but in warre opened by that Consull, who, as the worthier person was created first. It is found in re∣cords, that this temple was shut but onely thrice. First, by Numa himselfe: secondly, by T. Manlius the Consull: and a third time by Augustus, after the battell of Actium. But why in time of warre it stood open, many reasons are given: and this is thought the chiefest, namely, an accident that be∣fell when Romulus warred against the Sabines: for when the Sabines were now possessed of the gate Carmentalis, and about to rush violently into the citie, all on a suddaine unlooked for, there issued forth upon the enemies a plenteous river and streame of hot scalding water out of the temple of Ia∣nus, which stood neere to the gate: whereupon they were driven to flee, and so the citie was saved. From hence it is, that posteritie comming after, open the dores for Ianus that he might be at libertie, when he is called forth as it were, to helpe in time of warre.
Others report, that Tatius and Romulus both, were the founders of that temple: as who, when the covenant was made betwixt them, agreed togither of that two-faced god, as an indifferent and common witnesse to them both of the accord contracted betweene two kings and two nations; and so erected unto him this temple in that very place where now the ruines of S. Katharines church are to be seene.
Moreover there be who affirme, that Cn. Duilius vowed it, and Tiberius built it: but the varietie of these opinions seemeth hereupon to arise; for that it is received and held for certain, that there were many Iani worshipped as gods by the posteritie; whereas they in old time beleeved but one: so as that which is spoken of divers, is falsly supposed, as said of one. VVhich may be seene before, where∣as wee wrote of Ianus with foure fronts or faces, whose temple was erected in the Forum. For it is said, that Ianus was the first who erected temples and ordained divine service and ceremonies for the gods; and therefore in sacrifices deserved the first place.
Pourtraied he is with a key and a wand; as who is the porter to keepe the gates, and the guide to direct the waies.
Augustus besides, brought his image out of Aegypt to Rome, and in the hearb-market built a tem∣ple in the honour of him.
To Pietie in the said hearb-market, M. Attilius Glabris dedicated a temple in that verie place where at this day standeth the Church of S. Nicholas in the prison: for even there Ap. Claudius the Decemvir by a decree of the Senat, built a prison, for that the common goale (whereof wee have written be∣fore) was not sufficient; and called it. The prison for the Commons of Rome: wherein himselfe af∣terwards being found guiltie, wrought his owne death. In which also many yeeres after, a certaine sillie poore woman of base and obscure parentage [being newly brought a bed] being apprehended for an heinous offence, was condemned to be starved to death. Her daughter, being a milch woman, and delivered lately of a child, made humble request to the goaler, that shee might have leave to goe to her mother: and when hee had made streight search before, whether shee brought with her any food; and saw her have nothing about her, let her in: and so she went and came, many times. At the last, knowne it was that the prisoner within was nourished by the breast-milke of her daugh∣ter: whereupon the mother was delivered and set free; and both mother and daughter were allow∣ed their food ever after by vertue of a decree, at the cities charges: and in regard of that kindnesse and affection of the child to the mother, they consecrated this place to the goddesse Pietas. Lavie supposeth, that it was not the mother but the father, that in this manner was by the daughter nou∣rished.