A chronicle, conteyning the liues of tenne emperours of Rome Wherin are discouered, their beginnings, procéedings, and endings, worthie to be read, marked, and remembred. Wherein are also conteyned lawes of speciall profite and policie. ... Compiled by the most famous Syr Anthonie of Gueuara, Bishop of Mondonnedo, preacher, chronicler, and counsellour to the Emperour Charles the fift: and translated out of Spanish into English, by Edward Hellowes, Groome of her Maiesties Leashe. Hereunto is also annexed a table, recapitulating such particularities, as are in this booke mentioned.

The life of the good Emperour, Traiane Coceius, naturally a Spaniard, borne in the citie of Calize, compiled by syr Anthonie of Gueuara, By∣shoppe of Mondonnedo, preacher, chronicler, and counsellour vnto the Emperour Charles the fifth.

CHAP. I. Of foure renoumed Cities that perished and were subuerted in Spaine.

BEfore they had Emperours in Rome, ei∣ther warre was raised in Carthage, ther were in foure prouinces in Spaine, foure right notable cities, which in potencie did matche with Rome, in riches with Tyrus, in beautie with Helia, & in opu∣lencie with Tarento. The firste was Numantia: the seconde, Cantabria: the thirde, Ystobriga: the fourth, Italica. Strabo, Isodore, and Pomponio Mela, giue great admiration vnto the readers, of the great power, richesse, and wealth of these foure cities. And on the other part, it is great pitie to consider, that there is nothing of them remayning to beholde. Not without cause it is saide, that nothing remaineth in them to be séene: because notwith∣standing the prouince, boundes, and climate is knowen of the foundation thereof: yet we may hardly attaine to name the verie place where it was bu••lt. Vnto the citie of Nu∣mantia, Soria succéeded: vnto y^e citie of Cantabria, succéeded Tudela of Nauarre: vnto the citie of Ystobriga, succéeded Merida: vnto the citie of Italica, succéeded Ciuil. The situ∣ation of the famous Numantia, as some men affirme, was vpon a certeine hill neare vnto Soria on the other side of the bridge: and as others doe thinke, her foundation stoode in Garray a village of Soria ioyning vnto Duero. The situa∣tion of Cantabria, was a league from the citie of the Groine,

and on that side of Ebro, vpon a certeine height where nowe are planted many vines. The seate of Ystobriga was, where nowe the ventes of Caparra, being bayting places, stand: and others say, yt was on the hill that standeth betwixt the two riuers Las varcas de Alconeta, yel casare de car∣ceres. The situation of Italica was ioyning vnto the citie of Ciuil: and some saye it was vpon the way to Carmona: and that the arches of Carmona were made to furnishe the citie of Italica. O secrete iudgementes of the moste high, or humaine instabilitie, that all these places being viewed personally of my selfe, where these so excellent ci∣ties were buylt, I found not so muche as a tower, a wall, a stréete, or a house to beholde: neither so much as a stone al∣most to stumble at. We haue great reason to exclaime, and much more hath the discréete reader to wonder: since we vn∣derstand that fourtéene yeres Numantia resisted the power of the Romaines: and now we sée it made a pasture for shéepe. We vnderstande that Cantabria was the last thing whiche the Romaines did subdue in Spaine: and nowe there remai∣neth but a patche of vineyardes in the same. We certeinly knowe that the greatest strength which king Viriato held in Spaine, was Ystobriga: and nowe there remaineth not but certeine gr••ene trées & shrubbes. They which write of the citie of Italica, do saye: that it was the most strong and the most estéemed of all the kingdome of Vandalia: and nowe they gather both wheat and barley in the same. Scipio the Africane destroyed the citie of Numantia, because in y^e first Punicke battels, they would not helpe the Romaines. Grac∣chus a Romaine captaine, subuerted the citie of Ystobriga, because from thence Viriato made him warre. Pompeius hoste destroyed the citie of Italica: for that in the parcialitie of Iulius Caesar they were most faithfull. The Emperour Augustus ouerthrewe the citie of Cantabria, as a man more moued with yre, then directed by reason. The case was thus: that as he had the citie besieged and brought in great distresse, he sent to require of the citizens, to yelde him all their treasure: and giue vnto Rome perpetuall tribute: The Cantabrians considering, what the Emperour de∣maunded:

aunswered in a letter after this manner.

Emperour Augustus, we pray the immortall Gods to re∣ceiue thee into their defence, and that it may please them to examine betwixt thee and vs, who in this warre hath more iustice: and thou knowest, O immortall Prince, that men, although they haue power to take warre in hande, it is not in their handes, but in the Gods to obteine victorie: because we men begin many thinges with malice, the which after∣wardes, the Gods do finish by iustice: with thy exceeding potencie it may not be denied, but that thou hast brought this sorrowfull citie into great distresse: in such wise that we haue neither bread to eate, either water to drinke, either skinnes to make garments, or corke to make shooes, neither towers to couer vs: but ioyntly with this, thou hast to vn∣derstande, that if wee want armour wherwith to fight: wee lacke not heartes to abide death. It wel appeareth that thou hast made experience of our weake forces, and vnderstan∣dest not the greatnesse of our mindes: since thou demaun∣dest the treasure of our houses, and the libertie of our per∣sons. The mynes that wee haue, be not of Golde to serue thee, but of yron, to breake thy pride. Doth it not seeme to thee, O emperour Augustus, that since you Romaines haue fought foure hundreth yeres in straunge countries to be lordes, it were great reason for vs to fight in our owne hou∣ses, to escape bondage? Prosecute thy warres, and do accor∣ding to the vse of other captaines of Rome, and care not to threaten vs, and muche lesse to flatter vs: for notwithstan∣ding our countrie & houses be thine by force, neuer whiles we haue life shall wee be, but the Gods and our owne.

This aunswer being hearde by the Emperour Augustus, he did sweare by the immortall Gods, to take none of them to mercie, either to leaue in the citie one stone vppon ano∣ther. And as he promised, so he accomplished. I would saye in this case, that if it were euill to sweare, it was muche woorse to perfourme the same. Although it be an auncient custome, the worde of a king to be kepte inuiolable: for the good prince ought not to put in effect, that which he hath sworne in his yre.

CHAP. II. Of the countrie and birth of the Emperour Traiane.

PRosecuting our intent, it is to vnderstand that in the dayes when warre was ex∣tremely kindled betwixt Iulius Caesar & Pompeius, the Pompeians helde Ysto∣briga, which nowe is named Lebrixa: and the Caesarians helde Gades, whiche nowe is named Calize: these two cities did serue to gather their banished; to succour their alies, and their wounded. Before the citie of Italica was destroy∣ed by the Pompeians, there did florish two famous knights: the one was named Iulius Coceius, & the other, Rufus Vlpi∣us: and these two knightes, were not onely Captaines at armes, but also were chiefe of those two linages, that is to saye, of the Coceians and of the Vlpians. Before that cruell warres entred the citie of Italica, these two linages had al∣wayes betwixt them greate contention: but after warres began, they ioyned in great friendship: for that it hapneth many times, that hartes which may not ioyne by loue, do after consent and agree by feare. The citie of Italica being destroyed, these two knightes came to liue at Gades, which nowe is named Calize: the one of them that was named Coceius, was graundfather to the Emperour Nerua: and y^e other which was named Rufus Vlpius, was great graund∣father of the Emperour Traiane, and of the Emperour A∣drian by the mothers side. The Emperour Traiane was borne in the citie of Calize the xxi. of Maye, in the seconde yere of the Empire of Nero, Rufus and Catinus being con∣suls. In those times there was not in all Europe, so fa∣mous, so generous, either yet so profitable a studie, as that of the citie of Calize: because from Africa they repayred to studie: and from Graecia came to learne. And to the ende it shall not séeme a fable, let them reade Plutarche in the life of Traiane, Philon in the booke of Schooles, and Philostrato

in the life of Apollonius. In that citie of Calize, vntill the age of xv. Traiane studied the Gréeke toung, the Latine, & Rhetorike. Traiane was high of body, somwhat blacke of face, thinne of haire, thicke of beard, a crooked nose, broade shoulders, large handes, and his eyes, in beholding, amo∣rous. Traiane entring the yeares of xvj. left his studie, and did exercise armes: wherin he was no lesse towarde then valiaunt. Traiane was of great swiftnesse on foote, and of great readinesse on horsbacke: in such wise that it is sayde of him, y^t he was neuer throwne, or had fal frō his horse: or euer was ouerrun on foote. There chaūced a certeine fleete of pyrates to arriue at Calize, the which being many, and taking the citizens at vnwares: the good yong man Trai∣ane, did shew him selfe that day so valiaunt in fight, and so venturous in conquest, that to him alone they did attribut the libertie of their countrie, and the glory of the victorie. Amongst the Myrmidons, whiche be they of Merida, and amongst the Ricinians, which be they of Truxillio, there was raised in those dayes a certaine little warre for the pastures of Gaudiano: for that the Myrmidons did say, they had held them time out of mind: they of Truxillio ad∣uouched, that they had lost them, and had receiued of them assistance to win them of the enimies. The Myrmidons did craue succour of them of Calize, in respect of their confe∣deration: the Gauditaines did accept the embassage of the Myrmidons, as concerning their succour, and when they had chosen Traiane for capteine of their armie: he made answere:

The destinies neuer permit, either the gods commaund, that I take a sword to shed the bloud of mine owne countrie: bicause if the one be our friends, truly the other be not our enimies. And said more. Since the warre is not begun, and the cause of their debate may be discussed by iustice, it is my opinion, rather to sende them embassa∣dours to bring them friendes: then capteines to attempt wars. Conformable vnto all men, Traianes answere was both giuen and accepted: the which from thence forward, was holden & estéemed for a knight of great valiantnesse:

and for a man of great wisedō and iudgement.

These two vertues goe not alwayes by couples: that is to say, vali∣antnesse and wisedome: bycause, there be some men that be doutie to take perils in hād, & be not wise to escape thē.

CHAP. III. Howe Traiane passed out of Spaine being a yong man, to goe into Italie.

IN the second yeare of the Empire of the good Vespasian, great Britaine rebelled which is now named England a∣gainst the Romaine Emperour: vnto which warrs Trai∣ane repaired, and this he did without charges to the Ro∣maines, and for him self to obteine fame accompanied with many others of his countrie: In those warres Drusius Torquatus was capteine for the Romaines: who persua∣ding Traiane to take wages of the Romaine people, as all others did inioy in that warres: Traiane answered. The merchaunts that come from thence hither, they repaire to be more rich, but we Gentlemen not to be richer, but more honoured. The fame that Iugurth obteined in the warres of Numantia, that same Traiane obteined in the warres of Britaine: in that the one and the other were knights of straunge countries, and young venturours, and also fortu∣nate: bycause for their powers and noble déedes, whiche they atchieued in those warrs: Iugurthe was king of Nu∣midia, and the good Traiane came to be Emperor of Rome. That daye whiche Drusius Torquatus entered Rome, triumphing of the Britaines, being accompanied not onely with knightes subdued, but also with knightes and noble∣men that had ouercome: all the Romaines did inquire for Traiane to sée him and knowe him, for that his fame was notorious vnto all men, but his person in Rome to verie fewe knowne. And hereof it procéeded in processe of time, when Traiane, and Marius Fabritius, did contend for the Consulship of Germanie: Fabritius taunted Traiane, to be a straunger borne, and disgraced in the feature of his body, vnto whom Traiane made answere: I confesse vnto thee Marius Fabritius, that thy good face was knowne in

Rome, before thy euill life: but thou canst not denie, that in Rome they did not knowe mine honest life, before my euill face. At the first when Traiane came to Rome, Titus, sonne to Vespasian the Emperour, placed him Pretour of ten legions: and sent him to the frontiers of Illyria: where he remained all the life of Titus. The Romaine legions did not a little murmur to haue Traiane for their capteine: affirming that in age he was a childe, & in nation a straun∣ger: but after when they found him so valiant in fighting, & so wise in gouernment, they loued him as a father, & o∣beyed him as a captein. And as in winter Traiane wāted victuals, for that he had taken truce with the Barbarians: a certaine gentleman sayd vnto him: it is not conuenient thou shouldest be so sad, or that we shoulde suffer so great penurie: take in good part, that by dissimulation we break the truce, by which meane we shal prouide for our selues, and our cattel. The good Traiane answered: I am not only grieued with that thou speakest, but also despited with y^t y^u presumest to say: for those matters which we set downe by promise, we haue not so great cause to obserue our fide∣litie made vnto men: as for that we haue sworne by y^e im∣mortal Gods. And y^e Emperour Titus being dead, his bro∣ther Domitian did succéede him in the Empire: which whē Traiane vnderstood, presently he left the charge of frontier capteinship of Illyria. The emperour Domitian was not a little grieued, & the whole armie, as also all the Senate, y^e Traiane had forsakē y^e frontiers of Illyria: for that in mat∣ters of warre he had great experience, & no lesse fortune. The Romaines did vse great vigilancie, in séeking and con∣seruing fortunate capteines: with whom they did dissem∣ble & suffer more defections, then with al other persons: and this they did, bicause there be many capteines, that if" they be expert in armes, they be moste vnfortunate in the" execution thereof.

Traiane remaining in Rome, without all disposition to take charge of an armie: y^e emperour Domitian sayd vnto him: tell me Traiane, it it doutful that my empire is lesse

then that which my father Vespasian helde? or that I am more ingrate then my brother Titus was? that for them thou shouldest euerie day aduenture thy life, and for my seruice thou dainest to take a launce in hande? Traiane did answere him: I confesse that thy power is as great as thy fathers, and thy knowledge no lesse then thy brothers: but ioyntly with this, thou arte verie souden in thy com∣maundements, and very swift in the execution thereof: and it may be, that hauing charge of thy armies, I might be commaunded to doe some thing: the accomplishment whereof, might stand muche against all bountie: and not perfourming the same, I should breake the oth of fidelitie, that I haue made vnto thée.

CHAP. IIII. Of the friendship and parentage that Traiane had with the Emperour Nerua.

IN those dayes there was a certaine Consul named Ner∣ua Coceius, banished out of Rome by the Emperour Do∣mitian, a man in yeares very auncient, and in all that he eyther sayde, or did, of great credite. As Traiane was at that time in the disgrace of the Emperour Domitian, frō Rome he departed vnto Nola, a certain place where Nerua was in Campania: bycause It is a thing very common vnto a man afflicted, to seeke the companie of an other in like trouble. These two right excellent men, whiche is to say, Nerua and Traiane, remained there long time in Campania, poore, banished, persecuted, & out of fauour: abyding the time when Domitian shuld send to kill thē, or when they should heare that he were dead: bicause if they desired his death, no lesse did he séeke occasiō to take away their liues. Traiane, for that he was young, helde Nerua who was olde in great veneration: and Nerua did beare so great affectiō vnto Traiane, that he did loue him & vse him as his sonne: for that Traiane besides his sufficiēcie & able∣nesse for all causes, was in his conuersation most amorous. Nerua and Traiane remaining in that banishment, found

themselues of neare kinred and affinitie: that is to say, of one countrie, which was Spaine, of one place, which was Italica, and that the one discended of the Coceians, and the other of the Vlpians, two famous and auncient linages: of whome we haue aboue made mention. When Traia∣ane passed into Italie, he found no other parētage, but Ner∣ua and Vlpius Ricinius his vnckle: which was two times Consul in Rome. Some say that this Vlpius Ricinius, was father vnto Traiane: but the truth is, that he was but his vnckle: for Plutarche in an Epistle that he wri∣teth vnto Traiane, sayth: The good newes in Rome being knowne, howe thou hast ouercome king Decebal, which did tyrannize this lande: so great was the ioy which the people did receiue, that as thy fathers bones be in Spaine, they had bene here in Italie: they would do no lesse ho∣nour vnto them in the sepulchre, then they shall yealde vnto thee on that day, when thou shalt enter triumphing into Rome. And for that Nerua was so auncient and so honourable, and Traiane so valiaunt and so wel liked, ma∣ny Romaines did come and goe betwéene Rome and Cam∣pania to sée them: and this was done more secretely then publikely, bycause the Emperour Domitian was verie suspicious: being most true, Verie fewe dare serue or followe such as princes do hate. Amongest all other that went frō Rome vnto Campania to sée these two knights, was the great Philosopher Plutarche: who with Traiane, and Traiane with him, did plante so perfect and sounde friendship, that onely death was able to giue ende to the same. And as Plutarche sawe suche abilitie and will in Traiane to learne, & ioyntly with this there was no wars wherein to be exercised, he was so drunken with learning, that he did abhorre armes: vppon which occasion Nerua saide in iest: By my counsel thou shalt leaue bookes, and returne to armes, since thou haste better handes to fight, then a tong to dispute: for that it is not iust thou shoul∣dest cease to be singular amongest capteines, to be indiffe∣rent among Philosophers. Traiane remayning there in

Campania, did marrie with Plotina, which was his onely wife: and is sayde only, for that before nor after did euer marrie other: the which vertue vntil his time was found in no Romaine prince: for that by growing olde or misli∣king of the one, presently they did take another. And as on a day certaine Romaines practised by secrete deuice to kil the Emperour Domitian: and in great secrecie, gaue part therof vnto Traiane, did answere: I do well sée that Do∣mitian deserued not to be elected Emperour, & much lesse deserueth to be sustained in the same: yet neuer the more shal I consent vnto his death: for that I will rather suffer a tyraunt, then recouer the renowne of a traitour. Many Romaines on a time murmuring of the insolencies of the Emperour Domitian, Traiane sayde vnto them: The in∣tention wherwith Domitian hath intreated me, the Gods haue to iudge: for of his works which he hath done, I may not complaine, since he hath bene the occasion

that I haue recouered Nerua for my father, Plutarche for my maister, & Plotina for my wife, and aboue al the rest, he brought me acquainted with aduerse Fortune: for that afore I presu∣med of nothing but to commaund: but now only to serue.

A yeare before Domitian died, or to say better, before they had slaine him, he went to the wars in Germanie: and in that yeare Traiane was elected Consul, in the Senate of Rome. It was no smal griefe vnto Traiane to accept that Consulship: not for that he liked not to be lincked with the friendship of honour: but for the griefe whiche he felt to leaue the companie of Nerua.

CHAP. V. Howe Nerua was made Emperour, and adopted Traiane his sonne.

THe Romains not able to indure the iniuries and tyran∣nies of Domitian, determined to kil him, the which out of hande they did perfourme: the xiiii. of October, in the fourtie fifte yeare of his age, when he had reigned xv. yeares. In many a day the Romaine people had nor recei∣ued so ioyful newes, as y^e newes of the death of Domitian: in such maner, that they gaue rich rewards vnto currers & postes that brought the same, and made great ioy in the countries where they passed: for that they did as muche desire his death, as they did abhorre his life. Petronius cap∣teine of the guard, and Partenius his chamberleine, were the men that practised the death, and also violated the life of Domitian: and they them selues gaue order, that Ner∣ua presently should be elected Emperour. The Romaines did so extremely hate Domitian, that not contented to sée him deade, & to hale his bodie péecemeale trayling through the streates of Rome, al his pictures and counterfets they did spoyle and take away, all his arches and titles they did raze out, all his edifices whiche he had built they ouer∣threwe, all writings which he had firmed they burnt, and all that were named Domitians were banished, in suche wise, that they could neyther indure to sée him aliue, nei∣ther heare him named after his death. The day after the death of Domitian, Nerua Coceius was declared Empe∣rour: and of his election all the Romaine people were much pleased: the one cause, for that he was so vertuous, and the other, bicause he was an enimie vnto Domitian. Presently that Nerua was elected Emperour, presently he sent Traiane as Pretour into Germanie, to the end he should take into his power, the legions and gouernement of that prouince: on the one parte, for that Traiane was liked, and muche desired of all the men of warre: and the other for that Calphurinus capteine vnto Domitian was holden somewhat suspected.

Amongest other euill conditions wherewith the Em∣perour Domitian was possessed, was: that all thinges which séemed vnto him good, riche, or faire, he dyd much

praise it, and therof they had to consider for most certaine, that all whiche he praised, fréely they had to present the same: for if otherwise, incontinently he tooke it by force.

Of these like things Nerua found in his palace, much goods of other mens: whiche by publike proclamation were all restored vnto the owners: In suche wise, that this good prince wold not only not take frō other men, but also make restitution of y^t which by his predecessours had bin robbed. When Nerua was elected Emperour, he was excéeding olde, and of infirmities much persecuted: for in him there was nothing sound but his toung wherewith he did talke, and his good iudgement wherewith he did gouerne. The Romaines beholding Nerua so olde, and sickly, complay∣ning that he coulde not sléepe, and that for weaknesse of stomach, he durst eate but of verie fewe things: they helde it for most certaine, that his life was verie short, and with this motion they beganne to holde him in smal estimation. Considered by Nerua, that he had not long to liue, and that the Romaines did not estéeme him: he remembred to adopt Traiane as his sonne, and to accept him for companion in the Empire: and so it came to passe, that presently he sent him the imperiall ensigne, which was a certaine manner of cape with a hoode, and with the same he wrote him a letter, wherein were written no other wordes but these: Phoebe tuis telis, lachrimas vlciscere nostras. As if he shuld say: Noble Traiane, thou shalt haue charge with thy ven∣turous armes to reuenge my sorrowfull teares. For the disobedience which the Romaines committed against his commaundements, and the want of reuerence they helde of his person, Nerua of Traiane craued that reuengement, bycause it is a thing much vsed amongest men persecuted & afflicted, that the iniuries which they may not reuenge with their handes, they bewaile with their eyes. In the time that this did passe, Traiane was in Almane, in the ci∣tie of Agrippina, which nowe is called Coleine, and the night before that he receiued the imperiall ensigne, and the letter from the Emperour Nerua, he dreamed that he

was inuested with a purple garment, and a ring put on his right hand, and crowned with a certaine crowne. On∣ly thrée monethes and fiue dayes did passe after Traiane was elected Emperour, vnto the death of Nerua: who dy∣ed in the age an hundred tenne yeares, ten monethes, and tenne dayes.

THE VI. CHAP. Of the lawes that Traiane made, to the pro∣fite of the common wealth.

AT the instant in which Traiane vnderstoode, that the Emperour Nerua was deade, he departed vnto Rome: where at his comming he did celebrate the obsequies of his Lorde and friend Nerua: and they were suche and so riche, that it séemed rather feastes for the liuing, then ho∣nours for the dead: bycause there was nothing in them y^t moued sadnesse, but to sée Traiane goe verie sad. The first thing that Traiane sayd, promised, & sware in the Senate, was: that no man that was good and peaceable, by his cō∣maundement or consent, should be put to death: which he obserued, al y^e daies of his Empire. After this he cōmanded Emilia to be sent for, which was captaine of the Pretorian armies: whom he commaunded to be discharged of his of∣fice, and to be banished the Empire: the one cause, for that he had disobeyed the emperour Nerua: and the other cause, for that he had imbezeled the payes of the men of warre. He commaunded publike proclamation to be made, that all men that had iust cause to complaine of the Consuls, of the Senatours, of the Iudges, or other officers of Rome, that they shoulde come foorth and declare: for that he wi∣shed satisfaction vnto the one, and correction vnto the o∣ther. Personally Traiane did visite all offices of Rome: which is to vnderstande, where they solde breade, where they weighed flesh, where they measured wine, where the merchaunts dwelt, where straungers did lodge, and so of al

other offices: among which, he allowed all that was good, and gaue reformation vnto all that was euill. He forbad the vse of shops or tauernes in Rome, that is to saye: that they should not sell bread, wine, and fleshe drest in one house: affirming, that prepared vices, is the occasion to make many vicious.

He commaunded all the neighbours of Rome to be registred: and there was found 285000 hou∣ses of married men, and 42000 young men to be married, 7000 priestes of the temples, 32000 common women, 12000 houses de mesones, and 65000 straunger factours.

He forbad any poore man to goe from doore to doore, but that all which were impotent, should be succoured of the common treasure: and vnto such as could traueile, they gaue them whereon to worke from the Senate. He com∣maunded all Iuglars and Iesters to learne some occupa∣tion, and to mainteine them selues in their owne houses: and otherwise to be banished Rome. Traiane commaun∣ded reformation in all estates, and caused examination to be taken of al students: and they were more without com∣parison that were banished for vnable and vicious, then re∣mained for learned and vertuous. For that in Rome there were people of many straunge countries, ioyntly there∣with so many women, of which many did perishe in child∣bed: and many children died for want of place to bréede them: For which purpose the good Traiane did cause to be buylt a famous house in the mount Celius, and indued the same very well with his owne patrimonie: where all wo∣men that woulde, were kepte and brought abedde by the space of two monethes: and that all the children vntill the age of foure yeres were there brought vp and nourished. Traiane consented not, that in all the yere they should ob∣serue in Rome but xxii. holydayes: saying, that without comparison, the Gods were more serued on such dayes as the Romaines did traueile, then on such dayes as they re∣sted: because the vices were more which they did commit, then the sacrifices which they did offer. Traiane did mo∣derate the sacrifices that were offered vnto the Gods, that

is to say, neither to haue so many, nor yet so sumptuous: saying, that the Gods would rather we should amend our liues, then offer our goods.

Vnto the priestes of the tem∣ple he commaunded to be giuen oyle, vnto the vestall vir∣gins wheate, vnto the olde horsemen cloth for garments, vnto the poore wood to burne, vnto Embassadours wine to drinke: for that all these things were not onely in Rome verie deare to be bought: but also not at all times to be had for money.

CHAP. VII. ¶Of the noble and notable vertues that were in Traiane.

THE yere that Traiane came to Rome to be Empe∣rour, he was of xlii. yeres, in which age, he had in all thinges such successe, and did vse such moderation, that neither by his youth did hazarde the attempt of any foolish déed: either by slouthfulnesse of old age, did leaue any thing euil prouided. Traiane was a Prince, in whose wordes & workes enuie was neuer knowne: and as on a certeine time the Philosopher Plutarche did commend him for the same, Traiane saide vnto him:

Plutarche, I giue thée to vnderstand, that of pure pride, I am not enuious: for that alwayes I thought my selfe happie, to enterprise suche, so greate, and so notable déedes, that all men should en∣uie mée for the thinges I should take in hand: and my selfe to mislike no man for any his noble attempts. Traiane was not malitious, either suspicious, although by nature he were of sharpe iudgement: which hapeneth in few per∣sons, for y^e commonly, men of sharpe iudgement, be not alwayes of sound condition.

And as great affaires natu∣rally bring with them great thoughtes and displeasures: although vnto Traiane they gaue some griefe, he was ne∣uer séene of man to be angry, because olde wisedome had more Lordship in him, then soudeine yre. Althoughe Traiane hadde manye that did wishe him euill, and

procure him euill: some for malice, some for enuie, and some bycause he did chastice them. He was neuer found that vtterly did séeke his destruction: but that in chasti∣sing the quareller and vicious, they more commended him for his clemencie, then complained or murmured for their griefe and punishment Although Traiane were not much learned, he was moste truely a greate friende vnto learned men: whome he did promote vnto honours and to estates, and did much ioy to holde them for his friendes: in suche wise, that in his house and court, a learned man was neuer séene in necessitie. Traiane did much desire to vnderstande the ambitions of Rome, and disorders of his house: but ioyntly therewith he woulde not be aduertised by the manner of murmuring, but rather by the way of aduice. Traiane was a great enimie of liers, & no lesse of de¦tractours: for which cause they say, y^t many times he sayd: It is more safe vnto princes, to haue patiēce to heare their own errours, then to giue eare vnto such as reporte other mens defections: and sayde more. That of necessitie the Prince must haue bloudie hands, that giueth eare to mur∣murers. Traiane wāted y^e general vice which vsually reig∣neth in all men, which is couetousnesse, wherof he was not either accused or noted: but rather of great bountie & lar∣ges, he was of all nations well liked & commended, bicause they were infinite that did praise him, for that which they had receiued, and no man did complaine for that which he had taken. Traiane naturally did delight in warres, and after they were begunne, verie diligent in prosecuting, and most constant in finishing the same. Albeit he was giuē vn∣to warres, yet therfore he ceased not to procure by al mea∣nes to conserue peace: for as he said, The Gods neuer per∣mitted that any should be ouercome in the wars, but such as be enimies vnto peace. Traiane was verie moderate in the ordinarie expēces of his house: & ioyntly with this, most liberall in causes of war: and most certainly in the same he shewed him self to be a prince skilful, prouident & wise: for as Plato sayde, If the expences of the common wealth

be not moderated, afterwardes ye shall not faile, to want wherewith to withstand the enimies.

CHAP. VIII. ¶Of the proude and stately buildinges which Traiane made.

TRaiane made in Rome many & very notable buyldings: it is to vnderstande, a great and sumptuous market place, and all the things that were in the compasse thereof. He made a paued calsey, being a broad high waye that la∣sted two leagues and halfe, whereon they might come & go in Summer without dust, and in Winter without mire. He made a temple vnto the God Apollo, another vnto the god Mars, another vnto the god Iupiter, another vnto the god Esculapius, another vnto the goddesse Ceres, another vnto the goddesse Bellona, another vnto the mo∣ther Berecyntha, whome the Romaines named the mo∣ther of all the Gods. He repaired the decayed walles, he made tenne paire of milles vppon barkes on the riuer of Tyber, in which he commaunded that the priestes, the vestall virgins, and the olde knightes shoulde first grinde and be serued. He did repaire and inlarge the colledge, and placed gates, porters, and watchemen, and many coun∣terfetes and pictures of golde and siluer: and did vse for custome as oft as he came thither, to be the first that en∣tred, and the last that went foorth. He buylt in all stréetes in Rome publique purging places, and commanded vpon great & grieuous penalties, that no man should be so har∣die to defile the streates, or other open places: in such ma∣ner, that all the dayes of Traiane, Rome did not séeme, but as a hall cleane swept. In the fourth region ioyning vnto the temple of Serapis, Traiane did buyld most sump∣tuous baynes, much larger then those which Titus made, and much richer then those which Tyberius buylt. Also Traiane buylt an hundred houses large and strong, wher∣in

to kill and sell their béefe and mutton. In the gardeines of Vulcane, Traiane did buyld an house of pleasure, and made therein a certein fishepoole for delight: but it is not found or recorded, that he did either eate or sléepe in the same. Neare vnto the houses of the Fabians, he brought from farre a founteine, in the compasse whereof he erec∣ted a stately house, naming it the place of Datia, Traiane naturally, was a friend not onely of buylding, but also to beholde buyldinges and worke men: whiche is most cer∣teinly knowen, in that he made a lawe: that all such men as should raise any newe buyldinges in Rome, the thirde parte of the charges shoulde be paide from the common treasure. It was a marueilous matter, that in all these & many other buyldings which Traiane made in Rome, he vsed no other mennes money, he constrained no man to trauaile by force, he deferred no man of payement, for he saide and helde opinion, that it were more ho∣nest and also more sure vnto Princes, to dwell in poore lodginges: then of other mennes sweat to make riche houses.

CHAP. IX. ¶Of some vices whereof Traiane was noted.

TRaiane wanted not some humaine infirmities, where∣in men at times do fall: for, if with reason he were prai∣sed for many thinges: not without occasion

in some cau∣ses he was iustly discommended. Vntill this daye there hath béene no Prince in whome all vertues did concurre, either in whome all vices were founde: bycause, there is no man such an outcast, in whome there is not to be found somewhat to be praised: either any man of life so refor∣med, that in him there is not somewhat to be amended.

Traiane naturally was proude and ambitious of honour: and after a manner he did delight, that in open place they should erecte vnto him pictures and counterfetes of golde, and that his fame might be spreade throughout the world. In all his erected buyldinges he placed the titles of his triumphes, and persuaded the Oratours to compounde many méetres to his praise, whiche he made to be grauen in stone in the hyest front of his buyldinges. In the vice of the fleshe, Traiane was not a little fleshly: and yet in this case it is moste true, that he neuer vsed force to any per∣son: but ioyntly therewith, being moste diligent in per∣suasion, and verie liberall in giuing: he fixed his amo∣rous affection vppon no person, that he inioyed not. In his garmentes, and in the manner of the fashion and wea∣ring thereof, Traiane was most curious and costly: by∣cause there was no daye, that either of Golde, siluer, or silke, he did not on his person vse some chaunge.

As we haue saide, Traiane was a Prince both wise, and of sharpe and readie iudgement: but ioyntly there∣with, muche affectionate vnto his owne opinion: where∣of cares many times did followe and persecute him: by∣cause, there is not, hath beene, or shalbe Prince in this worlde, so wise, that necessitie constraineth not, at times, to chaunge counsell.

Traiane was a verie friende vnto wise men, but he him selfe was not muche learned: whereof béeing repro∣ued by his friende and Philosopher Plutarche: Traiane saide vnto him: the Gods haue not created mee to turne ouer bookes, but to deale with armour. When Traiane had vacant time from warres, he did muche delight to take his pleasure in vaine thinges, wherein he consu∣med many nightes and dayes, and of this vice he was not a little noted, and also accused: and doubtlesse not without great cause: for that Princes which presume to bee good Princes, in suche wise ought to take their pa∣stime, that they seeme not to lose their time. Notwith∣standing that Traiane deliuered Rome of manye vices,

and banished from thence many that were vicious: he was noted and also blamed, that he defended and susteined the swoorde players, who were men ydle and seditious, and this he did, because in his youth they had béene his frends, and delighted in them: wherin he had leste reason, for that It is not iust, that Princes take suche recreation for their persons, as tendeth to the preiudice of the comon wealth. Traiane was verie moderate in féeding, but ioyntly ther∣with, not ouer sober in drinking: for that to obteine good wine, he was somewhat curious and carefull, and in the drinking thereof, not verie temperate. Notwithstanding, that sometimes he dranke somewhat more then was con∣uenient for the health of his bodie, and to the authoritie of his person: yet, at that time, neuer man sawe him com∣mitt or procure any vile déede.

CHAP. X. ¶Of the first warres that Traiane had against the Datians.

IN the xliiij. yere of his age, and in the second of his Em∣pire, Traiane receiued newes, that Decebal king of Datia, which in these dayes is named Denmarke, rebel∣led against the Romaine Empire: the which newes gaue no small skandal and offence vnto the Senate: for that on the one part naturally they were a nation very war∣like: and on the other parte, for that king Decebal was a prince of great vnquietnesse, and also of a minde deter∣mined. For that the Emperour Domitian was a great∣ter friend vnto vices, then an enimie vnto enimies: in all his reigne, king Decebal did neuer yeald obedience vnto the Romaine Empire: whereby the Datians had recoue∣red great boldnesse, and the Romaines lost their credite.

Traiane, in his owne person determined to go in those warres: for which purpose he made choice of a verie small armie, and yet of much strength: for he helde opinion,

that, as no other meates should be brought vnto the ta∣ble, then are to be eaten: so they ought not to leade vnto the warres, but such as must fight: and saide further: by experience I haue proued, as well in eating, as in figh∣ting, that many meates at table be lothesome: and in the warres many men be troublesome. King Decebal béeing aduertised, that Traiane remoued from Rome to make conquest of him and his countrie, determined to marche and encounter with him vppon the waye: and as he pur∣posed so he perfourmed: for he helde the Romaines in so small estimation, that he counted it shame to be béeséeged of them. And when the armies were in sight one of ano∣ther, the Barbarians being so manye, & the Romaines so fewe: they did not a litle persuade Traiane, to take peace, or to make some honest truce, and without peril to return to Rome. Traiane to this made aunswer: our weakenesse should be great, and with great reason they would blame vs in Rome, if so soudēly we should ceasse to make warre, without first making proofe, to what ende their forces do extende, and also vnderstande what our destinies do con∣taine: bycause it may be, that if their power be great, our fortune may be much greater.

King Decebal had taken & fortified all the daungerous passages, and broken all brid∣ges, barkes, & botes of all the riuers, and had taken & spoi∣led all the victuals where the Romaines should passe: and all these thinges were occasions to increase trauaile vnto Traiane, but not of power sufficient to remoue his enter∣prise: for that Traiane was of so valliant a minde, that where he sawe fortune most doubtfull, from thence he did hope of victorie moste certeine. Traiane did take & possesse the height of the rockes and mountaines, and thereon with all his armie did trauaile many nights and dayes: & king Decebal did neuer conceiue that Traiane would tra∣uaile by those thornie mountaines: for that he thought it impossible for men to trauaile where beastes could not es∣cape. King Decebal was constrained to returne vnto the plaine countrie, and to fortifie him selfe in strong cities, &

to this ende Traiane did purpose not to fight in mountains that be daungerous, but in fieldes that be plaine: for he saide, that they came not to fight with the mountaines, whiche bred bruite beastes: but to tame cities which su∣steine seditious men.

In very short space Traiane had ta∣ken fiue cities, seuen castels, and many prisoners: among which Mirto was taken, being vnckle, tutour, and cap∣taine of king Decebal: a man of greate grauitie and of no lesse authoritie. Traiane was so rigorous with them that did resist him and so pitifull vnto such as did yelde them, that some for loue, and others for feare, began secretely to practise throughout the kingdome, totally to yeald them selues vnto Traiane: because they sawe euery day Trai∣ans force to increase, and the power of king Decebal to de∣cay and growe very weake. Traiane besieging a certeine citie named Myrtha, holding the captaine therof in great distresse, king Decebal forgate not to sende him reliefe & succour of great power: against whome Lucius Metellus, a captaine of Traianes did march and aduaunce him self: who at that instant fought so valiantly and manlike, that he lest not of all the enimies one onely person, that was not either taken or slaine.

And as in that battaile manye Romaines were slaine, and many more wounded, lacking clothes to binde vp their woundes, Traiane tare his owne shirt to supply their want in that behalfe.

Being knowne within the citie, howe their succorour was discomfited, and howe Traiane, to cure his wounded had rent his own shirt, they did feare the victorie, and were amazed at a worke of so great clemencie, and bothe these things were not a litle preiudiciall vnto king Decebal, chiefely for that he was proude and disdainfull: for the good Traiane, if with his engins he ouerthrewe their castels, with y^e fame of his good woorkes, he did robbe and steale the mindes of his armie.

The citie of Myrtha beeing taken and rendred into the handes of Romaines, presently king Decebal sent Ambassadours vnto Traiane, aduertising that he woulde

become subiect vnto the Romaine Empire: vppon suche condition, that the thinges whereon they should capitu∣late, were reasonable, and suche thinges as they shoulde commaunde to be perfourmable: for otherwise, he and his were determined rather to dye with libertie, then to liue in bondage. The conditions that Traiane sent to de∣maund were these.

That he should leaue all armour, discampe his armie, subuert his castels, yelde his engines, restore that which was robbed, become a friende vnto the friendes, and an enimie vnto the enimies of the Senate, render suche cap∣taines as came to his succour, and giue 100000 pesants of golde to paye the armie, and giue one of his sonnes in pledge for suretie of all promises. All these conditions king Decebal was contented to sweare and obserue: ex∣cept the rendering of the captaines which came in his fa∣uour to succour him: saying that so vile a déede did not a∣grée with the clemencie of Traiane to demaunde it: nei∣ther vnto his royall fidelitie to graunt it: for that he yel∣ded him selfe and his countrey, but to preserue the life of his friendes and alies. King Decebal came vnto the pre∣sence of Traiane, and knéeling vpon the grounde, did take off the crowne from his head and kissed the knée and the hand of Traiane: the which lifting him from the grounde and againe placing the crowne vpon his head: saide vnto him: I admitt thee to kisse my knee for the rebellion which thou hast committed, and I gaue thee my hande to kisse for the vassalage whiche thou owest mee: nowe I giue thee place to sitt by mee as a friend: I returne thy crowne vnto thee, as vnto a king: and therefore, learne to vnderstande thy faulte past, and to conserue this present benefite: for otherwise, thou shalt put mee to muche tra∣uaile, and thy selfe in great peril.

CHAP. XI. ¶Howe Traiane triumphed of the Datians, and refourmed his common wealth.

MAny castels being furnished, and others ouerthrowen and subuerted, and the armies being paide with king Decebals money: Traiane departed vnto Rome, leading with him the kinges sonne for pledge, and other noble men for Ambassadours:

because it was a lawe much vsed and also obserued amongest the Romaines, that it were of no value which was capitulate in the wars, if it were not confirmed in y^e Senate at Rome.

The Ambassadours of king Decebal arriued at Rome before the Emperour Traiane: who bareheaded, their armour throwne downe, and their hands ioyned and lifted vp, did humbly beséeche the Senate, that it might please them to pardon kinge Decebal the rebellion which he had committed against them, and to confirme all that which the Emperour Tra∣iane had capitulate, bycause for that which had passed, he did repent him, and for time to come did offer amendes. With readie disposition the Romaine senate did approue, allowe, and confirme all actes agréed vppon betwixt Tra∣iane and the Datians: and presently commaunded their armour to be restored them, & to walk in y^e citie at their li∣bertie:

bycause it was a lawe inuiolable, that the Ambas∣sadours whose Princes helde warres with the Romaine people, might weare no kinde of armour, either walke the stréetes at libertie without licence.

Many and most ex∣treme were the feastes wherewith the Romaines did re∣ceiue the Emperour Traiane, & very great was the riches y^t he bestowed in his triumph: & admitting y^t the Romains did much reioyce to see their Empire riche & in great pow∣er: but it did muche more please them to beholde Traiane returned whole, safe, and aliue: for it is incredible, what affection and loue all men did beare him, and the sacrifi∣ces beyonde all valure that for him they did offer.

On the daye of his triumph, the sonne of king Decebal was placed in the arche with Traiane, for that he was a verie childe: whome afterwardes he did intreate, not as a prisoner, but as his owne proper sonne.

In the conquest of the Datians, and in visiting the Germaines, Traiane was deteyned willingly two yeares: and at his returne vnto Rome, he found not the common wealth in such or∣der as he left the same, and thereof is no marueile: for Princes making warre with their enimies, presently the citizens make peace with vices. That day in which Tra∣iane entred triumphing into Rome, he that by chaunce was moste noted in those playes and pageantes, and of whome Traiane that day did take moste delight, was a certeine maister of Enterludes named Pilas, who for re∣warde of his traueile, did not craue of Traiane but licence to vse his facultie, wherein Traiane did aunswere him: Princes haue to consider that their commaundements be iust: but after commaundement, for no request or seruice they ought to reuoke the same.

That which I will do for thée, shal be to paye thée yerely out of mine owne treasure, as muche as thou maist gaine by playing in the stréetes of Rome.

Although Traiane went laden with armour, compas∣sed with affaires, occupied in warres, busied in buyldings, importuned with friendes, tyred with enimies, and aboue all, moste studious in amplifying his fame, and to perpe∣tuate his memorie: he neuer grewe negligent in good go∣uernement of the common wealth. He was no lesse atten∣tiue in hearing, either lesse diligent in dispatching base & ciuil affaires, then those cases of great weight in the com∣mon wealth. Notwithstanding he were much busied in the affaires of warres, he did neuer the more growe negli∣gent in the administration of iustice. All the time that he was remaining in Rome, once or twice a wéeke he did sitt openly to dispatche matters of iustice.

For any motion that good Traiane had to be solitarie in his house, or for any disease whereby he was with∣drawne

into his chamber, either for any affaires that he ••ad for the warres, neuer man came to craue iustice, vn∣to whome he denied audience. When any person came, much troubled and furious in complaining of some friend or enimie, presently he stopte his eare with one of his fin∣gers, saying: that he reserued the same, to heare the accu∣sed.

Traiane did neuer sitt to heare and determine mat∣ters of iustice, but at the gate of the Emperour Titus, and in the place of Augustus: and being demaunded, why more there, then elsewhere: aunswered, I place my selfe where iust Princes were wont to sitt: because in remem∣bring them, I may committ no want of iustice. Traiane being on horsebacke, and vpon the voyage of the seconde warres into Datia, there came a woman and saide vnto him: Emperour Traiane, I am poore, olde, and a widowe: and hauing but one daughter, one of thy housholde ser∣uaunts hath rauished her. Traiane aunswered: poore wo∣man, be not importune with mée: for I sweare vnto thée, by the immortall Gods, that being returned from the warres, I will do thée iustice: to this the olde woman did replye: and what suretie hast thou Traiane, to returne from the warres: hearing so byting an aunswere, present∣ly he lighted on foote and deferred his departure, vntil he perfourmed iustice with the poore olde woman. Traiane helde for custome, when any person did complaine, pre∣sently he commaunded it to be written in a booke which he had in his chamber: & this the good Prince did, to the ende to aske accompt of the Iudge to whome he did remitt the same, or else for his own better remembrance for dispatch thereof.

In some thinges, some Princes were equall vnto Traiane, and in some thinges did surmount him, but in rectitude of iustice, there was no prince like him in Rome: for that he did neuer man wrong in iustice, either at any time had affection or passion in giuing sentence. Many times Traiane did vse to say: that for Princes to be Iusti∣cers,

it were right necessarie to be iust in their owne per∣sons: because subiectes and vassals be more easily per∣suaded to do that which they sée, then to obey in that which they are commaunded. Traiane was the first that placed patrones in the Senate, that should defend the poore: and the first also that gaue order, that one daye in the wéeke, their causes should be hearde. The Censours or Iudges of Rome, did sit but two houres in the morning, and one at after noone, to heare causes: and Traiane did giue or∣der that they should be resident thrée houres before noone, and two houres at after noone, whereof Traiane was much praised, because it was occasion both to cut off suits, and to dispatch suiters. In the dayes of Traiane, none that had charge of Iustice might augment his goods: but in that estate of riches or pouertie, wherein he began to gouerne, in the same he had to conserue him selfe: and in repaymēt of his trauaile, besides the rewardes which the Prince did giue him, his sonnes were married with the goods of the common wealth.

Being knowen vnto Traiane, howe immortall suites were in the Senate: he ordeined that all suites of Italie should continue but one yere, and the suites of straunge countries, but halfe a yere.

Traiane made diuers houses in Rome, where the Censours and Iudges might assem∣ble to heare and administer iustice, and also made strong prisones, in such wise, that this good Prince prouided, that the good should be succoured, and the euil chastised.

CHAP. XII. ¶Of the seconde warres that Traiane had against the Da∣tians.

TWentie monethes after that Traiane had ouercome the Datians, the sonne of king Decebal died in Rome, whoe remained there as pledge, for that which his father had sworne and promised: and Traiane was no lesse gre∣ued with the death of that childe, then if it had béene his owne proper sonne and heire. The day that king Decebals sonne was dead, they saye that Traiane saide: the death of this childe grieueth me not, for that it is a sorrowe to the father, but for breache of promise which he shal committ: for if he haue béene quiet, it was more for y^e recouering of his sonne, then for obedience vnto the Senate. Not long after this newes came to Traiane, howe king Decebal was rebelled, and to resist the Romaines he repaired the diches, furnished the castels, entred confederacie with his neighbours, renued and recouered victuals, and more and aboue the rest, made warre with the friendes of Ro∣maines. The campe of Agius, which was a greate and a populous countrie, being restored by Traiane vnto him from whome it was taken, king Decebal reentred, did take and occupie the same, in suche wise, that all thinges which Traiane had set downe and determined, was despi∣sed, and in all that king Decebal had sworne, he was for∣sworne. Relation of these thinges béeing made vnto the Senate, king Decebal was pronounced an enimie, to publishe libertie vnto all persones to giue him and make him warre: bycause it was a law amongest the Romaines, that notwithstanding any did mutine or rebell againste the Prince, vntill in Rome he were declared an enimie, they might not make warre either against him or his countrie.

Traiane once more determined in his owne persone to goe to the warres of Datia, neither woulde he take with him any Consul or Captaine that was notable in Rome, saying: that since king Decebal to him onely had broken his worde: to him onely it did apperteine to reuēge the iniurie. King Decebal, howe soeuer he had made expe∣rience of the forces of Traiane, he would not as in the

former warres abide him in the fielde: but retired into the most strong holdes of his kingdome, to his small profite: for Traiane had sworne before he departed from Rome, to remaine dead in Datia, or bring king Decebal either dead or aliue vnto Rome. Many of the Hunnes which now are named Hūgarians, & many of the Rhenes, which are y^e peo∣ple inhabitant neare vnto y^e riuer Rhene, were come vnto y^e succour of king Decebal, al which people, when they vn∣derstoode that Traiane came with so great a power, and so determined, they forsooke king Decebal in the plaine field: notwithstanding, would he not forsake his wilful purpose, for that his condition was to beginne his attemptes with great rashnesse, and no lesse stout to prosecute them. King Decebal was then of the age of two and fourtie yeares: a Prince most certainly in body of perfect proportion, gra∣tious in conuersation, magnificent in spending, valiaunt in armes, diligent and carefull in the warres, although in the same most vnfortunate: the whiche lost both him and his countrie: bicause little auaileth diligence, where good hap is contrarie. King Decebal was a Prince most vnfor∣tunate, to match in contention with Traiane, whoe was a Prince most fortunate: bycause vnto the one, all thinges did happen vnto his owne liking: and to y^e other, all things contrarie to that he did desire. After fiue monethes y^t the warre was begun, as y^e one Prince did increase, & y^e other decrease: King Decebal retired vnto a certain castel, with the most valiaunt men of his armie: where Traiane did vtter & expend the vtterest of his skill, deuice, & policie, to take him: and king Decebal his greatest force and forti∣tude to defend him selfe. By a Decebal counsel on a cer∣taine night, they conueyed ouer the wall sixe young men, fayning to be fled, which came vnto Traianes campe, with myndes determined to kill him, eyther with weapō or poi∣son. King Decebal had inuented this treason: for that wanting, as he wanted strength: he would profite and prouide for him selfe, by treason and guile. And as Traiane was of a sincere condition, and nothing malicious, had no

suspicion of that malice and guile, but rather receiued thē with great pitie, and conferred with them a great parte of the day, inquiring and demaunding them of the armies and conditions of king Decebal: and wherefore he had broken his promise and othe. There wanted not in Trai∣anes campe, that could discerne, by their countenance, ge∣sture and silence, that those young men were traitours, or else théeues: and one of them being taken and examined, did confesse, that by the counsell and commaundement of king Decebal, they were come to murther Traiane. And as king Decebal was disappointed of this treason and de∣uice, and the traitours chastised according to their deme∣rites, he determined another deuice: and the case was thus. Vpon a truce he craued to speake with Longinus, a famous capteine and much beloued of Traiane: who be∣ing come vpon assurance, was taken and bound. Traiane was not a little offended, when he vnderstoode that Lon∣ginus was detained as prisoner, & no lesse displeased with Longinus, that had giuen too muche confidence to the assu∣rance of king Decebal: saying, that the person which is a promise breaker with men, and periured vnto the Gods, by no meanes might deserue credite. King Decebal gaue Traiane to vnderstande, that except he might receiue par∣don for him selfe and all his knightes, Longinus shoulde continue prisoner: to this Traiane made answere, that if he had taken Longinus in good war, he wold do any thing to giue libertie vnto his person: but since Longinus gaue trust where he ought not vnto his worde, he was bounde to conserue his life: for that good Princes be more bound to mainteine that whiche they promise, then to procure that which they desire. Althoughe Traiane spake these wordes openly, he did geatly trauell to deliuer Longinus, eyther for exchange, or else for money: but Longinus vn∣derstanding thereof, dranke poyson, wherof he dyed: & sent word vnto Traiane, y^t the Gods had neuer to cōmaund, y^t for the giuing of his life, they shuld capitulate w^t king De∣cebal, any thing y^t were vile or against honour. This Ro∣maine

straūge act of Longinus, gaue great admiration vn∣to friends and confederats, and did yeald great feare vnto the enimies: bycause he deliuered Traiane of care and thought, and for him selfe obteined perpetuall fame.

King Decebal perceiuing the greatest part of his kingdome to be taken and lost, without all hope to recouer the same, ey∣ther able to defende that which remained, determined to make slaughter of him selfe, some say with poyson, some affirme that he drowned him selfe in water, other affirme, that he hanged him selfe: finally, he was found dead with∣out any wounde: whose head Traiane commaunded to be cut off, and to be sent vnto Rome.

CHAP. XIII. Of the great buildings that Traiane made in the kingdome of Datia.

THe vnfortunate king Decebal being dead, and all the whole lande in Traianes power, he made it a Prouince: which is to say, he did take away the title of kingdom, and the preeminence of gouernement by Consuls: and gaue order to be gouerned by Pretors, and to be called a Pro∣uince. Traiane remoued a greate number of the inha∣bitants of Italie in that countrie: but many more he brought out of that countrie, to be placed in Italie: and this he did as a man of great iudgement: bycause in dis∣placing the one, he obteined sure possession of the kingdom: and remouing the other, of necessitie they must liue as o∣thers did liue in the Romaine Empire. When the cap∣teine Longinus dyed, he left a brother yonger of age, but equall in force and valiauntnesse, whome Traiane made Pretour of Datia, and gaue vnto him for euermore the castle where his brother dyed: saying vnto him, of two causes, the one is for thyne owne vertue and valiaunt∣nesse, and the other, bycause thy brother Longinus did serue me.

Traiane caused great search to be made for the body of his capteine Longinus: vnto whome he caused to be erected such and so sumptuous a sepulchre, that it was to be dou∣ted, whether he would haue giuen him so great riches for seruice if he had liued, as he spent in making that sepul∣chre. In all the kingdome of Datia, there was no knight or Gentleman that had any rents, but only the king: where∣of the king gaue vnto euerie man as he did serue and de∣serue: whereof it followed, that the kingdome being so opulent, the king obteined great riches, welth, and power. Whē Traiane came the second time into Datia, king De∣cebal had great riches both of gold & siluer: not only for the great rents which he receiued throughout his kingdome, but that also he exacted of his subiectes great sūmes of mo∣ney.

King Decebal being doubtfull vnto what destinies he and his kingdome were committed, determined to bu∣rie all his treasure in a riuer, which he remoued out of his naturall chanell, and in the greatest depth therof, he made sepulchres of stone to burie his saide treasure: whiche be∣ing done, he returned the riuer into his olde chanell, which was named Sargetia: and to the end that no man shoulde discouer this secrete, he commaunded to murder all that were present at the hiding thereof. But to small purpose, for that a fisher, which at that time did fish the riuer, disco∣uered the whole matter vnto Traiane: in suche manner, that there is nothing so much hidden, that humaine coue∣tousnes doth not discouer.

Those treasures being brought into Traianes power, he diuided thereof amongest his ar∣mies, vnto euerie man according to the merites of his ser∣uice: and of his owne share, the first that he commaunded was, to builde a most sumptuous temple vnto the God Iupiter: wherein he left prouided, that for him selfe and the people of Rome, yearely sacrifice to be offered. He re∣edified there also the royall house, that is to say, where the kings of Datia did vse to be resident: whiche for the anti∣qutie thereof was somewhat decayed, and through conti∣nuall warres, not well repayred: a worke most certeinely delec∣table

to behold, and pleasant to dwell in. He repaired also many decayed bridges and mylles, vpon high wayes he re∣nued their broken calseys in all places, he did build newe houses, and reedified others infinite that were burnt. He brake and made plaine many wayes vpon the sharpe moū∣taines, and raysed many newe fortes, and renued the old: finally, you might hardly trauell a league throughout all the kingdome, wherein shoulde not be found some notable worke of Traiane.

Not yet all satisfied, he built vpon the riuer of Danubie a bridge of stone, which was so curious in the building, and so costly in the making, that fewe works did match it, but none did passe it. That bridge contained twentie arches in length, and euery piller of one square stone, and the arches were of the height of an hundred and fiftie foote, wrought without cymet, and the distaunce be∣twixt the pillers, were a hundred thréescore and two foote: and the breadth of the arches aloft was fortie foote: and a∣boue all the rest, the singularitie of the mould and fashion was to be considered, and the richnesse of the stone to be re∣garded: bycause the stone was of such glosse, that in iudge∣ment it deserued to be set in plate. It séemed incredible to mans iudgement, for a bridge to be made vpon that ri∣uer: bicause the streame was broad, déepe, in course very swifte, and aboue all the rest, on no side it might be turned out of his chanell, to the end it might be drie at any time to lay the cymet.

That building was so extreme, or to say better, so monstrous, that it néeded to make experiēce of al high iudgements and capacities, and the Romaines there to shewe their strengthes, and Traiane there to spend his treasure: bicause in the worke there required great poten∣cie, and in the order thereof great industrie: it is verie small that the penne can magnifie, in respect of the won∣der which he séeth that beholdeth the same: for the better credite therof, at these dayes the pillers giue a muster vp∣on the fierce waters: declaring the pryde of his power, and the riches of the emperour. Traiane would with that edifice giue terrour vnto the liuing, and admiration to his

posteritie, to giue manifest argument, that any thing may not be so impossible, eyther so hard, that with mans hand may not be enterprised, and with y^e riches of Rome might not be finished. The cause that moued Traian to build this costly bridge, so monstrous, was, as they say, to the end the barbarous people on the other side Danubie, might come to fight w^t the Romaines, although the riuer were ouerflo∣wen: and also that the Romaines that remained there, shuld not giue them selues to pleasure and idlenesse, when they considered them selues to be in the eye of the eni∣mie. The Emperour Domitian had no suche mynde and valiantnesse: whiche for feare that the barbarous people should come to fight with the Romaine hoast, cōmaunded the arches of that bridge to be ouerthrowne: in such wise, that the one made a bridge to prouoke the enimie to fight, and the other did raze the same for feare of battell.

CHAP. XIIII. Of the seconde entring of Rome by the Emperour Traiane, and the nota∣ble thing which he did in the same.

IN finishing the warrs, in giuing order for the Prouince, in diuiding the countries, and in yealding perfection vn∣to all his workes and buildings, Traiane was deteined in Datia more then thrée yeares: in which as he after did re∣port, great were the trauels and perils wherein he did sée his person, and not small were the expences that he made of his goods. The victories that Traiane had obteined, be∣ing knowne vnto the Barbarians that did inhabite the o∣ther side of Danubie, the mightie buildings that he had made, the great rewardes that he had giuen, and the cle∣mencie that with prisoners he had vsed, sent their ambassa∣dours vnto Traiane: who with verie good will did set down with him a perpetual peace & amitie, & bound them

selues to kéepe and defend for him the kingdome of Datia. Incredible was the loue that all those nations did beare vnto Traiane, which was well knowne when he departed from that countrie to goe vnto Rome: in that by all cities where he did passe, and by all wayes where he did trauell, so great were the teares and cries vttered by all persons, that it séemed the grounde to tremble. In respect of the great largesse and prowesse that Traiane had perfourmed in those Prouinces, it was no maruell that his departing was so be wailed: bicause with his great benefites, he had won their hearts, and with his great and sumptuous buil∣dings he had ennobled his people. Vniuersally of al friends and enimies, neuer prince as Traiane was so much feared in warres, either loued in peace. The cause wherby Trai∣ane obteined so great loue, and to be so well liked, and in such especial grace with al men, was, that with his frends he neuer vsed negligence, and also in readinesse and straite reckoning with his enimies: in such wise, that such as stood in his disgrace by his wordes, they had to vnderstand ther∣of: but vnto such as did bende to serue him, both in worde and déede he did manifest the same. They were infinite that praised Traiane, in that he had ben pitiful with them, but none did cōplaine y^t he had found him ingrate. Ennius Priscus, a noble & aunciēt Romaine demaūded of y^e empe∣rour Traiane, by what meanes more then all other Prin∣ces past, of all men he had obteined so speciall loue and ly∣king: Traiane did answere, for that naturally I delight to pardon such as do offende me, and neuer forget such as do serue me. And truly Traiane saide most truthe: that loue and hatred haue their beginning of thankfulnesse and in∣gratitude: bycause there is no enimie so fierce or cruel as he which in time past we held for a friend, being remoued by vnkindnesse. All things as concerning Dati•…•…a, being dis∣patched, Traiane returned to Rome. If the triumphes of the first warres were great, when king Decebal was o∣uercome, muche greater were the triumphes of the second warres, when he was slaine.

The feasts of the triumphes of Datia, endured an hun∣dred and twentie dayes: in which were slaine an hundred Lions, and of other wilde beastes an hundred thousande, which is to vnderstande, Deare red and vallo, Tygres, Bulles, Leopards, Wolues, Beares, Vnicornes, Boares, Panthers, Eliphants, Camels, Ounces, and many other such straunge beastes taken & brought from the deserts of Africa, and the great India. The feastes of the triumphe being finished; presently Traiane commaunded to be made great sacrifices vnto the Godds, in remuneration of the great perils frō which they had deliuered him, and for the great triumphs which they had giuen him. He commaun∣ded newe temples to be made, one vnto the vnknowne God to the Romaines, another vnto the God Mars, whiche was the God of the Datians. He commaunded greate summes of money to be giuen to the Priestes of the tem∣ples: vnto the end they should offer daily sacrifice vnto the Gods, for the health and prosperitie of his kingdomes: and also to repaire & ennoble their temples. At his cōming frō Datia, whē Traiane passed the riuer Rubicon, being detai∣ned an whole day for want of passage, imediately vpon his cōming to Rome, he sent money & workemen to make a bridge ouer that riuer: whiche was more profitable, al∣though not so sumptuous as the bridge made ouer Danu∣bie. In the marishes of Pontaine, Traiane did rayse and make a calsey both long and large of stone, a worke right profitable and necessarie, although not a little costly: for where as afore there was but water and myre, there suc∣céeded houses and inhabitants. In those dayes there dyed in Rome, a certaine Physician named Suras Lycinus: in whose death Traiane did vtter great sorrowe, vnto whom he commaunded his picture to be aduaunced in the place, and a riche sepulchre to be erected in the field of Mars. There was in Rome two speciall men learned in letters, and vertuous in manners: whiche were perfect friendes of Traiane, and in the common wealth much estéemed: the one was named Palma, and the other Celsus: vnto these

he gaue many and great offices of honour, and in the place did erect vnto them pictures of Alabaster. Traiane made in Rome many and great Libraries: wherein he did place bookes of al sciences, and of all languages, where strangers might reade, and citizens learne.

Where so euer Traiane entered, were it within the Empire, or in a straunge king∣dome, he was alwayes curious, in causing search for fiue things: that is to say, horses of good race, learned men of good inclination, newe armour, faire women, and auncient bookes. All these things, or which soeuer of them, were neyther lost by any negligence: or left vnbought for any money. In the place named Datia, Traiane erected a cer∣taine most highe piller, a worke most certainely being of one stone right stately, and to behold, in breadth and height of great wonder.

It is not written from whence that pil∣ler was brought vnto Traiane, neyther for what intent he did raise the same in that place: but as some doe gesse, he ment vpon the toppe thereof to haue placed his sepul∣chre: others sayde, to no other ende, but to perpetuate his memorie.

CHAP. XV. Containing what Traiane did in Sicyl, in Africa, and in Spaine.

TRaiane being soakte with delight in the buildinges of Rome, Rufus Galba Pretour of Africa did aduer∣tise, that all Africa was escandalized, by meanes of cruell warres, betwéene the Numidians and the Mauritans. These newes being hearde in the Senate, they say that Traiane sayde. The warre grieueth me, but the occasion to passe into Africa doth muche please me: for that many

dayes past I haue desired to sée the famous fieldes of Carthage, where Scipio in so shorte space obteined for him selfe immortall renoune, and Hanibal lost that in one day, whiche he had gotten in sixtéene yeares in Italie. Trai∣ane departed from Rome by the waye of Sicyl: where he stayed al the Winter, and to auoyde idlenesse he scarse∣ly lefte any place in the whole Islande personally vnuisi∣ted, none that were then aliue in Sicyl, might remember to haue séene any Romaine Prince within the same: for whiche cause Traiane founde many thinges to be repay∣red in the walles, and muche more to be amended in their customes and manners. Traiane being infourmed, that many straunge shippes did lurke in the hauen of Mecina to spoyle, and many pyrates barkes did haunt and retyre vnto the same, to execute their robberies, in his owne per∣son went to the viewe thereof, and at his owne coste com∣maunded thrée bulwarkes to be made, at the mouth of the hauen: whiche eyther for want of diligence of the one part, or too muche malice on the other side, the case was thus: that before it coulde be finished, the pyrates had o∣uerthrowne it. Amongest the Panormitains, whiche be they of Palermo, and the inhabitaunts of Mecina, of olde time had continued great contention: betwixt whome Traiane not without great trauell, determined & finished all quarelles and debates: and brought to passe, that from thence foorth they continued in great friendshippe. To the ende to perpetuate that peace, and to roote vp all passi∣ons and vnkindnesse of that Islande by the rootes: to the principall both of the one and the other, Traiane gaue pen∣sions out of his owne house, and daily did cause them to eate at his owne table. In Palermo, Mecina, and Tata∣nia, Traiane commaunded seuerall temples to be made: and the Gods to whom those temples should be dedicated, the inhabitaunts to make choice. Traiane renued in Sicyl the kinde and race of good horsses, reedified the decayed walles, melted all counterfet money, erected newe castles, builded stately temples, set peace and established quiet∣nesse

amongest the mutined cities, & gaue many great re∣wardes: although no liberties vnto the people. Traiane being demaūded why he gaue no liberties vnto the Sicy∣lians, as he gaue vnto other kingdomes: answered, by∣cause seruitude doth conserue them, and libertie destroy them.

The Winter being past, and the Spring come, Trai∣ane passed into Africa, and did lande in the hauen, where olde Carthage in time past was situate: & not finding one stone vpon an other, to giue testimonie of the foundation thereof: they say y^t he sayd. It grieueth me that Carthage so greatly resisted Rome: but it more forethinketh me, that Rome shoulde not be satisfied, but with the totall de∣struction thereof. In the place where olde Carthage stoode, Traiane did builde a castle more faire then strong, and e∣rected therein two counterfets. the one of Hanibal the Carthaginian, and the other of Scipio the African: but pre∣sently vpon his departing from that countrie, the pyrates layde it flat on the earth. Incontinent after Traiane had arriued into Africa, there grewe a generall pestilence throughout the same, for whiche cause he coulde neyther goe to sée that he desired, eyther perfourme that whiche he determined. And as the pestilence grewe so cruel, Traiane was constrained to retyre vnto y^e port of Bona, which was somwhat more sound: and from thence he sent for the prin∣cipals of the Numidians, and also of the Mauritans: who incontinently in presence of Traiane, were made friends, and left and committed into his onely handes all their af∣faires. Amongest all the Princes of this worlde, Traiane obteined this excellencie: That neuer man came into his presence, that denied him that, whiche he craued, eyther disobeyed him wherein he commaunded: bycause in his commaundements hee was verie wise, and in requesting verie humble. Traiane thought to haue stayed in Africa, more then two yeares, and yet remained there but foure monethes: and as he sayde afterwardes, that if the pesti∣lence had giuen no impediment, he would of him self haue

lefte as great memoriall in Africa, as he did in Datia. Traiane tooke sayle at the porte of Bona, and came by the streightes to Cadix, whiche is nowe called Calize, a citie of Spaine: wherein he had béene bred, and from whence being a verie young man he had departed.

Traiane gaue many Priuileges vnto the Gauditains, as vnto his naturall friendes: amongest whiche, two were most notable: namely, that they shoulde be citizens of Rome, and paye no custome or tribute, for any merchan∣dize whiche they transported. Traiane did builde in Ca∣lize a most sumptuous temple vnto God Genius: whiche the Romaines helde for the God of byrthe. He made also a calsey of stone along the shoare: but it was not all fini∣shed, when by the furie of the water it was all destroyed. He intended to repayre the pillers of Hercules, whiche by their great antiquitie were then consumed: and be∣ing persuaded by certaine persons to erect others in his owne name, to the ende that in time to come, they might be called the pillers of Traiane, and not of Hercules: he answered: that whiche I ought to doe is, that as Hercu∣les came from Graecia vnto Spaine, to obtaine honour: so ought I from Spaine to goe into Graecia to winne fame.

Traiane commaunded the bridge of Alcantara in Spaine to be made, a worke that lasteth to this our age: wherein concurreth statelinesse, subtiltie, cunning, and profite. He made another bridge vpon the riuer Teio, neare vnto Ystobriga, and is the bridge that nowe is bro∣ken, at the bankes of Halconeta. Traiane commaunded the way named Publius to be continued, being the waye that nowe is called in Spaine, the Calsey, that goeth from Ciuil vnto Salamanca: and is named the Publian waye, whiche is to say, the waye of Publius: for that the firste that beganne the same, was Publius Fabatus, one of the Consuls that fought with Viriato. That which Traiane made of that calsey, little more or lesse, was from the Ca∣sar of Casares, vntil within a league of y^e vents of Capara,

whiche be lodging or bayting places: and so to be vnder∣stoode, not bicause the histories do clearely report thereof, but by the pillers which vpon that way be erected: which say in their grauen letters, that they were placed there in the dayes of Traiane. And he that will be curious to goe and sée, (as I many times haue gone to sée and reade, and also to measure:) shal finde within the sayde boundes, the name of no other Prince but of Traiane: and before the Casur which is a towne, neyther after the vents of Capar∣ra, which be lodgings, vpon no piller shall they finde Trai∣ane written. The cause wherefore the Consul Publius Fabatus did raise that calsey, was to make a diuision be∣twixt the Vetical Prouince, which is Andaluzia, and the Prouince of Lusitania, which is Portugal: diuiding from Ciuil to Salamanca, all on the left hand of the calsey in olde time being Lusitania, and all on the right hande Andalu∣zia. Betwixt the Proconsul of Betica, and the Proconsul of Lusitania, there did arise great contention, vppon the di∣uision of their boundes: wherevpon this large and sump∣tuous calsey was erected and perfourmed. Vpon the ri∣uer of Gadiana, Traiane commaunded a long bridge to be made, on the middest whereof he built a market place for the merchants of both people, to trade and concurre. This bridge appertaineth to the citie of Merida, which at this day appeareth verie large, and had in the middest thereof a diuision, stretching vppe into the riuer, the hurle of a stone, whiche on both sides came backe vnto the bridge, continued, directed, and sustained by walles, in the com∣passe wherof was the place or market. When the Greeks did first giue foundation vnto Merida, they made therein two streates, and the riuer Gadiana betwixt them both, and where Merida nowe standeth, was the stronger, and that on the other side the riuer was more delectable: in suche wise, that they helde the one to retyre vnto in time of warre: and the other to delight in time of peace. As the Consul Publius Fabatus made diuision of Portugal and Andaluzia, the streate on the other side the

riuer fell to the Prouince of Lusitania, and the streate which is nowe Merida, fell to the Prouince of Betica, and frō thenceforth there was alwayes betwixt thē great con∣tention: in such wise, that they ouerthrew the bridge that stoode in the middst of the citie, and the coyne that in times past had ben currant, they made of no value betwixt them. This good Emperour Traiane, meaning to cut off these so old enimities, made in y^e midst of the citie, vpon Gadiana the bridge that nowe is: and to remoue all quarels for walking in eache others streates, he made a market place in the midst of the bridge, where they should congregate, talk, and traffike of their merchandize. The prosperitie of Merida continued, vntil the time that the Gothes entered Spaine: whiche holding warre with the Silingues, being in those dayes Lordes of Andaluzia: fortifying them sel∣ues in Merida, by the Gothes were there ouercome, and those generous, sumptuous, and auncient buildings, thro∣wen flat vpon the earth.

In no citie of all Europe, did ioyntly concurre foure buildings, suche as Merida helde: that is to say, a stately college, certaine conduites and ar∣ches for conueyaunce of waters, a temple of Diana, and a bridge that contained a great and large market place: which continued in building many yeares, and perished in one day.

CHAP. XVI. Howe Traiane did passe out of Spaine, into Asia, and the manner that he vsed in the warres.

AFter that Traiane had visited in Spaine the Prouince of Betica, of Lusitania, and the Prouince of Carpenta∣nia, he came through the prouince of Tarragona: in which yere in the whole land, there was great scarsitie of bread: wherby Traiane was constrained to shorten his iourney, and to hasten his imbarkage: in such manner, that the pe∣stilence draue him out of Africa, and hūger out of Spaine.

Traiane departed Spaine, with determination not to stay, vntill his arriuall in Asia, and there to take the way vnto y^e greater Armenia: would neuer take land in any porte of Italie, but passing like pylgrimes, made no stay, but onely to renue their victuals. All those whiche trauelled with Traiane, were astonied to sée him passe the portes of his kingdomes, as if it had bene the lande of enimies. Traiane had a capteine named Valerius Gracchus: vnto whom the Emperour did beare speciall affection, and did estéeme him as a kinsman: vnto this man they say, that Traiane sayd, in great secrecie. If I had found warres in Sicyl, Africa, or Spaine, as I found in Datia, whereby I might haue ob∣teined some victorie, I woulde not haue passed without landing in Italie: but since it is thus come to passe, I sweare by the immortall Gods, to set no foote a land in Italie, vn∣til I deserue to enter triumphing into Rome. High & verie high were these wordes, worthy and right worthy to be written in the hearts of Princes: to beholde this Prince that banished him selfe from the delightes of his own pro∣per kingdomes, to séeke fame in straunge landes. With great determination Traiane did enterprise y^e voyage into Armenia, wherin he entered, making cruell war: taking occasion of y^e king of Armenians, which refused to confesse to haue receiued his kingdome from the Romaines, but of the king of Parthians. Traiane not satisfied to make war vpon the Armenians, but also entered the landes and ter∣ritories of the Parthians: bicause in the most principall Prouince of Trapa, he deteined his armie more then thrée monethes. Parthurus king of Parthians, a man of great yeares, beholding the warres offered him by the enimie, determined to present peace vnto Traiane: who being de∣manded of his Parthians why he discouered so great feare within his owne kingdome? he made answere. If the wars were but armie against armie, the Parthians woulde not feare the Romaines: but we fight with the Emperor Trai∣ane: vnto whome the Gods haue giuen so great fortune, that it farre exceedeth our great power.

Without consuming of many dayes, or imploying of ma∣ny armies, the Parthians made peace with Traiane, and the Armenians did yeald them selues as ouercome. From Parthimisires king of Armenians, the kingdome was remoued, and both crowne and kingdome Traiane gaue with his owne handes vnto his sonne: and this he did, by∣cause king Parthimisires had sayd: that of the Parthians, and not of the Romaines, he was crowned king: in suche wise, that the good Traiane in remouing the kingdome frō the father, did execute iustice: and in giuing it to the sonne, gaue a shewe of his clemencie. Traiane was not satisfied, that the Parthians shoulde haue peace, and become tribu∣taries vnto the Romaines, but that king Parthurus by the handes of Traiane, must be crowned: and so it came to passe, that knéeling vpon his knées, he receiued his crowne, kissed his hande, and consented to pay tribute. Traiane did marche through all those Prouinces and kingdomes, and vnto the kinges that did yeald obedience, benignly he did intreate them, and in their kingdomes did confirme them: and vnto suche as did vse resistaunce, vnto others he gaue their kingdomes, and sent them prisoners vnto Rome. Traiane helde for custome, that in all principall cities of kingdomes or Prouinces: that he had taken by force of armes, he did commaunde to erect a most strong castle, wherevnto his armies did repayre: and a right sumptuous temple, wherein to worshippe the Goddes of Rome. As Traiane did passe and trauell, visite and con∣quere all the thrée partes of the world, that is to say, Asia, Africa, and Europa: in all which countries he did trauell to leaue of him selfe immortall fame: the testimonie wher∣of maketh it credible, that all the Romaine princes ioyntly haue not erected so many buildings, as Traiane onely did performe. Traiane did leade his armies verie well furni∣shed, ordered, corrected, and also in great subiection: & this procéeded, that alwaies in his own person he did accōpany the same, and helde them both paide and rewarded: for as he did vse to say, The hoast that of his owne proper

Prince is not visited and paide, is sildome or neuer in sub∣iection. When Traiane was in the warres, in his féeding and apparel, he did rather séeme a companion, then an em∣perour of Rome: for that sildome he went vnarmed, and many were the dayes wherein he did eate standing. Ha∣uing a bodie somewhat drie and of great sinowes, he was moste patient in tedious trauaile of warres: that is to say, in suffering hunger, colde, thirste, wette, snowe, heate, & perils, whiche he refused not as a cowarde, but sought thē out as one of a valiant mind: for y^t in all hazardes & perils, he neuer saide vnto his captaines, go: but, let vs go: do: but, let vs do: fight: but, let vs fight. He gaue in charge vnto his armies, not to attempt to burne houses, set fire in corne, ouerthrowe milles, or cut downe orchardes: af∣firming, that these thinges are to be obteined, but not de∣stroyed. Whē Traiane would take any citie, he did not im∣ploye his force in any thing more, then to depriue the eni∣mies of their waters. In the campes of his enimies, he did cause to be sowen false newes: that is to wite: that if he had victuals, to saye, that he wanted: that if he had mo∣ney, to saye, it was spent: that if he had muche people, that they were gone: that if he would shortly giue an as∣sault, to saye, that he would departe: and by this meanes he brought his enimies into negligence, while in meane time he did fortifie his armies. Traiane was of greate li∣beralitie vnto such as discouered the enimies secretes: and ioyntly therewith, of no lesse prouidence, for the entering of spies within his campes. When he helde warre with any citie or countrye, he did not permitt his souldiers to spoile the borders thereof. for he helde opinion, that smal profit might rise to spoile the poore villages: and greate hurte and offence vnto the armies, by want of victuals. Vnto a captaine that tooke a ploughman, & kilde his two Oxen at the ploughe, Traiane commaunded to be bani∣shed with great ignominie, and to giue the ploughman his horse, his armour, and all his wages that was due. For no fault Traiane commaunded any man to be slaine in the

warres, but onely him that slept being of the watche, or the captaine that ranne awaye out of the battel, or did ra∣uishe any woman. Traiane was so pitifull, that vsually

he did pardon all negligences, especially in the warres, ex∣cept two faultes which he did neuer remitt, that is to say, such as blasphemed the Gods, and rauished women. Tra∣iane was verie diligent and careful in visiting his camps, and to kéepe a reckoning of all his armies: and this he did to the ende that no vagabonds should wander amongest them: in such wise, that no man went to the warres, that did not beare armour, and go to the battell.

Traiane held in his armies maisters of all exercises to teache the young men the arte of knighthood, that is to saye, howe to playe at the swoorde, to shoote in the crossebowe, to runne an horsse, to skale a wall, to mine a castell, to wrastle with the enimie, to swimme ouer a riuer: finally, the greatest of Traianes exercise was, to augment and nobilitate his armie and knighthood.

CHAP. XVII. ¶Of the honourable titles that the Romaines sent vnto Traiane, and of the earth∣quake of Antioche.

THE Romaines did much desire, that when Traiane did saile from Spaine into Asia, that he should haue landed in Italie: but when they vnderstoode of the great victories and prosperities which he had receiued in Asia, great was the ioye and sportes which were done at Rome. In times past, some Princes ouercame the Parthians, and others of them were ouercome: but neuer prince, as Traiane, did make them by feare yeald vp their kingdome: and that of his owne will, knéeling vppon his knées, would by a Ro∣maine Prince be crowned. The Parthians were a people so vntameable to be subdued, that they saide of thē selues: the Gods could absolutely confound them: but impossible for men to ouercome them. Many dayes they were deba∣ting in the Senate vpon determination, of the manner of

thankes which they should write vnto Traiane, and what ensignes of honour they should sende vnto him: since by his vertue they were all honoured, and by his valiant actes, feared throughout the worlde. All the Senate came to consent to one aduice, the which in déede was very ge∣nerous and noble: that is to vnderstande, that all maner of coyne should be melted within the Empire, and made a certeine newe money in the name of Traiane: wherein Traiane was ingrauen, and in the compasse thereof, these letters were written: Imp. Vlp. Tr. Opti. Da. Parth. P. P. Tr. P. Con. 2. Sem. Aug. Which is to saye: this is the Emperour Vlpius Traianus, which was verie good, and right fortunate: he ouercame the Parthians, triumphed ouer the Datians, father of the countrie, tribune of the people, two times Consul, his memorie shalbe immortal. Great was the ioy y^e Traiane receiued, when he sawe that money which the Senate had made: and when he read the writing therin conteined: but of all the titles whiche they gaue him, he gloried in none so much as to intitle him Im∣perator optimus, that is to saye: best Emperour: for he affirmed, y^t all other titles he had obteined by armes, but this other with vertues.

For defence of colde, & prouision of victuals, Traiane retired in Winter vnto the citie and prouince of Antioche: where whiles he remained, suche & so fierce an earthquake happened, as neuer in the worlde past was euer heard or séene. The chaunce was thus, that on the 22. day of October, before the breake of the day, sou∣denly there rose such winde & storme so extreme & impor∣tune, that puld vp trées, beate downe birdes, threw down tiles, & shooke the houses: forthwith it began to lighten and thunder, & did so sparckle and flame, that being night, it sée∣med to be broade daye. After the thunder and lightening, presently did followe so terrible tempestes and flashinges of fire, which with their furious violence, brake downe statelye houses, set hilles on fire, kild men at the sou∣deine: finally, it seemed not, but that all the world was on fire, and that the earth did open. And if the earth were

afflicted, no doubt but the Sea was cruelly tormented: for the waters began to swell, the windes to alter, fishes to be troubled, the ayre to be darkened: and that which séemed moste terrible, the waters did so yell, roare, braye, and rage, as if they had béene wilde, fierce, & moste cruell beastes: presently vppon the souden there followed, suche, and so straunge a heate, that it constrained al men to giue aire vnto their breastes, vnbuckle their gyrdle, to throwe off their cloathes, to mount into galleries, their bodies to sweate: and that which was woorste of all, that if they went foorth into the ayre, the violence thereof did ouer∣throwe them: if into the sea, the rage therof did drowne them. As the windes did vse their furie so straunge or neuer séene, and the earth so parched and dryed by the drought of the Summer, they raised so sharpe a dust, that the ayre séemed to be farsed or compound with dust. The matter was marueilous monstruous, and terrible to be∣holde: the ayre so thicke with dust, the Seas to yell and roare, the windes in so furious combat, that one might not sée another, that they durst not open their mouthes, neither drawe breath at their nostrils: for so greate was the dust that they did swallowe and receiue into their bo∣dies, that soudeinly they fell downe dead vppon the earth. All these calamities, and marueilous wonders, were no doubt verie fearefull: but vniuersally not so daungerous: for although many did perishe, many also were saued. Then presently began the earth to quake so strangely and vnusually, that olde houses did fall, walles did open, tow∣ers did cleaue, the monuments did rent, and stones did en∣counter eche other. In some places, the houses were vt∣terly ouerthrowne, in other partes halfe throwne down, in other places walles opened, in other some places trées pulde vp by the rootes, domesticall beastes slaine: finally, there was no stréete in the whole citie, wherein the earth¦quake had not vsed his violence. If such destruction was executed amongest trées and stones: howe great was the calamitie that passed amongest men? the case was right

lamentable to heare men crye, women scriche, children waile, beastes howle and braye, one crossing and encoun∣tering another, some dead, some with broken heades, some with broken legges, some lamed in their armes, and some striken cleane through the bodie. At suche time as these thinges did chaunce, great numbers of people were come from all the partes of the worlde vnto Antioche, some to sée Traiane, some to aske iustice, some that went to the warres, some brought prisoners, and others that were straungers: and in so great a multitude, there was no man that escaped either deadly wounded or hurte, ex∣cept one woman and one slaue. Vppon that night of the earth quake, Traiane was lodged in a place of pleasure without the citie, who leaping out at a windowe, not with such spéede, but that he was hurte on his right arme not able to saye of the cause, whether it procéeded, of tim∣ber, tile, or stone. Traiane was so terrified with the earth∣quake, that all the time in which he staide at Antioche, he would not remaine in any house, but in the fieldes in a tent, wherein he did eate and sléepe. Many dayes after these thinges did passe, certeine persons walking to behold the falne houses, heard the voice of a woman: and digging very déepe, they found a woman and her childe, that vn∣der the hollownesse of a vawt were escaped: a thing admi∣rable, how the mother without meate so long time, might haue milke to nourishe her childe. In reedifying of other houses, they found a dead woman, and a liue childe suc∣king the brest. At the time of the earthquake in Antioch, the mountaine Caucasus did so open and tremble, that all the cities adioyning, doubted to be ouerwhelmed with the fal therof. Running riuers of immortall memorie became drye. Springs neuer séene or heard of, did flow & remaine. and olde fountaines for euermore dried vp: many hilles made plaine, and many vallies made euen. Finally, there was no house in Antioche, or within the compasse of the territories therof, that was not totally destroyed, or chan∣ged after a maner into some other order or fashion.

CHAP. XVIII. ¶Howe Traiane subdued Assyria, and what he did in Babylon.

NOwe when Summer was come, Traiane prepared to departe the confines of Antioche towardes the iour∣ney of Assyria, to conquer that countrie, if that by peace they did not yeald the same: and being arriued at the great riuer Euphrates, he found the ships burnt, all the bridges broken, and all the Barbarians in armes, with a minde to dye, or to defend their countries. The Barbarians vnder∣standing of Traians approche, made an vtter spoile of all their woods, to remoue all meanes of renuing their nauie, or to reedifie bridges. Traiane had intelligence that farre from thence, certeine shippes vppon the hill Nisibin were a making, whiche presently he sent for, and brought in cartes, and in very shorte space, a flote vppon Euphrates rigged and armed. The riuer Euphrates being passed, Traiane founde another riuer named Pessin, ioyning vn∣to the hill Cardius, which also was of great strength, and almost impassable, but Traiane brake vp his shippes, and once more by land did carrie the same vnto that riuer: wherin he fought with the Barbarians that defended their bankes. And as they after reported, vtterly determined rather to dye, then to submitt themselues to subiection. But that they conceiued, Traiane to be no mortall man, which would fight against them, but some of the immor∣tall Gods that came to destroye them: moued thereunto, in beholding Traians readie carriage for shippes by lande, as they had by Sea. That countrie was named the pro∣uince of Adiabena: which being all ouerrunne & brought vnder subiection: he passed vnto Arbela, and vnto Angua∣guemela two most opulent prouinces, in whose fieldes, in

the olde worldes past, the greate king Darius, was ouer∣come of Alexander Magnus. Traiane spent all that Sum∣mer in conquering those prouinces: whiche although they differ in names, yet differ not in seignorie, because they be alwayes annexed vnto the kingdome Assyria, whiche the Barbarians changing the S. into T. do call the same At∣tyria. And nowe when Summer began to decline, Tra∣iane determined to winter at Babylon: in all which way he neither found enimies that did resist him, either friends to accompany him: because those desertes be so solitarie and drye, that hardly bruite beastes be found in the same.

Before Traiane did enter Babylon, he would first perso∣nally sée the lake of Bytamin: the water whereof hath this propertie, that bricke, tile, sande, lime, or chalke, that is tempered therewith, maketh a cyment thereof so harde and strong, that yeldeth not vnto stone or yron. With this water the tiles and brickes were made, and all other ma∣ter tempered, that did erect all y^e walles of Babylon. Also Traiane went to sée the caue where y^e water came soaking foorth, whereout procéeded a stench so pestilential, that kilde all cattel that came neare thereunto, and all birdes that did flye ouer the same. Men that passe that waye dare not venter the viewe thereof, muche lesse to approch the smell, except the Eunuches that be gelded, which feare not to beholde, neither are indaungered by the sauour.

Traiane might not be satisfied with the view and contem∣plation of Babylon, muche delighting to viewe the infi∣nite antiquities therein conteined, and had thereof great compassion: and also saide it many times, howe many and howe renowned Princes had consumed there their trea∣sure, and imployed the chiefest parte of their life, to per∣petuate their fame, which were nowe forgotten, and their stately buyldings vtterly ruinated and falne downe. Traiane attempted a certeine woorke within that lande which did not onely excell all that he had done in Rome, Italic, Sicyl, Datia, and Spaine, but also all that Ninus, Belus, Semyramis, and Alexander had made in Babylon.

Traiane was of so high thoughtes, and so singular in his conceites, which he attempted, and in his buyldings which he erected, he was not satisfied that others should thinke him equall with Princes past: but iudge and confesse him to be singular amongest the rest. The case was thus: he o∣pened the mother of the riuer Tygris, and of the riuer Eu∣phrates: & made from the one to the other, a great & a déepe chanell, to vnite them both into one streame: a thing for the present easie to be written, but at that time, verie ter∣rible to beholde: because the chanell that Traiane caused to be made from the one riuer to the other, was so high, so large, and so déepe, that verie greate shippes might turne, saile, and ride at anchor. Vppon that chanell Traiane did builde a moste stately and a right loftie bridge, a strong castell, a riche and sumptuous palace, and certeine gar∣deines and orchardes most pleasant, and on either side the riuer, he built faire houses to dwell in, and store houses for merchaunts: and to place there his perpetuall memo∣rie, did name the same Traianicall Babylon. This buyl∣ding endured not long, and the cause thereof procéeded, that the riuer Euphrates had his channell more high then the riuer Tygris, whereby Tygris did increase, and Eu∣phrates diminish: and the Babylonians doubted the one for want of water to be lost: and the other with the furie of the water to be destroyed. From Babylon, Traiane departed to the citie Tesiphont being the head of that pro∣uince: which although some dayes it stoode in defence of it selfe, in the ende it came to be yealded: and there it is said, that Traiane found so greate summes of money, that he had sufficient to pay his armies, to raise vp newe buyl∣dings, and also to furnishe his treasurie. Greate were the newes that daily came to the Senate, of the marueilous victories which Traiane obteined throughout the worlde, and howe beyond all Princes past, he had augmented the Empire of Rome.

The inhabitants of Tesiphont were ignorant to sacri∣fice vnto the Gods, or to obserue feastes and holy dayes:

whereupon Traiane commaunded to erect a temple vnto the greate God Iupiter, and gaue them instruction, what feastes they shoulde obserue, and howe they should sacri∣fice vnto their Gods.

CHAP. XIX. ¶Howe Traiane, after great trauaile to passe into the Indiaes, was constrei∣ned to retire.

ALl these countries being ouercome and sett in order, Traiane determined to saile by the read Sea, which is very great, and runneth from the Ocean of the Indiaes, vnto Arabia, and is otherwise named the Sea Eritrean, in memorie of king Eritreus which in old time reigned there. The riuer Tygris in the discourse of his currant maketh an Ilande, conteinining xxx. miles in bredth, and lx. in length: wherein reigned Athabilus a Prince both proude and warlike: whome without armes Traiane brought vn∣der his Empire. The ayre of those Seas being different in nature from other Seas, and being then in the greatest heate of Summer, Traiane in that nauigation passed much trauaile and perill: and being persuaded by certeine to forsake the Sea, and take the land, aunswered: the vi∣cious go from hence to Rome to séeke delight, and the ver∣tuous come from Rome hither to séeke trauailes: bycause our predecessours in exchaunge of great trauailes, recei∣ued great and glorious triumphes: wherefore I will ne∣uer cease fighting for feare, either nauigation for perill or daunger. At the mouth of those Seas, there was a people named Sipassinos, so called of certeine fieldes whiche they helde: whether from manye partes they brought their heards to féede: these Sipassinos were subiects to king A∣thabilus: who vnderstanding of his submission vnto the Romaines, ioyntly with great good will came foorth to re∣ceiue Traiane. Passing along those Ilandes, and all the ci∣ties

along y^e Sea coasts on either side being subdued, Tra∣iane entred the Ocean Sea, and therewith vnderstan∣ding the wracke & decaye of his shippes, the darkenesse of y^e ayre, & his pylots to want experience vpon those coasts, he arriued to land to renewe his nauie. Traiane was in∣formed, y^t those Seas were of such condition, that they en∣dured not shippes made of straunge timber, but of wood of the Indies, for otherwise they did consume, or at times drowne them. The sorrowe of Traianes harte, might not be expressed, for that, to passe into the great Indies, he had no preparation, because of y^e insufficiēcie of his own ships, and want of timber of the Indies. And when Traiane saw his voyage to be frustrate & without remedie, they saye, y^t he saide with a great sigh: Of all Princes past, onely vnto Alexander I giue the preeminence, for that he passed in∣to the Indies: but if fortune had not hindered mee: him, as others, I woulde haue excelled: for I had a wil not on∣ly to conquer all the Indies, but therein to haue erected a nowe Rome. All the time that Traiane stayed there, he gaue him selfe particularly to vnderstand of the state of al thinges in the greate Indiaes: that is to saye, what Gods they worshipped, what temples they helde, what kinges they obeyed, what dyet they vsed, what garmentes they did weare, howe they did fight, in what cities they did in∣habite, wherein they were exercised: and howe muche the greater things they did report: so muche the more, the sor∣rowe of his heart did augment. From thence Traiane sēt certeine messengers vnto Rome, with great riches for the treasurie: Also a memoriall of all the prouinces, king∣domes, Ilandes, nations, and people that he had subdued and takē, and brought vnder the Empire of Rome. Great ioy was receiued in Rome vpon the manifestation of these newes: no lesse wonderfull vnto the Romaines, to read so many, and so variable people to be ouercome by Traiane: because it was affirmed amongest them in the Senate of Rome, that none had séene them, either as muche as to haue heard of them.

Presently they erected in Rome vnto Traiane an arche triumphant, wherin was grauen the

names of the kingdomes that Traiane had subdued, and y^e principall prouinces that he had taken: for if they shuld haue placed them all, conformable vnto his memoriall, they should want marble to be wrought, and workemen to graue the same. When Traiane might not passe into the great Indies, he came vnto the house of Alexander the greate, where (as it was saide) he died: and there did buylde all that by antiquitie was decayed & falne downe: & also did adde other newe buyldings thereunto, & offered riche sacrifices vnto the Gods, in memorie & reuerence of Alexander.

Traiane sayling on the Ocean Sea towardes the Indians, & the Tesiponts, supposing that he should ne∣uer returne into that prouince, determined to rebel, and therwith slewe all the Romaines, that remained in garri∣son, & brought all their countrie in armes. Against these & other people that rebelled, Traiane sent Maximinus and Lucius w^t an armie of greate power, who fought most vn∣fortunatly: for that y^e one fled, & the other died. He that es∣caped was Lucius, who to refourme all faultes past, tooke the citie of Nisibin & Edessa, which he destroyed & burnt w^t fire, wherof Traiane was not a little offended: because in the warres, he would not any spoile to be made by fire. Eritius Clarus, & Alexander Seuerus, two Romaine Pre∣tours, made their entrie by Seleucia, whiche they totally did sacke & destroy: being aduertised y^e Traiane was drow∣ned at Sea, they rebelled & slewe y^e Romaine magistrates. Traiane doubting the rebellion of the Parthians, entred their countrie, hauing intelligence of the death of Parthu∣rus their king, & the alteration of their kingdom. Traiane commaunded all the principals of Parthia to appeare be∣fore him, who assēbled in the fields of Tesipont, where Traiane being aduaunced did aduertise thē of his determi∣nation, which if they did admitt & consent vnto, they might safely hold him for a pitifull father: and otherwise they should finde him a most cruell enimie.

The Parthians ioyntly aunswered, that their desire was much more to hold him as a father, then an enimie: and did yeld them selues both to beléeue, and to obey him:

making their humble suite, to giue them no king, except he were a natiue of their kingdome: for that a straunger should want both loue and obedience. Presently Traiane tooke a crowne in his handes and set it vppon the heade of Persnapate, declaring him to be their king and lorde, of which prouision they helde them selues marueilously wel pleased, for that he was not onely of their kingdome, and well knowen vnto them, but also bothe vertuous and warlike.

CHAP. XX. ¶Howe Traiane comming from Asia to triumph in Rome, was staide by death in Sicyl.

THE land of Parthians being stayed & pacified, Traiane was in disposition to go to Rome: partly to rest, and to cease from traueile, and chiefely to triumph ouer so ma∣ny nations and kingdomes: but being aduertised of the re∣bellion of the Agarens, and that the Romaine pretours were fledd: presently Traiane departed vnto the lande of Agarens, which is in Arabia, hauing a citie as principall of their prouince, very little, but marueilous strong: the destinie whereof was such, that being sieged by infinite Princes, was neuer taken or ouercome. For defence of that citie, the nature and situation of the countrie did not a litle helpe: for that the assailants had neither wood or timber to aduaunce their engins, either water or forage, for reliefe of them selues or cattel: & the same vnto straun∣gers not vsed thereunto, did rather séeme to burne, then to giue light. Traiane commaunded an assault to be giuen vnto the citie: the most valiant captaines being mounted vpon the wall, at an instant some were slaine, and some ouerthrowen. Traiane disguised, and in disposition to viewe the citie, was of the enimies both knowen, woun∣ded, and his Squire slaine.

The Agarens beeing demaunded, if at that instant they had notice of the Emperours person: they aunswered, that his grauitie, and the maiestie of his presence did discouer his estate. Traiane being at that siege, there arose terrible lightening and thunder, which in that countrie was neuer séene: and besides, there descended vppon the Romaine campe flies so many & importune, that both their meate and drinke, and their owne persons, were continually co∣uered with the same. Traiane considering the citie to be impregnable, did retire his armie. They saye, that he saide, at his retraite: Since the Agarens, with mine ar∣mies, either my wordes, be neither subdued or persuaded: the destinies haue reserued this triumph for some other Prince in the world to come.

In the prouince of Cyrene, Traiane had a greate armie both of Greekes as of Ro∣maines: and the pretor of those armies was a certeine Ro∣maine named Andreas, against whome the Iewes of those partes did rebell, and slewe both captaine, Greekes, and Romaines. The Iewes were not onely contented to haue slaine the Romaines, but also brought the dead bodies vn∣to the shambles, and there did quarter, cut in péeces, and solde by weight: & with no lesse appetite did eate that hu∣maine fleshe, then if it had béene hennes and fesants. Ad∣ding crueltie vppon crueltie, they brought forth certeine Romaines whiche they had in prison, and did wage one with another, a denéere, or a point, to strike off the head of a Romaine at a blowe. Another thing, not more vile then horrible, the Iewes committed vppon those miserable Ro∣maines, that is, they fleyed them quicke, and tanned their skinnes for leather: and further, with greatest disgrace, did cut off their most shamefast partes, and plaide and tost them as a ball in the market place. As the Iewes left no Romaine vnslaine, so left they no crueltie or kind of death that they did not experiment: and in this matter, we haue no lesse to marueile, at y^e hearts of the one to execute, then of the patience of the other to suffer. That which was don by y^e Iewes of Cyrene, was executed by y^e Iewes of Aegypt,

and of the Ilands of Cypres, who slewe all the Romaines within their common wealthes: which slaughter was no lesse, then 500000 Greekes and Romaines.

When these sorrowfull newes came vnto Traiane, he was very sicke: but notwithstanding prouided what was conuenient for so desperate a case: and presently sent Lucius into Cyrene, Marcus into Cypres, and Seuerus into Aegypt: who com∣mitted so great spoiles among the people, and executed so cruell iustice vppon the inhabitants, that if the dead had béene liuing, they would haue yelded them selues for suf∣ficiently reuenged. Elius Adrianus was captaine vnto Traiane for the guarde of Syria, and hearing what had passed in this matter, soudeinly he descended into Iurie, and did execute therein a greate slaughter: and they of Cypres, receiuing warning by this great treason, did ordeine that no Iewe shoulde dare to inhabite, or passe in∣to that kingdome: and that if tempest shoulde bring them by chaunce into that Ilande, to haue no redemption ther∣of, but by the losse of their heades.

Traiane naturally was alwayes of greate health: but in the traueile of so many prouinces, following of so many warres, sayling vpon so many Seas, and enduring so ma∣ny woundes, the griefe or disease of the piles did not a lit∣tle vexe him. But the case was thus: that from the daye that Traiane might not passe into the Indies, they neuer sawe health in his person, or ioy in his face. Through the cause or disease of the piles, at chaunge of weather, Tra∣iane had a fluxe of bloude, which for his health was very profitable. Either by the colde which he had passed, or an∣gers which in him selfe he suffered, or greate age, where∣with he was laden: there increased vnto the good Prince, a Pasma or numnesse of his arme, and his purgation by fluxe of bloud was stopped. Ioyning vnto the citie of Se∣leuca, there were certeine famous bathes, whereunto sicke people of all partes did concurre, whether Traiane did cause him selfe to be remoued, to make proofe for reco∣uerie of his health. And as experience, did after declare,

those bathes did not profite, but hinder: for being weake, consumed, and spent, although he had force to bathe, he had no strength to sweate. Nowe when Traiane sawe him selfe without hope of life, he wrote a letter vnto the Senate of Rome, commending the state of his house vn∣to Lucius, and the affaires of the warres vnto Elius A∣drianus. He dyed in the citie of Seleuca which is in the prouince of Sicyl, which from thence foorth was named Traginopolis, in the age of 63. yeres, and in the reigne of his Empire 21. yeres, 6. monethes, and 15. dayes.