The Romane historie vvritten by T. Livius of Padua. Also, the Breviaries of L. Florus: with a chronologie to the whole historie: and the Topographie of Rome in old time. Translated out of Latine into English, by Philemon Holland, Doctor in Physicke

THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE HISTORIES OF T. LIVIVS of Padoa, from the foundation of the Cittie of Rome. (Book 2)

The Breviarie of L. Florus upon the second Booke.

BRutus tooke an oath of the people, that they should not suffer any to vaigne king at Rome. Hee com∣pelled his fellow Consul Tarquinius Collatinus, a suspected man to take part with the Tarquines, by reason of the affinitie he had with them, to give over the Consulship, and to depart the cittie. The goods of the king and his sonnes he commanded to be seised upon, and rifled. A field of theirs be consecrated to Mars, which was named afterwards Campus Martius, or Mars field. Hee be∣headed certaine young gentlemen of the nobilitie, together with his owne and his brothers sonnes, for conspiring to receive the king and his complices againe into the cittie. Vnto the bondslare Vindi∣cius, that bewraied the complot, he gave his freedome, of whom Vindicta tooke the name. Having led an armie against the king, who had assembled a power of Veientians and Tarquiniens, and made warre, he died in battell together with Aruns, the sonne of Superbus: and for his death the dames of Rome mourned one whole yeare. P. Valerius the Consull pro∣pounded and made a law concerning Appealing unto the people. The Capitoll was dedicated. Porsena king of the Clusines, warring in the quarrell of the Tarquines, and being come to the Iamculum, was by the valor of Cocles Horatius, em∣peached that he passed not the Tyber: who alone, whiles others hewed downe the Sublician bridge, withstood the Tuscanes: and when it was broken downe, leapt armed as he was into the river, and swam over to his fellowes. Another example of manhood is reported of Mutius, who being entred the camp of the enemies with full intent to kill Persona, and having slaine his principall Secretarie, whom hee tooke for the king, was apprehended: and thrusting to his hand into the fire of the altars, whereupon they had burned sacrifice, suffered it there to frie untill it was consumed: and said withall, that there were behind him three hundred more besides, that had sworne the death of the king himselfe. Who wondring at their reso∣lution, was driven to offer conditions of peace, and upon taking of hostages to give over warre: amongst whom, one virgin Cloelia, beguiled her keepers, made an escape, and swam over Tyber to her friends: and being rendred againe, was by Porsena sent honorablie home, and had her statue or image on horsebacke, set up for a memoriall. App. Claudius abandoned the Sabines, and fled to Rome, of whom the tribe Clausia tooke the name, and was added to the rest. The number of tribes was encreased, to be one and twentie. Against Tarquinius Superbus, who with a power of Latines waged warre, A. Po∣sthumius the Dictator, obtained a prosperous battell at the lake Regillus. The commonsrising, for being enthralled unto their creditors, retired themselves into the mount Sacer, and were by the policie and counsaile of Menenius Agrippa, re∣claimed from their sedition, and appeased. The same Agrippa being deceased, was by reason of his povertie, buried at the citties charges. There were created five Tribunes of the Commons. Corioli a towne of the Valscians, was taken by the valour and industrious meanes of Cn. Martius, who thereupon was surnamed Coriolanus. T. Latinus a meane Com∣moner was warned in a dreame to make relation to the Senate of certaine religious ceremonies: and for neglecting the same, lost his sonne, and sell himselfe to bee lame of his lims, and being brought into the Senate in a chaire, after hee had declared the same, returned sound on his feet home againe. Cn. Martius Coriolanus after he was banished, became general of the Volscians, and with an armie of enemies approached the cittie of Rome: unto whom, first Embassadors were of purpose sent, and afterwards the Priests and whole Cleargie persuaded with him, not to make warre against his native countrey, but all in vaine. Howbent Veturia his mother, and Volumnia his wife entreated him and obtained, that hee should depart backe againe. The law Agraria, Concerning division of lands among the poore commons, was now first put up and proposed. Sp. Cassius and Alderman, after he had beene Consul, was condemned for aspiring to be king, and suffered death therefore. Oppia á Vest all Nun was for incest buried quicke. Against the Veientians neeve enemies and ill neighbours, yet indeed troublesome rather than noisome and dangerous, the house alone of the Fabij, required to be emploied in services: and set out three hundred and fixe armed men to the field, who everie one were by the enemies slaine neere the river Cremera, and left but one onely at home alive of that name, under foureteene yeares of age. Ap. Claudius the Consull having fought unfortu∣nately against the Volscians, and that, by meanes of the stubbornesse and unrulinesse of his armie, cudgeled everie tenth man of his souldiors. Over and besides (this booke) containeth the exploits against the Volscians, Aequtans, and Veientians, and the seditious discords betweene the Nobilitie and Commons.

NOw will I describe from henceforth, the acts both in war and peace of the [unspec G] people of Rome, a free state now from this time forward: their yearely Magistrates and governours: the authoritie and rule of laws, more po∣werfull and mightie than that of men. Which freedome of theirs, the last kings pride made more acceptable and welcome. As for the other kings before him, they raigned so, as that they might bee counted all of them, and that worthily builders of sundrie part of the cittie one after another, according as they everie one by himselfe added still one new place or other, for the multitude by them encreased, to inhabite. Neither is it to be doubted, but that even the verie same Brutus, who deserved so great honour and glorie for expelling the [unspec H] prowd king Tarquine, should have done the same to the exceeding danger of the weale publick, if for desire of unripe and untimely freedome, he had wrested the roiall dignitie and governe∣ment: from any of the former princes. For what would have come of it, if that communaltie consisting of heardmen and fugitive strangers, resorting out of their owne countries there to dwell, having under protection of a sanctuarie and priviledged place gotten libertie, or at least∣wise impunitie; being now freed and past feare of a roiall majestie, had begun to be troubled and disquieted, with the ruffling stormes and seditious tempests of the Tribunes? and in a new and strange cittie sowen debated, and intertained variance with the Nobilitie, before that the fu∣rest pledges of wives and children, the dearest affection of the verie place and soile, which re∣quireth long time of liking and loving, had united and knit their hearts together? Certes, the [unspec I] state not yet come to full growth and maturitie, had by discord faded and come to naught, which a peaceful and gracious governement cherished and fostered, and by cherishing and nouri∣shing brought to that passe, that now being come to ripenesse and perfection of strength, it might be able to bring forth and beare the good and wholsome fruits of libertie.

The beginning of this freedome you must account in regard hereof, That the Consularie re∣giment was annuall, and from yeare to yeare, rather than that the roiall power and jurisdiction that the kings had, was any whit abated & diminished. For the first Consuls had the same abso∣lute authoritie, held all the former roialties, and retained still the regall ensignes and ornaments of supreme dignitie. This only provided, that they should not both have the rods borne before them, for avoiding a twofold feare and dread of their majestie. Brutus with the good liking and [unspec K] consent of his companion in office, had the preheminence and prerogative of that honour to be done unto him alone: who had not been aforetime a greater instrument, and more forward to procure and recover the libertie, than he was afterward a sure maintainer and protector of the same. And first above all other things, whilest the people were yet greedie of this new freedome, for feare least they might any time after he won by entreatie or moved by gifts on the kings part, he caused them to swear that they would never suffer any to be king at Rome. After this, because the Senat might be of more power and greater reputation, by the frequent company of that de∣gree and order: he encreased their number (which had ben impaired much by massacres, com∣mitted by the late king) to the full complement of three hundred: by chusing the cheese and principall of the degree of knights of horsemen. And hereof came as they say, this custome, to [unspec L] admit into the Senate both them that were before time of the ancient Nobilitie, and also those that were newly chosen for the supplie: naming these that were last enrolled, the new Senat. And a wonder it was to see, how much good this did to the concord of the cittie, and to the knitting of the hearts of Nobles and Commons together.

This done, they went in hand with religion and church matters: and for that there were cer∣tain publick sacrifices that had been usually executed by the kings themselves in their owne per∣sons: least therefore they should not find the misse of kings in any respect, nor long after them again, they create of purpose a king-priest of sacrificer: which sacerdotall dignitie they ordained to be under the Arch-prelate, least that this new addition & title of honor, might prejudice their freedome any jot, whereunto they had then a special regard above all other things. And I wot not [unspec M] well, but I thinke verily they went beyond all measure, and were over precise in the maintainance and strengthening thereof every way, even in the smallest trifles, and toies of no moment.

For when as nothing els was offensive unto them, the name forsooth of one of their Consuls became suspected and odius unto the cittie, without any other scandale whatsoever. And thus they mut∣tered and said, that the Tarquinij had raigned overlong, and too much alreadie: that Priscus first

[unspec A] began, and when after him succeeded king Servius Tullius, Superbus Tarquinius not having in that time and space betweene, forgot the kingdome, as seeing another invested therin; by wic∣ked practice and violence claimed and recouered the same againe, as the inheritance properly to his house belonging. And now that Superbus is driven out and gone, the rule and gouerne∣ment is devolved unto Collatinus and there resteth. These Tarquines belike (say they) cannot skill how to liue as private men: giving out among, that the verie name was dangerous to a free state, and in one word, they could not endure it. These and such like speeched at first were whispered abroad throughout all the citie, by them that underhand sounded by little & little the harts and dispositions of men: and when these surmises & suspitions were once buzzed into the commons heads, and they thereby disquieted, Brutus called them to a generall assemblie.

Where first and [unspec B] formost he reciteth the oth of the people, That they should suffer none to be king, not oughtels in Rome,* 1.1 from whence might arise any danger to their libertie. This moth is the thing (quoth hee) that with all diligence, and by all meanes possible is to be maintained, and nothing therto appertaining is to be dispised and lightly regarded.

As for me, I am unwilling to speake, in re∣spect of the person, neither would I speak at all, but that the love & affection to the C. W. doth overrule me. The people of Rome is not throughly persuaded, that they have recovered their entire and perfect libertie. For as yet the kings blood, yea and the kings name, not onely re∣maineth still, but also beareth soveraigne rule in then citie: This is it that hurteth, this is it I say that hindereth their true freedome. Now quoth he, L. Tarquinius willingly of your owne ac∣cord rid them of their fear. We remember well, we confesse and acknowledge, you it was that ex∣pelled [unspec C] the kings. Finish therefore and perfit this great benefit of yours: take away from hence the kings name also. As for your goods and substance, your citizens and countrimen, if they will be advised by me, shall not onely yeeld unto you againe, but if ought be short and wanting, shall by my consent supplie the same to the full right liberally. Depart I say, and friendly take your leave: deliver the citie and disburden them of this their feare, that peradventure is but vain and needlesse: Howbeit, this their minds give them, that together with the stocke and house of the Tarquines, the kings rule and government will likewise void and depart for ever. The Consull at this so strange and sodaine a motion, first wondred much, and was not able to open his mouth.

But afterwards as he addressed himselfe and began to make a speech, the heads of the citie came about him, & with many praiers besought the same at his hands. As for all the rest, they prevai∣led [unspec D] full little with him. But after that Sp. Lucretius, a more grave and elder man than himselfe, of greater worth aforetime, and his father in law besides, took him in hand & dealt with him sundrie waies, one while by way of intreatie, otherwhiles by persuasions and reasons, that he would con∣descend unto that which the citie in one generall consent required: then the Consull fearing, least hereafter being once out of his place and a private man againe, hee should chance to bee forced thereunto, with the losse of his goods and some disgrace perhaps besides; resigned up the office of the Consulship, and removing all that he had away to Lavinium, quit the citie and departed. Then Brutus by an act and decree of the Senat, proposed unto the people, That all the race and linage of the Tarquines should be exiled. And in a general Session of the Centuries, he created for to be his colleaque in goverment, P. Valerius, by whose assistance he had driven [unspec E] out the kings.

No man doubted now that the Tarquines were about to take armes: yet that warre happened not so soone as men looked for: but see (a thing that no man feared) they had like by fraud and treason at home to have lost & forgone their freedome again. There were of the flower of Rome, certaine youths,* 1.2 & those of no low degree not base parentage descended, who in the kings daies had lived like yoong princes more loosely and at pleasure, as companions and plaifephers with the yoong Tarquines, the kings sonnes: who seeking to enjoy the same licentious life still, in this equality of estate wherin all others then lived, made mone and complained one to another, That the libertie of others turned to their servitude.

The king, say they, is a man, at whose hands one might obtaine somewhat, as need required, were the cause right or were it wrong: where a man [unspec F] might find favour and friendship, as who could both be displeased and angrie, and also forgive and remit a fault, and knew well how to make difference betweene a friend and a foe. As for lawes, they are things dease and inexorable: more holsome and commodious to the poore than to the rich and mightie, affourding no release not pardon, if one chance to trespasse and transgresse: And a ticklish point it is and perilous, for a man among so many errours whereto our frailtie is subject, to beare himselfe onely upon his innocent life. Being thus of their owne accord alreadie

discontent, sodainly unlooked for, there came embassadours from the kings, who without any [unspec G] mention at all of returne, demaunded onely their goods againe.

Vpon their message being being de∣livered and heard in the Senate house, this debate and questions held them for certaine daies in counsell, fearing least that the goods not restored might minister occasion of quarrell, and be∣ing rendered, yeeld maintenance and nourishment of warre. In the meane time the Embassa∣dours dealt & treated with divers persons diversly: in open shew, claiming only their goods, but secretly and under hand, contriving how to compasse the kingdome for their maisters. And un∣der colour of procuring friends for the accomplishement of that which they pretended, and was in question, they sounded eftsoones the minds of certaine noble young gentlemen, how they stood affected to their dessignements. Whose words and reasons were of them gently intertai∣ned: and thereupon they delivered unto them letters from the Tarquines, and withall conferred [unspec H] together, and practised the receiving of the kings privily by night into the citie. The execution of this plot was principally committed to certain of the Vitellij and Aquilij, that were brethen. A sister of the Vitellij was married unto the Consull Brutus, by whom he had two sons that were young men, Titus and Tiberius, whom their vncles by the mother side made partakers with them likewise of their counsell. Besides, there were diverse young gentleman (whose names long time hath worne out quite) made acquainted there with. In this meane season, their opinion in the Se∣nat house prevailed, who thought is best that the goods should be restored: and the embassadors upon that occasion made stay in the cittie, for that they had gotten time of the Consuls to pro∣vide carriage for to have away the kings staffe, and other moveable goods. All the time spent they in consulting with the Conspirators, and so importunatelylaboured them, untill they had [unspec I] procured their letters also unto the Tarquinij: for otherwise (say they) how will they beleeve but that their Embassadours make wrong report of matters so important. The giving of those letters in pledge of their truth and plaine meaning, prooved to bewray and reveale their purpo∣sed enterprise. For the day before the Embassadours were to take their leave, and returne to the Tarquines, they fortuned to sup with the Vitellij: and whilest the conspirators there, were in sad and close talke together, conferring at large about this new devised practise, and no man by but onely themselves (as the manner is:) a certaine bondslave chanced to overheare them, one that before, had an incling where about they went, but waited the opportunitie when the let∣ters should be given to the Embassadors, which being found upon them, might directly prove the treason. This slave after he understood the letters were delivered, gave intelligence of all un∣to [unspec K] to the Consuls: who immediately departed from their houses to take the Embassadours, and the conspirators in the manner,* 1.3 and without any stirre or tumult light upon them unwares, and da∣shed all. But of the letters they had a speciall care, that they should be forthcoming and not miscarie. And commiting the traitors forthwith to prison, they made some pause and doubt about the Embassadors, what to doe with them. For albeit they seemed to have deserved no lesse but to be vsed as enemies, and to have no favor at all, yet had they regard to the law of Nations. Now concerning the kings goods, which they thought meet before to be restored, the matter came about wholly in question againe before the Senatours: who being overcome with ire and indignation, denied flatly the rendring of them, yea and forbad they should bee consiscate and converted to the common treasure: but they were given away among the commons to make [unspec L] spoile & havock thereof: to the end, that they having once touched or seised on the kings goods as a bootie, might for ever after bee past all hope of any peace of favour with them. The field of the Tarquines lying between the cittie and Tyber, was consecrated unto Mars, and after called Campus Maritus,* 1.4 i. Mars field. It happened (as men say) that there was at that time standing corne there, now ripe and readie for the harvest: which crop of the ground, because they made some scruple of conscience otherwise to consume, therefore it was cut downe, come, straw, stub∣ble and all, and a great number of people sent thither at once to carrie it away in baskets and skeps, and poure it downe the Tyber, running then but shallow, as it useth to doe in the middest and heat of Summer. And so the heapes of corne, together with the mud stucke still and rested in the ebbe places and fourds of the river: and by little and little encreased with one thing or [unspec M] other that came downe the streame, untill it became an Island. Afterwards, I suppose there were dams and piles made therunto, and by mans hand it grew so high, and so firm a peece of ground, that it was able to beare even temples and stately galleries that stood thereupon.

When the kings goods were thus spoiled, rifled, and made away, the traitors were condem∣ned and put to death. Which suffering of theirs was the more notable, for that the father by his

[unspec A] place and vertue of his office, was bound and charged to see execution done upon his owne children: and he who otherwise ought not to have bene a spectator and looker on, euen he (such was his fortune) was forced of necessitie to be the principall actor in this tragicall execu∣tion. Then stood these most noble youths bound fast to a stake. But among all, the Consull his children, turned upon them the cies of everie man, from all the rest, as unknowne persons and of no reputation; all men pitied them, not so much for being punished, as for de∣serving by their fact to be punished: That they could find in their hearts and once let enter into their thought, to betraie into the hands of Tarquinius, sometimes a proud prince, and then a cruell enemie, and banished rebell, their native countrey, and lately and in that verie yeare set free from captivitie: their naturall father who set it free: the Consulship [unspec B] sprung first out of the familie of the Iunij: the nobles, the commons, and in one word, all things whatsoever in Rome belonging either to God or man.* 1.5 Then came the consuls forth, tooke their places and set them downe on the tribunall seat. The Lictours were sent to doe their office, who first stripped them naked and scourged them with rods, and then with an axe chopt off their heads. All which time,* 1.6 the father himselfe, his countenance and visage was a wonderfull specta∣cle to behold, considering how a fathers affection could hold out and abide the performance of this publike & exemplarie punishment. When the offenders had once suffered, to the end there might be shewed noble examples on both sides, for to debarre wickednes, and stop the course of sinne: the informer and reveiler of treason, had for his reward a peece of monie, out of the com∣mon treasurie, obtained his freedome, and was enfranchised a citizen of Rome. This was the first [unspec C] man as they say, that was made free by the rod Vindicta: for that the partie his name was Vindi∣cius, from whence, as some thinke, the word Vindicta was derived: after whom, this was obser∣ved. That whosoever in that sort gat their freedome, were supposed withall endenized.

When tidings here of came to Tarquinius, with the manner of proceeding in euerie circum∣stance, he not onely grieued that so great hope of his was frustrate and come to nothing, but also was set on fire with hatred and indignation: and seeing the way shut up and stopped against all deceitfull courses, he thought there was no dealing now but by fine force and open warre. Where upon he went vp and downe, sollicited and made humble suit unto the cities of Etruria, and besought the Veientians especially, and the * 1.7 Tarquiniens, that they would not suffer him, being come of their own blood, a banished man, forlorne, poore & needie, dispossessed so latelie [unspec D] of so goodly a realme and kingdome, together with his children (forward yoong men) to perish even before their eies.

Alledging that others had been sent for and set out of forrain parts unto Rome for to be kings: and he their leige king, and such an one as advanced still the Romane em∣pire by martiall prowesse, was by the wicked conspiracie of his neerest kinsfolke and friends de∣posed from his imperiall dignitie and expelled: and they now, because there was no one man thought sufficient and worthie to raigne, had parted betweene them the kingdome, and given among the people his goods as a spoile; that there might not be any one, who had not his finger, and whole hand in so foule a fact. Saying moreover, that his mind and intention was, to seeke meanes to returne into his owne countrie, to recover his crowne, yea and to persecute, and to be reuenged of those unthankfull subjects: and therefore praied them, to set to their helping [unspec E] hand, and yeeld him assistance: and not to sit downe with so many old wrongs of their owne part received, namely, their legions so often hewen in peeces, their lands and livings taken from them: but to go with him for revenge. These suggestions mooved the Veientians, and everie man for himselfe muttered and gave out in threatening wise, that now at length, having a Romane cap∣taine especially to be their leader, they were to doe away the soule dishonours sustained, and win againe what by former warre they had lost.

As for the Tarquiniens, they were soon incited in regard of name and consanguinitie, and thought it was a godly matter and an honour unto them, to haue of their owne name and house to be kings of Rome. Thus two armies of two cities banded with Tarquine, for to restore him to his kingdome againe, and to make sharp warre upon the Romanes: who being entered the territorie of Rome, were met with by the Romane consuls. [unspec F] The fooftmen marched under the conduct of Valerius, marshalled in a battallion soure square. Brutus with the horse went before to espie and discouer the coasts: In like sort the men of armes of the enemies rode foremost under the leading of Aruns Tarquinus the kings sonne, and the king himselfe in person followed with the legions.

Aruns espying by the Lictors, the Consull a farre of, and as he approached neerer knowing Brutus more certainly by his face, all inflamed with yre: This is the gallant (quoth he) this is he, that hath driven and banished us out of our

native countrie. Lo how bravelie he setteth forward, all gorgeously to be seene and dight in [unspec G] our roiall ensignes and ornaments. Now helpe ye gods that are revengers of wrongs done to kings: and there withall set spurs to his horse, and ran amaine with full carriere upon the Consul his own person, intending certainly to speed him.

Brutus perceived likewise that he made direct∣ly toward him: (Now was it a noble and worthie sight for the captaines themselves to begin the battell.) Whereupon with resolute courage he encountereth him. And so fiercely they charged one another, and so deadly were they bent, that neither of them had regard to save himselfe, so hee might wound and mischeefe his enemie, but were both with a counterpush that quite pier∣ced their targets run into the sides, and thrust through, and so having one anothers launce, stic∣king in their bodies, fell from their horses readie to die. Herewith began on both sides the other horsemen to fight, and within a while the footmen also seconded them. And so equally were [unspec H] they ma¦ched, and the barrell so indifferently fought, that it was verie doubtful whether side had the better. For on both parts the right wings got the upper hand, and downe went the left. The Veientians,* 1.8 unto whom it was no newes to be overcome of Romanes, were discomfited and put to flight. But their new enemies the Tarquiniens, not onely held their owne and stood to it, but also from their battel put backe, & forced the Romans to give ground, and gave them the repulse. After this conflict there fell such a fear and terror upon Tarquinius, and the Tuscanes, that both armies as well of the Veientians as the Tarquiniens, gave over their enterprise with doing just nothing, and by night dislodged and departed every man to his owne home. This battell was more notable by reason of certaine miracles that men report: namely, that in the dead time of the night next following, when all were at rest, there was heard a mightie voice of Sylvanus (as [unspec I] men thought) out of the wood Arsia, to utter these words, THAT THERE VVAS SLAINE ON THE TVSCANES PART MORE BY ONE, AND THAT THE ROMANES VVAN THE FIELD. Thus verely and no otherwise departed they asunder: the Romanes as winners, and the Tuskans as having the worse. For the next morrow, so soone as it was day, and that none of the enemies appeared in sight, P. Valerius the Consull gathered up the spoile together, and returned from thence with triumph to Rome, and performed the funerals of his brother Consull, in all sump∣tuous maner and solemn pompe, as possibly at that time he could deuise. But, that which did him the greatest honour after his death, was the publicke sorrow and heavinesse of the cittie, in this respect above all singular and memorable, for that the dames and Matrones of Rome mourned a whole yeare for him, as for their own father, in that he had ben so sharp a revenger of violence [unspec K] done to the chasthie of women.

After this, the Consull that survived, presently upon the great liking and favour that hee was in (see how wavering and unconstant the minds are of the common people) was not onely envi∣ed, but also suspected, yea and charged with an odious and horrible crime. The voice went and brui¦ed it was abroad, that he aspired to the crown. And why? because forsooth he had not cho∣sen unto him a new fellow Consull in the roome of Brutus: and began to build aloft on the top of Velia, where (say they) in an high place and strongly scituate, hee may make a castle impreg∣nable. These things commonly spoken and credited too, vexed much, and mightily greeved the Consull in his very soule, as a great indignitie offered unto him. Whereupon hee assembled the people together, and causing the rods to be held downewards to the ground, went up into the [unspec L] pulpit to make an Oration unto them. That sight pleased the multitude passing well, taking it for a plaine demonstration, that the markes and ensignes of rule and government submitted unto them, was a very acknowledging and confession that the people was of greater majestie and power than the Consull.* 1.9

Where after silence made, and commandement to hearken and give eare, the Consull began highly to extoll the fortune and good hap of his Colleague de∣ceased, who having with great honour set his countrey free, ended his daies, fighting manfully in defence of the Weale-publicke, even in the prime, height, and best time of his glorie, ere that it became subject unto envie: but he himselfe outliving it, remained alive, exposed unto criminous slanders and spigthfull malice of men, and of a deliverer and redeemer of his countrey, was now reputed no better than the Aquillij and Vitellij. And will you never indeed (quoth hee) approoue [unspec M] the vertuous and honest conversation of a man so well, but it shall be tainted with vnjust suspi∣tion? What? would any man thinke, that I being so fierce and fell an enemie of the kings, should ever feare to incurre the jelousie of men, for seeking to bee king? What if I dwelt on the top of Tarpeie cliffe, even in the verie Capitoll, should I beleeve and thinke it possible, that my coun∣treymen, neighbours and cittizens, would stand in feare of me? and will so small a matter as this

[unspec A] turne the balance of your opinion and conceit of mee? Is your assiance and confidence in mee grounded so slightly, and standeth it upon so nice tearms and ticklish points, that you force more and make greater reckoning of my dwelling place, than of the qualitie of my person. Wel, P. Va∣lerius his house shall be no hinderance or impeachment unto your libertie, O Quirites, ye shall not need to feare any harme from Velia for me. I will remove my house not only downe into the plaine, but even to the valley under the hill foot, that you may dwell above me, and overlook me (a suspected cittizen.) Let them a gods name build in Velia, who may be better trusted with the cities freedom, than P. Valerius. Then was immediatly the timber and all carried downe beneath Velia, & where as now Vicus Publicus is, in the very bottome of the hill, was his house reedified.

After this were lawes enacted, which not only acquit the Consull, and cleared him of all sus∣pition [unspec B] of affecting to the kingdome, but also contrariwise wrought such effect, that he became exceeding popular againe, wherupon, he was surnamed Publicola or Poplicola. And first and for∣most the Statute passed as touching the appeale unto the people,* 1.10 against the rulers and Magi∣strates. Item, concerning the cursing & condemning of him both bodie and goods, that should intend or plot to usurpe princely dominion over them. These acts the commons liked well of. Which when he had alone ordained, that all the thankes and praise might bee his therefore, then assembled he a generall Session for the substituting of another Consull unto him, in the roome of his colleague departed. So, Sp. Lucretius was created Consull: who being an aged man and of great yeares, feeble withall, and not able toexecute the office and function of a Consull, within few dates pased nature her debt and died. And in place of Lucretius was M. Horatius Pul∣villus [unspec C] chosen. In some ancient writers I doe not find that Lucretius was Consull. For immediatly after Brutus they make mention of Horatius. But I thinke verily because no act of his, made his Consulship memorable, thereupon he was forgotten and left out. Now as yet was not the tem∣ple of Iupiter in the Capitoll dedicated. And when Valerius and Horatius the Consuls, cast lots whether of them twaine should performe that dutie, the charge fell unto Horatius, and Publi∣cola went forth to the Veientian warre. But the kinsfolke and friends of Valerius tooke it more greevously and impatiently than reason was, that the honour of the dedication of so famous a temple, was given unto Horatius. Devising therfore by all means possible they could, to impeach it, and seeing they had assaied all in vain, and nothing tooke effect: even at the very instant, whiles the Consull was holding a post of the temple, and in his solemne praiers to the god, behold [unspec D] they brought unto him heavie and wofull newes, that his sonne was dead, and that he might not lawfully, whiles his houshold mourned and was polluted with a dead corps, consecrate the tem∣ple. Whether it were, that he gave no credit to the messenger, or rather was of heart so stout, nei∣ther is it for certaine reported, nor easie for a man to divine. But for all these tidings, never a jot was he turned from his purpose, nor said ought els to the messenger, but willed that hee should bid the corps to bee had forth to buriall, and so holding the pillar or post still, said out his praier, and dedicated the temple. These were the acts done both at home and abroad, in the first yeare after the expulsion of the kings.

Then were P. Valerius the second time, and T. Lucretias created Consuls.

By this time were the Tarquines fled for succour to Lartes Porsena king of Clusium: where, by many reasons & remon∣strances, [unspec E] intermedled with praier, one while they besought him not to suffer them, descended from the Tuscans, of the same bloud and name, to live needie & forlorn in perpetual exile; other∣while they advised and warned him not to put up without revenge, this new fashion of expelling kings, now comming up. Saying, that libertie in it selfe had sweetnesse ynough: and unlesse kings would defend and maintaine their crownes with as great might and maine, as citties desired to enjoy freedome, there would be a generall confusion, and all things turned upside down: neither would there be in States and Commonwealths any thing a lost and eminent above other, endu∣red: whereupon would insue a finall end of kingly regiment, a thing with God and man of all other most excellent and beautifull. Porsena supposing it would be an honourable matter unto the Tuscanes,* 1.11 both to have a king at Rome, and a king too of the Tuscanes line, came with a cruel [unspec F] armie against Rome.

Never was the Sena¦ at any time afore put in such feare: so mightie in those daies was the puissance of Clusium, and the name of Porsena so renowmed. Moreover, they feared not their enemies onely, but also their owne subjects at home, least peradventure the Communaltie of Rome for feare of warre, should receive the king into the cittie, and accept of peace, though it cost them their libertie. During which time the Commons were entertained of the Nobles with all kindnesse, and many favours and courtesies they had at their hands. And

above all things order was taken for provision of graine and victuals. And for to purvey store of [unspec G] corne, some were sent to the Volsci, others to Cumes. Over and besides the licence of selling salt, because it was sold at an exceeding high price, was taken from private salters, and was under∣taken by the citie, with all the cost and charges ther to belonging by them defraied, & salt delive∣red out to the people at an easie reckoning. The commons also were freed of portage, tollage, and tribute; and rich men that were able to beare the burthen, were assessed at all paiments and contributions: the poore were thought to be charged enough with the bringing up of their chil∣dren. This kind dealing and indulgencie of the Nobles, kept the citie afterwards (notwithstan∣ding their hard distresse of siege and famine) in such concord and unitie, that the meanest as well as the highest abhorred and detested the name of KK. And never after was there any one pri∣vate person, so popular, so devoted to the people by craftie meanes and indirect courses tending [unspec H] to their particular dessignes, as the whole Senat was at that time, by their good government of the Commonweale. Now when the enemies approached neere at hand, everie man made shift for himselfe, forsooke the countries and came into the citie. Which they fortified with strong guards round about: so that what with wals and bulwarks on the one side and what with the Tyber on the other side, it seemed sure enough, and sufficiently defended. The wooden bridge had like to have given the enemie enterance,* 1.12 had not the valour of one man beene, even Horatius Codes (who that day by the good fortune of the Romances was a fortresse unto the citie of Rome.) He as good hap was, appointed to ward and keepe the bridge, seeing the Ianicle by a sud∣dame assault wonne, and that the enemies ran down so furiouslie from thence upon him, and contratiwise, the multitude of his owne companies for feare, to forgoe their weapons, breake [unspec I] their arraies, and to be gone: tooke hold of everie man, opposed himselfe against them afront: and calling God and man to witnesse, protected, shewed and declared unto them, that forsaking and abandoning thus their quarter, all their flying was but in vaine: for if they left the bridge on their backs, to yeeld passage to the enemies, there would anone be more of them in Palati∣um and the Capitoll, than in the Ianicle: and therfore he willed and commanded them, yea and gave them direction to breake downe the bridge, by hewing, by firing, or by what meanes they possible could: assuring them for his owne part, so much as the bodie of one onlie man was able to doe, he would receive, and withstand the violence of the enemies. Then advanceth he himselfe unto the first entrie or foot of the bridge, and all goodly to bee seene, amongst those that would no point fight, but shewed their backes, he so bent his sword and target in their verie faces, reso∣lute [unspec K] to encounter with them hand to hand, that even with his wonderfull hardines and incredible courage, he astonied & amazed his enemies. Howbeit, two there were that for verie shame +aried still and stood to him, namely Sp. Largius and Tit. Herminius, bravemen both, as well for noble birth as worthie deeds. Assisted for a while with these gallants, sustained he the first storme of dan∣ger and most cumbersome push of the skirmish. But as they that were hewing downe the bridge called upon them to come backe, he constreined those two also to retire and save themselves, while; some little part of the bridge was left behind free and uncut. Then casting all about in menacing manner his fierie and terrible cies, towards the captaines and principals of the Tus∣kanes, one while he chalenged them one by one to single fight: otherwhiles he rated them all in generall, calling them the hirelings and slaves of proud kings and tyrants; who forgetting and [unspec M] making no reckoning of their owne freedome, were come to oppugne and impeach the libertie of others. The enemies stood at a baye and in suspence a good whie, looking about them one upon another who should first begin to fight. At last, verie shame made the whole troupe to sturre and comeforward, and so setting up a loud crie, from all sides they let slie their javelins at him, one man alone and their on lie enemie. All this while bare he off their shot which light upon his target, and there stucke, and na••h'lesse with full resolution kept the bridge still, walking his stations, and staulking like a giant. Then assaied they with all their force to beare the man down, and to turne him over into the water: but by this this time the cracke of the bridge broken un∣der him, and the shout withall of the Romanes, for joy that they had finished their worke, staied with suddaine feare their violent assault.

Then praied Cooles in this wise: O father Tiberinus (quoth [unspec L] hee) O sacred river, with devout heart I thee beseech, receive with thy gracious and mercifull streame, this harnish, these weapons, and this thy soldier.

And so all armed as he was, he leapt into the Tyber: and albeit many a dart was flung from alost and light upon him, yet he swam over and escaped safe to his fellowes. A brave adventure for all posteritie another day to talke of, rather than to beleeve. For this so great fortitude and resolution of his, the citie was

[unspec A] thankfull, and in token thereof his Image or Statue was set up in their common hall, named Co∣mitium, and as much ground given him in compasse, as he was able with a plough to break up in one day. Amongst these publick favors and honors done unto him, the kind affections and good wils of privat persons also, wel appeared: for in that extream want and scarsitie that then was, eve∣ry man out of his house-store and provision spared from himselfe, and for to give him one thing or another, defrauded his owne bellie. Thus Porsena with the repulse of this his first enterprise, changed his mind from assaulting, to besieging of the cittie: and after he had placed a garrison in the Ianiculum, hee planted himselfe and encamped on the plaine even upon the banckes of the Tyber. And sending for boates and craiers from all parts, both to stop the mouth and pas∣sage of Tyber, that no corne should come in and bee conve••ed to Rome: and also that the soul∣diors [unspec B] as they saw occasion, might crosse the river, and fetch booties in diverse and sundrie pla∣ces at their pleasure, in short space he brought the whole country about Rome to such streights, that not onely other things were brought in, but all their cartell also was faine to be driven out, the fields into the cittie, and no man durst put any creature forth out of the gates. The Tuscanes were permitted to be thus bold, not so much for feare as for a policie: for Valerius the Consull waiting for some vantage and opportunitie, suddainely to set upon many of them at once and at unawares, as they stragled abroad disorderly, making little regard to revenge small matters, kept himselfe to be revenged of them throughly, and to pay them home one time or other. To the end therefore he might draw forth these forragers, and toll them abroad, hee gave his men in charge and proclaimed, That the next day in great companies they should put their cattell [unspec C] forth at the gate Esquilina, which was furthest from the enemies: supposing that they would have intelligence thereof, by reason that in this extremitie of long siege and pinching hunger, some false knaves and disloiall rogues, would flie unto them. And so fell it out indeed. For they had knowledge thereof by a fugitive slave. Whereupon they in farre greater multitudes passe over the river, in hope to make a generall spoile and havock once for all. Then Valerius commanded T. Herminius with a sufficient companie to lie close in ambush at two miles end, in the Sabine high way, and Sp. Largius with a power of lustie tall fellows lightly armed, to keep; the gate Col∣lina, until the enemie were gone by and past: with direction, then to put himselfe betweene the river and them, and so to intercept them in their returne. The other Consull T. Lucretius issued forth with certaine bands of footmen at the gate Naevia: and Valerius himselfe in proper Per∣son set forth from mount Coelius certaine ensignes of his best and choice souldiors. These first [unspec D] were descried and discovered by the enemie. Herminius so soon as he heard some noise and stir, arose and ran at once out of the ambush, and whilest the Tuscanes turned so set upon Lucretius, he charged them lustily at their backs: so that on every hand from the gate Collina on the one side, & from the gate. Naevia on the other, the al'arme was given. Thus the robbers were slain and cut in peeces in the midst of them: both for that they were overmatched in fight, & also because all the waies were stopped up, that they could not escape by way of flight. And never after durst the Tuscanes raunge about the countrey so audaciously. Howbeit, the siege continued never∣thelesse, with great scarsitie of corne, and exceeding dearth within the cittie. And Porsena had good hope by sitting still,* 1.13 to force it in the end, and be maister thereof.

At what time one C. Mu∣tius [unspec E] a noble young and gentleman, who thought it a dishonour and soule shame, that the people of Rome, who all the while they were in bondage under kings, were in no warre nor by any enemies beleagerd, should now, being the same still, in time of their freedome, be of these Tuscanes be∣sieged, whose armies they often had defeited: and supposing that by some hardie and adventu∣rous peece of service this reprochfull indignitie was to be revenged, devised at first on his owne head to enter into the enemies campe: but fearing afterwards to go without commission from the Consull, and the knowledge of any other person, least peradventure he might bee taken by the watch of the Romans, and brought backe for a traiterous runagate, at such a time especially, when the hard estate of the cittie was ynough to bring him into a deepe suspition, and to be re∣puted for no better: presented himselfe before the Counsell into the Senate house: I am right [unspec F] willing, and I have a purpose my LL (quoth hee) to passe over the Tybre, yea and if I can, to en∣ter the campe of the enemies, not in qualities of a robber, nor to bee revenged for booties from us taken, with doing the semblable. A greater exploit with the favour of the gods, I intend to performane. The Senatours gave their consent, and approved his dessignment. Then with a skeine hidden under his garment, he setteth forward.

Being thither come into the campe, he presseth in the thickest throng to stand neere the kings Tribunall. It fortuned that then and there, the

souldiors were receiving their pay. And the Chancellor, or kings principal Secretarie, sat toge∣ther [unspec G] with the king in like array, much emploied and busied in many matters, and the souldiours commonly had recourse unto him.

Mutius fearing to enquire whether of them two were Por∣sena, least by not knowing the king, he should bewray himselfe who hee was, happened (see how fortune in her rathnesse directed his hand) to kill the Secretarie in stead of the king: then as he passed through the fearefull multitude, making himselfe way with his bloudie blade, there was a present outcrie, and therat the kings guard came running in, laid hold of him, and brought him backe before the king his ro••all throne: and albeit he was now forlorne and without all suc∣cour, amidst those threats of frowning fortune,* 1.14 yet as a man more feared stil than fearing: I am (quoth he) a citizen of Rome, and Caius Mutius is my name, a prosessed enemie, I confesse, and an enemie would I have staine; as readie and willing am I to die my selfe, as I was to kill ano∣ther. [unspec H] For both to doe, and to suffer valiantly, is the part of a noble Romane. And it is not I alone that carrie this mind and resolution against thee, O king, there is a long traine and crue behind, of them that seeke to win the same praise and honour: make thee readie therefore, and arme thy selfe, if thou thinke good, against this danger, and reckon everie hower to bee in hazard of thy life, and to have alwaies at the verie court gates thy enemies sword. This kind of warre doe we youths of Rome denounce openly unto thee: no battell, no fight else shalt thou need to fear. With thee alone will we all, one by one have to do, and with none other.

Hereat the king incen∣sed with wrath, and for the danger that he stood in, affrighted with all, commanded in menacing wise that he should be fried at a stake, unlesse he would presently unfold in plaine tearmes, what secret and dangerous practises he meant and threatened under this covert circuit of words and [unspec I] intricate circumstances. Lo, (quoth hee againe) how little they set by this carkasse, that aspire to great glorie, & aime at honour: and with that, thrust his right hand into the hearth on fire that was made for the sacrifice, & when he indured the rosting there of, as if he had been senselesse, and felt no paine, the king welneere astonished at this wonderful and miraculous sight, start up and leapt from his roiall seat and chaire of estate, commanding the young man to bee had from the altar.* 1.15

Goe thy waies(quoth hee) in peace, thou that hast done thine owne selfe more mischeefe, than thou hast attempted against my person. I would say God blesse thee, & worthie hadst thou been of honour for thy prowesse, if it were in my service, and in the behalfe and defence of mine owne countrey: and now by the law of armes. I discharge thee freely, and give thee leave to de∣part without any hurt or abuse offered unto thee.

Then Mutius, as it were to require againe his [unspec K] courtesie and desert.* 1.16

Forasmuch as (quoth he) thou settest so great store by valour, and honou∣rest vertue so highly; to the end it may bee seene that thou shalt get at my hands by courtesie that which by cruel threats thou couldst not: these are therfore to let thee understand, that there are three hundred of us noble youths, even the very flower and knighthood of Rome, that have conspired & sworne thy death, and in this manner to assaile thee. My lot it was to be the first, the rest as it shall fall out, will be here shortly, and wait everie man his turne and time, untill they hit right upon thee.

Mutius, surnamed afterwards Scavola, by reason of the maime of his right hand,* 1.17 was no sooner dismissed and gone, but there followed streight after him to Rome, Embas∣sadours from Porsena; and so much troubled in spirit was he, both for the danger past of the first assault(from which nothing preserved him but a small error and oversight of the assailant) [unspec L] and also for the hazard to come, (for looke how many conspirators remained behind to give the like attempt, so often stood he in jeopardie of his life) that of his owne accord he offered the Romanes conditions of peace. And among other capitulations, he stood hard upon this article (but al in vain) of restoring the Tarqaines into their kingdom. This point the king urged instatnly rather because hee could not well himselfe denie the Tarquines so much, than for that hee was ignorant, that the Romanes would never yeeld thereto. But another article hee got graunted, namely, the restitution of the Veientians lands againe: and the Romanes were driven of neces∣sitie to give him hostages,* 1.18 in case they would have the kings garison to quit the Ianiculum. Vpon these conditions peace was concluded, and Porsena withdrew his forces from the Ianiculum, dis∣lodged & departed out of the territorie of Rome. The Senators bestowed franckly upon Mutius, [unspec M] as a testimoniall of his valiantnesse, a peece of ground lying beyond Tyber, which wasafter∣wards called Mutia prata. i. Mutius his meddowes.

Vpon this honourable regard and reward of vertue, women were likewise provoked and en∣couraged to enterprise worthie acts in the service of the Commonweale. For a yoong damosell and virgin named Cladia, one of those hostages aforesaid, whiles the Tuskanes were encamped

[unspec A] (as it fell out) not farre from the bankes of Tyber, deceiving her keepers and leading a compa∣nie of other maydens after her, even within the shot and darts of the enemies, tooke the river, swam over with them,* 1.19 brought them all to Rome safe, and delivered them to their parents, kins∣folke and friends. Which being reported to the king, he at the first stormed at it, and was all in a rage, and sent unto Rome certaine Oratours to demaund againe his hostage Claelia by name: as for all the rest, he made no great account of them: but afterwards, upon further considerati∣on he admired the enterprise, and plainly said, it surpassed farre all the adventures of the Coclites and the Mutij: so as he pretended that if the mayde were not rendered againe, he would take the league as broken, and being yeelded, he would send her backe to her friends, undefiled and with∣out any abuse or violence done unto her. On both parts was promise faithfully kept: Forboth [unspec B] the Romanes restored the pledge of peace according to covenant, and seene also it was, that ver∣tue was not onely secured safe, but also highly regarded and honoured with the Tuskane king. For after he had commended and praised the damsell, he promised to give her part of the hosta∣ges, chuse whom she would. And when they were all brought forth before her, she made choise (they say) of those yoong boies that were under 14 years of age: which was not onely most besitting her virginitie, but also by the accord of the hostages themselues, best approved: name∣lie, that that age especially should be delivered out of the enemies hands, which was most sub∣ject to injurie and taking wrong. The peace thus renewed and confirmed, the Romanes rewar∣ded this rare valour in that sex, with as new and strange an honour, for, in remembrance of her, in the top of Via sacra, there was erected her statue, A MAIDEN SITTING ON HORSEBACKE.

[unspec C] There remaineth yet even unto our daies amongst other solemne ceremonies, this one cu∣stome received from our ancestours, farre differing and disagreeing from this peaceable and friendly departure of the Tuskane king from before the citie of Rome, and this it is: In the port∣sale of goods they use to proclaime first aloud, THE SALE OF KING PORSENNA HIS GOODS. This ceremoniall custome must needs eyther begin in time of warre, and so was not afterwards forgotten in peace: or else arose from some more gratious and gentle occasion at the first, than this title or outward forme pretendeth, of selling goods by way of hostilitie, & after the manner of enemies. But the likeliest conjecture and neerest to the truth of all those that are given out, is this: that Porsena dislodging from the Ianicle, gave freely unto the Romanes, (the citie at that time being after long siege distressed & in great streights) his rich campe furnished with victuall [unspec D] and provision, conveied thither out of the plentifull countries of Hetruria, neere adjoyning: which goods, for feare there should have beene some havocke & spoile made therof in warlike wise, in case the people had beene let loose to the rifling of the tents, were after sold, and called Porsena his goods: which title signified rather their thankful acceptation of the gift, and remem∣brance of the giver, than any open and ouversale of the kings goods, which were not so much as in the Romanes power, nor at their disposition.

Thus Porsena having given over the Romane warre, because he would not seeme to have brought an host of men into those parts, and performed no exploit, sent his sonne Aruns with part of his forces,* 1.20 to surprise and assault Atricia. At the first this suddaine and unexpected enter∣prise, much troubled the Aricins, but afterward when they had gotten aid both from the Latine [unspec E] nations and also from Cumes, they tooke such heart againe, that they durst enter into the field and bid the enemie bartell. In the beginning of the conflict, the Tuskans charged them so hotly, that at the verie first encounter, they brake the arraies of the Aricines. But the troupes of the Cu∣mans setting pollicie against force, went a little aside, made way & gave some ground, and when the enemies had outstripped them, and were rashly and disorderlie passed beyond them, they turned their ensignes, and set upon their backs: so were the Tuskanes being in the verie traine of their victorie, be set round about, and slaine in the mids betweene. Onely a small remnant of them after the losse of their captaine, because they had no other place of refuge neerer, were faine to trudge to Rome without weapons and disarmed, like suppliants both in deed and shew. Where they were kindly entertained and bestowed in severall lodgings. Some of them when [unspec F] they were cured of their wounds repaired home, reporting the hospitalitie and courteous usage they had found. Many remained still at Rome for love of their hosts and the citie: who had a place allotted them to dwell in, which after they called Thuscus vicus, the Tuskane street.

After this, were P. Lucretius and P. Valerius the third time created Coss.

In that yeare, for a small end, there came embassadours from Porsenna, to treat about the restoring of the Tarquins into their realme: to whom this answere was returned: that the Senate would send embassadors

to the king himselfe: wherupon their were immediatlie addressed unto him in embassie the [unspec G] most honourable personages of all the nobilitie, who in the name of the people of Rome deli∣vered this speach: That the chiese of their nobles were sent, rather than any dispatch given by word of mouth unto his embassadours at Rome;* 1.21 not for that they could not haue shapen them this short answere, They would no kings have: But to this end, that for ever after there should be no suite renewed of that matter, nor in so great mutuall benefits, and fauours passed between them, some discontentment arise on eyther side, whiles he might be thought to request that which was repugnant and prejudiciall to the libertie of Rome, and the Romances againe, unlesse they would be executors of their owne wrongs, and seeke their owne mischievance, to make deniall unto him, whom by their goods wils, they would not seem to denie ought for anything in the world. But as to the substance of the matter, this was the point: namelie, that the people of [unspec H] Rome were not under the regiment of a king, but were a free state: and fullie setled in this pur∣pose, To set open their gates to enemies, sooner than to kings: and were all generallie of this mind and resolution, That looke when the freedome of that citie had an end, then should the citie come to an end also. To conclude therfore, they were to intreat him, that if he tendered the weale and safetie of Rome, he would permit them to be free still and at their owne libertie.

The king overcome with verie modestie, and much abashed in himselfe, answered thus againe: Since you are so fully minded and stislie bent (quoth hee) neither will I importune you, nor dull your eares with harping still upon this unpleasant string, and do no good: nor beare the Terquines any longer in hand, and deceiving them of that hope of aide, which nothing at all is in my power to performe. Let them from henceforth seeke some other place of exile, either for [unspec I] peace or warre, as they shall thinke more expedient, that there may be nothing to let and hin∣der the free course of amitie, and alliance betweene mee and you.

To these good and kind words he joyned better and more friendlie deeds. For all the hostages that remained in his hand, he sent home: and the Veientians lands which by the covenants indented at Ianiculum, were ta∣ken away, he restored to the Romanes againe. Thus Tarquine seeing all hope of returne cut of, remooved unto Tusculum to this sonne in law Mamilius Octavius, there to live and spend the rest of his daes in banishment. So there continued faithfull peace betweene the Romanes and king Porsena.

Then were Coss, M. Valerius and P. Posthumius. In that yeare the Romances fought with the Sabines fortunatelie, and the Consuls triumphed. But afterwards the Sabines made greater [unspec K] preparation of warre: to withstand whom, as also for feare of some suddaine danger that might arise from Tusculum, from whence they suspected warre, although none was openly seene, were P. Valerius the fourth time, and T. Lucretius the second time created Coss. But among the Sa∣bines, there grew some civile discord betweene that part that would have war, and the contrarie that sought peace: which gained the Romanes some strength even from thence. For Appius Clausus (who afterwards at Rome was surnamed Appius Claudius) a persuader himselfe of quiet∣nes & repose,* 1.22 being overmatched and not able to make his part good with the adverse faction that minded and stirred troubles, accompanied with a great power of friends & followers, from Regillum fled to Rome. Who were enfranchised citizens and possessed of those lands that lie beyond the river * 1.23 Anio. And from hence came the name of the old tribe Appia: after that [unspec L] other new citizens were put unto them, those I meane, that descended of that race, and out of the same territorie.* 1.24 This Appius was admitted into the number of the Senatours, and not long after advanced to be one of the chiese men and heads of the citie. The Coss. went with a strong power into the Sabines land, where after they had first wasted the countrie, and after in battell abated the strength and puissance of the enemies; so, as for a long time after they needed not to feare anie rebellion from thence, they returned to Rome in triumph.

The yeare following, when Agrippa Menenius and P. Posthumius were Coss. P. Valerius en∣ded his dates in great glorie, reputed the onely singular man in those times, by all mens judge∣ment, for skill and knowledge as well in martiall feats, as in civile affaires: but so poore was his estate,* 1.25 that he had not wherwith to deffray his funerall expenses, and was therfore at the cities [unspec M] charge right honourablie enterred. And the dames of Rome mourned for him as they did for Brutus.

The same yeare two Colonies of the Latines, Pome••ia and Cora, revolted to the Auruncans. The Romanes first began to warre upon the Auruncans. And after they had discomfited a great host of them, who met with the Consuls as they entered the borders, and fiercely made head

[unspec A] against them, then all the Auruncane warre was driven and translated wholly to Pometia. The camage and execution was no lesse after the conflict, than during the fight: for whereas there were many more of them slaine outright in the place than taken prisoners, those also that were prisoners, they spared not, but murdered every where as they went: neither staied the furious rage of warre therewith, but even the very hostages whom they had received, to the number of 300, they put to the sword. In this yeare also was a triumph at Rome.

The Consuls Optter Virginius, and Sp. Cassius, that followed the next yeare, assailed Pometia, first by fine force to skale that wals, after with pavoised, mantelets, platformes, & other fabriks, rai∣sed against it. Vpon whom the Auruncans sallied forth, rather of a cankred & malicious hatred than for any hope or vantage given them of good exploit: the greater part of the furnished better with fireworks than armed with sword and speare, killed and burned all afore them: and [unspec B] having thus fired their fabrikes aforesaid, hurt and slaine a greater number of their enemies, one of the Consuls also (but his name precisely is not by any authour set downe) was sore wounded, strucken downe from his horse, and welneere slaine. Whereupon the Romanes returned backe to Rome thus unhappily defeated, leaving the Consull behind them amongst many that were hurt, like to die. Soone after, and no longer than whilest their wounds might be healed, and a new supplie of souldiours made, they came against Pometia, in more furious manner than before, and also with a stronger power. And when by making of new mantelets and other warlike instru∣ments of assault, they were proceeded thus forward, that the souldiours were readie to skale and get up the wall, then they within yeelded: and notwithstanding the towne was thus surrendred [unspec C] up, yet there was no more mercie shewed unto it, than if it had beene forced by assault. The cheefe and pincipall citizens shamefully lost their heads, the rest of the inhabitants were sold at the speare in ouvert market like slaves, the town sackt and rased to the ground, yea & mony made of all the lands belonging to it. The Consuls for that they had so wreaked their anger, and sharpely revenged themselves, more than for any great warre they had finished, obtained tri∣umph.

The yeare following, were Posthumius Caninius and T. Largius Consuls. In this yeare, during the games and plaies at Rome, certaine yonkers of the Sabines, went about in a wanton jolitie to carrie away and ravish the curtizans and common strumpets of the cittie. Whereupon the people ran together, and made a roiot, grew to words, and from words to brawles, insomuch, as [unspec D] they went together by the eares, and made a fray in manner of a battell: upon which smal occa∣sion, there was a rebellion like to insue. Over and besides the feare of the Latines warre, (for to encrease their troubles the more) newes came, and it was certainly known, that by the solliciting and practice of Octavious Mamilius, there were alreadie thirtie nations banded together against the Romanes. The citie thus being perplexed for the event and expectation of these so great occurrents, there arose the first occasion and mention made of creating a Dictator. But neither in what yeare, nor in what Consuls time (for that it can hardly be beleeved, that they should be of the Tarquines faction, and yet that also is reported) nor yet who was first created Dicta∣tor, is it certainely knowne:* 1.26 Howbeit, in the most auncient writers I find, that T. Largius was cre∣ated the first Dictator, and C••eus Cassius generall of the horsemen: and Consular men (i. such [unspec E] as had beene Consuls afore) they were that elected him: for so the law provided that was ena∣cted, concerning the creation of a Dictator. And this induceth mee the rather to beleeve, that Largius an auncient man, and one who had been Consull before, was appointed as a controller and maister over the Consuls, and not M. Valerius the sonne of Marcus, and grandson of Vólesus, who as yet had not attained to the Consuls dignitie. For if these Consular men aforesaid, had ben minded to have chosen a Dictator out of that house above all other, surely they would have made choise rather of his father M. Valerius, a noble personage, of approved prowesse and valor, and one besides that had ben Consull. When the Dictator was once chosen at Rome, and the axes were seene borne before him, the commoners stood in great awe, and took better regard to be obedient at every becke and command. For neither could they make account of any help (as [unspec F] they might under the Consuls, who were both in commission alike, & of equall authority, when they had recourse from the one to the other) nor yet appeale unto the people: no nor looke for succour at all, but in their own double dilligence & care of obedience. The Sabines likewise were afraid of the Dictator thus created at Rome: and so much the more, because they were verily persuaded he was made of purpose for them: and thereupon, they sent embassadors to treat for peace, who beseeching the Dictator and the Senate to pardon so small a fault, and being but a

tricke of youth, receiued this answere: That youths indeed might well be pardoned, but such old [unspec G] babes as they might not, who never rested to sow debate, and minister occasion of one warre af∣ter another. Howbeit, they sat in consultation about a peace, and obtained it had ben, if the Sa∣bines could have found in their hearts and condescended, to make good and repay the expen∣ses that the Romanes had disbursed about the warre: for that was the thing demanded at their hands. So, defiance was sent and war proclaimed. And yet for that yeare all was quiet, as it were in time of a secret truce, during the Consulship of Servius Sulpitius, and M. Manlius Tullus, in whose yeare there was nothing done worthie of remembrance.

After them were T. Ebutius, and C. Vet••sius. In their time * 1.27 Fidene was besieged,* 1.28 Crustume∣ria woon, and * 1.29 Preneste revolted from the Latines unto the Romanes. And the Latine warre, which had ben a breeding and budding for certain years, was no longer delaied, but brake forth. [unspec H] A. Posthumius the Dictatour, and T. Ebutius Generall of the cavallerie, with great power of foot and horse, set forward and advaunced as farre as the lake Regillus, in the teritorie of Tusculum, and there encountred the armie of the enemies,* 1.30 in their march. And because they heard say that the Tarquines were in the host of the Latines, they could not for anger forbeare any longer, but presently fell to it, and began battaile. This field was fought right fiercelie, and cost more blood∣shed a good deale, than others usually before: because the Generals and chiefe Commaunders were there present, not only to give direction by their counsell & advice, but also in person them∣selves hazarded their own bodies, & fought bravelie in the medley. And not one almost of the principall leaders, escaped out of the skirmish, eyther of one side of the other, safe and sound, save onely the Romane Dictatour. For as Posthumius was encouraging his men, and setting them [unspec I] in aray in the vaward,* 1.31 Tarquinius Superbus (albeit he was now verie aged & unwieldie, and not able to be••••irre himselfe) set spurs to his horse, and ran full but against him. But having caught a thrust from a side, was rescued by his men that came about him, and retired to a place of safetie. And in the other wing, Ebutius Generall of the horsemen, set upon Oct. Mamilius: but he, the captain I meane of the Tuscalanes, was well ware of him, and espied him comming, and ran his horse with full carriere likewise upon him, and so desperately they bare their launces one against the other, that Ebutius was run quite through the arme, and Mamilius wounded in the brest, whom the Latines succoured and received into the middle ward. As for Ebutius not able any longer to beare his staffe, with his arme sore hurt, withdrew himselfe out of the battell. The leader of the Latines, nothing dismaied for all his hurt, maintained fight still: and seeing his souldiors some∣what [unspec K] distressed, he sendeth for the regiment of the Romane exuls, that were under the leading of L. Tarquini••s his son: who sticking more courageously unto it, for anger that their goods were spoiled, and they driven out of their owne countrey, renued the combate afresh for a while. And as the Romanes from that quarter began to recule and give ground, M. Valerius, the brother of Publicola, espying young Tarquine vaunting himselfe gloriously in the fore∣front of the exuls, inflamed also with a desire of domesticall glorie of his house: that the same familie which had the praise of expelling the kings, might likewise win the honour of killing them, spurred his horse, and with deadly speare ran against Tarquinius, who giving way to his mortall enemie, retired backe to his owne regiment. But Valerius by this time was disbanded from his companie, and rashlie ridden into the battaile of the exiles, and there a common sol∣dior [unspec L] happened to charge upon him a flanke, and run him through. The horse staied not a jot for all the rider was wounded, and so the Romane knight readie to die, fell to the ground with his armor upon his bodie, and paid nature her debt. Posthumius the Dictator, after he perceived so valiant a man fallen, and the banished men advancing lustilie forward with full trot, and his owne soldiors distressed, and at point to turne their backs, gave expresse commaundement unto his owne band, which he had about him of chosen tall men for to gard his person, that as ma∣nie of their fellowes as they saw to flie, they should take them for enemies, and kill them in the place. Thus by reason of a counterfeare, the Romanes made head againe and renewed the battaile. Then began the Dictators cohort to fight, and comming with fresh bodies and cou∣ragious stomackes, charged vpon the wearied exiles, and killed them one everie side. Wherupon [unspec M] began another combat also between the Colonels & captains of qualitie & marke. The generall of the Latines seeing the battalion of the banished, well neere environed round by the Romane Dictator, speedily taketh with him into the forefront of the battaile, certaine squadrons of those that were appointed in the reergard to succour and aid: whom T. Horminius a lieutenant, espied to come marching in good order & knowing amongst them Mamilius by his gorgeous harnish,

[unspec A] and goodly cote armour, with farre greater violence than the Generall of the horsemen a little before, encountred the Colonell of his enemies so hotly, that both he ran Mamilius through his sides, and slue him outright, and also whilest he was disarming and rifling his bodie, he was wounded himselfe with a short javeline, and being brought backe with victorie into the campe, at the first dressing yeelded to nature and died. Then rode the Dictator apace to the horsemen, and earnestly cried unto them, that seeing the footmen were toiled out and wearied, they would alight from their horses, and take the matter into their hands. The horsemen soone obeied, lept from horsebacke, and set forward as if they had flowne, to the forefront, where they opposed their targets in defence of them that fought before the ensignes. Whereat presently the Infanterie began againe to take heart, seeing the principall men of armes and noble young Gentlemen in [unspec B] the like kind of service, exposed to the same danger, and readie to take part with them. Then at the last were the Latines put backe, and their whole battel began to shrinke. The gentlemen had their horses brought to them againe, and they mounted on horseback to pursue their enemies. The footmen likewise followed after. There the Dictator omitting no helpe of God and man, vowed as men say, a temple to Castor, and openly promised and proposed rewards to that soul∣dior that made either first or second entrie into the enemies campe. Whereupon they bestirred themselves so courageously, that the Romanes at one brunt both vanquished their enemies, and also were possessed of their tents. This was the noble field fought at the lake Regillus. The Dictator and the generall of horsemen returned into the cittie with triumph. For three years after, there was neither assured peace betweene them, nor yet professed war.

Consuls were Q. Cloelius, and T. Lartius. After them A. Sempronius, and M. Minutius. Whiles these two were Consuls,* 1.32 the temple to Saturne was dedicated, and the feast called Saturnalia instituted.* 1.33 After them succeeded A. Posthumius, and T. Virginius. And in this yeare and not be∣fore, I find in some authours, that the said battell was stricken neere the lake Regillus, and that A. Posthumius suspecting the fidelitie of his brother Consul, gave over his place, and so was made Dictator. The account of times doth so varie and is so intricate and confused, whiles wri∣ters diversly set downe the cheefe Magistrates, that in so great antiquitie, not of acts onely, but also of authours, a man cannot orderly and directly distinguish, according to some writers, who were Consuls, and what was done in every yeare.

Afterwards were Ap. Claudius, and P. Servilius created Consius. This yeare was famous for the [unspec D] newes of Tarqui••e his death.* 1.34 He died at Cumes, to which place after the defeature of the La∣tines power, he went to Aristodemus the Tyrant. At which tidings the hearts of the Nobles were wel lightened, the Commons also began to look up. But that joy in the Nobilitie was above mea∣sure too excessive and licentious. For why? the great men began now to wrong and wring the communaltie, whom untill that day they had favoured and pleasured to their full power. In the same yeare the Colonie Signia, which king Tarquinius had erected, was now stored againe the second time,* 1.35 and the number supplied with new inhabitants. And the tribes or wards at Rome were now made up 21. The temple of Mercurie was dedicated in the * 1.36 Ides of May. With the Na∣tion of the Volscians in the time of the Latine warre, neither was there peace, nor war: for both the Volscians had levied a power for aid to send unto the Latines, if the Romane Dictator had [unspec E] not made good speed: and also the Romane Dictator hastened the more for feare he should in one battell have to deale with Latines and Volscians both at once. Vpon this quarrell, the Consuls led forth their legions into the Volscians countrey. The Volscians fearing no revenge for their deseignement (that was intended onely, and never came in action) were much troubled with this suddaine and unlooked for occurrent. Not minding therefore to make resistance, and forgetfull of warlicke prowesse, they delivered 300 of their noble mens children out of Cora and Pometia for hostages. Whereupon the Romane Legions from thence without any fight were withdrawne. But not long after the Volscians being somewhat cased & delivered of their feare, came again to their old biace and returned to their wonted na∣ture, and secretly under hand made preparation anew for warre, joyning with them as confede∣rates [unspec F] in this quarrell, the Hernikes. They send also their embassadours all about, to moove and sollicite Latium.* 1.37 But the Latines, for their late overthrow at the lake Regillus, tooke such a spleen and hatred against him whosoever, that should once put into their heads and persuade them to take armes, that they could nor forbeare the verie embassadours, but offer them abuse. They apprehended therfore the Volscians, conveyed them to Rome, & delivered them to the Consuls: where they revealed and gave intelligence, that the Volscians & the Hernikes were out in armes,

readie to warre upon the Romanes. Which being reported unto the Senators, they were so [unspec G] well pleased and contented therwith, that they set at libertie 6000 Latines, prisoners, and sent them hence. And concerning a league to be concluded with them, which was like before to have beene denied for ever, they referred the consultation thereof, unto the new magistrates that should next enter. And in good sooth, blith and glad were the Latines then, for that they had done, and the authors of peace were magnified and had in great reputation. They send moreover a crowne of gold into the Capitoll, for a present to lupiter. With these embassa∣dours and the present, those prisoners which before were set free, came in greater number. Who repaired straight waies to everie man his house, where they had beene prisoners, yeelding them great thanks for their kind usage and friendlie intertainement in time of their calamities and miseries, and promised therewith the like courtesie and mutuall hospitalitie.Never were the La∣tines [unspec H] at anie time afore, both publikelie and privatelie, united more neerlie to the Romane empire.

But as the Volscian warre was now at hand, so the cittie was at discord among themselves. The Senators and commons hated one another at the heart, and all this arose by occasion es∣peciallie of certaine persons that were indebted, and in danger of their creditours: who mur∣tered and gave out in murmuring wise, how that abroad they adventured themselves and fought for the libertie and dominion of the citie, and at home by their owne neighbours they were held prisoners and oppressed: saying that the freedome of the commons was more safe in time of warre, than of peace, among the enemies rather than their owne fellow citizens. This in∣ward grudge and heartburning, which of it selfe still kindled more and more, the notable ca∣lamitie [unspec I] of one man above all others, set on a light fire. A certaine aged person chaunced to breake prison, and with the armes, badges and ornaments of all his ancestors, ran into the mar∣ket place. His apparell was all to rattered, foule and loathsome, but the habite or plight of his bodie much more filthie: so pale, so wan, so leane withall, as if he had beene over-pined and starved, his long side beard and haire of his head so overgrowne, that they made his visage and countenance wild and gastlie. Howbeit, for all he was thus disfigured by this deformitie, he was a man well knowne, and as some said, he had done good service in the ward, had beene a chiefe Centurian, and had the charge and leading of bands in the field: and the common people, as pittying his estate, and to moove compassion, recounted many worthie exploits of his, to his great credit and singular commendation. Himselfe likewise shewed the fears of wounds, which in [unspec K] his breast & forepart of his bodie in divers places he had received, that might testifie his valiant service. The people flocking about him as it were in a common assemblie to heare a solemne Oration, enquired of him, how he came to be in that taking, so poore, so disfigured and defor∣med? He answered, that whiles he served in the Sabine war, he by reason of he continual forray∣ing, & wasting of the territorie, not onely lost the revenewes and increase of his lands, but also his Maner-house was burnt, all his goods ransacked & spoiled, his cattell driven away: and when a le∣vie and tribute was exacted in a time when he ill might, he was driven to take up monie & run in debt; which growing more & more by paiment of interest, first he was constrained to sel his land, that his father and grandfather had left him, and to turn himselfe out of all, by making a cleane hand of the rest of his goods: until at length his bodie also began to winder away in a consump∣tion. [unspec L] Complaining moreover how by his creditor he was not onely brought into bondage and thraldome, but also imprisoned, and whipped, and tormented in most cruell and butcherlike manner. With that he shewed before them all, his backe lately scourged, with the fresh wales of the lashes newly given him. At the sight and hearing hereof, there arose a great outcrie of the people, so that anon the uprore kept not within the compasse of the market place, by spread over all the cittie: in such sort, that as well they that were bound, as they that were loose, came forth from all parts into the open streets, calling the Quirites and the people pittifully, to helpe. In no corner wanted any companions to take part willingly in this seditious rout,* 1.38 and every where in all the streets they run by companies into the common place. Those Senatours who chanced to be abroad, at their no small perill light upon this multitude: and had not the Consuls P. Ser∣vilius, [unspec M] and App. Claudius, made the better speed, and come upon them to appease the commo∣tion, there would have ben some knocks, for hardly could they have held their hands. At whose comming, the multitude turned unto them, shewing their yrons, and all their other shamefull misuage & miserie, saying, This is all the good we have gotten for our warfare: upbraiding every man the services they had performed, some in one place some in another, requiring them in

[unspec A] threatening wise rather than by way of supplication, to call the Senate together, and they the while stood about the Curia, as if they would be judges and moderators of their publicke coun∣sell. Very few of the Senatours, such onely as by chance came that way, could be brought to re∣paire to the Consuls: as for the rest, they were afraid not onely to come into the Counsell house, but also to venture abroad into the market place, so that by reason of their smal assemblie, there could be nothing done nor determined. Then thought the people indeed they were mocked and dallied withall, and driven off with delaies surmising, that the Senatours which were away, absented themselves not by chance, nor for feare, but onely to hinder the proceeding of their cause: and that the Consuls themselves kept a hafting and flinching, and without all question, made but a scorne and game at their miseries. This broile so increased, that hardly could the re∣verence [unspec B] and majestie of the Consul srestraine the peoples rage. But the Senatours standing in doubtfull tearmes, whether to tarrie behind or to come forward would be more dangerous, at length they resolved to repaire into the Senate, and being now at last a full and sufficient house gathered, neither the Lords there assembled, no nor yer the Consuls, could well agree amongst themselves what to doe in this case.* 1.39 Appius a man of a hot spirit, was of opinion to order the matter by Consular authoritie and commandement saying, That if one or two of them were laid hold on, the rest would be quiet. But Servilius more inclined to mild & gentle remedies, thought it a more safe and easie course too, rather to bend than to breake their angrie and fell stomackes. But amidst these troubles there happened a greater and more fearefull occurence: For cer∣taine Latines on horsebacke rode in post, and brought news in hastie and tumultuous manner, [unspec C] that the Volscians were comming with a mightie and cruell armie against the cittie to assault the same. Which news being heard (see how discord had of one citie made twaine) wrought far other effect in the Nobles, than in the Commons.

The comminaltie lept for joy, and said the gods were now come downe from heaven to be revenged of the Senatórs pride, & encouraged one another not to take prest-monie, or to enter their names in the Muster-masters book, saying that they had rather die at once with al, then perish alone and none but they: Let the Nobles (qd. they) serve as soldiors; let them take weapon in hand & abide the brunts and hazards of war, who receive the profits, the prizes & rewards therof. But contrariwise the Senat pensive & surcharged with this twofold feare, as well from citizen as enemie, besought the Consull Servilius (a man by nature more affable and popular) That he would provide for the safetie of the Common∣weale, [unspec D] beset as it were round with so fearefull perils.

Then the Consull dismissed the Senate, and came forth into the assemblie of the people, where he shewed what care the LL. of the Senat had for the good of the commons: But whiles they were (qd. he) busie in consultation for the grea∣test part (I confesse) of the cittie, and yet in truth no more but a part, it fell out so in the meane while; that of necessitie they must see to the whole bodie of the Common-wealth, whereof they stand in exceeding feare. Seeing therfore the enemies were almost hard at the gates, they could not possiblie doe or intend any thing before warre. Neither (if there should be anie re∣spite and leasure granted) were it either for the commons credite and honestie, not to fight for their countrie, unlesse they had their pay before hand; nor well beseeming the Nobles and for their reputation, to looke unto and take order hastilie, to redresse the miseries and calamities of [unspec E] their citizens upon feare, rather than afterwards with good deliberation, for love and of willing mind. This speach of his he confirmed with an edict, by vertue wherof, he gave streight com∣maundement: Imprimis, that no man should keepe bound or in prison, any citizen of Rome, but that he might be enrolled before the Consuls.

Item, that no person should hold in possession, or sell the goods of anie soldior, so long as he abode in the campe, nor arrest his children or chil∣drens children. This edict being once published and proclaimed, not onelie the enthralled deb∣tors there present, were immediatlie by name enrolled, but also from all parts of the citie, they leapt out quicklie of their houses, seeing that now their creditors had no right nor power to de∣taine and arrest them, and ran into the market place for to take a militarie oth of alleageance, to be true soldiours & faithfull to the state. A number there was of these: neither was there anie that [unspec F] more manfullie behaved and quit themselves or tooke more paines in the Volscian warre. Then the Consul led forth his power against the enemies, & within a little of them incamped himselfe, The night following, the Volscians presuming upon the variance and discord of the Romanes, assailed the tents, if happily in the night season any of them might have been wrought, to aban∣don the campe, & come to them, or to practise any treason. But the Sentinels descried them, and upon alarme given, the whole armie arose, and everie man made hast to his weapons. Thus came

that enterprise of the Volscians to nothing. The rest of the night both parts rested, and were [unspec G] quiet. On the morrow by breake of day, the volscians having filled up the trench, assailed the bulwarkes and rampiers. And by that time they had on everie side plucked up he fences, palli∣sadoes, and other fortifications, the Consul, who for all he was called unto instantly on everie hand, but of the debtors aforesaid especially above the rest, to give the signal, and to sound the barrell, made some stay on purpose to trie the courage of his men: and seeing well now their forwardnesse and their stomackes, at length gave them a token to rush forth, and so letteth them loose, as eager to fight as might be. So at the verie first onset the enemies were presently discom∣fited and put to flight: the footmen followed hard upon them in chase, and as they could reach, wounded them behind on their backes, and killed them: the horsemen likewise pursued them even to their pavillions, who still feared exceedingly what might become of them: and within [unspec H] a while their very campe also, environned about with the legions, and abandoned of the Volsci∣ans themselves for feare, were forced and rifted. The next day following, the legions marched to Seussa Pometia, for thither the enemies were fied: and within few daies the towne was wone, and put to the sacke, and the spoile and pillage given away: whereby the needie couldiors were some∣what refreshed. The consull in great glorie and honour brought backe his victorious armnie to Rome. In his way homeward the Embassadours of the Eretrian Volscians distrusting their. owne state, upon the losse of Pometia, came into him. To whom after consultration had with the Senat, and a decree passed, peace was granted: but were they were fined to part with their lands. Im∣mediately upon this, the Sabines also put the Romanes in a fright, and in very deed it might be called a tumult, rather than a war. For words was brought in the night season, that an armie of the [unspec I] Sabines were corne in a rode, as far as the river Anio, robbing, spoilling, and burning all the vil∣lages and hamplets as they went. Forthwith was sent thither the whole power of horsed under the conduct of A. Posthumius, who in the Latine warre had been Dictator. After him followed the Consull Sarviluis with a chosen regiment of footmen. Most of the enemies, as they raughed abroad a sorraging in scattering wise, were by the horsemen surprised and inclosed. And when the insanterie besides matched against the Sabines legion, they were not able to resist: for be∣ing tired out, partly with their long iourney, and partly with boothaling all night long, and many of them having overcharged themselves with meat and wine within the villages, had hardly strength ynough to run away. Thus the Sabine warre in one night was heard of and ended. The day following, when as now the Romanes were in good hope, that they had peace on everie side, [unspec K] behold, the Auruncane Embassadors came into the Senate, proclaimingwarre, unlesse they would forgoe the Volscian lands, and restore them to their rightfull owners. And even at one time with the Embassadours was the armie also of the Auruncans abroad, and had taken the field. The newes whereof, and namely that they were now in sight not farre from Aricia, raised up to the Romans in so great a broile and hurliburlie, that the Senators could neither be consulted with, and deliver their opinions in order, not yet give a peaceable answer to those that came as it were with weapon in hand, being thus forced to take armes themselves. So to Aricia directly in warlike manner they march, and not far from thence they joined barrell with the Auruncans. And in one day that war had also an end.

Thus when the Romane shouldiours had gotten victorie within so few daies in so many places, [unspec L] and had now defeated the Auruncants, they looked for the promise of the Consul, and the faith∣full performance of it by the Senate. At what time Appius both upon a proud stomacke and arrogant spirit of his owne by nature, and also to discredit and disanull the word of his fellow Consul, in all actions of debt proceeded, and gave judgement with rigour against the debtors. Whereupon, both they that had been before imprisoned, were delivered againe into their cre∣ditors hands, and other also became prisoners anew. Where at when as a souldiour, whose case it was thus hardly to be dealt withall, called upon the Consull his fellow for helpe, they ran all at once to Servilius, at his hands they claimed a promise: everie one upbraided and reproched him with their service in warte, with the scars there gotten, requiring that the would propose the matter againe unto the Senate, and as a Consul, succour and protect his citizens; or like a Gene∣rall [unspec M] , maintaine his souldiours. These matters no doubt, moved the Consull: but so stood the cafe that he could neither will not chuse, but hast, deale double, and temporise with them: so fully bent, and wholly wedded to the other part, was not onely his colleague, but also the whole facti∣on of the Nobilitie. Thus by bearing himselfe as a Neurre, and going as they say, betweene the barke and the tree, he neither avoided the hatred of the Commons, nor yet woon favour with

[unspec A] the Nobles: while the Nobles tooke him for a soft and base minded Consull, seeking to please all parties, & the Commons for as craftie and false a dissembler: insomuch as within a short time, it ap∣peared, he was as much hated of the peoples as Appius. For, the Consuls happened on a time to strive, whether of them twaine should dedicated the temple of Mercurie. The Senate put over the deciding of this matter from themselves vnto the people: and decreed withall, that to whether of them the dedication of the temple was by the peoples election graunted, he should over and be∣sides sides have the charge to purvey come and victualles, he should erect and institute a Colledge or fellowship of marchants, and he in steede of the high Priest, should undertake the solemne feasts, or festival daies. Then the people gaue the dedication of the temple to M. Lectorius, a principall Centurion of the vantgard: which as it easily appeared, was done not so much to grace the man, [unspec B] as who had an higher office bestowed upon him, than was sit for one of this degree and calling ; as to disgrace and deface the Consuls. Hereat, one of the Consuls yea and the Patricis stormed and fared exceedinglie against the Commons. But the Commons tooke heart vnto them more and more, and began to proceede farre otherwise, and to take another course than they purposed at the beginning: for, dispairing of the Consuls and Senats helpe, when they saw a debtor sued and brought to the barre, they would run flocking from all parts together, so that the Consuls sentence and decree could not be heard for the noyse and clamour. And decree or judge what he would, no man would obey. And so violenlie they went to worke, that in presence of the Consull, the cre∣ditours were singled out, evill intreated, and misused of the Commons, being many togither. So the whole feare and hazard of the maine chaunce, even of libertie it selfe, was now altogether [unspec C] translated from the dentors tothe creditours.* 1.40 In the very necke of these troubles, there arose feare of the Sabine warre, and when it was determined, there should be a muster of souldiours, no man would answere to his name and be enrolled.

All this while Appius taged and tooke on, inveying bitterly against the nicerie and popularitite of his brother Consul, who with his keeping silence for displeasing the people, by his soft cariage of himselfe, had betrayed the weale punlike, and o∣ver and besides that, he had not ministred justice for the loane of mony, nor dealt according to law in that behalfe, he had brought the matter so to passe, that he could take no musters by ver∣tue of the decree of the Senate. How beit (faith he) the common wealth is not wholy sorsaken and forlone, not yet the Consular authoritie vtterly cast downe and troden vnder foot: for the would himselfe alone, if there were no more but he, defend and maintaine both his owne place, and the [unspec D] Senatours dignitie.

When as the multitude therefore stood thus malapertlie, as their dailie ma∣ner was, about the bar, he commanded one principal captaine of fedition to be attached and had away: and as he was haled to prison by the sergeants and lictors, he appealed. Neither would the Consul have given place to the appeale (for all he knew the people how they were bent, and what their doome would be) had not this obstinate stiffnesse with much ado beene overswaied more throught the discreet advise and authoritie of the cheefe Nobles and Lordes of the Senate, than by the clamorous noyse and menaces of the multitude: so resolute was he, and his heart so couragious, to undergo their ill will and heavie displeasure. Thus grew the mischiefe more and more dailie, testified not with open mouth and broad speeches onely, but also (which was more pernicious and dangerous) by conventicles, secret meetings, and conferences. At [unspec E] length these Coss. so odious vnto the commons, went out of their office, to wit Appius, a man wonderous well affected of the Nobles, Servilius liked neither of them not the Commons.

After whom A. Virginius, and T. Vetufius entred their Consultship. But then the Commons not knowing what manner of Consuls they should have, began to assemble together by night, some in Esquiliae, others in the Aventine: to the end, they might not be unprovided & to seeke upon a suddaine, what to doe in the common place, nor manage their businesse hand over head, and at a venture. Which the Consuls supposing (as it was indeed) a perilous example, and of ill conse∣quence, propounded the matter before the Senators: but when they had proposed it, they could not orderly aske their advise what was to be done: they tooke so on, and kept such outcrie and vias at it, on all hands faring and fuming, that the Consuls should lay upon the Senat the burden [unspec F] and heavie load of that, which properly they by vertue of their authoritie and office should exe∣cute and performe themselves: and surely, if there were any Magistrates in the cittie (say they) there would not be thus suffered in Rome any other counsel but punlicke: whereas now the state is divided into a thousand courts and conventicles: whiles some have their meetings and as∣semblies in Esquilie, others in Aventine: Certes, one onely man indeed (for that is more than a Consul) such a one as Appius Claudius was, would soone dispatch, and in one minute of an hower

scatter these their unlawfull assemblies. The Consuls upon this rebuke and checke, replied again [unspec G] and demanded in this manner: And what would you have us to doe (quoth they) for we are resol∣ved to doe nothing flackly and coldly, but with as great courage and diligence as shall be well li∣ked of the Senatours. Whereupon an order passed, that they should take muster, and levie soul∣diors with all rigour and severitie: adding moreover, that the Commons with idlenesse and ease were growne over-malaperr and too licentious. And when the Senate was dismissed, the Consuls went into the Tribunall and tooke their places, and summoned by name all the * 1.41 younger sort to appeare: and none making answere to his name, the multitude standing about as it had been to heare some publicke Oration, said plainely, that the commons from thenceforth would be no longer deluded, and that the Consuls should never get so much, as one souldour, unlesse they would stand to their word, and make good the promote that publickely before was made, and re∣store [unspec H] to everie man againe his libertie, before they caused them to take weapon in hand: to the end, they might fight for their countrie and countriemen, and not for their lordlike masters. The Consuls saw well what they had in commission from the Senate, and that of all those who within the counsell house wals spake so stoutly, and gave out so great words, there was not one present to take part of this odious mallice of the people. And like they were to have a bitter fit and cruell briole with the Commons. They thought good therfore ere they tried the worst, and deal by extremitie, once againe to aske advise of the Senate, and to conferre with them. But then all the younger sort of the Senatours, approached by fiockmeale, hard almost to the Consuls feats, willing them to give over their Consulship, and to resigne up their rule and authoritie, to the maintenance where of they lacked courage. Now when the Consuls had sufficiently peised [unspec I] and tried both waies,* 1.42 thus at length began they and said. A great sedition and commotion is toward, my LL. To the end therefore that ye pretend not ignorance, and say another day ye were not foretold of it, there is a great sedition and commotion toward. We require therefore that they who find greatest fault with our remissenes and lack of courage, assist us and sit with us while we take the musters: and since you will needs have it so, wee will execute it according to their minds, that are most earnest and severest. Then come they backe againe unto the Tribunall, and commanded for the nones, one of them that were there in sight to be cited and called by name. But the stood still and held his peace, with a crue of men gathered round about to guard him, for feare hee should have some harme or violence done unto him. The Consull then sent a Sergeant to attach him, who being repulsed off, then those Nobles which sate there [unspec K] on the bench to assist the Consuls, cried out upon the shamefull indignitie, and said it was in∣tollerable, and so ran downe in hast from the Tribunall seat, for to aid the sergeant. But the vio∣lent rage of the multitude, who let the Lictour alone, and onelie staied him from laying hold on the man, turned upon the Partitians. So that the Coss.were faine to step betweene, and then the fray was appeased. In which, there being no stones flying about their eares, nor weapon drawne, there was more clamour, brawling & chasing than any hurt done. Then was the Senat house cal∣led in a great hurrey: and with more confusion sat they there in counsell: whiles they that preten∣ded how they were beaten and misused, required that commissioners should sit upon this riot and make due inquisition: and the stourest of them gave their determination, as much by clamour and noyse, as by sentence and opinion grounded upon reason. At last, when the tempest was [unspec M] overblowne and their heat allaied, and that the Coss. hit them in the teeth, and reprooved them, saying there was as little discretion and gravitie in their court and counsell house, as in the com∣mon hall, they began in the end to consult orderly, and three opinions there were amongst them. P. Virginius would not have it a common and generall case (to wit, that all debtors should be re∣leased from their creditours) but his advise was, that they should onely be considered, who rely∣ing upon P. Servilius the Consull word and faithfull promise, had served in the warres of the Volscians, Auruncans and Sabines. T. Largius, he opined and thought this, that it was not a time then to make amends onely for good deserts, and to respect them alone that had done well, and to recompence good service: but for as much as the whole comminaltie was depplie engaged and plunged in debt, unless they were all provided for, and good order taken for them everie [unspec L] one, there would be no quietnes nor end of troubles: yea and (that which more is in case they be not all alike regarded, but some debtors in better conditions than others, the discord would rather be more kindled than quenched.

Appius Claudius a man both of naturall disposition fierce and cruel, and also by occasion made more outragious, netled with the Commons hatted against him on the one side, and tickled with the praise and commendations of the Nobles on the other

[unspec A] side, who ever magnified him and lift him up to the skie, spake to this effect: These so great sturres and mutinous hurliburlies, * 1.43 my Masters (quoth he) is not long of the miserie and cala∣mitie, but onelie of too much libertie of the commons: who rather upon fatnes are growne wanton and unrulie than for any want unpatient and discontent: and all this mischiefe no doubt is sprung of this, that they have liberttie to appeale. For so long as it is in their power to flie for helpe unto those that have faulted as well as they, well may the Consull threaten and give out menacing words: as for anie rule else or command, they shall have none among them. Come on therfore, let us create a Dictatour from whom they cannot make their appeale. Then shall this furious rage, which now setteth all on a light fire, be soone husht and quite extinguished. Let me see then, who dare beat a Lictour, when he shall well know, that he alone whose honorand ma∣jestie [unspec B] he shall offend and abuse, hath power to scourge him and take away his life. Many men thought this sentence of Appius to be verie hard and cruell, yea and dangerous withall, in re∣gard of the late precedent of Vir••inius and Vetusius.

That other likewise of Largius was thought inconvenient, in taking away all keeping of credit with the creditours. The opinion and advise of Virginius was supposed as well in one respect as in another most indifferent and meane be∣tweene both. But by reason of the faction are regard of private benefit, which alwaies hath done hurt and ever will, to publicke councell, Appius prevailed, and he missed verie little but he him∣selfe had beene made Dictatour. Which if it had come to passe, it would surelie have estran∣ged and alienated quite the hearts of the Commons, in that most busie and dangerous time: when it happened that the Volscians, Aequians, and Sabines, were all up at once in armes. But [unspec C] the Consuls and elder Senatours, had great care and consideration to chuse such a one, as might by mildnesse of his owne nature alay and qualifie the exceeding rigour and sternnesse inci∣dent to soveraigne and absolute authoritie. They elect therefore to be Dictatour, Marcus Valerius the sonne of Vólesus. The Commons albeit they saw well enough this Dictatour created for to curbe them, yet having got by this brothers law, the benefit of Appeale, they feared no severe and insolent proceeding from that house and name. The Edict besides, that the Di∣ctatour set forth, which was welneere all one with that other of the Consull Servilius, much confirmed and selted their minds. For supposing now, they had more hold both of the man and also of his authoritie, and that they might with more confidence relie themselves on the one and the other, they gave over all debate, & entered their names into the muster booke: so there [unspec D] were enrolled full ten legions.The like armie for number was never levied afore. Of which legi∣ons, the Consuls had the conduct of three a peece, & the Dictator commanded the other foure: and high time, it was: for the war might not be deserred any longer. The Aequians had alreadie invaded the territorie of the Latines, & their Embassadors were petitioners to the Senat, either to send succour, or to give them leave to put on armour themselves for the defence of their con∣fines & frontiers. It was thought the safer & surer way, that the Latins without arming themselves should be defended, than to permit them again to take weapon in hand. So the Consull Vilucius was sent thither, & he staied them from further for aying & wasting. For the Aequians were depar∣ted out of the plains, & trusting rather in the vantage of the ground, than in their weapons, stood upon their guard, kept themselves safe from danger, upon the high tops of the hils & mountains.

[unspec E] The other Consull who was gone against the Volscians, because he would not also loose a∣ny time, drew the enemie forth (by wasting the countrie especiallie) to encampe himselfe neerer, and so at length to fight a field. Now was there a plain in the mids betweene both camps: where each armie stood before their rampiers, embattailed, and ranged in array, with banners displai∣ed readie to fight. The Volscians were somewhat more in number, where upon they began bat∣taile disorderedly and as if they set light by the enemie. But the Romane Consull neither ad∣uanced forward, nor suffered his men once to shoute and answere againe, but charged them to stand sti••l with their javelin•• fast in the ground, untill the enemies were come within the reach of hand fight, and then to lay about them lustilie with their swords, all that euer they could. The Vollscians out of breath with running and shouting, charged the Romanes, who seemed for [unspec F] feare to stand astonied: but after they once perceived that they were hotly reen countered by them againe, and saw their swords glittering in their eies, they were troubled, therewith, as if they had beene entrapped and fallen into some traines laied for them, and so turned their backes. And by reason they came running before to battaile, their strength would not hold out now to run cleare away: The Romanes contrariwise, because against the beginning of the fight they had stood quiet, were fresh of body, & soon overtooke them thus overtoiled, woon their campe

by force,* 1.44 & after they had driven the enemies out from thence, chased them into * 1.45 Velitree, and [unspec G] entred the towne pelmell one with another in a medley, the Victor togither with them that were vanquished. More bloudshed there was by execution of them one with another, of all ages and fexes, as they came in their way, than in the verie battaile. A verie few, euen such as without weapon yeelded themselves, were spared and pardoned.

Whiles these things were a doing amongst the Volscians, the Dictator discomfited and put to slight the Sabines, with whom he had much cruell warre: yea, and forced them to aban∣don and quit their campe. For hauing sent his horsmen into the maine battile of the enemies, which they had but slightly strengthened within-forth, and bestowed the ranks there very thin, and all to stretch out the wings on both sides more at large, he brake their arraies: and when they were once disordered, the footemen came in upon them: and in the same brunt were they [unspec H] masters of their campe, and so the war ended. There was not in those daies a braver battaile sought and more renowned, setting aside that onely at the lake Regillus. The Dictatour rode in triumph unto the cittie. Over & above the accustomed honours, both he and his posteritie af∣ter him, were allowed a certaine place in the great Race or Theater, called Circus, for to behold at ease the solemne games, and there was set the yvorie chaire of estate, called Sella curalis. The Volscians thus vanquished, lost the territorie about Velitre, and new inhabitants were sent thither from the cittie, to people and to till the grounds, so that it became a Colonie.

Some what after this, there was a field fought with the Aequians, but in truth, full against the Consull his will, for that they were to climbe up a steep hill (to their disaduantage) for to meete with the enemie. But the Souldiours blaming him for trifling out, and making delaies, to the [unspec I] end that the Dictator might be out of office before they made returne to the cirtie, and so his word and promise, like as the Consuls before him, should come to nothing; drave him per∣force to leade up to his armie, rashly and at aduenture against the hils. This being an enterprise ill ordered, and an error escaped, fell out notwithstanding verie well through the cowardise of the enemie: who before they were come within shot and the darts cast, amazed at the ventu∣rousnesse of the Romanes, fortooke their holdes which they had in most defensible places, and leapt downe into the vallies ouer against them. There was bootie and pillage good inough, and abloudlesle victorie.

Hauing sped thus fortunately abroade in three several wars, the Senatours and commons were not carelesse of home-affaires, what would be the issue thereof. The Bankers and Vsurers, [unspec K] what with fauor, & what with subtile and cautelous pollicie, had devised aforehand and wrought such meanes, as might frustrate are and disappoint not onelie the commons, but also the Dictator, and put them by their expectation. For Valerius after there turne of Velasius the Consull, dealt, first and above all other matters and causes at the Counsell table,* 1.46 in the behalfe of the people that had atchieved such victories, and propounded to know their minds, What should be done with those endebted, endangered, and imprisoned persons.

Which motion of his being disli∣ked and rejected: I see well (quoth) he that I cannot please you, so long as I persuade to concord and unitie: with ye will (trust me truely) e're it be long, that the comminaltie of Rome had more Patrons and advocates like my selfe. As for me, I will neither beare my citizens any longer in hand to deceive them, nor be a Dictator in vaine, to effect nothing. Ciuile discord at home, and [unspec L] forraine war abroade, caused the State to have neede of this office. Now, when peace is gotten without, behold it is crossed and hindered within: yet had I rather bee present at the fight of a mutinie & insurrection when I am a priuate person, than whiles I am a Dictatour.

Thus went he out of the counsell house, and yeelded up his Dictatourship with all. The Commons saw plainly what the matter was, and how upon a discontentment and griefe that he tooke in their behalfe, for verie pittie and compassion of them, he gave over the place: and therefore, as if thehad ful∣ly discharged himselfe of this faithfull word to them giuen, (for that there was no default in him, but it had been performed indeed) they accompanied him along home to this house with hearty affection, praising and commending him all the way they went. The Lords of the Senate began then to feare, least if the armie were broken up and discharged, there would be some secret con∣venticles, [unspec M] and new conspiracies contrived: therefore, albeit the musters were taken by the Di∣ctatour: yet because the souldiours had sworne alleageance to the Consuls, supposing they were still bounde to warfare by vertue of that oath, and pretending a colour that the Aequians renu∣ed war, they commanded the legions to be led forth of the cittie.

This hastened the sedition the sooner & set it forward. At first, as men said, they complotted

[unspec A] and laid their heads together about murdering and making awaie the Consuls, to the end they might be acquit of their oth unto them: but afterwards being better schooled and advised, that no mans conscience can be clered of scruple, & discharged of an oth once taken, by committing a sinfull act and working mischiefe,* 1.47 they withdrew themselves out of the way by the persuasion of one Sicinius, and without congé of the consuls, departed as farre as mount Sacer, on the farther side of the river Anio, three miles from the citie. This is the riser report, and goeth more currant, than that whereof Piso is the author (namelie, that the commons retired them∣selves within a trench and rampiar, and kept quiet for certaine daies, neither taking nor doing harme; as having caried with them such things onelie as were necessarie for the sustenance of [unspec B] their life. Great feare there was in the citie, and in this mutuall and reciprocall feare, all men were perplexed and to seeke what to doe. The commons sorlorne of their fellow commoners doubted the violence of the Senatours: the Senatours againe stood in feare and jelousie of the commons that remained stil behind; and were in suspense whither it were better they abode still among them, or followed after their fellowes. For how long trow ye, will a multitude once disbanded, rest in quiet? Againe, in case any forrain warre should arise in the meane time, what might ensue there upon in the end? In conclusion, there was no hope behind to be looked for, but in the concord of citizens. and therefore the commons one way or other, either by reasonable conditions or unreasonable, were to be reconciled again and reduced into the citie, there was no remedie. So it was thought good and agreed upon, that one Menentus Agrippa (a saire spo∣ken [unspec C] and eloquent man, gratious with all and welbeloved among the commons, for that he was from them d escended) should be sent as an Orator to treat with them.

Who being received in∣to the campe, after that old and harsh kind of eloquence in those daies, spake as men saith to this effect,* 1.48 and told this tale and parable: Whilome (quoth he) when as in mans bodie, all the parts therof agreed not, as now they do in one, but ech member had a several intent & meaning, yea and a speech by it selfe: so it besel, that all other parts besides the belly, thought much & repined that by their carefulnes, labor, & ministerie, all was gotten, & yet all little enough to serve it: and the bellie it selfelying still in the mids of them, did nothing else but enjoy the delightsome plea∣sures brought unto her. Whereupon they mutined & conspired altogether in this wise, That nei∣ther the hands should reach & convey food into the mouth, nor the mouth receive it as it came, [unspec D] neyet the teeth grind & chew the same. In this mood & fit, whiles they were minded to famish thepoore bellie, behold the other lims, yea & the whole bodie besides, pined, wasted, & fel into anex∣treme consumption. Then was it well seen, that even the very belly also did no final service, did no final service, but fed the other parts, as it received food it selfe: seeing that by working and concocting the meat throughlie, it digesteth and distributeth by the veines into all parts, that fresh and perfect blood whereby we live, we like, and have our full strength. Comparing herewith, and making his appli∣cation, to wit, how like this intestine and inward sedition of the bodie, was to the full stomacke of the commons, which they had taken and borne against the Senatours, he turned quite the peoples hearts.

Then began some treatie of unitie and concord: and among other articles it was conditioned and granted, that the Communaltie should have certaine sacred and inviolable [unspec E] magistrates of their owne among themselves, such as might have power to assist the Commons ag ainst the Consuls:* 1.49 Item, that it might not bee lawfull for any Senatour to beare that office. So there were created two Tribunes of the commons, C. Licinius and L. Albinus. And these elected three other fellow officers unto them. Of whom Sicinius, the author of the sedition or insurrection was one, who were the other twaine is not for certaine knowne. Some say there were but two Tribunes created and no more in the mount Sacer, and that the sacred law was there made concerning their immunitie.

During this insurrection and revolt of the commons, Sp. Casius& Post humuis Cominius ente∣red their Consulships. In whose time a league was made with the people of Latium. For the esta∣blishing whereof, one of the Consuls staied behinde at Rome: the other was sent unto the Vol∣scian [unspec F] warre, who discomsited and put to flight the Volscians of Antium, Chasing and driving them into the towne Longula, which he wonne. And immediatlie he tooke Mucamites a towne of the Vilscians, and after that with great force assaulted Corioli.

There was in campe, them among the flowre of gallant youths, one Caius Martius, A No∣ble yoong gentleman, right politicke of advise, active besides, and tall of his hands, who afterwards was surnamed Coriolanius. Whiles the Roman armie lay at siege before Corioli,

and were amazed whollie upon the townsmen within, whom they kept fast shut up, and feared no [unspec G] present danger at all from anie forraine warre without: behold, all on a suddaine, the Volscian legions that came from Antium, assailed them: at which verie instant the enemie also fallied out of the towne. Which Martius, seeing, who by good hap quartered and warded there, with a lustie band of elect men, not onely repressed and stopped the violence of those that issued and brake upon him, but also whiles the gate stood open, fiercely rushed in himselfe: and having made a foule slaughter of people thereby, at his first entrance into the cittie, and caught up fire at a venture, flung it upon the houses that stood upon and about the wals. Whereupon arose a great outcrie of the folke within the towne, together with lamentable weeping and wailing of women and children, as commonly is seene in such a sight. Which at the very first, both harde∣ned the Romanes, and also troubled the Volscians: and no marvell, seeing the citie taken before [unspec H] their face, for which they were come to rescue. Thus were the Volscians of Antium defeited, and the town Coriolo won.* 1.50 And Martius through his praise, so much obscured and stopped the light of the Consull his fame, that had it not been ingraven in brasse for a remembrance and monu∣ment, That there was a league with the Latines, and the same made by Sp. Cassius alone (for that his companion was absent) there had been no record at all, but forgotten quite it had been, that ever Sp. Cominius warred with the Volscians.

The same yeare died Menenius Agrippa, a man all his life time before beloved indifferently of the Senatours and the Commons: but after the insurrection, much more deere unto the Com∣mons than before.* 1.51 This truchman, this mediator for civile attonement, this Embassadour and messenger from the Senatours to the commons, this reconciler and reducer of the commons [unspec I] home againe into the cittie, had not at his death sufficient to defray the charges of his funerals: the commons therefore made a purse and a contribution of a * 1.52 Sextant by the poll, and were at the cost to interre and burie him worshipfully.

After this were made Consuls, T. Geganius, and P. Minutius. In which yeare when all was quiet abroad for any warre, and the dissention at home healed up cleane, and skinned: another cala∣mitie farre more greevous entred the cittie. First a dearth of corne, and all manner of victuals, by reason that the grounds upon the departure of the commons were forelet and untilled. Here∣upon issued femine, even such as usually is incident to men besieged. And verily the meinie of bondservants, yea and the commons too, had utterly perished for hunger, if the Consuls had not in time made the better provision: by sending purveiours all abroad to buy up come, not [unspec K] only into Hetruria, by coasting along the river on the right hand from Hostia, and on the left hand by sea, (passing through the Volscians countrie) even as far as Cumes: but also into Sicilie, there to lay for graine. Such was the hatred of the borderers, that Rome was enforced to have need of succour and releefe from a farre. Now when they had bought certain corne at Cumes, it was no sooner embarked, but the ships were staied and arrested there, by Aristodemus the tyrant, for the goods of the Tarquines, whose heire in remainder he was. In the Volscian country and Pomptinum, they could buy none for mony. There, the very Purveiors themselves were in dan∣ger of violence, by the men of the countrey. Out of Tuscane there came corne up the Tyber, wherewith the commons were sustained and refreshed. And considering the streights they were in for want of victuals, they had been sore distressed and vexed with warres besides, and [unspec M] that in a very ill time, and unseasonable for them: but that the Volscians, who now were in rea∣dinesse, and upon the point to make warre, had a pestilence that raigned hote among them. Which heavie crosse and affliction, the enemies were so discouraged with, that when the plague began to stay, even then they continued still afraid.

The Romanes both at Velitree augmented the number of the inhabitants, and also at Nor∣ba, sending a new Colonie into the mountaines, to be a fortresse and strength for all the territo∣rie of Pomptinum. Moreover, when M. Minutius, and A. Sempronius were Consuls, great store of corne was brought out of Sicilie: and it was debated in the Senate house, at what price the commons should be served therewith. Many thought the time was now come to wring the com∣mons, and keep them under, and to recover againe those roialties, which by their departure were [unspec L] forcibly wrested and dismembred from the nobilitie,* 1.53 But above all others Martivus Coriolanus, and utter and capitall enemie to the Tribunes power and authoritie,

If they will (quoth hee) have their corne and victuals at the old price, let them restore unto the Senatours their aun∣cient right and preheminence. Why see I (as one brought under the yoke of servitude, and put as it were unto my ransome, by robbers and theeues) these Magistrates of the Com∣mons?

[unspec A] why see I Sicinius so mightie? Shall I endure these indignities longer than I needs must? I that could not beare T arquinius to bee King, shall I brooke and suffer Sicinius? Let him depart aside now, and take his commons with him: the way is open to mount Sacer and other hils: let them carrie away with them the corne out of our posessions and Lord∣ships, as they did three yeares ago: let them enjoy, take for their use, and spend the store, which they in their follerie and furie haue prouided. I dare be bold to say, that when they are by this ca∣lamitie once tamed, they will rather till and husband the ground themselves, than with weapon in hand, and by way of insurrection, forbid and hinder the tillage thereof. I cannot so soone say, whether it had beene as meete, as I suppose it was possible and easie to effect, that the Senators by offering more gentle conditions in the prices of corne and victualles, might haue eased [unspec B] themselues of the Tribunes authoritie ouer them, and also haue beene disburdened of those impositions which maugre their heads, were laide upon them.

Well, this seemed to the Senate a sharpe censure and severe sentence of Cartolanus, and for verie anger also it had like to have caused the Commons to rise up in arms:* 1.54 For they muttered and gave it out in these tearmes,

That now they were laide at and assailed with famine like enemies, de∣frauded and berest of their meat and pittance: that the outlandish corne, the onely sustenance and food which fortune had ministred unto them beyond all hope; was snatched and plucked from their mouths, unlesse the Tribunes be delivered & yeelded prisoners hand and foot bound to C. Martius, unlesse he might have his penniworths of the backe and shoulders of the com∣mons of Rome. For he was now start up & become their tormentor and hangman, to command [unspec C] them either to death, or to servitude. As he went out of the counsell house, they had run upon him with violence, but that the Tribunes, as good lucke was, served him with processe in time, to appeare at a day, and come to his answer.

Herewith, their furious anger was suppressed. For now everie man saw, that he was himselfe to be the judge and lord of his enemies life and death. Mar∣tius at the first scorned the Tribunes thundering threats, & gave the hearing, as though he made smal reckoning there of, saying, That their authoritie had power granted by limitation, only to aid, and not to punish: that the Tribunes were Tribunes to the commons, and not to the Senators. But so spightfully were the Commons bent, and all so set upon mischeef, that there was no other remedie, but one man must pay for it, to save and excuse the rest of the Nobles. Howbeit, the Se∣natours did what they could to withstand them: by opposing hatred and displeasure againe, and [unspec D] making all meanes, what either privately they were able of themselves, or jointly by their whole Order and degree, to procure. And first, this course they assaied to stop and overthrow the suite commensed; namelie, by setting their followers and retainers in sundrie places to deale with the commons severallie one by one, and what they could to affright them from meetings and as∣semblies together. Afterwards, they came all forth at once into the Forum or common place. A man that had seene them would have said they had beene the parties themselves in trouble and accused, readie to hold up their hand at the barre: such a beseeching they praying, such a beseeching they made of the commons, in the behalfe of this one citizen, this onelie Senatour; that if they would not in their love acquit him for their sakes, as innocent and unguiltie, yet they would give him unto them as an offender and faultie person. In conclusion, when his daie came, he made default [unspec E] and appeared not, yet continued they still in their angrie mood against him. And being condem∣ned in his absence, for contumacie, departed into banishment to the Vol••cians, menacing his own countrie as he went, and carying even then with him the revenging stomacke of an enemie.

The Volcians at his comming received him courteouslie, and friendlie increated him everie daie more than other, as they perceived his anger more and more toward his countriemen, by many complaints he made of them & threats withall that he eftsoones gave out against them in their hearing. He made his abode and sojourned in the house of Accius Tullus. Who at that time was a mightie great man among the Volscians, and one that ever bare mortall mallice unto the Romanes. And whiles the one of them was provoked with an old cancred grudge, and the other set on and pricked forward upon a fresh quarrell and occasion of anger, they both laid their [unspec F] heads together and complotted to make warre upon the Romanes. This onelie thing stood in their waie to crosse their designes: They thought verilie their Commons would hardlie or uneth at all be brought, to rise and take armes againe, which they had so often unhappilie attempted: And besides, their courages were well cooled, and their stomacks abated, by the losse of their youth in manie and sundrie warres often times afore, and now at last, by the late pestilence and mortalitie. They were therefore to go cunninglie to worke; that for as much as the old hatred

against the Romanes was growne out and worne away, their hearts upon some new anger might [unspec G] be chaufed and galled againe. There were by chance at that time in Rome, the great Games and Plaies in hand, to be set out a new the second time, the occasion whereof was this: A cer∣taine houshoulder one morning betimes before the shewes and games began, had beaten with rods a poore slave of his under the forke which he caried on his shoulders, and driven him along through the minds of the Circus or Theatre: and with that began the plaies, as if there had bene no matter therin of scruple or religion. But not long after, one T. Latinius a meane commoner had a dreame or vision: In which he thought that Iupiter complained and said, that the dancer before the plaies pleased him never a whit: and unlesse those games were new∣lie exhibited againe, and that verie statelie and sumptuouslie, some great danger should befall the citie: willing him withall, to make relation heerof unto the Consuls. The man albeit in truth [unspec H] he was not without some sense and feeling of religion & the feare of God: yet made he no such great scruple at the matter, but that the reverence he had of the majestie and countenance of the magistrates surmounted and dashed it cleane: for feare least haplie he should become a talking stocke in mens mouthes, and be mocked for his labour. But this delaie and sleeping of the mat∣ter, he bought full deere. For within few daies his sonne happened to die. And because he should be out of doubt what was the cause of this his losse and suddaine misfortune, whiles he was troubled in spirit, with anguish and sorrow, behold, the same vision appeared to him againe in his sleepe, and seemed to aske him whither he had not yet sufficientlie paide for this disobe∣dience and contempt of God? threatning moreover, that in case he made no greater hast to certifie the Consuls thereof, there was a greater judgement and plague toward, and that verie [unspec I] neere . Now was the thing more evident thanbefore, and past all peradventure. Howbeit he neglected & drave it off still, until he was himselfe overtaken with a grievous disease, and brought to great weaknes in all his joints. Then verilie the wrath of the gods taught him to be wiser. And being over waried with harmes past, and in feare of more presentlie to ensue, he conferred with his kinsfolke and friends to be advised by them. When he had declared unto them what he had seene and heard, namelie, how Iupiter had so often appeared unto him in his sleepe, and that the fearefull displeasure and threatnings of the heavenlie gods were shewed plainlie by sundrie mis∣chances fallen upon him: by the full consent of all them that were about him, he was brought in a litter to the Consuls, into the Forum or common place, from whence by the Consuls com∣maundement he was caried into the Counsell house. Where, when he had made report unto [unspec K] the Senatours of the selfe same things, to the exceeding wonder and admiration of them all, see another strange miracle: He that was brought into the Senate house a lame creple of all his lims, after he had once delivered his errand, returned home to his house (as it is recorded) sound upon his feete. Herupon the Senate decreed, That the Games should be set out as magnificentlie as could be devised.

The these solemnities resorted, by the motion and persuation of Accius Tullius, a great num∣ber of Volscians. But before they were begun, Tullius according to the complot between him and Martius at home, made a step or errand unto the Consuls at Rome, saying, that he would willinglie commune and treat with them apart, of important affairs concerning the State. When voidance was made, and everie man gone, he began in this wise: Loth I am (quoth he) if other∣wise [unspec L] I could chuse,* 1.55 to speake ought but well of my countrimen and fellow citizens.

Yet come I not to complaine of anie action of theirs alreadie pasted, but to give a caveat, and provide that nothing be practised hereafter. The nature and disposition (I may tell you) of our people, is too too unconstant and unstaied, more ywis than I would they were, a great deale: that have wee found and felt to our great cost and manifold damage, wee I say, who verilie at this day by your long sufferance, and not by good desart of ours, do stand in good termes of peace and safetie. There is now here a great multitude of Volscians, the Plaies and Games readie to be represen∣ted and celebrate. Your citie will be whollie amused in the beholding therof: I remember upon the like occasion, what was somtimes enterprised and wrought in this citie by the youth of the Sabines; and my heart doth tremble and quake for feare, least some inconsiderate, rash and [unspec M] foolish part be plaied by ours: thus much, O ye Consuls, I thought good in our behalfe and yours both, to giue you ynkling of before hand. As for me, I am minded presentlie to go from hence home, least I being heere seene, might be thought in some word or deed accessarie uno them, & so culpable.

Having made this speech he departed. When the Consuls had declared in the Senate this thing so doubtfull, and yet proceeding from the mouth of so sure and certaine

[unspec A] an author: behold, the credite of the man (as commonly it is seene) rather than the likelihood of the matter, caused them to be warie and circumspect, yea, although there was no such need or cause at al. Wherupon the Senate made an Act, that the Volscians should be jogging out of the citie. And divers criers or Bedles were sent out sundrie waies, to command them to avoyd & be packing before night. At the first, the Volsciens were onely much affrighted, and ranne everie man to and fro into his Inne to fetch away his things. But afterwards in the way homeward, they began to thinke more and more of it, and to grow melancholie: thinking it a great indignitie, that like polluted and profaned persons, they should be driven from the Games, on festival ho∣lidaies, discarded (as a man would say) and excommunicate out of the companie both of God and man. Thus as they went along all on a row, as it were in one continued and joynt traine, Tullius (who was gone afore as far as the Ferentine head) received the formost and chiefe of [unspec B] them, as every one came, & entertained them with complaints & words of indignation, & drew both them who willingly gaue eare to his words so fitly framed & tending to stir more coles, and also by their meanes the rest of the multitude,* 1.56 into a plain field, lying hard vnder the high way side. Vnto whom, assembled togither as it were to here a sermon, he thus began to speake:

Admit (quoth he) you could forget the old wrongs and abuses offered you by the people of Rome, the losses and ouerthrowes of the Volscian Nation, yea and all other quarrels whatsoever; how can ye put up this daies spightfull reproch and dishonour received at their handes? who to our great disworship and shame, haue begun their solemne Games? Perceiued you not how they haue tri∣umphed ouer you to day? how as ye departed, ye were a spectacle and pageant to all men, citti∣zens and strangers, and to so many neighbour nations adjoyning? how your wives and children [unspec C] were brought as it were in a shew, to make them sport, and to laugh at? what conceit was in their heads (think ye) that heard the voyce of the Bedle? what thought they that beheld you as you dislodged? what imagined they that happened to meete this ignominous troupe as they matched? Even this & no other, that there was some wicked sinne among us, not to be named, whereby we should as malefactors, haue stained & polluted their games if we had ben present at the sight of them, and haue committed some hainous act, that would require by some satisfac∣tion of sacrifice to be purged? & for that cause were driven from having any conversation, fellow∣ship, and societie of good and godly men? Over and besides, how can you choose but thinke of this, That we enjoy our liues still, onely because we hastned our remoove, (if this may be called a [unspec D] remoove, and not rather a plaine taking of a flight and running away.) And yet you reason this no enemie cittie, where, if ye had staied but one day longer, you had died for it everie one. Defi∣ance is giuen alreadie, and war denounced against you; but if ye be men indeede of courage, to their great cost and mischiefe that haue denounced it. Thus being of themselves kindled inough with indignation, and by these words enflamed and set on fire, they went ever ie man his way from thence home: and so effectually sollicited each one the people where he dwelt, that in fine the whole nation of the Volscians revolted and rebelled.

To mannage this war, were chosen Gene∣rall commaunders by one consent of all the citties, Accius Tullius, and Cn. Martius the ba∣nished Romane: in whome of the twaine they reposed greater hope, and this their hope failed them not. So as it soone appeared that the puissance of the state of Rome, consisted more in the [unspec E] dexteritie of good captaines, than in strong armies of souldiours. For first he went to * 1.57 Circeios, from whence he expelled the Romane Coloners, and delivered the cittie cleere and free unto the Volscians. Then by crosse waies he passed into the Latine streete, called Via Latima: and re∣gained from the Romanes, these their townes newly gotten asore, Satricum, Longula, Pollu∣stia & Corioli. After this he wan Lanuvium againe, & so forward he forced * 1.58 Corbio, Vitelia, Trebia, Labicos, and Pedum. And last of all from Pedum, he marched on toward the cittie of Rome, and at Cluiliae Fossae, five miles off, he encamped and forraied the territorie about, sen∣ding with the forreiars certaine guides, to keepe them from spoyling and doing harme in the Noblemens lands: were it that he were more spightfull to the Commons, or that thereby some discord might arise,* 1.59 between the Comminaltie and the Senatours: which doubtlesse had soone [unspec F] growne, so mightily had the Tribunes alreadie by their complaints and accusations, provoked the Commons forward, (who of themselves were shrewed inoguh) against the heads and magi∣strates of the cittie, but that the feare of forraine dangers, the greatest bond of ciuile concord that can be, held them in and knit their hearts togither, were they never so jealous, suspected, and hatefull afore one to the other. Herein onely was all their difference, that the Senate and Consuls, reposed hope in nothing else save onely in warre: the commons on the other side

were desirous of any thing whatsoever, but warre. [unspec G]

Now were S.Nautius, and Sex. Farius Consuls: who as they were surveying and mustering the legions, and disposing of a good Corpus de guard upon the wals, and other places wherein they thought it expedient to keep a standing watch and ward: behold a mightie number called and cried hard for peace,& with their sedicious clamors, put them in exceeding feare: yea & after∣wards, forced them to assemble the Senatehouse together, and to propose concerning the sen∣ding of certaine embassadors to Gn. Martius. The Lords of the Senate seeing evidently the commons hearts to faile them, accepted and granted the motion propounded. Whereupon were Oratours sent unto Martius to treate for peace.* 1.60 At whose hands they received this heavie and stout answere:

If so be the Volsciens had their lands restored to them againe; then there might be some parle and treatie of peace: but if they will needs at their pleasure still enjoy that [unspec H] bootie which by war they have gotten, then would he in remembrance of private wrongs done vnto him by his countrimen, as also of the friendship and courtesie shewed him by strangers that had given him entertainement, do his best to make it knowne unto the world, that his cou∣rage and stomacke is incensed, and not abated and quailed by his banishment.

Then were the same Embassadors sent againe the second time, but they might not be admitted once to set foote within the campe. It is reported moreouer that the verie priests in their Pontificalibus, in their rich vestiments and goodly ornaments, went with supplication to the tents of the enemies, and turned his heart no more than the embassadors had done before them. Then the dames of the cittie came flocking all about Veturia the mother, and Volumnia the wife of Coriolanus. Whether this proceeded from any publike counsell and was done in pollicie, or came onely of [unspec I] womens feare, I find but little in any records. But howsoeuer it came about, this one thing is cer∣taine, they persuaded so effectually with them, that both Veturia an aged woman, and also Volumnia with her two little sonnes that she had by Martius, went toward the enemies campe, to see if women by their praiers and teares, might save the cittie, which men with speare and shield could not defend. When they were come into the camp, & word brought to Coriolanus, that there was an exceeding great traine of women thither arrived: at the first, he, as one that had relented, neither for that publike maiestie in the Embassadours, nor yet at the religious re∣verence, which he both conceived in mind, & saw with his eies in the clergie, stood much more stifly bent against the teares of seely women. But afterwards one of his familiar friends, who [unspec K] had seen and knowne Veturia there, mourning and bewailing exceedingly above the rest, as she stood betwixt her daughter in law and her little nephewes:* 1.61 I•• mine eies be matches (quoth hee) and deceive me not, here is your mother, your wife, and children.

Whereat, Coriolanus, faring like a man well neare beside himselfe, arose from his seate, and ran to meete his mother, and to embrace her. But the woman falling in steede of praiers into a fit of choller: Let me know (quoth she) before I suffer thee to embrace me, whether I am come to an enemie or to a sonne, whether I be in thy campe as a captive prisoner, or as a naturall mother. And have I lived indeede so long, and rubbed on still in this miserable old age of mine for this, to see thee first a banished man, and after that to become an enemie? Couldest thou finde in thine heart to waste and spoyle that courtrey which bred thee, which fostered thee, and brought thee up? And be it [unspec L] that thou hither marched with a cruell intent and full of threats, would not thine anger and fell mood slake, when thou didst set foote within the borders and marches therof? And being come within the sight of Rome, arose not this in thy mind & thought, Within those wals yon∣der is my house, there are my house goods, my mother, my wife, my children? Why then, belike if I had never been a mother, and borne a child, Rome had not been assaulted. And if I had no sonne at all, I might have died well ynough in my native countrey, whiles it remained free. But as for me, neither can I suffer ought, more for thy dishonestie and shame; nor more to mine owne calamitie and miserie than this: and most wretched caitife though I be, yet long time so I cannot continue. But for these here, looke thou well to it, I advise thee, and have pittie of them, who if thou goe on as thou beginnest, are like to feele untimely death, or indure long captivitie.

Then his wife and children hung about him, and clipped him: whereat the women fell a wee∣ping [unspec M] on all sides, bewailing their owne case and the state of their countrey. So as at length the man was overcome. And after he had taken them in his armes likewise, he let them goe: and himselfe dislodged and removed his campe backeward from the cittie. When he had with∣drawne the legions out of the territorie of Rome, he gat himselfe, men said, such hatred and displeasure for this action, that it cost him his life: and murdered he was, some report one way,

[unspec A] some another. But I find in Fabius a most ancient writer, that he lived untill he was an old man: who reporteth this of him: That oftentimes in his latter daies he used to utter this speech, A heavie case and most wretched, for an aged man to live banisht. The men of Rome envied not those women their due deserved praises. So devoid was the world in those daies, of depraving and de∣tracting the glorie of others. For in memoriall hereof to all posteritie, there was a temple built and dedicated to Fortuna Muliebris. i.* 1.62 Womens fortune.

After all this, the Volscians joined the Aequians unto them, and returned into the territorie of Rome. But the Aequians would no longer abide Accius to bee their Commander. And upon this strife between the Volscians and Aequians, whither of them should appoint a Generall over the armie raised jointly of them both, first they grew to a mutinie, and afterwards to a cruell [unspec B] battell. Such was the good fortune of the people of Rome, that two armies of their enemies, were thus by civile discord and contention, no lesse mortall than obstinate, overthrowne and brought to naught. Consuls then, were T. Sicinius and C. Aquilius. To Sicinius were allotted the Volscians, and to Aquilius the Hernikes (who also were out and up in armes) for their severall province. That yeare were the Hernikes vanquished, but with the Volscians they fought so, as they departed on even hand, giving and taking the like.

After them were Sp. Cassius, and Proculus Virginius made Consuls. Then was there a league concluded with the Hernikes, and two third parts of their lands were taken from them. Whereof the one moitie, Cassius the Consul was minded to distribute among the Latins, the other among the Commoners. To this donation hee laid too also a good portion of ground, which being [unspec C] commons by right, he found much fault, that it was in the tenure and possession of private per∣sons. This act of his made diverse of the Senatours, namely, such as were great landed men and interessed therein, to starkle for feare of hazarding their estate. Over and besides, the Senatours all in generall were in great perplexitie, least that the Consull by this largesse, should rise by po∣pular favor to such greatnes, as might prejudice their free hold, yea and endanger the very main chance of publick libertie.* 1.63 And this was the first time that the law Agraria was published: and forward unto this present hower, it was never debated of, but with exceeding great stirs and trou∣bles of the State. The other Consull withstood this largesse, with the generall consent of the Se∣natours, and without contradiction of some commoners: who at the very first began to mislike, and utterly abhorre, that the donation was so commune, and from the naturall cittizens, exten∣ded [unspec D] to their allies and confederates.

Moreover, they might oftentimes heare even the Consull himselfe Virginius, openly in his solemne Orations before the people, to deliver by way of pro∣phesie, and as it were to prognosticate,* 1.64 That this was a pestilent largesse of his brother Consull, and that those grounds would in the end entherall the takers thereof, and that it was the very high way to set up a kingdome againe. For to what other intent (I pray you) were their allies, and the nation of the La∣tines associate in the same? To what purpose either, was a third part of the lands won by conquest, given againe to the Hernikes prosessed enemies but a while before, but that these nations might have Cassius to be such another captaine of their, as Coriolanus was. And thus by dissuading and crossing the law Agraria, he became now to be popular and gracious with the people. Then both Consuls strived a vie, who might please & gratifie the Commons most.

Virginius, by giving out that he [unspec E] would maintaine and suffer the lands to be divided, so they were assigned to none but to the citi∣zens of Rome: Cassius againe, who in the largesse of the lands, seemed to court and currie favor with the allies, and thereby was of the citizens lesse regarded and reputed, to the end, that by some other benefite he might regaine the hearts of his countrimen, was of opinion, and made a motive, that the monie which was received for the Sicilian corne, should be repaied unto the people. But the Commons refused and abhorred that, as a verie bribe & readie bait for a scep∣ter and crowne. So greatly were all his gifts, for the deepe rooted suspition and jelousie of his as∣piring to a kingdome, loathed in the conceits of men, as if they had flowed in wealth, and been rich ynough.* 1.65 And for certaine it is recorded, that so soone as he left his Office, he was condem∣ned and put to death. Some report, that his owne father did the execution: and that upon exa∣mination [unspec F] privately had at home within his house, he finding him faultie, whipped him first, and so killed him, and consecrated the goods and chattels of his son, as a Deodand to Ceres, where∣of a Statue or Image was made, with this inscription or title, GIVEN OVT OF THE HOVSE OF, CASSIVS. I find in some records(which soundeth neerer to the truth) that he was by the * 1.66 Que∣stors Caeso Fabius, and L.Valerius, endited of treason, and being convicted, was by a verdite of the people condemned, and his house by order from the whole cittie, rased and pulled downe.

And at this day, it is the void yard that lieth before the temple of Tellus. But howsoever he had [unspec G] his triall and judgement, privately or openly, condemned he was when Ser. Cornelius and Q.Fal∣bius were Consuls. Long continued not the peoples anger and spight against Cassius. So sweet was the law Agraria in it selfe, that when the author and upholder therof was out of the world, they longed to have it on foot againe. Which desire of theirs was the rather set on fire, through the pinching niggardise of the Senatours, who having that yeare subdued the Volscians and Aequians, kept the souldiours fasting, and defrauded them of the spoile. For what prises soever were gotten from the enemies, the Consull Fabius sold and brought into the Exchequer or chamber of the cittie.

Now was the name of Fabius alreadie odious to the Communaltie, for the last Consuls sake: yet obtained the Senatours so much, and held their owne so, as Caeso Fabius was created Consull [unspec H] with L. Aemilius. This made the Commons more malicious and bent to mischeefe. And sediti∣on at home caused warre abroad. Forraine warre husht civile discord for a while. Both Senatours and Commons with one accord, under the conduct of Aenilius, fought fortunately with the rebellious Volscians and Aequians, and diffeated them. Howbeit more enemies perished in the chase, than were slaine in the battell: so hotly the horsemen pursued them when they were once discomfited and gave not over. The same yeare was the temple of Castor, consecrated in the * 1.67 Ides of Quintilis.* 1.68 It had been vowed aforetime in the Latines warre by Posthumius the Dictator. His sonne was created Duumvir, for that purpose, and dedicated it.

This yeare also the Commons hearts were set upon the law Agraria, and longed afresh after [unspec I] the sweetnes therof. The Tribunes of the Comminaltie graced and credited their popular au∣thoritie, with propounding a law as popular and acceptable to the people. But the Sena∣tours supposing verilie that the multitude was furious and outrageous enough and too much of themselves, without anie hire and reward, stood in great dread and horrour of these lar∣gesses, as the verie allurements and provocations, of rash and headie attempts: and the stoutest champions of their side to withstand the lawe, were the Consuls. That part therefore and State of the citie had the better hand, nor onelie this present yeare, but for the next ensuing. For they chose M.Fabius, Caeso his brother for the one Consull, and L. Valerius for the other, a man of the twaine more odious in the eies of the Commons, in regard of his late accusati∣on of Sp.Cassius. In which yeare also there was strifeand much adoe with the Tribunes. But both [unspec K] law and lawmakers with their glorious bragging and vaunting of their goodlie donative, which they could not effect, proved vaine and came to nothing. Vpon this, the name of Fabij, who after three Consulships together one after another, by them born continuallie without intermis∣sion, were inured and tried in the broiles and contentions of Tribunes, was in great request and reputation: and in their house and familie remained still for a good while after, that dignitie, as an honour well and worthelie bestowed upon them. Then began the Veientian warre, and the Volscians likewise rebelled. But for anie warres abroad whatsoever, they had strength enough and to spare, is by jarres at home among their owne selues they had not abused the same.

Besides this disquienes and affliction of all mens minds, occasioned by these dissensions, there hapned(to amend the matter well) prodigious, and strange tokens from heaven, daily in a [unspec L] manner threatning both in citie & countrie the heavie hand of God. And when as the forhsaiers and wizards were sent out unto, to search forth the cause of Gods wrath and indignation both in publike and private, as well by inspect of the inwards of sacrificed beasts, as by aspect of birds and foules, they could assigne it to nothing else but this, that there was some errour committed in their sacrifices and divine liturgie. Those fearefull and prodigious signes proceeded still so farre, that one Oppia a vestale Nun, convicted and condemned of incest, suffered death.

After this, followed Q. Fabius and C. Tullius Consuls. In which yeare the discord at home was nothing lesse, and the warre abroad farre greater. For the Aequians rose up in armes: the Veientians also entered the consines, and made much spoile. And whiles they were more and more careful about these warres what order to take, Caeso Fabius and Sp. Furius, were made Con∣suls. By this time the Aequians assaulted Artona a citie in Latium. And the Veientians having [unspec M] sped themselues with prises and booties, made great cracks that they would give an assault upon the verie citie of Rome. These fearefull newes, which ought to have abated and taken downe the stomacks of the Commons, made them much more fierce & fel, and they returned of themselves unto their old biace of refusing warfare: but Sp. Licinius their Tribune, thinking now the time was come to enforce upon the Senatours the law Agraria, upon this exigent and extreame point

[unspec A] of-necessitie, had taken upon him to stop the levying and setting out of an armie. But he drew upon his owne head the whole hatred and displeasure of the Tribunes themselves and their au∣ctoritie. For the Consuls opposed themselves against him no more bitterlie than his owne companions in office by whose assistance the Consuls went through with the muster. And for two warres at once, there were enrolled two armies. The one under the leading of Fabius, against the Aequians, the other, against the Veientians commaunded by Furius. Against whom there was nothing done worthie of remembrance. As for Fabius, he had somewhat more to doe with his owne men than with his enemies. That man himselfe alone was he, that being Consull up∣held the Common-weale, which his armie for hatred of their Consull, had as much as in them lay, utterly betraied. For when as he(above many other warlike feats and parts of a right worthie [unspec B] Generall, whereof he shewed singular proofe, both in preparation, and also in managing of the warre) had so marshalled and raunged his battaile, that with sending out the horsemen onelie, he disordred and brake the rankes of his enemies host:* 1.69 behold, the footmen would not follow on after that disaray neither, when the exhortation of their leader whom they hated, prevai∣led not, could their owne shame at leastwise, and the publicke dishonour for the present, no nor yet the imminent danger like to ensue (in case the enemie had taken heart againe and made head) force them to amend their pace one jot, and make more speed. Neither could he possi∣blie make them (if to doe nothing else) so much as to march still in battaile aray: but full against his commaundement they retire with their ensignes: and as men sorie in their hearts and ill ap∣paid, (he that had seene them would have said they had lost the field) cursing their Generall one [unspec C] while, and the valiant service of the horsemen another while, they returne to their Tents. Nei∣ther wist the Generall what way to remedie this so pestilent an example and dangerous prece∣dent. Thus we may see, that brave men, of singular and excellent wits, have beene more to seeke and faile in their skill, how to governe a subject than to vanquish an enemie. The Con∣sull returneth to Rome, having purchased more hatred of his forward and stubbourne soldiors, than, won honour by his martiall prowesse. Neverthelesse, the Senatours prevailed so much that the Consultship kept residence still in the name of the Fabij. So, they created M. Fabius Consull, and joine with him Cn. Manlius for his collegue.

This yeare likewise, had one patrone and maintainer of the law Agraria, to wit, Tiberius Pon∣tificius a Tribune. He taking the same course, and following the steps of Sp. Licinius, hindered [unspec D] the musters for a while.* 1.70

And when the Senatours were herewith disquieted againe, then Ap. Claudius arose up and said, That the yeare before, the Tribunes power was overmatched, and the neck of it broken in proofe, only for that present, but in example for ever hereafter: for as much as it was well seen then by experience, that of it selfe even among their own selves it fell a peeces and never will there want at any time one good Tribune or other, that would be glad to get the start and victorie of his fellow, yea and the favour also of the better part, for to purchase the good of the weale-publike. And that there would be more Tribunes, if more were needfull, readie to assist the Consuls: and if there were but one, even that one were sufficient to stand against all the rest. So that, the Consuls and LL. of the Counsell would but do their indevour, to win unto the State and Senate, some certaine of the Tribunes, if they might not compasse all.

[unspec E] The Senatours being thus schooled and taught their lessons by Appius, both all in generall would courteouslie salute and friendlie intreat the Tribunes, and also in particular as manie of them as had beene Consuls, according to that interest that ech man had in any one of them privatelie, partlie by favour and friendship, and partlie by countenance and authoritie, prevai∣led so with them, that they were willing and well content to employ the Tribunes authoritie to the good and safetie of the Commonweale. So by the helpe of foure Tribunes, against one that hindred the good of all, the Consuls tooke muster of the soldiours. Then set they for∣ward on their voiage to warre with the Veientians: unto whom from all parts of Hetruria they came to aide and succour; not so much for anie love that they bare to the Veientians, as in hope that the puissance of Rome through intestine and civile dissention, would decay and come [unspec F] to nought.

For in all the Dietes and assemblies of the States of Hetruria, the Princes and Peeres gave it out and said,* 1.71 That the power and greatnes of the Romanes was everlasting, if through mutuall discord they warred not so among themselves: which hath beene found the onely bane of welthie & flourishing cities, wherby mightie Empires became mortal & subject to a final end. Which mischiefe (say they) this long time hath bene prevented and delaied, partly through the fage advise and prudent government of the Senate, partlie by the patience and long sufferance

of the Commons: but now they are come to a great extremitie. Devided they are, and of one [unspec G] citie become twaine: each part have their severall Magistrats and lawes by themselves. At the first, how ever they were wont to be at ods, and to fall out at the mustering of souldiours, yet in warre they would hold together, and obey their captaines. Howsoever they fared at home in the cittie, were the State never so farre out of order, yet so long as martial discipline, was on foot and tooke place, they might be reclaimed, and all troubles staied. But now, the former use & custome of disobeying Magistrates within the cittie, is taken up by the Romane souldiours in the verie campe. For no longer since than the last warre of all, in the time of battell and conflict, their whole armie agreed of their owne accord, not forced by any extremitie that they were put unto, for to give the Veientians, as much as in them lay, even after they had lost the field, the entire vi∣ctorie and honour of the day. For they abandoned their ensignes, left their Generall alone in [unspec H] the skirmish, and against his will, retired themselves into the campe. And surely, if they hold on still this course, Rome may be won by meanes of her owne souldiours: there needs no more to doe, but to proclaime and make a shew of warre: For even the verie destinies and gods them∣selves would performe all the rest.

Vpon these hopes and deepe persuasions, the Tuscanes, who afore were wont otherwhiles to have the better, and sometimes to take the worse in their warres, put themselves in armes. The Romane Consuls likewise were in feare of nothing els so much, as of their owne power, their owne force and weapons: being affrighted at the remembrance of that foule and shamefull example, and that lewd part plaied in the last warre: least peradventure, they should put it upon this point of hazard, as to be in danger of two battels at once. And ther∣fore in so doubtfull and perrillous a case, they held off fight, and kept themselves within their [unspec I] campe, if haply time and space would assuage their anger, bring them into the right way again, and reclaime them to good and reasonable order.

The enemies hereat, as well Veientians as the other Tuscanes, made the greater hast, and were more sharpe set, and provoked them to the field: first by riding up and down before their campe, hard at the gates thereof, braving and cha∣lenging them forth, at the last, seeing they could not prevaile, they fell to rating and railing, one while upon the Consuls themselves, another while upon the whole armie, in these and such like tearmes: A gay matter indeed, and a proper devise to salve their cowardise, and under a colour of civile dissention to cloke their fearefulnesse: and the Consuls forsooth mistrust more the faith∣fulnesse and loi••ltie of their souldiours in service, than they doubted their valor and sufficiencie of service. Marie, here is indeed a new kind of mutinie. What? Armed men to hold their peace, [unspec K] and sit still?

Hitting them in their teeth besides, with their new start-up rising, and late sprong base beginning, letting flie against them lies and truths, one with an other, and spared not. For all this soule stirre they kept, stouting and reviling them under their very trench, and hard at their gates, the Consuls themselves were not one jot troubled. But the foolish and ignorant multitude what with anger, and what for shame of these reprochfull tearmes, was much distempered: and one whiles wholly gave over to regard and thinke upon home troubles and dissentions, and had rather than their lives be revenged of their enemies: Anon againe, they would not in any case gratisie the Nobles and Consuls, nor wish them good successe. Thus the hatred both against the enemies without, and the Consuls within strove together in their hearts: untill at length, forrain occasions gat the mastrie over them: so proudly, so insolently, the enemie scorned and made a [unspec L] game of them. Whereupon they came thicke by troupes to the Generals pavilion, calling upon them for to fight, requiring to put forth the banner and signall of battell. The Consuls laid their heads together, and as taki ng good advisement, conferred on the matter a good while. To fight they were most willing and desirous: but this desire was to be kept back and dissimuled, and thereby augmented: to the end, that by holding off, by opposing themselves, and making some stay, they might set the souldiors on, & being once set on it, they might make them follow more eagerly at once. In conclusion, this answere was returned unto them: That they made too much hast: it was not yet full ripe, nor the time come, to give battell: they must hold themselves con∣tented, and keepe within thir tents: proclaiming moreover, that no man be so hardie as to fight: and whosoever attempted it, without their warrant, and commission, they would proceed against [unspec M] him with all rigour, as a professed enemie. Thus were they dismissed. And the lesse willing they thought the Consuls were, the more eager were they, and set upon a battel. The enemies besides, when they had intelligence, that the Consuls were not disposed to fight, and had tak en order to the contrarie, were inkindled and inflamed so much the more. For now they supposed they might brave it, and insult upon them safely without danger. For why?

The Consuls durst not

[unspec A] trust the soldiors with weapon in hand: now were their mutinies come to the height, and to break forth in extremities: now and never before the Romane Empire and Dominion was at an end. Presuming considently upon this ground, they run together unto the gates, redoubling a thousand villanous & opprobrious termes, and much a do they had to forbeare assaulting the camp.

Now could the Romans on the other side hold no longer, & endure this contumelie & indignitie, but came running from all parts of the camp unto the Consuls. And now not leasurely as before, make they request, and by mediation of their chiefe centurians, but all on once on every side pli∣ed them with outcries & clamors. Now was the matter come to ripenes, yet hast the Coss. stil and hold off. Then Fabius, seing the tumult increased, & that for feare of a mutinie, his brother Consul had yeelded alreadie, caused silence to be made by sound of trumpet, & thus he spake: I know full [unspec B] well O Manlius,* 1.72 that these fellows are able to win the victorie: but that they will so do I know not, and they themselves have caused me to doubt. I have therfore set down my rest, & fully resolved not to give the signal of battaile, unlesse they sweare to returne out of the field with victory.

Once did the soldiors in battaile deceive a Cos. of Rome: but the gods in heaven shall they never de∣ceive. Then M.Flavolcius a Centurion, one of the formost that called for battaile so instantlie, Returne will I (quoth hee) O M. Fabius, victor out of the field: and if I faile then I beseech father Iupiter, Mars Gradivus and other gods to make me a fearefull example, and shew their wrath∣full displeasure upon me. The same oth after him tooke the whole armie, everie man against himselfe. Thus when they had sworne, the trumpet sounded. Then buckle they themselues to∣ward battaile, full of anger, full of hope.

Now they bid the Tuscanes revile and raile their sill: [unspec C] now being at all points armed, they wished they had afore them man to man their enemies, those that were so livelie and lustie with their tongues. Right valiantly bare themselues that daie, as well the Commons as the Nobles. But the name of the Fabij, the Fabij I say, passed all the rest and wan the spurs. Who in this peece of service purposed to gaine againe the hearts of the Commons, which in many civile contentions were set against them. And so they embattailed themselves. The enemies likewise; both the Veientians & also the Tuscane legions were nothing behind, as making almost sure reckoning that they should be fought withall no more than the Aequians had beene. Nay, they were in hope of some greater disorder amongst them, and that, considering they were so malecontent, and the occasion so doubtfull, they would play a more shamefull part, and shew their leaders a beastlie cast. But it fell out farre otherwise. For [unspec D] never in any other warre afore, gave the Romanes a hotter charge upon the enemies: so much had they of the one side with spitefull taunts and reproaches netled them, and the Con∣suls on the other side with their long delaies whet them on. Scarce had the Tuscanes any time to put themselues in battaile array, but at the verie first encounter and shocke, casting their jave∣lins careleslie from them (I know not how) rather than levelling and launching them against the enemie, they came presently pell-mell to hand strokes, and to deale with their swords, which is the cruellest sight of all other. The Fabij among the formost in the forefront fought valiantlie, shewing their countrimen a brave sight, and a noble example to follow. Where, Q Fabius who had beene Consull the third yeare before, the leader and forwardest of them all, whiles he ad∣vanced himselfe and rushed amongst the thickest of the Veientians, and skuffled with many of [unspec E] them together, was not ware of his deadline enemie so neere: but behold a certaine Tuscane a mightie man of strength and skilfull at his weapon, ran him through the breast with his sword. Which was not so soone drawne forth of his bodie, but Fabius fell downe headlong upon his wound and died. Both armies felt the fall of that one man: and therwith the Romanes reculed.

With that M.Fabius the Consull, stepped over his bodie as it lay along, and holding forth his target betweene: Why, soldiors (quoth he) is the oth ye tooke, to run away and retire thus in to the campe? And are ye more affraid in deed, of these most dastardlie enemies, than of Iu∣piter and Mars, by whom ye sware? But I, who was not sworne at all, will either make returne with victorie, or else O Q. Fabius, fighting here by thee, I will live and die by thy side. To whom, Caeso Fabius, who the yeare afore was Consull, replied againe: Thinke you brother, with [unspec F] these words to make them to fight? Nay, the gods are they that must doe it, by whom they have sworne. And let us like Noble knights, and for the honour of the Fabian house, stirre up and animate our soldiors by fighting rather than by exhorting. Thus rode the two Fabij with launce in rest into the forefront, and drewe the whole battaile with them.

The fight of one side being thus renewed, Cn. Manlius the Consul in the other wing, bestirred himselfe, and did for his part as valiantly: Where hapned almost the like fortune. For as in the

one wing the souldiours followed Q. Fabius, so in this they cheerefully went with the Consull [unspec G] himselfe Manlius, chasing the enemies afore him as discomfired. And when he was sore woun∣ded, and thereupon gone out of the battaile, his men supposing him to be slaine, drew backe, and had indeede lost ground and given way to the enemie, but that the other Consull with cer∣taine corners of horsemen, galloped amaine into that quarter, and cried aloud that his fellow Consul was living and that himselfe who had defeated the other poynt, was readie with victo∣rie to assist them, and so upheld the medley, that now began to shrinke. Manlius also to encou∣rage his men, shewed himselfe againe in open sight. Thus the knowledge and presence of the two Consuls, made the souldiours take heart afresh. Herewithall besides, were the enemies bat∣talions the thinner and weaker, because they trusting upon their exceeding number, had draw∣en out those that were to serve for succour and supply, and sent them away to assaile the campe. [unspec H] In the surprising whereof, finding no great adoe and small resistance, whiles they had more mind to rifle for pillage, than to fight for the victorie, they lost time. In the meane space the Romane Triarq, who were not able to hold out the first assault and entrance, having dispatched to the Consuls certaine messengers, to give knowledge in what termes they stood, cast themselves round into a ring, and retired themselues to the Praetorium or Generals lodging, and of them∣selves alone, made head and renewed the fight. Likewise Manlius the Consull being ridden back to the campe, at everie gate set certaine souldiours in guard: and so enclosed them within, that they could not get forth. The Tuskanes being in this desperate case, fared more like mad men than hardie souldiours. For when as they ranne here and there everie way, according as [unspec I] they had any hope to find issue & to escape, and had made sundrie offers & attempts in vain: behold one troupe oftal fellowes in a plumpe, made no more ado, but knowing the Consul, who by reason of brave & goodly armor was a faire mark, charged upon his own person. The first vo∣ley of their shot, was receiued by those that stood about him, but their violence afterwards could not be endured.* 1.73 The Consull himselfe was wounded to death, and fell down in the place, & al the rest were discomfited. Whereupon the Tuskanes tooke more hart unto them, but the Romanes were so maskared, that they ran all about the campe in great feare. And in extreame jeopardie had they been, but that the Lie••enants caught up the Consull his bodie, and made passage at one gate for the enemie. Through which they rushed forth, and dismarched disorderly, untill they light vpon the other Consull presently after his victorie: where they either fell againe upon [unspec K] the edge of the sword,* 1.74 or were scattered and put to flight. This brave victorie thus atchieved, was heavie yet and sorrowfull for the death of two sonoble personages.

And therefore when the Senate had decreed a triumph, the Consull returned this answere, That willingly he could allow thereof in regard of the passing good seruice performed in that warre, in case an armie might triumph without a Generall. But as for himselfe, seeing that his house grieued and mourned for the death of his brother Q. Fabius, and that the commonwealth was halfe fatherlesse as it were, for the losse of a Consull, he would not accept the lawrell so deformed and foully blemished, both with publike and private sorrow.

This triumph thus by him refused, was more honoura∣ble than all the triumph in the world. By which wee may see that glorie despised in due time re∣turneth otherwhiles in greater measure. Then solemnized he with great honour the obsequies [unspec L] one after another, first of his fellow Consull, and then of his owne brother. And he himselfe made the funerall orations for them both. But so as in yeelding unto them their due com∣mendations, he went himselfe away with the greater part. And not unmindfull of that rule which he had learned in the beginning of the Consulship, namely to win again the harts & love of the Commons, he diuided the cure of his hurt and wounded souldiours among the Sena∣tors. With most of them the Fabij were charged, and of none were they better tended and loo∣ked unto, than of them. Wherupon the Fabij now waxed popular, and that, for no other pollicie and intent, but onely to do the common-wealth good: and therefore with the favour and good will of the commons, as well as of the Nobles, Caeso Fabius was created Consull, with T. Virgini∣us. Whose principall care above all was this, even before war, before musters, before all things [unspec M] els, that seeing now in some measure, there was good hope of concord begun alreadie, the hearts of the Commons might be perfectly linked and united togither with the Nobles, and that, with all speed possible. In the beginning therefore of this yeare, before that any Tribune of the Commons should prefer the law Agraria, he thought good and gave his advise, that the No∣bles should prevent all, & go in hand first themselves to perform their part, and shew their boun∣tie: namely in parting the lands gotten by conquest, and freely bestowing the same as equally

[unspec A] as might be, among the Commons. For it was meet & requisite that they should be possessed ther∣of, whose swet of brows, nay, whose bloud had paied for the purchase. But the Senators could not heare of that care, but misliked of the motion: yea, and some of them complained & said, that the lively spirit, & corageous disposition of Caeso, which sometimes he had, was now by reason of ex∣cessive glorie, growen to be toyish & full of vanities. And there an end of civile factions for a time.

But the Latines were much troubled with the reises and rodes of the Acquians. Thither was Caeso with an armie sent, who invaded and overran the verie countrey of the Aequians, ••orraying and spoyling as he went. The Aequians thereupon retired, and put themselves into their townes, and kept close within the walles, whereby there was no memorable field fought. But at their enemies the Veientians hand, they received an overthrow, and that through the rashnesse [unspec B] of the other Consull: and had not Caeso Fabius come to the rescue in good time, the whole armie had beene utterly lost. From that time there was neither war nor peace with the Veien∣tians: but their dealing was much what after the manner of robbing. For when the Romane legions were abroad, they would leave the field, & take to their cities: when they perceived the legions were remooved and gone, they would make excursions and waste the countrey. Thus plaied they mockholiday, and dalied with them, shifting off war with quietnesse, and quietnes againe with war, by turnes. So as, the Romane could neither all wholly rest carelesse and secure for them, nor yet go through stitch, and make an end once for all with them. Besides, other wars were either presently at hand, to with, from the Aequians and the Volscians, who could no lon∣ger sit still, than untill their fresh griefe, and paine of the last defeature was ouerpast; or else the [unspec C] Sabines, never other but enemies, yea and all Hetruria, were like shortly to rise and take armes. But the Veientian a continuall enemie, rather than dangerous, provoked them to anger with re∣prochfull taunts, oftener than with any great perill or hurt. And yet as little as it was, it might no time be neglected,* 1.75 nor gave them leave to be employed in the meanewhile, otherwhere.

Then came the whole house and kinred of the Fabij unto the Senat, and in the name of them all spake the Consul in this wife: My Lords of the Senate, the Veientian warre had neede rather of a resi∣dent garrison, as ye know well inough, to keepe the fronties, than great forces for expedition. As for you, see ye to other warres. Let the Fabij alone to deale as private enemies with the Vei∣entians. We dare undertake and warrant, that the State of Rome shall receive no dishonour nor danger there. We are fully minded and resolved at our owne proper cost and charges, to main∣taine [unspec D] and mannage that war, as appropriate and peculiar to our name and familie: the citie shal be charged neither with men nor money there.* 1.76

Great thanks were giuen them for this their for∣wardnesse. The Consul being come out of the Senat house, was attended home with the whole generation of the Fabij who stood at the porch of the Counsell Court, expecting the Senates decree. And being commanded to be readie in armour well appointed the next day, and to give attendance at the Consuls doore, they departed from thence home to their owne hou∣ses. The bruit hereof spread all over the cittie. All men extoll the Fabij up to the skie, saying, That one familie had taken upon them the whole burden of the cittie.

The Veientian war now, is become(say they) a private charge, and requireth the power and force onely that private per∣sons could make. O that there were two such families more in Rome of that stomacke and valor: [unspec E] that one of them might take the Volsciens in hand, and another the Acquiens. Surely all the nations bordering hereabout might soone be subdued, and the people of Rome sit still the while and rest in peace.

The day following, the Fabij armed themselues, mounted on horseback, and repaired to the Rendez-vous aforesaid, as they were commaunded. Then came the Consull forth, clad in a rich cote of armes, and standing in his porch, beheld his whole bloud and li∣nage armed and marshalled in order, and being receiued in the minds of them, caused the gui∣don and Cornets to be advaunced. Never marched there along the cittie, an armie either lesse in number, or more renowned for their same and the admiration of men. Three hundred men of armes they were and sixe, all nobly descended, of one stocke, of one race and name all. And of all them there was not one, that a sage and prudent Senate would haue refused at a∣ny [unspec F] time as unsufficient, to be a leader and commaunder in the field. Thus furnished with the force and strength that one onelie familie could make, they advaunced forward, threatning and menacing the ruine and destruction of the Veientians. There followed a number and mul∣titude of citizens: one priuate companie by themselues of kinsfolke, allies, friends, and feres, casting in their mindes no meane matters, neither of hope nor feare, but all exceeding mea∣sure and surpassing: another, of the common people, mooved with a carefull regard, andasto∣nied

againe in a favourable applause and admiration of their enterprise, crying with one voice, [unspec G] Hold on right valiant knights, On forth a Gods name in happie houre; God graunt luckie speed, answerable to your magnanimous attempts and designements: and looke for, at our hands from hence forth, Consulshps, triumphs, all rewards and honorable dignities whatsoever. And all the way as they passed along the Capitoll, the castle, & other temples, they besought the gods, as many as were presented to their eie, as many as they could conceive in their minds, to vouchsafe that squadron to be attended upon with good successe and fortunate felicitie, and soone to returne home againe in safetie, to their native countrie and loving parents. But, alas the while, in vaine were all these praiers made. Then set they forward on their journey, leaving Ianus church on the right hand, taking the ungracious and unluckie way, from the gate Carmentaris, untill at length they came to the river* 1.77 Cremera That was thought a convenient place to forti∣sie [unspec H] in, and there to plant a garrison. After this were L. Aemilius and C. Servilius made Consuls. And so long as they adventured no farther than forraying the countrey, the Fabij were good ynough, not onely to defend their hold and fort; but all the frontier parts and marches where the Tuscane territorie adjoineth to the Romane, they so scoured and traversed, betweene the one consine & the other, that they kept all their owne in safetie, and mightily endammaged the enemies. Then surceassed they a while, but it was not long, from wasting and spoiling. By which time both the Veientians had gathered a power out of Hetruria, and assaulted the fort of Cremera, and also the Romane legions, under the conduct of the Consull L. Aemilius, encoun∣tred the Tuscanes in open field. And yet the Veientians had hardly time ynough to put them∣selves in order of battell: so suddainly at the very first buskling, whiles the files were entring into [unspec I] array under their colours in the vauntgard, and the succours and supplies a placing and dispo∣sing in the rereward, a corner of Romane horse, charged them so hotely on the flancke, that un∣neath had they roome and space, either to begin fight, or to keepe their standing sure. Thus were they discomfited, and chased backe as farre as Saxa rubr••.i. Red rockes, (for there they were en∣camped) where they humblie craved peace. Which when they had obtained (see their inbred inconstancie so naturally engraffed) they were wearie of it, and repented thereof, before the Ro∣mane garrison could be withdrawne from Cremera. And so the Fabij once againe skirmished with the Veientian nation, without preparation of greater warre. Neither made they inrodes on∣ly, and suddaine violent incursions into the territories, but sundrie times they encountred with banners displaied, and joined battell in plaine field. And that one house and kindred of the Ro∣mane [unspec K] people, carried oftentimes the victorie away, from that most mightie and rich cittie (in those daies) of all the Tuscanes. This, tooke the Veientians at the first, for a foule disgrace and in∣dignitie. But afterwards they devised to lay traines, as occasion should serve, & entrap their fierce and hardie enemie: and well apaid they were and rejoiced, that the Fabij upon the good successe that still followed them, were become more bold and venturous. And therefore diverse times when the Romanes were abroad a boothaling, they would drive cattell in their way, but yet so, as they might seeme to light upon them by chance. The rusticall pezants made shew as if they sled out of the countrie, and left the fields wast: yea and the companies of souldiours sent out to re∣straine and stay their spoiling, made semblant of running away, pretending oftener they were afraid, than they had cause in deed. So as now the Fabij by this time, set so light by their enemies, [unspec L] and thought so well of themselves, that they beleeved verily their power was invincible, and might not be withstood in any ground, or at any time whatsoever. This conceit & hope of theirs set them so aflote, and made them so bold, that espying upon a time cattell, farre from Cremera, (for there was a large plaine betweene) although here and there they might descrie armed soul∣diours of their enemies, yet from their fort they ran downe, with bridle in their horse necke. And when unadvisedly without foresight, they were past the ambush, which was laid covertly about the very way that they were to passe, and were stragling here and there disorderly, driving the cattell away, which gadded in and out, as their manner is when they be scared and affrighted, then suddainely start the enemies all at once out of the ambushment: so as, both before and be∣hind, and on everie side they were beset and environned with enemies. At the first the very how∣ting [unspec M] and outcrie they made round about, terrified them: afterwards flew their shot from all sides. And as the Tuscanes gathered themselves together, the Fabij were soone hemmed within a round battaillion of enemies, standing armed thicke and close one to another: and the nee∣rer the enemies approched about them, in so much lesse roome were they enforced also to cast themselves into a ring. Which, considering their arraies were thrust so thicke together in

[unspec A] so straight a compasse, made their small number appeare the lesie, and the multitude of the Tuscanes to carrie a greater shew. Then, forbearing to fight as they first entended, on everie hand a like and with all at once, they made head to one onely place. Thereto they ende∣vour with might and maine, bodie and armour; and with a pointed battaile wedgewise pier∣ced through and made themselves passage. And they tooke the way that led to a little hill, rising up with an easie ascent. From whence at first, they made resistance only and kept their ground: but soone after, when by reason of the vantage of the hill, they had some time to breath themselves, and to take heart againe after so great a fright, they forced the enemies also to give backe that were mounting up the hill. And as few in number as they were, yet by the bene∣fit of the ground, they had gotten the better, if the Veienstians had not set a compasse about [unspec B] the hill side,* 1.78 and gained the verie top and pitch thereof. Thus became the enemie againe to have the upper hand. And so were the Fabij slaine everie man, and not one of theme es∣caped, yea and their Fort overthrowne and rased. Three hundred and six there were that died as all writers doe agree. One onelie of the name was left behind at home, well neere 14 years of age, for to renew and increase as out of a stocke, the name of the Fabij, and to prove in time to come, the greatest prop and pillar that the people of Rome should have, in their dangers and extremities many a time both at home and abroad.

But ere this heavie losse and overthrow happened, C.Horatius and T. Menenius were Con∣suls. Menenius was sent forthwith against the Tuscanes, pussed now up with pride for this their victorie: with whom then also, he sought unfortunately and sped but ill. For the enemies surprised [unspec C] and got the Ianiculum, and the citie had surely beene besieged, considering that besides warre they were greatlie distressed for want of victuals, (for the Tuscanes were passed over the Tyber) but that Horatius the Consull was called home from the Volscians. And so neere approached the enemies in this warre, and preassed to the verie wals that first there was a skirmish on even hand at the temple of * 1.79 Spes: and another againe at the gate Collina. Where, albe••t the Romanes got but verie small ods of the enemie, yet did that conflict upon a little recoverie of wonted cou∣rage, prepare the soldiors to better service in the battailes ensuing.

Now were A.Virginius and Sp.Servilius created Consuls. The Veientians after this late dis∣feature, came no more into the field, yet they robbed and wasted still. And from the Ianiculum as from a fortresse and place of safe retreit, they would make excursions out into the territorie of [unspec D] Rome all about, and neither cattell nor countrie people could any where be in safetie for them. But afterwards, they were overtaken themselves in the same wile that they had caught the Fabij with. For as they followed after certaine cattell, which were driven forth heere and there of purpose to draw and traine them abroad, they were plunged themselves headlong into an Am∣boscado laid for them. And the more they were, the greater was their slaughter. Vpon this foile, their cruell and fell anger, gave the occassion and ouverture of a greater overthrow. For having crossed the Tyber in the night season, they gave the attempt to make an assault upon the campe of the Consull Servilius. But being discomfited, and many of them slaine, the rest retired them∣selves from thence, and with much a doe recovered the Ianicle. Streight after this, the Consul also passed over Tyber, and encampeth himselfe stronglie hard under the Ianiculum. The mor∣row [unspec E] morning by sunne rising, (so venterous he was by reason of his fortunate sight the day be∣fore, and more for the scarcetie of corne and victuals, which drave him to take, he cared not how rash and dangerous courses, so they tended to more quicke and speedie expedition) full fond∣lie he advanced forward and marched up to the steepe hill of the Ianicle, and charged the ene∣mies hold: but being set backe himselfe from thence more shamefullie, than he had the day be∣fore repelled the enemies; yet by occasion that his fellow Consull came in the while to reskue, he and his armie both were saved: and the Tuscanes enclosed betweene both hosts, were forced to turne their backs both to one and the other, and were killed everie mothers sonne. Thus by a rash enterprise which (as good luke was) sped well, the Veientian warre came to an end. The citie then, as it enjoyed peace, so it came againe to be better stored of corne and victuall: both [unspec F] for that there was some graine brought out of Campania, and also because the old store that was hoorded up came abroad, by reason that no man now stood in feare of death to ensue.

Afterwards upon plentie and ease, they began to be busie againe, and their heads to worke, seeking to broach old troubles at home, since they had none to occupie them abroad. The Tri∣bunes they fell to follicite and infect the Commons, with their venome and poison, the law Agraria: inciting them against the Nobles that gainsaied it: not in generall tearmes onely,

but also by touching particular persons.* 1.80 For, Q. Considius and T. Genutius, who were for the law [unspec G] Agraria, framed an inditement, and sued T. Menenius. And this was laid to his charge, to wit, the losse of the fort and garrison at Cremera: for that, he being Consull say encamped not far from thence. But of this danger he soone stopped the course, both because the Nobles laboured and tooke his part, no lesse than they had done afore for Coriolanus: and also the affection and fa∣vour that men bare to his father Agrippa, was not worne out, and cleane forgot. The Tribunes used moderation therfore in the penaltie, for having commensed a capitall action against him, and convicted him thereof, they set a fine on his head of * 1.81 2000 Asses. Howbeit this cost him his life: for he grew, men say, into such a melancholike fit for shame of this disgrace, that he fel ther∣upon from greese of heart unto apining sicknesse, which followed him to his dying day. Then, was there another accused and brought into trouble, to wit, Sp., Servilius, so soone as he was out of his Consulship, at what time as C. Nautius and P. Valerius were Consuls. In the beginning of [unspec H] whose year the Tribunes L.C. editius and T. Statius, called him straightwaies to his answer. Who sustained the violence of the Tribunes, not as Menenius did, by his owne intreatie and the prai∣ers of the Nobles,* 1.82 but bare himselfe confidently upon his owne innocencie, and the good grace wherein he stood. Blamed he was likewise and charged, for the battell with the Tuscanes at Ia∣niculum. But being a man of an hot spirit and stout courage, as he caried himselfe before in the publicke danger, so now in his owne private perill, by refuting in a bold and stout speech that he made, not onely the Tribunes, but also the Communaltie, and casting in their teeth and reproo∣ving them, for the condemnation and death of T. Menenius, by whose fathers meanes the Com∣mons being in times past restored, had obtained first those very Magistrates and lawes, where∣by [unspec I] at this day they exercise such rigour: he went through all his troubles, and with much bold∣nesse avoided the present jeopardie he stood in. The testimonie of his colleague Virginius, stood him in great stead, who produced forth as a witnesse, made him parrener with himselfe, in all his worthie acts. But that processe of judgement which passed against Menenius (so altered were they now, and repented therefore) did him much more good, and strucke it dead sure.

When this broile and contention was ended at home, the Veientians warre began abroad; to whom the Sabines also had joined their power. Whereupon, the Consul P. Valerius, with the aid of the Latines and Hernikes, was sent out with an armie to Veij: & incontinently he set upon the tents of the Sabines, as they lay encamped under the wals of their consederats, and put such a terror amongst them, that whiles they ran forth scattering by bands and companies, some at [unspec K] one gate, some at another, to repell the violent assault of the enemies, it happened that the gate which he first advanced his ensignes against, was woon. And within the trench, small sight there was, but more manslaughter. The tumult & noise hereof was heard from out of the campe into the cittie. And the Veientians in great feare ran hastily to their weapons, as if Veij had been sur∣prised. Some make speed to succour the Sabines: others do what they can to assaile the Romans, who were wholly busied about the pillage ofthe campe. For a prettie while they were put to some trouble, disordered, and withdrawne from their purpose: but afterwards, they themselves advanced their banners, & made head against the one side and the other. The horsemen withall, sent in by the Coss. brake the Tuscanes array,* 1.83 & put them to flight. And thus in one houre two ar∣mies were defeated, two most puiss••ant nations, & neerest neighbors to the Romans, vanquished. [unspec L]

Whiles these exploits were performed about Veij, the Volscians and Aequians, had encam∣ped themselves in the countrey of Latium, and harried the marches thereof. Whom the Latins of themselves, with the helpe onely of the Hernikes, and without any leader or aid at all from the Romans, forced to abandon their rents: and besides the recoverie of their own goods again, atcheeved a great and rich bootie. Notwithstanding all this, the Consull Nautius was sent from Rome against the Volscians. They were not well plea••ed, I beleeve, with the maner of it, that their allies should wage war at all, with their owne power and direction, without the armie & conduct of the Romanes. He spared not to worke all the mischeefe he could, all abuse and spight possible against the Volscians: yet could not they be brought to sight a set field. Then succeeded L. Fu∣rius, and C. Manlius, Consuls. To Manlius sell the charge of the Veientian province. Howbeit, [unspec M] war there was none at all. But at their owne sute, a truce was graunted unto them of fortie yeares. And they were enjoined to find corn and souldiors pay. Peace was not so soon procured abroad, but presently ensued discord at home. For at the instigation of the Tribunes, by occasion of the law Agraria, the Commons were set a madding. But the Consuls skared neither with the condem∣nation of Menenius, nor yet with the perill wherein Servilius stood, resisted all they could.

[unspec A] And when the Consuls were once out of their office,* 1.84 Genutius a Tribune laid hold upon them, and arrested them: & L. Aemilius with Opiter Virginius enter their Consulship. In some Annales or yearely records I find Vopiscus Iulius Consull in steed of Virginius.

But in this yeare, whosoe∣uer then were Consuls, Furius & Manlius being indited before the people, went about araied in vile apparrell and mournefull weed to the younger sort of Senators,* 1.85 as wel as to the Commons, persuading, advising, and warning them, to for beare and refuse all dignities and offices of state, yea, and al charge of common-weale. And as for the Consuls rods borne afore them, their pur∣fled robes with purple, and chaire of estate, they should esteeme no otherwise of them, than of the pageants carried in a funerall pompe. And that with these gorgeous ornaments and en∣signes, they were but destined to death: much like to beasts adorned with sacred white ribbands [unspec B] and labels, appointed to sacrifice. But if the sweetenes of a Consulship were such, let them con∣sider now with all, and persuade themselves, that it is become captivate and overswaied with the power of the Tribunes: and that the Consull, as if he were the Tribunes sergeant, must do all at his beck & command. For if he quetched never so little, if he seemed to regard the Senatours, or make account of any thing else in the whole State but of the communaltie, let him set be∣fore his eies the exile of Cn. Martius, the judgement & death of Menenius.

The Nobles incen∣ced with these speeches, from thenceforth began to consult and confer togither, not openly and in publike counsell, but privately, and apart from the privitie of many. And when they were re∣solved once upon this point, that those accused parties now in trouble, should be enlarged one way or other, by hooke or crook: then the cruel lest advise, & hardest course that could be deliue∣red, [unspec C] best pleased them: & for to put in execution the most audcious dessignements whatsoeuer, there wanted not one or other to give counsel. Well, the law day of triall came, and when as the Commons gave attendance devoutly in the Forum, in great expectations of the sequel & issue, they began at first to maruel much, that the Tribun Genutius came not down in place: & suspect∣ing somwhat because of his long carrying & delay, they imagined that he durst not for the great men and chiefe magistrates of the citie: & so they complained, that the common cause was for∣lorne & betraied. At the last, they that kept about the doore & porch of the Tribune his house, brought word that he was found at home stark dead. Which news being once noised through the assemblie, mark how an armie is disparkled & scattered, when their general is slain, even so in al the world,* 1.86 the Commons sunke aside every one, some one way, some another. But above all o∣thers, [unspec D] the Tribuns were in bodily feare, being thus by their fellow taught, how little help or none at all, their sacred and redoubted lawes afforded. The nobles could not dissemble this their joy, nor use it with moderation, but shewed it excessively: and so little repeated any one of them of the fact committed, that they avowed it and tooke it upon them, and would not seeme culpable in the action; but gaue it out in plaine termes, that the Tribunes by soule meanes were to be tamed, and their wings to be clipped in a mischiefe. Vpon this their victorie, so shamefull a pre∣cedent in time to come, there went out an••dict for the publishing of a muster: and whiles the Tribunes were in this feare daunted, the Consuls without any contradiction, went through with it cleare.

But then, were the Commons much more offended at their Tribunes silence and sitting stil, than at the Consuls rule & imperious government: saying, Farewell freedome now, [unspec E] farewell liberties and all: now is the old world come againe, and the Tribunes authoritie is both dead and buried togither with Genutius. Now they were to go in hand and bethinke them∣selves of some other course, how they might withstand the Senatours proceedings: and seeing they were destitute of all other helpe to relie themselves upon, the onely way was for the Com∣mons to trust to themselves, & stand upon their own guard. Wheras therfore, there gave atten∣dance upon the Consuls 24. Lictores or Vergers, commoners all and no better, none more con∣temptible and base minded, if they met with those that would set them at naught: they might thank themselves onely, & their own timerous conceits & imaginations, that such things were so dread & terrible.* 1.87

Thus having animated & provoked one another with these speeches: there was a Sergeant sent from the Consuls to one Volero Publilius a commoner, who because he had [unspec F] ben a leader in the field of certain bands, pleaded his immunitie for being a common souldier againe. Volero calleth for helpe to the Tribunes: but there being no man to rescew him, the Consuls commaunded the man to be stript out of his cloths, & the rods to be made readie for to scourge him.

Then quoth Volero, I appeale vnto the people, seeing the Tribunes had rather have a citizen and freeman of Rome beaten with rods in their presence, than be murdered themselves by you in their beddes. But the more fiercely he cryed on still, the more cruellic fell

the Lictor to cut and skice his apparrell for to uncase him.

Then Volero being himselfe the stron∣ger [unspec G] man, and assisted withall by some whome he called unto him, thrust the Sergeant from him: and where he perceiued the mainest outcrie and loudest noise of his adherents, that sumed and chased in his behalfe, thither retired he, to shroud himselfe among the thickest, crying: I ap∣peale and beseech the Commons of their protection and succour. Helpe citizens, helpe fel∣low souldiours. Never stay and waite for the Tribunes, untill they come, who have themselves neede of your assistance.

Here at folke were raised & gathered togither, and addressed themselves as to a Battaile. A soule peece of worke was toward, full of exceeding danger, & like it was, that no man would have had regard either of common law or private honestie. When the Consuls in this so great a broile and storme of outrange came in, to prevent further mischiefe, they knew soone by experience how slenderly guarded against danger, the majestie of Rulers is, where force is wanting. For their Lictors were beaten, misused, and ill intreated, their rods broken all [unspec H] a peeces, themselves driven out of the Common place, and forced to take the Senate house, doubting how sarre forth Volero would proceede in the traine of his victoria. But when the riot was well appeased, they assembled the Senatours togither, and complained there of their iniu∣ties received, the violence of the Commons, & the audacious presumption of Volero. After ma∣ny opinions and sharpe censures delivered among them, the Ancients and Elders prevailed at length, who thought it not good to set the anger of the Nobles, against the head-strong rashnes of the Commons. And the Commons so highly favoured and embraced Volero, that in their next election, they made him their Tribune for that yeare, wherein L. Pinarius and P. Furius were Consuls. Who contrarie to al mens expectation, that thought verily he would have exerci∣sed [unspec I] his tribuneship in molesting and vexing the Consuls of the former yeare, preferred the pub∣like cause before his owne private greevance, and gave not the Consuls so much as one foule word. Onely he preferred a law unto the people, That the magistrats of the Comminaltie might be created in a ward-Leete, or assembley of the Tribes & wards. Thus under a title, which at the first sight seemed nothing hainous,* 1.88 passed a matter of no final consequence, but such as a brid∣ged the Nobles of al power & authoritie, to create Tribunes whom they would, by the suffrages and voyces of their vassailes and favorites. But when the Senatours resisted with all their might, the going forward of this Act most pleasing & plausible to the Commons, and yet none might be found of the brotherhood of Tribunes, that by the authoritie either of Consuls or of Sena∣tours could be brought to trumpe in his way by their negative voyce, which wasindeede, the [unspec K] onely meanes to crosseit: the businesse, notwithstanding in itselfe so weightie to weeld, and so hard to be compassed, held out with much debating, the yeare through. The Commons then made Volero Tribune againe. The Senatours on the other side, supposing the matter would now come to a finall triall once for all, created for their Consull Ap. Claudius, the sonne of Appius: who even for the old contentions maintained by his father, was both hated of the Commons, and also hated them againe: and hee had for his compa••ion in gouernment T. Quintius. At the verie beginning, no matter was treated of before that law. But as Volero was the first deviser and brocher of it, so his fellow Lectorius was the more earnest and hore maintainer thereof, as he came more fresh unto it. The stouter he was besides, by reason of his great militarie glorie, for that in those daies there was not a taller man of hands, nor more active than he. Now, when as [unspec L] Volero went straight to the substance of the law in hand,* 1.89 without any circumstance of words, and forbare to in veigh against the Consuls person, Lectorius beganne his speech with

chalenging Appius and his house, as most proude, and cruelly affected to the Comminaltie of Rome: avou∣ching earnestly, that the Nobles had made, not a Consull, but a butcherly commentor, to af∣flict and mangle the Commons: but being a rough hewen souldiour, and not used to make O∣rations, his tongue could not frame to expresse his minde as freely as he would: And so his ut∣terance failing him: Since that (quoth hee) O Quirites, I cannot so readilie deliver that in my speech, as I can make that good in deede which I have spoken: Be you heere tomorrow, and in this verie place I will either get this law enacted, or I will lie in the dust and die for it before you all.

The next day the Tribunes weregotten into the Temple or Hall first. The Consuls & No∣bilitie [unspec M] abode still in the assemblie of the people, for to hinder the passing of the Lawe. Then commaunded Lectorius all the rest to avoid and depart, but those onely, that were to give their voices. The yong Gentlemen of the Nobilitie stood still, and gave no place to the Tribunes of∣ficer. Then willed Lectorius some of them to be attached. But the Consull Appius replied again, That a Tribune had authoritie over none but Commoners: for as much as he, was a Magistrate,

[unspec A] not of the people, but of the Commons.

Neither could himselfe, of his absolute power (Consull though he was) observing the custome of his ancestors, command any man to avoid: for that the usual form of words ran thus, May it please you my maisters, O Quirities, if you thinke good, to depart.

Soone was hee able, thus laying the law unto him, by way of scorne and contempt, to ourface Lectarius, and put him downe. Whereupon the Tribune chased, and set into an heat, sendeth an officer to the Consull: the Consull likewise, a Lictor to the Tribune, crying estsoones alowd, that he was but a privat person without command, without magistracie. And doubtlesse the Tribune had been hardly used, but that both the whole assemblie roose up in a rage, and tooke part with the Tribune against the Consull: and also there was a concourse of the multitude, raised out of all parts of the citie into the common hall.

Appius notwithstanding stood stiffely to it still, and [unspec B] abid the brunt of this tempestuous storme: neither had this broile staied without some bloud∣shed, in case Quintius the other Consull, had not set some of the Aldermen that had been Con∣suls, to get his brother Consull by force (if otherwise it might not bee) out of the hall, whiles himselfe was in hand, one while with the Commons, to appease their furie, by way of intreatie and with faire words, otherwhiles besought the Tribunes to breake up the assemblie, persuading with them to take more leisure in this their heat and anger: for that time and space would abridge nothing of their power, but would joine counsell and advise therto: concluding withall, that both Nobles should be ruled by the people, and the Consull ordered by the Nobles. Hardly and with much adoe were the Commons quieted by Quintius, but farre more trouble had the Nobles to still the other Consull.

At the length, when the assemblie of the people was dismissed, the Consuls [unspec C] called the Senat together. Where after much varictie of opinions, proceeding from feare and an∣ger, according as the one or the other swaied among them: looke how much longer time they had to reclaime their mind from violent courses, and sagely with deliberation to consider of the matter: so much the more their hearts went against all contention, and further strife: insomuch, as they yeelded Quintius heartie thankes, that by his travaile betweene parties, the discord was well allaied.

And to Applius they were petitioners, that he would bee content, that the majestie of the Consull might bee no greater than would stand with the unitie and concord of the cittizens. For whiles the Tribunes for their part would needes have all, and the Consuls on the other side draw all to them: betweene this plucking and haling, there was no strength lest in the midst: and to conclude, the Commonweale was rent, torne, and dismembred betweene the rulers thereof: [unspec D] who strove rather for the managing and rule, than for the saferie and preservation of the State. Against whom Appius replied with a solemne protestation before God and man, and said, That the weale publicke was abandoned, forlorne, and betraied by nothing els but foolish fear: that the Senate wanted not a Consull, but the Consull wanted Senatours: who now yeelded to harder conditions, than they had before time in mount Sacer. Howbeit overweighed at length by the and generall consent and accord of all the Nobles,* 1.90 he was content: and so the law passed quietly, was by roiall consent authorised.

Then and never before, were the Tribunes created in a con∣gregation of the tribes, and by their voices. Piso writeth, that there were three more made to the other, as if there had been but twaine before: and he nameth also the Tribunes, to wit, Cn. Siccius, L. Numitorius, M. Duellius, Sp. Icilius, and L. Mecitius. Then had the Volscians and Aequians, be∣tweene [unspec E] the civile sedition of the Romanes, and the beginning of warre, harried and wasted the countrey: that in case the Commons had made an insurrection, they might have retired to them, as to a sure place of receit and refuge. But when all was hush••, and matters compounded between the Nobles and Commons, they removed their campe backeward.

Appius Claudi••s was sent against the Volscians: and to Quintius fell the province of the AE∣quians. The same rigorous severitie continued Appius still in warfare, that he used at home in the cittie: but so much more freely, for that he was not curbed nor held in by the Tribunes. The Com∣mons he hated, more than his father had done afore, seeing he was overswaied, and had taken the foile at their hands: and being the onely Consull, opposed against the Tribunes power, yet mau∣gre his head, the law passed cleare away, which the former Consuls his predecessors, with lesse ado, [unspec F] nor with so great hope and expectation of the Nobilitie, had ever hindered and staied. This his ire and indignation, gave an edge to that fell stomacke of his by kind, for to plague and punish his souldiors with imperious and lordly command. But so set they were to spurne againe and disobey, that by no forcible meanes they could bee tamed, doing all things that they did, litherly, slow∣ly, rekelesly and stubbornely. Neither bashed they for shame, nor stood in awe for feare. If his will was they should march on a pace, they would for the nonce go faire and softlie: If he

encouraged them in propre person to plie their busines, they would all of them slacke their for∣mer [unspec G] service,* 1.91 wherunto they were entred of themselves: whiles he was in place, they would hang downe their heads and looke on the ground, as he passed by they would secretlie curse him in their hearts. So as, that invincible stomacke of his against all hatred of the Commons, would now and then grieve heereat. And when he saw that all the shrewdnes and rigour that he used was in vaine, and that now he could do no good with his soldiors, he fell to checking the cap∣tains and centurions, saying, They had spoiled and marred the armie, terming them Tribunes of the Commons, and otherwhiles in taunting wise nicknaming them Voleroes. All this geere were the Volscians ware of, and therfore were they more eager and forward, hoping that Appius should finde the Romane armie as froward and disobedient, as they had beene against Fabius. And to say truth, they were more crooked and unrulie with Appius than with Fabius a great [unspec H] deale. For they were not onelie unwilling to have the victorie as Fabius his armie was, but also desirous to loose the victorie and be overcome. Being brought forth and set in battaile array, they shamefullie tooke their heeles and fled into their tents: and never made head and resistance, before they saw the Volscians with banners displaied, advancing against the munitions of their campe, and a foule carnage committed upon the taile of their rereward. Then were they driven perforce to fight for verie necessitie, that the enemie thus farre forth victour, might be kept from the mure and trench: and yet so, as it was verie apparant, that the soldiors passed for no∣thing else, but only to save the campe for being won: for some of them rejoiced at their own losse and defeature. Whereat, the stout stomacke of Applius was nothing daunted, nor his heartbroken: [unspec I] but he minded to deale cruelly with them, and thereupon summoned a generall assemblie. Then the Lieutenants, Marshals and Colonels, came running unto him, advertising him in no case to trie maistries, and to inforce his authoritie, The verie ground and strength whereof resteth whollie in the accord of obedient people: adding moreover, that the soldiors commonlie gave out, that they would not go to the assemblie: but rather they might be heard everiewhere, calling upon them aloud, to dislodge and remoove out of the territorie of the Volscians: moreover that the enemie now Master of the field, was but a while since advaunced to the gates and rampier, and well neere possessed of them: whereby, they were not onelie to suspect, but might evidentlie see before their eies, some great matter toward of dangerous consequence. Wherupon at last he was overruled, and (for as much as his soldiors therby should gaine nothing but delay of their [unspec K] punishment) remitted the assemblie for that time: and after proclamation made, to set forward in their journey the next day, and to depart in the morning verie earlie, he caused the trumpet to sound the remoove, and to march away. The armie being gone out of campe, and readie to bee set in order of a march at length, the Volscians who wer gotten up by the same sound of the trum∣pet, plaited upon the taile of the rereward: the noise whereof passed from thence to the vaward, and so disordred the ensignes, so troubled the ranks by reason of that fright, that neither could the direction and commaundement of the captaines be heard, nor the armie be brought into bat∣taile array. No man minded any thing at all but to run away: and disorderlie in plumpes, they fled backe over the dead carcasses and armours that lay on heapes, and so escaped. And never stay they their flight, untill the enemie gave over the chase. At the last, the Consull having called [unspec L] his soldiors together that were run away so scattering, (for with all the speed that he made after to call them backe, he could not reclaime them) encamped without his enemies ground in a place of securitie. Then he called them all together to an assemblie, and inveighed bitterlie, and not without just cause, against the whole armie, as having betraied the discipline of warre, & for∣saken their colours: asking everie one of the them what was become of their banners? And what they had done with their weapons? And as many soldiors as were unarmed, as many ensignebea∣rers as had not their ensignes, the Centurions also and those that received double allowance, and forsooke their bands and companies, he caused to be scourged with rods and to loose their heads. The whole number besides,* 1.92 were by lot tithed, and everie tenth man as it fell out, execu∣ted. But contra••iwise, in the expedition against the Aequians, the Consull and his soldiors, strove [unspec M] to exceed one another in courtesie and kindnesses. Quintus was by nature mild and debonaire, and the crueltie of his brother Consull, that never sped well, made him take more joy in that his gentle disposition.* 1.93 Whiles the Generall and his armie consorted thus together, the Aequians durst not confront them, but suffered their enemies to range all abroad and forray the country: so as, in no former wars gat they greater booties from thence: and all was bestowed among the soldiors. Over and besides these gratuities, they had their due praises and solemne

[unspec A] commendations, wherein soldiors take no lesse delight than in rewards and gifts. So, that ar∣mie returned home better affected to their Generall, and also to the Nobles for their Generals sake: reporting that the Senate had given to them a loving father, but to the other armie a lordly maister. This yeare thus spent with variable fortune abroad in war: with greevous dis∣cord as well at home as abroad, was above all most memorable and famous for the Tribe-Lie••. A matter of more note, in respect of their victorie that entered into the action, than of conse∣quence, in regard of commoditie that grew thereof. For the very Liet it selfe lost more credite by voiding the Nobles out of that assemblie, than either the Commons gat strength, or the Nobles did forgoe thereby. But more troublesome was the year following, whiles L. Valerius and T. Aemi∣lius were Consuls, both for the variance of the three States about the law Agraria, and also for the [unspec B] arraignement of Appius Claudius. Whom, being a most bitter adversarie of that law, and a great maintainer and upholder of those that possessed & held the common lands, as if he had ben ever a third Consul, M. Duellius, and C••. Siccius arrested & endited. Never before that day came to the bar, a person to be tried before the people, so odious unto the Commons: charged with so many wrongs done of his owne,* 1.94 so many of his fathers afore him, in regard whereof they were highly displeased and offended with him. The Nobles likewise had not lightly laboured so earnestly nor strained themselves so much for any one, as for him. Who being the patrone and protector of the Senate, the maintainer and upholder of their port and dignitie; a man ever opposed against all the troublesome broiles of Tribunes & Commons, was now delivered as a prey to the com∣mons in their anger, and only for that he had overshot, & passed himselfe in heat of contention. [unspec C] But of all the Senatours that ever were, Appius Claudius of himselfe alone was hee, that cared not a rush, either for Tribune or Commoner, nor yet for his owne arraignement. No menacing threats of the Commons, no earnest praiers of the Senatours could once make him, I say not to change his apparrell, and in humble manner to seeke and crouch unto men for to bee good unto him: no not so much, as when he came to answere for himselfe before the people, one whit to mollifie and let fall (as it were) that rough and sharpe kind of speech, that he was wont ordina∣rily to use. He kept the same sower countenance still, the very same frowardnesse and crabbednes of visage, the same spirit of boldnesse in his appologie and defence. Insomuch, as many of the Commons were no lesse afraid of Appius standing prisoner, there arraigned at the barre, than they had ben of him, sitting as Consull in his yvorie chaire of estate. In pleading of his cause, he [unspec D] spake breefely & at once to the point, withthe same accusatorie spirit, that he had ever used in all his pleas and actions. With his boldnes and resolute constancie, he so amased both Tribunes and Commons, that they themselves deferred the day of giving sentence, and suffered afterward the suite to hang and depend still undetermined. But not long after, even before the law day appoin∣ted was come,* 1.95 he sickened and died. Whose funerall praises when as the Tribunes went about to hinder, the Commons would not suffer, that the death of so worthie a man, should bee defran∣ded of the due honour and solemne obsequies, and gave audience as quietly and attentively to the commendation of the man now dead, as they did afore to his accusation while he was alive: and with a goodly traine attended his corpes to the grave.

The same yeare Valerius the Consull made a voiage with an armie against the Aequians, and [unspec E] seeing he could not traine the enemie forth to fight, he made a brava do to assaile the campe but there sell such a terrible storme and tempest from heaven, with haile and thunderclaps, that hee was disappointed of his enterprise. And, that which made it more strange and wonderfull, he had no sooner sounded the retrait, but the weather proved so faire and calme againe, that hee made some scruple and matter of conscience, to give a second assault unto the trench, as if it had been defended by the speciall power and providence of God. So, all the heat of warre turned to the wa∣sting onely of the countrey. The other Consull Aemilius warred with the Sabines. And even there also, because the enemies kept within their walled townes, the territories were spoiled. But afterwards, the Sabines raised with the firing, not onely of their villages and hamlets, but also of the good townes and burroughes, whereof in those partes there were many, and those well peo∣pled, [unspec F] encountred the sorraiers: and after a doubtfull skirmish, they departed asunder, and the morrow after raised their campe, & retired themselves backe into a place of more securitie: which the Consul taking for a sufficient argument and proofe, that the enemies were defeated, left them so, and dislodged likewise, without any end of the warre.

During these warres, and whiles discord continued in the citie at home, were T. Numitius Priscus and A. Virginius created Consuls. Now seemed it that the Commons would no longer

abide the deferring of the law Agraria. And as they were about to put it to a jumpe and to [unspec G] trie the utmost by extremitie, they took knowledge partlie by the smoke & flame of the villages on fire, and partly by the running away of the villagiers, that the Volscians were neere at hand. Which occurrent repressed and kept downe the sedition which was now come to ripenes, and readie to breake forth. For the Consuls forced by the Senate immediatly to the war, by taking the serviceable youth with them out of the citie, reduced the rest of the Commons to more qui∣etnesse. And the enemies verilie made no further attempt, but after they had given a false al∣arme and set the Romanes in a foolish feare, dismarched away as spedelie as they could. Then Numitius went to Antium against the Volscians, and Virginius against the AEquians: where ha∣ving welneer received a great losse & defeature by a train laid for him: such was the prowesse and manhood of the soldiours, that they recovered all againe, which by the negligence of the Con∣sull [unspec H] had like to be lost. But better was the conduct and government of the armie against the Vol∣scians. For there, at the first skirmish the enemies were disaraied, put to sight, and chased as far as to Antium, a citie (for that time) of right great puissance & importance. The Consull durst not assault it, but wan from the Antiates Cenon, another towne, but nothing so wealthy. Whiles the AEquians and Volscians thus amused the Romane armies and kept them occupied, the Sa∣bines were come robbing and spoiling to the gates of the citie of Rome. But within few daies after, they themselves received more damage than they brought, by occasion that both Consuls with two annies were entred in great anger into their consines. In the end of the yeare some peace there was, but disquieted, as at all times before, with the variance betweene the Nobles and Commons. The Commons in a peevish and angrie fit, would not be at the Election of the [unspec I] Consuls. So, by the Senatours onelie and their followers, there were elected Consuls, T. Quin∣tius and Q. Servilius. The like yeare to the former these Consuls had, seditious and trouble∣some in the beginning: but afterwards upon forraine warre, quiet and still. For the Sabines with a running campe having passed over the plaines of Crustuminum, and put all to fire and sword about the river Anio, were chased backe, well neere from the gate Collina and the wals: howbeit they drave away with them exceeding great booties both of people and cattel. Whom the Consull Servilius followed hard with a power readie to bid battaile, but could not overtake their maine armie in anie even ground meet to pitch a field in. Howbeit he harried and wasted the countrie all about, so as he left no corner cleere that felt not his fingers, and returned with purchase of many rich prizes of all sorts. [unspec K]

Likewise among the Volscians they sped wel & had a luckie hand by the good devoire both of captaine and soldior.* 1.96 First, they joined battaile vpon a plaine, and sought with verie great slaugh∣ter, and exceeding much bloodshed on both sides. And the Romans (who for their small num∣ber were more apt to seele the losse) had lost ground and dismarched, if that the Consull by ma∣king a lie for a vantage, and crying that the enemies fled from the other wing, had not encoura∣ged them and renued the battel afresh. And so by giving a new charge, whiles they thought they had the better, they got the better in very deed. The Consull fearing again, by preasing too hard upon the armie, to enforce them to turne & make head, sounded the retrait. Few daies passed be∣tween, wherin they rested quiet, as though there had been a secret truce agreed betweene them. In which mean space, a great sort of people from all parts of the Volscians and AEquians repai∣red [unspec L] to the camp, thinking verify, that if the Romans ware of them, they would depart in the night season. Wherupon, at the third watch they came to make an assault upon their campe. Quintius after he had quieted the tumult, which upon this suddaine al'arme arose, and given commandement that the soldiors should keep themselves within their pavilions, brought forth a companie of Hernicks to guard the gates, and caused certaine cornetiers and trumpetters on horsebacke to wind and sound before the trench and counterscarpe, and so to hold the enemie in suspense and expectation untill day light. The rest of the night, all was so quiet within the campe, that the Romans had time enough and good opportunitie to take their repose and sleep. This shew of footmen in their harnish, whom the Volscians imagined to be more than they were, and all Romanes: the neighing besides, and noise that the horses made by reason of their [unspec M] strange riders that they were not used unto, and the sound also of their trumpets and hornes that made them to set up their eares, and to stamp and fare outragiously, amused the enemies waiting ever when they would charge upon them. When it was day, the Romanes being in heart and fresh as having slept their sill, came forth and embattailed themselves, and at the first shocke, discomsired the Volscians, wearied with long standing and overwatched withall. And yet the

[unspec A] enemies rather gave ground and retired themselves, than seemed to be driven from their stan∣dings, because they had at their backes certaine hils, whereunto they might retire behind the Principia, and not breake their rancks, and so save themselves. The Consull seeing hee was come to a place of disadvantage, made a stand. The footmen hardly would be staied, calling and cry∣ing to the Consull to follow upon them seeing they were discomsited. The horsemen were more eager, riding all about the Consull, and with open mouth cried out, that they would advance be∣fore the ensignes. Whiles the Consul held off, in a mathmering what to do, for as he was assured of the valour of his souldiours, so hee finally trusted the ground; they all at once set up a shout, that they would set forward, come what would: and as they cried, so did they in good earnest. And pitching their javelins fast in the ground, that they might more nimblie get up the sleepe [unspec B] place, they tooke their full feese, and ran up the hill. The Volscians having in their first brunt spent all their darts, and other shot which they had let flie, and made no spare, tooke up stones that lay under their feet, let drive at the Romans as they clambe up, and so thicke and threefold they bestowed them, that they annoied them sore, and beat them downe the hill. Thus the left wing of the Romanes was welneere overcharged, had not the Consul at the point, when as they were readie to recule, blamed them first for their rashnesse, and then for their cowardise, and made them for very shame to shake off all feare. First they stood to it stoutly, & kept their ground, and after, as their strength served them, considering the vantage of the place which the enemies had gotten, they adventured to set foot forward, and won ground with a fresh shout and outcrie. And taking their heire againe the second time, they straine all they can, and at length overcame [unspec C] the disadvantage of the place. Now when they were almost at the point to win the very pitch and ridge of the hill, the enemies turned backe. Whiles they ran on heapes in disaray, both they that fled, and they that followed, happened both at once in one companie into the enemies campe, which in that fright was won. The Volscians, as many of them as could escape, ran as fast as their legs would carie them to Antium. And to Antium likewise was the Roman armie conducted: and after a few daies siege, was surrendred upon no fresh & new force of assault, but for that presently upon their unfortunat conflict and losse of the campe, their harts were done, and utterly quailed.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Brutus the Consul persuadeth Tar∣quinius to give over the Consul∣ship and depart.
• * 1.2

  A conspiracie of yoong gentle∣men of the No∣bilitie.
• * 1.3

  The conspiracie 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.4

  Campus Maritus.
• * 1.5

  The traitors ex∣ecuted.
• * 1.6

  Brutus putteth to death his owne children.
• * 1.7

  i. 'The men of Tarquinij. The speech of Tarquinius Su∣perbus to the Tuskans.
• * 1.8

  The Veientians defeited by the Romanes.
• * 1.9

  P. Valerius the Consull, unto the people.
• * 1.10

  Valerius surna∣med Publicola or Poplicola.
• * 1.11

  Porsena before geth Rome.
• * 1.12

  The 〈…〉〈…〉 Horatius 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.13

  The valiant reso∣lution of C. Mu∣nus
• * 1.14

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 his speech to king Po••ena
• * 1.15

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Mutius.
• * 1.16

  Ma••ius to Por∣••••.
• * 1.17

  M••rius su••na∣med S••••rol••.
• * 1.18

  Peace betweene Po••••••n•• and the Romaner.
• * 1.19

  The com••tend••∣bledeed of Cloc••a
• * 1.20

  Rizza
• * 1.21

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.22

  App•••••• Claud••us
• * 1.23

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.24

  Tribe Appia.
• * 1.25

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.26

  Dictator first created at Rome.
• * 1.27

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.28

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.29

  P••lastrina Or••••.
• * 1.30

  T••us••ulo.
• * 1.31

  The famous bat∣tell a•• the lake Regil••us
• * 1.32

  Temple of Satura dedicated.
• * 1.33

  Saturnilia insti∣tuted.
• * 1.34

  Tarquinius Su∣pe••bus dieth.
• * 1.35

  Wards. 2 ••.
• * 1.36

  15 of May.
• * 1.37

  Compagna d•• ••oma.
• * 1.38

  A dangerous se∣d••tion in Rome.
• * 1.39

  Divers opinions in the Senate house.
• * 1.40

  Appius his in∣uective against his fellow Con∣sul.
• * 1.41

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 17 yeares 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to 47.
• * 1.42

  A sedition be∣t••••ene the Con∣suls and the p••o∣••••.
• * 1.43

  The Oration of Appius Cl••udius in the Senate.
• * 1.44

  〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.45

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.46

  The speech of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Senate.
• * 1.47

  They first revolt of the commons of Rome into mount dancer.
• * 1.48

  Agr. Menenius his Oration to the commons.
• * 1.49

  Tribunes of the common people first created.
• * 1.50

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.51

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.52

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.53

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.54

  The murmuring of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against Co••••ola∣nus.
• * 1.55

  Accius Tullius to the Romane Consuls.
• * 1.56

  Accius Tullius to his countrimen.
• * 1.57

  Monte Cir••ello.
• * 1.58

  Civit•• indori∣n•• vique.
• * 1.59

  Coriolanus be∣seegeth Rome.
• * 1.60

  The answere of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Orators.
• * 1.61

  The speech of Veturia unto her so •• Martius Cotiolanus.
• * 1.62

  Fertuna Mul••re b••ir.
• * 1.63

  The law Agraria first published, concerning the division of wast lands among the commons.
• * 1.64

  Virginius against the law Agraria.
• * 1.65

  Sp.Cassius put to death for seeking to be king.
• * 1.66

  Treasurers of the citti••.
• * 1.67

  〈…〉〈…〉 of a T••••ple.
• * 1.68

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.69

  The disobedience of soldiers to ••••eir captain••.
• * 1.70

  The poll••ricke practise of Ap∣pius Claudius to abate the Tri∣bunes auctorine.
• * 1.71

  The speeches of the Tuscane pri••∣ces in their Counsels.
• * 1.72

  The speech of Fabius to his brother Consull.
• * 1.73

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.74

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.75

  Caeso Fabius the Consull, in the Lords of the Senate.
• * 1.76

  The linage of the Fabii, offer to maintaine wa••e with the Veien••••∣ens in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 persons, and at their proper charges.
• * 1.77

  At thi•• day 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.78

  The Fabij all slaine.
• * 1.79

  Hope
• * 1.80

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.81

  〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.82

  Sp. Servillius 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.83

  S••••in••s and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vanqui∣shed.
• * 1.84

  L. 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.85

  Th••ir ••e••on∣strance to the same Nobles.
• * 1.86

  Ge••••tius a Tri∣bune of the common peo∣ple, murdered in his house, by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 practise of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.87

  Vol••io Publili∣us r••••••seth to be prest a souldier.
• * 1.88

  Al •• p••••p•••••• th•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 the commons should be chosen in a Trib••, I 〈…〉〈…〉,.
• * 1.89

  〈…〉〈…〉 deth the pref••r∣ring of Publius his law.
• * 1.90

  The ••ore said law enacted.
• * 1.91

  The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈…〉〈…〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Appius Claudius their Generall.
• * 1.92

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••hey had the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sig. de p••nus.
• * 1.93

  Q••intus beloved of 〈◊〉〈◊〉
• * 1.94

  Appius Claudiu•• arraigned at th•• bar.
• * 1.95

  App. Claudius diet.
• * 1.96

  Th•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Consull Qui••••••s.