Apokolokyntosis. Or A mockery upon the death and deification of Claudius Cæsar Written in Latine by Lucius Annæus Seneca the philosopher. Imprimatur, Junii 17. 1664. Roger L'Estrange. Seneca, Lucius Annaeus, ca. 4 B.C.-65 A.D. 1664 Approx. 33 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 14 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A59165 Wing S2508A ESTC R221003 99832386 99832386 36859 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. A59165) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 36859) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2058:13) Apokolokyntosis. Or A mockery upon the death and deification of Claudius Cæsar Written in Latine by Lucius Annæus Seneca the philosopher. Imprimatur, Junii 17. 1664. Roger L'Estrange. Seneca, Lucius Annaeus, ca. 4 B.C.-65 A.D. [4], 20 p. printed by William Godbid, London : 1664. The first word of the title is in Greek characters. Imperfect; pages cropped, faded print with slight loss of print. 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 Caesar, Julius -- Early works to 1800. Satire, Latin -- Translations into English -- Early works to 1800. 2002-04 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2002-05 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2002-06 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2002-06 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2002-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ΑΠΟΚOΛΟKΥΝΤOΣΙΣ . OR A MOCKERY UPON The DEATH and DEIFICATION OF Claudius Caesar. Written in Latine by LUCIUS ANNAEUS SENECA the Philosopher . Imprimatur , Iunij 17. 1664. ROGER L'ESTRANGE . LONDON , Printed by William Godbid . 1664. To the READER . THis Book is Intituled ΑΠΟΚΟΛΟΚΥΝΤΟΣΙΣ , wherein Seneca exceedingly derides the pretended Deification of Claudius Caesar , and , by the way , scoffs at the whole Apotheofis of the Romans and Graecians , upon occasion of that of Claudius , who fell into a lingring Consumption by eating Mushroms , his usual dish , poysoned with Coloquintida , by the instigation of his Wife Agrippina , but by the subtlety of a Noble woman , Mistris of that Art. Claudius Son of Drusus Germanicus , succeeding Caius in the Empire of Rome , is recorded to have been a Prince no lesse Cruel than Foolish ; insomuch that his Mother Antonia was wont to call him a Monster of Men , whom Nature had begun● not perfected : and when she tax'd any man of much foolishnesse , would say , He was more sottish than her Son Claudius . His Grandmother Augusta alwayes thought him most despicable , would never admonish him but by messages , or by short & sharp Letters . His Sister Livilla , when she heard he was to be Emperour , would openly lament the deplorable condition of the People of Rome . This man Lucius Annaeus Seneca hath here painted forth in his proper colours ; and perhaps was the more bitter , in revenge of the banishment he sustained under him : though afterward Agrippina , being then marri●● ●o Claudius , that she might not be famous only for wick●d acts , interceded for Seneca , and obtained not onely ●is release , but his preferment to the Praetorship ; con●eiving it would be no lesse grateful to the Publick , in ●egard of his fame for Learning , then advantageous to ●er , intending to use his help in the Education of her Son Domitian , and his advice in advancing him to the Empire ; for she believed ( as Tacitus sayes ) he would be a friend to her in respect of that benefit , and an ene●y to Claudius in regard of that injury . This may serve ●o declare the Authour's scope in writing this facetious Tract ; which is so opposite to the usual gravity of Se●eca , that it hath been doubted by some to be his : but ●he unquestionable assertions of so many ancient testimo●ies must needs remove that scruple . And because the Book hath never yet worn an English Livery , but hath ●een totally omitted by the Translator of the rest of his Works , as a Tract more busy and difficult , interwoven ●ith various and acute verses , it was the rather under●aken for satisfaction of some private Friends , without ●hought of troubling the World with it . The Copies ●hich are transmitted to us do without all doubt so differ ●rom the Original , that they will scarce admit of sense ●n many places ; and they who attempt the reconciliati●n do but quarrel among themselves : yet in the most dif●●cult passages the present Translator makes use of some ●f their Castigations , not with much approbation , but for ●ant of better , being unwilling to be too laborious in ●●ifles . ΑΠΟΚΟΛΟΚΥΝΤΟΣΙΣ . OR A Mockery upon the Death and Deification of CLAUDIUS CAESAR , &c. WHat pass'd in Heaven before the third day of the Ides of October , Asinius Marcellus and Acilius Aviola being Consuls , in that New year which gave beginning to a most happy Age , I will now declare : nor shall any thing proceed either from Injury or Favour . But if I be ask'd , how I know it to be true : First , unlesse I please , I will not answer . Who shall constrain me ? I know I recover'd my liberty when he dy'd , who verifi'd the Proverb , He must be born a Tyrant or a Fool. If I list to answer , I 'll speak what comes in my head : Who ever required an Oath of an Historian ? But if I must needs produce my Authour , ask him who saw Drusilla ascend to Heaven : the same saw Claudius take his journey thither , though not with equal pace . Whether he will or not , he must see what 's done in Heaven . He is the Supervisor of the Appian way , which thou knowest Augustus and Tiberius took when they went to the Gods. If thou enquir'st of him , he 'll whisper to thee alone , but if others be present , will not speak a word ; for since he swore in the Senate he saw Drusilla ascend to Heaven , and no man gave any credit to so good news , he affirm'd in plain terms , that if he saw a man kill'd in the very Market-place , he for his part would not tell it . What I heard from this man , I relate for truth , so happy and sincere do I esteem him . Now Phoebus had abridg'd his rising light , And the time sooner did to sleep invite . And now prevailing Cynthia her reign Improv'd , and fruitfull Autumn did complain Of Winter's sad approach , which so bereft The Vines , few Grapes the Vintager found left . I think it would be better understood , if I said the Month of October , or the third day of the Ides thereof . I cannot tell justly the hour ; Philosophers agree more easily then Clocks : but it was between Six and Seven . Poets are too tedious in their descriptions ; they cannot be content to describe the rising and setting of the Sun , but they will also disturb Mid-day . Wilt thou also thus pass over so good an hour ? Sol now had pass'd the middle part of Heaven , And to his bending Steeds the reins had given , And towards Night his flaming Charriot driven . The Soul of Claudius began to forsake his Body , but could not find the way out : when Mercury , who ever delighted in his Wit , calling forth one of the Three Fatal Sisters , said , Why , cruel VVoman , dost thou suffer this wretched man to be so tormented , who , alas , never deserv'd it ? It is now the sixty and fourth year since he struggled with his Soul. VVhy does thy envy deny him death ? Permit Astrologers to tell at last the truth , who from the time he was made Prince , every year , every month , have been carrying him to his grave . And it is no wonder they err'd ; no man knew the hour of his Nativity : For , indeed , no man ever thought him born . Do what ought to be done . Give him to Death , and in a better sort To reign permit him in an empty Court. But Clotho reply'd , I was willing , I confesse , to respite his death , till he had made those few that remain , Citizens of Rome : For he resolv'd to see all the Graecians , French , Spaniards , and Britans , become Cown-men . But since thou art pleased that some strangers be left to propagate their race , and that thou so command●st , it shall be done . Then opened she a Box , and took out three Spindles ; the fi●st belonged to Augurinus , the second to Baba , the third to Claudius . These three ( said she ) in one year , and in a little distance of time , I will command to die : For I will not send him away unaccompany'd . It is not fit that he who lately saw so many thousand people before , behind and round about him , should be suddenly left alone . In the mean time he must be content with the society of these . This said , she from her Spindle pull'd a Thread , Which shew'd the foolish King would soon be dead . But Lachesis with hair entwined round , And with a fresh Pierian Laurel crown'd , Took up a handfull of pure Wooll , and wrought With such a happy hand , that it was brought To turn from common wooll to burnisht Gold. The change her Sisters wonder'd to behold . Nor could they stay , to work they all agreed , And found the Golden Age did thence proceed . The task was easy , with small labour done : For presently such happy Yarn was spun , The Woof whereof they truely might presage Would out-live Tithon's , or old Nestor's age : Phoebus assisted with his songs , and joy'd At future good ; his hands were oft imploy'd , Sometime to help them work , and other while With his sweet Harp their labour to beguile . And while they heard him sweetly sing and play , They found their Work went easilier away : Taking such pleasure in his Musick then , That it surpass'd the Destinies of Men. Phoebus then said , O Sisters , let my prayer Move you to take this Prince into your care , And beyond mortal age his dayes t' advance , For he resembles me in Countenance , And feature too ; nor does he come behind For Voice , and Instruments of any kind . He happy times for wretched men shall cause , And shall break off the silence of the Laws . As Lucifer , when Stars from sight refrain , Or Hesperus , when Stars return again ; Or as the Morning when Day first appears , And Sol with graceful looks the sad Earth chears : So Caesar comes , and so shall Rome behold Her Nero with a Face of Heavenly mold , And with bright Hair that does his Neck infold . Thus far Apollo . But Lachesis , who of her self favoured this gallant person , was so bountiful to Nero , as to adde to his , many of her own years . In the mean time they all bid Claudius adieu , and wishing him good luck , pray'd him to hasten out of his Palace . So he stirted out his Soul in a fit of Wind , and seemed to live no longer . He dy'd whilest he was hearing Comoedians , that thou mayst know I have some reason to fear them . The last words he was heard to utter , when he sent out a great sound from that part where he could more readily speak , were , Out alas ! I think I have bewray'd my self . I know not what he then did ; but I am sure he bewray'd all things else . What was afterward done upon Earth is needless to declare , you know it sufficiently ; publick joy hath deeply imprinted it in our memories : no man can forget his own felicity . Hear now what was done in Heaven : Let the Author's credit gain belief . It was told Iupiter , that a certain person was come , of a good stature , somewhat gray , and threatned I know not what , for he continually shook his head , and drew his right leg after him : and being ask'd of what Nation he was , answer'd in such a confus'd tone , and with so disturb'd a voice , his language could not be understood ; and that he was neither Graecian nor Roman , nor of any known Countrey . Iupiter commanded Hercules ( who had travail'd all the World over , and seem'd to know all Nations ) to go and inquire what kind of man he was . Hercules went ; and indeed was somewhat troubled at first sight of him , though he fear'd no Monster ; beholding an unusual countenance , and a gate seldom seen , and hearing a voice not like any earthly creature , but like some Sea-monster , hoarse and inward , he look'd for a Thirteenth Labour to be impos'd upon him : but eying more strictly , he seem'd to be as it were a man. He therefore accosted him , and , what was easie to one that understood a little Greek , said , What art thou ? whence come'st thou ? what is thy name ? When Claudius heard this , he rejoyc'd to find there men that lov'd Learning , and began to hope the Histories he writ would be in some esteem : and intimating himself to be Caesar , utter'd this Verse of Homer , Into Ciconia by a furious blast I driven was , when I from Troy had past . But what follows is as much Homer , & is more true ; Where I the City and the State Did both together ruinate . And indeed he had put Hercules to his non-plus , being a person little skilful in retorts , had not Febris been there , who leaving her Temple came alone with him : all the rest of the Gods and Goddesses he left at Rome . This man , said she , tells meet Fables . I who liv'd with him many years assure you he was born at Lions , and owes his privilege to Munatius . What I tell ye is true , he was born at Lions , fifteen miles from Vienna : He is a right French-man , and therefore as became a French-man he took Rome . I present him for the same born at Lions where Licinius rul'd long . And thou Hercules , who hast trod over more Countreys then an ordinary Mule , must needs know men of Lions , and that Xanthus and Rhodanus are many miles distant . Claudius here grew angry , and with as much murmuring as he could make began to chafe . What he said no man understood ; but he commanded F●bris to be carry'd away , and with his hands opened , being strong enough to do what was usual with him when he caus'd mens heads to be struck off , he commanded them to cut off her head . Thou would'st have thought them all his enfranchis'd creatures , so little did they regard what he said . Then Hercules , Hear me , said he , thou Fellow ; leave playing the fool : thou come'st hither where Mice eat iron . Tell me the truth quickly , or I 'll dash out thy shallow brains . And that he might seem more terrible , he became a Tragoedian , and said , What place , speak quickly , gave thee birth ? This club shall pound thee else to earth , Which many a cruel King hath slain . Look that thy Answers now be plain : And let me know what clime hath bred , What land produc'd that shaking head . When I went far the Realms to view Of that three-body'd King I slew , And brought from Spain with great renown The noble herd to Argos Town , I saw a Mountain which the Sun From East beholds , from whose foot run Two rivers , Rhone so fam'd for force , And Soane uncertain of the course It is to take ; whose slower pace Does moisten , not the banks deface . Say then , Is that thy native place ? This he utter'd stoutly and boldly enough , but had some doubt he might be flapt by a fool . But Claudius , when he saw this couragious man , left trifling , for he knew well there was never his like in Rome ; and also found that he himself had not such power and favour there : A Cock may doe much upon his own dunghil . Therefore , as far as he could be understood , he seem'd to say thus , I did hope ( O Hercules , who art the most valiant God ) to have had thy assistance : And if I were put to find Surety of the knowledge of me , I did expect thy Testimony , who know'st me very well : for thou may'st remember , I was he who in thy honour did daily administer Justice before thy Temple in the Months of Iuly and October : and thou know'st how much misery I endured , in sitting to hear the Lawyers plead night and day ; into whose hands hadst thou fallen , though thou beest very stout , thou wouldst rather have cleans'd again the Augean Stables , so much more dung did I rake up . Well , said Hercules , I am content to be thy Patron , because I will : and then brake into the Assembly of Demi-gods who were consulting about Claudius : who murmuring at it , said , It is no wonder thou rushest into the Court , no place is shut from thee . But tell us now what God thou would'st have him . An Epicurean he cannot be , for he has no employment himself , nor gives any to others . A Stoick God ? how can he be , as Varro says , round and perfect , having neither head nor prepuce ? 'T is true , he hath something of a Stoick , for we see he hath neither brains nor head : yet he might justly have desired this favour of Saturn , whose feast he celebrated all the year long . But Caius Caesar would never endure it , in regard he sought what he could to kill Lucius Syllanus his Son in Law , whom he condemned of Incest . And why , I pray ? Because he desir'd that his Sister ( being one of the sprightfull'st women in the City , and was therefore called Venus ) should be styl'd Iuno . He would not seem to tolerate Incest at Rome , though it were permitted in the half degree at Athens , and in the whole at Alexandria ; because , as he said , at Rome Mice lick Mil-stones . This man would teach us to make crooked things straight . What he does in his Chamber we know not ; but he searches all the corners of heaven , and would be made a God : He thinks it a small matter to have a Temple in Britain , where the Barbarians give him Divine honour , erecting , as it were , an Altar to his eternal Dominion . At length Iupiter finding the matter agitated with confus'd interlocutions among inferiour Gods , advis'd them to dispute no longer , and wish'd every one that had interest in that Assembly to declare his opinion . I , Fathers Conscript , saith he , have permitted you to deliver your judgements in this sublime Court , which you have made no better then a Thatch'd house . I will have the ancient discipline observ'd . This man , whatsoever he is , what will he think of us ? Claudius being withdrawn , first Father Ianus was ask'd his opinion ; who being very subtle , was made Afternoon-Consul in the Calends of Iuly , and alwayes looks both before and behind at once . He having been conversant in Courts of Justice , was very Eloquent , and spake so much that the Scribe of the Court could not set down all , and therefore I do not repeat it , lest I should put what he said into other words . He spake much of the Greatness of the Gods , and that so high honour ought not to be given promiscuously . It was wont to be counted a great matter to be made a God ; you have lessened the reputation of it . And therefore , said he , that I may not in my sentence look so much upon the person as the matter , I advise that none henceforth be made a God that eats the fruits of the earth , or whom the fertile earth in any sort nourishes . Whosoever , contrary to this Act , shall be made , feign'd , or be painted a God , let him be thrown to Hobgoblins , and at the next Prize to be play'd by the new Fencers , let him be soundly whipt . The next that delivered his judgement was the Son of Vica Pota , who was also design'd a small Bankier Consul ; formerly he subsisted by Traffique , and in petty Cities sold Jars of Oyle . Hercules stept handsomely to him , and rounded him in the ear . He then said , Since divine Claudius was near in blood to divine Augustus , who no less then he did sollicit the Deification of his Grandmother Augustae and did indeed far excel all mortal men in wisdome ; and that it is expedient for the common good , to have one who can with Romulus devour boyling turneps ; My judgement is , that Claudius be made a God in as ample manner and with as good right as others were made before him ; and that this miracle be added to the Metamorphoses of Ovid. The opinions were various , and Claudius seemed to have most votes . For Hercules , who saw his own iron in the fire , ran up and down from one to another , saying , Envy not me the honour of this work ; I am concern'd in it : when you have occasion I shall requite the courtesie : one hand washes another . Then stood up sacred Augustus to deliver his opinion ; which he did with very much Eloquence . Fathers Conscript , said he , I call you to witnesse that since I was made a God , I have not spoken a word here : I always mind my owne businesse . But I can no longer dissemble nor contain my sorrow which my modesty makes greater . For this cause I made peace at Land and Sea , furnish'd the City with Laws , and adorn'd it with stately Buildings . What to say , grave Fathers , I cannot tell : no words are sufficient to d●clare my indignation . I must make use of the expression of Messala Corvinus an eloquent man : He hath cut in sunder the Majesty and Jurisdiction of the Empire . This man , Fathers Conscript , that seems to us scarce able to fright away a fly , has chopt off mens heads with as much facility as a dog eats tripes . But how can I relate his many cruelties ? I have not leisure to lament publick calamities when I look upon my own domestick miseries . Those therefore I will omit , and these rehearse . Though Phormea understands little Greek , yet I doe , and remember the Proverb , Indignation hardly grows old . He whom you see lurking so many years under my name , in requital hath kill'd two Julia's my Nephew's Daughters , the one with the sword , the other with famine : and also my Nephew's Nephew Lucius Syllanus . Consider , Jupiter , the cause being so wicked , and which concerns you near , whether this man shall remain with us . Tell me , divine Claudius , why thou didst condemn any of these of either sex without hearing , or taking cognizance of the cause . Has this been usually done in heaven ? Certainly it was never done . We know that Jupiter , who hath reign'd here so many years , only broke the thigh of one Vulcan , and taking him by the foot threw him out of heaven , and being angry with his Wife , hung her between heaven and earth to punish her . But did he kill her ? Thou slew'st Messalina , to whom I was great Vncle as well as to thee . Thou wilt say thou * know'st not . The curse of the Gods light on thee : so much more shameful it is that thou know'st not then that thou didst it . This man ceased not to prosecute Caius Caesar after his death : he slew his Father in law , this his Son in law . Caius Caesar would not permit the Son of Crassus to be styled the Great : This man restor'd his name and took off his head . He slew in one house Crassus the Great , Scribonia , Tristonia , and Assario , all Nobles : But Crassus such a fool , as he might have reigned as well as he . Consider , Fathers Conscript , what a Monster sues to be made a God : will you now make him ? Behold his body form'd to despight the Gods. In brief , let him pronounce but three words together , in any reasonable sort , and I will be content to become his slave . Who will adore this God ? who will believe him to be so ? In conclusion , while you make such Gods , you your selves are not thought to be Gods. The summe of all is , grave Fathers , if I have behaved my self honestly among you , if I have not been uncivil to any , revenge my wrongs ; I for my part pronounce this as my opinion , [ and then read out of a Table-book ] Since divine Claudius hath slain Appius Syllanus his Father in law , his two Nephews , Pompey the Great , and Lucius Syllanus , Crassus Father in law to his Daughter , an honest man , and as like him as one egge is to another , Scribonia Mother in law to his Daughter , and Messalina his Wife , and so many beside that it is endlesse to recount them ; he ought to be severely punished , and to be allowed no appeal , but to be carried hence , and within thirty dayes to leave Heaven , and within three Olympus . All the Gods rose to confirm this judgement : and without expecting further order , Cyllenius took him by the wry neck , and dragg'd him towards Hell , From whence they do maintain None can return again . While they descended by the broad way , Mercury askt what that concourse of people meant , whether it were Claudius his Funeral . And truly it was as glorious a shew as could be seen , set out with so much pomp , that it appeared the Funeral of a God : Such variety there was of Trumpets , Cornets , and Hoeboys . Claudius heard the noise : All men rejoyced and were merry , the People of Rome found they were at liberty . Agatha and a few Petty-foggers heartily lamented ; the Lawyers came out of their holes , pale and meager , scarce able to breath , like men newly recovered from a trance . One of the company seeing the Lawyers lay their heads together bewailing their fortune , drew near and said , I told you Saturn 's Feast would not alwayes last . Claudius when he saw his Funeral perceived himself to be dead ; for they chanted with a loud voice this Funeral Elegy . Let your sighs and tears abound , Let cryes fly the Palace round , At least feign a mournful sound ; Since so brave a man , whose head Was with wisdome fraught , is dead , The Earth none like him eve● bred . In swift Races he excell'd , His light dart the Persians quell'd , And the Parthians who rebell'd . He his foes did overthrow , Taught the Medes his strength to know , And their Painted backs to show . Britans and the Irish , plae'd Beyond known Seas , he soon chas'd : They to bear his yoke made hast . The Ocean , which no bounds saw , To Obedience he , did draw , And to yield to Roman Law. Plenteous tears for him provide , Who , though hearing but one side , Sometimes neither , Causes try'd . What Iudge will there now be found That will sit the whole year round , And give Sentence without ground ? Minos Iudge of Souls below , T' whom a hundred Cities owe Homage , will his Seat forgo . But , O you of Venal race , Lawyers , now in this sad case , Beat your breasts and weep apace . Poets too , who ●aeke great pains , Though , alas , with little gains , Vent your Sorrows in fresh strains . You , 'bove all , grown rich by Play , Shaking th'elbow night and day , Never put your grief away . Claudius was much delighted with his praise , and would fain have heard more : But Talthybius , Messenger of the Gods , laid hands on him , and covering his head that he might not be known , led him by Campus Martius , and between Tiber and the close way descended towards Hell. Narcissus , his enfranchis'd Servant , went before the direct way to entertain his Patron ; and when he came near , he ran to him all neat and trim as out of a Bath , and said , What ? do Gods mix with Men ? Hasten ( said Mercury ) and give advertisement of our coming . Narcissus would have complemented longer with his Lord , but Mercury admonished him with his Rod , and again bid him make hast . No sooner had he spoken , but Narcissus hastned as if he ha● flown . The passage is steep and easie of descent , and therefore though he were gouty , he came in a moment to the Gates of Plut●● ; where lay ( as Horace sayes ) that hundred-headed Beast , which presently rose and shook his bristled crest . Narcissus , who used to play with a little white Beagle , was in a kind of fear when he saw a Dog so black and shaggy , that one would be loath to meet him in the dark , and cry'd , Claudius Caesar is come . And behold , a multitude came singing with acclamations , We have him , let us rejoyce . In this Company were C. Silius , design'd Consul , Iunius Praetorius , Sextus Trullus , Marcus Helvius , Trogus , Cotta , Teclus , Valens Tabius , whom Narcissus had caused to be Executed . In the midst of this troop of Singers was Maestor the Pantomime , whom Claudius for comlinesse sake had made leaner . The news was presently carry'd to Messalina , that Claudius was arrived . First of all came flocking his freed-men , Polybius , Miron , Harpocras , Ampheus , and Pheronactes , whom he had sent before , that he might not want Servants in any place . After them came two Praefects , Iustus Catonius , and Ruffus , Pompey's Son. Then came his friends , Saturnius Luscius , Pedo Pompeius , Lupus , and Celer Asinius , who had been Consuls . And last of all , his Brother's Daughter , his Sister's Daughter , his Father in law , his Mother 〈◊〉 law ; all his near allies came to meet him : whom whe● Claudius saw , he cry'd out , Behold , all places are full of my friends . How came you hither ? Pedo Pompeius reply●d , What say'st thou , bloody man ? do'st thou ask how ? who but thy self hath sent us hither , thou murderer of all thy friends ? Come let us go , I 'll shew thee the Iudgement-Seat : and then brought him to the Tribunal of Aeacus . He it was who , by virtue of the Cornelian Law enacted against murderers , inform'd against them , and made their processe ; and now desir'd to have his name Register'd as the accuser of Claudius ; that he had murdered thirty Senators , three hundred and fifteen Roman Knights , and of other People , The number infinite , like Sand or Dust. Claudius being much dismay'd , cast his eyes about to find an Advocate to speak for him , but found at present none . At length Publius Petronius , who was wont to eat at his Table , a man well vers'd in the Claudian language , appeared , and desir'd to be admitted his defender , but was refus'd . Pedo Pompeius accus'd him with great vehemency ; Petronius seemed willing to answer for him . Aeacus , a most just man , having heard but one side , condemned him , and said , If he suffer what he hath done to others , the judgement is just . A great silence was made . All were astonish'd and wondred at the newnesse of the thing , saying , the like was never done . Claudius thought it more just then new . It was long debated what kind of Punishment should be inflicted . Some mov'd , that if the Gods would be pleased to release the punishment of one , either Tantalus might be freed of his Thirst , whereof he would else die , or Sisyphus of the burthen of his Stone , or Ixion have his Wheel stopt . But it was resolv'd that none of the Condemned persons should be discharg'd , lest Claudius himself might afterwards expect like favour . They agreed that a new punishment should be devis'd , That some fruitlesse labour should be impos'd upon him , and a kind of Desire , without End or Effect . Then Aeacus pronounced that he should play at Dice with a bottomlesse Box : And now he began to cast Dice to no purpose , for they still dropt out at the wrong end . As oft as he prepared was to cast , Shaking the Box , the Dice fell out as fast . And putting them into the Box again , Like one that play'd , he found he play'd in vain : For still the Dice slipt thorough and were gone . So Sisyphus with many a heavy grone To the Hill-top bears his returning Stone . Caius Caesar now appeared , and claimed him in ●ight of Bondage , producing witnesses who saw him box'd and beaten with Rods and Cudgels by him . He was adjudg'd to Caius Caesar , to whom Aeacus gave him : He gave him to Menander his manumitted Servant , to help him to frame Indictments . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A59165-e450 Here Seneca was but an ill Augur . * After he had put her to death , he sent for her to Supper ,