sect ; and this opinion of the Genii might probably be one of theirs : Yet it proves not that all Daemons were thus malicious ; only those who were to be Condemn'd hereafter into human bodies , for their misdemeanours in their aerial Being . But 't is time to leave a subject , so very fanciful , and so little reasonable as this : I am apt to imagine the natural vapours , arising in the Cave where the Temple afterwards was Built , might work upon the Spirits of those who enter'd the holy place , as they did on the Shaphard Coretas , who first found it out by accident ; and encline them to Enthusiasm and prophetick madness . That as the strength of those vapours diminish'd , ( which were generally in Caverns as that of Mopsus , of Trophonius , and this of Delphos , ) so the inspiration decrea'd by the same measures : That they happen'd to be stronger , when they kill'd the Pythias , who being conscious of this , was so unwilling to enter . That the Oracles ceas'd to be given in Verse , when Poets ceas'd to be the Priests , and that the Genius of Socrates , ( whom he confess'd never to have seen , but only to have heard inwardly , and unperceiv'd by others , ) was no more than the strength of his imagination ; or to speak in the Language of a Christian Platonist , his Guardian Angel. I pretend not to an exactness of method in this Life , which I am forc'd to collect by patches from several Authors ; and therefore without much regard to the connection of times which are so uncertain . I will in the next place speak of his Marriage . His Wifes name , her Parentage , and Dowry are no where mention'd by him , or any other , nor in what part of his age he Married : Tho 't is probable , in the flower of it : But Rualdus has ingeniously gather'd from a convincing circumstance , that she was called Timoxena : Because Plutarch in a Consolatory Letter to her , occasion'd by the Death of their Daughter in her Infancy , uses these words : Your Timoxena is depriv'd ( by death ) of small enjoyments ; for the things she knew were of small moment , and she cou'd be delighted only with triffles . Now it appears by the Letter , that the Name of this Daughter was the same with her Mothers , therefore it cou'd be no other than Timoxena . Her knowledge , her conjugal vertues , her abhorrency from the vanities of her Sex , and from superstition , her gravity in behaviour and her constancy in supporting the loss of Children , are likewise Celebrated by our Author . No other wife of Plutarch is found mention'd ; and therefore we may conclude he he had no more : By the same reason for which we Judge that he had no other Master than Ammonius , because 't is evident he was so grateful in his nature , that he would have preserv'd their Memory . The number of his Children was at least five ; so many being mention'd by him . Four of them were Sons ; of the other Sex only Timoxena , who died at two years old , as is manifest from the Epistle above-mention'd . The French Translater Amiot , from whom our old English Translation of the Lives was made , supposes him to have had another Daughter , where he speaks of his Son-in-Law Crato . But the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which Plutarch there uses , is of a larger signification ; for it may as well be expounded Father-in-law , his Wifes Brother , or his Sisters Husband , as Budaeus notes : This I the rather mention , because the same Amiot is task'd for an infinite number of mistakes , by his own Country-men of the present Age ; which is enough to recommend this Translation of our Authour into the English tongue , being not from any Copy , but from the Greek Original . Two other Sons of Plutarch were already deceas'd , before Timoxena . Hs eldest Autobulus , mention'd in his Symposiaques , and another whose Name is not Recorded . The youngest was called Charon , who also dyed in his Infancy : The two remaining are suppos'd to have surviv'd him . The Name of one was Plutarch , after his own ; and that of the other Lamprias , so call'd in memory of his Grand-father . This was he , of all his Children , who seems to have inherited his Fathers Philosophy : And to him we owe the Table or Catalogue of Plutarchs Writings , and perhaps also the Apothegms . His Nephew , but whether by his Brother or Sister remains uncertain , was Sextus Chaeroneus , who was much honour'd by that learned Emperour Marcus Aurelius , and who taught him the Greek tongue , and the principles of Philosophy : This Emperour professing Stoicism , ( as appears by his Writings , ) inclines us to believe , that our Sextus Chaeroneus , was of the Stoick Sect ; and consequently , that the World has generally been mistaken , in supposing him to have been the same man with Sextus Empiricus the Sceptick ; whom Suidas plainly tells us to have been an African : Now Empiricus cou'd not but be a Sceptick , for he opposes all Dogmatists , and particularly them . But I heard it first observ'd by an ingenious and Learned old Gentleman lately deceas'd , that many of Mr. Hobbs his seeming new opinions , are gather'd from those which Sextus Empiricus expos'd . The Book is extant , and I refer the curious to it , not pretending to arraign , or to excuse him . Some think the Famous Critick Longinus was of Plutarchs Family , descended from a Sister of his ; but the proofs are so weak , that I will not insert them : They may both of them rely on their proper merits ; and stand not in want of a Relation to each other . T is needless to insist on his behaviour in his Family : His Love to his Wife , his Indulgence to his Children , his care of their Education are all manifest in that part of his Works which is call'd his Morals . Other parts of his disposition have been touch'd already ; as that he was courteous and humane to all Men ; free from inconstancy , anger , and the desire of revenge ; which qualities of his , as they have been prais'd by the Authority of other Writers , may also be recommended from his own Testimony of himself . I had rather , says he , be forgotten in the memory of Men , and that it shou'd be said , there neither is , nor was a Man call'd Plutarch , then that they should report , this Plutarch was unconstant , changeable in his temper , prone to anger and revenge on the least occasions . What he was to his Slaves you may believe from this , that in general he accuses those Masters of extream hardness and injustice , who use Men like Oxen ; sell them in their age when they can drudge no longer . A Man says he , of a merciful disposition , ought not to retrench the fodder from his Cattle , nor the provender from his Horses when they can work no longer , but to cherish them when worn out and old . Yet Plutarch , tho he knew how to moderate his anger , was not on the contrary , subject to an insensibility of wrongs ; not so remiss in exacting duty , or so tame in suffering the disobedience of his Servants , that he cou'd not correct when they deserv'd it : As is manifest from the following story , which Aulus Gellius had from the mouth of Taurus the Philosopher concerning him . Plutarch had a certain Slave , a saucy stubborn kind of fellow ; in a word , one of those pragmatical Servants , who never make a fault , but they give a reason for it ; his justifications one time wou'd not serve his turn , but his Master commanded him to be strip'd ; and that the Law should be laid on his backside . He no sooner felt the smart , but he mutter'd that he was unjustly punish'd , and that he had done nothing to deserve the Scourge . At last he began to bawl out lowder ; and , leaving off his groaning , his sighs and , his lamentations , to argue the matter with more shew of reason : And , as under such a Master , he must needs have gain'd a smattering of learning , he cryd out that Plutarch was not the Philosopher he pretended himself to be , That he had heard him waging War against all the passions ; and maintaining that anger was unbecoming a wise Man : Nay , that he had written a particular Treatise , in commendation of Clemency . That therefore he contradicted his precepts by his practises , since abandoning himself over to his Choler , he exercis'd such inhumane cruelty on the body of his fellow Creature . How 's this , ( Mr. Varlet , ) answered Plutarch , by what signes and tokens , can you prove I am in passion ? Is it by my Countenance , my voice , the colour of my face , by my words , or by my gestures , that you have discover'd this my fury ? I am not of opinion , that my eyes sparkle , that I foam at mouth , that I gnash my teeth , or that my voice is more vehement , or that my colour is either more pale or more red than at other times ; that I either shake or stamp with madness , that I say or do any thing unbecoming a Philosopher : These , if you know them not , are the Symptoms of a Man in rage : In the mean ( turning to the Officer who scourg'd him ) while he and I dispute this matter , mind you your business on his back . His love to his Friends and his gratitude to his Benefactors are every where observable , in his dedications of his several Works , and the particular Treatises he has written to them on several occasions , are all suitable either to the characters of the Men , or to their present condition , and the circumstances under which they were . His love to his Country , is from hence conspicuous , that he professes to have written the Life of Lucullus , and to have preserv'd the memory of his actions , because of the favours he conferr'd on the City of Chaeronea ; which tho his Country receiv'd so long before , yet he thought it appertain'd to him to repay them , and took an interest in their acknowledgment . As also that he vindicated the Baeotians from the calumnies of Herodotus the Historian in his Book concerning the malignity of that Author . In which t is observable , that his zeal to his Country transported him too far ; for Herodotus had said no more of them , than what was generally held to be true in all Ages , concerning the grossness of their wits , their voracity , and those other national vices , which we have already noted on this account ; therefore Petrarch has accus'd our Authour of the same malignity , for which he tax'd Herodotus : But they may both stand acquitted , on different accounts : Herodotus for having given a true Character of the Thebans , and Plutarch for endeavouring to palliate the vices of a people from whom he was descended . The rest of his manners without entering into particulars , were unblameable , if we excuse a little proneness to superstition : And regulating his actions by his dreams : But how far this will bear an accusation I determine not , tho Tully has endeavour'd to shew the vanity of Dreams , in his Treatise of Divinations , whether I refer the curious . On what occasion he repair'd to Rome ; at what time of his age he came thither ; how long he dwelt there ; how often he was there , and in what year he return'd to his own Country , are all uncertain : This we know , that when Nero was in Greece , which was in his eleventh and twelfth years , our Author was at Delphos , under Ammonius , his Master ; as appears by the disputation then manag'd , concerning the Inscription of the two letters E. I. Nero not living long afterwards , 't is almost indisputable that he came not to Rome in all his Reign . 'T is improbable that he wou'd undertake the Voyage during the troublesome times of Galba , Otho and Vitellius ; and we are not certain that he liv'd in Rome in the Empire of Vespatian : Yet we may guess that the mildness of this Emperours Dominion , his fame and the vertues of his Son Titus assum'd into the Empire afterwards by his Father , might induce Plutarch , amongst other considerations , to take this Journy in his time . T is argu'd from the following story , related by himself ; that he was at Rome either in the joynt Reign of the two Vespatians , or at least in that of the survivour Titus . He says then , in his last Book concerning Curiosity . Reasoning , or rather reading once , at Rome , Arulenus Rusticus , the same Man whom afterwards Domitian put to death out of envy to his Glory , stood hearkning to me amongst my Auditors : It so happen'd , that a Souldier , having Letters for him , from the Emperour , ( who was either Titus or his Father Vespatian , as Rualdus thinks ) broke through the crowd , to deliver him those Letters from the Emperour . Observing this , I made a pause in my dissertation , that Rusticus might have the leisure to read the Mandate which was sent him ; but he absolutly refus'd to do it , neither wou'd he be intreated to break the Seals till I had wholly made an end of my Speech , and dismiss'd the Company . Now I suppose the stress of the Argument , to prove that this Emperour was not Domitian , lies only in this clause ( whom Domitian afterwards put to death : ) but I think it rather leaves it doubtful , for they might be Domitians Letters which he then receiv'd , and consequently he might not come to Rome till the Reign of that Emperour . This Rusticus was not only a learned but a good Man : He had been Tribune of the people under Nero , was Praetor in the time of Vitellius , and sent Ambassadour to the Forces , rais'd under the Name of Vespatian , to perswade them to a peace . What Offices he bore afterwards we know not , but the cause of his death , besides the envy of Domitian to his fame , was a certain Book , or some Commentaries of his , wherein he had prais'd too much the Sanctity of Thrasea Paetus whom Nero had Murther'd : And the praise of a good Citizen was insupportable to the Tyrant ; being , I suppose , exasperated farther by some reflections of Rusticus , who could not commend Thrasea , but at the same time he must inveigh against the oppressour of the Roman Liberty . That Plutarch was Married in his own Country , and that before he came to Rome is probable ; that the fame of him was come before him , by reason of some part of his works already publish'd , is also credible , because he had so great resort of the Roman Nobility , to hear him read immediately , as we believe , upon his coming : That he was invited thither by the correspondence he had with Sossius Senecio , might be one reason of his undertaking that Journey , is almost undeniable . It likewise appears he was divers times at Rome ; and perhaps , before he came to inhabit there , might make acquaintance with this worthy Man Senecio , to whom he Dedicated almost all these Lives of Greeks and Romans . I say almost all , because one of them , namely that of Aratus , is inscrib'd in most express words to Polycrates the Sicyonian the great Grand-Son of the said Aratus . This worthy Patron and friend of Plutarch , Senecio , was four times Consul ; the first time in the short Reign of Cocceius Nerva , a vertuous and a learned Emperour ; which opinion I rather follow than that of Aurelius Cassicdorus , who puts back his Consulship into the last of Domitian , because it is not probable that vitious Tyrant should exalt to that Dignity a Man of Vertue . This year falls in with the year of Christninty nine . But the great inducement of our Authour to this journy was certainly , the desire he had to lay in materials for his Roman Lives ; that was the design which he had form'd early , and on which he had resolv'd to build his fame . Accordingly we have observ'd that he had travell'd over Greece to peruse the Archives of every City ; that he might be able to write properly , not only the Lives of his Grecian Worthyes , but the Laws , the Customs , the Rites , and Ceremonies of every place . Which that he might treat with the same Mastery of skill , when he came to draw his Parallels of the Romans he took the invitation of his friends , and particularly of our Sossius Senecio to visit this Mistress of the World , this imperial City of Rome ; and , by the favour of many great and learned men then living , to search the Records of the Capitol , and the Libraries , which might furnish him with instruments for so noble an undertaking . But that this may not seem to be my own bare opinion , or that of any modern Author , whom I follow , Plutarch himself has deliver'd it as his motive , in the life of Demosthenes : The words are these , Whosoever designs to write an History , ( which t is impossible to form to any excellency from thofe materials , that are ready at hand , or to take from common report , while he sits lazily at home in his own Study , but must of necessity be gather'd from Forreign observations and the scatter'd writings of various Authours ) it concerns him to take up his Habitation in some renoun'd and populous City , where he may Command all sorts of Books , and be acquainted also with such particulars as have escap'd the pens of Writers , and are only extant in the memories of Men. Let him inquire diligently , and weigh judiciously , what he hears and reads , lest he publish a lame Work , and be destitute of those helps which are requir'd to its perfection . T is then most probable , that he pass'd his days at Rome , either in reading Philosophy of all kinds , to the Roman Nobility , who frequented his House , and heard him , as if there were somewhat more than humane in his words ; and his nights ( which were his only hours of private Study ) in searching and examining Records , concerning Rome . Not but that he was intrusted also with the management of publick affairs in the Empire , during his residence in the Metropolis : Which may be made out by what Suidas relates of him . Plutarch ( says he ) liv'd in the time of Trajan , and also before his Reign : That Emperour bestow'd on him the Dignity of Consul , ( tho the Greek , I suppose , will bear , that he made him Consul with himself , at least transferr'd that honour on him : ) An Edict was also made in favour of him , that the Magistrates or Officers of Illyria should do nothing in that Province without the knowledge and approbation of Plutarch . Now 't is my particular guess ( for I have not read it any where ) that Plutarch had the affairs of Illyria ( now call'd Sclavonia ) recommended to him , because Trajan , we know , had Wars on that side the Empire with Decebalus King of Dacia ; after whose defeat and death , the Province of Illyria might stand in need of Plutarchs Wisdom to compose and civilize it : But this is only hinted , as what possibly might be the reason of our Philosophers superintendency in those quarters ; which the French Author of his Life , seems to wonder at , as having no relation either to Chaeronea , or Greece . When he was first made known to Trajan is like the rest uncertain , or by what means , whether by Senecio , or any other , he was introduc'd to his acquaintance : But 't is most likely , that Trajan then a private Man , was one of his Auditors , amongst others of the Nobility of Rome . T is also thought , this wise Emperour made use of him in all his Councils , and that the happiness which attended him in his undertakings , together with the administration of the Government , which in all his Reign was just and regular , proceeded from the instructions which were given him by Plutarch . Johannes Sarisberiensis , who liv'd above six hundred years ago , has transcrib'd a Letter written , as he suppos'd , by our Author to that Emperour ; whence he had it is not known , nor the original in Greek to be produc'd ; but it pass'd for Genuine in that age , and if not Plutarchs , is at least worthy of him , and what might well be suppos'd a Man of his Character would write ; for which reason I have here Translated it . Plutarch to Trajan . I Am satisfied that your modesty sought not the Empire , which yet you have always studied to deserve by the excellency of your manners . And by so much the more are you esteem'd worthy of this honour , by how much you are free from the Ambition of desiring it . I therefore congratulate both your vertue , and my own good fortune , if at least your future Government shall prove answerable to your former merit : Otherwise you have involv'd your self in dangers , and I shall infallibly be subject to the Censures of detracting Tongues ; because Rome will never support an Emperour unworthy of her , and the faults of the Scholar will be upbraided to the Master . Thus Seneca is reproach'd , and his fame still suffers for the Vices of Nero. The miscarriages of Quintilians Scholars , have been thrown on him , and even Socrates himself is not free from the imputation of remissness on the account of his Pupil ( Alcibiades . ) But you will certainly administer all things as becomes you , if you still continue what you are , if you recede not from your self , if you begin at home , and lay the foundation of Government on the command of your own passions , if you make vertue the scope of all your actions , they will all proceed in harmony and order : I have set before you the force of Laws and Civil constitutions of your Predecessours ; which if you imitate and obey , Plutarch is then your Guide of living ; if otherwise , let this present Letter be my Testimony against you , that you shall not ruine the Roman Empire , under the pretence of the Counsel and Authority of Plutarch . It may be conjectur'd , and with some shew of probability , from hence , that our Author not only collected his materials , but also made a rough draught of many of these parallel Lives at Rome ; and that he read them to Trajan for his instruction in Government ; and so much the rather I believe it , because all Historians agree , that this Emperour , tho naturally prudent and inclin'd to vertue , had more of the Souldier than the Scholar in his Education , before he had the happiness to know Plutarch ; for which reason the Roman Lives , and the inspection into ancient Laws might be of necessary use to his direction . And now for the time of our Authors abode in the Imperial City , if he came so early as Vespatian , and departed not till after Trajan's death , as is generally thought , he might continue in Italy near forty years . This is more certain , because gather'd from himself , that his Lives were almost the latest of his Works ; and therefore we may well conclude , that having model'd , but not finish'd them at Rome , he afterwards resum'd the work in his own Country ; which perfecting in his old age , he dedicated to his friend Senecio still living , as appears by what he has written , in the Proem to his Lives . The desire of visiting his own Country , so natural to all Men , and the approaches of old age , ( for he could not be much less than sixty , ) and perhaps also the death of Trajan , prevail'd with him at last to leave Italy ; or if you will have it in his own words , he was not willing his little City , shou'd be one the less by his absence : After his return he was , by the unanimous consent of his Citizens , chosen Archon , or Chief Magistrate of Chaeronea ; and not long after admitted himself in the number of Apollo's Priests ; in both which employments he seems to have continued till his death : Of which we have no particular account , either as to the manner of it , or the year ; only t is evident that he liv'd to a great old age , always continuing his Studies ; that he dyed a natural death , is only presum'd , because any violent accident to so famous a Man would have been recorded : And in whatsoever Reign he deceas'd , the days of Tyranny were over-pass'd , and there was then a Golden Series of Emperours , every one emulating his Predecessours vertues . Thus I have Collected from Plutarch himself , and from the best Authors , what was most remarkable concerning him . In performing which I have labour'd under so many uncertainties , that I have not been able to satisfie my own curiosity , any more than that of others . 'T is the Life of a Philosopher , not varyed with accidents to divert the Reader : More pleasant for himself to live , than for an Historian , to describe . Those Works of his , which are irrecoverably lost , are nam'd in the Catalogue made by his Son Lamprias , which you will find in the Paris Edition , dedicated to King Lewis the thirteenth : But 't is a small comfort to a Merchant , to peruse his bill of fraight , when he is certain his Ship is cast away : Mov'd by the like reason I have omitted that ungrateful task : Yet that the Reader may not be impos'd on , in those which yet remain , t is but reasonable to let him know , that the Lives of Hannibal and Scipio , tho they pass with the ignorant for Genuine , are only the Forgery of Donato Acciaiolo a Florentine . He pretends to have Translated them from a Greek Manuscript , which none of the Learned have ever seen , either before or since . But the cheat is more manifest from this reason which is undeniable , that Plutarch did indeed write the Life of Scipio , but he compar'd him not with Hannibal , but with Epaminondas : As appears by the Catalogue , or Nomenclature of Plutarchs Lifes , drawn up by his Son Lamprias , and yet extant . But to make this out more clearly , we find the Florentine , in his Life of Hannibal , thus relating , the famous Conference betwixt Scipio and him . Scipio at that time being sent Ambassadour from the Romans , to King Antiochus , with Publius Villius : It happen'd then , that these two great Captains met together at Ephesus , and amongst other discourse , it was demanded of Hannibal by Scipio , whom he thought to have been the greatest Captain ? To whom he thus answer'd ; In the first place Alexander of Macedon , in the second Pyrrhus of Epyrus , and in the third himself : To which , Scipio smileing thus rereply'd ; And what wou'd you have thought , had it been your fortune to have vanquish'd me ? to whom Hannibal , I should then have adjudg'd the first place to my self : Which answer was not a little pleasing to Scipio , because by it , he found himself not disesteem'd , nor put into comparison with the rest , but by the delicacy and gallantry of a well turn'd compliment , set like a Man divine above them all . Now this relation is a meer compendium of the same conference , from Livy . But if we can conceive Plutarch to have written the Life of Hannibal , t is hard to believe , that he should tell the same story after so different , or rather so contrary a manner , in another place . For , in the life of Pyrrhus , he thus writes . Hannibal adjudg'd the praeeminence to Pyrrhus above all Captains , in conduct , and Military skill : Next to Pyrrhus he plac'd Scipio , and after Scipio , himself ; as we have declar'd in the Life of Scipio . T is not that I wou'd excuse Plutarch , as if he never related the same thing diversely ; for 't is evident , that through want of advertency he has been often guilty of that errour ; of which the Reader will find too frequent Examples in these Lives ; but in this place , he cannot be charg'd with want of memory or care , because what he says here is relating to what he had said formerly : So that he may mistake the story , as I believe he has done , ( that other of Livy , being much more probable , ) but we must allow him to remember what he had before written . From hence I might take occasion to note some other lapses of our Author , which yet amount not to falsification of truth , much less to partiality , or envy , ( both which are manifest in his Country-man Dion Cassius who writ not long after him , ) but are only the frailties of humane nature ; mistakes not intentional , but accidental . He was not altogether so well vers'd either in the Roman language , or in their coyns , or in the value of them ; in some Customes , Rites , and Ceremonies , he took passages on trust from others , relating both to them and the Barbarians , which the Reader may particularly find recited in the Animadversions of the often prais'd Rualdus on our Author . I will name but one to avoyd tediousness , because I particularly observ'd it , when I read Plutarch in the Library of Trinity Colledge in Cambridge , ( to which foundation I gratefully acknowledge a great part of my Education ; ) 't is that Plutarch in the life of Cicero , speaking of Verres , who was accus'd by him , and repeating a miserable jeast of Tullys , says that Verres , in the Roman language , signifies a barrow Pig , that is one which has been guelded . But we have a better account of the signification from Varro , whom we have more reason to believe , that the Male of that kind , before he is cut , is called Verres ; after cutting Majalis , which is perhaps a diminitive of Mas , tho generally the reason of the Etymology is given from its being a Sacrifice to the Goddess Maja . Yet any Man , who will candidly weigh this and the like errours , may excuse Plutarch , as he wou'd a stranger , mistaking the propriety of an English word : And besides the humanity of this excuse , 't is impossible in nature , that a Man of so various learning , and so covetous of ingrossing all , should perfectly digest such an infinity of notions in many Sciences , since to be excellent in one is so great a labour . It may now be expected , that having written the Life of an Historian , I should take occasion to write somewhat concerning History it self : But I think to commend it is unnecessary : For the profit and pleasure of that study are both so very obvious , that a quick Reader will be before hand with me , and imagine faster than I can write . Besides that the post is taken up already , and few Authors have travell'd this way , but who have strewed it with Rhetorick , as they pass'd . For my own part , who must confess it to my shame , that I never read any thing but for pleasure , it has alwayes been the most delightful Entertainment of my life . But they who have employ'd the study of it as they ought , for their instruction , for the regulation of their private manners , and the management of publick affairs , must agree with me , that it is the most pleasant School of Wisdom . T is a familiarity with past Ages , and an acquaintance with all the Heroes of them . 'T is , if you will pardon the similitude , a Prospective-Glass carrying your Soul to a vast distance , and taking in the farthest objects of Antiquity . It informs the understanding by the memory : It helps us to judge of what will happen , by shewing us the like revolutions of former times . For Mankind being the same in all ages , agitated by the same passions , and mov'd to action by the same interests , nothing can come to pass , but some President of the like nature has already been produc'd , so that having the causes before our eyes , we cannot easily be deceiv'd in the effects , if we have Judgment enough but to draw the parallel . God , t is true with his divine Providence , over-rules and guides all actions to the secret end he has ordain'd them ; but in the way of humane causes , a wise Man may easily discern , that there is a natural connection betwixt them ; and tho he cannot foresee accidents , or all things that possibly can come , he may apply examples , and by them foretell , that from the like Counsels will probably succeed the like events : And thereby in all concernments , and all Offices of life , be instructed in the two main points , on which depend our happiness , that is , what to avoid and what to choose . The Laws of History in general are truth of matter , method , and clearness of expression . The first propriety is necessary to keep our understanding from the impositions of falshood : For History is an Argument fram'd from many particular examples , or inductions : If these Examples are not true , then those measures of life , which we take from them , will be false , and deceive us in their consequence : The second is grounded on the former , for if the method be confus'd : if the words or expressions of thought are any way obscure , then the Idea's which we receive must be imperfect ; and if such , we are not taught by them what to elect , or what to shun . Truth therefore is requir'd , as the foundation of History , to inform us ; disposition and perspicuity , as the manner to inform us plainly : One is the being , the other the well-being of it . History is principally divided into these three species . Commentaries or Annals ; History properly so called ; and Biographia , or the Lives of particular Men. Commentaries or Annals are ( as I may so call them ) naked History : Or the plain relation of matter of fact , according to the succession of time , devested of all other Ornaments . The springs and motives of actions are not here sought , unless they offer themselves , and are open to every Mans discernment . The method is the most natural that can be imagin'd , depending only on the observation of months and years , and drawing , in the order of them , whatsoever happen'd worthy of Relation . The stile is easie , simple , unforc'd , and unadorn'd with the pomp of figures ; Counsels , guesses , politick observations , sentences , and Orations are avoyded : In few words a bare Narration is its business . Of this kind the Commentaries of Caesar are certainly the most admirable ; and after him the Annals of Tacitus may have place . Nay even the Prince of Greek Historians , Thucydides , may almost be adopted into the number . For tho he instructs every where by Sentences , tho he gives the causes of actions , the Counsels of both parties , and makes Orations where they are necessary ; yet it is certain , that he first design'd his work a Commentary ; every year writing down like an unconcern'd spectator as he was , the particular occurrences of the time , in the order as they happen'd , and his Eighth book is wholly written after the way of Annals ; tho , out-living the War , he inserted in his others those Ornaments , which render his work the most compleat , and most instructive now extant . History properly so call'd may be describ'd by the addition of those parts , which are not requir'd to Annals : And therefore there is little farther to be said concerning it : Only that the dignity and gravity of stile is here necessary . That the guesses of secret causes , inducing to the actions , be drawn at least from the most probable circumstances , not perverted by the malignity of the Author to sinister interpretations , ( of which Tacitus is accus'd ; ) but candidly laid down , and left to the Judgment of the Reader . That nothing of concernment be omitted , but things of trivial moment are still to be neglected , as debasing the Majesty of the Work. That neither partiality or prejudice appear : But that truth may every where be Sacred , ( ne quid falsi dicere audeat , ne quid veri non audeat Historicus . ) That he neither incline to superstition , in giving too much credit to Oracles , Prophecies , Divinations , and Prodigies ; nor to irreligion , in disclaiming the Almighty Providence : But where general opinion has prevail'd of any miraculous accident or portent , he ought to relate it as such , without imposing his opinion on our belief . Next to Thucydides in this kind , may be accounted Polybius amongst the Grecians ; Livy , tho not free from superstition , nor Tacitus from ill nature , amongst the Romans : Amongst the modern Italians , Guicchiardine , and D'Avila , if not partial ; but above all Men in my opinion , the plain , sincere , unaffected , and most instructive Philip de Commines amongst the French ; tho he only gives his History the humble Name of Commentaries . I am sorry I cannot find in our own Nation ( tho it has produc'd some commendable Historians ) any proper to be ranked with these . Buchanan indeed for the purity of his Latin , and for his learning , and for all other endowments belonging to an Historian , might be plac'd amongst the greatest , if he had not too much lean'd to prejudice , and too manifesty declar'd himself aparty of a cause , rather than an Historian o it . Excepting only that , ( which I desire not to urge too far , on so great a Man , but only to give caution to his Readers concerning it , ) our Isle may justly boast in him , a Writer comparable to any of the Moderns , and excell'd by few of the Ancients . Biographia , or the History of particular Mens Lives , comes next to be consider'd ; which in dignity is inferiour to the other two ; as being more confin'd in action , and treating of Wars and Counsels , and all other publick affairs of Nations , only as they relate to him , whose Life is written , or as his fortunes have a particular dependance on them , or connection to them : All things here are circumscrib'd , and driven to a point , so as to terminate in one : Consequently if the action , or Counsel were manag'd by Collegues , some part of it must be either lame or wanting ; except it be supply'd by the Excursion of the Writer : Herein likewise must be less of variety for the same reason ; because the fortunes and actions of one Man are related , not those of many . Thus the actions and atchievements of Sylla , Lucullus , and Pompey are all of them but the successive parts of the Mithridatick War : Of which we cou'd have no perfect image , if the same hand had not given us the whole , tho at several views , in their particular Lives . Yet , tho we allow , for the reasons above alledg'd , that this kind of writing is in dignity inferiour to History and Annalls , in pleasure and instruction it equals , or even excells both of them . 'T is not only commended by ancient practice , to celebrate the memory of great and worthy Men , as the best thanks which Posterity can pay them ; but also the examples of vertue are of more vigor , when they are thus contracted into individuals . As the Sun beams , united in a burning-glass to a point , have greater , force than when they are darted from a plain superficies ; so the vertues and actions of one Man , drawn together into a single story , strike upon our minds a stronger and more lively impression , than the scatter'd Relations of many Men , and many actions ; and by the same means that they give us pleasure they afford us profit too . For when the understanding is intent and fix'd on a single thing , it carries closser to the mark , every part of the object sinks into it , and the Soul receives it unmixt and whole . For this reason Aristotle Commends the unity of action in a Poem ; because the mind is not capable of digesting many things at once , nor of conceiving fully any more than one Idea at a time . Whatsoever distracts the pleasure , lessens it . And as the Reader is more concern'd at one Mans fortune , than those of many ; so likewise the Writer is more capable of making a perfect Work , if he confine himself to this narrow compass . The lineaments , features , and colourings of a single picture may be hit exactly ; but in a History-piece of many figures , the general design , the ordinance or disposition of it , the Relation of one figure to another , the diversity of the posture , habits , shadowings , and all the other graces conspiring to an uniformity , are of so difficult performance , that neither is the resemblance of particular persons often perfect , nor the beauty of the piece compleat : For any considerable errour in the parts , renders the whole disagreeable and lame . Thus then the perfection of the Work , and the benefit arising from it are both more absolute in Biography than in History : All History is only the precepts of Moral Philosophy reduc'd into Examples : Moral Philosophy is divided into two parts , Ethicks and Politicks ; the first instructs us in our private offices of vertue ; the second in those which relate to the management of the Common-wealth . Both of these teach by Argumentation and reasoning : Which rush as it were into the mind , and possess it with violence : But History rather allures than forces us to vertue . There is nothing of the Tyrant in Example ; but it gently glides into us , is easie and pleasant in its passage , and in one word reduces into practise , our speculative notions . Therefore the more powerful the Examples are , they are the more useful also : And by being more known they are more powerful . Now unity , which is defin'd is in its own nature more apt to be understood , than multiplicity , which in some measure participates of infinity . The reason is Aristotles . Biographia , or the Histories of particular Lives , tho circumscrib'd in the subject , is yet more extensive in the stile than the other two : For it not only comprehends them both , but has somewhat superadded , which neither of them have . The stile of it is various , according to the occasion . There are proper places in it , for the plainness and nakedness of narration , which is ascrib'd to Annals ; there is also room reserv'd for the loftiness and gravity of general History , when the actions related shall require that manner of expression . But there is withal , a descent into minute circumstances , and trivial passages of life , which are natural to this way of writing , and which the dignity of the other two will not admit . There you are conducted only into the rooms of state ; here you are led into the private Lodgings of the Heroe : you see him in his undress , and are made Familiar with his most private actions and conversations . You may behold a Scipio and a Lelius gathering Cockle-shells on the shore , Augustus playing at bounding stones with Boyes ; and Agesilaus riding on a Hobby-horse among his Children . The Pageantry of Life is taken away ; you see the poor reasonable Animal , as naked as ever nature made him ; are made acquainted with his passions and his follies , and find the Demy-God a Man. Plutarch himself , has more than once defended this kind of Relating little passages . For in the Life of Alexander he says thus . In writing the Lives of Illustrious Men I am not tyed to the Laws of History : Nor does it follow , that because an action is great , it therefore manifests the greatness and vertue of him who did it ; but on the other side sometimes a word , or a casual jest , betrays a Man more to our knowledge of him , than a Battel fought wherein ten thousand Men were slain , or sacking of Cities , or a course of Victories . In another place he quotes Xenophon on the like occasion : The sayings of great Men , in their familiar discourses and amidst their Wine , have somewhat in them , which is worthy to be transmitted to Posterity . Our Author therefore needs no excuse , but rather deserves a commendation , when he relates , as pleasant , some sayings of his Heroes , which appear , ( I must confess it ) very cold and insipid mirth to us . For 't is not his meaning to commend the jest , but to paint the Man ; besides , we may have lost somewhat of the Idiotism of that Language in which it was spoken ; and where the conceit is couch'd in a single word , if all the significations of it are not critically understood , the grace and the pleasantry are lost . But in all parts of Biography , whether familiar or stately , whether sublime , or low , whether serious or merry , Plutarch equally excell'd : If we compare him to others , Dion Cassius is not so sincere , Herodian , a lover of truth , is often times deceiv'd himself , with what he had falsly heard reported ; then the time of his Emperours exceeds not in all above sixty years ; so that his whole History will scarce amount to three Lives of Plutarch . Suetonius and Tacitus may be call'd alike , either Authors of Histories , or Writers of Lives : But the first of them runs too willingly into obscene descriptions , which he teaches while he relates ; the other besides what has already been noted by him , often falls into obscurity ; and both of them have made so unlucky a choice of times , that they are forc'd to describe rather Monsters than Men ; and their Emperours are either extravagant Fools , or Tyrants , and most usually both . Our Author on the contrary , as he was more inclin'd to commend than to dispraise , has generally chosen such great Men as were famous for their several vertues ; at least such whose frailties or vices were over-pois'd by their excellencies ; such from whose Examples we may have more to follow than to shun . Yet , as he was impartial , he disguis'd not the faults of any Man. An Example of which is in the Life of Lucullus ; where , after he has told us , that the double benefit which his Country-men , the Chaeroneans , receiv'd from him , was the chiefest motive which he had to write his Life , he afterwards rips up his Luxury , and shews how he lost , through his mis-management , his Authority , and his Souldiers love . Then he was more happy in his digressions than any we have nam'd . I have alwayes been pleas'd to see him , and his imitator , Montaign , when they strike a little out of the common road : For we are sure to be the better for their wandring . The best quarry lies not always in the open field : And who would not be content to follow a good Huntsman over Hedges and Ditches when he knows the Game will reward his pains ? But if we mark him more narrowly , we may observe , that the great reason of his frequent starts , is the variety of his Learning : He knew so much of Nature , was so vastly furnish'd with all the treasures of the mind , that he was uneasie to himself , and was forc'd , as I may say , to lay down some at every passage , and to scatter his riches as he went : Like another Alexander or Adrian , he built a City , or planted a Colony in every part of his progress ; and left behind him some memorial of his greatness . Sparta , and Thebes , and Athens , and Rome , the Mistress of the World , he has discover'd in their foundations , their institutions , their growth , their heigth , the decay of the three first , and the alteration of the last . You see those several people in their different laws , and policies , and forms of Government , in their Warriours , and Senators , and Demagogues . Nor are the Ornaments of Poetry , and the illustrations of similitudes forgotten by him ; in both which he instructs as well as pleases : Or rather pleases that he may instruct . This last reflection leads me naturally , to say somewhat in general of his stile , tho after having justly prais'd him for copiousness of learning , integrity , perspicuity , and more than all this for a certain air of goodness which appears through all his Writings , it were unreasonable to be critical on his Elocution : As on a tree which bears excellent fruit , we consider not the beauty of the blossoms : For if they are not pleasant to the eye , or delightful to the scent , we know at the same time that they are not the prime intention of Nature , but are thrust out in order to their product ; so in Plutarch , whose business was not to please the ear , but to charm and to instruct the mind , we may easily forgive the cadences of words , and the roughness of expression : Yet for manliness of Eloquence , if it abounded not in our Author , it was not wanting in him : He neither studyed the sublime stile , nor affected the flowry . The choice of words , the numbers of periods , the turns of Sentences , and those other Ornaments of speech , he neither sought , nor shun'd . But the depth of sence , the accuracy of Judgment , the disposition of the parts and contexture of the whole , in so admirable and vast a field of matter , and lastly the copiousness , and variety of words , appear shining in our Author . T is indeed , observ'd of him , that he keeps not always to the stile of prose , but if a Poetical word , which carries in it more of Emphasis or signification , offer it self at any time , he refuses it not because Homer or Eurypides have us'd it : But if this be a fault I know not how Xenophon will stand excus'd . Yet neither do I compare our Author with him , or with Herodotus in the sweetness and graces of his stile , nor with Thuyidides in the solidity and closeness of expression . For Herodotus is acknowledg'd the Prince of the Ionick , the other two of the Attick eloquence . As for Plutarch , his stile is so particular , that there is none of the Ancients , to whom we can properly resemble him . And the reason of this is obvious ; for being conversant in so great variety of Authors , and collecting from all of them , what he thought most excellent , out of the confusion , or rather mixture of all their stiles , he form'd his own , which partaking of each , was yet none of them ; but a compound of them all , like the Corinthian metal , which had in it Gold , and Brass , and Silver , and yet was a species by its self . Add to this , that in Plutarchs time , and long before it , the purity of the Greek Tongue was corrupted , and the native splendour of it had taken the tarnish of Barbarism , and contracted the filth and spots of degenerating Ages . For the fall of Empires always draws after it the language and Eloquence of the people : They , who labour under misfortunes or servitude , have little leisure to cultivate their mother Tongue : To conclude , when Athens had lost her Soveraignity to the Peloponnesians , and her liberty to Philip , neither a Thucydides , nor a Demosthenes were afterwards produc'd by her . I have formerly acknowledg'd many lapses of our Author , occasion'd through his inadvertency , but he is likewise tax'd with faults , which reflect on his Judgment in matters of fact , and his Candour in the comparisons of his Greeks and Romans . Both which are so well vindicated by Montaign , that I need but barely to translate him . First then he is accus'd of want of Judgment , in reporting things incredible : For proof of which is alledg'd the story he tells of the Spartan boy , who suffer'd his bowels to be torn out by a young Fox which he had stolen , choosing rather to hide him under his Garment till he died , then to confess his robbery . In the first place this example is ill chosen , because t is difficult to set a bound to the force of our internal faculties , t is not defin'd how far our resolution may carry us to suffer : The force of bodies may more easily be determin'd than that of Souls : Then of all people the Lacedemonians , by reason of their rigid institution , were most harden'd to undergo labours , and to suffer pains . Cicero , before our Authors time , tho then the Spartan vertue was degenerated , yet avows to have seen himself some Lacedemonian boys , who to make tryal of their patience , were plac'd before the Altar of Diana , where they endur'd scourging , till they were all over bloody , and that not only without crying , but even without a sigh or groan : Nay , and some of them so ambitious of this reputation , that they willingly resign'd their Lives under the hands of their tormentors . The same may be said of another story , which Plutarch vouches with an hundred witnesses , that in the time of Sacrifice , a burning coal by chance , falling into the sleeve of a Spartan boy , who held the Censer , he suffer'd his Arm to be scorch'd so long without moving it , that the scent of it reak'd up to the Noses of the Assistants . For my own part , who have taken in so vast an Idea of the Lacedemonian magnanimity , Plutarchs story , is so far from seeming incredible to me , that I neither think it wonderful nor uncommon : For we ought not to measure possibilities or impossibilities by our own standard , that is , by what we our selves cou'd do or suffer . These , and some other slight examples , are made use of , to lessen the opinion of Plutarchs Judgment : But the common exception against his candor , is , that in his parallels of Greeks and Romans , he has done too much honour to his Country-men in matching them with Heroes , with whom they were not worthy to be compar'd . For instances of this , there are produc'd the comparisons of Demosthenes and Cicero , Aristides and Cato , Lysander and Sylla , Pelopidas and Marcellus , Agesilaus and Pompey : Now the ground of this accusation is most probably the lustre of those Roman names , which strikes on our imagination . For what proportion of glory is there betwixt a Roman Consul , or Proconsul of so great a Common-wealth , and a simple Citizen of Athens ? But he who considers the truth more nearly , and weighs not honours with honours , but Men with Men , which was Plutarchs main design , will find in the Ballance of their manners , their vertues , their endowments and abilities , that Cicero and the Elder Cato , were far from having the overweight against Demosthenes and Aristides . I might as well complain against him in behalf of his own Country-men : For neither was Camillus so famous as Themistocles ; nor were Tiberius and Cajus Gracchus comparable to Agis and Cleomenes in regard of dignity : Much less was the wisdome of Numa to be put in Ballance against that of Lycurgus , or the modesty and temperance of Scipio , against the solid Philosophy and perfect vertue of Epaminondas : Yet the disparity of victories , the reputation , the blaze of Glory , in the two last were evidently on the Roman side . But as I said before , to compare them this way , was the least of Plutarchs aim ; he openly declares against it : For speaking of the course of Pompeys fortune , his exploits of War , the greatness of the Armies which he commanded , the splendour and number of his Triumphs , in his comparison betwixt him and Agesilaus , I believe , says he , that if Xenophon were now alive , and would indulge himself the liberty to write all he could to the advantage of his Heroe Agesilaus , he would be asham'd to put their acts in competition . In his comparison of Sylla and Lysander ; there is , says he , no manner of equality , either in the number of their victories , or in the danger of their Battels ; for Lysander only gain'd two naval fights , &c. Now this is far from partiality to the Grecians . He who wou'd convince him of this vice , must shew us in what particular Judgment he has been too favourable to his Countrymen , and make it out in general where he has faild in matching such a Greek with such a Roman ; which must be done by shewing how he could have pair'd them better ; and naming any other in whom the resemblance might have been more perfect . But an equitable Judge who takes things by the same handle which Plutarch did , will find there is no injury offer'd to either party , tho there be some disparity betwixt the persons : For he weighs every circumstance by it self , and judges separately of it : Not comparing Men at a lump , nor endeavouring to prove they were alike in all things , but allowing for disproportion of quality or fortune , shewing wherein they agreed or disagreed , and wherein one was to be preferr'd before the other . I thought I had answer'd all that cou'd reasonably be objected against our Authors judgement ; but casually casting my eye on the works of a French Gentleman , deservedly famous for Wit and Criticism , I wonder'd , amongst many commendations of Plutarch , to find this one reflection . As for his Comparisons , they seem truly to me very great ; but I think he might have carried them yet farther , and have penetrated more deeply into humane nature : There are folds and recesses in our minds which have escap'd him ; he judges man too much in gross ; and thinks him not so different , as he is often from himself : The same person being just , unjust , merciful , and cruel ; which qualities seeming to bely each other in him , he Attributes their inconsistences to forreign causes : Infine , if he had discrib'd Catiline , he wou'd have given him to us , either prodigal or Covetous : That alieni appetens sui profusus , was above his reach . He could never have reconcil'd those contrarieties in the same subject , which Salust has so well unfolded , and which Montaign so much better understood . This Judgment , cou'd not have proceeded , but from a man who has a nice taste in Authors ; and if it be not altogether just 't is at least delicate , but I am confident , that if he please to consider this following passage taken out of the life of Sylla , he will moderate , if not retract his censure . In the rest of his manners he was unequal , irregular different from himself : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . He took many things by rapine , he gave more : Honour'd men immoderately , and us'd them contumeliously : was submissive to those of whom he stood in need , insulting over those who stood in need of him : So that it was doubtful , whether he were more form'd by nature to arrogance or flattery . As to his uncertain way of punishing , he would sometimes put men to death on the least occasion ; at other times he would pardon the greatest Crimes : So that judging him in the whole , you may conclude him to have been naturally cruel , and prone to vengeance , but that he could remit of his severity , when his interests requir'd it . Here methinks our Author seems to have sufficiently understood the folds and doubles of Sylla's disposition ; for his Character is full of variety , and inconsistences . Yet in the conclusion , 't is to be confess'd that Plutarch has assign'd him a bloody nature : The clemency was but artificial and assum'd , the cruelty was inborn : But this cannot be said of his rapine , and his prodigality ; for here the alieni appetens , sui profusus is as plainly describ'd , as if Plutarch had borrow'd the sense from Salust : And as he was a great Collector , perhaps he did . Nevertheless he judg'd rightly of Sylla , that naturally he was cruel : For that quality was predominant in him ; and he was oftener revengeful than he was merciful . But this is sufficient to vindicate our Authors Judgment from being superficial , and I desire not to press the Argument more strongly against this Gentleman , who has Honour'd our Country by his long Residence amongst us . It seems to me , I must confess that our Author has not been more hardly treated by his Enemies , in his comparing other Men , than he has been by his friends , in their comparing Seneca with him . And herein , even Montaign himself is scarcely to be defended . For no man more esteem'd Plutarch , no man was better acquainted with his excellences , yet this notwithstanding , he has done too great an honour to Seneca , by ranking him with our Philosopher and Historian , him , I say , who was so much less a Philosopher , and no Historian : T is a Reputation to Seneca , that any one has offer'd at the comparison : The worth of his Adversary makes his defeat advantagious to him ; and Plutarch might cry out with Justice ; Qui cum victus erit , mecum certasse feretur . If I had been to find out a parallel for Plutarch , I should rather have pitch'd on Varro the most learned of the Romans , if at least his Works had yet remain'd ; or with Pomponius Atticus , if he had written . But the likeness of Seneca is so little , that except the ones being Tutor to Nero , and the other to Trajan , both of them strangers to Rome , yet rais'd to the highest dignities in that City , and both Philosophers tho of several Sects ; ( for Seneca was a Stoick , Plutarch a Platonician , at least an Academick , that is , half Platonist half Sceptick : ) besides some such faint resemblances as these , Seneca and Plutarch seem to have as little Relation to one another , as their native Countries , Spain and Greece . If we consider them in their inclinations or humours , Plutarch was sociable , and pleasant , Seneca morose , and melancholly . Plutarch a lover of conversation , and sober feasts : Seneca reserv'd ; uneasie to himself when alone , to others when in Company . Compare them in their manners , Plutarch every where appears candid , Seneca often is censorious . Plutarch , out of his natural humanity , is frequent in commending what he can ; Seneca , out of the sowrness of his temper , is prone to Satyr , and still searching for some occasion to vent his gaul . Plutarch is pleas'd with an opportunity of praising vertue ; and Seneca , ( to speak the best of him , ) is glad of a pretence to reprehend vice . Plutarch endeavours to teach others , but refuses not to be taught himself ; for he is always doubtful and inquisitive : Seneca is altogether for teaching others , but so teaches them , that he imposes his opinions ; for he was of a Sect too imperious and dogmatical , either to be taught or contradicted . And yet Plutarch writes like a man of a confirm'd probity , Seneca like one of a weak and staggering vertue . Plutarch seems to have vanquish'd vice , and to have triumph'd over it : Seneca seems only to be combating and resisting , and that too but in his own defence . Therefore Plutarch is easie in his discourse , as one who has overcome the difficulty : Seneca is painful , as he who still labours under it . Plutarchs Vertue is humble and civiliz'd : Seneca's haughty and illbred . Plutarch allures you , Seneca commands you . One wou'd make Vertue your Companion , the other your Tyrant . The style of Plutarch is easie and flowing ; that of Seneca precipitous and harsh . The first is even , the second broken . The Arguments of the Grecian drawn from reason , work themselves into your understanding , and make a deep and l●●●ing impression in your mind : Those of the Roman drawn from wit , flash immediately on your imagination , but leave no durable effect . So this tickles you by starts with his arguteness , that pleases you for continuance● , with his propriety . The course of their fortunes seems also to have partaken of their stiles ; for Plutarchs was equal , smooth , and of the same tenour : Seneca's was turbid , unconstant and full of revolutions . The Life of Plutarch was unblameable , as the Reader cannot but have observ'd ; and of all his Writings there is nothing to be noted as having the least tendency to vice ; but only that little Treatise , which is intituled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , wherein he speaks too broadly of a sin , to which the Eastern and Southern parts of the World are most obnoxious : But Seneca is said to have been more libertine than suited with the gravity of a Philosopher , or with the austerity of a Stoick . An ingenious Frenchman , esteems as he tells us , his person rather than his works ; and values him more as the Praeceptor of Nero , a Man ambitious of the Empire , and as the gallant of Agrippina , than as a teacher of Morality . For my part I dare not push the commendation so far : His courage was perhas praise worthy , if he endeavour'd to deliver Rome from such a Monster of Tyranny , as Nero was then beginning to appear : His ambition too was the more excusable , if he found in himself an ability of governing the World , and a desire of doing good to human kind : But as to his good fortunes with the Empress , I know not what value ought to be set on a wise Man for them . Except it be that Women generally liking without Judgment , it was a Conquest for a Philosopher once in an age , to get the better of a fool . However methinks there is something of aukward in the adventure : I cannot imagine without laughter , a Pedant , and a Stoick , making love in a long gown ; for it puts me in mind of the civilities which are us'd by the Cardinals and Judges in the dance of the Rehearsal : If Agrippina wou'd needs be so lavish of her favours , since a Sot grewn auseous to her , because he was her Husband , and nothing under a Wit , cou'd attone for Claudius , I am half sorry that Petronius was not the Man : We cou'd have born it better from his Character , than from one who profess'd the severity of vertue , to make a Cuckold of his Emperour and Benefactour . But let the Historian answer for his own Relation : Only , if true , 't is so much the worse , that Seneca , after having abus'd his bed , cou'd not let him sleep quiet in his grave . The Apocolocynthisis , or mock deification of Claudius was too sharp and insulting on his memory : And Seneca tho he could Preach forgiveness to others , did not practice it himself in that Satyr : Where was the patience and insensibility of a Stoick , in revenging his Banishment with a Libel ? Where was the Morality of a Philosopher , in defaming and exposing of an harmless fool ? And where was common humanity , in railing against the dead ? But the tallent of his malice is visible in other places : He censures Mecenas , and I believe justly , for the looseness of his manners , the voluptuousness of his life , and the effeminacy of his style ; but it appears that he takes pleasure in so doing ; and that he never forc'd his nature , when he spoke ill of any Man. For his own stile , we see what it is , and if we may be as bold with him , as he has been with our old Patron , we may call it a shatter'd Eloquence , not vigorous , not united , not embodied ; but broken into fragments ; every part by it self pompous , but the whole confus'd and unharmonious . His Latin , as Monsieur St. Evremont has well observ'd , has nothing in it of the purity , and elegance of Augustus his times ; and 't is of him and of his imitators , that Petronius said ; pace vestrâ liceat dixisse , primi omnium eloquentiam perdidistis . The Controversiae sententiis vibrantibus pictae , and the vanus Sententiarum strepitus , make it evident that Seneca was tax'd under the person of the old Rhetorician . What quarrel he had to the Unckle and the Nephew , I mean Seneca and Lucan , is not known ; but Petronius plainly points them out ; one for a bad Orator , the other for as bad a Poet : His own essay of the Civil War is an open defiance of the Pharsalia ; and the first Oration of Eumolpus , as full an arraignment of Seneca's false Eloquence . After all that has been said , he is certainly to be allowed a great wit , but not a good Philosopher : Not fit to be compar'd with Cicero , of whose reputation he was emulous , any more than Lucan is with Virgil : To sum up all in few words , consider a Philosopher declaiming against riches , yet vastly rich himself ; against avarice , yet puting out his Mony at great Extortion here in Britain ; against honours , yet aiming to be Emperour ; against pleasure , yet enjoying Agrippina , and in his old age married to a beautiful young Woman : And after this , let him be made a Parallel to Plutarch . And now , with the usual vanity of Dutch Prefacers , I could load our Author with the praises and commemorations of Writers : For both Ancient and Modern have made Honourable mention of him . But to cumber pages with this kind of stuff were to raise a distrust in common Readers that Plutarch wants them . Rualdus indeed has Collected ample Testimonies of them ; but I will only recite the names of some , and refer you to him for the particular quotations . He reckons Gellius , Eusebius , Himerius the Sophister , Eunapius , Cyrillus of Alexandria , Theodoret , Agathias , Photius and Xiphilin Patriarchs of Constantinople , Johannes Sarisberiensis , the famous Petrarch , Petrus Victorius , and Justus Lipsius . But Theodorus Gaza , a Man learned in the Latin Tongue , and a great restorer of the Greek , who liv'd above two hundred years ago , deserves to have his suffrage set down in words at length : For the rest have only commended Plutarch more than any single Author , but he has extoll'd him above all together . T is said that having this extravagant question put to him by a friend , that if learning must suffer a general Shipwrack , and he had only his choice left him of preserving one Author , who should be the Man he would preserve ; he answer'd Plutarch ; and probably might give this reason , that in saving him , he should secure the best Collection of them all . The Epigram of Agathias , deserves also to be remember'd : This Author flourish'd about the year five hundred , in the Reign of the Emperour Justinian : The Verses are extant in the Anthologia , and with the Translation of them , I will conclude the praises of our Author ; having first admonish'd you , that they are suppos'd to be written on a Statue erected by the Romans to his memory . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Cheronean Plutarch , to thy deathless praise , Does Martial Rome this grateful Statue raise : Because both Greece and she thy fame have shar'd ; ( Their Heroes written , and their Lives compar'd : ) But thou thy self cou'dst never write thy own ; Their Lives have Parallels but thine has none . FINIS . THESEUS . portrait M Burghers delin . et sc●… THE LIFE OF THESEUS . English'd from the Greek , By R. Duke , Trin. Coll. Cant. Soc. Volume I. AS Historians , in their geographical descriptions of Countries , croud into the farthest parts of their Maps those places that escape their knowledge , with some such Remarks in the Margin as these ; All beyond is nothing but drie and desart Sands , or unpassable Bogs , or Scythian Cold , or a frozen Sea : so in this Work of mine , wherein I have compared the Lives of the greatest Men with one another , having run through that time whereunto probable reason could reach , and through which the truth of History could pass , I may very well say of those that are farther off ; All beyond is nothing but monstrous and tragical Fictions : there the Poets and there the Inventers of Fables dwell ; nor is there any further to be expected ought deserving of Credit , or that carries any appearance of Truth . Yet having published an Account of Lycurgus , the Law-giver , and Numa , the King , methought I might not without reason ascend as high as to Romulus , being brought by my History so near to his time . Considering therefore with my self Whom with so great a man shall I compare ? Or whom oppose ? who can the tryal bear ? ( as Aeschylus expresses it ) I found none so fit as him that peopled the most celebrated City of Athens to be set in opposition with the Father of the invincible and renowned City of Rome . And here it were to be wish't that this Account cou'd be so purg'd by right reason from the fabulous part , as to obey the Laws and receive the character of an exact History . But whereever it shall chance too boldly to contemn the bounds of credibility , and will endure no mixture of what is probable , we shall beg that we may meet with can did Readers , and such as will favourably receive what can be related concerning things of so great Antiquity . Now Theseus seems to resemble Romulus in many particulars . Both of 'em born out of Wedlock and of uncertain Parentage had the repute of being sprung from the Gods. Both Warriours ; that by all the world 's allow'd . Both of them had joyn'd with strength of Body an equal vigour of Mind ; and of the two most famous Cities of the World , the one built Rome , and the other made Athens be inhabited . Both were famous for the Rape of Women ; neither of them cou'd avoid domestick misfortunes , nor the envy of their Country-men ; but both are said to have died by the hands of their own offended Citizens , if we will believe there is any truth in relations that are delivered with the least appearance of strange or Poetical Fictions . The Lineage of Theseus by his Father's side ascends as high as to Erectheus and the * first inhabitants of Attica . By his Mother's side he was descended of Pelops : For Pelops was the most powerfull of all the Kings of Peloponnesus , not so much for the greatness of his Riches as the multitude of his Children ; having match't many Daughters to persons of the greatest Quality , and made many Sons Governours of Provinces round about him . One whereof nam'd Pittheus , Grandfather to Theseus , was founder of the small City of the Troezenians , and had the repute of a man of the greatest knowledge and wisedom in his time : Which then it seems consisted chiefly in such grave Sentences as the Poet Hesiod got his great esteem by in his Book of Works and Days . And even among them is one that they ascribe to Pittheus , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Let a friend's services meet full reward . Which also Aristotle witnesses , and Euripides when he calls Hippolytus Scholar of the sacred Pittheus , shews the opinion that the world had of that great man. About this time Aegeus , being desirous of Children , and consulting the Oracle of Delphos , receiv'd that so celebrated answer which forbad him the use of any woman before his return to Athens . But the Oracle being so obscure as not to satisfie him that he was clearly forbid this , he went to Troezene and communicated to Pittheus the voice of the God , which was in this manner , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . I warn thee , Warriour , not to broach Thy Goatskin full of generous Juice : Nor footlong Spigot to produce , Till thou to Athens shalt approach . Pittheus therefore taking advantage from the obscurity of the Oracle prevail'd upon him , it is uncertain whether by perswasion or deceit , to lie with his Daughter Aethra . Aegeus afterwards knowing her whom he had lain with to be Pittheus's Daughter , and suspecting her to be with Child by him , he left a Sword and a pair of Shoes , hiding them under a great Stone that had a hollowness exactly fitting them , making her onely privy to it , and commanding her that if she brought forth a Son who when he came to man's estate shou'd be able to lift up the Stone and take away what he had left there , she shou'd send him away to him with those things with all secrecy , enjoyning him as much as possible to conceal his Journey from all men : For he fear'd extremely the Pallantidae , who were continually mutinying against him , and despis'd him for his want of Children , they themselves being fifty Brothers all of the Sons of Pallas . When Aethra was deliver'd of a Son , some report that he was immediately nam'd Theseus , from the Tokens which his Father had put under the Stone : But others say that he receiv'd his name afterwards at Athens , when Aegeus acknowledg'd him for his Son. He was brought up under his Grandfather Pittheus , and had by him a Governour and Tutour set over him nam'd Connidas , to whom the Athenians even to this time , the day before the Feast that is dedicated to Theseus , sacrifice a Ram , giving this honour to his memory upon a much juster account than that which they gave to Silanio and Parrhasius , for having onely made Pictures and Statues of Theseus . There being then a custom for the Grecian Youth upon their first coming to man's estate to go to Delphos and offer First-fruits of their Hair to the God of the place , Theseus also went thither , and they say that the place to this day is yet nam'd Thesea from him . But he shav'd onely the fore-part of his head , as Homer reports to be the custom of the Abantes . And this sort of Tonsure was from him nam'd Theseis . But the Abantes first us'd this sort of shaving , not having learnt it from the Arabians , as some imagin , nor in imitation of the Mysians , but , being a warlike people , and us'd to close fighting , and above all other Nations accustom'd chiefly to engage hand to hand ; as Archilochus witnesses in these Verses , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Slings they despise , and scorn to send from far The flying Dart , and wage a distant War ; But hand to hand the trusty Swords they weild Doe all the dreadfull business of the Field . This is the way of fight th' Euboeans know , Nor Bow nor Sling they trust , but strike themselves the blow . Therefore that they might not give their Enemies that advantage of seising them by the Hair , they were shav'd in this manner . They write also that this was the reason why Alexander gave command to his Captains that all the Beards of his Macedonians shou'd be shav'd , as being the readiest hold for an Enemy . Aethra for some time conceal'd the true Parentage of Theseus ; and there was a report given out by Pittheus that he was begotten by Neptune : for the Troezenians have Neptune in the highest veneration . He is their Tutelar God , to him they offer all their First-fruits , and in his honour stamp't their Money with a Trident. Theseus in his youth discovering not onely a great strength of Body but an equal force of Mind and firmness of Understanding , his Mother Aethra , conducting him to the Stone , and informing him who was his true Father , commanded him to take from thence the Tokens that Aegeus had left , and to sail to Athens . He , without any difficulty , lifted up the Stone and took 'em from thence ; but refused to take his Journey by Sea , though it was much the safer way , and though he was continually prest to it by the intreaties of his Grandfather and Mother . For it was at that time very dangerous to go by Land to Athens , no place of the Country being free from Thieves and Murtherers : for that Age produc'd a sort of men , for strength of Armes , and swiftness of Feet , and vigour of Body , excelling the ordinary rate of men ; and in labours and exercise indefatigable : yet making use of these gifts of Nature to nothing either good or profitable to mankind , but rejoycing and taking pride in insolence , and pleasing themselves in the enjoyment of their inhumanity and cruelty , and in seising , forcing and committing all manner of outrages upon every thing that fell into their hands : who thought civility , and justice , and equity , and humanity which many prais'd , either out of want of courage to commit injuries or fear to receive 'em , nothing at all to concern those who were the most daring and most strong . Some of these Hercules destroy'd and cut off in his passing through these Countries , but some who escap'd him , for fear fled and hid themselves , or were spar'd by him in contempt of their abject submission : but after that Hercules fell into misfortune , and having slain Iphitus , retir'd to Lydia , and for a long time was there Slave to Omphale , a punishment which he had impos'd upon himself for the murther ; then indeed the Lydian affairs enjoyed all peace and security , but in Greece and the Countries about it the like Villanies were again reviv'd and broke out , there being none to repress or chastise their insolence . It was therefore a very hazardous journey to travel by Land from Athens to Peloponnesus : and Pittheus , giving him an exact account of each of these Thieves and Villains , of what strength they were , and with what cruelty they us'd all strangers , perswaded Theseus to go by Sea ; but he , it seems , had long since been secretly fir'd with the glory of Hercules , and had him in the highest estimation , and was never more satisfy'd than in hearing those that gave an account of him ; especially those that had seen him , or had been present at any Action or Saying of his that was remarkable . Insomuch that he was altogether in the same condition that , in after-ages Themistocles was when he said that the Trophies of Miltiades wou'd not suffer him to sleep : so he having in such admiration the vertue of Hercules , in the night his dreams were all of that Heroes actions , and in the day a continual emulation stirr'd him up to perform the like . Besides , they were nearly related , being born of Cousin Germains . For Aethra was the Daughter of Pittheus , and Alcmena of Lycidice , and Lycidice and Pittheus Brothers and Sisters by Hippodamia . He thought it therefore a dishonourable thing and not to be endur'd , that Hercules shou'd every where purge both the Land and Sea from those wicked Men , and that he himself shou'd flie from the like Adventures that so fairly offer'd themselves to him ; disgracing his Reputed Father by a mean flight by Sea , and not shewing his True one as manifest a character of the greatness of his Birth by noble and worthy Actions as by the tokens that he brought with him , the Shoes and the Sword. With this mind and these thoughts he set forward , with a design to doe injury to no body , but to repel and revenge himself of all those that shou'd offer any . And first of all , in a set combate , he slew Periphetes in Epidauria , who us'd a Club for his Arms , and from thence had his name of Corynetes , or the Club-bearer , who seis'd upon him , and forbad him to go forward in his Journey . Being pleas'd with the Club , he took it , and made it his weapon , having the same use of it as Hercules had of the Lion's Skin ; for that he wore as evidence of what a prodigious greatness the monster was that He slew , and to the same end Theseus carry'd about him this Club ; overcome indeed by him , but now , in his Hand , invincible . Passing on further towards the Isthmus of Peloponnesus he slew Sinnis , that , from the way of murther he us'd , was sirnam'd the * bender of Pines , after the same manner that he himself had destroy'd many others before . And this he did , not having either practis'd or ever learnt the art of bending these Trees , to shew that natural strength is above all art . This Sinnis had a Daughter of most excellent beauty and more than ordinary stature , call'd Perigune , who , when her Father was kill'd , fled , and was sought after with all diligence by Theseus ; but she , flying into a place overgrown with many Shrubs and Rushes and wild Asparagus , innocently made her complaint to them , as if they cou'd have a sense of her misfortune , and begg'd 'em to shelter her , with vows that if she escap'd she wou'd never cut 'em down or burn 'em : but Theseus calling upon her and giving her his promise that he wou'd use her with all respect and offer her no injury , she came forth ; and being enjoy'd by Theseus bore a Son to him nam'd Menalippus ; but afterwards she was married to Deioneus the Son of Euritus , the Oechalian , Theseus himself giving her to him . And Ioxus , the Son of this Menalippus who was born to Theseus , accompany'd Ornytus in the Colony that he carried with him into Caria , from whom the people call'd Ioxides have their name ; who have this custom deriv'd down to 'em from their Fathers , never to burn either Shrubs or Rushes or wild Asparagus , but to honour and worship ' em . About this time the Cromyonian Sow , which they call'd Phaea , was a Beast not to be past by or despis'd , being of great fierceness and very hard to be overcome , her Theseus kill'd , going out of his way to meet and engage her , that he might not seem to perform all his great exploits out of mere necessity ; being also of opinion that it was the part of a brave man , not onely to chastise villainous and wicked Men , but also to fight and expose himself to the fury of the most fierce and hurtfull Monsters and wild Beasts . Others relate that this Phaea was a Woman , a Robber full of cruelty and lust , that liv'd in Cromyon , and had the name of Sow given her from the beastliness of her life and conversation , and that afterwards she was kill'd by Theseus . He slew also Sciron , upon the borders of Megara , casting him down from the Rocks , being , as most report , a notorious robber of all passengers ; and , as others say , accustom'd out of insolence and wantonness to stretch forth his feet to strangers commanding them to wash 'em , and then with a kick to thrust them down the Rock into the Sea : but the Writers of Megara , in contradiction to the receiv'd report , and , as Simonides expresses it , fighting with all antiquity , contend that Sciron was neither a Robber nor committer of injuries and affronts , but a punisher of all such , and full of all humanity and friendship to good and just men ; that Aeacus was ever esteemed a man of the greatest sanctity of all the Greeks , and that Cychreus , the Salaminian , was honoured at Athens with divine worship , and that the vertue of Peleus and Telamon were not unknown to any one ; and that Sciron was Son-in-law to Cychreus and Father-in-law to Aeacus , and Grandfather to Peleus and Telamon , who were both of 'em Sons of Erideis the Daughter of Sciron and Carichlo : that therefore it was not probable that the best shou'd make these alliances with the worst of men , giving and receiving mutually what was of greatest value and most dear to 'em : but they relate that Theseus did not slay Sciron in his first Journey to Athens , but afterwards , when he took Eleusis , a City of the Megarians , having circumvented Diocles the Governour , whom , together with Sciron , he there slew . These are the contradictions which are between the Writers of this Story . In Eleusis he kill'd Cercyon , the Arcadian , in a wrestling Match . And going on a little further , in the City Hermione , he slew Damastes , otherwise call'd Procrustes , by force making him even to his own Beds , as he himself was us'd to doe with all strangers ; this he did in imitation of Hercules . For he , returning always to the committers of these outrages the same sort of violence that they offer'd to others , sacrific'd Busyris , wrestled with Antaeus , fought with Cycnus hand to hand , and kill'd Termerus by breaking his Skull in pieces , ( from whence they say comes the Proverb of A Termerian Mischief ) for it seems Termerus kill'd passengers that he met by running , with all his force , his Head against theirs . Thus proceeded Theseus in the punishment of evil men , who underwent the same torments from him , which they had inflicted upon others ; justly suffering after the manner of their own injustice . As he went forward on his Journey , and was come as far as the River Cephisus some of the race of the Phytalidoe met him and saluted him , and upon his desire to use the purifications , then in custom , they perform'd them with all the usual Ceremonies , and having offer'd propitiatory Sacrifices to the Gods , they invited him and entertain'd him at their House , who before in all his Journey had not met the like civility . On the eighth day of June which was then call'd Cronius he arriv'd at Athens , where he found the publick affairs full of all confusion , and divided into Parties and Factions , Aegeus also and his whole private Family labouring under the same distemper ; for Medea , having fled from Corinth , and promis'd Aegeus to make him , by her Art , capable of having Children , was entertain'd by him and admitted to his Bed ; she had the first knowledge of Theseus , whom as yet Aegeus did not know , and he being in years , full of jealousies and suspicions , and fearing every thing by reason of the Faction that was then in the City , she easily perswaded him to poison Theseus at a Banquet to be prepar'd for him as a civility to a Stranger . He coming to the Entertainment thought it not fit to discover himself first , but being willing to give his Father the occasion of first finding him out ; the meat being on the Table he drew his Sword as if he design'd to cut with it , Aegeus upon the sudden , perceiving the Token , threw down the Cup of poison , and discovering his Son embrac'd him , and having gather'd together all his Citizens , he own'd him publickly before them , who receiv'd him with great satisfaction for the fame of his Greatness and Bravery : and 't is said that when the Cup fell , the poison was spilt there where now is the enclosure in the Delphinian Temple , for in that place stood Aegeus's House , and the Statue of Mercury on the East side of the Temple is call'd the Mercury of Aegeus his Gate . Now the Sons of Pallas , who before were quiet , upon hopes and expectation of recovering the Kingdom , at least after Aegeus's death , who was without Issue , as soon as Theseus appear'd , and was acknowledg'd the Successour to the Crown , highly resenting that Aegeus first , an adopted Son onely of Pandion , and not at all related to the Family of Erectheus , shou'd obtain the Kingdom , and that after , Theseus , one of another Country again , and a stranger , shou'd obtain the Crown , broke out into an open War. And dividing themselves into two Companies , one part of them march'd openly from Sphetta with their Father against the City , the other , hiding themselves in the Village of Gargettus , lay in ambush with a design to set upon the Enemy on both sides : They had with them a Cryer of the Town of Agnus , nam'd Leo , who discover'd to Theseus all the designs of the Pallantidae : He immediately fell upon them that lay in Ambuscade and cut 'em all off ; which Pallas and his company hearing fled and were dispersed . From hence they say is deriv'd the custom among the Palleneans to have no marriages or any alliance with the people of Agnus , nor to suffer their Cryers to pronounce in their Proclamations these words , solemnly us'd in all other parts of the Country , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ( Hear ye People ) so great is their hatred to the very name of Leo for the foulness of his Treason . Now Theseus , longing to be in action , and withall desirous to make himself popular , left Athens to fight with the Bull of Marathon ; which did no small mischief to the inhabitants of Tetrapolis . And having overcome it , he brought it alive in triumph through the City , and afterwards sacrific'd it to Apollo . And as to what concerns Hecale and the story of her receiving and entertaining Theseus in this expedition , it seems to be not altogether void of truth ; for from hence the people round about , meeting upon a certain day , offer'd a Sacrifice , which they call'd Hecalesium , to Jupiter Hecalion , in honour of Hecale , whom , by a diminutive name , they call'd Hecalene , because she , ( as the custom of ancient people is , ) shew'd her affection to Theseus by such diminutive names : and having made a vow to Jupiter for him as he was going to the fight , that if he return'd in safety , she wou'd offer Sacrifices in thanks of it , and dying before he came back , she receiv'd this return of her hospitality by the command of Theseus , as Philochorus relates the story . Not long after arrived the third time from Crete the collectours of the Tribute which the Athenians paid 'em upon the following occasion . Androgeus having been treacherously murther'd about the confines of Attica , not onely Minos put the Athenians to extreme inconveniences by a perpetual War , but the Gods also laid waste their Country ; for both Famine and Pestilence lay heavy upon 'em , and even their Rivers were dried up . But being told by the Oracle , that if they appeas'd and reconcil'd Minos , the anger of the Gods wou'd cease , and they shou'd enjoy rest from the miseries they labour'd under ; they sent Ambassadours , and , with much supplication , were at last reconcil'd , having entred into an agreement to send to Crete the space of nine years a Tribute of seven young Men and as many Virgins , as the general Writers agree ; and the most tragical story that goes about concerning this matter says , that the Minotaure destroy'd them , or that they wandring in the Labyrinth , and finding no possible means of getting out , miserably ended their lives there . And that this Minotaure was ( as Euripides hath it ) A mingled form , where two strange shapes combin'd ; And different Natures , Bull and Man were joyn'd . But Philochorus writes that the Cretans will by no means allow the truth of this , but say that the Labyrinth was onely an ordina●y Prison having no other ill in it , than that it secur'd the Prisoners from escaping , and that Minos , having instituted Games in honour of Androgeus , gave as a reward to the Victors those that till that time had been prisoners in the Labyrinth . And that the first that overcame in those Games was one of the greatest power and command among 'em nam'd Taurus , a man of no mercifull or sweet disposition , but that carried himself towards the Athenians that were made his prize in a most proud and insolent manner ; and even Aristotle himself in the account that he gives of the Government of the Bottieans , is manifestly of an opinion that these youth were not slain by Minos , but that they spent the remainder of their days in slavery at Crete ; and that the Cretans , to acquit themselves of an ancient Vow which they had made , were us'd to send an Offering of the first fruits of their Men to Apollo of Delphos , and that some descendants of these Athenian Slaves were mingled with 'em and sent amongst 'em ; and of these they that were not able to get their living there remov'd from thence , first into Italy , and inhabited the Country round about Japygia ; from thence again that they remov'd to Thrace and were nam'd Bottieans , and that this is the reason why in a certain Sacrifice the Bottiean Women sing a Hymn beginning thus Let us go to Athens . And from this that it appear'd how dangerous it was to incurr the hatred of a City that was Mistress of Eloquence and a Muse . For Minos was always ill spoken of , and represented ever as a very ill man upon the Athenian Stages , neither did Hesiod at all help him when he calls him The most Royal Minos , nor Homer when he styles him The Companion of Jupiter . But the Tragedians prevailing made him alway appear from the Stage as a cruel and inhumane Prince . But that really Minos was a very good King and Law-giver , and that Rhadamanthus was a Judge under him and a preserver of the Statutes that he ordain'd . Now when the time of the third Tribute was come , and that the Fathers who had any young men for their Sons were to proceed by lot to the choice of those that were to be sent , there arose fresh discontents and accusations against Aegeus among the people , who were full of grief and indignation , that he , who was the cause of all their miseries , was the onely person exempt from the punishment ; but settling his Kingdom upon a Bastard and a foreign Son , took no notice of them whom he left destitute and without Children . These things very sensibly affected Theseus , who thinking it but just not to avoid , but rather partake of , the sufferings of his fellow Citizens , offer'd himself for one without any lot ; all the rest admiring him for the greatness of his Spirit and loving him for his care of the publick : and Aegeus , after all his prayer and intreaty , finding him inflexible and not to be perswaded , proceeded to the choosing of the rest by lot . But Helanicus writes that the Athenians did not send the young Men and Virgins as they were chosen by lot , but that Minos himself coming thither made his own choice , and that he pitch'd upon Theseus before all others , upon conditions agreed between 'em , that the Athenians shou'd furnish 'em with a Ship , and that the young men that were to sail with him shou'd carry no weapon of War ; but that if the Minotaure was destroy'd , this Tribute shou'd cease . The two former times of the payment of the Tribute there appearing no hopes of safety or return , they sent forth the Ship with a black Sail , as to unavoidable destruction : but now Theseus encouraging his Father , and speaking greatly of himself , as confident that he shou'd kill the Minotaure , he gave the Pilot another Sail which was White , commanding him as he return'd , if Theseus escap'd , to make use of that , but if not to sail with the Black one , and to hang out that sign of his misfortune and sorrow . But Simonides says that the Sail which Aegeus deliver'd to the Pilot was not White but Purple dyed in Grain , with the Flower of a certain Tree , commanding him to hang out this as a sign of their escape . Amarsyadas Phereclus , as Simonides writes , was Pilot of the Ship. But Philochorus says that Theseus had a Pilot sent him by Scirus , from Salamis , nam'd Nausitheus , and another Sailor , nam'd Phaeax , they as yet not applying themselves to Navigation ; and that Scirus did this because one of the young men , Menesthes , was his Nephew , and this the Monuments of Nausitheus and Phaeax , built by Theseus near the Temple of Sciron , witness . He adds also that the Feast nam'd Cybernesia was instituted in their honour . The lot being cast , and Theseus having receiv'd out of the Prytenaeum those upon whom it fell , he went to the Delphinean Temple , and made an Offering to Apollo for their safe return , which was a Bough of a consecrated Olive Tree bound about with white Wool. Having thus perform'd his Devotion he went to Sea , the sixth day of March , on which day even till this time the Athenians send their Virgins to the same Temple to make supplication to the Gods. It is farther reported that he was commanded by the Oracle at Delphos to make Venus his guide , and to invoke her as the Companion and Conductress of his Voyage , to whom as he was sacrificing a she Goat by the Sea side it was suddenly chang'd into a He , and for this cause that Goddess had the name of * Epitragia . When he arriv'd at Crete , as most of the ancient Historians as well as Poets write , having a Clew of thred given him by Ariadne , who had faln in love with him , and being instructed by her the use of it , which was to conduct him through all the windings of the Labyrinth , he escap'd out of it and slew the Minotaure , and sail'd back , taking along with him Ariadne and the young Athenian Captives . Pherecydes adds that he bored holes in the Keels of the Cretan Ships to hinder their pursuit . And Demon writes that Taurus , the chief Captain of Minos , was slain in a naval Combat by Theseus in the mouth of the Haven , immediately before he set sail for Athens . But Philochorus gives us the Story thus . That at the setting forth of the yearly Game by King Minos , Taurus , who they thought would certainly bear away the prize from all as he had done before , laboured under the envy of all Crete . For his power grew grievous and insupportable by reason of the insolence of his manners , and besides he had been accus'd of two near a familiarity with Pasiphae the Queen : Which was the reason that , when Theseus desir'd the Combat , Minos so easily comply'd . And as it was a custom in Crete that the Ladies also should be admitted to the sight of these Games , Ariadne , being present , was strangely surpris'd at the manly beauty of Theseus , and struck with admiration with the vigour and address which he shew'd in the Combat , overcoming all that encountred with him . Minos too being extremely pleas'd with him , especially because he had engag'd and overthrown Taurus , voluntarily gave up the young Captives to Theseus , and remitted the Tribute to the Athenians . But Clidemus gives an account of these things peculiar to himself , very prolix and beginning a great way off . That it was a Decree consented to by all Greece , that no Vessel from any place containing above five persons should be permitted to sail , Jason onely excepted , who was made Captain of the great Ship Argo to sail about and scour the Sea of Pyrates . But Daedalus , having escap'd from Crete , and flying by Sea to Athens , and Minos , contrary to this Decree , pursuing him with his great Ships , was forc'd by a storm upon Sicily , and there ended his life . After his decease , Deucalion his Son , desiring a quarrel with the Athenians , sent to them , commanding that they should deliver up Daedalus to him , threatning , upon their refusal , to put to death all the young Athenians which his Father had receiv'd as Hostages from the City . To this angry Message Theseus return'd a very gentle and mild Answer , excusing himself that he could not deliver up Daedalus , who was so nearly related to him , being his Cousin Germain ; for his Mother was Merope , the Daughter of Erectheus . In the mean while he secretly prepar'd a Navy , part of it at home near the Village of the Thymaetades , being a place of no resort and far from any common Roads , the other part by his Grandfather Pittheus's permission , he caus'd to be built and fitted out at Troezene , that so his design might be carried on with the greatest secrecy . As soon as ever his Fleet was in readiness he set sail , and none of the Cretans having any knowledge of his coming , but imagining , when they saw his Fleet , that they were Friends , and Vessels of their own , he soon made himself master of the Haven , and immediately making a descent farther into the Island , and having with him Daedalus and the other Fugitives for his Guides , he arriv'd at Cnossus , the City of the King's residence , before any notice of his coming before the Gates of the Labyrinth , and in a short skirmish put Deucalion and all his Guards to the Sword. The Government by this means falling to Ariadne , he made a League with her , and receiv'd the Captives of her , and ratify'd a perpetual Friendship between the Athenians and the Cretans , whom he engag'd under an Oath never again to make War with Athens . There are yet many other reports about these things , and as many concerning Ariadne , but none of any certainty or truth . For some relate that she hang'd her self being deserted by Theseus . Others that she was carry'd away by his Sailors to the Isle of Naxos , and married to Onarus , one of the Priests of Bacchus , and that Theseus left her because he fell in love with another 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . For Aegle 's love had pierc'd his manly Breast . For this Verse , as Hereas the Megarian witnesseth , was formerly in the Poet Hesiod's Works , but put out by Pisistratus , in like manner as he added this other in Homer's description of Hell , to gratifie the Athenians , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Theseus , Pirithous , both Sons of Gods. Others report that Ariadne had two Sons by Theseus , Oenopion and Staphylus , and among these is the Poet Ion , of Chios , who writes thus of his own native City 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Built by Oenopion the great Theseus 's Son. But all that the Poets have sung of these matters , or that Fables have made more famous than ordinary , every body ( as I may say ) hath it in his mouth . But Paeon the Amathusian , has set forth a different relation of these things that has somewhat peculiar in it . For he writes that Theseus , being driven by a Storm upon the Isle of Cypros , and having aboard with him Ariadne , big with Child , and extremely discompos'd with the rowling of the Sea , set her on Shore , and left her there alone in that weak condition , to return to and help the Ship , where , on a sudden , by a violent Wind , he was again forc'd out to Sea. That the Women of the Island receiv'd Ariadne very kindly , and administred all manner of comfort to her , that was extremely afflicted and almost dead with grief for being left behind . That they counterfeited kind Letters and deliver'd them to her , as sent from Theseus , and , when she fell in Labour , were very diligent in performing to her all the offices that belong to Women . But that she dy'd in Child-bed before she could be deliver'd , and was by them honourably interr'd . That soon after Theseus return'd , and was greatly afflicted for her loss , and at his departure left a considerable sum of money among those of the Island , ordering them to sacrifice and pay divine honour to Ariadne ; and caused two little Images to be made and dedicated to her , one of Silver and the other of Brass . Moreover that on the second day of September , which is sacred to Ariadne , they have this Ceremony among their Sacrifices , to have a youth lye in , and with his voice and gesture counterfeit all the pains of a Woman in Travail ; and that the Amathusians call the Grove in which they shew her Tomb the Grove of Venus Ariadne . Different yet from this account some of the Naxians write , that there were two Minos's and two Ariadne's , one of which , they say , was married to Bacchus , in the Isle of Naxos , and bore a Son nam'd Staphylus . But that the other , of a later age , was ravished by Theseus , and being afterwards deserted by him , retir'd to Naxos , with her Nurse Corcyna , whose Grave they yet shew . That this Ariadne also dy'd there , and was worship'd by the Island , but in a different manner from the former ; for her day is celebrated with Feasts , and Revels and an universal Joy : but all the Sacrifices perform'd to the latter are mingled with sorrow and mourning . Now Theseus , in his return from Crete , put in at Delos , and having sacrific'd to the God of the Island , and dedicated to the Temple the Image of Venus , which Ariadne had given him , he danc'd with the young Athenians a Dance , that , in memory of him , is still preserv'd among the Inhabitants of Delos , which in a certain order had turnings and returnings that imitated the intricate windings of the Labyrinth . And this Dance , as Dicaearchus writes , is call'd among the Delians , The Crane . This he danc'd round the Ceratonian Altar , so call'd from its being compacted together and adorn'd onely with Horns taken from the left side of the Head. They say also that he instituted Games in Delos , where he was the first that began the custom of giving a Palm to the Victors . When they were come near the coast of Attica , so great was the joy for the happy success of their Voyage that , neither Theseus himself , nor the Pilot , remembred to hang out the Sail which should have been the token of their safety to Aegeus , who , knowing nothing of their success , for grief threw himself headlong from a Rock and perish'd in the Sea. But Theseus being arriv'd at the Port of Phalera , paid there the sacrifices which he had vow'd to the Gods at his setting out to Sea , and sent a Herald to the City to carry the news of his safe return . At his entrance into the City the Herald found the people for the most part full of grief for the loss of their King , others , as may be well believ'd , as full of joy for the message that he brought , and wholly bent to make much of him and crown him with Garlands for so acceptable news ; which he indeed accepted of , but hung them upon his Heralds staff ; and thus returning to the Sea side before Theseus had finish'd his libation to the Gods , he stay'd without , for fear of disturbing the holy Rites ; but as soon as the Sacrifice was ended he entred and related the whole story of the King's Death : upon the hearing of which , with great lamentations and a confused tumult of grief they ran with all haste to the City . And from hence , they say , it comes that at this day , in the Feast Oscophoria the Herald is not crown'd but his staff , and that the People then present still break out at the Sacrifice into this shout , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( eleleu , iou , iou ) of which confus'd sounds the first was wont to be used by men in haste , or at a triumph , the other is proper to those that are in great consternation or trouble . Theseus , after the Funeral of his Father , paid his Vows to Apollo the seventh day of October ; for on that day the Youth that return'd with him safe from Crete made their entry into the City . They say also that the custom of boyling Pulse at this Feast is deriv'd from hence , because the young men that escap'd , put all that was left of their provision together , and boiling it in one common Pot feasted themselves with it , and with great rejoycing did eat all together . Hence also they carry about an Olive branch bound about with Wool ( such as they then made use of in their supplications ) which they call Eiresione , crown'd with all sorts of Fruits , to signifie that scarcity and barrenness was ceas'd ; singing in their Procession this Song , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Eiresione Figs produce , And wholsome Bread and cheerfull Oil , And Honey , labouring Bees sweet toil , But above all Wines noble juyce , Then Cares thou in the Cup shalt steep , And full of joy receive soft sleep . Although some hold opinion that this Ceremony is retain'd in memory of the Heraclidae , who were thus entertain'd and brought up by the Athenians . But most are of the opinion which we have above deliver'd . The Ship wherein Theseus and the Youth of Athens return'd had thirty Oars , and was preserv'd by the Athenians down even to the time of Demetrius Phalareus , for they took away the old Planks as they decay'd , putting in new and stronger Timber in their place , insomuch that this Ship became a standing Example among the Philosophers , when-ever they disputed about things that encrease , one side holding , That the Ship remain'd the same , and the other as fiercely contending that it was not the same . The Feast call'd Oscophoria , or the Feast of Boughs , which to this day the Athenians celebrate , was then first instituted by Theseus . For he took not with him the full number of Virgins , which by lot were to be carri'd away , but selected two Youths , with whom he had an intimate familiarity , of fair and womanish faces , but of a manly and forward spirit , and having by frequent Baths , and avoiding the heat and scorching of the Sun , with a constant use of all the Oyntments , and Washes , and Dresses , that serve to the adorning of the Head , or smoothing the Skin , or improving the Complexion , in a manner chang'd them from what they were before , and having taught them further to counterfeit the very voice , and carriage , and gate of Virgins , so that there could not be the least difference perceiv'd , he undiscover'd by any , put them into the number of the Athenian Maids design'd for Crete . At his return he and these two Youths led up a solemn Procession , with Boughs and Vine-branches in their hands , and in the same habit that is now worn at the celebration of the Feast of Boughs . These Branches they carri'd in honour of Bacchus and Ariadne , for the sake of their Story before related ; or rather because they happen'd to return in Autumn , the time of gathering the Grapes . The Women whom they call Deipnophorae , or Supper-carriers , are taken into these Ceremonies , and assist at the Sacrifice , in remembrance and imitation of the Mothers of the young Men and Virgins upon whom the lot fell , for thus busily did they run about bringing Banquets and Refreshments to their Children , and because the good Women then told their Sons and Daughters a great many fine Tales and Stories , to comfort and encourage them under the danger they were going upon , it has still continu'd a Custom , that at this Feast , old Fables and Tales should be the chief Discourse . And for all these Particularities we are beholden to the History of Demon . There was then a Place chose out , and a Temple erected in it to Theseus , and those Families out of whom the Tribute of the Youth was gather'd , were obliged to pay a Tax to the Temple for Sacrifices to him . And the House of the Phytalidae , had the overseeing of these Sacrifices , Theseus doing them that Honour in recompence of their former Hospitality . Now after the death of his Father Aegeus , framing in his mind a great and wonderful design , he gather'd together all the Inhabitants of Attica into one Town , and made them one People of one City , that were before dispers'd , and very difficult to be assembled upon any Affair , tho' relating to the common benefit of them all . Nay , often such Differences and Quarrels happen'd between them , as occasion'd Bloud-shed and War ; these he by his Perswasions appeas'd , and going from People to People and from Tribe to Tribe , propos'd his design of a common agreement between them . Those of a more private and mean condition readily embracing so good advice , to those of greater Power and Interest he promis'd a Commonwealth , wherein Monarchy being laid aside , the power should be in the People , and that , reserving to himself only to be continued the Commander of their Arms , and the Preserver of their Laws , there should be an equal distribution of all things else between them , and by this means brought them over to his Proposal . The rest fearing his Power , which was already grown very formidable , and knowing his courage and resolution , chose rather to be perswaded than forc'd into a Compliance . He then dissolv'd all the distinct Courts of Justice , and Council-Halls , and Corporations , and built one common Prytaneum and Council-Hall , where it stands to this day ; and out of the old and the new City he made one , which he nam'd Athens , ordaining a common Feast and Sacrifice to be for ever observ'd , which he call'd Panathenaea , or the Sacrifice of all the United Athenians . He instituted also another Sacrifice , for the sake of Strangers that would come to fix in Athens , call'd * Metaecaea , which is yet celebrated on the 16th . day of June . Then , as he had promis'd , he laid down his Regal Power , and settled a Common-wealth , entring upon this great change , not without advice from the Gods. For having sent to consult the Oracle of Delphos , concerning the Fortune of his new Government and City , he receiv'd this Answer : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hear , Theseus , Pittheus Daughters Son , Hear what Jove for thee has done . In the great City , thou hast made , He has , as in a Store-house , laid The settled Periods and fixt Fates Of many Cities , mighty States . But know thou neither Fear nor Pain , Solicit not thy self in vain . For , like a Bladder that does ' bide The fury of the angry Tide , Thou from high Waves unhurt shall bound , Always tost but never drown'd . Which Oracle , they say , one of the Sibyls long after did in a manner repeat to the Athenians , in this Verse : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Bladder may be wet , but never drown'd . Farther yet designing to enlarge his City , he invited all Strangers to come and enjoy equal Priviledges with the Natives , and some are of opinion that the common form of Proclamation in Athens , Come hither all ye People , were the words that Theseus caused to be proclaim'd , when he thus set up a Commonwealth , consisting , in a manner , of all Nations . Yet he suffer'd not his State , by the promiscuous Multitude that flow'd in , to be turn'd into Confusion , and be left without any order or degree , but was the first that divided the Commonwealth into three distinct Ranks , the Noblemen , the Husbandmen , and Artificers . To the Nobility he committed the choice of Magistrates , the teaching and dispensing of the Laws , and the interpretation of all holy and Religious things ; the whole City , as to all other Matters , being as it were reduc'd to an exact Equality , the Nobles excelling the rest in Honour , the Husbandmen in Profit , and the Artificers in Number . And Theseus was the first , who , as Aristotle says , out of an inclination to Popular Government parted with the Regal Power , and which Homer also seems to witness in his Catalogue of the Ships , where he gives the Name of People , to the Athenians only . He then coyned Money , and stamp'd it with the Image of an Ox , either in memory of the Marathonian Bull , or of Taurus whom he vanquish'd , or else to put his People in mind to follow Husbandry , and from this Coin came the expression so frequent among the Greeks , of a thing being worth ten or a hundred Oxen. After this he joyned Megara to Attica , and erected that famous Pillar in the Streights of Peloponnesus , which bears an Inscription of two lines , shewing the bounds of the two Countreys that meet there . On the East-side the Inscription is thus : This is not Peloponnesus but Ionia . And on the West-side thus : This is Peloponnesus , not Ionia . He also instituted annual Games , in emulation of Hercules , being ambitious , that as the Greeks by that Hero's appointment celebrated the Olympian Games to the Honour of Jupiter , so by his institution they should celebrate the Isthmian Games to the Honour of Neptune . For those that were there before observ'd , dedicated to Melicerta , were perform'd privately and in the night , and consisted rather of Religious Ceremonies , than of any open Spectacle or publick Feast . But some there are who say , that the Isthmian Games were first instituted in memory of Sciron , at the Expiation which Theseus made for his Murder , upon the account of the nearness of kindred which was between them , Sciron being the Son of Canethus and Heniocha , the Daughter of Pittheus ; tho' others write , that Sinnis and not Sciron was their Son , and that to his Honour and not to the others these Games were ordain'd by Theseus ; and Hellanicus and Andro of Halicarnassus write , that at the same time he made an agreement with the Corinthians , that they should allow them that came from Athens to the celebration of the Isthmian Games , as much space to behold the Spectacle in , as the Sayl of the Ship that brought them thither stretcht to its full extent could cover , and that in the first and most honourable Place . Concerning the Voyage that he made in the Euxine Sea , there are different Relations ; for Philochorus and some others write , that he undertook this Expedition with Hercules , offering him his Service in the War against the Amazons , and had Antiope given him for the reward of his Valour : but others , as Pherecydes , Hellanicus and Herodorus write , that he made this Voyage many years after Hercules , with a Navy under his own Command , and took the Amazon Prisoner ; and indeed this seems to come nearest the truth , for we do not read that any other of all those that accompani'd him in this Action , took any Amazon Prisoner . Different from the former , Bion writes , that he stole her away by deceit , and fled ; for the Amazons ( he says ) being naturally Lovers of Men , were so far from flying from Theseus when he touch'd upon their Coasts , that they entertain'd him with great civility , and sent him Presents to his Ship ; but he having invited Antiope , who brought them , to come aboard , immediately set Sayl and carri'd her away . Menecrates , that wrote the History of Nicaea in Bithynia , adds , that Theseus having Antiope aboard his Vessel , cruised for some time about those Coasts , and that there were in the same Ship three young Noblemen of Athens , that accompani'd him in this Voyage , all Brothers , whose Names were Euneus , Thoas , and Soloon . The last of these fell desperately in Love with Antiope , but conceal'd it with all possible care ; only to one of his most intimate acquaintance he reveal'd the Secret , and employ'd him to break his passion to Antiope ; she rejected his pretences with a very sharp denial , yet carri'd her self to him with all outward appearances of Civility , and very prudently made no complaint to Theseus of any thing that had happen'd ; but Soloon , urg'd by despair , leap'd into a River near the Sea-side , and drowned himself . As soon as Theseus was acquainted with his Death , and his unhappy Love that was the cause of it , he was extreamly concern'd , and in the heighth of his grief , an Oracle which he had formerly receiv'd at Delphos , came into his mind ; for he had been commanded by the Priestess of Apollo Pythius , that where-ever in his Travels he was most sorrowful , and under the greatest affliction , he should build a City there , and leave some of his Followers to be Governours of the Place . For this cause he there founded a City , which he call'd from the Name of Apollo , Pythopolis , and in honour of the unfortunate Youth , he nam'd the River that runs by it , Soloon , and left the two surviving Brothers entrusted with the care of the Government and Laws , joyning with them Hermus , one of the Nobility of Athens , from whom a certain Place in the City is call'd , The House of Hermus ; tho' by an error in the accent of the word , it has been falsly taken for the House of Hermes , or Mercury , and the Honour that was design'd to the Heroe , transferr'd to the God. And this was the rise and ground of the Amazonian War , a War of no small consequence , or in which the Athenians might think they had to do with Cowards or Women . For it is impossible that they should have plac'd their Camp in the very City , and joyn'd Battel in the middle of it , near the Temple of the Muses , unless having first conquer'd the Country round about , they had without any delay or fear mov'd boldly on to Athens . That they made so long a Journey by Land , and passed an Arm of the Cimmerian Bosphorus that was frozen , as Hellanicus writes , is difficult to be believ'd . This is certain , that they encamp'd in the City , and may be sufficiently confirm'd by the Names that the Places thereabout yet retain , and the Graves and Monuments of those that fell in the Battel . Both Armies now being in sight , there was a long pause and doubt on each side which should give the first Onset : At last Theseus having sacrific'd to Fear , in obedience to the Command of an Oracle he had receiv'd , gave them Battel ; and this happen'd in the Month of August , in which to this very day the Athenians celebrate the Feast , that is nam'd from that Month wherein this Battel was fought . But Clidemus , desirous to be very nice in each particular of this Affair , writes , that the left Wing of the Amazons mov'd towards the Place which is yet call'd Amazonium , and the right to a Place call'd Pnyx , near Chrysa , upon which the Athenians , issuing from behind the Muses Temple , fell upon them ; and that this is true , the Graves of those that were slain , to be seen in the Street that leads to the Gate call'd Piraica , by the Temple of the Hero Chalcodus , are a sufficient proof . And here it was that the Athenians were routed , and shamefully turn'd their backs to Women , as far as to the Temple of the Furies . But fresh supplies coming in from Palladium , Ardettus , and Lyceum , charg'd their right Wing , and beat them back into their very Tents , in which Action a great number of the Amazons were slain . At length , after four months , a Peace was concluded between 'em by the mediation of Hippolyta , ( for so this Historian calls the Amazon which Theseus marri'd , and not Antiope ) tho' others write that she was slain with a Dart by Molpadia , fighting by Theseus side , and that the Pillar which stands by the Temple at the entring into the Olympian ground , was erected to her Honour . Nor is it to be wonder'd that the History of things so very ancient , should be so various and uncertain . It is farther said , that those of the Amazons that were wounded , were privately sent away by Antiope to Chalcis , where many by her care recover'd , but those that dy'd were buri'd in the Place that is to this time call'd Amazonium . That this War was ended by a mutual League and Agreement , is evident both from the Name of the Place adjoyning to the Temple of Theseus , call'd from the solemn Oath there taken , Horcomosium , and also from the ancient Sacrifice which is celebrated to the Amazons , the day before the Feast of Theseus . The Megarians pretend also that some of the Amazons were buried in their City , and shew for one of their Monuments , a Tomb in the figure of a Lozenge , in the passage from the Market-place to a Place call'd Rhus . It is said likewise , that others of 'em were slain near Chaeronea , and buried near a little Rivulet , formerly call'd Thermodon , but now Haemon , of which I have formerly wrote in the Life of Demosthenes . It appears further , that the Passage of the Amazons through Thessaly was not without opposition , for there are yet to be seen many of their Sepulchres near Scotussaea and Cynocephalae . And this is as much as is worthy the Relation , concerning the Amazons . For the account which the ancient Author of a Poem call'd Theseis , gives us , of this Invasion of the Amazons , how that Antiope , to revenge her self upon Theseus , for refusing her and marrying Phaedra , came down upon the City with her Train of Amazons , was defeated , and had most of her Followers slain by Hercules , is manifestly nothing else but Fable , and the Invention of a Poet. It is true indeed that Theseus marri'd Phaedra , but that was after the death of Antiope , by whom he had a Son call'd Hippolytus , or , as Pindar writes , Demophoon . As to the Calamities which befel both Theseus and his Son , since none of the Historians have contradicted the Tragick Poets that have written of them , they are altogether to be receiv'd for truths , as they are deliver'd from the Stage . There are also other Reports concerning the Marriages of Theseus , the beginnings of which were neither honourable , nor their events fortunate , which yet were never represented in the Grecian Plays . He forc'd Anaxo , the Traezenian ; having slain Sinnis and Cercyon , he ravish'd their Daughters ; he marri'd Peribaea the Mother of Ajax , and then Pheribaea , and then Jope the Daughter of Iphicles . Further he is accus'd for deserting Ariadne , ( as is before related ) being in Love with Aegle the Daughter of Panopeus , an action neither just nor honourable . And lastly for the Rape of Helen , which fill'd all Attica with War and Blood , and was in the end the occasion of his Banishment and Death , as shall hereafter be related . Herodorus is of opinion , that tho' there were many famous Expeditions undertaken by the bravest and most honourable Captains of his Time , yet Theseus never made One amongst them , nor appear'd in any great and publick Action ; once only excepted , when he joyn'd with the Lapithae in their War against the Centaurs : but others say that he accompani'd Jason to Colchos , and Meleager to the slaying of the Calydonian Boar , and that hence this came to be a Proverbial Speech , Not without Theseus . Also that Theseus without any aid of the Heroes of his Time , did himself perform very many and very great Exploits , and that from the high esteem the World set upon his Valour , it grew into a Proverb , This is another Theseus . He was also very instrumental to Adrastus , in recovering the Bodies of those that were slain before Thebes , but not , as Euripides in his Tragedy says , by force of Arms , but by perswasion and mutual agreement and composition , for so the greater part of Historians write ; nay , Philochorus adds farther , that this was the first Treaty that ever was made for the recovering and burying the Bodies of the dead ; tho' the History of Hercules says , that he was the first that ever gave leave to his Enemies to carry off the Bodies of their slain . The Burying-places of the Common Souldiers are yet to be seen in the Village call'd Eleutherae , and those of the Commanders at Eleusis , where Theseus allotted them a Place for their Interment , to oblige Adrastus . And that the dead Bodies were thus recover'd , Aeschylus is Witness in his Tragedy call'd the Eleusinians , where Theseus himself is brought in relating the Story as it is here told , which quite overthrows what Euripides writes on this Subject , in his Play call'd The Suppliants . The extraordinary and so much celebrated Friendship between Theseus and Peirithous , is said to have been thus begun . The Fame of the matchless Strength and Valour of Theseus being spread through all Greece , Peirithous was enflam'd with a desire to be satisfi'd , and make a tryal himself of what he had heard so much by Report ; to this end he seized a Herd of Oxen which belong'd to Theseus , and was driving them away from Marathon , when News was brought that Theseus pursu'd him in Arms ; upon which , disdaining to fly , he turn'd back and went on to meet him . But as soon as ever they had view'd one another , each so admir'd the Gracefulness and Beauty , and was seiz'd with such a Reverence for the Bravery and Courage of the other , that they forgat all thoughts of Fighting ; and Peirithous first stretching out his hand to Theseus , bade him be Judge in this Case himself , and promis'd to submit willingly to what-ever he demanded , in satisfaction for the injury he had done . But Theseus not only forgave him all the damages he had sustain'd , but entreated him to be his Friend and Brother in Arms ; and there immediately they swore an inviolable friendship to each other . After this Perithous married Deidamia , and invited Theseus to the Wedding , entreating him to come and see his Countrey , and enter into alliance with the Lapithae ; he had at the same time invited the Centaurs to the Feast , who growing hot with Wine began to be very insolent and lewd , and offer'd violence to the Women , which so enrag'd the Lapithae , that they took immediate revenge upon them , slaying many of them upon the Place ; and afterwards having overcome them in Battel , drove the whole Race of them out of their Countrey , Theseus all along taking their part , and fighting on their side . But Herodotus gives a different Relation of these things . That Theseus came not to the assistance of the Lapithae till the War was already begun , and that it was in this Journey that he had the first sight of Hercules , having made it his business to find him out at Trachine , where he had chosen to rest himself after all his wandrings and his labours , and that this Enterview was honourably perform'd on each part with extream Civility , Respect and Admiration of each other . Yet it is more credible what other Historians write , that there were before frequent Enterviews between them , and that it was by the means of Theseus that Hercules was initiated and admitted to the Ceremonies of the Goddess Ceres , having , by his intercession also , been first purifi'd , upon the account of several rash Actions of his former Life . Theseus was now fifty years old , as Hellanicus reports , when he ravish'd Helen , who was very young , and not of Age to be marri'd . Wherefore some Writers , to take away this Accusation of one of the greatest Crimes that is laid to his charge , say , that he did not steal away Helen himself , but that Idas and Lynceus were the Ravishers , who brought her to him , and committed her to his charge , and that therefore he refus'd to restore her at the demand of Castor and Pollux ; or , according to others , that her own Father Tyndarus sent her to be kept by him , for fear of Enarsphorus the Son of Hippocoon , who would have carri'd her away by force when she was yet a Child . But the most probable Relation , and that which has most Witnesses on its side , is this : Theseus and Peirithous went both together to Sparta , and having seiz'd the young Lady as she was dancing in the Temple of Diana Orthia , fled away with her . There were presently Men in Arms sent to pursue the Ravishers , but they followed the pursuit no farther than to Tegea ; and Theseus and Peirithous being now out of danger , having escap'd out of Peloponnesus , made an agreement between themselves , that he to whom the lot should fall , should have Helen to his Wife , but should be oblig'd to be ready with his assistance to procure another for his Friend . The lot fell upon Theseus , who convey'd her to Aphidnae , not being yet marriageable , and deliver'd her to one of his Allies call●d Aphidnus , and having sent his Mother Aethra after to take care of her Education , desir'd him to keep them so secretly , that none might know where they were . Which done , to return the same service to his Friend Peirithous , he accompani'd him in his Journey to Epirus , in order to steal away the King of the Molossians Daughter . This King , his own Name being Aidoneus or Pluto , call'd his Wife and his Daughter , Proserpina , and a great Dog which he kept , Cerberus , with whom he order'd all that came as Suitors to his Daughter to fight , and promis'd her to him that should overcome the Beast . But having been inform'd , that the design of Peirithous his coming was not to court his Daughter , but to force her away , he caused them both to be seized , and threw Peirithous to be torn in pieces by his Dog , and clapt up Theseus into Prison , and kept him in Chains . About this time , Menestheus , the Son of Peteus , who was great Grandson to Erectheus , the first Man that is recorded to have affected Popularity , and ingratiated himself with the Multitude , stirr'd up and exasperated the most eminent Men of the City , who had long born a secret grudge to Theseus , and possest them with a belief that Theseus had taken from them their several little Kingdoms and Lordships , that so having pent them all up in one City , he might use them as his Subjects and Slaves . He put also the meaner sort into no small Commotion , by accusing them sharply , that being deluded with a meer dream of Liberty , tho' indeed they were depriv'd both of that , and of their Countreys and their Temples , instead of many good and gracious Kings of their own , they had given themselves up to be lorded over by a New comer and a Stranger . Whilst he was thus busi'd in infecting the minds of the Citizens , the War that Castor and Pollux brought against Athens , came very opportunely to further the Sedition he had been promoting , and some say that he by his perswasions was wholly the cause of their invading the City . At their first approach they committed no acts of Hostility , but peaceably demanded their Sister Helen ; but the Athenians returning answer , that they knew not where she was dispos'd of , they prepar'd to assault the City ; when Academus ( by what means he came to the knowledge of it , is uncertain ) discover'd to them that she was secretly kept at Aphidnae . For which Reason he was both extreamly honour'd during his Life by Castor and Pollux , and the Lacedaemonians , when in after-times they made several Incursions into Attica , and destroy'd all the Countrey round about , spar'd the Academy for his sake . But Dicaearchus writes , that there were two Arcadians in the Army of Castor and Pollux , the one call●d Echedemus , and the other Marathus ; from the first that which is now call'd the Academy , was then nam'd Echedemia , and the Village Marathon had its Name from the other , who according to the Oracle willingly offer'd up himself a Sacrifice for the prosperous success of the Army . As soon as the Lacedaemonians were arriv'd at Aphidnae , they first overcame their Enemies in a set Battel , and then assaulted it , and took the Town . And here , they say , Alycus , the Son of Sciron , was slain on the Lacedaemonians side , from whom a Place in Megara , where he was buri'd , is call'd Alycus to this day . And Hereas writes , that it was Theseus himself that kill'd him , in witness of which he cites these Verses concerning Alycus : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And Alycus on fair Aphidna 's Plain , By Theseus in the Cause of Helen slain . Tho' it is not at all probable , that Theseus himself was there when both the City and his own Mother were taken . Aphidnae being now won by Castor and Pollux , and the whole City of Athens being in great Consternation , Menestheus perswaded the People to open their Gates , and receive them with all manner of Civility and Friendship , who , he told them , design'd no violence or injury to any but Theseus , who had first done them wrong , but were Benefactors and Saviours to all Mankind beside . And their behaviour to the conquer'd gave credit to what Menestheus promis'd ; for having made themselves absolute Masters of the Place , they demanded no more than to be initiated in the Ceremonies of the Goddess Ceres , since they were as nearly related to their City as Hercules was , who had receiv'd the same Honour . This their Desire they easily obtain'd , and were adopted by Aphidnus , as Hercules had been by Pylius . They were honour'd also like Gods , and were call'd by a new Name Anaces , either from the * cessation of the War , or from the singular care they took that none should suffer any injury , tho' there was so great an Army within the Walls of the City , for the Phrase ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) signifies as much , from whence it is likely that Kings were call'd Anactes . Others say , that from the appearance of their Star in the Heavens , they were thus call'd , for in the Attick Dialect this Name comes very near the words * that signifie Above . Some say that Aethra , Theseus his Mother , was here taken Prisoner , and carri'd to Lacedaemonia , and from thence went away with Helen to Troy , alledging this Verse of Homer , to prove that she waited upon Helen : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Aethra of Pittheus born ; and Clymene . Others reject this Verse as none of Homers , as they do likewise the whole Fable of Munychus , who , the Story says , was the Son of Demophoon and Laodice , and was brought up privately by Aethra at Troy. But Istrus in the 13th . Book of his Attic History , gives us an account of Aethra , different yet from all the rest : That after the Fight , wherein Achilles and Patroclus overcame Paris in Thessaly , near the River Sperchius , Hector sack'd and plunder'd the City of the Troezenians , and took Aethra Prisoner there . But this seems to be an absurd and groundless Tale. Now it happen'd that Hercules passing once by the Countrey of the Molossians , was entertain'd in his way by Aidoneus the King , who in Discourse accidentally fell upon a Relation of the Journey of Theseus and Peirithous into his Dominions , and what they had design'd to do , and what they were forc'd to suffer . Hercules was extreamly concern'd for the inglorious Death of the one , and the miserable condition of the other : As for Peirithous , he thought it but in vain to expostulate with the King concerning his being put to Death ; but Theseus being yet kept in Prison , he begg'd to have him releas'd for his sake , and obtain●d that Favour from the King. Theseus being thus set at liberty , return'd to Athens , where his Friends were not yet wholly suppress'd , and dedicated to Hercules all the Temples which the City had erected to himself , changing their Names from Thesea to Heraclea , four only excepted , as Philochorus writes . And now designing to preside in the Commonwealth , and manage the State as before , he soon found himself fall'n into a Nest of Faction and Sedition ; he discover'd that those who of a long time had hated him , had now added to their hatred of his Person a contempt of his Authority ; and seeing the minds of the People so generally corrupted , that , instead of obeying with silence and submission what-ever was commanded , they expected to be flatter'd and sooth'd into their duty , he had some thoughts to have reduc'd them by force , but by the prevalence of the Faction , and continual Disorders , he was deterr'd from the Attempt . And at last despairing of any good success of his Affairs in Athens , he sent away his Children privately to Eubaea , commending them to the care of Elephenor the Son of Chalcodus ; and he himself having solemnly curs'd the People of Athens , in the Village of Gargettus , in which there yet remains the Place call'd Araterion , or the Place of Cursing , sail'd to Scyrus , where he had Lands left him by his Father , and , as he perswaded himself , a great Friendship with all those of the Island . Lycomedes was then King of Scyrus , Theseus therefore addressed himself to him , and desir'd to have his Lands put into his possession , as designing to settle and to dwell there , tho' others say , that he came to beg his assistance against the Athenians . But Lycomedes , being either jealous of the Glory of so great a Man , or to gratifie Menestheus , having led him up to the highest Cliff of the Island , on pretence of showing him from thence the Lands that he desir'd , threw him headlong down from the Rock , and kill'd him . But others say , he fell down of himself by an unfortunate slip of his Foot , as he was walking there after Supper according to his usual custom . At that time there was no notice taken , nor were any concern'd for his Death , but Menestheus quietly possess'd himself of the Kingdom of Athens . His Sons were brought up in a private condition , and accompani'd Elephenor to the Trojan War , but after the decease of Menestheus , who dy'd in the same Expedition , they return'd to Athens , and recover'd the Government to themselves . But in succeeding Ages there were several remarkable Accidents , that mov'd the Athenians to honour Theseus as a demy-God . For in the Battel which was fought at Marathon against the Medes , many of the Souldiers saw an Apparition of Theseus all in Arms fighting in the head of them , and rushing on upon the Barbarians . And after the Median War , Phaedo being Archon of Athens , the Athenians consulting the Oracle at Delphos , were commanded to gather together the Bones of Theseus , and laying 'em in some honourable Place , keep them as sacred in the City . But it was very difficult to recover these Reliques , or so much as to find out the Place where they lay , by reason of the inhospitable and savage temper of the barbarous People that inhabited the Island . But afterwards when Cimon took the Island , ( as is related in his Life ) and had a great desire to find out the Place where Theseus was buried , he by chance spy'd an Eagle upon a rising ground pecking it with her Beak , and tearing up the Earth with her Talons , when on the sudden it came into his mind , as it were by some divine Inspiration , to dig there , and search for the Bones of Theseus . There was found in that Place a Coffin of a Man of more than ordinary size , and the head of a brass Lance , and a Sword lying by it , all which he took aboard his Gally , and brought with him to Athens . The Athenians having notice of this , went out to meet and receive the Reliques of this great Man in a splendid and pompous Procession , and did sacrifice to them , and were as much transported , as if Theseus himself was return'd alive to their City . After that they interr'd them in the middle of the City , near the Place where the Youth perform their Wrestlings , and other Exercises of Body . His Tomb is a Sanctuary and Refuge for Slaves , and all those of mean condition , that fly from the Persecution of Men in Power , in memory that Theseus while he lived , was an Assister and Protector of the Distress'd , and never refus'd the Petitions of the Afflicted , that fled to him for Succour and Defence . The chief and most solemn Sacrifice which they celebrate to him , is kept on the 8th . day of October , in which he return'd with the Athenian young Men from Crete . Besides which they sacrifice to him on the 8th . day of every Month , either because he return'd from Traezene the 8th . day of June , as Diodorus the Geographer writes , or else thinking that number of all others to be most proper to him , because he was reputed to be born of Neptune , for they sacrifice to Neptune on the 8th . day of every Month ; for the Number Eight being the first Cube of an even Number , and the double of the first Square , seemed to be an Emblem of the stedfast and immoveable Power of this God , who from thence has the Names of Asphalius and Gaeiochus , that is , the Establisher and Stayer of the Earth . ROMULUS . portrait M Burghers delin . et sculp . THE LIFE OF ROMULUS . English'd from the Greek , By Mr. James Smalwood , Fel. of Trin. Col. in Cambridge . Volume I. BY whom , and for what reason , the City of * Rome , a Name so great in glory , and famous in the mouths of all men , was so first call'd , Authors do not agree . Some are of opinion that the Pelasgians , after they had over-run the greater part of the habitable World , and subdued most Nations , fix'd themselves here , and from their own great strength in War [ which is the signification of the word in Greek ] call'd the City Rome . Others that after the taking of Troy , some few that escap'd the Enemy , fortunately meeting with Shipping , put to Sea , and being driven upon the Coasts of Thuscany , came to an Anchor off from the mouth of the River Tyber , where , their Women being miserably tir'd and harass●d by the toilsomness of the Voyage , it was propos'd by one whose Name was Roma , a Person of the best Quality , and seemingly of the best Understanding too amongst em , to burn the Ships : Which being done , the Men at first were very much offended at it ; but afterwards , of necessity , seating themselves near Palatium , where things in a short while succeeded far better than they could hope , in that they found the Countrey very good , and the People courteous , they not only did the Lady Roma all other great Honours , but they added this also , of calling the City they had built after her Name . From this , they say , came that Custom at Rome for Women to salute their Kinfmen and Husbands with Kisses , because these Women after they had burnt the Ships , did make use of such like Allurements to pacifie their Husbands , and allay the displeasure they had conceiv'd . * Some say , that Roma , from whom this City was so call'd , was Daughter of Italus and Leucaria ; others , of Telephus , Hercules's Son , who was married to Aeneas ; others again , of Ascanius , Aeneas's Son. But then some say , Romanus , the Son of Vlysses and Circe , built it ; some that Romus , the Son of Emathion , whom Diomede sent from Troy ; and others that it was founded by Romus , King of the Latines , that drove out the Thuscans , who came originally from Thessaly into Lydia , and from thence into those Parts of Italy . Nay , those very Authors , who by the clearest Reasons make it appear , that * Romulus gave Name to that City , do yet strangely differ concerning his Birth and Family : For some write , he was Son to Aeneas and Dexithea , Daughter of Phorbas , who with his Brother Remus , in their Infancy , was carried into Italy , and being on the River when the Waters were very rough , all the Ships were cast away except only that where the young Children were , which being safely landed on a level Bank of the River , they were both unexpectedly sav'd , and from them the Place was call'd Rome . Some say , Roma , Daughter of that Trojan Lady who was married to Latinus , Telemachus's Son , was Mother to Romulus ; others , that Aemilia , Daughter of Aeneas and Lavinia , had him by the God Mars ; and others give you little less than meer Fables of his Original . As to Tarchetius , King of Alba , who was a most wicked and cruel Man , appear'd in his own House a strange Vision , which was the Figure of a Man's Yard , that rose out of a Chimney-hearth , and stay'd there for many days . Whereupon the Oracle of Tethys in Thuscany being consulted , the result of it was that some young Virgin should accept of its Court , and she should have a Son famous in his Generation , eminent for Vertue , good Fortune , and strength of Body . Tarchetius told the Prophecy to one of his own Daughters , and commanded her to entertain the Lover ; but she slighting the Matter , put her Woman on the execution of it . Tarchetius hearing this , in great indignation imprison'd the Offenders , purposing to put 'em to death ; but being deterr'd from Murder by the Goddess Vesta in a Dream , enjoyn'd them for their punishment the working a piece of Cloth , in their Chains as they were , which when they finish'd , they should be suffer'd to marry ; but what-ever they work'd by day , Tarchetius commanded others to unravel in the night . In the mean time the Waiting-woman was deliver'd of two Boys , whom Tarchetius gave into the hands of one Teratius , with strict Command to destroy 'em ; but he expos'd 'em to Fortune by a River-side , where a Wolf constantly came and suckled 'em , and the Birds of the Air brought little morsels of Food , which they put into their mouths ; till a Neat-herd spying 'em , was first strangely surpriz'd , but venturing to draw nearer , took the Children up in his arms . This was the manner of their preservation , and thus they grew up till they set upon Tarchetius , and overcame him . This Promathion says , that writ the History of Italy ; but Diocles Peparethius deliver'd first amongst the Graecians the most principal Parts of the History that has most credit , and is generally receiv'd ; him Fabius Pictor in most things follows . Yet here too are still more Scruples rais'd : As for Example ; The Kings of Alba descending lineally from Aeneas , the Succession devolv'd at length upon two Brothers , Numitor and Amulius . Amulius to divide things into two equal shares , put in equivalency to the Kingdom all the Treasury and Gold that was brought from Troy. Numitor chose the Kingdom ; but Amulius having the Money , and being able to do more with that than Numitor , he both with a great deal of ease took his Kingdom from him , and withal fearing lest his Daughter might have Children , made her a Vestal Nun , in that condition for ever to live a single and Maiden Life . This Lady some call'd * Ilia , others Rhea , and others Sylvia ; however not long after she was , contrary to the establish'd Laws of the Vestals , discover'd to be with Child , and should have suffer'd the most cruel punishment , had not Antho , the King's Daughter , mediated with her Father for her ; nevertheless she was confin'd , and debarr'd all humane conversation , that she might not be deliver'd without his knowledge . In time she brought forth two Boys , extraordinary both in the bigness and beauty of their Bodies : Whereupon Amulius becoming yet more fearful , commanded a Servant to take and cast 'em away ; this Man some call Faustulus ; others say , Faustulus was the Man who brought them up ; who-ever the Servant was , he put the Children in a small Trough , and went towards the River with a design to cast them in ; but seeing the Waters flow , and pouring in mighty surges upon him , he fear'd to go nigher , but dropping the Children near the Bank , went himself off ; the River overflowing , the Flood at last bore up the Trough , and gently wafting it , landed 'em on a very pleasant Plain , which they now call * Cermanum , formerly Germanum , perhaps from Germani , which signifies Brothers . Near this Place grew a wild Fig-tree , which they call'd Ruminalis , either from Romulus , ( as it is vulgarly thought ) or from * Ruminating , because Cattel did usually in the heat of the day seek Cover under it , and there chew the Cud ; or chiefly from the suckling of these Children there ; for the Ancients call'd the Dug or Teat of any Creature , Ruma , and the tutelar Goddess of all young Children they still call * Rumilia , in sacrificing to whom they made no use of Wine , but Milk. While the Infants lay here , History tells us , a she-Wolf nurs'd 'em , and a little * Wood-pecker constantly fed and foster'd 'em ; these Creatures are esteem'd holy to the God Mars , and for the Woodpecker , the Latines still egregiously worship and honour it . Whence it was not altogether incredible what the Mother of the Children said , that she conceiv'd with Child by the God Mars , tho' they say that mistake was put upon her by Amulius himself , being by him robb'd of her Honour , who appear'd to her all in Armour , and so committed a Rape upon her Body . Others think the first rise of this Fable came from the Childrens Nurse , purely upon the ambiguity of a word ; for the Latines not only call'd Wolves , Lupae , but also lewd and prostitute Women : And such an one was the Wife of Faustulus , who nurtur'd these Children , Acca Laurentia by Name ; to her the Romans offer Sacrifices , and to her in the Month April the Priest of Mars does offer up a special Libation , and they call it the Laurentian Feast ; they honour also another Laurentia much upon the like occasion ; as thus : The Keeper of Hercules's Temple having , it seems , little else to do , propos'd to his Deity a Game at Dice , laying down , that if he himself won , he would have something valuable of the God , but if he was beaten , he would spread him a noble Table , and procure withal a fair Lady to lye with him . Upon these terms , reckoning first the Chances that were thrown for the God , and then for himself , he found plainly he had lost : nevertheless being willing Matters should be adjusted , and thinking it honest to stick to the Proposals he made himself , he both provided the Deity a good Supper , and feeing Laurentia , who was a fine Creature , tho' not as yet a fam'd Beauty , treated her in the Temple , where he had also laid a Bed , and after Supper lock'd her in , as if the God were really to enjoy her ; and indeed it is said , the Deity did truly bed the Lady , and commanded her in the Morning to walk the Streets , and whatever Man she met first , him to salute , and make her Friend . The Man she met was by Name Tarrutius , far stricken in years , but of a competent subsistence , without Children , and had always liv'd a single Life : This Man * knew Laurentia , and lov'd her well , and at his death left her sole Heir of all his large and fair Possessions , most of which she in her last Will and Testament bequeath'd to the People . It was reported of her , being now a celebrated Beauty , and esteem'd the Mistress of a God , that she suddenly disappear'd near the Place where the first Laurentia lay buried ; the Place is at this day call'd * Velabrum , because , the River frequently overflowing , they went over in Ferry-boats much about this Place to the Market , which manner of Waftage the Latines call Velatura ; others derive the Name from Velum a Veil , because the Exhibiters of publick Shews , generally making their Procession from the Market-place to the Circus maximus [ or common Shew-place ] did always veil that space between . Upon these accounts is the second Laurentia so highly honour'd at Rome . The Children all this while Faustulus , Amulius's Neat-herd , educated privately from the knowledge of all Men ; but , as some say , and with the greatest likelihood too , Numitor was conscious all along to the thing , and made Allowances under-hand to their Tutors ; for it is said , they were at Gabii well instructed in Letters , and all other Accomplishments befitting their Birth and Quality . The reason of their Names ( Romulus and Remus ) was , as you find it in Story , because they were seen * sucking of the Wolf. In their very Infancy , the noble structure of their Bodies presently discover'd the natural greatness of their Minds and Thoughts ; and when they grew up , they both prov'd of great Bravery and Manhood , attempting all Enterprizes that seem'd hazardous , and shewing still a Courage altogether undaunted . But Romulus seem'd rather to excel in Wisdom , and to have an Understanding more adapted to politick Affairs , in his Life and Conversation amongst his Neighbours , both in feeding his Flock , and managing his Dogs for Hunting , raising a great opinion in all , that he was born rather to rule and govern than be a Subject . To their Comrades , nay Inferiors , they were affable and courteous ; but the King's Servants , his Bayliffs and Overseers , as being in nothing better Men than themselves , they despis'd and slighted , nor were the least concernd at their commands and menaces . They us'd honest Pastimes , and liberal Studies , esteeming Sloth and Idleness not to be commendable , but rather Exercises , as Hunting and Running , catching of Robbers , taking of Thieves , and delivering the wrong'd and oppressed from injury . Upon this account they became famous . Now there happening a Quarrel betwixt Numitor's and Amulius's Neatherds , the latter not enduring the driving away of their Cattel by the others , fell foul upon them , and put 'em to flight , and rescued withal the greatest part of the prey . At which Numitor being highly incens'd , they little regarded it , but reunited their Forces , and picking up a great many needy Fellows and Servants , began a seditious and mutinous Riot ; and Romulus employing himself then at a Sacrifice , ( for he was a lover of holy Ceremonies and Prophecies ) Numitor's Neat-herds meeting with Remus , upon a small Journey he was making , fell upon him , and some few Blows and Wounds passing between them , took Remus Prisoner , who being carried before Numitor , and there accus'd of Misdemeanors , he would not punish him himself , fearing his Brother might be angry , but went to him , and desir'd Justice might be done him , as he was his Brother , and was affronted by his Servants . The Men of Alba likewise resenting the thing ill , and thinking the Man dishonourably us'd , Amulius was induced to deliver Remus up into Numitor's hands , to use him as he thought fit . He therefore took and carried him home , and being struck with admiration of the Youth's Person , in proportion and strength of Body exceeding all Men , and perceiving in his very Countenance the courage and presence of his Mind , which stood undaunted and unshaken in his present Calamities , and hearing farther all the Enterprises and Actions of his Life , were answerable to what he saw of him , but chiefly ( as it seem'd ) God influencing and directing the Instruments of great Works , he having a desire and opportunity to enquire into the truth of him , in gentle terms and with a kind aspect raising a confidence and hope in him , ask'd him , Who he was , and whence he was deriv'd . He taking heart , spoke thus : I will , Sir , hide nothing from you , for you seem to be of a more Princely temper than Amulius , in that you give a hearing , and examine fairly , before you punish , but he condemns before the Cause is heard . First then , We ( for we are Twins ) thought our selves the Sons of Faustulus and Laurentia , the King's Servants ; but since we have been accus'd , and aspers'd with Calumnies , and brought in peril of our Lives here before you , we hear great things of our selves , the truth whereof will appear from the issue of this danger we are in . Our Birth is said to have been miraculous , our fostering and nurture in our Infancy still more strange ; by Birds and Beasts , to whom we were cast out , by them were we fed , that is , by the Milk of a Wolf , and the small morsels of a Woodpecker , as we lay in a little Trough by the side of a River ; the Trough is now in being , and is preserv'd with brass plates round it , and an Inscription in old obscure Characters on it , which may prove hereafter but very insignificant tokens to our Parents , when we are dead and gone . Numitor , upon these words , and recollecting the time too , according to the young Man's Looks , slighted not the hope that flatter'd him , but took care how to come at his Daughter privately , ( for she was still kept under restraint ) to talk with her concerning these Matters . Faustulus hearing Remus was taken , and deliver'd up , begg'd Romulus to assist in his rescue , informing him then plainly of the Particulars of his Birth , not but he had before given him some hints of it , and told him as much as an attentive Man might make no small Conclusions from it ; he himself , full of Concern , and fear of not coming in time , took the Trough , and ran instantly to Numitor ; but giving a suspicion to some of the King's Centry at his Gate , and being gaz'd upon by 'em , and perplex'd with their impertinent Questions , could not but discover the Trough under his Cloak ; now by chance there was one among 'em who was at the exposing of the Children , and was one imploy'd in the Office ; he seeing the Trough , and knowing it by its Make and Inscription , guess'd at the business , and without farther delay telling the King of it , brought in the Man to be examin'd . In these many and great Distractions , Faustulus neither approv'd himself altogether undaunted , neither was he wholly forc'd out of all : He confess'd indeed the Children were alive , but liv'd a great way from Alba ; that he himself was going to carry the Trough to Ilia , who had often greatly desir'd to see and handle it , for a confirmation of the hopes of her Children . As Men generally do , who are troubled in mind , and act either in fear or passion , it so fell out Amulius now did ; for he sent in all haste a Messenger , both otherwise an honest Man , and a sure Friend to Numitor , with commands to enquire of Numitor , whether any tidings had come to him of the Children , as if they were in being ; now the Man being come , and seeing how little Remus wanted of being receiv'd into the Arms and Embraces of Numitor , he both strengthned the belief of his hope , and advis'd withal to recover Matters with all expedition ; and he himself clos'd with 'em , and acted joyntly ; the strictness of time , tho' they had been desirous , did not suffer them to demur . For Romulus was now drawn very near , and many of the Citizens out of fear and hatred of Amulius , revolted to his side ; besides he brought great Forces with him , divided into Companies , consisting each of an 100 Men , every Captain carrying a small bundle of Grass and Shrubs tyed to a Pole ; the Latines call such bundles , Manipuli , and from hence it is that in their Armies they call their Captains , Manipulares ; Rhemus gaining upon the Citizens within , and Romulus making Attacks from without , the Tyrant not knowing either what to do , or what Expedient to think of for his security , in that Amazement and Distraction , was taken and put to death . These are for the most part the Relations of Fabius and Diocles Peparethius , ( who I think is the first that writes of the building of Rome ) which some suspect are only fabulous and made Stories ; but they ought not wholly to be disbeliev'd , if Men would consider Fortune , what strange things it sometimes brings about , and take an estimate of the Actions of the Romans , how improbable it is they could arrive at this Greatness , had they not some miraculous Original , attended with great and extraordinary Circumstances . Amulius now being dead , and Matters quietly dispos'd , the two Brothers would neither dwell in Alba without governing there , nor were they willing to take the Government into their own hands , during the Life of their Grandfather . Having therefore deliver'd the Dominion up into his hands , and paid their Mother such Respects as their Duty oblig'd 'em to , * they resolv'd to live by themselves , and build a City in the same Place where they were in their Infancy brought up ; for this was the most specious pretence they could make , of their departure ; tho' perhaps it was necessary , so many shoals of Slaves and Fugitives continually flocking to 'em , either to be totally dissolv'd , by dispersing them , or else to plant a Colony elsewhere with 'em ; for that the Inhabitants of Alba did not think Fugitives worthy of being receiv'd and incorporated Citizens among them , first plainly appear'd , from the Adventure upon their Women , which really was not attempted out of any violent lust , but deliberately , purely out of want and necessity of lawful Wives , whom they afterwards extreamly lov'd and honour'd . Not long after the first foundation of the City , they opened a Sanctuary of Refuge for all Fugitives , which they call'd the Temple of the God Asylaeus , where they receiv'd and protected all , delivering none back , either the Servant to his Master , the Debtor to his Creditors , or the Murtherer into the hands of the Magistrate , saying , it was a priviledg'd Place , and they could so maintain it by an Order of the Holy Oracle ; insomuch that the City grew presently very populous , for they say , it consisted at first of no more than a 1000 Houses : But of that hereafter . Their minds being fully bent upon Building , there arose presently a difference about the Place where . Romulus he built a Square of Houses , which he call'd Rome , and would have the City be there ; Remus laid out a piece of Ground on the Aventine Mount , well fortified by nature , which was from him call'd Remonius , but now Rignarius ; concluding at last to decide the Contest by a Divination from a flight of Birds , and placing themselves apart at some distance , to Remus , they say , appear'd six Vulturs , to Romulus double the number ; others say , Remus did truly see his number , and that Romulus feign'd his , but when Remus came to him , that then he did indeed see twelve . Hence it is that the Romans in their Divinations from Birds , do chiefly regard the Vultur , tho' Herodorus Pontius relates , that Hercules was always very joyful when a Vultur appear'd to him upon any Action , for it is a Creature the least hurtful of any , pernicious neither to Corn , Plants , or any Cattel ; it preys only upon Carrion , and never kills or hurts any living thing ; and as for Birds , it touches not them tho' they are dead , as being of its own Species , whereas Eagles , Owls , and Hawks , prey upon all their own fellow-Creatures ; but Eschylus says , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; What Bird is clean that preys on 's fellow-Bird ? Besides , All other Birds we see ( as the saying is ) every day , and they occur continually to our senses , but a Vultur is a very rare sight , and you shall seldom meet with a Man can tell you how they breed , insomuch that the rarity and unfrequency of 'em has rais'd an absurd opinion in some , that they come to us from some other certain Countreys , as Soothsayers judge , what-ever happens preternaturally or inspontaneously , to be sent from God. When Remus knew the Cheat , he was much displeas'd ; and as Romulus was casting up a Ditch , where he design'd the foundation of the City-Wall , some pieces of the Work he turn'd to ridicule , others he trampled on and spurn'd at ; at last as he was in contempt skipping over the Work , some say , Romulus himself stroke him ; others , that Celer , one of his Companions : however there fell Remus ; in that Scuffle also was Faustulus slain , and Plistinus , who being Faustulus's Brother , Story tells us , help'd to bring up Romulus : Celer upon this fled instantly into Thuscany , and from him do the Romans call all Men that are swift of foot , Celeres ; and because Quintus Metellus , at his Father's Funeral , in a few days time gave the People a Shew of Sword-playing , they admiring his expedition , gave him the Name of Celer . Romulus , having buried his Brother Remus , together with his two Foster-fathers , on the Mount Remonius , fell a building his City ; and sent for Surveyors out of Thuscany , who directed him in all the Ceremonies to be observ'd , and instructed him , by drawing of Schemes , how every thing should be done . First , They dug a Trench round that which is now the Comitium , or Hall of Justice , and into it did they solemnly throw the First-fruits of all things , either good by Custom , or necessary by Nature ; lastly , every Man taking a small Turf of Earth of the Countrey from whence he came , they all threw 'em in promiscuously together . This Trench they call'd Mundus , ( the whole World ) making which their Center , they design'd the City in a Circle round it . Then the Founder fitted to a Plow a brazen Plow-share , and yoking together a Bull and a Cow , drew himself a deep Line or Furrow round the Bounds ; the business of them that follow'd after , was to see what-ever Earth was thrown up , should be turn'd all inwardly towards the City , and not to slip a Clod that fell outwards . With this Line did they describe the Wall , all within which were the Territories of the City , which they call'd Pomaerium , from Post murum , or Pone maenia , by the cutting off or changing some Letters ; where they design'd to make a Gate , there they lifted up the Plow , and left a space for it ; whereupon they esteem the whole Wall as holy , only where the Gates are ; for had they adjudged them also sacred , they could not , without offence to Religion , have had a free ingress and egress for the Necessaries of humane Life , some whereof are in themselves unclean . As for the day they began to build the City , 't is confess'd of all hands to be the 21st . of April , and that day the Romans do anniversarily keep holy , calling it their Countreys Birth-day ; at first , they say , they sacrificed no living Creature on this day , thinking it very decent and behoveful to celebrate the Feast of their Countreys Birth-day purely , and without the stain of blood ; nevertheless before the City was ever built , there was a Feast of the Herdsmen and Shepherds kept on this day , which went by the Name of Palilia . But now the Roman and Graecian Months have little or no Analogy ; these say , the day Romulus began to build was infallibly the 30th . of the month , at which time there was an Eclipse of the Moon , which happen'd in the 3d. year of the 6th . Olympiad , which the Graecians imagine Antimachus the Teian Poet saw . In the Times of Varro the Philosopher , a Man very well read in Roman History , liv'd one Tarrutius , his familiar Friend and Acquaintance , both a good Philosopher and a skilful Mathematician , and one too that out of curiosity of Speculation , had studied the way of drawing Schemes and Tables , and seem'd to be excellent in the Art ; to him Varro propounded to cast Romulus's Nativity , even to the first day and hour , and to make his Deductions from the several Events of the man's Life which he should be inform'd of , as the solutions of Geometrical Problems do require ; for it belongs to the same Science both to foretel a man's Life , by knowing the time of his Birth , and also to find out his Birth by the knowledge of his Life . This Task Tarrutius undertook , and first looking into the Actions and Casualties of the man , together with the time of his Life and manner of his Death , and then comparing all these Remarks together , he very confidently and positively pronounc'd , that Romulus was conceiv'd in his Mothers Womb , the first year of the 2d . Olympiad , the 23d . day of the month the Aegyptians call Chaeac , ( which may be said to answer our December ) and the 3d. hour after Sun-set ; that he was born the 21st . day of the month Thoch , ( which is September ) about Sun-rising ; and that the first Stone of Rome was laid by him the 9th . day of the month Pharmuthi , ( April ) between the 2d . and 3d. hour ; for , as to the Fortune of Cities , as well as Men , they think they have their certain periods of Time prefix'd , which may be collected and foreknown from the Positions of the Stars at their first foundation . These and the like Relations may perhaps rather take and delight the Reader with their Novelty and Extravagancy , than offend him because they are fabulous . The City now being built , all that were of Age to bear Arms , Romulus listed into military Companies , each Company consisting of 3000 Footmen and 300 Horse . These Companies were call'd * Legions , because they were the choicest and most select of the People for Fighting-men ; the rest of the Multitude he call'd [ Populus ] the People . An hundred of the most eminent Men he chose for his Counsellors ; these he styl'd Patricians , and the whole Body of 'em , the Senate , which signifies truly a * Consistory of venerable old Men. The Patricians , some say , were so call'd , because they were the Fathers of honest and lawful Children ; others , because they could give a good account who their Fathers were , which every one of the Rabble that pour'd into the City at first could not do ; others , from Patrocinium , a Patronage , by which they meant an Autority over the common People , and do still , attributing the origine of the word to Patronus , one of those that came over with Evander , a Man signal for being a protector and defender of the weak and needy : But perhaps the most probable Judgement might be , that Romulus esteeming it the duty of the chiefest and wealthiest men , with a fatherly care and concern to look after the meaner , and withal encouraging the Commonalty not to dread or be aggriev'd at the Honours of their Superiors , but with all good will to make use of 'em , and to think and call 'em their Fathers , might from hence give them the Name of Patricians . For at this very time all Foreigners style those that sit in Council , Lords and Presidents ; but the Romans making use of a more honourable and less invidious Name , call them , Patres Conscripti ; at first indeed simply Patres , but afterwards , more being added , Patres Conscripti ; and by this honourable Title was the Senate distinguish'd from the Populacy ; the rest of the wealthier sort he distinguish'd from the common People , by calling Them Patrons , and These their Clients , by which means he created a wonderful Love and Amity betwixt 'em , which begat great justice in their dealings . For They were always their Clients Councellors in litigious Cases , their Advocates in Judgements , in fine , their Advisers and Overseers in all Affairs what-ever . These again faithfully serv'd their Patrons , not only paying them all respect and deference , but also , in case of Poverty , helping them to place their Children , and pay off their Debts ; and for a Patron to witness against his Client , or a Client against his Patron , that no Law nor Magistrate could enforce ; but in after-Times , all other Offices of Equity continuing still between 'em , it was thought a base and dishonourable thing , for the better sort to take Money from their Inferiors . And so much of these Matters . In the 4th . month , after the City was built , ( as Fabius writes ) the Adventure of stealing Women was attempted ; and , some say , Romulus himself , being naturally a Martial man , and predispos'd too perhaps by some certain Oracles , as if the Fates had ordain'd the future growth and greatness of Rome should depend upon the benefit of War , did begin to use violence to the Sabins , and that he took away only 30 Virgins , rather to give an occasion of War , than out of any want of Women ; tho' this is not very probable , but rather that he observing his City presently fill'd by a Confluence of Foreigners , few of whom had Wives , and that the Multitude in general , consisting of a mixture of mean and obscure Creatures , fell under contempt , and seem'd to be of no long continuance together , and hoping farther , after the Women were appeas'd , to make this Injury in some measure an occasion of Confederacy and mutual Commerce with the Sabines , took in hand this Exploit after this manner : First he gave it out , as if he had found an Altar of a certain God hid under ground ; the God they call'd Consus , or the God of Council , ( for they still call a Consult , Consilium , and their chief Magistrates , Consules , namely Counsellors ) this God is Neptune , the Inventer of Horse-riding ; for the Altar is kept cover'd in the greater Cirque or Tilt-yard at other times , only at Horse-racing then it appears to publick view ; and some say , it was not without reason , that this God had his Altar hid under ground , because all Councils ought to be secret and conceal'd . Upon discovery of this Altar , Romulus by Proclamation appointed a day for a splendid Sacrifice , and for publick Games and Shews , to entertain all sorts of People , and many flock'd thither , he himself sate uppermost , amidst his Nobles , clad in Purple . Now the Sign of their falling on was to be , whenever he rose and gather'd up his Robe , and threw it over his Body ; his Men stood all ready arm'd , with their eyes intent upon him , and when the Sign was given , drawing their Swords , and falling on with a great shout , ravish'd away the Daughters of the Sabines , they themselves flying without any let or hindrance ; they say , there were but 30 taken , and from them were the Tribes or Parishes nam'd , but Valerius Antias says , 527. Jubas , 683 Virgins , which was the greatest excuse Romulus made , that they had taken never a married Woman save one only , Hersilia by Name , and her too unknowingly , which was a means of their reconciliation , for hence it appear'd , they did not for an affront or injury commit this Rape , but with a design purely to joyn Families , and unite with 'em upon the greatest and surest Bonds . This Hersilia , some say , Hostilius married , a most eminent Man among the Romans ; others , Romulus himself , and that she bare two Children to him , a Daughter , who by reason of Primogeniture was call'd Prima , and one only Son , whom from the great concourse of Citizens to him at that time , he call'd Aollius , but after-Ages , Abillius . But these things Zenodotus the Trazaenian writes , which are contradicted by many . Among those who committed this Rape upon the Virgins , there were , they say , as it so then happen'd , some of the meaner sort of Men , who were carrying off a Damsel , far excelling all both in beauty and comeliness of Stature , whom , when * some Gentlemen that met 'em , attempted to take her from 'em , they cried out , they were carrying her to Talasius , a young Man indeed , but a brave and worthy Person ; hearing that , they commended and applauded them highly , insomuch that some turning back , accompanied them with great joy and gladness , shouting and extolling the Name of Talasius . Hence do the Romans to this very time at their Weddings sing Talasius for their Nuptial word , as the Greeks do Hymenaeus , because , say they , this Lady proved a fortunate and happy Match to him . But Sextius Sylla the Carthaginian , a Man wanting neither Learning nor Ingenuity , told me , Romulus gave this word as a Sign when to begin the Onset ; every body therefore who made prize of a Virgin , cried out , Talasius , and for that Reason the Custom continues so now at Marriages . But most are of opinion , ( of whom Jubas particularly is one ) this word was us'd to new married Women , by way of admonishment and incitement to good Huswifery , the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifying Spinning , and the Italian words not being then mix'd with the Greek . But if this be not false , and the Romans did at that time use the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as we Graecians do , a Man might fancy a more probable Reason of the Custom . For when the Sabines , after the War against the Romans , were reconcil'd , Conditions were made concerning their Women , that they should be obliged to do no other servile Offices to their Husbands but what concern'd Spinning ; it was customary therefore ever after at Weddings , for those that gave the Bride , or led her , or for any one else present , sportingly to say Talasius , intimating thereby , how she was now brought to no other Servitude but what was in Spinning . Moreover it is a Custom at this very day , for the Bride of her self not to enter her Husband's Threshold , but to be lifted over , in memory that the Sabine Virgins were carried in by violence , and would not enter freely . Some say too , the Custom of parting the Brides Hair with the head of a Spear , was in token their Marriages began at first by War , and Acts of Hostility ; of which I have spoken more fully in my Book of Questions . This Rape was committed the 18th . day of the month Sextilis , which is now August , on which the Solemnities of the Consualia are kept . The Sabines were a numerous and martial People , but liv'd in small unfortified Villages , as it became them , who were a Colony of the Lacedaemonians , to be naturally of great courage , and fear nothing ; nevertheless seeing themselves by great Hostages bound up to their good behaviour , and being solicitous for their Daughters , they sent Ambassadors to Romulus with fair and equitable Requests , that he would return their young Women , and retract that act of Violence , and afterwards in all Reason and Equity establish a friendly and neighbourly correspondence between both Nations . But Romulus would not part with the young Women , yet proposed to the Sabines to enter into an alliance with 'em ; upon which Point some consulted and demurr'd long , but Acron King of the Ceninenses , a Man of great Courage , and well experienced in War , who had all along a jealousie of Romulus's bold Attempts , and considering particularly from this Exploit upon the Women , he would grow formidable to all People , and indeed insufferable , were he not chastised , was the first that rose up in Arms , and with a powerful Army made head against him . Romulus like-wise prepared t● receive him ; but when they came within sight , and viewed each other , they made a Challenge to fight a single Duel , the Armies standing unconcerned by ; hereupon Romulus prayed and made a Vow to Jupiter , if he did conquer his Enemy , to dedicate his Adversary's Armour to his Honour ; upon which he both overcame him in Combat , and after Battel was joyn'd , routed his Army also , and then took his City , but did those he found in it no injury , only commanded them to demolish the Place , and attend him to Rome , there to be made Citizens equally capable of all Priviledges : and indeed there was nothing did more advance the Greatness of Rome , than that she did always unite and incorporate whom she conquer'd into her self . Romulus , that he might perform his Vow in the most acceptable manner to Jupiter , and withal make the Pomp of it delightful to the eye of the City , cut down a tall Oak which he saw growing in the Camp , which he adorn'd like a Trophy , and fasten'd thereon Acron's whole Suit of Armour , in its right symmetry of Parts ; then he himself girding his Garment about him , and crowning his Head with a Laurel-Garland , his Hair gracefully flowing , carried the Trophy lying at length upon his right Shoulder , and so march'd on , singing Songs of Triumph , and his whole Army following after , the Citizens all receiving him with Acclamations of Joy and Wonder ; the Pomp of this day was the cause , and rais'd the Emulation of all after-Triumphs . This Trophy was dedicated to Jupiter sirnamed Feretrius , from ferire , which in Latin is to smite ; for Romulus pray'd he might smite and overthrow his Enemy . These Opima spolia , or royal Spoyls , are so call'd ( says Varro ) from their Richness , which the word Opes signifies ; the one would more probably conjecture from Opus , a Deed or Act ; for when the General of an Army with his own hand kills his Enemy's General , to him alone is granted the Honour of offering the Opima spolia , as being the sole performer of that Act or Deed of Bravery . And on three only of the Roman Captains did this Honour ever happen to be conferr'd : First on Romulus , upon killing Acron the Ceninensian ; next on Cornelius Cossus , for slaying Volumnius the Thuscan ; and lastly on Claudius Marcellus , upon his conquering Viridomarus , King of the Gauls . The two latter , Cossus and Marcellus , made their Entries in triumphant Chariots , bearing their Trophies themselves , but that Romulus made use of a Chariot , Dionysius is in the wrong ; for History says , Tarquinius , Damaratus's Son , was the first that brought Triumphs to this great Pomp and Grandeur ; others , that Publicola was the first that rode in Triumph ; however all the Statues of Romulus in Triumph are to be seen in Rome on Foot. After the Overthrow of the Ceninensians , the Sabines still protracting the time in Preparations , the People of Fidena , Crustumerium , and Antemna , joyn'd their Forces against the Romans ; Battel was no sooner joyn'd , but they were likewise immediately defeated , & surrendred up to Romulus their Cities to be spoil'd , their Lands and Territories to be divided , & themselves to be transplanted to a Colony at Rome . All the Lands which Romulus acquir'd , he distributed among the Citizens , except only what the Parents of the stolnvirgins had , and them he suffer'd to possess their own : the rest of the Sabines being enraged here-at , choosing Tatius their Captain , march'd straight against Rome ; the City was almost inaccessible , having for its Fortress that which is now the Capitol , where a strong Guard was placed , and Tarpeius was their Captain , not Tarpeia the Virgin , ( as some say , who would make Romulus guilty of a foolish Action . ) But still Tarpeia , the Captain 's Daughter , coveting the golden Bracelets she saw them wear , betrayed the Fort into the Sabines hands , and asked in reward of her Treachery , all they wore on their left Arms. Tatius conditioning thus with her , in the night she opened one of the Gates , and received the Sabines in : And truly ( for ought I see ) it is not Antigonus alone that said , He lov'd Betrayers , but hated them after they had betrayed ; nor Caesar , when he told Rhymitalces the Thracian , that He lov'd the Treason , but hated the Traitor ; but it is a general kind of Affection , all Men , who have occasion for wicked Persons , bear towards them ; much such as they have for venomous Creatures , when they stand in need of their poyson and gall ; for as they love them while they are of use , so they abhor their ill qualities when that is over . And thus did Tatius behave himself towards Tarpeia , for he commanded the Sabines , in regard to their Contract , not to refuse her the least part of what they wore on their left Arms ; upon that he himself first took his Bracelet off his Arm , and threw that together with his Buckler at her , and all the rest following , she , being born down and quite smother'd with the multitude of Gold and their Shields , died under the great weight and pressure of them ; nay , Tarpeius himself being prosecuted by Romulus , was found guilty of Treason , as Juba says , Sulpitius Galba relates . Those who write otherwise concerning Tarpeia , as that she was the Daughter of Tatius the Sabine Captain , and being forcibly detain'd by Romulus , acted and suffer'd thus by her Father's contrivance , speak very absurdly : of whom Antigonus is one ; but Smylus , the Poet of all Men , who thinks Tarpeia betrayed the Capitol not to the Sabines , but the Gauls , having fallen in Love with their King , does plainly dote . Thus he writes : Tarpeia 't was , who dwelling close thereby , Open'd the Walls of Rome to th' Enemy . She hot in lust of the besieging Gaul , Betray'd the City's Strength , the Capitol . And a little after speaking of her Death : But yet the Gauls , that strong and numerous Foe , Drown'd not the Traitress in the Waves of Po , But , with their Shields thrown on , her Body overlaid , So died , and was entomb'd at once the wretched Maid . Tarpeia afterwards was buried there , and the Hill from her was call'd Tarpeius , until the Reign of King Tarquin , who dedicated the Place to Jupiter , at which time her Bones were removed , and so it lost her Name , except only that part of the Capitol which they still call the * Tarpeian Rock , from whence they are wont to cast down headlong Malefactors . The Sabines being possess'd of the Hill , Romulus in great fury bade them Battel , and Tatius put on the courage to accept it , perceiving , if they were so constrain'd , where he might make a secure Retreat . The Level in the middle , where they were to joyn Battel , being surrounded with many little Hills , seem'd to enforce both Parties to a smart and desperate Conflict , by reason of the Difficulties of the Place , which had but a few narrow Out-lets , inconvenient either for refuge or pursuit . It happen'd too , the River having overflowed not many days before , there was left behind in the Plain , where now the Market stands , a deep blind Mud and Slime , which , tho' it did not appear much to the eye , and was not easily avoided , yet at bottom was very deceitful and dangerous ; upon which the Sabines being unwarily about to enter , had good luck befel them ; for Curtius , a gallant Man , eager of Honour , and of aspiring thoughts , being mounted on Horse-back , gallop'd a good distance before the rest , but his Horse was mired , and he endeavour'd a while by Whip and Spur to disintangle him , but finding it impossible , he quitted his Horse , and saved himself ; the Place from him to this very time is call'd the Curtian Lake . The Sabines having escaped this danger , began the Fight very smartly , the fortune of the day being very dubious , tho' many were slain ; amongst whom was Hostilius , who , they say , was Husband to Hersilia , and Grandfather to that Hostilius who reign'd after Numa . It is probable there were many other Battels in a short time after , but the most memorable was the last , in which Romulus having receiv'd a Wound on his Head by a Stone , and being almost fell'd to the ground by it , and disabled to sustain the Enemy , the Romans upon that yielded ground , and being driven out of the Field , fled to the Palatium . Romulus by this time recovering his Wound a little , running upon his Men in flight , remanded them to their Arms again , and with a loud voice encouraged them to stand and fight . But being overpowr'd with the number , and no body daring to face about , he stretching out his hands to Heaven , pray'd to Jupiter to stop the Army , and not to neglect but rather maintain the Roman Cause , which was now in extream danger . This Prayer both wrought a great Reverence in many for their Prince , and a strange resolution too on the sudden in their minds . The Place they first stood at was , where now is the Temple of Jupiter Stator , ( which may be interpreted the Stayer ) there they rallied their Forces , and repuls'd the Sabines even to the Place call'd now Rhegia , and the Temple of Vesta ; where both Parties preparing to renew the Fight , were prevented by a strange and unexpressible sight ; for the Daughters of the Sabines which were formerly stoln , came running , in great confusion , some on this side , some on that , with miserable cryes and lamentations , like distracted Creatures , into the midst of the Army , and among the dead Bodies , to come at their Husbands and at their Fathers , some with their young Babes in their Arms , others their Hair loose about their Ears , but all calling now upon the Sabines , then upon the Romans , in the most tender and endearing words . Hereupon both melted into compassion , and fell back , that they might stand betwixt the Armies . Now did a strange lamentation seize all , and great grief was conceiv'd at the sight of the Women , and at their Speech much more , which from Expostulations and high words , ended in Entreaties and Supplications . Wherein ( say they ) have we injured or offended you , that we formerly have , and now do suffer under these Calamities ? We were ravish'd away unjustly and violently by those whose now we are ; that being done , we were so long neglected by our Fathers , our Brethren , and Countreymen , that time , having now by the strictest bonds united us to those whom we once mortally hated , has brought it about , that the very Men , who once used violence to us , we now have a tenderness for in War , and lament their deaths . So that you do not now come to vindicate our Honour , as Virgins , from them that injured us , but to force away Wives from their Husbands , and Mothers from their Children , making this your rescue more grievous to us Wretches , than your former betraying and neglect of us was ; so great is their Love towards us , and such your Compassion ; if you make War upon any other occasion , for our sakes you ought to desist , who are our Fathers , our Grandfathers , our Relations and Kindred ; if for us , take us and your Sons-in-law , and restore us to our Parents and Kinsfolk , but do not rob us ( we humbly beseech you ) of our Children and Husbands , lest we again become Captives . Hersilia having spoken many such words as these , and others earnestly praying , a Truce was made , and the chief Officers came to a Treaty , the Women , during that time , brought and presented their Husbands and Children to their Fathers and Brethren ; gave those , that would eat , Meat and Drink ; and carried the wounded home to be cured ; and shewed also how much they govern'd within doors , and how indulgent their Husbands were to 'em , in demeaning themselves towards 'em with all kindness and respect imaginable . Upon this , Conditions were agreed upon , that what Women pleas'd might stay where they were , exempt from all drudgery and labour but Spinning ; that the Romans and Sabines should inhabit the City promiscuously together ; that the City should be call'd Rome from Romulus , but the Romans , Quirites , from the Countrey of Tatius ; and that they both should govern and command in common : The Place of this Ratification is still call'd Comitium , from Coire to agree . The City being thus doubled in number , an 100 of the Sabines were elected Senators , and the Legions were increas'd to 6000 Foot , and 600 Horse ; then they divided the People into three Tribes ; the first , from Romulus , were named Rhamnenses ; the second , from Tatius , Tatienses ; the third were call'd Luceres , from the Lucus or Grove where the Asylum stood , whither many fled for Sanctuary , and were received into the City ; and that they were just three , the very Name of Tribe and Tribune does testifie ; each Tribe contained then ten Curiae or Wards , which , some say , took their Names from the Sabine Women ; but that seems to be false , because many had their Names from different Regions . Tho' , 't is true , they then constituted many things in honour to the Women : As to give them the way where-ever they met them ; to speak no ill word in their presence ; not to appear naked before them ; that they should not be summon'd into Court before a Judge sitting on Cases of Blood ; that their Children should wear an Ornament about their Necks call'd the Bulla , ( because it was like a Bubble ) and the Praetexta , a Garment edged with purple . The Princes did not immediately joyn in Council together , but at first each met with his own Hundred , afterwards all assembled together . Tatius dwelt where now the Temple of Moneta stands ; and Romulus close by the * Steps , as they call them , of the fair Shore , near the descent from the Mount Palatine to the Circus Maximus . There , they say , grew the Holy Cornel-tree , of which , they report , that Romulus once to try his strength , threw a Dart from the Aventine Mount , ( the Staff of which was made of Cornel ) which struck so deep into the ground , that no one , of many that tryed , could pluck it up : Now the Soyl , being fertil , nourish'd the Wood , and sent forth Branches , and produced a Trunk of considerable bigness ; this did Posterity preserve and worship as one of the most sacred things , and therefore wall'd it about , and if to any one it appear'd not green nor flourishing , but inclining to fade and wither , he presently made outcry to all he met , and they with one accord cryed for Water , as in a Fire , and would run from all Parts with Buckets full to the Place . But , they say , when Caius Caesar was repairing the Steps about it , some of the Labourers digging too close , the Root corrupted , and the Tree quite withered . The Sabines received the use of Roman Months : of which , what-ever is remarkable , is mention'd in the Life of Numa . Romulus again took up their manner of Shields , for which he exchanged both his own and all the Romans Armour , who before wore small Targets , after the manner of the Argives . But for Feasts and Sacrifices , they partaked of them in common , not abolishing any either Nation observ'd before , and instituting several new ones : Of which one was the Matronalia , instituted in honour of the Women , for their dissolving the War. As like-wise the Carmentalia : This Carmenta , some think a Destiny presiding over the Generation of Men , wherefore Mothers much revere and worship her . Others say , she was the Wife of Evander the Arcadian , being a Prophetess , and wont to deliver her Oracles in Verse , and from Carmen a Verse , was call'd Carmenta , whereas it is generally confess'd her proper Name was Nicostrata . Others more probably derive Carmenta from Carens mente , as being bereft of her wits , by reason of her wild Enthusiasms . Of the Feast of Palilia we have spoke before . The Lupercalia , by the time of its Celebration , may seem to be a Feast of Purification , for it is solemnized on the Dies nefasti , or non-Court-days of the month February , which a Man may interpret Purifying , and the very day of the Feast was anciently call'd Februaca : But the Name of it in Greek signifies as much as the Feast of * Wolves , and it seems upon this account to be of great Antiquity , and brought in by the Arcadians who came with Evander . But this is a trivial Fancy , for it may come as well from the Wolf that nursed Romulus , and we see the Luperci , the Priests , do begin their course from the Place where they say Romulus was exposed . But the Ceremonies that then pass , render the Original of the thing more difficult to be guess'd at ; for there are Goats kill'd , then two young Noblemen's Sons being brought , some are to stain their Foreheads with the bloody Knife , others presently to wipe it off with Wool dipt in Milk ; then the young Boys must laugh after their Foreheads are wiped ; that done , having cut the Goats-skins into Thongs , they run about naked , only with something about their middle , lashing all they meet ; the young Wives do never avoid their strokes , fancying it does help Conception and Child-birth . Another thing is proper to this Feast , for the Luperci to sacrifice a Dog. Butas , a certain Poet , who writ a fabulous account of the Roman Customs in Elegies , says , that Romulus , after the Conquest of Amulius , ran joyfully to the Place where the Wolf gave them suck , and that in imitation of that , this Feast was , and that two young Noblemen ran : Striking at all , as when from Alba Town , Romulus and Remus with their Swords did run , And that the bloody Knife applied to their Foreheads , was a sign of the danger they were then in of being slain , and the cleansing of them in Milk , was in remembrance of their food and nourishment . But Caius Aulius writes , that before the City was built , the Cattel of Romulus and Remus on a day going astray , they , praying to the God Faunus , ran about to seek them naked , that they might not be troubled with sweat , and that for that Reason the Luperci run naked . And if this Sacrifice be by way of Purification , a Man might guess they used a Dog for that very purpose ; for the Graecians in their Lustrations , or Sacrifices of Purging , do carry out Dogs , and evermore use that Ceremony they call , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or a sacrificing of a Dog. But if they perform this as an act of Gratitude to the Wolf , that nourish'd and preserv'd Romulus , they do not absurdly in killing a Dog , as being an Enemy to Wolves , unless it is perhaps for hindering the Luperci when they run . They say too , Romulus was the first that consecrated holy Fire , and instituted holy Virgins , call'd Vestals ; others ascribe it to Numa Pompilius ; nevertheless they write , Romulus was otherwise eminently religious , and well skill'd in the Art of Prophecying , and upon that carri'd a Lituus , which is a crooked Rod , wherewith the Soothsayers describe the Quarters of the Heavens . This of his , being kept in the Palatium , was lost when the City was taken by the Gauls , and afterwards that barbarous People being driven out , was found in the Ruines under a great heap of Rubbish , untouch'd by the fire , all things about it being consumed and burnt . He constituted also certain Laws , one whereof is somewhat severe , which suffers not a Wife to leave her Husband , but grants a Husband to turn off his Wife , either upon poysoning her Children , or counterfeiting his Keys , or Adultery ; but if the Husband upon any other occasion put her away , he ordered one moiety of his Estate to be given to the Wife , the other to fall to the Goddess Ceres ; and who ever did cast off his Wife , to make an Atonement by Sacrifice to the * Gods of the Earth . This too is observable as a singular thing in Romulus , that he appointed no punishment for real Parricide , but call'd all Murder so , thinking the latter a detestable sin , but the other impossible , and for a long time he seem'd to have rightly thought such a sin could never be , for in almost 600 years together , no body committed the like in Rome ; and Lucius Ostius , after the Wars of Hannibal , is recorded to have been the first Parricide . But let thus much suffice concerning these Matters . In the 5th . year of the Reign of Tatius , some of his Friends and Kinsmen meeting Ambassadors coming from Laurentum to Rome , attempted on the Road to take away their Money by force , which they not suffering , but defending themselves , they kill'd them . So great a Villany being acted , Romulus thought it fitting presently to punish the Malefactors ; but Tatius shuffled off and deferr'd the execution of it ; and this only thing was the first beginning of an open Quarrel betwixt them , for otherwise they carried themselves fairly one to another , and administred Affairs together with the greatest unanimity . The Relations of them that were slain , being debarr'd of justice by reason of Tatius , fell upon him as he was sacrificing with Romulus at Lavinium , and slew him , commending and extolling Romulus for a just Prince . Romulus took the Body of Tatius , and buried it very splendidly in the Aventine Mount , near the Place call'd Armilustrium , but altogether neglected revenging his Murder . Some Authors write , the City of Laurentum , fearing the consequence , delivered up the Murderers of Tatius ; but Romulus pass'd it over , saying , One Murder was requited with another . This gave occasion of Talk and Jealousie , as if he were well pleas'd at the removal of his Copartner in the Government . Nothing of these things either disturbed or rais'd any Feud among the Sabines , but some out of Love to him , others out of fear of his Power , some again reverencing him as a God , they all lived peacefully in admiration and awe of him ; many foreign Nations too did much admire Romulus ; the ancient Latines they sent , and enter'd into League and Confederacy with him . Fidenae he took , a neighbouring City to Rome , by a Party of Horse , as some say , whom he sent before with Commands to cut down the Hinges of the Gates , and he himself afterwards unexpectedly came upon them . Others say , they having first made the Invasion , in foraging and spoyling the Countrey and Suburbs , Romulus lay in ambush for them , and so having kill'd many of their Men , took the City , nevertheless he did not raze or demolish it , but made it a Roman Colony , and sent thither on the Ides of April 2500 Inhabitants . Presently after a Plague broke out , which kill'd suddenly without any manner of Sickness ; it infected also the Corn with Unfruitfulness , and Cattel with Barrenness ; there rained Blood too in the City , insomuch as besides the Evils which came of consequence , Men dreaded the wrath of the Gods. But when the same Mischiefs fell upon Laurentum , then every body judged it was divine Vengeance that fell upon both Cities , for the neglect of executing Justice , upon the Murder of Tatius and the Ambassadors . But the Murderers on both sides being deliver'd up and punish'd , the Pestilence visibly abated , and Romulus purified the Cities with Lustrations , which , they say , even now are perform'd at the Gate call'd Ferentina . But before the Plague ceased , the Camerians invaded the Romans , and over-ran the Countrey , thinking , by reason of the Distemper , they were unable to withstand them ; but Romulus presently made Head against them , and gain'd the Victory , with the slaughter of 6000 Men ; he then took their City , and brought half of them he found there to Rome , and sent from Rome to Cameria double the number he left there . This was done the 1st . of August ; so many Citizens had he to spare , in 16 years time he inhabited Rome . Among other Spoyls he took a brazen Chariot from Cameria , which he placed in the Temple of Vulcan , adding thereon his own Statue crown'd with Victory . The Roman Cause thus daily gathering strength , the weaker Neighbours submitted , and willingly embraced security ; the stronger , out of Fear or Envy , thought they ought not to give way to Romulus , but to curb him , and put a stop to his Greatness . The first were the Veientes , a People of Thuscany , who had large Possessions , and dwelt in a spacious City ; they took an occasion to commence a War , upon remanding of Fidenae , as belonging to them ; this was not only unreasonable but very ridiculous , that they who did not assist them in the greatest Extremities of War , but permitted them to be slain , should challenge their Lands and Houses ▪ when in the hands of others . But being scornfully retorted upon by Romulus in his Answers , they divided themselves into two Bodies ; with one they attack'd the Garrison of Fidenae , the other march'd against Romulus ; that which went against Fidenae , got the Victory , and slew 2000 Romans ; the other was worsted by Romulus , with the loss of 8000 Men. They afterwards fought near Fidenae , and all Men acknowledge the greatest Actions of the day were done by Romulus himself , who shewed all manner of Skill as well as Courage , and seem'd to perform with strength and swiftness more than humane . But what some write , that of 14000 that fell that day , above half were slain by Romulus's own hand , is both very fabulous and altogether incredible : Such an Ostentation do the Messenians make of Aristomenes , who , they say , offer'd 300 Victims for as many Lacedaemonians he himself slew . The Army being thus routed , Romulus suffering those that were left to make their escape , drew up his Forces against the City ; they , having suffer'd such great damages , did not venture to oppose him , but humbly suing to him , contracted a League and Friendship for an 100 years ; but he nevertheless divested them of a great quantity of Lands , call'd Septimagium , which was the 7th . part of their Patrimony ; as also of several salt-Springs upon the River , and took 50 Noblemen for Hostages . He made his Triumph for this on the Ides of October , leading , among the rest of his many Captives , the General of the Veientes , an ancient Man , but one who seem'd to have managed his Affairs imprudently , and unbecoming of his Age ; whence even now in Sacrifices for Victories , they lead an old Man through the Market-place to the Capitol apparell'd in purple , with a Bulla or Child's-Toy tyed to it , and the Cryer cryes , Sardianians to be sold ; for the Thuscans are said to be a Colony of the Sardianians , and the Veientes are a City of Thuscany . This was the last Battel Romulus ever fought ; afterwards he , as most , nay all Men , very few excepted , do , who are raised by great and miraculous good-haps of Fortune to Power and Greatness : So , I say , did he ; for relying upon his own great Actions , and growing of an haughtier mind , he forsook his popular Behaviour , and took upon him in exchange a strange Lordliness , which was odious and intolerable to the People . And first , upon the Habit he chose to wear ; for he dress'd in scarlet with purple Robes over it , then he gave Audience in a Chair of State , having always about him some young Boys call'd * Celeres , from their swiftness in doing business ; there went before him others with Staves to make room , with several Cords about them , presently to bind whom ever he commanded . Now the Latines formerly used ligare , as now alligare , to bind , whence the Lictors were so call'd , and the Rods they carried were called Fasces ; but it is probable they were first call'd Litores , afterwards by putting in a C , Lictores , for they are the same the Graecians call 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Officers for the People ; and the Graecians do still call the People in general , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and the common People , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . When after the death of his Grandfather Numitor in Alba , that Kingdom devolv'd upon Romulus , he put the Government into the hands of Magistrates , and elected yearly one to superintend the Sabines . But that taught the Senators of Rome to seek after a free and Anti-monarchical State , wherein all might share in the Rule and Government . For the Patricians , ( as they call them , ) were not now concern'd in State-Affairs , only had the Name and Title left them , convening in Council rather for fashion-sake than Advice , where they in silence heard the King's Commands , and so departed , exceeding the Commonalty only in this , that they heard first what was done . These and the like were Matters of small moment ; but when he of his own accord parted among his Souldiers what Lands were acquired by War , and restored the Veientes their Hostages , the Senate neither consenting nor approving of it , then indeed he seem'd to put a great Affront upon them ; whereupon , he suddenly disappearing a short while after , the Senate fell under shrewd Suspicions and Calumnies . He disappear'd on the Nones of July , as they now call the month , which was then Quintilis , leaving nothing of certainty to be related of his Death , only the time , as you hear : for there are now upon that day many Ceremonies perform'd in resemblance of that Misfortune . Neither is this uncertainty to be thought strange , seeing the manner of the Death of Scipio Africanus , who died at his own home after Supper , is neither much credited nor disprov'd ; for , some say , he died easily & suddenly ; as it were of his own accord , being naturally a sickly Man ; others , that he poyson'd himself ; others again , that his Enemies breaking in upon him in the night , stifled him . Scipio too when he was dead , lay open to be seen of all , and indeed his Body gave some suspicion , and a reasonable discovery of the Fact ; but of Romulus , when he vanish'd , was neither the least part of his Body , or rag of his Cloaths to be seen . So that some fancied , the Senators having fallen upon him , cut his Body into pieces , and each took a part away in his bosom ; others think , his disappearance was neither in the Temple of Vulcan , nor with the Senators only by ; but that it happen'd , as he was haranguing the People without the City , near a Place call'd the * Goats Marsh , on the sudden most wonderful Disorders and Alterations beyond expression rose in the Air , for the face of the Sun was darkned , and the day was turn'd into an unquiet and turbulent night , made up of terrible Thunderings , and boisterous Winds raising Tempests from all Quarters , which scattered the Rabble and made them fly , but the Senators kept close together . The Tempest being over , and the light breaking out , when the People gather'd again , they misss'd and enquir'd for their King ; but the Senators would not let them search , or busie themselves about the Matter , but commanded them to honour and worship Romulus , as one taken up to the Gods , and about to be to them , of a good Prince , now a propitious God. The Multitude hearing this , went away rejoycing and worshipping him , in hopes of good things from him ; but there were some who canvassing the Matter more severely and rigorously , accus'd and aspers'd the Patricians , as Men that persuaded the People to believe ridiculous Tales , when they themselves were the Murderers of the King. Things being in this disorder , one , they say , of the Patricians , of a noble Family , and most honest Conversation , and withal a most faithful and familiar Friend of Romulus himself , who came with him from Alba , Julius Proculus by Name , stepping into the Company , and taking a most sacred Oath , protested before them all , that Romulus appear'd to , and met him traveling on the Road , comelier and fairer than ever , dress'd in shining and flaming Armour , and he being affrighted at the Apparition , said , Vpon what Occasion or Resentments , O King , did you leave us here , liable to most unjust and wicked Surmises , and the whole City destitute , in most bitter Sorrow ? And that he made Answer : It pleas'd the Gods , O Proculus , we should remain so long a time amongst Men as we did , and having built a City , the greatest in the World both in Empire and Glory , we should again return to Heaven ; but farewel , and tell the Romans , that by the exercise of Temperance and Fortitude , they shall far exceed all humane Power , and we will be to you the propitious God Quirinus . This seem'd very credible to the Romans , both upon the Honesty and Oath of him that spoke it , and a certain divine Passion , like an Enthusiasm , seized on all Men , for no body contradicted it , but laying aside all Jealousies and Detractions , they prayed to Quirinus , and saluted him God. This is like some of the Graecian Fables of Aristeas the Proconnesian , and Cleomedes the Astypalaeian ; for , they say , Aristeas died in a Fuller's Work-house , and , his Friends coming to him , his Body vanish'd ; and that some presently after coming a Journey , said , they met him travelling towards Croton . And that Cleomedes , being an extraordinary strong and gygantic Man , and withal crazed and mad , committed many desperate Freaks : At last in a certain School-house , striking a Pillar that sustain'd the Roof with his Fist , broke it in the middle , so the House fell and destroyed the Children in it ; and being pursued , he fled into a great Chest , and shutting to the Lid , held it so fast , that many Men with all their strength could not force it open ; afterwards breaking the Chest to pieces , they found no Man in it alive or dead ; at which being astonish'd , they sent to consult the Oracle at Delphi ; to whom the Prophetess made this Answer : Of all the Heroes , Cleomede is last . They say too , the Body of Alomeno , as she was carrying to her Grave , vanish'd , and a Stone was found lying on the Bier . And many such Improbabilities do your fabulous Writers relate , deifying Creatures naturally mortal ; tho' altogether to disown a divine Power , is an unholy and disingenuous thing ; so again to mix Heaven and Earth , is as ridiculous ; therefore we must reject such Vanities , being assur'd that , according to Pindar , All humane Bodies yield to Deaths decree , The Soul survives to all eternity . For that alone is deriv'd from the Gods , thence it comes , and thither it returns : not with the Body , but when it is most free and separated from it , and is altogether pure and clean , and disengag'd from the flesh ; for the dry Soul ( as Heraclitus phrases it ) is best , which flies out of the Body , as Lightning breaks from a Cloud ; but that which is clogg'd and incumber'd with the Body , is like a gross and cloudy Vapour , hard to be kindled and mount on high . We must not therefore , contrary to Nature , send the Bodies too of good Men to Heaven ; but again we must really believe that , according to a divine Nature and Justice , their vertuous Souls are translated out of Men into Heroes ; out of Heroes into demi-Gods ; out of demi-Gods , ( if they are , as by expiation , perfectly purg'd and sanctified , and disburden'd of all Passions attending Mortality ) they are , not as in any humane Polity alter'd , but really and according to right Reason chang'd and translated into Gods , receiving the greatest and most blessed perfection . Romulus his sirname Quirinus , some say , signifies as much as Mars or Warlike ; others , that he was so call'd , because the Citizens were call'd Quirites ; others , because the Ancients call'd a Dart or Spear Quiris , for the Statue of Juno placed on a Spear was call'd Quiritis , and the Dart in the King's Palace was call'd Mars , and those that behav'd themselves valiantly in War , were usually presented with a Dart , and that therefore Romulus , being a martial God , or a God of Darts , was call'd Quirinus ; and there is a Temple built to his Honour on a Mount call'd from him Quirinalis . The day he vanish'd on is call'd the Flight of the Rabble , or the * Nones of the Goats , because they go then out of the City , and sacrifice at the Goats-Marsh , and as they go , they call out loudly upon the Names of some of their Compatriots , as Marcellus and Caius , imitating how they then fled , and call'd upon one another in that Fright and Hurry . Some say , this was not in imitation of a Flight , but of a quick and hasty Onset , giving this account of it : After the Gauls , who had taken Rome , were driven out by Camillus , and the City had not as yet recover'd her strength , many of the Latines , under the Command of Livius Posthumius , took this time to march against her . The Army sitting down before Rome , an Herald was sent , signifying that the Latines were desirous to renew their former Alliance and Affinity , ( that was now almost decayed ) by contracting new Marriages between both Nations ; if therefore they would send forth a good number of their Virgins and Widows , they should settle into a Peace and Friendship , as they formerly did with the Sabines upon the like Conditions . The Romans hearing this , they both dreaded a War , yet thought a Surrender of their Women little better than a meer Captivity . Being in this doubt , a Servant-maid call'd Philotis , ( or as some say , Teutola ) advis'd them to do neither , but rather , by a Stratagem , both to avoid Fighting , and the giving up of such Pledges . The Stratagem was this , that they should send her self , with a company of handsom Wenches well dress'd , to the Enemy , instead of Free-born Virgins , and she would in the night light up a Torch , at which the Romans should come arm'd and surprize them asleep . The Latines were thus deceiv'd , and accordingly Philotis set up a Torch in a wild Fig-tree , skreening it behind with Curtains and Coverlets from the sight of the Enemy : But it was plain to the Romans : when they saw it , they ran furiously together out of the Gates , hastening one another what they could , so falling in unexpectedly upon the Enemy , they defeated them . Upon that they made a Feast of Triumph , call'd the Nones of the Goats , because of the wild Fig-tree , call'd by the Romans , Caprificus , or the Goat-Fig ; and they feast the Women without the City in Arbors made of Fig-tree boughs , and the Maids meet and run about playing ; afterwards they fight in Sport , and throw Stones one at another , in memory they did then aid and assist the Roman Men in Fight . This many Authors do not admit for true : for the calling upon one anothers Names by day , and the going out to the Goats-Marsh , as to Sea , seems to agree more to the former Relation , unless perhaps both the Actions , done at several times , might have happen'd on the same day of the Week . Now , they say , it was in the 54th . year of his Age , and the 38th . of his Reign , that Romulus left the World. The Comparison of Romulus and Theseus . THis is all I ever happen'd to hear of Romulus and Theseus , worthy of memory . First , Theseus seem'd , out of his own free-will , without any compulsion , when he might have reign'd in security at Trazene , in the enjoyment of no inglorious Empire , to have affected great Actions by himself . The other to escape present Servitude , and a punishment that threatned him , ( according to Plato , ) grew valiant purely out of fear ; and dreading the extreamest Inflictions , attempted great Enterprizes out of meer necessity . Again , His greatest Action was only the killing of one King of Alba ; whereas the by-Adventures and Preludes of the other were the Conquests of Sciron , Scinnis , Procrustes and Corynetes ; by reducing and killing of whom , he ridded Greece of very violent Oppressors , before any of them that were relieved , knew who did it ; and he might then without any trouble as well have gone to Athens by Sea , considering he himself never was in the least injured by those Robbers ; whereas Romulus could not but be in Action whilst Amulius lived . A great testimony of this is , that Theseus , for no wrong done himself , but for the sake of others , did fall upon these Villains ; but Romulus and Remus , as long as they themselves suffer'd no ill by the Tyrant , permitted him to opprefs all others . And if it be a great thing to have been wounded in Battel by the Sabines , to have kill'd King Acron , and to have conquer'd many Enemies ; we may oppose to these Actions , the Battel with the Centaurs , and the Feats done against the Amazons . But what Theseus adventur'd , in offering himself voluntarily with the other young Boys and Virgins , as part of the Tribute into Crete , either to be a Prey to a Monster , or a Victim upon the Tomb of Androgeus , or , what is least of all , to live vilely and dishonourably in slavery to insulting and cruel Men ; a Man cannot express what an Act of Boldness , or Courage , or Justice to the Publick , or of Honour and Bravery , that was . So that methinks the Philosophers did not define Love ill , to be the service of the Gods in assisting and preserving Youth ; for the Love of Ariadne , above all , seems to be the proper work and design of some God , in order to preserve Theseus ; and indeed we ought not to blame her for loving him , but rather wonder all Men and Women were not alike affected towards him ; and if she alone were so , truly I dare pronounce her worthy of the Love of a God , who was her self so great a Lover of Vertue and Goodness , and the bravest Man. But both these naturally affecting Government , neither lived up to the true Character of a King , but flew off , and ran , one into Popularity , the other into Tyranny , falling both into the same fault out of different Passions . For a Prince's chief end is to preserve his Empire , which is done no less by avoiding Indecencies , than by maintaining a decorum in all things : Who-ever is either too remiss or too strict in this , is no more a King or a Prince , but either too popular a Man , or too lordly , and so becomes either odious or contemptible to his Subjects . This seems to be the fault of Easiness and good Nature , the other of Pride and Severity ; but if we must not in all respects impute Misfortunes to the Fates , but consider in them the difference of mens Manners and Passions , as the unreasonable and inconsiderate effects of Wrath and Anger , a Man can neither excuse one in his Behaviour to his Brother , nor the other to his Son. Tho' the Anger of Theseus is more excusable , because it proceeded from a greater Cause , as being struck with the severer Lash . Romulus , having disagreed with his Brother , advisedly and deliberately upon the Concerns of the Publick , one would think , he could not of the sudden have been put into so great passion ; but Love , and Jealousie , and the Complaints of his Wife , ( which few Men can avoid being provoked with ) seduced Theseus to commit that Outrage upon his Son. And what is more , Romulus in his Anger committed an Action of most unfortunate Consequence ; but that of Theseus ended only in words , some evil-speaking , and a few old Peoples Curses , the rest of the Youth's misery seems to proceed from Fortune ; so that so far a Man would give his Vote on Theseus's part . But the chiefest matter in the other is this , that his Performances proceeded from very small beginnings ; for both the Brothers being thought Servants , and the Sons of Swineherds , before they were Free-men themselves , they gave liberty to almost all the Latines , obtaining at once all the most honourable Titles , as destroyers of their Countreys Enemies , preservers of their Friends and Kindred , Princes of the People , Founders , not removers of Cities ; for such an one was Theseus , who raised and compiled only one House out of many , demolishing many Cities bearing the Names of ancient Kings and Heroes . But Romulus did the same afterwards , forcing his Enemies to deface and ruine their own Dwellings , and to sojourn with their Conquerors ; not altering at first or increasing a City that was before , but building one from the ground , acquiring likewise to himself , Lands , a Countrey , a Kingdom , Wives , Children , and Relations . He kill'd or destroyed no body , but encouraged those that wanted Houses and Dwelling-places , if willing to be of a Society , and become Citizens . Robbers and Malefactors he slew not , but he subdued Nations , he overthrew Cities , he triumph'd over Kings and Princes ; and as to Remus , it is doubtful by whose Hand he was cut off , it is generally imputed to others . His Mother he apparently retriev'd from death , and placed his Grandfather , who was brought under base and dishonourable Vassalage , in the ancient Throne of Aeneas , to whom he did voluntarily many good Offices , but never annoyed him , no not through ignorance it self . But Theseus , in his forgetfulness and inadvertency of the Command concerning the Flag , can scarcely methinks by any Excuses , or before the most candid Judges , avoid the imputation of Parricide ; which a certain Athenian perceiving it very hard to make an excuse for , feigns that Aegaeus , at the arrival of the Ship , running hastily to a Tower to see what News , slip'd and fell down , either for want of accidental help , or that no Servants attended him in that haste to the Sea-side . And indeed those faults committed in the Rapes of Women , admit of no plausible excuse in Theseus : First , In regard to the often repetition of the Crime ; for he stole Ariadne , Antiope , Anaxo the Trazaenian , at last Helena , when he was an old Man , and she not marriageable , being too young and tender , and he at an Age past even lawful Wedlock . Then the Cause ; for the Trazaenian , Lacedaemonian , and Amazonian Virgins , beside that they were not betrothed to him , were not worthier to raise Children by , than the Athenians , who were derived from Erestheus and Cecrops ; but it is to be suspected , these things were done out of lust , and the satisfaction of the flesh . Romulus when he had taken near 800 Women , he chose not all , but only Hersilia ( as they say ) for himself , the rest he divided among the Chief of the City ; and afterwards , by the respect , and tenderness , and justice shewn towards them , he discovered , that this Violence and Injury , was a most commendable and politick Exploit to establish a Society ; by which he intermix'd and united both Nations , and made it the fountain of all after-Friendship , and of Power with them . And that it was the Cause of Reverence , and Love , and Constancy in Matrimony , time can witness ; for in 230 years neither any Husband deserted his Wife , nor any Wife her Husband ; but , as the most curious among the Graecians can tell you the first Parricide , so the Romans all well know , that Spurius Carvilius was the first who put away his Wife , accusing her of Barrenness . The Circumstances of Matters do testifie for so long a time ; for upon those Marriages , the two Princes shar'd in the Dominion , and both Nations fell under the same Government . But from the Marriages of Theseus proceeded nothing of Friendship or Correspondence for the advantage of Commerce , but Enmities and Wars , and the Slaughter of Citizens , and at last the loss of the City Aphidnae , where , only out of the compassion of the Enemy , whom they entreated and caressed like Gods , they but just miss'd suffering , what Troy did by Paris . Theseus his Mother was not only in danger , but suffered also what Hecuba did , in being deserted and destitute of her Son ; unless that of her Captivity be not a fiction , as I could wish both that and most other things of him were . What is fabulously related concerning both their Divinity , you will find a great difference in it ; for Romulus was preserved by the special Favour of the Gods ; but the Oracle given to Aegaeus , commanding him to abstain from all strange and foreign Women , seems to demonstrate , that the Birth of Theseus was not agreeable to the Will of the Gods. LYCURGUS . Equality . portrait M Burg. delin . dt sculp . THE LIFE OF LYCURGUS . Translated from the Greek of Plutarch , By Knightly Chetwood , Fellow of King's College in Cambridge . THere is so much incertainty in the accounts which Historians have left us of Lycurgus , the Law giver of Sparta , that scarcely any thing is asserted by one of them which is not call'd into question , or contradicted by the rest . Their sentiments are quite different as to the Family he came of , the Voyages he undertook , the place , and manner of his death , but most of all when they speak of the Laws he made , and the Commonwealth which he founded . They cannot by any means be brought to an agreement as to the very Age in which this excellent person liv'd : for some of them say that he flourished in the time of Iphitus , and that they two jointly contrived the Ordinance for the cessation of Arms during the Solemnity of the Olympick Games . Of this opinion was Aristotle , and for confirmation of it he alledges an inscription upon one of the copper Coits used in those Sports , upon which the name of Lycurgus continued undefac'd to his time . But Eratosthenes and Apollodorus , two learned Chronologers , computing the time by the successions of the Spartan Kings , pretend to demonstrate that he was much more ancient than the very Institution of the Olympick Games . Timaeus conjectures that there were two of this name , and in diverse times , but that the one of them being much more famous than the other , men gave to him the glory of both their exploits : the elder of the two , according to him , was not long after Homer , and some are so particular as to say that he had seen him too . But that he was of great antiquity may be gathered from a passage in * Xenophon , where he makes him contemporary with the Heraclidae : not but that the very last Kings of Sparta were Heraclidae too ; but he seems in that place to speak of the first , and more immediate successours of Hercules . But notwithstanding this confusion and obscurity of Writers who have gone before us in this Subject , we shall endeavour to compose the History of his † Life , setting down those passages which are least contradicted , and following those Authours which are most worthy of credit . The Poet Simonides will needs have it that Lycurgus was the Son of Prytanis , and not of Eunomus ; but in this opinion he is singular , for all the rest deduce the Genealogy of them both as follows : Aristodemus , Patrocles , Sous , Eurytion , Prytanis , Eunomus , who by his first Wife had a Son nam'd Polydectes , and by his second Wife , Dianissa , had this Lycurgus , whose Life is before us : but as Eutychidas says , he was the sixth from Patrocles , and the eleventh from Hercules . Be this as it will , Sous certainly was the most renown'd of all his Ancestours , under whose conduct the Spartans subdu'd Ilotos , and made Slaves of the Ilotes , and added to their Dominions , by Conquest , a good part of Arcadia . There goes a story of this King Sous , that being besieged by the Clitorians in a dry and stony place , so that he could come at no water , he was at last constrained to agree with them upon these hard terms , that he would restore to them all his Conquests , provided that Himself * and all his Men should drink of a Spring not far distant from his Camp : after the usual Oaths and Ratifications , he call'd his Souldiers together , and offered to him that would forbear drinking half his Kingdom for a reward : their thirst was so much stronger than their ambition , that not a man of them was able to forbear : in short , when they had all drank their fill , at last comes King Sous himself to the Spring , and , having sprinkled his face onely , without swallowing one drop , he marched off in the face of his Enemies , refusing to yield up his Conquests , because himself , and all his men ( according to the Articles ) had not drank of their water . Although he was justly had in admiration as well for his wit and abstinence as for his warlike exploits , yet was not his Family sirnamed from him but from his Son Eurytion , ( of whom they were call'd Eurytionides : ) the reason of this was , that Eurytion took a course never practis'd by his wise Predecessours , which was to flatter and cajole his own Subjects , by slackening the reigns of the Royal Authority . But see what followed ! the people , instead of growing more tractable by it , made new encroachments upon him every day : insomuch that , partly by taking advantages of the too great easiness or necessities of the succeeding Princes , partly by tiring out and vexing those which used severity , they at last brought the Government into contempt , and soon after the whole Kingdom into Anarchy and confusion . In this miserable estate things continu'd a long time , and amongst its other tragical effects , it caused the death of the Father of Lycurgus : for as the good King was endeavouring to quell a riot in which the parties were come to blows , he was among them most barbarously † butchered ; and left the title of King to his eldest Son Polydectes : but he too dying soon after , the right of Succession ( as every one thought ) rested in Lycurgus ; and reign he did , untill he had notice that the Queen , his Sister-in-law , was with Child : upon this he immediately declar'd that the Kingdom belong'd to her issue , provided it were Male , and that himself would exercise the Regal Jurisdiction onely as his * Guardian and Regent during his minority : soon after an overture was made to him by the Queen , that she would make her self miscarry , or some way destroy that she went with , upon condition that he would marry her when he came to the Crown . Though he was extremely incens'd against the Woman for this unnatural proposal , yet wisely smothering his resentments , and making shew of closing with her , he dispatch'd the Messenger with a world of thanks , and expressions of joy , but withall dissuaded her earnestly from procuring her self to miscarry , because that the violent means used in such cases would impair her health , if not endanger her life : withall assuring her , that himself would so order it , that the Child , as soon as born , should be taken out of the way . By these and such like artifices , having drawn on the Woman to the time of her lying in , as soon as ever he heard that she was in labour , he sent some of his Council to be by and observe all that past , with order , that if it were a Girle they should deliver it to the Women , but if a Boy , that they should bring it to him wheresoever he were , and whatsoever a-doing . It so fell out that as he was at Supper with his principal Magistrates , the Queen was brought to bed of a Boy , who was soon after presented to him as he was at the Table : he , taking him tenderly into his arms , said to those about him , behold , my Lords of Sparta , here is a King born unto us ; this said , he laid him down upon the Chair of State , and nam'd him Charilaus ; that is , the Joy of the people : because they were so much transported with joy both at the birth of the young Prince , and the contemplation of the noble Mind and Justice of Lycurgus : and yet his good reign lasted onely eight months . But Lycurgus was in nature a Prince , and there were more who obeyed him upon the account of his eminent Vertues , than because he was Regent to the King , and had the treasure and strength of the Nation in his hands . Yet could not all this ensure him from envy , which made a push at him ( as is usual ) before he was well settled in his high Trust ; the Heads of this Faction were the Kindred and Creatures of the Queen-mother , who pretended not to have been dealt with sutably to her quality ; and her Brother Leonidas , in a warm debate which fell out betwixt him and Lycurgus , went so far as to tell him to his face , that he was very well assured that e'er long he should sec him King ; by this reflecting insinuation he endeavour'd to make the people jealous of Lycurgus , thus preparing the way for an accusation of him , as though he had made away with his Nephew , if he should chance to fail , though by a natural death ; words of the like import were designedly cast abroad by the Queen-mother and her adherents . Being exceedingly troubled at this , and not knowing what it might come to , he thought it his wisest course to decline their envy by a voluntary exile , and so travel from place to place untill his Nephew came to marriageable years , and by having a Son had secured the Succession : setting sail therefore with this resolution , he first arrived at Crete , where having considered their several Forms of Government , and got an acquaintance with the principal men amongst them , some of their Laws he very much approv'd of , and resolv'd to make use of them in his own Country , and a good part of them he rejected as useless . Amongst the persons there the most renown'd for their ability and wisedom in State matters was one Thales , whom Lycurgus , by repeated importunities and assurances of Friendship , at last persuaded to go over to Lacedaemon . When he came thither , by his outward appearance and character , he seem'd no other than a Lyrick Poet , but in reality he perform'd the part of one of the ablest Law-givers in the world : the very Songs which he compos'd were pathetical exhortations to obedience and concord : The sweetness of the Measures and the cadence of the Verse , suting with the Subject , both serious and delightfull , had so great an influence on their minds , that they were insensibly softned and civiliz'd : insomuch that at last they renounced their private feuds and animosities , which had kept them so long at variance to their unspeakable disadvantage , and re-united themselves into a cheerfull and unanimous concurrence for the publick welfare : so that it may truly be said that Thales prepared the way for Lycurgus , by removing the rubbish and clearing the ground-plot , that he might raise upon it the lasting Fabrick of that glorious Commonwealth . From Crete he sailed to Asia , with design ( as is said ) to examin the difference betwixt the Manners and Government of the Cretans ( who were very wise and temperate ) and those of the Ionians , a corrupt and effeminate people : as Physicians , by the opposition they find betwixt a healthfull and sickly body , are enabled to distinguish the swelling of a Dropsie from a good and thriving habit , and a real health from that which but appears so . Here had he the first sight of Homer's Works , which were preserved in all probability by the posterity of Cleobulus : and having observ'd that the few loose expressions and actions of ill example which are to be found in his Poems , were very much out-weigh'd by those grave maxims of State and rules of Morality ( which are frequently couch'd under those very Fictions ) he set himself eagerly to transcribe and digest them into order , as thinking they would be of good use in his own Country : and to his immortal honour be it said , he was the first who brought the Works of this most admirable Poet into credit in Greece : for though some fragments of them lay scattered before in a few private hands ( who set a great value upon them , ) yet were they never published together , nor generally admired , before the time of Lycurgus . The Aegyptians say that he took a Voyage into Aegypt , and that , being much taken with their way of separating the Souldiery from their Handy-crafts and Mechanicks , he resolv'd to imitate them at Lacedaemon : and this distinction of their Professions , as it prevented confusion , it encreased their strength , and causing regularity , added beauty to the State. But as for his Voyages into Spain , Africk , and the Indies , and his conferences there with the Gymnosophistes , the whole relation ( as far as I can find ) rests on the single credit of Aristocrates , the Son of Hipparchus . During the absence of Lycurgus , though he was cheaply parted with , he was dearly miss'd at Lacedaemon , and a great many Embassies were sent to pray his return , for Kings indeed we have ( said they ) who wear the marks and assume the titles of Royalty , but as for the inward qualities of their minds , they have nothing by which they are to be distinguish'd from their Subjects : adding , that in him alone was the true foundation of Sovereignty to be seen , a Nature made to Rule , and a Genius of that strength that it made him at the same time lov'd and reverenced by the people . Though this seem'd a little to reflect , yet were not the Kings themselves averse from his return , for they look'd upon his presence as a bulwark for them against the growing insolencies of the people . Things being in this posture at his return , he apply'd himself without loss of time to a through Reformation , and resolv'd to change the whole face of the Common-wealth : for what could a few particular Laws and a partial alteration avail , when there was an universal corruption of all orders and degrees of men in the State ? He took therefore the course wise Physicians use , when they have to doe with one who labours under a complication of Diseases , they are not content to obviate one or two of them , but follow him with purges and letting bloud , untill they have quite drain'd him of the peccant humours , and exhausted the corrupt mass of his bloud ; this done , they restore him by degrees , and prescribe a regimen of Diet quite contrary to the former : the Reader will easily make the application . Having thus projected things , away he goes to Delphi to consult Apollo there , which having done , and offered his Sacrifice , he returned with that renowned Oracle , in which he is call'd Beloved of God , and rather God than Man ; that his Prayers were heard , that his Laws should be the best , and the Commonwealth which observed them the most famous in the world . Encouraged by these things , he set himself to bring over to his side the leading men of Sparta , exhorting them to give him a helping hand in this great undertaking : he broke it first to his particular friends , and then by degrees he gained others , at last he animated them all together to put his design in execution . When things were ripe for action he gave order to thirty of the principal men of Sparta to be ready arm'd at the Market-place by break of the day , to the end that he might strike a terrour into the opposite party : Hermippus hath set down the names of twenty of the most eminent of them ; but the name of him whom Lycurgus most confided in , and who was of most use to him , both in making his Laws and putting them in execution , was Arithmiadas . Things growing to a tumult , King Charilaus apprehending that it was a Conspiracy against his Person , took Sanctuary in the Temple of Minerva the Protectress ; being soon after undeceived , and put in heart again , and having taken an Oath of them that they had no treasonable designs , he quitted his Refuge , and himself also entred into the confederacy with them : of so gentle and flexible a disposition he was , and almost too good natur'd for a King : to which Archelaus his Partner in the Government alluded , when hearing him highly extoll'd for his goodness , he said , how can he be otherwise than a gracious Prince , for he is good even to the worst of men ? Amongst the many changes and alterations which Lycurgus made , the first and of greatest importance was the establishment of the Senate , which having a power equal to the Kings in matters of great consequence did ( as Plato expresses it ) with its phlegm allay and qualifie the hot complexion of a Monarchy , serv'd as a Rampart against the insolence of the people , and always kept the Commonwealth in good temper . For the State which before had no firm Basis to stand upon , but lean'd one while towards an absolute Monarchy ( when the Kings had the upper hand ) and another while towards a pure Democracy ( when the people had the better of it ) found in this establishment of the Senate a counterpoise , which always kept things in a just aequilibrium . For the Twenty Eight always adhered to the weaker side , and put themselves like a weight into the lighter Scale , untill they had reduced the other to a Ballance . As for the determinate number of Twenty Eight , Aristotle is of opinion that it so fell out because two of the Associates for want of courage fell off from the enterprise ; but Sphaerus assures us that there were but twenty eight of the Confederates at first : perhaps there is some mystery in the number which consists of seven multiply'd by four , and is the first of perfect numbers after six , being , as that is , equal to its sides . For my part , I cannot believe that Lycurgus had any such niceties in his head , but pitch'd upon the number of Twenty Eight , that , the two Kings being reckoned amongst them , they might be Thirty in all . So eagerly set was Lycurgus upon this Establishment invented by himself , that he took a Journey to Delphi to credit it by the approbation of the Oracle , who gave him the famous Rhetra , or fundamental Statute , which runs thus . After that you have built a Temple to Jupiter the Syllanian , and to Minerva the Syllanian , and after that you have divided the people into Tribes , you shall establish a Council of thirty Senatours , in the number of which the two Kings shall be compriz'd , and shall from time to time call the people to an Assembly betwixt Balyca and Cnacion , where the Senate shall propound things to the Commons , who shall not have power to debate upon their proposals , but onely to give or refuse their assent , and it shall be in the power of the Senate to dissolve the Assembly . Betwixt this Balyca and Cnacion ( now called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) their Assemblies were held , for they had no spacious Council-house richly hung and furnished to receive them in : for Lycurgus was of opinion that such theatrical Ornaments were so far from advantaging them in their Counsels that they were rather an hinderance , by diverting their attention from the business before them to gape upon the Statues and Pictures , and Roofs curiously fretted , the usual embellishments of such places amongst the other Graecians . The people then being thus assembled in the open air , it was not allow'd to any one of their order to give his advice , but onely either to ratifie or reject what should be propounded to them by the King or Senate . But because it fell out afterwards that the people made glosses and explanations of Laws contrary to the intent of the Kings and Senate , and sometimes too by adding or rasing out whole Sentences perverted the sense , King Polydorus and Theopompus ( to be even with them in their own kind ) inserted into the Rhetra or grand Decretal the following Clause ; That if the people should go about to make alteration in the Decrees of the Senate , or to enlarge or limit the sense of them , that it should be lawfull for the King and Senate to make void their resolutions and to dissolve the Assembly . This business was so dextrously managed , that it past among the people for as authentick as the rest of the Rhetra , as appears by these Verses of Tyrtaeus , If , Spartans , ye desire that heaven should bless Your New-born State with lasting happiness , Hear what Apollo 's Oracle commands : Jove puts the Sceptre into Princes hands . Let them command ; let Senatours debate The deep affairs , and interests of State : Hear , ye , and give assent , and reverence pay , And know , 't is Subjects privilege — to obey . Although Lycurgus had in this manner us'd all the qualifications possible in the Government of his Commonwealth , yet those who succeeded him thought that the smallness of the number of which the Senate consisted made them somewhat imperious and pressing , and therefore * ( as Plato says ) they wanted a bridle , which bridle was the power of the Ephori , establish'd an hundred and thirty years after the death of Lycurgus . Elatus was the first who had this dignity conferr'd upon him , in the reign of King Theopompus , whom when his Queen upbraided one day , that he would leave the regal power to his Children less than himself had received it from his Ancestours , he told her that she was much mistaken , for he should leave it so much greater than he found it , by how much it was more likely to last . For indeed the Prerogative being thus kept within some reasonable bounds , at once he freed himself from the envy , and secur'd himself from the danger , to which an unlimited jurisdiction lies exposed . So that the Spartan Kings fared much better after it than their neighbours at Messene and Argos ; who by screwing their Prerogative too high , crack'd it , and for want of yielding a little to the populacy , lost all . Indeed , whosoever shall take a prospect of the Seditions and civil Wars which befell these bordering Nations , ( to whom they were as near related in bloud as situation ) will find good reason to admire the profound wisedom and providence of Lycurgus ; for these three States in their first rise were equal , or , if there were any odds they lay on the side of the Messenians and Argives , who in the decision of the Country were more fortunate than the Spartans : yet was their flourish but of small continuance , soon falling into confusion , partly by the tyrannical disposition of their Kings , and partly by the ungovernableness of the people : so that now their servile and disgracefull condition makes it appear to the whole world , that it is one of the greatest blessings which heaven can send down upon any Nation , to give them so wise a Law-giver who could set bounds to those two intersering powers , and of such jarring elements frame an orderly Commonwealth . But of this I shall say more in its due place . After the creation of the thirty Senatours his next task , and indeed the most hazardous he ever undertook , was the making a new division of their Lands . For there was a very strange inequality amongst the inhabitants of Sparta , so that the City was surcharged with a multitude of beggarly and necessitous persons , whilst the Lands and Money were engrossed by a few : therefore to the end that he might banish out of the State Luxury and Arrogance ( the vices of the rich , ) and Envy and Knavery , ( the usual faults of the poor ) and the source of all mischiefs , Want and Superfluity , he obtained of them to renounce their properties , and to consent to a new division of the Land : that they should live all with the equality and friendliness of co-heirs and Brothers : so that there being no other way left to mount to a degree of eminence above the rest than to become more valiant and more vertuous than they , ambition began to be a good subject , and set men upon the use of those means by which true honour is to be acquir'd . Having got their consent to his proposals he immediately put them in execution : and having exactly survey'd the whole Country of Laconia , he divided it into thirty thousand equal shares , and the Liberties of the City of Sparta into nine thousand , and these he distributed to the Inhabitants of the City , as he did the others to them who dwelt in the Country . Some Authours say that he made but six thousand lots for the Citizens of Sparta , and that King Polydore added three thousand more . Others say that Polydore doubled the number Lycurgus had made , which ( according to them ) was but four thousand five hundred . A lot was so much as to yield one year with another about seventy Bushels of Grain , for the Master of the Family , and twelve for his Wife , with a sutable proportion of Oil and Wine . And this he thought sufficient to keep their bodies in good health and lusty , and as for superfluities he design'd wholly to retrench them . It is reported that as he returned from a Journey some time after the division of the Lands , in harvest time , the ground being newly reap'd , observing the Sheaves to be all equal , and the Shocks of the same bigness , he smilingly said to those about him , methinks Lacedaemon is like the inheritance of a great many Brothers , which have newly made a division amongst themselves . Not contented with this , he resolv'd to make a division of their Movables too , that there might be no odious distinction or inequality left amongst them ; but finding that it would be very dangerous to go about it openly , he bethought himself of this stratagem . He commanded that all Gold and Silver Coin should be cry'd down , and that onely a sort of Money made of Iron should be current , whereof a great weight and quantity was but very little worth : so that to lay up twenty or thirty pounds there was requir'd a pretty large Chamber , and to remove it , nothing less than a yoke of Oxen. By this invention , it is scarcely to be imagin'd , how many execrable Vices were banish'd Lacedaemon : for who would rob another of such a scurvy sort of Coin ? who would injustly detein it ? who would cheat and circumvent , be brib'd or turn Knight of the Post to compass it ? when that it was not easie to be hid when a man had it , nor brought a man any credit in the world by the possession of it , nor could serve for any use when you had cut it in pieces : for when it was red hot and just stamp'd , they quench'd it in Vinegar , and by that means made it almost unmalleable by its hardness . In the next place he banish'd all Arts that were not absolutely necessary ; but here he might almost have spar'd his Proclamation : for they of themselves would have gone after the Gold and Silver , the money which remain'd being not so proper payment for curious Pieces : for being of Iron it was scarcely portable , neither if they should take so much pains as to export it , would it pass amongst the other Grecians , who were so far from valuing it that they thought it one of the most ridiculous things in the world . Thus was foreign Traffick almost utterly cut off , for neither could the Lacedemonians buy any Merchandise of Strangers , neither did any Merchants think it worth the while to bring in their Goods to any part of Laconia . For the same reason , they were not pestered with any pedantical Teachers of Rhetorick , with Gypsies , Fortune-tellers , and Calculatours of Nativities ; No pimping corrupters of youth brought their Ladies of composition , or their Boys to be unnaturally abus'd there ; no Gold-smiths and Engravers , no Jewellers and Perfumers were to be found amongst them , for there was no money : so that Luxury being depriv'd of that which fed and fomented it ( being quite starv'd out ) was forc'd to quit their Country , and seek it self one elsewhere . For the rich had no preeminence here over the poor , and their riches and abundance , having no opportunity of appearing and boasting of it self in publick , were forced to remain useless at home , a costly prey to the rust and the moth . Their thoughts being thus taken off from things superfluous , they became excellent Artists in those which were necessary : so that Bedsteads , Chairs and Tables , and such like staple Utensils in a Family , were admirably well made there : particularly their Cup was very much in fashion , and bought up by Souldiers , as Critias reports , for the colour and thickness of the Cup hindred the muddiness of the dirty water ( which upon marches must often be drunk ) from being perceived : and the figure of it was such that the mud sank to the bottom , or stuck to the sides , so that onely the purest part of the water came to the mouth of him that drank in it . And this skill of theirs , though in minute things , was mainly owing to their Law-giver , who took off their minds from the endless care of providing the means and instruments of Luxury , to attend onely to those things which were of daily and indispensable use . The last and most masterly stroke of this excellent Philosopher , by which he struck at the very roots of Luxury , and exterminated utterly the desire of riches , was the Ordinance he made that they should all eat in common , of the same meat , and of such kinds as were specify'd in the Decree : by which it was expresly forbid to pamper themselves in private , to use rich Couches , and magnificent Tables , abusing the labours of excellent Workmen , and delivering themselves up into the hands of their Butchers and Cooks , who us'd to cramme them in corners as they fatted up the Beasts and the Poultery they fed on : by this way of life their manners were not onely corrupted but their bodies too were enfeebled , so that giving the rein to their sensual appetites they stood in need of long sleep and hot Bagnio's , and , in a word , of as much care and attendance as if they were continually sick . It was certainly an extraordinary thing to have brought about such an enterprise as this , but a greater yet to have effected by the frugality of their publick Tables , that their riches should be privileg'd from the hands of rapine , nay rather ( as Theophrastus observes ) should be utterly degraded , * losing their property , and almost their very nature , so that they no longer were the objects of envy . For the rich being oblig'd to partake of the same fare with the poor , they could not make use of , or enjoy their choice viands , nor so much as please their vain humours , by making a shew and vaunting of them to the world . So that the common Proverb that Plutus ( the God of Riches ) is blind , was no where so literally verify'd as in Sparta : for there he was kept continually blind , or rather like a dead Carcase , senseless , motionless , as when he lay wrapt up in the dark entrails of the earth . Nor could they take any refection in private before they came to the publick Halls , for every one had an eye upon them who did not eat and drink with a good stomach , and reproached them with the name of dainty and effeminate . This last Ordinance bore very hard upon the wealthier sort of men , so that being out of all patience they made an insurrection against Lycurgus , and from ill words came to blows , so that at length he was forced to run out of the Assembly , and make to Sanctuary to save his life : by good hap he got before all the rest , excepting one Alcander , ( a young Gentleman otherwise not ill accomplish'd , but too hasty and cholerick ) who came up so close to him , as that , whilst he turn'd himself about to see who was near him , he struck him upon the face , and beat out one of his eyes . The incomparable Philosopher was so far from being daunted and discouraged by this accident , that he stop'd short , and shew'd his reverend face all in a gore bloud to his ingratefull Country-men : they were so strangely surpris'd and asham'd to see it , that they immediately begg'd pardon , offer'd him any sort of reparation , and delivered Alcander into his hands to be punished as he should think fit . Lycurgus , having thank'd them for their care of his person , dismiss'd them all , excepting onely Alcander ; taking him with him into his House he neither did nor said any thing severely to him , but dismissing those whose place it was , he ordered Alcander to wait upon him at Table : the young man , though not used to servile employments , without murmuring or repining did as he was commanded : being thus near him he had opportunity to observe in him ( besides the natural goodness and mildness of his temper ) an extraordinary sobriety in his diet , and a strength of complexion proceeding from it , which no labours and fatigues were able to surmount . He was so ravish'd with admiration of these excellent qualities , that of an enemy he became one of his most zealous admirers , and told his Friends and Relations , that Lycurgus was not that morose and ill-natur'd man whom they had formerly took him for , but of the sweetest and most Gentleman-like disposition in the world . And thus did Lycurgus ( for chastisement of his fault ) make of a wild and dissolute young man one of the discreetest Citizens of Sparta . In memory of this accident Lycurgus built a Temple to Minerva , sirnamed Optilete , from a word which in the Dorick Dialect signifies the preserver of the sight : for some Authours , of which Dioscorides is one ( who wrote a Treatise of the Commonwealth of Sparta ) say that he was wounded indeed , but did not lose his eye with the blow : and this was the cause of the dedication of that Temple . Be this as it will , certain it is , that this misadventure was the cause that the Lacedemonians never bring any arms , no not so much as a staff into their publick Assemblies . But to return to their publick repasts , which had several names in Greek : for the Candiots call'd them ' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( because the men onely came to them : ) The Lacedemonians call'd them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( from a word which signifies Parsimony , because they were so many Schools of Sobriety ) or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that is , Feasts of Love , because that by eating and drinking together they had opportunity of making Friends . To put in my own conjecture , perhaps they were simply call'd ' 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( Eating-houses ) for such the word is by the subtraction of one letter . They met by companies of Fifteen , over or under , and each of them stood bound to bring in monthly a Bushel of Meal , eight Galons of Wine , five Pounds of Cheese , two Pounds and an half of Figs , for their dessert , and a little Money to buy Flesh and Fish withall . Besides this , when any of them made Sacrifice to the Gods they always sent a dole to the Common-hall : and likewise when any one of them had been a Hunting , he sent thither a part of the Venison he had kill'd , and these two were the onely allowable excuses for supping at home . This custom of eating together was observ'd strictly for a great while afterwards : insomuch that Agis , King of Lacedaemon , having vanquish'd the Athenians , and sending for his Commons at his return home , because he desired to eat privately with his Queen , was refus'd by the Polemarchi : which refusal , when he resented so much as to omit the Eucharistical Sacrifices which used to be made for a War happily ended , they were so far from asking his pardon , that they set a fine upon his head , and obliged him to pay it . They us'd to send their Children to these Tables as to Schools of temperance and good husbandry : here they were instructed in State-affairs , not by mercenary Pedants , but , by experienced Statesmen : here they learn'd the art of Conversation , to droll without reflecting , and to make jests at the cost of no man's reputation : and withall to take a jest with the same innocence and unconcernedness that they gave one . In this point of good breeding the Lacedemonians exceeded all the people of Greece : but if any man were out of humour , or was not of a nature to bear a jest , upon the least hint given there was no more to be said to him : it was customary also for the eldest man in the company to tell each of them , as they came in , Look ye , Sir , not a word said in company must go out of this Door , and withall he pointed to it . When any one had a desire to be admitted into any of these little Societies he was to go through this manner of probation : each man in the company took a little ball of soft bread ( a custom much like that of ballotting in other places ) which they were to throw into a deep Basin , which a waiter carried round upon his head : those that lik'd the person to be chosen drop'd their Ball into the Basin without altering the figure ; and those who disliked him press'd it betwixt their fingers , and made it flat : and this signify'd as much as a negative voice ; for if there were but one of these flatted pieces in the Basin the Suiter was rejected : so curious they were in the choice of their company , and so tender of disgusting any one member in it , by taking in a man unacceptable to him . Their principal Dish was a sort of black Broth , which was so much valued that the elderly sort fed onely upon that , leaving what flesh there was to the younger sort . They say that a certain King of Pontus , having heard much of this black Broth of theirs , sent for a Lacedemonian Cook on purpose to make him some : he had no sooner tasted it but he found it was abominable : the Cook seeing him out of conceit with it , told him : Sir , to make this Broth relish you should have bath'd your self first in the River of Eurotas . Having eaten and drank thus moderately every man went to his home without lights ; for the use of them was utterly forbid , to the end that they might accustom themselves to march boldly in the dark . And such was the order and fashion of their Meals . Lycurgus would never reduce his Laws into writing , nay it is expresly forbid in the Rhetra ; for he thought that the most material points , and such as most directly tended to the publick welfare , being imprinted on the hearts of their youth by a good education , and by a constant and habitual observance of them , becoming a second nature , would supply the place of a Law and Law-giver in them all the rest of their lives : and as for things of lesser importance , as pecuniary contracts , and such like , the forms of which ought to be chang'd as occasion requires , and in tract of time become insufficient for the ends they were intended for , he thought it the best way to leave them to every man's discretion , and to prescribe no certain form at all : he left therefore no inviolable custom in such cases , willing that the manner and form of bargaining should be altered according to the circumstances of time , and determinations of men of the soundest judgment . For he was persuaded that without good education the best Laws in the world signify'd nothing , and where that was they were in a manner superfluous . One branch then of the Rhetra was that their Laws should not be written , another branch of it is particularly levell'd against Luxury and expensiveness : for by it it was ordained , That the Ceilings of their Houses should onely be wrought by the Ax , and their Gates and Doors smooth'd onely by the Saw. And this was not without mystery : for if Epaminondas could say with so good a grace , inviting some Friends to his Table , Come , Gentlemen , be secure , Treason would never come to such a poor Dinner as this ; why might not this great Law-giver in all probability have thought that such ill-favour'd Houses would never be capable of receiving Luxury and superfluity ? For a man must have a more than ordinary share of folly that would furnish such Rooms with embroidered Beds , and Hangings of Arras , that would be serv'd in Plate upon a rough-hewn Table , and pretend to pomp and magnificence in a House which was almost too narrow for the necessities of life . And doubtless he had good reason to think that they would proportion their Beds to their House , and their Coverlets to their Beds , and that the rest of their Goods and Furniture would be sutable to them . It is reported that King Leotichidas , the first of that name , was so little used to the sight of carv'd Work , that , being entertain'd at Corinth in a stately Room , he was much surpris'd to see the Timber and Ceiling so finely wrought , and asked his Host , whether the Trees grew so in his Country ? A third Ordinance of this forementioned Rhetra was , That they should not make War often , or long , with the same Enemy , lest that they should train and instruct them in the art of War by having often to doe with them : and by forcing them to defend themselves , at length teach them to be the aggressours : and for breaking this Law was Agesilaus much blamed a long time after , by making such continual incursions into Boeotia , that at length he taught that people to make head against the Lacedemonians : and therefore Antalcidas , seeing him wounded one day , said to him , that he was very well paid for making the Thebans good Souldiers whether they would or no. And these Laws were called the Rhetra , that is to say , not inventions of Man's Wisedom , but Divine Sanctions and Revelations from Heaven . In order to the good Education of their Youth ( which , as I said before , he thought the most important and noblest Work of a Law-giver ) he went so far back as to take into consideration their very Conception and Birth , by regulating their Marriages . For Aristotle wrongs the memory of this excellent Person , by bearing us in hand , that , after he had try'd all manner of ways to reduce the Women to more modesty and sobriety , he was at last forced to leave them as they were : because that in the absence of their Husbands , who spent the best part of their lives in the Wars , their Wives made themselves absolute Mistresses at home , and would be treated with as much respect as if they had been so many Queens . But by his good leave it is a mistake ; for he took for that Sex too all the care that was possible : for an instance of it he ordered the Maidens to exercise themselves with Wrestling , Running , throwing the Bar and casting the Dart , to the end that the Fruit they conceived might take deeper root , and grow strong , and spread it self in strong and healthy Bodies ; and withall that they might be the more able to undergo the pains of Child-bearing . And to the end he might take away their over-great tenderness , and that acquired womanishness which vain custom hath added to the natural , he ordered that they should go naked as well as the young Men , and dance too in that condition at their solemn Feasts and Sacrifices , singing certain Songs , whilst the young Men stood in a ring about them , seeing and hearing them : in these Songs they now and then gave a satyrical glance upon those who had mis-behaved themselves in the Wars ; and sometimes sang encomiums upon those who had done any gallant action , and by these means enflamed the younger sort with an emulation of their glory . Those that were thus commended went away brave and well satisfy'd with themselves , and those who were rally'd were as sensibly touch'd with it as if they had been formally and severely reprimanded , and so much the more , because the Kings and whole Court saw and heard all that pass'd . Now though it may seem strange that Women should appear thus naked in publick , yet may it be said that true modesty was observ'd and wantonness excluded ; they were sufficiently clad in their native innocence and simplicity , and wore the livery of the lovely original couple . The end of their exercise was to make themselves more active and vigorous , to the end that they might bear away the prize one from another , and at last come to dispute it with the Men. From hence came that sense of honour and nobleness of spirit , of which we have an instance in Gorgo , the Wife of King Leonidas , who being told , in discourse with some foreign Ladies , that the Women of Lacedaemon were they onely of the world who had an Empire over the Men , she briskly reparty'd , that there was good reason , for they were the onely Women who brought forth Men. Lastly , these publick processions of the Maidens , and their appearing naked in their exercises and dancings , were provocations and baits to stir up and allure the young Men to Marriage : and that , not upon Geometrical reasons ( as Plato calls them ) such as Interest , and equality of Fortune and Birth , but from the sweet constraint and unsophisticated dictates of nature , from that mysterious agreement and sympathy of minds which alone can make men happy in a married estate . Besides this , that he might promote Marriage more effectually , those who continued Batchelours were made infamous by Law ; for they were excluded from the sight of those publick processions in which the young Men and Maidens danc'd naked : nay , the Officers compell'd them to march naked themselves round the Market-place in the very depth of Winter , singing a certain Song to their own disgrace , that they justly suffer'd this punishment for disobeying the Laws . Moreover they were depriv'd of that respect and observance which the younger sort were oblig'd to pay to their elders : and therefore no man found fault with what was said to Dercyllidas , a great Captain , and one who had commanded Armies ; who , as he came into the place of Assembly , a young man , instead of rising and making room for him , told him , Sir , you must not expect that honour from me being young , which cannot be return'd to me by a Child of yours when I am old . When they had a mind to marry , their Courtship was a sort of Rape upon the persons whom they had a fancy for , and those they chose not tender and * half Children , but in the flower of their age and full ripe for a Husband : After this , She who manag'd the Wedding , comes , and shaves close the Hair of the Bride , dresses her up compleatly in Man's Clothes , leaves her upon a Mattress : this done , in comes the Bridegroom , in his every day Clothes , sober and compos'd , as having supp'd at his Ordinary , and steals in as privately as he can into the Room where the Bride lay , unties her Virgin Zone and takes her into his embraces ; and so having stay'd some time together , he returns as secretly as he can to his Apartment with the rest of his Camerades , with whom he spends all the day , and good part of the night too , unless he steals a short visit to his Bride , and that he did with a great deal of circumspection and fear of being discover'd ; nor was she wanting ( as may be suppos'd ) on her part , to use her Womans wit in watching the most favourable opportunities for their meeting , and making appointments when company was most out of the way . In this manner they liv'd a long time , insomuch that they frequently had Children by their Wives before ever they saw their faces by day-light . Their interview being thus difficult and rare serv'd not onely for continual exercise of their Temperance , and further'd very much the ends and intention of Marriage , but besides , these short Absences kept their passion still alive , which flaggs , and decays , and dyes at last by too easie Access and long continuance with the beloved object : they always parted with regret , contriving when they should come together again , and thought minutes hours till the next meeting : having thus set Modesty as a Sentinel over the Marriage-bed , he next bethought himself of a prevention of that wild and womanish passion , Jealousie . And this he † thought the best expedient , to allow men the freedom of imparting the use of their Wives to those whom they should think fit , that so they might have Children by them ; and this he would needs make a very commendable piece of Liberality , and laugh'd at those who think the violation of their Bed such an insupportable affront , that they revenge it by Murthers often , and sometimes by cruel Wars . Lycurgus thought a man not to be blam'd , who being step'd in years and having a young Wife , should recommend some vertuous handsome young man that she might have a Child by him who might inherit the good qualities of such a Father , and this Child the good Man loves as tenderly as if he was of his own begetting : on the other side an honest man who had love for a married woman upon the account of her modesty and the wellfavourdness of her Children , might without formality beg of her Husband a nights lodging , that he might have a slip of so goodly a Tree which he might transplant into his own Garden . And indeed , Lycurgus was of a persuasion that Children were not so much the propriety of their Parents as of the whole Commonwealth , and therefore he would not have 'em begot by the first Comers , but by the best Men that could be found : the Laws of other Nations seem'd to him very defective and incongruous , who were very solicitous for the breed of their Dogs and Horses , and sent a great way and were at no small charges to get the best Stallions ; and yet kept their Wives under Lock and Key for fear of other men , whereas themselves were craz'd , old or infirm , and more fit to propagate Diseases than their Species : if they had made the least reflexion in the world they would have taken notice that the honour and dishonour of Children ( who generally derive their good or ill qualities from those that beget 'em ) doth chiefly redound to those who have the charge of their Education , and if they prove ill they first feel the smart of it . Such reasons may be alledg'd in favour of this Paradox of Lycurgus ; but this is certain , that so long as these Ordinances were observ'd , the Women there were so far from that scandalous Liberty which hath since been objected to them , that they knew not what the name of Adultery meant . A proof of this we have in Geradas , a very ancient Spartan , who being ask'd by a stranger , what punishment their Law had appointed for Adulterers , he answer'd , there are no Adulterers in our Country : but , replyed the stranger , suppose there were one , and the crime prov'd against him , how would you punish him ? he answer'd , that the Offender must pay to the Plaintiff a Bull with a Neck so long as that he might drink of the River that ran at the foot of Taygetus over the top of the Mountain : the man being surpris'd at this said , why , 't is impossible to find such a Bull ; Geradas smilingly reply'd , 't was just as possible to find an Adulterer in Sparta . And so much I had to say of their Marriages . Nor was it in the power of the Father to dispose of the Child as he thought fit , but was oblig'd to carry it before the * Tryers , ( who were some of the gravest men of the Tribe to which the Child belong'd ) their business it was carefully to view the Infant , and if they found it lusty and well-favour'd , they gave order for its education , and allotted to it one of the nine thousand shares of Land above-mentioned for its maintenance ; but if they found it deform'd , and of an ill complexion , they ordered it to be cast into a deep † cavern in the earth , near the Mountain Taygetus , as thinking it neither for the good of the Child it self , nor for the publick interest that it should be brought up , since nature had denied it the means of happiness in its own particular by not giving it health , nor strength sufficient to make it serviceable to the publick : upon the same account the Women did not bathe the new-born Children with Water , as is the custom in all other Countries , but with Wine , to prove the temper and complexion of their Bodies ; for a conceit they had , that weakly Children fall into fits of the Convulsion , or immediately faint upon their being thus bath'd ; on the contrary , those who were of a strong and vigorous habit , would acquire a greater degree of firmness by it , and get a temper in proportion like Steel , in the quenching . Their Nurses too were so carefull and experienc'd that , without using Swadling-bands , their Children were all streight , well proportion'd and beautifull ; and besides they us'd them to any sort of meat , and sometimes to bear the want of it , not to be afraid of the dark , or to be alone , nor to be wayward , and peevish , and crying , as they are generally in other Countries , through the impertinent care and fondness of those who look to them . Upon this account Spartan Nurses were often bought up , or hir'd by people of other Countries : and it is reported that she who suckled Alcibiades was a Spartan : but if he was fortunate in his Nurse he was not so in his School-master : for his Guardian Pericles † ( as Plato tells us ) chose a Slave for that Office call'd Zopyrus , nothing better than those that row'd in a Galley . Lycurgus was of another mind , he would not have Masters bought out of the Market , nor such as should sell their pains , nor would he have any thing mercenary in so important a charge . Nor was it lawfull for the Father himself to breed up the Children after his own fancy ; but as soon as they were seven years old they were to be enroll'd in certain Companies and Classes , where they all liv'd under the same Orders and Discipline , doing their exercises , and recreating themselves together . Of these , he who shew'd the most conduct and courage , was made Captain ; they had their eyes always upon him , obeyed his orders , and underwent patiently whatsoever punishment he inflicted : so that the whole course of their education was one continued exercise of a ready and perfect obedience . The old men too were Spectatours of their performances , and oft-times hatch'd quarrels , and set them together by the ears , that by those early indications they might perfectly learn their natures , and know which would be valiant , which a coward when they should come to more dangerous encounters : as for Learning , they gave them just enough to serve their turn ; their chief care was to make them good Subjects , to fit them to endure the fatigues of long and tedious marches , and never to return without victory from the field . To this end , as they grew in years their exercises were proportionably increas'd ; their heads were shav'd , they were accustomed to go bare-foot , and for the most part to play naked . After they were twelve years old , they were no longer allow'd to wear double garments , one plain Coat serv'd them a whole year : and being but very seldom bath'd and trimm'd they were none of the neatest and cleanliest persons in the world . They lodg'd together in little Bands upon Beds made of the Rushes which grew by the Banks of the River Eurotas , and because their points were sharp they were to break them off with their Hands without a Knife : if it were a hard Winter they mingled some Thistle-down with their Rushes , this kept them warm , and as well contented they were with it , as if it had been the best Feather-bed in the world . By that time they were come to this age , there was not any of the more hopefull Lads who had not a lover to bear him company ; The old men too had an eye upon them , coming often to the Schools to hear and see them contend either in wit or strength with one another : and this they did as seriously and with as much concern as if they were their Fathers , their Tutours , or their Magistrates ; so that there scarcely passed a moment without putting them in mind of their duty , nor was there any place so privileg'd but that they were punish'd if they had neglected it . Besides all this , there was always one of the best and honestest men in the City appointed to undertake the charge and governance of them : he again rang'd them into several little Bands , and set over each of them for their Captain the discreetest and most metall'd of those they call'd Irenes , ( which were usually twenty years old , and those who were about eighteen were call'd Mell-Irenes , as much as to say , who would shortly be Men : ) This young man therefore was their Captain when they fought , and their Master at home , using them for the offices of his House ; sending the sturdiest of them to fetch Wood , and the weaker and less able to gather Salads and Herbs , and these they must either go without or steal them ; and this they did by creeping into the Gardens , or conveying themselves very cunningly and closely into the Eating-houses : and it concern'd them so to doe , for if they were taken in the fact they were whip'd without mercy ; and that , not for want of honesty but for want of wit , because they did not lay their design well , and were not fine and cunning in their faculty . They stole too all other meat they could lay their hands on , looking out sharp and watching all opportunities , when people were asleep or more careless than usual . If they were caught they were not onely punish'd with whipping but hunger too , being reduc'd to their ordinary , which was but very slender , and so contriv'd on purpose , that being press'd by hunger they might cast about to help themselves by some subtile conveyance or adventurous action : and this was the principal design of their hard fare : another there was not inconsiderable , that they might grow the better in tallness ; for the vital spirits not being over-burthened and oppressed by too great a quantity of nourishment ( which necessarily discharges it self into thickness and breadth ) do by their natural lightness and agility mount upwards ; and the substance of the Body not being gross or in two great a quantity , does more easily follow the fashioning hand of Nature , whereas gross and over-fed Bodies are stubborn and untractable , and she can at best make but a bungling piece of work of them . This we find by experience in Women which take Physick whilst they are with Child ; for though the Children be by that means made something leaner and of a less size , yet are they , for the most part , lovely of aspect , and extraordinary well shap'd ; the remaining matter , after the separation of the grosser humours , being more supple and pliable and recipient of its form , which is always exact and perfect in its kind , when the matter is capable of it . But whether this be the true reason or not , I leave it to be determin'd by the College of Physicians . To return from whence we have digressed ; the Lacedemonian Children were so very cautious and fearfull of being discovered , that a youth having stoln a young Fox and hid it under his Coat , suffered it to tear out his very Bowels with its Teeth and Claws , and so dy'd upon the place , rather than he would discover it : what is practis'd to this very day in Lacedaemon is enough to gain credit to this story , for my self have seen several of them endure whipping to death at the foot of the Altar of Diana , sirnamed Orthia . The Iren , or under-master , us'd to stay a little with them after Supper , and one of them he bid to sing a Song : to another he put forth a Question , which requir'd an advis'd and deliberate Answer : for example , Who was the best man in the City ? What he thought of such an action of such a man ? Using them thus early to pass a right judgment upon persons and things , and to inform themselves of the abilities or defects of their Country-men : if they had not an Answer ready , they were look'd upon as of a dull and careless disposition , and to have little or no sense of Vertue and Honour : besides this , they were to give a good reason for what they said , and in as few words and as comprehensive as might be : he that failed of this , or answered not to the purpose ( instead of a Ferule ) had his Thumb bit by his Master . It so fell out sometimes that the Iren did this in the presence of the old Men and Magistrates , that they might see whether he punished them justly and in due measure or not : and though he did amiss they would not reprove him before his Scholars , ( lest it should diminish their respect to him ) but when they were gone he himself was call'd to an account , and underwent a correction too , if he had run far into either of the extremes of indulgence or severity . It is a thing remarkable that their Lovers and favourers had a share in the young Lads honour or disgrace : and there goes a story , that one of them was fined by the Magistrates , because the Lad whom he lov'd cry'd out effeminately as he was fighting . ( By the way so much in fashion was this sort of love among them , that the most stay'd and vertuous Matrons would own publickly their passion to a modest and beautifull Virgin. ) And though several mens fancies met in one person , yet did not this cause any strangeness or jealousie among them , but rather was the beginning of a very intimate friendship , whilst they all jointly conspired to render the belov'd Boy the most accomplish'd in the world . They taught them also a natural and gracefull way of speaking , enlivened with a touch of inoffensive raillery , and comprehending a great deal of matter in few words . For Lycurgus , who ordered that a great piece of money ( as is aforesaid ) should be but of an inconsiderable value , on the contrary would allow no discourse to be current , which did not contain in few words a great deal of usefull and weighty sense : so that Children there by a habit of long silence and meditation had such a presence and quickness of mind as to give very surprising answers , and oft-times speak Apothegms to the astonishment of the hearers ; whereas the incontinence of the Tongue , like the other sort of incontinence , frustrates the ends of speaking , as that does of generation . From hence the pithiness of the Laconian Speech ; an instance of which we have in King Agis , who when a pert Athenian laugh'd at their short Swords , and said that the Jugglers and Mountebanks swallow'd them in the publick Shows and Theatres , answered him , And yet our Enemies cannot endure the sight of them ; and as their Swords were short and sharp , so were their Sayings : and truly in my judgment there is in this concise way of speech something which I know better than I can express , which flies level to the mark , and does more execution than a whole volee of words shot at rovers . Lycurgus himself , who enjoined this manner of speaking , was one of the best examples of it , as appears by his answer to one who by all means would have a popular Government in Lacedaemon : Begin Friend , said he , and make a trial in thy own Family . Another ask'd him why he allow'd of so mean and trivial Sacrifices to the Gods ? he reply'd , That we may always have something to offer to them . Being ask'd , What sort of Martial Exercises or Combats he approv'd of , answered , all sorts , except that in which you * stretch out your hands . Many Sayings of the like force are to be found in the Letters which he occasionally wrote to his Country-men ; as , being consulted how they might best oppose an invasion of their Enemies , return'd this answer , By continuing poor , and not coveting to have one more than another . Being consulted again whether it were requisite to enclose the City with a Wall , sent them word , That City is well fortified which hath a Wall of Men instead of Brick . But as for these Letters , whether they be counterfeit or not , I think it no easie matter to determine , and therefore let every man think as he pleases . But that they were indeed enemies to talkativeness these following instances are an authentick and sufficient proof . King Leonidas told one who held him in discourse upon some usefull things and worthy his hearing but not in due time and place , Sir , you are impertinent for speaking in this place so much to the purpose . King Charilaus , the Nephew of Lycurgus , being ask'd why his Uncle had made so few Laws , answered , To men of few Words few Laws are sufficient . One blam'd Hecateus the Oratour because that being invited to a Feast he had not spoke one word all Supper-time , Archidamus answered in his vindication , He who can speak well knows when to speak too . I will now give an instance or two of their sharp Reparties , which , as I said before , had a sort of pleasantness with them which made them to be the better excus'd . Damaratus being ask'd , in an † abusive manner by an importunate fellow , Who was the best man in Lacedaemon ? answered him , He , Sir , that is the least like you . Some , in company where Agis was , much extoll'd the exact Justice of the Eleans , who sate as Judges at the Olympick Games ; indeed , says Agis , they are highly to be commended if they can doe Justice once in the space of five years . Theopompus answered a stranger who brag'd that he was so much taken notice of for his love to the Lacedemonians , that his Country-men from thence call'd him * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , that it had been more for his honour if they had call'd him † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . And Plistonax , the Son of Pausanias , when an Oratour of Athens said the Lacedemonians were an illiterate and ignorant people , told him , You say true , Sir , for we onely of all the Graecians have learned none of your ill conditions . One ask'd Archidamus what number of fighting men there might be of the Spartans , he answered , Enow , Sir , to drive out the wicked . We may guess too at their manner of speaking by their very Jests . For they us'd not to throw them out at random , but the very wit of them was grounded upon some considerable sense . For instance , one being ask'd to go hear a Man who exactly counterfeited the voice of a Nightingale , answered , Sir , I have heard the Nightingale it self . Another having read this following inscription upon a Tomb , Extinguishing a cruel Tyranny At Selinum these brave Patriots did dy : made this clinch upon it , that they well deserv'd to dye , for instead of extinguishing the Tyranny they should have let it burn out . A Lad being offered some Cocks of the Game so hardy that they would dye upon the place , said that he car'd not for Cocks that would dye hardy , but for such that would live and kill others . Another would by no means be carried home in a Chair , as he saw some others were , because , said he , I cannot conveniently rise in it to pay respect to my betters . In short , their answers were so sententious and pertinent that one said well , that to be a Philosopher or a Lacedemonian signified the same thing . And though they were a very active people they exercised their Minds much more than their Bodies . Nor were they less carefull to sing and compose well than to express themselves in proper terms and to speak to the point . And their very Songs had such a life and spirit in them , that they enflam'd and ravish'd mens minds with a desire to doe great and good Actions ; the style of them was plain and without affectation ; the subject always serious and moral ; most usually it was in praise of such men as had dy'd in the bed of honour for defence of their Country , or in derision of those who would not venture their lives willingly in so good a cause : the former they declared happy , and almost Gods , and the latter they describ'd as most miserable and below the condition of men . In these Verses too they talk'd high of what feats they would doe or had done , and vaunted of themselves as the bravest and most valiant people in the world . The expression was different and sutable to their several ages : for you must understand that they had three Choirs of them in their solemn Festivals , the first of the old Men , the second of the young Men , and the last of the Children : ( to give a taste of them ) the old Men began thus , We have been ( though now spent and old ) Hardy in Field , in Battel Bold . The young men answered them , singing , We are so now : let who dares try , We 'll conquer , or in combat dye . The Children came last , and said , What ever ye can * doe or † tell , We one day will you both excell . Indeed if we will take the pains to consider their Compositions , and the Airs on the Flute to which they were set when they march'd on to Battel , we shall find that Terpander and Pindar had reason to say that Musick was not incompatible with , but rather an help and incentive to , Valour . The first says thus of them . Justice goes in procession through their Streets , And Mars the Muses in sweet consort meets . And Pindar — Blest Sparta ! in whose State we find Things almost inconsistent join'd : In quiet times your Martial toils not cease , And Wars adorn'd with the soft arts of Peace . Gray-headed Wisedom reigns in your Debates , And well-bred Youth with equal Fire , Handle their Arms , or touch their Lyre ; Ye Gods , the Musick of well ordered States ! So that these two Poets describe the Spartans as being no less musical than warlike , and the Spartan Poet himself confirms it : Our Sports prelude to War , and Musicks charms Inspire deliberate Valour to our Arms. And even before they engag'd in Battel the King did first sacrifice to the Muses ( in all likelihood ) to put them in mind of the manner of their education , and of the severe judgment that would be pass'd upon their actions , and thereby to animate them to the performance of some gallant Exploit : sometimes too the Lacedemonians abated a little the severity of their manners in favour of their young men , suffering them to curle and perfume their Hair , and to have costly Arms , and fine Clothes ; and as well pleas'd they were to see them marching out full of metal and spirit to an Engagement as the other Graecians were to see their trim'd Horses neighing , and pressing for the * course . And therefore when they came to be well-grown Lads they took a great deal of care of their Hair , to have it parted and trim'd , especially against a day of Battel , pursuant to a saying of their Law-giver , that a large head of Hair set off a good Face to more advantage , and those that were ugly it made more ugly and dreadfull . When they were in the Field their Exercises were generally more moderate , their Fare not so hard , nor so strict a hand held over them by their Officers , so that they were the onely people in the world to whom War gave repose . When their Army was drawn up in Battel array , and the Enemy near , the King sacrific'd a Goat , commanded the Souldiers to set their Garlands upon their heads , and the Pipers to play the Tune of the Hymn to Castor , and himself advancing forwards began the Paean , which serv'd for a signal to fall on . It was at once a delightfull and terrible sight to see them march on to the Tune of their Flutes , without ever troubling their Order or confounding their Ranks , no disorder in their minds or change in their countenance , but on they went to the hazard of their lives as unconcernedly and cheerfully as if it had been to lead up a Dance , or to hear a consort of Musick . Men in this temper were not likely to be possessed with fear , or transported with fury , but they proceeded with a deliberate Valour , full of hope and good assurance , as if some Divinity had sensibly assisted them . The King had always about his person some one who had been crown'd in the Olympick Games : and upon this account a Lacedemonian refus'd a considerable present which was offered to him upon condition that he would not come into the Lists , and having with much to doe thrown his Antagonist , some of the Spectatours said to him , And now , Sir Lacedemonian , what are you the better for your Victory ? he answered smiling , O , a great deal , Sir , for I shall have the honour to fight by the side of my Prince . After they had routed an Enemy they pursu'd him till they were well assured of the Victory , and then they sounded a retreat , thinking it base and unworthy of a Graecian people , to cut men in pieces who durst not look them in the face or lift up their hands against them . This manner of dealing with their Enemies did not onely shew their magnanimity but had a politick end in it too ; for knowing that they kill'd onely those who made resistance , and gave quarter to the rest , they generally thought it their best way to consult their safety by flight . Hippias the Sophister says that Lycurgus himself was a very valiant and experienced Commander . Philostephanus attributes to him the first division of the Cavalry into * Troops of fifties in a square Body : but Demetrius the Phalerian says quite the contrary , and that he made all his Laws in a continued Peace . And indeed the cessation of Arms procured by his means and management , inclines me to think him a good-natur'd man , and one that lov'd quietness and peace . Notwithstanding all this Hermippus tells us that he had no hand in the Ordinance , that Iphitus made it , and Lycurgus came onely as a Spectatour , and that by mere accident too . Being there he heard a voice of one behind him , blaming , and wondering at him that he did not encourage his Country-men to resort to so illustrious an Assembly ; turning about and seeing no man , he concluded that it was a voice from Heaven , and thereupon immediately went to Iphitus , and was assistant to him in ordering the Ceremonies of that Feast , which by his means were better establish'd , more famous and magnificent than before that time they were . To return to the Lacedemonians . Their discipline and order of life continued still after they were full grown men . No one was allowed to live after his own fancy ; but the whole City resembled a great Camp in which every man had his share of provisions , and business set out , and look'd upon himself not so much born to serve his own ends as the interest of his Country . Therefore if they were commanded nothing else , they went to see the Lads perform their Exercises , to teach them something usefull , or to learn it themselves of those who knew better . And here I cannot but declare my opinion , that one of the greatest blessings Lycurgus procur'd to his people was , the abundance of leisure , which proceeded from his forbidding to them the exercise of any mean and mechanical Trade ; for it was but lost labour to waste themselves with anxiety and toil to heap together a great deal of money , which when they had got was but useless lumber in their house ; for the Ilotes till'd their ground for them , and paid them yearly in kind the quantity above-mention'd , without any trouble of theirs . To this purpose there goes a story of a Lacedemonian who happened to be at Athens in Assises time in which a Citizen had been punish'd for idleness , and came home much discontented and comfortless : the Lacedemonian was much surpriz'd at it , and desired his Friend to shew him the man who was condemned for living like a Gentleman : so much beneath them they esteemed all mechanical employments , and the care of heaping up riches . I need not tell you that upon the prohibition of Gold and Silver all Law-suits immediately ceas'd , for there was now no griping avarice , or poverty oppressed , but equality with abundance , and a quiet life with sobriety . All their time ( except when they were in the Field ) was taken up in dancing , in feasting , in their exercises , and hunting matches , or † places where good company us'd to meet . Those who were under thirty years of age were not allow'd to go into the Market-place , but had the necessaries of their Family supply'd by the care of their Relations and Lovers : nor was it for the credit of elderly men to be seen too often in the Market-place ; it was esteem'd more honourable for them to frequent the Academies and places of conversation , where they discours'd agreeably , not of the price of Pepper , and interest of Money , but gravely pass'd their judgment on some action worth considering ; extoll'd the good , and blam'd those who were otherwise , and that in a facetious way , so that the Feather of the Jest made the Arrow pierce the deeper , and left some usefull remark or correction behind it . Nor was Lycurgus himself so sullen and cynically grave but that now and then he would ruffle his gravity , and * sacrifice an hour to the little God of Laughter , to whom he dedicated a Statue in his House ; to the end that by sprinkling and seasoning their conversations with mirth they might more willingly endure the trouble of their strict and hard life . To conclude this , he bred up his Citizens in such sort , that they neither would , nor could live by themselves , but endeavour'd to incorporate them all together , like swarms of Bees in a cluster about their King ; wholly devesting themselves of their own narrow interests , and forgetting themselves by the continual ecstasie they were in to promote the publick interest and honour . What their Sentiments were will better appear by a few of their Sayings . Paedaretus not being admitted into the List of the three hundred who were chosen to make good the pass at the Thermopyle , return'd home very joyfull and well pleas'd , saying , That it did his heart good to find that there were in Sparta three hundred better men than himself . And Pisistratidas being sent with some others Ambassadour to the Lords Lieutenants of the King of Persia , being ask'd by them , Whether they came of their own accord , or were sent by the State ? answered , That if they obtain'd what they came for , they were commission'd by the Publick , if not , they came of themselves . Argileonide asking some strangers who came from Amphipolis , if her Son Brasidas dy'd couragiously , and as became a Spartan , they fell a-praising him to a high degree , and said , There is not such another left in Sparta ; She took them up short , Hold , Gentlemen , Brasidas indeed was a valiant man , but there are still in Sparta many more valiant than he . The Senate ( as I said before ) consisted of them who were his chief aiders and assistants in the forming of the Government , and the vacancies he ordered to be supply'd out of the best and most deserving men who were full threescore years old ; and we need not wonder if there was much striving and stickling for it : for what more glorious competition could there be amongst men than this , in which it was not * disputed , who should bear away the prize of swiftness , or strength , but who was the wisest and most vertuous man in the City , to whom should be entrusted for ever after ( as the reward of his merits ) the power and authority of the whole Commonwealth , and in whose hands should be deposited the honour , the lives and fortunes of all his Country-men ? The manner of their Election was as follows ; The people being called together , some persons deputed by the Senate , were lock'd up in a Room near the place of Election , which was so contriv'd that they could neither see nor be seen by the Competitours or people , but onely hear the noise of the Assembly without . ( For they decided this , as most other affairs of moment by the shouts of the people . ) This done , the Competitours were not brought in , and presented all together , but one after another , as by lot fell out , and through the Assembly they pass'd in order without speaking a word . Those who were lock'd up , had writing Tables with them in which they set down the number of the shouts and the greatness of them , without knowing to which of the Candidates each of them were made . But he who was found to have the most and loudest acclamations was declar'd Senatour duly elected . Upon this he had a Garland set upon his head , and went in procession to all the Temples to give thanks to the Gods ; a great number of young men followed him , making the streets to echo with his praises : The young Ladies too sung Verses in his honour , and a blessed man they call'd him who had led so vertuous a life . As he went round the City in this manner each of his Relations invited him into his House to a handsome Supper , saying , The City honours you with this Banquet : but he , instead of accepting their invitation , returned to the place where he formerly us'd to eat ; and was serv'd as before , excepting that now he had a * double allowance . By that time Supper was ended , all the Women who were of kin to him were got about the Door , and he beckning to her whom he most esteem'd presented to her the portion he had sav'd , saying with-all , This was given me to day as a reward of my Vertue , I present it to you , as an acknowledgment of yours : upon this she was triumphantly waited upon home by the Women , as he was by the Men. As touching Burials Lycurgus made very wise Orders : for first of all to cut off the superstition of Burying-places , he allow'd them to bury their dead within the City , and even round about their Temples , to the end that their youth might be used to such spectacles , and not be afraid to see a dead body ; and withall to rid them of the conceit that to touch a Corpse , or to tread upon a Grave would defile a man. In the next place he commanded them to bury in Woolen ( which Cloth was to be red ) and put nothing else into the ground with them , except , if they pleas'd , a few * Branches or Leaves of Olive . He would not allow of talkative Grave-stones , nor suffer so much as the names to be inscrib'd , but onely of such men who dy'd in the Wars , or Women which were profess'd of some religious Order . The time too appointed for Mourning was very short ; for it lasted but eleven days , and on the twelfth they were to doe sacrifice to Proserpina , and leave off their Mourning : so that we may see as he cut off all superfluity , so in things necessary there was nothing so small and trivial which had not some profitable lesson and instruction in it , and caus'd an emulation of Vertue or hatred to Vice. All Lacedaemon was like a great Volume , every Leaf of which was fill'd with good rules , and great examples : which presenting themselves at all times and in all places to their thoughts , did insensibly assimilate the minds of the lookers on , and force them to imitate that always which they could not but meet with every where . And this was the reason why he forbid them to travel into foreign Countries , viz. lest they should bring in foreign vices and vanities along with them : he thought it a most senseless thing to take a journey into another Climate , to learn what Clothes they should wear the next Winter ; and to think themselves besieged and half undone if they were forc'd to drink the Liquours of their own Country ; besides , this itch after novelty encreasing , makes men think of innovations in matters of more importance , and to desire new forms and fashions in the Government too . Withall he banished all strangers from Lacedemon who could not give a very good reason for their coming thither ; not because he was afraid lest they should inform themselves of , and imitate his manner of Government , ( as Thucydides would have it believed ) but lest they should introduce something contrary to good manners ; for strange persons bring usually strange discourse along with them , that produces new thoughts and perswasions , and different opinions destroy the harmony of conversation and civil society ; and therefore as carefull he was to keep out all foreign customs as men usually are to keep out suspected persons in the time of a reigning Pestilence . Hitherto , * I for my part can see no sign of injustice or want of equity in the Constitutions of this Commonwealth , and therefore I can by no means agree with those , who say they are very well contriv'd to make men good Souldiers , but exceedingly defective in civil justice and honesty . But as for that secret Ordinance ( if it were one of Lycurgus's , as Aristotle says it was ) it is truly enough to put him and Plato too out of conceit both with the Law-giver and his Government . By this Ordinance those who had the care of the young men , dispatch'd privately some of the ablest of them into the Country from time to time , arm'd onely with their Daggers , and taking a little necessary provision with them , these in the day-time hid themselves in the Thickets and Clifts , and there lay close , but in the night they issued out into the High-ways and kill'd all the Ilotes they could light upon ; sometimes they set upon them by day , as they were at work in the Fields , and murthered them in cold bloud , as Thucydides says in his History of the Peloponnesian War. The same Authour tells us , that a good number of them being * crowned by proclamation , and enfranchised for their good services , and led about to all the Temples in token of honour , disappeared all of a sudden , being about the number of two thousand , and no man neither then nor since could give an account how they came by their deaths . And Aristotle adds that the Ephori , so soon as they were entred into their Office , us'd to declare War against them , that they might be massacred with a pretence of Law. It is confess'd on all hands , that the Spartans dealt with them very hardly ; for it was a thing common to force them to drink to excess , and to lead them in that condition into their publick Halls , that their Children might see what a contemptible and beastly sight a drunken man is : they made them to dance uncomely Dances , and sing ridiculous Songs , forbidding them expresly to meddle with any that were serious , for they would not have them prophaned by their mouths : upon this account when the Thebans made an Invasion into Laconia , and took a great number of the Ilotes prisoners , they could by no means perswade them to sing the Odes of † Terpander , Alcman , or Spendon , for ( faid they ) they are our Masters Songs we dare not sing them . So that it was truly observed by one , that in Sparta he who was Free was most so , and he that was a Slave there was the greatest Slave in the world . For my part I am of opinion that these outrages and cruelties began to be exercis'd in Sparta long after the time of Lycurgus , namely soon after the great Earthquake , at which time the Ilotes made a general Insurrection , and , joyning with the Messenians , laid the whole Country waste , and brought the City to the greatest extremity it had ever been reduc'd to . For I cannot be perswaded that ever Lycurgus invented or put in force so wicked and barbarous an Act as * this was , especially when I look back upon the gentleness of his disposition , and his unprejudic'd justice upon all other occasions ; not to say that it were a piece of high impiety to think hard of him , since † God himself hath given so great a character of his Vertue . To draw now towards the last Scenes of his Life : when he perceiv'd that his Laws had taken deep root in the minds of his Country-men , that custom had rendred them familiar and easie , that his Commonwealth grew apace daily , and was now able to go alone , he had such a calm joy and contentation of mind , as * Plato somewhere tells us the Maker of the World had , when he had finish'd and set this great Machine a moving , and found every thing very good and exactly to answer his great Idoea ; so Lycurgus , taking an unspeakable pleasure in the contemplation of the greatness and beauty of his Work , seeing every spring and particle of his new Establishment in its due order and course , at last he conceived a vast thought to make it immortal too , and , as far as humane forecast could reach , to deliver it down unchangeable to posterity . To bring this to pass , he called an extraordinary Assembly of all the people , he told them that he now thought every thing reasonably well establish'd , both for the good of the publick and for the happiness of each particular , but that there was one thing still behind , and that of the greatest importance , which he thought not fit to impart untill he had consulted the Oracle ; in the mean time his desire was that they would punctually observe his Laws without any the least alteration untill his return , and then he would doe as the God should direct him . They all consented readily , and prayed him to hasten his Voyage : but before he departed he administred an Oath to the two Kings , the Senate and Commons , that they would inviolably observe his Ordinances during his absence . This done he set sail for Delphos , and having sacrific'd to Apollo , ask'd him , Whether he approv'd of the Laws he had establish'd ? the Oracle answered , That his Laws were excellent , and that the people which observ'd them should live in happiness and renown . Lycurgus took the Oracle in Writing , and sent it over to Sparta ; having sacrific'd the second time to Apollo , and taking his leave of his Friends , and his Son , he resolv'd to dye in this Voyage , that the Spartans might never be releas'd from the Oath they had taken . He was now about that age , in which life was still tolerable , and yet a wise man would dye without regret ; especially when he considered , That death comes then seasonably when life is at the best He resolved therefore to make an end of himself by a total abstinence from meat , and even dying to set a copy of temperance to his Country-men ; for he thought that a Statesman and good Patriot should serve his Country with his last breath , and that the end of their lives should be no more idle and unprofitable than all that went before ; especially since all men have a curiosity to know the end of great Personages , and believe most firmly , and remember longest what they did or said dying : and in this he had a double end , the one to secure and crown his own happiness , by a death sutable to so honourable a life ; and the other , that it might be a seal and confirmation of his Laws , especially since that his Country-men had solemnly sworn the observation of them untill his return : nor was he deceived in his expectations , for the City of Lacedaemon continued the chief City of all Greece for the space of five hundred years , mainly by their strict observance of Lycurgus's Laws ; in all which time there was no manner of alteration made during the reign of fourteen Kings , untill the time of Agis , the Son of Archidamus . For the new Creation of the Ephori ( * who at first were chosen in favour of the people ) were so far from diminishing , that they very much confirm'd the power of the Senate . In the time of Agis Gold and Silver found a way into Sparta , and all those mischiefs which attend the immoderate desire of riches . Lysander promoted much this disorder , for by bringing in rich Spoils from the Wars , although himself was incorrupt , yet by this means he fill'd his Country with Avarice and Luxury , directly against the Laws and Ordinances of Lycurgus ; which so long as they were in force Sparta resembled some holy Personage or particular Philosopher ( so unanimous they were and as it were acted by one Soul ) rather than a great Commonwealth and Metropolis of an Empire . And as the Poets feign of Hercules , that with his Lion's Skin and his Club , he went over the world , punishing the Wicked and extirpating Tyrants ; so may it be said of the Lacedemonians , that with a piece of * Parchment and a plain Frieze Coat , they gained the Sovereignty of Greece , and ( which is more ) their affections too ; they deposed all usurp'd Powers , were the Commanders in War and the Arbitres of Peace , and Judges in civil differences or seditions : and this they often did without so much as taking their Buckler in their hand , but barely by sending some plain Man , without attendance , who went under the Character of the Lacedemonian Ambassadour ; and they swarmed about him at his coming like Bees about their King to receive his Orders ; which , without saucy Remonstrances and Provifo's , they immediately put in execution . Such a veneration they had for the equity and good conduct of this illustrious Common-wealth . And therefore I cannot but wonder at those who say , that the Spartans were good and obedient Subjects , but not skill'd in the art of governing ; and for proof of it alledge a Saying of King Theopompus , who when one said that Sparta held up so long because their Kings could command well , he reply'd , nay , rather , because the people know so well how to obey . For indeed those who cannot command wisely are seldom or never well serv'd : on the other hand , a skilfull Leader is always readily followed . And as it is the part of a good Rider to train his Horse to turn , or stop , or go on at his pleasure ; so is it the greatest piece of * King-craft to teach their Subjects obedience : wherefore the Lacedemonians so ordered matters , that people did not onely endure , but even desir'd to be their Subjects . For they did not use to petition them for Ships , or Money , or a supply of armed Men , but onely for a Spartan Commander ; and having obtain'd one , us'd him with honour and reverence ; for so the Sicilians behav'd themselves to Gilippus , the Chalcidians to Brasidas , and all the Colonies of the Graecians in Asia to Lysander , Agesilaus and Callicratidas : in short they esteem'd and call'd them the Peace-makers , the Reformers , the Correctours of the licence both of Princes and People ; and had their eyes always upon the City of Sparta as the perfect model of good Manners and wise Government . The rest seem'd as Scholars , they were the Masters of Greece ; and to this Stratonicus pleasantly alluded , when in merriment he pretended to make a Law that the Athenians should keep Processions in the mysteries of Ceres , the Eleans should dispose of the Prizes at the Olympick Games ( as being best skill'd in matters of this nature ) and that if either of them did amiss the Lacedemonians should be well beaten . Antisthenes too , one of the Scholars of Socrates , said well of the Thebans , who were become very proud for their single Victory at * Leuctres , That they look'd like School-boys who newly had beaten their Master . These indeed were merry Sayings but yet may serve to testifie the opinion men then had of the Spartans . However it was not the design of Lycurgus that his City should govern a great many others ; he thought rather that the happiness of a Kingdom , as of a private man , consisted chiefly in the exercise of Vertue , and mutual love of the Inhabitants ; his principal aim was to make them nobly minded , content with their own , not apt to follow vain hopes , but moderate in all their enterprises ; and by consequence able to maintain themselves and continue long in safety . And therefore all those who have written well of Politicks , as Plato , Diogenes , Zeno and several others , have taken Lycurgus for their Model , as appears by their Writings : but these great men left onely vain projects and words behind them , whereas Lycurgus , without writing any thing , left a flourishing Government , which as it was never thought of before him , so can it scarcely be imitated in following ages ; so that he stands for an undeniable proof , that a perfect wise man was not so mere a notion and chymaera as some men thought . He hath obliged the world not with one single Man , but with a whole Nation of Philosophers , and therefore deserves preference before all other Statists , because he put that in practice of which they onely had the idaea . * Aristotle himself was so convinc'd of his merit , that he acknowledges they did him less honour after his death than he deserv'd , although they built Temples , and offered Sacrifice to him as to a God. It is reported that when his Bones were brought home to Sparta , they were struck with Lightning ; an accident which befell no eminent person but himself and Euripides , who was buried at Arethusa a City of Macedon : and this may serve for consolation to those who have an honour for that † excellent Poet , That he had the same fate with that holy man and favourite of the Gods. Some say Lycurgus dy'd in the City of Cirrha , * others that he dy'd at Elis , and others at Crete , in a Town of which ( call'd Pergamy ) his Tomb was to be seen close by the High-way side . He left but one Son , nam'd Antiorus , who dy'd without issue . His relations and Friends kept an annual Commemoration of him , and the days of the Feast were called Lycurgides . Aristocrates , the Son of Hipparchus says that he dy'd in Crete , and that the Candiots , at his desire when they had burn'd his Body , cast the Ashes into the Sea ; for fear lest that if his Reliques should be transported to Lacedaemon , the people might pretend themselves released from their Oaths , and make innovations in the Government . And thus much may suffice for the Life and Actions of Lycurgus . NUMA POMPILIUS . portrait THE LIFE OF NUMA POMPILIUS . English'd from the Greek , By Paul Rycaut , Esq THough many Noble Families of Rome derive their Original from Numa Pompilius , yet there is great diversity amongst Historians concerning the time in which he reigned : a certain Writer called Clodius in a Book of his , entituled , The Chronology of past times , averrs , that the ancient Registers of Rome were lost when that City was sacked by the Gauls , and that those which are now extant , are counterfeited to flatter and serve the humour of great men , who are pleased to have their pedigree derived from some ancient and noble Lineage , though in reallity that Family hath no relation to them : and though it be commonly reported , that Numa was a Scholar , and a familiar acquaintance of Pythagoras ; yet it is again contradicted by those , who affirm , that he neither was acquainted with the Grecian Language , nor Learning ; and that he was a person of that natural Talent and abilities of Mind , as of himself to attain unto Vertue , or else that his inclinations were cultivated by some foreign Instructour , whose Rules and Doctrine were more excellent and sublime than those of Pythagoras . Some affirm also , that Pythagoras was not a contemporary with Nama , but lived at least five Ages after him ; howsoever it is probable , that some other Pythagoras , a native of Sparta , who , in the third year of Numa's reign , which was about the sixteenth Olympiad , won a Prize at the Olympick Race , might be the person , who , in his Travels through Italy , having gained an acquaintance and familiarity with Numa , might administer some directions and rules to him for the constitution of his Kingdom ; for which reason , at the instigation of this Pythagoras , many of the Laconian Laws and Customs might probably be introduced amongst the Roman Institutions . Nor is it true , that Numa was descended of the Sabines , who declare themselves to be a Colony of the Lacedemonians , nor can we make any just calculate from the periods of the Olympick Games , which though lately published by one Elias Hippia , yet carry not sufficient force of argument , and authority to render them authentick . Wherefore what we have collected of most assured truth , concerning Numa , we shall deliver , taking our beginning from that place which is most pertinent to our purpose . It was the thirty seventh year , accounted from the Foundation of Rome , when Romulus then reigning , did on the fifth day of the Month of July , called the Capratine Nones , offer a publick Sacrifice at the Lake of Capra , in presence of the Senate and People of Rome : But then on a sudden arose so furious a Tempest , which , with black Clouds and Thunder rending the Air , made an eruption on the Earth , which affrighted the common people with such confusion , that they fled and were dispersed ; In this Whirlwind Romulus disappeared , his Body being never since found either living or dead . This accident gave occasion to the world to censure very hardly the practice of the Patricians ; as if that they , being weary of Kingly Government , and exasperated of late by the imperious deportment of Romulus towards them , had plotted against his Life and made him away , that so they might assume the Authority and Government into their own hands : but this report was soon confuted by the testimony of Proclus , a noble person , who swore that he saw Romulus catched up into Heaven in his Arms and Vestments , and as he ascended cry'd out , that they should hereafter style him by the name of Quirinus ; which attestation gained so much credit in the minds of the People , that they ordain'd Divine honours to be perform'd towards him , as to one not dead but translated to a sublimer state , above the condition of mortal nature . This commotion being appeased , the City was greatly divided about the election of another King , for the minds of the ancient Romans and the new Inhabitants were not as yet grown into that perfect union and coalition of spirits , but that there were diversities of Factions amongst the Commonalty , and jealousies and emulations amongst the Senatours ; for though all agreed that it was necessary to have a King , yet what Person or of what Nation was the dispute . For those who had been builders of the City with Romulus , though they had already yielded a share of their Lands and dwellings to the Sabines , who were Aliens , yet could not be perswaded to resign into their hands the Regal Authority . On the other side the Sabines alledged , that their King Tatius being deceased , they had peaceably submitted to the obedience of Romulus , so that now their turn was come to have a King chosen out of their own Nation ; nor did they esteem themselves inferiour to the Romans , nor to have contributed less than they to the increase of Rome , which without their numbers and association could never have merited the name of a City . Thus did both parties argue and dispute their cause ; but lest in the mean time Sedition and discord should occasion Anarchy and confusion in the Common-wealth ; it was agreed and ordained , That the hundred and fifty Senatours should interchangeably execute the Office of supreme Magistrate , and with all the formalities and rites of Regality offer the solemn Sacrifices , and dispatch judicial Causes for the space of six hours by day and six by night ; the which vicissitude and equal distribution of power would remove all emulation from amongst the Senatours , and envy from the people ; when they could behold one elevated to the degree of a King , levelled in a few hours after , to the private condition of a Subject : which Form of Government was termed by the Romans , Interregnum . Nor yet could this plausible and modest way of Rule escape the censure of the Vulgar , who termed it a design of some few , who , to abolish the Kingly Government , intended to get the power into their own hands : and therefore to circumvent this plot , they came at length to this conclusion , that the party which did elect should choose one out of the body of the other ; that if the Romans were Electours , they were to make choice of a Sabine ; and if the Sabines elected , they were to choose a Roman : this was esteemed the best expedient to reconcile all parties and interests , for that the created Prince would be obliged to favour the one for their suffrages in his election , as he was the other on score of relation and consanguinity . In pursuance of this agreement the Sabines remitted the choice to the ancient Romans , being more inclinable to receive a Sabine King elected by the Romans , than to see a Roman exalted by the Sabines : consultations being accordingly held , Numa Pompilius , of the Sabine race , was elected ; a person so famous , and of that high reputation , that though he were not actually residing at Rome , yet no sooner was he nominated than accepted by the Sabines with applause and acclamation , equal to that freedom which the Romans shewed in his election . The choice being declared and made publick , principal men of both parties , were appointed to compliment and intreat the Prince , that he would be pleased to accept the administration of the Kingly Government . Now this Numa resided at a famous City of the Sabines called Cures , whence both the Romans and Sabines gave themselves the name of Quirites , as a comprehensive name for both Associates ; Pomponius , an illustrious person , was his Father , and he the youngest of his four Sons , being by Divine Providence born on the eleventh of the Kalends of May , which was the day on which the Foundation of Rome was laid ; he was endued with a Soul rarely tempered by Nature , and disposed to Vertue , and excellently improved by Learning , Patience and the studies of Philosophy ; by which advantages of Art he regulated the disorderly motions of the Mind , and rendred Violence and Oppression , which had once an honourable esteem amongst the barbarous Nations , to be vile and mean , making it appear , that there was no other Fortitude than that which subdu'd the Affections , and reduc'd them to the terms and restraints of Reason . Thus whilst he banished all luxury and softness from his own home , he gave a clear and manifest indication to all Citizens and strangers of his sound and impartial judgment , not delighting himself in divertisements or profitable acquisitions , but in the worship of the immortal Gods , and in the rational contemplation of their Divine Power and Nature ; to all which renown and fame , he added this farther glory , that he took Tatia for his Wife , who was the Daughter of that Tatius , whom Romulus had made his Associate in the Government ; nor yet did the advantage of this Marriage swell his vanity to such a pitch as to desire to dwell with his Father-in-law at Rome ; but rather to content himself to inhabit with h●s Sabines , and cherish his own Father in his old Age : the like inclinations had also Tatia , who preferred the private condition of her Husband before the honours and splendour she might have enjoyed in her Father's Court. This Tatia , as is reported , after she had lived for the space of thirteen years with Numa in conjugal society , dyed ; and then Numa , leaving the conversation of the Town , betook himself to a Country life , and in a solitary manner dwelt in the Groves and Fields consecrated to the Gods ; where , the common fame was , he gained such acquaintance and familiarity with the Goddess Egeria , that he lived in those retirements free from all disturbances and perturbations of mind , and being inspired with the sublime and elevated pleasure of a celestial marriage , he had arrived to a beatitude in this life , and to a clear notion of Divine Sciences . There is no doubt , but that such fancies as these , have had their original from ancient Fables ; such as the Phrygians recount of Atis , the Bythinians of Herodotus , the Arcadians of Endymion , and a thousand other Demons which past Ages recorded for Saints , that were beatified and beloved of the Gods ; nor doth it seem strange , if God , who places not his affection on Horses or Birds , should not disdain to dwell with the vertuous , and entertain a spiritual conversation with wise and devout Souls : though it be altogether irrational to believe , that the Divine Essence of any God or Demon is capable of a sensual or carnal love or passion for humane Beauty : And yet the wise Egyptians , did not conceive it an absurd fancy to imagin , that a Divine Essence might by a certain spiritual impulse apply it self to the nature of a Woman , and lay the first beginnings of generation , though on the other side they concluded it impossible for the Male-kind to have any congress or mixture with a Goddess , not considering that there can be no real coition , but where there is a mutual communication of one to the other . The truth of the matter is this , those men are onely dear to the Gods , who are vertuous , and those are beloved by them whose actions are regulated by the rules of Divine Wisedom : and therefore it was no errour of those who feigned , that Phorbas , Hyacinthus and Admetus were beloved by Apollo ; or that Hippolytus , the Sicyonian was so much in the favour of a certain God , that as often as he sailed from Sicyon to Cirrha , the God rejoyced and inspired the Pythian Prophetess with this heroick Verse , Now doth Hippolytus return again , And venture his dear life upon the Main . It is reported also that Pan became enamoured of Pindar for his Verses , and that a beatified Demon honoured Hesiod and Archilochus after their deaths by the Muses ; it is said also that Aesculapius sojourned with Sophocles in his life-time , of which many instances are extant to these days ; and that being dead , another Deity took care to perform his Funeral-rites : wherefore if any credit may be given to these particular instances , why should we judge it incongruous , that a like Spirit of the Gods should inspire Zaleucus , Minos , Zoroaster , Lycurgus , Numa , and many others ; or that the Gods should conferr a meaner proportion of their favours on those who were Founders of Commonwealths , or busied in making Laws , and administration of the political affairs of Kingdoms ? Nay it is most reasonable to believe , that the Gods in their sober humour are assistent at the counsels and serious debates of these men to inspire and direct them ; as they do also Poets and Musicians , when in a more pleasant mood , they intend their own divertisement : but , as Bacchylis said , thoughts are free , and the way is open to every man's sentiment ; yet in reallity it cannot be denied , but that such men , as Lycurgus , Numa and others , who were to deal with the seditious humours of Fanatick Citizens , and the unconstant disposition of the multitude , might lawfully establish their Precepts with the pretence of Divine Authority , and cheat them into such Politicks as tend to their own happiness . But to return to our purpose . Numa was about forty years of age when the Ambassadours came to make him offers of the Kingdom ; the Speakers were Proculus and Velesus , the first was an ancient Roman , and the other of the Tatian Faction , and zealous for the Sabine party . Their Speech was short , but pithy , supposing , that when they came to tender a Kingdom there needed no long Oration or Arguments to perswade him to an acceptance : but contrary to their expectation they found that they were forc'd to use many reasons and intreaties to allure him from his quiet and retir'd life , to accept the Government of a City , whose Foundation was laid in War , and grown up in martial Exercises ; wherefore , in presence of his Father and Martius his Kinsman , he returned answer in this manner ; That since every alteration of a man's life is dangerous to him , it were mere madness for one that is commodious and easie , and provided with all things necessary for a convenient support , to seek or endeavour a change , though there were nothing more in it , than that he prefers a turbulent and an uncertain life before a quiet and a secure condition . It is not difficult for a man to take his measures concerning the state of this Kingdom by the example of Romulus , who did not escape a suspicion , of having plotted against the life of his Collegue Tatius ; nor was the Senate free from the accusation , of having treasonably murthered their Prince Romulus . And yet Romulus had the advantage to be thought of Divine race , and to be conserved by a miraculous manner in his infancy ; how then can we who are sprang from mortal seed , and instructed with principles and rudiments received from the men you know , be able to struggle with such apparent difficulties ? It is none of the least of my commendations , that my humour renders me unfit to reign , being naturally addicted to studies , and pleased in the recesses of a quiet life : I must confess that I am zealous of Peace , and love it even with passion , and that the conversation of men who assemble together to worship God , and to maintain an amicable charity , is my chief business and delight ; and what time may be spared from this more necessary duty , I employ in cultivating my Lands and improving my Farms . But you Romans , whom Romulus perhaps may have left engaged in unavoidable Wars , require an active and brisk King , who may , cherish that warlike humour in the people which their late successes have encouraged and excited to a warm ambition of enlarging their Dominions : and therefore such a Prince as in this conjuncture should come to inculcate Peace , and Justice , and Religion into the minds of the people , would appear ridiculous and despicable to them who resolve on War and Violence , and require rather a martial Captain than a pacifick Moderatour . The Romans perceiving by these words , that he refused to accept the Kingdom , were the more instant and urgent with him , that he would not forsake and desert them in this condition , by suffering them to relapse into their former sedition and civil discord ; which they must unavoidably do , if he accepted not their proffer , there being no person , on whom both parties could accord , but on himself ; and at length his Father , and Martius , taking him aside , perswaded him to accept this offer , which was important , and rather was conferred from Heaven than from Men. Though ( said they ) you remain contented with your own Fortune , and court neither Riches nor Power , yet being endued with excellent Vertue , you may reasonably imagine , that such a Talent of Justice was not given by the Gods to be hidden or concealed ; and that , since the just Government of a Kingdom is the greatest service a man can perform towards God , he ought therefore by no means to decline and refuse Empire and Rule , which was the true sphere and station of wise and renowned men ; and in which they had such an ascendant over mankind , as to influence their Souls with affections to Vertue , and to a religious worship of the Gods , in the most solemn and pompous manner , it being natural to men to fashion and conform themselves by the example and actions of their Prince . Tatius , though a Foreigner , was yet acceptable , and in esteem of the Romans ; and the memory of Romulus was so pretious to them , that after his decease , they voted Divine Honours to be paid to him ; and now who knows , but that this people being victorious , may be satiated with the War , and with the Trophies and Spoils they have acquired , and may gladly entertain a gentle and pacifick Prince , who being a lover of Justice may reduce the City into a model and course of Laws and judicial proceedings ? And in case at any time the affections of this people should break forth into a furious and impetuous desire of War ; were it not better then to have the reigns held by such a moderating hand , as is able to divert the fury another way , and spend it self on Foreigners ? by which means those malignant humours which are the causes of civil discord , will perspire and evaporate , and all the Sabines , and neighbouring people , be reconciled and joined in an inseperable union and alliance with the City . To these reasons and perswasions several other auspicious Omens ( as is reported ) did concurr ; and when his own Citizens understood what message the Roman Ambassadours had brought him , they all addressed themselves to him , instantly intreating him to accept the offer ; being assured that it was the onely means to appease all civil dissentions , and incorporate both people into one Body . Numa yielding to these perswasions and reasons , having first performed Divine Service , proceeded to Rome ; being met in his way by the Senate and People , who with an impatient desire came forth to receive him ; the Women also welcomed him with joyfull acclamations , and Sacrifices were offered for him in all the Temples , and so universal was the joy , that they seem'd not to receive a King , but the addition of a new Kingdom . In this manner he descended into the Forum , where Spurius Vetius , whose turn it was to be Governour at that hour , putting it to the Vote , Whether Numa should be King ; they all with one voice and consent cried out a Numa , a Numa . Then were the Regalities and Robes of Authority brought to him , but he refused to be invested with them , untill he had first consulted and been confirmed by the Gods : so being accompanied by the Priests and * Augurs he ascended the Capitol , which at that time the Romans called the Tarpeian Rock . Then the chief of the Augurs covered his head , and turned his face towards the South ; and , standing behind him , laid his right hand on the head of Numa , and prayed , casting his eyes every way , in expectation of some auspicious signal from the Gods. It is wonderfull to consider with what silence and devotion the multitude , which was assembled in the Market-place , expected a happy event , which was soon determined by the appearance and flight of such Birds as were accounted fortunate . Then Numa , apparelling himself in his Royal Robes , descended from the Hill unto the people , by whom he was received , and congratulated with shouts and acclamations , and esteemed by all for a holy and a devout Prince . The first thing he did at his entrance into Government was to dismiss the Band of three hundred men , which had been Romulus's Life-guard , called by them Celeres ; for that the maintenance of such a force would argue a diffidence of them that chose him , saying that he would not rule over that people of whom he conceived the least distrust . The next thing he did , was to add to the two Priests of Jupiter and Mars , a third in honour of Romulus , who was called Quirinalis . The Romans ancien●●y called their Priests Flamines , by corruption of the word Pilamines , from a certain Cap which they wore called Pileus ; for in those times Greek words were more mixed with the Latin than in this age : so also that Royal Robe , which is called Laenas , Juba will have it from the Greek Chlaenas ; and that the name of Camillus , which is given to the Boy that serves in the Temple of Jupiter , was taken from the same which is given to Mercury , denoting his service and attendance on the Gods. When Numa had by these actions insinuated himself into the favour and affection of the people , he began to dispose the humour of the City , which as yet was obdurate and rendred hard as iron by War , to become more gentle and pliable by the applications of humanity and justice . It was then if ever the critical motion of the City , and , as Plato properly styles it , the time when it was in its highest fermentation . For this City in its original was the receptacle of all bold and daring spirits , where men of desperate Fortunes , joyning their hopes and force together , made frequent sallies and incursions on their neighbours ; the which , being prosperous , gave nourishment and increase to the City ; and was then grown wresty and settled in its fierceness , as piles droven into the ground become more fixed and stable by the impulse and blows which the Rammer layes upon them . Wherefore Numa , judging that it was the master-piece of his Art to mollifie and bend the stubborn and inflexible spirits of this people , began to operate and practice upon them with the principles of Religion . He sacrificed often , and used supplications and religious Dances , in which most commonly he officiated in person , being ever attended with a grave and religious company ; and then at other times he divertised their minds with pleasures and delightfull exercises , which he ever intermixed with their devotions , so as to cool their fiery martial spirits ; and then to affect their fancies with a fear and reverence of God , he made them believe that strange Apparitions and Visions were seen , and prophetick Voices heard , and all to season and possess their minds with a sense of Religion . This method which Numa used made it believed that he was much conversant with Pythagoras , and that he drew and copied his learning and wisedom from him ; for that in his institutions of a Commonwealth , he lays down Religion for the first Foundation and ground of it . It is said also that he affected the exteriour garb and gestures of Pythagoras , and to personate him in all his motions . For as it is said of Pythagoras , that he had taught an Eagle to come at his lure , and stoop at his call , and that as he passed over the heads of the people , assembled at the Olympick Games , he made him shew his golden Thigh , with many other rare arts and feats , which appeared miraculous ; on which Timon Philasius wrote this distick , Pythagoras , that he might common fame acquire , Did with his golden Verse mens minds inspire . In like manner Numa affected the story of a mountain Nymph to be in love with him , and that he entertained familiar conversation with the Muses , from whom he received the greatest part of his Revelations ; and having amongst them a particular devotion for the Lady which he named Tacita , he recommended the veneration of her to the Romans , which he did perhaps in imitation of the Pythagorean Silence . His opinion also of Images is very agreeable to the Doctrine of Pythagoras ; who taught , that the First Principle of Being , which is not capable to be affected with sensual passions , is invisible , and incorrupt , and onely to be comprehended by abstracted speculations of the mind . And for this reason he forbad the Romans to represent God in the form of Man or Beast , nor was there any painted or graven Image of a Deity admitted amongst them for the space of the first hundred and sixty years ; all which time their Temples and Chapels were free and pure from Idols and Images , which seem'd too mean and beggarly representations of God , to whom no access was allowable but by the mind raised and elated by divine contemplation . His Sacrifices also had great similitude with the Victims of Pythagoras , which were not celebrated with effusion of Bloud , but consisted of the flour of Wheat , or Wine , and such sort of blended Offerings . And to make appear the inclination that Numa had to Pythagoras by other instances ; there is a certain Dramatick Poet , a very ancient Authour and a Scholar of Pythagoras , who , in a certain Book of his dedicated to Antenor , reports , that Pythagoras was made a Free-man of Rome ; and that Numa gave to one of his four Sons the name of Mamercus , which was the name of one of the Sons of Pythagoras ; from whence , as they say , is sprung that ancient Patrician Family of the Aemilians , for that the King superadded the sirname to him of Aemilius , to denote the softness of his words , and the fluency of his speech . I remember that when I was at Rome , I heard many say , that when the Oracle directed two Statues to be raised , one to the wisest , and another to the most valiant man of Greece , they presently erected two of Brass , one representing Alcibiades , and the other Pythagoras . But , to pass by these matters , which are full of uncertainty , and not so important as to be worth our time to insist long on ; we shall proceed to things more pertinent , and shew , that the original constitution of Priests , which are called Pontifices , is ascribed unto Numa , and that he himself , officiating in the first and primary Order , took upon himself the name of Pontifex , or High Priest ; assuming that title of Potens , or powerfull , as if those , whose Office obliged them to an attendance on the Gods , were endued with a super-eminent power and arbitrement above all others : some will have this name to be given by way of super-excellence , as to a sole Moderatour , in whose power it is to ordain and appoint the times when Sacrifices and Divine Services are to be performed . But the most common opinion is the most absurd , which derives this word from Pons , which Latin signifies a Bridge , saying , that anciently the most solemn and holy Sacrifices were offered on Bridges , the care of which , both in maintaining and repairing , was the chief incumbence of the Priests , and that it was not onely esteemed by the Romans to be unlawfull but an abominable impiety to demolish or disorder the Planks or Fabrick of a Bridge ; because that by appointment of the Oracle , it was to be onely of Timber , and fastned with wooden Pins without Nails , or Cramps of Iron ; and that the Stone Bridge was built many years after , when Aemylius was Questor , and that the old Bridge of Wood was demolished in the Reign of Ancus Martius , who was the Grand-son of Numa by his Daughter . The Office of Pontifex , or Chief Priest , was to interpret the Divine Law and Prophesies ; and did not onely prescribe rules for publick Ceremony , but regulated the Sacrifices of private persons , not suffering them in the heat of their devotion to exceed the more solemn Offerings , but directed in every thing with what Sacrifices the Gods were to be worshipped and appeased . He was also Guardian of the Vestal Virgins , the institution of whom and of their perpetual Fire , was attributed to Numa , who perhaps fancied the nature of pure and uncorrupted Flames to be agreeable to chaste and unpolluted Bodies , or that Fire which consumes but produces nothing , alludes best to the sterile condition of Virgins . This Vestal Fire was ordained after the example of that in Greece , and particularly at Delphos and Athens , onely with this difference , that here it was conserved by Virgins but there by Widows , who were past the years and desires of Marriage ; and in case by any accident it should happen , that this Fire became extinct , as the holy Lamp was at Athens , under the tyranny of Aristion , and at Delphos , when that Temple was burnt by the Medes , and at Rome , in the time of the War with Mithridates , and of their own civil dissentions , when not onely the Fire was extinguished but the Altar demolished : and then afterwads to kindle this Fire again it was esteemed an impiety to light it from the common sparks or flame , but from the pure and unpolluted rays of the Sun ; the which they performed by an Instrument framed of three equal angles , which being placed in opposition to the Sun , collects the rays into one centre , and so attenuates the air , that it immediately gives fire to any combustible matter from the intense reflexion and reverberation of the Sun beams . Some are of opinion that these Vestals had no other care or business than the conservation of this Fire ; but others conceive , that they were keepers of those Divine Secrets , which are concealed and hidden to all others but themselves ; of which we have made mention in the life of Camillus , so far as the revelations of such mysteries are consistent with due respect to Religion . Gegania and Verenia , as is reported , were the names of the two first Virgins which were consecrated and ordained by Numa ; next Canuleia and Tarpeia succeeded them ; to which Servius afterwards added two more , the which number of four hath continued to this our age . The Statutes prescribed by Numa for the Vestals were these . That they should vow to keep a lease of their Virginity , or remain in a chaste or unspotted condition , for the space of thirty years ; the first ten whereof they were like Novitiates , obliged to learn the Ceremonies , and practise themselves in the Rules of their Religion ; then they took the degree of Priestess , and for other ten years exercised the Sacerdotal Function ; and the remaining ten they employed in teaching and instructing others . Thus the whole term being compleated , it was lawfull for them to marry , and leaving then the sacred Order , they were at liberty to choose such a condition of life as did most indulge , and was gratefull to their own humour : but this permission few ( as they say ) made use of ; because it was observed , that their change of life was never accompanied with contentment , being ever after sad and melancholy ; for which reason they confined themselves untill old age and the hour of death to the strict and decent rules of a single life . But this severe condition was recompensed by other privileges and prerogatives ; as that they had power to make a Testament in the life-time of their Father , that they had a free administration of their own affairs without Guardian or Tutor , which was the privilege of women who were the Mothers of three Children : when they went abroad they had the Fasces carried before them ; and if perchance in their walks abroad it were their fortune to encounter a Malefactour leading to execution , they had the privilege to free him from death ; upon oath made , that the occasion was accidental and not designed or of set purpose . Whosoever pressed upon the Chair on which they were carried was guilty of a capital crime , and immediately punished with death . If these Vestals committed any faults they were punishable by the High Priest onely , who , as the nature of the offence required , whipped them naked in a dark place , and under the caution of a Veil or Curtain ; but she that had been defiled , or permitted her self to be defloured , was buried alive near the Gate which is called Collina ; where a little mount of Earth is raised , called in Latin Agger ; under it is a narrow Room , to which a descent is made by Stairs : here they prepare a Bed , and light up a Lamp , and provide a small quantity of Victuals , such as Bread , Water in a Bottle , Milk and Oil ; that so that Body , which had been consecrated and devoted to the most divine and mysterious service , might not be said to perish by a death so detestable as that of Famine . The party thus condemned , is carried to execution through the Market-place in a Litter , wherein she is covered and bound with Cords , so that the voice of her cries and laments cannot be heard ; all people with silence go out of the way as she passes , and such as follow accompany the Bier with solemn and tacite sorrow ; and indeed such is the sadness which the City puts on on this occasion , that there is no spectacle of grief which appears of more common and general concernment than this . When they come to the place of Execution , the Officers loose the Cords , and then the High Priest , lifting his hands to Heaven , murmures some certain prayers to himself , then the Prisoner being still covered is brought forth , and led down by the steps unto her House of darkness ; which being done , the Priests retire , and the Stairs being drawn up , the Earth is pressed and crouded in untill the Vault is filled . And this was the punishment of those who broke their Vow of Virginity . It is said also that Numa built the Temple of Vesta , which was intended for a conservatory of the Holy Fire , in an orbicular form , to represent perhaps the Frame of the Universe , in the centre of which the Pythagoreans place the element of Fire , and give it the name of Vesta and Unity : and yet they do not hold that the Earth is immovable , or that it is situated in the middle region of the Globe ; but keeps a circular motion about the seat of Fire : nor do they account the Earth amongst the chief or primary Elements ; following the opinion of Plato , who , they say , in his mature and philosophical age , held that the Earth had a lateral position , for that the middle or centre was reserved for some more noble and refined Body . There was yet a farther use of the High Priest , and that was to order the Procession at funeral Rites , according to the method prescribed by Numa , who taught , that there was no uncleanness in the contact of dead Corpses , but a part of the service owing to the subterranean Gods : amongst which they worshipped the Goddess Libitina as the chief of those who presided over the Ceremonies performed at Burials ; whether they meant hereby Persephone , or ( as some of the learned Romans will have it ) Venus , for they , not without good reason , attributed the beginning and end of Man's lise to the same original cause and virtue of a Deity . Numa also prescribed Rules for regulating the days of Mourning , according to certain times and ages . As for example , a Child of three years , and so upwards to ten , was to be mourned for , for so many months as it was years old ; and the longest time of mourning for any person whatsoever was not to exceed the term of ten months : which also was the time appointed unto Widows to lament the loss of their deceased Husbands ; before which they could not without great indecency pass unto second Marriages ; but in case their incontinence was such as could not admit so long an abstinence from the Marriage-bed , they were then to sacrifice a Cow with Calf for expiation of their fault . Numa also was Founder of several other Orders of Priests ; two of which are worthy to be here mentioned , namely the Salii and the Feciales , which , with other instances , are clear proofs of the great devotion and sanctity of this Person . These Feciales , whose name in my opinion is derived from their Office , were the Arbitratours to whom all Controversies were referred relating to War and Peace ; for it was not allowable to take up Arms untill they had declared all hopes and expedients rejected which tended to an accommodation ; by the word Peace , we mean a determination of matters in dispute by Law , and not by Violence or Force . The Romans commonly dispatched the Feciales , who were properly Heralds , to those who had offered them injury , requiring satisfaction ; and in case they made not restitution or just returns , they then called the Gods to witness against them and their Country , and so denounced War : the sense of the Feciales in this case was of absolute necessity , for without their consent it was neither lawfull for the Roman King , nor yet for the people to take up Arms ; and from them the General took his rules concerning the justice of his cause , which being adjudged , and the War determined ; the next business was to deliberate of the manner and ways to manage and carry it on . It is believed , that the slaughter and destruction which the Gauls made of the Romans , was a just judgment on the City for neglect of this religious proceeding : for that when a foreign Nation besieged the Clusinians , Fabius Ambustus was dispatched to their Camp with Propositions of Peace ; but they returning a rude and peremptory Answer thereunto , Fabius imagined that his Treaty was at an end , and that he had fully complied with the duty of his Embassie ; and therefore rashly engaging in a War , challenged the stoutest and bravest of the enemy to a single Combat . It was the fortune of Fabius to kill his adversary and to take his spoils , which when the Gauls understood , they sent a Herald to Rome to complain against Fabius , who , before a War was published , had , against the Law of Nations , made a breach of the Peace . The matter being debated in the Senate , the Feciales were of opinion , that Fabius ought to be consigned into the hands of the Gauls ; but he , being pre-advised of this judgment , fled to the people , by whose protection and favour he was secured : on this occasion , the Gauls marched with their Army to Rome , where , having taken the Capitol , they sacked the City . The particulars of all which are at large related in the History of Camillus . Now the original of the Salii is this : In the eighth year of the reign of Numa , that terrible Pestilence , which was spread over all Italy , did likewise miserably infest the City of Rome ; at which the Citizens being greatly affrighted , and despairing of health , were again comforted by the report of a brazen Target , which ( they say ) fell from Heaven into the hands of Numa , and of which they relate strange effects , operated by the virtue of this miraculous Buckler ; and that Numa having had conference with the Nymph Egeria , and some of the Muses , he was assured , that that Target was sent from Heaven for the cure and safety of the City ; and that , because on the conservation thereof the common health and benefit depended , he was ordered by them to make eleven others , so like in all dimensions and form to the original ; that in case there should be a design to steal it away , the true might not be distinguished or known from those which were counterfeited ; by which means there would be more difficulty to defeat the counsels of Fate , or invert the order of divine Predestination : He farther declared , that he was commanded to consecrate that place and the Fields about it to the Muses , where he had often entertained a free intercourse and communication with them ; and that the Fountain which watered that Field should be made sacred and hallowed for the use of the Vestal Virgins , who were to wash and cleanse the penetralia of their Sanctuary with those Holy Waters . The truth hereof was speedily verified by a miraculous cessation of the Pestilence ; whereupon Numa immediately delivered this Target to the best Artists to have others made in a just likeness in all particulars thereunto ; but none was able to arrive unto a perfect similitude in all undistinguishable respects , untill at length one Veturius Mamurius , an excellent Master , happily hit upon it , and made one so to represent the other in all respects , that Numa himself was at a stand , and could not distinguish the true from that which was counterfeited . The keeping of which Targets was committed to the charge of certain Priests , which are called Salii ; who did not receive their name , as some imagine , from one Salius , a certain Dancing-master , who was born at Samothrace , or at Mantinea , who taught the way of dancing in Arms ; but rather from that Dance which the Salii themselves use , when in the month of March they carry the sacred Targets through the City ; at which procession they are habited in a short Cassock , girt with a broad Belt clasp'd with brass Buckles ; on their heads they wore a copper Helmet , and ever and anon sounded on the Targets with short Cemyters : in this manner they proceeded with a nimble motion , and just measures of their Feet , and with such handsome and various turns , as demonstrated great strength and agility of body . These Targets were called Ancylia from the fashion of them ; for they were not made in a round or orbicular form but oval and with certain folds or pleats closing one over the other , they fitted the Elbow by their cubical Figure , and thence were called Ancylia , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signified a crooked shape , or from the cubit , which is from the Wrist to the Elbow , and called in Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , on which they carry these Ancylia . Juba , who much affected the Greek Tongue , draws many of his derivations from thence , and would have it from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies as much as sent from above , or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is the cure or medicine of Diseases , or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is a deliverance from great driness , or from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which is an escape from great evils ; whence it is that the Athenians called Castor and Pollux 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; all which may serve to employ the curiosity of those who have a fancy to Greek derivations . All the reward which Mamurius received for this his Art , was to be mentioned and commemorated in the Verses which the Salii sang , as they danced in their Arms through the City ; though some will have it that they did not say Veturius Mamurius , but Vetus Memoria , which is Ancient Remembrance . After Numa had in this manner instituted these several Orders of Priests , he erected a Royal Palace near the Temple of Vesta , called to this day Regium ; where he spent the most part of his time , in prescribing Rules for Divine Service , instructing the Priests , and with zeal and devotion attending in person on the Offices of Religion . He built another House upon the Mount Quirinalis ; which place they shew to this day . In all publick Processions and solemn Prayers , Tipstaves or Hushers were sent before to give notice to the people that they should forbear their work , and attend to the Divine Solemnity : for they say that the Pythagoreans did not hold it sufficient reverence towards the Gods to worship them in a negligent manner , as when the religious Processions did obviously occur , but obliged their Scholars to go out from their Houses and with prepared hearts attend to Divine Supplications : so Numa in like manner decreed , that his Citizens should neither see nor hear Divine matters in a perfunctory manner , and with wandring thoughts , but laying aside all distractions of mind , and cares of the world should apply and elevate their meditations to Religion ; and the ways and streets should be clear of noise or laments , or other incumbrances which might obstruct or disturb the solemnity and seriousness of devotion . Something of this custom remains at Rome to this day ; for when the Consul begins to sacrifice or officiate ; they call out to the People , Hoc age , or attend to the work in hand , and is as much as with us , Let us Pray , whereby the Auditours then present were admonished to compose and recollect their thoughts for prayer : And as Pythagoras had certain Precepts and Sayings , such as these : Thou shalt not make a Peck Measure thy seat to sit on . Thou shalt not stir the Fire with a Sword. When thou goest forwards , look not behind thee . When thou sacrificest to the celestial Gods , let it be with an odd number , and when to the terrestrial let it be with even . So likewise Numa delivered other Sentences of an obscure and abstruse meaning ; such as these : Thou shalt not sacrifice to the Gods an offering of Wine proceeding from a Vine which was never pruned . No sacrifices shall be performed without Meal . Vse a circular motion in adoration of the Gods , and sit down when you have worshipped . The two first Precepts seem to denote , that urbanity and a natural complaisance with the world is a part of Religion ; and as to the turning which the Worshippers are to use in divine adoration , it is to represent the orbicular motion of the world . But in my opinion , the meaning rather is , that he who comes to worship , enters the Temple with his face towards the East ; where , being come up as high as the Chancel , he turns towards the West , and then back again to the East , perfecting the whole office of his prayers to that God who is Maker of the Universe : unless perhaps this change of posture may allude to the Egyptian Wheels , which were Hieroglyphicks of the instability of humane fortune , and that where God should fix and establish our lot and condition , we should there rest contented , and repose our selves with intire resignation to the Divine pleasure . They say also , that the sitting quiet and in a reposed posture after worship did denote a concession , or grant of the petitions they made , and was an assurance of everlasting felicity in the future life : and that this still and sedentary cessation from work was the full stop or period of business already performed ; from whence now designing to begin others , they were to present themselves before the Gods , to obtain their blessings , and success on that which was to follow . And this form of Ceremony did very well sute with the preceding Doctrine , which taught that men ought not to approach the Gods in a transitory way , and with distracted minds , but , laying aside all worldly cares and wandring fancies , should then onely pray when their thoughts are possessed with Divine Meditation . By such Discipline as this , recommended by the constant practice and example of the Legislatour , the City did so insensibly pass into a religious temper and frame of devotion , and stood in that awe and reverence of the vertue of Numa , that they received and believed with an undoubted assurance , whatsoever he delivered , though never so fabulous , his authority being sufficient to make the greatest absurdities and impossibilities to pass for matters and points of Faith. There goes a story , That he once invited a great number of Citizens to an entertainment ; at which the Dishes in which the Meat was served were very homely and plain , and the Commons short , and the Meat ill dressed : the Guests being sate , he began to tell them , that the Goddess which was his familiar Spirit , and always conversant with him , was then at that time present , when on a sudden the Room was furnished with all sorts of pretious Pots and Dishes , and the mean Fare converted into a most magnificent Feast , adorned with all sorts of the most delicious Viands . But the Dialogue which is reported to have passed between him and Jupiter , surpasses all the fabulous Legends that were ever invented . They say , that before Mount Aventine was inhabited or inclosed within the Walls of the City , that two Demi-gods , which were Picus and Faunus , did usually frequent the Fountains and close shades of that place ; which some will have to be two Satyrs of the Titanian race ; who being expert in the faculty of Physick , and dexterous in legerdemain and magical spells , like the Dactyli of Mount Ida , made a Journey through all the parts of Italy . Numa contriving one day to surprise these Demi-gods , mingled the Waters of the Fountain of which they did usually drink with Wine and Honey , which so pleased these liquorish Deities , that he easily ensnared and took them ; but then they changed themselves into many various forms and shapes , intending , under horrid and unknown transmutations , to make their escape : but , finding themselves entrapped in inextricable toils , and in no possibility to get free , revealed unto him many secrets and future events ; and particularly a charm against . Thunder and Lightning , which they composed of Onions , and Hair , and the Bones of a Fish : but some deny , and say , that these Demi-gods did not discover the secret of this charm to Numa ; but that they , by the force of their Magick Art and Spells , had constrained Jove himself to descend from Heaven to satisfie the demands of Numa , and that he then , in an angry manner answering his enquiries , told him , that if he would charm the Thunder and Lightning , he must doe it with Heads : How , said Numa , with the Heads of Onions ? No , reply'd Jupiter , of Men. But Numa , willing to divert the cruelty of this Receipt , turned it another way , saying , Your meaning is , the Hairs of Mens Heads ; No , reply'd Jupiter , of living Men : then Numa , being instructed by the Goddess Egeria , seemed to mistake , and say , How ! with the Bones of the Fish Maena ? which , being the three ingredients that compose the charm , so operated on Jupiter , that he returned again to Heaven pacified and well-pleased . This place was ever afterwards called Elicium , or Ilicium , from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies propitious or mercifull ; and in this manner this Magick Spell was effected . Such was the superstitious humour of that Age , which the example of the Prince had wrought in the Minds of the Vulgar , that nothing was so absurd and ridiculous in Religion which gain'd not belief ; and Numa himself was said to have been possessed with such a confidence and fiducial trust in the Gods , that when it was told him , that the Enemy was near at hand , he smilingly answered , That he feared them not , let them come at their peril , for he was then sacrificing to the Gods. It was he also that built the Temples of Faith , and Terminus ; and taught the Romans such respect to Faith , that it was the greatest Oath , and the most obligatory that they could swear ; and to the God Terminus they offer unto this day the bloud of Beasts , both in publick and private Sacrifices , upon the borders and stone marks of their Land : though anciently those Sacrifices were solemnized without bloud , it being the Precept and Doctrine of Numa to offer nothing to the God Terminus , but what was pure and free of bloudy cruelty ; for that he , whose incumbence it was to fix boundaries , was thereby constituted an Arbiter of Peace and Justice , punishing those who removed their neighbours Land-mark , or invaded his right . It is very clear , that it was this King who first prescribed bounds to the jurisdiction of Rome ; for Romulus would have betrayed his own cause , and plainly discovered how much he had encroached on his neighbours Lands , had he ever set limits to his own ; which as they are fences and curbs against arbitrary invasions , to those who observe them , so they serve for evidences to arise in judgment against those , who break over and violate the borders with which they are circumscribed . The truth is , the portion of Lands which the Romans possessed at the beginning , was very narrow , untill Romulus by War enlarged them ; and which Numa afterwards divided amongst the indigent Commonalty , that he might ward them against violent necessity , which always puts men upon injurious designs and shifts , and that by placing them in Farms , he might accustom them to a desire of property , and a regular way of living ; for as there is nothing that so reconciles the minds of men to Peace , as Husbandry and a Country lise ; so it makes them abhorr all violence , and gives them courage and resolution to defend their sowed Lands and Pastures from the encroachment of their neighbours . Wherefore Numa , that he might take and amuse the hearts of his Citizens with Agriculture or Husbandry , which is an employment that rather begets civility and a peaceable temper than great opulency and riches , he divided all the Lands into several parcels , to which he gave the name of Pagus or Borough , and over every one of them he ordained a Chief or Arbitrator in judicial causes ; and taking a delight sometimes to survey his Colonies in person , he made judgment of every man's inclinations and manners , by his industry , and the improvements he had made , of which being witness himself , he preferred those to honours and authority who had merited most ; and on the contrary reproached the sluggishness of such , who had given themselves over to a careless and a negligent life . But above all , which was a principal point of his Politicks , he divided the people into several Companies : for as the City did consist , or rather was distinguished ( as we have said ) by two sorts of Tribes ; from whence dangerous Factions , Tumults and Seditions did arise ; he contrived to cast them into divers small moulds and models : for as hard and dissenting Bodies are not easily incorporated , so long as they remain in their gross bulk , but being beaten into a powder , or melted into small Atoms , are often cemented and consolidated into one ; so this people , being separated and distinguished into small divisions , were afterwards with less difficulty united into one Body : wherefore distinguishing the whole City by their several Arts and Professions ; he formed the Companies of Musicians , Goldsmiths , Masons , Dyers , Taylors , Skinners , Brasiers and Potters ; and all other Handy-crafts men he composed and reduced into a single Company , appointing unto every one their respective Halls , Courts and other privileges belonging to their Societies , which they held by the Charters received from this Prince . In this manner all factious distinctions began to cease in the City ; there being no person farther esteemed under the notion of a Sabine , a Roman or a Tatian , but all were comprehended under the general denomination of a Citizen of Romulus ; whereby all other terms growing out of use and fashion , the national animosities reconciled of themselves , and all dissolved into the common tye and relation of a Roman Citizen . He is also much to be commended for the repeal , or rather amendment of that Law , which gives power to Fathers to sell their Children ; for he exempted such as were married from that subjection , conditionally that they had matched themselves with the liking and consent of their Parents : for it seemed a very hard and unjust thing , that a woman , who had given her self in marriage to a man whom she judged free , should afterwards find her self betrayed and cast away upon a Husband that was a Servant . He attempted also to draw a Scheme of the Heavens , and thereunto conform a Kalendar and Ephemerides of the Year , which though it was not perfect , yet it was not altogether without some learned conjectures , and such as reduced the account of the Year to some tolerable regulation : for during the Reign of Romulus , their Months had no certain or equal term ; for some of them contained 20 Days , others 35 , others more ; the which errour proceeded from want of a true knowledge of the different motions of the Sun and Moon ; onely they kept to this account , that the whole course of the Year contained 360 Days . Numa also farther observing , that there was eleven Days difference between the Lunary and the Solary Year : for that the Moon compleated her Anniversary course in 354 Days , and the Sun in 365 ; to remedy which inequality , he doubled the eleven Days , and after every two Year added an interstitial to follow the Month of February , which the Romans called the Month of Mercidinus ; but this account hath since that time received a better amendment . He also altered the order of the Months ; for March , which was reckoned the first , he put into the third place ; and January , which was the eleventh , he made the first ; and February , which was the twelfth and last , to be the second . Some will have it , that it was Numa also which added the two Months of January and February : for in the beginning , when men were ignorant and barbarous , they composed a Year of ten Months : the Arcadians in Greece had onely four , in Arcanania they accounted by six ; and the Egyptians had at first but one Month , which afterwards they divided into four , according to the seasons of the Year : which Country of Egypt , though it seem new to us , is yet inhabited by an ancient people ; for if we may believe their Chronicles ( unless they account Months for Years ) their Genealogies are deduced from great Antiquity . And that the Romans at first comprehended the whole Year within ten , and not twelve Months , plainly appears by the name of December , which signifies the tenth Month , and is the last in order : and that March was the first is likewise evident , for that the fifth Month after it was called Quintilis , and the sixth Sextilis , and so the rest ; so that if January and February had in this account preceded March , Quintilis had been put in the seventh place , and so called September . It is also very probable , that this first Month was dedicated by Romulus to Mars ; the second to Venus , called April , from the Greek word Aphrodites ; which the Women solemnize in honour of that Goddess , adorning their heads on the Kalends , or first days of it , with Myrtle Garlands . But others will not allow of the derivation of this word from Aphrodites , but rather deduce it from the word Aperio , which in Latin signifies , to open , because that this Month is in the high Spring , when all Buds and Flowers open and disclose themselves : the next is called May , from Maia the Mother of Mercury , to whom this Month was made sacred : then June follows , so called from Juventus , or youthfulness of the Year , which is then warm , and gay , and in its juvenile season . To the other Months also they gave denominations according to their order , so the fifth was called Quintilis , Sextilis the sixth , and so the rest September , October , November and December : Afterwards Caesar , when he had overcome Pompey , changed the name of the Month Quintilis to that of Julius , which we call July ; as also that of Sextilis was changed into Augustus , which was a sirname to the Successour of Caesar . Domitian also in imitation hereof gave the two other following Months the names of Germanicus and Domitianus , but , he being slain , they recovered their ancient denominations of September and October ; but the two last have ever reserved their names without any alteration . The Months which were added , and transposed in their order by Numa was February , which deduces its name from Februo , signifying a purification by Sacrifice ; for then they offered Plants , and celebrated the Feast of Lupercalia , in which many Ceremonies agree with the Solemnities used at the Lustrations or cleansing days : but January was so called from Janus , and a precedency of order given to it by Numa before March , which was dedicated to the God Mars ; intimating in my opinion thereby , that the Arts and civil studies of Peace are to be preferred before warlike or martial employments . For this Janus , whether he were a Daemon , or Demi-god , or a King , was certainly a great Polititian and lover of Arts and Sciences , whereby he transformed the incult natures of men into a gentle and civil disposition ; for which reason they figure him with two Faces , beholding at the same time both states and constitutions of humane kind . His Temple at Rome hath two Gates , which they call the Gates of Mars ; because they stand open in the time of War , and shut in the times of Peace , of which latter there was very seldom an example ; for when the Roman Empire was enlarged and extended to its utmost bounds , it was so encompassed with barbarous Nations and Enemies , that it was seldom or never at peace : onely in the time of Augustus Caesar , after he had overcome Anthony , that Temple was shut ; as likewise not many years before , when Marcus Atilius and Titus Manlius were Consuls ; but then it continued not so long , before that Wars breaking out , the Gates of Janus were again opened : but during the Reign of Numa , which continued for the space of forty three years , those Gates were ever shut , there being a profound quiet without the noise or clattering of Arms : for not onely the people of Rome were animated with a spirit of peace , which they enjoyed under the just proceedings of a pacifick Prince ; but even the neighbouring Cities , as if they had been inspired with the same inclinations , breathed nothing but a salubrious and gentle air of mutual friendship , and amicable correspondence ; and being ravished with the delights which Justice and Peace produce , every one apply'd himself to the management of his Lands and Farm , to the education of his Children , and worship of the Gods : Festival days , and Sports , and Banquets were the common divertisements ; and Families entertained and treated their acquaintance and friends in such a free and open manner , that all Italy securely conversed with each other without fears , or jealousies , or designs , being all possessed with that Divine Spirit of Love and Charity , which flowed from Numa as from a Fountain of Wisedom and Equity : so that the Hyperbolies , which the Poets of those days used , and the flights which are allowable in Verse , were flat and not able to reach with their highest expressions the happiness of those days ; When Spears , and Swords , and direfull Arms of War Were laid aside , and rustied in their places ; No Trumpet sounds alarm'd the publick peace , But all securely slept — For during the whole Reign of Numa , there was neither War , nor Sedition , nor Plots designed against the State , nor did any Faction prevail , or the ambition and emulation of great Men attempt upon the Government : for indeed men so reverenced his Vertue , and stood in such awe of his Person , which , they believed , was guarded by a particular care of Divine Providence , that they despaired of all success in their sinister intentions : and then that happy Fortune , which always attends the life of men who are pure and innocent , bestowed a general esteem and good reputation on him ; and verified that saying of Plato , which some Ages after he delivered in relation to the happiness of a well formed Commonwealth : For , saith he , where the Royal Power , by God's Grace , meets with a mind and spirit addicted to Philosophy , there Vice is subdued and made inferiour to Vertue : no man is really blessed but he that is wise ; and happy are his Auditours , who can hear and receive those words which flow from his mouth : there is no need of compulsion or menaces to subject the multitude , for that lustre of vertue which shines bright in the good example of a Governour , invites and inclines them to wisedom , and insensibly leads them to an innocent and happy life , which being conducted by friendship and concord , and supported on each side with temperance and justice , is of long and lasting continuance ; and worthy is that Prince of all rule and dominion , who makes it his business to lead his Subjects into such a state of felicity . This was the care of Numa , and to this end did all his actions tend . As to his Children and Wives , there is a diversity of reports by several Authours : some will have it that he never had any other Wife than Tatia , nor more Children than one Daughter called Pompilia : others will have it that he left four Sons ; namely , Pompo , Pinus , Calpus and Mamercus , every one of which had issue , and from them descended the noble and illustrious Families of Pomponi , Pinari , Calpurni and Mamerci , to which for distinction sake was added the sirname of Royal. But there is a third sort of Writers , which say that these pedigrees are but a piece of flattery used by the Heralds , who , to incurr favour with these great Families , deduced their Genealogies from this ancient Lineage ; and that Pompilia was not the Daughter of Tatia , but born of Lucretia , to whom he was married after he came to his Kingdom : howsoever all of them agree in opinion , that she was married to the Son of that Martius who perswaded him to accept the Government , and accompanied him to Rome , where , as a signal of honour , he was chosen into the Senate ; and after the death of Numa , standing in competition with Tullus Hostilius for the Kingdom , and being disappointed of the Election , in high discontent killed himself : howsoever his Son Martius , who had married Pompilia , residing at Rome , was the Father of Ancus Martius , who succeeded Tullus Hostilius in the Kingdom , and was but five years of age , when Numa died . Numa lived something above eighty years , and then ( as Piso writes ) was not taken out of the world by a sudden or acute Disease , but by a chronical Distemper , by which he lingred long , and at last expired . At his Funerals all the glories of his Life were consummate ; for the kind people , and his friendly companions , met to honour and grace the rites of his Interment with Garlands and contributions from the publick : the Senatours carried the Bier on which his Corps was laid , and the Priests followed and accompanied the solemn procession ; the remainder of this dolefull pomp was composed of Women and Children , who lamented with such tears and sighs , as if they had bewailed the death or loss of a dearest relation taken away in the flower of his age , and not of an old and out-worn King. It is said that his Body , by his particular command , was not burnt , but that he ordered two stone Coffins to be made , in one of which he appointed his Body to be laid , and the other to be a repository for his sacred Books and Writings , and both of them to be buried under the Hill Janiculum ; thereby imitating the Legislatours of Greece , who , having wrote their Laws in Tables , which they called Cirbas , did so long inculcate the contents of them , whilst they lived , into the minds and hearts of their Priests , till their understandings became living Libraries of those sacred Volumes ; it being esteemed a profanation of such mysteries to commit their secrets unto dead letters . For this very reason , they say , the Pythagoreans forbad that their Precepts or Conclusions should be committed to paper , but rather conserved in the living memories of those who were worthy to receive their Doctrines : and if perchance any of their abstruse notions or perplexed cares , such as were their positions in Geometry , were made known , or revealed to an impure person , unworthy to receive such mysteries , they presently imagined that the Gods threatned punishment for such profanation ; which was not to be expiated but by Sword and Pestilence , or other judgments of the Gods. Wherefore having these several instances concurring to render the Lives of Numa and Pythagoras agreeable , we may easily pardon those who make a comparison between their temperament of Soul and manners of living , believing that there was an intimate familiarity and conversation between them . Valerius Antias writes that the Books which were buried in the aforesaid Chests or Coffins of Stone were twelve Volumes of holy Writ , and twelve others in Greek containing the Wisedom and Philosophy of the Grecians : and that about four hundred years afterwards , when P. Cornelius and M. Bebius were Consuls , there happening a great inundation of Water , which with a violent torrent carrying away the Chests of Stone , overturned them and displaced their Covers , so that being opened , one of them appeared empty without the Skeleton or Reliques of any humane Body ; in the other were the Books before-mentioned , still remaining entire , and not much worn out with time : which when the Pretor Petilius had read and perused , he made Oath in the Senate , that in his opinion , it was not fit for those Books to be divulged , or made publick to the people ; whereupon the Edition of them was suppressed , and all the Volumes by command carried to the Market place , and there burnt . Such is the fortune of good men , that their Vertue survives their Bodies , and that the envy and emulation which evil men conceive against them is soon extinguished ; but their reputation and glory is immortal , and shines with more splendour after their death , than in the time when they were living and conversant in the world : and as to Numa , the actions of the succeeding Kings served as so many Foils to set off the brightness of his majestick Vertues : for after him there were five Kings ; the last of which was made an exile , being deposed from his Crown : of the other four , three were by treason assassinated and murthered ; the other , who was Tullus Hostilius that immediately succeeded Numa , whilst he derided his vertues , and especially his devotion and religious worship , reproached his memory , as a cowardly and mean spirited Prince ; and , diverting the minds of the people from their peaceable and honest course of life to wars and depredations , was himself surprized by an acute and tormenting Disease ; which caused him to change his mind and call upon the Gods ; but it was accompanied with such superstition and vain imaginations , as was much differing from the true Piety and Religion of Numa : and , because he infected others with the contagion of his errours , the Gods , as is said , were angry , and revenged their own dishonour by a Thunder-bolt which stroke him dead . THE COMPARISON OF NVMA with LYCVRGVS . HAving thus finished the Lives of Lycurgus and Numa ; we shall now ( though the work be difficult ) compare their Actions in that manner together , so as easily to discern wherein they differed , and wherein they agreed . It is apparent that they were very agreeable in the actions of their lives , their Moderation , their Religion , their civil Arts and political Government were alike ; and both insinuated a belief in the people , that they derived their Laws and Constitutions from the Gods : yet in their peculiar manner of managing these excellencies , there were many circumstances which made a diversity : For first , Numa accepted the Kingdom being offered , but Lycurgus resigned it ; the one from a private person and a stranger was created King , the other from the condition and publick character of a Prince descended to the state of a private person . It was glorious to possess a Throne in Righteousness and Judgment ; and great bravery on the other side to prefer Justice before a Kingdom : the same vertue which made the one appear worthy of Regal power , exalted the other to a degree of so much eminence , that it seemed a condescention in him to stoop unto a Crown : lastly , as Musicians tune their Harps according to their Note ; so the one let down the high flown spirits of the people at Rome to a lower Key , as the other screwed them up at Sparta to a higher Note , which were fallen flat by dissoluteness and riot . For it was not so much the business and care of Lycurgus to reason his Citizens into peace , or to perswade them to put off their Armour , or ungird their Swords ; as it was to moderate their love to Gold or Silver , or the profuseness of their Tables , or to abate their extravagancies in rich Clothes and Furniture : nor was it necessary to preach unto them , that , laying aside their Arms , they should observe the Festivals , and sacrifice to the Gods ; but rather , that , moderating the affluence of their Tables and excess of diet , they should become temperate and abstemious , and employ their time in laborious and martial exercises : so that the one moulded his Citizens into what humour he pleased , by a gentle and soft way of argument ; the other with danger and hazard of his person , scarce worked upon the affections of a dissolute people . It is certain , that Numa was naturally endued with a more gentle and obliging way , which mollified the harsh disposition of his people , and made them tractable and lovers of justice : but Lycurgus was more rigid and ( since we must mention it ) we cannot excuse his severity against the Ilotes , or term it other than a cruel action ; and in the sum of all conclude , that Numa was far the more moderate and plausible Legislatour ; granting even to Servants a licence to sit at meat with their Masters at the Feast of Saturn , that so they also might have some taste and relish of the sweetness of liberty . Some will have it that this custom was introduced by Numa on this just reason , that because the Servants were instrumental in cultivating the grounds and gathering the Fruits which the Earth produced , there should be a time appointed when they might enjoy the fruits of their labours , in a more free and delightfull manner : Others will have it to be in remembrance of that age of Saturn , when there was no distinction between the Lord and the Servant ; but all lived as Kindred and Relations in a parity and condition of equality . In short , it seems that both aimed at the same design and intent , which was to compose and incline their people to modesty and frugality ; but as to their other vertues , the one availed himself most on Fortitude , and the other on Justice : unless we will attribute their different ways to the different temperaments of their people ; for Numa did not out of cowardise or fear affect Peace , but because he would not be guilty of those injuries which are the necessary consequences of War : nor did Lycurgus , out of a principle of violence and fury , promote and excite a spirit of War in his people , but rather encouraged the art of War , and inclined their minds , which were soft and enervated by Luxury , to martial Exercises ; that so they might be the better prepared to repell injuries , and resist the invasions of their enemies : in this manner both having occasion to operate on their Citizens , and make a change and alteration in their humours and manners , the one cut off the superfluities and excesses , whilst the other supplied the defects of that which was wanting . The frame of Numa's Politicks did most sute with the constitution of a Common-wealth , and more respected the humour of a popular Government ; for having ranged his people into several Companies , such as Goldsmiths , Musicians , Shoo-makers , and other Handicraft Trades , he cherished them and gave them privileges by their Charters : but the Government of Lycurgus was more Aristocratical , conferring the greatest authority on the Nobility , and leaving the profession of mechanical Arts , and Trades , to be the employment onely of Strangers , and of the low and baser Commonalty . The Citizens he allowed onely to manage the Spear and Buckler ; because that being the Ministers and Servants of Mars , they had no great need of knowledge or literature more than to observe the words of command , and obey their Leaders , intending by their discipline of War to enable them to defend themselves and offend their enemy : for to men that were really made Free and become Gentlemen all trade and traffick was forbidden ; and the gainfull and pecuniary Arts , and the care of Provisions , and preparing Suppers and Banquets , made the business onely of Servants , or of the Ilotes . But Numa made none of these distinctions , onely he took care that men grew not rich by Spoils or Prizes taken in the War , all other profits and acquisitions being allowable by the Law , and not dishonourable in the esteem of the world : nor did he endeavour to level mens Estates , or reduce them to an equality , but gave every man a liberty to amass wealth , and grow as rich as he was able ; but took no care to provide against poverty , which , by the additions of poor people , which flocked to the City , increased daily . In the beginning of all , he ought to have suppressed or discountenanced covetousness , whilst there was no great disparity in the estates of men , and whilst the balance was equal ; and , after the example of Lycurgus , have obviated those many and great mischiefs which proceeded from avarice , as the fountain and original of them all : and yet Lycurgus is not to be blamed for establishing the Agrarian Law , which was a dividing of Lands amongst the people , nor was Numa to be reproved for not admitting such Law or Custom in his jurisdiction : because equality was the Basis and foundation of his Commonwealth , but the case of Numa was far different ; for the division of Lands having been formerly admitted and made , the taking them away or altering mens properties in them , could not have been performed without the troubles and dangers which follow such innovations . Now as to Marriages , and the regular way of increasing the world , they both agreed on such political Constitutions as should clear the mind of Husbands from all torment of jealousie , and yet their Customs and Laws herein were diversly qualified . For when a Roman thought himself to have a sufficient provision of Children , in case his neighbour who had none , should come and desire him to accommodate him with his Wife , that he also might have the benefit of issue from his fruitfull Woman ; he had a lawfull power to lend her to him who desired her , either for a certain time , or else to loose the bonds of Marriage , and consign her into the hands of her Paramour for ever . But the Laconian had another rule , for it was allowable for him to afford the use of his Wife to any other that desired to have Children by her , and yet still to keep her in his House , and retain the bond and conditions of Marriage in the same force and vertue as before : nay many Husbands ( as we have said ) would often invite men of handsome Features and comely Bodies to their Houses , in hopes of Children of the like shapes and beauty , which they adopted and acknowledged for their own . What difference was there then between these several customs ? unless it be this , That the free use which the Laconians indulged of their Women was a remedy against the humour of jealousie , which often affects men with such torment of mind , that their days consume in sorrow and disquiet : the other of the Romans conserved some respect for the modesty of Women , and the sacredness of Marriage , not enduring a community of Wives in the same House , nor a transferring of the right of them to another , unless the matrimonial Knot were first dissolved . Moreover the Constitutions of Numa as to Virgins were more severe , prescribing rules to keep them modest , and free from all suspicions of unchastity : but the Orders of Lycurgus were in that point more dissolute , giving more liberty to Maids and single Women ; which afforded to the Poets subject for their raillery , as Ibycus who gave them the Epithet of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or Wenches that held up their Petticoats as far as their Thighs , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or rampant Girles , that run mad for a Man , so Euripides saith , Where wanton Girles with roring Boys , Fill all their Fathers House with noise ; Clothes loosely flowing with a slit between , For what we hide , they would have seen . For the Habit which Maidens wore came but to their Knees , and was open on both sides , so that as they walked their Thighs appeared bare ; according to these Verses of Sophocles Hermione tuck'd up her Smock on high , Not being asham'd to shew her brawny Thigh . This manner of Habit gave the Women such confidence , that they hen-peck'd their Husbands ; and not onely bore the greatest sway at home , but also had the privilege of Votes in publick Assemblies : but the Matrons under the Government of Numa were ruled with better decorum ; for though the Husbands were very indulgent to their Sabine Wives , endeavouring to compensate for their Rape , in the Reign of Romulus , by extraordinary kindness , howsoever their liberty was restrained within some terms of modesty , which taught them sobriety and silence , and to abstain from Wine and freedom of discourse , and long visits , unless in company or presence of their Husbands : So that when at a certain time a Woman had the confidence to plead her own cause at the Bar in a place of Judicature ; it seemed so strange and monstrous a thing , that the Senate sent to enquire of the Oracle , what such a prodigy in nature did portend : and indeed the vertue of modest Women is best illustrated by comparing them with the mischievous examples of those that were lewd and impudent : For as the Greek Historians record in their Annals the names of those who first unsheathed the Sword of Civil War , or murthered their Brothers , or were Parricides and killed their Fathers ; so the Roman Writers report , that Spurius Carvilius was the first who divorced his Wife ; being a case that never before happened in the space of 230 years from the Foundation of the City : and that one Thalea , the Wife of Pinarius , was the first that had any quarrel or debate with her Mother-in-law , Gegania , in the Reign of Tarquinius Superbus : so excellent were the Laws and Constitutions of the conjugal Rites of that City , that such peccadillio's as these were recounted for flagitious crimes , and the least failures in them at first were reputed infamous , and fit to be branded and marked with shame in the History of those times . Now the Laws which Lycurgus ordained , either in relation to Virgins or married Women , were different : for he esteeming procreation of Children to be the principal end of Marriage , would fix no set term of age , when Men or Women should be esteemed capable of giving their consents to each other in Marriage ; for he thought that nature being the principal guide in that matter should not be restrained with violence , which produces hatred and fear ; but rather being gently indulged , when youth , and love , and kindness move ; the coition might be more satisfactory , and consequently the Children become more robust , strong and healthfull . But the Romans designing in the first place to deliver the Bodies of their Daughters pure and undefiled into the embraces and possession of the Husband , made it lawfull for Fathers to marry their Daughters at twelve years of age , or under : which first way of Lycurgus seems more agreeable to the desires of Nature , which onely respects the procreation of Children ; but the other is better adapted to make a conjugal life comfortable , and calculated for the rules of moral living . Howsoever those general rules which Lycurgus prescribed for education of Children , for their meetings together and visits , as also those regulations he made in their Feasts , or Compotations , Exercises and Sports , do argue , that Numa was in some manner inferiour to him in the art and mystery of giving Laws : For as to education , Lycurgus was of opinion , That Parents were rather obliged to follow the inclinations and genius of their Children , than to adhere to any fixt or formal rule of Discipline : as for example , if a Father designing to make his Son a Husbandman , or a Carpenter , a Brasier , or a Musician ; will he not first consult his genius or inclinations , before he oblige him to a Profession whereunto he hath no delight , and for which he hath no Talent or capacity ? For as passengers who embark together on the same Ship , though they have diverse designs , and apply themselves to different interests , yet when Storms arise , whereby the whole Cargason is endangered , they forsake the thoughts of their private concernments , that they may unite their hands and heads for the common conservation ; in like manner , the Legislatours or Law-makers , whose business is the publick good , are not required to give or prescribe standing rules for every particular action or private affair , but such onely as respect the common use and benefit . And since we may blame the common sort of Legislatours , who , either for want of power or knowledge , take false measures in the Maxims they lay down for fundamental Laws : how much rather may we except against the conduct of Numa , who for the reputation of his wisedom onely being called and invited by the general consent of a new and unsettled people to be their King , did not in the first place provide and constitute rules for the education of Children and the discipline of Youth ; for want of which men become seditious and turbulent , and live not quiet in their Families or parishes ; but when they are inured from their Cradles to good Principles , and instructed from their Infancy in the rules of Morality , they receive such impressions of Vertue as make them sensible of that benefit and ease which peace and mutual agreement brings to a Commonwealth . This with many others , was one of the Politicks of Lycurgus , and was of great use in the confirmation and establishment of his Laws . An instance we have in the practice of Swearing and making Oaths a part of Religion , which had proved very insignificant , unless that by good discipline a principle had been at first instilled of the sacredness of such a Function ; and this was the cause that the Lacedemonians , having sucked in these principles with their milk , were possessed with a most reverend esteem of all his Institutions ; so that the main points and fundamentals of his Law , continued for above 500 years in force with strict observance , and without any violation . But Numa , whose whole design and aim was peace , and to conserve his people in such a sense of Religion and Divine worship as might conduce to the present tranquillity , did never make provisions for a future condition , or for the time of War : and therefore no sooner did he expire his last breath , than peace vanished with it , and immediately after his decease the Gates of Janus Temple flew wide open ; and as if War had been long pent up within those Walls , it rush'd forth like a mighty Storm infesting all Italy with bloud and slaughter : and thus that excellent Fabrick , and composition of Equity and Justice was dissolved , for want of early principles , instilled by good education into youth , which are the foundation to support it , and the necessary cement which unites all together , in a fixed and immutable habit . What then ( may some say ) hath Rome been prejudiced by her Wars ? I answer that this question , which men make , who take their measures from the advance of Riches and Power exalted with Luxury , rather than from that Innocence and moderation of Mind , which is always accompanied with tranquillity and peace , is not to be resolved by a sudden answer , but by a long and philosophical discourse . Howsoever it makes much for Lycurgus , that so soon as the Romans deserted the Doctrine and Discipline of Numa , their Empire grew and their power encreased : whenas on the contrary , so soon as the Lacedemonians fell from the Institutions of Lycurgus , the Fabrick of their Government dissolved with their Laws , and , the Grecian Empire being lost , they also were reduced to the utmost point of desolation and ruine . And yet there is something peculiarly signal and almost Divine in the circumstances of Numa , for he was an Alien , and yet courted against his own inclinations to accept a Kingdom ; the frame of which though he entirely altered , yet he performed it without force or coaction , and with such lenity that nothing was acted but with the assent and concurrence of the people . Lycurgus on the other side favoured the Nobility , and made them the Lords and Rulers over the Commons ; and yet that Government was well tempered also , and duly poised by Wisedom and Justice . SOLON portrait Ὠ Σόλον , Ὠ Σόλον . Sturt . sc . THE LIFE OF SOLON . Translated from the Greek , By Thomas Creech , of Wadh. Coll. Oxon. DYdymus the Grammarian , in his answer to Asclepiades concerning Solon's Tables , mentions a passage of one Philocles , who delivers that Solon's Father's name was Euphorion , contrary to the opinion of all those who have written concerning him : for they generally agree that he was the Son of Exestides , a man of moderate wealth and power in the City ; but of a noble Stock , being descended from Codrus : his Mother , as Heraclides Ponticus affirms , was Cousin to Pisistratus his Mother , and those two at first were great Friends , partly because they were a kin , and partly because Pisistratus was a handsome gracefull man , and they say Solon lov'd him : and that is the reason , I suppose , that when afterwards they differ'd about the Government , their enmity never produc'd any hot and violent passion , they remembred their old kindnesses , and that kept the flame of their love and dear affection still alive : For that Solon was Amorous , and unable stoutly to resist the force of Beauty , we may conjecture by his Poems ; and by a Law he forbad Slaves to perfume themselves , or love Boys , making that an honourable action , and onely fit for Gentlemen , and as it were inviting the Worthy to the practice , when he commanded the Unworthy to forbear . Pisistratus likewise is reported to have lov'd one Charmus , and to have consecrated his Statue in the Academy , where those light their Torches that win the sacred 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Solon , as Ermippus writes , when his Father had ruin'd his Estate in doing benefits and kindnesses to other men , though he had Friends enough that were willing to contribute to his relief , yet he was asham'd to be beholding to others , since he was descended from a Family who were accustomed to doe kindnesses rather than receive them . He therefore apply'd himself to Merchandise ; though others assure us that Solon travel'd rather to get Learning and Experience than to raise an Estate : 't is certain that he was a lover of Wisedom , for when he was old he would say , I grow old still learning many things . But he was no admirer of Riches , esteeming those equally wealthy Who sees vast heaps of Gold at his command , Fine Horses , and a fair Estate in Land ; And Him , to whom indulgent Fate bestow'd Sufficient wealth to buy him Clothes and Food : But if to this a Wife , and pratling Boys , And youth , and grace , He hath the height of Joys . And in another place , I would be rich , and yet to raise my purse Not cheat , for wealth so got the Gods will curse . Now 't is no shame for a prudent man and a good Citizen not to be solicitous about superfluities , or to look after competent necessaries . In his time ( according to Hesiod ) a Trade was not dishonourable , nor did it debase the quality of the professours ; but Merchandise was a worthy Calling , which brought home the good things which the barbarous Nations enjoy'd , was the occasion of friendship with their Kings , and mother of Experience . Some Merchants have built great Cities , as the Founder of Massilia , that man so much esteem'd by the Gauls that live about the Rhone : some also report that Thales and Hyppocrates the Mathematician traded ; and that Plato defray'd the charges of his Travels by selling Oil in Aegypt . Now Solon's softness and profuseness , his discourse of pleasures in his Poems , too loose for a Philosopher , were occasion'd by his trading life ; for having suffer'd a thousand dangers , 't was fit they should be recompenc'd with pleasure and enjoyments : but that he accounted himself rather poor than rich is evident from these lines ; Some wicked men are rich , some good are poor ; I would not change my Vertue for their store : For that 's a sure possession , firm as Fate ; Whilst wealth now flies to this man , now to that . At first he us'd his Poetry onely in trifles , in vain humours , and to pass away his idle hours : but afterwards his Numbers contein'd moral Sentences , and many transactions of the Commonwealth , which he did not write for the bare sake of the History ; but to apologize for his own actions , and sometimes to correct , chastise and stir up the Athenians to noble performances . Some report that he design'd to put his Laws into a Poem , and began it thus , We humbly beg a blessing on our Laws From mighty Jove , and honour and applause . Of moral Philosophy , as most of the then wise men , he chiefly esteemed Politicks ; in Physicks he was very rude and illiterate , as appears by this , Soft Snow and Hail fall from a frozen Cloud ; From glaring Lightning Thunder roars aloud ? The Winds make the Seas rough , they vex the Main ; But when they cease to blow , 't is smooth and plain . And indeed 't is probable , that at that time Thales onely had rais'd wisedom above practice into speculation ; and the other six were call'd wise from their prudence in Politick concerns . Fame delivers that they had an enterview at Delphos , and another at Corinth , by the procurement of Periander , who made provision for their entertainment : but their reputation was chiefly raised by sending the Tripod to them all , and their modest refusal , and complaisant yielding to one another : For ( as the story goes ) some of the Coans fishing with a Net , some strangers , Milesians , bought the draught at a venture ; the Net brought up a golden Tripod , which ( they say ) Helen at her return from Troy , upon the remembrance of an old prophecy , threw in there . Now the strangers at first contesting with the Fishers about the Tripod , and the Cities espousing the quarrel so far as to engage themselves in a War ; Apollo decided the Controversie , by commanding to present it to the wisest Man : and first it was sent to Miletum to Thales , the Coans freely presenting him with that for which they fought all the Milesians , but Thales declaring Bias the wiser person , it was sent to him ; from him to another ; and so going round them all , it came to Thales a second time ; and at last , being carried from Miletum to Thebes , it was there dedicated to Apollo Ismenius . Theophrastus writes , that it was first presented to Bias at Priene ; and next to Thales at Miletum ; and so through all it returned to Bias , and was afterwards sent to Delphos . This is a general report , onely some instead of a Tripod say this present was a Cup sent by Croesus ; others a piece of Plate that one Buthocles had left . 'T is reported that Anacharsis and Solon , and Solon and Thales were familiarly acquainted , and some have deliver'd parts of their discourse : For ( they say ) Anacharsis coming to Athens , knock'd at Solon's Door , and told him , That he being a stranger was come to be his Guest , and contract a Friendship with him : and Solon replying , 'T is better to seek Friends at home , Anacharsis return'd , Then you that are at home take me as a Guest and as a Friend : Solon somewhat surprised at the briskness of that Repartee , receiv'd him kindly , and kept him some time with him , whilst he was managing the Commonwealth , and contriving his Laws ; which when Anacharsis understood , he laught at him , for imagining the Citizens unruly desires and affections could be restrain'd by these Laws , which were like Spider's Webs , and would catch , 't is true , the weak and poor , but are easily broken by the mighty and rich . To this Solon return'd , Men keep their promises when neither side can get any thing by the breaking of them ; and he would so fit his Laws to the Citizens , that all should understand 't was more eligible to be just and obey , than act contrary to the command . But the event rather agreed with the conjecture of Anacharsis , than Solon's hope . Anacharsis , being one time at the Assembly , said , he wondred much that in Greece the Wise men should propose causes , and Fools determine . When Solon came to Thales at Miletum , he wondred that Thales took no care to get him a Wife and Children . To this Thales made no answer for the present , but a few days after dealt with a stranger to pretend that he came from Athens ten days ago ; and Solon enquiring what news there , the man , according to his instructions , reply'd , None , but concerning a young man's Funeral which the whole City celebrated ; for he was ( as the story went ) the Son of an honourable Man , and the most vertuous of his Citizens ; who was not then at home , but had been travelling a long time . Solon reply'd what a miserable man is he ! but what was his name ? I have heard it , says the Man , but have now forgotten it , onely there was a great talk of his Wisedom and his Justice . Thus Solon was drawn on by every answer , and his fears heightned , till at last , being extremely concern'd , he mention'd his own name , and ask't the stranger if that young man was not call'd Solon's Son ; and the stranger assenting , he began to beat his head , and to doe and speak all those things which usually come from men in so great a passion : But Thales held him , and with a smile said , These things , Solon , keep me from Marriage and getting Children , which are too great for your courage and your constancy to support ; however be not concern'd at the report , for 't is a Fiction . This Ermippus delivers from Pataecus , who boasted that he had Aesop's Soul. But 't is weak and absurd not to seek conveniencies for fear of loosing them , for upon the same account , we should neither love Wealth , Glory , nor Wisedom , since we may fear to be depriv'd of all these : nay , even Vertue it self , than which there is no greater , nor more desirable possession , is often lost by Sickness or Enchantments : Now Thales , though unmarried , could not be free from solicitude , unless he likewise took no care of his Friends , his Kinsmen , or his Country ; nay ( as History delivers ) he adopted Cubisthus his Sister's Son. For the Soul , having a principle of kindness in it self , and being born to love , as well as perceive , think or remember , inclines , and fixes upon some stranger , when she hath none of her own to embrace . And as when an Estate wants a lawfull Heir , strangers or Bastards endeavour to win the kind possessour , and when they have once gotten his affection , his care and tenderness encreaseth with his love ; insomuch that some men that are rigid against the Marriage-bed , and slight the fruit of it , when their Servant's or Harlot's Boy is sick or dies , are almost kill'd with grief , and miserably lament . Some have very meanly , and below the dignity of a Man mourn'd for the loss of a Dog , or Horse ; others upon the death of vertuous Children , have not been concern'd , nor guilty of a mean action ; but pass'd the rest of their lives like men , and according to the principles of reason . For 't is not benevolence , but weakness that prompts a Man to continual grief , and makes those fear whom Reason hath not arm'd against Fortune , insomuch that they cannot enjoy the thing that they desire , the fear of losing it still vexing , and bringing constant racks and torments to their minds . Now we must not provide against the loss of Wealth , by Poverty ; or of Friends , by refusing all acquaintance ; or of Children , by getting none , but by Morality and Reason : But of this too much . Now when the Athenians were tired with a tedious and difficult War , that they managed against the Megarensians for the Island Salamis ; and made a Law that it should be death for any man , by writing or speaking , to assert that the City ought to endeavour to recover it : Solon , vext at the disgrace , and perceiving thousands of the youth wish'd for some body to begin , but did not dare to stir first for fear of the Law ; he counterfeited a distraction , and by his own Family it was spread abroad the City that he was mad : he secretly compos'd an Elegy , and , getting it by heart that it might seem extempore , he ran out into the Market-place with a Cap upon his Head , and , the people gathering about him , got up upon the standing of the Cryer , and sang that Elegy which begins thus , From Salamis that glorious Isle I come And bring you news , and noble Verses home . That Poem is call'd Salamis , it contains an hundred Verses , and elegantly written : now whilst he sang , his Friends commended it , and especially Pisistratus , who exhorted the Citizens to obey his directions ; insomuch that they recall'd the Law , and renew'd the War under Solon's conduct . The common report is , that with Pisistratus he sail'd to Coliada , and finding the Women , according to the custom of the Country there , sacrificing to Ceres , he sent a trusty Friend to Salamis , who should pretend himself a Renegade , and advise them , if they desired to seize the chief Athenian Women , to make all sail to Colias : the Megarensians presently man'd a Ship , and Solon seeing it put off from the Island , commanded the Women to be gone , and some beardless youths dress'd in their Garments , their Shoes and Mitres , and privately arm'd with Daggers , to dance and wanton near the shore , till the Enemies had landed , and the Ship was in their power . Things being thus ordered , the Megarensians were allur'd with the appearance , and , coming near , leap'd eager upon their prey , so that not one of them escaped , and the Athenians presently set Sail for the Island , and took it . Others deliver that it was not taken this way , but that he first received this Oracle from Delphos , Those Heroes that in fair Asopia rest , All buried with their Faces to the West Appease , go offer what shall please them best . And that Solon sailing by night to the Island , sacrific'd to the Heroes Periphemus and Cichris , and then taking 500 Athenians Voluntiers , ( a Law having pass'd that those that took the Island should be chiefest in the Government ) with a number of Fisher Boats , and one great Ship , he anchored in a Bay of Salamis that looks towards Euboea : and the Megarensians that were then in the Island being alarm'd by an uncertain report , in great disorder betook themselves to their Arms ; and sent a Ship to discover the Enemies . This Ship Solon took , and securing the Megarensians , man'd it with Athenians , and gave them orders to sail to the Island with as much privacy as possible ; and he with the other Souldiers march'd against the Megarensians by Land. Now whilst they were fighting , those from the Ship took the City , and this relation is confirm'd by the following solemnity ; for an Athenian Ship at first sail'd silently to the Island , then , with noise and a great shout , one leaps out arm'd , and with a strong cry runs to the Promontory Sciradium , to meet those that approach upon the Land ; and just by there stands a Temple , which Solon dedicated to Mars ; for he beat the Megarensians , and as many as were not kill'd in the Battel he sent away upon Articles : but the Megarensians still contending , and both sides having received considerable losses , they chose the Spartans for Arbitrators : Now many affirm that Homers authority did Solon a considerable kindness , and that he having inserted a line into the Catalogue of Ships , read these Verses when the matter was to be determined . Twelve Ships from Salamis stout Ajax brought , And rank't his Men where the Athenians fought . The Athenians account this but an idle story , and report , that Solon made it appear to the Judges , that Philaeus and Eurysaces , the Sons of Ajax , being made free of Athens , gave them the Island ; and that one of them dwelt at Buron in Attica , the other at Melite ; and that the Tribe of the Phileides , from which Pisistratus was descended , receiv'd its name from this Philaeus . A further argument against the Megarensians is taken from the dead Bodies , which are not buried after their fashion , but according to the Athenian : for the Megarensians turn the Carcase to the East , the Athenians to the West ( but Hereas the Megarensian denies this , and affirms that they likewise turn the Body to the West ) and that the Athenians have a Sepulchre for every Body , but the Megarensians put two or three into one : and farther they report , that some of Apollo's Oracles , where he calls Salamis Ionia , made much for Solon . This matter was determined by five Spartans , Critolaides , Amompharetus , Hypsechidas , Anaxilas and Cleomenes . For this Solon grew fam'd , and powerfull ; but his advice to revenge the God at Delphos , to assist him , and not suffer the Cirrheans to profane the Oracle , got him most repute among the Grecians : for upon his perswasion , the Amphyctiones undertook the War , as amongst others , Aristotle affirms in his Treatise of the Victors at the Pythian Games , where he makes Solon the Authour of this Counsel : Solon was not General in that Expedition , as Ermippus delivers out of Evanthes the Samian , for Aeschines the Oratour says no such thing , and in the Commentary of the Delphian affairs Alcmaeon , not Solon is declared Leader . Now the Cylonian villany had a long while disturb'd the Commonwealth , even from that time when Megacles the Archon perswaded the conspiratours with Cylon that took sanctuary in Minerva's Temple , to stand to a fair trial ; and they tying a thred to the Image , and holding one end of it , went down to the Tribunal : but when they came to the Temple of the Furies , the thred brake of its own accord , upon which , as if the Goddess had refus'd them protection , they were seiz'd by Megacles , and the other Magistrates : as many as were without the Temples were stoned , those that fled for sanctuary were butchered at the Altar , and onely those escaped who made their application to the Wives of the Magistrates . But from that time they were call'd execrable , and hated . The remainder of this Faction grew strong again , and had continual quarrels with the Family of Megacles ; now when the quarrel was at height , and the People divided , Solon being then in reputation with the chiefest of the Athenians interpos'd ; and by intreaty and admonition perswaded the Execrable to submit to a trial , and the determination of three hundred noble Citizens : Myron , the Son of Phlyeus , being their accuser they lost the cause , and as many as were then alive were banished , and the Carcases of the dead were dug up , and scattered beyond the confines of the Country . In the midst of these distractions , the Megarensians falling upon them , they lost Nisaea and Salamis again : besides the City was disturb'd with superstitious fears , and strange appearances ; and the Priests declar'd that the Sacrifices intimated some villanies and pollutions that were to be expiated : upon this they sent for Epimenides Phaestius from Crete , who is counted the seventh wise man by those that will not admit Periander into the number : He seems to be a pious man , skilfull in the method of Expiations and the rites of Religion ; and therefore the men of his Age call'd him the new Curetes , and Son of the Nymph Balte : when he came to Athens , and grew acquainted with Solon , he settled many things in order to his Laws : He made them decent in their worship , abated their mourning , by ordering some Sacrifices presently after the Funeral ; and taking off those severe and barbarous Ceremonies which the Women usually practised : but the greatest benefit was his cleansing the City , by certain propitiatory and expiatory lustrations ; and by that means making them more pliable to justice , and more ready to be united . 'T is reported that looking upon Munychia , and considering a while , he said to those that stood by , How blind is man in future things ! for did the Athenians foresee what mischief this would doe their City , they would e'en eat it to be free ; and some report that Thales made the like conjecture , for he commanded his Friends to bury him in an obscure and contemn'd quarter of Milesia , saying that should once be the Forum of the Milesians : Epimenides being much admired , and presented by the City with rich gifts , and considerable honours , requested but one branch of the sacred Olive , and that being granted he return'd . The Athenians now free from the Cylonian sedition , and the execrable banish'd , fell into their old quarrels about the Government ; there being as many different parties , as there were divisions in the City ; The Higher quarter favoured Democracy , the Lower Oligarchy , and those that liv'd toward the Sea , stood for a mixt sort of Government , and so hindred either of the other parties from prevailing : At the same time also the Poor quarrelling with the Rich about the inequality of Estates , the City seem'd in a desperate condition and to be freed from its disturbances and settled by a Tyranny alone : for all the People were indebted to the Rich ; and either they manur'd their Grounds , paying them six parts of the encrease , and were therefore call'd Hectemorii and Thetes : or else they engaged their Body for the debt , and might be seized by their Creditours ; so some of them were made Slaves at home , others sold to strangers ; some ( for no Law forbad it ) were forc'd to sell their Children , or run their Country to avoid the cruelty of their Creditours ; but the most and stoutest of the People rose , and exhorted one another to stand to it to chuse a Leader , to destroy the savage exactours , divide the Land , and change the Government . Then the wisest of the Athenians perceiving Solon had least practised those exactions ; that he had not sided with the Rich , and was not indebted with the Poor , prest him to assist the Commonwealth and compose the differences : Though Phanias the Lesbian affirms that Solon , to save his Country , put a trick upon both parties , and privately promised the Poor a division of the Lands , and the Rich security for their Debts : Solon was unwilling to meddle at first , being afraid of the pride of one party and the greediness of the other ; but he was chosen Archon with Philombrotus , and impower'd to be an Arbitrator and settle Laws ; the Rich consenting because he was wealthy , the Poor because he was honest : There is a saying of his before the Election , that Equality never breeds War , and this pleas'd both parties , the Wealthy and the Poor ; the one expecting this Equality in Dignity and Power , the other in Riches and Estate . Thus there being great hopes on both sides , the chief men prest Solon to take the Government into his own hands , and when he was once settled manage the business roundly and according to his pleasure : and many of the Commons , perceiving it would be a difficult change to be effected by Law and Reason , were willing to have one wise and just man set over the Affairs : and some say that Solon had this Oracle from Apollo Sit in the midst , if you the Ship will guide , And thousands shall assist to stem the Tide : But chiefly his Familiars chid him for disaffecting Monarchy onely for its name , as if the vertue of the Ruler could not make it a lawfull Form : That this Euboea had experimented who chose Tunondas , and Mytilene who took Pittacus for their Prince : yet this could not shake Solon's resolution , but ( as they say ) he reply'd to his Friends , 'T is true a Tyranny is a very fair spot , but it hath no way to go out at : and in a Copy of Verses to Phocus he writes , That I have spar'd my Country , kept my Fame , Nor stain'd my Glory with a Tyrant's name , That when I could destroy I chose to save , I cannot blush , I think my Actions brave : From which 't is manifest that he was a man of great reputation before he gave his Laws . The several jeers that were put upon him for refusing the Power , he delivers in these words : Sure Solon was a soft , a shallow fool , Who when the Power was offer'd would not rule ; The Fish were in his Net , that Many caught , Yet he , mean Soul , refus'd to take the draught : For else to have enjoy'd but one day's reign He would have suffer'd the severest pain : To have obtain'd such power in such a place He would have lost himself , and damn'd his Race . Thus he makes the Many and the Rascals speak of him . Yet though he refus'd the Government he was not too remiss in the Affairs , he did not appear mean and crouching to the powerfull ; nor made his Laws to pleasure those that chose him ; for where 't was well before he apply'd no remedy , nor altered any thing , for fear lest unsettling , and bringing the Commonwealth into a confusion , he should be too weak to new model and raise it to a tolerable condition ; but what he thought he could effect by perswasion upon the pliable , and by force upon the stubborn , that he did ; joyning ( as he himself speaks ) force and justice ; and therefore when he was afterwards ask'd if he had left the Athenians the best Laws that could be given , he reply'd , I have established the best They could receive . The way which the Athenians use to take off from the badness of the thing , by giving it a good and innocent appellation , as for a Whore a Mistress ; for Taxes Rates ; for Garrisons Guards ; for Prisons Houses of Custody ; seem'd at first to be Solon's contrivance , who nam'd this taking off the Peoples Debts Seisacthia , a throwing off a Burthen : for the first thing which he settled was that what Debts remain'd should be forgiven , and no man for the future should engage his Body for a sum of Money : Though some ( as Androtion ) affirm that the Debts were not taken off ; but the use onely lessened , which so pleas'd the People , that they nam'd that kindness Seisacthia , together with the enlarging their Measures , and encreasing the value of their Money ; for he made a Pound which before contain'd but seventy three Drachms , to contain an hundred , so that though the number of pieces in the payment was equal , the value was less ; which prov'd a considerable benefit to those that were to discharge great Debts , and no loss to the Creditours : But most agree that 't was the taking off the Debts that was call'd Seisacthia , which is confirm'd by some places in his Poem , where he glories that he had remov'd the Tyes from their Estates , that heretofore they were Slaves now Free , that some which were seiz'd for their Debts he had brought back from other Countries , where by the length of their exile they had forgotten their Mother Tongue , and some he had set at liberty which were in cruel slavery at home . When he was designing this , a very unlucky thing hapned ; for when he had resolv'd to take off the Debts , and was thinking on a good way and fit beginning for the action , he told some of his Friends , Conon , Clinias and Hipponicus , in whom he had a great deal of confidence , that he would not meddle with the Lands , but onely free the People from their Debts ; they using the advantage , took up vast sums of Money and purchased some large Farms , and when the Law was enacted they kept the Possessions , and would not return the Money ; which brought Solon into a great suspicion and dislike , as if he himself had not been abus'd , but was concern'd in the contrivance : but he presently stop'd this suspicion by releasing his Debtours of five Talents ( for he had lent so much ) according to the Law : others , as Goluzelus the Rhodian , say fifteen , but his Friends were ever afterward called Chreocopidoe . In this he pleas'd neither Party , for the Rich were angry for their Money , and the Poor that the Land was not divided , and ( as Lycurgus ordered in his Commonwealth ) all levell'd to one degree . He 't is true being the Eleventh from Hercules , and having reign'd many years in Lacedaemon had gotten a great reputation , power and Friends which he could use in modelling his State ; and applying force more than perswasion insomuch that he lost his eye in the scuffle , brought about the most effectual means to preserve and unite a State by not permitting any to be Poor or Rich in his Commonwealth . But Solon could not rise to that by his Polity , yet he acted to the height of his power , having nothing but the good will and good opinion of his Citizens to rely on : And that he offended most that look'd for another posture of Affairs , he declares in these words : Once they ador'd me , but they now despise , And squint upon me with their envious eyes ! But in a little time being sensible of the profit , they laid by their grudges , made a publick Sacrifice , calling it Seisacthia , and chose Solon to new model and make Laws for the Commonwealth : They gave him power over all their Magistracies , their Assemblies , Courts , Senates ; that he should appoint the Number , Times of meeting , and what Estate they must have that could be capable of these : and dissolve or continue any of the present Constitutions according to his pleasure . First then he repeal'd all Draco's Laws , except those concerning Murther , because they were too severe , and their punishments too great ; for Death was appointed for almost all offences , insomuch that those that were convicted of Idleness were to dye , and those that stole a Cabbage , or an Apple to suffer as the Villains that committed Sacrilege or Murther : And therefore Demades is famous for saying that Draco's Laws were not writ with Ink but Bloud : and he himself being once ask'd , Why he made Death the punishment of most offences ? reply'd , Small ones deserve that , and I have no higher for the greater Crimes . Next , Solon being willing to continue the Magistracy in the hands of the rich Men , and yet receive the People into the other part of the Government , he took an account of the Citizens Estates , and those that were worth five hundred Measures of Wet and Dry he plac'd in the first rank , calling them Pentacosiomedimnoi ; those that could keep an Horse , or were worth three hundred Measures , were nam'd Hippada telountes , and made the second Class ; the Zeugitae that had two hundred Measures were in the third ; and all the others were call'd Thetes , who were not admitted to any Office , but could come to the Assembly , and give their Voices : which at first seem'd nothing , but afterwards appear'd a considerable privilege ; for most of the Controversies came to their hearing , because in all matters that were under the cognizance of the other Magistrates there lay an appeal to that Assembly . Beside 't is said that he was obscure and ambiguous in the wording of his Laws , on purpose to encrease the honour of his Courts ; for since their differences could not be adjusted by the Letter ; they were to bring all their Causes to the Judges , who were as Masters , and interpreters of the Laws : and of this Equality he himself makes mention in this manner ; What power was fit I did on all bestow , Not rais'd the Poor too high , nor prest too low : The Rich that rul'd , and every Office bore Confin'd by Laws they could not press the Poor : Both parties I secur'd from lawless might , So none prevail'd upon another's right : And for the greater security of the weak Commons , he gave all liberty to enter an Action against another for an injury ; so that if one was beaten , maim'd or suffer'd any violence , any man that would , and was able , might prosecute the injurious : intending by this to accustom the Citizens like members of the same Body , to resent and be sensible of one anothers injuries , and there is a saying of his agreeable to this Law , for being ask'd what City was best modell'd ? That , says he , where those that are not injur'd equally prosecute the unjust with those that are : when he had constituted the Areopagus of the yearly Magistrates , of which he himself , being Archon , was a member ; still observing that the People , now free from their Debts , grew proud and imperious ; he settled another Court of four hundred , a hundred out of each of the four Tribes , which were to inspect all matters before they were to be propounded to the People ; and to take care that nothing but what had been diligently examin'd , should be brought before the general Assembly : The upper Council he made inspectours and keepers of the Laws , supposing that the Commonwealth held by these two Councils , as by firm Anchors , would be less liable to be tost by tumults , and the People be more at quiet : Thus most deliver that Solon instituted the Areopagus , which seems to be confirm'd , because Draco makes no mention of the Areopagites , but in all capital Causes applies himself to the Ephetae : Yet Solon's thirteenth Table contains the eighth Law , set down in these words : Whoever before Solon's Archonship were disgrac'd let them be restor'd , except those that being condemn'd by the Areopagites , Ephetae , or the Kings for Murther , or designs against the Government , had fled their Country when this Law was made : and these words seem to shew that the Areopagus was before Solon's Laws , for who could be condemn'd by that Council before his time , if he was the first that instituted the Court ? unless , which is probable , there is some defect and obscurity in this Table , and it should run thus , Those that are convicted of such offences as belong to the cognizance of the Areopagites , Ephetae , or the Prytanes , when this Law was made , should remain still in disgrace whilst others are restor'd : and this was his meaning . Amongst his other Laws , that is very peculiar , and surprising , which makes all those infamous who stand Neuters in a Sedition ; for it seems , he would not have any one insensible and regardless of the Publick , and , securing his private affairs , glory that he had no feeling of the distempers of his Country : but presently joyn with the good party and those that had the right upon their side , assist , and venture with them , rather than shift out of harms way and watch who would get the better . But that seems an absurd and foolish Law , which permits an Hieress , if her lawfull Husband prove impotent , to lye with his nearest Kinsman : yet some say , this Law was well contriv'd against those , who , conscious of their own inability , yet , for the sake of the portion , would match with Hieresses , and make use of Law to put a violence upon Nature ; for now since she can lye with whom she please , they must either abstain from such Marriages or continue them with disgrace , and suffer for their covetousness and design'd affront : besides 't is well done to confine her to her Husband 's nearest Kinsman , that the Children may be of the same Family ; and agreeable to this is the Law that the Bride and Bridegroom shall be shut into a Chamber , and eat a Quince together , and that her Husband is oblig'd to go in to such an Heiress thrice a Month , for though he gets no Children , yet 't is an honour and due affection which an Husband ought to pay to a vertuous chaste Wife ; it takes off all petty differences , and will not permit their little quarrels to proceed to a rupture . In all other Marriages he forbad Dowries to be given , the Wife was to have three suits of Clothes , a little inconsiderable Houshold-stuff , and that was all : for he would not have Marriages contracted for gain , or an Estate , but for pure Love , kind Affection , and to get Children . Dionysius , when his Mother advis'd him to marry one of his Citizens , Indeed , says he , by my Tyranny I have broken my Country's Laws , but cannot put a violence upon those of Nature by an unseasonable Marriage . Such disorder is never to be suffer'd in a Commonwealth , nor such unseasonable and unperforming Marriages , which neither attain their due end , nor fruit : but any provident Governour or Law-giver might say to an old Man that takes a young Wife , what is spoken to Philoctetes in the Tragedy ; Poor Wretch , in what a fit condition art thou to be married ! and if he finds a young Man with a rich old Woman , like a Partridge growing fat upon the duty , remove him to a Virgin that needs a Husband ; and of this enough . Another commendable Law of Solon's is that which forbids men to speak evil of the Dead ; for 't is pious to think them sacred , and just not to meddle with those that are gone , and politick to prevent the perpetuity of discord : He likewise forbad them to speak evil of the Living in the Temple , before the Tribunal , in the Court , or at the Games ; or else to pay three Drachmas to the private person , and two to the publick ; for never to be able to rule passion shews a weak nature , and ill-breeding : and always to moderate it , is very hard , and to some impossible : Now the matter of Laws must be possible if the maker designs to punish few in order to their amendment , and not many to no purpose . He is likewise much commended for his Law concerning Wills , for before none could be made ; but all the wealth and Estate of the deceased belonged to his Family : but he permitted them , if they had no Children , to bestow it on whom they pleased ; esteeming Friendship a stronger Tye than Kindred , and Affection than Necessity ; and thus made every man's Estate in the disposal of the possessour : yet he allow'd not all sorts of Legacies , but those onely which were not extorted by the phrenzy of a Disease , charms , imprisonment , force , or the perswasions of his Wife ; with good reason thinking it all one between deceit and necessity , flattery or compulsion , since both are equally powerfull to perswade a man from Reason . He regulated the Walks , Feasts , and Mourning of the Women ; and took away every thing that was either unbecoming or immodest : when they walk'd abroad no more than three Coats were allow'd them ; a half penny-worth of meat and drink , nor a Basket above a cubit high ; and at night they were not to stir but in a Chariot ; with a Torch before them . The Mourners tearing themselves to raise pity , and their lamentations at Strangers Funerals he forbad . To offer an Ox at the Grave was not permitted ; nor to bury above three Garments with the Body , or visit the Tombs of any besides their own Family , unless at the very Funeral ; most of which are likewise forbidden by our Laws , but this is farther added in ours , that those that are convicted of extravagance in their Mournings , are to be punished as soft and effeminate by the Censors of the Women . He observing the City was fill'd with persons that flock'd from all parts into Attica , for security of living , and that most of the Country was barren and unfruitfull ; and the Traders at Sea imported nothing to those that could give them no exchange : he brought his Citizens to Trade ; and made a Law , that no Son should be oblig'd to relieve his Father , who had not bred him up to any Calling . 'T is true , Lycurgus having a City free from all Strangers , and enough , or ( according to Euripides ) sufficient for twice so many ; and abundance of Labourers about Sparta , who should not be kept idle , but be broken with continual toil and work , he did well to take off his Citizens from Trades laborious and mechanical , and keep them to their Arms , and teach them onely the Art of War. But Solon fitting his Laws according to the state of Things , and not ordering Things according to his Laws , and finding the ground scarce rich enough to maintain the Farmers , and altogether unable to feed the lazy multitude ; he brought Trades into credit , and ordered the Areopagites to examine how every man got his living , and chastise the idle : But that Law was more rigid which ( as Heraclides Ponticus delivers ) declar'd the Sons of Harlots not oblig'd to relieve their Fathers , for he that will not marry doth not take a Woman for Children , but for pleasure , and thus hath his just reward , having no pretence to upbraid his Children , to whom he hath made their very Birth a scandal and reproach . But in short , many of Solon's Laws about Women are absurd ; for he permitted any one to kill an Adulterer that found him in the Act ; if any one forc'd a free Woman , an hundred Drachma's was the Fine ; if he entic'd her , twenty ; except those that traded for a price , I mean common Whores ; for they go openly to those that hire them . He made it unlawfull to sell a Daughter , or a Sister , unless , being yet unmarried , she was found wanton with a Man. Now 't is irrational to punish the same Crime sometimes very severely and without remorse , and sometimes very lightly and as 't were in sport , with a trivial Fine , unless there being little Money then in Athens , that scarcity made those Mulcts the more grievous punishment . The value of Sacrifices must be one Sheep , and a Drachma for a Bushel . The Victor in the Isthmian Games was to have for reward an hundred Drachma's . The Conquerour in the Olyman five hundred . He that caught a Dog Wolf , five Drachma's , he that kill'd a Bitch , one : the former sum ( as Demetrius Phalereus asserts ) was the value of an Ox , the latter of a Sheep : but those prices which in his sixteenth Table he sets on the choice Sacrifices were certainly far greater , for else they are very little in comparison of the present . The Athenians , their Fields being better for Pasture than Corn , were from the beginning great enemies to Wolves ; and some affirm their Tribes did not take their names from the Sons of Javan , but from the different sorts of Occupation that they followed ; the Souldiers were call'd Hoplitae , the Crafts-men Ergatae ; and of the remaining two , the Farmers , Georgi , and the Shepherds and Grasiers Aigicorae . Besides , since the Country hath but few Rivers , Lakes , or large Springs , and many us'd Wells which they had dug ; there was a Law made that where there was a publick Well within a Hippicon ( that is four Furlongs ) all should draw at that ; but when it was farther off they might provide a private Well : and if they had dug ten fathom deep and could find no Water they had liberty to fetch ten Gallons a day from their neighbours : for he thought it prudent to make provision against want but not encourage laziness . Besides , he shew'd his skill in the orders about planting , for any one that would plant another Tree , was not to set it within five foot of his neighbour's Field ; but if a Fig or an Olive , not within nine : for their Roots spread farther , nor can they be planted near all sorts of Trees without damage , for they draw away the nourishment , and hurt some by their venomous effluviums . He that would dig a Pit or a Ditch , was to dig it at as far a distance from his neighbour's Ground as it was deep : and he that would raise stocks of Bees , was not to raise them within three hundred feet of those which another had already rais'd : He permitted onely Oil to be exported , and those that did export any other Fruit , the Archon was solemnly to curse ; or else pay himself an hundred Drachma's : and this Law was written in his first Table , and therefore let none think those liars that affirm , the exportation of Figs was heretofore unlawfull ; and the Informer against the Delinquents call'd a Sycophant . Besides he made a Law concerning hurts and injuries from Beasts , in which he commands the Master of any Dog that bit a Man , to hang him in a Chain of four Cubits ; and this was a good device for mens security . The Law concerning naturalizing Strangers is severe , for he permitted onely those to be made Free of Athens , who were in perpetual exile from their own Country , or came with their whole Family to trade there : and this he did , not to discourage Strangers , but rather invite them , by making them secure of the privileges of that Government : and besides he thought they would prove the more faithfull Citizens , who had been forc'd from their own Country , or voluntarily forsook it . But the Law concerning publick Entertainments was peculiarly Solon's , for if any man came often , or if he that was invited refus'd , they were punished ; for he concluded that one was greedy , the other a contemner of the publick : All his Laws he established for an hundred years , and writ them in wooden Tables nam'd Axonas , which might be turn'd round in oblong cases ; some of their relicks may be now seen in the common Hall at Athens . These ( as Aristotle affirms ) are called Cyrbes , and Cratinus the Comedian , somewhere speaking of Draco and Solon , says , in those Cyrbes they now parch Pease . But some say those are properly Cyrbes , which contain the Laws concerning Sacrifices and the Rites of Religion : and all the others Axones . The Senate all jointly swore to confirm the Laws , and every one of the Thesmothetae vow'd at the Cross in the Market-place , that if he brake any of the Statutes , he would dedicate a golden Statue , as big as himself , at Delphos . Now observing the irregularity of the Months , and that the Moon did not always rise and set with the Sun ; but often in the same day overtake and go before him , he ordered the day should be nam'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Old and New ; attributing that part of it which was before the conjunction to the Old Moon , and the rest to the New. He being the first it seems that understood that Verse of Homer , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The following day he call'd the New Moon , after the twentieth he added no day , but counting backward , according to the decreasing Phases of the Moon he reckon'd up to thirty . Now when these Laws were enacted , and some came to Solon every day , either to commend or dispraise them , and advise , if possible , to leave out , or put in something : and many were curious , and desired him to explain , and tell the meaning of such and such a passage , and he knowing that not to doe it was disobliging , and to doe it would get him ill will ; and desirous to bring himself out of all straits , and take off all reasons of suspicion from those that sought them : for 't is a hard thing ( as he himself says ) in great affairs to please every body : he pretended himself Master of a Ship , and having obtain'd leave for ten years absence , he departed : for he hoped by that time his Laws would be customary and familiar : his first Voyage was for Aegypt , and he liv'd ( as he himself says ) Near Nilus mouth , by fair Canopus shore . He spent some time in study with Psenophis of Hierapolis and Sonchis the Saite , the most famous of all the Priests ; from whom ( as Plato says ) getting some knowledge of the Atlantick Island , he put it into a Poem , and endeavoured to bring it into credit among the Grecians : from thence he sail'd to Cyprus , where he was made much on by Philocyprus one of the Kings there , who had a small City built by Demophoon Theseus's Son , near the River Clarius , in a strong place , 't is true , but barren and uneasie of access . Solon perswaded him , since there lay a fair plain below , to remove , and build a more pleasant and greater City : And he there present took care to get inhabitants , and fitted it both for defence and convenience of living : insomuch that many Subjects flock'd to Philocyprus , and the other Kings imitated the design ; and therefore to honour Solon , he call'd the City Solos , which was formerly nam'd Apeia : and Solon himself in his Elegies speaking to Philocyprus , mentions this Foundation in these words ; Long may you live , and fill the Solian Throne , Succeeded still by Children of your own : And whilst from your bless'd Isle I gently sail , Let Venus send a kind and prosperous Gale : Let her enlarge the bounds of your Command , And raise your Town , and send me safe to Land. That Solon should discourse with Croesus , some think not agreeable with Chronology ; but I cannot reject so credible a relation , and so well attested , and ( what is more ) so agreeable to Solon's temper , so worthy his wisedom and greatness of mind , because forsooth it doth not agree with some Chronological Canons , which thousands have endeavoured to regulate , and yet to this day could never bring the differing opinions to any agreement . And therefore they say Solon coming to Croesus at his request , was in the same condition , as an inland Man when first he goes to see the Sea ; for as he fansies every River he meets with to be the Ocean , so Solon , as he pass'd through the Court , and saw a great many Nobles richly dress'd , and proudly attended with a multitude of Guards and Footboys , thought every one had been the King , till he was brought to Croesus , who was deck'd with all the ornaments of Jewels , Purple and Embroidery ; all that could make him fine , and admired , that he might appear the most glorious and gaudy spectacle . Now when Solon came before him , and seem'd not at all surpris'd , nor gave Croesus those complements he expected ; but shew'd himself to all discerning eyes , to be a Man that despised such gaudy vanities ; he commanded them to shew him all his Wealth , though he did not desire to see it , and all his warlike preparations : now when he return'd from viewing all this , Croesus ask'd him if ever he had seen an happier Man than he was ? and when Solon answered he knew one Tellus a Citizen of his , and told him that this Tellus was an honest man , had good Children , a competent Estate , and dy'd bravely for his Country ; Croesus took him for an ill bred fellow , and a fool , for not measuring happiness by the abundance of Gold and Silver ; and preferring the life and death of a private and mean Man , before so much power and such an Empire : he ask'd him again if besides Tellus , he knew any other Man more happy ? and Solon replying yes , Cleobis and Bito , who were Brothers , were very loving and extreme dutifull to their Mother ; for when the Oxen went but slow , they put themselves into the Waggon , and drew their Mother to Juno's Temple , who was extremely pleas'd with their action , and call'd happy by her neighbours ; and then sacrificing , and feasting , they never rose again , but died without pains or convulsions immediately after they had gotten so great credit and reputation . What , says Croesus angry , and dost not thou reckon us amongst the happy men ? and Solon , unwilling either to flatter , or exasperate him more , reply'd ; The Gods , O King , in other things have given the Greeks nothing great and excellent , so our wisedom is bold , and mean , and low , not noble and Kingly ; and this observing the numerous misfortunes that attend all conditions , forbids us to grow insolent upon our present enjoyments , or to admire any man's happiness that may change , for what variety will happen is unknown ; but to whom God hath continued happiness unto the end , that Man we call happy ; but his happiness that is yet alive , is like the glory and crown of a Wrestler that is still within the ring , unsteady , and uncertain : after this he was dismiss'd , having griev'd , but not instructed Croesus . But Aesop , he that writ the Fables , ( being then at Sardis , upon Croesus his invitation , and very much esteem'd ) was concern'd that Solon was so meanly treated , and gave him this advice : Solon , let your visits to Kings be as seldom , or as pleasant as you can : and Solon reply'd , No faith , but let them be as seldom , or as profitable as you can . Then indeed Croesus despis'd Solon , but when he was overcome by Cyrus , had lost his City , was taken alive , condemn'd to be burnt , and laid bound upon the Pile before all the Persians and Cyrus himself ; he cry'd out as loud as possibly he could three times , O Solon , and Cyrus surpris'd , and sending some to enquire , what Man , or God this Solon was , that he onely invok'd in this unavoidable misfortune ? Croesus told him the whole story , saying he was one of the wise men of Greece , whom I sent for , not to be instructed , or to learn any thing that I wanted , but that he should see , and be a witness of my happiness : the loss of which is now a greater evil , than the enjoyment was a good ; for when I had them they were goods onely in Opinion , but now the loss of them hath brought upon me intolerable and real evils ; and that man conjecturing these present calamities would happen , bad me look to the end of my life , and not rely and grow proud upon uncertainties . When this was told Cyrus , who was a wiser man than Croesus , and seeing in the present example that Solon's saying was confirm'd : he not onely freed Croesus from punishment , but honour'd him as long as he lived ; and Solon had the glory by the same saying to instruct one King , and save another . When Solon was gone , the Citizens began to quarrel ; Lycurgus headed the lower quarter , Megacles the Son of Alcmaeon those that liv'd towards the Sea , and Pisistratus the upper quarter , in which were the meanest people ( the Thetes ) and greatest enemies to the rich : insomuch that though the City yet us'd their Laws , yet all look'd for , and desir'd a change of Government , hoping the change would be better for them , and put them above the contrary Faction . Affairs standing thus , Solon return'd and was reverenced by all and honoured : but his old age would not permit him to be as active , and speak in the publick , as formerly ; but privately discoursing with the heads of the Factions , he endeavoured to compose the differences : Pisistratus still appearing the most tractable ; for he was a sweet and taking man in his discourse , a friend to the poor , and very little given to enmity or passion , and what his nature had not given , custom and imitation taught ; therefore he was trusted more than the others , being accounted a prudent moderate Man , one that lov'd equality , and would be an enemy to him that strove against the present settlement , rather than undermine it himself ; for which his fair carriage he deceiv'd the people . But Solon presently discovered him , and found out his design , yet did not hate him upon this , but endeavoured to humble him , and bring him off from his ambition , and often told him , and others , that if any one would take away his aspiring thoughts , and desire of Empire , none would make a more vertuous Man , or a more excellent Citizen . Thespis at this time beginning to act Tragedies , and the thing , because 't was new , taking very much with the multitude ; for 't was not yet a matter of strife and contention ; Solon , being by nature a lover of learning , and now in his old age living idle , sporting and cheering himself with Musick and a glass of Wine , went to see Thespis himself ( as the ancient custom was ) act ; and after the Play was done , he discours'd him , and ask'd him if he was not asham'd to tell so many lies before such a company ; and Thespis replying , 'T is no harm to say or doe so in jest and merriment ; Solon vehemently striking his staff against the ground , Ay , says he , if we honour and commend such Merriment as this , we shall find it will creep into our serious affairs . Now when Pisistratus , having wounded himself , was brought into the Market-place in a Chariot , and stirred up the People , as if he had been thus dealt with for his affection to the Government , and a great many were enraged , and cry'd out : Solon , coming close to him , said , Pisistratus , you do not imitate Vlysses well ; for you cut your self to bring your Citizens into a tumult , but he to deceive his enemies : Then presently the People would defend Pisistratus , and gathered into an Assembly ; where one Ariston making a motion that they should allow Pisistratus fifty Club-men for a Guard to his person , Solon oppos'd it , and talk'd a great deal such as he hath left us in his Poems , You doat upon his words and taking phrase . And again , True , each Man single is a crafty Soul , But all together ye make one giddy Fool : But observing the poor men an-end to gratifie Pisistratus , and tumultuous ; and the rich fearfull , and getting out of harms way , he departed ; saying he was wiser than some , and stouter than others : wiser than those that did not understand the design , stouter than those that , though they understood it , were afraid to oppose the Tyranny . Now the People having past the Law , were not exact with Pisistratus about the number of his Club-men , but took no notice of it , though he listed and kept as many as he would , till he seiz'd the Castle : when that was done , and the City in an uproar , Megacles with all of his Family streight fled : but Solon , though he was now very old , and had none to back him ; yet came into the Market-place , and made a speech to his Citizens , sometimes blaming their inadvertency and meanness of spirit , sometimes passionately exhorting them , not thus tamely to lose their Liberty ; and likewise then spoke that memorable saying , that before 't was an easier task to have stop'd the rising Tyranny , but now the greater and more glorious action to destroy it , when it was begun already , and had gathered strength . But all being afraid to side with him , he return'd home , and taking his Arms he brought them out , and laid them in the Porch before his Door , with these words : To the utmost of my power I have striven for my Country and my Laws , and then he busied himself no more : His Friends advising him to fly , he refus'd , but writ a Poem , and thus rattled the Athenians , If now you smart , blame not the heavenly powers , For they are good , the fault is onely ours ; We gave him all our Forts , we took the Chain , And now he makes us Slaves , yet we complain . And many telling him that the Tyrant would have his Head for this , and asking to what he trusted that he ventur'd to speak so boldly , he reply'd , my old Age. But Pisistratus , having gotten the command , so honoured Solon , obliged and kindly entertained him , that Solon gave him his advice , and approv'd many of his actions : for he kept many of Solon's Laws , observed them himself , and compelled his Friends to obey . And he himself , though then in power , being accus'd of Murther before the Areopagus , came quietly to clear himself , but his accuser let fall the Indictment . And he added other Laws , one of which is , that the maim'd in the Wars should be maintain'd at the publick charge ; this Heraclides Ponticus delivers , and that Pisistratus followed Solon's example in this , who had before determin'd it in the case of one Thersippus that was maim'd : and Theophrastus asserts , that 't was Pisistratus , not Solon that made that Law against Laziness , which was the reason that the Country was better manur'd , and the City not so clogg'd with Inhabitants . Now Solon having begun a great Work in Verse , the relation or Fable of the Atlantick Islands , which he had learn'd from the wise Men in Sais , and was convenient for the Athenians to know , grew weary of it ; not ( as Plato says ) by reason of his multitude of business , but his age , and being discourag'd at the greatness of the task ; for these Verses testifie that he had leisure enough , Now I grow old , yet still I learn , And again , I mind a Song , a Miss and glass of Wine ; These are most mens delights , and these are mine : But Plato willing to improve the story of the Islands , as if 't were a fair Estate that wanted an Heir , and descended to him ; makes them stately Entrances , noble Enclosures , large Courts , such as no Essay , no Fable , no Fiction ever had before ; but beginning it late , he ended his Life before his Work ; and so the Readers trouble for the unfinish'd part is the greater , as the satisfaction he takes in that which is compleat is extraordinary : for as the City of Athens left onely the Temple of Jupiter Olympius , unfinish'd , so Plato , amongst all his excellent Works , left this onely Piece about the Atlantick Islands imperfect : Solon liv'd after Pisistratus seiz'd the Government ( as Heraclides Ponticus asserts ) a long time ; but Phanias the Ephesian says , not full two years ; for Pisistratus began his Tyranny when Comias was Archon ; and Phanias says Solon dy'd under Hegestratus , who succeeded Comias . Now the story that his Ashes were scatter'd about the Island Salamis , is too absur'd to be believ'd , or be any thing but a mere Fable ; and yet 't is written by many considerable men ; and Aristotle the Philosopher . The End of Solon 's Life . POPLICOLA . portrait M Burghers delin . et sculp . THE LIFE OF P. VAL. POPLICOLA . Englished from the Greek , By Mr. Dodswell . NOW Solon making such a Figure , to him we compare Poplicola , which later Title the Roman people entail'd upon his merit , as a noble access to his former name Publius Valerius . He descended from Valerius , a man amongst our ancestours , reputed the principal reconciler of the differences betwixt Roman and Sabine , and one that with the greatest success perswaded their Kings to assent thereunto , and from a state of hostility compos'd them into a friendly union . To this man Publius Valerius owing his Birth ( as they write ) whilst Rome remain'd under its Kingly Government , obtain'd a name as great from his eloquence as his riches ; the one courteously employing in a liberal distribution to the poor , the other generously in the service of justice , as thereby assuring , should the Government fall into a Republick , he would become a chief state in the Community . It happen'd afterwards , that the unjust and illegal aspiring of Tarquinius Superbus to the Crown , with his making it instead of Kingly rule the instrument of insolence and tyranny ; mov'd the people into an hatred and regret of his reign , insomuch that from the death of Lucretia ( she sacrificing her own life to the vengeance of his violence ) they took an occasion of revolt . And L. Brutus fitting things for a change , aided with the conduct of Valerius depos'd the Kings . And whilst the people inclin'd towards the electing one Leader instead of their King , Valerius acquiesc'd in this , that to rule was rather Brutus's due as the Authour of the Democracy . But the name of Monarchy growing odious to the people , and to live under a divided power carrying a complacency in the prospect , they chose two to the managery thereof ; which put Valerius in hopes that with Brutus he might be elected Consul , but was disappointed ; for instead of Valerius , notwithstanding the endeavours of Brutus , Tarquinius Collatinus was chosen , the Husband of Lucretia , a man no ways more vertuous than Valerius . But the Nobles , dreading the return of their Kings , who still us'd all endeavours abroad and solicitations at home , were resolv'd upon a Chieftain of an intense hatred to them , and no ways indulging to their interest . Now Valerius was troubled , that his service for his Country should be suspected to be misemployed , because he sustained no private injury from the insolence of the Tyrants , withdrew himself from the Senate , and practice of the Bar , quitting all publick concerns : which gave an occasion of discourse and fear too ; lest , through malice reconcil'd to the King's side , he should prove the ruine of the State tottering as yet under the uncertainties of a change . But Brutus being jealous of some others , determin'd to give the Test to the Senate upon the Altars : upon the day appointed Valerius came with cheerfulness into the Forum , and was the first man that protested neither to contribute to , or promote Tarquin's designs , but rigorously to maintain his liberty , which gave great satisfaction to the Senate and assurance to the Consuls , his actions soon after shewing the sincerity of his Oath . For Ambassadours came from Tarquin , with Letters affecting a populacy , and full of insinuating expressions , whereby they thought to wheedle the people , assuring them , the King had cast off all insolence , and made moderation the onely measure of his desires . To this Embassy the Consuls thought fit to give publick audience : but Valerius oppos'd it , and would not permit , that to the poorer sort , who entertain'd the fear of a War with more reluctancy than Tyranny , any occasion should be offer'd , or any temptations to new designs . Afterwards other Ambassadours arriv'd , who declar'd their King would recede from his Crown , and lay down his Arms onely capitulating for a restitution to himself , to his Friends and Allies of their Moneys and Estates to support their banishment . Now several inclining to this motion , and Collatinus favouring the request , Brutus , a person of a fierce and passionate nature , rush'd into the Forum , there proclaiming his fellow-Consul to be a Traitour , in granting Subsidies to Tyranny and Ammunition for a War , when 't were cruelty to relieve the necessities of their flight . This caus'd an Assembly of the Citizens , amongst whom the first that spake was Gaius Minutius , a private man , who advis'd Brutus , and persuaded the Romans to take care that those Goods remaining in their hands , might be employ'd against the Tyrants rather , than being remitted to the Tyrants , be return'd against themselves : Yet however 't was the Romans opinion , that whilst they enjoy'd the liberty they had fought for , not to reject Articles of Peace for the sakes of their Goods , but to throw them out after them . This regard of the Goods was the least part of Tarquin's design , yet the demand sounded the humours of the people , and became a preparatory to a Conspiracy ; which the Ambassadours endeavour'd through the delay of their return , under pretence of selling some of the Goods and reserving others to be sent away , till such time as they corrupted two of the eminentest Families in Rome , three Senatours of the Aquilian , and two of the Vitellian Family , all of them by the Mother's side being Nephews to Collatinus ; besides Brutus had a peculiar alliance to the Vitellians from his marriage with their Sister , by whom he had several Children ; whereof two the Vitellians , whom nearness of bloud and education had endear'd each to other , decoy'd into an association of their Treason , assuring them withall , should they interess themselves in Tarquin's Family , and the Kings Party , they would be freed from the dotage and austerity of their Father ( whose irreconcilement to offenders they term'd austerity , and his dotage was a pretext and plea to the Tyrants for his security , which occasioned the continuance of that sirname . ) When upon these inducements the Youths came to discourse the Aquilians , all thought it convenient to oblige themselves in a solemn and dreadfull Oath , with the ceremony of drinking the bloud of a murther'd man , and touching his entrails . To which design they resorted to the habitation of the Aquilians , where was an House allotted for this transaction , ( as happen'd ) darksome and desolate ; for the domestick Vindicius made no appearance , but there absconded himself , not out of design or any intelligence of the affair , but accidentally being within , and seeing with how much haste and concern they came in , was afraid to be discover'd , but plac'd himself behind a Chest , so as he might observe their actions and over-hear their debates . The result was to kill the Consuls , and they wrote Letters to Tarquin advertising the same , and entrusted them in the hands of the Ambassadours lodging then at the Aquilians , and were present at the Consult . Upon their departure thence Vindicius crept out of his obscurity , but not understanding how to manage the business , was at a stand ; for to arraign the Sons before the Father Brutus , or the Nephews to the Uncle Collatinus seem'd equally ( as 't was indeed ) a scene of horrour ; yet knew no private Roman , to whom he could entrust secrets of such importance , and yet could not suffer to be buried in silence , what his conscience engag'd him to reveal ; and therefore address'd himself to Valerius , the generosity of the man and civility inviting thereto , being a person to whom the needy had easie access , and never shut his Gates against the petitions or the indigences of a low estate : but when Vindicius had made a total discovery to him , his Brother Marcus and his own Wife being present at the relation , Valerius was struck with amazement , and by no means would dismiss the Discoverer , but confin'd him to his own House , and plac'd his Wife as a guard to the Gatessending his Brother in the interim to beset the King's Palace , and to seize , if possible , their Letters , and secure the domesticks ; whilst he , with his constant attendance of Clients and Friends , and a great retinue of Servants , repair'd to the House of the Aquilians , who were absent from home , and , forcing an entrance through the Gates , happen'd upon the Letters then lying in the Lodgings of the Ambassadours ; whilst things were in this motion , the Aquilians made an hasty return , and mustering themselves about the Gate , endeavour'd a recovery of the Letters : The other Party made a resistance , who casting their Gowns about their Necks , and using violence one to the other , at length hurried them with great difficulty through the Streets into the Forum . The like engagement happen'd about the King's Palace , where Marcus seiz'd some other Letters , design'd to be convey'd away in the Goods , and laying hands on what Servants his industry could find , drag'd them also into the Forum . When the Consuls had quieted the tumult , Vindicius was brought out by the orders of Valerius , and the Accusation read , the Letters were opened , to which the Traitours could make no Plea. Most stood mute and dejected as sensible of the Villany , yet some , to ingratiate themselves with Brutus , mention'd Banishment , and the tears of Collatinus , attended with Valerius's silence , gave some hopes of mercy : But Brutus calling his two Sons by their names , Canst thou ( said he ) O Titus , nor thou Valerius make no defence against the Indictment ; the question being thrice propos'd , and no return made to Brutus , he turn'd himself to the Lictors , and cry'd , What remains is your duty . The Lictors presently seiz'd the Youths , and stripping them of their Garments , bound their hands behind them , and tore their Bodies with scourges , which seem'd too tragical a Scene to be gaz'd upon ; yet 't is observable , Brutus made it the object of his choice , and would not suffer the least glance of pity to soften and smooth his wonted rigour and austerity , but resolutely made his eyes attend the execution , even whilst the Lictors extending them on the ground , with an Ax cut off their Heads ; then he departed , committing the rest to the judgment of his Collegue . This was an action equally as capable of commendation as reproof , for either the greatness of his vertue rais'd him above the impressions of sorrow , or the extravagancy of his misery took away all sense of it : but neither seem'd common or the result of his humanity , but either proceeded from a divine efficacy or a brutish stupidity , yet 't is more reasonable we award it to his honour , lest through the weakness of the Judge his vertue should hazard a disrepute , for in the Romans opinion Brutus labour'd more to reduce and settle the Government , than Romulus to found the City . Upon Brutus's departure out of the Forum , a consternation , horrour and silence for some time possess'd all , that reflected on what was done : besides , the easiness and forbearance of Collatinus gave confidence to the Aquilians to request some time to answer their Charge , and that Vindicius their Servant should be remitted into their hands , and no longer harbour'd amongst their Accusers . The Consul seem'd inclin'd to their motion , and thereupon dissolv'd the Assembly ; but Valerius would not suffer Vindicius to depart , who was encircled with the Rabble , nor the people to withdraw without censuring the Traitours ; at length laid violent hands upon the Aquilii , and calling Brutus to his assistence , exclaim'd against the unreasonable proceedings of Collatinus , to impose upon his Collegue the necessity of taking away the lives of his own Sons , and yet have thoughts of gratifying some Women with the lives of Traitours and enemies to their Country . Collatinus at this displeas'd , and commanding Vindicius to be taken away , the Lictors dispers'd the Rabble , and seiz'd their Man , and beat off whosoever endeavour'd a rescue . But Valerius's Friends withstood the seisure , and the people cry'd out for Brutus , who returning , and silence being made , assur'd them he had shew'd himself a severe animadverter upon his own Sons , and therefore left the rest to the suffrages of the free Citizens , allowing every man to speak his pleasure , and gain the people over to his persuasion . But there was no need of Oratory , for it being referr'd to the Vote , they were return'd condemn'd by all the suffrages , and were accordingly beheaded . When Collatinus saw his alliance to the Kings had render'd him suspicious , and his name had made him odious to the people , who abominated the name of Tarquin , and perceiving himself as an offence to every one , relinquish'd his Charge and departed the City . The Court being call'd , in his room Valerius honourably obtain'd the Consulship as a just reward of his good will ; of which he thought Vindicius deserv'd a share , whom he made Denizon of Rome , and gave him the privilege of voting in what Tribe soever he was pleas'd to be enroll'd : ( which liberty in voting , Appius a long time after , out of a popular design , granted to other Libertines ) and from this Vindicius , a perfect Manumission , is call'd to this day Vindicta . This done , the Goods of the Kings are expos'd to plunder , and the Palace to ruine ; The pleasant Campus Martius , which Tarquin enjoy'd , was devoted to the service of that God ; but happening to be harvest season , and the Sheaves yet lodging on the ground , they thought it not reasonable to commit them to the Flail , or unsanctifie them with any use , and therefore carrying them to the River side , and Trees withall , that were cut down , they cast all into the Water , and dedicated a sluggish and fruitless Soil to the Deity . Now these thrown in one upon another , and closing together , the stream did not bear them far , but being carry'd down together and sinking to the bottom , there gain'd a settlement , and finding no farther a conveyance , but there stop'd and interwoven one with another , the stream work'd the mass into a firmness , and wash'd down mudd , which settling there , became an accession of matter as well as cement to the rubbish ; insomuch that the violence of the Waves could not remove it , but forc'd all things to it , and then with a gentle pressure clos'd it together , which by reason of their bulk and solidity gaining new subsidies , and the neighbouring space receiving what the stream brought down , at last grew into an Island , call'd Insula Sacra , lying by the City , adorn'd with the Temples of the Gods and consecrated Walks , call'd in the Latin Tongue inter duos pontes . Though some say , this happened not at the dedication of Tarquin's Field , but in after times , when Tarquinia , a Vestal Priestess , gave the adjacent Field to the publick , and for that obtain'd great honours , as amongst the rest , that of all Women her testimony alone should find credit and acceptance , and had the liberty to marry , but refus'd it , and thus some write it happened . But Tarquin , despairing of a return to his Kingdom by the Conspiracy , found a kind reception amongst the Tuscans , who with a great Army lead him out into the Field ; the Consuls headed the Romans against them , and made their rendezvouse in the holy places , the one call'd the Arsian Grove , the other the Aesuvian Meadow : when they came to charge , Aruns , the Son of Tarquin , and Brutus , the Roman Consul , not incidentally encountring each other , but out of a malicious rage ( the one to avenge Tyranny and enmity to his Country , the other his Banishment ) set Spurs to their Horses , and engaging with fury instead of reason , grew unmindfull of their own security , and so fell together in the combat . This so dreadfull an onset hardly ensur'd a more favourable end ; but both Armies doing and receiving equal damage were diverted by a Storm . Now Valerius was much concern'd , not knowing the success of the day ; and seeing his men as well difmayed at the sight of their own dead , as reviv'd at the loss of the enemy , so undiscernible alike had the greatness of the slaughter made the appearance , that each side upon a review of their remains adjudg'd to themselves rather a defeat , than from the estimate each made of his enemy , a Victory . The night being come , ( and such as one may presume must follow such a Battel ) and the Armies laid to rest , they write the Grove shook and murmured a Voice , saying , that the Tuscans lost one man more than the Romans , which was esteem'd as an Oracle , and the Romans presently entertain'd it with shouts and expressions of joy : whilst the Tuscans through fear and amazement deserted their Tents , and were much dispers'd ; The Romans falling upon the remains , which amounted to nigh five thousand , took them prisoners , and plunder'd the Camp : when they numbred the dead , they found on the Tuscans side eleven thousand and three hundred , exceeding their own loss but by one man. This Fight happen'd upon the last of February , and Valerius triumph'd upon the Conquest , being the first Consul that adorn'd it with a Chariot , which fight as it appear'd magnificent , so 't was receiv'd with a veneration free from envy , or ( what some suggest ) an offence to the Spectatours , neither did it savour of emulation or ambition , when 't was deriv'd to after ages . The people applauded likewise the honours he did to his Collegue , in setting forth his Obsequies with a Funeral Oration , which so pleas'd the Romans , and found so good a reception , that it became customary for the best men to celebrate the Funerals of great men with Speeches in their commendation , and their antiquity is affirm'd to be greater than that of Greece , unless according to the Oratour Anaximenes's account we acknowledge Solon to be Authour . Yet some part of Valerius's behaviour gave an offence and disgust to the people , because after Brutus , whom they esteem'd as Patriot of their Liberty had not presum'd to Lord it without a Collegue , but still assum'd one and then another to him in his Commission ; but Valerius ( said they ) carrying all things by his power , seem'd not a Successour to Brutus , having no deference to the Consulship , but an aim to Tarquin's Tyranny ; and notwithstanding his verbal Harangues to Brutus's memory , yet when he was attended with all the Rods and Axes , and came from an House as stately as that he demolish'd of the Kings , those actions shew'd him an imitatour of Tarquin ; besides his dwelling House call'd Velia was more magnificent , which hanging over the Forum , overlook'd all transactions there , the access to it was hard , and the return from it difficult , but to see him come down , was a stately prospect , and equall'd the majesty of a King. But Valerius shew'd , how much it imported men in power and great Offices to give admittance to truth before flattery ; for upon his Friends remonstrances , that he displeas'd the people , contended not , neither resented it , but that very night sending for Carpenters pulled down his House and levell'd it with the ground ; so that in the morning the people flocking thither saw the ruines , they lov'd and admir'd the generosity of the man , and deplor'd the Consul's loss , who wanting an House , was forc'd to seek a foreign habitation ; and wish'd a repair of so much beauty and magnificence , as to one , to whom malice had unjustly procur'd the ruine . His Friends receiv'd him , till the place the people gave him was furnish'd with an House , though less stately than his own , where now stands the Temple call'd Vicus Publicus . He resolv'd to render the Government as well as himself , instead of terrible , familiar and pleasant to the people , and parted the Axes from the Rods , and always upon his entrance into the Assembly , with an humble submission vail'd them to the people , as restoring thereby the excellency of a Common-wealth , and this the Consuls observe to this day . But the humility of the man , which the people thought real , was but a device , to abate their envy by this moderation , for as much as he detracted from his liberty , so much he advanc'd in his power , the people still submitting with satisfaction , which they express'd by calling him Poplicola , i. e. a popular man , which name had the preheminence of the rest , and therefore in the sequel of this History we shall use no other . He gave free leave to any to sue for the Consulship , but before the admittance of a Collegue , mistrusting futurity , lest the emulation or the ignorance of him should cross his designs , by his own authority enacted some good and noble Constitutions . First he supply'd the vacancies of the Senatours , which either Tarquin long before put to death , or the War lately out off ; those that were registred , they write amounted to one hundred threescore and four : afterwards he made several Laws , which added much to the people's liberty , as one granting offenders the liberty of appealing to the people from the censure of the Consuls ; a second , that made it death to usurp the magistracy without the peoples consent ; a third for the relief of poor Citizens , which taking off their taxes encourag'd their labours ; another against disobedience to the Consuls , which was no less popular than the rest , and rather to the benefit of the Commonalty , than to the advantage of the Nobles , for it impos'd upon disloyalty the penalty of ten Oxen and two Sheep , the price of a Sheep was ten Oboli , of an Ox an hundred . For the use of Money was then infrequent amongst the Romans , their wealth consisting in a plenty of Cattel , so that afterwards their Estates were call'd Peculia from Pecus , i. e. Cattel , and had upon their ancient Money engrav'd an Ox , a Sheep , or an Hog ; and hence sirnam'd their Sons Suilli , Bubulci , or Caprarii , ( they calling Caprae , Goats , and Porci , Hoggs . ) These Laws shewed the evenness and the popularity of the giver , yet amidst this moderation he instituted one excessive punishment , for he made it lawfull without accusation to take away any man's life that aspir'd to a Tyranny , and acquitted the executioner , if he produc'd evidences of the crime ; for though 't was not probable , whose designs were so great , to escape all notice , yet because 't was possible his power might prevent judgment , which the usurpation it self would then take off , gave a licence to any to prevent the Vsurper . He was honour'd likewise for the Law touching the Treasury , and because necessity engag'd the Citizens out of their Estates to contribute to the maintenance of Wars , and he being unwilling himself to be concern'd in the care of it , or to permit his Friends , or indeed that the publick Money should be entrusted into private hands , allotted the Temple of Saturn for the Treasury ( in which to this day they reposite the Tribute-money ) and granted the people the liberty of chusing two young men as Questors , i. e. Treasurers , and the first were P. Veturius and Minucius Marcus , there being a great Sum collected , for they assess'd one hundred and thirty thousand , excusing Orphans and Widows from the payment . Affairs standing in this posture he admitted Lucretius , the Father of Lucretia , as his Collegue , and gave him the precedence in the Government by resigning up the Fasces , i. e. Rods to him as due to his years , which humble observance to age was deriv'd to posterity . But within a few days Lucretius dy'd , and Marcus Horatius succeeded in that honour , and continu'd the remaining part of the year . Now whilst Tarquin was making preparations in Tuscany for a second War against the Romans , 't is said a portentous accident fell out . When Tarquin was King , and having not compleated the buildings of the Capitol , he designing , whether from a Divine impulse or his own pleasure , to erect an earthen Chariot upon the top , entrusted the workmanship to Tuscans of the City Veies , but soon after was oblig'd to retire from his Kingdom . The Work thus model'd the Tuscans set in a Furnace , but the Clay shew'd not those passive qualities which usually attend its nature , to subside and be condens'd upon the exhalations of the moisture , but rose up and swell'd to that bulk , that being consolidated and firm , notwithstanding the removal of the head and breaking down the walls of the Furnace , it could not be taken out without much difficulty . The wise men look'd upon this as a Divine prognostick of success and power to those that should enjoy it , and the Tuscans resolv'd not to deliver it to the Romans who demanded it : but answer'd that it rather belong'd to Tarquin , than to those that forc'd him into exile . A few days after there happen'd an Horse-race with the usual shews and solemnities , the Chariotier with his Crown on his head softly driving his victorious Chariot out of the ring , the Horses , upon no apparent occasion affrighted , but either out of a Divine instigation or an accidental , hurried away their driver full speed to Rome , neither did his holding them in prevail , or his gentle soothings , but with violence was forc'd along , till coming to the Capitol , was there thrown by the Gate call'd Ratumena . This occurrence rais'd wonder and fear in the Veians , who upon this permitted a delivery of the Chariot . Now Tarquin , the Son of Demaratus , warring with the Sabines , avow'd the building of the Capitol , which Tarquinius Superbus , Grandson to the avower , began , yet could not dedicate it , because he lost his Kingdom before 't was finish'd ; when 't was compleated and adjusted with all its ornaments , Poplicola had a great ambition to the dedication , but the Nobility envy'd him that honour , as well as those his prudence in making Laws and conduct in Wars entitled him to : and presuming he merited not the addition of this , they importun'd Horatius to sue for the dedication ; and whilst Poplicola was engag'd to lead the Army into the Field , voted it to Horatius , and accordingly conducted him to the Capitol , assuring themselves , that were Poplicola present , they should not have prevail'd . Yet some write , Poplicola was by lot destin'd against his will to the Army , the other to the dedication ; and what happen'd in the performance , seems to intimate some ground for this conjecture : for upon the Ides of September , which happens about the full Moon of the Month Metagitnion , the people flocking to the Capitol , and silence enjoyn'd , Horatius after the performance of other Ceremonies holding the Doors , according to custom pronounc'd the words of dedication ; then Marcus the Brother of Poplicola , who had stood for some time at the Door , observing his opportunity , cry'd , " O Consul , thy Son lies dead in the Camp , which made great impressions upon the Auditory , yet in no wise discompos'd Horatius , receiving onely this reply , Then cast the dead out whither you please , for I shall not admit of sorrow ; and so pursu'd his dedication ; this news was not true , but Marcus thought the lye might avert him from his performance . This argued him a man of an admirable constancy , whether he presently saw through the cheat , or believ'd it as true , shewing no discomposure in his passions . The same success attended the dedication of the Second Temple : the first is said to be built by Tarquin , and dedicated by Horatius , which was burnt down in the civil Wars . The Second Sylla built , and dying before the dedication , bequeath'd that honour to Catulus ; but when this was demolish'd in the Vitellian Sedition , Vespasian with somewhat like success began a Third , and saw it finish'd , but liv'd not to see its ruines , which accompany'd his death ; yet surviving the dedication of his Work , seem'd more fortunate than Sylla , who dy'd before his , though immediately after his death 't was consum'd by Fire . A Fourth was built by Domitian , and dedicated . 'T is said Tarquin expended forty thousand pound of Silver in the very Foundations ; but the greatest treasure of any private man in Rome would not discharge the guilding of this Temple in our days , it amounting to above twelve thousand Talents : the Pillars were cut out of Pentelick Marble , having length sutable to their thickness , and these we saw at Athens ; but when they were cut a-new at Rome and embellish'd , they gain'd not so much beauty , as they lost in proportion , being render'd too taper and slender . Now whosoever should admire the excellency of the Capitol , and afterwards survey a Gallery in Domitian's Palace , or an Hall , Bath , or the Apartments of his Concubines , what Epicarmus wrote of a profuse man 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Thou art not gen'rous , thy bounty's vice within , Thy gifts thou lavish'st , and glory'st in the sin . he might readily apply it to Domitian , Thou art neither pious or noble , onely pleasing thy self in the itch of Building , and a desire like Midas of converting all into Gold and pretious Stones : and thus much for this matter . Tarquin , after the great Battel wherein he lost his Son in an engagement with Brutus , fled to Clusius , and sought aid from Clara Porsenna , then the most powerfull Prince of Italy , and a person of singular candour and generosity , who assur'd him his assistence , immediately sending his commands to Rome that they should receive Tarquin as their King ; and upon the Romans refusal proclaim'd War , and having signified the time and place where he intended his asfault , approach'd with a great Army . Now Poplicola in his absence was chosen Consul a second time , and Titus Lucretius his Collegue ; but returning to Rome with intentions of appearing more generous than Porsenna , built the City Sigliuria when Porsenna layt encamp'd in the neighbourhood ; and walling it at great expence , there plac'd a Colony of seven hundred men , as being little concern'd at the War : but Porsenna making a sharp assault , oblig'd the defendants to retire to Rome , who had almost in their entrance admitted the enemy into the City , had not Poplicola by sallying out at the Gate prevented them , and joining Battel by Tiber side , oppos'd the enemy , that press'd on with their multitude ; but at last sinking under his honourable wounds , was carried out of the Fight . The same fortune fell upon Lucretius , so that the Romans being dismay'd retreated into the City for their security , and Rome was in great hazard of being taken , the enemy making good their pursuit to the wooden Bridge , where Cocles Horatius , seconded by two of the eminentest men in Rome , Hermenius and Lucretius , made head against them . ( This name he obtain'd from the loss of one of his Eyes in the Wars ; or as others write , from the depressure of his Nose , which causing a seeming coalition of his eye-brows , made both eyes appear but as one , and hence they intending to call him Cyclops , by a cadency of the Tongue , usually call'd him Cocles . This Cocles kept the Bridge , and repuls'd the enemy , till his own party broke it down behind , and then in his Armour cast himself into the River , and swam to the hither side , being wounded upon his Hip with a Tuscan Spear . Poplicola admiring his courage invited the Romans every one to gratifie him with a present of as much provisions as he spent in a day , and afterwards gave him as much Land as he could encircle with a Plough in one day ; besides erected a brazen Statue to his honour in the Temple of Vulcan , as a requital for the lameness he contracted from his wound . But Posenna laying close siege to the City , and a Pestilence raging amongst the Romans , besides a new Army of the Tuscans making incursions into the Country ; Poplicola a third time chosen Consul design'd without sallying out to make his defence , however privately stealing out upon the Tuscans , put them to flight , and slew five thousand . Now the History of Mutius is variously deliver'd , but this relation shall follow the common reception ; he was a person endow'd with every vertue , but most eminent in warfare , and resolving to kill Porsenna , attir'd himself in Tuscan Habit , and using the Language came to the Camp , and approaching the seat where the King sate amongst his Nobles , but not of a certainty knowing the King , and yet fearfull to enquire , drew out his Sword , and stab'd him , that amongst all made the likeliest appearance of being a King : Mutius was taken in the act , and whilst under examination , a Pan of Fire was brought to the King , who intended to sacrifice ; Mutius thrust his right hand into the flame , and whilst it burnt , beheld Porsenna with a stedfast and undaunted countenance ; Porsenna admiring the man , dismiss'd him , and return'd his Sword , reaching it from his Seat : Mutius receiv'd it in his left hand , which occasion'd the name of Scaevola , i. e. left-handed ; and said , I have overcome the terrours of Porsenna , yet am vanquish'd by his generosity , and gratitude obliges me to discover , what no punishment could extort ; and assur'd him then , that three hundred Romans , all of the same resolution , lurk'd about his Camp onely waiting for an opportunity , and that he by lot destin'd to the enterprise , was not troubled , he miscarry'd in the success , because he was so good a man , and deserv'd rather to be a Friend to the Romans than an Enemy . To this Porsenna gave credit , and thereupon express'd an inclination to a Truce , not , I presume , so much out of fear of the hundred Romans , as an admiration of the Roman courage . All other Writers call this man Mutius Scaevola , yet Athenodorus Sandon in a Book wrote to Octavia Caesar's Sister , avers he was also call'd Opsigonus . Poplicola not so much esteeming Porsenna's enmity dangerous to Rome as his friendship and alliance serviceable , was induc'd to refer the Controversie betwixt him and Tarquin to his Arbitration , and several times engag'd to prove Tarquin the worst of men , and justly depriv'd of his Kingdom : but Tarquin proudly reply'd , he would admit no Judge , much less Porsenna , that had revolted from his Confederacy : Porsenna resenting this answer , and mistrusting the equity of his cause , together with the solicitations of his Son Aruns , who was earnest for the Roman interest , made a Peace on these conditions , that they should resign the Field , they had taken from the Tuscans , and restore all Prisoners , and receive their Fugitives : To confirm the Peace the Romans gave as Hostages ten of the Nobility's Sons , and as many Daughters , amongst which was Valeria the Daughter of Poplicola . Upon these assurances Porsenna ceas'd from all acts of hostility , and the Virgins went down to the River to bathe , at that part where the crookedness of the Bank embracing the waters rendred it pleasant and serene ; and seeing no guard or any coming or going over , were encouraged to swim over , notwithstanding the depth and the violence of the stream . Some affirm that one of them , by name Cloelia , passing over on Horse-back , persuaded the rest to follow ; but upon their safe arrival coming to Poplicola , he neither admir'd or approv'd their return , but was concern'd , lest he should appear less faithfull than Porsenna , and this boldness in the Virgins should argue treachery in the Romans ; so that apprehending them , he sent them back to Porsenna . But Tarquin's men having intelligence thereof , laid a strong ambuscade on the other side for those that conducted them ; who skirmishing together , Valeria , the Daughter of Poplicola , rush'd through the enemy and sled , and with the assistence of three of her retinue made good her escape ; whilst the rest were dangerously hedg'd in by the Souldiers . Aruns Porsenna's Son upon advertency thereof , hasten'd to their rescue , and putting the enemy to flight , deliver'd the Romans . When Porsenna saw the Virgins return'd , and demanding , who was the authour and abettour of the design , and understanding Cloelia to be the person , look'd upon her with a countenance equally cheerfull and compassionate , and commanding one of his Horses to be brought sumptuously adorn'd , made her the present . This as an evidence they produce , who affirm that onely Cloelia pass'd the River on Horseback ; those who deny it , esteem'd it onely as the honour the Tuscan did to her courage , whose Effigies on Horseback stands in the Via Sacra as it leads to the Palatium , which some say is the Statue of Cloelia , others of Valeria . Porsenna thus reconcil'd to the Romans , oblig'd them with a fresh instance of his generosity , and commanded his Souldiers to depart the Camp onely with their Arms , and leaving their Tents wealthy and furnish'd with provisions , he assigned them to the Romans . Whence it became customary upon publick sale of Goods , to cry Porsenna's first , thereby to eternize the memory of his kindness ; and erected his brazen Image by the Senate-house , plain but of antique fashion . Afterwards the Sabines making incursions upon the Romans , M. Valerius , Brother to Poplicola , was made Consul , and with him Posthumius Tubertus . Marcus through the management of affairs by the conduct and authority of Poplicola obtain'd two great Victories , in the latter of which , he slew thirteen thousand Sabines without the loss of one Roman , and was honour'd with an House built in the Palatium at the publick charge , as an accession to his triumphs ; and whereas the Doors of others Houses open'd inward into the Houses , they made this to open outward into the Street , as intimating by this privilege , that he was always ready for the publick service . The same fashion in their Doors the Greeks ( they say ) had of old , which appears from their Comedies , wherein those that are going out make a noise at the Door within , to give notice to those that pass by or stand near the Door , that the opening the Door into the Street might occasion no surprisal . The year after Poplicola was made Consul the fourth time , when a confederacy of the Sabines and Latins threatned a War , besides a superstitious fear o'er-run the City , arising from the Womens miscarriages of mutilous births , and no conception waiting its due time : Poplicola upon the Sibyll's instructions sacrificing to Pluto , and restoring certain Games dedicated to Apollo , rendred the City cheerfull , with the assurances he had in the Gods , and then prepar'd against the menaces of men . Now there was one Appius Clausus amongst the Sabines , a man of a great Estate and strength of Body , but most eminent for the excellency of his Vertue , and the depth of his Reason , yet could not ( what is usually the fate of great men ) escape the envy of others , which was much occasioned from his detracting the War , and seeming to promote the Roman interest , as designing to bring them under their Yoke ; and knowing how welcome these reports would be receiv'd by the gaping multitude , and how offensive they would be to the Army and the abettours of the War , was afraid to stand a Trial ; but having a considerable assistance of Friends and Allies , rais'd a tumult amongst the Sabines , which delay'd the War. Neither was Poplicola wanting , not onely to understand the grounds of the Sedition , but to promote and encrease it , and accordingly dispatch'd Emissaries with these instructions to Clausus , That Poplicola was assur'd of his goodness and justice , and thought it even in bad men unworthy , especially in him though injur'd to seek revenge upon his Citizens ; yet if he pleas'd for his own security to leave his enemies and come to Rome , he should be receiv'd both in publick and private , with that honour his vertue deserv'd , or their grandeur requir'd . Appius seriously weighing those things , which necessity propos'd as advantageous , and advising with his Friends , and they inviting others to the same persuasion , came to Rome with five thousand Families with their Wives and Children , being a people of a quiet and sedate temper : Poplicola advertis'd of their approach , receiv'd them with all the kind offices of a Friend , and enfranchis'd them into the Community , alloting to every one two Acres of Land by the River of Aniene , but to Clausus twenty five Acres , and admitted him into the Senate , and made him an associate in the Government , which he so prudently manag'd , that it hasten'd his preferment , and so improv'd his greatness , that his posterity the Claudii became inferiour to no Family in Rome . The departure of these men rendred things quiet amongst the Sabines , yet the chief of the Community would not suffer them to settle into a peace , but resented that Clausus , what his presence could not atchieve , by turning Renegade should obstruct their revenge upon the Romans for all their injuries ; and coming with a great Army , sate down before Fidenae , and plac'd an ambuscade of two thousand men near Rome , in the obscure and hollow places , with a design that some few Horsemen , as soon as day , should make incursions , commanding them upon their approach to the Town , so to retreat , as to draw the enemy into the ambush ; but Poplicola soon advertis'd of these designs by the Renegado's , dispos'd his Forces to their respective charges , and Posthumius Balbus his Son-in-law coming with three thousand men in the evening was order'd to take the Hills , under which the ambush lay , there to observe their motions ; and the Collegue Lucretius , attended with a Body of light and lusty men , was commanded with his Horse to assail the van-curriers of the Sabines ; whilst he with another Army encompass'd the enemy , and , accidentally a thick mist falling , Posthumius early in the morning with shouts from the Hills assail'd the ambuscade : Lucretius charg'd the light Horse , and Poplicola besieg'd the Tents : so that things assur'd a defeat and ruine to the Sabines ; and those that made no resistence the Romans kill'd in their flight , all their hopes expiring in their own destruction ; for each Army of the Sabines presuming safety in the other , both ceas'd to fight or keep their ground ; the one quitting the Camp to retire to the Ambuscade , the Ambuscade flying to the Camp , met those in as great need of assistence , to whom they fled in hopes of a security ; but the nearness of the City Fidenae became a preservation to several of the Sabines , especially to those that upon the sacking deserted the Camp , but those that could not recover the City , either perish'd in the Field , or were taken prisoners . This Victory the Romans ( though usually ascribing such success to some God ) attributed to the conduct of one Captain , and 't was observ'd to be heard amongst the Souldiers , that Poplicola had deliver'd their enemies lame and blind , onely not in chains , to be dispatch'd by the Sword : besides from the Spoil and Prisoners a great wealth accru'd to the Romans . But Poplicola having ended his Triumph , and bequeathing the City to the prudence of the succeeding Consuls , soon died , whose life was led with the goodness and vertue mortality would admit : The people as not having gratify'd his deserts , when alive , but as in gratitude still oblig'd , decreed him a publick Interrement , every one contributing his Quadrans towards the charge ; besides the Women by a general consent in private mourned a whole year with a sincere veneration to his memory ; he was buried by the peoples desire in the Street call'd Velia , where his posterity had the honour of burial , but now none of the Family are there interred , but the Body is carried thither , and one places a burning Torch under it , and then immediately takes it away , as an attestation of the deceased's privilege , and his receding from his honour , and then the Body is remov'd . THE COMPARISON OF POPLICOLA with SOLON . NOW there appears somewhat singular in this parallel , and what has not occur'd in any other of the Lives ; as the one to be the imitatour of the other , and the other a witness of his vertue ; so that upon the survey of Solon's Sentence to Croesus applauding Tellus's happiness , it seems more applicable to Poplicola ; for Tellus , whose vertuous life and dying well had gain'd him the name of the happiest man , yet was never celebrated in Solon's Poems for a good man , or that his Children or his Government deserv'd his memorial : but Poplicola , as his life was the most eminent amongst the Romans , as well for the greatness of his vertue as his power , so at his death was accounted amongst the greatest Families , and even in our days the Poplicolae , Mesalae , and Valerii for six hundred years acknowledge him as the fountain of their honour . Besides , Tellus though keeping his order and fighting like a valiant Captain , yet was slain by his enemies ; but Poplicola ( what was more honourable ) slew his enemies , and saw his Country victorious through his conduct ; and his honours and triumphs procur'd him ( what was Solon's ambition ) an happy end ; and what as a reproof to Mimnermus touching the continuance of Man's life he exclaimed , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . A silent unlamented death I hate , Let sighs of Friends and tears attend my Fate . attested his happiness ; his death did not onely draw tears from his Friends and acquaintance , but became the object of an universal wish and sorrow through the whole City , for the very Women deplor'd this loss as of a Son , Brother , or universal Father . Solon said , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . An Estate I love , but not unjustly got , lest vengeance should pursue the unjustice : But Poplicola's riches were not onely the product of his justice , but his distributions of them to the poor were the discretion of his charity , so that if Solon was reputed the wisest man , we must allow Poplicola to be the happiest , for what Solon wish'd for as the greatest and most perfect good , that Poplicola in its proper use enjoy'd to his death : so that Poplicola became as well an honour to Solon , as Solon to him , in transmitting the exactest method of modelling a Commonwealth , and stripping the Consulship of its pride , made it easie and pleasant to the people ; he transplanted several Laws into Rome , as his impowering the people to elect their Officers , and allowing Offenders the liberty of appealing to the People , as Solon did to the Judges . Poplicola did not indeed create a new Senate , as Solon did , but augmented the old with almost a double number . He erected the Office of Questors ; lest the Consul , if good , should not have leisure otherwise to attend greater matters ; or if bad , should have any temptation to unjustice , having the Government and Treasury in his hands . The aversion to tyranny was greater in Poplicola , for whosoever endeavour'd an usurpation , his punishment by Solon's Law commenc'd onely upon conviction : but Poplicola made it death before a trial . And though Solon justly gloried , that when things without the least aversion of the Citizens were presented to his Sovereignty , he refus'd the offer ; yet Poplicola merited not less , who finding a tyrannical Government , made it more popular by not using the Authority he might . But we must allow , that Solon knew it before Poplicola : for ; 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . An even hand will an even state maintain , Holding not too loose , nor yet too strait a rein . But the remission of debts was more peculiar to Solon , which much strengthened the Citizens liberty ; for the Law intending a level little avail'd , if the debts of the poor prevented that equality ; and where they seem'd chiefly to exercise their liberty , as in debates , elections and administrations of their Offices , they were overrul'd by the rich , yielding themselves to their disposal . But 't is more extraordinary , that rebellion attending usually this remission of debts , yet he apply'd this as a desperate remedy , and seasonably allay'd their heats by his vertue and esteem , which was above the infamy or detraction , that could arise from this act . The beginning of his Government was more glorious , for he was himself an original , and followed no example , and without the aid of an Allie did great things by his own conduct : yet the death of Poplicola was more happy and admired ; for Solon saw the dissolution of his own Commonwealth ; but Poplicola preserv'd his inviolable till the Civil Wars . Solon leaving his Laws engraven in Wood , but destitute of a defender , departed Athens ; whilst Poplicola remaining in his magistracy establish'd the Government : and though Solon was sensible of Pisistratus's ambition , yet was not able to suppress it , but sunk under the new establish'd Tyranny ; whereas Poplicola utterly subverted and dissolved a potent Monarchy , strongly settled by long continuance ; being nothing inferiour to Solon in vertue and disposition , and withall favourably assisted with power and fortune to accomplish his vertuous designs : and as for martial exploits , Daimachus Plataeensis does not so much as attribute the Wars against the Megarenses to Solon , as is before intimated : But Poplicola in great encounters , both as a private Souldier and Commander , obtain'd the victory . As to the managery of publick affairs , Solon in a mimical way , and by a counterfeit shew of madness solicited the enterprise of Salamis ; whereas Poplicola in the very beginning , nothing daunted at the greatest enterprises , oppos'd Tarquin , detected the Conspiracy ; and being principally concern'd both in preventing the escape , and afterwards punishing the Traitours ; he not onely excluded the Tyrants from the City , but frustrated likewise all their expectations from thence : who , as in matters of conflict , tumult or opposition he behaved himself with courage and resolution ; so in peaceable debates where perswasion and condescension were requisite he was more to be commended ; Porsenna a terrible and invincible Enemy by his means being reconciled and made a Friend . Some may perhaps object , that Solon recovered Salamis for the Athenians , which they had lost ; whereas Poplicola receded from part of what the Romans were presently possess'd of : but judgment is to be made of actions according to the times in which they were perform'd : The conduct of a wise Politician is ever suted to the present posture of affairs , who often by forgoing a part saves the whole , and by yielding in a small matter secures a greater ; as Poplicola who by restoring what the Romans had lately usurped , saved their undoubted patrimony , and moreover procured the Stores of the enemy for them , who were very much straitned to secure their City : For permitting the decision of the Controversie to his Adversary , he not onely got the victory , but what likewise he would willingly have given to have overcome ; Porsenna putting an end to the War , and leaving them all the provision of his Camp , through a perswasion of the vertue and gallant disposition of the Romans , which the Consul had impress'd upon him . THEMISTOCLES portrait THE LIFE OF THEMIS TOCLES THE ATHENIAN . Translated out of the Greek , By Edward Brown , M. D. THE obscure Family of Themistocles gave some beginning to his honour , and made his glory shine the brighter . His Father Neocles was none of the most splendid of Athens , but of the Division of Phrear , and of the Line of Leontes ; and by his Mother's side , as it is reported , he was illegitimate I am not of the noble Grecian race , I 'm poor Abrotanon and born in Thrace : Yet 'mong the Greeks my fame shall never cease , For them I brought forth great Themistocles . Yet Phanias writes that the Mother of Themistocles was not of Thracia but of Caria , and that her name was not Abrotanon but Euterpe : and Neanthes adds further that she was of the City of Halicarnassus in Caria : upon which consideration , when the Strangers , and those that were but of the half bloud , or had but one Parent an Athenian , were to perform their exercise at Cynosarges ( a wrastling place without the Gates dedicated to Hercules , who was also under some illegitimacy , and was not one of the great immortal Gods , but had a mortal Woman for his Mother ) Themistocles persuaded divers of the young Noblemen to accompany him , to anoint and exercise themselves together at Cynosarges ; in doing which , he seemed with some ingenuity to take away the distinction between the truly Noble and the Stranger , and between those of the whole and those of the half bloud of Athens . However it is certain that he was related to the House of Licomedes , for Simonides reports that he rebuilt the Chapel of Phlyes belonging to that Family , and beautified it with Pictures and other Ornaments , after it had been burnt by the Persians . It is confess'd by all that from his youth he was of an impetuous nature , full of spirit , apprehensive , and of a good understanding , ever resolving to undertaking great actions and manage publick affairs . The vacations and times of recreations from his studies , he spent not in play or in idleness , as other youths , but would be always inventing or putting in order some Oration or Declamation , the subject of which was generally the excusing or accusing his companions ; so that his Master would often say to him , Boy , thou canst never be any thing mean or indifferent , but must at some time or other prove either a most heroick glorious blessing , or a most destructive plague and ruine to thy Country . He received very slowly and negligently such instructions as were given him to improve his manners and behaviour , or to make him skilfull in any pleasure , or to teach him a gentile or gracefull deportment ; but whatever was delivered to him to improve him in prudence , or in the management of publick affairs , he would apprehend it immediately , and understand it beyond one of his years , for in such things he confided in his own natural parts : and therefore afterwards in discourses of Humanity , the liberal Sciences , and gentile Education , being derided by those who thought themselves well skilled therein , he was forced to defend himself somewhat arrogantly , saying , I understand not how to touch a Lute or play upon a Harp , but if a small , mean , obscure City were committed to my charge , I know well how to make it considerable , great and glorious . Yet notwithstanding this , Stesimbrotus says , that Themistocles was a hearer of Anaxagoras , and that he studied natural Philosophy under Melissus ; but he must needs err in the time , for Melissus was Commander of the Samians , when Pericles made War against Samos , but Themistocles was much elder than Pericles , whereas Anaxagoras was very conversant with him . They are therefore rather to be credited , who report , that Themistocles was an earnest follower of Mnesiphilas , the Phrearian , who was neither Oratour nor natural Philosopher , but a Professour of that which was then called Wisedom , or a prudence exercised in ordering publick concerns , and an accurate understanding and judgment in affairs of State ; which profession being begun by Solon was preserved successively as a Sect of Philosophy ; but those who came afterwards , and mixed it with pleadings and disputes in Law , and transferred the practical part of it to a mere art of speaking , and an exercise of words and terms , were generally call'd Sophisters . However Themistocles , when he entred upon affairs of State , applied himself to Mnesiphilas . In the first motions of his youth he was not regular nor well poised , drawing the lines of his affairs according to his own natural fancy , without reason or instruction ; and made great alterations in his designs on the one hand and on the other ; and very often determined for the worst , as he afterwards confessed , saying , Ragged Colts make the best Horses , when it comes to pass that they are well taught and managed . But those who upon this account do erroneously raise reports of his being disinherited by his Father , and that his Mother died for grief of her Son's lewdness , do certainly most falsely calumniate him ; and there are divers who relate to the contrary , how that to deterr him from dealing in the publick , and to let him see how the vulgar behave themselves towards their Leaders when they have at last no further use of them , his Father shewed him the old Galleys as they lay neglected and forsaken upon the Sea-shore without any care taken of them : yet it is evident , that early , even in his younger years , Themistocles did most violently and with great eagerness apply himself to understand how to govern and to win glory and honour , in which being earnest to be the first , from the very beginning he by this rashness presently created to himself the hatred of the most powerfull and chiefest in the City , but more especially of Aristides the Son of Lysimachus , who always opposed him ; and yet all this great enmity between them seem'd to have but a light beginning , for they both were in love with the fair Stesilaus of Teios , as Ariston the Philosopher relates : and from that time they perpetually contended with their Parties and Factions in the Commonwealth , not but that the disagreeableness of their lives and manners may seem to have encreased the difference ; for Aristides was of a mild nature , good and fair conditioned , and governing all things for the best with justice and security , not for glory , or the favour of the people , he was often forced to oppose Themistocles , and to stand up against the encrease of his authority who stirred up the people to many attempts and brought in great innovations ; for it is said that Themistocles was so transported with the thoughts of glory , and so inflamed with the desire of performing great actions , that although he were but young when the Battel of Marathon was fought against the Persians , and the warlike conduct of their General Miltiades was every where noised about , he was taken notice of to be thoughtfull , and to go meditating many things alone by himself , to pass the nights without sleep and to refuse his accustomed meetings and recreations , and to those who wondred at this change in his manner of living , and demanded the reason of it , he gave this answer , that the Trophies of Miltiades would not let him sleep ; and when others were of opinion that the Battel of Marathon would put an end to the War , Themistocles thought that it was but the beginning of far greater Conflicts , for which he prepared himself continually , for the good of all Greece , and exercised the City as one foreseeing at a great distance what was likely to come to pass . And first of all , the Athenians being accustomed to distribute the revenue proceeding from the Silver Mine at Laurion ; he was the onely man that durst propose to the people , that this distribution should cease , and that with the Money Ships should be built to make War against the Aeginetes , who were the most flourishing people in all Greece , and by the number of their Ships held the Sovereignty of the Sea : and to this Themistocles did easily persuade them , not by stirring them up against Xerxes or the Persians , who were at a great distance , and their coming was very uncertain , and at that time not much to be feared ; but by seasonably making use of the emulation , hatred and anger of the Athenians against the Aeginetes , he induced them to these preparations . So that with this Money an hundred Ships were built , with which they afterwards fought against Xerxes ; and in a short time he caused them to descend , and drew the City toward the Sea , with this advantage , that those who on Land were not a fit match for their neighbours , with their Ships might be able to free themselves from the Persians , and become rulers of Greece . So that , as Plato says , instead of making them a standing Militia , and stout Souldiers that would not give way in fight , he turned them into Mariners and Sea-men tossed about the Sea , and gave occasion for this reproach against him , that he took away from the Athenians the Spear and the Shield , and bound them to the Bank and the Oar. These things he performed getting the better of Miltiades , who opposed him , as Stesimbrotus relates : but whether or no he hereby injured the purity and exact rule of Government , let those who are more judicious determine . But that the deliverance of Greece came at that time from the Sea , and that those Galleys established the City of Athens again after it was destroyed , to omit others , Xerxes himself is a sufficient witness , who though his Land Forces were still entire , after he had been worsted at Sea , fled away ; and thought himself no ways able to encounter them . And it seems to me , that he left Mardonius behind him , not out of any hopes he could have to bring them into subjection , but to hinder the Greeks from pursuing him . Themistocles is said to be very intent upon heaping up riches , that he might be the more liberal ; ( for loving to sacrifice often , and to be splendid in his entertainment of Strangers , he stood in need of a plentifull revenue ) yet he is accused by others to be parsimonious and sordid to that degree , that he would sell the provision which was presented him . He desired Philides , who was a breeder of Horses , to give him a Colt , and when he refused it , he threatned him that in a short time he would turn his House into a Horse of Wood , like the Trojan Horse , intimating thereby that he would stir up strife and contests between him and those of his own Family and Relations . He went beyond all men in ambition and desire of honour , and when he was but young and not known in the world , he desired Epicles of Hermiona who had a very good hand at the Lute , and was much esteemed by the Athenians , to come and practise at his House , being ambitious and coveting to be popular , and desirous that many should enquire after him and frequent his company . When he came to the Olympian Games , and was so splendid in his Equipage and Entertainments , in his rich Tents and Furniture , that he strove to out-doe Cimon , he displeased the Greeks , who thought that such magnificence might be allow'd of in one who was a young Gentleman of a great Family ; but a great piece of insolence in him to carry himself thus high who was an upstart and of no considerable Fortune . He set out a Tragedy at his own expense , and wan the Prize with his Tragedians , in those times when they pursued those Sports with great eagerness and ambition , and set up a Table of his Victory with this inscription ; Themistocles the Phrearian was at the charge of it , Phrynicus made it , Adymantus had the chief Part. He was well beloved by the common people , and he would salute every particular Citizen by his own name , and always shew himself a just Judge of Controversies between private men ; and he said to Simonides , a Poet of Chios , who desired something of him , when he was Commander of the Army , that was not reasonable , Simonides , you would be no good Poet if you should go contrary to the due Measures and Rules of Poetry , nor should I be a good Magistrate , if for favour or affection I should go contrary to the Law. And at another time laughing at Simonides he told him , that he was a man of little judgment to speak against the Corinthians who were inhabitants of a great and beautisull City , and to have his own Picture drawn so often , having such an ill Face . When he came to be great and had won the favour of the people , he stirred up a party against Aristides that expelled him , and banished him out of the City by their publick Votes . When the King of Persia was coming down into Greece , and the Athenians were in consultation who should be their General , and many withdrew themselves of their own accord , being terrified with the greatness of the danger ; there was one Epicydes an Oratour , Son to Euphemides , a Man who was powerfull in speech and of an eloquent Tongue , but of a faint Heart and a narrow Soul , a mere slave to Riches ; this Man was desirous of the Command , and was look'd upon to be in a fair way to carry it by the number of Votes ; but Themistocles fearing that , if the Government should fall into such a man's hands , all would be lost , he bought out Epicydes ; and for a good sum of Money caused him to desist from his pretensions . When the King of Persia sent Messengers into Greece , with a Greek Interpreter , to demand Water and Earth as an acknowledgment of their subjection and obedience to him , Themistocles by the consent of the people seis'd upon the Interpreter and put him to death , for presuming to publish the Orders and Decrees of the King of Persia in the Grecian Language ; and for this he was highly honoured by the Greeks , as also for what he did to Arthmius of Zelea , who for bringing Gold from the King of Persia to corrupt the Grecians , was by an Order from Themistocles degraded from all honour , and registred in the Book of infamy , he , and his Children , and his Posterity : but that which most of all redounded to his honour , was that he put an end to all the Civil Wars of Greece , compos'd their differences , and persuaded them to lay aside all enmity during the War with the Persians ; and in this great Work Chileus the Arcadian was very assisting to him . Having taken upon himself the Command of the Athenian Forces , he immediately endeavoured to persuade the Citizens to leave the City , and to embark themselves upon their Galleys , and to meet with the Persians at a great distance from Greece : but many being against this , he led a great Army joined with the Lacedemonians into Tempe ; that in so narrow a Valley , bounded on each side with high Rocks , he might the more easily defend the Thessalians , who had not as yet declar'd for the King : but when they return'd without performing any thing , and that it was known that not onely the Thessalians , but all as far as Baeotia had yielded to Xerxes ; then the Athenians more willingly hearkned to the advice of Themistocles to fight by Sea , and sent him with a Fleet to guard the Straits of Artemisium . When the Grecian Fleets were joined , the Greeks would have the Lacedemonians to command , and Eurybiades to be their Admiral ; but the Athenians , who surpassed all the rest in number of Vessels , would not condescend to come after any other , till Themistocles , perceiving the danger of this contest , yielded the command to Eurybiades , and got the Athenians to submit , extenuating the loss , by persuading them , that if in this War they behaved themselves like men , the Grecians for the future of their own accord would restore to them the chief command : and by this moderation of his it is evident , that he was the great Authour of the safety of Greece ; and carried on the Athenians to that height of glory , that they surpassed their enemies in valour , and their friends and confederates in kindness and civility . As soon as the Persian Armada arrived at Aphetae , Eurybiades was astonished to see such a vast number of Vessels before him , and being informed that two hundred more sail'd about behind the Island of Sciathus , he immediately determined to retire further into Greece , and to sail back into some part of Peloponnesus , where their Land Army and their Fleet might join , for he looked upon the Persian Forces to be altogether invincible by Sea. But the Eubeans , fearing that the Greeks would forsake them , and leave them to the mercy of the enemy , they sent Pelagon to discourse privately with Themistocles , and with him a good sum of Money , which he accepted , and gave it to Eurybiades , as Herodotus reports . In this affair none opposed him so much as Architeles Captain of a Galley called the Powerfull ; who having not money to supply his Sea-men made haste to set sail , but Themistocles so incensed the Athenians against him , that they set upon him and left him not so much as his Supper ; at which Architeles was much surpris'd , and took it very ill , but Themistocles immediately sent him in a Chest a service of all provisions , and at the bottom of it a Talent of Silver , desiring him to sup for the present , and to provide for his Sea-men and Souldiers for the future , if not , he would report it amongst the Athenians , that he had received money from the enemy , thus Phanias the Lesbian relates it . Though the Fights between the Grecians and the Persians in the Straits of Euboea were not so great in the whole as to make a final decision or determination of the War ; yet the experience which the Greeks learnt hereby was of great advantage : for thus they effectually understood , that neither the number of Ships , their riches and ornaments , nor their boasting shouts , nor barbarous Songs of Victory , were any ways terrible to men that dare fight , and were resolved to come hand to hand with their enemies , these things they were to despise , and to come up close and grapple with their foes . This the Poet Pindarus took notice of , and hath not ill expressed it , speaking of the Fight at Artemisium . To glorious Liberty Athens did this day , By bold attempts a deep foundation lay . For boldness is the beginning of victory . Artemisium is above the City of Estioea upon the coast of Euboea which lies open to the North , but over against it is Olizon , and a Country which formerly was under Philoctetes , where there is a small Temple of Diana of the East , and Trees about it , which are encompassed again with Pillars of white Stone ; and if you rub them with your hand they send forth both the smell and colour of Saffron : in one of the Pillars these Verses are engraved , Within these Seas , the brave Athenians shew Their matchless valour , when they overthrew The numerous Nations that from Asia spring , And the great Navy of the Persian King : And trophies won by such a glorious fate To bright Diana here did consecrate . There is a place still to be seen upon this Shoar , where in the middle of a great heap of Sand , they take out from the bottom a dark powder like Ashes , or something that hath passed the Fire ; and here they think the Shipwrecks and Bodies of the dead were burnt . But on the other side , as soon as news came from Thermopylae to Artemisium informing them that King Leonidas was slain , and that Xerxes had made himself master of all the passages by Land , they returned back into Greece , the Athenians having the command of the Rere , the place of honour and danger , as those who by their former actions had testified both their skill and courage in War. As Themistocles sail'd along the coast he took notice of the Harbours and fit places for the enemies Ships to retire into , and engraved large Letters in such Stones as he found there by chance , as also in others which he set up on purpose near to the landing places , or where they were to water ; in these inscriptions he required the Ionians to forsake the Medes , if it were possible , and come over to the Greeks , who were their ancient Founders and Progenitours , and were now hazarding all for their liberties , but if this could not be done , then to be a hindrance and disturbance to the Persians in all their Fights . He hoped that these writings would prevail with the Ionians to revolt or raise some great disorders , by causing them to be much suspected by the Persians . Now though Xerxes had already passed through Doris , and invaded the Country of Phocis , and had burnt and destroyed the Cities of the Phocians , yet the Greeks sent them no relief ; and though the Athenians earnestly desired them to oppose the Persians in Boeotia , before they could come into Attica , as they themselves had given assistence to the Greeks by Sea at Artemisium , yet the Grecians gave no ear to their request , being wholly intent upon Peloponnesus , and resolved to gather all their Forces together within the Isthmus , and to build a Wall from Sea to Sea in that strait neck of Land , which parts the Saronick Bay from the Gulf of Corinth ; so that the Athenians were enraged to see themselves thus betrayed , and at the same time afflicted and dejected at their being forsaken by the Greeks : to fight alone against such a numerous Army was to no purpose , and this onely expedient was left them for the present , to leave their City , and betake themselves to their Ships ; which the people were very unwilling to hearken to , imagining that it would signifie little to regard their own safety , or to desire victory , when they had once forsaken the Temples of their Gods , and exposed the Tombs and Monuments of their Ancestours to the fury of their Enemies . Themistocles being at a loss , and not able to draw the people over to his opinion by any humane reason , he set his machines on work , as in a Play , and brought in his Divine Revelations , wonderfull Signs , Prodigies , Oracles , and mystical answers of the Gods. The Dragon of Minerva kept in the inward part of the Temple near to her Statue served him for a Prodigy , for Themistocles having gained the Priests , they gave it out to the people , that the Dragon refused to eat , that the offerings which were set before it were found untouched , that at last it disappeared , that the Goddess had left the City , and taken her flight before them towards the Sea. He often repeated to them the Oracle which bad them trust to Walls of Wood , shewing them that Walls of Wood could signifie nothing else but Ships , and that the Island of Salamine was not to be termed miserable or unhappy , but Apollo had given it the name of Divine , for that it should be one day very fortunate to the Greeks : at length his opinion prevail'd , and he obtain'd a Decree , that the City should be recommended to the protection of Minerva the Tutelary Goddess of the Athenians , that they who were of age to bear Arms should embark , and that all possible care should be taken to save the Children , the Women , and the Slaves . This Decree being confirmed , most of the Athenians removed their Parents , Wives and Children to Troezena , where they were received very courteously , and the Troezenians made an Order of Council , that they should be maintained at the publick charge , distributing daily two oboli to every one , gave leave to the Children to gather Fruit where they pleased , and paid the Schoolmasters who instructed them . This Order was made when Nicagoras was Register . There was no publick treasure at that time in Athens : but the Senate of Areōpagus ( as Aristotle says , ) distributed to every one that was listed eight Drachms ; which was a great help to the setting out of the Fleet , but Clidemus ascribes this to a stratageme of Themistocles ; who when the Athenians went down to the Haven of Piraea , said , that the shield wherein the Head of Medusa was engraven was taken away from the Statue of Minerva , and he being employed to search for it , and ransacking in all places , found among their Goods great sums of Money , which he brought back for the use of the publick , and with this the Soldiers and Sea-men were well provided for their Voyage . When the whole City of Athens were going on Board it afforded a spectacle worthy of pity and admiration : for who would not have commiserated those who were to leave their Country , and at the same time admired their courage and resolution , to see them send away their Fathers and Children before them , and not be moved with the cries and tears , and last embracings of their ancient Parents and nearest Relations , when they passed over into the Island ! but that which moved compassion most of all was , that many old men by reason of their great age were left behind ; and even the tame domestick Animals moved some pity , running about the Town , clocking , mewing , houling , as desirous to be carried along with their Masters that had nourished them : among which it is reported that Xantippus the Father of Pericles had a Dog that would not endure to stay behind ; but leaped into the Sea , and swam along by the Galley's side , till he came to the Island of Salamine , where he fainted away and died , and that part of the Island in which he was buried is still called the Dog's Grave . Among the great actions of Themistocles , the return of Aristides was not the least ; for before the War he was oppressed by a Faction stirred up by Themistocles , and suffered Banishment , but now perceiving that the people regretted the absence of this great Man ; and fearing that he might go over to the Persians to revenge himself , and thereby ruine the affairs of Greece ; Themistocles proposed a Decree , that those who were banished for a time , might return again to give what assistence they could to the Grecians , both by their counsel and valour , with the rest of the Athenians . Eurybiades by reason of the greatness of Sparta was Admiral of the Grecian Fleet , but yet was faint-hearted in time of danger , and willing to weigh Anchor and set Sail for the Gulf of Corinth , near which the Land Army lay encamped , but Themistocles violently opposed him , upon which happened many remarkable passages , and when Eurybiades to blame his impatience told him , that at the Olympian Games they that rise up before the rest are lashed , Themistocles replied , and they that are left behind are never crowned , Eurybiades lifting up his Staff as if he were going to strike , Themistocles minding nothing but the interest of Greece , cryed , Strike if you will , but hear what I say : Eurybiades wondring much at his moderation , desired him to speak , and Themistocles hereby brought him to a better understanding of his affairs , but one who stood by him told him that it did not become those who had neither City nor House , nor any thing left to loose , to perswade others to relinquish their habitations and forsake their Countries ; to which Themistocles gave this reply , We have indeed left our Houses and our Walls , base Fellow , not thinking it fit to become Slaves for the sake of those things that have no Life nor Soul , and yet our City is the greatest of all Greece , as consisting of two hundred Galleys which are here to defend you if you please ; but if you run away and betray us as you did once before , the Greeks shall soon perceive that the Athenians will possess as fair a Country and as large and free a City as that already lost . These expressions of Themistocles made Eurybiades suspect , that if he retreated , the Athenians would fall off from him . When one of Eretria began to oppose him , he said , Have you any thing to say of War , that are like an * Ink-Fish ? you have a Sword but no Heart . Some say that while Themistocles was discoursing of these things upon the Deck , there was an Owl seen flying to the right hand of the Fleet , which came and sate upon the top of the Mast , this happy Omen so far disposed the Greeks to follow his advice , that they presently prepared to fight ; yet when the enemies Fleet was arrived at the Haven of Phaleris upon the Coast of Attica , and with the number of their Ships had shadowed all the Shore , and when they saw the King himself in person come down with his Land Army to the Sea side , with those multitudes , and all his Forces united ; then the good Counsel of Themistocles soon vanished , and the Peloponnesians cast their eyes again towards the Isthmus , and took it very ill if any one spake against their returning home , and resolving to depart that night , the Pilots had order what course to steer . Themistocles being highly concerned that the Grecians should retire , and loose the advantage of the narrow Seas and strait Passages , and slip home every one to his own City , considered with himself , and contrived that stratageme , that was carried on by Sicinus . This Sicinus was a Persian Captive , but a great lover of Themistocles , and Tutour to his Children : upon this occasion Themistocles sent him privately to Xerxes , commanding him to tell the King that the Admiral of the Athenians having espoused his interest , had sent early to inform him , that the Greeks were ready to make their escape , and that he counselled him to hinder their flight , to set upon them while they were in this confusion and at a distance from their Land Army ; and hereby he might destroy all their Forces by Sea. Xerxes was very joyfull at this message , and received it as from one who wished all things prosperous to him ; and therefore immediately issued out instructions to the Commanders of his Ships , that they should presently set out two hundred Sail , to encompass all the Islands , and enclose all the Straits and Passages , that none of the Greeks might escape ; and to follow with the rest of their Fleet at better leisure . This being done , Aristides the Son of Lysimachus was the first man that perceived it , and went to Themistocles into his Cabbin ; not out of any peculiar Friendship , for he had been formerly banished by his means , as hath been related , but to inform him how they were encompassed by their enemies . Themistocles knowing the generosity of Aristides , and being much taken with his Visit at that time , imparted to him all that he had transacted by Sicinus , and intreated him that having great authority among the Greeks , he would now make use of it in joyning with him to induce them to stay , and fight their enemies in those narrow Seas . Aristides applauded Themistocles , and went to the other Commanders and Captains of the Galleys , and encouraged them to engage ; yet they did not perfectly assent to him , till a Galley of Tenedos which revolted from the Persians , whereof Panaetius was Commander , came into their Fleet , and confirmed the news that all the Straits and Passages were beset , and then their rage and fury as well as their necessity provoked them all to fight . As soon as it was day Xerxes placed himself on high to view his Fleet , and how it was set in order . Phanodemus says he sate upon a Promontory above the Temple of Hercules , where the Coast of Attica is separated from the Island by a narrow Chanel ; but Acestodorus writes , that it was in the confines of Megara , upon those Hills which are called the Horns , where he sate in a Chariot of Gold , with many Secretaries about him to describe all that was done in the Fight . When Themistocles was about to sacrifice upon the Admiral Galley , there were three very beautifull Captives brought to him , well dressed and gloriously adorned with rich Vests and Gold , said to be the Children of Autarctus and Sandauce Sister to Xerxes ; as soon as the Prophet Euphrantides saw them , and observed that at the same time the Fire blazed out from the Offerings and cast forth a more than ordinary bright Flame , and that one sneezed to the right , which portended some fortunate event , he took Themistocles by the hand , and ordered that the three Children should be consecrated and purified for Sacrifice , and offered up as a Vow for Victory to Bacchus the Devourer , for hereby the Greeks should not onely save themselves , but also obtain Victory . Themistocles was much disturbed at this strange and terrible Prophecy , but the common people who in the most difficult conflicts and greatest exigencies hope for relief by absurd and extravagant means , rather than by any reasonable way , calling upon Bacchus with one voice , led the Captives to the Altar , and compelled him to perform the Sacrifice , as the Prophet had commanded . This is reported by Phanias the Lesbian a great Philosopher and Historian . As to the number of the enemies Ships , the Poet Aeschylus writes in a Tragedy called the Persians , That to his own knowledge Xerxes had a thousand Ships , of which two hundred and seven were extraordinary good Sailers . The Athenians had a hundred and eighty ; in every Ship eighteen men fought upon the Deck , four of which were Archers and the rest well armed . As Themistocles had possessed the most advantageous place , so with no less consideration he chose the best time of fighting ; for he would not set the Stemms of his Galleys against the Persians , nor begin the Fight till the time of day was come , when there constantly rises a blustring wind from without the Bay , which brings in with it a great Sea , and makes rough Water in the Chanel ; this was no inconvenience to the Grecian Ships , which were low built and strong , but so far hurtfull to the Persians , which had high Sterns and lofty Decks , were heavy , and could not easily tack , nor feel the Rudder , that it overset them , or laid their sides bare to the Grecians , who fiercely assaulted them , strictly obeying the orders of Themistocles , who well understood what was most for their advantage : and when Ariamenes Admiral to Xerxes , a good man , and by far the bravest and worthiest of the King's Brothers , made towards Themistocles , and having a great Ship , threw Darts , and shot forth Arrows , as from the Walls of a Castle ; Amenias the Decelian , and Sosicles the Pedian , who sailed in the same Vessel bore in and attacked him , and both Ships meeting Stemme to Stemme and striking together , their sharp Stemmes armed with Brass , pierced through one anothers Ships , so that they were fastned together ; when Ariamenes attempting to board them , Amenias and Sosicles ran at him with their Pikes and thrust him into the Sea , his Body as it floated amongst other Shipwrecks was known by Artemisia and carried to Xerxes . It is reported that in the middle of the Fight a great Flame shined bright in the Air above the City of Eleusis , and that Sounds and Voices were heard through all the plain of Thriasia as far as the Sea , sounding like a number of men that were going to celebrate the Mysteries of Bacchus , and that a mist seemed to rise from the place from whence this sound came , and passing forward fell upon the Galleys . Others affirmed that they saw Apparitions and Spirits in the shape of armed Men which reached out their hands from the Island of Aegina towards the Grecian Galleys and were like the Aeacides , whose assistence they had implored in their prayers before the Fight . The first man that took a Ship was Lycomedes the Athenian , Captain of a Galley , who cut down the ensigns of honour , and dedicated them to Apollo crowned with Laurel . And as the Persians fought in a narrow Arm of the Sea , and could bring but part of their Fleet to fight , they fell foul of one another , and the Greeks hereby equalled them in strength , fought with them till the evening , forced them back , and obtained so clear and celebrated a Victory , as Simonides observes , that neither Greek nor any other Nation , ever by Sea performed such glorious service . After this Sea-fight Xerxes being inraged at his ill fortune , attempted by casting great heaps of Earth and Stones into the Sea , to stop up the Chanel and to make a Dam , upon which he might lead his Land Forces over into the Island of Salamine . Themistocles being desirous to know the opinion of Aristides , told him , that he intended to set Sail for the Hellespont , to break the Bridge of Ships , whereby he might hinder the retreat of Xerxes , and keep Asia within Europe ; but Aristides being troubled at his design , gave this reply , We have hitherto fought with an enemy who hath regarded little else but his pleasure and luxury , but if we shut him up within Greece , and drive him to necessity , he that is Lord of such great Forces , will no longer sit quietly with an Umbrella of Gold over his Head , looking upon the Fight for his pleasure , but in such a strait will attempt all things ; he will be resolute and appear himself in person upon all occasions , he will soon correct his errours , and supply what he has formerly omitted through remissness ; and will be better advised in all things . Therefore it is no ways our interest to take away the Bridge that is already made , but rather to build another if it were possible , that he might make his retreat with the more expedition . To which Themistocles answered , if this be requisite , we must immediately use all diligence , art and industry , to rid our selves of him as soon as may be : and to this purpose he found out among the Captives one of the King of Persia's Eunuchs named Arnaces ; whom he sent to the King , to inform him , that the Greeks being now victorious by Sea , had decreed to sail to the Hellespont , where the Ships were fastned together , and destroy the Bridge ; but that Themistocles being passionately concerned for the King , revealed this to him , that he might hasten towards the Asiatick Seas , and pass over into his own Dominions : and in the the mean he would cause delays , and hinder the Confederates from pursuing him . Xerxes no sooner heard this , but being very much terrified , retreated out of Greece with all speed . The prudent conduct of Themistocles and Aristides , and the advantageous management of this affair , was afterwards more fully understood at the Battel of Plataea ; where Mardonius with a very small portion of the Forces of Xerxes put the Greeks in danger of losing all . Herodotus writes that of all the Cities of Greece Aegina performed the best service in the War ; in which also all men yielded to Themistocles , though some , out of envy , did it unwillingly ; and when they returned to the entrance of Peloponnesus , where the Souldiers delivered their Suffrages by laying a Stone upon the Altar , to determine who was most worthy , every one gave the first Vote for himself and the second for Themistocles . The Lacedemonians carried him with them to Sparta ; where giving the rewards of Valour to Eurybiades , and of Wisedom and Conduct to Themistocles , they crowned him with Olive , gave him precedency , presented him with the richest Coach in the City and sent three hundred young men to accompany him to the confines of their Country : and at the next Olympian Games , when Themistocles entred the place where those Exercises were performed , the Spectatours took no further notice of those who strove for Mastery , but spent the whole day in looking upon him , shewing him to the Strangers , admiring him , and applauding him by clapping their hands , and all other expressions of joy ; which so delighted him , that he confessed to his Friends , that he then reaped the fruit of all his labours for the Greeks ; he was in his own nature a great lover of honour , as is evident from those things which are recorded of him . When he was chosen Admiral by the Athenians , he ended no business fully , publick , nor private , but deferred all till the day they were to set sail , that dispatching much business together , and having to doe with all sorts of men , he might appear great and able to perform all things . Viewing the dead Bodies cast up by the Sea , he perceived Collars and Chains of Gold about them , yet passed on , onely shewing them to a Friend that followed him , saying , Take you these things , for you are not Themistocles . He said to Antiphates a young Nobleman who had formerly behaved himself haughtily towards him , but now in his glory obsequiously waited upon him ; young man , we are in the right , and now we doe both as we should doe . He said that the Athenians did not honour him , or admire him , but when they were in danger they sheltred themselves under him , as they do in stormy foul weather under a Plane-tree ; and when they have fair weather again they pull off its Leaves and Fruit , and cut down its fairest Branches . A Seriphian telling him that he had not obtained this honour by himself but by the greatness and splendour of his City , he replied , You speak truth , for I should never have been esteemed if I had been of Seriphus : nor would you have come to any thing though you had been of Athens . A Commander of the Army who thought he had performed considerable service for the Athenians , boasting and comparing his actions with those of Themistocles , he told him that the day after the Festival reproached the Festival , that upon her day those who were laborious and industrious refreshed themselves , but upon the Festival the sluggard and luxurious enjoyed all things , to which the Festival replyed , it is true , yet if I had not been before you , you had not been at all ; so if Themistocles had not been before you where had you been now ? Laughing at his own Son , who was somewhat too bold through the indulgence and fondness of his Mother , he told him that he had the most power of any one in Greece ; for the Athenians command the rest of Greece , I command the Athenians , your Mother commands me , and you command your Mother . Loving to be singular in all things , when he had Land to sell , he ordered the Cryer to give notice that there were good neighbours near it . Of two who made love to his Daughter he preferred the Vertuous before the Rich , saying , he desired a Man without Riches rather than Riches without a Man , with many such expressions . After these things he began to build and wall the City of Athens , having with Money corrupted the Lacedemonian Ephori , and perswaded them not to be against it , as Theopompus reports ; but as most relate it , by over-reaching and deceiving them , for being chosen by the Governours of Athens he went to Sparta where the Lacedemonians accusing him for rebuilding the Walls of the City of Athens , and Poliarchus being sent on purpose from Aegina to plead against him , he denied the fact , bidding them to send to Athens to see whether it were so or no : by which delay he got time for the building of the Wall , and ordering the Athenians to seize upon those who were sent , and keep them as Hostages for him ; when the Lacedemonians knew the truth , they did him no hurt , but hiding their anger for the present , sent him away . After this , considering the great advantage of good Ports , he fortified the Haven of Piraea , and joyned the whole City to the Sea , ordering the publick affairs contrary to the judgment of the old Kings of Athens ; who endeavouring to withdraw their Subjects from the Sea and sailing about , and to accustom them to live by planting and tilling the Earth , published the Discourse between Minerva and Neptune , and how they contended for the patronage of the Athenians , when Minerva by shewing to the Judges an Olive Tree , was declared to be their tutelary Goddess ; but Themistocles did not onely joyn the Haven of Piraea to the City , as the Poet Aristophanes observes , but he joyned the City to the Haven , and the Land to the Sea , which encreased the power of the People against the Nobility ; the Authority coming into the hands of Watermen , Mariners and Masters of Ships : and ordered that the Pulpit built in the Market-place for publick Orations , should be placed towards the Sea , which the thirty Tyrants afterwards turned towards the Land ; supposing that great power by Sea would give life and encouragement to a popular Government ; but that Labourers and Husbandmen would be less offended at the greatness of the Nobility : but Themistocles had a higher opinion of Sea forces . After the departure of Xerxes , when the Grecian Fleet was arrived at Pagasa , where they wintered , Themistocles , in a publick Oration to the people of Athens , telling them that he had a design to perform something that would be very beneficial and advantageous to the Athenians , but that it was of such a nature , that it could not be made publick or communicated to the people in general : The Athenians ordered him to impart it to Aristides onely ; and if he approv'd of it to put it in practice , and when Themistocles had discovered to him that his design was to burn the Grecian Fleet in the Haven of Pagasa ; Aristides coming out to the people , gave this report of the stratageme contrived by Themistocles , that there was nothing more advantageous , nor could any thing conduce more to the prosperity and grandeur of Athens than this , but withall that it would be the most unjust action in the world , at which the Athenians commanded Themistocles to desist from his intention , and to think no further of it . When the Lacedemonians proposed at the general Council of the Amphictyonians that the Representatives of those Cities which were not in the League , nor had fought together against the Persians , should be excluded out of that Assembly ; Themistocles fearing that the Thessalians with those of Thebes , Argos and others , being thrown out of the Council , the Lacedemonians would become wholly masters of the Votes , and act what they pleased ; he applied himself to the Deputies of the Cities , and prevailed with the Members then sitting to alter their opinions in this point , remonstrating to them that there were but one and thirty Cities which did partake of the War , and that most of these also were very small , and how intolerable it would be , if the rest of Greece should be excluded ; and that the General Council should come to be ruled by two or three great Cities . By this he chiefly incurred the high displeasure and hatred of the Lacedemonians , who afterwards promoted Cimon to all honours , and placed him as an emulatour and adversary to Themistocles in all affairs of State. He was also burthensome to the Confederates , sailing about the Islands and collecting money from them . Herodotus says , that requiring money of those of the Island of Andros , he told them , that he had brought with him two Goddesses , Persuasion and Force ; and they answered him that they had also two great Goddesses which prohibited them from giving him any money ; Poverty and Impossibility . Timocreon the Rhodian Poet reprehends him somewhat bitterly for being wrought upon by money to let those who were banished return , and for betraying one who was his Guest and Friend . The Verses are these You may the honour of Pausanias raise , Leutychides , or else Xantippus praise , Of Aristides I 'll display the fame The best man e'er from mighty Athens came . The false dark deeds of base Themistocles Can never the divine Latona please : His Friend and Guest Timocreon , for gain , A prisoner here he basely doth detain . To get three Talents some he does recall , Banishes , murthers others , laughs at all . While with his Bags well fill'd he may carrouse , And in the Isthmus keep a publick House . Yet there doth such cold entertainment give His Guests oft wish him not an hour to live . But after the sentence and banishment of Themistocles Timocreon reviles him more excessively and more reproachfully , in a Poem which begins thus , Muses , convey the Echo of my Verse , And what I write continually rehearse , 'T is requisite that this you should disperse , All over Greece , and through the Vniverse . It is reported that when it was put to the question whether Timocreon should be banished for siding with the Persians , Themistocles gave his Vote against him , and when Themistocles was accused for treating with the Medes , Timocreon made these upon him . Timocreon now is not the onely man Hath sworn allegiance to the Persian . Others are faulty , nay the greatest fail , He 's not the onely Fox without a Tail. And when the Citizens of Athens began to hearken willingly to those who traduced and reproached him , he was forced to put them in mind of the great services he had performed , and asked those who were offended with him , whether they were weary with receiving benefits often from the same person , whereby he rendred himself more odious : but he more highly incensed the people , and accumulated their hatred towards him , when laying the Foundation of the Temple of Diana , he named it Aristoboule or Diana of the best Counsel ; intimating thereby , that he had given the best counsel not onely to the Athenians but to all Greece . He built this Temple near to his own House , in a place called Melita , where now the Hangmen carry out the Bodies of such as are executed , and throw the Halters and Clothes of those that are strangled or otherwise put to death . There is to this day a Statue of Themistocles in the Temple of Diana of the best Counsel , which represents him to be a person not onely of a noble Mind , but also of a most heroical aspect . At length the Athenians banished him , making use of the Exostracism to depress his great worth , eminence and authority , as they ordinarily did to all those whom they thought too powerfull , or in a capacity to oppress them ; or by their greatness were become disproportionable to that equality which was thought requisite in a popular Government . For the Exostracism was instituted not so much to punish the Offender , as to mitigate and pacifie the fury of the envious , who delighted to depress those who were transcendent in eminence and glory , and by fixing this disgrace upon them , they exhaled part of the venomous rancour of their minds . Themistocles being banished from Athens , while he stayed at Argos the Tryal of Pausanias happened , which gave such advantage to his enemies , that Leobotes of Agraula Son of Alcmaeon indited him of Treason ; the Spartans joyning with him in the accusation . When Pausanias went about this treasonable design , he concealed it at first from Themistocles , though he were his intimate Friend , but when he saw him expelled out of the Commonwealth , and how impatiently he took his banishment , he ventured to communicate it to him , and desired his assistence , shewing him the King of Persia's Letters , and exasperating him against the Greeks , as a cursed and ungratefull people . However Themistocles immediately rejected the proposals of Pausanias , and wholly refused to be a party in the enterprise , though he never revealed those discourses nor discovered the Conspiracy to any man , either expecting that it would be discovered by other means , or hoping that Pausanias would desist from his intentions , seeing that he attempted without due consideration things that were absurd , dangerous , and that could not be put in practice . After that Pausanias was put to death , Letters and Writings being found concerning this matter which rendred Themistocles suspected , the Lacedemonians were clamorous against him , and the envious Athenians accused him , when being absent from Athens , he made his defense by Letters , especially against the chief accusations , and wrote to the Athenians in answer to the malicious detractions of his enemies , urging that he who was always ambitious to govern , was never born to serve , and should be very unwilling to become a Slave , would never sell himself and his Country to the Persians the mortal enemies of the Greeks . Notwithstanding this the people being perswaded by his accusers , sent Officers to take him and bring him away to be tried before the great Council of the Greeks ; but having timely notice of it , he passed over into the Island of Corcyra , the chief City of the Island having received great obligations from him , for being made Judge of a difference between them and the Corinthians , he determined the Controversie , ordering the Corinthians to lay down twenty Talents , and that the Town and Island of Leucas should be equally inhabited by a Colony sent from both Cities . From thence he fled into Epirus , and the Athenians and Lacedemonians still pursuing him , he plunged himself into such intricate difficulties , that he had small hopes ever to escape ; for he fled for refuge to Admetus King of the Molossians , who having formerly made a request to the Athenians , Themistocles being then in the height of his Authority , had used him disdainfully and thrown durt upon him ; which so enraged the King , that if he could have then laid hold of him , he would have sufficiently revenged himself ; yet in this misfortune , Themistocles fearing the fresh hatred of his Neighbours and fellow Citizens , more than the former displeasure of the King , threw himself at his mercy , and became an humble suppliant to Admetus after a peculiar manner , different from the custom of all other Countries . For holding the young Prince ( who was then a Child ) in his Armes , he prostrated himself before the King's Houshold Gods ; this being the most sacred and onely manner of supplication among the Molossians , which was not to be refused , and some say that Queen Phthia informed Themistocles of this way of petitioning , and placed her young Son near to him before the Figures of their domestical Deities : others say that King Admetus , that he might be under a religious obligation not to deliver him up to those who persecuted him , helped him to act that part , and instructed him in this solemn Rite . At that time Epicrates of Acharnia privately conveyed his Wife and Children out of Athens , and sent them hither , for which afterwards Cimon condemned him , and put him to death , as Stesimbrotus reports , yet either forgetting this , or making Themistocles to be little mindfull of it , he says he sailed into Sicily , and desired in marriage the Daughter of Hieron Tyrant of Sicily , promising to bring the Greeks under his power ; and Hieron refusing him , he departed from thence into Asia : but this is not probable ; For Theophrastus writes in his History of Kings , that when Hieron sent race Horses to the Olympian Games , and erected a royal Tent richly furnished , Themistocles made an Oration to the Greeks inciting them to pull down the Tyrant's Tent , and not to suffer his Horses to run . Thucydides says that passing over Land to the Aegaean Sea , he took Ship at Pidna in the Bay of Therme not being known to any one in the Ship , till being terrified to see the Vessel driven by the Winds near to Naxus , which was then besieged by the Athenians , he made himself known to the Master and Pilot ; and sometimes entreating them , at other times threatning them that if they went on shore he would accuse them , and induce the Athenians to believe , that they did not take him in out of ignorance , but that he had corrupted them with money from the beginning , he compelled them to bear off , and stand out to Sea , and sail forward towards the Coast of Asia . A great part of his estate was privately conveyed away by his Friends , and sent after him by Sea into Asia , besides which there was discovered and confiscated to the value of fourscore Talents ; as Theophrastus writes . Theopompus says an hundred ; whereas Themistocles was never worth three Talents , before he was concerned in the publick . When he arrived at Cuma , and understood that all along the Coast there were many laid wait for him , and particularly Ergoteles and Pythodorus ( for the Game was worth the hunting after by such as pursued gain every where , the King of Persia having offered by publick proclamation two hundred Talents to him that should take him ) he fled to Aeges a small City of the Aeolians , where no one knew him but onely his Host Nicogenes , who was the richest man in Aeolia , and well known in the Court of Persia . While Themistocles lay hid for some days in his House , one night after a Sacrifice and a good Supper , Olbius Schoolmaster to Nicogenes's Children fell frantick and inspired , and cried out in Verse , This night instructs in mystick dreams and charms , How t' use thy parts and ever conquering Armes . After this Themistocles dream'd that a Dragon coyled it self up upon his Belly , and creeping up to his Neck , as soon as it touched his Face was turned into an Eagle ; which spread its Wings over him , and took him up , and flew away with him into Countries far remote , where a golden Sceptre appeared to him , upon which he rested himself securely , freed from all fear and trouble : and soon after Nicogenes made use of this invention to send him away . The barbarous Nations , and amongst them the Persians especially , are naturally jealous , clownish and morose towards their Women , not onely to their Wives , but also to their Slaves and Concubines , which they keep so strictly that never any one sees them abroad , even at their Meals they are shut up within Doors ; and when they take a journey , they are carried in close Coaches , or put under a little Tent or Covering shut close on all sides , and set upon a Waggon ; such a travelling Carriage being prepared for Themistocles , they overwhelmed him , and hid him in it , and carried him on his journey ; and told those whom they met or discoursed with upon the Road , that they carried a young Grecian Lady out of Ionia to a Noble-man at Court. Thucydides and Charon of Lampsachus report that Xerxes being dead , Themistocles discoursed with his Son : but Ephorus , Deinon , Clitarchus , Heraclides and many others write , that he came to Xerxes , and though the chronological Tables do better agree with the relation of Thucydides , yet they are not exactly compiled with that undeniable certainty , that they should be thought to be built upon unshaken and immovable Foundations . When Themistocles was come to the critical point , he applyed himself first to Artabanus Commander of a thousand men , telling him , that he was a Grecian and desired to speak with the King about important affairs , concerning which the King was extremely solicitous ; Artabanus answered him , Stranger , the Laws of men are different , and some esteem one thing honourable and some another , but it is honourable for all men to observe and commend the Laws of their own Country ; it is allowable for you Grecians to admire liberty and equality , but amongst our many excellent Laws , we account this the most glorious , to honour the King , and to worship him , as the Image of that great Deity that preserves and protects the Universe ; and if you can accustom your self to our Laws , and fall down before the King and worship him , you may both see him and speak to him ; but if your mind be otherwise , you must make use of others to intercede for you ; for it is not the national custom here for the King to give audience to any one that doth not fall down before him : Themistocles hearing this , replied , Artabanus , I that come hither to encrease the power and glory of the King , will not onely submit my self to his Laws , since it hath pleased God to raise the Persian Empire to this greatness ; but will also cause many more to be worshippers and adorers of the King , Let not this therefore be an impediment , why I should not communicate to his Majesty what I have to impart , Artabanus asking him who must we tell him that you are ? for you seem to be no ordinary person , Themistocles answered , no man must be informed of this before the King himself . Thus Phanias relates it ; to which Eratosthenes in his Treatise of Riches , adds , that by the means of a Woman of Eretria who was kept by Artabanus , he was brought acquainted with him , and obtained this favour from him . When he was introduced to the King and had paid his due reverence to him , he stood silent , till Xerxes commanding the Interpreter to ask him who he was ? he replied , I am Themistocles the Athenian , banished and persecuted by the Greeks , I flie to thee for refuge mighty Monarch ; the evils that I have done to the Persians are easily to be forgiven , in consideration of the many atchievements accomplished for them , when I hindred the Grecians from pursuing the Medes after the fatal Battels of Salamis and Plataea , when having freed my Country and placed the Greeks in safety , my ambition led me on to greater enterprises ; in which being successfull , I gratified the far extended Persian Empire , and performed services acceptable to the greatest Prince on earth ; since which all things having conspired to augment my present calamities , sutable to such a condition , I come hither , hoping to receive mercy from a gracious reconciled Sovereign , who hath laid aside his anger , and is no longer mindfull of former evils ; humbly imploring you , that taking the Greeks for witnesses of the services I have done for Persia , you will make use of this occasion to shew the world the nobleness of your vertue , rather than to fulfill your wrath , or satisfie your indignation , hereby you will preserve an humble suppliant ; if otherwise , you destroy a servant of the Persians , and a publick enemy of the Greeks . Besides this , he related the manner of the Vision , which he saw at Nicogenes's House , and what was directed him by the Oracle of Dodona , where Jupiter commanded him to go to him that had a name like his , by which he understood , that he was sent from Jupiter to Xerxes , seeing that they had both the name of mighty Kings ; and he knew no other great sacred powers but Jupiter , and the Persian Emperour . The King heard him attentively , and though he admired his understanding and courage , gave him no answer at that time , but when he was with his intimate Friends , he rejoyced in his great good fortune , and esteemed himself very happy in this , and prayed to his God Arimanius , that all his enemies might be ever of the same mind with the Greeks , to provoke , abuse and expell the bravest men amongst them . Then he sacrificed to the Gods , and presently fell to drinking , and was so well pleased that in the night in the middle of his sleep , he cried out for joy three times , I have Themistocles the Athenian . In the morning , Xerxes calling together the chief of his Court , had Themistocles brought before him , who expected no good would come of it , especially when he saw the Guards were fiercely set against him as soon as they knew his name , and gave him ill language ; and as he came forward towards the King , who was set down and the rest kept silence , passing by Roxanes a Commander of a thousand men , he heard him sigh and whisper softly to him without stirring out of his place , You subtile Greek Serpent , the Kings good Genius hath brought thee hither ; yet when he came into the presence , and fell down , the King saluted him , and spake to him kindly , telling him , he was now indebted to him two hundred Talents ; for it was just and reasonable , that he should receive the reward which was proposed to whosoever should bring Themistocles ; and promising much more , and encouraging him , he commanded him to speak freely what he would concerning the affairs of Greece , Themistocles replied , that a man's Discourse was like to a rich Persian Carpet variously wrought and figured , the beautifull Images and proper Figures of which are best represented when they are clearly and fairly opened ; but when they are contracted and folded up , they are obscured and lost , and therefore he desired time to learn the language perfectly , in which he was to express his mind , and unfold his secret services . The King being pleased with the comparison , and bidding him take what time he would , he desired a year , in which time having learnt the Persian Language sufficiently he spake with the King by himself without the help of an Interpreter : and those who were at a distance thought that he discoursed onely about the affairs of Greece ; but there happening at the same time great alterations at Court , and removals of the King's Favourites , he drew upon himself the envy of the great ones ; who imagined , that he who had this great liberty might take the boldness to speak many things concerning them : for the favours shewn to other Strangers were nothing in comparison of the honours conferred on him ; the King inviting him to partake of his own pastimes and recreations both at home and abroad , carrying him with him a-hunting ; and made him his intimate so far , that he permitted him not onely to come into the presence of the Queen Mother , but also to wait upon her often , and converse familiarly with her . And besides this , he heard the Discourses of the Magicians , by the King 's especial command ; and was instructed in the secret Philosophy and Magick of the Persians . When Demaratus the Lacedemonian , being ordered by the King to ask whatsoever he pleased , and it should immediately be granted him , desired the Royal Diademe , and that being lifted up on high he might make his publick entrance , and be carried in state through the City of Sardis with the Imperial Crown of Persia upon his head , after the manner of Kings ; Mithropaustes Nephew to Xerxes , taking him by the hand told him , that he had no Brains for the Royal Diademe to cover ; and if Jupiter should give him his Lightning and Thunder , he would be ne'er the more Jupiter for that ; the King also repulsed him with scorn and anger , resolving never to be reconciled to him , but to be inexorable to all supplications on his behalf ; yet Themistocles pacified him , and prevailed with him to forgive him : and it is reported that the succeeding Kings in whose Reigns there was a greater communication between the Greeks and Persians than formerly , when they invited any considerable Grecian into their service , to encourage him they would signifie to him by Letters , that he should be as great with them as Themistocles was with Xerxes . They relate also how Themistocles when he was in great prosperity , and courted by many , seeing himself splendidly served at his Table , he turned to his Children and said , Children , we had been undone if we had not been undone . Most Writers say , that he had three Cities given him Magnesia , Myus and Lampsacus , to maintain him in Bread , Meat and Wine . Neanthes of Cyzicus and Phanias add two more , the City of Percotes to provide him with Clothes , and Palaescepsis with Bedding and Furniture for his House . As he went down towards the Sea side to provide against the attempts and practices of the Greeks , a Persian whose name was Epixyes Governour of the upper Phrygia laid wait to kill him ; having for that purpose provided a long time before a crew of Pisidian murtherers , who were to set upon him when he came to reside in a City that is called Lyons-head : but Themistocles sleeping in the middle of the day , the Mother of the Gods appeared to him in a Dream , and said unto him ; Themistocles , never come at the Lyon's-head , for fear you fall into the Lyon's Jaws , for this advice I expect that your Daughter Mnesiptolema should be my servant . Themistocles was much astonished , and when he had poured forth his prayers , and made his vows to the Goddess , he left the great Road , and taking a compass about , went another way , changing his intended station to avoid that place , and at night took up his rest in the Fields ; but one of the Sumpter-horses which carried part of the Furniture for his Tent , having fallen that day into a River , his Servants spread out the Tapestry which was wet , and hanged it up to drie it : in the mean time the Pisidians made towards them with their Swords drawn , and not discerning exactly by the Moon what it was that was stretched out to be dried , they thought it was the Tent of Themistocles , and that they should find him resting himself within it ; but when they came nigh , and lifted up the Hangings , those who watched there fell upon them and took them . Themistocles having escaped this great danger , was in admiration of the goodness of the Goddess that appeared to him ; and in memory of it he built a Temple in the City of Magnesia , which he dedicated to Cybele Dindymene Mother of the Gods , wherein he consecrated and devoted his Daughter Mnesiptolema unto her service . When he came to Sardis he visited the Temples of the Gods , and observing at his leisure their Buildings , Ornaments , and the number of their Offerings , he saw in the Temple of the Mother of the Gods the Statue of a Virgin in Brass two Cubits high , called the Water-bringer , or she that brought the Water back again into its right Chanel . Themistocles had caused this to be made and set up when he was Surveyor of the Aquaeducts at Athens , out of the Fines and Forfeitures of those , whom he had discovered to have taken away the Water , or to have turned it out of its due course , by other Pipes fitted for their private use : and whether he had some regret to see this fair Image in Captivity , and the Statue of a Grecian Virgin kept Prisoner in Asia ; or whether he was desirous to let the Athenians see in what great credit he was with the King , and what authority he had in all the Persian affairs ; he entred into discourse with the Governour of Lydia , to persuade him to send this Statue back to Athens , which so enraged the Persian Officer , that he told him , he would write the King word of it : Themistocles being affrighted hereat , got access to his Wives and Concubines , whom he gained with money , and by their means mitigated the fury of the Governour ; and afterwards carried himself more reservedly and circumspectly , fearing the envy of the Persians ; and gave over travelling about Asia , and lived quietly in his own House in Magnesia , where for a long time he passed his days in great security , as Theopompus writes , being courted by all , and presented with rich Gifts , and honoured equally with the greatest persons in the Persian Empire ; the King at that time not minding his concerns with Greece , being incessantly busied about the affairs of the upper Provinces . But when Aegypt revolted , being assisted by the Athenians , and the Grecian Galleys roved about as far as Cyprus and Cilicia , and Cimon had made himself master of the Seas , the King turned his thoughts , and bending his mind chiefly to resist the Grecians and to hinder their increasing power against him , raised Forces , sent out Commanders , and dispatched M●ssengers to Themistocles at Magnesia , to put him in mind of his promise , and to incense him and irritate him against the Greeks ; yet this did not increase his hatred nor exasperate him against the Athenians , neither was he any ways elevated with the thoughts of the honour and powerfull command he was to have in this War ; but either imagining that this undertaking could not prosperously be carried on , nor the King easily compass his designs , the Greeks having at that time great Commanders , and amongst them Cimon wonderfully successfull in the affairs of Greece ; or chiefly being ashamed to sully the glory of his former great actions , and of his many Victories and Trophies ; he determined to put a conclusion to his days sutable to his former great deeds , and to make an end agreeable to the whole course of his life : he sacrificed to the Gods , and invited his Friends , and having kindly entertained them , and shaked hands with them , he drank Bulls Bloud , as the general report goes ; but some say he took poison which dispatched him in a short time and ended his days in the City of Magnesia , having lived sixty five years , most of which he had spent in the State and in the Wars , in governing of Countries and commanding of Armies . The King being informed of the cause and manner of his death , admired him more than ever , and continued to shew kindness to his Friends and Relations . Themistocles left three Sons by Archippa Daughter to Lysander of Alopece ; Archeptolis , Polyeuctus and Cleophantus . Plato the Philosopher mentions the latter as a most excellent Horseman ; but relates nothing else of him worthy of memory : of his eldest Sons Neocles and Diocles , Neocles died when he was young by the bite of a Horse , and Diocles was adopted by his Grandfather Lysander to be his Heir . He had many Daughters , of which Mnesiptolema , whom he had by a second Marriage , was Wife to Archeptolis , her Brother-in-law by another Mother ; Italia was married to Panthedes of the Island of Scio ; Sybaris to Nicomedes the Athenian . After the death of Themistocles , his Nephew Phrasicles set sail for Magnesia , and married his Daughter Nicomachia , receiving her from the hands of her Brothers ; and brought up her Sister Asia the youngest of all the Children . The Magnesians possess the splendid Sepulchre of Themistocles placed in the middle of their great Piazza , and it is not worth the taking notice of what Andocides writes to his Friends , concerning the Reliques of Themistocles ; how the Athenians robbed his Tomb , and threw his Ashes into the Air ; for he feigns this to exasperate the Nobility against the people ; and there is no man living but knows that Phrasicles is mistaken in his History , where he brings in Neocles and Demopolis for the Sons of Themistocles to incite or move compassion , as if he were writing of a Tragedy : yet Diodorus the Cosmographer writes in his Book of Sepulchres , but by conjecture rather than of his certain knowledge , that near to the Haven of Piraea , where the Land runs out like an Elbow from the Promontory of Alcimus , and when you have doubled the Cape and passed inward where the Sea is always calm , there is a vast Foundation , and upon this the Tomb of Themistocles in the shape of an Altar ; and Plato the Comedian seems to confirm this in these Verses , Thy Tomb is fairly placed on the Strand , Where Merchants from all parts may pass or land ; Where Ships from every quarter come in sight , And may engage in many a bloudy Fight : So that thy Ashes placed on the Shore , Both Sea and Land may honour and adore . Divers honours also and privileges were granted to the Kindred of Themistocles at Magnesia , which were observed down to our times ; and another Themistocles of Athens enjoyed them , with whom I had a particular acquaintance and Friendship in the House of Ammonius the Philosopher . The End of Themistocles 's Life . Furius Camillus portrait Vandrebanc fe ▪ THE LIFE OF F. CAMILLUS . Englished from the Greek , By Mich. Payne , Trin. Coll. Cant. Soc. AMong the many remarkable things that are related of Furius Camillus , this above all seems most singular and strange , that he who for the most part was in the highest commands , and had performed the greatest Actions , was five times chosen Dictatour , triumphed four times , and was styled a Second Founder of Rome , yet never was so much as once Consul . The reason whereof was the state and temper of the then Commonwealth ; for the People being at dissention with the Senate stifly refused to return Consuls , but in their stead elected other Magistrates called Military Tribunes , who though they acted every thing with full Consular Power and Authority , yet their Government was less grievous to the People , by reason they were more in number : for to have the management of affairs entrusted in the hands of six persons rather than two , was some ease and satisfaction to those who could not endure the Dominion of a few . This was the condition of the times when Camillus flourished in the height of his actions and glory , and although the Government in the mean time had often proceeded to Consular Elections , yet he could never perswade himself to be Consul , against the good-will and inclination of the People . In all other his administrations which were many and various , he so behaved himself , that when he was alone in Authority , his power was exercised as in common , but the honour of all actions redounded intirely to himself , even when in joint Commission with others ; the reason of the former was his moderation , commanding without pride or insolence ; of the latter , his great judgment and wisedom , wherein without question he excelled all others . And whereas the House of the Furii was not at that time of any considerable quality , he was the first that raised himself to honour , serving under Posthumius Tubertus , Dictatour , in the great Battel against the Aeques and Volsces ; for riding out from the rest of the Army , and in the charge receiving a wound in his Thigh , he for all that gave not over the fight , but plucking out the Dart that stuck close in the wound , and engaging with the bravest of the enemy , he put them to flight , for which action , among other rewards bestowed on him , he was created Censor , an Office in those days of great esteem and authority . During his Censorship one very good act of his is recorded , that whereas the Wars had made many Widows , he obliged such as had no Wives , some by fair perswasion , others by threatning to set Fines on their heads , to take them in marriage . Another necessary one , in causing Orphans to be rated , who before were exempted from Taxes , the frequent and chargeable Wars requiring more than ordinary expences to maintain them . But that which pinched them most was the Siege of Veii ( some call them Venetani . ) This was the head City of Tuscany , not inferiour to Rome , either in number of Arms or multitude of Souldiers , insomuch that presuming on her wealth and magnificence , and priding her self in the variety of pleasures she enjoyed , she had fought many a fair Battel with the Romans , contending for Glory and Empire . But now they had quitted their former ambition having been weakned and brought low in many notable encounters , so that having fortified themselves with high and strong Walls , and furnished the City with all sorts of Weapons offensive and defensive , as likewise with Corn and all manner of Provisions , they cheerfully endured the Siege , which though tedious to them , was no less troublesome and vexatious to the besiegers . For the Romans having never been accustomed to lie long abroad in the heat of Summer , and constantly to winter at home , they were then first compelled by the Tribunes , to build Forts and Garrisons in the Enemies Country , and raising strong Works about their Camp to joyn Winter and Summer together . And now the seventh year of the War drawing to an end , the Commanders began to be suspected as too slow and remiss in driving on the Siege , infomuch that they were discharged and others chosen for the War , among whom was Camillus then second time Tribune . But at present he had no hand in the Siege , his lot being to make War upon the Falisces and Capenates , who taking advantage of the Romans being busied on all hands , had much spoiled their Country , and through all the Tuscan War given them sore diversions , but were now reduced by Camillus , and with great losses shut up within their Walls . And now in the very heat of the War an accident happened to the Alban Lake no less wonderfull than the most incredible things that are reported , and by reason no visible cause could be assigned , or any natural beginning whereto to ascribe it , it became matter of great amazement . It was the beginning of Autumn , and the Summer before had neither been very rainy , nor in appearance over troubled with Southern winds , and of the many Lakes , Brooks and Springs of all sorts wherein Italy abounds , some were wholly dried up , others drew very little Water with them . But all the Rivers , as they constantly used in Summer , ran in a very low and hollow Chanel . But the Alban Lake that is fed by no other waters but its own , being compassed about with fruitfull Mountains , without any cause , unless it were Divine , began visibly to rise and swell , increasing to the feet of the Mountains , and by degrees reaching to the very tops of them , and all this without any violent tossing , or agitation of its Waves . At first it was the wonder of Shepherds and Herdmen , but when the Earth which like a great Dam held up the Lake from falling into the lower grounds , through the quantity and weight of Water was broken down ; and that in a violent stream it ran through the plow'd Fields and Plantations , to discharge it self in the Sea ; it did not onely strike terrour in the Romans , but was thought by all the inhabitants of Italy to portend some extraordinary events . But the greatest talk of it was in the Camp that besieged Veii , when once this accident of the Lake came to be known among them , and as in long Sieges it is usual for parties of both sides to meet and converse with one another ; it happened that a Roman had gained much confidence and familiarity with one of the besieged , a man well versed in ancient learning , and had the reputation of more than ordinary skill in divination . The Roman observing him to be overjoy'd at the story of the Lake , and to mock at the Siege , told him that this was not the onely prodigy that of late had happened to the Romans , but that others more wonderfull than this had befallen them , which he was willing to communicate to him , that he might the better provide for his private affairs in these publick distempers . The man greedily embraced the motion , expecting to hear some wonderfull secrets , but when by little and little he had drill'd him on in discourse , and insensibly drawn him a good way from the Gates of the City , he snatched him up by the middle , being stronger than he , and by the assistence of others that came running from the Camp , seized and delivered him to the Commanders . The man reduced to this necessity , and knowing that destiny is not to be avoided , discover'd to them the secret counsels of his Country . That it was not possible the City should be taken , untill the Alban Lake , which now broke forth and had found out new passages , was drawn back from that course , and so diverted , that it could not mingle with the Sea. The Senate having heard and deliberated of the matter , decreed to send to Delphos to ask counsel of that God ; the Messengers were persons of the greatest quality , Cossus Licinius , Valerius Potitus and Fabius Ambustus ; who having made their voiage by Sea , and consulted the God , returned with other answers , particularly that there had been a neglect of some of their Country Rites relating to the Latine Feasts . As for the Alban Water , the Oracle commanded , that if it was possible , they should draw it from the Sea , and shut it up in its ancient bounds ; but if that was not to be done , then they should bring it down into Ditches and Trenches into the lower grounds , and so dry it up ; which message being delivered , the Priests performed what related to the Sacrifices , and the People went to work , and turned the Water . And now the Senate in the tenth year of the War taking away all other Commands created Camillus Dictatour , who chose Cornelius Scipio for his General of Horse ; and in the first place he made Vows unto the Gods , that if they would grant a happy conclusion of that War , he would celebrate to their Honour the great Sports , and dedicate a Temple to the Goddess whom the Romans call Matuta the Mother , but from the Ceremonies which are used , one would verily think she was Leucothea , for leading a Servant-maid into the secret part of the Temple they there buffet her , and then drive her out again ; and they embrace their Brothers Children , more than their own ; and in the matter of Sacrifices use the same ceremonies as to Bacchus his Nurses , and what is customary in the sad case of Ino in remembrance of the Concubine . Camillus having made these Vows , marched into the Country of the Falisces , and in a great Battel overthrew them and the Capenates their Confederates ; afterwards he turned to the Siege of Veii , and finding that to take it by assault would prove a difficult and hazardous attempt , he cut Mines under ground , the Earth about the City being easy to break up , and allowing as much depth as would carry on the Works without being discovered by the Enemy . This design going on in a hopefull way , he without , gave assaults to the Enemy to divert them about the Walls , whilst they that worked under-ground in the Mines were insensibly , without being perceived , got within the Castle , under the Temple of Juno , which was the greatest and most celebrated in all the City . It is reported that the Prince of the Tuscans was at that very time at his Devotions , and that the Priest after he had looked into the Entrails of the Beast , should cry out with a loud voice , That the Gods would give the victory to those that should finish those Sacrifices : and that the Romans who were in the mines hearing the words , immediately pull'd down the Floor , and ascending with noise and clashing of Weapons , frighted away the Enemy , and snatching up the Entrails carried them to Camillus . But this may look like a Fable . The City being taken by storm , and the Souldiers busied in pillaging and gathering an infinite quantity of Riches and Spoil , Camillus from the high Tower viewing what was done , at first wept for pity ; and when they that were by , congratulated his good success , he lift up his hands to Heaven , and broke out into this Prayer . O most mighty Jupiter , and ye Gods that are Judges of good and evil actions , Ye know that not without just cause , but constrained by necessity we have been forced to revenge our selves on the City of our unrighteous and implacable Enemies . But if in the vicissitude of things , there be any calamity due , to countervail this great felicity , I beg that it may be diverted from the City and Army of the Romans , and with as little hurt as may be , fall upon my own Head. Having said these words , and just turning about ( as the custom of the Romans is to turn to the right when they worship or pray ) he fell flat to the ground , to the astonishment of all that were present . But recovering himself presently from the fall , he told them , that it had succeeded to his wish , a small mischance in recompence of the greatest good fortune . Having sacked the City , he resolved according as he had vowed to carry Juno's Image unto Rome ; and the Workmen being ready for that purpose , he sacrificed to the Goddess , and made his supplications , that she would be pleased to accept of their devotion toward her , and graciously vouchsafe to accept of a place among the Gods that precided at Rome : They say , that the Statue answered in a low voice , that she was ready and willing to go . Livy writes that in praying , Camillus touched the Goddess , and invited her , and that some of the standers by cryed out , that she was willing . They who stickle most for this Miracle , and endeavour to defend it , have the wonderfull fortune of that City on their sides , which from a small and contemptible beginning attained to that greatness and power which it could never have done , without those many and great manifestations of God upon all occasions appearing for it . Besides , they produce other Wonders of the like nature , as the often sweating of Statues , and that they have sometimes been heard to groan , as likewise the turning aside of some , and nodding and approving of others , as many of the Ancients have reported ; and we our selves could relate divers wonderfull things which we have heard from men of our own time , which are not lightly to be rejected : but to give too easy credit to such things , or wholly to disbelieve them , is equally dangerous , by reason of humane infirmity , which hath no bounds or command of it self , but is sometimes carried to superstition and dotage , otherwhile to the contempt and neglect of all Religion . But moderation is the best , and to doe nothing too much . But Camillus , whether puffed up with the greatness of the action to have won a City that was competitour with Rome , and had held out a ten years siege , or exalted with the flattery of those that were about him , assumed to himself more than became a civil and legal Magistrate . Among other things was the pride and haughtiness of his Triumph , driving through Rome in a Charriot drawn with four White Horses , no General either before or since having done the like ; for the Romans esteem that carriage to be sacred and peculiar onely to the King and Father of the Gods. This alienated the hearts of the Citizens from him who were not accustomed to such pomp and bravery . The second pique they had against him , was his opposing the Law by which the City was to be divided ; for the Tribunes of the People preferred a Law , that the People and Senate should be divided into two parts , one of which should remain at home , the other as the lot should give it remove to the new-taken City . By which means they should not onely have much more Room , but by the advantage of two great and fair Cities be better able to maintain their Territories , and the rest of their plentifull Fortunes . The People therefore who were now grown rich and numerous , greedily embraced it , and in great crouds , began to tumult in the publick Courts , demanding to have it put to the Vote . But the Senate and ablest Citizens judging the Proceedings of the Tribunes to tend rather to the destruction than division of Rome , yet unable to bear up against it themselves , flew to Camillus for assistence , who fearing to come to the open encounter , yet by continual flinging in new occasions to busy and employ their heads , made a shift to stave off the Law. For these things he was disrelisht by the People . But the greatest and most apparent cause of their hatred against him , arose from the tenths of the Spoil , the multitude having herein , if not so just , yet a plausible pretence against him . For it seems , as he went to the siege of Veii , he had vowed to Apollo , that if he took the City , he would dedicate to him the tenth of the Spoil . The City being taken and sacked , whether he was loth to trouble the Souldiers at that time , or that through multitude of business he had forgotten his Vow ; he suffered them to enjoy that part of the Spoils also . Some time afterwards , when his Authority was laid down , he brought the matter before the Senate , and the Priests at the same time reported out of the Sacrifices , that the anger of the Gods was portended , and that they were not to be appeased without expiation and offerings . The Senate decreed the obligation to be in force . But seeing it was difficult for every one to produce the same very things they had taken to be divided anew , they ordained that every one upon oath should bring into the Publick the tenth part of his gains . This seemed very severe and grievous to the Souldiers , who ceased not to murmur , that poor men , and such as had endured so much labour and travail in the War , should be forced , out of what they had gained and spent , to bring in so great a proportion ; Camillus being assaulted by their clamour and tumults , for want of a better excuse , betook himself to the meanest of defences , by confessing he had forgotten his Vow ; but they complained that he that then vowed the tenth of the Enemy , now levied it out of the tenths of the Citizens . Nevertheless , every one having brought in his due proportion , it was decreed that out of it a Bowl of massy Gold should be made and sent unto Delphos . But there was great scarcity of Gold in the City , and when the Magistrates were considering where to get it , the Roman Ladies meeting together and consulting among themselves , out of the golden Ornaments they wore , contributed as much as went to the making the Offering ; which in weight came to eight Talents of Gold. The Senate , to give them the honour they had deserved , ordained that funeral Orations should be used at the obsequies of Women , as well as Men , it having never before been a custom that any Woman after death was publickly praised . Chusing out therefore three of the chief of the Nobility for Ambassadours , they sent them in a fair Vessel , well man'd , and sumptuously adorned . It was winter , and the Sea was calm , however , it is remarkable , that being brought almost to the very brink of destruction , beyond all expectation , they escaped the danger . For hard by the Isles of Aeolus , the Winds slacking , the Gallies of the Liparians came upon them , taking them for Pirates . But when they held up their hands in supplicant manner , the Liparians forbore violence , onely fastned their Ship and towed her into the Harbour , where they exposed to sale their Goods and Persons , adjudging them to be lawfull prize . But by the vertue and interest of one man Timesithius by name , who was Governour of that place , and used his utmost persuasion , they were with much adoe dismissed . Besides , he himself joined some of his own Vessels with them , to accompany them in their voyage , and assist them at the dedication : for which he received honours at Rome according as he had deserved . And now the Tribunes of the People again resuming the Law about the division of the City , the War against the Falisces luckily broke out , giving liberty to the Nobility to chuse what Magistrates they pleased , who thereupon chose Camillus military Tribune , with five other Associates ; Affairs then requiring a Commander of authority and reputation , and one well experienc'd in War ; when the People had ratified the Election , Camillus marched with his Forces into the Territories of the Falisces , and besieged Falerii a well-fenced City and plentifully stored with all necessaries of War : And although he perceived it would be no small work to take it , nor little time spent about it , yet he was willing to exercise the Citizens , and keep them doing abroad , that they might have no leasure , idleing at home , to follow the Tribunes into faction and sedition . Which remedy the Romans constantly used , like good Physicians , to disperse abroad those violent Humours that disturb the Commonwealth . The Falerians , trusting in the strength of their City , which was well fortified on all sides , made so little account of the Siege , that beside those that garded the Walls , the rest as in times of peace walked the Streets in their common Habits . The Boys went to School , and were led by their Master to play and exercise about the Town-walls ; For the Falerians , like the Grecians , used one publick School , to the end , their Children being brought up together , might betimes learn to converse and be familiar with one another . This School-master designing to betray the Falerians by their Children , led them out every day under the Town-wall , at first but a little way , and when they had exercised brought them home again . Afterwards by degrees he drew them farther and farther , till at last by practice he had made them bold and fearless , as if no danger was about them ; at last , having got them all together , he brought them to the Out-guard of the Romans and delivered them up , demanding to be led to Camillus . Where being come , and standing in the middle , he said , That he was the Master and Teacher of those Children , but preferring his favour before all other obligations , he was come to deliver up his Charge to him , and in that the whole City . When Camillus had heard him out , he was struck with the horrour of so treacherous an Act , and turning to the Standers by , he said , What a sad thing is War , which is begun and ended with much unjustice and violence ! But to good men there are certain Laws even in War it self , and victory is not so greedily to be hunted after as not to refuse the assistence of wicked and unrighteous actions ; for it becomes a great General to rely on his own vertue , and not the deceit and treachery of others . Which said , he commanded his Officers to tear off his Cloaths , and bind his Hands behind him , and give the Boys Rods and Scourges , to punish the Traytour , and drive him back to the City . By this time the Falerii had understood the treachery of the School-master ; and the City , as in such a general Calamity it must needs be , was full of lamentations and crys , the honourable Men and Women running in distraction about the Walls and Gates , when behold the Boys came whipping their Master on , naked and bound , calling Camillus , their Saviour , their God , their Father ; Insomuch , that it struck not onely into the Parents , but the rest of the Citizens that saw what was done , such an admiration and love of Camillus his Justice , that immediately running into Counsel , they sent Ambassadours to him , to resign whatever they had to his disposal . Camillus sent them to Rome , where being brought into the Senate , they spoke to this purpose , That the Romans preferring Justice before Victory , had taught them rather to embrace submission than liberty ; that they could not confess themselves to be so much inferiour in strength , as they must acknowledge them to be superiour in vertue . The Senate remitted the whole matter to Camillus , to judge and order as he thought fit . Who taking a sum of Money of the Falerians , and making a Peace with the whole Nation of the Falisces , returned home : But the Souldiers , who expected to have had the Pillage of the City , when they came to Rome empty-handed , railed against Camillus among their Fellow-citizens , as a hater of the People , and one that maliciously opposed the interest of the Poor . Afterwards , when the Tribunes of the People again proposed the Law for dividing the City , Camillus of all others most openly appear'd against it , sparing no pains , but inveying with all boldness against the Promoters of it ; so that forcing and constraining the multitude , they dismissed the Law , though contrary to their inclinations . But against Camillus they had an implacable hatred . Insomuch , that though a great misfortune befell him in his Family ( one of his Sons dying of a disease ) yet the commiseration of his case could not in the least make them abate of their malice . And indeed he took this loss with immoderate sorrow , being a man naturally of a mild and tender disposition ; even that day , when the accusation was preferred against him , he kept house , and was shut up a close Mourner with the Women . His Accuser was Lucius Apuleius . The Crime , Fraud in the Tuscan Spoils ; and accordingly it was given out , that there were found with him certain brass Gates part of those Spoils . The People were exasperated against him , and it was plain they would take hold of the least pretence and occasion to condemn him . Wherefore gathering together his Friends and fellow Souldiers , and such as had bore command with him , a considerable number in all , he besought them that they would not suffer him to be unjustly crusht under false accusations , and left the mock and scorn of his Enemies . His Friends having advised and consulted among themselves made answer , that as to the Sentence they did not see how they could help him , but that they would contribute to whatsoever fine should be set upon him : Not able to endure so great an indignity , he resolved in his anger , to leave the City , and go into Exile . Wherefore having taken leave of his Wife , and his Son , he went silently to the Gate of the City , where making a stand , and turning himself about , he stretched out his Hands to the Capitol , and prayed to the Gods , That if without any fault of his own , but merely through the malice and violence of the people , he was driven out into banishment , that the Romans might quickly have cause to repent of it ; and that all mankind might visibly perceive , that they needed his assistence , and longed for his return . Thus , like Achilles , having left his imprecations on the Citizens , he went into banishment ; so that neither appearing , or making defence , he was condemned in the sum of fifteen thousand Asses , which reduced to Silver makes a thousand five hundred Drachma's ; for an Asse was a little piece of Money , ten of which in Brass made a Penny. There is not a Roman but does believe that immediately upon the Prayers of Camillus , a sudden Judgment followed at the heels , and that he received a sufficient revenge for the injustice done unto him ; which though we cannot think was pleasant , but rather grievous and bitter to him , yet it was very remarkable , and noised over the whole World : For such vengeance fell upon the City of Rome , and such dismal times succeeded , as drew along with them all manner of dangers and deaths , accompanied with disgrace and infamy : Whether or no it fell out by chance or fortune , or it be the office of some God not to see injured Vertue go unrevenged . The first token that seemed to threaten some mischief to ensue , was the death of the Censor in the Month of July , for the Romans have a religious reverence for the office of a Censor , and esteem it a sacred thing . The second was , That just before Camillus went into exile , Marcus Cedicius , a person of no great quality or of the rank of Senatours , but esteemed a sober and creditable man , reported to the Military Tribunes a thing worthy their consideration . That going along the Night before in that Street which is called the new Way , and being called by some body in a huge voice , he turned about but could see no body , but heard a voice bigger than a Man's , which said these words , Go , Marcus Cedicius , and early in the morning tell the Military Tribunes , that suddenly they are to expect the Gauls . But the Tribunes made a mock and sport with the story , and a little after Camillus his business fell out . The Gauls are descended originally of the Celtae , and are reported by reason of their vast numbers to have left their Country not able to sustain them all , and to have gon in search of other places to inhabit . And being many thousands of them young Men and able to bear Arms , and carrying with them a greater number of Women and young Children , some of them passing the Riphaean Mountains , fell upon the Northern Ocean , and possessed the uttermost bounds of Europe ; others seating themselves between the Pyrenaean Mountain and the Alpes , for a long time lived near to the Sennones and Celtorii . But afterwards tasting of the Wine which was then first brought them out of Italy , they were all so much taken with the Liquor , and transported with the unusual delight , that snatching up their Arms , and taking their Parents along with them , they marched directly to the Alpes to find out that Country which yielded such Fruit , esteeming all others barren and unpleasant . He that first brought Wine among them , and was the chief instigatour to draw them into Italy , is said to be one Arron a Tuscan , a man of noble extraction , by nature not evil , but happened to be in these untoward circumstances : he was Guardian to an Orphan , one of the richest of that Country , and much admired for his beauty , his name Lucumo ; From his Childhood he had been bred up with Arron in his Family , and now grown up , he left not the House , pretending to take great delight in his conversation , thus for a great while together he secretly enjoyed Arron's Wife , corrupting and being corrupted by her . But when they were both so far gone on in their passions , that they could neither refrain their lust or conceal it , the young Man seised the Woman and openly carried her away . The Husband going to Law , and overpower'd in multitude of Friends and Money , left his own Country , and hearing of the state of the Gauls , went to them , and was Conductour of that Expedition into Italy . At first coming they presently possessed themselves of all that Country which anciently the Tuscans inhabited , reaching from the Alpes to both the Seas , as the names themselves witness ; for the North Sea Adria is so called from the Tuscan City Adria , and that which lies on the other side to the South is called the Tuscan Sea. All the Country is well planted with Trees , has pleasant and rich Pasture , and well watered with Rivers . It had eighteen fair and stately Cities , excellently seated for industry and Trade , and plentifully provided for all pleasures and delights . The Gauls casting out the Tuscans seated themselves in them : but these things were done long before . But the Gauls at this time were besieging Clusium a Tuscan City . The Clusians sent to the Romans for succour , desiring them to interpose with the Barbarians by their Letters and Ambassadours . There were sent three of the Family of the Fabii persons of the greatest quality , and most honourable in the City . The Gauls received them courteously in respect to the name of Rome , and giving over the assault which was then making upon the Walls came to conference with them , where the Ambassadours asking what injury they had received of the Clusians that they thus invaded their City , Brennus King of the Gauls smiling made answer , The Clusians doe us injury , in that not able to till a small parcel of ground , they must needs possess a great Territory , and will not communicate any part to us , who are strangers , many in number and poor . In the same nature , O Romans , formerly the Albanes , Fidenates and Ardeates , and now lately the Veiens and Capenates and many of the Falisces and Volsces did you injury ; upon whom ye make War if they do not yield you part of what they possess , ye make Slaves of them , ye waste and spoil their Country and ruin their Cities , neither in so doing are ye cruel or unjust , but follow that most ancient of all Laws , which gives the things of the feeble to the strong , beginning from God and ending in the Beasts , for all these by nature seek , the stronger to have advantage over the weaker : Leave off therefore to pity the Clusians whom we besiege , lest ye teach the Gauls to be good and compassionate to those that are oppressed by you . By this answer the Romans perceived that Brennus was not to be treated with , so they went into Clusium and encouraged and stirr'd up the inhabitants to make a sally with them upon the Barbarians , which they did either to try the strength of the Clusians , or to shew their own . The sally being made , and the fight growing hot about the Walls , one of the Fabii , Quintus Ambustus , being well mounted , and setting Spurs to his Horse , made full against a Gaul , a man of huge bulk and stature , whom he saw was rode out a great distance from the rest . At the first he was not perceived through the sharpness of the encounter , and the glittering of his Armour that hindred the sight of him ; but when he had overthrown the Gaul , and was going to gather the Spoils , Brennus knew him , and invoking the Gods to be witnesses , that contrary to the known and common Law of Nations , which is holily observed by all mankind , that he who came an Ambassadour should act hostility against him , he drew off his men , and bidding the Clusians farewell , led his Army directly to Rome . But not willing it should look as if they took advantage of that injury , and were ready to embrace any slight occasion and pretence of quarrel , he sent a Herald to demand the man in punishment , and in the mean time marched leasurely on . The Senate being met at Rome , among many others that spoke against the Fabii , the Priests called Feciales were the most violent prosecutours , who laying Religion before the Senate , advised them that they would lay the whole guilt and expiation of the fact upon him that committed it , and so acquit the rest . These Feciales Numa Pompilius , the mildest and justest of Kings , constituted the Conservatours of Peace , and the Judges and Determiners of all Causes by which War may justifiably be made . The Senate referring the whole matter to the People , and the Priests there as well as in the Senate pleading against Fabius , the multitude did so little regard their authority that in scorn and contempt of it they chose Fabius and the rest of his Brethren Military Tribunes . The Gauls hearing this , in great rage would no longer delay their march , but hastned on with all the speed they could make . The places through which they marched , terrified with their numbers and such dreadfull preparations of War , and considering the violence and fierceness of their natures , began to give their Countries for lost , not doubting but their Cities would quickly follow ; but contrary to expectation they did no injury as they passed , or drove any thing from the Fields , and when they went by any City they cried out , That they were going to Rome ; that the Romans onely were their Enemies , and that they took all others for their Friends . Thus whilst the Barbarians were hastening with all speed , the Military Tribunes brought the Romans into the Field to be ready to engage them , being not inferiour to the Gauls in number ( for they were no less than forty thousand Foot ) but most of them raw Souldiers and such as had never handled a Weapon before ; besides they had neglected to consult the Gods , as they ought and used to do upon all difficulties , especially War , but ran on without staying for Priest or Sacrifice . No less did the multitude of Commanders distract and confound their proceedings ; for before upon less occasions they chose a single person called Dictatour , being sensible of what great importance it is in times of danger , to have the Souldiers united under one General , who had absolute and unaccountable power in his hands . Add to all that the remembrance of Camillus his case was no small hinderance to their affairs , it being grown a dangerous thing to command without humouring and courting the Souldiers . In this condition they left the City , and encamped by the River Allia about eleven miles from Rome , and not far from the place where it falleth into the Tyber , where the Gauls coming upon them , and they shamefully engaging without Order or Discipline , were miserably defeated . The left Wing was immediately driven into the River and there utterly destroyed : the Right had less damage , by declining the shock , and from the low grounds getting to the tops of Hills , from whence many of them afterwards drop'd into the City ; the rest as many as escaped ( the Enemy being weary of the slaughter ) stole by night to Veii giving Rome for gone , and all that was in it for lost . This Battel was fought about the Summer Solstice , the Moon being at full , the very same day in which formerly happened that sad misfortune to the Fabii , when three hundred of that name and Family were at one time cut off by the Tuscans . But from this second loss and defeat , the day got the name of Alliensis , from the River Allia , and still retaineth it . But concerning unlucky days whether we should esteem any such or no , or whether Heraclitus did well in upbraiding Hesiod for distinguishing them into fortunate and unfortunate , as one ignorant that the nature of every day is the same , I have discoursed in another place ; but upon occasion of this present subject I think it will not be amiss , to annex a few examples relating to this matter . On the fifth of June the Boeotians happened to get two signal Victories , the one about Leuctra , the other at Gerastus , about three hundred years before , when they overcame Lattamyas and the Thessalians , and asserted the liberty of Greece . Again on the sixth of August the Persians were worsted by the Grecians , at Marathon , on the third at Plataeae as also at Mycale ; on the twenty fifth at Arbeli . The Athenians about the full Moon in August got a Sea Victory about Naxus under the Conduct of Chabrias ; about the twentieth at Salamin , as we have shewn in our Book of Days . April was very unfortunate to the Barbarians , for in that Month Alexander overcame Darius his General at Granicum ; and the Carthaginians on the twenty seventh were beaten by Timoleon about Sicily , on which same Day and Month Troy seems to have been taken , as Ephorus , Callisthenes , Damastes and Phylarchus have related . On the other hand the Month July was not very lucky to the Grecians ; for on the seventh day of the same they were defeated by Antipater , at the Battel in Cranon , and utterly ruin'd ; and before that in Chaeronea they were defeated by Philip , and on the very same Day , same Month and same Year , they that went with Archidamus into Italy were there cut off by the Barbarians . The Carthaginians also observe the twenty seventh of the same Month , as bringing with it the most and greatest of their losses . I am not ignorant that about the Feast of Mysteries Thebes was destroyed by Alexander ; and after that upon the same twentieth of August , on which day they celebrate the Mysteries of Bacchus , the Athenians received a Garrison of the Macedonians ; on the self same day the Romans lost their Camp under Scipio , by the Cimbrians , and under the conduct of Lucullus overcame the Armenians and Tigranes . King Attalus and Pompey died both on their birth days . I could reckon up several that have had variety of fortune on the same day . This day called Alliensis is one of the unfortunate ones to the Romans , and for its sake other two in every Month , Fear and Superstition as the custom of it is more and more encreasing . But I have discoursed this more accurately in my Book of Roman Causes . And now after the Battel , had the Gauls immediately pursued those that fled , there had been no remedy but Rome must have wholly been ruined , and all those who remained in it utterly destroyed , such was the terrour that those who escaped the Battel had struck into the City at their return , and so great afterwards was the distraction and confusion . But the Gauls not imagining their Victory to be so considerable , and overtaken with the present joy , fell to feasting and dividing the Spoil , by which means , they gave leisure to those who were for leaving the City , to make their escape , and to those that remained to provide and prepare for their coming . For they who resolved to stay at Rome , quitting the rest of the City , betook themselves to the Capitol , which they fortified with strong Rampiers and Mounds , and all sort of Slings and Darts , in order to hold out a Siege . But their first and principal care was of their Holy Things , most of which they conveyed into the Capitol . But as for the consecrated Fire , the Vestal Virgins took it up and fled away with it , as likewise with other Holy Relicks . Some write that they preserved nothing but that ever-living Fire which Numa had ordained to be worshipped as the Principle of all things ; for Fire is the most active thing in nature , and all generation is motion or at least with motion , all other parts of matter without warmth lie sluggish and dead , and crave the influence of heat as their Soul , which when it comes upon them they presently fall to doing or suffering something : wherefore Numa , a man very curious in such things , and for his wisedom thought to converse with the Muses , did consecrate Fire , and ordained it to be kept ever burning , in resemblance of that eternal Power which preserveth and acteth all things . Others say that that Fire was the same they burned before the Sacrifices , and was no other than what the Greeks call Purifying Fire , but that there were other things hid in the most secret part of the Temple , which were kept from the view of all except those Virgins which they call Vestals . The most common opinion was that the Image of Pallas , brought into Italy by Aeneas , was laid up there ; others say that the Samothracian Gods lay there , telling a story , How that Dardanus carried them to Troy , and when he had built that City , dedicated them there ; that after Troy was taken , Aeneas stole them away and kept them till his coming into Italy . But they who pretend to understand more of these things , affirm , that there are two Barrels , not of any great size , one of which stands open and has nothing in it , the other full and sealed up . But that neither of them is to be seen but by the most Holy Virgins : others think that they who say this are deceived , because the Virgins put most of their holy things into two Barrels , and hid them under ground in the Temple of Quirinus , and that from hence that place to this day bears the sirname of Barrels . However it be , taking the choicest and most venerable things they had , they fled away with them shaping their course along the River side , where Lucius Albinus , a simple Citizen of Rome , who among others was making his escape , overtook them , having his Wife , Children and Goods in a Cart , who seeing the Virgins lugging along in their armes the Holy Relicks of the Gods in a helpless and weary condition , he caused his Wife and Children to descend , and taking out his Goods , put the Virgins in the Cart , that they might make their escape to some of the Grecian Cities . This extraordinary devotion of Albinus , and respect to the Gods in such an exigence of time , and extremity of his own affairs is so remarkable , as deserves not to be passed over in silence . But the Priests that belonged to other Gods , and the most ancient of the Senatours , such as had run through many Consulships and Triumphs , could not endure to think of leaving the City ; but putting on their holy Vestures and Robes of State , and Fabius the High Priest performing the Office , they made their Prayers to the Gods , and devoting themselves as it were for their Country , sate themselves down in Ivory Chairs in the Market-place , and in that posture expected the uttermost of what should follow . On the third day after the Battel , Brennus appeared with his Army at the City , and finding the Gates to stand wide open , and no Guards upon the Walls , he first began to suspect it was some design or stratageme , never dreaming that the Romans were in so low and forsaken a condition . But when he found it to be so indeed , he entered at the Colline Gate , and took Rome in the three hundred and sixtieth year or a little more after it was built , if it be likely that an exact account of those times has been preserved , when there is so much confusion and dispute in things of a later date . The report of the City's being taken presently flew into Greece , though in different and uncertain rumours , for Heraclides of Pontus who lived not long after these times , in his Book of the Soul , relates that a certain report came from the West , that an Army proceeding from the Hyperboreans , had taken a Greek City called Rome , seated somewhere upon the great Ocean . But I do not wonder that such a fabulous and bumbast Authour as Heraclides should foist into the truth of the story such high-flown words as Hyperborean and Ocean . Aristotle the Philosopher appears to have heard an exact account of the taking of the City by the Gauls , but he calls him that recovered it Lucius , but Camillus his sirname was not Lucius but Marcus , but this is spoken by way of conjecture . Brennus having taken possession of the City , set a strong Guard about the Capitol , and going himself to view the City , when he came into the Market-place , he was struck with an amazement at the sight of so many men sitting in that order and silence , observing that they neither rose at his coming , or so much as changed colour or countenance , but without fear or concern leaned upon their Staves , and in that fullen majesty sate looking one upon the other . The Gauls for a great while stood wondring at the object , being surprised with the strangeness of it , not daring so much as to approach or touch them , taking them for an Assembly of the Gods. But when one , bolder than the rest , drew near to M. Papirius , and putting forth his hand , gently touched his Chin , and stroked his long Beard , Papirius with his Staff struck him on the Head and broke it , at which the Barbarian enraged , drew out his Sword and slew him ; this was the introduction to the slaughter , for the rest of his fellows following his example , set upon them all and killed them , and continuing their rage dispatched all that came in their way ; in this fury they went on to the sacking and pillaging the Houses , for many days together lugging and carrying away . Afterwards they burnt them down to the ground , and demolish'd them , being incensed at those who kept the Capitol , because they would not yield to summons , or hearken to a surrender , but on the contrary from their Walls and Rampiers galled the Besiegers with their Slings and Darts . This provoked them to destroy the whole City , and put to the Sword all that came to their hands young and old , Men , Women and Children . And now the Siege of the Capitol having lasted a good while , the Gauls began to be in want of Provision , wherefore dividing their Forces , part of them stay'd with the King at the Siege , the rest went to forage the Country , destroying the Towns and Villages where they came ; but not all together in a Body , but in different Squadrons and Parties , and to such a confidence had success raised them , that they carelesly rambled about without the least fear or apprehension of danger . But the greatest and best ordered Body of their Forces went to the City of Ardea where Camillus then sojourned , having ever since his leaving Rome sequestred himself from all business , and taken to a private life : but now he began to rouse up himself and cast about , not how to avoid or escape the Enemy , but to find out an opportunity how to be revenged of them . And perceiving that the Ardeans wanted not men , but rather heart and courage , through the unskilfull management of their Officers . At first he began to deal with the young men , flinging out words among them , That they ought not to ascribe the misfortune of the Romans to the courage of their Enemy , or attribute the losses they sustained by rash counsel , to the conduct of those who brought nothing with them to conquer , but were onely an evidence of the power of Fortune ; That it was a brave thing even with danger to repell a foreign and barbarous War , whose end in conquering was like Fire to lay waste and destroy . But if they would be courageous and resolute he was ready to put an opportunity in their hands to gain a Victory without hazard at all . When he found the young men embraced the thing , he went to the chief Officers and Governours of the City , and having perswaded them also , he mustered all that could bear Arms , and drew them up within the Walls , that they might not be perceived by the Enemy who was near ; who having scoured the Country , and returned heavy laden with booty , lay encamped in the Plains in a careless and negligent posture , so that the night coming upon them who had been disordered with Wine , there was a great silence through all the Camp. Which when Camillus understood by his Spies , he drew out the Ardeans , and in the dead of the night passing in silence those grounds that lay between , he made himself master of their Works , and then commanding his Trumpets to sound , and his Men to shout and hollow , he struck such terrour into them , that even they who took the alarum could hardly recover their Senses : Some were so overcharged with Wine , that all the noise of the Assaylants could not awaken them : A few , whom fear made sober , getting into some order , for a while resisted ; and so died with their Weapons in their hands . But the greatest part of them , buried in Wine and Sleep , were surprized without their Arms and dispatched : But as many of them , as by the advantage of the night , got out of the Camp , were the next day found scattered abroad and wandring in the Fields , and were pick't up by the Horse that pursued them . The fame of this Action presently flew through the neighbouring Cities , and stirred up the Youth of all Parts to come and join themselves with him . But none were so much concerned as those Romans who escaped in the Battel of Allia , and were now at Veii thus lamenting with themselves ; O heavens , what a Commander has Providence bereaved Rome of , to honour Ardea with his Actions ! And that City , which brought forth and nursed so great a man , is lost and gone ; and we destitute of a Leader , and living within strange Walls sit idle , and see Italy ruin'd before our eyes . Come , let us send to the Ardeans to have back our General , or else , with Weapons in our hands , let us go thither to him ; for he is no longer a banisht man , nor we Citizens , having no Country , but what is in the possession of the Enemy . They all agreed upon the matter , and sent to Camillus , to desire him to take the Command ; but he answered , that he would not , untill they that were in the Capitol , should legally chuse him ; for he esteemed them , as long as they were in being , to be his Country : that if they should command him , he would readily obey ; but against their consents , he would intermeddle with nothing . When this answer was returned , they admired the modesty and temper of Camillus , but they could not tell how to find a Messenger to carry these things to the Capitol ; and what was more ; it seemed altogether impossible for any one to get to them , whilst the Enemy was in full possession of the City . But among the young men , there was one Pontius Cominius , of indifferent birth , but ambitious of honour ; this man proffered himself to run the hazard , but he took no Letters with him to those in the Capitol , lest that being intercepted , the Enemy might learn the intentions of Camillus . But putting on a poor garment , and carrying Corks under it ; the greatest part of the way he boldly travelled by day , and came to the City when it was dark : The Bridge he could not pass , by reason it was guarded by the Barbarians ; so that taking his Cloaths , which were neither many nor heavy , and binding them about his head , he laid his body upon the Corks , and swimming on them , got over to the City . And avoiding those Quarters where he perceived the Enemy was awake , which he guessed at by the lights and noise ; he went to the Carmentale Gate , where there was greatest silence , and where the hill of the Capitol is steepest , and rises with craggy and broken stones . By this way he got up , though with much difficulty , by reason of the abruptness of the passage , and presented himself to the Guards , saluting them , and telling them his name ; he was taken in , and carried to the Commanders . And a Senate being immediately called , he related to them in order the victory of Camillus , which they had not heard of before , and told them the proceedings of the Souldiers , advising them to confirm the Command to Camillus , as in whose conduct alone , the whole Army abroad relied . Having heard and consulted of the matter , the Senate declared Camillus Dictatour , and sent back Pontius the same way that he came ; who , with the same success that he came , got through the Enemy , without being discovered and delivered to the Romans , the Election of the Senate , who received it with great acclamations of joy ; and Camillus coming to them , found twenty thousand of them ready in arms ; with which forces , and those Confederates he brought along with him , which were more in number ; he prepared to set upon the Enemy . But at Rome some of the Barbarians passing by chance that way by which Pontius by night had got into the Capitol , spied in several places the print of his feet and hands , as he caught and clammered , and the Moss that grew to the Rock tore off and broken , and reported it to the King , who coming in person and viewing it , for the present said nothing . But in the Evening , picking out such of the Gauls as were nimblest of body , and by living in the Mountains were accustomed to climb , He thus spake unto them . The Enemy themselves have shown us a way how to come at them , which we knew not of before ; and have taught us , that it is not so difficult and impossible , but that men may overcome it . It would be a great shame for us who command , having begun well , to fail in the end ; and to give over a place as impregnable , when the Enemy himself chalks us out the way by which it may be taken ; for in the same place where it was easy for one man to get up , it will not be hard for many , one after another ; nay , when many shall undertake it , their mutual assistence of one another will be a great addition of strength and firmness . Rewards and honours shall be bestowed on every man according as he shall acquit himself in the action . When the King had thus spoken , the Gauls chearfully undertook to perform it , and in the dead of night , a good party of them together , with great silence began to climb the Rock , catching hold of the craggy Stones , and drawing their Bodies into the broken places , which though hard and untoward in it self , yet upon trial prov'd not half so difficult as they had expected it . So that the foremost of them having gained the top of all , and put themselves into order , they were not far from surprizing the Out-works , and mastering the Watch , who were fast asleep , for neither Man nor Dog perceived their coming . But there were sacred Geese kept near the Temple of Juno , which at other times were plentifully fed , but at this time , by reason that Corn and all other provisions were grown strait , their allowance was shortned , and they themselves in a poor and lean condition . This Creature is by nature of quick sense , and apprehensive of the least noise ; so that being besides watchfull through hunger , and restless , they immediately discovered the coming of the Gauls ; so that running up and down , with their noise and cackling they raised the whole Camp. The Barbarians on the other side perceiving themselves discovered , no longer endeavoured to conceal their attempt , but with great shouting and violence set themselves to the assault . The Romans every one in haste snatching up the next Weapon that came to hand , did what they could on this sudden occasion . Manlius , a man of consular dignity , of strong body and stout heart , was the first that made head against them , and engaging with two of the Enemy at once , with his Sword cut off the right Arme of one just as he was lifting up his Poleaxe to strike , and running his Target full in the face of the other , tumbled him headlong down the steep Rock ; then mounting the Rampier , and there standing with others that came running to his assistence , he drove down the rest of them , there having not many got up ; and those that had , doing nothing brave or gallant . The Romans having thus escaped this danger , early in the morning took the Capt. of the Watch and flung him down the Rock upon the head of their Enemies ; and to Manlius for his victory they voted a reward which carried more honour than advantage with it , which was , that they contributed to him as much as every man had for his daily allowance , which was half a pound of Bread , and about half a pint of Wine . Henceforward , the affairs of the Gauls were daily in a worse and worse condition ; they wanted Provisions , being kept in from forraging through fear of Camillus ; besides , that sickness came upon them , occasioned by the number of Carcasses that lay unburied in heaps . Moreover , being lodged among the Ruines , the Ashes , which were very deep , blown about with the wind , and mingled with the soultry heat , caused a dry and pestilent Air , which drawn in , infected their Bodies . But the chief cause was the change of their natural Climate , coming out of shady and hilly Countrys , which afforded pleasant retirements and shelter from the heat , to lodge in low and champion Grounds , naturally unhealthfull in the Autumn Season . Another thing which broke their Spirits , was the length and tediousness of the Siege ( for they had now sate seven months before the Capitol ) insomuch , that there was vast desolation among them ; and the number of the dead grown so great , that the living scarce sufficed to bury them . Neither were things any thing better with the Besieged , for famine encreased upon them ; and not knowing what Camillus did , they remained in a languishing and desponding condition ; for it was impossible to send any to him , the City was so narrowly guarded by the Barbarians . Things being in this sad condition on both sides , it came to pass that a motion of treaty was made by some of the Fore-guards as they happened to discourse with one another , which being embraced by the better sort , Sulpicius , Tribune of the Romans , came to parle with Brennus ; where it was agreed , that the Romans laying down a thousand weight of Gold , the Gauls upon the receipt of it should immediately quit the City and Territories . The agreement being confirmed by oath on both sides , and the Gold brought forth , the Gauls used false dealing in the weights , first privily , afterwards openly , pulling back the balance and violently turning it ; at which the Romans being moved , and complaining , Brennus in a scoffing and insulting manner pull'd off his Sword and Belt , and threw them both into the Scales ; and when Sulpicius asked , what that meant , What should it mean ( says he ) but woe to the conquered ? which afterwards became a proverbial Saying . As for the Romans , some were so incensed , that they were for taking their Gold back again and returning , and with resolution to endure the uttermost extremities of the Siege . Others were for passing by and dissembling a petty injury , and not to account that the indignity of the thing , lay in paying more than was due , but the paying any thing at all ; which stood not with their honour to have done , had not the necessity of the times made them yield unto it . Whilst this difference was amongst themselves , and with the Gauls Camillus was at the Gates , and having learned what had passed , he commanded the body of his Forces to follow slowly after him in good order , and himself , with the choicest of his men hastning on , went presently to the Romans . Where all giving way to him , and receiving him as their sole Magistrate , with profound silence and order , he took the Gold out of the Scales , and delivered it to his Officers , and commanded the Gauls to take their Weights and Scales and depart . Saying , that it was customary with the Romans to deliver their Country with Iron , not with Gold. And when Brennus began to rage and say , that he had injury done him in breaking the Contract ; Camillus answered , that it was never legally made , and the agreements of no force or obligation at all ; for that himself being declared Dictatour , and there being no other Magistrate by Law ; that he had contracted with those who had no power to doe it : But now they might use their own discretions , for he was come as absolute Lord by law , to grant pardon to such as should ask it , or inflict punishment on those who had been authours of these disturbances , if they did not repent . At this Brennus flew out into rage , and it came to a present quarrel ; both sides drawing their Swords , and vigorously assaulting each other , being mixed in confusion together , as could not otherwise be amongst the ruines of Houses and narrow Lanes , and such places where it was impossible to draw up in any order . But Brennus presently recollecting himself , called off his Men , and with the loss of a few onely , brought them to their Camp ; and rising in the night with all his Forces , left the City , and going on about eight mile encamped upon the Gabinian way . As soon as day appeared Camillus came up with him , excellently provided , and his Souldiers full of courage and confidence , and there engaging with him in a sharp Fight , and which lasted a long while , he overthrew his Army with great slaughter , and took their Camp. Of those that fled , some were presently cut off by the Pursuers ; others , of whom was the greatest number , being scattered here and there , the people of the Villages and neighbouring Cities came running out and dispatched them . Thus Rome was strangely taken , and more strangely recovered ; having been seven whole months in the possession of the Barbarians , who entered her about the fifteenth day of July , and were driven out about the fourteenth of February following . Camillus triumphed , as he deferved , having saved his Country that was lost ; and brought the City back again to it self . For they that had lived abroad , together with their Wives and Children , accompanied him in his triumph , and they who had been shut up in the Capitol , and were reduced almost to the point of perishing with hunger , went out to meet him , imbracing each other , and weeping for joy ; and through the excess of the present pleasure , scarce believing the truth of their deliverance . But when the Priests and Ministers of the Gods appeared , bearing those sacred Relicks , which in their flight they had either hid there , or conveyed away with them , and now openly shewed that they were preserved , it yielded a most joyfull and desireable spectacle to the Citizens who took it , as if with them the Gods themselves were again returned unto Rome . After Camillus had sacrificed to the Gods , and purged the City , the Priests leading the Procession , and performing the customary Ceremonies , he restored the present Temples , and erected a new one to the God , called the Speaker or Caller , chusing the very same place in which that voice from Heaven came by night to Marcus Cedicius , foretelling the coming of the Barbarian Army . It was a business of great difficulty , and an exceeding hard task , amidst so much Rubbish , to discover and set out the consecrated Places ; but by the unwearied diligence of Camillus , and the incessant labour of the Priests , it was at last accomplished . But when the business came to the rebuilding the City , which was wholly demolished , an heartless despondency seised the Multitude and a backwardness to the work , as those who wanted all necessary materials , and had more need of some refreshment and rest from their labours , than to toil and wear out themselves already broken both in body and fortunes . Thus by leisure they turned their thoughts again towards Veii , a City ready built , and excellently provided of all things ; which gave occasion to many who sought to be popular , by following and nourishing the humour , to raise new tumults , and many seditious words were flung out against Camillus ; that out of ambition and self-glory he withheld them from a City fit to receive them , forcing them to live in the midst of Ruines , and to raise such a pile of Rubbish , that he might be esteemed not the chief Magistrate onely and General of Rome , but ( setting Romulus aside ) the Founder also . The Senate therefore , fearing a sedition , would not suffer Camillus , though desirous , to lay down his authority within the year , though no other Dictatour had ever held it above six months . Besides , they endeavoured by kind persuasions and familiar addresses to appease and sweeten their minds and chear up their spirits . Sometimes they would lead them to the Monuments and Tombs of their Ancestours , often calling to their remembrance the sacred Oratories and holy Places which Romulus and Numa , or any other of their Kings had consecrated and left unto them ; but amongst the chief of their holy Relicks , they set before them that fresh and raw Head , which was found in laying the foundation of the Capitol , as a place destin'd by fate to be the head of all Italy . What a shame would it be to them , by forsaking the City , to lose and extinguish that holy Fire , which since the War was re-kindled by the Vestal Virgins , to see the City it self either inhabited by Foreigners and Strangers , or left a wild Pasture for Cattel to graze on ? Such reasons as these , mixt with complaints and intreaties , they used with the People ; sometimes in private , taking them singly one by one ; and sometimes in their publick Assemblies . But still they were afresh assaulted by the outcries of the multitude , protesting and bewailing their present wants and inability ; beseeching them , that seeing they were just met together , as from a shipwreck , naked and destitute , they would not constrain them to patch up the pieces of a ruin'd and shattered City , when they had another at hand ready built and prepared . Camillus thought good to refer it to the Senate ; and he himself discoursed largely and earnestly in behalf of his Country , as likewise did many others . At last , calling to Lucius Lucretius , whose place was first to speak , he commanded him to give his sentence , and the rest as they followed in order . Silence being made , and Lucretius just about to begin , by chance a Captain without , passing by the Senate-house , and leading his Company of the Day-guard , called out with a loud voice to the Ensign-bearer , to stay , and fix his Standard ; for that was the best place to stay in . This voice coming in that nick of time , was taken as a direction what was to be done ; so that Lucretius embracing the Omen , and adoring the Gods , gave his sentence for staying , as likewise did all the rest that followed . Even among the common people it wrought a wonderfull change of affection , every one heartning and encouraging his Neighbour , and setting himself chearfully to the work ; proceeding not in any regular lines or proportions , but every one pitching upon that plot of ground which came next to hand , or best pleased his fancy ; by which haste and hurry in building , they raised the City with narrow and intricate Lanes , and Houses huddled together one upon the back of another : For it is said , that within the compass of the year , the whole City was raised up anew , both in its publick Walls , and private Buildings . But the persons appointed by Camillus to recover and set out the consecrated places in that great confusion of all things , searching about the Palatium , and coming to that place which is called Mars's Close , it happened , that whilst they were clearing the place , and carrying away the rubbish , they lit upon Romulus his magick Staff buried under great and deep heaps of Ashes . This Staff is crooked at one end , and is called Lituus . They make use of this Lituus in quartering out the regions of the Heavens , when they are upon that sort of divination which is made by the flight of Birds ; which Romulus himself also made use of , being most excellently skilled in Augury . But when he disappeared from among men , the Priests took the Staff , and kept it as other holy things , not to be touched or defiled . Now when they found that whereas all other things were consumed , this Staff was not in the least perished by the flames , they began to conceive joyfull hopes concerning Rome , that this token did portend the everlasting safety and prosperity of it . And now they had scarce got a breathing time from their troubles , but a new War comes upon them , the Aequi , Volsci and Latins all at once invade their Territories , and the Tuscans besiege Sutrium a confederate City of the Romans . The Military Tribunes , who commanded the Army , and were encamped about the Hill Martius , being closely besieged by the Latins , and the Camp in danger to be lost , send to Rome , and Camillus is third time chosen Dictatour . About this War there are two different relations ; I shall begin with the fabulous : They say that the Latins ( whether out of pretence , or real design to re-unite the ancient bloud of both Nations ) should send to desire of the Romans some of their free Maids in Marriage . That the Romans being at a loss what to determine , ( for on one hand they dreaded a War , having scarce settled and recovered themselves , on the other side they suspected that this asking of Wives was in plain terms nothing else but to gain Hostages , though they covered it over with the specious name of marriage and alliance ) a certain Handmaid by name Tutula , or as some call her Philotis should perswade the Magistrates to send with her some of the most youthfull and beautiful Damosels in the garb and dress of noble Virgins , and leave the rest to her care and management ; that the Magistrates consenting should chuse out as many as she thought necessary for her purpose , and adorning them with Gold and rich Clothes , deliver them to the Latins , who encamped nigh the City : That at night the rest should steal away the Enemies Swords , but Tutula or Philotis ( which you please ) getting to the top of a wild Fig-tree , and spreading out a thick Garment behind her should hold out a Torch towards Rome , which was the signal agreed on between her and the Commanders , none other of the Citizens perceiving it , which was the reason that the issuing out of the Soldiers was tumultuous , the Officers pushing their men on , and they calling upon one anothers names , and scarce able to bring themselves into any order . That setting upon the Enemies Works , who either were asleep or expected no such matter , they should take the Camp and destroy most of them ; and that this was done in the Nones of July , which was then called Quintilis , and that the Feast that is then observed , is in remembrance of this action ; for first running out of the City in great crouds , they pronounce aloud the most familiar and usual names , as Caius , Marcus , Lucius , and the like , imitating thereby that calling to one another when they issued out in such haste . In the next place the Maid-servants richly adorned , run about playing and jesting upon all they meet , and amongst themselves use a kind of skirmishing , to shew they helped in the conflict against the Latins . In the time of their feasting they sit shaded over with Boughs of wild Fig-tree , and the day they call Nonae Capratinae , as some think from that wild Fig-tree on which the Maiden held out her Torch ; for the Romans call a wild Fig-tree Caprificus . Others refer most of what is said or done at this Feast , to that accident of Romulus ; for on this day without the Gate he vanished out of sight , a sudden darkness , together with tempest overclouding him ( some think it an eclipse of the Sun ) and for this reason the day was called Nonae Capratinae , for they call a Goat Capra ; and Romulus disappeared at a place called Palus Caprae , or Goat Marsh , whilst he was holding there an assembly , as in his Life it is written . But the general stream of Writers prefer the other account of this War , which they thus relate . Camillus being the third time chosen Dictatour , and learning that the Army under the Tribunes was besieged by the Latins and Volsces , he was constrained to arm , not onely the youth , but even such as age exempted from service ; and taking a large compass round the Mountain Martius , undiscovered by the Enemy , he lodged his Army on their back , and then by many fires gave notice of his arrival . The besieged encouraged herewith , prepared to fall on and join battel ; but the Latins and Volsces , fearing their Enemy on both sides , drew themselves within their Works , which they fortified with many Trees laid cross-wise , and drove into the ground , and so round their Camp drew a wall of Wood ; resolving to wait for more supplies from home , and expect the assistence of the Tuscans their confederates : Camillus perceiving their drift , and fearing to be reduced to the same straits he had brought them to , namely , to be besieged himself , resolved to lose no time ; and finding their Rampier was all of Timber , and observing that a strong wind constantly at Sun-rising blew off from the Mountains , after having prepared much combustable stuff , about break of day he drew forth his Forces ; some of which he commanded to take their Darts , and with noise and shouting assault the Enemy on the other quarter , whilst he with those that were to fling in the fire went to that side of the Enemies Camp on which the wind lay directly , and there waited his opportunity . When the skirmish was begun , and the Sun risen , and a violent wind fell down from the Mountains , he gave the signal of onset ; and pouring in an infinite quantity of fiery matter , he filled all their Rampier with it , so that the flame being fed in the close Timber and wooden Pallisados it went on and dispersed it self into all Quarters . The Latins having nothing ready to keep it off or extinguish it , the Camp being almost full of fire , were reduced to a very small compass , and at last forced by necessity to fall into their Enemies hand , who stood before the Works ready armed and prepared to receive them ; of these a very few escaped , but those that stayed in the Camp were all consumed by the fire , untill such time the Romans , to gain the pillage , extinguished it . These things performed , Camillus , leaving his Son Lucius in the Camp to guard the Prisoners and secure the Booty , passed into his Enemies Country , where having taken the City of the Aeques , and reduced the Volsces to obedience , he immediately led his Army to Sutrium ( having not heard what had befallen the Sutrians ) making haste to assist them , as if they were still in danger , and besieged by the Tuscans . But they had already surrendred their City to their Enemies ; and being destitute of all things , with their Garments onely about them , they met Camillus on the way , leading their Wives and Children , and bewailing their misfortune . Camillus himself was struck with the object , and perceiving the Romans to weep , and grievously resent their case , ( the Sutrians hanging on them ) resolved not to defer revenge , but that very day to lead his Army to Sutrium . Conjecturing that the enemy having just taken a rich and plentifull City , and not left an Enemy within it , nor expecting any from without , he should find them wallowing in all riot and luxury , open and unguarded . Neither did his opinion fail him , for he not onely pass'd through their Country without discovery , but came up to their very Gates , and possessed himself of the Walls , there was not a man left to guard them , but every one was scattered about from house to house , drinking and making merry ; nay , when at last they did perceive that the Enemy had seised the City , they were so overcharged with Meat and Wine , that few were able so much as to endeavour an escape ; but in the most shamefull posture either waited for their death within doors , or if they were able to carry themselves , submitted to the will of the Conquerour . Thus the City of the Sutrians was twice taken in one day ; and it came to pass , that they who were in possession lost it , and they who had lost their possession gained it again by the means of Camillus ; for all which actions he received a triumph , which brought him no less honour and reputation than both the former ; for those very Citizens , who before most envied and detracted from him , ascribing the rest of his successes to a certain hit of fortune rather than steddy virtue , were compelled by these last acts of his , to allow the whole honour to the great abilities and industry of the man. Of all his adversaries and enviers of his glory Marcus Manlius was the most considerable ; he who gave the first repulse to the Gauls , and drove them out that night they set upon the Capitol , for which he was sirnamed Capitolinus . This man affecting the first place in the Common-wealth , and not able by the noblest ways to out-doe Camillus's reputation , took the trite and usual methods of Tyranny , namely , to gain the multitude , especially such as were in debt ; some he would defend against their Creditours and plead their Causes , others rescue by force and not suffer the Law to proceed against them , insomuch that in a short time he had gotten great numbers of indigent people about him ; who making tumults and uproars in the Courts , struck great terrour into the principal Citizens . After that Quintus Capitolinus , who was made Dictatour to examine into these disorders , had committed Manlius to prison , the people immediately changed their apparel , a thing never done but in great and publick calamities . The Senate fearing some tumult , ordered him to be released , who set at liberty was never the better , but rather more insolent in his practices , filling the whole City with his Faction and Sedition . Wherefore they chose Camillus again Military Tribune , and a day being set for Manlius to answer to his charge , the prospect of the place was a great hindrance to his accusers ; for the very place where Manlius by night fought with the Gauls over-look'd the Court from the Capitol , so that stretching forth his hands that way , and weeping , he called to their remembrance his past actions , raising compassion in all that beheld him . Insomuch that the Judges were at a loss what to doe , and several times forced to adjourn the Trial , not willing to acquit him of the crime , proved by manifest circumstances , and yet unable to execute the Law , that noble action of his being always in their eyes by reason of the place . Camillus considering this removed the Judgment Seat out of the Gate to the Peteline Grove , from whence there is no prospect of the Capitol . Here his accuser went on with his charge , and the Judges being now at liberty to consider of his late practices , he received a just recompense and reward of his wicked actions ; for being carried to the Capitol he was flung headlong from the Rock , having the same place witness of his greatest glory , and monument of his most unfortunate end . The Romans besides rased his House , and built there a Temple to the Goddess they call Moneta ; ordaining for the future that none of the Patrician Order should ever dwell in the Capitol Mount. And now Camillus being called to the sixth Tribuneship , desired to be excused , as being aged , and perhaps not unjealous of the malice of Fortune , and those unlucky changes which usually attend great and prosperous actions . But the most apparent pretence was the weakness of his Body , for he happened at that time to be sick , but the people would admit of no excuses , but crying that they wanted not his strength for Horse or for Foot service , but onely his counsel and conduct , they constrained him to undertake the command , and with one of his fellow Tribunes to lead the Army immediately against the Enemy . These were the Praenestines and Volsces , who with great Forces wasted the Countries of the Roman Confederates . Having march'd out his Army , he sate down and encamped near the Enemy , meaning himself to draw out the War in length , or if there should be necessity or occasion of fighting , in the mean time to strengthen his Body for it . But Lucius his Collegue , carried away with the desire of glory , was not to be held in , but impatient to give Battel , inflamed with the same eagerness the Captains and Colonels of the Army ; so that Camillus fearing he might seem out of envy to rob the young men of the glory of a notable exploit , gave way , though unwillingly , that he should draw out the Forces , whilst himself , by reason of weakness , staid behind with a few in the Camp. Lucius engaging rashly and headily was soon discomfited , when Camillus perceiving the Romans to give ground and fly , he could not contain himself , but leaping from his Bed , with those Servants and retinue he had about him , ran to meet them at the Gates of the Camp ; and making his way through them that fled , he drove furiously to oppose the pursuers ; insomuch that those who were got within the Camp presently turned back and followed him , and those that came flying from without , made head again and gathered about him , exhorting one another not to forsake their General . Thus the Enemy for that time was stop'd in his pursuit . But the next day Camillus drawing out his Forces and joining Battel with them overthrew them by main force , and following close upon them that fled , he entred pell mell with them into their Camp , and took it , slaying the greatest part of them . Afterwards having heard that the City Sutrium was taken by the Tuscans , and the inhabitants all Romans , put to the Sword , the main Body of his Forces and heaviest arm'd , he sent home to Rome , and taking with him the lightest and best appointed Soldiers , he set suddenly upon the Tuscans who were in the possession of the City , and having master'd them , some he drove out , others he slew , and so returning to Rome with great spoils , he gave a signal evidence , that in point of wisedom they were chiefly to be preferred , who not mistrusting the weakness and age of a Commander endued with courage and conduct , had rather chosen him who was sickly and desirous to be excused , than younger men who were forward and ambitious to command . Wherefore when the revolt of the Tusculanes was reported , they gave Camillus the charge of reducing them , chusing one of his five Collegues to go with him . And now when every one of them put in earnestly for the place , contrary to the expectation of all , he past by the rest and chose Lucius Furius , the very same man , who against the judgment of Camillus , by rashly hazarding a Battel , had brought things to a dangerous and almost desperate condition ; willing , as it should seem , to hide and dissemble that miscarriage , and divert the shame . The Tusculanes hearing of Camillus his coming against them , sought cunningly to turn off the suspicion of their revolt . Their Fields , as in times of highest peace , were full of Plowmen and Shepherds ; their Gates stood wide open , and their Children went publickly to School ; as for the people , such as were Trades-men , he found them in their Shops , busied about their several employments ; and the better sort of Citizens walking in the publick places in their usual Gowns and Formalities : The Magistrates very diligent and officious in running about and providing Quarters for the Romans , as if they stood in fear of no danger , and as though they had committed no fault at all . Which Arts , though they could not drive out of Camillus the certain opinion he had of their Treason , yet wrought in him a certain compassion for their repentance , so that he commanded them to go to the Senate and attone their anger , and himself became intercessour in their behalf , insomuch that their City was acquitted of all offences , and admitted into the freedom and privileges of Rome . These were the most memorable actions of his sixth Tribuneship . After these things , Licinnius Stolo raised a great Sedition in the City , by which the people fell to dissention with the Senate , earnestly contending that of two Consuls one should be chosen out of the Commons , and not both out of the Nobility . Tribunes of the people were chosen , but the Multitude violently opposed the election of Consuls ; things through this dissention running into greater disorder , Camillus was the fourth time created Dictatour by the Senate , sore against the will of the People ; neither was he himself very forward to accept it , as being unwilling to oppose his authority against those , who in many and great conflicts , had reposed singular trust and confidence in him , and with whom he had done more things in military Affairs , than ever he had transacted with the Nobility in civil : that now he was pitch'd upon out of envy , that prevailing he might suppress the people ; or failing , be supprest himself . However , to provide as good a remedy as he could for the present ; knowing the day on which the Tribunes of the people intended to prefer the Law , at the same time he proclaimed a general muster , and called the people from the Market-place into the Field , threatning to set heavy fines upon such as should not readily obey . On the other side , the Tribunes of the people opposed themselves to his threats , solemnly protesting to fine him in 50000 Drachmas of Silver , if he persisted to hinder the people in giving their suffrages for the Law. Wherefore , either that he feared another banishment or condemnation , as not agreeable to his age , and misbecoming those great actions he had performed , or finding himself not able to stem the current of the Multitude , which ran with a strong and irresistible force , for the present he betook himself to his House , and afterwards for some days together pretending indisposition of body , laid down his Dictatourship , and the Senate created another Dictatour ; who chusing Stolo , leader of this Sedition , to be General of horse , suffered that Law to take place , which was most grievous to the Nobility , namely , that no person whatsoever should possess above 500 Acres of Land. Stolo exceedingly triumphed in the conquest he had gained , till not long after , he was found himself to possess more than he allowed unto others , and so suffered the penalties of his own Law. And now the contention about election of Consuls coming on ( which of all other dissentions was the sharpest , and from its first beginning had administred most matter of division between the Senate and the People ) certain intelligence arrives , that the Gauls again proceeding from the Adriatick Sea , marched directly towards Rome , and upon the very heels of the report manifest acts of hostility are related ; that the Country through which they marched was all wasted , and such as by flight could not make their escape to Rome , were dispersed and scattered among the Mountains . The terrour of this War quieted the Sedition , so that the Nobility conferring with the Commons , and both joyning Councils , unanimously chose Camillus the fifth time Dictatour . Who , though very ancient , as not wanting much of fourscore years , yet considering the danger and necessity of his Country , did not as before pretend sickness or other excuse , but readily undertook the charge , and listed his Soldiers . And knowing that the force of the Barbarians lay chiefly in their Swords with which they laid about them in a rude and unskilfull manner hacking and hewing the Head and Shoulders ; he caused iron Murrions to be made for most of his Men , smoothing and polishing the outside , that the Enemies Swords lighting upon them might either slide off , or be broken ; and round about their Shields he drew a little rim of brass , the wood it self being not sufficient to bear off the blows . Besides , he taught his Soldiers in close engaging , to use long Javelins or punchion Staves , which holding under their Enemies Swords would receive the force and violence of them . When the Gauls drew nigh about the River Anien , dragging a heavy Camp after them , and loaden with infinite Spoil , Camillus drew forth his Forces , and planted himself upon a Hill of easy ascent , and which had many hollow places in it , to the end that the greatest part of his Army might lie concealed , and those few which appeared might be thought through fear to have betaken themselves to those upper grounds . And the more to encrease this opinion in them , he suffered them without any disturbance to spoil and pillage even to his very Trenches , keeping himself quiet within his Works , which were well fortified on all sides : At last , perceiving that part of the Enemy were scattered about the Country a-forraging , and having advice that those that were in the Camp did nothing day and night but drink and revell , in the night-time he drew forth his lightest-armed men and sent them before , to observe and watch the Enemy , and to be ready to hinder them from drawing into order , and to vex and discompose them when they should first issue out of their Trenches ; and early in the morning he brought down his main Body , and set them in battel-array in the lower grounds , being a numerous and courageous Army ; whereas the Barbarians had taken them for an inconsiderable and fearfull party . The first thing that abated the pride and courage of the Gauls , was , that they were to fight when they least expected it , and that their Enemies had the honour of being aggressours . In the next place , the light-armed men falling upon them before they could get into their usual order , or range themselves in their proper squadrons , did so force and press upon them , that they were obliged to fight confusedly and at random without any discipline at all . But at last , when Camillus brought on his heavy-armed Legions , the Barbarians with their Swords drawn went vigorously to engage them ; but the Romans opposing with their Javelins , and receiving the force of their blows on that part of their Shield which was well guarded with steel , they turned the edge of their Weapons , being made of a soft and ill-tempered metal , insomuch that their Swords immediately bent in their hands , and stood crooked to the Hilts ; as for their Bucklers , they were pierced through and through , and grown so heavy with the Javelins that stuck upon them , that forced to quit their own Weapons , they endeavoured to make advantage of those of their Enemies ; so that gathering up the Javelins in their hands , they began to return them upon the Romans . But the Romans perceiving them naked and unarm'd , presently betook themselves to their Swords , which they so well used , that in a little time great slaughter was made in the foremost ranks , and the rest of them fled , dispersing themselves all over the Champain Country ; for as for the Hills and upper Grounds , Camillus had possessed himself beforehand of them , and they knew it would not be difficult for the Enemy to take their Camp , seeing through confidence of victory they had left it unguarded . They say this Fight was thirteen years after the sacking of Rome , and that from henceforward the Romans took courage , and laid aside those dismal apprehensions they had conceived of the Barbarians ; thinking now that their first defeat , was rather the effect of sickness , and the strange concurrence of evil chances than the steddy courage or true force of their Enemy . And indeed this fear had been formerly so great , that they made a Law , That Priests should be excused from war-like service , unless in an invasion from the Gauls . This was the last military Action that ever Camillus performed ; for as for the City of the Velitrani , it was but a by accession to this victory , it being surrendred unto him without any resistance . But the greatest contention in civil Affairs , and the hardest to be managed against the People , was still remaining ; for they returning home full of victory and success , violently insisted , contrary to the ancient custom , to have one of the Consuls chosen out of their own body . The Senate strongly opposed it , and would not suffer Camillus to lay down his Dictatourship , thinking that under the shelter of his great name and authority they should be better able to contend for the power of the Nobility . When Camillus was sitting upon the Tribunal , dispatching publick affairs , an Officer sent by the Tribunes of the people commanded him to rise and follow him , laying his hand upon him as ready to seise and carry him away ; upon which such a noise and tumult followed in the Assembly , the like was never heard of before ; some that were about Camillus , thrusting the people from the Bench , and the multitude below calling out to pull him down : Being at a loss what to doe in this exigent of affairs , yet he laid not down his authority , but taking the Senatours along with him , he went to the Senate-house ; but before he entred , he besought the Gods that they would bring these Troubles to a happy conclusion , solemnly vowing , when the Tumult was ended , to build a Temple to Concord . A great contest arising in the Senate , by reason of contrary opinions , at last the most moderate and agreeable to the people prevailed , which yielded , that of two Consuls , one of them should be chosen of the Commonalty . When the Dictatour had proclaimed this determination of the Senate to the People , they were immediately ( as it could not otherwise be ) pleased and reconcil'd with the Senate ; and for Camillus , they accompanied him home , with all the expressions and acclamations of joy ; and the next day being assembled together , they voted a Temple of Concord to be built according to Camillus his Vow , facing the Assembly and Market-place ; and to those Feasts which are called Latines , they added one day more , making them four Festivals in all ; and for the present they ordained that the whole people of Rome should sacrifice with Garlands on their heads . In the election of Consuls held by Camillus , M. Aemilius was chosen of the Nobility , and Lucius Sextius the first of the Commonalty ; and this was the last of all Camillus's actions . In the year following a pestilential sickness infected Rome , which besides an infinite number of the common sort , swept away most of the Magistrates , among whom was Camillus . Whose death cannot be called immature , if we consider his great Age , or greater Actions ; yet was he more lamented than all the rest put together that then died of that distemper . The End of Camillus 's Life . PERICLES . Samos portrait Collins . sculp . THE LIFE OF PERICLES . Translated from the Greek , By Adam Littleton , D. D. CAesar on a time seeing belike some Strangers at Rome , who were people of Quality , carrying up and down with them in their Armes and Bosoms young Puppy-dogs and Monkeys , and hugging and making much of them , took occasion to ask , whether the Women in their Country were not used to bear Children ; by that Prince-like reprimand gravely reflecting upon such persons , who spend and lavish that affection and kindness , which Nature hath implanted in us , upon brute Beasts , which is due and owing to humane Creatures , those of our own kind . Now inasmuch as even the Whelps and Cubs of Dogs and Apes have a kind of inclination to learning and knowledge , and love to look about them and to take notice of things , the Soul of Man hath by Nature a higher principle of Reason , so as to find fault with those who make ill use of that inclination and desire upon idle discourses and sights that deserve no regard , while in the mean time they carelesly pass by good and profitable things of that sort . For indeed as to the outward Sense , that being passive in receiving the impression of those objects that come in its way and strike upon it , it is peradventure necessary for it ( the Sense ) to entertain and take notice of every thing that appears to it , be it what it will , usefull or unusefull : but every man , if he will make use of his Vnderstanding , hath a natural power to turn himself upon all occasions , and to change and shift with the greatest ease to what shall seem to himself most fit . So that a man ought to pursue and make after the best and choicest of every thing , that he may not onely imploy his contemplation , but may also be nourished and improved by it . For as that Colour is most gratefull and agreeable to the Eye , whose lively freshness together with its pleasure and delightfulness revives and cherishes the sight ; so a man ought to apply his mind and reasoning to such objects and notices , as with delight are apt to call it forth and allure it to its own proper good and peculiar advantage . Now these objects and notices are to be met with in those works and performances which proceed from Vertue , which do also infuse and beget in the minds of readers , whilst they converse with the bare stories and narratives of them , a kind of emulation and forward cheerfulness , which may lead them along and draw them on to an imitation . Forasmuch as in other things of another nature there doth not immediately follow upon the admiration and liking of the thing done any strong desire of doing the like . Nay many times on the very contrary when we are pleased with the Work , we slight and set little by the Workman or Artist himself : as for instance , in Perfumes and Purple-dyes , we are taken with the things themselves well enough , but we look but meanly upon Dyers and Perfumers , as a sort of pitifull Tradesmen and sorry Mechanicks . Whereupon it was not amiss said by Antisthenes , when people told him that one Ismenias was an excellent Fidler or Piper ; It may be so , said he , but he is but a wretched paltry Fellow for all that : for otherwise he would not have been so excellent a Fidler ; meaning that he would have found some better business to have employ'd himself about than fidling and piping . And King Philip to the same purpose told his Son Alexander , who once at a merry meeting had sung with great pleasure and skill ; Are not you ashamed , Son , to sing so well ? For it is enough for a King or Prince to find leisure sometime to hear others sing ; and he does the Muses no small honour , when he pleases to be but present at such exercises and trials of skill . Now he who busies himself in mean employs , doth but bring that pains he takes about things of little or no use , as an evidence against himself of his negligence and slothfull indisposition to vertuous and usefull practices . Nor would any generous and ingenuous young man , who should behold the Statue of Jupiter , which stands in the City Pisa , desire to be a Phidias , or that of Juno in the City Argos , to be a Polyclete , ( the Workmen of those Statues ; ) or to be as good a Poet as Anacreon or Philemon or Archilochus , who had been delighted in reading of their Poems . For it doth not necessarily follow , that if a piece of Work please for its gracefulness , therefore he that wrought it deserves our regard or envy . Whence it is that neither do such things profit or advantage the beholders , upon the sight whereof there doth not arise a zeal which may put them upon imitation , nor an impulse or inclination , which may move a desire and raise an endeavour of doing the like . But in sooth it is Vertue , which doth presently by the bare proposal of its actions so dispose men , that they do at once both admire the things done and desire to imitate the doers of them . For as to the goods of Fortune , we are fond of the possession and enjoyment of them ; but as to those of Vertue , we are in love with the practice and exercise of them : and those we are content to receive from others , but these we had much rather our selves to impart and communicate to others . For that which is honest and vertuous doth by a practical force move men toward it self , and doth instantly infuse into them a strong inclination to practice , moralizing and influencing the beholder not with imitation but with the History of the thing done , exciting and stirring up his resolution to doe it . Wherefore we also have thought fit to spend our time and pains , and to continue them on in writing of the Lives of famous Persons ; and we have composed this Tenth Book upon that Subject , wherein are contained the Life of Pericles and that of Fabius Maximus , ( who managed and carried on the War against Hannibal ) men alike , as in their other vertues and good parts , so especially in their mild and upright temper and demeanour , and in their being able to bear the cross-grain'd humours and foolish carriages of their fellow Citizens the Commoners , and their fellow Rulers , who shared with them in the charge of the Government ; by which means they became both of them very usefull and serviceable to the interests of their Countries . Whether we do take a right aim at our intended purpose it is left to the Reader to judge by those things he shall here find set down . For as to Pericles , he was of that Tribe or Ward in Athens called Acamantis , and of that Company or Society of people called Cholargia , and of one of the chiefest Families and descents of the whole City both on his Father's and Mother's side . For Xanthippus his Father , he who defeated the King of Persia his Lieutenant-Generals in the Battel at Mycale , took to Wife Agariste the Niece or Grand-child of Clisthenes , who , like a brave Man as he was , drove out the race of Pisistratus , and dissolv'd and destroyed their tyrannical Usurpation , and moreover made a body of Laws , and settled such a model of Government as was excellently well tempered and suited for the agreement and safety of the people . She ( his Mother ) being near her time fancied in a Dream that she was brought to Bed of a Lion , and within a few days after was delivered of Pericles , in other respects as to the shape of his Body without fault ; onely his Head was somewhat longish and disproportioned . For which reason it was that almost all the Images and Statues that were made of him , have the Head covered with a Helmet : the Workmen belike not being willing to expose him by shewing his deformity . But the Poets of Athens plaid upon him , and called him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Schinocephalos , that is , Onion-pate , or Squill-pate . For that which in common language goes by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Squill or Sea - Onion , the Atticks do in their Dialect sometimes term 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Schinos . And one of their Comick Poets Charinus in his Play called Chirones , that is to say , The Rascality or The worser sort of people , says thus of him , Old Chrone his Sire and Faction his Dam In mutual embraces got this Sham ; The greatest Tyrant that we read of all , Whom Gods above Iolt-head or Ioller call : And again in another Play of his called Nemesis or The Revenge , he in this manner bespeaks him , Advance thou Jove to entertain thy Guests , And bring thy blessed Logger-head to th' Feasts . And Teleclides another of those Poets saith in mockery of him , that one while Puzzled with nice affairs of State and Town His grout-Head being overset hangs down . And that another while Onely from that long over-growing Pate There doth arise much trouble to the State. And Eupolis a third Poet in a Comedy of his called Demi , that is , The People of the Borroughs , making inquiry concerning every one of the Demagogues or Leading-men , whom he makes in the Play to come up from Hell , as Pericles comes to be named last , he replies , Why in the Devil's name ' mongst all the Dead That lie below , hast brought us up the Head ? The Master that taught him Musick , most Authours are agreed was one Damon ; ( whose name they say ought to be pronounced with the first syllable short . ) Though Aristotle tells us that he was thoroughly practised to Musick with one Pythoclides . And as to Damon , it is not unlikely , that he being a shrewd cunning Sophister as he was , did out of policy shelter himself under the name and profession of a Musick-master , on purpose to conceal from the vulgar his subtilty and skill in State-affairs . So that under this pretence he attended Pericles to instruct him in Politicks , and to teach him the mysteries of Government , in the same manner as the Anointer or Master in a Fencing School useth to wait upon a young Scholar that learns to Wrestle . Yet for all that Damon did not so escape publick notice , how he made use of his Lyre or Harp for a covert and blind of another design , but that he was banished the Country by Ostracism for ten years , as a bigotted intermeddler in the Government , and one that favoured arbitrary Power ; and by this means gave the Stage occasion to play upon him . As for instance ; Plato one of those Play-wrights brought in a person putting the question to him , ( under the name of Chiron , who had been Achilles his Tutour likewise in Musick ) in this manner , First I beseech thee , tell me , if thou can : For , Chiron , thou , they say , bredst up the Man. meaning Pericles . Moreover Pericles did by snatches and by the by hear several Lectures of Zeno Eleates , who discoursed and treated of natural Philosophy much at the same rate as Parmenides did ; onely that he had by exercise and practice gotten a kind of habit or knack of confuting any opinion right or wrong , and of baffling people by thwarting and opposing whatsoever they said , and so running them aground that they did not know which way to turn themselves . And accordingly Timon the Phliasian hath given the account of him in this pair of Verses , Zeno's great force , who spoke to either part : Confuted all , and never fail'd in 's Art. But he that was most conversant with Pericles , and furnished him most especially with a weight and grandeur of Sense , and a more grave and solid research of those Arts by which the Populace is to be managed , and in the main heightned his Spirit and advanced the majesty and grace of his address and deportment , was Anaxagoras the Clazomenian : whom the men of those times called by the name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Nous , that is , Mind or Vnderstanding , whether in admiration of his great and extraordinary skill and knowledge , as it clearly appeared to be , in the affairs of Nature , or whether it were because that he was the first of the Philosophers , who did not commit the Government of the World to Fortune or Chance , nor to Fatal Necessity , as the principle of that order we find things in ; but preferr'd to the rule and manage of all other things , that are jumbled and huddled together , a pure and clear Vnderstanding , which sifts and culls out the parts alike from amidst those confusions . This man Pericles did extraordinarily esteem and admire , and being fill'd up to the brim with that they call lofty way of speaking and discoursing as it were on tiptoe , he not onely was , as we may judge , master of brave and bold resentments , and of such a strain of harangue as was high in it self and free from the taint of plebeian prate and lewd knavish buffoonry : but also beside that , the very air of his Face and composure of his Countenance grave and not any way moved to laughter , and the gentleness and slowness of his pace and gate , and the decent ordering of his Apparel , so that no accident could discompose him in the delivery of himself , and the even undisturbed fashioning and tuning of his voice , and whatever other the like advantages he had , did make wonderfull impressions even to astonishment in all persons that either saw or heard him . See but his patience and greatness of mind ! One time being reviled and ill spoken of all day long in his own hearing by a villainous and ill-tongu'd Rascal that cared not what he said , he bore it patiently all along without returning him one word ; all this in the open Court or the Assembly of the people , where he was at the same time ingaged in the prosecution and dispatch of some weighty urgent affair . In the evening he went home in very good order , as one unconcerned , this Fellow dogging him at the heels , and pelting him all the way he went with all the hard words and Billinsgate language he could rake up . As he was ready to go into his House , it being by this time dark , he ordered one of his Servants to take a light and to go along with the man and see him safe home : which was all the notice he took of him . Now Ion the Poet saith that Pericles his converse and carriage in company was haughty and surly , superb and full of huff , and that he had a great deal of slightingness and scorn of others intermixt with his state and high thoughts of himself ; and on the other hand he commends Cimon's exact civility and easy compliance and gentile well-fashioned behaviour at every turn in all his conversations . Well! but let us leave Ion to himself , who seems to take it for granted , that Vertue hath by all means somewhat of the Satyrical part in it , as Tragedy hath : but as for those who miscalled Pericles his gravity by the name of an affected ostentation and grandeur of state , Zeno advised such persons , that they also would try to affect the like garb of greatness , inasmuch as the very counterfeiting and aping of good qualities doth in time by stealth procure and beget a kind of emulation for those things and a familiarity with them . Nor were these the onely advantages which Pericles had of Anaxagoras his acquaintance and keeping him company : but he seemed also to be advanced by his instructions far above all that superstition , whatever it is , which as to Meteors and the like strange Appearances doth with frightfull apprehensions possess the minds of people , who are ignorant of the true causes , by which such effects are naturally produced , and are mad as if the Devil were in them , and in great agony and disorder upon occasion of these divine Prodigies by reason of their ignorance and want of skill about them : which ignorance natural reason discharging and freeing men from , instead of a dreadfull and unquiet troublesome superstition , works in them a free and generous devotion , together with good hopes and kindly assurances . There is a story that on a time Pericles had brought him from a Country-farm of his a Ram's Head with one Horn , and that Lampon a Diviner or Fortune-teller , upon seeing the Horn grow strong and firm out of the midst of the Fore-head , gave this for his judgment , that there being at that time two potent Factions , Parties or Interests , in the City , the one of Thucydides and the other of Pericles , the Government would come about to that one of them , in whose Ground or Estate this token or indication of fate had happened : But that Anaxagoras , when he had cleft the Skull in sunder , shew'd to the standers by that the brain had not fill'd up its pan or natural place , but being sharp , of an oval figure , had roll'd it self together , from all parts of the vessel which contain'd it , in a point to that place , from whence the root of the Horn took its rise ; which was the reason it grew single . And that for that time Anaxagoras was much admired , for the account he gave , by those that were present at the operation ; and Lampon no less a little while after , when Thucydides being outed and laid aside all affairs of the State and Government came intirely into Pericles his hands and menage . And yet in my opinion it is no absurdity to say that they were both in the right , the natural Philosopher and the Fortune-teller , the one so luckily hitting upon the cause of this event , by which it was produced ; the other upon the end , for which it was designed . For it was the business of the one to find out and give account , out of what it was made and in what manner and by what means it grew as it did ; and of the other to foretell to what end and purpose it was so made and what it might mean or portend . Now as to those who say that to find out the cause of such prodigious events is in effect to destroy any signification they may be supposed to have ; these men do not take notice , that at the same time together with divine Prodigies ( the tokens of God's pleasure or displeasure ) they defeat and render of no use those signs and marks which are contrived by art ; such as are for instance , the clashings and clatterings of Quoits or Trenchers , and the lights of Watch-towers along the Sea-side , and the shadows of the Pins of Sun-dials ; every of which things is made by some cause and contrivance to be a sign of some other thing . But these are subjects that peradventure would better befit some other consideration than what we are now upon . Now Pericles , being yet but a young man stood in great awe of the people and was mightily afraid of giving them any occasion of offence : forasmuch as he appear'd in shape and feature to be very like the Tyrant Pisistratus , and the grave Seniours of the Town , who remember'd that man , when they took notice of the sweetness of this man's voice and the volubility and readiness of his tongue in discoursing , were struck into amazement at the mere resemblance of this to the other . But he considering that he had a very fair Estate , and was descended of a noble Family as any , and had store of Friends who bore the greatest sway , was so far from trusting to these advantages , that he apprehended they might procure him to be banished as a dangerous person ; and for this reason he medled not at all with State-affairs , but in the services of War he shew'd himself a brave man and one who with undaunted courage would expose himself upon all occasions . But as soon as Aristides was dead , and Themistocles turn'd out of the Saddle , and seeing that Cimon was for the most part kept abroad by those expeditions he made in foreign Parts out of Greece , then did Pericles seeing things in this posture apply himself to the State , instead of the rich and the few great Dons , making choice of such matters and causes wherein the common people and poorer sort were concern'd , and sided with them ; which was a thing somewhat beside his natural temper , for he was not of himself given to popularity or mean compliances . But , as it is very likely , fearing he might by reason of those advantages we mention'd fall under a suspicion and jealousy of setting up for Kingship or arbitrary Power , and seeing how Cimon courted the Aristocracy or chief men of the Government and was mightily beloved by all honest men and people of fashion , he took another way to the wood and shelter'd himself among the croud and herd of the common people : by which means he did at once both secure himself and procure an interest to serve him , when time should be , against Cimon . And besides presently upon his application to State-affairs he took a quite different course from what others and himself had used as to his order of life and management of himself . For he was never seen to walk in any street or way at Athens , but onely that which led to the Court or Town-hall , where the people assembled , and to the Senate or Parliament House , where the Lords sate in Council ; and he avoided and left off the invitations of Friends to supper and all such kind of friendly treatment and neighbourly acquaintance : so that in all the time he had to doe with the publick , which was not a little , he was never known to have gone to any of his Friends to a supper ; onely once and that was at a Wedding , when his near Kinsman Euryptolemus , his Sister's Son , married , he staid till the ceremony of the Drink-offering , and then immediately rose from Table and went his way . For these friendly Meetings and Treats are shrewd things to get the upper-hand of an affected greatness , and are apt to discompose a starcht gravity and put it out of countenance ; nor can the solemnity of a man's reputation be well preserv'd and maintain'd by ordinary converse and familiarity . And yet in that which is true and genuine vertue , those things appear the fairest , which are most apparent and least reserv'd ; and there is not of good and brave men any thing so fit to be admired by strangers , as their daily life and conversation is by those of their family and who keep them continual company . But our States-man here to avoid the throng and glut of the people , did as it were by intervals , by snatches and fits , come among them , not speaking to every business , nor at all times coming into the Assembly , but , ( as Critolaus saith the Athenians did with the three-oar'd Galley of Salamis , ) reserving himself for great occasions , other matters of lesser importance he dispatch'd by Friends or by other Counsellers at the Bar his Cronies . And of this number we are told Ephialtes made one , he who broke up the power of the Areopagites , the Council that sate on Mars his Hill , and by that means ( according to Plato's expression ) gave the Citizens a large and racy draught of liberty , which set the people so a-gog , as the Play-wrights inform us , that like a wild unruly Horse , that had flung his Rider , they would be ruled no longer , but champed and bit Euboea , and flounced and curvetted upon the other Isles . Now Pericles designing to fuit the gravity of his life and the greatness of his spirit and sense with a befitting character of speech , he to put that as it were a musical Instrument in tune , put his Tutour Anaxagoras often upon the stretch , and by a kind of Bow-dy gloss set off those accounts he gave of Nature with artificial Rhetorick . For having beside his great natural parts by the study of nature attained this height of understanding and ability of turning and winding every thing to his own purpose ( to use the words of divine Plato ) and drawing whatever might be of advantage into the Art of speaking , he got the start of all others by much . Upon which account they say he had the sirname or nickname of Olympius given him , ( the same title that Jupiter himself was called by ; ) though some are of opinion he was so named for those famous works and publick buildings , wherewith he adorn'd the City , others would have him so called from the great power he had in publick affairs whether of war or peace . Nor is it unlikely or absurd to imagine , that from the confluence of those many good qualities , which belonged to the man himself , the glory of such a Title might be conferred upon him . However the Comedies of the then Masters of the Stage , who both in good earnest and out of merriment too , let fly many shrewd words at him , do plainly shew that he got that appellation especially upon the account of his being an able Speaker , by saying that he thunder'd and lightned , when he harangued the people , and that he carried a dreadfull Thunderbolt in his Tongue . There is a saying also of Thucydides the Milesian stands on record , spoken by him pleasantly enough upon Pericles his shrewdness of speech . For Thucydides was a person one of them of great credit and repute , and one who had for a very long time bandied against Pericles in the Government . Now when Archidamus the King of the Lacedaemonians asked him , whether he or Pericles were the better Wrestler , he made this answer ; When I , saith he , have thrown him and given him a fair fall , he by standing out in the denial saying that he had no fall gets the better of me , and persuades people into a belief of what he says whether they will or no , though they saw the quite contrary . Howbeit the truth of it is that Pericles himself was very wary and carefull what and how he was to speak , insomuch that always whenever he went up to the Tribunal or into the Pulpit to deliver himself , he prayed to the Gods , that no one word might unawares against his will slip from him , which should be misbecoming or unsuitable to the matter in hand and the occasion he was to speak to . Indeed he hath left nothing in writing behind him , save onely some popular Decrees or Ordinances . And there are but few in all of his notable Sayings which are recorded ; recorded ; as this for one , that he gave order that they would take away the City and Isle of Aegina ( then possest by the Enemy ) as an Eye-sore from the Piraeum , a port of Athens ; and this for another , that he fancied he saw a War coming along towards them out of Peloponnesus ( now called the Morea . ) Again , when on a time Sophocles , who was his Fellow-commissioner in the Generalship , was going on board with him , and praised the beauty of a Boy they met with in the way to the Ship , Sophocles , saith he , a General ought not onely to have clean hands , but eyes too ; meaning that a person in such an office and charge should not give way even to the temptations of sight . And moreover Stesimbrotus hath this passage of him , that as he was in an encomiastick Oration speaking of those who fell in the battel at Samos , he said they were grown immortal , as the Gods were . For , said he , we do not see them themselves , but onely by those honours we pay them and by those good things which they do injoy , we guess and judge them to be immortal . And the very same case it is , went he on , with those that dye in the service and defence of their Country . Now whereas Thucydides makes such a description of Pericles his Aristocratical government , that it went by the name of a Democracy , but was indeed a government by a single person , to wit under the conduct and at the pleasure of one man who was chief ; and many others say that by him the common people was first brought on and led along to the sharing of Lands by lot , taken from the Enemy , and to the dividing of publick moneys ( formerly reserved for the uses of war ) to be allowed them for seeing of Plays and Shows , and to distributions of Salaries , by which means being ill accustomed , of a sober , modest , thrifty people that maintained themselves by their own labours , they became riotous and debauched through the methods of policy then used ; let us consider the cause of this change in the things themselves as to matter of fact . For indeed at the first ( as hath been said ) when he set himself against Cimon's great authority , he did caress the people what he could and under hand curry favour with them . But finding himself come short of his Competitour in wealth and moneys , by which advantages the other was inabled to take care of the poor , inviting every day some one or other of the Citizens that was in want to supper , and bestowing cloaths on the aged people , and breaking down the hedges and inclosures of Grounds , to the intent that all that would might freely gather what fruit they pleased ; Pericles being snubb'd and kept under by these popular arts did by the advice of one Demonides Iensis , turn himself to the distribution of the publick moneys , as Aristotle hath told the story ; and in a short time having decoy'd and won the people what with those moneys allowed for Shows and for Courts of Justice , and what with other bribes and largesses and supplies , he made use of these methods against the Council of Areopagus , of which he himself was no member , as having not been chosen by lot , either Annual Magistrate , or Guardian of the Laws , or King that is Governour of the sacred Rites , nor Chieftain of the Wars . For of old these Offices were conferr'd on persons by lot , and they who had acquitted themselves well in the discharge of these trusts were advanced and taken into the Court of Areopagus . Whereupon Pericles having gotten so great a power and interest with the Populace , imbroiled and routed this Council , so that most of those Causes and Matters which had been used to be tried there were through Ephialtes his assistance discharged from the cognisance of that Court , and Cimon was banished by Ostracism upon pretence of his being a favourer of the Lacedaemonians and a hater of his own people of Athens , notwithstanding that he was one who came behind none of them all for greatness of estate and nobleness of birth , and that he had won several famous and signal Victories upon the Barbarians , and with a great deal of monies and other spoils of war taken from them had mightily inriched the City ; as in the history of his Life hath been set down . So vast an authority had Pericles gotten among the people . The Ostracism , or banishment by Shells , I mentioned , ( which they us'd in such Trials ) was limited by Law to ten years , during which term the person banished was not to return . But the Lacedaemonians in the mean time making an inroad with a great Army on the Country of Tanagra , ( which lay upon the Attick borders ; ) and the Athenians going out against them with their Forces , Cimon coming from his banishment before his time was out , put himself in arms and array with those of his Fellow-citizens that were of his own tribe , and resolved by his deeds to wipe off that false accusation of his favouring the Lacedaemonians , by venturing his own person along with his Country-men . But Pericles his Friends gathering in a body together drove him away as one under the sentence of exile , and forced him to retire . For which cause also Pericles seems to have laid about him the more , behaving himself very valiantly and stoutly in the fight , and to have been the gallantest man among them all in the action of that day , having exposed himself to all hazard and hardship . All Cimon's Friends also to a man fell together in that Battel , whom Pericles had impeached as well as him of taking part with the Lacedaemonians . And now the Athenians heartily repented them for what they had done to Cimon and long'd to have him home again , being in the close of this Fight beaten and worsted upon the confines and borders of their own Country , and expecting a sore war to come upon them next Spring or Summer season . All which Pericles being sensible of did not boggle or make any delay to gratify the peoples desire , but having wrote an Edict or Order for that purpose himself re-call'd the man home . And he upon his return concluded a peace betwixt the two Cities : for the Lacedaemonians had a respect and kindness for him , as on the contrary they hated Pericles and the rest of the Demagogues or Leading-men . Yet some there are do say that Pericles did not write that Edict or Order for Cimon's revocation and return , till some private Articles of agreement had been made between them , and that by means of Elpinice , Cimon's Sister . Which were that Cimon should go out to Sea with a Fleet of two hundred Ships and should be Commander in chief of all the Forces abroad , with a design to harrass and lay wast the King of Persia's Countrys and Dominions , and that Pericles should have the power at home and govern in the City . This Elpinice , it is thought , had before this time procured some favour for her Brother Cimon at Pericles his hands and made him more remiss and gentle in drawing up and setting home the charge , when Cimon being tried for his life escaped the Sentence of death and was onely banished . For Pericles was one of the Committee appointed by the Commons to implead him . And when Elpinice made her applications to him and besought him in her Brother's behalf , he with a smile in merriment said , O Elpinice , you are too old a woman to undertake such businesses as this is . Moreover when he came to the Bar to impeach him , he stood up but once to speak , as if he made slight of his commission playing booty as it were , and went out of Court having done Cimon the least prejudice of any of his Accusers . How then can one believe Idomeneus , who charges Pericles , as if he had by treachery contrived and order'd the murther of Ephialtes the Demagogue or Counseller of State , one who was his Friend and of his Party in the menage of the Government ; out of a jealousy forsooth , saies he , and an envy of his great reputation . This Historian , it seems , having raked up these Stories I know not out of what Kennel , has thrown them up like vomiting stuff to bespatter this worthy man , one who perchance was not altogether free from fault or blame , but yet was one who had a generous noble spirit and a soul that affected and courted honour ; and where such qualities are , there can no such cruel and brutal passion find harbour or gain admittance . But as to Ephialtes the truth of the Story , as Aristotle hath told it , is this , that having made himself formidable to the Oligarchists ( those who would have all the power lodged in some few hands ) by being a severe asserter of the peoples rights in calling to account and prosecuting those who any way injured them , his Enemies lying in wait for him did , by the means or help of Aristodicus the Tanagrian , privately rid themselves of him and dispatcht him out of the way . Now Cimon while he was Admiral ended his days in the Isle of Cyprus . And the Aristocratians ( those who were for the Nobless ) seeing that Pericles was already even formerly grown to be the greatest and formost man of all the City , and being withall willing there should be some body set up against him to give him check and to blunt and turn the edge of his Power , that it might not without more adoe prove a Monarchy ; they set up Thucydides of Alopecia , a sober discreet person and a near Kinsman of Cimon's , to take up the Cudgels against him . Who indeed though he were less skill'd in warlike Affairs than Cimon was , yet was better versed in the Courts of Law and business of State ; who keeping close guard in the City and being ingaged with Pericles in the pleading place , where the publick Harangues were made , in a short time brought the Government to an equal interest of parties . For he would not suffer those who were call'd the Honest and Good ( persons of worth and fashion ) to be scatter'd up and down and jumbled in a huddle with the Populace as formerly , by that means having their honour and credit smutted and darkned by the mixture of the Rabble : but taking them apart by themselves and gathering into one the power and interest of them all , which was now grown considerable , he did as it were upon the balance make a counterpoise to the other party . For indeed the contrast of the two parties at first was but as a thing of secret grudg , that made but a shallow impression , like a thing cut upon Iron , and barely signified the difference of a Popular and an Aristocratical design ; but the open quarrel and canvassing ambition of these two men , gave the City a very deep gash , so that the one Party was called the Populace or Commons , the other the Few or Great ones ; Whiggs and Tories . Upon which account Pericles , at that time especially , letting loose the reins to the people , managed things all to their content , contriving continually to have some great publick shew or feast or solemnity , some entertainment and divertisement or other in Town , to please them , wheedling and cokesing the Citizens , as a School-master doth his Boys , with such delights and caresses , as were not unedisying neither . Besides that every year he sent out threescore Galleys , on board of which there went several of the Citizens , who were in pay eight months , learning at the same time and practising the Art of Navigation , that they might prove good Seamen . Moreover he sent a thousand of them into the Chersonese in the nature of Planters to share the Land among them by lot , and five hundred more into the Isle of Naxos , and half that number into the Isle of Andros , and a thousand into Thrace to dwell among the Bisaltae a people there ; and others into Italy , when the City Sybaris was to be re-peopled , the inhabitants whereof went by the name of the Thurians . And this he did to ease and discharge the City of an idle , and by reason of their idleness , a busie meddling rabble of people , who , having little to doe of their own , would have made work by giving disturbance to the publick ; and withall at the same time to provide for the necessities of the poor Townsmen by supplying them and setting them to rights , and to put an awe and a guard upon their allies from attempting any thing of change by sending them to dwell among them . But that which gave most pleasure and ornament to the City of Athens and the greatest admiration even to astonishment to all Strangers , and that which alone doth sufficiently witness for all Greece , that that power of hers that is so much talk'd of , and her ancient wealth was no Romance or idle Story , was that glorious apparade and furniture of those stately publick Buildings and Dedications which Pericles caused to be raised and made there . This was that of all his actions in the Government which his Enemies look'd asquint at and fell foul upon in the popular Assemblies , crying out how that the Commonwealth of Athens had lost its reputation and was ill spoken of abroad , for removing the common Bank and publick Moneys of all the Grecians from the Isle of Delos , where it was to have been kept , and taking it into their own custody ; and how that that , which was the fairest excuse they had to plead for their so doing , to wit , that they took it away thence , for fear of the Barbarians lest they should seize it , and on purpose to secure it in a safe place , Pericles had broke the neck of that pretence by putting it to other uses ; and how that Greece cannot but resent it as an unsufferable affront , and must needs look upon her self as treated after a tyrannical manner , when she sees that that Treasure which was upon a necessity contributed by her for the use and maintenance of War is wantonly lavished out by us upon our City to guild her all over , and to adorn and set her forth , as it were some proud stately Dame , hung round with pretious Stones , and Statues , and sumptuous Temples , which cost a world of Money . Wherefore Pericles on the other hand informed the State , that they were no manner of way obliged to give any account of those Moneys to their Friends and Allies , inasmuch as they fought and maintained a War in their defence and kept off the Barbarians from attacking them and harassing their Country , while in the mean time they did not so much as set out Horse or Man or Ship , but onely found Money for the Service ; which Money , says he , is not theirs that give it , but theirs that receive it , if so be they perform the conditions upon which they receive it . And that it was good reason , that the City being sufficiently provided and stored with those things that are necessary for the War , they should convert the overplus of its Wealth to such undertakings and designs , as would hereafter , when they were finished , eternize their fame , and for the present , while they are a doing , will readily supply all the inhabitants with plenty ; there appearing such variety of all kind of workmanship and several sorts of occasions for service , which being they do summon all Arts and Trades and require all hands to be imployed about them , they do actually put the whole City in a manner into State-pay ; so that at the same time she is beautified and maintained by her self at her own cost and charge . For as those who are of age and strength for War are provided for and maintained in the Armies abroad by their pay out of the publick Stock ; so it being his desire and design that the rude multitude that staid at home and were verst in Handi-crafts should not go without their share of publick Salaries , and yet that they should not have them given them for sitting still and doing nothing , to that end he thought fit to bring in among them , with the approbation of the State , those vast projects of Buildings , and designs of Works , that would be of some continuance e'er they be finished , which will imploy sundry Arts and Occupations . That so that part of the people , that staid in the City and kept home , might , no less than those that were at Sea or in Garrison or under Arms , have a fair pretence and just occasion of receiving the benefit and having their share of the publick Moneys . For here in this case the Materials or stuff were Stone , Brass , Ivory , Gold , Ebony , Cypress ; and the Arts or Trades that wrought and fashioned them were Smiths and Carpenters , Image-makers and Plaisteres , Founders and Brasiers , Stone-cutters or Carvers and Masons , Dyers and Stainers , Gold-smiths , Ivory-cutters , Painters or Picture-drawers , Embroiderers , Turners : now those that imported these things and conveyed them up to Town for use , were Merchants , and Mariners , and Masters of Ships by Sea ; and those who brought and help'd to bring them by Land were Waggoners and Cartwrights , Carriers and those that let Horses to hire , Carters and Muletiers , Rope-makers , Workers in Stone , Shoe-makers and Leather-dressers , Surveyours and Menders of High-ways , Pioneers and Diggers in Mines . Now every Trade and Mystery , in the same nature , as a Commander or Captain in an Army hath his particular Company of Souldiers under him , had its own hired and peculiar Company of Journey-men and Labourers belonging to it banded and pack'd together as in array , to be as it were the instrument and body for the performance of the service . To say all in a word , the occasions and uses they had for men to these publick Works did distribute and scatter the plentifull advantage and benefit of them among the people of the Town through all ages and conditions ; of whatsoever Trade and Occupation they might be . As the Works then grew up being as stately and extraordinary for bulk and greatness so inimitable for beauty and gracefulness , the Work-men striving to out-vy the matter and grandeur of the Work with the neat contrivance and artificial beauty of it ; the thing that was most to be admired was the haste and speed they made . For of those things , which every one of them singly they did imagin could hardly be finished and brought to an end in several successions of Governours and ages of Men , all of them had their complement and perfection in the height and prime of one man's Government . Although they say too , that about the same time Zeuxis having heard Agatharchus the Picture-drawer boast himself for dispatching his Work with speed and ease , replied , But I am a long time about mine . For the easiness and hastiness in doing of a thing doth not put upon the Work a lasting solidity or exactness of beauty : but time being allow'd to a man's pains aforehand for the production of a thing doth by way of interest return a vital force for the preservation of the thing after it is once produced . For which reason Pericles his Works are the more admired , having been done so well in a little time as to hold good for a long time . For every several Piece of his Work was immediately even at that time for its beauty and elegance Antique , as if it had been performed by some ancient Master ; and yet for its vigour and freshness it looks to this day as if it were spick and span , and newly wrought : There is such a kind of flourishing gloss upon those Works of his , which continually preserves the sight of them from being sullied by time , as if they had an ay-green spirit and a never-fading soul mingled in the composition of them . Now Phidias was he who had the oversight of all the Works and was his Surveyour-general , though in the several Designs and Pieces there were great Masters and rare Artists imployed . For Callicrates and Ictinus built the Parthenon ( that is , the Temple of the Virgin Pallas ) which was in measure an hundred Foot every way ; and the Chapel at Eleusin ( where the sacred Rites of the Goddess Ceres were celebrated ) was begun by Coroebus , who also placed the Pillars that stand upon the Floor or Pavement and join'd them with Architraves : but after his death Metagenes the Xypetian rais'd the Girth or Waste of it , and set up the Pillars that are above , and Xenocles the Cholargian roofed or arched the Lanthorn or Loover on the top of the Temple of Castor and Pollux . As for the Long Wall , which join'd the Port or Harbour with the Town , concerning which Socrates saith he himself heard Pericles deliver his opinion and give order about it , Callicrates took that a-great . This brave piece of Work Cratinus , like a Poet as he was , sneeringly flouts at , by reason it was so long a finishing ; saith he , 'T is long since Pericles , if words would do 't , Talk'd up the Wall ; but yet sets no hands to 't . The Choir or Musick-room , which for the contrivance of it on the inside was full of Seats and ranges of Pillars , and on the outside in the Roof or covering of it was made from one point at top with a great many bendings , all shelving downward ; they say that it was so made after the Copy and in imitation of the King of Persia's Pavilion , and this by Pericles his order likewise : Upon which occasion Cratinus again in his Comedy called The Thracian Women plays upon him with rallery thus ; Here comes along our goodly Jove , ( God bless ! ) Who 's that , I pray' ? Iobbernoll Pericles . The Shells being scap'd , he now has got the Moddle O' th' Musick-room ( help Goddess ) in his Noddle . Then Pericles out of an ambition to doe something to be talk'd of , did first enact or make a Decree , that a Prize should be plaid in the Science of Musick every year at the solemn Feasts of Minerva , which lasted five days together , called Panathenaea , whither all the people of City and Country were used to resort , and he himself being chosen Judge of the Prizes and Bestower of the Rewards gave order , after what manner those who were to play the Prizes were either to sing with the Voice , or to play upon the Flute or upon the Cittern or Guitarr . And both at that time ( to wit , at the Feast ) and at other times also they were wont to sit in this Musick-room and see and hear those Prizes and trials of Skill . Further the Foregate and entrance of the Cittadel or Castle were finished in five years time , Mnesicles being the chief undertaker of that Work. Now there was a strange accident happened in building of the Cittadel , which shewed that the Goddess was so far from disliking the Work or being averse to it , that she help'd to carry it on and to bring it to perfection . For one of the Artificers , who was the quickest and the handiest Work-man among them all , with a slip of his Foot fell down from a great height and lay ill of it in so miserable a condition , that the Physicians and Chirurgeons gave him over , having no hopes of his recovery . Pericles being at a loss and not knowing what to doe , Minerva appeared to him at night in a Dream and order'd a Medicine , which Pericles applying to the Man did in a short time and with great ease cure him . And upon this occasion it was that he set up a brass Statue of Minerva , called hence the Statue of Health , in the Cittadel near an Altar , which as they say was there before . But it was Phidias , who wrought the Goddesses Image in Gold , and hath his name inscribed on the Pedestal as the Workman thereof . And indeed the whole Work in a manner was under his charge , and he had ( as we have said already ) the oversight over all the Artists and Workmen , because Pericles had a kindness for him . And this made the poor man to be much envied , and his Patron to be very ill spoken of and horribly abused with stories , as if Phidias had been his Pimp and took up Ladies and Gentlewomen that came to see the Works , for Pericles his use . The Comick Wits of the Town , when they had got this story by the end , made much of it and bedash'd him with all the ribaldry they could invent , as if he had been the arrantest Whoremaster that ever liv'd ; charging him falsely with the Wife of Menippus one who was his Friend and had been a Lieutenant General under him in the Wars ; and with the Volaries or Bird-cages of Pyrilampes , who being an acquaintance of Pericles , they pretended , and made as if he were wont to present Peacocks and such fine Birds to Pericles his Misses , the Women whom he gallanted and kept company with . And why should one wonder at what such Fellows say , who play the Satyrists upon other mens Lives , and daily upon all occasions with their reproaches and evil speeches sacrifice the reputations of their Superiours , the Great and the Good , to the envy and spite of the Rabble , as to some evil Genius or wicked Spirit ; when as Stesimbrotus the Thasian hath dared to broach a dismal and incredible Villany against Pericles , as if he had committed Incest with his own Son's Wife . By this means it comes about , that it is a very difficult matter to trace and find out the Truth of any thing by History , when on one hand those who undertake to write it , living so long after the things were done , cannot arrive at the certain knowledge of such transactions as past in the times before them ; and on the other hand that History which is contemporary and of the same standing with those Actions and Lives , which it reporteth , doth partly through envy and ill-will , partly through favour and flattery , disguise and pervert the truth . Now when the Oratours , who sided with Thucydides and were of his party , were at one time bawling ( as their custom was ) against Pericles , as one who squander'd away the publick Stock in idle expences , and made havock of the State-revenues , he starting up in the open Assembly put the question to the People , Whether they thought that what he had laid out was too much ; and they saying , Too too much of all conscience . Well then ! said he , since 't is so , let not the cost and charge go upon your account , but upon mine : and accordingly I will make the Inscription upon the Temples and other publick Buildings in mine own name . When therefore they heard him say thus , whether it were out of a surprise to see the greatness of his Spirit , or out of emulation that they envied him the glory of the Works and resolv'd to go shares with him , they cried aloud bidding him to spend on and lay out o' God's name what he thought fit out of the publick Purse , and to spare no cost , till all were finished . At length being brought to push of pike with Thucydides , upon a trial of skill whether should shell the other out of the Country , and having not without some hazard got the better , he threw his Antagonist out and sent him packing for ten years , and then routed and broke to pieces all the opposite party , which had stood against him . So that now the difference and quarrel being wholly resolved and at an end , and the City being as it were levelled into an even temper and made of one piece , he in a trice brought about all Athens to his own devotion , and got the disposal of all affairs that belong'd to the Athenians into his own hands , their Customs , and their Armies , and their Gallies , and their Islands , and the Sea , and that great power and strength , which accrued to them partly by means of the other Grecians , and partly also upon the account of the Barbarians ; in a word such a seigniory and dominion , as was mounded and fortified with several Nations that were subject to it , and with the friendships and amities of several Kings , and with the alliances of confederate Potentates and great Lords . After this he was now no longer the same Man he had been before , nor at the same rate , as formerly , tame and gentle and familiar with the populace , so as readily to yield himself up to their pleasure and to comply with the desires of the Rabble , as a Steersman tacks about with the winds through all the points of the Compass . But on the other hand from that loose remiss and in some cases debosh'd way of wheedling the people , he wound and skrew'd them up to an Aristocratical and Regal form of State and Government , and shewing himself upright and unblameable in his noble and sincere aim at the best things , he did by these means generally lead the people along with their own wills and consents , by perswading and shewing them what was to be done ; and sometimes too ruffling them and forcing them full sore against their will , he made them whether they would or no to close with what he proposed for the publick advantage . Wherein , to say the truth , he did but like a skilfull Physician , who in a complicated and chronical Disease , as he sees occasion , one while allows his Patient the moderate use of such things as please him , another while he applies corrosives and sharp things that put him to pain , and administers such medicines as may work the cure . For there arising and growing up , as is likely , all manner of distempers among a people which had so vast a command and dominion , he alone , as a great Master , knowing how with care to handle and deal with them all severally , and in an especial manner making that use of Hopes and Fears as his two chief Rudders , as with the one to check and stop the career of their high-flown confidence at any time , so with the other to raise them up and comfort them , when they lay under any discouragement ; he plainly shewed by this that Rhetorick or the Art of speaking is , in Plato's sense and language , the Government of the Souls of men , the wire-drawing of the Soul , and that her chiefest business and design is her method and artifice of managing the affections and passions , which are as it were the pegs , the stops and keys of the Soul , which require a very skilfull and carefull touch and stroke to be plaid upon as they should be . Now the reason of this that made Pericles so prevailing , was not altogether barely the power and force of his expression and language , but as Thucydides assures us , the high opinion which the people had of the man , and the reputation and integrity of his life , he being one who was clearly free from all corruption or bribery , and above all considerations of money . Who notwithstanding that he had made the City Athens , which was great of it self , as great and rich as can be imagined , and though he were himself also grown in power and interest to be more than equal to many Kings and absolute Lords , who some of them also bequested by Will their Estates to their Children , he for his part did not improve the patrimony his Father left him , or make it more than it was by one Groat or Dram. How beit Thucydides doth indeed give a plain narrative of that great power and interest of his , and the Comick Poets do spitefully enough as their manner is , more than hint at it , by covert expressions , calling his Companions and Friends about him by the name of Pisistratus his new Courtiers , and demanding of him to abjure the setting up for a single person or exercising an arbitrary power , as one whose grandeur and eminence were unproportionable to and incompatible with a Democracy or popular Government , and grown to be a grievance not to be indured in a free State. Further Teleclides saith that the Athenians had betray'd and surrender'd up to him both the Customs and Imposts of their subject Cities and the Cities themselves , so as to bind up some and to let loose others ; and Stone Walls , to build up what he pleas'd and again to throw them down ; Leagues of Alliance , the interest and strength of the Nation , their peace , and their wealth and good fortune . Nor was all this the business of a lucky hit by some emergent occasion , nor was it the vigorous height and propitious favour of a State-management that flourish'd for a season ; but having for forty years together bore the bell away among such brave Statesmen , as Ephialtes and Leocrates and Myronides and Cimon and Tolmides and Thucydides were , he after the overthrow and banishment of Thucydides kept up his head still for no less than fifteen years longer , and having gotten a place of command and power , which was but one among the annual Magistracies ( or Offices and places of Trust , to which there was a new Election every year ) he preserv'd himself free and unprevail'd upon as to money or bribes . Though otherwise he was not altogether idle or careless in looking after his own advantage , but as to his paternal and personal Estate , which of right belonged to him , he so order'd it , that it might neither through negligence be wasted or lessen'd , nor yet , he being so full of business as he was , give him any great trouble or cost him much time with taking care of it , and put it into such a way of management as he thought to be the most easie for himself , and the most exact for thrift . For all his yearly products and profits he sold together in a lump , and afterward buying every thing that he or his Family had or might have need of out of the Market , he by this means supplied the concerns of his House as to sustenance and provision . Upon which account it was , that his Children when they grew to age were not well pleased with his menage , and the Women that liv'd with him were treated with little cost , insomuch that they complain'd of this way of expence in his House-keeping , which was ordered and set down from day to day and contracted to the greatest exactness of thrift ; since there was not there , as is usual in a great Family and a plentifull Estate , any thing to spare or over and above , but all that went out or came in , all his disbursements and receipts , were book'd and carried on as it were by number and measure . Now there was but one Menial Servant of his , Euangelus by name , who kept up all this strictness of his Accounts , one naturally fitted , as no body else could be , for such an imploy , or at least bred up by Pericles himself to this Stewardship . All this in sooth was but the effect of his Tutour Anaxagoras his wise instructions ; though he for his part by a kind of Divine impulse and greatness of Spirit , which made him contemn the World , voluntarily quit his House , and left his Land to lie fallow and to be grazed by Sheep like a Common . But I must rationally suppose that the Life of a contemplative Philosopher and that of an active Statesman is not to be one and the same thing : for the one onely imploys his Mind and understanding about great and good things , which Mind of his wants not the help of instruments , nor needs the supply of any materials from without for what it hath to doe ; whereas the other , who attempers and applies his Vertue to humane uses , may have occasion sometimes for plenty and abundance of outward things , not onely those which are necessary for his subsistence , but those which are handsome also and sutable to his quality : which was Pericles his case , who relieved abundance of their poor . And yet for all that there goes a story , that his Tutour himself , poor Anaxagoras , while Pericles was taken up with publick affairs , lay neglected , and that now being grown old he muffled up himself with a resolution to die for want of Food ; which thing being by chance brought to Pericles his ear , he was struck , and instantly ran to the man , and used all the arguments and intreaties he could to him , lamenting not so much his condition as his own , should he loose such a Counsellour of State as he had found him to be . And that upon this , as the story goes on , Anaxagoras should unmuffle and shewing himself make answer , Ah Pericles , said he , even those people who have occasion for a Lamp , use to supply it with Oil ; meaning , that if he would have him to live , he must allow him a maintenance . The Lacedemonians beginning to shew themselves troubled at the greatness of the Athenians and to be jealous of the increase of their power , Pericles on the other hand to advance the peoples spirit and buoy it up yet more , and to put them upon great actions and exploits , proposeth an Edict or Decree in writing to summon all the Grecians , in what part soever they dwelt whether of Europe or Asia , and that every City , little as well as great , should send their Deputies to Athens to a general Assembly or Convention of Estates , there to consult and advise concerning the Grecian Temples which the Barbarians had set fire to and burnt down , and the Sacrifices which they were indebted upon vows they made to their Gods for the safety of Greece , when they fought against those Barbarians , and the Sea-affair , that they might henceforward all of them pass to and fro and trade securely and be at a constant peace among themselves . Upon this errand there were twenty men , of such as were each of them above fifty years of age , sent by Commission : five whereof were to summon the Ionians and Dorians that were in Asia , and the Islanders as far as Lesbos and Rhodes ; and five were to go over all the places in Hellespont and Thrace up to Byzantium , ( now Constantinople ; ) and other five beside these to go to Boeotia and Phocis and Peloponnesus , ( now called the Morea ) and from hence to pass through the Locrians Country over to the neighbouring Continent as far as Acarnania and Ambracia ; and the rest of the Commissioners were to take their course through Euboea , to the Oetaeans , and the Gulf of Malea , and to those of Phthia and Achaia and Thessaly ; all of them to treat with the people as they past , and to perswade them to come in and bear their share in the debates and concerts , which would be for settling the peace and regulating anew the affairs of Greece . When all came to all , there was nothing done in this business , nor did the Cities meet by their Deputies , as was desired ; the Lacedemonians , as it is said , under-hand crossing the design , the trial whereof was disappointed and baffled first in Peloponnesus . However I thought fit to bring in this passage to shew the spirit of the Man , and the greatness of his mind for State-projects . In his military Imploy and Conduct of his Souldiers he got himself a great reputation for his wariness in doing what he did securely and safely , as one who would not by his good will ingage in any Fight , which had much uncertainty in the Event and hazard in the Enterprize , and one who envied not the glory of those Generals whose rash adventures fortune favour'd with good success beyond expectation , however they were admired by others as brave men and excellent Commanders , nor did he think them worthy his imitation : and was always used to say to his Citizens , that If he could help it , what lay in his power , they should continue immortal and live for ever ; meaning that he for his part would ever be tender of their lives and not needlesly expose them . To this purpose seeing Tolmides the Son of Tolmaeus , upon the confidence of his former good successes and flush'd with the great honour his warlike atchievements had procured him , making preparation to attack the Boeotians in their own Country at an unseasonable time , when there was no likely opportunity for carrying the design ; and that he had prevail'd with the bravest and highest mettled Blades among all the City-sparks to list themselves as Voluntiers in the service , who besides his other force made up a thousand , he endeavour'd to divert him and to advise him from it , in the publick Assembly , telling him in that memorable saying of his , which still goes about , That if he would not take Pericles his advice nor be ruled by him , yet he should not doe amiss to await Times leisure , who is the wisest Counsellour of all . For his saying of this he was even at that time indifferently well approved and commended , but within a few days after , when the sad news was brought that Tolmides himself was slain , having been defeated in the Battel near Coronea , and that a great many brave fellows of the Citizens fell with him , this that Pericles had said , gain'd him a high respect together with a great love and kindness among the people , looking upon him as a wise man and a lover of his Country-men . But of all the Expeditions , which have been made , that of his about the Chersonese the people were most fond of and mightily taken with , it having proved so instrumental to the safety of those poor Greeks who inhabited there . For he did not onely by carrying along with him a thousand fresh Citizens of Athens fortifie and strengthen their Cities with a competent number of good stout men , but also by bracing as it were the neck of Land , which joins the Peninsula to the Continent , with Bulwarks and Forts all the way from Sea to Sea , he kept off and put a stop to the inroads of the Thracians , who lay all about the Chersonese , and shut out a continual and grievous War , with which that Country had been all along pester'd and harassed , as being mingled here and there with neighbourhoods of barbarous people , and full of robberies , what of Moss-troopers that were borderers , what of Banditi that lived amongst them . Nor was he less admired and talk'd of among strangers and foreigners for his sailing round the Peloponnesus , having set out from a Port of Megara , called Pegae or the Fountains , with a hundred Gallies . For he did not onely pillage and lay waste the Cities along the Sea-coast , as Tolmides had formerly done , but also advancing far from Sea up into main Land , with his Souldiers he had on Board , he made some people for fear of his coming shut themselves up and keep close within their Walls , and at Nemea he with main force routed the Sicyonians , who stood their ground and joined Battel with him , and made them turn their backs , whereupon he set up a Trophee in token of his Victory . And having out of Achaia , in League then with Athens , taken on Board of him a supply of Souldiers into the Gallies , he went off with the Fleet to the opposite Continent , and having sailed along by the mouth of the River Achelous , he overran Acarnania , and shut up the Oeneadae ( or descendents of Oeneus , the Governours of the Country ) within the City-wall , and having ravaged and mischiev'd their Country , he weigh'd Anchor for home with this double advantage , that he appeared terrible and dreadfull to his Enemies , and at the same time safe and wary , yet stout and active too to his Fellow-citizens : for there was not any the least miscarriage or disorder , so much as by misfortune or chance ; that happened the whole Voyage to those who were under his charge . Moreover when he sailed to Pontus with a great Fleet and bravely equipped , he accommodated the Greek Cities with what things they wanted or stood in need of and treated them with great kindness and courtesie ; but to the barbarous Nations that dwelt round about them , and to the Kings and Lords of those Nations , he openly shew'd the greatness of the Athenians power , and how void of fear and full of confidence they were , sailing where ever they had a mind , and bringing the whole Sea under their dominion . Further he left the Sinopians thirteen men of War with Souldiers under Lamachus his command , to assist them against Timesileos the Tyrant ; and he and his complices being thrown out , he made a Decree or Order of State , that six hundred of the Athenians that were willing to go should sail to Sinope and plant themselves there with the Sinopians , sharing among them the Houses and Land , which the Tyrant and his party had formerly held . But in other things he did not comply with the giddy humours and eager passions of the Citizens , nor quit his own resolutions , to go along with them at their mad rate , when being lifted up with the consideration of that vast strength they were masters of , and of that great success fortune had favour'd them with , they were on gog both to seise upon Egypt again as their own by a former Conquest , and to disturb those parts of the King of Persia's Dominions that lay near the Sea-side . Nay there were more than a good many , who were possess'd with a confounded and ( as it would have proved then and hath done since ) unfortunate design for Sicily , a heat which afterward the Oratours of Alcibiades his party blew up into a flame . There were some also , who dreamed of Tuscany and of Carthage ; and not without reason or hope , they thought , because of their large Dominion , and of the prosperous course they had hitherto had of their affairs . But Pericles curb'd this extravagant humour of making excursions abroad , and chock'd their over-busie fancies which put them upon meddling with so much business at once ; and turned the most and greatest part of their force and power to the preserving and securing of what they had already gotten , supposing it would be a considerable business if they could keep the Lacedemonians under , or at least in good order , he having all along a particular peek at them , which as upon many other occasions , so he particularly shew'd by what he did in the time of the Holy War. For whereas the Lacedemonians having gone with an Army to the City Delphi restored Apollo's Temple , which the Phocians had got into their possession , to the Delphians again , immediately after their departure , Pericles coming with another Army brought in the Phocians again . And the Lacedemonians having engraven an Oracle , ( or be it a privilege of consulting the Oracle before others ) which the Delphians gave them , upon the forehead of a brazen Wolf which stands there ; he also having received from the Phocians an Oracle or the like privilege for his Athenians , had it cut upon the same Wolf of Brass on his right side . Now that he did well and wisely in this that he kept the force and power of the Athenians within the compass of Greece , the things and passages themselves , that happen'd afterward , did bear sufficient witness . For in the first place the Euboeans revolted , against whom he past over with Forces ; and then immediately after news came that the Megarians were set upon in War , and that the Enemies Army was upon the borders of the Attick Country under the command and conduct of Pleistonax , King of the Lacedemonians . Wherefore Pericles went with his Army back again in all haste out of Euboea , to the War which threatned home ; and because there were a many brave fellows in Arms on the other side who dared him to fight , he did not venture to engage or to come to handy-blows with them , but perceiving that Pleistonax was a very young man , and that he govern'd himself mostly by the counsel and advice of Cleandrides , whom the Overseers or Curatours of the State ( whom they call Ephori ) had sent along with him by reason of his youth to be a kind of Guardian and Assistant to him ; he privately applied his temptation to him , and in a short time having corrupted him with money , he prevailed with him to withdraw the Peloponnesians out of the Attick Country . When the Army was retir'd and dispersed into several quarters through their Towns and Cities , the Lacedemonians being grievously offended at it , amerced their King in a great sum of money by way of Fine , which he being not able to pay quitted his Country and removed himself from Lacedemon ; the other Gentleman Cleandrides , who fled for it , having a sentence of death past upon him by them for betraying them . This man was the Father of that Gylippus , who defeated the Athenians and beat them so at Sicily . And it seems that this covetousness was an hereditary disease that past from Father to Son ; for he also whom we last mention'd was upon a like account caught in foul practices and was turned out of Town at Sparta for it . But this is a story we have told at large , where we discourse the affairs of Lysander . Now when Pericles in giving up his accounts of this Expedition had set down a disbursement of ten Talents ( which comes to about 1500 pounds Sterling ) as laid out upon a fit and usefull occasion , the people without any more adoe , not troubling themselves to canvass the mystery , how it was expended , freely allow'd of it . And some Historians , in which number is Theophrastus the Philosopher , have reported it for a truth , that year by year Pericles sent privately the foresaid sum of ten Talents to Sparta , wherewith he complemented those that were in any Office or place of Trust to keep off the War ; not to purchase peace neither , but to redeem time , to the intent that having at leisure provided himself , he might the better make a War hereafter . Wherefore presently upon this , turning his Forces against the revolters and passing over into the Island Euboea with fifty Sail of Ships and five thousand Men in Arms he overthrew and won their Cities , and drove out those of the Chalcidians , whom they called Hippobotae , i. e. Horse-feeders , the chief persons for wealth and reputation among them ; and removing all the Hestiaeans out of the Country brought in a Plantation of his own Country-men the Athenians in their room to dwell there by themselves ; treating those people with that severity , for that they having taken an Attick Ship prisoner had put all the men on board to death . After this was over , having made a truce between the Athenians and Lacedemonians for thirty years , he orders by publick Decree an Expedition against the Isle of Samos , upon this pretence that they , when they were bid to leave off the War they had with the Milesians , did not as they were bid to doe . But by reason that what he did against the Samians , he is thought to have done it in favour of Aspasia , and to gratifie some humour or design of hers , ( she being that Country-woman ) here in this place may be a fit occasion most properly for us to make inquiry concerning this Woman , what cunning art or charming force she had so great as to inveigle and captivate , as she did , the chief persons of the Government and to afford the Philosophers occasion so much to discourse about her , and not to her disparagement neither . Now that she was a Milesian by birth , the Daughter of one Axiochus , is a thing acknowledged . And they say that she in imitation of one Thargelia , a Courtisan , one of the old Ionian stamp , used to make her addresses to personages of the greatest power , and to clap them on board . For that same Thargelia being a handsome Woman to see to , and having a gracefull carriage and a shrewd wit into the bargain , kept company with a great many of the Greeks , and wrought all those who had to doe with her over to the Persian King's interest , and by their means , being men of the greatest power and quality , she sowed the seeds of the Median Faction up and down in several Cities . And for this Aspasia they say that she was courted and caressed by Pericles upon the account of her wisedom and knowledge in State affairs . For Socrates himself would sometimes go to visit her and fome of his acquaintance with him , and those who used her company would carry their Wives along with them to her , as it were to Lecture , to hear her discourse , though by the way the House she kept was little other than a Vaulting School , she being a Governante of no modest or creditable imploy , but keeping a parcel of young Wenches about her who were no better than they should be . Now , Aeschines saith also that there was one Lysicles a Grasier or Mutton-monger , who of a great Clown and a pitifull Sneaksby , as naturally he was , did by keeping Aspasia company after Pericles his death , come to be a chief man among the people of Athens . And in a Book of Plato's intitled Menexenus , though the first part of it is written with some pleasantry and sport , yet there is so much of History in it , that she was a Woman , with whom many of the Athenians convers'd and often resorted to , as the common opinion was , upon the account of her Rhetorick and her abilities of Discourse . But I must needs say for Pericles his share , that the inclination and fancy he had for her appears rather to have proceeded from the passion of love . For he had a Wife that was near of kin to him , who had been married formerly to Hipponicus , by whom she had a Son Callias by name , sirnamed the Rich ; as also she brought Pericles , while she liv'd with him , two Sons , Xanthippus and Paralus . Afterwards when they could not well agree nor like to live together , he parted with her , being willing and consenting to it , to another man , and himself took Aspasia to Wife , whom he dearly loved with wonderfull affection : for every day , both as he went out and as he came in from business abroad , he constantly saluted her and kiss'd her . In the Comedies she goes by the nick-names of young Omphale and Deianira ( the one Hercules his Mistress , the other his Wife ) and again she was called Juno , ( as Pericles himself was called Jupiter . ) Cratinus hath plainly and in downright terms given her out for a Whore or Harlot in these Verses , speaking of her Mother . Of Juno , fair Aspasia by name , The good old Beldame's safely brought to Bed ; A wanton Minks , a Whore , a Thing past shame , Bitch-fac'd , and Born without a Maiden-head . It should seem also that he had a Bastard by her , concerning whom Eupolis in a Play of his , called The publick Affairs , brings in Pericles asking in this manner , And is my Bastard-son alive , d' ye say ? And then brings in Pyronides making answer , Alive , and would e're this many a fair day Have been a Man , did not fear of foul play From th' Whore his Mother keep him at a stay . Further they say that this Aspasia was so celebrated and renowned a Beauty in her time , that Cyrus also , who made War against his Brother King Artaxerxes for the Persian Monarchy , gave her whom he loved the best of all his Misses or Concubines the name of Aspasia , who before that was called Milto . She was a Phocian by Birth , the Daughter of one Hermotimus , who when Cyrus fell in Battel was carried to the King and was in great favour at Court. These things coming into my memory , as I am writing this story , it would not peradventure be civil for me to lay aside and pass them by . Now the thing they quarrel Pericles for , was that he proposed to the Assembly the War against the Samians , and had it enacted mainly in favour of the Milesians upon the request and intreaty of Aspasia . For these two States waged a War for the mastery of Priene , and the Samians getting the better on 't refused to lay down their Arms and to have the Controversie betwixt them debated and decided before the Athenians , as they ordered they should , and to stand to their award . Wherefore Pericles furnishing out a Fleet went and broke up the Oligarchy which was at Samos , ( that is , the Government managed by some few of the Great ones ) and taking fifty Hostages of the principal persons of the Town and as many of their Children , he sent them to the Isle of Lemnos , there to be kept . Though there are some do say that every one of those Hostages did severally proffer him a Talent a Head by way of ransome , and that those who had no mind to have a Democracy or popular Government in the City tendred him many other presents . Moreover Pissuthnes the Persian , one of the King's Lord-Lieutenants , bearing some good will to the Samians , sent him ten thousand Pistoles or pieces of Gold to excuse the City . Howbeit Pericles would receive none of all this , but after he had taken that course with the Samians , as he thought fit , and set up a Democracy among them , he sail'd back to Athens . But they immediately revolted , Pissuthnes having privily convey'd away their Hostages for them , and provided themselves with all things necessary for the War. Whereupon Pericles came out with a Fleet a second time against them , whom he found not idle with their hands in their pockets , nor in a sneaking posture as if they were daunted at his coming , but altogether manfully resolved to try for the dominion of the Sea. The issue of it all was , that after a brisk and sharp Sea-fight about the Island called Tragia , ( that is , the Isle of Goats ) Pericles obtain'd a gallant Victory , having with forty and four Sail , took , routed and sunk , threescore and ten of the Enemies , whereof twenty were Men of War. And together with his Victory and pursuit having made himself master of the Port or Harbour he laid Siege to the Samians , and block'd them up , who yet notwithstanding for all that were so hardy and venturous as to make sallies out and fight under the City-walls . But after that another greater Fleet , sent as a fresh supply from Athens , was arrived , and that the Samians were now shut up with a close Leaguer on every side , Pericles taking with him threescore Galleys , sailed out into the main Sea ; with a resolution , as most Authours give the account , to meet with a Squadron of Phenician Ships , that were coming for the Samians relief and assistance , and to fight them at as great distance as could be from the Island ; but , as Stesimbrotus will have it , with a design of putting over to Cyprus : which doth not seem to be probable . But which soever of the two was his intent , 't is plain he was in an errour and by his doing as he did gave occasion to a scurvy miscarriage . For he being put out to Sea , Melissus the Son of Ithagenes , a man of parts and a Philosopher , being at that time Admiral of Samos , made but little reckoning either of the Ships that were left in respect of their small number , or of the Commanders themselves in regard of their want of skill , and upon this account prevail'd with the Citizens to attack and set upon the Athenians . And the Samians having won the Battel , and taken several of the men prisoners , and sunk and spoil'd several of the Ships , were masters of the Sea , and brought into Port what necessaries they wanted for the War and had not before . Aristotle saith too , that Pericles himself had formerly been worsted and beaten by this Melissus in a Sea-fight . Now the Samians , that they might requite an affront which had before been put upon them , mark'd ( either by an Inscription or Brand ) those Athenians whom they took prisoners in their Foreheads with the Picture of an Owl , ( which is their City-Crest . ) For so the Athenians had mark'd them before with a Samaena , which is a sort of Ship , somewhat low and flat in the forepart of it , so as to look snut-nosed , but wide and large and well-spread in the hold , by which it both keeps snug upon the Water and proves a swift sailer besides . And it was so called , because the first of that kind was seen at Samos , having been built by order of Polycrates the Tyrant . To these marks or brands upon the Samians foreheads they say that that passage in Aristophanes hath a secret allusion , where he saith , The Samian people ( fy for shame ! ) For store of Letters have great fame . Pericles , as soon as news was brought him of the disaster that had befaln his Army , made all the haste he could to come in to their relief , and having got the better of Melissus , who bore up against him , and having put the Enemies to flight , he presently hemm'd them in with a Wall , resolving to master them and take the Town , rather with some cost and time , than with the wounds and hazards of his Citizens . But inasmuch as it was a hard matter to keep in or hold back the Athenians , who were vexed at the delay , and were eagerly bent to fight , he dividing the whole multitude into eight parts or bodies of men , ordered the business by lot so , that that part which had the white Bean should have leave to feast and take their ease , while the other seven were busie a fighting . For which reason they say also , that people , when at any time they have been merry and enjoy'd themselves , call such a day a white day in allusion to this white Bean. Ephorus the Historian tells us besides , that Pericles made use of Engins of Battery in this Siege , being much taken with the strangeness of the invention , and that he plaid them in presence of Artemo himself the Engineer ; who being lame was used to be carried about in a Litter or Sedan upon occasion of business where his attendance was required , and for that reason was called Periphoretus . But Heraclides Ponticus disproves this out of Anacreon's Poems , where mention is made of this Artemo Periphoretus several Ages before the Samian War or any of those passages . And he says that Artemo being a man who lov'd his Belly and his ease , and had a tender apprehension of danger so as to be struck down with fear at the very thoughts of it , did for the most part keep close within door , having two of his Servants to hold a brazen Shield over his Head , that nothing might fall upon him from above ; and if he were at any time forced upon necessity to go abroad , that he was carried about in a Pallankeen or little hanging Bed , close to the very ground almost , and that for this reason he was called Periphoretus . In the ninth month the Samians surrendring themselves and delivering up the Town , Pericles pull'd down their Walls , and seis'd their Shipping , and set a Fine of a great sum of money upon them ; part of which they paid down upon the nail , and the rest they agreed to bring in by a certain time and gave Hostages for security . Now Duris the Samian makes a Tragical outcry of this Story , charging the Athenians and Pericles with a great deal of cruelty , which neither Thucydides , nor Ephorus , nor Aristotle hath given any relation of : ( but it is likely enough that that Authour had little regard to truth in his so doing ; ) as how that he brought the Captains of the Galleys and the Sea-men into the Market-place at Miletum , and there having bound them fast to Boards for ten days , he then gave order to have them , poor Wretches , who were already as good as half dead , to be kill'd by beating out their Brains with Clubs , and their dead Bodies to be flung out into the open Streets and Fields unburied . But as for Duris , he being one , who even where he hath no private concern of his own , is not wont to keep his historical accounts he gives within the compass of truth , it is the more likely that upon this occasion he hath aggravated the calamities which befell his Country , on purpose to draw an odium upon the Athenians . Pericles , after the overthrow of Samos , as soon as he returned back to Athens , he took care that those who died in the War should be honourably buried , and made such a Funeral Harangue , as the custom is , in their commendation at their Graves and Monuments , that he was highly admired and esteemed for it . As he came down from the Pulpit ( or place where they delivered their Speeches ) the rest of the Ladies came and complemented him taking him by the hand , and crowning him with Garlands and Rubans , as they used to do with Gamesters that won the publick Prizes : onely Elpinice coming near to him , saith she , These are brave things , Pericles , that you have done , and such as deserve our Chaplets , who have lost us a many brave worthy Citizens , not in a War with Phoenicians or Medes , ( Enemies and Foreigners ) as my Brother Cimon wont to doe , but for the overthrow of a City , that was in alliance and of the same Country and Kindred with us . As Elpinice spoke these words , he gently smiling , as 't is said , returned her this Verse of Archilochus for answer ; Old Woman , as you are , You should not powder Hair , Nor , as you walk , perfume the Air ; Leave these things to the Young and Fair. Now Ion saith of him , that upon this exploit of his conquering the Samians , he entertain'd a strange and high conceit of himself , in that , whereas Agamemnon was ten years a taking a barbarous City , he had in nine months time vanquished and taken the chiefest and the most powerfull people among all the Ionians . And indeed it was not without reason that he assumed this glory to himself ; for , to say the truth , there was much uncertainty and great hazard in this War , if so be ( as Thucydides tells us ) the Samian State were come to that pitch , that they were within a very little of wresting the whole power and dominion of the Sea out of the Athenians hands . After this was over , a War from Peloponnesus being already breaking out in full tide , he advised the people to send help and assistance to the Corcyraeans , ( the people of the Island now called Corfu ) who were invaded and set upon by the Corinthians , and to take into their protection and alliance an Island so strengthened , as that was , with naval power ; seeing that the Peloponnesians were already , more than ever , made Enemies against them . The Commons readily consenting to the motion , and voting an aid and succour for them , he dispatch'd away Lacedaemonius , Cimon's Son , having onely ten Ships along with him , as it were out of a design to affront and abuse him . For there was a great kindness and friendship betwixt Cimon's Family and the Lacedemonians ; wherefore that Lacedaemonius might lie the more open to a charge or suspicion at least of favouring the Lacedemonians and playing booty with them , if he performed no considerable or handsome exploit in this conduct and service , he allowed him such a small number of Ships , and sent him out against his will : and indeed he did wholly by all means he could make it his business to hinder Cimon's Sons from rising in the State , pretending that by their very names they were not to be look'd upon as natives of the Country or right-bred Athenians , but foreigners and strangers , inasmuch as one's name was Lacedaemonius , another's Thessalus , and the third's Elius ; and they were all three of them , as it was thought , born of an Arcadian Woman . Wherefore Pericles being but ill spoken of upon the account of these ten Galleys , as having afforded but a small supply to the poor people that desired it , and given a great advantage to those who might call him in question , he sent out some more other Ships afterward to Corcyra , which arrived after the Fight was over , that is , as we say , came a day after the Fair , when it was too late . Now when the Corinthians being deadly angry with the Athenians accused them publickly at Lacedaemon , the Megarians joined with them , complaining that they were , contrary to common right and the articles of peace agreed upon oath among the Grecians , kept out and driven away from every Market and from all Ports , where the Athenians had to doe , to the hindrance of Commerce and the decay of their Trade . And those of Aegina , appearing to have been grievously ill used and treated with violence , made their supplications in private to the Lacedemonians for redress , as not daring openly to call the Athenians in question . In the mean time the City Potidaea , ( being under the dominion of the Athenians then , but a Colony formerly of the Corinthians ) having revolted was beset with a formal Siege ; which prov'd an occasion of hastning on the War. Nay and yet notwithstanding all this , there being Embassies sent to Athens , and Archidamus the King of the Lacedemonians endeavouring to bring several of those complaints and matters in dispute to a fair determination and decision , and to pacifie and allay the heats of the allied parties , it is very likely that the War would not upon any other grounds of quarrel have faln from all sides upon the Athenians , could they have been prevail'd with to repeal that Ordinance and Decree of theirs against the Megarians , and to be reconciled to them . Upon which account , since Pericles was the man , who mainly opposed it , and stirr'd up the people , continuing in his peevish and stubborn resolution of unkindness and quarrelsomeness against those of Megara , he alone bore the blame and was look'd upon as the onely cause and promoter of the War. They say moreover that Ambassadours went by order from Lacedaemon to Athens about this very business , and that , when Pericles pretended a certain Law , which forbad the taking down the Tablet , wherein the Decree or publick Order was written , one of the Ambassadours , Polyarces by name should say , Well! do not take it down then , but turn the Tablet inward ; for there is no Law , I suppose , which forbids that . This though it were prettily said , and might have serv'd for a handsome expedient , yet Pericles did not at all relent nor bate an ace of his resolution . There was then , in all likelihood , some secret grudge and private animosity , which he had against the Megarians . Yet he upon the pretence of a publick and manifest charge against them , as that they had cut down a holy Grove dedicated to the Gods or imbezilled a piece of ground consecrated to pious uses , writes an Order , that a Herald should be sent to them , and the same person to the Lacedemonians , with an accusation of the Megarians . This Order of Pericles , truth is , shews an equitable and friendly proceeding enough . But after that the Herald which was sent , by name Anthemocritus , died , and it was thought that the Megarians had contrived his death and made him away , then Charinus writes a Decree against them , that there should be an irreconcileable and implacable enmity thenceforward betwixt the two Commonwealths ; and that if any one of the Megarians should but set his foot upon any part of the Attick Territories , he should be put to death ; and that the Commanders , when they take the usual Oath , should , over and above that , swear that they will twice every year make an inroad into the Megarians Country ; and that Anthemocritus should be buried near the Thriasian Gates , which are now called the Dipylon or Double Gate . On the other hand the Megarians utterly denying and disowning the Murther of Anthemocritus , throw the whole business and the guilt , if any , upon Aspasia and Pericles , to which purpose they make use of those famous and commonly known Verses out of a Play of Aristophanes , called the Acharnes . Youngsters of Athens went to Megara , Mad-fuddle-caps , to keep blind Holiday , And stole Simaetha the Town-Whore away . Nettled at this , Megarian Youths did plot Reprisal , and to Town by stealth they got , Where two Aspasian Harlots went to pot . The true rise and occasion of this War , what it might be , is not so easie to find out . But that that Decree , we mentioned , was not repeal'd and annulled , all do alike charge Pericles with being the cause of that . However there are some who say that he did out of a great sense and height of spirit stand it out stiffly with a resolution for the best ; accounting that the Precept and Order of those Embassies was designed for a trial of their compliance and yieldingness , and that a concession would be taken for a confession of weakness , as if they durst not doe otherwise . And other some there are who say that he did rather in an arrogant bravado and a wilfull humour of contention , to shew his own gallantry and power , slight and set little by the Lacedemonians . But that which is the worst cause and charge of all , and which is confirmed by most witnesses , we have in a manner such an account as this given of it . Phidias the Plasterer or Image-maker had , as hath before been said , undertaken to make the Statue of Minerva . Now he being familiarly acquainted with Pericles , and a great Favourite of his , had many enemies upon his account , who envied and maligned him : who also , to make trial in a case of his , what kind of Judges the Commons would prove , should there be occasion to bring Pericles himself before them , having tampered with Menon one who had wrought with Phidias , they place him in the Court with a Petition , desiring publick security upon his discovery and impeachment of Phidias for things done by him against the State. The people admitting of the man to tell his story , and the prosecution being agreed upon in the Assembly , there was nothing of theft or cheat charged against him . For Phidias had immediately from the very first beginning so wrought and wrapt the Gold , that was used in the work , about the Statue , and that by the advice of Pericles , that they might take it all off and make out the just weight of it ; which Pericles also at that time bade the accusers to doe . But the glory and reputation of his Works was that which burthen'd Phidias and crush'd him with envy ; especially this , that where he represents the Fight of the Amazons upon the Goddesses Shield , he had express'd a kind of Figure or resemblance of himself like a bald old man holding aloft a great Stone with both hands ; and had put in a very fine Picture of Pericles fighting with an Amazon . And the fashion and posture of the Hand which held out the Spear , over against Pericles his Face , was with that curious art contrived , as if it meant to hide the likeness , which by the by shew'd it self on either side . Well! poor Phidias was carried away to Prison , and there died of a Disease or some other Sickness ; but , as some say , of Poison , to raise a slander or a suspicion at least upon Pericles , though it were by the procurement and preparation of his enemies . As to the Informer Menon , upon Glycon's proposal , the people made him free from payment of Taxes and Customs , and ordered the Commanders to take care of the man's safety , that no body might doe him any harm . About this time Aspasia was indited of Impiety or Irreligion , upon the complaint of Hermippus a writer of Comedies , who also laid further to her charge , that she was Bawd to Pericles and entertained Citizens Wives and Daughters for his use . And Diopithes proposed a Decree , that information should be given in against such persons as deny a Deity , and those who teach or make Discourses concerning Meteors and other appearances in the Sky ; by these last words reaching Pericles a box on the ear over Anaxagoras his shoulder . The people receiving and admitting all accusations and complaints , as they came , at length by this means they came to enact a Decree , at the motion of Dracontides , that Pericles should bring in the accounts of the Moneys he had expended , and lodge them with the Prytanes , the Magistrates and Judges of the Treasury ; and that the Judges carrying their suffrage from the Altar should examine and determine the business in the City . This indeed Agnon took out of the Decree , but moved that causes should be tried before the 1500 Judges , whether one would name it an action of robbery , or of bribery , or of any whatever injustice . As to Aspasia , Pericles made shift to beg her off , having shed abundance of tears at the Trial , as Aeschines makes the relation , and besought the Judges in her behalf . But fearing how it might go with Anaxagoras , he sent him away and brought him onward on his way out of the City . And whereas he had in Phidias his case miscarried and found the people awkward and averse , being afraid of a Court of Judges , he set fire to the War , which hitherto had lingered and smothered , and blew it up into a flame ; hoping by that means to scatter those mists of impeachments which they were raising against him , and to lower that envy which hung over him ; the City usually throwing her self upon him alone and trusting to his sole conduct , upon the urgency of great affairs and publick dangers , by reason of his authority and the sway he bore . And these are given out to have been the causes , for which Pericles would not suffer the people of Athens to comply with the Lacedemonians or yield to their proposals . However the truth of it , whether it were so or no , cannot be well known . The Lacedemonians for their part having an assurance , that if they could pull him down and remove him out of the way once , they might be at what terms they pleased with the Athenians , they sent them word , that they should expiate and drive out from among them that horrid crime ( meaning the rebellion of Cylon ) wherewith the kindred of Pericles on the Mother's side was tainted , as Thucydides hath told the story . But the business prov'd quite contrary to what those who sent this message expected . For instead of bringing Pericles under a suspicion and a reproach , they brought him into a far greater credit and esteem with his Citizens , as a man whom their Enemies did most mightily hate and fear . Wherefore also before that Archidamus , who was at the head of the Peloponnesians , made his incursion upon Attica , he told the Athenians aforehand , that if Archidamus , while he laid waste and made havock of every thing else in the Country , should forbear and spare his Estate , he had there , either upon pretence of some friendship or right of hospitality , that was betwixt them , ( as having been one anothers Guests at some time or other ) or out of purpose to give his enemies an occasion of traducing and speaking evil of him , that then he did freely bestow upon the State all that his Land and Houses in the Country to be imploy'd in the publick use and service . Well , the Lacedemonians together with their allies come with a great Army and invade the Athenian Territories , under the conduct of King Archidamus ; and laying waste the Country marched on as far as Acharnae , and there pitch'd their Camp ; presuming that the Athenians would never endure that , but would come out and fight them for their Country's and their honour's sake . But Pericles look'd upon it as a dangerous and dismal adventure , to ingage in Battel , were it in defence of the City it self , against threescore thousand armed men of Peloponnesians and Boeotians , for so many they were in number , that made the inroad at first : and he endeavoured to appease those , who were desirous to fight and were griev'd and discontented to see how things went , and gave them good words , saying , that Trees , when they are lopt and cut , grow up again in short time , but Men being once lost and spoil'd cannot easily be recovered again . He did not convene the people into an Assembly , for fear lest they should force him from his own resolution or drive him beside his own purpose ; but like a skilfull Steersman or Pilot of a Ship , who , when a storm ariseth or a sudden gust of wind sets hard at Sea , having put all things on board to rights and fitted his tackle , he makes use of his art of Navigation , and minds the business of the Ship , taking no notice of the tears and intreaties of the Sea-sick and fearfull passengers : so he having shut up the City-gates , and placed Guards at all Posts for security , made use of his own reasons and purposes , little regarding those that bawl'd out against him and were angry at his management . Although there were a great many of his Friends that lay hard at him , requesting him to doe otherwise ; and many of his Enemies , threatning and accusing him for doing as he did ; and many made Ballads and Lampoons and Libells upon him , which were sung about Town to his disgrace , reproaching his Generalship for being cowardly and throwing up tamely or treacherously all their concerns into the Enemies hands . And Cleon also , having got into credit and favour with the people so as to set up for a Demagogue , and seeing how the Citizens were displeased with him , stuck close to him and gave him broad sides ; as Hermippus hath made it appear in these Anapaests of his , a kind of Comick or Lyrick Verses , King of Satyrs , Woman-haunter , In thy words of War a Vaunter ; Why , as to action , dost thou saunter ? Why wilt not carry Lance or Spear ? Or heave up Pike ? what makes thee fear , As if thou didst the Soul of Teles * wear ? Brave Cleon rasps thee to the Bone , As Morglay 's edge is sharp'd with Stone ; Whet , Whet , he cries ; Courage . O Hone ! O Hone ! However Pericles was not at all moved by any of these practices of theirs , but took all patiently , and in silence underwent the disgrace they threw upon him and the ill will they bore him . And sending out a Fleet of a hundred Sail to Peloponnesus , he did not go along with it in person , but staid behind , that he might look after home and keep the City in order , till the Peloponnesians should break up Camp and be gone . Yet to court and caress the common people , who were jaded and in disorder about the War , he reliev'd and refresh'd them with distributions of publick moneys , and made a Law for the division of Lands by lot and the plantation of Colonies . For having turn'd out all the people of Aegina , he parted the Island among the Athenians , according as their lot fell . And it was some comfort to them and ease in their miseries , even from what things their enemies endured . For they in the Fleet sailing round the Peloponnese , ravaged a great deal of the Country , and pillaged and plundred the Towns and smaller Cities . And by Land he himself went with an Army into the Megarian Country , and made havock of it all . By which means it appears , that the Peloponnesians , though they did the Athenians a world of mischief by Land , yet suffering as much themselves from them by Sea , would not have drawn out the War to such a length , but would quickly have given it over , as Pericles at first foretold they would , had not some divine power crost humane purposes . Now in the first place there was a pestilential Disease or Murrain , that seiz'd upon the City and ate up all the flower and prime of their youth and strength . Upon occasion of which Distemper , the people , being afflicted in their Souls as well as in their Bodies , were utterly inraged like Madmen against Pericles , and in the same nature as Patients being grown delirious in a high Fever use to behave themselves toward their Physician or be it their Father , were ready to fall foul upon him and doe him a mischief . For it had been buzz'd in their ears by his enemies , as if he were in the fault , perswading them that the occasion of the Plague was the crowding of so many Country people together into Town ; in that they were forced now in the Summer time in the heat of the weather to dwell a many of them together higgledy piggledy in pitifull little Tenements and sultry Hovels , enough to stifle them ; and to be tied to a lazy course of life within doors , when as before they lived in a pure , open and free air . The cause and authour of all this , said they , is he , who upon the account of the War hath poured a multitude of people from the Country in upon us within the Walls , and puts so many men as he has here upon no imploy or service , but keeps them pent up like Cattel in a pound , and lets them be overrun with infection from one another , affording them neither shift of quarters nor any refreshment . He designing to remedy these things , and withall to doe the enemy some inconvenience , got a hundred and fifty sail of Ships ready and fill'd them with men , and having imbarked a many stout Souldiers both Foot and Horse was about to weigh Anchor , giving great incouragement of hope to his Citizens and no less an alarm of fear to his Enemies , upon the sight of so great a force . And now the Vessels having their complement of men , and Pericles being gone aboard the Admiral his own Galley , it happened that the Sun was in an Eclipse and it grew dark on a sudden , to the extreme affrightment of them all , looking upon it as a dismal token and an unlucky ill-boding Omen . Wherefore Pericles perceiving the Pilot or Steersman seis'd with a great fear and at a stand what to doe , he took his Cloak and put it before the man's Face , and muffling him up in it that he could not see , he ask'd him whether he did imagine there was any dreadfull thing or great hurt in this that he had done to him , or whether he thought it was the sign of any hurt ; he answering , No ; Why ? said he , and what does that there differ from this , onely that that which hath caused that darkness there , is something greater than a Cloak ? But these are things fit to be discoursed in the Schools of Philosophy . Well , Pericles , after he had put out to Sea , as he seems not to have done any other exploit befitting such an apparade and equipage ; so when he had besieged the holy City Epidaurus , which gave him some hope as if it would or might be taken , he miscarried in his design by reason of the Sickness . For it did not onely seise upon the Athenians and destroy them , but also without any difference any others that upon any occasion mix'd with them or had ought to doe in the Army it carried them off too for company . After this finding that the Athenians were very ill affected towards and highly displeased with him , he tried and indeavoured what he could to appease them by giving them good words and to reincourage their confidence in him . But he could not pacifie or allay their anger , nor perswade them to any thing or prevail with them any way , till they freely past their Votes upon him , and taking the staff into their own hands they took away his command from him and fined him in a round sum of money ; which by their account that say least was fifteen Talents , and they which reckon most name fifty . Now he who was set down at his Trial to be his Accuser , was Cleon , as Idomeneus tells us ; but Simmias , according to Theophrastus ; and Heraclides Ponticus has named Lacratidas for the man. After this the publick heats and affairs too might quickly come to a repose and be at quiet , the Commonalty having discharged their spleen and passion upon him ( as Wasps do their sting ) together with the mortal wound they gave him . But his private domestick concerns were in a wretched untoward condition , he having lost not a few of his Friends and acquaintance in the plague time , and those of his Family having long since been in disorder and in a kind of mutiny against him . For the eldest of his lawfully begotten Sons , Xanthippus by name , being both by nature given to expense , and marrying a young and costly Dame , the Daughter of Isander ( who was the Son of Epilycus ) was highly offended at his Father's niggardly thrift , making him but a scanty bare allowance , and giving it him by little and little at a time . Wherefore he sent to a Friend one day and borrow'd some money of him , in his Father Pericles name , pretending it was by his order . But the man coming afterward to demand the debt , Pericles was so far from yielding to pay it , that he arrested the man and entred an action against him . Upon which the young man Xanthippus thought himself so heinously used and highly disobliged , that he openly reviled his Father . And first by way of droll and raillery he ridicul'd him by telling stories , what his carriages and conversations were at home , and what kind of discourses he had with the Sophisters and Scholars that came to his House . As for instance , how , Epitimius the Pharsalian ( one who was a practiser of all the five Games of Skill ) having with a Dart or Javelin unawares against his will struck and kill'd a Horse that stood in the way , his Father spent a whole day with Protagoras in a serious and learned dispute , whether the Javelin or the Man that threw it or the Masters of the Game , who appointed these Sports , were according to the strictest and best reason to be accounted the cause of this mischance or Horse-slaughter : whereas , and make the worst of it , it was but chance-medley . Further , beside this , Stesimbrotus tells us , that it was Xanthippus self , who spread abroad among the people that infamous story concerning his own Wife , how his Father should make him Cuckold : and that this untoward grudge of the young man 's against his Father , and unnatural breach betwixt them , which was never to be healed or made up , continued with him till his very dying day . For Xanthippus died in the Plague-time of the Sickness . At which time Pericles also lost his Sister and the greatest part of his Kinsfolks and Friends , and those who had been most usefull and serviceable to him in managing the affairs of State. However he did not shrink or give out upon these occasions , nor did he betray or lower his high spirit and the greatness of his mind under all his misfortunes and those calamities which befell him . Nay , so unconcern'd and so great a master of his passions he was or at least seemed to be , that he was never known to weep or to mourn and pay the Funeral Rites to any of his dead Friends , nor was so much as seen at the Burial of any of his Relations , till at last he lost the onely Son which was left of those who were lawfully begotten , his Son Paralus . This touch'd him home and made him bow and relent ; and yet he striv'd what he could to maintain his principle of gravity and to preserve and keep up the greatness of his Soul : but all would not doe ; for when he came to perform the ceremony of putting a Garland or Chaplet of Flowers upon the Head of the Corps , he was vanquished by his passion at the sight , so that he burst out a crying and pour'd forth abundance of tears , having never done any such thing in all the rest of his life before . After all , the City having made trial of other Generals for the conduct of War and Oratours for business of State , when they found there was no one who was of weight enough to counterballance such a charge , or of authority sufficient to be trusted with so great a Command ; then they hankerd after their old Friend and Servant Pericles , and solemnly invited him to the Tribunal or pleading place , and desired him to accept of the Office of General or Commander in chief again . He was then in a very pensive condition , and kept in at home , as a close Mourner ; but was perswaded by Alcibiades and others of his Friends to come abroad and shew himself to the people : who having upon his appearance made their acknowledgments and apologized for their ingratitude and untowardly usage of him , he undertook the publick affairs once more , and being chosen Praetor or chief Governour , he brought in a Bill that the Statute concerning Bastard-issue , which he himself had formerly caused to be made , might be repealed : that so the name and race or off-spring of his Family might not , for want of a lawfull Heir to succeed , be wholly and utterly lost and extinguished . Now the business of that Statute or Law stood thus . Pericles when long ago he flourished in the State and had ( as hath been said ) Children lawfully begotten , proposed a Law that those onely should be reputed true Citizens of Athens , who were born of such Parents as were both Athenians . After this the King of Egypt having sent to the Commons , by way of present , forty thousand Bushels of Wheat , which were to be distributed and shared out among the Citizens , there sprung up a great many Actions and Suits against Bastards , by vertue of that Edict , which till that time had not been known , nor taken notice of ; and several persons besides were trepann'd and insnar'd by false accusations . There were little less than five thousand , who were caught in this State-trap , and having lost the freedom of the City were sold for Slaves ; and those who induring the test remained in the Government and past muster for right Athenians , were found upon the Poll to be fourteen thousand and forty persons in number . Now though it look'd somewhat odd and strange , that a Law , which had been carried on so far against so many people , should be broken and cancell'd again by the same man that made it ; yet the present calamity and distress , which Pericles labour'd under as to his Family , broke through all objections and prevail'd with the Athenians to pity him , as one who by those losses and misfortunes had sufficiently been punished for his former arrogance and haughtiness . And therefore being of opinion , that he had been shrewdly handled by divine vengeance of which he had run so severe a Gantlop , and that his request was such as became a man to ask and men to grant ; they yielded that he should inroll his Bastard-son in the register of his own Ward by his paternal name . This very Son of his afterward , when he had defeated the Peloponnesians in a Sea-fight near the Islands called Arginusae , was put to death by the people together with his fellow-Captains , his Colleagues in that Commission . About that time , when his Son was inroll'd , it should seem , the Plague seis'd Pericles , not with sharp and violent fits , as it did others that had it , but with a dull and lingring Distemper , through various changes and alterations , leisurely by little and little wasting the strength of his Body , and undermining the noble faculties of his Soul. So that Theophrastus in his Morals , having made a moot-point , Whether mens Manners change with their Fortunes , and their Souls being jogg'd and disturb'd by the ailings of their Bodies do start aside from the rules of Vertue ; hath left it upon record , that Pericles , when he was sick , shew'd one of his Friends that came to visit him an Amulet or Charm , that the Women had hung about his Neck ; as much as to say , that he was very sick indeed , when he would admit of or indure such a foolery as that was . When he was drawing on and near his time , the best of the Citizens and those of his Friends , who were left alive , sitting about him , were discoursing of his Vertue and Authority , how great it was , and were reckoning up his famous Actions and Atchievements and the number of his Victories ; for there were no less than nine Trophies , which he as their chief Commander and Conquerer of their Enemies had set up for the honour of the City and State. These things they talk'd of together among themselves , as though he did not understand or mind what they said , but had been utterly bereft of his senses . But he had listned all the while and given good heed to all the passages of their discourse , and speaking out among them said , that he wondred they should commend and take notice of those things in him , which were as much owing to Fortune as to any thing else , and had happen'd to many other Captains in former times as well as to him ; and that at the same time they should not speak or make mention of that which was the most excellent and greatest thing of all . For , said he , there was never any of all my Fellow-Citizens that ever wore Black or put on Mourning upon my account or long of me : meaning that he had not in all his Government been the cause of any ones death , either by ordering or procuring it . A brave Man , a wonderfull great Personage , without all peradventure ! not onely upon the account of his gentle behaviour and mild temper , which all along in the many affairs of his life and those shrewd animosities which lay upon him he constantly kept up and maintain'd , but also of his generous great spirit and high sentiment , that he esteem'd that to be the best of all his good qualities , that having been in such an absolute uncontrollable power , as he had had , he never had gratified his envy or his passion in any thing to any other man's hurt , nor ever had treated any enemy of his , as if he were incurable , that is , unreconcileable and one who in time might not become a friend . And to me it appears that this one thing of him did make that otherwise childish and arrogant Title they gave him in Nicknaming him Olympius ( that is , the Heavenly or Godlike ) to be without envy and truly becoming him ; I mean his kind and courteous carriage and a pure and untainted unblemish'd conversation in the height of power and place : According to those apprehensions and resentments we have of the Gods themselves in their kind ; whom , upon this account that they are naturally the authours of all good things and are not the authours of any evil , we do think worthy to rule and govern the World. Not as the Poets rudely fancy , who confounding us with their foolish unmannerly conceits and opinions , are taken tardy in their own Poems and fictious Stories , when they call the place indeed wherein they say the Gods make their abode , a secure and quiet seat , free from all hazards and commotions , not troubled with Winds , nor darkned with Clouds ; but at all times alike shining round about with a soft serenity and a pure light , inasmuch as such a temper'd station is most agreeable and sutable for a blessed and immortal nature to live in : and yet in the mean while do affirm that the Gods themselves are full of trouble and enmity and anger and other passions , which no way become or belong to even Men that have any understanding . But this will perhaps seem a subject fitter for some other consideration , and that ought to be treated of in some other place . Well! the success of publick affairs after Pericles his death did beget a quick and speedy sense of his loss , and a want and desire of such a conduct as his had been . For those who , while he lived , ill resented his great authority , as that which eclipsed them and darkned their lights , presently after his quitting the Stage makeing trial of other Oratours and Demagogues , did readily acknowledge that there never had been in nature such a disposition as his was , either more moderate and reasonable in the height of that state he took upon him , or more grave and solemn in the methods of that mildness which he used . And that invidious pretended arbitrary power , about which they made such a splutter and formerly gave it the name of Monarchy and Tyranny , did then appear to have been the chief rampart and bulwark of safety , which the Government and Commonwealth had . So great a corruption and murrain and such abundance of wicked ill humours had got into publick affairs , which he by keeping them weak and low did cover and disguise from being much taken notice of , and by snubbing of them did hinder them from growing incurable through a licentious impunity . The End of Pericles 's Life . The Translatour of Pericles 's Life his Advertisement to the Reader . OVR great Authour having a peculiar Idiom of his own and a propriety of style by himself , in the use of such Words and Phrases , as are hardly to be met with in any other Greek Writer ; it would require as much pains and take up as much paper to justifie the Translation , as it did to make it . I shall onely charge this vacant Page with two or three brief Notes of that nature . Caesar seeing belike — took occasion to ask . ] In the Greek it is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Where 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , standing in the middle as it doth , is referible to both Verbs : that he saw them as it hapned , that is , belike ; and that , as it was meet or apt for one to doe , he askt them , that is , as I express it , he took occasion to ask . Io●t-head . ] 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Clot-head , in allusion to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Cloud-gatherer , an Epithet given by Homer to Jupiter . Bitch-fac'd . ] So properly 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies . That which follows , and Born without a Maiden-head , alludes to a passage in Petronius Arbiter , where Quar●illa , I take it , speaking of her self saith thus ; Junonem iratam habeam , si me unquam memini fuisse virginem : meaning , that she had been a Whore time out of mind , and could not her self remember that ever she was a Maid . FABIUS MAXIMUS . portrait of Fabius Maximus THE LIFE OF FABIUS M. Englished from the Greek , By John Caryl , Esq HAving related the memorable actions of Pericles , let us now proceed to the Life of Fabius . It is said , that the first of the name was a Son of Hercules , and of a Nymph , or some Woman of that Country , who brought him forth on the banks of Tyber , and that he was a Person famous and powerfull in Rome : Others will have it , that they were first called Fodians , because the Race of them delighted in digging pit-falls for wild Beasts , and that in process of time , and by corruption of language , they grew to be called Fabians . But these things be they true or false , certain it is , that this Family hath for a long time yielded great store of eminent Persons ; Our Fabius , who was fourth in descent from that Fabius Rutilianus , who first brought the honourable sirname of Maximus into his Family , was also by way of nick-name called Verrucosus from a Wart on his upper Lip , and in his Childhood they in like manner named him Ovicula , by reason of his extreme mildness of Nature . His slowness in speaking , his long labour and pains in learning , his little concern in the sports and divertisements of his equals , his easie submission to every body , as if he had no will of his own , made those who judged superficially of him ( the number of which sort of Judges is always the greatest ) esteem him insensible and stupid ; And few were they , who could penetrate into the firmness of his Courage , and greatness of his Mind . But as soon as he came into Employments , his Vertues exerted and shewed themselves ; his reputed Dulness did then appear to be the steddiness , and intrepid bravery of his Soul ; his slowness in words , and actions , to be the effect of a consummated Prudence , which always laid them by , till they were thoroughly ripe ; and his easie compliance to the bent of others , to be a noble pride of his heart , thinking it beneath him to contend about trifles . Fabius , considering that the grandieur of Rome proceeded from Military Vertue , and was by the same means to be preserved , did therefore inure his Body to labour and exercise , wisely judging , that natural strength was the best Armour : He also trained himself in the Art of Speaking and Perswading ; For words and discourses are the Engines , by which Minds are moved ; And he attained to such a kind of Eloquence , that his manner of speaking , and of acting was perfectly the same ; for although it had not much of Ornament , nor Artifice , yet there was in it great weight of Sense ; it was strong and sententious ; much after the way of Thucydides . We have yet extant his Funeral Oration upon the death of his Son , who died Consul , which he recited before the People . He was five times Consul , and in his first Consulship he had the honour of a Triumph for the Victory he gained upon the Ligurians , whom he defeated in a set Battel , and drove them to take shelter in the Alpes , from whence they never after made any inroad , nor depredation upon their Neighbours . After this Hannibal came into Italy , who at his first entrance having gained a great Battel near the River Trebia , travers'd all Tuscany with his victorious Army , and desolating the Country round about , fill'd Rome it self with astonishment and terrour . Besides unusual Thunder and Lightning then happening , the report of several ill-boding Portents did much increase this popular consternation . For it was said , that some Targets did sweat Bloud ; that at Antium , when they reap'd their Corn , many of the Ears were fill'd with Bloud ; that it had rained Fire ; that the Phalerians had seen the Heavens open and several Scrolls in form of Lots falling down , in one of which it was plainly writ , Now Mars himself does brandish his Arms. But these Prodigies had no effect upon the impetuous and fiery temper of the Consul Flaminius , whose natural promptness had been much heightned by his late Victory over the Gauls , though he fought them contrary to the order of the Senate and the advice of his Collegue : so that nothing would satisfie him but a Battel with Hannibal . Fabius on the other side thought it not seasonable to engage with the Enemy ; not that he much regarded those talk'd of Prodigies , which he took to be either fictitious or casual ; but in regard the Carthaginian Army was in a wasting condition , without a possibility of recruits , without Magazines , the Souldier unpaid ; so that their onely hope and safety was in a Battel : But if let alone , watch'd and observed , the neighbouring Garrisons in the mean time being well secur'd and the Roman Allies defended , their vigour would soon expire , like a Flame for want of Aliment . These weighty reasons prevail'd not with Flaminius , who protested , he would never suffer that the Enemy should advance one step farther , and that he would not be reduc'd , like Camillus in former time , to fight for Rome within the Walls of Rome . Accordingly he ordered the Tribunes to draw out the Army into the Field ; and as he would not be disswaded by the reasons of his Collegue from this precipitous resolution , so neither was he deterr'd by an ill presaging accident which befell him at his setting forth ; for he no sooner got on Horseback , but the Beast fell into so violent a fit of trembling and bounding that he cast his Rider headlong on the ground . This notwithstanding , away he marcheth up to Hannibal , who was posted near the Lake Trasimena in Tuscany . And it is to be observ'd , that during the ingagement , there hapned so great an Earthquake , that it destroyed several Towns , altered the course of Rivers , tore off the tops of Mountains , yet such was the eagerness of the Combatants , that they were sensible of no other concussion or agitation , but what themselves made . In this Battel Flaminius fell , having given many proofs of his strength and courage , and round about him lay all the bravest of the Army : In the whole fifteen thousand were killed , and as many made prisoners . Hannibal , desirous to bestow Funeral Honours upon the Body of Flaminius , made diligent search after it , but could never find what became of it . Though the loss was so considerable , yet there was no art used to dissemble it at Rome ; as there had been , upon the former Ingagement near Trebia ; for then , neither the General who writ , nor the Express who told the news , related it otherwise than as a drawn Battel , with equal loss on either side : But now , as soon as Pomponius the Pretor had the intelligence , he caused the People to assemble , and without disguising the matter , told them plainly , We are beaten ( O Romans ) our Army is defeated , the Consul Flaminius is kill'd ; think therefore , what is to be done for your safety . The same commotion , which a furious Wind doth cause in the Ocean , did these words of the Pretor raise in the minds of so vast a Multitude : But the rage of their grief being a little over , the danger at hand did at last awaken their judgments into a resolution to chuse a Dictatour , who by the Sovereign authority of his Office , and by his personal capacity of wisedom and courage might be able to manage the publick affairs , become almost desperate , and to sit at Helm in so great a Storm . Their choice unanimously fell upon Fabius , in whom was joyned a venerable gravity of manners with a spirit not to be daunted with any difficulty or danger ; whose Age was so far advanced as to give him Experience , without taking from him the vigour of Action ; so that his Body could execute what his Soul designed ; and in him was the happy mixture of Caution and Boldness . Fabius being thus installed in the Office of Dictatour , in the first place he gave the Command of the Horse to Lucius Minutius ; and next he asked leave of the Senate for himself , that in time of Battel he might serve on Horseback , which by an ancient Law amongst the Romans was forbid to their Generals ; whether it were , that placing their greatest strength in their Foot , they would have their Commanders in chief posted amongst them , or else to let them know , that how great soever their authority were , the People and Senate were still their Masters , of whom they must ask leave . But then again , to make the authority of his Charge more awfull , and to render the People more submiss and obedient to him , he caused himself to be accompanied with four and twenty Lictours ; and when the Consul came to visit him , he sent him word , that at his audience he should dismiss his Lictours with their Fasces ( the ensigns of authority ) and appear before him onely as a private person . The first solemn action of his Dictature was to order publick Prayers to be made to the Gods , and to admonish the People , that their late overthrow did not befall them through want of courage in their Souldiers , but through the neglect of Divine Ceremonies in the General . He therefore exhorted them not to fear the Enemy , but by extraordinary honour to appease the Gods. This he did , not to fill their minds with superstition , but onely to raise their courage , and lessen in them the fear of the Enemy , by making them believe , that Heaven was on their side . In order hereunto the Sibyline Books were consulted , in which they conceived , the secrets of destiny and future events were to be learnt ; but whoever look'd into them , was under a tye of secrecy not to reveal what they found . After this he assembled the People , and made a Vow before them to offer in Sacrifice the whole product of the next Season all Italy over , of the Cows , Goats , Swine , Sheep , both in the Mountains and the Plains ; and the more to solemnize this great Vow , he commanded the precise sum of 333 Sesterces , and 333 Pence , and one third of a Peny to be expended upon festival Games in honour of the Gods. What his mystery might be in that number is not easie to determine , unless it were in regard of the perfection of the number of three , as being the first of odd numbers , the first that contains in it self multiplication , with all the other properties belonging to any whatsoever Number besides . In this manner Fabius having raised the hearts of the People , by making them believe , that the Gods took their part , and by the same means having made them supple and pliant to his will , he , for his own part , placed his whole confidence in himself , believing that the Gods bestowed victory and good fortune onely upon the valiant and the prudent . Thus prepar'd , he set forth to oppose Hannibal , not with intention to fight him , but to wait upon him , to straiten his Quarters , to cut off his Provisions , and by so doing to make his victorious Army molder away , and consume with penury and want . With this design he always incamp'd on the highest grounds , where their Horse could have no access to him . He still kept pace with them ; when they marched he followed them ; when they incamped he did the same , but at such a distance as not to be compell'd to an Ingagement , and always keeping upon the Hills , free from the insults of their Horse ; by which means he gave them no rest , but kept them in a continual Alarm . But this his dilatory fencing way gave occasion both at Rome , and even in his own Camp , to suspect his want of Courage ; and this opinion prevail'd also in Hannibal's Army , who was himself the onely man who was not deceived , and who clearly saw his own Ruine in his Enemy's Conduct . Wherefore he resolved with all the arts and subtilties of War to break his Measures , and to bring Fabius to an Ingagement ; like a cunning Wrestler , who watcheth every opportunity to get good hold and close with his Adversary . Sometimes he draws up his men to the very intrenchments of the Enemy , reproaching the Romans with their Cowardise , so to exasperate and incense them against their General ; then again he makes a retreat to a good distance , that so he might draw them out to fall upon his Rere . At other times in sight of the Roman Camp he wastes and burns the Countries round , to increase the clamour of the People against Fabius . All this artifice though it had no effect upon the firmness and constancy of the Dictatour , yet upon the common Souldier , and even upon the General of the Horse himself it had too great an operation : For this Minutius , began to have a contempt of the General and his way of proceeding , which he misconstrued to be a timorous cunctation ; so that in his harangues he humoured the Souldiery in their mad fondness of coming to a Battel , and in their scorn and reproaches which they cast upon Fabius , calling him the Pedagogue of Hannibal ; since he did nothing else but follow him up and down , and look and wait upon him . At the same time they cried up Minutius for the onely Captain , worthy to command the Romans , whose vanity and presumption did thereupon swell to that degree , that he insolently rallied Fabius's Incampments upon the Mountains , saying , that he lodged them there , as on a Theatre , to behold the flames and desolation of their Country . And in his vain fit he would sometimes ask the very Friends and Domesticks of the General , Whether it were not his meaning by so leading them from Mountain to Mountain , to carry them at last ( having no hopes on Earth ) up into Heaven , and hide them in the Clouds from Hannibal's Army ? When his Friends related these things to the Dictatour , perswading him that , to avoid the general obloquy , and the danger that might thereupon ensue , he would ingage the Enemy ; his answer was , I should be more faint-hearted than they make me , if through fear of idle reproaches , I should abandon my own reason . It is no inglorious thing to have fear for the safety of our Country . That man is not fit to rule others , who shall be startled and give ground upon the noise of rumours and calumnies ; for in so doing he subjects himself and his government to the fancy of those whom he ought to command . But an oversight of Hannibal , at this time committed , did happily allay these distempers in the Roman Camp : For he , desirous to refresh his Horse in some good Pasture-grounds , drew off his Army , and ordered his Guides to conduct him to Casinum , they mistaking him , by reason of his ill-pronouncing the Latin Tongue , led him and his Army to the Town of Casilinum , near Campania , which the River Vulturnus divides in two : The Country about it is a Valley circled round with Mountains , which inlargeth it self towards the Sea , near which that River overflowing , causeth a great deal of Marish ground , and at last discharging it self into the Sea , makes a very unsafe Coast , without any Harbour . As soon as Hannibal was entred into this Valley , Fabius dispatch'd four thousand choice men to seise the entrance into it , and stop him up ; and lodged the rest of his Army upon the neighbouring Hills in the most advantageous places ; but at the same time he detacked a commanded Party of his lightest armed Men to fall upon Hannibal's Rere ; which they did with such success , that they cut off eight hundred of them , and put the whole Army in disorder . Hannibal , finding the errour and the danger he was fallen into , immediately caus'd the poor Guides to be hang'd , which satisfy'd his revenge but did not lessen his danger : For his Enemies were so advantageously posted , that there was no hopes of breaking thorough them , and his Souldiers began to despair of ever coming out of those Straits . Thus reduc'd , Hannibal had recourse to this Stratageme ; he caused two thousand head of Oxen , which he had in his Camp , to have Torches and dry Bavens well fastned to their Horns , and lighting them in the beginning of the night , he ordred the Beasts to be fair and foftly drove on towards the passages out of the Valley ; when this was done , he made his Army with great silence march after them . The Oxen at first kept a slow , orderly pace , and with their lighted Heads resembled an Army marching by night , frighting onely the Shepherds and Herdsmen of the Hills about . But when the fire had burnt down the Horns of the Beasts to the quick , they no longer observed their sober pace , but unruly with their pain , they ran dispers'd about , tossing their Heads , and scattering the fire round about them . This became a surprising spectacle to the Romans , especially to those , who guarded the Passages , who being at some distance from their main Body , and seeing the fire on the sudden dispersing it self on every side , as if the Enemy had design'd to surround them , in great fright and amazement , quitted their Post , and precipitously retir'd to their Camp on the Hills . They were no sooner gone , but a light Body of Hannibal's men , according to his order , immediately seis'd the Passages , and soon after the whole Army , with all the Bagage , came up and safely marched through the Passes . Fabius , before the night was over , quickly found out the trick ; for some of the Beasts with their flaming heads fell into the hands of his Men ; but for fear of an Ambush in the dark , he kept his men all night to their Arms in the Camp : And as soon as it was day , he charged the Enemy in the Rere , where many fell , and by reason of the Straits , and unevenness of the Passages , the disorder had like to have been general over the whole Punick Army , but that Hannibal speedily detached from his Van a Body of Spaniards , who of themselves active and nimble , were accustomed to the climbing of Mountains ; These briskly attacked the Roman Troops , who were in heavy Armour , and routing the foremost , gave such a check to Fabius , that he was no longer in condition of following the Enemy . This action brought a strange obloquy and contempt upon the Dictatour ; They said , it was now manifest , that he was not onely inferiour to his Adversary ( what they always thought ) in Courage , but even in Conduct . And Hannibal ( maliciously ) to improve their hatred against him , marched with his Army close to the Lands and Possessions of Fabius , and then giving order to his Souldiers to burn and destroy all the Country about , he forbad them upon pein of death to doe the least damage in the Territories of the Roman General , and placed Guards for their security . These matters reported at Rome , had that effect with the People , which Hannibal desired . Their Tribunes raised a thousand stories against him , chiefly at the instigation of Metellus , who not so much out of hatred to him as out of friendship to Minutius , whose Kinsman he was , thought by depressing Fabius to raise his Friend . The Senate on their part was also offended with him , for the bargain he had made with Hannibal , about the exchange of Prisoners , of which the conditions were , that after the exchange made of Man for Man , if any on either side remained , they should be redeemed at the price of two hundred and fifty Drachms a Head ; and upon the whole account there remained two hundred and forty Romans unexchanged . They not onely refused to allow money for the Randsomes , but also reproached Fabius for making a Contract so contrary to the honour and interest of the Commonwealth , in redeeming those men at so dear a rate , who had cowardly suffered themselves to be taken by the Enemy . Fabius heard and endur'd all this with invincible patience ; but having no money by him , and on the other side being resolved to keep his word with Hannibal , he dispatch'd his Son to Rome , to sell Land , and to bring with him the price , sufficient to discharge the Randsomes ; which was punctually performed by his Son , and accordingly the Prisoners were delivered to him ; amongst whom many that were able , offered when they were released , to repay the money of their Randsome , but Fabius would not permit them to doe it . About this time Fabius was called to Rome by the Priests , to assist ( according to the duty of his Office ) at some of their solemn Sacrifices ; whereby he was forced to leave the command of the Army with Minutius ; but before he parted , he charged him , and intreated him , in his absence , not to come to a Battel with Hannibal : His commands , his intreaties , and his advice were lost upon Minutius ; for his back was no sooner turn'd but the new General immediately sought all occasions to fight the Enemy . And notice being brought him , that Hannibal had sent out a great part of his Army to forage , he fell upon a considerable Party of them , doing great execution , and driving them to their very Camp , with no little terrour to the rest , who apprehended their breaking in upon them : but in the mean time Hannibal had drawn his men up into a Body , and Minutius without any loss made his retreat . This success did much increase the boldness and presumption of Minutius , and fill'd the Souldiers minds with a contempt of the Enemy , and with a longing desire of a Battel . The news was suddenly spread about Rome , and then was Fabius heard to say those memorable words , That he dreaded nothing more , for the safety of Rome , than the success of Minutius . But the People were mad with joy , and Metellus , who was then their Tribune , made an Oration to them , in which he infinitely extolled the valour of Minutius , and fell bitterly upon Fabius , accusing him not onely for want of Courage , but even of Loyalty ; and not onely him , but also many others of the most eminent and considerable persons in Rome ; that by their means the Carthaginians had brought the War into Italy , designing thereby to oppress and destroy the Liberty of the People ; for which end they had put the supreme Authority into the hands of a single person , who by his slowness and delays might give leisure to Hannibal to establish himself in Italy , and those of Carthage time and opportunity to supply him with fresh succours in order to a total Conquest . At this , Fabius step'd forth , but disdain'd to make any reply to his accusations ; he onely said , That they should expedite the Sacrifices , that so he might speedily return to the Army , to punish Minutius , who had presumed to fight contrary to his orders . He had no sooner pronounced these words , but the People were immediately possess'd with the belief , that Minutius stood in danger of his life : For it was in the power of the Dictatour to imprison , and to put to death ; and they feared , that Fabius , though of a mild temper to outward appearance , would be as hard to be appeased when irritated , as he was slow to be provoked . And yet no body dar'd to contradict the orders of the Dictatour , but Metellus , whose Office of Tribune gave him security and liberty to say what he pleased ; for in the time of a Dictature that Magistrate onely conserves his Authority . He therefore boldly apply'd himself to the People , in the behalf of Minutius , that they should not suffer him to be made a sacrifice to the enmity of Fabius , nor permit him to be destroyed , like the Son of Manlius Torquatus , who was beheaded by his Father for a Battel fought and won against order : Then he exhorted them to take away from Fabius that absolute power of a Dictatour , and to put it into more worthy hands , which might better manage it for their safety and publick good . These impressions very much prevail'd upon the People , though not so far , as wholly to dispossess Fabius of the Dictature : But they decreed , that Minutius should have an equal authority with the Dictatour in the Army ; which was a thing then without Precedent , though , not long after , it was also practised upon the overthrow at Cannes , when , the Dictatour Marcus Junius being with the Army , they chose at Rome Fabius Buteo Dictatour , that he might create new Senatours , to supply the places of those who were kill'd , which could be performed by no other Magistrate . But as soon as , being entred into the Senate , he had fill'd those vacant places with a sufficient number , he immediately dismissed his Lictors with their Fasces and all his Attendance , and mingling himself like a common person with the rest of the People , he quietly went about his own affairs . The Enemies of Fabius thought they had sufficiently affronted and dejected him , by raising Minutius to be his equal in authority ; but they mistook the temper of the man , who look'd upon their madness as more injurious to the Commonwealth than to himself ; in imitation of Diogenes , who being told , that some persons derided him , made answer , But I am not derided , meaning in a Philosophical sense , that a good and a wise Man was not capable of being affronted , or disgraced , because such injuries made no impression upon him . Thus Fabius , with great lenity and unconcernedness , submitted to this mad Vote of the People ; but , lest the rashness of Minutius should be thereby inabled to run headlong upon some dangerous enterprise , with all privacy and speed he return'd back to the Army ; where he found Minutius so big and elevated with his new dignity , that a joint-authority not contenting him , he required by turns to have the Command of the Army , every other day . This Fabius rejected , as of too dangerous consequence , but was contented ( to comply with his imperious humour ) that the Army should be divided , and each General should command his part . The first and fourth Legion he took for his own division , the second and third he delivered to Minutius ; so also of the Auxiliary Forces each had an equal share . Minutius thus exalted , could not contain himself from boasting , even in the presence of Fabius , that now he had humbled the mighty man , who so lately trampled on their Lives and Fortunes : To whom the Dictatour mildly replyed , Minutius , you mistake your Enemy ; 't is Hannibal , and not Fabius whom you are to combat ; but if you must needs contend with your Collegue , let it be in diligence and care for the preservation of Rome ; that it may not be said , a man so favour'd by the People , serv'd them worse than he who had been ill treated and disgrac'd by them . Our young General despising these admonitions , as the dotage of supercilious Age , immediately remov'd with the body of his Army , and incamped by himself . Hannibal , who was not ignorant of all these passages , lay watching his advantage from them ; It happen'd , that between his Army and that of Minutius there was a certain eminence which seem'd a very advantageous Post to incamp upon , it had the prospect of a large Plain about it , and the Fields appear'd to be all level and even ; and yet there were a great many Ditches and hollownesses in them , not discernible to the eye at a distance . Hannibal had he pleased , could easily have possess'd himself of this ground ; but he reserved it for a bait or train , in a proper season , to draw the Romans to an Ingagement . Now that Minutius and Fabius were divided , he thought the opportunity fair for his purpose ; and therefore , having in the night-time lodged a convenient number of his men in those Ditches and hollow places , early in the morning he sent forth a small detachment , who in the sight of Minutius possessed themselves of that rising ground . According to his expectation , Minutius swallowed the bait , and first sends out a Party of Dragoons , and after them some Horse , to dislodge the Enemy . And at last , when he saw Hannibal in person advancing to the assistance of his men , he marched with his whole Army drawn up , resolving to make himself Master of that Post . The combat for some time was equal between the foremost Troops ; but as soon as Hannibal perceived , that the whole Army of the Romans was now sufficiently advanced within the toils he had set for them , so that their Backs and Flanks were open to his men , whom he had posted in those low places ; he instantly gave the signal , whereupon they rushed forth , and furiously attacked Minutius in the Rere . The surprise and the slaughter was so great , that it struck an universal terrour through the whole Army . The bravest amongst them , and Minutius himself were in such astonishment , that they were as uncapable of giving orders as the Souldiery of obeying them . Those who sought to save themselves by flight , were intercepted and cut in pieces by the Numidian Horsemen , who for that purpose had dispers'd themselves about the adjacent Plains . Fabius was not ignorant of this danger of his Country-men ; He well foresaw what would happen from the rashness of Minutius , and the cunning of Hannibal ; for which reason he kept his Men to their Arms , in a readiness to wait the event ; nor would he trust to the reports of others , but he himself upon an eminence in his Camp , viewed all that passed . When therefore he saw the Army of Minutius incompass'd by the Enemy , and that by their countenance and shifting their ground , they were more disposed to flight than to resist ; with a great sigh , striking his hand upon his Thigh , he said to those about him , O Hercules ! how much sooner than I expected , and yet how much later than he would have done , hath Minutius destroy'd himself ! He then commanded the Ensigns to march , and the Army to follow him , telling them ; we must make haste to rescue Minutius , who is a valiant man , and a lover of his Country ; and if he hath been too forward to ingage the Enemy , at another time we will tell him of it . Thus in the head of his men Fabius marched up to the Enemy ; and in the first place he cleared the Plains of those Numidians , and next he fell upon those who were charging the Romans in the Rere , running down all that made opposition , and obliging the rest to save themselves by a hasty retreat , lest themselves should be environed as the Romans had been . Hannibal seeing so sudden a change of affairs , and the great execution done by Fabius beyond the force of his age , opening his way thorough the Ranks that he might joyn Minutius , warily commanded a Retreat , and drew off his men into their Camp : The Romans on their part were no less contented to retire in safety . It is reported that upon this occasion Hannibal said to his Friends ; Did not I tell you , that this Cloud which always hover'd upon the Mountains , would at some time or other come down with a Storm upon us ? Fabius , after his men had pick'd up the Spoils of the Field , retired to his own Camp , without saying any harsh or reproachfull thing to his Collegue ; who also on his part gathering his Army together , in this manner delivered himself to them . Never to commit a fault is above the force of humane Nature ; but to learn and improve by the faults we have committed , is that which becomes a good and a prudent man. Some reasons I may have to accuse Fortune , but I have many more to thank her ; for in a few hours she hath cured a long mistake , and taught me , that I am not the man who should command others , but have need of another to command me ; and that we are not to contend for a victory over those to whom it is our advantage to yield . Therefore for the future the Dictatour must be your Commander ; but in gratitude towards him I will still be your Leader , and always be the first to obey his orders . Having said this , he commanded the Roman Eagles to march forward , and all his men to follow him in their orders into the Camp of Fabius . The Fabians stood amazed at the novelty of the sight , and were anxious and doubtfull what the meaning might be . When he came near the Dictatour's Tent , Fabius went forth to meet him , and he presently laid his Colours at his Feet , calling him with a loud voice his Father , and the Army commanded by him , the Patrons of his Liberty ; and after several civilities and congratulations , he thus addressed himself to the Dictatour ; You have this day ( Fabius ) obtain'd a double Victory ; one by your Valour and Conduct upon your Enemies , and another by your Humanity and Compassion upon your Colleque : you have at once preserved us and instructed us ; and when we were shamefully beaten by Hannibal you restor'd us to our honour and our safety ; and instead of him , Fabius more honourably is now our Victor . Wherefore I can call you by no other name but that of a Father , since you have not onely at this present given life to me , but ( as a common Parent ) to all these who are under me . After this , he threw himself with great tenderness and submission into the Armes of the Dictatour ; and in the same manner the Souldiers of each Army embraced one another with an excess of gladness and tears of joy . Not long after , Fabius laid down the Dictature , and new Consuls were created . Those , who immediately succeeded , observ'd the same method in managing the War , and avoided all occasions of fighting Hannibal in a pitch'd Battel ; they onely succour'd their Allies and preserv'd the Towns from falling off to the Enemy . But afterwards , when Terentius Varro ( a man of obscure Birth , but very popular and bold ) had obtain'd the Consulship , he soon made it appear , that by his rashness and ignorance , he would expose the Commonwealth to the last hazard : For it was his custom , to declaim in all Assemblies , that as long as the Counsels of Fabius prevail'd in Rome , there never would be an end of the War ; and he made his brags , that when ever he should get sight of the Enemy , he would free Italy from the Arms of Strangers . With these promises he so prevail'd with the credulous multitude , that he rais'd a greater Army than had ever yet been sent out of Rome . There were listed fourscore thousand fighting men ; but that which gave confidence to the populace , did at the same time very much terrifie and deject the wife and experienced , and none more than Fabius ; For if so great a Body , and the flower of the Roman Youth should be cut off , they could not see any resource for the safety of Rome . Wherefore they address'd themselves to the other Consul , Paulus Aemilius , a man of great experience in War , but hated by the common People ; who formerly upon some displeasure had set a Mulct upon him . This other Consul they incourage to withstand the temerity of his Collegue , telling him , if he will profitably serve his Country , he must no less oppose Varro than Hannibal , since both conspired to decide the fate of Rome by a Battel . It is more reasonable ( said Fabius to him ) that you should believe me than Varro in matters relating to Hannibal , when I tell you , that if for this year you abstain from fighting with him , either his Army will of it self moulder away and be destroyed , or else he will be glad to depart and free Italy from those troublesome Guests . This evidently appears , inasmuch , that , notwithstanding his Victories , none of the Countries or Towns of Italy come in to him , and that now his Army is not the third part of what it was at first . To this Paulus Aemilius is said to have reply'd , Did I onely consider my self , I should rather chuse to be exposed to the Weapons of Hannibal than to the Suffrages of my fellow Citizens , whose rancour I am sure to increase against me if I avoid ingaging the Enemy ; yet since the life of Rome is at stake , I will rather in my conduct please and obey Fabius than all the world besides . But these good measures were broken by the ambitious importunity of Varro ; for when they were both come to the Army , nothing would concent this Favourite of the People but a separate Command , that each Consul should have his day ; and when his turn came , he posted his Army close to Hannibal , at a Village called Cannas , by the River Aufidius . It was no sooner day , but he set up the red Flagg over his Tent , which was the signal of Battel . This boldness of the Consul , and the numerousness of his Army ( double to theirs ) startled the Carthaginians ; but Hannibal commanded them to their Arms , and with a small train he went forth to take a full prospect of the Enemy , upon a rising ground not far distant . One of his followers , called Gisco ( a Nobleman of Carthage ) told him , that the number of the Enemy was very astonishing ; to whom Hannibal reply'd , with a serious countenance ; There is something yet more astonishing , which you take no notice of ; that in all that Army there is not one man whose name is Gisco . This jest of their General made all the company laugh , and as they return'd to the Camp , they told it to those whom they met , which caused a general laughter amongst them all . The Army , seeing Hannibal's attendants come back from viewing the Enemy in such a laughing condition , did verily believe , that from the good posture of their affairs , and from the contempt of the Enemy this laughter had proceeded ; which did not a little serve to raise the drooping spirits of the Souldiers . According to his usual manner , Hannibal fail'd not by his Stratagemes to advantage himself . In the first place , he so drew up his men , that the wind was on their backs , which was at that time very violent ; and by reason of the great plains of sand , carried before it a great cloud of dust , which striking upon the faces of the Romans , did very much disable them in the fight . In the next place , all his best men he put into his Wings ; and in the Body , which was somewhat more advanced than the Wings , he placed the worst and the weakest of his Army . Then he commanded those in the Wings , that when the Enemy had made a thorough charge upon that middle advanc'd Body , which he knew would recoile , as not being able to stand their shock ; and that , when the Romans , in their pursuit , should be far enough ingaged within the two Wings , they should , both on the right and the left , charge them in the Flank , and endeavour to incompass them . This design had all the success imaginable ; for the Romans pressing upon Hannibal's Front , which gave ground , reduced the form of his Army into a perfect half Moon ; and blinded with the dust , they followed on so far , that they gave room for the Enemies Wings to join behind them , and so to inclose and charge them both Flanks and Rere ; which they did with an incredible flaughter of the Romans : To whose Calamity , it is also said , that a casual mistake did very much contribute ; For the Horse of Aemilius receiving a hurt , and throwing his Master , those about him immediately alighted to aid the Consul ; the Roman Troops seeing their Commanders thus quitting their Horses , took it for a sign that they should all dismount and charge the Enemy on foot . At the sight of this , Hannibal was heard to say , This pleaseth me better than if they had been deliver'd to me bound hand and foot . For the particulars of this Ingagement , we refer our Reader to those Authours who have writ at large upon the Subject . The Consul Varro with a thin company fled to Venutia ; and Paulus Aemilius , unable any longer to oppose the flight of his men , or the pursuit of the Enemy , his Body all covered with wounds , and his Soul no less wounded with grief , sate himself down upon a Stone , expecting the kindness of a dispatching blow . His Face was so disfigured , and all his Armour so stained with Bloud , that his very Friends and Domesticks passing by knew him not . At last Cornelius Lentulus , of a Patrician Race , perceiving who he was , alighted from his Horse , and tendring it to him , desired him to get up , and save a life so necessary to the safety of the Commonwealth , which at this time would dearly want so great a Captain . But nothing could prevail upon him to accept of the offer ; with tears in his eyes he obliged young Lentulus to remount his Horse ; then standing up , he gave him his hand , and commanded him to tell Fabius Maximus , that Paulus Aemilius had followed his directions to his very last , and had not in the least deviated from those measures which were agreed between them ; but that it was his hard fate , to be overpower'd by Varro in the first place , and secondly by Hannibal . Having dispatch'd Lentulus with this Commission , he mark'd where the slaughter was greatest , and there threw himself upon the Swords of the Enemy . In this Battel it is reported , that fifty thousand Romans were slain , four thousand Prisoners taken in the Field , and ten thousand in the Camp of both Consuls . The Friends of Hannibal earnestly perswaded him to follow his Victory , and pursue the flying Romans into the very Gates of Rome ; assuring him , that in five days march he might sup in the Capitol : Nor is it easie to imagine , what hindred him from it . I am apt to believe , that the excess of his good fortune , or some Tutelary God of the Romans blinded his reason , and made him loiter away his time ; which made Barcas , a Carthaginian , tell him with indignation ; You know , Hannibal , how to get a Victory but not how to use it . Yet , though he failed in making the best advantage of so mighty a Victory , however it produced a strange turn and improvement in his affairs ; For he , who hitherto had not one Town , nor a Sea-port in his possession , who had nothing for the subsistence of his men but what he pillaged from day to day ; who had no place of Retreat , nor any reasonable hopes to make the War continue , nor his Army to hold together , now became Master of the best Provinces and Towns of Italy , and of Capua it self ( next to Rome the most flourishing and opulent City ) all which came over to him , and submitted to his Authority . It is the saying of Euripides , that a man is in no good condition when he is obliged to try a Friend , nor a State when it stands in need of an able General . And so it was with the Romans ; who ( before the Battel ) branded the counsels and actions of Fabius with the infamous note of cowardise and fear , but now in the other extreme , they admire and adore his prudence , as something divine , that could see so far , and foretell what would happen so contrary to , and so much above the judgment of all others . In him therefore they place their onely hope ; his wisedom is the sacred Anchor , which fix'd them in so great a fluctuation , and his Counsels alone preserve them from dispersing , and deserting their City ; as in the time when the Gauls took possession of Rome . He , whom they esteemed fearfull and pusillanimous , when they were ( as they thought ) in a prosperous condition , is now the onely man in this general dejection , who shews no fear , but walking the Streets with an assured and serene countenance , comforts the afflicted , invigorates the weak , and incourageth all to a brave and resolute defence of their Country . He caused the Senate to meet , he heartned the Magistrates , and was as the Soul of their Body giving them life and motion ; He placed Guards at the Gates of the City , to stop the frighted Rabble from flying ; He regulated and confin'd their Mournings for their slain Friends , both as to time and place ; That each Family within its own Walls , and not in Publick , should perform such Obsequies ; and that the ceremony of them should continue onely the space of one Month , and then the whole City should be lustrated and purified . The Feast of Ceres happening to fall within this time , it was decreed , that the Solemnity should be intermitted ; lest the fewness and the sorrowfull countenance of those who should celebrate it , might too much expose to the People the greatness of their loss ; Besides , the worship most acceptable to the Gods , is that which comes from cheerfull hearts ; But those Rites which were proper and peculiar for appeasing their anger , and procuring auspicious signs and presages , were by the direction of the Augurs carefully performed . Also Fabius Pictor ( a near Kinsman to Maximus ) was sent to consult the Oracle of Delphos ; and about the same time , two Vestals having been detected to have been violated , the one kill'd her self , and the other according to custom was buried alive . But now let us admire the moderation and generosity of this Roman Common-wealth ; that when the Consul Varro came beaten and flying home , full of infamy and shame , after he had so foully and calamitously managed their affairs , yet the whole Senate and People went forth to meet him at the Gates of the City , and received him with all the honour and respect due to their Consul : And silence being commanded , the Magistrates and chief of the Senate , and principally Fabius , commended him before the People , for that he did not despair of the safety of the Commonwealth after so great a loss , but was come to take the Government into his hands , to execute the Laws , and comfort his fellow-Citizens , by this means not yet abandon'd and forlorn . When word was brought to Rome that Hannibal , after the Fight , had marched with his Army into the remoter parts of Italy , the hearts of the Romans began to recover again their ancient vigour and resolution ; they sent forth an Army under the command of Fabius Maximus , and Claudius Marcellus ; both great Generals , equal in Fame , but very unlike and opposite in their ways . For Marcellus , as we have formerly set forth in his Life , was a man of action , bold , vigorous and enterprising , and ( as Homer describes his Warriours ) fierce , and delighting in fights . So that having to doe with Hannibal , a man of his own temper , they never failed upon all occasions to come to an Ingagement . But Fabius adher'd to his former principles , still perswaded , that by following close and not fighting him , Hannibal and his Army would at last be tired out and consumed ; like an able Wrestler , who with too much exercise and toil grows languid and weak . Wherefore Possidonius tells us , that the Romans called Marcellus their Sword and Fabius their Buckler ; and that the vigour of the one mixt with the steadiness of the other , made a happy Compound , very salutiferous to Rome . So that Hannibal found by experience that incountring the one , he met with a rapid impetuous River , which drove him back and still made some breach upon him ; and by the other , though silently and quietly passing by him , he was insensibly wash'd away and consumed : at last he was brought to this , that he dreaded Marcellus when he was in motion , and Fabius when he sate still . During the whole course of this War , he had still to doe with one or both of these Generals ; for each of them had been five times Consul ; and either as Praetor , or Proconsul , or Consul , they had always a part in the government of the Army ; till at last Marcellus fell into the trap which Hannibal had laid for him , and was kill'd in his fifth Consulship . But his craft and subtilty was unsuccessfull upon Fabius , who onely once was in some danger of being caught ; For he had sent counterfeit Letters to him from the principal Inhabitants of Metapont , wherein they ingaged to deliver up their Town if he would come before it with his Army : This train had almost drawn him in , for he had resolved to march to them with part of his Army , but was diverted onely by consulting the flight of the Birds , which he found to be inauspicious : And not long after he came to understand that those Letters had been forged by Hannibal , who for his reception had laid an Ambush to entertain him . This perhaps we must rather attribute to the favour of the Gods than to the prudence of Fabius . But in preserving the Towns and his Allies from revolting , with fair and gentle usage , and in not using rigour , or shewing a suspicion upon every light suggestion , his conduct was very singular . It is reported of him , that being informed of a certain Marsian ( an eminent Man for his courage and quality ) who had dealt underhand with some of the Souldiers to make them desert , Fabius was so far from using severity against him , that he called for him , and told him , he was sensible of the wrong which had been done him , and that his merit and good service had been neglected , which he said was a great fault in the Commanders , who reward more by favour than by desert ; Therefore , when ever you are agrieved ( said Fabius ) I shall take it ill at your hands , if you apply your self to any but to me ; when he had so spoken , he bestowed an excellent Horse and other good gifts upon him : And from that time forwards , there was not a faithfuller and more trusty man in the whole Army than this Marsian . With good reason our General did judge , that if those who have the government of Horses and Beasts , endeavour by gentle usage to make them tractable and fit for service , rather than by cruelty and beating ; much more those who have the command of Men , should bring them to order and discipline by the mildest and fairest means ; not treating them worse than Gardiners those wild Plants , which by carefull looking to and good usage , loose the savageness of their nature , and bear excellent fruit . At another time , some of his Officers inform'd him , that one of their Men did very often depart from his Colours , and lie out at nights ; he ask'd them what kind of man he was ; they all answer'd , that the whole Army had not a better man ; that he was a native of Lucania ; and so they fell relating several actions which they had seen him perform . Immediately Fabius made a strict inquiry to find what it was that led him so often out of the Camp : and at last he discover'd , that his frequent excursions were to visit a young Woman , with whom he was in love . Hereupon he gave private order to some of his men , to find out the Woman and secretly to convey her into his own Tent ; and then sent for the Lucanian , and calling him aside , told him , that he very well knew how often he had lain at nights out of the Camp , which was a Capital transgression against military Discipline and the Roman Laws ; but he knew also how brave he was , and the good services he had done , and therefore in consideration of them he was willing to forgive him his fault ; But to keep him in good order , he was resolved to place one over him , to be his keeper , who should be accountable for his good behaviour ; having said this , he produced the Woman , and told the Souldier , ( terrified and amazed at the adventure ) This is the person who must answer for you ; and by your future behaviour we shall see whether your night rambles were upon the account of love , or upon any other worse design . Another passage there was , something of this nature , which also fell under the management of Fabius , and proved highly advantageous to the Roman affairs , whereby he gain'd Tarentum . There was a young Tarentine in the Army , that had a Sister in Tarentum ( then in possession of the Enemy ) who entirely loved her Brother and wholly depended of him ; He being inform'd , that a certain Brutian , whom Hannibal had made Governour of that Garrison , was deeply in love with his Sister , conceived hopes , that he might possibly turn it to account in behalf of the Romans . And having first communicated his design with Fabius , he left the Army as a Deserter ( in shew ) and went over to Tarentum . At his first coming , the Brutian abstain'd from visiting the Sister ; for neither of them knew that the Brother had notice of the Amour between them : whereupon the young Tarentine took an occasion to tell his Sister , how he had heard , that a man of quality and great authority had made his addresses to her ; Therefore he desired her to tell him who it was ; for ( said he ) if he be a man that has bravery and reputation , it matters not what Country-man he is ; since at this time the Sword mingles all Nations and makes them equal ; and an alliance with such a person , in this Reign of Mars , is both honourable and profitable . Hereupon the Woman sends for her Gallant , and makes the Brother and him great Friends : and whereas she henceforth shew'd more countenance to her Lover than formerly , by the same degrees that her kindness increased did his friendship also with the Brother advance . So that at last our Tarentine thought this Brutian Officer well enough prepar'd to receive the offers he had to make him ; and that it would be easie for a Mercenary Man , who was in love , to accept ( upon the terms proposed ) of great Sums promised by Fabius , and of a Mistress whom he passionately loved . In conclusion the bargain was struck , and the promise made of delivering the Town . This is the common tradition , though some relate this story otherwise , and say , that this Woman , by whom the Brutian was inveigled to betray the Town , was not a native of Tarentum but a Brutian born , and that she had been kept by Fabius as his Concubine ; and being a Country-woman and an acquaintance of the Brutian Governour , he privately sent her to him to corrupt him . Whilst these matters were thus brewing , to draw off Hannibal from scenting the design , Fabius sends orders to the Garrison in Rhegium , that they should waste and spoil the Brutian Country , and should also lay siege to Caulonia , and storm the place with all possible vigour ; These were a Body of eight thousand men , the worst of the Roman Army , who had most of them been run-aways , and had been branded by Marcellus with the ignominious note of Cowardise ; so that the loss of them would not be great , nor much lamented by the Romans . Fabius therefore threw out these men as a bait for Hannibal , to divert him from Tarentum ; who instantly bit at it , and led his forces to Caulonia ; and in the mean time Fabius lay down before Tarentum . The sixth day of the Siege , his young Tarentine slips by night out of the Town , and having well observed the place where the Brutian Commander , according to agreement was to let in the Romans , he gives an account of the whole matter , as they had laid it to Fabius ; who thought it not safe to rely wholly upon the information given him , and the bargain which was made , but went himself with great privacy to take a view of the Post and the avenue ; and then gave order for a general assault to be made on the other side of the Town , both by Land and Sea. This being accordingly executed , when the Tarentines , and most of the Garrison ran to defend the Town on that side where the attack was made , Fabius with the men reserved for that purpose scales the Walls at the place design'd , and enters the Town without opposition . Here we must confess , that the Ambition of Fabius was both cruel and unfaithfull ; For to make it appear to the world , that he had taken Tarentum by force and his own prowess , and not by treachery , he commanded his men to doe execution upon all the Brutians , and not to spare a man of them ; many of the Tarentines were also kill'd , and thirty thousand of them were sold for Slaves . The Army had the plunder of the Town , and there was brought into the Treasury three thousand Talents : whilst they were thus ordering and distributing the Spoils , the Officer who took the Inventory , ask'd what should be done with their Gods , meaning the Statues and Images in the Temples ; to whom Fabius answer'd , Let us leave their angry Gods to the Tarentines . And yet one Statue of Hercules , which was of extraordinary bigness , he caus'd to be set up in the Capitol , next to his own in Brass , which stood there on Horseback . The severe and sanguinary proceeding on this occasion , as it reflects on the memory of Fabius , so also it did very much set off in the eyes of the world the clemency and humanity of Marcellus , as in his Life we have already shewn . When Hannibal had the news brought him that Tarentum was besieged , he marched with great diligence to relieve it ; and being come within five miles , he was inform'd that the Town was taken ; which made him say , that Rome had also got a Hannibal , and by the same Art Tarentum was lost , by which he formerly had gain'd it : And being in private with some of his Confidents , he plainly told them , that he always thought it difficult , but now he held it impossible with the Forces he then had to master Italy . Upon this success , Fabius had a Triumph decreed him at Rome , much more splendid than the former ; for they look'd upon him now as a Champion who had clearly worsted his Antagonist , and been too hard for him in his own way and at his own Weapon : And indeed the Army of Hannibal was at this time partly worn away with continual action , and partly become soft and dissolute with great opulency and luxury . When the Senate had before them the business of this Triumph , Marcus Livius ( who was Governour of Tarentum when it was betrayed to Hannibal , and then retired into the Castle , which he kept till the Town was re-taken ) openly declared , that by his resistance more than by any action of Fabius , Tarentum had been recovered ; to whom Fabius , laughing at his envy and ambition , reply'd ; You say very true , for if Marcus Livius had not lost Tarentum , Fabius Maximus had never recover'd it . The People of Rome thought no honour too great for him ; they gave his Son the Consulship of the next year ; who when he was entred upon his Office , there being some business then on foot about provisions for the War , his Father , either by reason of Age and infirmity , or perhaps out of design to try his Son , came up to him on Horseback . Whereupon the young Consul presently bid one of his Lictors command his Father to alight , and tell him that if he had any business with the Consul he should come on foot . This infinitely pleased the old man , and although the standers by seem'd offended at the imperiousness of the Son towards a Father , so venerable for his age and his authority , yet he instantly lighted from his Horse , and with open armes and great speed , came up and imbraced his Son , telling him , Now thou art my Son indeed , since thou dost understand thy self in the Authority thou hast received , and knowest whom thou art to command . This was the way by which we and our forefathers have advanced the dignity of the Commonwealth , in preferring that to our own Fathers and Children . And indeed it is reported , that the great Grandfather of our Fabius , who was undoubtedly the greatest man of Rome in his time , both in Reputation and Authority , who had been five times Consul , and had been honour'd with several Triumphs for as many Victories obtained by him , took pleasure in serving ( as Legate ) under his own Son , when he went Consul into his Province : And when afterwards his Son had a Triumph bestow'd upon him for his good service , the old man followed on Horseback his triumphant Chariot , as one of his Attendants ; and made it his glory to be the greatest man in Rome , and to have such a Son , and yet to be subject to the Law and the Magistrate . But the praises of our Fabius are not bounded here ; his manly courage in bearing his losses , more eminently shew'd the greatness of his Soul than his prosperous successes . For loosing this Son of his in the flower of his age , and in the height of his promotion , with wonderfull moderation he did the part of a pious Father and of a Heroe , whom nothing could daunt . For as it was the custom amongst the Romans , upon the death of any illustrious person , to have a Funeral Oration recited by some of the nearest Relations , he himself took upon him that office , and delivered himself upon the subject to the great satisfaction and applause both of Senate and People . After Publius Cornelius Scipio , who was sent Proconsul into Spain , had driven the Carthaginians ( defeated by him in many Battels ) out of that Province , and had reduced several Towns and Nations under the obedience of Rome , he was received at his coming home with a general joy and acclamation of the People ; who to shew their gratitude and high esteem of him , design'd him Consul for the year ensuing . Knowing what high expectation they had of him , he thought the design of onely driving Hannibal out of Italy , not great enough to answer the hopes and the happiness they promised themselves from his Consulship . He therefore propos'd no less a task to himself than to make Carthage the seat of the War ; and so to oblige Hannibal , instead of invading the Countries of others , to draw back and defend his own . To this end he made use of all the credit and favour he had with the People ; and assiduously courting them , left no popular art untry'd that he might gain them to second his design . Fabius on the other side oppos'd with all his might this undertaking of Scipio , telling the People , that nothing but the temerity of a hot young man could inspire them with such dangerous Counsels , which by drawing away their Forces to parts so remote , might expose Rome it self to be the conquest of Hannibal . His authority and perswasions prevail'd with the Senate to espouse his Sentiments , but the common People thought that he envied the Fame of Scipio , and that he was afraid lest this young Conquerour should have the glory to drive Hannibal out of Italy , and to end the War , which had for so many years continued and been protracted under his Government . To say the truth , when Fabius first oppos'd this project of Scipio , I believe he did it in consideration onely of the publick safety , and of the danger which the Common-wealth might incur by such a way of proceeding : but when he found Scipio every day increasing in the esteem of the People , envy then and ambition took hold of him , which made him so violent in his opposition . For he apply'd himself to Crassus , the Collegue of Scipio , and perswaded him not to yield that Province to Scipio , but that ( if his inclinations were for that War ) he should himself in person lead the Army to Carthage . He also hindred the giving money to Scipio for the War , who was forc'd to raise it upon his own credit and interest , and was supply'd by the Cities of Hetruria , which were wholly devoted to him . On the other side , Crassus would not stir against him , nor remove out of Italy , as being in his own nature an Enemy to strife and contention , and also as having the care of Religion , by his Office of high Priest . Wherefore Fabius try'd other ways to break the design ; He declaimed both in the Senate and to the People that Scipio did not onely himself fly from Hannibal , but did also endeavour to drain Italy of all their Forces , and to spirit away the youth of the Country to a Foreign War , leaving behind them their Parents , Wives and Children a defenceless Prey to the Enemy at their doors . With this he so terrified the People , that at last they would onely allow to Scipio for the War the Legions which were in Sicily , and three hundred of those men who had so bravely served him in Spain . In these transactions hitherto Fabius onely seem'd to follow the dictates of his own wary temper . But , after that Scipio was gone over into Africa , when news was brought to Rome of his wonderfull exploits and Victories ( of which the fame was confirm'd by the Spoils he sent home ) of a Numidian King taken Prisoner , of a vast slaughter of their men , of two Camps of the Enemy burnt and destroy'd , and in them a great quantity of Arms and Horses ; when hereupon the Carthaginians had been compell'd to send their Envoys to Hannibal to call him home , and leave Italy , to defend Carthage ; when for so eminent and transcending services , the whole People of Rome , with no less gratitude than acclamation , cry'd up and extoll'd the Actions of Scipio ; even then did Fabius contend that a Successour should be sent in his place , alledging for it onely the old thredbare and pitifull reason of the mutability of Fortune , as if she would be weary of long favouring the same person . But this too manifestly laid open his envious and morose humour , when nothing ( not done by himself ) could please him ; Nay , when Hannibal had put his Army on Ship-board , and taken his leave of Italy , and when the People had therefore decreed a Thanksgiving-day , did Fabius still oppose and disturb the universal joy of Rome , by spreading about his fears and apprehensions , and by telling them , that the Common-wealth was never more in danger than now , and that Hannibal was a more dreadfull Enemy under the Walls of Carthage than ever he had been in Italy ; that it would be fatal to Rome when ever Scipio should encounter his victorious Army , still warm with the bloud of so many Roman Generals , Dictatours and Consuls slain . Some of the People were startled with these declamations , and were brought to believe , that the farther off Hannibal was the nearer was their danger . But Scipio afterwards fought Hannibal and defeated him , and sufficiently humbled the pride of Carthage ; whereby he rais'd again the drooping spirits of the Romans , no more to be dejected ; and firmly establish'd their Empire , which the tempest of this Punick War had so long caused to fluctuate . But Fabius Maximus lived not to see the prosperous end of this War , and the final overthrow of Hannibal , nor to rejoyce in the well establish'd happiness and security of the Commonwealth ; for about the time that Hannibal left Italy , he fell sick and died . We find in the History of Thebes , Epaminondas died so poor that he was buried upon the publick charge : Fabius , on the contrary , died very rich , yet such was the love of the People towards him , that every man of them , by a general Tax , did contribute to defray his Funeral ; thereby owning him their common Father ; which made his End no less honourable than his Life . THE COMPARISON OF FABIVS with PERICLES . YOU have here had the Lives of two persons very illustrious for their Civil and Military Endowments ; Let us first compare them in their warlike Capacity . Pericles presided in his Commonwealth , when it was in a most flourishing and opulent condition , great in Power and happy in Success ; so that he seem'd to stand rather supported by , than supporting the Fortune of his Country . But the business of Fabius , who undertook the Government in the worst and most difficult times , was not to conserve and maintain a well establish'd felicity of a prosperous State , but to raise and uphold a sinking and ruinous Common-wealth . Besides the Victories of Cimon , of Myronides and Leocrates , with those many famous exploits of Tolmides , were made use of by Pericles onely to entertain the People at home , and to please their Fancy with Triumphs , Feasts and Games of the Circus and Theatre ; not to inlarge their Empire by prosecuting the War : Whereas Fabius , when he took upon him the Government , had the frightfull object before his eyes of Roman Armies destroy'd , of their Generals and Consuls slain , of all the Countries round strew'd with the dead Bodies , and the Rivers stain'd with the Bloud of his fellow Citizens ; and yet with his mature and solid Counsels , with the firmness of his Resolution , he , as it were , put his Shoulders to the falling Commonwealth , and kept it up from foundring , through the failings and weakness of others . Perhaps it may be more easie to govern a City broken and tamed with calamities and adversity , and compell'd to obey by danger and necessity , than to rule a People pamper'd and resty with long Prosperity , as were the Athenians when Pericles held the reins of Government . But then again , not to be daunted nor discompos'd with the vast heap of Calamities under which the people of Rome did at that time grone and succumb , argues the temper of Fabius to be invincible , and his courage more than humane . We may set Tarentum re-taken , against Samos won by Pericles , and the conquest of Euboea we may put in balance with the Towns of Campania ; though Capua it self was afterwards subdued by the Consuls Furius and Appius . I do not find that Fabius won any set Battel , but that against the Ligurians , for which he had his Triumph ; whereas Pericles erected nine Trophies for as many Victories obtain'd by Land and by Sea. But no action of Pericles can be compar'd to that memorable rescue of Minutius , when Fabius redeem'd both him and his Army from utter destruction ; an Action , which comprehends the height of Valour , of Conduct and Humanity . On the other side , it does not appear , that Pericles was ever so over-reach'd as Fabius was by Hannibal with his flaming Oxen ; never was there so certain , and so great an advantage lost over an Enemy : For in the Valley of Casilinum Hannibal was shut up without any possibility of forcing his way out , and yet by Stratageme in the night he frees himself out of those Straits , and when day came , worsted the Enemy , who had him before at his mercy . It is the part of a good General , not onely to provide for , and judge well of the present , but also to have a clear foresight of things to come . In this Pericles excell'd , for he admonish'd the Athenians , and told them beforehand , what ruine their last War would bring upon them , by grasping more than they were able to manage . But Fabius was not so good a Prophet , when he denounced to the Romans , that the undertaking of Scipio would be the destruction of the Commonwealth . So that Pericles was a good Prophet of bad success , and Fabius was a bad Prophet of success that was good . And indeed , to loose an advantage through diffidence , is no less blameable in a General than to fall into danger for want of foresight ; For both these faults , though of a contrary nature , spring from the same root , which is want of judgment and experience . As for their Civil Policy ; it is imputed to Pericles that he was a lover of War , and that no terms of Peace , offer'd by the Lacedemonians , would content him . It is true , that Fabius also was not for yielding any thing to the Carthaginians , but would rather hazard all than lessen the Empire of Rome ; yet this difference there was between them , that Fabius made War onely to preserve and recover his own , and Pericles to gain what belong'd to others . But then , the mildness of Fabius towards his Collegue Minutius does , by way of comparison , highly reproach and condemn the eager prosecution of Pericles , and his practices to banish Cimon and Thucydides , who held with the Nobility , and were true lovers of their Country . Indeed the authority of Pericles in Athens was much greater than that of Fabius in Rome ; for which reason it was more easie for him to prevent miscarriages commonly arising from weakness and insufficiency of Officers , since he had got the sole nomination and management of them ; onely Tolmides broke loose from him , and contrary to his orders , unadvisedly fought with the Boeotians , and was slain : whereas Fabius , for want of that general power and influence upon the Officers , had not the means to obviate their miscarriages ; but it had been happy for the Romans if his Authority had been greater ; for so we may presume , their disasters had been fewer . As to their liberality and publick spirit , Pericles was eminent in never taking any gifts , and Fabius for giving his own money to ransome his Souldiers ; though the sum did not exceed six Talents . This right we must doe Pericles , that no man had ever greater opportunities to enrich himself ( as having had presents offer'd him from so many Kings and Princes , and States of his Alliance ) yet no man was ever more free from corruption . And for the beauty and magnificence of Temples and publick Edifices , with which he adorn'd his Country , it must be confest , that all the Ornaments and Structures of Rome , to the time of the Caesars , had nothing to compare , either in greatness of design or of expence , with the lustre of those which Pericles onely erected at Athens . The End of the First Volume . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A55194-e10440 The comparison between Theseus and Romulus . Homer . The Family of Theseus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies a putting any thing , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 signifies to adopt or acknowledge one for his Son. The Education of Theseus . Theseus reputed the Son of Neptune . His relation to Hercules . He slew Periphetes . He kills Sinnis . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . He begets Menalippus of Perigune the Daughter of Sinnis . Slays the Cromyonian Sow Phaea . Kills Sciron . Kills Cercyon , and Procrustes . Arrives at Athens . Aegeus perswaded to poison him , not knowing him to be his Son. He is discovered to his Father . The Pallantidae rebell . They are overcome and dispers'd by Theseus . He takes the Bull of Marathon alive . The murther of Androgeus . The Cretans Offering to Apollo . Theseus offers himself voluntarily to be sent to Crete . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ilicis . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Offering at the Delphinian Temple . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , signifying a Goat . His Arrival at Crete , and Adventures there . Taurus envied by the Cretans . Ariadne in love with Theseus . Deucalion 's Message to Athens . Theseus 's Answer . He fits out a Navy . The Surprisal of Cnossus . Ariadne left in Cypros . Her death . A Ceremony instituted in memory of Her. Theseus his return from Crete . His and his Pilots forgetfulness fatal to Aegeus . Theseus his Ship. Perswades the Inhabitants of Attica to reside together in one City . * Metaecaea , ( 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) signifies Transmigration . Lays down his Regal Power . His Voyage into the Euxine Sea. He builds Pythopolis . Gives Battel to the Amazons . Peace concluded . His Marriages In most of the printed Copies it is read , This is another Hercules , but some Manuscripts read it better , as it is here translated . The occasion of the Friendship between Theseus and Peirithous . The Rape of Helen . Accompanies Peirithous to Epirus . Peirithous 's Death . Theseus in Prison . Menestheus stirs up the Athenians against Theseus . Castor and Pollux invade Athens for the recovery of Helen . They take Aphidnae . * In Greek , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hercules procures the release of Theseus . He returns to Athens . Slighted by the Athenians . He sails to Scyrus . His Death . Notes for div A55194-e21600 * Whence Rome was so call'd . * Divers Opinions of the Name of Rome . * Of Romulus 's Birth . * His Mother . Faustulus . * Cermanum . * Ruminor signifies to chew the Cud. * Rumilia . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * Velabrum . Romulus his Education . * Ruma signifying a Dug . The occasion of Romulus and Remus being known . Remus 's Speech Amulius is slain . * The first design of building Rome . Romulus and Remus differ about the Place Remus is slain . Romulus begins to build . The day when . He divides the People . * From lego , to choose . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Stratagem upon the Sabine Virgins . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , congrego , to gather together . The reason of the word Talasius at Weddings . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Ceninenfian 's War against Romulus . Are conquered . The Sabines besiege Rome . Tarpeia betrays it . And is kill'd in recompence . * Tarpeia Rupes . The Sabines and Romans fight . Are parted by the Women . A Peace made . The City settled * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The rise of several Customs and Feasts . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The occasion of the death of Tatius . Romulus tak●s Fidenae . A Plague at Rome . Cameria is taken . The Veientes subdued . Romulus grows insolent . * Celer , swift . Offends the Senate . Dies . Several Opinions of his Death . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Julius Proculus decides the Matter . Why Romulus was call'd Quirinus . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . How old he was when he died . Notes for div A55194-e31320 * Lib. de Laced . Rep. † This was the first Life that Plutarch publish'd , and he seems to have a particular respect to this people , by writing a Book of their wise Sayings . * A subtile promise . † 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , stab'd with a Cooks Knife . * They call'd them 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Lycurgus envied . Lycurgus his Travels . Homer 's Works brought to light by Lycurgus . This Story of the Aegyptians is confirm'd by some Greek Historians . His return and the alterations he made . This Oracle is extant at length in Herodotus . The Rhetra , or Oracle . * Plato no great friend to a Monarchy . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The same story is told of Dionysius the Tyrant . Cic. Tusc . Pol. lib. 7. * The Romans allow'd them to marry at twelve years of age : he covertly blames them for it . † A Remedy almost as bad as the Disease , blam'd and derided by the other Graecians . * They kept their Court at a place called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . † These places they call'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; or Store-houses : an unnatural custom . † in Alcib . priore . Their Exercises . Their Habit. Their Diet. Their Thievery . Barbarous Superstition . Their Lovers . Their short Sayings . * The form of crying quarter among the Ancients . † He seems to allude to the Questions which us'd to be put to the young Lads , as , Who is the best man in Sparta ? * a lover of the Lacedemonians . † a lover of his own Country-men . Their Poetry . * To the young men . † To the old men . Their going to Battel . * He alludes to the Olympick Games . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 12 in a side the Captain and Lieutenant excepted . How they spent their time . † These were called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * This is reported by Sosilius . This exploit is excellently describ'd by Herodotus lib. 7. The publick spirit of the Spartans . * As it was in the Olympick Games . The manner of their Elections . The Ancients never invited any one to dinner . * This was the manner of the Eastern Countries to express their respect to any one , and from them probably the Graecians took it . The manner of their Burials . Other people generally buried them without their Walls , and long after took up the custom of burning them . * To intimate that then they are in peace and at rest . He forbids travelling into other Countries . * Therefore he approves their murthering their Infants . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * In token of Freedom granted . † Lacedemonian Poets . * The secret Ordinance . † The Oracle above-mention'd . * in Timaeo . Lycurgus pines himself to death * Tribunes too were establish'd at Rome to maintain the privileges of the people , but in time they prov'd the ruine of the popular Government . * The 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . * by the conduct of Epaminondas . He seems to reflect upon the Athenians , who ruin'd their State by striving rashly to enlarge it . * None of the kindest Judges of those who went before him . † For Euripides was accused of Atheism . * Apollythemis , Timaeus and Aristoxanes . Notes for div A55194-e38920 The Romans ambitious of Consanguinity to Numa . Various reports concerning him . The Fate of Romulus . Whence nam'd Quirinus . A contest in Rome about chusing a King. Their final determination . Numa chosen King. The Romans whence called Quirites . Numa 's Stock and Education . He marries Tatia . Numa intimate with the Goddess Egeria . What persons acceptable to the Gods. Numa 's age when courted to be King. His Answer to the Ambassadours . He is importun'd by his Father and Kinsman to accept it . His religious Policy . * Soothsayers . The first alterations he made , what . Rome a harbour for loose Persons . An awfull sense of Religion the chief expedient to reduce obdurate spirits . Numa why thought familiar with Pythagoras . No Imagery in the religious worship amongst the Romans for the first 160 years . Numa first constituted the Pontifices . The Pontifical Office what . The Institution of the Vestals . The Laws appointed for the Vestal Virgins . Their Privileges . The regulation of Funeral Rites and Ceremonies . Feciales , an Order of Priests , whence so styled . The Institution and Office of the Salii . A memorable instance of Devotion in Numa his building a Palace adjoining to Vesta 's Temple . Indifference and Distraction of business great hindrances to Devotion . Probable conjectures of the significancy of the several Postures in Divine Worship . Several fabulous relations of Numa 's intimate familiarity with the Gods. The people of Rome generally inclin'd to superstition in Numa 's reign . Numa a friend and advancer of Husbandry . He first divided the Citizens into distinct Companies . The regulation of the year instituted by Numa . Various , absurd and unskilfull computations of the year . The Gates of Janus 's Temple never open in Numa 's reign . Happy results of Peace . A vertuous example most conspicuous and enticing in a Prince . Numa 's Death and honourable Interment . To commit to writing Divine Precepts held a profanation by the Grecian Law-givers . Even Atheists in ●ime of adve●sity implore the Deity . The different qualities of Lycurgus and Numa . Numa 's indulgence to Slaves variously interpreted . Numa studious of Trade , Lycurgus of martial Discipline . Their different Laws and Constitutions in Marriage , chiefly design'd to prevent Jealousie . An undecent practice of the Women of Laconia . Divorce not in use amongst the ancient Romans . The prudent methods of Lycurgus 's Constitutions . An Oath held sacred by the Lacedemonians . Remissness in bringing up of youth prejudicial to the Roman State. Notes for div A55194-e44890 Solon of a noble Family . Lov'd Pisistratus . Solon lov'd Boys . Solon turns Merchant . Solon a Poet. Learned onely Politicks . The meeting of the wise Men. Of the Tripod sent to the wise Men. Anacharsis and Solon acquainted . Anacharsis 's saying of Laws . Anacharsis saying of the Grecian Assemblies . Solon and Thales acquainted . Thales concerning Marriage . We should seek conveniencies though we must once lose them . Solon counterfeits himself mad . Solon retakes Salamis . Solon 's Religion . Epimenides the Cretan . The Athenians quarrel about the Government . Solon quiets the Sedition . Solon refuses to be a Monarch . Solon 's good behaviour . Solon frees the People from their Debts . The difference between Solon and Lycurgus . Solon entrusted with all the power . He repeals Draco 's Laws . Draco 's Laws . Solon 's model of his Common-wealth . Solon 's Laws about Injuries . He institutes the Areopagus . The Court of 400. The Law against Neuters in a Tumult . The Law about Hieresses . Concerning other Marriages . Not to speak evil of the Dead . Concerning Wills. Laws concerning Women . Concerning Mourning . Solon instituteth Trades . The difference between Lycurgus and Solon . Law about the Sons of Harlots . Solon 's Laws about Women . The scarcity of Money . Whence the Athenian Tribes call'd . Solon 's Law about Wells . Laws concerning Planting and other things . Laws about hurtfull Beasts . Law about naturalizing Strangers . Law about publick Feasts . Solon regulates the Months . Solon leaves Athens . Solon in Aegypt . Solon in Cyprus . Solon with Croesus . Solon 's discourse with Aesop . Solon returns to Athens . Tragedies begun . Pisistratus gets the Government . The Atlantick Islands . Solon 's Death . Notes for div A55194-e51040 Valerius 's extraction , whence . The usurpation of Tarquinius Superbus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Valerius disappointed of the Consulship . His private retirement . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Brutus 's publick zeal . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Conspiracy secretly contriv'd by Tarquin 's Agents . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A horrid confirmation of Treason . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Valerius made acquainted with the Conspiracy . His prudent managery thereof . The impartial proceeding of Brutus . His severe Sentence . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Collatinus resigns his Consulship . Valerius declared Consul . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The dedication of the Campus Martius . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The single engagement of Aruns with Brutus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Tuscans vanquished by the Romans . Valerius why disesteemed by the people . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Valerius demolisheth his stately House . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Ordinances and Laws of Poplicola . Money not much in use amongst the Romans . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 P. Veturius and Minucius Marcus first Questors in Rome . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Poplicola ambitious of dedicating the Capitol . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Horatius 's undaunted reply to Marcus. The magnificent structure of the Capitol . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Porsenna espouses Tarquin 's quarrel . The noble atchievement of Cocles Horatius . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The hazardous attempt of Mutius . Porsenna makes peace with the Romans . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Porsenna 's generosity to the Daughter of Poplicola . Marcus victorius over the Sabines . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Appius Clausus deserts the Sabine cause . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Clausus chosen Senator . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Sabines totally vanquish'd . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Poplicola dies . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Poplicola 's posterity of long continuance . Poplicola in reality what Solon wish'd to be . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Poplicola in many respects preferable to Solon . Notes for div A55194-e57060 Themistocles 's policy to ennoble his Birth . Aristides opposes Themistocles . Themistocles advises that the revenue of the Silver Mine at Laurion should be employed in building Ships . He causes the City to be built towards the Sea. He affects popularity . He causes Aristides to be banish'd . He leads an Army into Thessaly . The great Persian Fleet comes in sight . Artemisium . He tempts the Ionians to forsake the Persians . The Athenians send away their Families to Troezena . The Athenians embark . Themistocles recalls Aristides from banishment . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Loligo , Calamar pescado , Calamaro , a Sleeve , Calamary , or Ink-Fish . It casts out a yellow Ink. It is an exanguious cartilaginous Fish , having no bloud , it is thought to have no Heart ; and it is said to have a Sword , because it hath a Cartilage in it , which exactly resembles the Blade of a Rapier . The stratageme of Themistocles to force the Greeks to fight . Xerxes places himself conveniently to see the Sea-fight . Three Children sacrificed before the Fight . Ariamenes Admiral to Xerxes . A Flame in the Air and strange Sounds and Voices heard during the Fight . The Greeks overcome the Medes . Xerxes attempts to stop up the Sea. or Canopy of State. Xerxes retreats . The Aegine●●s perform good service . The mistocles highly applauded . He builds the Walls of Athens . He fortifies the Haven of Piraea . He proposes to burn the Grecian Fleet in the Haven of Pagasa . He builds a Temple and dedicates it to Diana . The Exostracism . He flies into the Island of Corfu . He flies to Admetus King of the Molossians . He takes Ship at Pidna . Themistocles 's Dream . Comes to Artabanus . He is brought before Xerxes . He learns the Persian Language . The Mother of the Gods appears to him . He drinks Bulls Bloud . His Tomb at Magnesia . Notes for div A55194-e64610 Camillus made Censor . The Siege of Veii . The strange accident of the Alban Lake . A subtile fetch of a Roman Souldier . Ambassadours sent to Delphos . The continuation of the Siege of Veii . Camillus 's deportment upon the sacking of Veii distastfull to the Romans . Camillus unmindfull of his Vow . The free contribution of the Roman Ladies to pacify Apollo . War against the Falisces . The treachery of the Falerian Schoolmaster . His deserved Punishment . Camillus labours under two sad disasters . His voluntary banishment , and its concomitant calamities . The Gauls , their original and progress . Arron instrumental in bringing the Gauls into Italy . Brennus 's satyrical reply to the Roman Ambassadours at the Siege of Clusium . Brennus by what incens'd to make War with Rome . Fabius chosen Tribune in the expedition against the Gauls . Neglect of religious duties , and multiplicity of Officers extremely prejudicial to the Roman affairs . Remarkable occurrences relating to the observation of particular days . The Gauls imprudent managers of their Victory . The holy Fire preserv'd by the Vestals . Why instituted by Numa . Brennus enters Rome . The Roman Senatours barbarously murthered by the Gauls . Camillus studious of supporting the declining state of his Country . His Victory over the Gauls at Ardea . Cominius 's hazardous attempt . Camillus voted Dictatour . The Gauls discovered by the sacred Geese in their attempts upon the Capitol . They are valiantly encounter'd by Manlius . A contagious infection among the Gauls . Through the equal necessity on both sides , a treaty is agreed to . Camillus surprizes the City . Brennus seeretly withdraws from Rome . Is utterly defeated by Camillus . Camillus by what induced to found a new Temple . He is maligned , and why . The persuasions of the Senatours unsuccessfull to the re-building of the City . A remarkable instance of the inclination of the Romans to superstition . Rome confusedly re-bui●t . The Romans at the same time invaded by the Aequi , Volsci , Latins and Tuscans . Tutula 's stratageme against the Latins . Nonae Capratinae , whence so styled . An eminent example of a prudent military conduct in Camillus . He reduces the Aeques and Volsces . Sutrium retaken by Camillus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Marcus Manlius by indirect means aspires to the government . Circumstances many times extremely prejudicial to the execution of Justice . Camillus , though unwilling , chosen the sixth time Tribune . Lucius 's inconsiderate engagement retrieved by Camillus . Prudence in a Commander preferable to rash valour . The Tusculanes their politick dissimulation . A dangerous Faction at Rome headed by Licinnius Stolo . Camillus under bad circumstances resigns the Dictatourship . The second invasion of the Gauls . Camillus 's extraordinary provisions for the War. The Gauls upon two accounts disheartned . They are vanquished by the Romans . The Tribunes their rude deportment toward Camillus . The Temple of Concord why and when first erected . Notes for div A55194-e70050 A moral Introduction . The advantage of the Vnderstanding above Sense . The History of vertuous actions raiseth an emulation to doe the like . Which doth not happen in things of Art or Skill . A Comparison betwixt the goods of Fortune and those of Vertue . The reason of the Parallel . Pericles his Extraction . His Mothers Dream . His Shape . The Wits play upon his Head. His Musick Master . His Philosophy Reader . His chief Tutour . His accomplishments . An instance of his patience . His defence against Ion 's censure . Another advantage of his education . A prodigy of a Ram with one Horn. The meaning of it . The reason of it . The cause and end of Prodigies ought both to be heeded . His resemblance of Pisistratus . His first rise in the State. His reservedness . Vertue free and open . Ephialtes a Friend of his . His Rhetorick or way of expressing himself . Why called Olympius . Thucydides his Remark upon him . His care of speaking in publick . Some of his notable Sayings . An account of his Politicks . His rivalling of Cimon . His disposal of publick moneys among the people . His design against the Council of Areopagus . He procures Cimon to be banished . After a battel with the Lacedaemonians , wherein the Athenians had the worst , he recalls Cimon from banishment . He and Cimon reconciled upon terms , having shewn him favour before for his Sister's sake . He is clear'd from the suspicion of Ephialtes his death . After Cimon 's death he hath Thucydides set up against him . They become Heads of two Parties . Pericles his arts to cajole the people . He sends Plantations abroad . He raiseth stately Buildings in the City . For which he is hardly spoken of . His Apology and Vindication of himself . The advantage of those publick Works to the people of the Town . The admirable speed they made in these Works . Yet the lastingness and freshness of them . An account of the Workmen and of several of the Buildings . The Long Wall. The Cdéum or Musick-Theatre . Musick Games instituted . The Acropolis or Cittadel . A strange accident . Minerva 's Statue . Several slanders and abuses put upon Pericles . Why hard to find out Truth in History . Pericles his brave reply when accused for wasting publick Moneys . He foils Thucydides , and rules all alone . He alters his Policy . He plays the State-physician . The force of Rhetorick . His reputation and integrity . Some Authours censure of his great power . The long time of his Government . His thrifty management of his own Estate . His House-keeping . His Steward . Anaxagoras slighted the world . The difference betwixt a Philosopher and a Statesman in the manner of their living . Anaxagoras in great want . A notable saying of his . A great project of Pericles for a Convention of all Greece . Commissioners dispatch'd to summon them . The Project fails . His military Conduct . A rash attempt of Tolmides . The judgment of Pericles upon it . The event made it good . His Expedition to the Chersonese in Thrace . Another round the Morea . Another to Pontus . He curbs the peoples extravagant designs of making War abroad . He reserves their Forces against the Lacedemonians . A passage in the Holy War. New troubles arise . Those of Euboea revolt . The Lacedemonians make an inroad . They are bought out . Cleandrides sentenced for his treachery . Gylippus his Son taken in the like practice . Pericles his Accounts past . He keeps Pensioners at Lacedemon . He chastiseth the Euboean revolters . The War against Samos . The story of Aspasia . Thargelia such another . A shrewd Woman and much frequented . Pericles his former Wife . He marries Aspasia . The Poets Lampoon her . Another so called Concubine to Cyrus . An account of the Samian War. The ground of it . Pericles changes their Government . He takes Hostages of them . They proffer money . He refuseth it . They revolt . They are beaten in a Fight at Sea. They are block'd up in Town . Pericles goes off with 60 Gallies . The Samians take the advantage , and get a victory . They mark the Athenian prisoners with an Owl . As the Athenians had done them with a Samaena . Pericles relieves the Army . Beats the Samians . Incloseth them with a Wall. He orders a Lottery by a white Bean. Engines of Battery . Artemo why called Periphoretus . Another account of him . Pericles takes the Town . Duris gives a tragical account of it . And is cenfured for it . Pericles takes care for the burial of his dead . The Ladies complement him . Elpinice privately quips him . He answers her pleasantly . He is said to have been conceited of this Victory . As he had reason . The occasion of the Peloponnesian War. Pericles sends aid to Corcyra , by Lacedaemonius . His spite to Cimon 's Family . He sends more help but too late . Several complaints from the other Greeks against the Athenians . The business of Megara the main occasion of the War. Ambassadours sent from Lacedaemon about it . Polyarces his device to re concile the quarrel . The ground of the Athenians quarrel against the Megarians . The quarrel improv'd by the Herald's death , who was sent to them . The Megarians reflexion upon the Herald's death . Pericles hindred the rasing of the Decree against the Megarians , and why . The likeliest reason why Pericles hindred it . Phidias a favourite of Pericles accused by Menon . His main crime , the rarity of his Work. He is sentenced to Prison and there dies . Menon 's reward . Aspasia impeached . Pericles order'd to bring in his Accounts . This order put into general terms . Aspasia begg'd off by Pericles . He sends away Anaxagoras . He promotes the War. A message from the Lacedemonians to the Athenians . It doth not succeed . Pericles prevents suspicion of compliance . The Lacedemonians come in with a great Army . Pericles is not for giving them battel . He minds the publick business without consulting the publick or taking notice of peoples discontents . Cleon a Ringleader of the Malecontents . * A notorious Coward . Pericles sends out a Fleet to the Enemies Country . He divides Moneys and Lands among the people . The Enemies sufferings equal to theirs . A great Plague breaks out . The cause of it imputed to Pericles . He goes out with a great Fleet. An Eclipse of the Sun happens . His device to cure the Pilot of his fear . He besiegeth Epidaurus , but miscarries . He cajoles the people in vain . He is turn'd out of Office and fined . His domestick misfortunes . His eldest Son's quarrel to him . He abuseth his Father with stories . A Law case about the death of a Horse . Pericles his loss of friends by death . His unconcernedness . His younger Son's death troubles him . He is invited again to the Government . He undertakes it . The Law of Bastardy . An Instance of its inconvenience . Pericles his proposal to repeal it . His Bastard Son legitimated . Pericles is sick of the Plague . Wears an Amulet about his Neck . As his Friends were discoursing of him , He overhears them and makes a worthy Reply . An Encomium of him . His good qualities made him deserve the title of Olympius . The Poets mistake who ascribe passions to the Gods. Pericles is mist after his death . His seeming Arbitrariness excused and commended . Notes for div A55194-e84270 Fabius by generous purposes aspires to renown . Hannibal 's first prodigious march into Italy . Fabius 's deliberate advice ineffectual to move Flaminius . He dies courageously . Fabius by general consent chosen Dictatour . His zeal for the performance of religious duties . He prudently manages the War with Hannibal . Hannibal politickly provokes the Romans to engage . Through unskilfulness in the Language he commits a great errour . His Stratageme to regain the Passes . Fabius upon divers accounts evil spoken of . Minutius in Fabius 's absence attacks the Carthaginians . Fabius oppos'd by the Tribune Metellus . He divides the Army with Minutius . The dangerous consequence of Minutius 's rash separating from Fabius . Fabius succours Minutius . Minutius sensible of his errour submits to Fabius . The indiscreet behaviour of Terentius Varro the Consul . Fabius 's weighty instructions to Paulus Aemilius . Varro 's fatal ingagement with the Carthaginians at Cannas . Aemilius the Consul dismounted . He dies valiantly . Capua revolts to Hannibal . Fabius of an even temper in the greatest consternation . An Instance of a generous disposition in the Romans . Marcellus chosen joint-Commander with Fabius . He is circumvented and slain by Hannibal . The winning behaviour of Fabius towards his fickle Allies . A pleasant fetch of his to reduce a common Souldier . His Policy in regaining Tarentum . Hannibal diverted by a subtilty of Fabius . The inhumane cruelty of Fabius at the sacking of Tarentum . Hannibal in vain attempts to relieve it . Fabius 's jocular reply to Marcus Livius . The transcendent dignity of a Magistrate . Scipio thwarted in his designs by Fabius . Crassus no promoter of martial exploits . The deserved renown of Scipio in Africk . He is envy'd by Fabius . Pericles 's numerous Victories eclipsed by one of Fabius ' s. 
A55206	----	The fifth and last volume of Plutarchs Lives Translated from the Greek by several hands. Lives. English. Vol. V. Plutarch. 1700 Approx. 1093 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 396 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A55206 Wing P2640A ESTC R220547 99831943 99831943 36410 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A55206) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 36410) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2130:12) The fifth and last volume of Plutarchs Lives Translated from the Greek by several hands. Lives. English. Vol. V. Plutarch. Burghers, M., engraver. [6], 762 p., [10] leaves of plates printed for Jacob Tonson at the Judge's-Head in Chancery-lane, near Fleet-street, London : 1693. With an additional title page ([A]1v), engraved, reading: Plutarch's Lives Vol. V. Plates are signed: M Burghers. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Plutarch -- Early works to 1800. Greece -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. 2007-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-07 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-01 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2008-01 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion PLUTARCH'S LIVES VOL. V. Ingraven by MBurgesies . THE FIFTH and LAST VOLUME OF PLUTARCH S LIVES . Translated from the Greek BY SEVERAL HANDS . LONDON : Printed for Jacob Tonson at the Judge's-Head in Chancery-lane , near Fleet-street , 1693. The Lives contained in the Fifth Volume . DEmetrius Poliorcetes , Translated by Dr. Nalson . p. 1 Marcus Antonius , Dr. Frazer . p. 137 Demosthenes , p. 262 Marcus Tullius Cicero , Dr. Fuller . p. 297 Aratus , Dr. Bateman . p. 353 Artaxerxes , Mr. Oakly . p. 427 Dion , Dr. Vvedale . p. 277 Marcus Brutus , Mr. Duke . p. 361 Galba , Mr. Taylor . p. 701 Otho , Mr. Beaumont . p. 739 A Chronological Table to the Fifth Volume of Plutarch's Lives .   The Olympiad . The Year of the Olympiad . After the Building of Rome . After the Worlds Creation . Before the coming of Christ . The Julian Period . Demetrius 117 1 441 3638 310 4402 Antonius 181 3 699 3896 52 4660 Aratus 132 2 502 3699 249 4463 Artaxerxes 94 4 352 3549 399 4313 Dion 105 4 396 3593 355 4357 Marcus Brutus 184 2 710 3907 41 4671 Demosthenes 105 3 395 3592 356 4356 Cicero 175 1 673 3870 708 4670 Galba 211 4 820 4017 00 4781 Otho . 212 1 821 4018 00 4782 DEMETRIUS . M Burghers sculp THE LIFE OF DEMETRIUS POLIORCETES Rendred into English , By JOHN NALSON , LL. D. VOLUME V. INgenious men have frequently compared Arts and Learning to our Natural Senses ; and doubtless they were induced to do so from that resemblance , which the one hath to the other in distinguishing between different objects : But still , we must allow the precedence to Learning and Knowledge ; for that the highest attainments of sense , arrive only to an Exact destinguishing between mean and Common Objects , as black and white , sweet and bitter , hot and cold , soft and hard , and this too , in an humble subserviency to the Understanding , to which they make reports according to the different impressions which they do receive : Whereas skillful Arts and Sciences , having the more elevated advantages of Inquiry and Reasoning , do not only enable us to know what is most agreeable , but by a prudent foresight to abstain from what is Evil , and prevent what may be dangerous . Thus the Wise Physician comes by his successful Art , not only to understand how to combat a present Distemper ; but to secure the Health of his Patients for the future ; and the artful Musician does not only know how to avoid ungrateful discords , but even from those disagreeing Notes to compound a wondrous Harmony . But above all , Temperance , Justice and Prudence , the noblest of all the Moral Virtues , do not only assist us with the knowledge of what is Honourable , Just and Good , but give us the Reverse of the contrary Vices , which ought to be avoided , as dishonest , unjust , and altogether disadvantageous to us : and even this sort of knowledge of what is evil , is so necessary to the Prudent conduct of humane Life , that without it , there would be no glory or vertue in abandoning those evils which we did not know ; since otherways it must be attributed to the stupid simplicity of ignorant Chance , and not to a wise and prudent Choice . It was for this Reason , that the ancient Spartans were used in their most celebrated festivals and entertainments , to load their * slaves with prodigal glasses , and then expose those drunken miserables to the publique view ; that so , the young Gentlemen of the City seeing the deformity , and antick dresses into which that transforming Vice degrades Humane Nature , they might at the expence of those poor wretches , imprint an early aversion to debauchery , in their tender minds . And tho' possibly it is but an indifferent method , nor very consistent with Humanity , to chastise vice in one , by forcing it upon another , yet it will not be unacceptable , amidst the great variety of examples in this Book , to expose to the view of the World , some pairs of noble Lives , who being advanced in the triumphant Chariot of Sovereign Authority , have , by their own inconsiderate folly and imprudence , tumbled from the height of Fortune into great extremities ; and thereby have made themselves great examples of the Impotence and danger of great vices , even in the greatest Men. There is a strange pleasure in variety , but yet I must averr , That my design is not only to divert the Fancy of the Reader , by shewing diversity of curious Figures , but to advantage him in the management of his own Affairs ; to which nothing can contribute more , than the easy way of being wife and Vertuous at the expence of other Mens Misfortunes ; for as Ismenias , the fam'd Theban Artist , was wont to shew his Scholars both the most excellent Masters in Musick and the veriest Bunglers in the Science , that so they might imitate the one , and despise the other ; and Antigenidas was used to say , that such young Gentlemen as applied themselves to the attaining skill in Musick , would be more encouraged in their Industry by the pleasure they received from hearing sprightly Airs and Composures , after they had been first tired with the dull entertainments of Common and unskillful Musicians ; so it appears highly reasonable , that the examples of those Lives , whose Vices and Follies have deservedly exposed them to the Censure of the whole vertuous World , should raise in us a Noble Emulation to imitate the glories of such others , as were the illustrious Characters of Great and Good. For this Reason , this Volume presents the Reader with the Lives of Demetrius * Poliorcetes , and Antonius the Triumvir : Two Persons who have abundantly justified the opinion of the Divine Plato , that great Minds are apt to produce great vertues , and no less vices : And that they may not seem unequally Paired , these two great Persons were equally Amorous and Intemperate , Warlike and Munificent , Sumptuous in their way of Living , and haughty in their enterprizes and undertakings : Nor did Fortune seem to make any great disparity in their Destinies , for as during the whole course of their Lives , they were many times glorious and triumphant Victors ; so were they also miferably vanquished ; at one time they got much , at another they were forced to abandon all : sometimes they were tumbled down from the top of their glory , beyond even the Hope of almost a possible recovery , and on the sudden , beyond the expectancy of Imagination , raised again to their former Dignity and Dominions : nor were the Fatal periods of their Lives without a Resemblance , the one ending his unfortunate days in a deplorable captivity , and the other , to avoid that lingring misfortune , taking Sanctuary in the Cold embraces of a voluntary Death . Antigonus had by his Lady Stratonice , the beautiful daughter of Correus , two Sons , the one after the Name of his Uncle he called Demetrius , the other carried the name of his Grandfather Philip , and died young . This is the most authentick Account , although some have reported , that Demetrius was not the Son of Antigonus , but of his Brother ; and that his own Father dying young and his mother being afterwards married to Antigonus , he was pleased to adopt him his Son. Demetrius , who was one of the goodliest Princes of the World , tho' he was not altogether so tall as his Father Antigonus , yet he was of the largest proportion of men ; but withal he had a Face so delicate and exact , that the most curious Painter or Graver , was not able to form any Idea , out of his own Imagination , comparable to those sweetnesses , which every feature of his inimitable Face had only peculiar to it self : there was something , one knows not how to express it , so soft , and yet so fierce , that it did at the same time appear both charmingly tender , and Imperiously astonishing ; challenging both an irresistible , veneration , and a passionate kindness ; such a mixture of Majesty , Youth , beauty and vivacity , as gave him one of the most August and Noble Airs in the World. Nor did his outward adornments at all contradict the inward Inclinations of his nature , for there was no person who had so great an Art to render himself both lov'd and fear'd ; for as he was the most easie and agreeable person in his conversation , the most splendid in his entertainments , and in short , one who indulged himself and his friends the utmost liberty and freedoms in the enjoyment of his pleasures , so was he , of all the Princes of his age , the most vigilant , dexterous , and addressful in the prosecution of his martial affairs ; so that his whole life seemed divided between the Love of pleasure and glory ; herein proposing to himself the example of Bacchus , the Divinity he chiefly adored , equally famous for his successful achievements in the time of Action , and his luxuriant gaieties in the Leisure of Peace . He was a most passionate lover of his Father Antigonus , and the natural tenderness and deference which he had for his Mother , obliged him , for her sake , to redouble that love , which it was evident was not so much owing to fear , or barely Duty , as the more powerful ties of Choice and Inclination : Insomuch that it is reported , that returning one day , from hunting , he went up immediately into the Apartment of Antigonus , who had newly given Audience to certain foreign Embassadors , and after he had made his Obeysance to Antigonus , who tenderly caressed and kissed him , he reposed himself upon one of the chairs , still holding the Javelins in his hand , which he had brought with him from the chace ; whereupon Antigonus , who had just dispatched the Embassadors , commanded them to be again introduced , and shewing them his Son in that free posture and equipage , You may , my Lords , said he , if you so please , relate to your Masters , above what you have already received in Commission , after what manner of unjealous freedom , my Son and I live together : By this Action informing them , that this was no flender mark of the power and security of this Government , where there was so perfect a good Understanding between the Prince reigning and his Heir apparent ; and that whereas commonly unsociable Majesty is surrounded with Armed Guards , and inward jealousies and distrusts , it was the glory of the Greatest of all the Successors of the mighty Alexander , that he had the happiness to be so perfectly assured of his son , that he could without difficulty permit him the freedom of coming thus Armed into his presence . And to speak the truth , among all the Successors of Alexander , that of Antigonus , was the only House , which for many descents was exempted from blushing , with the shedding of their own Royal blood : and whereas in this illustrious Family , only Philip was guilty of the death of his son , all the rest afforded frequent examples of Fathers who brought their Children , Husbands their wives , Children their Parents , to untimely Funerals ; and for the Brothers to dispatch each other was so common , that as Mathematicians lay down to themselves certain first Principles , so this was esteemed by them as a Maxim , to assure themselves of the Royal Diadem , by sacrificing their Brothers to the fears and jealousies of their proving dangerous Rivals to their Sovereignty . But that we may the better understand the excellent temper of the young Demetrius , and what just and honourable sentiments , even his early years had for his Friendships , we must recount an odd adventure which passed betwixt him and Mithridates the son of Ariobarzanes ; this young Prince , who was about the same age with Demetrius , was educated in the Court of Antigonus ; and although he had the Reputation of an innocent and undesigning person , yet could he not avoid falling into the displeasure of Antigonus , who became extreamly suspicious of him by reason of a Dream which he had one night concerning him ; for in his sleep , Imagination , which then most abusively plays the wanton with us , when she has put all our senses , the servants of reason , into their downy manacles , presented Antigonus with this Fantastique scene : He thought himself in a fair and spacious Field , where he sowed Golden seed , from whence he saw a most wondrous crop of that shining Metal immediately to spring , and successively to grow up to that maturity to hang its ripened heads , ready to bow to the fatal stroak of the sickle ; that shortly after , returning in high expectancy to reap the tempting Harvest , he found it all cut down , and nothing left but chaff and stubble ; whereupon extreamly discontented at the unexpected disappointment , he thought he overheard certain persons discoursing that it was Mithridates , who having reaped the Golden Harvest , was returned with it into the Kingdom of Pontus . Antigonus , strangely perplexed with this Dream , relates it to the Prince , and having first obliged him , by whatever was sacred , not to discover his intention , acquaints him with the Resolution he had taken against the life of Mithridates . Demetrius was most sensibly touched with this cruel resolution of Antigonus against an Innocent Prince , his Familiar , his Confident , Companion , and Friend , and not knowing how to manage himself with Innocence , betwixt his Friendship to the Prince , and his promise to his Father ; but the next morning Mithridates coming according to his custom to divert himself with Demetrius , he drew him aside from the Company , and without opening his lips , with the point of his Javelin he traced these few words in the Dust , obliging Mithridates to read them , fly instantly , and save your Life , Dear Mithridates , and without further notice , putting them out with his foot , they returned to their Company , and pursued their accustom'd Divertisements and Sports . Mithridates , who was very apprehensive , easily perceived by this Artifice that something fatal was determined against him by Antigonus ; and therefore secretly taking Post that very Night , he quitted the Court , and made his Escape into Cappadocia ; where resolving to be revenged of Antigonus for this intended Perfidy , he immediately raised a numerous Army , and not long after accomplished the Dream of Antigonus , whom , by the force of his Armies , he despoiled of many large Provinces and Territories ; and by his great successes Established the Royal House of Pontus : The last of his Race and Name , and the eight in lineal succession from him , being that unfortunate Mithridates King of Pontus , whose destiny so lately made an addition to the Triumphs of the irresistible Roman Eagles . This may serve for a specimen of the Early and uncommon Generosity and Honour of Demetrius ; but it was not long before his boyling youth , transported with the ardent desire of Fame and Glory , met with greater occasions of signalizing his Courage and his Arms ; for as Empedocles wittily observed , that there was a continual hostility among the four Elements which Compose the Universe , every one of them still combating with his Neighbour , and all of them continually striving to inlarge the boundaries of their Empires ; so did it happen among the potent Successors of the great Alexander , betwixt whom , especially those whose Dominions lay contiguous , there was an Eternal Jealousie , and almost perpetual Wars : For Antigonus , who kept his Residence in the Metropolis of Phrygia , being advertised that his Neighbour Ptolomy , having passed from the Island of Cyprus , did with a potent Army invade Syria , and had reduced most of the considerable places in that Country under his Obedience , either by force or Composition ; he dispatched his Son Demetrius , not then much above the Age of twenty two years , at the head of a Gallant Army , to arrest the successes of the Victorious Ptolomy : This was the first time , that he had appeared in Arms as an Absolute General and Commander ; and our young Captain , whose heat was something too disproportionate to his Conduct , with mighty Eagerness and hasty Marches , advances with his Army to seek his Enemy ? and receiving intelligence that Ptolomy was with all his Forces sate down before Gaza , he marched directly thither ; upon his approach Ptolomy drew off his Army from the Siege , being as willing as Demetrius was hasty to put the matter to the fatal decision of the Sword : But here Fortune , who was betimes resolved to shew her instability , was not at all Propitious to Demetrius ; for after a Cruel Battle , which was obstinately maintained by Demetrius with the loss of five thousand of the most Valiant of his Soldiers , he was compelled to resign the Victory and the field to Ptolomy , who took , besides eight thousand Prisoners , all his Arms , Carriages , Ammunition , and his Camp , which was exceeding Rich : Nor was it at all strange , that a young Prince of so slender Experience in military affairs , should be vanquished by an Old beaten Captain in the Trade of War , and one trained up under the Discipline of Alexander , by whose prodigious Fortune even victory herself seemed to be overcome , and to submit her self tamely to his conquering Arms. However Ptolomy , who was as truly generous as he was great , made a most honourable use of this advantage , for he immediately returned all the Rich spoils of the Field , together with the inlarged Prisoners , with this Complement to Demetrius , That he had not combated with him for Riches , but for Glory and Empire . Demetrius was infinitely surprized at this unexpected generosity , and one might see the warm blood mount into his Face , to be a second time vanquished by this obliging civility of Ptolomy , which was more insupportable than what he had suffered by his Arms , but as soon as he had a little recovered the disorder , into which this Action had put him , May the Gods , cried he , accord me this only bounty , that I may not long be indebted to Ptolomy , but that it may one day come within my Power to return him the same Complement and favour , which he hath now put upon me . It might well be expected the disgrace of this disaster , to be defeated in the very first enterprize of his Arms , would have cooled the courage of our young Warriour ; and possibly few persons of his Age , would have been able to support such a notable Overthrow , with so much Temper : but Demetrius , who was a very extraordinary person , demeaned himself upon this Occasion even to admiration ; rather like an old Captain who had been long acquainted which the traverses of a capricious and inconstant Fortune , than a young and unexperienced Prince : for he set himself , with all the application imaginable , to provide Arms and Magazines ; to rally his dispersed Troops , to reinforce them with Recruits , and to exercise his new Levies in the discipline of War , he strengthned all the considerable Garrisons , and with unwearied deligence performed all the Duties of an expert General , and by his example infused new Life and Courage into the hearts of his Soldiers , insomuch that they , who before were almost ready to present the Conqueror with the Keys of those Cities which they were to defend , now put on Resolutions , not to part with an inch of Ground , which Ptolomy should not purchase with the hazard of his Life . When the news of this Defeat was brought to Antigonus , he received it without any greater emotion , than saying , Ptolomy has indeed got a Victory over a Company of Youths , but ere long he shall find , that he must combat with Men : intimating , that shortly he would undertake the management of the War in his own person . But Demetrius sending to beg the favour of him , that he might once more throw the Dye of War , and Command the Army against Ptolomy : Antigonus who feared least the disgrace of being denied , might more abate the Courage of the Prince than the loss of the former Battel , sent him a new Commission to execute the Office of an absolute General . Not long after Cilles , Ptolomy's Lieutenant General , with a powerful Army took the Field , and looking upon Demetrius , since his last overthrow , as the Commander of a baffled and half vanquished Army , he had in his imagination driven him out of Syria , before he saw him : but he quickly found himself deceived ; for Demetrius by hasty marches came so unexpectedly upon him , that he surprized the General and his Army , making him , and 7000 of the principal Officers and Soldiers , prisoners of War , before they heard of any approaching Enemy : the whole Booty of the Camp , which was very rich , fell likewise into his hands ; but it was not that which gave Demetrius any satisfaction , comparable to the pleasure which he took , when , by this advantage , he found himself in a Condition to be generously revenged upon Ptolomy for his last obliging courtesie : However , Demetrius in this affair was resolved to comport himself according to his Duty , and therefore he dispatch'd an Express to Antigonus to give him an account of this good Fortune , and to receive his directions and commands , how to dispose of his Conquest . Antigonus who was most surprizingly transported with Joy at this unexpected news , and not less at the Noble Inclinations of his Son , immediately returned him in Answer , that he left him intirely at his own Freedom and Discretion , to make what Use he pleased of the Victory which he had gain'd . Demetrius was even ravished with contentment at his Commission , which was so agreeable to his wishes ; and therefore sending for Cilles , he not only gave him his own , and the Liberty of all the Prisoners , but dismiss'd them loaden which magnificent presents , and the Admiration of his Generosity ; desiring Cilles to oblige him with carrying this Message to Ptolomy , That he made him that small present , in return of the Favours he had received from him at Gaza . This defeat was so closely followed by Demetrius , that in a little time he obliged Ptolomy to abandon Syria ; and having resettled the affairs of that Province , he hasted to return into the Arms of his Father , who then kept his Residence at Celene : So soon as Antigonus was advertised of his approach , he had not the patience to attend the short delay of his coming , but with a noble Train he immediately left the City , and went to meet the Prince ; and with what caresses and indearments such an indulgent Father entertained a Son so hopeful and promising , is difficult to imagine , but impossible to express ; but he conducted him home in great triumph , amidst a thousand acclamations and other signs of joy , which seemed to be owing rather to his safe return than the prosperous success of his Arms. But it was not long before Antigonus was forced to lose the satisfaction of his Conversation ; being obliged to send him to reduce the Nabathean Arabians to their Obedience : and in this Expedition Demetrius ran one of the greatest hazards of his whole Life ; for the Wild Arabs , decoyed him into those parched Desarts , which afforded no manner of subsistence , nor so much as a drop of water to refresh his Army ; and having reduced him to this extremity , they drew up their forces to give him Battel : But when those barbarous people observed the courage and resolution of the Prince , and that he was so far from being in the least daunted at their approach , that he rather seemed to flie like a hungry Lion upon the prey , as if he had resolved to quench the thirst of his Soldiers with the blood of his Enemies , they were so astonished , that consulting their fear , they thought it fitter to commit their safety to their heels than hands , and therefore with great precipitation and disorder , they quitted the field , leaving Demetrius not only possessed of the Victory , but of a very considerable Booty , among the rest 700. Camels with all their Lading of Water and other provisions , with which he refreshed his Army , and safely retreated out of that scorched Country , more barbarous than its wild Inhabitants . Not long after , Seleucus , whom Antigonus had formerly chased out of Babylon , having raised all the forces he was able , with his Army invested that mighty City , and without much resistance , made himself Master of it , and elevated with this success , he pushed on his good Fortune , and marched against the Countries next adjacent to Mount Caucasus , and the neighbouring Indies , hoping to subdue those Regions , and range them under his Dominion and Obedience . Demetrius being advertised of this Expedition of Seleucus , and conjecturing , that he had left Mesopotamia but flenderly guarded in his absence , he passed the Euphrates , with his Army , with such secrecy and expedition , that with his whole power he had invested Babylon , before they had heard of the march of his Troops . He immediately command an attacque to be made upon one of the Cittadels , which Seleucus had raised for the security of that important place , which was performed with that vigor and resolution , that he carried the Fort ; but finding himself not in a Condition to master the City , he left 7000 Men in Garrison in the Fortress , and with the gross of his army retreated homewards ; but in his return he gave his Soldiers the liberty to live at descretion , who in their march took from the Inhabitants of those Countries , through which they passed , whatsoever they thought fit ; by which ill treatment of those People , though he did extreamly enrich his Army , yet he impoverished his own Reputation , and lost the affections of those Countries , who ever after , by the ill usage they received from Demetrius , were the more firmly devoted to the Obedience of Seleucus , to whom he seemed to yield the Title of their Sovereign , by treating them like Enemies , and not his own Subjects . In his return having received Information that Ptolomy laid close Siege to the City of Halicarnassus , he marched directly thither and obliging him in some disorder to decamp , and retire from before it , he delivered that City from an imminent danger , and by his Expedition and success in that Action , brought a great Addition to the Reputation and Glory of his Arms. And now Demetrius , burning with the ardent desire of Glory , had fixed his Designs upon an enterprize , which was suitable both to his own , and the Inclinations of his Father Antigonus ; and that was to break the Yoke of slavery , which Cassander and Ptolomy had laid upon the neck of the little Grecian Commonwealths , and to render those Countries Masters of their ancient Laws of Freedom ; and certainly never any Princes undertook a War more generous and brave , since the only motive that induced them to it , was the glory to restore their Freedom to the miserable Grecians , and that they undertook it wholly at their own charges , and with the treasure which they had recovered from barbarous Nations , they attempted the assistance of the most civilized and learned , tho' most oppressed People of the World. To effect this great Design , it was resolved , at a Council of War , that the first attempt should be made upon the City of Athens ; upon the debate of which point , when one of the great Captains gave his opinion , that if they could make themselves Masters of that City they ought to keep it in their own possession , for that it would serve them as a Bridge , over which they might at descretion , pass into the rest of Greece ; Antigonns most generously as well as prudently replied , that the surest Bridge to pass over upon such an Enterprize was the Hearts and Inclinations of the People , which would most assuredly be lost , if that City were kept ; and that Athens being one of the most celebrated Academies of the World , one ought to offer nothing prejudicial to that Repository of Arts and Learning , if , at least , they consult their own future reputation , which must in time to come be measured by those accounts , which from thence would be delivered to Posterity . Demetrius , who had raised a Fond of five Thousand Talents to defray the charges of this War , having with great applications rigged and equipped a Fleet of two hundred and fifty Gallies , he weighed Anchor , and the Wind standing fair , he steered a direct course to the City of Athens , where at that time Demetrius Phalereus who commanded as Deputy Governor under Cassander , had his residence , and had placed a strong Garrison in the Fortress of Munychea . Upon the twenty fifth of May , the Wind freshing up into a brisque Gale , and Demetrius , who was resolved to improve the Favour which Fortune seemed to lend him , by the addition of Artifice , hanging out Ptolomy's Flag , bore directly in for the Pyraeeum or Port of the City : The Centinels , who discryed the Fleet at some distance , made no doubt but that they were Friends , nor was the Error discovered till it was too late . It may well be imagined , that this surprize put the Captain of Cassander's Gallies , and the whole Garrison into such great confusions and disorders , as usually happen upon such approaches of an unexpected Enemy ; and while they were preparing to make the best defence and opposition , which the suddenness of the Accident would permit , Demetrius who perceived the Mouth of the Haven defenceless and open , stood in directly into the Port : as soon as he was entred , mounting upon the Poop of the Admiral Gally , and making a signal with his hand , that he had something to say , he caused a Herald with a loud voice to make Proclamation , that he was come thither with that mighty Fleet , by the Command of his Father , but with no other Design than what he prayed the Gods to prosper with success proportionable to his pious Intention , which was to deliver them from the oppression of Cassander ; to chase out that Armed force , by which he held them in a cruel Subjection , and to restore to them the freedom of their ancient Laws and Government . The People hearing this , presently threw down their Arms , and clapping their hands , with loud acclamations of Joy they immediately intreated . Demetrius to land , calling him their Deliverer and Benefactor , and assuring him of a Welcome entertainment . This suddain revolt of the Citizens obliged Phalerius , who saw it impossible to resist , to send certain of his Officers to Demetrius , to request from him , upon his Surrender , honourable Usage and Protection from the outrages of the People , who hated him for Cassander's sake , and whose insolences , in this change of his Fortune , he had but too just apprehensions to be afraid of . Demetrius according to his accustomed Generosity , treated the Messengers very respectfully , and having an extraordinary Veneration for the person , and Vertue of Phalerius , he sent Aristodemus of Miletus , a particular favourite to Antigonus , back again with the Messengers , to assure Phalerius , and those under his command , not only of their Liberty but security , and accordingly he sent them away with a sufficient convoy to the City of Thebes ; whither Phalerius desired he might have Liberty to retire . Now though Demetrius had the most passionate desire in the World to view the so much celebrated City of Athens , yet having solemnly Vowed he would not enter into it , till he had given it entire Liberty from Cassander , he forbore it for the present , and having blocked up the Cittadel of Munichia with a strong Rampart and deep Graff , he immediately weighed , and with his Fleet stood over for Megara , where also Cassande had a strong Garrison , which would if not removed , prove an uneasie Neighbourhood to his newly delivered Athenians . Whilest his Army laid close Siege to Megara , Demetrius understanding that Cratesipolis the Widow of Poliperchon , a Lady whose beauty was in greater Reputation than her Vertue , was at Patras , and that as he understood , she had no Aversion for him , he resolved secretly to make her a Visit ; and therefore leaving the Siege , he took only a few light Horse-men for his Attendants , and went in pursuit of this extravagant Amour : And that he might without discovery , and with more freedom injoy the conversation of this celebrated beauty , he commanded his Retinue to Pitch a Tent at some distance from Patras , and there to attend his return , and so with only two or three of his most intimate confidents , he took his way towards the City ; but whether by the treachery of the Lady , or by pure accident is uncertain , so it happened , he fell into an Ambuscade of a party of Cassander's Troops , and was so warmly pursued , that he was obliged by changing his Coat with one of the ordinary Soldiers , and so disguising himself by the swiftness of his Horse to purchase a dishonourable safety , the just reward of such an adventure , narrowly Escaping being made a Prisoner to his Enemies , by rendring up his Liberty to the charms of a Lascivious Woman , and an unjustifiable Passion ; the Party finding he was too well mounted to be taken , returned and seized his Tent where they found many curious presents intended for his Mistress , which made another addition to the loss of his Honour and Design , tho a reward proportionable to the undertaking . But he had better success in his Wars than in his Amours , for returning to the Camp , he stormed the City of Megara , but at the request of the Athenians , who had assisted him in the Expedition , he would not permit his Soldiers to commit any violences or spoil , but having chased away the Garrison , he restored the Inhabitants to their freedom and laws , as he had before treated the Athenians : It happened that the Philosopher Stilpon did at that time reside near Megara , a person of great Reputation for his retired and contemplative Life ; Demetrius who had a great Curiosity to see him , sent for him , and the Philosopher being come into the presence , Stilpon , said he , I hope you have received no ill Vsage ; nor lost any of your Goods by my Soldiers ; my Lord , replyed he smartly , I have not met with any who have thought knowledge or Virtue so valuable as to plunder them from me ; but it seems , that upon the taking of the City Demetrius had bestowed Liberty upon all the Slaves , and among the rest upon the only one belonging to the poor Philosopher ; and when he was about to take his leave , Demetrius , having Extreamly caressed him , Well Stilpon , said he , I leave your City in perfect Liberty and freedom ; True my Lord , answered he briskly , for you have not left us so much as one Slave belonging to us . Demetrius returning from Megara immediately sate down before the Cittadel of Munychia , which in a few days he took by assault and caused the fortifications to be demolished ; and thus having accomplished his Design , at the importunity of the Athenians , who requested him to refresh himself after his Fatigue , he solemnly entred the City , where causing the People to be summoned , in the Audience of a numerous Assembly , he publickly acquainted them ; that he did not only freely restore them to the Liberty of their former Popular Government , but would prevail with his Father Antigonus , to bestow upon them fifteen thousand Measures of Wheat , and such a proportion of Timber , as would enable them to build an hundred Gallies for the defence of their City . In this manner did the Athenians recover their Popular state , after they had lost it for the space of fifteen Years , from the time of the fatal War of Lamia , and the unlucky Battle before the City of Cranon ; after which they had been under a seeming Oligarchy , but really under the single Government of Demetrius Phalerius the Deputy Lieutenant of Cassander . But the excessive honours which the Athenians bestowed upon their deliverers Antigonus and Demetrius , drew upon them the envy of other Princes , and an universal Jealousie among all their neighbours ; for here it was , that by the Courtship of the Athenians , they first took upon them the Stile of Majesty and the Title of Kings , which hitherto they had declined , as only of right appertaining to the lineal descendants of Philip and Alexander the great , and which the rest of his Captains seemed to renounce . But so transported were the Athenians , that with a Wild and Extravagant Gratitude , they bestowed upon them not only the Title of Kings , but of their Tutelary Deities and Deliverers : and to enhance the complement , by a common Vote it was decreed to change the stile of the City , which formerly named the year according to the Name of the Annual Magistrate ; so that now a Priest of the two Tutelary Divinities , who was to be yearly chosen , was to have that honour ; and all publick Acts and Instruments were ordered to bear their Teste under his Name . And in the Ensigns of their City they caused the Pourtraicts of these two Princes to be drawn among the rest of the Gods , the Patrons and Guardians of their City . They also caused an altar to be erected and consecrated in the place where Demetrius first alighted from his Chariot , calling it the Altar of the Descent of Demetrius ; they added two new Companies or Tribes to their former Number , calling them after the Names of those Princes Antigonides and Demetriades ; and to the Senate which consisted of five hundred persons , fifty being chosen according to the ancient constitution , out of every Tribe , they added one hundred more out of these two new Companies . But the most sordid of all their gross and unmanly flatteries , was the Decree proposed by Stratocles , by which it was ordained and Enacted , that the Embassadors , which they should send to Antigonus and Demetrius , should have the same stile and Character with those which were accustomed to be sent to Delphos , to consult the Oracle of the Pythian Apollo , or to Elis to the Olympian Jupiter , to perform the Grecian Solemnities , and to make oblations for the safety and preservation of their City , whom they called , the Embassadors of the Gods. This Stratocles was a person of a most insolent and vicious temper , one who had led a lewd and dishonest life , not much unlike the infamous Cleon ; for his Concubine one day bringing him a dish of certain heads for his Dinner ; Look , said he disdainfully , I must dine upon heads , which we statesmen play with like Tennis-balls . At another time , when the Athenians received that notable defeat near the Island of Amorgos , he hasted from the encounter , and before the news could arrive at the City , having got a Chaplet of flowers upon his head , he came riding through the Ceramique street , with such a shew of triumph , as if the Athenians had been Conqucrors , and instantly commanded all the People to render thanks to the Immortal Gods , and keep a solemn Festival for the happy Victory . But whilst they were in the height of their gaity and joy , the Messengers , who had made no hast to bring the evil tidings , arrived with a true account of the Disaster , and the People being inraged that he had thus imposed upon them , he confidently came among them , and made this jest of the matter , Very fine , said he , and I warrant you think you do bravely now to be angry , and to reproach me for having made you two Holidays . This was the way of this humorist Stratocles . But that I may allude to the words of the Poet Aristophanes , Such strange excess transported their desire , They seemed even to add a flame to fire . For there was another of these audacious flatterers , who resolving to out shoot Stratocles in his own Bow , proposed , that it should be decreed , that whensoever Demetrius should honor their City with his Royal presence , they should treat him with the same Ceremonies and Honours , as they were accustomed to pay to the Deities of Ceres and Bacchus , and that to make his reception more splendid and magnificent , a Talent of silver should be issued out of the Exchequer to provide Sacrifices and oblations , to be offered to this new Divinity . In short , they strained their invention to that degree of extravagance , that they changed the name of the Month of * Munychion , and called it Demetrian , and the Festivals of Bacchus , which used to be celebrated upon the last day of that Month by the name of Dionysia , they altered into the name of Demetria . But the incensed Deities soon manifested their displeasure at these sacrilegious flatteries , by divers uncommon presages and Prodigies , for as they were in a pompous Procession , carrying the Banner in which the Images of Antigonus and Demetrius were painted , together with those of Jupiter and Minerva , passing through the high street , a sudden and impetuous Gust of wind tore the Banner from the top to the bottom . A strange crop of Poisonous Hemlock , a weed formerly an absolute Foreigner to that soil , sprung up about the Altars which they had erected to those new Divinities ; they were forced also to intermit the solemn Festivals of Bacchus , for that upon the very day upon which they used to be annually celebrated there hapned such a severe and Rigorous frost , that not only the Vines and Fig trees were all blasted , but the very Wheat was perished with it ; which gave occasion to Philipides a declared Enemy to Stratocles , to abuse him in these Comique Verses . The man of whom our blasted Vines complain . And the Torn Ensign , which the Gods disdain , Who did to Mortals Divine Honours pay , 'T was he who hurt us , not this innocent play . This Philipides was a person for whom King Lysimachus had such an extraordinary Value , that for his sake he conferred many Royal favours upon the Athenians , and had such , even a superstitious veneration for him , that when he was about to undertake any affair of great Importance , he ever consulted first with Philipides , and was used to say , that he always took his very presence for a lucky Omen in his enterprizes . Nor was it altogether without reason that he thus esteemed him , for Philipides was a person of an honest and divertive conversation , wholly free from the nauseous humors of the servile and officious Courtiers ; and as his humor was easie and innocent , so was it also gay and pleasant , as may appear by this passage . Lysimachus upon a certain time being extreamly obliged with his diverting Company , demanded of him , Philipides , said he , what will you that I should gratifie you withal , and I will do it ? With what your Majesty pleases , replied he , provided you do not load me with the Honor of being of your Privy Council . Such a person was honest Philipides , and I therefore thought it not amiss to prefer the innocent Comedian , before this impious haranguing flatterer Stratocles . But that which exceeds all the former follies and flatteries was that of Dromoclides of Sphetus , who when there was a debate concerning sending to the Delphian Oracle to enquire the lucky minute for the Consecration of certain Bucklers , he propounded in the Assembly , that they should rather send to consult the Oracle of Demetrius ; and for the horrible rarity of the propositions , I will repeat the very words of the Decretal Order , which was in these terms . May it be happy and propitious ? The People of Athens have decreed and ordained , that a fit person shall be chosen among the Athenian Citizens , who shall be deputed to be sent to our great Deliverer , and after he hath duly performed the just Rites and Sacrifices , shall enquire of him , in what most Religious and decent manner he will please to direct the Consecration of the Bucklers ; and according to the answer which his Oracleship shall be pleased to return , the People shall be obliged to put it in speedy execution . Thus did these Officious flatterers , with their impious breath , blow up poor Demetrius , already crazed with his successes and honors , almost into a perfect pleurisie and madness . Demetrius , who was naturally amorous in this interval of leisure from his Martial affairs , became passionately in love with a fair Athenian Lady , whose name was Euridice : She was descended of the ancient House of Miltiades , that Celebrated Captain , and had been Married very young to Opheltas Prince of Cyrene , but having the misfortune to be divorced from him by his untimely Death , she was not able to brook that Melancholy Court , but retired her self to Athens , whence Demetrius , who was as fortunate at storming the tender hearts of fair Ladies , as the Walls of the most obstinate Cities , after a short siege of Courtship overcame the difficulties and aversions , with which she defended her self against second Nuptials , and was Married to her . The Athenians took this Marriage for an extraordinary favour done to their City of which the Lady was a Native , when as in truth it was the effect of a Natural propension which he had to variety , for he had many Wives at the same time ; but among them all Philla was the Lady to whom he paid the most respect and deference ; she was the Daughter of Antipater , and the Widow of Craterus , who while he lived was of all the Successors of Alexander the most beloved , and at his death the most universally lamented by the Macedonians : And for these reasons Antigonus had obliged him to Marry her , notwithstanding the disparity of their years , Demetrius being much younger than that Princess ; and when upon that account he made some difficulty of complying with his Father's pleasure , Antigonus whispered him softly in his Ear this Couplet , alluding to those verses in Euripides . Let not her years your Love abate , But Marry where 's the best Estates . But as it frequently happens in such unequal Matches , how much respect and deference soever Demetrius paid to her Birth , Quality and Fortune , Philla was never entirely possessed of his heart ; for besides several other Ladies whom he married , he had always many Mistresses , and was a Prince that surpassed all others of his time , in abandoning himself to the infamous slavery of his Passions , and unbounded pleasures . But he was not so absolutely charmed with the soft Lute of Venus , but that he had still an Ear for the shrill Notes of Bellona's Trumpet ; and there happening at this time a new contest with King Ptolomy , concerning the Island of Cyprus , Antigonus sent for him to command his Troops in that expedition ; his unwillingness to abandon the glorious Enterprize of the deliverance of Greece , which he had so fortunately begun , did for some time struggle with his compliance to the King's command ; and seeing that he could not at present effect his design by the force of his Arms , he attempted to accomplish it by cunning and Artifice : He sent therefore to Cleonides , Ptolomies Governour in Sicyone and Corinth , and privately made him very advantageous offers , if he would only retire from those places , and leave them at intire liberty : But Cleonides disdainfully rejecting all sorts of conditions , which might blemish his reputation with the infamy of so base a treachery to his Master , he was for that time forced to quit the prosecution of his designs in favour of the Grecians , and to apply himself to the War with Ptolomy : He therefore imbarked his Troops , and with a mighty Navy sailed directly to the Island of Cyprus , where immediately upon his arrival , he fell upon Menelaus the Brother of Ptolomy , and gave him a notable defeat . The news of this affront so inraged Ptolomy that he came in person with all his Naval Power and Land forces , to revenge the disgrace of his Brother's overthrow . When both these Fleets were come within sight , Ptolomy having commanded his to drop their Anchors , he sent this insolent Message to Demetrius , That if he consulted his safety or honor , he would take this timely advice , and instantly retire , before his whole Fleet and Land forces were come up , for that otherwise he would compel him to do it with shame and ignominy . Demetrius not in the least shock'd by these impotent Menaces , returned him an answer more civil in appearance , but not less high and daring . You may acquaint Ptolomy , said he to the Messengers , that I will do him the favour to permit him to escape , if he will oblige himself upon his honor , to withdraw his Garrisons from Sicyone and Corinth , and make those Cities possessors of their own Freedom . The contest between these two potent Princes , and the issue of this War was such , as had not only a single influence upon themselves , but must draw after it the interests of many other Princes and Sovereign Lords ; for it was apparent that he upon whom victory should incline to bestow her Lawrels , would thereby become not only Master of the Kingdoms of Cyprus and Syria , but most undoubtedly the most Potent and formidable Monarch of all the Successors of Alexander . The Fleets had not long lain within view of one another , but that Ptolomy resolving to put it to the issue of a Combat , and in order thereunto , having Commanded Menelaus , who lay in the Port of Salamine with sixty Gallies , that in the heat of the Engagement he should attack the Rear of Demetrius his fleet , he instantly weighed , and with all the force of sails , and Oars he assailed Demetrius with a fleet of one hundred Gallies , excellently well manned and appointed for the Combat . But Demetrius , who apprehended his design , commanded ten of his Gallies to row up to the very mouth of the Haven of Salamine , and there to place themselves so advantageously , that Menelaus could neither come out with his fleet , nor be able to combat them , but upon equal numbers ; and after this , having ranged his Land-Army upon the shoar , he advanced to meet Ptolomy with 180 Gallies ; and attacked him with such a furious impetuosity , that in a little time he forced him with only eight of the lightest and most nimble Sailers in his Fleet , to save himself by flight ; leaving Demetrius in so entire a possession of the Victory , that 70 of his stoutest Gallies were taken , and the rest sunk , together with all the Sea-men , Souldiers , Victuallers , and the Gallions , which carried his Women , Friends , Officers , and principal Servants , his Treasure , and all the Engines and Ammunition which he had provided for the War. Among the number of those whom Fortune by that Victory made Prisoners to Demetrius , the celebrated Lamia chanced to be one ; a Lady , whose Beauty , admirable Skill upon the Lute , and charming Voice had rendred her extreamly admired ; and after she began to entertain much Courtship , she still increased in that infamous kind of Fame ; and although she was now past the Meridian-Glories of her Beauty , yet had she something so agreeable in her Humour and Conversation , that Demetrius quickly exchanged his Liberty with her , and became a Prisoner to her Charms , to that degree , as that it was said , All other Ladies were amorous of Demetrius , but Demetrius was amorous only of Lamia . After the gaining of this signal Victory , Demetri●n came before Salamine ; and Menelaus , upon his first Approach , being unable to make any considerable resistance , surrendred himself and all his Fleet , together with twelve hundred Horse , and twelve thousand Foot , with all their Arms and Ammunition : But that which added to the Glory of this Victory , was the generous deportment of Demetrius to the vanquished ; for aster he had given honourable Funerals to the Dead , he bestowed Liberty upon the Living ; and that he might not forget his flattering Athenians , he sent them , as a Present , compleat Arms for twelve hundred Men. To carry this happy News , Aristodemus of Miletus , the most affected Flatterer belonging to the Court , was dispatched to Antigonus ; and he , to enhaunce the welcome Message , was resolved to raise the expectation of Antigonus to the highest Pitch , by delaying his satisfaction to the latest moment : He therefore commanded the Frigat , which transported him , to come to an Anchor in the Road ; and having ordered all the Ship's-Crew to remain aboard , he took the Long-Boat , and was set ashore alone : One may well imagine the King was in great pain to know the Issue of this Encounter , and when he was informed , that Aristodemus was coming all alone , it put him into strange Inquietudes and Disorders , lest he should be charged with some fatal Tidings ; his impatience growing importunate , he sent one Messenger after another , to enquire what news ; but Aristodemus , walking very gravely , and with a settled Countenance , without making any Answer , still marched on softly towards the Palace : Antigonus , who could not divine the meaning of this Delay , and no longer able to support the eagerness of his expectations , descended to the Gate of the Palace , followed by a Train of inquisitive Courtiers , and trembling , betwixt the uneasie Combat of the Passions of Hope and Fear , he advanced to meet this Fantastick Envoy ; as soon as Aristodemus saw him within hearing , stretching out his Hands , he accosted him with this loud Exclamation , Royal Sir , said he , Rejoyce ! We have gloriously vanquished Ptolomy , We are absolute Masters of Cyprus , and have taken above sixteen thousand Prisoners . To which , Antigonus coldly replied , Welcome Aristodemus , with your good News ; but truly since you have made us purchase it at so enhaunced a price of Expectation , you must e'en be content to be paid in your own Coin , and languish in the long expectancy of a slow Reward . The Courtiers , who were extasied with this good News , taking a sudden Limit from this Appellation of Aristodemus , in great Pomp proclaimed Antigonus and Demetrius Kings , and immediately placed a Diadem upon the Head of Antigonus , who sent a rich Crown also to his Son ; the Superscription of the Letter which accompanied it , being , To the most excellent Majesty of King Demetrius . This News arriving in Egypt , that they might not seem to be dejected with the late Defeat , the Egyptians also took occasion to bestow the Stile of King upon Ptolomy ; and the rest of the Successors of Alexander , resolving not to be behind-hand with them , also assumed the Title of Kings : Lysimachus taking at the same time the Royal Diadem , and Seleucus , who had before received it in all Addresses from the barbarous Nations , now also took it upon him in all the Applications which were made unto him from the Grecians : As for Cassander , he still retained his ancient Stile in all his Letters and publick Instruments , by leaving others , who addressed themselves unto him , at liberty , whether they would give him the Title of King , or wholly omit it . But this new addition of Honour was not confined only to the Name of King , or the Royal Ornaments , but seemed to inspire them with such haughty Sentiments , as in a manner changed their very Natures , and way of Living : for now they abandoned the former Familiarities towards their Friends , and in their very Mien , Gate , Salutations , and other Deportments , began to affect a supercilious State , and disagreeable Reservedness , and Affectation of Grandeur ; appearing rather like formal Actors upon a Theatre , than those easie , free , and obliging Persons they were before ; and to render themselves more feared , they put on with the Royal Habit , a certain Cruelty to their Subjects , to whom the sight of Punishments had formerly been very rare and unfrequent ; but throwing away the Vizor of Popularity , they now openly avowed themselves absolute Sovereigns . This Fear of their displeasure begot the unmanly vice of Flattery among their Followers , the whole Court striving who should be most forward in these obsequious and mean compliances with these Humours , which , upon this Change they had taken up . Antigonus extremely elevated with the Success of his Arms at Cyprus , under the Conduct of Demetrius , resolved to push on his good Fortune , and in person to lead the whole Power of his Empire against King Ptolomy by Land , whilst Demetrius , as Admiral of the Naval Forces , should coast along the Shoar , to assist him by Sea , as occasion should require . In this Expedition it happened , that one Medius , a great Captain in the Army , had this odd presaging dream , he thought he saw Antigonus and his whole Army running , as if it had been a Race , that at the first jumping off the Score , they ran the Heat with great vigour and swiftness ; but that towards the end of the Career , he saw Antigonus come lagging up tired , and almost breathless , and quite spent ; and the Event proved accordingly ; for Antigonus met with many Difficulties and Extremities by Land ; and Demetrius was so shattered by foul weather at Sea , that he ●ost divers of his best Ships , himself very narrowly escaping a Shipwrack ; so that all the great expectations of this Campagne came just to nothing , they being obliged to return home without having got any thing besides Losses and Disappointments . Antigonus , though now he was near the Eightieth Year of his Age , yet seemed uncapable of the Fatigues of War , by the Bulk of his Body , ( which , besides that it was extraordinary , was also inclined to be corpulent ) rather than by his Age , which was very green and vigorous at those years ; he therefore committed the management of his greatest Affairs unto the Prince , whose Conduct was very admirably dextrous in Military Matters ; and the old King was induced to bear with those excessive Liberties , wherein he drowned himself in the time of Peace , because he observed him to be the most temperate and abstemious Person in the World in the time of War and Action . It happened , that returning one day from his Field-Exercises , and coming to the King , as his Custom was , to kiss him , and doing it with a little more than usual warmness , What! I warrant you , Demetrius , said the King smiling , you fansied you were at the Lips of your Mistress Lamia : For she , of all his Women , had the most entire possession of his Heart : At another time , having been for several days lost in a Debauch among his Companions , and coming into the Presence , he desired Antigonus that his Majesty would excuse him that he had not in so long time paid his Duty to him ; but the reason was he had been seized with so violent a defluxion of Rheum , that he had been obliged to keep his Chamber . Well! replied the old King , looking very pleasantly , I was informed so by your Servants ; but pray , Demetrius , tell me , did the Defluxion come from Chios or Thassos ? Alluding to the rich Wines that were brought from those places ; and not long after , Demetrius having given it out , that he was indisposed , Antigonus had the curiosity to make him a Visit : and coming to his Apartment , out bolts a young sprightly * Girl ; the King entring , took a Seat by his Bed-side , and taking hold of his hand , began to feel his Pulse : Demetrius , who was at a loss what excuse to make , told him , that he was now much better than he had been , and that he hoped his Fever had left him . Yes , replied the King very quick , I verily believe it has ; for I just now met it at your Chamber-Door . However , Antigonus did more easily connive at these Vices , in regard of the other excellent Qualities whereof he was possessed ; and indeed , this was the true Temper of this Prince , that to whatever he addicted himself , whether good or bad , he resigned himself wholly to it for that time ; and not after the Custom of the Scythians , who , in the midst of their Cups , were wont to call for their Arms , as it were , to awaken their Courage , ready to drop asleep with their plentiful Glasses . As for Demetrius , if he devoted himself to his Pleasures and Luxury , he abandoned himself entirely to them ; and if the Trumpet sounded to Horse , he was no less assiduous in the Fatigues of War ; he was , beyond all doubt , a very great Captain , and most notably dextrous , not only in his Conduct , but in forming his Levies , and raising an Army , and in making all the necessary Preparations of Stores and Magazines , the very Muskles and Nerves of War , which he ever took care to provide in great abundance . His great Divertisement was in building Gallies , and inventing Engines of War ; and having naturally a Genius addicted to Mechanicks , he did not apply it to the making of frivolous and unuseful Toys , after the humour of some other Princes , who spent their vacant hours in Painting , Musick , or Turning ; as Aeropus King of Macedon , who took great pleasure in making pretty little Lamps and Tablets ; or , as Ptolomaeus Philometor , whose Diversion was to cultivate Hellebore , Henbane , Hemlock , Aconite , Dorichnium , and other noxious Plants , which he used to sow himself in the Royal Gardens , and with great diligence , to gather the Seeds in their season , the Fruits and Juices , and to try Experiments of their Natures , Qualities , and Virtues . The Parthian Kings employed themselves something better becoming their Dignity and Martial Humour ; for their Diversion was to sharpen the Points of their Arrows , Darts , and Javelins . But the Mechanick Inventions of Demetrius , though designed for Use and Service , had something noble and magnificent withal ; and the wondrous contrivance of them was so uncommon , that one might easily read the Character of a great Mind and extraordinary Spirit in the Princely Artifice ; they were such as by their magnificent and costly Structure , bespoke themselves the Products of a Royal Engineer , insomuch that they did not less surprize his Friends with their stupendious Magnificence , than they did astonish his Enemies with their dreadful Beauty ; and it is no less pleasant than true , which is related of them , that the very Enemies against whom they were to be employed for their destruction , could not forbear running to gaze with admiration , upon his Gallies of five and six ranges of Oars , as they passed near their Coasts ; and the Inhabitants of those Cities which were to be besieged , and stormed by those terrible Engines , could not forbear thronging to those Walls which they were about to batter , to satisfie their curiosity with the agreeable prospect of those stately Machines , which from their use were called destroyers of Cities . And even Lysimachus , of all the Kings of his time , the greatest Enemy of Demetrius , coming to raise the Siege of Solos in Cilicia , sent to desire the permission to see his Gallies , and admirable Engines , which Demetrius easily accorded him , and having gratified his Curiosity by a full view of them , struck at once with fear and admiration , he quitted the Place , and his Design of relieving the besieged City . The Rhodians also , whom he had long besieged , and at last reduced to composition , made their humble Request , that he would bestow some one of these Engines upon them , which they might preserve as a Monument of his Puissance , and their brave resistance . The Quarrel betwixt him and the Rhodians , was upon the occasion of their being Allies to Ptolomy , whom they had assisted against Demetrius ; and in the Siege the greatest of all the Engines was planted against their Walls ; the Basis of it was exactly square , each side containing twenty four yards ; the height of it was thirty three yards , still from the Basis to the Top growing narrower , something like a Cone or Pyramid ; within it were several Apartments or Chambers , which were to be filled with armed Men , and in every Story or Apartment , the Front towards the Enemy had windows which were to be opened , in order to their discharging their Shot and Arrows against the Besieged ; but that which was most admirable , was , that notwithstanding the vast Bigness of the Engine , yet , when it was moved , it never so much as once tottered , but went upon the Basis with an equal poise , making a most dreadful noise as it was forced along , and thereby gave both Wonder and Terrour to the Spectators . Whilst Demetrius was at this Siege , there were presented unto him two compleat Curasses of polished Steel , weighing each of them no more than forty pounds , and Zoilus , who had forged them , to shew the excellence of their Temper , desired that one of them might be tried with an Arrow shot out of one of the Engines at no greater distance than six and twenty yards ; and upon the experiment , it was found , that though the Dart did exactly hit the Curass , yet it made no greater impression , than such a slight scratch as might be made with the point of a Style or Graver . Demetrius , who was wonderfully delghted with the Workmanship , having well rewarded the Artificer , himself wore one of them in all his Encounters , and bestowed the other upon Alcimus the Epirot , one of the most robust and gallant Captains in his Army : This Alcimus was one of the strongest men in the World ; for his compleat Armor weighed sixscore pound , whereas the Arms of the ablest of the other Souldiers rarely exceeded half that weight ; but notwithstanding all his strength and courage , no Armor was proof against his ill Destiny ; for in a furious Attack , whilst he was gallantly fighting , and encouraging his Souldiers by his example , he was flain near the Theatre during this Siege . The Rhodians all the time made a brave Defence , in so much that Demetrius evidently saw he was not to master them without great difficulty and hazzard ; nevertheless he persisted in his Resolution to try the last extremities : and the rather , because that the Rhodians having taken a Vessel in which there was inbarked certain rich Hangings for his Pavilion , Apparel , and other Necessaries , as also the Letters from the Princess Philla , who had sent them to him , they had undecently sent them together with the Ship to Ptolomy ; being herein far from imitating the honourable example of the Athenians , who having surprized an Express sent from King Philip their Enemy , they opened all the Letters he was charged with , excepting only those directed to Queen Olympia , which , with great Civility they sent unbroken open to her . Notwithstanding this Provocation , Demetrius , into whose power it shortly after came to have re-paid the Affront , would not suffer himself to be transported with revenge , so as to do a dishonourable Action , which he condemned in them ; for it happened that the Design of the City of Jalysus , which the celebrated Protogenes had been seven years painting , and wanted only the finishing strokes , being surprized by his Souldiers in the Suburbs of the City , the Rhodians sent a Herald at Arms , to request of him , that he would be pleased to spare that rare Piece of Art and Curiosity ; Demetrius sent them in answer , that he would as soon permit the burning of the Picture of his dear Father and King , Antigonus , as suffer the least injury to be done to such a curious Piece of laborious Skill and Beauty . And so admirable was this Painting , that 't is said , when Apelles , that fam'd Master first saw it , he was so surprized , that unable to stifle his admiration , he stood mute , struck at once with wonder , and a little emulation at the beauty of the Work ; but recovering his transport and his tongue , A most admirable and marvellous Piece ! said he ; but yet here want some of those Sweetnesses and softning Touches which my Paintings have , of which he was wont to boast , That he painted for Eternity . This curious Piece , among many others , was afterwards carried to Rome , where it was consumed by an accidental Fire in that City . Whilst Demetrius thus fruitlesly maintained the Siege , and the Rhodians no less obstinately defended their City , the Athenian Ambassadors came luckily to rescue his Reputation , by proposing an accommodation between them , that so Demetrius might be at liberty to assist them against Cassander , who had taken this opportunity to besiege the City of Athens : In short , a Peace was concluded , by which the Rhodians were obliged to assist Antigonus and Demetrius against all their Enemies , excepting Ptolomy the King of Egypt , and so soon as the Ratifications were exchanged , Demetrius with a Fleet of 330 Gallies , and a great Land-Army , sailed directly to Athens , where he not only presently dislodged Cassander , but falling upon his Rear , very much incommoded his Retreat , and pursuing him to the Straits of Thermopylae , obliged him there to a Battel , which ended in the total overthrow of Cassander's Army . After this Victory , he took in the City of Heraclea , the Citizens voluntarily opening their Gates to receive the Conqueror ; and the Garrison consisting of 6000 Macedonians , revolted to him , and took Service under his victorious Ensigns . In his Return , having given Liberty to all the Grecians on this side the Straits of Thermopylae ; made an Alliance with the Baeotians , and taken in the Cities of Cenchrees , Phylen , and Panacton , in which Cassander had placed strong Garrisons to awe the Country into obedience , he bestowed them upon the Athenians ; and they , in requital , though they had before been so profuse in bestowing Honours upon him , that one would have thought they had exhausted all the store of Invention , yet strained and put their Wits upon the Rack , to extort from them new devised Honours and Flatteries . They ordered him a Lodging behind Minerva's Temple , in the Apartment of the Virgins , the vowed Votaries of that Goddess ; upon which occasion some of the Wits exercised their Talent , and took the Liberty to say , That Minerva had got a dangerous Inmate , and that it was not much to the Reputation of her Virgins Chastity to keep company with Demetrius , who was not so over strait-laced in that sort of Vertue ; though it seems Antigonus had not given him the Example ; for of him it is reported , That one time , observing that his other Son Philip had Lodgings appointed in a House where there were three pretty young Ladies , the King , without taking any notice to his Son , sent for the Officer who had taken up the Lodgings ; to whom he said , Pray , good Sir , oblige me with removing my Son out of those little pent Lodgings ; for I do not care to have these young People crouded one upon another . As for Demetrius , he was so far from shewing any reverence to the Goddess , with whom he had taken up his Quarters , and whose younger Brother he had the vanity to have himself stiled , and upon that score might have paid her some little decent respect , that he gave himself up to the most infamous Liberties ; he debauched the young Women and ancient Matrons of the City of Athens , to that degree , as is as little to the Reputation of a modest Pen to relate , as it was dishonourable to the City ; which may for ever blush at those lascivious Liberties in which this dissolute Prince , by their servile compliances , was not only permitted , but even tempted to debase both theirs , and his own Honour and Glory ; in so much , that his Court seemed innocent , when he had only Chryseis , Lamia , Dema , Anticyra , and some other Ladies of common ill Fame , for the Companions of his Revels . But among such a heap of Vice , there was found one Jewel of severe Vertue and Chastity , whose Name deserves to be transmitted to Posterity in the Records of Honour , the young * Damoclea ; whose surpassing Beauty gave her the particular Title of the Fair Damoclea . Demetrius had essayed all the ways of passionate Courtship , Gifts , Threatnings , and Flatteries , to make himself a passage into her Heart ; but all in vain : Nay , she grew so weary of his importunate Addresses , and repeated Solicitations , that she declined all manner of publick Conversation , perfectly out of design to avoid his disdained Passion ; but going to a private Bath , and the lascivious Prince being informed of it , he followed , and surprized her there : In this Distress , the innocent Damoclea taking counsel from Despair , and resolving to secure her Honour , though with the loss of her Life , hastily throwing off the Cover of the Cauldron , she leap'd into the boiling Vessel , and by that untimely Fate , becoming a Martyr to her Vertue , purchased an Immortality of Fame and Glory . Some time after Demetrius had left Athens , Cleonetus the Son of Cleomedon , made application to him , by his intercession , to procure that the Fine of fifty Talents , in which his Father had been condemned by the People of Athens , might be remitted ; Demetrius gave him Letters to that effect ; which , when he had produced at a common Counsel , it did not only diminish his Reputation , but strangely shock'd the Citizens ; who , though in compliance with the Letters , they remitted the Fine , yet they made an Edict , prohibiting any Citizen for the future to endeavour the obtaining of Letters of the like Tenor from Demetrius ; but being informed , that Demetrius , to whom an Account of it was carried , resented it as an high Indignity and Affront , and that he gave out some passionate and menacing Words about it , these trembling Flatterers did not only rescind and vacate the former Order , but inhumanely put some of the Proposers and Advisers of it to death , and banished others ; and to make up the Matter , it was in a full Assembly enacted and decreed , That whatsoever King Demetrius should in time to come Ordain , should be esteemed sacred and inviolable to the Gods and to Men : Upon which , when some of the best of the Citizens had said , That certainly Stratocles must be stark mad , and out of his wits to make such a horrid and impious Decree , Demochares , the Laconian replied , That if Stratocles had not been so mad , all the World must conclude him out of his Wits ; thereby intimating what an advantageous Trade he made of this impious and servile Flattery ; But Demochares paid dearly for his Wit ; for being accused for it before the Criminal Judges , the People , who , as it must needs be where they govern , were not able to endure any thing less frantick than themselves , they adjudged this honest Man to perpetual Exile , for being in his Senses , and making an unseasonable use of his Wit and Reason : This was the natural Result of their new regained Liberty , and the true Character of the Temper of a Popular State , which is only a Liberty for all Persons to be Slaves to the wild , arbitrary , and extravagant humors of a giddy , rash , and inconstant multitude of Fools , managed by a Set of more cunning Knaves . After this , Demetrius marched with his Forces into Peloponnesus , where the Terrour of his Victories had so benummed the Hearts and Hands of his Enemies , that not one of them had the courage to oppose the Torrent of his Arms ; but before his approach abandoned all the Towns and Garrisons which they were possessed of ; so that he reduced all Arcadia under his Obedience , except the Cities of Mantinea and Argos ; he also by composition had Sicyon and Corinth surrendred unto him , paying to the respective Garrisons an hundred Talents . About this time it happened that the solemn Festivals of Juno were to be celebrated with the accustomed Sports at Argos ; and Demetrius , who was resolved by assisting at them , to render the Solemnity more splendid and magnificent , at his being there , fell in love with , and married the fair Deidamia , the daughter of Eacus , King of the Molossians , and Sister to Pyrrhus ; which Nuptials did not a little contribute to the heightning of those Solemnities and Entertainments dedicated to Juno , the Goddess of Marriages : At the same time also , he prevailed with the Sicyonians to change the Situation of their City , to a place far more pleasant and commodious , where they built a new one , and complemented him with giving it the Name of Demetriada ; and in conclusion , his Affairs being conducted to this prosperous Issue , he summoned a general Assembly of the Grecians to meet him at the Isthmus in Peloponnesus ; where , by an extraordinary concourse of People , he was with an unanimous consent proclaimed Captain General of the Greeks ; as before him Philip and Alexander the Great had been : And being blown up with the fresh Gales of his prosperous Fortune , he had the vanity to fansie himself not only equal , but superiour to those two famous and renowned Kings : In this indeed he out-did great Alexander himself , who would never take upon him the Title of King of Kings , as did Demetrius , though many Kings paid Homage to him ; nor did he ever go about to lessen , or divest any of them who were his Tributaries , of the Stile of Kings ; whereas Demetrius used to ridicule all those who gave the Title of Kings to any of the Successors of Alexander , except his Father and himself ; and in his Entertainments , it was a common diversion with him , after his own and Father's had passed round by the Name of Kings , to drink the Healths of Seleucus , with the Title of great Master of the Elephants ; of Ptolomy , by the Name of Lord High Admiral ; of Lysimachus , with the Addition of Lord Treasurer ; and of Agathocles , by the Name of Governour of Sicily and the Islands . This vain Humour being reported to these Princes , gave none of them any other emotion , than that of deriding the insolent Extravagances of Demetrius ; only Lysimachus resented it with deep indignation , it being in effect , to reproach him , as being an Eunuch ; such being usually then deputed to the Office of Treasurers ; which made Lysimachus , who mortally hated him for this Indignity and Affront , reproach him with his Amours to Lamia ; of whom he said , That she was indeed a pretty Stage-Queen , and acted her Part very admirably . Which , when it was told Demetrius , the Reflection touching him in a tender place : Well! said he , I would have Lysimachus know , that my Miss is every whit as honest and vertuous as his Penelope . But to proceed , Demetrius being about to return to Athens , signified by his Letters to the City , that he had a desire to be enrolled in the Fraternity of the Priests of Ceres , and his Request was , That , without attending the time commonly allotted from the Initials , to the confirmation of those admitted into that Order , he might at once be admitted to the usual Ceremonies and Mysteries which were to be performed upon that occasion : Now this was an Innovation absolutely contrary to the Rules of the Foundation , and a thing which had never been allowed before ; for from immemorial Antiquity the lesser Mysteries were celebrated in the Month of November , and the great Solemnity in August following ; so that consequently none of the Novices were admitted to the latter , till they had at least spent an entire year in the state of Probationer : Yet all this notwithstanding , when , in the publick Assembly , these Letters of Demetrius were produced and read , there was not one single Person , who had the courage to oppose them , except Pythodorus the Priest , who was Torch-bearer in those Solemnities ; but it signified nothing ; for Stratocles , who was always wickedly ingenious , proposed as an Expedient , that the Month of March , then currant , should by Edict be taken and reputed to be the Month of November ; which being as soon agreed as offered , and Demetrius thereby admitted to the lesser Ceremonies ; by another Vote , they turned the same Month of March into the Month of August ; by which contrivance , Demetrius was also gratified with being an Actor in the Greater , and admitted to the most secret Mysteries of that Solemnity ; which gave the Comoedian Philipides an occasion to exercise his Wit upon Stratocles in this Couplet Prodigious Skill ! how strangely Flatt'ring Fear Into one Month hath crowded all the Tear. And upon his having proposed , that Demetrius should lodge in the Temple of Minerva within the Castle , these ; Stratocles thinks it is no sin , To turn a Temple to an Inn ; Or with lewd wanton Company , To bless Minerva's Chastity . Most certain it is , that the flagitious Crimes which were then committed , deserved a severe Satyr . And Demetrius himself did in some measure scourge their mad Impiety by his unbounded Insolencies ; but that which did above all other things regret the Athenians , was , That having given Command , that they should with all expedition raise for his Service two hundred and fifty Talents , and they to comply with his Demands , being forced to levy it upon the People , with the severity of taking Distresses ; when they presented him with the Money , which they had with such difficulty raised , as if it were a trifling Sum , he commanded it to be given to Lamia , and the rest of his Women , to buy them perfumed Wash-Balls for their Baths ; by which kind of Treatment , it is a question , whether the Shame or the Loss , the manner of his contemptuous Expression , or the parting with their Money , was the more galling Affliction to these foolish People ; tho' the Story is variously reported ; and some affirm , it was the Thessalians , and not the Athenians , who were thus treated by him . But however , this is most certain , that Lamia squeezed considerable Sums of Money from them , upon pretence of making a great Entertainment for him ; and in truth the Supper was of that Magnificence and Plenty , and managed with so much Skill and pleasing Variety , that Lynceus of Samos , who was present at it , thought it worth his pains to write a Description of it . Upon this occasion , one of the Comical Wits of the Town gave Lamia the Name of Helepolis ; saying , She alone was an Engine sufficient , without the other , to destroy a City . And Demochares of Solis , gave Demetrius the Appellation of Mythos , which signifies a Tale or Fable ; because said he , There is never a Tale but has its Witch or Lamia at the end on 't ; and Demetrius has his Lamia too . In short , he was bewitched with this Woman to that degree , as for her sake , not only to draw upon himself the Envy & Jealousie of all his Wives , but the Hatred even of the best of his Friends ; as appears by this instance ; Lysimachus , shewing to the Ambassadors of Demetrius the Scars of those Wounds which he had received upon his Thighs and Arms , by the Paws of the Lion , with which Alexander , in one of his furious Humours had obliged him to combat , they smiling , replied , That the King their Master was not without his Scars , but could shew upon his Neck the Marks of a Lamia , a no less daugerous and furious Beast than that wi●h which he had encountered . And if she was not a real Enchantress , it is very odd and unaccountable , that Demetrius should shew so great an aversion to marry Philla , by reason of the disproportion of her Age , when yet he was so passionate of Lamia , who was so far past the Meridian of her Years , as to stand in need of other Charms besides those of Youth and Beauty ; she had indeed a delicate Voice , and most admirable Touch upon the Lute , with which Demetrius extremely delighted ; and one Evening , after she had entertained him with that soft Musick all the time he was at Supper , he demanded of Dema , whom , for her blunt way of speaking any thing to him , they usually called Mad Dema ; What say you , Dema ? How seems she to you now ? Truly Sir , replied Dema , she seems to me to be an old Woman . And Demetrius , who was resolved to pursue the Humour , looking very pleasantly , But , Dema , said he , Do you see these delicate Fruits , and what an agreeable Repast she had provided for me this night ? At which , Dema laughing heartily , Very pleasant in troth ! said she , I 'll undertake , if you will lie with my Grandam , she shall treat you far better than this comes to . It is also reported of this Lamia , how she opposed the famous Sentence of Bocchoris , the Egyptian Judge , on this manner : A certain young Spark , being wonderfully smitten with the Charms of a celebrated Curtesan , whose Name was Thonis , the insatiable Prostitute , thinking to make advantage of his Lascivious Folly , promised she would be at his Service ; but withal , demanded so great a Sum , as he either was not able , or at least thought too great a price to purchase the Repentance of parting with it for one Night's Lodging : But it seems his Imagination , which was sharp set upon what he had treated of in the Day , presented him with the possession of her in a Dream ; and the Shadow being much cheaper , and possibly wholesomer than the Substance , he was contented to have the Thonis of his own Fancy , and his Money too . But the confident Woman having heard the Story , with the Effrontery of those unblushing Brutes , commences a Suit against him , and lays her Action for so much Money as she had demanded of him ; alledging , it was but just that she should have satisfaction , since he confest he had had his Bargain : Bocchoris , who thought it the greatest Justice to put an Affront upon such Confidence , advised the Youth , to bring into the Court so much Money as she had demanded , and to count it over , so as Thonis might hear the Noise ; which being done accordingly , Mistress , said Bocchoris , you may go about your Business if you please , for you are paid in your own Coin , one Fancy being as good as another . But Lamia , who , it seems , would turn Advocate for one of her own Profession , moved in Arrest of Judgment , That the Sentence was no way equal , in regard , that the desire which Thonis had to finger the Money , was in no sort satisfied by hearing it chink , but rather increased ; whereas , on the contrary , the Youth was abundantly satisfied with the enjoyment of Thanis in the Entertainment of his amorous Imaginations : But this is sufficient to have related concerning Lamia , we must how return to Demetrius , whose Fortune , beginning to bend her Brows , will conduct us from the Comical , to the more Tragical Occurrences , and darker Scenes of his following Life . For now all these Kings whom he had disobliged , or who were jealous of his growing Ambition and formidable Power , entred into a strong Confederacy against him and his Father , King Antigonus ; and assembling their united strength , Demetrius was constrained to abandon Greece , and to joyn with his Father , to weather the storm which was gathering from all Quarters , and threatned to discharge its violence upon their Heads : Antigonus , upon the occasion of this War , shewed a Courage and Fierceness much disproportionate to his Years ; he was a Prince of an undaunted Spirit ; and could he but have preserved a little Temper in his vain Ambition , in aspiring at an absolute Sovereignty over others , he might in all probability , not only have continued in the first Rank of the Princes of his Age , but have left that Honour to his Descendants ; but he was of a violent and haughty Spirit , much addicted to undervalue all other Princes , and to treat them both in his Words and Actions , more insolently than was either consistent with his Interest , his Prudence , or the Honour due to Kings ; and though by this rash freedom of his Language , he had drawn a most formidable Power of the most considerable Princes against him ; yet when he first heard of the Confederacy , he could not forbear despising the Confederates , by a Vanity peculiar to him : Oh! said he , are they flocking ? I 'll make no more to disperse them , than a Company of Rooks in a Corn-field , with throwing a Stone among them , and crying Hush . So soon as the Troops which composed the Gross of his Army could be brought together , Antigonus took the Field at the Head of seventy thousand Foot , and ten thousand Horse , and seventy five Elephants . His Enemies were little inferiour to him in number of Men ; for they had sixty four thousand Foot , and ten thousand five hundred Horse ; but they far surpassed him in Elephants , of which they brought four hundred into the Field , and a hundred and twenty Chariots of War. When these two mighty Armies approached near , there happened an odd kind of alteration in the Humour of Antigonus , and though his Courage and Resolution received no great abatement ; yet his Hope and Confidence seemed something to flag and hang their Wings ; for whereas formerly there was wont to be a certain joyous Fierceness dwelling in his Eyes , that he used to speak boldly and bravely , and even in his Encounters , to drop some witty Ralleries , to encourage his Souldiers to contemn their Enemies , he now became very thoughtful , silent , and retired : One Day above all the rest , taking Demetrius along with him , he shewed him to the Captains , and the whole Army , which was drawn out upon this occasion , and recommended him to them , as his declared Successor ; these uncustomary Actions occasioned some admiration in those who observed them ; but that which increased the Wonder , was , that now he took Demetrius into his most secret Counsels ; whereas formerly he never used to communicate his Designs to any Person ; but when he had resolved any thing , to give out his peremptory Commands for the execution ; in so much that it is reported , that when Demetrius was a youth , he enquiring of the King , what time the Army should decamp : He answered him in a little Passion , What do you trouble your self ? Are you the only Person that are afraid you shall not hear the Trumpet ? But there were other very ominous Presages besides this Change in the Humour of Antigonus ; which according to the Superstition of those Times , abated the hopes and courage of the Army : For in his Dream , the Great Alexander , compleatly armed , seemed to appear to Demetrius , and demanded of him , what Word they intended to give in the time of the Battel ? And Demetrius answering , That he intended the Word should be Jupiter and Victory : Well , then I see , said Alexander , turning short from him with an Air of Displeasure , you have no Service for me , I will go over to your Enemies , who , I am assured will entertain me with Joy. And the very Morning of the Combat , as the Armies were drawing up , Antigonus going out of the door of his Tent , by some Accident or other , stumbled , so that he fell flat upon the Ground , and bruised himself very sorely : this he , as well as others , took for no good Augury ; and therefore , so soon as he had recovered his Feet , lifting up his Hands towards Heaven , O ye immortal Gods , cried he , if you so please , I beg a Victory from you this day ; but if that cannot be granted , let me obtain the Favour of death at your hands , and that I may not live to blush to see my self vanquished , and with shame survive my dying Glory . When these two great Armies had for some time faced one the other , the Signal being given , after whole Showers of mortal Arrows , which obscured the very Sun , had been exchanged , as the first Complements of Death , they quickly came to handy-blows ; and Demetrius , who commanded the greatest and best part of the Cavalry , gave such a furious Charge upon Antigonus the Son of Seleucus , that unable to endure the Shock , he and the Body which he commanded , turned their Backs and fled ; and Demetrius , transported with the Success , pursued them so eagerly , and so far , as that it fatally lost him the Day ; for , when perceiving his Errour , he would have come in to the assistance of his own Infantry , he was not able , the Enemy with their Elephants having cut off his Retreat ; and on the other hand , Seleucus observing the main Battel of Antigonus left naked of their Horse , he made an Offer of charging them in Front ; but then suddenly by wheeling about , as if he intended to attack them in the Flank and Rear , he thereby gave opportunity to those among them , who had before resolved it , perfidiously to revolt from Antigonus , and come over to his Party , as great numbers of them did ; and this put the rest into such a consternation , no man knowing who were Friends , and who Enemies , that the whole Army was instantly put to the Rout. In this amazing state of his Affairs , the old King Antigonus still kept his Post , and when a strong Body of the Enemies drew up to charge him , one of those about him , seeing it , cried out to him , Sir , consider with your self what you will do ; do you not see that Party which are coming down upon you ; to which he only replied , And how shall they know me ? Demetrius will come in to my rescue and assistance . There was his last Hope : But alas ! it was in vain ; for after he had looked on every side to see if he could perceive Demetrius coming to his relief , he was with a Storm of Arrows , Darts , & Javelins , born down dead upon the earth ; where being fallen , there remained with him , of all the numerous Company of his flattering Followers , not one to take care of his Body after his Death , besides only Thorax of Larissa , the Thessalian ; thus ended this fatal Battel , and thus the Life of the unfortunate Antigonus . After the unlucky event of this deciding Combat , the Kings , who had gained the Victory , tore all the Empire , which Antigonus and Demetrius before possessed , ●●to pieces , and shared those large Territories among themselves . As for the unfortunate Demetrius , he with five thousand Foot , and four thousand Horse marched with great haste to the City of Ephesus , where being arrived , it was the common Opinion , that he would seize upon the Treasures of Diana's Temple , to enable him to raise Recruits , and put himself into a capacity , to arrest the progress of his Enemies Arms , and endeavour to re-instate himself in his former Empire ; but he was so far from that , that fearing lest his Souldiers might be tempted to make some such impious attempt , he hasted from thence , and embarking the small Remains of his Army ; he sailed for Athens ; for there it was that he had placed his greatest hopes , having left there the best part of his Navy , his Treasure , and Queen Deidamia ; and from them he had not the least doubt , but he should in this his extremity find a seasonable and considerable assistance . And considering what he had done for them , it is no wonder if Demetrius was exceedingly surprized , when at the Islands of the Cyclades , the Athenian Embassadors met him with this ingrateful Message , that he must not think of a Retreat to Athens , for that the People had made a Decree , That no Crowned Head should be rec 〈…〉 d into their City ; as for his Q. Deidamia , they convey'd her honourably with attendance suitable to her quality to Megara . Demetrius , who had hitherto warded all the cross-blows of Fortune with a dextrous Constancy , and marvellous height of Courage , was not able to bear this without Transports and Emotions : It was impossible for him to reflect upon his former Favours to them , or without the most sensible resentment and displeasure , to find all those Applauses and Honours , with which they had oppressed him in his more prosperous Estate , so false and treacherous , as that contrary to his last Hopes , and reasonable Expectances , they should so basely desert him in this important Turn of Affairs ; and from thence he drew a clear Inference , That there can be nothing more uncertain than the Judgement that is drawn of the felicity of Princes and Potentates , from the aery Honours , and servile Flatteries of a Populace ; since it is difficult if not impossible to determine , whether those extraordinary heats of popular favour , are effects of their Inclinations , with respect to the vertue and merit , or of their Fears of the Power of Great and Prosperous Princes ; and that the People are equally transported into extremes , both by Fear and Love. And therefore Judicious Princes are wisely accustomed , not to value themselves so much upon the erecting of Statues , Triumphant Arches , or paying even Divine Honours to them , as upon the Foundation of their own just Actions and Deportment , being assured , that as nothing is more common than for the unconstant multitude to hate excessively those , who receive immoderate Honors from them , even then when they seem most willingly to bestow them . But Demetrius , who found himself at that time not in a Condition to revenge the affront , cunningly dissembled his resentment , and only gently expostulated the matter with the Athenians , by his Embassadors , desiring them , that since they would not permit him the Favour of coming to their City , that at least they would be so kind to send him his Gallies , among which there was one of thirteen Ranges of Oars : and this being accorded him , he sailed to the Isthmus of Peloponnesus , and finding his affairs in very ill condition , his Garrisons being either taken , or revolted to the Enemy , he left Pyrrhus to attend the affairs of Greece , and took his course into Chersonesus , where he ravaged the Territories of Lysimachus , and by the Booty which he took , both maintained and augmented his shattered Troops , nor did any of the other Princes once go about to impeach his enterprize on that side ; for Lysimachus had as little reason to be beloved for his virtue , and as much to be feared for his Power , as Demetrius ; and they were very well satisfied to be Spectators to see them lessen one the other . In the midst of these transactions , Seleucus sent Embassadors to treat with Demetrius , for a Marriage betwixt himself and the Fair Stratonice , the daughter of Demetrius by the Princess Philla : It is true , that Seleucus had already a Son by Apamia the Persian Lady , whose name was Antiochus , but it was also true , that he was possessed of so many spacious Territories , as might well satisfie the ambition of more than one Successor ; and that which the rather induced him to this Alliance with Demetrius , was that Lysimachus , to strengthen his Alliances , had married himself to one Daughter of King Ptolomy , and his Son Agathocles to another . Demetrius who looked upon the offer , as an unexpected piece of good Fortune , presently imbarked Himself and Daughter , and with his whole Fleet sailed directly for Syria . During this Voyage he was often obliged to touch upon several Coasts , for the benefit of Provisions and fresh Water , and among other places in Cilicia ; which by the apportionment of the Kings , after the defeat of Antigonus , was allotted to Plistarchus the Brother of Cassander : Plistarchus , who took this Descent of Demetrius upon his Coasts as an infraction of the mutual Treaty betwixt the Confederate Princes , posted away to Cassander , to oblige him to expostulate the matter with Seleucus , and to know the Reason , why he had entred into amity with Demetrius the common Enemy , without first acquainting the other Confederates with his intention . Demetrius receiving information of this , laid hold of the opportunity of his absence , and suddenly , tacking about , fell upon the City of Quindon , and surprized it , and in it a thousand two hundred Talents being part of the Treasure , which had been taken in the Battel from his Father Antigonus , and with this Prize he hasted to his Gallies , and Embarking himself and his Troops he pursued his Voyage . He was scarcely come to an Anchor on the Coast of Syria , before he was met by his Queen Philla , the Mother of the beautiful Bride ; and immediately after they landed , and were all received by Seleucus at the City of Orossus , with all the innocent Freedom and Royal Gallantry imaginable : first Seleucus treated Demetrius and his Retinue ashore , in a stately Pavilion in his Camp ; and then Demetrius entertained his new Son-in-Law , in a most splendid manner aboard the Admiral Gally , the then Wonder of the Seas : all these visits were made to shew their mutual confidence , without all manner of armed attendants ; and the Solemnity was continued for many days , until at length Seleucus took his leave , and conducted the fair Stratonice , to the City of Antioch , where they were welcomed with all the state and solemnity suitable to such an occasion . In his return Demetrius made a fresh Descent upon Cilicia , and when he had possessed himself of the whole Province , he sent his Queen Philla to her Brother Cassander , to answer the Complaints of Plistarchus . And here Queen Deidamia came by Sea out of Greece to meet him , but by the incommodiousness of that passage , which was too rough for so delicate and tender a constitution , she contracted an indisposition , whereof she shortly died . After her death , Demetrius by the mediation of Seleucus became reconciled to King Ptolomy , insomuch that he married his Daughter Ptolemaida : But the generous deportment of Seleucus to this unfortunate Prince was not long liv'd ; for shortly after , desiring to have the Province of Cilicia from Demetrius , for which he offered him a sum of money , and being refused it , in great indignation he then demanded of him the Cities of Tyre and Sydon , rather with a design to beget a quarrel , than upon the least pretension of right or necessity ; and certainly it was a very mean and unworthy baseness in him , who was possessed of all the vast Provinces between India and the Syrian Ocean , for two poor Cities , which he unjustly coveted , to disturb the Peace of his Father-in-law , who had already suffered so insupportable a change of Fortune ; but herein he made good the opinion of the Divine Plato , That the certain way to be truly Rich , is not to be so solicitous to increase a Fortune , as to give limits to our own desires . For whoever is always grasping at more , confesses he is still in want , and is therefore miserable and poor , because in the midst of all his affluence he wants that contentment and moderation of his desires , which only can render any Person Rich and Happy . But Demetrius whose courage was not sunk with his Fortune , resolutely sent him this answer , that though he were to be vanquish'd a thousand times over again , he would never purchase the friendship of Seleucus at so tame a rate ; and therefore to secure them against his attempts , he reinforced those strong Cities with sufficient Garrisons , and all manner of Warlike stores , to enable them to make a brave defence against Seleucus , if his insatiable ambition should tempt him to attack them . Having taken care of these important Places , and receiving information , that one Lacharis , taking the opportunity of their civil Dissentions , had set up himself as an Usurper over the Athenians , he imagined , that if he made a sudden attempt upon the City , he might now reduce it to his Obedience , and therefore with great diligence he sailed with a powerful Navy towards Greece : But Fortune , who was now grown very uncourtly to him , treated him with so rough a tempest , just when he came upon the Coast , that he lost divers of his Vessels , and a great number of Soldiers which were aboard them . As for himself he escap'd , and began to make a little kind of War with the Athenians , but finding himself unable to effect his design , he sent to assemble the rest of his Fleet and Forces , which had been dispersed by the late storm , and with those Troops which he had he marched and laid Siege to the City of Messena . While he lay before this place , he ran one of the greatest dangers of his whole life , for in making an attack upon the Turn , an arrow from an Engine struck him full in the mouth , and passed clear through his jaw ; but by the skill and care of his Chirurgeons , it was not long before it was healed ; and as soon as he was in a condition to take the Field , he regained divers Cities which had revolted from him , and made an incursion into the Territories of the Athenians , where he took Eleusina and Rhamnus , and wasted all the whole Country thereabout . And that he might straiten the Athenians by cutting off all manner of Provision , a Vessel laden with Corn bound thither , falling into his hands , he ordered the Master and Merchant who had freighted her to be immediately hanged , thereby to strike a terror into others , that so they might not adventure to supply the City with Provisions ; by which means they were reduced to such extremities that a bushel of salt was worth forty drachma's of Silver , and a bushel of wheat was sold at the excessive Rate of three hundred . In this distress , Ptolomy had sent to their relief an hundred and fifty Gallies , which came so near as to anchor before Egina , but this short blaze of hope was soon extinguished by the arrival of three hundred sail which came to the assistance of Demetrius from Cyprus , Peloponnesus , and other places , which struck such a pannick fear into the Egyptians , that they cut and slipp'd their Anchors , and with Sails and Oars stood away for Egypt ; which the Tyrant Lacharis understanding , he instantly quitted the City in order to his own safety and preservation . And now the Athenians , who , before by a Popular Edict , had made it Capital for any person so much as to propose a treaty , or accommodation with Demetrius , were compelled to send Embassadors to him , not so much out of hopes of obtaining any honorable Conditions from his Clemency , as out of pure necessity , and to avoid a lingring Death by Famine , a domestick Enemy , which they were not able to resist ; for this imperious Tyrant had reduced them to those extremities , that there happened many odd adventures during the time of the Siege , the effects of his irresistible Power : among which this story is very remarkable , That one day , a Father with his Son , sitting disconsolately in their House , lamenting their deplorable condition , which had not left them any thing to sustain their lives , a dead Rat happened to drop from the Cieling between them ; whereupon they immediate fell into a mortal scuffle , which of them should have the venison for his dinner : And in this Famine , the Philosopher Epicurus , so celebrated for indulging his appetite , was forced to save his own , and the lives of his Scholars , by a small quantity of Beans , which by number were every day distributed to them . In this miserable condition was the City when Demetrius made his publick Entrance , and he was no sooner possessed of the Place , but he made Proclamation , that all the Inhabitants should instantly assemble in the publick Theatre , which being done he surrounded them with his Armed Troops , setting also a strong Guard about the Stage . This administred no small terror and perplexity to the amazed People , who looked for nothing less than a Tragedy of Executions ; but it was not long before he dissipated those Fears , for entring the Stage in Person by the passage through which the Actors used to enter , he made an Oration to them , wherein he only gently reprehended their former ill treatment of him , but withal told them , that he would receive them again into his grace and favour : And that it might appear his intentions were real , he bestowed amongst them the welcome Donative of a hundred thousand Bushels of Wheat ; and to ingratiate himself the more , he promoted such Persons into the Offices of the Magistracy as he knew to be most agreeable to the People ; so that nothing now was heard but loud acclamations of joy among the Athenians , and the Stages resounded with speeches in the praise of Demetrius ; all the celebrated Orators of the City vying with one another in commendation of his generosity ; and upon this occasion the Orator Dromoclides proposed a Decree , that the Port of Pyneum , and the strong Cittadel of Munychia , might be put into the power of Demetrius to use them at his own discretion , which was no sooner offered than passed by unanimous suffrage of the People , and Demetrius having put strong Garrisons into those two places , by his own Authority placed another in the Museum , to the end that those People , who had shewed so much levity in their dispositions , might be kept in subjection , and not by their future perfidies be able to divert him from the prosecution of his other enterprizes . He had not been long Master of Athens before he had formed a Design against the Lacedaemonians , of which Archidamus their King being advertised , he to prevent it , drew out an Army and marched against Demetrius ; but in this wise Method of carrying War out of his own Territories , he had not Fortune answerable to his Courage , for he was overthrown in a Battel near the City Mantinea ; and Demetrius following his blow entred the Laconian Confines , and in a second Battel defeated him almost within view of the City of Sparta , wherein two hundred Lacedaemonians were slain , and five hundred taken Prisoners ; and now it was esteemed almost impossible , for the Virgin City of Sparta , which hitherto had never submitted to a Conqueror , to escape being ravished by his victorious Arms. But certainly , there never was any Prince , upon whom Fortune made such short turns , mounting him to the Pinacles of Hope and Glory , from thence to precipitate him into the utmost despair and misery : To day he would be great and potent , to morrow weak and broken , even almost beyond the relief of Hopes or Miracles , which made him sometimes in the low Ebb of his adverse condition reproach that inconstant Goddess with these verses of the Poet Aeschilus , Fortune of all the Deities most vain , Does lift me up , to throw me down again . Nor was there any period of his life in which she appeared more capricious than in this rancountre ; for when all things seemed so gloriously to conspire , not only to the re-establishing , but inlargement of his Greatness and Empire , an express arrived , which brought him the dismal account , that Lysimachus with a mighty Army , had taken all the Cities of which he was possessed in Asia : Nor was this a single misfortune , for at the same time he was informed , that Ptolomy had subdued the whole Island of Cyprus , except the City of Salamine , where his Mother and Children were closely besieged , and in extreme danger ; by which surprizing Intelligence , the City of Sparta was delivered from that imminent fear and danger . But yet Fortune seemed to flatter him with hopes upon another occasion , treating him like the Woman in the Play of Archilocus . Who Water in one cheating hand did show Whilst in the other dreadful fire did glow . For Cassander King of Macedon dying , and his eldest Son , who succeeded him , not long surviving his Father , the two younger Brothers fell at variance concerning the Succession ; and Antipater having barbarously murthered his own Mother Thessalonice , Alexander the younger Brother , fearing his savage and outragious inclinations , called in to his assistance Pyrrhus King of Epirus , and Demetrius , who was then in Peloponnesus : Pyrrhus made all imaginable expedition to his succor , and did it effectually ; but for a recompence he held a great part of the Country which he had taken from Antipater , which begot a suspicion in Alexander , that he had brought upon himself a dangerous Neighbour ; and that he might not run a greater hazard from Demetrius , whose Ambition , Power , and Reputation among the Macedonians , was such , as might well create a jealousie of him ; this young Prince therefore posted away to the City of Deinon , where he understood Demetrius was come with his Army , in compliance with the request he had made him by his Letters ; when he arrived there , he applied himself with great respects to Demetrius , and returned him high acknowledgments for his readiness to assist him , but withal gave him to understand , that now his affairs were in so good posture , that he had no occasion to give him any further trouble ; and thereupon invited him to an entertainment which he had provided for him , in some measure to shew how sensible he was of his Favours . But as Demetrius was about to go to the place of Assignation , one came and whispered in his Ear , that there was a train laid , that in the midst of the Jollity Demetrius was to be taken off . Demetrius who before began to suspect the treachery of Alexander , seemed not much concerned , but making only a little less haste , he sent to the principal Officers of his Army , commanding to draw out the Soldiers and make them stand to their Arms , and ordered those of his Retinue , to attend him into the very Room of the entertainment , and not to stir from thence , till they saw him rise from the Table . In this equipage he came to Alexander , and his Servants who were to have performed the Execution , finding themselves overpowered , had not courage to attempt any thing upon him ; and indeed Demetrius gave them no opportunity , for he made a very short visit , and pretending to Alexander , that he was not at present disposed to be a good Companion , in regard that he had just now received advices , which obliged him by the necessity of his affairs to march away with his Army the next day ; he therefore desired his excuse for the present , assuring him , that he would do himself the honour to wait upon him , when his affairs would permit him better leisure . Alexander was extremely overjoyed , not only at this resolution of his departure , but that it appeared voluntary , and without any sort of disgust , for he did not know that his Plot was discovered ; and therefore in a Complement , he would by all means accompany Demetrius unto the Confines of his Dominions ; when they were arrived at Larissa a City of Thessaly , new Invitations passed between them , which were the outward appearances of respect and civility , but secretly intended for each others distructions ; and this young Prince , who thought to avoid a second miscarriage in his design against the Life of Demetrius , drew the misfortune upon himself , for going to an Invitation which Demetrius had made him ; that he might bring him into a like security and confidence by his example , he dismissed his ordinary Guards , and went slenderly attended with some of his most particular Friends ; when they had sitten a little time , Demetrius hastily arising from the Table , the surprized young Prince rose also , and followed him just to the door , where Demetrius , as he passed through , only said to the Guards , Kill him that follows me . Which being Alexander , they immediately dispatched him , and such of his Friends as endeavoured to come to his Rescue , one of which , before he died , said , You have prevented us 〈…〉 t by one day . It is very easie to apprehend , that this action made this night pass over with great fears and disorders among the Macedonians , who followed Alexander ; nor was the horror of the darkness much relieved by the succeeding beams of that day , which they had reason to suspect from the Power and Resentments of Demetrius would be their last ; but these fears were dissipated with the darkness ; for there was not any manner of violence offered them ; but Demetrius sent to desire them to come into his presence , for that he was desirous to give them satisfaction , for what had happened to Alexander : It is not difficult to believe that they went chearfully to give him the hearing , and therefore Demetrius having acquainted them with the baseness and treachery of Alexander , and his good Intentions toward them , there was no necessity to make a long harangue to draw those to his Party , who saw their Lives lay at his mercy ; besides , there being none remaining of the Family of Cassander , but only Antipater , whose hands yet blushed with the blood of the Queen his Mother , and who for this abominable Parricide was equally infamous and odious to the People , and not being sensible of a Person more worthy than Demetrius , upon whom they might , if at liberty , fix their choice , they instantly proclaimed him King of Macedon , whereupon he presently returned to take possession of this new Kingdom , which Fortune had so unexpectedly thrown into his Arms. Nor was this choice at all disagreeable to the rest of the Macedonians , who remained at home , who had not yet forgot their resentments against Cassander , for his detestable treachery to Alexander the Great , of whom they suspected him the cruel Murderer : And all that kindness which they had formerly had for Antipater the Father of Cassander , was now centred upon Demetrius , who had married his Grandchild Philla ; and the young Prince which he had by her , who was now in the Camp , serving his apprenticeship in the Trade of War , under the Conduct of his Father Demetrius . And to add to this unexpected good Fortune , an express arrived , which brought him the welcome news , that Ptolomy had generously dismissed his Mother and Children , bestowing upon them magnificent Presents and Honors ; and also that his Daughter Stratonice , whom he had married to Seleucus , was , by a pretty kind of adventure , remarried to Antiochus the Son of Seleucus , and Crowned Queen of all the Provinces of Upper Asia , which happened thus . This Prince Antiochus become passionately in love with the beautiful Stratonice the young Queen , who had now made Seleucus the Father of a little Son , he strugled at first very hard with the beginnings of this extravagant Passion , but finding on the one hand , an impossibility to extinguish those flames her fair eyes had kindled , and on the other , that it was equally difficult to obtain his desires , he saw no other remedy for his hopeless misfortune , but what was to be expected from Despair and Death , which he therefore resolved upon , and in order to it , by feigning an Indisposition , to languish out his amorous Soul , by voluntary refusing all manner of nourishment for the support of his life . Erasistratus , the Physician who attended him , quickly perceived , that Love was his distemper , but all the difficulty was to discover the Object of his flame ; he therefore diligently waited in his chamber , and when any of the charming Beauties of the Court made their visits to the sick Prince , he curiously observed , the emotions and alterations in the countenance of Antiochus , which he well knew , were wont upon such surprises , to betray the inward passions and inclinations of the Soul : He therefore took notice , that the presence of the Court Ladies wrought no manner of alteration in him ; but when Stratonice came alone , or in company with Seleucus , to make him a visit , he observed in him all those symptoms of a most violent Passion , which are so tenderly expressed by the ingenious Sappho , he became suddenly mute and silent , his passion smothering his words , a fiery blush would mount into his Face , he would fix his Eyes upon Stratonice , and then presently withdraw those stollen and guilty looks ; his pulse would be disordered , a cold sweat would seize upon him , and unable to support the violent Passion , he would become sensless and pale as that Death which he so much desired . Erasistratus , from these infallible symptoms , manifestly perceived that Stratonice was the dear Object of his Passion , and that he had taken a resolution rather to perish than discover his Love ; he evidently saw that he was in danger of his life , if he did not find out some way , to apply the only Remedy which was capable of giving him recovery ; and yet he could not but tremble to think of making a discovery of that Nature to Seleucus ; but considering the extraordinary tenderness of Seleucus to the Prince ; and the King one morning enquiring of his condition , he put on all the assurance he could , and told him , Sir , the Prince's disease is Love , and he is incurable , because it is impossible for him to enjoy the Object of his Passion , and impossible for him to live without it . The King was extremely surprized at this account which the Physician gave him , but would by no means be satisfied till he understood , how his Passion should be incurable . Why Sir , replied Erasistratus , because he is in love with my Wife . How ! said Seleucus , will Erasistratus , my Dear Erasistratus , refuse me the kindness to bestow his Wife upon my Son and Successor ; when there is no other way to save his life ? Nay then Sir , replied Erasistratus , You , who are his Father , and upon that consideration , ought to have all the tenderness imaginable for a Son , pray would you take the Counsel which you give me ; and if Antiochus were thus desperately in Love with Stratonice , would you so easily resign your interest to him ? Ah my Dear Friend ! answered Seleucus , may some kind God or Man , put the safety of the Prince upon that Issue ; I would part not only with Stratonice , but my Empire upon condition that I might preserve Antiochus , my Dearest Antiochus ; and with that the tears forced themselves a violent passage over his aged cheeks . Whereupon Erasistratus taking him by the hand , Sir , said he , You have then no need of the assistance of Erasistratus , for you , who are a Husband , a Father , and a King , are the most proper and in this case only Physician for your own Family , 't is you only that can recover the life of Prince Antiochus , by refigning to him Stratonice , for that 's his Disease . Whereupon Seleucus , instantly summoning a Counsel of all his great Officers , declared unto them the state of this Affair , and that he was resolved to bestow Stratonice upon the Prince , and to create him King , and her the Queen of all the Provinces of the Higher Asia ; telling them , that he thought he had so absolute a Power over the Prince's will , that he hoped he should find in him no repugnance to obey his Commands ; and for the Queen he hoped all his Friends would endeavour to make her sensible , if she manifested any reluctancy to this Marriage , that she ought to esteem those things just and honorable , which were so absolutely necessary to the general and publick Good. And by these Arguments , Stratonice was perswaded to this second Marriage , which quickly restored the health of Antiochus , and was celebrated with extraordinary Joy and Solemnity . But to return to the affairs of Demetrius , he having obtained the Crown of Macedon , and being possessed of Thessalia , and the greatest part of Peloponnesus , the Cities of Megara and Athens , the two Keys of the Isthmus , he turned his victorious Arms against the Baeotians ; these People at first made some overture of an accommodation , but Cleonimus of Sparta coming to their assistance , and reinforcing the City of Thebes with a considerable Garrison , and one Pisis a Thespian , who had a great influence upon the People , animating them to make a brave resistance , they brake off the Treaty and betook themselves to Arms : But no sooner had Demetrius begun to approach the Walls with his dreadful Engines , but Cleonimus affrighted at the sight of them , secretly withdrew himself ; and thereupon the Baeotians , finding themselves abandoned by this cowardly Confederate , they surrendred the City to Demetrius , who put strong Garrisons into the chiefest Towns , and having drawn a good round sum of mony from them , he placed Hieronymus the Historian , as his Deputy Governor ; but as to the main , he treated those vanquished People very obligingly , and particularly Pisis , to whom he not only frankly restored his Liberty , but also made him Governour over the Thespians . It happened , not long after , that Lysimachus had the misfortune to be taken Prisoner by Dromichaetes , whereupon Demetrius hasted with his Army into Thracia , in hopes that in the disorder , into which this accident must have put the affairs of that Province , he might find an opportunity to repossess himself of it ; but Lysimachus unexpectedly regaining his Liberty , and the newly conquered Baeotians , breaking out into a general Revolt , he was obliged to retire with his Army , and in great hast , to look after his own affairs at home . Upon his return he found that his Son Antigonus had in a Battel defeated the Forces of the Baeotians , and therefore he presently laid Siege to Thebes , whither they had retreated with their broken Troops ; but understanding that Pyrrhus had made an incursion into Thessaly , and that he was advanced as far as Thermopylon , leaving Antigonus to continue the Siege , he marched with the rest of his Army to oppose the King of Epyrus ; But Pyrrhus gave him no occasion to exercise his Courage ; for upon the first news of his approach , he made a very hasty retreat out of the Country , whereupon Demetrius , leaving ten thousand foot and a thousand horse for the Guard of Thessaly , he returned to the Siege of Thebes , and there he brought his dreadful Engine in order to storm the City , but by reason of its unwieldy Bulk , and the unevenness of the Ground , it was moved with such labour and difficulty , that in two Months , it did not advance two furlongs ; In the mean time the Citizens made a stout defence , and Demetrius , who was resolute to be revenged on them for their Perfidy , obstinately maintained the Siege , and exposed himself and his Soldiers to very hard and dangerous Service , insomuch that Antigonus , observing that many gallant Men daily lost their lives , being sensibly mov'd with pity , he addressed himself to the King his Father , and finding him as he thought in good humour , Sir , said he , I beseech your Majesty , what reason is there to expose so many valiant Men to such continual danger , without a greater necessity , when — But Demetrius in a great passion , without permitting him to proceed ; And you , good Sir , why do you afflict yourself for this Matter , the more there are kill'd , the fewer there will be for you to make a provision for . But that the Soldiers might see he valued his own life at no dearer rate than theirs , he exposed himself to the same dangers to which he commanded them ; and in a desperate attack , which he one day made , he was wounded with a Javelin , which struck quite through his neck , and put him into very great hazard of his life ; but notwithstanding his illness he continued the Siege , and in conclusion took the Town ; and after his entrance , when the Citizens expected all the severities which an incensed Conqueror could inflict , he only put to death thirteen of the Capital Rebels , and banished some few others , graciously pardoning all the rest : Thus the City of Thebes after it had been so long raised from its ruins , was twice taken in the space of those ten years . Shortly after , the Festivals of the Pythian Apollo , being to be celebrated , and the Aetolians , having blocked up all the passages to Delphos , Demetrius caused them to be kept at Athens , alledging it was great reason those Honours should be paid to Apollo in that place , both in regard he was the Tutelar Divinity of that City , and that the Athenians pretended to derive from him their Original and Pedigree . From thence Demetrius returned to Macedon , and being not only of a restless temper himself , but considering the Genius of the Macedonians , who were ever the best Subjects when imployed in military expeditions , but seditiously busie and desirous of change in the idleness of Peace ; he led them against the Aetolians , and having wasted their Country , he left Pantanchus , with a great part of his Army to perfect the Conquest , and with the rest he marched in Person to find out Pyrrhus ; but so it fell out , that by taking different ways , these two Armies did not meet , but whilest Demetrius entred Epyrus , and laid all wast before him , Pyrrhus at the same time encountred Pantanchus , where in the heat of the Combat , the two Chief Commanders , meeting , bountifully entertained one the other with the Complements of their Swords , till their Arms blushed at that kind of rude Civility , but in conclusion Victory perched upon the Standards of Pyrrhus , who besides great numbers slain upon the place , took five thousand Prisoners . This blow would not have been so considerable as to have given Demetrius any great hurt , had it not been , that Pyrrhus , by his brave and fierce deportment in this encounter , did not only win the Glory of the Field , but the hearts of the inconstant Macedonians ; for now they began loudly to proclaim , that they saw in him the very picture of the hardy Courage and personal bravery of their adored Alexander ; whereas the other Kings his Successors , and particularly Demetrius , they said , resembled him in nothing so much as in his extravagant humors and haughty vanity : And to say nothing but truth , Demetrius was something so affected in his Garb , as too nearly related to the Pageantry of the Theatre . For not only his Body was used to be clothed with the most exquisite travels of the needle in Gold and Purple Robes , and his Head incircled with the uncommon novelty of a double Diadem , but even his Shooes were made of curiously embroidered Purple with Golden soles : And such was the profuse vanity of this Prince , that he had commanded a Robe to be made for him , wherein with proud Art , there was to be wrought the Representation of the Universe , Sea and Land , the Celestial Bodies and Figures of the Sun , with all his Golden Glories , and the Silver Moon , and the sparkling Courtiers of the Night , which were to be imitated with the richest Diamonds that could be procured . But the reverse of his more gloomy Fortune overtaking him , the work was never finished ; but as it was , it was long preserved as a Monument of his magnificent vanity : Not any of the Kings of Macedon his Successors , though reported divers of them to be haughty enough , arriving to that degree of Pride , to have it finished , or to adventure to wear it . But it was not this outward Garb and Pomp alone which disgusted the Macedonians , but his profuse and dissolute Way of living ; and above all the difficulty of access to his presence was extremely disobliging : For either he would not be seen at all by such as attended long for dispatch of their affairs , or if he permitted them to come before him , he would treat them roughly and with disrespect ; nor were only private Persons thus used by him , but even such Ministers as negotiated publick affairs : Thus he made the Athenian Embassadors , to whom yet he was more civil than to all the other Graecians , attend two years in his Court , before they could obtain an Audience from him ; at another time when the Lacedaemonians sent a single Person on an Embassy to him , thinking it was done in contempt , in great indignation he demanded of him , Whether the Spartans had but one Man that was fit to be sent upon an Embassy , since they sent no more ? To whom the Embassador according to the Laconian mode , tartly replied ; Sure one Embassador is enough to send to one King. It chanced one time that an humor took him to be a little more than ordinarily Popular , and therefore going abroad , he was immediately accosted by a multitude of importunate Petitioners ; he very courteously received their Supplications , and put up their Petitions in the skirt of his Robe , the poor People over-joyed at this unusual Grace and Favour followed him close , in hopes to be presently dispatched in their suits ; but when he came upon the Bridge of the River Axius , opening his lap , he drop'd all the Petitions into the River . This action did strangely exasperate the Macedonians , who seeing their Hopes and Petitions both drowned , looked upon it as a very injurious and unkingly Frolick ; and this brought to their remembrance , what some of them had seen , and others had heard related of King Philip , who by a pretty accident was reclaimed from this disobliging humor ; for King Philip being one day abroad , an old Woman made her application to him with a Petition , the King told her , he could not then dispatch her , in regard he had affairs of greater importance upon his hands ; to which the old Woman in a pet replied , What! greater than doing Justice ? if you refuse to do Justice , pray lay aside your Royalty , and leave being a King. This sharp reprimand so nettled the King , that returning to the Palace , and setting all other matters apart , for several days together he did nothing else , but receive the complaints of all that would come , and redressed their real grievances , to the general contentment and satisfaction of his People . And certainly there is no other vertue more commendable or popular in a Prince , than Justice ; which made Timotheus say that Mars is a great Tyrant , but Law , according to the incomparable Pindar , is the most Glorious Queen of the Universe . And upon this subject , Homer , the Prince of Poets , observes , that Jupiter did not bestow upon Kings , terrible Engines or Ships of War for the destruction of Cities , but had committed the Oracles of Law and Justice to their Custody in order to their good Government and Preservation , and that the most just Princes , and not the fierce and violent were the Genuine Offspring of the Gods. But Demetrius was not at all sollicitous of the Title of such a King as refembled the Gods ; for disdaining the appellations of Polieus , or Polioukos , the Tutelary preserver of Cities , he rather affected the Name of Poliorcetes , the Destroyer of Cities . By his affected folly mistaking the very nature of vice and vertue , placing his glory in injustice , and esteeming base and ungenerous actions , as if they had been the laudable Ornaments of a vertuous Prince . But to return to the historical pursuit of his life , Demetrius being at Pella , fell into a desperate malady , the true daughter of Intemperance and Luxury ; and while he lay strugling with the violence of the distemper , Pyrrhus laying hold of this occasion , took from him the greatest part of Macedon , and advanced as far as the City of Edessa . But Demetrius recovering his health , quickly recovered from him his Dominions also , and obliged Pyrrhus , to content himself with his own Kingdom . And that he might not imploy his whole time in these little conflicts with a neighbour , his thoughts being fixed upon another design from which he was unwilling to be diverted by this petty War , he concluded a Peace with Pyrrhus . For now he had formed a design to endeavour the recovery of the whole Empire which his Father had possessed ; and his preparations were every way suitable to his aspiring Hopes , and the greatness of the Enterprize . He gave out Commissions for the levying of ninety eight thousand Foot , and twelve thousand Horse ; and orders for the building and rigging out a Fleet of five hundred Gallies ; some to be built at Athens , others at Corinth , Chalc●s and Pella . And so assiduous and diligent was he , in the forwarding of these vast preparations , that he was continually posting from place to place , to give advice and direction to the Carpenters and Artificers for the building them , more strong and serviceable : And herein he was so great a Master , that the Artizans themselves , as well as all others , were amazed , not so much at the number , as at the stupendious bulk and contrivance of this extraordinary Navy ; for hitherto there had never been seen a Gally with fifteen or sixteen ranges of Oars . It is true , that afterwards Ptolomy Philopater built a prodigious Gally of eighty Rows of Oars , which was two hundred and eighty Cubits in length , and the height of her from the Water to the top of her stern was forty eight Cubits , she had four hundred Mariners , and four thousand Rowers , and besides there was convenient standing for very near three thousand Soldiers to fight above the Decks . But this unwieldy Hulk after all this , was only fit for shew , and not for service , for she looked like an immovable Castle upon the Water , and was not to be moved without extreme toil and peril ; whereas these Gallies of Demetrius were not the less serviceable for their magnificence , but notwithstanding their beauty and ornaments , were as light and nimble , as they were extraordinary and sumptuous . The noise and storm of these great preparations ; the like whereof had never been made since the expedition of Alexander the Great , threatning to fall upon Asia , awakened Seleucus , Ptolomy , and Lysimachus to look to themselves , which obliged them to enter into a confederacy for their mutual defence and security : They therefore dispatched Embassadors to Pyrrhus , to represent to him the necessity of rejecting the peace he had made which Demetrius , and to perswade him to give him a deversion , by making an incursion into Macedon ; for that Demetrius had only concluded the late Peace with him , to be at liberty to prosecute his greater Designs , and that should he become victorious , he would too late be sensible of the danger of so potent a Neighbour . Pyrrhus finding Reason in the Proposition , presently closed with them ; so that in an instant Ptolomy with a mighty Navy invaded Greece ; Lysimachus entred Macedon upon the side of Thracia , and Pyrrhus fell in upon that part next to Epirus , spoiling and wasting the whole Country . This was an unexpected Surprize to Demetrius ; but however , leaving his Son Antigonus to look after the Affairs of Greece , he marched in great diligence to the relief of Macedon , and to oppose Lysimachus : He was no sooner arrived near the Frontier , but he received the ill News that Pyrrhus had taken the City Beraea ; and the Report being once gotten among the Souldiers , the whole Camp was filled with Disorders and Confusion , Cries and Lamentations ; the Souldiers grew insolent and mutinous , and bestowing a thousand Execrations upon Demetrius , they openly declared , that they would march home to take Care of their Country , Friends , and Families ; but in reality the Design was to revolt to Lysimachus . Demetrius finding them in these Distempers , resolved to remove further from Lysimachus ; for he judged , that though by reason of their former kindness to that Prince , under whose Conduct many of them had served in the Wars of Alexander , might make them unwilling to combat with him ; yet they would make no difficulty to oppose Pyrrhus , a Foreigner and Invader , who had spoiled their Country ; but he found himself under great Mistakes in these Conjectures : for when he was advanced near to Pyrrhus , these Mutineers took occasion to extoll the Gallantry and Courage of Pyrrhus , his generous usage of those who had been his Prisoners , and to declare , that the Kingdom by the fundamental Custom , the Law of Antiquity ought to devolve upon the bravest Man ; and in short , to meditate a general Defection and Revolt : For at first , some stragling Parties only deserted , but in a little time the whole Army broke out into an universal Mutiny ; insomuch that some of them insolently told him , that if he consulted his own Safety , he were best to make haste to be gone ; for that the Macedonians were resolved no longer to hazard their Lives , to combat for the satisfaction of his Luxury and Ambition ; these were moderate Reproaches in comparison of some others which he was obliged to endure ; and therefore easily guessing what would be the Issue , if he should expose himself longer to their Rage , he retired to his Tent , and putting off the Imperial Purple , stole away in the disguised habit of a private Souldier ; and he was no sooner gone , but the Mutinous Army were all together by the Ears about the Plunder of his Tent ; but Pyrrhus coming immediately , repressed their Fury , and took possession of it himself ; and he , with Lysimachus , parted the Realm of Macedon betwixt them , after Demetrius had possessed it just seven years , As for Demetrius , being thus suddenly despoiled of his Crown , he retired to Cassandria , where Queen Philla , oppressed with insupportable grief , to see her Husband from the top of his Glory , reduced to the despicable condition of a private and banished person , reproaching Fortune for her blind Inconstancy , and overcome with the violence of her Despair , she took a fatal Potion , chusing rather to end her Days with the quick operation of the mortal Drug , than to languish out a miserable Life in the tedious delays of an adverse Fortune . But Demetrius did not love her so well as to bear her company in that sort of Nectar , as great a Friend as he was to Li●uors ; but kept his hopes still warm at the heart ; and studying how to repair the Shipwrack of his Affairs , he parted for Greece , and there assembled all his Friends and Captains , who had formerly served him , in order to the forming an Army to endeavour the recovery of his former Dignity and Dominions ; and one may well apply that of Sophocles concerning Menelaus , to the various changes of this Prince's Estate . Mounted on Fortune's ever rowling Wheel , Like that inconstant Deity I reel ; Or like the fickle Lady of the Night , Who still puts on a diff'rent dress of Light , A Silver Cornet first adorns her Head , And the pale Beauty still does larger spread , Till her grown Lustre , blushing Stars admire , And hide their out-of-Countenance sparks of Fire ; But then her dwindling Glories fade again , And are reduced to their former Wane . And certainly this changeable . Planet was the exact Emblem of this Prince , whose Accessions of Glory , and Eclipses of Honour , his Rises and Falls are perfectly figured by her several Faces ; for even when his expiring Glory seemed to give the last Gasps , his Power would strangely revive , and his Hopes flourish , as they did at this time , by the coming of divers Troops to his assistance , which gave him encouragement to hope for the re-establishment of his Affairs : He had not however , since his last disgrace , re-assumed the Royal Robe ; whereupon a certain Theban , seeing him in the mean habit of a private Person , applied to him the Distich of Eurypides , Of an immortal God , again a Mortal made , He courts Ismena's Banks , and Dirce's cooler Shade . But so soon as he began to entertain a prospect of Hope , of the change of his Fortune , he re-assumed the Regal Habit , and kept a little kind of Court at Thebes , though at the same time he restored their Democratick Government to that City . As for the treacherous Athenians , in this Misfortune , they again basely deserted him , and to do him the greater Disgrace , they displaced Diphilus , who was that year the Priest of the two Tutelar Deities , and by a Popular Edict restored the Priesthood to its ancient Form ; and hearing that Demetrius grew very powerful , they sent to King Pyrrhus , to beg his Assistance and Protection . Demetrius justly enraged against them for their repeated Perfidies , marched to Athens , and laid close Siege to the City : In this Distress they sent out to him Craterus the Philosopher , a Person of great Authority and Reputation , to mediate a Composure ; who managed his Negotiation with so much dexterity , that , what with his humble Intreaties and Remonstrances , and the solid Reasons which he offered , Demetrius was persuaded to raise the Siege ; and shipping his Army which consisted of eleven thousand Men , he resolved upon an Expedition into Caria and Lydia , to take those Provinces from Lysimachus ; arriving at Miletus , he was met there by Eurydice , the Sister of Philla , his deceased Lady , who brought along with her Ptolemaida , the Daughter whom she had by King Ptolomy ; which young Lady had before been affianced to Demetrius , and with whom he now consummated his Nuptials ; but he was too intent upon his other Designs , to be diverted from them by his new Amour ; and therefore he presently began the Campagne , and was so fortunate in the beginning , that many Cities revolted to him ; and others , as particularly , the City of Sardis , he took by force , divers Troops of Lysimachus also came over to him with a considerable Sum of Money . But his Fortune , which was never constant , was now never lasting ; for Agathocles , the Son of Lysimachus , with a powerful Army made head against him ; which obliged him , with his Army to divert into Phrygia , with an intention to pass into Armenia ; for he had an imagination , that if he could persuade the Medes or Armenians to revolt , he should thereby gain many convenient Sea-Ports , and Places of Retreat , to secure him against any ill Accident or Disaster that might befall him : Agathocles pressed very hard upon him , and many Skirmishes and Conflicts passed between Parties , wherein Demetrius had still the Advantage : But Agathocles being much superiour in number , straightned him so much in his Forage , that his Souldiers were forced to conflict more with Famine , than with their Enemies , and shewed a great unwillingness to go into Armenia and Media ; so that for fresh Quarters he was obliged to pass over the River Lycus , and in the passage , many of his Men , by the rapidness of the Torrent , were carried down the Stream , and drowned : This Mischance exasperated the Souldiers to that degree , that one of them fixed this Paper upon the Door of his Pavillion , taken out of Oedipus , with a little variation of the Name . Thou Son of blind Antigonus , Whither dost mean to hurry us ? And to add to his Misfortune , the Pestilence , as is usual , when Armies are driven to such Necessities , as to subsist upon unwholsom Diet , began to assail them as well as the Famine ; so that he lost eight thousand of his Men , and with the rest he retired to Tarsus ; and because that City was under the Dominion of Seleucus , he strictly prohibited his Souldiers the committing any manner of outrages or violence , being unwilling to create himself a new Enemy of Seleucus ; but when he perceived it was impossible to keep the Souldiers in order , they being reduced to extreme necessity , and Agathocles having block'd up all the Avenues of Mount Taurus , to prevent their foraging in his Territories , he resolved to write to Seleucus , to appease him in this Matter : The Letter contained a long and tragical Relation of the miserable state to which he was reduced , and passionate Intercessions for his commiseration to a distressed King and Relation , who was fallen into such a deplorable condition , as might extort Tenderness and Pity from his very Enemies . These Letters did so mollifie the Heart of Seleucus , that he gave out positive Orders , to the Governours of those Provinces , that they should furnish Demetrius with all Accommodations suitable to his Royal Quality , and with sufficient Provisions for his Troops . But Patrocles , a Person of great Authority , and the Confident of Seleucus , persuaded him , that this entertainment of Demetrius , especially of his Souldiers , within his Dominions , was not at all agreeable to the sound Maxims of Policy ; in regard , that of all the Kings of his time , Demetrius was the most violent in his Inclinations , and addicted to bold and daring Enterprizes ; and that now being driven to Extremities by his adverse Fortune , a Condition which many times tempted Persons of the greatest Temper and Moderation , to the most desperate Attempts , he could not with any Security to himself , afford him this Retreat or Entertainment : Seleucus animated with this Discourse , advanced with a powerful Army towards Cilicia ; and Demetrius , astonished at this sudden alteration , betook himself for safety to the Strengths and most inaccessible places of Mount Taurus ; from whence he sent Envoys to Seleucus , to request from him , that he would permit him the liberty with his Army to seek to repair his broken Fortunes among the barbarous Nations , and there to establish a Kingdom , where he might pass the remainder of his Life in quiet and repose ; and not in that rigorous Season of Winter , to expose him in this distressed , naked condition , to the fury of his implacable Enemies ; but to allow him a competent Time , and Maintenance for the support of his small Army , till he might with convenience depart . But Seleucus , whose Jealousie was now the governing Passion of his Soul , sent him this peremptory Answer , That he would permit him to stay two Months and no longer in Cataonia , provided he presently sent him the principal of his Friends and Officers , as Hostages for his departure then ; and in the mean time he shut up all the Passages into Syria : So that Demetrius , who saw himself thus encompassed as in a Toil , like an enraged Lion , flew upon the Prey , and fell to wasting the Territories of Seleucus , and in many Encounters had the advantage of him ; and particularly , when he was assailed by the Armed Chariots , he entirely defeated them , and thereby opened his passage into Syria : And now finding his Souldiers animated by these Successes , he was resolved to push at all , and to have one deciding Blow for the Empire with Seleucus ; but that crafty Prince having refused the assistance of Lysimachus , whom he both mistrusted and hated , made no great haste to the Encounter , but chose rather to weary Demetrius , and waste his Power by Delays ; for there was nothing that he dreaded more than the perpetual vicissitude of that Prince's Fortune , which he had so often known to have been raised from the most deplorate state , to the greatest excess of Glory . But now all things seemed to conspire to the Ruine of this miserable Prince ; for he was seized with a violent Distemper , which did not only endanger his Life , but deprived him of his Reason ; so that his Army began to moulder away insensibly ; some deserting , and others stealing away from the Service , which they concluded desperate ; after forty days he began to be so far recovered , as to be able to rally his Forces , and marched as if he directly designed for Cilicia ; but in the Night , in great silence he took a Counter-March , and passing the Mountain Amanus , he forraged all the Country as far as Cyrrhestica . Whereupon Seleucus advanced towards him , and encamping at no great distance , Demetrius took a resolution to surprize him in his Camp ; but the Design being by some Fugitives discovered to Seleucus , he had but just time in great consternation to leap out of his Bed , and give the Alarm to his men ; as he was putting on his Boots to mount to Horse , Sirs , said he to the Officers about him ; Look well to your Charges ; for we must now expect to combat with a furious , and enraged wild Beast . But Demetrius , by the Noise and Murmur he heard in the Camp , finding they had taken the Alarm , drew off his Troops , and began to retreat in the best order that he could ; but the Morning quickly appearing , Seleucus followed hard upon his Rear , and obliged him to a disadvantageous Encounter . Demetrius , having drawn his Army into Order , and given the Command of one half of his Troops to one of his most expert Captains , with the other he in Person charged so furiously , that he forced his Enemies to give Ground : But Seleucus lighting from his Horse , and covering his Arm with a Target , advanced to the foremost Ranks , and having put up the Vizor of his Helmet , that he might be known , he addressed himself to the Souldiers of Demetrius , exhorting them to lay down their Arms , and not desperately throw away their Lives ; telling them withal , that it was for their sakes only that he had so long forborn coming to Extremities : And thereupon , without a Blow more , these perfidious Mercenaries submitted , and saluted Seleucus as their King. Demetrius , who in the whole course of his Life , had been accustomed to strange Turns , from thence drew a hope that he should weather this Storm also ; and therefore with the slender attendance of his Friends , he fled to the Mountain Amanus , where , in a thick and spacious Wood he secured himself , resolving , under the Mantle of the Night , to make his Escape towards Caunus ; where he hoped to find his Shipping ready to transport him : But upon Enquiry , finding that they had not provisions for more than one day , that Design was quash'd , and he began to think of some other Project , whilst he was rowling over a thousand irresolute Thoughts , his Friend Sosigenes arrived , who had four hundred Pieces of Gold about him , and with this little Relief , he again re-assumed his first Resolution and Hopes to recover the Coast ; so soon as it began to be dark , he set forward towards the Mountains ; but perceiving by their Fires , that the Enemies had possessed themselves of all the Passages , and that it was impossible for him to pass undiscovered , he retreated to his old Station in the Wood , but not with all his Troop : for divers had deserted him , and the little Remainder were extremely dejected and disheartned , so that some of them began to talk of rendring themselves and Demetrius to Seleucus , as the only Means left them for their Safety : Which Demetrius over-hearing , he drew out his Sword , and had infallibly passed it through his own Heart , but that some of his Friends interposing , prevented the fatal Attempt , and began to persuade him , that it was much more manly to try the Generosity of Seleucus , and to reserve his Life for a better Destiny , and ●uture Hopes : and with these Arguments , but principally by irresistable necessity , he suffered himself to be overcome ; and therefore dispatched some of his Attendants to Seleucus , to let him know that he was willing to surrender himself and his Friends to his Generosity and Mercy . Seleucus transported at this News , cried out : It is not the good Fortune of Demetrius , which hath found out this Expedient for his Safety , but my own ; which I esteem the greatest favour she ever did me , since thereby she hath given me opportunity to shew my Clemency and Generosity . And instantly he gave Order to his Domestick Officers to prepare a Royal Pavillion , and all things suitable , for the splendid Reception and Entertainment of Demetrius . There was in the Court of Seleucus , one Apollonides , who formerly had been intimately known to Demetrius ; he was therefore , as the fittest Person , dispatched from the King , to attend Demetrius , and to desire him to dissipate all manner of fear and distrust , and to give him assurance that Seleucus was resolved to treat him with all the Honour due to a King , and the kindness of a Relation . No sooner was this message known , but all the principal Courtiers and Officers of Seleucus , thinking Demetrius would presently become a great favourite with the King , made hast to congratulate with Demetrius and kiss his hand : but this ill tim'd application and over officiousness , proved very mischievous to that poor Prince ; for it gave occasion to his Enemies to insinuate to Seleucus , that this Usage of Demetrius was a most dangerous Civility , and that his presence might have very fatal influences upon the Army , the Officers shewing more inclination to him already than was consistent with their Duty , or the safety of Seleucus ; which representations made such impressions upon the spirit of Seleucus , as produced different sentiments and resolutions from the former . For whilest Apollonides , and after him many others were relating to Demetrius the kind expressions of Seleucus , and the Orders he had given ; and that poor Prince , who before thought this Rendition of himself , the greatest misfortune of his Life , now began in his thoughts to applaud the Action , and to flatter himself with vain hopes , Pausanias with a Guard of a thousand Horse and Foot , amidst all the Caresses of his Friends , came , and by order from the King seized him , and carried him , not as he hoped , as a Prince to the Presence of Seleucus , but a Prisoner to the Castle of Chersonesus in Syria , where he was committed to the safe Custody of a strong Guard. It is true he wanted nothing but Liberty , for by the command of Seleucus , he had a most liberal allowance for himself and retinue ; he had the liberty of a curious Garden and delightful Walks , and was for his Exercise permitted the Freedom of hunting in a large Park excellently stored with Game of all sorts , and had Horses likewise provided for his diversion , and for his Chariots , and to make his life more easie , such of his Servants as were willing to follow his Fortune , had the freedom of attending upon his Person ; continual messages of kindness also , from time to time were brought him from Seleucus , requesting him to support the present Restraint of his Liberty chearfully , assuring him , that so soon as Antiochus and Stratonice should arrive at the Court , the Conditions and Articles of restoring him to his Liberty should be perfected . But Demetrius had learnt to give little credit to these deluding pretences , and therefore so soon as he was fallen into the misfortune of this Captivity , he sent Express command to his Son Antigonus , and to his Captains and Friends , at Athens and Corinth , that they should give no manner of credit to any Letters written to them in his name , though they were sealed with his own Signet , but , that looking upon him as if he were already dead , they should reserve what was left of his Empire for Antigonus , and esteem him as their lawful King. As for Antigonus , he received the sad news of his Father's Captivity , with all the Testimonies of a most afflictive sorrow ; he put himself into deep mourning , and writ the most passionate and tender Letters to Seleucus , and the rest of the Kings , that his grief could dictate ; he offered not only whatever they had left in the World , but himself to be a Hostage for the Liberty of the King his Father . Several other Princes , and divers Cities also , became intercessors for his freedom : only Lysimachus by his Embassadors , basely offered a large sum of mony to Seleucus to take away his life ; but by this barbarous proposal , he rendred himself most detestable to Seleucus , to whom he was sufficiently odious before ; nevertheless he still protracted the time of his deliverance , resolving , as he pretended , that he should owe it to the Intercession of Antigonus and Stratonice . Demetrius , to whom misfortunes had been customary , grew so familiar with this , that by long continuance , it became habitually easie : At first he accustomed himself to frequent exercises , Hunting , Horse-races , and such other divertisements as were permitted him , but by degrees he came to disuse them , and applied himself to Dice and Drinking , and to divert the importunity of his melancholy thoughts , with which he was haunted when sober , he took the Remedy of Intemperance , a Cure worse than the Disease ; and whether this was the reason , or that this sort of pleasure was what he most naturally affected , and judged that he had committed an error in suffering himself to be diverted from it by his mad and vain Ambition , which had created so much trouble to himself and others , he now spent the greatest part of his time in this Way of consuming both that and his health ; and he , who had so restlesly toiled to find glory and happiness , by Sea and Land , in mighty Fleets , and formidable Armies , now thought he had found the only Way to tranquillity and repose , and he would often passionately say , What other Period is there of all those Wars , which miserable Princes are wont to make , and what recompence can they hope for , to balance the pains they are at , and the dangers to which they are continually exposed , besides sitting down quietly at last , and enjoying their pleasures and delights ? Demetrius having thus continued three years a Prisoner in Chersonesus , for want of exercise , and by indulging himself in Intemperance , in the 54th . year of his Age fell sick of a Distemper , which ended not but with his life : And Seleucus was extremely censured for making such professions of kindness , and restoring his Liberty to this Unfortunate Prince , but not performing them ; and herein he did not imitate the bravery of Dromichetes of Thrace , who not only treated Lysimachus , when he was his Prisoner , nobly and like a King , but quickly restored him to his former condition of Liberty . And now we must attend the Unfortunate Demetrius with our last service to his Funerals , which suitable to his life , were very pompous and magnificent . For his Son Antigonus understanding that his ashes were coming over from Syria , he went with a noble Fleet to the Isles of the Archipelagus to meet them , and caused them to be deposited in an Vrn of massy Gold. All the Cities , where they touched in their passage sent Chapplets to adorn the Vrn , and deputed certain of the best of their Citizens in deep mourning to assist at the funeral Solemnity . When the Fleet of Antigonus approached the harbour of Corinth , the Vrn covered with Purple , and a Royal Crown upon it , was placed upon the Poop of the Admiral Gally , a Troop of young Noble Men and Persons of Quality attended in Arms upon the Key to receive it at landing ; and Xenophon the fam'd Musician began a Mournful Song in praise of the Dead , to which the Rowers in sorrowful Ejaculations made responses , their Oars all the while in their stroaks keeping time with the doleful Cadences of the Musick . Antigonus , who appeared all covered with tears and mourning , moved the Universal compassion of the numerous Spectators ; and the Crowns and others Trophies of Honour being left at Corinth , the Vrn was conveyed to Demetriada , a City to which Demetrius had given his name , after it had been built by his direction , and peopled with the Inhabitants of the small Villages of Jolchos . Demetrius left no other Children by his Queen Philla but Antigonus and Stratonice , but he had two other Sons , both of his own name , one whereof was surnamed the Meagre , by a Sclavonian Lady , and the other by Ptolemaida , who reigned in Cyrene : He had also Alexander by Queen Deidamia who died in Egypt , and there are some who will have it , that he had also a Son by Euridice whose name was Coriabus . To conclude , the Descendants of Demetrius in a continued Succession of Kings enjoyed the Crown of Macedon , Perseus being the last who was vanquished and led in triumph by the Romans . And now having represented the Tragedy with which Macedon hath furnished us , it is time to take a view of that which we expect from Rome . M. ANTHONY . M Bur 〈…〉 THE LIFE OF MARCUS ANTONIUS . From the Greek , By CHARLES FRASER , M. D. VOLUME V. THE Grandfather of Antony was the famous Pleader , whom Marius put to death for having taken part with Sylla : His Father was Antony surnamed the Cretan , not the same with him that was so celebrated and esteemed for his skill in publick affairs , but a worthy good man , and particularly remarkable for his Liberality , which may appear from this sing●e Action of his . He was not very rich , and withal diverted from the exercise of his good Nature by his Wife , a Friend of his that stood in need of money came to borrow of him ; money he had none , and therefore commands his Servant to bring water in a silver Bason with which he lather'd himself , as though he had design'd to shave , and sending away the Servant upon another Errand , gave his Friend the Bason , desiring him to make what use he pleas'd on 't , but this making a great stir among the Servants , and putting his Wife into very ill humour , to save her the trouble of any further enquiry he acknowledged what he had done , and begg'd her pardon . His Wife was Julia of the Family of the Caesars , who for her discretion and fair behaviour was not inferiour to the most celebrated Ladies of that time . 'T was under her that Antony received his Education , she being after the death of his Father remarryed to Cornelius Lentulus , who was put to death by Cicero for having been of Catiline's Conspiracy : This probably was the first ground and occasion of that mortal grudge that Antony bore Cicero , who also did pretend that the body of Lentulus was denied Burial , till by great application made to Cicero's Wife it was granted to Julia . But this seems to be a manifest Error , for none of those that suffer'd in the Consulate of Cicero had the right of Burial deny'd them : As soon as Antony was grown up , he prov'd a very beautiful youth , but by the worst of misfortunes he fell into the acquaintance and made a strict Friendship with Curio , a Man abandon'd to his pleasures ; who , to make Antony's dependance of greater necessity , plung'd him into all the inconveniencies of Whoring and Drinking , and made his Expences so Extravagant , that he contracted a debt that was very shameful in one of his age , even two hundred and fifty Talents . Curio was his Surety , which coming to the knowledge of Curio's Father , he took an occasion to dismiss Antony from his house . Soon after this he engaged himself with Clodius the most insolent and turbulent disturber of the Government , that that age had produced , but not being able long to endure his madness , and withal apprehensive of the powerful Cabal against Clodius , he left Italy , and travell'd into Greece , where he spent his time in warlike Exercises , and in the Study of Eloquence ; he affected much the Asiatick way of speaking , which was most in fashion then , and had most resemblance to his temper , which was very Rhodomantade and brave , very Ambitious , and unequal . After some stay in Greece , he was invited by Gabinius the Proconsul to make a Compagne in Syria , which at first he refused , not being willing to serve in a private Character , but receiving a Commission to Command the Horse , he went along with him . His first service was against Aristobulus , who had prevail'd with the Jews to Rebel . He himself was the first that scal'd the Walls , and on the strongest side of the Town , beat him from all his Forts , and in a pitcht Battel overcame him , though much inferior in number , put most of them to the Sword , and took Aristobulus and his Son Prisoners . This War ended Gabinius was sollicited by Ptolomy , to restore him to his Kingdom of Aegypt , and a promise made of ten thousand Talents reward , most of the Officers were against this enterprize , and Gabinius himself did not much approve it , though shrewdly tempted by the ten thousand Talents , which had a powerful influence over him . But Antony desirous of engaging in brave Actions , and willing to gratifie a Petitioning King , was resolv'd to use all his Interest to bring about Gabinius to undertake this Expedition , all were of opinion that the March to Peleusium was of more dangerous consequence than any thing else that could probably happen in the way ; for they were to pass over a deep Sand , where no fresh water was to be hop'd for , all along the Marishes of Serbonis , which the Aegyptians give out to be the hollow Canal through which Typhon takes his breath , and is in truth an Eruption caused by the over-flowing of the Red-Sea , which is separate from the Mediterranean but by a small Neck of Land. But Antony being Order'd thither with a party of Horse , did not only make himself Master of the passes , but won Peleusium a strong City , took in the Citadel , and by this means rendred the March secure to the Army , and the way to Victory not uneasie to the General . The Enemy was sensible of Antony's generous disposition , for when Ptolomy had entred Peleusium in great rage and malice , against the Aegyptians , designing to put them every one to the Sword : Antony positively withstood him , and hindred the Execution . In great and frequent skirmishes and battels many were the proofs he gave of his personal Valor and Military Conduct , but never did it more plainly appear than in that Action of his , when wheeling about he attack'd the Rear of the Enemy , and gave opportunity to them that charg'd the Front to obtain an intire Victory , for which he received both rewards and honors . Nor was his humanity less taken notice of towards the deceased Archelaus , he had been formerly his Guest and Acquaintance , as he was in duty bound he fought him bravely while alive , but finding his dead body , he buried him with all the Ornaments and Decency which were due to the quality of a King. Upon these and many other considerations , the Alexandrians spoke of him with infinite respect , and the Roman Soldiers lookt upon him as one of most worthy qualifications ; to compleat all , he was a Man of Excellent Shape and Mein , his Beard was of a comely growth , his Fore-head large , his Nose was of the Roman Shape , and something he had in his Countenance of Greatness , that made him seem to resemble the Statues and Medals we have of Hercules , and it was an ancient Tradition that the Antonies were descended of Hercules by a Son of his called Anteon , and this Opinion he endeavored to confirm by affecting the likeness of him both in his Mein and Dress , for whensoever he appear'd in publick he wore his Vest girt low about the hips , a broad Sword on his side , and over all a large course Plad , or Mantle . What might seem to some very insupportable , as vain glory , raillery , drinking in publick , frequenting the Common Soldiers Tables and eating places , made him the delight and pleasure of the whole Army . He was very agreeable in his Loves , and gain'd many Friends by the assistance he gave them in theirs , being very pleasant in his Raillery upon his own intrigues . The generous temper which he was of , in disposing of his gratuities with an open and liberal hand to the Soldiers , and his Friends , gave him a fair opportunity of making his fortune , and was very advantageous to him in establishing him in his new honours and employments , from which it is improbable he ever could have fallen , but by a thousand follies which he was Master of . One instance of his Liberality I must relate , he had order'd to one of his Friends twenty five thousand Crowns , and his Steward wondring at the extravagance of the sum , laid all the Silver in a heap as he should pass by . Antony seeing the heap ask'd what it meant ? His Steward reply'd , the mony you have order'd to be dispos'd of to your Friend , well perceiving the malice of the Action , says he , I thought I had order'd much more , 't is too little , pray let the sum be doubled ; but enough of this . The Citizens of Rome were divided into two parties , they that seemed to favor the Senate follow'd Pompey , who was then present , the others that consider'd the interest of the People sheltred themselves under the Authority of Caesar , who was then making War in Gaul . Curio the Friend of Antony having changed his party , had devoted himself to Caesar , and brought over Antony to his service , the Authority which he had gain'd by his Eloquence and great expences which were constantly supply'd by Caesar , gave him opportunity of making his Friend Antony first Tribune of the People and then Augur , whose coming into the heat of business made him capable of rendring no small services to Caesar . In the first place he oppos'd the Consul Marcellus , who had designed some old Legions for Pompey with Commission to raise new ones , making an order that they should be sent into Syria to reinforce Bibulus his Army , who was then making War with the Parthians , and that no one , as they should answer it at their peril , should give in their Names to serve under Pompey . Next finding that Pompey's Faction would not suffer Caesar's Letters to be received or read in the Senate , by vertue of his Office he read them publickly , and succeeded so well , that many were brought to change their mind , and to declare that Caesar's demands were but just and reasonable ; at length two questions being started , the one whether Pompey should dismiss his Army , the other if Caesar his : some were for the former , for the latter all , except some few ; when Antony stood up and put the question , if it would be agreeable to them that both Pompey and Caesar should dismiss their Armies , which proposal was approv'd of with great acclamations , and Antony desir'd , after much honor receiv'd , to put it to the Vote , but this was oppos'd by the Consuls , and Caesar's Friends making some new proposals , which did not carry the least appearance of unreasonableness were brow beaten by Cato , and Antony himself commanded to leave the Senate by Consul Lentulus . He gave them many a bitter ●●rse at his going out , and disguising himself in a Servants habit , accompanied only with Quintus Cassius in a hired Chariot , he went straight away to Caesar , they no sooner arrived , but great were the Complaints they made that affairs at Rome were transacted without any order or justice , that the privilege of speaking in the Senate was deny'd the Tribunes , and that he , that asserted the Common right of the People , was in imminent danger of his life , Caesar took hold of this pretence to march his Army into Italy ; and upon this hint it was that Cicero writes in his Philippicks , that Antony was as much the Cause of the Civil War , as ever Helena was of the Trojan . But this is but a surmise , for Caesar was not of so weak a temper as to suffer himself to be carry'd away by a passion into a Civil War with his Country , upon the sight of Antony and Cassius seeking refuge in his Camp , in mean habit and a Hackney Chariot , without ever having thought or taken his measures in an affair of so great consequence ; this was to him , that wanted a pretence of declaring War , a fair and equitable occasion , but the true motive was the same that formerly set Alexander and Cyrus at odds with all Mankind , the unquenchable thirst of Empire , and the distracted Ambition of being the greatest Man in the World , which was impracticable for him , unless Pompey were reduc'd . So soon then as he had surprized Rome , and driven Pompey out of Italy , he purpos'd first to go against the Legions that Pompey had in Spain , and then to have a Fleet in readiness to attend his Motions , leaving the mean while the Government of Rome to Lepidus the Praetor , and the Command of the Army to Antony Tribune of the People , who was not long in getting the hearts of his Soldiers , eating and drinking himself with them , and making them presents to the utmost of his abilities . But on the other side he wanted not his Enemies , he was too lazy to inform himself in the Complaints of the injur'd , and was impatient in any thing of business , and his Familiarity with other peoples Wives , gave him an ill reputation . In short the Government of Caesar ( which in it self was little better than Tyrannical ) was by the indiscretion and insolence of his Friends render'd insupportable : And Antony , as he had the greatest power in the Army , so he committed the most notorious Insolencies , and had much to answer for . But Caesar at his return from Spain , wink'd at his faults , not thinking fit to disoblige a Souldier that could suffer all Fatigue , was very brave of his person , and an experienced Commander . Caesar going aboard at Brundusium , sailed over the Ionian Sea with a few Troops , and sent back the Fleet with Orders to Antony and Gabinius , to embark the Army , and Land as soon as might be in Macedonia . Gabinius having no mind to put to Sea , and being apprehensive of the Winter-Season , was forc'd to March his Army round about by Land ; but Antony , being more afraid lest Caesar might suffer some great inconvenience from the number of his Enemies , who press'd him hard , beat back Libo , who was at Anchor with a Fleet in the Mouth of the Haven of Brundusium , having Mann'd out several small Pinnaces and other Boats , with which he encompassed each Galley , and made them retire , gaining thus an occasion of putting aboard twenty thousand Foot , and eight hundred Horse , and so set out to Sea. The Enemy having espied him , made up to him ; but this Danger he escaped , by reason that the South-Wind was so high that the Enemies Fleet was not able to live in so rough a Water ; but. withal he had like to have fallen upon a Ridge of Rocks , where the Sea wrought so high , that there was no hope of escaping Ship-wrack , when all on a sudden the Wind turn'd about to South-west , and blew from land to the main Sea , where Antony sailing in security , saw the Coast all covered with the Wreck of the Enemies Fleet ; for the Gallies of Pompey had been miserably toss'd up and down , and many of them sunk ; he took many Prisoners , and much Booty ; he took also the Town of Lyssus , and by the seasonable arrival of so great Recruit , gave heart to the Affairs of Caesar . There was no Engagement in which he did not signalize himself ; twice he stopt the Army in its flight , led them back to a Charge , and gained the Victory , that not without reason , his Reputation , next to Caesar's , was greatest in the Army ; and what opinion Caesar himself had of him , did well appear , when Pharsalia was to determine who should be Emperour of the World ; he himself chose to lead the right Wing , committing the charge of the left to Antony , as to the most experienc'd Officer of all that serv'd under him . After the Battel , Caesar being created Dictator , went in pursuit of Pompey , and sent Antony to Rome , with the Character of Tribune of the People , who is in Office and Power next to the Dictator , when present , and in his absence rules in Chief . For upon the Election of a Dictator , all other Magistrates cease to exercise any Authority in Rome . The young Dolabella , who was also Tribune of the People at that time , and a great promoter of new Projects , was for enacting a Law , to rescind the register'd Debts , and would needs perswade Antony to joyn with him ; who was his Friend , and forward enough to promote any thing that was agreeable to the generality of the People . Asinius and Trebellius were of the contrary Opinion , and at the same time a grievous Fit of Jealousie possessing Antony , that Dolabella was kinder than he desired to his Wife ; and taking it to heart , he parted with her ( she was his Cousin-German , and Daughter to Caius Antonius , the Colleague of Cicero , ) and taking part with Asinius , declared War with Dolabella , who had seiz'd on the Market-place , in order to give Authority by force to his new Law. Antony , by a special Command of the Senate , who had authoriz'd him to oppose Dolabella's breaking into the Market-place , gave him Battel ; in the Fight many were lost on both sides , and by this action he did incurr the displeasure of the common People , and , by reason of his Course of Life , was not only not agreeable , but ( as Cicero says ) had in detestation by the better sort of People , abominating his Midnight-Revelling , his wild Expences , and his rowling from one little Whore to another , his Naps in the Day , and his Walks to digest his Debauches , and then at Night again his Entertainments and Balls , for the solemnizing the Nuptials of some Comoedian or Buffoon . It is reported , that drinking all night at the Wedding of Hippias the Comoedian , and on the Morning , being to harangue the People , he ventur'd out , over-charg'd as he was , and vomited before them all , one of his Friends receiving it in his Gown . Sergius , the Comoedian , was he who had the greatest Power with him , und Cytheries , of the same Vocation , the Woman that had his Heart ; She , when he went his Progress , accompanied him in a Litter , and had her Equipage , not in any thing inferiour to his Mother's ; the world was scandaliz'd at the great Pomp of his Travelling Plate , which was more proper for the Ornaments of a Triumph , than the Convenience of a Journey , at his causing Tents to be set up every where in the way by Rivers sides , and in Groves , for his dining with all the Luxury imaginable , and that he made his Chariot to be drawn by Lions , and lodg'd his little Whores , and singing Wenches , wheresover he past , in the Houses of serious Men , and Women famous for their Matron-like Behaviour . And it seemed very unreasonable that Caesar out of Italy should fare hard , and with great fatigue and danger pursue the remainder of a dangerous War , whilst others , in pretending his Authority , left no insolence unpractis'd upon their Fellow-Citizens , and this undoubtedly was occasion of great Trouble in Rome , and gave the Souldier encouragement to injure and plunder the People ; upon this , it is probable that Caesar at his return , acquitted Dolabella , and being created the third time Consul , took not Antony , but Lepidus for Colleague . Pompey's House being to be sold , Antony would buy it , but was much troubled at the paying for it . This , and that he thought his former Services had not been recompenced as they deserved , made him not follow Caesar with his Army into Libya ; and it is apparent , that Caesar's not countenancing his Follies , was a great Means of his amendment ; being weary therefore of this Course of Life , he marries Fulvia the Widow of Clodius , the great Ring-leader of the People , a Woman not born for Spinning or Houswifry , nor one that could be content with the power of ruling a private Husband , but a Lady capable of advising a Magistrate , and of ruling the General of an Army , so that Cleopatra had great Obligations to her for having taught Antony to be so good a Servant , he coming into her hands tame and broken in all obedience to the Commands of a Mistress . Antony had many Devices by which he used to entertain and divert her from her more serious way of Carriage . As when Caesar after his Victory in Spain , was on his return , Antony , among the rest , went out to meet him , and a Rumour being spread that Caesar was kill'd , and the Enemy marching into Italy , he return'd to Rome , and disguising himself , came to her by night , as a Servant that brought Letters from Antony ; but she , with great impatience , before she receiv'd the Letter , asks if Antony were well ? instead of an Answer , he gives her the Letter , and as she was opening it , took her about the Neck and kiss'd her . This little Story , of many of the same nature , we thought fit to give you , by which you might guess of his humour . There was no body of Quality in Rome , that did not go some days journey to meet Caesar in his return from Spain ; but Antony was the best received of any , admitted to ride the whole Journey with him in his Coach ; behind came Brutus , Albinus , and Octavian , his Sister's Son , well known afterward by the name of Augustus Caesar . Caesar being created the fifth time Consul , without any demur chose Antony for his Colleague , but designing himself to quit the Consulat to Dolabella , he acquainted the Senate with his resolution ; but Antony opposed it with all his might , and saying all the bitter things of Dolabella , and receiving as injurious Language in return , Caesar could bear with the indecency no longer , but referr'd the Consideration of this Matter to another time ; and the next time it was propos'd , Antony proclaim'd , that all Omens that were taken from the flight of Birds , were against his promotion ; so that Caesar was constrain'd to leave Dolabella very much discompos'd ; and 't is credible , that Caesar had no great opinion of either of them ; for when one accus'd them to have design'd against him ; 't is not the Men so well fed , and so wall dress'd I fear ; but the pale and lean ( said he ) I dread ; meaning Brutus and Cassius , who afterwards conspir'd his Death , and murther'd him . To whom , Antony , without designing any harm , gave the most plausible pretence that could be wish'd for . The Romans were celebrating their Festival called the Lupercalia , when Caesar in his Triumphal Habit , and seated on a kind of Throne in the Market-place , was a Spectator of the Sports ; the Custom is , that many young Noblemen , and of the Magistracy anointed with Oyl , and having Straps of white Leather in their hand , run about and strike every one they meet . Antony was sporting with the rest ; who , as soon as the ancient Ceremonies were perform'd , took a Lawrel Garland , and having wreathed the Diadem about it , made towards the Throne , and being lifted up by his Companions , would have put it upon the Head of Caesar , as if by that Ceremony he were declared King ; but Caesar seemingly refused the Offer , and was applauded by the People with great Shouts ; the Dispute betwixt Antony's offering , and Caesar's refusing the Crown , lasted some while . Antony receiving but little encouragement from the Shouts of a few Friends , and Caesar's Refusal being accompanied with the general Applause of the People ; and this is very remarkable , that the People should endure patiently all that a Kingly Government could impose , and at the same time dread the Name of King , as the utter destruction of their Liberty . Caesar very much discompos'd at what had past , stept down in haste from the Throne , and laying bare his Neck , said , he offer'd himself a willing Sacrifice to the People , if so it were their Pleasure . The Crown at last was put upon one of his Statues ; but the Tribunes took it off , to the great satisfaction of the People , who followed them home with continual Shouts and Applauses : Caesar resen●ed this , and afterwards turn'd them out of their Office. These Passages gave great encouragement to Brutus and Cassius , who in making choice of trusty Friends for such an Enterprize , were thinking to engage Antony ; every one approved the Man , but Trebonius , who did inform them that Antony and he had been very intimate in the late Journey they took to meet Caesar , and that he had let fall several Words concerning the Matter now in hand , on purpose to sound him ; that Antony very well understood him , but did not at all approve of the Discourse ; howsoever the Matter was never reveal'd to Caesar , but still kept as a great Secret. The Conspirators then proposed that Antony should die with him , which Brutus would in no wise consent to , not thinking fit that an Action undertaken in defence of Justice and the Laws , should be liable to so foul an Imputation . Antony therefore , who was to be considered as a Man of Bodily Strength , and one that bore great Office in the State , was at Caesar's Entry to the Senate , to be amused without , in a Discouse of pretended Business . Just as it was ordered , Caesar was slain , and Antony surpriz'd at the Action , took the Disguise of a Servant's Habit , and retir'd ; but understanding that the Conspirators had assembled in the Capitol , and had no further Design upon any one , he gave them his Honour they might come down in safety , and sent his Son for an Hostage . That night Cassius supp'd at Antony's House , and Brutus with Lepidus , where they resolved the Senate should be call'd ; and having pass'd an Act of Oblivion for the settlement of Affairs , Governments were assign'd to Cassius and Brutus , and whatsoever Acts had passed during the Reign of Caesar , were ratified with the consent of the whole Senate . Thus Antony went out of the Senate with that Reputation and Esteem that never Man had gain'd before him ; for it was apparent to the World that he had taken away all the Grounds of a Civil War , and had shewn himself an able Minister of State , that knew how to unravel and compose Matters of so great Danger and Difficulty . But these temperate Counsels were soon infected with the Pride of being Favourite of the Multitude , and the Ambition of ruling in Chief , by the supplanting of Brutus . In order to this , Caesar's Body being exposed in the Market-place , as the Custom is , while Antony made his Funeral-Oration , perceiving the People to be infinitely affected with what he had said from his Praises , he rais'd their Pity , and enlarged upon every Point , that could move Compassion ; to compleat all , he took the Robe from off the dead Corps , and held it up , exposing it all bloody , and pierced through with many Stabs , calling the Conspirators Villains , and bloody Murtherers , his Harangue had so great an effect upon the Multitude , that they would not deferr the Solemnities of the Funeral ; but making a Pile of Tables and Forms in the very Market-place , set Fire to it ; and every one taking a Brand , ran in great fury to the Conspirators Houses , with a resolution to burn them alive . Upon this Tumult . Brutus , and his whole Party left the City , and Caesar's Friends joyned themselves to Antony . Calphurnia Caesar's Wife , trusted her self to his Conduct , and the best part of her Estate , four thousand Talents ; he got also into his Hands all Caesar's Papers , wherein were contained Journals of all he had done , and Draughts of what he designed to do ; which Antony made good use of ; for by this means , he made what Officers he pleas'd , brought whom he would into the Senate , recall'd some from Exile , freed others out of Prison , and all this as ordered so by Caesar . The Romans , by way of Raillery , call'd all that receiv'd any benefit by this Artifice Charonites , who , if put to prove their Patents , must have recourse to the Registers of the Dead . In short , Antony's behaviour in Rome , was very absolute , he himself being Consul , and his two Bro●hers in great place , Caius the one , Praetor , and Lucius , the youngest , Tribune of the People . While Matters went thus in Rome , the young Caesar , Julius Caesar's Sister's Son , and by Testament left his Heir , arrived at Rome from Apollonia , where he was when his Uncle was kill'd . The first thing he did was to visit Anthony , as one his Uncle had greatest Obligation to ; he spoke to him concerning the Money that was in his hands , and reminded him of the Legacy Caesar had made of seventy five Drachms to every Roman Citizen : Antony at first laughing at such Discourse from so young a man , told him , he wish'd he were in his Health , and that he wanted good Counsel , and good Friends ; to tell him the Burden of being Executor to Caesar , would sit very uneasie upon his young Shoulders . This was no Answer to him , but still he insists to have the Money and other goods which were his Inheritance , insomuch that Antony us'd him injuriously , thwarted his Interest upon all Occasions , oppos'd him in his Election of Tribune , and when he urged the dedication of his Father's Golden Chair ( as had been Enacted ) he threatned to send him to Prison if he desisted not from soliciting the People . This made the young Caesar apply himself to Cicero , and all those that hated Antony , by them he was recommended to the Senate , while he himself courted the People , and from their respective quarters took the old Soldiers , and form'd them into a Body : this made Antony so apprehensive , that he gave him a meeting in the Capitol , and after some words they came to an accommodation . That night Antony had a very unlucky Dream , fancying that his right hand was Thunder struck , and some few days after he was inform'd that Caesar design'd upon his life . Caesar would have justify'd himself , but was not believ'd , so that the breach was now made as wide as ever , each of them posted day and night all about Italy to engage the old Troops that lay scatter'd in their Quarters , and great were the promises that were made to the Legions that were yet standing . Cicero was of great reputation in Rome and made use of all his Art to exasperate the People against Antony , and at length perswaded the Senate to declare him a publick Enemy , and to send to Caesar the Rods and Axes , and all other Marks of Honour , that are usually given to the Pretor , and withal an Order was given to Hirtius and Pansa , who were their Consuls to drive Antony out of Italy . The Armies engag'd nigh to Modena , and Caesar himself was present . Antony was defeated , though both the Consuls were slain . Antony in his Flight was pursued by all the misfortune imaginable , and the worst shape it appear'd in was famine , but it was in these extremities that he naturally fell into a behaviour , that made him appear a Man much above himself ; and Antony in misfortune was not easily distinguish'd from a vertuous Man. It is no extraordinary matter for Men that fall into great difficulties , to reason right , and understand what by their duty and honour they are bound to do and suffer : Yet there are but a very few , who in great extremities have courage enough to trust to their own Judgment , either to imitate what they admire , or avoid what they Condemn , but abandon themselves to their beloved Ease , and for very want of industry become irresolute . Antony was a most illustrious Example of patience to the Army , who accustomed to so much Luxury and delicacy , could be contented to drink stinking water , and feed upon wild Fruits , and Roots , nay 't is reported they devoured the very Barks of Trees , and in passing over the Alpes they lived upon the Flesh of Beasts , that man had never before tasted of , his design was to joyn Lepidus , who commanded the Army on t'other side the Alpes , who he imagined would stand his sure Friend , he having done him many kind Offices to Julius Caesar ; he encamped near Lepidus his Army , but receiving from him no sort of encouragement , was resolv'd to push his Fortune and venture all . His hair was very long and disorder'd , nor had he shaved his beard since his last defeat , in this guise , and a mourning Mantle flung over , he came into the Trenches of Lepidus , and began to Harangue the Army , some were moved at his habit , others at his words , that Lepidus liking it not , ordered the Trumpets to sound , that he might be heard no longer . This rais'd in the Soldiers a greater sense of pity , so that they resolv'd to send and conferr with him , and drest Laelius and Clodius in Womens Cloaths , and sent them to Antony , they advis'd him presently to attack Lepidus his Trenches , assuring him that a strong party should receive him , and if so he thought fit kill Lepidus . But Antony would not suffer that any injury should be done him , and next morning he marched his Army to pass over the little River that parted the two Camps , he was the first that gain'd the other side of the River , where he espy'd Lepidus his Soldiers in great numbers reaching out their hands to help him ; and beating down the works to make him way : Being entred the Camp , and finding himself absolute Master , he treated Lepidus with great civility , and gave him the title of Father , when he spoke to him , and though he had every thing at his own Command , he left him the honour of being called the General . This fair usage brought over to him Munatius Plancus , who was not far off with a considerable Force . Thus being very strong he repass'd the Alpes , and led with him into Italy , seventeen Legions , and ten thousand Horse , besides six Legions he left in Garrison under the Command of Varius one of his familiar Friends , that used to debauch with him , and was therefore surnamed Cotylon ( which signifies a bottle , ) Caesar perceiving that Cicero's intention was to re-establish the State in its former liberty , did soon quit that party , and by the Mediation of his Friends came once more to a good understanding with Antony . They both met together with Lepidus in a small Island , where the Conference lasted three days . The Empire of the World was soon determin'd of , it being divided amongst them , as if it had been their paternal Inheritance : That which gave them all the trouble was to agree who should be put to death , every one intending to destroy his Enemies and to save his Friends . The thirst of being revenged of their Enemies did in the end take off all manner of desire to preserve their Friends , and Caesar sacrific'd Cicero to Antony , Antony his Uncle Lucius to Caesar , and both of them did easily grant to Lepidus the Liberty to murther his own Brother Paulus , though there are those that say it was required of him . I do not believe any thing was ever heard of so barbarous as this Composition , for in this exchange of blood for blood , they did not only murder those that were offer'd up unto their Fury , but them also that they abandon'd to the range of others . This Agreement being made the Army desir'd it might be confirm'd by some Alliance of Marriage , so that Caesar married Claudia the Daughter of Fulvia Wife to Antony . This affair being dispatch'd , three hundred more were adjudg'd to dye ( by proscription ) Antony had given order to those that were to kill Cicero , to cut off his head and right hand with which he had writ his invectives against him , when they were brought before him , he beheld them with an inward satisfaction , not being able to contain himself from often smiling at so horrid a spectacle , when he had satiated himself with the sight of them , he ordered them to be hung up in the Court where the usual pleadings were , not considering that the affront he design'd to the memory of the dead redounded to his own disgrace , who by this barbarous Action rendred himself unworthy of that power he exercis'd . His Uncle Lucius being closely pursued had taken refuge in his Sisters Chamber , who when the murderers had broke into her house , and were pressing into her Chamber , she met them at the door , and holding them by the hands cry'd out several times , Ye shall never kill Lucius , Caesar , till you first dispatch me , me that gave your General his life and being ; and she order'd the matter so well that she sav'd her Brother . This Triumvirate was very hateful to the Romans , and Antony was most of all to blame , for he was Elder than Caesar , and had greater Authority than Lepidus , and withal was no sooner settled in his affairs , but he return'd to his debauch and dissolute way of living : Beside the ill reputation he had gained by his intemperance , it was very disadvantageous to him his living in the house of Pompey the Great , a Man as much celebrated for his temperance and honesty , as ever he was admir'd for having Triumphed three times . They could not without regret see the doors of that house shut against the Magistrates and Foreign Ministers , who were shamefully refus'd admittance , while it was open to Players , Juglers , and devouring Flatterers , upon whom he spent the greatest part of his ill acquired Riches , for they did not only take the Forfeiture of the Estates of such as were proscribed , defrauding the poor Widows and Orphans , and lay impositions upon all manner of Goods , but hearing that several summs of money were , by as well Strangers as Citizens of Rome , deposited in the hands of the Vestal Virgins , they went and took the money away by force . Caesar perceiving how extravagant Antony was in his Expences , demanded a division to be made of the Revenues : The Army was also divided upon their march into Macedonia to make War with Brutus and Cassius , they leaving the Command of the City to Lepidus , having pass'd the Sea they encamped nigh the Enemy ; Antony nigh Cassius , and Caesar nigh Brutus : Caesar did nothing worth relating , but success and Victory did still wait on Antony . In the first Battel Caesar was routed by Brutus , all his Baggage taken , and he himself very narrowly escaping by Flight , but as he himself writes in his Memoirs , he retir'd before the Charge by reason of a dream of one of his Friends . Antony overcame Cassius , but as some write he himself was not present at the Engagement , but that he joyn'd them afterwards in the pursuit . Cassius with earnest entreaty had perswaded his faithful Friend Pindarus , not knowing any thing of Brutus his good Fortune , to kill him . Shortly after they fought another Battel , in which Brutus lost the day and slew himself . Caesar being sick , Antony had the honour of the Action , who finding Brutus his Body among the slain , he gently reproach'd him with the death of his Brother Caius , who was put to death by Brutus his order in Macedonia in revenge of Cicero , but he said Hortensius was most to blame , who was therefore order'd to be slain upon his Brother 's Tomb. He cast his rich purple Mantle upon the dead Body of Brutus , and gave in charge to one of his Servants to take care of his Funeral , who not burning the Mantle with the Corps , as Antony came to understand , and detaining part of the money which was to be expended in the Funeral , was order'd to be slain . Caesar was carryed to Rome , no one expecting that he should recover from his sickness . Whilst Antony visited the Eastern Provinces to lay them under Contribution , he entred Greece at the head of a formidable Army . And the Impositions of necessity were to be very great since they had engaged that every common Soldier should receive for his pay five hundred Crowns . Antony's behavior towards the Grecians was very obliging , he was pleas'd to entertain himself in hearing the learned men dispute , in seeing their sports , frequenting their Religious Ceremonies , and shew'd a great deal of equity in deciding of Controversies : He was fond of being stil'd the Lover of Greece , but above all in being call'd the Lover of Athens , to which City he had made very considerable presents . The Megareans in imitation of the Athenians must needs invite Antony to come and see their Senate House , which whilst he survey'd , they ask'd him how he lik'd it ? he told them 't was very narrow and ruinous , he caused an exact survey to be made of the Temple of Apollo Pythius as if he had design'd to repair it , and indeed he had engaged himself to the Senate so to do , but passing into Asia , he forgot all these glorious Projects , and leaving Lucius Censorinus in Greece , his whole application was to inrich himself with the Spoils of Asia . There Kings every morning waited his Leasure at his Chamber door , and Queens were rivalling one another , who should make him the greatest presents , or appear most charming in his Eyes . Thus whilst Caesar was engaged in War , and strugling with Seditions in Rome , Antony at his Ease , fell naturally inhis old course of life : The Anaxenores a set of Harpers , the Xuthi , a company of Players upon the Flute , and Metrodorus a dancing Master , with some other bands of Asian Musick , did so much surpass his Italian Masters , that they had got great credit at Court : Nothing ran in the usual Channels , all business passing through their hands , so that all Asia was like the City that Sophocles speaks of , Where ▪ Joyful sounds i' th' perfum'd air Mix with Groans and cold despair . When he made his Entry into Ephesus , the Women met him in the same habit they solemnize the Feasts of Bacchus , the Men and Boys were drest like Satyrs and Faunes , and quite throughout the Town nothing was to be seen but spears wreath'd about with Ivy , Harps , Flutes and Hautbois , they saluted Antony in their Songs by the Name of Bacchus the gracious and the gentle , and so indeed he was to some , but for the most part he was barbarous and inhuman , for he would deprive persons of worth and quality of their Fortunes to gratifie Villains and Flatterers , who would sometimes beg the Estates of Men yet living , pretending they were dead , and obtaining a Grant , take possession : He gave his Cook the House of a Magnetian Citizen for dressing his Supper well . But when he burthened Asia with doubling the Imposts , Hybreas the Agent for those Cities made his remonstrance in very pleasant language , and not ungrateful to Antony , shewing him that since he thought fit to double their Taxes he would take some care that they might have their Summer and Autumn doubled too , that they might be in a condition to satisfie his demands : Then he added with some sharpness and assurance ; In Asia has been raised for your service two hundred thousand Talents , which if you have not received , take an account of them that Levy'd it , but if it be receiv'd and yet you are in want , we are for ever ruin'd . These last words did touch Antony to the quick , who , very ignorant of many things that were done in his name , not that in his nature he was easily to be impos'd upon , but by reason he had too great confidence in the integrity of those he employ'd . He was naturally very sincere , but somewhat slow of apprehension , but so soon as he was made sensible of his faults , he was much troubled , and very ready to ask pardon of them he had offended , he was very prodigal in his rewards , and very severe in his punishments , but his Generosity was much more extravagant than his Severity ; his Raillery was very sharp , but the edge of it was taken off , and rendred inoffensive by his suffering any thing of Repartee ; for he was as well contented to be handsomely rallyed , as he was pleas'd to rally others ; this freedom had its inconvenience , for he imagined that those Friends , who used so much freedom in their mirth , would never flatter or deceive him in any business of consequence , not perceiving that these subtil Parasites drest their fulsome flattery with a little pointed sauce to make it go down the better , which must have given him a surfeit had it not been disguised , and great use was made of the Liberty in business of importance , for upon examining any difficulty they order'd their affair so that they might seem not to yield to him out of complaisance , but that he had a reach much Superior to their capacity . Antony being of this disposition , the greatest mischief that could befal him was the Love of Cleopatra , which awaken'd and inflam'd many a hidden dormant Vice , and if there were any spark of Virtue yet remaining , it stifled it intirely . And thus it was his Love began ; making preparation for the Parthian War , he sent to Command her to make her personal appearance in Cilicia to answer an accusation that she had given great assistance in the late Wars to Cassius . Delleus who was sent on this Message had no sooner seen her admirable beauty , and with what a quickness and grace she received him , but he began to consider how impossible it was that so beautiful a Creature should receive any ill treatment at the hands of Antony , and therefore he behaved himself with all respect to her , courted her with all humility to pass into Cilicia in splendid Equipage , and intreated her not to be apprehensive of Antony , a brave and courteous Soldier . She had great Faith in the words of Dellius , but more in her own Beauty , which having formerly recommended her to Julius Caesar and the young Pompey , she did not doubt but it might prove successful with Antony : Their Acquaintance was with her when a Girl , young and ignorant in the Arts of Love , but she was now to meet Antony in the flower of her age with all the Charms of Beauty , and all the artifice of riper years : she makes great preparation for her Journey , of Money , Gifts and other Ornaments of great value , which so wealthy a Kingdom did easily afford , but in her own irresistible Charms lay her great assurance : many were the Letters she received from Antony to hasten her coming , but she did not seem to make any great account of his Orders . At length she embarks upon a small Galley in the River Cydnus ; the head of the Barge did shine with inlaid Gold , the Sails were of Purple Silk , the Oars of Silver , which beat time to the Flutes and Hautbois ; she herself lay all along under a Canopy of Cloth of Gold curiously embroider'd , drest as Venus is ordinarily represented , and beautiful young Boys like Cupids stood on each side to fan her , her Maids were drest like Sea Nymphs and Graces , some steering the Rudder , some working at the Ropes ; the perfumes diffus'd themselves from the Vessel to the Shore , which was all cover'd with multitudes meeting and following the Galley , all the People running out of the City to see this strange sight , left Antony alone upon the Tribunal , and a rumor was spread abroad that Venus was come to Feast with Bacchus for the common good of Asia : Assoon as she was arriv'd Antony sent to invite her to Supper , but she thought it more decent that Antony should come to her , who to shew his civility to a Stranger made no difficulty to wait on her ; he found the preparations very magnificent , but nothing was so admirable as the great number of Lights , for on a sudden there was let down altogether so great a number of branches with Lights in them so ingeniously disposed , some in squares , and some in circles , that Fame cannot speak of a greater piece of curiosity . The next day Antony invited her to Supper , and was very desirous to out-do her as well in Magnificence as contrivance , but he came short of both , and was so much convinc'd of it that he began to despise and laugh at his own way of service . She perceiving that Antony's raillery was very gross , and savour'd more of the Soldier than the Courtier , she gave herself the liberty to use him in the same manner without any sort of reserve . Cleopatra was not , as is reported , of so surprizing a Beauty , that no one could be compared with her , or that no one could behold her without astonishment , but her Conversation had those Charms that were not to be resisted , and that natural grace and sweetness which appear'd in every thing she said or did , stung her beholders to the Soul. Her tongue was hung so harmoniously , that no Instrument was capable of more variety of sounds . She spoke most Languages , there were but few of the barbarous Nations that she answer'd by an Interpreter , to most of them she gave Audience herself , as to the Aethiopians , Troglodites , Hebrews , Arabians , Syrians , Medes , Parthians , and many others , which is the more admirable in consideration that the most of the Kings her Predecessors could scarce attain to the Aegyptian tongue , and that several of them had quite forgot the Macedonian , which was their original Language . Antony was so strangely taken with this Woman , that notwithstanding Fulvia his Wife maintain'd his quarrels in Rome against Caesar with great difficulty , and that the Parthian Troops commanded by Labienus ( that King having made him General ) were assembled in Mesopotamia , and ready to enter Syria , could yet suffer himself to be carried away by her into Alexandria , there to lead an easie Childish life in divertisements too youthful for his age , squandring away as Antipho calls it his most precious and not to be retrieved time . They gave their way of living a particular name , calling it , the inimitable life . They treated one another by turns , and their Expences were without reason or measure . I remember I have heard my Grandfather Lamprias relate that Philotas a Physician of Amphyssa , who was at that time a Student in Alexandria , had told him , that he having an acquaintance with one of Antony's Cooks was invited by him to see what sumptuous preparations they were making for Supper , coming into the Kitchin , he admir'd the prodigious variety of all things , but particularly seeing eight wild Boars roasted whole , says he , surely you have a great number of Guests ; the Cook laugh'd at his simplicity , and told him there was not above twelve to sup , but that every Dish was to be served up just roasted to a turn , and if any thing was but one minute ill timed 't was spoil'd , for , said he , may be Antony will sup just now , may be not this hour , may be not these two hours , for that he has a mind to spend some time in drinking or discoursing , so that it is not one but many suppers must be had in readiness , for it was not easie to guess at his hour . This was Philotas his Story , who related besides how coming afterwards into the service of Antony's eldest Son by Fulvia , and being admitted with others of the better rank of Servants to sit at Table with him , when he did not eat with his Father , it happen'd that another Physician , full of argument and noise had given great disturbance to the Company , whose mouth Philotas stopt with this Sophistical Syllogism : It is proper to give cold water to one that has a Fever in some degree ; every one that has a Fever hath it in some degree ; it is good therefore to give cold water in a Fever . The Man was quite struck dumb , and Antony's Son very much pleas'd , said , Philotas all that is yours , pointing to a side-board cover'd with rich plate . Philotas thank'd him for his good will , but could not conceive that the young Man had power to dispose of things of that value , but soon after the Plate was all brought to him , and he desired to set his mark upon it , who fearing to accept the present , what ails the Man ( said he that brought it ) do you know that he that gives you this is Antony's Son , who could very well spare it if it were all gold , but if you will be advis'd by me , I would counsel you to accept of the value in money , for there may be amongst the rest some piece of antiquity , or the Work of some famous Master that Antony may have a particular esteem for . These relations I had from my Grandfather concerning Philotas . To return to Cleopatra : Plato admits but of four sorts of Flattery , but this Woman would have learn'd him a thousand different kinds , that he ne'er dream'd off : Were Antony serious or dispos'd to mirth , she had every minute new graces and new arts to season all , with pleasure and delight , she had the absolute power over his Spirit , and never left him day nor night , she play'd at Dice with him , drank with him , hunted with him , and when exercising in Arms she was always by him , she would go a rambling with him a nights , to disturb and torment People under their Windows , drest like an ordinary Woman , for Antony went in Servants disguise , and from those expeditions he often came home very scurvily treated and sometimes beaten severely . Though this sort of behaviour was very unpleasing to some , yet the Alexandrians were well satisfy'd in his frolicks and jovial humour , saying pleasantly , that they had great obligations for Antony , who diverted them with a Comical Countenance , and reserv'd the Tragical for the Romans . It would be very tedious to be more particular in his follies , but his fishing must not be forgot . He went out one day to angle with Cleopatra , and being so unfortunate as to catch nothing in the presence of his Mistress , he fell into a great passion , and gave secret orders to the Fishermen to dive under water , and put Fishes that had been fresh taken upon his hooks , he drew so fast that the subtil Aegyptian perceiv'd it , but feigning great admiration , she told every body how dexterous Antony was , and invited them next day to come and see him again ; so soon as he had let down his hook , one of her Servants was too nimble for his Divers , and fixed upon his hook a salted Fish taken in the Pontick Sea , who when he felt his Line give , drew up the prey , which , as one may easily imagine , gave great occasion of Laughter , which she turning very agreeably , said , Allow us , brave Sir , poor inhabitants of Charos and Canopus the reputation to be skilful in this Art , your Game is Cities , Provinces , and Kingdoms . Whilst Antony was thus amused in his Childish recreations , two Messengers arrive , the one from Rome , who informs him that his Brother Lucius and his Wife Fulvia , after many quarrels among themselves had joyn'd to resist Caesar , but having lost all were forc'd to fly out of Italy : The other brought little better news , how that Labienus at the head of the Carthians had over-ran Asia from Euphrates and Syria all along to Lydia and Ionia , scarce could he be rowsed from this sleep , but at length as it were recovering from a drunken Fit , he sets onward for Parthia , and having got as far as Phaenicia , upon the receipt of most lamentable Letters from Fulvia , he turn'd his Course with two hundred Ships to Italy , and in his way , receiving such of his Friends as fled from Italy , he was given to understand that Fulvia was the sole cause of the War , a Woman of a restless Spirit , and very bold , and withal , her hopes were that the commotions in Italy would force Antony from Cleopatra . But it happen'd that Fulvia as she was coming to meet her husband , fell sick by the way , and dy'd at Sicyon , by which reason an accommodation with Caesar was easily made , for those that were Friends to them both , seeing Antony arriv'd in Italy , and nothing laid to his charge , but what he disown'd , and shifted off upon Fulvia , they would not suffer that the time should be spent in justifying and accusing , they made them both Friends , and so proceeded to the division of the Empire , the Eastern Provinces were given to Antony , to Caesar the Western , and Affrick left to Lepidus ; and an agreement was made that every one in their turn , as they thought fit , should make their Friends Consuls , when they took it not themselves : this Agreement was well approv'd of , but yet 't was thought a Stronger tye would be very necessary , and here Fortune was propitious , for Caesar had an elder Sister not of the whole blood , for Accia was his Mothers name , hers Ancharia ; this Sister he lov'd intirely , and a Lady she was of a Noble Character , the Relict of Caius Marcellus , and Antony was now a Widower by the death of Fulvia ; for though he did not disavow the passion he had for Cleopatra , yet he disown'd any thing of Marriage , Love and Reason still debating in his Breast what was to become of the fair Aegyptian Queen . Every body was for promoting this Marriage , it being the general expectation , that a Lady of so much Honour , Beauty and Prudence , being perpetually with Antony , and having great credit with him , as might reasonably be expected , affairs would easily be so order'd , that no difference should arise betwixt him and Caesar : Both parties being agreed , they went to Rome to celebrate the Nuptials , the Senate dispensing with the Law by which a Widow was not permitted to marry till ten Months after the death of her Husband . Sextus Compeius was in possession of Sicily , who with his Ships under the command of Menas and Menecrates two famous Pirates , infested the Italian Coast , that no Vessels durst venture into those Seas . Sextus had behaved himself with much humanity towards Antony , having kindly receiv'd his Wise and Mother in their Flight , and it was judg'd fit that he should be receiv'd into the peace : they met nigh to the Promontory of Misenum upon a point of Land that runs into the Sea , Pompey's Fleet being at anchor in the Road , and Antony and Caesar's Army drawn up all along the Side over against them . There it was concluded that Sextus should quietly enjoy the Government of Sicily and Sardinia , he conditioning to scowre the Seas of all Pirates , and to send so much Corn every year to Rome . This agreed on , they invited one another to supper , and by lot it fell to Pompey's turn to make the first entertainment , and Antony asking where it was to be , there said he , pointing to the Admiral , for that is the only House that Pompey is Heir to of his Fathers : And this he said reflecting upon Antony who then was in possession of his Fathers House . Having cast Anchor and made a Bridge from the promontory into the Galley he received them very gallantly , when they began to grow warm , which occasion'd many pleasant passages upon the subject of Antony's and Cleopatra's loves , Menas the Pirate whispers Pompey in the ear , Sir , said he , will you be pleas'd that I cut the Cable , which will not only make you Master of Sicily and Sardinia but of the whole Roman Empire . Pompey having for a while considered what was propos'd , return'd him this answer , Menas this might have been done without acquainting me in 't , now let us make the best of our present condition , for I cannot break my word . And so having been treated by the other two in their turns he set fail for Sicily . As soon as matters were concerted Antony dispatch'd Ventidius into Asia to put a stop to the inroads of the Carthians , and he to make a complement to Octavius accepted of the Office of being Priest to the deceased Caesar , and in all occasions of common civility , as also in matters of the highest concernment , they both behaved themselves with a great deal of easiness and friendship : But Antony could not suffer with patience , that Caesar , in all little plays which they frequently diverted themselves with , should be constantly victorious : He had usually with him an Aegyptian , skilful in the calculation of Nativities , who either to make his Court to Cleopatra , or that by the rules of his Art he found it so to be , did declare to him , that though the Fortune that did attend him was bright and glorious , yet it was overshadowed by Caesar's ; and advised him to keep himself far distant from that young Man , for your Genius , said he , dreads his . When absent from him yours is proud and brave , but in his presence unmanly and dejected ; and the event did shew that the Aegyptian spoke truth , for whensoever they play'd by drawing lots or at dice Antony was still the loser ; and as they often fought game Cocks or Quails , Caesar's always had the Victory . This gave Antony a sensible displeasure , and made him put great confidence in the skill of his Aegyptian Astrologer , so that having quitted the management of the home affairs to Caesar , he left Italy and took Octavia along with him into Greece , who had been lately brought to bed of a Daughter . Whilst he winter'd in Athens he receiv'd the joyful news of Ventidius his Victory over the Carthians , of Labienus , and Charnapates , the General of King Herod's Army , being both slain ; for the celebrating of which he order'd a publick feast through Greece , and at the prizes which were fought at Athens he himself chose to be Moderator , and leaving at home the Ensigns that are carried before the General , he made his procession in a long Gown and Slippers with the wands marching before , which are usual in those solemnities , and he performed his duty in parting the combatants , when they had fought enough . When he was upon marching his Army he made him a garland of the Olive Tree consecrated to Minerva , and in obedience to some Oracle he fill'd a Vessel with the water of the * Clepsidra to carry along with him . Pacorus the Parthian Kings Son at this time made an inrode into Syria , and was met by Ventidius , who gave him Battel in the Country of Cyrrestica , slew most of his Men and Pacorus among the rest . This Victory gave great reputation to the Romans and redeem'd their honour , which had suffer'd much ever since the defeat of Crassus , the Parthians being oblig'd after the loss of three Battels successively , to keep themselves within the bounds of Media and Mesopotamia : Ventidius not being willing to push his good Fortune any further , for fear of raising some jealousie in Antony , but turning his Arms against them that had quitted the Roman interest , he reduc'd them to their former obedience : Among the rest he besieged Antiochus King of Commogena , who made an offer of a thousand talents for his pardon , and a promise to continue in a strict compliance to all Antony's commands ; but Ventidius told him that Antony was upon his march , and that he must send his proposals to him ; for that he had no power to treat with him to the end that this small affair might be transacted in Antony's name , that People might not think , that he did nothing but by his Lieutenants . The Siege grew very tedious , for when they perceived that they could not make any reasonable composition , they resolved to hold it out to the utmost extremity , so that Antony was in great confusion to see how little he had done , and repented himself that he had not accepted the first offer ; in the conclusion he was easily induc'd to make an accommodation with Antiochus for three hundred Talents , and having given some orders for the affairs of Syria he return'd to Athens : And having done Ventidius the honours he well deserved , he dismiss'd him to receive his Triumph ; he was the only Man that ever triumphed for Victories obtained o'er the Parthians : A Man of obscure Birth , but by the means of Antony's friendship obtain'd an opportunity of shewing himself , and doing great things ; and his making so good use of it gave great credit to an observation made by Caesar , that Antony was much more successful in his Arms , by his Lieutenants , than in his own Person ; for Sossius , Antony's Lieutenant in Syria , had done miracles : And Ventidius , whom he left in Armenia , had quieted all that Country , and defeating the Kings of Albania and Ibe●ia , had march'd victorious to the Mountains of Caucasus , by which means the same of Antony's arms was grown very terrible to the barbarous Nations . Antony was much incens'd against Caesar , by reason of several reports , that were made him of his unkindness , so that he set sail with three hundred Ships for Italy , and being refused harbour in the Port of Brundusium , he made for Tarentum ; there his Wife Octavia , that came from Greece with him , obtain'd leave to visit her Brother , she was then big of her third Child ; as she was on her way to Rome , she met Octavius by the way , his two great Friends , Mecaenas and Agrippa , in his company , she took them aside , and with great impressment , told them , that of the most fortunate Woman upon Earth she was in evident danger of becoming the most miserable Creature breathing ; that every ones eyes were fix'd upon her , as the Wife and Sister of the two Men , that did divide the whole World between them , but that , if rash counsels should prevail , and war ensue , I shall be miserable ( said she ) without redress , for on what side soever Victory falls , I shall be sure to be a loser . Caesar was softened by the entreaties of his Sister , so that he march'd in a peaceful manner to Tarentum . They that were present at this Enterview were strangely delighted to see so great an Army drawn up by the Shore , and so great a Fleet in the Harbour without doing any act of hostility ; nothing but kind Salutations , and other expressions of joy and friendship passing from one Army to th' other . Antony invited Caesar first to supper , which he accepted of in consideration of Octavia : At length an agreement was made between them , that Caesar should give Antony two of his Legions to serve him in the Parthian War , and that Antony should in return leave with him an hundred arm'd Galleys : And Octavia did obtain of her Husband besides this , twenty light Ships for her Brother : And of her Brother a thousand Foot for her Husband : So having parted very good friends , Caesar went immediately to make War with Pompey to conquer Sicily : And Antony leaving with him his Wife and Children , and his Children by his former Wife Fulvia , set sail for Asia . Then it was that the worst of infectious diseases , Love , and the Love of Cleopatra , which had lain quiet in his breast so long , and seem'd to have given place to the temperate duties of Life , upon his approach to Syria , gathered strength again , and broke out into a flame ; and unbridled Lust , which Plato calls the horse of the Soul , that has flung his Rider , broke loose in defiance of all wholesom and serious Counsel : He sends Fonteius Capito to conduct Cleopatra into Syria , to whom at her arrival , he made no small present ; for besides what he had given her , he added the Provinces of Phoenicia , the Lower Syria , Cyprus , great part of Cilicia , and that side of Judea , which produces the true Balm , that part of Arabia , where the Nabathaeans are , by the Sea-side ; these profuse gifts did much displease the Romans ; for although he had invested several private persons in great Governments and Kingdoms , and bereaved many Kings of theirs , as Antigonus of Judea , whose head he caused to be struck off , the first crown'd head , that ever suffer'd that opprobrious death . Yet nothing was so grievous to the Romans , as the vile profusions he made upon that Woman , and their dissatisfaction was much augmented by giving the Sirnames of the Sun & Moon to Alexander and Cleopatra , Twins born to him by her . But he , who knew how to varnish over the most dishonest Action with specious colours , would say , that the greatness of the Roman Empire consisted more in giving , than in taking Kingdoms , and that the Noble Blood of Kings was communicated to all the World , when they left their Off-spring in every place they came , and that by this means he had the honour to descend from Hercules , who never recommended the hopes of his Posterity to the guard of any one Woman , nor feared to transgress the Laws of Solon , in order to observe the great Dictates of Nature , which gives such lively instruction towards the continuance of our Race . After Phraortes had killed his Father Herod , and taken possession of his Kingdom , many of the Parthian Nobility left their Country ; among the rest , Moneses , a Nobleman of great Authority , who making his application to Antony , was received with great kindness ; for he look'd upon him as one in the Circumstances of Themistocles , and his own Fortune , considering his great Wealth , was comparable to the Persian Kings ; for he gave him three Cities , Larissa , Arethusa , and Hierapolis , which was formerly called Bombyce . But the King of Parthia did soon recall him , giving him his Word and Honour for his Safety ; and Antony was not unwilling to give him leave to return , hoping thereby to surprize Phráortes ; for he sent him word he would remain his Friend , upon condition he would send back the Roman Standards and Ensigns which were taken hy the Parthians , when Crassus was slain , and withall the Prisoners that remained yet alive of that Battel . This done , he sent Cleopatra into Egypt , and gathering his Forces together , and joyning the associate Kings ( for there were many of them ; the most considerable was Artuasdes , King of Armenia , who came at the head of six thousand Horse , and seven thousand Foot ) he made a general Muster ; there appeared sixty thousand Roman Foot , ten thousand Horse , consisting of Spann●rds and Gauls , who were esteem'd of as Romans ; of other Nations horse and Foot , thirty thousand ; and these great Preparations , that made India tremble , and put all Asia into a consternation , were of no use to him , because of Cleopatra , for in order to pass the Winter with her , every thing was done in haste , he was so charm'd and bewitch'd with the Thoughts of his Mistress , that his Soul was employ'd in overcoming the Difficulties that kept him from her , more than in any design of vanquishing the Enemy ; for whereas he should have taken up his Winter-Quarters in Armenia , to refresh his Men , who were tired with long Marches , having come at least five hundred Leagues , and then to have taken the advantage in the beginning of the Spring to invade Media , before the Parthians were drawn out of Garrison , he had not patience to expect his time , but march'd into the Province of Atropatene , leaving Armenia on the right hand , and laying waste all that Country , his haste was so great , that he left behind all the Engines of Battery , which follow'd the Camp in three hundred Chariots ; among the other Engines , there was a Ram of fourscore foot long , which was of great use in his Designs ; and it was impossible , if they were either lost or endamaged , to repair them , or make the like ; for the Pro●inces of the upper Asia produce not Trees long or strait enough for such Uses ; nevertheless he left them all behind , as a great impediment to the Designs he had then projected ; so that he had left a Party commanded by Tatianus , to guard them , and he himself laid Siege to Phraata , the principal City of the King of Media , wherein were that King's Wife and Children : Here it was that he was soon made sensible of the Errour he committed in leaving the battering Rams behind him ; for not having wherewithal to make a Breach , he was constrained with infinite pains to cast up a Mount of Earth against the Wall ; during the Siege , Phraortes arrives with a great Army ; who understanding that the Chariots were left behind , with the battering Engines , he sent thither a strong Party of Horse , by which Tatianus , with ten thousand Horse are flain , the Engines all broke in pieces , many taken Prisoners , and among the rest , King Polemon . This great Miscarriage in the opening the Campagne , did much discourage Antony's Army , and Artuasdes King of Armenia , despairing of any better Success , withdrew himself with all his Forces from the Roman Camp , although he had been the chief Promoter of the War. The Parthians encouraged by this Success , came up to the Romans at the Siege of their Royal City , and gave them many Affronts ; upon which , Antony fearing that the Souldiers might lose Courage , or have a less esteem of him , if he lay idle , he , with all the Horse , three Pretorian Cohorts , and ten Legions , was resolved to go out and forrage , designing by this means to draw the Enemy with more advantage to a Battel ; and to effect this , he marched a Day 's Journey from hi● Camp , which did bring the Parthians to a Battel , who were drawn up in readiness to charge him so soon as he should march ; he orders therefore the Tents and Baggage to be pack'd up , as if his intention were to decline the giving Battel , and only to lead his Men back to the Camp. The Enemy was drawn up in a Half-Moon , and Antony had given order to the Horse to charge them briskly so soon as the Legions were come up nigh enough to second them . The Parthians standing still while the Romans march'd by them , were in great admiration of their man-like Behaviour , and exact Discipline , nothing could be more just than the distance which was kept between the Ranks , and the shaking their Pikes as they pass'd by , in a profound silence , was very graceful ; but when the Signal was given , the Horse turn'd short upon the Parthians , and with loud Cries charg'd them home ; they were bravely receiv'd at first ; but the Legions coming up with loud shouts and ratling of their Arms , did so frighten the Horses , and soon the Parthians themselves , that they could keep their ground no longer . Antony press'd them hard , in great hopes that this Victory should give an end to the War ; the Foot had them in pursuit three Leagues , and the Horse nine , and the Advantage summ'd up , they had but thirty Prisoners , and there was but fourscore slain : This was a great discouragement to them , to consider , that when they were victorious , their Advantage was so small , and that when they were beaten , they lost so great a number of Men ; as it happened when the Carriages were taken . The next day , having put the Baggage in order , they marched back to the Camp before Phraata : in the way , meeting with some scattering Troops of the Enemy , and as they marched further , with greater Parties , at length with the Body of the Enemies Army , fresh and in good order , who charg'd them , and broke their Ranks , that it was not without great difficulty that they reach'd the Camp. There Antony finding that his men had in a great consternation deserted the defence of the Mount , upon a Sally of the Medes , resolved to proceed against them by decimation , which is done by dividing the Legions by Tens , and out of every Ten , to put one to death , as it happens by Lot , and for them that escape , they have , instead of Wheat , their proportion of Corn in Barley . The War was now become grievous to both Parties ; but was more dreadful to Antony , in respect that he was threatned with Famine , for he could no longer forrage without great hazard and slaughter of his Men. And Phraortes on the other side , who was not ignorant of the humour of his men , did more than suspect , that if the Romans did obstinately persist in their resolution of carrying on the Siege , the Autumnal Equinox being past , and the Rains threatning him he should be deserted by his Souldiers , who would suffer any thing rather than wintering in open Field ; to prevent which , he gave order to his chief Officers , not to pursue the Romans too close , when they met them forraging , but to suffer them to carry off some Provision ; that they should praise their Valour , and declare , that it was not without just reason , that their King look'd upon the Romans as the bravest men in the world , and that they should upon opportunity of more familiar Discourse blame Antony for his obstinacy , that whereas Phraortes desiring nothing more than Peace , and an occasion to shew how ready he was to save the lives of so many brave Souldiers , he on the contrary , should defeat all his generous Designs , and trust himself rather to Winter and Famine , two Enemies , that must of necessity destroy them , though the Parthians should use all friendly endeavours to preserve them . Antony having these Reports from many hands , began to be in some hopes ; but he would not send any Ambassadors to the Parthian , till he was informed by these kind Enemies , whether what they said was of their own head , or by order of their King , receiving answer that this was the sence of their Master , and new encouragement to believe them , Antony sent some of his Friends to demand the Standards and Prisoners that were yet remaining in his hands since the defeat of Crassus , lest if he should ask nothing , he might be supposed to be too much overjoy'd with leave to make his retreat in quiet . The Parthian King made answer , That as for the Prisoners , he need not trouble himself ; but if he thought fit to retreat , he might do it when he pleas'd , in peace and safety . Some few days therefore being spent in ordering the Baggage , he resolv'd upon his March ; and here it was that Antony , the man in the world the fittest to harangue the Army , finding himself oppress'd with shame and grief , could not find in his heart to speak himself , but employed Domitius Aenobarbus ; many of the Souldiers resented it , as an undervaluing of them ; but the better sort saw the true cause , and thought this rather an argument , why they on their side should treat their General with more respect than ordinary . Antony having resolved to return by the same way he came , which was thro' a plain flat Country , a certain Mardian came to him ( one that was very conversant with the Manners of the Parthians , and whose fidelity to the Romans , had been tried at the Battel where the Machines were lost ) and advis'd him to leave the Mountains on his right hand , and not to expose his Men heavy armed in an open Country to the Assaults of a numerous Army of light Horse and Archers , that Phraortes with fair promises had perswaded him from the Siege , that he might with more ease cut him off in his Retreat ; but if so he pleased , he would conduct him a nigher way , where he should find the Necessaries for his Army in greater abundance . Antony upon this , began to consider what was best to be done ; he was unwilling to seem to have any Mistrust of the Parthians after their Treaty ; but being more desirous to march his Army the nighest and most convenient way , he demanded of the Mardian some assurance of his Faith , who offered himself to be bound until the Army came safe into Armenia . Two days he conducted the Army bound , and on the third , when Antony little expected the Enemy , but marched in no very good order , the Mardian perceiving the Banks of a River broken down , and the Water over-flowing the way by which they were to pass , did imagine that this might be done by the Parthians , to hinder their March , and did therefore advise Antony to be upon his Guard , for that the Enemy was nigh ; and no sooner had he put his men in order , disposing of the Slingers in the Front , to make the on-set ; but the Parthians came pouring upon them , thinking to encompass the Army ; they were receiv'd by the light Horse , which were sore gall'd by their Javelins , but they themselves being warmly entertain'd , and many wounded , made their retreat , but soon after rallying up afresh , they were beat back by a Battalion of Gallick Horse , and appear'd no more that day . By their manner of Attack , Antony being instructed what to do , did not only place the slings and javelins in the Front , but lin'd both the wings with the same , and so march'd in a square Battel , giving order to the Horse to charge and beat off the Enemy , but not to follow them too far as they retir'd . So that the Parthians not doing much more Mischief for the four ensuing days than they receiv'd , began to abate in their heat , and complaining that the Winter-Season was much advanc'd , press'd for returning home . On the fifth Day Flavius Gallus , a brave Officer , who had a considerable Command in the Army , came to Antony , desiring of him some Troops of light Horse out of the Rear , and some other Horse out of the front , with the which he would undertake to do some considerable service . Which when he had obtain'd , he beat the Enemy back , not retiring , as was usual , to the Gross of the Army , but making his ground good , and pressing on with great obstinacy , the Officers who commanded in the Rear of this Detachment , perceiving how far he had got from the Body of the Army , sent to warn him back , but he took no notice of them . 'T is said , that Titius the Questor snatch'd the Colours , and retreated , telling Gallus that he did very ill to lead so many brave men on to certain destruction , he on the other side , reviling him again , and commanding the men that were about him to stand firm , Titius made his retreat , but Gallus charging the enemies in the Front , was encompass'd by a Party that fell upon his Rear ; which at length perceiving , he sent a Messenger to demand succour ; but they that commanded the Legions , among which was Canidius , a particular Favourite of Antony's , seem'd to have committed a great oversight ; for instead of marching up with the whole Army , they sent small Parties , and when they were defeated , they still sent out small Parties ; so that by their ill management , the whole Army was in danger of being routed , which had certainly happen'd if Antony himself had not march'd from the front of the main Battel at the head of the third Legion ; which passing through them that fled , fac'd the Enemies , & hindred them from any farther pursuit . In this Engagement , were killed three thousand , five thousand were carried back to the Camp , the wounded , amongst the rest , Gallus shot through the Body with four Arrows , of which wounds he died . Antony went from Tent to Tent , to visit and comfort the wounded , and was not able to see his men without weeping , but they would take him by the hand chearfully , and intreat him to go and get his own Wounds dress'd , and not concern himself for them ; calling him their Emperour and their General , and that if he did well , they were safe . For in short , never since that time can Fame make mention of a General at the Head of so gallant a Body of Men ; whether you consider Strength and Youth , or Patience and Sufferance in all Labours and Fatigues ; but as for the exact Obedience , and particular Respect they bore their General , that good will and perfect Friendship , that was so universal in the Army amongst Small and Great , Nobles and Peasants , Officers and common Souldiers , so affectionate , and so devoted to him , as to preferr his good Opinion of them to their very Lives and Being ; that in this part of Military Discipline I may boldly say they equall'd the Glory and Reputation of ancient Rome . Of which Love , as I have said before , many were the Reasons , as the Nobility and Antiquity of his Family , his Eloquence , his Behaviour , his Liberality , and Magnificence , his Familiarity in entertaining every Body , and particularly , his Kindness in assisting , visiting and bewailing the sick , furnishing them with all things necessary , that the poor Wretches that were sick and wounded , were as heartily disposed to serve , as those that enjoy'd their Health and Vigour . But this last Victory had so encouraged the Enemy , that they began to despise the Romans , staying all night on horseback , nigh the Camp , in expectation of Plundering their Tents and Baggage , which they concluded they must desert , as a great impediment in their flight ; and in the morning new Forces arrived , that their number was grown to be at least 40000 Horse . The King having sent Guards that attended upon his own Person , as to a sure and unquestion'd Victory ; for he himself was never present in fight . Antony designing to harangue the Souldiers , call'd for his mourning-habit , that he might move them the more ; but he was persuaded by his Friends to put on the habit of General . In his Speech he gave great commendations to them that had gain'd the victory ; as for those that fled , he blam'd them much ; the former gave him great Encouragement in their brave Promises ; and the latter excusing themselves as well as they could , told him they were ready to undergo decimation , or if there were any other punishment he would please to inflict upon them they did submit chearfully , only intreating that he would forget and not discompose himself with their faults , at which he lifted up his hands to Heaven , and prayed the Gods , that if to balance the great favours he had received of them , any judgment lay in store , that they would pour it upon his head alone , and grant that Army victory . The next day they took better order for their march , and the Parthians , who thought they were marching rather to plunder than to fight were surpriz'd to find the enemy not disheartened , but fresh and resolute , so that they themselves began to lose courage ; but for all this , at the descent of a little Hill , where the Romans were oblig'd to pass , the Parthians got together , and let fly their arrows in great showers upon them , and by reason of the difficulty of the way , their march was very slow . Here the Legions that were arm'd at all points were order'd to defend on each side the light arm'd , by kneeling down on their knees , a●d holding their shields stooping over them , the next rank holding theirs over the first , and so onwards , that the army in this figure did much resemble the order that is observable in the tiling of a House , or the degrees in a Theatre , and is a sure defence against Arrows , which glance upon them without doing any harm . The Parthians seeing the Romans down upon their knees could not imagine but that it must proceed from weariness ; so that they laid down their Bows , and taking their Spears made a fierce onset : when the Romans with a great cry leaped upon their Legs , and with their Lances slew the foremost and put the rest to flight . After this rate it was every day , and the trouble they gave Antony was so vexatious that his marches were short , by reason of which the famine was very great in the Camp , for they could get but little Corn , and that which they got they were forc'd to fight for , and besides this they were in great want of Instruments to grind their Corn , and make their Bread , they had left them behind , the baggage horses being dead , or otherwise employed in carrying the sick and wounded : Provision was so scarce in the Army , that half a Peck of Wheat was sold for five Crowns , and Oats for the weight in Silver ; they were brought to feed upon Herbs and Roots , such as are commonly eaten were very scarce , so that they were constrain'd to venture upon any they found , among others they happen'd upon an Herb that was mortal , which did first take away all sense and understanding . He that had eaten of it remembred nothing in the World ; and employed himself wholly in removing of stones from one place to another , which he did with as much earnestness and industry , as if it had been a business of the greatest consequence , and required dispatch ; through all the Camp there was nothing to be seen but Men grubling upon the ground for stones , which they carried from one place to another , but in the end after having vomited much Choler they fell down dead , and chiefly this when their Wine began to fail , which was a sovereign remedy against this distemper . When Antony saw them die so fast , and the Parthian still in pursuit , he was heard to cry out , O the ten Thousand , the ten Thousand ! In remembrance of the famous retreat of Xenophon , who when he had a longer journey to make from Babylon , and a more powerful enemy to deal with , brought his Men home safe . The Parthians finding that they could not defeat the Roman Army , nor in no wise break the order of their Battel , and that withal they had been so often worsted , began to treat the forragers with a great deal of humanity ; they came up to them in all appearance of friendship with their Bows unbended telling them that they were going home to their houses , that they had quite given o'er the pursuit , and that only some Median troops would follow them for two or three days , not with any design to annoy them , but only for the defence of some scattering Villages , and saying this , they saluted them and embraced them with a great shew of friendship . Antony , who had all along a great desire to march through the flat Country , hearing these discourses was almost resolv'd to march the open way , and so much the more in regard that no water was to be hoped for in those Mountains . But while he was deliberating , Mithridates arriv'd in the Camp , he was first cousin to Moneses , of whom we related that he came for refuge into the Roman Army , and receiv'd in gift from Antony three Cities . Upon his arrival he desired some body might be brought to him that could speak Syriack or the Parthian Tongue . One Alexander of Antioch a friend of Antony's was brought to him , to whom the stranger declar'd , that he was sent to Antony from Moneses in acknowledgment of the favours and honours he had received from him , and to make him a return if it were possible ; he asked Alexander if he saw those high Hills , pointing at some distance : He told him yes . 'T is there said he the whole Parthian Army attend your passage , the great Plains behind those Hills will be very advantageous to you in your march , and therefore there they do expect you in ambush , being perswaded you will confide in their promises , and leave the way of the Mountains ; 't is true that in passing o'er the Mountains you will suffer the usual inconveniences for want of water , and the fatigue will be somewhat the greater ; but if you pass through the plains , Antony must in all appearance run the fortune of Crassus . This said , he departed . Antony calling his friends in Council , sent for the Mardian guide , who was of the same opinion . He told them that the way through the plain was a great way about , and very difficult to find , that the other indeed was rough , but then it was but for a day . Changing therefore his mind , he march'd away that night , and commanded that every one should carry water sufficient for his own use , but most of them being unprovided of vessels ; they made shift with their helmets , those that had bottles fill'd them for their own use . The Parthians were no sooner acquainted that the Romans were on their march , but they followed them , contrary to their custom , the same night , and by break of day they fell in with the rear , which was quite tired with marching , and want of sleep , that they were not in condition of making any considerable defence , for they had march'd fifteen leagues that night , and at the end of their journey found the enemy at their heels , which put them out of all patience ; besides being to fight for every step of the way they made in their retreat their thirst was increased beyond all sufferance . Those that were in the front of the Army were come up to a River , the water of which was extremely cool and clear , but brackish and medicinal , and being drank caused an unquenchionable thirst , and acute pains in the Bowels ; of this the Mardian had forewarn'd them , but their thirst was so great , that beating back them that oppos'd them , they drank largely of it . Antony ran from one place to another , begging they would have a little patience , that not far off there was a River of wholesom water , and that the rest of the way was so difficult for the Horse that the Enemy could pursue them no further ; and saying this , he order'd to sound a retreat to call them back that were engaged , and commanded the Tents should be set up , that the Soldiers might refresh themselves in the shade ; but the Tents were scarce well put up , and the Parthians retired according to their custom , when Mithridates came again to them , and inform'd the Interpreter , with whom he had before spoken , that he should do well to advise Antony to stay where he was no longer than needs he must , that after having refresh'd his Troops , he would endeavour with all diligence to gain the next River , that the Parthians would pursue them no further , but so far they were resolv'd to follow them . Alexander who was the Interpreter made his report to Antony , who order'd a good quantity of Gold Plate to be presented to Mithridates , who taking as much as he could well hide under his Gown went his way . Upon this advice Antony decamp'd while it was yet day , and the whole Army march'd without receiving any molestation from the Parthians ; but they themselves were the cause that that night was the most terrible of any they had yet past ; for some of the Army had robb'd and kill'd such as they suspected to have any Money , ransack'd the Baggage and seiz'd on the Money which was to pay the Army , in the end they laid hands on Antony's own equipage , broke all his inlaid Tables , and Cups of precious Stones , dividing the fragments amongst them . Antony hearing so great a confusion could not imagine any thing less than that the Enemy , falling upon his Troops , had utterly routed them , upon which he sent for one of his 〈…〉 ards called Rhamnus , to whom he had formerly given his liberty , and made him swear , that whensoever he should give him orders , he should run his Sword through his body , and cut off his head , that he might not fall alive into the hands of the Parthians ; nor dead be known to be their General . While he was in this consternation and all his friends about him in tears , the Mardian came into the Tent and gave them all new Life , he did convince them , that by the coolness of the Air , and the fresh gales that blew so temperately , the River which he spoke of could not be far off , and consequently the difficulties of their retreat , and the danger of the Enemies pursuit , were now at an end , the which he was the more assured of , because they had marched a great while and the night almost spent ; he was inform'd at the same time that the great confusion , which was in the Camp , did proceed from the avarice of some few Soldiers that were pillaging one another . In order to compose this unruly tumult , he made a halt , and commanded the Signal to be given for incamping , the day began to break before the tumult was well appeas'd , and the Parthians bore hard upon the Rear with their Arrows ; the light arm'd Troops were order'd to make head against them , and being seconded by the Legions , who covered one another with their Shields ; they bravely receiv'd the onset of the Enemy , who did not think convenient to advance any further ; the Army marching very leisurely , they at last came in sight of the River , where Antony upon the Banks drew up the Horse in a posture to receive and oppose the Enemy , and to favour the passage of his Army o'er the River , he first past over the sick and wounded , and then all the rest ; those that were left drawn up on th' other side had leisure to drink at their ease , for the Parthians , being now come to the River which was to be the bounds of their pursuit , unbent their bows , and told the Romans they might pass over freely , and made them great complements in praise of their valour and conduct . At length the Horse pass over too , without being in the least molested by the enemy , and when they were on the other side the river , they drank their fill , as the others had done before , and joyn'd the rest of the Army , not giving any credit to the fair words of their deceitful enemies . It was six days after the last skirmish that they arrived at the River Araxes , which divides Media and Armenia , and seemed , both by its deepness and the violence of the current , to be very dangerous in passing , and a report had crept in amongst them , that the Enemy was in ambush ready to set upon them as soon as they should be amus'd in their passage . But when they were got over on the other side , and found themselves in Armenia , just as if they were come into harbour after a tempest , they worship'd the Land , and shedding tears for joy , every one embraced his friend ; but taking their journey through a Land that abounded in all sorts of plenty , and having suffer'd great want , they eat with that excess of every thing they met , that they fell into Dropsies , and Dysenteries . Here Antony making a review of his Army , found that he had lost twenty thousand Foot , and four thousand Horse , of which the better half perished , not by the Enemy but by Diseases ; their march was of twenty seven days from Phraata , in which the Parthians were worsted in eighteen Battels , by which it is manifest that Artuasdes was the cause why Antony could not bring this War to a happy end , for had the sixteen thousand Median Horse , skilful in the Discipline of the Parthians , and accustomed to their manner of fight , been present , the Romans having put them once to flight , and the pursuit left to the Medians , it is impossible they could have rallied after their defeat , and appear again as they did in a posture to receive the Enemy ; for which reason the whole Army was very earnest with Antony to march into Armenia , but he taking advice of his necessities , did not upbraid him with his dissertion , nor in the least abate of the usual civility , with which he was wont to treat him ; for he found the Army wearied out , and in want of all manner of necessaries , but upon another occasion coming into Armenia with invitations and fair promises , he prevail'd with Artuasdes to meet him , where he seized him , bound him and carried him to Alexandria , there to be led in triumph ; by which he very much offended the Romans , in that he carried into Egypt the triumphal Ornaments due unto his Country , only to ingratiate himself with Cleopatra : But these matters happen'd afterwards . For the present marching his Army in great haste in the depth of Winter through continual storms of Snow , he lost eight thousand of his Men , and came very ill accompany'd to a place called Leucocome , situated betwixt Sydon and Beryte nigh the Sea side , where he sate down in expectation of Cleopatra , and being impatient of the delay she made , he bethought himself of short'ning the time in drink and debauchery , and not being able to endure the tediousness of a Meal , he would start from Table and run to see if she were coming , and this lasted till she came into Port. She brought with her Cloaths and Money for the Soldiers . Some say that Antony having received the Cloaths of her , distributed his own Money in her name . About this time a difference happen'd 'twixt the King of Media and Phraortes King of Parthia about division of the booty that was taken from the Romans , which caused great apprehension in the Median least he should lose his Kingdom , he sent therefore Ambassadors to Antony with offers of entring into a confederat War against Phraortes , which gave Antony great hopes of obtaining his desire , seeing that by this means he should have such horse as was necessary to reduce the Parthians , and upon this consideration he return'd into Armenia , and joyning the King of Media nigh Araxes they began the War. Octavia having a desire to see Antony easily obtained leave of Caesar , not so much to gratifie her humour , as to find a good pretence to begin the War upon her ill reception : She no sooner arrived at Athens , but in Letters from Antony she understood his new expedition , and his will that she should attend him there , though she were much displeas'd , not being ignorant of the ground of this usage , yet she writ to him to know to what place he would be pleas'd she should send the things she had brought with her for his use , for she brought cloaths for his Soldiers , many horses , money and presents for his Friends and Officers , and two thousand chosen Soldiers well arm'd to recruit the Praetorian Cohorts . This Message brought Niger from Octavia to Antony ; in the relation speaking much of her praise , insisting much upon her merit . Cleopatra being inform'd that Octavia was coming , and fearing least that her easiness of behaviour and observance of Antony's humour joyn'd with her discretion , and powerful alliance , should render her charms irresistible , she betook her self to die for love of Antony , bringing her body down with a slender opening Diet ; when he entred the room she fix'd her eyes upon him in a rapture , and when he took his leave , she never fail'd to swound ; when she design'd to cry , she would turn about and wipe her eyes as being unwilling to let him know the greatness of her concern , all this was acting while he prepar'd for Media , and Cleopatra's Creatures that were to help forward the design , upbraided Antony with his insensibility , who could basely see a Lady perish , whose soul depended upon him , and him alone ; they added , that it was true Octavia was his Wife , and did enjoy that honourable Title , because it was found convenient for the Affairs of her Brother that it should be so , but Cleopatra the soveraign Queen of many Nations , must be contented with the name of his Mistress , nor did she shun or despise the character , whilst she might see him , whilst she might live with him and enjoy him , if she were bereav'd of this , she would not survive the loss . Antony was so well perswaded that Cleopatra must die if he forsook her , that he put off all thoughts of the War , and return'd to Alexandria , deferring his Median expedition till next Summer , though he were inform'd of great seditions among the Parthians . Some while after he went into that Country , and made an alliance with the King of Media by Marriage of a Son of his by Cleopatra to the King's Daughter , who was yet very young ; and so return'd with his thoughts taken up about the Civil War. When Octavia return'd from Athens , Caesar who thought she had been treated very injuriously , commanded her unto his own house , but she refused to leave the house of her Husband , and intreated him , that unless he had other motives to make War with Antony , that he would desist , thinking it very scandalous to be reported of the two greatest Commanders in the World , that they had involved the Roman People in a Civil War , the one to justifie his Mistress , the other the resentment of his Sister's usage . Her behaviour did confirm her words to be her resolution , for she retired to his house and took that worthy care , not only of his Children by her , but of those by Fulvia also , as if he had been present . She received very kindly all the friends of Antony that had any pretension to preferment ; or came to Rome upon any business , and was ready to prefer their Petitions to Caesar ; but this honourable deportment of hers was injurious to the reputation of Antony , who could be capable of treating ill , a Woman of that merit ; nor was the dividend he made unto his Sons at Alexandria look'd upon but as insolent , and derogating from the honour of the Romans ; for assembling the People in the publick place , and causing two Golden Thrones to be placed in a State of Silver , the one for him , and another for Cleopatra , and at their feet lower Seats for his Children , he proclaimed Cleopatra Queen of Aegypt ; Cyprus , Africa and Caelosyria , and with her to be joyn'd Caesario the supposed Son of Caesar the Dictator , who left Cleopatra with Child ; as for his Sons by him and Cleopatra , they were to be treated in the stile of King of Kings : To Alexander he gave Armenia and Media with Parthia , so soon as it should be overcome , to Ptolomy , Phaenicia , Syria , Cilicia . Alexander was brought out before the People in the Median habit , in a Gown and narrow Hat , and Ptolomy in Slippers and a Mantle , with a Cap done about with the Diadem ; for this was the habit of the successors of Alexander ; this the Median and Armenian dress : and as soon as they had saluted their parents , the one was received by a Guard of Macedonians , the other by one of Armenians . Cleopatra was then , as at other times , when she appear'd in publick , drest in the habit of the Goddess Isis , and did give audience unto the People under the name of the new Isis . Caesar relating these things in the Senate , and often accusing him to the People , had created in them an ill will towards him : Nor was Antony backward in his part to recriminate . The principal of his Articles were these ; First , that he had not made any division with him of Sicily , which was lately taken from Pompey . Secondly , that he had not made restitution of the Ships he had lent him . Thirdly , that the power of Lepidus , his Collegue being abrogated he had retained his Army , his Governments , and the Revenues to him appropriated : And Lastly , that he had parcell'd out almost all Italy amongst his own Soldiers , and devised nothing to his . Caesar's answer was as follows : That since Lepidus was not fit to Rule he had dismist him , the Government , that what he had got in War he would divide with Antony , so soon as he would give him his share of Armenia : That his Soldiers had not their share in Italy , because they were in possession of Media and Parthia , which having fought bravely under their Emperour they had joyned to the Roman Empire . Antony was in Armenia when this news came to him , he presently therefore sent Canidius , with sixteen Legions towards the Sea , but he in the company of Cleopatra went for Ephesus , where the Rendezvous of the Fleet was order'd , which consisted , reckoning in the tenders , of eight hundred Vessels , of which Cleopatra furnish'd two hundred , and * twenty thousand Talents , with Provision for the whole Army during the War. Antony was advised by Domitius and some others to send Cleopatra into Egypt , there to expect the event of the War ; but she dreading a Peace might be contriv'd by the mediation of Octavia , had prevail'd with Canidius by a considerable summ of Money to plead her Cause with Antony , and to let him know that it was not just , that one that bore so great a part in the charge of the Wars , should be robb'd of her share of Glory in the carrying it on ; nor wou'd it be politick to disoblige the Egyptians , who were so considerable a part of his Naval Forces : Nor did he see how she was inferior to any of his Companions in Prudence , considering how well she had govern'd a great Kingdom by her self alone , and by the constant management of affairs , had arrived to a great Capacity . These arguments gain'd upon his Spirit , for it was destin'd by Fate , that Caesar should have all : So that joyning their Forces , they made Sail for Samos , where they made very good Chear ; for as it was order'd that all Kings , Princes , and Governours , all Common-wealths , and Cities within the Circuit and Dependances of Syria , the Maeotide Lake , Armenia , and Illyria , do bring , or cause to be brought all Preparations and Munition necessary for War ; so was it also proclaim'd , that all such as made any profession of divertisement , should make their appearance at Samos ; so that ( while the whole World was in Tears and Lamentation ) this Island alone for some days was fill'd with all sorts of Harmony , and the Theatre crowded with Dancers and Comedians , each City sent Oxen for Sacrifice , and the Kings that accompanied Antony , were in a perpetual dispute , who should make the most magnificent Feasts , and the greatest Presents ; every particular man astonish'd at what he saw , saying , What will they do to be glad enough when they have got the Victory , since they are at such an expence of Merriment at the opening of the War ? This over , he gave Priene to his Players for a Habitation , and set Sail for Athens ; where a-fresh , Sports and Theatres were his Joy. Cleopatra being jealous of the Honour Octavia had receiv'd at Athens ( for Octavia was much beloved by the Athenians ) she insinuated her self into the favour of the People with all the Civilities imaginable : The Athenians , in requital , having decreed her Publick Honours , deputed several of the Citizens to wait upon her at her House ; amongst the which , Antony was one , as being free of the City ; and he it was that made the Speech : He sent order to Rome to have Octavia removed out of his House , accompanied by all Antony's Children , except the Eldest by Fulvia , who was then with his Father ; weeping and grieving that she must be look'd upon as one of the Causes of the Civil War , she was pitied by the Romans , but more was Antony pitied by them that had seen Cleopatra , who was not preferable to Octavia , neither for Youth nor Beauty . Caesar having an account what great Preparations Antony had made , was afraid lest the War should be begun that Summer ; for he wanted many Necessaries , and the People grudged very much to pay the Subsidies , for they that were obliged to pay the Fourth of what their yearly Revenue was ; and the Libertines , who paid an Eighth , did do it with such reluctancy , that great Troubles had like to have ensued throughout all Italy ; and this is looked upon as one of the greatest of Antony's Oversights , that he did not then press the War ; for he gave Caesar leisure to provide himself , and satisfie the People ; for while that Money is squeezing out of the People , they are very mutinous , but when they have parted with it , they are well enough satisfied to be quiet . Titus and Plancus , Men of Consular Dignity , and Friends to Antony , having been ill us'd by Cleopatra , whom they opposed in her Design of being present in the War ; came over to Caesar , and being acquainted with the Contents of Antony's Testament , did inform him , it was deposited in the hands of the Vestal-Virgins , who did deny to deliver it up , but sent him word , if he pleased , he might come and seize it himself ; which he did ; and reading it over to himself , he noted those Places that were most for his purpose , and having summoned the Senate , did read them publickly : Many were scandalized at the Proceeding , thinking it very hard that they should think of punishing a man for what was not to be , till after his Death . He did more urgently press what Antony had left in his Will concerning his Burial ; for he had order'd , that though he died in the City of Rome , his Body should be solemnly carried through the Market-Place , and sent to Cleopatra at Alexandria . Calvisius a Dependant of Caesar's urg'd other Crimes against Antony , committed in the favour of Cleopatra , that he had given her the Library of Perg 〈…〉 um , wherein were two thousand distinct Volumes : That at a solemn Feast , he had risen from the Table , and treading upon her Foot , had given her a manifest Assignation ; that he had suffered the Ephesians to salute her by the name of their Queen : That he had frequently at the publick Audience of Kings , and Princes receiv'd amorous Messages written in Tablets made of Onyx and Chrystal , and read them openly , that when Turnius , a man of great Authority and Eloquence among the Romans , was pleading , Cleopatra happening to pass by in her Chair , that Antony should leave them in the middle of their Cause , and wait upon her home : But Calvisius was look'd upon as the Inventer of most of these Accusations . Antony's Friends went up and down the City to gain him Credit , and sent Geminius to him , to let him know his Affairs did require he should be more circumspect ; that he was in danger to have all his Governments taken from him , and be proclaim'd publick Enemy to the City of Rome ; but Geminius no sooner arriv'd in Greece , but he was look'd upon as one of Octavia's Spies ; he was scurvily rallied , and set at the lower end of the Table ; but this he bore very well , seeking only an occasion of conferring with Antony ; but once at Supper , being demanded what his Business was he came about ? He answered , that his Business might very well deserve a serious Conference ; but one thing he had to deliver , which might be spoke either full or fasting ; which was , that Matters would bear much a better Face , if Cleopatra would return into Egypt : Antony being very angry , Gleopatra told him , Geminius , you have done very well to tell us this important Secret without a Rack : Geminius took an occasion to make his escape , and got to Rome : Many more of Antony's Friends were driven from him , by the insolent usage they could not bear from Cleopatra's Flatterers ; amongst the which were Marcus , Syllanus , and Dellius the Historian . The last declared , he was asraid of his Life , and that Glaucus the Physician had inform'd him of Cleopatra's Design against him . She was angry with him , for having said that Antony's Friends were serv'd with sour Wine ; and that at Rome , Sarmentus , Caesar's Minion's little Serving-Boy , drank Falernum . Caesar was no sooner in readiness , but he declared War against Cleopatra , and Antony's Government was taken from him for being ruled by a Woman ; Caesar added , that he had drank Potions that had bereav'd him of his Senses ; that the War● would be manag'd against them by Mardion the Eunuch , Photinus , and Iras , Cleopatra's waiting Woman , and Charmion , who were become Antony's chief Counsellors . These Prodigies were said to forebode the War. Pisaurum , where Antony had settled a Colony near the Adriatick Sea , was swallowed up in an Earthquake ; a Marble Statue of Antony , that was at Alba , did sweat for many days together ; and though it were often wip'd , it continued to sweat : When he himself was in the City of Patras the Temple of Hercules was burnt by lightning : At Athens Bacchus was by a great Wind blown out of the Battel of the Giants and the Gods , and laid flat upon the Theatre ; for Antony did derive himself from Hercules as we said before : And in imitating Bacchus in his way of living , was called young Bacchus ; the same Whirlwind at Athens did bring down from amongst many others , the great Statues of Eumenes and Attalus , which were called the Antonine Statues . And in Cleopatra's Admiral , which was called Antonias , a dismal prodigy did happen , some Swallows had built in the Stern of the Admiral ; but other Swallows came , beat the first away , and destroy'd their Nests . Preparations being made on both sides , Antony had no less than five hundred Gallies well appointed , most of them had eight and ten Banks of Oars , so very rich , that they seem'd designed for Triumph . He had a hundred thousand foot , and twelve thousand Horse ; he had of Vassal Kings attending , Bacchus of Lybia , Tarcondemus of the Upper Cilicia , Archelaus of Cappadocia , Philadelphus of Paphlagonia , Mithridates of Commagena , and Adallas King of Thracia ; all these attended him in the War : Out of Pontus Polemon sent him considerable Forces , as did also Manchus from Arabia , Herod out of Jury , and Amyntas King of Lycaonia and Galatia , and the Median King sent their Troops to joyn him . Caesar had two hundred and fifty stout Gallies , fourscore thousand Foot , and the number of Horse equal to the Enemy . Antony had under his Command , all that tract of Land , that lies betwixt Euphrates , and the Ionian Sea , and great part of Illyria . Caesar's Government extended from Illyria to the Westward Ocean , and from the Ocean all along the Tuscan and Sicilian Sea ; as for the division of Africk , Caesar had all the Coast that was opposite to Italy , Gaul , and Spain , and Antony the Provinces from Cyrene , reaching up into Aethiopia : He was so besotted with the Love of Cleopatra , that although he was much Superior to the Enemy in Land Forces , yet out of complaisance to his Mistress , he rather chose to engage him by Sea , and that when he could not but see how ill his Navy was supply'd ; his Captains for want of Mariners pressing every one they met , Carriers , Ostlers , Laborers , and Boys ; and for all this , the Vessels had not their complement , but remained in a very ill plight for Sailing . Caesar on the other side had his Navy contriv'd , not for shew but for service , no pompous Galleries but built light , and well mann'd with experienc'd Sailers from Tarentum and Brundusium ; from thence he sent to Antony , not to draw out the time in delays , but that he would bring up his Forces , that he would give him secure Ports for his Fleet , and that for his Land Forces , he would give him as much ground to encamp in , as a horse could run over from the Sea-side up the Continent . Antony on the other side bravely challeng'd him to a single Combat , though he were much the older , and that being refused propos'd to meet him in the Pharsalian Fields , where Julius Caesar and Pompey had fought before . Whilst Antony was at Anchor before Actium , where now stands Nicopolis , Caesar crost the Ionian Sea , and gain'd Toryne a place in Epirus , upon which Antony's Soldiers were ready to mutiny in consideration that their Land Forces were a great way off , but Cleopatra turning it into a jest ; indeed , said she , we ought to tremble now Caesar is sate down before Toryne : On the morrow at break of day Caesar appears , his Fleet drawn up in a Line ready to engage , which Antony perceiving , and not being assured that his Gallies , so ill provided , would be able to stand the shock , he armed all the Rowers , and made a shew upon the Decks of being in readiness to engage ; the Oars were mounted on each side of the Vessels , and so he Sailed up into the mouth of the Port of Actium , as though he were in all points provided for an engagement . And Caesar deceiv'd by this stratagem retir'd . He also cut off the Water , from the Enemy , by making of Trenches and Forts , the water not being plentiful in those parts , nor very good : His carriage to Domitius was very generous , and much against the will of Cleopatra , for when he had made his escape in a little Boat to Caesar , having then an Ague upon him , altho Antony could not but resent it highly , yet he sent after him his whole Equipage , with his Friends and Servants , and Domitius , as if he would have given a Testimony to the World how asham'd he was of his base desertion , dy'd soon after . Among the Kings , also Amyntas and Deiotarus went over to Caesar , his Fleet was so unfortunate in every thing that was undertaken , and so unready upon every design , that Antony was constrain'd to lay his stress upon the Land Forces : Canidius , too , who commanded the Legions , when he saw how things stood , chang'd his opinion , and now was of advise that Cleopatra should be sent back , and that retiring into Thracia or Macedonia , the quarrel might be decided in a Land fight , and that Ditomes the King of the Getes was in a readiness to attend him with a great Army , and that it was not in the least any disparagement to him to quit the Sea to Caesar , who in the Sicilian Wars had gain'd so great experience in Sea affairs , but that it would seem very ridiculous for Antony , the greatest Captain of the World , to make no use of his well disciplin'd and stout Troops , but to scatter them , and render them useless in the defence of a Navy ; but for all this , Cleopatra prevail'd that a Sea-fight should determine of all , having then an eye to flight , and ordering all her affairs , not as if she had the least thought of victory , but how she might , when all was lost , make her escape with greatest safety . There was a long neck of Land , which from the Camp ran into the Sea , where the Fleet rid at anchor ; here Antony used to walk without suspecting any danger , but Caesar upon information from a Servant that it was not difficult to surprize him , laid an ambush , which rising up somewhat too hastily , seized the Man that came just before him , he himself escaping narrowly by flight ; when it was resolved to stand to a Fight at Sea , they set fire of all , but sixty of the best Egyptian Vessels , and these he mann'd with twenty thousand armed Men , and two thousand Archers : Here it is reported of a foot Captain , well experienc'd in War , and one that had fought often under Antony , and had his Body all mangled with wounds , that he should cry out , O most noble General , why do you mistrust these Wounds and Swords you see , to put your confidence in rotten Wood , let Egyptians and Phoenicians contend at Sea , give us the Land where we will die upon the spot or gain the victory : To which he answer'd nothing , but by his look , and motion of his hand , seeming to bid him be of good courage , he passed forwards having no opinion of the posture of affairs ; and when the Masters propos'd the leaving of Sails behind them , he commanded they should be put aboard , for we must not , said he , let one Enemy escape . That day , and the three following , the Sea was so rough they could not engage , but on the fifth there was a calm , and then they fought . Antony , commanding with Publicola the right , and Celius the left Squadron . Marcus Octavius and Marcus Justius the middle Squadron . Octavius had given the charge of the left Squadron to Agrippa commanding in person the right : As for the Land Forces , Canidius was General for Antony ; Taurus for Caesar , both Armies being drawn up in great order all along the Shoar . Antony in a small Vessel went from one Ship to another encouraging his Soldiers , and advising them to stand firm , and that the largeness of the Ships would render the fight , as fix'd as if they were at Land : To the Masters he order'd that they should receive the Enemy lying still as at Anchor , and maintain the entrance of the Port , which was a dangerous Pass . They relate of Caesar , that going out of his Tent before day in order to visit his Fleet , that he met a Man driving an Ass , and asking his name , he told him it was Eutychus ( which signifies fortunate ) and my Ass , says he , is called Nicon ( which is Conquerour ; ) and afterwards when he disposed the Beaks of the Ships in that place in token of his Victory , the Statue of this Man and his Ass in Brass were placed amongst them , having viewed his whole Fleet , and from the right Squadron discovering the Enemies posture , he much admired the quiet order they were in , for in all appearance they seemed as if they had been at Anchor ; and therefore he slack'ned his course , for they were not above half a League from one another ; about noon a gentle Southern Wind did blow , and then Antony's Men being weary of expecting the Enemy so long , and trusting to their large tall Vessels , as if they had been invincible , began to advance the left Squadron . Caesar was overjoyed to see them move , and order'd the right Squadron to retire , that he might get out to Sea as far as he could , his design being to encompass him round with his light Gallies that were full mann'd ; the Enemy being scarce able to move by reason of their great bulk , and in proportion to their bigness being very ill furnish'd with Seamen and Soldiers . When they engaged there was no striking of one Ship against another , because Antony's Ships , by reason of their great burthen , were uncapable of being in a quick motion , by which the stroke is made effectual ; on the other side , Caesar's Ships durst not strike upon the head of Antony's , which were all arm'd with Spikes of Iron , nor durst they give upon the Sides , by reason they were made of strong square pieces of Timber fasten'd together with Massy Pins of Iron . So that this engagement resembled a Land Fight , or that I may speak more properly the attack of some strong place , for there were always three or four Vessels about one of Antony's , pressing them with Pikes , Javelins , Darts , and several inventions of Fire , which they flung among them : Antony's Men pouring upon them with their Machines from off their Wooden Towers . Agrippa drawing out the Squadron under his command , to hem in the Enemy , Publicola was oblig'd to observe his motions and desert the middle Squadron , which was sore presled by Arruntius , Fortune not having yet determined on the day ; when on a sudden Cleopatra with her sixty Sail was seen to make out to Sea , and to take her way quite through the Ships that were engaged , for they were placed behind the great Ships , which in breaking through they put to great disorder , the Enemy was astonished to see them with a fair wind to make for Peloponnesus : Here it was that Antony betray'd himself ; here his behaviour was so below the Character of a Captain , nay , indeed of any thing that was Man , and much more below himself , that he confirm'd what has formerly been observ'd , that a Lover's Soul lives in another body , for as if he had been born part of her , and so to be carried wheresoever she went , as soon as he saw her Ship under Sail , he abandoned all that were to spend their lives for him , and put himself aboard a Gally of five Ranks of Oars , taking with him only Alexander of Syria , and Scellius , to follow her that had so well began his ruine , and would be sure to accomplish it . She perceiving him to follow , gave the signal to come aboard ; so soon as he came up with them , he was helped into the Ship , but without seeing her , he sets himself down very melancholy in the Stern , with both his hands supporting his head ; in the mean while , Caesar's light Ships that were in pursuit of Antony , came into sight , but Antony commanding to tack about they all gave back , but one Eurycles the Laconian a stout fellow , who from off the Deck shaked his Lance in a very threatning posture . Antony standing at the Stern , demanded of him , who he was that pursued him so hard : I am , says he , Eurycles the Son of Lachares arm'd with Caesar ' s Fortune to revenge my Father's death . This Lachaesr had been condemned to death by Antony for a robbery ; but he did not venture to attack Antony , but ran with his full force upon the other Admiral , for there were two Ships so distinguished , and with the blow turn'd her round and took her and another Ship , wherein was all his rich Plate and Furniture : So soon as Eurycles was gone , Antony returned to his posture and sate silent ; thus he behaved himself for three days , either angry or asham'd , and then arriv'd at Tenarus . There the Ladies that were intrusted with their most important Affairs , first brought them to speak together , then to eat , and at last perswaded them to lie together ; several Ships , and many of his friends followed him , and brought him the news of his Fleets being quite destroy'd , but that the Land Forces did yet stand firm , so that he sent Messengers to Canidius to march his Army through Macedonia into Asia , and designing to go from Tenarus to Africk , he gave one of the larger Ships laden with vast Summs of Money , and Vessels of Silver and Gold of an inestimable price , to his friends , desiring them to share it amongst them , and provide for their own safety ; they refusing his kindness with tears in their eyes , he comforted them with all the goodness and humanity imaginable , intreating them to retire , and writ Letters in their behalf to Theophilus his Steward at Corinth ; that he would provide for their security , and keep them conceal'd till such time , as they could make their Peace with Caesar . Theophilus was the Father of that Hipparchus , who had so great interest in Antony , and was the first of all his Servants that went over to Caesar ; he settled afterward at Corinth . In this posture were Antony's affairs . This Fleet of Antony's that engaged before Actium , suffer'd much by a stiff Gale that blew fresh in their Stern , was scarce routed till four o' th' Clock in the afternoon , with the loss of but five thousand Men , and three hundred Ships , as Caesar himself writes in his Commentaries , those that saw with their own Eyes the flight of Antony could not make others believe so incredible a thing , that a General , that had ten intire Legions , and twelve thousand Horse upon the Sea-shore , could so basely desert them , and he above all the world , who had so often seen Fortune in all her shapes , and been so accustomed to changes : His Soldiers who did passionately desire his arrival , still fancying he would appear from some part or other , gave great Testimony of their generous fidelity to his service , who when they were throughly perswaded that he was fled in earnest , kept themselves in a body seven days , making no account of the Embassadors that Caesar sent to them , but at last , seeing that Canidius himself , who commanded them , was fled from the Camp by Night , and that the chief Officers had abandon'd them , They put themselves into the hands of him that was strongest . After this Caesar set sail for Athens , where he made a peace with Greece , making a distribution of the provision of Corn which Antony had made for his Army , among the Grecian Cities which were reduced to extreme poverty ; having been robbed of their Money , their Slaves , their Horses , and all their Beasts of Service . My great Grandfather Nicearchus us'd to relate that the Inhabitants of the Cities of Greece having no Horses , were compell'd with stripes to carry a certain measure of Corn upon their shoulders to the Sea-side , nigh Anticyra ; but this hardship did not last , for when they were upon the second expedition , news came of Antony's defeat , this saved Cheronea , for the persons concern'd in the General 's affairs , and all the Soldiers fled upon this news , and left the Inhabitants to divide the Corn amongst them . When Antony came into Libya , from the Town of Paretonium , he sent Cleopatra into Egypt , and staid himself in a very solitary condition , having no Company but two of his familiar friends , the one Aristocraces a Grecian , the other Lucilius a Roman . We have already spoken of the last in the life of Brutus , and how that to give him leisure to escape at the Battel of Philippi , he suffer'd himself to be taken , pretending to be Brutus . Antony , g●ve him his Life , and he remained firm to him to his last day . To add to the afflictions of Antony , he understood , that he who commanded for him in Libya , to whose care he had committed all the Troops of that Country , was gone over to Caesar ; there he had a great mind to kill himself , but was hindred by his friends , and coming to Alexandria , he found Cleopatra busied in a most prodigious enterprise . There is but a small space of Land which divides the Red Sea from the Mediterranean , which also separates Asia from Africk , and in the narrowest place is not much above thirty six miles over , Cleopatra had formed a project of dragging her Gallies over this Neck of Land , and of setting them on Float in the Red-Sea , with all her riches aboard to seek some remote Country , where she might live in peace , secure from War and Slavery : But the first Gallies which were carried over , being burnt by the Arabians of Petra , and Antony not knowing , but that the Army before Actium stood yet firm ; she desisted from her enterprise , and gave orders for the fortifying all the avenues of her Kingdom , but Antony leaving the City and the conversation of his friends , built him a house nigh Pharos upon a little Mount , which he had cast up in the Sea , and there secluding himself from the company of mankind , he resolved to imitate the life of Timon , because he had received the same hard usage ; and that for the ingratitude and injuries , which he suffer'd from those he had obliged and esteemed his friends , he would hate and mistrust all Mankind . This Timon was a Citizen of Athens , and lived in the time of the Peloponnesian War , as may be seen by the Comedies of Aristophanes and Plato , in which he is lashed as the hater and enemy of mankind . This Man having a long time avoided , and despised the converse of every Body ; and meeting Alcibiades a bold young Gentleman , he civilly saluted him and embraced him . Apemantus was astonish'd and demanding the reason ; Oh , says Timon , you cannot imagine what mischief this young Man will one day do the Athenians : He never admitted any one into his Company , but this Apemantus , who was much of the same humour , and a zealous imitator of his way of Life . At the celebration of the Feasts for the Dead , these two were eating together , and Apemantus , saying to him , Oh Timon this is a pleasant Feast : It would be so , he answer'd , if thou wert away . One day he got up in a full Assembly into the Pulpit , and a great silence being made by reason of so unusual a sight , he began his Speech which was thus : Ye Men of Athens , I have a little Court-yard , and in it grows a Fig-Tree , on which many of your Citizens have been pleas'd to hang themselves , and now having resolved to build in that place , I could not omit the making publick Declaration of my design , least I should prejudice any one by cutting down my Tree that has a mind to hang himself . He died and was buried at Hales nigh the Sea , which swells in that place , and flowing round his Monument makes it inaccessible , the Monument had this inscription . The wretches heart who here does lie Did burst with grief and misery . Ask him not his name to tell , But God confound ye all , farewel . And this Epitaph was made by himself while yet alive ; that which is usually reported to be his was made by Callimachus . Here Timon lies who hated man , begon , Curse , mortal , curse again , but pray march on . Thus much of Timon , of whom much more might be said . Canidius brought Antony word of the loss of his Army which was before Actium ; then he received news that Herod of Judea was gone over to Caesar with very considerable Troops , that several great Commanders had deserted him , and that his interest was quite ruin'd every where : All this did not in the least move him , but quitting all hope that he might be rid of all care , and leaving his habitation by the Sea , which he call'd the Timonium , he was received by Cleopatra in the Palace , and the whole City was diverted by him with feasting , drinking , and presents . The Son of Caesar and Cleopatra was registred among the youths and Antyllas his own Son by Fulvia received the Gown without the purple border , which was given to them that are come of age ; so that the Citizens of Alexandria did nothing but feast and revel for many days , they broke up the order of the inimitable Livers , and constituted another in its place nothing inferior to the former in splendor and luxury , and called it the Diers together ; for all those that would die with Antony and Cleopatra gave in their Names , passing their time in all manner of pleasures , and treating one another by turns . But Cleopatra was busied in making a collection of all manner of poysonous drugs , and desirous to know which of them were the least painful in the Operation , she sent them to be tried upon such as were condemn'd to die , but finding that those poisons that had a quick effect caused sharp pains and great convulsions , and that the milder were so very long a working , she set her self to the examination of venomous Creatures , applying one sort to one Body , and another to others ; and this was her daily practice , still finding that nothing was comparable to the bite of the Asp , which , without the least convulsion or groaning , caused a great heaviness in the head and desire of sleep with a gentle sweat all o'er the Face , the senses being stupify'd by degrees ; the patient in appearance , being sensible of no pain , but rather troubled to be disturb'd or awaken'd , like those that are in a profound natural sleep . They both sent Ambassadors to Caesar into Asia , Cleopatra petition'd for the Kingdom of Egypt for her Children ; and Antony that he might have leave to live a private Man in Egypt , and if that were thought too much , that he might retire to Athens , for want of friends , so many having deserted , and the remainder not deserving to be trusted , Euphronius his Son's Tutor was sent of this Embassie . For Alexas of Laodicea , who by the recommendation of Timagenes came acquainted with Antony at Rome , and had the greatest power over him of any of the Grecians , and was of all the insinuating Spirits , which Cleopatra made use of to perswade Antony , the most successful , and the only Man that could oppose Octavia's Counsels , was sent to Herod to keep that King from desertion , but he betraying his Master staid with him , and confiding in Herod's interest , had the impudence to come into Caesar's presence , but Herod was not able to protect him , for he was presently bound in Fetters and sent into his own Country , where by Caesar's order he was put to death ; this reward of his Treason did Alexas receive while Antony was yet alive . Caesar denying Antony's request made answer to Cleopatra , that there was no manner of favour which she might not reasonably expect , if she put Antony to death , or banish'd him . He sent back with the Ambassadors his own Servant Thyreus a Man of no ordinary parts , and not unlikely to succeed , coming from an Emperour in his youth to a vain Woman easily pust up with her own praises , and putting so great trust in her Charms . This Man making his audience much longer than ordinary , and receiving great honours from her , made Antony very jealous ; so that he order'd him to be first whipp'd , and then sent back to Caesar , writing him word , he had been provok'd by his proud insolent Carriage , and that a Man in his Circumstances was no great Master of his passions , but that if he took it ill , he had his Servant Hipparchus by him , whom he might use after the same manner , that they might be upon even Terms . But Cleopatra , that she might make atonement for her own indiscretion , and lay his jealousie , made all the submission imaginable : When her Birth-day came , she kept it as was suitable to their deplorable Fortune ; but his was observ'd with great splendor and magnificence , so that many of the Guests sate down in great want , and went home wealthy Men. After the defeat of Antony , Agrippa writ many Letters to Caesar , to let him know , how necessary his presence was at Rome ; for which reason the War was deferr'd for a season , but the Winter being over , he began his march ; he himself by the way of Syria , and his Captains through Africk . Peleusium being taken , there went a report as if that Town had been delivered to Caesar by Seleucus not without the consent of Cleopatra , but she to justifie her self gave up into Antony's hands , the Wife and Children of Seleucus . She had caused to be built joyning to the Temple of Isis , several Tombs and Monuments of a stupendious height , and very considerable for the workmanship , thither she removed her Treasure , her Gold , Silver , Emeralds , Pearls , Ebony , Ivory , Cinnamon , and after all , of Torches and Flax a great quantity , upon which Caesar began to fear least she should in a desperate fit set all these riches on fire , therefore while he was marching towards the City with his Arms he omitted no occasion of giving her assurance of his respect . Caesar having incamped in the Court where they used to manage their Horses , Antony made a fierce Sally , routed the Horse , and beat them back into their Trenches , and so return'd with great satisfaction to the Palace where meeting Cleopatra , arm'd as he was , he kist her , and recommended to her favour a brave Fellow that had signaliz'd himself in this engagement , to whom she made a present of a Coat of Armour , and Helmet made of Gold , which he having received , went that very Night and rendred himself to Caesar . After this Antony sent a Challenge to Caesar to fight him hand to hand , who made him answer that he might find several other ways to end his Life ; and he considering with himself , that he could not die more honourably than in Battel , resolved to fight Caesar both by Land and Sea. As 't is reported , he commanded his Servants to treat him chearfully , and fill him his Wine plentifully , that to morrow they should not do the same ; but become Servants to a new Master , when he should lie extended on the ground , a poor dead Corps , a very Nothing : His Friends that were about him , wept to hear him talk on this manner ; which he perceiving , he told them , he should not le●d them out to fight with greater expectation of an honourable Death , than of a glorious Victory . At the dead of Night , when the whole City was in a deep silence and consternation it expecting the event of the next day , on a sudden was heard the sound of all manner of Instruments , and a horrible noise , like to that which is made at the Feasts of Bacchus ; this tumultuous Procession seem'd to have broke in at one Gate of the City , to have quite travers'd it , and have gone out at the Gate which the Enemy lay before ; and this did signifie to them that understand Prodigies , that Bacchus , the God whom he had always a particular inclination for , and whom he did study to imitate , had now forsaken him : Assoon as it was light , he march'd his Foot out of the City , and posted them upon a rising ground , from whence he saw his Fleet make up to the Enemy . There he stood in expectation of the Event ; but as soon as ever the Fleets came nigh to one another , his first saluted Caesar's ; which having returned the Complement , they presently joyn'd , and with all their force row'd up to the City : Antony had no sooner seen this , but the Horse deserted him , and rendred themselves to Caesar ; and his Foot being defeated , he retired into the City , roaring out , that Cleopatra had betrayed him , when he had fought only for her sake . She being afraid lest in his fury and despair he might do her a mischief , sled to her Monument , and making it as fast as she could with Bars and Bolts ; she sent to make Antony believe she was dead , He believing it , cries out , Now Antony , what hast thou to do in this World ? Fate now has snatch'd away the only cause for which thou could'st endure to live . Going into his Chamber , and opening his Coat of Armour , I am not ( says he ) troubled , Cleopatra , to be at present bereaved of you ; for I shall soon be with you ; but this does much afflict me , that so famous a General should be inferiour in greatness of Mind to a Woman . He had a faithful Servant , whose Name was Eros ; he had engaged him formerly to kill him when he should think it necessary ; and now he put him to his Promise , Eros drew his Sword , as designing to kill him ; but when his back was turn'd , he slew himself , and falling dead at his Feet ; Well hast thou done , my Eros , who since thou hadst not the heart to dispatch thy Master , hast taught him what he ought to do ; and so he ran himself into the Belly , and laid himself upon the Couch . He died not presently of the Wound , and by reposing himself , the Blood being a little stopp'd he came to himself , and intreated those that were about him , to put him out of his pain ; but they all fled out of the Chamber , and left him bewailing and tormenting himself , whilst Diomedes , Secretary to Cleopatra , came to him , having been commanded to bring him to her in the Monument ; when he understood she liv'd , with a great deal of Vigour he gave order to his Servants to take him up , and in their Arms was carried to the door of the Monument : Cleopatra would not open the door , but looking from a Window , she let down Cords , to which Antony was fastned , and she and her two Women , which were all that was susfered to enter the Monument , drew him up . 'T is reported that nothing was more sad than this Spectacle , to see Antony cover'd all over with Blood , just expiring , still holding up his hands to her , and lifting up his body with that little force was left ; nor was the Women's an easier task , Cleopatra taking great pains , and straining hard with her head to the ground , tugging at the Rope , they that stood below encouraging her , and pitying her Condition : When she had got him up , she laid him on the Bed , tearing all her Cloaths , which she spread upon him , beating her Breasts with her hands , and wiping the Blood from off his Face , she call'd him her Lord , her Husband , her Emperour , and seemed to have forgot her own miserable condition , she was so intent upon his Misfortunes . Antony comforted her as well as he could , and called for Wine to drink , either that he was thirsty , or that he imagined that it might put him the sooner out of pain ; when he had drank , he advised her to take her own Affairs into consideration , and as far as it would consist with her Reputation , to compose them ; and that among all the Friends of Caesar , she should apply her self to Proculeius ; that she should not pity him in this late turn of Fate ; but rather rejoyce in remembrance of his past happiness , who had been of all men that ever liv'd , the most illustrious and powerful , and in the end had bravely fought like a Roman , and been by a Roman overcome : Just as he breath'd his last , Proculeius arrived from Caesar ; For when Antony gave himself his Death's Wound , and was carried in to Cleopatra , Dercetaeus , one of his Guards , took up Antony's Sword , and hid it ; and when he saw his opportunity , stole away to Caesar , and brought him the first News of Antony's death , and withall shewed him the bloody Sword. Caesar upon this news retir'd into his Closet , and paying some tears to the memory of one that had been his Kinsman , Partner , and faithful Companion in so many Wars and Dangers , he came out to his Friends , and bringing with him many Letters , he read to them with how much reason and moderation he had always treated Antony , and in return , what fierce and arrogant Answers he receiv'd . From thence it was he sent Proculeius to use his utmost endeavours to get Cleopatra alive into his Power ; for he was afraid of losing a great Treasure ; and besides , she would be no small Addition to the Ornaments of his Triumph ; but she refused to conferr with him , but from within her Monument , he standing on the outside of the Door , which was strongly barr'd ; but so that they might well enough hear one another's voice ; her demand was , that her Kingdom might be dispos'd to her Children , he still insisting , that she would be of good Courage , and leave intirely to Caesar the consideration of her Affairs , he having taken particular notice of the place , return'd to Caesar , who sent Gallus to parly with her the second time , who being come to the Door , did on purpose prolong the conference while Proculeius had fix'd his scaling Ladders in the Window ; through which the Women had pull'd up Antony , and being follow'd by two Servants he went streight down to the Door where Cleopatra was discoursing with Gallus , one of the Women who was shut up in the Monument with her , was heard to cry out , Oh wretched Cleopatra ! thou art taken alive , she turn'd quick and spying Proculeius , drew out her Dagger to stab her self , but Proculeius running up to her , and seizing her with both his hands , for shame ( said he ) Cleopatra , you wrong your self and Caesar much , who would rob him of so fair an occasion of shewing his clemency to the whole World , and in this unjust action of yours would seem to accuse the most courteous and worthiest of Men , of being implacable and not fit to be confided in , and disarming her , he examined her Robe for fear of any poyson , that might be hid therein . After this , Caesar sent Epaphroditus one of his Servants , with order to treat her with all the gentleness and civility imaginable , but withal to be very intent , that he left her no opportunity of making her self away . In the mean while Caesar makes his entry into Alexandria with Areius the Philosopher by his side , holding him by the hand and talking with him , that he receiving so great honours from him , might be the more considered by his fellow Citizens , then entring the open place where they usually perform'd their Exercises , he mounts the Throne ( which was there on purpose erected ) from whence he commanded the Citizens , who in great fear and consternation lay prostrate at his Feet , to stand up , and told them , That he forgave the People of Alexandria all their Crimes they had committed : First , for the sake of Alexander , who built their City , then for the City's sake it self , the largest and most beautiful in the World ; and Thirdly , to gratifie his friend Areius . These honours did Caesar confer upon Artius , by whose intercession many others lives were sav'd , amongst the which was Philostratus , a Man of all the Professors of Eloquence the most ready and fam'd , for his extemporary Speeches , but he having insinuated himself without any merit into the Academy , and his morals being detested by Caesar had his Petition rejected : He with a long white Beard , and a black Cloak was always at A●eius his Heels repeating this Verse , The wise Men will the wise Men save If that the wise Men wisdom have . Which Caesar hearing gave him his pardon to prevent rather the ill report might be rais'd of Areius than in any consideration of Philostratus . Of Antony's Children , Antyllus by Fulvia , betray'd by his Tutor Theodorus , was put to death ; while the Soldiers were murd'ring him , his Tutor contriv'd to steal a precious Jewel which he wore about his Neck , and put it into his Pocket , which he denying , was convicted of Theft and hang'd . Cleopatra's Children with their Governours had a Guard set on them , and were treated very honourably . Caesario who is reported to have been the Son of Caesar the Dictator , was sent by his Mother with a great Sum of Money through Ethiopia to pass into India , but his Tutor being as honest as Theodorus , had perswaded him to turn back to Rhodes , for that Caesar design'd to make him a King. Caesar consulting what was best to be done with him , 't is reported of Areius that he should say * plurarity of Caesars is not safe , and afterwards he was put to death so soon as Cleopatra was dead . Many Kings and great Commanders made petition to Caesar for the body of Antony , to give him his Funeral rights , but he would not dispose of his Corps from Cleopatra , who buried him with her own hands with all splendor and magnificence , it being granted to her to employ what she pleas'd in his Funeral . In this extremity of grief and sorrow , and having inflamed and ulcerated her Breasts with beating them , she fell into a high Fever , and was very glad of this occasion , as pretending to abstain from Meat in consideration of her Disease , and so to die in quiet without being importun'd to live . Her Physician whom she confided in was Olympus , to whom she communicated this design , and made use of his advice to rid her self of this miserable life : As Olympus himself says , having Writ the History of these matters . But Caesar suspecting her design threatned to use her Children ill , which was the only battery capable of forcing her high spirit , so that she suffer'd any one to give her what Meat or what Medicine they pleas'd . Some few days after Caesar himself came to make her a visit and comfort her : She lay then upon her Pallet Bed in great disorder , but he being entred she rose from off her Bed , having nothing on but a thin Garment , she flung her self at his feet being strangely disfigured , her Hair and Face torn , with a trembling voice , and her eyes sunk in her head , on her body were many marks of blows , and it was in a decent condition to attend her grieved Soul , but for all this her good air and mien was not impair'd , some sparks of beauty still remaining , and in spight of grief shining from within , and appearing in every graceful motion . Caesar desiring her to repose her self , sat down by her , and this opportunity she took to justifie her proceedings , alledging that what she had done was more out of fear of displeasing Antony than from her own inclinations , which when Caesar confuted in every Article , that she insisted upon , she presently turn'd her discourse to move his compassion , as if she desired nothing more than to prolong her life , and having by her a list of all her treasure , she gave it into his hands , but Seleucus being present , who was one of the Treasury , told her that she had laid aside and suppressed many things of Value , upon which she fell into such a fury , that flying from her Bed , she caught him by the Hair , and strook him several blows on the Face , Caesar smiling and withholding her , is not it very hard Caesar ( said she ) when you do me the honour of a visit in this wretched condition I am in , that I should be affronted by one of my Menial Servants , if I have laid by any Women's toys , they never were design'd Ornaments , for one of my miserable Fortune , but that I might have some little Present by me , to make your Octavia , and your Livia , that by their intreaties I might hope to find you in some measure dispos'd to mercy . Caesar was pleas'd to hear her talk thus ; being now assur'd that she was desirous to live ; and he did therefore let her know , that those things she had laid by she might dispose of as she pleas'd , and his usage of her should be honourable above her expectation , and so he went away well satisfied that he had over-reach'd her , but he was himself deceiv'd ; there was a young Nobleman named Cornelius Dolabella one of Caesar's favourites , one that had a great kindness for Cleopatra , he sent her word privately , as she had engaged him to do , that Caesar was about to return into Syria , and that she and her Children were to be sent before within three days ; when she understood this news , she made her request to Caesar , that he would be pleased to permit her , to make her last Oblations to the departed Antony ; which being granted , she order'd her self to be carried to the place where he was buried , and there upon her knees , accompany'd by her Women , she embrac'd his Tomb with tears in her eyes , and spake in this manner : My dearest Antony ( said she ) it is not long since , that with these hands I buried thee , then they were free , now am I a miserable captive , and pay these last Duties to thee , with a guard upon me , for fear that my just griefs and sorrows should impair my servile Body , and make me less fit to appear in their Triumphs over thee . No further offerings and sacrifice expect from me , these are the last honours that Cleopatra e'er can pay thy memory , for she is to be hurried away , far from thee . Nothing could part us whilst we liv'd ; but death doth seem to threaten for ever to divide us . That thou a Roman born should'st lie buried here in Egypt , and I an Egyptian should be carried into Italy , there to expect that favour only ; but if the Gods of thy Country , with whom thou now art , either can or will do any thing ( for our Gods have betray'd us ) suffer them not to leave me whilst I yet have life , let me not be lead in Triumph to thy shame ; but have a little room in thy Grave , for amongst all my bitter misfortunes nothing has prest my Soul so hard as to have liv'd thus long without thee . Having made these lamentations , crowning the Tomb with Garlands of Flowers , and kissing it , she gave orders to prepare her a Bath , and coming out of the Bath , she eat very sumptuously : After Supper a Country fellow brought her a little Basket , which the Guards intercepting , and asking what it was , the fellow put the leaves , which lay uppermost , aside , and shew'd them it was full of Figs , and they , admiring the largeness and beauty of the Figs , were invited to take of them , which they refused , and suspecting nothing bid him carry them in : Then Cleopatra sent to Caesar a Letter and sealed it , and putting every body out of the Monument , but her two Women , she shut the doors : Caesar opening her Letter , and finding therein such earnest requests that she might be buried in the same Tomb with Antony , he soon guest what was doing , once he was going himself in all haste , but changing his Mind , he sent one to see how affairs stood . Her Death was so sudden , that those that were sent by Caesar , surpriz'd the Guards with their apprehensions , who breaking open the doors found her stone dead , lying upon her Bed of Gold , set out in all her Royal Ornaments : Iras one of her Women lay dead at her feet , and Charmion just ready to tumble , scarce able to hold up her own head , was adjusting her Mistresses Diadem , which was out of order ; and when one that came in said , was this well done of your Lady , Charmion ? extremely well , she answer'd , and becoming so great a Queen ; as she said this , she fell down dead by the Bed-side . Some relate , that an Asp was brought in amongst those Figs , and covered with leaves , and that Cleopatra had order'd it so , that she might be bit without seeing it ; and that , in taking up the leaves , she should say , holding out her Arm to it , Art thou there ? Others say , that it was kept in a Glass , and that she vex'd and prick'd it with a golden Spindle ; but no one knew the certainty ; for they reported also , that she carried Poison in a golden Bodkin , about which she wound her Hair ; but there was not so much as a spot found or any suspicion of Poison in her Body , nor was any living Creature found within the Monument , but a certain track of a creeping Creature imagin'd to be seen on the Window side upon the Sand nigh the Sea : Others say that Cleopatra had two marks in her Arm , imprinted very small by the Sting of the Asp , to which Caesar seem'd to have given credit , for that Cleopatra's Statue was carried in Triumph with an Asp fix'd to her Arm ; with these uncertainties are these things related : Although Caesar were very much disappointed by her death , yet he could not but admire the greatness of her Mind , and did grant that her Body should be buried by Antony with all the Ceremony and Magnificence which was due unto her Quality , her Women also were buried in great splendor . Cleopatra died in the Nine and Thirtieth Year of her Age , of which she had Reigned Twenty Two ; the Fourteen last years joyntly with Antony : Antony died at the Age of Fifty three , some say Fifty Six , the Statues of Antony were all demolish'd , but those of Cleopatra remain'd untouch'd ; for Archibius her Friend had given Caesar a Hundred and fifty thousand Pound that they should not run the same fate with Antony's . Antony left by his Three Wives , seven Children , of which Antyllus the eldest only was put to death : Octavia took the rest and bred them with her own . Cleopatra , his daughter by Cleopatra , was Married to Juba a comely Prince : Antony his Son by Fulvia was in that esteem ; that whereas Agrippa was the chief Favourite of Caesar , and the Sons of Livia held the second Rank , the third Place without any dispute was reckon'd to be possest by Antony : Octavia also having had by her first Husband Marcellus , two Daughters , and one Son named Marcellus , Caesar gave unto him his Daughter in Marriage , and by that means adopted him ; and Octavia gave one of her Daughters in Marriage to Agrippa ; but Marcellus dying soon after his Marriage , and she perceiving that her Brother was not easie to determine whom to chose for his Son-in-Law , was the first that did persuade him to give his Daughter Julia to Agrippa , though in so doing he was to quit her Daughter : Caesar agreed to this Proposal and married Julia to Agrippa , and she receiving her Daughter back married her to Antony ; of the two Daughters which they had by this Marriage , the one was married to Domitius Aenobarbus , and the other Antonia famous for her Beauty and Discretion was married to Drusus the Son of Livia , and Son-in-Law to Caesar ; of this Line came Germanicus and Clodius : Clodius was Emperor , and Caius also the Son of Germanicus , who having reigned very wickedly was slain , He , his Wife , and his Daughter . Agrippina , who had Lucius Domitius by Aenobarbus , was afterward married to Claudius Caesar , he adopted Domitius , whom he named Nero Germanicus ; he was Emperor in our time , and put his Mother to death , and with his madness and folly , did well nigh ruin the Roman Empire ; he was in the Fifth Degree from Antony . DEMOSTHENES . M Burghers delin . et sculp . THE LIFE OF DEMOSTHENES . Translated from the Greek . VOLUME V. WHoever it was , Sossius , that wrote the Poem in praise of Alcibiades upon his winning the Horse race at the Olympian Games , whether it were Euripides , ( as 't is most commonly reported ) or some other person , he says , That to a Man's being happy , it is in the first place requisite he should be born in some famous City ; But for him that would attain unto true happiness , which for the most part is placed in the qualities and disposition of the mind , it is in my opinion , of no other disadvantage to be of a mean obscure Country , than to be born of a Woman that is uncomely and low of stature . For it were ridiculous to think that Julis a little part of Ceos , which it self is no great Island ; and that Aegina , which a certain Athenian once ordered to be removed , as a small eye sore , out of the Haven of Piraeus , should breed good Actors and Poets , and yet should never be able to afford a Just , Temperate , Wise , and Valiant Man. Other Arts indeed , whose end it is to acquire Riches or Honour , are sikely enough to wither and decay in poor obscure Towns ; but Vertue like a strong and durable plant takes root and thrives in any place , where it can lay hold of an ingenuous Nature , and a mind that is industrious . Wherefore if either in our judgment of things , or course of Life , we fall short of what we ought to do , such failer we may justly attribute to our selves , and not to the meanness of our Country . — Nevertheless , whosoever shall design to write an History consisting of materials which must be gathered from Observation and the reading of Authors , not easie to be had nor writ in his own Native Language , but many of them Foreign and dispers'd in other hands ; for him it is in the first place , and above all things most necessary to reside in some City of good Note and Fame , addicted to Liberal Arts , and populous ; where he may have plenty of all sorts of Books , and upon enquiry may hear , and inform himself of such particulars as having escaped the Pens of Writers , are yet more faithfully preserv'd in the memories of men , lest otherwise he publish a Work deficient in many things , and those such as are necessary to its perfection . But for my own part , I live in a little Town , where yet I am willing to continue lest it should grow less , and having no leisure , while I abode in Rome , and other parts of Italy , to exercise my self in the Roman Language , both by reason of some publick Business , and for the sake of those who came to be instructed by me in Philosophy ; it was very late , and in the declination of my Age before I applied my self to the reading of Latin Authors . Upon which occasion , that which happened to me , may seem strange , though it be true ; for it was not so much by the knowledge of Words , that I came to the understanding of Things , as , having gained some sort of experience in Things , by this means I attained to the signification of Words . But to acquire a gracesul and ready pronunciation of the Roman Tongue , to understand the various Figures and connexion of Words , and such other Ornaments , in which consists the beauty of that language , it were , I must confess , a pleasant and very agreeable diversion ; but the Study and Exercise which is required to this , is not easie , and will better suit with those who have more leisure , and time enough yet before them for such Gallantries . — Wherefore in this Book ( which of my Parallel Lives is the Fifth ) intending to write concerning Demosthenes and Cicero , we will from their Actions and Employments in the Common-wealth , consider the Natures and Dispositions of both of them together : But to examine and compare their Orations one against the other ; to shew which of the two was the more fluent and pleasing , which the more close and smart Speaker , that we shall let alone . For there ( as Ion says ; ) We are but like a Fish upon dry Land. Caecilius ( a Man apt to overshoot himself upon all occasions ) was not aware of this , when too rashly he adventured to publish his Comparison of Demosthenes and Cicero . But if it were a thing obvious and easie for every man , to know himself , possibly that Saying , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , had not passed for a Divine Oracle . Now for Demosthenes and Cicero , the Gods seem from the first to have made them much the same in their Natures and Constitutions , and in their Fortunes much alike ; if we consider their Ambition , their love of Liberty in the Common-wealth , and their want of Courage in Dangers and Martial Affairs . And , I think , there can hardly be found two other Orators , who from small and obscure Beginnings became so great and mighty ; who both contested with Kings and Tyrants ; both lost their Daughters , were driven out of their Country , and return'd with Honour ; who flying from thence again , were both seiz'd upon by their Enemies , and at last ended their Lives , together with the Liberty of their Country-men . So that if there were a Trial of Skill between Nature and Fortune , as there is sometimes between Artists , it would be very hard to judge , whether that made these men more alike in their Dispositions and Manners , or , this in their Adventures and affairs . — But we will speak of the Eldest first . — Demosthenes , the Father of this Demosthenes , was a Citizen of the best Rank and Quality , ( as Theopompus writes ) he was sirnamed , The Sword-maker ; because he had a large Work-house , and kept Servants skilful in that Art , at Work. But of that which Aeschines the Orator , said of his Mother , that she was descended of one Gelon , who fled his Countrey upon an Accusation of Treason , and of a Barbarian Woman , I can affirm nothing ; whether ●he spoke true , or whether he slandred and belyed her . This is certain , that Demosthenes , being as yet but seven years old , was left by his Father in a plentiful condition ; ( for the whole Value of his Estate was little short of fifteen Talents : ) But he was injur'd by his Guardians , part of his Fortune being by them imbezzled , and the rest neglected ; insomuch that even his Teachers were defrauded of their Salaries . This was the reason that he had not so liberal Education , and wanted such Learning as became an ingenious Youth : Besides that , his Mother , for the tenderness and weakness of his Body , did not put him upon Labour , nor did his Masters force him . He was thin and sickly from the beginning of his Age ; and 't is said , that in respect of his Bodily Infirmities , the Boys in scorn put upon him the reproachful Nick-name of Batalus ; now this Batalus ( as some say ) was a weak effeminate Piper ; and Antiphanes made a Play on this Subject , in derision of him : Others make mention of Batalus , as a Poet , who wrote wanton Songs and Lampoons ; and it should seem that a certain part of the Body , not fit to be named , was about that time , called Batalus by the Athenians . But the Name of Argas ( for this also they report to have been a Nick-name of Demosthenes ) was put upon him for his Behaviour , as being fierce and morose ( for some of the Poets call a Serpent Argas ) or for his way of speaking , which was offensive to his Hearers ; ( for Argas was also the Name of a Poet , who made very bad and harsh Sonnets . ) But so much for this , as Plato says . The first occasion of his eager inclination to Oratory , they say was this ; Callistratus the Orator , being to plead in open Court for Oropus , the expectation of the Issue of that Cause was very great , as well for the Ability of the Orator , who had then a most flourishing Reputation , as also for the Fame of the Action it self . Therefore Demosthenes having heard the Tutors and Schoolmasters agree among themselves to be present at this Trial ; with much importunity he perswades his Tutor to take him along with him to the Hearing ; who having some Acquaintance with the Door-keepers , easily procur'd a place where the Boy might sit unseen , and hear what was said . Callistratus having got the Day , and being much admired , the Boy began to look upon his Glory with a kind of Emulation , observing how he was Courted on all hands , and magnified by the Multitude . But much more did he wonder at the sorce of his Eloquence , able to subdue and win over any thing . From this time therefore bidding Farewell to other sorts of Learning and Puerile Disciplines , he now began to exercise himself , and to take pains in Declaiming , as one that meant indeed to be an Orator : He made use of Isaeus as his Guide to the Art of speaking , though Isocrates at that time kept a School : Whether ( as some say ) because he was an Orphan , and was not able to pay Isocrates his Salary , being 10 l. or because he preferred Isaeus his way of speaking , as being more effectual , and sit for Use and Business . But Hermippus saith , That he met with certain Memoirs without any Author's Name , in which it was written that Demosthenes was a Scholar to Plato , and by him was much furthered in the Study of Eloquence : And he also mentions Ctesibius , as reporting from Callias of Syracuse , and some others , that Demosthenes secretly got , and throughly learned the Arts of Isocrates and Alcidamas . — As soon therefore as he was grown up to Man's estate , he began to go to Law with his Guardians , and to write Orations against them , who in the mean time sound out many Subterfuges and Tricks to renew the Suits . But Demosthenes ( as Thucydides has it ) being thus exercised by declaiming , and succeeding in it , though not without some toil and hazard , could not for all this recover any considerable part of his Father's Estate ; however attaining hereby to a confidence in Speaking , and some competent experience in it , and having got a taste of the Honour and Power which are acquired by Pleadings ; he now ventured to come sorth , and to undertake Publick Business . And as 't is said of Laomedon the Orchomenian , that by advice of his Physician , he used to run long Stages for the curing of some indisposition of his Spleen , and by that means , having through Labour and Exercise fram'd the Habit of his Body , betook himself to the Garland-Games , and became one of the principal Runners at the long Race : So it happened to Demosthenes , who first applying himself to Oratory for recovery of his own private Estate , and so getting an ability of speaking ; at length , in publick Business , as it were , in those Games , he began to have the pre-eminence of all those Citizens who contended for Mastery in Pleading at the Bar. But when he first addressed himself to the Popular Assemb 〈…〉 , he met with great Discouragements , and was derided for his odd and uncouth way of speaking ; for his Periods were confus'd , and his Arguments forc'd , which made all seem very harsh and tedious . Besides , he had ( it seems ) a weakness in his Voice , a perplex'd and indistinct Utterance , and a shortness of Breath , which by breaking and disjoynting his Sentences , much obscur'd the sence and meaning of what he spoke : So that in the end , being quite disheartned , he forsook the Assembly ; and as he was walking carelesly , and sauntering about the Piraeum , Eunomus the Thiasian ( then a very old Man ) seeing him , upbraided him , as one who having a way of speaking much like that of Pericles , through softness of Mind , and Cowardliness , was wanting to himself ; neither bearing up with Courage against popular Tumults , nor fitting his Body for Action , but suffering it to flagg and languish through meer Sloth and Negligence . Another time , when he was exploded the Assembly , and went home with his Head muffled up , taking it very heavily , they report , that Satyrus the Actor , followed him , and being his familiar Acquaintance , fell into discourse with him : To whom , when Demosthenes bemoaned himself , that having been the most industrious of all the Pleaders , and having almost spent the wh 〈…〉 e strength and vigour of his Body in that Employment , he could not yet find any acceptance with the People ; that drunken Sots , Mariners , and illiterate Fellows were heard , and possessed the Pulpit , while he himself was despised . You say true ( Demosthenes ) replied Satyrus , but I will quickly remedy the Cause of all this , if you will repeat to me some Sentence out of Euripides or Sophocles : Which when Demosthenes had pronounced , Satyrus presently taking it up after him , so humour'd and rendred the same Sentence with such a becoming Mien and Gesture , that to Demosthenes it seemed quite another thing . By this being convinced how much Grace and Ornament accrues to Speech from due Action , he began to esteem it a small matter , and as good as nothing for a Man to exercise himself in Declaiming , if he neglected Pronunciation , and the Decency of Speaking . Hereupon , he built himself a place to study in under ground ( which still remains with us . ) And hither he would come constantly every day to form his Action , and to exercise his Voice , and here he would continue oftentimes , without intermission two or three Months together , shaving one half of his Head , that so for shame he might not go abroad , tho' he desired it never so much . Nor was this all ; but he also made his Conversation with People abroad , his Discourse , and his Business subservient to his Studies , taking from hence Occasions and Arguments as Matter to work upon . For as soon as he was parted from his Company , down he would go presently into his Study , and run over every thing in order that had passed , and the Reasons that might be alledg'd for and against it . Besides , such Speeches as he was present at , he would recollect with himself , and reduce into Periods ; and whatever others spoke to him , or he to them , he would correct , translate , and vary several ways . Hence it was that he was looked upon as a Person of no great Natural Wit ; but as one who owed all the Power and Ability he had in speaking , to Labour and Industry : Of the truth of which , this was no small sign ; that a Man should not lightly hear Demosthenes ever speak upon the Occasion , but though he were by Name frequently called upon by the People as he sate in the publick Assembly ; yet he would not rise up to plead unless he had well considered the Business , and came prepared for it : So that many of the Popular Pleaders used to flout at him : And Pytheas , once scoffing him , said , That his Arguments smelt of the Lamp. But Demosthenes replied upon him sharply ; 'T is true indeed , Pytheas , ( said he ) your Lamp and mine is not conscious of the same things . But to some others he would not much deny this ; but would freely confess , that in his Pleadings he did neither commit all to Writing , nor yet wholly speak without Notes . And moreover , he would affirm , that he ought to be accounted the most Popular Speaker who used Premeditation ; such Preparation being a kind of respect to the People ; whereas to slight , and take no care how what is said , is like to be resented by the Multitude , savours more of an Oligarchick Humour , and of one that intends Force rather than Perswasion . But of his want of Courage and Assurance to speak ex-tempore , they make this also another Argument : That when he was at a loss , and discomposed , Demades would often rise up on the sudden , and readily assist him ; but Demosthenes was never observed to do the same for Demades . Whence then ( may some say ) was it that Aeschines speaks of him as a Person so much to be wondred at for his boldness in speaking ? Or how could it be when Python the Byzantian , with so much confidence , and such a Torrent of Words inveighed against the Athenians , that Demosthenes alone stood up to oppose him ? Or when Lammachus the Myrrinaean had writ a Panegyrick upon King Philip and Alexander , in which he uttered many things reproachfully of the Thebans and Olythians , and at the Olympian Games recited it publickly ; how was it , that he presently rising up , and rehearsing historically and demonstratively what Benefits and Advantages all Greece had received from the Thebans and Chalcidians ; and on the contrary , what Mischiefs the Flatterers of the Macedonians had brought upon it ; so turned the Minds of all that were present , that the Sophister fearing the Tumult , privily withdrew himself out of the Assembly ? But Demosthenes , it should seem , thought the other Qualities of Pericles to be of little use to him ; but for his Action and Behaviour , and his forbearing to speak on the sudden , and upon every occasion , as being the things to which principally he owed his Greatness , these he followed , and endeavoured to imitate ; neither wholly neglecting the Glory which the present occasion offered , nor yet willing too often to expose his Faculty to the mercy of Chance . Indeed the Orations which were only spoken by him , had much more of Boldness and Confidence in them , than those that he wrote ; if we may believe Era●●sthenes , Demetrius Phalereus , and the Comedians : Amongst whom Eratosthenes saith , that in his Pleadings he would be oftentimes transported with a king of Rage and Fury : And Phalereus , that he would frequently repeat to the People that Oath in the Verse , By Earth , by Springs , by Rivers , and by Streams . as a Man inspired , and besides himself . One of the Comedians calls him 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , a Bundle of foolish , idle Words : Another scoffs at him for using that Antithesis , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; for Demosthenes much affected this Expression . Unless perhaps Antiphanes might speak this jestingly , with allusion to his Oration concerning Halonesus , which Demosthenes perswaded the Athenians not to take of King Philip , but to take from him . But all acknowledged Demades , upon the mere use of his Natural Wit , a Person not to be out-done ; and that in what he spoke on the sudden , he excelled all the Studies and Preparations of Demosthenes . And Ariosto the Chian , has related a certain Censure which Theophrastus passed upon the Orators . For being asked what kind of Orator he accounted Demosthenes ? He answered , Worthy of the City of Athens . And then , What he thought of Demades ? He answered , Above it . And the same Philosopher reports , that Polyeuctus Sphettius , one of the Magistracy about that time , was wont to say , That Demosthenes was the greatest Orator , but Phocion the ablest Pleader ; being one who expressed the most Sence in the fewest Words . And indeed it is reported , that Demosthenes himself , as often as Phocion went up into the Pulpit to plead against him , would say to his Acquaintance , Now stands up he that will cut asunder all I have said . Yet it does not appear whether it was from the Eloquence of this Man , or from his Life and Reputation that Demosthenes had such an opinion of him , as thinking one Word or Nod from a Man in so high Credit , to be of moe authority and force , than the many and long Speeches of others . Demetrius the Phalerean , tells us , having received the Relation ( as he says ) from Demosthenes himself , now grown old , that the ways he made use of to help the natural infirmities and defects of his Body , were such as these : His inarticular and stammering Pronunciation he overcame and rendred more distinct by speaking Orations with Pebbles in his Mouth : His Voice he exercised by discoursing and pronouncing Speeches or Verses when he was out of Breath , with running or going up steep Places . And in his House he had a large Looking-Glass , before which he would stand and repeat his Declamations . It is reported , that a certain Man coming to crave his advice and assistance , and relating at large what blows he had received from his adversary ; sure said Demosthenes , thou hast suffered nothing of all this thou talk'st of : Upon which the Man straining his Voice and crying out a loud , How , Demosthenes ! have I suffered nothing ? I marry , replied he , Now I hear the Voice of one that has been injur'd and beaten . Of so great consequence towards the gaining of belief , did he esteem the tone and action of the Speaker . The action which he used himself was wonderfully pleasing to the Common People ; but by those of the better sort ( of whom Demetrius Phalereus was one ) it was looked upon as low , mean , and unmanly . Yet Hermippus says of Aesion , that being asked his opinion concerning the ancient Orators and those of his own time , he answered that one would have wondred to hear those Ancients , with what decorum and grandure they address'd themselves to the People , but the Orations of Demosthenes appear most admirable upon reading , both for their artificial composure and strength of Argument . The Speeches indeed which were penn'd by him , a Man may well say , were written with much severity and with some kind of bitterness ; but in his repartees on the sudden he was usually facetious and pleasant . To Demades saying Demosthenes teach me ? So may the Sow teach Minerva . He replied , that Minerva of yours was lately taken playing the Whore in Collytus . To a Thief whose name was * Calchus attempting to upbraid him for sitting up late , and writing by Candle-light ; I know very well , said he , that my Candle troubles you ; but wonder not ( O ye Men of Athens ) at the many Robberies which are so frequently committed , since we have Thieves of Brass , and Walls of Clay . But concerning these matters , though we have much more of this kind to say , we will here put an end to our Discourse ; it being but just and reasonable , that we now proceed to take an estimate of his Nature , and Manners from his actions , and management of Affairs in the Commonwealth . His first entring into publick Business was much about the time of the Phocian War , as himself affirms , and may be collected from his Philippick Orations ; For these were made soon after that Action was over , and the first of his Speeches relate to Affairs which hapned very near the same time . The Accusation he had prepared against Meidias 't is manifest was writ by him when he was but Two and Thirty years old , having as yet no interest or reputation in the Common-wealth : And it seems to me , that upon this Consideration only , being afraid to proceed , he let fall his Action and was reconcil'd for a Sum of Money . For of himself He was no easie or good natur'd Man : But of a disposition implacable and revengeful : However , finding it an hard matter and above his strength to deal with Meidias a Man so well secured on all sides with Money , Eloquence , and Friends , he yielded to the intreaties of those who interceeded for him . But had he seen any hopes or possibility of prevailing , I cannot believe that 3000 Drachma's could have taken off the Edge of his Revenge . The cause he undertook in the Commonwealth was fair and just ; the defence of the Grecians against Philip ; in which he behaved himself so worthily , that he soon grew famous , and was every where admired for his Eloquence and Courage in speaking : He was adored through all Greece , the Great King of Persia courted him , and by Philip himself he was more esteemed than all the other Orators . His very Enemies were forced to confess , that they had to do with a Man of Worth and Honour ; for such a Character even Aeschines and Hyperides have given him , where they accuse and speak against him . So that I cannot imagine what ground Theopompus had to say , that Demosthenes was of a wavering unsettled humour , which could not long continue firm either to the same Men , or the same Affairs ; whereas the contrary is most apparent ; for the same party and way of Government which he held with from the beginning , to those he kept constant to the end ; and was so far from leaving them while he lived , that he chose rather to forsake his life than his Party . He was not heard to Apologize for his shifting of sides like Demades , who would say , he often spoke against himself , but never against the City . Nor as Melanopus , who being generally against Callistratus , but often bribed off with Money , was wont to tell the People , The Man indeed is my Enemy , but we must submit for the good of our Country . Neither as Nicodemus the Messenian , who having first appear'd on Cassander's side , and afterwards took part with Demetrius , said , These things were not in themselves contrary , it being always most adviseable to obey the Conqueror . But we have nothing of this kind to say against Demosthenes , as one who would turn aside or prevaricate , either in word or deed : For he still kept one constant Tenor in his actions , as if they had been all govern'd by one unalterable Scheme of Policy . And Panetius the Philosopher said , that most of his Orations are so written , as if they were to prove this one conclusion , that what is honest and vertuous is for it self only to be chosen ; as that of the Crown , that against Aristocrates , that for the Immunities , and the Philippicks ; in all which he perswades his Citizens to pursue not that which seems most pleasant , easie , or profitable ; but declares that in many cases , they ought in the first place to preferr that which is just and honourable , before their own safety and preservation . So that if he had kept his hands clean from Bribery , if his courage for the Wars had been answerable to the Generosity of his Principles , and the Excellency of his Orations , he might deservedly have his Name placed in the highest Rank with Cimon , Thucydides , and Pericles , and not in the Number of such Orators as Myrocles , Polyeuctus and Hyperides . Therefore amongst those who succeeded him , Phocion , though he appeared on that side in the Commonwealth which was not so well esteem'd of , and seem'd to favour the Macedonians ; yet for his Valour and Justice , he was thought a Person no way inferior to Ephialtus , Aristeides and Cimon : But Demosthenes being neither fit to be at all relied on for his Courage in Arms , ( as Demetrius says ) nor on every side well fortified against Bribery , ( for how invincible soever he was against the gists of Philip and the Macedonians , yet lying open to assaults , and being over-power'd by the Gold , which came down from Susa and Ecbatana ) it appeared that he was much better able to recommend than to imitate the Vertues of our Ancestors . And yet ( excepting only Phocion ) even in his Life and Manners he far surpassed the other Orators of his time . None of them discoursed to the People with so great freedom and boldness : He would not spare their faults , but opposed himself against the unreasonable desires of the Multitude ( as may be gathered from his Orations . ) And Theopompus writes that the Athenians having by Name appointed Demosthenes , and calling upon him to accuse a certain Person , he refus'd to do it : Upon which the Assembly being all in an uproar , he rose up and said , Your Counsellor whether you will or no ( O ye Men of Athens ) you shall always have me , but a Sycophant or false Accuser , though you would have me , I shall never be . His carriage in the Case of Antipho was plainly Aristocratical ; whom , after he had been acquitted in the Assembly , he took and brought before the Court of Areiopagus , and , setting at naught the displeasure of the People , convicted him of having promised Philip to burn the Arsenal ; whereupon the Man was condemned by that Court and suffered for it . He accused also Theoris the Priestess , amongst many other misdemeanors , for having instructed and taught the Slaves to deceive and cheat their Masters , for which the Sentence of Death pass'd upon her , and she was executed . The Oration which Apollodorus made use of , and by it carried the Cause against Timotheus the Praetor , in an Action of Debt , 't is said was written for him by Demost henes : As also those others against Phormio and Stephanus ; but this practice of his was thought dishonourable , and justly enough ; for the Speech which Phormio spake against Apollodorus was also of his making ; by which means he did as it were furnish two Adversaries out of the same Shop with Weapons to wound one another . Of his Orations which were made in publick to the People , that against Androtion , and the other against Timocrates and Aristocratus was written for others , before he dealt himself in Affairs of the Common-wealth , for these it seems were published by him , when he was yet but Seven or Eight and Twenty years old . That against Aristogeiton , and that for the Immunities he spake himself , at the request ( as he says ) of Cresippus the Son of Chabtias , but , as some say , out of Courtship to the young Man's Mother ; though he never married her : For his Wife was a Woman of Samos , as Demetrius the Magnesian writes in his Book , de Synonymis . It is not certain whether his Oration against the Embassie of Aeschines was ever spoken ; although Idomeneus says , that Aeschines wanted only Thirty Voices to acquit him ; but this seems not to be true , at least so far as may be conjectured from both their Orations writ concerning the Crown : For neither of them hath mention'd any thing clearly or directly of it , as a Cause that ever came to Trial. But let others decide this Controversie . Now it was evident even in times of Peace , what course Demosthenes would stear in the Commonwealth : For whatever was done by the Macedonian he could not forbear finding fault with it ; but upon all occasions was stirring up the People of Athens , and inflaming them against him : Therefore in the Court of Philip , no Man was so much talk'd of , or of so great account as he : And when he came thither one of the Ten Embassadors , who were sent into Macedonia , though all had Audience given them , yet his Speech was answered with most care and exactness : But in other respects Philip entertain'd him not so honourably as the rest , neither did he shew him the same kindness and civility with which he applied himself to the party of Aeschines and Philocrates : So that when the others commended Philip as an able Speaker , a beautiful Person , nay , and as a good Companion that could drink stoutly ; Demosthenes could not contain himself from Railery and Scoffing at the Praises they gave him : The first , he said was a quality which might well enough become a Rhetorician , the second a Woman , and the last was only the property of a Spunge ; but none of them any away suitable to the Character or Commendation of a Prince . When things look'd towards a War , ( Philip on the one side being not able to live in peace , and the Athenians on the other side , being stirr'd up by Demosthenes ) the first Action he put them upon , was the reducing of Eubaea , which by the Treachery of the Governors was brought under subjection to Philip. To this purpose , he having procured a Decree , they cross'd over thither and chased the Macedonians out of the Island . The next was the Relief of the Byzantines and Perinthians with whom the Macedonians at that time made War. He perswaded the People to lay aside their enmity against those Nations , to forget the offences committed by them in the Wars with their Confederates , and to send them such Succours as saved and secured them . Not long after , he undertook an Embasie to the Grecians , whom he solicited and so for incens'd against Philip , that ( a few only excepted ) he wrought them all into a general insurrection : so that besides the Forces to be raised by the Cities , there was an Army consisting of 15000 Foot and 2000 Horse , and the Money to pay these Strangers , was levied and brought in with great chearfulness ; but when the Allies desired that their contributions for the War might be ascertain'd and stated , Crobylus the Orator ( as Theophrastus says ) told them plainly , That War could not be kept to any set diet . Now was all Greece up in Arms , and in great expectation what would be the event of these things . The Eubaeans , the Achaians , the Corinthians , the Magarians , the Leucadians , and Corcyraeans , their People , and their Cities were all joyn'd together in a League : But the hardest task was yet behind left for Demosthenes , to draw the Thebans into this Confederacy with the rest . Their Country border'd next upon Attica , they had great Forces for the War , and at that time they were accounted the best Soldiers of all Greece , but it was no easie matter to make them break with Philip , who by many good Offices had so lately obliged them in the Phocian War ; especially considering the quarrels and disputes between these two Cities , occasion'd from the nearness of their Frontiers , and by frequent light skirmishes on both sides dayly renewed and exasperated . But after Philip , being now grown high and puffed up with his good success at Amphissa , had on a sudden surprized Elataea , and possessed himself of Phocis , the Athenians were under a great consternation , none durst venture up into the Pulpit , or knew what to say , all were at a loss , and the whole Assembly in deep silence and great perplexity . In this extremity of affairs , Demosthenes was the only Man who appear'd , advising to apply themselves to the Thebans ; and having otherways encouraged the People , and ( as his manner was ) raised their spirits up with hopes , he with some others , was sent Embassador to Thebes . To oppose him ( as Marsias says ) Philip also sent thither his Embassadors , Amyntas and Clearchus two Macedonians , besides Daochus , Thesialus , and Thrasydaeus . Now upon consultation the Thebans were well enough aware what suited best with their own interest ; but every one had before his Eyes the dreadful ▪ Calamities of War , and the wounds they lately received at Phocis were remaining yet green and fresh upon them . But such was the force and power of our Orator ( as Theopompus tells us ) that enkindling their minds , and inslaming them with a desire of Glory , he took away their sight , and cast a mist before all other considerations ; so that without farther deliberation , or any regard had to the obligations which lay upon them , they cast away all fear , like Men possess'd , and by his Eloquence inspired with worthy and honourable resolutions . This so famous an enterprize accomplished by an Orator , was thought to be of such great consequence , that Philip immediately sent Heralds to treat and desire a Peace . All Greece was unanimously up in Arms. The Commanders in chief , not only of Attica , but of Baeotia , applied themselves to Demosthenes , and observ'd his directions : He managed all the Assemblies as well those of the Thebans , as those of the Athenians : He was beloved both by the one and by the other , and had the same Authority with both . Neither was all this respect shewed him without good cause ; for ( as Theopompus has declar'd ) it was no more than was decent and due to his merit . But there was , it should seem , some fatal destiny in the revolution of these Affairs , which , having determin'd to put a period at this time to the Liberty of Greece , oppos'd and thwarted all their actions ; and by many signs foretold what should happen . Such were the dreadful Predictions uttered by the Pythian Priestess , and this Old Oracle cited out of the Sibylls . The Battel fought at Thermodon , let me An Eagle in the Air at distance see ; Where they that vanquish'd are shall mourn ; and he Who Conquers scarce survive his Victory . This Thermodon , they say , was a little River with us in Cheronea , which emptied it self into Cephisus : But we know none of that name at this time , only we conjecture that which is now call'd Haemon , and runs by the Temple of Hercules , where the Grecians were incamped , might perhaps in those days be called Thermodon , and aster the fight , being filled with Blood and dead Bodies , upon this occasion ( as we guess ) might change its old name for that which it now bears . Yet Duris says , that this Thermodon was no River , but that some of the Soldiers , as they were pitching their Tents and digging Trenches about them , found a small Marble Statue , which , by the Inscription , appear'd to be the Figure of Thermodon , carrying a wounded Amazon in his arms . Concerning this Battel there was also another Oracle alledged . Stay , Ravens , and expect the Fight at Thermodon , There will be Carkasses good store to feed upon . In fine , it is not easie to determine what there is of Truth in these reports . But of Demosthenes 't is said , that he had so great confidence in the Grecian Forces , and seeing the courage and resolution of so many brave Men ready to engage the Enemy , grew so high and lofty , that he would by no means endure they should give any heed to Oracles , or hearken to Prophesies , but gave out that he suspected even the Prophetess her self , as if she had been tamper'd with to speak in favour of Philip. The Thebans he put in mind of Epaminondas , the Athenians of Pericles , who always took their own measures and govern'd their Actions by reason , looking upon such Fopperies as a pretence only for cowardise . Thus far therefore , Demosthenes acquitted himself like a Man of Honour . But in the Fight when it came to blows he did nothing honourable , nor were his performances any way answerable to his speeches . For deserting his Post , and throwing down his Arms , he run away most shamefully , not at all concern'd ( as 't is well said by Pytheas ) for the Inscription which was written on his Shield in Letters of Gold , With good Fortune . In the mean time Philip , soon after the Victory , was so transported with joy , that having drank to excess , he grew extravagant , and insulted over the dead , so that stamping , and dancing , and raising his Voice to the measures of his feet , he sung the first words of Demosthenes his Decree . Thus spoke Demosthenes the Son of Demosthenes of the Paeanean Tribe . But when he came to himself and had well considered the dangerous circumstances he was lately under , he was struck with horror , reflecting upon the strength and mighty power of such an Orator who had enforced him , within the compass of a few hours , to run the hazard both of his Life and Empire . His Fame also reached even to the Court of Persia , and the King sent Letters to his Lieutenants , commanding them to feed Demosthenes with Money , and to make their chief application to him , as the only Man of all the Grecians , who was best able to give Philip a diversion , and to imploy his Forces nearer home in the troubles of Greece . This afterwards came to the knowledge of Alexander by certain Letters of Demosthenes which he found at Sardis , and by other Papers of the Persian Officers expressing the vast Summs which had been given him . At this time upon the ill success which now happen'd to the Grecians , those of the contrary Faction in the Commonwealth fall foul upon Demosthenes , who took this opportunity to frame several Informations and Indictments against him . But the People not only acquitted him of these Accusations , but continued towards him their former respects , and as a Man that meant well , they restor'd him to the management of their publick Affairs : Insomuch , that when the Bones of those who had been slain at Cheronea , were brought home to be solemnly interr'd : Demosthenes was the Man they pitched on to make the Funeral Oration . The misfortunes which befel them , they did not bear with a base , low , or ignoble mind , but ( as Theopompus writes in his Tragedies ) by the Honour and Respects shewn to their Counsellour , they made it appear , that they were no way dissatisfied with the Counsels he had given them . The Speech therefore was spoken by Demosthenes : But his decrees he would not have pass'd in his own name , but made use of his Friends one after another ; for he look'd upon his own Genius as unfortunate and inauspicious ; till at length he took courage again after the death of Philip , who did not long out-live his Victory at Cheronea . And this it seems was that which was soretold in the last Verse of the Oracle . The Vanquish'd there shall weep , the Conquerour die . Demosthenes had secret intelligence of the death of Philip ; and laying hold of this opportunity to prepossess the People with Courage , and better Hopes for the future ; he came into the Assembly with a chearful countenance , pretending to have seen a Vision , from whence the Athenians were to expect some great Matters ; and not long after arrived the Messengers , who brought the News of Philip's Death : No sooner had the People received it , but immediately they offered Sacrifice to the Gods , and decreed that Pausanias should be crown'd : Demosthenes appear'd publickly in a rich Habit , with a Chaplet on his Head , though it were but the seventh Day since the Death of his Daughter ( as 't is said by Aeschines ) who upbraids him upon this account , and rails at him as one void of natural affection towards his Children ; whereas indeed he has by this means rather betray'd himself to be of a poor low Spirit , and effeminate Mind , while he seems to make immoderate grief and lamentation , the only signs of a gentle and compassionate Nature , and to condemn those who bear such Accidents with more temper , and less passion . For my own part , as I cannot say that the Behaviour of the Athenians on this occasion , was any way decent or honourable , to crown themselves with Garlands , to sacrifice to the Gods , and all for the death of a Prince , who in the midst of his Success and Victories , when they were a conquered Nation , had used them with so much Clemency and Humanity ; ( for it was a practice both unworthy and base to make him free of their City , and to honour him while he lived ; and yet as soon as he fell by another's hand , to set no bounds to their Jollity , to insult over him dead , and to sing triumphant Songs of Victory , as if by their own Valour they had vanquish'd him . ) So I must needs commend the Carriage of Demosthenes ; who leaving vain Tears and Lamentations to the Women , made it his Business to do that which he thought most profitable for the Common-wealth . And I think it the Duty of him , who would be accounted to have a Soul truly valiant , and fit for Government , that , standing always firm to the common Good , and neglecting his own private Calamities and Affairs , when they come into competition with the Publick , he should maintain the dignity of his Character and Station ; much more than it is of good Actors , who represent the Persons of Kings and Tyrants ; and yet these , we see , when they either laugh or weep on the Stage , do not follow their own Inclinations , but observe that Decorum in their Actions which the Subject requires . Moreover , if we ought not to leave the unfortunate , forlorn , and comfortless , overwhelm'd with sorrow , but to use some such speeches as may alleviate their Afflictions , and divert their Minds with more pleasing Objects ( as we use to advise those who are troubled with sore Eyes , to withdraw their sight from bright and offensive Colours , to Green , and those of a softer mixture . ) From whence can a Man furnish himself with better Arguments of Consolation for the Afflictions of his Family , than by endeavouring to attemper and allay his own private Misfortunes with the good success and recovery of his Countrey out of publick Calamities ; that so the better Fortune of the one may in some measure obscure and conceal the ill Circumstances of the other . I have been the larger in this Digression , because I observe in a Speech of Aeschines upon this Subject , that he endeavours to move , and soften the Minds of the People with Womanish Pity and Commiseration . But now to return to my Narrative , The Cities of Greece , by the instigation of Demosthenes , once more conspired together to make another Insurrection . The Thebans , whom he had provided with Arms , set upon their Garrison , and slew many of them ; the Athenians made preparations to joyn their Forces with them ; Demosthenes bestirr'd himself in the Pulpit , and writ Letters to the Persian Officers , who commanded under the King in Asia , inciting them to make War from thence upon the Macedonian ; calling him Child and Changling : But , as soon as Alexander had setled affairs in his own Country , and came himself in person with his Army into Baeotia , down fell the Courage of the Athenians , and Demosthenes grew cold : So that the poor Thebans being thus deserted , and betrayed by them , were forced to give him Battel alone , and by this means lost their City . Hereupon , the People of Athens were all in an uproar , and in great perplexity resolved to send Ambassadors to Alexander : Amongst others , they made choice of Demosthenes for one ; but his heart failing him for fear of the King's Anger , he returned back from Cithaeron , and left the Embassie . In the mean time , Alexander sent to Athens , requiring ten of their Orators to be delivered up to him , as Idomeneus and Thuris have reported ; but , as the most , and best Historians say , he demanded these eight only ; Demosthenes , Polyeuctus , Ephialtes , Lycurgus , Myrocles , Damon , Callisthenes , and Charidemus . It was upon this occasion , that Demosthenes related to them the Fable wherein the Sheep are said to deliver up their Dogs to the Wolves . Himself , and those that were with him , contending for the safety of the People , he compar'd to the Dogs that defended the Flock ; but Alexander he called the only Wolf. And withal , he farther told them , That as we see Corn-Masters sell their whole Stock by a few Grains of Wheat , which they carry about with them in a Dish , as a small Sample of the rest ; so you , by delivering up us , who are but a few , do at the same time unawares surrender up your selves all together with us . These things we find thus related in the History of Aristobulus the Cassandrian . — The Athenians were now deliberating , and at a loss what to do , when Demades , having agreed with the Persons whom Alexander had demanded , for 5 Talents , undertook to go Ambassador , and to intercede with the King for them ; and , whether it was that he relied on his Friendship and Kindness , or that he hoped to find him satiated , as a Lion glutted with slaughter , he prevailed with him both to pardon the men , and to be reconcil'd to their City . Upon the departure of Alexander , the Faction of Demades grew great in power and authority ; but Demosthenes was quite under Hatches . Yet when Agis the Spartan , made his insurrection ; he also for a short time attempted to raise some commotions in Attica ; but he soon shrunk back again , seeing the Athenians would not rise with him , and that Agis being slain , the Lacedaemonians were vanquished . At this time it was that the Indictment against Ctesiphon concerning the Crown , was brought to Trial. The Action was commenced a little before the Battel in Cheronea , when Charondas was Archon , but it came not to Sentence till about ten years after , Aristophon being then Archon . Never was any publick cause more celebrated than this ; both for the fame of the Orators , and for the generous courage of the Judges , who , though at that time the accusers of Demosthenes were men of the greatest power , and supported by the favour of the Macedonians , yet would not give Judgment against him , but acquitted him so honourably that Aeschines had scarce the fifth part of their Suffrages on his side ; so that immediately he left the City , and spent the rest of his Life in teaching Rhetorick about the Island of Rhodes , and upon the Continent in Ionia . It was not long after that Harpalus fled from Alexander , and came to Athens out of Asia . He was conscious to himself of many lewd practices occasion'd by his luxury , and fear'd the King , who was now grown terrible even to his best friends . Yet this man had no sooner addressed himself to the people , and delivered up his Goods , his Ships , and himself to their disposal , but the other Orators of the Town had their Eyes quickly fix'd upon his money , and came in to his assistance , persuading the Athenians to receive and protect their Suppliant . But Demosthenes at first gave advice to chase him out of the Country , and to beware lest they involved their City in a war upon this so unnecessary and unjust an occasion . Yet some few days after , as they were taking an account of the Treasure , Harpalus perceiving how much he was pleas'd with the King's Cup , and how curioufly he survey'd the sculpture and fashion of it , he desired him to poize it in his hand , and consider the weight of the Gold. Demosthenes being amazed to feel how heavy it was , ask'd him what price it would come for ? To you , Sir , said Harpalus with a smiling countenance , it shall come with 20 Talents . And presently after , when night drew on , he sent him the Cup with so many Talents . This Harpalus it seems was a person of good skill to discern a man's Covetousness by the air of his countenance , and from the pleasant cast of his eyes to discover his Nature . For Demosthenes could not resist the Temptation , but receiving the Present like a Garrison into his house , he was overcome , and wholly surrendred himself up to the interest of Harpalus . The next day he came into the Assembly with his Neck well swath'd about with Wooll and Rollers , and when they called on him to rise up & speak , he made signs as if he had lost his voice . But the Wits turning the matter to ridicule , said that certainly the Orator had been seiz'd that night with no other than a Silver Squinzy . And soon after the People being sensible of the Bribery , grew angry , and would not suffer him to speak , or make any Apology for himself , but run him down with noise . Whereupon a certain Droll stood up , saying , O ye Men of Athens , What , Will you not hear the King's Cup-bearer ? So at length they banished Harpalus out of the City ; and fearing lest they should be call'd to account for the Treasure which the Orators had purloin'd , they made a strict Enquiry , going from house to house ; only Callicles the Son of Arrenidas , who was newly married , they would not suffer to be search'd , out of respect , as Theopompus writes , to the Bride , who was within . But Demosthenes opposed the Inquisition , and preferr'd a Decree to referr the business to the Court of Arieopagus , and to punish those whom they should find guilty . But he himself being one of the first whom the Court condemned , when he came to the Bar , was fined fifty Talents , and committed to Prison ; where , out of shame of the Crime for which he was condemned , and through the weakness of his Body , growing soon impatient and weary of his confinement , without the privity of some , and by the connivance of others of his Keepers , he made his escape . He had not fled far from the City , when finding that he was pursued by some of those Citizens who had been his Adversaries , he endeavoured to hide himself . But when they call'd him by his Name , and coming up nearer to him , desired he would accept from them some Money , which they had brought from home , as a small Provision for his Journey , and to that purpose only had followed him ; when they intreated him to take Courage , and without Passion to bear up against his Misfortune ; he burst out into much greater Lamentation ; saying , But how is it possible to support my self under so heavy an affliction , since I leave a City in which I have found such Enemies , as in any other it is not easie to meet with Friends so generous and kind . The Truth is , he bore his banishment after an unmanly fashion , settling for the most part in Aegina and Traezene , and with Tears in his Eyes , looking towards the Countrey of Attica . Insomuch that there remain upon record some Sayings of his , no way suitable to that generosity and bravery , with which he used to express himself , when he had the management of the Common-wealth . For as he was departing out of the City , it is reported , that he lifted up his hands towards the Acropolis , and said , O Lady Minerva , how is it that thou takest delight in three such fierce untractable Beasts , the Owl , the Dragon , and the People ? The young men that came to visit , and converse with him , he deterr'd from medling with State-affairs , telling them , that if at first two ways had been propos'd to him , the one leading to the Pulpit and the Assembly , the other directly tending to Destruction , and he could have foreseen the many Evils which attend those who deal in publick Business , such as Fears , Envies , Calumnies , and Contentions , he would certainly have taken that which led straight on to his Death . But now hapned the Death of Alexander while Demosthenes was in this kind of Banishment which we have been speaking of . And the Grecians were once again up in Arms encouraged by the brave attempts of Leosthenes , who was then drawing a circumvallation about Antipater , whom he held close besieged in Lamia . Pytheas therefore the Orator , and Callimedon of Carabia , fled from Athens , and joyning themselves with Antipater , they went about with his Friends and Embassadors to keep the Grecians , from revolting and taking part with the Athenians . But on the other side , Demosthenes associating himself with the Ambassadors that came from Athens , us'd his utmost endeavours , and gave them his best assistance , in perswading the Cities to fall unanimously upon the Macedonians , and to drive them out of Greece . Philarchus says , that in Arcadia there hapned such a rancounter between Pytheas and Demosthenes as came at last to down right railing , while the one pleaded for the Macedonians , and the other for the Grecians . Pytheas is reported to have said ; that as we always suppose there is some Disease in the Family to which they bring Asses Milk ; so where-ever there comes an Embassie from Athens , that City must needs be indisposed . But Demosthenes presently answered him , retorting the Comparison ; Asses Milk is brought to restore us our health , and the Athenians come for the safety and recovery of the Sick. With these passages the People of Athens were so well pleased , that they decreed the recalling of Demosthenes from banishment . The Decree was brought in by Damon the Poeanean , Nephew to Demosthenes . So they sent him a Ship to Aegina , and he landed at the Haven of Piraeus , where he was met , and joyfully received by all the Citizens , not so much as the Archon , or the Priest staying behind . And Demetrius the Magnesian says , that he lifted up his hands towards Heaven , and blessed this day of his happy Return , as far more honorable than that of Alcibiades ; since he was recall'd by his Countrymen , not through any force or constraint put upon them , but by their own good will , and free inclinations . There remain'd only his pecuniary Fine , which according to Law could not be remitted by the People . But they found out a way to elude the Law. It was a Custom with them to allow a certain quantity of Silver to those who were to furnish and adorn the Altar for the Sacrifice of Jupiter Soter . This Office for that turn they bestowed on Demosthenes , and for the performance of it ordered him fifty Talents , the very summ in which he was condemned . Yet it was no long time that he enjoy'd his Country after his return , the attempts of the Grecians being soon all utterly deseated . For the Battel at Cranon hapned in March , in July the Garrison entred into Munychia , and in October following died Demosthenes after this manner . Upon the report that Antipater and Craterus were coming to Athens , Demosthenes with his party , took their opportunity to escape privily out of the City ; but at the instance of Demades they were condemned by the People . They dispersed themselves flying , some to one place , some to another : And Antipater sent about his Soldiers into all quarters to apprehend them . Archias was their Captain , and was thence called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or the exile Hunter . He was a Thurian born , and is reported to have been an Actor of Tragedies ; and they say that Polus of Aegina , the best Actor of his time , was his Scholar ; but Hermippus reckons Archias among the Disciples of Lacritus the Orator ; and Demetrius says , he spent some time with Anaximenes . This Archias finding Hyperides the Orator , Aristonicus of Marathon , and Himaereus the Brother of Demetrius the Phalerean at Aegina , he took them by force out of the Temple of Ajax , whither they were fled for safety , and sent them to Antipater then at Cleonae , where they were all put to death : And Hyperides ( as they say ) had his Tongue cut out . Demosthenes , he heard had taken Sanctuary at the Temple of Neptune in Calabria , and crossing over thither in some light Vessels , assoon as he had landed himself , and the Thracian Spear men that came with him ; he endeavoured to perswade Demosthenes that he would accompany him to Antipater , as if he should meet with no hard usage from him . But , Demosthenes in his sleep , the Night before had an odd unusual Dream : It seem'd to him that he was acting a Tragedy , and contended with Archias for the Victory ; and though he acquitted himself well , and gave good satisfaction to the Spectators , yet for want of better Furniture and Provision for the Stage , he lost the Day . Wherefore as Archias was discoursing to him with many expressions of kindness , he sate still in the same posture , and looking up stedfastly upon him , O Archias ( said he ) I was never much taken with your Action heretofore , and now I am as little moved by your Promises . Archias at this beginning to grow angry and to threaten him ; Now , said Demosthenes , thou speak'st like the Oracle of Macedon ; before thou didst but Act a Part. Therefore forbear only a little , while I write a word or two home to my Family . Having thus spoken , he withdrew himself farther into the Temple , and taking some Paper , as if he meant to write , he put the Quill into his Mouth , and biting it , as he was wont to do when he was thoughtful or writing , he held it there for sometime . Then he bowed down his Head and covered it . The Soldiers that stood at the Door supposing all this to proceed from want of Courage and fear of Death , in derision called him effeminate , ●aint-hearted , Coward . And Archias drawing near , desired him to rise up , and repeating the same kind things he had spoken before , he once more promised him to make his peace with Antipater . But Demosthenes , perceiving that now the Poyson had pierc'd and seized his Vitals , uncovered his Head , and fixing his Eyes upon Archias . Now , said he , assoon as you please you may act the part of Creon in the Tragedy , and cast out this body of mine unburied : But , O gracious Neptune , I , for my own part , while I am yet alive , arise up and depart out of this sacred place ; but Antipater and the Macedonians have not left so much as thy Temple unpolluted . After he had thus spoken and desired to be held up , because already he began to tremble and stagger , as he was going forward , and passing by the Altar , he fell down , and with a groan gave up the Ghost . Aristo saith , that he took the Poyson out of a Quill as we have shewn before . But Pappus a certain Historian ( whose History was recovered by Hermippus ) says , that as he fell near the Altar , there was found in his Paper this beginning only of a Letter and nothing more , Demosthenes to Antipater . The suddenness of his Death was much wondred at , and the Thracians who guarded the Doors , reported that he took the Poyson into his Hand out of a Rag , and put it in his Mouth , and that they imagined it had been Gold which he swallowed . But the Maid that serv'd him , being examined by the followers of Archias , affirm'd that he had worn it in a Bracelet for a long time as an Amulet . And Eratosthenes himself says , that he kept the Poyson in an hollow Ring , and that Ring was the Bracelet which he wore about his Arm. Many and various are the reports of those who have writ concerning this matter , which it is no way needful to recount : Yet I must not omit what is said by Democharis , a familiar intimate acquaintance of Demosthenes , who is of opinion , it was not by the help of Poyson that he met with so sudden and so easie a death ; but that by the singular favour and providence of the Gods , he was thus rescued from the barbarous cruelty of the Macedonians . He died the Sixteenth of October , a day the most sad and solemn of all the year , on which the Women celebrate the Thesmophoria of Ceres , and fast all day in the Temple of that Goddess . Soon after his death the People of Athens bestowed on him such honours as he had deserved . They erected his Statue of Brass ; they decreed that the Eldest of his Family should be maintain'd in the Prytaneum ; and on the Base of his Statue was ingraven this famous Inscription : If with the Wisdom of thy Mind , An equal Courage had been joyn'd : Greece ne'er had suffered so great harms ; Enslav'd by Macedonians Arms. For it is very ridiculous , which by some Men is reported , that Demosthenes should make these Verses himself in Calabria , as he was about to take the Poyson . A little before we came to Athens , 't is said , there hapned such an accident as this . A Soldier being summon'd to appear before his superior Officer , and to answer an Accusation brought against him , put that little Gold which he had , into the hands of Demosthenes his Statue : The Fingers of this Statue were folded one within another , and near it grew a small plane Tree ; from which many leaves ( either accidentally blown thither by the Wind , or placed so on purpose by the Man himself ) falling together , and lying round about the Gold , concealed it for a long time . At length the Soldier return'd , and finding his Treasure entire ; the fame of this accident was spread abroad : And many of the Wits upon this occasion strove to vindicate Demosthenes from corruption , in several Epigrams which they made on the same subject . M. TVLLIVS CICERO . M Burghers sculp THE LIFE OF MARCUS TULLIUS CICERO : Translated from the Greek . By THO. FULLER , D. D. VOLUME V. IT is generally said , that Helvia the Mother of Cicero , was both well Born , and lived in good Fashion , but of his Father nothing is reported , but in extremes . For whilst some would have him the Son of a Fuller , and educated in that Trade , others reduce the original of his Family to * Tullius Attius an illustrious King of the Volsci : Howsoever he , who first of that House was sirnamed Cicero , seems to have been a Person worthy to be remembred ; because those who succeeded him did not only not reject , but were fond of that name , though vulgarly made a matter of reproach . For the Latins call a Vetch Cicer , and a flat excrescence in the resemblance of a Vetch on the tip of his Nose , gave him the sirname of Cicero . But this Cicero , whose story I am writing , is said to have briskly reply'd to some of his Friends , judging it fit to lay aside or change that Name when he first stood for publick Office , and engaged in Affairs of State , that he would make it his utmost endeavor to render the Name of Cicero more glorious than that of the Scauri and Catulli ; and therefore , when being Questor of Sicily , he had made an Oblation of Silver Plate to the Gods , and had inscribed thereon the Initial Letters of his two names Marcus and Tullius , instead of the Third , he merrily commanded the Artificer to engrave the Figure of a Vetch by them : These things are related of his Name . Of Cicero's Birth it is reported , that his Mother was delivered without pain or labour on * the Third of the Nones of January , that Day on which now the Magistrates of Rome , Pray and Sacrifice for the Emperor ; it is said also that a Spectre appear'd to his Nurse , and foretold the Child she then suckled , should afterwards become a great Benefit to the Roman State , which things would otherwise have appear'd dreams and trifles , had not himself soon demonstrated the truth of the Prediction , for when he came to the age of going to School , he was of such eminent Pregnancy , and had such Fame and Glory amongst the Boys , that their Fathers would often visit the School , that they themselves might behold that Cicero , and as Eye Witnesses , report his quickness and aptness in Learning so much celebrated ; but the ruder sort of them were angry with their Children , to see them as they walked together , receiving Cicero with respect into the middle place . Now he being , as Plato would have the Scholar-like and Philosophical Temper to be disposed to all manner of Learning , and neglectful of no Art or Science , had a more peculiar propensity to Poetry , and there is a Poem now extant , made by him when a Boy , in Tetrameter Verse , call'd * Pontius Glaucus . In progress of time , applying himself more generally to those Studies , he became not only an excellent Orator , but also one of the most eminent amongst the Roman Poets ; and the Glory of his Rhetorick still remains , notwithstanding the many new Modes in Speaking since his time , but his Poetry is become wholly obsolete , and without Fame , by reason of those many witty Poets which have since succeeded and surpassed him . Leaving his Juvenile studies , he became an Auditor of Philo the Academick , whom the Romans , above all the other Scholars of Clitomachus , admired for his Eloquence and lov'd for his pleasant Conversation : He also apply'd himself to Mutius Scaevola an eminent Statesman , and as they term'd it , * Prince of the Senate , of whom he acquir'd knowledge of the Laws . For some time he served in Arms under Sylla in the Marsian War , but perceiving the Commonwealth running into Factions , and from Faction all things tending to an absolute Monarchy , he again betook himself to his retired and contemplative Life , and conversing with the Learned Greeks wholly apply'd to his Study , till Sylla had obtain'd the Government , and the Commonwealth was in some kind of settlement . About this time , Chrysogonus , Scylla's emancipated Slave , being informed by some body , of an Estate belonging to one who was said to be put to death by proscription ; had bought it himself for two thousand Drachma's , of which when Roscius the Son and Heir of the dead complained , and demonstrated the Estate to be worth † two hundred and fifty Talents , Sylla took it so heinously to have his Actions question'd , that he preferr'd a Process against Roscius for the murther of his Father , Chrysogonus managing the evidence : None of the Advocates durst assist him , but fearing the cruelty of Sylla , avoided the Cause . The young Man being thus deserted , fled for refuge to Cicero : His Friends encouraged him , as never being like again to have a fairer and more honourable introduction to Glory ; he therefore undertakes the defence , carries the Cause and was admired for it . But fearing Sylla , he travelled into Greece , and gives it out , that he did it in order to his health ; And indeed he was so lean and meagre , and had such a weakness in his stomach , that he could take down nothing but a spare and thin Diet , and that not till late in the Evening : His voice was loud and good , but so harsh and unmanaged , that in vehemence and heat of speaking , he always raised it to so high a tone , that there was reason to fear the endangering of his Body by it . When he came to Athens , he was an Auditor of Antiochus the Ascalonite , being taken with the volubility and elegance of his Speech , altho he did not approve the Novelty of his opinions : For Antiochus had now fallen off from the new Academy , as they call it , and forsaken the Sect of Carneades , either moved by clear conviction and the evidence of sense , or , as some say , through ambition and opposition to the followers of Clitomachus and Philo , and had changed his opinion , in most things , embracing the Doctrine of the Stoicks . But Cicero rather affected and adhered to these Doctrines of the new Academy ; resolving with himself if he could get no publick employment in the Common-wealth , to retire thither from pleading and political affairs , and to pass his life with quiet in the study of Philosophy . But after he had receiv'd the news of Sylla's death , and his body again strengthned by exercise , was come to a vigorous habit , his voice managed and render'd sweet and full to the Ear , and pretty well fitted to the disposition of his Body , his Friends at Rome , earnestly solliciting him by Letters , and Antiochus as much perswading him to return to publick Affairs , he again furbish'd up his Rhetorick , as the proper instrument of a Statesman ; and re-excited his political faculty , both diligently exercising himself in declamations , and applying to the celebrated Orators of that time . From † hence he took shipping for Asia and Rhodes ; amongst the Asian Rhetoricians he conversed with Xenocles of Adramyttus , Dionysius of Magnesia , and Menippus of Caria ; at Rhodes for an Orator with * Apollonius the Son of Molon , and for a Philosopher with Possidonius . It is reported , that Apollonius not understanding the Roman Language , desired Cicero to declaim in Greek , and that he readily obey'd him , as knowing it the best way to have his defects amended : After he had ended his declamation , others were astonished , and mutually contended in praise of the Orator , but Apollonius as he had discovered no great transport whilst he heard him , so when he had done , he sate musing with himself for some considerable time , at which Cicero being disturbed , he said unto him ; Thee , O Cicero , I praise and admire , but I pity the Fortune of Greece to see Arts and Eloquence the only Ornaments that were left her , by thee transported to the Romans . And now when Cicero full of expectation , was again bent upon political affairs , a certain Oracle blunted the edge of his inclination , for consulting the God of Delphos how he should arrive at the top of Glory , Pythia answer'd , By making his own genius , and not the opinion of the People the guide of his life ; and therefore at first he passed his time in Rome cautiously , and was very backward in pretending to publick Offices , so that he was at that time in little esteem , and had got the names of Greek and Schollar , the usual and ordinary Cant of the meanest Mechanicks of Rome . But being by Nature very desirous of Fame , and by his Father and Relations also incited thereto , he apply'd himself to pleading , in which he arrived at eminence , not by gentle and slow degrees , but on a sudden his glory shone forth , and he far surpass'd all the Advocates of the Bar. At first it is said , he was , as well as Demosthenes , very defective in Action , and therefore he diligently apply'd himself sometimes to Roscius the Comedian , and sometimes to Aesop the Tragedian . They report of this Aesop , that whilst he was representing on the Theatre Atraeus deliberating the revenge of Thyestes , he was so transported beyond himself in the heat of Action , that with his Truncheon he smote one of the Servants hastily crossing the Stage , and laid him dead upon the place . And such afterwards was Cicero's Action , that it did not a little contribute to render his Eloquence persuasive , deriding the Rhetoricians of his time , for delivering their Orations with great noise , he said it was want of Ability to speak that made them bawl , as lame Men who cannot walk get on horse-back . And indeed his facetious humour in jearing and jesting seemed very proper and delightful at the Bar , but his using it to excess offended many , and gave him the repute of ill manners . He was appointed Questor in a great scarcity of Corn , and had Sicily for his Province , where tho at first he displeased many by compelling them to send in their Provisions to Rome ; yet after they had had experience of his Care , Justice , and Clemency , they honoured him more than ever they did any of their Governours before . Not long after some young Men of good and noble Families charged with disorder and dissoluteness against Martial Discipline , were sent back from Rome to the Pretor of Sicily . But Cicero so excellently managed their defence , that he got them all discharged . Returning to Rome with a great Opinion of himself for these things , a pleasant accident befell him , for lighting upon an eminent Citizen of Rome in Campania , whom he accounted his Friend , and asking him what the Romans said and thought of his Actions , as if the whole City had been filled with the noise and glory of what he had done , he answered , Why Cicero where hast thou been all this time : It struck him dead at Heart to perceive , that the report of his Actions was fallen into the City of Rome as an immense Ocean , without any return of publick Glory . And therefore afterwards considering with himself , that the glory he contended for was an infinite thing , and that there was neither end nor measure in such pursuits , he abated much of his Ambitious thoughts : Yet , nevertheless he was excessively pleased with his own praise , and continued to the very last most passionately desirous of Glory ; which often interrupted the prosecution of his wisest Resolutions . Applying himself more resolutely to publick Business , he accounted it an absurd thing that Artificers using Vessels and Instruments inanimate , should know the Name , Place , and Use of every one of them ; and yet the Statesman , who manageth publick Affairs by Men , should be negligent and careless in the knowledge of Persons , and things relating to the Common-wealth ; and therefore he not only acquainted himself with the Names , but also knew the particular Place where every one of the more eminent Citizens dwelt , what Lands he possessed , the Friends he made use of , and those that were of his Neighbourhood , and when he travelled the road of Italy , he could readily name and shew the Estates and Seats of his Friends . Having so small an Estate , tho a sufficient competency for his own expences , it was much wondred that he took neither Fees nor Gifts from his Clients , more especially , that he did it not when he undertook the prosecution of Verres : This Verres , who had been Pretor of Sicily , and stood charged by the Sicilians , of many evil practices during his Government there , Cicero caused to be condemned not by speaking , but in a manner by holding his Tongue . For the Judges favouring Verres , had deferr'd the Tryal by several Adjournments to the last day , in which it was evident there could not be sufficient time for the Advocates to be heard , nor to bring the Cause to an Issue ; Cicero steps up , and said there was no need of Speeches , and therefore producing and examining Witnesses he required the Judges to proceed to Sentence . And yet there are many pleasant things said to be spoken by Cicero in this Cause . As when an emancipated Slave , by Name * Cecilius , suspected of the Jewish Religion , would have put by the Sicilians , and undertaken the prosecution of Verres himself ; Cicero said , but what has a Jew to do with Swines Flesh . For the Romans call a † gelt Pig , Verres . Verres reproaching Cicero for Effeminacy , he reply'd , you should have given this reproach within your own doors , to your Children ; for Verres had a Son , a pretty grown Boy , who was supposed basely to prostitute his Beauty : Hortensius the Orator not daring directly to undertake the defence of Verres , was yet perswaded to appear for him at the laying on of the Fine , and received an Ivory Sphynx for his reward : Cicero in some passage of his Speech obliquely reflecting on him , Hortensius told him , he was not skillful in solving Riddles , no says Cicero , and yet you have a Sphynx at home . Verres being thus condemned , and Cicero setting the Fine but at ‖ Seventy five Myriads , he lay under the suspicion of being corrupted by Bribery to lessen the Summ. But yet the Sicilians in Testimony of their Gratitude , sent and brought him many presents from that Isle when he was Aedilis , of which he made no private Gain for himself , but rather made use of their Generosity to bring down the Price of Victual . He had a very pleasant Seat at * Arpinum , he had also a Farm near Neapolis , and another about Pompeii , but neither of any great value . The Portion of his Wife Terentia , amounted to Twelve Myriads , and his own Inheritance was computed to Nine Myriads of Denarii , of this he lived freely and temperately , with the learned Greeks and Romans that were his Familiars . He rarely if at any time sat down to Meat till Sun-set , and that not so much for Business , as for his Health , and the Weakness of his Stomach . He was otherwise in the care of his Body nice and delicate , as by using himself to a set number of Walks and Rubbings ; and after this manner managing ▪ the habit of his Body , he brought it in time to be healthful , and able to endure great fatigue and labour . He made over his paternal Seat to his Brother , but he himself dwelt near Mount Palatine , that he might not give the trouble of long Journeys to those that made suit to him ; and indeed there were not fewer daily appearing at his Door , to do their Court to him , than did to Crassus for his Riches , or to Pompey for his power amongst the Soldiers , the most admired and greatest Men of Rome of that time . Yea Pompey himself paid observance to Cicero , and Cicero's Power in the Common-wealth conferr'd much to the encrease of the Authority and Glory of Pompey . When many and great Competitors stood with him for the Pretor's Office , he was chosen before them all , and managed the Decision of Causes with Justice and Integrity : It is reported that Licinius Macer , a Man of himself of great power in the City , and supported also by the assistance of Crassus , was accused before him of extortion , and that in confidence of his own Interest , and the diligence of Friends , whilst the Judges were debating about the Sentence , he went to his own House , where hastily trimming himself , and putting on a White Gown as already acquitted , he returned again towards the Court ; but Crassus meeting him in the Porch , and telling him , that he was condemned by general Suffrage , he went home , threw himself upon his Bed , and died immediately : This Sentence gave Reputation to Cicero for his dexterity in over-ruling the Bench. When Vatinius one of a rough Nature , insolent at the Bar to the Judges , having his Neck swoln with scrophulous humours , stood before the Tribunal of Cicero 〈…〉 d asking something , which he denied , and desired longer time to consider of ; had said he would not have disputed this , had he been Pretor ; Cicero turning towards him , replied , but I have not so large and stiff a * Neck as you have . When there were but two or three Days remaining in his Office , Manilius was brought before him , and charged with Extortion . Now this Manilius had the good opinion and favour of the Common People , and was thought to be prosecuted only for Pompey's sake , whose particular Friend he was ; and therefore , when he had asked a set time for his Tryal , and Cicero had allowed him but one Day , and that the next only ; the common People grew highly offended , because it had been the custom of the Pretors to allow Ten Days at least to the Accused ; when the Tribunes of the People having called him to the Bar , and accusing him ( of an unusual Practice ) he desiring to be heard , said , that as he had always used the Accused with Equity and Humanity , as far as the Law allowed , so he thought it hard to deny the same to Manilius , and that he had studiously appointed that day of which only , as Pretor , he was Master , and that it was not the part of those that were desirous to help him , to cast the judgment of his Cause upon another Pretor . These things being said , made a wonderful change in the People , and commending him much for it , they desired that he himself would undertake the defence of Manilius , which he willingly consented to , and that principally for the sake of Pompey , who was absent , and therefore stepping up again , he made an Oration of the whole Matter , from the beginning , briskly reflecting upon the Factious , and the Enemies of Pompey . Yet he was preferr'd to the Consulship no less by the Nobless , than the common People for the good of the City ; and both parties joyntly assisted his promotion upon this account . The change of Government made by Sylla , which at first seem'd intolerable , by time and usage did now appear to the People , no ill way of settlement ; there were indeed some that endeavoured to alter and subvert the present State of Affairs , but more for their own private gain than publick good . Pompey being at this time employ'd in Wars with the Kings of Pontus and Armenia , there wanted sufficient force at Rome , to suppress those that affected change in the Commonwealth : These had for their Head a Man of a bold , daring and restless Humor , Lucius Catiline , who was accused besides other great Offences of deflouring his Virgin Daughter , and killing his own Brother , of which latter fearing to be prosecuted at Law , he perswaded Sylla to set him down as though he were yet alive , amongst those that were to be put to death by proscription . This Man the profligate Citizens choosing for their Captain , gave faith to one another , by Sacrificing a Man and eating of his flesh ; and a great part of the young Men of the City were corrupted by him , he providing for every one , Pleasures , Drink , and Women , profusely supplying the expence of those debauches . All Etruria was in a disposition to revolt , and a great part of Gallia Cisalpina , but Rome it self was in the most dangerous inclination to change , by reason of the unequal distribution of the Wealth of that place , for Persons of the greatest Honour and Spirit , had made themselves poor by shews , entertainments , ambition of Offices , and sumptuous Buildings , and by this the Riches of the City were fallen into the hands of mean and despicable Persons , so that there wanted but little Weight to remove the Seat of Affairs , it being in the power of every daring Man to overturn a sickly Common-wealth . But Catiline being desirous of procuring a strong Fort in order to his future Designs , pretended to the Consulship , and was in great hopes of having Caius Antonius for his Collegue , a Man of himself , neither a fit Leader for the best nor worst designs , but such a one as might make a good accession to the others Power : These things the greatest part of the good and honest Citizens apprehending , put Cicero upon standing for the Consulship , whom the People readily receiving , Catiline was put by , so Cicero and C. Antonius were chosen , altho amongst the Competitors Cicero was the only Man descended from a Father of the Equestrian , and not of the Patrician Order . Tho the Designs of Catiline were not yet publickly known ; yet great previous Commotions immediately followed upon Cicero's entrance upon the Consulship ; for on the one side , those which were forbidden , by the Laws of Sylla , publick Offices , being neither inconsiderable in power nor number , stood and caressed the People for them , speaking many things truly and justly against the Tyranny of Sylla , had they not disturbed the Government in an improper and unseasonable time ; on the other side , the Tribunes of the People proposed Laws upon the same Hypothesis , constituting a Decemvirate with unaccountable power ; with whom , as Lords , should be the Right of selling the publick Lands of all Italy and Syria , and whatsoever Pompey had newly Conquered , of judging and banishing whom they pleased , and of planting Colonies , of taking Monies out of the Treasury , and of levying and paying what Soldiers should be thought needful , and therefore several of the Nobility favoured this Law , but especially C. Antonius , Cicero's Collegue , in hopes of being one of the Ten ; but that that gave the greatest fear to the Nobless was , that he was thought privy to the Conspiracy of Catiline , and not to dislike it , because of his great Debts . Cicero endeavouring in the first place to provide a Remedy against this danger , got a Decree of the Province of Macedonia for Antonius , and Gallia which was given to himself , he relinquished . By this kindness he so wrought Antonius to his beck , that like a hired Player , he was always ready to Second him for the good of his Country , and when he had made him thus tame and tractable , Cicero with greater courage attacked the affectors of Innovation , and therefore in the Senate , making an Oration against the Law of the Decemvirates , he so confounded those which proposed it , that they had nothing to reply : But if when they again endeavoured , and having prepared things beforehand , had call'd the Consuls before the Common Hall ; Cicero fearing nothing went first out , and commanded the Senate to follow him , so that he not only threw out the Law , but vanquished the Tribunes with his Eloquence , that he made them lay aside all their other pretences . For Cicero was the Man who principally demonstrated to the Romans , how great a relish Eloquence gives to that that is good , and how invincible a just proposal is , if it be well spoken , and that it is necessary for him , who would dextrously govern a Commonwealth , in action always to preferr that which is honest before that which is popular , and in speaking to separate that which is offensive , from that that is convenient . And there was an accident in the Theatre in the time of his Consulship , which was a demonstration of the prevalence of his Eloquence . For whereas formerly the Knights of Rome , were mingled in the Theatre with the common People , and took their places amongst them as it happen'd , * Marcus Otho the Praetor was the first , who in Honour distinguished them from the other Citizens , and appointed them a proper Seat , which they still enjoy as their more eminent place in the Theatre : This the common People took as an indignity done to them ; and therefore when Otho appear'd in the Theatre , they in reproach hissed him ; the Knights on the contrary received him with loud clapping , the People repeated and encreased their hissing ; the Knights continued their clapping , upon this turning upon one another , they fell to reproaches , so that the Theatre was in great disorder : Cicero being informed of it , came himself to the Theatre , and summoning the People into the Temple of Bellona , he so effectually chid and chastiz'd them for it , that they again returning into the Theatre , received Otho with a loud applause , contending with the Knights who should give the greatest demonstrations of honour and respect to the Praetor . The Conspiracy of Catiline at first timerous and disheartned , began again to take courage , and therefore assembling themselves together , they exhorted one another more boldly to undertake the Design before Pompey's return , who , as it was said , was now on his March with his Forces for Rome . But the Veterane Soldiers of Sylla were Catiline's chiefest confidence ; these had been disbanded all about Italy , but the greatest number and the valiantest of them lay scattered about the Cities of Etruria , dreaming of new Plunder and Rapine amongst the hoarded Riches of Italy : These having for their Leader Manilius , who had eminently served in the Wars under Sylla , joyn'd themselves to Catiline , and came to Rome to assist him with their Suffrages at the Election : For he again pretended to the Consulship , having resolv'd to kill Cicero in the Tumult of the Assembly . Besides , the Gods seem'd by Earthquakes , Thunders , and Spectres to foretell the Design , and there were also intimations from Men concerning it , true enough in themselves , tho not sufficient for the conviction of the Noble and very powerful Catiline : Wherefore Cicero deferring the Day of Election , conven'd Catiline into the Senate , and there examin'd him of those things that were reported ; Catiline believing there were many in the Senate desirous of Change , and to give a Specimen of himself to the Conspirators present , answered with a gentle Hypocrisie : What ill do I , says he , there being two Bodies , the one Lean and Consumptive with a Head , the other great and strong without one , if I put a Head to that Body which wants one : These things being enigmatically spoken of the Senate and People , Cicero was the more afraid . Him , armed with Coat of Mail , the most eminent Citizens , and many of the Young Gentlemen conducted from his House to the Campus Martius , where designedly throwing his upper Garment off from his Shoulders , he shewed his Armour underneath , and discovered his danger to the Spectators , who being very much moved at it , gather'd round about him for his defence . But at length , Catiline was by a general Suffrage again put by , and Silanus and Murena chosen Consuls . Not long after this Catiline's Soldiers were got together in a Body in Etruria , the Day appointed for the Design being near at hand : About midnight some of the principal and most powerful Citizens of Rome , as Marcus Crassus , Marcus Marcellus , and Scipio Metellus went to Cicero's House , where knocking at the Gate , and calling up the Porter , they commanded him to awake Cicero , and tell him they were there . The Business was this ; Crassus his Porter after Supper , had delivered him Letters brought by an unknown Person : Some of them were directed to others , but one to Crassus without a Name ; this only Crassus read , which inform'd him , that there was a great slaughter intended by Catiline , and advised him to leave the City : The others he did not open , but went with them immediately to Cicero , being affrighted at the danger , and to free himself of the suspicion he lay under , for his familiarity with Catiline . Cicero therefore considering of the Matter , summon'd the Senate at break of day . The Letters he brought with him , and deliver'd them to those to whom they were directed , commanding them to read them publickly ; they all alike contain'd an account of the Conspiracy . But after Quintus Marrius a Man of Pretorian dignity , had declared that there was a listing of Men in Etruria ; and that Marcius was said to be by with a great force hovering about those Cities , in expectation of some alteration in Rome . The Senate made a decree to put over all affairs to the Consuls , and that they taking them into their care , should according to their discretion , order and preserve the Common-wealth . This the Senate did not use to do often , but only in case of imminent danger : After Cicero had receiv'd this power , he committed all Affairs abroad to Q. Metellus , but the manage of the City he kept in his own hands . Such a numerous attendance guarded him every day he went abroad , that the greatest part of the Market-place was fill'd with his train when he entred it . Catiline impatient of further delay , resolved himself to fly to Manlius his Camp ; but commanded Marcius and Cethegus to take their swords , and go early in the morning to Cicero's gates , as if only intending to salute him , and then to fall upon him and slay him . This a Noble Lady Fulvia coming by Night , discover'd to Cicero , bidding him beware of Cethegus and Marcius . They came by break of day , and being denied entrance , stormed and roared at the Gates , which render'd them more suspicious . But Cicero going forth , summon'd the Senate into the Temple of Jupiter Stator seated on the top of the holy Street , which goeth up to the Capitol ; where Catiline with others of his party also coming , as intending to make his defence , none of the Senators would sit by him ; but all of them left that Bench where he had placed himself , and when he began to speak interrupted him with noise . At length Cicero standing up commanded him to leave the City , for since one govern'd the Common-wealth with words , the other with arms , it was necessary there should be a Wall betwixt them : Catiline therefore immediately left the Town , with three hundred armed Men , and taking to himself as a Magistrate , the rods , axes and other ensigns of Authority , he went to Marcius , and having got together a Body of near twenty thousand Men , with these he marched to the several Cities , endeavouring to perswade or force them to revolt . So it being now come to open War , Antonius was sent forth to fight him , the remainder of those in the City which Catiline had corrupted Cornelius Lentulus got together and encouraged . He had the Sirname Sura , a Man of a Noble Family , but a dissolute liver , who for his debauchery was formerly thrown out of the Senate , he was then the second time Pretor , as the custom was , when ejected Persons were restored to the Senatorian Honour : It is said that he got the Sirname Sura upon this occasion ; being Questor in the time of Sylla , he had lavished away and consumed a great quantity of the publick moneys , at which Sylla being provok'd , call'd him to give an account in the Senate , he appear'd with great insolence and contempt , and telling him that he would make no account , held up the Calf of his leg , as boys use to do when they make a default at Ball , upon which he was Sirnamed Sura , for the Romans call the Calf of the leg Sura . Being at another time prosecuted at Law , and corrupting some of the Judges , he escaped only by two suffrages , but he complain'd what he had given to one of them was a needless charge , because one suffrage would have been sufficient to have absolved him . This Man , such a one in his own nature , and incensed by Catiline , the false Prophets and Magicians had also corrupted with vain hopes , inchanting him with fictitious Verses and Oracles , and demonstrating from the Sybilline Prophecies , that there were three Cornelius's design'd by Fate to be Monarchs of Rome ; two of which , Cinna and Sylla had already fulfill'd the fatal decree , and that the Gods were now coming to offer the Monarchy to the third Cornelius remaining , and that therefore he ought by all means to accept it , and not lose his opportunity by delay , as Catiline had done . Lentulus therefore designed no mean or trivial matters , for he had resolved to kill the whole Senate , and as many other Citizens as he could , to fire the City , and spare no body but only Pompey's Children , intending to seize and keep them as pledges of his reconciliation with Pompey : For there was then a common and strong report , that Pompey was returning from a great expedition . The Night appointed for the design was the first of the Saturnalia's : Swords , Flax , and Sulphur , they carried and hid in Cethegus his house , and providing one hundred Men , and dividing the City into as many parts , they had allotted to every one singly his proper place , so that in a moment many kindling the fire , the City might be in a flame all together , others were appointed to stop up the Aqueducts and to kill those who should endeavour to carry water to quench it . Whilst these things were preparing , it hapned there were two Embassadors from the Allobroges then resident at Rome , a Nation at that time in a distressed condition , and very uneasie under the Roman Government : These Lentulus and his party adjudging useful instruments to move and seduce Gallia to revolt , admitted into the Conspiracy , and they gave them Letters to their own Magistrates , and Letters to Catiline , in those they promised liberty , in these they exhorted Catiline to set all Slaves free , and to bring them along with him to Rome , they sent with them to Catiline , one Titus , a Native of Croton who was to carry those Letters to him . These being the Counsels of inconsidering Men , and such as conversed together with Wine and Women , Cicero pursued with industry , consideration , sobriety , and great prudence , having besides several Emissaries abroad , who observed and traced with him all they did , he also conferr'd privately with , and confided in many , who were thought engaged in the Conspiracy , he knew all the discourses which passed betwixt them and the strangers ; and lying in wait for them by Night , he took the Crotonian with his Letters , the Allobroges Embassadors being in private Consult with him : By break of day he summoned the Senate into the Temple of Concord , where he read the Letters and examined the discoverers . Junius Syllanus added that several had heard Cethegus say , that three Consuls and four Pretors were to be slain ; Piso also a Person of Consular dignity , testified other matters of the like nature , and Caius Sulpicius , one of the Pretors being sent to Cethegus his house , found there a great quantity of Arrows , Arms , Swords and Daggers all newly furbished : At length the Senate , decreeing indemnity to the Crotonian upon discovery of the whole matter , Lentulus was convicted , abjured his Office ( for he was then Pretor ) and put off his Robe edged with purple in the Senate , changing it for another garment more agreeable to his present circumstance : He thereupon with the rest of his confederates present , was committed to the Pretor , in free Custody . It being evening and the common People in crowds , expecting without ; Cicero went forth to them , and told them what was done , and then , attended with them , went to the house of a Friend , and near Neighbor , for his own was taken up by the Women , who were celebrating with secret rites the Feast of the Goddess , whom the Romans call Bona , or the good , the Greeks 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; for a Sacrifice was annually performed to her in the Consuls house , either by his Wife or Mother in the presence of the Vestal Virgins . Cicero being got to his Friends house privately , a few only being present , fell to deliberate with himself , how he should treat these Men ; the severest punishment , and such indeed as was fit for so great crimes he was afraid , and shie of executing , as well from the Clemency of his Nature as also least he should be thought to exercise his authority too insolently , and to treat too rudely Men of the Noblest Birth , and most powerful friendships in the City , and yet if he should use them more mildly , he had a dreadful prospect of danger from them , for there was no likelyhood , if they suffered less than death , they would be reconciled to him , but rather adding new rage to their former wickedness , break forth into all manner of insolence , whilst he himself should gain thereby the repute of a cowardly and timorous Person , upon other accounts not thought over valiant by the Vulgar : Whilst Cicero was doubting what course to take in these matters , a portentous accident happened amongst the Womens sacrificing ; for on the Altar where the fire seem'd wholly extinguished , a great and bright flame issued forth from the Ashes of the burnt Wood , at which others were affrighted ; but the holy Virgins , call'd to Terentia , Cicero's Wife , and bid her hast to her Husband , and command him to execute what he had resolved for the good of his Country ; for the Goddess had given great light to his Safety and Glory . Terentia therefore , as she was otherwise in her own Nature neither pitiful nor timorous , but an ambitious Woman , ( who , as Cicero himself saith , would rather thrust her self into his publick Affairs , than communicate her domestick to him ) told him these things , and incensed him against the Conspirators ; the same did also Quintus his Brother , and Publius Nigridius , one of his Companions in Philosophy , whom he often made use of in his greatest and most weighty Affairs of State. The next day , a debate arising in the Senate about the punishment of these Men , * Syllanus being the first who was asked his Opinion , said , It was fit they should be all sent to Prison , and there suffer the utmost Penalty ; to him all consented in order till it came to Caius Caesar , who was afterwards Dictator ; he was then but a young Man , and had only gain'd the Beginnings of his future Rise , having directed his Hopes and Policy that way , by which he afterwards changed the Roman affairs into a Monarchy ; his guilt was unknown to others , yet to Cicero he had given many suspicions , though no sufficient proof to convict him ; and there were some indeed that said , tho' he was very near being discovered , yet he had escaped him ; but others were of opinion that Cicero voluntarily overlookt and neglected the evidence against him for fear of his friends and power ; for it was very evident to every body , that these would be rather a means of Caesar's escape , than Caesar's guilt an occasion of their punishment : When therefore it came to Caesar's turn to give his opinion , he stood up * , and declared that the Conspirators should not be put to death , but their Estates confiscated , and their Persons † sent to such Cities in Italy , as Cicero should approve , there to be kept Prisoners till Catiline was conquered : To this Sentence , being the most moderate , and he that deliver'd it , a most powerful Speaker , Cicero himself gave no small weight ; for he stood up , and turning the scale on either side , he spake sometimes in favour of the former , sometimes of Caesar's Sentence . But all Cicero's Friends judging Caesar's Sentence most expedient for Cicero ( because he would incur the less blame , if the Conspirators were not put to death ) chose rather the latter ; so that Syllanus also changing his Mind , retracted his Opinion , and said he had not declared for capital , but only the utmost punishment , which to a Roman Senator is Imprisonment . Caesar having given his Sentence , Catulus Luctatius was the first who contradicted it ; him Cato seconded , and in his Oration cast such a vehement suspicion upon Caesar , and so fill'd the Senate with anger and resolution , that a Decree was pass'd for the execution of the Conspirators ; but Caesar opposed the confiscation of their Goods , not thinking it fit that those who had rejected the mildest part of his Sentence , should make use of the severest : Many insisting for it , he appeals to the * Tribunes ; but they would not be ruled by him , till Cicero himself yielding , remitted that part of the Sentence about confiscation . After this , Cicero went out with the Senate to the Conspirators ; they were not all together in one place ; but the several Praetors had them , some one , some another in custody : And first he took Lentulus out of the Palace , and brought him by Via Sacra , through the middle of the Market-place , a Circle of the most eminent Citizens encompassing and guarding Cicero . The People affrighted at what was doing , passed by in silence ; especially the young Men seem'd with fear and trembling , as if they were initiating in some sacred Mysteries of Aristocratick Tyranny . Afterwards passing from the Market-place , and coming to the Gaol , he delivered Lentulus to the Officer , and commanded him to execute him , and after him Cethegus , and so all the rest in order he brought , and delivered up to Execution . And when he saw many of the Conspirators in the Market-place , standing together in companies , ignorant of what was done , but expecting Night , as if the Men were still alive , and in a possibility of being rescued , he call'd to them in a loud voice , and said , They did live ; for so the Romans to avoid harsh Language , express those that are dead : It was now Evening when he return'd from the Market-place to his own House , the Citizens no longer attending him with silence , nor in order , but receiving him as he passed , with acclamations and applauses , saluted him , Saviour and Founder of his Country . A bright Light shone through the Streets from the Lamps and Torches set up at the Doors , and the Women appear'd from the Tops of their Houses , to honour and behold Cicero returning home with a splendid Train of the most principal Citizens ; amongst whom were several who had managed great Wars , obtain'd Triumphs , and added to the Possessions of the Roman Empire , both at Sea and Land ; these , as they passed along with him , acknowledged to one another , that though the Roman People were indebted to several Officers and Commanders of that Age , for Riches , Spoils , and Power ; yet to Cicero alone they ow'd the safety and security of all these , for delivering them from so great and eminent a danger ; for though it might seem no wonderful thing to prevent the Design , and punish the Conspirators , yet to defeat the greatest of all Conspiracies with so little damage , trouble and commotion , was very extraordinary ; for many of those who had run in to Catiline , as soon as they heard the fate of Lentulus and Cethegus , left and forsook him , and he himself with his remaining Forces joyning Battel with Antonius , was destroy'd with his Army . And yet there were some who were very ready both to speak and do ill to Cicero for these things , and they had for their Leaders some of the Magistrates of the ensuing Year , as Caesar one of the Praetors , and Metullus and Bestia the Tribunes , these entring upon their Office some few days before Cicero's Consulate expired , would not permit him to make his Oration to the People ; but throwing the Forms before the Rostra , hinder'd his speaking , commanding him , if he pleased , only to abjure his Office , and descend : Cicero upon this , moving , as going to abjure , and silence being made , he made his Oath not in the usual , but a new and peculiar Form , viz. That he had saved his Country and preserved the Government ; the truth of which Oath all the People by Oath confirmed . Caesar and the Tribunes being the more exasperated by these things , endeavour'd to create him further trouble , and therefore a Law was proposed for the calling Pompey home with his Army , to suppress the insolence of Cicero ; but it was a very lucky thing to Cicero , and the whole Common-wealth , that Cato was at that time one of the Tribunes , for he being of equal power with the rest , and of greater esteem , opposing their Designs , both easily defeated all other projects , and in an Oration to the People , so highly extolled Cicero's Consulate , that the greatest Honours were decreed him , and he publickly declar'd the Father of his Country , which Title he seems * first to have obtain'd , when Cato so stiled him in his Oration to the People . At this time therefore his Authority was very great in the City ; but he created himself much envy , and offended very many , not by any evil Action , but because he was always praising and magnifying himself : for neither Senate , nor Assembly of the People , nor Court of Judicature could meet , in which he was not heard to boast of Catiline and Lentulus ; besides , he so filled his Books and Writings with his own Encomiums , that he rendred a stile in it self most pleasant and delightful , nauseous , and irksome to his hearers ; this ungrateful humour , like a disease , always cleaving to him : Nevertheless , tho he was intemperately fond of his own praise , yet he was very free from envying others , and most liberally profuse in commending both the Ancients and his contemporaries , as is to be understood by his Writings , and many of those Sayings are still recorded , as that concerning Aristotle , that he was a River of flowing Gold , of Plato's dialogue , that if Jupiter were to speak , he would discourse as he did ; Theophrastus he was wont to call his peculiar delight , and being asked which of Demosthenes his Orations he liked best , he answered the longest . And yet some affected imitators of Demosthenes , have complained of a saying , written by Cicero in an Epistle to some of his Friends , that Demosthenes in some of his Orations nodded ; but they are forgetful of the many and singular Encomiums he frequently gives him , and the Honour he did him , when he named the most elaborate of all his Orations , those he wrote against Anthony , Philippicks . And as for the eminent Men of his own time , either for Eloquence or Philosophy , there was not one of them which he did not by Writing or Speaking favourably of , render more illustrious , he obtain'd of Caesar when in power , the Roman freedom for Cratippus the Peripatetick , and got the Court of Areopagus by publick Decree to request his stay at Athens for the Instruction of their Youth , and the Ornament of their City . There are Epistles extant from Cicero to Herodes , and others to his Son , in which he requires them to follow the Philosophy of Cratippus . In another he blames Gorgias the Rhetorician for seducing his Son to Luxury and Drinking , and therefore forbids him his Company , which latter with another to Pelops the Byzantine are the only two of his Greek Epistles , which seem to be written in Anger ; in the first he justly reflects on Gorgias , if he were what he was thought to be , a dissolute and incorrigible Person ; but in the other , he meanly expostulates and complains with Pelops , for neglecting to procure him a Decree of certain Honours from the Byzantines ; but these things are to be charged upon his Ambition , and the warmth and vehemency of his Speaking , which often made him neglect Decorum . When Numatius , who had escaped judgment by Cicero's defence , prosecuted his Friend Sabinus , it is said that Cicero fell so foul upon him in his Anger , that he told him : Numatius , thou wert not acquit for thy own sake , but because I so overshadowed the light , that the Court could not perceive thy guilt : When from the Rostra he had made Encomiums of Crassus with good applause , and within fews days after had again as publickly reproached him , Crassus call'd to him and said , Didst not thou thy self in this place lately commend me ; no says Cicero , I only exercised my Eloquence in declaiming upon a bad Subject . At another time Crassus saying , that none of the Crassi in Rome liv'd above Threescore years , and afterwards recalling himself , and saying what was in my Head to say so ? Cicero reply'd , Thou knowest the Romans were glad to hear it , and therefore thou saidst it to wheadle the People ; when Crassus said , that he was pleased with the Stoicks , because they assert , the good Man is always Rich ; nay rather says he , because they affirm all things belong to the Wise ; for Crassus his covetousness was very notorious . When one of Crassus his Sons , who was generally thought very like Axius , and for which cause his Mother lay under an ill publick Fame , made an Oration with good applause in the Senate , Cicero being asked what he thought of him , answered in a Greek Clinch , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Crassus being to go into Syria resolved to leave Cicero , rather his Friend than his Enemy , and therefore one day kindly saluting him , told him he would come and Sup with him , which the other as courteously received . Within few days after , some of Cicero's acquaintance , interceding for Vatinius , as desirous of reconciliation and Friendship ( for he was then his Enemy ) reply'd , and will indeed Vatinius also come and Sup with me : And thus he used Crassus . Vatinius pleading with Scrophulous Tumours in his Neck , he call'd him the † Swoln Orator ; having heard that he was dead , and presently after that he was alive again , may that rascal perish , says he , who told so ill a lye . Caesar attempting a Law for the division of the Lands in Campania amongst the Soldiers , many in the Senate opposed it , amongst the rest Lucius Gellius , one of the oldest Men in the House , said , it should never pass whilst he lived : Let us defer it till then , says Cicero , for Gellius does not require a very long day . To one Octavius , supposed an African born , saying to Cicero pleading , that he did not hear him , Cicero reply'd , as yet your ear is not bored : When Metellus Nepos told him , that he had destroy'd more as a Witness than he had saved as Advocate , I confess it , says Cicero , for I have much more Truth than Eloquence : To a young Man accused of giving a poisoned Cake to his Father , and confidently threatning , that he would bespatter Cicero with reproaches , he said , I had much rather have those , than your Cake : Publius Sestus , having amongst others retain'd Cicero as his Advocate in a certain cause , and yet desirous to talk all for himself , and allow no body to speak for him , when he was ready to be acquitted by the Judges , and the Ballets were passing , Cicero call'd to him , Sestus use thy time to day , for to morrow thou wilt be but a private person : He cited Publius Colla to bear testimony in a certain Cause , one who affected to be thought a Lawyer , tho ignorant and unlearned , to whom , when he had said , I know nothing of the matter , he answer'd , Thou thinkest perhaps we ask thee about a point of Law : To Metellus Nepos in a dispute betwixt them , often repeating who is thy Father , O Cicero : he reply'd , Thy Mother has made the answer of that question to thee more difficult , for Nepos his Mother was accounted a lewd Woman . This Nepos was one of a very uncertain humour , for on a sudden he left the Tribuneship , and fled into Syria to Pompey , and immediately after return'd again with less confidence than he went ; now he burying his Tutor Philager with more than ordinary curiosity , had set up over his monument a Marble Crow , which Cicero observing told him , Thou hast done wisely in this , for thy Tutor has rather taught thee to fly than speak . When Marcus Appius in his preamble to a Plea , had said , that his Friend had desired him to employ all his Industry , Eloquence , and Fidelity in that Cause . Cicero answer'd , then thou hast been very hard to thy Friend in not performing one of those things he had desired of thee . To use this bitter raillery against Opposites and Antagonists in pleading seems allowable Rhetorick at a Bar , but to fall upon every body , only to move laughter , this created him great hatred : A few of which passages I shall relate . Marcus Aquilius , who had two Sons in Law in Exile , he call'd † Adrastus ; Lucius Colla , an intemperate Lover of Wine , was Censor when Cicero pretended to the Consulship , Cicero being dry at the Election , his Friends stood round about him whilst he was drinking , You have reason to be affraid , says Cicero , least the Censor should be angry that I drink water . Meeting one day Voconius with his three very ugly Daughters , he cry'd out . This Man has sown his seed , Without Apollo's leave or aid . When Marcus Gellius , who was reputed the Son of a Slave , had read several Letters in the Senate ; with a very shrill and loud voice , Wonder not , says Cicero , for this fellow is one of the Cryers : When Faustus Sylla the Son of Sylla the Dictator , who had during his Dictatorship by publick bills proscribed and condemned several Citizens , had so far wasted his Estate , and got into debt , that he was forced to publish his bills of sale , Cicero told him , That he liked these bills much better than those of his Father : By these things he became very odious to many . But Clodius's Faction conspired against him upon this occasion : Clodius was one of a Noble Family in the flower of his youth , and of a bold and resolute humour ; he being in Love with Pompeia Caesar's Wife , got privately into his House in the habit and dress of a Minstrel , ( for the Women were then offering that Sacrifice in Caesar's house , which is neither to be heard nor seen by Men ) and there was no Man present ; but Clodius , being a Youth and beardless , hoped to get to Pompeia among the Women , without being taken notice of , but entring that great house by Night he was lost in the passages , where Aurelia one of Caesar's Mothers Women spying him , wandring up and down , inquir'd his name , thus being necessitated to speak , he told her , he was seeking for one of Pompeia's Maids , by name Aura , she perceiving it not to be a Womans Voice shrieked out , and call'd in the Women , who presently shutting up the Gates , and searching every place , at length found Clodius fled into the Chamber of that Maid with whom he came in : This matter being noised abroad , Caesar put away his Wife Pompeia , and Clodius was * prosecuted for prophaning the holy Rites . Cicero was at this time his Friend , for he had been useful to him in the conspiracy of Catiline , as one of his forwardest assistants and guard of his Body . Clodius putting the stress of his defence , upon this point , that he was not then at Rome , but a far off in the Country , Cicero testify'd that he came to his house that day , and discoursed with him of several matters , which thing was indeed true , although Cicero was thought to testifie it , not so much for the truths sake , as to preserve his quiet with Terentia his Wife , for she had a spite at Clodius upon the account of his Sister Clodia , who had a mind to marry Cicero , and manag'd the design by one Tullus , a Friend and intimate of Cicero's in his greatest affairs : And Cicero himself by frequently visiting and paying his Court to Clodia as a Neighbour , had given Terentia ground to suspect him . And she being a Woman of a sowre humour , and having the ascendant of Cicero , had provoked him to conspire and testifie against Clodius . Afterwards many good and honest Citizens did give evidence against him for perjuries , forgeries , bribing the People , and deflowering of Women . Lucullus proved by his Maid-servants , that he had lain with his youngest Sister , when she was his Wife ; and there was a publick Fame , that he did also converse with his two other Sisters in the same way ; Terentia , whom Martius Rex , and Clodia , whom Metellus Celer , had married ; the latter of them was called Quadrantula , because one of her Lovers had deceived her with a purse of small brass money instead of Silver , the smallest brass coyn being called a Quadrant . Upon this Sisters account , Clodius was principally defamed . Notwithstanding all this , when the common People appear'd in Tumults against the accusers , and prosecutors of Clodius , the Judges were so affrighted , that a guard was placed about them for their defence ; tho the names were confusedly written upon the Tables , yet it was evident that the greatest number did absolve him ; and it was said there was bribery in the Case , and therefore Catulus meeting the Judges , told them , You did well in requiring a guard for your safety , for fear your money should have been taken from you ; and when Clodius upbraided Cicero , that the Judges did not believe his Testimony , Yes , said he , five and twenty of them believ'd me , for so many of them have condemned you , but the other thirty did not believe you , for they did not absolve you till they had receiv'd your Money . But Caesar , tho cited did not give his Testimony against Clodius , nor pretended to be convinced of his Wife's Adultery , but that he had put her away , because it was fit that Caesar's Bed should not be only free of the evil fact , but of the Fame too . Clodius having escaped this danger , and got to be chosen one of the Tribunes of the People , immediately attack'd Cicero , heaping up all matters , and inciting all Persons against him , the common People he wheedled with popular laws ; to each of the Consuls , he decreed large Provinces , to Piso , Macedonia , and to Galinius , Syria : He muster'd together a rabble of indigent Persons to serve his design , and had always armed Slaves about him ; of the three Men then in greatest power , Crassus was Cicero's open Enemy , Pompey indifferently caressed both , Caesar was going with an Army into Gallia . Cicero applies himself to him , th none of his firm Friends , having had a suspicion of him ever since the conspiracy of Catiline ; of him he desires the Honour of being his Lieutenant General in that Province . Caesar accepting him , Clodius perceived that Cicero fled his tribunitian Authority , and therefore pretends to be inclinable to a reconcilement , lays the greatest fault upon Terentia , makes always a favourable mention of him , and treats him with kind expressions , as one who had neither hatred nor ill will towards him , and thus expostulating the matter moderately and friendly , he so freed Cicero of all his fears , that he resigned his Lieutenancy to Caesar , and betook himself again to political affairs . At which Caesar being exasperated , he confirmed Clodius against him , and wholly alienated Pompey from him , he also himself declared in a publick assembly of the People , that he did not think Lentulus and Cethegus with their accomplices were well and legally put to death , without being brought to Tryal . And this indeed was the crime charged upon him , of which Cicero standing accused and prosecuted , he changed his habit , and in a sordid and untrimmed dress went about and supplicated the People , but Clodius always met him in every corner , having a pack of abusive and daring fellows about him , who with insolence publickly derided his dress , and change of habit , and would often by throwing dirt and stones at him interrupt his supplications to the People . Altho at first , almost the whole Equestrian order changed their habits with him , and no less than twenty thousand young Gentlemen followed him untrimm'd , and supplicating with him to the People on his behalf : Afterwards the Senate met , to pass a decree , that the People should change their habit as in time of publick sorrow : But the Consuls opposing it , and Clodius with armed Men besetting the Senate-house , many of the Senators ran out , shrieking and tearing their Cloaths but this sight moved neither shame nor pity in them , for Cicero must either fly or determine it by the Sword with Clodius . He intreated Pompey to aid him , who was on purpose gone out of the way , and resided at his Country-house near Albania , and first he sent his Son-in-Law Piso , to intercede with him , but afterwards went himself , of which Pompey being informed , he durst not stay to see him , for he had a great reverence for that Man , who had contended in so many quarrels for him , and had directed so much of his policy for his advantage , but being Caesar's Son-in-Law , at his instance he set aside all former kindness received from Cicero , and slipping out at another door avoided his intercession : Thus being forsaken by Pompey , and left alone to himself , he fled to the Consuls . Gabinius was always surly to him , but Piso treated him more civilly , desiring him to yield and give place for a while to the fury of Clodius , and to expect the change of times , and to be once more a Saviour to his Country from those commotions and dangers which were raised upon his account . Cicero receiving this answer , consulted with his Friends : Lacullus advised him to stay , as being sure to prevail at last , others to fly , because the People would soon desire him again , when they should have enough of the rage and madness of Clodius . This last Cicero approv'd . But first he took the Statue of Minerva , which had been long set up in his house , and worship'd with singular devotion , and carrying it to the Capitol , there dedicated it with this inscription : MINERVAE VRBIS ROMAE PRAESIDI . To Minerva the Patroness of Rome . And receiving a safe convoy from his Friends , about the middle of the night he left the City , and went on foot through Lucania intending to reach Sicily . But as soon as it was publickly known that he was fled , Clodius procured of the People a decree of Exile , and by bill interdicted him Fire and Water , prohibiting any within five hundred Miles in Italy , to receive him into their Houses . But all others , who reverenced Cicero , little regarded the Decree , for shewing him all kind offices they attended him in his passage . But at Hipponium a City of Lucania , now call'd Vibo , one Vibius a Sicilian by birth , who amongst many other effects of Cicero's friendship , had been made Surveyor of the works when he was Consul , would not indeed receive him into his house , yet sent him word , he would appoint a place in the Country for his reception . C. Virginius the Pretor of Sicily , who had made use of Cicero in his greatest necessities , wrote to him to forbear coming into Sicily . At these things Cicero being disheartned went to Brundusium , whence putting forth with a prosperous wind , a contrary gale blowing from the Sea carried him back to Italy the next day ; he put again to Sea , and having finished his Sail to Dyrrachium , and putting on shore there , it is reported , that an Earthquake and storm at Sea happened at the same time , from whence the Southsayers conjectured his Exile would not be long ; for those things were Prognosticks of Change. Although many visited him with respect , and the Cities of Greece contended which should honour him most , yet he continued disheartned and disconsolate , like an unfortunate Lover , often casting a look back upon Italy , and indeed he was become so mean spirited , contracted , and dejected by his misfortunes , as none could have expected in a Man so thoroughly conversant in all sorts of Learning as he was . And yet he often desired his Friends not to call him Orator , but Philosopher , because he had made Philosophy his business , but had only used Rhetorick as an instrument of Governing the Common-wealth , when there was necessity for it . But the desire of Glory has great power in blotting the Tinctures of Philosophy out of the Souls of Men , and of imprinting the passions of the Vulgar , by custom and conversation in the minds of those that govern them ; unless the politician be very careful so to ingage in publick affairs , as to interest himself in the affairs themselves , but not in the passions that are consequent to them . Clodius having thus driven away Cicero , fell to burning his Villa's , and afterwards his City house , and built in the place of it a Temple to Liberty , the rest of his goods he exposed to Sale by daily proclamation , but no body came to buy them . By these things he became formidable to the chiefest Citizens , and having got together a Body of the Commonalty let loose to all manner of insolence and licentiousness , he fell foul upon Pompey , inveighing against several things done by him in the Wars ; for these matters Pompey falling under an ill Opinion with the People , began to be displeased with himself for deserting Cicero , and changing his mind , wholly set himself with his Friends to contrive his return , and when Clodius opposed it , the Senate made a Vote , that no publick Matter should be decreed or acted , till Cicero was recalled : But when Lentulus was Consul , the commotions grew so high upon this Matter , that the Tribunes were wounded in the Common Hall , and Quintus , Cicero's Brother was left as dead , and hid amongst the slain ; upon this the People began to change their Opinion , and Annius Milo one of their Tribunes , was the first who took confidence to hale Clodius by force unto Judgment . Many of the Common People , and of the Neighbouring Cities joyning with Pompey , he went with them , and drove Clodius out of the Common Hall , and Summon'd in the People to pass their Vote ; and it is said the People never passed any Suffrage more unanimously than this ; the Senate also joyning with the People , sent Letters of Thanks to those Cities , which had received Cicero with respect in his Exile , and decreed , that his House & Villa's which Clodius had destroy'd should be rebuilt at the publick charges . Thus Cicero returned Sixteen Months after his Exile , and the Cities were so glad , and the Men so zealous to meet him , that what Cicero boasted of afterwards , viz. That Italy had brought him on her Shoulders home to Rome , was rather less than the Truth : And Crassus himself , who had been his enemy before his Exile , went then voluntarily to meet him , and was reconciled ; to please his Son Publius , as he said , who was Cicero's most affectionate Friend . Cicero had not been long at Rome , but taking the opportunity of Clodius his absence , he goes with a great company to the Capitol , and there tears and defaces the Tribunitian Tables , in which was recorded the Acts that were done in the time of Clodius : Clodius , calling him in question for this , Cicero answered that he being of the Patrician Order , had got the Office of Tribune against Law , and therefore nothing was valid that was done by him : Cato was displeased and opposed Cicero , not that he commended Clodius , but rather disapproved his whole Administration of Affairs ; yet he contended it was an irregular and violent course for the Senate to Vote the abolishing of so many Decrees and Acts , in which also were the Memoirs of his Government at Cyprus and Byzantium . This occasion'd a breach betwixt Cato and Cicero , which tho it came not to open enmity , yet it made a more reserv'd Friendship betwixt them : After this Milo kill'd Clodius , and being arraign'd for the Murther , he chose Cicero for his Advocate . The Senate fearing least the questioning of so eminent and high Spirited a Citizen as Milo , might disturb the Peace of the City , committed the regulating of this , and such other tryals to Pompey , to preside for the security of the City , and of the Courts of Justice : Pompey therefore went in the Night , and encompassed the outward part of the Forum with Soldiers . Milo fearing least Cicero being disturb'd by such an unusual sight should manage his Cause ill ; perswaded him to come in his Chair into the Forum , and there to repose himself till the Judges were set , and the Court fill'd : For Cicero , as it seems was not only timorous in Arms , but began his pleadings also with fear , and scarce left trembling and shaking in some causes in the height and forms of his Oration : Being to defend Licinius Murena against the prosecution of Cato , and endeavouring to out-do Hortensius , who had made his plea with great applause , he took so little rest that Night , and was so disorder'd with much Thought and overwatching , that he fell far short of his Antagonist . Coming forth of his Chair to undertake the Cause of Milo , and seeing Pompey placed above as in a Camp , and Arms shining round about the Forum , he was so confounded , that he could hardly begin his Speech for the trembling of his Body , and hesitance of his Tongue : But Milo appear'd at the tryal brisk and confident , disdaining either to let his hair grow , or to put on the mourning habit , which seems to be the principal cause of his condemnation . And yet Cicero in these things was rather thought to be concern'd for his Friend than timorous . He was afterwards made one of those Priests whom the Romans call Augurs , in the room of Crassus the younger dead in Parthia , and having by lot obtain'd the Province of Cilicia , he set sail thither with twelve thousand Foot , and two thousand six hundred Horse ; he had orders also to reduce Cappadocia to the love and obedience of Artobazanes their King , which settlement he effected with great acceptance without Arms ; and perceiving the Cilicians , by the great loss the Romans had suffer'd in Parthia , and the Commotions in Syria , grown insolent ; he reduced them into good Temper , by a gentle Government . He receiv'd no Presents , tho sent him by Kings : He remitted the Province the charge of Publick Suppers ; but entertained daily at his own House the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ingenious and accomplished Men of the better Quality , not Sumptuously , but Liberally . His House had no Porter , nor was he seen in Bed by any Man ; but early in the Morning standing or walking before his Door , he courteously received those that visited him . He never commanded any to be beaten with Rods , nor to have their Garments rent : He never gave contumelious Language in his Anger , nor inflicted Punishment with Reproach . When he found any of the Publick Monies purloin'd , he enriched the Cities with it ; and those who voluntarily made Restitution , without any further Punishment , he preserved entire in their Reputation . He made a little effort of War , and drave out the Thieves which infested the Mount Amanus , for which he was saluted by his Army Imperator . To Caetius the Orator , desiring him to send him some Panthers from Cilicia , to be exposed on the Theatre at Rome , with boasting reflecting on his own Actions he wrote , that there were no Panthers in Cilicia , for they were all fled to Caria in Anger , that in so general a Peace they were left the only Subjects of his Arms. Leaving his Province for a time , he touched at Rhodes , but more willingly tarried at Athens , with a desire of renewing his old Studies ; where he visited the most eminent Men of Learning , and saluted his Friends and Familiars ; and being deservedly Honour'd in Greece , he return'd to his own City , where Affairs were just as it were in a flame , breaking out into a Civil War. When the Senate would have decreed him a Triumph , he told them , he had rather , so Differences were accommodated , follow the Triumphant Chariot of Caesar . In private , he gave Advice to both ; writing many things to Caesar , and entreating several of Pompey ; mollisying , perswading , and exhorting each of them : But when matters became incurable , and Caesar was approaching Rome , Pompey durst not abide it , but with many honest Citizens left the City : Cicero avoided the flight , and seem'd to adhere to Caesar , tho it is very evident he was in his Thoughts much divided , and wavered betwixt both ; for thus he writes in his Epistles : To which side should I turn ? Pompey has an honest and specious Pretence for War , but Caesar has managed his Affairs better , and is more able to secure himself and his Friends ; so that I know whom I should flee , not whom I should fly to . But when Trebatius , one of Caesar's Friends , by Letter signified to him , that Caesar thought it was his Interest to secure himself on his side , and to be partaker of his Hopes ; but if his Age would not permit that , that he should retire into Greece , and there abide and enjoy his Quiet , remote from either Party . Cicero , wondring that Caesar did not write himself , answer'd in Anger , that he would do nothing unworthy of those things he had already done in Publick Affairs . After this manner therefore he writes in his Epistles . But as soon as Caesar was marched into Spain , he immediately takes Shipping to go to Pompey ; and he was very acceptable to all the rest but Cato , who taking him privately , chid him for joyning himself to Pompey : As for himself , he said , it had been very undecent , to have forsaken that part of the Commonwealth which he had chosen from the beginning ; but he might have been more useful to his Country and Friends , if remaining Neuter , he had attended and governed the Event , and not without Reason or Necessity have made himself an Enemy to Caesar , and partner of so great Dangers . By these sayings , Cicero's mind was partly changed , but principally because Pompey made no great use of him ; although indeed he was himself the cause of it , by professing he repented his coming , by deriding Pompey's Preparations , by despising his Counsels , and not forbearing Jeers and pleasant Reflections upon his Fellow-Soldiers : For whilest he walked sowre and melancholy in the Camp , he was always endeavouring to move Laughter to others , who had as little reason to be merry , as himself . And here it may not be amiss to relate some few of those Jests . To Demetrius , preferring one to a Command , who was no Soldier , and saying in his defence , that he was a Modest and Prudent Person ; he reply'd , Why did not you keep him then for a Tutor for your Children ? Some commending Theophanes the Lesbian , who was Master of the Works in the Camp , for that he had excellently comforted the Rhodians after the loss of their Fleet : What an extraordinary thing , said he , it is to have a Greek Officer ? When Caesar had done many things successfully , and in a manner besieged Pompey , Lentulus was saying , it was reported , that Caesar's Friends were melancholy : You mean , says Cicero , they are wishing ill to Caesar . To one Marcius , newly come from Italy , and telling them , that there was a strong report at Rome , that Pompey was block'd up ; he said , And therefore you sail'd hither , that you might see it with your own Eyes , and believe it . To Nonius , encouraging them after a Defeat to be of good hope , because there were seven Eagles still left in Pompey's Camp : You encourage well , said Cicero , if we were to fight with Jack-daws . Labienus demonstrating from Divination , that Pompey was to be Conqueror : Yes , said Cicero , and by trusting to this Stratagem , we have already lost our Camp. After the Battel of Pharsalia was over ( at which he was not present , for want of Health ) and Pompey was fled , Cato having considerable Forces , and a great Fleet at Dyrrachium , would have had Cicero Commander in Chief , according to Law , and the Precedence of his Consular Dignity . But Cicero refusing the Command , and wholly avoiding to joyn with their Arms , was very near being slain ; young Pompey and his Friends calling him Traytor , and drawing their Swords upon him , had slain him , had not Cato interposed , and hardly rescued and brought him out of the Camp. Afterwards arriving at Brundusium , he tarried there some time , in expectation of Caesar , who linger'd because of his Affairs in Asia and Egypt ; and when it was told him , that he was arrived at Tarentum , and was coming thence by Land to Brundusium ; he hastened towards him , not altogether without Hope , and yet in some Fear of making experiment of the temper of an Enemy , and Conquerour in a publick Presence . But there was no necessity for him , either to speak or do any thing unworthy of himself . For Caesar , as soon as he saw him coming a good way before the rest of the Company to meet him , made his descent towards him , and saluted him ; and leading the way , discoursed with him alone for many furlongs ; and from that time forward continued to treat him with Honour and Respect : So that when Cicero wrote an Oration in praise of Cato , Caesar writing against it , took occasion of commending the Eloquence and Life of Cicero , as most exactly resembling that of Pericles and Theramenes . Cicero's Oration was called Cato , Caesar's , Anti-Cato . It is reported , that when Quintus Ligarius was prosecuted for having been one in Arms against Caesar , and Cicero had undertaken his Defence , Caesar said to his F●iends , What hinders , but * that after so long a time we should hear Cicero speak ? It being long since concluded , that Ligarius is an ill Man , and our Enemy . But when Cicero began to speak , he wonderfully moved him , and proceeded in his Speech with that variety of Pathos , and that admirable Grace , that the colour of Caesar's Countenance often changed ; and it was very evident , that all the Passions of his Soul were in commorion . At length , the Orator touching upon the Pharsalian Battel , he was so transported , that his Body trembled , and some of the Papers he held , dropt out of his hands ; and thus being over-power'd , he acquitted Ligarius . After this , the Common-wealth being changed into a Monarchy , Cicero withdrew himself from publick Affairs , and employ'd his leisure in instructing those young Men that would , in Philosophy ; and by their Conversation and Acquaintance , being of the noblest and best Quality , he again got very great Power in the City . But his chief Business was to Compose and Translate Philosophical Dialogues ; and to render Logical and Physical Terms into the Roman Idiom : For he it was , as it is said , who first or principally gave Latin names to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and many such other Greek Terms of Art , continuing by Metaphors , and other Proprieties , to render them intelligible and expressible by the Romans . For his Recreation , he exercised his Dexterity in Poetry ; and when he was set to it , would make five hundred Verses in one Night : He spent the greatest part of his time at his Country-House near Tusculum . He wrote to his Friends , that he led the Life of Laertes , either jestingly , as his Custom was , or rather through Ambition for publick Employment , and Dislike of the present State of Affairs . He rarely went to the City , unless to pay his Court to Caesar . He was commonly the first amongst those who Voted him Honours , and always forward in speaking some new thing in praise of the Man and his Actions : As that which he said of the Statues of Pompey ; for these being defaced and thrown down , Caesar had commanded to be restored , and they were so ; and therefore Cicero said , That Caesar , by this Act of Humanity , had indeed set up Pompey's Statues , but he had fixed and established his own . He had a Design , as it is reported , of writing the History of his Country , and of intermingling with it the Affairs of Greece , with the whole Body both of their true and fabulous Stories : But he was diverted by many publick and private Affairs , and other cross Accidents ; most of which seem to have befallen him by his own fault . For first of all , he put away his Wife Terentia , because he had been neglected by her in the time of the War , and sent away destitute of Necessaries for his Journey ; neither did he find her kind when he return'd into Italy ; for she went not to Brundusium , where he staid a long time ; nor would allow her young Daughter , who undertook so long a Journey , decent Attendance , or viatick Expences ; besides , she left him a naked and empty House , and yet had involv'd him in many and great Debts . These were alledged for the most specious Pretences of the Divorce . But for Terentia , who denied all these things , Cicero himself made an evident Apology , by marrying a young Virgin not long after , for the love of her Beauty , as Terentia upbraided him ; or as Tyro , his emancipated Slave hath written , for her Riches , to discharge his Debts ; for the young Woman was very rich , and Cicero had the Custody of her Estate , being left Guardian in Trust ; and being indebted many Myriads , he was perswaded by his Friends and Relations to marry this young Woman , notwithstanding her Age , for the present satisfaction of his Creditors with her Money . Antonius , mentioning this Marriage in his Answer to the Philippicks , reproaches him for putting away a Wise , with whom he had lived to old Age ; withal wittily upbraiding Cicero's sitting at home as unactive , and un-souldier-like . Not long after this Marriage ; his Daughter died in Child-bed at Lentulus's House ; for she was married to him after the Death of Piso , her former Husband . The Philosophers from all parts came to comfort Cicero ; for he took this Accident so grievously , that he put away his new-married Wife for seeming to rejoyce at the death of Tullia . And thus stood Cicero's domestick Affairs at this time . He had no Concern in the Conspiracy against Caesar , although Brutus's most principal Confident ; and one who was as aggrieved at the present , and as desirous of the former state of Publick Affairs , as any other whatsoever : But the Conspirators fear'd his Temper , as wanting Courage ; and his old Age , in which the most daring Dispositions are apt to be timorous . As soon therefore as the Fact was committed by Brutus and Cassius , and the Friends of Caesar were got together , so that there was fear the City would again be involved in a cruel War , Antonius being Consul , convened the Senate , and discoursed some things briefly tending to Accommodation . Cicero interposing with many things agreeable to the Occasion , perswaded the Senate to imitate the Athenians , and decree Oblivion for all things that were done under Caesar's Authority , and to bestow Provinces on Brutus and Cassius ; but neither of these things took effect . For as soon as the Common People , of themselves inclined to Pity , saw the dead Body of Caesar born through the Market-place , and Antonius shewing his Garments fill'd with Blood , and pierced through on every side with Swords , enraged with Fury , they made a Search for the Murderers , and with Fire-brands in their hands ran to their Houses , to burn them . But being fore-warned , they avoided this Danger , and expecting many more , and greater attending them , they left the City : Upon this Antonius was on a sudden puffed up , and looking as if he would assume the Government , he became formidable to all ; but most formidable to Cicero ; for perceiving his Power again increasing in the Common-wealth , and knowing him studious of the Friendship of Brutus , his presence was very uneasie to him : Besides , there had been some former Jealousie betwixt them , occasioned by the unlikeness and difference of their Manners . Cicero fearing the event of these things , was inclined to go as Lieutenant with Dolabella into Syria . But Hircius and Pansa being designed Consuls after Antonius , good Men , and Lovers of Cicero , intreated him not to leave them ; undertaking to suppress Antonius , if he were present : But he neither wholly distrusting , nor trusting them , left Dolabella to go without him , promising Hircius that he would go and spend his Summer at Athens , and return again when he entred upon his Office . So he took his Voyage by himself ; but lingring in his Passage , such News came to him from Rome , as is usual in such cases , that Antonius repented , and was strangely changed ; doing all things , and managing Publick Affairs at the Will of the Senate ; and that there wanted nothing but his Presence to reduce things to a happy Settlement ; and therefore blaming himself for his great Cowardice , he return'd again to Rome , and was not deceived in his hopes at the beginning : For such multitudes flock'd out to meet him , that the Complements and Civilities which were paid him at the Gates , and at his entrance into the City , took up almost one whole day's time . On the Morrow Antonius convened the Senate , and summoned Cicero thither ; he came not , but kept his Bed , pretending to be ill of his Journey ; but the true reason seem'd the fear of some Design against him , upon a suspicion and intimation given him on his way to Rome . But Antonius took this Affront very hainously , and sent Souldiers , commanding them to bring him , or burn his House ; but many interceding , and supplicating for him , he was contented only to accept Sureties for the payment of his Mulct for absence . Ever after , when they met , they pass'd one another with silence , and continued reserved ; till Caesar the younger coming from Apollonia , entred upon the Inheritance of Julius Caesar , and had a Controversie with Antonius for two thousand five hundred Myriads , which he detained of that Estate . Upon this , Philip , who married the Mother , and Marcellus the Sister of this Caesar , came with the young Man to Cicero , and agreed with him , That Cicero should assist with his utmost Power in Eloquence and Politicks , with the Senate and People , and Caesar give Cicero the defence of his Riches and Arms ; for at this time the young man had a great Party of the Veterane Souldiers of Caesar about him ; and Cicero 〈…〉 em'd very willing to embrace the Friendship of Caesar . For it seems , while Pompey and Caesar were yet alive , Cicero in a Dream seem'd to summon some Sons of the Senators into the Capitol , as if Jupiter design'd to declare one of them for a Governour of Rome ; the Citizens with curiosity running , stood about the Temple , and the Youths sitting in their Purple Robes , kept silence : On a sudden the Doors opened , and the Youths arising one by one in order , passed round the God , who review'd them all , and dismist them displeased , but this Youth passing by , the God stretched forth his right hand , and said , O ye Romans , this young Man , when he shall be Lord of Rome , shall put an end to all your cruel Wars . It is said , that Cicero , by this Vision in his Dream , had framed the perfect Idea of the Youth , and preserved it in his Mind , though he did not then know him . The next day going down into Campus Martius , he met the Boys returning from their Exercise ; and the first that Cicero saw was he , just so as he appear'd to him in his Dream : Being astonished at it , he ask'd him , who were his Parents ? And it prov'd to be this young Caesar , who had for his Father Octavius , one of the most eminent Citizens ; for his Mother , Actia , the Sister of Caesar ; and therefore Caesar wanting Children of his own , made him by Testament Heir of his Estate and Family . From that time it is said that Cicero very studiously saluted the Youth whensoever he met him , and he as kindly received the Civility ; and by Fortune he happened to be born when Cicero was Consul . These were the pretended Reasons ; but it was principally Cicero's Hatred of Antonius , and a Temper unable to resist Honour , which fastned him to Caesar , with an opinion of uniting Caesar's Power to his publick Designs ; for he had so insinuated himself into the young Man , that he call'd him Father ; at which thing Brutus was so highly displeased , that in his Epistles to Atticus , he reflected on Cicero , saying , That it was manifest , by his courting Caesar , for fear of Antonius , he did not intend Liberty to his Country , but design'd a bountiful Master to himself . Notwithstanding , Brutus took Cicero's Son , then studying Philosophy at Athens , gave him a Command , and by his Advice directed much of his Affairs . At this time Cicero's Power was at the greatest height in the City , and he did whatsoever he pleased ; for he had suppressed and driven out Antonius , and sent the two Consuls , Hircius and Pansa , to follow him with an Army ; but perswaded the Senate to decree to Caesar the Lictors and Praetorian Ensigns , as fighting for his Country . But after Antonius was defeated , and both the Consuls slain , the Forces which came from the Battel , joyn'd themselves with Caesar . The Senate fearing the young Man , and his extraordinary Fortune , endeavoured by Honours and Gifts , to call off the Souldiers from him , and to lessen his Power ; pretending there was no further need of Arms , now Antonius was put to flight . This giving Caesar an Affright , he privately sends some Friends to intreat and perswade Cicero to procure the Consular Dignity for them both together ; and that he should manage the Affairs as he pleased , have the Supreme Power , and govern the young Man , who was only desirous of Name and Glory . And Caesar himself confessed , That in fear of Ruine , and in danger of being deserted , he had seasonably made use of Cicero's Ambition ; perswading him to stand with him , assist , and joyn his Votes for the Consul-ship . And thus was old Cicero wheedled and gull'd by the young Man , to bring over his Suffrages , and engage the Senate on his ●ide . His Friends soon blamed him for it ; and within a little time after , he himself perceived , he was ruin'd by it , and had betray'd the Liberty of the People ; for the young Man was so exalted , by obtaining the Consular Authority , that he bid Cicero Farewell ; and reconciling himself to Antonius and Lepidus , united his Power with theirs , and divided the Government with them , as if it had been part of a common Estate . Thus united , they made a Schedule of above two hundred Persons , who were designed to be put to Death : But the Proscription of Cicero made the greatest Contention in all their Debates : For Antonius was inclinable to no Agreement , till he was first killed : To Antonius , Lepidus consented ; but Caesar opposed them both . Their Meetings were held alone by themselves , remote from Company , for three days , near the City of Bononia : The Place where they met , was over against the Camp , encompassed with a River ; Caesar , as it is said , very earnestly contended for Cicero the first days ; but on the third day he yielded , and gave him up . The Terms of their mutual Concessions were these ; That Caesar should desert Cicero , Lepidus his Brother Paulus , and Antonius , Lucius Caesar , his Uncle by his Mothers side : Thus did they fall by Anger and Fury from the sence of Humanity , and demonstrated , that no Beast is more savage than Man , when possessed with Power , answerable to his Rage . But whilst these things were contriving , Cicero was with his Brother at his Country-House near Tusculum ; whence , hearing of the Proscriptions , they determined to pass to Astura , a Villa of Cicero's , near the Sea , and to take shipping from thence for Macedonia , to Brutus ; for there was a Report , that he was strong in those Parts . They travelled together in their several Litters , oppressed with Sorrow , and often stopping on the way , till their Litters came together , miserably condoled one another . But Quintus was the most disheartned , when he reflected on his want of Necessaries for his Journey ; for , as he said , he had brought nothing with him from home . And even Cicero himself had but a slender Viatick Provision : It was adjudged therefore most expedient , that Cicero should make what haste he could to fly , and Quintus return home to provide Necessaries , and thus resolved , they mutually embraced , and parted , making great Lamentation . But Quintus within a few days after , betray'd by his Servants to those who came to search for him , was slain , together with his young Son : But Cicero was carried to Astura ; where , finding a Vessel , he immediately went on board her , and sailed as far as Circium with a prosperous Gale ; but when the Pilots resolv'd immediately to hoise Sail from thence , whether fearing the Sea , or not wholly distrusting the Faith of Caesar , he went on shoar , and passed by Land a hundred Furlongs , as if he were going for Rome ; but wanting Resolution , and changing his Mind , he again returned to Sea , and there spent his Night in Melancholy , and perplex'd Thoughts : sometimes he resolved to go into Caesar's House privately , and there kill himself upon the Altar of his Houshold-Gods , to bring Divine Vengeance upon his Family ; but the fear of Torture put him off this Course . And again , revolving in his Mind other troublesom and uncertain Resolutions , at last he yielded himself to his Servants to be carried by Sea to Capua , where he had a Country House , and a pleasant Retirement in the Spring , when the Easterly Winds blow sweetest . There was in that place a Chappel of Apollo 's not far from the Sea-side , from which a great flight of Crows arising with great noise , made towards Cicero's Ship as it rowed to Land , and lighting on both sides of the Cross-Yard , some croaked , others peck'd the ends of the Sails . This was looked upon by all as an ill Omen ; and therefore Cicero went again on shoar , and entring his House lay down upon his Bed , to compose himself to Rest : Many of the Crows sate about the Windows , making a horrid noise ; but one of them light upon the Bed where Cicero lay covered up , and with its Bill by little and little peck'd off the cloaths from his Face . His Servants seeing this , blamed themselves , that they should stay to be Spectators of their Master's Murder , and do nothing in his Defence , whilst the brute Creatures did assist and take care of him in his undeserved Affliction ; and therefore , partly by entreaty , partly by Force , they took him up , and carried him in his Li●ter towards the Sea-side . But in the mean time the Assassinators were come with a Band of Souldiers , Herennius the Centurion , and Popilius the Tribune ( whom Cicero had formerly defended , when prosecuted for the Murder of his Father ) finding the Doors shut , they brake them open , where Cicero not appearing , and those within saying , they knew not where he was ; it is reported , that a Youth , who had been educated by Cicero in the Liberal Arts and Sciences , an emancipated Slave of his Brother Quintus , Philologus by name , discover'd to the Tribune , that the Litter was carrying to the Sea through the close and shady Walks : The Tribune , taking a few with him , ran to the place where he was to come out . As soon as Cicero perceived Herennius running in the Walks after him , he commanded his Servants there to set down the Litter ; and stroaking his Chin , as he used to do , with his left hand , he looked stedfastly upon his Murderers . His Face was over-grown with Dust and Hair , and worn away with Cares ; so that the greatest part of those that stood by , covered their Faces whilst Herennius slew him ; and thus was he murder'd , stretching forth his Neck out of the Litter , and being that very Year threescore and four years old . Herennius cut off his Head , and by Antonius's Command , his Hands also , by which his Philippicks were written ; for so Cicero stiled those Orations he wrote against Antonius , and so they are called to this day . When these Members of Cicero were brought to Rome , Antonius was holding an Assembly for the choice of publick Officers ; and when he heard it , and saw them , he cry'd out , Now let there be an end of all our Proscriptions . He commanded his Head and Hands to be fastned up over the Rostra of the Orators ; a horrid ●ight to the Roman People , who believed they saw there not the Face of Cicero , but the Image of Antonius his Soul. And yet amidst these Actions he did Justice in one thing , by delivering up Philologus to Pomponia , the Wife of Quintus ; who having got his Body into her Power , besides other grievous punishments she used , made him cut off his own flesh by pieces , and boyl and eat it ; for so some Writers have reported : But Tyro , Cicero's emancipated Slave , has not so much as mentioned the Treachery of Philologus . Some while after , as I have heard , Caesar visiting his Daughters Son , found him with a Book of Cicero's in his Hand ; the Boy for fear , endeavour'd to hide it under his Gown ; which Caesar perceiving , took it from him , and turning over a great part of the Book standing , gave it him again , and said , My Child , this was a learned Man , and a lover of his Country . But as soon as he had vanquished Antonius , being then Consul , he made Cicero's Son his Collegue in that Office , in whose Consul-ship the Senate took down all the Statues of Antonius , and defaced all the other Monuments of his Honour ; and decreed that none of that Family should hereafter bear the Name of Marcus. Thus did the Divine Powers devolve the finishing their Revenge of Antonius upon the House of Cicero . The Comparison of Demosthenes and Cicero . THese are the most memorable of those things delivered in History of Demosthenes and Cicero , which have come to our knowledge : But omitting an exact Comparison of their several Faculties in Speaking , yet thus much seems fit to be said : That Demosthenes , to make himself a Master in Rhetorick , had applyed all the Knowledge he had natural , or acquired , wholly that way : That he far surpassed in force and strength of Eloquence all his Contemporaries , in Harangue and Pleading Causes ; in Gravity and Magnificence of Style , all that were eminent of the Demonstrative , and in Accuracy and Artifice , all of the Sophistick way . That Cicero was very Learned , and by diligent Study a general Scholar : That he hath indeed left behind him many Philosophical Treatises of his own in the Academick way : But yet it is very evident , that in all his Speeches and Pleadings he affected to make Ostentation of his Learning . And one may discover the different Temper of each of them in their Speeches : For Demosthenes his Oratory was without all embellishment and jesting , wholly composed to Gravity and Seriousness ; not smelling of the Lamp , as Pythias scoffingly said , but of the Temperance , Thoughtfulness , Austerity , and Melancholy of his Temper . But Cicero , by his jearing Humour , was often carried out to Scurrility ; and by disguising serious Arguments at the Bar with jests and laughter , for the advantage of his Client ; he had no regard to what was decent : As that he said in defence of Celius , That he had done no absurd thing in such plenty and delicacy , to indulge himself in Pleasures ; it being a kind of Madness , not to enjoy those things we possess , especially since the most eminent Philosophers have asserted Pleasure to be the chiefest Good. It is reported , That when Cicero being Consul , undertook the defence of Murena against Cato's Prosecution , that upon Cato's account , he said many things Comically against the Stoical Sect , for the absurdities of their Paradoxes , as they called them ; so that a loud laughter passing from the Croud to the Judges ; Cato with a gentle smile said to those that sate next him , O Gentlemen , what a ridiculous Consul have we ! And indeed Cicero was by a natural Temper very much disposed to Mirth , and delighted in Jeering , and always appear'd with a smiling and serene Countenance . But Demosthenes had constant Care and Thoughtfulness in his Look , which he seldom or never laid aside ; and therefore was accounted by his Enemies , as he himself confesseth , morose and ill-manner'd . And it is very evident cut of their several Writings , that this never touched upon his own Praises , but decently and without offence , when there was need of it , and for some weightier end ; but upon other occasions modestly and sparingly : But Cicero's immeasurable boasting of himself in his Orations , did proclaim in him an intemperate Thirst after Glory : As when he cry'd out , Let Arms resign their Honour to the Gown , And to the Tongue the Victor throw his Lawrels down . But at last he did not only extol his own Deeds and Actions , but his Orations also , as well those that were only spoken , as those that were published ; as if he were vying youthful Confidence with Isocrates and Anaximenes , the Sophisters ; not as if he were instructing and directing the Roman People , the hardy , warlike , and irresistible Romans . It is necessary indeed for a States-man to be an able Speaker ; but it is an ignoble thing for any Man to admire and rellish the glory of his own Eloquence . And in this matter Demosthenes had a more than ordinary Gravity and Magnificence of Mind ; accounting his Talent in speaking but a mean Acquirement , which needed great Candor in the Audience , and adjudging those which are puffed up by such Reflections , to be , as indeed they are , Servile and Mechanical . But the power of perswading and governing the People did equally belong to both ; so that those who had Armies and Camps at Command , stood in need of their assistance ; as Chares Diopithes and Leosthenes of Demosthenes's , Pompey and young Caesar of Cicero's , as Caesar acknowledges in his Commentaries to Agrippa and Mecaenas . But what is thought and commonly said most to demonstrate and try the Tempers of Men , viz. Authority and Place , by moving every Passion , and discovering every frailty , never happened to Demosthenes ; nor had he the occasion of giving such Proof of himself , having never obtained any eminent Office , nor led any of those Armies into the Field against Philip , which he rais'd by his Eloquence . But Cicero was sent Quaestor into Sicily , and Proconsul into Cilicia and Cappadocia , at a time when Avarice was at the height , and the Commanders and Governours who were employ'd abroad , thinking it a mean thing to steal , set themselves to seize by open force ; so that it seem'd no heinous matter to take Bribes : But he that did it most moderately , was in good Esteem ; and yet then gave great demonstration of his contempt of Riches , and as great of his Humanity and good Nature . And at Rome also , when he was created Consul in Name , but indeed received Sovereign and Dictatorian Authority against Catiline and his Conspirators , he attested the truth of Plato's Prediction , That then the miseries of States would be at an end , when by a happy Fortune the Supream Power with Wisdom and Justice should meet together in the same Subject . It is said to the Reproach of Demosthenes , that his Eloquence was mercenary ; that he privately made Orations for Phormio and Apollodorus , though Adversaries in the same Cause ; That he was charged with Monies received from the Kings of Persia , and condemned for Bribes from Harpalus : And should we grant all those that have written these things against him ( which are not a few ) to have falsified ; yet it cannot be denyed , but that Demosthenes wanted Courage to look off of those Presents , which in Respect and Gratitude were sent him from the Persian Kings ; and that one addicted to * Maritime Usury , was like to do otherwise . But that Cicero did refuse from the Sicilians , when he was Quaestor , from the King of Cappadocia , when he was Proconsul , and from his Friends at Rome , when he was in Exile , many Presents , though urged to receive them , has been said already . Moreover , Demosthenes his Banishment was infamous , upon Conviction for Bribery ; Cicero's very Honourable , for ridding his Country of pernicious Fellows ; and therefore his Banishment was not at all regarded : But for this Man's sake the Senate changed their Habit , and put on Mourning , and would not be perswaded to make any Act before Cicero's return were decreed . And yet Cicero passed his Exile , sitting down idly in Macedonia : But the very Exile of Demosthenes made up a great part of the Services he did for his Country ; for whilst he travelled the Cities of Greece , he every where , as we have said , assisted the Grecians , driving out the Macedonian Legats , and approving himself a much better Citizen than Themistocles and Alcibiades did in the like Fortune . And after his return , he again apply'd himself to the same Publick Services , and continued opposing Antipater and the Macedonians . But Lesbius reproacheth Cicero in the Senate , for sitting silent , when Caesar , a beardless Youth , asked leave to put in for the Consulship against Law : And Brutus , in his Epistles , charges him with cherishing a greater , and more heavy Tyranny , than that they had removed . But above all , none but must pity Cicero's Death ; for an Old Man to be carried up and down by the kindness of his Servants , to flie and hide himself from that Death , which was so near at hand , and yet at last to be Murdered . But Demosthenes , tho he seem'd at first a little to supplicate , yet his preparing , and keeping the Poison by him , was admirable ; but more admirable the using of it : For when the God afforded him not a Sanctuary , by flying to a greater Altar , he got away from Arms and Guards , and laughed at the Cruelty of Antipater . ARATUS . MBurg . sculp . THE LIFE OF ARATUS . Translated from the Greek , By JOHN BATEMAN , M. D. THE Philosopher Chrysippus , O Polycrates , quotes an ancient Proverb , not as really it should be , apprehending , I suppose , that it sounded too harshly , but so as he thought it would run best in these words , Who Fath●rs praise except their generous Sons ? But Dionysodorus the Traezenian correcting him , restores the true one which is thus , Who Fathers praise except degenerate Sons ? Telling us that this Proverb stops the mouth of those , who having no merit of their own , deck themselves with the Vertues of their Ancestors , and are puft up with their praises . But , as Pindor hath it , He that by Nature doth inherit From Ancestors a Noble Spirit . ( as thou thy self , who in thy life copyest out the fairest Originals of thy Family . ) Such , I say , may take great satisfaction in often hearing and speaking of the best of their Progenitors ; for they assume not the glory 〈◊〉 other mens Praises for want of worth of their own , but uniting both in one , celebrate them , as the Authors both of their Descent and Manners ; wherefore I have sent unto thee the Life which I have written of thy Fellow Citizen and Progenitor Aratus , whom thou comest no way short of either in Esteem or Power . Not that thou hast not been most diligently careful to inform thy self from the beginning concerning his Actions , but that thy Sons Polycrates and Pythocles may be bred up by domestick examples , hearing and reading such things as are fit for their imitation . For it is a peice of self-conceit , not noble emulation , to think ones self already arriv'd at the highest pitch of improvement . The City of Sicyon , from the time that it first fell off from a meer Dorick Aristocracy , ( its harmony being thereby quite confounded into the Seditions and Contests of the Demogogues ) continued to be distemper'd and unsettled , changing from one Tyrant to another , till Cleon being slain , Timoclidas and Clinias , Men of the most repute and power amongst the Citizens , were chosen Governours ; and the Common-wealth now seeming to be in a pretty settled condition , Timoclidas died , and Abantidas the Son of Paseas , to possess himself of the Tyranny , kill'd Clinias ; and of his Kindred and Friends , slew some , and banished others . He sought also to kill his Son Aratus , whom he left behind him , being but seven years old . This Boy in the hurly-burly , getting out of the House with those that fled , and wandring about the City helpless and in great fear , by chance , got undiscovered into the House of a Woman , who was Abantidas his Sister , but married to Prophantus , the Brother of Clinias , her name was Soso . She being of a generous temper , and believing the Boy had by some special Providence , fled to her for shelter , hid him in the House , and at night sent him away to Argos . Aratus being thus deliver'd , and secured from this danger , he immediately conceiv'd , and ever after nourished a vehement and fervent hatred against Tyrants ; being therefore bred up amongst his fathers acquaintance and friends at Argos after an ingenuous manner ; and perceiving his body to bud forth in good constitution and stature , he addicted himself to the Exerci●es of the Palaestra , to that degree , that he strove in the publick Games , and came off Conquerour ; and indeed in his Statues one may observe a certain kind of Athletick cast , and the gravity and Majesty of his countenance does not dissemble his full diet , and the use of full exercise . Whence it came to pass that he less studied Eloquence than perhaps became a man bred up to the Administration of Civil affairs , and yet that he was more polite in speaking than many do believe ; some collect from those Commentaries , which he hath left , tho' penned carelesly and extempore , and in such words as first came to his mind ; some time after Dinias and Aristotle the Logician kill'd Abantidas , who using to be present in the Market-place at their disputes , and to make one in them , they insensibly accustomed him to this practice , and so had opportunity to lay an Ambush for him . After him Paseas the Father of Abantidas taking upon him the government was slain by the treachery of Nicocles , who himself set up for Tyrant ; it is reported that he was extreamly like to Periander the Son of Cypselus , as it is said that Orontes the Persean did much resemble Alcmaeon the Son of Amphiaraus ; and a Lacedemonian youth , Hector ; whom Myrsilus relates to have been trode to pieces by the crowd of those that came to see him upon that report ; this Nicocles governed four Months , in which after he had exceedingly plagued the City , he was very near losing it by a stratagem of the Aetolians . By this time Aratus , being grown a youth , was in much esteem , both for his noble birth and parts , which shewed themselves neither small nor unactive , but beyond his age tempered with firmness of resolution , for which reason the Exiles had their eyes most upon him , nor did Nicocles less observe his motions , but secretly spyed and watched him , not out of apprehension of any considerable or dangerous attempt , but suspecting he held correspondence with the Kings , who were his Fathers friends and acquaintance . And indeed Aratus first attempted this way : but finding that Antigonus , who had promised fair , neglected him and delay'd the time , and that his hopes from Egypt and Ptolomy were too remote , he determined to cut off the Tyrant by himself ; and first he broke his mind to Aristomachus and Ecdelus , the one an Exile of Sicyon , the other namely Ecdelus an Arcadean of Megalopolis , a Philosopher , and a daring man , having been the familiar friend of Arcesilaus the Academick at Athens . These readily consenting , he communicated himself to the other Exiles , whereof some few being ashamed to seem to despair of success ingag'd in the design , but most of them indeavour'd to divert him from his purpose as one that for want of experience was too rash and daring . Now whilest he was consulting to seize upon some Post in Sicyonia , from whence he might make war upon the Tyrant , there came to Argos a certain Sicyonian newly escap'd out of Prison , Brother to Xenocles one of the Exiles , who being by him presented to Aratus , he informed him , that that part of the Wall over which he escap'd was within almost level to the ground , adjoyning to a rocky and elevated place , and that without , it might be scaled with Ladders . Aratus hearing this , dispatches away Xenocles , with two of his Servants , Seuthas and Technon to view the wall , resolving , if he could do it secretly and with one risque , to hazard all at one push rather than as a private person to oppose the Tyrant by long War and open Force . Xenocles therefore with his Companions returning , and having taken the height of the wall , and declaring the place not to be difficult of access , but that it was not easie to approach it undiscovered by reason of some small but very curs'd Curs , that a Gardiner kept hard by , he immediately undertook the business . Now the preparation of Arms gave no jealousie , because Robberies and Incursions were then used on all hands , and for the Ladders , Euphranor a Carpenter made them openly , his trade rendring him unsuspected , tho' one of the Exiles . As for men , each of his Friends in Argos furnished him with ten a piece out of those few they had , and he set out thirty of his own servants , and he hired some few Souldiers of Xenophilus the cheif of the Captains of the Robbers , to whom it was given out , that they were to march into the Territories of Sicyon to seise the Kings Stud , and many of them were sent before by contrary ways to the Tower o● Polygnotus , with orders to stay there ; Caphesias also was dispatched away before-hand lightly armed with four others , who were , as soon as it was dark , to come to the Gardiner's house , pretending to be Travellors , and lodging there to shut up him and his Dogs , for there was no other way to the City ; and for the Ladders , they being made to take in pieces , were put into Chests , and sent before hidden upon Waggons , in the mean time some of Nicocles his spyes appearing in Argos , and being said to go privately about watching Aratus , he came by day-break into the Market-place shewing himself openly conversing with his friends ; then being anointed in the place for Exercises , and taking with him thence some of those young men that used to drink and spend their time with him , he went home , and presently after several of his servants were seen about the Market-place , some carrying Garlands , some buying Flambeaus , some speaking to the Women that used to sing and play at Banquets ; which things the Spies observing were deceiv'd , and said laughing to one another , That certainly nothing was more timerous than a Tyrant , if Nicocles being master of so great a City and so great power , stood in fear of a youth , that spent what he had to subsist upon in his banishment in pleasures and day debauches , and being thus cheated returned home . But Aratus immediately after dinner departing and coming to his Souldiers at Polygnotus's Tower , led them to Nemea ; where he discovered to them his true design , and having made them many large promises and speeches , he marched towards the City , giving for the word Propitious Apollo , proportioning his march to the motion of the Moon , so as to have the benefit of her Light upon the way and to be at the Gardiners house which was close to the wall , just as she was set . Here Caphesias came to him , who could not catch the dogs which run away from him ; but had made sure of the Gardiner . Upon which most of the Company being out of heart , and desiring to retreat , Aratus incourag'd them to go on , promising them to retire in case the Dogs were too troublesome , and at the same time sending before those that carri'd the ladders , conducted by Ecdelus and Mnasitheus , he follow'd them himself leasurly , the Dogs already barking very loud , and baying at Ecdelus and his Companions ; however they got to the wall and reared the ladders with all safety . But as the foremost men were mounting them , the Captain of the Watch that was to be reliev'd by the morning Guard , pass'd by that way at the sound of a little bell , with many torches , and a great deal of noise , hearing which they clapt themselves close to the ladders , and so were un-observ'd , but the other Watch coming to meet this , they were in extreme danger of being discover'd . But having escap'd that also , immediately Mnasitheus , and Ecdelus got upon the wall , and possessing themselves of the passages each way , they sent away Technon to Aratus desiring him to make all the hast he could . Now there was no great distance from the Garden to the wall and a certain tower in which a great Grey-hound was kept . Yet he heard them not as they marched forward , whether being naturally drowsy , or else overwearyed the day before , but the Gardiners Currs awaking him , he first began to grumble , and then as they pass'd by to bark out aloud , and the barking was now so great , that a Sentinel that was further off called out to the Dogkeeper , to know why the Dog kept such a barking , and whether any thing had happened . Who answer'd that it was nothing , but only that his Dog fell a barking at the lights of the watch , and the noise of the Bell. This reply much incouraged Aratus's Soldiers , who thought the Dogkeeper was privy to their design , and therefore conceal'd what was passing ; and that many others in the City were of the conspiracy . But when they came to scale the wall , the attempt then appear'd both to require time , and to be full of danger , for the ladders shook and bent extremely if they mounted them not leisurely , and one by one , and time pressed , for the Cocks began to crow , and the Country people that us'd to bring things to the Market were upon coming to the Town . Wherefore Aratus hasted to get up himself , forty only of the company being already upon the wall , and staying but for a few more of those that were below , he made strait to the Tyrant's Palace , and the main guard where his mercenary Soldiers kept watch , and coming suddenly upon them , and taking them prisoners without killing any one of them , he immediately sent to all his Friends to desire them to come to him , which they did from all Quarters : By this time the day began to break , and the Theater was full of the multitude that were held in suspence , by uncertain reports , and knew nothing distinctly of what had happen'd , untill a Publick Cryer going before him proclaim'd that Aratus the Son of Clinias invited the Citizens to recover their liberty , and then believing that what they so long looked for , was now come to pass , they press'd in throngs to the Tyrants gates to set them on fire , and so great was the flame of the house , now all on fire , that it was seen as far as Corinth ; so that the Corinthians wondering what the matter should be , were upon the point to have come to their assistance . Now Nicocles fled away secretly out of the City by means of certain under-ground passages , and the Soldiers helping the Sicyonians to quench the fire plunder'd the Palace . This Aratus hindred not ; but divided also the rest of the riches of the Tyrants amongst the Citizens . In this exploit not one of those ingag'd in it , was slain , nor any of the contrary party , fortune so ordering the action as to be clear and free from civil bloodshed . Of the Exiles he restored fourscore expell'd by Nicocles , and no less than five hundred of those that were driven out by former Tyrants , and had indured a long and near fifty years banishment . These returning most of them very poor were impatient to enter upon their former possessions , and retiring to their several Country Farms and Houses , gave occasion of great perplexity to Aratus , who consider'd that the City without was envy'd for its liberty , and aimed at by Antigonus , and within was full of disorder and sedition ; wherefore as things stood , he thought it best to associate it to the Achaean Community ; for being Dorians they willingly took upon them the name and polity of the Achaeans , who at that time had neither great Authority nor power . For the most of them liv'd in small Towns , and their Territory was neither large nor fruitful , and the neighbouring Sea was without Ports , entring the Land for the most part in rockey Creeks . And yet these made it evidently appear that the Grecian force was invincible whensoever it met with order and concord within its self , and a prudent General ; for though they were the most inconsiderable part of the antient Grecian power , not equalling the strength of an ordinary City , yet by prudence and unanimity , and because they knew how not to envy and malign but to obey and follow him amongst them , that was most eminent for vertue , they not only preserv'd their own liberty in the midst of so great and powerful Cities and Dominions , but deliver'd from slavery the most part of Greece . As for Aratus he was in his behaviour an exact Common-wealths-man , generous , more intent upon the publick than his private concerns , a bitter hater of Tyrants , making the common good the measure of his friendships and enmities , so that he seems not to to have been so true a Friend , as a courteous and gentle Enemy , suiting himself to all opportunities for the sake of the Common-wealth . So that the consent of Nations and Community of Cities , the Senate , the Theater do with one voice proclaim that Aratus was a lover of nothing but noble actions . He was indeed backward and diffident to make use of war and open force ; but for secret attempts and suddain surprizing of Cities and Tyrants most politick and dexterous . Wherefore though he affected many things beyond hope which he undertook , yet he seems to have left no less unattempted , though feasible enough , for want of assurance ; for it should seem that as the sight of certain beasts is strong in the night but dim by day , the tenderness of the humors of their eyes not bearing the mixture of the light : so the genius of some men though easily daunted as to things to be attempted in the sight of the Sun , is yet very daring in secret and covert enterprizes , which inequality is occasioned in noble minds for want of Phylosophy , whence is produced a certain wild and uncultivated vertue without true knowledge , as may be made out by many examples . Aratus therefore having associated himself and his City to the Achaeans , serving in the Cavalry was much belov'd by his Officers for his exact obedience , for though he had made so large an addition to the Community , as that of his own credit , and the power of his Country , yet he was as ready to be commanded by any of the Achaean Generals , whether of Dyma or Trita , or though of never so mean a City , as the most common Soldier . Having also a present of five and twenty Talents sent him from the King he took them , but gave them all to his poor Fellow Citizens , as well for other uses as the redeeming of Captives . But the Exiles being by no means to be satisfy'd , disturbing continually those that were in possession of their Estates , the City was in great danger of falling into civil dissensions . Having therefore no hope left him , but from the kindness of Ptolomy he resolved to sail thither , and to beg so much mony of the King as would satisfie all parties . So he set ●ail from Methone above the foreland of Malea , as designing to pass through the channel there . But the Pilot not being able to keep the Vessel up against the strong Wind and high Seas , he was turned from his course , and with much ado got to Adria , an Enemy's Town ; for it was possess'd by Antigonus , who had a Garrison there . To avoid which he immediately landed , and leaving the Ship went up into the Country a good way from the Sea , having along with him only one Friend called Timanthes , so hiding themselves in a certain woody place they had but an ill nights rest of it . Not long after the Governour came , and inquiring for Aratus was deceiv'd by his Servants , being instructed to say , that he was fled into the Island of Eubaea ; wherefore he declared the Ship , the Cargo , and Servants to be Lawful prize , and detain'd them accordingly . As for Aratus he being after some days reduced to extrèmity , by good fortune a Roman Ship happen'd to put in just in the place where he continued sometimes peeping out to discover the coast , sometimes keeping close ; she was bound for Syria . And going abroad he agreed with the Master to land him in Caria : In which voyage he met with no less danger than before . From Caria , being after much time arrived in Egypt , he immediately went to the King , who had a great kindness for him by reason of the presents he used to send him of drawings and pictures out of Greece . In which Aratus having very good judgment did usually present him with some of the most curious and best done , especially those of Pamphilus and Melanthus making collections of them at any rate . For the Sicyonian pieces were even then in great esteem as being the only ones , whose colours were lasting , so that the so much admired Apelles himself went thither and gave a Talent to be admitted into the society of the Painters there , not to partake of their skill which he wanted not , but of their credit , wherefore Aratus when he freed the city immediately took down the Statues of the rest of the Tyrants , but he demurred a long time about that of Aristratus , who flourished in the time of Philip. For this Aristratus was painted by Melanthus's People , standing by a Chariot in which VICTORY was carryed , Apelles himself having a hand in it , as Polemon Periegetes reports . It was an extraordinary piece , and therefore Aratus was inclinable to spare it for the workmanship , but then instigated by the hatred he bore the Tyrants , commanded it to be taken down ; But here , as it is reported , Neacles the Painter , one of Aratus's Friends intreated him with teares in his eyes to spare it , and finding that he could not prevaile , said to him , that War was to be waged with the Tyrants themselves , not with their pictures . Therefore let alone the Chariot and the Victory , and I will cause Aristratus to vanish out of the piece . Which Aratus consenting to , Neacles blotted out Aristratus and instead thereof painted a Palm-tree , not daring to add any thing else of his own invention ; the feet of the defaced figure of Aristratus are said to be hid under the Chariot . By the means therefore of Pictures Aratus was in favour with the King , who after he was more fully acquainted with him loved him so much the more , and gave him for the relief of his City one hundred and fifty Talents : fourty whereof he immediately carry'd away with him , when he sailed to Peloponnesus , but the rest the King divided into several gifts , and sent them to him afterwards by parcels . Now a great thing it was to procure so much riches for his fellow Citizens , whereof other Captains and Demagogues receiving but a small proportion from the Kings , grew unsufferable , and becoming their Slaves , betray'd to them the liberty of their Countries . But a much greater , that by means of those sums he effected a reconciliation and good understanding between the rich and poor , and created quiet and security to the whole People . Admirable was his moderation amidst so great power , for being declared sole Arbitrator and Plenipotentiary for composing the differences of the Exiles , he would not accept that Commission alone , but associating fifteen of the Citizens , with great pains and trouble adjusted matters , and setled peace and friendship in the City , for which good service not only all the Citizens in general bestow'd extraordinary honours upon him , but the Exiles , apart by themselves , erecting his Statue in Brass , inscribed thereon this Elegy . Thy well known vigour , counsels , feats of War , Ingrav'd on Hercules's Pillars are ; But we , Aratus , this thy Statue place , Freed by thy help from Exile and Disgrace . In memory of thy Vertue may it stand , And of thy Justice , by the Gods command , Because thou to thy Country did'st restore , The Laws and Liberty she had before . Aratus acting in this manner , got above the envy of the Citizens , by the good offices he did ; but King Antigonus being troubled in his mind about him , and designing , either wholly to bring him over to his party , or else to make him suspected by Ptolomy , besides other marks of his favour show'd to him , who had no mind to receive them , he added this , that , Sacrificing to the Gods in Corinth , he sent portions to Aratus at Sicyon , and at the Feast , where were many guess , he said openly , I thought this Sicyonian Youth had been only by natural instinct a lover of Liberty , and his Fellow-Citizens , but now I look upon him as a good Judge of the manners and actions of Kings . For formerly he despised us , and having his hopes further off , admired the Egyptian Riches , hearing so much of their Elephants , Fleets , Palaces , &c. But viewing all these at a nearer distance , and perceiving them to be but meerShow and Pageantry , he is now come over to us : And for my part I willingly receive him , and resolving to make great use of him my self , command you to look upon him as a friend . These words were soon taken hold of by those that envyed and malign'd him , who strove , which of them should , in their Letters to Ptolomy , charge him with the most and heaviest calumnies , so that he sent to expostulate the matter with him : So much Envy and Ill will did there always attend the so much contended for , ardent and almost love-sick Friendships of Princes and Great men . But Aratus being now for the first time chosen General by the Achaeans plundred the Country of Locris , which lies just over against them , and also Calydonia : Then he went to assist the Baeotians with ten thousand Soldiers , but came not up to them , till after the Battle near Chaeronea , where they were beaten by the Aetolians , with the loss of Abaeocritus the Baeotarch , or Governour of Baeotia , and a thousand men besides . The year following being again elected General , he resolved to attempt the taking of the fortress called Acro-Corinthus : Not so much for the advantage of the Sicyonians or Achaeans , as considering that by driving thence the Macedonian Garrison , he should take off the yoak from the neck of all Greece . Chares the Athenian having the good fortune to get the better in a certain battle of the Kings Generals , wrote to the people of Athens , that this Victory was Sister to that at Marathon , and so may this Action be very well termed Sister to that of Pelopidas the Theban , and Thrasibulus the Athenian , when they slew the Tyrants ; except perhaps it exceed them upon this account , that it was not against natural Grecians , but against a forreign and stranger Domination ; now the Isthmus insinuating between the two Seas , does there unite the Continents of Greece ; and Acro-Corinthus , being a high mountain arising out of the very middle of the Country , whensoever it is kept with a Garrison , cuts off all Peloponnesus , from commerce , free passage of men , and armes , and all traffique by Sea and Land , and makes him Lord of all , that is master of it , wherefore the younger Philip did not jeast but said very true , when he called the City Corinth the Fetters of Greece , so that this post was always much contended for , especially by the Kings and Tyrants , and so vehemently was it longed for by Antigonus , that his passion for it came little short of that of frantick love , being continually taken up with devising how to take it by surprize , from those that were then masters of it , since he despaired to doe it by open force . Therefore Alexander Lord of the place being dead , poisoned by him , as is reported , and his Wife Nicaea succeeding in the Government , and the possession of Acro-Corinthus , he immediately sent his Son Demetrius to her , and giving her pleasing hopes of a match with the Prince , it being no unwelcome thing to an Elderly Lady , to have the conversation and injoyment of a brisk Youth , with his Lure he brought her to hand ; but for all this , she would not deliver up the place , but held it with a very strong Garrison , which he seeming to take no notice of , celebrated the Wedding in Corinth , entertaining them with shows and great treats every day , as one that had nothing else in his mind but pleasure and mirth . Now as soon as * Amaehaeus began to sing in the Theater , he waited himself upon Nicaea to the Play , she being carry'd in a stately Chair , extreamly pleas'd with her new honour , not dreaming of what was intended . As soon therefore as they were come to a turning of the street , that led up towards the Cittadel , he desired her to go on before him to the Theater , but for himself , bidding farewel to the Musick , farewel to the wedding , he went on faster than one would have thought his age would have admitted , to the Acro-Corinthus , and finding the gate shut , knocked with his Staff , commanding them to open , which they within being amazed did , and having thus made himself Master of the place , he could not contain himself for joy , but that , though an old man , and one that had seen so many turns of fortune , he must needs Revel it in the open Streets and midst of the Market-places , crown'd with Garlands , and attended with Minstrels , Inviting every body he met to partake in his Debauch . So much more does joy without discretion transport and ruffle the mind , than either fear or sorrow . Antigonus therefore having in this manner possessed himself of Acro-Corinthus , he put a Garrison into it of those he trusted most , making Persaeus the Philosopher Governour . Now Aratus even in the life-time of Alexander had an intention to get it for his Country , but a Confederacy being made between him and the Achaeans , he desisted ; but now another opportunity of effecting the thing offer'd its self , which was this . There were in Corinth four brothers Syrians born , one whereof called Diocles served as a Soldier in the Garrison , but the three others , having robbed the Kings Treasure , retreated to Sicyon to one Aegias a Banker , whom Aratus made use of in matters of Money ; to him they immediately sold part of their Gold , and the rest one of them , called Erginus , coming often thither exchanged by parcels . Becoming by this means familiarly acquainted with Aegias , and being by him led into discourses concerning the Fortress , he told him , that climbing up to his brother amongst the steep Rocks , he had observed a winding path leading to that part of the Wall of the Castle , which was lower than the rest , at which Aegias drolling with him , and saying , will you then for the sake of a little Gold Pilfer thus from the King , when you may if you please Sell one hour for a great sum of Money , for Traitors and House-breakers if taken , are alike punished with death : Erginus smiling upon him promised to breake the thing to Diocles ( for he did not so fully trust his other Brothers ) and returning within a few days , he bargain'd to conduct Aratus to that part of the wall , where it was no more than fifteen foot high , and to do what else should be necessary ▪ together with his Brother Diocles. Aratus therefore agreed to give them threescore Talents , if he succeeded , but if he failed in his enterprise , and yet he and they came off safe , then he would give each of them a House and a Talent . Now the threescore Talents being to be desposed in the hands of Aegias for the use of Erginus and his Partners , and Aratus neither having so much by him , nor willing by taking it up of others to give them a jealousie of his design , he pawn'd his Plate and his wives Jewels to Aegias for the money . For so generous was his soul , and so strong a passion had he for great exploits , that remembring that Phocion and Epaminondas were esteemed the best and justest of all the Grecians , because they scorned the greatestresents , and would not prostitute their honour for money , he chose to be at secret charges about those attempts , in which he ran all the hazard alone , for the sake of the rest , that did not so much as know what was a doing . Who therefore is there that does not admire , and sympathize with the great mind of this man , who at so vast expences purchas'd so extraordinary danger ? and lent his richest Jewels to have an opportunity to expose his own life , by falling upon his Enemies in the dead of the night , without desiring any other security for them , than the hope of glory ? Now this exploit , though dangerous enough in its self , was made much more so by an error happ'ning through mistake in the very beginning . For Technon one of Aratus's Servants was sent away to Diocles that they might together view the wall . Now he had never seen Diocles , but made no question of knowing him by the marks Erginus had given him of him , namely , that he had curled hair , was of a swarthy complection , and beardless . Being come therefore to the appointed place , he stayed waiting without the gates , for Erginus and Diocles . The place was called Ornis . In the mean time Dionysius Elder Brother to Erginus and Diocles , who knew nothing at all of the matter , but much resembled Diocles , happ'ned to pass by . Now Technon incourag'd by the likeness of his features , ask'd him , if he was any thing related to Erginus , who answering he was his Brother , Technon fully perswaded that he talk'd to Diocles , not so much as asking his name , or staying for any other token , gave him his hand , and began to discourse with him and ask him questions about matters agreed upon with Erginus . Dionysius cunningly laying hold of his mistake , seemed to understand him very well , and returning towards ●he City , held him on in discourse insenbly . And being now near the gate he was just about to seise on him , when by chance Erginus met them , and apprehending the cheat and the danger , beckn'd to Technon to make his escape , and immediately both of them , betaking themselves to their heeles , ran away as fast as they could to Aratus , who for all this despaired not , but immediately sent away Erginus to Dionysius to bribe him to hold his tongue , and he not only effected that , but also brought him along with him to Aratus . Whom , as soon as they had him , they no longer left at liberty , but binding him , they kept him close shut up in a room , whilest they prepared for executing their design . All things being now ready , he commanded the rest of his forces to pass the night in Arms , and taking with him four hundred chosen men , few whereof knew what they were going about , he led them to the gates by the Temple of Juno . It was about the midst of summer , when the Moon was at full , and the night was clear without any clouds , so that there was great danger lest the Armes glistering by Moon-light should discover them . But as the formost of them came near the City , a great mist came off from the Sea , and darkned the City and places thereabout . Then the rest of them sitting down put off their shoe 's ( both because they make less noise and also climb surer , that go up ladders bare-footed ) but Erginus taking with him seven young men habited like Travellers , got unobserved to the gate , and kill'd the Sentry with the other Guards , and at the same time , the Ladders were clapp'd to the walls , and Aratus having in great hast got up a hundred men , he commanded the rest to follow as they could , and immediately drawing up his Ladders after him , he marched through the City with his hundred men towards the Castle , being overjoy'd that he was undiscover'd , not doubting of the success . When immediately four of the Watch were seen coming towards them with a light . But they discover'd them not , because they were in the shade ; wherefore covering themselves a while near some walls and old ruines , they lay'd in wait for them , and three of them they kill'd . But the fourth being wounded in the head with a sword , fled , crying out that Enemies were got into the City , and immediately the Trumpets sounded , and all the City was in an uproar at what had happen'd , and the streets were full of People running up and down , and many lights were hung out , both below in the Town , and above in the Castle , and a confused noise was to be heard in all parts . In the mean time Aratus laboured to get up the Rocks , at first slowly , and with much difficulty , having lost the Path , which lay deep , and was overshaddow'd with Craggs , leading to the wall with many windings and turnings ; but the Moon immediately and by miracle , as is said , dispersing the Clouds , gave light to the most difficult part of the way , till he got to that part of the wall he desired , and there she overshadow'd , and hid him , the Clouds coming together again . Now those Soldiers , which Aratus had left without the gate near Juno's Temple , to the number of three hundred , entring the Town full of tumult and lights , and missing the way by which the former had gone , finding no track of them , were very much affraid , shrowding themselves under the shady side of a Rock , and there they stood , being in great distress and perplexity . For now Aratus Soldiers being ingag'd with those of the Garrison , a warlike cry descended , and a confus'd noise was heard ecchoing on all hands , by reason of the refraction from the mountains , and therefore uncertain whence it first proceeded . Being thus in doubt which way to turn themselves , Archelaus Captain of Antigonus's men , having a great number of Soldiers with him , made up towards the Castle with great shouts and the noise of Trumpets to fall upon Aratus's People , and pass'd by the three hundred , who as if they had rose out of an ambush immediately charged him , killing the first they encountred , and so affrighted the rest together with Archelaus , that they put them to flight and pursued them , till they had quite broke and dispersed them about the City . No sooner were these defeated , but Erginus came to them , from those that were fighting above , to acquaint them , that Aratus was ingaged with the Enemy , that defended themselves very stoutly , and fought bravely for the wall , so that he stood in need of speedy help . They therefore desir'd him to lead them on without delay , and marching up , they by their shouts made their Friends understand who they were , and incourag'd them ; now the full Moon , shining on their harness , made them at a distance appear more in number to the Enemy than they were . And the Eccho of the night multiply'd their shouts ; in short falling on with the rest they made the Enemy give way , and by break of day were Masters of the Castle and Garrison , so that the rising Sun gave lustre to their Exploit . By this time the rest of the Army came up to Aratus from Sicyon , the Corinthians joyfully receiving them at their Gates , helping them to secure the rest of the Kings party ; and now having put all things into a safe posture , he came down from the Castle to the Theater , an infinite number of People crowding thither to see him , and to hear what he would say to the Corinthians . Wherefore drawing up the Achaeans on each side the entrance of the Theater , he appeared , armed as he was , from behind the Scenes , his countenance much altered by reason of his toyle and watching , so that the natural spiritedness and gayety of his temper was overborn and depressed by the weariness of his body . The People , as soon as he came forth , breaking out into great applauses and congratulations , he took his Spear in his right hand , and resting his knee a little bent , and his body against it , stood a good while in that posture , silently receiving the shouts and acclamations of those , that extoll'd his valour , and admir'd his fortune ; which being over , standing upright , he began an Oration in the name of the Achaeans , suitable to the late Action , persuading the Corinthians to associate themselves to the Achaeans , and withal deliver'd up to them the Keys of their gates , which had never been in their power since the time of King Philip ; and for Antigonus's Captains he dismissed Archelaus , whom he had taken prisoner , Theophrastus refusing quarter he caused to be slain , and for Persaeus , when he saw the Castle was lost , he got away to Cenchreae . Where some time after discoursing with one that said to him , that in his opinion none but a wise Philosopher was fit to be a General , he reply'd , The Gods know that none of Zeno ' s maxims once pleased me better than this , but now I am quite of another mind , convinc'd by that Sicyonian youth . This is by many related of Perseus . But Aratus presently after made himself master of the Temple of Juno , and haven of Lechaeum , seis'd upon five and twenty of the King's ships , together with five hundred horses , and four hundred Syrian slaves which he sold . The Achaeans also put a Garrison of four hundred Soldiers , fifty Dogs with as many Keepers into Acro-Corinthus . Now the Romans extolling Philopaemen called him the last of the Grecians , as if no great man had ever since his time been bred amongst them , but I may well say that this was the last of the Grecian exploits , being comparable to the best of them , both for the daringness of it and the success as the consequences declar'd , for the Megarians revolting from Antigonus took part with Aratus , and the Traezenians , and Epidaurians ingrafted themselves into the Achaean Community . His first inroad was into Attica , and passing over into Salamis he plunder'd the Island , turning the Achaean force every way , as now let loose , and set at liberty . Those Prisoners that were Freemen he sent home to Athens without ransome , inciting them thereby to throw off their fetters ; he made Ptolomy to become a Confederate of the Achaeans , and their General both by Sea and Land , and so great was his power with them , that since he could not by Law be chosen their General every year , yet every other year he was , and by his counsels and actions was in effect always so . For they perceived that neither riches nor reputation , not the friendship of Kings , nor the private int'rest of his own Country , nor any other thing else was so dear to him as the increase of the Achaean power and greatness . For he believ'd that small Cities could be preserv'd by nothing else , but a continual and combin'd force , united by the bond of common int'rest ; and as the members of the body live and breath by their mutual communication and connexion , and when once separated pine away and putrifie , in the same manner are Cities ruin'd by being dismembred from one another , as well as preserv'd , when link'd together into one great body , they enjoy the benefit of that Providence and Counsel that governs the whole . Now being troubled within himself , that whereas the chief neighbouring Cities injoy'd their own Laws and Liberties , the Argives alone should be in Bondage , he resolv'd to dispatch their Tyrant Aristomacus , being very desirous , both to shew his gratitude to the City where he was bred up by restoring its Liberty , and to add so considerable a Town to the Achaeans . Nor were there some wanting , who had the courage to undertake the thing , of which Aeschylus and Charimenes the Southsayer were the chief ; but they wanted Swords , for the Tyrant had prohibited the keeping of any under a great penalty ; wherefore Aratus having provided some small daggers at Corinth , and hiding them in the pack-saddles of the pack-horses that carried ordinary ware , he sent them to Argos . But Charimenes letting in another person into the design , Aeschylus and his Partners being angry at it cast him off also , resolving to execute the business by themselves , which he discovering , in a great rage went and detected them , just as they were going to kill the Tyrant ; however the most of them made a shift to escape to Corinth . Not long after Aristomacus was stain by his Servants , and Aristippus a worse Tyrant than he seis'd the Government , upon which Aratus mustering all the Achaeans that were of age , hasted away to the aid of the City , believing that he should find the Argives very ready to join with him ; but the people being accustomed to Slavery , and none appearing to receive him , he retreated , giving thereby occasion to accuse the Achaeans of committing acts of Hostility in the midst of Peace ; upon which account they were Sued in the Court of the Mantmaeans ; and Aratus not making his Appearance , Aristippus Cast them , and had Costs given him to the value of Thirty Minae . And now Hating and Fearing Aratus , he sought means to kill him , having the assistance , and good wishes of King Antigonus ; so that he was perpetually dogg'd and watch'd by those that waited for an opportunity to dispatch him . But the surest Guard of a Prince is the good will of his Subjects ; for where the Nobility and Common People are not afraid of , but for their Governour , he sees with many Eyes and hears with many Ears whatsoever is a doing ; wherefore I cannot but here digress a little from the course of my Narrative to describe that manner of Life , which they so much envied Arbitrary power , and the so much celebrated and admired pomp of uncontroled government oblig'd Aristippus to lead ; for tho' Antigonus was his Friend and allye , and that he had a numerous Life-guard , and hath not left one Enemy of his alive in the City , yet was he forced to make his Guards watch without in the Basse-Court , and for his Servants , he turned them all out immediately after Supper , and then shutting the doors upon them , he crept up into a small Chamber together with his Wench through a trap-door , upon which he placed his bed , and there slept after such a fashion , as one in his Condition can be supposed to sleep , that is , interruptedly and in great fear . The Ladder was taken away by his Wenches Mother , and lockt up in another Room , which in the Morning she brought again , and putting it to , called up this Brave and Wonderful Tyrant , who came creeping out like some Snake from his hole ; whereas Aratus not by force of Armes , but Lawfully , and by his Vertue , having obtain'd a firmly setled Command , wearing an ordinary Garment and Cloak , being the common and declared Enemy of all Tyrants , hath left behind him a noble off-spring remaining among the Grecians to this day ; but of those that usurped strong Castles , maintained Life-guards , fenced themselves with Arms , Gates and Bolts , most like poor Hares died a violent Death , without either Family , or honourable Monument to preserve their memory . Against this Aristippus therefore Aratus made many open and secret attempts , whilest he endeavoured to take Argos , though without success , and particularly clapping scaling Ladders one night to the wall he desperately got up upon it with a few of his Soldiers , and killed the Guards that opposed him . But the day appearing , the Tyrant set upon him on all hands , whilest the Argives , as if it had not been their Liberty that was contended for , but were about to distribute the Nemaean Prizes , like equal and just Spectators sat looking on in great quietness . Aratus fighting lustily was run through the thigh with a Lance , yet he maintain'd his ground against the Enemy till night , and had he held out that night also , he had gain'd his point ; for the Tyrant thought of nothing but flying , and had already ship'd most of his goods ; But Aratus having no intelligence thereof , and wanting water , being disabled himself by his wound , retreated with his Soldiers , and despairing to do any good this way , fell openly with his Army into Argolis , and plunder'd it , and joyning battle with Aristippus near the River Chares , he is accused to have withdrawn out of the fight , and thereby abandon'd the Victory . For whereas one part of his Army had apparently got the better , and was pursuing the Enemy at a good distance from him , yet retreated he in great disorder into his Camp , not so much because he was overpressed by the Enemy on his Wing , as despairing of success , and through a Panick Fear . But when the other Wing returning from the pursuit showed themselves extremely vexed , that though they had put the Enemy to flight and killed many more of his men than they had lost , yet those that were in a manner conquered should erect a Trophy as Conquerors , being much asham'd he resolv'd to sight them again about the Trophy , and the next day but one drew up his Army to give them battle ; but perceiving that they were reinforc'd with fresh Troops , and came on with better courage than before , he durst not hazard a Fight , but desiring a Truce to bury his dead , retreated ; however by his dexterity in managing all affairs with great Obligingness and Courtesy , and by his general Favour , he not only excus'd and obliterated this Fault , but also brought in the Cleonaeans to the Achaean Association , and celebrated the Nemaean Games at Cleonae , as properly and most antiently belonging unto them . These Games were also celebrated by the Argives at the same time , which gave the first occasion to the violation of the priviledge of safe Conduct and immunity always granted to those that came to strive for the Prizes , the Achaeans at that time selling as Enemies all those they could catch going through their Country to the Games at Argos . So vehement and implacable a Hater was he of the Tyrants . Not long after Aratus having notice that Aristippus had a design upon Cleonae , but was afraid of him , because he then resided in Corinth , he assembled his Army by publick Proclamation and commanding them to take along with them provision for several days he marched to Cenchreae , hoping by this Stratagem , to entice Aristippus to fall upon Cleonae , when he supposed him far enough off , and so it happen'd , for he immediately brought his Army against it from Argos . But Aratus returning from Cenchreae to Corinth in the dusk of the Evening , and besetting the passages with Guards , he led on the Achaeans , who follow'd him in so good order and with so much speed and alacrity , that they were not discover'd by Aristippus , not only whilest upon their March , but even when they were got into Cleonae in the night , and were drawn up in order of battle . As soon as it was morning the Gates being opened and the Trumpets sounding he fell upon the Enemy with great cries and fury , and routing them follow'd the pursuit , especially that way that Aristippus indeavour'd to make his escape , through a Country full of windings and turnings . The Pursuit lasted as far as Mycenae , where the Tyrant was slain by a certain Cretan call'd Tragiscus , as Dinias reports , and of the common Soldiers above fifteen hundred . Yet tho' Aratus had obtain'd so great a Victory without the loss of a man , he could not make himself master of Argos nor set it at liberty ; because Aegias and the younger Aristomachus got into the town with the Kings forces and seis'd upon the Government . But by this exploit he spoiled the Scoffs and Jeasts of those that flattered the Tyrants , and in their Raillery would say , that the Achaean General was usually troubled with a Looseness when he was to fight a battle , that the sound of a Trumpet struck him with a Drowsiness and a Giddiness , and that when he had drawn up his Army and given the word , he used to ask his Lieutenants and Officers , what further need there could be of his Presence since the dye was cast , and then went a-loof off to expect the success . And so much did these reports gain credit , that when the Philosophers disputed whether to have ones Heart beat , and to change Colour upon any danger , be an argument of fear , or rather of weakness and coldness of constitution , Aratus was always quoted , as a valiant Capt. but subject to be so affected in time of Battle . Having thus dispatch'd Aristippus , he devised with himself how to ruine Lysiades the Megalopolitan , who Tyranniz'd over his Country . This person was naturally of a generous temper , and not insensible of true honour , induced to usurp the Government , not by the ordinary motives of other Tyrants , Licentiousness , and Avarice , but being young and stimulated with the desire of Glory , suffer'd his noble breast to be unwarily prepossessed with the vain and false Applauses given to Tyranny , as some happy and glorious thing ; but he no sooner seis'd the Government , than he grew weary of the weight of it ; and at once emulating the Tranquility and fearing the Policy of Aratus , he took a most noble resolution first to free himself from Hatred , and Fear , from Soldiers and Guards , and then his Country , as a publick Benefactor , and immediately sending for Aratus resign'd the Government , and incorporated his City into the Achaean Community . The Achaeans applauding this generous action chose him General , upon which , desiring to outstrip Aratus in Glory , amongst many other improper things , he declared war against the Lacedaemonians , which Aratus opposing was thought to do it out of Envy ; but Eysiades was the second time chosen General , tho' Aratus appear'd against him , and labour'd to have that charge conferred upon another ; for Aratus himself had that Command every other year , as has been said ; and Lysiades succeeded so well in his pretensions that he was thrice chosen General , governing alternately as did Aratus ; but at last declaring himself his professed Enemy , and accusing him frequently to the Achaeans , he was rejected ; for it appeared plainly that with conterfeit and adulterated Merit he contested against true and sincere Vertue ; and as Aesop tells us that the Cuckoo once asking the little Birds why they flew away from her , was answered , because they fear'd she would one day prove a Hawk ; so Lysiades's former Tyranny still cast a Suspicion upon him , that he was not inwardly changed . But Aratus gain'd still more honour in the Aetolick War , for the Achaeans resolving to fall upon the Aetolians in the Megarian Confines , and Agis also the Lacaedemonian King , who came to their assistance with an Army , incouraging them to fight , Aratus opposed this determination , and patiently induring many reproaches , many flouts and jearings at his soft and cowardly temper , he preferr'd the true common Interest before his own Credit , and suffer'd the Enemy to pass over the mountain Gerania into Peloponnesus unfought withal ; but understanding that they had suddenly taken Pellene in their march , he chang'd his mind , and not losing time in drawing together his whole force , he marched towards the Enemy with such as he had about him , to fall upon them being now weakned by the intemperances and disorders committed upon their good success ; for as soon as the Soldiers entred the City , they were dispersed in the several houses , quarrelling and fighting with one another about the Plunder ; and as for the Commanders they were running about after the Wives and Daughters of the Pellenians , putting their Helmets upon their heads , that every mans prize might be plainly distinguish'd thereby , and not be seis'd by another . In this posture were they when news came that Aratus was ready to fall upon them . And being now in great amazement , as must needs happen in such a confusion , before all of them heard of the danger , the nearest to the Gates and Suburbs skirmishing with the Achaeans immediately fled ; being already overcome , and struck a great consternation into those that came into their assistance . In this confusion one of the Captives , Daughter of Epigethes , being extremely handsome and tall , happened to be sitting in the Temple of Diana , placed there by the Commander of the band of chosen men , who had taken her , and put his head-peice upon her , she hearing the noise , and running out to see what was the matter , stood looking upon those that fought , having the Helmet upon her head , in which posture she seemed to the Citizens to be something more than human , and struck such fear and dread into the Enemy , that believed it to be a divine apparition , that they lost all courage to defend themselves ; and the Pellenians tell us , that the Image of Diana stands usually untoucht , and when the Priestess happens at any time to remove it to some other place , no body dares look upon it , but 〈…〉 turn their faces from it ; for not only is the sight of it terrible and hurtful to mankind , but it makes even the Trees barren , and to cast their fruit , by which it happens to be carried . This Image therefore they say the Priestess produced , at that time , and holding it directly in the faces of the Aetolians , made them lose their reason and judgment . But Aratus mentions no such thing in his Commentaries , but says that having put to flight the Aetolians , and falling in Pell Mell with them into the City , he drove them out by main force and killed seven hundred of them . This Action has been always reckon'd amongst the most famous Exploits , and Timanthes the Painter has left a lively representation thereof . But many and great Nations combining against the Achaeans , Aratus clapt up a Peace with the Aetolians , and making use of the assistance of Pantaleon the most potent man amongst the Aetolians ; he not only made a Peace , but a Confederacy betwixt those two States . But being desirous to free the Athenians also , he was censured and accus'd by the Achaeans , for that notwithstanding the Truce and Suspension of Arms made between them and the Macedonians , he had attempted to take the Haven of Piraeum . But he denies this fact in his Commentaries , and lays the blame on Erginus , by whose assistance he took Acro-corinthus , alleaging that he upon his own private account indeavour'd to Scale the Piraeum , and his Ladders happening to break , being hotly pursued called out upon Aratus as if present , by which means deceiving the Enemy , he got safely off ; but methinks this excuse is very weak and improbable ; for it is not very likely that Erginus a private man , and a Syrian Stranger , should conceive in his mind so great an attempt , without the instigation , and assistance of Aratus ; nor was it twice or thrice , but very often that like obstinate Lovers , he discovered a design to be Master of the Piraeum , and was so far from being discourag'd by his disappointments , that his missing his hopes but narrowly , was an incentive to him , to proceed the more boldly in his design . One time amongst the rest , making his escape through * Thriasium , he put his Leg out of joint , and was forced to Scarifie it in order to his cure , so that for a long time he was carry'd in a Litter to the Wars . And as 〈…〉 n as Antigonus was dead , Demetrius succeeding him in the Kingdom , he was more bent than ever upon setting Athens at Liberty ; openly despising the Macedonians . Wherefore being overthrown in Battle near Phylacia by Bythis Demetrius's General , and there being a very strong report , that he was either Taken or Slain , Diogenes the Governour of the Piraeum sent Letters to Corinth commanding the Achaeans to depart that City , seeing Aratus was dead . When these Letters came to Corinth , Aratus happen'd to be there in Person , so that Diogenes's Messengers being sufficiently mockt and derided , were forced to return to their Master . King Demetrius also sent a Ship , wherein Aratus was to be brought to him in Chaines . But the Athenians exceeding all bounds of Flattery to the Mecedonians , Crown'd themselves with Garlands upon the first news of his Death ; Wherefore invading their Territories in a rage , he pierced as far as the Academy , but then suffering himself to be pacified , he did no further act of hostility ; by which means the Athenians having full proof of his vertue , when afterwards upon the death of Demetrius , they attempted to recover their Liberty , called him in to their assistance , and although at that time another Person was General of the Achaeans , and himself had long lain Bed-rid of an infirmity , yet rather than fail the City in a time of need , he was carry'd thither in a Litter , and prevailed with Diogenes the Governour to deliver up the Piraeum , Munychia , Salamis , and Sunium to the Athenians in consideration of a hundred and fifty Talents , whereof Aratus himself gave twenty to the City . Upon this the Aeginetae and the Hermonians joyned themselves to the Achaeans , and the greatest part of Arcadia became Tributary to them , so that the Macedonians ceasing to molest them , by reason of their Wars with other Neighhouring Nations , and the Aetolians being their Allies , the Achaean power increased very considerably . Now Aratus desirous to effect a design he had long had in his mind , and impatient , that Tyranny should still Nest its self , in so neighbouring a City as Argos , he sent to Aristomachus to persuade him to restore Liberty to that City , and to associate it to the Achaeans , and that following Lysiades's Example he should rather chuse to be the General of a great Nation , with Esteem and Honour , than the Tyrant of one City , with continual Hatred and Danger . Aristomachus slighted not the Message , but desired Aratus to send him fifty Talents , with which he might pay off the Soldiers . In the mean time whilest the Mony was providing , Lysiades being then General , and extremely ambitious , that this advantage might seem to be of his procuring for the Achaeans , he accus'd Aratus to Aristomachus , as one that bore an irreconcileable hatred to the Tyrants , and persuading him to commit the affair to his management , he presented him to the Achaeans . But there the Achaean Counsel gave a manifest proof of the great Credit Aratus had with them , and the good Will they bore him . For when he spake against Aristomachus's being admitted into the Association , they rejected him with great anger , but as soon as being pacify'd he began to appear for it , they chearfully and readily Decreed that the Argives and Phliasians should be incorporated into their Common-wealth , and the next year they chose Aristomachus General , who being in credit with the Achaeans , was very desirous to invade Liconia , and for that purpose sent for Aratus from Athens . Aratus wrote to him to disswade him all he could from that Expedition , being very unwilling the Achaeans should be ingaged against Cleomenes , who was a daring man , and grown to a strange power . But Aristomachus resolving to go on , he obey'd and served in person ; and when Cleomenes coming upon them on the suddain near Pallantium , Aristomachus would have fought him ; Aratus hindred him , for which he was accused by Lysiades , and openly oppos'd by him in his pretensions to the Office of General , but carry'd it by plurality of Voices , and was chosen General the twelfth time . This year being routed by Cleomenes near Lyc●●um , he fled from it , and wandering the whole Night was believed to be Slain ; and indeed it was confidently reported so throughout all Greece ; but he having escaped this danger and rallyed his forces , was not content to March off in safety , but making use of the present Conjuncture , when no body dreamt any such thing , fell suddainly upon the Mantineans , Allyes of Cleomenes , and taking the City put a good Garrison into it , and made the stranger inhabitants free of the City ; procuring by this means those Advantages for the beaten Achaeans , which being Conquerours they could hardly have obtain'd . The Lacedaemonians again invading the Megalopolitan territories , he marched to the assistance of the City , but refused to give Cleomenes , who did all he could to provoke him to it , any opportunity of ingaging him to a battle , nor could be prevailed upon by the Megalopolitans , who urged him to it extremely . For besides that by nature he was averse to set Battles , he was then much inferiour in number of men , and was to deal with a daring man , and in his prime , himself being now in the declension of his courage and ambition . He considered also that he ought to maintain that Glory he was now in possession of , by caution , which the other aspired to by forwardness and daring ; so that tho' the Light armed Soldiers had sallyed out , and driven the Lacedaemonians as far as their Camp , and even to their Tents , yet would not Aratus bring the Citizens to the charge , but posting himself in a hollow passage hindred them from passing on . But Lysiades exrtemely vexed at all this , and loading Aratus with reproaches intreated the horse that together with him they would second them that had the Enemy in Chase , and not let a certain Victory slip out of their Hands , nor forsake him that was going to Venture his Life for his Country . And being now reinforc'd with many Stout men that turned after him ; he charg'd the Enemy's right Wing , and routing it follow'd the pursuit , hurry'd on without Fear or Wit by his Eagerness and Ambition into Crooked Ways full of Trees and broad Ditches , where being ingag'd by Cleomenes he was Slain , Fighting Gallantly at the very Entrance of his Country , the rest flying back to their main Body , and ●roubling their Ranks put the whole Army to the rout . Aratus was extremely blamed for this Action , suspected to have betrayed Lysiades , and being constrain'd to retire with the Achaeans , who returned in a Rage , he followed them as far as Aegium ; where calling a Counsel that decreed , that he should no longer be furnish'd with Mony , nor have any more Soldiers hired for him , but that , if he Would make War , he should pay them himself ; which Affront he resented so far , as to resolve to give up the Seal and lay down the Office of General ; but upon second thoughts , he thought it best to have Patience , and afterwards marched with the Achaeans to Orchomenos to Fight with Megistonus the Father-in-law of Cleomenes , where he got the Victory killing three hundred men and taking Megistonus Prisoner . Now whereas he used to be chosen General every other year , when his turn came he was call'd to take upon him that charge , but he refused it , and Timoxenus was chosen in his stead . The true cause whereof was not the Pique , he was suppos'd to have taken at the People , but the ill Circumstances of the Achaean affairs . For Cleomenes did not now invade them coldly and Cautelously as formerly , as one Curb'd by the Magistrates of this City , but having kill'd the Ephori , equally divided the Lands , and made many strangers free of the City , was without controul in his Government ; and therefore fell in good earnest upon the Achaeans to bring them under his power . Wherefore Aratus is much blamed , that in a Stormy and tempestuous time , like a cowardly Pilot , he should forsake the Helm , when he should rather have pressed , whether they would or no , to have saved the State ; or if he thought the Achaean affairs desperate , to have yielded all up to Cleomenes , and not to have exposed Peloponnesus to the Barbarous Macedonian Garrisons , and fill'd Acro-Corinthus with Illyrick and Galatian Soldiers , and under the specious name of Confederates , to have made those Masters of the Cities , whom he had been so great an Enemy to , both by his Arms and Policy , and in his Commentaries had branded with reproach and infamy , and say that Cleomenes was arbitrary and Tyrannical , yet was he descended from the Heraclidae , and Sparta was his Country , the obscurest Citizen whereof , deserved to be preferred to the Generalship , before the best of the Macedonians , by those that had any regard to the Grecian Nobility . Besides Cleomenes sued for that command over the Achaeans , as one that would return the Honour of that Title with real kindnesses to the Cities ; whereas Antigonus being declared absolute General by Sea and Land , would not accept thereof , unless Acro-Corinthus were upon that Condition put into his hands , following here in the Example of Aesops hunter ; for he would not get up and Ride , the Achaeans , who desired him so to do , and offer'd their backs to him by Embassies , and Popular degrees , till by a Garrison and Hostages he had bitted and bridled them ; though Aratus does all he can to excuse this , upon the account of pure necessity . But Polybius writes that he long before this juncture apprehending the daring Temper of Cleomenes , had a private conference with Antigonus , and that he had before-hand prevail'd with the Megalopolitans , to press the Achaeans to crave Aid from Antigonus for they were they most harrassed by the War , Cleomenes continually Plundering and Ransacking their Country , and so writeth also Phylarchus , who unless seconded by the Testimony of Polybius would not be credited ; for he is most passionately partial to Cleomenes , when ever he speaks of him , and as if he was pleading , not writing a History , defends the one and accuses the other . The Achaeans therefore lost Mantinea , being recover'd by Cleomenes , and being beaten in a great Fight near Hecatombaeum , so general was the Consternation , that they immediately sent to Cleomenes to desire him to come to Argos , and take the the Government upon him . But Aratus as soon as he understood that he was coming , and was got as far as Lerna with his Army , fearing the worst sent Ambassadors to him , to intreat him to come accompany'd with three hundred only , as to Friends and Confederates , and if he mistrusted any thing , he should receive Hostages ; but Cleomenes alledging that this was plain Mockery and Affront , returned , sending a Letter to the Achaeans full of Reproaches and Accusation against Aratus , and he also wrote Letters against Cleomenes ; so that bitter Revilings and Railleries were bandied on both hands , without sparing even their Marriages and Wives . Hereupon Cleomenes sent a Herald to declare War against the Achaeans , and in the mean time missed very narrowly of taking Sicyon by Treachery . Turning from thence he stormed Pellene , and took the City , deserted by the Achaean General , as he did Pheneon and Penteleon not long after ; upon which the Argives voluntarily joyned with him , and the Phliasians received a Garrison , and in short nothing held firm for the Achaeans , but an universal Confusion surrounded Aratus , who beheld all Peloponnesus shaken , and the Cities Revolting by the practises of Innovators ; for no place was quiet or satisfied with the present condition ; so that amongst the Sicyonians and Corinthians themselves , many were detected to have had private Conferences with Cleomenes , who of a long time , out of a desire to make themselves Masters of their several Cities , had secretly malign'd the Government . Aratus having absolute Power given him to bring these to condign Punishment , executed as many of them as he could find at Sicyon , but going about to find them out and Punish them at Corinth also , he irritated the People , already Sick and Weary of the Achaean Government . Wherefore running Tumultuously to the Temple of Apollo , they sent for Aratus , resolving to take or kill him before they broke out into open Rebellion . He came accordingly leading his Horse in his hand , as if he suspected nothing : Then several standing out and accusing him , with Mild Words and a settled Countenance he commanded them to sit down , and not to stand crying out upon him in so disorderly manner , desiring also those that were about the Door to go in , and in saying so he stept aside a little , as if he would give his Horse to some body . Clearing himself thus of the Crowd , and speaking without discomposure to the Corinthians that he met , commanding them to go to Apollo's Temple , and being now , before they were aware , got near to the Citadel , he leap't upon his Horse , and commanding Cleopater the Governour to have a special care of his Charge , he galloped to Sicyon , follow'd by thirty of his Soldiers , the rest leaving him , and shifting for themselves , and not long after it being known that he was fled , the Corinthians pursu'd him , but not overtaking him they immediately sent for Cleomenes , and deliver'd up the City to him , who valued not the gain thereof so much , as he thought he had lost by the escape of Aratus . However being now strengthen'd by the coming in of those that inhabited the Corinthian Shore , who gave up their Cities to him , he made a Wall and Circumvallation round the Citadel of Corinth . But Aratus being arriv'd at Sicyon , a great many of the Achaeans flock to him , and in an Assembly there , he was chosen General with absolute Power , having about him a Guard of his own Citizens , after he had now manag'd the Achaean affairs three and thirty years , being always the chief Man in Credit and Power of all Greece , but was now deserted on all hands , helpless , and toss'd about in that Tempest , which threatned the Shipwrack of his Country ; for the Aetolians refus'd to assist him in his distress , when he sent unto them for Aid , and the Athenians who were well affected to him , were diverted from lending him any Succour , by the Authority of Euclides and Micion . Now whereas he had a House and Treasure in Corinth , Cleomenes medled not with it , nor suffer'd any Body else to do so , but sending for his Friends and Domesticks , he commanded them to take care of his Concerns , as those that were to give an account of them to Aratus : He also privately sent Tripylus unto him , and afterwards Migistonus his Father-in-law , to offer him besides several other things , a yearly Pension of twelve Talents , which was twice as much as Ptolomy allow'd him , for he gave him but Six ; and all that he demanded was only to be declar'd General of the Achaeans , and together with them to have the keeping of the Citadel of Corinth : To which Aratus returning answer that the Achaean affairs were not so properly in his Power , as he was in the Power of them , Cleomenes believing himself to be mock'd and abus'd , immediately invaded the Country of Sicyon , destroying all with Fire and Sword , and besieged the City three Months , whilest Aratus was in dispute with himself whether he should call in Antigonus upon Condition of delivering up the Citadel of Corinth to him , for he would not lend him assistance upon any other Terms . In the mean time the Achaeans held a Counsel at Aegium , to which they called Aratus ; but it was very hazardous for him to pass thither , because Cleomenes was incamped about the City of Sicyon , besides the Citizens indeavour'd to stop him by their Intreaties , protesting that they would not suffer him to expose himself to so evident Danger , the Enemy being so near ; the Women also and Children hung about him , weeping and imbracing him as their common Father , and Defender . But he having comforted and incourag'd them as well as he could , got on Horse-back , and being accompany'd with Ten of his Friends , and his Son , then a Youth , got away to the Sea side , and finding some Vessels there , which Rode at Anchor , went on Board of them and Sailed to Aegium to the Counsel , in which it was decreed that Antigonus should be call'd in to their Aid , and should have the Citadel of Corinth deliver'd to him , to whom Aratus sent his Son with the other Hostages . The Corinthians extremely offended at this proceeding Plunder'd his Goods , and gave his House to Cleomenes . Antigonus being now near at hand with his Army , in which were twenty Thousand Foot , and one Thousand four hundred Horse , Aratus with the other Magistrates went to meet him by Sea , the Enemy suspecting nothing of it , as far as Pegae , having no great Confidence either in Antigonus or the Macedonians ; for he was very sensible that his greatness was built upon their loss , and that the first pretension he had to the management of affairs was founded upon the Enmity between him and Antigonus the Elder . But perceiving the present necessity , and Juncture unavoidable , to which those that seem to command , are constrained to obey , he resolved to put all to the venture . So soon therefore as Antigonus was told , that Aratus was coming up to him , he Saluted the rest of the Company after the ordinary manner , but him he receiv'd at the first in a very Honourable manner , and finding him afterwards to be a good and discreet man , admitted him to his private familiarity ; for Aratus was not only useful to him in the management of affairs and concern , but agreeable also in private Conversation ; and therefore though Antigonus was young , yet as soon as he observed the temper of the man to be proper for a Princes Friendship , he made more use of him than of any other , not only of the Achaeans , but also of the Macedonians , that were about him ; So that the thing fell out to him just as the Gods had foretold in a Sacrifice . For it is reported , that as Aratus was not long before offering Sacrifice , there were found in the Liver two Gall-bags inclos'd in the same Caul , whereupon the Southsayer told him , that there should be the strictest Friendship imaginable between him , and his Greatest and most Mortal Enemies : which Prediction he at that time slighted , having no great Faith in Southsayings and Prognostications , but depending most upon Rational Deliberations . But afterwards things succeeding well in the War , Antigonus made a great Feast at Corinth , to which he invited a great number of Guests , and therein plac'd Aratus next above himself , and calling for a Coverlet , asked him if he did not find it Cold , to which Aratus replying that he was ready to Shake with Cold , he commanded him to come nearer to him , and so the Servants threw the same Coverlet over them both : Then Aratus Remembring the Sacrifice fell a Laughing , and told the King what happened to him in that Sacrifice , and the Interpretation of it . But this fell out a good while after . So Aratus and the King plighting their Faith to each other at Pegae , immediately marched towards the Enemy , with whom they had frequent Skirmishes , Cleomenes behaving himself very well , and the Corinthians making a very brisk Defence . In the mean time Aristotles the Argive Aratus's Friend sent privately to him , to let him know , that he would cause Argos to Rebel , if he would come thither in Person with some Soldiers . Aratus acquainted Antigonus therewith , and having fifteen hundred men with him , sailed immediately from the Isthmus to Epidaurus . But the Argives had not Patience till he could arrive , but making a sudden insurrection fell upon Cleomenes's Soldiers , and drove them into the Citadel . Cleomenes having notice of this , and fearing lest , if the Enemy should possess themselves of Argos , they might cut off his retreat home , leaves Acro-Corinth , and Marched away by Night to help his Men. He got hither first , and beat off the Enemy , but Aratus appearing not long after , and the King approaching with his Forces , he retreated to Mantinea , upon which all the Cities again declared for the Achaeans and Antigonus made himself Master of the Acro-corinth . Aratus being now chosen General by the Argives , persuaded them to make a Present of the Tyrants and Traytors Estates to Antigonus . As for Aristomachus , after having put him to the Rack in the City of Cenchreae , they drown'd him in the Sea , for which Aratus was exceedingly blamed , that could suffer a Man to be so unjustly put to Death , who was a good Man , one of his long acquaintance , and one who at his Perswasion had removed himself from the Government , and annexed his City to the Achaeans : Besides he stands charged with several other things , as that they so lightly gave Corinth to Antigonus , as if it had been an inconsiderable Village ; that , when Orchomenos was Sack'd , they suffer'd him to put into it a Macedonian Garrison , that they made a decree that no Letters , nor Embassy should be sent to any other King , without the consent of Antigonus , that they were forced to hire , and maintain the Macedonians , that they made Sacrifices , Feasts and Games in Honour of Antigonus , Aratus's Citizens setting the Example , and receiving Antigonus , Lodged and entertain'd at Aratus's House . All these Miscarriages they charged him with , not considering , that having once put the Reins into Antigonus's hands , he was now hurry'd along by the impetuosity of the Regal Power , being Master of nothing but his Tongue , the Liberty of which it was not very safe for him to use neither . For it was very plain , that Aratus was much troubled at several things , as appears by the business about the Statues ; for Antigonus replac'd the Statues of the Tyrants of Argos that had been thrown down , and on the contrary threw down the Statues of all those that had taken the Acro-Corinth , except that of Aratus , nor could he by all intreaties divert him from this resolution . Besides the usage of the Mantineans by the Achaeans seems not to savour of the Grecian Temper and Manners ; for being Masters of their City by the help of Antigonus , they put to death the Chief and most Noted men amongst them : And for the rest , some of them they Sold , others they sent bound in Fetters into Macedonia , and made Slaves of their Wives and Children . The Money raised hereby was a third Part of it divided amongst themselves , and the other two thirds were distributed amongst the Macedonians : and this seems to have been done by a certain Sort of Legal Revenge ; for although it be a Barbarous thing for men of the same Nation and Bloud thus to Butcher one another in their Fury , yet necessity makes it , as Simonides says , Sweet and something excusable , being the properest Remedy to Appease and Satisfie Inflamed and Exasperated Minds . But for what was afterwards done to that City , Aratus can never be excus'd upon any account , either of Reason or necessity ; for the Argives having the City freely bestowed on them by Antigonus , and resolving to People it , he being then Chosen the Director of that affair and being General at that time , decreed , that it should no longer be called Mantinea , but Antigonea , which name it still bears ; so that by this means the Memory of the Beautiful Mantinea is quite extinguish'd , that the City might bear the Name of the Destroyer of its Citizens . After this Cleomenes being overthrown in a great Battle near Sellasiae , forsook the City of Sparta , and Fled into Egypt , and Antigonus having shown all manner of Civility and Kindness to Aratus , retired into Macedonia . Antigonus falling Sick there , sent Philip the Heir of his Crown into Peloponnesus being yet scarce a Youth , commanding him chiefly to follow the Counsel of Aratus , and by his means to treat with the Cities , and make himself known to the Achaeans ; and Aratus receiving him accordingly , so manag'd him , as to send him back to Macedon , both well affected to himself , and full of desire and Ambition , to ingage in the affairs of Greece . Antigonus being now dead , the Aetolians despising the Sloath and Negligence of the Achaeans ; ( for being accustomed to be defended by other Mens Valour , and Sheltering themselves under the Macedonian - Arms , they lived in all careless Dissoluteness , ) attempted to make themselves Masters of Peloponnesus , and Plundering the Paetrenses and Dymaeans in their way , invaded the Messenian Territory , wasting the whole Country ; at which Aratus being Netled , and finding that Timoxenus the then General delay'd and wasted time , being now ready to lay down his Office , anticipated his Government , which he was chosen to succeed in by five days , that he might bring relief to the Messenians , and must'ring the Achaeans , who were both as to their Persons unexercis'd in Arms , and in their Minds averse to War , he was overthrown at Caphyae . Having thus begun the War , as it seem'd , with too much Heat and Passion , he as soon ran into the other extreme , Cooling and Desponding at that rate , that he let pass and oversaw all the fair opportunities of advantage given by the Aetolians , who now sported and junketed , as it were throughout all Peloponnesus , with all manner of Insolence and Licentiousness . Wherefore praying once more the assistance of the Macedonians , they drew in and introduced Philip to intermeddle in the Affairs of Greece , hoping that by reason of his confidence in Aratus , and the Friendship he had for him , they should find him very tractable , and to be manag'd as they pleas'd . But the King being over persuaded by Apelles Megalaeus , and other Courtiers , that indeavour'd to ruin the Credit Aratus had with him , favouring the contrary Faction strove to have Eperatus chosen General by the Achaeans ; but he being scorned by the Achaeans to the last degree , and Aratus taking no care of affairs , all things went to Rack , upon which Philip finding his mistake , reconcil'd himself to Aratus , and was wholly his , and his affairs increasing both in Power , and Reputation , he depended upon him for the augmentation of both . Aratus hereby giving a proof to the World that he was as good a Nursing Father of a Kingdom , as he had been of a Republick ; for the actions of the King had in them the Touch and Colour of his Judgment and Temper ; for the Moderation shew'd by this young Prince to the Lacedemonians , who had incurr'd his displeasure , and his Courteous affability to the Cretans , by which in a few days he brought over the whole Island to his obedience , and his expedition against the Aetolians , so wonderfully successful , brought Philip Reputation for hearkning to good advice , and to Aratus for giving it ; for which things the Kings Followers envying him more than ever , and finding they could not prevail against him by their secret practices , they begun openly to abuse and affront him in their debauches , with extraordinary Petulancy and Impudence ; so that once they threw Stones at him as he retired from Supper to his Tent. At which Philip being extremely offended , immediately fined them twenty Talents , and finding afterwards that they still troubled and disturb'd his affairs he put them to death . But not long after being puffed up with the prosperity of his affairs , many and great Vices began to spring forth in him ; and his natural bad inclination breaking through the thin Vail cast over them , in a short time discover'd his Native humour . And in the first place he privately injur'd Aratus the Younger in his Wife , which was not known of a good while , because he was lodg'd and entertain'd at their house , then he began to be more rough and untractible in publick affairs , and shew'd plainly that he would cast off Aratus . Which the Messenian affairs first gave occasion to suspect . For they falling into sedition , and Aratus delaying to help them , Philip came thither a day before him , and threw a bone as it were amongst them , asking privately on the one hand the Messenian Officers , if they had not Laws whereby to suppress the insolence of the common People , and on the other the Ringleaders of the People , whether they had not hands to help themselves against their Oppressors ? Upon which gathering courage , the Magistrates attempted to lay hands on the heads of the Faction , and they on the other side coming upon the Magistrates with the Rabble kill'd them , and very near two hundred persons with them . Philip having committed this fact and set the Messenians by the ears together more than before , Aratus arrived there and both shew'd plainly that he took it ill himself , and also that he suffer'd his Son bitterly to reproach and revile him . It should seem that the young Man was in love with Philip , which made him at that time tell him , that he no longer appear'd to him the handsomest , but the most deformed of all men after so foul an Action . To all which Philip gave him no answer , though he appear'd much nettled , and mutter'd often to himself whilest he was speaking ; but for the Elder Aratus , seeming to take all that he said in good part , being also by Nature crafty , and having a good Command of himself , he gave him his hand and led him out of the Theater , and carry'd him with him to Ithome , to Sacrifice there to Jupiter and take a view of the place ; for it is a post as fortifyable as the Acro-Corinth , and with a Garrison is as strong , and does as much command the neighbouring Country . Philip therefore went up into this Castle , and having offer'd Sacrifice there , receiving the Entrails with both his hands from the Priest , he shew'd them to Aratus and Demetrius Pharius , presenting them sometimes to the one , and sometimes to the other , asking them what they judg'd by the tokens in the Sacrifice it were best for him to do with the fort , whether to keep it for himself or restore it to the Messenians . Demetrius smiling answer'd him , if you have in you the Soul of a Priest you will restore it , but if of a Prince you will hold the Ox by both the horns . By which Aenigma he made him understand that Peloponnesus would be wholly submiss and at his devotion , if he added Ithomata to the Acro-Corinth . Aratus said not a word of a good while , but Philip entreating him to declare his opinion , he spoke thus . Many and great Hills are there in Crete , and many Rocks in Baeotia and Phocis , and many inexpugnable places are there both near the Sea , and in the mid-land in Acarnania , and yet all these People obey your Orders though you have not possessed your self of any one of these Places . Thieves nest themselves in Rocks and Precipices , but the strongest Fort a King can have is fidelity and affection . These have open'd to you the Cretian Sea , these made you Master of Peloponnesus , and by the help of these , young as you are , are you become Captain of the one , and Lord of the other . As he was thus speaking , Philip return'd the entrails to the Priest , and pulling him along with him by the hand , come on then said he let us follow this course , as if he thought himself forced by him , and deprived of the Town . From this time Aratus began to withdraw from Court , and retir'd by degrees from Philips Company ; for when he was preparing to march into Epirus , and desir'd him that he would accompany him thither , he excus'd himself and stay'd at home , apprehending that he should get nothing but discredit by his Actions . But when afterwards having shamefully lost his Fleet against the Romans , and miscarry'd in all his designs he return'd into Peloponnesus , where indeavouring first to win the Messenians by his artifices , and failing therein , he fell openly to spoil and wast their Country , then Aratus fell out with him downright , and utterly renounced his Friendship . For he began then to smell out the injuries done to his Son in his Wife , and though they vexed him to the heart , yet he concealed them from him for he could onely let him know he had been abused but could not help him to the means to revenge himself ; for strange and unexpected was the change made in Philip , who of a mild King , and modest and chast Youth , became a lascivious man and most cruel Tyrant ; though in reality this was not a change of his nature , but a bold unmasking of his ill inclinations , being no longer in awe of any man , which by reason of his fear he had a long time dissembled . For that the respect he from the beginning bore to Aratus had a great allay of fear and awe , appears evidently from what he did to him at last . For being desirous to put him to death , not thinking himself , whilest he was alive , to be at liberty either as King or Tyrant ; he durst not attempt to do it by open force but commanded Taurion one of his Captains and Familiars to make him away secretly , and that by poison in his absence . Taurion therefore contracted a friendship with Aratus , and gave him a dose not of your strong and violent poisons , but such as cause gentle hectical heats , and a hollow Cough , and so by degrees bring on certain death . Aratus perceiv'd what was done to him , but knowing that it was in vain to make any words of it , bore it patiently and with silence as if it had been some common and usual distemper . Only once a Friend of his being with him in his Chamber he spit some Bloud , which his Friend observing and wondring at , These , O Cephalon , said he , are the rewards of a Kings Love. Thus died he in Aegium in his seventeenth Generalship . The Achaeans were very desirous that he should be buried there with a Funeral and Monument suitable to his life ; but the Sicyonians believing it a dishonour to them if he were interred any where but in their City , prevail'd with the Achaeans to grant them the disposal of the Body . But there being an ancient Law that no person should be bury'd within the Walls of their City , and a strong superstition also as to this matter , they sent to Delphos to ask counsel of the Pythioness , who return'd this Answer . Thou ask'st Sicyon , Aratus Resting place , If thee his Vrn and Funeral Rites shall Grace , Who grutches him the Light Earth where he lies Is the Disgrace o th' Sea , the Land , and Skies . This Oracle being brought , all the Achaeans rejoyc'd much at it , but especially the Sicyonians , who changing their Mourning into publick Joy , immediately fetcht the Body form Aegium , and in a kind of Solemn procession brought it into the City , being Crown'd with Garlands , and array'd in white garments with singing and dancing , and choosing the most conspicuous place , they bury'd him there , as the Founder and Saviour of their City . The Place is to this day call'd Aratium , and there they yearly make two Solemn Sacrifices to him , the one on the day he deliver'd the City from Tyranny * being the fifth day of the Month Daisium which the Athenians call Anthesterion , and this Sacrifice they call Soteria . The other on his Birth-day ; now the first of these was performed by the Priest of Jupiter Soter , the second by the Priest of Aratus wearing a linnen girdle not pure white but mingled with Purple . The Hymns were sung to the harp by the Choire belonging to Bacchus ; the Procession was led up by the Rector of the Gymnasium with the boys and young men , these were follow'd by the Senate wearing Garlands , and other Citizens such as pleas'd , whereof some small footsteps remain to this day . But the greatest part of the Ceremonies have through time , and other intervening accidents been disused . And such , as History tells us , was the life and manners of the Elder Aratus . And for the younger , Philip abominably wicked by Nature , and cruelly insulting , gave him such poisonous Medicines as though they did not kill him indeed , yet made him run stark mad , and drove him to attempt horrid and absurd things , and to desire to do actions , and satisfie appetites , that were ridiculous and shameful ; so that his death which happened to him young and in the Flower of his Age , cannot be so much esteem'd a misfortune as a deliverance and end of his misery . But Philip paid dearly all the rest of his Life , for these violations of friendship and hospitality , for being overcome by the Romans , he was forc'd to give up all into their hands , and being deprived of his other dominions he lost all his ships also except five , and was constrain'd to pay a fine of a thousand Talents , and to give his Son for Hostage , only out of meer pity he was suffer'd to keep Macedonia and its dependences , where continually putting to death the noblest of his Subjects , and the nearest relations he had , he fill'd the whole Kingdom with horror and hatred of him . And whereas amidst so many misfortunes , he had but one good chance which was the having of a Son extremely vertuous , him , through Jealousie , and Envy at the honour the Romans had for him he caus'd to be murder'd , and left his Kingdom to Perseus , who as some say , was not legitimate , but born of a Semstress called Gnathenion . This was he whom Paulus Aemylius led in Triumph , and in whom ended the Succession of Antigonus's Line and Kingdom . But the Posterity of Aratus continues still in our days at Sicyon and Pellene . ARTAXERXES . THE LIFE OF ARTAXERXES . Translated from the Greek , By Mr. OAKLY . THE first Artaxerxes among all the Crowned Heads of Persia , the most remarkable for a Meek and Noble Spirit , was surnamed Longimanus ; his right hand being longer than his left : And he was the Son of Xerxes . The second whose Story I am now writing , being for his vast memory stil'd Mnemon , was his Grand-son by his Daughter Parysatis : Who brought Darius four Sons , the Eldest Artaxerxes , the next Cyrus , and two younger than these Ostanes , and Oxathers . That Cyrus borrow'd his Name of the ancient Cyrus , as they say he had his from the Sun , which in the Persian Language is call'd Cyrus . And Artaxerxes was at first call'd Arsicas , though Dinon says Oartes . But it is highly improbable that Ctesias ( though otherwise he has cast into his book an universal Rapsody of incredible and senseless Fables ) should be ignorant of the name of the King , as being Physitian in ordinary to him , his Wife , his Mother , and Children . This Cyrus presently even in his tender years , was fierce and violent ; on the other side Artaxerxes seem'd in all respects more gentle and more soft , more effeminate in his Passions . He marry'd a Fair and Vertuous Lady with the consent of his Parents , but kept her as expresly against it . For King Darius having put her brother to death , was projecting likewise how to destroy her too . But Arsicas throwing himself at his Mothers Feet , and having mov'd her with whole streams of tears , at last with much ado persuaded her that they should neither put to death , nor divorce that his dear Consort from him . However Cyrus was the Queens darling , and the Son whom she most desir'd to settle in the Throne . And therefore his Father Darius now lying ill , and he being sent for from Sea to Court , set out thence with a full gale of hopes , that by her means he shoul'd be declar'd his Successor in the Empire . For Parysatis urg'd this specious plea in his behalf , which Xerxes by the advice of Demaratus had of old made use of , viz. that she had brought him Arsicas , when he was a Subject , but Cyrus when a King. Notwithstanding she prevail'd not with Darius , but the eldest Son Arsicas was pronounc'd King , his name being chang'd into Artaxerxes ; and Cyrus left Prefect of Lydia , and Duke of the Maritine Provinces . It was not long after the decease of Darius before his Successour went among the Pasargades , that he might consummate the ceremony of his Inauguration by the assistance of the Persean Priest . There is a Temple dedicated to a Warlike Goddess , which a man would guess to be Minerva ; into which , when the Royal Person to be anointed has pass'd he must strip himself of his own robe , and put on that which Cyrus the First wore before he attain'd to the Monarchy , then having devour'd a frail of Figs he must eat Turpentine , and drink a cup made of vinegar and milk . To which if they superadd any other rites , it is unknown to any but those that are present at them . Now Artaxerxes being about to address himself to this Solemnity , Tisaphernes came to him bringing a certain Priest , who having train'd up Cyrus in his Youth according to the establish'd Discipline of Persia , and having taught him Philosophy was likely to be as much concern'd as any man that his Pupil mounted not the Throne . And for that reason his veracity was the less questioned when he charged Cyrus as tho' he had been about to lie in wait for the King in the Temple , and to assault and assassinate him as he was putting off his Garment . Some affirm that he was apprehended upon this impeachment , others that he had entered the Temple and was pointed out there , as he lay lurking , by the Priest . But as he was going to Execution his Mother claspt him in her Arms , and having bound him with the tresses of her hair she joyn'd his neck close to her own , and by her bitter lamentation , by her most formal intercession to Artaxerxes for him she revers'd the decree ; and he remanded him to his former Province . In which he sate uneasie , nor did he so well remember his delivery as his chain , being through his rage more eagerly desirous of the Kingdom than before . Some say that he revolted from his Royal Brother , because he had not a revenue proportionable to the daily expence he was at in the support of his Family , in that proclaiming him no less fool than Rebel . For had he had nothing else , yet he had a Mother ready with a stretcht-out hand to supply him with whatever he could desire whether for his use or Grandeur . But the great number of Soldiers , who being hired from many places were maintained , as Xenophon informs us , for his service , by his Confidents both Domestick and Foreign do sufficiently evince his riches . For he assembled them not together in a Body , as yet concealing his enterprize ; But he had Agents every where listing strangers upon several pretences . Now both Parysatis being at Court with his Majesty , remov'd all jealousies , and Cyrus himself always wrote in an humble and dutifull manner to him ; one while soliciting Princely bounty , another drawing a Counter-charge against Tisaphernes , as if his emulation and contest had been wholly with him . Moreover there was a certain natural dilatoriness in the King , which was mistaken by many for Clemency . Yet indeed in the beginning of his Reign he seem'd to exemplifie the gentleness of the first Artaxexes , being more accessible in his Person , and excessive in the distribution both of honours and rewards to the deserving . He was obliging even in his punishments taking out the sting and contumely of them , and in the intercourse of gifts he delighted no otherwise in those that offer'd them to , than in those that receiv'd them from him , appearing still when he gave chearful and generous . Nor truly was there any thing , however inconsiderable given him , which he did not deign kindly to accept of ; insomuch that when one Omises had presented him with a very large Pomegranate , by this light , said he , this man , were he entrusted with it , would soon turn a small City into a great one . Afterwards some offering him one thing , some another , as he was in his Progress , a certain poor Labourer having got nothing in a readiness to make a present to him of , ran streight to the River side , and taking up water in his hands he offer'd it to him ; with which Artaxerxes was so well pleased , that he sent him a large goblet of massy Gold , and a thousand Darius's . And to Euclidas a Lacedemonian , speaking many things to him like a frontless , arrogant fellow , he commanded one of his Tribunes thus to express himself from him , that I give thee leave to say what thou wilt to me , but remember that I , as King , may say and do too what I please . At a Hunt Tiribazus having shew'd him that his Robe was rent , he demanded of him what he should do ? He answering , it may please your Majesty to put on another and give me that ; the King did so , saying withal , I bestow this on thee Tiribazus , but I charge thee not to wear it . He , little regarding the injunction laid upon him ( tho' he was no obstinately ill , but only an empty half-witted Man ) streightway put the Gown on his back , and bedeckt himself with jewels of Gold , and Womanish attire , at which the whole Court was angry ; it being absolutely against the Laws of Persia , for any but the Kings to wear them . But his Majesty laugh'd at him , and told him , thou hast my leave to wear those Golden toys as a Woman , and the Robe of State as a Fool. And whereas none usually sate 〈…〉 down to eat with the King beside his Mother and Wife , the former being plac'd above , the other below him ; Artaxerxes invited also to his table his two younger Brothers Ostanes and Oxathres . But the Chariot of his Wife Statira presented the Persians with the most taking sight , being always drawn with its Curtains down , and allowing the Ladies of the Country both to salute and approach her . Which thing endear'd his Government to the People . Yet some over busie , Factious men that delighted in innovation , gave it out , as their opinion , that Cyrus , being a man of a great spirit , and excellent Warriour , and a generous Master , was in these circumstances desirable , and that the largeness of their Empire absolutely required a daring and ambitious Prince . Cyrus then not only relying upon those of his own Low Province near the Sea , but upon many of those in the higher Countrys near the King , attempts a War against him . He wrote likewise to the Lacedemonians exciting them to his assistance , and to supply him with some stout men , assuring them that to the Foot-men that should appear he would give Horses , and to the Horsemen Chariots ; that upon those who had Farms he would bestow Lordships , that those who were Lords of Villages , he would make so of Cities , and that those who would be his Soldiers should receive their pay not stinted by account , but in a full heapt measure . Besides among many other things he fondly extoll'd himself , for he said he was informed with a greater Soul , that he was more a Philosopher and a better Magician , and that he could both drink and bear more Wine than his Brother Artaxerxes : who as he averr'd , through fear and effeminacy did neither in his Chaces ride his horse nor in dangers sit without tottering upon his Throne . The Lacedemonians , his Letter being read , sent a Billet to Clearchus commanding him to obey Cyrus in all things . So Cyrus march'd towards the King , having under his Conduct a numerous host of Barbarians , and but little less than thirteen thousand Stipendary Grecians ; assigning first one cause , then another for his expedition . Yet the true reason lay not long conceal'd , but Tisaphernes went to the King in person to declare it . Thereupon the Court was all in an uproar and tumult , the Queens Mother bearing almost the whole blame of the enterprize , and her retainers being not only suspected but accused . But she who gave her the most disturbance was Statira , who passionately resented this War , and cry'd out ; what is now become of your Promises ? What of your Intercessions ? By which having free'd him that had been guilty of Treason against his Brother , you have embroil'd us in War and Troubles ? For which words Parysatis hating Statira , and being naturally implicable and savage in her anger and revenge , she consulted how she might destroy her . But since Dinon has left it upon Record , that her bloody project took effect in the time of War , and Ctesias after it ; I shall not quarrel the Chronology of the latter : it being very unlikely , that he , who was a Spectator of the whole Scene of affairs , should not know where to fix the Aera of one so considerable . Nor indeed had he any cause designedly to misplace its date in his Narrative of it , though in his History upon other occasions he frequently makes excursions from truth to meer Fiction and Romance . Now as Cyrus was upon the march towards the Court , tidings were brought him , as though the King did deliberate about it , and were not in haste to fight and presently to joyn battle with him ; but to wait in the heart of his Kingdom , till there should be a general confluence of his Forces thither from all parts of his Dominions . And to convince him of this news he had cast a Trench in his way ten fadoms in breadth , and as many in depth , the length of it being no less than four hundred furlongs . Nor did he regard Cyrus after he had pass'd over it , being within that place for which it was made a fence , till he had advanc'd almost to the City of Babylon . Then Tiribazus , as the report goes , being the first that was so hardy to tell his Majesty , that he ought not to defer the conflict , nor quitting Medea , Babylon , and Susa , poorly to skulk in Persea , as having an Army far more numerous than his Enemies and an infinite Company both of Nobles , and Captains that were greater Soldiers and Politicians than Cyrus himself ; he resolv'd to begin the fight , as soon as 't was possible for him . Thereupon at first , and in an instant , appearing gloriously at the head of nine hundred thousand well marshall'd men , he so startl'd and surpris'd the Rebels , who with a boldness equal to their contempt march'd against him neither in order nor well arm'd , that Cyrus with much noise and tumult was scarce able to range and compose them . Then the King leading on his men silently , and by leisure , made the Grecians stand amaz'd at his good discipline , who expected irregular shouting and leaping , a huge confusion and distraction in so infinite a multitude as that was . He also wisely plac'd the choice of his armed Chariots in the Front of his own Phalanx , over against the Grecian Troops , that by the fierceness of their onset , they might cut down their ranks before they clos'd with them . But forasmuch as this battle hath been describ'd by many Historians , and particularly by Xenophon , who represents it to the eye by pointing at things , not as tho' past but present , and by his lively draught of it , engages his hearer when recited in a seeming concern and danger ; it would be folly in me to give any larger account of it then barely to mention those things which he has omitted , and yet deserve to be recorded . The place then in which the two Armies were drawn out for the fight , was call'd Cunaxa , being about five hundred furlongs distant from Babylon ; where Clearchus beseeching Cyrus , before the dispute , to retire behind the Battalion of Macedonians , and not expose himself to hazard ; for his honour , they say , he thus replied , What strange advice is this Clearchus ? Would you have me , who aspire to the Empire , appear to all these unworthy of it ; But as Cyrus's offence was in rushing headlong into the midst of dangers , and not keeping aloof from what threatned him with ruine ; so Clearchus was as much too blame , if not more , who refus'd with his men to confront the main body of the Enemy , where the King stood , and joyn'd his right wing to the River , for fear he should be surrounded . For aiming altogether at safety , and desiring nothing but to sleep in a whole Skin , it had been his best way not to have stirred from home . But he having come armed a vast distance from the Sea-coast , no other thing inducing him to it , but that he might settle Cyrus in the Imperial Throne ; and yet afterwards looking out for a Place and Station , wherein he took footing , not that he might preserve him under whose pay and conduct he was , but that he might himself engage with more ease and security , seem'd much like one that through fear of present dangers had quitted the consideration of his all at stake , and been false to the design of his expedition . For it is evident from the very event of the battle , that none of those who were in array round the Kings person were able to stand the Shock of the Grecians Charge ; and had they been beaten out of the Field , and Artaxerxes either fled or fallen , that Cyrus by his conquest had purchas'd not only safety , but a Crown . And therefore Clearchus is more to be condemned for his caution , which was manifestly the destruction of the Life and Fortune of Cyrus , than he could be for his heat and rashness . For had the King made it his business to discover a place , where having posted the Grecians , he might incounter them with the least hazard , he would never have found out any other , but that which was most remote from himself and those near him ; from whence when he was routed , he was insensible of it ; and tho' Clearchus had the Victory , yet Cyrus being ignorant of it made no advantage of it before his fall . Yet he knew well enough what was expedient to be done , and accordingly commanded Clearchus with his men to stand in the middle of his Forces : Who when he had reply'd that it should be as well manag'd as possible , afterwards spoiled all . For the Grecians , where they were , hew'd down the Barbarians till they were weary , and chas'd them successfully a very great way . But Cyrus being mounted upon a fierce , head-strong and unlucky Horse , as Ctesias says , call'd Pasacas ; Artagerses the Leader of the Cadusians galloped up to him , crying aloud , O thou most unjust and senseless wretch who art a reproach to that most August and Honourable Name among the Perseans , Cyrus , thou art come leading on the renowned Grecians in an ominous Voyage to the plunder of thy Countrymen . Thou fondly hopest too , unnatural Traitour as thou art , to destroy thy Sovereign and Brother ; who , as thou shalt soon experimentally perceive , is master of ten thousand times ten thousand better men than thou art . For thou shalt certainly here lose thy head , before thou seest the face of our King ; which when he had said he cast his Javelin at him . But his Coat of male stoutly repelled it , and Cyrus was not wounded ; yet the stroke falling heavy upon him , he reel'd upon his Steed . Then Artagerses turning his Horse , Cyrus luckily threw a Dart , and struck the point of it through his neck near the Shoulder-bone : So that thereupon it is indeed almost universally own'd that Artagerses was slain by him . Now as to the death of Cyrus , since Xenophon , as being himself no eye-witness of it , toucheth upon it but lightly , and in few words ; it may not be amiss perhaps to run over on the one hand what Dinon , and on the other what Ctesias has said of it . Dinon then affirms that the death of Artagerses , Cyrus having violently attack'd the Vanguard of Artaxerxes , wounded his horse , and so was he dismounted ; and when Tiribazus had soon lifted him up upon another , and said to him my Liege , remember this day , which ought not to be forgotten , that Cyrus again spurring up his horse struck down Artaxerxes . But at the third assault the King being enrag'd , and saying to those near him , that death was more eligible than such insolence , he made up to Cyrus , who madly and blindly rush'd upon the Spears of the Enemy . So the King struck him with his javelin , as likewise did all those that were round about him . And thus Cyrus falls , as some say , by the hand of the King ; as others by the Dart of a Carian , whom Artaxerxes for a reward of that his atchievment did the honour to set him ever after bear a Golden Cock upon his Spear before the first rank of his Army . For the Persians call those of Caria Cocks , by reason of the Crests with which they adorn their Helmets . But the account of Ctesias , that I may draw in little what he has branch'd out at large , is thus as follows ; Cyrus after the slaughter of Artagerses rode up fiercely against the King , as he did against him , not either exchanged a word with the other , But Arieus Cyrus's confident darted first at the King , yet wounded him not . Then the King let fly a Dart at his Brother , but miss'd him , though he both hit and slew Tisaphernes , a man truly generous , and devoted to the interest of Cyrus , who having directed his Lance with a surer hand against the King , pierced his breast with it quite through his Armour two inches deep , so that he tumbled with this stroke upon the Earth . At which those that attended him being put to flight and disorder , he rising with a few , among whom was Ctesias , and recovering a little Hill not far off rested himself . But Cyrus's horse being high-mettled carry'd him a great way into the midst of his Enemies , the approaching night making it hard for them to know him , or his followers to find him . However being made fierce with conquest , being withal naturally bold and violent , he pass'd thro' them crying out , and that more than once in the Persian Language submit your selves poor men , submit ; which they indeed did throwing themselves down at his feet . Then his Tiara ( which kind of Hat none but Princes of the blood , or Generals wore ) dropt off his head , and a lusty young Persian by name Mythridates rnnning by , and not knowing who he was , with a Dart pierced one of his Temples near his Eye out of which wound much blood gush'd , so that Cyrus swooning and senseless , fell off his horse , which stragling ran away . from him . But Mithridates's Mate gather'd up the Caparison of his horse , and his Cap that had slipt off all dyed with Gore . Then some few Eunuchs that were with him , being by reason of that stroak scarcely and with much difficulty come to himself , endeavour'd to mount him upon another horse , and so to convey him safe away . Now because he was not able to ride , nor to walk without great toil by himself , they led and supported him , being indeed in body vertiginous and reeling , but heal'd in his mind by the comfortable thoughts of his Victory ; whilest he hears the vanquistt salute the King , and shew to their Lord and Master Cyrus for Grace and Mercy : In the mean time some wretched and indigent Caunians , who upon the account of some vile employments follow'd the Royal standard , were by chance joyn'd with those attendants of Cyrus , supposing them to be of their own party . But as soon as they discover'd their red coats , when all the Loyal Subjects wore white ones ; they knew that they were Enemies . One therefore of them not dreaming that it was Cyrus ventur'd to strike him behind with his Spear . So Cyrus being ham-string'd and falling , he did at the same time dash his wounded Temple against a Stone , and dy'd . Thus runs Ctesias account , wherein methinks he as it were , with a dull knife saws him to death , and has much ado to shut up the Tragedy . As he now lay dead Artosyras his Majesties Intelligencer , it seems , passed by on horse-back ; and having observ'd the Eunuchs of Cyrus dolefully deploring his Fate , he ask't Pariscas the most trusty of them ; saying , whom dost thou sit by here Lamenting ? He reply'd , do not you see , O! Artosyras , that it is my master Cyrus ? Then Artosyras wondring bid the Eunuch be of good Chear , and keep the dead Body safe . So going in all haste to Artaxerxes , ( who now dispaired of the success of his affairs , and was highly indispos'd both by his drowth and wound ) he with much joy assur'd him that he had seen Cyrus dead . Thereupon he presently desir'd in person to go to the place , and commanded Artosyras to conduct him where he lay . Yet seeing there was a great noise made about the Grecians , and that they were become formidable , as being said to be in Chace of their Enemies , and to conquer and carry all before them ; he thought fit to send out no less than thirty men with Torches in their hands to inquire more fully into the truth of the matter . In the interim there being in appearance , but a few steps between him and death , by reason of his thirst ; his Enunch Satibarzanes ran about seeking out drink for him . For the place had no water in it , and he was then at a good distance from his Camp. After a long search he at last luckily met with one of those poor Caunian Slaves , who had in a nasty leathern Bottle about four pints of base stinking water ; which he took , and bare , and gave it to the King , which when he had drunk all off , Satibarzanes ask't him if he did not altogether loath that nauseous draught ; but he swore by all he thought Sacred , that he never drank wine with such a gust , nor water though out of the swiftest or purest Stream . And therefore , says he , if after a hearty desire to reward him , who gave thee this , I shall not have opportunity to do it , I humbly beg of Heaven , to make him rich and prosperous . No sooner had he said this , but his thirty Scouts arriv'd with joy , and triumph in their looks , bringing him the tidings of his unexpected fortune . And now he was encouraged , by the great number and confluence of his Soldiers that flockt to him , and he descended into the plain , with many lights and flambeaus round about him . As soon as he came near the dead Traitour , and according to a certain law of the Persians , his right hand , and head were lopt off from his body ; he gave a strict charge that the latter should be brought to him , and grasping the hair of it , which was long and bushy , he shewed it to his men , as they were wavering , and still upon the Wing . Who were amazed at it , and did him homage ; so that there were presently seventy thousand of them got about him , and entered the Camp again together . He led out to the fight , ( as Ctesias affirms ) four hundred thousand . But Dinon and Xenophon aver that there were many more than forty Myriads actually engaged . As to the number of the slain , as the Catalogue of them was given up to Artaxerxes ; Ctesias says they were nine thousand , but that they appear'd to him no fewer than twenty . Neither of which accounts is without Controversie . But that is a manifest untruth of his to say that he was sent along with Phayllus the Zacynthian , and some others to the Grecians . For Xenophon knew well enough that Ctesias was always resident at Court ; for he makes mention of him in that History , of which he is certainly the Author . And therefore had he come , and been deputed the interpreter of such momentous words ; Xenophon sure would not have struck his name out of the Embassy any more than he did that of Phayllus . But Ctesias ( as 't is evident ) being strangely vain-glorious and no less a favourer of the Lacedemonians and Clearches , never fails to assume to himself some Province in his narrative , with which being taken up he records many and glorious things of Clearchus and Sparta . When the battle was over Artaxerxes sent goodly and magnificent gifts to the Son of Artagerses , whom Cyrus slew . He conferr'd likewise high honours upon Ctesias and others , and having found out the Caunian , who gave him the bottle of water , he made him of a poor obscure man a rich Peer . As for the punishments he inflicted upon delinquents , there was a kind of harmony betwixt them and the crimes . He gave order that one Arbaces a Mede , that had fled in the fight to Cyrus , and again deserted him at his fall , should take up a Whore stark naked , and carry her hanging by his neck a whole day round about the Market-place ; as one that censur'd his Cowardice and Effeminacy , not his treason and malice . Another , besides that he had revolted to them , having falsely vaunted that he had kill'd two of the Rebels ; he decreed that three needles should be struck through his tongue . Now both supposing that with his own hand he had cut off Cyrus , and being willing that all men should think and say so , he richly presented Mithridates who first wounded him , and charg'd those by whom he convey'd the gifts to him to tell him , that his Majesty hath honoured you with these his favours because you found and brought him the horse-trappings , and hat of Cyrus . The Carian also by whom Cyrus being wounded in the Ham died , suing for his reward ; he commanded those that brought it him to say that the King presents you with this as a secondary gratification for the good news told him : for first Artosyrus , and next to him , you assur'd him of the decease of the grand Traitor . So Mithridates retir'd without Clamour indeed , yet with much trouble and high resentments . But the unfortunate Carian was possess'd through his indiscretion with a common infirmity . For being ravish'd with the sight of the Princely gifts that were before him , and being tempted thereupon to challenge and aspire to things above him , he deign'd not to accept the Kings present , as a retribution for his indiligence ; but storming , appeal'd to witnesses , and declar'd it aloud , that he , and none but he had kill'd Cyrus , and that he was with no small injury depriv'd of that Glory . These words , when they came to his ear , did much exasperate the King , so that forthwith he sentenced him to be beheaded . But the Queen Mother , being in the Kings presence , said , let not your Majesty upon such easie terms discharge this pernicious Carian , rather let me deal out to him the chastisement for his insolent expressions . When he had consign'd him over to the Mercy of Parysatis , she charg'd the Executioners to take up the man , and stretch him upon the rack for ten days , then punching out his eyes to drop molten brass into his ears till he expir'd with the very anguish of his tortures . Mithridates also , within a short time after , miserably perished by his own folly : For being invited to a Feast where the King and Queen Mothers Eunuchs were , he came array'd in cloth of Gold , a Robe he received from the King. After they went to eat , the Eunuch that was the greatest Favourite of Parysatis , thus speaks to him ; A lovely Garment surely Mithridates is this his Majesty has given you , the Chains and Bracelets are glorious , your Scymeter of invaluable worth : How happy hath he made you , and the object of every eye ? To whom he being a little pot-valiant , replied , What are these things Sparamixes ? Sure I am , I shew'd my self to the King in that day of Tryal to be one deserving more stately and specious gifts than these . At which Sparamixes smiling , said , I do not malign or envy you Mithridates , but since the Grecians tell us , that Wine is the Mirrour of Truth , I would ask you , my Friend , what glorious or mighty matter was it to find a Hat , that had slipt off a Horse , and to bring it to the King ? And this he spoke , not as ignorant of the truth , but desiring to unbosome him to the company , he provok'd the vanity of the man , made ungovernably talkative by drink . He accordingly could not forbear expressing himself to this effect , Talk you what you please of Horse-trappings , Hats , and such trifles : I tell you plainly , that this hand was the bane of Cyrus : For I threw not my dart as Artagerses did in vain and to no purpose , but hitting him and piercing him through the Temple very near his Eye , I prostrated the Man and he died of that wound . Then the rest with dejected looks did already read the destiny and ruine of Mithridates . But he who treated them , said to him , Prithy , my Friend , let us eat and drink now , revereing the good fortune of our Prince , and let us wave this discourse , which is too weighty for and above us . Presently after Sparamixes told Parysatis what he said , and she told the King ; who was wonderfully enrag'd 〈◊〉 it , as having the lie given him thereby , and being in danger to lose the most glorious and most pleasant circumstance of his Conquest . For it was his desire that every one , whether Greek or Barbarian , should believe , that in the mutual assaults and conflicts between him and his Brother , he giving and receiving a blow , was himself indeed wounded , but that the other lost his life . And therefore he decreed , that Mithridates should be put to death in Boats , which execution is after the following manner . Taking two Boats fram'd exactly to fit and answer each other , they lay down in one of them the Malefactor that suffers , upon his back ; then covering it with the other , and so setting them together , that through the opposite sections , the head , hands and feet of them may be kept out , and the rest of his body lie hidden within ; they offer him food , and if he refuse to eat it , they force him to do it , by picking his eyes ; then having eaten they drench him with a mixture of Milk and Honey for a Portion , not only pouring it into his mouth , but all over his face ; which since they constantly turn his eyes directly towards the Sun , wholly disappears by reason of the multitude of Flies , that stick close to it : And discharging that within , which those that eat and drink must needs do , creepers and vermine spring out of the corruption and rottenness of the excrement , by which peircing into the very bowels of him , his body is consum'd . So when the man is manifestly dead , the uppermost being taken off , they see his flesh devour'd , and swarms of such noisom creatures preying upon , as it were growing to his inwards . Thus Mithridates languishing for seventeen days at last expired . Me●abates the Kings Eunuch , who had cut off the hand and head of Cyrus , remained still as a mark for Parysatis's vengeance . Whereas therefore he was so circumspect , that he gave her no advantage against him , she fram'd this kind of snare for him . She was a very ingenions woman upon other accounts , but an excellent Artist at Dice , and therefore before the War had often played with the King : After the War too , when he was at leasure , and inclin'd to melancolly , she challeng'd him to play at dice with her for a thousand Darius's , and willingly let him win them , and paid him down in Gold , yet pretending to be concern'd for her loss , and that she would gladly have beaten him , she press'd him to begin a new Game for an Eunuch ; in which he comply'd with her . But first they agreed , that each o● them might except five of the most trusty Eunuchs , and that out of the rest of them , the Loser should yield up any the Winner should make choice of . Upon these conditions they play'd . Thus being vigorous upon her design , and intent upon her Game , and the Dice running luckily for her , when she had got the Game , she pitcht upon Mesabates , who was not in the number of the five excepted . Now before the King could suspect the matter , having delivered him up to the Tormentors , she strictly enjoyn'd them to flea him alive , to nail his distorted body to three Crosses , and to stretch his skin upon stakes separately from it . These things being done , and the King taking them hainously , and being hugely incens'd against her , she with raillery and laughter told him , You are a jolly and happy man indeed , if you are so much disturb'd for the sake of an old rascally Eunuch , when I , though I have thrown away a thousand Darius's , exclaim not at , but acquiesce in my fortune . Artaxerxes then repenting that he had been thus deluded by her , hush'd up all . But Statira did both upon other accounts evidently oppose her , and was irreconcilably angry with her for this , that she did against all law and humanity sacrifice the Eunuchs , and the King 's loyal Subjects to the Ghost of her darling Cyrus . Now after that Tisaphernes had circumvented , and with Oaths perfidiously betray'd Clearchus and other Leaders , and taking them , had sent them bound in Chains to the King ; Ctesias says , that he was importun'd by Clearchus , to supply him with a Comb , and that when he had it , and had comb'd his head with it , he was much pleas'd with the use of it , and gave him a Ring , which might be a token of their intimacy to all his Relations and Friends in Sparta ; and that the Sculpture in this Signet , was a sett of grave Matrons dancing . He tells us that the Soldiers his fellow captives , did subduct from , and excise the food sent to Clearchus , giving him but little or nothing of it . Which thing Ctesias says he rectified , causing a better allowance to be convey'd to him , and that a distinct share should be distributed to the Soldiers by themselves ; adding that he minister'd to , and supply'd him thus at the expence and instance of Parysatis . Now there being a Gammon of Bacon daily carry'd to Clearchus , among other dishes , he said , that she advis'd and instructed him , that he ought , striking it over head in the flesh , and hiding it , to send him a small knife , and not suffer the fate of his Friend to be dispenc'd by the tyranny of the King. But withal he assures us , that through fear and tenderness he refus'd it , and the rather , because Artaxerxes had promis'd and sworn to his Mother , beseeching him to spare Clearchus , that he would do so : Yet he says , that afterwards , at the instigation of his Wife Statira , he put every man of them to death besides Menon , and that thence forwards Parysatis watcht her advantage against Statira , and made up Poison for her ; affirming therein improbable things , and such as imply the unparallel'd rashness of her Guilt , if she committed so execrable an Act , as to dare , out of respect to Clearchus , to attempt the life of the lawful Queen , that was Mother to those , who were Heirs of the Empire . But it is evident enough , that this part of his History , is devoted as a Shrine to the memory of Clearchus . For he would have us believe , that when the Generals were executed , the rest of them were torn in pieces by Dogs and Birds ; but as for the remains of Clearchus , that a violent Gust of Wind , bearing before it a vast heap of earth did erect a Hill for a Monument to cover his body : In which , after a few Dates had been sown , in a small time , he says , a lovely Grove grew up and scatter'd its shade all over the place ; in so much that the King was much concern'd that he had cut off one so dear to Heaven , as Clearchus . Parysatis therefore having entertain'd an inveterate grudge and emulation against Statira , and seeing that the power she her self had with Artaxerxes was founded upon the honour and veneration he had for her , but that her Daughters influence was made strong and unmoveable , by her love and obedience ; she was resolv'd to contrive her ruin , playing at hazard , as she thought , for the greatest Stake in the world . Among her Maids of Honour , there was one that was trusty , and in the highest esteem with her , whose name was Gigis ; who , as Dinon averrs , assisted in making up the poison . But Ctesias will allow her only to be conscious of it , and that much against her will ; expresly charging Belitaras for actually poisoning the Queen , tho' Dinon says it was one Melantas . Now these Princesses beginning again to be reconcil'd , and feast together , yet by reason of their former jars and jealousies , they did not take the same meats from the same attendants without fear and caution . There is a small Persian Bird , the Guts of which are without excrement , and the inside of it wholly fat ; so that they suppose the little Creature lives upon air and dew . It is call'd Ryntaces . Ctesias affirms , that Parysatis dividing this Bird with a knife drencht in poyson on the one side , and free from it on the other , did eat the untoucht and wholsome part her self , and gave Statira that which was infected . But Dinon will not have it to be Parysatis , but Melantas that cut up the Bird , and presented the envenom'd part of it to Statira , who dying with horrid Agonies and Convulsions , was both her self sensible of the virulent Drug she had taken , and intimated her suspicion of the Queen Mother to the King , who knew her brutish fierceness , her implacable temper . Whereupon , being resolved upon a speedy Inquest , he seized upon his Mothers Pursivants and domestick Servants that attended at her Table , and put them upon the Rack . Parysatis kept Gigis at home with her a long time , and tho' the King commanded her , she would not produce her . But she at last desiring that she might be dismiss'd to her own home by night , Artaxerxes had intimation of it , and saying wait for her hurried her away , and adjudg'd her to death . Now Poysoners in Persia suffer thus by Law. There is a broad Stone , whereon placing the head of them , they do with another dash press it till they have broke both it and the face in pieces , which was the punishment Gigis lost her life by . But as for his Mother , Artaxerxes neither denounc'd nor inflicted any other penalty upon her , save that he banish'd and confin'd her , not much against her will , to Babylon , protesting that whilst she liv'd he would not come near that mighty City . This was the State of the Kings Affairs at home : But he no less vigourously endeavour'd to captivate the Grecians , that came along with Cyrus , than to conquer him , and keep possession of the Empire ; and yet could not do it . For when they had lost their General Cyrus and their other Commanders , they escap'd with safety almost out of the Persian Court , convincing and demonstrating to all men , that the business of that Prince and People was to be Rich , Riotous and Effeminate ; or else to be Pompous and Stately ; insomuch that all Greece took courage and dispised those mean Barbarians ; especially the Lacedemonians , who thought it strange if they should not now deliver their Country-men , that dwelt in Asia from their Subjection to the Persians , nor put an end to their contumelious usage of them . And first having an Army under the conduct of Thimbron , then under Dercylidas ; but doing nothing memorable , they at last committed the War to the menage of their King Agesilaus . Who , when he had arriv'd with his Men in Ships at Asia , as soon as he had landed them , fell to work , and got himself great renown . For he defeated Tisaphernes in a pitcht Battle , and forc'd many Cities to revolt . After these great Actions , when Artaxerxes had wisely consider'd , how he might wage War most advantageously with them , he sent Hermocrates of Rhodes into Greece with vast Treasures of Gold , commanding him by a free distribution of it to corrupt the leading men in the Cities , and to stir up the rest of the Grecians to an united engagement with Sparta . So Hermocrates following his instructions , the most considerable Cities conspiring against it , and all Peloponnesus being in an uproar , the Ephori remanded Agesilaus from Asia . At which time , they say , as he was upon his return , he told his Friends , that Artaxerxes had driven him out of Asia with thirty thousand Archers , the Persian Coyn having an Archer stampt upon it . He scour'd the Seas too of the Lacedemonians , Conon the Athenian , and Pharnabazus being his Admirals . For Conon , after the Sea Fight , in a place , called the Goats River , resided in Cyprus ; not that he consulted his security , but looking for a vicissitude of affairs with no less hopes than men wait for a low or full tide in the Sea. Who perceiving , that his Stratagems wanted power to actuate them , and that the Kings forces wanted a Wise-man to steer them , sent him an account by Letter of his projects , and charged the Bearer to hand it to his Majesty , if possible , by the meditation of Zeno a Cretian , or Polycratus the Mendaean , ( the former being a dancing-Master , the latter a Physitian ) or in the absence of them both by Ctesias ; who is said to have taken Conon's Letter , and foisted into the Contents of it a request that his Majesty would be pleased to send over Ctesias to him , as being a serviceable Man in Maritine affairs . Yet Ctesias is positive , That the King of his own accord deputed him to this Province . But Artaxerxes geting the better of the Lacedemonians in a Sea-Fight under the Conduct of Pharnabazus and Conon , after he had stript them of their Jurisdiction by Sea , did at the same time reduce almost all the Grecians to their allegiance ; so that upon his own terms he made that celebrated Peace with them , which is stil'd the Peace of Antalcidas . This Antalcidas was a Spartan the Son of one Leon , who stickling for the Kings Interest , oblig'd the Lacedemonians to covenant to let all the Greek Cities in Asia , and the Islands adjacent to it , to become Subject and Tributary to him , when this Peace was concluded : If we may give the venerable name of Peace to that which was the reproach and ruin of Greece ; a Treaty which was as 〈…〉 glorious to the vanquished as any War in its issue had ever been to them . And therefore Artaxerxes , though always abominating other Spartans , and looking upon them ( as Dinon says ) to be the most impudent Men living , did yet put a strange value upon Antalcidas , when he came to him into Persia : So that one day the King taking a Garland of Flowers , and dipping it in the most precious Oyntment sent it to him after Supper , a favour which all were amaz'd at . Indeed he was a person fit to be thus delicately treated , and to have such a Crown , who had among the Persians in his dancing imitated Leonidas and Callicratidas . Whereupon Agesilaus , it seems , one having said , O ye deplorable Fate of Greece now , when the Spartans turn Medes ! Reply'd , nay rather when the Medes become Spartans . Notwithstanding the subtilty of the Repartee , it did not wipe off the infamy of the Action : But a little after the Lacedemonians lost the Principality of their State , having fought unfortunately at Leuctres ; tho ▪ their glory was utterly lost before them in that scandalous and dishonourable League . So long indeed as Sparta was Empress of Greece , Artaxerxes did not only entertain Antalcidas generously , but endear'd him by the name of his Friend . But when routed and humbled at the Battle of Leuctres , being under great distresses for money , they had dispatcht Agesilaus into Egypt , and Antalcidas had address'd himself to Artaxerxes , beseeching him to supply their necessities ; he so despis'd , slighted , and rejected him , that returning the scorn of his enemies , and in dread of the States , he pin'd himself to death . Ismenias also the Theban and Pelopidas , who got the day at Leuctres , arriv'd at the Persian Court ; where the latter did nothing unworthy of himself . But Ismenias being commanded to do obeisance to the King , dropt his Ring before him upon the ground , and so stooping to take it up , he seem'd to pay him homage . For some secret intelligence that pleas'd him he bestowed upon Timagoras the Athenian ten thousand Darius's by the hand of his Secretary Beluris , and fourscore Milch Kine were driven after him standing in need of Milk from the Cow , by reason of his indisposition . Moreover he sent him a Bed , Furniture , and Valets , the Grecians having not skill enough to make it , as also Chair-men to carry him , being infirm in Body , quite to the Sea side . Not to mention the Treat made for him at Court , which was princely and splendid : Insomuch that Osthanes the Kings Brother thus spoke to him , Be mindfull of this Table , which is not put before you thus spread for nothing . Which was rather a reflection upon his Treason , than to remind him of his Brothers bounty . The Athenians therefore condemned Timagoras to death for taking Bribes . But Artaxerxes gratify'd the Grecians in one thing in lieu of the many wherewith he plagu'd them , and that was by taking off Tisaphernes their most hated and malious Enemy ; whom he put to death , Parysatis adding her charge to those accusations that were already drawn up against him . For the King persisted not long in wrath with his Mother , but was reconciled to her , and sent for her , being assur'd , that she had Wisdom and Courage fit for an Empire , and there being now no cause discernable , but that they might converse together without suspicion or offence . And from thence forward humouring the King in all things according to his hearts desire , and by brooking nothing ill which he did , she got a mighty influence upon him , and prevail'd in whatever she requested of him . She perceiv'd he was desperately in love with Atossa , one of his own Daughters , and that he conceal'd and checkt his passion chiefly for fear of her self , tho' if we may believe some Writers , he had privately enjoy'd the young Princess already . Now as soon as Parysatis suspected the intrigue , she was more fond of her Grand-daughter than before , and extoll'd both her vertue and beauty to him , as being truly Imperial and Majestick . In fine she persuaded him to marry the Maiden , and to declare her to be his lawfull Wife , in spight of the opinions and determinations of the Greek Sages ; forasmuch as she said he was designed by Providence for a Law to the Persians , and to be the great Arbitrator of good and evil . Some Historians further affirm ( in which number is Heraclides the Cumean ) that Artaxerxes married not only this one , but his second Daughter Amestris also , of whom we shall speak by and by . But he so intirely lov'd Atossa when she became his Consort , that tho' Leprosie had run through her whole body , he was not in the least offended at it ; but putting up his prayers to Juno for her , he ador'd her alone among the Deities , being prostrate upon the earth . His Nobles also and Favourites made such Offerings to that Goddess by his direction , that all a long , for about two miles betwixt the Court and her Temple , the road was choaked up with Gold and Silver , with purple and Horses devoted to her . He wag'd War out of his own Kingdom with the Aegyptians , under the Conduct of Pharnabazus and Iphicrates , but was defeated by reason of their dissensions . So in his expedition against the Cadusians , he went himself in person with three hundred Thousand Footmen , and ten Thousand Horse . And making an incursion into their Country which was scarce , through its roughness , passable , and withal very misty , having neither Seed-time nor Harvest , but with Pears , Apples , and other Tree-fruits breeding up Warlike and valiant men ; he unawares fell into great distresses and dangers . For there was nothing to be got , fit for his men to eat , of the growth of that place , nor to be imported from any other . He would only have beasts for burthen slaughter'd , insomuch that the head of an Ass was sold for near forty shillings . In short the King himself was at a loss for provision , and there were but few horses left , the rest they had spent for food . Then Tiribazus , a man for his Valour often in great favour with his Prince , and as often for his buffoonery quite out of it , particularly at that time being low and despicable did yet preserve the King and his Army . There being two Kings amongst the Cadusians , and both of them encamping separately after he had made his application to Artaxerxes , and imparted his design to him , he went to one of the Princes , and sent away his Son privately to the other . So each of them deceived his man , assuring him that the other Prince had deputed an Embassador to Artaxerxes suing for friendship and alliance with him alone ; and therefore if he were wise he told him he must apply himself to his Master before he had decreed any thing , and that he would lend him his assistance in all things . Both of them gave credit to these Words , and because they suppos'd there was a mutual grudge betwixt them , the one dispatcht away Envoys along with Tiribazus , the other with his Son. But Tiribazus staying somewhat long , the surmises and accusations of his Enemies made an impression upon Artaxerxes . Who was very Melancholick , and being sorry that he had confided in Tiribazus , gave ear to his Rivals who impeacht him . But at last he came , and so did his Son , both of them bringing the Cadusian Agents along with them , and so there was a League and Peace sign'd with both the Princes . And now Tiribazus , being great and splendid , return'd with the Persian Monarch , who plainly prov'd that cowardice and effeminacy are the effects of a base degenerous Nature , guided by erroneous notions , and not of niceness and superfluous excesses as most men suppose . For notwithstanding his Jewels of Gold , his Robe of State , and the rest of his costly attire , worth no less than twelve thousand Talents , with which he was constantly clad , his labours and toils were no less than those of the meanest persons in his Army . Nay turning up his Horse with his Quiver by his side , and his Shield on his Arm he led them through craggy and steep ways , insomuch that the other Souldiers observing his cheerfulness , and unwearied strength took wing , and went the more swiftly along with him : Whose daily march was above two hundred furlongs . After he had arriv'd at one of his own Mansions , which had lovely Parks nobly kept in order though situated in a Region naked and without Trees ; the weather being very cold he gave full Commission to his Soldiers to provide themselves with wood by cutting down any without exception even the Pine and Cypress . When they were at a stand , and for sparing them , being large and goodly Trees , he , taking up an Ax himself , fell the greatest and fairest of them . After which his men us'd their hatchets , and piling up many Fires , past away the Night with ease : Nevertheless he returned not without the loss of many and valiant Subjects , and of almost all his Horses . Wherefore having imagined that he should grow little in the eyes of his people through the misfortune and ill success of this expedition , he suspected that he was despis'd by some of his Nobles , many of whom he slew in his rage , and yet still was jealous of more . For fear is the bloodiest passion in Princes , whereas the bold and couragious amongst them are merciful , gentle , and confiding . And thus the timerous and sluggish brutes are ever untractable and the most unruly ; whilst the Nobler being made confident by their spirit refufe not the acquaintance of their owners . In process of time after Artaxerxes , being very old , perceiv'd that his Sons were in controversie about his Kingdom , and that they made parties among his Favourites and Peers . Those that were equitable among them thought it fit that as he had receiv'd it , so he should bequeath it to Darius whose just inheritance it was . The younger Brother Ochus , who was hot and violent , had indeed a considerable number of the Courtiers that espoused his interest , but his chief hope was that by Atossa's means he should prepare his Father . For he had smooth'd her up with the thoughts of being his Wife , and Queen , after the death of ▪ Artaxerxes . And truly it was buzz'd abroad that before it Ochus maintain'd too great correspondence with her , but secret and unknown to the King : Who being willing timely to dash his Son Ochus's hopes , lest he attempting the very same things his Uncle Cyrus did , Wars and Contentions might again afflict his Kingdom , proclaimed Darius , then fifty years old , his Successor , and gave him leave to wear the Imperial Hat cockt up . It is a Rule and usage of Persia , that the Heir apparent to the Crown should beg a boon , and that he that declared him so should give whatever he askt , provided it were within the Sphere of his power . Darius therefore requested Aspasia , the most tenderly beloved Miss of Cyrus , but then the Kings Concubine , she was originally a Phocian born in the Country of Ionia , of gentile Parents , and well educated . Once when Cyrus was at Supper , she was led into him with other Women , who when they were sat down by him , though he sported and dallied and talked wantonly with them , did without shyness admit that his fulsome Courtship ; but she stood by the Table , with a graceful silence , refusing to come to him when Cyrus call'd her . And when his Chamberlains were going to force her towards him , she said , whosoever lays hands on me shall rue it , so she seem'd to the company a sullen , rude country thing . However Cyrus being well pleas'd with her reserv'd humour laugh'd it off , and said to the Man that brought the Woman , dost not thou plainly see that this Woman alone of all that came with thee is truly Noble , and of an impregnable Chastity ? After which time he began to regard her , and lov'd her above all of her Sex , and call'd her Aspasia the Wise . But Cyrus being slain in the fight she was taken among the spoils of his Camp , whom when Darius did demand , no doubt he much offended his Father . For the Barbarous people keep a very jealous and watchful Eye over their Carnal pleasures ; so that 't is death for a Man not only to come near and caress any Concubine of his Prince , but likewise in his journey to make an excursion , or pass over to the Coaches in which they are carried . And though to gratify his Lust , he had against all Law marry'd his Daughter Atossa , and had beside her a Seraglio of three hundred and sixty the most exquisite beauties in his Dominions ; yet being importun'd for that one by Darius , he urg'd that she was a free-woman , and allow'd him to take her if she had an inclination to go with him , but by no means to force her away against it . Aspasia therefore being sent for , and contrary to the King's expectation , making choice of Darius , he gave him her indeed , being constrain'd by Law , but when he had done so , a little after he took her from him . For he consecrated her Priestess to Diana of Ecbatane ; whom there they name Anitis , that she might spend the remainder of her days in a strict Chastity , thinking thus to punish his Son , not with rigour but moderation , by a revenge checquer'd with jest and earnest . But he took it heinously , either he was a passionate admirer of Aspasia , or because he lookt upon himself as highly affronted and scorn'd by his Father . Tiribazus perceiving him thus divided betwixt Lust and rage did exasperate him yet farther after he had obs●rv'd in his injuries a representation of his own . Of which take the following account : Artaxerxes having many Daughters promis'd to give Apama to Pharnabazus to Wife , Rodogeune to Orantes , and Amestris to Tiribazus ; whom alone he disappointed by marrying Amestris himself , and yet was just to the other two . However to make him amends he betroth'd his youngest Daughter Atossa to him . But after he had , being enamour'd of , marry'd her too , ( as has been said . ) Tiribazus had an irreconciliable grudge against him , who was seldom at any other time steady in his temper , but uneven and inconsiderate . Wherefore whether he were in the number of the choicest Favourites of his Prince , or whether he were offensive and odious to him ; he demean'd himself in neither condition with moderation : But being advanc'd , he was intollerably insolent , and in his degradation his deportment was not submissive and peaceable , but fierce and haughty . And therefore Tiribazus was to the young Prince as Oyl thrown upon a flame , ever urging him , and saying that in vain those wear their Hats upright , who consult not the Success of their affairs , and that he was ill befriended of reason if he imagin'd ( whilst he had a Brother , who that he might have his choice of Women endeavour'd to undermine him , and a Father of so rash and fickle a humour ) that he should by sucession insallibly step up into the Throne . For he that out of fondness to a lewd Ionian female hath eluded a Law Sacred and inviolable among the Persians , is not likely to be faithful in the performance of the most important promises . He added too that it was not all one for Ochus not to attain to , and for him to be put by his Crown ; since Ochus as a Subject might live happily , and no body could hinder him , but he being proclaim'd King , must either take up the Scepter , or lay down his Life . These words presently inflam'd Darius . That of Sophocles perhaps being generally true , Ill Councel soon is at its Journeys End ; For the path is smooth , or upon an easie descent , that leads us to what we are inclin'd , and for the most part of us are propense to Vice through our strangeness too , and ignorance of the loveliness of Vertue . And no doubt the greatness of the Empire , and the jealousie Darius had of Ochus furnisht Tiribazus with materials for his remonstrance . Nor was Venus wholly unconcern'd in the matter upon the loss of her Votary Aspasia : Darius therefore resign'd himself up to the dictates of Tiribazus , and many now conspiring with them , an Eunuch detected their Plot to the King , and the way how it was to be managed , being very well informed that the Traitors had resolved to break into his Bed-Chamber by night , and there to kill him as he lay . After Artaxerxes had been thus advertised , he did not think fit by disregarding the discovery to despise so great a danger , nor to believe it when there was little or no proof of it . Thus then he did ; He charged the Eunuchs constantly to be amongst and accompany the Conspirators wherever they were . In the mean while he broke down the Wall of the Chamber behind his Bed , and when he had made a door , he hid it with Tapestry . So the hour approaching , and the Eunuch having told him the very nick of time in which the Traytors design'd to assassinate him , he waited for them in his Bed , and rose not up , till he had seen the faces of his aggressors , and accurately discern'd every man of them . But as soon as he saw them with their Swords drawn , and coming up to him , throwing up the hanging he made his retreat into an inner Chamber , and bolting to the door he alarm'd the Court. Thus when the Ruffians had been seen by him , and had attempted him in vain ; they with speed went back through the same doors they came , enjoyning Tiribazus especially and those near him to retire , because clearly discovered . They therefore made their escape different ways , but Tiribazus as they were laying hold on him slew many of the Kings Guards , and at length being struck through with a Dart at a distance , he fell . And as for Darius who was brought to the Bar with his Children , the King appointed Princely Judges to sit over him , who because he was not himself at the Trial , but accus'd Darius for Proxy , commanded his Notaries to write down the opinion of every one of the Judges , and shew it to him . In short after they had resolv'd all as one man , and sentenc'd Darius to death , the Officers seiz'd on him , and hurryed him to a prison not far off . To which place the Executioner , when summoned came with a razour in his hand , with which men of his employment cut off the heads of high offenders . But when he saw that Darius was the person thus to be punished , he was appall'd , and started back , offering to go out , as one that had neither power nor courage enough to behead him , who a little before had been proclaim'd King , yet at the threats and commands of the Judges who stood at the Prison-door he return'd , and grasping the hair of his head , and binding his face to the ground with one hand , he cut off his neck with the Razour he had in the other . Some affirms that sentence was pass'd in the presence of Artaxerxes ; that Darius after he had been convicted by clear evidence , falling prostrate before him , did humbly beg his pardon ; that instead of giving it he rising up in rage , and drawing his Scymeter smote him till he had kill'd him ; that then leading them to his Palace he did Worship the Sun , and said , Be gone in Triumph , O ye Persians and declare to your fellow Snbjects how the mighty Oramazes hath dealt out vengeance to the contrivers of unjust and unlawfull things . Such then was the issue of this Conspiracy . And now Ochus was big with expectation , being puff'd up with the interest he had in Atossa ; but yet was afraid of Ariaspes the only Male surviving beside himself of the Legitimate off-spring of his Father , and of Arsames one of his natural Sons . For indeed Ariaspes was already declar'd Prince by the wishes of the Persians , not because he was the elder Brother , but because he excell'd Ochus in gentleness , plain dealing , and good nature ; whereas Arsames appear'd by his Wisdom accomplish'd for the Throne , and that he was most dear to his Eather , Ochus very well knew . So he laid Snares for them both , and being no less treacherous than bloody , he made use of the Cruelty of his nature against Arsames , and of his craft , his willingness against Ariaspes . For he suborn'd the Kings Eunuchs and Favourites to convey to him menacing and harsh expressions from his Father , as though he had decreed to put him to a cruel and ignominious death . When they seem'd daily to communicate these things as secrets , and said one while that the King would do this to him ere long , at another within a few moments ; they so astonish'd the good Prince , they struck such a terrour into him , and cast such a confusion and anxiety upon his thoughts , that having prepared some fatal drugs he drank them , that he might be deliver'd from his hated Life . The King knowing what kind of death he died , heartily lamented him , and gave a shrewd guess at the impulsive cause of it . But being disabled by his age to search into and prove it , he was after the loss of his Son more indulgent to Arsames , did manifestly place his greatest confidence in him , and made him privy to all his designs . Whereupon Ochus had no longer patience to defer the execution of his purpose , but having procured Arsaces , Tiribazus's Son for the undertaking , he kill'd Arsames by his hand . Artaxerxes at that time had but a little while to live by reason of his very old age . So when he heard of the Fate of Arsames , he could not at all bear it , but straight sinking under the load of his grief expired , after he had enjoyed life ninety four years , and an Empire sixty two . And then he seem'd a moderate and gracious Governour , especially if compar'd to his Son Ochus , who outdid all his Predecessors in blood and Cruelty . THE LIFE OF DION . English'd from the Greek . by Robert Vvedale , L L D. DIO . M Burg. sculp ▪ Now we may draw a Parallel of the Lives of these two great Men from their Fortunes , wherein Chance , not Design , made them much alike , for they were both cut off by an untimely death , not being able to accomplish those ends which through many risques ond difficulties they aimed at . But above all , this is most wonderful ; that by Divine Permission both of them had notice given of their approaching death by a frightful and ominous Daemon , which visibly appear'd to them . Altho' there are a sort of men who utterly deny any such thing , and say , that no man in his right wits ever saw a Phantom or apparition ; but that Children only , and silly Women , or Men craz'd by some Distemper of their Mind , or Disease of their Body , entertain such idle and absurd Fancies , overfondly conceiting themselves haunted with Sprites and Goblins . Yet if Dion and Brutus , men of great Courage and Learning , not easily deluded by Fancy , or discompos'd by any sudden apprehension , were so disturbed at these Visions , that they forthwith declar'd to their Friends what they had seen ; I know not how we can aviod admitting again the exploding Opinion of the Ancients , That the Devils and evil Spirits , out of an envious hatred to good men , vigorously oppose whatever they do ; and by raising distractions and terrors in their minds , endeavour to shake and undermine their Vertue , lest by a steady and unbyass'd perseverance in Goodness , they should after death obtain a happier condition of futurity than those wretched Beings can ever hope for . But I shall refer these things to another place , and in this Twelfth Book of the Lives of great Men , compar'd one with another , begin with his who was the elder . Dionysius the First , having seiz'd the Government of Sicily , took to Wife the Daughter of Hermocrates , a Syracusian . She , in an Insurrection which the Citizens made before the Government was well settled , was abused in such a barbarous and outragious manner , that for shame she put an end to her own life . But Dionysius , soon re-established and confirmed in the Throne , married two Wives , one named Doride of Locris , the other Aristomache , a Native of Sicily , and Daughter of Hipparinus , a Nobleman of the first Quality in Syracuse , and Collegue with Dionysius when he was chosen General of the Army . 'T is said he married them both in one day , but which he enjoyed first is uncertain ; ever after he divided his kindness equally betwixt them , both accompanying him together at his Table , and in his Bed by turns . Indeed the Syracusians were urgent that their own Country-woman might be preferred before the Stranger ; but Doride , to recompence the aspersion of being a Foreigner , had the good Fortune to be the Mother of Dionysius's eldest Son , whilest Aristomache continued a long time without Issue , tho' the King was very desirous to have Children by her , and caused Doride's Mother to be put to death , laying to her Charge , that she had bewitch'd Aristomache , to prevent her being with Child . Dion , Aristomache's Brother , at first found a very Honourable Reception at Court for his Sisters sake ; but his own worth and parts soon procured him a nearer place in the Princes Affection , who among other favours gave special Command to his Treasurers to furnish Dion with whatever Money he demanded , enjoyning them withal the same day to give him a particular account of what they had delivered out . Now , tho' Dion was before reputed a person of extraordinary Parts , a noble Mind , and daring Courage , yet all these excellent Qualifications received a considerable improvement by Plato's happy arrival in Sicily . It was without doubt no humane Contrivance , but the direction of Providence , designing that this remote Cause should hereafter occasion the recovery of the Sicilians lost Liberty , and the subversion of the Tyrannical Government , which brought the Philosopher out of Italy , and settled him at Syracuse . Dion soon gain'd his acquaintance , and became the most considerable among his Scholars , by his wonderful disposition to Learning , and inclination to Vertue , far above what his years could promise , as Plato himself reports of him , and his own Actions sufficiently testifie . For tho' he was bred up under the Tyrant in a condition much below himself , inur'd to a dissolute and servile kind of life , under a haughty and imperious Command , glutted with extravagant Pleasures , and a customary regard to nothing but Wealth and Luxury , ( the mistaken happiness of life ; ) yet no sooner had he tasted the Sweets of more rational Notions , and was made acquainted with the Precepts of Philosophy , which direct the way to Vertue and true Satisfaction , but his Appetite increas'd , and his Soul was inflamed with a desire of more knowledge , and greater Attainments : Hereupon innocently , tho' not judiciously , concluding from his own ingenuous disposition , that the same powerful Reasons would work the same Effects upon Dionysius , he made it his business , and at length obtain'd the favour of him at a leisure hour to admit and hear Plato . At this their meeting , the Subject-matter of their Discourse in general was Vertue , but more particularly they disputed concerning Fortitude , which Plato prov'd Tyrants , of all men , had the least pretence to ; and thence proceeding to treat of Justice , he asserted the happy Estate of the Just , and the miserable condition of the Unjust . Here the King , touch'd to the quick , and not able to answer his Arguments , would not endure to hear him out , being highly displeas'd with the rest of the Auditors there present , who with wonder and delight had listned to his Discourses . At length , exceedingly exasperated , he asked the Philosopher in a great rage , what business he had in Sicily ? To which Plato answered , I came hither to seek an honest man : It seems then , replyed Dionysius , you have lost your labour . Dion supposing the Kings anger pretty well over , at Plato's Request , conveyed him suddenly aboard a Galley , the Captains name Pollis , a Lacedemonian , bound for Greece ; but Dionysius privately dealt with Pollis , by all means to kill Plato in the Voyage ; If not , to be sure to sell him for a Slave ; alledging for an inducement , that as a good man he could not be endammaged , but would still enjoy his happiness , tho' he lost his Liberty . Pollis therefore , as 't is reported , carryed Plato to Aegina , and there sold him to the Aeginetes , then at War with Athens , having made a decree , That whatever Athenian was taken on their Coasts , should forthwith be exposed to Sale. Notwithstanding Dion was in no less Favour and Credit with Dionysius than formerly , but was entrusted with the most considerable Employments ; and sent on an Honourable Embassage to Carthage , in the management of which he gained very great Reputation . Besides , the King bore with the Liberty he took to speak his mind freely ; he being the only man who upon any occasion durst so boldly say what he thought ; witness his smart Repartee upon the account of Gelon . Dionysius on a time ridiculing Gelon's Government , and alluding to his Name , said , Gelon was [ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ] the laughing-stock of Sicily : while others seem'd to admire and applaud the Quibble , Dion very warmly reply'd , Sir , you got the Crown , by being trusted for Gelon's sake ; but for your sake no man will ever hereafter be trusted again ; for indeed Gelon made it appear , that Monarchy was the best of Governments , and you have convinced us 't is the worst . Dionysius had three Children by Doride , and by Aristomache four , two of which were Daughters , Sophrosyne and Arete . Sophrosyne was married to his Son Dionysius ; Arete to his Brother Thearides ; after whose death , Dion took his Niece Arete to Wife . Now , when Dionysius was sick , and like to die , Dion endeavour'd to discourse with him in behalf of the Children he had by Aristomache ; but was still prevented by the Phisitians , designing thereby to ingratiate themselves with the next Successor , who also , as Timaeus reports , gave him , as he desired , a sleeping Potion , which soon depriv'd him of his Senses , and made him sleep his last . Hereupon at the first Council Dionysius the Second held with his Confidents , Dion discours'd so well of the present Exigency and state of affairs , that he made all the rest appear in their Politicks but young States-men ; and in their Votes , rather Slaves than Councellors , who timorously and disingenuously advis'd what would best please the young King , rather than advance his Interest . But that which startled them most , was the Proposal he made to avert the imminent danger they feared of a War with the Carthaginians , undertaking to sail immediately over into Africk , and if the King desired it , to conclude a Peace upon honourable terms ; but if he rather inclined to War , that he would fit out and maintain at his own proper cost and charges fifty Galleys , ready for the Service . Dionysius admired his Gallantry , and received the frankness of his Offer with great satisfaction . But the other Courtiers , thinking this his Generosity reflected upon them , and jealous of being lessened by his growing greatness , from hence took all occasions by private insinuations and slanders to render him obnoxious to the Kings displeasure ; as if he designed by his Power at Sea to surprize the Government , and by the help of those Naval Forces confer the supreme Authority upon his Sister Aristomache's Children . But indeed the most apparent and prime Cause of their invidious and malicious proceedings against him , was his reservedness in Conversation , and Singularity in his way of Living ; for they who had from the beginning by flatteries and all unworthy artifices insinuated themselves into the favour and familiarity of the Prince , youthful and voluptuously bred , were wholly subservient to his Pleasures , and sought how to entertain him daily with new Amours , and such idle and extravagant Employs , as Wine , Women , and other lewd Diversions : By which means the Tyranny , like Iron softned in the fire , seemed to the Subject to be more moderate and gentle , and to abate somewhat of its extreme severity ; the edge thereof being blunted , not by the Clemency , but rather the sloth and degeneracy of the young King ; whose dissoluteness gaining ground daily , and growing upon him , soon weakned and broke those Adamantine Chains , with which his Father Dionysius said he had left the Monarchy fastned and secured . 'T is reported of him , that having begun a drunken Debauch , he continued it ninety days without intermission ; in all which time no grave Man appeared , or serious Discourse was heard at Court , but Drinking , Singing , Dancing , Buffoonry , and all sorts of licentious Raillery reigned there without controul . 'T is likely then they had little kindness for Dion , who never indulged himself in such Diversions and Youthful Frolicks ; for which reason they made his very Vertues the subject of their Calumnies , and nick-named whatever was remarkable in him , Vice : They called his Gravity Pride , his Plain-dealing Obstinacy , the good advice he gave was all construed Reprimand , and he was censured for neglecting and scorning those whom he would not accompany in their Misdeameanours . And to say the truth , he was naturally of a haughty Humour , austere , reserved , and unsociable in Conversation , which made his Company unpleasant and disagreeable , not only to the young King , who delighted in none but his smooth-tongued Courtiers and Parasites , but many also of Dion's intimate Friends , tho' they well approved the Integrity and Generosity of his temper , yet justly blamed his surly Carriage , as savouring too much of an uncouth and starched humour , and wanting something of Address and due Civility in the reception of those that applyed themselves to him ; of which Plato afterwards wrote to him , and ( as it were ) Prophetically advised him carefully to avoid a surly demeanour , unless he intended to be abandoned by all Society , and live alone by himself . Now , tho' Dion , by reason of the present state of Affairs , was very considerable , and in great esteem , as being the only stay and prop of the Government , which was in a tottering and unsafe condition ; yet he well understood that he ow'd not his Greatness to the Kings kindness , but to the necessity of his concerns ; and supposing the prime cause of this to be his Ignorance , and want of Education , he endeavoured to induce him into a course of ingenious Studies , and acquaint him with the Precepts of Morality ; thereby hoping to take off the aversion he had to Vertue , and by degrees inure him to a complacency in performing good and laudable Actions . Dionysius in his own Nature was not the worst of Princes , but his Father fearing that if he should come to understand himself better , and converse with wise and learned Men , he might complot against him , and dispossess him of his Kingdom , kept him in a close confinement to his Lodgings ; where for want of other Company , and ignorant how to spend his time better , he busied himself in making little Chariots , Candlesticks , Joynt-stools , Tables , and the like wooden Implements . For his Father , Dionysius the First , was so diffident and suspicious of all mankind , and withal so wretchedly fearful , that he would not suffer a Barber to trim him with Razour or Scissers , but made one of his Artificers with a live Coal sear off his excrescent hairs . Neither were his Brother or his Son allowed to come into his Appartment in the Habit they wore , but they , as all others , were strip'd to their skins by some of the Guard , and put on other Cloathes before they were admitted into the Presence . When on a time his Brother Leptimes was discoursing the situation of a place , and took a Javelin from one of the Guard to describe the Plot , he was highly incensed at him , and caused the Soldier that delivered him the Weapon to be put to death . He declared , the more judicious his Friends were , the more he suspected them ; because he knew that were it in their choice , they would rather Command , than be subject to a Superiour . He flew Marsyas , one of his Captains , whom he had preferred to a considerable command , for dreaming that he killed him ; supposing that it was not a roving Fancy , but a previous thought , and resolved design which had formed that Idea in his imagination ; so timorous was he , so miserable a Slave to his fear , yet very angry with Plato , because he would not allow him to be the valiantest Man alive . Dion ( as we said before ) seeing Dionysius the Son defective in his Understanding , and irregular in his Manners , for want of good Education , advised him to set to Study ; persuading him earnestly to entreat Plato , the greatest Philosopher in the World , to come into Sicily ; and when he came , to permit himself to his direction and advice , by whose instructions he might learn to lead a vertuous life , and be conformable to the glorious Idea of that Divine Essence , whose wise Conduct all things obey , and out of confusion formed the beautiful Order of the Universe ; by which means he would procure great happiness to himself and all his Subjects , who obliged by his Justice and Moderation , would then willingly pay him Obedience as their Father , which now grudgingly , and upon necessity they are forced to yield him , as their Lord. For Fear and Force , a great Navy and standing Army of ten thousand Mercenary Soldiers , are not ( as his Father said ) the Adamantine Chains which secure the Regal Power , but the love and affection of Subjects to their Prince , endeared to him by his Clemency and Justice ; which tho' they seem more pliant than the stiff and hard bonds of Severity , are nevertheless the strongest and most durable Tyes to fix and establish a settled and lasting Empire : Moreover , it is mean and dishonourable that a Prince , glorious in his Equipage , splendid in the Gallantry and Magnificence of his Court , should not at all excell a Peasant in Discourse and Conversation , nor have his princely Mind accomplished , as well as Body adorned , according to his Royal Dignity . Dion frequently entertaining the King upon this Subject , and as occasion offered , repeating some of the Philosophers Learned Arguments , Dionysius grew impatiently desirous to have Plato's Company , and to hear him discourse : Forthwith therefore he sent divers Letters to him to Athens , to which Dion added his entreaties ; also several Philosophers of the Pythagorean Sect from Italy , perswaded him to come and manage the plyable Youth of the King , and by his grave and serious Advice restrain the unstable and desultory efforts of his new-acquired Power and Grandeur . Plato ( as he says of himself ) being ashamed to seem busie only in words , and sloathful in Action , hoping withal that if he could work a Cure upon one Man , the Head and Guide of the rest , he might remedy the Distempers of the whole Kingdom of Sicily , yielded to their Requests . But Dion's Enemies fearing an alteration in Dionysius , perswaded him to recall from Banishment one Philistus , a Learned Man , and very skilful in Tyrannical Policy , whom they designed to set in opposition to Plato and his Philosophy . For Philistus from the beginning was a great instrument to promote the Tyranny , and being Governour of the Castle , kept it a long time for that Faction . There was a report that he had to do with the Mother of Dionysius the First ; and that he was not altogether ignorant of it . But Leptimes having two Daughters by a married Woman whom he had Debauched , gave one of them in marriage to Philistus without acquainting the King , who being enraged , put Leptimes's Mistress in Prison , and Banished Philistus the Kingdom : Whereupon he fled to some of his Friends at Adria , in which retirement and leisure 't is probable he writ the greatest part of his History ; for he returned not into his Country during the Reign of that Dionysius . But after his Death , as is before related , Dion's Enemies occasioned him to be recalled Home , as fitter for their purpose , and a firm Friend to the Arbitrary Government , which he immediately upon his return endeavoured to abett ; and at the same time divers Calumnies and Accusations against Dion were by others brought to the King ; as that he held Correspondence with Theodotes and Heraclides , to subvert the Monarchy : for indeed 't is likely he had hopes by the coming of Plato to take off the unlimitted Power of Dionysius , and make him more moderate and equitable in his Authority ; but if he continued averse to that , and were not to be reclaimed , he resolved to depose him , and restore the Common-wealth to the Syracusians ; not that he approved a Democracy or Popular Government , but thought it preferrable to a Tyranny , when a good Aristocracy , or Regency of the Grandees , could not be procured . This was the state of Affairs when Plato came into Sicily , who at his first arrival was received with wonderful demonstration of Kindness and Respect ; for one of the Kings richest Chariots waited upon him when he came on shore . Dionysius himself sacrificed to the Gods , in thankful acknowledgment for the great happiness which had befel his Kingdom : The Citizens also entertained marvellous hopes of a speedy and thorough Reformation . For that at Court they observed a modest Decorum in their Feastings , a grave composure in their Behaviour , and the King himself returned kind and obliging Answers to all Petitions and Causes that came before him . Men were generally grown very desirous of Learning , and eagerly intent upon the study of Philosophy ; insomuch , that the very Palace , as 't is reported , was covered with dust by the numerous Concourse of the Students in the Mathematicks , that resorted thither . Not long after , at a Solemn Sacrifice in the Castle , according to the Custom of the Country , when the Priest , as he was wont , prayed for the long continuance of the present Government : Dionysius standing by , was heard to say , What , will you never leave off cursing me ? This sensibly vext Philistus and his Party , who conjectured , that if Plato by so little acquaintance , had thus transformed and altered the young King's mind , consequently by longer converse , and greater intimacy , he would get such Power and Authority , that it would be impossible to withstand him . They did therefore no longer privately , and apart , but joyntly , and in publick all of them rail at Dion , noising it about , that he manifestly charmed and bewitched Dionysius by Plato's Sophistry ; to the end , that when he was persuaded voluntarily to part with the Regency , and throw off his Authority , Dion might take it up , and settle it upon his Sister Aristomache's Children . Others seemed to take it in great scorn , that the Athenians , who formerly arrived in Sicily with a great Fleet , and numerous Land-Army , but were routed and beaten off with great loss , without being able so much as to take the City of Syracuse ; should now by means of one Sophister , overturn the whole Empire of Dionysius ; inveagling him to cashier his Guard of ten thousand Lances , dismiss a Navy of four hundred Galleys , disband an Army of ten thousand Horse , and treble the number of Foot , and go seek in the Schools an unknown and imaginary Bliss , and learn by the Mathematicks how to be happy ; while in the mean time he resigned the substantial enjoyments of absolute Power , Riches , and Pleasure of Dion and his Sisters Children . By these means at first Dion incurred the Kings suspicion , and by degrees his apparent displeasure and aversion . A Letter also was intercepted , which Dion had writ to the Carthaginian's agents , advising them , that when they treated with Dionysius concerning a Peace , they should not come to their Audience , unless he were there ; and then he would effectually dispatch their business according to their minds . When Dionysius had shewed this to Philistus , and as Timaeus relates , consulted with him about it , he over-reached Dion by a feigned reconciliation , fairly pretending to receive him again to his favour ; but leading him alone one day to the Sea-side , under the Castle Wall , he shewed him the Letter , and taxed him with Conspiring with the Carthaginians against him ; when Dion assayed to offer something in his own defence , Dionysius suffered him not ; but immediately forced him aboard a Vessel , which lay there for that purpose , and commanded the Sailors to set him ashore on the Coast of Italy . When this was publickly known , all Men thought it very hard usage , and a great piece of Cruelty . The Ladies also in the Court mightily lamented Dion . But the Citizens of Syracuse encouraged themselves , expecting that for his sake some Insurrection would ensue ; which together with the mistrust others would have of the King , upon this account , might occasion new measures , and an alteration in the state ; which Dionysius perceiving , and being very much concerned at , he endeavoured to pacifie the Women , and others of Dion's Kindred and Friends ; assuring them , that he had not banished , but only sent him out of the way for a time , fearing that if he continued there present upon the place , Passion might prevail upon him to punish his Obstinacy with greater severity . He gave also two Ships to his Relations , with Liberty to send him into Peloponnesus what of his Estate , Goods , or Servants they thought fit Dion was very Rich , and little inferiour to the King himself in the Splendor and Furniture of his House ; which his Friends packt up and conveyed to him : besides many Rich Presents , which were sent him by the Ladies and others of his Acquaintance . The Abundance of his Wealth and Treasure gained him great Honour and Regard among the Grecians ; and by his Riches and Grandeur , at the best but a and now an Exile , set out the Magnificence and Power of his Lord the King. Upon this , Dionysius immediately removed Plato into the Castle , designing under colour of an honourable and kind Reception , to set a Guard upon him , lest he should follow Dion , and declare to the World in his behalf , how injuriously he had been dealt with . And now time and Conversation ( as Wild Beasts by use grow tame and tractable ) brought Dionysius to endure Plato's Company and Discourse ; so that he began to love the Philosopher , but with such an Affection , as had something of the Tyrant in it , requiring of Plato , that he should , in return of his kindness , love him only , and admire him above all other Men ; being ready to permit to his care the chief management of Affairs , and even the Government too , upon Condition that he would not prefer Dion's Friendship before his . This extravagant Affection was a great trouble to Plato ; for it was accompanyed with petulant and jealous Humours , like the fond Passions of those that are desperately in Love ; frequently falling out with him , and presently entreating to be friends again ; for now he was beyond measure desirous to be Plato's Scholar , and to proceed in the Study of Philosophy : yet he seemed still to have some regret , and to be ashamed of himself to those that endeavoured to pervert him from this design , as if he were grown degenerate , and like to be spoiled and undone . But a War about this time breaking out , he sent Plato away , promising him the next Summer to recall Dion , tho' in this he was not so good as his Word ; nevertheless , he remitted to him the product of his Revenues ; desiring Plato to excuse him for the prefixt time , by reason of the War ; but as soon as he had settled a Peace , he would immediately send for Dion ; requiring him in the interim to be quiet , and not raise any disturbance , nor speak any thing ill of him among the Grecians . This Plato endeavoured to effect , by keeping Dion with him in the Academy , and busying him in his Philosophical Studies . Dion sojourned in the City with Calippus , one of his Acquaintance ; but for his diversion , he bought a Seat in the Country , which afterwards , when he went into Sicily , he gave to Speucippus , the most familiar Companion he had of all his Friends at Athens ; Plato designing by his pleasant Conversation , full of seasonable and witty Mirth , to sweeten and divert Dion's austere and melancholy Temper ; for Speucippus was a very ingenious and merry Droll , as Timon , in his Satyrs , calls him . Now Plato intending to exhibit a Play for the Youth , Dion took upon him the ordering and management thereof , and defrayed the whole Expence at his own Charge ; Plato giving him this opportunity to oblige the Athenians , which was like to procure his Friend more kindness than himself Credit . Dion went also to see several other Cities , and was entertain'd in their Publick Assemblies by those of the best Quality , and the greatest States-men ; betraying nothing in his Conversation either rude or unbecoming ; neither taking too much state upon him , nor of too easie condescension ; but in all his behaviour shewed a great deal of Modesty , Generosity , and Manly Bravery : And in his Philosophical and Political Discourses , no less Skill and Learning ; by which means he gained the Love and Respect of all men , and in many Cities had Publick Honours decreed him : the Lacedemonians making him a Citizen of Sparta , without regard to the displeasure of Dionysius , tho' at that time he aided them in their Wars against the Thebans . It is reported , that Dion , upon an Invitation , went to the House of Pteodorus , the Megarensian , who was a very Potent and Wealthy Man ; and when by reason of the great concourse of People about his Doors , who waited the dispatch of Business , his access was troublesome and difficult , turning about to his Friends , who seemed concerned and angry at it , What reason , said he , have we to blame Pteodorus , who our selves used our Visitants no better when we were at Syracuse ? Soon after , Dionysius envying Dion , and withal jealous of the favour and interest he had among the Grecians , put a stop upon his Incomes , and no longer sent him his Revenues ; making his own Commissioners Trustees of the Estate ; but endeavouring to obviate the ill will and discredit , which upon Plato's account might accrue to him among the Philosophers , he got into his Court many that were reputed Learned Men ; and ambitiously desiring to surpass them all in their Debates , he was forced to make use of ( tho' sometimes impertinently ) what he had occasionally learnt of Plato , and now wished for his Company again , repenting he had not made better use of it when he had it , and given no greater heed to his excellent Precepts and Discourses : Like a Tyrant therefore , inconsiderate in his Desires , heady and violent in his Passions ; on a sudden he was eagerly bent on the dedesign of recalling him , and left no stone unturned , but prevailed with Archytas the Pythagorean , by whose means he first became acquainted and familiar with Plato , to stand obliged for the performances of his Promises , and to perswade him to return into Sicily . Archytas therefore sent Archidemus , and Dionysius a Galley , with divers Friends , to entreat his return ; moreover , he writ to him himself expresly and in plain terms , that Dion must never look for any favour or kindness , if Plato would not be prevailed with to come into Sicily ; but upon his arrival he might then be assured of whatever he desired . Dion also was much sollicited by his Sister and his Wife to oblige Plato to gratifie Dionysius in this request , and pretend no excuse to the contrary . So that , as Plato says of himself , the third time he set Sail for Sicily , Venturing again to shoot Charibdis dangerous Gulph . This arrival brought great joy to Dionysius , and no less hopes to the Sicilians , who were as earnest in their wishes , as studious in their endeavours , that Plato might get the better of Philistus , and Philosophy triumph over Tyranny : Neither was he unbefriended by the Ladies , who upon all occasions studied to oblige him ; but he had from Dionysius that peculiar Credit , which no man else ever obtained , to that degree of confiding , that he might come into his Presence without being examined or searched . When the King offered him a very considerable sum of Money , and repeated the tender of his Bounty ; but Plato still refused to accept it , Aristippus , the Cyrenian , then present , said , That Dionysius was liberal without danger of hurting his Treasury ; for to those that wanted much he gave very little , and a great deal to Plato , who received nothing . After the first Complements of kindness were over , when Plato began to discourse of Dion , he was at first diverted by dilatory Excuses , which soon after begat feuds and disgusts , tho' as yet not publickly taken notice of ; Dionysius endeavouring all he could to conceal them ; and by other Civilities and Honourable usage , to draw him off from his Kindness to Dion : Plato , for some time , did not divulge this his perfidious dealing , and breach of promise , but bore with it , and dissembled his rescent : While matters stood thus betwixt them , and as they thought , they were unobserved , and undiscovered , Helicon the Cyzicinian , one of Plato's followers , foretold an Eclipse of the Sun , which happened according to his Prediction : for which he was much admired by the King , and rewarded with a Talent of Silver . Aristippus , drolling with some others of the Philosophers , told them , he also had something extraordinary to Prognosticate ; which they entreating him to declare , I fore-tell , said he , that Dionysius and Plato will in a very little time fall out . At length , Dionysius made Sale of Dion's Estate , converted the Money to his own use , and removed Plato from an Apartment he had in the Gardens of the Palace , to Lodgings near those of the Guards he kept in Pay , who bore Plato an old grudge , and sought Opportunity to make him away ; suppposing he advised Dionysius to lay down the Government , and disband his Soldiers . When Archytas understood the danger Plato was in , he immediately sent a Galley with Messengers to demand him of Dionysius ; alledging , that he stood engaged for his safety , upon the confidence of which , Plato came for Sicily . Dionysius , to palliate his secret hatred , before Plato came away , treated him with great Entertainments , and all seeming demonstrations of kindness ; but could not forbear breaking out one day into such an expression as this ; No doubt , Plato , but when you are at home among the Philosophers your Companions , you will complain of me , and reckon up a great many of my faults . To which Plato smiling , return'd Answer , I hope , Sir , we shall never be so put to it in the Academy , for want of Subjects to discourse of , as to talk of you . Thus they say Plato was dismissed ; but his own Writings do not altogether agree with this Relation . Dion was very angry at this , and not long after he declared himself an open Enemy to Dionysius , having received some intelligence concerning his Wife , about which Plato by Letters had held a Correspondence with Dionysius ; now thus it was . After Dion's Banishment , Dionysius sending back Plato , desired him to ask Dion privately , if he would be against his Wife's marrying another Man : ( for there went a report , whether true , or raised by Dion's Enemies , was uncertain ; that his Marriage was not pleasing to him , and that he lived with his Wife uneasie and dissatisfied : ) When Plato therefore came to Athens and had discoursed the matter with Dion , he writ a Letter to Dionysius in which he expressed every thing else plainly and intelligibly ; but this affair in covert and abstruse terms , that none else but he might understand it ; signifying therein to him , that he had talked with Dion about the business , and that it was evident , he would highly resent the Affront , if Dionysius should attempt any such thing : At that time therefore , while there were yet great hopes of an accommodation , he altered nothing in his Sisters concerns , suffering her to live with Dion's Son ; but when things were come to that pass , that no Reconciliation could be expected , and that Plato , after his second return , was again sent away in displeasure , he then forced Arete , against her will , to Marry Timocrates , one of his Favourites ; in this Action coming short , even of his Fathers Justice and Lenity . For when Philoxenus , who had married his Sister , Theste , being in disgrace , and is declared Enemy , for fear had fled and left Sicily , he sent for his Sister and taxed her , that being privy to her Husbands flight , she had not declared it to him : But the Lady , confident and fearless , made him this reply : Do you believe me , Brother , so bad a Wife , or so timorous a Woman , that having known my Husbands flight , I would not have born him company , and shared the worst of his Fortunes ? Alas ! I was ignorant of it ; for better had it been for me , and more honourable , to be called the Wife of the Exile Philoxenus , than the Sister of the Tyrant Dionysius . 'T is said , the King admired her ready and confident answer ; the Syracusians also honoured her for her Bravery ; insomuch , that she retained her Dignity and Princely Retinue after the dissolution of the Tyranny ; and when she died , the Citizens , by Publick Decree , attended the Solemnity of her Funeral . Tho' this be a digression from the present purpose , it is not altogether an useless Remarque . From this time , Dion set his mind wholly upon a War , tho' Plato was against it with a modest regret , reflecting upon the Entertainment he had received from Dionysius ; and also considering Dion's Age : But Speucippus , and the rest of his friends assisted and encouraged him to undertake the deliverance of Sicily from Slavery , which in humble manner , with lift up hands , seemed to implore his help , and with open Arms ready to receive him . For when Plato sojourned at Syracuse , Speucippus being oftner than he in company with the Citizens , throughly understood how they were inclined ; and tho' at first he was shy of , and suspected their bold talk , fearing they were set on by the King to trapan him ; yet at length he gave ear and credit to what they said . They generally agreed in their wishes and prayers that Dion would undertake the Design , and come , tho' without either Navy , Men , Horse , or Arms : that he would put himself aboard a Ship , and lend the Sicilians only his Person and Name against Dionysius . This Information from Speucippus encouraged Dion , who that he might the better conceal his Design , he employed his Friends privately to raise what men they could ; many great States-men and Philosophers were assisting to him ; among whom was Cyprius Endemus , ( on whose Death Aristotle writ his Dialogue of the Soul ) and Timonides , the Leucadian ; they also engaged on his side Miltas , the Thessalian , who was skilful in fore-telling Events , and his fellow-Student in the Academy : Of all that were Banished by Dionysius , who were not fewer than a thousand , five and twenty only listed themselves ; the rest for fear declined the undertaking . The general Rendezvous was in the Island Zacynthus , whither they marched a small Army , being not in all eight hundred compleat ; but all of them experienced Men , who had signalized themselves in many and great Engagements ; well disciplin'd and inur'd to hardship , and for Courage and Conduct , the very flower of all the Soldery ; and such as by their Example would animate and encourage to action the numerous Forces Dion hoped to have in Sicily . Yet these Men , when they first understood the Expedition was against Dionysius , were troubled and disheartned , blaming Dion , that hurried on like a mad man by his Passion and Despair , he rashly threw both himself and them into certain Ruin : Nor were they less angry with their Commanders and Muster-Masters , that they did not in the beginning let them know the design of the War. But when he had in an Oration set forth the unsafe and weak condition of Arbitrary Government ; and declared that he carryed them rather for Commanders than Soldiers ; the Citizens of Syracuse , and the rest of the Sicilians having been long ready for a Revolt : and after him , Alcimenes , a Grecian Noble-man of great Quality and Reputation , who accompanyed him in the Expedition , harangued them to the same effect ; they were quiet and contented . It was now the midst of Summer , and the Winds blew which are constant to that season of the year called by the Greeks Etesiae ; the Moon being at the full , when Dion prepared a magnificent Sacrifice to Apollo , and with great Solemnity marched his Soldiers to the Temple in all their Arms and Accoutrements ; after the Sacrifice , he feasted them all in the Publick Cirque , or place of Exercise of the Zacynthians , where he had made Provision for their Entertainment ; who seeing with wonder the plenty and richness of Gold and Silver Plate ; and the Tables furnished in an extraordinary manner , far exceeding the fortunes of a private Man , concluded with themselves , that one of his Age , and Master of so much Treasure , would not engage himself in so hazardous an Enterprize , without good assurance of hope , and certain and sufficient Supplies from his Friends . As they were offering Wine to the Gods , and performing their customary Devotions , the Moon was Eclipsed , which was no wonder to Dion , who understood the revolutions of Eclipses , and how the Moon was over-shadowed by the direct interposition of the Earth between her and the Sun : But because it was necessary that the Soldiers should be satisfied and encouraged , who were surprized and troubled at it , Miltas the Diviner standing up in the midst of the Assembly , bid them be of good chear , and expect all happy success ; for that the Gods did fore-tell something that was at present glorious and resplendent should be Eclipsed and obscured . Now , nothing being more resplendent than they Grandeur of Dionysius , their arrival in Sicily should cloud the glory , and extinguish the brightness of that illustrious Empire . Thus Miltas in publick descanted upon the Accident : But concerning a swarm of Bees , which settled on the Poop of Dion's Ship , he privately told him and his Friends , that he feared the great Actions they were like to perform , tho' for a time they should thrive and flourish , would be of short continuance , and soon suffer a decay . it is reported also , that many ill prodigies hapned to Dionysius at that time . An Eagle snatching a Javelin from one of the Guard , carried it aloft , and from thence let it fall into the Sea. The water of the Sea , that washed the Castle Walls , was for a whole day sweet and potable ; as many that : tasted it experienced . Piggs were farrowed perfect in all their other parts , but without Ears . The Diviners did declare this to portend a Revolt and Rebellion ; for that the Subjects would no longer give ear to the Commands of their Superiours . They expounded the sweetness of the Water to signifie to the Syracusians , a Change from bad and woful Times into better and more happy Circumstances . The Eagle , being the Bird of Jupiter , and the Spear , an Emblem of Power and Command : This Prodigy was to denote , That Jupiter , the chief of the Gods , designed the destruction and dissolution of the present Government . These things Theopompus in his History relates . Two great Ships carryed all Dion's Men , which were tended by a third somewhat less , and two Galleys of thirty Oars . Besides his Soldiers Arms , he carried two thousand Shields , a very great number of Darts and Lances , and abundant stores of all manner of Provisions , that there might be no want of any thing in their Voyage ; because they resolved to keep out at Sea , and ply in the Main , fearing to come near the Shore upon advice that Philistus rode at Anchor in the Bay of Apulia with a Fleet ready to intercept them . Twelve days they sailed with a fresh and gentle gale ; the thirteenth they made Pachynus , afore-Land of Sicily : There the chief Pilot advised them to Land presently ; for if they were forced again from the Shoar , and did designedly pass the Cape , they might ride out at Sea many Nights and Days , expecting a Southerly Wind in the Summer season . But Dion fearing a descent too near his Enemies and desirous to land at greater distance , and further up in the Country , weathered the Cape Pachinus . They had not sailed long , before stress of Weather ( the Wind blowing hard at North ) drove the Fleet from the Coast , it being a very stormy Season , much about the time that Arcturus appears ; and there hapning then a great deal of Thunder and Lightning , with violent Rains , and tempestuous gusts of Wind , the Mariners were at their Wits end , and wholly ignorant what Course they ran ; till on a sudden they found they were driven to Circina , an Island on the Coast of Africk , craggy , and full of dangerous Rocks , upon which they scaped narrowly of being forced and staved to pieces ; but labouring hard at their Oars , with much difficulty they kept clear until the Storm ceased . Then lighting by chance upon a Vessel , they understood they were upon the beginning of the Flats , called the great Syrtis : Being now again disheartned by reason of a sudden Calm , and beating too and again , without making any way , they had a Southerly briese from the Shoar , when they least expected the Wind in that quarter , and scarce believed the happy change of their Fortune . The Gale increasing , and beginning to blow fresh , they clapt on all their Sails , and praying to the Gods , put out again to Sea , steering to rights for Sicily from the Coast of Africk ; and running steady before the Wind , the fifth day they arrived at Minoa , a little Town of Sicily , in the Possession of the Carthaginians ; of which , Synalus , an Acquaintance and Friend of Dion's hapned at that time to be Governour ; who not knowing it was Dion and his Fleet , endeavoured to hinder his Men from Landing ; but they made their descent with their Swords in their hands , yet slew none of their Opponents ( for that Dion had strictly forbidden them , because of the kindness he had for the Governour ) but forced them to retreat ; and following close , pressed in a body with them into the place , and took it . As soon as the two Commanders met , they mutually saluted each other ; and Dion delivered up the place again to Synalus without the least damage done to any one therein . Synalus Quartered and Entertained the Soldiers , and supplyed Dion with what he wanted . They were very much encouraged by the lucky accident of Dionysius's absence at that nick of time , for he was lately gone with eighty Sail of Ships into Italy : Wherefore , when Dion perswaded the Soldiers to refresh themselves there after their tedious and troublesom Voyage , they would not be prevailed with , but earnest to make the best use of that Opportunity , they urged Dion to lead them straight on to the Capital City . Leaving therefore their Baggage , and the Arms they did not use , Dion desired Synalus to convey them to him as he had occasion , and marched directly to Syracuse . The first that came in to him upon his march , were two hundred Horse of the Agrigentines , who inhabit near Ecnomus ; and after them , the Geloans : Which News soon flying to Syracuse , Timocrates , who had married Dion's Wife , the Sister of Dionysius , and was left Commander in Chief in the City in his absence , immediately dispatched a Courrier to Dionysius with an Express concerning Dion's Arrival ; while he himself took all possible care to prevent any stirs or tumults that might arise in the City ; where all were in great suspence , but as yet continued quiet , fearing , to give too much credit to what was reported . A very strange Accident happened to the Messenger who was sent with the Letters ; for being arrived in Italy , as hē travelled through the Country of the Brutii , hastening to Dionysius at Caulonia , he met one of his Acquaintance , who was carrying home part of a Sacrifice . The Fellow accepted a piece of the Flesh , which his Friend offered him , and proceeded in his Journey with all speed : But having travelled hard a good part of the Night , and being , through weariness , forced to take a little Rest , he laid himself down in the next convenient place he came to , which was in a Wood near the Road. A Wolf winding the Flesh , came and seized it as it was fastned to the Mail , and therewith carried it away also , in which was the Express to Dionysius . The man awaking , and missing his Mantua , sought for it up and down a great while , and not finding it , resolved not to go to the King without his Letters , but to conceal himself , and keep out of the way . Dionysius therefore came to hear of the War in Sicily , from other Hands , and that a good while after . As Dion proceeded in his March , the Camarineans joyned his Forces , and many of the Territory of Syracuse revolting , came in to him : the Leontines and Campanians , who , with Timocrates , guarded the Epipole , receiving a false Alarm , which was spread on purpose by Dion , as if he intended first to attack their Cities , left Timocrates , and hasted home to take care of their own Concerns . When this News was brought to Dion , where he lay near Macra , he raised his Camp by Night , and came to the River Anapus , which is distant from the City about ten Furlongs ; there he made a halt , and sacrificed by the River , directing his Devotions to the rising Sun. The South-sayers declared , That the Gods promised him Victory ; and they that were present seeing him assist at the Sacrifice , with a Garland on his head , one and all crowned themselves with Garlands . There were about five thousand that joyned his Forces in their March ; who , tho' but ill provided with such Weapons as came next to hand , yet by their Briskness and Courage , supplyed the want of better Arms ; and as if Dion were already Conqueror , they ran forward with loud Shouts and Acclamations , encouraging each other by the Hopes of regaining their long lost Liberty . The most considerable Men , and better sort of the Citizens of Syracuse , clad all in White , met him at the Gates . The mobile set upon all that were of Dionysius's Party , and principally searched for those they call Setters or Informers ; a parcel of wicked Atheistical Wretches , who made it their Business to go up and down the City , thrusting themselves into all Companies , that they might inform Dionysius what men said , and how they stood affected . These Varlets were the first that suffered , being drub'd and knocked on the head by the Rabble that light upon them . Timocrates , not being able to force his way to the Garrison that kept the Castle , taking Horse , fled out of the City ; and by his Flight fill'd the places where he came with Fear and Confusion , magnifying all he could Dion's Forces , lest he should seem upon a slight Apprehension , to have deserted the City . By this time Dion was come up , and appeared in the sight of the People ; he marched first in a rich Suit of Arms , and by him on one hand his Brother Megacles , on the other Calippus the Athenian , crowned with Garlands ; of the foreign Soldiers a hundred followed for his Life-guard . The several Officers led the rest in good Order and Equipage . While the Syracusians beheld , and received them like a sacred and triumphal Proceeding , bringing in , after forty eight years Exile , the Liberty and Authority of the People again into their City , entring by the Gate Menetide ; and having by sound of Trumpet quieted the Noise of the People , he caused Proclamation to be made , that Dion and Megacles , who were come to destroy the Tyrannical Government , did declare the Syracusians , and all other Sicilians to be free from Slavery and Arbitrary Power . But being desirous to harangue the People himself , he went up by the Acradina . The Citizens on each side the way brought Beasts for Sacrifice , set out their Tables , Goblets , and standing Plate ; and as he pass'd by , threw Flowers and other Regalia's upon him , with Vows and Acclamations , honouring him as a God. There was under the Castle and Pentapyla , a lofty and stately Sun-Dial which Dionysius had set up ; getting up upon the top of that , he made an Oration to the People , perswading them to maintain and defend their Liberty ; who with great expressions of Joy and Acknowledgment , created Dion and Megacles Lieutenant-Generals , chusing at their Request and Desire , twenty other Collegues of which half were of those who returned out of Banishment . It seemed also to the Diviners a happy Omen , that Dion , when he made his Oration to the People , had under his Feet as a sign of Subjection , that slately Monument which Dionysius at his own Expence had erected . But because it was a Sun-Dial on the which he stood when he was made General , they expressed some Fears , that the great Actions he had performed , might be subject to decline , and admit a sudden change of Fortune . Dion taking the Epipole released all the Prisoners , and invested the Castle with a strong Work. Seven days after Dionysius arrived , and got into the Cittadel , about the same time Dion received the Carriages , with the Arms and Ammunition he left with Synalus . These he distributed among the Citizens , the rest that wanted , furnished themselves as well as they could , and expressed great Courage and Readiness for the Service . Dionysius sent Agents at first privately to Dion to try what Terms they could make with him . But he declaring , that what Overtures they had must be in publick , the Syracusians being now no longer in Subjection , but at Liberty to manage their own Affairs : They then addressed themselves to the Citizens , with fair Words and specious Promises , assuring them , that they should have Abatements of their Tributes and Taxes , not be compelled to serve in the Wars , tho' undertaken by their own Approbation and Consent . The Syracusians laught at these Offers , and Dion returned their Answer , That Dionysius must not think to treat with them upon any other Terms , but resigning the Government ; which , if he would actually do , he would not forget how nearly he was related to him , or be wanting to assist him in whatsoever was reasonable and just . Dionysius seemed to consent to this , and sent his Agents again , desiring some of the Syracusians to come into the Cittadel , and consult with him for the good of the Publick , being ready to make fair Propositions , which he ▪ believed they could not but yield to , and equally willing to accept such as they had to offer him . There were therefore some deputed , such as Dion approved of ; and the general News from the Castle , was That Dionysius would voluntarily resign his Authority , and that he did it out of Choice rather than Compulsion . But this was only a feigned device , and crafty Trick to amuze the Syracusians ; for he imprisoned the Deputies that were sent to him , and caused the Garrison by break of Day , having first , to encourage them , made them drink plentifully , to make a sudden salley , and attack the Works Dion had made . The Alarm being unexpected , and the Action carried on with a great deal of Courage and Resolution on the part of the Besieged , they broke through the Works , and with loud Shouts assailed the Besiegers so furiously , that they were not able to maintain their Post . But a Party of Dion's men taking the Alarm , hasted to their Relief ; neither did they at first know what to do , or how to employ the Aid they brought ; not being able to hear the Commands of their Officers , for the horrid Noise and Confusion of the Syracusians which fled from the Enemy ; and do what they could , ran in among them , and broke through their Ranks ; till Dion seeing none of his Orders could be heard , resolved to let them see by his Example what they ought to do ; and charged into the thickest of the Enemy : The Fight about him was fierce and bloody ; for he being signally known , as well by the Enemy as his own Party , they ran with great Noise and Fury to the Quarter where he fought . Tho' by reason of his Age he was unfit for such a brisk Engagement , yet with great Vigor and Courage he charged all he met , cutting in pieces several of the Enemy that withstood him , till he was wounded in the Hand with a Lance ; his Armour also being very much battered in this close Fight , and scarce any longer serviceable , and having many Hurts through his Shield , by Arrows and Darts , wherewith they gall'd him at distance ; at length he fell to the ground , b●t was immediately rescued , and carried off by his Soldiers . The Command in chief he left to Timonides , and mounting his Horse , rid about the City , rallyed those that fled , and commanding a Detachment of the foreign Soldiers out of Acradina , where he had posted them to guard that Place , he brought them as a fresh Reserve upon the Enemy , who were tired with the heat of the Action , and well nigh ready to give over their Design ; for having hopes at their first Salley to have re-taken the City , when beyond their Expectation , they found such brave Resistance , and now fresh Assailants , they retreated into the Castle : As soon as they gave ground , the Greek Soldiers pressed hard upon them , and pursued them to the very Walls . There were lost in this Action , of Dion's men , seventy four , and a very great number of the Enemy ; this being a signal Victory , and principally obtained by the Valour of the foreign Soldiers . The Syracusians rewarded them with a hundred Grecian Pou●ds , and presented Dion a Crown of Gold. Soon after this , there came Messengers from Dionysius , bringing Dion Letters from the Ladies his Relations ; and one was superscribed , Hipparinus to his Father Dion : this was the Name of Dion's Son , tho' Timaeus says , he was from his Mother Arete's Name , called Aretoeus ; but I think credit is rather to be given to Timonides's Report , who was his fellow-Soldier and Confident . The rest of the Letters were read publickly , containing many Sollicitations and humble Requests of the Ladies ; but the People not admitting that which was sent from his Son to be unsealed , Dion forcibly broke it open . It was from Dionysius seemingly writ to Dion , but in effect to the Syracusians , and so worded , that under a plausible Justification of him , and civil Requests to him , was couch'd a Design of rendring him suspected to the People . He reminded him of the good Service he had formerly done the Government , and how vigorous an Assertor he had been of the Prerogative ; adding many Threats to his dearest Relations , his Sister , Son and Wife , if he did not comply with the Contents ; conjuring him in the most passionate and moving Expressions to have regard to their Safeties . But that which touched Dion most , was , he earnestly entreated him , That he would not destroy the Government , but take it upon himself , and not put the Power into the Hands of those men , who always hated him , and would never forget their old Picques and Quarrels , but keep it in his own , and thereby secure from Injuries and Violence himself , his Friends , and Dependants . When this Letter was read , the Mobile did not ( as they ought in Justice ) pay a due Deference to the unmoveable Constancy and Bravery of Dion , who withstood all his most pressing Concerns , to be true to his Virtue , and his Honour ; but from hence took occasion to fear and suspect that he lay under invincible Obligations to be favourable to Dionysius ; and therefore began already to be hankring after a new General ; and the rather , because to their great Joy , they received the News of Heraclides's arrival . This Heraclides was one of those whom Dionysius had banished , a very good Soldier , and of great Note for the considerable Commands he had formerly under the King ; yet a Man of no constant Resolution , but of a fickle Temper , and least of all steady and unbiass'd when he had either a Rival or a Collegue in any honourable Command . He had a Difference formerly with Dion in Peloponnesus , and thereupon resolved upon his own Fund , with what Ships and Soldiers he had , to make War upon Dionysius . When he arrived at Syracuse with seven Galleys and three Ships , he found Dionysius already close besieged , and the Syracusians high and proud of their Victories . Forthwith therefore he endeavoured by all ways to make himself popular ; and indeed he had in him naturally something that was very insinuating and taking with the Mobile , who love to be courted and cajol'd . He gained his end also the easier , and drew the People over to his side , because they were angry with Dion , and dislik'd his Gravity as too Majestical , Stately , and not enough condescending ; for Success had made them head-strong and insolent , so that they now thought fit to be treated with , and harangued as a free People , before they had in reality obtained their Freedom . Getting therefore together in a riotous Assembly , they chose Heraclides their Admiral ; but when Dion came and complain'd , That conferring this Trust upon Heraclides , was , in effect , to cancel what they had formerly granted him ( for he was no longer their Generalissimo , if another had the Command of the Navy ) they repealed their Order , and , tho' sore against their Wills , took his Commission away again . When this Business was over , Dion invited Heraclides to his House , and gave him a gentle Reprimand , That he did not well , nor advisedly to quarrel him upon a Punctilio of Honour at a time when the least false Step might be the Ruin of their whole Design ; and then calling a Common Council , he made Heraclides Admiral , and prevailed with the Citizens to allow him a Life-guard , as he himself had . Heraclides openly pretended much Observance for Dion , and made him great Acknowledgments for this Favour , attending him with all Submission , as ready to receive his Commands ; but underhand he dealt with , and tainted the Mobile and Innovators , so that he involved Dion in perpetual Disturbances , and created him much Perplexity and disquiet ; for if he advis'd to give Dionysius Pass-port to leave the Castle , he was censured as designing to deliver and protect him : if to avoid giving the People any Trouble or Suspicion , he continued the Siege , they cryed out , He protracted the War the longer to keep his Command of General , and over-awe the Citizens . There was one Sosis , notorious in the City for a bold and wicked Villain , yet a great Pretender to the Liberty and Property of the Subject ; especially that which consists in the uncontroulable Freedom of their Tongues . This Fellow plotting against Dion , stood up one Day in an Assembly , and having sufficiently railed at the Citizens , as a parcel of Sots and Blockheads , that could not see how they had made an Exchange of a dissolute and drunken Tyrant , for a sober and crafty Master , publickly declared , he was absolutely against Dion , and Arbitrary Government ; and so he took his leave of the Company . The next day he was seen running through the Streets ( as if he fled from some that pursued him ) almost stark naked , wounded in the head , and bloody all over : in this pickle getting the Rabble about him , he told them , that he was barbarously assaulted by Dion's Men ; and to confirm what he said stew'd them the Wounds he had received in his Head. The Mobile in general took his part , raging and railing against Dion , as cruel and tyrannical , who took such Arbitrary Courses to stop the Mouths of the People , by knocking them on the Head. Just as they were in this seditious and tumultuous Hurly-burly , Dion came to vindicate himself , and made it appear , That this Sosis was Brother to one of Dionysius's Guard ; and that he was set on by him to embroil the City in Tumult and Confusion : Dionysius having now no way left for his Security , but to make his Advantage of their Dissentions and Distractions . The Chyrurgions also having searched the Wound , found it was rather raz'd , than cut with a down-right Blow ; for the Wounds made with a Weapon are most commonly deepest in the middle , but this was very slight , and all along of an equal depth ; that it was not one continued Wound , as if cut at once , but several Incisions , in all probability , made at several times , as he was able to endure the Pain . There were some too that knew him , who brought a Razor , and shewed it openly to the Company , declaring , That they met Sosis running in the Street all bloody , who told them , That he had narrowly escaped with his Life from Dion's Soldiers , who had sorely wounded , and were still in pursuit of him . They hastning to take the Pursuers , could meet with no man , but spyed this Razor lying under a hollow Stone near the place from which they observed he came . Sosis was now like to go by the worst of it . But when , to back all this , his own Servants came in and gave Evidence , That he came out of his own House alone before break of Day , with a Razor in his Hand , Dion's Accusers sneak'd away , and the People by a general Vote , condemned Sosis to die , being once again well satisfied with Dion , and his Proceedings . Yet they were still no less jealous of his Soldiers , and the rather because the War was now carried on principally by Sea ; for that Philistus was come from Apulia with a great Fleet to Dionysius's Assistance , they supposed therefore that there would be no longer need of the Greek Soldiers , who were all Land-men , and arm'd accordingly , and rather in a Condition to be protected by them , who were skilful Sea-men , and depended at present chiefly upon the strength of their Shipping . They grew also more haughty , and self-conceited , by the Advantage they got in an engagement by Sea , in which they took Philistus Prisoner , and us'd him in a most barbarous and cruel manner . Ephorus relates , That when he saw his Ship was taken he slew himself . But Timonides , who from the beginning of the War was with Dion in all the considerable Actions , writing to Speucippus the Philosopher , relates the Story , That Philistus's Galley running a-ground , he was taken Prisoner alive , and first disarmed , then stript , and exposed stark naked , tho' an old Man , to all sorts of Scorn and Contumely ; afterward they cut off his Head , and gave the Rabble his Body , who drag'd it along the Acradina , and then threw it into a Common-shore . Timaeus upbraiding him , adds further , That the Boys tied him by his lame Leg , and so drew him through the Streets of the City , while the Syracusians insulted over his Carkass , to see him tied by the Leg , who said , It would not become Dionysius to be beholding to the Swiftness of his Horse to fly from his Throne , but rather to be drag'd from thence by the Heels ; tho' Philistus relates , That this was said to Dionysius by another , and not by himself . But Timaeus takes this Occasion , and truly a just one , of his zealous and constant Adherence to the Tyranny , to vent his own Spleen and Malice against him . They indeed who were injured by him , are the more excusable , if they exprest their Resent in Indignities to his dead Body ; but they who write his History after his Death , and were no way wronged by him in his life-time , but have had the Advantage of his learned Writings , in Honour ought not with opprobrious and scrurrilous Language upbraid him for those Misfortunes , which many times by unhappy Accidents have befallen even the best of Men. On the other side , Ephorus is as much out of the way in the lavish Encomiums he bestows on Philistus ; for tho' he is very good at disguising base and unworthy Actions with fair and colourable Pretences , and in his Expressions is very florid and Rhetorical , yet when he has done his best , he can never acquit him of the Imputation he lies under , of being of all Mankind the most zealous Assertor of Arbitrary Government ; and that no man ever more industriously promoted , or fondly admired the Luxury , Power , Riches and Alliances of such as made themselves absolute Princes . But between both these Extreams , he that neither praises Philistus for his Faults , nor insults over his Misfortunes , seems to me best to consult his own Credit , and perform the part of an Historian . After Philistus's Death , Dionysius sent to Dion , offering to surrender the Castle , all the Arms , Provisions , and Garrison-Soldiers , with full Pay for them for five Months , demanding , That he might have safe Pass-port to go unmolested into Italy , and there to continue , and also enjoy the Seigniory of Gyata ( a large and fruitful Territory in the Precinct of Syracuse , reaching from the Sea-side to the middle of the Country . ) Dion rejected these Proposals , and referr'd him wholly to the Syracusians to treat with them . And they hoping in a short time to take Dionysius alive , dismiss'd his Ambassadors without Audience ; which he understanding , left his eldest Son Apollocrates to defend the Castle ; and putting aboard those he lov'd best of his Friends , and the richest of his Goods and Treasure , took the Opportunity of a fair Wind , and made his escape undiscovered by the Admiral Heraclides and his Fleet. The Citizens loudly exclaim against Heraclides for this Neglect , and were ready to mutiny against him , but he set up one Hippon , a great Man with the Populacy , and a notable Haranguer , to propose to them an equal Division of the Lands and Revenues of the Country , alledging , That the beginning of Liberty was Equality , and that Poverty and Slavery were inseparable Companions . Heraclides sided with him in this levelling Project , and encouraged the Faction against Dion , who rigorously oppos'd it ; in fine he perswaded the People to ratifie this by their Vote , and pass it into a Law , and farther to decree , That the foreign Soldiers Pay should be stopt , That they would proceed to the Election of new Commanders , take away Dion's Commission , and no longer be subject to his severe and imperious Discipline . The People eagerly desirous to shake off their Yoke of Slavery , which , as a Disease had long hung upon them , began to do things at random , and like wilful and lawless Men , inconsiderately destroyed what they endeavoured to set up ; hating Dion , who , like a good Physician , endeavoured to keep the City , by a sparing and regular Diet , in a due and lasting temperament of Health . When they assembled to choose their Commanders , in the midst of Summer unusual and terrible Thunders , with other dreadful Prodigies for fifteen days together , dispersed the People , deterring them in point of Religion to create new Generals with such ominous Prognosticks : But the leading men of the City , in a fair and clear day , having got their Party together , to make an Election , a draught-Ox , who was us'd to the Croud and noise of the Streets , without any Provocation grew unruly to his driver , and breaking his Yoak , ran furiously into the Theatre , where they were assembled , driving out the People before him in great disorder and confusion : From thence madding , and tearing , and throwing down all that stood in his way , he rambled over that part of the City which the Enemies afterwards made themselves masters of . Nevertheless , the Syracusians not regarding all this , elected five and twenty Captains , and among the rst Heraclides ; and under-hand tamper'd with Dion's Men , promising , if they would desert him , and List themselves in their Service , to make them Citizens of Syracuse , and invest them with all the Priviledges and Immunities of the Natives . But they , to shew their fidelity and courage , with their Swords in their hands , placing Dion , for his security , in the midst of their Batalion , march'd out of the City , not offering violence to any one , but openly upbraiding all they met with their baseness and ingratitude . The Citizens slighted them , because they were but few , in respect of their greater numbers , and because they did not first assail them ; and supposing they might with ease over-power and cut them all off , before they got out of the City , they fell upon them in the Rear : Here Dion was in a great straight , being necessitated either to fight against his own Country-men , or tamely suffer himself and his faithful Soldiers to be cut in pieces . He therefore us'd many entreaties to the Syracusians , stretching out his hands towards the Castle , wherein was a strong Garrison , and shewing them the Enemy , who in great numbers appear'd on the Walls to be Spectators of this Action . But no persuasions could stop the impetuous Torrent of the Multitude , who like waves in a Storm were blown up by the seditious breath of their busie Incendiaries . He commanded his Men therefore not to charge them , but to advance with shouts and clashing of their Arms ; which when the Syracusians saw , not a man of them durst stand their ground , but fled incessantly through the streets , tho' none but their own fears pursued them . Dion presently commanded his Men to face about , and led them towards the City of the Leontines . The very Women laught at the new Captains for this cowardly Retreat ; who to redeem their Credit , ordering the Citizens to stand to their Arms , followed after Dion , and came up with him as he was passing a River ; some of the light Horse began to Skirmish . But when they saw Dion no more tame and calm , no signs in his Face of his Fatherly tenderness towards his Country-men , but with a stern look , and full of fury , as resolved not to suffer their indignities any longer , ordering his Battalia , and ready to give the On-set , they presently turned their backs more cowardly and basely than before , and fled to the City , with the loss of some few of their Men. The Leontines received Dion very Honourably , rewarded his Men , and made them free of their City ; sending Envoys to the Syracusians , to require them to do the Soldiers Justice , and give them their Pay ; who in return , sent back other Agents to accuse Dion . But when in a full Assembly of the Leontines , the matter was heard and debated , the Syracusians appear'd plainly to be in fault ; but they refus'd to stand to the award of their Confederates , huffing and disdaining to hearken to any thing but what their cajoling Leaders , and popular Sycophants advis'd them to . About this time Dionysius sent a Fleet under the Command of Nypsius , the Neopolitan , with Provisions and Pay for the Garrison . The Syracusians fought him , had the better , and took four of his Ships ; but they made very ill use of their good success , and for want of good Discipline to express their Joy , sell to Drinking and feasting in an extravagant manner , with so little regard to their main concern , that when they thought themselves sure of taking the Castle , they were very near losing their City . Nypsius seeing all the Citizens in this disorder , spending Day and Night in their drunken Revels and Debauches , and their Commanders well pleas'd with the Frolick , or at least not daring to contradict the riotous Crew , who were Pot-valiant , and not to be controul'd ; taking advantage of this Opportunity , made a descent , and storm'd their Works , which having gain'd and ruin'd , he attacqued the City , leaving the ravage of it to the Will and Mercy of his Soldiers . The Syracusians quickly saw their Folly and Misfortune , but could not in the distraction they were in , so soon redress it . The Soldiers made miserable havock in the City , putting the men to the Sword , demolishing the Fortifications , dragging the Women and Children with lamentable shrieks and cries Prisoners into the Castle . The Commanders giving all for lost , were not able to put the Citizens in any tolerable posture of defence , who were confusedly mixt with the Enemy . While they were in this condition , and the Acradina in danger to be taken , in which was all the hope they had left , and every one was sensible what they wanted ; but no man for shame durst name Dion , whom they had so ungratefully and basely dealt with ; Necessity at last forcing them , some of the Auxiliary Troops cryed out , Send for Dion and his Peloponnesians from the Leontines , or we are utterly undone . No sooner had they the confidence to mention his Name , and it was heard among the People , but they gave a shout for joy , and with tears in their Eyes wished him there , that they might once again see that Hero at the Head of them , whose Courage and Bravery in the worst of dangers they could never forget ; remembring not only with what undaunted Gallantry he always behaved himself , but also what courage and confidence he inspir'd them with when he led them against the Enemy . They immediately therefore dispatched Archonides and Telesides of the Auxiliaries and Hellanicus , with five more of the Horse ; who posting with all the speed they could make , reach'd the City of the Leontines in the close of the Evening . The first thing they did , was to leap from their Horses , and fall at Dion's feet , with tears relating the sad condition the Syracusians were in . Many of the Leontines and Peloponnesians began to throng about them , guessing by their speed , and the manner of their Address , that there was something extraordinary in the business . Dion presently call'd an Assembly , and the People being gathered together in a very little time , Archonides and Hellanicus came in among them , and in short declared the misery and distress of the Syracusians ; begging the Foreign Soldiers to forget the injuries they had received , and ashst the distressed , who had suffered more for the wrong they had done , than they themselves who received it would ( had it been in their power ) have inflicted upon them . When they had made an end , there was a profound Silence in the Theatre ; Dion then stood up , and began to speak , but a flood of Tears stopt his words : his Soldiers were sensibly troubled at his Grief , praying him to moderate his Passion and proceed : When he had therefore recovered himself a little , Gentlemen ( says he ) and fellow-soldiers , I have called you here together to take care of your own Concerns , for it will ill become me to consult my self if Syracuse be lost ; which tho' I cannot save from Destruction , I will nevertheless hasten thither , and be buried in the Ruines of my Country , yet if you can find in your hearts to assist us , the most inconsiderate and unfortunate of Men , you may to your eternal Honour , again retrieve this unhappy City . But if the Syracusians can obtain no more pity nor relief from you , may the Gods reward you for what you have formerly valiantly done for them , and for your constant fidelity and kindness to Dion ; who you must remember , as he deserted you not , when injur'd and abus'd , so he cannot now forsake his fellow-Citizens in their Afflictions and Misfortunes . Before he had well ended his Speech , the Soldiers with a great shout testified their readiness for the Service , crying out , To march immediately to the Relief of the City . The Syracusian Courriers hugg'd and embrac'd them , praying the Gods to shower down Blessings upon Dion and his valiant Peloponnesians . When the noise was pretty well over , Dion gave Orders that all should to their Quarters , to prepare for their March ; and having resreshed themselves , come compleatly Armed to their Rendezvous in the very place they now were ; resolving that very night to hasten to their Succour . Now , at Syracuse , Dionysius's Soldiers , as long as day continued , ransacked the City , and did all the mischief they could ; but when Night came on , they retir'd into the Castle , missing very few of their number ; at which the factious Ring-leaders taking heart , and hoping the Enemy would rest content with what they had done , and make no further Attempt upon them ; perswaded the People again to reject Dion , and if he came with the Foreign Soldiers , not to admit him ; advising them not to yield , as inferior to them in point of Honour and Courage ; but to save their City , and defend their Liberties and Properties themselves . The Populacy therefore and their Leaders send Messengers to Dion , to forbid him to advance ; but the Nobility and the Horse sent others to him , to desire him to hasten his March : For which reason he slack'd his pace , and came forward but slowly ; and in the middle of the Night the Faction that was against him set a Guard upon the Gates of the City to hinder him from coming in . But Nypsius made another Salley out of the Castle with a far greater number of Men than before , who quite ruined what of the Rampart was left standing , and fell in pell-mell to sack and ravage the City . The slaughter was now very great , not only of the Men , but of the Women also and Children ; for they regarded not so much the Plunder , as to destroy and kill all they met . For Dionysius despairing to re-gain the Kingdom , and mortally hating the Syracusians , resolved to bury his lost Empire in the utter Ruin and Desolation of Syracuse . The Enemy therefore to prevent Dion's Succours , resolved upon the most terrible and ready way of destruction , to lay the City in ashes ; firing all at hand with Torches and other Combustibles ; and at distance with flaming Arrows , and other Fire-works , shot from their Bows and Engines . The Citizens in great distraction fled every way before them . They who to avoid the Fire forsook their Houses , were taken in the Streets , and put to the Sword : They who betook themselves for Refuge into the the Houses , were forced out again by the flames . Many were burnt , and many kill'd by the fall of Houses and Ruines of Walls and Towers . This fresh misfortune by general Consent opened the Gates for Dion : It hapned that he made no extraordinary hast when he received advice , that the Enemies were retreated into the Castle ; but early in the Morning some Horse brought him the news of another Assault ; and soon after some of those who before oppos'd his coming , fled now to him , to entreat him he would hasten his Relief . The Fire and Desolation increasing , Heraclides sent his Brother , and after him , his Uncle Theodotes , to beg him to help them , for that now they were not able to make any longer Opposition ; that he himself was wounded , and the greatest part of the City was either in ashes , or in flames . When Dion met this sad News , he was about sixty furlongs distant from the City . When he had acquainted the Soldiers with the Exigency , and exhorted them to behave themselves like men ; the Army no longer marched , but ran forwards , and by the way were met by several who begged them to quicken their pace . By the wonderful eagerness of the Soldiers , and their extraordinary Speed , Dion quickly came to the City , and entered at the Gate Hecatompedon , sending his Vanguard presently to charge the Enemy ; that seeing them , the Syracusians might take Courage : In the mean time he drew up in good Order his main Body , and all the Citizens that came in and joyn'd him ; forming his Battalions long , and setting over them double Officers , that he might , as occasion required , make Detachments , and to amuse and terrifie the Enemy , fight them in several Quarters at once . As they saw him in the Streets advance at the Head of his Men to engage the Enemy , a confused Noise of Shouts , congratulations , Vows , and Prayers was rais'd by the Syracusians , who now called Dion their Deliverer , their Tutelar-Deity , and his Soldiers their Friends , Brethren , and Fellow-Citizens ; none seem'd to regard themselves , or value their safeties , but to be concerned more for Dion's Life , than for all their own together . So daringly he marched before them to meet the danger , first through Blood and Fire , and over heaps of dead Bodies that lay in his way . And indeed the Posture of the Enemy was in appearance terrible ; for they were flush'd with Victory , enrag'd , and had posted themselves very advantageously along the demolish'd Works , which made the approach to them very hazardous and difficult : yet that which discouraged Dion's Men most was the apprehension they were in of the Fire , which made their march very troublesome and difficult ; for the Houses being in flames on all fides , they were surrounded with them , and treading upon burning Ruines , every minute in danger of being overwhelm'd with falling Houses , through clouds of Ashes and Smoak they labour'd hard to keep their Order , and maintain their Ranks . When they came near to the Enemy , by reason of the advantage of their Post , and the inconvenience of a Defile they were to pass , but few of them could engage at a time ; but at length fighting with great Bravery , and the Syracusians with shouts encouraging their Party , Nypsius's Men were beaten off and routed ; most of them escaped into the Castle , which was near at hand ; all that could not get in , were pursued and pick'd up here and there by the Soldiers , and put to the Sword. The present Exigence did not suffer the Citizens to reap the benefit of their Conquest in such mutual Congratulations and expressions of Joy as become the Victorious ; for now all were busily employed to save what Houses were left standing , labouring hard all Night , and could scarce master the Fire . The next day not one of the Popular Haranguers durst stay in the City , but all of them , knowing their own Guilt , by their flight confessed it , and secured their Lives . Only Heraclides and Theodotus voluntarily surrendred themselves to Dion , acknowledging that they had wrong'd him , and begging he would be kinder to them than they had been just to him ; adding , how much it would be for his Honour , who was Master of so many excellent Accomplishments , to moderate his Anger , and be generously compassionate to the ungrateful ; confessing , that they who were formerly his professed Enemies , were now absolutely overcome by his Vertue . Tho' they humbly addressed to him , his Friends advised him not to pardon those turbulent and ill-natured Men , but to leave them to the mercy of his Soldiers , and utterly root out of the Common-wealth the ambitious Affectation of Populacy ; a Disease as pestilent and pernicious as the most Arbitrary Power whatever . Dion endeavoured to satisfie them , telling them , That other Generals employed their thoughts and designs chiefly about warlike Acquists ; but that he had long studied in the Academy how to conquer his Passions , and not let Emulation and Envy conquer him . That to do this , it is not sufficient that a Man be obliging and kind to his Friends , and those that have deserved well of him ; but also indulgent and favourable to those from whom he has received Injuries and Affronts . That he was resolved to let the World see that he valued not himself so much upon excelling Heraclides in Ability and Conduct , as he did in out-doing him in Justice and Clemency ; herein to have the Advantage is to excell indeed . The Honour of Victory in War is never entire ; for Fortune will be sure to claim her share , tho' no man pretend to rival the Conqueror . What if Heraclides be perfidious , malicious , and base , must Dion therefore sully his Honor , or injure his Vertue by a passionate Concern for it ? For tho' the Laws determine it juster to revenge an Injury , than to do an Injury ; Yet it is evident , that both Originally proceed from the same deficiency and weakness of Humane Nature : The malicious Humor of Men , tho' perverse and refractory , is not so savage and invincible , but it may be wrought upon by Kindness , and habitually altered by repeated Obligations . Dion making use of these Arguments , pardon'd and dismiss'd Heraclides and Theodotes . And now resolving to repair the Blockade about the Castle , he commanded all the Syracusians to cut Palisado's , and bring them to the Works ; and then dismissing them to refresh themselves , and take their Rest , he employed his own men all Night , and by Morning had finish'd his Line of Circumvallation , and fortified his Trenches . Both the Enemy and the Citizens next day wondred to see the Works so far advanc'd in so short a time ; burying therefore their Dead , and redeeming the Prisoners , which were near two Thousand , they call'd a publick Assembly , whe●e Heraclides made a Motion , that Dion should be declared General at Land and Sea. The Nobility approv'd well of it , and desir'd the Commonalty to assent . But the Mobile of Sailors and Handycrafts-men would not yield that Heraclides should lose his Command of the Navy ; and tho' they knew him to be otherwise an ill Man , yet they believed he would be more compliant with the Popu●acy , than Dion , and readier to serve their Ends. Dion therefore submitted to them in this , and consented Heraclides should continue Admiral . But when they began to press the levelling Project , of an equal Distribution of Lands and Estates , he not only oppos'd it , but repeal'd all the Votes they had formerly made upon that account , which most sensibly vext them . Heraclides took Advantage of this , and being at Messana , he harangu'd the Soldiers and Ships Crews that sail'd with him , accusing Dion , That he had a Design to make himself Absolute : And at the same time he held a private Correspondence with Dionysius by means of his Confident , Pharax , a Spartan . Which when the Nobility of Syracuse had Intimation of , there arose a Sedition in the Army , and the City was reduced to that Extremity , that they were almost famish'd for want of Provision . Dion now knew not what Course to take , being blam'd by all his Friends , for that he had encouraged against himself such a troublesome , malicious , and perverse Man as Heraclides was . Pharax at this time lay encamp'd at Neapolis . Dion therefore drew out the Syracusians , but with an intent not to engage him , till he saw a fit Opportunity . But Heraclides and his Sea-men exclaim'd against him , That he delayed fighting on purpose , that he might the longer continue his Command ; so that tho' much against his Will he was forced to an Engagement , and beaten , his loss being inconsiderable , and that occasion'd too chiefly by the Dissention that was in the Army ; he rallied his men , and having put them in good Order , and encourag'd them to redeem their Credit , resolv'd upon a second Onset . But in the Evening he receiv'd Advice , That Heraclides with his Fleet were under Sail for Syracuse , with a Resolution to possess himself of the City , and keep him and his Army out ; presently therefore taking with him some of the principal Men , and a Party of light Horse , he posted to the City , and got thither about Nine the next Morning , having rid seven hundred Furlongs that Night . Heraclides , tho' he strove to make all the Sail he could , yet coming too late , tack'd and stood out again to Sea ; being unresolv'd what Course to steer , accidentally he met Gaesylus the Spartan , who let him know , that he was come to head the Sicilians , as Gausippus had formerly done . Heraclides readily joyn'd with him , and brag'd to his Sailers , That now he had a Counter-balance to weigh down Dion ' s Ambition . Hereupon he sent a Herauld to Syracuse to summon them to accept a Spartan General : Dion returned Answer , That ▪ they had Generals enough ; and if they wanted a Lacedemonian to command them , he could supply that Office , being himself a Citizen of Sparta . When Gaesylus saw he had lost his hopes of being Generalissimo , the landed , and reconcil'd Heraclides to Dion , making Heraclides swear the most solemn Oaths to perform what he● engag'd , for which Gaesylus himself undertook to be Guarranty . The Syracusians then laid up their Navy , which was at present a great Charge , and of little use to them ; but an occusion of Differences and Dissentions among the Generals and press'd on the Siege , finishing another Breast-work , with which they invested the Castle . The besieged seeing no hopes of Succours , and their Provisions sailing , began to mutiny 〈…〉 o that Apollicrates , in despair of holding longer out for his Father , capitulated , and articled with Dion to deliver up the Castle , with all the Garrison Soldiers and Ammunition , to have five Galleys and safe Pass-port for himself , his Mother , and Sisters , which Dion granted , and he with them sail'd to Dionysius . Scarce a man in the City but was there to behold this joyful Sight , calling upon those that were absent to come and see this happy Day . How gloriously the Sun now shin'd upon the Syracusians , who were enfranchis'd and deliver'd from all their Slavery and Oppression . This Flight of Dionysius , being one of the greatest , and most remarkable Examples of Fortunes Inconstancy , that any History mentions , how extraordinary may we imagine their Joy to be ? How entire their Satisfaction , who totally subverted the most potent Tyranny that ever was , by very slight and inconsiderable Means ? When Apollicrates was under Sail , and Dion going to take Possession of the Castle , the Ladies could not stay while he made his Entry , but ran to meet him at the Gate . Aristomache led Dion's Son , and Arete follow'd after weeping , fearful and dubious how to salute , or address to her Husband , because she had so long accompanied with another man. Dion first caress'd his Sister , then his Son ; when Aristomache bringing Arete to him , O Dion ( said she ) your Banishment made us all equally miserable ; your Return and Victory has rais'd our drooping Heads , and cancell'd . all our Sorrows , excepting this poor Lady's , whom I , to my great Vnhappiness , saw compell'd to be anothers , while you were yet alive . Fortune has now given you the sole dispose of us ; how will you determine concerning her in these her necessitous Circumstances ? Or in what Relation must she salute you , as her Vncle , or as her Husband ? This Speech of Aristomache's forc'd Tears from Dion , who with great Tenderness and Affection embraced his Wife , gave her his Son , and desired her to retire to his own House , where he intended to reside , when he had deliver'd up the Castle to the Syracusians . For tho' all things now succeeded to his Wish , yet he resolved not to enjoy any present Advantage of his good Fortune before he had gratified his Friends , rewarded his Allies , and bestowed upon his Fellow-Citizens and foreign Soldiers some special Mark of Favour and Honour ; his Generosity herein exceeding his Ability , being content himself with a very frugal and moderate Competency ; for which he was much admired . That when , not only Sicily and Carthage , but all Greece lookt upon him as extremely happy , and no Man living greater than he , no General more renown'd for Valour and Success : Yet in his Garb , his Attendance , his Table , he seem'd as if he rather common'd with Plato in the Academy , than liv'd among his Soldiers and Officers , who love to be jolly , enjoy themselves plentifully every day , and chear their Hearts after the toils of War , and dangers they have past . Plato indeed writ to him , that the Eyes of all Men were now upon him ; but 't is evident that he himself had sixt his Eye upon one particular place , the Academy ; and considered , That the inquisite and judicious there regarded not his great Actions , his Courage , or his Fortune , but watch'd to see how temperately and humbly he could bear his Prosperity ; how evenly and unconcern'd he could behave himself in the honourable and happy Condition he now was . Neither did he remit any thing of his wonted Reservedness in Conversation , or Majestical Carriage to the People , notwithstanding a little Condescension and obliging Civility was very necessary for his present Affairs . And Plato , as we said before , advis'd him to avoid a surly Demeanor , unless he intended to be abandoned by all Company , and live alone by himself . But certainly he was naturally an Enemy to Complaisance ; and besides , he had a design to reform the Syracusians , and make them more grave and stayed , who were grown very dissolute , soppish and humorsome . Heraclides began again to set up against him ; and being sent for one day by Dion to Council , he refus'd to come , or consult otherwise than as a private Citizen , and in a Publick Assembly . Soon after , he impeacht Dion , because he had not demolish'd the Cittadel , and because he had hindred the People from throwing down Dionysius's Tomb , and doing despite to the Dead ; moreover , he accus'd him for sending to Corinth for Counsellors and Assistants in the Government , and thereby neglecting and slighting his Fellow-Citizens . And indeed he had prevail'd with some Corinthians to come to him , hoping by their means and presence the better to settle that Government he intended ; for he design'd to restrain the unlimited Power of the People ; which indeed is not a Government , but ( as Plato calls it ) a Market , where Authority is bought and sold ; and to introduce and establish a mixt Policy made up of the Spartan and Cretian , betwixt a Common-wealth and a Monarchy , wherein the Nobles did preside and manage the Affairs of greatest Consequence ; for he saw the Corinthians were chiefly govern'd by the Grandees , and that the People were but little concern'd in Publick Business . Now , knowing that . Heraclides would be his most considerable Adversary , who was always a turbulent , fickle , and factious Man ; he gave way to some , whom formerly he hindred when they designed to kill him , who breaking in , Murder'd Heraclides in his own House . His Death was much resented by the Citizens : Dion made him a splendid Funeral , follow'd his Herse with all his Soldiers , and made an Oration to the People ; by which they understood , that it would have been impossible to have kept the City quiet , as long as Dion and Heraclides were Competitors in the Government . Dion had a Friend , call'd Calippus , an Athenian , who , Plato says , grew familiar with him , and his Confident : not upon the merit of his Learning , but because he was introduc'd by him into some Mysterious Ceremonies of their Religion , and so contracted an accidental Acquaintauce . This man was all along with him in the Army in great Honour and Esteem , being the first of his Friends , who march'd by his side into Syracuse with a Garland upon his Head , for that he had behav'd himself very well in all the Action , and made himself remarkable for his Courage and Gallantry . He finding that Dion's principal and most considerable Friends were cut off in the War , Heraclides now dead , and the People without a Leader , and that the Soldiers had a great Kindness for him , like a perfidious and wicked Villain , in hopes to get the Chief Command of Sicily , by the ruin of his Friend and Benefactor ; and , as some say , being brib'd by the Enemy with twenty Talents to destroy Dion , inveagled and engag'd several of the Soldiers in a Conspiracy against him , laying this cunning and wicked beginning of his Plot. He daily inform'd Dion what he heard , or what he feign'd the Soldiers said against him ; whereby he gain'd that Credit and Confidence that he was allowed by Dion to consort privately with whom he would , and talk freely against him in any Company , that he might discover who were his secret and factious Malignants . By this means Calippus in short time got together a Cabal of all the seditious Discontents in the City ; and if any one who would not be drawn in , advis'd Dion that he was tampered with , he was not troubled or concern'd at it ; believing Calippus did it in compliance with his Directions . While this Conspiracy was a foot , a strange and dreadful Apparition was seen by Dion , as he sat one Evening in a Gallery in his House , melancholy and thoughtful , hearing a sudden Noise , he turn'd about , and saw at the end of the Room , by clear day-light , a tall Woman , in her Countenance and Garb like one of the Tragical Furies , with a Broom in her Hand sweeping the floor ; being amaz'd , and terribly affrighted , he sent for some of his Friends , and told them what he had seen ; entreating them to stay with him , and keep him company all Night ; for he was greatly astonish'd and perplext , fearing that if he were left alone , the Spectre would again appear to him : He saw that no more . But a few days after , his only Son , being almost grown up to mans Estate , upon some displeasure and pet he had taken upon a Childish and frivolous Occasion threw himself headlong from the top of the House , and brake his Neck . While Dion was under this Affliction , Calippus drove on his Conspiracy , and spread a Rumour among the Syracusians , That Dion being now Childless , was resolv'd to send for Dionysius's Son , Apollocrates , who was his Wife's Nephew , and Sister's Grand-Son , and make him his Heir and Successor . By this time , Dion , his Wife , and Sister began to suspect what was doing , and were from all hands confirm'd in the Belief of the Plot. Dion as 't is probable , being troubled for Heraclides Murder , which was like to be a blot and stain upon his Honour , and the great Actions of his Life , in great anxiety and disquiet declar'd , he had rather die a thousand times , and open his Breast himself to the Assassine , than live not only in fear of his Enemies , but suspicion of his Friends . Calippus seeing the Ladies very inquisitive to search the bottom of the business , and fearing the event , came to them , utterly denying it with Tears in his Eyes ; and offering to give them whatsoever assurances of his Fidelity they desir'd : They requir'd , That he would take the great Test and solemn Oath , which was after this manner : The Juror went ▪ into the Temple of Ceres and Proserpine ; after the performance of some Ceremonies , he was clad in the Purple Vestment of the Goddess , and holding a lighted Torch in his Hand , took his Oath . Calippus did as they requir'd , and forswore the Fact. But he so little valued the Goddess , that he stay'd but till the Festival of Proserpine , by whom he had Sworn , and on that very day committed his intended Murder ; disregarding the Solemnity of the Day , for that he knew he must at any other time as impiously offend her whensoever he , who introduc'd him into her Religion , should be the Murderer of her Devoto . There were a great many in the Conspiracy ; and as Dion was at home with several of his Friends in his Entertaining-Room , some of the Conspirators beset the House round , others secur'd the Doors and Windows . The Assassines were Zacinthians , who went in to him in their ordinary Habit unarm'd . The Guard without shut the Doors upon them , and kept them fast . The Murderers fell upon him , endeavouring to stifle and dispatch him ; but not being able , they call'd for a Sword , but none durst open the Door : There were a great many within with Dion , but every one was for securing himself ; supposing , that by letting him lose his Life , he should save his own ; and therefore no man ventur'd to assist him . When they had waited a good while , at length Lycon the Syracusian , reach'd a short Sword in at the Window to one of the Zacinthians , and stunn'd and almost senseless as he was , like a Sacrifice at the Altar , they cut Dion's Throat ; his Sister and Wife big with Child they hurried to Prison , who , poor Lady , in her unfortunate condition , was there brought to Bed of a Son , which by the consent of the Keepers they intended to bring up , the rather because Calippus began already to be embroyl'd in Troubles . After the Murther of Dion , he was the only man that was look'd upon , had the sole Government of Syracuse in his Hands ; and to that effect writ to Athens , a place , which , next the Immortal Gods , being guilty of such an abominable Crime , he ought to have reverenc'd and fear'd . But true it is , what is said of that City , That the good Men she breeds are the most Excellent , and the bad the most notorious ; as their Country Attica ▪ produces the most delicious Honey , and the most deadly Poyson . Calippus did not long continue to scandalize Fortune , and upbraid the Gods with his Prosperity , who seem'd to wink at , and bear with that wretched man , while he purchas'd Riches and Power by the most heinous and enormous Impieties , but he quickly receiv'd the Punishment he deserv'd ; for going to take Catana , he lost Syracuse ; whereupon they report he said , He had lost a City , and got a Bauble . Then attempting Messene , he had most of his Men cut off , and among the rest , Dion's Murtherers . When no City in Sicily would admit him , but all hated and abhorred him , he went into Italy , and took Regium ; there being necessitous , and not able to maintain his Soldiers , he was kill'd by Leptimns and Polyperchon , and ( as Fortune would have it ) with the same Sword that Dion was Murther'd , which was known by the size , being but short , as the Spartan Swords , and the Workman-ship of it very curious and Artificial . Thus Calippus receiv'd the Reward of his Villanies . When Aristomache and Arete were releas'd out of Prison , Icetes , one of Dion's Friends , took them to his House , and for a while entertain'd them well , and like a faithful Friend ; afterwards , being perswaded by Dion's Enemies , he provided a Ship , and pretended to send them into Peloponnesus , but commanded the Sailors , when they came out to Sea , to kill them , and throw them over board . Others say , that they and the little Boy were thrown alive into the Sea. This Man also escaped not the due recompence of his wickedness for he was taken by Timoleon , and put to Death ; and the Syracusians , to revenge Dion , slew his two Daughters , of which I have Discours'd more particularly in the Life of Timoleon . THE LIFE OF MARCUS BRUTUS . Translated by Mr. Duke . BRUTUS . M Burghers sculp . Cato the Philosopher was Brother to Servilia , the Mother of Brutus , and he it was whom of all the Romans his Nephew most admir'd , and study'd to imitate , and afterwards marry'd his Daughter Porcia . But of all the Sects of the Greek Philosophers , tho' there was none of which he had not been a Hearer , and in which he had not made some proficiency , yet he chiefly esteem'd the Platonists , and not at all approving of the modern and the middle Academy , ( as it was call'd ) apply'd himself wholly to the study of the Ancient . He was all his Life-time a great Admirer of Antiochus , of the City of Ascalon , and took his Brother Ariston into his own House for his Friend and Companion , a Man for his Learniug inferior indeed to many of the Philosophers , but for the evenness of his Temper , and sweetness of Conversation , equal to the best . As for Empylus , of whom he himself and his Friends made often mention in their Epistles , as of one that constantly liv'd with Brutus , he was an Orator , and has left behind him a short but well penn'd History of the Death of Caesar , entitled Brutus . In Latin he was a good Speaker , and had by constant exercise attain'd a sufficient Excellency in making publick Orations , and pleading Causes : But in Greek he was remarkable for affecting the sententious and short Laconick way of Speaking ; In his Epistles especially , as when in the beginning of the War he writ thus to the Pergamenians : I hear ye have given Dolabella Money ; if you gave it willingly , ye must own ye have injur'd me ; if unwillingly , shew it , by giving willingly to me . And another time to the Samians : Your Councils are careless , your Actions slow ; what think ye will be the end ? And of the Patareans thus : The Xanthians suspecting my Kindness , have made their Countrey a Grave of Despair ; The Patareans trusting themselves to me , have lost nothing of their former Liberty ; It is in your Power to choose the Judgment of the Patareans , or the Fortune of the Xanthians . And this is the Style wherein his most remarkable Letters were usually writ . When he was but a very young Man , he accompanied his Uncle Cato to Cyprus , who was sent with an Army against Ptolomy , King of Aegypt . But as soon as Ptolomy had kill'd himself , Cato being by some necessary Business detain'd in the Isle of Rhodes , sent one of his Friends nam'd Caninius , to take into his care and keeping the Treasure of the King ; but afterwards suspecting his Fidelity , he writ to Brutus to sail immediately to Cyprus out of Pamphylia , where he then stay'd to refresh himself , being but newly recover'd of a Fit of Sickness . He obey'd his Orders , but with a great deal of unwillingness , as well out of Respect to Caninius , that was thrown out of this Employment by Cato with so much Disgrace ; as also because he esteem'd such a Commission too mean for a Gentleman , and not at all becoming him that was in the prime of his Youth , and given to Books and Learning . Nevertheless , applying himself to this Business , he behav'd himself so well in it , that he was highly commended by Cato , and having turn'd all the Goods of Ptolomy into ready Money , brought the greatest part of it in his own Ship to Rome . Upon the Division of the Empire into two Factions , when Pompey and Caesar taking up Arms against one another , the whole Government was turn'd into Confusion , it was generally believ'd that he would have taken Caesar's side ; for his Father not long before had been put to Death by Pompey . But he thinking it his duty to prefer the Interest of the Publick before his own private Resentments , and judging Pompey's to be the better Cause , took part with him ; tho' formerly he us'd not so much as to salute or take any notice of Pompey , if he happen'd to meet him , esteeming it a great crime to have the least Conversation with the Murtherer of his Father . But now looking upon him as the General of his Countrey , he listed himself under his Command , and set Sail for Sicily , in quality of Lieutenant to Sestius , who had the Government of that Island . But finding no opportunity there of shewing himself in any great Action , and hearing that Pompey and Caesar were encamp'd near one another , and were preparing to begin the Battle , upon which the whole Empire depended , he came of his own accord to Macedonia to partake in the Danger . At his coming , it is said , that Pompey was so surpriz'd , and so pleas'd , that rising from his Chair , in the sight of all his Guards , he saluted and embrac'd him , as one of the chiefest of his Party . All the time that he was in the Camp , expecting that which he spent in Pompey's Company , he employ'd in Reading and in Study , which he did not neglect even the day before the great Battle of Pharsalia . It was the middle of Summer , and the Heat was very great , and the Camp sustain'd many inconveniencies , by being lodged in a marshy Ground , and they that carry'd Brutus his Tent , had stay'd a long while before they came . Yet tho' upon all these Accounts he was extremely harass'd , and out of order , having at last in the middle of the day scarcely anointed himself , and eaten very sparingly , whilst most others were either laid to sleep , or were wholly taken up with the thoughts and apprehensions of what would be the issue of the Fight , he spent his whole time till the evening in writing an Epitome of Polybius . It is said , that Caesar had so great a regard for him , that he order'd his Commanders by no means to kill Brutus in the Battle , but to spare him , if possible , and bring him safe to him , if he would willingly surrender himself ; but if he made any Resistance , to suffer him to escape , rather than do him any Violence . And this he is believ'd to have done out of a Tenderness to Servilia , the Mother of Brutus ; for Caesar had , it seems , in his Youth , being very intimate with her , and she passionately in Love with him : And considering that Brutus was born about that time , in which their Loves were at the highest , Caesar had some Reason to believe that he was begot by him . There goes a Report too , that when some great and weighty Matters concerning the Conspiracy of Catiline , which had like to have been the Destruction of the Commonwealth , were debated in the Senate ; Cato and Caesar , tho' differing in their Opinions , were placed near to one another : In the middle of the Debate a little Note was deliver'd to Caesar from without , which he took and read silently to himself . Upon this Cato cry'd out aloud , and accus'd Caesar for holding Correspondence , and receiving Letters from the Enemies of the Common-wealth : Many of the Senators being much concern'd , and the House in an Uproar , Caesar deliver'd the Note , as he had receiv'd it , to Cato , who reading it , found it to be a lewd Letter from his own Sister Servilia , and threw it back again in Rage to Caesar , with these words , Keep it to your self , you Sot. And the Senate that had been interrupted , fell afresh to the Business that was before them ; so publick and notorious was Servilia's Love to Caesar . After the great Overthrow at Pharsalia , Pompey himself having made his Escape to the Sea , and Caesar's Army storming the Camp , Brutus stole privately out of one of the Gates , to a marshy Place full of Water , and cover'd with Reeds , from whence ventring out in the Night , he got safe to Larissa . From Larissa he writ to Caesar , who express'd a great deal of Joy to hear that he was safe , and having sent for him , not only forgave him freely , but honour'd and esteem'd him equal , at least to his chiefest Friends . Now when no-body could give any certain Account which way Pompey had fled , Caesar took a little Journey alone with Brutus , to try what was his Opinion herein , and believing by some Discourses which pass'd between them , that he could give a good guess which way Pompey had taken in his Flight , laying aside all other thoughts , he fell directly to pursue him towards Aegypt . But Pompey having reach'd Aegypt , as Brutus guess'd his Design was to do , was there barbarously murder'd . Brutus had so much power with Caesar , that he pacify'd and reconcil'd him to his Friend Cassius ; nay , when he pleaded in defence of the King of the Lybyans , tho' he was overwhelm'd with the greatness of the Crimes alledg'd against him , yet by his Entreaties and Applications to Caesar in his behalf , he preserv'd to him agreat part of his Kingdom . It is reported , that Caesar when he first heard Brutus speak in publick , said to his Friends , I know not what this young man intends , but whatever he intends , he intends vehemently . For his natural firmness of Mind , not easily yielding or complying in favour of every one that entreated him , when it was set on work by the Motives of right Reason , and the Principles of Honesty , which way soever it turn'd it self , mov'd with great Vigour and Impetuosity , and generally effected its Designs . No Flattery could ever prevail with him to listen to unjust Petitions ; and reckon'd that to be overcome by the Impotunities of shameless and fawning Flatteries , tho' some complement it with the Name of Modesty and Bashfulness , was the foulest disgrace a great Man could suffer . And he us'd to say , That he shrewdly suspected that they who could deny nothing , had not very honestly employ'd the flower of their Youth . Caesar being about to take an Expedition into Africa against Cato and Scipio , committed to Brutus the Government of Gallia Cisalpina , to the great Happiness and Advantage of that Province . For while those of other Provinces labour'd under the Violence and Avarice of their Governors , and suffer'd as much Oppression , as if they had been Slaves and Captives of War , Brutus put an end to all such Insolencies here , and by his easie Government made them amends for all their former Calamities , and reconcil'd and fix'd all their Affections to Caesar ; insomuch that it was a most welcom and pleasant Spectacle to Caesar , when in his Return he pass'd through Italy , to see the Cities that were under Brutus his Command , and Brutus himself increasing his Train and Honour , and most obligingly attending him in his Progress . Now several Praetorships being void , it was all mens opinion , that that of the chiefest Dignity , which is call'd the Praetorship of the City , would be conferr'd either upon Brutus or Cassius ; and some say , that there having been some little difference upon former Accounts between them , this Competition set them much more at variance , tho' they were related to each other , Cassius having married Junia , the Sister of Brutus . Others say , that this Contention was rais'd between them by Caesar's means , who had privately given each of them such hopes of his favouring their Pretensions , as made them break out into this open Competition and Tryal of their Interest . Brutus had only the Reputation of his Honour and virtue to oppose to the many and gallant Actions perform'd by Cassius in his Youth against the Parthians . But Caesar having heard each side , and deliberating about the Matter among his Friends , said , Cassius indeed pleads with most Justice , but Brutus must have the first Praetorship . So another Praetorship was given to Cassius ; but the gaining of this could not so much oblige , him , as he was incens'd for the loss of the other . And in all other things Brutus was partaker of Caesar's Power as much as he desir'd ; for he might , if he had pleas'd , been the chief of all his Friends , and had Authority and Command beyond them all , but Cassius by his Conversation drew him off from Caesar , and turn'd him to himself . Indeed he was not yet wholly reconcil'd to Cassius , since that Competition which was between them ; but yet he gave ear to Cassius his Friends , who were perpetually advising him not to be so blind , as to suffer himself to be soften'd and won upon by Caesar , but to shun the Kindness and Favours of a Tyrant , which they intimated , that Caesar shew'd him , not to express any Honour to his Merit or Virtue , but to unbend his Strength , and slacken the vigour of his Mind . Neither was Caesar wholly without suspicion of him , nor wanted Informers that accus'd Brutus to him ; but he fear'd indeed the high Spirit , and the great Authority , and the many Friends that he had , but thought himself secure in his Honesty and Virtue . When it was told him first that Antony and Dolabella design'd some Disturbance , It is not , said he , the fat and the long-hair'd men that I fear , but the pale and the lean , meaning Brutus and Cassius . Afterwards when some accus'd Brutus to him , and advis'd him to beware of him , taking hold of his Flesh with his Hand , he said , What ? do ye think that Brutus will not wait out the time of this little Body ? as if he thought none fit to succeed him in so great Power but only Brutus . And indeed it seems to be without doubt , that Brutus might have been the first Man in the Common-wealth , if he could have had patience but a little time to be second to Caesar ; if he would have suffer'd his Power insensibly to decay after it was come to its highest pitch , and the fame of his great Actions to die and wither away by degrees . But Cassius , a Man of a fierce Disposition , and one that out of private Malice , rather than Love of the Publick , hated Caesar , not the Tyrant , continually fir'd him and stirr'd him up . Brutus could not endure the Imperial Power , but Cassius hated the Emperor : and among other Reasons on which he grounded his Quarrel against Caesar , the loss of his Lions , which he had procur'd when he was design'd Aedile , was not the least , for these Caesar finding in Megara , when that City was , taken by Calenus , seized to himself . ( These Beasts , they say , were a great mischief to the Megarians ; for when their City was taking , they broke open the Lions Dens , and pull'd off their Chains , and let them loose , that they might run upon the Enemy that was entring the City ; but the Lions turn'd upon them themselves , and running wildly about , tore a great many of them to pieces , so that it was a miserable spectacle even to their enemies to behold . ) And this , some say , was the chief provocation that stirr'd up Cassius to conspire against Caesar ; but they are much in the wrong : for Cassius had from his Youth a natural Hatred and Rancour against the whole race of Tyrants , which he shew'd when he was but a Boy , and went to the same School with Faustus , the Son of Sylla ; for he speaking great words among the Boys , and extolling the unlimited command of his Father Sylla , Cassius rose up , and struck him two or three Boxes on the Ear : which when the Tutors and Relations of Faustus design'd to enquire into , and to prosecute , Pompey forbad them , and sending for both the Boys together , examin'd the matter himself . And Cassius then is reported to have said thus , Come on , Faustus , dare to speak before this man those words , that provok'd me , that I may strike you again as I did before . Such was the Disposition of Cassius . But Brutus by many Perswasions of his familiar Friends , and many Letters from unknown Citizens , was rouz'd up and push'd on to this Undertaking . For under the Statue of his Ancestor Brutus , that overthrew the Kingly Government , they writ these words , O that we had a Brutus now ! And O that Brutus were alive ! And Brutus his own Tribunal , on which he sate as Praetor , was fill'd each Morning with such Inscriptions as these , You are asleep Brutus ; And , You are not a true Brutus . Now the Flatterers of Caesar were the occasion of all this , who among other invidious Honours which they strove to fasten upon Caesar , crown'd his Statues by night with an imperial Crown , with a design to stir up the People to salute him King instead of Dictator . But the quite contrary came to pass , as I have more particularly shewn in the Life of Caesar . When Cassius went about solliciting Friends to engage in this Design against Caesar , all whom he try'd , readily consented , if Brutus would be Head of the Conspiracy ; for their opinion was , that for this Enterprize they wanted not Hands or Resolution , but the Reputation and Authority of a Man , such as he was , to lead them on , and by his presence justifie the Undertaking : that without him they should go about this Action with less heart , and should lie under greater Suspicions when they had done it ; for if their Cause were just and honourable , they were sure Brutus would not refuse it . Cassius having consider'd these things with himself , went to Brutus , and made him the first Visit after their falling out ; and after the Complements of Reconciliation pass'd , and former Kindnesses renew'd between them , he ask'd him , if he design'd to be present at the Senate on the Calends of March , for it was discours'd he said , that Caesar's Friends intended then to move that he might be made King. When Brutus answer'd , That he would not be there . But what , says Cass●s , if they should send for us ? It is my Business then , reply'd Brutus , not to hold my peace , but to stand up boldly , and d●e for the Liberty of my Country . To which Cassius with some Concern answer'd , But what Roman will suffer you to die ? What , do you not know your self , Brutus ? Or do you think that those Inscriptions that you find upon your Praetors Seat , were put there by Weavers , Victuallers , or the vile Rabble , and not by the first and most powerful Men of Rome ? From other Praetors indeed they expect Largesses , ●nd Shows , and Gladiators , but from you they claim , as an hereditary Debt , the extirpation of Tyranny ; they are all ready to suffer any thing on your account , if you will but shew your self such as they think you are , and expect you should be . Which said , he fell upon Brutus , and embrac'd him , and after this they parted each to try their several Friends . Among those of Pompey's Faction , there was one Caius Ligarius , whom Caesar had pardon'd tho' accus'd for having been in Arms against him . This Man , not being so thankful for having been forgiven , as stomaching that Power which made him need a Pardon , hated Caesar , but was one of Brutus his most intimate Friends . Him Brutus visited and finding him sick , O Lygarius , says he , what a time have you found out to be sick in ? At which words Ligarius raising himself and leaning on his Elbow , took Brutus by the Hand , and said , But , O Brutus , if you are on any Design worthy of your self , I am well . From this time they try'd the Inclinations of all their Acquaintance that they durst trust , and communicated the Secret to them , and took also into the Conspiracy not only their familiar Friends , but as many as they believ'd bold and brave , and despisers of Death . For which Reason they conceal'd the Plot from Cicero , tho' he was very much trusted , and as well belov'd by them all , le●t to his own Disposition , which was naturally timorous , adding the wariness and caution of old Age , and weighing every Particular , that he might not make one step without the greatest security , he should blunt the edge of their forwardness and resolution , in a Business which requir'd all the dispatch imaginable . There were also two others that were Companions of Brutus ; Statilius the Epicurean , and Favonius , a Follower of Cato , whom he left out of the Conspiracy for this Reason : As he was discoursing one day with them at a distance , and proposing some Questions to be disputed of , as among Philosophers , to try what opinion they were of , Favonius declar'd his Judgment to be , that a Civil War was worse than the most unjust Tyranny : And Statilius held , that to bring himself into Troubles and Danger , upon the account of evil or foolish men , did not become a man that had any Wisdom or Discretion . But Labeo , that was present , contradicted them both ; and Brutus , as if it had been an intricate Dispute , and difficult to be decided , held his peace for that time ; but afterwards discover'd the whole Design to Labeo , who readily undertaking it , the next thing that was thought convenient , was to gain the other Brutus , sirnam'd Albinus , a man of himself of no great Bravery or Courage , but considerable for the number of Gladiators that he bred up for the publick Shews , and the great confidence that Caesar put in him . When Cassius and Labeo discours'd with him concerning this Matter , he gave them no Answer ; but meeting Brutus himself alone , and finding that he was their Captain , ●he readily consented to partake in the Action , and the very Name of Brutus brought many others , and those of the best Quality , over to the Conspirators : who tho' they neither gave or took any Oath of Secrecy , nor us'd any other sacred Rite , to assure their Fidelity to each other , yet all kept their Design so close , were so wary , and manag'd it so silently among themselves , that tho' by Prophesies , and by wonderful Apparitions and Prodigies , and by the Entrails of sacrific'd Beasts , the Gods gave warning of the Conspiracy , yet could it not be believ'd . Now Brutus considering that the greatest Men of all Rome for Virtue , Birth or Courage , depended wholly upon him , and surveying with himself all the Dangers they were to encounter , strove as much as possible , when abroad , to keep his uneasiness of Mind to himself , and compose his unquiet Thoughts ; but at home , and especially at Night , he was not the same Man , but sometimes his working Care would make him start out of his Sleep , and other times he was so taken up with Thoughts , and so perplex'd in his Mind , that his Wise that lay with him could not choose but take notice that he was full of unusual Trouble , and had in Agitation some dangerous and difficult Affair . Porcia , as was before said , was the Daughter of Cato ; and Brutus , tho' her Cousin-german , had marry'd her very young , tho' not a Maid , but after the Death of her former Husband , by whom she had one Son that was nam'd Bibulus ; and there is a little Book call'd , The Memoirs of Brutus , written by him , yet extant . This Porcia being addicted to Philosophy , a great lover of her Husband , and full of Courage and Prudence , resolv'd not to enquire into Brutus his Secrets , before she had made this tryal of her self : She turn'd all her Attendants out of her Chamber , and taking a little Knife , such as they use to cut Nails with , she gave her self a deep gash in the Thigh , upon which follow'd a great Flux of Blood , and soon after violent pains , and a dangerous Fever , occasion'd by the anguish of the Wound . Now when Brutus was mightily afflicted for her , she in the heighth of all her pain spoke thus to him : I , Brutus , being the Daughter of Cato , was given to you in Marriage , not like a Concubine , to partake only in the common Civilities of Bed and Board , but to bear a part in all your good and all your evil Fortunes : and for my part , when I look upon you , I find no Reason to repent the Match ; but from me , what Evidence of my Love , what satisfaction can you receive , if I may not share with you in bearing your most hidden Griefs , nor be admitted to any of your Counsels that require Secrecy and Trust ? I know very well that Women seem to be of too weak a Nature to be trusted with Secrets ; but certainly , Brutus , a virtuous Birth and Education , and a Conversation with the Good and Honourable , are of some force to the forming our Manners , and strengthening our natural weakness . And I ▪ can boast , that I am the Daughter of Cato , and the Wife of Brutus ; in which two great Titles , tho' before I put too little confidence , yet now I have try'd my self , and find , that even against Grief and Pain it self I am invincible . Which words having spoke , she shew'd him her Wound , and related to him the whole tryal that she had made of her own Constancy : At which he being astonish'd , lifted up his Hands to Heaven , and begg'd the assistance of the Gods in his Enterprize , that he might live to be a Husband worthy of such a Wife , as Porcia . So having comforted his Wife , he left her . A Meeting of the Senate being appointed , at which it was generally believ'd that Caesar would be present , the Conspirators agreed to make use of that Opportunity : For then they might appear all together without suspition ; and besides they had hopes that all the noblest and leading Men of the Common-wealth , that would be then assembled , as soon as the great Deed was done , would immediately appear for them , and assert the common Liberty . The very Place too where the Senate was to meet , seem'd to be , by divine appointment , favourable to their purpose : it was a Porch , that had one Nich towards the Theatre , in which there stood a Statue of Pompey , erected to him by the Common-wealth , when it adorn'd that part of the City with the Portico's and the Theatre . To this place it was that the Senate was call'd on the Ides of March ; so that some God seem'd to bring Caesar thither , to revenge upon him the Death of Pompey . As soon as it was Day , Brutus taking with him a Dagger , which none but his Wife knew of , went abroad : the rest met together at Cassius his House , and brought forth his Son , that was that day to put on the Manly Gown , as it was call'd , into the Forum ; and from thence going all to Pompey's Porch , stay'd there , and expected the coming of Caesar to the Senate . Here it was chiefly that any one who had known what they had purpos'd , would have admir'd the unconcern'd Temper , and the steady Resolution of these men , in the most dangerous Undertaking ; for many of them being Praetors , and by their Office oblig'd to judge and determine Causes , did not only hear calmly all that made any Application to them , or had any Suits depending before them , as if they were free from all other Thoughts , but decided Causes with as much Accuracy and Judgment , as they had heard them with Attention and Patience . And when one Person refus'd to stand to the Award of Brutus , and with great Clamor and many Attestations appeal'd to Caesar , Brutus looking round about him upon those that were present , said , Caesar does not hinder me , nor shall he hinder me from doing according to the Laws . Yet there were many unusual Accidents that disturb'd them , and by meer chance were thrown in their way : The first and chiefest was , The long stay of Caesar , tho' the Day was far spent , and his being detain'd at home by his Wife , and forbidden by the Soothsayers to go forth upon some Defect that appear'd in his Sacrifice . Another was this , There came a Man up to Casca , one of the Conspirators , and taking him by the Hand , You conceal'd , said he , the Secret from us , but Brutus has told me all . At which words when Casca was surpriz'd , the other said laughing , How come you to be so rich of a sudden , that you should stand to be chosen Aedile ? So near was Casca to have discover'd the Secret , being deceiv'd by the Ambiguity of the others Discourse . Then Popilius Lena , a Senator , having saluted Brutus and Cassius very obligingly , whisper'd them softly in the Ear , and said , My Wishes are with you , that you may accomplish what you design , and I advise you to make no delay , for the thing is now no Secret. This said , he parted , and left them in a great Consternation , suspecting that the Design had taken Vent . In the mean while there came one in all hast from Brutus his House , and brought him News that his Wife was dead : For Porcia being extremely disturb'd with Expectation of the Event , and not able to bear the greatness of her Cares , could scarce keep her self within Doors ; and at every little Noise or Voice she heard , leaping forth , and starting suddenly , like one of the mad Priestesses of Bacchus , ask'd every one that came to the Forum , What Brutus was doing ? and continually sent one Messenger after another to enquire . At last , after long Expectation , the strength of her Body could hold out no longer , but overcome with her Doubts and Fears , she fainted away . She had not time to betake her self to her Chamber , for as she was sitting amongst her Women , a sudden want of Spirits , and a great Stupidness seiz'd her , and her Colour chang'd , and her Speech was quite lost . At this Sight her Women made a great and lamentable Out-cry , and many of the Neighbours running to Brutus his House , to know what was the matter , the Report was soon spread abroad that Porcia was dead ; tho' she recover'd in a little while , and came to her self again . When Brutus receiv'd this News , he was extremely troubled , nor without Reason , yet was not so carry'd away by his private Grief , as to neglect the publick Concern : for now News was brought that Caesar was coming , carry'd in a Sedan ; for being discouraged by the ill Omens that attended his Sacrifice , he had determin'd to undertake no Affairs of any great Importance that day , but to defer them till another time , pretending that he was sick . As soon as he came out of his Sedan , Popilius Laena , he who but a little before had wish'd Brutus good Success in his undertaking , coming up to him , discours'd a great while , with him , Caesar standing still all the while , and seeming to be very attentive . The Conspirators not being able to hear what he said , but guessing , by what themselves were conscious of , that this Conference was the discovery of their Treason , were strangely dejected , and looking upon one another , agreed from each others Countenances , that they should not stay to be taken , but should all kill themselves . And now when Cassius and some others were laying hands upon their Daggers under their Robes , and were drawing them out , Brutus viewing narrowly the Looks and Gesture of Laena , and finding that he was earnestly petitioning , and not accusing , said nothing , because there were many Starngers to the Conspiracy mingled amongst them , but with a chearful Countenance encourag'd Cassius . And after a little while , Laena having kiss'd Caesar's Hand , went away , shewing plainly , that all his Discourse was about some particular Business relating to himself . Now when the Senate was gone in before to the Place where they were to sit , some of the Conspirators got close to Caesar's Chair , pretending they had some Suit to make to him , and Cassius turning his Face to Pompey's Statue , is said to have invok'd it , as if it had been sensible of his Prayers ; Trebonius in the mean while drew Antony towards the Door , and kept him in Talk without the Court. Caesar now enter'd , and the whole Senate rose up to him : As soon as he was sate down , they all seemingly very officious crowded round about him , and set Tullius Cimber , one of their own Number , to intercede in behalf of his Brother that was banish'd ; they all joyn'd their Prayers with his , and took Caesar by the Hand , and kiss'd his Head and his Breast . But he rejecting at first their Supplications , and afterwards , when he saw they would not desist , violently rising up , Tullius with both Hands catch'd hold of his Robe , and pull'd it off from his Shoulders , and Casca that stood behind him , drawing his Dagger , gave him the first , but a slight Wound , about the Shoulder . Caesar presently snatching hold of the Handle of the Dagger and crying out aloud in Latin , Villain Casca what dost thou ? He in Greek calling to his Brother , bad him come and help Now being wounded by a great many Hands , and looking round about him to see if there was any way to escape , as soon as ever he spy'd Brutus with his Dagger drawn against him he let go Casca's Hand , that he had hold on , and covering his Head with his Robe , gave up his Body to the barbarous Murtherers . They so eagerly press'd towards the Body , and so many Daggers were hacking together , that the Conspirators cut one another ; Brutus porticularly receiv'd a Wound in his Hand , and all of them were besmear'd with Blood. Caesar being thus slain , Brutus stepping forth into the middle of the Senate-house , intended to have made a Speech , and call'd back , and encourag'd the Senators to stay ; but they all frighted , ran away in great Disorder , and there was a great Confusion and Press of People about the Gate , tho' none pursu'd or follow'd ; for they had firmly resolv'd to kill no Body besides Caesar , but to call and invite all the rest to Liberty . It was indeed the opinion of all the others , when they consulted about the Execution of their design , that it was necessary to cut off Antony with Caesar , looking upon him as an insolent Man , an affecter of Monarchy , and one that had gain'd a powerful Interest by his conversation and acquaintance in the Army . And this they urg'd the rather , because at that time , to the natural Ambition and Haughtiness of his Temper , there was added the Dignity of being Consul and Collegue to Caesar . But Brutus oppos'd this Counsel , insisting first upon the Injustice of it , and afterwards giving them hopes that a great change might be worked in Antony . For he did not despair , but that Caesar being taken off , so honourable a Man and such a Lover of Glory as Antony , stir'd up with Emulation of their great Attempt , would lay hold of this occasion to be a joynt restorer with them , of the Liberty of his Countrey . Thus did Brutus save Antony's life , but he in the general consternation put himself into a Plebeian habit and fled . But Brutus and his Party betook themselves to the Capitol , and in their way shewing their hands all bloody , and their naked Swords , and proclaiming Liberty to the People . At the first all Places were fill'd with Lamentation , and the wild running too and fro occasion'd by the sudden surprize and passion that every one was in , made a great Tumult in the City . But no other Murther following and no Man being spoil'd of his Goods , the Senators and many of the People took courage and went up to the Conspirators in the Capitol : And a multitude being gathered together , Brutus made an Oration to them very Popular , and proper for the State that affairs were then in . Therefore when they applauded his Speech and cry'd out to him to come down , they all took confidence and descended into the Forum ; the rest were promiscuously mingled with one another ; but many of the most eminent quality attending Brutus , conducted him between them with great splendor from the Capitol , and placed him in the Rostrum . At the Sight of Brutus the Rabble , though consisting of a confused mixture , and all disposed to make a Tumult , were struck with Reverence and expected what he would say , with order and with silence : and when he began to speak , heard him with all imaginable quiet and attention . But that all were not pleas'd with this action , they plainly show'd when Cinna beginning to speak , and accuse Caesar , they broke out into a sudden rage , and rail'd at him in such opprobrious Language , that the Conspirators thought fit again to withdraw to the Capitol . And there Brutus expecting to be besieg'd , dismist the most Eminent of those that had accompanyed them thither , not thinking it just that they who were not partakers of the fact should share in the danger . But the next day the Senate being assembled in the Temple of Tellus , and Antony and Plancus and Cicero , having made Orations to move the People to forget what was past , and to be mutually reconcil'd , it was decreed , that the Conspirators shou'd not only be put out of all fear or danger , but that the Consuls shou'd take care of what Honours , and Dignities were proper to be confer'd upon them . After which done , the Senate broke up ; and Antony having sent his Son as an Hostage to the Capitol , Brutus and his Company came down , and mutual Salutes , and Invitations past between them and the whole Company that were gather'd together : Antony invited and entertain'd Cassius , Lepidus did the same to Brutus , and the rest were invited and treated by others , as each of them had either acquaintance or friends , among the People . As soon as it was day , the Senate order'd thanks to Antony , for having stifled the beginning of a Civil War : afterwards Brutus and his Associates that were present receiv'd the thanks of the Senate , and had Provinces assign'd , and distributed among them . Crete was allotted to Brutus , Africa to Cassius , Asia to Trebonius , Bithynia to Cimber , and to the other Brutus , that part of Gallia , that lay about the River Po. After these things , they began to consider of Caesar's Will , and the ordering of his Funeral ; Antony desir'd that the Will might be read , and that the Body should not have a private or dishonourable Interment , lest that should further exasperate the People : This Cassius violently oppos'd , but Brutus yeilded to it , and gave leave ; in which he seems to have a second time miscarry'd : For as before in sparing the Life of Antony , he could not be without some blame from his Party , in setting up a violent Enemy against the Conspiracy ; so now in suffering him to have the ordering of the Funeral , he fell into a total and irrecoverable Error . For first , it appearing by the Will , that Caesar had bequeath'd to the Roman People three hundred Ses●erces a Man , and given to the Publick his Gardens beyond Tyber , ( where now the Temple of Fortune stands ) the whole City was fir'd with a wonderful affection for him , and a passionate sense of the loss of him . And afterwards when the Body was brought forth into the Forum ; Antony , as the custom was , making a Funeral Oration in the Praise of Caesar , and sinding the multitude mov'd with his Speech , to stir them up yet farther to Compassion , unfolded the bloody Garment of Caesar , shew'd them in how many places it was pierced , and exposed to their view the number of his Wounds . Now there was nothing to be seen but Confusion , some cri'd out to kill the Murderers , others ( as was formerly done when Clodius was Tribune of the People ) tore away the Benches and Tables out of the Shops round about , and heaping them all together , built a great Funeral Pile , and having put the Body of Caesar upon it , set it on fire . The place wherein this was done , was surrounded with a great many Temples and other consecrated houses , so that they seem'd to burn the Body in a kind of Sacred Solemnity : As soon as the fire flam'd out , the multitude flocking in , some from one part , and some from anoother , snatched the brands that were half burnt out of the Pile , and ran about the City to fire the houses of the Murderers of Caesar . But they having before-hand well fortify'd themselves escaped this danger . There was a kind of a Poet , one Cinna , not at all concern'd in the guilt of the Conspiracy , but on the contrary one of Caesar's friends : This man dreamt that he was invited to Supper by Caesar , and that he deni'd to go , but that the Emperor entreated , and prest him to it very earnestly ; and at last taking him by the hand led him into a very deep and dark place , whither he was forc'd against his will to follow , in great Consternation and Amazement . After this Vision he had a Fever the most part of the Night , nevertheless in the morning hearing that the body of Caesar was to be carried forth to be Interr'd , he was ashamed not to be present at the Solemnity ; but came abroad , and mingled himself with the People that was thus stirr'd up , and enraged by the Speech of Antony . The multitude perceiving him , and taking him not for that Cinna , ( who indeed he was ) but for him that a little before in a Speech to the People had reproach'd and inveigh'd against Caesar , fell upon him and tore him to peices . This Action chiefly , and the alteration that Antony had wrought , so alarm'd Brutus and his Party , that for their safety they retir'd from the City : The first stay they made was at Antium , with a design to return again as soon as the fury of the People had spent it self and was abated ; which they expected would soon and easily come to pass , in an unsettled Multitude , apt to be carried away with such sudden , and impetuous Passion , especially since they had the Senate so favourable to them : Which though it took no notice of those that had torn Cinna to pieces , yet made a strict search , and apprehended in order to punishment those that had assaulted the houses of the Conspirators . By this time also the People began to be dissatisfied with Antony , who they perceiv'd , was setting up a kind of Monarchy for himself ; they long'd for the return of Brutus , whose Presence they expected , and hop'd for at the Games , and Spectacles , which he , as Praetor , was to exhibit to the publick . But he having intelligence that many of the old Soldiers that had bore Arms under Caesar , by whom they had had Lands and Colonies given them , lay in wa 〈…〉 for him and by small Parties at a time had stolen into the City , would not venture to come himself ; however in his Absence , there were most magnisicent and costly Shows exhibited to the People ; for having bought up a great number of all sorts of wild Beasts , he gave positive order , that not any of them should be return'd or ●av'd , but that all should be kill'd at the Publick Spectacles : He himself made a Journey to Naples , to procure a considerable number of Comedians ; and hearing of one Canutius , that was very much ●ry'd up for his acting upon the Stage , he writ to his Friends , to use all their entreaties to bring him to Rome ( for being a Grecian , he could not be compell'd ; he writ also to Cicero , begging him by no means to omit being present at the publick Shows . This was the posture of assairs , when another sudden alteration was made upon Octavius his coming to Rome ; he was Son to the Sister of Caesar , who adopted him , and le●t him his 〈◊〉 by his Will. At the time when the Murther was committed , he was following his Studies at Apollonia , where he stay'd expecting to meet Caesar , in his expedition which he had design'd against the Parthians ; but hearing of his Death he immediately came to Rome , and to ingratiate himself with the People , taking upon himself the name of Caesar , and punctually distributing among the Citizens the Money that was left them by the Will , he soon got the better of Antony ; and by Money and Largesses , which he liberally dispers'd amongst the Soldiers , gather'd together , and brought over to his Party , a great number of those that had serv'd under Caesar . Cicero himself , out of the hatred which he bore to Antony , sided with Octavius ; which Brutus took so ill , that he treated him very sharply in his Letters , telling him , That he perceiv'd Cicero could well enough endure a Tyrant , but was afraid that he who hated him should be the Man ; that in writing and speaking so well of Octavius , he shew'd that his only aim was to enjoy an Easy , and a Gentle Slavery : But our Fore-fathers ( said Brutus ) could not brook even gentle Masters . Further he added , That for his own part he had not as yet fully resolv'd , whether he should make War or Peace : But that as to one point he was fixed and settled , which was never to be a Slave ; that he wondred Cicero should fear the danger of a Civil War , and not be much more afraid of a dishonorable , and infamous Peace : That all he could hope for in destroying the Tyranny of Antony , was to make Octavius the Tyrant . And this is the Substance of Brutus his first Letters to Cicero . The City being now divided into two Factions , some betaking themselves to Caesar , and others to Antony , the Soldiers selling themselves , as it were , by publick Out-cry , and going over to him that would give them most ; Brutus began to despair of any good event of such Proceedings , and resolving to leave Italy , passed by land through Leucania , and came to Elea by the Sea-side . From hence it was thought convenient , that Porcia should return to Rome ; she was overcome with grief to part from Brutus , but strove as much as was possible to conceal it ; but in spight of all her manly Resolutions , a Picture which she found there accidentally betray'd it . The Story of it was that parting of Hector from Andromache , when he went to engage the Greeks , giving his young Son Astyanax into her Arms , and she sixing her Eyes upon him , with an earnest and affectionate look . As soon as she espy'd this Piece , the Resemblance it bore to her own concern , made her burst out into Tears , and several times a day she walkt where that Picture hung to gaze at it , and weep before it . Upon this occasion , when Acilius one of Brutu's Friends repeated out of Homer these Verses , wherein Andromache speaks to Hector . Be careful Hector , for with Thee my All , My Father , Mother , Brother , Husband fall . Brutus smiling reply'd . But I must not answer Porcia , as Hector did Andromache . Mind you your Wheel , and to your Maids give Law. For tho' the natural weakness of her body hinders her from acting what only the strength of Men can perform , yet she has a mind as valiant , and as active for the good of her Country as the best of us . This Relation is in the Memoirs of Brutus , written by Bibulus , Porcias's Son. Brutus took Ship from hence , and sail'd to Athens ; where he was receiv'd by the People , with great demonstrations of kindness , which they expressed in their loud Acclamations , and the Honours that were decreed him by the Publick . He liv'd there with one that had been formerly his Guest , and was a constant Auditor of Theomnestus the Academick , and Cratippus the Peripatetick , with whom he was so engaged in a Philosophical Conversation , that he seem'd to have laid aside all thoughts of publick Business , and that he might be wholly at Leisure for Study and Philosophy . But all this while being unsuspected he was secretly making preparation for War ; in order to which he sent Herostratus into Macedonia , to bring over the Commanders that were there to his side , and he himself caress'd and won upon the Affections of all the young Roman Gentlemen , that were then Students at Athens . Of this number was Cicero's Son , whom he every where highly extol'd , and said , that Whether sleeping or waking , he could not choose but admire a young Man of so great a Spirit , and such a Hater of Tyrants . At length he began to act openly , and to appear in publick Business ; and being inform'd that there were several Roman Ships very richly Laded , that in their course from Asia , were to touch at Athens , and that they were Commanded by one of his Friends ; he went to meet him about Carystus : Finding him there , and having perswaded him to deliver up the Ships , he made a very splendid Entertainment , for it happen'd to be his Birth-day . Now when they came to drink somewhat briskly , and were making Libations for Victory to Brutus and Liberty to Rome , Brutus to animate them the more call'd for a larger Bowl , and holding it in his hand upon no occasion or Fore-thought on a sudden pronounc'd aloud this Verse . Fate and Apollo against me Conspire . Some Historians write that in the last Battle which he fought at Philippi , the Word that he gave to the Soliers was Apollo , and from thence conclude that this sudden unaccountable Exclamation of his was a Presage of the great Overthrow that he suffered there . Antistius , the Commander of these Ships , at his parting gave him 500000 Sesterces of the Mony that he was conveying to Italy . And all the Remains of Pompey's Army , which after their General 's Defeat wandred about Thessaly , readily , and joyfully joyn'd themselves to Brutus . Besides this he took from Cinna five hundred Horse that he was carrying to Dolabella into Asia . After that he sail'd to Demetrias , and there seiz'd a great quantity of Arms , that had been provided by the command of Julius Caesar for the Parthian War , and were now design'd to be sent to Antony . Then was Macedonia put into his hands , and deliver'd up by Hortensius the Pretor , and all the Kings and Potentates round about willingly offer'd themselves to joyn with him . When news was brought that Caius the Brother of Antony having passed through Italy , was marched on directly to joyn the Forces that Gabinius Commanded in Dyrrachium , and Apollonia . Brutus design'd to prevent him , and to seize them first , and in all haste mov'd forwards with those that he had about him ; his march was very difficult , through rugged places , and in a great Snow , but so swift , that he had left those that were to bring his Provisions a great way behind . And now being very near to Dyrrachium , with weariness and cold , he fell into a Distemper call'd Bulimia , or Violent Hunger : This is a Disease that seizes both Men and Cattle , after much labour , and especially in a great Snow : Whether it is caus'd by the natural Heat , which when the Body is seized with cold , is forc'd all inwards and suddenly consumes all the Nourishment laid in ; or whether the sharp and subtil Vapour , which comes from the Snow as it dissolves , cuts the body , as it were , and destroys the Heat , which is thence dispersed throw the Pores ; for the Sweatings which are frequent in this Distember , seem to arise from the Heat metting with the cold , and being quencht by it , in the Superficies of the Body . But of this I have in another place discoursed more at large . Brutus growing very faint , and there being none in the whole Army that had any thing for him to eat , his Servants were forc'd to have recourse to the Enemy , and going as far as to the very Gates of the City , begg'd Bread of the Sentinels that were upon Duty . As soon as they heard of the sad Estate of Brutus , they came themselves , and brought both Meat and Drink along with them ; for which act of Humanity Brutus , when he took the City , shew'd all Kindness and Civility , not to them only , but to all the rest of the inhabitants for their Sakes . Caius Antonius being now arriv'd at Apollonia , summon'd all the Soldiers that were near that City to joyn him there ; but finding that they nevertheless went all to Brutus . and suspecting that even those of Apollonia , were enclin'd to the same Party , he quitted that City , and come to Buthrotus ; having first lost three Companies of his Men , that in their march thither , were cut to pieces by Brutus . After this he attempting to make himself Master of some strong places , about Byllis , which the Enemy had first seiz'd ; he was overcome in a set Battle by young Cicero , to whom Brutus gave the Command of the Army that day , and whose Conduct he made use of often , and with great Success . Caius Antonius was surpriz'd in a Marshy Place , from whence he could not retire ; and Brutus having him in his Power , would not suffer his own Soldiers to fall upon those of the Enemy ; but encompassing them with his Horse , gave command that none of them should be kill'd , for that in a little time they would all be of his side ; which accordingly came to pass , for they surrendred both themselves and their General : So that Brutus had by this time a very great and considerable Army . He shew'd all Marks of Honour and Esteem to Caius Antonius for a long time , nor took any of his Titles or Dignities away , tho' as some report he had several Letters from Rome , and particularly from Cicero , advising him to put him to Death . But at last Brutus perceiving that he began to hold private Consults , and corrupt his Officers , and was raising a sedition amongst the Soldiers he put him aboard a Ship , and kept him close Prisoner . In the mean time the Soldiers that had been corrupted by Caius , had retir'd to Apollonia , and sent word to Brutus , desiring him to come to them thither . He answer'd that this was not the custom of the Romans , but that it became those who had offended to come themselves to their General , and beg forgiveness of their Crimes ; which they did and accordingly receiv'd their Pardon . As he was preparing to pass into Asia , there was an account brought to him of the Alteration that had happen'd at Rome , where the young Caesar assisted by the Senate , in opposition to Antony , was got into great Power . And having now thrown his Competitor out of Italy , began himself to be very formidable : Suing for the Consulship contrary to Law , and maintaining a great Army , of which the Common-wealth had no manner of need . At length perceiving that the Senate dissatisfied with his Proceedings , began to cast their Eyes abroad upon Brutus , and decreed and confirm'd the Government of several Provinces to him , he was in some apprehension of danger . Therefore dispatching Messengers to Antony , he desir'd that there might be a Reconciliation , and a strict Friendship between them . Then drawing all his Forces about the City he made himself be chosen Consul , tho' he was but very young , being scarce Twenty years old , as he himself writes in his Commentaries . At his first entry upon the Consulship he immediately order'd a Judicial Process to be issu'd out against Brutus , and his Accomplices , for having Murther'd the greatest Man , and the highest Magistrate of Rome , without being heard or condemn'd ; and appointed L. Cornificius to accuse Brutus , and M. Agrippa to accuse Cassius . None appearing to Plead their Cause , the Judges were forc'd to pass Sentence and condemn them both . It is reported , that when the Cryer ( as the custom was ) with a loud voice cited Brutus to appear , the People could not keep in their sighs , and those of the best quality hung down their Heads for Grief . Publius Silicius was seen to burst out into Tears , which was the cause that not long after he was put down in the List of those that were Proscrib'd . Now the Triumviri , Caesar , Antony and Lepidus , being perfectly reconcil'd shar'd the Provinces among themselves , and made up the Catalogue of Proscription wherein were set down those that were design'd for Slaughter , amounting to two hundred Men , to which number Cicero was slain . This news being brought to Brutus in Macedonia , he was forc'd to send orders in Hortensius , that he should kill Caius Antonius , in revenge of the Death of Cicero his Friend , and Decius Brutus his near Kinsman , who also was proscrib'd and slain . Upon this account it was that Antony having afterwards taken Hortensius in the Battle of Philippi , Slew him upon his Brothers Tomb. But Brutus express'd himself more asham'd for the cause of Cicero's death , than griev'd for the misfortune of it , and could not help accusing his friends at Rome , that they were Slaves more through their own Fault , than those that Lorded over them : That could see and be present , and yet suffer those things , which even to hear related , ought to them to have been insufferable . Now Brutus having made his Army , that was already very considerable , pass into Asia ; order'd a Fleet to be made ready in Bythinia , and Cyzicum for them to imbark in : But himself going the way by Land , took care to settle and confirm to himself all the Cities , and gave Audience to the Princes of the Parts , through which he past ; and sent orders to Cassius into Syria to come to him , and leave his intended Journey into Aegypt ; letting him understand that it was not to gain an Empire for themselves , but to free their Country , that they went thus wandring about , and had got an Army together , whose business it was to destroy Tyrants : That therefore , if they remembred and resolv'd to persevere in their first intentions , they ought not to be too far from Italy , but to make what hast they could thither , and endeavour to relieve their fellow-Citizens from Oppression . Cassius obey'd his Summons , and return'd ; and Brutus went to meet him : And at Smyrna they both met ; which was the first time they had seen one another since they parted at the Piraeum in Athens ; one for Syria , and the other for Macedonia . They were both over-joy'd , and rais'd to the highest degree of Confidence of their Success , from the Forces that each of them had got together : Since they who had fled from Italy , like the most despicable Exiles , without Money , without Arms , without a Ship , or a Soldier , or a City to rely on , in a little time after had met together , so well furnish'd with Shipping and Money , and an Army both of Horse and Foot , that they were in a condition to contend for the Empire of Rome . Cassius was desirous to shew as much Respect and Honour to Brutus , as Brutus did to him : But Brutus still prevented him , for the most part coming to him , both because he was the elder Man , and of a more weak Constitution than himself . Men generally reckon'd Cassius a very expert Soldier , but of a harsh and angry Nature , and one that desir'd to Command rather by fear than love ; though on the other side among his Familiar Acquaintance he was given to scurrillous Jesting , and lov'd to play the Buffoon . But Brutus , for the sake of his Vertue , was esteem'd by the People , belov'd by his Friends , admir'd by the best Men , and hated by none , no , not his Enemies themselves : For he was a Man of an extraordinary mild Nature , of a great Spirit , insensible of the Passions of Anger , or Pleasure , or Covetousness ; steady and inflexible in his Opinion , and zealous for what ever he thought right and honest . And that which gain'd him the greatest Credit and Reputation among the People , was their belief , that his designs in this whole Undertaking were honourable and just . For they could not hope , that even Pompey the Great himself , if he had overcome Caesar , would have submitted his Power to the Laws , but would have ever managed the Publick Affairs himself ; only soothing the People with the specious name of Consul or Dictator , or some other milder Title than King. But they thought that Cassius , being a Man govern'd by Anger and Passion , and carried often by his covetous Humour beyond the bounds of Justice ; endur'd all these hardships of War , and Travel , and Danger , rather to obtain Dominion to himself , than Liberty to the People . And as for the former disturbers of the Peace of Rome , whether a Cinna , a Marius , or a Carbo , it is manifest that they having set their Country as a stake for him that should win , did almost own in express terms , that they sought for Empire . But even the Enemies of Brutus can't lay this accusation to his charge : Nay , many have heard Antony himself say , That Brutus was the only Man that Conspir'd against Caesar , out of a sence of the Glory and Justice of the Action ; but that all the rest rose up against the MAN , and not the TYRANT : from private Envy and Malice of their own . And it is plain , that Brutus ( by what he writes himself ) did not so much rely upon his Forces , as upon his own Vertue : For thus he speaks in his Epistle to Atticus , immediately before he was to engage with the Enemy . That his Affairs were in the best state of Fortune that he could wish ; for that either he should overcome , and restore Liberty to the People of Rome , or die , and be himself free from Slavery . That other things being agreed upon and settled , one thing was yet in doubt , whether they should live or die Free Men. He adds further , That Marc Anthony had receiv'd a just Punishment for his Folly , who when he might have been numbred with Brutus , and Cassius , and Cato , would joyn himself to Octavius : That though they should not now be both overcome , they soon would fight among themselves . And in this he seems to have been no ill Prophet . Now , when they were at Smyrna , Brutus desir'd Cassius that he might have part of the great Treasure that Cassius had heaped up , because all his own was expended in furnishing out such a Fleet of Ships as was sufficient to keep all the Sea in their Power . But Cassius's Friends disswaded him from this ; for , said they , it is not just that the Money which you with so much Parsimony keep , and with so much Envy have got , should be given to him , to be disposed of in making himself Popular , and gaining the favour of the Soldiers . Notwithstanding which , Cassius gave him a third part of all that he had ; and then they parted each to their several Commands . Cassius having taken Rhodes , behav'd himself there with very great Cruelty ; though at his first entry , when some had called him Lord and King ; he answer'd , that he was neither King nor Lord , but the Destroyer and Punisher of a King and Lord. Brutus , on the other part , sent to the Lycians , to demand from them a supply of Money and Men ; but Naucrates , a Popular Man among them , perswaded the City to Rebel ; so that some of the Country possess'd themselves of several little Mountains and Hills , with a design to hinder Brutus's passage : Brutus , at first , sent out a party of Horse , which surprizing them at Dinner , kill'd 600 of them ; and afterwards , having taken all their small Towns and Villages round about , he set all his Prisoners free without Ransom ; hoping to win the whole Nation by his Clemency . But they continued obstinate ; fill'd with anger for what they had suffer'd , and despising his Goodness and Humanity ; till Brutus , having forc'd the most warlike of them into the City of Xanthus , besieged them there . Several endeavour'd to make their escape by swimming and diving under the River , but were taken by Nets for that purpose let down , which had little Bells at the top , which gave present notice of any that was taken in them . The Xanthians after that , made a Sally in the Night , and seizing several of the Battering Engines , set them on fire ; but being soon perceiv'd by the Romans , were beaten back to their Wall ; and there being a very violent Wind , it forc'd the flames to the Battlements of the City with such fierceness , that several of the adjoyning Houses took fire . But Brutus , fearing lest the whole City should be destroyed , commanded his own Soldiers to assist those of the City , and to quench the fire . But the Lycians were on a sudden possess'd with a strange and incredible despair ; such a Frenzy which cannot be better exprest , than by calling it a violent desire to die ; for both Women and Children , the Bond-men and the Free , those of all Ages , and of all Conditions , strove to force away the Soldiers , that came in to their Assistance from the Walls ; and themselves gathering together Reeds and Wood , and whatever combustible matter they could , spread the fire over the whole City , feeding it with whatever fuel they could , and by all possible means exciting its fury ; so that the flame having dispers'd it self , and encircled the whole City , blaz'd out in so terrible a manner , that Brutus being extremely afflicted at their Calamity , got himself on Horse-back , and rid round the Walls , earnestly desirous to preserve the City ; and stretching forth his hands to the Xanthians , begg'd of them , that they would spare themselves , and save their Town . Yet none regarded his entreaties , but by all manner of ways strove to destroy themselves ; not only Men and Women , but even Boys and little Children , with a hideous out-cry some leap'd into the fire , others threw themselves from the Walls , others fell upon their Parents Swords , opening their breasts , and desiring to be slain . After the Destruction of the City , there was found a Woman who had hanged her self , with her young Child hanging from her Neck , and the Torch in her hand with which she had fired her own House : It was so Tragical a sight , that Brutus could not endure to see it , but wept at the very relation of it ; and proclaim'd a Reward to any Souldier that could save a Xanthian . And it is said , that an hundred and fifty only were preserv'd , and that too against their wills . Thus the Xanthians , after a long space of years , the fatal period of their Destruction being , as it were , accomplish'd , by their desperate Courage , reviv'd the memory of the Calamity of their fore-fathers , who after the very same manner in the Persian War had fir'd their City , and destroyed themselves . Brutus , after this , finding the Patarians resolv'd to make resistance , and hold out their City against him , was very unwilling to besiege it ; and was in great perplexity lest the same Frenzy might seize them too . But having in his power some of their Women Captives , he dismiss'd them all without any Ransom ; who returning , and giving an account to their Husbands and Fathers , who were of the greatest Quality , what an excellent Man Brutus was ; how Sober , how Temperate , and how Just , perswaded them to yield themselves , and put their City into his hands . From this time , all the Cities round about came in to his Power , submitting themselves to him , and found him gracious and merciful , even beyond their hopes . For though Cassius at the same time had compell'd the Rhodians to bring in all the Silver and Gold that each of 'em privately was Master of ; by which he rais'd a Sum of eight thousand Talents , and besides that , condemn'd the Publick to pay the Sum of five hundred Talents more . Yet Brutus , not having taken above a hundred and fifty Talents from the Lycians , and having done them no other manner of injury , parted from thence with his Army to Ionia . Through the whole course of this Expedition , Brutus did many memorable Acts of Justice , in dispensing Rewards and Punishments to such as had deserved either : One of which I will relate , because he himself , and all the Nobility of Rome were pleas'd with it above all the rest . When Pompey the Great , being overthrown by Caesar , had fled to Aegypt , and landed near Pelusium , the Protectors of the young King consulted among themselves , what was fit to be done on that Occasion , nor could all agree in the same Opinion ; some being for receiving him , others for driving him from Aegypt : But Theodotus , a Chian by birth , and a Mercenary Teacher of Rhetorick , then attending upon the King , and for want of better Men , being admitted into the Council , undertook to convince 'em , that both Parties were in the wrong ; those that counsell'd to receive Pompey , and those that advis'd to send him away : That in their present case , one thing only was necessary , to seize him , and to slay him ; and ended his Speech with the Proverb , That dead Men don't bite . The Council agreed to his Opinion , and Pompey the Great ( an Example of incredible and un-foreseen Events ) was slain ; and slain by the Rhetorick and Eloquence of Theodotus , as that Sophister himself had the impudence to boast . Not long after , when Caesar came to Aegyt , some of the Murtherers receiv'd their just Reward , and were put to death , as they deserv'd . But Theodotus , though he had gain'd from Fortune a little time for a poor despicable and wandring Life ; yet could not lye hid from Brutus , as he pass'd through Asia ; but being seiz'd by him , and executed , had his Death made more memorable than his Life . About this time Brutus sent to Cassius , to come to him at the City of Sardis ; and , when he was on his Journey , went forth with his friends to meet him ; and the whole Army being in array , saluted each of them with the Name of Emperour . Now ( as it usually happens in business of great concern , and wherein many Friends , and many Commanders are engag'd ) several Jealousies of each other , and private Accusations having pass'd between Brutus and Cassius , they resolv'd , before they entred upon any other business , immediately to withdraw into some private Apartment ; where the Door being shut , and they two alone , they began first to expostulate , then to dispute hotly , and accuse each other ; after that from the liberty of speech and hard words , that pass'd between them , they were transported into Passion , and at last burst out into Tears . Their Friends , who stood without , were amaz'd , hearing them loud and angry , and fear'd lest some mischief might follow , but yet durst not interrupt them , being commanded not to enter the Room . But Marcus Favonius , one that had been a follower of Cato , and not so much for his Reason or Wisdom , as for his wild and frantick Carriage , would pass for a Philosopher , was rushing in upon them , but was hindred by the Attendants ; but it was a hard matter to stop Favonius , where ever his wildness hurried him ; for he was fierce and violent in all his behaviour : And though he was a Senator , yet thinking that one of the least of his Excellencies , he valued himself more upon a sort of Cynical liberty of speaking what he pleas'd ; which sometimes was diverting enough to those that would interpret in jest his importunate scurrility . This Favonius breaking by force through those that kept the Doors , entred into the Chamber , and with a mimical voice pronounc'd this Verse that Homer makes Nestor use : Be rul'd , for I am elder than you both . This made Cassius laugh ; but Brutus thrust him out , calling him impudent and counterfeit Cynick ; But yet for the present this put an end to their Dispute , and they both parted . Cassius made a Supper that Night , and Brutus invited his Friends thither ; when they were sat down , Favonius having bath'd , came in among them ; Brutus call'd out aloud , and told him , that he was not invited , and bid him go sit at the lower end of the Table : But he violently thrust himself in , and sat down in the middle , where he diverted the whole Company all the time of their Entertainment with Drollery and Philosophy . The next day after , upon the accusation of the Sardians , Brutus publickly disgraced and condemned Lucius Pella , one that had been Censor of Rome , and employ'd in Offices of Trust by himself , for having embezell'd the Publick Money . This Action did not a little vex Cassius ; for , but a few days before , two of his own Friends , being accus'd of the same Crime , he only in private admonish'd them ; but in publick absolv'd them , and continued them in their Office ; and upon this occasion he accus'd Brutus of too much rigour and severity of Justice , in a time which required them to use more gentleness and favour . In Answer to this , Brutus bid him remember the Ides of March ( the day when they kill'd Caesar ) who himself did neither vex nor grieve all Mankind , but was only the support and strength of those that did ; he bid him consider , that if there was any colour for Justice to be neglected , it had been better to have suffered the injustice of Caesar's Friends , than to give impunity to their own ; for then , said he , we could have been accus'd of Cowardise only ; whereas now we are liable to the accusation of Injustice , after all our pain and dangers which we endure : By which we may perceive what was Brutus's purpose , and the Rule of all his Actions . About the time that they had design'd to pass out of Asia into Europe , it was said , that a wonderfull Apparition was seen by Brutus . He was naturally given to much Watching , and being us'd to great moderation in his Diet , and having perpetual Employment , he allow'd but a very small portion of time for sleep : He never slept in the day time , and in the Night then only when all his business was finish'd , and when every one else being gone to rest , he had no body to discourse with him . But at this time the War being begun , having the whole state of it to consider of ; and being very careful and sollicitous of the Event , after his first sleep , which he took moderately just after Supper , he spent all the rest of the Night in managing his most urgent Affairs ; which if he had dispatch'd in time , he employed himself in Reading , till the third Watch ; at which time the Centurions and Tribunes were used o come to him for Orders . Thus one Night , before he passed out of Asia , he was very late all alone in his Tent , with a dim Light burning by him , all the rest of the Army being husht and silent ; and musing with himself , and very thoughtful , as he turn'd his Eye to the Door , he saw a terrible and strange Appearance of a prodigious and frightful Body coming towards him without speaking . Brutus boldly ask'd it , What art thou ? Man or God ? Or , upon what Business dost thou come to us ? The Spirit answered , I am thy Evil Genius , Brutus : Thou shalt see me at Philippi . To which , Brutus , not at all disturb'd , replied , Then I will see thee . As soon as the Apparition vanish'd , he call'd his Servants to him , who all told him , that they had neither heard any Voice , nor seen any Vision : From that time he continued watching , till the Morning ; and then went to Cassius , and related to him the Apparition he had seen . He being bred up in the Principles of Epicurus's Philosophy , and being often us'd to dispute with Brutus concerning Matters of this Nature , spoke to him thus , upon this Occasion : Brutus , It is the Opinion of our Sect , that all that we feel or see , is not real and true ; but that our Sense is a most slippery and deceitful thing : The Mind , which is more quick and subtile , moves and varies That into all manner of Idea's , which have no real existence in Nature , as readily as we imprint any form upon Wax ; so that it is easie for the Soul of Man , which has in it self both that which forms , and that which is formed , to vary it into what shapes it pleases . This is evident from the sudden changes of our Dreams , in which the imagination , upon very slight Principles , represents to us all sorts of Passions of the Soul , and appearances of things ; for it is the nature of the Mind to be in perpetual motion , and that motion is our Imagination and Thought : But besides all this , in your case , the Body being tir'd and worn out with continual labours and cares , naturally works upon the Mind , and keeps it in suspence and trouble . But that there should be any such thing as Daemons or Spirits , or if there were , that they should have humane shape , or voice , or power , that can reach to us , is altogether improbable ; though I confess I could wish that there were such Beings , that we might not rely upon our Arms only , and our Horses , and our Navy all which are so great and powerful , but might be confident of the assistance of the Gods also in this our most Sacred and Honourable Attempt . With such Discourses as these , Cassius in some manner settled and composed the mind of Brutus . As soon as the Army began to march from whence they were encamped , two Eagles flew to them , and lighted on the two first Ensigns , and continually followed the Souldiers , and were fed by them , till they came to Philippi , and there but one day before the Fight , they both flew away . Brutus had already reduced most of the Places and People of these Parts ; but he marched on as far as to the Coasts of Thassos , that if there were any City , or Man of Power , that yet stood out , he might force them all to Subjection . In these Parts Norbanus was encamped , in a Place called The Streights , near Symbolon : Him they surrounded in such sort , as they forc'd him to dislodge and quit the Place ; and Norbanus narrowly escaped losing his whole Army ; Caesar , by reason of his Sickness being left behind : For he had certainly been lost , had not Antony arrived to his Relief with such wonderful swiftness , that Brutus could not believe that he was come . Caesar came up to the Army ten days after . Brutus was encamped over against him , and Cassius over against Antony . The space between the two Armies , is called by the Romans , the Fields of Philippi . Never did two so great Roman Armies appear together ready to engage each other . The Army of Brutus was somewhat less in number than that of Caesar : But in the splendidness of their Arms , and richness of their Equipage , it did wonderfully exceed ; for most of their Arms were of Gold and Silver , which Brutus had lavishly bestow'd among them : For though in other things Brutus had accustomed his Commanders to use all Frugality and Moderation , yet he thought that the Riches which Souldiers carried about them in their Hands , and on their Bodies , would stir up the Ambition of those that were desirous of Glory ; and make those that were covetous , and lovers of Gain , fight the more valiantly to preserve their Arms , which were their Estate . Caesar made a View and Lustration of his Army within his Trenches , and distributed only a little Corn , and but five Drachma's to each Souldier for their Sacrifice they were to make . But Brutus , either pitying this poverty , or disdaining this meanness of Spirit in Caesar , first , as the Custom was , made a general Muster and Lustration of his Army in the open Field , and then distributed a great number of Beasts for Sacrifice to every Band , and fifty Drachma's to every Souldier : So that in the Love of his Souldiers , and their readiness to fight for him , Brutus had much the advantage of Caesar . But at the time of Lustration , it is reported , that an unlucky Omen happened to Cassius ; for one of his Officers presenting him with a Garland , that he was to wear at Sacrifice , gave it him with the in-side outward : Farther , it is said , That some time before , at a certain solemn Procession , the Golden Image of Victory , which was carried before Cassius , fell down by a slip of him that carried it . Besides this , there appear'd many Birds of Prey daily about the Camp ; and several swarms of Bees were seen in a place within the Trenches , which Place the South-sayers ordered to be shut out from the Camp , to remove the Superstition which insensibly began to prevail with even Cassius himself , in spight of his Epicurean Philosophy , but had wholly insected and subdued the Souldiers : From whence it was that Cassius was very unwilling to put all to the hazard of a present Battel ; but advised rather to draw out the War till farther time ; considering that they were stronger in Money and Provisions , but in the number and Men , inferiour . But Brutus on the contrary , was still , as formerly , desirous to come with all speed to the decision of a Battel ; that so he might either restore his Country to her Liberty , or else deliver from their Misery all those Men that he had harass'd with the expences , and the troubles and dangers of the War. And finding also his Light-Horse , in several Skirmishes , still to have had the better , he was the more encouraged and resolved : And some of the Souldiers having deserted , and gone to the Enemy , and others beginning to accuse and suspect one another , many of Cassius's Friends in the Council chang'd their Opinions to that of Brutus . But there was one of Brutus's Party , named Atellius , who oppos'd his Resolution , advising rather that they should tarry till the next Winter . And when Brutus ask'd him , In how much better a Condition he hoped to be a Year after ? His Answer was , If I gain nothing else , yet I shall live so much the longer . Cassius was much displeased at this Answer ; and among all the rest , Atellius was had in much disesteem for it : And it was presently resolved to give Battel the next day . Brutus that Night at Supper shew'd himself very chearful and full of Hope ; and entertain'd his Guests with Reasonings and Discourses of Philosophy , and afterwards went to his Rest . But Messala says , that Cassius supp'd privately with a few of his nearest Acquaintance ; and that he appear'd thoughtful and silent , contrary to his Temper and Custom . That after Supper , he took him earnestly by the hand , and speaking to him kindly , as his manner was , said in Greek , Bear witness for me , Messala , that I am brought into the same Necessity , as Pompey the Great was before me , of hazarding the Liberty of my Country upon one Battel : Yet ought we to be of Courage , relying on our good Fortune , which it were unjust to mistrust , though we have taken evil Counsels . These , Messala says , were the last words that Cassius spake before he bad him farewell ; and that he invited him to Supper with him the next Night , being his Birth-day . As soon as it was Morning , the Signal of Battel , being a Scarlet Coat , was set out in Brutus's and Cassius's Camp , and they themselves met in the middle space between their two Armies : There Cassius spoke thus to Brutus , The Gods grant , O Brutus , that this day we may overcome , and that all the rest of our time we may live a happy Life together . But since the greatest of humane Concerns are the most uncertain ; and since it will be very difficult for us ever to see one another again , if the Battel should go against us , tell me , what is your resolution concerning Flight and Death ? Brutus answer'd , When I was young , Cassius , and unskilful in Affairs , I was engaged , I know not how , into an Opinion of Philosophy , which made me accuse Cato for killing himself , as thinking it an irreligious act against the Gods , nor any way valiant among Men , not to submit to Divine Providence , nor to be able fearlesly to receive and undergo whatever ill shall happen , but to fly from it . But now in the midst of danger I am quite of another mind ; for if Providence shall not dispose what we now undertake according to our wishes , I resolve to try no fa●ther hopes , nor make any more preparations for War , but will die contented with my Fortune . For I already have given up my Life to the Service of my Country on the Ides of March ; and all the time that I have lived since has been with Liberty and Honour . Cassius at these words smil'd , and embracing Brutus , said , With these Resolutions let us go on upon the Enemy ; for either we our selves shall Conquer , or have no cause to fear those that do . After this , they discoursed among their Friends about the Ordering of the Battel : And Brutus desired of Cassius , that he might Command the Right Wing , though it was thought that this was more fit for Cassius , in regard both of his Age , and his Experience : Yet even in this Cassius comply'd with Brutus ; and placed Messala with the valiantest of all his Legions , in the same Wing . Brutus immediately drew out his Horse , excellently well equip'd , and took the same care of bringing up his Foot after them . Now Antony's Souldiers were casting a Trench from the Marsh by which they were encamped , to cut off Cassius's passage to the Sea. Caesar was at a distance in his Tent , not being able to be present himself , by reason of his Sickness ; but his Soldiers not expecting that the Enemy would come to a set Battel , but only make some excursions with their Darts and light Arms to disturb those that were working in their Trenches , nor taking enough notice of them that were coming directly upon them , ready to give Battel , were amaz'd when they heard the confus'd , and the great out-cry that came from the Trenches . In the mean while Brutus sent his Tickets , in which was the Word of Battel , to the Captains ; and himself riding about to all the Troops , encouraged the Souldiers ; but there were but few of them that understood the Word before they engaged , and the most of them not staying for it , with great fury and shouting ran upon the Enemy . This disorder caus'd a great confusion in the Army , and the Legions were scatter'd and dispersed one from another : That of Messala first , and afterwards the next went beyond the left Wing of Caesar ; and having cut off , and pass'd that Wing , with the slaughter of not many of the Enemy , fell directly into Caesar's Camp. Octavius himself ( as his own Commentaries shew ) had but just before been conveyed away , upon the perswasion of Artorius , one of his Friends , who had dreamt that he saw a Vision , which commanded Caesar to be carried out of the Camp. And it was believed that he was here slain ; for the Souldiers had pierc'd his Litter , which was left empty , in many places with their Darts and Pikes . There was a great slaughter in the Camp that was taken , and two thousand Lacedaemonians that were newly come to the Assistance of Caesar , were all cut off together . The rest of the Army that had not gone round by the left Wing of Caesar , but had engaged his Front , easily overthrew them , being in great Consternation for the loss of their Camp , and slew upon the place three Legions ; and being carried on with the stream of Victory , pursuing those that fled , fell into the Camp with them , Brutus himself being there . But they that were conquered , took the Advantage of what the Conquerours did not consider ; for they fell upon that part of the main Body , which they found shatter'd and unguarded , the right Wing being broke off from them , and furiously carried away in the pursuit ; yet they could not break into the midst of their Battel , but were receiv'd with strong resistance and obstinacy : Yet they put to flight the left Wing , where Cassius commanded , being in great disorder , and ignorant of what had passed on the other Wing , and pursuing 'em to their Camp , they pillaged and destroyed it , though neither of their Generals were present . For Antony , as they say , to avoid the fury of the first On-set , had retir'd into the Marsh that was hard by ; and Caesar was no where to be found after his being convey'd out of the Tents . But some of the Souldiers shew'd Brutus their Swords bloody , and pretended that they had kill'd him ; describing his Person and his Age. Now , the midst of Brutus's Battel had routed all that resisted them with great slaughter ; and Brutus was every where as plainly Conquerour , as on the other side Cassius was conquered . And this one mistake was the ruine of their Affairs , That Brutus did not come to the relief of Cassius , thinking that he , as well as himself , was Conquerour ; and that Cassius did not expect the Relief of Brutus , thinking that he too was overcome . For a Proof that the Victory was on Brutus's side , Messala urges his taking of three Eagles , and many Ensigns of the Enemy , without losing any of his own . Brutus , now returning from the pursuit , after having destroyed Caesar's Camp , wonder'd that he could not see Cassius's Tent standing high , as it was wont , and appearing above the rest , nor any of the others appearing round about it . For they were immediately overturn'd and pillaged by the Enemy upon their first falling into the Camp. But some that had a more quick and discerning sight than the rest , acquainted Brutus that they saw a great deal of shining Armour , and Silver Targets moving to and fro about Cassius's Tents ; and that they thought , that by their Number and their Armour , they could not be those that they left to Guard the Camp ; but yet , that there did not appear so great a number of dead Bodies thereabouts , as is probable would have been after the defeat of so many Legions . This first made Brutus suspect Cassius's Misfortune ; and leaving a Guard in the Enemies Tent , call'd back those that were in the pursuit , and rallyed 'em together , to lead 'em to the relief of Cassius , who was now in this condition ; First , he was angry at the first On-set , that Brutus his Souldiers made without the Word of Battel , or Command to Charge . Then after they had overcome , he was as much displeased to see them all rush on to the Plunder and Spoil , and neglect to surround and encompass the rest of the Enemy . Besides this , by his own delay and slowness , more than by the briskness and conduct of the Captains of the other side , he found himself hem'd in by the Right Wing of the Enemy , and all his Horse making with all hast their escape , and flying towards the Sea ; the Foot also began to fly , which he perceiving , labour'd as much as ever he could to hinder their flight , and bring them back ; and snatching an Ensign out of the Hand of one that fled , he stuck it at his Feet , though he could hardly keep even his own Praetorian Band together : So that at last he was forc'd to fly with a few about him to a little Hill , that over-looked all the Plain . But he himself being weak sighted , discover'd nothing , only the destruction of his Camp , and that with much difficulty ; but they that were with him saw a great Body of Horse , sent by Brutus , moving towards him . Cassius believ'd these were Enemies , and in pursuit of him ; and sent away Titinius ( one of those that was with him ) to learn what they were . As soon as Brutus's Horse saw him coming , and knew him to be a Friend , and a faithful Servant of Cassius , those of them that were his more familiar Acquaintance shouting out for joy , and alighting from their Horses , saluted and embraced him ; and the rest rode round about him in great Triumph and Noise through their excess of gladness at sight of him . But this was the occasion of the greatest mischief that could be : For Cassius really thought that Titinius had been taken by the Enemy , and cry'd out , Through too much fondness of Life , I have liv'd to endure the sight of my Friend taken by the Enemy before my face . After which words , he retir'd into a private Tent , taking along with him only Pindarus , one of his freed-men , whom he had reserved for such an Occasion ever since the unhappy Battel against the Parthians , where Crassus was slain . But he escaped that Misfortune ; but now wrapping his loose Garment about his Head , he made his Neck bare , and held it forth to Pindarus , commanding him to strike ; and his Head was found lying severed from his Body ; but no Man ever saw Pindarus after this Murther , from which some suspected , that he had kill'd his Master without his Command . Soon after , they perceived who the Horse-men were , and saw Titinius crown'd with Garlands , making what hast he could towards Cassius . But as soon as he understood by the Cries and Lamentations of his afflicted Friends , the unfortunate error and death of his General , he drew his Sword , and having very much accused and upbraided his own long stay , that had caused it , he slew himself . Brutus , as soon as he was assur'd of the Defeat of Cassius , made haste to him ; but heard nothing of his Death , till he came near his Camp : Then having lamented over his Body , calling him , The last of all the Romans , saying , That it was impossible that the City should ever produce another man of so great a Spirit . He sent away the Body to be buried at Thassus , lest celebrating his Funeral within the Camp , might breed some disorder . He then gathered his Souldiers together , and comforted them ; and seeing them destitute of all things necessary , he promis'd to every Man 2000 Drachma's , in recompence of what he had lost . They at these words took courage , and were astonish'd at the Magnificence of the gift ; and waited upon him at his parting , with shouts and praises , magnifying him for the only General of all the four , who was not overcome in the Battel . And indeed he prov'd by his Actions that it was not without reason he believ'd he should Conquer ; for with a few Legions he overthrew all that resisted him ; and if all his Soldiers had fought , and the most of them had not past beyond the Enemy in pursuit of the Plunder , it is very likely that he had utterly defeated them all . There fell of his side eight thousand Men , reckoning the Servants of the Army , whom Brutus call'd Brigas : And on the other side , Messala says , his Opinion is , that there were slain above twice that number ; for which reason they were more out of Heart than Brutus , till a Servant of Cassius , named Demetrius , came in the Evening to Antony , and brought to him the Garment which he had taken from his Master 's dead Body , and his Sword : At the sight of which they were so encouraged , that as soon as it was Morning , they drew out their whole Force into the Field , and stood in Battel-Array against Brutus . But Brutus found both his Camps wavering and in disorder , ( for his own being fill'd with Prisoners , requir'd a Guard more strict than ordinary over 'em ; and that of Cassius was much discontented at the change of their General ; besides , some Envy and Hatred which those that were conquer'd bore to that part of the Army which were Conquerours ) wherefore he thought it convenient to put his Army in Array , but to abstain as much as he could from fighting . All the Slaves that were taken Prisoners , of which there was a great number that behav'd themselves not without suspicion among the Souldiers , he commanded to be slain ; but of the Free-men and Citizens , some he dismiss'd , saying , That among the Enemy they were rather Prisoners than with him ; for with them they were Captives and Slaves , but with him Free-men and Citizens of Rome . Others he was forced to hide , and help them to escape privately , perceiving that some of his Friends and Commanders were implacably bent upon Revenge against them . Among the Captives there was one Volumnius , a Mimick , and Sacculio , a Buffoon ; of these Brutus took no manner of notice , but his Friends brought them before him , and accused them , that even then in that condition they did not refrain from their abusive Jests and scurrillous Language . Brutus having his Mind taken up with other Affairs , said nothing to their Accusation ; but the judgment of Messala Corvinus was , That they should be whip'd publickly upon a Scaffold , and so sent naked to the Captains of the Enemy , to shew 'em what sort of Fellow-drinkers and Companions were fit for such Warriours . At this some that were present laughed ; but Publius Casca , he that gave the first Wound to Caesar , said , That it was not decent to jest and make so merry at the Funerals of Cassius . But thou , O Brutus , says he , will shew what esteem you have for the memory of that General , in punishing or preserving those that scoff'd and spoke abusively of him . To this , Brutus , with great indignation , reply'd , Why then , Casca , do you tell me of this , and not do your self what you think fitting ? This Answer of Brutus was taken for his consent to the death of these wretched Men ; so they were carried away and slain . After this , he gave the Souldiers the Reward that he had promis'd them ; and having slightly reprov'd 'em for having fallen upon the Enemy in disorder , without the Word of Battel or Command : He promis'd 'em , that if they behav'd themselves bravely in the next Engagement , he would give them up two Cities to spoil and plunder , Thessalonica and Lacedaemon . This is the only inexcusable fault in the Life of Brutus ; though Antony and Caesar were much more cruel in the Rewards that they gave to their Souldiers after Victory : For they drove out almost all the old Inhabitants of Italy , to put their Souldiers in possession of other Mens Lands and Cities ; but indeed their only design and end in undertaking the War , was to obtain Dominion and Empire . But Brutus , for the reputation of his Vertue , could not either overcome or save himself but with Justice and Honour , especially after the death of Cassius , who was generally accus'd of putting Brutus upon several violent and cruel Actions . But now , as in a Ship , when the Rudder is broken by a Storm , the Mariners fit and nail on some other piece of Wood instead of it ; striving against the danger not so well as before , but as well as in that necessity they can . So Brutus being at the Head of so great an Army , and engaged in such weighty Affairs , and having no Commander equal to Cassius , was forc'd to make use of those that he had , and to do , and to say many things according to their Advice ; which he chiefly follow'd in whatever might conduce to the bringing of Cassius's Souldiers into better Order . For they were very head-strong and intractable , bold and insolent in the Camp for want of their General , but in the Field cowardly and fearful , remembring that they had been beaten . Neither were the Affairs of Caesar and Antony in any better posture ; for they were streightned for Provision , and the Camp being in a low Ground , they expected to endure a very hard Winter . For being encompass'd with Marshes , and a great quantity of Rain , as is usual in Autumn , having fallen after the Battel , their Tents were all fill'd with Mire and Water , which through the coldness of the Weather immediately froze . And while they were in this condition , there was News brought to them of their loss at Sea. For Brutus's Fleet fell upon their Ships , which were bringing a great supply of Souldiers out of Italy ; and so entirely defeated 'em , that but very few escaped being slain , and they too were forc'd by Famine to feed upon the Sails and Tackle of the Ship. As soon as they heard this , they made what hast they could to come to the decision of a Battel , before Brutus should have notice of his good Success . For it happen'd , that the Fight both by Sea and Land was on the same day . But by some misfortune , rather than the fault of his Commanders , Brutus knew not of his Victory till twenty days after . For had he been informed of this , he would not have been brought to a second Battel , since he had sufficient Provisions for his Army for a long time , and was very advantageously posted , his Camp being safe from the injuries of the Weather , and almost inaccessible to the Enemy : And his being absolute Master of the Sea , and having at Land overcome on that side , wherein he himself was engag'd , would have mightily encourag'd him . But ( it seems ) the state of Rome not enduring any longer to be govern'd by Many , but necessarily requiring a Monarchy , Providence , that it might remove out of the way the only Man that was able to resist him , that was destin'd to this Empire , cut off this good Fortune from coming to the ears of Brutus ; Tho it came but a very little too late : For the very Evening before the Fight , Clodius , a deserter from the Enemy , came and told him , that Caesar had receiv'd advice of the loss of his Fleet , and for that reason was in such hast to come to a Battel . This Relation met with no Credit , neither would Brutus so much as admit him to his Presence , but utterly despis'd him , as one that had had no good Information , or one that had invented Lyes to please him , and bring himself into favour . The same Night , they say , the Vision appear'd again to Brutus in the same shape that it did before , but vanish'd away without speaking . But Publius Volumnius ( a Man given to the study of Philosophy , and one that had from the beginning born Arms with Brutus ) makes no mention of this Apparition , but says , that the first Standard was cover'd with a swarm of Bees ; and that there was one of the Captains , whose Arm of it self sweated Oyl of Roses ; and though they often dryed and wiped it , yet it would not cease . And that immediately before the Battel , two Eagles falling upon each other , fought in the space between the two Armies ; that the whole Field kept incredible silence , and all were intent upon the Spectacle , till at last that which was on Brutus's side yielded and fled . But the story of the Ethiopian is very famous , who meeting the Standard-bearer at the opening the Gate of the Camp , was cut to pieces by the Souldiers that took it for an ill Omen . — Brutus having brought his Army into the Field , and set 'em in Array against the Enemy ; he paus'd a long while before he would fight , for examining his Army , he began to have some suspicions of some of them , and others were accus'd to him . Besides , he saw his Horse begin the Fight not with any great Vigour or Resolution , but still expecting what the Foot would do ; then suddenly , Camulatius , a very good Souldier , and one whom for his Valour he highly esteem'd , riding hard by Brutus himself , went over to the Enemy , the sight of which griev'd Brutus exceedingly . So that partly out of Anger , and partly out of fear of some greater Treason and Desertion , he immediately drew on his Forces upon the Enemy , after Three of the Clock in the Afternoon . Brutus on his side had the better , violently charging the Enemies lest Wing , which gave way and retreated , and the Horse too fell in together with the Foot , when they saw them amaz'd and in disorder . But the other Wing , when the Captains order'd them to march on to the Fight , fearing to be encompass'd , being fewer in number than their Adversaries , spread themselves , and widen'd the middle of their Battel , by which being weakned , they could not withstand the Charge , but at the first On-set fled . After their defeat , the Enemy surrounded Brutus behind , who all the while performed all that was possible for an expert General and valiant Souldier ; shewing in the greatest danger a Courage and a Conduct that deserv'd to Overcome . But that which was advantageous to him in the former Fight , was much to his prejudice in this second . For in the first Fight , that part which was beaten , was presently cut in pieces ; but in this , of Cassius's Souldiers that fled , few were slain , and those that escaped , daunted with being beaten , put the greatest part of the Army , when they came to joyn with them , into Despair and Confusion . Here Marcus , the Son of Cato , was slain fighting , and behaving himself with great bravery in the midst of the Youth of the greatest Quality and Valour . He would neither fly , nor give the least ground , but still fighting , and declaring who he was , and naming his Father's Name , he fell upon a heap of dead Bodies of the Enemy . And several others of the bravest Men in the Army were there slain , who ran in to save Brutus . There was in the Field one Lucilius , an excellent Man , and a Friend of Brutus , who seeing some of the Barbarian's Horse , taking no notice of any other in the pursuit , but directly making towards Brutus , resolv'd to stop them , though with the hazard of his Life ; and being left a little behind , told them , that he was Brutus : They believ'd him the rather , because he prayed to be carried to Antony , pretending that he fear'd Caesar , but durst trust him . They over-joyed with their Prey , and thinking themselves wonderfully fortunate , carried him along with them in the Night , having first sent Messengers to Antony of their coming : He was extremely pleas'd , and came to meet them ; and all the rest that heard that Brutus was taken and brought alive , flock'd together to see him ; some pitying his Fortune , others accusing him of a meanness unbecoming his former Glory , that out of too much love of Life , would be a Prey to Barbarians . When they came near together , Antony stood still , considering with himself in what manner he should receive Brutus . But Lucilius being brought to him , with great confidence said , Be assur'd , Antony , that no Enemy either has , or ever shall take Marcus Brutus alive , ( forbid it , ye Gods , that Fortune should ever so much prevail above Vertue ) but he shall be found , alive or dead , as becomes himself . As for me , I am come hither by a cheat that I put upon your Souldiers , and am ready , upon this occasion , to suffer whatever Torments you will inflict . All were amaz'd to hear Lucilius speak these words : But Antony , turning himself to those that brought him , said , I perceive , my Fellow-souldiers , that you are concern'd , and take it ill , that you have been thus deceiv'd , and think your selves abus'd and injur'd by it : But know , that you have met with a Booty better than that you sought : For you were in search of an Enemy , but you have brought me here a Friend . For indeed I am uncertain how I should have us'd Brutus , if you had brought him alive ; but of this I am sure , that 't is better to have such Men as Lucilius our Friends , than our Enemies . Having said this , he embrac'd Lucilius , and for the present commended him to the care of one of his Friends , and ever after found him a steady and a faithful Friend . Brutus had now past a little Brook , encompass'd with Rocks , and shaded with Trees , and it being Night , would go no farther , but set down in a hollow place at the foot of a great Rock , with a few of his Captains and Friends about him . At first , looking up to Heaven , that was then full of Stars , he repeated two Verses , one of which , Volumnius writes , was this , Punish , great Jove , the Author of these ills . The other , he says , he has forgot . Soon after , naming severally all his Friends that had been s●ain before his face in the Battel , he fetch'd a deep sigh , especially at the mentioning of Flavius and Labio , whereof one was his * Lieutenant , and the other † Master of his Workmen in the Camp. In the mean time , one of his Companions that was very thirsty , and saw Brutus in the same condition , took his Helmet , and ran to the Brook for Water , when a noise being heard from the other side of the River , Volumnius taking Dardanus , Brutus's Armour-bearer with him , went out to see what it was : They return'd in a very short space , and enquir'd about the Water : But Brutus very calmly smiling , said to Volumnius , It is all drunk , but you shall have some more fetch'd . But he that had brought the first Water being sent again , was in great danger of being taken by the Enemy ; but , having receiv'd a Wound , with much difficulty escaped . Now , Brutus guessing that not many of his Men were slain in the Fight , Statilius undertook to pass through the Enemy ( for there was no other way ) and to see what was become of their Camp ; and promis'd , that if he found all things there safe , to hold up a Torch for a Signal , and then return . The Torch was held up , for Statilius got safe to the Camp ; but he after a long time not returning , Brutus said , If Statilius be alive , he will come back . But it happen'd , that in his return he fell into the Enemies hands , and was slain . The Night now being far spent , Brutus , as he was sitting , lean'd his Head towards his Servant Clitus , and spoke to him ; he answer'd him not , but fell a weeping . After that , he drew aside his Armour-bearer , Dardanus , and had some Discourse with him in private : At last , speaking to Volumnius in Greek , he conjur'd him by their common Studies and former Conversation , that he would take hold of his Sword with him , and help him to thrust it through him : Volumnius refus'd it , and several others did the like ; and one of them saying , that there was no staying there , but they needs must fly : Brutus rising up , said , Yes indeed , we must fly , but not with our Feet , but with our Hands . Then taking each of them by the Hand , with a chearful Countenance he said , That he found an infinite Satisfaction in this , That none of his Friends had been false to him . That as for Fortune , he was angry with That , only for his Countries sake . As for himself , he thought he was much more happy than they who had overcome ; not only in regard of what was past , but even in his present Condition ; since he was now leaving behind him such a Reputation of his Vertue , as none of the Conquerours , with all their Arms and Riches , should ever be able to acquire , no more than they could hinder Posterity from believing and saying , That being unjust and wicked Men , they had destroy'd the Just , and the Good , and Vsurp'd an Empire to which they had no Right . After this , having exhorted and beseech'd all about him to provide for their own safety , he withdrew from them with two or three only of his peculiar Friends ; Strato was one of these , with whom he had contracted an Acquaintance when they both study'd Rhetorick together . Him he plac'd next to himself , and taking hold of the Hilt of his Sword , and directing it with both his hands , he fell upon it , and kill'd himself . But others say , that not he himself , but Strato , at the earnest entreaty of Brutus , turning aside his Head , held the Sword , upon which he violently throwing himself , it pierc'd his Breast , and he immediately dyed . This same Strato , Messala , a Friend of Brutus , being after reconcil'd to Caesar , brought to him once at his leisure , and with Tears in his Eyes said , This , O Caesar , is the Man that did the last Friendly Office to my beloved Brutus . Upon which , Caesar received him kindly , and had good use of his Service among the rest of the Valiant Greeks , that served him in the Battel of Actium . It is reported of Messala himself , that when Caesar once gave him this Commendation , That tho he was his fiercest Enemy at Philippi in the cause of Brutus , yet he had shewed himself his most entire Friend in the Fight of Actium . He answered , You shall always find me , Caesar , on the best and justest side . Now , when Antony had found the Body of Brutus , he commanded the richest Coat that he had to be thrown over it ; and afterwards the Coat being stolen , he found the Thief , and had him put to death ; and then sent the Ashes and Relicks of Brutus to his Mother Servilia . As for Porcia his Wife , Nicolaus the Philosopher , and Valerius Maximus write , That being desirous to die , but being hindred by her Friends , who continually watch'd her , from killing her self , she snatched some burning Coals out of the fire , and shutting them close in her mouth , stifled her self , and dyed . Though there is yet extant a Letter of Brutus to his Friends , in which he laments the death of Porcia , and accuses them for neglecting her so , that she desir'd to die , rather than languish with her Disease . So that it seems Nicolaus was mistaken in the time . For this Epistle ( if it indeed is Authentick , and truly Brutus's ) gives us to understand , the Disease , and the Love of this Lady , and the manner of her Death . The End of the Life of Brutus . The Comparison of Dion and Brutus . SEeing then that these Men grew so very famous , especially in that with inconsiderable helps they attain'd to such Power and Greatness . On this score Dion has by far the Advantage : For he had no Partner , none to share the Glory , as Brutus had of Cassius ; who was not indeed of that reputation for Vertue and Honour ; yet not inferiour for his Diligence , his Courage , and his Experience in the Toils of War. And some there be , who to him impute the rise and beginning of the whole Action ; saying , that it was He who roundly to Brutus gave his Advice against Caesar . Whereas Dion seems not only of himself to have provided Arms , Ships , and Souldiers , but likewise Friends and Partners for the Enterprize . Neither did he , as Brutus , gather to himself from the War any Strength or Riches ; but laid out of his own Substance , and employ'd his private Necessaries for the Liberty of his Country . Besides this , Brutus and Cassius , when they fled from Rome , could not live safe or quiet , condemn'd to Death , and were pursued , they were of necessity forced to take Arms , and hazard their Lives in their own defence , to save themselves , rather than their Country . On the co●●rary , Dion enjoyed more ease , was more safe , and his Life more pleasant in his Banishment , than was the Tyrant's who had banished him ; when he flies to Action , and runs the Risk of all to save Sicily . But take notice , it was not the same thing to free the Sicilians from Dionysius , and to support Rome against Caesar ; because the former own'd himself a Tyrant , and vex'd Sicily with a thousand Oppressions . Whereas Caesar's Government , in the modelling of it , very much puzzled his Adversaries . They who had addressed , and they that were forc'd , were both sensible , truly , of the Name and Appearance ; but Fact that was Cruel or ●●●annical , they saw none ; only he held forth in that distemper of Affairs , the necessity of a Monarchy , as the gentlest Cure by God himself prescribed them . Whereupon , the Common People presently missed Caesar , and grew enraged and implacable against those that kill'd him . On the contrary , Dion was hotly prosecuted by the Commons , for having let Dionysius escape ; and for not having digged up the former Tyrant's Grave . In all Actions of War , Dion was a Commander without fault , improving to the utmost those Counsels which himself gave , and , where others fail'd , correcting , and turning every thing to the best . But Brutus when all at stake , and to be decided by Battel , seems to have shewed very indifferent Conduct . Nor , having done amiss , knew he how to set things right again : He wanted Heart , and wanted Hope ; nor , so much as Pompey , could trust his Fortune , when he had still ground 〈…〉 gh to relie on his Troops , and was 〈…〉 ea 〈…〉 Master of all the Seas with his Ships . The greatest thing charg'd on Brutus , is , that He , a 〈…〉 whom he list , of his Party , being sa 〈…〉 by Caesar's kindness , and he accounted a Friend , and preferr'd above many , did yet lay violent hands upon Caesar . Nothing like this , could be objected against Dion ; quite contrary , whilst he was of Dionysius's Family , and his Friend , he did good Service , and was useful to him ; but driven from his Country , wrong'd in his Wife , and his Estate lost , he openly entred upon a War , Just and Lawful . However , the Matter turns otherwise ; for the chief Glory of both , was their hatred of Tyranny , and abhorrence of Wickedness ; this was clear and sincere in Brutus : For he had no private Quarrel with Caesar , but put all to the Risk for the Liberty of his Country . The other , had he not been piqu'd , had not fought . This is plain from Plato's Epistles , where it is shewed , that he was turn'd out , and did not forsake the Court , to wage War upon Dionysius . Moreover , the Publick Good reconcil'd and made Brutus Pompey's Friend , and Caesar's Enemy ; proposing for his Hatred and his Friendship , no other End and Standard , but Justice . Dion was very serviceable to Dionysius , whilst in favour ; when no longer trusted , he grew angry , and fell to Arms. Hereupon his Friends were not all of them satisfied with his Undertaking , lest having overcome Dionysius , he might not settle the Government , by some softer Name , cheating the People . The very Enemies of Brutus would say , That he had no other End or Aim , from first to last , save only to restore to the Roman People their Ancient Government . Notwithstanding what has been said the Adventure against Dionysius , was nothing ●●ual with that against Caesar : For none that was familiarly conversant with Dionysius , but detested his perpetual Sotting with Wine , Women , and Dice . Whereas it required an huge Soul , and undaunted Courage , to entertain but a Thought of vanquishing Caesar , so formidable by his Reputation , his Power , and his Prosperity ; and whose Head so buzz'd with the Names of the Parthian and Indian Kings , that he could not sleep . Dion was no sooner seen in Sicily , but thousands ran in to him , and joyn'd him against Dionysius ; whereas the Renown of Caesar , even when dead , gave heart to his Friends : And his very Name so heightened the Person that took it , that from a simple Boy , he presently became the Chief of the Romans . And he used it for a Spell against the Malice and Popularity of Antony . If any object , That it cost Dion great trouble and difficulties to overcome the Tyrant ; whereas Brutus slew Caesar naked and unprovided : This shews a work of vast Policy and Conduct , to bring it about , that a Man so guarded round , and so fortified at all Points , should be taken naked and unprovided . For it was not on the sudden , nor alone , nor with a few that he fell upon and killed Caesar ; but after long concerting the Plot , and Confidence in a great many Men , not one of whom deceiv'd him : for he either presently discern'd the best Men , or by confiding in them , made them good . But Dion , either making a wrong Judgment , trusted himself with ill Men , or else by his employing them , made ill men of good ; either of the two would be a Reflection on a Wise Man. Plato is severe upon him , for chusing such for Friends , as betray'd him : Besides , when Dion was kill'd , none appear'd to revenge his Death . Whereas Brutus , even amongst his Enemies , had Antony that buried him splendidly . Caesar also took care his Honours should be preserved . There stood at Mediolanum in Gallia Cisalpina a Brazen Statue , representing Brutus , and curiously wrought . Caesar passing that way , made a Halt , and in the hearing of many , commanded the Magistrates to come before him : He told them , Their Town had broken the League with him , harbouring an Enemy . At the first , they denied the thing ; and not knowing what to say , looked upon one another ; When Caesar , turning towards the Statue , and wrinkling his Brow , Pray , says he , Is not that our Enemy who stands there ? They were all in Confusion , and had nothing to answer : But he smiling , much commended the Gauls , as who had been firm to their Friends , though in Adversity ; and so commanded that the Statue should remain standing , as he found it . SER. SULPICIUS GALBA . Disce Militare Miles . THE LIFE OF GALBA : Translated from the Greek . By ANDREW TAYLOR , MA. Late Fellow of King's College in CAMBRIDGE . IPhicrates , the Athenian , suppos'd that a Souldier of Fortune ought to be covetous , and sensual , to put him upon bold Adventures , to to lay in a stock to gratifie his Lusts ; but most were of Opinion , that the Body of an Army , as well as the natural one ( though never so strong ) should make no Efforts apart , but in compliance with their Head. Wherefore they tell us that Paulus Aemilius , recruiting his Forces in Macedonia , and finding them talkative , and impertinently busie , as though they were all Commanders , issued out his Orders that they should have only ready Hands , and keen Swords , and leave the rest to his Care and Conduct . But Plato observing nothing succeed well under a brave General , unless the Army were also sober , and agreeable , judg'd , that to obey orderly , as well as to command , required a generous temper , with constant Discipline and Exercise , chiefly to allay their hot Spirits and active Humour , with Gentleness and Civility : And indeed sundry sad Instances elsewhere , as well as amongst the Romans , after the Death of Nero , are plain proofs , that nothing is more dangerous than a Military Power , unskilfully managed ; therefore Demades , after the Death of Alexander , compared the Macedonian Army to the Cyclops Polyphemus , after his Eye was out , seeing their many disorderly and giddy motions . But the Roman Government he likened to the Giants that assailed Heaven , whose force return'd upon it self , and with a great deal of bustle , only wrought its own ruine , not so much by the Emperour's Ambition , as the Covetousness and Extravagancy of the Souldiers , making them push out one another , for their advantage . Thus Dionysius , in Raillery , said of Pheraeus , enjoying the government of Thessaly only ten Months , He acted a pretty short Part , and so exit Pheraeus ; but the Royal Palace at Rome received four Emperours in less time , one making room for another to enter . This was the only satisfaction of the distressed , that they needed not require any other Justice on their Oppressors , seeing them thus murder each other , first of all , and that most justly , he that ensnared them first , and taught them to expect such great Matters as he had promised at Caesar's Death , sullying that brave Action , viz. the revolting from Nero , turning it into scandalous Treachery by his Bribery ; for Nymphidius Sabinus , Captain of the Guards , together with Tigellinus , after Nero's Circumstances were known , and that he designed to fly into Egypt , perswaded the Army to declare Galba Emperour , as if Nero had been already gone ; promising to all the Souldiers , as well those abroad , as the Home-Guards , so round a Summ for a Largess , that it was unpossible any one could raise , but he must be infinitely more exacting than ever Nero was . This presently dispatch'd Nero , and soon after Galba too ; they murdered the first , in expectation of the promised Summ ; and not long after , the other ; because he kept not touch with them according to his Word , thus vainly enquiring who would purchase at such a rate , they destroyed themselves by Treachery and Rebellion , before they obtained their Expectations : But to give you a particular Relation of all that passed , would require too large a History . But I ought not pass by what is most material ; what the Caesars both did and suffered . Sulpitius Galba is owned by all , to be the richest of a private Person that ever came to the Imperial Seat , ( besides the additional Honour of being of the Family of the Servii , ) he valued himself for his relation to Catulus , a Person of Eminence in his time , both for Vertue and Renown ; tho' he voluntarily yielded to others for Power and Authority : Galba was also a-kin to Livia , Wife to Augustus , by whose interest he was by the Court preferr'd to the Consulship . 'T is said of him that he honourably discharged his Command in Germany , and being made Pro-consul in Libya , he gained that Reputation few ever had . But his thrifty , narrow Entertainments ( beneath the dignity of a General ) was a great diminution ; and only afforded him the mean credit of being call'd an orderly , sober Gentleman . He was intrusted by Nero with the Government of Spain , when he had not yet learned to revere the great Citizens in Authority . To the Opinion they had of his mild Natural Temper , his old Age occasioned a Belief that he would act too cautiously . And although he had the management of Nero's Officers in his own hands , who with savage cruelty harrass'd the Provinces 〈…〉 gave them this only ease and consolation , that he seem'd plainly to sympathize with the poor injur'd Slaves , as a fellow-sufferer . And when Lampoons were made upon Nero , and sung every where about , he neither prohibited them , nor shewed any indignation , as the Procurators did ; for which indeed he was the more beloved ; as also that he was well acquainted with them , having been in chief power there eight years ; at which time Junius Vindex , General of the Forces in Gaul , began to make Head against Nero , and 't is reported , that Letters came to him before it fully broke out into Rebellion ; which he seemed neither to give credit to , nor thwarted , nor in the least acquainted Nero , whereas other Officers had informed him , according to what came to their hands , and so spoiled the Design ( as much as in them lay ) who afterwards sharing in the Conspiracy , confess'd they had been treacherous to themselves , as well as him . At last Vindex plainly declaring War , wrote to Galba , encouraging him to take the Government upon him , and head the Gauls , a very considerable Body indeed , not less than 100000 Men , and able to raise more if occasion were . He then propounded this Advice to his Friends , some of hom thought it fit to expect what 〈…〉 motions there might be , or what inclinations Rome might discover towards an alteration ; but Titus Junius Captain of the Guards , spoke thus ; Galba , what means this Demur , to enquire whether we shall continue faithful to Nero , is perfect Madness ; what though Vindex be an Enemy of Nero's , yet his Friendship is in no wise to be rejected , much less to be inform'd against , or oppos'd by Arms , because he would rather have you the Roman Emperour than Nero their Tyrant . Thereupon , Galba by an Edict appointed a certain Day for enfranchising those that requested it , the Rumour of which soon brought together a great crowd of Men so readily inclin'd to innovations , that he scarcely appeared stepping up to the Chair of State , but they with one consent saluted him Emperour , which Title he refused at present to take upon him ; but after he had a while inveighed against Nero , and bemoaned the loss of those brave Men that had been destroyed by him , he offered himself , and service to his Country , not by those specious Titles of Caesar , or Emperour , but only as Lieutenant to the Senate and People . Now that Vindex did wisely in inviting Galba to the Empire , Nero himself bore testimony , though he seem'd to despise him , and altogether to slight the Gauls and their Concerns ; yet when he heard of Galba ( as by chance he had wash'd and sate down to Dinner ) he in indignation overturn'd the Table . But the Senate voting Galba an Enemy , he being disposed to sport , and likewise personate a confidence amongst his Friends ; This bodes no ill to me ( says he ) who want such a Booty as that of the Gauls , which must all fall in as lawful prize ; and for Galba ' s Estate , I can use , or sell it as occasion serves , he appearing an open Enemy : and accordingly appointed a publick Auction , wherein Galba's Fortune was exposed to Sale : which when Galba heard of , he sequester'd Nero's Estate in Spain , and found far more brisk bidders . The most part in this Juncture revolted from Nero , and adher'd to Galba ; only Clodius Macer in Africa , and Virginius Rufus , Commander of the German Forces in Gallia , took different measures from all the rest ; yet these two were not absolutely unanimous ; for Clodius being sensible of his Rapines and Murders ( being acted by cruelty and covetousness ) stood wavering , not finding it safe , either to retain or quit his Command . But Virginius , who had the Command of their chief Legions , by whom he was often complemented with the Title of Emperour , and press'd to take it upon him , declar'd that he neither would assume that honor himself , nor see it given to any other , than whom the Senate should elect . These things at first , did not a little perplex Galba ; but presently Virginius and Vindex's Forces compell'd their Commanders ( having got the Reins , as it were , out of their hands ) to an Engagement , where Vindex sustaining the loss of 20000 men , and offering violence to himself , the Report strait spread abroad , that all desired Virginius should take the Empire upon him , or they would return to Nero again . Galba being startled at this , wrote to Virginius , exhorting him to join with him , for the preservation of the Empire , and the liberty of the Romans , and so retiring with his Friends into Colonia , ( a Town in Spain ) he past away his time , rather repenting his former rashness ( wishing for his wonted ease and privacy ) than setting about what was fit to be done . It was now Summer , when on a sudden in the Evening comes one of Galba's Free-men from Rome ( a Sicilian by Birth ) in seven days space , and being inform'd where Galba was reposing himself in private , rushing by the Grooms of the Chamber , he hastily ran into the Room , and told him , that Nero being yet alive , but not appearing , first the Army , and then the People and Senate declar'd Galba Emperour ; not long after , it was reported that Nero was dead ; but I ( says he ) not giving credit to common Fame , went my self and when I beheld him stretch'd out stark dead , I hastned to bring the News . This clearly revived Galba , and a great Crowd hastning to the door , were very confident of the truth of his Tidings , though the speed of the man was almost incredible . Two days after came Titus Jun●us , with sundry others from the Camp , who gave an account of the orders of the Senate as to that Affair , and for his Service was considerably advanc'd . On his Free-man he conferr'd the honour of the Gold-Ring , and Marcianus Vicellius was made chief Ruler over all his Free-men . But Nymphidius Sabinus at Rome , not fair and leisurely , but violently at one pull , ingross'd all business to himself . C. Galba being an old man , at least seventy three , and scarcely for Age , to be coach'd to Rome . And not only so , but he inveigled the Army also , formerly inclin'd to him , but now his only Creatures , by his liberal distributions ; they looking upon him as their sole Benefactor , and Galba perfectly his Debtor . Thus presuming on his interest , he strait commanded Tigellinus in joint commission with himself , to lay down his Arms , and making a noble Treat , he invited the Pro-consuls , and chief Commanders , making use of Galba's Name to the invitation ; he also prepared many of the Army to declare that Galba ought to be sent to with a Petition , that Nymphidius might be sole Commander . Moreover what the Senate acted , out of respect to him , stiling him their Benefactor , and attending daily at his Gates , and giving him the Complement of confirming their Acts , carried him on to a greater degree of Arrogance , that in a short time he became not only to be envied , but even dreaded by his Adorers . When the Consuls themselves had dispatcht their Couriers with the decrees of the Senate to the Emperour sealed ( whom the Magistrates of each Town took care to speed away with all convenience ) he highly resented it , that it was done without his Warrant , and none of his Souldiers employed on the Errand . Nay further , he deliberated what course to take with the Consuls themselves , but upon their submission and apology , he was at last pacified : To gratifie the People , he permitted them to beat out the Brains of any Malignant of Nero's Party . Amongst others : they murthered one Spicillius , a Fencer , in the Market-place , and threw him under Nero's Statues , which they dragg'd about the Street . Apponius , they knock'd down flat to the ground , and after drove loaded Carts over him , to make sure work , though he was one had accused Nero ; and many others they tore in pieces , some of them no way obnoxious , in so much that Mauriscus , a person deservedly of great account and quality , told the Senate that he fear'd in a short time , they might wish for Nero again . Nymphidius now advancing towards the consummation of his hopes , did not refuse the honour of being call'd Caius Caesar's Son , Successor to Tiberius Caius , who , as it is said , was well acquainted with his Mother in his youth , a woman indeed handsome enough , the Off-spring of Kalisto , one of Caesar's Free-men , and a certain Sempstress . But it 's plain that Caius's familiarity with his Mother , was of too late date for him to lay any claim to ; but it was strongly suspected , he might if he pleas'd pretend to Martianus , a Gladiator , whom his Mother Nymphidia had a great kindness for ; being a man of repute in his way , whom also he much resembled ; however , 't is well he certainly own'd Nymphidia for his Mother . The down-fall of Nero he ascrib'd to himself alone , and thought he was not sufficiently rewarded with the Honours and Riches he enjoy'd ; nay , nor with Sporus ( Nero's beloved darling ) in to the bargain , whom he immediately sent for at the interment of Nero , and caress'd him as though he had been his Spouse , calling him Poppaeus , but he must also aspire to the Empire , and by some Female Friends and Senators ( wrought underhand ) to assist him in the business . He dispatch'd one Gellianus , a Friend of his , into Spain , to view the posture of affairs ; but all things succeeded well with Galba after Nero's death , only Virginius standing doubtful , created a jealousie in him , lest he should listen to the suggestions of some who encouraged him , to take the government upon him ; having at present , beside his conquest over Vindex , the command of a great Army , and reduc'd Gaul ( a considerable part of the Roman Empire ) when they seem'd wavering , and indeed rather inclin'd to Rebellion . No man surely had a greater Name and Reputation than Virginius , who in their great revolutions freed the Romans from Tyranny , and a Gallick War. But he standing to his first resolves , reserv'd to the Senate the power of electing an Emperour ; but when it was manifest that Nero was dead , the Souldies prest him hard to it , and one of the Colonels entring his Tent with his drawn Sword , bidding him either take the Government or that . But after Fabius Valens having the command of a Regiment , had first sworn Fealty to Galba , and had Letters from Rome of the Resolves of the Senate , with much a-do he perswaded the Army to declare Galba Emperor . Flaccus Hardonius immediately , by his Commission , was sent to succeed him , to whom when he had consign'd his forces , he marcht to meet Galba , and attend him on his Journey , who apparently shew'd him no displeasure , being under a little dread of him , nor yet much respect on the account of his Friends , chiefly Titus Junius , who enviously thinking to hinder Virginius's promotion , contributed much to his happiness , rescuing him from those hazards and hardships , the other Officers were involved in , which occasioned him a quiet life , and a peaceable old Age. About Narbon a City in Gaul , some of the Senators met him by order of the House , and ( after they had dispatched their complements ) beseeched him to make what haste he could to appear to the People , that impatiently expected him ; whom he discoursed courteously and familiarly , but in his entertainment , tho Nymphidius had sent him both rich Provision and Attendants of Nero's , he laid all aside and made use of nothing but his own , which made him appear great , far above those little vanities . But in a short time Junius abusing his generous civil way of treating without pomp , terming it popularity , and a meer pretence to moderation unbecoming his Grandure , perswaded him to make use of Nero's store , and make his Regal's Noble and Princelike ; so that it soon appeared that the Old Man , had put himself under Junius's disposal ; a Person excessive covetous , above all things , and not a little addicted to Women ; for being a youngster newly entred into the Wars , under Calvisius Sabinus , he brought his Captains Wife , a wanton dame , in a Souldiers habit by Night into the Camp , and used her like a Leaguer Lady , even at the head Quarters ; for which insolence , C. Caesar cast him into Prison , from whence he was fortunately delivered by his death : Being invited by Claudius Caesar to Supper , he privily conveighed away a Silver Cup ; which Caesar hearing of , inviting him next Day , gave order to his Servants to set before him , nothing but Earthen ware ; this mild rebuke seemed Comical , and to be done rather in sport than displeasure . But what he acted covetously for his own advantage ( having great power with Galba ) was either the real or seeming cause of many tragical and fatal mischiefs . Upon this account Nymphidius became very uneasie , upon the return of Gellianus out of Spain , who was sent to pry into Galba's actions , understanding that Corn. Lacon commanded the Emperors Guards , and that Junius was the great Favourite , and that he might not so much as come nigh , much less have any opportunity to offer any thing in private ; so narrowly they watched him with all caution imaginable ; upon which he called together the Officers of the Army , and declar'd to 'em that Galba of himself was a fair square old Gentleman , but not taking his own measures , he was ill manag'd by Junius and Lacon : and lest , before they were aware , they should ingross the Authority Tigillinus had in the Army , he propounded to them to send Ambassadours from the Camp , acquainting him that if he pleas'd to remove only them two from his Counsel and Presence , he would be much more welcome and dear to all at his arrival : Wherein when he saw he did not prevail , ( it seeming absurd and unmannerly to give Rules to an old Commander , what Friends to retain or displace , ( as if he had been a Youth , newly taking the Reins of Authority into his hands : ) steering another course , he wrote complaining , deceitful Letters : one while as if the City were unsettled , and had not yet put over some old grudge , and that Clodius Macer withheld the Provision from Africa , they so much rely'd on ; and that the Forces in Germany began to be mutinous , and that he heard the like of those in Syria and Judaea . Galba , not minding him much , nor giving credit to his stories , resolv'd to surprize him ; but one Clodius Celsus dissuaded him , averring that he could not believe one Family in Rome would ever give Nymphidius the Title of Caesar . Nevertheless many derided Galba , amongst the rest Mithridates of Pontus , saying , One of these days when this wrinkled bald coote shall appear publickly at Rome , they 'll account it an utter disparagement ever to have had such an Emperor . At last it was resolved , about Midnight to bring Nymphidius into the Camp , and declare him Emperor ; but Antonius Honoratus the first Colonel , summoning together in the evening those under his command , charged himself and them severely with their many and unreasonable turns and alterations , without any regard to merit , as if some evil Genius hurryed them from one Treason to another . What tho Nero ' s miscarriages ( says he ) gave some colour to their former treachery , yet what pretence have they to betray Galba ? Has he killed his Mother , or murdered his Wife , or disparaged the Imperial Throne , by acting the Fools part on the Stage ? Neither did we desert Nero for all this , till Nymphidius had perswaded us , that he had first left us , and fled into ▪ Egypt ; shall we therefore send Galba after , to appease Nero ' s Ghost ; and designing the Son of Nymphidia Emperor , take off one of Livia ' s family , as we have already the Son Agrippina ; rather doing justice on him , let us revenge Nero ' s death , and shew our selves true and faithful by preserving Galba . The Colonel having ended his harangue , the Souldiers assented , and incourag'd all they met with to persist in their fidelity to the Emperor : And indeed brought over the greatest part , but presently hearing a great shout , ( Nymphidius imagining ( as some say ) that the Souldiers called for him , or rather hastning to prevent their tumult and disorder , marched towards the Light , carrying in his hand a Speech in Writing , made by Ciconius Varro , which he had on purpose conned to wheedle the Souldiers , but seeing the Gates of the Camp shut up , and abundance armed about the Walls , he began to be afraid ? Yet drawing nearer , he demanded what they meant , and by whose orders they were then in Arms ; but hearing a general acclamation , all with one consent , crying out , we acknowledge none but Galba Emperor . He advancing towards them approved of what they did , and likewise commanded those that followed him to do the same . The Guard notwithstanding permitted him to enter the Camp , only with a few , where he was presently saluted with a dart , which Septimius , being before him , received 〈◊〉 his Shield ; others assaulted him with their naked Swords , and pursued him into a Souldiers Cabbin , where they flew him , and dragging his Body thence , they drail'd it about , and expos'd it next day to publick view , which when Galba heard of , he commanded that all his confederates that had not met with the same fate , should immediately be dispatched ; amongst whom were Ciconius ( who made his Oration ) and Mithridates formerly mentioned . But it seemed to be Arbitrary and Illegal , and though it might be just , yet by no means popular , to take off Men of their rank and quality without a fair hearing . Every one expected another Scheme of government , being deceived , as 't is usual , by the first plausible pretences ; But the death of Petronius Tertullian , tho faithful to Nero , yet being a Man of consular dignity , most of all concern'd them . Indeed the taking of Macron in Africa by Trebonius , and Fronteius by Valens in Germany , had a fair pretence , they being dreaded as armed Men , having their Souldiers at their devoir ; but to deny Tertullian an old Man and unarmed , to try to clear himself , was not agreeable to that moderation , and equity at first promised . These things reflected much upon Galba . When he came within three Miles or thereabouts of the City , he hapned to light on a disorderly rabble of Sea-men , who had beset him in his pass . These were they whom Nero made Souldiers , ordering them into one division . They so rudely crowded to have their commission reinforced , in so much , that they obstructed the sight of Galba , so that he could not salute those that came to accost their new Emperor ; but tumultuously pressed on with loud shouts , to have colours to their Legion ; and quarters assign'd them . But Galba put 'em off till another time , which they interpreting a denial , grew more insolent and mutinous , some of 'em with their drawn Swords in their hands ; whereupon Galba commanded the Horse to ride over them , whereby they were soon routed , never a Man standing his ground , and many of them were slain in the pursuit . An ill Omen , that Galba should make his first entry , through so much blood and slaughter . Now he became dreadful and terrible to those who formerly despised his infirm old age . When he attempted to make a clear alteration , and to retrench Nero's profuseness in gifts , and extravagant expences , he much mist his aim and fell so short of State , that he came not within the compass of decency . Poor Canus an excellent Musician , playing all Supper time , receiv'd only a few Crowns from the Emperor 's own hand ; with a large commendation , and this Item , that it was out of his own purse , and not on the Publick account . Besides he ordered Nero's liberal largesses to Actors , Fencers , and such like , to be strictly remanded , bating only the tenths , tho it turned to very small account , most of those Persons expending their daily income , as fast as receiv'd , being a dissolute sort of Men ; he exacted also of those that entertain'd them , or made any advantage of 'em , to refund . The trouble was infinite , the profit running into many hands , the Emperour thereby basely disparaged , and Junius deservedly hated and maligned , rendring Galba mean and despicable to others , whilst he only made advantage of all places and things about him . Yet never satisfied as Hesiod hath it , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Junius seeing him old and decaying grasped at all , supposing his time short , his good fortune only appearing , and e'ne vanishing at the same instant . Thus the old Gentleman was abused by Junius's male administration , either censuring or impeding all his just proceedings ; such was the punishing Nero's adherents , when he destroy'd the bad ( amongst whom were Elias Polycletus , Petinus , and Patrobius , the People mightily applauded the act , crying out , as they were dragged through the Market place , This is a goodly shew , grateful even to the God's themselves . But when the Gods , and Men demanded justice on Tigillinus , Nero's great Tutor and Manager of his Tyranny , Junius obstructed it being roundly bribed by the Gentleman under hand : but Tertullian , he could not permit to escape with life , tho he had done no great mischief ( only did neither betray nor envy Nero whilst Emperor ) but dealt far otherwise with him , that made him obnoxious , even worthy of death , and afterwards deserted and betrayed him whom he had so corrupted ; a great instance that Junius could do any thing ; and that those that had Money might despair of nothing . However the People were so fond of seeing Tigillinus dragged to Execution , that they never ceased to require it at the Theatre , and all publick Places till they were checked by an Edict of the Emperors , perswading them that Tigillinns could not live long , being much wasted with a Consumption , and desired that they would not make his Government appear Cruel and Tyrannical . So the dissatisfied Mobile were laughed at , and Tigillinus made a splendid Feast and Sacrificed for his recovery . After Supper , Titus Junius rising from the Emperour went to revel it with Tigillinus taking his Daughter , a Widow , with him , to whom Tigillinus presented his Service with 250000 l. and commanded the Governess of his Concubines to take off a rich Necklace from her own , and to tye it about hers , valued at 150000 l. Afterwards his more moderate acts began to be censured , as also his dealing with the Gauls , who were in the Conspiracy with Vindex ; for they looked upon their freedom , and abatement of Taxes , not so much the clemency of their Prince , as Junius's profit . Hence many began to malign the Government . But the Souldiers were kept on a while , in expectation of the donative he promised , supposing that if they did not receive the full , yet at least as much as Nero gave them . Afterwards Galba hearing they began to complain , declared greatly , and like a brave General , that he was used to make choice of , and not to buy his Souldiers , which when they heard of , they conceived an implacable hatred against him , for he did not seem only to defraud 'em , and blast their present expectations , but to give an ill precedent , and instruct his Successors to do the like . Their heart-burning , and caballing at Rome was as yet conceal'd , and that reverence they bore whil'st Galba was present , somewhat retarded their motions , and took off their edge , finding no probable ground for disturbance , which somewhat curb'd their discontents for the present . Those that had been formerly under Virginius , and now under Flaccus in Germany valuing themselves much upon the engagement with Vindex , and making no great advantage of it , grew very refractory and intractable towards their Officers , and Flaccus they undervalued being much indispos'd and unserviceable indeed by the Gout ; besides a Man of little experience in military Affairs . At one of their solemn Festivals , when it was customary for the Officers of the Army to wish all health and happiness to the Emperour , the common Souldiers began to mutiny , but they continuing their good wishes cryed out , he deserves it not , when the like insolence was committed several times by Tigillinus's forces , information was given Galba by the Procurators , whereupon suspecting that he might be despised , not only for his old age , but also for want of issue , he determined to adopt some young Man of quality , and declare him his successor . Marc. Otho was in his thoughts , a Person of no mean extraction , but from his Childhood as scandalous as any for lewdness and debauchery , and as Homer terms Paris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Fair Helen's spruce Gallant , being remarkable for nothing else , his name was swallowed up in hers . So Otho was notoriously talked of for nothing more than his Marriage with Poppea , whom Nero had a kindness for , when she was Crispinus's Wife , but being as yet respectful to his own Lady , and paying a deference to his Mother , he engaged Otho under-hand to sollicit her in his behalf . Nero you must know converst familiarly with Otho , making use of his prodigality , and was well pleased , when he took the freedom to droll , on his thrifty , penurious humour , reflecting both in words and actions ; as when Nero one day perfuming himself with some rich essences favoured Otho with a small sprinkle , and he treating Nero , next day in a Bravado , ordered gold and silver pipes to disperse the like on a sudden freely , like a mist throughout the room . As to Poppea , he was before hand with Nero , and anticipated his joys , and upon promise of Nero's favour , prevailed with her to part with her Husband , and brought her to his own house as his Spouse , but was not content afterwards to have a share in her , but grudged to have Nero for a Rival . Poppea in the mean time was not concern'd at this their jealousie , and sometimes excluded Nero ( when Otho was not present ) either to make Nero the more sharp , or , as some say , being weary of his conversation , not approving a Marriage with him : However she did not quite slight his address , being gamesome enough , and well inclined : On the account of this match , Otho was in danger of his Life , and strange it was he escaped , Nero having taken off his Wife , and Sister , to compass this design . But he was beholding to Seneca's friendship , by whose perswasions , and intreaty Nero was prevailed with , to dispatch him , Proproetor , into Lusitania , towards the Sea coast , where he behaved himself very obligingly towards all , full well knowing this command was but to colour and disguise his banishment . When Galba revolted from Nero , Otho was the first Governour of any of the Provinces that came over to him , bringing what Utensils he had of Gold and Silver , which he presented to the mint ; and also what Servants he had , rightly qualified , to wait upon a Prince , in all other points too he was faithful to him , and gave him sufficient proof that he was inferior to none , in managing publick business . By this time he had so far ingratiated himself , that he rode in the same Coach with him , the whole progress ; and in his travels he mightily gained on Junius , both by his conversation , and presents ; but especially by giving him the preference , he secured the next place , ( by his interest ) before all others . Neither was he at all envyed , gratifying all Mens requests freely ; appearing courteous ; and of easie access towards all , especially the Souldiers ; many of whom he preferred to commands some of them immediately , by the Emperour ; others by Junius's means ; craving the assistance of the two favourites Siculus and Asiaticus . These were the Men in Power in all matters relating to Court : As oft as he entertained Galba , he gave his Guards , besides their own Pay Crowns a piece , upon pretence of respect to the Emperor , but really with an intent to inveagle the Souldiers , and so out-do him in his Politicks . Galba consulting about a Successor Junius introduced Otho , yet not gratis , but upon promise he would marry his Daughter , if he were made his adopted Son , and Successor to the Empire ; but Galba always declared , that he preferred the publick good , before his own private interest , not aiming so much to pleasure himself , as to advantage the Romans . Indeed he did not seem so much as inclined to make choice of Otho , to inherit his own private fortune , knowing his extravagant lavish humour , and that he was already dipt 50000 l. thick . So he gave Junius the hearing , but calmly suspended his determination without giving any answer , only appointed him Consul , and Junius his Colleague ; it was the general Opinion , that he would declare him his Successor , at the beginning of the next year . Now the Army desired nothing more than that Otho should be the Person ; but the Forces in Germany falling into a Mutiny whilst he was deliberating , prevented his design , for the Souldiers in general , had a pique against Galba , not having given them their expected largess , yet they made a pretence of a more particular concern , as that Virginius Rufus was cast off dishonorably , and that the Gauls who engaged with them were well rewarded , the rest being punished that joyned not with Vindex ; to whom alone Galba paid his acknowledgment , and honoured his Memory after his death with publick Solemnities , as tho he had been constituted Emperor , by his means only . Whilst these discourses past openly throughout the Army ; on the first of January , Flaccus summoning 'em to take the anniversary Oath of Fealty to the Emperor , they threw down Galba's Statues , and utterly defaced them , afterwards having sworn , in the name of the Senate and People , they departed . But their Commanders now feared Anarchy , and Confusion , as much as their Apostacy and Rebellion : whereupon one of them stepping forth thus accosted them : What will become of us , my fellow Soldiers , if we neither set up another General , nor retain the present one , seeming not so much to rescue our selves from Galba , as to decline all subjection , and be under no Command ? Let us a while permit Flaccus Hordeomus as a cypher , a mere shadow , and image of Galba : But Vitellius , chief Commander of the lower Germany , is but one days March distant , whose Father was Censor , and thrice Consul , and as I may say , in a manner Co-Emperor with Claudius Caesar : he of all Men , in so great imploy , gives the clearest proof of his ●ounty and largeness of mind , viz. his poverty ; how despicable soever it seems to some . Him let us make choice of , that all may see , we know how to choose an Emperor better than either the Spaniards or Lusitanians . Which motion whilst some assented to , and others gainsaid ; a certain Ensign slip'd out , and carried the News to Vitellius , whilst he was treating much company by Night . This taking air , soon past through the Army ; and Fabius Valens a principal Commander , riding before his full Troops next day , saluted Vitellius Emperor . He seemed to decline it , pretending a dread he had to undertake the Weight of the Government ; but the next day by noon being well incouraged by a plentiful repast ; he began to yield , and submitted to take on him the Title of Germanicus , they gave him ; but desired to be excused , as to that of Caesar ; immediately Flaccus's Soldiers laying aside their specious popular Oaths , imposed by the Senate , they swore obedience to Vitellius as Emperor , and to observe whatever commanded . Thus Vitellius was publickly owned Emperor in Germany ; which News coming to Galba's Ear , he no longer deferred his adoption ; yet knowing many of his Friends were inclined to Dolabella , but more to Otho ( neither of whom he well approved of ) on a sudden without any ones privity , he sent for Piso , who was nearly related to Crassus , and Piso ( whom Nero slew ) in whose natural temper eminently appeared much modesty and gravity , and indeed all virtuous inclinations . Going then into the Camp , he declared him his Successor to the Empire . But immediately many prodigious Omens appeared from Heaven ; and when he began to make a Speech to the Souldiers , the frequent Claps of Thunder , and flashes of Lightning , and a dismal black storm covering both the Camp and City , were plain discoveries , that the Heavens did not favour this adoption . The Souldiers also seemed dissatisfied by their sullen looks ; seeing nothing of the wonted distributions , on such occasions . Those that were present and observed Piso's Countenance and Voice admired to see him no more surprized , tho he seemed not insensible of so great a favour . On the other hand Otho appeared full of sadness and disturbance at his disappointment , as being once thought worthy , and e'en ready to be invested in his good Fortune , and now to be put by was a shrewd sign of the displeasure and ill will of Galba toward him . This filled him with fears and jealousies , and grievously perplexed his Mind , whilst he dreaded Piso , hated Galba , and was full of wrath and indignation against Junius . But the Chaldeans and South-sayers about him , would not permit him to lay aside his hopes , or quit his design , chiefly Ptolomaeus , much relying upon a Prediction , that Nero should not murder him , but he himself should die first , and Otho succeed as Emperor . Now the first proving true , he thought he ought not distrust the rest ; but none exasperated him more , than those that seemed privately to pity his hard Fate , to be so ungratefully dealt with by Galba , especially Nymphidius's and Tigillinus's Creatures , who were now cast off , and reduced to their former state ; these seemed highly to resent this indignity put upon him ; amongst whom were Veturius and Barbius , the one termed Optio , ( the Captain assistant ) the other Tesserarius , the Person intrusted with setting the Watch , and giving the Word : Amongst them Onomastus , one of Otho's Freemen went to the Camp to tamper with the Army , and brought over some with Money , others with fair promises , which was easily done , they being already corrupted , and only wanting a fair pretence ; it had been otherwise , more than the work of Four days ( which happened betwixt the Adoption and Massacre ) thus totally to have infected a sound Army , so as to cause a general revolt . They were aslassined Feb. 15. on which Day in the Morn , Galba Sacrificed in his Palace , in the Presence of his Friends , when Vmbricius the Priest , taking up the entrails and predicting not darkly , and by conjecture , but manifest ill boding Omens of great troubles ensuing , and dangerous Snares laid for the Life of the Emperor . Thus Otho had e'en been discovered by the Finger of God ; but being just behind Galba , attending diligently to the South-sayers Lecture , his countenance changed for fear , and he betrayed no small concern ; which Onomastus observing , acquainted him that one of the Master Builders waited for him at home : ( now that was the signal for Otho to meet the Souldiers ) pretending then , that he had purchased an old house , and was going to shew the defects to those that sold it : he departed and passing by Tiberius's house ( as they called it ) he stept into the Market Place , nigh the Golden Pillar , where all the several Italian ways center , where 't is reported no more than twenty five received him , and saluted him Emperor ; which put him to a stand , tho not out of any effeminacy , being in his nature bold , and hardy enough ; in hazardous adventures ; but the Soldiers that were present , would not suffer him to recede ; but with their drawn Swords about his Chair , commanded the Bearers to take him up , whom he hastned on , though in the mean time , he said to himself , I am a lost Man. Those who over-heard him , rather admired than were concerned at the inconsiderable number that attempted such an enterprise . But , as they marched on , about as many more met him , and here and there three or four at a time adjoyned themselves . Thus returning towards the Camp , with their Arms in their hands , they cryed out a Caesar , a Caesar ; whereupon one Martius , who commanded the Guards , who was no ways privy to it , being surprized at the unexpectedness of the thing , permitted him entrance ; and afterwards no Man made any resistance , for they that knew nothing of the design , being purposely encompassed by the Conspirators , as they were stragling here and there : first sub 〈…〉 ed for fear , and after were perswaded into a compliance . This came presently to 〈◊〉 ear in his Palace , whilst the Priest was intent on the Sacrifice , as yet holding the entrails in his hand , so that they who usually slighted those matters , were astonished , and began to admire the prodigious Omen . The Mobile ran confused from the Market upon the report ; but Junius Lacon , and some of his Free-men guarded him , with their drawn Swords , Piso instantly made to the band of Pentioners , who were the Royal Guard. Marius Celsus , that stout Man , was dispatched to the Illyrian Squadron , who were planted at Vipsanus , to secure that Post . Galba now consulting whether he should quit his Palace , Junius disswading him , but Celsus and Lacon encouraged him by all means to come forth ; and sharply reprimanded Junius for his pains . But on a sudden a rumour came hot that Otho was slain in the Camp ; immediately appeared one Julius Atticius , an eminent Officer of the Guard with his drawn Sword , crying out , that he had slain great Caesar's Enemy ; and pressing through the Crowd that stood in his way , he presented himself before Galba with his bloody Weapon ; who looking on him , demanded , who commanded him so to do ? My fidelity , says he , and the Oath I have taken to be true to the Emperor . Which action when the People applauded , giving loud acclamations , Galba was carryed out in his Chair to sacrifice to Jupiter , and so to shew himself publickly ; but coming into the Market Place ( the tide being turned ) a report met him that Otho had made himself Master of the Camp ; but as usually in such a Crowd , some called to him to return back , others to move forward , some encouraged him to be bold and fear nothing ; others to be cautious , and distrust his circumstances : Thus whilst his Chair was tost to and fro , ( as it were on the waves ) often tottering , there appear'd first Horse , and straightways Foot , fromwards Paulus's Portico with one accord crying out ; down with this private Man ; at which the Rabble hurried confusedly ; not as if they intended to disperse , but to possess themselves of the Porches , and bulks in the Market Place , as if it were to some strange sight in the Theatre . And as soon as Attilius Sarcelio overturned Galba's Statue , they immediately fell to open hostility , and threw their darts at Galba's Chair ; but missing their aim , they attacked him nearer hand , with their naked Swords ; and no Man offered to stand up in his defence , save only Sempronius Indistrus ; a Captain , the only Man of so many thousands , that the Sun beheld that day , worthy the Roman Empire , who though he had never been obliged by Galba , yet out of bravery and allegiance , he endeavour'd to defend him from their insolent assaults : first lifting up his commanding staff , ( with which they use to correct the Soldiers when disorderly ) he called aloud to the aggressors , charging 'em to forbear the Emperor : but presently being invironed , he guarded a long time with his Sword till at length ( having received many a wound ) he grew weak in the harns and fairly dropt , and overthrowing Galba's Chair at a place called Curtius's Lake , they slew him as he lay tumbling in his arms : He boldly offered his Throat , bidding them strike there , if it were for the Romans good , many a wound he received on his Legs and Arms , and at last was slain ( as most say ) by one Camurius one of the fifteenth Legion ; some name Terentius , others Arcadius , and there are others that say it was Fabius Fabulus , who as 't is reported bore away his head privily in the skirt of his Garment , being unable to take hold of it by reason of his baldness . His associates not suffering him to conceal this manly act , by their perswasion , piercing the head of this grave Prince , he marched twirling and flourishing with it , on his bloody Spear , like one of Bacchus's frolick Priests . But when they brought the Head to Otho , Fellow Souldiers , says he , this is nothing vnless you shew me Piso ' s too , which was presented him not long after . The young Man retreating upon a wound received , was pursu'd by one Marcus , and slain before the Temple of Vesta . Titus Junius was also dispatched out of the way , who confessed himself privy to the Conspiracy against Galba , only , he cryed out , that he dyed contrary to Otho's pleasure , and without his privity , however they cut off his Head and Lacon's too , and brought 'em to Otho , requesting a boon ; and as Archilochus says ; When six or seven lay breathless on the ground , 't was I , 't was I , say thousands , gave the wound . Thus many that had no hand in his murder with bloody Hands and Swords presented Otho with their Petition for a gratuity , whom Vitellius found out after , to the number of one hund . and twenty , and requited with the loss of life . Not long after came Marius Celsus into the Camp , whom sundry accused of encouraging the Souldiers to assist Galba ; the Rabble required justice , but Otho refusing to gratifie their fury ; yet fearing an absolute denial , he pretended it was not his interest , to take him off so soon , having many matters yet to sift out of him , but committed him safe to the custody of those he most confided in . Forthwith a Senate was conven'd , and as if they were not the same Men , or had other Gods to swear by , they took an Oath in Otho's name ( as himself had in Galba's , which how religiously he kept it plainly appears , ) and withal conferred on him the Titles of Caesar and Augustus ; whilst the dead Carkasses of the slain lay yet in their Robes in the Market Place . As for their heads , when they could make no other use of them , Junius's they sold to his Daughter for 2500 drachma's . Piso's was begg'd by his Wife of one Veranius . Galba's they gave to Patrobius's and Vitellius's Servants ; but when they had 'em , after all sorts of abuse and indignities , they tumbled them into that vile place , where Caesar's Enemies that suffer death , are usually cast , called Sestertium . Indeed Galba's Body was conveighed away by Priscus Helvidius by Otho's permission , and buried in the night by Argius his Freeman . Thus you have the History of Galba , a Person inferiour to few Romans , either for Birth or Riches , rather exceeding all of his time in both ; he lived in great credit and reputation in the Reign of five Emperors , he ruined Nero rather by his fame and vogue in the World , than by force and Power . Of those that put in for the Empire , at that time , none judged any worthy ( tho some thought themselves so ) save only Galba whom they elected , and created Emperor , whose authority was such , that but lending his name to Vindex's defection from Nero , what was called Rebellion before , was termed now only a Civil War , they being transported with the thoughts of a Person fit to Govern. He designed not so much to take business to himself as to give himself up to business , thinking to reduce those that were merely wheadled by Tigillinus and Nymphidius ; as Scipio , Fabrinus , and Camillus , had regulated the Soldiers of their time ; but being now e'en worn out with age , he was become a weak superannuated Emperor . And giving himself up , as Nero had before him , to those insatiable covetous Varlets , Junius and Lacon , ( who made a gain of all things ) he quite lost himself to that degree , that though many pityed his fate , yet none desired to live under his Government . M. SYLVIVS OTHO . THE LIFE OF OTHO : Translated from the Greek . By THO. BEAUMONT , M. A. And Late Fellow of New Coll. Oxon. THE New Emperor Otho about break of day went out to sacrifice in the Capitol , and commanding Marius Celsus to be brought to him , he took him and embraced him in his Arms , using kind speeches , and advising him rather to forget the cause of his confinement , than to remember his enlargement : To which Celsus reply'd ingeniously and sharply , that his Crime would give an assurance of his integrity , and be security for his behaviour , for that it was imputed to him , as a Crime , that he had been faithful to Galba , and yet no favourite : Upon this they were both admired by those that were present , and applauded by the whole Camp. After he had made a long Oration in the Senate , wherein he discoursed of many things with great popularity , he began to settle the affairs of State , and therefore as to the remainder of his own Consul-ship , that part he committed to the care of Virginius Rufus his Colleague ; but as to others designed for that Office by Nero or Galba he made no change . The grave and reverend among the People either in respect of age or dignity , he adorn'd with the Priesthood ; And for those Senators who had been banished by Nero , and returned under Galba , to them he restored , what was left undisposed of their Fortunes . Insomuch that the Nobility and Gentry , who at first had great fears and jealousies upon them , ( imagining that it was not an humane Creature , but some fury or bloody Fiend that was seizing the Empire ) now became more pleasant , being sweetned with the hopes of a Reign that seemed to smile upon them . At the same time nothing was so wellcome , nothing gained him the hearts of all the Romans so as the business of Tigillinus , a Man that lay under all the torments of Soul and Body , for he was punished with the very fear of punishment , which the whole City exacted as a debt due to publick Justice ; and he laboured likewise under incurable diseases of Body , which he had contracted by his insatiable lust with corrupt Women , a vice that raigned in him to the last moment of his Life : And though wisemen thought this vice together with its fatal consequences to be punishment enough , and equal with many deaths , yet it grieved the People , that he should enjoy the benefit of the Sun , when so many and such brave Men had been deprived of it by his means . Wherefore Otho sent after him into the Country of Simersa , where he lurked with several Vessels ready to carry him off upon any danger ; He attempted to corrupt the Messenger that apprehended him , and offer'd great sums of money for his escape , and though his attempts were in vain , yet he gave the same reward as if he had escaped ; but withal he intreated him only to tarry a little till he was shaved , whereupon he took the Razor and cut his own throat . Thus did Caesar gratifie the People by doing justice to the publick , without the least discovery of his own private revenge . At first out of a popular humour he did not decline the Name and Title of Nero , but was saluted so in the Theater ; neither did he oppose them that brought out Nero's Statues to open view : Nay farther Claudius Rufus tells us , that several Patents were sent express into Spain , wherein the famous Name of Nero was used as an additional Title to the Name of Otho : Not but that as soon as he found it offensive to the Nobility he left it off . In this manner he began to lay the foundations of his Government , when his guards grew discontented , advising him not to confide in the Nobility , but rather to withdraw himself , and forbid them his presence . This they did , either out of good will as being really afraid , or out of design to set the Empire in a Combustion . But this is certain touching Crispinus , ( who with the 17th . Band had orders to apprehend certain suspected Persons ) as he was loading his Waggon by Night with Arms and Ammunition , some of the boldest among the Souldiers cryed out , that Crispinus had no good intentions in this Act , that the Senate was hatching New Plots , and that those arms were prepared against Caesar , not for him . This report being given out among the common Souldiers , it set them all on fire , that some laid hands on the Carriage , and others slew Crispinus himself with two more Centurians which opposed them ; and all falling to their Arms , and incouraging each other to assist the Emperor , marched furiously to Rome ; and having intelligence that fourscore of the Senate were at Supper in the Palace they went on thither ; declaring that now was the time wherein they might at once take off all Caesar's Enemies . This put the City into a great consternation , as if they were to be sack'd immediately ; In the Court they did nothing but run up and down , and even Otho himself was not a little perplexed ; fearing his guests , and fearful for them ; whom he saw with Eyes fixed upon him speechless and trembling , some having brought their Wives a long with them to supper . Whereupon at the same instant he ordered the Captains of the Guard to pacifie and entertain the Souldiers with fair speeches , while the Guests rose from Table , and were let out at another door . They were but just escaped when the Guard press'd into the Room ; asking what was become of Caesar's Enemies ? Otho then rising and addressed himself to them , sparing neither words , entreaties , nor tears , and yet he could scarce perswade them to go back . On the morrow after he had bestowed a Largess of fifteen hundred and fifty Drachmes a Man , he went into the Camp ; where he took occasion to commend the Loyalty and readiness of the Souldiers in general . But withal telling them that there were some few disaffected Persons amongst them , who had abused his Clemency and their Fidelity , and therefore desires that they would assist him in the punishing of them , all approved and consented to this motion , however he himself was well satisfied in the Execution of two Villains only , such as no body could lament . The Publick Censure of these proceedings was various , some who already began to love and credit him , were full of wonder at such a change : Some again looked upon it as a seasonable piece of policy made use of only in this juncture of affairs to win the People over to his side against the War. For now it was no longer doubted that Vitellius had assumed the Imperial Title and Command . Courriers came slocking in apace ; some with Intelligence of Parties falling into Vitellius : Others that the Pannonian , Dalmatian , and Mysian Commanders and Forces sided with Otho : And these were presently seconded with kind Letters from Mutianus and Vespasian , the Generals over two puissant Armies , one in Syria and the other in Judea . This set him up so , that he wrote to Vitellius advising him to keep within his private Station , and offering , besides great treasure , the freedom of the City where he might repose the rest of his days in pleasure and security . This at first was answered only in raillery ; but being heated they fell to downright railing and libelling . 'T was idle and ridiculous , though not without ground , to object those faults from which neither could be excused . For which of these two exceeded in rioting and wantonness , which of them had least experience in Arms , or which of them before they usurped had been most oppressed with Poverty and Debt , was a question not easie to determine . Of the Prodigies and Apparitions that went about at this time ; some were vouched only by report : But these were generally taken notice of , how the Statue of Victory Triumphant in the Capitol had let loose the reins of her Chariot , as unable to hold them : And how that other of Caius Caesar in the Island of Tiber without either Earthquake or Whirlwind turned it self from West to East , which by conjecture fell out near the time when Vespasian publickly took upon him the Government . But none of these presages moved the multitude like the accident of Tyber . It was indeed the season when Rivers use to be full , but now it so swelled above its Banks , and made such desolation , over-flowing , and covering great part of the City , especially about the Corn-Market , that it occasion'd a sore dearth for many days . When it became known that Vitellius his Captains Caecinna and Valens had possess'd themselves of the Alpes , Dolabella , a Patrician then in Rome , was suspected by the guard of attempting some innovations ; therefore ( whether fearing him , or any other ) Otho sent him with assurance of his favour , to the City of Aqui●um . Among the Magistrates , which were chosen to attend him in his journey , he pitched upon Lucius the Brother of Vitellius , whom he confirmed altogether in his former Station : And took exceeding care of Vitellius's Mother and Wife , that they might not apprehend any danger from him . Rome he left in the hands of Flavius Sabinus , Brother to Vespasian , either out of Honour to Nero ( by whom he had been placed in that Command , and outed by Galba ) or by Sabinus's advancement , to evidence his esteem and reliance on Vespasian . Otho himself staid at Brixillum , a City on the River Po , but he sent out the Army , under the Conduct of Marcus Celsus , Suetonius , Paulinus , Gallus , and Spurina ; Men of Conduct and Valour , but they had no Forces to put their own Counsels in Action , because of the disorders and insolency of the Souldiers , who owning no other Captain than Caesar , thought it beneath their quality to be commanded by any but himself . Neither were the Enemies Troops much better disciplined , or more tractable to their Officers , but heady and proud upon the same account . Only they were well train'd , and accustomed to labour , which they could away with . But these Praetorians were grown perfectly effeminate by Idleness and want of exercise , having spent most of their time in Sights , Entertainments and Plays . And yet they were so puffed up with conceit and arrogance , that they challenged their Reward as the best , when their Service was of the worst . Spurina once would have forced them upon Duty , but it brought his person in danger , and had almost cost him his Life . Besides , they spared for no sort of outrage and ill language , calling him Traitor , and charging him with ill Conduct , to the ruine of Caesar and his Affairs ; some of them moreover in a Debauch , press'd into his Tent , demanding a Pass while they went to make complaint against him to the Emperour . But the Reproaches of the Vitellians at Placentia , did not a little help the Cause , and Spurina too for the present . For they marching strait up to the works , upbraided Otho's Men upon the Walls , terming them expert Actors , Dancers , and Spectators of harmless Exercises , but strangers to martial Discipline , and the Art of War ; Men that valued themselves for beheading a naked gray-Beard ( meaning Galba ) but had not the Heart to enter the open Field with Men at Arms : Which Scoffs so nettled and heated them , that falling down at Spurina's feet , they besought him to make use of them , and command them , that would stick at no pains or peril . So , when the Walls were assaulted very strongly , and many Engines of Battery were brought up , Spurina's men got the day , and having beat off the Enemy with great slaughter , preserved one of the most flourishing and renowned Cities in Italy . As to all other points , Otho's Commanders were much less burdensome both to Cities and private Men , than those of Vitellius , of whom Caecinna was no ways acceptable in speech or behaviour , but uncouth and disagreeable , of a monstrous bigness , dress'd after the Gallick mode , in Doublet and Breeches , and after that fashion he convers'd with the Roman Officers . His Lady too in a magnificent Equipage follow'd the Camp on horseback , with a choice Guard of Cavaliers . As to Fabius Valens , the other General , neither the Enemies Spoil , nor Countries Plunder , nor the Confederates Contribution were able to satisfie his Avarice . Yet for the Collection hereof , he was by some concluded so to slacken his March , that he could not come up at the former skirmish ; while others blame Caecinna of charging too soon , that he might have the honour of the day to himself ; and whereas before he had given distaste by some miscarriages , now by joyning Battel with so little Conduct and Courage , he had almost ruin'd his Party . Caecinna , after this repulse from Placentia , carried the Siege to Cremona , another flourishing and large City ; while Annius Gallus in his March to relieve Spurina in Placentia , meeting upon the way with intelligence both of that Action , and the distress of Cremona , wheel'd about , and pitch'd down close by the Enemy ; and after that , every one came into aid the General . But when Caecinna had laid a strong party in wait among certain uneven Coverts , ordering the Horse to advance , and after the first Charge to make a slow Retreat till they might draw the Enemy within the Ambuscade , certain Deserters discover'd it to Celsus , who charging them briskly , and pursuing them warily , came upon the Ambuscade , which he surrounded , and broke in pieces , sending away for the Infantry out of the Camp : Which if it had arrived in time to second the Horse , it is more than probable that the Enemies could not have saved a man of Caecinna's whole Army from being cut off , or trodden under foot . But Paulinus coming up late and slowly with his Succours , was not undeservedly taxed of too much circumspection for one of his Character . The common Souldiers openly accused him of absolute Treason , exasperating Otho against him , and boasting that the Enemy was defeated ; but if the Victory was not entire , he might thank his Captains . Otho , though he gave Credit to these Suggestions , yet would not seem to distrust his Commanders ; therefore he sent to the Army his Brother Titianus , as General , with Proculus Captain of the Guard , who indeed had the Power , and Titianus only the Name . Celsus and Paulinus had the Title of Coucellors and Friends , but shared nothing of the management . All things likewise were full of confusion among the Enemies , paticularly in Valens's Camp , who hearing of the Rencounter at the Ambuscade , grew out of all patience that they should not be there to relieve so many brave persons as fell upon the spot : So that Valens having much ado to perswade and keep them from revenging it upon himself , was sorced to dislodge , and join with Caecinna . Hereupon Otho arrived at Bebriacum , a Village near Cremona , to consult about giving Battel . Proculus and Titianus were for fighting , while the Souldiers were in heart with their late success , and not by sitting still , to blunt their Courage , and give Vitellius leisure to come upon them out of Gaul ; Paulinius , on the contrary , affirm'd , that the Enemies whole force was there without the least recruit , whereas Otho might expect an Army out of Mysia and Pannonia , no whit inferiour to that in the Field , if he would but stay his own time , and not serve his Enemies occasions , neither was it likely that the Spirit of those few Souldiers should be lessened by the encrease of more Forces , but rather that the supply would add to their assurance . Over and above this , delay made for the Othonians , who lived at home in absolute plenty , while the Vitellians , lodging in an enemies country , must encrease their wants with their stay . Celsus concurr'd with Paulinus . Annius Gallus was absent , and under cure by a fall from his Horse . Yet Otho , consulting him by Letter , received the same advise , not to be forward , but wait the Mysian Forces , which were already on the March. However , Otho deaf to these , inclined to that side which held for a Battel . There are several Reasons given for this Result , in which few men agree . this is plainly one ; The Praetorians and the Life-guard ( having then a taste of War in good earnest , and so much the more lingring after the delicacies and quiet diversions of Rome ) could not be kept in , clamouring for a Fight , as if at the very first course they had been able to over-run their Enemies . Neither did Otho himself seem tough enough to hold out in such uncertainty ; or ( so soft , so little us'd was he ) to struggle with thoughts of such danger ; but , quite broke with care , he shut his eyes , as one that leaps from a Precipice , and spurr'd on to trust Fortune with his All. This Account gives Secundus the Orator , and Secretary to Otho . According to some other Relations , it was more than once moved in both Armies to joyn , and especially that with one consent they might elect the best of the Captains then present , or in case of disagreement , to call a Senate upon the place , and submit the choice of the Emperour to them . Neither is it unlikely that the right , experienced , and understanding Souldiers ( having no extraordinary favour for either of the contesting Emperours ) might fall upon such projects . For what could be more detestable and grievous , than wilfully to embrace those miseries which the Romans groan'd under long ago , while they were cutting of Throats for Sylla and Marius , and since that , for Caesar and Pompey ; only that the Empire might serve the Gluttony and Drunkenness of Vitellius , or the Luxury and Tenderness of Otho ? It is supposed , that Celsus out of some such meaning sought to spin out the time , as hoping to decide the point without the pains of an Encounter , as on the contrary , that Otho suspecting his Design , made haste to engage . Upon this Resolve Otho himself returned back to Brixillum by another grand Mistake , not only in withdrawing his presence from the eyes of his Champions , who did even adore and dote on him ; but in carrying back for his Horse and Foot-Guard , the stoutest and most resolute of his Men , he plainly cut off the Body of his Army . About that time there happened a skirmish at the River Po , which Caecinna sought to pass by a Bridge of Boats. Otho's Men to oppose , yet gaining little by plain force , they threw Fire-brands daub'd with Pitch and Brimstone into the Vessels , which the Wind taking as they fell , suddenly kindled , and blew into the Faces of the Enemies ; who being first troubled with the Smoke , and then with the Flame , leap'd into the Water , overturning the Floats , and exposing their Bodies with derision to the Enemy . But the Germans attacking Otho's Gladiators in a small Island upon the River , defeated and cut off a great Party . Whereupon , the Othonians that-were at Bebriacum , being transported with fury to revenge it , Proculus led them forth about fifty furlongs before he encamped ; and withall so inconsiderately and ridiculously , that even in the Spring , and the Fields round about full of Rivalets and Currents , yet they were distressed for Water . On the morrow , when he would have led them at least twice as far against the Foe , Paulinus put a stop , declaring in his opinion , that they ought rather to keep their Station , and not harrass themselves , nor just upon a long March with their Baggage , to engage the Enemy , that would be armed and ranged at leisure . In the midst of this Dispute among the Commanders , a Numidian came post from Otho , bringing Orders , without stop or stay to lead strait upon the Enemy , which incontinently they did . Caecinna was surprized at the News of their approach , and leaving hastily his Works at the River , he return'd into the Camp. Valens having posted great part of his Army , and given the Word , sent out a choice forlorn of Horse to amuse the Enemy , whilst he drew up the Legions . Otho's Van were possess'd with belief from a flying Report , that Vitellius his Captains would come over to them . Therefore , when they drew near , they saluted them by the friendly Term of Fellow-Souldiers ; which not being answered by the others with Civility , but with an angry hostile Murmur , both discouraged them that had given the Salute , and fill'd the rest with suspicion of Treason . This began a disorder at the very first Charge , which was spread throughout the Field , not a little confounded by the cumbersome Carriages ; they receiv'd also no small disadvantage from the place of Battel , full of Ditches and Trenches ; to avoid which , they were forc'd to change their Order , and fight one among another as they could compass it in little Parties , Two only Legions , that called Rapax , for Vitellius , and Adjutrix , for Otho , being drawn out in a Champaign , fought fairly a long time . Otho's Men were lusty and valiant , but in their Apprenticeship ; Vitellius's old and experienced Souldiers . Otho's Men therefore charged hotly , gained ground , knock'd down the formost , and took one of their Eagles : Shame and Rage drave the others back upon them again , and with the death of Orphidius , the Collonel , they surprized divers of Otho's Eagles in revenge for their own . The Gladiators , Men of no small credit for Courage and Address , were attack'd by Varus Alphenus's Batavians , the Flower of the German Horse , which were drawn from the Islands of the Rhine , in the Low Countries . A few of the Gladiators stood their ground ; but the gross making away for the River , fell into an Ambuscade , which cut them off every man. But of the whole Army , none came near the Praetorians for Cowardice ; they took their heels without a stroke struck , and flying through their own Men , with trouble and affright routed the Squadrous that stood firm . They did not all so indeed ; for many of the Othonians bare down their Opposites , and by fine force making way through the Conquerors , repass'd to their Camp ; which neither Proculus nor Paulinus durst retreat to , fearing the Souldiers , who already turn'd the fault upon them . Annius Gallus received the flying Troops into the Town , and heartened them up with comfortable Assurances , that the Victory was not clear to the Enemy , but that in several parts the advantage was on their side : But Marius calling the Officers to a Council , required them to take care of the Common-wealth : That after such a blow , and such a slaughter of Roman Citizens , Otho himself , having any goodness left , would not further tempt Fortune ; in a Case where Cato and Scipio , who by not submitting to Caesar , after the Pharsalian Victory , are charged to have thrown away the Lives of many good men in Africa without reason , even when the Liberty of Rome was at Stake . For though otherwise Fortune make sport with all men alike , yet one thing a good man can never be deprived of , even in adversity , to take good Counsel against Accidents . These Reasons weighed first with the Commanders ; and after , upon trial , with the Souldiers , no less urgent for an Accommodation . Titianus then moved for Commissioners to be sent with Proposals of accord ; whereupon , it was thought fit , that Celsus and Gallus should go to treat with Caecinna and Valens . Being on the Rode , they were met by certain of Vitellius's Centurions , who told them that their Army was already in motion for Bebriacum , and that they themselves were sent by the Generals with like overtures of Peace . Celsus commending the Design , entreated their company back to meet Caecinna . As they drew near , Celsus ran no small Risk ; for the Vant-Couriers , happening to be the same Horse that had been worsted at the Ambuscade , upon the first sight of Celsus , with a loud cry they spurr'd up against him : But while the Centurions stepp'd between to restrain them , and their Captains also called out to forbear , Caecinna gallopp'd up to know the cause of that Tumult , which having appeas'd , he caressed Celsus as a Friend , and rode with him to Bebriacum . In the mean time , Titianus repenting of his motion for Amity , placed the most resolute of his Men upon the Walls , and exhorted the rest to assist them . But Caecinna rode up , and reach'd out his right hand , all resistance laid aside , they that stood upon the Ramparts , saluted his Souldiers , the rest opening the Gates , went out , and mixed with the new-comers . There was then no further outrage , nothing but friendship and embraces ; for all the Town swore Fealty to Vitellius , and went over to him . Such was the issue of the Battel , as it is related by most of the present Actors therein ; yet confessing themselves in such Tumult and Confusion to have no clear account of Particulars . So as I was afterward travelling over the Field , Mestrius Florus , of the Consular Degree , shew'd me an old Man , who was then press'd for Otho among the Youths ; who declared , that going out after the Action was over , he saw a heap of Bodies as high as a man , but the cause of it he could neither find out , nor learn by Enquiry : Only it is probable that in Civil Wars more perish in the Chase than are taken , where there is no benefit by Captives . Therefore all we can have either of these Matters , amounts to no more than Conjecture . Otho at first ( as it is usual ) received a dubious relation of the Success ; but after that , the wounded , which escaped out of the Fight , brought him certain news of the Defeat , a man would admire what pains they took to encourage and keep him from despair . But the passion of the Guards surmounts all Credit , that they should neither leave him , nor fall off to the Conqueror , nor seem to provide for themselves in their Prince's extremity ; but all together came to the door of his A●artment , stiling him Emperour . When he came abroad , they followed him with acclamations , as if he went in Triumph , they kissed his hands , after the manner of Petitioners , they threw themselves at his feet , they shed tears , and with all the force of an humble and dutiful importunity , they besought him not to forsake them , not to betray them to the Enemy , but while they had breath , to employ their Souls , and their Bodies in his Cause . Thus did they generally assault him with supplications In particular , one of the lowest rank , who has not so much as a Name in History , drew out his Sword , and calling aloud to him , Behold , Caesar , an Example of our Fidelity , thus are we all resolved to serve thee ; he ran himself through . Yet none of all this made any impression upon Otho ; who with a serene and composed aspect , casting his eyes round about upon them all , This , my Fellow Souldiers , this day , wherein you do your selves and me such honour , is much more fortunate , of much greater account to me , than that wherein you first saluted me Emperour . One thing only I prefer , which I beseech you with-hold not from me , to sacrifice my Life for the safety of such brave Men. If ever I was worthy of the Roman Empire , it becomes me to 〈…〉 evote my Life for it . I know the Enemies Victory to be neither compleat , nor assured . I have Intelligence that the Mysian Army is within a few days March ; Asia , Syria , Egypt are in their descent to the Coast of Adria . With us is the Army that wars in Judea ; with us is the Senate ; with us are the Wives and Children of the Enemies . But alas ! this is no defensive War ; this is not to save Italy from Hannibal , or Pyrrhus , or the Cimbri ; but here Romans encounter Romans , and both alike , the Conquerors and the Conquered tear up their Mothers Bowels ; for where indeed the success of the Vanquisher brings Affliction to the Re-publick ; believe it , there can be nothing so much honour in my Reign , as in dying often , if I could do it for my Country . Neither can I apprehend how a Victory on my side can be of such advantage to Rome , as to give up my self an Offering for Peace and Concord , and that Italy may not se such another day . When he had said this , and set himself against all Entreaty and Mediation , he desired his Friends , and the Senators that were present , to leave him . He wrote also to the absent , and sent Letters to the Cities to let them pass with Honour and Security . Then calling to him 〈…〉 cceius , his Nephew , yet a youth ; he counselled him to take heart , and not to be afraid of Vitellius , whose Mother , Wife , and Children he had preserved with the same care as if they had been his own ; and to remember that Caesar deferr'd his Adoption , contrary to his mind , to save him from sharing in his misfortunes , who being victorious , should have shar'd with him in the Empire . But this , said he , My Child , I leave thee for my last advice , neither to forget altogether , nor too much to remember that thou hadst an Emperour for thine Vncle . A little after this , he heard a great Tumult and Noise at the Door ; for the Souldiers threatened the death of some Senators that were going away , if they should offer to depart and leave the Emperour : Therefore out of a fear of their Lives , he came out again , though in a very different manner , not with mildness and entreaty as before , but with a stern and angry countenance looking upon the Guard , and especially the busie Fellows , he made them leave the place , and slink away . Being athirst towards Night , he drank a little Water , and taking up two Daggers , when he had tried their edges a great while , he gave back one , and put the other into ▪ his Sleeve . After which , he call'd for his Domesticks , very frankly distributing to them his Treasrre ; not alike indeed to all , nor as one profuse of what was anothers , but carefully in proportion to every ones desert ; who being gone , he slept the rest of the Night so soundly , that the Bed-Chamber-men heard him snoar . At Day-Light , calling for his Freed-man , whom he had intrusted with the care of the Senators . He sent him to enquire what was become of them , and understanding that they were gone away very well satisfied ; Go thy ways too ( said he ) and shew thy self to the Souldiers , unless thou hast a mind to be torn in pieces by them for having a hand in my death . When the man was gone forth , he set the Dagger right to his Breast with both his hands , and falling upon it , felt only so much pain as to fetch one groan , which gave notice to his Attendants . At the out-cry of the Servants thereupon , presently the City , yea , the whole Camp were in Tears : Strait there was a noise of Souldiers at the door , lamenting , and passionately reproacing themselves , that they had not kept their Emperour , and with-held him by force from destroying himself . Not a Man of them left him to seek their safety , among the Enemies that were at hand ; but having sumptuously habited his Corps , and dress'd up his Funeral-Pile , the Souldiers in their Armour carried him forth with a sense of honour and happiness to have had a hand in performing that last Office. Amongst the rest , some kneel'd down to kiss the Wound , some his Hand , and some , that could not come near , to adore him . And some there were , who having set fire to the Funeral-Pile , slew themselves , not , as it was known , out of any obligation of Gratitude , for good Offices done to them by the deceased , nor out of fear of displeasure from the Conquerour . Indeed I never met with any Tyrant or Usurper so furiously possessed with the Lust of Dominion , as these with the Love of Obedience to Otho , which perished not with himself , but was kept alive with an implacable hatred to Vitellius ; as in better opportunity it may be discovered . When they had buried his Remains , they set up such a Monument as Envy it self could not carp at , for the Magnificence either of its Work or Title . I my self saw it at Brixillum , an ordinary Tomb , with this Inscription ( being translated , ) To the Memory of Marcus Otho . Otho died in the Thirty seventh year of his Age , and third Month of his Reign , leaving his Death as much applauded , as his Life was censured . His Life was somewhat like to Nero's , but in their Deaths could be no comparison . When Pollio , a Captain in the Guard ; desired them presently to take the Oath to Vitellius , the Souldiers would not endure him : But hearing some of the Senators to be still in Town , they neglected the rest for Virginius Rufus , to whom they made Tender of the Empire , all of them together marching in Arms to his House , one while beseeching him , another pressing , and even commanding him to take the Rule , or at least to intercede for them . But as he thought it Madness to accept that Command in the distress , who refused it in the prosperity of their Affairs ; so being altogether unwilling to treat with the Germans , who acted wholly against his Mind , he slipt out privily by another Door . The Souldiers hearing this , took the Oath , and joyning themselves to Caecinna , gain'd their Pardon . The End of Plutarch's Lives . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A55206-e1580 * Ilotas * A stormer of Cities . Expugnator Vrbium . The Description of Prince Demetrius . The Dream of Antigonus ▪ concerning Mithridates . * January . * Hic & alibi mutavi sexum , cum Plut archus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 insinuat ; quod scelus innominandum & Christianis auribus indignum existimavi . * Hic quoque mut avi sexum . The Title of Antigonus ond Demetrius . His Parentage . Is debaucht by Curio . Turn'd out of the Senate goes to Caesar . He is left General in Italy . o●ercomes Libo . He falls in Love with Cleopatra . Cleopatra's humoring him . Leaves Alexandria . Is reconcil'd to Caesar . Marries Octavia . * The Clepsidra was an hour glass with water instead of sand : That here mentioned is probably the public measure of time when causes were heard ; of which six parts was allotted to the Accuser , nine to the Criminal , and one to the Judge . Nigh one million of our Mony. This jest will not come into our Language , Toryne is a Ladle , and the meaning is , that they had no more reason to fear his preparation for War , than his preparation for his Dinner . The History of Timon . This Gown was given at sixteen . Antony forsaken of all his Troops . Antony kills himself . Caesar enters Alexandria . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in allusion to Homer's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Cleopatra's Lamentation over Antony's Tomb. Cleopatra's Death Antony's Children . Notes for div A55206-e30960 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Demosthenes compared with Cicero . The Parentage of Demosthenes . His Estate . Guardians . Constitution . Nick-names . Batalus . Argas . The first beginning of his studying Oratory . What Masters he bad . Demosthenes 〈◊〉 his Guar 〈…〉 Begins to plead publickly . His discouragements His studying place , and industry . Demosthenes seldomspoke ex tempore . Censures of Demosthen●s . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Repartees . * Brass . His first appearing in Civil Affairs . The Party of Demosthenes . His Constancy . Not free from Brabery . His freedom of Speech to the People His several Orations . Demosthenes against Philip. Demosthenes solicites and prevails with the Thebans . The Credit of Demosthenes , before the Battel . Thermodon . His Cowardise in the Fight . Philip's carriage after the Victory . Demosthenes accused and acquitted . The Behaviour of Demosthenes , and the Grecians , upon the death of Philip. Another Insurrection against Alexander . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The Embassy of Demades to Alexander . The Action against Ctesiphon concerning the Crown . Harpalus comes to Athens . He corrupts the Orators . And Demosthenes . Harpalus banish'd . Demosthenes found guilty of Bribery , fined , and imprisoned . His escape out of prison . The Behaviour of Demosthenes in his Exile . His contention with Pytheas . His return from Exile . His Fine remitted . The relation of his death . Archias 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Demosthenes seized by him . Demosthenes his Dream . He takes Poyson . Various reports concerning his Death . Honours bestowed on him after his death . * In Graeco 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . sed legendum : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Regem Volscorum ad quem exul Coriolanus confugit . Vid. Li. lib. 2. vit . Coriol . in Aut. nost . * Ter. Non. Jan. Ciceronis natalis , sed Pridie . Non. Jan. votum pro salute principis , vid. Cal. Rom. * Fortè Potnius Vid. Virg. Geor. 3. Ver. 267. — Quo Tempore Glauci Po●niades malis membra absumpsere quadrigis . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Princ. Senat . Princeps Senatus dictus fuit is qui in lectione Senatus quae per Censores peracto censu fiebat primo loco recitabatur , A. Gell. l. 3. c 3. † It is very difficult to defend our Author in all places where he expresses the value of the Roman by the Attick Money , but in this place Rualdus has defended him against Scaliger , although he finds fault with some mistakes of that kind in other parts of this Life , and therefore we will take it for granted , that Cicero's Duobus millibus nummum exactly answers Plutarch's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and his sexagies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , and to understand the great disproportion , betwixt Chrysogonus's price and Roscius's value of his Fathers goods , we suppose that Nummus signifies Denarius , and not Sestertius ; That the Roman Denarius , and the Attick Drachma were of the same value , and they are generally computed to 7 ob . q. of our money , though some pretenders to greater exactness make the Attick Drachma 8 d. q. That the Attick Mina was of the same value with the Roman Libra ; That every Mina contain'd one hundred Drachma's Every Attick Talent , Sixty Mina's , and six thousand Drachma's : Which makes a great disproportion , and 〈…〉 a just Cause for Roscius's complaint ; and yet the disproportion 〈…〉 be still greater if Nummus signified , as Scaliger conten 〈…〉 s , Sestertius which was but the fourth part of a Denarius or Drachma . Vide Ma●ucium in Tull. Orat. pro Roscio Amar. & Ruald . notas praefixas , & Xylandri affixas Plutarch . in Ed. Paris . † Athens . * The translator renders according to the import of the Greek , though it is evident Plutarch was mistaken both in this and Caesar's Life , making two men of one , a Father and a Son : For the famous Rhetorician , Master both to Caesar and Cicero , was called Apollonius Molon . vid. Rualdi notas praefix . Pl. Ed. Par. * Q Cecilius Niger ad ●e accusa●di munus pertinere contendit quia erat Verris Questor . † Here the Translator errs with his Author , for Verres , according to M. Terentius Varro , amongst the Latins , signifies a Bore-pig , Magalis a gelt Pig , and it should have been in the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , to have justified another rendring . ‖ Myriades simpliciter positae in re nummarianunquam aliud significant quam Decem Millia Drachmarum , ut decies apud Latinos nunquam aliud quam decies sestertium . Gronovius de pecunia veteri , p. 541. Ed. Elsev . So that the 75 Myriades in Cicero's Taxation must be accounted Myriades of Denarii , which as Rualdus computes them , amounts to Tricies sestertium , a Summ far short of the Legal penalty in such Cases ; and therefore there must be an Error in Plutarch , or his Transcriber : But if an account be taken of this Matter from Cicero's own Relation , it will be very evident that he gave no occasion to render his Justice suspected of being corrupted by Bribery , as Plutarch intimates : For he did not only require of Verres the double value of his unjust Extortions in Sicily , which was the least Summ that could be by Law imposed , but with a more severe Justice also one other half . For Verres's Exactions being valued at Quadraginties , the double forfeiture amounts but to Octingenties sestertium , but he demands Mille sestertium , quo nomine à te Millies Sestertium , ex lege repete , ut ex divinatione & oratione re in Verrem patet . * Non Arpi urbs Apuliae , sed Arpinum in Campania ut sunt Neapolis & Pompeii Test . Plin. Lib. 3. Cap. 3. * In Omni pene lingua usitatum , impudentes , praesertim in dicendo temerarios valido & duro collo praeditos dicere . * Vel potius L. Roscius Otho Tribune of the People , for so were his Names and Office , and the Law instituted about that Matter , is stiled Lex Roscia . In the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but here the Translator follows Salust . * Julius Syllanus primus sententiam rogatus , quia codem tempore Consul designatus erat . vid. Salust . * Senator stando sententiam dixit . † Alia erat sententia Caesaris , viz. Conjuratos Catalinae in perpetuam custodiam damnandos , non pro tempore , sic testatur Crisp . Salustius , qui judicio interfuit , vel interesse potuit . vid. Bell. Catilin . p. 36. Ed. Elsev . * Penes Tribunos plebis erat morem interponere Senatus consulto . * Viz. The first time he had the honour of that Name given him before an Assembly of the People , for it was before given him in a full Senate by Q Catulus , as Cicero himself testifies , Orat. cont . Piso . & pro P. Sextio . † Either reflecting on the impudence of the speaker or the roughness of his Stile . Utrumque sortium Horat. notat . 1. Serm. 7. Satyr . vers . 7. confidens , tumidus 2. Ser. Sat. 5. — Tumidis infla sermonibus utrem . † It is a known story that Adrastus King of Argos married his two Daughters to two Fugitives Tydeus and Polynices . * Not by Caesar as the Latin Translator by rendring it actively seems to imply , for he did not so much as testifie against him , but by the Tribune of the People , as our Author affirms in the life of Caesar . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , for a while . Senatori absenti mulcta indicebatur , & donec solveretur pignus ab eo capiebatur . Rosin . Antiq. pag. 1100. In the account of Antony's Debt to Caesar , our Autho● 〈…〉 bo 〈…〉 himself and other W 〈…〉 s. In Antony's Life , the Sum 〈…〉 i● 〈…〉 d with him is 4000 Talents , here , but 2500 Myriads . According to Pa●er●ulus , and Cicero's Philip , the Sum is septies millies Sestertium , which amounts to above 17000 Myriads ; Sums vastly different from the Account given in this Life , and more likely to be the Matter of Controversie betwixt two such Great Men. * Our English Merchants call it Bottomry . Vsurae nauticae pro magnis in proverbium abiere , vid. Chil. Eras . Vsura nautica est infinita , est enim pensatio suscepti periculi , hodie ex institutione Justiniani est centesima , vid. Calv. Lexicon . Apud Athenienses 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , fuit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , id est , quintarius , nempe in quintam sortis partem quod vulgo dicimus viginti in centum . Salmasius de Usura , p. 188. Lugd. Bat. 1639. Vsurae communes Atticis ▪ majores , nauticae minores quàm Romanis , rationem dat Salmasius , quia Navigationes At he 〈…〉 enses omnes fere Bosphorum petebant , qui longissimae Pontum . Salmas . Ibidem . Notes for div A55206-e51100 Who may be allowed to praise their Ancestors . The Government and State of the City of Sicyon . Aratus's narrow escape . His Education at Argos . Aratus attempts to free Sicyon . His marches towards Sicyon . Delivers the City without bloodshed . And aessociates it to the Achaeans . The Charactar of Aratus . He sails into Aegypt . The Sicyonian Painting in much esteem Ptolomy's liberality to Aratus . Antigonus indeavours to win Aratus to his party . Aratus plunders Locris . Resolves to attempt the taking of the Cittadel of Corinth . * Here the old English Translator makes a pleasant mistake for whereas Amyo● calls Peloponnesus Presqu'Isle , that is , Peninsula , the old Translator tells us news of a certain Island of Peloponnesus call'd Presche , Sister to the Isle of Pines . The Acro-corinth seis'd by Antigonus . * A famous Mu●itian of that time . Erginus discovers a secret path leading to the weakest part of the Cittadel . Technon Servant to Aratus his mistake . Aratus marches to Corinth by night . Surprises the City . Stormes the Acro-Corinth , and takes it . Makes an Oration to the Citizens . The good effects of this Exploit . Aratus attempts to free Argos . But fails in his design . The surest Guard of a Prince The Tyrant Aristippus's manner of life . Aristippus fights Aratus and beats him . Aratus regains , his credit and Aristippus is kill●d . The Tyrant Lysiades voluntarily frees Megalopolis . Emulates and opposes Aratus . And thereby loses the favour of the Achaeans . The Aetolick War. Pellene recover'd by a Panick fear . Peace made with the Aetolians . Aratus excuses the assaulting the Piraeum . * The Territory between Athens and Eleusis . He is defeated by the Macedonian General and reported to be Slain : Invades the Athenians in a rage for their flattery : is pacify'd , and assists them to recover their Liberty . Perswades Aristomachus to see free Argos . Aristomachus oontrary to Aratus's advice invades Laconia . Aratus is routed by Cleomenes . But shortly after takes Mantinea . Lysiades ingaging rashly in a Battle with Cleomenes is slain . Aratus in disgrace . Fights Megistonus and takes him Prisoner . Refuses the Generalship of the Achaeans and why . I seensur'd for calling in Antigonus and the Macedonians . The Achaeans lose Mantinea and are beaten at Hecatombaeum by Cleomenes . Their affairs in very ill posture . Aratus being commission'd to punish the Traitors is forced to shift for his own life . Aratus in great distress . Antigonus called in to the assistance of the Achaeans . Receives Aratus very Honourably . A Prediction pleasantly fulfill'd . Argos revolts from Cleomenes . Aratus is blam'd for the death of Aristomachus , and upon other accounts . Philip the Son of Antigonus comes into Peloponnesus . Aratus ill success against the Aetolians occasion'd the calling in of Philip into Greece . Who suffers himself to be govern'd by the Counsel of Aratus . Aratus affronted by Philips Courtiers . Is ill us'd by Philip himself . Aratus falls out with Philip . Taurion poisons Aratus by the command of Philip. He dies at Aegium . And is bury'd at Sicyon . * The fifth of November . The youngest Aratus poisoned also by Philip dyes . Philip smarts sufficiently for these murders . Notes for div A55206-e67370 The Comparison of Dion and Brutus . Dionysius the Tyrant of Sicily . Marries two Wives . Dion comes to Court. Plato comes into Sicily . Dion Plato's Scholar . Dionysius hears Plato discourse . Plato leaves Si 〈…〉 y. Dion sent Embassador to Carthage . Dionysius his Children . His Death . Dionysius the Second succeeds his Father . His Debauchery . Dion's haughty Humour . His Edution . Dionysius the first very timorous . Dion perswades Dionysius to send for Plato . Plato sent for . Philistus the Historian . Why banish'd . Recalled from Banishment . Plato arrives in Sicily . Dion railed at by the Courtiers . Out of favour at Court. Is forced away into Italy . His Riches . Plato sent away . Dion sojourns at Athens . Exhibits a Play for the Youth . Travels in Greece . Is made Citizen of Sparta . His Revenues stopt . Plato sent for . Plato arrives in Sicily . Sent away again . Theste's Answer to Dionysius the First . Dion resolves upon a War with Dionysius . Is encourag'd by the Sicilians readiness to assist him . Zante . Dion Sacrifices to Apollo . The Moon Eclipsed . Prodigies before the War in Sicily . Dion sets Sail with his Fleet. Passes the Cape Pachinus . I● driven 〈…〉 e Coast of Africk . Arrives at Minoa in Sicily . Takes the Town . And delivers it up again . Marches to Syracuse . By a strange Accident Dionysius hears not Dion's arrival . The Citizens meet him at the Gates . Dion marches into the City in triumph . Proclaims the Sicilians free . Is chosen General . Besieges the Castle . Dionysius arrives . Sends to treat with Dion and the Citizens . Their Answer . Dionysius puts the Deputies in Prison . Makes a Salley . Is wounded And carried off . Dionysins's men beat into the Castle . Letters sent to Dion from Dionysius . Read publickly . Dion suspected . Heraclides arrives . Courts the Mobile . Is chosen Admiral . Sosis plots against Dion . Is found guilty of false Accusation , and condemn'd to die . Philistus arrives with a Fleet to help Dionysius . Taken Prisoner , and slain . Timaeus the Historian . Ephorus the Historian . Dionysius makes offer of Surrender . Receives no Answer . Makes his Escape by Sea. Hippon a Leveller . Heraclides joyns with him . Sets the Citizens against Dion . They choose five and twenty Commanders . Dion's Soldiers guard him out of the City . The Citizens set upon them . Fly before them . Dion marches to the Leontines . The Syracusians march after him , and are beaten The Leontines receive Dion . Nypsius arrives with a Fleet. Storms the Works , and 〈…〉 ters the 〈…〉 ty . Dion sent for back by the Syracusians . Calls an Assembly . His Speech to his Soldiers . Dionysius's Men retreat into the Castle . Make another Sally . Fire the City . Dion and his Men come to their succour . March in great danger thró the Ruins . Beat Nypsiu●'s Men into the Castle . The Demagogues leave the City : Dion pardons Heraclides and Theodotes . Carries on the Siege . Repeals the Votes of the Levellers . A Famine occasion'd by the Sedition in the Army . Dion , forc'd to engage Pharax ▪ is beaten . Prevents Heraclides Design of Possessing himself of the City . Gaesylus the Spartan . Apollicrates delivers up the Castle upon Articles . Dion enters the Castle . Takes again his Wife . He is murther'd by Dion's means . Calippus the Athenian . Dion sees ae strange Apparition . His Son breaks his Neck . Dion inform'd of the Plot. Calippus denies it upon Oath . Calippus Chief at Syracuse . Kill'd at Rhegium . Dion's Sister , Wife and Son drown'd . * Labio . † Flavius . Notes for div A55206-e89060 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Quod ab urbe Semitertio miliari distat . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 
A55203	----	The fourth volume of Plutarch's Lives Translated from the Greek, by several hands. Lives. English. Vol. IV. Plutarch. 1693 Approx. 1200 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 423 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A55203 Wing P2639A ESTC R217668 99829323 99829323 33760 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A55203) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 33760) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1977:03) The fourth volume of Plutarch's Lives Translated from the Greek, by several hands. Lives. English. Vol. IV. Plutarch. [4], 822, [2] p., plates : ill. (engraved), table printed for Jacob Tonson at the Judges Head in Chancery-lane, near FleetStreet, London : M.DC.XCIII. [1693] With additional engraved title page, reading: Plutarch's Lives Vol. IIII. With a final advertisement leaf. Imperfect: copy catalogued lacks pp.489-496; pp.487-488 are bound after the table in the preliminary leaves. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Greece -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. Rome -- Biography -- Early works to 1800. 2007-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-05 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2008-05 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion PLUTARCHS LIVES VOL. IIII. depiction of Plutarch and Fama MBurgher delin . et sculp . THE Fourth Volume OF PLUTARCH's LIVES . Translated from the Greek , BY SEVERAL HANDS . LONDON : Printed for Jacob Tonson at the Judges Head in Chancery-lane near Fleetstreet . M. DC . XCIII . The Lives contained in the FOURTH VOLUME . Agesilaus , Translated by Dr. Needham . p. 1 Pompey , Translated by Dr. Oldish . p. 73 Alexander , Translated by John Evelyn Esq p. 245 Julius Caesar , Translated by Mr. Smalridge . p. 385 Phocion , Translated by Dr. Fowke . p. 487 Cato the younger , Translated by Dr. Waller . p. 554 Agis , Translated by Sir Rob. Thorold . p. 659 Cleomenes , Translated by Mr. Creech . p. 690 Tiberius Gracchi , and Caius Gracchi , Translated by Mr. Warren . p. 782 A Chronological Table to the Fourth Volume of Plutarch's Lives .   The Olympiad . The Year of the Olympiad . After the building of Rome . After the Worlds Creation . Before the coming of Christ The Julian Period . Agesilaus 95 1 353 3550 398 4314 Pompeius 174 3 672 3869 79 4633 Alexander overcame Darius 111 2 418 3615 333 4379 Julius Caesar Consul 180 2 694 3891 57 4655 Phocion 105 4 396 3593 355 4357 Cato Uticen 179 4 692 3889 59 4653 Agis 134 2 510 3707 241 4471 Cleomenes 138 1 525 3722 226 3722 Tiberius Gracchus 161 1 617 3814 134 4578 Caius Gracchus 163 4 628 3825 123 4589 THE LIFE OF PHOCION . Englished from the Greek , By Ph. Fowke , M. D. DEMADES the Orator , a powerful Man at that time in Athens , managing Matters in favour of Antipater and the Macedonians , being necessitated to write and speak many things below the Dignity and contrary to the Usage of the City , was wont to excuse himself , by saying , He steer'd ouly the Shipwrecks of the Commonwealth . This hardy Saying of his might have some appearance of truth , if apply'd to Phocion's Government ; for Demades indeed himself was the ruine of his Countrey , living and ruling so dissolutely , which gave Antipater occasion to say of him , ( being now grown old ) That he was like a sacrificed Beast , all consumed save his Tongue and his Paunch . But Phocion's was a steady Virtue , depress'd only by too great a Counterpoise , the Fate of Greece conspiring with that juncture of Time to render it more obscure and inglorious ; yet Sophocles too much weakens the force of Virtue , by saying , Nor do our minds , with adverse Fate surrounded , Maintain their tenour , but are shock'd , confounded . Thus much indeed must be granted to happen in the Contests between good Men and ill Fortune , that instead of due Returns to their good Management , the People , by unjust Surmises and Obloquies , often sully the Lustre , and endeavour to blast the Reputation of their Virtue . And although it be AGESILAUS . depiction of Agesilaus 〈…〉 sculp . THE LIFE OF AGESILAUS . Translated out of the Greek by W. Needham , M. D. ARchidamus , the Son of Zeuxidamus , having reigned gloriously over the Lacedaemonians , left behind him two Sons : Agis the elder was begotten of Lamprido , a very Noble and Illustrious Lady . Agesilaus , much the younger , was born of Eupolia , the Daughter of Melisippidas . Agis being Heir apparent of the Crown , was bred suitably to his Birth . Agesilaus , the younger Brother , was educated according to the usual Discipline of the Country , which was very hard and severe , but such as taught young Men how to obey their Superiors . Whence it was that ( Men say ) Simonides called Sparta the Tamer of Men , because by a customary strictness of Education , they inured the Citizens to Obedience , and patient Subjection , as Horses are broke to the Saddle : The Law did not hold so strict a Rein on the Heirs apparent of the Crown . But Agesilaus , whose good Fortune it was to be born a younger Brother , was consequently bred to all the Laconick Arts of Obedience , and thereby fitted for the Management of the Government , when it fell to his share : Hence it was that he became the most popular of the Spartan Kings , having learned how to temper the Grandeur of a Royal Condition , with the Sweetness and Debounairness of familiar Condescensions . Whilst he was yet a Boy , bred up in one of the Schools or Colledges of Youth , he contracted an Intimacy with Lysander , ( a great Man afterwards in Lacedaemon ) who much admired a generous Modesty and ingenious Shame he found in him : For tho he was one of the highest Spirits , and fullest of Bravery of any of his Companions , always ambitious of Preheminence above them , towards which the impetuous Vigour and invincible Fervour of his Mind irresistibly carried him , maugre all Opposition or Difficulty he could meet with ; yet on the other side he was so easie and gentle in his Nature , and so apt to hearken to all rational and friendly Proposals , that a good Word wrought more upon him than the greatest Dint of Force ; he being ready to do any thing upon ingenuous Motives , but nothing upon Compulsion . He had one Leg shorter than another ; which Deformity he easily hid by a good meen and briskness in his Behaviour , he being the first alway to pass a Jest upon himself . And indeed it was a great Argument of his Love to Glory and great Actions , that his Lameness was no Discouragement to him in the pursuit of them . Neither his Statue nor Picture are extant , he never allowing them in his Life , and utterly forbidding them to be made after his Death : He is said to have been a little Man , of a contemptible Presence ; but the goodness of his Humour , and his constant Chearfulness , and agreeable Conversation , alway free from any thing of Moroseness or Haughtiness , made him more amiable ( even to his old Age ) than the most beautiful Men of the Nation . Theophrastus writes , That the Ephori laid a Fine upon Archidamus , for marrying a little Wife , For ( said they ) you will beget us a Race of Roitelets instead of Kings . Whilst Agis , the elder Brother , reigned , Alcibiades ( being then an Exile from Athens ) came from Sicily to Sparta ; nor had he staid long there , before his Familiarity with Timaea the Queen grew suspected , insomuch that Agis refused to own a Child of hers , which ( he said ) was Alcibiades's , not his . Nor ( if we may believe Duris the Historian ) was Timaea much concerned at it , being herself forward enough to whisper among her Servants , that the Infant 's true Name was Alcibiades , not Leotychides . Mean while it was believed , that the Amour he had with her , was not the effect of his Love but his Ambition , that he might have Spartan Kings of his Posterity . This Affair being grown publick , it was time for Alcibiades to withdraw himself : But the Child was forced to abide there , and to endure the Severity of Agis , who never owned him for his Son , till upon his Death-bed he was overcome with the Prayers and Tears of Leotychides , to declare him for such , in a publick Audience . But this could not fix him in the Throne of Agis ; after whose Death , Lysander , the great Lacedaemonian Captain , who had lately conquered the Athenians in a Sea-sight , and was of great Power in Sparta , did promote Agesilaus to the Kingdom , urging Leotychides ▪ s Bastardy , as a Bar to his Pretensions . Many of the Citizens soon betook themselves to Agesilaus his Party , being thereto induced by the Opinion they had of his Gallantry , of which they themselves had been Spectators , in the time that he had been bred up among them . Yet was not his way so smooth as to be free from Rubs : one he met with very considerable from a Fortune-teller named Diopithes , who was of great Esteem among them for his Skill in Divination ; he alledged , That it was unlawful to make a lame Man King of Lacedaemon , citing to that purpose the following Oracle : Great is thy Empire , Sparta , yet beware Lest thy Strength bend under an halting Heir ; Then Ills untry'd shall thy old Honour stain , And Wars destructive Rage thro' thy whole Country reign . But Lysander was not wanting of an Evasion , alledging , That if the Spartans made any conscience of the Oracle , they must have a care of Leotychides ; for it was not the limping Foot of a King that the Gods were offended at , but the bastardizing of the Herculean Family , into whose Rights if a spurious Issue were admitted , it would make the Kingdom to Halt indeed . Agesilaus made Neptune also a Witness of the Bastardy of Leotychides , proving that Agis was thrown out of Bed from his Wife by a violent Earthquake , after which time he did not Cohabit with her , yet Leotychides was born above ten Months after it . Agesilaus was upon these Allegations declared King , and soon possessed himself of the private Estate of Agis as well as his Throne , Leotychides being wholly rejected as a Bastard . Which being done , he cast his Eye on the Kinred of Agis by the Mother's side , whom he considered as Persons of good Worth and Vertue , but very poor : he gave them half his Brother's Estate , and by this popular Act gained the good will , not of them only , but of the Spartans in general , and stifled that Envy that was growing against him upon the account of his Success . But whereas Xenophon saith of him , That by complying with , and as it were being ruled by his Country , he grew into so great Power with them , that he could do what he pleased . This was by the Power he got with the Ephori and Senate : these were of great Authority in the State ; the former were Officers annually chosen ; the Senators held their Places during Life , both instituted as Bridles to restrain the Licentiousness of the Kings , as it is already more fully discoursed in the Life of Lycurgus . Hence it was that there was alway a Feud and Contention between them and the Kings . But Agesilaus took another course ; instead of contending with them , he courted them : he alway acted by their Advice , was alway ready to go , nay almost to run , when they called him : If he were upon his Throne hearing of Causes , and the Ephori came in , he arose to them ; whenever any Man was elected into the Senate , he did alway present him with a Gown and an Ox. Thus whilst he craftily made shew of Reverence to them , and a Deference to their Power , he secretly advanced his own Wealth , and enlarged the Prerogatives of the Crown , by several Liberties which their Friendship to his Person did grant him , or at least did wink at . To other Citizens he so behaved himself , as to be less blameable in his Enmities than in his Friendships : for towards his Enemy he behaved himself generously , scorning to take any unjust Advantage against him ; but to his Friends he was partial , even in things manifestly unjust . If an Enemy had done any thing praise-worthy , he scorned to retract any thing from his due Praises ; but his Friends he knew not how to reprove when they did ill ; nay , he glory'd in bringing them off when they were obnoxious : He thought all Offices of Friendship commendable , let the Matter wherein they were employ'd be what it will. Again , when any of his Adversaries was overtaken in a Fault , he would pity them , and be soon entreated to Pardon them , and shew them Kindness , by which means he allured the hearts of all Men : insomuch that his Popularity grew at last suspected by the Ephori , who fined him as a Monopolizer of the Citizens , who ought to be the common Goods of the Republick . For as it is the Opinion of Philosophers , that if you take away Strife and Opposition out of the Universe , all the Bodies of it will stand still , Generation and Motion will cease , by reason of the mutual Consent and Agreement of all things . So the Spartan Legislator did seem to have mingled Ambition and Emulation , among the Ingredients of his Commonwealth , as the Incentives of Vertue , as thinking that mutual Compliance , in winking at one another , in Cases that deserved Rebuke , was but a false sort of Concord , no way useful to the Publick , but rather a Corruption of it . This some Men think Homer to have had an eye to , when he introduceth Agamemnon well pleased with the Jars of Ulysses and Achilles , and with the hard Words that passed between them ; which he would never have done , unless he had thought that Dissentions and Factions of great Men had been of use to the State. Yet this Maxim is not simply to be granted him without restriction , for if the Heats grow too big , they are very dangerous to Cities , and of most pernicious consequence . When Agesilaus was newly entred upon the Government , there came News from Asia , that the Persian King was making great Naval Preparations , resolving with an high Hand to dispossess the Spartans of their Maritime Greatness . Lysander was glad of this Occasion of Succouring his Friends in Asia , whom he had there left Governours and Lords of Cities , who for their Male-administration and Tyrannical Behaviour , had been deposed , and many of them put to death : He therefore perswaded Agesilaus to undertake the Expedition , and by translating the War from Greece to the Barbarous Country , to prevent all the Designs of the Persian . He also wrote to his Friends in Asia , that by a Solemn Embassy they should demand Agesilaus for their Captain . Agesilaus thereupon coming into the Publick Assembly , offered his Service , upon condition that he might have thirty eminent Captains adjoyned to him as Counsellors ; that he might also have 2000 of the newly Enfranchized Helots , and of other Allies to the number of 6000. Lysander's Authority and Assistance soon obtained his Request , so that he was sent away with thirty Spartan Captains , of which Lysander was the Chief , not only in Power and Reputation , but also in Friendship with Agesilaus , who esteemed his procuring him this Charge a greater Obligation , than that of preferring him to the Kingdom . Whilst the Army was drawing to the Rendezvous at Gerastus , Agesilaus went with some of his Friends to Aulis , where in a Dream he saw a Man approach him , and speak to him after this manner : O King of the Lacedaemonians , you cannot but know that ( before yourself ) there hath been but one General Captain of the Greeks , viz. Agamemnon ; now that you succeed him in the same Office and Command of the same Men , leading them out of the same Country to the War , you ought also to offer such a Sacrifice , as he made before he weighed Anchor . Agesilaus soon remembred that the Sacrifice which Agamemnon offered was a Virgin , he being so directed by the Oracle : Yet was he not at all disturbed at it , but as soon as he arose , he telleth his Dream to his Friends , adding withal , That he would worship the Goddess with such Sacrifices as would be acceptable to her , and not imitate the rude Barbarity of that General . He therefore ordered an Hind to be crowned with Chaplets ; and delivered to his own Southsayer , not to him whom the Baeotians did of course delegate to that Office . When the Baeotian Governours understood it , they were very much moved , and sent Officers to Agesilaus , to forbid his sacrificing contrary to the Laws of the Countrey . These having deliver'd their Message to him , immediately went to the Altar , and threw down the Quarters of the Hind that lay upon it . Agesilaus took this very ill , and without further Sacrifice , immediately hoised Sail , being ever after a great Enemy to the Boeotians , and much discouraged in his Mind at the bad Omen , boading to himself an unsuccessful Voyage , and a bad issue of the whole Expedition . When he came to Ephesus , he found the Power of Lysander grow very great and invidious , all Applications made to him , great Crowds of Suitors alway attending at his Door , all Men following and worshipping of him at so high a rate , as if nothing but the Name of Empire was left to Agesilaus , the whole Power of it being devolved upon Lysander . None of all the Commanders that were sent this Voyage into Asia , was either so powerful or so formidable ; no one rewarded his Friends better , or was more severe against his Enemies . Which things made the greater Impression in Mens Minds , because they observed the debonnair and popular Behaviour of Agesilaus , whereas that of Lysander was high and rigid . He took Men up short , and by that fierceness of Carriage so subdued the Spirits of Men , that they wholly submitted to him , giving little Regard to Agesilaus . This was first stomached by the other Captains , who with Indignation resented it , that they should be rather the Followers of Lysander , than the Counsellors of Agesilaus . At length Agesilaus himself , though no envious Man in his Nature , nor apt to be troubled at the Honours redounding upon other Men , yet being highly jealous of his own Glory , began to apprehend that Lysander's Greatness would soon eclipse his , and carry away from him the Reputation of whatever great Action should happen . He therefore went this way to work : He first opposed him in all his Counsels ; whatever Lysander advised , was rejected , and other Proposals followed . Then whoever made any Address to him , if he found him a Retainer to Lysander , certainly lost his Suit. Whoever was prosecuted by him in Judiciary Matters , was sure to get off with Victory , and whoever was visibly favoured by him , was used with all Severity and Rigor . These things being not done by Chance , but constantly and on set purpose , Lysander was soon sensible of them , and stuck not to tell his Friends , that they suffered for his sake , bidding them apply themselves to the King , and such as were more powerful with him than he was . Which Sayings of his , when they seemed to be designed purposely to procure Envy to Agesilaus , he stuck not to affront Lysander at a higher rate , imposing upon him the Office of dividing the Flesh among the Souldiers , and would in publick Companies speak scornfully of him , bidding them go and pay their Observances to the Suttler of the Camp. Lysander no longer able to brook these things , complained at last to Agesilaus himself , telling him , That he knew very well how to Oppress his Friends . To which Agesilaus answer'd , I know who they be that pretend to more Power than myself . That , replied Lysander , is rather said by you , than done by me ; I desire onely this Favour of you , that you will assign me some Office and Place , in which I may serve you without incurring Envy . Upon this Agesilaus sent him to the Hellespont on an Embassy , whence he procured Mithridates , a Persian of the Province of Pharnabazus , to come to the Assistance of the Greeks with 200 Horse , and a great Supply of Money . Yet did not his Stomach so come down , but he fell to forming a Design of wresting the Kingdom out of the Hands of the two Families which then enjoy'd it , and make it wholly Elective : and it is thought that he would have made a great Commotion in Sparta , if he had not died in the Baeotian War. Thus ambitious Spirits are apt to grow troublesom in a Common-wealth , and when they transgress their Bounds , do more harm than good . Of this , this Quarrel between two such great Men is an Example : for though Lysander's Pride was unsufferable , and his ambitious Projects very inconvenient to Agesilaus's Affairs , yet might the King have found out many ways of taming him , less reproachful to a Man of his Quality , and ambitious Designs . Indeed in my opinion they were both equally Guilty , both blinded with the same Passion , so as one not to know the Power of his Prince , the other not to bear with the Imperfections of his Friend . Tisaphernes being at first afraid of Agesilaus , soon treated with him about setting the Grecian Cities at Liberty , which was agreed on . But soon after finding a sufficient Force drawn together , he resolved upon War , for which Agesilaus was not sorry . For the Expectation of this Expedition was great , and he did not think it for his Honour , that Xenophon , with 10000 Men , should march through the heart of Asia to the Sea , beating the King's Forces when and how he pleased , and that Agesilaus , in the Head of a Spartan Army , ( so terrible both by Sea and Land , ) should make so great a Voyage , and raise no Monument of his Fame by any great Action : Therefore to be even with Tisaphernes , he revengeth his Perjury by a Stratagem : he pretends to go to Caria , whither when he had drawn Tisaphernes and his Army , he suddenly turneth back , and falleth upon Phrygia , taking many of their Cities , and carrying away great Booty . He took this occasion of shewing , that for Friends to break their Solemn Leagues , and betray their Faith , was a downright Contempt of the Gods ; but the Circumvention of an Enemy in War , is not only Just but Honourable , and of great Advantage to the Author of it . Being weak in Horse , and withal terrified by some ill Omen in the Sacrifices , ( viz. a Calf's Liver wanted that little Lobe which the Southsayers call the Head ) he retired to Ephesus , and there raised them : He obliged the rich Men , that were not minded to serve in Person , to find Horse-men armed and mounted ; which being performed , Agesilaus his Army was soon changed , from shabby Foot into many gallant Regiments of Horse : For those that were not good at Fighting themselves , hired such as were more Martial in their Inclinations , and such as loved not Horse-service , substituted in their rooms such as did . He professed in this to imitate the laudable Example of Agamemnon , who took the Present of an excellent Mare , to dismiss a rich Coward from the Army . When by Agesilaus his Order , the Prisoners he had taken in Phrygia were exposed to Sale , they were first stripped of their Garments , and then sold naked . The Cloaths found many Customers to buy them , but the Bodies being by the Ease they had alway lived in , rendred white , and tender-skinned , were derided and scorned as unserviceable : Agesilaus who stood by at the Auction , told his Grecians , These are the Men against whom ye fight , and these are the things for which ye ●ight . The Season of the Year being come , he boldly gave out , that he would Invade Lydia ; which plain Dealing of his was mistaken for a Stratagem by Tisaphernes , who by not believing Agesilaus , over-reached himself : He expected that he should have made choice of Caria , as a rough Country , not fit for Horse , in which he deemed Agesilaus to be weak , and directed his own Marches accordingly . But when he found him to be as good as his Word , and to have entred into the Country of Sardis , he made great haste after him , and by great Marches of his Horse , overtaking the loose Stragglers who were pillaging the Country , he cut them off . Agesilaus mean while considering that the Horse had out-rid the Foot , but that he himself had the whole Body of his own Army entire , made haste to Engage them : He mingled his light arm'd Foot , that wore Leather Shields , with the Horse , commanding them to begin the Battel , whilst he brought up the heavier-armed Men in the Rear : The Success was answerable to the Design ; the Barbarians were put to the Rout , the Grecians pursued hard , took their Camp , and put many of them to the Sword : The Consequence of this Victory was very great , for they had not only their liberty of Foraging the Persian Country , and Plundering at pleasure , but also saw Tisaphernes pay dearly for all the Cruelty he had shewed the Greeks , to whom he was a professed Enemy : For the King of Persia soon sent Tithraustes , who took off his Head , and presently dealt with Agesilaus , about his Return into Greece , sending to him Ambassadors to that purpose , with Commission to offer him great Sums of Money . Agesilaus's Answer was , That the making of Peace belonged to the Lacedaemonians , not to him : As for Wealth , he had rather see it in his Soldiers hands than his own ; that the Grecians thought it not Honourable to Enrich themselves with the Bribes of their Enemies , but with their Spoils only . Yet , that he might gratifie Tithraustes for the Justice he had done upon Tisaphernes , the avowed Enemy of the Greeks , he removed his Quarters into Phrygia , accepting of thirty Talents towards the Charge of it . Whilst he was upon his March , he received a Patent from the Council of Sparta , which did constitute him Admiral as well as General . This Honour was never done to any but Agesilaus , who being undoubtedly the far greatest Man of his Time , ( as Theopompus witnesseth ) gloried more in his Vertue , than in his Authority and Power : Yet he committed a great Oversight in preferring Pisander to the Command of the Navy , when there were many at hand both older and wiser , and more experienced Captains ; in this not so much consulting the Publick Good , as the Gratification of his Kindred , and especially his Wife , whose Brother Pisander was . Having removed his Camp into Pharnabazus's Province , he not only met with great plenty of Provisions , but also raised great Sums of Money , and marching on to the Bounds of Paphlagonia , he soon drew Cotys , the King of it , into a League , to which he of his own accord inclined , out of the Esteem he had of Agesilaus his Honour and Vertue . Spithridates as soon as he fell off from Pharnabazus , did constantly attend Agesilaus in the Camp whithersoever he went : This Spithridates had a handsom Boy to his Son , of whom Agesilaus was enamoured , also a very beautiful Daughter , that was marriageable ; her Agesilaus matched to Cotys , and taking of him 1000 Horse , with 2000 light-armed Foot , he returned into Phrygia , and there pillaged the Country of Pharnabazus , who durst not stand him in the Field , nor yet trust to his Garisons , but getting his Jewels and rich Commodities together , flitted up and down with a flying Army , till Spithridates being joyned with Erippidas the Spartan , beat him out of all his Holds , and they possessed themselves of all the Spoil . Here Erippidas being too severe an Enquirer into the Plunder wherewith the Barbarian Soldiers had enriched themselves , and forcing them to deliver it up with too much Strictness , so disobliged Spithridates , that he changed sides again , and went off with the Paphlagonians to the Sardians . This was no small Displeasure to Agesilaus , not only that he had lost the Friendship of a valiant Commander , and with him a considerable Part of his Army , but chiefly that he did it with the Disrepute of a sordid Covetousness , of which he alway took care to clear both himself and his Country : Besides these publick Causes , he had a private one , viz. the excessive Love of his Son , which touched him to the quick , yet did he so much endeavour to master , and especially in presence of the Boy , to suppress all appearance of it , that when Megabates ( for that was his Name ) did address himself to him to Salute and Kiss , he declined it . At which , when the young Man blushed and drew back , saluting him at a more reserved distance , Agesilaus soon repenting his Coyness , and changing his Mind , pretended to wonder why he did not salute him with the like Familiarity as formerly . His Friends about him answered , you are in the fault , who durst not stand the Kiss of a pretty Boy , but outrun it ; he will soon offer you the like Kindness again , if he may but find it welcome to you . Upon this Agesilaus paused a while , and at length answered , You need not encourage him to a repetition of that Kindness ; I had rather be Master of myself in the refusal of that Kiss , than see all things that are now before mine eye turned into Gold. Thus he demeaned himself to Megabates when present , but he had so great a Passion for him in his absence , that I question whether if the Boy had returned again , all the Vertue he had , would have obliged him to such another Refusal . After that , Pharnabazus sought an opportunity of conferring with Agesilaus , which Apollophanes of Cyzicum , the common Host of them both , procured for him : Agesilaus coming first to the appointed Place , lay down upon the Grass under a Tree , lying there in expectation of Pharnabazus , who bringing with him soft Skins and wrought Carpets to lye down upon , when he saw Agesilaus's Posture , grew ashamed of his own Provisions , made no use of them , but laid himself down upon the Grass also , though he had a fine delicate richly-died Coat on , which was like to lose much of its beauty by the action : Pharnabazus had matter enough of Complaint against Agesilaus , and therefore after the mutual Civilities were over , he put him in mind of the great Services he had done the Lacedaemonians in the Attick War , of which he thought it an ill Recompence , to have his Country thus harrassed and spoiled , by those Men who had been so obliged to him . The Spartans that were about Agesilaus , hung down their Heads , as ashamed of the Wrong they had done to their good Ally . But the King briskly answer'd , We , O Pharnabazus , when we were in Amity with your Master the Persian , did behave our selves like Friends , now when he hath given us occasion of War , we behave our selves as Enemies . As for you , whose kind Offices we are ready to acknowledge , we look upon you as his Servant ; we are fain to do these Outrages upon you , not intending the Harm to you , but to him whom we wound through your sides . But whenever you will choose rather to be a Friend to the Grecians , than a Slave of the King of P●●sia , you may then reckon this Army and Navy to be all at your Command , to defend both you and your Country , together with your Liberties , without which there is nothing honourable , or indeed desirable among Men. Upon this Pharnabazus discovered his mind , and answered , If the King sendeth another Governour in my room , I will certainly come over to you , but as long as he trusteth me with the Government , I shall be just to him , and not fail to do my utmost Endeavours in opposing you . Agesilaus was taken with the Answer , and shook Hands with him , and ( rising ) said , How much rather had I have so gallant a Man my Friend than mine Enemy . Pharnabazus being gone off , his Son , staying behind , ran up to Agesilaus , and smilingly said , Agesilaus , I make you my Guest ; and thereupon presented him with a Javelin which he had in his hand . Agesilaus received it , and being much taken with the good Meen and Gallantry of the Youth , looked about to see if there were any thing in his Train fit to offer him in Return ; and observing the Horse of Adaeus , his Secretary , to have very fine Trappings on , he took them off , and bestowed them upon the young Gentleman ; nor did his Kindness rest there , but he was ever after mindful of him , insomuch that when he was driven out of his Country by the Injury of his Brethren , and lived an Exile in Peloponnesus , he took great care of his Maintenance ; and not only so , but also condescended to assist him in his Amours ; for he being in Love with a Youth of Athenian Birth , which was bred up to his Exercises , in order to playing of the Prize in the Olympick Games , and this Youth being , by reason of his great Bulk , and sour Looks , in some danger of not being admitted into the List , the Persian betook himself to Agesilaus , and made use of his Friendship : Agesilaus readily assisted him , and took great pains in effecting his Desires . He was in all other things a Man of great and exact Justice , but when the Case concerned a Friend , to be strait-laced in point of Justice , ( he said ) was only a colourable Pretence of denying him . There is an Epistle written to Idrieus , Prince of Caria , that is ascribed to Agesilaus ; it is this : If Nicias be innocent , absolve him ; if he be nocent , absolve him upon my account , however be sure to absolve him . And indeed this is the true Character of Agesilaus , as to his Deportment towards his Friends : Yet was not his Rule without Exception ; for sometimes he considered the Necessity of his Affairs more than his Friend , of which he once gave a great Example , when upon a sudden and disorderly Remove of his Camp , he was forced to leave a sick Friend behind him ; who when he called loud after him , and implored his Help , Agesilaus turned his Back , and said , What an hard thing is it to be merciful and wise too ? This Story is deliver'd by Hieronymus . Another Year of the War being spent , Agesilaus his Fame still increased , insomuch that the Persian King received daily Informations concerning his many Vertues , and the great Esteem the World had of his Continency , his Candor and Moderation . When he made any Journey with his private Train , he would usually take up his Lodging in a Temple , and there make the Gods Witnesses of his most private Actions , which others would scarce permit Men to be acquainted with . In so great an Army , you should scarce find a common Soldier lye on a coarser Mattress , or fare more hardly ; he was so inured to the varieties of Heat and Cold , that both seemed natural to him . The Greeks that inhabited Asia , were much pleased to see the great Dons of Persia , with all the Pride , Cruelty and Luxury , in which they lived , to vail Bonnet to a Man in a poor thread-bare Cloak , and to be governed by a Word or Nod , or a Laconick Sentence out of his Mouth : It put them in mind of that Verse in Timotheus ; While Mars himself her firm Sceptre hold , Greece fears not the weak Charms of Foreign Gold. Asia being now grown afraid of the Lacedaemonian Arms , was every-where ready to yield to them . Agesilaus in the mean time took order with several of the Cities , and composed the Differences of divers of the Republicks without Bloudshed , or Banishment of any of their Members : By these means having rendred himself every-where popular , he resolved to quit the Sea-side , to march further up into the Country , and to attack the King of Persia himself in Susa and Ecbatane , not willing to let that Monarch sit idle in his Chair , whilst he made Wars by his Lieutenants , and by his Money corrupted the Demagogues of Greece . But these great Thoughts were interrupted by unhappy News from Sparta ; Epicydidas is from thence sent to remand him Home , to assist his own Country , which was then involved in a great War. The Fields of Greece no Barbarous Foe surrounds , She bleeds ( alas ! ) with more dishonest Wounds . What better can we say of those Civil Wars , and Intestine Broyls , which did destroy the Fortune of Greece , and call her back from her full Career of Victory over the Barbarians , only to sheath her Sword into her own Bowels ? For I do by no means assent to Demaratus of Corinth , who said , That those Grecians were deprived of a great Satisfaction , that did not live to see Alexander sit in the Throne of Darius . That Sight should rather have drawn Tears from them , when they considered , that they had left that Glory to Alexander and the Macedonians , whilst they spent all their own great Commanders , in playing them upon each other in the Fields of Leuctra , Coronea , Corinth , and Arcadia . Nothing was greater or braver than the Behaviour of Agesilaus on this occasion , nor can a nobler Instance be found in Story , of a ready Obedience and just Deference to the Orders of the Senate . Annibal , though in a bad condition himself , and almost driven out of Italy , yet stormed and raged when he was called Home to serve his Country . Alexander made a Jest of the Battel between Agis and Antipater , the Success of which required his looking back into his own Country , laughing and saying , That whilst we are fighting Darius in Asia , it seems there is a Battel of Mice in Arcadia . Happy Sparta mean while , in the great Justice and Modesty of Agesilaus , and in the Honour he paid to the Laws of his Country ; who immediately upon receipt of his Orders , ( though in the midst of his good Fortune , and in full hope of so great and glorious Success ) left his Work unfinished , instantly departed , leaving his Friends in Asia very sorrowful for the loss of him : Which great Kindness and Fidelity of his , that had obliged so many to him in Asia , did sufficiently confute the Saying of Demaratus , the Son of Phaeux , That the Lacedaemonians excelled in their Publick Transactions , and just maintaining of Leagues , but the Athenians were better Observers of private Friendships . The Coin of Persia was stamped with the Picture of an Archer ; Agesilaus said , That a thousand Persian Archers had driven him out of Asia ; meaning the Money that was laid out in bribing the Demagogues , and the Orators in Thebes and Athens , whereby those two Republicks were incited to a War with Sparta . Having passed the Hellespont , he went by Land through Thrace , not begging or entreating a Passage any where , only he sent his Envoys to them , to demand whether they would have him pass as a Friend or as an Enemy . All the rest received him as a Friend , and used him with all Civility : but the Trallians ( of whom Xerxes is said to have bought his Passage ) demanded a Price of him , viz. A hundred Talents of Silver , and a hundred Women . Agesilaus in scorn asked , Why they were not ready to receive them ? He marched on , and meeting with Opposition from the Trallians , fought them , and slew great numbers of them . He sent the like Embassy to the King of Macedonia , who took time to deliberate : Why then let him deliberate , said Agesilaus , we will go forward in the mean time . The Macedonian being surprized and daunted at the Resolution of the Spartan King , fairly sent him a Complement , and let him pass . When he came into Thessaly , he wasted the Country , because they were in League with the Enemy . To Larissa , the chief City of Thessaly , he sent Xenocles and Scythes to Treat of a Peace , whom when the Larissaeans had laid hold of , and put into Custody , the Army was enraged , and advised the Siege of the Town ; but the King answered , That he valued either of those Men at more than the whole Country of Thessaly . He therefore made Terms with them , and received his Men again upon Composition . Nor need we wonder at that Saying of Agesilaus , at a time when he had News brought him from Sparta , of several great Captains slain in a Battel near Corinth , in which though the Slaughter fell upon other Grecians , the Lacedaemonians obtaining a great Victory with small loss , yet Agesilaus did not appear at all satisfi'd in it ; contrarily with a great Sigh he cried out , O ▪ Greece , how many gallant Men hast thou destroyed , which if they had been preserved to so good an use , might have conquered all Persia ! Yet when the Pharsalians grew troublesom to him , by pressing upon his Army , and incommoding his Passage , he drew out five hundred Horse , and in Person fought and routed them , setting up a Trophy at Narthacium : he valued himself much upon that Victory , that with so small a Number of his own choosing , he had vanquished an Army of Men , that thought themselves the best Horse-men of Greece . Here Diphridas , the Ephore , met him , and delivered his Message from Sparta , which order'd him immediately to make an Inroad into Baeotia ; which though he thought fitter to have been done at another time , and with greater Force , yet he obeyed the Magistrates . He thereupon told his Soldiers , that the day was come , in which they were to enter upon that Employment , for the performance of which they were brought out of Asia . He sent for two Cohorts of the Army near Corinth to his Assistance . The Lacedaemonians at home , in Honour to him , made Proclamation for Voluntiers that would serve under the King , to come in and be listed . Finding all the young Men in the City ready to ofter themselves , they chose fifty of the ablest , and sent them . Agesilaus having gain'd the Thermopylae , and passed quietly through Phocis , as soon as he had entred Baeotia , and pitched his Tents near Chaeronea , at once met with an Eclipse of the Sun , and with ill News from the Navy , Pisander , the Spartan Admiral , being beaten at Guidos , by Pharnabazus and Conon . He was much moved at it , both upon his own and the Publick account : Yet lest his Army , being now near engaging , should meet with any Discouragement , he ordered the Messengers to give out , that the Spartans were the Conquerors , and he himself putting on his Crown , did solemnly sacrifice , out of a pretended Joy for the News , and sent Portions of the Sacrifices to his Friends . When he came near to Coronea , and was within view of the Enemy , he drew up his Army , and giving the left Wing to the Orchomenians , he himself led the right . The Thebans did make the right Wing of their Army , leaving the left to the Argives . Xenophon , who was present , and fought on Agesilaus's side , reports it to be the hardest fought Battel that he had seen . The beginning of it was not so , for the Thebans soon put the Orchomenians to rout , as also did Agesilaus the Argives . But both Parties having News of the Misfortune of their left Wings , they betook themselves to their Relief . Here Agesilaus might have been sure of his Victory , had he contented himself not to charge them in the Front , but in the Flank or Rear ; but being too high in Mettle , and heated in the Fight , he would not stay the Opportunity , but fell on downright , thinking to bear them down before him . The Thebans were not behind him in Courage , so that the Battel was fiercely carry'd on on both sides , especially near Agesilaus's Person , whose new Guard of fifty Voluntiers stood him in great stead that day , and saved his Life : They fought with great Valour , and interposed their Bodies frequently between him and Danger , yet could they not so preserve him , but that he received many Wounds through his Armour with Lances and Swords , and was with much ado gotten off . They making a Ring about him , did guard him from the Enemy , with the Slaughter of many , and lost many of their own number . At length finding it too hard a Task to break the Front of the Theban Army , they opened their own Files , and let the Enemy march through them , ( an Artifice which in the beginning they scorned ) observing in the mean time the Posture of the Enemy , who having passed through , grew careless , as esteeming themselves past Danger : whereupon they were immediately set upon by the Spartans , yet were they not then put to Rout , but marched on to Helicon , vapouring , That they themselves , as to their part of the Army , were not worsted . Agesilaus , sore wounded as he was , would not be born to his Tent , till he had been first carried about the Field , and had seen the dead Men of his Party carried off in their Armour . As many of his Enemies as had taken Sanctuary in the Temple , he dismissed : for there stood hard by the Temple of Minerva the Itonian , and before it a Trophy erected by the Baeotians , for a Victory , which under the Conduct of one Sparton their General , they obtained over the Athenians , who were led that day by Tolmides , and Tolmides himself slain . Next morning early Agesilaus , to make trial of the Theban Courage , whether they had any mind to a second Encounter , did command his Soldiers to put on Garlands on their Heads , and play with their Flutes , and raise a Trophy before their Faces ; but when they instead of Fighting , sent for leave to bury their Dead , he gave it them , and so confirmed to himself the Victory . After this he went to Delphos , to the Pythian Games which were then celebrating , at which Feast he assisted , and there solemnly offered the tenth part of the Spoils he had brought from Asia , which amounted to an hundred Talents . Being now returned to his own Country , the Eyes of the Spartans were upon him , to observe his Diet , and manner of Living : But he ( not according to the Custom of other Generals ) came home the same Man that he went out , having not so learned the Fashions of other Countries , as to forget his own , much less to nauseate or despise them , but he follow'd all the Spartan Customs , without changing either the manner of his Supping , or Bathing , or his Wifes Apparel , as if he had never travelled over the River Eurotas . The like he did by his Houshold-stuff , his Armour , nay , the very Gates of his House were so old , that they might well be thought of Aristodemus's setting up . His Daughters Chariot ( called the Canathrum ) was no richer than that of other People . Now this Canathrum , whether Chariot or Chair , was made of Wood , in the shape of a Griffon , or of the * Tragelaphus , some antick shape or other , on which the Children and young Virgins were carried in Processions . Xenophon hath not left us the Name of this Daughter of Agesilaus ; at which Dicaearchus is angry , viz. that he can know the Names neither of Agesilaus's Daughter , nor Epaminondas's Mother . But in the Records of Laconia we find his Wifes Name to be Cl●ora , and his two Daughers to have been Apolia and Prolyta ; and you may even to this day see Agesilaus's Spear kept in Sparta , nothing differing from that of other Men. There was a Vanity he observed among the Spartans , about keeping running Horses for the Olympick Games , upon which he found they much valued themselves . Agesilaus much despised it , as an Ostentation more of Wealth than Vertue , deeming the Victory to be the Horse's , not the Man's : He therefore to convince the Grecians of it , did put his Sister Cynisca upon keeping a running Horse for that Publick Solemnity . To the wise Xenophon , his Friend , whom he much valued , he did propose the bringing of his Children to Sparta , to be there bred up in the strictest way of Discipline , and in the noble Art of Obeying and Governing . Lysander being dead , and his Faction yet great and prevalent , which he upon his coming out of Asia had raised against Agesilaus , the King thought it advisable to expose both him and it , by shewing what manner of a Citizen he had been whilst he lived . To that end , finding an Oration among his Writings , that was ( composed by Cleon the Halicarnassean , but ) intended to be spoken by Lysander in a Publick Assembly , to excite the People to Innovations and Changes in the Government , he resolved to publish it , as an Evidence of Lysander's ill Practices . But one of the Senators , having the perusal of it , and finding it strongly written , advised him to have a care of digging up Lysander again , and rather bury that Oration in the Grave with him . This Advise he wisely hearkened to , and ever after forbore publickly to affront any of his Adversaries , but took occasions of picking out the Ring-leaders , and sending them away upon Foreign Services . He also found out ways of discovering the Avarice and the Injustice of many of them in their Employments ; yet , when they were by others brought into Question , he made it his business to bring them off , obliging them by that means , of Enemies to become his Friends , and so by degrees wore out the Faction . Agesipolis , his Fellow-King , was under the Disadvantage of being Born of an Exil'd Father , and himself Young , Modest , and Unactive , and meddled not much in Affairs . Agesilaus took a course of growing upon him , and making him yet more tractable . According to the Custom of Sparta , the Kings , if they were in Town , alway Dined together . This was Agesilaus's opportunity of dealing with Agesipolis , whom he found apt to Amorous Intrigues as well as himself . He therefore alway discoursed him about handsome Boys , egging him forward that way , and himself assisting in it , so far as to become the Confident of the Amour . Yet were these Amours innocent , according to the Custom of the Spartan Loves , which were alway accompani'd with Vertue and Honour , and a noble Emulation ; of which you may see more in Lycurgus's Life . Having thus established his Power in the City , he easily obtained that his half Brother Teleutias might be chosen Admiral ; and thereupon making an Expedition against the Corinthians , he made himself Master of the long Walls by Land , through the Assistance of his Brother at Sea. Coming thus upon the Argives ( who then held Corinth ) in the midst of their Isthmian Games , he made them out-run their Sacrifices , and leave all their Festival Provisions behind them . The exil'd Corinthians that were in the Spartan Army , desired him to keep up the Feast , and to appear Chief in the Celebration of it . This he refused , but gave them leave to carry on the Solemnity , if they pleased , and he in the mean time staid and guarded them . When Agesilaus marched off , the Argives returned to their Sports again , with this variety of Fortune , that some who were Victors before , became Victors a second time , others lost the Prizes which before they had gained . But Agesilaus reproached them severely of Cowardise , who having so great an Esteem of the Isthmian Games , and so much valuing themselves upon the Victories there gotten , yet durst not adventure to Fight in defence of them . He himself was of Opinion , that to keep a Mean in such things was best ; he allowed of the Sports usually permitted in his Country , and would not refuse to be present at the Exercises either of the young Men , or of the Girls , being alway ready to take his share in them ; but what many Men seemed ▪ to be highly taken with in these Games , he seemed not at all concerned in . Callipides the Stage-player , being eminent in that Faculty through all Greece , meeting this King , did make his Obeisance ; of which , when he found no notice taken , he confidently thrust himself into his Train , expecting that Agesilaus would take some notice , and at least pass a Jest upon him . When all that failed , he boldly accosted him , and asked him , Whether he knew him not ? What ( said the King ) art thou Callipides the Scaramonchio ? and so turn'd from him . Being invited once to hear a Man sing , who did admirably imitate the Nightingale , he refused , and answered , That he had heard the Nightingale her self . There was one Menecrates , a Physician in Laconia , who , having been famed for great Success in great and deplored Diseases , was , by way of Flattery , called Jupiter : He was so vain as to take it , and having occasion to write a Letter to Agesilaus , thus endorsed it : Menecrates Jupiter , to King Agesilaus , Greeting . The King returned Answer , Agesilaus to Menecrates , Health● and a sound Mind . Whilst Agesilaus was in the Corinthian Territories , beholding his Soldiers Pillaging the Temple of Juno , the Theban Ambassadors came to him to treat of Peace . He having a great Aversion for that City , and thinking it then advantageous to his Affairs publickly to slight them , did it sufficiently , for he would not seem either to see them , or hear them speak . But as if the express Vengeance of God had appeared against this Insolence , before they parted from him , he received News of the Overthrow of one of his Cohorts , by Iphicrates , with a greater Slaughter than he had received a long time ; and that the more grievous , because it was a choice Regiment of Lacedaemonians well Armed , but overthrown by a parcel of light-armed Mercenaries . Agesilaus made all the haste he could to their Rescue , but found it too late , the Business being over . He therefore retired to Juno's Temple , and sent for the Theban Ambassadors to give them Audience . They now resolved to be even with him for the Affront he gave them , and , without speaking one word of the Peace , only desired leave to go into Corinth . Agesilaus , being nettled with this Overture , told them in scorn , That if they were minded to go and see how proud their Friends were of their Success , they should do it to Morrow with safety . Next Morning , taking the Ambassadors with him , he spoiled the Corinthian Territories , up to the very Gates of the City ; where having made a Stand , and let the Ambassadors see , that the Corinthians durst not come out to defend themselves , he dismissed them ; then gathering up the small remainders of the shattered Cohort , he marched homewards , alway removing his Camp before day , and alway pitching his Tents after Night , that he might prevent the Acardians from taking any opportunity of insulting over their loss . After this , at the Request of the Achaians , he marched with them into Acarnania , from whence he brought great Spoils , and overcame the Acarnanians in Battel . The Achaians would have persuaded him to keep his Winter-Quarters there , to hinder the Acarnanians from sowing their Corn ; but he was of the contrary Opinion , alledging , that they would be more afraid of a War next Summer , when their Fields were Sown , than they would be if they lay Fallow . The Event did justifie his Opinion ; for next Summer , when the Achaians began their Expedition again , the Acarnanians immediately made Peace with them . When Conon and Pharnabazus were grown Masters of the Sea , and had not only infested the Coast of Laconia , but also rebuilt the Walls of Athens , at the Cost of Pharnabazus , the Lacedaemonians thought fit to Treat of Peace with the King of Persia . To that end , they sent Antalcidas to Teribazus about it , basely betraying the poor Asiatick Greeks , on whose behalf Agesilaus had made the War. But no part of this Dishonour fell upon Agesilaus , the whole being transacted by Antalcidas , who was a bitter Enemy of Agesilaus , and did therefore urge on the Peace , because Agesilaus was so earnest for continuing the War , it being his Talent , in which he alway gain'd Reputation and Authority . Yet as ill as he liked the Peace , when once it was on foot , he promoted it , and being told , by way of Reproach , that the Lacedaemonians did now apply themselves to the Median Interest , he replied , No , but the Medes applied themselves to the Interest of the Lacedaemonians . And when the Grecians were backward to the Agreement , he threatned them with War , unless they came up to the King of Persia's Terms . Agesilaus had a particular End in this , viz. to weaken the Thebans ; for it was made one of the Articles of Peace , that the Country of Baeotia should be set at liberty , which was then under the Dominion of Thebes . This Pique of his to Thebes appeared further afterwards , when Phaebidas in full Peace did very dishonourably seize upon Cadmea , a Castle belonging to Thebes . The thing was much stomached by all Greece , and not well liked of by the Laconians themselves ; those especially who were Enemies to Agesilaus , did require an account of the Action , and by whose Authority it was done , laying the Suspicion of it at his door . Agesilaus doubted not to answer on the behalf of Phaebidas , that the profitableness of an Action was chiefly to be considered ; if it were for the Advantage of the Commonwealth , it was no matter by whose Authority it was done . This was the more remarkable in him , because he was alway observed to be a great Lover of Justice , and would , in his private Discourses , commend it as the chief of Vertues , saying , That Valour without Justice was useless , and if all the World were Just , there would be no need of Valour . When any would say to him , The Great King ( meaning the Persian ) will have it so ; he would smartly reply , How is he greater than I , unless he be Juster ? He took the truly Royal Measure of Greatness , which is to be computed by Justice , not by Force . The Peace being concluded , the King of Persia wrote to Agesilaus , desiring a private Friendship and Correspondence ; but he refused it , saying , That the publick Friendship was enough ; whilst that lasted , there was no need of private . Yet was he not alway of that mind , it plainly appearing , That sometimes out of Ambition , and sometimes out of private Pique , he brake that Rule . Particularly in this case of the Thebans , he not only saved Phaebidas , but perswaded the Lacedaemonians to take the Fault upon themselves , and to retain Cadmea , putting a Garison into it , and to make Archias and Leontidas chief Governors of Thebes , who had been Betrayers of the main Castle to them . This gave strong Suspicion , that what Phaebidas did , was by Agesilaus's Order , which was afterward made evident by the Consequences : For when the Thebans had slain the Garison , and asserted their Liberty , he accusing them of the Murther of Archias and Leontidas , ( who indeed were Tyrants , though in Title Polemarchi , or Generals ) made War upon them . He sent Cleombrotus on that Errand , who was now the other King , in room of Agesipolis that was dead , excusing himself by reason of his Age : For it was 40 years since he had first born Arms , and was consequently excused by the Law. Mean while the true Reason why he withdrew himself from the War , was , that he was ashamed , having so lately fought against the Tyranny of the Phliasians , to fight now in defence of a Tyranny against the Thebans . One Sphodrias of Lacedaemon , being of a contrary Faction to Agesilaus , was Governor of Thespiae , a brisk daring Man , one that had more of Courage than Wisdom . This Action of Phaebidas fired him , and incited his Ambition to attempt some great Enterprize , which might render him as Famous , as he perceived the taking of Cadmea had made Phaebidas . He thought the taking of the Piraeum , and the cutting off thereby the Athenians from the Sea , a Matter of far more Glory : 'T is said , That Pelopidas and Gelon , the Governors of Baeotia , put him upon it ; they privily sent Men to him , that pretended to be of the Spartan Faction , who highly commending Sphodrias , blew him up into a great Opinion of himself , protesting him to be the only Man in the World that was fit for so great an Enterprize . Being thus pricked forward , he could hold no longer , but soon engaged himself in a Business , every whit as dishonourable and treacherous as that of Ca●mea , but attempted with less Valour and less Success ; for the day broke whilst he was yet in the Plains of Thriasium , whereas he designed the whole Exploit to have been done in the Night . As soon as the Soldiers perceived the Rays of Light reflecting from the Temples of Eleusine , upon the first rising of the Sun , it is said , that their Hearts failed them ; nay , he himself , when he saw that he could not have the benefit of the Night , had not Courage enough to go on with his Enterprize , but , having pillaged the Country , he returned with Shame to Thespiae . An Embassy was upon this sent from Athens to Sparta , to complain of the breach of Peace ; but the Ambassadors found their Journey needless , Sphodrias being then under Process by the Magistrates of Sparta . Sphodrias durst not stay to expect Judgment , which he found would be Capital , the City being highly incensed against him , out of the Shame they had of the Business , and the Resolution they had to give the Athenians no cause of suspecting them , to be any way consenting to so base an Action . This Sphodrias had a handsome Youth to his Son named Cleonymus , with whom Archidamus , the Son of Agesilaus , was deeply in Love. With him did Cleonymus labour much for the preservation of his Father ; but Archidamus durst not appear publickly in his Assistance , he being one of the professed Enemies of Agesilaus . But Cleonymus having solicited him with Tears about it , ( as knowing Agesilaus to be of all his Father's Enemies the most formidable ) the young Man did for two or three days , follow his Father with such Shame and Confusion within himself , that he durst not speak to him . At last , the day of Sentence being at hand , he adventur'd to tell him , that Cleonymus had entreated him to intercede for his Father . Agesilaus , though well aware of the Love between the Two young Men , yet did not prohibit it , because he looked upon Cleonymus as an extraordinary Youth , and of great Hopes : Yet he gave not his Son any kind Answer in the Case , but coldly told him , That he would consider what he could honestly and honourably do in it , and so dismissed him . Archidamus being ashamed of his want of Success , did forbear the Company of Cleonymus for some days , a thing not usual with him . This made the Friends of Sphodrias to think his Case desperate , till Etymocles , one of Agesilaus's Friends , did discover to them the King's Mind , viz. That he abhorred the Fact , but yet he thought Sphodrias a gallant Man , such as the Commonwealth much wanted at that time . These were the frequent Sayings of Agesilaus , which gave Cleonymus sufficiently to understand , that Archidamus had been just to him , in using all his Interest with his Father ; and Sphodrias his Friends grew brisk in his Defence . The truth is , that Agesilaus was a very ●o●d Man of his Children , insomuch that it is reported , That when they were little ones , he would make a Hobby-Horse of a Reed , and ride with them . Being catched at this Sport by a Friend , he desired him to say nothing of it , till he himself were the Father of Children . Mean while Sphodrias being absolved of his Crime , the Athenians betook themselves to Arms , insomuch that Agesilaus fell into great Disgrace with the People ; that to gratifie the Amours of a Boy , would pervert Justice , and make the City accessory to the Crimes of Two private Men , who , by dishonourable Actions had broke the Peace of Greece . He also found his Collegue Cleombrotus little inclined to the Theban War ; so that it became necessary for him to quit the Privilege of his Age , which he before had claimed , and to lead the Army himself ; which he did with variety of Success , sometimes Conquering , and sometimes Conquered , insomuch that receiving a Wound in a Battel , he was reproached by Antalcidas , That the Thebans had made him a good Requital , for teaching them to Fight . And indeed , they were now grown far better Soldiers than ever they had been , being so much harassed , and so much beaten into War , by the frequency of the L●ced●monian Expeditions against them . Out of the foresight of which it was , that anciently Lycurgus in three several Laws , forbid them to make Wars often in one Place , which would be to instruct their Enemies in the Art of it . Mean while the Allies of Sparta were not a little discontented at Agesilaus , that this War was commenced not from any just Offence taken , but merely out of his Hatred to the Thebans , and with Indignation grumbled , that they being the Majority of the Army , should from Year to Year be thus exposed to Danger and Hardship here and there , at the Will of a few Persons . Agesilaus being put to his Shifts , to obviate the Objection , devised this Expedient , to try the numbers of both the Spartans and the Allies . He gave Orders that all the Allies , of what-ever Country , should sit down promiscuously on one side , and all the Lacedaemonians on the other ; which being done , he Commanded an Herald to proclaim , that all the Potters of both Squadrons should stand out ; then all the Blacksmiths ; then all the Masons ; next the Carpenters ; and so he went through all the Handicrafts . By this time almost all the Allies were risen , but of the Lacedaemonians very few , they being by Law forbidden to learn any Handicraft-Trade : whereupon Agesilaus fell on Laughing , and told them , ●e see , Gentlemen , how that our number of Soldiers is greater than yours . When he brought back his Army from Baeotia through Megara , as he was going up to the Town-Hall , in the Castle of that Town , he was suddenly taken with Pain , and convulsive Motions on his better Leg , upon which a great Tumour and Inflammation soon arose . He was treated by a Syracusian Physician , who let him Blood below the Ancle : this soon eased his Pain ; but then the Blood could not be stopped , till it brought him to Fainting and Swooning ; at length , with much ado , he stopped it . Agesilaus was carri'd home to Sparta in a very weak condition , insomuch that he recover'd not Strength enough to appear in the Field a long time after . Mean while the Spartan Fortune was but ill , they having received many Losses both by Sea and Land ; but the greatest was that at Leuctra , which was the first time that they were overthrown by the Thebans in a set Battel . The occasion was this : The Grecians were all disposed to a general Peace , and to that end sent Ambassadors to Sparta . Among these was Epaminondas , the Theban , famous at that time for his Wisdom and Learning , but he had not yet given proof of his Martial Vertues . He , seeing all the others crouch to Agesilaus , and curry Favour with him , did himself , notwithstanding , keep up the Port of an Ambassador , and with that Freedom that became his Character , make a Speech in behalf , not of Thebes only , from whence he came , but of all Greece , remonstrating that Sparta had grown great by War , to the great Grievance of all her Neighbours . He urged , that Peace might be made upon equal terms , such a one as might be a lasting one , which could not otherwise be done , than by reducing all to a Parity . Agesilaus perceiving all the other Greeks to hearken much to this Discourse , and to be pleased with it , presently asked him , Whether he thought it fit that Baeotia should be set free , and be permitted to live by her own Laws ? Epaminondas briskly returned the Question , Whether it were sit that Sparta should live by hers ? Agesilaus being moved at this Reply , Bid him set forth what ground he had for pleading such Immunity for Baeotia . Epaminondas again asked him , What grounds he had for demanding liberty for Sparta ? Agesilaus was so enraged at this , that he immediately struck the Thebans out of the League , and declared War against them . With the rest of the Greeks he made a Peace , and dismissed them with this Saying , That what could be peaceably adjusted , should ; what was otherwise incurable , must be committed to the Success of War , it being a thing of too great difficulty to provide for all things by Treaty . The Ephori did hereupon dispatch their Orders to Cleombrotus , who was at that time in Phocis , to march directly into Baeotia , and at the same time sent to their Allies for Help . The Confederates were very resty in the Business , and unwilling to Engage , but as yet they feared the Spartans , and durst not refuse . And although many Portents and Prodigies of ill Presage , had appeared ; and though Prothous the Laconian had laboured all he could to hinder it , yet Agesilaus would needs go forward , and prevailed so , that the War was decreed . He thought the present Juncture of Affairs very advantageous to it , the rest of Greece being wholly free , and in League with them , the Thebans only exempted . But that this War was undertaken more upon Passion than Judgment , the Event did prove : for the Treaty was finished but the 14th of May , and the Lacedaemonians receiv'd their great Overthrow at Leuctrae the 5th of June within 20 days . There fell at that time 1000 Spartans , and Cleombrotus their King , in the Company of many others of the most gallant Men of that Nation ; particularly Cleonymus , the Son of Sphodrias , that beautiful Youth , was thrice knock'd down at the Feet of the King , and as often recover'd it , but was slain at the last . This unexpected Blow , which fell so heavy upon the Lacedaemonians , brought greater Glory to Thebes , than ever was acquired by any other of the Grecian-Republicks , in their Civil Wars against each other . The Behaviour notwithstanding of the Spartans , though beaten , was much greater , and more to be admired , than that of the Thebans . And indeed , if as Xenophon saith ▪ In Conversation good Men , even among their Sports , and in their Wine , do let fall many remarkable Sayings and Jests , that are worth the preserving ; how much more worthy to be recorded , is an exemplary constancy of Mind , appearing both in the Countenances and Behaviours of brave Men , when they are pressed by adverse Fortune . It happen'd that the Spartans were Celebrating a solemn Feast , at which many Strangers were ▪ present from other Countries , and the Town full of them , when this News of the Overthrow came . The Ephori , though they were sufficiently aware , that this Blow had quite ruined the Spartan Grandeur , and its Primacy over the rest of Greece , yet gave Orders that the Dancing should not break off , nor any of the Ceremonies of the Festival abate . The next Morning , when they had full Intelligence concerning it , and every body knew who were slain , and who survived , the Fathers of the slain came out rejoycing in the Market-place , saluting each other with a kind of Exultation ; on the contrary , the Fathers of the Survivors hid themselves at home among the Women , as wholly ashamed of their Children . If Necessity drove any of them abroad , they went very dejectedly , with down ▪ Looks , and sorrowful Countenances . The Women out-did the Men in it : Such whose Sons were Slain , openly rejoycing , and meeting triumphantly in the Temples ; they who expected their Children home , being very silent , and much troubled . But the common People being awaken'd by this Calamity , and withal terrified with the News of Epaminondas his Design of Invading Peloponnesus , began to think of the Oracle , which had predicted Woes to them , when they had a Lame Man to their King , and grew mightily afflicted for the Rejection of Leotychidas , who was both the right Heir , and strait in all his Limbs . Yet the regard they had to the Wealth and Reputation of Agesilaus , so far stifled this Murmuring of the People , that notwithstanding it , they threw themselves upon him in this Distress , as the only Man that was fit to heal the publick Malady , by being made sole Arbiter of all their Difficulties , whether relating to the Affairs of War or Peace . One great one was then before them , concerning the Runaways that had fled out of the Battel , who being many and powerful , it was feared that they might make some Commotion in the Republick , to prevent the execution of the Law upon them for their Cowardice . The Law in that Case was very severe ; for they were not only to be degraded from all Honors , but also it was a Disgrace to inter-marry with them : Who-ever met any of them in the Streets , might beat him if he listed , nor was it lawful for him to resist : They in the mean while were obliged to go abroad in a nasty Habit , with their Gowns patched of divers Colours , and to wear their Beards half shaved , half unshaven . To execute so rigid a Law as this , in a Case where the Offenders were so many , and of those many Men of great Families and Interest , and that in a time when the Common-wealth wanted Soldiers so much as then it did , was of dangerous Consequence . Therefore they chose Agesilaus a Dictator , or new Law-giver , with full power of abrogating old Laws , or making new ones , as he pleased . But he , without adding to , or diminishing from , or any way changing the Law , came out into the publick Assembly , and said , That the Law should lye dormant at present , but be vigorously executed for the future . By this means he at once preserved the Law from Abrogation , and the Citizens from Infamy : And that he might take off the Consternation that was upon the young Men , he made an Inroad into Arcadia , where avoiding Fight as much as he could , he contented himself to spoil the Territory , and to take a small Town belonging to the Mantineans , thereby reviving the Hearts of Populace , letting them see that they were not every where unsuccessful . Upon this Epaminondas made an Inroad into Laconia , with an Army of 40000. besides light-armed Men , and others that follow'd the Camp only for Plunder , so that in all they were at least 70000. It was now 600 Years since the Dorians had possessed Laconia , and in all that time the Face of an Enemy had not been seen within their Territories , no Man daring to Invade them : But now they made their Incursions without Resistance , as far as Eurotas , and the very Suburbs of Sparta ; for Agesilaus would not permit them to engage against so impetuous a Torrent , as Theopompus called it . He contented himself to fortifie the chief Parts of the City , and to place Guards conveniently , enduring mean while the Taunts of the Thebans , who reproached him as the Firebrand of the War , and the Author of all that Mischief to his Country , and bidding him defend himself if he could . But this was not all : He was greatly disturbed at home with the Tumults of the City , the Outcries and running about of the Old Men , who were highly enraged at their present condition , and the Women much worse , being terrifi'd by the Clamours , and the Fires of the Enemy in the Field . But that which cut him to the Heart , was the sense of his lost Glory ; who having come to the Crown of Sparta , when it was in its most flourishing Condition , and highest Grandeur , now lived to see it laid low in Esteem , and all its great Vaunts derided , even those which he himself had been accustom'd to use , viz. That the Women of Sparta had never seen the Smoak of the Enemies Fire . It is said , that Antalcidas being in Dispute with an Athenian , about the Valour of the Two Nations , the Athenian bragged , That they had o●ten driven the Spartans from the River C●phisus : Yes , said Antalcidas , but we never had occasion to drive you from Eurotas . A common Spartan of less Quality , being in Company with an Argive , who was vapouring how many Spartans lay buried in the Fields of Argus , reply'd , But you have ●●●e buried in the Country of Laconia . Yet now the Case was so altered , that Antalcidas being one of the Ephori , out of Fear , sent away his Children privately to the Island of Cythera . When the Enemy essay'd to get over the River , and thence to Attack the Town , Agesilaus betook himself to the high Places and strong Holds of it . But it happen'd , that Eurotas at that time swelled to a great height , by reason of the Snow that had fallen , and made the Passage very difficult to the Thebans , not only by its depth , but much more by the Ice that was upon it . Whilst this was doing , Epaminondas every where appeared the foremost Man in the Army , insomuch that Agesilaus viewing the whole Action , fell into admiration of his Gallantry . But when he came to the City , and would fain have attempted something either upon it , or within the Limits of it , that might raise him a Trophy there , he could not tempt Agesilaus out of his Hold , but was fain to march off again , wasting the Country as he went. Mean while there did a dangerous Conspiracy happen in Sparta , where 200 Men having gotten into a strong part of the Town called Issorion , did seize upon the Temple of Diana and Garison it . The Spartans were enraged at it , and would have fallen upon them presently ; but Agesilaus not knowing how far the Sedition might reach , did command them to forbear , and going himself in his Cloak , with but one Servant , when he came near the Rebels , called out , and told them , That they mistook their Orders ; that by his Order they were to go , one part of them thither , shewing them another Place in the City , and part to another , which he also shewed . The Conspirators gladly heard this Discourse , thinking themselves no way suspected of Treason , and readily went off to the Places which he shewed them . Whereupon Agesilaus placed in their room a Garison of his own : Of the Conspirators he apprehended 15. and put them to death in the night . After this , a much more dangerous Conspiracy was discovered of Spartan Citizens , who had privately met in each others Houses , to cause a Disturbance . It was equally dangerous , by reason of the Greatness of the Party to prosecute them publickly according to Law , and to connive at them . Agesilaus took another course , and by consent of the Ephori , put them to death privately without Process ; a thing never before known in Sparta . At this time also ▪ many of the Helots , and other Hirelings , that were listed in the Army , ran away to the Enemy , which was matter of great Consternation to the City . He therefore , caused some Officers of his , every Morning before day , to search the Quarters of the Soldiers , and , where any Man was gone , to hide his Arms , that so the greatness of the number might not appear . Historians differ about the time of the Thebans Departure from Sparta . Some say , the Winter forced them ; as also that the Arcadian Soldiers Disbanding , made it necessary for the rest to retire . Others say , that they stay'd there Three Months , till they had laid the whole Country waste . Theopompus is the only Author who gives out , That when the Baeotarchae , or Council of War of the Theban Army , had resolved upon the Retreat , Phrixus the Spartan came to them , and offer'd them , from Agesilaus , Ten Talents to be gone ; so hiring them to do , what they were already doing of their own accord . How he alone should come to be aware of this , I know not ; only in this all Authors agree , That the saving of Sparta from Ruine , was wholly due to the Wisdom of Agesilaus , who in this Extremity of Affairs quitted all his Ambition and his Haughtiness , and resolved to play a saving Game . But all his Wisdom and Prowess was not sufficient to recover the Glory of it , and to raise it to its ancient Greatness . For as we see in Bodies , long used to strict , and too exquisitely regular Diet , if they commit any great Disorder , it is usually fatal ; so in this City , which by the strictness of her Laws , and the severe Virtue , and great Conduct of her Leaders , had flourished so long , one great mistake in Policy undid all . Nor was this Fall wholly undeserved , since they so much swerved from the Institutions of Lycurgus , to which their Ancestors were sworn , who had formed a Republick , wholly fitted to the Ease , and Peace , and vertuous Life of the Inhabitants , so that they might have lived happily within themselves , without molesting their Neighbours , or seeking Dominion over them . Agesilaus being now very Aged , gave over all Military Employments ; but his Son Archidamus , having received help from Dionysius of Sicily , did give a great Overthrow to the Arcadians , in a Fight remarkably known by the Name of The tearless Battel , wherein there was a great Slaughter of the Enemy , without the loss of one Spartan . This Victory did but too much discover the present Weakness of Sparta ; for heretofore Victory was esteemed so usual a thing with them , that for their greatest Successes they seldom sacrificed any more than a Cock to the Gods. Neither were the Soldiers much elated at the News when it came : yea , when the great Victory was obtained at Mantinea , which is at large described by Thucidides , the Messenger that brought the News , had no other Reward , than a good piece of Powdered Beef sent him to his Lodgings ▪ But at the News of this Arcadian Victory , they were not able to contain themselves ; but the old King went out in Procession with Tears of Joy in his Eyes , to meet and embrace his Son , and all the Council attended him . The Old Men and Women all marched out as far as the River Eurota , lifting up their Hands , and thanking the Gods , that they had washed off the Stain that had lately stuck upon Sparta , saying , That now they could boldly appear in the Face of the Sun , who before , out of Shame and Confusion , could not appear even to their own Wives . When Epaminondas rebuilt Messene , and recalled the ancient Citizens to it , they were not able to obstruct the Design , being not in condition of appearing in the Field against them . But the Spartans were very much offended with Agesilaus , when they found so large a Territory , equal to their own in Compass , and for Fertility the richest of all Greece , taken from them in his Reign . Therefore it was that the King broke off Treaty with the Thebans , when they offered him Peace , rather than set his Hand to the passing away of that Country , though it was already taken from him . Which Punctilio of Honour had like to have cost him dear ; for in the progress of the War he was over-reached by a Stratagem , which had almost amounted to the loss of Sparta . For when the Mantineans again revolted from Thebes to Sparta , and Epaminondas understood that Agesilaus was come to their Assistance with a powerful Army , he privately , in the night , quit his Quarters at Tegea , and unknown to the Mantineans , marched towards Sparta , insomuch that he failed very little of taking it empty and unarmed . Of this Agesilaus having Intelligence , sent him by Euthymus the Thespian , saith Callisthenes , but by some Cretan , saith Xenophon , immediately dispatched a Post to Lacedaemon , to advertise them of it , and withal to let them know , that he was hastening to them . He did it with that Expedition , that he prevented the Thebans , who came over Eurotas after he was in the Town . They notwithstanding made an Assault upon the Town , and were received by Agesilaus with great Courage , he bestirring himself much beyond what was to be expected in his years . For he did not now Fight with that Caution and Cunning which he formerly made use of , but put all upon a desperate push ; which ( though not his usual method ) succeeded so well , that he rescued the City out of the Jaws of Epaminondas , and forced him to retire . This Action deserved a Trophy , and had one ; at the erection of which , Agesilaus encouraged the Citizens , by shewing them how well they had paid their Debt to their Country in this Action , and particularly took notice of the great Performances of his Son Archidamus , who had that day made himself Illustrious , both by his Courage and Agility of Body , speedily shifting Places to all the dangerous Passes , where the Enemy pressed hardest into the Town , every where charging the Enemy , though with but few in his Company . But the grand Example of an Heroick Valour was given by Isadas , the Son of Phaebidas , to the Admiration of the Enemy , as well as of his Friends . He was a very comely , handsom , well-grown , proper Youth , just beginning to write Man. He had no Arms upon him , scarce Cloaths ; he had just anointed himself at home , when upon the Alarm , without further Ceremony , in that Undress , he snatched a Spear in one hand , and a Sword in the other , and brake into the thickest of his Enemies , bearing down all before him . He received no Wound , whether that he were the particular Care of GOD , who rewarded his Valour with an extraordinary Protection , or whether his Shape being so large and beautiful , and his Dress so unusual , they thought him more than a Man. The gallantry of the Action was so esteemed among the Spartans , that the Ephori gave him a Garland ; but as soon as they had done , they fined him 1000 Drachms , for going out to Battel unarmed . A few days after this , there was another Battel fought near Mantinea , wherein Epaminondas having routed the Van of the Lacedaemonians , was eager in the pursuit of them , when Anticrates , the Laconian , wounded him with a Spear , saith Dioscorides ; but the Spartans to this day call the Posterity of this Anticrates , * Sword-men , because that he wounded Epaminondas with a Sword. They so dreaded Epaminondas , when living , that the Slayer of him was embraced and admired by all ; nay , they decreed Honors to him and his Posterity , to which latter they gave Immunity from all manner of Taxes : This Priviledge , Callicrates , one of his Descendants , now enjoyeth . Epaminondas being Slain , there was a general Peace again concluded , from which Agesilaus's Party excluded the Messenians , as Men that had no City , and therefore would not let them Swear to the League ; to which , when the rest of the Greeks admitted them , the Lacedaemonians went off , and continued the War alone , in hopes of subduing the Messenians . For this Reason was Agesilaus esteemed a stubborn , refractory Man , and insatiable of War , who took such pains to hinder the League , and to protract the War , at a time when he had not Money wherewith to carry it on , but was forced to borrow of the Citizens , and to oppress them with heavy Taxes , and all this to retrieve the poor City of Messenia , after he had lost so great an Empire both by Sea and Land , as the Spartans were possessed of , when he came to the Crown . But it did more move the Indignation of all Men , when he put himself into the Service of Tachos the Aegyptian . They thought it too too much unworthy of a Man of his Quality , who was then looked upon as the prime Commander in all Greece , who had filled all Countries with his Renown , to let himself out to Hire to a Barbarian , an Aegyptian Rebel , ( for Tachos was no better ) and to fight for Pay , as Captain only of a Band of Mercenaries . If at those Years of Eighty and odd , after his Body had been worn out with Age , and enfeebled with Wounds , he had engaged in some very Honourable Cause , as the Liberty of Greece , or the like , it had been however worthy of some Reproof . To make an Action honourable , it ought to be agreeable to the Age , and other Circumstances of the Person ; for it is Circumstance that doth difference the Action , and make it either good or bad . But Agesilaus valued not other Mens Discourses ; he thought no publick Employment dishonourable ; the ignoblest thing in his esteem was for a Man to sit idle and resty at home , till Death should come and take him napping . The Money therefore that he received from Tachos , he laid out in raising of Men , wherewith having filled his Ships , he took also 30 Spartan Captains with him , as formerly he had done in his Asiatick Expedition , and set Sail for Aegypt . As soon as he arrived at Aegypt , all the great Officers of the Kingdom came to pay their Compliments to him at his Landing . His Reputation being so great , had rais'd the Expectation of the whole Country , which did flock in to see him ; but when they found , instead of the great Prince whom they looked for , a little Old Man , of contemptible presence , without all Ceremony lying down upon the Grass , his Hair uncombed , his Cloaths thread-bare , they fell into Laughter and Scorn of him , crying out , that the old Proverb was now made good , The Mountain had brought forth a Mouse . They were much more scandalized at his Stupidity , ( as they thought it ) who , when Presents were made of all manner of Provisions , took only the Meal , the Calves , and the Geese , but rejected the Sweet-Meats , the Confections and Perfumes : When they did urge him to the acceptance of them , he took them and gave them to the Helots that were in his Army ; yet he was taken with the Garlands they made of the * Papyrus , because of their native Simplicity , and when he returned homewards , he demanded one of the King , which he carried with him . When he joyned with Tachos , he found his Expectation of being Generalissimo frustrated : Tachos reserved that place for himself , making Agesilaus only Captain of the Band of Mercenaries , and Chabrias the Athenian Admiral . This was the first occasion of his Discontent ; but there followed others : he ( being daily tired with the Insolency and Vanity of this Aegyptian ) was at length forced to attend on him into Phaenicia , in a condition much below his Spirit and Dignity , which , notwithstanding , he was forced to digest for a while , till he had opportunity of shewing his Resentment . It was soon afforded him by Nectanabis , the Uncle of Tachos , and a great Captain under him , who took an occasion to fall off from his Nephew , and was soon Proclaimed King by the Aegyptians . This Man invited Agesilaus to his Party , and the like he did to Chabrias offering great Rewards to both . Tachos having smelt it , did immediately apply himself both to Agesilaus and Chabrias , with great Humility to them both , beseeching their continuance in his Friendship . Chabrias consented to it , and did what he could to sweeten Agesilaus in the matter : but he gave this short Reply , You , O Chabrias , came hither a Voluntier , and may go and stay as you see cause ; but I am the Servant of Sparta , sent hither on their Errand , and must take my Measures from them . This being said , he soon dispatched Messengers to Sparta , who were sufficiently instructed both in the Accusations of Tachos , and the Commendations of Nectanabis . The Two Aegyptians did also send their Ambassadors to Lacedaemon , the one to claim Continuance of the old League already made ; the other to make great Offers for the breaking of it , and making a new One. The Spartans having heard both sides , gave in their publick Answer , That they referred the whole Matter to Agesilaus ; but priyately wrote to him , to act as he should find it best for the Profit of the Commonwealth . Upon receipt of his Orders , he soon changed sides , carrying all the Mercenaries with him to Nectanabis , prefacing so foul an Action , with the plausible pretence of acting for the Benefit of his Country , whereas the fine Veil being taken off , the Fact was no better than downright Treachery . But the Lacedaemonians , who make it the first Principle of their Actions to serve their Country , know not any thing to be just or unjust by any Measures but that . Tachos being thus deserted by the Mercenaries , fled for it . Upon which , one Mendesius being designed his Successor , arose and came against Nectanabis , with an Army of an 100000 Men. Nectanabis in his Discourse with Agesilaus , despised them as new raised Men , who , though many in number , were of no Skill in War , being most of them Handicrafts-men and Trades-men , never bred to War. To whom Agesilaus answered , That he despised their numbers , but was afraid of their Ignorance , which gave no room for treating them by Finen●ss and Stratagem ; for those are to be used only with cunning and crafly Men , who , being themselves full of Design , and suspicious alway of yours , do give opportunity of putting Tricks upon them ; but a Fool-hardy Man , that neither s●eth nor feareth any thing , giveth no more opportunity to the Enemy , than he that stands stock-still without putting out his Leg , giveth to a Wrestler . This Mendesius was not wanting in the Solicitations of Agesilaus , insomuch that Nectanabis grew jealous . But when Agesilaus advised to Fight the Enemy , presently before either their Skill or their Numbers increased ; it being imprudent to protract a War with such Men , who ( rude and inexpert as they were ) would so increase in numbers , as wholly to incompass them , and prevent their Designs . This confirmed him in his Jealousie , and made him take the quite contrary course , retreating into a strong Garison , well Fortifi'd with Walls and Bulwarks . Agesilaus finding himself mistrusted , took it very ill , and was full of Indignation , yet was ashamed to change Sides again , the other having been so lately done ; so that he was forced to follow Nectanabis into the Town . When Mendesius came up , and began to draw a Line about the Town , and to intrench , the Aegyptian was resolving upon a Battel , thinking it much safer , than to be begirt round with a Ditch , and so starved out in a long Siege . The Greeks were also of that mind , the Provisions growing already scarce in the Town . When Agesilaus opposed it , the Aegyptians then suspected him much more , publickly calling him , The Betrayer of the King. But Agesilaus ( being now satisfi'd within himself ) did bear all these Reproaches patiently , and follow'd the Design close which he had laid , of over-reaching the Enemy , which was this : The Enemy had intrenched with a deep Ditch and high Wall , resolving to shut up the King and starve him . When the Ditch was brought almost quite round , he took the Advantage of the Night , and Armed all his Greeks . Then , going to the King , This , Young-Man , is your opportunity , said he , of saving your self , which I durst not all this while discover , lest the discovery should prevent it ; but now the Enemy hath , at his own Cost , and the pains and labour of his own Men , provided for our Security . As much of this Wall as is built , will prevent them from surrounding us with their Multitude , the Gap yet left will be sufficient for us to Sally out by : Now play the Man , and follow the Example the Greeks will give you , and by Fighting valiantly , save your self and your Army ; their Front will not be able to stand against us , and their Rear we are sufficiently secured from , by a Wall of their own making . Nectanabis admiring the Wisdom of Agesilaus , immediately placed himself in the Grecian Army , and Fought with them ; which , upon the first Charge soon routed the Enemy . Agesilaus having now gotten Credit with the King , began to use what Stratagems he thought good , without being interrupted by him : He sometimes pretended a Retreat , otherwhile charged furiously ; by this means disordering the Enemy , and at last trolling him into a Place enclosed between Two Ditches , that were very deep , and full of Water . When he had them at this Advantage , he soon charged them , drawing up the Front of his Battel equal to the space between the Two Ditches , so that they had no way of surrounding him , being enclosed themselves on both sides . They made but little Resistance ; many fell , others fled and were dispersed . Nectanabis being thus settled and fixed in his Kingdom , did with much Kindness and Earnestness invite Agesilaus to spend his Winter in Aegypt : But he made haste home to assist in the Wars of his own Country , whose Treasury he knew to be empty , yet were they forced to hire Mercenaries , whilst their own Men were fighting abroad . The King dismissed him very honourably , and among other Presents , he presented the State of Sparta , with 230 Talents of Silver , towards the Charge of their Wars : but the Winter-season being tempestuous , he was driven upon a desart Shore of Africa , called The Haven of Menelaus , where , when his Ships were just upon Landing , he expired , being then Eighty Eight Years Old , and having Reigned in Lacedaemon Forty One , Thirty of which Years he passed in great Splendor , being esteemed the greatest and most powerful Prince of all Greece , and being looked on as in a manner General and King of it , till the Battel of Leuctra . It was the Custom of the Spartans , to Bury their common Dead in the Place where they died , whatsoever Country it was , but their Kings they Embalmed and carried home . Now the Followers of Agesilaus , having not wherewith to Embalm him , did , for want of Honey , which they used in their Embalming , wrap his Body in Wax , and so conveyed him to Lacedaemon . His Son Archidamus succeeded him in his Throne , so did his Posterity successively to Agis , who was the 5th from Agesilaus . He was murthered by Leonidas , for seeking to restore the ancient Discipline of Sparta . CN . POMPEIVS MAGNVS depiction of Pompey MBurg . sculp . THE LIFE OF POMPEY . Translated out of the Greek , By W. Oldys , LL. D. THE People of Rome seem to have embraced Pompey from his Childhood , with the same Affection that Prometheus in the Tragedy of Eschylus , expressed for Hercules , speaking of him , as the Author of his Deliverance , in these words , Ah cruel Sire ! how dear's thy Son to me ! The generous Off-spring of my Enemy ! For on one hand , never did the Romans give such a demonstration of their Hatred ( a Hatred so implacable and savage ) against any of their Generals , as they did against Strabo , the Father of Pompey . All his Life-time , 't is true , they stood in awe of his Martial Prowess and Power , ( for indeed he was a mighty Warriour ) but immediately upon his Death , ( which happened by a Stroke of Thunder ) they Treated him Barbarously , dragging his very Corps from the Hearse , as it was carried in Pomp at his Funeral , with Villany and Disgrace . On the other side , in Favour of Pompey , never had any Roman the Peoples Good-will and Devotion more zealous throughout all the Changes of Fortune , either springing up earlier , and aspiring together with him in Prosperity , or so constantly Loyal in Adversity , as Pompey had . In Strabo , there was one great cause of Hatred , his unsatiable . Covetousness ; but in Pompey there were many , whereby he became the Object of their Love ; his Temperance of Life , Skill , and Exercise in Martial Discipline , Eloquence of Speech , Integrity of Mind , and Affability in Conversation and Address ; insomuch as no Man ever made his Addresses with lesser Trouble , or gratifi'd an Addressor with more Delight : For in Presents , when he gave , 't was without Disdain ; when he receiv'd , 't was with Reverence and Honour . In his Youth , he had a Grace in his Countenance extremely taking , seeming to anticipate his Eloquence , and win upon the Affections of the People before he spoke ; for in his Air there was a Majestick Gravity , temper'd with no less Candor and Humanity : And when as yet he was but in the Flower and Dawn of his Manhood , there appear'd in his Deportment a sage and princely Genius , even in its Meridian . His Hair sate somewhat hollow or rising a little : and the languishing motion of his Eyes , seem'd to form a resemblance in his Face , ( though perhaps more through the speech of People , than real likeness ) to the Statues of King Alexander : Now because many call'd him by that Name in his Youth , Pompey himself did not decline it , insomuch that some in derision call'd him so ; yet even Lucius Philippus , a Man of Consular Dignity , when he was pleading in favour of him , thought it not unfit to say , That there was nothing absurd or unexpected in this , that he himself being Philip , should be a Lover of Alexander . 'T is reported of Flora the Curtezan , That in her latter time she took great delight in relating her Amours and Familiarity with Pompey , and was wont to say , That she could never part upon an Enjoyment , without a Bite or Satyrical Reflection . And withal she would farther tell you , That one Geminius , a great Companion of Pompey's , fell in Love with her , and made his Court with all the Arts imaginable ; but she refusing , and telling him , Howe're her Inclinations were , yet she could not gratifie his Desires for Pompey's sake : He therefore mov'd Pompey in it , and Pompey frankly gave his Consent , but never afterwards would touch her , or have any Converse with her , notwithstanding he seem'd to have a great Passion for her ; which Flora resented , not with the Levity of a Strumpet , for that she languish'd afterwards under a tedious Sickness , through Grief and Desire . Now , 't was said , That this Flora became such a celebrated Beauty , that Cecilius Metellus , when he adorn'd the Temples of Castor and Pollux with divers rare Pictures and Images ; among the rest , he dedicated hers for her singular Beauty . But Pompey was quite besides his natural Temper , in his Deportment towards the Wife of Demetrius , his Franchis'd Servant ( who had a great Influence upon him in his Life-time , and left an Estate of 4000 Talents ) where he demean'd himself neither gentilely nor ingeniously , fearing lest he should fall under the common Censure of being enamour'd and charm'd with her Beauty , which was incomparable , and became famous every where . Thus though herein he seem'd to be providently circumspect and Cautious , yet even in Scandals of this Nature , he could not avoid the Calumnies of his Enemies , but that upon the score of Women , his Wives at least , they play'd the Sycophants with him , and accus'd him , as if he had Conniv'd at many Things , and Imbezil'd the publick Revenue to gratifie their Luxury . Then for his Sobriety , and Temperance in Diet , there was one remarkable passage in his Sickness ; when his Stomach nauseated common Meats , his Physician prescrib'd him a Thrush to Eat ; but upon search there was none to be bought , ( for they were not then in Season ) and one telling him , They were to be had at Lucullus's , who kept them all the year round , Why then , said he , if it were not for Lucullus's Luxury , should not Pompey live ? Thereupon wishing Health to his Physician , he discharg'd him , and accepted of what was in Season . But of that hereafter . Now Pompey being as yet a very young Man , and upon an Expedition , ( in which his Father was appointed General against Cinna ) had in his Tent with him one Lucius Terentius , his Companion and Comrade , who , being corrupted by Cinna , enter'd into an Engagement to kill Pompey , as others had done to set the Generals Tent on Fire . This Conspiracy being discovered to Pompey at Supper , he seem'd no ways discompos'd at it , but drank more liberally than usual , and express'd an extraordinary Kindness to Terentius ; then about Bed-Time ( pretending to go to his Repose ) he stole away secretly out of his own Tent , and setting a Guard about his Father , went to his Rest : Terentius now thinking his Enterprize ripe for Execution , rose with his naked Sword , and coming to Pompey's Bed-side , stabb'd several Strokes through the Bed-Cloaths , as if he were lying there . Immediately upon this there was a great Uproar throughout all the Camp , arising from the Hatred they bore to the General , and an Universal Inclination of the Soldiers to Mutiny , all tearing down their Tents , and betaking themselves to their Arms ; the General himself all this while durst not venture out because of the Tumult , but Pompey running into the midst of them , beseech'd them with Tears , and at last threw himself prostrate upon his Face before the door of the Trench , and lay there in the passage , as a Bar at their Feet , bewailing his Fate , and bidding those that were marching off , if they would go , to trample upon him ; whereupon every Man began to retreat , and all , except 800 , either through Shame or Compassion , repented of their Folly , and were Reconcil'd to the General . Immediately upon the Death of Strabo , there was an Action commenc'd against Pompey as his Heir , for that his Father had imbezil'd the publick Treasure ; But Pompey having well trac'd the Thief , charg'd it upon one Alexander , a franchis'd BondSlave of his Fathers , and made an undoubted Evidence before the Judges , that he had purloin'd and converted it to his own Use . Afterwards he himself was Arraign'd , for that he had seiz'd upon the Toils , or Hunting Tackle , and Books , that were taken at Asculum . To this he Confess'd thus far , That he receiv'd them from his Father , when he took Asculum , but Pleaded farther , That he had lost them since , which happen'd upon Cinna's Return to Rome , when his House was broke open and plunder'd by those of his Guards . This Cause was notably managed with his Adversary in the Preparatories of Judgment , in which he appearing strangely subtile and industrious beyond his years , gain'd great Reputation and Favour ; insomuch , that Antistius the Praetor , and Judge of that Cause , took a great Liking to Pompey , and offer'd him his Daughter in Marriage , having had some Treaties and Communications with his Friends about it . Pompey accepted of the Conditions , and they were privately Contracted together in Marriage : However this Matter was not so closely convey'd , as to escape the Multitude , but it was discernible enough , from the Favours that were shewn to him by Antistius in his Cause . Whereupon at last , when Antistius pronounc'd the absolutory Sentence of the Judges , the People ( as if it had been upon a Signal given ) made the same Acclamation as was anciently us'd at Marriages , Talassio ; the Original of which Custom is Reported to be this : Upon a time , when the Daughters of the Sabines came to Rome , to see the Shews and Sports there , and were violently seiz'd upon by the Nobles for Wives , it happen'd that some Goatswains and Herdsmen of the meaner Rank , were carrying off a beautiful and proper Damosel , and lest any of the Nobles should meet them , and take her away , therefore as they ran , they cry'd out with one Voice , Talassio : Now Talassius was an eminent and acceptable Person among them , insomuch , as all that heard the Name , clapp'd their Hands for Joy , and joyn'd with them in the Shout , as applauding and congratulating the Choice ; Now , say they , ( because that prov'd a fortunate Match to Talassius ) hence 't is that this Acclamation is jocularly us'd as a Nuptial Song at all Weddings . And this is the most credible Story that I can meet with touching what is related of Talassio . Some few days after this Judgment , Pompey Married Antistia , and after that went to Cinna's Camp , where finding some false Suggestions and Calumnies forg'd against him , he began to be afraid , and presently withdrew himself in disguise from the Camp ; this sudden disappearance occasion'd great Jealousies , and there went a Rumour and Speech throughout all the Camp ▪ as if Cinna had Murder'd the young Man ; whereupon all that had been any ways disoblig'd , and bore any Malice to him , resolv'd to make an Assault upon him : But he endeavouring to make his Escape , was apprehended by a Centurian , that pursu'd him with his naked Sword ; wherefore Cinna in this Distress fell upon his Knees , and offer'd him a Seal of great value for his Ransom ; but the Centurian checked him very insolently , saying , I come not here to Seal a Covenant , but to Chastise and be Reveng'd upon the Iniquity of a Lawless and Ungodly Tyrant ; and so dispatch'd him immediately . Thus Cinna being slain , Carbo , a Tyrant more sensless than he , took the Administration of the Government , and all Things upon him . But shortly after came Sylla , a Man by Reason of these imminent Evils desir'd of most , but especially of those who plac'd no small Ease and Satisfaction in the exchange of a Master : For the City was brought to that pass by those grievous Oppressions and Calamities , that every Man now being utterly in despair of Liberty , was compounding for himself , and laying out for the mildest and most tolerable Bondage . About that time Pompey was at * Picenum in Italy , where he had spent some time in his Diversion , for that he had a Country Inheritance there , though the chiefest Motive of his Abode in that Country , was the Delight he took in the Cities thereabouts , where his whole Family was nobly received , and treated with all the Offices of Humanity for his Fathers sake . Now when Pompey perceived , that the noblest and best of the City began to forsake their Fortunes , and fly from all Quarters to Sylla's Camp , as to their Haven , he design'd likewise thither among the rest , yet he disdain'd to go as a Fugitive without a Passport , or for Protection as one destitute of Aid , but like one rather that could make his own Welcom , and merit Favour gloriously and with force . And to that end , he mov'd and sollicited the Peicentines for their Assistance , who as cordially embrac'd his Motion , and rejected those that were sent from Carbo ; insomuch that one Vindius , a malepert Fellow of that Faction , taking upon him to say , That Pompey was come with a Speech out of School , to make himself a Captain of the People : They were so incens'd against him , that immediately they fell upon this Vindius , and slew him . From henceforward Pompey finding a Spirit of Government upon him , though as yet not above Twenty three years of Age , nor yet deriving an Authority by Commission from any Superiour Magistrate , took the priviledge to grant himself a full Power and Jurisdiction ; and in order to that , he caus'd a Tribunal or Court of Judicature to be erected in the Market-place of Auximum , a populous City ; Now it hapned that two of the chiefest among them , ( the Ventidians Brethren ) of Carbo's Faction , were grand Opposers of his Designs , those he banish'd instantly commanding them by a publick Edict to depart the City . Then he fell to levying an Army , issuing out Commissions to Serjeants of Bands , Centurions , and other Officers , according to the Form of Military Discipline : And in this manner he went round , and modell'd all the rest of the Cities in the same Circuit ; so that of all those that were Favourers of Carbo's Faction , some vanishing away , and others chearfully surrendring themselves , in a little time he muster'd up three entire Legions , having supply'd himself beside with all manner of Provisions , Ammunition , Beasts , Carriages , and all other Implements of War. in this Equipage he set forwards on his March towards Sylla , not with Whip and Spur , as if he were in haste , nor yet in a Cloud , as if he coveted to be conceal'd , but by small Journeys , making several Halts upon the Road , to distress and annoy the Enemy , designing to insinuate himself in every part of Italy where e're he came , and to work them into a Revolt and Defection from Carbo . Now there arose together against him Three great Commanders of the Enemy , Carinna , Caelius , and Brutus , and drew up their Forces , not all in the Front , nor yet together on any one part , but encamping three several Armies in a Circle about him , they resolv'd to encompass and devour him at once ; Pompey was no ways amaz'd at this , but drawing up all his Forces into one Body , and placing his Horse in the Front of the Battel , where he himself was in Person , he singl'd out and bent all his Forces against Brutus ; now the Enemies Horse , consisting chiefly of Gauls , made the first Charge , which Pompey receiv'd , and as readily return'd it ; for he himself encountring Hand to Hand with one of the foremost and stoutest among them , made a home Pass at him with his Launce , and slew him : The rest seeing this , turn'd their Backs , and fled in great Disorder , falling foul upon themselves , and breaking the Ranks of their own Foot , insomuch that it presently caus'd a total Rout ; whereupon the Commanders fell out among themselves , and every one march'd off , steering their course some one way , some another , as their Fortunes led them : The Towns likewise round about came in , and surrendred themselves to Pompey , concluding that the Enemy was dispers'd for fear . Next after these came Scipio the Consul to attack him , and with as little Success ; for before the Armies could joyn , or be within the Throw of their Darts , Scipio's Soldiers saluted Pompey's , and came over to them , but Scipio made his Escape by Flight . Last of all , Carbo himself sent down divers Regiments of Horse by the River Arsis , which Pompey assail'd with the same Courage and Success as those before ; for having routed and put them to Flight , he forc'd them in the pursuit upon moorish and boggy Places , altogether unpassable for Horse , where seeing no hopes of Escape , they cry'd out Quarter , yielding themselves , Horse and Armour , all to his Mercy . Sylla was hitherto unacquainted with all this Action ; but as soon as he had Intelligence of his Engagements , he seem'd extremely concern'd , fearing lest Pompey should be circumvented and oppress'd by so many and such experienc'd Commanders of the Enemy , whereupon he march'd with all speed to his Aid . Now Pompey having advice of his Approach , sent out Orders to his Officers for a Campagne , commanding them to marshal and draw up all his Forces in Battel array , that they might appear in the greatest Order and Bravery before their Emperor , for that he expected indeed great Honours from him , but he met with greater ; for as soon as Sylla saw him thus advancing , his Army so well appointed , and such goodly Men , adorn'd and elevated with all the Glories of Youth and Victory , he alighted from his Horse , and being first ( as became him ) saluted by the Title of Emperor , he return'd the Salutation upon Pompey , in the same term and style of Emperor , contrary to the Expectations of all that were present , who little dream'd that he would have imparted such an Honourable Title to one of no greater Age , nor yet a Senator , especially considering how desperately he himself had contended for that very Title and Dignity , against the Factions of Scipio and Marius . And indeed , all the rest of his Deportment was agreeable to his first Compliments ; for when ●●re Pompey came into his presence , he did some sort of Obeisance to him , either in ●●ing and being uncover'd , or the like , which he was rarely seen to have done to any of the rest of his Nobles , notwithstanding there were divers others about him of great Quality and Honour . Yet was not Pompey puff'd up at all , or exalted with these Favours : and therefore when Sylla would have sent him with all expedition into Gallia Celtica , a Province under the Government of Metellus , for that 't was thought Metellus had done nothing memorable , at leastwise worthy of that great Army he commanded there . Pompey reply'd as modestly , That it could never be thought fair or honourable for him , to extort a Province out of the hands of an ancient Captain , and one of far greater Fame and Experience than himself ; however , if Metellus were willing , and would command his Service , he should be very ready to accompany and assist him in the War. Which , when Metellus came to understand , he approv'd of the Motion , and accordingly invited him over by Letter . Whereupon Pompey fell immediately like Lightning into Gaul , where he did not only do wonderful Exploits of himself , but also blew up and kindled anew that bold and warlike Spirit which old Age had in a manner extinguish'd in Metellus , having the same operation with molten o● boyling Copper , which being pour'd upon that that is cold and solid , seems to dissolve and melt it faster than Fire it self . But I must observe the same course here as is done with a famous Wrestler , who , though he has excelled all Men in those Games even from his Youth , and always born away the Prize with Glory , yet 't is not usual to account of his childish Victories , or enter them upon record among the rest : So , for the Exploits of Pompey in his Minority , though they were brave in themselves , yet because they were obscur'd and buri'd in the multitude and greatness of his latter Wars and Conquests , I dare not be particular in them , lest by trifling away time in the lesser moments of his Youth , I should casually omit those grander Actions and Enterprises , which best discover the natural Disposition and singular Genius of the Man. Now when Sylla had brought all Italy under his Dominion , and was proclaim'd Dictator , he began to reward the rest of his Followers , ( enriching all his Captains and other Officers ▪ ) whereof some he advanc'd to Honour , others to Places of Dignity and Profit in the Common-wealth , largely and liberally gratifying every Man according to his Talent and Desire . But for Pompey , he was a great Admirer of his Valour and Conduct , and thinking that he might prove a great Stay and Support to him hereafter in all his Affairs , sought by all means to espouse and joyn him in Alliance to him , and having likewise the Approbation of his Wife Metella , they perswaded him to put away Antistia , and Marry Aemylia , ( the Daughter-in-law of Sylla , by Metella and Scaurus her former Husband ) she being at that very time the Wife of another Man , cohabiting with him , and with Child by him . These were the very Tyrannies of Marriage , and much more agreeable to the Times under Sylla , than to the Nature and Genius of Pompey . That Aemylia great with Child should be , as it were , ravish'd from the Embraces of another for him , and that Antistia should be divorc'd with dishonour and misery by him , for whose sake she had but just before been bereft of her Father ; to be at once both a Widow and Fatherless by his means ; for her Father Antistius was Murder'd in the Senate , because he was suspected to be a Favourer of Sylla for Pompey's sake ; and her Mother likewise , after she had seen all these Indignities , made away with her self . These were the Tragedies that attended that unhappy Marriage , and that there might be nothing wanting to compleat the last Act , by Heavens ! even Aemylia her self not long after dy'd at Pompey's in Child-bed . About this time an Express came to Sylla , That Perpenna had possessed himself of Sicily , whereby that Isle was now become a Refuge and Receptacle for the Reliques of the adverse Party : That Carbo was hovering about those Seas with a Navy ; That Domitius was fallen in upon Africa ; and that many other likewise of the Nobles and great Men in Exile , thinking to avoid his Proscriptions or Outlawries by Flight , were daily flocking into those Parts . Against these therefore was Pompey sent with a great Army ; and no sooner was he arrived in Sicily , but Perpenna departed thence , leaving the whole Island to him . Wherefore Pompey received the distressed Cities into Favour , and treated all with great Humanity , except that of the Mamertines in Messene ; for when they protested against his Court and Jurisdiction , alledging their Privilege and Exemption founded upon an ancient Charter or Grant of the Romans , he replied as sharply , What! will you ne'r leave prating of Laws to us that have Swords by our sides ? 'T is thought likewise , That he shewed but little Humanity to Carbo , seeming rather to insult over his Misfortunes , than to chastize his Crime ; for if there had been a necessity , ( as perhaps there was ) that he should be taken off , that might have been done at first , as soon as he was taken Prisoner , for then it would have been the Act of him that commanded it , and imputed to his Malice ; but here Pompey commands a Man ( that had been thrice Consul of Rome ) to be be brought in Fetters to the Bar , he himself sitting upon the Bench in Judgment , examining the Cause throughout all the Formalities of Law , and pronouncing Sentence of Death , as upon a common Malefactor , to the Grief and Indignation of all that were present ; and afterwards he ordered him to be taken away and put to Death . Now , 't is reported of Carbo , That as soon as he was brought to the Scaffold , and saw the Sword drawn for Execution , it wrought so with him , that immediately he had a looseness or pain in his Belly , insomuch that he desired a little respite of the Executioner , and a convenient place to ease himself . But yet farther , C. Oppius , a great Friend of Caesar's , tells us , That Pompey dealt as barbarously with Q. Valerius , a Man of singular Learning , especially in Philology and Mathematicks few like him ; for when he was brought to him , he walk'd aside and discours'd with him , and after a long Conference and full Resolution of all his Questions , having learned what he could , he ordered his Officers to take him away , and put him to Death . But we must not be too credulous in all the Narratives of Oppius , especially when he undertakes to relate any thing touching the Friends or Foes of Caesar : This is certain , That there lay a necessity upon Pompey to be severe upon many of Sylla's Enemies , those at leastwise that were eminent Persons in themselves , and notoriously known to be taken ; but for the rest , he dealt with them after his own natural Temper , conniving at the Concealment of some , and himself being the Instrument in the Escape of others . And the like Argument of his Clemency was shewn in the Himeraeans ; for when Pompey had determined a sharp Revenge upon their City , for that they had been stubborn Abettors of the Enemy , there stept out one Sthenes , a great Leader of the People there , and craving audience of Pompey , told him , That what he was about to do , was not at all consistent with Justice ; for that he would pass by the Guilty , and destroy the Innocent : Pompey demanding , Who that guilty Person was that would father the Offences of them all ? Sthenes replied , 'T was himself who had wrought upon and engaged his Friends by Perswasions , and his Enemies by Force : whereupon Pompey being much taken with the frank Speech and Boldness of the Man , first forgave him his Crime , and then pardoned all the rest of the Himeraeans . Pompey likewise hearing , That his Soldiers were very disorderly in their March , doing Violence upon the Roads , he ordered their Swords to be sealed up in their Scabbards , and whosoever kept them not so , were severely punished . Whilst Pompey was thus busie in the Affairs and Government of Sicilly , he received a Decree of the Senate , and a Commission from Sylla , commanding him forthwith to sail into Africa , and make War upon Domitius with all his Forces : For Domitius had rallied up a far greater Army than Marius had not long since , when he sailed out of Africa into Sicily , and extremely distressed the Affairs of the Romans , being himself , of a fugitive Outlaw , become a Tyrant . Pompey therefore having prepared all things of a sudden , and left Memmius , his Sisters Husband , Governor of Sicily , imbarked and set Sail with 120 Galleys , and 800 other Vessels , laden with Provisions , Money , Ammunition , Engines of Battery , and all other Necessaries . In this Equipage he arrived with his Fleet , part at the Port of Utica , part at Carthage ; and no sooner was he landed there , but that 7000 of the Enemy revolted and came over to him , which besides his own Forces that he brought with him ( consisting of 6 entire Legions ) made up an Army of 43000 Fighting-men . Here they tell us of a pleasant Passage that happened to him at his first Arrival ; for that some of his Soldiers having by accident stumbled upon a Treasure , whereby they got a good Mass of Money : The rest of the Army hearing this , began to fancy that the Field was full of Gold and Silver , which had been hid there of old by the Carthaginians in the time of their Calamities , and thereupon fell to work ; so that the Army was useless to Pompey for many days , being totally engaged in the Silver-Mines , he himself all the while walking up and down only , and laughing to see so many Thousands together , digging and turning up the Earth in a fruitless Harvest : But at last growing weary and hopeless , they came to themselves , and returned to their General , begging him to lead them where he pleased , for that they had already reaped the just Reward of their Folly. By this time Domitius had prepared himself , and drawn out his Army in Battel-array against Pompey ; but there happened to be a rapid Torrent in the Valley betwixt them , craggy and difficult to pass over , which , together with the great Storm of Wind and Rain pouring down even from break of Day , seemed to shew but little possibility of their coming together : Insomuch that Domitius not expecting any Engagement that day , commanded his Forces to draw off and retire to the Camp. Now Pompey , who was watchful upon every Occasion , taking this time to be appointed by Fortune as his own , ordered a March forthwith , and having passed over the Torrent , they fell in immediately upon their Quarters . The Enemy was in a great Disorder and Tumult , and in that Confusion attempted a Resistance ; but they neither were all there , nor yet together ; besides , the Wind having veered about , lay beating the Rain full in their Faces . Neither indeed was the Storm less troublesom to the Romans , for that they could not clearly discern one another , insomuch that even Pompey himself being unknown , escaped but narrowly ; for when one of his Soldiers demanded of him the Word of Battel , it happened that he was somewhat slow in his Answer , which might have cost him his Life . The Enemy being thus routed with a great Slaughter , ( for 't is said , that of 20000 there escaped but 3000 ) the Army saluted Pompey by the Name of Emperor ; but he declined it , telling them , That he could not by any means accept of that Title , as long as he saw any of the Forts or Garisons of the Enemy standing , but if they designed to make him worthy of the Honour , they must first demolish the Camp wherein they lay intrenched . The Soldiers hearing this , went presently and made an Assault upon the Works and Trenches , and there Pompey Fought without his Helmet , in memory of his former Danger , and to avoid it ; the Camp being thus taken by Storm they were put to the Sword , and , among the rest , Domitius was slain upon the Place ; After that Overthrow , the Cities of the Country thereabout were all taken in , some by Surrender , and others by Storm ; King Jarbas likewise , a Confederate and Auxiliary of Domitius , was taken Prisoner , and his Kingdom was given to Hiempsal ▪ Pompey could not rest here , but being ambitious to follow the good Fortune and Valour of his Army , he fell into Numidia , and marching forward many days Journies up into the Country , he Conquered all where e'er he came , resolving , That by his Hand the Name and Power of the Roman Empire ( which was now almost obliterated among the barbarous Nations ) should be revived again , and appear as formidable as ever ; he said likewise , That the wild Beasts of Africa ought not to be left without some experience of the Courage and Success of the Romans , and therefore he bestowed some few days in hunting of Lyons and Elephants : Now 't is said , That 't was not above the space of 40 days at the utmost , in which he gave a total Overthrow to the Enemy , reduced Africa , and established the Affairs of the Kings and Kingdoms of all that Country , being then but 24 years of Age. When Pompey returned back to the City of Utica , there were presented to him Letters and Orders from Sylla , commanding him to disband the rest of his Army , and himself with one Legion only to wait there the coming of another General , that should succeed him in the Government of that Province ; this grated inwardly , and was extremely grievous to Pompey , though he made no shew of it ; but the Army resented it openly , and therefore when Pompey besought them to depart home before him , they began to revile Sylla , and gave out broad Speeches , That they were resolved not to forsake him , neither did they think it safe for him to trust the Tyrant : Notwithstanding this , Pompey endeavoured to appease and pacifie them by fair Speeches ; but when he saw that all his Perswasions were vain , he left the Bench , and retired to his Tent with Tears in his Eyes ; but the Soldiers followed him , and seizing upon him by force brought him again , and placed him in his Chair of State ; where great part of that day was spent in Dispute , they , on their part , perswading him to stay and Command them ; he , on the other side , pressing upon them Obedience , and the danger of Mutinies ; but at last , when they grew more importunate and clamorous , He swore that he would kill himself , if they attempted to force him ; and yet even this would scarce appease them . However , this gave occasion and rise to some malicious Reports , whereby 't was suggested to Sylla , That Pompey was up in Rebellion , whereupon Sylla said to some of his Friends , Well , then I see 't is my destiny to contend with Children in my old Age : reflecting likewise upon Marius , for that he being but a meer Youth had found him Work enough , and brought his Affairs into extreme Danger . But Sylla being undeceived afterwards by a better Intelligence , and hearing that the whole City , in a manner , had designed to meet Pompey , and receive him with all Kindness and Honour , he himself endeavoured to exceed them all in Civility ; and therefore going out foremost to meet him , and embracing him with great joy , he gave him his welcome aloud in the Title of Pompey the Great , and commanded all those that were present to call him by that Name : Others say , That he had this Title first given him by a general Acclamation of all the Army in Africa , but that it took its force and power from the ratification of Sylla ; but this is true , That he himself was the last that owned the Title , for 't was a long time after , when he was sent Proconsul into Spain against Sertorius , that he began to subscribe himself in his Letters and Commissions by the Name of Pompey the Great , even then when the envy of the Title was worn off by being common and familiar . Hence may the Wisdom of the ancient Romans be justly reverenced and had in Admiration , That did not only reward the Successes of Action and Conduct in War with such honourable Titles , but adorned likewise the Vertues and Services of eminent Men in the Civil Government , with the same Distinctions and Characters of Honour ; and therefore the People stiled two by the Names of Maximi , i. e. the Greatest , Valerius , for that he reconciled the Senate to the People when they were at Variance ; and Fabius Rullus , for that he put out of the Senate certain Libertines that had been elected thither for their Riches . Upon this Pompey desired the Honour of Triumph , which Sylla opposed stifly , alledging , That the Law allowed that Honour to none but Consuls and Praetors , and therefore Scipio the Elder , who subdued the Carthaginians in Spain in far greater and nobler Conflicts , never so much as Petitioned for Triumph , because he had never attained to the Office of Consul or Praetor : And if Pompey , ( who had scarce a Hair in his Face , nor yet of Age to be a Senator should enter the City in Triumph , what a load of Envy would it cast at once upon Sylla's Government and Pompey's Honour ? These were the Arguments Sylla us'd against Pompey , shewing that he should not by any means yield to his Request ; but if he would persist in his Ambition , that he was resolved to interpose his Power , and lay a Prohibition upon him , as a Lover of Contention and Disobedience ; Pompey was no ways daunted at this , but wished Sylla to recollect with himself , That more worshipped the Rising , than the Setting Sun : intimating thereby , That his Power was increasing , and Sylla's in the wain ; Sylla did not perfectly hear the words , but observing a sort of Amazement and Wonder in the Looks and Gestures of those that did hear them , he asked , What it was that he said ? When it was told him , he seemed to be very much surprized with the Boldness of Pompey , and cried out twice together , E'ne let him Triumph . But when others began to shew their Stomach and Disdain , Pompey , as ▪ t is said , to gall and vex them the more , designed to have his triumphant Chariot drawn with four Elephants , ( having brought over several from the Spoils of those African Kings ) but the Gates of the City being too narrow , he was forced to desist from that Project , and make use of Horses ; in the next place , some of his Soldiers ( who failed of some Rewards , or been some way or other disappointed ) began to clamour and interrupt the Triumph , but Pompey regarded these as little as the rest , and plainly told them , That he had rather lose the Honour of his Triumph , than flatter them . Whereupon Servilius ( a Person of great Quality , and at first one of the chiefest Opposers of Pompey's Triumph ) said openly , Now I perceive that Pompey is truly Great , and worthy of Triumph ; 't is clearly manifest , that he might easily have been a Senator if he would , yet he did not sue for that , esteeming Honour as a Paradox , and hunting after it , ( as 't is said ) not in the common Road , but even there where no Man else ever did : For what wonder had it been for Pompey in his nonage , to sit in the Senate before his time ? but to triumph before he was of the Senate , that was the excess of Glory to a Miracle . This Contest of his with Sylla for Triumph did not a little ingratiate him in the good Will of the People ; for it could not but be extremely grateful for them to see one of their own Order in Triumph and then to return to them again and take his Place among the Roman Knights ; on the other side , 't was no less ungrateful to Sylla to see how fast he came on , and to what a height of Glory and Power he was advanced , yet being ashamed to hinder him , he smothered his Grief and lay quiet ; but when by plain force , and in spite of him , Pompey procured the Consulship for Lepidus , having by his own Interest reconciled him to the Favour of the People , Sylla could not contain himself any longer , but spying him after the Election , as he was crossing the Market-place with a great Train after him , cried out to him , Well , Young-Man ! I see thou rejoycest in thy Conquest , and for what cause I pritthee ? Is it not a generous and worthy Act think you , that the priority of Consulship should be given to Lepidus the vilest of Men , against Catulus , the best and most deserving Man in all the City ? and all this , forsooth , by your Influence upon the People : Well , this I 'll advise thee , and look to 't , that thou dost not sleep , but keep a vigilant Eye upon thy Affairs , for thou hast raised up a dangerous Enemy to greater Power than thy self . But that which gave the clearer demonstration of Sylla's Ill-will to Pompey , ( and whereby his former Kindness appeared to have been specious only ) was his last Will and Testament ; for whereas he had bequeathed several Lega●ies to all the rest of his Friends , and appointed some of them Guardians to his Son , he passed by Pompey , without the least remembrance ; however Pompey bore this with great Moderation and Civility ; insomuch that when Lepidus and others obstructed his Interment in the Campus Martius , denying indeed any publick Solemnity of a Funeral , he himself attended the Herse ; thereby giving both Honour and Security to it , and having his Obsequies performed with all the Pomp and Solemnity of a Roman-General . Shortly after the Death of Sylla , that prophetick Speech of his to Pompey touching Lepidus came to pass ; for Lepidus usurping the Government and Authority that Sylla had , did not go about by Fetches , nor yet colourably in specious Pretences , but immediately took up Arms , having stirred up again , and guarded himself with the corrupted Remains of that Faction that had escaped the Vengeance of Sylla : Now Catulus his Colleague , who was followed by the sounder part of the Senate and People , was a Man of the greatest Esteem among the Romans , for his singular Wisdom and Justice , but his Talent lay in the Government of the City rather than the Camp , being no great Man of War , whereas the exigency ▪ of Affairs in this Juncture , required rather the Skill and Experience of Pompey : Pompey therefore was not long , in suspence which way to dispose of himself , but joyning with the Nobility , was presently appointed General of the Army against Lepidus : who had already over-run the greatest part of Italy , and likewise brought Gallia Cisalpina in Subjection with an Army under the Conduct of Brutus . As for the rest of his Garisons , Pompey subdued them with ease , in his March , but * Mutina in Gaul engaged him in a formal Siege , where he lay a long time encamped against Brutus : In the mean time Lepidus marched in all haste against Rome , and sitting down before it with a mighty Rabble of People , demanded a second Consulship , whereby he struck no small Terrour into the Besieged ; but that Fear quickly vanished upon some Letters sent from Pompey , advertising , That he had ended the War without a Battel ; for Brutus , either betraying his Army , or being betrayed by them upon the Revolt , rendred himself to Pompey , and taking a Guard of Horse was conducted to a little Village in that part of Gaul that lies upon the River Padu or Po ; where he was slain the next day by Geminius , in execution of Pompey's Commands : Upon this , Pompey was grosly censured , for , having at the very beginning of the Revolt written to the Senate how that Brutus had voluntarily surrendred himself ; yet , immediately afterwards , he sent other Letters , containing matter of Charge or Accusation against the Man , after he was taken off , which was somewhat unaccountable : Now you must note , that that Brutus , who , together with Cassius , slew Caesar , was Son to this Brutus , a Man neither in War , nor in his Death like his Father , as we have describ'd at large in his Life . Lepidus upon this being driven out of Italy , fled to Sardinia , where he fell sick and died , having his Heart broken with Sorrow , not for his Losses or Misfortunes , as they say , but upon the receipt of a Letter , wherein he was assured that his Wife had played the Harlot . There was yet remaining Sertorius in Spain , a Man of War far different from Lepidus , and much more formidable to the Romans , to whom there resorted all the Fugitives and Male-contents of the Nation , flowing thither as Humors to the last diseased part of a Civil-War : This Man had already cut off divers inferior Commanders , and was now buckling with Metellus Pius , a Man of Honour and a Soldier , though perhaps he might now seem too slow , by reason of his Age , to second and improve the happier moments of War , and might be sometimes wanting to those Advantages , which Sertorius , by his Sharpness and Dexterity would wrest out of his hands : For he was always hovering about , and coming upon him unawares , like a Captain of Thieves , rather than Soldiers , pestring him perpetually with Ambuscadoes and light Skirmishes , wherereas Metellus like a good old Wrestler was accustomed to nothing but regular Conduct , and fighting in Battel-array with his Legionary Soldiers ▪ well arm'd . Pompey therefore having his Army in readiness , made it his whole Court and Practice to be sent in Aid to Metellus ; neither would he be brought to Disband his Forces , notwithstanding that Catulus had commanded it , but by some colourable Device or other he still kept them in Arms about the City , until the Senate at last thought fit , upon the Report of L. Philippus , to decree him that Government : At that time , they say , one of the Senators there wondring at this Report , demanded of Philip whether his meaning was , That Pompey should be sent into Spain Proconsul , i. e. instead of a Consul : No , replied Philip , but Pro-consulibus , i. e. instead of both Consuls ; meaning that neither of the Consuls for that Year was of any Value . Now when Pompey was arrived in Spain , ( as 't is usual upon the Fame of a new Governor ) Men began to be raised with new Hopes , and those Nations that had not entred into a very strict League and Alliance with Sertorius began to waver and revolt ; whereupon Sertorius gave out very arrogant and scornful Speeches against Pompey , saying in Derision , That he should want no other Weapon but a Ferula and Rod to Chastise this Boy with , if he were not afraid of that old Woman , meaning Metellus . Yet for all his proud Words , in deed and reality he stood in Awe of Pompey , as appeared by all his Actions and Conduct throughout the whole Management of the War , wherein he was observed ever after to stand better upon his Guard , and engage more warily than before : for Metellus ( which one would not have imagined ) was grown very debauched in his Life , having given himself over excessively to Riot and Pleasure ; and yet of a sudden there was wrought in him a mighty Change , as well in respect of his Pride as his Luxury : so that this very thing gained a wonderful Reputation and Honour to Pompey , as an Example of Frugality , although that Virtue was habitual in him , and required no great Industry to exercise it , for that he was naturally inclined to Temperance , and no ways inordinate in his Affections . Here Fortune , as 't is common in War , shewed variety of Changes , but nothing came so near to Pompey as the taking of the City Lauron by Sertorius : for when Pompey thought he had him safe inclosed , and had boasted largely of raising the Siege , he himself appeared of a sudden to be incompassed , insomuch that he durst not move out of his Camp , but was forced with sorrow to sit still whilst the City was taken , and in Flames before his Face . However , afterwards in a Battel about Valentia he gave a great Defeat to Herennius and Perpenna , ( two Commanders of those Fugitives who came to Sertorius , and were now Lieutenants to him ) wherein he slew above 10000 Men. Pompey being exalted and puffed up with this Victory , made all the haste imaginable to engage Sertorius himself , and the rather lest Metellus should come in for a share in the Honour of the Victory ; so that in the Evening towards Sun-set , they joyned Battel near the River Sucron , both being in great fear lest Metellus should come , Pompey , that he might engage in the Combat alone , Sertorius , that he might engage but with one alone . The Issue of the Battel proved doubtful , for that a Wing of each side had the better ; but of the Generals , Sertorius had the greater Honour , for that he maintained his Post , having slain and put to flight all that Battalion that was appointed against him : whereas Pompey was worsted in his part of the Battel , and himself almost a Prisoner , for being set upon by a mighty Man of Arms that fought on foot , as they were closely engaged hand to hand , the strokes of their Swords chanced to light upon each others Hand ▪ but with a different Success , for Pompey's was a slight Wound only , whereas he lopt off the others Hand : however it hapned so that many falling upon Pompey together , and his own Forces there being put to the Rout , he made his Escape beyond expectation , by quitting his Horse and turning him up among the Enemy ; for the Horse being richly adorned with golden Trappings , and having a Caparison of great value , the Soldiers quarrelled among themselves for the Booty , so that while they were fighting with one another , and dividing the Spoyl , Pompey made his Escape . By break of Day next morning , each drew out his Forces into the Field to confirm the Victory ; but Metellus coming up to them , Sertorius vanished away , having broken up and dispersed his Army ; for in such a manner did he use to raise and disband his Armies , so that sometimes he would be wandring up and down all alone , and at other times again he would come powring into the Field at the head of a puissant Army , no less than 150000 fighting Men , swelling of a sudden like a mighty Torrent or Winterflood . Now when Pompey was going after the Battel to meet and welcome Metellus , and when they were near one another , he commanded his Serjeants to bow down their Rods in honour of Metellus as his Ancient and Superiour ; but Metellus on the other side forbid it , and behaved himself very obliging to him in all things else , not claiming any Prerogative either in respect of his Consulship or Seniority ; excepting only , that when they incamped together , the Watch-word was given to the whole Camp , by Metellus . But generally they had their Camps asunder , for that they were divided and distracted by the Enemy , that was in all shapes , and being always in motion , would by a wonderful Artifice appear in divers Places almost in the same instant , drawing them from one sort of Fight to another in perpetual Skirmishes : But at last Pompey intercepting all Forrage , plundring and spoyling the Country , and keeping the Dominion of the Sea , rooted them out of that part of Spain that was under his Government , forcing them , out of meer Want , to retreat into other Provinces . Pompey having made use of and expended the greatest part of his own Revenue upon the War , sent and demanded Monies of the Senate , adding , That in case they did not furnish him speedily , he should be forced to return into Italy with his Army . Lucullus being Consul at that time , ( though indeed he was an Enemy to Pompey , yet ) in contemplation that he himself was a Candidate for the War against Mithridates , he procured and hastned the Supplies , fearing lest there should be any Pretence or Occasion given to Pompey of returning Home , who of himself was no less desirous of leaving Sertorius , than ambitious of undertaking the War against Mithridates , as an Enemy where the Enterprize in all appearance would prove much more Honourable and less Dangerous . In the mean time Sertorius died , being treacherously murdered by some of his own Party ; insomuch that Perpenna was now become the Chief Commander among them , and he that would undertake to Personate the Actions of Sertorius , having indeed the same Forces , the same Ammunition , and Means , yet there was still wanting the same Wit , Skill , and Conduct , in the use and managery of them . Pompey therefore marched directly against Perpenna , and finding him ignorant and perplext in his Affairs , had a Decoy ready for him , and so sent out a Detachment of ten Companies with Orders to range up and down the Fields , and disperse themselves abroad , as if they were Foraging or in quest of some Booty ; this Bait took accordingly , for no sooner had Perpenna quarried upon the Prey , and had them in Chase , but that Pompey appeared suddenly with all his Army , and joyning Battel , gave him a total Overthrow ; so that most of his Commanders were slain in the Field , and he himself being brought Prisoner to Pompey , was by his Order put to Death : Neither ought Pompey to be arraigned of Ungratefulness or Oblivion , in that he had been unmindful of his Transactions with Perpenna in Sicily , ( as some would charge him ) since 't is clear that what he did in this Case , was prudently determined upon solid Reason and deliberate Councel for the Security of his Country : for Perpenna having in his custody all Sertorius his Papers , shewed several Letters from the greatest Men in Rome , who ( affecting a Change and Subversion of the Government ) had invited Sertorius into Italy ; wherefore Pompey , fearing lest by these he should stir and blow up greater Flames of War than those that had been already extinguished , thought it expedient , both to take off Perpenna , and likewise to burn the Letters without reading of them . After this Pompey tarried and spent so much time in Spain , as was necessary for the suppression of those greater Tumults in that Province ; and as soon as he had qualified and allayed the violent Heats of Affairs there , he returned with his Army into Italy , where he arrived very luckily in the height of the Servile War ; wherefore upon his Arrival , Crassus the General in that War , made all the expedition imaginable to give them Battel , which he did with great Success , having slain upon the place 12300 of those Fugitive Slaves : Nor yet was he so quick , but that Fortune had reserved to Pompey some share of Honour in the Success of this War , for that 5000 of them , that had escaped out of the Battel , fell into his hands ; wherefore when he had totally cut them off , he wrote to the Senate , That Crassus had overthrown the Fencers in Battel , but that he had plucked up the War itself by the Roots . And thus it was commonly reported in Rome among all those that had the least Kindness for Pompey ; but for those Actions in Spain , together with the Conquest of Sertorius , no Man ever , so much as in jest , ascribed that Honour to any other than Pompey ; and yet this great Honour and Veneration of the Man was always accompanied with Fears and Jealousies , that he would not Disband his Army , but affecting Monarchy , designed clearly to follow the Policies of Sylla and govern by a standing Army ; wherefore in the Number of all those that ran out to meet him , and Congratulate his Return , as many went out of Fear as Affection ; but after that Pompey had removed this Suggestion , by declaring before-hand , That he would discharge the Army after his Triumph , there was yet remaining one great Cause of Complaint more from the Envy and Malice of his Enemies , That he affected Popularity , courting the common People more than the Nobility ; and whereas Sylla had taken away the Tribuneship of the People , he designed to gratifie the People in restoring that Office ; which was very true , for there was not any one thing that the People of Rome did so wildly doat on , or more passionately desire than the Restauration of that Government , insomuch that Pompey thought himself extreamly fortunate in this opportunity , despairing ever ( if he were prevented in this ) of meeting with any other , wherein he might express his Gratitude in Compensation of all those Favours which he had received from the People . The Decree therefore passed for a second Triumph , and the Consulship : and yet for all this Power and Honour he did not seem to be admired or magnified for those things ; but this was the Signal and Test of his Grandeur , that even Crassus himself , ( the Wealthiest among all the Statesmen of his time , the most Eloquent and Greatest too , a Man of that Pride that he despised even Pompey himself , and all others as beneath him ) durst not appear a Candidate for the Consulship before he had made his Address to Pompey ; which was done accordingly , and as readily embraced by Pompey , who had often sought an occasion to oblige him in some friendly Office ; so that he solicited for Crassus , and entreated the People heartily , declaring , That their Favour would be no less to him in his Colleague , than in his Consulship ; yet for all this when they were created Consuls , they were always at variance and opposing one another ; now Crassus prevailed most in the Senate , and Pompey's Power was no less with the People , for that he restored to them the Office of Tribune , and had suffered the Judicature again to be transferred upon the Knights by a Law. But he himself afforded them the most grateful Spectacle , when he appeared and craved his Discharge from the Wars : for it was an ancient Custom among the Romans , that the Knights , when they had served out their legal time in the Wars , should lead their Horse into the Market-place before two Censors , and having given an account of the Commanders and Generals under whom they served , as also of the Places and Actions in their Service , they were discharged , every Man with Honour or Disgrace according to his Deserts : there were then sitting upon the Bench two reverend Censors , Gellius and Catulus , with great Gravity taking a View of the Roman Knights who were then in Muster , and under Examination before them ; when Pompey was seen afar off to come into the Market-place , adorned in all things else with all the Marks and Ensigns of a Consul , but himself leading his Horse in his hand : as he drew near , he commanded the Vergers to make way , and so he led his Horse to the Bench ; the People were all this while in a sort of Amaze , and all in Silence , and the Censors themselves shewed him great Reverence , expressing a Modesty together with Joy in their Countenance : Then the Senior Censor examined him , Pompey the Great , I demand of thee , whether thou hast served out all that time in the Wars that is prescribed by the Law of Arms ? Yes , replied Pompey with a loud Voice ) I have served all , and all under myself as General . The People hearing this , gave a great Shout , and made such an Out-cry for Joy that there was no appeasing it ; but the Censors rising from their Judgment-seat , accompanied him home to gratifie the Multitude , who followed after clapping their Hands , and shouting with great signs of Joy. Pompey's Consulship was now expiring , and yet the Difference with Crassus increasing , whereupon on Gaius Aurelius a Knight , ( but one that declined Business all his Life-time ) stood up and addressed himself in an Oration to the Assembly , declaring , That Jupiter had appeared to him in a Dream , commanding him to tell the Consuls , That they should not leave their Charge of that Government until they were Friends . After this was said , Pompey stood silent , but Crassus took him by the hand , and spoke in this manner , I do not think , oh ye Romans , that I shall do any thing mean or dishonourable , in yielding first to Pompey ; even that Pompey whom you were pleased to Ennoble with the Title of Great , when as yet he scarce had a Hair in his Face ; and granted the Honour of two Triumphs , when as yet he had no Place in the Senate . Hereupon they were Reconciled , and laid down their Government . Now Crassus kept on in his former manner of Life as he began , pleading Causes ; but Pompey declined his Practice in a great measure , taking the Patronage of some few Causes , only so that by degrees he withdrew himself totally from the Courts , and all Matters of Judgment , coming but seldom in publick ; and whenever he did , 't was with a great Train after him ; neither was it easie to meet or visit him without great Attendance ; but his delight was to appear guarded with such a Retinue , designing thereby to advance the Reverence and Majesty of his Presence , and preserve his Dignity ( as he ought to do ) entire from the Approaches and Conversation of the Multitude : For Men that have risen and grown great by Arms , are easily trayed into Contempt by a change of Life , when they shall betake themselves to the Long-Robe , and plead Causes , in that they cannot fashion themselves to that popular Equality or Familiarity that 's common among Citizens , expecting to be esteemed their Betters in the City , as they were in Field ; whereas on the contrary , the Pride and Folly of these Citizens is such , That though they were Inferiours in the Camp , yet they 'll contend for Precedence in the City , which is intolerable ; and therefore 't is that when a noble Warrier ( crowned with Victories and Triumphs ) shall turn Advocate and ply the Courts among them , they endeavour presently by a malicious Pedantry to obscure his Glory , and depress him ; whereas if he quits a publick Patronage and retires , they shall preserve his Honour and Authority beyond the reach of Envy ; as appeared not long after by the things themselves . The Power of the Pirats first broke out of Cilicia , having in truth but a rash and blind beginning , but was animated and encouraged afterwards in the Wars of Mithridates , where they hired themselves out , and became Stipendiaires in the King's Service . Afterwards whilst the Romans were embroiled in their Civil Wars , being engaged against one another , even before the very Gates of Rome ; the Seas lay waste and unguarded , which by degrees , enticed , and drew them on , not only to seize upon and spoil the Merchants and Ships upon the Seas , but also to lay waste the Islands , and Sea-Port Towns : So that now there embarked with these Pirats , Men of great Wealth , and Nobility , and of great Wisdom too , being incorporated into their Society or Fellowship as into a commendable Faculty : They had divers Arsenals , or Piratick Harbours , as likewise Watch-Towers , and Beacons all along the Sea-Coast ; They had a mighty Fleet , well Rigged and Furnished with Galliots of Oars , and as well Mann'd too , with all the Flower of Youth , with expert Pilots and Mariners ; there were their Ships of swift Sail also , and Pinnaces for Cruising and Discovery ; neither was it thus dreadful only , but as gloriously set out too , so that they were more to be envyed in their Pride , than feared in their Force ; having the Poops and Decks of their Galliots all guilded , and the Oars plated with Silver , together with their Purple Sails , as if their delight were to glory in their Iniquity : There was nothing but Musick and Dancing , Banquetting and Revels all along the Shore , together with the Prizes of Kings in Captivity , and Ransoms of sackt Cities , to the Reproach and Dishonour of the Roman Empire . There were of these Corsairs above 1000 Sail , and they had taken no less than 400 Cities ; committing Sacriledge upon the Temples of the Gods , and enriching themselves with the Spoils of divers , undefiled before , such as were those of Claros , Didyme , and Samothrace ; and the Temple of Tellus , or the Earth in Hermione , and that of Aeseulapius in Epidaurium ; Those of Neptune , in Isthmus , Taenarus , and Calauria ; Those of Apollo , in Actium , and the Isle of Leucades ; and those of Juno , in Samos , Argos , and Leucania . They offered likewise strange Sacrifices upon Mount Olympus , and performed certain secret Rites or Religious Mysteries , whereof that to the Sun ( which they called by the Name of Mithres ) was preserved down to our Age , having its Original and first Institution from them . But besides these Piracies and Insolencies by Sea , they were yet more injurious to the Romans by Land ; for they would often go ashore and Rob upon the High-ways ; plundring and destroying their Villages and Country-Houses near the Sea : And once they seized upon two Roman Praetors , Sextilius and Bellinus , in their Purple Robes , and carried them off , together with their Serjeants and Vergers : The Daughter also of Antonius , ( a Man that had the Honour of Triumph ) taking a Journey into the Country , was seized upon , and Redeemed afterwards with an excessive Ransom . But this was the most spiteful and abusive of all , That when any of the Captives declared himself to be a Roman , and told his Name , they seemed to be surprized , and straightway feigning a Fear , smote their Thighs , and fell down at his Feet , humbly beseeching him to be gracious and forgive them : The credulous Captive , seeing them so humble and supplicant , believed them to be in earnest ; for some were so officious as to put on his Shooes , others helpt him on with his Gown , lest his Quality should be mistaken again : After all this Pageantry , when they had thus deluded and mockt him long enough , at last casting out a Ships Ladder , when they were even in the midst of the Sea , they bid him march off and farewel ; if he refused , they threw him over-board and drowned him . This Piratick Power having got the Dominion and Soveraignty of all the M●diterranean , and perpetually roving up and down , there was left no place for Navigation or Commerce , insomuch that no Merchant durst venture out to Traffick . The Romans therefore , finding themselves to be extreamly straitned in their Markets , and considering that if this scarcity of Corn should continue ▪ there would be a Dearth and Famine in the Land , determined to send out Pompey to recover their Seigniory of the Seas from the Pirates : Wherefore Gabinius ( a great Creature of Pompey's ) preferred a Law , whereby there was granted to him , not only the Government of the Seas as Admiral , but even the Monarchy of Rome as Soveraign , having an Arbitrary and Unlimited Power over all Men ; The sum of that Decree gave him the absolute Power and Authority of all the Seas , even from the Streights-Mouth or Hercules-Pillars ; together with the Continent or Mainland , all along for the space of 400 Furlongs , or 50 Miles from the Sea : Now there were but few Regions in the World under the Roman Empire of a larger Extent , and in that compass too there were comprehended great Nations and mighty Kings . Moreover by this Decree he had a Power of electing fifteen Lieutenants out of the Senate , and of assigning to each his Province in Charge ; Then he might take likewise out of the Treasury , and of the Publicans , what Monies he pleas'd , as also 200 Sail of Ships , with a Power to Press and Levy what Soldiers and Seamen he thought fit , together with Galliots of Oars and Mariners : When this Law was Read , the common People approved of it exceedingly , but the chiefest and most powerful of the Senate looked upon it as an exorbitant Power , even beyond the reach of Envy , and was now become worthy of their Fears ; therefore concluding with themselves that such an infinite and boundless Authority was dangerous , they agreed unanimously to oppose the Bill , and all were against it , except Caesar , who gave his Vote for the Law , not so much to gratifie Pompey , as the People , whose Favour he had courted under-hand from the beginning , and hoped thereby to compass such a Power for himself : The rest inveighed bitterly against Pompey , insomuch as one of the Consuls , told him sharply , That if he followed the Footsteps of Romulus , he would scarce avoid his End , but he was in danger of being torn in pieces by the Multitude for his Speech : Yet when Catulus stood up to speak against the Law , the People in Reverence to him were very silent and attentive ; He therefore , after he had , without the least shew of Envy , made large Harangues in Honour of Pompey , began to advise the People in kindness to spare him , and not to expose a Man of his Value to such a Chain of Dangers and Wars ; For said he , Where could you find out another Pompey , or whom would you have in case you should chance to lose him ? They all cry'd out with one Voice , Your self ; wherefore Catulus , finding all his Rhetorick ineffectual , desisted : Then Roscius attempted to speak , but could have no Audience , wherefore he made Signs with his Fingers , intimating , Not him alone , but that there might be a second Pompey or Colleague in Authority with him : Upon this , 't is said , the Multitude being extreamly incens'd , made such an horrid Exclamation , that a Crow flying over the Market-Place at that instant was struck blind , and dropt down among the Rabble ; whereby it appears , That the Cause of Birds falling down to the Ground , is not by any rupture or division of the Air when it has received any such Impression or Force ; but purely by the very stroak of the Voice , which , being shot up by a Multitude with great Violence , raises a sort of Tempest and Billows in the Air. The Assembly therefore broke up for that day : And when the day was come , wherein the Bill was to pass by Suffrage into a Decree , Pompey went privately into the Country ; but hearing that it was passed and confirmed , he returned again into the City by Night , to avoid the Envy that might arise from that Concourse of People that would meet and congratulate him : The next Morning he came abroad , and sacrificed to the Gods , and having Audience at an open Assembly , he handled the Matter so , as that they enlarged his Power , giving him many Things besides what was already granted , and almost doubling the Preparation appointed in the former Decree : For there were compleately 500 Sail of Ships fitted out , and he had an Army of 120000 Foot , and 5000 Horse , assigned for his Muster : There were chosen likewise for his Lieutenants , or Vice-Admirals , 24 Senators that had been Consuls , Praetors , or Generals of Armies , and to these were added two of the general Treasurers . Now it happened within this time , that the Prizes of Provisions were much abated , which gave an occasion to the joyful People of saying , That the very Name of Pompey had e'en ended the War. However Pompey in pursuance of his Charge divided all the Sea , with each distance between the Lands , into thirteen Parts , allotting a Squadron to each , under the Command of his Vice-Admirals ; And having thus dispers'd his Power into all Quarters , and encompassed the Pirats every where , they began to fall into his Draggs by whole Shoals , which he seiz'd and brought into his Harbours ; As for those that withdrew themselves betimes , or otherwise escap'd his general Chace , they all made to Cilicia , where they hid themselves as in their Hives ; against whom Pompey design'd to go in Person with Sixty of his best Frigats : But first he resolv'd to scour and clear all the Seas thereabout , as that of Tuscany , together with the Coasts of Africa , Sardinia , Corsica , and Sicily ; All which he perform'd in the space of Forty days by his own indefatigable Industry , and the Diligence of his Vice-Admirals . Now Pompey met with some Diversion in Rome , through the Malice and Envy of Piso the Consul , who had put some stop to his Affairs , by wasting his Stores , and discharging his Seamen ; whereupon he sent his Fleet round to Brundusium , himself going the next way by Land through Tuscany to Rome ; which as soon as it came to be known by the People , they all flock'd out to meet him upon the way , as if they had not sent him out but a little before ; But that which chiefly rais'd their Joy , was the sudden and unexpected change in the Markets , abounding now with exceeding Plenty ; So that Piso was in great danger to have been depriv'd of his Consulship , Gabinius having a Law ready Penn'd for that purpose ; but Pompey forbid it , behaving himself as in that , so in all Things else , with great Moderation , whereby having brought to pass and obtain'd all that he wanted or desir'd , he departed for Brundusium , whence he set Sail in pursuit of the Pirats : Now though he was straitned in time , and his hasty Voyage forc'd him to Sail by several famous Cities without touching , yet he would not pass by the City of Athens unsaluted , but landing there , after he had sacrificed to the Gods , and made an Oration to the People , as he was returning out of the City , he Read at the Gates two Monosticks or single Epigrams writ in his own Praise . One within the Gate , Thy humbler Thoughts make thee a God the more . The other without . We wish'd and saw , we Honour and Adore . Now because that Pompey had shew'd himself merciful to some of that Swarm of Thieves , that were yet roving in Bodies about the Seas , ( having upon their Supplication ordered a Seizure of their Ships and Persons only , without any farther Process or Severity ; ) therefore the rest of their Camrades in Hopes of Mercy too , made their Escape from his other Commanders , and surrender'd themselves with their Wives and Children into his Protection ; So tha● Pompey pardon'd all that came in , and the rather because by them he might make a discovery of those who fled from his Justice , as conscious that their Crimes were beyond an Act of Indemnity : Whereof the greatest and chiefest part conveyed their Families and Treasures ( with all besides that were unfit for War ) into Castles and strong Forts about Mount Taurus ; but they themselves having well Mann'd their Gallies , imbark'd for Coracesium in Cilicia , where they receiv'd Pompey , and gave him Battel ; Here they had a fatal Overthrow , and thereupon they retir'd to their Cities , where they were Besieg'd ; At last , having dispatch'd their Heralds to him with a Submission , they deliver'd up to his mercy themselves , their Towns , Islands , and strong Holds , all which they had fortified with Bulwarks and Rampiers , whereby they became impregnable , and almost inaccessible . Thus was this War ended , and the whole Power of the Pirats at Sea dissolved every where in the space of three Months : Wherein besides a great number of other Vessels , he took Ninety Men of War with brazen Beaks ; and likewise Prisoners of War to the number of no less than 20000 Souls . Touching the disposal of these Prisoners , he consider'd on one Hand , that it would be barbarous to destroy them all ; and yet it might be no less dangerous on the other to disperse them , for that they might reunite and make Head again . being numerous , poor , and warlike : Therefore well and wisely weighing with himself , That Man by Nature is not a wild or savage Creature , neither was he Born so , but becomes a bruit Beast by Practice , having chang'd his Nature by a rude and vicious Habit : And again on the other side , That he is civiliz'd and grows gentle by a change of Place , Converse , and manner of Life , as Beasts themselves that are wild by Nature , become tame and tractable to their Feeders by Housing and a gentler Usage ; Upon this Consideration he determin'd to translate these Pirates from Sea to Land , and give them a taste of the true and innocent course of Life by living in Cities , and manuring the Ground : Some therefore were entertain'd in the small and unpeopl'd Towns of the Cilicians , mixing and incorporating with those few Inhabitants there , whereby they obtained an Enlargement of their Territories . Others he planted in the City of the Solians , that had been lately laid waste and drained by Tigranes King of Armenia : he seated likewise divers in Dyme , a City of Achaia , a Place extreamly depopulated , but of a large compass of Ground , and as rich a Soyl. However these Proceedings could not escape the Envy and Censure of his Enemies ; but for his Practices against Metellus in Crete , those were disapprov'd of even by the chiefest of his Friends : For Metellus , ( a Relation to him that was Colleague with Pompey in Spain ) was sent Praetor into Crete , before this Province of the Seas was design'd for Pompey , Now Crete was the second Den and Receptacle of Pirats next to Cilicia the Fountain , there Metellus apprehended divers and put them to Death ; Wherefore those that were yet remaining , and Besieg'd , sent their Supplications to Pompey , and invited him into the Island as a part of his Province , alledging it to fall within that distance of the Sea limited in his Commission , and so within the Precincts of his Charge ; Pompey receiving the Submission , dispatch'd an Express to Metellus , commanding him to leave off the War ; and another likewise to the Cities , wherein he charged them not to yield any Obedience to the Commands of Metellus ; And after these he sent Lucius Octavius one of his Lieutenants , who entring the Town together with the Besieged , and joyning in their Defence , render'd Pompey not only ▪ grievous and hateful , but even ridiculous too , That he should lend his Name as a Guard to a Nest of Thieves , that knew neither God nor Law , and make his Authority serve as a Sanctuary to them , only out of pure Envy and Emulation to Metellus : For neither was Achilles thought to act the Part of a wise Man , but rather of a young giddy Fool , mad after Glory , when by Signs he forbid the rest of the Graecians to strike at Hector : Lest he too late should to the Battel run , When others had the Honour of it won . But Pompey contended beyond himself to save the common Enemies of the World , only that he might deprive a Roman Praetor , after all his Labours , of the Honour of Triumph . Yet for all this Metellus was no ways daunted , neither would he give over the War against the Pirates , but storm'd them in their strong Holds , and having totally subdu'd them , he took a just Revenge of their Impieties : And for Octavius , he was publickly disgrac'd , and sent away , loaden with the Scoffs and Reproaches of all the Camp. Now , when 't was Reported in Rome , That the War with the Pirates was at an end , and that Pompey was in a dead Vacation , diverting himself in Visits only to the Cities for want of Employment ; one Manilius , a Tribune of the People , preferred a Law , whereby 't was Enacted , That Pompey should have all the Forces of Lucullus , and the Provinces under his Government , together with Bithynia , that was under the Command of Glabrio ; And that he should forthwith make War upon those two Kings Mithridates and Tigranes , retaining still the same Naval Forces and the Soveraignty of the Seas as before : But this was nothing less than to constitute one absolute Monarch of all the Roman Empire ; For the Provinces which seem'd to be exempt from his Commission by the former Decree , such as were Phrygia , Lycaonia , Galatia , Cappadocia , Cilicia , the Over Colchis , and Armenia , these were all grafted in by this latter Law , together with all the Army and Forces wherewith Lucullus made War upon Mithridates and Tigranes . Now though this were a notorious Injury to Lucullus , whereby he was robb'd of the Glory of his Atchievements , ( by having a Successor assigned him rather in the Honour of his Triumph , than the Danger of the War ; ) Yet this was of no great moment in the Eye of the Senate , because it was Personal only ( though they could not but Censure the People of Injustice and Ingratitude to Lucullus ) ; But the source of all their Grievance flow'd from hence , That the Power of Pompey should by Law be Establish'd in a manifest Tyranny ; And therefore they exhorted and encourag'd one another privately to bend all their Forces in opposition to this Law , and not to cast away their Liberties and Properties at so tame a rate ; Yet for all their Resolutions , when the day came wherein it was to pass into a Decree , their Hearts fail'd them , for fear of the People , and all the rest were silent except Catulus , who boldly inveigh'd against the Law , and charg'd the People home , but all in vain ; for when he found that he had not brought over one Man among the People , he turn'd and directed his Speech to the Senate in great Passion , often crying out , and bidding them to seek out some Mountain as their Forefathers had done , and fly to the Rocks where they might preserve their Liberty . But all his Rhetorick was ineffectual , for the Law pass'd into a Decree , as 't is said , by the Suffrages of all the Tribes ; And now was Pompey even in his absence made Lord of almost all that Power , that Sylla made himself Master of by Conquest , when by force of Arms and War he had brought even Rome it self under his Dominion : Now when Pompey had Advice by Letters of the Decree , 't is said , That , in the presence of his Friends who came to rejoyce and give him Joy of his Honour , he seem'd extremely displeas'd , frowning and smiting his Thigh , and at last , as one overladen already , and weary of Government , he broke out in great passion , Good Gods ! What an endless Train of War is here ? How much better might my Lot have fall'n among the inglorious Crowd , unknown or unregarded ? If there shall be no end of this Warfare but with that of my Life ? If my Fate be such that I must always despair of those happier moments , wherein I might stem this Tide of Envy , and live at peace in a Country Retirement , and the Enjoyments of a dearer Wife ! But all this was look'd upon as Ironical , neither indeed could the best of his Friends endure such gross Hypocrisie , well knowing , that he , whose Ambition was set on Fire by his Malice , ( having his Enmity with Lucullus , as a Firebrand to kindle that covetous Desire of Glory and Empire that was implanted in his Nature ) could not but embrace the Province with Joy and Triumph ; as appear'd not long afterwards by his Actions , which did clearly unmask him : For in the first place he sent out his Edicts or Proclamations into all Quarters , commanding all Soldiers to resort to his Colours ; then he summon'd in all the tributary Kings and Princes that were Subjects within the Precincts of his Charge ; and , in short , as soon as he had enter'd upon his Province , he left nothing unalter'd that had been done and establish'd by Lucullus ; to some he remitted their Amercements and Penalties , and depriv'd others of their Rewards ; And after this manner did he act in all things , with this Design chiefly , That the Admirers of Lucullus might know how that all his Power and Authority was now at an end , and he no longer Lord of this Province . But Lucullus began to arraign these Proceedings , and expostulate the Case by Friends , whereupon 't was thought fitting and agreed , that there would be a Meeting betwixt them , and accordingly they met in the Country of Galatia : Now in that they were great and prosperous Generals , both in Conduct and Action , they came in State attended with their Vergers and Officers , bearing their Rods before them all wreath'd about with Branches of Laurel : Lucullus came through a Country full of green and shady Groves , but Pompey's March was through large barren Plains both chill and naked ; Therefore the Vergers of Lucullus , perceiving that Pompey's Laurels were withered and dry , helped him to some of their own , whereby they adorn'd and crown'd his Rods with fresh Laurels : This was thought somewhat ominous , and look'd as if Pompey came to take away the Reward and Honour of Lucullus's Victories : Lucullus indeed had the priority in the course of his Consulship , and of his Age too ; but the Dignity of Pompey was the greater , in that he had the Honour of two Triumphs . Their first Addresses in this Interview were made with great Ceremony and Complaisance , magnifying each others Actions , and congratulating their Success : but when they came to the Matter of their Conference or Treaty , there they observ'd neither Decency nor Moderation , but fell down-right a railing at each other ; Pompey upbraiding Lucullus of Avarice , and Lucullus again retorting Ambition upon Pompey , so that their Friends could hardly part them . Now Lucullus had made a Distribution of all the Lands in Galatia within his Conquest , and gave other Largesses to whom he pleas'd ; But Pompey encamping not far distant from him , sent out his Prohibitions , whereby he forbid that any Man should yield Obedience to Lucullus ; He likewise commanded away all his Soldiers , except only 1600 , which he found were likely to be as unserviceable to him , as they were ill-affected to Lucullus , being Proud and Mutinous . And to these Acts Pompey added some Satyrical Speeches and Invectives against him , detracting openly from the Glory of his Actions , and giving out , That the Battels of Lucullus were but imaginary , such as are represented in Landskips , or at best upon the Stage , with Kings personated in Tragedies and Farces , where there was no more danger than in painted Fire , whereas the real part or brunt of the War against a true and well-instructed Army was reserv'd to him , for that Mithridates began now to be in earnest , and had betaken himself to his Shields , Swords , and Horses : Lucullus on the other side , to be even with him in spite , replied , That Pompey came to fight with the Image and Shadow of War , it being his usual practice , like a lazy Bird of Prey , to quarry upon Carcasses already slain , and tear in pieces the reliques of a War ; For thus did he entitle and attribute to himself the Conquest of Sertorius , Lepidus , and the Accomplices of Spartacus ; whereas this was the Glory of Crassus , that of Catulus , and the first was to be ascrib'd to the Prowess of Metellus : And therefore 't is no great wonder , if the Glory of the Pontick and Armenian War , prove supposititious too , and be usurp'd by a Man , who , by such subtil Artifices could insinuate and work himself into the Honour of Triumph for a few runagate Slaves . After this Lucullus went away ; and Pompey having plac'd his whole Navy as a Guard upon all those Seas betwixt the Province of Phaenicia and the Bosphorus , himself march'd against Mithridates , who had a Batalion of 30000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , yet he durst not bid him Battel ; but lay securely encamped upon a strong Mountain , fortifi'd with Trenches and Rampiers almost impregnable , which he forsook not long after as a Place destitute of Water ; Now , no sooner was he decamp'd , but that Pompey in the first place made himself Master of that Mountain , and observing well the nature and thriving of the Plants there , together with the hollow Beds which he found in several places , conjectur'd that such a Plot could not be without Springs , and therefore he order'd them to sink Wells in every Corner ; whereby there was great plenty of Water throughout all the Camp in a little time ; Insomuch that he admir'd how it was possible for Mithridates to be ignorant of this , during all that time of his Encampment there . After this , Pompey pursued him to his next Camp , and there drawing a Line round about him , encamp'd himself , and work'd up his Trenches with Bastions and Rampiers , whereby he wall'd up Mithridates within his own Camp. But he having endur'd a Siege of 45 days , made his Escape privily , and fled away with all the Choice of his Army , having first dispatch'd all the sick and unserviceable Persons in his Camp. Not long after Pompey overtook him again near the Banks of the River Euphrates , where he sate down and Encamped close by him ; but fearing lest he should pass over the River and give him the Slip there too , he drew up his Army in Battalia against him at Midnight : Now , 't is said , that at that very time Mithridates saw a Vision in his Dream , that did prognosticate and foreshew what should come to pass ; for he seem'd to be under Sail in the Pontick Sea with a prosperous Gale , and just in view of the Bosphorus , discoursing pleasantly with the Ships Company , as one overjoy'd for his past Danger and present Security ; when lo ! of a sudden he found himself deserted of all , and floating upon a little broken Plank of the Ship in the mercy of Sea and Wind. Whilst he was thus labouring under these Passions and Phantasms , some of his Friends came into his Tent , and awak'd him with the dreadful News of Pompey's approach , telling him , that he was so near at hand , that now the Fight must be for the Camp it self : Whereupon the Commanders drew up all his Forces in Battel-array ; Pompey perceiving how ready they were , and prepar'd for Defence , began to doubt with himself , whether he should put it to the hazard of a Fight in the dark , judging it more consistent with Policy to encompass them only at present , ( lest they should fly ) and give them Battel the next day , because his Men were far the better Soldiers ; But his ancient Commanders were of another opinion , and by great Entreaties and Encouragements wrought upon him , and obtain'd that they might charge them immediately . Neither was the Night so very dark , but that ( though the Moon was declining , yet ) it gave light enough to discern a Body : But this rather deluded and put a Blind upon the Eye-sight of the King's Army , for the Romans coming upon them with the Moon on their Backs , the Moon ( being very low and just upon setting ) cast the Shadows a long way before the Bodies , and reach'd e'ne almost to the Enemy : This dazl'd their Eyes so , that they ( not exactly discerning the Distance , but imagining them to be near at hand ) threw their Darts at the Shadows , without the least Execution upon any one body : The Romans therefore perceiving this , ran in upon them with a great Shout ; but the barbarous People , all in Amaze , being unable to endure the Charge , were fearfully routed , and put to Flight with a great Slaughter , insomuch that above 10000 were slain there , and the Camp taken , As for Mithridates himself , he , at the beginning of the Onset , with a Body of 800 Horse Charg'd through all the Roman Army , and made his Escape ; but immediately all the rest of that Regiment were dispers'd and gone , some one way , some another , and he left only with three Persons in his Retinue ; Among whom was his Concubine or Mistress , Hypsicratia , a Girl always of Manly and daring Spirit , ( and therefore the King call'd her Hypsicrates : ) She being attired and mounted like a Persian Chevalier , accompani'd the King in all his Flight , never weary even in the longest Journey , nor ever fail'd to attend the King in Person , and look after his Horse too ; until they came to Inora , a Palace or Castle of the King 's , well stor'd with Gold and Jewels , and the King 's chiefest Treasure . From thence Mithridates took off his richest Apparel , and gave it among those that resorted to him in their Flight ; and to every one of his chiefest Friends he gave a deadly Poyson , that they might not fall into the Hands of the Enemy against their Wills : From thence he design'd to have went to Tigranes in Armenia , but being prohibited there by Tigranes , ( who had put out a Proclamation with a Reward of 100 Talents to any one that should apprehend him ) he passed by the Head of the River Euphrates , and fled through the Country of Colchis . Now had Pompey made an Invasion into the Country of Armenia , upon the Invitation of young Tigranes , for that he was now in Rebellion against his Father , and had given Pompey a Metting about the River Araxes : ( which River rises near the Head of Euphrates , but turning its course and bending towards the East , falls into the Caspian Sea. ) They two therefore march'd together through the Country , taking in all the Cities by the way , and obliging them to Homage and Fealty : But King Tigranes ( having been harassed lately in a tedious War by Lucullus , and withal understanding that Pompey was generous in his Nature , and of a gentle Disposition ) put Guards into his Royal Palaces , and taking along with him divers of his Friends and Relations , went in Person to surrender himself into the Hands of Pompey ; He came as far as the Trenches on Horseback , but there he was met by two of Pompey's Vergers , who commanded him to alight and walk on Foot , for that no Man was ever seen on Horseback within a Roman Camp : Tigranes submitted to this immediately , and not only so , but plucking off his Sword , deliver'd up that too ; And last of all , as soon as he appear'd before Pompey , he pull'd off his Turbant or Royal Diadem , and attempted to have laid it at his Feet ; Nay , what 's worst of all , even he himself had fallen prostrate as an humble Supplicant at his Knees , to the Reproach of Majesty , had not Pompey himself prevented it , by taking and placing him next upon his right hand , and the Son upon his left ; There Pompey took occasion to tell him , That as to the rest of his Losses , they were chargeable upon Lucullus , for that by Lucullus he had been dispossess'd of Syria , Phaenicia , Cilicia , Galatia , and Sophene , but all that he had preserv'd to himself entire till that time , he should peaceably enjoy , paying the Sum of 6000 Talents as a Fine or Penalty for Injuries done to the Romans , and that his Son should have the Kingdom of Sophene . Tigranes himself was well pleas'd with these Conditions of Peace , and therefore when the Romans , in a general Shout saluted him King , he seem'd to be overjoy'd , and promis'd to every common Soldier half a Mina of Silver , every Centurion or Captain ten Mina's , and to every Collonel or Commander of a thousand a Talent ; But the Son was highly displeas'd , insomuch that when he was invited to Supper , he reply'd , That he did not stand in need of Pompey for that sort of Honour , for he would find out some other Roman to Sup with : Whereupon he was clapp'd up close Prisoner and reserv'd for the Triumph . Not long after this , Phraates King of Parthia sent to Pompey , and demanded by his Ambassadors , That he should deliver up young Tigranes , as his Son-in-Law ; and that the River Euphrates should be the Term and Bound of their Empires : To these Pompey reply'd , That for Tigranes , he belong'd more to his own natural Father , than his Father-in-Law ; And for the Bounds , he would take care that they should be set out according to the Rules of Right and Justice . So Pompey leaving Armenia in the Custody of Afranius , went himself in Chace of Mithridates ; whereby he was forc'd of necessity to march through several Nations inhabiting about Mount Caucasus ; Of these Nations , the Albanians and Iberians were two of the chiefest : The Iberians stretch out as far as the Moschian Mountains , and to the Realm of Pontus ; The Albanians lye more Eastwardly , and towards the CaspianSea ; These barbarous People , the Albanians , at first permitted Pompey upon his Entreaty to pass through their Country , but when they found that the Winter had stoll'n upon the Roman Army whilst they were quarter'd in their Country , and withal that they were busily exercis'd in celebrating the Festivals of Saturn , they muster'd up an Army of no less than 40000 Fighting-men , and set upon them , having passed over the River Cyrnus ; ( which River rising from the Mountains of Iberia , and receiving the River Araxes in its course from Armenia , dischargeth its self by 12 distinct Mouths or Channels into the Caspian Sea ; although some others are of opinion , that Araxes does not fall into it , but that they flow very near one another , and so discharge themselves as Neighbours into the same Sea. ) 'T is true , 't was in the power of Pompey to have obstructed the Enemies Passage over the River , but he suffer'd them to pass over quietly ; and then drawing up his Forces and giving Battel , he routed them and slew a great number of them in the Field : But the King sent Ambassadors with his Submission , wherefore Pompey , upon his Supplication , pardon'd the Offence , and having enter'd into a League with him , he marched directly against the Iberians , an Army no less in number than the other , but much more Warlike , and withal under a solemn Resolution both of gratifying Mithridates , and driving out Pompey : These Iberians were in no wise subject to the Medes or Persians , and they hapned likewise to escape the Dominion of the Macedonians , in that Alexander was so quick in his March through Hyrcanid ; but these also Pompey subdued in a great and bloody Battel , wherein there were slain 9000 upon the Spot , and more than 10000 taken Prisoners . From thence he went into the Country of Colchis , where Servilius met him by the River Phasis , having his Fleet ( with which he guarded the Pontick Sea ) riding at Anchor there ; Now this pursuit of Mithridates seem'd to carry great Difficulties in it , for that he had conceal'd himself among the Nations that inhabit about the Bosphorus and the Lake of Maeotis ; and besides , News was brought to Pompey that the Albanians had revolted again : This made him divert his Course , and bend his Forces against them with Resolutions full of Wrath and Revenge , insomuch that he passed back again over the Cyrnus with great Difficulty and Danger , for that the barbarous People had fortifi'd it a great way down the Banks with Rampiers and Palisado's ; After this having a tedious long March to make through a thirsty and rough Country , he order'd 10000 Bottles to be fill'd with Water , and so advanced towards the Enemy ; whom he found drawn up in order of Battel near the River Abas , to the number of 60000 Horse and 12000 Foot , ill arm'd generally , and many of them cover'd only with the Skins of wild Beasts : Their General was Cosis the King's Brother , who as soon as the Battel was begun , singled out Pompey , and rushing in upon him , darted his Javelin into the Joynts of his Breast-plate ; which Pompey receiv'd , and in return , struck him thro' the Body with his Launce , and slew him . 'T is reported , That in this Fight there were several Amazons that came as Auxiliaries to these Barbarians , and that they came down from those Mountains that run along by the River Thermodon ; for that after the Battel when the Romans were taking the Spoil and Plunder of the Field , they met with several Targets and Buskins of the Amazons , but there was not the Body of a Woman to be seen among all the dead ; They inhabit those Parts of Mount Caucasus that look towards the Hyrcanian Sea , ( not bordering upon the Albanians , for that the Territories of the Gelae and the Leges lye betwixt : ) And with these People do they yearly , two Months only , accompany themselves , and cohabit Bed and Board near the River Thermodon ; after that they retire to their own Habitations , and live alone all the rest of the Year . After this Engagement Pompey was resolutely bent with his Forces upon the Country of Hyrcania and the Caspian Sea , but was forc'd to retreat after three days March , by reason of the Venemous Serpents that were infinitely numerous in those Countries : And so he fell into Armenia the Less ; Whilst he was there , the Kings of the Elymaeans and Medes dispatch'd Ambassadors to him , which he accepted of , and made his Returns as amicacably by Letter ; But for the King of Parthia who had made Incursions upon Gordyne , and despoil'd the Subjects of Tygranes , he an Army against him under the Command of Afranius , who put him to the Rout , and follow'd him in Chace as far as Arbelitis . Among all the Concubines of King Mithridates that were brought before Pompey , he had not the Carnal knowledge of any one , but sent them all away to their Parents and Relations , for that most of them were either the Daughters or Wives of Princes and great Commanders ; excepting only Stratonice , ( who , of all the rest , had the greatest Power and Influence upon him , and to whom he had committed the Custody of his best and richest Fortress : ) She ( it seems ) was the Daughter of a certain Musician , an ancient Man , and of no great Fortune ; but she happening to sing one night before Mithridates at a Banquet , struck his Fancy so , that immediately he took her to Bed with him , whereby he sent away the old Man much dissatisfy'd , in that he had taken his Daughter , without one kind word to himself : But when he arose in the Morning , and saw the Tables within richly cover'd with Plate of Gold and Silver , a great Retinue of Servants , Eunuchs and Pages attending him with rich Garments , and withal a Horse standing before the door richly caparison'd , in all things as 't was usual with the King's Favourites , he look'd upon it all as a piece of Pageantry , and thinking himself mock'd and abus'd in it , attempted to have slip'd out of doors and run away ; but the Servants laying hold upon him , and informing him really , that the King had bestow'd on him the House and Furniture of a rich Nobleman lately Deceased , and that these were but the first Fruits or small Earnests of greater Riches and Possessions that were to come , he was perswaded at last with much difficulty to believe them ; Thereupon putting on his Purple Robes , and mounting his Horse , he rode through the City , crying out , All this is mine ; And to those that laugh'd at him , he said , There was no such wonder in this , but rather that he did not throw Stones at all he met , he was so transported with Joy : Such was the Parentage and Blood of Stratonice . Now she deliver'd up this Castle into the hands of Pompey , and offer'd him many Presents of great Value , whereof he receiv'd only such as he thought might serve to adorn the Temples of the Gods , and add to the Splendor of his Triumph ; the rest he left to Stratonice's Disposal , bidding her to please her self in the enjoyment of them . And in this manner did he deal with the Presents sent from the King of Iberia , who presented him with a Bedstead , Table , and a Chair of State all beaten Gold , desiring him to accept of them , but he deliver'd them all into the Custody of the publick Treasurers for the use of the Common-wealth . In another Castle call'd Caenon , or New-Fort , Pompey seiz'd upon several secret Writing of Mithridates , which he perus'd with no small delight , in that they discover'd in a great measure the King's Nature and Inclination ; For there were Memoirs whereby it appear'd , That besides divers others , he had made away his Son Ariarathes by Poyson , as also Alcaeus the Sardian , for that he had gotten the better of him in a Horse-Race : There were likewise several Judgments upon the Interpretations of Dreams , some of his own Visions , and some of his Mistresses ; and besides these , there was a pleasant Intercourse of wanton Love-Letters with his Concubine Monime : Now Theophanes tells us , That there was found likewise a sharp Oration of Rutilius , wherein he attempted to exasperate him even to the slaughter of all the Romans in Asia ; Though most Men justly conjecture this to be a malicious Device of Theophanes , who hated Rutilius , for that he himself in comparison was but a Counterfeit to him ; or perhaps it might be to gratifie Pompey , whose Father is describ'd by Rutilius in his History to be the vilest Man alive . From thence Pompey came to the City of Amisus , where his Ambition led him to such odious Acts , as he himself had condemn'd in others before ; For whereas he had often and sharply reproach'd Lucullus , in that , while the Enemy was yet in being , he had taken upon him to establish Laws , and distribute Rewards and Honours , as Conquerors use to do only when the War was brought to an end , yet now was he himself ( while Mithridates was Paramount in the Realm of Bosphorus at the Head of a puissant Army ) as if all were ended , just doing the same thing , regulating the Provinces , and distributing Rewards ; Many great Commanders and Princes having flock'd to him , together with no less than 12 barbarous Kings ; Insomuch as to gratifie these other Kings , when he wrote to the King of Parthia , he would not condescend ( as others us'd to do ) in the Superscription of his Letter , to give him his Title of King of Kings . Moreover he had a great Desire and Emulation to take in Syria , and to march through Arabia to the Red-Sea , that he might extend his Conquest every way to the great Ocean , that does encompass the whole Earth ; For in Africa he was the first Roman that advanced his Victories to the Ocean ; and again in Spain , he enlarg'd the Roman Empire , extending its bounds to the Atlantick Sea ; Then thirdly , in his late pursuit of the Albanians , he wanted but little of reaching the Hyrcanian Sea : Wherefore he rais'd his Camp , designing to bring the Red-Sea within the Circuit of his Expedition , especially for that he saw how difficult it was to hunt after Mithridates with an Army , and that he would prove a worse Enemy flying than fighting ; But yet he declar'd , That he would leave a sharper Enemy behind him than himself , to wit , Famine , and therefore he appointed a Guard of Ships to lye in wait for the Merchants that sail'd to the Bosphorus , having prohibited all upon pain of Death that should attempt to carry Provisions or Merchandizes thither . Then he set forward with the greatest part of his Army , and in his March he casually happen'd upon several dead Bodies of the Romans uninterr'd , which were of those Soldiers that were unfortunately slain with Triarius in the Wars against Mithridates , these he buried all splendidly and honourably ; The neglect whereof , 't is thought , caus'd the first Hatred against Lucullus , and alienated the Affections of the Soldiers from him . Pompey having now by his Forces under the Command of Afranius , subdued the Arabians that inhabit about the Mountain Amanus , fell himself into Syria , and finding it destitute of any natural and lawful Prince , reduced it into the form of a Province , as an Inheritance of the People of Rome . He conquer'd Judaea , and alter'd the form of Government there , having taken King Aristobulus Captive ; Some Cities he built anew , and others he set at liberty , chastizing those Tyrants that brought them into Bondage . The greatest time that he spent there was in the Administration of Justice , deciding the Controversies of Kings and States , and where he himself could not be present in Person , he gave Commission to his Friends and sent them : Thus when there arose a Difference betwixt the Armenians and Parthians , touching the Title of a Country , and the Judgment was referr'd to him , he gave a Power by Commission to three Judges and Arbiters to hear and determine the Question : For the Name of his Power indeed was great ; Neither were the Vertues of his Justice and Clemency inferiour to that of his Power , whereby he cover'd a multitude of Crimes committed by his Friends and Familiars about him ; for although it was not in his Nature to check or chastise an Offender , yet he would demean himself so to those that addressed with Complaints against them , that the Party griev'd went always away contented , forgetting the Injuries , and patiently bearing even with their Covetousness and Oppression . Among these Friends of his , there was one Demetrius , that had the greatest Power and Influence upon him of any ; he was a Bond-man infranchiz'd , one of a very good Understanding , however otherwise but a Youth , and somewhat too insolent in his good Fortune , of whom there goes this Story : Cato the Philosopher ( being as yet a very young Man , but of great Judgment and a noble Mind ) took a Journey of Pleasure to Antioch , having a great desire in Pompey's absence , to see the City : He therefore , as his Custom was , walked on Foot , and his Friends accompani'd him on Horseback ; But seeing before the Gates of the City a Multitude all in white Garments , ( the young Men on one side of the Road , and the Boys on the other ) he was somewhat offended at it , imagining that it was officiously done in Honour of him , which was more than he requir'd ; However he desired his Companions to alight and walk with him : But when they drew near , the Master of the Ceremonies in this Procession came out with a Garland and a Rod in his Hand , and met them , enquiring , Where they had left Demetrius ? and when he would come ? Whereupon Cato's Companions burst out into a Laughter , but Cato said only , Alas poor City ! and passed by without any other Answer : Now , 't is clear , that Pompey himself render'd Demetrius less odious to others , by enduring his Sawciness and Insolence against himself : For , 't is reported how that Pompey , when he had invited his Friends to an Entertainment , would be very Ceremonious in attending till they came and were all plac'd , whereas Demetrius would rudely seat himself at the Table with his Head cover'd even to his Ears , before any one else could sit down : Moreover before his return into Italy , he had purchased the pleasantest Villa or Country-Seat about Rome , with the fairest Walks and Places for Exercise , and the most compleat Gardens , call'd by the Name of Demetrius , notwithstanding that Pompey his Master was contented with a mean and thrifty Habitation till his third Consulship . Afterwards , 't is true , when he had erected that famous and stately Theater for the People of Rome he built ( as an Appendix to it ) an House for himself much more splendid than his former , and yet as much beneath the stroke of Envy ; Insomuch as he that came to be Master of that House after Pompey , could not but admire at it , and seem very Inquisitive , Where Pompey the Great us'd to Sup ? Thus are these things reported . The King of Arabia Petraea , who had hitherto despis'd the Power of the Romans , now began to think it dreadful ; and therefore dispatch'd Letters to him , wherein he promis'd to be at his Devotion , and do what he would Command ; However Pompey having a desire to confirm and keep him in the same Mind , marched forwards for Petra , an Expedition not altogether irreprehensible , in the opinion of many ; for by this 't was generally thought he did clearly decline the Chace of Mithridates , whereas they thought themselves bound to turn their Arms against him as their inveterate Enemy , who now had blown up the Coal again , and reinforced his shattered Troops with fresh Preparations ( as 't was reported ) to lead his Army through Scythia and Pannonia into Italy : Pompey on the other side , judging it easier to break his Forces in Battel , than seize his Person in Flight , resolv'd not to tire himself out in a vain Pursuit , but rather to spend his time in diverting the War upon another Enemy , as a proper Digression in the mean while . But Fortune resolv'd the Doubt ; for whilst he was yet not far from Petra , and had pitch'd his Tents and encamped for that day , as he was riding and managing his Horse without the Camp , there came an Express by the flying Post out of Pontus with good News , as was easily discernible a far off by the Heads of their Javelins that were crown'd with Branches of Laurel ; The Soldiers , as soon as they saw them , flocked immediately to Pompey , who notwithstanding was minded to make an end of his Exercise ; but when they began to be clamorous and importunate , he alighted from his Horse , and taking the Letters , went before them into the Camp ; Now there being no Tribunal erected there , nor yet any military Hillock , ( such as they use to make by cutting up thick Turfes of Earth and piling them one upon another ) they through eagerness and impatience heap'd up a pile of Pack-saddles , and Pompey standing upon that , told them the News of Mithridates his Death , how that he had laid violent hands upon himself , upon the Revolt of his Son Pharnaces , and that Pharnaces had taken all things there into his hands and possession , which he did ( as his Letters speak ) in right of himself and the Romans : Upon this News the whole Army expressing their Joy ( as was fit ) fell to their Devotion in sacrificing to the Gods and Feasting , as if in the Person of Mithridates alone there had died many thousands of their Enemies . Pompey by this occasion having brought this War to an end , with much more ease than was expected , departed forthwith out of Arabia , and passing cursorily through the intermediate Provinces , he came at length to the City Amisus ; There he receiv'd many Presents brought from Pharnaces , and several Bodies of the Royal Blood , together with the Corps of Mithridates himself , which was not easie to be known by the Face , ( for the Chyrurgion that embalm'd him had not dry'd up his Brain ) but those who were very curious to see him , knew him by the Scars there ; Pompey himself would not endure to see him , but to expiate the Wrath of the Gods , he sent it away to the City of Sinope ; He admir'd the Riches of his Robes , no less than the greatness and splendor of his Armour ; The Scabbard of his Sword ( that cost 400 Talents ) was stolen by Publius , and sold to Ariarathes ; His Cidaris also or Crown , a piece of admirable Workmanship , being begg'd of Caius the Foster Brother of Mithridates , was given secretly to Faustus the Son of Sylla ; All which Pompey was ignorant of , but afterwards when Pharnaces came to understand it , he severely punish'd those that imbezell'd them . Pompey now having order'd all things , and established that Province , he took his Journey homewards in greater Pomp and State than ever ; for when he came to Mitylene , he gave the City their freedom upon the Intercession of Theophanes , and was present at certain Anniversary Games or Exercises , where the Poets in a vertuous Contention rehearse their Works , having at that time no other Theam or Subject than the Actions of Pompey ; but he was exceedingly pleas'd with the Theater it self , and drew a Model or Platform of it , intending to erect one in Rome after the same form , but larger and with more Magnificence ; When he came to Rhodes , he heard the Disputes of the Sophisters or Logicians there , and gave to every one of them a Talent ; And Posidonius has written the Disputation which he held before him against Hermagoras the Rhetorician , wherein he was Opponent upon the Question touching Universale . At Athens also he did the like , and shew'd his Munificence among the Philosophers there , as he did likewise in bestowing 50 Talents towards the repairing and beautifying the City : So that now by all these Acts he well hoped to return into Italy in the greatest Splendor and Glory of any Mortal Man , having likewise a passionate desire to be seen of his Family , where he thought he was equally desired : But that God whose Province and Charge it is always to mix some Ingredient of Evil even with the greatest and most glorious Goods of Fortune , had privily provided a bitter Potion at home for him , whereby to make his Return more sorrowful ; for Mutia , during his absence , had dishonour'd his Bed ; Whilst he was abroad at a distance , he gave little heed to the Report , but when he drew nearer to Italy , where the Report grew warmer , and that his Thoughts were at leisure to muse upon the Crime and Reproach , then he sent he a Bill of Divorce ; but neither then in Writing , nor afterwards in Discourse , did her ever give a Reason why he discharged her , but the Cause is mention'd in Cicero's Epistles . Now there were various Rumours scattered abroad touching Pompey , and were carried to Rome before him ; so that there was a great Tumult and Stir , as if he design'd forthwith to march with his Army directly into the City , and establish himself in a Monarchy ; Thereupon Crassus withdrew himself , together with his Children and Fortunes , out of the City , either that he was really afraid , or that he counterfeited rather ( as was most probable ) to give credit to the Calumny , and exasperate the malice of the People . Pompey therefore , as soon as he enter'd into Italy , called a general Muster of the Army , and having made an Oration suitable to the Genius of the Time and his Soldiers , and rewarded them liberally , he commanded them to depart , every Man to his Country , and place of Habitation , only with this Memento , that they would not fail to meet again at his Triumph . Thus the Army being disbanded , and the News of it commonly reported , there happened out an admirable Passage ; For when the Cities saw Pompey the Great unarm'd , and with a small Train of Familiar Friends only , ( as if he was returning from a Journey of Pleasure , not from his Conquests ) they came pouring in upon him out of pure Affection and Reverence , attending and conducting him to Rome , with far greater Forces than he disbanded , insomuch that if he had design'd any Stirs or Innovation in the State , he might have done it without the Assistance of his Army . Now , because the Law permitted no Man to enter into the City before the Triumph , therefore he sent to the Senate , entreating them to prorogue the Election of Consuls , and grant him the favour , that with his presence he might countenance Piso , one of the Candidates at that time ; but this was sharply oppos'd by Cato , whereby he fail'd of his Design ; However , Pompey could not but admire that liberty and boldness of Speech in Cato , wherewith he alone above all others , durst openly engage in the maintenance of Law and Justice ; he therefore had a great desire to win him over , and purchase his Friendship at any rate ; and to that end , Cato having two Neeces ( Daughters of his Sister ) Pompey propos'd one in Marriage for himself , the other for his Son ; But Cato suspected the Motion as a colourable design of corrupting and bribing his Justice by Alliance , and therefore would not hearken to it ; which was hainously resented by his Wife and Sister , that he should reject an Affinity with Pompey the Great ; About that time Pompey having a design of setting up Afranius for the Consulship , gave a Sum of Money among the Tribes for their Voices , some whereof was receiv'd even in his own Gardens , insomuch that when this Practice came to be bruited abroad , Pompey was very ill spoken of , for that he who had had the Honour of that Government as a just Reward of his greater Merits , should now make Merchandize of that very Honour , for one that had neither Vertue or Courage to deserve it ; Whereupon Cato took occasion to tell the Ladies , Now , said he , had we contracted an Alliance with Pompey , we had been allied to this Dishonour too ; which when they heard , they could not but acknowledge and subscribe to him , as one of a more piercing Judgment in Matters of Prudence and Morality than themselves . The Splendor and Magnificence of Pompey's Triumph was such , That ( though it held the space of two days , yet ) they were extremely straitned in Time ; so that of what was prepared for that Pageantry , there was as much subducted , as would have set out and adorn'd another Triumph . But in the first place , there were Tables carried , wherein were written the Names and Titles of all those Nations over whom he triumph'd , such as were , The Kingdoms of Pontus , Armenia , Cappadocia , Paphlagonia , Media , Colchis , Iberia , Albania , Syria , Cilicia , and Mesopotamia , together with the Countries about Phaenicia and Palaestine , Judaea , Arabia , and all the Power of the Pirates subdued by Sea and Land : And in these Countries there appeared the taking of no less than 1000 Castles , nor much less than 900 Cities , together with 800 Ships of the Pirates , and the Peopling of 39 Towns that lay desolate and depopulated : Besides , there was set forth in these Tables , an account of all the Tributes throughout the Roman Empire , and how that before these Conquests , the Revenue amounted but to 5000 Myriads , whereas by his Acquisitions , 't was advanced to 8500 , and withal that for Advance at present he brought into the common Treasury of ready Money , Gold and Silver , Plate and Jewels , to the value of 20000 Talents , over and above that which had been distributed among the Soldiers , whereof he that had least ▪ had 1500 Drachma's for his share , The Prisoners of War that were led in Triumph , besides the Arch-Pirates , were the Son of Tigranes , King of Armenia , with his Wife and Daughter ; as also Zosime , the Wife of King Tigranes himself , and Aristobulus , King of Judaea . The Sister of King Mithridates , and her five Sons ; and some Ladies of Scythia . There were likewise the Hostages of the Albanians and Iberians ; and the King of Comagena ; besides a vast number of Trophies , answering directly and deciphering out each particular Battel , in which he was Conqueror either himself in Person , or by his Lieutenants . But that that seem'd to be his greatest Glory , and that no other Roman ever attain'd to , was this , That he made his third Triumph over the third part of the World ; For many among the Romans had the Honour of Triumphing thrice ; but his first Triumph , was over Africa , his second , over Europe , and this last , over Asia ; so that he seem'd in these three Triumphs , to have led the whole World in Chains . As for Pompey's Age , those who affect to make the Paralel exact in all things betwixt Him and Alexander the Great , would not allow him to be quite 34 , whereas in truth , at that time he was near 40 : Oh that he had crowned his days , and breath'd out his last , even then when with Alexander's Age he had his Fortune too ! But all the remainder of his Life-time was extremely unfortunate , wherein his Prosperity became odious , and his Adversity incurable ; For that great Power and Authority which he had gain'd in the City by his greater Merits , even that was made use of only in Patronizing the Iniquities of others , so that by advancing their Fortunes , he detracted from his own Glory , till at last he was dashed in pieces by the force and greatness of his own Power : And as the strongest Citadel or Fort in a Town , when it is attack'd and taken by an Enemy , does then afford the same Strength to the Foe , as it had done to Friends before ; so Caesar being exalted in the State by the Power of Pompey , overthrew and ruin'd him by the same Force and Arts by which he had trampled down others : And thus it came to pass . Lucullus , when he return'd out of Asia , where he had been despitefully treated by Pompey , met with an honourable Reception from the Senate , and much more when Pompey was present ; for then they encourag'd him to reassume his Authority in the administration of the Government , whereas he was now grown old and unactive in Business , having given himself over to his softer Pleasures , and then enjoyment of a splendid Fortune : Hereupon he began presently to bear up against Pompey , and took him up sharply , whereby he obtain'd those Acts and Decrees of his , which were repealed by Pompey , to be re-established , insomuch that by the Assistance of Cato he had a greater Interest in the Senate than Pompey : Now Pompey having fallen from his Hopes in such an unworthy Repulse , was forced to fly to the Tribunes of the People for Refuge , and make his Interest with the light young Men of the Town ; Among whom there was one Clodius ( the vilest and most impudent Wretch alive ) undertook him , and expos'd him as a Tool to the Rabble ; for he had him always at his Elbow , even beneath his Dignity , carrying him up and down among the Throngs in the Market-place , to countenance those Laws and Speeches which he made to cajole the People , and ingratiate himself ; And at last for his Reward , he demanded of Pompey ( as a thing no way dishonourable but beneficial ) That he should forsake Cicero his great Friend , and one that had highly deserv'd of him as an Advocate in defending his Causes and Affairs in the Common-wealth ; Which he obtain'd afterwards , for when Cicero happen'd to be in some Danger , and implored his Aid , he would not so much as admit him into his presence , but shutting up his Gates against those that came to mediate for him , slipt himself out at a Back-door ; whereupon Cicero fearing the extremity of Judgment , departed privately from Rome . About that time Caesar returning from his Province , hapned upon a politick Device that brought him into great Favour at present , and much increased his Power for the future , but in the event prov'd extremely destructive both to Pompey and the Common-wealth ; For now he stood Candidate for his first Consulship ; and therefore well observing the Enmity betwixt Pompey and Crassus , and finding how that in applying himself and joyning with one , he should make the other his Enemy , he endeavour'd by all means to reconcile them , a Design in appearance very specious , savouring of great Honesty and Civility , but in truth a very subtil and treacherous Practice in him ; for he well knew that opposite Parties or Factions in a Common-wealth , like Passengers in a Boat , serve to trim and ballance the unsteady motions of Power there , whereas if they combine and run all over to one side , they make a dead unweildy Weight , whereby it oversets and all falls to wreck ; and therefore Cato wisely told them , who charg'd all the Calamities of Rome upon the Civil Wars betwixt Pompey and Caesar , That they were in a great Error , in charging all the Crime upon the last Cause ; For 't was not their Discord and Enmity , but their Unanimity and Friendship that gave the first and greatest Wound to the Commonwealth . Caesar being thus elected Consul , began straightways to grow popular , and make an Interest with the poor and meaner sort , by preferring and establishing Laws for the planting of Colonies , and for dividing of Lands ; whereby he debased the Grandeur of his Magistracy , and turn'd his Consulship in a manner to a meer Democracy , himself appearing rather a Tribune of the People than Consul : Now when Bibulus his Colleague oppos'd him , and that Cato was prepared to second Bibulus , and assist him vigorously ; Caesar , to be even with them , brought Pompey into the open Court , and there directing his Speech to him befor the Tribunal , demanded his Opinion touching those Laws , who gave his Approbation ; Why then , ( said Caesar ) in case any Man should offer violence to these Laws , wilt not thou be ready in assistance to the People ? Yes , ( reply'd Pompey ) I shall always be ready , and against those that threaten the Sword , I 'll appear with Sword and Buckler : But nothing ever was either said or done by Pompey to that very day , that seem'd more insolent or odious to all Men than that one Saying ; Insomuch that his Friends endeavour'd to palliate the Offence , and make an Apology for it , as a word slipt out of joynt through Inadvertency ; but by his Actions and Practices afterwards , it appear'd plainly , that he was totally devoted to Caesar's Service ; For , of a sudden , Pompey , beyond all Men's expectation , Married with Julia , the Daughter of Caesar , who had been affianced before , and was to be Married within a few days to Caepio : And to appease Caepio's Wrath , he gave him his own Daughter in Marriage , who had been espous'd before to Faustus the Son of Sylla : But Caesar himself Married Calpurnia , the Daughter of Piso . Upon this Pompey made a Garison of the City , and filling it with Soldiers , carried all things by Force as he pleas'd ; for as Bibulus the Consul was going to Court , accompanied with Lucullus and Cato , they fell upon him of a sudden , and brake his Rods , the Ensigns of Government ; and some body threw a Close-stool of Ordure upon the Head of Bibulus himself ; but the two Tribunes of the People , that went among his Guards before him , were desperately wounded in the Fray : And thus by these means having clear'd the Court of all their Adversaries , the Lex Agraria , or Bill for the Division of Lands , was established and passed into an Act : And not only so , but even the whole Populacy being thus decoyed and taken with this Bait , became totally at their Devotion , never regarding the Canvasses of the adverse Faction , but passing quietly by Suffrage whatever they propounded : Thus they confirmed all those Acts and Decrees of Pompey , which were questioned and contested by Lucullus ; and to Caesar they granted the Provinces of Gallia Cisalpina and Transalpina , together with Illyricum for five years , and likewise a Battalion of four entire Legions ; Then they Elected Consuls for the year ensuing , Piso the Father-in-Law of Caesar , and Gabinius , one of the chiefest Parasites about Pompey . During all these Transactions , Catulus kept close within Doors , nor did he appear publickly in Person for the space of eight Months together , notwithstanding he were Consul , but sent out Proclamations full of bitter Invectives and Accusations against them both ; Cato turn'd Enthusiast , and as if he had been possessed with a Spirit of Divination , did nothing else in the Senate but foretel what Judgements should befal the Commonwealth and Pompey . But Lucullus pleaded Dotage , and retir'd upon a Writ of Ease , as one already grown Feeble and Superannuate in the Affairs of State , which gave occasion to that Satyrical Saying of Pompey , That the Fatigues of Luxury were much more unseasonable for an old Man than those of Government : Which in truth prov'd to be a Reflection upon himself , for not long after he himself grew Effeminate in the Embraces of a young Wife , Courting and Caressing her daily up and down through all the Gardens and Places of Pleasure in the Country , whereby he neglected all the weighty Affairs of Courts and Councils : Insomuch that Clodius , who was then Tribune of the People , began to dispise him , and engage in many bold Attempts against him ; For when he had banished Cicero , and sent away Cato into Cyprus , under a colourable pretence of War ; when Caesar was gone upon his Expedition to Gaul , and that he found how the Populacy was Devoted to him , as a Man forming all Things , and Governing according to their Pleasure , he attempted forthwith to unravel and repeal divers of Pompey's Decrees ; thereupon he drew Tigranes the Captive out of Prison , and had him about with him as his Companion ; he Commenced likewise Actions and Accusations against several of Pompey's Friends , designing by these Measures to take the extent of his Power : At last upon a time , when Pompey came to Court in a certain Cause , this same Clodius , accompanied with a crowd of dissolute and desperate Ruffians , and standing up in an eminent Place above the rest , uttered himself in these or the like Questions , Who 's the Licentious General ? What Man is that , that is to seek for a Man ? And who is it that scratcheth his Head so nicely with one Finger ? The Rabble , upon the Signal of shaking his Gown , with a great Shout to every Question , as 't is usual among Songsters in the Chorus or Burden of a Song , Answer'd , Pompey : This indeed was no small Affliction to Pompey , a Man unaccustom'd to hear any thing ill of himself , and unexperienced altogether in such kind of Rencounters ; but he was most extreamly grieved , when he came to understand that the Senate rejoyced at this dirty Usage , and imputed it as a just Revenge or Punishment upon him for his Treachery to Cicero : But when it hapned through this Tumult in the Market-Place , that it was come even to Blows and Wounds , and that one of Clodius his Bondslaves was apprehended , creeping through the Crowd towards Pompey , with a Sword in his Hand , Pompey laying hold of this Pretence , ( though perhaps otherwise apprehensive of Clodius his Insolence and Reproaches ) never would go to any publick Assemblies , during all the time he was Tribune , but kept close at home , and passed away his time in Consult with his Friends , by what means he might best allay the Displeasure of the Senate and Nobles against him ; Among other Expedients , Culleo advised the Divorce of Julia , whereby he should meet with an easie passage from Caesar's Friendship to that of the Senate ; this he would not hearken to by any means : Others again advised him to call home Cicero from Banishment , a Man that was always the great Adversary of Clodius , and as great a Favourite of the Senate ; to this he was easily persuaded , and therefore he brought Cicero's Brother into the Market-Place , attendèd with a strong Party , to Petition for his Return ; where , after a warm Dispute , wherein several were wounded and some slain , he got the Victory of Clodius : No sooner was Cicero return'd home upon this Decree , but that immediately he reconciled the Senate to Pompey ; and withal , by his Rhetorick in defence of the Law for Importation of Corn , did again , in effect , make Pompey Soveraign Lord of all the Roman Empire by Sea and Land ; For by that Law he had got within the verge of his Jurisdiction , all Ports , Staples , and Store-Houses ; and in short , all the Mysteries and Concerns both of the Merchant and Husbandman : Which gave occasion to that malicious Charge of Clodius , That the Law was not made because of the Dearth or scarcity of Corn , but the Dearth or scarcity of Corn was made , that they might make a Law , whereby that Power of his , which was now grown Feeble and Consumptive , might be reviv'd again , and Pompey reinstated in a new Empire : Others look'd upon it as a Politick Device of Spinther the Cousul , whose Design it was to oblige Pompey with a greater Authority , that he himself might be sent in Assistance to King Ptolomy : However this is undoubtedly true , That Canidius the Tribune preferr'd a Law to dispatch Pompey in the Nature of an Ambassador , without an Army , attended only with two Lictors or Vergers , as a Mediator betwixt the King and his Subjects of Alexandria . Neither did this Law seem ungrateful to Pompey , though indeed the Senate cast it out upon a specious Pretence , That they were unwilling to hazard the Person of so brave a Man : However , there were found several Pamphlets scattered about the Market Place and Senate-House , intimating how grateful it would be to Ptolemy to have Pompey appointed for his General instead of Spinther : But Timagenes relates it otherwise , as if Ptolomy went away and left Egypt not out of necessity , but purely upon the perswasion of Theophanes , who designed an Advantage to Pompey , laying a Foundation for him of Wealth , and a new Command : Yet for all this , the crafty Practices of Theophanes could not make this Report so credible , but that it was render'd much more incredible by that nobler Genius of Pompey , which would never allow of such base and disingenious Arts even in favour of his Ambition . Thus Pompey being appointed chief Provedore , and having within his Administration and Management all the Corn Trade , sent abroad his Factors and Agents into all Quarters , and he himself sailing into Sicily , Sardinia , and Africa , made up vast Stores of Corn. And now being just ready to set Sail upon his Voyage homeward bound , there arose a mighty Storm of Wind upon the Sea , which raised a Doubt even among the Commanders themselves , whether it were safe to break Ground or no ; wherefore Pompey himself went first aboard , and commanded the Mariners to weigh Anchor , declaring with a loud Voice , That there was a necessity for them to Sail , but no necessity to Live : So that he by his Spirit and Courage ( having met with that Fortune which favours the Bold ) made a prosperous Return , whereby his Granaries were stor'd , the Markets all filled with Corn , and the Sea with Ships ; Insomuch that this great plenty and abundance of Provisions yielded a sufficient Supply , not only to the City of Rome , but even Foreigners too , dispersing it self , like a lively Fountain , through many Rivulets , into all Quarters of Italy . All this time Caesar grew great , and was highly extoll'd for his Wars and Conquests in Gaul , and when in appearance he seem'd farthest distant from Rome , as if he had been intangled in the Affairs of Belgia , Suevia , and Britany , than in truth was he working craftily by secret Practices in the midst of the People , and countermining Pompey in his chiefest Designs : For having his Army always about him as his Body , 't was not his Design to weaken or impair it in a formal War against the barbarous Enemy , but by light Skirmishes only , no otherwise than in Sports of Hunting or Hawking , to exercise and harden it , whereby he made it invincible and dreadful to the World : Then for his Gold and Silver , ( which was infinite ) together with those incredible Spoils , and other Treasures which he had taken from the Enemy in his Conquests , all those he sent to Rome in Presents , and Bribes , tempting and corrupting the Aediles , Praetors , and Consuls , together with their Wives , whereby he purchased to himself a multitude of Friends ; Insomuch that when he passed back again over the Alpes , and took up his Winter-Quarters in the City of Luca , there flocked to him an infinite number of the common People Men and Women even in Strife , and likewise 200 Senators at least , among whom were Pompey and Crassus ; so that there were to be seen at once before Caesar's Gates no less than sixscore Rods or Maces of Proconsuls and Praetors . As for the rest of his Addressors , he sent them all away full fraught with Hopes and Money ; but for Crassus and Pompey , he enter'd into private Covenants and Articles of Agreement with them , That they should stand Candidates for the Consulship next Year : That Caesar on his part should send a good Company of Soldiers to give their Votes at the Election : That as soon as they were Elected , they should use their Interest to have the Government of some Provinces and Legions assigned to themselves , and that Caesar should have his Charge now in being confirmed to him for five Years more : But afterwards when these Designs came to be discovered and noised abroad , the Matter was hainously resented by many Persons of the greatest Quality in Rome ; and therefore Marcellinus once in an open Assembly of the People , demanded of them both , Whether they designed to Sue for the Consulship or no ? And being urged by the People for their Answer , Pompey spake first and told them , Perhaps he would Sue for it , perhaps he would not ; But Crassus was somewhat more politick , and said , That for his part he would be ready to do what should be judg'd most agreeable with the Interest of the Commonwealth : However Marcellinus still inveighing against Pompey , and seeming to reflect upon him more bitterly , Pompey replied as sharply , That this Marcellinus was a most ungodly Wretch , without either Gratitude or Honour , for that by him he was made an Orator of a Mute , and of a poor Starvling , one glutted even to a Vomit . Now notwithstanding divers fell off from their Pretences , and forsook their Canvas for the Consulship , yet Cato perswaded and encouraged Lucius Domitius not to desist , For that , said he , the Contest now is not for Government , but for liberty against Tyrants and Usurpers . Wherefore those of Pompey's Party , fearing that inflexible Constancy in Cato , ( whereby he ruled and governed the whole Senate ) lest by that likewise he should pervert and draw after him all the well-affected part of the Commonalty , resolved to withstand Domitius at first , and prevent his entrance into the Market-place ; To this end therefore they sent in a Band of armed Men , who , at the first Onset , slew the Torch-bearer of Domitius , as he was leading the way before him , and immediately put all the rest to Flight ; last of all Cato himself retired , having received a Wound upon his right Arm in defence of Domitius . Thus , by these means and practices they obtained the Government , neither indeed did they behave themselves with more decency throughout all the rest of their Actions ; But in the first place , when the People were choosing Cato Praetor , and just ready with their Votes for the Poll , Pompey broke up the Assembly , charging his Reasons upon the Augury , as if there had appeared something inauspicious in the Heavens ; and thereupon having corrupted the Tribes , they publickly proclaimed Antias and Vatinius , Praetors : Then in pursuance of their Covenants with Caesar , they published several Edicts by Trebonian the Tribune , whereby they made an Enlargement of Caesar's Commission according to Agreement , measuring out another five years Charge to his former Province ; To Crassus there was appointed Syria , and the Parthian War ; And to Pompey himself all Africa , together with both Spains , and four Legions of Soldiers , whereof two he lent to Caesar , upon his request for the Wars in Gaul . Crassus upon the expiration of his Consulship , departed forthwith into his Province ; But Pompey spent some time in Rome , upon the opening or dedication of his Theater , where he treated the People with all manner of Games , Shews , and Exercises , as well Warlike as those of the Muses ; there was likewise the Hunting or Baiting of wild Beasts , and Combats with them , wherein 500 Lyons were slain ; But above all , the Battel of Elephants was a Spectacle full of Horrour and Amazement . These noble Entertainments brought him in great Esteem with the People , whereby he was highly admired and beloved ; but on the other side he created no less Envy to himself , in that he committed the Government of his Provinces and Legions into the Hands of Friends , as his Lieutenants , whilst he himself was wantonly rambling up and down , and caressing his Wife throughout all the Delicacies of Italy ; whether he doated upon her as a real Lover , or whether he could not find in his Heart to leave her , who was such a Lover of him ? is somewhat doubtful ; But this is certain , that there was nothing more famous and common in Discourse , than the passion of this young Lady for her Husband ; not that she was in Love with Pompey for the flower of his Age , but because of his assured Chastity , as knowing no other Woman , but that one he had Wedded ; Besides , though in his Carriage he had a majestick Gravity , yet his Conversation was not Morose , but extremely agreeable , and taking among the Women , unless we will arraign the evidence of Flora the Curtezan . Now it hapned in a publick Assembly , as they were at an Election of the Aediles , that the People came to Blows , and divers about Pompey were slain , so that he , finding himself all bloody , ordered a change of Apparel ; but the Servants who brought home his Cloaths , making a great Bu●tle and Hurry about the House , it chanced that the young Lady ( who was then with Child ) saw his Gown all stained with Blood , whereupon she dropt immediately into a Swoon , and was hardly brought to Life again ; however , what with her Fright and Passion together , she fell in Labour and Miscarried : Wherefore even those who chiefly censured Pompey for his Friendship to Caesar , could not reprove him for his Affection to his Lady , who had such a Passion for him . Afterwards she was great again , and brought to Bed of a Daughter , but died in Child-bed , neither did the Infant out-live her Mother many days : Pompey had prepared all things for the Interment of her Corps at Alba , but the People seized upon it by force , and performed the Solemnities of her Funeral in the Field of Mars , rather in Compassion to the young Lady , than in Favour either of Pompey or Caesar ; and yet of these two , the People seemed at that time to pay Caesar a greater share of Honour in his absence , than to Pompey , though he was present . From hence , the City began to waver , and feel new Commotions ; for all things grew Tumultuous , and every Body's Discourse tended to Sedition , as soon as Death had put an end to that Relation , which hitherto had been a Disguise rather than Restraint to the Ambition of these Men : Besides , not long after came an Express from Parthia with Intelligence of the Death of Crassus there , whereby another manifest Obstacle of a Civil War was taken away ; for they had both an Eye thither , and that awe of him kept them together in a fair Correspondence all his Life-time ; but when Fortune had taken away this Second , whose Province it was to revenge the Quarrel of the Conquered , you might then say with the Comedian , See , how the Combatants begin ! How they anoint each others Skin , And chafe their hands in dust agen . So inconsiderable a thing is Fortune , in respect of humane Nature ! and so little Content can it give to a Covetous Mind , That an Empire of that mighty Extent and Sway could not satisfie the Ambition of two Men , and though they knew and had read , The Gods , when they divided out 'twixt Three , This massie Universe , Heav'n , Hell , and Sea , Each God sate down contented on his Throne , And undisturb'd each God enjoys his own . Yet they thought the whole Roman Empire not sufficient to contain them , though they were but Two. But Pompey , in an Oration to the People told them plainly , that he ever came into Office before he expected he should , and that he always left it sooner than they expected he would ; and indeed the disbanding of all his Armies always witnessed as much : Yet when he perceived that Caesar would not so willingly discharge his Forces , he then endeavour'd to strengthen himself against him by Offices and Commands in the City ; neither indeed did he attempt any other Innovation ; and yet all this while he would not seem to distrust , but rather to despise and contemn him ; But when he saw how they bestowed the Places of Government quite contrary to his opinion , because the Citizens were brib'd in their Elections , he left the City without any Government at all . Hereupon there was mention straightway made , and the News ran current of a Dictator ; Now Lucilius , a Tribune of the People , was the bold Man that first adventur'd ●o propose it , encouraging the People to make choice of Pompey for their Dictator ; but the Tribune was in danger of being turn'd out of his Office , by the opposition that Cato made against it : And for Pompey , many of his Friends appear'd and pleaded his excuse , alledging , That he never was desirous of that Government , neither would he accept of it . Cato therefore making a large Harangue in commendation of Pompey , and exhorting him to be careful of good Order in the Common-wealth , he could not for shame but yield to it , and so Domitius and Messala were elected Consuls . Afterwards when there was another Anarchy or Vacancy in the Government , and the Discourses of a Dictator were much hotter than before , those of Cato's Party fearing lest they should make Pompey , thought it Policy to keep him from that Arbitrary and Tyrannical Power , by giving him an Office of more legal Authority ; Nay , even Bibulus himself , who was Pompey's Enemy , first gave his Vote that Pompey should be created Consul alone ; alledging , That by these means , either the Commonwealth would be freed from its present Confusion , or that its Bondage should be lessened by serving the worthiest : This was looked upon as a very strange Opinion , considering the Man that spoke it ; and therefore Cato standing up , every body expected that he would have opposed it , but after Silence made , he told them plainly , That for his own part he would never have been the Author of that Advice himself , but since it was propounded by another , his Advice was to follow it , adding , That any form of Government was better than none at all ; and that in a time so full of Distraction , he thought no Man fitter to Govern than Pompey . This Counsel was unanimously approved of , and an Act passed , That Pompey should be made sole Consul , with this Clause , That if he thought it necessary to have a Colleague , he might choose whom he pleased , provided it were not till after Two Months expired . Thus was Pompey created and declared sole Consul by Sulpitius , Regent in this Vacancy ; Upon which he made a very civil Complement to Cato , with many thanks for the Honour he had done him , and desiring his Assistance in the Privy Counsel of his Government ; To this Cato replied , That Pompey had no reason to thank him , for all that he had said , was in favour of the Commonwealth , not of Pompey ; but that he would be always ready to serve him in the quality of a privy Counsellor , if he please to require it , if not , yet he would be sure to speak in publick what he thought was for the Interest of the Commonwealth ; So just was Cato in all his Actions . No sooner did Pompey return into the City , but he Married Cornelia , the Daughter of Metellus Scipio , not a Virgin but Widow , the late Relict of Publius , ( the Son of Crassus ) who died in Parthia , and with whom she cohabited from her Virginity : This Lady , besides the Charms of her Beauty , had many attractive Qualities from her Education , for she was learned enough in most Sciences , played well upon the Lute , was skilled in Geometry , and took great pleasure in hearing Discourses of Philosophy ; To these may be added her Graces in Morality , and in this she was extremely commendable , that her Humour was free from Peevishness and Curiosity , Vices very common to Ladies of such liberal Endowments . Her Father also was very considerable , as well in the Honour of his Family , as that of his own Vertues ; however , these unequal Marriages were not very pleasing to some sort of People ; for Cornelia's Age was more agreeable with that of Pompey's Son than his own : But the wiser sort thought the Concerns of the City quite neglected , when he ( to whom alone they had committed their broken Fortunes , and from whom alone , as from their Physician , they expected a cure to these Distractions ) went crown'd with Garlands , and was revelling in his Nuptial Feasts : never considering , that this Consulship was a publick Calamity , which would never have been given him , contrary to the Rules of Law , had his Country been in a flourishing State. Yet afterwards he took cognizance of those that got into Offices by Gifts and Bribery , and enacted Laws and Ordinances , setting forth the Rules and Judgment by which they should be arraign'd and impleaded ; thus he regulating all things with Gravity and Justice , gave Security , Order , and Silence to their Courts of Judicature , himself giving his presence there with a Band of Soldiers . But the Case was alter'd when his Father-in-law Scipio was accused , there he sent for the 360 Judges to his House , and entreated them to be favourable to him , whereupon his Accuser seeing Scipio come into the Court accompanied by the Judges themselves , let fall his Suit : Upon this Pompey was very ill spoken of , and much worse in the Case of Plancus ; for whereas he himself had made a Law , wherein 't was enacted , That no Man should speak in praise of an Offender , yet , notwithstanding this Prohibition , he came into Court , and spoke openly in commendation of Plancus ; insomuch that Cato ( who hapned to be one of the Judges at that time ) stopping his Ears with his Hands , told him , He could not in Honour hear an Offender commended contrary to Law ; thereupon Cato was refused and set aside from being a Judge before Sentence was given , but Plancus was condemned by the rest of the Judges to Pompey's Dishonour : Shortly after Hypseus , a Man of Consular Dignity , endeavouring to avoid an Impeachment , waited for Pompey's Return from Bath to Supper , and falling down at his Feet , implor'd his Favour , but he disdainfully passed him by , saying , That he did nothing else but Spoil his Supper : This Partiality was look'd upon as a great Fault in Pompey , and highly condemned ; however , he managed all things else discreetly , and having put the Government in very good Order , he chose his Father-in-law to be his Colleague in the Consulship for the last five Months : His Provinces also were continu'd to him for the term of Four Years longer , with a Commission to take 1000 Talents yearly out of the Treasury for the payment of his Army . This gave occasion to some of Caesar's Friends to think it reasonable , That some Consideration should be had of him too , who had done such signal Services in War , and fought so many bloody Battels for the Honour and Interest of the Roman Empire , alledging , That he deserv'd at least a second Consulship , or to have the Government of his Province continu'd , whereby he might command and enjoy in Peace what he had obtain'd in War , and that no Successor might reap the fruits of his Labour , and raise a fame upon the glory of his Actions . There arising some Debate about this Matter Pompey took upon him , as it were out of kindness to Caesar , to plead his Cause , and allay that Hatred of the People that was conceived against him , telling them , That he had then receiv'd a Letter from Caesar , wherein he desired a Successor , and to be discharged from the War , but hop'd withal , that they would give him leave to stand for the Consulship though in his absence ; But those of Cato's Party stoutly withstood it , saying , That if he expected any Favour from the Citizens , he ought to leave his Army , and come in a private Capacity to canvas for it : Wherefore Pompey seeming so easily satisfied , in that he made no Reply , gave a greater suspicion of his specious Inclinations towards Caesar , especially when under pretence of his War with Parthia , he sent for his two Legions which he had lent him ; however Caesar , though he well knew for what Design sign he wanted them , sent them home very liberally rewarded . About that time Pompey recover'd of a dangerous Fit of Sickness that seiz'd him at Naples , and there the whole City , upon the Perswasion of Praxagoras , made Sacrifices to the Gods for his Recovery ; Those of the neighbouring Towns likewise happening to follow their Example , the Humour was carried on throughout all Italy ; so that there was not a City either great or small , that did not feast and rejoyce for many days together : And the Company of those that came from all Parts to meet him was so numerous , that no place was able to contain them , but the Villages , Sea-Port Towns , and the very High-ways , were all full of People , feasting and sacrificing to the Gods : Nay , many went to meet him with Garlands on their Heads , and Flambeaux in their Hands , casting Flowers and Nosegays upon him as he went along ; so that this Progress of his and Reception was one of the noblest and most glorious Sights imaginable : And yet 't is thought that this very thing was not one of the least Causes and Occasions of the Civil War ; for Pompey judging of the Peoples Affections by their Actions , together with the greatness of their Joy , was grown to that height of Pride and Conceit , that ( having laid aside that prudent Conduct and Caution which had hitherto secured and crowned all his Actions with good Success ) he entertained a most extravagant Confidence of his own , and Contempt of Caesar's Power ; insomuch that he thought neither Force nor Care necessary against him , but that he could pull him down much easier than he had set him up : Besides this , there was Appius ( under whose Command , those Legions which Pompey lent to Caesar , were returned ) coming lately out of Gaul , very much vilified Caesar's Actions there , and gave out scandalous Reports in derogation of his Honour , telling Pompey , That he was unacquainted with his own Strength and Reputation , if he made use of any other Forces against Caesar than his own , for such was the Soldiers Hatred to Caesar , and their Love to Pompey so great , that they would all come over to him upon his first ▪ Appearance . By these Flatteries was Pompey strangely pufft up , and his Confidence had wrought him into such a careless Security , that he could not choose but laugh at those who seem'd to fear a War : And when some were saying , That if Caesar should bend his Forces against the City , they could not see what Power was able to resist him , he reply'd with a scornful Smile , bidding them take no care of that , for , said he , Whene'er I stamp with my Foot in any part of Italy , there will rise up Forces enough in an instant both Horse and Foot. Now Caesar on the other side was more vigorous in his Proceedings , himself always at hand hovering about the Frontiers of Italy , and sending some of his Soldiers continually into the City to attend all Elections with their Votes ; Besides this , he corrupted divers of the Magistrates , and brought them over to his Party by Pensions ; whereof Paulus the Consul was one , who was wrought over by a Bribe of 1500 Talents : And Curio , a Tribune of the People , by a discharge of all his Debts which he had contracted without number ; together with Mark Anthony , who out of Friendship to Curio , became bound with him in the same Obligations for them all . And 't is undoubtedly true , That a Centurion of Caesar's waiting at the Senate-House , and hearing that the Senate refused to give him a larger term in the continuance of his Government , clapt his Hand upon his Sword , and said , But this shall give it ▪ and indeed all his Practices and Preparations were in order to this end . Now Curio's Demands and Request in favour of Caesar were much more popular in appearance , for he desir'd one of these two things , either That Pompey should put away his Army , or that Caesar's should not be taken away from him ; For if both of them were private Persons common Humanity would keep them within the bounds of their Duty ; or if they were of equal Authority , they would be a ballance to each other , and sit down contented with their Lot : but he that weakens one , does at the same time strengthen the other , and so doubles that very Strength and Power ▪ which he stood in fear of before . Marcellus the Consul reply'd nothing to all this , but that Caesar was a Thief , and should be proclaimed an Enemy to the State , if he did not disband his Army . However Curio with the Assistance of Anthony and Piso prevail'd , that the Matter in Debate should be put to the Question , and decided by Vote in the Senate : So that it being order'd upon the Question for those to withdraw , who were of opinion , That Caesar only should lay down his Army , and Pompey command , the Majority withdrew . But when 't was order'd again for those to withdraw whose Vote was ▪ That both should lay down their Arms , and neither command , there were but 22 for Pompey , all the rest remained of Curio's side : Whereupon he , as one proud of his Conquest , leapt out for Joy among the People , who received him with as great tokens of Joy , clapping their Hands , and crowning him with Garlands and Flowers : Pompey was not then present in the Senate ▪ because it is not lawful for the General of an Army to come into the City . But Marcellus rising up , said , That he would not sit there hearing Speeches , when he saw that ten Legions had already pass'd the Alpes in their March toward the City , but that he would send a Man of equal Authority against them in defence of their Country : Upon this the City went into Mourning , as in a publick Calamity , and Marcellus ( accompanied by the Senate ) went solemnly through the City towards Pompey , and spoke thus to him , Pompey , I command thee to appear in defence of thy Country , with those Forces thou hast at present in readiness , and to raise more with all speed : Lentulus the Consul elect for the Year following , spoke much to the same purpose ; But Anthony ▪ contrary to an Order of Senate , in a publick Assembly , read a Letter of Caesar's , containing many fair Overtures , at leastwise very obliging to the common People , wherein he desir'd ▪ That both Pompey and he quitting their Governments , and dismissing their Armies should submit to the Judgment of the People , and give an account of their Actions before them ; insomuch that when Pompey began to make his Levies , and muster up his new-rais'd Soldiers , he found himself disappointed in his Expectations : Some few indeed came in , but those very unwillingly ; others would not answer to their Names , and the generality cry'd out for Peace . Lentulus , notwithstanding he was now enter'd upon his Consulship , would not assemble the Senate ; but Cicero , who was lately return'd from Cilicia , labour'd for a Reconciliation , proposing , That Caesar should leave his Province of Gaul and Army , reserving two Legions only , together with the Government of Illyricum , and to be had in nomination for a second Consulship : Pompey disliking this motion , Caesar's Friends were contented that he should quit one of his Legions too ; but Lentulus still opposing , and Cato crying out , That Pompey did ill to be deceived again , the Reconciliation did not take effect . In the mean time News was brought , That Caesar had taken Ariminum , a great City in Italy , and was marching directly towards Rome , with all his Forces ; but this latter was altogether false , for he had no more with him at that time than 300 Horse and 5000 ▪ Foot , and would not tarry for the Body of his Army , which lay beyond the Alpes , choosing rather by surprize to fall in of a sudden upon his Enemies , ( while they were in Confusion , and did not expect him ) than to give them time to make Preparations for War. For when he came to the Bank of Rubicon , ( a River that made the bounds of his own Province towards Italy ) there he made a Halt , pausing a little , and considering with himself the greatness of that Enterprize which he had undertaken ; then at last , ( like Men that are throwing themselves headlong from some Precipice into a vast Abyss ) having blinded and withdrawn his mind from the thoughts of Danger , he transported his Army , saying this only to those that were present with a loud voice in the Greek Language , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; that is , Let the Die be Cast . No sooner was the News arriv'd , but there was an Uproar throughout all the City , and a Consternation in the People even to astonishment , such as never was known in Rome ▪ before ; all the Senate ran immediately to Pompey , and the Magistrates follow'd : Now when Tullus made enquiry touching his Legions and Forces , Pompey seem'd to pause a little , and answer'd with some hesitation , That he had those two Legions ready that Caesar sent back , and for his new rais'd Forces , he believ'd they would shortly make up a Battalion of 30000 Men ; but Tullus reply'd with a loud voice , O Pompey ▪ thou hast deceiv'd us ! and presently gave his Advice to dispatch Ambassadors to Caesar . Favonius ( who was no ill Man , otherwise than in his petulant and abusive way of Talking , which he seem'd to affect , in imitation of Cato's freedom of Speech ) he bid Pompey stamp upon the ground , and call forth the Forces he had promis'd . But Pompey very patiently bore with all this unseasonable Railery ; so that Cato putting him in mind of what he had foretold from the very beginning touching Caesar , he made this Answer only , That Cato indeed had spoke more like a Prophet , but he had acted more like a Friend . Cato then advised them to choose Pompey General , with absolute Power and Authority , saying , That the same Men who do great Evils , know best how to Cure them . He therefore went his way forthwith into Sicily , the Province that was allotted him ; and all the rest of the Senators likewise departed , every one to his respective Government . Thus all Italy , in a manner , being up in Arms , it seem'd very doubtful what was best to be done : For they that were without , came from all Parts flocking into the City ; and they that were within , seeing the Confusion and Disorder so great there , went out and forsook it as fast ; They that were willing to obey were found too weak for Service , and the Disobedient were found too strong to be govern'd by the Magistrates : Nay , it was so far from being possible to allay their Fears , that they would not suffer Pompey to follow his own Judgment , but every Man would have him act according to his particular Fancy , whether it proceeded from Doubt , Fear , Grief , or any meaner Passion ; whereby they became so disordered in their apprehension of things , that even in the same day they were often forced to make use of quite contrary Counsels : Then again , 't was altogether as impossible to have any good intelligence of his Enemies , for what each Man heard by chance upon a flying Rumour , he would report for truth , and take it hainously of Pompey if he did not believe it , Pompey at length seeing such a Confusion in Rome , determin'd with himself to put an end to their Clamours by his Departure ; and therefore commanding all the Senate to follow him , and declaring , That whosoever tarried behind , should be judg'd a Confederate of Caesar's ; about the dusk of the Evening , he went out and left the City ; the Consuls also follow'd after in a Hurry , without offering any Sacrifice to the Gods , as is usual before a War. But above all , Pompey himself was extremely fortunate , that even in the midst of all these Calamities , he had the Love and Good-will of the People ; for though many condemned the War , and Office of a General , yet no Man hated the General himself ; insomuch as there were more to be found of those that went out of Rome , for that they would not forsake Pompey , than of those that fled for love of their Liberty . Some few days after , Pompey was gone out , Caesar came into the City , and made himself Master of it , treating all the rest with a great deal of Courtesie , and appeasing their Fears , all except Metellus , one of the Tribunes ; but when he refused to let him take any Money out of the common Treasury , Caesar threatned him with death , adding a sharper Sentence to his Threats ▪ That it was far easier for him to do it than say it : Thereupon , after he had turned Metellus out of his Office , and taken what Monies were of use for his occasions , he set forwards in pursuit of Pompey , endeavouring with all speed to drive him out of Italy , before his Army , that was in Spain , could joyn with him . But Pompey arriving at Brundusium , and having provided a Fleet of Ships there , the two Consuls imbarked immediately , and with them there were shipt off 30 Cohorts or Regiments of Foot bound before him for Dyrrachium : He sent likewise his Father-in-law Scipio , and C●eus his Son , into Syria , to provide and fit out a Fleet there ; himself in the mean time having barred up the Gates , and fortified the Works of the City , placed his lightest Soldiers as Guards upon the Walls ; and giving express Orders that the Citizens should keep within door , he cast up divers Trenches and Rampiers ( which he fortify'd with Palisadoes or sharp-pointed Piles ) throughout all the Streets of the City , except only those two that lead down to the Sea-side or Haven . Thus in three days space having with ease put all the rest of his Army on Ship-board , he suddenly gave the Signal to those that guarded the Walls , who as nimbly repairing to the Ships , were receiv'd and transported : Caesar , when he perceived the Walls unguarded , imagining with himself that they were fled , made haste after , but in the heat of the pursuit was very nigh falling upon the Stakes and Trenches , had not the Brundusians prevented him ; wherefore he wheeled about , and fetching a compass round the City , made towards the Haven , where he found all the Fleet under Sail , excepting only two Vessels that had but a few Soldiers aboard . Some are of opinion , That this Departure of Pompey's is to be ranged among the best of his Stratagems ▪ but Caesar himself could not but admire that he ( who was ingarrison'd in a City well Fortify'd , who was in expectation of his Forces from Spain , and was Master of the Sea besides ) should ever leave and depart out of Italy : Cicero likewise blam'd him , in that he follow'd the Counsels of Themistocles , rather than of Pericles , whereas the state of his Affairs was more agreeable to the Circumstances of the latter , than those of the former : However , it appear'd plainly , and Caesar shew'd it by his Actions , that he was in great fear of the Times ; for when he had taken Numerius , a Friend of Pompey's Prisoner , he sent him as an Ambassador to Brundusium , with offers of Peace and Reconciliation upon equal terms ; but Numerius sail'd away with Pompey : And now Caesar being Master of all Italy , in 60 days , without a drop of Bloodshed , had a great desire forthwith to follow Pompey ; but being destitute of Shipping , he was forc'd to divert his course , and march into Spain , designing to joyn those Forces of Pompey there to his own . In the mean time Pompey had rais'd a mighty Army both by Sea and Land ; As for his Navy , 't was altogether invincible , for there were 500 Men of War , besides an infinite company of Galliots , Foists , and Pinaces : Then for his Land-Forces , the Cavalry made up a Body of 7000 Horse , the very flower of Rome and Italy , Men of Honour , Wealth , and Courage ; but the Infantry was a mixture of raw and unexperienc'd Soldiers , and therefore he exercised and train'd them up daily near the City Beraea , ( where he had quarter'd and lodg'd his Army ) himself no ways slothful , but performing all his Exercises as if he had been in the flower of his Youth : This exemplary Conduct raised the Spirits of his Soldiers extremely , for it was no small Encouragement for them to see Pompey the Great , 60 Years of Age wanting two , one while trailing a Pike , and handling his Arms among the Foot in all his Postures ; then again mounted among the Horse , drawing out his Sword with ease in full career , and sheathing it up as easily ; And in darting the Javelin , there he shew'd not only his skill and dexterity in hitting the Mark , but his strength and activity in throwing it so far , that few of the youngest went beyond him . Several Kings and Princes of other Nations came thither to him , but there was a glorious appearance of Roman Magistrates , and so numerous , that they made up a compleat Senate ; Labienus forsook his old Friend Caesar , ( whom he had serv'd throughout all his Wars in Gaul ) and came over to Pompey ; And Brutus , Son to that Brutus that was put to Death in Gaul , a Man of great Spirit , and one that to that day had never so much as saluted or spoke to Pompey ( looking upon him as the Murderer of his Father ) came then and submitted himself to him , as the defender of their Liberty : Cicero likewise , ( though he wrote and advis'd otherwise , yet ) was asham'd not to be accounted in the number of those that would hazard their Lives and Fortunes for the safeguard of their Country : And last of all there came to him even into Macedonia , Tidius Sextus , a Man extremely Old , and Lame of one Leg ; others indeed mock'd and laugh'd at the Spectacle , but Pompey , as soon as he saw him , rose and ran to meet him , esteeming it no small assurance of their Good-will , when Men of such Age and Infirmities should rather choose to be with him in danger , than in safety at home . Afterwards in a Council of War there passed a Decree , which was pronounced by Cato as President , That no Roman Citizen should be put to Death but in Battel , and that they should not Sack or Plunder any City that was subject to the Roman Empire : By these means Pompey's Party grew into greater Reputation , insomuch that they , who were no ways at all concern'd in the War , ( either because they dwelt afar off , or were thought incapable by reason of their Infirmities ) were yet in their opinions of his side , and did in all their Discourses even fight for his Cause , calling it the good or just Cause , esteeming those as Enemies to the Gods and Men , that wished not Victory to Pompey . Neither was Pompey's Clemency such , but that Caesar likewise shew'd himself as merciful a Conqueror ; for when he had taken and overthrown all Pompey's Forces in Spain , he gave them Quarter , leaving the Commanders at their Liberty , and taking the common Soldiers into his own Pay : Then repassing the Alpes , and making a running March through Italy , he came to Brundusium about the Winter Solstice , and crossing the Sea there , landed at the Port of Oricum : Now Caesar having Jubius ( an intimate Friend of Pompey's ) with him as his Prisoner , dispatch'd him to Pompey , in an Embassage , entreating , That they meeting together in a Conference , as one should disband both their Armies within three days , and renewing their former Friendship with solemn Oaths , should return together into Italy . Pompey look'd upon this again as some new Stratagem or Device ; and therefore marching down in all haste towards the Sea-Coast , possessed himself of all Forts and Places of Strength , ( fit to encamp in , and secure his Land-Forces ) as likewise of all Ports and Harbours commodious to receive any that came by Sea ; so that what Wind soever blew , it must needs in some way or other be favourable to him , bringing in either Provision , Men , or Money : But Caesar , on the contrary , was so distressed both by Sea and Land , that he was forc'd to desire Battel , daily provoking the Enemy , and assailing them in their very Forts ; and in these light Skirmishes for the most part had the better , only once he was dangerously overthrown , and likely to have lost his whole Army : For Pompey having valiantly re-inforced the Battel , made a desperate Charge upon him , even to a total Rout of all his Army , and the Slaughter of 2000 upon the Place ; but either he was not able to force their Camp , or he was afraid to fall in pell-mell together with them : Insomuch as Caesar told some of his Friends , How that day had given an absolute Conquest to the Enemy , if they had had but a Man that knew how to Conquer . Pompey's Soldiers were so mightily encourag'd by this Victory that they would needs have it put to the decision of a Battel ; but Pompey himself ( though he wrote to Foreign Kings , Princes , and States in Confederacy with him , as a Conqueror , yet ) was afraid to hazard the Success of a Battel , choosing rather by delays , and distress of Provisions , to tire out those who had never yet been Conquer'd by force of Arms , but had always , when they fought in a body , been accustom'd to Victory : Besides the Infirmities of their Age , which now made them quickly weary of those other Hardships of War , ( such as were long Marches , and frequent Decampings , making of Trenches , and building of Fortifications ) made them willing to fight and venture the Battel with all speed . Pompey had all along hitherto by his Perswasions , pretty well quieted his Soldiers ; but after this last Engagement , when Caesar for want of Provisions was forc'd to raise his Camp , and had passed through Athamania into Thessaly , it was impossible to curb or allay the heat of their Spirits any longer ; For all crying out with a general Voice , That Caesar is fled , some were for pursuing and pressing upon him ; others for returning into Italy ; some there were that sent their Friends and Servants before hand to Rome , to hire Houses near the Forum or Market-place , whereby they might be in a readiness to sue for Offices and Places in the Government : But several were so vain as to sail for Lesbos , in a Compliment to Cornelia , with this joyful News , That the War was brought to an end ; ( for Pompey had privately convey'd her thither from the Tumults in Rome . ) Hereupon a Council of War was call'd , and the Matter being under debate , Afranius was of Opinion , That Italy should first be regain'd , for that it was the grand Prize and Crown of all the War ; and withal they who were Masters of that , would quickly have at their Devotion all the Provinces of Sicilia , Sardinia , Corsica , Spain , and Gaul ; but what was of greatest weight and moment , 't was his own native Country that lay near , reaching out her Hand for his Help ; and certainly it could not be consistent with Pompey's Honour to leave her thus expos'd to all Indignities , and in Bondage under Slaves , and the Flatterers of a Tyrant . But Pompey himself on the contrary , thought it neither honourable to fly a second time before Caesar , and be pursued , when Fortune had given him the Advantage of a Pursuit ; nor indeed lawful before the Gods , to forsake Scipio , and divers other Men of consular Dignity dispers'd throughout Greece and Thessaly , who must necessarily fall into Caesar's Hands , together with all their Wealth and greater Forces : Then as to his Care for the City of Rome , that would most eminently appear , by removing the Scene of War to a greater distance , whereby she , being every way insensible of those Calamities that attend a War , might in Peace expect the Return of her Conqueror . With this determination Pompey march'd forwards in pursuit of Caesar , firmly resolv'd with himself not to give him Battel , but rather to Besiege and distress him , by keeping close at his heels , straitning his Quarters , and cutting off all necessary Reliefs : Now there were other Reasons that made him continue this Resolution , but especially a Combination among the Roman Knights that came to his Ear , wherein they design'd as soon as Caesar ▪ was overthrown , to humble him too ; and therefore , some report , it was for this Reason that Pompey never employ'd Cato in any Matter of consequence during the whole War ; yet now , when he pursued Caesar , he left him to guard his Baggage by Sea , fearing , if Caesar should be taken off , lest , by Cato's means , he likewise not long after should be forc'd to lay down his Commission . Whilst he was thus slowly attending the Motions of the Enemy , his Friends began to charge upon him many Reproaches and Imputations , as if he did not use this Stratagem to deceive Caesar , but his Country and the Senate , that he might always continue in Authority , and never cease to keep those for his Guards and Servants who themselves were worthy to govern the World ; besides that scoffing way of Domitius Aenobarbus , continually calling him Agamemnon , and King of Kings , render'd him very odious : And Favonius his unseasonable Raillery , did him no less injury , than those that took upon them a greater liberty of Speech , when in Drollery he cry'd out ▪ My Masters ! you must not expect to gather any Figs in Tusculan this year . But Lucius Afranius ( who had lain under an imputation of Treachery in Betraying the Army in Spain ) when he perceiv'd that Pompey did industriously decline an Engagement , declar'd openly , That he could not but admire , why those who were so ready to accuse him , did not go themselves and fight that Merchant of their Provinces . With these and many such like Speeches they wrought upon Pompey , ( a Man of that Honour and Modesty , that he could not bear a Reproach , neither would he disoblige his Friends ) and forc'd him to break his Measures , so that he forsook his own prudent Resolution , only to follow their vain Hopes and Desires : Now if such an unsteady Conduct is blameable in the Pilot of a Ship , how much more in an Emperor , or the Soveraign Commander of such an Army , and so many Nations ; but he ( though he has often commended those Physicians who did not comply with the humorous Appetites of their Patients , yet ) himself could not but yield to the Diseased part of his Army , rather than he would use any severity in the Cure ; and indeed , who would not judge it Insanity , and want of a Cure in those Men , who went up and down the Camp , suing already for the Consulship and Office of a Praetor ? Nay , Spinther , Domitius , and Scipio , made Friends , rais'd Factions , and even quarrell'd among themselves , who should succeed Caesar in the Dignity of his High-Priesthood , esteeming all as lightly , as if they were to engage only with Tigranes , King of Armenia , or some petty Na●athaean King , not with that Caesar and his Army , that had Storm'd a 1000 Towns , and subdued more than 300 several Nations ; that had fought innumerable Battels with the Germans and Gauls , and always carried the Victory ; that had taken a Million of Men Prisoners , and Slain as many upon the Spot in pitcht Battels . But as soon as they came to the Fields of Pharsalia , they grew very tumultuous , so that they forced him by their Pressures and Importunities to call a Counsel of War , where Labienus , General of the Horse , stood up , and first took the Sacrament , swearing , That he would not return out of the Battel , until he had seen the Backs if his Enemies ; and all the rest took the same Oath . That Night Pompey Dream'd , That as he went into the Theater , the People receiv'd him with great Applause , and that he himself adorn'd the Temple of Venus , the Conqueress , with many Spoils : This Vision partly encourag'd , and partly disheartned him , ●●●●ing lest that Splendor and Ornament to Venus should be made with Spoils taken from himself by Caesar , who deriv'd his Family from that Goddess ; besides , there was a certain Panick Fear run through the Camp , with such a Noise that it awak'd him out of his Sleep : And about the time of renewing the Watch towards Morning , there appear'd a great Light over Caesar's Camp , whilst they were all at rest , and from thence a Ball of flaming Fire was carried into Pompey's Camp , which Caesar himself said , he saw as he was walking his Rounds . Now Caesar having designed to raise his Camp before break of day , whilst the Soldiers were busie in pulling down their Tents , and sending away their Cattle and Servants before them , with all their Bag and Baggage , there came in Scouts who brought word , that they saw several Arms carried to and fro in the Enemies Camp , and heard a noise and running up and down , as of Men preparing for Battel : Not long after there came in other Scouts with farther Intelligence , That the first Ranks were already set in Battel Array . Thereupon Caesar , when he had told them , That the wish'd for day was come at last , wherein they should Fight with Men , not with Hunger and Famine , he presently gave Orders for the Red Colours to be set up before his Tent , for that was usually the Signal of Battel among the Romans : As soon as the Soldiers saw that , they left their Tents , and with great Shouts of Joy ran to their Arms ; The Officers likewise on their parts drawing up their Squadrons in order of Battel , every Man fell in●o his proper Rank without any trouble or noise , as quietly and orderly as if they had been in a Dance : Pompey himself led up the right Wing of his Army against Anthony , and appointed his Father-in-Law Scipio in the middle against Lucius Albinus . The Left Wing was Commanded by Lucius Domitius , and re-enforced with several Regiments of Horse ; for the whole Cavalry almost was plac'd there to distress Caesar , and cut off the Tenth Legion , which was accounted the stoutest in all the Army , and in which Caesar himself always fought in Person . Caesar observing the Left Wing of the Enemy to be lin'd and guarded with such a mighty guard of Horse , and fearing the Gallantry of that Battalion , he sent a Detachment of six Regiments out of the Forlorn , and plac'd them in the Rear of the Tenth Legion , commanding them not to stir , lest they should be discovered by the Enemy ; but withal , as soon as the Enemies Horse had made a Charge , and began to press upon them , that they should make up with all speed to the Front through the foremost Ranks , and not throw their Javelins at a distance , ( as 't is usual among your valiant Warriers , that they may come to a close Fight with their Swords the sooner ) but that they should dart them upwards into the Eyes and Face of the Enemy ; telling them , That those fine young Dancers would never endure the Steel shining in their Eyes , but would fly to save their handsome Faces . This was Caesar's Device at that time : But while he was thus instructing his Soldiers , Pompey on Horseback was viewing the Order of both Battalia's ; and when he saw how well the Enemy kept their Ranks , expecting quietly the Signal of Battel ; and on the contrary , how impatient and unsteady his own Men were , waving up and down in great Disorder for want of Experience , was very much afraid that their Ranks would be broken upon the first Onset ; and therefore he gave out strict Orders , that the Vanguard should make a Stand , and keeping close in their Ranks should receive the Enemies Charge . But Caesar did very much condemn his Judgement in this Stratagem , for that by taking away the power of an Assault , it does not only take off from the strength and force of a Blow , which is otherwise made with a spring upon an Incursion , but it does likewise abate and blunt the edge of that Spirit and Fury which the Assailants carry with them , ( and which is improv'd by Shouts and Running on ) so that at last they become cold , unactive , and disheartned . Caesar's Army consisted of 22000 , and Po●●●●'s of somewhat above twice as many : Now when the Signal of Battel was given on both sides , and the Trumpets began to ●ound an Alarm , the generality of those present minded their own Charge , and the Matters that belong'd to themselves ; only some few of the Roman Nobility , together with certain Grecians there present , ( as Spectators , without the Battel , seeing the Armies ready to join ) could not but consider in themselves to what a pass the Ambition and Emulation of these two had brought the Roman Empire ; For the Weapons being of Kin , and the Bands Brethren , under the same common Banners , together with the flower and strength of the same City , clashing and falling foul upon one another even to the Destruction of both , gave a clear Demonstration of human Nature , how sensless and void of Reason it is when 't is blinded with Passion : For if they had been desirous only to Rule , and enjoy in Peace what they had Conquer'd in War , the greatest and best part of the World was subject to them both by Sea and Land ; but if there was yet a thirst in their Ambition , that must still be fed with new Trophies and Triumphs ; the Parthian and German Wars would yield Matter enough to satisfie the most Covetous of Honour : Nay , Scythia was yet Unconquer'd , and the Indians too , where their Ambition might be colour'd over with the specious pretence of Civilizing those Barbarous Nations ; And what Scythian Horse , Parthian Arrows , and Indian Riches , could be able to resist 70000 Roman Soldiers , well appointed in Arms , under the Command of two such Generals as Pompey and Caesar ? whose Names they had heard of before that of the Romans ; and whose Prowess , by their Conquests of wild , savage , and bruitish Nations , was spread farther than the Fame of the Romans themselves : But now they having laid aside the sence of their Honour , and with that their Piety too , not sparing their own Country , were engag'd in a Civil War , and dashing one another in pieces , who had both been accounted invincible till that day ; And for the Alliance contracted betwixt them , the Charms of Julia , and that Marriage , those were look'd upon as Tricks of State , ( only to palliate some sinister Design or Confederacy betwixt them ) rather than Pledges of any real Friendship . Now therefore , as soon as the Plains of Pharsalia were covered with Men , Horse , and Armour , and that the Signal of Battel was given on either side , Caius Crastinus , a Centurion , ( who Commanded a Troop consisting of 120 Men ) was the first that advanc'd out of Caesar's Army , to give the Charge , and acquit himself of a solemn Engagement , that he had made to Caesar : For Caesar as he was going out of his Tent in the Morning , saw Crastinus ; where after some Discourse , he ask'd , What his Opinion was touching the event of that Battel ? To which he stretching out his Right Hand , reply'd aloud , Thine is the Victory , oh Caesar , Thou shalt Conquer gloriously , and I my self this day will be the Subject of thy Praise , either alive or dead : In pursuance of this Promise he broke out of his Rank , and being follow'd by many more , charg'd into the midst of his Enemies ; there they came presently to a close Fight with their Swords , and made a great Slaughter : But as Crastinus was still pressing forward , and breaking the Ranks of the Vanguard , a certain Soldier ran him in at the Mouth , so that the point of the Sword came out behind at his Neck ; wherefore Crastinus being thus slain , the Fight became doubtfull , and continued equal on that part of the Battel . Pompey had no● yet brought on the right Wing , but staid and view'd about , expecting what Execution his Cavalry would do in the Left ; now they had already drawn out their Squadrons in form , designing to encompass Caesar , and force those few Horse which he had plac'd in the Front , to give back upon the Battalion of Foot : But Caesar , on the other side having given the Signal , his Horse retreated back a little , and gave way to those Six Auxiliary Regiments , ( being 3000 in number ) which had been posted in the Rear , as an Ambush or Reserve , to prevent encompassing ; these ran out , and fiercely charg'd the Enemy upon the Flank ; but when they came up to the Horse , there they darted their Javelins upwards , according to their Instructions , and hit the young Gentlemen in their Faces : Now these Gallants ( as they were altogether unskilful in any manner of Fight , so least of all expecting or understanding such a kind as this ) had not Courage enough to endure the Blows upon their Faces , but turning their Backs , and covering their Eyes with their Hands , were shamefully put to Flight , Caesar's Men did not follow the Chace , but turn'd their Forces back upon the Foot , and attack'd them on all parts of that Wing which lay naked and unguarded by the Horse , whereby they were presently surrounded and environ'd on every side ; so that now being attack'd in the Flank by these , and charg'd in the Front by the 10th Legion , they were not able to abide the Charge , or make any longer Resistance , especially when they saw themselves out-witted in their own Stratagem , and circumvented in that Ambush , by which they design'd to have invested the Enemy : Thus these being likewise routed and put to flight , when Pompey saw it , and by the Dust flying in the Air , conjectur'd the same Fate of his Horse too , it were very hard to express his thoughts at that time , but he look'd more like one distracted and besides himself , than one that should have call'd to mind that he was Pompey the Great ; and therefore he retired slowly towards his Camp , without speaking a word to any Man , behaving himself exactly according to the description in these Verses , When Jove from Heav'n strook Ajax with a fear , Ajax the bold , he stood astonish'd there , And trembling gaz'd about without a Shield or Spear . In this state and condition he went into his own Tent , and sate him down speechless still , until some of the Enemies fell in together with his Men that were flying into the Camp , and then he let fall only this one word , What ? into the very Camp ? and said no more , but rose up , and putting on a Garment suitable to his present Fortune , departed secretly . By this time the rest of the Army was put to flight , and there was a great Slaughter in the Camp among the Servants , and those that guarded the Tents ; but of the Soldiers themselves , there were not above 6000 slain , as 't is reported by Asinius Pollio , who was himself a Voluntier in this Fight of Caesar's Party . When Caesar's Soldiers had taken the Camp , they saw clearly the Folly and Vanity of the Enemy ; for all their Tents and Pavilions were richly adorn'd with Garlands of Myrtle , painted Carpets and Hangings , their Couches strow'd with Flowers , and their Tables set full of Bowls and Glasses , and those even crown'd with Wine ; nay , their foolish hopes had puff'd them up with such vain Confidence , that their whole Preparation and Furniture was of People going to Feast and Sacrifice , rather than of Men well-arm'd and appointed for the Battel . When Pompey had got a little way from the Camp , he dismounted and forsook his Horse , having but a small Retinue with him , and finding that no Man pursu'd him , walk'd on softly a foot , taken up altogether with thoughts , such as probably might possess any Man of his Quality and Circumstances , a Man that for the space of 34 Years together , had been accustomed to Conquest and Victory , and was then at last in his old Age beginning to know the Calamities of War in Slaughter and Flight : And it was no small Affliction to consider , that he had lost in one hour all that Glory and Power which he had been getting in so many Wars and bloody Battels , and that he , who but a little before was guarded with such an Army of Foot , so many Regiments of Horse , and such a mighty Fleet , was now flying in so mean a condition , and with such a slender Retinue , that his very Enemies who sought him could not know him . Thus when he had passed by the City of Larissa , and came into the Fields of Tempe , he being very thirsty , kneel'd down and drank out of the River ; then rising up again , he passed through those Valleys , until he came to the Sea-side , and there he betook himself to a poor Fisherman's Cottage , where he lodg'd all the remainder of the Night : The next Morning about break of day he went into a little Boat upon the River , and taking his Freemen along with him , dismissed the rest of his Servants , advising them to go boldly to Caesar and not be afraid : As he was rowing up and down near the Shore , he chanc'd to spy a great Ship of Burthen riding at Anchor , and just ready to set Sail ; the Master whereof was call'd by the Name of Petitius , a Roman Citizen , who , though he was not familiary acquainted with Pompey , yet he knew him very well by sight : Now it happened that this Petitius dream'd the Night before that he saw Pompey , not like the Man he had often seen him , but in a despicable condition , and disconsolate , and in that posture was discoursing with him : He was then telling his Dream to the Passengers , ( as Men commonly do that are at leisure , and especially Dreams of that consequence ) when of a sudden one of the Mariners told him , he saw a little Boat with Oars putting off from Shore , and that some of the Men there shook their Garments , and held out their Hands , with Signs to take them in : Thereupon Petitius standing up , knew him immediately , seeing him in the same disguise as he appear'd in his Dream , and smiting his Hand on his Head , order'd the Mariners to let down the Ships Boat , he himself lending his Hand , and calling him by the Name of Pompey ; in that he was already assur'd of his Change , and the change of his Fortune , by that of his Garb : So that without any farther Entreaty or Discourse , he took him into his Ship , together with such of his Company as he thought fit , and hois'd Sail : There were with him , the two Len●uli and Favonius ; and a little after they spy'd King Deiotarus making up towards them from a-shore , so they stayed and took him in along with them : At Supper time , the Master of the Ship having made ready ▪ such Provisions as he had aboard , Pompey , for want of his Servants ▪ began to wash himself , which when Favonius perceiv'd , he ran to him , wash'd and anointed him ; and always after continu'd to wait upon , and attend him in all things , as Servants do their Masters , even to the washing of his Feet , and providing of his Supper . Insomuch that one there present , observing that free and unaffected Courtesie in his Services , broke out into these words , Lord ! in the noble and the fair , How graceful all things do appear ! Pompey sailing by the City of Amphipolis , coasted over from thence to Mitylene , with a design to take in Cornelia and his Son ; as soon as he arriv'd at the Port in that Island , he dispatch'd a Messenger into the City , with News very different from Cornelia's Expectation ; for she , by all the former Messengers and Letters sent to please her , had been put in hopes that the War was ended at Dyrrachium , and that there was nothing more remaining for Pompey , but the Chace of Caesar : The Messenger finding her in the same Hopes still , was not able to salute or speak to her , but declaring the greatness of her Misfortune by his Tears rather than by his words , desir'd her to make haste if she would see Pompey , with one Ship only , and that none of his own : The young Lady hearing this , fell down all along in a Swoon , and continu'd so a long time sensless and speechless ; she was scarce well recover'd of her Senses again , but being conscious to her self that this was no time for Lamentation and Tears she started up and ran through the City towards the Sea-side , where Pompey meeting and embracing her in his Arms , ( as she was just fainting away and falling into a Swoon ) she vented her passion in this manner : This is the effect of my Fortune , dear Sir , not of yours , that I see you thus dejected and reduced to one poor Vessel , who , before your Marriage with the unfortunate Cornelia , was wont to ride Admiral of these Seas , with a Fleet of 500 Sail ; why therefore should you come to see me , or why not rather have left her to a severer Fate , who has been the Cause and Author of all your Misfortunes ? How happy a Woman had I been , if I had breath'd out my last before that fatal News from Parthia , of the Death of Publius , to whom I was wedded in my Virginity ? and how prudent , if I had follow'd his Destiny , as I design'd ? But I was reserv'd for a greater Mischief , even the ruine of Pompey the Great . Thus , they say , Cornelia spoke to him , and this was Pompey's Reply : Dear Cornelia , Thou hast hitherto known only one kind Fortune , which perhaps has deceiv'd thee in this , that she has been constant to me beyond her usual Custom ; but it behoves us ▪ who are Mortals born , to bear with these Afflictions , and try our Fortune once again ; neither ought we to despond , and rest hopeless , for that 't is as possible to retrieve our former Happiness from this unlucky state , as it was to fall from that , into this present Calamity . Thereupon she sent for her Goods and Servants out of the City ; the Citizens also of Mitylene came out to salute and invite Pompey into the City ; but he refused , advising them to be obedient to the Conqueror , and fear not , for that Caesar was a Man of great Goodness and Clemency : Then turning to Cratippus the Philosopher , ( who came among the rest out of the City to visit him ) he began to repine , and argue somewhat with him touching the Dispensations of Providence ; but Cratippus very modestly declin'd the Dispute , putting him in better Hopes only , lest by opposing , he might seem too sharp or unseasonable : For when Pompey had put him a certain Question touching Providence , and demonstrated how necessary it was , that the Commonwealth should be turn'd into a Monarchy , because of their ill Government in the State ; he return'd the Question , But how , oh Pompey ! and by what token or assurance may we be induc'd to believe , that if the Victory had been thine , thou wouldst have us'd thy Fortune better than Caesar ? But Providence is a point of Divinity belonging to the Gods , and ought to be let alone to act after its own method . Thus Pompey having taken his Wife and Friends aboard , set Sail , making no Port , nor touching any where , but when he was necessitated to take in Provisions , or fresh Water : The first Place he arriv'd at was Attalia , a City in Pamphylia , and whilst he was there , there came some Gallies thither to him out of Cilicia , together with a few Bands of Soldiers , and there he had almost 60 Senators with him again : Then hearing that his Navy was safe too , and that Cato had rallied a considerable Body of Soldiers after their Overthrow , and pass'd with them over into Africa , he began to complain and blame himself and his Friends too , in that they had forc'd him to engage by Land , without making use of his other Forces , ( in which he was undoubtedly the stronger ) and had not kept near enough to his Fleet , that failing by Land , he might have reinforced his Troops from the Sea , and presently drawn out a Power equal and able enough to encounter the Enemy ; so that in truth , neither did Pompey during all the War commit a greater Oversight , nor Caesar use a more subtil Stratagem , than by drawing the Fight so far off from their Naval Forces . Now Pompey being at present constrain'd to attempt and act somewhat according to his small Ability , he dispatch'd his Agents as Ambassadors to some of the neighbouring Cities , and himself sail'd about in Person to others , requiring their Aid in Money and Soldiers to Victual and Man out his Ships ; however , fearing lest the sudden Approach of the Enemy might prevent his Preparations , he began to consider what Place would yield him the safest Refuge and Retreat at present : Thereupon a Consult being held , it was generally agreed upon , That no Province of the Romans was secure enough ; and touching Foreign Kingdoms , he himself was of opinion , That Parthia must needs be the fittest both to receive and defend them in their present Distress , as well as to aid and furnish them with the greatest Forces : Others of the Council were for going into Africa , and to King Juba ; but Theophanes , the Lesbian , thought it madness to leave Aegypt ( that was but a Voyage of three days Sailing ) and forsake Ptolomy ( who was just come of Age , and highly oblig'd to him for that Friendship and Favour which he had lately shewn to his Father ) only to put himself under the Parthian , and trust the most Treacherous Nation in the World : Or what is worse , to subject himself to the Tyranny of Arsaces the King of Parthia , and make him his Lord ( a Power which he was not able to compass in the Life-time of Crassus ) rather than try the Clemency of a Generous Roman , and one that had been his Father-in-Law , to whom , if he would but yield to be Second , he might assure himself to be the first and chief over all the rest : Besides , he thought it would be great Cruelty to expose a young Lady , descended from the Noble Family of the Scipio's , among such a barbarous People , who govern by their Lusts , and measure their Greatness by their Power , to commit Affronts and Insolencies ; from whom , though she suffer no Dishonour , yet it would be thought she did , being in the Hands of those who had the power to do it : This Argument alone , they say , was so perswasive , as to divert his Course , that was design'd towards Euphrates , if it were so indeed that any Counsel of Pompey's , and not his own Fate , made him take this other way . As soon therefore as 't was resolv'd upon , that he should fly into Aegypt , he setting Sail from Cyprus , in a Galley of Seleucia , together with Cornelia , ( and the rest of his Company , some in Long-Boats , and others in Ships of Burthen sailing by ) pass'd over the Sea without danger . But when he understood that King Ptolomy was sate down with his Army in the City of Pelusium , making War against his Sister , he steer'd his Course that way , and sent a Messenger before to acquaint the King with his Arrival , and humbly crave his Protection : Ptolomy himself was a very young Man ; and therefore Pothinus , the principal Minister of State , ( having the sole Administration of all Affairs in the Government ▪ ) call'd a Council of the chiefest Men at Court ( those being the greatest whom he pleas'd to make so ) and commanded them every Man to deliver his Opinion touching the Reception of Pompey : Now , 't was a horrid thing to consider , That the Fate of Pompey the Great should be determin'd by such a Crew , as Pothinus an Eunuch , Theodotus of Chios , a mercenary Rhetorician , that taught Oratory , as a Schoolmaster , for Reward , and Achillas an Aegyptian ; for these , with others of his Bed-Chamber , and some of those who had a share in his Education , were the chief and leading Men in the Council ; Pompey ( who thought it dishonourable to owe his Safety to Caesar ▪ ) riding at Anchor a great way distant from Shore , was forc'd to wait the Result of this honourable Council : It seems they were different in their Opinions ▪ Some were for sending the Man away , and others again for calling and receiving him ; but Theodotus , to shew the power of his Eloquence and Rhetorick , undertook to demonstrate , That neither the one nor the other was safe in that Juncture of Affairs ; for if they entertain'd him , they would be sure to make Caesar their Enemy , and Pompey their Master ; Or if they dismiss'd him , they might render themselves hereafter obnoxious to Pompey for that inhospitable Expulsion , and to Caesar , for the Escape ; so that the most expedient Advice would be to send and take away his Life , for by that means they would ingratiate themselves with the one , and have no reason to fear the other ; adding , as 't is reported , with a Smile , That a dead Man cannot bite . This Advice being approv'd of , they committed the execution of it to Achillas : He therefore taking with him as his Accomplices , one Septimius , a Man that had formerly commanded a Brigade under Pompey , and Salvius , another Centurion , with three or four Officers more , made up towards Pompey's Galley ; in the mean time , all the chiefest of those who accompanied Pompey in this Voyage , were come into his Ship to see the event of their Embassie : But when they saw the manner of their Reception , that in appearance it was neither Princely , nor Honourable , nor indeed any ways answerable to the Hopes of Theophanes , or their Expectation ( for there came but a few Men in a Fisherman's Boat to meet them ) they began to suspect the meaness of their Entertainment , and gave warning to Pompey that he should turn back , whilst he was out of their reach , and launch out into the main Sea : By this time the Aegyptian Boat drew near , and Septimius standing up first , saluted Pompey in the Latin Tongue , by the Title of Imperator , or General : Then Achillas saluting him in the Greek Language , desir'd him to come aboard his Vessel , telling him , That the Sea was very shallow towards the Shore , and that a Galley of that Burthen could not avoid striking upon some Shelve or Quick-sand : At the same time they saw several of the King's Galleys well mann'd , and all the Shore cover'd with Soldiers ; so that if they had chang'd their Minds , it seem'd impossible for them to escape ; and besides , their Distrust would have giv'n the Assassinates a colourable pretence for their Cruelty . Pompey therefore taking his leave of Cornelia , who lamented his Death before-hand , bid two Centurions , ( Philip , one of his Free-men , and a Slave call'd S●yn●s ) go aboard of the Aegyptian's Boat before him ; and as some of the Ships Crew belonging to Achillas , were reaching out their Hands to help him , he turn'd about towards his Wife and Son , and repeated those Iambicks of Sophocles . He that once falls into a Tyrants Power , Becomes a Slave , though he were Free before . These were the last words he spoke to his Friends , and so he went aboard . When Pompey perceiv'd that , ( notwithstanding there was a considerable distance betwixt his Galley and the Shore , and yet none of the Ships Company had spoke a kind word to him all the way , he look'd earnestly upon Septimius , and spoke to him , Methinks I should know thee , Friend , have not we been formerly Fellow-Soldiers , and serv'd together in the Wars ? But he only nodded with his Head , making no Reply at all , nor shewing any other manner of Civility : Since therefore they continu'd silent , Pompey took a little Book in his Hand ( wherein was written a Greek Oration , which he intended for King Ptolomy ) and began to read it ; Afterwards , when they drew near to the Shore , Cornelia , ( together with the rest of her Friends in the Galley , was very impatient to see the Event , and began to take Courage at last , when she saw several of the Court coming to meet him , imagining that it might be for a more honourable Reception ; but , in the mean time , as Pompey took Philip by the hand , to rise up more easily , Septimius came first of all behind with his Sword , and run him thorow ; next after him likewise Salvius and Achillas drew out their Swords . Wherefore Pompey taking up his Gown with both Hands , hid his Face , and neither saying nor doing any thing unworthy of himself ( only groaning a little ) manfully endur'd the Wounds they gave him ; and so ended his Life in the 59th Year of his Age , the very next day after the day of his Birth . Cornelia , with her Company from the Gallies , seeing him Murder'd , gave such a Shriek , that it was heard to the Shore , and weighing Anchor with all speed , they hoisted Sail , and fled : The Wind serv'd them favourably from ashore , and assisted their Flight with a brisk Gale , whereby they presently got the main Sea , so that the Aegyptians failing of their aim , desisted from pursuing them . But they cut off Pompey's Head , and threw the rest of his Body over-board , leaving it naked upon the Shore , to be view'd by any that had the curiosity to see such a miserable Spectacle : Philip stay'd by and watch'd his Corps , till they had glutted their Eyes in viewing it , and then washing it with Sea-water , and having nothing else , he wrapt it up in one of his own Shirts for a Winding-sheet ; then seeking up and down about the Sands , at last he found some rotten Planks of a little Fisher-Boat , not much , but yet enough to make up a Funeral Pile for a naked Body , and that not quite entire : As Philip was busie in gathering and putting these old Planks together , an old Roman Citizen , who from his Youth had serv'd in the Wars under Pompey , came to him and demanded , Who he was that was preparing the Funerals of Pompey the Great ? And Philip making Answer , That he was his Free-man ; Nay , said he , but thou shalt not have this Honour alone , let even me too , I prithee , have my share in such a pious Office , that I may not altogether repent me of this Pilgrimage in a strange Land , but that in compensation of all my Misfortunes , I may obtain this Happiness at last , even with my own Hands to touch the Body of Pompey , and pay my Devotion at the Obsequies of the greatest General among the Romans : And in this manner were the Funerals of Pompey perform'd . The next day Lucius Lentulus not knowing what had pass'd , came sailing from Cyprus along the Shore of that Coast , and seeing a Funeral Pile , and Philip ( whom he did not know at first ) standing by , ask'd him , Who it was that was dead and buried there ? But pausing a little with himself , and fetching a deep Sigh , Perhaps , said he , even thou O Pompey the Great , ! and so going ashore , he was presently apprehended and Slain ; This was the unfortunate End of Pompey the Great . Not long after , Caesar coming into Aegypt , ( that was then in very great Troubles ) shew'd a great abhorrence of the Person that presented him with Pompey's Head , turning away from him as a most detestable Assassinate ; but when he receiv'd his Seal , ( whereon was Engraven a Lyon holding a Sword in his Paw ) he burst out into Tears . Achillas and Pothinus he put to Death ; and King Ptolomy himself being overthrown in Battel upon the Banks of Nilus , fled away in disguise , and was never heard of afterwards . Theodotus , the Rhetorician , flying out of Aegypt , escap'd the hands of Caesar's Justice , but liv'd a Vagabond in Banishment , wandring up and down , despis'd and hated of all Men , till at last Marcus Brutus ( after he had kill'd Caesar ) finding him in his Province of Asia , put him to Death , having first made him suffer the most exquisite ▪ Torments he could invent . The Ashes of Pompey were carried to his Wife Cornelia , who buried them in a Vault at his Country-House , near the City of Alba. THE PARALLEL OF POMPEY WITH AGESILAUS , THus having drawn out the History or Lives of Agesilaus and Pompey , the next thing is to compare them , and in order to the Parallel wherein they agree , we 'll take a cursory View , and touch upon some few Passages that make the difference , shewing wherein they chiefly disagree ; which are these : In the first place , Pompey attain'd to all his Greatness and Glory by the just measures of his own Integrity , and so was advanc'd by himself ; having often and desperately engag'd together with Sylla , in delivering Italy , from the Usurpation of Tyrants : But Agesilaus appears to have usurp'd a Kingdom , not without offence to the Laws , both of Gods and Men ; Of these , by giving Judgment of Bastardy against Leotychides , the natural and lawful Son of his Brother , as appear'd by undoubted Evidence ; Of those , by putting a false Gloss upon the Oracle of the Gods , and eluding the Prophesie in the point of Lameness . Secondly , Pompey had a perpetual Veneration for Sylla all his Life-time , and express'd as much after his Death , by making an honourable Inrerment of his Corps in despight of Lepidus , and giving his Daughter in Marriage to his Son Faustus : But Agesilaus upon a slight pretence cast off Lysander with Reproach and Dishonour . So that in point of gratitude , Sylla receiv'd in return from Pompey no less than he gave him , whereas Lysander made Agesilaus King of Sparta , and General of all Greece : Thirdly , Those Transgressions of Pompey against the State and Laws , were occasion'd chiefly by his Relations ( for that most of his Errors had some Affinity , as well as himself , to Caesar and Scipio , they being both his Fathers-in-law : ) But Agesilaus , to gratifie the Amours or Lust of his Son , sav'd the Life of Sphodria by Violence , when he deserv'd Death for those injuries he had done to the Athenians ; and 't is manifest that he was openly and cordially an Abettor to Phaebida , ( in the breach of the League with the Thebans ) barely for the Iniquity of the Act it self . In short , what Mischief soever might be charg'd upon Pompey , as done through Modesty or Inadvertency against the Roman Government , the very same were committed by Agesilaus against the Lacedaemonians , out of Obstinacy and Malice , he himself being the Incendiary of the Baeotian War : And if by chance there was any thing common in the Offences of these two , that of Pompey was unexpected to the Romans ; whereas Agesilaus would not suffer the Lacedaemonians to avoid what they foresaw and heard must attend a lame or decrepit Kingdom ; For had Leotychides been chargeable ten thousand times as foreign and spurious , yet the Race of the Eurityontidae was still in being , and there never could have been wanting one descended from that Line , to furnish Sparta with a natural and lawful King , and one that was entire in his Limbs too , had not Lysander darkned and disguis'd the true sence of ●he Oracle in favour of Agesilaus . But as for State-Affairs , never was there such a politick piece of Sophistry , as was devised by Agesilaus , in that great perplexity of the People touching the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , ( or those who had cowardly deserted their Colours at the Battel of Leuctra , whereby they became obnoxious to the Law ) when after that unhappy Defeat , he decreed ▪ That the Laws should sleep for that day : Neither indeed have we the fellow of it in all Pompey's Story ; but on the contrary , Pompey for a Friend thought it no Sin to break those very Laws which he himself had made ▪ shewing at once both the force of Friendship , and the greatness of his Power : Whereas Agesilaus , finding that he must of necessity have dissolv'd the Laws , to preserve the Lives of his Citizens , devis'd this Expedient , whereby the Laws might not hurt them , though they were not dissolv'd . Then I must needs commend this as an incomparable Act of civil Vertue and Obedience in Agesilaus , That immediately upon the receipt of the Scytala ( or scrowl of Parchment , with a Countermand from the Ephori ) he left the Wars in Asia , and return'd into his Country ; for that he did not act generally , as Pompey did , ( in those things by which he made himself Great ) for the interest and benefit of the Commonwealth ; who , for his Countries sake , laid aside as great Authority and Honour , as ever any Man had before or since , except Alexander the Great : But now for some other Head. And if well take a view of Pompey in his Military Expeditions and Exploits of War , in the number of Trophies , and the greatness of the Armies which he Commanded , together with the multitude of Battels in which he triumph'd as a Conqueror , I am perswaded even Xenophon himself would not put the Victories of Agesilaus in Ballance with his , though he has this Priviledge allow'd him , ( as a singular Reward for all his other Vertues ) that he may write and speak in favour of his Hero what-e're he pleases . Methinks too there is a great deal of difference betwixt these Men in their Clemency and Moderation towards their Enemies ; For whilst Agesilaus was attempting the Conquest of Thebes , and Destruction of Messene , ( this being the entire Lot of his own * Country , and that the Metropolis of Baeotia ) he had almost lost Sparta it self , but did really lose the Government of Greece ; whereas Pompey gave Cities to those of the Pirates who were willing to change their manner of Life ; And when 't was in his power to have led Tigranes , King of Armenia , in Triumph , he chose rather to make him a Confederate of the Romans , saying , That he preferr'd an eternal Honour before the Glories of one day . But if the Preheminence , in that which chiefly relates to the Office of a General , ( consisting of a steady resolution upon the wisest Acts and Counsels of War ) might be given to a Commander of the best Conduct , the Lacedaemonian would not a little exceed the Roman in that ; for Agesilaus never deserted his City , though it was Besieg'd by an Army of 70000 Men , when there were very few Soldiers within to defend it , and those had been baffled too but a little before at the Battel of Leuctra : But Pompey ( when Caesar with a Body only of 5300 Men , had taken but one Town in Italy ) departed timorously out of Rome , either through Cowardice , when they were so few , or at least through a vain imagination , that there were more ; and having convey'd away his Wife and Children , he left all the rest of the Citizens defenceless , and fled ; whereas he ought either to have conquer'd in Fight for the defence of his Country , or yielded upon terms to the Conqueror , for he was his Fellow-Citizen , and Ally'd to him : But now to that same Man , ( to whom he deny'd an Enlargement in the term of his Government , and thought it intolerable to grant another Cousulship ) even to him he gave a Power , ( by letting him take the City ) to tell Metellus the Tribune , together with all the rest , That they were his Prisoners . That therefore , which is chiefly the Office of a General , to put the Enemy upon a necessity of Fight , when he finds himself the the stronger , and to avoid it when he is the weaker ; that Property being singular in Agesilaus , he always kept himself Invincible : And this was Caesar's Talent too , that when he was the weaker , he could at any time by fencing with Pompey , decline the Danger ; and when he was the stronger , he forc'd him to Battel by Land , even to the hazard of all , whereby he became the Master of the Treasury , Stores , and the Sea too , which were all in his Enemies hands , and by which he had his constant Supplies without Fighting . Now , that which is alledg'd as an Apology , in vindication of Pompey , is the greatest Crime in so great a General ; for 't is a true , for a young Commander by Tumults and Noise to be wrought into a Fear and Easiness , whereby he may forsake the safest Counsels , is neither strange , nor altogether unpardonable ; But for Pompey the Great , whose Camp the Romans call'd their Country , and his Tent the Senate , styling the Consuls , Praetors , and all other Magistrates , ( that had taken upon them the Administration of the Government at Rome ) by no better Title than that of Rebels and Traytors ; for him , I say , whom they well knew , never to have been under the Command of any but himself , ( having nobly finish'd his course of Warfare under himself , as sole General in all the Wars he made ) who could excuse him , that upon so small a Provocation ( as the Scoffs of Favonius and Domitius , and lest he should bare the Nickname of Agamemnon ) should be wrought upon , and even forc'd to hazard the whole Empire and Liberty of Rome upon the cast of a Dye ? In him , I say , 't was intolerable , who , if he had so much regarded a present Infamy , should have guarded the City at first with his Arms , and fought valiantly in defence of Rome , not have left it as he did , colouring his Flight over with the Stratagem of Themistocles ; and yet after all this , to imagine that there could be any Reproach in a wary Delay before the Battel in Thessaly , was as inexcusable : For neither did God appoint the Pharsalian Fields , to be the Stage and Theater upon which they should contend for the Empire of Rome , neither was he summon'd thither by any Herald upon Challenge , with intimation , that he must either undergo the Combat , or surrender the Crown to another ; But there were many other Fields , thousands of Cities , and even the whole Earth , that he might have had by the Advantage of his Fleet , and Forces at Sea , if he would but have follow'd the Examples of Maximus , Marius , Lucullus , and even Agesilaus himself ; who endur'd no less Tumults within the City of Sparta , when the Thebans provok'd him to Battel for the residue of his Country ; He endur'd likewise many Calumnies and Accusations in Aegypt , through the Imprudence of the King there , entreating his patience constantly ; but following always what he had determined in his own Judgment upon mature Advice , he did by that means , not only preserve the Aegyptians against their wills , not only keep Sparta constantly upon its Legs , even in those desperate Convulsions , but set up Trophies likewise in the City against the Thebans , giving them afterwards an occasion of Victory , in that he did not at that time lead them out , as they would have forc'd him , to their destruction ; insomuch , that at last Agesilaus was highly commended , even of those who provok'd their own Ruine , after they found he had sav'd their Lives against their wills : Whereas Pompey ( whose Errors had always some other Authors ) found those to be his Accusers , upon whom he had plac'd his chiefest confidence ; and some say , that he was deceiv'd by his Father-in-law Scipio , for that he , ( designing to conceal and keep to himself the greatest part of that Treasure , which he had brought out of Asia ) did press Pompey to Battel , upon this pretence , that there would be a want of Money ; however , admitting this to be true , yet such a General ought not to have been so easily deluded , and led into an Error , even to the hazard of all the greatest Concerns in the Common-wealth : And thus we have taken a view of each , by comparing them together in their Conduct and Actions in War. As to their Voyages into Aegypt : One steer'd his Course thither out of necessity in Flight ; the other neither honourably , nor of necessity , but as a Mercenary Soldier , having listed himself into the Service of a barbarous Nation for Pay , that he might be able to wage War upon the Graecians : Lastly , That which we charge upon the Aegyptians in the Name of Pompey , the Aegyptians return again in an Accusation against Agesilaus ; For one was barbarously betray'd and murder'd by those whom he trusted : The other betray'd his Trust , and deserted them , having upon his Revolt gone over to the Enemy , ( that was now making War upon Aegypt ) notwithstanding he came at first , as an Auxiliary to the Aegyptians . ALEXANDER . depiction of Alexander : MBurgher : sculp . THE LIFE OF Alexander the Great . English'd from the Greek , By John Evelyn Esq IT being my purpose to write the Lives of Alexander and Caesar , by whom Pompey was destroyed , the multitude of their great Actions affords me so large a Field , that I were to blame if I should not by way of Apology acquaint my Reader , that I have chosen rather to epitomize the most celebrated parts of their Story , than to insist at large on every particular Circumstance of it ; especially when I consider my Design is not to write an History , but Lives . Neither do the most glorious Exploits always furnish us with the clearest discoveries of Virtue , or Vice in Men ; sometimes a Matter of less moment , an Expression , or a Jest , informs us better of their Manners , and Inclinations , than the most famous Sieges , the greatest Armies , or the bloudiest Battels whatsoever . Therefore as those who draw by the Life , are more exact in the first Lines and Features of the Face , from which we may often collect the Disposition of the Person , than in the other Parts of the Body : So I shall endeavour by penetrating into , and describing the secret Recesses , and Images of the Soul , to express the Lives of Men , and leave their more shining Actions and Atchievments to be treated of by others . It is agreed on by all Hands , that on rhe Father's side Alexander descended from Hercules by Caranus , and from Aeacus by Neoptolemus on the Mother's side . His Father Philip being in Samothrace when he was young , fell in Love there with Olympias , with whom he was initiated in the religious Ceremonies of the Countrey , and her Father and Mother being both dead , soon after with the consent of her Brother Arimbas married her . The night before the consummation of the Marriage , she dream'd that her Belly was struck with Lightning , which kindled a great Fire , whose divided Flames dispers'd themselves all about , and then were extinguish'd . And Philip some time after he was married , dream'd that he Seal'd up his Wife's Belly with a Seal , whose impression , as he fancied , was the Figure of a Lion. Some interpreted this as a warning to Philip to look narrowly to his Wife ; but Aristander of Telmessus considering how unusual it was to seal up any thing that was empty , assured him the meaning of his Dream was , that the Queen was with Child of a Boy , who would one day prove as stout and couragious as a Lion. Not long after a Dragon was observ'd to lye close by Olympias while she slept ; upon which Philip's Affection to her sensibly abated : For whether he fear'd her as an Inchantress , or thought she had commerce with some God , and so look'd on himself as unequal to such a Rival , he was ever after less fond of her Conversation . Others say , that the Women of this Country having always been extreamly addicted to perform the Enthusiastick Ceremonies of Orpheus and Bacchus ( upon which account they were called * Clodones , and Mimallones ) did in many things imitate the Edonian and Thracian Women about Mount Haemus , from whom the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seems to be derived , signifying superfluous and over-curious Sacrifices : That Olympias zealously affecting these Fanatical and Enthusiastick Inspirations , to perform them with more barbarick Dread , was wont in the Dances proper to these Ceremonies , to have great tame Serpents about her , which sometimes creeping out of the Joy , and the Mystick Fans , sometimes winding themselves about the sacred Sphears , and the Womens Chaplets , made it a dreadful Spectacle to those who beheld them . Philip , after this Vision , sent Chaeron of Megalopolis to consult the Oracle of Apollo at Delphos , by which he was commanded to sacrifice to , and most respectively adore Jupiter Hammon above all other Gods ; and was told he would one day lose that Eye with which he presum'd to peep through the Chink of the Door , when he saw the God in form of a Serpent so familiar with his Wife . Eratosthenes says , that Olympias , when she brought Alexander on his way to the Army , in his first Expedition , told him the Secret of his Birth , and exhorted him to behave himself with Courage suitable to his divine Extraction . Others again affirm , that she wholly declin'd this Vanity , and was wont to say , Will Alexander never leave making Juno jealous of me ? Alexander was born the 6th of June , ( which month the Macedonians call Lous ) the same day that the Temple of Diana at Ephesus was burn'd ; upon which occasion Hegesias of Magnesia has an expression so mean and cold , as might have serv'd to have extinguish'd the Flames : Diana says he deserv'd to have her Temple burnt , for leaving the care of it to play the Midwife at the Birth of Alexander . All the Priests and Soothsayers who happened to be then at Ephesus , looking upon the Ruine of this Temple to be the forerunner of some other Calamity , ran about the Town , beating their Faces , and crying , that day had brought forth something that would prove fatal and destructive to all Asia . Presently after Philip had taken Posidea , he receiv'd these three Messages on the same day : That Parmenio had overthrown the Illyrians in a great Battel ; that his Race horse had won the Course at the Olynpick Games ; and that his Wife was brought to bed of Alexander ; with which being extreamly pleased , as an Addition to his Satisfaction the Diviners assured him , that a Son whose Birth was accompanied with three such Successes , could not fail of being invincible . The Statues that most resembled Alexander , were those of Lysippus , by whom alone this Prince would suffer his Image to be carv'd ; and these chiefly did most of his Successors and Friends afterwards imitate ; the Artist having expressed the inclination of his Head a little on one side towards his left Shoulder , and his * melting Eye with incomparable exactness . But Apelles , who drew him with Thunderbolts in his Hand , made his Complexion browner and darker than it was naturally , for he was fair , having a mixture of ruddiness , chiefly in his Face , and upon his Breast . Aristoxenus in his Memoirs tells us , that an admirable Scent proceeded from his Skin , and that his Breath and Body all over was so fragrant , as to perfume the Cloaths which he wore next him ; the cause of which might probably be the hot and adust Temperament of his Body : For sweet Smells , as Theophrastus conjectures , are produced by the concoction of moist Humors by Heat , which is the reason that those parts of the World which are driest , and most burnt up , afford Spices of the best kind , and in the greatest quantity ; for the heat of the Sun exhausts the superfluous moisture , which generates Putrefaction in Bodies . And this hot Constitution it may be , rendred Alexander so addicted to drinking , and so cholerick . His Temperance as to the pleasures of the Body , was apparent in him in his very Childhood , being with much difficulty incited to them , and always using them with great moderation : Though in other things he was extreamly eager and vehement . In his love of Glory , and the pursuit of it , he shew'd a solidity of Judgment and Magnanimity far above his Age ; For he neither fought , nor valued it upon every slight occasion , as his Father Philip did , ( who affected to shew his Eloquence almost to a degree of Pedantry , and took care to have the Victories of his Racing Chariots at the Olympick Games engraven on his Coin : ) But when he was asked by some about him , Whether he would run a Race ? for he was very swift-footed ; he answer'd , He would , if he might have Kings to run with him . He often appointed Prizes , in which not only Tragedians and Musicians , Pipers and Harpers , but Rapsodists also strove to outvye one another : And delighted in all manner of Hunting , and Cudgel-playing , but never gave any encouragement either to playing at Fisty-cuffs , or that * Sport in which all Weapons were to be made use of . While he was yet very young , he entertain'd the Ambassadors from the King of Persia , in the absence of his Father , and falling into Conversation with them , gain'd so much upon them by his Affability , and the Questions he asked them , which were far from being childish , or trifling : ( For he enquired of them the length of the Ways , the Passages into the upper parts of Asia , the Character of their King , how he carried himself to his Enemies , and what Forces he was able to bring into the Field : That they were struck with admiration of him , and look'd uppon the Diligence and so much fam'd Conduct of Philip , to be nothing in comparison of the forwardness , and great Spirit , that appeard so early in his Son. Whensoever he heard Philip had taken any Town of importance , or won any signal Victory , instead of rejoycing at it , he would in a deploring manner tell his Companions , that he fear'd his Father would anticipate every thing , and leave him and them no opportuntties of performing great and illustrious Actions . For being more addicted to Virtue and Glory , than either to Pleasure or Riches , he esteemed all that he shouid receive from his Father , as a diminution and prevention of his own future Atchievments ; and would have chosen rather to succeed to a Kingdom involv'd in Troubles and Wars , which would have afforded him frequent exercise of his Valour , and a larger Field of Honor , than to one already flourishing and settled , where he must lead an unactive Life , and be as it were buried in the sordid enjoyments of Wealth and Luxury . The care of his Education ( as it much imported ) was committed to a great many Praeceptors and Tutors , over whom Leonidas , a near Kinsman of Olympias , a Man of an austere temper , presided : He declining the title of Praeceptor , though a Charge of sufficient Honour and Reputation , because of his Dignity and Relation , was called Alexander's Foster-Father and Governour . But he who took upon him the Place and Name of his pedagogue , was Lysimachus the Acarnanian , who though he had nothing of worth to recommend him , but his luck to call himself Phoenix , Alexander Achilles , and Philip Peleus , was therefore well enough esteem'd and rank'd in the next degree after Leonidas . Philonicus the Thessalian brought the Horse Bucephalus to Philip , offering to sell him for 13 Talents ; but when they went into the Field to try him , they found him so very vicious and unmanageable , that he stood up an end when they endeavoured to back him , and would not so much as endure the voice of any of Philip's Attendants : Upon whose dislike , as they were leading him away as wholly useless and untractable , Alexander who stood by , would not let them , saying , What an excellent Horse do they lose , for want of address and boldness to manage him ? Philip at first took no notice what he said ; but when he heard him repeat the same thing , and saw he was troubled to have the Horse sent away ; Do you reproach , said he to him , those who are elder than your self , as if you knew more , and were better able to manage him than they ? Yes . replied he , with this Horse I could deal better than any body else . And if you do not , said Philip , what will you forfeit for your Rashness ? By Jove , answer'd Alexander , the whole price of the Horse . At this the whole Company fell a laughing ; but as soon as the Agreement was made between them about the Money , he presently ran to the Horse , and taking hold of the Bridle , turn'd him directly towards the Sun , having it seems observ'd he was disturb'd at , and afraid of , the motion of his own Shadow : Then letting him go forward a little , still keeping the Reins in his Hand , and stroking him gently , when he found him to be very brisk and fiery , he let fall his upper Garment softly , and with one nimble Leap securely mounted him , and when he was seated , by little and little straitned the Bridle , and curb'd him without either striking or spurring . Afterwards when he perceiv'd his dangerous fury and heat was abated , but yet not without great impatience to run , he let him go at full speed , not only encouraging him with a commanding Voice , but pressing him forward also with his Heel . All who were present beheld this Action at first with silent astonishment , and inward concern : Till seeing him turn at the end of his Career , and come back rejoycing and triumphing for what he had perform'd , they all burst out into Acclamations of Applause ; and his Father weeping for joy , kiss'd him as he came down from his Horse , and in his Transport said , O my Son , look the out a Kingdom equal to , and worthy of , thy great Soul , for Macedonia is too little for thee . After this , considering him to be of a Temper easie to be led to his Duty by Reason , but by no means to be compell'd , he always endeavour'd to perswade , rather than to command or force him to any thing ; and now looking upon the institution and accomplishment of his Youth , to be of greater difficulty and importance , than to be wholly trusted to those Masters who only taught him Musick , and other superficial and vulgar Sciences , and to require , as Sophocles says , The Bridle , and the Rudder too : He sent for Aristotle , the most knowing and celebrated Philosopher of his time , and rewarded him with a Munificence proportionable to , and becoming the care he took to instruct his Son. For he repeopled his native City Stagira , which he had caused to be deserted a little before , restor'd all the Citizens who were in Exile or Slavery , to their Habitations , and assign'd them * Nympheum for their Studies and Exercises , near the Town of Mieza , where to this very day they shew you Aristotle's stone Seats , and the shady walks which he was wont to frequent . It appears that Alexander receiv'd not only the Rules of Morality and Policy from him , but that more abstruse and solid part of Learning which is seldom communicated to the Vulgar . For when he was in Asia , and heard Aristotle had publish'd some Treatifes of that kind , he wrote to him with great freedom in the behalf of Philosophy in this manner : Alexander to Aristotle , greeting . You have not done well to set forth your Books of select Knowledge , for what is there now that I can surmount others in , if those things which I have been particularly instructed in , be laid open to all : For my part I assure you , I had rather excel others in the knowledge of what is excellent in its kind , than in the extent of my Power and Dominion . Farewel . Aristotle , to appease and comply with this noble Ambition of Alexander , answer'd him , That those Treatises , which were his Metaphysicks , were indeed publish'd , but not plainly expos'd to every bodies Capacity . For to say truth , they are written in such a style , that they are only an useful and instructive System to those , who have been already long conversant in that sort of Learing . Doubtless it was to Aristole's Precepts that he owed the inclination he had not barely to the Theory , but likewise to the Practice of Physick : For when any of his Friends were sick , he would often prescribe them their course of Diet , and Medicines proper to their Disease , as we may find in his Epistles . He was naturally a great lover of all kind of Learning , and mightily addicted to Reading ; and Onesicritus informs us , That he constantly laid Homer's Illiads , Corrected by Aristotle , with his Dagger , under his Pillow , declaring that he esteemed them an exact Institution and perfect Store-house of all Military Vertue and Knowledge . When he was in the higher Provinces of Asia , being destitute of other Books , he order'd Harpalus to send him some , who furnish'd him with Philestus his History , a great many of Euripides , Sophocles , and Aeschylus his Tragedies , and some Dithyrambick Hymns composed by Telestes and Philaxenus . For a while he lov'd and cherished Aristotle no less , as he was wont to say himself , than if he had been his Father , giving this Reason for it , that as he receiv'd his Being from the one , so the other had taught him to live well . But afterwards having some mistrust of him , yet not so far as to do him any Prejudice , his Familiarity and friendly Kindness to him abated so much , as to make it evident he was very indifferent to him . However his violent Thirst after , and Respect for Learning , which were born , and still grew up with him , never decay'd , as appears by his veneration of Anaxarchus , by the Present of 50 Talents which he sent to Xenocrates , and his particular Care and Esteem of Dandamis and Calanus . While Philip made War against the Byvantines , he left Alexander , then 16 years old , his Lieutenant in Macedonia , committing the charge of his Great Seal to him , who not to sit idle , reduc'd the rebellious Medan , and having taken their chief Town by Storm , drave out the barbarous Inhabitants , and planting a Colony of several Nations in their room , call'd the Place after his own Name Alexandropolis . At the Battel of Chaeronaea , which his Father fought against the Grecians , he is said to have been the first Man that charg'd the Thebans sacred Band. And even in my remembrance there stood an old Oak near the River Cephisus , which the Country People call'd Alexander's Oak , because his Tent was pitch'd under it . And not far off are to be seen the Graves of the Macedonians , who fell in that Battel . This early Bravery made Philip so fond of him , that nothing pleas'd him more , than to hear his Subjects call Alexander their King , while they allow'd himself no other Title than that of their General . But the Disorders of his Family , chiefly caused by his new Marriages , and extravavagant Loves , ( the whole Kingdom being soon , in a manner , imbroil'd by the Women ) rais'd many Quarrels and great Breaches between them , which the ill Nature of Olympias , a Woman of a jealous and implacable Temper , still made wider , by exasperating Alexander against his Father . Among the rest , this Accident contributed most to their falling out . At the Wedding of Cleopatra , whom Philip , in his Dotage had Married , she being much too young for him , her Uncle Attalus , in his Drink , desir'd the Macedonians would implore the Gods to give them a lawful Successor to the Kingdom by his Neece . This nettled Alexander so , that throwing one of the Cups at his Head , You Villain , said he , what am I then , a Bastard ? Then Philip taking Attalus his part , rose up , and would have ran his Son through ; but by good Fortune for them both , either his over-hasty Rage , or the Wine he had drank , made his Foot slip , so that he fell down on the Floor . At which Alexander most reproachfully insulted over him : See there , said he , how low he lyes , not able to remove from one Seat to another , who was making such Preparations to pass out of Europe into Asia . After this insolent Debauch , he and his Mother Olympias went from Court , and when he had plac'd her in Epirus , he himself retir'd into Illyria . About this time Demaratus the Corinthian , an old Friend of the Family , who had the freedom to say any thing among them without offence , coming to visit Philip , after the first Compliments and Embraces were over , Philip asked him , Whether the Grecians liv'd in Amity with one another ? It ill becomes you , replied Demaratus , to enquire after the State of Greece , who have involv'd your own House in so many Dissentions and Calamities . He was so convinc'd by this seasonable Reproach , that he immediately sent for his Son home , and at last , by Demaratus his Mediation , prevail'd with him to return . But this Reconciliation lasted not long ; for when Pexodorus , Viceroy of Caria , sent Aristocritus to treat a Match between his eldest Daughter , and Philip's Son Aridaeus , seeking thereby to enter into a League offensive and defensive with him : Alexander's Mother , and some who pretended to be his Friends , fill'd his Head with Tales and Calumnies , as if Philip , by this splendid Alliance , and considerable Negotiation , intended to settle the Kingdom upon Aridaeus . To prevent this , he dispatches one Thessalus , a Player , into Caria , to dispose Pexodorus to slight Aridaeus , both as illegitimate , and a Fool , and rather to accept of himself for his Son-in-law . This Proposition was much more agreeable to Pexodorus then the former . But Philip , as soon as ever he was made acquainted with this Transaction , went directly to his Son's Apartment , accompanied only by Philotas , one of his most intimate Friends , the Son of Parmenio , and there reprov'd him severely , and reproach'd him bitterly , that he should be so degenerate , and unworthy of the Crown he was to leave him , as to desire the Alliance of a mean Carian , who was at best , but the Vassal of a barbarous Prince . Nor did this satisfie his Resentment , for he wrote to the Corinthians to send Thessalus to him in Chains , and banish'd Harpalus , Nearchus , Phrygius , and Ptolomy , his Sons Confidents and Favorites , whom Alexander afterwards recall'd , and rais'd to great Honour and Preferment . Not long after this , a Youth nam'd Pausanias , being forcibly abused , not without the knowledge and consent of Attalus and Cleopatra : When he found he could get no Reparation for his Disgrace at Philip's hands , watch'd his opportunity , and Murther'd him . The guilt of which Fact fell partly upon Olympias , who is said to have encourag'd and exasperated the enrag'd Youth to Revenge ; and partly upon Alexander himself , w●● when Pausanias came , and complain'd to him of the Injury he had receiv'd , repeated these Verses to him out of Euripides his Medea , where in her Fury she says — She 'll see that her Revenge be satisfied On Husband , Wife , and him who gave the Bride . However , he took care to find out and punish the Accomplices of the Conspiracy severely , and was very angry with Olympias , for treating Cleopatra too inhumanely in his absence . Alexander was but 20 years old when his Father was murther'd , and not without great Envy succeeded to a Crown beset on all sides with many dangers , and powerful Enemies . For not only the barbarous Nations that border'd on Macedonia , were impatient of being govern'd by any but their own native Princes ; but Philip likewise , though he had been victorious over the Grecians , yet , for want of time to finish his Conquests , and settle his Affairs , had left all things in great Hurry and Confusion . Wherefore some would have perswaded Alexander to have given over all thoughts of containing the Grecians in their Duty by force of Arms , and rather to apply himself to reduce the neighbouring Nations by gentle means , and prevent Innovations in their very beginning . But he rejected this Counsel as weak and timorous , and look'd upon it to be more Prudence to secure himself by Resolution and Magnanimity , than by seeming to truckle to any , hazard the bringing all his Enemies upon him at once . In pursuit of this opinion , he kept the Barbarians quiet , by making a sudden Incursion into their Country , as far as the River Ister , where he gave Syrmus , King of the Triballians , a considerable Overthrow . And hearing the Thebans were ready to Revolt , and that the Athenians held Correspondence with them , because Demosthenes , in disparagement of him , had call'd him a Child while he was in Illyria , and the Country of the Triballians , allowing him to be no more than a Youth , while he was in Thessaly : To shew how much he was improv'd , he immediately led his Army through the Straits of Thermopylae , and said , they should find him a Man to some purpose before the Walls of Athens . When he came to Thebes , to shew how willing he was to accept of their Repentance for what was past , he only demanded of them Phoenix and Prothytes , the Authors of the Rebellion , and proclaim'd a general Pardon of those who would come over to him . But when the Thebans on the other side , not only requir'd Philotas and Antipater to be deliver'd into their hands , but also publickly invited all who would assert the Liberty of Greece , into an Association with them , he presently applied himself to make them feel the last Extremities of War. The Thebans indeed defended themselves with Alacrity and Courage , far beyond their Strength , being much out-numbred by their Enemies . But when the Macedonian Garrison sallied out upon them from the Cittadel , they were so hem'd in on all sides , that many of them fell in the Battel . The City it self being taken by Storm , was sack'd and ras'd , on purpose that so severe an Example might terrifie the rest of Greece into obedience . However , to colour this Vengeance , he gave out , he was forc'd to be so extremely rigorous , by the pressing Complaints and Accusations of his Confederates the Phocians and Plataeans . So that except the Priests , and some few who had heretofore entertain'd the Macedonians kindly at their Houses , the Family of the Poet Pindar , and those who were known to have oppos'd the Rebellion , all the rest , to the number of 30000 , were publickly sold for Slaves ; and it is computed , that upwards of 6000 were put to the Sword. Among the other Calamities that befel this miserable City , it happen'd that some Thracian Soldiers having plundred and demolished the House of an Illustrious Matron named Timoclea , their Captain , after he had lain with her by force , to satisfie his Avarice , as well as Lust , ask'd her , If she knew of any Money conceal'd ; to which she readily answer'd , she did , and bid him follow her into a Garden , where she shew'd him a Well , into which , she told him , upon the the taking of the City , she had thrown what she had of most value . The greedy Thracian presently stooping down to view the place where he thought the Treasure lay , she came behind him , and push'd him into the Well , and then flung great Stones in upon him , till she had kill'd him . After which , when the Soldiers led her away bound to Alexander , her very Meen and Gate shew'd her to be a Woman of Quality , and of a Mind no less elevated , not betraying the least sign of Fear or Astonishment . And when the King ask'd her , Who she was ? I am , said she , the Sister of Theagenes , who fought the Battel of Chaeronea with your Father Philip , and fell there for the liberty of Greece . Alexander was so surpriz'd , both at what she had done , and what she said , that he could not chuse but give her and her Children their Freedom to go whither they pleased . After this he receiv'd the Athenians into Favour , although they had shew'd themselves so much concern'd at the Calamity of Thebes , that they omitted the Celebration of their Festivals , and entertain'd those who escap'd , with all possible Humanity . Whether in this he follow'd the Nature of Lions , his Rage being already satisfied , or that after an Example of horrid Cruelty , he had a mind to appear Merciful , it happen'd well for the Athenians ; for he not only forgave them all past Offences , but commanded them to look to their Affairs with Caution and Vigilance , upon this Consideration , that if he should miscarry in his Expedition , they were like to be the Arbiters of Greece . Certain it is , that he often repented of his Severity to the Thebans , and his Remorse had such influence on his Temper , as to make him ever after less rigorous to all others . He imputed also the Murther of Clitus , which he committed in his Wine , and the base unwillingness of the Macedonians to follow him against the Indians , ( by which his Enterprize and Glory was left imperfect ) to the Wrath and Vengeance of Bacchus , the Protector of Thebes . And it was observ'd , that whatsoever any Theban , who had the good fortune to survive this Victory , ask'd of him , he was sure to grant , without the least difficulty . Soon after the Graecians being assembled in the Strait of Peloponesus , declar'd their Resolution of joyning with Alexander in the War against the Persians , and made choice of him for their General . While he staid here , many publick Ministers and Philosophers came from all Parts to visit him , and congratulate his Election : But contrary to his Expectation , Diogenes of Synope , who then dwelt at Corinth , thought so little of him , that instead of coming to complement him , he never so much as stirr'd out of the Cranium or Suburbs , where Alexander found him lying along in the Sun. When he saw so much Company near him , he rais'd himself a little , and vouchsaf'd to look upon Alexander , and when he kindly ask'd him , Whether he wanted any thing ? Yes , said he , I would have you stand from between me and the Sun. Alexander was so affected at this Answer , and surpriz'd at the Greatness of the Man's Soul , who had taken so little notice of him , that as he went away , he told his Followers , who were Laughing at the Moroseness of the Philosopher , That if he were not Alexander , he would rather chuse to be Diogenes than any other Man. Then he went to Delphos , to consult Apollo concerning the Success of the War he had undertaken ; and happening to come at a time that was esteeem'd unlucky , and improper to give any Answers from the Oracle , he sent Messengers to desire the Priestess to do her Office ; but she refusing , under pretence of a Law to the contrary , he went up himself , and drew her by force into the Temple , where tir'd and overcome with Struggling , My Son , said she , thou art Invincible . Alexander taking hold of what she spoke , declar'd he had receiv'd such an Answer as he wish'd for , and that it was needless to consult the God any further . Among other Prodigies that preceded the March of his Army , the Image of Orpheus at Libethra , made of Cypress-Wood , was seen to Sweat in great abundance , to the discouragement of many . But Aristander told him , That far from presaging any Ill to him , it signifi'd , he should perform things so important and glorious , as would make the Poets and Musicians of future Ages labour and sweat to describe and celebrate them . His Army , by their Computation who reckon moderately , consisted of 30000 Foot , and 5000 Horse ; and those who make the most of it , speak but of 34000 Foot , and 4000 Horse . Aristobulus says , he had not a Fund of above 70 Talents for their Pay , nor more than 30 days Provisions , if we may believe Duris ; and Onesicritus tell us , he was 200 Talents in Debt . However narrow and disproportionable the beginnings of so vast an Undertaking might seem to be , yet he would not embark his Army , till he had inform'd himself particularly , what Estates his Friends had to enable them to follow him , and supplied what they wanted , by giving good Farms to some , a Village to one , and the Revenue of some Borough or Port-Town to another . So that at last he had wasted or engag'd almost all the Crown-Lands , which giving Perdiccas an occasion to ask him , What he would leave himself ? He replied , Nothing but the Hopes of his future Conquests . You will not then , said Perdiccas , take it ill , if we share with you in those Hopes only , and refused to accept of the Estate he had assign'd him . Some others of his Friends did the like , but to those who willingly receiv'd , or desir'd assistance of him , he liberally granted it , as far as his Patrimony in Macedonia would reach , which was all spent in these Donations . With such vigorous Resolutions , and his Mind thus dispos'd , he pass'd the Hellespont , and at Troy Sacrific'd to Minerva , and Honour'd the Memory of the Heroes who were Buried there , with solemn Funeral Libations ; especially Achilles , whose Grave-Stone he Anointed , and with his Friends , as antient Custom was , ran naked about his Sepulchre , and Crown'd it with Garlands , withal declaring , how happy he estee●'d him ▪ in having while he liv'd , so faithful a Friend as Patroclus ; and when he was dead , so famous a Poet as Homer to immortalize his Actions . While he was viewing the rest of the Antiquities and Curiosities of the Place , being told , he might see Paris his Harp if he pleas'd , he said , He thought it not worth looking on , but he should be glad to fee that of Achilles , with which he had celebrated the Glory and Renown'd Actions of so many brave Men. In the mean time Darius his Captains having Martial'd great Forces , were incamp'd on the further Bank of the River Granicus , which was look'd on as so considerable a Pass into Asia , that there was an absolute necessity of Fighting to win it . The depth of the River , with the unevenness and difficult ascent of the oppositite Shore , which was to be gain'd by main force , was apprehended by some ; and others were so Superstitious , as to think it an improper time to engage , because it was unusual for the Kings of Macedonia to march with their Forces in the Month of June . But Alexander broke through these Scruples , telling them , they should call it a second May. And when Parmenio advis'd him not to attempt any thing that day , because it was late , he told him , The Hellespont which he had pass'd would blush for him , if he should be baffled at the passage of an inconsiderable River . And so without more saying , he immediately took the River with 13 Troops of Horse , and advanc'd against whole showers of Darts thrown from the other side , which was cover'd with multitudes of the Enemy , notwithstanding the disadvantage of the Ground , and the rapidity of the Stream ; So that this Action seem'd to have more of Rage and Madness in it , than of prudent Conduct . However he persisted obstinately to gain the Ford , and at last with much ado climbing up the Banks , which were very slippery by reason of the Mud , he was fain to mingle among the thickest of the Enemy , and Fight hand to hand for a while , before he could bring his Men , who were endeavouring still to pass , into any Order . They press'd upon him with loud and warlike Outcries , and charging him closely with their Horse , after they had broken and spent their Javelins , they fell to it with their Swords . And Alexander being remarkable for his Buckler , and a large Plume of excellent white Feathers on his Helmet , was attack'd on all sides , yet escap'd wounding , though his Cuirass was pierc'd by a Javelin in a faulty place . And Rhesaces , and Spithridrates , two Persian Commanders , falling upon him at once , he avoided one of them , and struck at Rhesaces , who had a good Cuirass on , with such force , that his Javelin breaking in his Hand , he was glad to betake himself to his Sword. While they were thus engag'd , Spithridates came up on one side of him , and raising himself upon his Horse , gave him such a Blow with his Battel-Axe on the Helmet , that he cut off the Crest of it , with one side of his Plume , and made such a Gash , that the edge of his Weapon touch'd the very Hair of his Head. But as he was about to repeat his Stroke , Great Clitus prevented him , by running him through the Body with his Spear . At the same time Alexander dispatch'd Rhesaces with his Sword. While the Horse were thus dangerously engag'd , the Macedonian Phalanx pass'd the River , and the Foot on each side advanc'd to Fight . but the Enemy hardly sustaining the first onset , soon gave ground and fled , all but the mercenary Graecians , who making a stand upon a rising Ground , desired quarter , which Alexander guided rather by Passion than Judgment , refused to grant , and charging them himself first , had his Horse ( not Bucephalus but another ) kill'd under him . And this obstinacy of his to cut off these experienc'd desperate Men , cost him the lives of more of his own Soldiers , than all the Battel before , besides those who were wounded . The Persians lost in this Battel 20000 Foot , and 2500 Horse : On Alexander's side , Aristobulus says there was not wanting above 34 , of which 9 were Foot , to whose Memory he caused so many Statues of Brass of Lysippus his Hand to be Erected : And that the Graecians might participate the Fruits of his Victory , he shar'd the Booty among them . Particularly to the Athenians he sent 300 Bucklers , and upon all the rest of the Spoils he ordered this glorious Inscription to be set : Alexander the Son of Philip , and all the Grecians , except the Lacedemonians , won these from the Barbarians who inhabit Asia . All the Plate and Purple Garments , and whatever else of any value he took from the Persians , except a very small quantity reserv'd for himself , he sent as a Present to his Mother . This Battel presently made a great change of Affairs to Alexander's advantage : For Sardis it self , the chief Seat of the Barbarians Power in the Maritime Provinces , and many other considerable Places were Surrendred to him ; only Halicarnassus and Miletus stood , which he soon took in by force , together with the Territory about them . After which he was a little unsettled in his Opinion how to proceed : Sometimes he thought it best to find out Darius as soon as he could , and put all to the hazard of a Battel ; another while he looked upon it as a more prudent course ; to make an entire Conquest of the Sea-Coast , and not to seek the Enemy till he was strengthned , by the addition of the Wealth and Forces of those Provinces . While he was thus deliberating what to do , it hapned that a Fountain near the City of Xanthus in Lycia , of its own accord swell'd over its Banks , and threw up a Copper Plate upon the Shore , in which was Engraven in ancient Characters , That the time would come , when the Persian Empire should be destroyed by the Graecians . Incouraged by this Accident , he proceeded to reduce the Maritime Parts of Cilicia , and Phoenicea , and passed his Army along the Sea-Coasts of Pamphilia with such Expedition , that many Historians have describ'd , and extoll'd it with that height of Admiration , as if it were no less than a Miracle , and an extraordinary effect of Divine Favour , that the Waves which were wont to come rowling in from the Main , and hardly ever leave so much as the Beach under the steep , broken Cliffs at any time uncover'd , should on a sudden retire to afford him passage . Menander , in one of his Comedies , alludes to this wonderful Event , when he says , How this Resembles Alexander's high Exploits ? This Fellow of his own accord is here . Ask him to wade the Sea , and he 'll reply , Ev'n that to him does passable appear . Alexander himself in his Epistles , mentions nothing unusual in this at all , but says , he went from Phaselis , and marched through the Straits , which they call the Ladders . At Phaselis he staid some time , and finding the Statue of Theodectes , who was then Dead , erected in the Market Place , after he had Supp'd , having drank pretty plentifully , he went and Danc'd about it , and Crown'd it with Garlands as it were in sport , Honouring the Memory of his Friend , whose Conversation he had formerly enjoyed , when he was Aristotle's Scholar . Then he subdued the Pisidians who made head against him , and conquered the Phrygians , at whose chief City Gordium , ( which is said to be Seat of Old King Midas ) he saw the famous Chariot fastned with Cords made of the Rind of the Cornel Tree , which whosoever should untie , the Inhabitants had a constant Tradition , that for him was reserv'd the Empire of the World. Most are of Opinion , That Alexander finding himself unable to untie the Knot , because the ends of it were secretly folded up within it , cut it asunder , with his Sword : But Aristobulus tells us , it was easie for him to undo it , by only pulling the Pin out of the Beam which fastned the yoak to it , and afterwards drawing out the yoak it self . From hence he advanced into Paphlagonia and Cappadocia , both which Countries he soon reduc'd to his obedience , and then hearing of the Death of Memnon , one of Darius his best Sea-Commanders , who , if he had lived , might have put a great stop to the progress of his Arms , he was the rather induc'd to carry the War into the upper Provinces of Asia . Darius was by this time upon his March from Susa , very confident , not only in the number of his Men , which amounted to fix hundred thousand , but likewise in a dream which the Magicians interpreted rather in flattery to him , than with any probability of Truth . He dream'd that he saw the Macedonian Phalanx all on fire , and Alexander waiting on him , clad in the same Robe which he used to wear when he was Asgandes to the late King ; after which going into the Temple of Belus , he vanish'd out of his sight . By this dream it was manifest in my opinion , that the Gods design'd to shew him the illustrious Actions the Macedonians were to perform , that as he from an Asgandes had arriv'd at the Crown , so Alexander should come to be Master of Asia , and not long surviving his Conquests , conclude his Life with great Glory and Reputation . Darius his confidence increas'd the more , because Alexander spent so much time in Cilicia , which he imputed to his Cowardice : But it was sickness that detain'd him there , which some say he contracted by taking too much pains , others by Bathing in the River Cydnus , whose Waters were exceeding cold . However it hapned , none of his Physicians would venture to give him any Remedies , they thought his case so desperate , and were so afraid of the censure and ill will of the Macedonians , if they should fail in the Cure ; till Philip the Acarnanian considering his extream danger , and confiding in his Friendship , resolved to try the utmost efforts of his Art , and rather hazard his own Credit and Life , than suffer him to perish for want of Physick , which he confidently administred to him , encouraging him to take it boldly , if he desired a speedy Recovery , in order to prosecute the War. At this very time Parmenio wrote to Alexander from the Camp , bidding him have a care of Philip , as one who was brib'd by Darius to kill him , with great sums of Money , and a promise of his Daughter in Marriage . When he had perus'd the Letter , he put it under his Pillow , without shewing it so much as to any of his most intimate Friends , and when Philip came in with the Potion , he took it with great chearfulness and assurance , withal giving him the Letter to read . This was an encounter well worth being present at , to see Alexander take the draught , and Philip read the Letter at the same time , looking earnestly upon one another , but with different Sentiments ; for Alexander's looks were chearful and open , a demonstration of his kindness to , and confidence in his Physician , while the others were full of surprise at the accusation , appealing to the Gods to witness his Innocence , sometimes lifting up his hands to Heaven , and then throwing himself down by the Bed-side , and beseeching Alexander to lay aside all fear , and rely on his Fidelity . The Medicine at first wrought so strongly with him , that it overcame his Spirits , and brought him so low that he lost his speech , and falling into a Swoon , had scarce any sense or pulse left ; but soon after , by Philip's means , his Health and Strength returned , and he shewed himself in publick to the Macedonians , who were in continual fear and dejection till they saw him abroad again . There was at this time in Darius his Army a Macedonian Fugitive , named Amyntas , one who was pretty well acquainted with Alexander's designs , This Man , when he saw Darius , intended to fall upon the Enemy in the Straits of an inclosed Country , advised him rather to keep where he was , it being the advantage of a numerous Army to have Field room enough , when it ingages with a lesser Force . Darius instead of taking his Counsel , told him , he was afraid the Enemy would endeavour to run away , and so Alexander would escape out of his hands . That Fear , replied Amyntas , is needless , for assure your self that far from avoiding you , he will make all the speed he can to meet you , and is now questionless on his March towards you . But Amyntas his Counsel was to no purpose , for Darius immediately decamped , marched into Cilicia , at the same time that Alexander advanced into Syria to meet him , but missing one another in the Night , they both came back again . Alexander mightily pleased with the Accident , made all the haste he could to fight in the Straits , and Darius to recover his former ground , and draw his Army out of so disadvantageous a place . For now he began to perceive his error in engaging too far into a Country , which , by reason of the Sea , the Mountains , and the River Pindarus running through the midst of it , would necessitate him to divide his Forces , render his Horse almost unserviceable , and only cover and supply the weakness of the Enemy . Fortune was not kinder to Alexander in the situation of the place , than he was carefull to improve it to his advantage : For being much inferiour in numbers , to prevent being inclosed , he stretched his Right Wing much further out than his Left , and Fighting there himself in the very foremost Ranks , put the Barbarians to flight . In this Battel he was wounded in the Thigh by Darius ( as Chares says ) with whom he fought hand to hand . But in the account which he gave Antipater of the Battel , though indeed he owns he was run through the Thigh with a Sword , though not dangerously , yet he takes no notice who it was that wounded him . Nothing was wanting to complete this glorious Victory , which he gain'd at the expence of above an Hundred and ten thousand of his Enemies lives , but the taking the Person of Darius , who escaped very narrowly by flight . However , having taken his Chariot , and his Bow , he returned from pursuing him , and found his own Men busie in pillaging the Barbarians Camp , which , though to disburden themselves , they had left most of their Baggage at Damascus , was exceeding rich . But Darius his Tent , in which were abundance of Officers , a great deal of noble Furniture , and vast quantities of Gold and Silver , they reserved for Alexander himself , who after he had put off his Arms , as he was going to Bathe himself , Let us now , said he , cleanse and refresh our selves after the toils of war , in Darius his own Bath . Not so , replied one of his followers , but in Alexander's rather , for the Goods of the Vanquish'd are , and always ought to be , reputed the Conquerors . Here , when he beheld the Bathing Vessels , the Water Pots , Vials , and Oyntment Boxes all of Gold , curiously wrought , and smelt the fragrant odours with which the whole place was exquisitely perfumed , and from thence passed into another Apartment , large and well pitched , where the Bed , the Table , and the Entertainment were perfectly magnificent , he turned to those about him , and in a kind of transport told them , This is to be a King indeed . But as he was going to Supper , word was brought him that Darius his Mother , and Wife , and two unmarried Daughters , being taken among the rest of the Prisoners , upon the sight of his Chariot and Bow , were all in tears and sorrow , imagining him to be dead . After a little pause , more touched with their affliction than with his own success , he sent Leonatus to them , to let them know Darius was not Dead , and that they need not apprehend any ill usage from Alexander , who made War upon him only for Dominion ; and that they should find themselves as well provided for , as ever they were in Darius his most flourishing condition , when his Empire was entire . This kind message could not but be very welcom to the Captive Ladies , especially being made good by Actions no less humane and generous : For he gave them leave to bury whom they pleased of the Persians , and to make use of what Garments and Furniture they thought fit out of the Booty . He diminished nothing of their Equipage , or of the respect formerly paid them , and allowed larger Pensions for their maintenance , than ever they had before . But the bravest and most Royal Part of their usage , was , that he treated these Illustrious Prisoners according to their Vertue and their Quality , not suffering them to hear , or receive , or so much as to apprehend any thing that was indecent , or to the prejudice of their Honour . So that they seemed rather lodg'd in some Temple , or holy Virgin Cloyster , where they enjoyed their Privicy sacred and uninterrupted ; than in the Camp of an Enemy . Not that he wanted temptation , for Darius his Wife was accounted the beautifullest Princess then living , as her Husband the handsomest and properest man of his time , and the Daughters were no less charming than their Parents : But Alexander esteeming it more glorious to govern himself than to conquer his Enemies , touch'd none of them , nor any other Woman before Marriage , except Barsina , Memnon's Widow , who was taken Prisoner at Damascus . She was very knowing in the Grecian Learning , of a sweet temper , and by her Father Artabazus , Royally descended . Which good qualities added to the sollicitations , and incouragement of Parmenio ( as Aristobulus tells us ) made him the more willing to enjoy so agreable and illustrious a Woman . Of the rest of the Persian Captives , tho' handsom and well proportion'd enough , he took no farther notice than to say merrily that they were great eye-sores . His Temperance and Chastity so much surmounted the effects of their Charms , that they mov'd him no more than so many liveless Statues . And when Philoxenus , his Lieutenant on the Sea coast , wrote to him to know if he would buy two very fine Boys , which one Theodorus a Tarentine had to sell : He was so offended , that he often expostulated with his Friends , what baseness Philoxenus had ever observ'd in him , that he should presume to make him such a reproachful offer ? And immediately wrote him a very sharp Letter , commanding him to dismiss Theodorus , and his vile Merchandize with disgrace . Nor was he less severe to Agnon , who sent him word , he would buy a pretty Corinthian Youth nam'd Crobylus , to present him with . And hearing that Damon and Timotheus , two of Parmenio's Soldiers , had abus'd the Wives of some Strangers who were in his Pay , he wrote to Parmenio , charging him strictly , if he found them guilty , to put them to Death , as Beasts that were good for nothing but to corrupt and ruine Mankind . In the same Letter he added , that he had not so much as seen , or desir'd to see the Wife of Darius , no , nor suffer'd any body to speak of her Beauty before him . He was wont to say , that Sleep , and the Act of Generation chiefly made him sensible that he was Mortal , withal affirming , that Pain and Pleasure proceeded both from the same Frailty and Imbecillity of humane Nature . In his Diet he was most temperate , as appears , omitting many other Circumstances , by what he said to Ada , whom he adopted to be his Mother , and afterwards created Queen of Caria . For when she out of Kindness sent him every day many curious Dishes and Sweet-meats , and would have furnish'd him with such Cooks and Pastry-men as were excellent in their kind : he told her , He wanted none of them , his Praeceptor Leonidas having already given him the best , which were Night-marches to prepare him for his Dinner , and moderate Dinners to create an Appetite for Supper . And that he us'd to open and search the Furniture of his Chamber , and his Wardrobe , to see if his Mother had left him any thing that was nice or superfluous . He was much less addicted to Wine than was generally believ'd ; that which gave People occasion to think so of him , was , that when he had nothing else to do , he lov'd to sit long and discourse , rather than drink , and tell long Stories between every Glass . For when his Affairs call'd upon him , he would not be detain'd as other Generals often were , either by Wine , or Sleep , Nuptial Solemnities , Spectacles , or any other Diversion whatsoever : A convincing Argument of which is , that in the short time he liv'd , he accomplish'd so many and so great Actions . When he was free from Employment , after he was up , and had Sacrifi'd to the Gods , he us'd to sit down to Dinner , and then spend the rest of the day either in Hunting , or writing Memoirs , or composing Differences among his Soldiers , or Reading . In Marches that requir'd no great haste , he would practise Shooting as he went along , or to mount a Chariot , and alight from it in full speed . Sometimes for Sports sake , his Journals tell us , he would go a Fox-Hunting , and Fowling , and when he came home , after he had Bath'd , and was anointed , he would call for his Bakers , and chief Cooks , to know if they had got his Supper ready in good order . He never car'd to Sup till it was pretty late , and was wonderful circumspect at Meals , that every one who sate with him should be serv'd alike . His talkative Humour , as I noted before , made him delight to sit long at Table , and then , though otherwise no Princes Conversation was ever so agreeable , he would fall into such a vein of Ostentation , and Soldierly Bragging , as gave his Flatterers a great advantage to ride him , and made his best Friends and Servants very uneasie . For though they thought it too base to strive who should Flatter him most , yet they found it hazardous not to do it ; so that between the Shame and the Danger , they were in a great strait how to behave themselves . After such an Entertainment , he was wont to Bath , and then perhaps he would Sleep till Noon , and sometimes all day long . He was so very Temperate in his Diet , that when any excellent Fish or Fruits were sent him , he would distribute them among his Friends , and hardly reserve any for his own Eating . His Table however was always Magnificent , the Expence of it still increasing with his good Fortune , till it amounted to 10000 Drachmas a day , to which Sum he limited it ; and beyond this , he would suffer none to lay out in an Entertainment , though he himself were the Guest . After the Battel of Issus , he sent to Damascus to seize upon the Money and Baggage , the Wives and Children of the Persians , of which the Thessalian Horsemen had the greatest share ; for he had taken particular notice of their Gallantry in the Fight , and sent them thither on purpose to make their Reward suitable to their Courage : Not but that the rest of the Army had so considerable part of the Booty , as was sufficient to make the Fortune of every private Soldier . This first gave the Macedonians such a taste of the Persian Wealth , Women , and manner of Living , that they pursued and trac'd it with the same eagerness and ardour , that Hounds do when they are upon a Scent . Alexander before he proceeded any farther , thought it necessary to assure himself of the Sea-Coast . Those who Govern'd in Cyprus , put that Island into his Possession , and all Phoenicia except Tyre was Surrendred to him without a stroke . During the Siege of this City , which with Mounts of Earth cast up , and battering Engines , and 200 Gallies by Sea , was carried on with all imaginable vigour for seven Months together , he chanc'd to Dream , that he saw Hercules upon the Walls , reaching out his Hand , and calling to him . And many of the Tyrians in their Sleep , fancied that Apollo told them , he was displeas'd with their Actions , and was about to leave them , and go over to Alexander . Upon which , as if the God were a Fugitive , they took him in the Fact , chaining his Statue , and nailing it to the Pedestal , withal reproaching him , that he was an Alexandrist , or a Favourer of Alexander's Party . Another time Alexander Dream'd , He saw a Satyr mocking him at a distance , and when he endeavour'd to catch him , he still escap'd from him , till at last , with much perseverance , and running about after him , he got him into his Power . The Soothsayers making two words of Satyros , assur'd him , that in all probability Tyre was as good as his own . The Inhabitants at this time shew the Fountain near which Alexander slept , when he fancied the Satyr appear'd to him . While the Body of the Army lay before Tyre , he made a short Excursion against the Arabians , who inhabit Mount Antilibanus , in which he hazarded his Life extreamly , to bring off his Master Lysimachus , who would needs go along with him , bragging he was neither older , nor inferior in Courage to Phoenix Achilles , his Tutor , whose Name he affected to bear . For when quitting their Horses , they march'd up the Hill on foot , the rest of the Soldiers out-went them a great deal , so that Night drawing on , and the Enemy near , Alexander was fain to stay behind so long , to encourage and help up the lagging , tir'd old Man , that before he was aware , he was gotten a great way from his Army with a slender attendance , and forc'd to pass an extream cold Night in the dark , and in a very ill place . Till seeing a great many scattered Fires of the Enemy at some distance , and trusting to his Agility of Body , and constant Indefatigableness , with which he was wont to relieve and support the Macedonians in their Distress , he ran strait to one of the nearest Fires , and with his Dagger dispatching two of the Barbarians that sate by it , snatch'd up a lighted Brand , and return'd with it to his own Men , who immediately made a great Fire , which so terrified the Enemy , that most of them fled , and those that assaulted them were soon routed , by which means they lodg'd securely the rest of the Night . Thus Chares gives an account of this Action . But to return to the Siege , it had this Issue : Alexander that he might refresh his Army , harass'd with many former Encounters , drew out a small Party , rather to keep the Enemy upon Duty , than with any prospect of much Advantage . It happen'd at this time , that Aristander , after he had sacrific'd , upon view of the Intrails , affirm'd confidently to those who stood by , that the City should be certainly taken that very Month , which made them laugh at , and mock him exceedingly , because that was the last day of it . But the King taking notice of his Perplexity , and emulous Zeal , ever ambitious to have his Predictions take place , commanded they should not account that the 30th , but the 3d day of the expiring Month , and ordering the Trumpets to sound , attack'd the Walls with more Fury than he at first intended . The briskness of the Assault so inflam'd the rest of his Forces who were left in the Camp , that they could not hold from advancing to second it , which they perform'd with so much Vigour , that the Tyrians retir'd , and the Town was carried that very day . The next Place he sate down before was Gaza , the Metropolis of Syria , where this Accident befel him , A great Fowl flying over him , let a Clod of Earth fall upon his Soulder , and then settling upon one of the battering Engines , was suddenly intangled and caught in the Nets composed of Sinews , which protected the Ropes with which the Machine was manag'd . This fell out exactly according to Aristander's Prediction , which was , that Alexander should be wounded , and the City reduc'd . From hence he sent great part of the Spoils to Olympias , Cleopatra , and the rest of his Friends , not omitting his Praeceptor Leonidas , on whom he bestowed five hundred Talents worth of Frankincense , and an hundred of Myrrh ; prompted to it by the remembrance of his forward hopes of him , when he was but a Child . For Leonidas , it seems , standing by him one day while he was sacrificing , and seeing him take both his hands full of Gums to throw into the Fire , told him , it became him to be more sparing in his Offerings then , and not be so profuse till he was Master of the Countries , where those sweet Gums and Spices were produc'd . Upon this account , Alexander wrote him word , he had sent him a large quantity of Myrrh and Frankincense , that for the future he might not be so niggardly to the Gods. Among the Treasures and other Booty that was taken from Darius , there was a very curious little Box , which being presented to Alexander for a great Rarity , he ask'd those about him what they thought fittest to be laid up in it ; and when they had delivered their opinions , he told them he esteem'd nothing so worthy to be preserv'd in it as Homer's Iliads . This passage is attested by many credible Authors , and if what those of Alexandria , relying upon the credit of Heraclides , tell us be true ; Homer was neither an idle , nor an unprofitable Companion to him in his expedition . For when he was Master of Aegypt , designing to settle a Colony of Grecians there , he resolv'd to build a large and populous City , and give it his own Name . In order to which , after he had measur'd and stak'd out the Ground , with with the advice of the best Workmen , he chanc'd one Night in his sleep to see a wonderful Vision : A gray-headed Old Man , of a venerable Aspect , appear'd to stand by him , and pronounce these Verses , Girt with the surging Main , there lies an Isle , Not far from Egypt , which they Pharos stile . Alexander upon this immediately rose up and went to Pharos , which at that time was an Island lying a little above the Canobique Mouth of the River Nilus , tho' it be now joyn'd to the Continent by a straight Causey . As soon as he saw the commodious scituation of the place , it being a long neck of Land , of a proportionable breadth , having a great Lake on one side , and the Sea on the other ; at the end of it making a spacious Hrrbour , he said , Homer , besides his other Excellencies , was a very good Architect , and ordered the Plot of a City to be drawn answerable to the place . To do which , for want of Chalk , the Soil being black , they set out their Lines with Flower , taking in a pretty large compass of ground in a circular Figure ; the inside of whose circumference was equally terminated by Right Lines like the edges of a Cloak . While he was pleasing himself with his design , on a sudden an infinite number of great Birds , of several kinds , rising like a black Cloud out of the River , and the Lake , devoured all the Flower that was used in setting out the Lines ; at which , Omen Alexander was much troubled , till the Augur's incouraging him again , by telling him , It was a sign , the City he was about to build , would not only abound in all things within it self , but also be the Nurse of many Nations ; he commanded the Workmen to proceed , while he went to visit the Temple of Jupiter Hammon . This was a long , painful , and dangerous Journey in two respects : First , if their Provision of Water should fail in so wide a Desart : And Secondly , If a violent South-Wind should rise upon them , while they were Travelling through the deep gaping Sands , as it did heretofore upon Cambyses his Army , blowing the Sands together in heaps , and then rowling it in Waves upon his Men , till 50000 were swallowed up and destroyed by it . All these difficulties were weighed and represented to him ; but Alexander was not easily to be diverted from any thing he was bent upon : For Fortune having hitherto seconded him in his designs , made him resolute and firm in his Opinions , and the greatness of his Mind raised a confidence in him of surmounting almost invincible difficulties ; as if it were not enough to be always victorious in the Field , unless Places , and Seasons , and Nature her self submitted to him . In this Voyage , the Relief and Assistance the Gods afforded him in his Distresses , were more wonderful and worthy of belief , than the Oracles he received afterwards , which were valued and credited the more upon this occasion : For first , the plentiful Rains that fell preserv'd them from perishing by drought , and allaying the extreme driness of the Sand , which now became moist and firm to Travel on , clear'd and purified the Air. Besides this , when they were out of their way , and were wandring up and down , by reason the marks which were wont to direct the Guides were disordered and lost , they were set right again by some Ravens who flew before them in their March , and would wait for those who lagg'd or were left behind . But the greatest Miracle , as Calisthenes tells us , was , That if any of the Company went astray in the Night , they never left croking and making a noise , till by that means they had brought them into the right way again . Having passed through the Wilderness they came to the City , where the High-Priest , at the first salute bade Alexander welcom from his Father Ammon : And being ask'd by him whether any of his Father's Murderers had escaped punishment , he charg'd him to speak with more respect , for his Father was not Mortal . Then Alexander more plainly desired to know of him , if any of those who murder'd Philip were yet unpunish'd , and further concerning Dominion , whether the Empire of the World was reserv'd for him ? This the God answered he should obtain , and that Philip's Death was fully reveng'd ; which gave him so much satisfaction , that he made splendid Offerings to Jupiter , and gave the Priests very rich Presents . This is the substance of what Answers he receiv'd from the Oracle : Although Alexander in a Letter to his Mother tells her , there were some secret Predictions , which , at his return , he would communicate to her only . Others say , That the Priest , desirous to express himself more kindly , and to call him in the Greek Tongue Paidion , which signifies my Son , to avoid the barbarism as he thought of the N , used the S instead of it , and said Paidios , or Son of Jupiter , which mistake of his Speech , Alexander was well enough pleas'd with , and it went for currant , that the Oracle had call'd him so . Among the Sayings of one Psammon a Philosopher , whom he heard in Aegypt , he most approved of this , That all Men are govern'd by God , because in every thing that which is Chief and Commands is Divine . But what he pronounc'd himself upon this Subject , was more like a Philosopher ; for he said , God was the common Father of us all , but more particularly of Good Men. To the Barbarians he carried himself very insolently , as if he were fully perswaded of his Divine Original ; but to the Grecians more moderately , and with less affectation of Divinity : Except it were writing to the Athenians concerning Samos , where he tells them , they held not that free and glorious City by vertue of his Gift , but from the Bounty of him , who , at that time , was call'd his Lord and Father , meaning Philip. However , afterwards being wounded with an Arrow , and feeling much pain , he turn'd to those about him , and told them , it was common Humane Blood that fell from him , and not the Ichor , Such as th' Immortal Gods were wont to shed . And another time when it Thundred so much that every body was afraid , and Anaxarchus the Sophist ask'd him , if he who was Jupiter's own Son were so too ? Yes , that I am , answer'd Alexander laughing , for I would not be formidable to my Friends , as you would have me be , who despis'd my Table for being furnish'd with Fish , and not with the Heads of Governors of Provinces . For it is certain , That Anaxarchus seeing a Present of small Fishes which the King sent to Hephaestion , did express himself to this purpose , to shew his contempt and derision of those who take mighty pains and run desperate hazards in pursuit of great matters , and yet after all , if we examine things closely , have little more of Pleasure or Enjoyment than other People . For what I have said upon this Subject , it is apparent that Alexander in himself was not foolishly affected , or had the Vanity to think himself really a God , but his Followers were captivated with an overweaning opinion of his Divinity . At his return out of Aegypt into Phoenicia , he Sacrific'd and made solemn Processions , to which were added circular Dances and Acting of Tragedies , whose splendor appear'd not only in the Furniture and Ornaments , but in the noble Zeal and Contention of those who acted them . For no less Persons than two Kings of Cyprus were at the charge of them , in the same manner as it is perform'd at Athens by those who are chosen by Lot out of the Tribes . And indeed they strove with wonderful emulation to out-vie each other : Chiefly Nicocreon King of Salamis , and Pasicrates of Soli , who were appointed to furnish and defray the expence of Athenodorus and Thessalus , two of the most celebrated Actors of that Age. Thessalus was most favour'd by Alexander , though it appear'd not till Athenodorus was declar'd Victor by the plurality of Suffrages . For then at his going away , he said the Judges deserv'd to be commended for what they had done , but that he would willingly have lost part of his Kingdom , rather than to have seen Thessalus overcome . However , when he understood Athenodorus was Fin'd by the Athenians , for being absent at the Festivals celebrated in Honour of Bacchus , tho' he refus'd his request of Writing in his behalf ; yet he was so generous as to give him wherewithal to satisfie the Penalty . Another time Lycon of Scarphia happened to Act with great Applause in the Theatre , and in a Verse inserted in his part , cunningly begg'd Ten Talents of Alexander ; who was so pleas'd with his Ingenuity , that he freely gave him the Money . About this time Darius wrote to him , and his Friends to intercede with him to accept 10000 Talents , as a Ransom for what Prisoners he had in his hands : And to purchase his Amity and Alliance , offer'd him all the Countries on this side the River Euphrates , together with one of his Daughters in Marriage . These Propositions he communicated to his Friends , and when Parmenio told him , that for his part , if he were Alexander , he should readily embrace them ; So would I too you may be sure , said the King , if I were Parmenio . Accordingly his Answer to Darius was , That if he would yield himself up into his Power , he would treat him with all imaginable Kindness , if not , he was resolv'd immediately to advance towards him . But the Death of Darius his Wife in Child-birth , made him soon after repent of this Resolution , not without evident marks of Grief , for being so depriv'd of a further opportunity of exercising his Clemency and good Nature , which he shew'd to the last , by the great Expence he was at in her Funeral . Among the Eunuchs who waited in the Queen's Chamber , and were taken Prisoners with the Women , there was one Tyreus , who getting out of the Camp , fled away on Horseback to Darius , to inform him of his Wives Death ; which , as soon as he heard , he could not forbear beating his Head , and bursting forth into Tears with lamentable Outcries , said , Alas ! how great is the Calamity of the Persians ? Was it not enough that their Kings Consort and Sister was a Prisoner in her Life-time , but she must , now she is dead also , be but meanly and obscurely Buried ? Oh Sir , replied the Eunuch , As to her Interment , or any Respect or Decency , that was omitted at it , you have not the least reason to accuse the ill Fortune of your Country ; for to my knowledge , neither your Queen Statira when alive , or your Mother or Children , wanted any thing of their former happy Condition , unl●ss it were the light of your Countenance , which I doubt not but the mighty Oromasdes will yet restore with greater Splendor and Glory than ever : and after her Decease , I assure you , she had not only all due Funeral Ornaments , but was honour'd also with the Tears of your very Enemies ; for Alexander is as merciful and gentle after Victory , as he is daring and terrible in the Field . At the hearing of these words , such was the Grief and Emotion of Darius his Mind , that although there was not the least ground for them , he could not chuse but entertain some absurd Suspicions . For taking Tyreas aside into a more private Apartment in his Tent : Unless thou likewise , said he to him , hast deserted me , together with the good Fortune of Persia , and art become a Macedonian in thy Heart ; if thou bearest me yet any Respect , and ownest me for thy Soveraign Darius , Tell me , I charge thee , by the Veneration thou payest the Deity of * Mithras , and this Right Hand of the King : Do I not lament the least of Statira's Misfortunes in her Captivity and Death ? Have I not suffer'd something more injurious and deplorable in her Life-time ? And had I not been miserable with less dishonour , if I had met with a more severe and inhumane Enemy ? For how is it possible a young Man as he is , should treat the Wife of Darius with so much Generosity , without passing the Bounds of a virtuous Conversation ? Whilst he was yet speaking , Tyreus threw himself at his Feet , and besought him neither to wrong Alexander so much , nor his Dead Wife and Sister , as to harbour such unjust thoughts , which depriv'd him of the only Consolation he was capable of in his Adversity , in a firm belief that he was overcome by a Man , whose Virtues rais'd him far above the pitch of human Nature . That he ought to look upon Alexander with Love and Admiration , who had given no less Proofs of his Continence towards the Persian Women , than of his Valour among the Men. The Eunuch confirm'd all he said with solemn , horrid Oaths , and was farther enlarging himself in the description of Alexander's Moderation and Magnanimity upon other occasions : When Darius , not able to contain himself any longer , broke from him into the next Room , where before all his Courtiers he lifted up his Hands to Heaven , and utter'd this Prayer . Ye Gods , said he , who are the Authors of our Being , and supreme Directors of Kingdoms ; above all things , I beg of you to restore the declining Affairs of Persia , that I may leave them at least in as flourishing a condition as I found them , and have it in my Power to make some grateful Returns to Alexander , for the Kindness which in my Adversity he has shew'd to those who are dearest to me . But if indeed the fatal Time be come , which is to give a Period to the Persian Monarchy ; if our Ruine be a Debt that must be inevitably paid to the Divine Vengeance , and the Vicissitude of Things : Then I beseech you grant , that no other Man but Alexander may sit upon the Throne of Cyrus . The truth of these Passages is attested by most Writers . But to return to Alexander , after he had reduc'd all Asia , on this side the Euphrates , he advanc'd towards Darius , who was coming down against him with a Million of Men. In his March , a very ridiculous Passage happened . The Servants who follow'd the Camp , for Sports-sake divided themselves into two Parties , and nam'd the Commander of one of them Alexander , and of the other Darius . At first they only pelted one another with Clods of Earth , and after fell to Fisty-cuffs , till at last , heated with the Skirmish , they fought in good earnest with Stones and Clubs , so that they had much ado to part them , till Alexander order'd the two Captains to decide the Quarrel by single Combat , and arm'd him who bore his Name himself , while Philotas did the same to him who represented Darius . The whole Army were Spectators of this Encounter , with Minds prepar'd from the Event of it , to make a Judgment of their own future Success . After they had fought stoutly a pretty while , at last he who was call'd Alexander had the better , and for a Reward of his Prowess , had 12 Villages given him , with leave to vest himself after the Persian Mode . Thus we are inform'd by the Writings of Eratosthenes . But the great Battel of all that was fought with Darius , was not as most Writers tell us , at Arbela , but at Gausamela , which in their Language signifies the Camels House , forasmuch as one of their ancient Kings , having escap'd the pursuit of his Enemies on a swift Camel , in gratitude to his Beast , settled him at this place , with an allowance of certain Villages and Rents for his maintenance . It came to pass , that in the month * Boedromion , about the beginning of the Feast of Mysteries at Athens , there happen'd an Eclipse of the Moon , the 11th Night after which , the two Armies being then in view of one another , Darius kept his Men in Arms , and by Torch-light took a general Review of them . But Alexander , while his Soldiers slept , spent the night before his Tent , with his Diviner Aristander , performing certain mysterious Ceremonies , and sacrificing to Apollo . In the mean while the eldest of his Commanders , and chiefly Parmenio , when they beheld all the Plain between the River Niphates , and the Gordyaean Mountains , shining with the Lights and Fires which were made by the Barbarians , and heard the rude and confus'd Voices out of their Camp , the terror and noise of which resembled the roaring of a vast Ocean , they were so amaz'd at the thoughts of such a multitude , that after some Conference among themselves , they concluded it an Enterprize too difficult and hazardous for them to engage so numerous an Enemy in the Day , and therefore meeting the King as he came from Sacrificing , besought him to attack Darius by Night , that the Darkness might conceal the Horror and Danger of the ensuing Battel . To this he gave them the so celebrated Answer , That he would not steal a Victory : Which though some may think childish and vain , as if he play'd with Danger , yet others look upon it as an evidence that he confided in his present Condition , and made a true Judgment of the future , in not leaving Darius , in case he were worsted , so much as a pretence of trying his Fortune any more ; which he would certainly do , if he could impute his Overthrow to the disadvantage of the Night , as he did before to the Mountains , the narrow Passages , and the Sea. For it was not to be imagin'd , that he who had still such Forces and large Dominions left , should give over the War for want of Men or Arms , till he had first lost all Courage and Hope , by the conviction of an undeniable and manifest Defeat . After they were gone from him with this Answer , he laid himself down in his Tent , and slept the rest of the Night soundlier than he was wont to do , to the astonishment of the Commanders , who came to him early in the Morning , and were fain themselves to give order that the Soldiers should Dine . But at last , time not giving them leave to wait any longer , Parmenio went to his Bed-side , and call'd him twice or thrice by his Name , till he wak'd him , and then ask'd him , How it was possible when he was to fight the most important Battel of all , he could sleep so securely , as if he were already Victorious . So I am , said Alexander , smiling , since I am now no more put to the trouble of wandring after , and pursuing Darius , as long as he pleases to decline Fighting , in a Country of so large extent , and so wasted . And not only before the Engagement , but likewise in the extreamest danger of it , he shew'd the greatness of his Courage in Action , and the solidity of his Judgment in Counsel . For the left Wing which Parmenio commanded , was so violently charg'd by the Bactrian Horse , that it was disorder'd , and forc'd to give Ground , at the same time that Mazeus had sent a Party round about to fall upon those who guarded the Baggage , which so disturb'd Parmenio , that he sent Messengers to acquaint Alexander , that the Camp and Baggage would be all lost , unless he immediately reliev'd the Rear , by a considerable Reinforement drawn out of the Front. This Message being brought him Just as he was giving the Signal to those about him for the Onset , he bade them tell Parmenio , That sure he was mad , and had lost the use of his Reason , and that the Consternation he was in , had made him forget , that Conquerors always become Masters of their Enemies Baggage ; whereas those who were defeated , instead of taking care of their Wealth or their Slaves , had nothing more to do , but to fight gallantly , and die with Honour . When he had said this , he put on his Helmet , having the rest of his Arms on before he came out of his Tent , which were a short Coat of the Sicilian fashion , girt close about him , and over that a Breast-piece of Linnen often folded and plaited , which was taken among other Booty at the Battel of Issus . The Helmet which was made by Theophilus , though of Iron was so well wrought and polish'd , that it was as bright as the most refin'd Silver . To this was fitted a Gorget of the same metal , set with precious stones . His Sword , which was the weapon he most us'd in Fight , was given him by the King of the Citieans , and was of an admirable temper and lightness . But the Belt which he wore also in all Engagements , was of much richer Workmanship than the rest of his Armour ; it was made by old Helicon , and presented him by the Rhodians , as a mark of their Respect to him . When-ever he drew up his Men , or rode about to give Orders , or instruct , or view them , he favour'd Bucephalus by reason of his Age , and made use of another Horse ; but when he was to fight , he sent for him again , and as soon as he was mounted , presently fell upon the Enemy . After he had made a long Oration to the Thessalians , and the rest of the Graecians , who encourag'd him with loud Outcries , desiring to be led on to the Charge , he shifted his Javeling into his left Hand , and with his right lifted up towards Heaven , besought the Gods , that if he was of a truth the Son of Jupiter , they would be pleas'd to assist and strengthen the Graecians . At the same time the Augur Aristander , who had a white Mantle about him , and a Crown of Gold on his Head , rode by , and shew'd them an Eagle that soar'd just over Alexander , and directed his flight towards the Enemy ; which so animated the Beholders , that after mutual Encouragements and Exhortations , the Horse charg'd at full speed , and were vigourously seconded by the Foot. But before they could well come to Blows with the first Ranks , the Barbarians shrunk back , and were hotly pursued by Alexander , who drave those that fled before him into the middle of the Battel , where Darius himself was in Person , whom he saw over the foremost Ranks , conspicuous in the midst of his Life-Guard ; for he was an handsom , proper Man , and drawn in a lofty Chariot , defended by abundance of the best Horse , who stood close in order about it , ready to receive the Enemy . But Alexander's approach was so terrible , forcing those who gave back , upon those who yet maintain'd their Ground , that he beat down and dispers'd them almost all , but a few of the bravest and valiantest , who were slain in their King's presence , falling in heaps upon one another , and in the very pangs of Death striving by catching hold of the Men and Horses , to stop the Macedonians pursuit . Darius now seeing all was lost , that those who were plac'd in Front to defend him were broken , and beat back upon him , that he could not turn or disengage his Chariot without great difficulty , the Wheels were so clogg'd and intangled among the dead Bodies which lay in such heaps , as not only stopt , but almost cover'd the Horses , and made them bound , and grow so unruly , that the frighted Charioter could govern them no longer : In this extremity he was glad to quit his Chariot and his Arms , and mounting , as they say , upon a Mare that had newly foal'd , betook himself to flight . But he had not escap'd so neither , if Parmenio had not sent fresh Messengers to Alexander , to desire him to return , and assist him against a considerable Body of the Enemy which yet stood together , and would not give ground ▪ Upon this Parmenio was on all hands accus'd of Dulness and Sloth , whether Age had impair'd his Courage , or that , as Callisthenes says , he inwardly griev'd at and envied his Masters growing Greatness . Alexander though he was not a little vex'd to be so recall'd , and hindred from pursuing his Victory , yet conceal'd the true Reason from his Men , and causiing a Retreat to be sounded , as if it were too late to continue the Execution any longer , march'd back towards the place of danger , and by the way met with the News of the Enemies total overthrow and flight . This Battel being thus over , seem'd to put a period to the Persian Empire ; and Alexander who was now proclaim'd King of Asia , return'd thanks to the Gods in magnificent Sacrifices , and rewarded his Friends and Followers with great sums of Mony , and Palaces , and Governments of Provinces . To ingratiate himself with the Grecians , he wrote to them , that he would have all Tyrannies abolish'd , that they might live free according to their own Laws , more particularly to the Plataeans , that their City should be reedified , because their Ancestors permitted their Countrymen to make their Territories the Seat of the War , when they fought with the Babarians for their common Liberty . He sent also part of the Spoils into Italy , to the Crotonians , to honour the Zeal and Courage of their Citizen Phaylus the Wrestler , who in the Median War , when the other Grecian Colonies in Italy disown'd Greece ; that he might have a share in the danger , joyn'd the Fleet at Salamis , with a Vessel set forth at his own charge . So affectionate was Alexander to all kind of Virtue , and so desirous to preserve the memory of laudable Actions . From hence he march'd through the Province of Babylon , which immediately submitted to him , and in that of Ecbatane was mightyly surpris'd to see Fire continually break like a spring out of a cleft of the Earth ; and not far from that a Foutain of Naptha , which stagnated in great abundance . This Naptha , in other respects resembling Bitumen , is so subject to take fire , that before it touches the flame , it will kindle at the very light that surrounds it , and often inflame the interjacent Air also . The Barbarians , to shew the Power and Nature of it , sprinkled the street that led to the Kings Lodgings with little drops of this Liquor , and when it was almost night , stood at the further end with Torches , which being applied to the moistned Places , the first presently taking fire , in less than a minute it caught from one end to the other , in that manner , that the whole Sreet was but one continued flame . Among those who us'd to wait on the King when he anointed and wash'd himself , and divert his Mind with pleasant discourses , there was one Athenophanes , an Athenian , who desired him to make an Experiment of the Naptha upon Stephanus , who stood by in the Bathing place , a very ugly ridiculous Youth , whose Talent was Singing well : For , said he , if it take hold of him and cannot be quenched , it must undeniably be allow'd to be of great and invincible strength . The Youth readily consented to undergo the Tryal , and as soon as he was anointed and rubb'd with it , his whole Body broke out into such a flame , and was so seiz'd by the fire , that Alexander was exceedingly perplex'd and concern'd for him , and not without Reason ; for nothing could have prevented his being consum'd by it , if by good chance there had not been People at hand with a great many Vessels of Water for the service of the Bath , with all which , they had much ado to extinguish the Fire ; and his Body was so burn'd all over , that he was not our'd of it a good while after . Not absurdly therefore do they endeavour to reconcile the Fable to Truth , who say , this was the Drug mention'd by the Poets , with which Medea anointed the Crown and Veil which she gave to Creon's Daughter . For neither the things themselves , nor the fire could kindle of its own accord , but being prepar'd for it by the Naptha , they imperceptibly attracted and caught the flame : For the rays and emanations of Fire , at a distance , have no other effect upon some bodies , than bare light and heat ; but in others , where they meet with aiery dryness , and also sufficient fat moisture , they collect themselves and soon prey upon and alter the matter . However , the production of Naptha admits of divers opinions : * Whether this liquid Substance that feeds the flame , does not rather proceed from a Soil that is unctuous and productive of Fire , as that of the Province of Babylon is , where the Ground is so very hot , that oftentimes the Grains of Barly leap up , and are thrown out , as if the violent Inflammation had given the Earth a pulse : And in extreme heats , the Inhabitants are wont to sleep upon Skins fill'd with Water . Harpalus , who was left Governor of this Country , and was desirous to adorn the Palace , Gardens , and Walks with Grecian Plants , succeeded in the raising of all but Ivy , which the Earth would not bear , but constantly kill'd : For being a Plant that loves a cold Soil , the temper of that mold , which was violently hot , was improper for it . Such digressions as these , the nicest Readers may endure , provided they are not too tedious . At the taking of Susa , Alexander found in the Palace 40000 Talents in Money ready coyn'd , besides an unspeakable quantity of other Furniture and Treasure ; amongst which was 5000 Talents worth of Hermionique Purple , that had been laid up there an hundred and ninety nine Years , and yet kept its colour as fresh and lively as at first . The reason of which they say , is that in Dying the Purple they made use of Honey , and of white Oyl in the white Tincture , both which being of equal Age , still preserv'd their lustre clean and refulgent . Dimon also relates , That the Kings of Persia had Water fetch'd them from the Nile and the Danubius , which they laid up in their Treasuries , using it as an Argument of the Greatness of their Power and Universal Empire . But the entrance into Persia being very difficult , by reason of the enevenness of the Ways , and that the Passes to secure Darius , who was retired thither , were guarded by the best of his Forces , Alexander happened upon a Guide exactly correspondent to what the Pythia had foretold when he was a Child ; That a Lycian should conduct him in his Journey into Persia ; for by such an one , whose Father was a Lycian , and his Mother a Persian , and who spoke both Languages , he was led into the Country by a way something about , yet without fetching any considerable compass . Here a great many of the Prisoners were put to the Sword , of which himself gives this account ; That he commanded them to be kill'd , out of an apprehension it would be advantageous to his Affairs : Nor was his Booty in Money less here than at Susa , besides other Moveables and Treasure , as much as 10000 pair of Mules and 5000 Camels could well carry away . When Alexander saw a vast Statue of Xerxes thrown down on a sudden , by the multitudes of Solers that broke into the Palace ; he stood still , and accosting it as if it had been alive ; Shall we , said he , neglectfully pass thee by , now thou art prostrate on the Ground , because thou once invadest Greece , or shall we erect thee again , in consideration of the Greatness of thy Mind and thy other Vertues ? But at last , after he had paus'd a pretty while , he went on without taking any further notice of it . In this place he took up his Winter-Quarters , and staid four Months to refresh his Soldiers . The first time he sate on the Royal Throne of Persia , under a Canopy of Gold , Demaratus the Corinthian , a well-wisher to Alexander , and one of his Father's Friends wept , Good Old Man , and deplor'd the misfortune of the Grecians , that by Death were depriv'd of the satisfaction to see Alexander Seated on Darius his Throne . From hence designing to march against Darius , before he set out , he diverted himself with his Officers at an Entertainment of Drinking , and other Pastimes , and indulg'd so far as to have every one his Mistress sit by and drink with them . The most celebrated of them was Thais an Athenian , Ptolomy's Mistriss , who was afterwards King of Aegypt . She sometimes cunningly prais'd Alexander , sometimes play'd upon him and rally'd him , and all the while drank so freely that at last she fell to talk extravagantly , as those of her Country us'd to do , much above her Character or Condition . She said it was indeed some recompence for the pains she had taken in following the Camp all over Asia , that she was that day Treated in , and could insult over the stately Palace of the Persian Monarchs : But she added , it would please her much better , if while the King look'd on , she might in sport , with her own hands , set fire to Xerxes his Court , who reduc'd the City of Athens to Ashes ; that it might be recorded to Posterity , that the Women who follow'd Alexander , had taken a sharper Revenge on the Persians for the Sufferings and Affronts of Greece , than all his Commanders could do by Sea or Land. What she said , was receiv'd with such universal liking , and murmurs of Applause , and so seconded by the incouragement and eagerness of the Company , that the King himself perswaded to be of the Party , if arted from his Seat , and with a Chaplet of Flowers on his Head , and a lighted Torch in his Hand , led them the way , who went after him in a Riotous manner , Dancing , and making loud noises about the place : Which , when the rest of the Macedonians perceiv'd , they also , with all the Joy imaginable ran thither with Torches ; for they hop'd the burning and destruction of the Royal Palace , was an Argument that he look'd homeward , and had no design to reside among the Barbarians . Thus some Writers give an account of this Action , and others say , it was done deliberately ; however all agree that he soon repented of it , and gave order to put out the fire . Alexander was naturally very munificent , and grew more so as his Fortune increas'd , accompanying what he gave with that courtesie and freedom , which , to speak truth , is absolutely necessary to make a Benefit really obliging . I will give you a few Instances of this kind . Ariston , the Captain of the Paeonians , having kill'd an Enemy , brought his Head to shew him , and told him , That among them such a Present was recompens'd with a Cup of Gold. With an empty one , said Alexander , smiling , but I drink to you in this full of Wine , which I give you . Another time , as one of the common Soldiers was driving a Mule laden with some of the King's Treasure , the Beast tir'd , and the Soldier took it upon his own Back , and began to March with it , till Alexander seeing the Fellow so overcharg'd , ask'd what was the matter , and when he was inform'd , just as he was ready to lay down his Burthen for weariness : Do not faint now , said he to him , but keep on the rest of your way , and carry what you have there , to your own Tent for your self . He was always more displeas'd with those who would not accept of what he gave , than with those who continually begg'd of him . And therefore he wrote to Phocion , That he should not take him for his Friend any longer , if he refus'd his Presents . Nor would he ever give any thing to Serapion , one of the Youths that play'd at Ball with him , because he did not ask of him , till one day it coming to Serapion's Turn to play , he still threw the Ball to others , and when the King ask'd him , Why he did not direct it to him ? Because you did not desire it , said he ; which Answer pleas'd him so , that he was very liberal to him afterwards . One Proteas , a pleasant , drolling , drinking Fellow , having incurr'd his Displeasure , got his Friends to intercede for him , and begg'd his Pardon himself with Tears , which at last prevail'd , and Alexander declar'd he was Friends with him . I cannot believe it , Sir , said Proteas , unless you give me some pledge of your Reconciliation . The King understood his meaning , and presently order'd him to receive five Talents . How generous he was in enriching his Friends , and those who attended on his Person , appears by a Letter which Olympias wrote to him , where she tells him , He should reward and honour those about him in a more moderate way ; for now , said she , you make them all equal to Kings , you give them power and opportunity to improve their own Interest , by obliging of many to them , and in the mean time do not consider , that you leave your self bare and destitute . She often wrote to him to this purpose , and he never communicated her Letters to any body , unless it were one which he open'd when Hephestion was by , whom he permitted to read it along with him ; but then , as soon as he had done , he took off his Ring , and clapp'd the Seal upon his Lips. Mazeus , who was the most considerable Man in Darius his Court , had a Son who was already Governour of a very good Province ; but Alexander would needs bestow another upon him that was better , which he modestly refus'd , and withal told him , Instead of one Darius , he went the way to make many Alexanders . To Parmenio he gave Bagoas his House , in which he found a Wardrobe of Apparel worth more thau 1000 Susian Talents . He wrote to Antipater , commanding him to keep a Life-guard about him , for the security of his Person against Conspitacies . And to his Mother he was very grateful , sending her many Presents , but would never suffer her to meddle with matters of State or War , not indulging her busie Temper ; and ▪ when she fell out with him upon this account , he bore her ill Humour very patiently . Nay more , when he read a long Letter from Antipater , full of Accusations against her : I wonder , said he , Antipater s●ould not know , that one Tear of a Mother effaces a thousand such Letters as these . But when he perceiv'd his Favorites grow so luxurious and extravagant in their way of Living and Expences ; that Agnon the T●ian , wore silver Nails in his Shoes ; that Leonatus employ'd several Camels , only to bring him Powder out of Aegypt , to use when he Wrestl'd ; and that Philotas had Toyls to take wild Beasts , that reach'd 12500 paces in length ; that more us'd precious Oyntments than plain Oyl when they went to bathe , and that they had Servants every where with them , to rub them and wait upon them in their Chambers : he reprov'd them with great mildness and discretion , telling them , he wondred that they who had been engaged in so many signal Battels , should not know by experience , that Labour and Industry made People sleep more sweetly and soundly than Laziness ; and that if they compar'd the Persians manner of Living with their own , they would be convinc'd it was the most abject , slavish condition in the World to be effeminate and voluptuous , but the most generous and becoming a Great Man to take pains . Besides he reason'd with them ; how it was possible for any one who pretended to be a Soldier , either to look well after his Horse , or to keep his Armour bright and in good order , who thought much to let his Hands be serviceable to what was nearest to him , his own Body . Are ye still to learn , said he , the End and Perfection of our Victories is to avoid the Vices and Infirmities of those whom we subdue ? And to strengthen his Precepts by Example , he applied himself now more vigorously than ever to Hunting and Warlike Expeditions , readily embracing all opportunities of Hardship and Danger ; insomuch that old Lacon , who chanc'd to be by , when he encounter'd with , and master'd an huge Lyon , told him , He had put his Empire in Competition , and had fought gallantly with the Beast , which of the two should be King. Craterus caus'd a Representation of this Adventure , consisting of the Lyon and the Dogs , of the King engag'd with the Lyon , and himself coming in to his assistance , all express'd in Figures of Brass , some of which were made by Lysippus , and the rest by Leochares , to be dedicated to the Temple of Apollo at Delphos . In this manner did Alexander expose his Person to Danger , whilst he both inur'd himself , and incited others to the performance of brave and vertuous Actions . But his Followers who were grown rich , and consequently proud , long'd to indulge themselves in Pleasure and Idleness , and were perfectly weary of the Toyls and Inconveniencies of War , and by degrees came to be so impudently ungrateful , as to censure and speak ill of him behind his back . All which at first he bore very patiently , saying , It became a King well , to do good to others , and be evil spoken of . But to descend to some Instances of an inferiour nature , it is certain , that in the least demonstrations of Kindness to his Friends , there was still a great mixture of Tenderness and Respect . Hearing Peucestes was bitten by a Bear , he wrote to him , That he took it unkindly , he should send others notice of it , and not make him acquainted with it ; but now , said he , since it is so , let me know how you do , and whether any of your Companions forsook you when you were in danger , that I may punish them . He sent Hephestion , who was absent about some business , word , How , while they were fighting for their diversion with an Ichneumon , Craterus was by chance run through both Thighs with Perdiccas his Javelin . And upon Peucestes his recovery from a fit of Sickness , he sent a Letter of Thanks to his Physician Alexippus . When Craterus was ill , he saw a Vision in his Sleep , after which he offer'd Sacrifices for his Health , and commanded him to do so likewise . He wrote also to Pausanias the Physician , who was about to purge Craterus with Hellebore , partly out of an anxious Concern for him , and partly to give him a Caution how he us'd that Medicine . He was so tender of his Friends Reputation , that he imprison'd Ephialtes and Cissus , who brought him the first News of Harpalus his Flight , and withdrawing from his Service , as if they had falsly accus'd him . When he sent the old infirm Soldiers home , Eurylochus the Aegean got his Name enroll'd among the Sick , though he ail'd nothing ; which being discover'd , he confess'd he was in Love with a young Woman named Telerippa , and had a mind to go along with her to the Sea-side . Alexander enquired , To whom the Woman belong'd ? and being told , She was an Whore at her own disposal : I will assist you , said he to Eurylochus , all I can in your Amour , if your Mistriss be to be gain'd by Presents or Perswasions ; but we must use no other means , because she is free-bo●n . It is surprizing to consider , upon what slight occasions he would write Letters to serve his Friends . As when he wrote one , in which he gave Order to search for a Youth that belonged to Seleucus , who was run away into Cilicia . In another he thanked and commended Peucestes for apprehending Nicon , a Servant of Craterus . And to Megabysus , concerning a Slave that had taken Sanctuary in a Temple , he wrote , that he should not meddle with him while he was there , but if he could entice him out by fair means , then he gave him leave to seize him . It is reported of him , that when he first sate in Judgment upon Capi●al Causes , he would lay his Hand upon one of his Ears , while the Accuser spoke , to keep it free and unprejudic'd in behalf of the Party accus'd . But afterwards , such a multitude of Accusations were brought before him , whereof many proving true , exasperated him so , that he gave credit to those also that were false , and especially when any body spoke ill of him , he would be so out of measure transported , that he became cruel and inexorable , valuing his Glory and Reputation far beyond either his Life or Kingdom . His Affairs call'd upon him now to look after Darius , expecting he should be put to the hazard of another Battel ; till he heard he was taken , and secur'd by Bessus , upon which news he sent home the Thessalians , and gave them a largess of 2000 Talents , over and above the Pay that was due to them . This long and painful pursuit of Darius , ( for in eleven days he march'd 412 Miles ) harass'd his Soldiers so , that most of ●●●● were ready to faint , chiefly for want of Water . While they were in this distress , it hapned that some Macedonians , who had fetch'd Water in Skins upon their Mules from a River they had found out , came about Noon to the place where Alexander was , and seeing him almost choak'd with Thirst , presently fill'd an Helmet , and offered it him . He ask'd them to whom they were carrying the Water ? They told him to their Children , adding withal , that if his Life were but preserv'd , it was no matter for them , they should have opportunities enough to repair that loss , tho' they all perished . Then he took the Helmet into his Hands , and looking round about when he saw all those who were near him stretched their heads out , and gaped earnestly after the Drink ; he returned it again with thanks , without tasting a drop of it : For , said he , if I only should drink , the rest will be quite out of heart and faint . The Soldiers no sooner took notice of his Temperance , and Magnanimity upon this occasion , but they , one and all , cried out to him to lead them on boldly , and fell a whipping their Horses to make them mend their pace ; for whilst they had such a King , they said they defied either Weariness or Thirst , and looked upon themselves to be little less than Immortal . But tho' they ●●Spsn●● all ●●●ally 〈…〉 not above threescore Horse were able to keep up , and fall in with Alexander upon the Enemies Camp , where they rode over abundance of Gold and Silver that lay scattered about , and passing by a great many Chariots full of Women , that wandred here and there for want of Drivers , they endeavour'd to overtake the first of those that fled , in hopes to meet with Darius among them : And at last , with much ado ▪ they found him lying along in a Chariot , all over wounded with Darts , just at the point of Death . However , he desired they would give him some drink , and when he had drank a little cold Water , he told Polystrates who gave it him , That to receive such a Benefit , and not have it in his Power to return it , was the highest pitch of his misfortune . But Alexander , said he , whose kindness to my Mother , my Wife , and my Children , I hope the Gods will recompence , will doubtless thank you for your Humanity to me . Tell him therefore in token of my Acknowledgment , I gave him this Right Hand : At which words he took hold of Polystratus his Hand , and Died. When Alexander came up to them , he was sensibly touch'd at the unfortunate End of so Great a Man , and pulling off his own Coat , threw it upon the Body to cover it . And to shew how much he detested so horrid a a fact , as soon as Bessus was taken , he order'd him to be torn in pieces in this manner . They fastned him to a couple of tall strait Trees , which were bound down so as to meet , and then being l●t loose , with a great force return'd to their places , each of them carrying that part of the Body along with it that was tyed to it . Darius his Body was laid in State , and sent to his Mother with Pomp suitable to his quality , His Brother Exathres , Alexander receiv'd into the number of his most intimate Friends . And now with the Flower of his Army he march'd down into Hyrcania , where he saw a Gulph of the Sea , not much less than the Euxine , and found its Water sweeter than that of other Seas ; but could learn nothing of certainty concerning it , farther than that in all probability it seem'd to him to be an overflowing of the Lake of Maeotis or at least to have Communication with it . However the Naturalists better inform'd of the Truth , give us this account of it many years before Alexander's Expedition ; that of four Gulphs which out of the main Sea enter into the Continent , this is the most Northern , and is known by the Name both of the Hyrcanian and Caspian Sea. Here the Barbarians unexpectedly meeting with those who led Bucephalus , took them Prisoners , and carried the Horse away with them ; which Alexander was so offended at , that he sent an Herald to let them know , he would put them all to the Sword , Men , Women , and Children , without mercy , if they did not restore him : Which they immediatly did , and at the same time surrendred their Cities into his hands ; upon which , he not only treated them very kindly , but also paid a good Ransom for his Horse to those who took him . From hence he march'd into Parthia , where not having much to do , he first put on the Barbarick Habit , which Compliance perhaps he us'd in order to civilize them ; for nothing gains more upon men , than a Conformity to their Fashions and Customs ; or it may be he did it as an Essay , whether the Macedonians would be brought to adore him , ( as the Persians did their Kings ) by accustoming them by little and little to bear with the alteration of his Dicipline , and course of Life in other things . However he follow'd not the Median Fashion , which was altogether barbarous and uncouth ; for he wore neither their Breeches , nor their long Vest , nor their Tiara for the Head , but taking a middle way between the Persian Mode and the Macedonian , he so contriv'd his Habit , that it was not so flanting as the former , and yet more pompous and magnificent than the latter . At first he wore this Habit only when he convers'd with Strangers , or within doors , among his intimate Friends and Companions , but afterwards he appeared in it abroad , and at publick Audiences . A Sight which the Macedonians beheld with exceeding Grief ; but they were so charm'd with his other Vertues and good Qualities , that they could not but think it reasonable in some things to gratifie his Humor , and his passionate desire of Glory : In pursuit of which he hazarded himself so far , that besides his other Adventures , he had but newly been wounded in the Leg by an Arrow , which had so shatter'd the Shankbone , that Splinters were taken out . And another time he receiv'd such a violent Blow with a Stone upon the Nape of the Neck , as dimn'd his Sight a good while afterwards . But all this could not hinder him from exposing himself to the greatest Dangers , without any regard to his Person ; insomuch that he pass'd the River Orexartes , which he took to be the Tanais , and putting the Scythians to flight , follow'd them above 12 miles in their Rear , though at the same time he had a violent Flux upon him . Here many affirm , that the Amazonian Queen came to give him a Visit : so report Clitarchus , Polycritus and Onesicritus , Antigenes and Ister , Aristobulus and Chares , besides Ptolomy and Anticlides , Philon the Theban , and Philip the Master of Requests . But then on the other side , Hecataeus the Eretrian , Philip the Chalcidian , and Duris the Samian say , it is wholly a Fiction . And truly Alexander himself seems to confirm the opinion of the latter ; for in a Letter , in which he gives Antipater an account of all Passages , he tells him , that the King of Scythia offer'd him his Daughter in Marriage , but makes no mention at all of the Amason . And many years after , when Onesicritus read this Story in his 4th , Book to Lisimachus , who then reign'd , the King fell a laughing at it , and ask'd , How such a thing should happen , and he know nothing of it , though he was present ? But it signifies little to Alexander whether this be credited or no : Certain it is , that apprehending the Macedonians would be weary of pursuing the War , he left the gross of his Army in their Quarters ; and having with him in Hyrcania the choice of his men only , which amounted to 20000 Foot , and 3000 Horse , he spoke to them to this effect ; That hitherto the Barbarians had seen them no otherwise than as it were in a dream , and if they should think of returning when they had only alarm'd Asia , and not conquer'd it , their Enemies would set upon them , and destroy them like so many Women : However he told them , he would keep none of them with him against their will , they might go if they pleas'd , but withal protested against those who should be so mean-spirited as to desert him , and his Friends , and those who were willing to fight under him still , in an enterprize so glorious as it would be , to make the Macedonians Lords of the habitable World. This is almost word for word , as he wrote it in a Letter to Antipater , where he adds , That when he had thus spoken to them , they all cryed out , they would go along with him , whithersoever it was his pleasure to lead them . When he had in this manner gain'd the Principal , it was no hard matter for him to bring over the multitude ▪ which in such Cases easily follows the Example of their Betters . Now also he more and more accomodated himself in his way of Living to that of the Persians , and brought them as near as he could to the Macedonian Customs ; wisely considering , that since he design'd an Expedition , which would carry him far from thence , it was better to settle affairs in his absence , by a mixture of their Constitutions , and mutual Society with Good will , than by Compulsion . In order to this he chose out 30000 Boys , whom he allow'd Masters to teach them the Greek Tongue , and to train them up to Arms in the Macedonian Discipline . As for his Marriage of Roxana , whose good Mein and Beauty had charm'd him , at a Drinking entertainment , where he first happen'd to see her , it was perfectly the effect of Love , nor did it appear to be at all prejudicial to his Interest , as things stood with him at that time : For it put the conquer'd People in heart , and made them confide in him , and love him more than ever , when they saw how continent he was , and that he forbore the only Woman he was ever in Love with , till he could enjoy her in a lawful and honourable way . When he perceiv'd that among his chief Friends and Favourites , Hephestion most approv'd all that he did , and comply'd with , and imitated him in his Habit , while Craterus continued strict in the observation of the Customs and Fashions of his own Countrey : He made the best use of them both , employing the first in all Transactions with the Persians , and the latter when he had to do with the Greeks , or Macedonians . It is true , he lov'd Hephestion best as a Favorite , because he lov'd Alexander , but then he esteem'd and honour'd Craterus most as a Friend , because he lov'd the King. Wherefore these two great Men bore one another secret Grudges , and often clash'd and quarrell'd so far , that once in India they drew upon one another , and were going to it in good earnest , with their Friends on each side to second them , till Alexander came up to them , and publickly reprov'd Hephestion , calling him Fool and Mad-man , not to be sensible that without his Favour he was but a Cypher . He chid Craterus also in private very severely , and then causing them both to come into his presence , he reconcil'd them , at the same time swearing by Jupiter Ammon , and the rest of the Gods , that he lov'd them two above all other Men ; but if ever he perceivd them fall out again , he would be sure to put both of them to death , at least the Aggressor : After which , they neither ever did , or said any thing , so much as in jest to offend one another . None had more Authority among the Macedonians than Philotas , the Son of Parmenio : for besides that he was valiant , and able to endure any Fatigue of War , he was also next to Alexander himself the most munificent , and the greatest lover of his Friends ; one of whom asking him for some Money , he commanded his Steward to give it him ; and when he told him , he had not wherewith , Have you not Plate then , said he , and Cloaths of mine ? turn them into Money rather than let my Friend go without . But he was so very proud and insolent by reason of his Wealth , and so over-nice about his Person and Diet , more than became a private Man , that he awkwardly and unseemingly affected the Air and Character of Greatness , without the Civility and obliging Temper which ought to accompany it , and so gain'd nothing but Envy and ill will to that degree , that Parmenio would somtimes tell him , My Son , the meaner the better . For he had long before been complain'd of , and accus'd to Alexander ; particularly when Darius was overthrown in Cilicia , and an immense Booty was taken at Damascus , amongst the rest of the prisoners who were brought into the Camp , there was one Antigone of Pydna , a very handsome Woman , who fell to Philotas his share . The young Man one day in his Cups , like an arrogant , bragging Souldier , told his Mistress , That all the great Actions were perform'd by him and his Father , the Glory and Benefit of which , he said , together with the Title of King , that Stripling Alexander reap'd and enjoy'd by their means . She could not hold , but discovered what he had said , to one of her Acquaintance , and he , as is usual in such Cases , ●o another , till at last it came to the King. When Alexander had heard what she had to say , he commanded her to continue her Intrigue with Philotas , and give him an account from time to time of all that should fall from him to this purpose : Who being , through Inadvertency , caught in this Snare , sometimes to gratifie his Passion , and sometimes his Vain-glory , blurted out many foolish , indiscreet Speeches against the King in Antigones hearing , of which , though Alexander was inform'd , and convinc'd by strong Evidence , yet he would take no notice of it at present , whether it was , that he confided in Parmenio's Affection and Loyalty , or that he apprehended their Authority and Interest in the Army . About this time one Dimnus , a Macedonian Native of Chalaestra , conspir'd against Alexander's Life , and communicated his Design to a Youth whom he lov'd , nam'd Nicomachus , inviting him to be of the Party . But he not relishing the thing , reveal'd it to his Brother Balinus , who immediately address'd himself to Philotas , requiring him to introduce them both to Alexander , to whom they had something of great moment to impart ▪ which very nearly concern'd him . But he , for what Reason is uncertain , went not with them , pretending the King was taken up with Affairs of more importance : And when they had urg'd him a second time , and were still slighted by him , they applied themselves to another ; by whose means being admitted into Alexander's presence , they first laid open Dimnus his Conspiracy , and then represented Philotas his Negligence , who had taken so little notice of their repeated Solicitations ; which extremely exasperated Alexander , especially when sending to apprehend Dimnus ▪ he understood that he defended himself and chose rather to be Slain than Taken ; for by his Death he thought he was depriv'd of the means of making a full discovery of the Plot. As soon as his Displeasure against Philotas began to appear , presently all his old Enemies shew'd themselves , and said openly , The King was too easily impos'd on , to imagine ; that one so inconsiderable as Dimnus the Calaestrian , should of his own head undertake such an Enterprize ; that in all likelihood he was but subservient to the Design , an Instrument that was mov'd by some greater Spring ; that those ought to be most strictly examined about the Matter , whose Interest it was so much to conceal it . When they had once fill'd the King's Head with these and the like Speeches and Suspicions , they loaded Philotas daily with innumerable Crimes , till at last they prevail'd to have him seiz'd , and put to the Question , which was done in the presence of the principal Officers , Alexander himself being plac'd behind the Tapestry , to understand what pass'd . Where when he heard in what a miserable Tone , and with what abject Submissions Philotas applied himself to Hephestion , he broke out in this manner : Art thou so mean-Spirited and Effeminate , Philotas , said he , and yet engage thy self in so desperate a Design ? After his Death , he presently sent into Media , to take off Parmenio his Father , who had done brave Service under Philip , and was the only Man , especially of his old Friends and Counsellors , who had encourag'd Alexander to invade Asia . Of three Sons which he had in the Army , he had already lost two , and now was himself put to Death with the third . These Actions rendred Alexander formidable to many of his Friends , and chiefly to Antipater , who thereupon to strengthen himself , sent Ambassadors privately to the Etolians , to treat an Alliance with them ; for they stood in fear of Alexander , because they had destroy'd the Oeniades , of which , when he was inform'd , he said , The Children of the Oeniades need not Revenge their Father's Quarrel , for he would himself take care to punish the Etolians . Not long after this happen'd the deplorable End of Clitus , which to those who barely hear the matter of Fact , may seem more inhumane than that of Philotas . But if we take the Story with its Circumstance of Time , and weigh the Cause , we shall find the King did it not on purpose , but by evil Chance , and that his Passion and Drunkenness were the occasion of Clitus his Misfortune , which came to pass in this manner . The King had a Present of Graecian Fruit brought him from the Sea-Coast , which was so very fresh and fair , that he was surpriz'd at it , and call'd Clitus to him to see it , and to give him a share of it . Clitus was then Sacrificing , but he immediately left off , and came , follow'd by three Sheep , on whom the Drink-Offering had been already pour'd , in order to Sacrifice them ; which when Alexander saw , he told his Diviners , Aristander , and Cleomantis the Lacedemonian , of it , and ask'd them what it meant : Who assuring him , it was an ill Omen , he commanded them in all haste to offer Sacrifices for Clitus his Safety , forasmuch as three days before he himself had seen a strange Vision in his Sleep ▪ of Clitus all in Mourning , sitting by Parmenio's Sons who were Dead . Clitus however staid not to finish his Devotions , but came strait to Supper with the King , who the same day had Sacrific'd to Castor and Pollux . And when they had drank pretty hard , some of the Company fell a Singing the Verses of one Pranichus , or as others say , of Pierion , which were made upon those Captains who had been lately worsted by the Barbarians , on purpose to disgrace and turn them to Ridicule ; which so offended the grave , ancient Men , that they reprov'd both the Author , and the Singer of the Verses , though Alexander and the Blades about him were mightily pleas'd to hear them , and encourag'd them to go on : Till at last , Clitus , who had drank too much , and was besides of a froward , and willful Temper , was so nettled that he could hold no longer , saying , It was not well done to expose the Macedonians so , before the Barbarians , and their Enemies , since though it was their Unhappiness to be overcome , yet they were much better Men than those who laugh'd at them . To this , Alexander replied , That sure Clitus spoke so tenderly of Cowardise , when he call'd it Misfortune , only to excuse himself . At which , Clitus starting up , This Cowardise , as you are pleas'd to term it , said he to him , sav'd your Life , though you pretend to be sprung from the Gods , when you were running away from Spithridates his Sword ; and it is by the expence of Macedonian Blood , and by these Wounds , that you are now rais'd to such a height , as to despise and disown your Father Philip , and adopt your self the Son of Jupiter Ammon . Thou base Fellow , said Alexander , who was now throughly exasperated , dost thou think to utter these Things every where of me , and stir up the Macedonians to Sedition , and not be punish'd for it ? We are sufficiently punish'd already , answer'd Clitus , if this be the Recompence of our Toyls ; and esteem those happiest , who have not liv'd to see their Countrymen Ignominiously scourg'd with Median Rods , and forc'd to sue to the Persians to have access to their King. While he talk'd thus at Random , and those who were by , thwarted and reprov'd him , the old Men endeavour'd all they could to compose the Business . Alexander in the mean time turning about to Xenodochus the Cardian , and Artemius the Colophenian , ask'd them , If they were not of Opinion , that the rest of the Graecians , in comparison with the Macedonians , behav'd themselves like so many Demi-Gods among wild Beasts ? But Clitus for all this would not give over , desiring Alexander to speak out , if he had any thing more to say , or else why did he invite Men , who were Free-Born , and us'd to speak their Minds openly without restraint , to sup with him ? He had better live , and converse with Barbarians , and Conquer'd Slaves , who would not scruple to adore his Persian Girdle , and his white Tunick . Which words so provok'd Alexander , that , not able to suppress his Anger any longer , he threw one of the Apples that lay upon the Table at him , and hit him , and then look'd about for his Sword. But Aristophanes , one of his Life-guard , had hid that out of the way , and others came about him , and besought him to stay his Fury , but in vain ; for breaking from them , he call'd out aloud to his Guards in the Macedonian Language , which was a certain sign of some great Disturbance towards , and commanded a Trumpeter to sound , giving him a Box on the Ear for not presently obeying him ; though afterwards the same Man was commended for disobeying an Order , which would have put the whole Army into Tumult and Confusion . Clitus continued still in the same quarrelsome Humour , till his Friends with much ado forc'd him out of the Room ; but he came in again immediately at another door , very irreverently and confidently singing this Verse out of Euripides his Andromache . Alas ! in Greece how ill Affairs are govern'd ? Then Alexander snatching a Spear from one of the Soldiers , met Clitus as he was putting by the Curtain that hung before the Door , and ran him through the Body , so that he fell down , and after a few Sighs and Groans died . At sight of which the King's Anger presently vanishing , he came perfectly to himself , and when he saw his Friends about him all in a profound Silence , he pull'd the Spear out of the dead Body , and would have thrust it into his own Throat , if the Guards had not held his Hands , and by main Force carried him away into his Chamber , where all that night and the next day he wept bitterly , till being quite spent with crying and lamenting , he lay as it were speechless , only fetching deep Sighs . His Friends apprehending some dangerous consequence of his Silence , broke into the Room ; but he took no notice of what any of them said , till Aristander putting him in mind of the Vision he had seen concerning Clitus , and the Prodigy that follow'd , as if all had come to pass by an unavoidable Fatality , he then seem'd to moderate his Grief . They also brought Calisthenes the Philosopher , who was nearly related to Aristotle , and Anaxarchus of Abdera , to him . Calisthenes endeavour'd to alleviate his Sorrow with moral Discourses , and gentle Insinuations without offending him . But Anaxarchus , who was always singular in his Method of Philosophy , and was thought to slight those of his own Time , as soon as he came in , cried out aloud , Is this the Alexander whom the whole World looks upon with such Admiration ? See how meanly he weeps like an abject Captive , for fear of the Censure and Reproach of Men , to whom he himself ought to be a Law , and measure of Equity , if he would make a right use of his Victories , as Supream Lord and Governour of all , and not be a Slave to a vain , idle Opinion . Do not you know , said he , that Jupiter is represented to have Justice and Law on each Hand of him ? the meaning of which is , that all the Actions of a Prince are lawful and just . With these and the like Speeches , Anax 〈…〉 ●●deed allay'd the King's Grief , but 〈…〉 corrupted his Manners , rendring him more dissolute and violent than he was before . Nor did he fail by these means to insinuate himself into his Favour , and to make Calisthenes his Conversation , which otherwise because of his Austerity was not very acceptable , more uneasie and disagreeable to him . It happen'd that these two Philosophers meeting at an Entertainment , where the Company discours'd of the Seasons of the Year , and the Temperature of the Air ; Calisthenes joyn'd with their Opinion , who held , that those Countries were colder , and the Winter sharper there than in Greece ; which Anaxarchus would by no means allow of , but contradicted with great Obstinacy . Sure , said Calisthenes to him , you must needs confess this Country to be colder than Greece , for there you had but one thread-bare Cloak to keep out the coldest Winter , and here you have three good warm Mantles one over another . This piece of Raillery not only exceedingly exasperated Anaxarchus , but likewise piqu'd the other Pretenders to Learning , and the crowd of Flatterers , who could not endure to see him so belov'd and follow'd by the Youth , and no less esteem'd by the ancient Men for his good Life , his Modesty , Gravity , and being contented with his Condition . All which confirm'd what he gave out of his Design in this Voyage to Alexander , that it was only to get his Country-Men recall'd from Banishment , and to re-Build and re-People Abdera , where he was Born. Besides the Envy which his great Reputation rais'd , he also by his own Deportment gave those who wish'd him ill , opportunity to do him ▪ Mischief . For when he was invited to publick Entertainments , he would most-times refuse to come , or if he were present at any , he put a constraint upon the Company by his Moroseness and Silence , seeming to disapprove of every thing they did or said ; which made Alexander say this of him : That vain pretence to Wisdom I detest , Where a Man 's blind to his own Interest . Being with many more invited to Sup with the King , he was Commanded to make an Oration extempore , whilst they were Drinking , in praise of the Macedonians ; and he did it with such a Torrent of Eloquence , that all who heard it exceedingly applauded him , and threw their Garlands upon him , only Alexander told him out of Euripides , I wonder not that you have spoke so well , 'T is easie on good Subjects to excel . Therefore , said he , if you will shew the force of your Eloquence , tell my Macedonians their Faults , and dispraise them , that by hearing their Errors , they may learn to be better for the future . Callisthenes presently obey'd him , retracting all he had said before , and inveighing against the Macedonians with great freedom , added , That Philip thriv'd , and grew Powerful , chiefly by the Discord of the Graecians , applying this Verse to him : Where-ever Feuds , and civil Discords reign , There the worst Men most Reputation gain . Which so disoblig'd the Macedonians , that he was odious to them ever after . And Alexander said , That instead of his Eloquence , he had only made his Ill-will appear in what he had spoken . Hermippus assures us , That one Stroebus , a Servant whom Callisthenes kept to Read to him , gave this account of these Passages afterwards to Aristotle ; and that when he perceiv'd the King grew more and more averse to him , he mutter'd this Verse out of Homer two or three times to himself , as he was going away : Death seiz'd at last on Great Patroclus too , Though he in Virtue far surmounted you . Not without Reason therefore did Aristotle give this Character of Calisthenes , That he was indeed an excellent Orator , but had no Judgement at all . For though we grant , it was resolutely and Philosophically done of him , not to Worship the King , though by talking publickly against that which the best and gravest of the Macedonians only repin'd at in secret , he put a stop to their base Adoration , and deliver'd the Graecians and Alexander himself from a great deal of Infamy : Yet in the close he ruin'd himself by it , because he went too roughly to work , as if he would have forc'd the King to that which he should have effected by Reason and Perswasion . Chares of Mytilene writes , That at a Banquet , Alexander after he had drank , reach'd the Cup to one of his Friends , who receiving it , rose up towards the Domestick Altar , and when he had drank , first ador'd , and then kiss'd Alexander , and afterwards sate down at the Table with the rest . Which they all did one after another , till it came to Calisthenes his Turn , who taking the Cup , drank it off , when the King , who was engag'd in Discourse with Hephestion , did not mind him , and then offer'd to kiss him . But Demetrius , sirnam'd Pheidon , interpos'd , saying , Sir , by no means let him kiss you , for he only of us all had refus'd to adore you ; upon which the King declin'd it , and all the Concern Calisthenes shew'd , was , that he said aloud , Then I go away with a Kiss less than the rest . The Displeasure he incurr'd by this Action , was improv'd by Hephestion's affirming , That he had broke his word to him , in not paying the King the same Veneration that others did , as he had faithfully promis'd to do . And to finish his Disgrace , Lysimachus and Agnon added , That this Sophister went about priding himself , as if he stood in the Gap against Arbitrary Power ; that the young Men all ran after him , and honour'd him , as the only Man among so many Thousands , who had the Courage to preserve his Liberty . Therefore when Hermolaus his Conspiracy came to be discover'd , the Crimes which his Enemies laid to his charge were the more easily believ'd , particularly that when the young Man ask'd him , What he should do to be the most illustrious Person on Earth ; he told him , The readiest way was to kill him who was already so . And that to incite him to commit the Fact , he bid him not be aw'd by his Golden Bed , but remember Alexander was a Man equally infirm and vulnerable as another . However , none of Hermolaus his Accomplices , in the extremity of their Torments , made any mention of Calisthenes his being engag'd in the Design . Nay Alexander himself , in the Letters which he wrote soon after to Craterus , Attalus , and Alcetas , tells them , That those who were put to the Rack , confess'd they had enter'd into the Conspiracy wholly of themselves , without any others being privy to , or guilty of it . But yet afterwards in a Letter to Antipater , he accuses Callisthenes of the same Crime . The young Men , says he , were ston'd to Death by the Macedonians , but for the Sophister , meaning Calisthenes , I will take care to punish him , with them too who sent him to me , and who harbour those in their Cities who conspire against my Life . By which Expressions it appears , he had no very good opinion of Aristotle , by whom Callisthenes was educated upon the score of his Relation to him , being his Neece Hero's Son. His Death is diversly related : some say , he was hang'd by Alexander's Command ; others , that he died of Sickness in Prison ; but Chares writes , he was kept in Chains seven Months after he was apprehended , on purpose that he might be proceeded against in full Council , when Aristotle should be present ; and that being grown very fat , he died of the lowsie Disease , about the time that Alexander was wounded in the Country of the Malli Oxydracae ; all which came to pass afterwards . For to go on in order : Demaratus of Corinth , a Man of a great Age , was at this time very desirous to give the King a Visit , and when he had seen him , said , He pitied the Misfortune of those Graecians , who were so unhappy to die before they had beheld Alexander seated on the Throne of Darius . But he did not long enjoy the Effects of his Bounty to him , any otherwise , than that soon after falling sick and dying , he had a Magnificent Funeral , and the Army rais'd him a Monument of Earth fourscore Cubits high , and of a vast Circumference . His Ashes were convey'd in a very rich Chariot drawn by four Horses to the Sea-side . Alexander now intent upon his Expedition into India , took notice that his Soldiers were so charg'd with Booty , that it hindred their marching ; to remedy which , at break of day , as soon as the Baggage-Waggons were laden , first he set Fire to his own , and his Friends , and then commanded those to be burnt , which belong'd to the rest of the Army . An Action which in the deliberation of it seem'd more dangerous and difficult than it prov'd in the Execution , with which few were dissatisfied ; for most of them , as if they had been inspir'd with Zeal from above , with loud Outcries and Warlike Shoutings , furnish'd one another with what was absolutely necessary , and burnt and destroy'd all that was superfluous , the sight of which redoubled Alexander's Vigor and Alacrity . He was now grown very severe and inexorable in punishing those who committed any Fault ; for he put Menander , one of his Friends to Death , for deserting a Fortress , where he had plac'd him in Garison , and shot Orsodates , one of the Barbarians who revolted from him , with his own Hand . At this time a Sheep happen'd to yean a Lamb , with the perfect shape and colour of a Tiara upon the Head , and Testicles on each side ; which Portent Alexander so detested , that he immediately caus'd his Babylonian Priests , whom he usually carried about with him for such purposes to purifie him , and withal told his Friends , he was not so much concern'd for his own sake , as for theirs , out of an apprehension that God , after his Death , might suffer his Empire to fall into the hands of some degenerate , impotent Person . But this Fear was soon remov'd , by a wonderful thing that happen'd not long after , and was thought to presage better ; for Proxenus , a Macedonian , who was the chief of those who look'd to the King's Furniture , as he was breaking Ground near the River Oxus , to set up the Royal Pavilion , discover'd a Spring of gross oyly Liquor , which , after the top was taken off , ran pure , clear Oyl , without any difference either of Taste or Smell , having exactly the same smoothness and brightness , and that too in a Country where no Olives grew . The Water indeed of the River Oxus is said to be so fat , that it leaves a Gloss on their Skins who bathe themselves in it . Whatever might be the Cause , certain it is , that Alexander was wonderfully pleas'd with it , as appears by his Letters to Antipater , where he tells him , He look'd upon it as one of the most considerable Presages that God had ever favour'd him with . The Diviners told him , It signify'd his Expedition would be glorious in the Event , but very painful , and attended with many difficulties ; for Oyl , they said , was bestow'd on Mankind by God as a Refreshment of their Labours . Nor did they judge amiss ; for he expos'd himself to many Hazards in the Battels which he fought , and receiv'd very deep and dangerous Wounds , besides the mouldring away of his Army , through the unwholesomness of the Air , and for want of necessary Provisions . But he still applied himself to surmount Fortune , and whatever oppos'd him , by his Resolution and Vertue , and thought nothing impossible to a daring , valiant Man. Therefore when he Besieg'd Sisimethres , who held an inaccessible , impregnable Rock against him , and his Soldiers began to despair of taking it , he ask'd Oxyartes , Whether Sisimethres , was a Man of Courage ? who assuring him , he was the greatest Coward alive ; then you tell me , said he , that the Place is our own , if the Commander of it be a Poltron : And , in a little time he so terrified Sisimethres , that he took it without any difficulty . At an Attack which he made upon such another steep place , with some of his Macedonian Soldiers , he call'd to one whose Name was Alexander , and told him , It would become him to behave himself gallantly for his Names sake . The Youth fought bravely , and was kill'd in the Action , at which he was sensibly afflicted . Another time seeing his Men march slowly and unwillingly to the Siege of a Place call'd Nysa , because of a deep River between them and the Town , he advanc'd before them , and standing upon the Bank , What a miserable Man , said he , am I , that I have not learn'd to Swim ? and then was hardly disswaded from endeavouring to pass it upon his Shield . Here , after the Aslault was over , the Ambassadors , who from several Towns which he had block'd up , came to submit to him , and make their Peace , were surpriz'd to find him rough , and arm'd at all Points , without any Pomp or ceremony about him ; and when his Attendants brought him a Cushion , he made the eldest of them , nam'd Acuphis , take it , and sit down upon it . The old Man charm , d with his Magnanimity and Courtesie ask'd him , What his Countreymen should do to merit his Friendship ? I would have them , said Alexander , choose you to govern them , and send 100 of the most considerable and most worthy men among them to remain with me as Hostages : I shall govern them with more ease Sir , replied Acuphis , smiling , if I send you so many of the worst , rather than the best of my Subjects . The Extent of King Taxiles his Dominions in India was thought to be as large as Aegypt , abounding in good Pastures , and above all in excellent Fruits . The King himself had the reputation of a wise Man , and at his first Interview with Alexander , he spoke to him in these terms : To what purpose , said he , should we make War upon one another , if the design of your coming into these Parts , be not to r●b us of our Water , or our necessary Food , which are the only things that wise men are indispensably oblig'd to fight for ? As for other Riches and Possessions , as they are accounted in the eye of the World , if I am better provided of them than you , I am ready to let you share with in● ; but if Fortune has been more liberal to you than me , I will not decline your Favours , but accept them with all the grateful Acknowledgements that are due to a Benefactor . This Discourse pleas'd Alexander so much , that embracing him , Do you think , said he to him , your fair Speeches , and affable Behaviour , will bring you off in this Interview without fighting ? No , you shall not escape so , for as to matter of Benefits , I will contend with you so far , that how obliging soever you are , you shall not have the better of me . Then receiving some Presents from him , he return'd him others of greater value , and to compleat his Bounty , gave him in Money ready coin'd 1000 Talents ; at which his old Friends were exceedingly displeas'd , but it gain'd him the hearts of many of the Barbarians . The valiantest of the Indians now taking Pay of several Cities , undertook to defend them , and did it so bravely , that they put Alexander to a great deal of Trouble and Fatigue , till having made an agreement with him , upon the surrender of a Place , he fell upon them as they were marching away , and put them all to the Sword. This one breach of his word was a perpetual Blemish to him , tho on all other occasions he had manag'd his Wars with that Justice and Honour that became a King. Nor was he less incommoded by the Indian Philosophers , who inveigh'd bitterly against those Princes who were of his Party , and solicited the free Cities ●● oppose him , therefore he took several of them , and caus'd them to be hang'd . 〈…〉 〈…〉 in his own Letters has given us ●● account of his War with Porus : He says , The 〈…〉 A●mies were seperated by the River Hydaspes , on whose opposite Bank Porus continually kept his Elephants in order of Bat●●l ▪ with their Heads towards their Enemies to guard the Passage . That he was forc'd every day to make great noises in his Camp , and give his Men constant Alarms , to acc●sto● them by degrees not to be afraid of the Barbarians . That one cold , dark Night he pass'd the River above the Place where the Enemy lay , into a little Island , with part of his Foot and the best of his Horse . Here there fell so violent a Shower of Rain , accompanied with Lightning , and fier'y Whirlwinds , that seeing some of his Men burnt and destroy'd by the Lightning , he qui●ted the Island , and made over to the other side . The Hydaspes , now after the Storm was so swolo and grown so rapid , as to make a Breach in the Bank , at which part of the River ran out , so that when he came to land , he found very ill standing for his Men , the place being extream slippery and undermin'd and ready to be blown up by the Currents on both sides . In this Dist●ess On●●●crit●● tells us He was heard to say , Oh ye Athenians : to what incredible Dangers do I my self to merit your Praises ? But to proceed , Alexander says here , they left their little Boats , and pass'd the Bteach in their Armour up to the Breast in Water ; and then he advanc'd with his Horse about 20 Furlongs before his Foot , concluding , that if the Enemy charg'd him with their Cavalry , he should be too strong for them ' if with their Foot , his own would come up time enough to his Assistance . Nor did he judge amiss ; for being charg'd by 1000 Horse , and 60 arm'd Chariots , which advanc'd before their main Body , he took all the Chariots , and kill'd 400 Horse upon the Place . Porus by this smart Execution , guessing that Alexander himself was gotten over , came on with his whoie Army , except a Party which he left behind , to hold the rest of the Macedonians in Play , if they should attempt to pass the River . But Alexander apprehending the multitude of the Enemie , and to avoid the shock of their Elephants , would not joyn Battel with them in Front , but dividing his Forces , attack'd their left Wing himself , and commanded Coenus to fall uppon the right , which was perform'd with good Success . For by this means both Wings being broken , they retir'd when they found themselves press'd close to their Elephants , and then rallying , renew'd the Fight so obstinately , that it was three hours after Noon before they were entirely defeated . This description of the Battel the Conqueror has left us in his own Epistles . Almost all Writers agree , That Porus was four Cubits and an half high , and that when he was upon his Elephant , which was of the largest size , his Stature and Bulk were so answerable , that he appear'd to be but proportionably mounted . This Elephant , during the whole Battel , gave many proofs of wonderful Understanding , and a particular Care of the King , whom as long as he was strong , and in condition to Fight , he defended with great Courage , repelling those who set upon him ; and as soon as he perceiv'd him ready to faint , by reason of his many Wounds , and multitude of Darts that were thrown at him , to prevent his falling off , he softly kneel'd down , & then with his Probosois gently drew every Dart out of his Body . When Porus was taken Prisoner , and Alexander ask'd him , How he expected to be us'd ? he answer'd , As a King ought to be ; for that expression , he said , when the same Question was put to him a second time , comprehended every thing . And Alexander indeed dealt very generously with him , for he not only suffer'd him to govern his own Kingdom as his Lieutenant , but added to it a large Province of some free People whom he had newly subdued , which consisted of 15 several Nations , and contain'd 5000 considerable Towns , besides abundance of Villages . Another Government , three times as large as this , he bestow'd on Philip , one of his Friends . Some time after the Battel with Porus , most Authors agree , that Bucephalus died under cure of his Wounds , or as Onesicritus says , of Fatigue and Age , being 30 years old . Alexander was no less concern'd at his Death , than if he had lost an old Companion , or an intimate Friend , and built a City , which he nam'd Bucephalia , in memory of him , on the Bank of the River Hydaspes , and another in remembrance of his beloved favorite Dog Peritas , as Sotion assures us , he was inform'd by Potamon of Lesbos . But this last Combat with Porus took off the edge of the Macedonians Courage , and hindred their farther progress in India . For having with much ado defeated him , who brought but 20000 Foot , and 2000 Horse into the Field , they thought they had Reason to oppose Alexander's Design of obliging them to pass the Ganges too , which they were told was Four Miles over , and an hundred fathom deep , and the Banks on the farther side cover'd with multitudes of Enemies . For they had intelligence that the Kings of the Gandaritans and Persians expected them there with 80000 Horse , 200000 Foot , 8000 arm'd Chariots , and 6000 fighting Elephants . Nor was this a false , vain Report , spread on purpose to discourage them ; for Androcottus , who not long after reign'd in those Parts , made a Present of 500 Elephants at once to Seleucus , and with an Army of 600000 Men subdued all India . Alexander at first was so griev'd and enrag'd at his Mens Reluctancy , that he shut himself up in his Tent , and in a desponding manner threw himself upon the Ground , declaring , if they would not pass the Ganges , he ow'd them no thanks for any thing they had hitherto done , and that to retreat now , was plainly to confess himself vanquish'd . But at last , the prudent Remonstrances and Perswasions of his Friends , who inform'd him truly how the Case stood , and the Tears and Lamentations of his Soldiers , who in a suppliant manner crowded about the entrance of his Tent , prevail'd with him to think of returning . Yet before he decamp'd , he would needs impose upon Posterity , by leaving behind some fictitious Monuments of his Glory ; such as Arms of an extraordinary bigness , and Mangers for Horses , with Bits of Bridles above the usual size , which he set up , and distributed in several Places . He erected Altars also to the Gods , which the Kings of the Persians even in our Time highly reverence , and often pass the River to sacrifice upon them after the Graecian manner . Androcottus , then a Youth , saw Alexander there , and has often afterwards been heard to say , That he miss'd but little of making himself Master of those Countries ; their King , who then reign'd , was so hated and despis'd for the viciousness of his Life , and the meanness of his Extraction . Alexander decamping from hence , had a mind to see the Ocean ; to which purpose he caus'd a great many Vessels with Oars , and small Boats to be built , in which he fell gently down the Rivers , making Merry as he went , and order'd it so , that his Navigation was neither unprofitable nor unactive ; for by making several Descents , he took in the Fortifi'd Towns , and consequently the Country on both sides . But at the Siege of a City of the Mallians , who are the valiantest People of India , he ran great danger of his Life ; for having beaten off the Defendants with showers of Arrows , he was the first Man that mounted the Wall by a scaling Ladder , which , as soon as he was up , broke , and left him almost alone exposed to the Darts , which the Barbarians threw at him in great numbers from below . In this Distress , turning himself as well as he could , he leaped down in the midst of his Enemies , and had the good Fortune to light upon his Feet . The brightness and clattering of his Armour , when he came to the Ground , made the Barbarians think , they saw Rays of Light , or some Phantom playing before his Body , which frighted them so at first , that they ran away and dispers'd themselves , till seeing him seconded but by two of his Guards , they fell upon him Hand to Hand , and though he defended himself very bravely , wounded him through his Armour with their Swords and Spears . One who stood farther off , drew a Bow with such just Strength , that the Arrow finding its way through his Cuirass , stuck in his Ribs under the Breast . This stroke was so violent , that it made him give back , and set one Knee to the Ground , which as soon as he that Shot him perceiv'd , he came up to him with his drawn Scimitar , thinking to dispatch him , and had done it , if Peucestes and Limnaeus had not interpos'd , who were both wounded , Limnaeus mortally , but Peucestes stood his Ground , while Alexander kill'd the Barbarian . But this did not free him from danger ; for besides many other Wounds , at last he receiv'd so weighty a stroke of a Club upon his Neck , that he was forc'd to lean his Body against the Wall , yet still look'd undauntedly upon the Enemy . When he was reduc'd to this Extremity , the Macedonians breaking in to his Assistance , very opportunely took him up , just as he was fainting away , having lost all sense of what was done near him , and convey'd him to his Tent , upon which it was presently reported all over the Camp that he was dead . But when they had with great difficulty and pains saw'd out the Shaft of the Arrow which was of Wood , and so with much ado got off his Cuirass , they came to cut the Head of it , which was three fingers broad , and four long , and stuck fast in the Bone. During the Operation , he was taken with almost mortal Swoonings , but when it was out , he came to himself again . Yet though all Danger was past , he continued very weak , and confin'd himself a great while to a regular Diet , and the method of his Cure , till one day hearing the Macedonians were so desirous to see him , that they were ready to mutiny , he put on his Robe , and when he had shew'd himself to them , and sacrific'd to the Gods , without more delay he went on Board again , and as he coasted along , subdued a great deal of the Country on both sides , and took in several considerable Cities . In this Voyage he took 10 of the Indian Philosophers Prisoners , who had been most active in perswading Sabbas to Rebel , and besides that had done the Macedonians abundance of Mischief . These Men , because they go stark naked , are call'd Gymnosophists , and are reputed to be extremely sharp and succinct in their Answers to whatsoever is propounded to them , which he made tryal of , by putting difficult Questions to them , withal letting them know , that those whose Answers were not pertinent , should be put to death , of which he made the eldest of them Judge . The first being ask'd , Which he thought most numerous , the Dead or the Living ? Answer'd , The Living , because those who are dead , are not at all . Of the second , he desir'd to know , Whether the Sea or Land produc'd the largest Beasts ? Who told him , The Land , for the Sea was but a part of it . His Question to the third was , Which was the craftiest Animal ? That , said he , which Mankind is not yet acquainted with . He bid the fourth tell him , What Arguments he us'd to Sabbas to perswade him to Revolt ? No other , said he , than that he should live with Honour , or perish in the Attempt . Of the fifth he ask'd , Which was eldest , Night or Day ? The Philosopher reply'd , Day was eldest , by one day at least : but perceiving Alexander not well satisfied with that Account , he added , That he ought not to wonder , if strange Questions had as odd Answers made to th●● ▪ Then he went on , and enquir'd of the next , What a Man should do to be exceedingly b●lov'd ? He must be very powerful , said he , without making himself too much fear'd . The Answer of the seventh to his Question , How a Man might be a God ? was , If he could do that which was impossible for Men to perform . The eighth told him , Life was stronger than Death , because it supported so many Miseries . And the last being ask'd , How long he thought it decent for a Man to live ? said , Till Death appear'd more desirable than Life . Then Alexander turn'd to him whom he had made Judge , and commanded him to give Sentence . All that I can determine , said he , is , that they have every one answer'd worse than another . No , that they have not , said the King , but however thou shalt die first , because thou judgest so ill . You will not deal so with me , Sir , reply'd the Gymnosophist , if you intend to be as goad as your word , which was , that he should die first who answer'd worst , which I have not done , for you have not ask'd me any Question . In conclusion , he gave them Presents , and dismiss'd them . But to those who were in greatest Reputation among them , and liv'd a private , quiet Life , he sent Onesicritus , one of Diogenes the Cynicks Disciples , desiring them to come to him . Calanus very arrogantly and rudely commanded him to strip himself and hear what he said , naked , otherwise he would not speak a word to him , though he came from Jupiter himself . But Dandamis receiv'd him with more Civility , and hearing him discourse of Socrates , Pythagoras , and Diogenes , told him , He thought them Men of great Parts , and to have err'd in nothing so much , as in having too great Respect for the Laws and Constitutions of their Country . Others say , he only adk'd him the Reason , Why Alexander undertook so long a Voyage to come into those Parts ? Taxiles perswaded Calanus to wait upon Alexander ; his proper Name was Sphines , but because he was wont to say Cale , which in the IndianTongue signifies , God save you , when he saluted those he met with any where , the Graecians call'd him Calanus . He is said to have shewn Alexander an instructive Emblem of Government , which was this : He threw a dry shrivel'd Hide upon the Ground , and trod upon the edge of it ; the Skin when it was press'd in one place , still rose up in another , wheresoever he trod round about it , till he set his foot in the middle , which made all the Parts lye even and quiet . The meaning of this Similitude was , That he ought to reside most in the middle and Heart of his Empire , and not spend too much time on the Borders of it . His Voyage down the Rivers took up seven Months time , and when he came to the Sea , he sail'd to an Island which he call'd Scillustis , others Psiltucis , where going ashore , he sacrificed , and made what Observations he could of the Nature of the Sea , and the Sea-coast . Then having besought the Gods , that no other Man might ever go beyond the Bounds of this Expedition , he order'd his Fleet , of which he made Nearchus Admiral , and Onesicritas Pilot , to sail round about , leaving India on the right hand , and return'd himself by Land through the Country of the Ori●es , where he was reduc'd to great Straits for want of Provisions , and lost abundance of Men , so that of an Army of 120000 Foot , and in ●000 Horse , he searce brought back above a fourth part out of India , they were so diminish'd by Diseases , ill Diet , and the scorching Heats , but most by Famine . For then March was through an uncultivated Country , whose Inhabitants far'd hardly , and had none but a little ill Breed of Sheep , whose Flesh was rank and unsavory , by reason of their continual feeding upon Sea-fish . After 60 days March he came into Gedrosia , where he found great Plenty of all things , which the neighbouring Kings , and Governors of Provinces , hearing of his Approach , had taken care to provide . From hence when he had reinforc'd his Army , he continued his March through Carmania , feasting all the way for seven days together . He , with his most intimate Friends , Banquetted and Revell'd night and day , upon a Stage , erected on a lofty conspicuous Scaffold , which with a slow , majestick Pace , was drawn by 8 Horses . This was follow'd by a great many Chariots , whereof some were cover'd with Tapistry of Purple , and other Colours , and some with green Boughs , which were supplied with fresh as they wither'd , and in them the rest of his Friends and Commanders drinking , and crown'd with Garlands and Flowers . Here was now no Target or Helmet , no Spear to be seen , instead of Armour , the Soldiers handled nothing but Cups and Goblets , and drinking Bowls of Thericles his Make , which they dipp'd into larger Vessels , and drank Healths to one another , some sitting close to it , others as they went along . All Places resounded with Musick of Pipes and Flutes , with Odes and Songs , and Women dancing , as in the Rites of Bacchus ; for this disorderly wandring March , besides the drinking part of it , was accompanied with all the Loosness and Insolence of Bacchanals , as much as if the God himself had been there to countenance and carry on the Debauch . As soon as he came to the Royal Palace of Gedrosia , he again refresh'd and feasted his Army , and one day after he had drank pretty hard , ( it is said ) went to see a Prize of Dancing contended for , in which his Minion Bagoas , who defrayed the expence of it , having the Victory , cross'd the Theater in his Dancing Habit , and sate down close by him , which so pleas'd the Macedonians , that they made loud Acclamations for him to kiss Bagoas , and never left clapping their Hands and shouting , till Alexander took him about the Neck , and kiss'd him . Here his Admiral Nearchus came to him , and delighted him so with the Relation of his Voyage , that he resolv'd himself to sail out of the mouth of Euphrates with a great Fleet , with which he design'd to go round by Arabia and Lybia , and so by Hercules his Pillars into the Mediteranean ; in order to which , he directed all sorts of Vessels to be built at Thapsacus , and made great provision every where of Sea-men and Pilots . But it fell out unluckily for this Enterprize , that the Report of the Difficulties he went through in his Indian Expedition , the danger of his Person among the Mallians , the loss of a considerable part of his Forces , and the general opinion , that he would hardly return in safety , occasion'd the Revolt of many conquer'd Nations , and made the Commanders and Lieurenants in several Provinces , presume to oppress the People with extream Injustice , Avarice , and Insolence . So that there seem'd to be an universal fluctuation and disposition to Change. Olympias and Cleopatra rais'd a Faction against Antipater , and shar'd his Government between them , Olympias seizing upon Epirus and Cleopatra upon Macedonia . When Alexander was told of it , he said , His Mother had made the best choice , for the Macedonians would never endure to be rul'd by a Woman . Upon this he dispatch'd Nearchus again to the Fleet , intending to carry the War into the maritime Provinces , and as he march'd that way himself , he punish'd those Commanders who had not behav'd themselves well , particularly Oxyartes , one of Abulites his Sons , whom he kill'd with his own hand , thrusting him through the Body with his Spear . And when Abulites , instead of the necessary Provisions which he ought to have furnish'd , brought him 3000 Talents in Money ready coin'd , he order'd it to be thrown to his Horses , who not meddling with it ; What good does this Provision do me ? said he to him , and sent him away to Prison . When he came into Persia , he distributed Money among the Women , as their own Kings were wont to do , who , as often as they came thither , gave every one of them a Crown , for which Reason some of them came but seldom , and Ochus was so sordidly Covetous , that to avoid this Expence , he never visited Persia all his Life , though it was his Native Country . Then finding Cyrus his Sepulcher open'd , and rifled , he put Polymachus , who did it to death , though he was a Man of Quality , and born at Pella in Macedonia : and after he had read the Inscription , he caus'd it to be cut again below the old one in Greek Characters ; the words were these : O Man , whosoever thou art , and from whencesoever thou comest , ( for I know thou wilt come ) I am Cyrus , the Founder of the Persian Empire ; do not envy me this little quantity of Earth which covers my Body . The reading of this sensibly touch'd Alexander , causing him to reflect seriously upon the incertainty and mutability of humane Affairs . At the same time Calanus having been a little while troubled with a Loosness , requested he might have a Funeral Pile erected , to which he came on Horseback , and after he had said some Prayers , and sprinkled himself , and cut off some of his Hair to throw into the Fire , as was usual on such occasions ; before he ascended it , he embrac'd and took leave of the Macedonians who stood by , desiring them to pass that day in Mirth and good Fellowship with their King , whom in a little time , he said , he doubted not but to see again at Babylon . Having thus said , he lay down , and covering himself , he stirr'd not when the Fire came near him , but continued still in the same posture as at first , and so sacrific'd himself , as it was the ancient Custom of the Philosophers in those Countreys to do . The same thing was done long after by another Indian , who came with Caesar to Athens , where they still shew you the Indians Monument . At his return from the Funeral Pile , Alexander invited a great many of his Friends and principal Officers to Supper , and propos'd a Drinking-match , in which the Victor should be crown'd . Promachus drank 18 Quarts of Wine , and won the Prize which weigh'd a talent , from them all ; but he surviv'd his Victory but three days , and was followed , as Chares says , by 41 more , who died of the same Debauch , by reason of the severe Frost which happen'd at that time . At Susa he married Darius his Daughter Statira , and celebrated the Nuptials of his Friends , bestowing the noblest of the Persian Ladies upon the worthiest of them , withal making a very splendid Entertainment for all the Macedonians who were married before ; at which , it is reported , there were no less than 9000 Guests , to each of whom he gave a golden Cup , for them to use in their Libations of Wine to the Honour of the Gods. Not to mention other Instances of his wonderful Magnificence , he paid the Debts of his whole Army , which amounted to 9870 Talents . But there was one Antigenes , who had lost one of his Eyes , though he ow'd nothing , got his Name set down in the List of those who were in Debt , and bringing one who pretended to be his Creditor , to the Banquiers Table , receiv'd the Money . But when the Cheat was found out , the King was so incens'd at it , that he banish'd him from Court , and took away his Command though he was an excellent Souldier and a Man of great Courage . For when he was but a Youth , and serv'd under Philip at the Siege of Perinthus , where he was wounded in the Eye by an Arrow shot out of an Engine , he would neither let the Arrow be taken out , or be perswaded to quit the Field , till he had bravely repuls'd the Enemy , and forc'd them to retire into the Town . A Man of his Spirit was not able to support such a Disgrace with any Patience , and certainly Grief and Despair would have made him kill himself , but that the King fearing it , not only pardon'd him , but let him also enjoy the Benefit of his Deceit . The 30000 Boys which he left behind him to be taught the use of their Arms ▪ and military Discipline , were so improv'd at his return both in Strength and Beauty , and perform'd their Exercises with such Dexterity , and wonderful Agility , that he was extreamly pleas'd with them ; which griev'd the Macedonians , and made them fear he would have the less Esteem for them . And when he was sending away the infirm and maim'd Soldiers to Sea , they said , they were unjustly and infamously dealt with , after they were worn out in his service upon all occasions , now to be turn'd away with Disgrace , and sent home into their Country among their Friends and Relations , in a worse condition than when they came out ; therefore they desir'd him one and all to dismiss them , and to account his Macedonians useless , now he was so well furnished with dancing Boys , with whom , if he pleased , he might go on , and conquer the World. These Speeches so enraged Alexander , that after he had given them a great deal of reproachful Language in his Passion , he drave them away , and committed the Watch to Persians , out of whom he chose his Life-guard , and Serjeants at Arms. When the Macedonians saw him attended by these Men , and themselves excluded , and shamefully disgrac'd , their high Spirits fell , and upon Discourse with one another , they found that Jealousie and Rage had almost distracted them . But at last coming to themselves again , they went without their Arms , almost naked , crying and weeping to offer themselves at his Tent , and desired him to deal with them as their Baseness and Ingratitude deserv'd . However this would not prevail ; for though his Anger was already something mollified , yet he would not admit them into his presence , nor would they stir from thence , but continued two days and nights before his Tent , bewailing themselves , and imploring him their Sovereign Lord to have compassion on them . But the third day he came out to them , and seeing them very humble and penitent , he wept himself a great while , and after a gentle Reproof spoke kindly to them , and dismissed those who were unserviceable , with magnificent Rewards : And this Recommendation to Antipater ; that when they came into Greece , at all publick Shews , and in the Theaters , they should sit on the best and foremost Seats , crown'd with Chaplets of Flowers , and order'd the Children of those who had lost their Lives in his Service , to have their Fathers Pay continued to them . When he came to Ecbatana in Media , and had dispatched his most urgent Affairs , he fell to divert himself again with Spectacles , and publick Entertainments , to carry on which , he had a Supply of 3000 Actors newly arriv'd out of Greece . But they were soon interrupted by Hephestion's falling sick of a Fever , in which being a young Man , and a Soldier too , he could not confine himself to so exact a Diet as was necessary ; for whilst his Physician Glaucus was gone to the Theater , he eat a boyl'd Cock for his Dinner , and drank a large draught of Wine , upon which he grew worse , and died in a few days . At this Misfortune Alexander was so beyond all Reason transported , that to express his Sorrow , he presently order'd the Manes and Tails of all his Horses and Mules to be cut , and threw down the Battlements of the neighbouring Cities . The poor Physician he Crucified , and forbad playing on the Flute , or any other Musical Instrument , in the Camp a great while , till the Oracle of Jupiter Ammon enjoyn'd him to Honour Hephestion , and sacrifice to him as to an Horo . Then seeking to alleviate his Grief in War , he set out as if he were to go a Man-hunting ; for he fell upon the Cussaeans , and put the whole Nation to the Sword , not sparing so much as the Children . This was call'd a Sacrifice to Hephaestion's Ghost . In his Sepulcher and Monument , and the adorning of them , he intended to bestow 10000 Talents ; and that the excellency of the Artist , and the curiosity of the Workmanship , might go beyond the expence it self , he rather chose to imploy Stasicrates than any other , because he always promis'd something very bold and lofty , and magnificent in his Designs . For in Discourse before he had told him , That of all the Mountains he knew , that of Athos in Thrace , was the most capable of being contriv'd to represent the Shape and Lineaments of a Man. That if he pleas'd to command him , he would make it the noblest and most durable Statue in the World , which in its left Hand should hold a City of 10000 Inhabitants , and out of its right should pour a copious River into the Sea. Though Alexander declin'd this Project , yet now he spent a great deal of time with Workmen , to invent and contrive others far more absurd and expensive . As he was upon his way to Babylon , Nearchus , who had sail'd back out of the Ocean , by the mouth of the River Euphrates , came to tell him , he had met with some Chaldaean Diviners who warn'd him not to go thither . But Alexander slighted this Advertisement , and went on , and when he came near the Walls of the Place , he saw a great many Crows fighting with one another , whereof some fell down just by him . After this being privately inform'd , that Apollodorus the Governor of Babylon had sacrific'd to know what would become of him ; he sent for Pythagoras the Soothsayer , who not denying the thing , he ask'd him in what condition he found the Victim ? and when he told him , The Liver was defective in its Lobe ; a great Presage indeed , said Alexander ! However , he offered Pythagoras no Injury , but was much troubled that he had neglected Nearchus his Advice , and therefore staid a great while without the Town , removing his Tent from Place to Place , and sailing up and down the Eupharates . Besides this , he was disturbed by many other Prodigies . A tame Ass fell upon the biggest and handsomest Lyon that he kept , and kicked him to Death . And one day undressing himself to be anointed , and to play at Ball , when he was putting his Cloaths on again , the young Men who played with him , perceived a Man clad in the King's Robes , with the Diadem upon his Head , sitting silently upon his Throne . They asked him , Who he was ? To which he gave no Answer a good while , till at last with much ado coming to himself , he told them , His Name was Dyonisius ; that he was of Messenia ; that for some Crime , whereof he was accus'd , he was brought thither from the Sea-side , and had been kept long in Prison ; that Serapis appear'd to him , had freed him from his Chains , conducted him to that Place , and commanded him to put on the King's Robe and Diadem , and to sit where they found him , and to say nothing . Alexander when he heard this , by the direction of his Soothsayers put the Fellow to Death , but from thenceforth desponded , and grew diffident of the Protection and Assistance of the Gods , and besides very suspicious of his Friends . His greatest apprehension was of Antipater and his Sons , one of whom , Iollas was his chief Cup-bearer , the other nam'd Cassander , was newly arriv'd out of Greèce , and being bred up in the freedom of his Country , the first time he saw some of the Barbarians adore the King , could not forbear laughing at it aloud ; which so incens'd Alexander , that he took him by the Hair with both Hands , and violently knock'd his Head against the Wall. Another time Cassander would have said something in defence of Antipater , to those who accus'd him ; but Alexander interrupting him , What is 't you say ? Do you think People , if they had receiv'd no Injury , would come such a Journey only to calumniate your Father ? To which when Cassander replied , That this very thing was a great evidence of their Calumny ; Alexander smil'd and said , Those were some of Aristotle's Sophisms , which would serve equally on both sides ; and added , That both he and his Father should be severely punish'd , if they were found guilty of the least Injustice towards those who complain'd ; which , upon the whole , made such a deep impression of Fear in Cassander's Mind , that long after when he was King of Macedonia , and Master of Greece , as he was walking up and down at Delphos , and looking on the Statues , at the sight of that of Alexander , he was suddenly struck with Horrour , and shook all over , his Eyes rowl'd , his Head grew dizzy , and he had much ado to recover himself . When once Alexander gave way to Superstition , his Mind grew so disturb'd and timorous , that if the least unusual or extraordinary thing happen'd , he would needs have it thought a Prodigy , or a Presage , and his Court was throng'd with Diviners and Priests , whose business was to Sacrifice , and Purifie , and foretel the future . So horrid a thing is Incredulity , and Contempt of the Gods on one hand , and no less horrid is Superstition on the other , which like Water , always creeping on the Ground , invades us with servile Fear and Folly , as it did now Alexander himself . But upon some Answers which were brought him from the Oracle concerning Hephestion , he had laid aside his Sorrow , and fell again to Sacrificing and Drinking ; and having given Nearchus a splendid Entertainment , after he had bath'd , as was his Custom , just as he was going to Bed , at Medius his Request he went to Supper with him . Here he drank all that night and the next day to such excess , as put him into a Fever , which seiz'd him , not as some write , after he had drank of Hercules his Bowl , nor was he taken with a sudden pain in his Back , as if he had been struck with a Lance : for these are the Inventions of some Authors , who thought it became them to make the conclusion of so great an Action as tragical and moving as they could . Aristobulus tells us , That in the rage of his Fever , and a violent Thirst , he took a draught of Wine , upon which he fell into a Frenzy , and died the 30th of June . But in his Journals we have this account of his Sickness , That the 18th of June , by reason of his Illness , he lay in his Bathing-room , where it first seiz'd him ; that when he had bath'd , he remov'd into his Chamber , and spent that day at Dice with Medius . In the evening having wash'd and sacrific'd , he eat with a good Stomach , and had his Fever that night . The 20th after the usual Sacrifices and Bathing , he kept his Bed in the same Room , and heard Nearchus his Relation of his Voyage , and the Observations he had made of the Ocean . The 21st he pass'd in the same manner , his Fever still encreasing , and had a very ill night of it . The next day he had a severe Fit , and caus'd himself to be remov'd , and his Bed set by the great Bath , and then discours'd with his principal Officers about filling up the vacant Charges in the Army , with Men of tryed Valour aud Experience . The 24th being much worse , he was carried out to assist at the Sacrifices , and gave order that his chief Commanders should wait within the Court , whilst the Colonels and Captains kept Watch without doors . The 25th he was remov'd to his Palace on the other side the River , where he slept a little , but his Fever abated not , and when the Commanders came into his Chamber , he was speechless , and continued so the following day . Then the Macedonians supposing he was dead , came with great Clamours to the Gates , and menac'd his Friends so , that they were forc'd to admit them , and let them all pass through unarm'd along by his Bed-side . The same day Python and Seleucus being sent to Serapis his Temple , to enquire if they should bring Alexander thither , were answer'd by the God , that they should not remove him . The 28th in the Evening he Died. This Account is most of it word for word , as it is written in his own Diary . At that time no body had any suspicion of his being poyson'd ; but upon a discovery made six years after , they say , Olympias put many to death , and threw abroad the Ashes of Jollas , who was dead , as if he had given it him . But those who affirm Aristotle counselled Antipater to do it , and that by his means wholly the Poyson was brought , produce one Agnothemis for their Author , who heard King Antigonus speak of it , and tell us , that the Poyson was Water , deadly cold as Ice , distilling from a Rock in the Territory of Nonacris , which they gather'd like a thin Dew , and kept in an Asses Hoof ; for it was so very cold and penetrating , that no other Vessel would hold it . However most are of opinion that all this is false , no slight evidence of which is , that during the Dissentions among the Commanders , which lasted a great many days , the Body continued clear and fresh , without any sign of such Taint or Corruption , though it lay neglected in a close , sultry place . Roxana who was now with Child , and upon that account much honour'd by the Macedonians , being Jealous of Statira , sent for her by a Counterfeit Letter , as if Alexander had been still alive ; and when she had her in her power , kill'd her and her Sister , and threw their Bodies into a Well , which they fill'd up with Earth , not with out the Privity and assistance of Perdiccas , who at this time , under the shelter of Arideus , whom he carried about with him for his own security , bore the greatest sway of any , Arideus himself , who was Philip's Son , by one Philinna , an obscure common Strumpet , was a man of weak Parts , by reason of his Indisposition of Body , which was neither natural to him , nor contracted of it self ; for in his Childhood he was quickwitted , and hopeful enough , but caus'd by Drinks that Olympias gave him , which not only impair'd his Health , but weakned his Understanding . C. IVLIVS CAESAR . depiction of Julius Caesar 〈…〉 THE LIFE OF Julius Caesar . Englished from the Greek by Mr. Smalridge of Christchurch . AS soon as Sylla had made himself Master of Rome , he resolved to force Cornelia , Daughter to Cinna ( the late Usurper ) from Caesar her Husband ; but being unable to compass it either by hopes or fears , confiscated her Dowry . The ground of Sylla's hatred to Caesar , was the alliance between him and Marius ; for Marius the elder Married Julia , Caesar's Aunt by the Fathers side , and had by her the younger Marius , who consequently was Caesar's Cousin-german . And thô at first in the heat of his Tyranny and hurry of business , Caesar was overlook't by Sylla , he could not lie still , but presented himself to the People as a Candidate for the Priesthood , thô he was yet under Age. But Sylla , by his under-hand management , so carried it , that Caesar fell short of his pretensions ; and in a Consult of Friends to take him off , when it was urged by some , that it was not worth his while to contrive the death of a Boy , he answered , that They knew little , who did not see many Marius's in that Boy . Caesar , upon notice of this lay concealed a long while among the Sabines , often changing his Quarters ; till one night , as he was removing his Lodging for his health , he fell into the hands of Sylla's Soldiers , who were searching those parts in order to apprehend such as had absconded . Coesar by a Bribe of two Talents prevailed with Cornelius their Captain to let him go , and was no sooner dismist , but he put to Sea , and made for Bithynia . After a short stay there with Nicomedes the King , in his passage back he was taken near the Island Pharmacusa by some Pirates , who at that time with some great Ships , and a vast number of smaller Vessels , infested those Seas . When at first they demanded of him 20 Talents for his Ransom , he smiled at them as not understanding the value of their Prisoner , and voluntarily engaged to give 'em 50. He presently dispatched those about him to several places to raise the Money , till at last he was left among those bloody Villains , the Cilicians , only with one Friend , and two Attendants ; Yet he made so little of them , that when he had a mind to sleep , he would send to them , and command silence . For 38 days , with all the freedom in the World he used Exercise , and Gamed amongst them , as if they had not been his Keepers , but his Guards . He wrote Verses , and Speeches , and made them his Auditors , and those who did not admire them , he called to their faces illiterate and barbarous , and would often in raillery threaten to hang ' em . They were mightily taken with this , and attributed his free way of talking to a kind of Simplicity , and Juvenile Humor . As soon as his Ransom was come from Miletus , he paid it , and was discharged ; soon after which he Mann'd some Ships at the Milesian Port , and went in pursuit of the Pirates , whom he surprized as they were yet at an Anchor , and took most of them . Their Money he made Prize , and the Men he secured in Prison at Pergamus , and presently applied himself to Junius , who was then Governor of Asia , to whose Office it belonged , as Praetor , to determine their Punishment . Junius having his Eye upon the Money , ( for the Sum was considerable ) said , He would think at his leisure what to do with the Prisoners ; upon which Caesar took his leave of him , and went for Pergamus , where he ordered the Pirates to be brought forth and Crucified ; the Punishment he had often threatened them with , whilst he was in their hands , and they little dream't he was in earnest . In the mean time Sylla's Power declined , and Caesar's Friends advised him to return to Rome ; but he went off to Rhodes , and entred himself in the School of Apollonius , Molon's Son , a famous Rhetorician , one who had the reputation of a well-tempered Man , and had Cicero at that time for his Auditor . Caesar was by Nature excellently framed for a perfect States-Man , and Orator , and took such pains to improve his Genius this way , that without dispute he might challenge the second place amongst Men of that Character . More he did not aim at , as chusing to be first rather amongst Men of Arms and Power ; and therefore never rose up to that pitch of Eloquence to which Nature would have carried him , being diverted by those Expeditions and Designs , which at length gain'd him the Empire . And he himself in his Answer to Cicero's Panegyric on Cato , desires his Reader not to compare the plain Discourse of a Soldier with the Harangues of an Orator , who had not only fine Parts , but had employed his whole Life in this one Study . When he was returned to Rome , he accused Dolabella of Male-Administration , and many Cities of Greece came in to attest it . Dolabella was acquitted , and Caesar in return of the favours he had received from the Grecians , assisted them in their prosecution of P. Antonius for Bribery before M. Lucullus Praetor of Macedonia . In this Cause he prevailed so far , that Antonius was forced to appeal to the Tribunes at Rome , alledging , that in Greece he could not have fair play against Grecians . In his Pleadings at Rome he appeared with all the graces of an Orator , and gained much upon the Affections of the People by the easiness of his Address , and Conversation , in which he was accomplisht beyond what could be expected from his Age. His Interest grew still insensibly greater by the open House he kept , and the magnificence of his Entertainments ; His Enemies slighted the growth of it at first , in expectation it would soon fail , when his Money was gone ; whilst in the mean time it was firmly setled among the Common People . When his Power at last was fixt , and not to be controll'd , and now openly tended to the altering of the whole Constitution , they were aware too late , that there is no beginning so mean , which continued application will not make considerable , and that small dangers by being despised at first become at last irresistible . Cicero was the first who had any suspicions of his designs upon the Government , and ( as a good Pilot is apprehensive of a Storm when the Sea is calmest ) saw the designing temper of the Man thrô this disguise of good humor , and affability , and said upon it ; In all his other actions and intrigues I plainly discover the air of a Tyrant ; but when I see his Hair lie in so exact order , and him so often adjusting it , I cannot imagine it should enter into such a Man's thoughts to subvert the Roman State. But of this more hereafter . The first Proof he had of the People's good Will to him , was , when he carried a Tribuneship in the Army against C. Popilius . A second and clearer instance of their Favour appeared upon his making an Excellent Oration in praise of his Aunt Julia , Wife to Marius , publickly in the Forum : at whose Funeral he was so bold as to bring forth the Images of Marius , which no Body durst produce since the Government came into Sylla's Hands , Marius's Party having from that time been declared Enemies to the State. For when some upon this Occasion exclaimed against Caesar , the People on the other side were taken with the Action , and received it with very great applause ; admiring him for having revived in the City those Honors of Marius , which for so long time had been buried . It had always been the custom at Rome to make Funeral Orations in praise of Ancient Matrons , but there was no precedent of any upon young Women , till Caesar first made one upon the death of his own Wife . This also procured him Favour , and by this shew of Affection he got the Hearts of the People , who lookt upon him as a Man of great Tenderness and extraordinary good Nature . When he had buried his Wife , he went Quaestor into Spain under one Votus , who was Praetor , whom he Honoured ever after , and made his Son Quaestor , when he himself came to be Praetor . When he was out of that Office , he Married Pompeja his third Wife , having then a Daughter by Cornelia his first Wife , whom he afterwards match'd to Pompey the Great . He was so profuse in his Expences , that before he had any publick Employment , he was in debt 1300 Talents . Some thought that by being at so great a charge to be popular , he changed a real and solid good , for what was short , and uncertain : But in truth he purchased what was of the greatest value at an inconsiderable rate . When he was made Surveyor of the Appian Way , he disburst besides the publick Moneys a great Sum out of his private Purse ; and when he was Aedile , he provided such a number of Gladiators , that he entertain'd the People with 320 several Duels ; and by his great liberality and magnificence in Shews , in Pomps , and publick Feastings , obscured the glory of all who went before him , and gain'd so much upon the People , that every one was ready to invent new Offices , and new Honors , for him , in return to his Munificence . There being two Factions in the City , one for Sylla , which was very powerful , the other for Marius which was then broken , and in a very low condition , he was desirous to raise it again , and to bring it over to his Interest : To this end , whilst he was in the heighth of his Repute with the People , for the magnificent Shews he gave as Aedile , he ordered Images , and Statues , with Ensigns of Victory , to be carried privately in the night , and placed in the Capitol . Next morning , when some saw them glittering with Gold , and curiously wrought with Inscriptions of Marius's Exploits over the Cimbrians , they were surprized at the boldness of him who had set them up , nor was it difficult to guess who it was . The fame of this soon spread , and brought together a great Concourse of People : Some presently cried out that Caesar had designs upon the Government , because he had revived those Honors which were buried by the Laws , and Decrees of the Senate ; that this was done to sound the temper of the People , whom he had prepared before , and to try whether they were tame enough to bear his Humor , and would quietly give way to his Innovations . However Marius's Party took courage ; and 't is incredible what a multitude of them appeared on a sudden , and came shouting into the Capitol . Many of them when they saw Marius's Picture cried for Joy , and Caesar was highly extoll'd as the only Person , who was a Relation worthy of Marius . Upon this the Senate met , and Catulus Luctatius , one of the most eminent Romans of that time , stood up , and accused Caesar , closing his Speech with this remarkable saying ; Caesar no longer undermines the Government , but openly plants his Batteries against it . But when Caesar had made an Apology for himself , and satisfied the Senate , his Admirers were very much animated , and advised him not to depart from his own thoughts for any one , since he was likely to get the better of them all in a little time , and to be the first Man in the State with the Peoples Consent . At the same time Metellus the High-Priest died ; and Catulus , and Isauricus , Persons of known Reputation , and who bore a great weight in the Senate , were Competitors for the Office ; yet Caesar would not give way to them , but presented himself to the People as a Candidate against them . The several Interests seeming very equal , Catulus , who because he had the most Honor to lose , was the most apprehensive of the event , sent to Caesar to buy him off , with Offers of a great Sum of Money : But he said , He would provide a larger Sum then that to carry on the Competition . Upon the day of Election , as his Mother conducted him out of doors with tears , he saluted her , and said ; Well , Mother , to day you 'l see me either High-Priest , or Banished . When the Votes were taken , after a great struggle , he carried it , and by that gave the Senate and Nobility reason to fear he might now draw on the People to the greatest height of Arrogance . Whereupon Piso and Catulus found fault with Cicero for letting Caesar escape , when in the Conspiracy of Catiline he had given the Government such advantage against him . For Catiline , who had designed not only to change the present State of Affairs , but to subvert the whole Constitution , and confound all , had himself escaped , by reason the Evidence was not full against him , they having not yet gone to the bottom of his Design . But he had left Lentulus and Cethegus in the City to supply his place in the Conspiracy ▪ Whether they had any secret Encouragement and Assistance from Caesar is uncertain ; This is certain , that they were fully convicted in the Senate , and when Cicero the Consul ask● the several Opinions of the Senators , how they would have them punish'd , all who spake before Caesar sentenced them to Death , but Caesar stood up , and made a set Speech , wherein he told them , That he thought it without Precedent , and not just to take away the Lives of two Persons of their Birth and Quality , before they were fairly tried , unless there was an absolute necessity for it ; but that if they were kept confin'd in any Town which Cicero himself should chuse till Catiline was defeated , then the Senate might in peace and at their leisure determine , what was best to be done . This Sentence of his carried so much appearance of Humanity , and he gave it so good an air by his Speech , that not only those who spoke after him closed with it , but even they who had before given a contrary Opinion , now came over to his ; till it came about to Catulus , and Cato's turn to speak . They warmly opposed it ; and Cato insinuated in his Speech some suspicions of Caesar himself , and prest the matter so far , that the Criminals were given up to suffer Execution . As Caesar was going out of the Senate , many of the young Men who guarded Cicero , ran in with their naked Swords to assault him . But Curio , as it is said , threw his Gown over him , and convey'd him out , and Cicero himself gave a Sign to his Guards , who watch't the motions of his Eye , not to kill him , either for fear of the People , or because he thought the Murder unjust and illegal . If this be true , I wonder how Tully came to omit it in the Book which he wrote concerning his Consulship . Cicero was blam'd afterwards for not making use of so good an opportunity against Caesar out of fear of the Populace , who mightily favourd him . Sometime after , when Caesar went into the Senate to clear himself of some Suspicions he lay under , he found great clamours rais'd against him , whereupon the Senate sitting longer then ordinary , the People went up to the House in a Tumult , and beset it , demanding Caesar , and requiring them to dismiss him . Upon this Cato much fearing a Mutiny from the poorer sort , who are always the Incendiaries in a Rebellion , and who now plac'd all their hopes in Caesar , persuaded the Senate to give them a Monthly allowance of Corn , which put the Commonwealth to the extraordinary charge of 55000 Crowns a year . This Expedient remov'd all fears for the present , and very much weaken'd Caesar's power , who at that time was just going to be made Praetor , and consequently would have been more formidable by his Office. But there was no disturbance during his Praetorship , only what misfortune he met with in his own Domestick Affairs . P. Clodius was a Person well descended , eminent both for his Riches and Eloquence , but in Lewdness and Impudence exceeded the very worst of those , who were remarkable for their Debauchery . He was in love with Pompeja , Caesar's Wife , and she had no aversion to him . But there were strict Guards on her Apartment , and Caesar's Mother Aurclia , who was a discreet Woman , being continually about her , made an Interview very dangerous , and difficult . The Romans have a Goddess which they call Bona , the same which the Greeks call Gynaecea : The Phrygians , who claim a peculiar Title to her , say she was Mother to Midas ; The Romans pretend she was one of the Dryads , and Married to Faunus : The Grecians affirm that she is that Mother of Bacchus , whose Name is not to be utter'd : For this Reason the Women who celebrate her Festival , cover the Tents with Vine-branches , and according to the Fable , a Consecrated Dragon is plac'd by the Goddess . It is not lawful for a Man to be bye , nor so much as in the House , whilst the Sacred Rites are celebrated ; but the Women by themselves perform such Holy Offices , as are much a●kin to those us'd in the Solemnities sacred to Orpheus ▪ When the Festival comes , the Husband , who is always either Consul or Praetor , and with him every Male-creature quits the House ; the Wife then taking it under her care , sets it in order , and there are great Solemnities all night , attended with Dancing , and several sorts of Musick . As Pompeja was at that time celebrating this ▪ Feast , Clodius , who as yet had no Beard , and so thought to pass undiscover'd , took upon him the Habit and Disguise of a Singing-Woman , having the Air of a young Girl , and so came thither . Finding the Doors open , he was without any stop introduc'd by a young Maid , who was in the Intrigue . She presently ran to tell Pompeja , but being from him a great while , he grew uneasie in waiting for her , and therefore left his Post , and travers'd the House from one Room to another , still taking care to avoid the Lights ▪ till at last Aurelia's Woman met him , and invited him to such Recreations as the Women use among themselves . He refus'd to comply ; but the presently pull'd him forward , and ask'd him , who he was , and whence ? Clodius told her he waited for Aura one of Pompeja's Maids , and as he said so , betray'd himself by his Voice : Upon which the Woman shrieking , ran into the Company where there were Lights , and cried out , she had discovered a Man. The Women were all in a fright ; Aurelia presently threw a Vail over the Ceremonies , put a stop to the Orgia , and having order'd the Doors to be shut , ran about with Lights to find Clodius , who was got into the Maids Room , that he had come in with , and was seiz'd there . The Women knew him , and drave him out of Doors , and presently , thô it was yet night , went home to tell their Husbands the Story . In the morning it was all about Town , what an impious attempt Clodius had made , and all agreed he ought to be punish'd as an Offender not only against those whom he had affronted , but also against the Publick , and the Gods. Upon which one of the Tribunes accus'd him of profaning the Holy Rites , and some of the Principal Senators came in , and witness'd against him , that besides many other horrible Crimes , he had been guilty of Incest with his own Sister , who was Married to Lucullus . But the People set themselves against the Interest of the Nobility , and defended Clodius ; which was of great service to him with the Judges , who were at a stand , being afraid to provoke the Commonalty . Caesar presently dismist Pompeja , but being summon'd as a Witness against Clodius , said , He had nothing to charge him with . This looking like a Paradox , the Accusers ask'd him , why he parted with his Wife ? Caesar replied , Because I can't bear that my Wife should be so much as suspected . Some say that Caesar spake this as his thoughts ; Others ▪ that he did it to gratifie the People , who were very earnest to save Clodius . So Clodius got clear of the Indictment , most of the Judges giving their Opinions in confus'd terms , that they might not be in danger from the People by condemning him , nor in disgrace with the Nobility by acquitting him . Caesar in the mean time being out of his Praetorship had got the Province of Spain , but was in ill Circumstances with his Creditors , who , as he was going off , came upon him ▪ and were very pressing and importunate ; which made him apply himself to Crassus , who was the richest Man in Rome , but wanted Caesar's vigor and warmth to set up against Pompey . Crassus took upon him to satisfie those Creditors , which were most uneasie to him , and would not be put off any longer , and engag'd himself to the value of 830 Talents : Upon which Caesar was now at Liberty to go to his Province . In his Journey as he was crossing the Alps , and passing by a small Village of the Barbarians , which was stock'd with but few Inhabitants , and those wretchedly poor , his Friends smil'd , and ask'd him by way of raillery , If there were any canvasing for Offices there ; any contention which should be uppermost , or fewds of great Men one against another ? To which Caesar made answer very seriously : For my part I had rather be the first Man among these Fellows , then the second Man in Rome . 'T is said that another time , being retir'd from Business , and reading the History of Alexander , he sat a great while very thoughtful , and at last burst out into Tears . His Friends were surpris'd , and ask'd him the Reason of it . Do you think ( said he ) I have not just cause to weep , when I consider that Alexander at my Age had conquer'd so many Nations , and I have all this time done nothing , that is memorable ? As soon as he came into Spain he was very active , and in a few days had got together 10 new Companies of Foot to those 20 which were there before : With these he march'd against the Gallaeci , and Lusitani , conquer'd them , and advancing as far as the Ocean , subdu'd those Nations , which never before had been subject to the Romans . Having manag'd his Military Affairs with good success , he was equally happy in the Course of his Civil Government ; For he establish'd a good Understanding amongst the several States , and took especial Care to heal the differences betwixt Debtors and Creditors . He order'd that the Creditor should receive two parts of the Debtor's yearly Income , and that the other part should be manag'd by the Debtor himself , till by this method the whole Debt was at last discharg'd . This Conduct made him leave his Province with a fair reputation ; being rich himself , and having enrich'd his Soldiers , who therefore Complimented him with the Title of Emperor . There is a Law among the Romans , that whoever desires the Honor of a Triumph must stay without the City , and expect his Answer : And another , that those who put in for the Consulship shall appear personally upon the place : Caesar was come home at the very time of chusing Consuls , and being in a strait between these two opposite Laws , sent to the Senate to desire , that since he was oblig'd to be absent , he might appear for the Consulship by Proxy . Ca●o being back'd by the Law , at first oppos'd his request ; afterwards perceiving that Caesar had prevail'd with a great part of the Senate to comply with it , he made it his business to gain time , and wasted an whole day in Harangues : Upon which Caesar thought fit to let the Triumph fall , and pursu'd the Consulship . He advances therefore presently , and enters upon a project which deceiv'd all but Cato . This was the reconciling of Crassus , and Pompey , who then bore the greatest weight in Rome . There had been a quarrel between them , which he quickly made up ; and by this means strengthen'd himself by the united power of both ; and so privately undermin'd the Government , under the covert of an Action which carried in it all the appearance of a good Office. For it was not the quarrel betwixt Pompey , and Caesar , as most Men imagine , which was the foundation of the Civil Wars , but their Union ; they conspiring at first to subvert the Aristocracy , and quarrelling at last betwixt themselves , which should be Monarch . Cato , who often foretold what the Consequence of this Alliance would be , had then the Character of a sullen and busie Man , and afterwards the Reputation of a wise , but unfortunate Counsellor . Thus Caesar being doubly guarded with the Interests of of Crassus , and Pompey , was promoted to the Consulate , and declar'd publickly with Calfurnius Bibulus . When he was fix't in his Office he brought in Bills , which would have been preferr'd with better grace by a bold Tribune , then by a Consul ; in which he propos'd transplantation of Colonies , and Division of Lands , on purpose to oblige the Commonalty . The best and most Honourable of the Senators oppos'd it , upon which , having long waited for such a colourable pretence , he openly protested how unwillingly he was driven upon applications to the People , and how necessary it was to make his Addresses that way , and to enter into their Interests , since he had receiv'd so many Affronts , and found so much Sullenness in the Senate . When he had said this , he ask'd Crassus and Pompey , who sat on each side of him , Whether they consented to the Bills he had propos'd ? They own'd their Assent , upon which he desir'd them to assist him against those who had threatned to oppose him with their Swords . They engag'd they would , and Pompey added farther , that he would not only meet their Swords with a Sword in his Hand , but that he would bring a Buckler with him besides . This Speech the Nobles resented , as neither suitable to his gravity , nor becoming the Reverence due to that Assembly , but such as had an air of levity and rashness : But the People were pleas'd with it . Caesar that he might work himself yet deeper into the Interest of Pompey , gave him his Daughter Julia , who had before been contracted to Servilius Caepio , and told Servilius he should have Pompey's Daughter , who was not unprovided neither , but design'd for Sylla's Son , Faustus . A little time after Caesar Married Calpurnia the Daughter of Piso , and made Piso Consul for the year following . Cato exclaim'd loudly against this , and protested with a great deal of warmth , that it was intolerable the Government should be prostituted by these Marriages , and that they should advance one another to the Commands of Armies , Provinces , and other great Posts by the Interest of Women . Bibulus , Caesar's Collegue finding it was to no purpose to oppose his Bills , but that he was in danger of being murder'd in the Forum , as also was Cato , confin'd himself to his House , and there wore out the remaining part of his Consulship . Pompey when he was Married , presently fill'd the Forum with Soldiers , and so secur'd to the People their new Laws , and to Caesar the Government of all Gaul , both on this and the other side of the Alps , together with Illyricum , and the command of 4 Legions for 5 years . Cato made some attempts against these proceedings , but was sent to Prison by Caesar , who suspected he would appeal to the Tribunes . But when Caesar saw that he went along without speaking a word , and that not only the Nobility disrelish'd it , but that the People also out of their Veneration to Cato's Virtue waited on him , and by their silence and dejected looks exprest a great concern for him ; he himself privately desir'd one of the Tribunes to rescue Cato . As for the other Senators , some few of them attended the House ; the rest being disgusted , absented themselves . Hence Considius , a very old Man , took occasion one day to tell Caesar , that the Senators did not meet because they were afraid of his Soldiers . Caesar presently ask'd him , Why don't you then out of the same fear keep at home ? To which the old Man replied that Age was his guard against Fear , and that the small Remains of his Life were not worth much Caution . But the foulest thing that was done in Caesar's Consulship was his promoting Clodius to be Tribune , that very Clodius who had attempted to dishonour his Bed , and who contrary to all Piety had polluted the holy and mysterious Vigils . Now he was prefer'd in opposition to Cicero , nor did Caesar take the Field , till they had overpower'd Cicero , and drove him out of Italy . Thus far have we deduc'd Caesar's Actions before the Wars of Gaul . After this he seems to have begun his Course afresh , and to have enter'd upon a new , and different Scene of Action . The Progress of those Battels which he afterwards fought , and those many Expeditions in which he subdu'd the Gauls , shew him to have been a Soldier and General not in the least inferior to any of those great and admired Commanders , who have appear'd at the Heads of Armies . For if we compare him with the Fabii , the Metelli , the Scipio's , and with those who were his Contemporaries , or not long before him , Sylla , Marius , the 2 Luculli , or even Pompey himself , whose Glory reach't the Heavens ▪ we shall find Caesar's Actions to have surpast them all . One he excel'd on the account of the difficulty of the places where he fought : Another in respect of the large extent of Country which he over-ran : Some in the Number and Strength of the Enemies , whom he conquer'd ; and some in the roughness and barbarity of their tempers , whom he polish'd and civiliz'd : Others yet in his Humanity and Clemency to those he over-power'd , and others in his Gifts , and Gratuities to his Soldiers : All in the Number of the Battles which he fought , and the Enemies , which he kill'd . For he had not pursu'd the Wars in Gaul full 10 years , before he took by Storm 800 Towns , subdu'd 300 States ; and of the 3 millions of Men , which made up the gross of those , with whom at several times he engag'd , he kill'd one , and took a second . He was so much Master of the good Will , and hearty service of his Soldiers , that those who in other Expeditions were but ordinary Men , carried with them a force not to be resisted or shaken , when they went upon any danger , where Caesar's glory was concern'd . Such an one was Acilius , who in a Sea-fight before Marseilles had his Right Hand struck off with a Sword , yet did not quit his Buckler out of his Left , but gaul'd the Enemies in the Face with it , till he defeated them , and made himself Master of the Vessel . Such another was Cassius Scaera , who in a Battle near Dyrrhachium had one of his Eyes pick'd out with an Arrow , his Shoulder pierc'd with one Javelin , and his Thigh with another , and having receiv'd 130 Darts upon his Target call'd to the Enemy , as thô he would surrender himself ; but when two of them came up to him , he cut off the Shoulder of one with a Sword , and by a blow over the Face forc'd the other to retire , whilst with the Assistance of his own Party he made his escape . Again in Britain , when some of the chief Officers were accidentally faln into a Morass full of Water , and there assaulted by the Enemy , a common Soldier , whilst Caesar stood and look'd on , threw himself into the midst of them , and after many and signal demonstrations of his Valour , rescu'd the Officers , and beat off the Barbarians . At last he took the Water , and with much ado , partly by swimming , partly by wading , pass'd it , but in the passage lost his Shield . Caesar admir'd him , and went to meet him with joy and acclamation ; but the Soldier very much dejected , and in tears threw himself down at Caesar's feet , and beg'd his pardon , that he had let go his Buckler . Another time in Afric , Scipio having taken ▪ a Ship of Caesar's , in which Granius Petronius , one lately made Questor was passing , he gave the other Passengers as free prize to his Soldiers , but thought fit to give the Questor his Life : But he said , it was not usual for Caesar's Soldiers to take , but give Life , and having said so , ●an upon his Sword and kill'd himself . These Principles and Notions of Honour were inspir'd into them , and cherish'd in them by C●sar himself , who by his liberal distribution of Money and Honours shew'd them that he did not from the Wars heap up Wealth for his own Luxury , or the gratifying his private Pleasure , but that he took care to settle a sure Fund for the reward and encouragement of Valour , and that he look'd upon himself only rich in that , which he gave to deserving Soldiers . There was no danger to which he did not willingly expose himself ; no labour from which he pleaded an exemption . His contempt of danger was not so much admir'd by his Soldiers , because they knew how much he lov'd Honour : But his enduring so much hardship , which he did to all appearance beyond his Natural Strength , very much astonish'd them . For he was a spare Man , had a soft and white Skin , was distemper'd in the Head , and subject to an Epilepsie , which 't is said first seiz'd him at Corduba . But he did not make the weakness of his Constitution a pretext for his Ease , but us'd War as the best Physick against his Indispositions , whilst by unwearied Travels , course Diet , and frequent lodging in the Fields , he strugled with his Diseases , and prepar'd his Body against all attacks . He slept generally in his Chariots or Litters , and employ'd even his Rest in pursuit of Action , In the day he was carried to Castles , Garisons , or Fortifications in his Chariot , one Servant riding with him , who us'd to write down what he dictated as he went , and a Soldier attending behind , with his Sword drawn . He drove so briskly , that when he first set out from Rome he arriv'd at the River Rhoan within 8 days . He had been an expert Rider from his Childhood , for it was usual with him to hold his hands close behind him , and to put his Horse to full speed . But in the Wars he had improv'd himself so far as to dictate Letters from on Horseback , and to direct himself to two , who took Notes at the same time , or as Oppius saith , to more . And 't is thought that he was the ▪ first who found out a new way of Conversing with his Friends by Cyphers , when either through multitude of business , or the large extent of the City , he had not time for a Personal Conference about such Incidents as requir'd a sudden dispatch . How little nice he was in his Diet , we have this remarkable Instance . When Valerius Leo invited him one night to Supper , and Treated him with a Sparagus , upon which in stead of Oyl he had pour'd a sweet Oyntment , Caesar fed on it without any disgust , and reprimanded his Friends for finding fault with it . For it was enough , said he , not to eat , what you did not like ; but he who reflects on another Man's want of breeding , shews he wants it as much himself . Another time upon the Road he was driven by a Storm into a poor Man's Cottage , where he found but one Room , and that such as would afford but a mean Reception to a single Person , and therefore he told his Companions , that the most Honourable Places ought to be given to the best Men , but the most Necessary Accommodations to the weakest ; and accordingly order'd that Oppius , who was infirm , should lodge within , whilst he and the rest slept under a Shed at the Door . His first War in Gaul was against the Helvetians and Tigurines , who having burnt 12 of their own Towns , and 400 Villages , would have march'd forward through that part of Gaul , which was under the Roman Province , as the Cimbrians and Teutons formerly had done . Nor were they inferior to these in Courage ; and in Numbers they were equal , being in all Three hundred thousand , of which One hundred and ninety thousand were fighting Men. Caesar did not engage the Tigurines in Person , but Latienus , who was Commission'd by him , routed them about the River Arar . But the Helvetians surpriz'd Caesar , and unexpectedly set upon him as he was conducting his Army to a Confederate Town . However he manag'd it so as to get into a place well fortified , where when he had muster'd ▪ and marshal'd his Men , his Horse was brought to him ; upon which he said , When I have won the Battel , I 'le use my Horse for the Chase , but at present let us go against the Enemy : Accordingly he charged them furiously on foot . After a long and sharp Engagement he drove the main Army out of the Field , but found the toughest work at their Carriages and Ramparts , where not only the Men stood , and fought , but the Women also and Children defended themselves , till they were cut to pieces ; insomuch that the Fight was scarce ended till midnight . This Action in it self very great , Caesar crown'd with another more glorious by gathering in a Body all the Barbarians that had escap'd out of the Battel , above 100000 in number , and obliging them to repair to the Countrey which they had deserted , and the Cities which they had burnt . Which he did for fear the Germans should pass the Rhine , and possess themselves of the Country whilst it lay uninhabited . His second War was in favour of the Gauls against the Germans , thô sometime before he had made Ariovistus , their King , own'd at Rome as an Allie . But they were very insufferable Neighbours to those under his Obedience , and it was probable , when Occasion shew'd , they would be uneasie under their present posture , and would make Incursions into Gaul , and seize it . But finding his Commanders timorous , and especially those of the young Nobility and Gentry , who came along with him in hopes of making use of that Expedition to their Pleasure , or Profit , he call'd them together , and advis'd them to march off , and not to run the hazard of a Battel against their Inclinations , since they were so effeminately , and cowardly disposed ; telling them withall , that he would take only the 10th Legion , and march against the Barbarians , whom he did not expect to find an Enemy more formidable than the Cimbri , nor should they find him a General inferior to Marius . Upon this the 10th Legion deputed some of their Body to pay him their Compliments of Thanks , and the other Legions blam'd their Officers , and with great vigor and zeal follow'd him many days Journey , till they encamp'd within 200 furlongs of the Enemy . Ariovistus's Courage was cool'd upon their very approach ; for not expecting the Romans should attack the Germans , who were known to be Men likely to stand a Charge , he admir'd Caesar's Conduct , and saw his own Army under a great Consternation . They were still more discourag'd by the Prophesies of their Holy Women , who by observing the Whirl-pools of Rivers , and taking Omens from the windings and noise of Brooks , foretold strange Events , and warn'd them not to engage before the next New Moon appear'd . Caesar having had intimations of this , and seeing the Germans lie still , thought it expedient to attack them , whilst they were under these Apprehensions , rather then sit still , and wait their Time. Accordingly he made his approaches to their Fortifications and Outworks , within which they were intrench'd , and so gall'd , and fretted them , that at last they came down with great fury to engage . But he gain'd a glorious Victory , and pursu'd them for 300 furlongs as far as the Rhine ; all which space was cover'd with Spoils , and Bodies of the Slain . Ariovistus made shift to pass the Rhine with the small Remains of an Army ; for it is said the number of the slain amounted to 80000. After this Action Caesar left his Army at their Winter-Quarters in the Country of the Sequani , and in order to attend his Affairs at Rome , went into that part of Gaul , which lies on the Po , and was part of his Province , for the River Rubicon divides Gaul , which is on this side the Alps from the rest of Italy . There he sat down , and gain'd the favour of the People , who made their Court to him frequently , and always found their Requests answer'd ; for he never fail'd to dismiss any without present pledges of his favour in hand , and farther hopes for the future . During all this time of the War in Gaul , Pompey never discover'd , how on one side Caesar conquer'd his Enemies with the Arms of Rome , and on the other side gain'd upon the Romans , and captivated them with the Money which he had got from his Enemies . But when Caesar heard that the Belgae , who were the most powerful of all the Gauls , and inhabited a third part of the Country were revolted , and that they had got together a great many thousand Men in Arms , he immediately directed his Course that way with great expedition , and falling upon the Enemy , as they were ravaging the Gauls his Allies , he soon defeated them , and put them to flight . For though their numbers were great , yet they made but a slender defence ; so that the Marshes and deep Rivers were made passable to the Roman Foot by the vast quantity of dead Bodies . Of those who revolted , all that liv'd near the Ocean came over without fighting , and therefore he led his Army against the Nervi , who are the most unciviliz'd and most warlike People of all in those parts . These live in a close , Woody Countrey , and having lodg'd their Children , and their Goods in a deep hollow within a large Forest , fell upon Caesar with a Body of 60000 Men before he was prepar'd for them , and while he was making his Encampment . They soon routed his Cavalry , and having surrounded the 12th and 7th Legions kill'd all the Officers ; and had not Caesar himself snatch'd up a Buckler , and forced his way through his own Men to come up to the Barbarians , or had not the 10th Legion , when they saw him in danger , ran in from the tops of the Hills , where they lay , and broke through the Enemies Ranks to rescue him , in all probability his Army had been entirely cut off . But through the Influence of Caesars Valour , the Romans in this Conflict exerted more then their ordinary Courage ; yet with the utmost streins of their Valour , they were not able to beat the Enemy out of the Field , but cut them off fighting in their own defence . For out of 60000 Soldiers not above 500 survived the Battle , and of 400 of their Senators not above three ▪ When the Roman Senate had received News of this they voted Sacrifices and Festivals to the Gods to be strictly observed for the space of 15 days , which is a longer space then ever was observed for any Victory before . For the danger appear'd great , because they were engag'd with so many States at once , and the favour of the People to Caesar made the Victory more esteem'd because he was Conqueror . He was now retir'd to his Winter-Quarters by the Po , where after he had setled the Affairs of Gaul , he resided in order to the forming his designs at Rome . All who were Candidates for Offices us'd his Assistance , and were supplied with Money from him to corrupt the People , and buy their Votes , in return of which , when they were chose , they did all things to advance his Power . But what was more considerable , the most eminent and powerful Men in Rome in great Numbers made their Court to him at Lucca , as , Pompey and Crassus , and Appius the Praetor of Sardinia , and Nepos the Proconsul of Spain ; so that there were upon the place at one time 120 Lictors , and more then 200 Senators , who held a Council , and then parted . There it was decreed , that Pompey and Crassus should be Consuls again for the following year ; that Caesar should have a fresh supply of Money , and that his Command should be renew'd to him for 5 years more . It seem'd very extravagant to all thinking Men , that those very Persons who had receiv'd so much Money from Caesar , should persuade the Senate to grant him more as if he wanted , though indeed they did not so much persuade as compel the Senate , who at the same time regretted what they were forc'd to pass . Cato was not present , for they had sent him aside very seasonably into Cyprus ; but Favonius , who was a zealous imitator of Cato , when he found he could do no good by opposing it , broke out of the House , and loudly declaim'd against these Proceedings to the People . But none gave him hearing ; some slighting him out of respect to Crassus and Pompey , others , to gratifie Caesar , on whom depended all their hopes . After this Caesar return'd again to his Forces in Gaul , where he found that Country involv'd in a dangerous War , two strong People of the Germans having lately past the Rhine , and made Inroads into it ; One of them call'd Ipes , the other Tenterides . Of the War with this People , Caesar himself has given this Account in his Commentaries ; That the Barbarians having sent Ambassadors to treat with him , did during the Treaty set upon him in his march , by which means with 800 Men they routed 5000 of his Horse , who did not suspect their coming ; that afterwards they sent other Ambassadors to pursue the same fraudulent practices , whom he kept in Custody , and led on his Army against the Barbarians , as judging it would betray too much Easiness , if he should keep Faith with those who broke their Promises , and could not be oblig'd by any League . Canusius saith , that when the Senate decreed Festivals , and Sacrifices for this Victory , Cato declar'd it to be his Opinion that Caesar ought to be given into the hands of the Barbarians , that so the guilt which this breach of Faith might otherwise bring upon the Publick , might be expiated by transferring the Curse on him , who was the Occasion of it . Of those which past the Rhine there were 400000 cut off ; those few which escaped were shelter'd by the Sicambri , a People of Germany . Caesar took hold of this pretence to invade the Germans , being otherwise ambitious of glory , and especially of the Honour of being the first Man that should pass the Rhine with an Army . He presently laid a Bridge over it , though it was very wide , and in that place deeper than ordinary , and at the same time very rough and fierce , carrying down with its Stream Trunks of Trees , and other Lumber , which much shock'd and weaken'd the foundations of his Bridge . But he drove great Planks of Wood into the bottom of the River above the Bridge , both to resist the impression of such Bodies , and to break the force of the Torrent , and by this means he finish'd his Bridge , which no one who saw could believe it to be the Work of but 10 days . In the passage of his Army over it , he met with no opposition , the Suevi themselves , who are the most Warlike People of all Germany , flying with their Effects into the closest and most woody part of the Vales. When he had burnt all the Enemies Countrey , and encourag'd those who had remain'd firm to the Roman Interest , he went back into Gaul after 18 days stay in Germany . But his Expedition into Britain gave the most signal Testimony of his Courage , for he was the first who brought a Navy into the Western Ocean , or who sail'd through the Atlantick with an Army to make War ; and though the Island is of so incredible an extent , that it has given room to Historians to dispute , whether such an Island really be in Nature , or whether 't is a bare Name and Fiction , yet he attempted to conquer it , and to carry the Roman Empire beyond the Limits of the known World. He past thither twice from that part of Gaul , which lies over-against it , and in several Battles which he fought , did more disservice to the Enemy , than service to himself ; for the Islanders were so miserably poor , that they had nothing worth being plundred of . When he found himself unable to put such an end to the War as he wish'd , he was content to take Hostages from the King , and to impose some Taxes , and then quitted the Island . At his arrival in Gaul he found Letters which lay ready to be convey'd over the Water to him , from his Friends at Rome to give him Notice of his Daughters death , who died in Labour of a Child by Pompey . Caesar and Pompey were much afflicted with her Death , nor were their Friends less disturb'd ▪ because that Alliance was now quite broke , which had hitherto kept the Commonwealth in Peace and Amity ; for the Child also died within a few days after the Mother . The People took the Body of Julia by force from the Tribunes , and buried it in the Campus Martius with all Solemnities proper on that Occasion . Caesar's Army was now grown very numerous , so that he was forc'd to disperse them into several Winter-Quarters , and being gone himself towards Rome , as he us'd to do , there was a sudden Rupture in Gaul , and great Armies were on their march about the Country , who beat up the Romans Quarters , and attempted to make themselves Masters of the Forts , where they lay . The greatest and strongest Party of the Rebels under the Command of Ambiorix cut off Cotta , and Titurius , with their Army . After that the Enemies invested a Town , ( where Cicero lay with his Legion ) with an Army of 60000 ▪ Men , and had almost taken it by Storm , the Roman Souldiers in it being all wounded , and having quite spent themselves by a brisk and vigorous defence beyond their Natural strength : But Caesar , who was at a great distance , having receiv'd notice of this , quickly got together 7000 Men , and hasten'd to relieve Cicero . The Besiegers were aware of it , and went to meet him , with great confidence that they should with ease devour such an handful of Men. Caesar to nourish their presumption seem'd to avoid fighting , and still march'd off till he found a place conveniently situate for a few to engage against many , where he encamp'd . He kept his Souldiers from making any Incursion on the Enemy , and commanded them to raise a Bulwark , and to build strong Barricadoes , that by shew of fear , they might heighten the Enemies contempt of them ; till at last they came without any order in great security to make an Attack , when he made a Sally , and put them to flight with the loss of many Men. This quieted many Commotions in these parts of Gaul , and Caesar made his progress through several parts of the Country , and with great vigilance provided against all Innovations . At that time there were 3 Legions come to him by way of Recruits for the Men he had lost ; of which Pompey furnish'd him with two out of those under his Command ; the other was newly rais'd in that part of Gaul which is by the Po. After this the Seeds of War , which had long since been secretly sown and scatter'd by the most powerful Men in those Warlike Nations , broke forth , and ripen'd into the greatest and most dangerous War that ever was in those parts , both for the number of Men in the vigor of their Youth , and quantity of Arms , which were gather'd from all parts , and the vast Funds of Money laid up for this purpose , and the strength of Towns , and situation of places by which they were inaccessible . It being Winter , the Rivers were frozen , the Woods cover'd with Snow , and the Fields overflow'd ; so that in some places the Ways were lost through the depth of the Snow ; in others , the overflowing of Bogs and Brooks made the passage very dangerous : All which difficulties made it seem impracticable to Caesar to make any attempt upon the Rebels . Many States had revolted together ; the chief of them were the Arverni , and Carnutes ; the General who had the Supream Command in War was Vercingetorix , whose Father the Gauls had put to death on suspicion he affected absolute Government . He having dispos'd his Army in several Bodies , and set Officers over them , drew over to him all the Country round about as far as those that lie upon Arar , and having Intelligence of the Opposition which Caesar's Affairs now found at Rome , thought to engage all Gaul in the War. Which if he had done a little later , when Caesar was taken up with the Civil Wars , Italy had been put into as great fears , as before it was by the Cimbri . But at this time Caesar who was of a Genius naturally fitted to make a right use of all advantages in War , as soon as he heard of the Revolt , return'd immediately the same way he went , and shew'd the Barbarians , by the quickness of his march in such a tempestuous season , that the Army which was advancing against them was invincible . For in time that one would have thought it scarce credible that a Courier , or Express should have come so far , he appear'd with all his Army ; in his march he ravaged the Country , demolish'd the Forts , and receiv'd into his protection those who declar'd for him ; till at last the Hedui oppos'd him , who before had styl'd themselves Brethren to the Romans , and had been much honour'd by them , but now joyn'd the Rebels to the great discouragement of Caesar's Army . Wherefore he remov'd thence , and past the Country of the Lingones , desiring to touch upon the Territories of the Sequani , who were his Allies , and are situate next to Italy upon the Confines of Gaul . There the Enemy came upon him , and surrounded him with many Myriads , whom he was eager enough to engage ; and had the advantage of them upon all accounts , and at last through the length of time and terrour of his Name , quite defeated them . But he seems to have made some false steps at first , and the Arverni shew you a Sword hanging up in a Temple , which they say was taken from Caesar . This Caesar saw afterwards , and smil'd at it , and when his Friends advis'd it should be taken down , would not permit it , because he look'd upon it as consecrated . After the defeat a great part of those who had escap'd , fled with their King into a Town call'd Alexia , which Caesar besieged , though for the heighth of the Walls , and number of those who were in Garison , it seem'd impregnable . During the Siege he met with greater danger without the Town , then can be exprest . For the choice Men of Gaul , pick'd out of each Nation , and well Arm'd , came to relieve Alexia , to the number of Three hundred thousand ; nor were there in the Town less than 170 thousand : So that Caesar being shut up betwixt two such Armies , was forc'd to raise two Walls , one towards the Town , the other against the new Supplies , as knowing if these Forces should join , his Affairs would be intirely ruin'd . The danger that he underwent before Alexia did justly gain him great Honour , and gave him an opportunity of shewing greater Instances of his Valour and Conduct , than any other Battle ever did . One would wonder very much how he should engage and defeat so many thousands of Men without the Town , and not be perceiv'd by those within : but much more , that the Romans themselves who guarded their Wall which was next the Town should be Strangers to it . For even they knew nothing of the Victory till they heard the cries of the Men , and lamentations of the Women , who were in the Town , and had from thence seen the Romans at a distance carrying into their Camp a great quantity of Bucklers adorn'd with Gold and Silver , many Breast-plates stain'd with Blood , besides Cups and Tents made after the Gallic mode . So soon was so vast an Army dissipated , and vanish'd like a Ghost or Dream , the greatest part of them being kill'd upon the spot . Those which were in Alexia having given themselves and Caesar much trouble surrendred at last ; and Vercingetorix , who was the chief Spring of all the War , with his best Armour on , and well mounted , rode out of the Gates , and took a Turn about Caesar as he was sitting ; then quitted his Horse , threw off his Armour , and laid himself quietly at Caesar's feet , who committed him to Custody to be reserv'd for a Triumph . Caesar had long since design'd to ruine Pompey , and Pompey , him ; for Crassus , who had hitherto kept them in Peace , being slain in Parthia , the one wanted nothing to make himself the greatest Man in Rome , but the fall of him , who was so ; Nor had the other any way to prevent his own ruine , but by being before-hand with him whom he fear'd . But Pompey had not been long under such apprehensions , having till that time despis'd Caesar , as thinking it no difficult matter to crush him whom he himself had advanc'd . But Caesar had entertain'd this design from the beginning against his Rivals , and had retir'd like an expert Wrestler , to prepare himself for the Combat ; He had improv'd the strength of his Souldiery by exercising e'm in the Gallic Wars , and had heighten'd his own glory by his great Actions , so that he was look'd on , as one that vied with Pompey . Nor did he let go any of those advantages , which were now given him both by Pompey himself , and the times , and the ill Government of Rome , whereby all who were Candidates for Offices publickly gave Money , and without any shame brib'd the Pople , who having receiv'd their pay did not contend for their Benefactors with their bare Suffrages , but with Bows , Swords , and Slings ; so that they seldom parted without having stain'd the place of Election with the Blood of Men kill'd upon the spot ; by which the City was brought to confusion like a Ship without a Pilot ; so that the Wiser part wish'd things which were carried on with so much Tumult and fury might end no worse then in a Monarchy . Some were so bold as to declare openly , that the Government was incurable but by a Monarchy , and that they ought to take that Remedy from the Hands of the gentlest Physician , meaning Pompey , who though in words he pretended to decline it , yet in reality he made his utmost Efforts to be declar'd Dictator . Cato perceiving his design prevail'd with the Senate to make him sole Consul , that he might not aim at the Dictatorship , being taken off with the offer of a more legal sort of Monarchy . They over and above voted him the continuance of his Provinces ; for he had two , Spain , and all Afric , which he govern'd by his Deputies , and maintain'd Armies under him at the yearly charge of 10000 Talents out of the publick Treasury . Upon this Caesar also by his Proxies demanded the Consulate , and the continuance of his Provinces . Pompey at first did not stir in it , but Marcellus and Lentulus oppos'd it , who had always hated Caesar , and now did every thing , whether fit or unfit , which ●●●ht disgrace , and expose him . For they took away the freedom of Rome from the Neocomians , who were a Colony that Caesar had lately planted in Gaul , and Marcellus , who was then Consul , order'd one of the Senators of that City , then at Rome , to be whipt , and told him he laid that mark upon him to signifie he was no Citizen of Rome , bidding him , when he went back again , to shew it Caesar . After Marcellus's Consulate , Caesar presented largely all the great Statesmen out of the Riches he had taken from the Gauls ; discharg'd Curio the Tribune from his great Debts ; gave Paulus , then Consul , 1500 Talents , with which he built a noble Palace joining to the Forum , in the place where that of Fulvius had stood . Pompey jealous of these Preparations , did now openly practise both by himself and his Friends , to have a Successor declar'd to Caesar , and sent to redemand those Souldiers whom he had lent him to carry on the Wars in Gaul . Caesar return'd them , and gave each Souldier 250 Drachms . Those who conducted them to Pompey spread amongst the People no very favourable report of Caesar , and flatter'd Pompey himself with false suggestions that he was wish'd for by Caesar's Army , and though his Affairs here were in an ill posture thrô the envy of some , and the ill state of the Government , yet there the Army was at his Command , and if they might pass into Italy , would presently declare for him ; so uneasie were they under Caesar , who had engag'd them in so many Expeditions , and so suspicious of him as aspiring to the Monarchy . Upon this Pompey grew careless , and neglected all Warlike Preparations as fearing no danger , but attack'd him with Words only and Speeches thinking to conquer by a Majority of Votes , which Caesar slighted . For 't is said , that one of his Captains , who was sent by him to Rome , standing before the Senate-house one day , and being told that the Senate would not give Caesar a longer time in his Government , clapt his Hand on the Hilt of his Sword , and said , But this shall . Yet the demands which Caesar made had the fairest colours of Equity imaginable ; for he proposed to lay down his Arms , and that Pompey should do the same , and both together should become private Men , and each expect a Reward of his Services from the Publick ; for that those who went to disarm him , and at the same time confirm'd Pompey's Power , only supprest the one , to establish the other in his Tyranny . When Curio made these Proposals to the People in Caesar's Name , he was mightily applauded , and some threw Garlands towards him , and dismist him as they do Wrestlers , crown'd with Flowers . Antony being Tribune , produced a Letter sent from Caesar on this Occasion , and read it , though the Consuls did what they could to oppose it . But Scipio , Pompey's Father-in-Law , propos'd in the Senate , that if Caesar did not lay down his Arms within such a time , he should be voted an Enemy ; and the Consuls putting it to the Question , whether Pompey should dismiss his Soldiers ; and again , whether Caesar should disband his , very few assented to the first , but almost all to the latter . But Antony proposing again that both should lay down their Commissions , all unanimously agreed to it . Scipio was upon this very violent , and Lentulus the Consul cried aloud , that they had need of Arms , and not of Suffrages against a Robber ; so that they were adjourn'd , and chang'd their Robes in token of grief for the Dissention . Afterwards there came other Letters from Caesar , which seem'd yet more moderate ; for he proposed to quit every thing else , and only to have Gallia Cisalpina , Illyricum , and two Legions , till he should stand a second time for Consul . Cicero the Orator , who was lately return'd from Cilicia , endeavour'd to reconcile differences , and soften'd Pompey , who was willing to comply in other things , but not to allow him the Soldiers . At last Cicero prevail'd with Caesar's Friends , who were now more flexible to accept of the Provinces , and 6000 Soldiers only , and so to make up the Quarrel . Pompey gave way to this , but Lentulus the Consul would not hearken to it , but drove Antony and Curio out of the House with disgrace ; by which they afforded Caesar the handsomest pretence that could be to enflame the Soldiers , by shewing them two Persons of such Worth and Authority who were forc'd to escape in a common Hackney-Coach , in the Habits of Slaves ; for so they were glad to disguise themselves , when they fled out of Rome . Now there were not about him at that time above 300 Horse , and 5000 Foot , for the rest of his Army , which was left behind the Alps , was to be brought after him by Persons Commission'd for that purpose . But he thought the first Motion towards the design which he had then on foot did not require many Forces at present , and that he ought to make his first step so suddenly , as to surprize the adverse Party into an admiration of his Courage ; for he esteem'd it easier to astonish them , if he came unawares , then fairly to conquer them , if he had alarm'd them by his Preparations ; and therefore he commanded his Captains , and other Officers , to go only with their Swords in their Hands without any other Arms , and make themselves Masters of Ariminum , a great City of Gaul , with as little Noise and Bloodshed as possible . He committed the Care of the Army to Hortensius , and spent the day in publick , as a Stander by , and Spectator of the Gladiators , who exercis'd before him . A little before night he bath'd , and then went into the Hall , and converst for some time with those he had invited to Supper , till it began to grow dusky ▪ when he rose from Table , and having complimented the Company , and desir'd 'em to stay till he came back , gave private Orders to some of his Confidents that they should follow him ▪ not all the same way ; but some one way , some another . He himself got into an Hackney Coach , and drove at first another way , but presently turn'd towards Ariminum . When he came to the River Rubicon ▪ which parts Gaul that is within the Alps from the rest of Italy , his thoughts began to work , now he was just entring upon danger , and he waver'd much in his mind , when he consider'd coolly the difficulty of the attempt . This stopt his career for a while , and made him halt , while he revolv'd with himself , and often chang'd his Opinion one way ; and the other , without speaking a word . When he could not fix his Resolution , he discust the matter very particularly with his Friends which were about him ( of which number Asinius Pollio was one ) computing how many Calamities his passing that River would bring upon Mankind , and what a Relation of it would be transmitted to Posterity . At last carried on by an extraordinary Impulse he lost of reasoning , and trusted to the event , using the Proverb frequent in their Mouths who enter upon dangerous and bold attempts , The die is cast ; with which words he took the River . When he was over , he us'd all expedition possible , and before it was day reach'd Ariminum , and took it . 'T is said , that the night before he past the River , he had an impious dream that he was unnaturally familiar with his own Mother . As soon as Ariminum was taken , there was as it were a wide Gate open'd to a War by Sea , as well as Land ; and with the limits of the Provinces , the boundaries of the Laws were transgrest ▪ Nor would one have thought that the Inhabitants only , as at other times , fled from one place to another in great consternation , but that the very Towns themselves left their stations , and fled for succor into each other ; so that the City of Rome was over run as it were with a Doluge by the conflux of neighbouring People from all parts round about , and was neither easie under the Government of its Magistrates , nor to be quiered by the Eloquence of any Orator in this great hurry and confusion , but was in danger of sinking by its own weight . For contrary passions , and violent motions possest all places ; nor were those who were interested in these Changes wholly at peace , but frequently meeting , as in so great a City they needs must , with such as shew'd themselves fearful and dejected , brought quarrels on themselves by their great confidence and presumption . Pompey sufficiently of himself disturb'd , was yet more perplex'd by the clamors of others ; some telling him that he justly suffer'd for having arm'd Caesar against himself , and the Government ; others blaming him for permitting Caesar to be insolently us'd by Lentulus , when he made so large Concessions , and offer'd such reasonable Proposals towards an Accommodation . Favonius bad him now stamp upon the Ground ; for once talking big in the Senate he desir'd them not to trouble themselves about making any preparations for the War ; for that he himself with one stamp of his Foot would fill all Italy with Soldiers . Yet still Pompey had more Forces then Caesar , but he was not permitted to pursue his own thoughts , but being continually alarm'd with frightful and false reports , as if the Enemy was just upon him , and Master of all , was forc'd to give way , and was born down by the common cry . In this distraction , it is resolved to leave the City , and the Senators are commanded to follow him , with an Order , that no one should stay behind who did not prefer Tyranny to their Countrey , and Liberty . The Consuls presently fled without making the usual Sacrifices ; the same did most of the Senators , carrying off their own Goods in as much hast as if they had been robbing their Neighbours . Some , who had formerly much favour'd Caesar's Cause , out of fear quitted their own Sentiments , and without any prospect of good to themselves , were carried along by the common stream . It was a very melancholy view to see the City tost in these Tumults like a Ship whose Pilot has given her over , and despairs of hindring her from being struck on the next Rock . Those , who left the City , though their departure was on so sad an occasion , yet esteem'd the place of their Exile to be their Countrey for Pompey's sake , and fled from Rome , as if it had been Caesar's Camp. At the same time Labienus , a Person who had been one of Caesar's best Friends , and his Lieutenant , and one who had fought by him very vigorously in the Gallic Wars , deserted him , and went over to Pompey . Caesar sent all his Money , and Equipage after him , and then sat down before Corfinium , which was Garison'd with 30 Soldiers under the command of Domitius . He in despair order'd a Physician who attended him to give him Poison , and taking the Dose drunk it in hopes of being dispatch'd by it , but soon after when he was told that Caesar us'd a wonderful Clemency towards those he took Prisoners , lamented his misfortune , and blam'd the hastiness of his own Resolution . His Physician comforted him , when he acquainted him that he had took a sleeping , not a mortal Poison ; with this he was very much pleased , and rising from his Bed , went presently over to Caesar , and kist his Hand , but afterwards revolted to Pompey . The report of these things at Rome sweetned those who were there , and some who had fled thence , return'd . Caesar took into his Army Domitius's Soldiers , as he did all those , whom he found in any Town listed for Pompey's Service . Being now strong and formidable enough , he advanc'd against Pompey himself , who did not stay to receive him , but fled to Brundusium , having sent the Consuls before with the Army to Dyrrachium . Soon after upon Caesar's approach he set to Sea , as shall be more particularly related in his Life . Caesar would have immediately pursu'd him , but wanted Shipping , and therefore went back to Rome , having made himself Master of all Italy in the space of 60 days . When he came thither he found the City more quiet then he expected , and many Senators upon the place , to whom he addrest himself with great courtesie and deference , desiring them to send to Pompey about any reasonable Accommodations towards a Peace . But no body complied with this Proposal , whether out of fear of Pompey , whom they had deserted , or that they thought Caesar did not mean what he said , but thought it his interest to talk plausibly . Afterwards , when Metellus the Tribune would have hinder'd him from taking Money out of the publick Treasury , and produc'd some Laws against it , Caesar replied , That Arms and Laws did not well agree , and if you are displeas'd with what I do , at present , Sir , retreat quietly , for War doth not admit long Speeches : When I have laid down my Arms , and entred into Terms of Peace , then come , and Harangue as you please : and this I tell you in diminution of my own just Right , for indeed you are my Subject , as are all those who have appear'd against me , and are now in my power . Having said this to Metellus , he went to the Doors of the Treasury , and the Keys being not to be found , sent for Smiths to force them open . Metellus again making resistance , and some encouraging him in it , Caesar threatned to kill him , if he gave him any farther disturbance ; And this , saith he , you know , young Man , is harder for me to say , then to do . These words made Metellus withdraw for fear , and at the same time gave way to Caesar's being easily and readily supplied with all things necessary for the War. He was now going to make War in Spain , with a Resolution first , to remove Afranius and Varro , Pompey's Lieutenants , and to make himself Master of the Army and Provinces under them , that he might more securely advance against Pompey , when he had no Enemy left behind him . In this Expedition his Person was often in danger from Ambuscades , and his Army by want of Provisions , yet he did not desist from pursuing the Enemy , provoking them to fight , and besieging them , till by main force he made himself Master of their Camps , and their Forces : Only the Officers got off and fled to Pompey . When Caesar came back to Rome , Piso his Father in Law advis'd him to send Men to Pompey , to treat of a Peace ; but Isauricus to ingratiate himself with Caesar spoke against it . Caesar after this , being chose Dictator by the Senate , called home the Exiles , advanced to Titles of Honour the Children of such as had suffer'd under Sylla , and such as were in debt by retrenching some part of the Interest , and touch'd upon some other Regulations like these , but not many : For within 11 days he resign'd his Dictatorship , and having declar'd himself Consul with Servilius Isauricus , made haste to the Camp again . He march'd so fast , that he left all his Army behind him , except 600 chosen Horse , and 5 Legions , with which he put to Sea in the very middle of Winter about the beginning of the Month January , which the Athenians call Posideon , and having past the Ionian Sea took Oricum , and Apollonia , and then sent back the Ships to Brundusium , to bring over the Soldiers , that were left behind in the march . These Soldiers , as they were upon the Road , being very much wasted in their Bodies , and tir'd with the fatigue of so many Engagements , talkt against Caesar after this manner . When at last , and where will this Caesar let us be quiet ? He carries us from place to place , and uses us , as if we were not to be worn out , and had no sense of labour . Even our Iron it self is spent by blows , and we ought to have some pity on our Bucklers , and Breast-plates , which have been us'd so long . Doth not Caesar gather from our wounds , that we are mortal Men , whom he commands , and that we are subject to the same Calamities , and Diseases , as other Mortals are . 'T is impossible for a God himself to force the Winter-Season , or to hinder the Storms , when they rage : Yet he pushes forward , as if he were not pursuing , but flying from an Enemy . This was their Discourse as they march'd leisurely towards Brundusium . But when they came thither , and found that Caesar was gone off before them , they chang'd their Sentiments , and blam'd themselves as Traitors to their General . They now rail'd at their Officers for marching so slowly , and placing themselves on the Promontories by the Sea-side over-against Epirus , lookt out to see if they could espy the Vessels , which were to transport them to Caesar . He in the mean time was posted in Apollonia , but had not an Army with him able to fight the Enemy , the Forces from Brundusium being so long a coming , which put him into a great suspence , and loss what to do . At last he entred upon a dangerous project , which was to go in a Vessel of 12 Oars , without any ones knowledge , over to Brundusium , though the Sea was at that time cover'd with a vast Fleet of the Enemies . He embark'd in the night-time in the habit of a Slave , and throwing himself down like some inconsiderable Fellow , lay along at the bottom of the Vessel . The River Anius was to carry them down to Sea , and there us'd to blow a gentle gale every morning from the Land , which made it very calm towards the mouth of the River , by driving the Waves forward ; but that night there blew a strong Wind from the Sea , which overpower'd that from the Land ; so that betwixt the violence of the Tide , and the resistance of the Waves against it , the River was very rough , and so uneven and dangerous , that the Pilot could not make good his Passage , but order'd his Sailors to tack about . Caesar upon this discovers himself , and taking the Pilot by the Hand , who was surprised to see him there , said , Go on boldly my Friend , and fear nothing ; thou carriest Caesar , and his Fortune along with thee . The Mariners when they heard that , forgot the Storm , and laying all their Strength to their Oars , did what they could to force their way down the River . But when it was to no purpose , and the Vessel now took in much Water , Caesar finding himself in so great danger in the very mouth of the River , permitted the Master , though much against his will , to turn back . When he was come to Land , his Soldiers ran to him in whole Troops , and exprest how much they were troubled , that he should think himself not strong enough to get a Victory by their sole Assistance , but must needs disturb himself , and expose his Person for those who were absent , as if he could not trust those who were with him . After this , Antony came over with the Forces from Brundusium , which encourag'd Caesar to give Pompey Battel , though he was encamp'd very advantageously , and furnish'd with plenty of Provisions both by Sea , and Land , whilst he himself , who at first had been but ill stock'd , was now at last extreamly pinch'd for want of Necessaries , so that his Soldiers were forc'd to dig up a kind of Root which grew there , and tempering it with Milk to feed on it . Sometimes they made Loaves , and in their Incursions on the Enemies Out-guards , would throw in those Loaves , telling them , that as long as the Earth produc'd such Roots they would not leave off to besiege Pompey . But Pompey took what care he could , that neither the Loaves , nor the Words should reach his Men , for they would have been disheartned at the fierceness and hardiness of their Enemies , and look'd upon them as a Kin to the savage Nature of Wild Beasts . There were continual Skirmishes about Pompey's Out-works , in all which Caesar had the better , except one ; when his Men were forc'd to fly in such a manner , that he had like to have lost his Camp. For Pompey made such a vigorous Sally on them , that not a Man stood his ground ; the Trenches were fill'd with dead Bodies ; many fell upon their own Ramparts , and Bulwarks , being closely pursu'd by the Enemy . Caesar met them , and would have turn'd them back , but could not . When he went to lay hold of the Colours , those who carried them threw them down , so that the Enemies took 32 of them . He himself narrowly escap'd ; for taking hold of a big lusty Fellow that was flying by him , he bad him stand , and face about ; but the Fellow full of apprehensions from the danger he was in , began to handle his Sword , as if he would strike Caesar , and had done it , had not Caesar's Arm-bearer prevented the blow by chopping off the Man's Arm. Caesar's Affairs were so desperate at that time , that when Pompey either through fear , or his ill Fortune , did not give the finishing stroke to that great Action , but retreated after he had shut up the Enemy within their Camp , Caesar upon his return said to his Friends , The Victory to day had been on our Enemies side , if they had had a General , which knew how to conquer . When he was retir'd into his Tent , he laid himself down to sleep , but spent that night the most melancholy that he ever did any , being perplex'd in his thoughts for his ill conduct in this War ; for when he had a large Country before him , and all the wealthy Cities of Macedonia , and Thessaly , he had neglected to carry the War thither , and had sat down by the Sea-side , whilst his Enemies had such a powerful Fleet ; so that he seem'd rather to be besieg'd with want of Necessaries , then to besiege others with his Arms. Being thus distracted in his thoughts with the view of the ill posture he stood in , he rais'd his Camp with a design to advance towards Scipio , who lay in Macedonia ; for he hop'd either to draw Pompey where he should fight without the advantage he now had of supplies from the Sea , or over-power Scipio , if not assisted . This animated Pompey's Army , and Officers so far , that they were for pursuing Caesar , as one that was worsted and flying . But Pompey was afraid to hazard a Battle , on which so much depended , and being himself provided with all Necessaries for a considerable time , thought to tire out , and waste the vigor of Caesar's Army , which could not last long ; For the best part of his Men , though they had much Experience , and shew'd an irresistible Courage in all Engagements , yet by their frequent marches , changing their Camps , assaulting of Towns , and long watches , were so broken , and so much exhausted with Age , that their Bodies were unfit for Labour , and their Courage cool'd by their years . Besides , 't is said that a Pestilential Disease occasioned by their irregular Diet rag'd in Caesar's Army , and , what was of greatest moment , he was neither furnish'd with Money , nor Provisions , so that in a little time he must needs fall of himself . For these Reasons Pompey had no mind to fight him , and was thank'd for it by none but Cato , who was pleas'd with it out of his zeal to preserve his Fellow-Citizens . For when he saw the dead Bodies of those which had faln in the last Battle on Caesar's side to the number of a thousand , he went away , cover'd his Face , and wept . The rest reproach'd Pompey for declining to fight , and call'd him Agamemnon , and the King of Kings , as One that had no mind to lay down his Sovereign Authority , but was pleas'd to see so many great Commanders attending on him , and paying their ●●●endance at his Tent. Favonius , who affected Cato's free way of speaking his mind , complain'd bitterly , that they should eat no Figs that year at Tusculum by reason of Pompey's ambition to be Monarch . Afranius , who was lately return'd out of Spain , and by reason of the ill Campagne he had made , was suspected by Pompey to have betray'd the Army for Money , ask'd him , Why he did not fight that Merchant , who had made such purchases ? Pompey was compell'd by this kind of Language to give Caesar Battle , though against his own Sentiments , and in order to it , pursu'd him . Caesar had found great difficulties in his march ; for no Country would supply him with Provisions , his Reputation being very much sunk since his last Defeat . But when he came to Gomphi , a Town of Thessaly , he not only found Provisions for his Army , but Physick too . For there they met with plenty of Wine , which they took off very freely ; heated with this , and fir'd with the God , they jollily danc'd along , and so shook off their Disease , and chang'd their whole Constitution . When the two Armies were come into Pharsalia , and both encamp'd there , Pompey's thoughts ran the same way , as they had done before , against fighting , and the more , because of some unlucky Presages , and an odd Vision he had in a Dream . Yet some who were about him were so confident of success , that Domitius , Spinther , and Scipio , as if they had already conquer'd , quarrel'd which should succeed Caesar in the Pontificate ; And many sent to Rome to take Houses fit to accommodate Consuls and Praetors , as being sure of entring upon those Offices , as soon as the Battle was over . The Cavalry especially were eager to fight , as being well Arm'd , and bravely mounted , and valuing themselves upon the clean shapes of their Horses , and the advantage of their numbers , for they were 5000 against 1000 of Caesar's . Nor was their Infantry better match'd , there being 45000 of Pompey's , against 22000 of the Enemy . Caesar drew up his Soldiers , and told 'em that Cornificius was coming up to them with two Legions , and that 15 Companies more under Calenu● were posted at Megara , and Athens , he ask'd 'em , whether they would stay till these join'd them , or would hazard the Ba●●le by themselves ▪ They all cried ou● against delaying , and were eager to engage as soon as possible . When he sacrific'd to the Gods for the lustration of his Army , upon the death of the first Victim , the Augur told him , within 3 days , he should come to a decisive Action . Caesar ask'd him , Whether he saw any thing in the Entrails , which promis'd an happy Event ? That , saith the Priest , you can best answer your self ; for the Gods signifie a great Alteration from the present posture of Affairs ; if therefore you think your self happy now , expect worse Fortune ; if unhappy , hope for better . The night before the Battle , as he walk'd the Rounds about Midnight , he saw a Light in the Heaven very bright and flaming , which seem'd to pass over Caesar's Camp , and fall into Pompey's ; and when Caesar's Soldiers came to relieve the Watch in the morning , they perceiv'd a Panic fear among the Enemies . However he did not expect to fight that day , but decamp'd as if he design'd to march towards Scotusa . But when the Tents were taken down , his Scouts rode up to him , and told him the Enemy would give him Battle . With this he was very much pleas'd , and having perform'd his Devotions to the Gods , set his Army in Battalia , dividing them into 3 Bodies . Over the middle-most he plac'd Domitius-Calvinus : Antony commanded the Left Wing , and he himself the Right , being resolv'd to fight at the Head of the 10th Legion . But when he saw the Enemies Cavalry planted against him , being struck with their Bravery , and their Number , he gave private Orders , That six Companies from the Reer of the Army should advance up to him , whom he posted behind the Right Wing , and instructed them what they should do , when the Enemies Horse came to charge . On the other side , Pompey commanded the Right Wing , Domitius the Left , and Scipio , Pompey's Father-in-law , the Main Body . The whole Weight of the Cavalry was in the Left Wing , who design'd to attack the Right Wing of the Enemy , and press that part most which the General himself commanded : For they thought no Body of Foot could be so deep as to bear such a shock , but that they must necessarily be broken to pieces upon the first impression of so strong a Cavalry . When they were ready on both sides to give the signal for Battel , Pompey commanded his Foot , who were in the Front , to stand their ground , and , without breaking their Order ▪ receive quietly the Enemies first Attack , till they came within Javelins cast . Caesar blam'd this Conduct , and said , Pompey was not aware that the first Charge , if it were brisk and fierce , gave weight to every stroke , and rais'd a general warmth of Soul , which was easily kept alive and improv'd by the concurrence of the whole Army . He was now advanc'd with his Forces , and just upon Action , when he found one of his Captains , a trusty and experienc'd Soldier , encouraging his Men to exert their utmost . Caesar call'd him by his Name , and said , What hopes , C. Crassinius , and what grounds for encouragement ? Crassinius stretch'd out his hand , and cried in a loud Voice : We shall conquer nobly , Caesar ; and this day I 'll deserve your Praises either alive or dead . With these words he immediately ran in upon the Enemy , back'd only with six-score Men , and presently cut down the foremost , and still press'd on forwards with much slaughter of the Enemy , till at last he was struck back by the Wound of a Sword , which went in at his Mouth with such force , that it came out at his Neck behind . Whilst the Foot were thus sharply engag'd in the Main Battel , one Wing of Pompey's Horse march'd up confidently , and open'd their Ranks very wide , that they might surround the Right Wing of Caesar : But before they engag'd , some Companies of Caesar's made up to them , and did not dart their Javelins at a distance , nor strike at their Thighs and Legs as they us'd to do in close Battel , but aim'd at their Faces ; for thus Caesar had instructed them , in hopes that Young Gentlemen , who had not convers'd much in Battels and Wounds , but were in the flower of their Age , and height of their Beauty , would be very apprehensive of such Blows , and not care for hazarding both a Danger at present , and a Blemish for the future . This Design took , for they were so far from bearing the stroke of the Javelins , that they could not stand the sight of them , but turn'd about , and cover'd their Faces to secure them . In this great disorder , they were at last forc'd to fly for it , and by this Confusion ruin'd all ; for those who had beat them back , presently surrounded the Infantry , and falling on their Reer , cut them to pieces . Pompey , who commanded the other Wing of the Army , when he saw his Cavalry thus broke and flying , was no longer himself , nor did he now remember that he was Pompey the Great ; but like one whom the Gods had depriv'd of his Senses , and struck with some fatal Blow , retir'd to his Tent without speaking a word , and there sat to expect the Event , till the whole Army was defeated , and the Enemy appear'd upon the Works which were thrown up before his Camp , where they closely engag'd with his Men , who were posted there to defend it . Then he first seem'd to have recover'd his senses ; and when he had said to himself , What , into my Camp too ? he laid aside his General 's habit , and putting on such Cloaths as might best favour his flight , stole off . What Fortune he met with afterwards , how he took shelter in Aegypt , and was murder'd there , we tell you in his Life . Caesar , when he came to view Pompey's Camp ▪ and saw some of his Enemies dead upon the ground , others dying , said with a sigh , ---- This they would have ; they brought me to this necessity , that I Caius Caesar must have lost the credit of all my former Successes in War , if I had at last dismiss'd my Army . Asinius Pollio says that Caesar spoke those words then in Latin , which he afterwards wrote in Greek ; that those who were killed at the taking of the Camp , were most of them Servants ; and that there fell not above 6000 Soldiers . Caesar incorporated most of the Foot , whom he took Prisoners , with his own Legions , and pardoned several Persons of Quality , and amongst the rest Brutus , who afterwards stabb'd him . He did not immediately appear after the Battel was over , which put Caesar into a great Agony for him ; nor was his pleasure less , when he saw him safe , and at the same time coming over to him . There were many Prodigies that foretold this Victory ; but the most signal was that at Tralles . In the Temple of Victory there stood Caesar's Statue ; the Floor it self was very firm , and the Stone with which it was pav'd still harder : yet it is said that a Palm-Tree shot it self up near the Pedestal of this Statue . In the City of Padua , one C. Cornelius , who had the Character of a good Augur , fellow-Citizen and Friend of Livie the Historian , happened to make some Augural Observations that very day when the Battel was fought : And first , as Livie tells us , he pointed out the critical time of the Fight , and said to those who were by him , That just then the Action was hot , and the Men engag'd . When he look'd a second time upon the Birds , and nicely observ'd the Omens , he leap'd as if he had been inspir'd , and cry'd out , Thou , Caesar , art the Conqueror . This mightily surpriz'd the standers by ; but he took the Crown , which he had on , from his Head , and swore he would never wear it again till the Event should give Authority to his Art. This Livie positively affirms for a Truth . Caesar , as a Monument of his Victory , gave the Thessalians great Immunities , and then went in pursuit of Pompey . When he was arrived at Asia , to gratifie Theopompus , who had made a Collection of Fatles , he enfranchis'd the Guidians , and remitted one third of the Tax to all the Asiatics . When he came to Alexandria , where Pompey was already murder'd , he would not look upon Theodotus , who presented him with his head , but took his Signet and wept over it . Those of Pompey's Friends who had been taken by the King of Aegypt as they were stragling in those parts , he obliged , and made his own . He wrote Letters to Rome , wherein he signified to his Friends , That the greatest Advantage and Pleasure he found by the Victory was , that he every day sav'd several Citizens Lives who had fought against him . As to the War in Aegypt , some say it was dangerous and dishonourable , and no ways necessary , but occasion'd only by his Passion for Cleopatra : Others blame the Ministers , and especially the Eunuch Photinus , who was chief Favourite , had lately took off Pompey's Head , banished Cleopatra from Court , and was now thought to be privately carrying on the Destruction of Caesar ; to prevent which , Caesar from that time began to sit up whole nights , under pretence of Drinking , for the greater security of his Person . 'T is certain , that he was intolerable in his open Affronts to Caesar , both by his Words and Actions ; for when Caesar's Soldiers had musty and unwholsom Corn measur'd out to them , Photinus told them , They must like it , since they were fed at another's Cost . He order'd that his Table should be serv'd with wooden and earthen Dishes , and said , Caesar had carried off all the Gold and Silver Plate , under pretence of Arrears of Debt . For the present King's Father ow'd Caesar 1750 Myriads of Money ; Caesar had formerly remitted to his Children the rest , but thought fit to demand the thousand Myriads at that time , to maintain his Army . Photinus told him , That he had better go then , and attend his other Affairs of greater Consequence , and that he should receive his Money at another time with Thanks . Caesar replied , That he did not want Aegyptians to be his Councellors , and soon after privately sent for Cleopatra from her Retirement . She took a little Skiff , and one of her Confidents , Apollodorus , along with her , and in the dusk of the evening landed near the Palace . She was at a loss how to get in undiscover'd , till she thought of putting her self into the Coverlet of a Bed , and lying at length , whilst Apollodorus bound up the Bedding , and carried it on his Back through the Castle-gates to Caesar's Apartment ▪ Caesar was first taken with this fetch of Cleopatra , as an Argument of her Wit ; and was afterwards so far charm'd with her Conversation and graceful Behaviour , that he reconcil'd her to her Brother , and made her Partner in the Government . A Festival was kept for joy of this Reconciliation , where Caesar's Barber , a busie pragmatical Fellow , whose fear made him inqui●itive into every thing , discover'd that there was a Plot carrying on against Caesar by Achillas , General of the King's Forces , and Photinus the Eunuch . Caesar , upon the first intelligence of it , set a Guard upon the Hall where the Feast was kept , and kill'd Photinus . Achillas escap'd to the Army , and rais'd a troublesom War against Caesar , which it was not easie for him to manage with so small a Force against so powerful a State. The first difficulty he met with , was want of Water ; for the Enemies had turned the Pipes . Another was , that when the Enemy endeavour'd to cut off his Communication by Sea , he was forc'd to divert that Danger by setting fire to his own Ships , which when it had burnt the Harbor , spread it self so far as to destroy the famous Library of Alexandria . A third was , that in an Engagement near Pharos he leap'd from the Mole into a Skiff , to assist his Soldiers , who were in danger : When the Aegyptians press'd him on every side , he threw himself into the Sea , and with much difficulty swam off . He had then many Papers in his hand , which though he was continually darted at , and forc'd to keep his Head often under Water , yet he did not let go , but held them up safe from wetting in one hand , whilst he swam with the other . His Skiff in the mean time was quickly sunk . At last , the King having got off to Achillas and his Party , Caesar engag'd and conquer'd them ; many fell in that Battel , and the King himself was never seen after . Upon this , he makes Cleopatra Queen of Aegypt , who soon after had a Son by him , whom the Alexandrians call'd Caesarion , and then departed for Syria . Thence he passed to Asia , where he heard that Domitius was beaten by Pharnaces , Son of Mithridates , and fled out of Pontus with an handful of Men ; and that Pharnaces pursu'd the Victory so eagerly , that though he was already Master of Bithynia and Cappadocia , he had still farther aims to take in Armenia the less ; in order to which , he invited all the Kings and Tetrarchs there to rise . Caesar immediately marched against him with three Legions , fought him near Zela , drove him out of Pontus , and totally defeated his Army . When he gave Amintius , a Friend of his at Rome , an Account of this Action , to express the smartness and dispatch of it , he used these three words , Veni , Vidi , Vici ; which Latin words having all the same Cadence , carry with them an air of brevity , which in this place is very lucky and graceful . Hence he went for Italy , and came to Rome at the end of that Year , for which he was a second time chose Dictator , ( though that Office had never before lasted so long ) and was elected Consul for the next . He was ill spoke of , because upon a Mutiny of Soldiers , who kill'd Cosconius and Galba , who had been Praetors , he gave them only that slight Reprimand of calling them Citizens , instead of Fellow-Soldiers , and after gave each Man a thousand Drachms , besides a share of some Lands in Italy . He was also reflected on for Dolabella's Extravagance , Amintius's Covetousness , Anthony's Debauchery , and Corfinius's Profuseness , who pull'd down Pompey's House , and re-built it , as not Magnificent enough ; for the Romans were much displeased with all these . But Caesar , for the carrying on his Designs , though he knew their Characters , and disapprov'd them , was forc'd to make use of such Instruments . After the Battel of Pharsalia , Cato and Scipio fled into Afric , and there , with the Assistance of King Juba , got together a considerable Force , which Caesar resolv'd to engage . In order to it , he pass'd into Sicily in the very midst of Winter ; and to remove from his Officers all hopes of delay there , encamp'd by the Sea-shoar , and as soon as ever he had a fair Wind put to Sea with 3000 Foot , and a few Horse . When he had landed them , he went back privately under great apprehensions for the better part of his Army ; but met 'em upon the Sea , and brought them all to the same Camp. There he was inform'd , That the Enemies rely'd much upon an ancient Oracle , That the Family of the Scipioes should be always Victorious in Afric . There was in his Army a Fellow , otherwise mean and contemptible , but of the House of the Africani , and his Name Scipio Sallustio : This Man Caesar put in the Head of his Army , with the Title of General ; which he did either in raillery to ridicule Scipio , who commanded the Enemy , or seriously to bring over the Omen to his side . He was oblig'd often to set upon the Ememy , and skirmish with them ; for he wanted both Victualling for his Men , and Forage for his Horse : so that he was forc'd to feed 'em with a Sea-weed , which he mix'd with Grass , to take off its saltness , and to give it a more agreeable Taste ▪ He was forc'd to make this shift , because the Numidians , in great Numbers , and well Hors'd , commanded the Country . Caesar's Cavalry being one day out of Employ , diverted themselves with seeing an African , who entertain'd 'em with a Dance , and play'd upon the Pipe to admiration : They were so taken with this , that they lighted , and gave their Horses to some Boys , when on a sudden the Enemy briskly surrounded them , kill'd some , pursu'd the rest , and fell in with 'em into their Camp ; and had not Caesar himself and Asinius Pollio came in to their Assistance , and put a stop to their flight , the War had been then at an end . In another Engagement , where the Enemy had again the better , Caesar took an Ensign , who was running away , by the Neck , and forcing him to face about , said , Look , that way is the Enemy ! Scipio flush'd with this Success at first , had a mind to come to one decisive Action . Wherefore he leaves Afranius and Juba in two distinct Bodies not far distant , and marches himself towards Thapsacus , where he built a Fort , which might serve for a Security to them , and a Retreat to himself . Whilst Scipio was taken up with this matter , Caesar with an incredible dispatch made his way through thick Woods , and an unpassable Country , surrounded one Party of the Enemy , and charg'd the other other in the Front. When he had defeated these , he improv'd this Opportunity , and the course of his good Fortune so far , that in one moment he took Afranius's Camp , and destroy'd that of the Numidians , Juba their King being glad to save himself by flight ; so that in a small part of a day he made himself Master of three Camps , and kill'd 50000 of the Enemy , with the loss only of 50 Men. This is the Account some give of that Fight ; Others say , He was not in the Action , but that he was taken with his usual Distemper just as he was setting his Army in Battalia . He perceiv'd the approaches of it , before it had too far disorder'd his Senses ; and as soon as he began to shake , took care to be remov'd into a neighbouring Fort , where he repos'd himself . Of the Great Men that were taken after the Fight , some Caesar put to Death , others prevented him by killing themselves . Cato had undertaken to defend Utica , and for that reason was not in the Battel . The desire which Caesar had to take him alive , made him hasten thither ; upon notice that he had dispatch'd himself , 't is certain Caesar was much discompos'd , but for what reason is not so well agreed : yet this he said ; Cato , I envy thee thy Death , because thou enviedst me the honour of saving thy Life . Yet after all this , the Discourse he wrote against Cato after his Death , is no great sign of his kindness , or that he was thorowly reconciled to him . For how is it probable that he would have been tender of his Life , who was so bitter against his Memory ? Yet from his Clemency to Cicero , Brutus , and many others who fought against him , some have guess'd that Caesar's Book was not compos'd so much out of harted to Cato , as in his own Vindication . Cicero , it seems , had written an Encomium upon Cato , and call'd it by his Name ; a Discourse written by so great a Master upon so excellent a Subject , was sure to be in every ones hands . This touch'd Caesar , who look'd upon a Panegyric on his Enemy , as no better then a Satyr against himself : and therefore he made in his Anti-Cato a full Collection of whatever could be said in that Great Man's derogation . Those Discourses had each of them their several Admirers , as Men were differently inclin'd to the Parties . Caesar , upon his return to Rome , did not forget to entertain the People with a large Account of his Victory , telling them , That he had subdu'd a Country , which would supply the Publick every year with 200000 Bushels of Corn , and 3000000 weight of Oyl . He was allow'd three Triumphs , for Aegypt , Pontus , and Afrric ; the last , not for the Conquest of Scipio , but Juba , whose little Son was then led in Triumph , the happiest Captive that ever was , who of a barbarous Numidian came by this means to be reckon'd among the most Learned Historians of all Greece . After these Triumphs , he distributed Rewards to his Soldiers , and treated the People with Feasting and Shews : At one Feast he had 22000 Tables , and entertain'd the People with Gladiators and Sea-Fights in honour to his Daughter Julia , long since dead . When those Shews were over , an Account was taken of the people , who from 320000 were now reduc'd 150000. So great a waste had the Civil War made in Rome alone , not to mention what the other parts of Italy and the Provinces suffer'd . He was now chosen a fourth time Consul , and went into Spain against Pompey's Sons ; they were but young , yet had got together a great Army , and shew'd they had Courage and Conduct to command it , so that Caesar was in extreme danger . The great Battel was near Munda , in which Caesar seeing his Men hard press'd , and making but a weak Resistance , ran through the Ranks among the Soldiers , and crying out , ask'd them , Whether they were not asham'd to deliver him into the hands of Boys ? At last , with great difficulty , and the best efforts he could make , he forced back the Enemy , killing 30000 of them , though with the loss of 1000 of his best Men. When he came back from the Fight , he told his Friends , that he had often fought for Victory , but this was the first time he had ever fought for Life . This Battel was won on the Feast of the Bacchanals , the very day in which Pompey , four years before , had set out for the War. The younger of Pompey's Sons escap'd , and Didius some days after the Fight brought the elder 's Head to Caesar . This was the last Battel he was engag'd in . The Triumph he made for this Victory displeas'd the Romans beyond any thing : For he had not defeated foreign Generals , and barbarous Kings , but had ruin'd the Children and Family of one of the greatest Men of Rome , though unfortunate ; and it did not look well to triumph over the Calamities of his Country , and to rejoyce in those things for which no better Apology could be made to the Gods and Men , then their being absolutely necessary . Besides , that hitherto he had never sent Letter or Express of any Victory over his Fellow-Citizens , but had seem'd rather to be asham'd of the Action , then to expect Honour from it . For all this , the Romans taking the same side with Fortune , gave the Rein into his hands , and hoping that the Government of a single Person would give them time to breathe after so many Civil Wars and Calamities , made him Dictator for Life . This was a down-right Tyranny ; for his Power now was not only absolute , but perpetual too . Cicero propos'd to the Senate to confer such Honours upon him as were indeed in some measure within the bounds of modesty ; Others striving which should deserve most , carried them so excessively high , that they made Caesar odious to the most indifferent and moderate sort of men by the haughtiness and extravagance of those Titles which they decreed him . His Enemies are thought to have had some share in this , as well as his Flatterers : it gave them more advantage against him , and laid him more open to their Calumnies , for since the Civil Wars were ended , he had nothing else that he could be charg'd with . And they had good reason to decree a Temple to Clemency , in token of their Thanks for this mild use he made of this Victory ; for he not only pardon'd many of those who fought against him ; but farther to some gave Honours and Offices : as particularly to Brutus and Cassius , who both of them were Praetors ; Pompey's Images that were thrown down , he set up again ; upon which Cicero said , that by raising Pompey's Statues he had fix'd his own . When his Friends advis'd him to a Guard , and several offer'd their Service , he would not hear of it , but said , It was better to suffer Death once ; then always to live in fear of it . He look'd upon the Affections of the People to be the best and surest Guard , and therefore entertain'd them again with publick Feastings and general Distributions of Corn ; and to gratifie his Army , he sent out many Colonies to several places , of which the most remarkable were Carthage and Corinth ; which , as before they had been ruin'd at the same time , so now they were restor'd and peopl'd together . As for the Men of Quality , he promis'd some that they should be Consuls or Praetors ; others he satisfied with Offices or Titles ; to all he gave hopes of his Favour , as being desirons to rule by Love : So that upon the Death of Maximus , one day before his Consulate was ended , he made Caninius Rebellius Consul for that day . When many went to pay their Complements to the new Consul , as is usual , ●icero said by way of raillery , Let us make haste , lest the Man be gone out of his Office before we come . Caesar was born to do great things , and had a love of Honour ; nor did the many Noble Exploits he had done invite him to sit still , and reap the fruit of his past labours , but were Incentives and Encouragements to go on , and rais'd in his Soul the Ideas of still greater Actions , and a desire of new Glory , as if the present were all spent . This Passion was a kind of aemulous struggle with himself , as it had been with another , how he might out-do his past ▪ Actions by his future . In pursuit of these thoughts , he resolv'd to make War upon the Parthians , and when he had subdu'd them , to pass through Hircania ; thence to march along by the Caspian Sea to Mount Caucasus , and so on about Pontus , till he came into Scythia ; then to over-run all the Countries about Germany , and Germany it self ; and to return through Gaul into Italy , till he had finished the whole Circle of his intended Empire , and bounded it on every side by the Ocean . While Preparations were making for this Expedition , he attempted to dig through the Isthmus on which Corinth stands . Afterthat , he had a Design to divert the Rivers Apien and Tiber , and to carry them by a deep Channel directly from Rome to Circaeum , and so into the Sea near Tarracina , that there might be a safe and easie Passage for all Merchants who traded to Rome . Besides this , he intended to drain all the Marshes by Nomentum and Setium , and gain ground enough from the Water to employ many Thousands of Men in Tillage . He propos'd farther to make great Mounds on the Shoar nighest Rome , to hinder the Sea from breaking in upon the Land ; to cleanse the Ostian Shoar of such hidden Shelves and Rocks as made it unsafe for Shipping , and to build Ports and Harbors fit to receive such large Vessels as used to ride thereabouts . These things were design'd without taking effect : but his Reformation of the Kalendar , in order to rectifie the irregularity of Time , was not only ingeniously contriv'd , but brought to perfection by him , and prov'd of very great use ; For it was not only in ancient Times that the Romans wanted a certain Rule to make the Revolutions of their Months fall in with the Course of the Year , ( whereby their Festivals and solemn days for Sacrifice were remov'd by little and little , till at last they came to be kept at a Season quite contrary to what they had been formerly ) but even at this time , the People had no way of computing right the Course of the Sun ; only the Priests had the knack , and at their pleasure , without giving any notice , clapt in an intercalary Month , which they call'd Mercedonius . Numa was the first who put in this Month , but his Invention was too narrow and short to correct all the Errors that rose from their Computation of the Year , as we have shewn in his Life . Caesar call'd in the best Philosophers and Mathematicians of his Time , to settle this Point ; and upon Principles there propos'd , establish'd a more exact and proper Method of correcting the Kalendar ; which the Romans use to this day , and seem to err less then any other Nation in the Reduction of this inequality of Months to the Year . Yet even this gave Offence to those who envy'd his Grandeur , and were weary of his Power ; for Cicero the Orator , when one of the Company chanc'd to say , The next morning Lyra would rise ; reply'd , Yes , by vertue of the Edict ; as if Men were forc'd by Authority to receive this new Scheme . But that which brought upon him the most apparent and mortal hatred , was his affectation of being King , which gave the Common People the first Occasion to quarrel with him , and prov'd the most specious pretence to those who had been his secret Enemies all along . Those who would have procur'd him that Title , gave it out , That 't was foretold in the Sibylls Books , that the Romans should conquer the Parthians when they fought against them under the Conduct of a King , but not before . And one day , as Caesar was going from Alba to Rome , some were so bold as to salute him by the Name of King ; but he finding the People disrelish it , seem'd to resent it himself , and said , His Title was Caesar , not King. Upon this , they forbore their Acclamations , and he past on with an air that express'd much sullenness and dissatisfaction . Another time , when the Senate had conferr'd on him some extravagant Honours , he chanc'd to receive the Message as he was sitting on the Rostra , where , though the Consuls and Praetors themselves waited on him , attended by the whole Body of the Senate , he did not rise , but behav'd himself to them as if they had been private Men , and told them , His Honours wanted rather to be retrench'd , than increas'd . This Carriage of his offended not only the Senate , but Commonalty too ; for they thought the affront upon the Senate equally reflected upon the whole Republick ; so that all who could decently leave him went off much dejected . Caesar perceiving the false step he had made , immediately retir'd home , and laying his Throat bare , told his Friends , That he was ready to stand fair for any man that would do him the kind Office : Afterwards he excus'd his sitting by his Distemper , under pretence that those who are affected with it have their senses discompos'd , if they talk much standing ; that they presently grow giddy , fall iuto Convulsions , and quite lose their Reason . But all this was feign'd ; for he would willingly have stood up to the Senate , had not Cornelius Balbus , one of his Friends , or rather Flatterers , hinder'd him . Don't you remember , saith he , you are Caesar ; and will you abate any thing of that Honor which is due to your Dignity ? He gave still a fresh occasion of resentment by his affront to the Tribunes . The Lupercalia were then celebrated , a Feast at the first Institution peculiar , as some Writers say , to the Shepherds , much of the same nature with the Arcadian Lycaea : Many young Noblemen and Magistrates run up and down the City naked , striking all they meet with leathern Thongs , by way of sport ; Many Women of the best Quality place themselves in the way , and hold out their Hands to the Lash , as Boys in a School do to the Ferula , out of an Opinion that it procures an easie Labour to those who are with Child , and makes those conceive who are barren . Caesar drest in a Triumphal Robe , seated himself in a golden Chair upon the Rostra , to view this Ceremony . Anthony , as Consul , was one of those who ran this Course ; when he came into the Forum , the People made way for him , whilst he presented Caesar with a Diadem wreath'd with Lawrel . Upon this , there was a small shout , made only by those few who were planted there for that purpose ; but when Caesar refus'd it , there was an universal applause . Upon the second offer , very few ; and upon the second refusal , all again clapp'd . Caesar finding it would not take , rose up , and order'd the Crown to be carried into the Capitol . Caesar's Statues were afterwards found with Royal Diadems on their Heads ; Flavius and Marullus , two Tribunes of the People , went presently and pull'd them off ; and having apprehended those who first saluted Caesar as King , committed them : The People follow'd them with acclamations , and call'd them Brutus's , because Brutus was the first who cut off the Succession of Kings , and transferr'd the Power which before was lodg'd in One , into the hands of the Senate and People . Caesar so far resented this , that he displac'd Marullus and Flavius ; and as he inveigh'd against them , at the same time ridicul'd the People , telling them , He confess'd those Men were indeed properly call Bruti and Cumaei [ Beasts and Sots . ] This made the Multitude place their hopes on M. Brutus , who by his Father's side was thought to be descended from that first Brutus , and by his Mother's side from the Servilii , another Noble Family ; being besides Nephew and Son-in-law to Cato . But the Honours and Favours he had receiv'd from Caesar , took off the edge from those eager Desires he naturally had to subvert the Monarchy ; for he had not only been pardon'd himself after Pompey's Defeat at Pharsalia , and had procur'd the same Grace for many of his Friends , but was one in whom Caesar had a particular Confidence . He had at that time the most honourable Praetorship of the Year , and was nam'd for the Consulship four years after , being preferr'd before Cassius his Competitor . Upon the Dispute between them , Caesar said , That Cassius had the fairest Pretensions , but that he could not pass by Brutus . Nor did he afterwards hearken to those who accus'd Brutus , as engag'd in a Conspiracy against him ; but laying his hand on his Body , said to the Informers , Brutus will stay for this skin of mine ; intimating , that he was worthy of Empire on account of his Vertue , but would not be base and ungrateful to gain one . But those who desir'd a Change , and look'd on Him as the only , or at least the most proper person to effect it , durst not discourse the matter with him , but in the Night-time laid Papers about his Chair of State , where he us'd to sit and determine Causes , with Sentences in them to this import : You are asleep , Brutus ; you are no longer Brutus . Cassius , when he perceiv'd his ambitious Soul a little rais'd upon this , was more instant then before to work him yet farther , having himself a private grudge against Caesar , for some Reasons that we have mention'd in the Life of Brutus . Nor was Caesar without suspicions of him , so that he took occasion to say to his Friends , What do you think Cassius drives at ? I don't well like him , he looks so pale . And when it was told him that Anthony and Dolabella were in a Plot against him , he said , He did not fear such fat , jolly Men , but rather the pale , lean Fellows ; meaning Cassius and Brutus . But neither was his Fate so much unexpected , as it was unavoidable ; for there were many strange Prodigies and Apparations which were Presages of it . As to the Lights in the Heavens , the Phantoms which walk'd in the Night , and the wild Birds which perch'd upon the Forum , these are not perhaps worth taking notice of in so great a Case as this . Strabo the Philosopher tells us , that many as they went along seem'd to be all on fire ; and that a Soldier 's Servant seem'd to throw a great quantity of flame out of his hand , so that they who saw it thought he must be burnt , but that after all he had no hurt . As Caesar was sacrificing , the Victim was seen to want an Heart , which was a very ill Omen , because a Creature can't subsist without an Heart . Many add , that a Soothsayer bid him prepare for some great Danger on the Ides of March : When the day was come , Caesar as he went to the Senate met this Soothsayer , and said to him by way of raillery , The Ides of March are come ; who answer'd him calmly , Yes , they are come , but they are not past . The day before this Assassination , he supp'd with M. Lepidus ; as he was signing some Letters , there arose a Dispute what sort of Death was the best ? At which he immediately , before any one could speak , said , A sudden one . After this , as he was in Bed with his Wife , all the Doors and Windows of the House flew open together ; he was startled at the Noise , and the Light which brake into the Room , and sat up in his Bed , where by the Moon-shine he perceived Calpurnia fast asleep , but heard her utter in her Dream some indistinct words , and inarticulate groans . She fancied at that time she was weeping over Caesar , and holding him butcher'd in her Arms. Others say , This was not her Dream ; but that she dreamt a Pinacle ( which the Senate had order'd to be rais'd on Caesar's House by way of Ornament and Grandeur ) was broken down , which was the occasion of her tears and groans . When it was day , she begg'd of Caesar , if it were possible , not to stir ou● , but to adjourn the Senate to another time ; and if he slighted her Dreams , that he would be pleas'd to consult his Fate by Sacrifices and other kinds of Divination . Nor was he himself without some suspicion and fears ; for he never before discover'd in Calpurnia any Womanish Superstition , whom he now saw under such terrible apprehensions . Upon the Report which the Priests made to him , that they had kill'd several Sacrifices , and still found them inauspicious , he was resolv'd to send Anthony to dismiss the Senate . D. Brutus , whose Sirname was Albinus , ( one whom Caesar had such confidence in , that he made him his second Heir , thô at the same time he was engag'd in the Conspiracy with the other Brutus and Cassius ) fearing , lest if Caesar should put off the Senate to another day , the business might get wind , took care to expose the Pretenders to Divination , and blam'd Caesar for giving the Senate so just Occasions of quarrelling with him , by casting such a slur on them ; for that they were met upon his Summons , and were ready to vote unanimously , that he should be declared King of all the Provinces without Italy , and might wear a Diademin any other place but Italy , by Sea or Land. If any one should be sent to tell 'em they might break up for the present , and meet again when Calpurnia should chance to have better Dreams ; what would his Enemies say ? or who could with any patience hear his Friends , if they should pretend to defend his Government as not Arbitrary and Tyrannical ? But if he was possess'd so far as to think this day unfortunate , yet it were more decent to go himself to the Senate , and to adjourn it in his own Person . Brutus as he spoke these words took Caesar by the hand , and conducted him forth : He was not gone far from the door , when a Servant made towards him ; but not being able to come up to him by reason of the Crowd who press'd about him , he made shift to get into the House , and committed himself to Calpurnia , begging of her to secure him till Caesar return'd , because he had matters of great importance to communicate to him . Artemidorus , a Cnidian , who taught the Art of Sophistry in Greek , and by that means was so far acquainted with some about Brutus , that he had got into the Secret , brought Caesar in a little Schedule the Heads of what he had to depose . He had observ'd that Caesar as he receiv'd any Papers presently gave 'em to the Servants who attended on him ; and therefore came as near to him as he could , and said , Read this , Caesar alone , and quickly , for it contains great Business , and such as concerns you . Caesar receiv'd it , and went to read it several times , but was still hindred by the Crowd of those who came to speak to him . However , he kept it in his hand by it self , till he came into the Senate . Some say it was another who gave Caesar this Note , and that Artemidorus could not get to him , being all along kept off by the Crowd . All these things might happen by chance : but the place where the Senate met , which was chose out for the Scene of this Murther ▪ was the same in which Pompey's Statue stood , and was one of the Edifices which Pompey had rais'd and dedicated with his Theatre to the use of the Publick ; which plainly shew'd that there was something of a Deity which guided the Action , and order'd it to be in that particular place . Cassius just before the Assassination look'd towards Pompey's Statue , and silently implor'd his Assistance ▪ though he was an Epicurean in his Principles : but this Occasion , and the instant Danger , shook his former Notions , and made him a perfect Enthusiast . As for Anthony , who was firm to Caesar , and a lusty Person , Brutus Abinus kept him without the House , and entertain'd him with a long Discourse contriv'd on purpose . When Caesar entred into the House , the Senate stood up in respect to him ; of Brutus's Confederates some came about his Chair , and stood behind it ; others met him , pretending to supplicate with Metellus Cimber , in behalf of his Brother who was in Exile ; and they follow'd him with their joynt Petitions till he came to his Seat ▪ When he was sat down , he refus'd to comply with their Requests , and upon their urging him farther , reprimanded them severally : when Metellus laying hold of his Robe with both his hands , pull'd it over his Neck , which was the Signal for the Assault . Casca gave him the first Cut in the Neck , which was not mortal , nor dangerous , as coming from one who at the beginning of such a bold Action was probably very much disturb'd . Caesar immediately turn'd about , and laid his Hand upon his Dagger ; and both of 'em at the same time cry'd out : He that receiv'd the Blow , in Latine , Wicked Casca ! what dost thou mean ? and he that gave it , in Greek , to his Brother , Brother , help ! Upon the first Onset , those who were not conscious to the Design were astonish'd ; and their Horror at the Action was so great , that they durst not fly , nor assist Caesar , nor as much as speak a word . But those who came prepar'd for the Business , enclos'd him on every side with their naked Daggers in their Hands : Which way soever he turn'd , he met with Blows , and saw their Swords levell'd at his Face and Eyes , and was baited on all sides , like a Beast taken in a Toyl . For it was agreed they should each of them make a Thrust at him , and flesh themselves with his Blood ; wherefore Brutus gave him one Stab in the Groin . Some say that he fought and resisted all the rest , and mov'd off from one place to another , calling out for Help : But when he saw Brutus's Sword ▪ drawn , he cover'd his Face with his Robe , and quietly surrendred himself , till he was push'd , either by Chance , or by Design of the Murtherers , to the Pedestal , on which Pompey's Statue stood , which by that means was much stain'd with his Blood ; so that Pompey himself may seem to have had his share in the Revenge of his Enemy , who fell at his Feet , and breath'd out his Soul through his multitude of Wounds ; for they say he received Three and Twenty . The Assassinates themselves were many of them wounded by each other , whilst they all levelled their Blows at the same Person . When Caesar was dispatch'd , Brutus stood forth to give a Reason for what they had done ; but the Senate would not hear him ▪ but flew out of doors in all haste , and fill'd the People with so much Fear and Distraction , that some shut up House , others left their Counters and Shops . All ran one way or other ; some to the Place , to see the sad Spectacle ; others back again , after they had seen it . Anthony and Lepidus , Caesar's best Friends , got off privately , and absconded themselves in some Friends Houses . Brutus and his Followers , being yet hot with the Murther , marched in a Body from the Senate-House to the Capitol with their drawn Swords , not like Persons who thought of escaping , but with an Air of Confidence and Assurance . As they went along , they call'd to the People to resume their Liberty , and complimented those of better Quality , which they met . Some of those went along with them , and joyn'd Company with the Conspirators , pretending to the Honour of the Action , as if they had born a part in it . Of this number was C. Octavius , and Lentulus Spinther : These suffer'd afterwards for their Vanity , being taken off by Anthony , and the younger Caesar ; but they lost the Honour they desir'd , as well as their Lives , which it cost them , since no one believ'd they had any share in the Action ; for neither did those who punished them revenge the Fact , but the ill Will. The day after , Brutus with the rest came down from the Capitol , and made a Speech to the People , who attended to it , without expressig either any Pleasure or Resentment , but shewed by their deep silence that they pitied Caesar , and reverenc'd Brutus . The Senate made Acts of Oblivion for what was past , and took healing Measures to reconcile all Parties ; They order'd that Caesar should be worshipp'd as a God , and that not any the least thing should be alter'd which he had enacted during his Government ; At the same time , they gave Brutus and his Followers the Command of Provinces , and other considerable Posts : so that all People now thought things were well settled , and put into a very good Posture . But when Caesar's Will was open'd , and it was found that he had left a Considerable Legacy to each one of the Roman Citizens ; and when his Body was seen carried through the Market-Place all mangled with Wounds , the Multitude could no longer contain themselves within the Bounds of Decency and Order , but heap'd together a Pile of Benches , Bars , and Tables , which they placed the Corps on , and setting Fire to it , burnt them . Then they took ▪ Firebrands , and ran some to fire the Houses of the Assassinates , others up and down the City , to find out the Men , and Limb them ; but they met with none of them , they having taken effectual Care to secure themselves . One Cinna , a Confident of Caesar's , chanc'd the Night before to have an odd Dream : He fancied that Caesar invited him to Supper ; and that upon his Refusal to go with him , Caesar took him by the Hand , and forc'd him , though he hung back . Upon Notice that Caesar's Body was burning in the Market-Place , he got up , and went thither , out of respect to his Memory , though his Dream gave him some ill Apprehensions ; and though he was at the same time Fevorish . One of the Rabble who saw him there , ask'd another , Who that was ? And having learnt his Name , told it to his next Neighbour : It presently went for currant , that he was one of Caesar's Murtherers ; and indeed there was one Cinna a Conspirator : They taking this to be the Man , immediately Seized him , and tore him Limb from Limb upon the Spot . Brutus and Cassius , frighted at this , within a few days retir'd out of the City . What they afterwards did and suffer'd , and how they dy'd , is written in the Life of Brutus . Caesar dy'd in his Fifty sixth year , not having surviv'd Pompey above four years : That Empire and Power which he had pursued through the whole Course of his Life with so much Hazzard , he did at last with much difficulty compass ; but reap'd no other Fruits from it then an empty Name , and invidious Title . But that happy Genius , which was Propitious to him during his Life , seems to have stuck to him after his Death , as the Revenger of his Murther ; for it pursu'd by Sea and Land all those who were concern'd in it , and suffer'd none to escape , but reach'd all who were either actually engaged in the Fact , or by their Councels any way promoted it . The most signal Accident of all here below , was that which befell Cassius , who when he was conquer'd at Philippi , kill'd himself with the same Dagger which he had made use of against Caesar . The most remarkable Appearance in the Heavens was a great Comet , which shone bery bright for seven Nights after Caesar's Death , and then disappear'd . There was also a very faint Light in the Sun ; for the Orb of it was pale for the space of an Year , nor did it rise with its usual Brightness and Vigor . Hence it gave but a weak and feeble Heat , and consequently the Air was damp and gross , for want of stronger Rays to open and rarifie it : The Fruits , for that Reason , were crude and unconcocted , so that they rotted and decay'd , through the Chilness of the Air. Above all , the Phantôm which appear'd to Brutus , shew'd the Murther was not pleasing to the Gods. The Story of it is this . Brutus being to pass his Army from A●ydos to the Continent on the other side , lay'd himself down one Night , as he used to do , in his Tent , and was not a-sleep , but thinking of his Affairs , and what Events he might expect : For he was naturally of a watchful Constitution ▪ and very little inclin'd to Sleep . He thought he heard a Noise at the Door of his Tent , and looking that way , by the Light of his Lamp , which was almost out , saw a terrible Figure , like that of a Man , but of an extraordinary Bulk , and grim Countenance . He was somewhat frighted at first : but seeing it neither did nor spoke any thing to him , only stood silently by his Bed-side , he ask'd it at last , Who it was ? The Spectre answer'd him , I am thy Evil Genius , Brutus , and thou shalt see me by Philippi . Brutus answer'd very courageously , Well , I will see you there ; and immediately the Ghost vanish'd . When the time was come , he drew up his Army near Philippi against Anthony and Caesar , and in the first Battel got the Day , routed the Enemy , and plunder'd Caesar's Camp. The Night before the second Battel , the same Ghost appear'd to him again , but spoke not a word . He presently understood his Death was near , and expos'd himself to all the Danger of the Battel : yet he did not die in the Fight ; but seeing his Men defeated , got up to the top of a Rock , and there presenting his Sword to his naked Breast , and assisted , as they say , by a Friend , who helpt him to give the Thrust , died upon the Spot . FINIS . PHOCION . depiction of Phocion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 MBurgh . sculp . commonly said , That the Populace is most insulting and contumelious to great men , when they are puff'd up with Prosperity and Success , the contrary oft happens ; Afflictions and publick Calamities naturally eagering and sowring the Minds and Manners of men , and disposing them to such Peevishness and Chagrin , that hardly can any one carry himself so swimmingly in his words or actions , but they will be apt to take pett : he that remonstrates to their Miscarriages , is interpreted to insult over their Misfortunes , and even the mildest Expostulations are constru'd Contempt : Honey it self is searching in sore and ulcerated parts ; and the wisest , though soft Counsels , may prove to be provoking to distemper'd minds , that have not well prepar'd ears to entertain them . This made the Poet express such applications , by a word signifying a grateful and easie touch upon the mind , without harshness or offence : inflamed Eyes require a retreat into gloomy and dusky places , amongst Colours of the deepest shades , unable to endure the vigorous and glaring light : So fares it in the Body politick , when heated with Factions and Irresolution ; there is a certain Niceness and touchy Humour prevails in the Minds of men , and an unaccountable jealousie of any person that with openness and freedom offers to scan their actions , even when the necessities of their affairs most require such plain-dealing . And surely such a condition of State is most ticklish , when those who endeavour to stem the popular Torrent , are in danger to be run down by them , and those who humour them , to be swallow'd up with them in the common ruine . Astronomers tell us , the Sun's motion is neither exactly parallel with the rest of the Orbs , nor yet directly and diametrically opposite to them ; but describing an oblique line , with insensible declination , he steers his course so , to dispence his Light and Influence , in his annual Revolution , at several Seasons , in equal proportions , to the whole Creation : so it happens in political Affairs , that if the motions of Rulers be constantly opposite and cross to the Genius and inclination of the People , they will be stomach'd as arbitrary and tyrannical ; as on the other side , too much Deference and Indulgence to the Subjects Levity and Wantonness , has oft proved dangerous and fatal ; but the gratifying them in reasonable and fair Requests , when they are not masterly and insolent , may prove for the honour and safety of the Government : yet it must be confess'd , it is a nice Point , and extream difficult , so to temper this Lenity , as to preserve the Authority of the Government , that it may not be exposed to the Peoples Affront and Contempt . But if such a blessed Mixture and Temperament may be obtain'd , it seems to be the most regular and harmonious of all other ; for thus we are taught even God governs the World , not by irresistible sorce , but perswasive Arguments and gentle Insinuations into our Minds , bending them to compliance with his eternal Purposes . Thus it befel Cato the younger , whose Manners were so little agreeable or acceptable to the People , that he received very slender marks of their Favour ; witness his repulse in the Pretences he made to the Consulate , behaving himself , as Cicero observes , rather like a Citizen of Plato's Commonwealth , than among the Lees of Romulus's Posterity : the same thing happening to him , in my opinion , as we observe in Fruits ripe before their season ▪ which we rather gaze at and admire than use ; so much was his old-fashion'd Virtue out of present mode , considering the depraved Customs , Time and Luxury had introduc'd , that it appear'd ( indeed ) sightly and splendid , but suited not the present Exigencies , being so disproportion'd to the Manners in vogue , and the guise of the present Times . Yet his Circumstances were not altogether like Phocion's who came to the Helm when the publick Bottom was just upon sinking . Cato's Time was , indeed , stormy and tempestuous , yet so as he was able to assist in managing the Sails , and lend his helping hand to those that steer'd : his manly resolution gave Fortune a task of Time and difficulty in ruining the Commonwealth , in which he and his Friends had almost prevail'd against her , which yet , by other assistance , with long time and tugging , by slow degrees was afterwards effected . Now we compare Phocion to him , not only in the common Resemblances that appear amongst great Men and States-men ; for indeed there is some difference among Virtues of the same denomination , as the Valour of Alcibiades and Epaminondas , the Prudence of Themistocles and Aristides , the Justice of Numa and Agesilaus . But these men's Virtues are the same , even to the most minute differences , having the same colour , stamp and character impressed upon them , so as not to be distinguishable ; whether you look upon them in the exact mixture on the one hand , with austerity on the other ; their Gallantry upon some occasions , and Caution on others ; their extream sollicitude for the Publick , and perfect neglect of themselves ; their fixt and immovable bent to all virtuous and honest Actions , accompani'd with an extream tenderness and scrupulosity of doing any thing might appear mean or unworthy : so that in these , as in two Instruments exactly tuned to each other , he must have a nice Ear that can perceive any Discord . As to Cato's Extraction , it 's confess'd by all to be illustrious , ( as shall be said hereafter ) nor was Phocion's ( I 'm well assured ) obscure or ignoble ; for had he been the Son of a Turner , ( as Idomeneus reports ) it had certainly not been forgot to his disparagement , by Hyperides the Son of Glaucippus , who heaped up a thousand spiteful things against him : nor indeed was it possible for him in such Circumstances to have had such liberal Education in his Youth , as to be first Plato's , and afterwards Xenocrates's Scholar in the Academy , and in whatever gentile Accomplishments , to have been all along emulous of the very best of his Contemporaries . His Countenance was so composed , that scarce was he ever seen by the Athenians laughing , or in tears ; he indulged not himself in the luxury of the publick Baths , ( as Douris reports ) nor ever had his Hands without his Cloak , when he appear'd dress'd in publick : Abroad and in the Camp he was so hardy to go always thin clad and barefoot , except the Frost was vehement and intolerable , that the Soldiers used to say in Merriment , that it was a hard Winter like to be , when Phocion wore his Shooes . Although he was of most easie Conversation and great Humanity , his appearance was morose and sowr , so that he was seldom accosted by any that were Strangers to him : upon which occasion Chares , upon a time jeering his supercilious Look , and the Athenians applauding him for it , Phocion reply'd My Sullenness never made any of you sad , but these men's Jollity hath given you sorrow enough . In like manner Phocion's Discourse was grave and pithy , full of useful Remarks with a sententious brevity , awful and austere , however unpleasant : after the manner as Zeno says a Philosopher should speak , his words throughly tinctur'd with the inward sense of his mind ; such was Phocion's who crowded much into little room : and to this probably Polyeuctus the Sphettian had regard , when he said , that Demosthenes was indeed the best Orator of his time , but Phocion the most powerful Speaker ; whose words were to be estimated like smaller Coins from the intrinsick value of the Metal , not from the bulk . He was observed sometimes , when the Theater was fill'd with Spectators , to walk musing alone behind the Scenes , which one of his Friends once taking notice of , said , Phocion , you seem to be thoughtful ; ●es verily , replyed he , I am considering wherein I may retrench what I am to say to the Athenians . Even Demosthenes himself , who used to despise the rest of the Haranguers , when he rose up , was wont to say presently to those about him , Now mark , says he , the Pruning-hook of my Periods . But this perhaps may be referr'd to the Authority of the man , since not only a word , but even a nod from a person had in reverence , is of more force than the most studied and elaborate Speeches of others . In his Youth he serv'd under Chabrias , at that time General , whom he greatly honour'd , and by him was abundantly instructed in military Knowledge ; and in return , help'd to correct his Humour , which was odd and capricious : for being otherways naturally heavy and flegmatick , he was so fired and transported in heat of Fight , that he threw himself headlong into danger beyond the forwardest ; which indeed cost him his Life in the Island of Chio , having press'd his own Ship foremost , to force a descent into the Haven . But Phocion being a man of Temper as well as Courage , had the dexterity at some times to warm the General 's Flegm , and at others to moderate and cool the impetuousness of his unseasonable Fury . Upon which account Chabrias , being a good natur'd man , loved him extreamly , and preferr'd him to Offices and Commands , and effectually recommended him to the Athenians , using his assistance , and taking his advice in all his Affairs of moment : particularly the Sea fight at Naxus made not a little to Phocion's Reputation ; for having the left Squadron committed to him by Chabrias , he so managed the Matter , that the Controversie was quickly decided in their favour by a speedy Victory : and this being the first prosperous Dispute the City had with the Groecians , by its single force , since it was under Hatches , Chabrias the General was mightily adored , and Phocion magnifi'd as a man worthy of the greatest Trust and Command . This Victory happen'd at the great Solemnities , and Chabrias appointed an Anniversary to commemorate it on the 16th . of August , on which it was obtained , and distributed a Largess of Wine among the Athenians . Much about this time Chabrias sent Phocion to demand their Quota of the Charges of the War from the Islanders , and proffering him a Guard of 20 Sail , he told him , if he intended him to go against them as Enemies , that force was insignificant ; if as to Friends and Allies , one Vessel was sufficient : so he took one single Galley , and having visited the Cities , and treated with the Governours friendly and apertly , he return'd with a good number of Ships , sent by the Confederates to Athens , with supplies for their maintenance . Neither did his Friendship to Chabrias determine with his Life , but after his decease was religiously maintained to all that related to him : chiefly his Son Ctesippus he labour'd to bring into some decorum , and although he was a very stupid and unhewn young Fellow , he ceased not , what in him lay , to correct and cover his faults and follies ; once when the Youngster was very impertinent and troublesom to him in the Camp , about ordering the Army , still shooting his Bolt , interrupting him with idle Questions , and documentizing Phocion with his silly Opinions in the Matter , he could not forbear crying out , O Chabrias , Chabrias , this is the greatest test of my Friendship to thee , to endure this Blockhead ! Upon looking into publick Matters , and the Managers of them , he observed they had shared the administration of Affairs among themselves , as it were by Lot ; the Sword-men , and those of the long Robe , so as not to interfere with each other : these were to manage the Assemblies , register their Votes , and publish their Acts and Edicts , of whom were Eubulus , Aristophon , Demosthenes , Lycurgus and Hyperides ; this was a gainful Trade among them , and the men of the Blade , as Diopithes , Menestheus , Leosthenes and Charetas , by their military Emploies , carved out fair Proportions for themselves out of the publick Stock . Now Phocion was o● opinion , that such a model of Government as that of Pericles , Aristides and Solon , wherein the same person acted both Parts , in propounding Laws and ordering the Militia , was a more perfect , uniform and regular Mixture , and would redound most to the common Good and Safety ; each of these persons being well qualifi'd for both purposes , that I may use Archilocus's words Mars and the Muses Friends alike design'd , To Arts and Arms indifferently inclin'd . Minerva being styl'd the Patroness and Protectress of Arts both Civil and Military . Phocion having thus consider'd with himself , his Inclinations and Genius were always for peace and quietness , yet was he engaged in more Wars than any of his Predecessors ; never indeed promoting or encouraging such Designs , nor , on the other hand , shunning or declining any Enterprize when he was call'd to it by the publick necessity of the State. And thus much is well known , that he was no less than 45 several times chosen General , when he was never once of those times present in the Assembly ; but the Command , in his absence , by common Suffrage , conferr'd on him , and he sent for on purpose to undertake it : insomuch that it amazed those that did not well consider , to see the People always preferr Phocion , who was so far from humouring them , or courting their Favour , that he always thwarted and opposed them . But so it was , as great Men and Princes use their Buffoons and Jesters after Meals , for their Disport and Merriment , so the Athenians upon slight occasions entertain'd and diverted themselves with their spruce Speakers and trim Orators ; but when it came to dint of Action , they were so sober and considerative to mark out the gravest and wisest for publick Employment , however opposite to their Sentiments . This he made no scruple to own , upon the occasion of the Oracle of Delphos being read , which informed them , that the rest of the Citizens being unanimous , there was one only person so presumptuous to abound in his own sence , which he frankly told them was himself , bidding them look no further , for he indeed was nothing satisfied in all their proceedings . Happening afterwards to speak his own opinion , to the General approbation of the Assembly , turning to some of his Friends , he demanded of them , What foolish thing had escaped him unawares to merit their Applause ? Upon occasion of a publick Festivity , being sollicited for his Contribution , by the example of others , and pressing him much , he bid them apply themselves to the wealthy , for his part he should blush to be so prodigal to throw away any thing , whilst he was in the Usurer's Books , pointing to Callicles the Scrivener . Being still clamour'd on and importun'd , he told them this Tale : A certain white liver'd Fellow intending for the Wars , hearing the Ravens croak in his passage , threw down his Arms , resolving to be quiet : recollecting himself after , he adventur'd out again , but hearing the same Musick , made a full stop , saying , they might tear their Throats ( if they pleas'd ) for joy of smelling a Feast , but for his part he was resolv'd to save his Skin . The Athenians urging him at an unseasonable time to fall upon the Enemy , he peremptorily refused , and being upbraided by them with Cowardice and Pusillanimity , he told them , Gentlemen , we understand one another very well ; you cannot make me valiant at this time , nor I you wise . In time of security , the people were very pert and severe upon him , demanding a strict account how the publick Treasure had been employed and the like : He bid them first be assured of their safety , and after mind their good Husbandry : in effect , the passions of the Mobile alter'd with their Affairs , being extream timorous and submiss in times of danger ; when that was blown over , insolent and over ▪ bearing , clamouring upon Phocion as one that envied them the honour of Victory . To all which he made only this Answer , My Friends , you are happy that have a Leader knows your humours , or you had long since been undone . Having a Controversie with the Boeotians about Boundaries , which he counsell'd them to decide by Treaty , they inclined to Blows ; he told them , Gentlemen , for my part I think it advisable for you to have a tryal of skill at the Weapons you can best manage ( your Tongues ) and not your Hands , in which you are inferiour . Once when he was speaking , they run him down with noise , not suffering him to go on , or enduring to hear him : Well , Sirs , quoth he , you may overpower me to do what I would not , but you shall never force me to say any thing contrary to my sense . The whole Crew of Haranguers upon a time bandying against him , Demosthenes said , Phocion , the Athenians will tear thee piece - meal , if once they grow enraged ; and thee , says he , when they return to their right minds . Observing Polyeuctus the Sphettian a very corpulent man , with earnestness , till he wanted breath and dropt again with sweat , labouring the Assembly for a War against King Philip ; This indeed , says he , is a proper person to perswade you to Action , and will doubtless behave himself notably in back and breast , that with talking only has almost melted his grease . When Lycurgus had spoken many reflecting and scurrillous things against him , closing with that of his advising them to deliver ten of the Citizens for Hostages , which Alexander had demanded ; he coolly reply'd , That he had been the Author of much safe and wholsom Counsel , which had not been follow'd . There was a man call'd Archibiades , nick-named the Lacedoemonian , affecting their Gravity , by wearing an overgrown mossie Beard , an old leaguer Cloak , with a very formal Countenance : Phocion being teased by the rest , made sure of this man for his Advocate and Compurgat●r ; but finding him when he began to speak , smoothing and weadling with the predominant Faction , taking him by the Beard , he cry'd , Nay Friend , if you turn Courtier , by all means off with your Gravity . Aristogeiton the Sycophant , was a terrible man of War within the doors of the House , always sounding to horse and inflaming them to Battel ; but when the Muster-rool came to be produc'd , where every ones Name was that was fit for service , he came limping with his Crutch to the Meeting , with a world of Bandage on his Leg , like a maimed Souldiers : Phocion spy'd him afar off coming in , and cry'd out to the Clerk , Set down Aristogeiton too for a counterfeit Cripple . It was a little to be admired , how a man so severe and smart upon all occasions as Phocion was , should notwithstanding maintain his Respect and Reputation with the People ; yet though difficult , it is not impossible a man's Temper , like some Wines , may have a sweetness mixt with some harshness also , not at all ungrateful ; as on the contrary , some are so extream luscious , they are both untasty and unwholsom . Hyperides who was sowre and sarcastical , used to excuse it to the Athenians , by saying , Consider , I pray , whether I have designed any advantage by my bitterness ; as though a covetous Design were the only unsupportable Grievance , and not also men may justly render themselves obnoxious to Censure , by abusing their Authority , with Pride and Passion to prevail upon the weakness , and awe the minds of the Vulgur . But Phocion had no personal Pique nor Spleen to any man , nor indeed reputed any man his Enemy , but who contravened his Proposals for the Weal publick ; in which Argument he was most tenacious , sturdy and uncontrollable : for his general Conversation , it was easie , courteous and obliging to all , to that point , as to befriend all sorts in distress , and even espouse the Cause of those who differ'd most from him , when they needed his Patronage . His Friends reproaching him for pleading in behalf of an ill man , he told them , The innocent had no occasion for an Advocate . Aristogeiton the Sycophant , we mention'd before , having after Sentence pass'd upon him , sent earnestly to Phocion to speak with him in the Prison , his Friends disswaded him from going ; Why , by your favour , says he , where should I rather choose to make Aristogeiton a Visit ? As for the Friends and Allies of the Athenians the Islanders , whenever any Admiral besides Phocion was sent , they treated him as an Enemy suspect , barricado'd their Gates block'd up their Havens , drove the Countrey of their Cattel , Slaves , Wives and Children , and put them in Garrison : but upon Phocion's Arrival , they went out to welcome him in their Shallops and Barges , with Streamers and Garlands , and received him at Landing , with all demonstrations of Joy and Triumph . At this time King Philip made a descent into Euboea bringing thither an Army from Macedonia , endeavouring to gain the Cities to his Interest , by the means of their Governours : Plutarch of Eretria ( a City in Euboea ) was sent to pray Aid of the Athenians , toward the relief of the Island , that was in imminent danger of being surprized by the Macedonians . Phocion was sent thither with a handful of men , ( in comparison ) in expectation the Countrey would flock in amain to him ; but when he came , he found all things in confusion , the Countrey betray'd , all corrupted by Bribery , and bought and sold by the Pensioners to King Philip , insomuch that he ran the greatest risque imaginable . To secure himself the best he could , he possest himself of a small rising Ground , which was divided from the Camp about Taminias , by a large Trench , in which he enclosed the choicest of his Army : for the Praters and idle Vagabonds that straggled from the Camp , and forsook their Colours , he bid his Officers not regard them , for that they would not only be disorderly and ungovernable themselves , but be a hindrance to the rest ; and further being conscious to themselves of the neglect of their duty , they would be less apt to prate and misrepresent the Action , or bespatter them at their return home . When the Enemy drew nigh , he commanded them to stand to their Arms , whilst he went to sacrifice ; in which he spent a considerable time , either by the te ▪ diousness of the thing it self , or on purpose to invite the Enemy nearer . Plutarch interpreting this tardiness as a failure in his Courage , fell on alone with the Auxiliaries ; which the Cavalry perceiving , could not be contained , but issuing also out of the Camp confusedly and disorderly , spurr'd up to the Enemy . The Van by this means was worsted , the rest were easily dispersed , and Plutarch himself show'd a fair pair of heels , as judging the whole Army had been routed . But by this time , the Sacrifice being over , those within the Camp made a Head , and fell upon them that were got to the Ditch , putting them to flight , and cutting many of them in pieces : and Phocion having order'd a particular Squadron to watch their motions , and pursue those that first gave way in the Skirmish , himself afterwards , with a reserve of his best men , engaged the whole Body of the Enemy in a sharp and bloody Fight , in which all of them behaved themselves with remarkable Courage and Gallantry . Thallus the Son of Cineas , and Glaucus of Polymedes , that fought near the General , signalized themselves ; so did also Cleophanes merit the Reputation of a brave man , having every where laid about him , and call'd upon the Horse that were wheeling , to succour the General , who was in danger , he made them face about , so as to confirm the Victory already obtained by the Infantry . By which means Plutarch was driven out of Eretria , and the commodious Castle of it was taken , being situate in that part of the Island , where it is narrowed into a small neck of Land , the rest of the Island being surrounded other-where by the Sea. He would not permit them to take any of the Greeks Prisoners , for fear the Orators at Athens should inflame the People against them , to determine something to their prejudice . This Affair thus dispatch'd and settled , Phocion set Sail homewards , having given most manifest tokens of his Justice and Humanity to the Allies , and to the Athenians indisputable proofs of his Courage and Conduct . His Successor Molossus had worse fate to fall alive into the Enemies hands , which inspired Philip with great thoughts and designs , to move with all his force into the Hellespont , so to the Chersonesus and Perinthus , and on to Byzantium . The Athenians raising Recruits to relieve them , the Demagogues made it their business to preferr Chares to be General , who sailing thither , effected nothing worthy of such an Equipage ; nor would the Confederates harbour his Fleet , having jealousie of him , so that he did nothing but pirate about , pillaging their Friends , and despised by their Enemies . Upon this occasion , the People being chased by the Orators , were in great Ferment , and highly enraged they had been so fool'd , to send any Succour to the Byzantines : whereupon Phocion rising up , told them , My Masters , you have not so much reason to be concern'd at the Jealousies of your Friends , as the Vnfaithfulness of your own Generals , who render you suspected , even to those who yet can't possibly subsist without your Succours . The Assembly being moved with this Speech of his , chang'd their minds on the sudden , and commanded him immediately to raise more Force , and assist their Confederates in the Hellespont , which would be of the greatest moment for the security of Byzantium . At this time Phocion's Name was up , and an old Acquaintance of his , who had been his fellow-Student in the Academy , Cleon , a man of highest renown for Virtue among the Byzantines , having vouch'd for Phocion to the City , they opened their Gates to receive him , not permitting him ( though he desired it ) to incamp without the Walls , but entertained him and all the Athenians with entire Respect ; and they to requite their Considence , conversed with their new Hosts , not only soberly and inoffensively , but behaved themselves on all occasions with great chearfulness and resolution for their detence . Thus came King Philip to be driven out of the Hellespont , and despised to boot , who was till now thought impossible to be match'd , and even apprehended invincible . Phocion also took some of his Ships , and retook some of the Places he had garrison'd , making besides several Inrodes into the Countrey , which he plunder'd and over-run , untill such time as he happen'd to be wounded by some of them that came to his Assistance , he made off towards home . The Megareans at this time privately praying Aid of the Athenians , Phocion fearing lest the Boeotians being aware of it , should prevent them call'd an Assembly very early in the morning , and backing the Boeotians Petition , it was put to the Question , and voted in their favour . As soon as ever it was done , he made Proclamation immediately by sound of Trumpet , and led them off straight from the Assembly , to arm and put themselves in posture . The Megareans received them joyfully , they help'd them to fortifie Nisoea , and build two new Bulwarks on each side , from the City to the Haven , and so joyn'd it to the Sea ; so that being sufficiently defended on the Land side from the Assailants , it was secured to the Athenians . Now was the time that the Liberty of Greece was openly disputed with King Philip , and at Athens such Chiefs chosen in Phocion's absence , that at his arrival from the Islands he dealt earnestly with the Athenians , ( being deeply possess'd what danger might ensue ) that since Philip show'd some peaceable Inclinations towards them , they would consent to a Treaty , being contradicted in this by a prating pick-thank Fellow of those sort of Vermin that haunt the Places of publick Assembly , ( this was a famous Place of the Athenians meeting open to the Air. ) This sawcy Companion asking Phocion , if he durst presume to perswade the Athenians to Peace now their Swords were in their hands ? Yes , said he , I dare , though I 'm satisfied I shall be thy Master in time of War , and thou ( perhaps ) mine in time of Peace . Since he could not prevail , and Demosthenes's opinion carry'd it , advising them to make War , as far off home as possible , ( that was to the far side of Attica ) Phocion argued , that in these Matters the Place was not so much to be considered , as the probability of Success , for by this the distance of War was to be measured ; to be sure , those that were worsted , would have it quickly brought home to theirs doors . Accordingly Matters succeeding ill , the Innovators and Incendiaries haling up Charidemus to the Tribunal , to be nominated to the Command , the best of the Senators were in a panick fear , and call'd a Meeting of the People at Areopagus , where with Entreaties and Tears they hardly prevail'd to have Phocion preferr'd and intrusted with the care of the City . He was of opinion that the fair Terms Philip proposed , were to be accepted ; yet after demades had propounded , that the City should receive the self same conditions , that were tender'd to the rest of the States of Greece , he opposed it , till it were known what the Particulars were King Philip had demanded . Being overborn in this Advice at that juncture of time , presently after the Athenians sufficiently repented it , when they understood that by them Articles , they were obliged to furnish Philip both with horse and Shipping : This , Gentlemen , says he , I foresaw , and therefore opposed ; but since you have now articled , make the best on 't , be courageous , and bear it as well as you can , remembring that your Ancestors using their Fortune indifferently , sometimes giving Laws , at other times truckling , perform'd each part with decorum , and perserved not only their own City , but the rest of Greece . Upon the news of Philip's Death , he would not suffer the People to make Bonfires , or other publick demonstrations of Joy and Jubilee , minding them how ungenerous it was to insult upon such an occasion , and that the Army that had fought them at Cheronoea was lessened by one man only . When Demosthenes made Invectives against Alexander , who was now set down before Thebes , he repeated those Verses of Homer : What mean'st thou , Fool , with rage to swell his Breast , Already full , with glorious hopes possest ? What 's this but adding fresh fuel to the Fire , and pushing your selves forwards into the Flames , that are already devouring the Neighbour-hood ; for my part ( says he ) I will not be consenting to your destroying your selves , though you should court me to it , and for this end only have I continued my Command . After Thebes was lost , and Alexander had demanded Demosthenes , Lycurgus , Hyperides , and Charidemus to be deliver'd up , the whole Assembly turning their eyes frequently and intently upon him , and calling on him also by Name to deliver his opinion ; at last he rose up , laying hold upon one of his most dear and intimate Friends , that he loved and confided in above all others , telling them , Sirs , you have brought things amongst you to that pass , that for my part should he demand this my Friend Nicocles , I would not refuse him , and should think it the greatest happiness my self , to sacrifice my own Life and Fortune for your safety ; for truly , says he , it pierces my heart to see those that are fled hither for Succour from the desolation of Thebes ; and surely it will be more for the common Interest , that we rather deprecate the Conqueror , and intercede for both , than run the hazzard of another Battel . When this was decreed by the Commonalty , Alexander is said to have rejected their first Address when it was presented , throwing it back scornfully , and turning his back on the Ambassadors , they departed ; but the 2d . which was presented by Phocion , he graciously received , understanding by the grave Seniors , how much Philip always held him in the highest Esteem and Veneration ; and not only accepted his Memorial and Petition , but also permitted him to advise him ; which he did to this effect , that if his designs were for Peace and Quietness , he should put a stop to his Career , if the glory of his Arms were his aim , he should do well to divert them from Greece , and turn them on the Barbarians . With divers such insinuations , dextrously fitted to the Humour and Genius of Alexander , he so won upon him , and softned his Temper , that he was heard to say , The Athenians ought to value themselves , for if any thing amiss betided him , they only were worthy of the Soveraignty . Conversing thus with Phocion as his Friend and Confident , he did him that Honour , which few of those that were next his Person ever received ; insomuch that Douris reports , when he grew great and high , after the Defeat of Darius , he left off the word Greeting in all his Letters , except in only those that were directed to Phocion and Antipater he condescended to use it , which also is confirmed by Chares . As for his Munificence to him , it is well known he sent him a Present at one time of a 100 Talents , which being brought to Athens , Phocion demanded of the Bearers , how it came to pass , that among all the rest of the Athenians , he alone should be so highly obliged to his Bounty ? and being told , that Alexander esteemed him ( only ) a Person of Honour and Worth : May it please him then , ( said he ) to permit me to continue so , and be still so reputed . Following him to his House , and observing his simple and plain way of Living , his Wife imploy'd in the Pastry-work with her own hands , himself pumping Water to wash his Feet ; they press'd him to accept it , with some Indignation , being asham'd , ( as they said ) that Alexander's Friend should live so poorly and pitifully . Phocion taking notice of a poor old Fellow in a tatter'd Coat passing by , asked them , If they thought him in worse condition than that poor Wretch ? They begg'd his pardon for the Comparison ; yet , says he , this man has less to live upon than I and is content ; and in short , I must tell you , if this summ be more than I can use , it is altogether superfluous ; if I live up to it , I shall give cause of jealousie both of your Master and my self to the rest of the Citizens . So the Treasure was returned back from Athens , giving the Gracians an illustrious Example , how much truly richer the man is , who by contracting his mind , has no occasion for more , than him who by the largeness of his Fortunes is capable of the largest Munificence . Alexander was displeased at this , and writ to him again , acquainting him , That he could not esteem those his Friends , who thought much to be obliged by him . Yet neither would this prevail with Phocion to accept the Money , but he made use of his favour to intercede for Echecratides the Sophist , and Athenodorus the Imbrian , as also for Demaratus and Sparton , two Rhodians , that had been convicted of certain Crimes , and were in custody at Sardis , that he would please to enlarge them : This was presently granted by Alexander , and they were set at liberty . Afterwards sending Craterus into Macedonia , he commanded him to make him an Offer of four Cities in Asia ; Cio , Gergetho , Mylassis and Eloea , any of which , at his choice , should be delivered to him ; being instant with him , and declaing he should resent it , should he continue obstinate in his refusal ; but Phocion was not to be prevail'd with at all , and presently after Alexander died . Phocion's House is shown to this day in a Village call'd Melita , beautify'd with Tyles of Copper , otherways plain and homely . Concerning his Wives ; of the first of them there is little said , save only that she was Sister of Cephisdotus the Statuary : The other was a Matron of no less Reputation for Virtue and good Housewifery among the Athenians , than Phocion for Probity . It happen'd once when the People were entertained with a new Tragedy , he that was to rigg out the Queen and her Attendants , wanted some fine Habits and Accountrements for the purpose , to make them appear splendid ; which not being provided , the Player was sullen and refused to act , but kept them in expectation , till Melanthius the Master of the Revels , push'd him on the Stage , crying out aloud , What , Sirrah , don't you take notice that Phocion's Wife goes constantly attended with one only waiting Woman , but you must debauch the Sex , and fill the Womens heads with nothing but pride and vanity ? This free Speech of his was received with wonderful Applause , and clapp'd by the Audience round the Theater . The same plain Lady , entertaining at her House a Stranger , a spruce Dame of Ionia , who show'd her all her Finery of gold Embroidery , rich Jewels , Bracelets , Necklaces , and the like : For my part , Madam , says she , all my Ornament is my Goodman Phocion , who has commanded the Athenians now this 20 years . Phocion's Son had an ambition to make one at the Exercises performed at Athens in honour of Minerva every 5th . year , which he permitted him to do , not so much to have the Garlands of Victory , ( if he approved himself ) but for his Health , and to invigorate his Body by manly Labour and Abstinence , the young man being at other times intemperate and a Pot-companion . Having succeeded in the Sports , many offer'd their service to treat his Son with the usual Complements to the Victor , which Honour he refused to all , except one Gentleman . When he came to the Treat , and found it very extravagant upon all accounts , even the Water brought to wash the Guests Feet mingled with Wine and Spices , he reprimanded his Son , asking him Why he would so far permit his Friend to sully the Honour of his Victory ; and endeavouring wholly to wean the youngster from such courses and company , he sent him to Lacedoemon , and plac'd him among the Youth that were educated according to the custom of that Country . This the Athenians took offence at , as though he slighted and contemned the Education at home ; and Demades twitted him with it publickly , telling him , Why , Phocion , do not we perswade the Athenians to receive the Laconian Manners and Discipline ? If you please to have it so , I am ready to propound such a Law. Yes indeed , said Phocion , it would exceedingly become you that are so pouder'd and perfum'd , with that Revelling Habit on your back , to Speech it in praise of Lycurgus , and invite the Athenians to Colledge Commons . When Alexander had demanded the Galleys they had agreed to furnish him withal , the Orators opposed the sending them , and the Council demanding Phocion's sence , he told them freely ; Sirs , I would either have you make sure of a Victory , or a Friend of the Victor . About that time one Pytheas , a confident talking Fellow , begun to be very impertinent and troublesom with his often prating : Him Phocion check'd , telling him , That it would be better manners for him to be silent , who was but of yesterday among them . At that time Harpalus came from Alexander out of Asia into Attica , with a vast sum of Money ; at whose arrival the little people of those that use to be hangers on upon the Court , flock'd about him to get something of him : amongst whom he scattered some small largesses to gain them , and tye them by the teeth : But to Phocion he made an offer of no less than 700 Talents , and all manner of other advantages he pleas'd to demand ; with the Complement from Alexander , that he would entirely commit himself and all his affairs to his disposal : To which Phocion answer'd sharply , That if he took such measures , he should dearly repent his projects of corrupting and debauching the Citizens : Upon which he desisted with regret . After , while the Athenians were deliberating in Council about him , he found those that had received Pensions from him , to be his greatest enemies , urging and aggravating matters against him , to prevent themselves being discover'd : But Phocion who had clean hands , and whose chief aim was always the Weal-publick , to have some regard also to his particular security . This encourag'd him once more to feel his pulse , and attack him ; but he found him like a strong Fortress , every way so defended , that even the Golden Key could gain no admittance , on all sides inaccessible and impregnable : Yet having made a particular Friendship with Phocion's Son in Law Charicles , and using him with entire confidence in all his affairs , he brought him into some suspicion : Upon the occasion of Pythonica the Courtesans dying , who was Harpalus's Mistress , for whom he had a great fondness , and had a Child by her ; he resolv'd to build her a sumptuous Monument , and committed the care of it to his Friend Charicles . This design , vain enough in it self , was yet further disparag'd by the workmanship , after it was finished ( for it is yet to be seen in Hermio , as we go from Athens to Eleusina , there appearing nothing answerable to the sum of 30 Talents , said to be accounted by Charicles as expended about it . After Harpalus his own decease , his Daughter was educated by Phocion and Charicles with great care ; but Charicles being question'd by some of Harpalus his Relations about his concerns , and intreating his Father in Law 's Protection , and that he would appear for him in the Court ; Phocion refused him peremptorily , telling him , He would espouse his cause , as his Son in Law , only in things worthy and honourable . About this time Asclepiades the Son of Hipparchus , brought the first tidings of Alexander's Death to Athens , which Demades told them was not to be credited ; for were it true , the whole World would feel the stink of the dead Carkase . Phocion perceiving his design of innovating and stirring the People to Sedition , endeavoured to prevent and restrain them , but many of them crowding up to the Bench , and crying aloud that it was true what Asclepiades had related ; Well then , suppose it , says he , if it be true to day , it will be as true to morrow and the next day ; so that we have leisure quietly and treatably to consult our security . Leosthenes had a design of imbarquing the Athenians in the Groecian War , which Phocion could not brook , nor forbear him : He ask'd Phocion scoffingly , what the State had been benefited by his Ministry now so many years ? Truly not a little , said he , methinks that the Citizens have been quietly laid up in their own Sepulchres . But Leosthenes continuing to huff and swagger in the Assembly , Young man , says Phocion , your Language is like the Cypress Trees , tall and topping , but without Fruit. After him Hyperides set upon him , demanding of Phocion when the time would come , he would advise the Athenians to make War ? Why truly , says he , when I shall find the younger sort tractable and observant of Discipline , the Wealthy forward in their Contributions , and the Lawyers forbear pillaging and robbing the Publick Exchequer . After , when many admired the Forces raised , and the Preparations for War that were made by Leosthenes , they ask'd Phocion how he approved of the new Levies ? Very well , says he , for a course , but I apprehend the success of a War , the Common-wealth being wholly destitute both of Treasure , Shipping and Seamen for the expedition : And the event justify'd his prognostick ; yet at first all things appear'd fair and promising , Leosthenes gain'd Reputation by worsting the Boeotians in Battel , and driving Antipater within the Walls of Lamia ; and the Citizens were so transported with the first successes , that they kept solemn Festivities for them , and instituted publick Sacrifices to the Gods of Victory : So that some , to reproach Phocion for being of contrary sentiments , ask'd him whether now he would not willingly be Author of this successful Action to the Publick ? Yes verily , says he , most gladly but also of the former Counsel . When one Express after another came from the Camp , confirming and magnifying the Victories , Nay then , says he , sure we shall never have done killing and slaying . Leosthenes died soon after , and those that feared lest if Phocion obtain'd the Command , he would put an end to the War , dealt with an obscure Fellow in the Assembly , who should stand up and pretend himself to be a Friend and old Crony of Phocion's , and perswade the People to spare him at this time , and reserve him for a more pressing occasion , having none comparable to him for Conduct at a pinch ; but now to send Antiphilus with the Command of the Army . This pleas'd the Generality , but Phocion made it appear , he was so far from having any friendship with him of old standing , that he had not so much as the least familiarity with him : Yet now , Sir , says he , give me leave to put you down among the number of my Friends and Familiars , having advised in my concerns , so much to my advantage . Still the Athenians being violent to engage against the Boeotians , Phocion was the first oppos'd it , and his Friends telling him the People would kill him , for always running counter to them ; Truly , says he , it will be hard measure if I advise them honestly , if not , let me suffer . Whilst they were loud and hot upon 't , he commanded the Cryer to make Proclamation , that all the Athenians from 16 to 60 , should presently prepare themselves with 5 days provision , and immediately follow him from the Assembly : This caused a great tumult : Those in years were startled , and clamour'd against the Order ; he demanded wherein he injured them , For I , says he , am now fourscore , and am ready to lead you . This divreted them and pacified them for the present ; in the mean time Micion , with a great force of Macedonians and Mercenaries , was ravaging and pillaging the Sea coast , making a descent into Ramnunta , and wasting the Country . Against him Phocion was sent and drew out his Army , where some stragglers pragmatically intermedling in the Marshalling of it , would needs be tutoring him how he should possess himself of such an Hill , and dispose of the Cavalry in such a place , and so and so to range the Battalions to the best advantage : O Hercules , says he , how many Generals have we here , and how few Soldiers ? Afterward having form'd the Battle , one that would seem forward , advanc'd out of his Order before the rest ; but the Enemy approaching , his heart fail'd him , and he retired back into his rank : Him he reproach'd , telling him , Youngster , are you not asham'd twice in one day to desert your Station , both where I had plac'd you , and you had plac'd your self ? But falling on the Enemy with great bravery and resolution , he routed them , killing Micion and many more upon the spot , and afterwards he overcame the Groecian Army that was in Thessaly , wherein Leonatus had joyn'd himself with Antipater and the Macedonians , that came out of Asia : Leonatus was kill'd in the Fight , Antiphilus commanding the Foot , and Menon the Thessalian , the Horse . Not long after , Craterus coming out of Asia with a great Force , another skirmish hapned in Cranon , wherein the Groecians were worsted , but the loss was not very considerable , nor the number of the slain ; yet with their restiveness to their Governors , who were young men , and too mild and indulgent . Antipater , in the mean season , also under-hand tampering with the Cities , the Groecians utterly lost themselves , and shamefully betrayed the Liberty of their Country . Upon the news of Antipater's approaching Athens with all his force , Demosthenes and Hyperides deserted the City , and Demades , who was altogether insolvent for any part of the Fines that had been laid upon him by the City , ( for he had been condemn'd no less than 7 times for false Judgments contrary to the known Laws ) and having lost his Reputation to that degree , that he was not permitted to Vote in the Assembly , laid hold on this favourable juncture to bring in a Bill for sending Embassadors with Plenipotentiary Power to Antipater , to treat about a Peace , but the people distrusting him and calling upon Phocion to give his opinion , as the Person they only and entirely confided in , he said : My Masters , if my former Counsels had been any thing prevalent with you , we had not been reduc'd to such straits as we now labour under in our deliberations about these matters . However , the Vote pass'd , and a Decree was made , and he , with others , deputed to go to Antipater , who lay now incamped in the Theban Territories , but intended suddenly to dislodge , and pass into Attica . His first proposal was , that the Treaty might begin whilst he staid in that Country : This was cry'd out upon as unreasonably propounded by Phocion ( by Craterus ) to oppress the Country of their Friends and Allies by their stay , since they might rather use that of their Enemies , for provisions and support of their Army . But Antipater taking him by the hand , said , 'T is true , but let us grant this Boon out of respect to Phocion : And for the rest , he bid them return to their Principals , and acquaint them that he would grant them no other Terms than what he himself had received from Leosthenes , then General , when he was shut up in Lamia . When Phocion had return'd to the City , and acquainted them with this answer , they made a virtue of necessity at this Juncture , and comply'd , since it would be no better : So Phocion return'd to Thebes with other Embassadors , and among the rest , Zenocrates the Philosopher , the reputation of whose Prudence and Wisdom was so great and celebrated among the Athenians , that they conceiv'd there could not be any thing of mankind so brutal and barbarous , or devoid of common humanity , that even his meen and aspect would not gain upon and create a respect for him : But the contrary hapned by the insolence and ferity of Antipater's disposition , who embracing all the rest of his Companions , pass'd Zenocrates , by not deigning so much as to salute him , or take the least notice of him : Upon which occasion , Zenocrates said , He was well satisfied he used him so scurvily , since he had the same intentions to the whole City : As soon as ever he began to speak , Antipater thwarted and interrupted him , not suffering him to proceed , but enjoyned him silence : But when Phocion had declar'd the purport of their Embassy , he reply'd short and peremptorily , he would make a League with the Athenians on these conditions and no others . That Demosthenes and Hyperides be deliver'd up to him : That the ancient way of Raising Taxes in the City be observ'd : That they should receive a Garrison from him into Minichia : Defray the Charges of the War , and damages sustain'd , and put themselves under Contribution for it . As things stood , these Terms were judg'd tolerable by the rest of the Embassadors : Zenocrates said , Truly if Antipater reputed them as already his Slaves , they were indifferent ; but if he considered them still as Free , they were insufferable . Phocion press'd him with much earnestness , only to spare the Garrison , and used many Arguments and Intreaties : Antipater reply'd , He should find him compliant in any thing to his request , that did not inevitably tend no the ruin of them both . Others report it differently , that Antipater should ask Phocion , If he remitted the Garrison to the Athenians , he would stand Surety for the City to demean themselves peaceably , and endeavour no Innovations ? To which when he demurr'd and made no return ; on the sudden Callimedon the Carabian , a hot man , and a profess'd Enemy to Free States , rose up , asking Antipater if he would suffer himself to be juggled withal , and have his confidence abused so far as not to act what he thought most expedient ? So the Athenians receiv'd the Garrison , and Menyllus for the Governor , a fair condition'd man , and one of Phocion's Acquaintance . This proceeding seem'd sufficiently imperious and arbitrary , indeed rather a spiteful insulting and ostentation of power , than that the possessing himself of that Fortress , would be of any real advantage to his affairs . The resentment of this usage was heightned by the time it happened in : For it fortun'd the Garrison was brought in in the Month of August , just at the time of the great Festival , when Bacchus was carried with solemn Pomp from the City to Eleusina ; so that the Solemnity being disturb'd , many began to recollect what had happen'd at the time of those Rites both anciently and modernly . For of old , in their greatest prosperity , there had been odd appearances seen , and Voices heard at the time of their Celebration , which struck terror and amazement into their Enemies ; but now at the same season , the Gods themselves stood Wittnesses of the extream oppressions of Greece ; the Holy time being prophan'd , and their greatest Jubilee made the unlucky date of their most extream calamity . Not many years before , they had brought an Advertisement from the Oracle at Dodona , That they should carefully Guard the Promontory of Diana's Temple , and secure it from the possession of Strangers : And about the same time when they dyed the Ribbonds and Garlands , with which they adorn'd the Pageants in devotion to her ; instead of a Purple , they receiv'd only a faint dead colour , and which added to the Omen , all those things that were dyed for common use took the natural colour . Also a Sacrificer washing a Porket in the Haven , whilst it was calm , a Shark seiz'd on him , bit off all his hinder parts to the Belly , and devoured them ; by which they imagin'd the God gave them apparently to understand , that having already lost the lower parts of their Territories , towards the Sea coast , they should more carefully guard those towards the City . Now the Garrison under Menyllus was no ways offensive to those of the better sort , but of the meaner sort , the number of whom ( who by reason of their poverty were not taxed ) were reckon'd in the City to be above 12000 ; those that remain'd in the City thought themselves oppress'd and affronted , and those that had gone away into Thrace , on whom Antipater had bestow'd a Town , and some Territories to inhabit , accounted themselves only as a Colony of Slaves and Exiles . Demosthenes dyed at that time in Calabria , and Hyperides at Cleona , a City of Greece , ( as we have else-where related ) which put the Citizens in mind of the death of Philip and Alexander , and almost wishing the return of those times . Just as after Antigonus was slain ; and those that had taken him off , afterwards more grievously afflicting and oppressing the People ; a Countryman in Phrygia digging in the Fields , was ask'd what he was doing ? I am , says he , ( fetching a deep sigh ) searching again for Antigonus . So said many that remembred those days , and the disputes they had with those Kings , whose anger , however great , was yet generous and placable ; whereas Antipater , with the counterfeit humility of appearing like a private man , in the meanness of his Habit and homely Fare , covered the haughtiness of his Mind , and insolently abusing his power , was indeed insufferable to those under his Command being extream Lordly and Tyranical . Yet Phocion had interest with him to recal many from Banishment by his intreaty , and prevail'd also for those that fled away , that they might not , like others , be hurried beyond Foenarus and the Mountains of Ceraunia , but remain in Greece , and plant themselves in Peloponnesus , of which number was Agnonides the Sycophant He no less studiously manag'd the affairs within the City , with signal Equity and Moderation , preferring constantly those that were Men of Worth and Temper to the Magistracy ; keeping out the factious and turbulent , lest they should abuse their power to raise stirs , and those that were decayed , he advis'd to retire into the Country , and mind tillage . Observing that Zenocrates payed his Assessments as a Foreigner , he would have perswaded him to accept of his freedom ; which he refus'd , saying : He could not receive it from that City , whose Liberties and Franchises were doomed , when he himself was one of the Embassadors . Menyllus offered Phocion a considerable Sum of Mony , who , thanking him , said , Neither was he greater than Alexander , nor his own occasions more urgent to receive it now , who then refused it from him : But still pressing him to permit his Son Phocus to receive it , he replyed ; If my Son returns to his right mind , his Patrimony is sufficient , if not , in the courses he now takes , all supplies will be insignificant . But to Antipater he answered more tartly , who would have him engaged in something dishonourable ; Antipater says he , can't use me both as a Friend and a Flatterer . And indeed Antipater was wont to say , he had two Friends at Athens , Phocion and Demades , the one would never suffer him to gratifie him at all , the other would never be satisfied : For Phocion's Virtue made his Poverty appear reputable , having so oft been Commander in Chief of the Athenians , and admitted to the Friendship of so many Potentates , he had yet grown old and poor in the service of the Common-wealth : But Demades prided himself by lavishing his Wealth , to break in upon the Publick Constitutions and affront them : For there having been an Order that no Foreigner should be entertain'd to Dance at the Publick Shows , on the penalty of 1000 Drachma's to be levied on him that should exhibit them ; his vanity was so great to hire 100 Strangers , and paid the Fine for them all in ready Cash upon the Stage . Marrying his Son Demeas at that time , he told him with the like vanity , Son , when I married your Mother , it was done so privately it was not known to the next Neighbours ; but Kings and Princes show themselves forward to present you at your Nuptials . Still this Garrison was a grievous eye-sore to the Commonalty among the Athenians , and they ceased not clamouring upon Phocion , to prevail with Antipater for its removal ; but when he despair'd of effecting it , or rather observed the People more governable , and behaving themselves more orderly , by the Awe that was upon them , he constantly declined that Office ; yet as to the Money-matter , effectually obtained of him , not to demand the Subsidy agreed on , but prolonged the time of its payment . So the People , leaving him off , apply'd themselves to Demades , who readily undertook the Employment and took along with him his Son also into Macedonia ; the Devil , as it seem'd , owing him a shame , he came just at that nick of time , when Antipater was seized with Sickness , and Cassander taking upon himself the Command , had found a Letter of Demades's , formerly writ by him to Antigonus in Asia , moving him to take upon himself the Empire of Greece and Macedonia , which now stood upon an old and rotten Stalk , so rallying Antipater . So when Cassander heard of his coming , he seized him , and having caused his Son to be brought before his Face , slew him , so ordering it , that the Son's Blood should fly upon the Father , and bedawb him ; after , bitterly taunting and upbraiding him with his Ingratitude and Treachery , he dispatch'd him . Antipater ( having nominated Polyperchon General , and Cassander Colonel ) being dead , Cassander presently set up for himself , and immediately dispatch'd Nicanor to Menyllus , to be his Successor in the Athenian Garrison , commanding him to possess himself of it , before the News of Antipater's Death , should be bruited abroad . Which being done , and some days after the Athenians hearing the Report of it , Phocion was taxt , as privy to it before , and censured heavily for dissembling it , as a Friend and Confederate of Nicanor's : but he slighted their tittle tattle , and meeting oft and conferring with Nicanor , made it his business to render him civil and obliging to the Athenians , and not only so , but perswaded him to some Expence upon them , and have some Shows at his own charge to entertain the People . In the mean time , Polyperchon , to whose Care the chief Affairs were committed , to countermine Cassander , writ a cunning Letter to the City , declaring , that they were restored to their ancient Privileges and Immunities , and were at entire liberty to govern their Commonwealth , according to their ancient Customs and Constitutions . The bottom of these Pretences was meer Stratagem and Trick , levell'd principally against Phocion , as the Event manifested it self ; for Polyperchon's design being to possess himself of the City , he despaired altogether of bringing it to pass , whilst Phocion lived , and in Credit : but the most certain way to ruine him , would be again to bring into play the Demagogues , who had been put out of Office for seditious Practices , and restore them to their Places of Trust , both in the Courts of Judicature , and their Votes in Common-Council . Thus the Populace being let loose , presently great Commotions happen'd in Athens , which Nicanor endeavouring to compose , call'd the Senate together into the Pyroeum , and came thither himself , committing himself to Phocion for his security ; but one Dercyllus , a Captain of the Train-bands in the Suburbs , attempting to seize him , he having some hint of it , withdrew himself , giving out that he would suddenly right himself upon the City for this Affront . Phocion was accused for being near him , and not seizing him , as he was required ; but he defended himself , saying , that he had no manner of mistrust of Nicanor , nor the least reason to expect any mischief from him ; but should it prove otherways , for his part he would have them all know , he had rather receive , than do an ill thing to any Man. This Carriage of Phocion's , fairly and simply considered , would appear extream generous and Gentleman-like ; yet looking upon a man standing in relation to his Countrey , now endanger'd , and that in the highest station of Power and Authority there is something ( methinks ) of prior Consideration and original Obligation of Justice , in discharging the trust reposed in him , to be regarded , much rather than such Points of Honour : for it is not a satisfactory pretence to say , that he dreaded the involving the City in War , by seizing Nicanor , nor that in Honour and Justice he could not lay hands on a man , who had given him all the assurance and security in the world , that he would no ways molest or disturb the Athenian State ; but it was , indeed , his Credulity and Confidence in him , and an over-weening opinion of his Sincerity , that imposed upon him : so that notwithstanding the sundry Intimations he had from those that accused him of having Designs on the Pyroeum , and sending numbers of Mercenaries into Salamina , besides his tampering with , and endeavouring to corrupt those of Pyroeum , ( where his Garrison stood ) he would ( notwithstanding all this Evidence ) never be perswaded to belive it . Nay further , although Philomedes , the Son of Lampres , had got a Decree pass'd , that all the Athenians should stand to their Arms , and be ready to follow Phocion their General , he yet sate still and secure , till such time as Nicanor had actually brought down Arms and Ammunition from Minichia to Pyroeum , and begun to draw Trenches round it . Whilst these things were transacted when Phocion ( at last ) would have led out the Athenians , they mutined against him , and slighted his Orders . Alexander , the Son of Polyperchon , was at hand with a considerable Force , pretended to be for succour of the City against Nicanor , but intended nothing less ( if possible ) than to surprize the City , whilst they were in Tumult , and divided among themselves : for those that had been banished , getting into the City , to whom the Foreigners joyned themselves , and all the Rabble rout thronging in to them , they made up an odd irregular mixt Convention , wherein they presently divested Phocion of all Power , and chose to themselves other Commanders ; and if by chance Alexander had not been spy'd from the Walls , alone , and in close Consult with Nicanor , and given the Athenians just cause of Suspicion , certainly the City at that moment had run a great Risque . Immediately the Orator Agnonides fell foul upon Phocion , and impeacht him of Treason : Callimedon and Pericles fearing the worst , consulted their own security by flying from the City : Phocion , with a few of his Friends that stay'd with him , went over to Polyperchon , and out of Respect , Solon of Platoea , and Dinarchus of Corinth , accompany'd him , being reputed Friends and Confidents of Polyperchon . But Dinarchus enjoying ill Health , they remained many days in Elatoea , a City of Phocis , situate near the Mountain Acrorium . During which time Agnonides promoting it , Archestratus procured a Decree , that th● People should send Delegates thither to accuse Phocion : so both of them waited upon Polyperchon , who was with the King viewing the Countrey , and was then at a small Village of Phocis , Pharygas , now call'd Galate . There Polyperchon having pitch'd a Royal Tent of Cloth of Gold for the King and his Friends , caused Dinarchus to be brought without further Ceremony , and having first tormented him , caused him to be slain ; then he gave Audience to the Ambassadors , who filled the Place with Noise and Tumult , peaching and accusing one another ; Agnonides approaching , entreated they might all be shut up together in an iron Grate , and convey'd to Athens , there to decide the Controversie : At that the King could not forbear smiling ; but the Company that attended , Macedonians and Strangers , that now had leisure enough , were eager to see the Scuffle , and hear them pelt one another , made Signs to the Delegates to go on with their Accusations . But it was far from a fair Hearing , nothing equitable could be obtained ; Polyperchon frequently interrupted Phocion , and at last knocking with his Battoon on the Ground , refused him absolutely , and commanded him Silence . Hegemon appeal'd to Polyperchon himself , as one that well knew how studious he had been of the Interest of the People ; to which he reply'd furiously ; Forbear to belye me before the King : the King starting up was about to have darted him through with his Javelin , but Polyperchon interposed and hinder'd him ; so the Assembly was dissolved . Phocion then and those about him were put into Custody ; but those of his Friends that were at some distance , observing this , hiding their Faces , endeavour'd to save themselves by Flight : but Clitus perceived them , and brought them back to Athens , pretendedly , to purge themselves , but in truth , as men already sentenced , to die . The manner of conveying them was indeed extream moving ; they were carried in Chariots through Ceramicum , straight to the Place of Judicature , where Clitus secured them till they had call'd a Hall , which was open to all Comers ; neither Foreigners , nor Slaves , nor any of the Rascality , being refused Admittance , but was free to all ; Men , Women and Children , being allowed to seat themselves in the Court ; and even upon the Bench : where having read the King's Letters , wherein he declared , he was abundantly satisfied that these men were Traitors ; however , they being a free City , he willingly indulged them the Grace of trying and judging them according to their own Laws . Clitus brought in his Prisoners . The men of highest Quality blush'd at the sight of Phocion , and hanging down their Heads , could not forbear Tears : One of them was so hardy to say , Since the King was so gracious to permit them freedom in Judgment , he thought it reasonable to dismiss the Strangers , and those of servile condition , from the Assembly ; but the Populace would not endure it , crying out , They were Enemies to the Commonwealth , and Betrayers of the Liberty of the People , and deserved to be stoned that sided with the Nobility ; after which no man durst offer any thing farther in Phocion's behalf . He was scarce suffer'd to be heard , when he demanded , if they intended to put them to death by form of Law or not ? Some answer'd , According to Law : He reply'd , How should that be done , except we have a fair Hearing ? But when they were deaf to all he said , approaching nearer , As to my self , says he , I confess the Crime , and submit my self to the Judgment of the Law , but for these my Friends , O ye men of Athens , what have they done to deserve the Sentence , having in nothing offended you ? The Rabble cry'd out , They were his Friends and Complices , that was enough . Hearing this , he drew back as one struck dumb . Then Agnonides read the Bill of Attainder , whereby the People were impowered to have a Poll for majority of Voices , whether they judged them Guilty ; and if so it should be found , to be sentenced to Death . The Names being read , some were so brutish to desire it might be added to the Sentence , That Phocion should not only die a simple Death , but be tortured also , and that the Rack should be produced with the Tormenters : but Agnonides perceiving even Clitus himself to dislike this , esteeming it a thing most horrid and barbarous ; says he , If we can take that Villain Callimedon , O ye Athenians ! let us serve him so with all my heart , but I can't consent Phocion should be used so : And one of those that were better minded , rose up , saying , Thou art in the right , if Phocion be tortured , what dost thou deserve thy self ? So the Sentence was ratified , taking every man's Vote singly , no man sitting down , but all rising up , and some with Garlands on their Heads condemn'd them all to death . There were with Phocion , Nicocles , Theudippus , Hegemon and Pythocles : moreover Demetrius the Phalaroean , Callimedon , Charicles , and some others , were in the same Condemnation , being absent . After the Assembly was dismist , they were remanded to Prison , some of their Friends following them , embracing and weeping over them , and making great Lamentation . Phocion's Countenance was not chang'd , but went with the same undaunted Look , he used to be followed from the Court to the Camp , whilst he was their General ; that most men admired the Bravery and Magnanimity of the man , yet some sneaking Fellows of his Enemies insulted over him , reviling and abusing him as he pass'd : And one coming up to him , spit in his Face ; at which Phocion , turning to the Officers , only said , Will no body correct this Fellow's Rudeness ? Theudippus , when he observed the Executioner tempering the Poyson , and preparing it for them , was disorder'd , and began to bemoan his condition , and the hard measure he received so unjustly to suffer upon Phocion's account : What , says he , dost thou not think it creditable to run the same Fate with Phocion ? One of his Friends that stood by , askt him , if he would have any thing to his Son ? Yes , by all means , says he , command him from me to forget the Athenian's Ill Treatment of his Father . Then Nicocles , the dearest and most faithful of his Friends , begg'd of him first to drink the Poyson : Ah! my Friend , says he , this is the most harsh and ungrateful Request thou ever madest me ; but since through my whole Life , I have never deny'd thee any thing , I must gratifie thee in this also . Having all drunk , there wanted of the due Proportion , and the Executioner refused to prepare more , except they would pay him 12 Drachma's to defray the charge of a full Draught . Some delay was made , and the time spent ▪ Phocion call'd one of his Friends that stood by : What , says he , can't a man die on Free-cost among the Athenians ? and bid him give him a small spill of Money . It was the 19th . day of the Month Mynichion , when there was accustomed to be solemn Processions in the City , in Honour of Jupiter : The Horsemen , as they pass'd by , some of them threw away their Garlands , others stopt at the Prison-doors , bitterly weeping , and casting most doleful Looks towards the Place of Execution ; and as many of the rest , whose Minds were not absolutely debauch'd by Spite and Passion , or had any spark of Humanity left , acknowledged it to be most wicked and ungodly ; at least , not to have reprieved them that day , and purge the City from Blood and Slaughter at the solemn Festival . But as if all this had been small Game , the Malice of Phocion's Enemies went yet higher , to endeavour that his dead Corps might be thrown out of the Cityboundaries ; none of the Athenians daring to light a Funeral Pile , to burn the Body , after their manner ; neither durst any of his Friends presume to concern themselves about his Body , only one Conopion , a man accustomed to those Offices , having procured the Body , at his own Expence , to be carry'd beyond Eleusina , borrow'd Fire from a Woman of Magoera , and burnt it ; the Woman her self , with her Servant-maids , being present and assistant at the Solemnity , casting up a small Monument for him , performed the customary Offerings ; and gathering up his Bones in her Lap , and carrying them by night , digg'd a Place by the Fire-side in her House , saying , Dear Gods , Guardians of this Place , here I deposite the Remains of this excellent Person , and you , I beseech you , protect and restore them to the Sepulcher of his Ancestors , when the Athenians return again to their right Minds . And indeed , a very little Time , and their own sad Experience , soon informed them , what an excellent Governour , and how great an example and Patron of Justice and all Virtue , they had bereft themselves of : And now they decreed him a Statue of Brass , and his Bones to be buried honourably at the publick Charge ; and for his Accusers , Agnonides they took themselves , and caused him to be put to death ; Epicurus and Demophilus , that fled from the City for fear , his Son met with , and took his Revenge upon them . This Son of his they report not otherways to be considerable , only a man of Pleasure , that was enamour'd of a Wench kept by a common Bawd ; and happenning one day to hear Theodorus the Atheist talking at this rate , That if a man might venture to rescue his Friend , why not his Mistress ? and if not one , why the other ? The Argument hitting his Humour , encouraged him to take away the Girl by force . But this Fate of Phocion's , revived the Memory of Socrates among the Groecians , their Case being exactly parallel , both their Deaths being alike , the most shameful Fault , and heavy Misfortune of the People of Athens . THE LIFE OF CATO the Younger . Englished from the Greek , by Stephen Waller Dr. of Laws . THE House of Cato derived its Lustre and Glory from his Great-Grandfather Cato ; one that by his Virtue gained a very great Reputation and Authority among the Romans , as we have written in his Life . This Cato , was , by the loss of both his Parents , left an Orphan , together with his Brother Coepio , and his Sister Porcia . Servilia CATO IUNIOR . depiction of Cato the Younger Ecce Parens verus Patrice : dignissimus aris Roma tuis . — Nil causâ fecit in armis Ipse suâ : Studiis Odiisque carens . At frustrá Leges et inania Jura tuenti Scire Mori Sors optima . Lucan : M Burg. sculp . also was his Sister by the Mother's-side . All these lived together , and were bred up in the House of Livius Drusus , their Uncle by the Mother ; who at that time had a great share in the Government ; for he was very Eloquent , remarkably Just , and in Wisdom not inferior to any of the Romans . 'T is said of Cato , that he did , even from his Infancy , in his Speech , his Countenance , and all his childish Pastimes , discover an inflexible Temper , unmoved by any Passion , and firm in every thing . He would force himself , much beyond the strength of his Age , to go through with whatever he undertook . He was rough and ungentle toward them that flattered him ; but yet more stubborn and untractable to those who threatned him . He was very difficultly moved to laugh ; and was rarely seen to smile . Not quickly or easily provoked to Anger ; but if once incensed , he was no less difficultly pacified . When he began to learn , he proved dull , and slow to apprehend ; but what he once conceived , he very faithfully retained . And truly 't is usual in Nature , that men of quick Apprehensions have not the best Memories ; but those who receive things with most pains and difficulty , remember them with most exactness : for every new thing that is learnt seems to make some new impression upon the Mind . Hence the difficulty there was in Cato to be moved , made it the more difficult for him to be taught ; for to learn is to suffer a kind of Alteration : and it happens , that those are most easily wrought upon , who have least strength to oppose what is offered . Hence young men are sooner perswaded , than those that are more in years ; and Sick men , than those that are well in Health : in fine where the Resistance is least powerful , the Impression is most easily made . Yet Cato ( they say ) was very obedient to his Schoolmaster , and would do whatever he was commanded ; but he would also ask the Reason , and enquire the Cause of every thing : and indeed his Schoolmaster was a very courteous man , more ready to instruct , than to beat his Scholars ; his Name was Sarpedo . When Cato was a Child , the Allies of the Romans sued to be made free-Citizens of Rome . Pompoedius Sillo , one of their Deputies , a brave Souldier , and a man of great worth , who had contracted a Friendship with Drusus , lodged at his House for several days ; in which Time being grown familiar with the Children , Well , ( said he to them ) will you entreat your Vncle to befriend us in our Business ? Coepio smiling , seemed to consent ; but Cato made no Answer , only he looked stedfastly and fiercely on the Strangers : Then said Pompoedius to him , And you young man , what say you to us ? will not you , as well as your Brother , intercede with your Vncle in our behalf ? Cato Continued still unmoved ; but by his Silence and his Countenance seeming to deny their Petition , Pompoedius snatch'd him up to the Window , as if he would throw him out : then he urged him to consent , or he would fling him down ; and speaking in a harsher Tone , held his Body out of the Window , and shook him several times . When Cato had suffered this a good while , unmoved and unconcerned ; Pompoedius setting him down , said softly to his Friends , What a Blessing is this Child to Italy ? if he were a Man , I believe we should not gain one Voice among the People . Another time , one of his Relations , on his Birth-day , invited Cato and some other Children to Supper , who diverting themselves in a part of the House , were at Play all together , the elder and the younger ; their Play was to act the Pleading of Causes before the Judges , accusing one another , and carrying away the Condemned to Prison . Among these , a very beautiful young Child being bound and carried by a bigger into Prison , he cryed out to Cato ; who presently run to the Door , and thrusting away those who stood there as a Guard , took out the Youth , and went home in great Anger followed by all his Companions . Cato at length grew so famous among them , that when Sylla Designed to exhibit the Game of young men riding Races on Horseback , which they called the Trojan Course , having got together all the Youth of Quality , he appointed two for their Leaders . One of them they accepted for his Mother's sake , which was the Son of Metella , the Wife of Sylla ; but for the other , which was Sextus , the Nephew of Pompey , they would not be led by him , nor exercised under him : then Sylla asking , Whom they would have ? They all cryed out , Cato ; and Sextus willingly yielded the Honour to him , as the more worthy Person . Sylla , having had a Friendship with their Father , did often send for Cato and his Brother , and would talk familiarly with them ; a Favour which he shewed to very few , by reason of the great Power and high Station which he had gotten . Sarpedo , considering the Advantage hereof as well for the Honour as the Safety of his Scholars , did often bring Cato to wait upon Sylla at his House , which , for the multitude of those that were slain , imprisoned , and tormented there , looked like a Place of Execution . Cato was then about 14 years old ; now seeing the Heads of great Men brought thither , and observing the secret Sighs of those that were present , he asked his Schoolmaster ▪ Why does no body kill this Man ? Because ( said he ) they fear him , Child , more than they hate him : Why then ( replied Cato ) do you not give me a Sword , that I may stab him , and free my Countrey from this Slavery ? Sarpedo hearing this , and at the same time seeing his Countenance full of Anger and Fury , took care thence-forward to watch him strictly , lest he should fall into any desperate Attempt . While he was yet very young ; to some that asked him , Whom he loved best ? He answered , His Brother : And being asked , Whom next ? He replied ▪ His Brother again : So likewise the third time ; and still the same , till they left off to ask any farther . As he grew in Age , this Love to his Brother increased ; for when he was about 20 years old , he never supped , never went out of Town , nor into the Forum , without Coepio ; but when his Brother made use of Oyntments and Perfumes , these Cato rejected : And he was in the whole course of his Life very regular and austere ; so that when Coepio was admired for his Moderation and Temperance , he would acknowledge , that indeed he might be accounted such , in respect of some other men ; but ( said he ) when I compare my self with Cato , methinks I differ not at all from Sippius ; one at that time notorious for Softness and Luxury . Cato , being made one of Apollo's Priests , changed his Habitation , took his portion of their paternal Inheritance , and began to live yet more severely than before . Having gained an intimate Acquaintance with Antipater , the Stoick Philosopher , he bent himself chiefly to the Study of Moral Philosophy and Politicks . He was carried , as it were , by a kind of Inspiration , to embrace every Virtue ; but most inclined , to delight in a sort of steady Justice , that was not to be wrought upon by Favour or Compassion . He learned also the Art of speaking in publick ; which he looked upon as a thing no less requisite for governing , than the Art of War , for defending a City . But he would never recite his Speeches before Company ; nor was he ever heard declame : And to one that told him , Men blamed his Silence ; but I hope not my Life , ( said he ) and I will then begin to speak , when I think I can say something that is worth being spoken . There was a great Hall , which had been built and dedicated to the Publick by old Cato ; here the Tribunes of the People used to keep Court : And because a certain Pillar seemed not to stand well for the convenience of their Benches , they deliberated , whether it were best to remove it only , or to take it away . This Business first drew Cato into the Forum , tho' much against his will ; for he therein opposed the Tribunes , and at the same time gave an admirable Specimen both of his Courage and his Eloquence . His Speech had nothing in it of childish or affected , but was rough , vehement , and full of sence ; besides he had a certain grace in speaking , which charmed the Ear , and agreed well with the shortness of his Sentences ; and something of Mirth and Raillery mingled with the Gravity of his Temper , was not unpleasant to his Auditors . His Voice was full , sounding , and sufficient to be heard by so great a Multitude . His Vigour , and the strength of his Body indefatigable ; for he could speak a whole day , and never be weary . When he had carried this Cause , he betook himself again to his Study and Retirement ; where he accustomed his Body to Labour and violent Excercise : would use himself to go bare-headed both in hot and cold Weather . When he went abroad with any of his Friends , tho' they were on Horseback , and he on Foot , yet he would often joyn now one , then another , and discourse with them on the way . In Sickness , admirable was the Patience he shewed in supporting ; and the Abstinence he used , for curing his Distempers . One time when he had an Ague , he would be alone all day long , and suffer no body to see him , till he began to recover , and found the Fit was over . At Supper when he threw Dice for the choice of the Messes , and lost , the Company offered him nevertheless his choice ; but the refused , saying , * Venus forbids . At first he was wont to drink only once after Supper , and then go away , but in process of time he grew to drink more , insomuch that oftentimes he would continue at Table till morning . This his Friends excused ; for that the State Affairs took him up all day , and he being desirous of Knowledge , did pass the night at Table in the Conversation of Philosophers . Hence one Memmius saying in Company , That Cato spent whole nights in Drinking ; But you cannot say ( replied Cicero ) that he spends whole days in Playing . Cato esteemed the Customs and Manners of Men at that time so corrupt , and a reformation in them so necessary , that he thought it requisite in many things , to go contrary to the ordinary way of the World. Wherefore seeing the lightest and gayest Colours were most in fashion , he would always wear the darkest : and he would often go out of doors without either Shooes or Coat . Not that he sought Vain-glory from such Novelties ; but he would accustom himself to be ashamed only of what deserves shame and to despise all other sorts of disgrace . The Estate of one Cato , his Cousin-german , ( which was worth 100 Talents ) falling to him , he turned it all into ready Money , which he kept by him for any of his Friends that should happen to want , to whom he would lend it without use ; for some of them , he suffered his own Land and his Slaves to be mortgaged to the publick Treasury . When he thought himself of an Age fit to marry , having never before known any Woman , he was contracted to Lepida , who had before been contracted to Metellus Scipio ; but he having quitted her , the Contract was dissolved , and she at liberty : yet Scipio afterward repenting himself , did all he could to regain her , before the Marriage with Cato was compleat ; and therein succeeded . At which Cato was very much incensed , and resolved to go to Law about it ; but his Friends perswaded him to the contrary ; however he was so moved by the heat of Youth and Passion , that he writ Iambicks against Scipio , which had all the Wit and Satyr of Archilochus , without his Impudence and Scurrility . After this he married Atilia , the Daughter of Sorranus , which was the first ▪ but not the only Woman he ever knew ; in this much less happy than Loelius , the Friend of Scipio , who in the whole course of so long a Life never knew but one Woman . In the War made by the Rebellion of the Slaves , ( which was named from Spartacus their Ring-leader ) Gellius was General ; and Cato went a Voluntier , for the sake of his Brother Coepio , who was a Colonel in that Army . But Cato could find no opportunity to shew his Courage , or exercise his Valour by reason of the ill Conduct of the General ; however admidst the Corruptions and Disorders of that Army , he shewed such a love of Discipline , so much Bravery upon occasion , and so much Wisdom in every thing , that it appeared he would not be any way inferiour to the old Cato . Whereupon Gellius offered him great Rewards , and would have decreed him considerable Honours ; which he refused , saying , He had done nothing that deserved them ; and this made him be thought a man of a very odd Humour . There was a Law ▪ That the Candidates who stood for any Office , should not have Prompters to tell them the Names of the Citizens . Cato , when he sued to be elected Military Tribune , was the only man that obeyed that Law ; he took great pains to salute those he met , and call them by their Names . Yet for these things he was envied , even by those who praised him ; for the more they considered the Excellency of what he did , the more they were grieved at the difficulty they found to do the like . Now being chosen Military Tribune , he was sent into Macedon after Rubrius , who was General there . It is said , that his Wife shewing much Concern , and weeping at his Departure , Munatius , one of Cato's Friends said to her , Do not trouble your self , Atilia , I 'll take care to keep him for you . Ay , by all means , replied Cato . When they had gone one days Journey together ; Well , said he to Munatius , that you may be sure to keep your promise to Atilia , you must not leave me day nor night ; and then ordered two Beds to be made in his own Chamber , that Munatius might lie there : so that he seemed rather to be kept by Cato . There went with him fifteen Slaves , two Freed-men and four of his Friends ; these rode on Horseback , but Cato always went on Foot , yet would he keep by them , and discourse with them on the way . When he came to the Army , which consisted of many Legions , the General gave him the Command of one ; but Cato looked upon it as a small matter , and not worthy a Commander , to make his own single Valour appear ; therefore he desired to make his Souldiers like himself . Yet he did not thereby lose the Reverence due to his Command , but joyned Reason to his Authority ; for he perswaded and instructed every one in particular , and on all bestowed Rewards or Punishments according to desert . At length his Men were so well disciplined , that it was hard to say , whether they were more peaceable , or more warlike ; more valiant , or more just : they were dreadful to their Enemies , and courteous to their Companions ; fearful to do wrong , and forward to gain Honour . Thus Cato , tho' he never sought , yet easily acquired Glory and Repute ; was highly esteemed by all men , but entirely beloved by the Souldiers . Whatever he commanded to be done , he himself took part in the performing . In his Apparel , his Diet and Labour , he was more like a common Souldier than an Officer ; but in Virtue , Courage and Wisdom , he far exceeded all that had the Name of Commanders . By these means he made himself greatly beloved , and was therefore the more willingly followed : for the true love of Virtue , is in all men produced by the Love and Respect they bear to him that teaches it ; and those who praise good men , yet do not love them may cry up their Honour , but will never imitate their Virtue . At that time there dwelt in Pergamum , one Athenodorus , sirnamed Cordylio , a Man very well versed in the Stoick Philosophy , who was now grown old , and had always refused the Friendship and Acquaintance of Princes and great Men. Cato understood this ; so that imagining he should not be able to prevail with him by sending or writing ; and being by the Laws allowed two months absence from the Army , he resolved to go into Asia , to see Athenodorus : and considering the great worth of the Man , he hoped he should not lose his labour . When Cato had discoursed with him , and perswaded him from his former Resolutions , he returned and brought him to the Army , as joyful and as proud of this success , as if he had done some heroick Exploit , greater than any of those of Pompey or Lucullus , who at that time subdued so many Nations and Kingdoms . While Cato was yet in the Army , his Brother , on a Journey toward Asia , fell sick at Aenus in Thrace , and immediately dispatched Letters to him . The Sea was very rough , and no convenient great Vessel to be had ; yet Cato , getting into a little Passage boat , with only two of his Friends , and three Servants , set Sail from Thessalonica , and having very narrowly escaped drowning , he arrived at Aenus just as Coepio expired . Upon this occasion Cato shewed himself more a fond Brother than a Philosopher , not only in the excess of Grief , bewailing and embracing the dead Body , but also in the extravagant Expences of the Funeral , wherein a vast quantity of rich Perfumes and costly Garments were burnt with the Corps ? besides , he erected in the Forum of the Aenians , a Monument of Thassian Marble , which cost eight Talents . This some blamed , as not suiting with Cato's usual Moderation in other things : But they did not consider , that tho' he were stedfast , firm , and inflexible to Pleasure , Fear , or fond Entreaties ; yet he was full of natural Tenderness , and brotherly Affection . Divers of the Cities and Governours of the Countrey , sent him many Presents , to honour the Funerals of his Brother ; but he took none of their Money , only the Perfumes and Ornaments he received , and paid for them also . Afterward , when the Estate was divided between him and Coepio's Daughter , he did not require the Funeral Expences to be deducted . Notwithstanding all this , a certain Writer has affirmed , that he made his Brother's Ashes be passed through a Sieve , to find the Gold that was melted down with the Body : but surely that * person thought , his Writings , as well as his Actions , should never be subject to Examination . The Time of Cato's Service in the Army being expired , he received at his departure not only the Prayers and Praises , but the Tears and Embraces of the Souldiers , who spread their Garments at his Feet , and kissed his Hand as he passed ; an Honour , which the Romans shewed to very few of their Generals . Cato having left the Army , resolved before he would return home , and apply himself to the management of State-Affairs , to travel over Asia , and there observe the Manners , the Customs , and the Strength of every Province . He was also willing to gratifie the Importunity of Deiotarus , King of Galatia , who having had great Familiarity and Friendship with his Father , did earnestly invite him thither . Cato took care to order his Journeys in this manner : Early in the morning he sent out his Baker and his Cook toward the Place where he designed to lodge the next night : these went civilly and quietly into the Town in which if there happened to be no Friend nor Acquaintance of Cato or his Family , they provided for him in an Inn , and gave no disturbance to any body ; but if there were no Inn , they went to the Magistrates , and desired them to help them to Lodgings , and were always satisfied with what was allotted to them . His Servants thus behaving themselves toward the Magistrates , without noise and threatning , were often not credited , or neglected by them ; so that Cato did many times arrive , before any thing was provided for him . And indeed he himself was often despised , and made little account of ; for sitting silent by himself on his Carriages , he was looked upon as a contemptible Man , and one of a mean Spirit ; therefore he would sometimes call the Townsmen together , and say , Ye ill-natured Men , lay aside this inhospitable Humour ; you should by Courtesie endeavour to break the power of those Men , who desire but a pretence to take from you by force , what you give with such Reluctance . While he travelled in this manner , a pleasant Accident befell him in Syria . As he was going into Antioch , he saw a great multitude of People without the Gates , ranked in order on either side the way ; here the young Men with long Cloaks , there the Children decently dress'd ; others wore Crowns and white Garments , which were the Priests and Magistrates . Cato , presently imagining all this was to do him Honour , and for his Reception , began to be angry with his Servants that were sent before , for suffering it to be done ; then making his Friends alight , he walked along with them on Foot. As soon as he came near the Gate , a reverend old Man , who seemed to be Master of these Ceremonies , with a Staff and a Crown in his Hand , comes up to Cato , and without shewing him any respect , ask'd him , Where he had left Demetrius , and how soon he thought he would be there ? This Demetrius was Pompey's Servant ; and by all those who hoped for any Favour from Pompey , he was highly honoured , not for his own Desert , but for his great Power with his Master . Upon this Cato's Friends fell out into such a Laughter , that they could not restrain themselves , while they passed through the Crowd ; he himself much out of Countenance , cryed , O unhappy City ! and said no more : yet afterward he used to tell this Story , and laugh at it himself . Pompey likewise after that made the People ashamed of their Ignorance and Folly ; for Cato , in his Journey to Ephesus , went to pay his Respects to him ; who was the elder Man , had gained much Honour , and was then General of a great Army . Yet Pompey would not receive him sitting ; but as soon as he saw him rose up , and going to meet him , as the more honourable Person , gave him his Hand , and embraced him very kindly . He said many things also in commendation of Cato's Virtue , both in his presence , and when he was gone away . So that now all men began to respect Cato , and admired him for the same things for which they despised him before ; having well considered the mildness of his Temper , and the greatness of his Spirit . Moreover , the Civility that Pompey himself shewed him , appeared to come from one that rather honoured , than loved him . For it was observed , he was very kind to Cato while he was present with him , but very glad when he was gone from him : And when other young men came to see him ; he usually importuned and entreated them to continue with him . Now he did not at all invite Cato to stay ; but as if his own Power were lessened by the other's Presence , he very willingly dismiss'd him . Yet to Cato alone , of all those that went for Rome , he recommended his Children and his Wife , who was also her self allied to Cato . After this , all the Cities through which he passed , strove and emulated each other in shewing him Respect and Honour . They invited him to great Entertainments ; at which he desired his Friends to be present , and take care of him , lest he should make good what was said by Curio ; who tho' he were his familiar Friend , yet disliking the austerity of his Temper , asked him one day , If when he left the Army , he designed to see Asia ? And Cato answering , Yes , by all means : You do well , replied Curio , and I hope you will return thence a litle more softned , and less an Enemy to Pleasure . Those were his words . Deiotarus being now an old Man , had sent for Cato , with design to recommend his Children and Family to his Protection : and as soon as he came , brought him Presents of all sorts of things , which he begg'd and entreated him to accept . This so displeased Cato , that tho' he came but in the evening , he stay'd only that night , and went away early the next morning . After he was gone one days Journey , he found at Pessinuns a greater number of Presents provided for him there , and also Letters from Deiotarus , entreating him to receive them ; or at least to permit his Friends to take them , who for his sake deserved something : And indeed Cato's own Estate was not very great ; yet he would not suffer it , tho' he saw some of them were willing to receive such Gifts , and ready to complain of his Severity : But he told them , That at this rate Corruption would never want pretence ; and for his Friends , they should share with him in what-ever he could get justly and honestly ; so he returned the Presents to Deiotarus . When he took Ship for Brundusium , his Friends would have perswaded him to put his Brother's Ashes into another Vessel ; but he said , He would sooner part with his Life than leave them : and so he set Sail. 'T is said , he passed the Sea not without some danger ; tho' others at the same time went over very safely . After he was returned to Rome , he spent his Time for the most part either at home , in Conversation with Athenodorus , or at the Forum , in the service of his Friends . When the Office of Quoestor was allotted to him , he would not take the Place , till he had perfectly studied the Laws concerning it , and diligently enquired of experienced Men the Duty and Authority belonging to it . Being thus instructed , as soon as he came into the Office , he made a great Reformation among the Clerks and under-Officers of the Treasury . For they being well versed in the Records and Methods of the Office , into which continually succeeded new Quoestors , who for their Ignorance and Unskilfulness were fit only to learn , and not able to manage the Business : These Officers therefore had taken to themselves all the Power , and were in effect the Treasurers : Till Cato , applying himself roundly to the Work , had not only the Title and Honour of a Quoestor , but an insight and understanding of whatever belonged to the Office. So that he used the Clerks and under-Officers like Servants , as they were ; reprehending them that were corrupt , and instructing those that were Ignorant . Yet being bold , impudent Fellows , they flattered the other Quoestors his Collegues , and by their means made great opposition against Cato . But he caught the chiefest of them dealing dishonestly in the division of an Estate , and turned him out of the Treasury . A second he accused of forging a Will ; who was defended by Luctatius Catulus , at that time Censor ; a Man very considerable for his Office , but more for his Virtue ; and was eminent above all the Romans of that Age , for his Wisdom and Integrity : he had also an intimate Acquaintance with Cato and much commended his way of Living . Catulus , perceiving he could not bring off his Client , if he stood to the issue of a fair Trial , fell to Prayers and Entreaties ; but Cato would not suffer him to proceed therein : and when he continued still importunate ; 'T is a shame , ( said he to Catulus ) that you who are to Judge of our Lives , should thus let your own be dishonoured , by defending the Faults of our Servants . At this expression Catulus looked as if he would have made some Answer ; but he said nothing , and either through Anger or Shame went away silent , and out of Countenance . Nevertheless the Man was not cast ; for the Voices that quitted him , were but one in number less than those that condemned him : and Marcus Lollius , one of Cato's Collegues , was absent by reason of Sickness ; to him Catulus sent , and entreated him to come and assist his Client : so Lollius was brought into Court in a Chair , and gave his Voice also for acquitting the Man. Yet Cato never after made use of that Clerk , and never paid him his Salary , nor would he make any account of that Voice of Lollius . Having thus humbled the Clerks , and brought them to be at Command , he made use of the Books and Registers as he thought fit , and in a little while reduced the Treasury into as good order as any other Court ; and all men said , Cato had made the Office of a Quoestor equal to the Dignity of a Consul . When he found many indebted to the State upon old accounts , and the State also in Debt to many private Persons , he took care that the Publick might neither do nor suffer wrong : for he severely and punctually exacted what was due to the Treasury ; but as freely and speedily paid all those to whom it was indebted . This made the People much reverence Cato : when they saw those made to pay , who thought to have escaped for nothing ; and others receiving all their due , who despaired of getting any thing . Whereas usually those who brought false Bills , aud pretended Orders of Senate , could through Favour get them accepted ; Cato would never be so imposed upon : And a certain Order being questioned whether it had passed the Senate , he would not believe a great many Witnesses that attested it , nor did admit of it till the Consuls came and affirmed it upon Oath . There were at that time a great many , whom Sylla had made use of as his Executioners in the last Proscription , and to whom he had for that Service given twelve thousand Drachma's apiece . These men every body hated as wicked Wretches , but no body durst be revenged of them . Yet Cato called every one to account , who had thus gotten the publick Money ; which he exacted of them , and at the same time sharply reproved them for their cruel and impious Actions . Having born this from Cato , they were presently accused of Murther ; and being already prejudged as guilty , they were easily found so , and accordingly suffered . At this all People rejoyced , and hoped now to see the fear of Tyranny taken away , and Sylla himself punished . Cato's Assiduity also , and indefatigable Diligence , won very much upon the People ; for he always came first of any of his Collegues to the Treasury , and went away the last . He never miss'd any Assembly of the People , or Sitting of the Senate ; where he always took care strictly to observe those , who lightly , or out of Ambition , voted for remitting or giving away the Fines and Customs , that were owing to the State. And at length having freed the Exchequer from Informers , yet filled it with Treasure ; he made it appear , the State might be rich , without oppressing the People . At first he was uneasie and hateful to some of his Collegues , but afterward much beloved by them ; for on him they laid the fault , when they could not gratifie their Friends with Pensions out of the Treasury , or corrupt Judgments in passing their Accounts ; and when pressed by Suiters , they readily answered , 'T was impossible to do any thing , unless Cato would consent . The last day of his Office he was very honourably attended to his House by all the People ; but by the way he was informed , that several Persons of great Power and Familiarity with Marcellus , were about him in the Treasury , and earnestly urging him to pass a certain Gift out of the publick Revenue , as if it had been a Debt . This Marcellus had been one of Cato's Friends from his Childhood , and was one of the best of his Collegues in this Office ; but when alone , was easily wrought upon by the importunity of Suiters , and of his own inclination very ready to do any body a Kindness . Wherefore Cato immediately turned back , and finding that Marcellus had yielded to pass the thing , he took the Book , and razed it out . When he had done this , he brought Marcellus out of the Court , who went home with him ; and for all this , neither then , nor ever after , complained of him , but always continued his Friendship and Familiarity with him . Cato after he had laid down his Office , yet did not leave the Care of the Treasury ; for he had his Servants there continually writing out Accounts , and he himself kept always by him certain Books , that contained the Accounts of the Revenue , from Sylla's Time to his own , for which he gave five Talents . He was always first at the Senate , and went out last ; oftentimes while others walked about there idlely , he would sit and read by himself , holding his Gown before his Book , and was never out of Town , when the Senate was to meet . Pompey and his Party finding that Cato could never be , either perswaded or compelled to favour their unjust Designs ; they contrived to keep him from so much frequenting the Senate , by engaging him in Business for his Friends , either to plead their Causes , or arbitrate their Differences . But he quickly discovering their Contrivance , to encounter it , fairly told all his Acquaintance , that he would never meddle in any private Business , when the Senate was assembled ; since 't was not for Honour or Riches , nor rashly or by chance , that he engaged himself in the Affairs of State ; but he undertook the Service of the Publick , as the proper Business of an honest Man : and therefore he thought himself obliged to be as diligent for the good of his Countrey , as a Bee for the preservation of her Hive . To this end he took care to make his Friends and Correspondents send him the Edicts , Decrees , Judgments , and most considerable Actions that passed in any of the Provinces . Clodius , the seditious Oratour , practising to stir up great Commotions , and traducing the Priests and Vestals to the People , ( among whom , Fabia Terentia , Sister to Cicero's Wife , run great danger ) Cato boldly opposed him , and made him appear so infamous , that he was forc'd to leave the Town ; and when Cicero came to thank him for what he had done ; You must thank the Commonwealth , said he ; for whose sake alone it was that he did every thing . Thus he gained a great and wonderful Reputation : so that a certain Advocate in a Cause , where there was only one Witness against him , told the Judges , They ought not to rely upon a single Witness , though it were Cato himself . And it was grown proverbial among the People , if any very unlikely and incredible thing were asserted , to say , They would not believe it , though Cato himself should affirm it . One day a debauched Prodigal talking in the Senate about Frugality and Temperance , Amnoeus standing up , cryed , Who can endure this , Sir , to hear you , that feast like Crassus , and build like Lucullus , talk like Cato . So likewise those who were wild and dissolute in their Manners , yet affected to seem grave and severe in their Discourses , were in derision called Cato's . At first when his Friends would have perswaded him to stand to be Tribune of the People , he thought it not convenient ; for that the Power of so great an Office , ought to be imployed only as the strongest Medicines , when things are brought to the last necessity . But afterward in Vacation-time , as he was going , accompanied with his Books and Philosophers , to Leucania , where he had a pleasant Seat ; by the way they met a great many Horses , Carriages , and Attendants , of whom they understood , that Metellus Nepos was going to Rome , to stand to be Tribune of the People . Hereupon Cato stopp'd , and after a little pause , gave Orders to return immediately : At which the Company seeming to wonder ; Don't you know ( said he ) how dangerous of it self the Madness of Metellus is ? but now he comes assisted with the Counsel of Pompey , he will fall like Lightning on the State , and bring it to utter ruine : wherefore this is no time for Idleness and Diversion ; but we must go and prevent this man in his Designs , or bravely die in defence of our Liberty . Nevertheless , by the Perswasion of his Friends , he went first to his Countrey-house , where he stay'd but a very little time , and then returned to Town . He arrived in the Evening , and went straight the next Morning to the Forum , where he began to sollicit for the Tribuneship , in opposition to Metellus . The Power of this Office consists rather in controuling , than performing any Business ; for tho' all the rest except any one Tribune should be agreed , yet his denial or intercession could put a stop to the whole Matter . Cato at first had not many that appeared for him ; but as soon as his Design was known , all Persons of the best Quality , and of his own Acquaintance , took part with him ; for they looked upon him not as one that desired a Favour of them , but one that sought to do a great Kindness to his Countrey , and all honest men : Who had many times refused the same Office , when he might have had it without trouble ; but now sought it with danger , that he might defend their Liberty , and their Government . It is reported , that so great a number flock'd about him , that he was like to be stifled amidst the Press , and could scarce get through the Crowd . He was declared Tribune , with several others , among whom was Metellus . Now when Cato was chosen into this Office , having observed that the Election of Consuls was grown very mercenary , he sharply rebuked the People for this Corruption , and in the conclusion of his Speech protested , he would accuse whom ever he should find giving Money : yet Passed by Silanus , by reason of his Alliance , for he had married Servilia , Cato's Sister ; so that he did not prosecute him : but Lucius Murena , who was chosen Consul with Silanus , he accused of Bribery . There was a Law , That the Party accused might set a Guard upon his Accuser , to watch him lest he should use any indirect means in preparing the Accusation . He that was set upon Cato by Murena , at first followed and observed him strictly , yet never found him dealing any way unfairly or unjustly , but always generously and candidly , going on in the just and open Methods of Proceeding . So that he much admired Cato's great Spirit and noble Nature , and easily trusted to his Integrity ; for meeting him abroad , or going to his House , he would ask him if he designed to do any thing that day in order to the Accusation ; and if Cato said , No , he went away , freely relying on his Word . When the Cause was pleaded , Cicero , who was then Consul , and defended Murena , did so wittily expose Cato , and the Stoick Philosophers , and their Paradoxes , that he raised great Laughter in his Judges . Whereupon , Cato smiling , said to the Standers by Sirs , we have a very pleasant Consul . Murena was acquitted , and afterward shewed himself no passionate , but a very prudent Man ; for when he was Consul , he always took Cato's Advice in the most weighty Affairs , and in all the time of his Office , gave him much Honour and Respect . Of which , not only Murena's Prudence , but also Cato's obliging Humour , was the Cause : for tho' he were terrible and severe , as to Matters of Justice , in the Senate and at the Bar ; yet he was very courteous and good-natured to all men in private . Before Cato took upon him the Office of Tribune , he assisted Cicero , at that time Consul , in many things that concerned his Office ; but most especially in prosecuting Catiline's Conspiracy , which he did with great Courage and Success . This Catiline had plotted a dreadful and entire Subversion of the Roman State , contriving to raise great Seditions , and drive them into a Civil War ; but being detected by Cicero , was forced to fly the City . Yet Lentulus and Cethegus conspired with several others , and blaming Catiline , as one that wanted Courage , and had too much Caution for such desperate Designs , they themselves resolved to set the whole Town on fire , and utterly to ruine the Empire of the World , by Tumults at home , and War from abroad . But the Design was discovered by Cicero , ( as we have written in his Life ) and the Matter brought before the Senate . Silanus , who spoke first , delivered his opinion , That the Conspirators ought to suffer the last of Punishments ; and was therein followed by all that spoke after him , till it came to Coesar who was very eloquent , and looking upon all Changes and commotions in the State , as Matter for him to work upon , desired rather to increase than extinguish them . Wherefore standing up , he made a very merciful and perswasive Speech ; That they ought not to suffer otherwise than according to Law , by which they could not be put to death ; and moved that they might be kept in Prison : Thus was the House almost wholly turned by Coesar . They were also afraid of the People ; insomuch that Silanus retracted , and said he did not mean Death , but Imprisonment , for that was the utmost of what a Roman could suffer . Upon this they were all inclined to the milder opinion ; when Cato standing up , began to speak with great Passion and Eloquence ; blaming Silanus for his change of Opinion , and reflecting on Caesar for his affectation of Popularity , who ( he said ) would ruine the Common-wealth by mild words , and plausible speeches : yet endeavoured to frighten the Senate , where he himself ought to fear : for he might take it kindly , if he escaped unpunished , or unsuspected , who did thus openly and boldly dare to protect the Enemies of the State ; seemed to have no compassion for so great and glorious an Empire , brought so near its utter ruine ; yet was full of pity for those men , who had better never been born , and whose death must deliver the Commonwealth from danger and destruction . This only of all Cato's Speeches , 't is said , was preserved ; for Cicero the Consul had dispersed about the Senate house several expert Writers , whom he had taught to make certain figures , which did in little and short strokes express a great many words : till that time they had not used those we call Short-hand Writers , who then first , as 't is said , laid the foundation of that Art. Thus Cato carried it , and so turned the House again , that it was decreed , The Conspirators should be put to death . Not to omit any the least strokes that may shew Cato's Temper , and contribute to draw the Image of his Mind ; it is reported , that while Coesar and he were disputing very earnestly in this Business , and the whole Senate regarding them two , a little Note was brought in to Coesar ; which Cato presently declared to be suspicious ; and some of the Senators moved it might be read . Whereupon Coesar delivered the Letter to Cato , who discovering it to be a Love letter from his Sister Servilia to Coesar , by whom she had been debauched , he threw it to him again , crying , Take it , you Sot ; and so went on with his Discourse . In short , it seems Cato had but ill Fortune in Women ; for this Lady was ill-spoken of , for her Familiarity with Coesar : and another Servilia , Cato's Sister also , was yet more infamous ; for being married to Lucullus , one of the greatest Men in Rome ; and having brought him a Son , she was afterward divorced for Incontinency . But what was worst of all , Cato's own Wife , Atilia , was not free from the same Fault ; and after she had born him two Children , he was forc'd to put her away for her ill Conduct . After that he married Martia , the Daughter of Philip , a Woman of good Reputation ; who yet has occasioned much Discourse ; for this Passage in the Life of Cato looks like a Fable in a Play , and is very difficult to be cleared , or made out with any certainty . It is thus related by Thraseas , who refers to the Authority of Munatius , Cato's Friend and constant Companion . Among many that loved and admired Cato , some were more remarkable and conspicuous than others : of these was Quintus Hortensius , a Man of signal Worth , and approved Virtue ; who desired not only to live in Friendship and Familiarity with Cato , but also to be united to his Family , by some Alliance in Marriage . Therefore he set himself to perswade Cato , that his Daughter Porcia , who was already married to Bibulus , and had born him two Children , might nevertheless be given to him , as a fruitful Field , from which he might raise an Off-spring : For ( said he ) tho' this in the opinion of men may seem strange , yet in Nature 't would be honest and profitable for the Publick ; that a Woman in the prime of her youth should not lie useless , and lose the Fruit of her Womb ; nor on the the other side would it be convenient , she should burthen and impoverish one Man , by bringing him too many Children . Also by this Communication of Families among worthy Men , Virtue would increase , and be diffused through their Posterity ; and the Common-wealth would be united and cemented by their Alliances . Yet if Bibulus would not part with his Wife altogether , he would restore her as soon as she had brought him a Child , whereby he might be united to both their Families . Cato answered , That he loved Hortensius very well , and did much approve of uniting their Houses ; but he thought it very strange to speak of marrying his Daughter , which was already given to another . Then Hortensius , turning the Discourse , did not stick to acknowledge , that 't was Cato's own Wife which he desired ; for she was young and fruitful , and he had already Children enough . Neither can it be thought , that Hortensius did this , as imagining Cato did not love Martia ; for , 't is said , she was then with Child . Cato perceiving his earnest desire , did not deny his Request , but said , that Philip , the Father of Martia , ought also to be consulted . Philip therefore being sent for , came ; and finding they were well agreed , gave his Daughter Martia to Hortensius in the presence of Cato , who himself also assisted at the Marriage . These things were done afterward ; but since I was speaking of Women ▪ I thought fit to make mention thereof in this Place . Lentulus and the rest of the Conspirators were put to death ; but Coesar , by reason of what was said against him in the Senate , betook himself to the People , and stirred up the most corrupt and dissolute Members of the State to follow him . Cato , apprehensive of what might ensue thereupon , perswaded the Senate to win over the poor and disorderly Rabble , by a distribution of Corn , the Charge of which amounted to twelve hundred and fifty Talents . This Liberality did in appearance dissipate the present Danger . But Metellus , coming into his Office of Tribune , began to hold tumultuous Assemblies , and had prepared a Decree , That Pompey the Great should presently be called into Italy , with all his Forces , to preserve the City from the danger of Catiline's Conspiracy . This was the fair pretence ; but the true design was , to deliver all into the hands of Pompey , and give him an absolute Power . Upon this the Senate was assembled ; and Cato did not fall sharply upon Metellus , as he used to do , but spoke many things full of great Reason and Moderation . At last he descended even to Entreaty , and extolled the House of Metellus , as having always taken part with the Nobility . At this Metellus grew the more insolent , and despising C●to , as if he yielded and were afraid , let fall many audacious Speeches , openly threatning to do whatever he pleased in spite of the Senate . Hereupon Cato changed his Countenance , his Voice and his Language ; and after many sharp Expressions , boldly concluded , That while he lived , Pompey should never come armed into the City . The Senate thought them both extravagant , and not well in their Wits ; for the Design of Metellus seemed to be the effect of his Rage , who out of excess of Malice , would bring all to Ruine and Confusion ; and Cato's Virtue look'd like a kind of Ecstasie , while he with so great heat and passion contended for what was good and just . Afterward , when the People were to give their Voices for the passing this Decree , Metellus before-hand possessed the Forum with armed Men , Strangers , Gladiators and Slaves , and all those that in hopes of Change followed Pompey , which was no small part of the People ; besides they had great Assistance from Coesar , who was then Proetor . The best and chiefest Men of the City , were no less offended at these Proceedings than Cato ; but they seemed rather likely to suffer with him , than able to assist him . In the mean time Cato's whole Family were in dreadful Fear and Apprehension for him ; some of his Friends did neither eat nor sleep all the night , continuing in very great Perplexity : his Wife and Sisters also bewailed and lamented him ; but he himself , void of all Fear , and full of Assurance , did comfort and encourage them by his own Discourse . After Supper he went to rest at his usual hour , and was the next day waked out of a profound Sleep , by Minutius Thermus , one of his Collegues . So soon as he was up , they two went together into the Forum , accompanied by very few , but met by a great many , who bid them have a care of themselves . Cato , when he saw the Temple of Castor and Pollux incompassed with armed Men , and the ascent to it guarded by Gladiators , at the top whereof sate Metellus and Caesar together ; turning to his Friends , Behold ( said he ) that couragious Fellow who has raised so great Forces against one unarmed naked man : and so he went on with Thermus . They who kept the Passages , gave way to those two ; but would not let any body else pass : yet Cato , taking Munatius by the Hand , with much difficulty pull'd him thorow along with him . Then going directly to Metellus and Caesar , he sate himself down between them , to prevent their talking to one another ; at which they were both amazed . And those of the honest Party , observing the Countenance and admiring the Spirit and Boldness of Cato , went nearer , and cry'd out to him to have Courage , exhorting one another to stand together , and not betray their Liberty , nor the Defender of it . Then the Clerk took out the Bill , but Cato forbade him to read it ; whereupon Metellus took it , and would have read it himself , but Cato snatch'd away the Book . Yet Metellus having the Decree by heart , began to recite it without book ; but Thermus clapp'd his Hand to his Mouth , and stopp'd his Speech . Metellus seeing them fully bent to withstand him , and the People inclining to their side , sent to his House for armed Men ; who rushing in with great noise and terrour , they all dispers'd and run away , except Cato , who alone stood still , while the other Party threw Sticks and Stones at him from below . Murena , whom he had formerly accused , could not brook this , but came to him , and holding his Gown before him , cryed out to them to leave off throwing ▪ in ●ine , perswading and pulling him along , he forc'd him into the Temple of Caster and Pollux . Metellus now seeing the Place clear , and all the adverse Party fled out of the Forum , thought he might easily carry his Point so he commanded the Souldiers to retire , and going orderly to work , he began to proceed in passing the Decree : But the other side , having recollected themselves , returned very boldly , and with great shouting ; insomuch that Metellus his Adherents were utterly dismayed , and fled every one out of the Place . They being thus dispersed , Cato came in again , and confirmed the Courage , and commended the Resolution of the People ; so that now the Multitude were , by all means , for deposing Metellus from his Office. The Senate also being presently assembled , gave Orders to stand by Cato , and to oppose this Decree , which would certainly raise great Disturbance , and perhaps Civil War in the Common wealth . But Metellus continued still very bold and resolute ; and seeing his Party stood greatly in fear of Cato , whom they look'd upon as invincible , he flung out of the Senate , and going into the Forum he assembled the People to whom he made a bitter and invidious Speech against Cate , crying out , He was forc'd to fly from his Tyranny , and this Conspiracy against Pompey , that the City would soon repent their having dishonoured so great a Man. Cato was highly magnified , for having thus delivered the State , from the dangerous Tribuneship of Metellus ; and thereby in some measure diminished the Power of Pompey : But he was more commended , for that the Senate intending to disgrace Metellus , and depose him from his Office , Cato did altogether oppose , and at length divert that Design . For which the Common People admired his Moderation and Humanity , in not insulting on an Enemy whom he had overthrown ; but wise Men acknowledged his Prudence and Policy , in not exasperating Pompey . After this , Lucullus returned from the War in Asia ; the finishing of which , and thereby the Glory of the whole , would in all appearance fall to Pompey . Lucullus also was like to lose his Triumph ; for C●ius Memmius traduced him to the People , and threatned to accuse him : which he did rather out of Love to Pompey , than for any particular Enmity to Lucullus . But Cate , being related to Lucullus who had married his Sister Servilia , and also thinking this design very unjust , opposed Memmius ; and thereby underwent many Slanders and false Accusations ; insomuch that they would have turned him out of his Office , pretending that he used his Power tyrannically . Yet at length Cato so far prevailed against Memmius , that he was forc'd to let fall the Accusations , and to desist from his Design . Lucullus , having thus obtained his Triumph , did yet more carefully cultivate Cato's Friendship , which he look'd upon as a great guard and defence against Pompey's Power . Pompey the Great also returning from the Army , and considing in the Glory of his Actions , and the Good-will of the People , thought he should be denied nothing . Therefore he sent to the Senate , to put off the Assembly for the choice of Consuls , till he could be present , to assist Piso , who stood for that Office. To this most of the Senate presently yielded ; only Cato , not thinking that this delay would be of any great importance , but desiring to lessen and cut off the Hopes and Designs of Pompey , withstood his Request , and so over-ruled the Senate , that 't was carried against him . This did not a little trouble Pompey , who found he should very often fail in his Designs , unless he could bring over Cato to his Interest . Therefore he sent for his Friend Munatius ; and Cato having two Neeces that were marriageable , he offered to marry the eldest himself , and take the youngest for his Son. Some say , they were not his Neeces , but his Daughters , whom Pompey would have thus married . Munatius proposed the Matter to Cato , in presence of his Wife and Sisters : the Women very much desired the Alliance of so great and worthy a Person ; but Cato , without delay or balancing , presently answered ; Go , Munatius , go tell Pompey , that Cato is not to be wrought upon by Women ; tho' otherwise I very much value his Kindness : And while he deals uprightly in the State , he shall find in me a Friendship more firm than any Alliance ; but I will not give Hostages to Pompey's Glory , against my Countrey 's safety . This Answer was very grating to the Women ; and to all his Friends it seemed somewhat harsh and haughty . Afterwards , when Pompey , endeavouring to get the Consulship for one of his Friends , did give Money to the People for their Voices ; and the Bribery was notorious , for the Money was told out in Pompey's own Gardens . Cato then said to the Women , They must necessarily have been concerned in these Faults of Pompey , if they had been allied to his Family ; and they acknowledged , that he did best in refusing it . But , if we may judge by the Event , Cato seems much to blame for rejecting that Alliance , which thereby fell to Caesar . And then that Match was made , which uniting his and Pompey's Power , had well-nigh ruined the Roman Empire , and did at last utterly destroy the Commonwealth . Nothing of which perhaps had come to pass , but that Cato was too apprehensive of Pompey's least Faults ; and did not consider , how he forced him into a condition of committing much greater ; however these things were yet to come . Now Lucullus and Pompey had a great Dispute , concerning what had been established in Pontus ; each endeavouring that his own Ordinances might stand . Cato took part with Lucullus , who was apparently injured ; and Pompey , finding himself the weaker in the Senate , took to the People . To gain them , he proposed a Law , for dividing the Lands among the Souldiers : Cato opposing him in this also , made the Law be rejected . Hereupon Pompey joyned himself with Clodius , at that time the most violent of all the popular Men ; and was likewise united to Caesar upon this occasion , of which Cato himself was the Cause . For Caesar , returning from his Government in Spain , at the same time sued to be chosen Consul , and yet desired not to lose his Triumph . Now the Law requiring , That those who stood for any Office , should be present ; and yet that whoever expected a Triumph , should continue without the Walls ; Caesar requested the Senate , that his Friends might be permitted to canvass for him in his absence . Many of the Senators where willing to consent to it ; but Cato opposed it ; and perceiving them inclined , to favour Caesar , spent the whole day in speaking ; and so prevented the Senate , that they could come to no conclusion . Caesar therefore resolving to let fall his Pretensions to the Triumph , came into the Town , and immediately made a Friendship with Pompey , and stood for the Consulship : so soon as he was declared Consul elect , he married his Daughter Julia to Pompey . Having thus combined themselves together against the Commonwealth , the one proposed the Agrarian Laws , for dividing the Lands among the poor People ; and the other was present to second the Proposal . Against them , Lucullus , Cicero , and their Friends , joyned with Bibulus the other Consul , and did all they could to hinder the passing those Laws . Among these none was more remarkable than Cato , who look'd upon the Friendship and Alliance of Pompey and Caesar as very dangerous ; and declared , he did not so much dislike the Advantage , the People should get by this division of the Lands , as he fear'd the Reward these men would gain , by thus cheating the People . And in this the Senate was of his opinion ; as likewise many honest men without , who were very much offended at Caesar's ill Conduct ; That he now bearing the Authority of Consul , should thus basely and dishonourably flatter the People , practising to win them by the same means , that were wont to be used only by the most rash and heady Tribunes . Caesar therefore and his Party , fearing they should not carry it by fair dealing , fell to open force . First a Basket of Dung was thrown upon Bibulus , as he was going to the Forum : then they set upon his Lictors , and broke their Rods ; at length several Darts were thrown , and many men wounded : so that all that were against those Laws , fled out of the Forum , the rest making what hast they could ; but Cato last of all walking out very slowly , often turned back and cursed those Citizens . Now the other Party did not only carry this Point of dividing the Lands ; but also ordained , that all the Senate should swear to confirm this Law , and to defend it against whoever should attempt to alter it ; inflicting great Penalties on those that should refuse the Oath . All the Senators , seeing the necessity they were in , took the Oath ; remembring the Example of old Metellus , who refusing to swear upon the like occasion , was forc'd to fly out of Italy . As for Cato , his Wife and Children with Tears besought him ; his Friends and Familiars perswaded and entreated him to yield , and take the Oath ; but he that principally prevailed with him , was Cicero the Orator , who urged and remonstrated , How unreasonable it was , that a private man alone should oppose what the Publick had decreed : That the thing being already past remedy , it would look like folly and madness , to run himself into danger , where 't is impossible to do his Countrey any good . Besides , it would be the greatest of all Evils , to abandon the Commonwealth , for whose sake he did every thing , and to let it fall into the hands of those , who designed nothing but its ruine . This would look , as if he were glad of an opportunity , to retire from the trouble of defending his Countrey : For ( said he ) tho' Cato have no need of Rome , yet Rome has need of Cato ; and so likewise have all his Friends . Of whom Cicero profess'd himself the chief ; being at that time aimed at by Clodius , who openly threatned to fall upon him , as soon as ever he should get to be Tribune . Thus Cato ( they say ) moved by the Entreaties of his Family , and the Persuasions of his Friends , went unwillingly to take the Oath ; which he did the last of all , except only Favonius , one of his intimate Acquaintance . Coesar , exalted with this Success , proposed another Law , for dividing almost all the Countrey of Campania among the poor and needy Citizens . No body durst speak against it but Cato , whom therefore Coesar pull'd from the Rostra , and dragg'd to Prison : yet Cato did not at all remit his freedom of Speech , but as he went along , continued to speak against the Law , and advised the People to put a stop to these Proceedings . The Senate and the best of the Citizens followed him with sad and dejected Looks , showing their Grief and Indignation by their Silence ; so that Coesar could not be ignorant how much they were offended ; but being one of a fierce contentious Spirit , he still persisted , expecting Cato should either supplicate him , or appeal to the People . Afterwards , when he saw that Cato would do neither , Coesar himself , asham'd of what he had done , privately sent one of the Tribunes to take him out of Prison . Thus having won the Multitude by these Laws and Gratifications , they decreed , That Coesar should have the Government of Illyricum , and all Gaule , with an Army of four Legions , for the space of five years : Tho' Cato still cry'd out , they were placing a Tyrant in their Citadel . Publius Clodius , ( who illegally of a Patrician became a Plebeian ) was declared Tribune of the People : And he had promised to do all things according to their pleasure , on condition he might banish Cicero . For Consuls , they set up Calpurnius Piso , the Father of Coesar's Wife ; and Aulus Gabinius , a Man wholly at Pompey's Devotion , as they Write who best knew his Life and Manners . Yet when they had thus firmly established all things ; having mastered one part of the City by Favour , and the other by Fear , they themselves were still afraid of Cato : For they well considered , with how much pains and difficulty they had oppressed him ; and what disgrace they suffered , when they did violence to him . This made Clodius despair of driving Cicero out of Italy , while Cato stay'd at home . Therefore , having first laid his Design ; as soon as he came into his Office , he sent for Cato , and told him , That he look'd upon him as the most uncorrupt Man of all the Romans , and was ready by deeds to make good the truth of his words : For whereas ( said he ) many have sought to command the Expedition to Cyprus , and have much sollicited to be sent thither ; I think you only deserve it , and therefore to you I will freely give that Command . Cato presently cry'd out , This was a design upon him , and no Favour , but an Injury . Then Clodius proudly and fiercely answered , If you will not take it as a Kindness ; yet you shall go , tho' never so unwillingly : and immediately going into the Assembly of the People , he made them pass a Decree , that Cato should be sent to Cyprus . But they ordered him neither Ships , nor Souldiers , nor any Officers , only two Secretaries ; one of which was a very Rascal , and the other a Retainer to Clodius . Besides , as if the gaining of Cyprus , and conquering Ptolemy , were not Work sufficient , he was ordered also to restore the Fugitives of Byzantium : For Clodius was resolved to keep him far enough off , whilst himself continued Tribune . Cato , being in this necessity of going away , advised Cicero , ( who was next to be set upon ) to make no Resistance , lest he should throw the State into Civil War and Confusion ; but to give way to the Times : And thus he might become once more the Preserver of his Countrey . Cato sent Canidius , one of his Friends , to Cyprus , to perswade Ptolemy to yield , without being forc'd ; which if he did , he should want neither Riches nor Honour : For the Romans would give him the Priesthood of Venus in the Isle of Paphos . He himself stay'd at Rhodes , making some Preparations , and expecting an Answer from Cyprus . In the mean time Ptolemy , King of Aegypt , who had left Alexandria , upon some quarrel between him and his Subjects , was sailing for Rome , in hopes that Pompey and Coesar would by their Power restore him again to his Kingdom : in his way he desired to see Cato , to whom he sent , supposing he would come to him . Cato was about his necessary Affairs , when the Messenger came ; to whom he made Answer , That Ptolemy might come to him , if he thought fit . When he came , Cato neither went forward to meet him , nor so much as rose up to him , but saluting him as an ordinary Person , bid him sit down . This at first amazed Ptolemy , who admired to see such Greatness and stately Carriage , in a Man of common Birth and mean Appearance : But afterward , when he began to talk about his affairs , Ptolemy no less wonder'd at the Wisdom and freedom of his Discourse ; for Cato blamed his Design , and shew'd him the Honour and Happiness he had fallen from , the Disgrace and Troubles he would run himself into ; told him , what great Gifts and Presents he must bestow on the leading Men at Rome , whom all Aegypt turn'd into Silver would scarcely satisfie ; he therefore advised him to return home , and be reconciled to his Subjects , offering to go along with him , and assist him in composing the Differences . Upon this Discourse Ptolemy came to himself , as one recovered from a Fit of Madness ; and acknowledging the Wisdom and Sincerity of Cato , was resolved to follow his Advice : But he was again over-perswaded by his Friends to the contrary , and so according to his first Design , went to Rome . When he came there , and was forced to wait at the Gate of one of the Magistrates ; he began to repent of his folly , in having rejected the Counsel of so good a Man , or rather the Oracle of a God. In the mean time the other Ptolemy , that was in Cyprus , ( very luckily for Cato ) poyson'd himself . It was reported he had left great Riches ; therefore Cato designing to go first to Byzantium , sent his Nephew Brutus to Cyprus , for he would not wholly trust Canidius . Then having reconciled the Fugitives and the People of Byzantium , he left the City in peace and quietness ; and thence sail'd to Cyprus ; where he found a Royal Treasure in Plate , Tables , precious Stones and purple , all which was to be turn'd into ready Money . Cato resolved to examine all very exactly , and to raise the price of every thing to the utmost ; to which end he was always present at selling the things , and took the Accounts himself . Nor would he trust to the usual Customs of the Market , but suspected all the Officers , Cryers , Prizers , and even his own Friends : therefore he himself talk'd with the Buyers , and urged them to bid up ; so that most of the things were sold at great Rates . This Mistrustfulness of Cato's offended most of his Friends ; but especially Munatius , the most intimate of them all , became almost irreconcilable . And this afforded Caesar a plentiful Subject for Railing , in his Book against Cato . Yet Munatius himself relates , that this falling out was not so much occasioned by Cato's mistrust , as by his neglect of him , and by his own jealousie of Canidius : for Munatius writ a Book concerning Cato , which is chiefly follow'd by Thraseas . Now Munatius says , That coming last to Cyprus , and having a very ill Lodging provided for him , he thereupon went to Cato's House , but was not admitted , because he was in private with Canidius ; of which he afterward very mildly complain'd to Cato , but received a very harsh Answer : for he told him , That too much Love ( according to Theophrastus ) often causes Hatred ; and you ( said he ) because you bear me much Love , think you receive too little Honour , and presently grow angry : but as to Canidius , I will imploy him , both for hîs Industry and his Fidelity , ●e has been always with me , and I have always found him free from corruption ▪ These things were said in private between them two : but Cato afterward told Canidius what had passed ▪ which Munatius understanding , would no more go to sup with him , and when he was called to Council , refused to come . Then Cato threatned to seize his Goods , as was the custom to deal with those who were disobedient : but Munatius , not regarding his Threats , returned to Rome , and continued a long time thus discontented . Afterward when Cato was come back also , Martia , who as yet lived with him , contrived to have them both invited to sup together at the House of one Barca : Cato came in last of all , when the rest were at Table , and ask'd , Where he should be ? Barca answered him , Where he pleased : then looking about , he said , He would be near Munatius , and presently went , and placed himself next to him ; yet he shewed him no other mark of Kindness , all the time they were at Table together . But another time , at the Entreaty of Martia , Cato wrote to Munatius , That he desired to speak with him . Munatius went to his House one Morning , and was entertained by Martia ; till all the Company was gone ; then Cato came and embraced him very kindly , and they were perfectly reconciled . I have the more fully related this Passage , for that I think the Manners and Tempers of Men , are more clearly discovered by things of this nature , than by great and illustrious Actions . Cato got together no less than seven thousand Talents of Silver ; but apprehensive of what might happen in so long a Voyage by Sea , he provided a great many Coffers that held two Talents , and five hundred Drachma's apiece : to each of these he fastned a long Rope , and to the other end of the Rope a piece of Cork ; so that , if the Ship should miscarry , it might be discovered where about the Chests lay under Water : thus all the Money , except a very little , was safely transported . Now Cato had made two Books , in which all his Accounts were carefully written ; but neither of them was preserved ; for his Freed-man Phylargyrus , who had the charge of one of them , setting Sayl from Cenohrea , was drowned , together with the Ship , and all her Lading . The other Book Cato himself kept till he came to Corcyra ; where he see up his Tents in the Market-place : and the Mariners being very cold in the Night , made a great many Fires , some of which took hold of the Tents , so that they were burnt , and the Book lost . Though Cato had brought with him several of Ptolemy's Servants , who could testifie his Integrity , and stop the mouths of his Enemies ; yet this loss troubled him : for he designed them not only for a proof of his own Fidelity , but a pattern of Exactness to others . News being brought to Rome , that Cato was coming up the River , all the Magistrates , the Priests , and the whole Senate , with great part of the People , went out to meet him : both the Banks of the Tyber were covered with People : so that his Entrance was in Solemnity and Honour , not inferiour to a Triumph . But 't was thought somewhat strange , and look'd like Pride ; that when the Consuls and Praetors appeared , he did not come toward them , nor stay to salute them , but rowed up the Stream in a Royal Galley of six Banks of Oars , and stopt not till he came to the place of Landing . However , when the Money was carried through the Streets , the People much wondred at the vast quantity of it , and the Senate being assembled , did in honourable terms decree him an extraordinary Praetorship , and also the priviledge of being at the publick shews in a Robe fac'd with purple . Cato refused all these Honours : but declaring what Diligence and Fidelity he had found in Nicias , the Steward of Ptolemy , he requested the Senate to give him his Freedom . Philip , the Father of Martia , was that year Consul ; but the Authority and Power of the Office rested wholly in Cato : for the other Consul no less respected him for his Vertue , than Philip did for his Alliance . Cicero being returned from his Banishment , ( into which he was Driven by Clodius ) and having again obtained great Credit among the People ; he went one day , in the absence of Clodius , and by force took away the Records of his Tribuneship , which Clodius , had laid up in the Capitol . Hereupon the Senate was assembled , and Clodius Complained of Cicero ; who answered , That Clodius was never legally Tribune , and therefore whatever he had done , was void and of no Authority . But Cato interrupted him , and standing up , said , That indeed he did not at all approve of Clodius his Proceedings ; but if they questioned the Validity of what had been done in his Tribuneship , they might also question what himself had done at Cyprus : for the Expedition was unlawfull , if he that sent him had no lawful Authority . But , he thought Clodius was legally made Tribune , who , by permission of the Law , was from a Patrician adopted into a Plebeian Family : and if he had done ill in this Office , he ought to be called to account for it ; but the Authority of the Magistracy ought not to suffer for the Faults of the Magistrate . Cicero took this very ill , and for along time discontinued his Friendship with Cato : but they were afterward reconciled upon this occasion . Pompey and Crassus , by Agreement with Caesar , ( who came over the Alpes , on purpose , ) had laid a Design , That they two should stand to be chosen Consuls a second time ; and when they should be in their Office , they would continue to Caesar his Government for five years more , and take to themselves the greatest Provinces , with Armies , and money to maintain them . This seemed a plain Conspiracy , to destroy the Commonwealth , and divide the Empire . Several honest Men had intended to stand to be Consuls that year : but upon the appearance of these great Men , they all desisted , except only Lucius Domitius , who had married Porcia , the Sister of Cato , and was by him perswaded to stand it out , and not abandon such an Undertaking ; which ( he said ) was not only to gain the Consulship , but to preserve the Liberty of Rome . In the mean time , 't was usually discoursed among the more prudent part of the Citizens , That they ought not to suffer the Power of Pompey and Crassus to be united , which would then grow beyond all Bounds , and become dangerous to the State ; that therefore one of them must be denied . For these Reasons they took part with Domitius ; whom they exhorted and encouraged to go on , assuring him , that many who feared openly to appear for him , would privately assist him . Pompey's Party , fearing this , laid wait for Domitius , and set upon him as he was going before day-light , with Torches , into the Field . First he that bore the Light next before Domitius , was knock'd down ; then several others being wounded , all the rest fled , except Cato and Domitius : for Cato held him , ( tho' himself were wounded in the Arm ) and crying out , conjured the others to stay , and while they had breath , not to forsake the defence of their Liberty , against those Tyrants , who plainly shewed with what Moderation they were like to use the Power , which they endeavour'd to gain by such Violence . But at length Domitius also no longer willing to stand the Danger , fled to his own House ; and so Pompey and Crassus were declared Consuls . Nevertheless Cato would not give over ; but resolv'd to stand himself to be Praetor that year , which he thought would be some help to him , in his design of opposing them : that he might not act as a private Man , when he was to contend with publick Magistrates . Pompey and Crassus apprehended this : and fearing that the Office of Praetor in the Person of Cato , might be equal in Authority to that of Consul ; they assembled the Senate unexpectedly , without giving any notice to a great many of the Senators , and made an Order , That those who were chosen Praetors , should immediately enter upon their Office , without attending the usual time , in which , according to Law , they might be accused , if they had corrupted the People with Gifts . When by this Order they were secure from being called to account ; they set up their own Friends and Dependants to stand for the Praetorship , giving Money , and solliciting the People for their Voices . Yet the Vertue and Reputation of Cato was like to triumph over all these Stratagems : for many of the People abhorred , that Cato should be sold , who ought rather to be hired to take upon him the Office : so he carried it by the Voices of the first Tribe . Hereupon Pompey immediately frames a Lye , crying out , It thunder'd , and straight broke up the Assembly . For the Romans religiously observed those things , and never concluded any Matter , after it had thunder'd . Against the next time , they had distributed larger Bribes ; and did also keep the best Men out of the Field . By these foul means they procured Vatinius to be chosen Praetor instead of Cato . 'T is said , that those who had thus corruptly and dishonestly given their Voices , made what hast they could out of the Field : but the others staying together , and much grieving at what was done , one of the Tribunes continued the Assembly ; and Cato standing up , did , as it were by Inspiration , foretell all the Miseries that afterward befell the State : then he exhorted them to beware of Pompey and Crassus , who were guilty of such things , and had laid such Designs , that they might well fear to have Cato their Proetor . When he had ended this Speech , he was followed to his House by a greater number of People than all the Proetors together . Caius Trebonius proposed the Law for alloting Provinces to the Consuls ; whereby one was to have Spain and Lybia , the other Aegypt and Syria , with full power of making War and Peace , both by Sea and Land , as they should think fit . When this was proposed , all men despaired of putting any stop to it ; and therefore said nothing against it . But Cato , before they began Voting , went up into the Rostra , and desired to be heard ; they would scarce allow him two hours to speak . Having spent that time , in declaring many things that were passed , and foretelling many that were to come , they would not suffer him to speak any longer ; but as he was going on , a Serjeant came and pull'd him down : yet when he was down , he still continued his Discourse ; and many there were who hearkened to him , and were much concern'd for him . Then the Serjeant took him , and forc'd him out of the Forum ; but as soon as he got loose , he returned again , crying out to the People , to stand by him . Cato having done thus several times , Trebonius grew very angry , and commanded him to be carried to Prison ; but the Multitude followed him , and hearkened to him , who made a Speech to them , as he went along . Whereupon Trebonius was afraid , and ordered him to be released : thus was all that day spent , and the Business driven off by Cato . But afterward , many of the Citizens being over-aw'd by Fears and Threats , and others won by Gifts and Favours : Aquilius , one of the Tribunes , they shut into the Senate house ; Cato , who cry'd , It thundered , they drove out of the Forum ; many were wounded , and some slain : at length by open force they passed the Law. At this many were so incensed , that they got together , and resolved to throw down the Statues of Pompey : but Cato went , and diverted them from that Design . Again , another Law was proposed , concerning the Provinces and Legions for Coesar . Upon this occasion Cato did not apply himself to the People , but to Pompey ; and told him , He did not consider now ; that he took Caesar upon his own Shoulders , who would shortly grow too weighty for him ; and at length , not able to lay down the burthen , nor yet to bear it any longer , he would fall with it upon the Commonwealth : and then he would remember Cato's Advice ; which was no less advantageous to him , than just and honest in it self . Thus was Pompey often warned , but still went on ; never mistrusting Coesar's Change , and always confiding in his own Power and good Fortune . Cato was made Proetor the following year ; but , it seems , he did not more honour and credit the Office by his signal Integrity , than he did disgrace and diminish it by his strange Behaviour , for he would often come to the Court without his Shooes , and sit upon the Bench without his Gown ; and in this Habit give Judgment in the greatest Causes , and upon Persons of the best Quality . 'T is said also , he would dispatch Business after Dinner , when he had drunk Wine : but this was wrongfully reported of him . The People were at that time extreamly corrupted by the Bribes of those who sought Offices ; and many made a constant Trade of selling their Voices . Cato was resolved utterly to root this Corruption out of the Commonwealth ; therefore he perswaded the Senate to make an Order , That those who were chosen into any Office , tho' no body did accuse them , should be obliged to come into the Court , and give account upon Oath how they had dealt in their Election . This very much displeased those who stood for the Offices ; but much more those who took the Bribes : insomuch that one Morning , as Cato was going to the Place where he kept Court , a great multitude of People flocked together , and with a mighty uproar fell to reviling him , and threw Stones at him . Those that were about the Tribunal , presently fled ; Cato himself being forc'd thence , and justled about in the Throng , very narrowly escaped the Stones that were thrown at him , and with much difficulty got into the Rostra ; where standins up with a bold and undaunted Countenance , he appeas'd the Tumult , and silenced the Clamour : then he began to speak , and was heard with great attention ; so that he perfectly quelled the Sedition . Afterward , the Senate commending him for this ; But I don't commend you ( said he ) for abandoning your Praetor in Danger , and bringing him no Assistance . In the mean time , the Candidates were in great perplexity : for every one dreaded to give Money himself ; and yet feared lest his Competitors should . At length they all agreed to lay down an hundred and twenty five thousand Drachma's apiece , and then go on to canvass fairly and honestly , on condition , that if any one was found to make use of Bribery , he should forfeit the Money . Being thus agreed , they chose Cato to keep the Stakes , and arbitrate the Matter : to him therefore they brought the Sum concluded on , and before him subscribed the Agreement ; he refused to take the Money , but would have others bound for them . Upon the day of Election , Cato stood by the Tribune that took the Votes , and very watchfully observing all that passed , he discover'd one who had broken the Agreement , and immediately ordered him to pay his Money to the rest : but they much admiring the Justice of Cato , remitted the Penalty , as thinking the Dishonour a sufficient Punishment . This rais'd Cato as much Envy , as it gain'd him Reputation : and many were offended at him , as if he did hereby take upon himself the whole Authority of the Senate , Court of Judicature , and other Magistracies . For there is no Vertue , the Honour and Credit whereof procures a man more Envy , than that of Justice : and that because it acquires a man great Power and Authority among the common People . For they only revere the Valiant , and admire the Wise ; while they truly love just men , and in these have entire Trust and Confidence : but of the former , they fear the one , and always mistrust the other . Besides , they think men rather beholding to their Complexion , than to any goodness of their Will , for those Vertues : for they look upon Valour as a certain natural firmity of the Mind ; and Wisdom as the effect of a fine Constitution . Whereas a man has it in his own power to be Just ; if he have but the will to be so : and therefore also Injustice is thought the most dishonourable , because 't is least excusable . Cato upon this account was oppos'd by all the great Men , who thought themselves reprov'd by his Vertue . Pompey especially look'd upon the increase of Cato's Credit , as the ruin of his own Power ; and therefore continually set up men to rail against him . Among these was the seditious Clodius , now again united to Pompey ; he declared openly , that Cato had convey'd away a great deal of the Treasure that was found in Cyprus ; and that he hated Pompey , only because he refused to marry his Daughter . Cato answered , That although they had allow'd him neither Horse nor Men , he had brought more Treasure from Cyprus alone , than Pompey had , after so many Wars and Triumphs , from the ransack'd World : that he never sought the Alliance of Pompey ; not that he thought him unworthy of being related to him , but because he differ'd so much from him , in things that concerned the Commonwealth ; for ( said he ) I laid down the Province that was given me , when I went out of my Praetorship : on the contrary , Pompey retains many Provinces to himself , and many he bestows on others ; lately he sent Caesar six thousand Men into Gaul , which were never ask'd of the People , nor ever given by their consent . Thus unlimitted Powers , Men , Horse and Arms , are become the mutual Gifts of private Men to one another . And Pompey still keeps the Titles of Commander and General ; but gives the Armies and Provinces to others to govern : while he himself presides in the City ; and stays at home to model Seditions , and contrive Tumults in Elections : whence 't is plain , he aims at raising himself a Monarchy out of our Confusion . Thus did Cato take occasion sharply to reflect on Pompey . Marcus Favonius was an intimate Friend , and zealous Imitator of Cato ; such as heretofore Apollodorus Phalereus is said to have been of Socrates , with whose Discourses he was wont to be so transported , that he would seem perfectly mad , and as it were possess'd . This Favonius stood to chosen Aedile , and was like to lose it : but Cato , who was there to assist him , observed that all the Votes were written in one Hand ; and discovering the Cheat , appeal'd to the Tribunes , who voided the Election . Favonius was afterward chosen Aedile , and Cato , who assisted him in all things that belong'd to his Office , did also take care of the Plays that were exhibited in the Theater : to the Actors Cato gave Crowns , not of Gold , but of wild Olive , such as us'd to be given at the Olympick Games . Instead of the magnificent Gifts , that were wont to be bestow'd on the People , he gave to the Groecians Leeks , Lettices , Radishes and Pears ; and to the Romans , earthen Pots of Wine , Pork , Figs , Cucumbers , and little Fagots of Wood. Some laugh'd at Cato for this ; and others were well pleas'd with the Humour , which they look'd on as a relaxation of his usual Austerity . In fine , Favonius himself mingled with the Crowd , and sitting among the Spectators , applauded Cato , bid him bestow Honours and Rewards on those who did well , and assur'd the People , that he had given all the Power into Cato's Hands . At the same time Curio , the Collegue of Favonius , gave very magnificent Plays in another Theatre . But the People left his , and went to those of Favonius , which they very much applauded , seeing him act the private Man , and Cato the Master of the Shows ; who did these things , in derision of the great Expences that others bestowed ; and to teach them , that in Sports men ought to seek Diversion only , and decent Chearfulness , not great Preparations , and costly Magnificence ; nor should they imploy too much Care about things of little Concern . After this Scipio , Hypsaeus , and Milo , stood to be Consuls , and that not only with the usual and common Disorders of Bribery and Corruption : but with Arms and Slaughter were running desperately into a Civil War. Whereupon 't was propos'd , That Pompey might be impower'd to preside over that Election . This Cato at first oppos'd , saying , That the Laws ought not to seek protection from Pompey , but Pompey from the Laws . Yet this Confusion lasting a long time , the Forum continually , as it were , besieged with three Armies , and no possibility of putting a stop to these Disorders : Cato at length agreed , that rather than fall into the last Extremity , the Senate should freely confer all on Pompey : since 't was necessary to make use of a lesser Evil , to prevent a greater ; and better to set up a Monarchy themselves , than to suffer a Sedition to continue , that must certainly end in one . Bibulus therefore a Relation of Cato's , moved the Senate to create Pompey sole Consul : For that either he would preserve the present Government ; or they should live quietly under the most powerful . Cato stood up , and , contrary to all expectation , seconded this Motion , concluding , That any Government was better than Confusion ; and that he did not question but Pompey would deal honourably , and take care of the Commonwealth , thus committed to his charge . Pompey , being hereupon declared Consul , invited Cato to his House in the Suburbs . When he came , he saluted and embrac'd him very kindly , acknowledg'd the Favour he had done him , and desired his Counsel and Assistance , in the management of this Office. Cato made Answer , That what he had spoken heretofore , was not out of Hate to Pompey ; nor what he had now done , out of Love to him : but all for the good of the Commonwealth . That , in private , if he ask'd him , he would freely give his Advice : but in publick tho' he ask'd him not , he would always speak his Opinion . And he did accordingly : for first when Pompey made severe Laws for punishing , and laying great Fines on those who had corrupted the People with Gifts , Cato advised him , To let alone what was already pass'd and to provide for the future : for if he should seek into past Crimes , it would he difficult to know where to stop ; and if he would ordain new Penalties , it would be unreasonable to punish Men by a Law , which they had never broken . Afterward , when many considerable Men , and some of Pompey's own Relations , were accused , he grew remiss , and let fall the Prosecution : but Cato sharply reprov'd him , and urg'd him to proceed . Pompey had made a Law also , to forbid the custom of making commendatory Orations , on behalf of those that were accused : yet he himself writ one for Munatius Flaccus , and sent it , while the Cause was pleading : which Cato seeing , he stopt his Ears with his Hands , and would not hear it read , for he was one of the Judges . Whereupon Flaccus , before Sentence was given , excepted against him , but was condemned notwithstanding . And indeed Cato was the occasion of great Trouble and Perplexity , to almost all that were accused of any thing : for they fear'd to have him one of their Judges , yet did not dare to reject him : and many had been condemned , because , refusing him , they seemed not to trust their own Innocence . To others it was objected , as a great Reproach , the not accepting Cato for their Judge . In the mean while , Caesar lay with his Forces in Gaul , where he continued in Arms ; and at the same time , by his Gifts , his Riches and his Friends , increas'd his Power in the City . Hereupon Cato forewarn'd Pompey , and rouz'd him out of the negligent Security in which he lay , not imagining any Danger near : but seeing Pompey very slow , and unwilling or afraid to undertake any thing against Caesar ; Cato resolved himself to stand for the Consulship , and presently force Caesar , either to lay down his Arms , or discover his Intentions . Both Cato's Competitors were persons very much beloved by the People . Sulpitius , who was one , had by Cato's means acquired great Credit and Authority in the City ; therefore it was thought unhandsom , and ungratefully done , to stand against him : but Cato did not take it ill ; For 't is no wonder ( said he ) if a man will not yield to another , in that which he esteems the greatest Good. Now he perswaded the Senate to make an Order , That those who stood for Offices , should themselves ask the People for their Votes , and not sollicite by others . This very much offended the common People : for it took from them , not only the means of receiving Money , but also the opportunity of obliging several Persons ; and so rendred them both poor , and less regarded . Besides , Cato himself was by nature altogether unfit for the business of Canvassing : for he took more care to preserve the dignity of his Character , than to obtain the Office. Thus by following his own way of Solliciting ; and not suffering his Friends to do those things which take with the Multitude , he lost the Consulship . Whereas , upon such like Occasions , not only those who miss'd the Office , but even their Friends and Relations , used to be much griev'd and out of Countenance for several days after : yet Cato took it so unconcernedly ; that he anointed himself , and play'd at Ball in the Field , and after Dinner went into the Forum , as he used to do , without his Shooes or his Coat , and there walked about with his Acquaintance . But Cicero ▪ Blamed him ; for that when Affairs required such a Consul , he would not take any Care , nor shew the People any Civility : as also that he afterward neglected to try again ; whereas he had stood a second time to be chosen Praetor . Cato answer'd , That he lost the Praetorship the first time , not by any dislike of the People ; but by the power and corruption of his Adversaries : whereas in the Election of Consuls there had been no foul dealing . So that he plainly saw , the People were offended at his Manners ; which an honest man ought not to alter for their sake : nor yet would a wise man attempt the same thing again , while he lies under the same Prejudices . Caesar was then fighting with many warlike Nations , whom he very bravely subdued : Among the rest , it seems , he had set upon the Germans , ( who yet were in Peace with the Romans ) and slew three hundred thousand of them . Upon which , some of his Friends moved the Senate for a publick Thanksgiving : but Cato declared , They ought to deliver Caesar into the hands of those who had been thus unjustly assaulted ; that they might expiate the Offence , and not bring a Curse upon the City : yet we have reason ( said he ) to thank the Gods ; for that they spared the Commonwealth , and did not take Vengeance upon the Army , for the Madness and Folly of the General . Hereupon Caesar writ a Letter to the Senate , which was read openly : 't was full of reproachful Language and Accusations against Cato , who standing up , seemed not at all concern'd ; and without any Heat or Passion , but with a calm , and , as it were , premeditated Discourse , expos'd the Scurrility and Folly of Caesar : making it evident , that the Accusations he had heap'd together against him , were nothing but abusive and ridiculous Railing . Then he began to rip up all Caesar's Practices ; and laid open his Designs from the beginning , as clearly , as if he never had been an Enemy to him , but a constant Confederate with him : and told the Senate , That if they were wise , they would not fear the Britains and Gauls , but Caesar himself . This Discourse so mov'd and awaken'd the Senate ; that Caesars Friends repented , they had made the Letter be read , which had given Cato opportunity of many reasonable things , and such severe Truths against him . However , nothing was then concluded : only 't was hinted , that they would do well to send him a Successor . Hereupon Caesar's Friends required , That Pompey also should lay down his Arms , and resign his Provinces ; or else that Caesar might not be obliged to either . Then Cato cry'd out What he had foretold , was come to pass : now'twas manifest he would come upon them with his Forces ; and turn against the State those Armies he had got , by deceitfully imposing on them . Yet Cato could not prevail much out of the Senate-house ; for the People always magnified Caesar : And the Senate were convinced by Cato ; but were afraid of the People . When News was brought , That Caesar had taken Ariminum , and was coming on with his Army toward Rome : then all men , even Pompey , and the common People too , cast their eyes on Cato , who had alone foreseen , and first clearly discover'd Caesar's Intentions . He therefore told them , If you had believ'd me , or regarded my Advice ; you would not now have been reduc'd to stand in fear of one Man , and also to put all your Hopes in one alone . Then Pompey acknowledg'd , That Cato indeed had spoken most like a Prophet ; and that himself had acted too much like a Friend . Now Cato advised the Senate to put all into the hands of Pompey ; for those who can raise up great Evils , ( said he ) can best allay them . Pompey finding he had not sufficient Forces , and that those he could raise , were not very resolute , he forsook the City . Cato resolving to follow Pompey , sent his younger Son to Munatius , who was then in the Countrey of Brutium , and took his eldest with him . But wanting some body to keep his House , and take care of his Daughters ; he took Martia again , who was now a rich Widow : for Hortensius was dead , and had left her all his Estate . Caesar afterward made use of this Action also , to reproach him with Covetousness , and a mercenary Design in his Marriage : For ( says he ) if he had need of a Wife , why did he part with her ? and if he had not , why did he take her again ? unless he gave her only as a Bait to Hortensius ; and lent her when she was young , to have her again when she was rich . But in Answer to this , we may apply the Saying of Euripides , First for Absurdities : and surely none Will Hercules for want of Courage blame . Now 't is alike absurd , to reproach Hercules for Cowardice , and to accuse Cato of Covetousness . Though otherwise , whether he did altogether right in this Marriage , might be disputed : for as soon as he had again taken Martia , he committed his House and his Daughters to her , and himself followed Pompey . 'T is said , that from that day he never cut his Hair , nor shav'd his Beard , nor wore a Garland : but always full of sadness , grief and dejectedness for the Calamities of his Countrey , he continually bore the same Habit to the last , whatever Party had Misfortune or Success . The Government of Sicily being allotted to him , he pass'd over to Syracuse ; where understanding , that Asinius Pollio was arrived at Messana , with Forces from the Enemy , Cato sent to him , to know the reason of his coming thither : Pollio on the other side , demanded of him the cause of these Commotions . Cato also hearing , that Pompey had quite abandon'd Italy , and lay incamp'd at Dyrrachium : he cry'd out , How dark and uncertain is the Will of Heav'n ! Pompey , when he did nothing wisely nor honestly was always successful : and now that he would preserve his Countrey , and defend her Liberty , he is altogether unfortunate . As for Asinius , he said , he could easily drive him out of Sicily ; but there coming greater Forces to his Assistance , he would not engage the Island in a War : wherefore he advised the Syracusians to submit to the Conqueror , and provide for their own safety . Then he set Sayl from thence . When he came to Pompey , he constantly gave Advice to prolong the War : for he always hoped to compose Matters , and would by no means that they should come to Action . For the Commonwealth would suffer extreamly , and be the certain cause of its own Ruine ; whoever were the Conqueror ▪ Moreover he persuaded Pompey and the Council of War to ordain , That no City should be sack'd , that was subject to the People of Rome : and that no Roman should be kill'd , but in the heat of Battel . Thereby he got himself great Honour , and brought over many to the Party of Pompey , who were much taken with the Moderation and Humanity of Cato . Afterward , being sent into Asia , to assist those who were raising Men , and preparing Ships in those Parts ; he took with him his Sister Servilia , and a little Boy which she had by Lucullus . For since her Widowhood , she had lived with her Brother , and very much recover'd her Reputation : having put her self under his Care , follow'd him in his Voyages , and comply'd with his severe way of Living : yet Caesar did not fail to asperse him upon her account also . Pompey's Officers in Asia , it seems , had no great need of Cato . But he brought over the People of Rhodes by his Perswasions ; and leaving his Sister Servilia and her Child there , he returned to Pompey , who had now gotten together very great Forces both by Sea and Land. And here Pompey clearly betray'd his own Intentions . For at first he design'd to give Cato the Command of the Navy , ( which consisted of no less than five hundred Ships of War , besides a vast number of Pinaces , Scouts , and Tenders ) But presently bethinking himself , or put in mind by his Friends ; that Cato's principal and only aim , being to free his Countrey from all Usurpation : if he were Master of so great Forces ; as soon as ever Caesar should be conquered , he would certainly oblige Pompey to lay down his Arms , and be subject to the Laws . Therefore Pompey chang'd his Mind ; and tho' he had before mentioned it to Cato , yet he made Bibulus Admiral . Notwithstanding this , it appear'd , Cato's Affection to the publick Good was no way diminish'd . For when they were ready to engage in a Battle at Dyrrachium , Pompey himself encouraged the Army , and commanded all the Officers to do the like : yet the Souldiers hearkened to them but coldly , and with silence . Cato spoke last of all ; and discours'd to them out of the Principles of Philosophy , such things as the Occasion required , concerning Liberty , Valour , Death and Glory : all which he delivered with great vehemence of Affection ; and concluded with an Invocation of the Gods , to whom he directed his Speech , as if they were present to behold them fight for their Countrey . At this the Army gave such a Shout , as fill'd all their Leaders with Hope , and made them fall on without fear of Danger . Caesar's Party were routed , and put to flight : yet his good Fortune took such advantage of Pompey's Cautiousness and Diffidence , as rendred the Victory incompleat . But of this we have spoken in the Life of Pompey . Now while all the rest rejoyc'd , and magnified their Success ; Cato alone bewail'd his Countrey , and curs'd that fatal Ambition , which made so many brave Romans murther one another . After this , Pompey following Caesar into Thessaly , left at Dyrrachium a great quantity of Munition , store of Riches and many of his Domesticks and Relations ; the charge of all which he gave to Cato , with the Command only of fifteen Cohorts ; for tho' he trusted him much , yet he was afraid of him too : knowing full well , that if he succeeded not , Cato would never forsake him ; but if he conquer'd , would never let him use his Victory at his pleasure . There were likewise many Persons of eminent Quality , that stay'd with Cato at Dyrrachium . When they heard of the Overthrow at Pharsalia ; Cato resolv'd with himself , that if Pompey were slain , he would conduct those that were with him , into Italy , and then retire as f●r from the Tyranny of Caesar as he could , and live in Exile : but if Pompey were safe , he would keep the Army together for him . With this Resolution he pass'd over to Corcyra , where the Navy lay . There he would have resign'd his Command to Cicero : because he had been Consul , and himself only a Proetor : but Cicero refus'd it , and was going for Italy . At which Pompey's Son being incens'd , would rashly and in a heat have punish'd all those who were going away , and in the first place have laid hands on Cicero : but Cato reprehended him in private , and diverted him from that Design , Thus apparently he sav'd the Life of Cicero , and preserv'd several others besides . Now understanding that Pompey the Great was fled toward Aegypt , or Lybia , Cato resolved to hasten after him ; and having taken all his Men aboard , he set Sail : but first to those who were not willing to engage , he gave free liberty to depart . When they came to the Coast of Africk , they met with Sextus , Pompey's younger Son , who told them of the Death of his Father in Aegypt : at which they were all exceedingly griev'd , and declared , that after Pompey they would follow no other Leader but Cato . Out of compassion therefore to so many worthy Persons , who had given such testimones of their Fidelity , and whom he could not for shame leave in a desart Countrey , amidst so many Difficulties ; he took upon him the Command , and march'd toward the City of Cyrene , which presently received him , tho' not long before they had shut their Gates against Labienus , Here he was inform'd , that Scipio Pompey's Father-in-law , was received by King Juba ; and that Appius Varus , whom Pompey left Governour of Lybia , had joyn'd them with his Forces . Cato therefore resolved to march toward them by land , it being Winter ; and having got together a great many Asses to carry Water , he furnished himself likewise with plenty of all other Provision , and a number of Carriages : he took also with him some of those they call Pssilli , who cure the biting of Serpents , by sucking out the Poyson with their Mouths , and have likewise certain Charms , by which they stupifie and lay asleep the Serpents . Thus they marched seven days together . Cato all the time went on Foot at the Head of his Men , and never made use of any Horse or Chariot . Ever since the Battel of Pharsalia , he used to sit at Table ; and added this to his other ways of Mourning , that he never lay down but to sleep . Having pass'd the Winter in Lybia , Cato drew out his Army , which amounted to little less than ten thousand . The Affairs of Scipio and Varus went very ill , by reason of their Dissentions and Quarrels among themselves , and their Submissions and Flatteries to King Juba ; who was insupportable for his Vanity , and the Pride he took in his Strength and Riches . The first time he came to a conference with Cato , he had ordered his own Seat to be placed in the middle , between Scipio and Cato : which Cato observing , took up his Chair , and set himself on the other side of Scipio ; to whom he thus gave the Honour of sitting in the middle , tho' he were his Enemy , and had formerly published a scandalous Libel against him . There are some who approve not this Action of Cato's : and yet on the other side blame him ; for that in Sicily , walking one day with Philostratus , he gave him the middle Place , out of the Respect he bore to Philosophy . Thus did Cato pull down the Spirit of Juba , who before treated Scipio and Varus no better than his own Subjects : he reconciled them also to one another . All the Army desired Cato to be their Leader : Scipio likewise and Varus gave way to it , and Offer'd him the Command . but he said , He would not break those Laws , which he fought to defend ; and he , being but Pro-proetor , ought not to command in the presence of a Pro-Consul ; for Scipio had been created Pro-Consul : besides that the People would take it as a good Omen , to see a Scipio command in Africk , and the very Name would give Courage to the Souldiers . Scipio having taken upon him the Command , presently resolv'd ( at the Instigation of Juba ) to put all the Inhabitants of Vtica to the Sword , and to raze the City ; for having ( as they pretended ) taken part with Coesar . Cato would by no means suffer this : but invoking the Gods , exclaiming and protesting against it in the Council of War ; he with much difficulty delivered the poor People from their Cruelty . Afterward , upon the Entreaty of the Inhabitants , and at the Instance of Scipio , Cato took upon himself the Government of Vtica , lest it should fall into Coesar's hands ; for it was a strong Place , and very advantageous for either Party : yet it was better provided , and more fortified by Cato , who brought in great store of Corn , repair'd the walls , erected Towers , made deep Trenches and Out-works round the Town . The young Men of Vtica he lodg'd in the Trenches ; having first taken their Arms from them : the rest of the Inhabitants he kept within the Town , and took great care , that no Injury should be done , nor Affront offer'd them by the Romans . From hence he sent great quantity of Arms , Money , and Provision , to the Camp , and made this City their chief Magazine . He advis'd Scipio , as he had before done Pompey , by no means to hazard a Battel against a Man experienc'd in War , and encourag'd with Success ; but to use delay : for time would cool the Heats and Passions of men , which are the chief support and strength of Vsurpers . But Scipio out of Pride rejected this Counsel , and writ a Letter to Cato ; in which he reproach'd him with Cowardice : and that he could not content himself to lie secure within Walls and Trenches ; but he must hinder others , that they might not make use of the Courage and Reason they have to lay hold an Occasions . In Answer to this , Cato writ word again , That he would take the Horse and Foot which he had brought into Africk , and go over into Italy , to give Caesar some Diversion there . But Scipio derided this Proposition also . Then Cato openly avow'd , He was sorry he had yielded the Command to Scipio , who , he saw , would not use his Power wisely in the War : and if ( contrary to all appearance ) he should succeed ; doubtless he would use his Success as unjustly at home . For Cato did then think , and so he told his Friends , That he could have but slender Hopes in those Generals , that had so much Boldness , and so little Conduct . Yet if any thing should happen beyond Expectation , and Caesar should be overthrown : for his part he would not stay at Rome ; but would retire from the Cruelty and Inhumanity of Scipio , who had already given out fierce and proud Threats against many . But what Cato had look'd for , fell out sooner than he expected . For about midnight came one from the Army , who brought word , There had been a great Battel near Thapsus : that all was utterly lost ; Caesar had taken both the Camps ; Scipio and Juba were fled with a few only ; and the rest cut to pieces . This News ( as 't is usual in War , and coming in the night too ) did so frighten the People , that they were almost out of their Wits , and could scarce keep themselves within the Walls of the City : but Cato went out , and meeting the People in this Hurry and Clamour , did comfort and encourage them what he could and something appeas'd the Fear and Amazement they were in ; telling them , That very likely things were not so bad in truth , but more than half augmented by Report : thus he pacified the Tumult for the present . The next morning he assembled the three hundred , which he used as his Council ; these were Romans , who traffick'd there in Merchandize and exchange of Money : there were also several Senators , and their Sons . While they were coming together , Cato walked about very quietly and unconcern'd , as if nothing new had happen'd . He had a Book in his Hand , which he was reading ; in this Book was an account of what provision he had for War , Armour , Corn , Weapons , and Souldiers . When they were assembled , he began his Discourse : First with the three hundred themselves : and very much commended the Courage and Fidelity they had shown , and their having very well served their Countrey with their Persons , Money and Counsel . Then he entreated them by no means to separate ; as if each single man could hope for any safety in forsaking his Companions : on the contrary , while they kept together , Caesar would have less reason to despise them , if they fought against him ; and be more forward to pardon them , if they submitted to him . Therefore he advis'd them to consult among themselves , nor would he dislike , whatever they should propose if they thought fit to submit to Fortune , he would impute their Change to Necessity ; but if they resolved to stand to it , and undergo some Danger for the sake of Liberty , he should not only commend , but admire their Valour . And would himself be their Leader and Companion too , till they had try'd the utmost Fortune of their Countrey : which was not Utica or Adrumetum , but Rome ; and she had often by her own strength , rais'd her self out of greater Difficulties . Besides , as there were many things , that would conduce to their Safety ; so chiefly this , that they were to fight against one , who by his Affairs would be much distracted , and by several Occasions called into many several Places . Spain was already revolted to the younger Pompey : Rome was unaccustomed to the Bridle , and impatient of it ; would therefore be ready for Commotions and Insurrections , upon every Turn of Affairs . As for themselves , they ought not to shrink from any Danger : and in this might take Example from their Enemy . Who does so freely expose his Life to compass his unjust Designs ; yet never can hope for so happy a conclusion , as they may promise themselves : for , notwithstanding the uncertainty of War , they will be sure of a most happy Life , if they succeed ; or a most glorious Death , if they miscarry . However , he said , they ought to deliberate among themselves , and pray to the Gods , that in recompence of their former Courage and Good-will , they would direct their future Designs . When Cato had thus spoken , many were moved and encouraged by his Speech : but the greatest part were so animated by his Valour , Generosity , and Goodness , that they forgot the present Danger . And as if he were the only invincible Leader , and above all Fortune , they entreated him , To imploy their Persons , Arms , and Estates , as he thought fit : for they esteem'd it far better to meet Death , in following his Counsel ; than to find their safety , in betraying one of so great Virtue . One of the Assembly propos'd the making a Decree , to set the Slaves at Liberty ; and most of the rest approved the Motion . Cato said , That ought not to be done ; for it was neither just nor lawful : but if any of their Masters would willingly set them free ; those that were fit for Service , should be received . Which divers promised to do ; whose Names he order'd to be enroll'd , and then withdrew . Presently after this , he received Letters from Juba and Scipio . Juba , with some few of his Men , was retired to a Mountain , where he waited to hear what Cato would resolve upon : and intended to stay there for him , if he thought fit to leave Vtica ; or to relieve him with an Army , if he were besieged . Scipio also lay at Anchor , under a certain Promontory , not far from Vtica , expecting an Answer upon the same account : but Cato thought fit to retain the Messengers , till the three hundred should come to some Resolution . As for the Senators that were there , they shew'd great forwardness , and did presently set free their Slaves , and furnish them with Arms. But the three hundred being Men that dealt in Merchandice and Usury , much of their Substance also consisting in Slaves ; the Heat that Cato's Speech had rais'd in them , did not long continue . As some Bodies that easily admit Heat , and as suddenly lose it , when the Fire is removed : so these Men were heated and inflamed , while Cato was present . But when they began to reason among themselves , the Fear they had of Coesar soon overcame the Reverence they bore to Cato : For who are we ? ( said they ) and who is it we refuse to obey ? Is it not that Caesar , to whom all the Power of Rome has submitted ? And which of us is a Scipio , a Pompey , or a Cato ? But now that all Men make their Honour give way to their Fear ; shall we alone engage for the Liberty of Rome ? And in Utica declare War against him , from whom Cato and Pompey the great fled out of Italy ? Shall we set free our Slaves against Caesar , who have our selves no more Liberty than he is pleas'd to allow ? No , let us , poor Creatures , know our selves ; submit to the Victor , and send Deputies to implore his Mercy . Thus said the most moderate of them : but the greatest part were for seizing the Senators ; that by securing them , they might appease Coesar's Anger . Cato though he perceiv'd the Change , took no notice of it : but writ to Juba and Scipio to keep away from Vtica , because he mistrusted the three hundred . A considerable Body of Horse , which had escaped from the late Fight , were coming toward Vtica , and had sent three Men before to Cato , which yet did not all bring the same Message : for some were for going to Juba ; others for joyning with Cato ; and some also were afraid to go into Vtica . When Cato heard this , he ordered Marcus Rubrius to attend upon the three hundred , and quietly take the Names of those , who of their own accord set their Slaves at Liberty , but by no means to force any body . Then taking with him the Senators , he went out of the Town , and met the principal Officers of those Horsemen ; whom he entreated not to abandon so many worthy Roman Senators , nor to prefer Juba for their Commander before Cato : but to seek the mutual safety of one another , and to come into the City ; which was impregnable , and well furnish'd with Corn , and other Provision , sufficient for many years : the Senators likewise with Tears besought them to stay . Hereupon the Officers went to consult their Souldiers , and Cato with the Senators sate down upon the Works , expecting their Resolution . In the mean time comes Rubrius in great Disorder , crying out , The three hundred were all in Commotion , and raising Tumults in the City . At this all the rest fell into Despair , lamenting and bewailing their condition : but Cato endeavour'd to comfort them , and sent to the three hundred , desiring them to have a little patience . Then the Officers of the Horse returned , with no very reasonable Demands . They said , they did not desire to serve Juba for his Pay ; nor should they fear Caesar , while they follow'd Cato : but they dreaded to be shut up with the Uticans , Men of a traiterous Nature , and Carthaginian Race , for tho' they were quiet at present : yet as soon as Caesar should appear , without doubt they would conspire together , and betray the Romans . Therefore if he expected they should joyn with him ; he must drive out of the Town , or destroy all the Uticans : that he might receive them into a Place void both of Enemies and Barbarians . This Cato thought very cruel and barbarous : but he mildly answered , He would consult the three hundred . Then he returned to the City , where he found the Men , not framing Excuses , or dissembling , out of Reverence to him : but openly refusing to make War against Coesar ; which ( they said ) they were neither able , nor willing to do . And some there were who muttered out something , about retaining the Senators till Coesar's coming ; but Cato seemed not to hear this , for he was a little deaf . At the same time came one to him , and told him , The Horse were going away . Cato fearing least the three hundred should take some desperate Resolution concerning the Senators , he presently went out with some of his Friends ; and seeing they were gone some way , he took Horse , and rid after them . They , when they saw him coming , were very glad , and receiv'd him very kindly , entreating him to save himself with them . At this time ( 't is said ) Cato shed Tears ; while earnestly begging for the Senators , and stretching out his Hands , some of their Horses he stopp'd , and hung upon their Arms , till he had prevailed with them , out of Compassion , to stay only that one day , to procure a safe Retreat for the Senators . Having thus persuaded them to go along with him , some he plac'd at the Gates of the Town , and to others gave the charge of the Citadel . Now the three hundred began to fear , they should suffer for their Inconstancy , and sent to Cato , entreating him by all means to come to them ; but the Senators flocking about him , would not suffer him to go , and said , They would not trust their Guardian and Saviour to the Hands of perfidious Traitors . At this instant ( in my opinion ) did most evidently appear to all in Vtica , the Excellence , the Clearness , and admirable Simplicity of Cato's Virtue ; how sincere , untainted , and free it was from any mixture of Self-regard : that he , who had long before resolv'd on his own Death , should take such extream pains , toil , and care , only for the sake of others : that when he had secured their Lives , he might put an end to his own ; for 't was easily perceived , that he had determined to die , tho' he did endeavour not to let it appear . Therefore having pacified the Senators , he hearkened to the Request of the three hundred , and went to them alone without any Attendance . They gave him many thanks , and entreated him to imploy and trust them for the future ; but in that they were not Cato ' s , and could not come up to his greatness of Courage , they begg'd , he would pity their weakness ; and told him , they had decreed to send to Caesar , and entreat him chiefly , and in the first place for Cato ; and if they could not prevail for him , they would not accept of pardon for themselves , but as long as they had breath , would fight in his defence . Cato commended their good Intentions ; and advised them to send speedily , for their own safety , but by no means to ask any thing in his behalf ; for those who are conquer'd , must submit , and those who have done wrong , beg pardon : for himself , he was never overcome in all his Life , but rather so far as he thought fit , had got the Victory , and had conquered Caesar , in what was just and honest . And indeed Caesar might be look'd upon , as one surpriz'd and vanquish'd ; for he was now forc'd to discover and own those Designs , which he had so long deny'd , and always practised against his Countrey . When he had thus spoken , he went out of the Assembly ; and being informed , that Coesar was coming with his whole Army ; Alas ! ( said he ) does he come against us , as against men ? Then he went to the Senators , and urged them to make no delay , but hasten to be gone , while the Horsemen were yet in the City . So ordering all the Gates to be shut , except one toward the Sea , he appointed Ships for those that were to depart , and gave Money and Provision to those that wanted : All which he did with great Order and Exactness , taking care to suppress all Tumults , and that no wrong should be done to the People . Marcus Octavius coming with two Legions , encamped near Vtica , and sent to Cato , to treat about the chief Command . Cato return'd him no Answer , but said to his Friends ; No wonder all goes ill with us , who are so much taken up with Ambition , even upon the point of our Ruine . In the mean time word was brought him , that the Horse were going away , and about to spoyl and plunder the Vticans . Cato ran to them , and from the first he met , snatch'd what they had taken ; the rest threw down all they had gotten , and went away silent , and asham'd of what they had done . Then he called together the Citizens of Vtica , and requested them , in behalf of the three hundred , not to exasperate Coesar against them , but all to seek their common Safety together with them . After that he went again to the Port , to see those who were about to imbark ; and there he embrac'd and dismiss'd those of his Friends and Acquaintance , whom he had persuaded to go . As for his Son , he did not counsel him to be gone , nor did he think fit to persuade him to forsake his Father . But there was one Statyllius , a young Man , in the flower of his Age , one of a brave Spirit , and very desirous to imitate the invincible Constancy of Cato , who entreated him to go away , for he was a noted Enemy to Coesar ; but he refused to go . Then Cato looking upon Apollonides the Stoick Philosopher , and Demetrius the Peripatetick ; It belongs to you ( said he ) to bring down this young man's Spirit , and to make him know what is good for him . Thus having dismiss'd all the rest , he returned to his Affairs , gave Audience , and dispatch'd Business ; in which he spent that night , and the greatest part of the next day . Lucius Coesar , a Kinsman of Julius Coesar's , being appointed to go Deputy for the three hundred , came to Cato , and desired he would assist him to make a persuasive Speech for them : And as to you your self , ( said he ) I shall not scruple to kiss the Hands , and fall at the Knees of Caesar , in your behalf . But Cato would by no means permit him to do any such thing : For as to my self , ( said he ) if I would be preserved by Caesar's Favour , I should my self go to him ; but I will not be beholding to a Tyrant , for those very things that are Marks of Tyranny : for 't is an instance of his Vsurpation to preserve men , as if he were Lord of their Lives , over whom he has no right to raign ; but if you please , let us consider what you had best say for the three hundred . And when they had continued some time together , as Lucius was going away , Cato recommended to him his Son , and the rest of his Friends ; and taking him by the Hand , bid him farewel . Then he retired to his House again , and called together his Son and his Friends ; to whom he discoursed of several things : Among the rest , he forbad his Son to engage himself in the Affairs of State ? For to act therein , as became him , was now impossible ; and to do otherwise , would be dishonourable . Toward Evening he went into his Bath . As he was bathing , he remembred Statyllius , and cryed out aloud , Well Apollonides , you have brought down the high Spirit of Statyllius ; and is he gone without bidding us farewel ? No , ( said Apollonides ) I have discours'd much to him , but to little purpose ; he is still resolute and unalterable , and declares , he is determined to follow your Example . At this ( 't is said ) Cato smiled , and answer'd , That will soon be try'd . After he had bath'd , he went to Supper , with a great deal of Company , at which he sate , as he had always us'd to do , ever since the Battel of Pharsalia ; for since that time he never lay down , but when he went to sleep . There supped with him all his own Acquaintance , and several of the principal Citizens of Vtica . After Supper , the Wine produced a great deal of Wit , and learned Discourse ; many Philosophical Questions were discussed : At length they came to the strange opinions of the Stoicks , called Paradoxes ; and to this in particular , That the good man only is free , and that all wicked Men are Slaves . The Peripatetick ( as 't is likely ) opposing this , Cato fell upon him very warmly ; and somewhat raising his Voice , he argued the Matter in a Discourse of some length , which he urged with such wonderful Vehemence , that 't was apparent to every body , he was resolved to put an end to his Life , and set himself at Liberty . Hereupon , when he had done speaking , there was a great Silence , and the Company much dejected : but Cato , to divert them from any suspicion of his Design , turned the Discourse , and fell again to talk of the present Affairs , shewing great Concern for those that were at Sea , as also for the others , who travelling by Land , were to pass through a dry and barbarous Desart . When the Company was broke up , Cato walked with his Friends , as he us'd to do after Supper , gave the necessary Orders to the Officers of the Watch ; and going into his Chamber , he embraced his Son , and every one of his Friends , with more than usual Ardour , which again renew'd their suspicion of his Design . Then laying himself down , he took into his Hand Plato's Dialogue concerning the Soul : having read more than half the Book , he looked up , and missing his Sword , ( which his Son had taken away , while he was at Supper ) he called his Servant , and asked . Who had taken away his Sword ? The Servant making no Answer , he fell to reading again : And a little after , not seeming importunate , or hasty for it , but as if he would only know what was become of it , he bid it be brought . But having stay'd some time , he had read over the Book , and no body brought the Sword : whereupon he called up all his Servants , and in a hasty Tone demanded his Sword. To one of them he gave such a Blow in the Mouth , that he hurt his own Hand ; and now grew more angry , crying out , He was betray'd , and delivered naked to the Enemy , by his Son and his Servants . Then his Son with the rest of his Friends , came running into the Room , and falling at his Feet , began to lament and beseech him : But Cato raising up himself , and looking fiercely ; When ( said he ) and how did I fall distracted ? Why does no body persuade me by Reason , or teach me what is better , if I have design'd any thing that 's ill ? But must I be disarm'd , and hindred from using my own Reason ? And you , young man , why don't you bind your Fathers Hands behind him , that when Caesar comes , he may find me unable to defend my self ? Nor do I want a Sword to dispatch my self ; I need but hold my Breath a while , or strike my Head against the Wall. When he had thus spoken , his Son went weeping out of the Chamber , and with him all the rest , except Demetrius and Apollonides ; who being left alone with him , to them he began to speak more calmly : And you , ( said he ) do you think to keep a Man of my Age alive by Force ? And do you sit silent here to watch me ? Or can you bring any Reason to prove , that it is not base , and unworthy Cato , when he can find his Safety no other way , to seek it from his Enemy ? Or why do you not perswade us , to unlearn what we have been taught , that rejecting all the Opinions we have hitherto established , we may now by Caesars's means grow wiser , and be yet more oblig'd to him , than for Life only ? not that I have determined ought concerning my self , but I would have it in my power to perform ▪ what I shall think fit to resolve ; and I shall not fail to ask your Counsel , when I have occasion to use what your Philosophy teaches : in the mean time , don't trouble your selves , but go tell my Son , that he should not compel his Father , to what he cannot persuade him . They made him no Answer , but went weeping out of the Chamber . Then the Sword being brought in by a little Boy , Cato took it , drew it out and looked on it ; and when he saw the Point was good , Now ( said he ) I am Master of my self : And laying down the Sword , he took his Book again , which , 't is reported he read twice over . After this he slept so soundly , that he was heard snore by those that were without . About Midnight he called up two of his Freed-men , Cleanthes , his Physician , and Butas , whom he chiefly imploy'd in publick Affairs : him he sent to the port , to see if all the Romans were gone : to the Physician he gave his Hand to be dressed , for it was swell'd by the Blow he had struck one of his Servants . At this they all rejoic'd , hoping that now he design'd to live . But as , after a little while , returned , and brought word , they were all gone , except Crassus , who had stay'd about some Business , but was just ready to depart : he said also , That the Wind was high , and the Sea very rough . Cato hearing this , sigh'd , out of Compassion to those who were at Sea , and sent But as again , to see if any of them should happen to return for any thing they wanted , and to acquaint him therewith . Now the Birds began to sing , and Cato again fell into a little Slumber . At length But as came back , and told him , All was quiet in the Haven : Then Cato , laying himself down , as if he would sleep out the rest of the night , bid him shut the Door after him . But as soon as But as was gone out , he took his Sword , and stabb'd it into his Breast ; yet not being able to use his Hand so well , by reason of the Swelling , he did not immediately die of the Wound , but struggling , fell out of the Bed , and throwing down a little Mathematical Table that stood by , made such a noise , that the Servants hearing it , cry'd out . And immediately his Son and all his Friends came into the Chamber , where seeing him lie weltring in his Blood , great part of his Bowels out of his Body , himself not quite dead , but looking ghastly , they all stood amazed . The Physician went to him , and would have put in his Bowels , which were not pierced , and sow'd up the Wound : Cato hereupon coming to himself , thrust away the Physician , pluck'd out his own Bowels , and tearing open the Wound , immediately expired . In less time than one would think his own Family could have known this Accident , all the three hundred were at the Door . And a little after the People of Vtica flock'd thither , crying out with one Voice , He was their Benefactor , and their Saviour , the only free , and only invincible man. At the very same instant they had News that Caesar was coming ; yet neither fear of the present Danger , nor desire to flatter the Conquerer , nor the Commotions and Discord among themselves , could divert them from doing Honour to Cato : for they sumptuously set out his Body , made him a magnificent Funeral , and buried him by the Sea-side , where now stands his Statue , holding a Sword. Which being done , they returned to consider of preserving themselves and their City . Coesar had been advertised , that Cato stay'd at Vtica , and did not seek to fly ; that he had sent away the rest of the Romans , but , himself , with his Son , and a few of his Friends , continued there very unconcernedly ; so that he could not imagine what might be his Design : but having a great Consideration for the Man , he hastned thither with his Army . When he heard of Cato's Death , 't is reported , he said these words : Cato , I envy thee thy Death , for thou hast envy'd me the preservation of thy Life . And indeed if Cato would have suffer'd himself to be preserved by Coesar , 't is like he would not so much have impar'd his own Honour , as augmented the others Glory ; yet what would have been done , we cannot know , but from Coesar's usual Clemency , we may guess what was most likely . Cato was forty eight years old when he Dy'd . His Son suffered no Injury from Coesar ; but 't is said , he grew idle , and debauch'd with Women . In Cappadocia he lodg'd at the House of Marphadates , one of the Royal Family , who had a very handsom Wife , where staying longer than was decent , he was reflected on by some , that made such Jests as these upon him ; Cato goes to morrow , after thirty days , and Porcius and Marphadates are two Friends , that have but one Soul , ( for Marphadates Wife was named Psyche , i. e. Soul : ) and Cato is very well born , and an illustrious Man , for he has a Royal Soul. But all these Stains were clearly wip'd off by the Bravery of his Death ; for in the Battle of Philippi , where he fought for his Countrey 's Liberty , against Caesar and Antony , when the Army was broken , he disdaining to fly or to escape , called out to the Enemy , shew'd them who he was , and encouraged those of his Party to stay ; At length he fell , and left his Enemies in admiration of his Valour . Nor was the Daughter of Cato inferiour to the rest of her Family , for Prudence and greatness of Spirit . She was married to Brutus , who killed Caesar ; was acquainted with that Conspiracy , and ended her Life , as became one of her Birth and Vertue : All which is related in the Life of Brutus . Statyllius , who said he would imitate Cato , was at that time hindred by the Philosophers when he would have put an end to his Life . He afterward follow'd Brutus , to whom he was very faithful and very serviceable , and died in the Field of Philippi . AGIS AND CLEOMENES . depiction of Agis and Cleomenes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 MBurg . sculp . THE LIFE OF AGIS . Translated from the Greek , by Sir Robert Thorald . THe Fable of Ixion , who imbracing a Cloud instead of Juno , begot the Centaurs , was ingeniously enough invented to represent to us ambitious Men , whose Minds doting on Glory , ( which is a meer Image of Vertue ) produce nothing that is genuine or uniform , but born away by violent and contrary Passions , their Actions being the off-spring of such a Conjunction , must needs be deform'd and unnatural ; and they may say with the Hersdmen in the Tragedy of Sophocles . We follow those whom we ought to govern , And they command us , tho' th' are dumb . That is indeed the true condition of those ambitious Men , who to gain a vain Title of Magistracy , are content to subject themselves to the Humours of the People : for as they who row in the fore-part of the Ship , may seem to guide the Motions of it , yet have continually an eye on the Pilot who sits at the Helm , and must proceed in the Course he will steer ; so these Men , steer'd as I may say by popular Applause , tho' they bear the Name of Governours , are in reality Slaves to the Mobile . The Man who is compleatly wise and virtuous , regards not Glory , but only as it disposes and prepares his way to great Attempts . A young Man , I grant , may be permitted to glory a little in his good Actions ; for ( as Theophrastus says ) his Vertues which are yet tender , and as it were in the bud , cherish'd and supported by Praises , grow stronger , and take the deeper root : but when this Passion is exhorbitant , 't is dangerous in all men , and especially in those who govern a Commonwealth ; for being joyn'd with an unlimited Power , it often transports men to a degree of Madness , so that now they no more seek Glory by Vertue , but will have those Actions only esteem'd good that are glorious . As Phocion therefore answered King Antipater , who sought his Approbation of some unworthy Action , I cannot be your Flatterer , and your Friend ; so these men shou'd answer the People , I cannot govern , and obey you : lest it shou'd happen to the Commonwealth , as to the Serpent in the Fable , whose Tayl rising in rebellion against the Head , complain'd ( as of a great Grievance ) that it was always forc'd to follow , and pray'd , it might be permitted by Turns to lead the way ; which being granted but for a day , quickly discover'd the Folly , by the Mischiefs which befell the whole Body , and particularly to the Head , in following , contrary to Nature , a Guide that was deaf and blind . The same we see does every day happen to many , who guided by the Inclinations of an ignorant and giddy Multitude , must needs bring all things to Confusion . This is what has occurr'd to us to say of that Glory which depends on the Vulgar , considering the sad effects of it in the Misfortunes of Caius , and Tiberius Gracchus , Men nobly born , whose generous Disposition by Nature was improv'd by an excellent Education , and who came to the Administration of Affairs with very sincere Intentions , yet they were ruin'd , I cannot say , by an ▪ immoderate desire of Glory , but by a more excusable fear of Infamy ; for being excessively belov'd and favour'd by the People , they thought it an Ingratitude to deny them any thing , till the People and They mutually inflam'd , and vying with each other in Honours and Benefits , things were at last brought to such a pass , that they might say accordingly to the Proverb , T' engage so far we were to blame , And to retreat 't is now a shame . This the judicious Reader will easily gather from the Story . I will now compare with them , two Lacedoemonian Kings , Agis and Cleomenes ; for they being desirous also to please the People , by restoring their obsolete Laws of Equality , incurr'd the Hatred of the Rich and Powerfull , who cou'd not endure to be depriv'd of those Advantages , which did so gloriously distinguish them from the Vulgar . These were not indeed Brothers by Nature , as the two Romans , but they had a kind of brotherly Resemblance in their Actions and Designs , which took a Rise from Beginnings and Occasions as I am now about to relate . When Gold and Silver ( the great Debauchers of Mankind ) had once gain'd Admittance into the Lacedoemonian Commonwealth 't was quickly follow'd by Avarice , baseness of Spirit , and all manner of Frauds in the possession , by Riot , Luxury , and Effeminacy in the use . Then Sparta fell from her original Vertue and Glory , and so continued till the days of Agis and Leonidas , who both together were Kings of the Lacedoemonians . Agis was of the Royal Family of Eurytion , Son of Eudamidas , and the sixth in descent from Agesilaus , who being chief Commander of the Grecians , gain'd so great Renown in the so famous Expedition into Asia . Agesilaus left behind him a Son call'd Archidamus , who being slain by the Calabrians at Mardonium in Italy , was succeeded by his eldest Son Agis ; he being kill'd by Antipater near Megalopolis , and leaving no Issue , was succeeded by his Brother Eudamidas ; he by a Son call'd Archidamus and Archidamus by another Eudamidas , the Father of this Agis of whom we now treat . Leonidas , Son of Cleonimus , was of the other Royal Branch of the Agiades , and the eighth in descent from Pausanias who defeated Mardonius in the Battel of Platea . Pausanias was succeeded by a Son call'd Plistonax ; and he by another Pausanias , who being banish'd , and leading a private Life at Tegea , his eldest Son Agesipolis reign'd in his place ; he dying without Issue , was succeeded by a younger Brother call'd Cleombrotus , who left two Sons : the elder was Agesipolis , who reign'd but a short time , and died without Issue ; the younger was call'd Cleomenes , who had also two Sons . Acrotatus and Cleonimus : the first died before his Father , but left a Son call'd Areus , who succeeded , and being slain at Corinth , left the Kingdom to his Son Acrotatus : This Acrotatus was defeated , and slain near Megalopolis , in a Battel against the Tyrant Aristodemus ; he left his Wife big with Child , who being deliver'd of a Son , Leonidas ( Son of the above-named Cleonimus ) was made his Guardian , and the young man dying in his Minority , he succeeded in the Kindom . Leonidas was a Man in no great Esteem with the People : for tho'there were at that time a general Corruption in Manners , yet a greater aversion to the old Institutions appear'd in him than in others ; for having liv'd a long time among the great Lords of Persia , and been a follower of King Seleucus he unadvisedly wou'd imitate the Pride and Luxury of those Courts , in the limited Government of a Grecian Commonwealth . Agis on the contrary shew'd himself to all men obliging and affable , and did in goodness of Nature , and greatness of Mind not only far excel Leonidas , but in a manner all the Kings that had reign'd since the great Agesilaus . For tho'he had been bred very tenderly , and in abundance of all things , by his Mother Agesistrata , and his Grandmother Archidamia , ( who were the wealthiest of the Lacedoemonians ) yet before the Age of twenty , he so far overcame himself as to renounce effeminate Pleasures . He was a very handsom Person , and of a graceful Behaviour ; yet to give a Check to the Vanity he might take therein , would go always plain and mean in his Cloaths . In his Diet , Bathings , aad in all his Excercises , he chose to imitate the old Laconian Frugality and Temperance , and was often heard to say , He wou'd not desire the Kingdom , if he did not hope by means of that Authority to restore their ancient Laws and Discipline . The Lacedoemonians might date the beginning of their Corruption from their Conquest of Athens , which was the first occasion of their Wealth and Luxury ; yet nevertheless the Agrarian Law remaining in force , ( by which every one was oblig'd to leave his lot or Portion of Land entirely to his Son ) a kind of Order and Equality was thereby maintain'd , which still in some degree preserv'd them from Ruine . But one Epitadeus happening to be Ephore , a Man of a factious , violent Spirit , and on some occasion incens'd against his Son , he procur'd a Decree , that all men shou'd have liberty to dispose of their Land by Gift or Sale , or by their last Will and Testament : which being promoted by him to satisfie a passion of Revenge , and through Covetousness consented to by others , an excellent Institution was abrogated ; the effect whereof was , that the moneyed men coveting to possess the Land , the right Heirs were by degrees disinherited , and all the Wealth being in the hands of a few , the generality were poor and miserable ; Liberal Arts and Sciences were neglected , and the City fill'd with a mean sort of Mechanicks , always envious , and hating the Rich : there did not remain above 700 of the old Spartan Families , of which perhaps 100 might have Estates in Land ; the rest were an abject , low-spirited People , who having no sense of Honour , were unwillingly drawn to the Wars , and ever greedy of Novelty and Change. Agis therefore believing it a glorious Action , ( as in truth it was ) to repeople the City , and to bring them back to their first Institution , began to sound the Inclinations of the Citizens . He found the young Men dispos'd beyond his expectation ; for being taken with the specious Name of Liberty they seem'd as ready to shift their Manners as their Cloaths ; but the old Men habituated and more confirm'd in their Vices , were startled at the very Name of Lycurgus , as a fugitive Slave fears to be brought back before his offended Master : these men cou'd not endure to hear Agis continually deploring the present state of Sparta , and wishing she might be restor'd to her ancient Glory . But on the other side , Lysander , the Son of Lybis , Mandroclidas , the Son of Ecphanes , together with Agesilaus , did not only approve his Design , but assisted and confirm'd him in it . Lysander had a great Authority and Credit with the People ; Mandroclidas was esteem'd the ablest Man of his Time , to manage any Affair in the Grecian Assemblies , and joyn'd with skill , had a great degree of Boldness ; Agesilaus was the King's Uncle by the Mother's side , an eloquent Man , but covetous and voluptuous ; he was not mov'd by any Consideration of publick Good , but rather seem'd to be perswaded to it by his Son Hypomedon , ( whose Courage and signal Actions in War had gain'd him a high Esteem among the young Men of Sparta ) tho' indeed the true Motive was , because he had many Debts , and hop'd by this means to be freed from them . As soon as Agis had prevail'd with his Uncle , he endeavour'd by his mediation to gain his Mother also , who being exceeding rich , had by her many Creditors , Friends and Followers , a considerable Power in the City . At the first proposal she was very averse , and earnestly advis'd her Son not to engage in so difficult and so dangerous an Enterprise ; but Agesilaus endeavour'd to possess her , that the thing was not so difficult as she imagin'd , and that it might in all likelihood redound to the great Honour and Advantage of her Family . The King her Son earnestly besought her , not to decline assisting him in so glorious a Design ; he told her , he cou'd not pretend to equal other Kings in Riches , the very Followers and Servants of Seleucus or Ptolemy , abounding more in Wealth , than all the Spartan Kings put together : but if by Vertue and greatness of Mind he cou'd out-do them , and if by his means Sparta could be restor'd to her ancient Splendor , he shou'd then be a great King indeed . In conclusion , the Mother and the Grandmother also were so taken with the young man's generous Ambition , that they not only consented , but were ready on all occasions to spur him on to a Perseverance , and did engage with him not only the men with whom they had an Interest , but the Women also , knowing well that the Lacedoemonian Wives had always a great power with their Husbands , who us'd to impart to them their State Affairs , with greater freedom than the Women wou'd communicate with the Men in the private Business of their Families : which was indeed one of the greatest Obstacles to this Design ; for the Money of Sparta being most of it in the Womens hands , 't was their Interest to oppose it , not only as depriving them of those superfluous Trifles , in which through want of Vertue they plac'd their chief Felicity , but also because they knew their Riches was the main support of their Power and Credit . Those therefore who were of this Faction , had recourse to Leonidas , representing to him , how it was his part , as the elder and more experienc'd , to put a stop to the ill-advised Projects of a rash young Man. Leonidas , tho' of himself sufficiently inclin'd to oppose Agis , durst not openly for fear of the People , who did manifestly favour him , and were desirous of this Change , but under-hand he did all he cou'd to incense the chief Magistrates against him , and on all occasions craftily insinuated , that Agis having design'd an arbitrary Government , wou'd divide among the Poor what belong'd to the Rich , as a Bribe for a future Service : That instead of so many rich Citizens of Sparta , he might have a Company of Slaves to be his Guard. Agis nevertheless little regarding these Rumors , caus'd Lysander to be chosen Ephore ; then took the first occasion of proposing his Rhetra or Decree to the Senate , the chief Articles whereof were these : That every one shou'd be freed from their Lots : All the Lands to be divided into equal portions : Those that lay betwixt the Valley of Pellene and Mount Tegetum , as far as the Cities of Mallea and Sellasia , into 4500 Lots ; the remainder into 1500 ; these last to be shar'd by some chosen out of the adjacent Countreys , men able and fit to bear Arms : The first among the natural Spartans , admitting also of Strangers to supply their Number , those who were young , vigorous and ingenious . All these were to be divided into ten Companies , some of four hundred , and some of two , with a Diet and Discipline agreeable to the Laws of Lycurgus . This Decree being propos'd in the Senate , occasion'd a hot Debate ; so that Lysander doubting the Event , wou'd not expect the Issue , but immediately convok'd the great Assembly of the People , to whom he , Mandroclidas and Agesilaus made Orations , exhorting them , that they wou'd not suffer the Majesty of Sparta to be brought into Contempt , to gratifie a few rich Men , who by specious pretences endeavour'd to delude them , only that they themselves might pass their time in Riot and delights . They bad them call to mind , how ancient Oracles had forewarn'd them to beware of Avarice , as the very Plague and utter Ruine of Sparta : That they shou'd think of the Oracle lately deliver'd from the famous Temple of Pasiphae in Thelamia . Some say , this Pasiphae was one of the Daughters of Atlas , who had by Jupiter a Son call'd Ammon : Others are of opinion , it was Cassandra , the Daughter of King Priamus , who dying in this Place , was call'd Pasiphae , as who should say , clearly revealing Secrets , as the Light discovers all things to the Eye : Others will have it , that this was Daphne , the Daughter of Amiclas , who flying from Apollo , was transform'd into a Lawrel , and honour'd by that God with the Gift of Prophecy . But be it as it will , 't is certain the People were made to apprehend , that this Oracle had commanded them to return to their former state of Equality . As soon as these had done speaking , Agis stood up , and said , He wou'd not amuse them with vain words , but contribute to what had been propos'd for their Advantage by real Effects . In the first place , he wou'd divide among them all his Patrimony , which was of large extent in Tillage and Pasture ; he wou'd also give 600 Talents in ready Money , and that his Mother , Grandmother , and his other Friends and Relations , who were the richest of the Lacedoemonians , were ready to follow his Example . The People transported with admiration of the young man's Generosity , highly applauded , and loudly declar'd , there had not been for 300 years so worthy a King in Sparta . But on the other side , Leonidas was now more than ever averse , being sensible that he and his Friends wou'd be oblig'd to contribute with their Riches , and yet all the Honour and Obligation wou'd redound to Agis . He ask'd him then before them all , Whether Lycurgus were not in his opinion a vast and a wise Man ? Agis answering He was : And when did Lycurgus ( reply'd Leonidas ) cancel Debts , or admit of Strangers ? he who thought the Commonwealth not secure unless they were excluded . To this Agis reply'd , 'T is no wonder that Leonidas , who has married , and has Children by a Wife taken out of a Persian Court , shou'd know little of Lycurgus or his Laws . Lycurgus took away both Debts and Usury , by taking away Money , and excluded Strangers , such as wou'd not conform to the Laws of his Commonwealth , not for any Ill-will to them , but lest they shou'd infect the City with their Covetousness ; for otherwise 't is well known , that he himself gladly kept Terpander , Thales and Phericides , tho' they were Strangers , because he perceiv'd they were of the same Mind with him . And you that use to praise Ecprepes , who being Ephore , cut off two Strings from the Instrument of Phrynis the Musician , and to commend those who did ▪ afterwards imitate him , with what face can you blame me , for designing to cut off Superfluity and Luxury from the Common-wealth ? Do you think those men were so concern'd only about a Fiddle-string , or intended any thing else , than by checking the voluptuousness of Musick , to keep out a way of living , which might destroy the harmony of the City . From this time forward as the common People follow'd Agis , so the rich Men adhered to Leonidas , who joyning his Authority with their Interest , things were so manag'd in the Senate , ( whose chief Power consisted in preparing all Laws before they were propos'd to the People ) that with much ado the designed Rhetra of Agis was rejected , tho' but by one only Vote ; whereupon Lysander , who ( as we said ) was Ephore , and of Agis his Party , resolving to be reveng'd on Leonidas , drew up an Information against him , grounded on two old Laws ; The one forbids any of the Race of Hercules to marry a Stranger ; and the other makes it capital for a Lacedoemonian to travel into foreign Countreys . Whilest he set others on to manage this Accusation , he with his Collegues went to observe the Stars , which was a Custom they had , and perform'd in this manner . Every ninth year the Ephori choosing a Star-light Night , ( when there was neither Cloud nor Moon ) sate down together in quiet and silence ; and if they chanc'd to spy the shooting of a Star , they presently pronounc'd their King guilty of some great Crime against the Gods , and thereupon he was immediately secluded from all Exercise of Regal Power , till he cou'd be reliev'd by an Oracle from Delphos or Olympus . Lysander therefore assur'd the People , he had seen a Star shoot , and at the same time Leonidas was cited to answer for himself . Witnesses were produc'd to testifie he had married an Asian Woman , bestow'd on him by one of King Seleucus his Lieutenants ; that he had two Children by her , but there happening some difference betwixt them , she did so mortally hate him , that flying from her , he was in a manner forc'd to return to Sparta , where his Predecessor dying without Issue , he took upon him the Government . Lysander not content with this , perswades also Cleombrotus to lay claim to the Kingdom : he was of the Royal Family , and Son-in-law to Leonidas , who fearing now the event of this Process , was fled to the Temple of Juno , call'd Calcideos , together with his Daughter , the Wife of Cleombrotus , for she in this occasion resolv'd to leave her Husband , and to follow her Father . Leonidas being again cited , and not appearing , they pronounc'd a Sentence of Deposition against him , and made Cleombrotus King in his place . Soon after this Revolution , Lysander ( his year expiring ) went out of Office , and new Ephori were chosen of the contrary Faction , who immediately conspiring to restore Leonidas , cited Lysander and Mandroclidas to answer , for having , contrary to Law , cancell'd Debts , and design'd a new division of Lands . They seeing themselves in danger , had recourse to the two Kings , and represented to them , how necessary it was for their Interest and Safety resolutely to unite , thereby to prevent the Designs of the Ephori , and put a stop to their Encroachments . The Power of the Ephori ( they said ) was only grounded on the Dissention of Kings , the Law having in that Case made them a kind of Arbitrators ; but when the two Kings were unanimous , none ought or durst resist their Authority . Agis and Cleombrotus thus perswaded , went together into the Senate-house , where raising the Ephori from their Seats , they plac'd others in their room , ( of which Agesilaus was one : ) then arming a Company of young Men , and releasing many out of Prison , their Enemies began to be in great fear of their Lives ; but there was no Bloud spilt . Agis on the contrary having notice that Agesilaus had order'd a Company of Souldiers to lie in wait for Leonidas , to kill him as he fled to Tegea , immediately sent some of his Followers to defend him , and to convoy him safely into that City . Thus far all things proceeded prosperously , none daring to oppose ; but by the sordid Avarice of one Man , these promising Beginnings were blasted . Agesilaus ( as we said ) was much in Debt , yet had a fair Estate in Land : and tho' he gladly joyn'd in this Design to be quit of his Debts , he was not at all willing to part with his Land : therefore he perswaded Agis , that if both these things shou'd be put in execution at the same time , so great and so sudden an Alteration might cause some dangerous Commotion ; but if Debts were in the first place cancell'd , the rich Men wou'd afterwards more easily be prevail'd with to part with their Land. Lysander also was of the same opinion , being deceiv'd in like manner by the Craft of Agesilaus : so that all Men were presently commanded to bring in their Bonds , ( or Deeds of Obligation , by the Lacedaemonians call'd Claria ) which being laid together in a Heap , they set Fire to it . The Usurers and other Creditors come , one may easily imagine , beheld it with a heavy heart ; but Agesilaus told them scoffingly , His Eyes had never seen so bright and so glorious a Flame . And now the People press'd earnestly for a division of Lands : the Kings also had order'd it shou'd be done ; but Agesilaus sometimes pretending one Difficulty , and sometimes another , delay'd the Execution , till an occasion happen'd to call Agis to the Wars . The Achaeans , in virtue of a League defensive , sent to demand Succours , for they expected every day when the Aetolians wou'd attempt to enter Peloponnesus by the Confines of Maegara : they had made Aratus their General , and sent him with an Army to hinder this Incursion . Aratus writ to the Ephori , who immediately gave order Agis shou'd hasten to their Assistance with the Lacedaemonian Auxiliaries . Agis was extreamly well pleas'd to see the forwardness of the young Men to this Expedition ; for tho' they were very poor , yet freed from Debts , and in hope of being Masters of Land at their Return , they follow'd chearfully , and in good Equipage . The Cities through which they pass'd , were in admiration , to see how they march'd from one end of Peloponnesus to the other , without the least Disorder , and in a manner without making any Noise : it gave them occasion to discourse with one another , how great might be the Temperance and Modesty of the ancient Lacedaemonians , under their famous Captains Agesilaus , Lysander and Leonidas , since they saw such Discipline and exact Obedience under a King , who perhaps was the youngest Man in all the Army . They saw also how he was content to fare hardly , ready to undergo any Labours , and not to be distinguish'd by Pomp or Richness of Habit , from the meanest of his Souldiers . But if by this Moderation and Conduct he gain'd the Love of the Souldiers and the common People , it made him still more odious to the Rich and Powerful , who were afraid such an Example might work an Impression to their prejudice , in all the neighbouring Countreys . Agis having joyn'd Aratus near the City of Corinth , a Councel of War was call'd , to debate whether or no it were expedient to give the Enemy Battel . Agis on this occasion shew'd a great Forwardness and Resolution , yet without Obstinacy or Presumption : he declar'd it was his opinion they ought to fight , thereby to hinder the Enemy from entring Peloponnesus ; but nevertheless he wou'd submit to the Judgment of Aratus , not only as the elder and more experienc'd Captain , but as he was General of the Achaeans , whose Forces he wou'd not pretend to command , but was only come thither to assist them . I am not ignorant , that Baton of Synope relates it in another manner : He says , Aratus wou'd have fought , and that Agis was against it ; but 't is most certain he was mistaken , not having read what Aratus himself writes in his own Justification ; for he expresly tells us , That knowing the People had well-nigh got in their Harvest , he thought it much better to let the Enemy pass , than to hazard by a Battel the loss of the whole Countrey : And therefore giving thanks to the Confederates for their readiness , he dismiss'd them . Thus Agis , not without having gain'd a great deal of Honour , return'd to Sparta where he found the People in a Mutiny , and all things in Confusion , occasion'd by the Avarice and ill-Government of Agesilaus . For he being now one of the Ephori , and by that Authority freed from the Fear which Formerly kept him in some Restraint , forbore no kind of Oppression which might bring in Gain : Among other things he exacted a thirteen Months Tax , whereas before they had never paid more than twelve . For these and other Reasons fearing his Enemies , and knowing how he was hated by the People , he thought it necessary to maintain a Guard , which always accompanied him to the Courts of Justice ; and presuming now on his Power , he was grown so insolent , that of the two Kings , the one he openly contemn'd ; and if he shew'd any Respect towards Agis , wou'd have it thought rather an effect of his near Relation , than any duty or submission to the Royal Authority ; and being desirous all men shou'd be confirm'd in a belief of his Power , he gave it out he was to continue Ephore the ensuing year also . His Enemies alarm'd by this Report immediately conspir'd against him , and bringing back Leonidas from Tegea , restablished him in the Kingdom , to which the People ( highly incens'd for having been defrauded in the promis'd division of Lands ) easily consented . Agesilaus himself wou'd hardly have scap'd their Fury , if his Son Hypomedon had not mediated in his behalf , and then privately convey'd him out of the City . During this Combustion , the two Kings fled ; Agis to the Temple of Juno , and Cleombrotus to that of Neptune . Leonidas more incens'd against his Son-in-law , left Agis , to pursue him with a Company of Souldiers ; and being taken , he was brought before Leonidas , who with great vehemence reproach'd to him his Ingratitude ; how being his Son-in-law , he had conspir'd with his Enemies , usurp'd his Kingdom , and banish'd him from his Countrey : Cleombrotus having little to say for himself , stood silent . His Wife Chelonis had been a Partner with Leonidas in his Sufferings ; for when Cleombrotus usurp'd the Kingdom , she forsook him , and wholly applied her self to comfort her Father in his Affliction : she often mediated in his behalf , and openly disown'd and condemn'd the Action as unjust ; but now upon this Turn of Fortune , she was as zealous and as assiduous in expressions of Love and Duty to her Husband , whom she embrac'd with one Arm , and her two little Children with the other . All men were strangely taken with the Piety and tender Affection of the Young Woman , who in a loose neglected Mourning , with a pale dejected Countenance , and in a suppliant Posture , spoke thus to Leonidas . I am not brought to this Condition you see me in , nor have taken upon me this mourning Habit , by reason of the present Misfortunes of Cleombrotus ; 't is long since familiar to me : it was put on to condole with you in your Banishment ; and now you are restor'd to your Countrey and to your Kingdom , must I still remain in Grief and Misery ? or wou'd you have me attir'd in my Festival Ornaments , that I may rejoyce with you , when you have kill'd within my arms , the Man to whom you gave me for a Wife ? Either Cleombrotus must appease you by my Tears , or he must suffer a Punishment greater than his Faults have deserv'd : he shall infallibly see me die before him , whom he has profess'd tenderly to love : to what end shou'd I live , or how shall I appear among the Spartan Ladies , when it shall so manifestly be seen , that I have not been able to move to Compassion neither a Husband nor a Father ? I am only born to be an unfortunate Wife , and a more unfortunate Daughter , not having the least Power or Interest , where I ought to have been in the greatest Esteem . As for Cleombrotus , I have sufficiently disown'd his Cause , when I forsook him to follow you ; but now you your self will justifie his Proceedings , by shewing to the World , how Ambition is a Passion not to be resisted : for a Kingdom , a Man may kill a Son-in-law ; nay even destroy his own Children . Chelonis having ended this Lamentation , turn'd her weeping Eyes towards the Spectators , then gently repos'd her Head in her Husband's Bosom . Leonidas touch'd with Compassion , withdrew a while to advise with his Friends ; then returning , condemn'd Cleombrotus to perpetual Banishment : Chelonis , he said , ought to stay with him , it not being just she shou'd forsake a Father , who had grantted at her Intercession the Life of her Husband ; but all he could say , wou'd not prevail . She rose up immediately , and taking one of her Children in her Arms , gave the other to her Husband ; then having perform'd her Devotions at an Altar dedicated to Juno , she chearfully follow'd him into Banishment . To be short , so great was the Virtue and Generosity express'd by Chelouis on this occasion , that if Cleombrotus were not strangely blinded by Ambition , he wou'd chuse to be banish'd with the enjoyment of so excellent a Woman , rather than without her to possess a Kingdom . Cleombrotus thus remov'd , Leonidas thought fit also to displace the Ephori , and to choose others in their room ; then he began to consider how he might entrap Agis . At first he endeavour'd by fair means to perswade , that he wou'd come and partake with him ( as was his Right ) in the Kingdom : the People , he said , wou'd easily pardon the Errors of a young Man , ambitious of Glory , and deceiv'd by the Craft of Agesilaus . But finding Agis was suspicious , and not to be prevail'd with to quit his Sanctuary , he gave over that Design ; yet what cou'd not then be effected by the Dissimulation of an Enemy , was soon after brought to pass by the Treachery of a Friend . Amphares , Demochares and Archesilaus , did often visit Agis , and he was so confident of their Fidelity , that after a while he was prevail'd with to accompany them to the Baths , which were not far distant , they constantly returning to see him safe again in the Temple . Amphares had borrow'd a great deal of Plate and rich Household stuff of Agesistrata , and hop'd if he cou'd destroy her and the whole Family , he might peaceably enjoy those Goods . To so base an intent , he was ready to serve Leonidas in any treacherous way , and being one of the Ephori , did all he cou'd to incense the rest of his Collegues against Agis . These men therefore finding that Agis wou'd never stir from his Sanctuary , but only when he went with them to the Bath , resolv'd to make use of that occasion . And one day in his return , they met and saluted him as formerly , discoursing pleasantly by the way , as familiar Friends use to do , till coming to the turning of a Street which led to the Prison , Amphares by virtue of his Office arrested Agis , and told him , He must go with him before the other Ephori , to answer for his Misdemeanors . At the same time Demochares , who was a tall strong man , threw his Cloak over his Head , and dragg'd him after by the Neck , whilst the others went behind to thrust him on ; so that none of Agis his Friends being near to assist him , they easily got him into the Prison , where Leonidas was already arriv'd , with a Company of Souldiers , who strongly guarded all the Avenues : the Ephori were also there with as many of the Senators as they knew to be true to their Party , being desirous to proceed with some resemblance of Justice . First they bad him give an Account , why he had gone about to alter the Government To which Agis ( only smiling at their Craft and Dissimulation ) answer'd not a word . Amphares told him , It was more seasonable to weep , for now the time was come in which he shou'd be punish'd for his Presumption . Another of the Ephori seeming more favourable , ( and offering as it were an occasion of Excuse ) said , He was confident Agis had been seduc'd , and in a manner constrain'd to what he did , by Lysander and Agesilaus . But Agis answer'd , He had not been seduc'd or constrain'd by any man , nor had any other intent in what he did , but only to follow the Example of Lycurgus , and to govern conformably to his Laws . They ask'd him , Whether now at least he did not repent his Rashness ? To which he reply'd , That tho' he saw unavoidable Death before his Eyes , yet he cou'd never repent of so just and so glorious a Design , They had not the patience to hear him any longer , but commanded the Serjeants to carry him into the Decade , ( which was a place in the prison where they us'd to strangle Malefactors . ) The Officers refus'd to obey , and the very mercenary Souldiers declin'd it , believing it an insolent and a Wicked Act to lay violent hands on a King ; which as soon as Demochares perceiv'd , threatning and reviling them for it , he himself thrust him into the Room . By this time the News of Agis his Imprisonment having reach'd all Parts of the City , had occasion'd a great Concourse of People with Lanthorns and Torches about the Prison-gates , and in the midst of them , the Mother and the Grandmother of Agis crying out with a loud Voice , That their King ought to appear , and to be heard by the People , and shou'd at least be proceeded with in the usual Forms of Justice . But this Clamour instead of preventing , hasten'd his Death , his Enemies fearing if the Tumult shou'd increase , he might that very night be rescued out of their hands . Agis being now at the point to die , perceiv'd one of the Serjeants bitterly bewailing his Misfortune : Weep not Friend , ( says he ) for me , who die innocent , but rather grieve for those who are guilty of this wicked Act ; my condition is much better than theirs . As soon as he had spoken these words not shewing the least sign of Fear , he patiently stretch'd out his Neck to the Executioner . Immediately after Agis was dead Amphares went out of the Prison-gate , where he found Agesistrata , who casting her self at his Feet , he gently rais'd her up , pretending still the same Friendship as formerly : he assur'd her , she needed not fear any farther Violence shou'd be offer'd against her Son ; and that if she pleas'd , she might go in and see him : she begg'd her Mother might also have the favour to be admitted ; and he reply'd , No body shou'd hinder it . When they were enter'd , he commanded the Gate shou'd again be lock'd , and the Grandmother to be first introduc'd : she was now grown very old , and had liv'd all her days with great reputation of Vertue and Wisdom . As soon as Amphares thought she was dispatch'd , he told Agesistrata , She might now go in if she pleas'd : she enter'd , where beholding her Son's Body stretch'd on the Ground , and her Mother hanging by the Neck , she stood at first astonish'd at so horrid a Spectacle ; but after a while recollecting her Spirits , the first thing she did , was to assist the Souldiers in taking down the Body ; then covering it decently , she laid it by her Son 's , whom embracing , and kissing his Cheeks , O my Son , said she , 't is thy too great Mercy and Goodness which has brought thee and us to this untimely End. Amphares , who stood watching behind the Door , hearring this , rush'd in hastily , and with a furious Tone and Countenance said to her , Since you approve so well of your Sons Actions , 't is fit you shou'd partake in his Reward . She rising up to meet her Destiny , only utter'd these few words , I pray the Gods that all this may redound to the good of Sparta . And now the three Bodies being expos'd to view , and the Fact divulg'd , no fear of Magistrates cou'd hinder the people from expressing a detestation of it , or from hating the chief Contrivers and especially Leonidas and Amphares . They were not afraid openly to declare , that so wicked and barbarous an Act had never been committed in Sparta , since first the Doriens inhabited Pelopennesus ; the very Enemies in War , they said , were always cautious of spilling the Bloud of a Lacedoemonian King , insomuch that in any Encounter they wou'd decline , and endeavour to avoid them , so great a Respect they bore to the Royal Majesty . I must needs say , 't is very remarkable , that in so many Battels fought betwixt the Lacedoemonians and the other Grecians , none but Cleombrotus was kill'd , being wounded with a Javelin , at the Battel of Leuctres , a little before the days of King Philip of Macedon . I am not ignorant , that the Messenians affirm , Theopompus was also slain by their Aristomenes ; but the Lacedoemonians deny it , and say , He was only wounded : Be it as it will , 't is certain at least that Agis was the first King put to death by the Epori , with a form and pretence of Justice , and only for having endeavour'd to reduce them to their original Institution , a Design well becoming the Courage of a noble Spartan . Thus Agis had the Fortune to be ill treated by his Enemies , and worse by his Friends ; for if he had reason to complain of Leonidas , whose Life he had sav'd , much more of Amphares , in whose Friendship he repos'd the highest Confidence : so unmercifully was he dealt with by others , who being himself of a most mild and generous Disposition , did deserve to be belov'd by all Mankind . THE LIFE OF CLEOMENES . Translated from the Greek , by Mr. Creech , Fellow of All-Souls Colledge in Oxford . THus fell Agis . His Brother Archidamus was too quick for Leonidas , and sav'd himself by a timely Retreat . But his Wife then newly brought to Bed , the Tyrant forc'd her from her own House , and compell'd her to marry his Son Cleomenes , though at that time too young for a Wife ; for he was unwilling that any one else should have her , she being Heiress to her Father Gylippus's great Estate ; for Person , the finest Woman in all Greece , very good-natur'd , of an exemplary Life , and therefore , they say , she did all she could , that she might not be compell'd to this Match . Being thus married to Cleomenes , she hated Leonidas , but to the Youth she show'd her self a kind and obliging Wife . He , as soon as they came together , began to love her very much , and the constant Kindness that she still retain'd for the memory of Agis , wrought somewhat of Concern in the young Man for him , so that he would often enquire of her concerning what had pass'd , and attentively listen to the Story of Agis's Designs . Now Cleomenes had a generous and great Soul ; he was as temperate and moderate in his Pleasures as Agis , but not so very cautious , circumspect and gentle : a spur of Passion always gall'd him , and his eargerness to pursue that which he thought good and just , was violent and heady : to make Men willing to obey , he conceiv'd to be the best Discipline ; but likewise to break the stubborn , and force them to be better , was in his opinion commendable and brave . This Disposition made him dislike the management of the City : the Citizens lay dissolv'd in supine Idleness and Pleasures ; the King minded nothing , designing , if no body gave him any disturbance , to wast his Time in Ease and Riot ; the Publick was neglected , and each Man intent upon his private Gain . 'T was dangerous , now Agis was kill'd , to mention the exercising and training of their Youth , and to set up for the ancient Bravery and Equality , was Treason against the State. 'T is said also that Cleomenes , whilst a Boy , studied Philosophy under Sphoerus the Borysthenite , who coming to Sparta , was very diligent in instructing the Youth . Spoerus was one of the chief of Zeno the Citiean's Scholars , and 't is likely that he admir'd the manly Temper of Cleomenes , and inflam'd his generous Ambition . The ancient Leonidas ( as Story saith ) being ask'd , What manner of Poet he thought Tyrtoeus ? reply'd , An excellent one to whet the Courages of Youth , for being fill'd with Fury by his Poems , they daringly ventur'd on any Danger : now the Stoicks Philosophy is a dangerous Incentive to hot and fiery Dispositions , but being mixt with a grave and cautious Temper , is very good to fix and settle the Resolutions . Upon the Death of his Father Leonidas , he succeeded , and observing the Citizens of all sorts to be debauch'd , the Rich neglecting the Publick , and intent on their own Gain and Pleasure , and the Poor being crampt in their private Fortunes , grown unactive , Cowards , and not inclinable to the Spartan Institution and way of Breeding , that he had only the Name of King , and the Ephori all the Power , was resolv'd to change the present posture of Affairs . He had a Friend whose Name was Xenares , his Lover ( such an Affection the Spartans express by the word , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ) him he sounded , and of him he would commonly enquire , What manner of King Agis was ; by what means , and by what Assistance he began and pursu'd his Designs . Xenares at first willingly comply'd with his Request , and told him the whole Story , with all the particular Circumstances of the Actions . But when he observ'd Cleomenes to be extreamly affected at the Relation , and more than ordinarily mov'd at Agis's new model of the Government , and begging a repetition of the Story , he at first severely chid him , told him , He was frantick , and at last left off all sort of Familiarity and Conversation with him , yet he never told any Man the cause of their Disagreement , but would only say , Cleomenes knew very well . Cleomenes finding Xenares averse to his Designs , and thinking all others to be of the same opinion , consulted with none , but contriv'd the whole Business by himself . And considering that it would be easier to bring about an Alteration when the City was at War , than when in Peace , he engag'd the Commonwealth in a Quarrel with the Achoeans , who had given them fair occasions to complain : for Aratus a Man of the greatest Power amongst all the Achoeans , design'd from the very beginning to bring all the Peloponnesians into one common Body . And to effect this , he undertook many Expeditions , and ran through a long course of Policy ; for he thought this the only means to make them an equal Match for their foreign Enemies ▪ All the rest agreed to his Proposals , only the Lacedoemonians , the Eleans , and as many of the Arcadians as inclin'd to the Spartan Interest , refus'd . Therefore as soon as Leonidas was dead , he fell upon the Arcadians , and wasted those especially that border'd on Achaia ; by this means designing to try the Inclinations of the Spartans , and despising Cleomenes as a Youth , and of no Experience in Affairs of State or War. Upon this the Ephori sent Cleomenes to surprise the Athenoeum , ( dedicated to Minerva ) near Belbina , which is a Pass of Laconia , and was then under the Jurisdiction of the Megalopolitans : Cleomenes possest himself of the place , and fortified it ; at which Action Aratus shew'd no publick Resentment , but marcht by night to surprise Tegea and Orchomenium . The Design fail'd ; for those that were to betray the Cities into his Hands , doubted the Success ; so Aratus retreated , imagining that his Design had been undiscovered : But Cleomenes wrot a jeering Letter to him , and desired to know as from a Friend , whither he intended to march at night ? And Aratus answering , That having understood his Design to fortifie Belbina , he resolv'd to march thither to oppose him . Cleomenes return'd , That he believed it , but desir'd him to give him an account , if it stood with his Convenience , why he carry'd those Torches and Ladders with him . Aratus laughing at the Jeer , and asking what manner of Youth this was ; Democrites a Spartan Exile , reply'd , If you have any Designs upon the Lacedaemonians , begin before this young Eagle's Talons are grown . Presently after this , Cleomenes being in Arcadia with a few Horse , and 300 Foot , the Ephori fearing to engage in the War , commanded him home ; but upon his Retreat , Aratus taking Caphuoe , they commission'd him again . In this Expedition he took Methudrium , and spoiled the Countrey of the Argives and the Achaians : to stop his Victory , and secure their Friends , sent 20000 Foot and 1000 Horse against him , under the Command of Aristomachus . Cleomenes fac'd them at Palantium , and offer'd Battle : But Aratus being dash'd at his Bravery , would not suffer the General to engage , but retreated , being curst by the Achoeans , and hooted at , and scorn'd by the Spartans , who were not above 5000 , for a Coward ▪ Cleomenes encouraged by this Success , began to vaunt among the Citizens a Sentence of one of their ancient Kings , who said , The Spartans seldom enquired how many their Enemies were , but where they were . After this , marching to the Assistance of the Eleans , upon whom the Achaians warr'd , and about Lycoeum falling upon the Enemy in their Retreat , he routed their whole Army , taking a great number of Captives , and leaving many dead upon the Place ; so that it was commonly reported amongst the Greeks that Aratus was slain . But Aratus making the best Advantage of the Opportunity , presently after the Defeat , march'd to Mantinoea , and before any body suspected it , took the City , and put a new Garrison into it . Upon this the Lacedoemonian ▪ s being quite discouraged , and opposing Cleomenes's Design of carrying on the War , he was eager to send for Archidamus , Agis's Brother from Mesena , for he of the other Family had a Right to the Kingdom ; and beside Cleomenes thought that the Power of the Ephori would be abated when the Kingly State was fill'd up , and equally poised between the two Families . But those that were concern'd in the Murder of Agis understanding the Design , and fearing that upon Archidamus's Return they should be call'd to an Account , receiv'd him coming privately into Town , waited on him , and presently after murder'd him ; but whether Cleomenes was against it ( as Phylarchus imagines ) or whether he was perswaded by his Friends , and winck'd at the Contrivance , is uncertain ; however , they were most blam'd , as having forc'd his Consent . But he still resolving to new-model the State brib'd the Ephori to make him General : and won the Affections of many others by means of his Mother Cratesicloea , who spared no Cost , and was very zealous to promote the same Interest ; and though of her self she had no Inclination to marry , yet for her Son's sake she wedded one of the chiefest Citizens for Wealth and Power . Cleomenes marching forth with the Army now under his Command , took Leuctra , a place belonging to Megalopolis ; and the Achoeans quickly facing him with a good body of Men commanded by Aratus , in a Battle under the vety Walls of the City , some part of his Army was routed . But Aratus commanding the Achoeans not to pass a deep Hollow , and stopping the Pursuit , Lydiadas the Megalopolitan fretting at the Orders , encouraging the Horse which he led , and pursuing the routed Enemy , fell into a place full of Vines , Hedges and Ditches , and being forc'd to break his Ranks , was put into a great Disorder . Cleomenes observing the Advantage , commanded the Tarentines and Cretans to engage him , by whom , after a brave Dispute he was routed and slain . The Lacedoemonians thus encouraged , with a great shout fell upon the Archoeans and routed their whole Army . Of the slain , which were very many , some Cleomenes delivered upon Articles , but the Body of Lydiadas he commanded to be brought to him and then putting on it a purple Robe , and a Crown upon its Head , sent a Convoy with it to the Gates of Megalopolis . This Lydiadas was the Man that resign'd his Crown , restor'd Liberty to the Citizens , and joyn'd the City to the Achoean Interest . Cleomenes being very much raised by this Success ; and perswaded , that if matters were wholly at his Disposal , he should quickly be too hard for the Achoeans . He taught Megistones his Mother's Husband , That 't was expedient for the State to shake off the Power of the Ephori , and to put all their Wealth into one common Stock for the whole Body ; That Sparta being restor'd to its old Equality , might be rais'd up to be Mistriss of all Greece . Megistones liked the Design , and engag'd two or three more of his Friends . About that time one of the Ephori sleeping in Phasiphae's Temple , dream'd a very surprizing Dream ; for he thought he saw the four Chairs removed out of the place where the Ephori used to sit and hear Causes , and one only set there ; and whilst he wondred he heard a Voice out of the Temple , saying , This is best for Sparta . The Person telling Cleomenes this Dream , he was a little troubled at first , fearing that he us'd this as a Trick to sift him , upon some Suspicion of his Design ; but when he was satisfied that the Relater spoke truth , he took heart again , and taking with him those whom he thought would be against his model , he took Eroea and Alcoea , two Cities of the Achoeans , furnish'd Orchomenium with Provisions , besieg'd Mantinoea ; and with long marches so harass'd the Lacedoemonians , that many of them desir'd to be left in Arcadia ; and he satisfy'd their Request . With the Mercenaries he march'd to Sparta , and by the way communicated his Design to those whom he thought fittest for his Purpose , and march'd slowly that he might catch the Ephori at Supper . When he was come near the City , he sent Eurycleidas to the Sussitium , the eating-place of the Ephori , under pretence of carrying some Message from him from the Army ; Threicion , Phoebis , and two of those which were bred with Cleomenes , which they call Samothracoe , follow'd with a few Souldiers : And whilst Eurycleidas was delivering his Message to the Ephori , they ran upon them with their drawn Swords , and slew them . Agesilaus as soon as he was run through , fell , and lay as dead ; but in a little time he rose , silently convey'd himself out of the Room , and crept undiscover'd into a little House , which was the Temple of Fear , and which always us'd to be shut , but was then by chance open ; being got in , he shut the Door , and lay close : the other four were kill'd , and above ten more that came to their Assistance ; to those that were quiet , they did no harm , stopt none that fled the City , and spar'd Agesilaus , who came out of the Temple the next day . The Lacedoemonians have not only Temples dedicated to Fear , but also to Death , Laughter , and the like Passions : now they worship Fear , not as they do those Deities which they dread , esteeming it hurtful , but thinking their Polity is chiefly kept up by Law ; and therefore the Ephori ( Aristotle is my Author ) when they enter upon their Government , make Proclamation to the People , That they should shave their Whiskers , and be obedient to the Laws , that they might not be forc'd to be severe , using this trivial Particular ( in my opinion ) to accustom their Youth to Obedience even in the smallest Matters . And the Ancients , I think , did not imagine Fortitude to be plain Fearlessness , but a cautious Fear of Infamy and Disgrace : for those that show most Fear towards the Laws , are most bold against their Enemies ; and those are least afraid of any Danger , who are most afraid of a just Reproach . Therefore he said well : A Reverence still attends on Fear . And Homer , Fear'd you shall be , dear Vncle , and rever'd , And again , In silence fearing those that bore the sway . For 't is very commonly seen , that Men reverence those whom they fear ; and therefore the Lacedoemonians plac'd the Temple of Fear by the Sussitium of the Ephori , having rais'd their Power to almost absolute Monarchy . The next day Cleomenes proscrib'd 80 of the Citizens , whom he thought necessary to banish , and remov'd all the Seats of the Ephori except one , in which he himself design'd to sit , and hear Causes ; and calling the Citizens together , he made an Apology for his Proceedings , saying , That by Lycurgus the Senate was joyn'd to the Kings , and that that model of Government had continued a long time , and needed no other sort of Magistrates to give it perfection . But afterward in the long War with the Messenians , when the Kings being to command the Army , had no time to attend civil Causes , they chose some of their Friends , and left them to determine the Suits of the Citizens in their stead . These were call'd Ephori , and at first behav'd themselves as Servants to the Kings , but afterward by degrees they appropriated the Power to themselves and erected a distinct sort of Magistracy . An evidence of the Truth of this may be taken from the usual Behaviour of the Kings , who upon the first and second Message of the Ephori , refuse to go , but upon the third readily attend them : And Asteropus , the first that rais'd the Ephori to that height of Power , liv'd a great many years after their Institution ; therefore whilst they modestly contain'd themselves within their own proper Sphere , 't was better to bear with them than to make a disturbance . But that an upstart introduc'd Power should so far destroy the old model of Government , as to banish some Kings , murder others without hearing their defence , and threaten those who desir'd to see the best and most divine Constitution restor'd in Sparta , was unsufferable . Therefore if it had been possible for him without Bloodshed , to have freed Lacedaemon from those foreign Plagues , Luxury , Vanity , Debts and Usury ; and from those more ancient Evils , Poverty and Riches , he should have thought himself the happiest King in the World , having like an expert Physician cur'd ▪ the Diseases of his Countrey without pain . But now in this necessity Lycurgus's Example favour'd his Proceedings , who being neither King , nor Magistrate , but a private Man , and aiming at the Kingdom , came arm'd into the Market-place , and for fear of the King , Carileus fled to the Altar : but he being a good Man , and a lover of his Countrey , readily consented to Lycurgus's Project , and admitted an Alteration in the State. Thus by his own Actions Lycurgus show'd , That it was difficult to correct the Government without Force and Fear , in using which , he said , he would be so moderate , as never to desire their Assistance , but either to terrifie or ruine the Enemies of Sparta's Happiness and Safety . He commanded that all the Land should be left in common , and private Claims laid aside : That Debtors should be discharged of their Debts , and a strict search made , who were Foreigners , and who not : That the true Spartans , recovering their Courage , might defend the City by their Arms , and that we may no longer see Laconia , for want of a sufficient number to secure it , wasted by the Aetolians and Illyrians . Then he himself first , with his Father-in-law Megistones and his Friends , brought all their Wealth into one publick Stock , and all the other Citizens follow'd the example : the Land was divided , and every one that he had banish'd , had a share assign'd him ; for he promis'd to restore all , as soon as things were settled and in quiet ; and compleating the common number of Citizens , out of the best and most agreeable of the neighbouring Inhabitants , he rais'd a Body of 4000 Men , and instead of a Spear , taught them to use a Sarissa , ( a long Pike ) with both hands , and to carry their Shields by a String fastned round their Arms , and not by a Handle , as before . After this he began to consult about the exercising and breeding of the Youth , ( many Particulars of which , Sphoerus being then at Sparta , directed ) and in a short time the Schools of Exercise , and their Syssitia , ( common eating Places ) recover'd their ancient Decency and Order , a few out of necessity , but the most voluntarily applying themselves to that generous and Laconick way of Living : besides , that the Name of Monarch might give them no jealousie , he made Eucleidas , his Brother , Partner in the Throne ; and that was the only time that Sparta had two Kings of the same Family . Then understanding that the Achoeans and Aratus imagin'd that this Change had disturb'd and shaken his Affairs , and that he would not venture out of Sparta , and leave the City now unsettled by so great an Alteration , he thought it great and serviceable to his Designs , to convince his Enemies that he was eagerly desirous of a War : And therefore making an Incursion into the Territories of Megalopolis , he wasted the Countrey very much , and got a considerable Booty . And at last taking those that us'd to act in the publick Solemnities travelling from Messena , and building a Theater in the Enemies Countrey , and setting a Prize of 40 l. value , he sate Spectator a whole day ; not that he either desir'd or needed such a Divertisement , but as it were insulting o'er his Enemies , and that by thus manifestly despising them , he might show that he had more than conquer'd the Achaeans : for that alone of all the Greek or Kings Armies had no Stage-players , no Jugglers , no dancing or singing Women attending it , but was free from all sorts of Loosness , Wantonness and Foppery ; the young Men being for the most part upon Duty , and the old Men teaching them at leisure-time to apply themselves to their usual Drollery , and to rally one another facetiously after the Laconick fashion ; the Advantages of which I have discover'd in the Life of Lycurgus . He himself instructed all by his Example : he was a living Pattern of Temperance before every bodies eyes , and his course of Living was neither more stately nor more expensive than any of the Commons . And this was a considerable Advantage to him in his Designs on Greece ; for Men when they waited upon other Kings , did not so much admire their Wealth , costly Furniture , and numerous Attendance , as they hated their Pride and State , their difficulty of Access , and scornful commanding Answers to their Petitions . But when they came to Cleomenes , who was both really a King , and bore that Title , and saw no Purple , no Robes of State upon him , no Chairs and Couches about him for his ease , and that he did not receive Petitions , and return Answers after a long delay , by a number of Messengers , Waiters , or by Bills , but that he rose and came forward to meet those that came to wait upon him , staid , talk'd freely and graciously with all that had Business , they were extreamly taken , won to his Service , and profess'd that he alone was the true Son of Hercules . His common every days Meal was in a mean Room , very sparing , and after the Laconick manner ; and when he entertain'd Ambassadors or Strangers , two more Beds were added , and a little better Dinner provided by his Servants ; but no Fricacies , no Dainties , only the dishes were larger , and the Wine more plentiful ; for he reprov'd one of his Friends for entertaining some Strangers with nothing but Pulse and black Broth , such Diet as they usually had in their Phiditia , saying , That upon such occasions , and when they treat Strangers , 't was not requisite to be too exact Laconians . After Supper , a Stand was brought in with a brass Vessel full of Wine , two silver Pots , which held almost a Quart apiece , a few silver Cups , of which he that pleas'd might drink , but no Liquor was forc'd on any of the Guests . There was no Musick , nor was any requir'd ; for he entertain'd the Company , sometimes asking Questions , sometimes telling Stories : And his Discourse was neither too grave , and unpleasantly serious , nor vain and abusive , but merrily facetious ; for he thought those ways of catching Men by Gifts and Presents , which other Kings use , to be mean and inartificial ; and it seem'd to him to be the most glorious method , and most suitable to a King to win the Affections of those that came near him , by pleasant Discourse , and unaffected Conversation : for a Friend and Mercenary differ only in this , that the one is made by Conversation and agreeableness of Humour , and the other by Reward . The Mantinoeans were the first that oblig'd him ; for getting by night into the City , and driving out the Achoean Garrison , they put themselves under his Protection : he restor'd them their Polity and Laws , and the same day march'd to Tegea ; and a little while after fetching a Compass through Arcadia , he made a Descent upon Pheroe in Achaia , intending to force Aratus to a Battle , or bring him into Disrepute , for refusing to engage , and suffering him to waste the Countrey : Hyperbatus at that time commanded the Army , but Aratus had all the Power amongst the Achoeans . The Achoeans marching forth with their whole Strength , and incamping in Dumoeoe , about Hecatomboeum , Cleomenes came up , and thinking it not advisable to pitch between Dumoeoe , a City of the Enemies , and the Camp of the Achoeans , he boldly dar'd the Achoeans , and forc'd them to a Battle , and routing the Phalanx , slew a great many in the Fight , and took many Prisoners ; thence marching to Lagon , and driving out the Achoean Garrison , he restor'd the City to the Eloeans . The Affairs of the Achoeans being in this desperate condition , Aratus , who was wont to continue in his Government above a year , refus'd the Command , though they entreated and urg'd him to accept it ; and this was ill done , when the Storm was high , to put the Power out of his own hands , and set another to the Helm . Cleomenes at first propos'd fair and easie Conditions by his Ambassadors to the Achoeans ; but afterward he sent others , and requir'd the chief Command to be settled upon him ; and in other Matters he promis'd to agree to reasonable terms , and to restore their Captives and their Countrey . The Achoeans were willing to come to an Agreement upon those terms , and invited Cleomenes to Lerna , where an Assembly was to be held ; but it hapned that Cleomenes hastily marching on , and unreasonably drinking Water , brought up abundance of Blood , and lost his Voice : therefore being unable to continue his March , he sent the chiefest of the Captives to the Achoeans , and putting off the Meeting for some time , retir'd to Lacedoemon . This ruin'd the Affairs of Greece , which was just then ready to recover it self out of its Disasters , and avoid the insulting and Covetousness of the Macedonians : for Aratus , whether fearing or distrusting Cleomenes , or envying his unlook'd-for Success , or thinking it a disgrace for him who had commanded 33 years , to have a young Man succeed to all his Glory and his Power , and be Head of that Government which he had been raising and settling so many years ; he first endeavour'd to keep the Achoeans from closing with Cleomenes ; but when they would not hearken to him , fearing Cleomenes ▪ s daring Spirit and thinking the Lacedoemonian's Proposals to be very reasonable , who design'd only to reduce Peloponnesus to its old Model , he took his last Refuge , in an Action which was unbecoming any of the Greeks , most dishonourable to him , and most unworthy his former Bravery and Exploits : for he call'd Antigonus into Greece , and fill'd Peloponnesus with Macedonians , whom he himself , when a Youth , having beaten their Garrison out of the Castle of Corinth , had driven from the same Countrey ; beside , he declar'd himself an Enemy to all Kings , and hath left many dishonourable Stories of this same Antigonus , in those Commentaries which he wrote . Aud though he declares , that he suffer'd considerable Losses , and underwent great Dangers , that he might free Athens from the Power of the Macedonians , yet afterward he brought the very same Men arm'd into his own Countrey , and his own House , even to the Womens Apartment . He would not endure , that one of the Family of Hercules , and King of Sparta , and one that had reform'd the Polity of his Countrey , as it were a disorder'd Harmony , and tun'd it to the plain Dorick measure of Lycurgus , to be styl'd , Head of the Triccoeans and Sicyonians ; and whilst he fled the Pulse and short Coat , and , which were his chief Accusations against Cleomenes , the extirpation of Wealth , and reformation of Poverty , he basely subjected himself , together with Achoea , to the Diadem and Purple , to the imperious Commands of the Macedonians , and their Satrapoe . That he might not seem to be under Cleomenes , he sacrific'd the Antigoneia , ( Sacrifices in Honour of Antigonus ) and sung Poeans himself with a Garland on his Head , to the Honour of a rotten , consumptive Macedonian . I write this not out of any Design to disgrace Aratus ( for in many things he shew'd himself vigorous for the Grecian Interest , and a great Man ) but out of pity to the weakness of Humane Nature , which , in such a Person so excellent , and so many ways dispos'd to Vertue , cannot attain to a State irreprehensible . The Achoeans meeting again at Argos , and Cleomenes descending from Tegea , there were great hopes that all Differences would be compos'd . But Aratus , Antigonus , and He having already agreed upon the chief Articles of their League , fearing that Cleomenes would carry all before him , and either win , or force the Multitude to comply with his Demands , propos'd , that having three hundred Hostages put into his Hands , he should come alone into the Town , or bring his Army to the place of Exercise , call'd Cillarabion , without the City , and treat there . Cleomenes hearing this , said , That he was unjustly dealt with ; for they ought to have told him so plainly at first , and not now he was come even to their Doors , show their Jealousie , and deny him Admission : And writing an Epistle to the Achoeans about the same Subject ; the greatest part of which was an Accusation of Aratus ; and Aratus , on the other side , ripping up his Faults to the Assembly , he hastily dislodg'd ; and sent a Trumpeter to denounce War against the Achoeans , but not to Argos , but to Aegium , as Aratus delivers , that he might not give them notice enough to make Provision for their Defence . Upon this , the Achoeans were mightily disturb'd , the common People expecting a Division of the Land , and a Release from their Debts ; and the chief Men being on many Accounts displeas'd with Aratus , and some angry and at odds with him , as the Occasion of the Macedonians descent on Peloponnesus . Encouraged by these Misunderstandings , Cleomenes invades Achoea ; and first took Pellene by surprise , and beat out the Achoean Garrison ; and afterward brought over Pheneon and Penteloeon to his side . Now the Achoeans suspecting some treacherous Designs at Corinth and Sicyon , sent their Horse and Mercenaries out of Argos to have an Eye upon those Cities , and they themselves went to Argos to celebrate the Nemean Games . Cleomenes advertis'd of this march , and hoping ( as it afterward fell out ) that upon an unexpected Advance to the City now busied in the Solemnity of the Games , and throng'd with numerous Spectators , he should raise a considerable Terror and Confusion amongst them ; by night he march'd with his Army to the Walls , and taking the quarter of the Town call'd Aspis , which lies above the Theater , a place well fortify'd , and hard to be approach'd , he so terrify'd them , that none offer'd to resist , but agreed to accept a Garrison , to give twenty Citizens for Hostages , and to assist the Lacedoemonians , and that he should have the chief Command . This Action considerably encreas'd his Reputation , and his Power ; for the ancient Spartan Kings , though they many ways endeavour'd to effect it , could never bring Argos to be stedfastly and sincerely theirs . And Pyrrhus a most experienc'd Captain , and brave Souldier , though he enter'd the City by force , could not keep Possession , but was slain himself with a considerable part of his Army : Therefore they admir'd the Dispatch and Contrivance of Cleomenes ; and those that before derided him for saying that he imitated Solon and Lycurgus in releasing the People from their Debts , and in equally dividing the Wealth of the Citizens , were now perswaded that he was the cause of the desirable Alterations in the Spartan Common-wealth : For before they were very low in the World , and so unable to secure their own , that the Aetolians invading Laconia , brought away fifty thousand Slaves ; ( so that one of the elder Spartans is reported to have said , That they had done Laconia a kindness by unburdening it ) and yet a little while after applying themselves to their own Customs , and ancient Institution , they gave notable Instances of Courage and Obedience , as if they had been under the Eye of Lycurgus himself ; and quickly rais'd Sparta to be Head of all Greece , and recover'd Peloponnesus to themselves . Whilst Argos was taken , and Cleonoe and Phlius sided with Cleomenes , Aratus was at Corinth searching after some , who were reported to favour the Spartan Interest . The News being brought to him , disturb'd him very much ; for he perceiv'd the City inclining to Cleomenes , and the Achoeans willing to be at ease ; therefore he call'd all the Citizens into the common Hall , and , as it were , undesignedly retreating to the Gate , he mounted his Horse that stood ready there , and fled to Sicyon ; and the Corinthians made such hast to Cleomenes at Argos , that ( as Aratus says ) striving who should be first there , they spoil'd all their Horses : And Cleomenes was very angry with the Corinthians for letting Aratus escape : And Megistones came from Cleomenes to him , desiring him to diliver up the Castle of Corinth , which was then garrison'd by the Achoeans , and offer'd him a considerable Sum of Money ; and that he answered , That Matters were not now in his Power , but he in theirs . Thus Aratus himself writes . But Cleomenes marching from Argos , and taking in the Troezenians , Epidaurians , and Hermioneans , came to Corinth , and block'd up the Castle which the Achoeans would not surrender ; and sending for Aratus's Friends and Stewards , committed his House and Estate to their Care and Management ; and sent Tritimallus the Messenian to him a second time , desiring that the Castle might be equally garrison'd by the Spartans and Achoeans , and promising to Aratus himself double the Pension that he receiv'd from King Ptolemy : But Aratus refusing the Conditions , and sending his own Son with other Hostages to Antigonus , and perswading the Achoeans to make a Decree for delivering the Castle into Antigonus's Hands , Cleomenes invaded the Territory of the Sicyonians , and by a Decree of the Corinthians , seiz'd on all Aratus's Estate . In the mean time Antigonus , with a great Army , pass'd Gerania , and Cleomenes thinking it more advisable to fortifie and garrison , not the Isthmus , but the Mountains called Onia , and by a long Siege and Skirmishes to weary the Macedonians , than to venture a set Battle , put his Design in Execution , which very much distress'd Antigonus ; for he had not brought Victuals sufficient for his Army ; nor was it easie to force a way through whilst Cleomenes guarded the Pass . He attempted by night to pass through Lechoeum , but fail'd , and lost some Men ; so that Cleomenes and his Army , were mightily encouraged , and so flusht with the Victory , that they went merrily to Supper ; and Antigonus was very much dejected , being reduc'd to those miserable straits . At last he design'd to march to the Promontory Heroeum , and thence transport his Army in Boats to Sicyon , which would take up a great deal of time , and be very chargeable . The same time about Evening some of Aratus's Friends came from Argos by Sea , and invited him to return , for the Argives would revolt from Cleomenes . Aristotle was the Man that wrought the Revolt ; and he had no hard task to perswade the common People ; for they were all angry with Cleomenes for not releasing them from theirs Debts as they expected . Upon this Advertisement Aratus with fifteen hundred of Antigonus's Souldiers sail'd to Epidaurus ; but Aristotle not staying for his coming , drew out the Citizens , and fought against the Garrison of the Castle , and Timoxenus with the Achoeans from Sicyon , came to his Assistance . Cleomenes heard the News about the second Watch of the Night , and sending for Megistones angrily commanded him to go and set things right at Argos . This Megistones was the Man who pass'd his word for the Argives Loyalty , and perswaded him not to banish the suspected . This Megistones he dispatch'd with two thousand Souldiers , and observ'd Antigonus himself , and encouraged the Corinthians , pretending that there was no great matter in the Stirs at Argos , but only a little Disturbance rais'd by a few inconsiderable Persons . But when Megistones , entring Argos , was slain , and the Garrison could scarce hold out , and frequent Messengers came to Cleomenes for Succours , he fearing lest the Enemy having taken Argos , should shut up the Passes , and securely waste Laconia , and besiege Sparta it self , which he had left without Forces ; he dislodg'd from Corinth , and presently lost that City ; for Antigonus entred it , and garrison'd the Town . He turn'd aside from his direct March , and assaulting the Wall of Argos , endeavour'd to break in ; and having clear'd a way under the quarter called Aspis , he joyn'd the Garrison which still held out against the Achoeans ; some parts of the City he scal'd , and took , and his Cretan Archers clear'd the Streets . But when he saw Antigonus with his Phalanx descending from the Mountains into the Plain , and the Horse on all sides entring the City , he thought it impossible to maintain his Post , and therefore with all his Men made a safe Retreat behind the Wall. Having in a short time rais'd himself to a considerable height , and in one March made himself Master of almost all Peloponnesus , and lost all again in as short a time : For some of his Allies presently forsook him , and others not long after put themselves under Antigonus's Protection . His Army thus defeated , as he was leading back the Relicks of his Forces , some from Lacedoemon met him in the Evening at Tegea , and brought him News of as great a Misfortune as that which he had lately suffer'd , and that was the Death of his Wife , whom he doted on so much , that when he was most prosperous , he would ever now and then make a step to Sparta , to visit his beloved Aegiatis . This News afflicted him extreamly , and he griev'd , as a young Man would do for the loss of a very beautifull and excellent Wife ; yet his passion did not debase the greatness of his Mind , but keeping his usual Voice , his Countenance and his Habit , he gave necessary Orders to his Captains , and took care to secure the Tegeans . The next day he retir'd to Sparta , and having at home with his Mother and Children bewail'd the loss , and finish'd his Mourning , he presently appear'd about the publick Affairs of the State. Now Ptolemy , the King of Aegypt , promis'd him Assistance , but demanded his Mother and Children for Hostages : this for some considerable time he was asham'd to discover to his Mother ; and though he often went to her on purpose , and was just upon the Discourse , yet still refrain'd , and kept it to himself ? so that she began to suspect somewhat , and ask'd his Friends , Whether Cleomenes had somewhat to say to her , which he was afraid to speak ! At last Cleomenes venturing to tell her , she laugh'd heartily , and said , Was this the thing that you had often a mind to tell me ; and was afraid ? Why do not you put me on ship board , and send this Carkase where it may be most servicable to Sparta , before Age wastes it unprofitably here ? Therefore all things being provided for the Voyage , thy went to Toenarus on Foot , and the Army waited on them . Cratesicloea , when she was ready to go on Board , took Cleomenes aside into Neptune's Temple , and embracing him who was very much dejected , and extreamly discompos'd , she said thus , Go to King of Sparta ; when we are without door , let none see us weep , or show any Passion below the Honour and Dignity of Sparta ; for that alone is in our own power ; as for Success or Disappointments , those wait on us as the Deity decrees . Having said thus , and compos'd her Countenance , she went to the Ship with her little Grandson , and bad the Pilot put presently out to Sea. When she came to Aegypt , and understood that Ptolemy entertain'd Proposals and Overtures of Peace from Antigonus , and that Cleomenes , though the Achoeans invited and urg'd him to an Agreement , was afraid , for her sake , to come to any , without Ptolemy's consent , she wrote to him , advising him to do that which was most becoming and most profitable for Sparta , and not for the sake of an old Woman and a little Child , always stand in fear of Ptolemy : this Character she maintain'd in her Misfortunes . Antigonus having taken Tegea , and plunder'd Orchomenum and Mantinoea , Cleomenes was shut up within the narrow Bounds of Laconia , and made such of the Heilots as could pay five Attick pounds , free of Sparta , and by that means got together 500 Talents ; and arming 2000 after the Macedonian fashion , that he might make a Body fit to oppose Antigonus's Leucaspidoe ( white-Shields ) he undertook a very considerable and very surprising Enterprize . Megalopolis was at that time a City of it self , as big and as powerful as Sparta , and had the Forces of the Achoeans and Antigonus incamping on its sides ; and it was chiefly the Megalopolitans doing , that Antigonus was call'd in to assist the Achoeans . Cleomenes having a design upon this City , ( no Action was ever more sudden and more unexpected ) order'd his Men to take five days Provision , and so march'd to Sellasia , as if he intended to spoil the Countrey of the Argives : but from thence making a descent into the Territories of Megalopolis , and refreshing his Army about Rhoetium , he march'd through Helicon , directly to the City . When he was not far off the Town , he sent Panteus with two Regiments to surprize the Mesopyrgion , ( the Quarter between the two Towers ) which he understood to be the most unguarded Quarter of the Megalopolitans Fortifications ; and with the rest of his Forces he follow'd leisurely . Panteus , not only surpriz'd that Place , but finding a great part of the Wall without Guards , he pull'd down some places , and demolish'd others , and kill'd all the Defenders that he found . Whilst he was thus busied , Cleomenes came up to him , and was got with his Army within the City , before the Megalopolitans knew of the Surprize : At last , as soon as it was discover'd , some left the Town immediately , taking with them what Money they had ready ; some arm'd , and engag'd the Enemy ; and though they were not able to beat them out , yet they gave their Citizens time and opportunity safely to retire : so that there were not above 1000 Persons left in the Town , all the rest flying with their Wives and Children , and escaping to Messena . A great number of those that arm'd and fought the Enemy , were sav'd , and very few taken , amongst whom were Lysandridas and Thearidas , two Men of great Power and Reputation amongst the Megalopolitans ; and therefore the Souldiers , as soon as they were taken , brought them to Cleomenes : And Lysandridas , as soon as he saw Cleomenes afar off , cry'd out , Now , King of Sparta , 't is in your power , by doing a most Kingly and braver Action than you have already perform'd , to purchase a considerable Glory . And Cleomenes guessing at his meaning , reply'd , What do you say , Lysandridas , sure you will not advise me to restore your City to you again ? 'T is that which I mean , Lysandridas reply'd , and I advise you not to ruine so brave a City , but to fill it with faithful and stedfast Friends and Allies , by restoring their Countrey to the Megalopolitans , and being the Saviour of so considerable a People . Cleomenes paus'd a while , and then said , 'T is very hard to trust so far in these Matters ; but with us let Profit always yield to Glory . Having said this , he sent the two Men to Messena with a Trumpeter from himself , offering the Megalopolitans their City again , if they would forsake the Achoean Interest , and be on his side . Though Cleomenes made these kind and obliging Proposals , yet Philopoemen would not suffer them to break their League with the Achoeans ; and accusing Cleomenes to the People , as if his design was not to restore the City , but to take the Citizens too , he forc'd Thearidas and Lysandridas to leave Messena . This was that Philopoemen who was afterward Chief of the Achoeans , and a Man of the greatest Reputation amongst the Greeks , as I have made it appear in his own Life . This News coming to Cleomenes , though he had before taken such strict care that the City should not be plunder'd , yet then being in a Fury , and put out of all patience , he rifled them of all their Coin , Plate and Jewels , and sent their Statues and Pictures unto Sparta ; and demollishing a great part of the City , he march'd away , for fear of Antigonus and the Achoeans : but they never stirr'd , for they were in Aegium , at a Council of War. There Aratus mountted the Desk , wept along while , and held his Mantle before his Face ; and at last the Company being amaz'd , and commanding him , to speak , he said , Megalopolis is ruin ▪ d by Cleomenes . The Assembly was presently dissolv'd , the Achoeans being extreamly surpriz'd at the suddenness and greatness of the loss ; and Antigonus intending to send speedy Succours , when he found his Army to gather very slowly out of their Winter-quarters , he sent them Orders to continue there still ; and he himself march'd to Argos with a considerable Body of Men. The second enterprize of Cleomenes seem'd to be carry'd on by extream Boldness and unaccountable Madness ; but yet in Polybius's opinion , was done upon mature Deliberation and exact Fore-sight : for knowing very well that the Macedonians were dispers'd into their Winter-quarters , and that Antigonus with his Friends and a few Mercenaries about him winter'd in Argos ; upon these Considerations he invaded the Countrey of the Argives , hoping to shame Antigonus to a Battle upon unequal terms ; or else if he did not dare to Fight , to bring him into Disrepute with the Achoeans . And this accordingly hapned ; for Cleomenes wasting , plundring and spoyling the whole Countrey , the Argives vex'd at the loss , ran in Troops to the Palace of the King , and clamour'd that he should either fight , or surrender his Command to better and braver Men. But Antigonus , as became an experienc'd Captain , accounting it dishonourable , foolishly to hazzard his Army , and quit his Security , and not so to be abus'd and rail'd at by the Rabble , would not march out against Cleomenes , but stood fix'd to the Designs which he had laid : Cleomenes in the mean time brought his Army up to the very Walls , and having uncontroul'dly spoil'd the Countrey , and insulted o'er his Enemies , drew off again . A little while after being advertis'd that Antigonus design'd for Tegea , and thence to make an Incursion into Laconia , he hastily march'd with his Army another way , and appear'd early in the morning before Argos , and wasted the Fields about it : the Corn he did not cut down with Reaping hooks and Sythes , as Men usually do , but beat it down with great Staves made like Scymetars , as if with a great deal of Contempt and wanton Scorn he spoyl'd the Fields , and wasted the Countrey in his March ; yet when his Souldiers would have set Cyllabaris , the School of Exercise , on fire , he hindred the Attempt , reflecting upon serious consideration , that the Outrages committed at Megalopolis , were the effects of his Passion rather than his Wisdom . He pretended to make such little account of , and so much to despise Antigonus , who first retir'd to Argos , and afterwards plac'd Garrisons on all the Mountains round about , that he sent a Trumpeter to desire the Keys of the Heroeum , ( Juno's Temple ) that he might sacrifice to the Goddess . Thus with a Scoff and bitter Reflection on Antigonus , and having sacrific'd to the Goddess , under the Walls of the Temple , which was shut , he march'd to Phlius ; and from thence driving out those that garrison'd Hologountum , he march'd down to Orchomenum . And these Enterprizes not only encouraged the Citizens , but made him appear , to the very Enemies to be an experienc'd Captain and very worthy of Command : for with the Strength of one City , not only to fight the Power of the Macedonians , and all the Peloponnesians ; not only to preserve Laconia from being spoyl'd , but to waste the Enemies Countrey , and to take so many and such considerable Cities , is an Argument of no common Bravery . He that first said , That Money was the sinews of Affairs , seem'd chiefly in that saying to respect War : And Demades , when the Athenians had voted that a Navy should be made ready , but had no Money , said , They should make Bread before they thought of Sayling . And the old Archidamus , in the beginning of the Peloponnesian War , when the Allies desir'd , that each Parties share of Contributions for the War should be determin'd , is reported to have said , War cannot be kept to a set Diet : For as well-breath'd Wrestlers do in time weary and tire out the most active and most skilful Combatant ; so Antigonus coming to the War with a great stock of Wealth , weary'd out Cleomenes , whose Poverty made it difficult for him either to provide Pay for the Mercenaries , or Provisions for the Citizens . For in all other Respects the time favour'd Cleomenes ; for Antigonus's Affairs at home began to be disturb'd : for the Barbarians wasted and over-ran Macedonia whilst he was absent ; and at that time a vast Army of the Illyrians came down : to be freed from whose Outrages , the Macedonians sent for Antigonus , and the Letters had almost been brought to him before the Battel was fought ; upon the receipt of which he presently dislodg'd , and left the Achoeans Affairs to themselves . But Fortune , that loves to determine the greatest Affairs by a Minute , in this Conjuncture show'd such an exact niceness of Time , that immediately after the Battel in Sellasia was over , and Cleomenes had lost his Army and his City , the Messengers reach'd Antigonus . And this made Cleomenes's Misfortune more to be pitied ; for if he had forborn fighting two days longer , there had been no need of hazarding a Battel , since upon the departure of the Macedonians , he might have had what Conditions he pleas'd from the Achoeans ▪ But now ( as I hinted before ) for want of Money , being necessitated to rely wholly on his Arms , he was forc'd with 20000 ( this is Polybius's Account ) to engage thirty thousand ; and approving himself an excellent Commander in this Difficulty , his Citizens showing an extraordinary Courage , and his Mercenaries Bravery enough ; he was overborn by the different way of fighting , and the weight of the Arm'd Phalanx . Besides , Phylarchus affirms , that the Treachery of some about him was the chief Cause of Cleomenes's Ruine . For Antigonus gave Orders , that the Illyrians and Acharnanians should march round by a secret way , and encompass the other Wing which Eucleidas , Cleomenes's Brother , commanded ; and then drew out the rest of his Forces to the Battel . And Cleomenes , from a convenient rising , viewing his Order , and not seeing any of the Illyrians and Acharnanians , began to suspect that Antigonus had sent them upon some such Design ; and calling for Damoteles , who was to inspect , and to provide against Ambushes , commanded him carefully to look after , and discover the Enemies Designs upon his Rear . But Damoteles ( for some say Antigonus had brib'd him ) telling him , that he should not be sollicitous about that matter , for all was well enough , but mind , and fight those that met him in the front . He was satisfied , and advanc'd against Antigonus ; and by the Vigorous Charge of his Spartans , made the Macedonian Phalanx give ground , and press'd upon them with great Advantage about half a mile ; but then making a stand , and seeing the danger which the surrounded Wing commanded by his Brother Eucleidas , was in , he cry'd out , Thou art lost , dear Brother , thou art lost , thou brave Example to our Spartan Youth , and Theme of our Matron's Songs . Eucleidas's Wing being thus cut in Peices , and the Conquerors from that part falling upon his Battel , he perceiv'd his Souldiers to be disorder'd , and unable to maintain the Fight , and therefore provided for his own safety . When he came into the City , he advised those Citizens that he met , to receive Antigonus ; and as for himself , he said , which should appear most advantageous to Sparta , whether his Life or Death , that he would chuse . Seeing the Women running out to those that fled with him , taking their Arms , and bringing Drink to them , he entred into his own House , and his Servant , which was a free-born Woman , taken from Megalopolis after his Wife's Death , offering , as she us'd to do , to make necessary Provision for him returning from the Battel ; though he was very thirsty , he refus'd to drink , and though very weary , to sit down ; but arm'd as he was , he clapt his Arm side-way to a Pillar , and leaning his Forehead upon his Elbow , he rested his Body a little while , and ran over in his Thoughts what course he should take , and then with his Friends went presently to Gythium ; where finding Ships fitted for the Purpose , they embark'd . Antigonus taking the City , treated the Lacedoemonians courteously , and neither affronting , nor ruining the Dignity of Sparta , but permitting them to enjoy their own Laws and Polity , and sacrificing to the Gods , dislodg'd the third day : for he heard that there was a great War kindled in Macedonia , and that the Country was spoyl'd by the Barbarians ; besides , he grew sick of a Consumption and continual Defluxion on the Lungs , yet he still kept up that he might return and free his own Country , and fall more gloriously upon an heap of slaughter'd Barbarians . As Phylarchus says , and 't is probable , he broke a Vein by shouting in the Battel . In the Plays 't was said , that after the Victory he cry'd out for Joy , O fine Day ! and presently bringing up abundance of Blood , fell into a Fever , and dy'd in a short time . And thus much concerning Antigonus . Cleomenes sailing from Cytheroe , touch'd at another Island call'd Aegyalia , whence as he was about to depart for Cyrene , one of his Friends , Therycion by Name , a Man of an haughty Spirit in all Enterprises , and high and boasting in his talk , came privately to him , and said thus ; Sir , Death in Battel , which is the most glorious , we have let go ; though all heard us say that Antigonus should never tread over the King of Sparta ▪ unless dead ; and now that which is next in Bravery and Glory , is presented to us . Whither do we madly sail , flying that which is near , and seeking that which is far removed ? For if it is not dishonourable for the Race of Hercules to serve the Successors of Philip and Alexander , we shall save a long Voyage by delivering our selves up to Antigonus , who , probably , surpasseth Ptolomy as much as the Macedonians do the Aegyptians ; but if we think it mean to submit to those whose Arms have conquer'd us , why should we chuse him for our Lord by whom we have not yet been beaten ? Is it that instead of one , we might appear meaner than two , whilst we fly Antigonus , and flatter Ptolomy ? Or , is it for your Mother's sake that you retreat to Aegypt ? It will indeed be a very fine , and very desirable sight for her to be shown her Son by Ptolomy's Women , now chang'd from a Prince into an exile and a Slave . Are we not still Masters of our own Swords ? And whilst we have Laconia in view , shall we not here free our selves from this disgracefull Misery , and clear our selves to those , who at Sellasia dy'd for the Honour and Defence of Sparta ? Or , shall we sit lazily in Aegypt enquiring what News from Sparta ? and whom Antigonus hath been pleas'd to make Governour of Lacedaemon ? Thus spoke Therycion ; and this was Cleomenes's Reply ; By seeking Death , you Coward , the most easie , and most ready Refuge , you fansie that you shall appear courageous and brave , though this Flight is baser than thy former . Better Men than we have given way to their Enemies , having been betray'd by Fortune , or oppress'd by Multitude ; but he that sinks under Labour or Afflictions , the Opinions or Reproaches of Men , is overcome by his own Effeminacy and Softness : For a voluntary Death ought not to be chosen as a Relief from Action , but as an Exemplary Action it self , and 't is base either to live or to die only to our selves . That death to which you now invite us , is propos'd only as a release from our present Miseries , but carries nothing of Bravery or Profit in it . And I think it becomes both me and you not to despair of our Country ; but when there are no hopes of that left , those that have an Inclination may quickly die . To this Therycion return'd no Answer ; but as soon as he could get out of Cleomenes's Company , went toward the Shore , and ran himself through . But Cleomenes sailed from Aegialia , landed in Libya , and being honourably conducted through the King's Country , came to Alexandria . When he was first brought to Ptolomy , no more than common Civilities , and usual Ceremonies were paid him ; but when ; upon tryal , he found him a Man of deep Sense , and great Reason , and that his plain Laconick way of Conversation carried a free Pleasantness with it , that he did nothing unbecoming the greatness of his Birth , nor bent under Fortune , and appear'd a more faithful Councellor , than those who made it their business to please and flatter ; he was asham'd , and repented that he had neglected so great a Man , and suffer'd Antigonus to get so much Power and Reputation by ruining him . Therefore he heap'd up Honours and Kindnesses on Cleomenes , and gave him Hopes that he would furnish him with an Army and a Navy to recover Greece , and re-instate him in is Throne . Besides , he allow'd him a yearly Pension of four and twenty Talents ; a little part of which Sum supply'd his and his Friends thrifty Temperance ; and the rest was imploy'd in doing good Offices to , and in relieving the Necessities of those that fled Greece , and retir'd into Aegypt . But the elder Ptolomy dying before Cleomenes's Affairs had receiv'd a full Dispatch , and the Successor being a loose , voluptuous and effeminate Prince , under the power of his Pleasures and his Women , his Business was neglected : for the King was so besotted with his Women and his Wine , that Balls , Musick and Dancing , were the only Employments of his most busie and serious hours , and the greatest Affairs of State were managed by Agathoclea the King's Mistress , her Mother , and the Pimp Oinanthes . Therefore at the first they seem'd to stand in need of Cleomenes ; for Ptolomy being afraid of his Brother Magas , who by his Mother's means had a great Interest amongst the Souldiers , took Cleomenes into his Cabinet-Council , and acquainted him with the Design of taking off his Brother . He , though all were for it , declar'd his opinion to the contrary , saying The King , if it were possible , should have more Brothers for the better security and management of his Affairs : And Sosibius , the greatest Favourite , replying , That they were not secure of the Mercenaries whilst Magas was alive ; Cleomenes return'd ▪ That he ne●d not trouble himself about that Matter , for amongst the Mercenaries there were above 3000 Peloponnesians , who were his fast Friends , and whom he could command at any time with a Nod. This Discourse made Cleomenes for the present to be look'd upon as a Man of Integrity and Power ; but afterwards ( Ptolemy's Weakness increasing his Fear , and , as it usually happens , where there is no Judgment and Wisdom at the bottom , placing his Security in Jealousie and Suspicion ) rendred Cleomenes suspected to the Courtiers , as having too much Interest with the Mercenaries ; and many had this Saying in their mouths , That he was a Lion midst a flock of Sheep : for such he seem'd to be in the Court , slyly overlooking and taking notice of the management of Affairs ; therefore when he desir'd a Navy and an Army from the King , his Petition was rejected . But when he understood that Antigonus was dead , that the Achoeans were engaged in a War with the Aetolians , and that the Affairs of Peloponnesus , being now in very great Distraction and Distress , requir'd and invited his Assistance , he desir'd leave to depart only with his Friends , but could not obtain that , the King not so much as hearing his Petition , being shut up amongst his Women , and wasting his Hours in Debauchery and Frolicks . But Sosibius , the chief Minister of State , thought that Cleomenes being detain'd against his will , would grow ungovernable and dangerous , and yet that it was not safe to let him go , being an aspiring ▪ daring Man , and well acquainted with the Diseases and Weakness of the Kingdom ; for no Presents , no Gifts , could win him to a Compliance . But as the Ox Apis , though revelling in all possible plenty and delight , yet desires to live as nature would provide for him , to be at liberty , and frisk about the Fields , and can scarce endure to be under the Priests keeping ; so he could not brook their Courtship , and tender Entertainment , but like Achilles . Whilst there , his heart did wast with secret grief , And he was eager for the noisy Wars . His Affairs standing in this condition , Nicagoras the Messenian came to Alexandria , a Man that deeply hated Cleomenes , yet pretended to be his Friend ; for he had formerly sold Cleomenes a fair Estate , but never receiv'd the Money , because Cleomenes was either unable , ( as it may be ) or else by reason of his engagement in the Wars and other Distractions , had no time to pay him . Cleomenes seeing him landing , ( for he was then walking upon the Key ) kindly saluted him , and ask'd , What Business brought him to Aegypt ? Nicagoras return'd his Complement , and told him , That he came to bring some excellent War-horses to the King. And Cleomenes with a Smile subjoyn'd , I wish you had rather brought Pimps , Whores and Pathicks ; for those now are the King 's chief Delight . Nicagoras at the present smil'd at the Conceit ; but a few days after he put Cleomenes in mind of the Estate that he had bought of him , and desir'd his Money , protesting that he would not have troubled him , if his Merchandize had turn'd to that Account , which he thought it would . Cleomenes reply'd , That he had not a penny left of all that had been given him : At which Answer Nicagoras being nettled , told Sosibius Cleomenes's Scoff upon the King. He caress'd him for the Discovery , but desiring to have some greater Reason to excite the King against Cleomenes , perswaded Nicagoras to leave a Letter written against Cleomenes , importing that he had a Design , if he could have gotten Ships and Souldiers , to surprize Cyrene : Nicagoras wrote such a Letter , and left Aegypt . Four days after Sosibius brought the Letter to Ptolomy , pretending it was just then delivered him , and with a bitter Invective excited the Fury of the Youth ; upon this it was agreed , that Cleomenes should be invited into a large Apartment and treated as formerly , but not suffer'd to go out again : this Usage was grievous to Cleomenes , and by this unlucky Accident , his Hopes for the future seem'd to be quite dash'd . Ptolomy , the Son of Chrysermas , a Favourite of the King 's , always carried himself fairly towards Cleomenes ; they contracted a near Acquaintance , and would talk freely together about the State. He upon Cleomenes's Desire came to him , had some Discourse with him , upon a few and inconsiderable Subjects , to avoid suspicion , and made some Excuses for the King ; but as he went out again , not knowing that Cleomenes follow'd him to the Door , he very severely reprimanded the Keepers , for their Carelessness in looking after so great and so furious a wild Beast . This Cleomenes himself heard , and retiring before Ptolomy perceiv'd it , told his Friends what he had heard . Upon this they cast off all their former Hopes , and determin'd for violent Proceedings , resolving to be reveng'd on Ptolomy for his base and unjust Dealing , to have satisfaction for the Affronts , to die as it became Spartans , and not stay till , like fatted Sacrifices , they were butcher'd : for 't was both grievous and dishonourable for Cleomenes , who had scorn'd to come to Terms with Antigonus , a brave Warriour , and a Man of Action , to wait an effeminate King's leisure , till he should lay aside his Fiddle , and end his Dance , and then kill him . These Courses being resolv'd on , and Ptolomy hapning at the same time to make a Progress to Canopus , they first spread abroad a Report , that his Freedom was order'd by the King ; and it being the King's custom , to send Presents and an Entertainment to those whom he would free , Cleomenes's Friends made that provision , and sent it into the Prison , thereby deceiving the Keepers , who thought it had been sent by the King ; for he sacrific'd , and gave them large Portions , and with a Crown upon his Head feasted and made merry with his Friends : 't is said , that he began the Action sooner than he design'd , having understood that a Servant of one of the Accomplices lay abroad with a Mistress that he lov'd . This made him afraid of a Discovery ; and therefore as soon as it was full Noon , and all the Keepers drunk and fast asleep , he put on his Coat , and opening the Seam on his right Shoulder , with his drawn Sword in his hand he issued forth , together with his Friends , provided in the same manner , making 13 in all . One of them , by Name Hippotas , was lame , he follow'd the first Onset very well ; but when afterward he perceiv'd that they were more slow in their Advances for his sake , he desir'd them to run him through , and not ruine their Enterprize , by staying for an useless , unprofitable Man. By chance an Alexandrian was then riding by the Door , him they threw off , and setting Hippotas on Horseback , ran through the narrow Lanes , and proclaim'd Liberty to the People ; but they , it seems , had Courage enough to praise and admire Cleomenes's Daring , but not one had the heart to follow and assist him . Three of them fell on Ptolomy , the Son of Chrysermas , as he was coming out of the Palace , and kill'd him : Another Ptolomy , the Lieutenant of the City , advancing against them in a Chariot , they set upon , dispers'd his Guards and Attendants , and pulling him out of the Chariot , kill'd him upon the Place . Then they made toward the Castle , designing to break open the Prison , and take the Prisoners to their Assistance ; but the Keepers were too quick for them , and secur'd the Passages . Being baffled in this Attempt , Cleomenes with his Company roam'd about the City , none joyning with him , but all retreating from , and flying his Approach : therefore despairing of Success , and saying to his Friends , That it was no wonder that Women rul'd o'er those Men that fled Liberty , he excited them all to die as bravely as became his Followers , and Men of their glorious Performances . This said , Hippotas was first , as he desir'd , run through by one of the young Men , and then each of them readily and resolutely fell upon his own Sword , except Panteus , that Panteus that first surpriz'd Megalopolis . This Man being a very handsom Person , and a better Companion ▪ than any of the Youth , the King lov'd , and bad him , when he had seen him and the rest fall'n , die by their Example . Panteus walk'd over them as they lay , and prick'd every one with his Dagger , to try whether any was alive ; when he prick'd Cleomenes in the Leg , and saw him turn upon his Back , he kiss'd him , sate down by him , and when he was quite dead , cover'd his Carkase , and then kill'd himself upon his Body . Thus fell Cleomenes that great , brave Man , after he had been King of Sparta sixteen Years . The News of their Fall being nois'd through the City , Cratesiclaea , though a Woman of a great Spirit , could not bear up against the insupportable weight of this Affliction ; but embracing Cleomenes's Children , made grievous Lamentations ; but the eldest Boy , none suspecting such a Spirit in a Child , threw himself headlong from the top of the House ; he was bruis'd very much , but not kill'd by the Fall , and was taken up crying , and expressing his Resentments for not being permitted to destroy himself . Ptolomy , as soon as an Account of the Action was brought him , gave order that Cleomenes's Body should be flea'd and hung up ; that his Children , Mother , and the Women that were with her , should be kill'd . Amongst those was Panteus's Wife , a very fair Women , and of a stately Carriage , who had been but newly married , and suffer'd these Disasters in the height of her Love. Her Parents would not let her embark with Panteus presently after they were married , though she eargerly desir'd it , but shut her up , and kept her by Violence at home ; yet a few days after she got an Horse and a little Money , and escaping by Night , made speed to Taenarus where she embark'd for Aegypt , came to her Husband , and with him chearfully endur'd to live in a foreign Country . She led Cratesiclaea as she was going with the Souldiers to Execution , held up her Train , and begg'd her to be courageous , who of her self was not in the least afraid of Death , and desir'd nothing else , but only to be kill'd before the Children . When they were come to the Place of Execution , the Children were first kill'd before Cratesiclaea's Eyes , and afterwards she her self , with only these words in her Mouth ; O Children , whither are you gone ? But Panteus's Wife girded her Garments close to her , and being a strong Women , without any Noise or Lamentation , lookt after every one that was slain , and wound them up as well as her present Circumstances would permit ; and after all were kill'd , dressing her self , bound her clothes close about her , and suffering none to come near , or be an Eye-witness of her Fall , besides the Executioner , she courageously submitted to the stroak , and wanted no Body to look after her , or wind her up after she was dead . Thus in her Death the Modesty of her Mind appear'd , and set that Guard upon her Body , which she always kept when alive : And she in the declining Age of the Spartans shew'd , that Women were no unequal Rivals of the Men , and was on Instance of such a Courage as would not sneak to the Affronts of Fortune . A few days after , those that watch'd the hanging Body of Cleomenes , saw a very great Snake winding about his Head , and covering his Face , so that no Bird of Prey would fly at it . This made the King superstitiously afraid , and set the Women upon several Lustrations , as if he had been an extraordinary Man , and one belov'd by the Gods that had been slain . And the Alexandrians made Processions to the Place , and gave Cleomenes the Title of Hero , and Son of the Gods , till the Philosophers satisfied them by saying , That as Oxen breed Bees , putrifying Horses Breed Hornets , and Beetles rise from the Carkasses of dead Asses , so the Humours and Juices of the Marrow of a Man's Body coagulating , produce Serpents . And this the Ancients observing , appropriated a Serpent rather than any other Creature to Hero's . THE LIVES OF THE GRACCHI , TIBERIUS and CAIUS . English'd from the Greek , by John Warren , Fellow of St. Catharine's-Hall in Cambridge . HAving dispatch'd the foregoing History , we shall proceed to take a view of a pair of Romans , not less remarkable for their Misfortunes than the former ; and compare with the Lives of Agis and Cleomenes , these of Tiberius and Caius . They were the Sons of Tiberius Gracchus , who tho' he had been once Censor , TIBERIUS & CAIUS GRACCHUS depiction of Tiberius and Caius Gracchus MBurgher : sculp . twice Consul , and twice had triumph'd , yet was more renown'd and esteem'd for his Virtue than his Honours . Upon this account after the Death of that Scipio who defeated Hannibal , he was thought worthy to match with his Daughter Cornelia ; tho' there had been no Friendship or Familiarity between Scipio and him , but rather the contrary . There goes a Report , that he once found in his Bed-Chamber a couple of Snakes , and that the Southsayers being consulted concerning the Prodigy , advised , That he should neither kill 'em both , nor let 'em both escape ; saying , That if the male Serpent was kill'd , Tiberius should die ; and if the Female , Cornelia : And that therefore Tiberius , who extreamly loved his Wife , and thought besides that it was much more becoming him , who was an old Man , to die , than her , who as yet was but a young Woman ; kill'd the male Serpent , and let the Female escape : And soon after himself dy'd , leaving behind him 12 Children born to him by Cornelia . Cornelia taking upon her self all the Care of her Family , and Education of her Children , approved her self so modest a Matron , so indulgent a Mother , and so constant and noble spirited a Widow , that Tiberius seem'd to all Men to have done nothing unreasonable , in choosing to die for so great a Woman ; who , when King Ptolomy himself would have married her , and proffer'd her his Crown , refused it , and choose rather to live a Widow . In this state she continued , and lost all her Children except one Daughter , that was married to Scipio the younger ; and two Sons , Tiberius and Caius , whose Lives we are now writing . These she brought up with so great Care , that tho' they were without dispute of the noblest Family , and had the best natural Parts among the Romans , yet they seem'd to owe their eminent Vertues , more to their Education than their Birth . Now as in the Statutes and Pictures of Castor and Pollux , tho' the Brothers resemble one another , yet there is a difference to be perceived in their Countenances , between the one , who delighted in the Caestus , and the other , that was famous for managing the Horse : so tho' there was a great Agreement between these two noble Youths , in their common pursuit after Fortitude and Moderation , after Liberality and Eloquence , and greatness of Mind ; yet in their Actions , and Administrations of publick Affairs , a Disagreement as great manifestly appear'd . It will not be amiss before we proceed , to set down the Difference between them . Tiberius in the Make of his Countenance and his Looks , in his Gesture and Motion , was gentle and compos'd ; but Caius earnest and vehement : so that in their publick Speeches to the People , the one modestly used very little Action , nor changed his Place ; the other would walk about in the Rostrum , and in the heat of his Orations , pull his Gown off his Souldiers , and was the first of all the Romans that used such Gestures : As Cleon is said to be the first Orator among the Athenians , that pull'd off his Cloack , and smote his Thigh , in his Harangues to the Multitude . Caius his Oratory was impetuous , and so pathetical , that it raised Horror in the Auditory ; but Tiberius was more mild , and apt to move Pity and Compassion : in his Words he was pure and natural , yet laborious and accurate ; but Caius was pompous and figurative . So likewise in their way of Living , and at their Tables , Tiberius was frugal , and no affecter of Variety ; but Caius , if indeed compared with other Men , moderate enough : but in respect of his Brother , too curious a Lover of Rareties , and profuse ; which Drusus objected to him , that he had bought certain Dolphins of Silver , to the value of 1250 Drachma's , for every pound weight . The same difference that appear'd in their Speaking , was observable also in their Tempers : The one was smooth and sedate , the other rough and passionate ; and to that degree , that often in the midst of his Orations , he was so hurried away by his Passion , even against his own Will , that he fell to give ill Language ; and so strain'd his Voice , that he could not proceed in the Speech . For a Remedy to this Excess , he made use of an ingenious Servant of his , one Licinius , who stood constantly behind him with a * Pitch-pipe , or Instrument to regulate the Voice by ; and when ever he perceived his Master's Tone alter , and grow harsh with Anger , he struck a soft Note with his Pipe , at the hearing of which , Caius immediately bated of the vehemence of his Passion and Voice , grew mild , and was easily recall'd to Temper . These are the differences between the two Brothers ; but their Valour against their Enemies , their Justice to their Countrey-men , their Care and well management of their publick Affairs , and lastly their Continency against Sensuality and Pleasures , were equally remarkable and alike in both . Tiberius was the elder by nine years , which occasion'd that their publick Actions were divided , by the difference of the Times , in which those of the one , and those of the other , were transacted . This was no small hindrance to their Undertakings ; for not coming at the same time to the administration of Affairs , they could not joyn their Interests together , which between them both , had they flourish'd at once , must needs have been very great , and almost irresistable . We must therefore give an Account of each of them singly , and first of the eldest . Tiberius , tho's as yet but a young Man , was so celebrated and esteem'd , that he was soon admitted into the Colledge of the Augurs , and that with Respect had , more to his early Virtue , than his noble Birth . This Appius Claudius made appear ; who , tho' he had been Consul and Censor , and was then the chief of the Roman Senate , and excelling in Wisdom most of his Quality , at a publick Feast of the Augurs , address'd himself openly to Tiberius , and with great expressions of Kindness , offer'd him his Daughter in Marriage ; which with much satisfaction embracing , and the Wedding Agreements being thus speedily concluded , Appius went straight home , and calling out his Wife to the Gate , with a loud Voice cry'd out , O Antistia , I have contracted our Daughter Claudia to a Husband . She being amazed , answer'd , but why so suddenly ? or what means this hast ? unless you have provided Tiberius Gracchus for her Husband . I am not ignorant , that some apply this Story to Tiberius , the Father of the Gracchi , and Scipio Africanus ; but most People relate it as we have done : And Polybius writes , that after the Death of Scipio Africanus , the nearest Relations of Cornelia , preferring Tiberius to all other Competitors , gave her to him in Marriage , not having being engaged or promised to any one by her Father . Now this young Tiberius serving in Africa under the Younger Scipio , who had married his Sister , and conversing under the same Tent with his General , soon observ'd and learn'd his noble Genius , which excited a great emulation of his Virtues , and stirr'd him up to the imitation of his Actions , and in a short time excell'd all the young Men of the Army in his Regular Behaviour and Courage ; and he at one Siege was the first that mounted the Enemies Wall , as Fannius says , who writes , that he himself climb'd up with him , and was partaker in that Action . His presence created amongst the Souldiers an extraordinary Affection , and his departure left a passionate desire of his Return . After that Expedition , being chosen Pay-master of the Army , it was his fortune to serve in the War against the Numantines , under the Command of C. Mancinus the Consul , a Person no ways blameable , but the most unfortunate of all the Roman Generals . Notwithstanding , amidst the greatest Misfortunes , and in the most unsuccessful Enterprizes , not only the Discretion and Valour of Tiberius , but also ( which was still more to be admired ) the great Respect and Veneration which he had from his General , was most eminently remarkable : insomuch that even in the extremity of Danger , he never regarded himself , as a principal Officer ; for when he was overcome in several desperate Battels , he would leave the main Body of the Army , and in the Night-time sally out with the Forces under his particular Command . When the Numantines perceived this , they immediately possess'd themselves of his Camp , pursuing that part of the Forces which was put to flight ; slew all those that were in the Rear , hedg'd the whole Army in on every side , and forcing them into such intricate Places , as that there could be no possibility of an Escape . Mancinus desparing to make his way through by force , sent a Messenger to desire a Truce , and cessation of Arms ; but they refused to conclude a Treaty with any one except Tiberius , and required that he should be sent to treat with them . This they earnestly insisted upon , not only in regard to the young Man's Courage , ( for he had a great Reputation amongst the Souldiers ) but likewise in remembrance of his Father Tiberius , who in his Expedition against the Spaniards , had utterly destroyed several other Places , but granted a Peace to the Numantines , which he commanded to be always kept punctually and inviolable . Upon this Consideration Tiberius was dispatch'd to the Enemy , whom he perswaded to accept of several Conditions , and he himself complyed with others ; and by this means it's evident , that he saved 20000 of the Roman Citizens , besides Slaves , and those that followed the Army . However the Numantines seized upon , and destroyed all things that were left behind in the Camp ; amongst these were Tiberius's Books of Accompts , containing the whole Transactions of his Questor-ship , upon which he set an extraordinary value : And therefore when the Army was already upon their March , he return'd to Numantia , accompanied with only three or four of his intimate Friends , and making his Application to the principal Officers of the Numantines , he earnestly entreated , that they would return him his Books , lest his Enemies should thereby take an occasion to upbraid him , for not being able to give an Account of the Moneys received and disbursed by him . The Numantines joyfully embraced this opportunity of obliging him , and kindly invited him into the City ; as he stood arguing the Case wish them , they approach'd towards him , took him by the H●nds , and earnestly begg'd , that he would never again look upon them as Enemies , but relying upon their Friendship , be confident for the future of this their present Sincerity . Tiberius thought it convenient to believe 'em , because he was desirous to have his Books return'd , and was afraid least he should disoblige them , by shewing any manner of Distrust . As soon as he enter'd into the City , they in the first place invited him to a publick Entertainment , and were very earnest that he would accept of it : Afterwards they return'd his Books , and gave him the liberty to take what-ever he saw most acceptable of the remaining Spoyls . He on the other hand would accept of nothing but some Frankincense , which he used in his publick Sacrifices ; and after he had kindly embraced them , and made his Complements , departed . When he return'd to Rome , he found the whole Transaction censured and reproach'd , as a Business that was base and scandalous to the Romans ; but the Relations and Friends of the Souldiers , which were the greatest part of the Populace , came flocking to Tiberius , whom they acknowledg'd the Preserver of so many Citizens , and imputed all the Miscarriages which had happen'd , to the General . They who were dissatisfied with the Proceedings , proposed the example of their Ancestors to be followed ; for after the hasty Peace , which had been concluded with the Samnites , upon conditions that the Romans should march home without molestation , they stripp'd all such as had been any way concern'd in making that Peace , as well the Treasurers and Tribunes , as the leading Officers ; and in that manner delivered 'em up into the Enemies hands , laying the Crimes of Perjury , and breach of that Peace , at their Doors . But in this Affair , the Populace shewing an extraordinary Kindness and Affection for Tiberius , they indeed voted that the Consul should be stripp'd , and put in Irons , and so deliver'd to the Numantines ; but they granted a general Pardon to all the others , out of Respect only to Tiberius . It may be probable also , that Scipio , who at that time was a leading Man among the Romans , lent him his Assistance ; tho' he was nevertheless censured for not protecting Mancinus too ; and that he did not ratifie the Articles of Peace , which had been agreed upon by his Kinsman and Friend Tiberius . But it 's evident , that the greatest part of these Differences did arise from the Ambition of some designing Politicians , who had a Kindness for Tiberius . However this Disorder never came to a malignant and incurable Disease ; and truly I cannot be perswaded , that Tiberius would ever have taken those Courses which he did , if Scipio Africanus had had any hand in the management of his Affairs : for at the time when he was engaged in the War against Numantia , Tiberius then ventured to make Proposals of new Laws , for the better regulation of the Government , upon the following occasion . The Romans had by Conquest gain'd some Lands , adjoyning to the Suburbs , part whereof they sold publickly , and turn'd the remainder into Common ; this Common they assign'd to such of the Citizens as were poor and indigent , for which they were to pay only a small acknowledgment into the publick Treasury : but when the wealthy Men began to raise the Rents , and turn the poor People out of their Possessions , it was enacted by Law , that no Person what-ever should enjoy more than 500 Acres of Ground . This Act did for some time restrain the Avarice of the richer , and was no small supply to the poorer People , who possess'd their respective Proportions of Ground , as they had been formerly rented by them : afterwards the rich Men of the Neighbourhood contrived to get these Lands again into their Possessions , under other peoples Names , and at last would not stick to claim most of 'em publickly in their own . The Poor , who were thus deprived of their Farms , would neither list themselves in the Militia , nor take any care of the Education of their Children : in so much that in a short time there were few Free-men remaining in all Italy , which swarm'd with a numerous company of barbarous Slaves : these the rich Men employed about the cultivating their Ground , for want of Citizens . C. Loelius , an intimate Acquaintance of Scipio's , undertook to rectifie this Abuse ; but meeting with Opposition from Men of Authority , and fearing lest a Riot should thereupon be committed , he soon desisted ; upon which account he was call'd , Loelius the Wise . Tiberius being elected Tribune of the People , prosecuted that Design with all deligence , at the Instigation ( as 't is commonly reported ) of Diophanes the Orator , and Blossius the Philosopher . Diophanes was one that had been banished from Mytilene ; the other was an Italian , of the City of Cuma , who was educated there by Antipater of Tarsus , that afterwards did him the Honour to dedicate his Philosophical Lectures to him . Some are apt to think , Cornelia , the Mother of Tiberius , contributed towards it , because she frequently upbraided her Sons , upon this account , that the Romans as yet rather call'd her the Daughter of Scipio , than the Mother of the Gracchi ; but 't was thought Sp. Posthumius was the chief occasion of this . He was Contemporary with Tiberius , and very ambitious to gain the Reputation of being the better Orator ; whom , when Tiberius at his return from the Campaign , found to be in very great Esteem and Authority , he was desirous to out-do him , by attempting a popular Enterprize of this Difficulty , and of such great consequence . But his Brother Caius left it us in Writing , that when Tiberius went through Tuscany into Numantia , and found the Countreys almost depopulated , there being hardly any Husbandmen or Shepherds , and for the most part only barbarous foreign Slaves ; he from that time took into his serious Consideration , the management of this Affair , which in the sequel proved so fatal to his Family : though it is most certain , that the People themselves chiefly excited him to be active and vigorous in the prosecution of this , by their fixing publick Libels upon the Porches , Walls and Monuments , humbly beseeching him , that he would re-establish them in their former Possessions . However he did not make this Law , without the Advice and Assistance of those Citizens , that were then most eminent for their Virtue and Authority ; amongst whom was Crassus the high-Priest , Mutius Scoevola the Lawyer , ( who at that time was Consul ) and Claudius Apius his Father-in-Law . Never did any Law appear more moderate and gentle , especially being enacted against so great an Oppression and Avarice : for they who ought to have been severely punished for trangressing the former Laws , and should at least have lost all their Titles to such Lands , which they had unjustly usurp'd ; yet they were order'd notwithstanding to receive a Gratuity , for quitting their unlawful Claims , and restoring their Lands to those right Owners , who stood in need thereof . But though this Reformation was managed with so much Tenderness , and all the former Transactions smother'd , the People were never the less carefull to prevent all Abuses of the like nature for the future . On the other hand , the money'd Men , and those of great Estates , were exasperated , through Covetousness , against the Law it self , and against the Law-giver , through Anger and Obstinacy ; they therefore endeavour'd to seduce the People , insinuating to them , that Tiberius had introduced such a division of the Lands , with a design only to disturb the Government , and put all things into a Confusion . But they succeeded not in his Project ; for Tiberius being a Person always resolute in the maintaining of an honourable and just Cause , and one whose Eloquence was sufficient to have made a less creditable Action appear plausible , was earnest , and not easily to be controuled . Upon this account , being plac'd in the Rostrum , he made a Speech on the behalf of the poor People , to this effect . The savage Beasts , says he , in Italy have their particular Dens ; they have their Places of Repose and refuge : but the Men who bore Arms , and exposed their Lives for the safety of their Country , enjoy'd in the mean time nothing more in it but the fresh Air and Sun-shine ; and having no Houses or Settlements of their own , were constrained to wander from Place to Place with their Wives and Children . He told 'em , That the Commanders were guilty of a ridiculous Error , when at the Head of their Armies , they exhorted the common Souldiers to fight for their Temples and Altars ; when not any amongst so many Romans , is possess'd of either Altar or Monument , neither have they any Houses of their own , or Seats of their Ancestors to defend : they fought indeed , and were slain , but it was to maintain the Luxury and the Wealth of other Men : they likewise were styled also the Lords of the Vniverse , but in the mean time had not one foot of Ground , which they could call their own . An Harangue of this nature , spoken to an Enthusiastical and tumultuous Rabble , by a Person of extraordinary Prudence and great Zeal ; none of his Adversaries at that time presumed to make any Opposition thereunto . Forbearing therefore all manner of Disputes , they turn'd themselves towards Marcus Octavius , his fellow - Tribune , who being a young Man , of a sober Conversation , modest in his Behaviour , and an intimate Friend of Tiberius's , did upon that account decline at first the opposing of him ; but at length , over-perswaded with the repeated Importunities of some considerable persons , he was prevail'd upon to answer Tiberius ; and he insisted chiefly upon the Abrogation of the Law ; it being a Custom , that the Tribunes have a power to hinder any Law from passing and that the Commonalty can enact nothing , if only one of them dissents from it . Tiberius being enraged at these Proceedings abolish'd presently this mild Law ; but at the same time preferr'd another ; which as it was more grateful to the Common People , so it was much more severe against Extortioners ; commanding them , To make an immediate Surrender all such Lands , which they , contrary to former Laws , had got into their Possessions . From hence it was , that there arose daily Contentions between him and Octavius in their Orations ; however , tho' they express'd themselves with much heat and earnestness , they yet were never known to use any scurrillous Language , or in their Passion to let slip any indecent Expression , so as to derogate from one another . From whence it 's observable , how much a good Temper , and an Ingenuous Education does influence and compose mens Minds ; not onely in their Meetings for Pleasure and Diversion , but likewise in their Contentions , and in their very emulation for Preferments . When Tiberius considered , that Octavius himself had offended against this Law , and detain'd a great quantity of Ground from the Commonalty , he desired that all manner of Disputes might be laid aside ; and generously proffer'd for the Publick Good , tho' he himself had but an indifferent Estate to purchase Octavius's share , at his proper Cost and Charges : But upon the refusal of this proffer by Octavius , he then publish'd an Edict , prohibiting all Magistrates to exercise their respective Functions , till such time as the Law was either ratified or rejected by Publick Votes . He further Seal'd up the Gates of Saturn's Temple , in which the Publick Treasury was kept , so that the Treasurers could neither take any thing out from thence , or put any thing in . He threaten'd to impose a severe fine upon such as should presume to disobey his Commands , insomuch that all the Officers for fear of this Penalty , omitted the exercise of their several Jurisdictions . Upon this account , the Gentlemen of Estates put themselves into Mourning , went up and down Melancholy and Dejected ; thy enter'd into a Conspiracy against Tiberius , and procured Ruffians to murder him ; insomuch that he never went abroad without such a Tuck or Rapier as Robbers use , which the Latines call Dolon . When the day appointed was come , and the People Summon'd to give their Votes , the Rich Men seized upon the BallottingBoxes : And carried them away by force , all things being Transacted in great Confusion . For when Tiberius's Party appeared strong enough to oppose the contrary Faction , and were drawn together in a Body . with Resolutions to do so ; Manlius and Fulvius , two of the Consular Quality , threw themselves at Tiberius's Feet , took him by the Hand , and with Tears in their Eyes , humbly beg'd of him to desist . Tiberius considering the inconveniencies that were likely to arise , and having a great Respect for two such Eminent Persons , demanded of them what they would advise him to do . They acknowledged themselves Persons altogether unfit to advise in a Matter of so great Importance , but earnestly entreated him to leave it to the Determination of the Senate . When the Senate was Assembled , and yet could not bring the Business to a Period , by reason of the prevalency of the Rich Faction , he then betook himself to illegal and unjust Methods , endeavouring to deprive Octavius of his Tribune ship ; it being impossible for him without that , to get the Law ratified and confirmed . At first he caress'd him with most Obliging Language , and taking him by his Hands , beseech'd him , that now in the presence of all the People , he would take this Opportunity to Oblige them , in granting onely that Request which was in it self so Just and Reasonable , being but a small Recompence in regard of those many Dangers and Hardships which they had undergone for the Publick Safety . Octavius would by no means be perswaded to a Compliance ; whereupon Tiberius declared openly , that seeing they two were joyntly concern'd in the same Office , and of equal Authority , it would be a difficult matter to compose this Difference without a Civil War ; and that the only Remedy which he knew , must of Necessity be the Deposing one of them from their Office. He desired therefore that Octavius would Summon the People to pass their Verdict upon him first , averring that he would willingly relinquish his Authority if the honest Citizens would consent to it . But Octavius still continued refractary ▪ wherefore Tiberius told him plainly , That the People should have liberty to vote against him , if upon mature Deliberation he did not suddenly alter his Mind , and after this Declaration Adjourned the Assembly till the next day . When the People were met together again , Tiberius placed himself in the Rostrum , and endeavoured a second time to perswade Octavius : But all being to no purpose , he referred the whole matter to the People , Ordering them to Vote whether Octavius should be Deposed or not ; and when seventeen of the Thirty five Tribes had already Voted against him , and there wanted only the Votes of one Tribe more for his final deprivation , a short stop being here put to the proceedings , Tiberius vouchsafed to renew his Importunities , embraced and kissed him before all the Congregation , begging with all the earnestness imaginable , that he would neither suffer himself to be exposed to such Infamy , nor him to be reputed the Author and Promoter of such an odious Project . Octavius ( they say ) seemed a little softned and moved with their Importunities , and and with his Eyes full of Tears continued silent for a considerable time : But afterwards looking towards the Estates who were gathered together in a Body , partly for shame , and partly for fear of incurring their Displeasure , he generously bid Tiberius do what he pleased . The Law for his Deprivation being thus Voted Tiberius Ordered one of his Servants , whom he had made a Freeman , to pull Octavius out of the Rostrum , for he employed his own Domestick Servants in the stead of Serjeants . And this was a further addition to the Punishment , that Octavius was dragged out in such an Ignominious manner . The People immediately assaulted him with great violence , whilest the Rich Men ran in to his Assistance . Octavius presently fled , and without any Attendant escaped the Fury of the Rabble , tho'it happen'd that a trusty Servant of his , who had placed himself by his Master , that he might assist him towards his escape , in keeping off the Multitude , had his Eyes struck out , contrary to the intention of Tiberius , who ran with all hast ( when he perceived the Disturbance ) to appease the Rioters . This being done , the Law concerning the lands was Ratified , and Confirmed , and three Commissioners were appointed to make a Survey of the grounds and see the same equally divided : The Commissioners were Tiberius himself , Claudius Appius his Father-in-Law , and his Brother C. Gracchus , who at this time was not at Rome , but in the Army under the Command of Scipio Africanus , before Numantia . These things were transacted by Tiberius peaceably , none daring to stand in Opposition to him ; and besides all this , he choose by his own Interest and Authority another Tribune , not as formerly out of the Eminent Nobility , but Mutius , one of his own Domestick Servants . Upon the account of these proceedings , the Rich were extreamly offended , and still dreaded , lest he should grow more Popular ; they therefore took all Opportunities of Affronting him publickly in the Senate-House ; for when he desired , as was usual , to have a tent provided at the Publick Charge for his use , when he should begin his Expedition to divide the Lands , though it was a favour commonly granted to Persons employed in business of much less importance , yet was peremptorily refus'd to him ; and they would allow him only nine Oboli to defray each days Expences . P. Narsica was the chief promoter of these Affronts , and was not afraid to own how much he hated him ▪ upon the account of his having formerly a very great Estate in those Publick Lands , and did not a little resent it , to be turned out now by force . The People on the other hand were still more and more enraged , insomuch that a little after this , it happen'd that one of Tiberius's Friends dyed suddenly , and his Body being full of Malignant spots , the People therefore ran in a Tumultuous manner to his Funeral , crying aloud that the Man was Poysoned : They took the Coffin upon their shoulders , and carryed the Corps to the Funeral Pile , really believing that the plain Symptoms of Poyson were easily discernable , for the Body swell'd to a great bigness , and such a quantity of Corrupt Humours issued out , that the Funeral-fire was extinguished thereby ; and when it was again kindled , the Wood still would not burn , insomuch that they were constrained to carry the Corps to another place , where , with much difficulty , it took fire . Besides this , Tiberius , that he might incense the People yet more , put himself into Mourning , brought his Children amongst the Crowd , intreated the People to provide for them and their Mother , as if he himself did now despair of his own Security . About this time King Attalas , Sirnamed Philopater , dyed , and Eudemus , a Pergamenian , brought his Last Will to Rome , whereby he had made the Roman People his Heirs . Tiberius , to ingratiate himself still more with the Commonalty , immediately proposed making of a Law , that all the ready Money which Attalas left , should be distributed amongst such poor Citizens as were to be sharers of the Publick Lands , for the better enabling of them to proceed in the management and cultivating of their Ground ; and as for the Cities that were in the Territories of Attalas , he declared that the disposal of them did not at all belong to the Senate , but the People , and that he himself would ask their Pleasure herein ; by this he exasperated the Senate more than ever he had done before , and therefore Pompeius stood up instantly , and acquainted the Senate that he was the next Neighbour to Tiberius , and so had the Opportunity of knowing , That Eudemus the Pergamenian had presented Tiberius with a Royal Crown and a Purple Robe , thereby intimating that Tiberius should ere long be King of Rome . Quintus Metellus also upbraided Tiberius , that when his Father was Censor , the Romans never return'd home from their Country Houses after Supper , but they put ▪ out their Torches , least they should be seen to have indulged themselves in Banquetting at unseasonable hours . But instead of this decent Custom , his common Practice was , to walk the Streets at Mid-night , whilst mean and insolent Fellows flock'd to him , and made up his Retinue . Titus Annius , a Man of no great repute either for his Honesty or Learning , but a cunning Sophister in proposing cramp Questions and returning Answers , offered to prove by undeniable Arguments that Tiberius had done unworthily in Deposing a Roman Magistrate , whom the Laws ever esteemed Sacred and Inviolable . The People immediately grew Tumultuous , and Tiberius Summoning a General Assembly , commanded Annius to appear and maintain that which he had asserted : But Annius being neither a good Logician , nor pretending much to Oratory , rather betook himself to his old way of asking some cunning sort of Questions , and desired that he would propose one or two to Tiberius , before he entered upon the Chief Argument . This Liberty being granted , and silence Proclaimed , Annius proposed this Question . If you , says he , had a Design to Vilifie and Defame me , and I should apply my self to any other Magistrate for redress , and he should come readily to my assistance , would you for that reason fall into an extravagant Passion , and put him out of Commission ? Tiberius , they say , being much surprized at this Question , was wholly silent , tho' at other times his assurance as well as his Eloquence was always remarkable ; yet now upon this account he thought it convenient to dismiss the Assembly . Afterwards beginning to understand that his Behaviour towards Octavius did disgust the Populace as well as the Nobility ( because the Dignity of the Tribunes seemed to be violated , which had always continued till that day very Sacred and Honourable ) he made a Speech to the People in Justification of himself , out of which it may not be improper to Collect some particulars , that we may thereby discern what impression such Eloquence was able to make upon an Auditory . A Tribune , says he , of the People is Sacred indeed , and ought to be inviolable , because in a manner Consecrated to be the Guardian and Protector of them ; but if he degenerates so far as to Oppress the People , to retrench their Privileges , and take away all their Liberty of Voting , he then deprives himself of that Honourable Station by the neglect of his Duty , for which the Honour was bestowed upon him ; otherwise a Tribune might not think himself obnoxious , tho' he should demolish the Capitol , or burn the Naval Magazines . Certainly when he that is only guilty of such Extravagances as these , can't be lookt upon as a good Tribune ; much less can he be so , that dares presume to diminish the Privileges of the People , because he ceases from that time to be the Peoples Tribune . Is it not very unreasonable , that a Tribune should have Power to Imprison a Consul , if the People must have no Authority to Degrade him when he uses that Honour which he received from them , to their detriment : For the Tribunes , as well as the Consuls , are Elected to that Dignity by the Peoples Votes . ( But to proceed ) the Kingly Government , which comprehends all sorts of Authority in it self alone , is confirmed with the greatest and most religious Solemnity imaginable , as being a Government which does most resemble that of Heaven . But the Citizens notwithstanding this , deposed King Tarquin ▪ because of his tyrannical Oppressions , and for the Injustice of one single Man , the ancient Government under which Rome was built , was abolish'd for ever . What is there in all Rome so sacred and venerable , as the Vestal Virgins , to whose care alone the preservation of the Eternal Fire is committed ; yet if their Charity be violated , and their Reputation stained , they are buried alive : for when they presume to commit any Offence against their Gods , they instantly lose that Veneration , which they claimed as Attendants in their Service ; so likewise a Tribune should no longer be respected by the People as a sacred Person , when he offends against that Authority from whence he derived his own . We always esteem that Person legally chosen Tribune , who is elected only by the majority of Votes ; and is not therefore the same Person much more lawfully degraded , when by a general consent of them all , they agree to depose him . Nothing is so sacred as religious Offerings ; yet the People were never prohibited to make use of them , but suffered to remove and carry them where-ever they pleased : they likewise , when-ever it has been thought convenient , have transferr'd the Tribuneship as a sacred Present , from one Person to another ; and if this had been an unusual thing , yet that Authority could not have been thought unalterable , because several Magistrates have often voluntarily surrendred their Commissions , or desired to be discharged . Those were the principal Heads of Tiberius's Apology ; but his Friends apprehending the Dangers which seemed to threaten him , and those Conspiracies that were secretly contrived against him , were of opinion , that the safest way would be for him to petition , that he might be continued Tribune for the year ensuing . Upon this Consideration he again endeavoured to oblige the People with other Laws , making the years of serving in the War fewer than formerly , in granting the liberty of Appeals from the Judges to the People , and joyning to the Senators that were Judges at that time , an equal number of ordinary Gentlemen , endeavouring as much as in him lay to lessen the Power of the Senate ; which proceeded rather from Passion and Prejudice , than from any rational regard to Equity and the publick Good. When it came to be debated , whether these Laws should be ratified , he was presently sensible , that his Adversaries had the most Votes , ( the People as yet being not got together in a full Body ) and in such Cases , 't was his Custom to raise some disputes with his fellow-Officers , out of design only to gain longer time ; but failing in that Project too , he at length adjourned the Assembly till the day following . Tiberius then went down into the Market place amongst the People , and made his first Addresses to them in an humble posture with Tears in his Eyes ; and afterwards told them , he had just reason to suspect , that his Adversaries would attempt in the Night-time to break open his House , and murder him . This work'd so strongly with the Multitude , that several of them erected Tents round about his House , and kept Guard all night for the security of his Person . By break of day came one of the Southsayers , who prognosticate good or bad Success by the pecking of Fowls , and threw them something to eat : the Southsayer used his utmost Endeavours to fright the Fowls out of their Coop ; but none of them except one would venture out , which flutter'd with its left Wing , and stretch'd out its Leg , and run back again into the Coop , without eating any thing . This put Tiberius in mind of another ill Omen , which had formerly hapned to him : he had a very costly Head-piece , which he made use of when he engaged in any Battel , and into this piece of Armour two Serpents crawl'd , laid Eggs , and brought forth young ones ; the remembrance of which , made Tiberius more concern'd at this , than otherwise he would have been . However he went towards the Capitol , as soon as ever he understood that the People were assembled there ; but before he got out of the House , he stumbled upon the Thresh-hold with such violence , that he broke the Nail of his great Toe , insomuch that Bloud gush'd out of his Shooe. He was not gone very far , before he saw two Ravens fighting on the top of a House , which stood on his left hand as he pass'd along ; and tho' he was surrounded with an infinite number of People , a Stone happen'd to fall just at his Foot , beaten down ( as it 's probable ) by the Ravens : which Accident put a stop to those that were the boldest Men about him . But Blossius of Cuma , who happen'd to be then present , told him , That it would be a shameful thing for Tiberius , who was the Son of Gracchus , the Nephew of Scipio Africanus , and the Protector of the Roman People , to refuse ( for fear of a silly Bird ) to promote the Interest of his Countreymen , who might reasonably expect it from him ; and that his Adversaries would not only represent this , as the effect of a mean Spirit , but the trick of a Tyrant , who had no other intension than to abuse the generous Kindness of the common People . At the same time several Messengers came also from Tiberius's Friends , to desire his presence at the Capitol , and to acquaint him , that all things went there according to expectation . Indeed Tiberius's first entrance there was very pompous , and he was honourably received ; for as soon as ever he appeared , his Freinds welcom'd him with loud Acclamations into the Capitol : and when he had taken his Place , they repeated their expressions of Joy , and took care that no Person what-ever should come near him , unless those who were his intimate Friends . Mutius then began to put the Business again to the Vote ; but nothing was performed with the usual Decency and Order , by reason of the Disturbance which the Rabble made , by their pressing forwards to get into the Capitol . Whilst these things were carried on in this Confusion , Flavius Flaccus , a Senator , standing in a Place higher than ordinary , but at such a distance from Tiberius , that when he could not make him hear , by reason of the tumultuous noise , signified to him by certain motions of his Hand , that he had a desire to impart something of Consequence to him in private . Tiberius order'd the Multitude to make way for him , by which means ( tho' not without some difficulty ) Flavius got to him , and inform'd him , that the Senators , seeing they could not prevail upon the Consul to espouse their Quarrel , had at length come to this final Determination amongst themselves , that he should be assassinated ; and to that purpose had a great number of their Friends and Servants prepared to accomplish it . Tiberius no sooner communicated this Confederacy to those about him , but they immediately tuck'd up their long Gowns , broke the Halberts which the Serjeants used to keep the Crowd off , into pieces , and with those resolv'd to oppose all violent Assaultants . They who stood at a distance wonder'd , and demanded what the occasion of that Disorder should be ; Tiberius knowing that they could not hear him at that distance , lifted his Hand to his Head , thereby intimating the great Danger which he apprehended himself to be in : his Adversaries taking notice of that Action , ran presently to the Senate house , and declared , that Tiberius desired the People to bestow a Crown upon him , and that he might be King of Rome . This being very surprizing , Nasica presently demanded of the Consul , that he would punish this Tyrant , and defend the Government , as by Law establish'd . The Consul mildly reply'd , That he would not be Guilty of an unjust action ; and as he would not suffer any Free-man to be put to death , before Sentence had lawfully pass'd upon him , so neither would he protect Tiberius , if by his Insinuation the People should act any thing contrary to Law. But Nasica rising from his Seat in a great passion , Since the Consul , says he , regards not the Safety of the Common-wealth , let every one who will defend the Dignity and Authority of their Laws , follow me . He then casting the skirt of his Gown over his Shoulder , hasten'd to the Capitol ; they who bore him company , wrapp'd their Gowns also about their Arms , and forc'd their way after him : but upon the account that they were Persons of the greatest Authority in the City , the common People durst not obstruct their going thither , but were rather so careful in avoiding 'em , that they tumbled over one another in haste . Some had furnish'd themselves with Clubs ; others got up the feet of Stools and Chairs , which were broken by the hasty flight of the common People . Thus armed , they made towards Tiberius , knocking down all those whom they happen'd to meet with ; so that the People were soon wholly dispersed , and many slain , as they endervour'd to make their escape . Tiberius seeing these things , thought it his best way to save himself by flight : as he was running , he chanc'd to be stopp'd by one who catch'd him hold by the Grown ; but he presently getting clear of that , fled in his under-Garments only . In this hasty flight it happened , that falling over those who before had been knock'd down , as he was endeavouring to recover himself , one Publius Satureius , a Tribune , was observed to give him the first fatal stroke , by hitting him upon the Head with the foot of a Stool : the next Man who struck him , was Lucius Rufus , who afterwards boasted of it , as an honourable Exploit . In this Tumult there were above 300 Men slain , with Clubs and Staves only , there being no Warlike Instruments made use of . This was the first Insurrection amongst the Romans , that ended with the effusion of Blood , since the abrogation of Kingly Government ; for all former Seditions , which were neither small , nor about trivial Matters , were always amicably composed , the two Parties constantly submitting to one another , either the Senate for fear of the Commons , or the Commons out of respect to the Senate . And it 's probable indeed that Tiberius himself might then have been easily brought to submission , if he had not been proceeded against in such a rigorous manner ; for he had not at that time above 3000 Men of his Party : but it 's evident , that this Conspiracy was fomented against him , more out of an aversion and malice which the rich Men had to his Person , than for the Reasons which they commonly pretended against him : in testimony whereof , we may alledge the Cruelty and unnatural Insultings which they used to his dead Body ; for they would not suffer his own Brother tho' he earnestly begg'd the favour , to bury his Corps in the Night , but threw it together with other Carkases into the River . Neither did their Cruelty stop here ; for they banished some of his Friends without legal Process , and slew as many of the others as they could lay their hands on : amongst whom Diophanes the Orator was slain ; they murder'd one Caius Billius , by shutting him up close in a large Tun with Vipers and Serpents : Blossius of Cuma indeed was carried before the Consuls , and examin'd touching what had happen'd ; who freely confessed , That he had never failed to execute what ever Tiberius commanded him : What , reply'd Nasica , then if Tiberius had commanded that you should burn the Capitol , would you have burnt it ? His First Answer was , That Tiberius never commanded any such thing : but being pressed with the same Question by several others , he declared , That if Tiberius had commanded it , he would not have thought it an inglorious action to have done it ; for he never commanded any thing but what he thought for the Peoples Advantage . Blossius at this time was pardoned , and afterwards fled to Aristonicus in Asia , whose Fortune being then reduced to a desperate condition , he kill'd himself . However the Senate to mollifie the People after these Transactions , did not oppose the division of the publick Lands , and permitted them to choose another Commissioner for that Business in the room of Tiberius : so they elected Publius Crassus , who was Gracchus's near Kinsman , because his Daughter Licinia was married to Caius Gracchus ; altho Cornelius Nepos says , that she was not the Crassus's Daughter , whom Caius married , but Brutus's , that triumph'd for his Conquests in Portugal : but most Historians are of the same opinion with us . Afterwards the People were much concern'd for the loss of Tiberius ; and it was apparent , that they wanted nothing but a convenient opportunity to be revenged , and already threatn'd to bring Nasica to his Trial . The Senate fearing lest some Mischief should befal Nasica , sent him Ambassador into Asia , tho' there was no other occasion for his going thither . The common people did not conceal their Indignation even in the open Streets , but rail'd at him , when-ever they met him abroad , calling him a Murderer and a Tyrant , one who had polluted even the Temple it self , with the blood of a Tribune . Upon this Consideration Nasica left Italy , altho' he was obliged , being the Chief-Priest , to officiate in all Principal Sacrifices : thus wandring full of Discontent and Affliction from one Place to another , he died in a short time after not far from Pergamus . It is no wonder that the People had such an aversion to Nasica , when even Scipio Africanus , who , though deservedly belov'd by the Romans , was in danger of quite losing the good opinion which the people had of him , only for repeating when the News of Tiberius's Death was first brought to Numantia , this Verse out of Homer : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . So may he perish , who such Crimes commits . And afterwards being ask'd by Caius and Fulvius , in a great Assembly , what he thought of Tiberius's Death ; he answer'd , That he did not at all approve Tiberius's way of Proceeding . Upon which account the People would begin to interrupt him with their Hissings , in the middle of his Orations , which they never presumed to do before that time ; and he on the other hand was so incensed at it , that upon this account he reflected very smartly upon the People . This is a full Account of the most material Passages in the Life of Tiberius . THE LIFE OF CAIUS . CAius Gracchus at first , either for fear of his Brother's Enemies , or designing to render them more odious to the People , absented himself from their publick Assemblies , and quietly retired to his own House , as if he was a Person , to whom such private Circumstances were not only very agreeable at present , but that he was content also to pass the remainder of his Life , without affecting any publick Action ; which made some imagine , that he abhorred and detested the Transactions of Tiberius : however he was now but very young , being not so old as his Brother by nine years , who was scarce thirty , when he was slain . It was not long before he plainly discover'd his Temper , having a natural antipathy to a lazy Retirement and Effeminacy ; nor in the least inclin'd to any sort of Luxury or Covetousness , but wholly addicted himself to the study of Eloquence , as Wings whereby he might easily aspire to publick Business and Government ; and it was very apparent , that he did not intend to pass his days in obscurity . When Bettius , a Friend of his , was impeach'd of high Misdemeanors , and he undertaking publickly to defend his Cause , the People were in an Extasie , and transported with Joy , to find him at the Bar , and Master of such Eloquence , that the other Orators seem'd to talk like Children in comparison to him . This created new Jealousies and Fears amongst those in Authority , and their great design was , how to hinder Caius from being made Tribune . But soon after it happen'd , that he was elected Quoestor , and obliged to attend Orestes the Consul into Sardinia . This , as it pleased his Enemies , so it was not ungratefull to him ; for ●eing naturally a stout Man , his Fame was equally remarkable in the Camp , as at the Bar. And besides as yet he very much dreaded medling with State-affairs , and appearing publickly in the Rostr●● , which ( because of the Importunity of Friends ) he could no otherwise avoid , than by taking this Voyage , therefore readily embraced the opportunity of absenting himself . Notwithstanding which , many are of opinion , that he was an humble flatterer of the common People , and more ambitious than ever Tiberius had been , of popular Applause ; but it 's certain that he was forc'd upon , not that he courted publick Business . And Tully relates this of him , That when he declin'd all those Concerns , and would have liv'd privately , his Brother appear'd to him in a Dream , and calling him by his Name , said , To what purpose , Caius , are all these delays ; there is no possibility of avoiding that Fate , which is destin'd for us two , both to live and die alike , in vindication of the Peoples Right . Caius was no sooner arrived in Sardinia , but he gave exemplary Proofs of his true Valour ; for he not only excelled all the young Men of his Age in his early Actions in doing justice to his Inferiors , and in shewing all Obedience and Respect to his superior Officer , but likewise in Discretion , Frugality and Industry , he surpassed even those who were much elder than himself . It happen'd to be a sharp and sickly Winter in Sardinia , insomuch that the General was forc'd to lay an Imposition upon several Towns , to supply the Souldiers ' with necessary Cloths : the Cities sent an Express to Rome with a Petition , to be excused from that Burthen ; the Senate found their Request reasonable , and order'd the General to find some other way of new cloathing the Army . While he was long contriving what course to take in this Affair , the Souldiers were reduced to great Extremities ; but Caius went from one City to another , and by laying before them the reasonableness of that Demand , he so far prevailed with them , that of their own accord they cloathed the Roman Army . These Transactions being carried to Rome , and seeming to be only the forerunners of popular Ambition , rais'd new Jealousies amongst the Senators : and besides this , there came Ambassadors out of Africa from King Micipsa , to acquaint the Senate , that their Master out of Respect to Caius Gracchus , had sent a considerable quantity of Corn to the General in Sardinia ; at which the Senators were so much offended , that they turn'd the Ambassadors out of the Senate-house , and made an Order , that the common Souldiers should be relieved , by sending others in their room ; but that Orestes should continue upon the Place , and Caius also , upon the account of his being Treasurer . But he soon finding how things were carried , fell into a great passion , and immediately took Shipping for Rome : his Appearance there was so unexpected , that he was generally censur'd , not only by his Enemies , but also by the Commons , who thought it an unreasonable thing , that he being Quoestor should desert the Army before his Commander . When this Misdemeanor came to be tryed before the Censors , he desired leave to make his Apology ; which he did so effectually , that his Auditors quickly entertain'd a better opinion of him , believing that he had been very much injured . He made it then appear , that he had serv'd 12 years in the Army , whereas others are obliged to serve only 10 ; that he had continued Questor to the General three years , whereas he might by Law have return'd at the end of one year ; that none but he in that Expedition carried his own Money to the Army , whereas others first took care to drink off the Vessels of Wine which they carried with them , and then to have them better fill'd with the Riches and Spoyl of the Countrey . After this , they brought other Accusations and Writs against him , for creating Differences among the Allies , and being engaged in the Conspiracy that was discover'd about Fregella ; but he having clear'd himself of these things , he not only appear'd wholly innocent of the Crimes laid to his charge , but made what Interest he could to be elected Tribune ; in which tho' he was generally opposed by all Persons of Quality , yet there came such infinite numbers of People from all Parts of Italy , to vote for Caius , that many wanted Lodgings in the City ; and the Field being not large enough to contain the Company , there were several who gave their Votes from Roofs and Battlements of Houses : however the Nobility did so influence the People , and cross Caius's Expectations , that he was not return'd the first , ( as was expected ) but the fourth Tribune . When he came once to the execution of his Office , it was seen presently who deserv'd to have been the first Tribune ; for he was a much better Orator than any of his Co-temporaries , and the Concern which he still retain'd for the Murder of his Brother , made him the bolder in speaking . He us'd on all occasions to remind the People of what had happen'd in that Tumult , and laid before them the Examples of their Ancestors ; how they declared War against the Falisci , only for giving scurrilous Language to one Genutius , a Tribune of the People ; and sentenced C. Vulturius to death , for taking the Wall of a Tribune in the Streets : Whereas , said he , these Persons did in the presence of you all murther Tiberius with Clubs , and dragg'd the slaughter'd Body through the middle of the City , to be cast into the River ; even his Friends , as many as could be taken , were put to death immediately , without any tryal , notwithstanding that just and ancient Custom , which was always observed among our Forefathers ; that when-ever any one was accused of a capital Crime , and did not make his personal appearance in Court , a Trumpet was sent in the Morning to his Lodging , to summon him by sound of Trumpet to appear : and before this Ceremony was duely performed , the Judges would never proceed to pass Sentence ; so cautious and reserv'd were our Ancestors about Business of Life and Death . Caius having moved the People with such Speeches ( for his Voice was loud and strong ) he proposed two Laws : The first was , That who-ever was turn'd out of any publick Office by the People , he should be thereby render'd incapable of bearing any Office afterwards . The second was , that if any Magistrate shall condemn a Roman to be banished without a legal Trial , the People shall be authorized to take cognizance thereof . One of these Laws did manifestly reflect upon M. Octavius , who at the Instigation of Tiberius , had been depriv'd of his Tribuneship ; The other touch'd Popilius , who in his Praetorship had banished all Tiberius's Friends ; whereupon Popilius being unwilling to stand the hazard of a Tryal , fled out of Italy . As for the former law , it was abrogated by Caius himself , who declared his readiness to oblige Octavius for the sake of his Mother Cornelia : this was very acceptable and pleasing to the People , who had a great Veneration for Cornelia , both in respect to her Father and her Children ; and therefore they afterwards erected a Statue of Brass in Honour of her , with this Inscription , Cornelia , the Mother of the Gracchi . There are several Expressions in writing , which he used perhaps with two much Affectation and Popularity concerning her , to one of her Adversaries : How , said he , dare you presume to reflect upon Cornelia the Mother of Tiberius ? And because the Person who made the Reflections , had been suspected for Sodomy , With what face , said he , can you compare Cornelia with your self ? have you brought forth such Children as she has done ? and yet all Rome knows , that she has refrain'd from the Conversation of Men , longer than you your self have done . These and many other such satyrical Expressions may be collected out of his Orations : he afterwards proposed several other Laws , to raise the People's Authority , and to detract from the Senate's . The first was concerning the publick Lands , which were to be divided amongst the poor Citizens . Another was concerning the common Souldiers , that they should be cloathed at the publick Charge , without any diminution of their Pay , and that none should be obliged to serve in the Army who was not full 17 years old . Another gave an equal Liberty to all the Italians in general , of voting at Elections , as was granted to the Citizens of Rome . Another was concerning the price of Bread-corn , which was to be sold at a lower rate than formerly to the poor People . Another was concerning Matters of Judicature , whereby the Authority of the Senate was very much retrenched . For only Senators were formerly Judges in all causes , by which means their Authority was very much dreaded by the Roman Knights and the People : but he joyn'd 300 ordinary Gentlemen with the Senators , who were 300 likewise in number , and ordain'd , that a judicial Authority should be equally invested in the 600. While he was arguing for the ratification of this Law , his Behaviour was observed to be quite different from others : for all other Orators in their Speeches , used to turn their Faces towards the Senate-house , and the Place called Comitium : but he , on the Contrary , was the first Man that in his Harangue to the People , turn'd himself the other way towards them , and after that time always observed the same posture . Which however insignificant that Turn might seem , yet it was the cause of no small one in State-affairs ; for he in a manner converted the Government from an Aristocracy to a Democracy , thereby intimating by that Action , that all Orators in proposing State-affairs , ought to speak to the People , not the Senate . As soon as the Commonalty had ratified this Law , and given him power to elect those whom he approved of , to be Judges , he was invested with such an absolute Power , that the Senate submitted to consult with him in Matters of Difficulty ; and he always took care to advise nothing , that might any ways derogate from a Person of his Quality ; As for example , his Resolution about the Bread-corn which Fabius the Propraetor sent from Spain , was very just and honourable ; for he perswaded the Senate to sell the Corn , and return the Money to the same Provinces which had furnish'd them with it ; and also that Fabius should be censured , for having render'd the Roman Government odious and insupportable to the Provinces abroad . This Proposal got him an extraordinary Respect and Favour amongst the foreign Provinces ; besides all this , he proposed ways for the repeopling of several ruinous Cities , for reparing the High-ways , and for building publick Granaries . Of all which Works he himself undertook the Management and Superintendency , and was never wanting to give necessary Orders for the quick dispatch of different and great Undertakings , and that too with such wonderful Expedition and Diligence , as if they had been only one ; insomuch that all Persons , who either hated or fear'd him , stood amazed to see how active and industrious he was in all his Designs . As for the People themselves , they were strangely transported at the very sight of him , especially when-ever they saw him surrounded with crowds of Labourers , Artificers , Messengers , Officers , Souldiers , and Scholars . All these he treated with an easie Familiarity , yet always took care to support his Dignity , even in his greatest Condescentions , accommodating his Carriage according to the Quality of every particular Person ; by which means he so far prevailed , that his Enemies were look'd upon no better than envious Detracters , whenever they presumed to represent him either dangerous , rash or guilty of the least ill Nature . He had that peculiar Art of insinuating himself , and gaining by degrees upon the Commonalty , that he became rather more Popular by his common Conversation , than by his publick Harangues . But his greatest Endeavour was to put the High-ways into good condition , always taking care to make them handsom and pleasant , as well as convenient ; for they were drawn by his Directions , through the Fields , exactly in a straight Line , and paved with hewn Stone , founded upon great quantities of Sand , brought thither from the Places adjacent for that purpose : when he met with any Valleys or deep Holes occasion'd by great Floods , he either caused them to be fill'd up with Rubbish , or Bridges to be built over , so well levell'd , that they being of an equal height on both sides , the whole Work made a beautiful Prospect . Besides this , he caused the ways to be all divided into Miles , ( each Mile containing little less than eight Furlongs ) and erected Pillars of Stone , to signifie the distance from one Place to another : he likewise placed other Stones at small distances from one another , on both sides of the way , by means whereof Travellers might get easily on Horseback without Stirrups . For these Reasons the People highly extoll'd him , and were ready upon all occasions to express their Affection towards him . One day in an Oration to the People he declared , that he had only one Favour to request ; which if granted , as he should think it the greatest Obligation in the World , so if it were denied , he would never blame them for the refusal : this Expression made the World believe , that his ambition was to be Consul , and it was generally expected , that he would be both Consul and Tribune at the same time . When the day for election of Consuls came , and all in great Expectation , to see what would be the Event of that days Work , he appeared in the Field with Caius Fannius , and made all the Interest he could for him , that he might be chosen Consul . This Interest was so considerably useful to Fannius , that he was immediately chosen Consul ; and Caius likewise was then elected Tribune the second time , without his own seeking or petitioning for it , but at the voluntary motion of the People . When he understood that the Senators were his declared Enemies , and that Fannius himself was none of the truest Friends , he began again to flatter the People with other new Laws . He proposed that a Colony of Roman Citizens might be sent to repeople Tarentum and Capua , and that all the Latins should enjoy the same Privileges with the Citizens of Rome . But the Senate apprehending that he would at last grow too powerful and dangerous , took a new and unusual course to alienate the Peoples Affections from him , by their gratifying them in things beyond what they could reasonably expect . Livius Drusus was fellow - Tribune , with Caius , a Person of as good a Family , and as well educated , as any amongst the Romans , and no ways inferior to those , who for their Eloquence and Riches were the most famous and most powerful Men of that time . To him therefore the chief Senators make their Application , exhorting him to fall upon Caius ; and that he would engage himself on their side in opposition to him , not by using any force , or opposing of the common People , but in gratifying and obliging them with such unreasonable things , as might otherwise very well deserve to be detested . Livius offer'd to serve the Senate with his Authority in this Business ; and in order thereunto , enacted such Laws as were in reality neither honourable nor advantageous for the Publick ; his whole Design being to out-do Caius in pleasing and cajoling the Populace , ( as Comedians do ) with obsequious Flattery and Popularity : whereby the Senate gave plain Testimonies , that they were not at all displeased with Caius's management of Affairs , but privately designed either to ruine him utterly , or to lessen at least his Reputation . For when Caius proposed the re-peopling of only two Colonies abroad , and mentioned the most considerable Citizens for that purpose , they accused him for abusing the People ; but on the contrary were pleased with Drusus , when he proposed the sending of twelve Colonies abroad , and each to consist of 3000 Persons , and those too the most beggarly Rascals that he could find . When Caius divided the publick Fields amongst the poor Citizens , and charged them with a small Rent , annually to be paid into the Exchequer , they were angry at him , as one who pretended to gratifie the People only for his own Interest ; yet afterwards they commended Livius , tho' he exempted them from paying even that little Acknowledgment . Besides they were displeased with Caius , for giving the Latins an equal Power , with the Romans , of voting at the Election of Magistrates ; but when Livius proposed , that it might not be lawful for a Roman Captain to strike a Latin Souldier , they promoted the passing of that Law : and Livius in all his Speeches to the Mobile , always told them , That he proposed no Laws but such as were agreeable to the Senate , who had a particular regard to the Peoples Advantage . And this truly was the only Action during the time of his Tribuneship , which proved advantageous to the Publick ; for the People were by this inclined to shew a more than ordinary Love and respect to the Senate : and tho' they formerly suspected and hated the principal Senators , yet Livius appeas'd and mitigated all their former Perverseness and Animosity , by convincing them , that he had done nothing in favour and for the benefit of the Commons , without their Advice and Approbation . But the greatest Credit which Drusus got for his Kindness and Justice towards the People , was , That he never seem'd to propose any Law , either of his own Head , or for his own Advantage ; for he committed the charge of seeing the Colonies rightly settled , to other Commissioners : neither did he ever concern himself with the distributions of the Moneys ; whereas Caius was always the principal Man concern'd in such considerable Transactions . When Rubrius , another Tribune of the People , had proposed to have Carthage again inhabited , which had been formerly demolished by Scipio , it fell to Caius's lot to see the same performed , and for that purpose he sailed into Africa . Drusus took this opportunity of his absence , to insinuate himself still more into the Peoples Affections ; which he did chiefly by accusing Fulvius , who wa a particular Friend to Caius , and deputed a Commissioner with him for the division of the Lands . This Fulvius was a Man of a turbulent Spirit , and notoriously hated by the Senate ; and besides , he was suspected by others to have fomented a Difference between them and their Confederates , and under-hand to have perswaded the Italians to rebel ; tho' there was no other way to prove the truth of these Accusations , than by his being a suspicious Person , and of a seditious Temper . This was one principal Cause of Caius's Ruine ; for part of the Envy which fell upon Fulvius , was derived upon him : and when Scipio Africanus happen'd to die suddenly , and no outward cause of such an unexpected Death appear'd , except some marks of Blows upon his Body , which intimated that he had been violently murder'd , ( as we have related in the History of his Life ) the greatest part of the Blame was thrown upon Fulvius , because he was his mortal Enemy , and that very day had reflected upon Scipio publickly in the Tribunal ; nor was Caius himself clear from Suspicion : however such an horrible Murther , and committed too upon the Person of one of the greatest and most considerable Men in Rome , was never either punished or enquired into thorowly ; for the Mobile opposed and hinder'd the Proceedings of Justice , for fear that Caius should be found accessary to the Murder ; but these things were sometime after . But in Africa , where at present Caius was engaged in the re-peopling of Carthage , ( which he named Junonia ) many ominous Prodigies which presaged Mischief , are reported to have been sent from the Gods. For the First Ensigns Staff was broken with a violent Gale of Wind , notwithstanding all the Endeavours of the Ensign to the contrary . Another sudden Storm blew away the Sacrifices which were laid upon the Altars , and disorder'd the whole Platform , by which the bounds of the City were described , and besides all this , the Wolves made an Incursion , and carried away the very Marks that were set up , whereby they designed the Precincts of the City . Caius notwithstanding all this , order'd and dispatched the whole Business in the space of 70 days , and then return'd to Rome , understanding how Fulvius was prosecuted by Drusus , and that the present Juncture of Affairs would not suffer him to be absent ; for Lucius Hostilius , ( one who sided much with the Nobility , and of no small Authority in the Senate , who had formerly sued to be Consul , but was repulsed by Caius's Interest , whereby Fannius was elected ) was in a fair way now of being chosen Consul , because he had a numerous company of Friends ; and it was generally believ'd , if he did obtain it , that he would wholly ruine Caius's Interest , whose Power was already in a declining condition ; and the People were not so apt to admire his Actions as formerly , because there were several others who every day contrived new ways to please the People , with which the Senate did readily comply . After his Return to Rome , he quitted his House on the Palatine Mount , and went to live in a certain Place near to the publick Court , thereby endeavouring to make himself more popular in those Parts , where most of the pitifull and meanest Inhabitants were lodged . In the next place he endeavour'd to propose other Laws , in order to have them ratified by popular Votes ; upon which account he conven'd a prodigious number of people from all the adjacent Places : but the Senate perswaded Fannius the Consul , to command all Persons , who were not Natives and Inhabitants of Rome , to depart the City . A new and unusual Proclamation was thereupon made , prohibiting any of the Allies or Confederates to appear at Rome during that time . Caius on the contrary publish'd an Edict , accusing the Consul for what he had done , and setting forth to the Confederates , that if they would continue upon the Place , they might be assured of his Assistance and Protection . However he was not so good as his word ; for tho' he saw one of his own familiar Friends and Companions dragg'd to Prison by Fannius's Officers , he notwithstanding passed by , without either assisting him , or taking any notice of him : which he did , either because he was afraid to stand the test of his Power , which was already decreased , or because he ( as he himself reported ) was unwilling to give his Enemies an opportunity , which they very much desired , of making an Insurrection . About that time there happen'd likewise a Difference between him and his fellow Officers upon this occasion : A Prize was to be fought before the People in the Market-Place , and most of the Officers erected Scaffolds round about , with an intention of letting them for Advantage . Caius commanded them to take down their Scaffolds , that the poor People might see the Sport without paying any thing . But no body obeying these Orders of his , he gather'd together some Labourers , and overthrew all the Scaffolds , the very night before the Prize was to be play'd ; so that by the next morning the Market-place was clear'd , and the common People had an opportunity of seeing the Pastime gratis . Upon this account , the Rable esteem'd him as a Man of great Generosity ; but he very much disobliged the Tribunes , and the Action was look'd upon as a piece of Rashness , and full of Presumption . This was thought to be the chief Reason , that he fail'd of being a third time elected Tribune ; not but that he had the most Votes , but because his Collegues out of Revenge caused false Returns to be made . But as to this Matter there is not much credit to be given : certain it is , he very much resented this Repulse , and behaved himself with an unusual sort of Arrogance towards some of his Adversaries , who were joyful at this Defeat of his , telling them , That all their Mirth was a * Sardonian Laugh only ; they being wholly in the dark , as to those Intrigues which he was carrying on . As soon as Opimius was chosen Consul , they presently cancell'd several of Caius's Laws , especially as to what he had enacted , in reference to some Designs at Carthage , omitting nothing which was most probable to enrage him , that from some effect of his Passion , they might find out a colourable pretence to put him to death . Caius at first bore these things very patiently ; but afterwards at the Instigation of his Friends , especially Fulvius , he resolved to raise Forces , and oppose the Authority of the Consuls . His Mother Cornelia also is reported by some , to have assisted him in carrying on this Sedition , by sending privately several Strangers into Rome , under pretence as if they came to be hired there for Harvest-men ? and she acquainted her Son with this Project , by writing Letters to him in Cyphers : however 't is confidently affirmed by others , that Cornelia did not in the least approve of these Actions . When the day came , in which Opimius designed to abrogate the Laws of Caius , both Parties met very early at the Capitol ; and the Consul having performed all the Rites usual in their Sacrifices , on Quintus Attyllius , a Serjeant , carrying out the Entrails of the Beast , spoke to Fulvius , and his Friends who stood about him , Ye factious Citizens , says he , make way for honest Men. Some report , that besides this provoking Language , he extended his naked Arm towards 'em , which is reckon'd , it seems , as a piece of Scorn and Contempt . Upon this they presently slew him , with a sort of Bodkins or Pencils , which are used in Writing ; tho' some say , that at present they had furnish'd themselves with 'em for this Employment only . This Murther caused a sudden Consternation in the whole Assembly , and the chiefest Men in Authority had their different Resentments of it : as for Caius , he was in a great Passion , and severely reprimanded some of his own Party , because they had given their Adversaries a colourable pretence to proceed against them , which they had so long hop'd for . Opimius gratefully embracing this occasion , stood up , and excited the People to Revenge ; but there happening a great shower of Rain on the sudden , it put an end to the business of that day . Early the next morning , the Consul having again summon'd the Assembly , and whilst he advised with the Senators in the Court concerning publick Affairs , the Corps of Attyllius was laid upon a Bier , and brought through the Market-place , being there exposed to open view just before the Senate-house , every one expressing a great deal of Sorrow and Lamentation . Opimius was not at all ignorant , that this was design'd to be done ; however he seem'd to be surprized , and wonder'd what the meaning of it should be : the Senators therefore presently went out , to know the occasion of it ; and standing about the Corps , some condoled the Person that was slain ; all represented it is an inhumane and barbarous Action . In the mean time , there were some then present , who were sensible of , and very much resented this Partiality of the Senators ; considering , that when they themselves had not only assassinated Tiberius Gracchus , as he was executing his Office in the very Capitol , but had also thrown his mangled Body into the River ; yet that now they should expose to open view ; that they should bewail and honour with their presence the Corps of a mean mercenary Fellow , ( who tho' he might perhaps die wrongfully , was however in a great measure the occasion of it himself ) and by these means to undermine him , who remains the only Defender and Safeguard of the People . The Senators after some time with-drew , and presently order'd , that Opimius the Consul should be invested with such Power , whereby he might protect the Common-wealth , and suppress all Tyrants . This being decreed , he presently commanded the Senators to arm themselves , and that the Roman Knights should be in a readiness very early the next morning , and every one of 'em to be attended with two Servants well armed . Fulvius on the other side accoutred himself , and got together the Rabble . Caius at that time returning from the Market-place , made a stop just before his Father's Statue , and fixing his Eyes for some time upon it , remain'd in a deep Contemplation ; at length he sigh'd , let fall a few Tears , and departed . This made no small Impression upon those who saw it , and they began to upbraid one another , that they should desert and betray so worthy a Man as Caius . They therefore went directly to his House , remaining there as a Guard about it all night , tho' in a different manner from those who were to take care of Fulvius's Person ; for they with a great deal of Drink and Noise pass'd away the night ; and Fulvius himself , being the first who was made drunk spoke and acted many things , very unbecoming a Man of his Character : on the other side , the Party which guarded Caius , were very diligent , relieving one another by Turns , and prudently fore-casting , as is usual in all publick Calamities , what the issue of things might be . As soon as day light appear'd , they rouzed Fulvius , who as yet slep● very secure , by reason of the Dose he took over-night ; and having armed themselves with the Weapons which hung up in his House , that were formerly taken from the Gauls , whom he conquer'd in the time of his Consulship , they presently with Threats and loud Acclamations made their way towards the Aventine Mount. Caius could not be perswaded to arm himself , but put on his Gown , as if he had been going to the Senate-house , only with this difference , that under it he had then a short Dagger by his side . As he was going out , his Wife came running to him at the Gate , holding him with one Hand , and with her other a young Child of his ; she thus tenderly bespoke him : Alas Caius , I don't now part with you , as if you were going to make Speeches to the People , either as a Tribune or a Law-giver ; nor as if you wer● going to some glorious War , for tho' then you might perhaps have been subject to that Fate , which all must sometime or other submit to , yet you had left me this mitigation of my Sorrow , that your fall was honourable . But now , Caius , you expose your Person to the infamous Murtherers of Tiberius , and that too unarm'd , choosing rather to suffer the worst of Injuries , than be in any capacity of doing the least your self ; but what is yet far more than all , even your very Death at this time can't be anyways serviceable to the publick Good. Faction prevails ; power and success of Arms are now the only measures of Justice : had your Brother fell before Numantia , they would generously have given back , what then remain'd of Tiberius ; but such is my hard Fate , that I probably must be an humble Suppliant to the Floods and to the Waves , that they would somewhere discover to my view their sacred charge of your Relicks ; for what trust is there now left for you , either from the Laws , or the Gods , since they have slain Tiberius ? Licinia thus bewailing , Caius by degrees getting loose from her Embraces , silently withdrew himself , being accompanied by his Friends ; she endeavouring to catch him by the Gown , fell prostrate upon the Earth , lying there for some time speechless , her Servants took her up for dead , and convey'd her to her Brother Crassus . Fulvius when the People were gather'd together in a full Body , by the advice of Caius , sent his youngest Son into the Market place , with an Herald's Rod in his Hand . He being a very handsom Youth , and modestly addressing himself , with Tears in his Eyes , and a becoming Bashfulness , humbly offer'd Proposals of Agreement to the Consul and the whole Senate . The greatest part of the Assembly were inclinable to accept of the Proposals ; but Opimius was of opinion , that it did not become them to send Messengers , and capitulate with the Senate ; but to be personally present , and like good Citizens , by defending their own Innocency , and submitting themselves to him , they might thus appease the Anger of the Senate . He commanded the Youth not to return , unless they would comply with these Conditions . Caius , as 't is reported , was very forward to come , and clear himself before the Senate ; but none of his Friends consenting to it , Fulvius sent his Son a second time to intercede for 'em , as before . But Opimius who chiefly design'd that a Battel should ensue , caused the Youth to be apprehended , and committed into safe Custody ; and then with a Company of his Foot-Souldiers , and some Cretan Archers , set upon that Party which was under the Command of Fulvius . The Archers did such Execution , and wounded their Enemies so mortally , that they were soon put to flight . Fulvius absconded for a time in an old Bagnio ; but shortly after being discover'd he and his eldest Son were slain together . Caius was not observed to encounter any one ; but laying these things very much to heart , retired to Diana's Temple ; he there attempted to kill himself , but was hinder'd by his faithful Friends , Pomponius and Licinius : they took his Sword away from him , and were very urgent that he would endeavour to make his Escape . It 's reported , that falling upon his Knees , and lifting up his Hands , he prayed earnestly to the Goddess , that the Romans , as a punishment for their Ingratitude and Treachery , might always remain in perpetual Slavery ; for as soon as a proclamation was made of a Pardon , they presently deserted him . Caius therefore endeavour'd now to make his Escape , but was pursued so close by his Enemies , as far as the wooden Bridge , that from thence he narrowly escap'd . There it was that his two trusty Friends begg'd of him , to preserve his own Person by flight , whilst they in the mean time would keep their Post , and maintain the Passage ; neither colud their Enemies , till they were both slain , pass the Bridge . Caius had no other Companion in his flight but one Philocrates , a Servant of his . As he run along , it 's true , every Body encourag'd him , and wish'd him Success , ( as standers by may do to those who are engaged in a Battel ) but no body either freely lent him any Assistance , or so much as furnish'd him with a Horse ; tho' he earnestly desir'd it , because his Enemies had gain'd Ground , and got very near him : however he had still time enough to hide himself in a little Grove , consecrated to the Furies . In that Place , his Servant Philocrates having first slain him , presently afterwards kill'd himself also , and fell dead upon his Master ; tho' some affirm it for a truth , that they were both taken alive by their Enemies , and that Philocrates embrac'd his Master so close , that they could not wound Caius , till his Servant was slain . They say , that when Caius's Head was cut off , and carried away by one of his Murtherers , Septimuleius , Opimius's Friend , met him , and forc'd it from him ; because , before the Battel began , they had made Proclamation , that who ▪ ever should bring the Heads either of Caius or Fulvius , he should , as a Reward , receive their weight in Gold. Septimuleius therefore having fix'd Caius's Head upon the top of his Spear , came and presented it to Opimius the Consul . They presently brought the Scales , and it was found to weigh above 17 pounds . But in this Affair , Septimuleius gave as great signs of his Knavery , as he had done before of his Cruelty ; for having taken out the Brains , he fill'd the Scull with Lead . There were others who brought the Head of Fulvius too ; but being mean , inconsiderable Persons , were turn'd away without the promis'd Reward . The Bodies of these two Persons , as well as of the rest who were slain , to the number of 3000 Men , were all thrown into the River ; their Goods were forfeited , and their Widows forbidden to put themselves into Mourning : but they dealt more severely with Licinia , Caius's Wife , and wrong'd her even of her Joynture ; and as an addition still to all their Inhumanity , they barbarously murder'd Fulvius's youngest Son ; his Crime was not , that he took up Arms against 'em , or that he was present in the Battel , but because he had proposed Articles of Agreement : for this he was first imprison'd , then slain . But that which enraged the common People beyond all these things , was , because at this time ( in memory of his Success ) Opimius built the Temple of Concord , as if he glory'd and triumph'd in the Slaughter of so many Citizens : wherefore some body in the Night time , under the Inscription of the Temple , added this Verse : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Folly and Discord Concords Temple built . Opimius was the first , who being Consul , presumed to usurp the Power of a Dictator , and condemned , without any Trial , not only 3000 Citizens , but Caius Gracchus , and Fulvius Flaccus : One of whom had triumph'd , and been Consul ; the other far excell'd all his Co temporaries in Virtue and Honour . Notwithstanding this , Opimius could not restrain himself from Extortion and Bribery ; for when he was sent Ambassador to Jugurtha , King of Numidia , he was there corrupted by Presents , and at his Return being shamefully convicted of it , he was hated and reproach'd by the common People ; so that growing melancholy and his Spirits Sinking , his Infamy still increas'd with his years . It quickly now appear'd to the World , what Respect and Veneration they had for the memory of the Graccki . They order'd their Statues to be made , and fix'd up in publick view ; they consecrated the Places where they were slain , and thither brought the first Fruits of every thing , according to the season of the Year , for to make their Offerings . Many came likewise thither to their Devotions , and daily worship'd there , as formerly at the Temples of the Gods. It 's reported , that as Cornelia , their Mother , bore the loss of her two Sons , with a noble and undaunted Spirit ; so in reference to the Temples where they lay interr'd , she only said , Their Memory deserved such Monuments . She removed afterwards , and dwelt near the Mount Mycene , not at all altering her former way of Living . She was very much respected and beloved , and kept open house for the Entertainment of all Strangers , having daily a great number of Grecians and learned Men , who resorted thither : nor was there any foreign Prince but received Gifts from her , and presented her again . Those who were most conversant with her , were much diverted , when er'e she pleased to entertain 'em with any Relation concerning her Father , Scipio African , or his way of Living . But it was very surprizing , to have her make mention of her Sons , without any Tears or Sign of Grief ; and to give a full Account of all their Deeds and Misfortunes , as unconcern'd , as if she had been relating the History of some ancient Heroes . This made some imagine , that Age , or the greatness of her Afflictions , had made her delirous , and wholly insensible of all her Calamities : but they who were of that opinion , had no Notion at all , how much a noble Birth , or a good Education , could conquer any Affliction ; and tho' envious Fortune may often be more successful , and may smother virtuous Actions ; yet with the worser Calamities , she can't bereave us of that tranquillity of Mind , by which we generously bear them . The End of the Lives of the Gracchi , Tiberius and Caius . THE COMPARISON OF TIBERIUS & CAIUS GRACCHI , with AGIS and CLEOMENES . WE having given an Account severally of these Persons , it remains only , that he should take a View of them , in Comparison with one another . As for the Gracchi ; the greatest Detracters , and their worst Enemies , could not but allow , that they had a Genius to Virtue , beyond all other Romans , which was inproved also by a generous Education . Agis and Cleomenes seem'd to have had better natural Parts , and a more solid Judgment ; for tho' they wanted all the Advantages of good Literature , and were neither instructed in Morality , nor the well management of their Affairs , ( from which , even those who were elder than they , had already much degenerated ) yet they were publick Examples of Temperance and Frugality . Besides , the Gracchi happening to live , when Rome had her greatest repute for Honour and virtuous Actions , might justly have been ashamed , if they had not inherited the Virtues of their Ancestors : whereas the other two had Parents of different Morals ; and tho' they found their Countrey in a sinking condition , and debauch'd , yet that did not quench their forward Zeal to what was just and honourable . The Generosity and the Integrity of the two Romans , was chiefly remarkable in this , That in the administration of publick Affairs , they kept themselves from the imputation of Bribery : whereas Agis might justly be offended , if he had only that mean Commendation given him , that he took nothing wrongfully from any Man , being he distributed his own Fortunes , which amounted in ready Money to the value of 600 Talents , amongst his fellow-Citizens ; and surely extortion must appear a Crime of a strange nature to him , who esteem'd it a piece of Covetousness , to possess , tho nee'r so justly gotten , greater Riches than his Neighbours . Their Politicks likewise , and Transactions , in reference to State-affairs , were of a very different nature . The chiefest things in general that the two Romans commonly aim'd at , was the repairing of Cities , and mending of High-ways ; and in particular , the most generous Design which Tiberius is fam'd for , was his division of the Lands amongst the poor People ; and Caius gain'd his greatest Reputation , by the addition of 300 of the Commonalty to the same number of Senators , investing them with an equal Authority . Whereas the Alteration which Agis and Cleomenes made , was in a quite different manner . They did not redress things by little and little , and cure small Distempers ; for that would have been ( according to Plato ) like cutting off one of the Hydra's Heads , which was the only means to increase the number : but they made a thorough Reformation , and at once freed their Countrey from all Grievances ; or to speak more truly , they took away those things , which were the cause of all their Calamities , and so restor'd their City to its ancient Grandeur . However this must be confess'd in the behalf of the Gracchi , That their Undertakeings were always opposed by Men of the the greatest Quality . But on the other side , those which were first attempted by Agis , and afterwards consummated by Cleomenes , were supported by the famous Authority of those ancient Laws concerning Frugality and Levelling , which were instituted by Lycurgus , ratified and confirmed by Apollo . It is also further observable , That from the Transactions of the Gracchi , the City of Rome received no Additions to her former Greatness ; whereas by the Conduct of Cleomenes Greece presently saw , that Sparta exerted the soveraign power over all Peloponnesus , and she still sought to enlarge her Dominions , with the greatest Princes of that Age ; designing by all her warlike Actions , to set Greece at liberty , from her subjection to the Gauls and Illyrians , and restore her Government , as formerly , to the Race of Hercules . From their different manner of Dying , we may also make some Observations , in relation to their Courage . The Gracchi fighting with their fellow-Citizens , were both slain , as they endeavour'd to make their Escape ; but Agis willingly submitted to his Fate , rather than any Citizen should be in danger of their Lives . Cleomenes also after his being affronted and abused , tho' he did design to be revenged , yet having fail'd of that opportunity , he then generously fell by his own Hand . But on the contrary we must consider , That Agis never did a great Action , worthy a Commander , being prevented by an untimely Death . And as for those heroick Actions of Cleomenes , we may justly compare with them that of Tiberius's , when he was the first who attempted to scale the Walls of Carthage , it being look'd upon as no mean Exploit . To which may be added likewise the Peace which he concluded with the Numantines , by which he saved the Lives of 20000 Romans , who otherwise had certainly been cut off . And Caius , not only at this Place , but in Sardinia too , behaved himself very valiantly ; that their early Actions were no small Argument that afterwards they might have been deservedly compared with the chiefest of the Roman Commanders , if they had not dyed so young . Agis proceeded very mildly in the management of publick Affairs ; and meeting too with some Disappointments by the Craft of Agesilaus , he frustrated the Expectations of the Citizens , as to the division of the Lands , and was constrained to leave all his Designs imperfect and unfinish'd , only for want of a manly Resolution . Cleomenes on the contrary acted more boldly and rashly in all his publick Transactions , and unjustly slew the Ephori , whom he might by Conquest have gain'd over to his Party , or else might easily have banish'd , not only them , but several others also of the City ; for to cut off any Members , unless in the extreamest necessity , is neither the part of a good Chirurgeon , nor a Politician , but argues unskilfulness in both . By this therefore Cleomenes appears cruel , as well as unjust . Neither of the Gracchi were forward to be engaged in a Civil War : and Caius is reported to have avoided all manner of Revenge , even when his Life was aim'd at , showing himself always valiant against a foreign Enemy , but wholly unactive in a Sedition . This was the Reason that he went from his own House unarm'd , and was present in the Battel ; which makes it evident ▪ that he had consulted rather , not to do any harm to others , than not to suffer any himself . Even the very flight of the Gracchi , must not be look'd upon as an argument of their mean Spirit , but an honourable Retreat from endangering of others ; for if they had stay'd , they must either have yielded to those who assail'd 'em , or else have sought 'em in their own defence . The greatest Crime that can be laid to Tiberius's charge , was the deposing of his fellow - Tribune , and that he afterwards substituted Caius in his room : and as for the Death of Attyllius , it is falsly and unjustly attributed to Caius ; for he was slain unknown to him , and much to his Grief . On the contrary , Cleomenes ( not to mention the Murther of the Ephori ) set all the Slaves at liberty , and govern'd by himself alone in reality , having a Partner only for show ; which was the Reason he made choice of his Brother Euclid , who was of the same Family . He also prevail'd upon Archidamus , ( who was the next Heir to the Kingdom of the other Line ) that he would venture to return home from Messene ; but after this being slain , because Cleomenes did not endeavour to revenge his Death , he gave an occasion of being justly suspected , that he was privy to it himself . Truly Lycurgus , whose Example he pretends to imitate , after he had voluntarily settled his Kingdom upon Charilaus his Brother's Son ▪ fearing lest if the Youth should chance to die by Accident , he might be suspected for it , he travell'd a long time , and would not return again to Sparta , till Charilaus had a Son , and an Heir to his Kingdoms . But we have ne'er another Grecian , who is worthy to be compared with Lycurgus ; for amongst the Deeds of Cleomenes , there were greater Innovations , and worse Faults than these . They therefore who strictly examine their different Manners , may observe , That the two Grecians were warlike even from their Youth , and inclining to be Tyrants ; that Tiberius and Caius by nature had too great an Emulation after Glory and Honours : and besides , they never stood in Competition for any thing ; but as soon as the Contention began with their Adversaries , their Heat and Passions would so far prevail beyond their natural Temper , that by them , as by ill Winds , they were driven afterwards to all their rash Undertakings . What could be more just and honourable , than their first Design , had not the Power and the Faction of the Rich , by endeavouring to abrogate that Law , engag'd 'em both in those fatal Quarrels ; the one , for his own Preservation ; the other , to revenge his Brother's Death , who was murder'd without any Law or Justice ? From the account therefore which has been given , you your self may perceive the Difference ; which if it were to be pronounc'd of every one singly , I should affirm Tiberius to have excell'd 'em all in Virtue ; that young Agis had been guilty of the fewest Miscarriages ; and that in Action and Boldness Caius came far short of Cleomenes . FINIS . Books Printed for Jacob Tonson at the Judge's Head in Chancery Lane near Fleetstreet . History . PLutarch's Lives in Five Volumes , translated from the Greek by several the most Eminent hands , adorn'd with fifty five Copper Cuts . Mezeray's Chronological History of France . Sir Paul Rycaut's History of the Spaniards Conquest of Peru , with several Cuts , explaining the Natural Customs of the Natives there . The most diverting Travels of Ferdinando Pinto . Camden's History of the Life and Reign of Queen Elizabeth . The History of the Wars , &c. between the League and the two Kings , Henry the III. and Henry the IV. of France ; Englished by Mr. Dryden upon the Command of King Charles the Second . Poetry . The Works of Jeffrey Chaucer with his Life , and a Dictionary explaining the obsolete words . Mr. Edmond Spencer's Works , containing the Fairy Queen , and his other Pieces formerly Printed , with some new Poems not extant till this Edition . Mr. Milton's Juvenile Poems , with his Treatise of Education . Mr. Milton's Paradise lost , adorn'd with Cuts . Mr. Milton's Paradise regain'd , with the Poem of Samson Agonistes . The Works of Mr. Cowly , published by Dr. Sprat . Mrs. Phillip's Poems with two Tragedies . Mr. Waller's Poems . The Maid's Tragedy alter'd by Mr. Waller , with other Poems published since his Death . Dr. Donn's Poems . Sir John Sucklin's Poems . Mr. Carew's Poems . Mr. Crashaw's Divine Poems . The Earl of Rochester's Poems . Sir Tho. Fanshaw's Pastor Fido , with other Poems . The Epistles of Ovid , Englished by the most Eminent hands . The Works of Horace , English'd by Mr. Creech . Mr. Dryden's Poetical Missellanies in two parts . Mrs. Behn's Poems . Letters and Poems Amorous and Gallant . Plays Written by Shakespear Johnson Fletcher Dryden The Earl of Orrery Sir Robert Howard Sir G. Etheredge Mr. Witcherly Mr. Otway Mr. Lee. And most single Plays . Missellanea . Seneca's Morals Abstractedly Translated , by Sir Roger L'Estrange . Sir Roger L'Estrange's Tully's Offices . Sir Roger L'Estrange's Guide to Eternity , Englished from Cardinal Bona. A Dialogue concerning Women . Sir W. Temple's Works . Love Letters from a Noble Man to his Sister . Critical History of the Old Testament . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A55203-e2110 Agesilaus his Parentage . His Education . His Friendship with Lysander . And his Character . Alcibiades deba●cheth the Wife of Agis , and begets Leotychides . Leotychides put by the Throne as a Bastar●● Agesilaus declared King. Is kind to th● Relations of Agis . His Policy . He is chosen General for Asia . His Dream . The Baeotians quarrel about the Sacrifice . The Ambition of Lysander . It resented by Agesilaus . And suppressed . Plutarch's Reflection upon both . Tisaphernes his Falshood . Revenged . Agesilaus his Expedient for raising Horse at Ephesus . His Reflection on the Sardian Slaves . He enters Sardis . And overcometh Tisaphernes . Tithraustes sent to behead Tisaphernes , and to treat of Peace . Agesilaus made Admiral of Sparta . Makes League with Cotys , King of Paphlagonia . He conquers Pharnabazus . Spithridates with the Paphlagonians revolts upon discontent from Agesilaus . Agesilaus's Love to Megabates . A Conference between Pharnabazus and Agesilaus . Parnabazus his Son presents Agesilaus , and maketh him his Friend . Agesilaus ' s Behaviour in point of Friendship . His Repute in Persia and A●ia . Remanded Home . His ready Obedience . Passeth home thr● ' Thrace . The Trallians . Macedonia . 〈…〉 Thessaly . He laments the Civil War● of Greece . He routs the Pharsalians . Inva●es ▪ Baeotia , by Command of the C●●●cil of Sparta . The Battel of Coronea . He goeth to the Pythian Games . Returneth to Sparta unchanged , as to his Manners . * Goatdeer . He despiseth the Olympick Games . He designs to expose Lysander and his Party . But is disswaded . He maketh his Interest in Agesipolis . His Expedition against Corinth . His Opinion of publick Sports and Games . He slighteth the Theban Ambassadors , of which he soon repenteth . His Polic● concerning the Acarnanians . The Spartans make a dishonourable Peace with Persia . Phaebidas breaks the Peace with Thebes . He refuseth the King of Persia ●is Friendship . He def●nds Phaebidas . And warreth with the Thebans . But not in Person . Sphodrias his Exploit . War with Athens and Thebes . The Allies murmur at the War. Falleth lame of his better Leg. A general Treaty of Peace . Epaminondas his ●ol● Demand . A War with Thebes . Battel of Leuctrae . The Spartan's Behaviour under their Misfortune . Agesilaus invested with absolute Power , to remedy the present Difficulties of State. The Spartan . Law against Cowar●ice . He maketh ●● Inroad into ●rcadia Epaminondas ●nvaded Sparta . Sparta 600 Years without an Invasion . Agesilaus defends the Town . A dangerous Conspiracy in Sparta ▪ Another . The Helots run from their Colours . The time of the Thebans continuance before Sparta . Sparta preserved by the Wisdom of Agesilaus . The Arcadians beaten by Archidamus , Son to Agesilaus . Messene rebuilt by Epaminondas . Epaminondas his Stratagem against Sparta . He is beaten back by Agesilaus . The great ●●●●o●ts of Archidamus Greater of Isadas . He is both rewarded and amerced . Epaminondas slain . * Macheriones . Agesilaus too much given to War. He taketh Pay of Tachos in Aegypt . The Aegyptians disappointed in Agesilau● , as to the appearance of his outward Person * An Aegyptian 〈…〉 t , of which Pap●● was made . Agesilaus discontented in Aegypt . He revolts to Nectanabis from Tachos . Tachos flyeth . Nectanabis ●s oppos●d by Mendesius . Agesilau●'● A●vic● maketh him suspectca by Nectanabis . Nectanabis being B●sieged , resolveth to Fight , but is opposed by Agesilaus . Agesilaus's Stratagem against Mendesius . The Mendesian ▪ Conquered . Agesilaus departs homeward . And dieth by the way . The manner of his Embalming . Notes for div A55203-e14100 § 1. The Peoples Hat ● to his Father . Their Love to him . His Vertues His Favour . His Amours with Flora. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 His Temperance . Actio peculatus . He Marrie● with Antistia ▪ Cinna's De●th . Sect. 2. Carbo and Sylla cont●nd for the Government . * Now the March●s ●f ●●●●●a . He sides with Sylla . H 〈…〉 over ●● M●●ian . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Imperator . Sent in Aid to Metellus . Antistia divorc'd . He marries Aemilia . § 3. Sent by Sylla into Afric● against Domitius . His Victory over Domitius . His Conquest of Africa . § 4. His Title of Magnus . Sylla opposes his Triumph . § 5. Lepidus moves a Civil Wa● ▪ He is sent against Lepidus . * Now Mo●ena . Sent in Aid of Metellus against Sertorius in Spain . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Victory ●ver Herennius and Perpenna . Sertorius slain . His Conquest of Perpenna . § 6. His Aid to Crassus in the Servile War. He restores the Office of Tribune . His second Triumph and first Consulship with Crassus . Submits to the Censors . § 7. The Pirates War. Liad. 22. § 8. The War against Mithridates and Tigranes . His Quarrel with Lucullus . Sect. 9. Mithridates hgis Flight . Hypsicratia . He goes against Tigranes . Araxes Fl. §. 10. Phraates King of Parthia . Pompey's Wars with the Albanians and Iberians . Cyrnus Fl. Amazons . He conquers the King of Parthia . Stratonice . § II. Design'd for Syria , to compleat his Conquests . H● subd●●d the Arabians , and reduced Syria and Jud●a His mild Temper . His Favourite Demetrius . He marches for Arabia Petra . Mithridates his Death . § 12. He 's a Lover of Arts and Sciences . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Mutia divorced . Disbands his Army . His 3d Triumph . § 13. His Change of Fortune . Impeach'd by Lucullus . Joyns with the Commons . Forsakes Cicero . Caesar's Artifice and Consulship . Caesar c●●ts the People . L●xagra●ia A Friend to Caesar . Marries Julia . Piso aud Gabinius Consuls . Clodius his Insolence to him . He calls home Cicero . Annonae prae●ectus . § 14. Caesar's Practices . Pompey's Theater . Julia's Love to him . The Death of Julia. Causes of the Civil War. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He is chose Consul alone §. 15. Marries Cornelia . His Recovery a● Naples Ano●her Cause of ●●● War. §. 16. Caesar marches towards Rome . §. 17. Pompey l●●●●s . Rome . Caesar enters the City and purs●es him . Pompey sends his Army from Brundusium to Dyrrachium . He is censured for leaving Italy . Caesar goes for Spain . Pompey's Army in Greece . Of th●se that resorted to him . §. 18. He follows Caesar int● Thessaly . §. 19. §. 20. Lesbos . §. 21. His Death . * Sicily . Notes for div A55203-e35410 The Author's d●sign In writing Lives . Alexander's Family . Philip's Dream . * Furious ▪ & warlike ▪ He consults the Oracle . The Birth of Alexander . His Person described . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Manners . And Exercises . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . His Magnanimity . His Education and Tutors . He cames Eucephalus . And backs him . Aristotle , Alexander's Tuter . * A College . His Letter to Aristotle . His inclination to Learning . His Courage and early entrance upon Action . His Differences with his Father . Reconcil'd by Demaratus the Corinthian . Break on t again . Philip murther'd by Pausanias . The beginning of Alexander's Reign attended with great Difficulties . He overthrows the Triballians . Takes Thebes , and rases it . The Family of the Poet Pindar spar'd . The Story of Timoclea . He pardons the Athenians . Is chosen General of the Grecians . The Behaviour of Diogenes the Cynick towards him . He consults , and forces the Oracle . Alexander's Army and Preparations . His Liberality . He passes the Hellespont , and visits Achilles his Tomb. The Battel of Granicus . Alexander passes the Granicus in despite of the Enemy . His dangerous Encounter . And Preservation by Clitus . Sardis taken . Being irresolute is encourag'd by an old Prophesie . Pisidia and Phrygia subdued . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Cuts the Gordian Knot . Darius marches towards him . A Messenger . Darius his Dream interpreted . Alexander falls sick . His confidence in his Physician Philip. By whom he is Cur'd . Darius rejects good Counsel . The Battel of Issus . Darius escapes . Alexander taken with the Persian Luxury and Riches . His generous usage of Darius his Wife and Daughters . His Continence . He is angry with those who would have Corrupted him . His Temperance . And manner of Life describ'd . He is given to bragging . And subject to Flattery . The Expence of his Table . Cyprus and Phoenicia yielded to him . He Besieges Tyre . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies , Tyre is thine . His care of his old Master ▪ and personal Valour , in extremity of danger He takes Tyre and Gaza . Where he is wounded by a str●nge accident . His esteem of Homer . He builds Alexandri . His Journey to the Temple of Jupiter Hammon . In which he is w●nderfully guided and preserv'd . Is flattered by a Priest . Alexander's opinion of the Deity . And politick use of being thought a God. He is jeer'd by Anaxarchus . The expence of Tragedies defrayed by Kings . Darius his Proposals rejected . Alexander's generous Usage of Darius's Wif● . Makes him jealous . 〈…〉 * The Sun. But without Reason , of which he is convinc'd by Tyreus the Eunuch . Darius his Prayer . The Event of a great Battel , gather'd from a ridiculous Accident . At the Battel of Gausamela . * August . Some Copies have it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ▪ to Fear . Alexander though infinitely inferior in numbers , refuses to steal a Victory . His Reasons for it . His Reasons for it . An Instance of his Conduct . His A●mour describ'd . A good Omen before the Battel . Darius flies . And Alexander gains an intire Victory . He is proclaim'd King of Asia He courts the Grecians . Takes Babylon . An Account of Naptha . With an Experiment of it . And some conjectures . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 * Here some of the Original is lost . Concerning the Nature of it . Vast Treasures found at Susa . Alexander enters into Persia . His Speech to Xerxes his Statue . Xerxes his Palace burnt by Thais an Athenian Whore. Several instances of Alexander's Munificence To Ariston . To a poor Soldier . To Phocion . To Serapion . To Proteas . To Mazeus To Parmenio . He reproves the Luxury of his Farites . His Encounter with a Lyon , expr●ss'd in Figures of Brass dedicated to Apollo at Delphos . The Ingratitude of his Favourites . How tender he was of his Friends Health . and Reputation . Assists them in their Love ▪ and domestick Affairs A long March in pursuit of Darius . A memorable instance of Alexander's Prudence and Self denial . The Death of Darius . And Punishment of Bessut . Conjectures about the Caspian Sea. Alexander puts on the Persian Habit . Which grieves the Macedonians . The Story of the Amazonian Queens coming to visit him is a Fiction . He persuades his Men to pursue the War. His Methods to preserve his new Conquests . The politick use he made of his Favourites . The Fall of Philotas , occasioned by his Arrogance . He is betray'd by his Mistress Antigone . Dimnus his Conspiracy . The Falshood of Court Friends . The Death of Philotas , and his Father Parmenio . The Murther of Clitus . Princes cannot bear bold Truths . Alexander repents of Clitus his Death . Both Priests And Philosophers ca● flatter basly . Callisthenes his true Jest upon Anaxarchus . The Character and Fall of Callisthenes . Who offends Alexander by his Morosen●ss , and refusing to adore him . Aristotle himself suspected . This Passage was mention'd before . Alexander burns all his own and his Soldiers Baggage . He grows cruel . An odd Portent . A Spring of Oyl found . Sisimethres his Rock taken . Alexander's Discourse with Acuphis . with Taxiles . His Friends r●pine at his Bounty to Strangers . His War with Porus He passes the Hydaspes . And defeats Porus. Porus his Stature . His Elephant . A City built in memory of Bucephalus . The Macedonians refuse to pass the Ganges . Which grieves Alexander . What care he takes to deceive Posterity . His Voyage down the Rivers . His Danger among the Mallians . He is desperately wounded . His Questions to the Indian Philosophers , with their Answers . The Arrogance of Calanus , a Gymnosophist . His Emblem of Government . Alexander's Prayer when he came to the Sea. What loss he sustain'd in his march back His rietous Progress through Carmania . A Prize of Dancing . Won by Bagoas . Alexander's great Preparations for a Voyage to Sea. How hindred . A Custom of the Kings of Persia . Cyrus's Sepulcher rifled . Alexander mov'd at the Inscription . Calanus barus himself . A drinking Match . Alexander marries Statira , Darius his Daughter . He pays the Debts of his Army . Forgives Antigenes his Fraud . His Seminary of Souldiers . The Macedonians discontented . He takes & Guard of Persians . The Macedonians submit . The old and disabled dismisi'd with 〈…〉 〈…〉 Hephestion's Death . A whole Nation sacrific'd to him . Stasicrates his extravagant design of a Statue . Alexander war●'d not to go to Babylon . Several Presages of his Death ▪ Alexander distrusts the Gods. His Usage of Cassander A wonderfull Effect of Fear . The nature of Superstition . Alexander falls sick after a great Debauck . A Diary of his Sickness . He hears his Admiral relate his Voyage . The Macedonians admitted to see him . Hie Death . Not without suspicion of Poyson . Which is contradicted . The Death of Statira . Notes for div A55203-e66430 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Forum maximum Athenis sub dio . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 caenae frugi apud Lacones . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in adagio . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Locus 5. vel 6. miliar . Ital . distans , ubi Templum Dianae Mynich . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈…〉 su 〈…〉 & pond . genus . March. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A55203-e73950 * Alluding to the lucky Chance , called Venus . * He means Julius Caesar . Notes for div A55203-e99830 An exact Character of Tiberius and Caius . A Drachma is seven pence half penny . * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Tiberius made Augur . He marries Claudia , the Daughter of App-Claudius . He is chosen Quaestor . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . He makes a Peace with the Numantines . The Peace Broken. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Plutarch styles him , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , having no other way to express the Latine word . Sapiens . He is chosen Tribune . The Law concerning the division of Lands . Tiberius's Speech . M ▪ Octavius opp●ses this Law. Octavius Deposed . This Law was again Ratified . An Obolus is a Penny Farthing . Tiberius disposes of King Attalas's Legacy to the Common People . Tiberius's Speech . Several ill Omens happen'd to him . Tiberius slain . Gracchus his Character . He is chosen Quaestor . His Dream . His Laws . Other Laws preferr'd by C. Grach . Cajus's Power . The Italian Mile contains 8 Furlongs . Caius chosen Tribune the second time . The Death of Scipio . Ill Omens happen to Caius . Caius miss'd of his third Tribuneship . * This saying is occasion'd from a poysonous Herb in that Country , which whoever tasts of , he presently seems to laugh , and in that posture dies . Opimius is the same Person , who in this Life was before mentioned by the Name of L. Hostilius . A Decree of the Senate against Caius Gracchus . Licinia's Speech to her Husband Caius Gracchus . Fulvius sent his youngest Son t● tre●● of a Peace Fulvius and his eldest Son slain . Caius's Flight . Caius's Death . The power of Education to conquer Afflictions .