THE HISTORIE OF Tiberius Claudius Drusus Caesar,

AS touching Drusus father to this Claudius Cæsar,1 A, V, C. 714. which Drusus was in times past forenamed Decimus and afterwards Nero; dame Livia wedded unto Augustus even whe͏̄ she was great with child, brought him into the world within three moneths after the said mariage & folke suspected, that begotten he was in adulterie by his (supposed) (*) * Augustus: and not by Tiberius Nero his mothers sonne. father in law himself. Certes prese͏̄tly after his birth, this verse we͏̄ rife in every mans mouth, τοῖς θυτυχουσι καὶ τρίμηνα παιδία,

This Drusus in the honorable place of questure and pretureship, being L. Generall of the R [•…] aetian, and so foorth of the Germane warre, was the first Romane Captaine that sayled in the North Ocean: and on the farther side of [〈◊〉] caste those trenches of a straung and infinite worke which yet at Page 153 this day be called (*) * Or [〈◊〉] [〈◊〉] . Drusinae. Many a time he put the enemy to sword, and when he had driven him as farre as to the inmost deserts, gave not over chasing and pursuing, untill there appeared unto him the likenesse of a (*) * Representing Germanie. Barbarian woman, more portly than a mortall wight, which in the latine tongue forbad him to follow the traine of victorie anie farther. For which acts atchieved, he enioyed the honour of a (*) * Called Ovation pety Triumph, and had the Triumphall ornaments graunted unto him. After his pretureship, he entred immediatly upon the Consulate: and having enterprised a second expedition thither, fell sicke and dyed in his summer campe, which therupon tooke the name of (*) * The wicked and mischieuous camp. Castra (a) Scelerata. His corps by the principall Citizens and Burgesses of the free burrowes and colonies, by the decuries also and orders of the (*) * Or Chancelors. Scribes (who met them in the way and received it at their hands) was conueied to Rome and buried in Mars-fielde. Howbeit the armie reared in honour of him an honorarie (*) * Which the Greeks call Cenotathium. i. an empty tomb tombe (or stately herse) about the which every yeare afterwards upo͏̄ a certain set day, the souldiers should runne at tilt, keepe jousting and turnament: the Citties likewise and States of Gaule, sacrifice and make publike supplications to the gods. Moreover the Senate among many other honors, decreed for him a Triumphant arch of marble, with Tropaees thereto in the (*) * Or port. way. street Appia: as also the surname of Germanicus to him and his posterity for ever. Furthermore he is thought to have caried a mind no lesse glorious than civil & popular. For over and above the conquests gained of his enemies, he wa [•…] also from the͏̄ (*) * Which he tooke fro͏̄ their cheife general [•…] Royall spoyles: & oftentimes to the uttermost hazard of his life coursed and chaced the General of the Germans all over the field: neither dissembled he, but gave it out, that one day he would restore unto the Common-wealth their ancient state and libertie againe. Whereupon, I suppose, some presume to write, that Augustus had him in jelousie and suspicion: called him home out of his Province: and because he lingred and delayed his returne, made him aw [•…] y by poyson. Which uerily put downe I have, because I would not seeme to pretermit such a matter, rather, than for that I thinke it either true or probable: considering that Augustus both loved him whiles hee was alive so entirely, as that he alwayes ordained him fellow-heire with his sonnes, (like as he openly professed upon a time in the Senate house) and also commended him after his death so highly, that in a solemne oration before the bodie of the people he prayed unto the gods. Tououchsafe his owne Cæsars to be like unto him: and to grant himselfe one day such an end as they had given him. And not contented with this that he had engraven upon his tombe an Epitaph in verse which he himselfe composed, he wrot also the historie of his life in prose. By Antonia the yonger, he became father uerily of many children, but three onely hee left behind him at his death, namely, Germanicus, Livilla, and Claudius.

This Claudius was borne at Lyons, in the yeare when Iulius2 A. V. C. 744. Antonius and Fabius Africanus were Consuls, upon the Calends of August, that uery day on which the altar was first dedicated there unto Augustus: and named he was Tiberius Claudius Drusus: and a while after, when his elder brother was adopted into the family Iulia, hee assumed into his stile the surname of Germanicus. Being left an infant by his father, all the time in manner of his child-hood and (*) * Or growing age. youth, piteously Page 154 handled he was with sundrie diseases, and those tough and such as stucke long by him: in so much as being dulled and enfeebled thereby both in mind and bodie, he was not thought in the very progresse of riper age, sufficient and capable of any publike office or private charge: yea and many a day after that hee came to full yeares and had sued out his live [•…] ie, hee was at the dispose of another, even under a pedagogue and governour; whom in a certaine booke himself complaineth of, terming him a barbarous fellow, and no better sometime than a (*) * Olim superiumentarium, ra ther a maister of mulitiers. mul [•…] tier, set over him of purpose to chastice and punish him most cruelly for everie light cause & occasion whatsoever. By reason of this his sicknesse, both at the sword-play which he and his brother ioyntly exhibited in memoriall of their Father, he sat as president (not after the accustomed manner) lapt in a cloake; and also upon his commensement day, when he was to put on his virile gowne, about midnight without anie honorable attendance and solemne traine, brought he was in a licter into the (a) Capitoll.

3 Howbeit, from his very child-hood, he employed no meane studie in the liberall sciences. And oftentimes gave good proofe even in publike place of his proceedings in them all: yet could he never for all that reach to any degree of dignity, or yeeld better hope of himselfe for the time to come. His mother Antonia, was wont to call him Portentum hominis. i. The Monster and fantasticall shewe of a man, as if hee had not beene finished but onely begunne by nature: and if shee reprooved anie one for his foolishnesse she would saie, Hee was more sottish then her Sonne Claudius. His Grandmother (*) * Otherwise called Livia & Iulia the mother of Drusus. Augusta thought alwaies most basely of him, as who used neither to speake unto him but very seldome, nor to admonish him, unlesse it were in some sharpe and short writing, or els by messengers going between. His sister Liuilla, when she heard that he should be one day Emperour, openly & with a lowdHis Grand mothers brother by the mothers side. voice detested and wished farre from the people of Rome so hard and miserable a fortune.

4And no meruaile: For to the end that it might be more certainly knowen what opinion his great Vncle Augustus had of him both (*) * As well good as bad. wayes, I have set downe certaine Articles and principall pointes gathered out of his owne Epistles. I have quoth he, my good Livia talked and conferred with Ti [•…] Erius as you charged me, about this point, namely, What is to be done to your Nephew Tiberius, at the solemnity of the (*) * In honour of Mars Revenger. Martiall Game? Now, wee are both agreed that it must be determined and set down once for all what course we should take and follow with him: For, if he be (*) * [〈◊〉] throughout & perfect. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and as I may so say (*) * Or steps. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , what doubt need wee to make but that he is to bee trained and brought by the same oportunities of time and degrees by which his brother was. But if we perceive him (*) * To be im paired or disabled and maimed, as wel for the sufficiencie of body as [〈◊〉] of mind 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ; we must not minister matter to men, (*) * Who are wont to make good game & [〈◊〉] at such things. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , for to deride both him and us. For we shall ever find trouble and vexation inough, in case of every occasion of time presented unto us, we should deliberate, (*) * If it be not resolved upon and set downe aforehand by [〈◊〉] 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , whether wee thinke him able to menage honorable Offices in the State or no? Howbeit for the present (concerning such things whereof youle aske mine aduise) I mislike it not, that he have the charge of the Priests dyning chamber, during these Martiall solemnities aforesayd, Page 155 so that he wil suffer himselfe to be adm [•…] nished and schooled by Silanus sonne, a man allyed unto him, that he do nothing, which may be (*) * [〈◊〉] or [〈◊〉] [〈◊〉] [〈◊〉] at. noted, or derided. That he should behold the games Circenses from out of the (*) * A [〈◊〉] the Games circenses, [〈◊〉] on the images of the gods are layed. Puluinar, in no wise can [•…] allow. For being exposed so, to the sight of men in the very forefront of the Theatre, he wil be eyed and obserued: Neither like we in any [〈◊〉] , that he should goe up the Albane mount, or abide at Rome During the Latine Holy-dayes. For if he be able to accompany and follow his brother to that mountaine, why is he not as wel made Provost of the Cittie the while? Thus, my Livia, you have our opinions delivered, as * In the absence of the Consuls atteding the sacrifice upon the Albane Hill. who are fully resolued, that once for al somewhat must be put downe as teuching the whole matter, least we be evermore wavering between hope and feare. You may also if it please you impart unto our (niece) Antonia thus much of this our letter. Againe, in another Epistle. As for young (*) * Cla [•…] dius. Tiberius, I for my part whiles you are absent, wil dayly i [•…] uite him to supper, that he may not suppe alone with his Sulpitius * [〈◊〉] and Athenodirus. And I could wish with al my hart that, he would more soundly and lesse 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 make choice of some special one, whose gesture habite & gang, hee might, silly soule as he is, imitate

“ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ,”

“He comes farre short (when he is matched) with men of deepe vnderstanding.”

But looke, when his mind is not wandering out of the way, the generosity of his heart appeareth sufficiently. Likewise in a third letter. Your Nephew Tibeius my sweet Livia, If I doe not wonder, that when he declamed that he could please and content me, I pray God I be dead. For how he that in his dayly talke speaketh so (*) * Darkly and confusedly. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 should be able when he declameth, to deliver his mind and what he hath to say (*) * Cleerely and plainely to be [•…] vnderstood. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 I cannot see. Neither is there anie doubt to be made, but that after all this, Avgvstus ordained and left him indued with no honorable office, save only the Sacerdotall dignitie of Augurs: nay he nominated him not so much as his Heire, but in a third degree and descent, even among those that were well neere Strangers: and that in a sixth part onely of his substance: and by way of legacie bequeathed unto him not above 800000. sesterces.

5Tibrrius his unkle conferred upon him when he sued for honorable dignities the Ornaments of Consuls. But when he instantly demaunded still, not imaginary but true magistracies indeede, he wrote backe unto him in his writing tables thus much onely, That he had sent unto him (*) * Every one worth 15, [•…] . 7, [•…] ob, or one [•…] dred [〈◊〉] fortie peeces of golde to spend at the feast Saturnalia, and to bestow in puppets and trifling gaudes, at the same time. Then, and not before, casting aside all hope of preferment and reall dignities, hee betooke himselfe to rest and quietnesse of life, lying close, one while within hortyardes of pleasure and in a manner house without the Cittie: and lurking other whiles in a withdrawing place out of the way in Campania: And by his daily acquaintance and companie keeping with most base and abject persons besides the olde infamovs note of sluggardie and foolishnesse hee incurred an ill name for drunkennesse and dice-play: notwithstanding, that all the while he thus led his life, he never wanted the publike attendance and reverent regard of men seeking unto him.

6 The order of Gentlemen elected him twice for their patrone, in an embassage that was to bee sent & delivered in their owne behalfe: once when the Page 156 Consuls required to have the cariage of Augustus his corps upo͏̄ their own shoulders to Rome: 22. time when they were to co͏̄gratulate with the same Con suls for the suppressing of Seianus, Moreover, they were wont in shewes, and in the Theatre, when he came in place, to arise up and lay off their mantels in respective* As wee vse to veile bonet o [•…] do of our hats. honour of him. The Senate also ordained, that to the ordinarie number of the Priests or Guild brethren called Augustales, who were by lot chosen, he should be admitted extraordinarily: and soone after, That his house, which by misfortune of a skare-fire he had lost, should at the Cities charges be re [•…] dified; as also the priviledge to deliver his minde and opinion in the Senate, among those who had beene Consuls; which decree of theirs was reversed & annulled: whiles (*) * The Emperour. Tiberius alleadged by way of excuse his imbecillity, and promised to repaire the foresaid losse out of his owne private purse and liberality. Yet when hee laye upon his death-bed, he both named him among his heires in a third raunge, and in a third part of his estate, and also bequeathed him a legacie of two millions of Sesterces: yea recommended him besides by name unto the armies, to the Senate likewise & people of Rome in the ranke of other his especiall friends and kinsfolke.

7 At length under (*) * [〈◊〉] . Caius his brothers sonne, who at his first comming to the Empire sought by all manner of enticing allurements, to gaine the good opinion of a bountifull and gracious prince, he began first to beare office of state, and continued Consul together with him for the space of two moneths: and it fortuned at his first entrance into the Forum with his knitches of rods, that an Eagle soaring thereby, setled upon his right shoulder. He was pricked also and allotted unto a second Consulship, against the 4. th yeare following. Divers times he sat as president of the solemne shewes in Caius his turne: what time, the people with great applause (*) * All haile or [〈◊〉] . cryed Feliciter, partly to the (*) * Caligula Emperours Vncle, and in part to Germanicus his brother.

8 Yet lived hee neverthelesse subiect to the contumelious reproches of the World: For if at anie time, hee came somewhat with the latest and after the houre appointed to a supper, hardly & with much adoe, was there any roome made for to receive him, and not before hee had gone round about the tables where guests were set, for to finde a place: Likewise, whensoever he tooke a nap, and fel a sleepe after meate (which was an ordinarie thing with him) the (*) * A Copreis: See T [•…] berius Nero Cæsar, cap. 61. vel a [〈◊〉] such as would play Bo [•…] peepe and bide themselves when they had done some unhappinesse. buffons and jesters about him, made good sport, pelling him with olive and da [•…] e stones: other whiles also they would by way of merriment awaken him with the clappe of a ferula or lash of some whip. They were wont likewise to glove his hands (as he lay snorting a sleep) with * his shoes, that as he suddenly awaked hee might rub his face and eyes therewith.

9 Neither verily could he avoide divers dangerous troubles: First in his very Consulship: for, beeing behind hand and over slacke in taking order with the workmen for the making and erecting of Nero and Drusus Statues, who were (*) * For whiles they sat or leaned upon pallets at their meat they put off their shoes. Cæsars brethren, hee had like to have beene remooved and put out of that honorable office: afterwards, as eyther anie stranger, or one of his own* [〈◊〉] Calig [•…] la. house informed ought against him, he was continually and sundry manner of Page 157 waies molested. But when as the Conspiracie of Lepidus & G [•…] Tulicus came to light, being sent among other Embassadours to congratulate Caius in the name of the City, hee was in ieopardy of his very life: whiles Caius chafed and fumed with great indignation, that his Vnkle chiefly of all others was sent unto him, as it were to governe a child: In so much, as some have no [•…] stuck to report on writing, that hee was turned also headlong into the river in his cloathes and all as he came apparailed. From which time forward, neve [•…] spake hee to any matter proposed in the Senate, but last of all those, that had beene Consuls, as being in reproachfull wise and to his disgrace asked his opinion after them all. There was received likewise against him the examination of a forged will, wherein himselfe also had beene a witnesse and put-to his seale. Last of all, hee was forced to disburse eight millions of Sesterces for a fine or Income at his entrance into a new Priesthood: by occ [•…] sion whereof, his estate being so much decaied, driuen he was to those streights, that for his disability to keepe credit and satisfie the debt due unto the Chamber of the City by an (a) Edict of the Citie Treasurers according to the law Praediatoria hee (*) * His lands and goods were forfeited and so were published in table as void [•…] and vacant, hung up to be sold in vacuum.

10 Having passed the greatest part of his time in running thorough these and such like troubles, at length in the fiftieth yeere of age, hee attained to the Empire, and that by a strange and wonderfull hap. Being among others excluded by the Conspiratours that layed waite for Caius life, what time they voided all the Companie about his person, under a colour as if he desired to be a part himselfe alone in some by-place, this Claudius had stept a side and retired into a lodging or parlour called Hermeum: And not long after, being affrighted at the rumour of that murder slily crept forth and conveied himselfe up into* A garret. a Solar next adioyning, and there hid himselfe betweene the hangings that hung before the dore. Whiles hee lurked close there, a common Souldiour chauncing to runne too and fro that way, espied his feete, and by earnest enquirie and asking who he was? hapned to take knowledge of him: who having drawne him forth of the place (when as for feare hee fell downe humbly at hisA, V, C. 794 feete and tooke hold of his knees) saluted him by the name of Emperour. From thence he brought him immediatly to his other fellow Souldiours, who as yet stoode wavering and wist not what to doe but fare and fume. By them was he bestowed in a Licter. and for that his owne servants were fled scattering heere and there they also by turnes one after another supported the said Licter upon their shoulders: and so was he brought into the (Praetorian) Camp, all sad and amazed for feare: pitied also by the multitude that met him on the way; as if some innocent had been haled to execution. Being received within the trench & rampire, lodged he was alnight among the souldiours-watch with lesse hope of his a good deale than confidence. For the Consuls together with the Senate and the cohorts of the citie-souldiers, seized the Foru͏̄ & the Capitol, with a purpose to claime & recover the co͏̄mon libertie: and when himselfe was sent for, by a tribune of the commons into the Curia to sit in consultation & give his aduise about those matters that were thought good to be propounded he made answere; That deteined he was perf [•…] rce and by constraint. But the next morrow, when as the Senate grewe more colde and slacke in following and Page 158 executing their foresaid proiects, (by reason of their tedious trouble and discord who dissented in opinion). whiles the multitude also standing round about, demaunded by this time one Ruler & (*) * [〈◊〉] . him by name, he called the Souldiours in (*) * [〈◊〉] , or [〈◊〉] . [•…] . himselfe armed. armour to an assembly, and suffred them to take their oath of alleageance, and sweare to maintaine his imperiall dignity: therewith promised unto them (*) * Qu na dena Sestert [•…] a. See [〈◊〉] . 1500 Sesterces a peece: the first of all the Cæsars, that obliged unto him the Souldiours fealty by a fee and reward.

Having once established his Empire, hee thought nothing more deere and11 behovefull than to abolish the remembrance of those two daies, wherein there was some doubtfull question about the change and alteration of the State. Of all deedes and words therefore, which had passed during that time he made an Act there should be a generall pardon and perpetuall oblivion: which also hee made good and performed accordingly. Onely, some few Colonels and Centurions, out of that crew which conspired against Caius, he put to the sword: as well for example sake, as for that he had certaine intelligence, they required to have him also murdered. Then presently turning and bending his minde to the duties of pietie and kindnesse, hee tooke up no forme of oath, either with more devout religion or oftener, than by the name of Augustus. He gave order, that for his Grandmother Livia, there should by Decree be graunted Divine honours; as also in the stately pompe of the Cirque Solemnities, a Chariot drawne with Elephants, like unto that of Augustus: Semblably, for the soules of his owne parents departed, publick Dirges and Funerall feasts: and more than so, particularly in the honour of his father Cirque-Plaies and games every yeere upon his birth day: and in memoriall of his mother, a coach to be led and drawne along through the Cirque: and the surname of Augusta, which by his Grandmother was refused. In remembrance of his (*) * Germanicus. brother (to celebrate whose memoriall hee omitted no occasion) hee exhibited a Greeke Comaedie at the solemne Games held in Naples: Where by sentence of the Vmpiers and Iudges he received a coronet therefore. Hee suffered not so much as M. Antonius to passe unhonoured, nor without a thankfull mention and remembrance: protesting one time, and that by an Edict, That so much the more earnest he was, to have men celebrate the Birth day of his father Drusus, because upon the same day, his Grandfather Antonius also was borne. The Marble Arch, decreed verily in times past by the Senate to be erected for Tiberius (*) * His Vnkle neere unto the Theater of Pompeius, but for let, hee finished. And albeit hee abrogated and repealed all the Acts of Caius, yet the day of his death, although it were the beginning of his Empire, he forbad to be registred among feasts in the Kalendar.

But in honouring himselfe he was sparie, and caried a civile modestie. The12 fore name of Emperour he forbare: excessive honours hee refused: the (*) * Or solemnity of nuptiall contract. Espousals of his owne daughter, the birth-day also of his Nephew her sonne, he passed over in silence, onely celebrating it with some private ceremonie and religious complements within house. He restored no banished person, but by the authority and warrant of the Senate. That hee might bring with him into the Curia, the Capitaine of the Guard and (*) * Colonels. Tribunes of the Souldiours: Item, that those Actes might bee ra [•…] ified and stand in force, which his Procuratours had set downe in iudging of causes, hee obtained by intreatie. Page 159 He made suite unto the Consuls for a licence, to hold Faires and Markets, for his owne private Manors and Lands. In Commissions and Examinations of causes held by the Magistrates, he would oftentimes be personally present and sit as one of the Commissioners. To the same Magistrates, when they exhibited any Plaies or Games, himselfe also with the rest of the multitude would arise up, and both with (*) * By appla [•…] se and acclamation. hand and * voice doe them honour. When the Tribunes of the Commons repaired unto him before the Front of his Tribunall, he excused himselfe unto them, for that by reason of straight roome hee could not give audience unto them otherwise than standing upon their feete. Therefore, within a small time hee purchased so much love and favour, as that when newes came (to Rome) that forlaied and slaine hee was in his iourney to Ostia, the people in a great tumult and uprore, fell to banning and cursing both the Souldiours as Traitours, and the Senate also as Paricides: neither ceased they thus to force against them, untill first one messenger, and then another, yea and soone after many more were produced by the Magistrates to the publick Rostra, who assured them that he was alive and approached homeward.

13 Yet continued hee not for all this secured every way from the danger of secret practises and wait-laying. but assailed hee was as well by private persons, [〈◊〉] [•…] ole factions and conspiracies, yea and fore troubled in the end with civill [〈◊〉] . For there was a man, one of the Commons, taken about midnight [•…] eere unto his bed-chamber with a dagger. Found there were likewise twaine of the Gentlemens degree, in the open streete with a staffe having (*) * Some cal thi [•…] a Iacobs staffe. a blade in it, and a Hunters wood-knife waiting for him: the one to assault his person when he was gone forth of the Theater: the other as hee sacrificed at the temple of M [•…] rs. Now there had conspired to make an insurrection and to alter the State, Gallus Asinius and Statilius Corvinus, the Nephewes of Pollio and Messalla the Oratours, taking unto them for their Complices many of his owne freed-men and servants. As for civile warre, kindled it was and begun by Furius Camillus Scribonianus, Lieutenant generall of Dalmatia: but within five daies quenched cleane and suppressed; by reason that the Legions, which had chaunged their oath of alleageance, in remorce of conscience and touch of religion repented; after that upon signification given of a iourney to their new Generall, neither the (*) * Ominous & unlucky signe [•…] . Aeagles could bee dight and trimmed, nor the militarie ensignes plucked up and removed.

14 To his first Consulship he bare foure more: of which, the two former iointlieA: V: C: 794 795 800 804 and immediatly one after another: the rest ensuing, with some time betweene, to wit, each one in the fourth yeere: and as for the third, hee had no precedent for it in any other Prince, as being substituted in the voide place of a Consull deceased. A precise Iusticer he was, ministring Iustice, both when hee was Consull, and also being out of that Office, most painfully; even upon the solemne daies instituted for him and his: yea, and otherwhiles upon the auncient festivall daies and such as were religious. He followed not alwaies the prescript rule of lawes, moderating either the rigour or the lenity of penalties, by equity & reason, according as he stood affected to a cause: for, both unto those he restored their actions & gave leave to co͏̄mense the͏̄ a new, who in the Court Page 160 before private (*) * Of private matters, as [〈◊〉] and [〈◊〉] . Iudges had once lost their suites, by claiming more than was due: and also, such as were convict of some greater deceite and cousenage, he condemned to be cast unto wilde beasts: exceeding therein the ordinarie punishment by law appointed.

15 Moreover, in the examination, triall, and deciding of controversies, he was wonderous variable: one while circumspect, wary, and of great insight: otherwhiles as rash and inconsiderate. now and then also foolish, vaine, and like to one without all reason. When hee reviewed upon a time the Decuries of Iudges, and put whom hee thought good from their Iurisdiction: one of them, who had answered to his name, and concealed the immunity and priviledge that he had by the benefit of children, he discharged quite, as a man desirous (*) * And therfore, ambitious. to be a Iudge. Another of them being molested and called into question by his adversaries before him, as touching a matter betweene him and them, and pleading withall for himselfe, That it was a case to be tried not extraordinarily (by Cæsar) but by the common course of Law, and in an ordinary Court of deputed Iudges: he compelled immediatly to handle & decide his owne cause before him: as who in his proper businesse should give proofe how indifferent a Iudge he would be heereafter in the matter of another. There was a woman that would not acknowledge her owne sonne. Now, when by evidence unnd arguments alleadged proet contra on both sides; the question rested in ei [•…] s, a ballance doubtfull; he awarded, that she should be wedded to the young (*) * The plaintife himselfe. man: any. so forced her to confesse the truth and to take him for her child. Most ready he was to give iudgement on their side, who made appearance in Court when their adversaries were absent: without any respect and consideration, whether a man slacked and staied by his owne default, or upon some necessitie? One cried out upon a forger of writings, and required, That both his hands might be cut off. Hee made no more a doe, but forthwith called instantly, to have the hangman sent for, with his chopping knife and butchers block, to do the deed. There hapned one to be called iudicially to the barre, For that being a forainer he bare himselfe as a Romaine Citizen: and when the advocates of both sides grew to some little variance about this circumstance, namely, Whether the party Defendant ought to make his answere and plead his owne cause in a gowne (*) * As a Citizen of Rome. or a (*) * As a [〈◊〉] cloake? he then, as if hee would make exceeding shew of pure and uncorrupt equitie, commaunded him to shift and change his habite often in the place, according as he was either accused or defended. Moreover, sitting in iudgement to decide a certaine controversie, When he had heard what could be said, hee pronounced sentence out of a written table, as it is verily thought; to this effect, That hee iudged on their side, who had alleadged the truth. For which prankes hee became base and contemptible, in so much as every where, and openly he was despised. One, to excuse a (*) * Or deponent witnesse, whom Cæsar (*) * Claudius. had called for out of a Province, alleadged in his behalfe, and said, Hee could not possibly come in time and be present, dissimuling the cause thereof a great while: at length, after manie long demaunds, what the reason might be? Why, quoth hee, the man is dead at Pvteoli. Another when hee gave him thankes, for suffering a person accused to have the benefite of a triall and to bee defended, added more-over these wordes, And yet this is an usuall and ordinarie thing. Page 162 Furthermore, I my selfe have heard olde folke say, That these Lawyers and Barristers were wont to abuse his patience so much, that as hee was going downe from the (*) * Or iudgement seat. Tribunall, they would not onely call upon him to come backe againe, but also take hold of his gowne lappet and skirt, yea and otherwhile catch him fast by the foote, and so hold him still with them. And that no man need to mervaile [〈◊〉] , there was one of these Greeke Lawyers, who pleading before him hapned in earnest altercation to let fall these words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , i. Thou art both old, and a foole besides. And verily it is for certaine knowne, that a Gentleman of Rome, accused before him for his obscene filthinesse and unnaturall abuse of women, (although untruly) as having an enditement framed against him by his enemies that were mighty: when he saw common strumpets cited and their depositions heard against him, flung his writing steele and the bookes which he had in his hand, with great ubraiding of him also for his foolishnesse and cruelty, even at his very face, so as he rippled and hurt there with his cheeke not a little.

He bare also the Censureship: an office that a long time had beene discontinued,16 A, V, C, 800 801. after Paulus and Plancus the Censours: but even this very place he held with an uneven hand and as variable a minde, as the event and successe ensuing. In the review taken of Romaine Gentlemen, hee dismissed without shame and disgrace, a young man charged with many infamous villanies, howbeit one whom his owne father testified upon his knowledge and triall to bee right honest: saying withall, That he had a Censor of his owne. To another youth, who was in a very bad name for spoiling of maidens, and adulteries committed with wives, he did no more but give warning, Either more sparily to spena him selfe in those young and tender yeeres of his, or else more warily at least-wise, to goe to worke. adding thus much beside. For why know I, quoth hee, what wench thou keepest? And when upon the intreaty of his familiar friends he had taken of the infamous note which was set upon the name of one, Well, quoth he, let the blot * [〈◊〉] [〈◊〉] Some read exta [•…] , i, yet the blot remaineth: meaning the filthines of the [•…] act. yet remaine still to be seene. An honourable man and a principall personage of the Province Greece, howbeit ignorant in the Latine tongue, he not onely rased out of the ranke & roll of Iudges, but also deprived of his freedom in Rome, and made him a meere alien. Neither suffred he any man to render an account of his life, otherwise than with his owne mouth, as well as every one was able, and without a patrone to speake for him. Hee noted many with disgrace, and some of them without their knowledge, as mistrusting no such thing. yea, and for a matter that had no precedent, namely, because without his privity and a pasport obtained they went forth of Italy: one also among the rest, for that in the Province he accompanied a King in his traine: alledging for example, That in his Auncestours daies Rabirius Postumus for following of K. Ptolomaeus into Alexandria to save & recover the monie which he had lent him, was accused before the Iudges, of Treason to the State. Having assaied to put many more to rebuke with great imputation of the Inquisitours negligence, but with greater shame of his owne: looke whomsoever he charged with single (*) * For these matters would beare, action life, with childlesse estate or poverty, those lightly he found guiltlesse; as who were able to prove themselves husbands, fathers, and wealthy. Certes, one there was, who being accused to have laied violent hands upon himselfe, and wounded his owne body with a sword, stript himselfe naked, and shewed Page 162 the same whole and sound, without any harme in the world. Many other Acts he did of speciall note whiles he was Censour as namely these; He commaunded a silver Chariot sumptuously wrought and set out to sale in the streete Sigillaria, for to be bought and broken all to peeces openly. Item, in one day he published 20 Edicts or Proclamations. and ij among the rest: In the one whereof hee gave the people warning, That when their Vineyards bare Grapes plentifully, they should (*) * Or enhuile: pich their vessels very well within: in the other, he did them to understand, That there was nothing so good against the stinging of a Viper, as the iuice of the Vghtree.

One expedition and no more hee undertooke, and that was very small. When the Senate had by Decree allowed him Triumphall ornaments, hee17 supposing that a bare title of honour was inferiour to the maiestie of a Prince and Emperour, willing also to enterprise some exploit, whereby he might win the due glorie of a complet triumph, made choise before all other Provinces of Britaine; attempted by none since Iulius (Cæsar) of famous memorie, and at that time in a tumultuous uprore, for that certaine revolts and rebels fled from thence, were not rendred. As he sailed from Ostia thitherward, twice had he like to have beene cast away and drowned, by reason of the strong blustring Southerne winde Circius, neere unto Ligaria, hard by the Ilands (a) Sto [•…] chades. Having therefore travailed by land, From Massiles as farre as to the Cape (*) * Where Calais standeth, or Bullo [•…] , as som thinke. Gessoriacum, he crossed the seas fro͏̄ thence into Britaine: and in very (*) * 16. According to D [•…] . A: V: C: 797 few daies, without battaile or bloushed, part of the Iland yeelded to his devotion. So, in the sixth moneth after his first setting forth hee returned to Rome, and triumphed with most sumpteous pompe therefore prepared. To the sight of which Solemnitie, hee suffred not onely the Presidents and Governours of Provinces to have recourse into the Citie, but also certaine banished persons. And among the enemies Spoiles, hee set up a navall Coronet, and fastened it to the Finial of his house Palatine, hard by another civick guirland, in token and memoriall of the Ocean by him sailed over and subdued. After his triumphant Chariot rode Messallina his wife in a Coach: then followed those gallants also (*) * Mounted likewise., who in the same warre had attained to triumphall ornaments: the rest went on foote and in their rich robes garded with purple: onely Crassus Frugi mounted upon a brave Courser trimly trapped, and arraied himselfe in a triumphant mantle of estate, for that now twice hee had atchieved that honour.

18 Hee was at all times most carefull and provident for the (*) * When so ever you read in Suetonius (City) absolutely, understa͏̄d the [•…] by Rome: Kat’ exocheen: as one would say, The City of all Cities: A ordinarie phrase in other Romainwriters: accord [•…] ng as Virgil hath fitly expressed in this verse. Eclog. 1. Vrbem quam dicunt, Roma [•…] , &c. Citie, especially that the market might bee well served with victuals: what time, the Aemilian Aedifices (or Tenements) were on fire and continued still burning, hee remained two nights together in the place called Diribitorium: and when the multitude of Souldiours and housholde servants failed, hee called together by meanes of the Magistrates, the Commons of the Citie out of all the streetes and Parishes to come in and helpe, setting before him his chests full of money: exhorting them to doe their best for the quenching of the fire: and readie for to pay presently every one a good reward according to the paines hee tooke. Now, when corne and victuals were growne very scarce, (such was the continuall unseasonable weather that brought barrainnesse) hee was uppon Page 163 a time in the middes of the (*) * Or Forum. market place deteined by the multitude and so assayled and pelled what with reviling taunts & what with peeces of broken bread, that hardly & with much adoe he was able to escape, and no otherwise than by a posterne gate, unto the Pallace. Whereupon he devised all the means he possibly could to bring into the Citie provision of corne & victuals, even in the winter season. For, he not onely proposed certaine set gaines to all cornemasters, that would venture for graine, undertaking himselfe to beare all the losse that should happen unto anie of them by tempest: but ordained also great fees and availes for those that would builde ships for such traffique and merchandise, according to the condition and quality of each one. Namely for everie Romane Citizen exemption from the lawe Papia Poppaea: For enfranchised latines, the freedome of Romane Citizens. and for wome͏̄, the priviledge and benefit of those that had 4. children, which constitutions stand in force and be observed at this day.

20 Many works he finished, and those rather for greatnesse, huge; then for use, needfull. But the chiefe and principall were these: The conduit of water begun by Caius. Item a (*) * Or Got [•…] . scluse to let out and draine the lake Fucinus; and the (*) * Or Pere. haven at Ostia: although he knew well enough, that (*) * The drawing of the lake Fici nus the one (of the twaine) Augustus had denied unto the Marsians who co͏̄tinvally entreated him about it: and the (*) * Alterum. i. the Pere at Ostia. But because there is no m [•…] tion made in Iuliu Cæsars life of this Pere or haven, some read for Alteru͏̄ in this place Cae terum and then the word Alterum before, is meant of the second worke of these three, denied unto the Marfia [•…] s &c. Caeterum [•…] , but intended oftentimes in the designement of Iuli [•…] , &c. other intended oftentimes in the desigment of Iulius Cæsar of sacred memorie, was for the difficultie thereof layde aside. The two colde & plenteous (*) * Or heads fountaines of the water Claudia, of which the one beareth the name of Caeruleus, the other of Curtius or Albudinus, as also the (*) * Noui [〈◊〉] . some read [〈◊〉] opere, i, within new stonew [•…] ok new river of A [•…] io he conueied and brought to Rome all the way, within stone-work: and then derived and deuided the same into many and those right beautifull pooles. He went in hand with the mere Ficinus in hope of gaine as well as of glorie: when some there were, who would have bound themselues in covenant and promise, to draine the sayd marrish at their owne private charges, in case the grounds being once made drie might be graunted unto them in free-hold. Now, for the length of three miles, partly by digging through the hill, and partly by hewing out the rocke before him, hee finished the channell at last with much adoe and after eleven yeares labour: albeit thirty thousand men were at worke continually about it and neuer rested between. The Pere at Ostia beforesayd he made, by drawing an arme of the sea about, on the left and right hand both: and with all, at the mouth and entrance thereof, where now the ground lay deepe, raising an huge dam or pile against it. For the surer foundation of which pile, he drowned before hand that ship, wherein the great Obelisk had beene transported out of Aegypt: and when hee had supported it with buttresses of many stones, hee planted a lo [•…] t upon the same an exceeding high watch-towre to the patterne of that Pharus at Alexandria, to the end that by the fires burning there, in the night season, vessels at sea might direct their course.* Or Cisternes

21 Hee dealt often among the people great doles and Congiaries. Manie shewes and games likewise hee exhibited, and those magnificent: not such onely as were usuall and in accustomed places: but those that Page 164 were, both newly devised and also brought into ure againe, whereas they had of auntient time beene discontinued: yea and where no man else before him had ever set forth anie. The games for the dedication of Pompeius Theatre, which (*) * For, the stage therof was co͏̄ sumed w [•…] th fire being halfe burnt hee had reedified. he gave a signall to begin from out of his (*) * Or feate of state. Tribunall erected in the Orchestra: seeing that before time, when hee had sacrificed and done his devotions in the houses above and came downe from thence through the mids of the Theatre and assembly, not one would once arise and give applause, but sat still and kept silence. He set out also the (*) * Which were solemniz [•…] d once in t [•…] e re voluti [•…] n of one hundr [•…] d yeeres or one hu [•…] dred and [•…] one as some write, Secular games and playes, as if they had beene exhibited by Augustus over soone, and not reserued unto their full and due time: and yet himselfe in his owne histories writeth;, That whereas the sayd solemnities had beene intermitted, Augustus long after by a most exact calculation of the yeeres reduced them into order againe. By occasion whereof, The voice of the cryer was then ridiculous and laughed at, when after the solemne manner he called the people, To behold those games and playes, which no man had once seene alreadie, or should ever A, V, C, 800, see againe: Whereas there suruived yet many who had seene them before: yea and some of the actours, who in times past had beene produced, were then likewise brought forth upon the stage. Oftentimes also he represented the Circensian games in the vaticane, and otherwhiles after every 5. (*) * Of Chariot [〈◊〉] . courses hee brought in the baiting of wild beastes. But in the greatest Cirque of ad which was beautified with barr-gates of marble stone and goales all guilded (whereas before time they had beene made of soft sand-stone and wood,) hee appointed proper and peculiar places for the Senatours, who had wont before time to behold the same sports here and there. Beside the races for the prise of Chariots drawen with foure steeds. He represented also the warlike Troie pastime, & the baiting of Leopards: which the troup of the Pretorian horse men slew, having for their leaders the Tribunes and the Captaine himselfe. Moreouer, hee brought into the shewplace Thessalian men of armes, whose manner is to chase about the cirque, wild buls; until they be tyred: then to mount them, and by the hornes to force them downe to the ground. As for shewes of swordfensers, hee exhibited them in many places, and after divers and sundrie sorts. One, that was kept every yeare within the Praetorian camp, without anie b [•…] ting and sumptuons provision of furniture. As for that, which was ordin [•…] set out and formally with baiting and other preparations in mars field at [•…] Septa: in the same place likewise, another extraordinary one and of short continuance, which he began to call Sportula, because he proclaimed at first when he exhibited it, That he inuited the people there to, as it were to a sodaine supper and short pittance, such as men vse to bid themselues unto. And in no kind of sport or gaming represented unto them, was he more civile, familiar and better disposed to passe the time away: in so much as putting forth his left hand, he togither with the common sort, would both by word of mouth tell, and with his fingers also number the peeces of gold as he tendred them unto the winners; and many a time by way of exhortation and entreaty provoke the people to mirth;* Or, my maisters Dominos. ever and anon calling them Sirs: yea, and betweene whiles intermingling bald, and far fetcht jests. As for example, when the people called for one (a) (*) * The name of a fen [•…] er. Palumbus to play his prises, Hee promised to let them have him, if he were once caughs. This also was but a simple plaine jest although to good purpose and in Page 165 season delivered: when he had by a speciall indulgence, granted unto a Champion who fought out of a British chariot, (for whome his foure children made earnest suite and entreaty) That he should bee freed from that profession of swordfight; and that with the great favour and liking of all men, he sent presently an admonition in writing: wherein he aduertised the people, How much they should endeauour to get children, seeing, as they did, in what good st [•…] ed they serued, and how they procured grace even unto a very sword-fenser. He represented also in Mars field a warlike shew of the winning and sacking of a towne: Likewise the yeelding of the Princes of Britaine; where he sat himselfe as president in his rich Coat-armour. When he was about to let out the water of the (*) * Or Lake mere: Ficinus. he exhibited in it a navall fight before: And as they who were to fight this battaile, cryed out unto him, Ave Imperator, &c. i. All haile O Emperour; They salute thee and wish thy life who are ready to dye: and he againe made answere. (*) * This Ve [•…] be (Avete) signifieth here, farewell or ad [•…] eu. But the souldiours construed it in the better sense for theyr owne turns, (as they had used it before in saluting him) All haile ye also Avete vos. After which word given, as if he had pardoned them this skirmish, there was not one of them would fight: he, sitting a good while in doubt and suspense with himselfe, whether he should destroy them al with fire and sword? at length leapt forth of his throne, and running to and fro about the circuit of the sayd lake (not without foule faltering of his legs under him) partly with threats, and in part by way of exhortation constrained them to skirmish. At this brave shew, the Sicilian and Rhodian fleetes encountred eyther of them consisting of (*) * Duod [•…] narum. Some read undevicenats i, 19. and out of Dio, quinquagen [•…] [〈◊〉] , i, 50 twelue gallies ruled with three rankes of oares a peece. To give the signall of battaile, there was a (*) * Resembling Neptunes Trumpetter. Triton of Syluer arising out of the mids of the lake by a fabricke artificially deuised, to sound the trumpet and set them togither.

22 Certaine pointes about religious Ceremonies, touching the st [•…] e likewise of civill and militarie affaires, as also concerning all degrees of persons both at home and abroad. he eyther reformed, or after long disuse forgotten, brought into practise againe, or els instituted and ordained new. In the election and admission of Priests throughout their severall Colledges, hee nominated not one but he tooke his oath first. He obserued also precisely that so often as there was an Earthquake in the Citie, the Pretour for the time beeing should call a publike assembly, of the people and proclaime certain holydaies: Semblably, that upon the prodigious sight of an unlucky (*) * Whether it were an Owle, or the birde named Incendiaria. See Plin, lib, 10, cap, 13, & 12. foule in the Capitol, there should be held a solemne procession and supplication: wherein himselfe personally in the right of High.priest; after warning give͏̄ unto the people from the Rostra, did read & pronounce a forme of prayers & they say after him. But from this congregation hee sequestred & removed the base multitude of mechanicall labourers and slaves.

23 The handling of causes and iudiciall pleading in Courts, devided before time into certaine moneths for winter and summer, he conioyned altogether. The iurisdiction as touching feofments upon trust which was wont yeere by yeere, and onely within the Citie to bee committed unto the magistrates, hee ordained to hold by patent for ever: and betooke the charge thereof unto the rulers and governours also of state in every province. That (*) * That a Woman under 50, yeares of age, should not bee wedded to a man that was threescore. branch annexed to the lawe Papia (a) Poppaea, which emplyeth thus much, That men Page 166 threescore yeeres of age are disabled for generation, he (*) * Edicto abrogavit. altered by an (*) * Gra͏̄ting. that men threescore yeeres olde. might mary women vnder fiftie. edict. He ordeined that unto (*) * Wards under age. Pupils, the Consuls should extraordinarily appoint Tutors and Guardians. That they also who by the head-Magistrates were forbidden to make abode within any provinces, should bee debarred likewise from the Citie of Rome and Italie. Himselfe confined some after a strange fashion and without any precedent, inhibiting them to depart above three miles from the City. When he was to treat of any great affaire in the Curia, his manner was to sit in the Tribunes pue just in the midst betweene the Consuls chaires. As for (*) * Lice͏̄ces to be absent a time from Rome. pasports which the Consuls were wont to be sued unto for, he would have the Citizens to bee beholden unto himselfe onely therefore, and to crave the same at his hands.

24 The badges and ornaments belonging unto the Consuls he granted unto the (*) * Who received 200000 sesterces for salarie or might despend so much by the place Ducenarie Procuratours and Seneschals of Provinces. From as manie as refused the honorable dignitie of Senatours; he tooke away also the worship of the gentlemens degree. The right to weare the (*) * , i, The Senatours robe studded with purple. Laticlave, (although hee promised at first not to chuse anie one Senatour who could not reckon 4. lineall descents from a Citizen of Rome,) he allowed also to a libertines sonne: but with this condition, If he were adopted before by a Gentleman of Rome. And fearing for all that, least he should be blamed, he proved and shewed, That eve͏̄ Appius Caecus the cheife auncitour and Auctor of his owne race, being Censor, elected and admitted into the Senate the sonnes of Libertines: ignorant as hee was, that in the dayes of the sayde Appivs, and in the times long after ensuing, those were called Libertines, not onely who themselues were manumised and enfranchised, but such also, as were free borne of their progeny. The Colledge of Questours, insteede of pauing the streets and high wayes he enioyned to exhibite a game or shew of sword-fensers. and in the lieu of the Provinces, Ostia and (*) * Cisalpina which therupo͏̄ was called Prouincia Quaesto ria. gaule which he tooke from them hee restored the charge of the publike Treasure in the temple of Saturne; which office in the meane space (*) * Fro͏̄ Augustu dayes. betweene, the Pretours for the time being, or those verely who had been Pretours before had borne. Vnto Silanus espoused and betrothed unto his daughter, before he was undergrowen and 14. yeeres of age hee granted triumphall ornaments: but of elder persons to so many, as there is an Epistle extant written in the common name of the Legions wherein they make petition, That unto the Consuls Lieuetenants there might be granted together with the conduct of the armie, the sayde triumphall honours: to the end that they should picke quarrels and seeke occasions of warre, they cared not how nor what way? Moreover to A. Plantius he gave by a decree the pety triumph Ovatio: and as he entred so into the Citie himselfe met him upon the waie: and both when he went into the Capitoll &* Lat [•…] st exit. i. [•…] evus ei [〈◊〉] , he gave him the right hand, and went on his left fide, [〈◊〉] Eutropium returned also from thence againe, gave him the better hand. Vnto Gabinius Secundus, who had vanquished the Cauci a nation in Germanie, he permitted and gave leave to assume the surname Caucius in his style.

25 The horsemens seruice and their places he ordered so by degrees, as that after the charge of a cohort, he granted the leading of a wing: and after the co͏̄ maund thereof, the Tribuneship or regiment of a Legion: he ordained their stipends also: and a kind of imaginary warrefare called Supra-Numerum (which Page 167 they that were absent might execute) and in name or title onely. By vertue of a decree that passed even from the Nobles them selues, he prohibited all souldiours professed, to enter into any Senatours houses for to do their dutie and salute them. Those Libertines who bare them selues for Romane gentlemen he caused to forfeit their goods and bodies to the state. Such of them as were unthankeful and of whom their patrons complained, he deprived of freedome and made them bound againe: Yea and denied unto their aduocates for to heare any plea and to sit in iudgment against their owne freed men. When some Masters there were, that put forth their sick & diseased slaves into the Isle of* Aesculapius, for to avoid the tedious trouble of their cures at home, he made an act and ordained, That all such slaves should be free and not returne againe into Otherwise called T [•…] berina. the hands of their Masters, in case they ever recovered: and if anie Master chose to kill them outright, rather then thus to put them forth, they should be guilty of murder. He gave warning by an edict, that no waifaring men should travaile through anie towne in Italie, but either on foot or (a) borne in a chaire, or els carried in a licter. In Puteoli and in Oslia he placed severall cohorts, to put by all mischances of skare-fires. He forbad all persons by condition aliens and forrainers, to take upon them Romane names; those I meane onely that distinguished houses and families. As manie of them as usurped the freedome of Rome-Citie he beheaded in the (*) * Without the ga [•…] e Esquilina. Esquiline fielde. The two provinces Achaia and Macedonia, which Tiberius (the Emperour) had appropriated to (*) * And his successours. him selfe, hee yeelded up againe into the hands and dispose of the Senate. The Lycians hee deprived of their freedome, by occasion of the mortall discord and variance among them. To the Rhodians, who repented for their olde trespasses hee restored their libertie which they had lost. Hee forgave all tribvtes to the Ilienses for ever, as to the first founders and stocke-fathers of the Romane Nation: And to that purpose hee red an olde letter in Greeke written unto K. Seleucus by the Senate and people of Rome: wherein they, promised to entertaine amitie and league with him upon this condition, that hee would graunt unto the Ilienses, their naturall kinsfolke, immunitie from all taxes and tributes. (*) * This some thinke is to bee understood of Christians who͏̄ we find in the Ecclesiasticall writers to bee misnamed by the Ethnicke Infides [•…] , Chr [•…] sti an [•…] , like as Christ himselfe Christ [•…] , in [•…] korne. The (b) Iewes who by the instigation of one Chrestus were evermore tumultuous, he banished Rome. The Embassadours of the Germanes hee permitted to sit in the (c) Orchestra (with the Senatours) beeing mooved so to doe at their simplicitie and confident boldenesse for that beeing brought into the (d) Popularia and perceiving Parthians and Armenians sitting among the Senatours, they of their owne accord had remooved and passed to that quarter: giving out these words withall, that their valour and condition of estate was nothing inferiour to the others, The religion of the Dr [•…] idae among the French-men, practising horrible and detestable cruelty and which under Augustus, Romane Citizens onely were forbidden to professe and use, he quite put downe and abolished. Contrariwise, the sacred rites and holy Caeremonies (of Ceres) called Eleusima, hee attempted to transferre out of the Territorie Attica to Rome. The Temple likewise of Venus (e) Erycine in Sicilie, which in continuance of time was decayed and fallen downe, hee caused to bee repavred and built againe at the common charges of the people of Rome: Hee made Covenants and league with forraine Page 168 Kings, by the complements of killing a (*) * [〈◊〉] . sowe in the Forum, and using withall the sentence or preface that the (*) * Or F [•…] ciais. See Livie Lib. 1 Heraulds in old time pronounced: But both these affaires and others besides, the whole Empire also in a manner or a great part thereof he managed not so much after his owne minde, as by the direction and wil of his Wives and children: beeing verely affected and framed for the most part so, as stood eyther with their profit or good pleasure.

26 When he was a very youth, he had espoused two maidens, namely Aemilia Lepida neice to Augustus once remooved, likewise Livia Medullina, surnamed also Camilla, a Ladie descended sro͏̄ the auntient house of Camillus the Dictatour. The former of these twaine, because her parents had offended Augustus he cast off remaining as yet a Virgin: the latter, hee lost by occasion of sicknesse, upon that very day which was appointed for the mariage. After this, he wedded these wives, to wit, Plautia (*) * O [•…] Vrg [•…] lanilla. Herculanilla, whose father had triumphed; and not long after, Aelia Paetina, whose father had beene Consul. Both these he divorsed. Paetina upon light offenses and small displeasures: mary, Herculanilla he put away for her filthy lust and whorish life; as also for suspicion of a murder. After these he tooke to wife Valeria Messallina, the daughter of BareatusA, V, C, 801 [•…] Messalla his cousin german: whom when hee found once, over and beside the rest of her abominable vices & dishonesties, to have been (*) * Whi [•…] es she was Empresse & wife to Cla [•…] dius. wedded to C. Silius, and that with a dourie assured unto her and signed among the (*) * The handf [•…] sters or makers of the mariage. Auspices, he put to death. And in a speech that he made openly before his Pretorian Souldiours, avowed that because his mariages proved so bad, he resolued to remaine unmarried and live a single life: and if he did not continue so for ever, hee would not refuse to be stabbed by their very hands. Neither could he endure, but forthwith treat upon conditions of mariage even with Paetina, whom long before hee had put away: yea and with Lollia Pavlina wife some time to C. Cæsar. But through the enticing allurements of Agrippina, the* His owne [•…] cipce daughter of Germanicus his owne brother what by the meanes of kissing courtesies, what by the opportunities of other daliances, being drawen into love and fancie with her, at the next Session of Senate he subborned certaine of purpose to opine and give aduise, To compell him for to make her his Wife; as being a matter of right great consequence, and which most of all concerned the State: That other men also might be dispensed with and licenced to contract the like (*) * With their brothers or sisters daughters mariages which until that time were reputed incestuous. And so, himselfe staied hardly one day between, before hee dispatched the wedding: but none were found that followed the precedent, except one libertine & another who had been a principal Centurion in the formost Cohort, at whose mariage even himself in person together with Agrippina was present to do him credite and honor.

27 Children he begat of 3. wives. By Hercvlanilla he had Drusus and Claudia: By Paetina he was father of Antonia: and Messallina bare unto him Octavia and a son, whom first he named Germanicus and afterwards Britannicus. As for Drusus, he lost him at (*) * Pompeijs impubere [•…] amisit. Pompeij, before he was 14. yeares of age by occasion that he was choaked with a peare Page 169 which in play and pastime beeing tossed aloft into the aire, fell iust into his mouth as he gaped wide for it: unto whom also but few daies before, hee had affianced in mariage the daughter of Seianus: which maketh mee more to mervaile that some have written, hee was treacherously killed by Seianus, His (supposed) daughter Claudia, who in deede was conceived by his freed man Boter, although shee was borne before the fifth moneth after the diuorse,A. V. C: 773 and began to be nourced and reared, yet hee commaunded to be laid at her mothers dore and starke naked to be cast forth. Antonia his daughter, he gave in mariage to Cn. Pompeius Magnus: afterwards to Faustus Sulla ij right noble yong Gentlemen: & Octavia he bestowed upon Nero (*) * Emperour after him. his wives sonne, notwithstanding she had been promised, & betrothed before unto Silanus. His sonne Britannicus, whom Messallina bareA: V: C. 806 unto him the twentieth day after he came to the Empire & in his second Consulship, being yet a very babe he recommended continually both to the Souldiours in open assembly, dandling him in his owne hands, and also to the common people at the solemnities of games and plaies, holding him either in his bosome or iust before him, whiles the multitude with great acclamations, all good words and fortunate osses seconded him. Of his sonnes in Law who matchedA: V. C: 103 with his daughters, he adopted Nero: Pompeius and Silanus he not onely cast off and reiected but murdred also.

28 Of all his freed men hee esteemed especially Posides the (*) * Or gelded man: Eunuch, unto whom also in his triumph over Britaine, among martiall men and valiant Souldiours, he gave a speare (*) * H [•…] sta pura d [•…] navit. For his great valour forsooth: without an yron head: and no lesse account made he of (*) * Of this Faeli [•…] mention is made in the Acts of the Apostles: Faelix: whom first he ordained Capitaine over the Cohorts & Cornets of Horsemen, yea and ruler of the Province Iurie; the husband (a) of three Queenes. As also of Harpocras, unto whom hee graunted a priviledge to be caried in a Litter through the Citie of Rome, and to set out (b) Games and Plaies in publick: And besides these, hee affected with much respect Poly [•…] Ius the guide and directour to him in his Studies, who oftentimes would walke cheeke by iole betweene the two Consuls. But above all these, he held in greatest esteeme, Narcissus his Secretarie or enditer of Epistles, and Pallas the Keeper of his bookes of accounts. whom by vertue of a Decree also which went from the Senate, he suffred willingly to be not onely rewarded with rich Fees, but also to be adorned with the Honours of Questure and Pretureship: likewise to get, to pill and poll by hooke and crooke so much, as that when himselfe complained upon a time how little treasure hee had in his Coffers, one made answere unto him not absurdly, That hee might have store enough and plenty, in case his two (*) * Narcissus and Palias. freed men would admit him to share with them.

29 To these (freed men) and to his wives as I said before, being wholly addicted and enthralled, hee bare himselfe not as an absolute Prince, but as their (a) Minister and Servitour. According as it was behoovefull and commodious to any of these, or stoode with their affection and pleasure, hee graunted honourable dignities, conferred the conducts of Armies, and awarded impunities and punishments: yea, and for the most part, I assure you when himselfe was altogether ignorant and wist not what hee did. And not to Page 170 reckon up particularly, every small thing, to wit, his liberalities and gifts revoked, his iudgements reversed, his Patents & Writings concerning the graunts of Offices either foisted in or plainly altered and chaunged by them: hee slew his brother (a) Appius Silanus: the ij Iulie, the one daughter of (*) * Consocerum: so called for that their children maried to gether: & such with us, name one another brethren Drusus, and the other of (*) * The sonne of Tiberius. Germanicus upon bare imputation of a crime, without any ground: not allowing them so much as lawfull triall and libertie to plead in their owne defence: likewise Cn. Pompeius, husband to his elder daughter, and Lucius Silanus espoused to the other, (and all through their suggestions and informations). Of which, Pompeius was stabbed even* who is called also Livilla. A, V, C 802. as he lay in bed with a beloved youth and Catamite of his: Silanus was forced to resigne up his Pretureship foure daies before the Kalends of Ianuarie, and to (*) * Tacitus writeth, that hee killed himselfe upon that day. loose his life in the beginning of the yeere on the very wedding day of Claudius and Agrippina. To the execution of 35 Senatours, and above an hundred Romaine Gentlemen so easily was hee induced, as that, when the Centurion brought word backe, as touching the death of one who had beene Consull, saying, That the deede was done which he had commaunded, he flatly denied, that he gave any such warrant. Neverthelesse the thing he allowed: whiles his freed men afore-said standing by, avouched, That the Souldiours had done their devoir, in that they ran willingly of their owne heads to revenge their Emperour. For, it would be thought incredible if I should relate, How even for the very mariage of Messallina with the Adulterer Silius: his own self sealed the Writings for assurance of the Dowrie, being perswaded and brought thereunto, as though the said wedding was but colourably, of purpose pretended to avert forsooth and translate the danger, that by certaine prodigies were portended to hang over his owne head.

30 Right personable hee was, and caried a presence not without authorite and maiestie, whether he stoode or sate; but especially when he was laid and tooke his repose. For, of stature hee was tall, and nathlesse his body not lanke and slender. His countenance lively, his gray haires beautifull, which became him well, with a good fat and round neck under them. Howbeit, both as he went his hams being feeble failed him: and also whiles he was doing ought, were it re missely or in earnest, many thinges disgraced him: to wit, undecent laughter and unseemely anger, by reason, that hee would froth and slaver at the mouth, and had evermore his nose dropping: Besides, his tongue stutted and stammered: his head likewise at all times, but especially if he did any thing were it never so little used to shake and tremble very much.

31 Concerning his bodily health, as before time he used to be grievously sick, so being once Emperour exceeding healthfull he was and stoode cleere of all diseases save onely the paine of the (a) stomack. in a fit whereof hee saide, hee thought to have killed himselfe.

32 Hee made feasts, and those very great and ordinarily; yea, and in most open and large places, such as for the most part would receive sixe hundred guests at one sitting. Hee feasted also even upon the Sluce of the Lake Fucinus: what time hee had like to have beene drowned, when as the water let out with a forcible violence reflowed backe againe. At everie supper Page 171 his manner was to have also his owne children, who together with other noble mens children as well boyes as girles, should after the olde manner sit and feede at the tables (*) * Or at a Settle at the tables end: feete. One of his guests, who was thought to have closelie stollen away a cup of gold the day before, he reinvited against the morrow: and then he let before him a stone (*) * Or earthen pot. pot to drinke in. It is reported moreover, that he meant to set forth an Edict, wherein he would give folke leave to breake winde downward and let it goe (a) even with a crack at the very bourd; having certaine intelligence, that there was one who for manners and modestie sake, by holding it in, endaungered his owne life.

33 For appetite to meate and drinke his stomacke served him passing well alwaies, and in every place. Sitting upon a time iudicially in Augustus Hall of Iustice, to heare and determine causes, and senting there the steime of a dinner, that was a dressing and serving up for the Priests (a) Salij in the temple of (*) * Revenger, Situate neere to the Hall: for distinction of another Temple, bearing that name, in the Capitoll mount. Mars next adioyning, he forsooke the Tribunall, went up to the said Priests, and there sate downe with them to meate. Lightly you should never have him goe out of any dining roome. but with his belly strutting out, well whitled also and drenched with wine: so, as straightwaies, whiles hee layd him downe along upon his backe and tooke a sleepe gaping, there was a feather put ordinarily into his mouth wide open for to discharge his stomack. Hee tooke very short sleepes: for commonly before midnight hee awaked: yet so, as otherwhiles he would catch a nap in the day time, as he sat to minister iustice: and scarcely could bee awakened by the Advocates at the barre, who of purpose raised their voices and pleaded the lowder. Hee was excessively given to the wanton love of women. As for the preposterous abuse of malekind, he was altogether unacquainted therewith. Hee plaied at dice most earnestly (concerning the Art and skill whereof, he published also a little booke) being wont to plie that game even whiles hee was caried up and downe, having his Carroch and Dice-bourd so fitted, as there might be no confusion nor shuffling at all in play.

That cruell he was and given to bloudshed naturally, appeared in great and34 very small matters. As for tortures used in examinations, and the punishments that (a) Paricides suffred, hee exhibited and exacted the same to be done without delay, and openly in his owne presence. Being desirous upon a time to be hold an execution performed after the auncient manner at Tibur, when as, (the malefactours standing bound already to a stake), there wanted the butcherly executioner to doe the feat; he staied there still in the place, and waited untill evening, for one that was sent for out of Rome. At all Sword fights, whether they were set forth by himselfe, or by others, he commaunded as many of the Champions as chaunced onely but to stumble and fall therewith, to have their throats cut: especially the Fencers called (*) * The adverse faction to the [〈◊〉] whom he favored Retiarij; and why! because forsooth hee would see their faces as they lay gasping and yeelding up their breath. It fortuned, that a couple of these fighting at sharpe wounded and [•…] illed one another: Thereupon hee commaunded little knives to bee mad [•…] of both their blades, for his owne proper use. Hee tooke such pleasure in those that (*) * Which combats were usually in the morning: fought (b) with wild beasts, as also in the sword fights ordinarily about noone, that he would by breake of day go downe to the Theater for to behold Page 172 the one: and at noone disinisse the people to their dinners, and sit it out himselfe to see the other: yea, and besides those that were appointed to such combats, upon any slight and suddaine occasion set some to fight for their lives, even out of the number of Carpentars, Servitours, & such like emploied about these games: if happily any of those artificiall (c) motions that goe by vices, or a pageant (*) * Or Pegme in frame, or some such fabrick proved not well. Hee fetcht in also one of his owne (*) * Prompters of names. Nomenclatours even in his gowne as he went (*) * With wilde beasts or otherwise. to fight for his life.

35 But it passed, how timorous and diffident hee was. At his first comming to the Empire; (how ever as we said before, he bragged and stoode upon his civill and familiar behaviour) he durst not for certaine daies goe to any feast, dinner or supper, without Pensionars standing about him with their speares and Iavelins, and his Souldiours waiting at the table: neither visited hee any sicke person, unlesse the bed-chamber where the party lay, were first searched; the beds, bolsters, pillowes, Coverlets and other cloathes were groped, felt, and throughly shaken before hand. All the time after, hee appointed evermore certaine searchers for them all, that came to salute him, sparing not one; and such searchers as were most cruell. For, long it was first, and that with much adoe, ere hee graunted that women, young boyes in their embroidred coates, and maidens, should not bee handled and felt in this manner: that any mans Attendants likewise or Clerks might not have their Pensheathes and Penknifecases (a) taken from them. In a civile commotion, when Camillus, (making no doubt but that without any warre at all hee might be terrified) willed him in a contumelious, menacing, and malapert letter, to resigne up the Empire, and to leade a quiet life in private estate, hee called his Nobles and chiefe personages about him, to counsell, and put to question, whether it were best to hearken unto him or no?

36 At the headlesse report and flying newes of some treason that should bee practised against him, he was so affrighted, that hee went about to lay downe his Imperiall dignity. By occasion, that one (as I related before) was taken with a weapon upon him, about his person as hee sacrificed, in all hast he sent out the Bedels and called the Senate together; before whom, with teares and loude out-cries hee bewailed his owne piteous case, as who no where could make account of any safety: and thereupon for a long time forbare to come abroad. His affectionate love also to Messallina, most servant though it were he renounced and cast cleane from her, not so much for any indignity of the dishonourable wrongs she offred unto him, as upon very feare of daunger; as fully perswaded that shee practised to bring the Empire into Silius the Adulterers hands. At which time in a great fright he fled in shamefull manner to the camp, asking and enquiring all the way nothing else, but whether the Empire remained still safe to his behoofe?

37 There arose no suspition, there came forth no Author so light and vaine, but gave him a bone to gnaw upon, and put no small toyes in his head: wherby he was forced to beware and seeke revenge. One of those, that had a matter depending in Court before him, taking him a side, when hee came by way of Page 173 salutation to doe his duty, avowed unto him, that he dreamed, How hee was killed by one. Then within a while after, the same party, (as if he had now taken knowledge who that one was that should murder him) pointed unto his owne adversarie, even as hee tendered a supplication unto Claudius; and said, This is he. Whereupon immediatly apprehended he was, and haled to execution. After the semblable manner by report, came Appius Silanus to his death. For, when Messallina and Narcissus had conspired to worke his overthrow and finall destruction, they complotted thus, that Narcissus betimes in a morning before day light rushed like a man amazed and astonied into the bedchamber of his Patrone (Claudius) relating unto him his dreame, namely that Appius had laid violent hands upon him: and Messallina for her part, composing and framing her selfe as if shee wondered greatly thereat, reported, How shee likewise had seene already the same vision for certaine nights together. And not long after this, word came, (as it was before agreed betweene them) that Appius was comming to rush in among them:* Narcissas. who in deed had beene bidden the day before to be present at the same instant. Whereupon, as if the said dreame had now proved true and beene plainly represented in effect, order was given for Appius, to be endited, arraigned, and to suffer death. Neither doubted Claudius the morrow after to report the whole storie and the order thereof unto the Senate: and withall to give thanks unto his (*) * [〈◊〉] atque Iracundi [•…] . The mannes is of this Author throughout his story [•…] o set those points downe first in a word, whereon he meaneth to stand, & then in order to particularize [•…] ly upon the͏̄. By which method of his, it [•…] reth in this place, that hee meaneth by Ira, the mom [•…] tanie passion of anger, which we call heat & choler, soone up & as soone downe, quickly kindled and as quickly que͏̄cht: by Iracundia, the habite of [〈◊〉] wrath conti [•…] uing still untill reve [•…] ge be had: which we call malice and rancour. How soever our moderne Lexiographers have in their Dictionaries put downe the co͏̄ trary. freed man, for being so vigilant and watchfull in his very sleepe for his sake.

38 Being privie to himselfe of passionate (a) anger & bearing malice, he excused them both in an Edict, distinctly promising that the one of them verily should be but short and harmlesse, the other not uniust nor causelesse. Having sharply rebuked the men of Ostia, because they had not sent boats & barges to meet him as he came upon the river Tiberis: and that in such odious termes as these, That he was now become base and abiect in their eies: all on a suddaine, he par doned the͏̄ upon their submission & readinesse to make satisfaction. Some there were, whom in the very open street he thrust from him with his own hand, co͏̄ ming unto him somewhat out of season. Semblably he confined and banished the Court a Scribe who had been Questour: a Senatour likewise that had born the Pretureship both of them without their cause heard and altogether guiltlesse: for that the (*) * The Scribe one pleading in Court as an Advocate against him when he was a private person, had caried himselfe not so modestly as he should: & the Senatour in his Aedileship had amerced & fined certaine tenants of his dwelling upo͏̄ his lands, for selling boiled meats contrary to the law expresly forbidding so to do: and withall whipped his Bailife comming (*) * To intercede for them. betweene (to intercede for them). For which cause also, he tooke from the Aediles their authority to punish the disorder of those that kept Tavernes and victualing houses. But as touching his owne foolishnes, he concealed it not, but gave it out & protested in certaine short orations, That he counterfaited himselfe a foole for the nonce during Caius daies: because otherwise he should not have escaped, nor attained to that (imperiall) place which hee aimed at and was now entred upon. Howbeit, he could not make the world beleeve so much, untill there was a book put forth within a short time after, entituled 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , [•…] . The resurrection (or Exa [•…] tation) of fooles. The argument and matter whereof was, (b) That no man Page 174 [〈◊〉] .

Among otherthinges, men wondered at him for his oblivion and unaduisednesse,39 or (that I may expresse the same in Greeke) his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , . i. his grosse over-sight or forgetfulnes, and inconsiderate blindnes. When Messallina was (by his owne commaundement) killed, within a while, after he was set in his dining parlour hee asked why his (*) * Or Mistres of the house, Domina, Grace, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Lady came not? Many of those whom he had condemned to death, the very morrow immediatly after, he commaunded to have warning both to sit in counsell with him, and also to beare him company at Dice-play: yea, and by a messenger chid & checked them as drowsie and slothfull for staying so long and making no better hast. Being minded to take Agrippina to wife against all law of God and man, he ceased not in all his speech to call her, His (*) * And in deede he was her Vnkle. daughter and nourceling: to give out also, That she was borne and brought up in his bosome. Having a purpose to admit Nero into the very name of his owne house & family, as if he had not incurred blame enough already for adopting (him) his wives son, having a naturall (*) * Brita [•…] icus: sonne of his owne who was now of ripe yeeres, hee eft-soones divulged, That never any one had beene by adoption inserted or incorporate into the family of the Claudii.

He shewed oftentimes so great negligence & carelesnes what he said or did,40 that he was thought not to know nor consider, either who made any speech, or among whom, or at what time, and in what place? When there was some question and debate about Butchers & Vintnars, he cried out in the Senate house, Ibeseech (*) * Rogo’vos, o [•…] I demaund of you: you, my Maisters who is able to live without a little piece or morsell of flesh? and withall described the (*) * Or excessive number: abundance of the olde Tavernes (a), from whence himselfe also in times past was wont to bee served with wine. As touching a certaine Questour, who was a Candidate of his and by him recommended: among other reasons why he favoured him, he alleadged this, Because his Father, quoth he, had quickly and in due time given him lying sick, cold water to drinke. Having in the Senate brought in a woman to depose, This, quoth he, was my mothers freed woman, and she that kept her ornaments, and used to de [•…] k and dresse her: But she alwaies tooke me for her Patrone. This have I, quoth he, delivered of purpose, because there be some yet in mine house, who think me not to be her Patron. Moreover, sitting upon the Tribunall, when he was in a great chafe, & the men of Ostia requested at his hands (I wot not what) in the name of their towne; he cried out aloud, That he knew nothing wherefore he should oblige the͏̄ unto him: And if any man else, quoth he, I also am free and at mine owne liberty. As for these words of his which now I will relate, they were rife in his mouth daily, yea every houre & minute therof. What doest thou take (b) me for Theogonius and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ? beside many such foolish termes, not beseeming private persons, much lesse a Prince, otherwise not uneloquent nor unlearned: nay, rather one eagerly given to his booke, and a great Student in the liberall Sciences.

In his youth, he attempted to write an Historie, exhorted thereto by Titus41 Livius; and having the help besides of Sulpitius Flavus. And when he put the same first to the triall & iudgement of men in a frequent auditorie, hardlie & with much a.do he read it through, being often in the while coldly heard, by an occasion that himselfe gave. For, when, (as hee began his reading) there was set up a laughter, by reason that many of the seates brake with the weight Page 175 of a certeine corpulent and fatswad, he was not able to hold, no not after the [•…] umult appeased, but eftsoones ever and anon call to minde that accident and fall afresh to unmeasurable laughing. During his Empire likewise, hee both wrote much and also rehearsed the same continually by his reader. The beginning of his foresayd historie he tooke from the time presently ensuing the murder of Cæsardictator: but hee passed over to the latter dayes: and began againe at the civill pacification: perceiving that it was not left in his power and libertie to write of the occurrents in those former times, as who was often checked both by his (*) * Antonia the Triumvirs daughter. mother and also by his (*) * Octavia the wife of Antonia of Livia [〈◊〉] sta her seife. grandame. Of the former argument he left behinde him two volumes, of the later, fortie-one. Hee compiled of his owne life eight bookes: a report not so wisely and discreetly put downe, as otherwise elegantly penned: Item, an Apologie or defense of Cicero against the bookes of Asinius Gallus: a peece of worke full enough of learning. He devised moreover three (a) new characters or letters in the (Latine) Alphabet, and put them to the number of the olde as most necessarie. And having published whiles he was yet a private person, concerning the reason of those letters, one booke: soone after beeing Emperor he easily effected that they should be brought into use also indiffere͏̄tly with the rest. And verely such manner of writing with those characters is now extant to be seene in many bookes of records in Iournels, and titles or inscriptions of works.

42 With no lesse diligence studied hee the Greeke disciplines, professing as any occasion was offered, his affectionate love to that tongue, and the excellency thereof. When a certaine Barbarian discoursed in Greeke and Latine, see you be skilfull, quoth he, in both our languages; And in recommending Achaia unto the Ll. of the Senate, he sayde it was a province that he affected well and delighted in, for the commerce and society of studies common to him and them: and many a time he answered their embassadors in the Senate, with a long and continued oration (in Greeke). But upon the Tribunall he used very much verses also out of Homer. Certes whensoever he had taken revenge of enemie or traytor, he lightly gave unto the Tribune over the Sentinels and guard of his person, calling unto him after the usuall manner for a watchword, none other but this

“ 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ”

To conclude, in the end he wrote Greeke histories also, to wit twentie books entituled (*) * Of [〈◊〉] affaires. Tyrrhenicoon, and 8. entituled (*) * Of Carthaginian matter [•…] Called Claudi [•…] . Carchedoniacoon. In regard of which histories, unto the auntient schoole at Alexandria he adjoyned another bearing his owne * name: and ordained it was, that every yeare in the on of them his books Tyrrhenicoon; and in the other his Carchedoniacoon upon certaine daies appointed therefore should (as it were in a frequent Auditorie) be read whole and through by severall single readers in their turnes.

43 Toward the end of his life, hee shewed certaine signes and those evident enough, that he repented both his mariage with Agrippina, and the Page 176 adoption also of Nero. For by occasion that his freed-men made mention and gave their commendation of a judiciall proceeding of his, wherein he had condemned the day before, a Woman in the case of adulterie, hee avouched That the destinies likewise had so ordained, that all his (*) * Matrimoni [•…] . or Wives like as Co [•…] gia pre coningibus. mariages should bee unchaste how beit not unpunished: And soone after, meeting his sonne Britannicus and embracing him harder and more closely than his manner was, growe apace quoth hee, and take accompt of me for all that I haue done. Vsing withall these Greeke words, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , (*) * Or rather, Ho Trosas, Kai Iasetai, i. He that wounded will also heale. I that have done thee wróg wil make amends. i. Love enforced me. And when he had fully purposed to give him being as then very young & of tender yeeres his (a) Virile Robe, seeing that his stature and growth would beare and permit it, he uttered these words moreover, To the end that the people of Rome may yet at last, have a true and Naturall Cæsar.

44 And not long after this he wrote his wil and signed it with the seales of al the (a) head-magistrates: whereupon before that he could proceed anie further, prevented hee was and cut short by Agrippina. Whom they also who were (*) * Conscij: Some read Conscientia quoque even his owne conscience. privie to her and of her councell, yet neverthelesse enformers, accused besides all this of many crimes. And verely it is agreed upon generally by all, that killed he was by poyson: but (a) where it should be, and who gave it, there is some difference. Some write, that as he sat at a feast in the (Capitoll) Castle with the priests, it was presented unto him by Halotus the Eunuch his taster: others report that it was at a meale in his owne house by Agrippina herselfe, who had offered unto him a mushrome empoisoned; knowing that he was most greedy of such meats. Of those accide͏̄ts also which ensued hereupon, the report is variable. Some say, that streight upon the receipt of the poyson he became speechlesse, & continuing all night in dolorous torments, dyed a little before day. Others affirme, that at first he fell a sleepe: and afterwards, as the meate flowed and floted aloft vomited all vp, and so was followed againe with a ranke (*) * Toxico, poyson. But whether the same were put into a messe of thicke gruell, (considering hee was of necessitie to be refreshed with food beeing emptied in his stomacke) or conueied up by a clistre, as if being oovercharged with fulnesse and surfeit, he might be eased also by this kind of egestion and purgation, it is uncertaine.

45 His death was kept secret until all things were set in order about his successour. And therefore, both vowes were made for him as if hee had lyen sicke stil and also comicall Actours were brought in place colourably to solace and delight him, as having a longing desire after such sports. He deceased three dayes before the Ides of October, when Asinius Marcellus and Acilius Aviola were Consuls: in the 64th yeere of his age, and 14th of his Empire. His funerals were performed with a solemne pompe and procession of the Magistrates: and canonized he was a Saint in Heaven: Which honor forlet and abolished by Nero hee recouered afterwards by the meanes of Vespasian.

46 Especial tokens there were presaging & prognosticating his death: to wit the rising of an (*) * The 13th. of October. hairy starre which they call a Comet: Also the * monumen [•…] of his father Deusus was blasted with lightning: and for that in the same Page 177 yeere most of the (a) Magistrates of all sorts were dead. But himselfe seemeth not either to have beene ignorant that his end drew neere, or to have diffimuled so much: which may bee gathered by some good arguments and demonstrations. For both in the ordination of Consuls hee appointed none of them to continue longer then the moneth wherein he dyed: and also in the Senate, the very last time that ever he sat there, after a long and earnest exhortation of his children to concord, he humbly recommended the age of them both to the Ll. of that honourable house: and in his last Iudiciall Session upon the Tribunal once or twice he pronounced openly, That come he was now to the end of his mortalitie: notwithstanding they that heard him, greived to heare such an Osse, and praied the gods to avert the same.