The Roman historie containing such acts and occurrents as passed under Constantius, Iulianus, Iovianus, Valentinianus, and Valens, emperours. Digested into 18. bookes, the remains of 31. and written first in Latine by Ammianus Marcellinus: now translated newly into English. Wherunto is annexed the chronologie, serving in stead of a briefe supplement of those former 13. bookes, which by the iniurie of time are lost: together with compendious annotations and coniectures upon such hard places as occurre in the said historie. Done by Philemon Holland of the citie of Coventrie, Doctor in Physicke.

THE XXX. BOOKE. (Book 30)

CHAP. 1. Para King of Armenia taken by a wile, and wrongfully detained by Va∣lens, wittily maketh meanes to escape.

AMong these daungerous troubles which Generall Perrha ray∣sed after the King of the Quadi was treacherously slaine, there chaunced an execrable fact to bee committed in the East, by the murdering of Para King of Armenia, by villai∣nous and secret traines: of which matter upon an impious intent conceived, this we know to have beene the originall cause. Certaine persons there were, having shrewd and un∣happie wits of their owne, fed and maintained many times with the losses of com∣monweale, who before Valens complotted and packed against Para, being as yet but a young Prince, divers imputations, aggravating the same in the worst man∣ner: Among whom was Terentius Lord Warden of the Marches, one that walked lowly, and alwayes somewhat heavie and sad, but so long as he lived a perillous sower and stirrer up of dissentions. Who having taken into his societie some few people, such as for their lewd and hainous offences stood in doubtfull tearmes of feare, by writing to the Emperours Court and Counsell, ceased not to reiterate the death of Cylaces and Artabanes: adding moreover, That the said young Prince, reaching and ayming at proud deeds, became exceeding hard and cruel to his sub∣jects. Whereupon the said Para, under a colour, as if he should be made partaker of a treatie then to be holden, as the instant affaires required, called after a roial sort, and under a pretense of serviceable courtesie attended at Tarsus in Cilicia, when as he neither could be admitted into the Emperours campe, nor yet know the cause of this urgent apparance of his, for that everie man held his tongue, at the length

by a secret inkling given unto him, he found, that Terentius by his letters advised the Roman Emperour, to send straightwayes another to be king of Armenia, least in hatred of Para, and for feare that he should returne, the whole nation, of such importance to us, should revolt and become subject unto the Persians, who were hot upon the getting of it either by force, or feare, or flatterie. Which when he the said king revolved in his mind, he presaged that some grievous mischiefe hung over his head. And being now ware of this deceitfull plot, and finding no other meanes to save himselfe but by a speedie departure, at the persuasion of such as he had affiance in, he having gathered about him three hundred of his traine, who had followed him forth of his * 1.1 countrey, upon most swift horses, when the grea∣test part of the day was spent, more adventurous than advised (as commonly it is seene in great and daungerous frights) he went forth in manner of a pointed bat∣tailon, and hastened away fearelesse. And when an officer belonging to ^a the * 1.2 Mo∣derator of the Province, who warded the gate, much troubled to see him make such hast, found him in the suburbes and quarters neere unto the citie, he be∣sought him verie earnestly to stay; and seeing he could not prevaile, turned backe for feare of being killed. In like manner a little after, the legion also that pursued, and now approached neere unto him, himselfe together with the forwardest of his companie galloping backe, and shooting arrowes that flew as thicke as sparkes of fire, but missing them for the nonce, put to flight, so that all our souldiors toge∣gether with their Tribune terrified, retyred backe againe to the walls more lustily than they came forward. Then freed from all feare, after he had for two dayes and two nights together endured the painefull labour of journeyes, when he was come to Euphrates, and for want of ships could not at any foord passe over the river, full of gulfes and whirlepite, as a number of them not skilfull in swimming were afraid, so himselfe most of them all held off and adventured not. And verily remained he had behind, but that (as everie man cast about sundrie shifts) he was able to find out this meanes of evasion, which at the verie point of necessitie was most safe. Such little beds as they found in the villages, they supported with two leather bot∣tles or budgets apeece, whereof there was good store neere at hand in the fields where wine was made. Vpon everie one of which, a chiefe peere and the Prince himselfe sitting severally, to wing and haling after them their horses, by winding passages that they made, declined the high waves and billowes of the water, sur∣ging full against them. And by this device, at length after extreame perils, came to the banke on the farther side. All the rest riding upon their horses that swum, and oftentimes by reason of the streame dashing round about them, dowsed un∣der the water, and tossed to and fro, after they had beene weakned with this daun∣gerous wet that they tooke, were cast upon the bankes against them: where after they had refreshed themselves a little while, they marched more speedily lightly appointed than they did the dayes past. When the Emperour heard newes here∣of, much troubled at the flight and escape of the foresaid Para, who he thought now being out of the snare, and at libertie, would breake his allegeance, he sent out Danieles and Barzimeres with a thousand light and nimble Carbines, for to fetch him backe, the one a Lieutenant, and the other a Tribune of the Scutarij. These trusting upon their owne perfect knowledge of the wayes, for that he haste∣ning away as he did, like a stranger and one unacquainted with the countrey, made many winding turnes and fetched a compasse, prevented his journeyes, going the

next way through the vallyes: and having parted betweene them their forces, be∣set the two next passages, which were three miles a sunder, that as he should passe by either of them, he might be intercepted yer he was aware. But this device and project of theirs came to nothing, by such an accident as this. A certaine way-fa∣ring man making hast on his journey, to a place on this side, espying the hill full of armed men, for to avoid them, going aside by a crosse backe lane in the middle, chanced upon the Armenians all wearied: and being brought unto the king, in∣formeth him in secret talke alone what he had seene, and so without any harme done unto him was there detained. And soone after, without any semblance or shew made of feare, there was sent out an horseman secretly to the right side of the way, to provide lodging and victuals: When he was gone a little forward, ano∣ther likewise had commaundement to goe most speedily to the left tract for to doe the like, who knew not that the other was sent another way. These things thus or∣dered to a good purpose, the king himselfe with his followers returning backe a∣gaine with the way-faring person himselfe that shewed him the way through the bushes by a rough beaten path, and little ynough for an horse laden to passe, gat away and left our souldiors behind his backe: who having caught his ministers sent out to cast a mist (as it were) before their minds that wayted for him, loo∣ked in manner with hands reached forth to catch an hunters prey. And whiles they looke still for him when he would come, he having in safetie recovered his kingdome, and with exceeding joy of his people being received, continued firme and fast in the same true and assured loyaltie, putting up with silence all the wrongs that he had sustained.

CHAP. II. The same king is by a new plat of deceitfull treacherie set upon at a feast, and by the commaundement of Valens murdered.

DAnicles after this, and Barzimeres, when thus deluded they were returned [to the Court,] being with reproachfull tearmes revi∣led as dastards and cowards, faring like unto venimous serpents, which with the first blow are astonied, plucked up their spirits and whetted their deadly chawes, purposing as soone as possi∣bly they could if it lay in their power to be meet with him that thus escaped their hands, and to doe him mischiefe: and so partly to extenuate this their owne offence, and partly to excuse themselves that they were over-raught in suttle policie, they charged Para with false slaunders and imputations in the eares of the Emperour, most apt to entertaine all rumours: devising, That he could skill of the witchcrafts and enchantments of Circe, to transforme and enfeeble folkes bodies wonderously: saying thus much moreover, That by such jugling trickes, a myst being cast before their eyes, he was changed in the shape of divers other things, and passed by them invisible; and would (no doubt) worke much woe and teene, in case he should remaine alive after this scornefull illusion. Here∣upon an inexplicable hatred of the Emperour was encreased against him, and craf∣tie meanes were wrought from day to day, to take his life away, either by open vi∣olence or secret practise. Which designe by writing closely under hand was com∣mitted

unto Traianus, abiding then in Armenia, and having the charge of the martiall forces and affaires there. Who going about to compasse the king by al∣luring sleights; one while delivering unto him the letters of Valens, shewing his gracious favour and affection toward him; another while bidding himselfe to his feasts, at length upon a mischievous plot he invited him also in modest and reverent sort to a dinner: who fearing no evill toward, came and sat him downe at the table in the most honourable place allowed for him. Now, when there were exquisite and daintie viands served up to the bourd, and the house rung againe with the sound of stringed and wynd instruments, fingered right artificially, when the wine also went merrily about, whiles the master himselfe of the feast was gone foorth of the roome under a colour of some urgent bu∣sinesse of nature, one steps stoutly into the place, with a sterne and grim looke, a barbarous and rough hewen fellow, one of those whom they tearme Suprae, shaking a drawne sword in his hand, in menacing wise readie to run the young prince through, who was now so pent in, that he could not leape foorth from him. Whom, when the said prince saw, sitting forward, as it fell out, on the farther side of the dining * 1.3 pallet, and upon this discoverie of treason rising up to defend himselfe by all the meanes he could, was stabbed through the breast, and so lay a long like a beastly sacrifice, fowlely and shamefully mangled with many a bloudie stroke. And thus his credulitie being villanously deceived, by this fraudulent device, in the middest of a feast, which with reverence is regar∣ded even in the Euxine sea, in the very sight of the ^b Hospitall God, the bloud of a stranger spurting upon the rich table-clothes and carpets, and foming a∣gaine, gave all the guests their fill, who by this time, in exceeding horror, were dispersed. Now would that noble Fabricius ^c Luscinus grone and weepe (if folke departed have any sence of griefe in them) at this arrogant and desperate act, knowing, as he did, with what courage and magnanimitie he rejected De∣mochares, or (as some write) Nicias the kings minister, promising by way of a secret parley, That he would in a cup of wine poyson king Pyrrhus, who then plagued and wasted Italie with most cruell warres, and wrote withall to the said king, That he should take heed of his inward servitours and attendants neere a∣bout him: such a reverent regard in that time of auncient justice carried the Ge∣nialitie, even of an enemies table. But this late unexampled and shamefull fact was excused (forsooth) by the like precedent of ^d Sertorius his death; and that by flatterers (ywis) who happily never knew, as Demosthenes (that everlasting ornament and honour of Greece) affirmeth: That whatsoever is argued and obie∣cted, as done otherwise than rightfully, can never be answered and assoyled by the like precedent or impunitie of another crime. And thus much of the memorable occur∣rents that passed in Armenia.

CHAP. III. The Embassages of Sapor and Valens that tooke no effect. The horrible death of Remigius, who had acted not the least part in the Tragoedie of Tri∣polis, described in the 29. booke.

BVt Sapor, after the former overthrow and slaughter of his men, having certaine intelligence of Para his death, whom he ear∣nestly endeavoured to combine with, was strucken with grie∣vous sorrow; and, as the cheerefull courage of our armie still encreased his feare, hee projecting greater designes unto him∣selfe, sent Arsaces in Embassage unto the * 1.4 Emperour, and gave advice, To have Armenia (the continuall cause of all troubles) to be utterly destroyed: And in case that motion were misliked, he required another thing, namely, That the division of Hiberia being annulled, and the garrisons of the Ro∣manes side from thence remooved, Aspacures might bee permitted to raigne alone, whom himselfe had made Governour over that nation. Whereunto Valens returned answere to this effect: That he could not foredoe ought of the capitulations and arti∣cles by consent confirmed, but was right willing and carefull to maintaine the same. To crosse this glorious purpose and resolution of his, when as the Winter now was at an end, the kings letters were brought, alledging vaine and arro∣gant reasons. For he constantly avouched, That the occasion of discord might not possibly bee stocked up by the rootes, without the presence of those that were privie to the peace covenanted with Iovianus, some of whom he under∣stood were departed this life. After this, the Emperour, as his care grew grea∣ter, and tooke deeper impression, beeing better able to chuse, than to devise good counsels, and supposing this to be expedient for his affaires, commaun∣ded Victor, Generall of the Horse, and Vrbicius, Marquesse or Warden of the marches of Mesopotamia, to goe with all speed, carrying with them an abso∣lute and uniforme answere, That it little became a iust Prince, contenting him∣selfe with his owne (as the king usually gave out of himselfe) thus wickedly to co∣vet Armenia, considering the inhabitants thereof, by his owne agreement, were per∣mitted to live at their owne will: and unlesse the garrison souldiors, imparted unto Sauromaces, returned without faile and let in the beginning of the yeare follow∣ing (as it was ordered) he should against his will accomplish those articles, which of his owne accord to doe, he omitted. Which verily was a plaine and francke Em∣bassage, had it not swerved in this one point, That without any direction or commission in that behalfe, these Embassadours accepted of those small coun∣tries in Armenia that were offered. Which Embassage being returned, there ar∣rived Surena, chiefe in authoritie under the king, offering the very same parcels unto the Emperour, which our Embassadours had boldly taken. Who being liberally and honourably entertained, but sent backe againe without obtaining that for which he came, great preparation there was and furniture for the warres, considering that the Emperour, so soone as the rigour of Winter was abated, minded with three armies to invade Persis, and therefore with all expedition levied and waged aid souldiors of the Scythians. Sapor therefore missing of

those matters, which in a vaine hope he had conceived, and chafed more than he used to be, for that he had intelligence, That our great Commaunder and Ruler prepared for an expedition, yet biting in his anger, gave Surena in charge, to clayme and recover by force of armes, those pieces which Lieutenant Victor and Vrbicius had received: and in case any man made resistance, that the soul∣diors also, which were appointed for the garrison and defence of Sauromaces, should be plagued with extremitie of miseries. And for these designes quick∣ly put in execution, as he had ordained, there was no remedie nor meanes to crie quittance, because the Romanes were beset with another feare of all Go∣thia, which in licentious manner had violently broke into Thracia: The dole∣full and lamentable events ensuing whereupon, may then bee summarily set downe, when we shall come to handle those affaires also. These were the pro∣ceedings that passed along the East tracts, within the traine whereof, the pow∣erfull vigour of eternall justice (which though it be divers times slow, yet is a curious and precise Commissioner, to enquire into things well done, or other∣wise) tooke revenge of those miseries of Africke and the Embassadours of Tri∣polis, whose manes and ghosts as yet were unrevenged, and wandered with∣out rest: which fell out in this sort. Remigius, who (as I sayd before) had fa∣voured and countenanced Romanus in spoyling of the Provinces, after that Leo in his rowme was entred into the mastership of the Offices, giving over now the affaires of State, betooke himselfe to countrey businesses, neere unto Mo∣gontiacum, in his owne native countrey. Whom, making his abode there in great securitie, Maximinus the Praefect Praetorio despising, as one returned to a private and quiet life, studied and sought how by all meanes possibly he might hurt; as he was one, that like unto some contagious and pernicious plague, u∣sed to infect and worke mischiefe still, where ever he came: and to the end that he might search out more matters still that lay hidden, he attached and by way of bloudie torture examined Caesar (before time one of his domesticall guard, and afterward the Princes Notarie) to know of him, What Remigius had done? or how much he had received, to helpe and further Romanus in his wicked acts? Which when Remigius understood, whiles he remained yet (as hath beene said) in a retyred place, either for that he was pricked in conscience for his lewd parts committed, or that the feare (occasioned by slaunderous accusations) over∣came his reason, he made no more adoe, but knit his necke fast in an halter, and so strangled himselfe to death.

CHAP. IIII. Valentinian making hast at an unseasonable time against the Illyrians, is drawne backe. An amitie is concluded and established with Ma∣crianus king of the Alemans: and then returneth the Emperour to Triers.

IN the yeare next following, when Gratianus was Consull, and had ta∣ken unto him for companion in office, Equitius; as Valentinian after the wasting of certaine territories in Alemaine, was building a fort neere unto Basile, which the neighbour inhabitants call * 1.5 Robur, there was

presented unto him the certificat of the Praefect Probus, giving intelligence of the losses and calamities of Illyricum. Which when he had with good advisement read, as became a captaine, that made no great hast in his affaires, but loved to take good leisure, being astonied with carefull thoughts, he sent out his * 1.6 Notarie Pater∣nianus, and by him sought precisely into the businesse. And soone after, when as by his means he had received the true report of what was done, he hastened forth∣with to take the field, readie in person with the first stirre and noyse of armes (as he had before intended) to suppresse the Barbarians, who dared to rob and spoyle our limits. And because now in the latter end of Autumne there were many dif∣ficulties to hinder this project, all the nobles and principall officers of State about the palace endeavoured hard to persuade him for to hold off untill the beginning of the Spring, alledging first, That the wayes hardened with frosts (where could be found neither grasse well growne for pasturage, nor other things meet for use) were not passable: then, pretending the crueltie of princes, neere neighbours unto Gaule, and above all others, of Macrianus, as one in those dayes much dread; who as it was for certaine knowne, if he were left behind unreconciled, would attempt the very siege and assault of the walled cities: By these allegations and other mo∣tives put therto, tending to his good and profit, they reduced him to a better mind, and presently (as it made for the good of the Commonwealth) the said king was sent for courteously to come neere unto Moguntiacum; who also was of himselfe forward ynough (as it appeared) to entertaine a league. And wonderfull it was, with what and how great pride puffed up he came, as one that should be the superior Iudge of peace: and at the day before appointed for the parley and con∣ference, he stood bearing his head aloft on the very banke of the Rhene, with a clattering noyse of his countrey shields resounding on either hand. On the o∣ther part, the Emperour embarked in certaine river-barges, being guarded also himselfe with a multitude of warlike companies for his more safetie, approched the bankes, all goodly to be seene, with a brave shew of glittering ensignes. Now when the unseemely gestures and rude noyse of the barbarous people were at length allayed, after words passed to and fro on both sides, there was peace and amitie concluded, and the same ratified with an oath. These thinges thus fini∣shed, the king, who made all these troubles, departed well pacified, and became our associate from thenceforth, and afterwards, unto his dying day, gave by his noble exploits good proofe of his constant mind, embracing concord. But af∣ter this, his hap was to die in * 1.7 Francia; which whiles he greedily invaded, and with fire and sword wasted, beset he was by a traine of the warlike king Mello∣baudes, and so slaine. Howbeit, after this league, with solemne rites and com∣plements concluded, Valentinian departed to Triers, there to Winter. These were the affaires in Gaule and the North quarters.

CHAP. V. The lament able plight of the East Provinces under Valens deceived by his Courtiers, and making much of these frapling Lawyers and petie-foggers. Whereunto is set in opposition the felicitie of former ages.

BVt in the East parts (whiles all was husht and quiet abroad) an in∣ward mischiefe increased, by meanes of the friends and favou∣rites of Valens, with whom profit was of more reckoning than honestie. For, great care and diligence was employed, that the man of a rigorous disposition, and desirous to heare causes and controversies pleaded, should be reclaimed from all desire of de∣ciding and judging them, least as in Iulians dayes, while innocencie gat a breathing time by lawfull defence, the swelling pride of mightie persons should be abated, which by taking of libertie was woont to breake out and raunge at will abroad. For these and such like respects, when as with one consent and accord many de∣horted him, and especially Modestus Prefect of the Pretorium (a man wholly made and squared to the pleasure of the Princes Eunuchs, and one with a forced countenance deceiving his rude and rusticall nature not polished with reading of any antiquitie) bearing him also in hand, that these small and trifling privat cau∣ses were farre inferiour to his Imperiall dignitie, he supposing (as he said) that the examination and hearing of causes was a device to take downe and humble the highnesse of his Majestie, forbare wholly to sit in judgement, and so did set open the doores of pilling and extortion, which grew strong everie day more than o∣ther, through the wickednesse of Iudges and Advocates both, agreeing together, and drawing in one line: who setting to sale the suits and causes of meaner per∣sons unto militarie men and managers of martiall affaires, or to such as were migh∣tie in Court, gained thereby either much wealth or great honours. This professi∣on of Oratours and pleading Barresters, that noble Plato defineth to be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, i. the image or shadowe of some part of civilitie, or more truely, the fourth part of flatterie: But Epicurus naming it 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, reckoneth it among bad arts: Ctesias and with him Leontinus Gorgias, saith, it is the worke-mistresse of persuasi∣on. Which being thus by old writers defined, the subtile craft of some Easterlings hath brought it, to be hated and detested of good men: whereby also it is bridled and restrained by the reines of a set and prefixed time. After therefore that I shall deliver some few words, as touching the indignitie thereof, which I found by experience conversing in those parts, I will returne to the intended course of those matters which I have begun. Then, and never else, flourished the Tribunes with pleading patrons of auncient elegancie, when as Oratours of quicke and pregnant eloquence, seriously given to the studies of learning, for wit, faithfulnesse, copi∣ous words, and many ornaments of oratorie excelled, as for example Demosthe∣nes; who, whensoever he was to make an oration, there was woont to be a great concourse of people out of all parts of Greece, to heare him, as we find in the At∣ticke records: also Callistratus, whom at the time that he pleaded that noble cause as touching Oropus, a place in Euboea, the same Demosthenes followed, leaving the ^• Academie together with Plato. Likewise Hyperides, Aeschines, Andocides, Di∣narchus, and that famous Antiphon of Rhamnus, who was the first of all others, as

auncient hystories make report, that tooke a fee for the defence of a cause. Sem∣blably among the Romans also, the * 1.8 Rutilij, Galbae, and Scauri, men for their life, behaviour, and frugalitie approved: and after them for sundrie yeares together of the age ensuing, many that were Censors and Consuls in their time, yea and had triumphed, to wit, the * 1.9 Crassi, Antonij, the Philippi, and the Scaevolae, with a number more beside, after most fortunat conduct of armies, after victories atchieved and trophees erected, flourished in the performance of civile offices betweene citizen and citizen, even for their stipends: and gaining by their goodly prizes plaid, the laurell garlands of the Barre and Common place, enjoyed glorious honours in the highest degree. After whom Cicero, the most excellent of all, who oftentimes with the thunderbolts of his commaunding speech, delivering some that were op∣pressed and cast downe out of daungerous flames of judgement, affirmed, That men haply might be undefended altogether without blame and reproofe; but negligently de∣fended without a sinfull act they could not possibly be.

CHAP. VI. A little table representing to the life these ravenous Harpyes, and a sor∣ting or division of them into certaine formes or rankes.

BVt now adayes, you may see throughout all those tracts divers in that kind verie violent and most ravenous men, such as goe swou∣ping and flinging over all the Courts and Halls of justice, yea and closely do beset rich mens houses, who like unto hounds of * 1.10 Spar∣ta or * 1.11 Crete, by following with a quicke sent everie cause, as it were by the tract and footing, come at length to the verie dennes thereof. The first companie of these are they, who by sowing sundrie controversies and quarels, have their hands in a thousand actions & bonds for apparance at the Law-day; haunting the doores of widowes, and entries of childlesse parents. These desirous to enter∣taine privie grudges betweene friends, kinsfolkes and allyes that are at variance, for some * 1.12 small matters of no moment and importance, goe about to make them hate and detest one another. And in these their vices they waxe not more calme and mild (as others doe) by processe of time, but get greater head, and grow stronger: who also among the unsatiable extortions of the poore, for to enveagle and deceive by their subtile orations the integritie of Iudges (whose name sprung of Iustice) draw forth the keene blade of their wits. In this their obstinat course of dealing, their rashnesse seemeth to resemble libertie, their headie boldnesse constancie, and a certaine vaine flowing tongue of thiers, eloquence: through the violent force of which arts, as Tully affirmeth, a foule shame it is that the upright conscience of a Iudge should be deceived. For thus he saith: And whereas there ought nothing to be in a Commonwealth so pure and sincere, as the giving of vayce, or the sentence of a Iudge, I cannot see how he that hath corrupted the same with a peece of money, should de∣serve punishment, and he that doth the like with eloquence goe away with prayse: And verily in my conceit, he seemeth of the twaine to doe more harme, who corrupteth a Iudge by his eloquent speech, than he that doth it by plaine ••riherie; for that no m•••• is able to corrupt a wise man with money, but with eloquence he may full well. The second sort of these men are they, who professing skill of right and law, which the difference of statutes and ordinances opposite one unto another hath quite fored one, atri••

their mouthes were muzzeled and made up, with their continuall silence, are like their owne shadowes. These resembling them that calculat and foretell folkes de∣stinies by their nativities and horoscopes; or wisards that expound Sibyls Oracles, composing their grave countenance to a sad and solemne habit, make even their drowsie yawning and supine negligence saleable. And these fellowes, because they would be thought to have a deepe insight into the lawes, have altogether in their mouthes ^f Trebatius, Caesellius, and Alfenus, and their whole talke is of the lawes of the Aurunci and Sicani, such as long since are growne out of knowledge, and many hundred yeares ago, even with Evanders mother buried. And if thou shouldest devise and say, That wilfully thou hadst murthered thine owne mother, they are readie to beare thee in hand, and promise, that they have read many hid∣den booke-cases and presidents, that affoord meanes to acquit thee: provided al∣wayes, that they perceive thee to be well moneyed. A third crew there is of those, who to the end that in this turbulent profession they may get a name, whetting their mercenarie tongues to the beating downe of truth, by their shamelesse fore∣heads and base bawling make open way for themselves to passe whither they list: who taking the opportunitie of the Iudges cares, in many matters distracted, linking and entangling causes with insoluble quirkes and quilits, endevour by long de∣murres to have controversies depending still, and by their intricat questions that of purpose they foist in, hold off, and delay judgements: which when they pro∣ceed well and fall out aright, they are the verie shrines and * 1.13 temples of equitie: but if they be wrong and unjust, they are both deceitfull and blind pits; whereinto if any man fall and be caught, he shall not be able in many * 1.14 five yeares together, to to get forth, sucked drie in the meane while even to the verie marrow.

CHAP. VII. The last sort of them that uphold this profession of Lawyers, impudent, froward, wil∣full, and unlearned, is here in lively colours depainted.

THe fourth and last ranke is impudent, overthwart, stubborne, and with∣all unlearned, those I meane, who having broken loose over-soone from the Grammer schoole, run to and fro in all corners of cities stu∣dying for scoffes, and frumping flours, not for meet pleas to helpe a∣ny cause: who also haunting rich mens houses, lay for to get part of exquisit dain∣ties at their suppers and meales. Who when they have once betaken themselves to secret and privat gaines, and given their minds to get money everie way, it skills not how, set any innocent and harmelesse persons together by the eares, and make them for nothing goe to law: and being admitted into the court (and that seldom happeneth) for the defence of a cause, at the verie instant time when they should come to plead at barre, they are faine to be instructed from the verie mouth of the client that is defendant, what is the name and nature of the cause that he hath taken in hand: And these are so full of their confused circumlocutions, that a man would thinke he heard ^g Therfites with a frapling and bawling clamor to come out with a mishmash and hotchpotch of most distastfull and unsavorie stuffe. But when they are once driven to a nonplus, and want matter to maintaine their allegations, then turne they all their speech to an unbridled libertie of rayling and foule speaking: in which respect, for their reproachfull and reviling tearmes, which continually they

would give even to honourable personages, they have divers times beene condem∣ned, And of these there be some so rude, that they cannot remember they were ever masters of any law bookes. And if at any assembly or meeting of learned men, there happen to be mention made of some auncient author, they suppose it to be some forraine name of a fish or dish of meat. And, in case any stranger chance for example sake to aske for Marcianus, an Oratour, whose name they were not before acquainted with, straightwayes they imagine themselves all to be named Marciani. Neither do they set any right now before their eyes, but as men sold unto cove∣tousnesse and possessed wholly with it, they know nothing at all but an engraffed licentious libertie of craving and getting. And looke whom they once catch with∣in their toile, they ensnare him with a thousand nets, under pretense of sicknesse forsooth, lingring for the nonce, and making delayes with this and that, one after a∣nother by turnes: and for the proceeding of one reading of a vulgar and common law, they prepare seven vendible entrances and returnes, plotting and platting as long examinations as possibly they can to protract the time. Now, when as there have so many dayes, monethes, and yeares gone over the parties heads that are in suit, that they become stript bare of their money, at length when as the matter in controversie is growne stale and throughly worne in continuance of time, then are the verie principall heads and great doctors admitted and let in: who being entred bring in with them other dumbe shewes of Advocates. And when they are come within the enclosure of the barre or raile, and the whole estate or life of some man begins to come in question and tryall, what time as all endevour should be used to keepe either the edge of the sword from an innocent, or put by losse from a poore and miserable person, with frowning foreheads on both sides, and armes compo∣sed after the gesture of actors on a stage (so that there seemeth nought wanting but Gracchus his ^h pipe behind their backes, by which he was woont in his orations to temper his voice) they stand stil along time on either hand: And at last, out of some premeditate flourish, there comes forth by him who is the bolder of the twaine and more confident of speech, some pleasant and delightsome exordium or begin∣ning of speech, promising as it were the Rhetoricall ornaments, resembling those of the famous orations pronounced either for Cluentius or Ctesiphon: and when all that heare it are desirous to have an end made, the matter groweth to this conclusi∣on at length, that the patrons (for sooth) after a shew made of a three yeares suit de∣pending in the court, alledge for excuse, that they be not yet sufficiently instructed and prepared: and so when they have obtained a longer time still of adjournment, as if they had alreadie wrestled hard with that old Antaeus, they cease not to call ear∣nestly for their fees, in regard of this their daungerous conflict and doubtfull com∣bat performed. Howbeit, things being so, these Advocates are not without many inconveniences, which a man of worth that would live in good fashion could not well endure. For, being fleshed with the baits of idle gaines comming in with sit∣ting still, and doing little or nought, they are at daggers drawing among themselves; and breaking forth into a malapert humor of railing, as hath been said, they offend and displease many: Which bitter humor of theirs then doe they discharge and rashly disgorge, when as they are not able with all their stout speeches and orations to cover and protect the weakenesse of their causes. And otherwhiles they have for their Iudges such as have learned Philistions or Aesops frumping scoffes or fables, ra∣ther than those that have come forth of the schoole either of that just Aristides, or of grave Cato, who having purchased with round summes of money publike offi∣ces

of state, like unto busie and troublous creditors, prying and searching straitly in∣to the wealth & estate of all sorts of men, whatsoever they be, fetch booties perforce out of other mens bosomes. To conclude, the profession & practise of these lawyers hath among many other things this one mischiefe grievous and fearfull, for that as many almost as go to law, are of this nature, that whereas controversies and suits by a thousand chances do miscarrie, looke whatsoever falleth out otherwise than well, they suppose the same lay in the power of their patrons and advocats; and what is∣sue ensueth upon any variance and contention, they are wont to impute & ascribe the same even to them, and in no wise are they angry either with the defect of their matters, or the iniquitie otherwhiles of the Iudges, but only with the defendors of their causes. But now returne we whence we hither digressed.

CHAP. VIII. Valentinian going to the Sarmatians and Illyrians, neglecteth those things that belong to his charge, giveth no audience to the complaints of the Provinciall inhabitants, neither duly chastiseth the Praefects and Governours, who a long while abuse their publicke authoritie.

WHen as now the prime of the Spring was come, Valentinian remooving from Triers, marched apace through the knowne wayes wherewith he was acquainted: and as he approched the countries that he went unto, there was presented unto him an embassage of the Sarmatians: who ly∣ing prostrate at his feet, besought him by way of peaceable prayers, to come among them with a propitious and gracious mind, as who should find their countreymen neither partie nor privie to any wicked and cruell act. Vnto whom, as they still ite∣rated the same petition, thus farre forth upon good advisement and considerat de∣liberation he made this answere, That these matters were to be enquired into upon most true and certaine evidences, yea, and to be punished accordingly, in the verie places where it was said they were committed. And when after this, he entred into * 1.15 Carnuntū, a towne of the Illyrians (forlorne now (God wot) & in wofull plight, yet of great importance to the leader of an armie, whensoever either good fortune or politicke reason ministred any advantage and opportunitie) from out of the next station he repressed the attempts & invasions of the barbarous enemies. And albeit he strucke a terror into all men, whiles it was looked for and feared, that (as he was quicke and sharpe) he would shortly give commandement, That the judges and ru∣lers should be condemned, through whose trecherie or departure frō their charge, one side of Pannonia was laid naked; yet when he was thither come, he became so calme and coole, that he neither made enquirie into the death of king Gabinius, nor searched narrowly to know, by whose permission, connivencie, or slacke dealing those wounds and losses came which had bin deepely setled in the commonweale: just according to his wonted maner, which was, to be sharpe & severe in correcting those of the common sort, but over remisse in rebuking such as were in high place, so much as by way of rough and bitter words. Howbeit Probus was the only man whom he coursed and pursued with an hatefull & malicious mind, never from the time that he first saw him giving over to menace him, or growing to be any whit ap∣peased with him; whereof the causes were neither small nor unknowne. This Pro∣bus being then newly entred upon his Praefecture of the Praetorium, and very desi∣rous to continue the same a long time by many meanes (and would God they had

bin direct and reasonable) farre otherwise than the nobilitie of his descent & paren∣tage taught him, regarded glosing flatterie more than modest honestie. For obser∣ving well the purpose of the prince, who sought all the waies every where to get money by hooke or crooke, without any difference or respect made of right and wrong, reduced him not, thus wandering out of the right way, unto the path of e∣quitie, as oftentimes sober and peaceable Governours have done, but himselfe also followed him, winding atoe side and going crosse: Whereupon ensued the heavie haps and grievous chances of the provinciall subjects, and the mischievous names and articles of entituled causes provided aforehand, enfeebled and cut in twain the sinewes of mens estates, as well rich as poore, and that by means stronger every one than others before, according as the long practise of doing hurt could devise. In the end, such were the grievous burdens of tributes and the exactions of customes and imposts so much enhanced and multiplied, that some of the peeres and nobles dis∣quieted with the feare of extremitie, were forced to change their habitations & void the countrey: yea, and certaine persons there were, so overlayed with the rigorous and bitter dealing of under officers and ministers, calling still for more, that when they had not for to give them, they became perpetuall tenants of prisons: of whom there were some, who being now wearie of their lives, and not desirous to see the light of this world any longer, ended their daies by the wished for remedies of han∣ging themselves. And thus verily went matters without all regard of giving content or of humanitie, as the constant rumor blazed it all abroad. But Valentinian, as if his eares had bin daubed up with wax, as one greedie to get and gaine indifferently, he passed not how, even out of the least things that were, was ignorant hereof, thinking of nothing else but that which was offred and presented to his hand: yet peradven∣venture he would have spared Pannonia, if he had known before, these wofull and lamentable meanes of gaine, who too too late learned then by such a chance as this. According to the example of the rest of the provincials, the Epirots also compelled by the Pręfect to send embassadors for to give him thanks, forced one Iphicles a Phi∣losopher, a man of approved courage and resolution, against his own will & accord to go forward to the performance of this office: who when he had seene the Empe∣ror, after knowledge taken who he was, being demanded the cause of his comming, answered in Greeke: and as the Emperor very diligently inquired of him, Whether they that sent him embassadour, thought from their hearts well of the Praefect? like a Philosopher and professor of the truth; Groning (quoth he) and against their wils. With which word of his he being strucken as it were with a dart, curiously sear∣ched like some quicke senting beast into his acts and doings, questioning with him in his naturall language about that which he knew not, namely, where was such an one (for examples sake) that in honor and name excelled his neighbours? or where was such a rich man? or another, the principall and chiefe of his ranke? And when he understood, that one perished with an halter, another was fled beyond sea, and a∣nother killed himselfe, or lost his life with plumbets of lead, he grew into an excee∣ding passion of indignation: and evermore his wroth was fed by Leo, then master of the offices (ô shamefull villany) who himself also, in case the other, now aloft, should once fall downe from the rocke, was readie to step into his Praefectship: which if he had gotten and managed, surely the government of Probus had bin extolled up into heaven, in comparison of those parts which he would have played.

CHAP. IX. Valentinian invadeth and warreth upon the Quadi. He is terrified with many strange sights, denouncing his end: He receiveth the Quades embassadours, and at a speech of theirs is so forcibly strucken, that with the losse of his voice, having a dead sweat comming all over him, he died with∣in a while after.

NOw, whiles the Emperour abode at Carnuntum, for three Summer moneths together, he provided himselfe of armour and victuals, rea∣die (if fortune were any thing favourable unto him) with the first op∣portunitie to invade and overrun the Quadi, authors of an horrible tumult and commotion. In which * 1.16 towne, Faustinus the sisters sonne of Viventius Praefect of the Praetorium, serving in qualitie of a Notarie in the warres, was after torture executed by the hangmans hand under Probus, who had the hearing and determining of his cause: called into question and indicted he was, for that he had slaine an asse, thereby to practise secret arts, as some averred, who layed that to his charge: but as he vouched himselfe, for to stay the falling and shedding of the haire off his head, another matter also was mischievously framed against him, namely, That when one Nigrinus desired him by way of mirth to make him Notarie, he laughing at the fellow, cried out and sayd: Make me Emperor, if thou wouldest have that at my hands. And this meere jeast being untowardly and in a wrong sence ex∣pounded, cost both Faustinus himselfe and Nigrinus also, with others, their lives. But to proceed, after that Merobaudes was sent out before with a warlike power of foot∣men, whereof he had the conduct, for to wast and burne the Barbarian territories, with whom was joyned in commission Lieutenant Sebastian, Valentinian removed his campe forward neere to * 1.17 Acincum; and when he had set his ships together, a∣gainst what suddaine chance might befall, and with all the quicke speed that might be planked them over in manner of a bridge, he passed over another way into the countrey of the Quadi, who lay verily in espiall waiting for his comming from the high craggie mountaines, whither most part of the countrey, uncertaine & doubt∣full what accidents would happen, together with their wives and children, liefe and deare unto them, were retyred; but altogether amazed and astonied, when contrarie to their expectation they saw the Emperours ensignes displayed within their countrey. Having therefore advaunced forward with a forced pace, as occa∣sion served, after he had killed up the people of all ages indifferently one with ano∣ther (whom as they stragled then abroad this suddaine rode surprised) as also burnt their houses, he returned with the safetie of all them whom he led forth with him: And in like sort, when he had made his abode in Aciencum in the latter end of Au∣tumne he sought convenient Wintering harbours along those tracts, which were wont to be frozen all over with the coldnesse of the weather: neither could he meet with any convenient seat but * 1.18 Sabaria, although it was a place at that time of no strength, and with continuall calamities from time to time sore afflicted. Where∣upon aboundoning the towne for a while, although it was of great importance, he thence removed lustily, and coasted along the rivers banke: and when he had forti∣fied the castles and forts with a competent garrison, he came to * 1.19 Bregitio, and there fatall destinie, framed long agoe for the princes rest, denounced unto him his last end, with many a prodigie betokening the same. For very few dayes before, the

blazing starres burned forth, which commonly are fore-runners of the fall of prin∣ces, the originall cause whereof I have declared alreadie: and at Sirmium, the lightening, with a suddaine clap of thunder shot out of the clouds, set on fire part of their * 1.20 Counsell-house and Palace. Likewise at Sabaria, whiles himselfe as yet there remained, an Owle sitting upon the top of the kings Baines, and singing out in a dolefull note, could by no expert hand of those that shot arrowes and flung stones, be made to fall, albeit they layd hard at her, striving a vie, who should do the feat. Semblably, when from the citie afore side he marched to give battell, he would needs goe forth at the same gate by which he entred in, to the end that he might ga∣ther some good pręsage of his speedie returne backe againe into Gaule: also, when the place that lay forelet and neglected with heapes of rammell therein, was scou∣red and made cleane, an yron dore happened to fall downe, which made up fast the passage out of it; and a multitude of people laying all their power and strength thereto, was not able to remove it: and so while he spent a day thereabout in vain, upon constraint he was faine to goe out at another gate. And that very night which went next before the day that should bereave him of his life, he saw (as men com∣monly doe in their sleepe) his wife, being absent, sitting with her haire loose about her eares, and clad in poore and mournefull array: which was imagined and estee∣med to be his owne fortune, now readie to depart from him in foule attire and ha∣bite. As he was setting forward from thence in the morning betimes, somewhat sad and with a frowning countenance, when the horse which was brought unto him, would not suffer him to get on his backe, but contrarie to his manner rose up with his forefeet aloft, his inbred crueltie was soone up, and (as he was by nature fell) he commaunded the right hand of the souldior, that was yeoman of the Stir∣rop, to be cut off which had put him beside, as he was readie to mount his accusto∣med beast; and died for it in dolorous manner had the innocent young man, but that Cerealis, Tribune of the Stable, with the danger of himselfe, put off and deser∣red so cursed an act. After this came the embassadours of the Quadi, in humble wise requesting pardon, with the finall abolishing of all that was past: which that they might obtaine without any barre or impeachment, they promised both their young trained souldiors, and some behoofefull things also for the Romane State. Whom, because it was thought good to receive and entertaine, yea, and to suffer for to returne, with graunt of truce which they required (for, any longer to trouble and molest them, neither want of victuals, nor the adverse time of the yeare would permit) they were conducted by Equitius, and admitted into the Consistorie. And when enfeebled for feare and daunted, they stood with their bodies bowing and stouping forward, after they were commaunded to deliver their errand, they aver∣red constantly those usuall and ordinarie shewes of excuses, and bound the same also with an oath, protesting. That no trespasse had beene committed against our part by common consent or counsell of the nobles of the land, but looke what had beene rudely and uncivilely done, the same happened by the meanes of cer∣taine out-lying robbers in the borders, and confining upon the river. This more∣over they added, avowing the same to be a sufficient reason to assoyle them of all that was done, in that the fort which was begun and going up neither justly nor conveniently, did set the hearts of the rusticall and wild peasants on fire, and made them so fierce and stout as they were. Hereat the Emperour in a mightie passion of anger, and as he began to make answere thereto, pussing and swelling very much, all to rated and in a high straine of chiding reprooved the whole na∣nation

as unmindfull of benefits received, and unthankfull: but being by little and little pacified and enclined to milder tearmes, behold, as if he had beene shot into his vitall parts with a dart, and bereft at once of his speech, he was seene all on a light fire: and sodainely the bloud being pent and restrained, as he stood all in a cold and deadly sweat, for feare he should sinke downe and fall in the sight of exi∣led persons, the servants of his privie chamber came running together about him, and so he was led into an inward parlor. Where being laid upon a bed drawing yet some small remaines of vitall breath, without any empairing at all of his intelle∣ctuall facultie and power, he knew all that stood by him, such as his chamberlaines had with great celeritie gotten together about him, least any man might suspect that he had beene secretly murdered. And for as much as by reason of the exces∣sive heat of the midriffe that knit his bowels together, there was of necessitie a veine to be opened, there was not a Physitian or Chirurgian to be had, upon this occasi∣on, that he had sent them all sundrie wayes scattering abroad to cure the souldiors which lay sicke of the pestilence: yet was there one found, who notwithstanding that he had pricked his veine once or twice, yea and oftner too, could not draw forth so much as one drop of bloud, so scorched were his inward parts with exces∣sive heat: or as some thought, for that his bodie was dryed up, by reason that cer∣taine passages therein, which now we tearme ⁱ Haemorrhoides, were closed up and growne to a verie hard crust, they were so bound up with cold. Well, such was the violent and infinit rage of his disease, that he perceived the prescript houre of his death was now come, and as he assaied to speake somewhat, and give something in charge, as the yex that often shooke his flankes and small guts, the gnashing of his teeth, and the moving of his armes, laying about him as if they had beene figh∣ting at hurlebats, plainely shewed, being now overcome and speckled here and there with ^k wan and blew spots, he yeelded up his ghost, after it had long strugled for life, in the five and fiftieth yeare of his age, and when he had raigned 12 yeares lacking 100 dayes.

CHAP. X. The birth and rising of Valentinian: His growth and progresse: His acts and whole course of life briefly run over.

NOw is it time to unfold, as divers times we have done, and from the nativitie of this Princes father, by way of a briefe collection to dis∣course of his acts even to the death of himselfe: not leaving out the distinct difference of his vices or good parts, which his high place and dignitie shewed, that is alwayes woont to lay naked the inward dispositions of the mind. Gratianus the elder was borne at * 1.21 Cibalae a towne in Pannonia, of ignoble and base parentage, sirnamed from his verie childhood Funa∣rius, because that he, as yet but a stripling, as he carried a rope about with him to sell, shrunke not five souldiors, that with great endevor were in hand to snatch the same violently from him: following herein Milo ^l Crotoniates, from whom as hee held many times and clasped close either in his right hand or his left any apples, no man was ever able with might and maine to wrest them away. For the cleane strength therefore of his mightie bodie, and the skill he had in wrestling, as the manner is of souldiors, being verie well knowne unto many, after the dignitie

borne of a Protector and a Tribune, he managed in Affrica the office of ^m Comes reicastrensi: whereupon being touched with the suspition of theft, and departed thence, long after in the like place he had the rule of the Britaines armie; and at the last discharged honestly of his militarie othe, returned home to his privat house: and notwithstanding that he lived farre remote from all stirre and noyse of the world, yet was he fined by Constantius with the losse of his goods, for this cause, that in the heat and broyle of civile warre, he was said to have entertained and lod∣ged Magnentius, as his guest, what time as by his lands and possessions hee made hast to his intended designes. In regard of whose deserts, Valentinian [his sonne] from the verie prime of his youth commendable, with the helpe also of a long traine of his owne vertues, being adorned at Nicea with the investure of Imperi∣all Majestie, tooke his brother Valens unto him as fellow Emperour: who in respect of brotherhood in the whole bloud, sorted and accorded most joyntly with him; a * 1.22 man that carried himselfe in a meane betweene reproachfull and prayse-worthie acts, which I will in convenient place declare. Valentinian therefore after many dangerous troubles past, whiles he led a privat life, was no sooner entred upon his Empire, but he visited the castles scituat neere unto great rivers & violent streames, as also Gaule, that lay exposed to the Alemans rodes and invasions, who began the more boldly to revive and stirre againe, upon knowledge of the Emperour Iulians death, whom onely of all the men in the world they stood in awe of. And for this good cause also was Valentinian much dread, because he both reenforced his armies with strong supplies, and also fortified Rhene on either side with high castles and fortresses, that the enemie making rodes & breaking out upon our province, might no where be undiscovered. And to let many-particulars passe which he did by the authoritie of a staied and well grounded governour, as also what abuses he refor∣med either by himselfe or his industrious captaines, after he had assumed his sonne Gratian into the societie of his power and high place, he privily stabbed (because openly he could not) Vithigabius, a king of the Alemans, the sonne of Vadomarius, a young prince in his verie flower and first downe of his cheekes, for stirring up the people to insurrections and warres. Also in a battaile against the Alemans neere unto * 1.23 Solicinium, a place where he was forelaid and like to have lost his life, he might have put then to the sword everie man of them, but that by vantage taken of the darke night some few of them made quicke speed and escaped. And yet a∣mong these politike and warie exploits, by a treacherous stratageme (I must needs say) but advantageous to him, he slew the Saxons, that now were growne to feare∣full outrage; a nation at all times making sodaine rodes and invasions, and then ar∣rived at the Maritime tracts, with the spoyles whereof they were returned almost loden: these robbers, I say, and brigands then by force defeated, he stripped of all their bootie and pillage. And in like manner the Britaines, who were not able to endure such troupes of enemies overrunning them, he restored to their libertie and quiet peace, with hope of better dayes, suffering not one in manner, of the foresaid brigands to returne home into their countrey. With semblable valour, and for∣tunat successe whereas one Valentinus, a banished person in Pannonia, went about in these provinces to trouble the common peace, he suppressed him, before his plotted designe grew to any strong head. After this he delivered Affricke out of great daungers, being much troubled with a sodaine mischiefe, what time as Fir∣mus not able to abide the greedinesse and pride of the militarie men, raised the na∣tions of Mauritania, who upon everie small gale are forward ynough to enter∣taine

all commotions and discords. And with like fortitude he had revenged the lamentable losses and calamities of Illyricum, but that prevented by death he left that serious businesse unfinished. And albeit these atchievements which wee have related, were performed by the service of his excellent captaines, yet full well it is knowne, that himselfe also, as he was of a quicke and nimble conceit, yea and throughly grounded with long experience of warfare, atchieved many acts beside, among which this might have more notably appeared, in case he could have taken alive king Marcianus, who in those dayes was verie terrible, according as with great industrie he had assayed, after he understood with sorrow and griefe that he was e∣scaped to the Burgundians, whom himselfe had annexed unto the Alemans. Thus much may serve for a briefe discourse as touching the acts of this prince.

CHAP. XI. His vices are at large described.

VPon assured confidence now, that posteritie enthralled neither to feare nor foule flatterie, is woont with an uncorrupt and single eye to be∣hold things past, we will summarily reckon up his vices, and afterward shew also his good deserts. He pretended sometime an outward shew of clemencie, whereas by heat of nature he was much inclined to crueltie: forget∣ting, I assure you, this lesson, That a King and Emperour ought to avoid all excessive courses, no lesse than so many steepe and craggie rockes. For, never doe wee find that he tooke up with any mild correction and punishment, but commanded otherwhiles bloudie examinations to be multiplied one upon another; when as some after cru∣ell interrogatories were tormented even to the danger of their lives. And so much given he was to do mischiefe, that he was never knowne by a mercifull note of his subscribing to have saved any one person from death, were he once condemned to dye; whereas otherwhiles even most cruell princes have done so much: And yet might he have beheld as in a myrrour, many precedents of his auncestors and fore∣fathers, yea and imitated as well forraine as home examples both of humanitie and of pietie (which vertues wise Philosophers define to be cosin germans) whereof it shall be sufficient to set downe these following. Artaxerxes that most puissant Monarch of the Persians, who for the length of one joynt was called * 1.24 ⁿ Macrocheir, by a naturall lenitie of his owne correcting and abridging those sundrie sorts of pu∣nishments which that cruell nation alwayes practised, in stead of certaine malefa∣ctors heads did chop off their tuffes or turbants onely: and for that he would not crop off mens eares, as kings used to do for some trespasses, he did cut away the strings or cordons onely that hung downe from their hats. Which temperat be∣haviour of his, caused him to be so well beloved and reverenced withall, that with the helpe and assistance of all his subjects he atchieved many wonderfull acts, re∣nowmed by the Greeke writers. The Pretor upon a time of Praenest, who in a certaine warre of the Samnites, being commaunded to make hast unto the garri∣son, came late, to wipe away this offence was presented and brought in place: Papyrius, ^o sirnamed Curfor, for the time being Dictator, caused the * 1.25 Lictor to make readie the axe, and when the man casting aside all hope and confidence to purge himselfe, stood all astonied, Papyrius chaunced to espie a shrub hard by, and caused it to be grubbed up, and so having by this kind of pleasant con∣ceit chastised the partie, set him free: neither was he therefore despised, but estee∣med

sufficient to make his part good with Alexander ^p the Great, in case hee had come upon Italian ground in his dayes. Valentinian perhaps ignorant hereof, and nothing at all considering, That the mercifull mildnesse of Princes yeeldes alwayes so∣lace to an afflicted State, by fire and sword made executions more grievous: which the pietie of our forefathers devised as the utmost remedie in adverse fortune, ac∣cording to that excellent Oratour Isocrates, who used alwayes to teach and say, That otherwhiles a Ruler and Generall vanquished in battaile ought to be pardoned, not knowing how iust a thing is: Whence I suppose Tully was mooved to pronounce this notable sentence, what time as he defended Oppius: For, to be able (quoth he) to doe much for the saving of another, hath beene honourable to many: to have beene of small abilitie to bring another to mischiefe, hath beene dishonourable to none. A cove∣tous desire to have more and more still, without respect of right or wrong, as also to hunt after divers gaines by the wrecke and overthrow of other mens lives, ex∣ceeded in this Prince, and grew hoter every day than other: which some assayed to excuse and make good, pretending the example of the Emperour Aurelianus, pre∣tending thus much in his behalfe, that like as he, when the Treasurie was empti∣ed after Gallienus, and the lamentable calamities of the Commonweale, came vi∣olently in manner of a swelling streame upon the rich men; even so this Emperor also after the overthrowes and losses sustained by the Parthicke warre, wanting money to defray his great charges, that the broken bands of the souldiors with fresh supplies might be made up, and contented with pay, joyned with crueltie a greedie desire to heape up an excessive masse of money, making semblance that he knew not thus much, namely, That there be some things which although they may, yet they ought not to be done. Farre unlike unto that Themistocles, who after the battaile fought with the Persians, and their forces defeated, when as he walked up and downe at his pleasure, he espyed a paire of bracelets and a coller all of gold, lying on the ground, Take up these things (quoth he, speaking to one of his companie that stood neere unto him) thou that art not Themistocles: as one that allowed not all manner of lucre in a noble minded captaine. Of like examples in this kind of continencie there is plentifull store among the Roman captaines: but to leave them, because they are not the signes of perfect vertue (for, not to take other mens goods away, is not ywis such a commendable part) I will set downe out of many one onely sure and constant proofe of innocencie in this behalfe, even of the com∣mon people in the old world. What time as Marius and Cinna gave unto the com∣mons of Rome those wealthie and rich stored houses of them that were proscribed for to be ransacked, those rude minded commons, and such as were woont to re∣gard worldly pelfe, forbare to rif••le the labours of other men: so as there could not be found any so needie, or of so low condition, who found in his heart to lay hand upon that commoditie and bootie graunted unto them, arising from the wofull fall of any citizens. Moreover, this our Emperour aforesaid, was in∣wardly tainted and scorched with envie, and knowing as he did, that the most part of vices are woont to carrie a resemblance of vertues, he used evermore to say, That spight was the companion of vertnes, and envie the associat of absolute power. And, as commonly those that are placed in high places of honour, are of this mind, That they may doe all things, and bee over forward to traduce their oppositer, and to thrust out their betters and superiours, he hated all such as were well clad, were learned, were rich or nobly descended. Those that were valiant he depra∣ved and detracted, that he alone might seeme to excell in all good parts: of which

disease we read, that the Emperour Hadrian was sore sicke. This selfesame prince found fault many times with those that were timorous, calling such, stained and spotted persons, foule and filthie, yea, and to be made no reckoning of, but to be thrust downe under the base sort of people; whereas himselfe used otherwhiles in abject maner to change colour, & wax pale at vaine feares, & inconsiderately to be affrighted where nothing was to be seene: which Remigius, master of the Offices, knowing wel ynough, whē he perceived him upon some occurrents in his heats of anger, among other matters would buzze into his eares, that there were some in∣surrections and commotions among the Barbarians: Which no sooner he heard (for quickly he was daunted with feare) but he became as meeke and calme as An∣toninus Pius. He never of purpose chose any bad and wicked judges, but after they were promoted once to the place, if he understood that their proceedings were ri∣gorous and extreame, he would make his boast, and say, He had met with Lycurgi and Cassij, those principall heads of iustice in old time: and in his letters he exhorted them from time to time sharpely to punish even light offences. Neither had poore distressed persons any refuge or succour in the princes gracious goodnesse, which alwayes had beene a desired harbour and haven open to receive those that were tossed in the surging and troubled seas: For the end of a iust and lawfull rule (as wise men teach us) is thought to be the profit and safetie of the subiects.

CHAP. XII. His vertues. The personall presence and feature of his bodie, and his funerall. His sonne Valentinian a child foure yeares old, is admitted to the Empire, and in the ab∣sence of Gratian his brother, who afterwards loved and brought him up, styled Augustus.

REquisit it is after all this to come unto his deeds, which to men of a right judgement are to be followed and approved; wherewith if he could have tempered the rest of his doings, he had lived like unto Traianus and Marcus. Very respective he was in sparing the provinciall tribu∣taries, mitigating in all places the heavie burthens of their tributes: a founder in good and convenient time of townes and limits: a singular Censor of militarie discipline; erring onely in this point, That whereas he punished the light escapes and delinquencies of the common souldiors, he suffered the foule faults of great captaines and leaders to grow to a mightie head; divers times giving no eare, but thicke of hearing, when complaints were made against them: whence it was, that the troubles in Britannie, the losses in Affrick, and the wasting of Illyricum, arose. His bodie he kept cleane and chast every way both at home and abroad, distained and defiled with the contagion or privitie of no foule and filthie demeanour; no wantonnesse or uncleane behaviour was he acquainted with: and for this cause, as it were, with reines and bitts he bridled the loose wantonnesse of the court, for that he could easily keepe himselfe chast. Nothing passed he by graunt unto his neere friends or deere kinsfolke, whom he either kept under in private estate, or else meanely advaunced to honours, unlesse it were his owne brother, whom he tooke to him (compelled thereto by the streight necessitie of the time) as parte∣ner of his imperiall greatnesse. Very precise and scrupulous he was in bestowing of high offices and dignities: neyther during his raigne was there any banker

that had the rule of a province, nor any office sold under him, but at the first en∣trie into his Empire; as commonly some lewd parts are wont to be committed, in hope of being unknowne through the businesse of the time, or else of escaping with impunitie. In making of warres both offensive or defensive, most politicke and warie he was, hardened with the laborious practise of martiall toyle: a pas∣sing wise adviser to goodnesse, and as prudent a dissuader from badnesse: most curious and exquisite in marshalling and embattailing his armie: he wrote a faire hand: he painted and cast counterfeits right properly and with a fine grace: he devised also new kinds of armour and weapons: a good memorie he had: and for his speech, readie he was ynough in quicke deliverance; but sildome came his utterance neere unto pleasant eloquence. He loved to have all things neat and trim; taking delight not so much in sumptuous and lavish fare, as in fine and dain∣tie diet. Finally, for this moderate carriage of himselfe during his Empire he was much renowmed; and namely, in that among sundrie sorts of religion he stood as one indifferent: neither troubled he any man for his conscience, nor commended either this or that to be observed and kept: ne yet with menacing edicts and injun∣ctions forced he his subjects to bow necke and stoupe unto that which himselfe worshipped, but left these points as cleere and untouched as he found them. His bodie was well brawned, musculous & strong, the haire of his head shining bright, the colour of his complection cleere and faire: he had with his gray eyes a skew cast at all times, and looked sterne. The goodly presence of his stature, together with a due knitting and proportionable making of his bodily lineaments, accom∣plished the full beautie of a royall majestie. Well, after the complements and last obsequies performed of this Emperour, and his corpes bestowed in a coffin readie for sepulture, that being sent unto Constantinople, it might be enterred among the reliques of other Emperours of sacred memorie, by reason of the instant warre depending, feared it was, what doubtfull and dangerous event thereof would be, by reason of the cohorts serving in Gaule: which being not alwayes devoted to yeeld allegeance unto lawfull princes, as if they were to make and chuse Empe∣rors at their pleasure, were feared, least they would when time served attempt some innovation: and this was no small helpe to such as aimed at an alteration, that Gratianus as yet ignorant of that which happened, abode then at Triers, where his father, when he went foorth in his expedition, appointed him to remaine. Things standing thus upon these ticklish and streight tearmes, and when all those who being, as it were, embarked in one shippe, were like to take part of the same dangers, if aught should happen, and feared the same troubles, by counsell of the principall officers of State thought good it was and resolved upon, That having plucked the bridge in pieces, which upon necessitie had beene framed and set together before, when invasion was made into the enemies land, Mero∣baudes by warrant from Valentinian, as then living, should immediately bee sent for: and he (as he was a man of quicke note and conceit) supposing that indeed which happened, or instructed peradventure by him who was sent to call him, and suspecting that the souldiors in Gaule would breake the lawes of concord and unitie, fained, that there was a warning word and privie token sent, to re∣turne with him, for guarding and looking to the bankes of Rhene, as if the furious rage of the barbarous enemies were broken out afresh: And as hee had with advice secretly given him in charge, hee sent farre out of the way

Sebastian, who as yet knew not of the Emperours decease; who verily was a quiet and peaceable man, howbeit borne up aloft with the favour of the souldiors; in which regard at that time especially to be dread. When Merobaudes therefore was returned, with deepe forecast and providence propounded it was in counsell, That young Valentinian, the sonne of the Emperour late departed, a child then of foure yeres old, should be sent for and called to assume the imperiall diademe, who then was an hundred myles of, and remained with his mother Iustina in a certaine vil∣lage called * 1.26 Murocincta. Which being by a generall accord of all that were in place ratified, Cerealis his unckle by the mothers side was sent with all speed, and brought the said child in a litter into the campe. Thus the sixt day after his fathers death he was lawfully proclaimed Emperour, and in solemne manner styled Au∣gustus. And albeit whiles these things were thus in contriving, men thought that Gratianus would take it to the heart, That without his permission there should be set up another Emperour, yet afterwards, when the feare and care was past, they li∣ved in more securitie: for that he, a prince both kind and politicke also, loved his * 1.27 brother exceeding well, and brought him up in all tender affection.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Armenia.
• * 1.2

  Corrector, or Governor.
• * 1.3

  or table.
• * 1.4

  Ʋalens.
• * 1.5

  Au••sburg. Ʋrsti∣tio. Ro••thauss. S••ingero.
• * 1.6

  or Secretarie.
• * 1.7

  Fraunce.
• * 1.8

  Rutilius, Galb••, and 〈…〉〈…〉, &c. a kind of Helle∣nisme, wherof this author favoureth not a little, though he wrot in La••i••e.
• * 1.9

  The like Helle∣nisme and Sy∣necdoche.
• * 1.10

  Misithra, So∣p••iano.
• * 1.11

  Candie.
• * 1.12

  as boxes of writings &c. Scr••••ij recept acula.
• * 1.13

  Oraclos.
• * 1.14

  Iustra.
• * 1.15

  〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.16

  Carnuntum.
• * 1.17

  Petro Varadin. Nigr.
• * 1.18

  Stain, or Stainam Angern.
• * 1.19

  Bregnir••, or 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.20

  C••ris.
• * 1.21

  Palma. Lazio.
• * 1.22

  Valens.
• * 1.23

  Solms, Herold••••.
• * 1.24

  Long-hand, or Long-arme.
• * 1.25

  the officer, or Sergeant.
• * 1.26

  Muets. Ortel. who calleth it a citie.
• * 1.27

  halfe brother, to wit, by the fathers side.