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 Emperour Adrian: Compiled by sir Anthonie of Gueuara, Byshoppe of Mondonnedo, Preacher, Chro∣nicler, and Counseller vnto the Em∣perour Charles the fift. (∴)

CHAP. I. ¶Of the linage from whence Adrian descended, and of the place and countrie where he was bred and nou∣rished.

THE greate Emperour Traiane being dead, Adrian succéeded in the Empire: who was seruaunt, friend, and cousin of the saide Traiane. The beginning and linage of Adrian by the fathers side, was of Italie, borne in a citie named Ha∣dra: and of the mothers side a Spaniard, borne at Cades, whiche nowe is named Calize, a citie of Andoloizia.

His fathers name was Elius Adrianus maried vnto a wo∣man of Spaine named Domitia Paulina, a woman suffici∣ent wise and faire, borne in the citie of Calize, shée was néece vnto the Emperour Traiane & his sisters daughter, whome he did much loue, for that of a childe shée was bred in his house. Adrian had a sister named Paulina, who was married vnto a Consul named Seuerinus: and the graund∣father of Adrianus was named Marillinus, of the linage of the Priscans: which linage did not a little florishe in the time of the Scipions. Adrian was borne in Rome the 9. daye of Februarie, in the consulship of Vespasianus septi∣mus, and Titus quintus:

in the yere of the foundation of Rome 488. Adrian had an high bodie of perfecte propor∣tion, except his necke, which was somewhat stouping, his nose somewhat hawked, his face swart, his eyes more grey then blacke, his bearde blacke and thicke, his handes more of sinewes then of fleshe, his head great and round, and a broade forehead, a great signe (as he had) of greate memorie.

When his father dyed he was but of ten yeres, who left him for tutors, Vlpius Traianus, and Celius Ta∣tianus, the one béeing his vnckle, and the other his friend: effectually requestinge to traine and instruct that childe in wisedome and valiantnesse: for that he had no lesse a∣bilitie for the one then for the other.

At the age of tenne yeres, Adrian studied Grammar, and after his fathers death, his tutours set him to learne the Greeke tongue, wherein he was so learned and expert, that for excellencie therein, in Rome they named him the Greeke childe: for that he was as readie in the Greeke tongue, as others in the Romaine speache. At the age of xvi. yeares, he had a desire to passe into Spaine, to sée his olde countrie, he arriued at Calize, where his mother was borne, and from whence Traiane was natiue, and there leauing his letters, did exercise him selfe in armes: because in those dayes the Spaniardes had there a famous studie of science, and the Romaines helde there a schoole for the warres.

Adrian bothe in leaping and running was verie light: wherein it is sayd of him, that he ranne for many wagers, and not a fewe times by running and leaping, did winne, to supply his necessitie. He greatly delighted to ride swift running horses, and did much presume, to iudge and make choyce of them: and after in his olde age, he would vaunt and say of him selfe, that he neuer roade in coche, mule, or other beast, but an horse. In the time of Adrian his youth, he was an enimie to idlenesse, and also of them that were giuen therevnto: and many times sayde, that he remem∣bred not since the age of tenne yeares, whether hee stoode still, or walked by the way, that he had not eyther a booke to reade in, or some weapō to fight with.

Adrian was na∣turally sharpe of wit, and of great life, most apparant, in that he was not satisfied, to knowe what some men did knowe: but trauelled to haue skill in all things that men vnderstoode: with Philosophers he woulde dispute, with maisters at weapons he woulde fight, with artificers he would worke, and with painters he would paint. Adrian did praise him selfe, and according to writings of olde time, he had great reason so to do: bycause there was no Art, sci∣ence, occupation, or inuention in the worlde, that he knew not, or at the least did not trauell to knowe. When Adri∣an was young, he was but of small patience, for that he in∣dured not any to excell him, neyther yet to compare with him: and rare was that quarell, which he did not make or mainteine.

When Tatian, Adrians tutor, did reprehend him for his impatience, and bycause he was not mylde, as the young man his cousen Emilius, he made answere: My cousen Emilius is not patient, but for that he is a coward, and I by quarelling, am become valiaunt. Neyther being a childe, or growne to more yeares: Adrian vsed not to breake foorth into foule wordes, although they sayde, or did him great iniuries: but indéede, although his toung were slowe, his handes were very ready. Adrian was of a sound bodie, except that sometimes he complained of his left eare, and that one of his eyes at times did water: but

two euils did not hinder his hearing, much lesse his sight.

CHAP. II. Of some euill inclinations that possessed and had power in Adrian.

THe Emperour Adrian did muche delight in hunting, which he did not exercise in the plaines, but in moun∣taines for he tooke no care to flée with haukes, but to fight with fierce beastes, to make a shewe of his valiauntnesse. So giuen and so venterous was Adrian in his chace, that with great reason I will not say did reproue, but note, the time that he consumed: and that not onely for much time he spent therein, but for that many times he was in great daunger. It hapned somtimes, that in following the chace of wilde beasts, Adrian did loose himself, in those rough and craggie moūtaines: wherof there folowed not a few times, that he would haue eaten if he had had breade, and woulde haue dranke, if he had had water. When he went to hunt, he carried his crosbowe to shoote, his quiuer of quarels, and his wallet of victuals: and alwayes did place him, in the pace, where the beast should passe: and had so little feare, and so desirous of chace, that if it were a beare, he did exe∣cute some aduenture: and if it were a Lion, he did abide him. It is not read, that he siue any Lion, but one: but beares and other cruell beastes, that he siue with his owne hands, were infinite. Adrian followed most fiercely a cer∣taine beast with so great desire, and did so trauel to attain the same, that he fell ouer a rocke, put his shoulder out of ioynt, brake one of his legs, and cast much bloud out of his mouth. In the Prouince of Misia, Adrian built a citie, which he did name The chace of Adrian, bicause there he v∣sed to pitch his Pauilion, and from thence at mornings he went foorth to hunt, and at night did returne to bed. He had an horsse very ready for hunting, which would staye and make ready as a man, when he vnderstoode the chace comming: and therewithall ranne as sure downe the hill, as vp the hill. This horsse was named Borystenes, which being deade, Adrian did not only cause to be buried with

muche honour, but also commaunded for the same a very riche sepulchre of Marble to be made and erected.

Adrian did muche estéeme and delight, to paynt figures and coun∣terfets very naturally, and to graue in Marble with great skil and deuice: sometimes in waxe to make newe inuen∣tions: and was in these Arts so curious, that he made the Goddesse Venus in Alabaster, and with a pencill did paint the wars of Carthage: and of ware did fourme the whole Island Creta. And albeit, that in these things he were rea∣die and expert, ioyntly therewith he was very ambitious: bycause he had as great enuie, and also rancour at an arti∣ficer, which was sayde to paynt or worke more curiously then him selfe, as if the maintenance of his liuing had con∣sisted therein. There were in Rome two excellent men, the one named Dionysius, the other Milesius, men right famous in the liberall Arts: for that many in Rome did frequent their studies, but muche more did peayse their workes: Adrian did take thereof so great enuie, that al∣though he found no cause to kill them, he wanted not occa∣sion to banish them. A certaine skilfull carpenter in draw∣ing plots for buildings, being in some question with the Emperour Traiane, of the fourme and manner of placing of a staire, Adrian being present, sayd his iudgement som∣what besides y^e purpose: whervnto y^e carpenter Polydorus answered: Maister Adrian, if your cunning did not serue you better to paint gourdes and coocumers, then to place staires, you shuld obteine a smal credite amōgst painters, as you haue amongst artificers.

Although Adrian could dis∣semble those words, he might not in any wise forget them: for after y^e death of Traiane, he attaining the empire, those iniurious words were no more costly vnto the sorrowfull Polydorus, but to serue Adrian for sufficient reuenge, to take away his life. Adrian being so great a Grecian, and also a Latinist, compounded certaine workes in Heroicall metre, as also in prease, & did muche delight to haue them praised, & could not indure but y^e some must read them. In those daies the Gréek tong flourishing in Rome, brought y^e

of Homer in great estimation: whereof Adrian did take so great enuie, that he gaue streight commaundement, that none shoulde reade Homer, eyther openly or secretly, but the workes of Anthimachus, who was a Philosopher most obscure. Adrian had condition curiously to inquire, of common and small matters: whereof he was both no∣ted and murmured: bicause, Princes being giuen to make search of trifling causes, proue variable in prouiding for matters of importance. Also Adrian was of fickle disposi∣tion: for that at the souden, he woulde determine, to per∣fourme some enterprise, and after growe colde, and incon∣tinent omit the same: of this, as of the rest, with great rea∣son, he was noted and accused: bycause graue Princes ought to haue a reposed deliberation, and a diligent exe∣cution. Adrian was in two things most extreme: that is to say, he vsed no measure or weight in his loue, or hatred: for vnto whom he did loue, he gaue all his heart: and where he did abhorre, he did imploy all his strength. Admitting that this manner of loue, or hatred, is tollerable in others, yet most truely of vertuous Princes not permitted: by∣cause if they be vnbridled in loue, in others which they loue not, they cause enuie: and if they be absolute in hatred, they séeke vnto them selues great infamie: wherefore it is conuenient in loue, to be discrete, and in hatred, proui∣dent and aduised, He was likewise most extreme, that if he praised any thing, he did aduaunce it to the cloudes: and if it fell not into his fauour, he dispraised it to the dée∣pest bottome: in such manner, that all sayd of Adrian, that in praising, he was verie gracious, and in nippes, tauntes, and gyrdes, not a little malicious. Adrian had great de∣light in faire women, who was so absolute and also so dis∣solute in that vice, that he did not onely inioy virgins, per∣suade married women, but also in the houses of his verie friendes, he had his secrete loues. Of the one part, conside∣ring his iniustice, and of the other parte, the great iustice that he did execute: the historiographers would not place him amongest the pitifull Princes: neither condemne him

that were tyrannous: bycause most truly if he did chastice some by iustice, also he siue others by enuie.

CHAP. III. Of the friends and enimies which Adrian had.

ADrian being of the age of ninetene yeres, Traiane con∣ceiuing the abilitie and towardnesse of the yong man, as well in letters as in armes, sent to Spaine for him to come to Rome, with whome he did so behaue himselfe, that for entertainment, he did receiue him into his cham∣ber, and in his loue, did place him as a childe. The naturall bountie, and great abilitie of Adrian being in apparance, Traiane from thence foorth did so regard and fixe his eyes, as well to honour him, all the dayes of his life: as also to leaue him Emperour, after his death. Adrian being in so great fauour with the Emperour Traiane, there folowed thereof in processe of time, no small displeasures to his person, and perils vnto his life: for his enimies by enuie, with the Emperour procured his disgrace, and with their malice, did maligne him with the people. It is an aunci∣ent pestilence in the courtes of Princes, that the Prince being pleased to beare affection, or to honour any person, forthwith they ioyne to murmur, & procure to persecute the same. As Seuerianus being husband vnto a sister of A∣drian, did murmur of him vnto Traiane, saying y^t it was a wonder vnto all men in Rome, to sée Adrian to priuate, & so far in fauour, & that they presumed y^t after his dayes, he should leaue him the Empire: vnto whome Traiane made answere: Who hath to succéede me in the Empire? only the Gods be acquainted therewith: but admitting, that it were my will, and the Goddes permitting, that Adrian shoulde succéede me in the Empire: I can say vnto thée, that to gouerne the same he will proue no foole, neyther a cowarde to defende it. The answere that Traiane made,

was very good, and yet not without a secret taunt, for that the Consul Seuerianus, had neyther praised him for vali∣aunt, eyther held him for wise. This Seuerianus was al∣waies a great enimie of Adrian, & did not cease trauelling to disgrace him with the Emperour: wherby Adrian hap∣ned at times, to be both in fauour, and disfauour: in suche manner, that Adrian burned betwixt two fiers, whiche is to wit, eare to resist his enimies, and solicitude in conser∣uing his frends. The first office that Adrian had in Rome, Traiane being Consul, and Domitian being emperour, he was made a Decem viriato: that is to say, he was appoin∣ted for one of the ten men, that were deputed, to determin contentions amongst the people. Adrian gaue so good ac∣count of his office, and recouered in Rome so good fame, that he séemed sufficient vnto al men, alone and in his own person, to gouerne a common wealth: and so it came to passe, that in the yeare folowing, he was deputed Tribune of the second legion: that is to say, that he had charge to gouerne and correct the seconde capteinship, of the armies that were in the wars:

bycause it was a custome in Rome, that euerie capteinship should haue a capteine to fight: and a Tribune to rule and gouerne.

The yeare of the tribune office being past, he was sent vnto the inferiour Misia, go∣uerning that Prouince with so great prudence, and was of suche readinesse and skill amongest those Barbarians, that some delighted to obey him, & the others durst not resist him. Adrian was in no small perplexitie, for the doubt he had to be remoued from Traianes fauour, which he suspec∣ted, to sée him selfe in Misia, & his enimie Seuerianus with Traiane in Rome: that vppon any report that might be made of him there, y^e malice of his enimie had place to ag∣grauate, and he for him selfe being farre distant, not able to answere. Traiane had in his chamber one whome he much fauoured, named Gallus, a most speciall friend vnto Adrian: and Adrian being aduertised, that Gallus his most faithfull friende was deade, made for him great obse∣quies, and wept for him many teares. There succéeded in

fauour vnto this Gallus another named Surus, a man suf∣ficiently wise and prudent: and also this, as Gallus, was most special friend vnto Adrian: and the very cause wher∣by he obteined the fauoured to be his friends, was: for that in his giftes he was very liberall: and to doe for his friend, no lesse determined.

Also Adrian gaue him self to content, serue, and please Plotina, Traianes wife, and vsed therein so great skill, and came so farre into fauour with Plotina, that out of that so narrowe friendship, he gathered more profit, then she did honour. Traiane had in his house a néece named Sabina, whiche was to marrie, and requested for wife, of many noble Romaines: but Plotina and Surus tra∣uelled and persuaded Traiane to marrie her vnto Adrian: affirming that with this marriage, he was excused of two marriages, that is to say: to séeke a wife for Adrian, and an husband for Sabina.

When as Adrian had presented many giftes, and offered many seruices vnto Plotina: partely for the great loue that she did beare him, and for that she had married him vnto Sabina, she made him an∣swere: Adrian, according to the good will which I beare thée, it is smal which I haue done for thée, in respect of that which I meane to doe: for that I may doe little with my Lord Traiane, but as he hath chosen thée to be his nephew, he shall also adopt thée to be his sonne. After Adrian had obteined Plotina for his good Ladie, Sabina for his wife, and Surus for his friend, he little estéemed the enimitie of Seuerianus his enimie: bycause in Traianes house, all did honour him as one in fauour, & did serue him as a maister.

CHAP. IIII. Of the loue that the Emperour Traiane had vnto Adrian.

BY the marriage that Adrian had with Sabina, néece vnto the Emperour Traiane, there followed him, not a litle, but very much profite: for, besides that he was most

in fauour with the Emperour, and verie well liked of the Empresse Plotina, the greatest parte of the affaires of the Empire, was dispatcht by his handes. Adrian presuming of great eloquence, presented vppon a day before the Se∣nate, a certaine pastorall enterlude, whereat the Sena∣tours and Oratours did greatly laugh: not onely of that whiche he sayde, but also of the base style wherein he did speake the same.

He gaue him selfe to the Latine toung, and to the Art of an Oratour, wherin he grew so profound, y^t they gaue to him as great glory for his speache, as vnto Cicero for his writing.

In the first warres that Traiane had with the Datians, Adrian was made Questor, that is to say, he had charge to prouide, victuals and furniture for the campe: whiche was an office amongest the armies, of great honour, and of much confidence: for he had both the treasure in his custodie, and the payment of the campe. When Traiane was eyther sicke, or not at leasure, on his behalfe Adrian went to the Senate: but the Senators although they did admit him to speake, they did not per∣mit him to excéede or to take the chiefe place:

for it was a lawe amongest them much vsed, that being assembled in the Senate, none should presume to clap his handes, to cause silence, or cōmaūd the doore to be shut, neyther enter being clad with a long gowne, or to place him selfe in the highest seate, but onely the Emperour.

Being notorious vnto all men, that Adrian was priuate with the Empe∣rour Traiane, and in great fauour with Plotina his wife, and therewithall, that he was a man both prudent and politique: and although in the Senate not permitted to the chiefest place, yet all things were directed by his coun∣sell, in suche wise, that at home all things were done as he thought good, and abroade as he did commaund. When it was knowne in Rome, that the king of Datia eftsoones had rebelled, Adrian presently persuaded Traiane, in his owne person to go to that war, and to leaue the enterprise to no other man: wherein Adrian did followe and serue Trai∣ane, more then any other capteine: and certainly did there

so valiaunt and notable déedes, that with Traiane he ob∣teined fauour, and aduaunced his person to great estima∣tion. Adrian being thus notified in the warres of Datia, Traiane thought it méete to commende vnto him the se∣conde legion, which was vnder the protection of the God∣desse Minerua: and in such manner did gouerne the same, and gaue his souldiers so great courage, that he was the man, that did most grieue the enimie, and least did feare perilles.

The thing moste estéemed of the Emperour Traiane, was a Diamond which Nerua had giuen him: this Diamond Traiane gaue Adrian, in the time of the warres of Datia, which was so kept and estéemed of Adri∣an, that vntill the day of his death, it was neuer séene off from his finger.

The warres of Datia being finished, Traiane returned to Rome, leauing Adrian as Pre∣tour of that Prouince, Sussurus and Seuerianus being con∣suls. He had not long gouerned Datia, when Adrian re∣ceiued from the Senate newe prouision to passe into Pa∣nonia: where he was not only gouernour in causes of iu∣stice, but also had charge of all martiall affaires: bycause certaine barbarous Danubians had entered those Prouin∣ces, sacking and spoyling greate countries. Adrian be∣ing arriued into Panonia, did in short time expell the eni∣mies, visited the countries, refourmed the armies, cha∣sticed the Romaine officers: and founde by infourmation, that they were great friendes of idlenesse, and no eni∣mies of robberie. The fame being come to Rome, of the commendable gouernement of Adrian in Panonia: in the yeare following, in the Kalends of Ianuarie, the Senate did elect him Consul: and truely, as they were many, that did alowe this election, so they were not few that did resist it: but in fine, the procurers had more force in their diligence, then the malice of them which resisted.

CHAP. V. Of the care and solicitude of Adrian, to obteine the Empire.

IN all Kingdomes and Prouinces, where Adrian was eyther Pretour or Questour, presently he made di∣ligent inquisition, if there were any Magicians of Sooth∣sayers: and if he founde any he did persuade them, with swéete wordes, and riche rewardes, to be certified, if after the death of Traiane, the Empire should come vnto his handes: for that he was not onely desirous to obteine the same, but carefull to know the issue thereof. Being resi∣dent in the Prouince of Mesia, he was aduertised by a Mathematike, that he should be Emperour: and demaun∣ding howe and by what meanes, he vnderstoode thereof, answered: by a certaine friend which was not onely lear∣ned in the naturall courses, but also did vnderstande the secretes of the immortall Gods. Although Adrian was resident in straunge Prouinces, he was not slacke to serue the Empresse Plotina, and to please the chamberleine Su∣rus: in such wise, that if his enimies did thinke him farre off, they found his seruice, alwayes ready and at hande. Nowe when Traiane was stricken in age, and become sickly, Adrian continued no lesse diligent, to solicite Ploti∣na and Surus, to persuade the Emperour, to adopt him for his sonne: but on the other side the Consul Seuerianus, Palma and Celsus, and other his enimies, did withstande: whose diligence and malice did little profite, bycause they did but discouer their intent, and coulde not obteine their desire. Eyther by the onely will of Traiane, or by the im∣portunitie of Plotina, nor by the suite of Surus, eyther by the merite of his owne person, the Emperour Traiane de∣termined to those Elius Adrian to be his sonne, after his dayes to succéede him in the Empire: for the Emperour had many kingdomes to giue, but no sonne to whome he might leaue the same.

Before Traiane had elected Adrian, he was long deter∣mined, to make no assignment of any person, to succéed him

in the Empire, but to haue vsed the order of Alexander the great: who being demaunded, whome he woulde as∣signe to succéede him in his Monarchie, answered, Vnto the most worthy. Traiane made a memoriall, of all the most vertuous, wise, and of most worthinesse within the Empire: and ioyntly therewith, caused to be written of them, seuerall Orations, in Gréeke and Latine: and he him selfe did adde with his owne hande, what he thought agréeable to their conditions and abilities. To the ende that after his dayes, the Senate might open and reade the same, and from thence to make election: not of him that did most procure, but that did best deserue. At one time a certaine Consul, named Neratius Priscus, was greatly in his fauour, vnto whom he had thought to haue left y^e Em∣pire, in so much, y^e one day Traiane said vnto him: Neratius Priscus, from hencefoorth I comend y^e Empire vnto thée, if any sorrowfull or souden destinie shall happen vnto me. All such as did withstande the adoption of Adrian, did fa∣uour the election of Neratius Priscus: but Fortune that should haue framed the effect, brought Neratius into Trai∣anes great hatred, not a little to the profite of Adrian: by∣cause from thence foorth, although their remained enimies to hinder his intent, none as an opposite, durst demaunde the same. When Traiane passed from Spaine into Asia, to the wars of the Parthians, Plotina and Surus, made great suite that Adrian might be sente, as Pretour into Sy∣ria: whoe being in Antioche, was aduertised by a mes∣singer from Traiane, which in times past had bene his tu∣tor, how he was elected to be Traianes sonne, and assigned his successour in the Empire. Excéeding was the ioy that Adrian receiued with that newes, which he did vtter in such excessiue manner and degrée, that presently he did ce∣lebrate, with great games and feastes, the day of his nati∣uitie: and not only vpon that day, but euery yeare, all the dayes of his life: bicause it was the thing, that his heart most desired, and for the attainement whereof, he had im∣ployed his greatest skill and strength.

At that time were Consuls, Sosius and Pretorius, with whome Adrian entered newe friendshippe: and the ende wherefore he did vndertake this newe affection, was, that as Plotina & Surus did solicite & procure the Empire with Traiane, so those two Consuls shuld subsist him in the Se∣nate: in such wise, that if he did watch to obtaine it, he did ouerwatch to sustaine it. Not long after that Adrian was adopted, that is to say, after fourtéene monethes, Traiane dyed: presently Plotina his wife, and the Consul Tatia∣nus, being chiefe friendes vnto Adrian, did take order and vse great diligence, that Adrians admission vnto the Em∣pire, might first be notified and knowne in Rome, before the death of the Emperour Traiane: whiche was concea∣led and couered for certaine dayes, saying, that he was so sicke, that he would not be visited, vntill they were possest of the power of the armies, and had obteined the good will of the Senate. Adrian did write vnto the Senatours, giuing them to vnderstand, that Traiane was at the point of death, and that also he was assigned and adopted to be his successour and heire in the Empire: and did right in∣stantly request them, to take the same in good parte, and therevppon did promise, and sweare vnto them, to diuide or giue offices, but at their owne liking and consent.

CHAP. VI. Howe at Traianes death Adrian was declared Emperour.

THe newes of Traianes death being arriued at Rome, presently it was published, that the succession of the empire was cōmitted vnto Adrian: & vpon the confirmati∣on, or refusal of this election, there arose no smal contenti∣on in the Senate: and the matter so far argued & prosecu∣ted,

by his friendes, and so resisted by his enimies: that it gaue no small doubt of intestine warrs, no lesse cruell, then the warres betwixt Caesar and Pompey. The seruaunts of Traiane, the friends of Plotina, and the kinred and alies of Tatian, did vse suche diligence in this case, that within thrée dayes they confirmed Adrian, in the Empire: and the greatest cause to moue the Senate therevnto, was: that they had intelligence, that Adrian was in Syria, in full power, possession, and authoritie, of the whole ar∣mie: and might haue bene constrained to yealde by force, which they refused to perfourme by good will. Presently after Adrian was confirmed in the Empire, he did write vnto the Senate, gratifying their friendly fact, and reque∣sting that Traiane might be collocate amongst the Gods, since he had bene a Prince so diuine, whereto the Senate gladly consented, saying: that although Traiane had fini∣shed his life, for euermore in Rome his fame shoulde in∣dure. In memorie y^t Traiane had ouercome the Parthians, they ordeined y^t euery yeare the Parthik playes should be celebrated in Rome, which indured amongst the Romains many yeres: but in fine, they and their playes had an end.

Before all thinges, Adrian gaue order, that the body of Traiane might be brought into Italie, where it shoulde be giuen a generous sepulchre, and to effectuate the same, commanded his ashes to be inclosed in a boxe of Vnicorne, which also was inclosed with golde, and placed in a piller of most excellent marble, lyned with most rich purple: all which being ladē into a gallie, he sent Tatian and Plotina, w^t the body vnto Rome: al Rome went foorth to receiue y^e body of Traiane: and as it is sayd and written, there was neuer so muche ioy vttered for any man, that entered be∣ing aliue: but muche more sorrowe was discouered, for Traianes comming deade. Adrian stayed in Antioche, whiche is the heade of Syria, partly to assemble the whole armie, and partly to recouer money: for being then win∣ter, he could neyther campe for coldenesse of the weather: eyther marche or iourney for want of money.

Adrian was there aduertised, howe the Mauritans did defie him, the Sarmatians did mutinate, the Britans did rebell, the Palestines resist, the Aegyptians disobey, and that all the Barbarians were in commotion. Finally, it is to be vnderstoode, that vpon the death of Traiane, al people and nations were so escandalized, that it séemed not, but that he left the world without a maister or an owner. A∣drian perceiuing the greater part of the Empire in com∣motion, determined to make them no war, but to intreate them by peace: and for this cause he refused and forsooke al those kingdomes and Prouinces, that lay beyond the riuer Euphrates, and the riuer Tygris, which the good Traiane had wonne and conquered: in which conquest he imployed his noble person, and gaue ende vnto his honourable life. Vnto all kingdomes and Prouinces, Adrian sent Embas∣sadours, to confederate with some, and to confirme peace with others: and with some he did capitulate thinges so slaunderous, and with so great disaduauntage: that it had bene much better to haue raysed warre, then to haue pro∣cured a peace so infamous. Parsnapate king of the Parthi∣ans, came to complaine vnto Adrian, saying, that the good Traiane had giuen him that kingdome, and crowned him with his owne hands, and now vpon the death of Traiane, they would neyther obey him, or suffer him to liue with∣in the kingdome. Adrian would not, or else durst not, make warres with the Parthians: but gaue vnto Parsnapate, the Seigniorie of certaine countries and Prouinces of Syria, being vacant at that time, as Lorde to inioy the fruites thereof, and as Romaine Pretour to gouerne the people.

When Adrian had obteined the Empire, presently he pu∣blished and sayd vnto all men, that he wold become a piti∣full Prince: and truly, in some pitifull causes, he did shew him selfe to be the sonne of Traiane: but in some rigorous matters, he séemed to be the brother of Nero.

A certaine man named Bebius, was Prefect in Rome, who was con∣trarie vnto Adrian, in all thinges that eyther touched his honour or profite: and being counselled to kill Bebius, for

that he ceased not to be his aduersarie, made answere: I will not onely permit Bebius to liue, but also the office of Pretour, which hee helde but for a yeare, I will confirme vnto him during his life. Laberius and Frugius, two Romaine Senatours, were banished vnto the Isle of Pon∣tus, whom he commaunded to returne to their houses, and their goodes to be restored them: but the Consul Frugius being mutinous, mouing commotion betwixt Adrian and the Senate, he commaunded to be throwne aliue into Ty∣ber: and obteined no lesse honour, in the executing of the one, then in pardoning the other. Vnto certaine Gentle∣men of the armie, that sayde vnto Adrian in times past, that he should be Emperour, he gaue double rewardes: af∣firming, that he gaue them not for their aduertisement, but for their good will.

CHAP. VII. Of his entrie into Rome.

NOwe when Summer was come, Adrian parted from Antioche to come to Rome: and lefte for Preposite of Syria, Catalius Seuerus, and tooke his way throughe Illyria, and determined to make warre with the Sarmati∣ans, which would not receiue the Ambassadours of peace. Lucius Turbon, that had béene Pretour tenne yeares in Mauritania, came foorth to méete him vpon the waye, with whome Adrian had great friendship, being a young man, and in house with his Lorde Traiane: presently he made him Pretour of the Prouince of Datia, and Pano∣nia. At that time Lucius Turbon was in Africa, maister of the horsse men, of whome Adrian was aduertised, that he was verie riche, and in greate power throughout the kingdome, and that he had not obteined all that riches, in the time of warre, but by briberie in time of peace.

Adrian was not a little grieued, of that which was sayde by Lucius Turbone, bycause he was his friende, and also seruaunt vnto Traiane: but all this notwithstanding, he applyed all that he had, vnto the common treasure, and disarmed him of his knighthoode. As muche as Adrian did increase in potencie, so much did his enimies increase in enuie: in suche manner, that they coulde neyther incline their harts to loue him, eyther yeald their strēgth to serue him.

The case was thus, that Palma, Celsus, Sobaius, and Lucius, Adrian going on hunting, were determined in the middest of the chace, to rid him of his life: wherevpon they were agréed, that in his swiftest pursuit of any wild beast, they would attend him in the most thickest pace or track: & there vnder the colour to misse their leuell at the beast, would shoote and kill the Emperour. All these foure were men of noble bloud, and rich in goods, and were called Cō∣sulares: bycause at other times they had bene Consuls: but as their treason was discouered, first by iustice they were beheaded, before Adrian went on hunting.

Great was the murmuring and mutinie throughout all Rome, when they vnderstoode howe Adrian had executed so cru∣ell iustice, vpon these foure Consulares or noble men: part∣ly for that they helde opinion, that Adrian had raised that quarell againste them: and partly for custome and man∣ner, for that fewe were the chastisements, whiche the good Traiane did execute, but great was the number that receiued pardon. Adrian being aduertised, that for the death of the foure Consulares, all Rome was escandalized, and that for a man reuenging and cruell, his person was defamed, determined with all spéede to come to Rome, to excuse him selfe of that fault. The affaires of Adrian stood not in so euill estate, as vpon the way, they gaue him ad∣uertisement: which did well appeare, in that the Senate did offer him the triumph due vnto Traiane, being cut off by death to inioy the same: but Adrian refusing, gaue or∣der, that the Image of Traiane shoulde be placed in the triumphant chariote: to the ende that good Traiane

shoulde not want a triumphe, although but after his death. Presently when Adrian came to Rome, he went to visite the Sepulchre of his Lorde Traiane, where his eyes did shed many teares, and for him did offer vnto the Gods most sumptuous sacrifices. All the Senate being ioyned, and also all the most principal of the people, vnto whome Adrian made a long oration: wher∣in he gaue them to vnderstand of the state of the Empire: and did excuse him selfe of the death of the aforesaide foure Consulares: because the officers of the Senate had made searche and inquisition of the cause, and the Pretors of y^e armies did execute the sentence. The Senate did offer Adrian the title of Pater patriae, but he would not receiue it, affirming it to be one of the titles of his lord Traiane: and since he had been a good father, it were great reason he should proue a good sonne. It was a custome in Rome and throughout all Italie, that when their Princes came newely to gouerne the Empire, that all cities and other people should furnishe him with a certeine summe of golde and siluer: with the golde to make a crowne, and the siluer for the seruice of his house: and sometimes they did pre∣sent so much golde to make the crowne, that the remnant was sufficient to mainteine the warres. Adrian refused not onely this seruice to be demaunded, but also returned that which was brought him: saying, that his crowne should be riche, when his subiectes should be in wealth. The officers of the treasurie, that is to saye, suche as had the collection and kéeping of the masse of Rome, had rai∣sed greate rentes, daily inuenting newe manner of tri∣butes, in the common wealth: which being knowen vnto Adrian, he commaunded all newe impositions to be remo∣ued from the common wealth, and the inuentors thereof to be displaced from their offices. Generally the Romains complained vnto Adrian of the dearth of victuals: foorth∣with he prouided for prouision of wheat from Sicyl, wines from Candie, and oyle from Spaine: and further, gaue such prices vnto the same, and all other victuals, that the poore

might féede with the riche. He did promise and sweare in the Senate to put no Senatour vnto death, although he were culpable, without the accused should first be heard, and his cause considered by all the Senate: and truely this othe did excuse Adrian of many executions, and was no lesse occasion that the Senatours committed many faultes. Princes haue to consider what they sweare and promise: for, from that day wherein Princes shal vnable thē selues, to punishe vice and sinne, from thenceforth their vassals shal followe wickednesse. In the yere that Adrian en∣tred Rome, all thinges were deare, and the people not sounde or in health: who vsing greate magnificence, com∣maunded much money to be giuen to the poore of the com∣mon wealth: in such wise, that it was not founde that any died for hunger, either suffered any extreme necessitie.

There were many that had béene banished, and diuerse in prison for debt due vnto the Fiscall: that is to saye, vn∣to his chamber. Adrian gaue commaundement by pub∣lique proclamation, that all such debtes should be absol∣ued, and that for any such debte, none should be runna∣gates, either kept in prison. Adrian did derogate the law & custome of his predecessours, which is to wéet, that y^e goods of the condemned, should be for the Prince, which he com∣maunded from thenceforth to be imployed not to his chā∣ber, but to the comfort of the common wealth: for he saide and helde opinion, that the Iudge should neuer be grie∣ued, to punishe offendours, when he should remember, to inherite a share of the offendours goods. He extremely delighted when any person came to craue, and much more did reioyce, if he had to giue: but if by chaunce he had not to satisfie his demaund, at the least he gaue him a friendly aunswer. From the time that Adrian was in possession of y^e Empire: he was neuer heard to say, or name, Traiane: but, my Lord Traiane.

CHAP. VIII. ¶Of the good conditions and inclinations of Adrian.

WIth much diligence and no lesse secrecie, Adrian in∣quired, what life the Senatours did leade, and what exercise they vsed: and such as he found poore and vertu∣ous, he augmented their patrimonie: and such as he found riche and vicious, he found meane to depriue them from y^e Senate.

Adrian was a Prince, verie skilfull, and muche considerate in punishing his officers and seruauntes, that is to saye: he kept secrete from the people the causes why he remoued any person from his office. And further, if he displaced any person from his commoditie, he did not for∣get otherwise to recompence him, in such maner, that if he did chastice them, he did not dishonor them. Many times, did Adrian speake these woordes: Whome I shal see estee∣med and worshipped in the common wealth, I wil rather determin to take away his hed then his honour.

The rēts which the good Traiane left in many partes of Italie, for y^e bréeding of children, the sustaining of widowes, & the mar∣riage of Orphans, he did not only confirme, but also made better. All the seruants of Traiane he did aduaunce to bet∣ter offices: & such as were not méete for offices, he gaue thē money. Adrian commaunded serch to be made, how many noble men were falne into pouertie: & such as were decay∣ed by mischaunce, he relieued: & such as procured pouertie by vice, he gaue them leaue to endure necessitie. He gaue help to al y^e Romaine widowes to marrie their daughters, & he was not more boūtiful in giuing relief vnto y^e daugh∣ters, then he was an enimie to succour the sonnes: for he helde opinion, that, that young man deserued not to be married, that with his handes did not obteine a marriage. By thrée dayes space, he did celebrate the feast of the god Genius: that is to saye, the daye of his birthe: and com∣maūded vpon those dayes, to giue pitances vnto all y^e peo∣ple, and he with all the Senatours and nobles did eate and banquet in his imperiall palace: the cost whereof did not amount vnto so little, but as they were thrée, if they had béene sixe, the rentes of the whole Empire had béen spent, and parte of their treasure.

By the space of sixe continuall dayes he did cause them to represent the game of swoorde players: and the people craued certeine other playes, which he would not consent: not for that he delighted not therein, but to giue them to vnderstand in Rome, that it appertained vnto Princes, as much to moderate their pleasures, as to giue order for thinges of importance. Before Adrian was Emperour, he was thrise Consul, for which cause he made diuers Ro∣maines thrée times Consuls: and whereas some were of∣fended, for want of like fauour, he did aunswer: Such as did exceede mee in merite, ought to be equall with mee in dignitie.

Within the compasse of Rome, neuer before the dayes of Adrian, were permitted more then two Con∣suls: the one to gouerne the common wealth, the other to go to the warres: but Adrian did adde and create a thirde Consul: for that if y^e one should be sicke, and the other resi∣dent in the warres, the common wealth shoulde not re∣maine without an head.

Tutinus a noble knight of Rome, Adrian did create Senatour, and gaue him the ensignes of Consul, whereat the whole Senate was offended: af∣firming, that the Emperour ought or might not create in such manner: partely, because Tutinus was not of deser∣uing, and partly, for that the aduise of the Senate should haue béene vsed therein. Adrian was displeased with these wordes of the Romaines, and from thence foorth did vse more libertie in reparting offices, and lesse companye in determining causes. He helde Seuerianus in greate ve∣neration, which had married his sister, vnto whome he gaue both honour and great rewardes: and at all times, when Seuerianus came vnto his chamber to conferre, and to vnderstand his pleasure, Adrian came foorth to méete and receiue him at the doore. Although Seuerianus came to visite Adrian, and Adrian came foorth to receiue Seue∣rianus, yet auncient and very mortall was the hatred be∣twixt them: for in this case, either of them did vtter and discouer, to be possessed with a moste vile intent: for that Seuerianus did trauaile to depriue Adrian from Empire

and honour, and Adrian with no lesse facilitie did take a∣way his life. When Adrian was in Rome, at the least he went thrise a wéeke vnto the Senate: and if he were ei∣ther sicke, or muche busied, they did repaire vnto his pre∣sence: in such maner, that nothing of importance did passe in the Senate, wherein they did not vse his iudgement. Adrian, was of familiar conuersation with his speciall friendes, and with his particular seruaunts, with whome he went to eate in their gardeines, to fishe at riuers, to hunt in the fieldes, and all other such like pastimes. Na∣turally he was giuen to haue compassion of the sicke, and herein he did neither consider whether they were friends or foes: for that indifferently he did visite them, and at his owne charges did prouide for them. He did not onely visite the sicke, but also the olde men, decrepite with age: of whome at large he woulde inquire of the yeres that they had liued, the kingdomes they had trauelled, the daun∣gers they had passed, the enimies which they had helde, & the necessities that they had endured, in suche wise, that many times, of the things which they had saide, of times past, he tooke example for the time present. Adrian was a most singular friende of vertuous men, and wise Philoso∣phers, and neuer wanted their companie, either in warre or peace: because of the vertuous he learned how to liue, and of the Philosophers howe to gouerne.

Turbone, maister of the horse men had a sonne with Adrian, sufficiently valiant, and with Adrian very pri∣uate: but ioyntly w^t this, he held him for presumptuous in spéech, and couetous in dealings, because all which Adrian did at his request and suite, he solde it all for money: the truthe of this case being knowen, Adrian receiued therof so great displeasure, that presently he commaunded the young man to be apprehended, and that all things which by briberie he had purloined shoulde be taken from him, and restored vnto the owners, and to be transported as a banished man to the Isle of Pontus: vnto whome Adrian saide, of this offence, thou shalt remaine chasticed, and I

warned for euer more, to shewe ouermuch and extreme fauour vnto my seruaunt, whereby to conuert loue into pride, or to sell fauour for couetise.

CHAP. IX. ¶Of the maner which Adrian vsed with the men of warre.

WHen Adrian parted from Almaine to come to Rome, not as then determined to haue stayed long there: but the occasion of his staye, was, for that the good Traiane, in his latter yeres, was deteined so long time in the warres of Asia, & Europa, that the cōmon wealthes of Italie were growen to greate and ouermuch libertie. Adrian depar∣ting from Rome, came streight vnto Gallia Transalpina: not to conquer but to visite the same. The frenchemen did much reioyce at his cōming, and in euery prouince did him great seruice, because Adrian was the first Romaine Prince that euer entred Fraunce in peace, for that all his predecessours brake in by violent hostilitie. Personally visiting all Gallia, wherein he did erect newe buildinges, repaired the olde, reedified temples, reformed priestes, set at libertie certeine gentlemen, gaue giftes vnto the people, pardoned some offences, and punished others: fi∣nally all his déedes, were gratefull vnto the citizens, & pro∣fitable vnto the common wealth. The affaires of Fraunce being set in order, once more he returned to passe y^e Alps, and tooke his way into Almaine, without any disposition to make warre, but to procure peace: for that Adrian na∣turally was giuen friendly with all men to haue peace, whiche if they would not accept, he was not after easie to intreate.

In the time that Adrian had most peace, then did he exercise his men of warre, as if he had béene amongest his enimies: and for this cause he helde opinion, that al Prin∣ces did craue his peace, for that he was neuer vnreadie to

make warre. Adrian inuented many deuises, wherin his knightes might exercise their strength, as wagers to runne, towers, and fortes of wood, and earth, to assault, marche tenne against tenne in combat: he sought out strong places to practise the arte of mining, prouoked them to go to wrastling, and brought them to riuers to learne to swim: finally, he held them so occupied, that they desi∣red rather to fight an whole day in earnest, then so many dayes in iest. Also Adrian did vse to féede of the common victuals of the camp, that is to saye, grose baken, rat eaten chéese, powdred béefe, and barley bread: and if any thinge were drest for his owne person, more delicate then y^e rest, he made suche diuision, that the least parte came to him selfe. What more or lesse, he alwayes did weare some armour: and if by chaunce he found any gentleman vn∣armed, presently he was checked of his wages: affirming, that the man that goeth vnarmed, ought not to be intrea∣ted and honoured as a gentlemā. In the armies, amongst the greater or lesse, better or woorse, their worke or ex∣ercise was equally diuided: whiche is to wéete, when the time was to drawe, all did hale and drawe: and when the time was to dig, all without exception at their turne, did dig and mine: at the time of watching in their course, eue∣ry man did watche: in these trauels he did no more excuse him selfe then others: for at his turne, he did both watche and dig in the mine with his owne handes. He had not, neither consented in the warres, the vse of high tables to féede on, either portals to passe the time, neither canes to coole or recreate, either warmed water to bathe, neither cookerie or dressing of meate, either selling of swéete oynt∣ments: for he helde opinion, that the good and valiant soul∣diers, did not annoynt them selues, but with the blood of enimies. Adrians garments were not curious or costlye, but very cleanly, whereunto he was addicted, both in diet, and apparell: and after a maner he did abhorre suche men as were not nete and fine: affirming, that filthie men be al∣wayes of drousie iudgements.

In the warres he did neuer weare silk, purple, or riche vesture, either buttons, or agglets of golde, or his dagger, swoorde, or armour gilte: but notwithstanding verye fine and strong. When any was notified in the warres, of valiant and doubtie déedes, presently he did notifie him, with great and bountifull rewardes: in such manner, that he did not deferre to recompence at Rome any seruice don in the warres. When he trauailed through mountaines, most times he did alight to bring other men on foote, and did marche xv. or xx. miles in his armour: and this he did, to kéepe their horses freshe and lusty, if they should hap to encounter with the enimie. He did alwayes lodg with∣in the campe, and ordinarily he went from tent to tent, to visite the wounded, and with the whole and sound to haue conuersation. Adrian was so familiar with his men of warre, that he called verie many by their names, and knew all men by their gesture: in such wise, that no eni∣mie or straunger, might enter his campe that to him was vnknowen. When a horsemans rome was vacant in the warres, the captaines sought out such as should succéede: but Adrian in his owne person would examine him, and this he did, to knowe his face, and try his strength. Such as he did elect tribunes, or captaines of his armies, were verie valiant, but not couetous: and ioyntly therewith, he admitted not young men without beardes, either olde men brokē or decayed: doubting, in too much youth, want of gouernement: and in too much age, strength to fight. He made good paye vnto his men of warre, streightly for∣bidding his captaines to imbezill any wages, or to take a∣waye present giuing vnto the souldiers: and this Adrian did, to auoide necessitie in the one, and couetise in the o∣ther. He did prohibite by a publique lawe, that none should carrie vnto the warres any superfluous thing, and that none should presume to buy or sell any thing that was not necessarie. Very diligent to furnishe his camps with victuals, which being brought vnto the campe, he did so prise them, that the buyer was not robbed, either the

seller defrauded. Imitating Vegetius, Adrian did write a booke, wherein he did instruct the captaines, howe they should fight: and an order, how tribunes shoulde gouerne the armies: to conformitie whereof he made many excel∣lent lawes, which for long time were obserued of the Ro∣maine Princes. In this case, of order, prouision, and cor∣rection of the men of warre, they were onely thrée Prin∣ces that attained vnto the chiefe perfection thereof: that is to saye, Augustus, Traiane, and Adrian, because all other Princes, helde men of warre not to defend, but to dissipate the common wealth.

CHAP. X. ¶Of the actes that Adrian did in Englande, Fraunce, and Spaine.

ALl the time that Adrian was in Almaine, he did moste occupie him selfe in reforming his men of warre into good customes and order, which he did not without greate prudence, after the manner of a good mariner, whiche in time, when the Sea is calme, doeth dresse and mende his failes, & order his anchors against the storme and soudein chaunces that may followe in time to come.

From Almaine, Adrian came vnto greate Britaine, whiche is nowe called England, and there founde peace, as in Fraunce, which was then holden for a greate mar∣uaile: because from the time of Iulius Caesar, whiche did first conquer the same, vnto the dayes of Adrian, they were neuer without warres with the Frenche men, or rebelling against the Romaines.

Presently vppon his en∣trie into Britaine, he sought curiously to be informed of the lawes they helde, and of the customes they vsed: which being perused and examined, some he did allowe, and some he did remoue and make frustrate: especially, he did adni∣hilate that lawe, whereby the man should holde ii. wiues, and the woman .vii. husbandes. When Iulius Caesar did

conquer the Ilande of England, he brought many people out of Italie to inhabite that countrie: and although the natiue, with the straunger, helde no warre, yet liued they not in perfect peace: for the Britans did terme y^e Romaines newe come men, and the Romaines did call them Barba∣rians.

Adrian finding that no friendship might be framed by prayer, or amendment by correction, deuised to diuide the kingdome in the middest: and the case was thus: that in the middes of the kingdome, he made a wall from Sea to Sea, a worke most straunge, wherein this Prince did imploy great treasure. Adrian being resident in Britaine, was aduertised from Rome of the want of good gouerne∣ment that was vsed in his wiues house, by the occasion of certeine Romaines, which aduentured to accompany the Empresse: whose conuersation was more to the preiudice of his fame, then to the profite of his seruice. Septicius Prefectus, and Sortonius Tranquillus, which at that time were Secretaries vnto the Senate: these & others grewe very familiar with the Empresse Sabina: whome Adrian sent commaundement to be depriued of their offices, and to be banished Rome, Sabina, Adrians wife, was hol∣den to be franke of speache, and of life somewhat licenti∣ous. Adrian did greatly abhorre to haue Sabina vnto his wife: and would saye, not in secrete, but openly, that if he were a common person, he would haue béene diuorced, for that in her conuersation shée was presumptuous, & in life loose & dissolute.

Adrian was much inclined to vnder∣stand, not onely the conditions & inclinations of his frinds but also of the manner which they vsed to liue in their houses: for the vnderstanding wherof, he woulde inquire of the seruaunts, slaues and labourers that brought them victuals, what they did eate, and what they did drinke, & what their maisters spent in their houses.

Sabina wife vnto Adrian, did write a certeine letter vnto a Romaine gentleman, complaining that he would not come to visite her, through y^e pleasures of Britaine, & newe loues in that countrey y^t he had taken in hand, which letter happening by chaunce into the handes of Adrian, & the knight vnder∣standing

therof, neither went to Rome or abode in Britan. All things set in order in greate Britan, Adrian had intel∣ligence, that in Gallia Transalpina, which nowe is named swéete Fraunce, a popular sedition was raised, in such euil maner, that if it were not presently cut off, it might break out into a long & cruel warre. All the contention was rai∣sed vpon certein boūds & pastures, in a place called Apim:

Presently Adrian passed into Gallia, & personally went to sée y^e marks & bounds therof: & the one & the other heard, he did diuide those bounds & limits equally betwixt them. When as a Romaine saide vnto Adrian, y^t it was the of∣fice of a poore Iudge, & not of a mightie Emperour, he an∣swered: I had rather diuide boundes in peace, then con∣quer countries with warre. Now, when Adrian would de∣parte from Fraunce, he receiued newes from Rome, howe Plotina wife vnto Traiane was dead: and as shée had béen his onely mistresse, & his special friend, he felt her death so sensibly y^t besides sighing & wéeping, he grewe so extremly sorrowful, y^t he did not eate in long time.

He staide in the place where he receiued these newes many moneths, and presently did write vnto y^e Senate, y^t Plotina should be a∣dored amongst y^e Goddessses: and on the other parte, he cō∣maunded costly & generous sacrifices to be offered for her: he did edifie vnto her honour & perpetual memorie, a tem∣ple neare vnto Mansin, which he erected vppon pillers of marueilous marble, & did endue with great riches. The affaires of Fraunce being dispatched, he came by y^e Pyrineā hilles, into Spaine, & staied a whole Winter in the citie of Taragon: which in those auncient times, was the moste strong, riche, & also most estéemed in all Spaine. When the Emperour Octauius did conquer Cantabria, he did builde in Taragon, a most noble house, which by the antiquitie therof was much decayed: y^e emperour Adrian at his own cost, cōmaūding to be reedified in such wise, y^t by repairing the decayed edificies, he renued there y^e name of Romanes. The imperiall house being made, Adrian kept court there with all the mightie and noble men of Spaine: where and with whome he made manye and good lawes: and in

especiall,

he commaunded that the father whiche had but one sonne, should commit the same vnto the warres, if he had twaine, the second should be committed vnto science, and the thirde shoulde learne some occupation in the com∣mon wealth.

The Spaniardes complained, that the shippes of Italie did transport many thinges out of Spaine, that is to saye, golde, siluer, silke, oyle, yarne, wheate, and wine: and out of Italie, they brought nothing into Spane: whereupon Adrian commaunded, that no straunge ship shoulde lade any thing out of Spaine. Adrian gaue greate rewardes vnto many, and some for company, he caused to goe with him, and others some he gaue offices bothe by Sea and land, of great honour: and generally, he gaue money vnto all cities, to repaire their decaied walles, in suche wise, that all Spaine, of him, helde them selues right well con∣tented. There in Taragon, Adrian walking alone in a garden, by chaunce, a young man being madde, brake forth vppon him with swoorde drawne: Adrian, although without armour, did take away his swoord, without com∣maundement of correction, either to him or his maister, & also with great pitie, prouided for his cure: of which déed Adrian was praised for valiant and pitifull. Also in the prouince of Taragon, they had cotētion for their bounds, wherein Adrian prouided to plant lande markes of stone, after the maner of pillers, to the ende, that they shoulde neither be stolne or chaunged.

CHAP. XI. ¶Howe Adrian did passe into Asia, and of the things that chaunced there.

ALl the prouinces of Spaine being visited, Adrian made his nauigation, by the Sea Mediterrane vnto the Isle of Sicyl, where he mounted the hill Aetna, to behold the marueilous thinges therein conteined: from whence he

descended more in feare and abashed, then either instruc∣ted or satisfied. Adrian being descended from the hill Aetna, astonied, wearied and also derided, staide not in that kingdome, but to visite the woorkes of the good Tra∣iane, which he did amplifie with buyldinges, and indued with patrimonies. Adrian being resident in Sicyl, vnder∣stoode that Asterlike the greatest lorde of Germanie was dead, in whose place he presently created a king, whom he sent to gouerne the same, bothe well receiued, and better obeyed: bycause the Germaines helde them selues escan∣dalized, in that they had not kinges to gouerne them, but Consuls to chastice them.

The Mauritans, and the Numidians being diuided in cruell dissention, and vnderstanding that Adrian was in Sicyl, readie to passe into Africa: amongest them selues they cut off all causes of warre, and concluded an assured peace. At that time also the Parthians soudeinly did arme them selues, came into the fielde, made captaines, and fortified their frontiers: and brought their seigniorie to be ouer the Romaines, and not the Romaines ouer the Parthians. Adrian being aduertised of this commotion, prepared a greate armie to passe into Asia, and also did write vnto the Parthians, giuing to vnderstand, that he helde them as his friendes, and the Senate estéemed them as brethren, and not as vassals: wherewith the Barbari∣ans were so muche satisfied, that presently they left their armour, and proclaimed peace throughout the lands. Not∣withstanding, he was aduertised of the Parthians retire, he alwayes continued his nauigation into Asia: and des∣cended first in Achaia, and entred Elusin, a famous citie of that prouince: and leading a great armie, & possessing but little money, he seazed the sacred thinges of the tem∣ples, saying, that he did it not, as a Romain Prince, but as a Grecian: for that Hercules and Philip béeing Greeke Princes, had first done and attempted the same. He a∣lone did enter the temples of Asia, which was holden for great valiantnesse: because without armour, he entred a∣mongest

the armed Priestes: and being demaunded, why he would enter to robbe those temples alone and vnar∣med, aunswered: because, from our barbarous enimies we take by violence, but from the Gods by request.

Adrian departed also vnto Athens, and curiously did consider the order of their studies, and the maner of their life: and saide, that in Athens, there was nothing perfect, but Agonata the swoorde player: because he had greater readinesse and skill to playe with the swoorde, then the Philosophers in teaching Sciences: Whiche notwith∣standing, he did greatly honour the Philosophers: and to some townes, he gaue great liberties: from thence, he re∣turned to Rome, where he stayed but to visite, to honour, and also to bewaile and mourne vppon the tumbe of Plo∣tina. Which being finished, Adrian againe went into Si∣cyl, and from thence into Africa, where he did visit many townes and cities, reedified certeine buyldinges, banished diuers Numidians, and also Mauritanes, for their muti∣nies. From thence he did passe once more into Asia, streight vnto Athens, where he finished a certeine tem∣ple which he had begonne, dedicating y^e same vnto the God Iupiter, wherein he did ingraue the Image of Traiane, & did paint with his owne handes the figure of Plotina, his

moste especiall souereigne ladye and mistresse. The grea∣test exercise that Adrian did vse in Asia, was in buylding, repairing, and consecrating temples: wherein he did place his name, and paint with the pencill, or else in Ala∣baster did graue his figure.

Adrian feasted and made a greate banquet vnto king Cosdroe, at that time king of Parthians, & also did restore him his daughter, which was committed for hostage vnto the good Traiane, and a litter curiously wrought with sil∣uer, golde and Vnicorne, and gaue him also many other iewels. Many kinges of Asia and other greate Princes, came to visite and to honour Adrian, who gaue them all so noble entertainement, and so highly rewarded them, that greate was the honour and magnificence he obtained a∣mongest

them. Pharasmano king of the Albans refusinge to visite the Emperour Adrian, and to renue the league made betwixt him and the good Traiane: not many dayes after, Adrian wanted not occasion to dispossesse him of his estate, and to banishe him all Asia, constrained thereby to craue vpon his knees, which would haue béen giuen him, sitting in his chayre. Adrian, traueiling and iourneying throughout Asia, visiting his presidentes, procurors, and chiefe officers, finding amongest them faultes of great en∣ormitie, did punishe the same with moste cruell chastise∣mentes. The cause is not vnknowen of the displeasure that Adrian did beare vnto Antioche, which hatred was so greate, that he trauailed to diuide Syria from Phoeni∣cia, to the ende that Antioche shoulde not be the head of so many prouinces. Visiting also the whole countrie of Arabia, he came vnto the renoumed citie of Peluno, onely to visite the sepulture of the great Pompeius, which he re∣nued and enriched, and also did offer greate and sumptu∣ous sacrific••s, in the honour of the great Pompeius: wher∣of the Romaine people being aduertised, receiued no small delight. He did not onely honour the sepulture of Pom∣peius, but also gaue greate rewardes vnto the people of Pelusio, because they had that sepulchre in reuerence, placing vppon the sepulchre with his owne handes this verse as followeth: Ossa viri magni, tenni quam blausa se∣pulchro.

Howe small a tumbe of lime and stones, Conteines a valiant warriours bones.

CHAP. XII. ¶Of the great liberalitie that Adrian vsed, and some cruelties that he com∣mitted.

ONe of the thinges, wherin the Emperour Adrian de∣serued most iustly to be praised was, y^t w^t al mē he vsed

great magnificence and liberalitie: for that naturally, in receiuing he was a niggard: but in giuing very bountifull. There was not euer any thing demaunded, that he gaue not: if it were not preuented by some others suite, which alwayes he did recomfort with hope for time to come.

The rewardes of his noblenesse, was the gift of townes, cities, castles, Prouinces, kingdomes, mountaines, riuers, flockes or heardes, salt marishes, milles, offices: and not onely such as hapned in the gouernement of the common wealth: but also he gaue the horsses out of his stable, the garments for his person, the prouision for his dispences, and the money for his chamber: in such wise, that to deli∣uer others from necessitie, he brought him selfe in to want of prouision.

Adrian in his life was noted of di∣uers weaknesses and defections, which were both colou∣red and couered, with his large and bountifull giftes. Great were the rewardes that he gaue vnto Epiteus, and Eliodorus philosophers: but much more was his liberali∣tie towardes Phauorinus, bycause he both gaue him great goodes, and honour in the common wealth. His custome was, when he sent for any to serue him in the warres, to giue him al things necessarie for y^e same, that is to say, ar∣mour to fight, & money to spend. Adrian being aduertised of a noble gentleman of Numidia, named Malacon, a man both valiant & warlike: who refusing to receiue the vsuall rewarde that Adrian gaue vnto suche as did accompanie him in warres, sayde vnto him: It is more reason that I should preuent thée, in doing mine office, then thou shoul∣dest precede mée in doing thy dutie: which is to say, that before thou beginne to fight, I shoulde beginne to gratifie thée: for in the end, it is much more that thou doest for me, in aduenturing thy life, then I in rewarding thée with my goods. Many times Adrian would boast him selfe, that he coulde neuer remember that he had eaten alone, but al∣wayes did eate in the companie of Philosophers that dis∣puted in Philosophie: eyther else of capteines, that did talke and conferre in matters of warre.

He was neate in his apparell, curious and delicate in his diet.

Examining the order of the diet of his housholde, and finding the prouision prouided for the honour there∣of, to be imbeziled and purloyned by officers, he com∣maunded them to be whipt, and turned out of his gates: for notwithstanding, he had a noble mynde, to giue a Pro∣uince for a reward, he had not patience to suffer or endure, the deceit or stealth of a pennie. Adrian was a man both seuere, gladsome, graue, courteous, pleasant, suffering, rashe, patient, furious, a sauer, liberall, a dissembler, piti∣full, & cruell: finally, he was variable in his vices, and in∣constant in vertues: bycause he did not long absteine from euill, eyther long continue in doing good.

Adrian vnto his friendes, was bothe gratefull and vnkinde: that is to say, he gaue them much goods, and did not much estéeme their honour. Great inconuenience did followe the Em∣perour Adrian, for his infidelitie and want of faith vnto his friendes: which did most clearely shewe it selfe in Ta∣tianus, Nietus, Seuerus, and Septitius: whom at one time he helde for friends, & after did persecute them as enimies. Eudemius a noble Gentleman of Rome, he was so great a frend with Adrian, that he offered sacrifices vnto the gods to giue him the Empire: and after Adrian did beare him so great hatred, that he did persecute him, not onely to cast him out of Rome, but also vntill he had brought him to ex∣treme pouertie. Polenus and Marcellus, were of Adrian so euil handled and persecuted, that they chose rather to dye with their owne handes: then to liue vnder his go∣uernement. Eliodorus, a most famous man in letters, both Gréeke and Latine, was not onely of Adrian per∣secuted, but also put to death, and torne in pieces: whose death was much be wailed for that he was profitable vnto the whole comon wealth. Oluidius, Quadratus, Catalius, & Turbon, auncient Consuls, were by Adrian persecuted, although not put to death, bycause euery one séeking to saue his life, were banished Rome and all Italie. The no∣ble Consul Seuerianus, husbande vnto Sabina, sister vnto

Adrian, of the age of a hundred and ninetie yeares, was constrained to dye, for no more, but for that he had repor∣ted to haue liued the death of thirtene Emperours, & that if Adrian should dye first, it should make vp the number of xiiij. the which, when Adrian vnderstoode, he rather de∣termined to take him from amongest the liuing, then he should reckon him amongst the deade.

In all things Adri∣an was very wel learned: that is to say, reading, writing, singing, painting, fighting, hunting, playing, and disputing: but that he had therewith a tache or a fault: which was, that if he knewe muche, he presumed much, wherein he was noted of all men, bycause he scorned all men. After he entered into Aegypt, he gaue him selfe vnto Astrologie: and held for custome yearely to write out of that science, of al things that should happen that yeare: which also he did in the yeare that he dyed, but obteined not the knowledge thereof.

Adrian in one thing did séeme to excell, in that he neuer desired the knowledge of any facultie, art, or science: but that he procured to be singular. He ouercame many warres with armes, but he did appease and cut off many more with giftes: bicause vnto diuers peoples, cities, and townes, he gaue libertie and priuileges, and to his Lords and viceroyes, he gaue great rewardes. Although in some particular things, touching both friendes and enimies, he shewed him selfe both affectionate, and also passionate: vniuersally, as touching the weale of the common welth, Adrian was alwayes friend in ministring iustice. When there happened any graue matters, at the souden, he wold furiously be altered: but at the time of iudgement and de∣terminatiō, seriously he did both consider & examine them. He did sildome determine matters without counsel, and to this end chiefly vsed the aduice of Siluius and Nerati∣us, the most learned of that age, and approued by the Se∣nate. Naturally, he was of an vnquiet heart, and of con∣dition intermedling. It did happen vnto him many times in reading of histories, when he found of any place or coū∣trie,

that was possessed of any extremitie, or singularitie, that he could not come to the viewe thereof, with extreme desire, he did many times growe both sicke and sorrowfull. Notwithstanding he was large and of great magnanimi∣tie with Philosophers, with countries, with men of warre, and with his friends: much more was his magnificence to the ministers of iustice: and being demaunded of Fauori∣nus, why he was so boūtiful vnto them, answered: I make the ministers of iustice riche: bycause, by robberie of iustice, they shall not make other men poore.

CHAP. XIII. Of the lawes that Adrian made.

MAny and right necessarie lawes were made by A∣drian, whiche were approued by the Senate, and re∣ceiued of the common wealth, and long time obserued. He did ordeine, that if any man would remoue from one citie to an other, that at his owne libertie he might sell his house, but not to aduenture to pull it downe, eyther to sel or make profite of the stuffe therof: bycause the autho∣ritie of a common wealth is impayred, when the buil∣dings be ruinated.

He did also ordeine, that when any man was condemned to dye for offences of great enormi∣tie, and his goodes confiscate, that his children, shoulde in∣ioy the tenth part of those goodes: in suche wise, that for that, whiche was taken from them, they had to bewaile the offence of their fathers, and for that which was gi∣uen them, they shoulde féele, and also commende the cle∣mencie of the Prince.

Also there were certaine cases forbidden, in whiche if any man did fall, or incurre, he was accused as if he had committed great treason againste the estate Royall

of the Prince: all whiche Adrian did remoue and adnihi∣late: affirming, that those lawes, were but of small ser∣uice, to the behoofe of the Prince, and to the great offence of the common wealth. Also the Romaine Princes did vse to inherite the goods of straungers: wherin Adrian did ordeine, that the children, or the next of the kinne shoulde inioye the same. Also he ordeined, that what so euer he were, that founde hid treasure, in his owne inheritaunce, should inioy the whole: and if it were founde in an other mans inheritaunce, the owner thereof should haue the one moitie: and if it were founde in publike or common place, that then it should be equally parted with the Confiscator. Also he ordeined, that no man what so euer, of his own au∣thoritie should kill his slaue, for any offence: but to be re∣mitted vnto the Iudge, deputed by the Prince. Also he made a lawe of refourmation, both for eating of superflu∣ous meates, and also for wearing of garments, eyther too many, or ouer costly.

Also he did ordeine, that none what so euer, should goe or be carried in a litter: and one whiche he had, he commaunded for example, to be burnt, in the market place.

He also commaunded that Consuls, and Senatours, within the compasse of Rome, should weare their gownes, whiche was a garment of peace. He also ordeined, that yong men that wanted their parentes, shuld haue tutors vnto the age of fiue and twentie yeares: al∣though they were married. He also did ordeine, that no slaue should be solde, eyther man or woman, to any ruffi∣an, iester, or iuggler: affirming the possession of slaues, to be most vniust, vnto suche as wander in idlenesse all the dayes of their life. Also

he did ordeine, that merchants, or suche as dealt with exchaunge, that brake their credite, or were bankrupts without iust cause, but only of couetous∣nesse, by defraude to inrich them selues: to be set vpon the pillorie in the market place, and afterwardes to be bani∣shed Rome for euermore.

He did ordeine, that none what so euer, should suffer execution within the citie of Rome: affirming, that so generous a citie, and consecrate vnto the

Gods, were not conuenient to be defiled with the bloude of wicked men.

Also he did ordeine, that men and women shoulde haue their seuerall bathes, and that who so euer should enter into the forbidden place, to suffer death for the same.

Also he did ordaine, that neyther for the Prince or Consuls, any victuals should be taken from any man: but that euery man might sell to whome he would, where he would, and how he might. He did ordeine, that no woman shuld aduēture to heale with words, eyther that any man shuld presume to cure with cōpound medicines: but to per¦fourme all their cures, with simple hearbes. In buildings he did chiefly imitate his Lord Traiane: that is to say, that in all countries, Prouinces, and kingdomes, where he had bene, he erected many and very famous buildings: where∣in it is to be noted, that he neuer placed his owne name, but in the temple of Traiane. In Rome, in a manner he wholy renued the temple named Pantheus, dedicated vn∣to the Goddesse Berecyntha, and where all the Gods were honoured. The fielde of Mars in olde time was compassed, and by great antiquitie the buildings falne flat vnto the grounde: wherein Adrian did not only renue the decayed wals, but also did furnish y^e same w^t very stately buildings. He edified the reall palace named Neptunus, he enlarged the palace of Augustus, he reedified the bath of Tyberius, he much aduaunced the temple of Titus: in all these edifi∣ces, he placed the names of the Princes that in times past built them, and not his owne name whiche had reedified them. From the foūdation he built a stately bridge, which was afterwards named Adrians bridge. He made also for him selfe a sepulchre, ioyning vnto y^e riuer Tyber, y^e stones whereof were brought from India, and the workemen out of Greece.

He translated the temple of the Goddesse of good Fortune, and the figure of Decian the artificer that was placed therein: that was of so great weight, that hardly foure & twentie Eliphants might remoue y^e same, the whiche figure was dedicated vnto the Sunne: Adrian did erect one other to be dedicated vnto the Moone,

of no lesse weight or riches then the other: whereof the great Polydore was workman.

He built in Rome a cer∣taine building, which many yeares after was named, the mole of Adrian: and at these dayes is called, the castle of of Saint Angelo. He remoued many riuers out of their chanels to water the fieldes, brought many fountaines, for prouision of cities. In Greece he edified a citie, which in time past, was named Adrianopolis. In the king∣dome of Palestine, he reedified the great citie Hierusalem, which had béene destroyed by Titus and Vespasian, and gaue it for name, Elia, for that his owne name was Elius Adrianus.

CHAP. XIIII. Of some of his gratious and pythie sentences.

THe Emperour Adrian was a Prince, not only sharpe of iudgement, and prouident in his affaires, but also of great vrbanitie, and gratious in speache. And the case was thus,

that Fauorinus a very friende to Adrian, ha∣uing an olde house, at the enterie whereof, he had raysed a stately porche paynted white, he sayde vnto him: This house of thine, seemeth a gilded pill, whiche outwardly giueth pleasure, but within is full of bitternesse. An other friende of Adrians, named Siluius, very blacke of face, and of euill shape of body, and comming on a certaine day vnto the Palace, all clad in white: Adrian sayde vnto those that were present: That blacke face with that white gar∣ment, seemeth no other but a flye drowned in a sponefull of mylke. The Emperour Adrian, vppon a time from his Palace, behelde a Senatour, in a long blacke gowne, wearing vpon the same a short crimson cloake in graine:

and demaunding, why he did weare such apparell in that place: the Senatour answered.

Syr, I walke here with this red cloake, to see if my good hap may chaunce to fish some faire Ladie. Wherevnto Adrian readily answered: Thou seemest rather a red worme to fish frogs, then as a man enamoured to fishe Ladies.

A certaine person with a hoarie heade, crauing a rewarde, whiche at that time the Emperour denyed: the sayde hoare headed fellowe, remembring him selfe, pouling his heade, and shauing his bearde, came againe vnto the Emperour, to renue his suite: and Adrian beholding howe he was altered, made fresh, and growne young, did answere: That which now thou crauest, I denyed vnto thy father. They helde in Rome many fierce beastes, to magnifie a daye of greate feasting: and when certaine Senatours sayde vnto Adri∣an, that it was somewhat late, and highe time to go chace the beasts, he made answere: Ye might better haue sayd, to be chaced of them, then the beasts to be chaced of men: for if there be ten that dare abide them, there be ten myl∣lians that runne away.

There was in Rome, a certaine man named Enatius, somewhat entered in age, and of naturall condition, mu∣tinous, ambitious, importune, intermedling, quarellous, & full of garboyle: and being aduertised that Enatius was deade, he fell into a greate laughter, and sware, that he could not a little maruell, howe he coulde intend to dye: considering his great businesse both night and daye. A certaine auncient citizen comming vnto the Emperour Adrian, for certaine suites and causes propounding his de∣maunde, and also replying an answere without intermis∣sion, remouing without all manner, any meane for the Emperour to speake, answered: Friende, if thou feede on both cheekes, we may not eate both together: Sure∣ly, it was an answere very fayre, and of great vrbanitie: for, thereby he gaue him to vnderstande, that if he both propounde and answere, he could not giue him iustice.

There was a Senatour in Rome, named Fabius Cato, of auncient yeares, and amongst the people, in great credite: but ioyntly therewith he was a man of a small stature, which would soone be offended, and as soone be pleased: vn∣to whome on a time Adrian sayde: Since your chimney is so small, you must beware to lay much wood vpon the fire: for otherwise it will be alwayes smoakie.

CHAP. XV. Of the thinges that he did woor∣thy prayse, and some other things worthy dis∣praise.

THe Emperour Adrian, did vse and intreate such as did serue him, very well and with great affection: but he might not indure them, to presume to be ouer priuate: for he would say, that he held them not to commaund him, but to serue him: and grewe not a little displeased, with such as were not moderate in their déedes, and courteous in their wordes. Being in Spaine in the citie of Taragon, he behelde in a garden, one of his meane seruaunts, walk∣ing betwixt two Senatours: vnto whome he commaun∣ded to be giuen a great blowe, with this aduertisement: The Emperour commandeth this blow to be giuen thee, bycause thou shalt be ashamed to presume to walke, with such as thou art bound to serue. In his dyet he was ney∣ther temperate, much lesse a gormound that vsed excesse: for that he left not to eate of any thing, in respect of health, or vertue: but without dyet, did eate, both what and whē he liked. In wine he had a good rellish, and at times dranke thereof so frankly, that he hindered the health of his per∣son, and also the credite of his fame. There was in his dayes great earthquakes, pestilences, dearth, and hunger: in which calamities, he shewed him selfe a pitifull Prince, and of great magnanimitie: bycause in time of hunger, he

gaue the people wherewith to be susteined, and in time of earthquakes, money to reedifie. He discharged many ci∣ties of their whole tributes, and to others some part he re∣leased: in suche wise, that in all his Empire there was no citie, that newly receiued not, some benefite at his hande, eyther deliuered not from some olde payment. In the first yeare of his Empire, the riuer Tyber did so ouerflowe, that thrée dayes damage thereof, was not repayred in thrée yeares. He was of the men of warre much feared, for that he did chastise them: and no lesse beloued, bycause he did pay them. The chiefest cause, of his great prayse in Chro∣nicles, or of writers of histories, and the tender affection that the Romaines did beare him, procéeded, that in time of peace, he helde his men of warre in great ciuilitie: and in time of warre, he gouerned the common wealth, as if it had béene in peace.

Alwayes when the Senatours repay∣red vnto him, eyther to eate, or for affaires, he did alwayes entertaine them standing: and if they were Consuls, he came foorth to receiue them, and if they were Iudges, he did rise when they came before him: and if they were of∣ficers of the Senate, he would somewhat stoupe or nod with the head: in suche wise, that with all, he vsed greate courtesie: and in speache and conference, no lesse vrbani∣tie. To repaire temples, to prouide priestes, and to offer sacrifices, he was a Prince both carefull and diligent: and ioyntly therewith it is to be noted, he consented not to the inuention of newe deuices, and muche lesse did he admit straunge customes.

CHAP. XVI. Whome Adrian did adopt to succeede him in his Empire.

AFter the Emperour Adrian had trauelled in a man∣ner throughout the world, by sea and lande, and passed both colde and heate, he fell into a grieuous sicknesse: he

himselfe, giuing occasion therof, for that in his dyet, either in the time of heate, or colde, did sildome or hardly vse any order. Presently vpon his sicknesse, his heart was tou∣ched with great care, vpon the determination, whom he should adopt to the succession of the Empire: bycause ma∣ny did followe him, that did much desire it, but verie fewe that did deserue it. The death of Seuerian, Dion doth re∣port, was after this manner.

Adrian on a certaine daye at his dinner, sayd vnto the Consuls that sate at his table: I would haue you name me ten men, in science learned, and sincere of life: vnto one of which I may commend, af∣ter my dayes, the estate of the common wealth. They all vsing silence vnto that demaund, Adrian sayd: reckon me but nine, for I haue one, and such a one, as is my brother in lawe, Seuerian: for that he hath both age, and grauitie, After a fewe dayes, that these things did passe, Adrian be∣ing in great daunger through a fluxe of bloude, that brake foorth without ceassing at his nose: doubting that first his life shoulde haue finished, before the bloude would haue staunched: did point with his finger, Lucius Cōmodus to be his successour. And after recouering more health, he was aduertised, that Seuerian and Fuscus his nephew, con∣tinued murmuring, at that whiche he had commaunded: and that vnto him the Empire was not directed: Adrian beganne to disdaine and abhorre him with great hatred. This Seuerian of the age of ninetie yeares, Adrian com∣maunded to be slaine: bycause he set him selfe in the im∣periall chaire, and gaue vnto such as were in fauour with the Emperour, a solemne supper, and bycause in secrete, he had conference with the capteines of warres. Be∣fore that Seuerian dyed, hée determined to haue giuen the Empire vnto the Consul Fuscus, which was his nephewe: but when Adrian vnderstoode, that Fuscus had conference with Magicians and Soothsayers, to be aduertised, if he should inioy the Empire, he put him to death: in suche wise, that he both lost the inheritaunce, and also his life. Pletorius Metus, came to visite Adrian in his sicknesse:

which being his great frend, he would neither heare nor sée: bicause he did imagine, y^t he came not to visite, but to inhe∣rite. Gentian the Consul, a noble and auncient Romaine, also he persecuted, for no other cause, but for that he vn∣derstoode, he was both liked and honoured of the Senate: and that all men did hope hée shoulde succéede him in the Empire. The Emperour Adrian did neuer shewe him selfe so cruell in his life, as he did somewhat before his death: bycause all those that he thought, did hope to suc∣céede him in the Empire, he commaunded to be banished or slayne. Being sicke in a village, named Tiburtina, of a fluxe of bloude, where he remained many dayes bothe desperate, vnruly, and out of temper: for that he had no patience, to thinke that he shoulde dye, and an other shoulde succéede him.

There was alwayes some vnkindnesse betwixt him, and the emperesse Sabina, but in the end, Adrian vsed such skill, that secretly he gaue poyson vnto his wife Sabina, whereby she finished his life, and he lost his suspicion. When Adrian perceiued that of necessitie he must néeds dye, and that an other must haue his Empire, he appoin∣ted Cenoio for his successour, sonne in lawe vnto Niger: and this he did against the mindes of all them whiche did serue him, and also of all such as did best loue him: bicause many others séemed to be of more deseruing, and also of more abilitie to gouerne the Empire. Vnto this Ce∣noio he gaue the name of Elio vero Caesar: and to the ende it should be gratefull vnto the people, and confirmed of the Senate: he gaue them the Circen playes, which was vnto them very acceptable, & did distribute throughout Rome, foure thousand Sextercies. Presently vpon the adoptiō of Cenoio, he gaue him the Pretourship, he placed him be∣fore the Panoniaes, which were admitted to goe next his person, did create him the second time Consul, did set him at his owne table, and did permit to accompanie him in the litter: finally, Adrian did intreate him as his sonne, and all did serue him as their Lord.

Presently after that, Cenoio was adopted, he fell sicke, of the disease of death: in suche wise, as he had not leasure to giue thankes vnto the Senate: whereof Adrian being aduertised, sayde vnto the Senate: Vnto a weake wall were we stated, that day when Cenoio was elected.

Cenoio dyed in the Kalends of Ianuarie, for which cause he was not bewailed of the people: for that moneth being dedica∣ted vnto the God Ianus, no Romaine durst bewaile the dead, eyther vtter any sorrowes for the liuing.

Adrian finding him selfe more oppressed with infirmitie, did adopt and declare Antoninus Pius his successour: vpon conditi∣on, that he should adopt the good Marcus Aurelius, and his brother Annius Verus. The adoption of Antoninus, was displeasant vnto som, but especially vnto Attilius Seuerus who with great care did solicite the Empire for him selfe: and at that time being Prefect of the citie, some he did cor¦rupt with money, and some with faire promises: but A∣drian being aduertised of y^e web that Attilius had in hande, did not commaund him to be slaine, but to be banished all Italie.

CHAP. XVII. Howe and where the Emperour Adrian dyed.

ON the day that Adrian commaunded the olde Seueri∣an to be put to death, before the executioner came to cut his throte, in a vessel he put certaine coles, adding ther∣vnto some incense, lifting vp his eyes vnto heauen, he said: You immortall Gods I take to witnesse, if I be culpable wherein I am accused, and for which this daye I am con∣demned and put to death, and ioyntly therewith I request and beseech you, that in testimonie of my innocencie, ye giue me no other reuengement: but that when Adrian shall desire to dye, he may not dye.

For the time that the Consul Seuerian was executed, Adrian neuer inioyed one day of health, but many times desired to dye, and sought occasions to kyll him selfe:

but Antoninus Pius vnderstanding thereof, commaunded him to be guarded by daye, and watched by night.

Be∣ing assayled with extreme infirmitie, and not able eyther to eate, or sléepe, he many times sought venome to drinke, sometimes he would haue a knife to kill him selfe, some∣times he wold not eate, by pure hūger to hasten his death: whereof the Senate being aduertised, they did humbly craue, that it might please his excellencie, to haue patience in that infirmitie, since the Gods were pleased to lengthen his life. Adrian was much despited, with this suite of the Senate: and so much displeased with him that sayd it, that he should be taken and put to death. Adrian had a Bar∣bar named Mastor, both faithfull and valiaunt, that did attend on his person when he did hunt, being his auncient seruaunt: whom he did most instantly desire, and secretly threaten, to dispatch him of his life: but the barbar being terrified, to heare such wordes, fled out at gates.

By chaunce he recouered a knife into his handes, wherewith he would haue dispatched him selfe: but by force it was ta∣ken from him, but therewith and from thence forwarde, more desirous to dye, and his life more hatefull vnto him.

Adrian had also a Physician borne in Africa, this man he did most instantly request, to minister vnto him some poy∣son, to finish his sorrowful and most wretched life: so hate∣full vnto him selfe: but the Physician was so faithfull vn∣to his lord, & not able to resist the suit of his souereigne, de∣termined to drink y^e same, & to die. Adrian holding him self,

for y^e most vnfortunat, & the extremest wretch in distresse, that so much desired death, and could not but liue: & most truly y^e suit of Seuerian vnto the gods, was most through∣ly perfourmed in him: that is to say, that they woulde in∣large his life, when he should desire to dye. Antoninus Pi∣us being now declared, and confirmed for Caesar, and Adri∣an euery day finding him selfe to growe in weaknesse, de∣parted from Rome, vnto the port of Baias, where he re∣mained, vsing many experiences in medicines and Phy∣sicke: which for his health did little profite, and to shorten

his life, gaue some assistaunce. Adrian dyed in that port of Baias, the sixt day of Iuly: and was buried in a village na∣med Ciceroniana. He liued thréescore and two yeares, and reigned one and twentie yeares, sixe monethes, and sixtene dayes. Before Adrian dyed, he commaunded this verse to be placed vpon his sepulchre. Turba medi∣corum, Regem interfecit. Which is to say, The Emperour Adrian by trusting Physicians, gaue so hastie an end vn∣to his yeares.