The history of the world

CHAP. VII. [unspec 30] The growth of Rome: and setling of the Easterne Kingdomes.

§. I. How the Romans enlarged their Dominion in Italie, from the death of TVLLVS HOSTILIVS, vnto such time as they were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by PYRRHVS.

HOw Rome was founded by Romulus; setled in good [unspec 40] order by Numa Pompilius; and by many, though small, victories, it gathered strength; vnto such time as it became the head of Latium, by the conquest of Alba, in the raigne of Tullus Hostilius: it hath beene al∣readie noted, in due order of time. But where as now the Roman greatnesse, beginneth to encounter the power of Greece; and extending it selfe out of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to ouer whelme the Dominions of other States and Princes: I hold it conuenient (as in like cases I haue [unspec 50] done) briefly to set downe the growth of this migh∣tie Citie, in a compendious relation, of those many actions, which could not haue been deliuered in the ages, wherein they were seuerally performed, without much interruption of the Historie, that was then occupied in matter more important.

After the death of Tullus 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (who when hee had raigned two and thirtie yeares, was burnt together with his house by lightning) Ancus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Grand∣child to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pompilius by his daughter, and not much vnlike him in disposition, succeeded in the Kingdome of Rome. He walled the Citie about; enlarged it with the hill Auentine, which hee enclosed; built a bridge ouer Tybris, and the Citie of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vpon the Sea, sixteene miles distant from Rome. Finally, hauing raigned foure and twentie yeares, he died, and by his last Will he left his children in charge with one 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the sonne of Damaratus a Corinthian, who auoiding Cypselus King of Corinth his tyranny, had fled into Hetruria, and dwelt in Tarquinij, by the name of which Towne hee was afterwards called 〈◊〉〈◊〉. From that Citie in Hetruria [unspec 10] comming to Rome, and encouraged by some ominous occurents, together with his wife 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prophecie, hee grew a fauorite of Ancus Martius; by his Graecian wit humoring the factions of the Roman Court, in so much that after his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, he be∣came not only Protector to the children, but Gouernour to the Citie. He doubled the number of Senators, and enlarged the Centuries of Horse-men: neither was he lesse eminent in warre, than in peace: for he preuailed often against the Tuscans, and from his victories, the chiefest ornaments of triumph tooke their originall. When this Lucius Tarquinius had raigned eight and thirtie yeares, he was slaine by the sonnes of Ancus Martius, to whom he had been left Guardian. But Tauaquil his wife, perceiuing what was done, enformed the people, from out of an high Turret, [unspec 20] that her Husband was wounded, and sicke, but not dangerously. And withall sig∣nified vnto them, that in the interim of his sicknes, one Seruius Tullius, whom from his birth she alwaies prophecied to be borne to great hopes, (the sonne of P. Corni∣culanus and Ocrisia, a well descended, but captiue woman) brought vp in her house, and husband vnto her daughter, should supplie her husbands place, in gouerning the State, vntill his recouerie: which gouernment, being thus at first obtained by cunning, he afterwards vsurped as his right. He first ordained Ratements, Subsi∣dies, and valuations of the peoples wealth; among whom, at that time, fourescore thousand were mustered, of which number consisted their whole corporation; and by distinction of Dignities, Ages, Trades, and Offices, he managed the King∣dome [unspec 30] in as good sort, as if it had beene a priuate household, At length, hauing two daughters of different natures, the one milde and gentle, the other fierce and outra∣gious: and finding also that the two sonnes of Tarquinius Priscus, Sextus and Aruus, which had been committed to his tuition, were of different dispositions, propro∣tionably answering to his daughters; he (willing to adde water, not oile, to fire) gaue the milde daughter to Sextus the hot-headed sonne; and the violent, to Aruus, the gentle, in mariage. But whether by intēded courses, or by accident, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉; the two milde ones being made away, the furious natures were readily ioyned in marriage: who soone concurring, and calling the Senate together, beganne to lay claime to the Kingdome. Vpon this tumult, Seruius Tullius hasting to the Senate, [unspec 40] (where he thought by authoritie to haue bridled insolencie) was throwne downe the staires, and going home sore bruised, was slain by the way, when he had raigned fortie and foure yeare. Then Tullia his daughter, first proclaiming her husband Tarquinius Superbus King; returning home, enforced her Coach-man to driue his Chariot ouer her fathers corpes; whereupon the street had the denomination of wicked street. This Tarquine, exercising crueltie without justice, and tyrannie with∣out mercie, vpon the people and Senators; hauing tired himselfe and them at home, vsed the same rage of treacherie vpon his borders. He tooke Ocriculum, Suessa Po∣metia, and the Gabij. The issue of besieging Ardea, a towne eighteene miles distant from Rome, was of bad successe. In the heate of which warre, his sonne Sextus Tar∣quinius [unspec 50] violently rauished that chaste Ladie Lucretia, his kinsman Collatines wife: who in way of expiation for so 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a deed, thought good to wash out those spots of infamie with her owne bloud; so (hauing first bequeathed the reuenge vnto her father Sp. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tricipitinus, her husband Collatine, and Iunius Brutus)

she killed her selfe: whereupon (chiefly by Iunius Brutus his resolution) Tarqui∣nius Superbus, with his wife and children, was deposed and banished; and fled to Porsenna King of Hetruria for succour, in the fiue and twentieth yeare of his raigne, and the two hundred fortie and fourth from the building of their Citie: in which space Rome had scarce gotten full possession of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 miles round a∣bout her.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brutus by the helpe of Collatine, hauing expelled Tarquine, and freed his Countrey from that heauie yoake of bondage, inforced the people by solemne oath, neuer to admit any gouernment by Kings amongst them: whereupon they ransacked their Kings goods, consecrated their fields to Mars, and conferred the [unspec 10] gouernment of the State vpon Brutus and Collatine. But because the name of King was odious in their eares, they changed the manner of their gouernment, from per∣petuall to annuall, and from a single gouernour to a double; lest perpetuall or sole dominion might be some motiue to vsurpation; and in stead of Kings they called them Consuls, signifying, as it may be interpreted, Prouiders: that their titles might remember them of their place, which was to be alwaies mindefull of their Citizens welfare. And yet was it so hard setling of troubled waters, that the people, after this innouation of State, scarce daring to assure themselues of their owne securitie, enforced Tarquinius Collatine to resigne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 authoritie, fearing that tyrannie would be 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and supposing that the very name & affinity with the house [unspec 20] of Tarquin, sauoured alreadie of their condition. In his roome was substituted Va∣lerius Publicola, who that he might (as his name reporteth) be gratious in the peo∣ples 〈◊〉〈◊〉, gaue liberty, in matters of controuersie, to appeale from the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the people: and that he might as well in goods as in person, auoyde occasion of suspiti∣on, caused his owne house to be pulled downe, because it was built in a place de∣fensible, as if it had beene a Citadell. Neither was Brutus any wayes deficient in matter of greater moment; which concerned as well the peoples safetie, as their 〈◊〉〈◊〉: for hauing got intelligence, that some greener wits, and in the first ranke his owne sonnes, were itching after innouations, hoping to restore the banished Kings; he caused them, publikely in the Market-place, to be whipt, and then to be brought [unspec 30] all vnpartially to the blocke.

Hitherto the Romanes, hauing by the vnblemished integritie of Brutus, well ap∣peased all inbred quarrels at home, now hereafter imploy their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 designe∣ments, against Forrainers; first, for their libertie; secondly, for inlarging of their possessions; and lastly, for defending their confederate Prouinces, and extending their Empire. For Rome, situated as it were in the mid-way betweene Latium and the Tuscans, hauing as yet but narrow bounds, being in her minoritie, could not but giue occasion of offence to her neighbours; vntill by maine opposition, hauing pre∣uailed against her borderers, shee vsed them as instruments, whereby to obtaine the rest. [unspec 40]

Their first warre, in the first yeare of Consuls, was against Porsenna King of He∣truria: who being ouer-perswaded by Tarquines lamentation, came to Rome, toge∣ther with the banished King, and with great forces, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him againe in his Kingdome.

In the first conflict, Horatius Cocles, hauing long time borne the maine brunt of his enemies, on the bridge ouer Tibris; at length, feeling himselfe too faint to stand a∣gainst so many, caused the bridge behinde him to be broken downe, and with his armour, leaping into the Riuer, like a hunted Stagge, refreshed his hote spirits, and returned safe to his fellowes, with the like resolution to sustaine a new charge. Por∣senna, although by this he had well-nigh won the hill Ianiculus, which is the verie [unspec 50] entrance vnto the Citie, and found the victorie, in a manner, assuredly his own: yet admiring their valour, and terrified by the constant resolution of Mutius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (who hauing by errour slaine Porsenna his Secretarie, instead of the King himselfe, did in scorne of torments threatned, burne off his owne hand) hee thought it not

any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prejudiciall, either to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or credite, to enter league with them at the worst hand. And yet the edge of Tarquinius his spleene, was not quite abated, though Aruns his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and Brutus his enemie, in single combat, had slaine each o∣ther. And here the Romans, although they lost Brutus, got the field; and their La∣dies, whose Champion hee was, for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chastitie, not for beautie, mourned the losse of him one whole yeare. Into his place, for the residue of his yeare, was sub∣rogated Sp. Lucretius 〈◊〉〈◊〉, father to Lucretia: and in his roome (〈◊〉〈◊〉 naturally before the yeare expired) Horatius Puluillus.

Tarquine, vpon his ouerthrow, feeling the fates disastrous, thought it no boot to striue against the streame, and spent the residue of his time; which was about four∣teene [unspec 10] yeares, priuately at Tusculum. Yet his sonne-in-law Mamilius Tusculanus, sto∣maching afresh at those old repulses, because Porsenna had made peace with the Ro∣mans, and denied further succour vnto the Tarquines, mustered vp his Latines, and gaue battaile to the Romans, at the Lake 〈◊〉〈◊〉; where the conflict was fierce, and the issue vncertaine, vntill Aulus 〈◊〉〈◊〉, the Roman Dictator, (for they had created this Magistracy greater than Consulls, purposely for this Warre, when first it was expected) to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Souldiers courage, threw their owne Ensignes a∣midst the Enemies; and Cossus or Spurius Cassius (master of the Horse men, an assi∣stant Officer to the Dictator) commanded to take off their bridles, that they might runne with free violence, to recouer againe their Ensignes. This fight was so well [unspec 20] performed, that a report went current of Castor and Pollux, two Gods, who came on 〈◊〉〈◊〉-white Steeds, to be eye-witnesses of their valour, and fellow helpers of their victorie; for the Generall consecrated a Temple to them, as a stipend for their paines. After this the Romans fierce spirits, hauing no object of valour abroad, re∣flected vpon themselues at home; and the sixteenth yere after the Kings expulsion, vpon instigation of some desperate banckrouts, thinking themselues wrongfully oppressed by the Senate and Consulls, they made an vproare in the holy Mount; vntill by Meuenius Agrippa, his discreet allusion, of the inconuenience in the head and bellies discord, to that present occasion, they were reconciled to the Senate: with condition, that they might haue some new Magistrates created, to whome [unspec 30] they might appeale in cases of variance, and make them Solicitors in their contro∣uersies, the Consuls authori ie notwithstanding. This was enacted; and they were called the Tribunes of the people. After this attonement amongst themselues, they had continuall Warre with the Latines, concerning their bounds and limits, and with other neighbouring States. Amongst these, the Volsci and Aequi held them longest; who made warre, of themselues, vpon the Romans: whereby they lost the best Citie in their whole jurisdiction, Corioli.

In this conquest, T. Martius got the sirname of Coriolanus: a name honorable then, as deriued from a great victorie: although, by reason of the pouertie of the Towne, a Roman Generall, in after times, would haue beene ashamed of that title. But yet [unspec 40] these graces had beene no occasion of disparagement, had hee not afterwards, in a great time of dearth, aduised to sell corne, which they procured from Sicil, at too high a rate, to the people: whereupon, Decius Mus, their Tribune, in their behalfe, accused him, and after judgement, banished him. Coriolanus flying to the Volsci, whom lately beforehe had vanquished, incensed them to renue their forces againe; which being committed vnto him, and to Attius Tullus, he preuailed in field, so farre forth, that he was come within foure or fiue miles of the Citie. Incamping there hee made so sharpe warre, and was at such defiance, with his Countrie, that hee would not relent by any supplications of Embassadours, vntill his Mother Veturia, and Volumnia his wife, with a pittifull tune of deprecation, shewing themselues bet∣ter [unspec 50] Subjects to their Countrie, than friends to their sonne and husband, were more auaileable to Rome, then was any force of armes. Hereupon Coriolanus dismissing his Armie, was after put to death among the Volsci, as a Traitor, for neglecting such opportunitie: or (as others surmise) liuing with them vntill old age, hee died natu∣rally.

Not long after this, the Veij in Hetruria, prouoked the Romans; against whom the Fabij, three hundred and sixe in number, all of one Familie, intreated and obtained, that they only might be imploied, as it had been in a priuate quarrell. These Fabij, after some good seruices, lying incamped at Cremera, were circumuented and all slaine: one only of that whole house, had beene left, by reason of insancie, at home; from whom afterward sprang Fabius Maximus, who vanquished Hannibal.

In processe of time, the Romans were also troubled with the Volsci, at the hill Al∣gidum, two miles from Rome; where Lucius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Consull, with his whole Armie, had beene discomfited, had not L. Quintius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chosen Dictator, and taken from the plough to the highest honour in Rome, with successe answerable to [unspec 10] his expedition, dispersed his enemies, and freed his Countrie in the space of sixteen dayes. In the continuance of this Volscian warre it was, that Appius Claudius, one of the ten men, whom they had two yeares before chosen Gouernours of the State, and inactors of Solons lawes amongst them, procured from Athens (abrogating in the meane while the Consuls, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all other Magistrates) would haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Vir∣ginia, the daughter of T. Virginius, Captain of a Companie, and lying then in campe at 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Hereupon the people, in an vproare, tooke the Hill 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and after much variance, enforced the ten men, to resigne vp their authoritie againe, to new Consuls.

After this, either new quarrels, or desire to reuenge old losses, drew the Romans [unspec 20] into a new 〈◊〉〈◊〉, against the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and their adherents, vpon whom hauing tried their forces, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Captains, and varietie of euent, they vanquished the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Fidenates, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 subdued the Veientes. In conquering the Fa∣lisci, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 shewed no lesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then fortitude. For when a Schoole∣master, by trayning forth into the Roman campe, many children of the principall Citizens, thought to betray the Towne, yeelding them all vp as Hostages: Camil∣lus deliuered this Traitor bound vnto his Schollers, willing them to whip him back into the Citie; which forthwith yeelded vnto him in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his justice. The siege of Veij was tenne yeares, and so troublesome that the Romans were there first enforced to winter abroad vnder beasts skinnes (to which they were the more ea∣sily [unspec 30] induced, because then first they receiued pay) and to make vowes neuer to re∣turne without victorie.

At length winning the Citie by a Mine, they got so large spoiles, that they con∣secrated their tenths to Apollo Pythius: and the whole people in generall, were cal∣led to the ransacking of the Citie. But yet they were no lesse vnthankefull to Ca∣millus for his seruice, then before they had beene to 〈◊〉〈◊〉; For they banished him the Citie, vpon some occasion of inequalitie in diuiding the spoiles: yet he re∣quited their vnkindnesse with a new peece of seruice, against the furie of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉: who being a populous Countrie, and verie healthfull, the fathers (as sometimes now) liued so long, that the sonnes, destitute of meanes, were enforced to roaue a∣broad, [unspec 40] seeking some place, where to set vp their rest: and withall being a Nation vast in body, rude by nature, and barbarous in conditions, wandred as Rouersouer many Countries. Some of them lighting on Italie, set vpon Clusium, a Towne in Hetruria; whereof Rome hauing information (and being carefull of her Confede∣rate Townes) sent Embassadours, warning them to desist from such iniurious en∣terprises. But the barbarous people, not regarding the message, vpon some injurie offered by the Roman Embassadours, conuerted their forces from Clusium towards Rome; and giuing a great ouerthrow to the Romans, by the Riuer Allia, vpon the sixteenth day before the Calends of August (which day was after branded for vn∣luckie, and called Alliensis in the Roman Kalendar) they hastened towards the Citie. [unspec 50] Then was Rome the true map of miserie and desolation. For some leauing the citie; some creeping into holes; Priests hiding their reliques; and euery one shifting for himselfe, ere the enemie came; Rome was abandoned, as indefensible. The Vestall Virgins, in this tumult, were safely conuaied away; the Ancients of the Citie, ga∣thering

〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of desperate feare, did put on their Robes, and taking their leaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the world, did seate themselues in Thrones, in their seuerall houses, houre∣ly expecting the messengers of death, and meaning to die, as they had liued, in State. The younger sort, with M. Manlius their Captaine, tooke vpon them to make good the Capitoll.

By this, the Gaules were entred the Citie, who seeing all quiet, at first suspected some ambush; afterward finding all secure, they fell to the spoile, committing all to the fire and sword. As for the old Senators, that sate in their Majestie, with a graue resolution: hauing first reuerenced them as Gods, anon they tryed whether they would die like men. When the Citie was throughly rifled, they attempted [unspec 10] the Capitoll: which held them worke for the space of seuen Moneths. Once they were like to haue surprised it by night, but being descried by the gagling of Geese, M. Manltus did awaken, and kept them from entrance. At length a composition was agreed vpon: the Gaules being wearie, and the Romans hungrie. The bargaine was, that the Gaules should take a thousand pound waight in gold, to desist from their siege. Whilest the gold was in waighing, the Gaules, with open insolencie, made their waights too heauie: Brennus, their Captaine, casting his sword into the ballance, and, with a proud exprobration, saying, that the vanquished must bee pa∣tient 〈◊〉〈◊〉. But in the midst of this cauilling, came Furius Camillus, with an Ar∣mie, from Ardea, (where he had liued in his banishment) and fell vpon the Gaules, [unspec 20] with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 violence, that hee dispersed their troups, quenched the fire of the Citie 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 bloud, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them to restore the spoiles with aduantage, and forbeare the gold, in accepting which, they had lately beene so nice. Further, hauing rid the Citie of them, he so hotly pursued them, through a great part of Italie, that the re∣mainder of their Armie, which escaped from him, was very small. Other Armies of the Gaules, which followed this first, had the like ill successe. They were often beaten by the Romans; especially the victories of M. Torquatus, and of M. Valerius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (each of which in single fight, slew a Champion of the Gaules) abated their presumption, and restored courage to the Romans, Camillus, for his notable seruice, was afterwards accompted a second Romulus: [unspec 30]

The people, after this destruction of their Citie, were earnestly bent to goe to the Veij to inhabite; but Camillus disswaded them.

About the same time, somewhat before the siege of Veij, they changed their go∣uernment from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to militarie Tribunes. The gouernment of these also, after some yeares, was by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dissension interrupted: so that one while Consulls ruled: another while there was an Anarchie: Then the Tribunes were restored and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 againe, till after many yeares expired, the Consular authoritie was esta∣blished; it being enacted, that one of the Consulls should al waies bee a Plebeian. This was after the building of the Citie, three hundred sixtie fiue yeares. And now Rome by suppression of her neighbour Countries, crceping well forward out of her [unspec 40] Minoritie, dares set forth against the warlike Samnites, who dwelt almost one hun∣dred and thirtie miles off: situated betweene Campania and Apulia. These did so strongly inuade the Campanians their Neighbours, that they forced them to yeeld themselues subiects to Rome, and vndergoe any conditions of Tribute, or what∣soeuer else to obtaine protection: which the Romans, although both Countries had beene their Confederates, yet not willing that the greater, like fish, should deuour the lesse, easily allowed off; aiming themselues at the good situation of Campania, the aboundance of Corne and Wine, pleasant Cities and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, but especially Capua it selfe, the fairest Citie then in all Italie.

The Families 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Papyrij and Fabij were most imployed in the managing of [unspec 50] this warre, which indured the space of fiftie yeares. And in this season were the Romans oftentimes dangerously encountred by the Samnites, as when T. Veturius, and Sp. Posthumius were Consulls, and discomfited by Pontius at Caudium, with no small ignominie: and when Q. Fabius Gurges lost the field with three thousand men.

But for these losses, many great victories made large amends: The greatest where∣of were gotten by L. Papyrius, and by Quintus Fabius Maximus.

The Samnites drew the Hetrurians into their quarrell. But the force of the Sam∣nites was well broken, ere the Hetrurians (the greater and richer, but lesse warlike Nation) beganne to stirre. So the one and the other of these two Countries, be∣came at length, tributarie to Rome.

In the continuance of this long warre it was, (though in time of truce betweene the Romans and Samnites) that the Latines beganne to challenge equal freedome in the Corporation of Rome, and right in bearing Office, so that they required to haue one of the Consuls yearely chosen out of them. [unspec 10]

This demand, of the Latines, was not vnreasonable. For the Romans themselues were a Latine Colonie; besides all which, they made offer, to change their name, and to be all called Romans. But the Romans were too proud, to admit any such capi∣tulation. So a great battaile was fought betweene them: wherein the fortune of Rome preuailed, by the vertue of the Consulls.

Manlius Torquatus, and the elder Decius, were then Consulls, whom the Sooth∣sayers aduertised, that the side should be victorious, which lost the General in fight. Hereupon, Decius the Consull, exposed his life to the Enemie, and purchased victo∣rie (as was beleeued) by his death. In which kind of deuoting himselfe for his Ar∣mie, the sonne of this Decius, being after Consull, did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his father, in the He∣trurian [unspec 20] warre. But (as Tullie well notes) it was rather the desperate resolution of these Decij, that purchased victorie, by rushing into the midst of the enemies, wher∣in their Souldiers followed them, than any great commendation of such a religion, as required the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of so worthie Citizens, to be sacrificed for their Countrie. The discipline of Manlius was no lesse resolute, than the valour of Decius. He forbad any one to forsake his place, and fight single with an enemie. For breach of which or∣der, he caused his owne sonne to be put to death, who had slaine a Captaine of the Latines, being challenged in single fight.

When the Latines, the Aequi, Volsci, Hernici, Campani, Samnites, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, with some other people, were brought vnder obedience; it was a vaine labour for [unspec 30] any people of Italie, to contend against the Romans.

Yet the Sabines aduentured to trie their fortune; and found it bad. For Curius Dentatus, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Consull, wasting all their Countrie with fire and sword, from the Riuer Nar and Velia, to the Adriatique Sea, brought them into quiet subjection.

The last of the Italians, that made triall of the Roman Armes, were the Tarentines, and their adherents. These had interposed themselues as Mediatours, betweene the Romans and Samnites; with a peremptorie denunciation of warre, vnto that partie, which should dare to refuse the peace by them tendred. These threats, which discouered their bad affection to Rome, ended in words; but when the Sam∣nites were vtterly subdued, matter enough of quarrell was found, to examine their [unspec 40] abilitie of performance.

The Romans complained, that certaine ships of theirs were robbed; and sent Em∣bassadours vnto Tarentum, to require amends. Vpon some wrong done to these Embassadours, was laid the foundation of that Warre; wherein the Lucans, Messa∣pians, Brutians, and Appulians, joyning with the Tarentines, procured the Samnites, and other Subjects of Rome, to rebell, and take their part. But some experience of the Roman strength, taught all these people to know their owne weaknesse. Where∣fore they agreed to send for Pyrrhus, by whose aide (being a Grecian, as the Taren∣tines also were) great hope was conceiued, that the Dominion of Rome should bee confined, vnto more narrow bounds, than all Italie, which alreadie, in a manner it [unspec 50] did ouer-spread.

§. II. How PYRRHVS warred vpon the Romans, and vanquished them in two battailes.

PYRRHVS, forsaken by the Macedonians, and vnable to deale with Ly∣simachus, was compelled a while to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in rest: which he abhorred no lesse than a wifer Prince would haue desired. He had a strong Armie, and a good Fleet, which in that vnsetled estate of things, was enough to purchase a Kingdome: but the fall of Demetrius had so encreased [unspec 10] the power of Lysimachus, that it was no point of wisedome, to make an offensiue warre vpon him, without farre greater forces. Antigonus, the sonne of Demetrius, held Corinth, at the same time, and some other Townes, with the remainder of his fathers Armie and treasures, left in his hand. Vpon him it is like that Pyrrhus might haue wonne; but it was better to let him alone, that hee might serue to giue some hinderance to Lysimachus.

In this want of imploiment, and couetous desire of finding it, the Tarentine Em∣bassadours came very fitly to Pyrrhus: and they came with braue offers, as needing none other aide then his good conduct, which to obtaine, they would cast them∣selues vnder his protection. They had in their companie, some of the Samnites, [unspec 20] Lucanians, Messapians, and others; which promised, in behalfe of their seuerall Na∣tions, as much as could be desired. This encouraged Pyrrhus, and filled him with hopes of goodly conquests; that he might enlarge his Empire to the West, as farre as Alexander had gotten Eastward; and still by one victorie open the gate vnto an∣other. To which effect it is said, that once he answered Cyneas his chiefe Counsai∣lour, asking what he meant to doe after euery of the victories which hee hoped to get: that, hauing wonne Rome, he would soone be Master of all Italie; that, after Italie he would quickly get the Isle of Sicil; that, out of Sicil hee would passe ouer into Africk, and winne Carthage, with all the rest of the Countrie, & being strength∣ned with the force of all these Prouinces, hee would be too hard, for any of those, [unspec 30] that were now so proud and troublesome. But Cyneas enquired yet further, what they should doe, when they were Lords of all: Whereunto Pyrrhus (finding his drift) answered pleasantly, that they would liue merrily; a thing (as Cyneas then told him) that they presently might doe, without any trouble, if he could be con∣tented with his owne.

Neuerthelesse, this Italian expedition seemed vnto Pyrrhus, a matter of such con∣sequence, as was not to bee omitted, in regard of any scholasticall 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Wherefore he prepared his Armie; of almost thirtie thousand men, well sorted, and well trained Souldiers: part of which he sent ouer before him vnder Cyneas, with the rest he followed in person. At his cōming, he found the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very prompt [unspec 40] of tongue, but in matter of execution, vtterly carelesse to prouide for the Warre. Wherefore he was faine to shut vp their Theater, and other places of pleasure and resort; enforcing them to take Armes, and making such a strickt muster, as was to them very vnpleasing, though greatly behoouing to their estate.

Whilest he was occupied with these cares, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Roman Consul drew near, and beganne to wast Lucania, a Prouince confederate with the Tarentines in this Warre.

The Lucanians were not readie to defend their owne Countrie; the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were carelesse of the harme, that fell not (as yet) vpon themselues; the Tarentines were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 prepared than they would haue beene, but their valour was little: all [unspec 50] of these had beene accustomed to shrinke, for feare of the Roman 〈◊〉〈◊〉: and therefore it fell out happily, that Pyrrhus relied more vpon his owne forces, than the issue of their vaunting promises. Hee was now driuen, either to set forward, with those that himselfe had brought into Italy, and the assistance of the Tarentines,

wherein little was to be reposed; or else to weaken the reputation of his owne suf∣ficiencie, which by all meanes he was carefull to vp-hold. In good time a great part of his forces, that had beene scattered by foule weather at Sea, were safely come to him: with which he resolued to assay the valour of the Romans, against whom hee proudly marched.

Laeuinus the Consull was not affrighted, with the terrible name of a great King; but came on confidently to meet him, and giue him battaile, ere all his adherents should be ready to ioyne with him. This boldnesse of the Roman, and the slack∣nesse of the Messapians, Lucanians, Saemnites, and others, whom the danger most concerned, caused Pyrrhus to offer a treatie of peace: requiring to haue the quarrel, [unspec 10] betweene the Romans and his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 friends, referred to his arbitrement. Whether he did this to winne time, that the Samnites and their fellowes might arriue at his Campe; or whether, considering better at neare distance, the weight of the busi∣nesse, which he had taken in hand, he were desirous to quit it with his honour; the short answere, that was returned to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, gaue him no meanes of either the one or the other: for the Romans sent him this word, that they had neither chosen him their Iudge, nor feared him their enemie.

Hereupon, both Armies hastened their march vnto the Riuer of Siris: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 intending to fight, before the arriuall of the Samnites; Pyrrhus, to hinder him from passing that Riuer, vntill his owne Armie were full. Vpon the first view of the Ro∣man [unspec 20] Campe, it was readily conceiued by Pyrrhus, that he had not now to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with barbarous people, but with men well trained in a braue discipline of warre: which caused him to set a strong Corps de garde, vpon the passage of the riuer, that he might not be compelled to fight, vntill he saw his best aduantage. But he quickly found, that this new enemie was not only skilfull in the Art of war, but couragious in ex∣ecution. For the Roman Armie entred the Foord, in face of his Corps de garde; and their horse, at the same time, beganne to passe the Riuer, in sundrie places: which caused the Greekes to forlake the defence of their banke, and speedily retire vnto their Campe.

This audacitie forced Pyrrhus to battaile; wherewith he thought it best to pre∣sent [unspec 30] them, ere their whole Armie had recouered firme footing, and were in order. So 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Captaines how to marshall his battailes; him selfe with the horse, charged vpon the Romans: who stoutly receiued him, as men well exercised in su∣staining furious impressions. In this fight, neither did his courage 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him beyond the dutie of a carefull Generall; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his prouidence in directing others, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the manifestation of his personall valour. It behooued 〈◊〉〈◊〉 indeede to doe his best; for he neuer met with better opposers. Once, and shortly after the fight be∣gan, his horse was slaine vnder him: afterwards, he changed armour with a 〈◊〉〈◊〉; but that friend paid his life for the vse of his Kings armour, which was torne from his backe. This accident had almost lost him the battaile: but he perceiuing it, dis∣couered [unspec 40] his face, and thereby restored courage to his men, and tooke from the Ro∣mans their vaine ioy. The fight was obstinate, and with the greater losse (at least of more eminent men) on Pyrrhus his side, as long as only speare and sword were vsed. But when the Elephants were brought into the wings, whose vnvsuall for me and terrible aspect, the horses of the Romans (vnaccustomed to the like) were not able to sustaine; then was the victorie quickly gotten. For the Roman battailes, perceiuing their horse put to rout, and driuen out of the field; finding also them∣selues both charged in flanke, and ouer-borne, by the force, and huge bulke, of these strange beasts; gaue way to necessitie, and saued themselues, as well as they could, by hastie flight: in which consternation, they were so forgetfull of their dis∣cipline, [unspec 50] that they tarried not to defend their Campe, but ranne quite beyond it, leauing both it, and the honour of the day, entirely to Pyrrhus.

The fame of this victorie was soone spread ouer Italie; and the reputation was no lesse than the fame. For it was a matter very rare to bee heard, that a Roman

Consull, with a select Armie, should loose in plaine battaile, not only the field, but the Campe it selfe, being so notably fortified, as they alwaies were. And this ho∣nour was the more brauely wonne by Pyrrhus, for that hee had with him none of his Italian friends, saue the vnwarlike 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Neither could he well dissemble his content that he tooke, in hauing the glory of this action peculiarly his owne, at such time as he blamed the Lucans and Samnites, for comming (as we say) a day af∣ter the faire. Neuerthelesse, he wisely considered the strength of the Romans, which was such, as would better endure many such losses, than he could many such victo∣ries. Therefore he thought it good to compound with them, whilest with his ho∣nour he might; and to that purpose hee sent vnto them Cyneas his Embassadour; [unspec 10] demaunding only to haue the Tarentines permitted to liue at rest, and himselfe ac∣cepted as their especiall friend. This did Cyneas, with all his cunning, and with li∣berall gifts, labour to effect: but neither man nor woman could be found in Rome, that would take any bribe of him; neither did their desire of recouering their cap∣tiues, or their danger, by the rising of many States in Italie against them, so incline them to peace, as the vehement exhortation of Appius Claudius, an old and blinde Senator, did stirre them vp to make good their honour by warre. So they returned answere, that whilest Pyrrhus abode in Italie, they would come to no agreement with him.

Such was the report, that Cyneas made, at his returne, of the Roman puissance [unspec 20] and vertue; as kindled in Pyrrhus, a great desire of confederacie, with that gallant Citie. Hereupon many kinde Offices passed betweene them: but still when hee vrged his motion of peace, the answere was, He must first depart out of Italie, and then treat of peace.

In the meane season, each part made prouision for warre; the Romans leauing a more mightie armie than the former; and Pyrrhus being strengthned with accesse vnto his forces, of all the East parts of 〈◊〉〈◊〉. So they came to triall of a second battaile, wherein (though after long and cruell fight) the boisterous violence of the Elephants, gaue to Pyrrhus a second victorie. But this was not altogether so joy∣full as the former had beene: rather it gaue him cause to say, that such another vi∣ctorie [unspec 30] would be his vtter vndoing. For he had lost the flower of his Armie in this battaile: and though he draue the Romans into their Campe, yet he could not force them out of it, nor saw any likelihood of preuailing against them, that were like to be relieued with daily supplies, whilest he should be driuen to spend vpon his old stock. Neither could hee expect, that his Elephants should alwaies stand him in stead. A little knowledge of their manner in fight, would soone teach the Romans, that were apt Scholers in such learning, how to make them vnseruiccable. Where∣fore hee desired nothing more, than how to carrie his honour safe out of Italie: which to doe (seeing the Romans would not helpe him, by offering or accepting a∣nie faire conditions of peace, or of truce) he tooke a slight occasion, presented by [unspec 40] fortune, that followeth to be related. [unspec 50]

§. III. The great troubles in Macedon and Sicill. How PYRRHVS, being inuited into Sicill, for sooke Italie; wanne the most of the Isle; and lost it in short space. PYRRHVS returnes into Italy; where he is beaten by the Romans, and so goes backe to his owne Kingdome.

WHen Ptolomie Ceraunus had traiterously murdered his Benefactor and Patron Seleucus, he presently seized vpon all the Dominions of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Europe, as if they had beene the due reward, vnto him, that [unspec 10] had slaine the Conquerour. The houses of Cassander and Lysimachus were then fallen to the ground: neither was there in Macedon any man of strength and reputation enough, to aduance himselfe against Ceraunus. The friends of Lysimachus were rather pleased to haue him their King, that had (as hee professed) reuenged their Lords death; than any way offended with the odiousnes of his fact, by which they were freed from subiection, to one, against whom they had stood in opposition. Many there were, that vpon remembrance of his Fathers great vertue, gathered hope of finding the like in Ceraunus: perswading themsclues that his raigne might proue good, though his entrance had beene wicked. These affections of the Macedonians did serue to defeate Antigonus the sonne of Demetrius, [unspec 20] that made an attempt vpon the Kingdome. As for Antigonus, the sonne of Selencus, he was farre off, and might be questioned about some part of Asia, ere he should be able to bring an Armie neare vnto Europe. Yet hee made great shew of meaning to reuenge his fathers death: but being stronger in monie then in armes, he was con∣tent, after a while, to take faire words, and make peace with the murtherer. While these three stroue about the Kingdome, Pyrrhus, who thought his claime as good as any of theirs, made vse of their dissention: threatning warre, or promising his as∣sistance, to euery one of them. By these meanes he strengthned himselfe, and great∣ly aduantaged his Italian voiage, which he had then in hand: requesting monie of Antiochus, ships of Antigonus, and souldiers of Ptolomie, who gaue him his daugh∣ter [unspec 30] in marriage, and lent him a strong power of Macedonian Souldiers, and of Ele∣phants (couenanting to haue them restored at two yeeres end) more for feare than for loue: that so he might free himselfe from trouble, & quietly enjoy his Kingdom.

Thus Ptolomie grew mightie on the suddaine; and the power that by wic∣ked meanes he had gotten, by meanes as wicked he increased.

All Macedon and Thrace being his, the strong Citie of Cassandria was held by Ar∣sinoe his sister, the widow of Lysimachus, who lay therin with her yong children. Her hee circumuented by making loue to her, and (according to the fashion of those times, wherein Princes regarded no degree of consanguinitie) taking her to wife, with promise to adopt her children: a promise that he meant not to performe; for [unspec 40] it was not long, ere he slew them, and draue her into exile.

In the pride of this good successe, which his villanie found; vengeance came vpon him from a farre, by the furie of a Nation, that hee had neuer heard of. Belgius a Captaine of the Gaules, hauing forced his passage through many Countries, vnto the confines of Macedon, sent a proud message to Ceraunus, commanding him to buy peace with monie, or otherwise, to looke for all the miseries of warre. These Gaules were the race of those, that issued out of their Countrie, to seeke new seates in that great expedition, where in Brennus tooke and burnt the Citie of Rome. They had di∣uided themselues, at their setting forth, into two Companies; of which the one fell vpon Italie; the other passing through the Countries that lie on the Northerne side [unspec 50] of the Adriatick Sea, made long aboade in Pannonia, and the Regions adjoyning, where they forced all the neighbour Princes to redeeme peace with tribute, as now they would haue compelled Ceraunus to doe; vnto whose borders they came about an hundred and eight yeares after such time as their fellowes had taken Rome.

When their Embassadors came to Ptolomie, asking what he would giue: His answere was, that he would be contented to giue them peace, but it must bee with condition, that they should put into their hands their Princes as hostages, and yeeld vp their armes; for otherwise, he would neither pardon their boldnesse, nor giue any credit to their words. At this answere, when it was returned, the Gaules did laugh, saying, that they would soone confute with decdes, the vanitie of such proud words. It may seeme strange, that he, who had giuen away part of his Armie vnto Pyrrhus, for very feare; should bee so confident in vndertaking more mightie ene∣mies. The King of the Dardanians offred to lend him twenty thousand men against the Gaules; but hee scorned the offer; saying, that hee had the children of those, [unspec 10] which vnder the conduct of Alexander, had subdued all the East. Thus hee issued forth against the barbarous people, with his famous Macedonians, as if the victorie must needs haue followed the reputation of a great name. But he sonne found his great errour, when it was too late. For the enemies were not only equal in strength of body, and fiercenesse of courage, but so farre superiour to the Macedonians in numbers, that few or none escaped their furie. Ptolomie himselfe grieuously woun∣ded, fell into their hands, whilest the battell continued; and they presently strooke off his head, which they shewed to his men, on the top of a Lance, to their vtter astonishment.

The report of this great ouerthrow filled al Macedon with such desperation, that [unspec 20] the people fled into walled Townes, and abandoned the whole Countrie as lost. Only Sosthenes, a valiant Captaine, animating as many as he could, gathered a small Armie, with which he many times got the vpper hand, and hindred Belgius from vsing the victorie at his whole pleasure. In regard of this his vertue, the Souldiers would haue made him King; which title he refused, & was content with the name of a Generall. But (as mischiefs doe seldome come alone) the good successe of Bel∣gius, drew into 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Brennus, another Captaine of the Gaules, with an hundred and fiftie thousand foot, and fifteene thousand horse; against which mightie Ar∣mie, when Sosthenes with his weake troups made opposition, he was easily beaten, and the Macedonians againe compelled to hide themselues within their walls, lea∣uing [unspec 30] all their Countrie to the spoile of the Barbarians.

Thus were the Macedonians destitute of a King, and troden downe by a Nation, that they had not heard of; in lesse then fiftie yeares after the death of Alexander, who sought to discouer and subdue vnknowne Countries, as if all Greece, and the Empire of Persia had beene too little for a King of Macedon.

Very seasonably had these newes beene carried to Pyrrhus in Italie, who sought a faire pretext of relinquishing his warre with the Romans; had not other tidings out of Sicil distracted him, and carried him away in pursute of nearer hopes. For after the death of Agathocles, who ragined ouer the whole Iland, the Carthaginians sent an Armic to conquer Sicil, out of which, by him, they had beene expelled. This [unspec 40] Armie did so fast preuaile, that the Sicilians had no other hope to auoide slauerie, than in submitting themselues to the rule of Pyrrhus; whom, being a Grecian, and a noble Prince, they thought it more for their good to obey, then to liue vnder the well knowne heauie yoake of Carthage. To him therefore, the Syracusans, Leon∣tines, and Agragentines, principall Estates of the Isle, sent Embassadors, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 desiring him to take them into his protection.

It grieued Pyrrhus exceedingly, that two such notable occasions, of enlarging his Dominions, should fall out so vnluckily, both at one time. Yet whether hee thought the businesse of Sicil more important, or more full of likelihood; or whe∣ther perhaps he beleeued (as came after to passe) that his aduantage vpon Macedon [unspec 50] would not so hastily passe away, but that he might finde some occasion to lay hold on it, at better leisure, ouer into Sicil he transported his Armie, leauing the Taren∣tines to shift for themselues; yet not leauing them free as he found them, but with a Garrison in their Towne, to hold them in subiection.

As his departure out of Italie, was rather grounded on head-long passion, than mature aduice; so were his actions following, vntill his returne vnto Epirus, rather many and tumultuous, then well ordered, or note-worthie. The Armie which he carried into that Isle, consisted of thirtie thousand foot and two thousand fiue hun∣dred horse: with which, soone after his descent in Sicill, he forc't the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, out of all, in effect, that they held therein. He also wonne the strong Citie of Eryx, and hauing beaten the Mamertines in battaile, hee beganne to change condition, and turne Tyrant. For he draue Sostratus (to whom his crueltie was suspect) out of the Iland, and put Thenon of Syracuse to death, being jealous of his greatnesse; which two persons had faithfully serued him, and deliuered the great and rich Ci∣tie [unspec 10] of Syracuse into his hands. After this, his fortunes declined so fast, as hee serued himselfe, and salued the dis-reputation of his leauing Sicill, by an Embassage sent him from the Tarentines, and Samnites, imploring his present helpe against the Romans, who since his leauing Italie, had well-neare dispossest them of all that they had.

Taking this faire occasion, hee imbarked for Italie; but was first beaten by the Carthaginian Gallies, in his passage, and secondly assailed in Italie it selfe, by eigh∣teene hundred Mamertines, that attended him in the straits of the Countrie. Last∣ly, after he had recouered Tarentum, hee fought a third battaile with the Romans, led by M. Curius, who was victorious ouer him, and forc't him out of Italie, into his [unspec 20] owne Epirus.

A Prince he was farre more valiant then constant, and had hee been but a Gene∣rall of an Armie, for some other great King or State, and had been directed to haue conquered any one Country or Kingdome, it is to be thought, that he would haue purchased no lesse honour than any man of warre, either preceding or succeeding him; for a greater Captaine, or a valianter man, hath beene no where found. But he neuer staid vpon any enterprise; which was, indeede, the disease hee had, whereof not long after he died in Argos.

§. IIII. [unspec 30] How ANTIGONVS, the sonne of DEMETRIVS, deliuered Macedon from the Gaules. How PYRRHVS wonne the Kingdome of Macedon from ANTIGONVS.

THe vertue of Sosthenes being too weake, to defend the Kingdome of Macedon; and the fortune which had accompanied him against Bel∣gius, failing him in his attempts against Brennus: the Macedonians were no lesse glad to submit themselues vnto the gouernmēt of Antigonus, than they had formerly beene desirous to free themselues from the [unspec 40] impotent rule of his father Demetrius. His comming into the Countrie, with an Armie, Nauie, and treasure beseeming a King, did rather breed good hope in the people, than fill them with much confidence: for he was driuen to vse against the Barbarians, only those forces, which he brought with him, hauing none other than good wishes of the Macedons, to take his part. Brennus, with the maine strength of his Armie, was gone to spoile the Temple of Apollo at Delphos, hauing left no more behinde him, than he thought necessarie to guard the borders of Macedon, and Pan∣nonia; which were about fifteene thousand foot, and three thousand horse. These could not be idle, but thought to get somewhat for themselues, in the absence of their fellowes: and therefore sent vnto Antigonus, offering to sel him peace, if hee [unspec 50] would pay well for it; which by the example of Ceraunus, hee had learnt (as they thought) not to refuse. Antigonus was vnwilling to weaken his reputation by con∣descending to their proud demāds: yet he judged it vnfit to exasperat their furious choler, by vncurteous words or vsage, as Ceraunus had ouer-fondly done. Wherfore

he entertained their Embassadors in very louing and sumptuous maner, with a roi∣all feast: wherein he exposed to their view, such aboundance of massie gold and sil∣uer, that they were not so much delighted with the meat, as with sight of the ves∣sells, wherein it was serued. He thought hereby, to make them vnderstand, how great a Prince he was, and how able, if need required, to wage a mighty Armie.

To which end, he likewise did shew vnto them, his Camp and Nauie, but espe∣cially his Elephants. But all this brauerie serued only to kindle their greedie appe∣tites; who seeing his ships heauy loaden, his Campe full of wealth, and ill fortified, himselfe (as it seemed) secure, and his men, both in strength and courage inferiour vnto the Gaules, thought all time lost, wherein they suffered the present possessors, [unspec 10] to spend the riches which they accompted assuredly their owne. They returned therefore to their Companions, with none other newes in their mouthes, than of spoile and purchase: which tale, carried the Gaules head-long, to Antigonus his camp, where they expected a greater bootie, then the victorie ouer Ceraunus had giuen to Belgius. Their comming was terrible and suddaine; yet not so suddaine, but that Antigonus had notice of it, who distrusting the courage of his owne men, dislodged somewhat before their arriual, and conueighed himselfe, with his whole armie and carriage, into certaine woods adjoyning, where he lay close.

The Gaules, finding his Camp forsaken, were not hastie to pursue him, but fell to ransacking the emptie Cabbines of the Souldiers; in hope of finding all that was [unspec 20] either lost or hidden. At length, when they had searched euery place in vaine, an∣grie at their lost labour, they marched with all speed toward the Sea-side; that they might fall vpon him, whilest he was busie in getting his men and carriages a ship-board. But the successe was no way answerable to their expectation. For be∣ing proud of the terrour which they had brought vpon Antigonus, they were so carelesse of the Sea-men, that without all order, they fell to the spoile of what they found on the shore, and in such ships as lay on ground.

Part of the Armie 〈◊〉〈◊〉 left Antigonus, where he lay in couert; and had saued it self by getting aboard the fleet: in which number were some well experienced men of warre: who discouering the much aduantage offred vnto them, by the desperate [unspec 30] presumption of their enemies, tooke courage, and encouraged others, to lay manlie hold vpon the opportunitie. So the whole number, both of Souldiers and Mari∣ners, landing together, with great resolution, gaue so braue a charge vpon the dis∣ordered 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that their contemptuous boldnesse was thereby changed into sud∣daine feare, and they, after a great slaughter, driuen to cast themselues into the ser∣uice of Antigonus.

The fame of this victorie, caused all the barbarous Nations in those quarters, to re-entertaine their ancient beliefe of the Macedonian valour: by which, the terrible and resistlesse oppressors of so many Countries, were ouerthrowne.

To speake more of the Gaules, in this place; and to shew how, about these times, [unspec 40] three Tribes of them passed ouer into Asia the lesse, with their warres and con∣quests there; I hold it needlesse: the victorious armes of the Romans, taming them hereafter, in the Countries which now they wanne, shall giue better occasion, to re∣hearse these matters briefly.

Howsoeuer the good successe of Antigonus got him reputation, among the bar∣barous people, yet his owne Souldiers, that without his leading, had wonne this victorie, could not thereupon be perswaded to thinke him a good man of warre: knowing that he had no interest in the honour of the seruice, wherein his conduct was no better, then creeping into a wood.

This (as presently will appeare) was greatly helpfull vnto Pyrrhus: though as [unspec 50] yet he knew not so much. For Pyrrhus, when his affaires in Italie stood vpon hard termes, had sent vnto Antigonus for helpe: not without threats, in case it were de∣nied. So was he sure to get, either a supply, wherewith to continue his war against the Romans, or some seeming honourable pretence, to forsake Italie, vnder colour of

making his word good, in seeking reuenge. The threats which he had vsed in bra∣uerie, meere necessitie forced him, at his returne into 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to put in practise.

He brought home with him, eight thousand foot, and fiue hundred horse: an ar∣mie too little to be employed, by his restlesse nature, in any action of importance; yet greater then he had meanes to keepe in pay: Therefore he fell vpon Macedon; intending to take what spoile he could get, and make Antigonus compound with him, to be freed from trouble. At his first entrance into this businesse, two thou∣sand of Antigonus his Soudiers, reuolted vnto 〈◊〉〈◊〉; and many Cities, either willingly or perforce, receiued him. Such faire beginnings, easily perswaded the courage of this daring Prince, to set vpon Antigonus himselfe, and to hazard his for∣tune, [unspec 10] in triall of a battaile, for the whole Kingdome of Macedon.

It appeares, that Antigonus had no desire to fight with this hot warriour; but thought it the wisest way, by protracting of time, to wearie him out of the Coun∣trie. For Pyrrhus ouertooke him in a straight passage, and charged him in the reare; wherein were the Gaules, and the Elephants, which were thought the best of his strength: a manifest proofe that he was in retrait. The Gaules very brauely sustay∣ned Pyrrhus his impression; yet were broken at length (when most of them were slaine) after a sharpe fight: wherein it seemes, that Antigonus keeping his Macedo∣nian Phalanx within the streight, and not aduancing to their succour, tooke away their courage, by deceiuing their expectation. The Captaines of the Elephants [unspec 20] were taken soone after; who finding themselues exposed to the same violence that had consumed so many of the Gaules, yeelded themselues and the beasts. All this was done in full view of Antigonus, and his Macedonians, to their great discomfort: which emboldened Pyrrhus, to charge them where they lay in their strength. Where the Phalanx could be charged only in a front, it was a matter of extreme difficultie (if not impossible) to force it. But the Macedonians had seene so much, that they had no desire to fight against Pyrrhus; who discouered so well their affe∣ctions, that hee aduentured to draw neare in person, and exhort them to yeeld. Neither the common Souldier, nor any Leader, refused to become his follower. All forsooke Antigonus, a few horse-men excepted, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 along with him to [unspec 30] Thessalonica; where he had some small forces left, and monie enough to entertaine a greater power, had he known where to leauie it. But whilest he was thinking how to allure a sufficient number of the Gaules into his seruice; whereby hee might re∣paire his losse: Ptolomie, the sonne of Pyrrhus, came vpon him, and easily defeating his weake forces, draue him to flie from the parts about Macedon, to those Townes a farre off in Peloponnesus, in which hee had formerly lurked, before such time as he looked abroad into the world, and made himselfe a King.

This good successe reuiued the spirits of the Epirot, and caused him to forget all sorrow, of his late mis-fortunes in the Roman warre: so that he sent for his sonne He∣lenus (whom he had left with a Garrison, in the Castle of Tarentum) willing him to [unspec 40] come ouer into Greece, where was more matter of conquest, and let the Italians shift for themselues.

§. V. How PYRRHVS assailed Sparta without successe. His enterprise vpon Argos, and his death.

PYYRRHVS had now conceiued a great hope, that nothing should bee able to withstand him; seeing, that in open fight, he had vanquished [unspec 50] the Gaules, beaten Antigonus, and won the Kingdome of Macedon; There was not in all Greece, nor, indeede, in all the Lands that Alex∣ander had wonne, any Leader of such name and worth, as deserued to be set vp against him: which filled him with the opinion that he might do what

he pleased. He raised therefore an Armie, consisting of fiue and twenty thousand foot, two thousand horse, and foure and twentie Elephants; pretending warre a∣gainst Antigonus, and the giuing libertie to those Towns in Peloponnesus, which the same Antigonus held in subiection; though it was easily discouered, that such great preparations were made, for accomplishment of some designe more important, then warre against a Prince alreadie vanquished, and almost vterly dejected. Espe∣cially the Lacedaemonians feared this expedition, as made against their State. For Cleonymus, one of their Kings, being expelled out of his Countrie, had betaken him∣selfe to Pyrrhus: who readily entertained him, and promised to restore him to his Kingdome. This promise was made in secret; neither would Pyrrhus make shew [unspec 10] of any displeasure that he bare vnto Sparta; but contrariwise professed, that it was his intent, to haue two of his owne yonger sonnes trained vp in that Citie, as in a place of noble discipline. With such colours he deluded men, euen till he entred vpon Laconia; where presently he demeaned himselfe as an open enemie: excusing himselfe and his former dissembling words, with a jeast; That he followed herein the Lacedaemonian custome, of concealing what was truly purposed. It had been, indeed, the manner of the Lacedaemonians, to deale in like sort with others, whom, in the time of their greatnesse, they sought to oppresse: but now they complained of that, as false∣hood, in Pyrrhus, which they alwaies practised as wisdome, till it made them distru∣sted, forsaken, and almost contemptible. Neuerthelesse, they were not wanting to [unspec 20] themselues in this dangerous extremitie. For the old men and women laboured in fortifying the Towne; causing such as could beare armes, to reserue themselues fresh against the assault: which Pyrrhus had vnwisely deferred, vpon assurance of preuailing.

Sparta was neuer fortified, before this time, otherwise then with armed Citizens: soone after this (it being built vpon vneuen ground, and for the most part, hard to approach) the lower and more accessible places, were fenced with walls; at the pre∣sent, only trenches were cast, and barricadoes made with Carts, where the entrance seemed most easy. Three daies together it was assailed by Pyrrhus, exceeding fierce∣ly; and no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 stoutly defended. The desperate courage of the Citizens preserued [unspec 30] the Towne the first day, wherinto the violence of Pyrrhus had forced entrance the second day, but that his wounded horse threw him to the ground, which made his Souldiers more mindfull of sauing the person of their King, than of breaking into the Citie, though alreadie they had torne in sunder the barricadoes. Presently after this, one of Antigonus his Captaines got into Sparta with a good strength of men; and Areus the King returned out of Crete (where he had been helping his friends in warre) with two thousand men, little knowing the danger, in which his owne coun∣trie stood vntill he was almost at home. These succours did not more animate the Spartans, then kindle in Pyrrhus a desire to preuaile against all impediments. But the third daies worke shewed, how great his error had beene, in forbearing to assault [unspec 40] the Towne at his first comming. For he was so manfully repelled, that he saw no likelihood of getting the place, otherwise than by a long siege: in which tedious course he had no desire to spend his time.

Antigonus had now raised an Armie, though not strong enough to meet the e∣nemie in plaine field, yet able to hinder all his purposes. This made Pyrrhus doubt∣full what way to take; being diuersly affected, by the difficultie of his enterprise in hand, and the shame of taking a repulse in his first attempt. Whilest hee was thus perplexed, letters came from Argos, inuiting him thither; with promise, to deliuer that Citie into his hands.

Ciuill dissension raging then hotly in Argos, caused the heads of seuerall facti∣ons [unspec 50] to call in Pyrrhus and Antigonus; but the comming of these two Princes, taught the Citizens wit, and made them desirous to rid their hand of such powerfull As∣sistants, as each of the two Kings pretended himselfe to be. Antigonus told the Ar∣giues, that he came to saue them from the tyrannie of Pyrrhus; and that hee would

be gone if they needed not his helpe. On the other side, Pyrrhus would needes per∣swade them, that he had none other errand, than to make them safe from Antigo∣nus; offering in like manner, to depart if they so desired.

The Argiues tooke small pleasure, in hearing the Foxe and Kite at strife, which of them should keepe the Chickins from his enemie: and therefore prayed them both, to diuert their powers some other way. Hereunto Antigonus readily condes∣cended, and gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to assure his word: for he was the weaker, and stood in neede of good-will. But Pyrrhus thought it enough to promise: Hostages he would giue none, to his inferiours: especially, meaning deceipt. This made them suspect his purpose to be such, as, indeede, it was. Yet he lesse regarded their opinions, [unspec 10] than to hold them worthie of assurance, by giuing such a bond, as hee intended to breake ere the next morning.

It was concluded, that a Gate of the Citie should be opened by night vnto Pyr∣rhus, by his Complices within Argos: which was accordingly performed. So his Armie, without any tumult, entred the Citie: till the Elephants, with Towers on their backs, cloyed the way, being too high to passe the Gate. The taking off, and setting on againe, of those Towers, with the trouble thereto belonging, did both giue alarme to the Citie, and some leisure to take order for defence, before so many were entred, as could fully master it. Argos was full of ditches, which greatly hin∣dred the Gaules (that had the Vantgarde) being ignorant of the waies, in the darke [unspec 20] night. The Citizens, on the other side, had much aduantage, by their knowledge of euery by-passage: and setting vpon the enemies on all sides, did put them to great losse, and more trouble.

Pyrrhus therefore, vnderstanding by the confused noise, and vnequall shoutings of his owne men, that they were in distresse, entred the Citie in person, to take or∣der for their reliefe, and assurance of the place. But the darkenesse, the throng, and many other impediments, kept him from doing any thing of moment, vntill breake of day. Then beganne he to make his passage by force, and so farre preuailed, that he got into the Market-place. It is said, that seeing in that place, the Image of a Wolfe and a Bull, in such posture as if they had beene combattant, hee called to [unspec 30] minde an Oracle, which threatned him with death, when he should behold a Bull fighting with a Wolfe: and that hereupon he made retrait.

Indeede, the comming of Antigonus to the rescue, the disorder and confusion of his owne men; with diuers ill accidents, gaue him reasonable cause to haue retired out of the Citie, though the Wolfe and Bull had beene away. The tumult was such, that no directions could be heard; but as some gaue back, so did others thrust forward, and the Argiues pressing hard vpon him, forced Pyrrhus to make good his retrait, with his owne sword. The tops of the houses were couered with women, that stood looking on the fight. Among these was one, that saw her owne sonne in dangerous case, fighting with Pyrrhus. Wherefore, shee tooke a tile-stone, or slate, [unspec 40] and threw it so violently downe on the head of Pyrrhus, that hee fell to ground a∣stonished with the blow; and lying in that case, had his head cut off.

Thus ended the restlesse ambition of Pyrrhus, together with his life: and thus returned the Kingdome of Macedon to Antigonus; who forthwith possessed the armie, the bodie, and the children of his enemie. The bodie of Pyrrhus had ho∣nourable funerall, and was giuen by Antigonus vnto Helenus his sonne; which yong Prince he graciously sent home, into his Fathers Kingdome of Epirus. From this time forwards, the race of Antigonus held the Kingdome of Macedon; the po∣steritie of Seleucus raigned ouer Asia and Syria; and the house of Ptolomie had quiet possession of Aegypt: vntill such time, as the Citie of Rome, swallowing all vp, dige∣sted [unspec 50] these, among other Countries, into the bodie of her owne Empire.