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THe Romane State most flourished in power, Ser. Sul∣pitius, and M. Marcellus being Consuls. All Gaule on this side the Rheine, and that which lyes betwixt the Ocean and Mediter∣rane an Seas being subdued, ex∣cept that which was inaccessible, by reason of the Marishes. But with best manners, and greatest concord the Romane people
liued betweene the second and last Carthaginian warre.
But discord, auarice, and am∣bition, with other mischiefes which are wont to proceed from prosperity, after the destruction of Carthage, were most increa∣sed. For the iniuries of the stronger, and for that a disunion of the Commonalty from the Fathers, and other ciuill dissensi∣ons had beene euen from the be∣ginning. Neither longer, then whilst the Kings being expelled, there was a feare of Tarquine, and a dangerous warre ingaged with Hetruria, were things go∣uerned after an vpright and mo∣dest course.
Vpon this, the Fathers held the Commonalty vnder a seruile subiection: they determined of life and limbe after a Regall manner, they expelled men out of their possessions, and others being voided, they alone liued in
command. With which cruel∣ties, but most specially with the burthen of vsury the Commo∣nalty being oppressed, when as in the continuall warres they suffred both taxes and military duties, taking Armes, they sur∣prized the holy mountaine, and the Auentine: and then they procured for themselues Tri∣bunes of the people and other priuiledges. Of the discords and controuersie on both sides, the second Punicke warre made an end.
Afterwards the Punicke feare being remoued, they had leisure to exercise factions. From which time the manners of our Ance∣stours were precipitated, not by degrees, as formerly, but like the course of a torrent: so much was the youth corrupted with riot and couetousnesse, that not without cause it might be said, that such men were borne, who
could not keepe their owne e∣states, nor suffer others to haue any.
Then many troubles, sediti∣ons, and last of all ciuill warres did arise: whilst some few mighty men, on whose fauour many relyed, vnder the honest name of the Fathers and Com∣monalty affected a tyrannicall command. And they were cal∣led good and euill Cittizens, not for their merits towards the Commonwealth, all men being corrupted alike, but as any man was most rich, and stronger in doing wrong, because he main∣tained his present vndertakings, he was accounted good.
YOur clemency, and integri∣ty, (O yee Romanes,) by
which you are most great, and famous amongst other Nations, minister much cause of feare to me, in the contemplation of L. Syllaes tyranny, lest that either you be circumuented by o∣thers, being incredulous of these things, which you esteeme most wicked: especially when all his hope relie on villany and persi∣diousnesse: neither can he thinke himselfe otherwise safe, except he growes worse and more de∣testable from your feare, by meanes whereof misery may take away the care of your cap∣tiued liberty: or if you shall pro∣uide against them, you may be more ingaged in defending your selues from dangers, then in re∣uenging them. Truely his mini∣sters being men of much re∣nowne, and no lesse honoured for the excellent examples of their Ancestours (I cannot suf∣ficiently wonder at it) bestow
their seruice for the reward of his tyranny ouer you: and rather desire them both with iniury, then to liue freely after the vprightest manner: The illustri∣ous progeny of the Bruti, Aemi∣lij, and Lutatij, borne to ruine that, which their Ancestors got.
For what else was defended from Pyrrhus, Hannibal, Philip, and Antiochus, but liberty, and euery mans proper habitation; that we might be obedient to none, but the Lawes? all which this cruell Romulus detaines, as spoiles from taken strangers; not being glutted with the slaughter of so many Armies, nor with that of the Consuls, and other Princes, whom the fortune of the warre hath consumed: but euen then hee growes more mercilesse, when as prosperity turneth most men from anger vnto compassi∣on. But he alone amongst all after the memory of man, hath
ordained punishments for those that are to be borne; vnto whom iniury shall bee assured before life: and being as yet protected by his monstrous villany, he doth rage in most wicked man∣ner; whilst you out of the feare of a more grieuous feruitude, are terrified from the recouering of liberty.
Something is to be done, and he reincountred (O ye Romans) that your spoiles become not his prey: delayes are not to bee made, neither by vowes are helps to be procured: except perchance you hope, that out of the tediousnesse and shame of his tyranny, he will quit those perquisites with more danger, which he hath vsurped to him∣selfe by villany.
But he hath proceeded so far, that he esteemeth nothing glori∣ous, but what is safe, and all things to be honest, that tend to
the preseruation of his tyrannicall gouernment. Therefore that peace, and quietnesse with li∣berty, which many good men haue imbraced before laborious honours, haue no respect with him. At this time we must ei∣ther serue or command: feare is either to be had, or caused (O ye Romanes.)
For what remaines further? or what diuine or humane rights are left vnpolluted? the Romane people not long since the rulers of Nations, being despoiled of glory, Empire, and priuiledges, withall growne poore and despi∣cable, haue not seruill mainte∣nance left. A great number of Alies and Latines made free of the City, for their many & meri∣torious acts, are restrained by one man alone; and a few of his mi∣nisters haue possessed the ancient seates of the Commonalty, for a reward of their villanies. Lawes,
Iudicatures, Treasures, Prouin∣ces, and Kings, are in one mans power: finally the liberty of the death and life of Citizens. With∣all you haue seene humane sacri∣fices, and Sepulchres polluted with ciuill blood.
Is there any thing left remai∣ning for men, but to quit thi•• iniury, and die valiantly? For as much as nature hath certainly appointed the same end for all men, euen for those who are hedg∣ed about with Iron: neither doth any man, that wants daring, ex∣pect the last necessity, but with a feminine resoluton.
But I am seditious, as Sylla saith, who complaine vpon the rewards of these tumults; and seeke after warre, because I re∣quire the priuiledges of peace. Forsooth, as though you could not be otherwise safe, and secu∣red inough vnder his gouern∣ment, except Vettius▪ Picens,
and Cornelius the Scribe shall lauish out other mens law∣full acquisitions: except you shall approue all the proscripti∣ons of the innocent for their riches: the tortures of illustrious persons; the Citty wasted with fire and slaughters: the goods of miserable Citizens sold, or giuen away; as if they were Cimbrian pillage.
But he obiecteth to me my possessions gotten out of the goods of the proscribed. Which verily is the greatest argument of his wickednesse: that neither I, nor any man else should be sufficiently safe, if wee should doe vprightly. And those things which then I bought out of feare; the price being paid, I restore forthwith to the rightfull ow∣ners: neither is it my counsell to suffer any prey to be made of Citizens. Those calamities shalbe sufficient, which in the heate of
madnesse we haue indured. Ro∣mane Amies fighting one against another, and Armes conuerted from strangers vpon our selues.
Of all mischiefes and repro∣ches let there bee an end, Of which Sylla is not so penitent, but that hee glories in his wicked deedes, and if it were lawfull, would follow that course more egerly. Neither, now doe I feare, what you esteeme of him, but how much you dare to doe your selues: lest one expecting ano∣ther for chiefe, you may be sur∣prized, not by his power, which is weake and broken, but by your owne cowardice, before you could otherwise be surpri∣zed, and before he durst appeare so happy.
For besides his debaucht mi∣nisters, who desires the same with him? and who would not haue all things changed but the victory? his Souldiers forsooth:
whose blood hath beene the price of riches, for Tarrula, and Scir∣rus the worst of slaues. Or will those, by whom Fusidius is ad∣uanced in gaining of Magi∣stracies a base varlet, the shame of all good men?
Therefore the victorious Army maketh me very confi∣dent: by whom besides wounds, and labours, nothing hath beene procured but a Tyrant. Except perchance they went about to subuert the Tribunitiall power, founded by our Ancestours, that so they might vsurpe Lawes and Iudicatures vnto themselues: for a faire hire indeed, when as be∣ing banished into marishes and woods, they shall vnderstand that their disgrace and hatred re∣maine for rewards with some few.
Why therefore doth hee march with such a Troupe, and such anelated mind? because pros∣perity
supports vice wonderful∣ly: which being decayed, hee will be as much despised, as he was feared before; except per∣chance he doth this vnder the colour of peace and concord, which names hee hath giuen to his villany and parricide. Nor o∣therwise, saith he, can the Ro∣mane people haue an end of warre, except the Commonalty be expelled out of their possessi∣ons, the worst of all ciuill predation and the right and iudgement of all things remaine with him, which belonged to the people of Rome.
Which if you should inter∣pret to be peace and concord, approue then the greatest distur∣bances and plagues of the Com∣monwealth. Submit to impo∣sed lawes: imbrace idlenesse with seruitude: and deliuer o∣uer an example to posterity, of circumuenting the Romane peo∣ple,
with the effusion of their owne blood.
For my selfe, although by this highest command, inough hath beene procured for the name of my Ancestours, for my owne dignity and safety also: yet it was not my resolution to ouer∣value my priuate fortunes: and a dangerous liberty seemed bet∣ter to me then seruitude? which if you allow, ioyne with me, (O yee Romanes:) and the gods assisting happily, follow Marcus Aemilius the Consull, as Gene∣rall and Author for the recoue∣ring of your liberty.
MOst of all, I would desire (O ye Romanes) that the Commonwealth were vndistur∣bed, or being indangered, it
were defended by the fittest A∣gents: finally, that naughty de∣signes might proue hurtfull to the Counsellers. But contrary∣wise, all things are disturbed with seditions, and by them whom it behoued rather to restraine them. Last of all, what the worst and foolishest haue decreed, that must be executed by wise and good men. For warre and Armes, although they are hate∣full to you, yet because they please Lepidus, are to be vnder∣taken: except perchance it may be any mans counsell to make peace, and suffer warre.
Out alas, yee good gods, which gouerne as yet this Citty, the care of it being neglected, M. Aemilius the worst of all wicked men, of whom it may be deliberated, whether he be more ••ewde or cowardly, hath an Ar∣my on foote for oppressing our Liberty, and hath made himselfe
from contemptible, to become terrible: you wauering and re∣tracting through the words and verses of the Prophets, rather wish for peace, then defend it: neither are you sensible, that out of the lenity of your de∣crees, dignity from your selues, feare from him is detracted. And this happeneth iustly: because out of his rapines he hath gotten a Consulship; for his sedition, a Prouince together with an Ar∣my. What should he haue re∣ceiued for his well doings, vnto whose villanies you haue giuen such great••rewardes?
But forsooth they, who euen to the last, decreed Ambassa∣dours, peace, concord, and other conditions of the same nature, procured fauour from him. Yes truely, they being held despica∣ble, and vnworthy of the Com∣monwealth, are esteemed no bet∣ter th••n a prey; as requiring
peace out of feare, by which they lost it, being once had.
Verily from the beginning, when I saw Etruria to conspire, the proscribed sent for, the Com∣monwealth rent in sunder with bribes, I thought it high time to preuent, and followed Catu∣lus counsell with some few. But they who extolled the deserts of the Aemilian Family, and by pardoning his offence, would in∣crease the Maiestie of the Ro∣mane people, did not then see Lepidus drifts: when he had ta∣ken priuate Armes for the opres∣sing of liberty, by seeking riches or protections seuerally for themselues, euery man corrup∣ted the publicke counsell.
But then Lepidus was a theefe with some few Campe-drudges, and Ruffians, amongst whom there was none, that would not haue sold his life for daily hire: now he is a Proconsull with au∣thority,
not bought, but freely giuen by you, with Lieutenants as yet obeying lawfully: and to him there resort the lewdest men of all degrees, inflamed with pouerty and lust, perplexed with the conscience of their crimes: whose rest is in seditions, whose troubles are in peace. These raise tumult out of tumult, warre out of warre: being once of Sa∣turninus, afterwards of Sulpitius, then of Marius and Damasippus, now of Lepidus retinue.
Moreo••er Etruria, and all the reliques of the warre are in com∣motion: both Spaines are sollici∣ted to Armes: Mithridates frontiering vpon our tributaries, by whom we are as yet sustai∣ned, expecteth opportunity for the warre: so that besides a ••it∣ting Leader, nothing wants for the subuerting of the Empire.
Which I desire and intreate you (O ye Conscript Fathers) to
take into your consideration: and that you would not suffer the li∣cence of ill doing to infect the sound, like a pestilent contagion. For whereas rewards attend the wicked, hardly is any man found good for bare thankes onely.
What doe you expect, whilst his Army falling on againe, he shall inuade the Citty with fire and sword? which issue is by far lesse remoued from the present state, then ciuill armes are from peace and concord. Which he hath taken against all diuine and humane rights, not for his owne, nor the pretended wrongs of o∣thers, but for the ouerthrowing of Lawes and liberty. For he is vexed and tormented with the desire of mind, and feare of pu∣nishment, being restlesse and de∣uoyd of counsell, making tryall of this, and that, he feareth peace, he hateth warre; he seeth, that he must fall into wants with his lux∣ury
and licentiousnesse, and in the meane time abuseth your slack∣nesse. Neither am I well resol∣ued, whether I shall call this feare, cowardice, or folly; who seeme to wish that the intended euils fall not like lightening on you, but to preuent them, no man doth as much, as indeuour.
And consider (I beseech you) how much the condition of things is altered: before, the pub∣licke mischiefe was contriued secretly, the remedies openly; and in that good men were ad∣uantaged beyond the wicked. Now peace and concord are di∣sturbed openly; they are de∣fended secretly. The men, to whom these things are pleasing, are in Armes, you in feare.
What doe you expect fur∣ther; except perchance you are ashamed or greeued to doe as you should? Can Lepidus or∣ders moue your mindes, who
sayth it is his will, that euery mans proprieties should be re∣stored to him, when as he detai∣neth other mens; that the Lawes of warre should be annihilated, when as he inforceth them by Armes; that the freedome of the City should be confirmed, when as he denyes it to them, from whom it hath beene taken; that the Tribunitiall authority should be restored to the Commons, from which occasion all discords haue beene kindled?
Thou that art the worst, and most impudent of all men, are the pouertie and griefes of the Citty thy care, who hast nothing of thy owne, but what hath been gotten by Armes and iniurie? Thou suest for another Consul∣ship, as if thou hadst resigned the first: by warre thou seekest concord, by which it was di∣sturbed when it was gotten: thou art a Traitor to vs, hatefull to
them, an Enemie to all good men; so that thou art not ashamed of God, nor man, whom thou hast wronged with treachery and periury.
Whom, since thou art such a one, I doe exhort, that thou wouldst continue in thy resoluti∣on, and prosecute the warres: and that thy selfe being distur∣bed with delaying of tumults, wouldst not detain vs in anguish. Neither the Prouinces, Lawes, nor houshold gods accept thee for a Cittizen. Goe on, as thou hast begun: that suddenly thou mayst finde a deserued punish∣ment.
But you (yee Conscript Fa∣thers) how long by your delayes will yee suffer the Common∣wealth to be vndefended, and will incounter Armes with words? Musters are made a∣gainst you; ••oneyes are pub∣lickly and priuately extorted;
Garrisons are drawne forth, and imposed; lust commands ouer the Lawes: when you, in the interspace prouide Ambassa∣dours and decrees. And beleeue me, by how much the more ear∣nestly you shall sue for peace, by so much the warre will be more violent: when he shall vnder∣stand, that he is more supported by feare, then by goodnesse and equitie. For that man who saith, that he hateth tumults, and ciuill slaughter, and for that cause de∣taines you from arming against armed Lepidus; what vanqui∣shed men must indure, he thinkes it fitter you should suffer, when as it lyes in your power to inflict it vpon others. Thus peace is perswaded for him, from you; for you warre, from him.
If these things please; if your mindes are so besotted, that be∣ing forgetfull of Cinnaes mis∣chiefes, (by whose returne into
the Citty, all orders and decency were ouerthrowne) you will ne∣uerthelesse submit your selues, your wiues and children to Le∣pidus; what need is there of de∣crees? what need of Catulus assistance, but that he and other good men must vndertake in vaine the charge of the Repub∣licke? Doe, as you will; pro∣uide for your selues the patro∣nages of Cethegus, and other Traitours, who desire to renew rapines and fierings, and to arme their hands, against their house∣hold gods.
But if liberty and warres de∣light you more; institute decrees worthy of your name, and giue incouragement to valiant men. A new Army is at hand; and be∣sides the Colonies of the old Souldiers, all the Nobility with the ablest Commanders. For∣tune followes the best men. Now those succours which are raised,
will be dissolued through your negligence.
Wherefore my censure is this, that since Lepidus, out of his owne priuate counsell, contrarie to the authority of this order, leadeth an Army vnto the Citty, composed of most wicked men, and Enemies to the Common∣wealth: that Appius Claudius, the Interregent with Q. Catulus the Proconsull, and others who haue orders for it, shall be care∣full to gard the Citty, and in∣deuour that the Cōmonwealth suffer no detriment.
BVt Metellus returning after one yeere into the further
Spaine, is receiued with great honour, both of men and wo∣men, who ran forth to see him from the high wayes and house toppes: when as C. Vrbinus the Treasuror and others knowing his minde, inuited him to supper: they regarded equally the cu∣stome of Romanes, and men; the houses being adorned with Ta∣pistry, and Ensignes, and with Scaffolds raised for the shew of the Stage-plaiers▪ withall, the ground was strowed with Saf∣fron, and other Pageants were showne in the forme of a most magnificent Temple. Moreo∣uer, the Image of victory being let downe with a fixt loupe-win∣dow, after the counterfeited noise of thunder, imposed a Crowne vpon his head: then with Frankincense supplications were made to him, as to some new-come god. An imbroidred gowne was his vsuall garment,
when he sate downe to eate: his bankets were most exquisite; neither were they furnished one∣ly out of the whole Prouince, but diuers strange kindes of birds and beasts were fetcht out of Mauritania. By meanes whereof he somewhat obscured his glory, especially amongst the ancient and religious men, who thought these courses to bee proud, vnsufferable, and vnwor∣thy of the Romane Empire.
IF against you, my Country and houshold gods, I had as
often vndertooke labours and dangers, as from my first youth your mortallest enemies haue beene beaten vnder my conduct, and safety hath beene procured for your selues; you could deter∣mine nothing worse against me being absent, then now yee doe (O ye Conscript Fathers) whom being thrust out, contrary to my age, into a most cruell warre, with a most well deseruing Ar∣my; you haue, as much, as ly∣eth in you, consumed with hun∣ger, the wretchedst death of all others.
With this hope did the Ro∣man people send forth their chil∣dren vnto the warre? Are these rewards for wounds, and blood so often shed for the Common∣wealth? Being tyred with wri∣ting and sending of Agents, I haue spent all my priuate hopes and fortunes; when in the meane time, for these three yeeres,
scarce one yeeres meanes hath beene supplied from you. By the immortall gods, what thinke you, can I make good the Office of the Treasury, or maintaine an Army without corne and pay?
Verily I confesse, that I went to this warre, with more desire, then counsell: because hauing onely receiued the name of com∣mand from you, in forty dayes I raised an Army, and remoued the enemie lying vpon the ne••ke of Italy, from the Alps into Spain. Through them I discouered an∣other passage from that of Han∣••ibals, being more opportune for vs. I recouered Gaule, the Py∣••enaean, Lacetanian, and Ilerge∣••an Regions; and sustained the first assault of conquering S••rto∣••ius with new Souldiers, and ••ewer by farre: and spent all the winter in Campe amongst most fierce enemies, not in townes, nor out of my owne ambitious choice.
Besides, what should I re∣count batells fought, or winter expeditions, townes rased, o•• recouered? when as deedes are more to bee regarded the•• words. The Enemies Camp sur∣prized at Sucro, a battell fought at the Riuer Durius, and Caius Herennius, one of their chiefe Captaines, being subdued, toge∣ther with the Citty of Valentia, and his Armie, are things suffici∣ently knowne vnto you.
For which seruices (O yee thankefull Fathers) yee requite me with want, and famine. So that the same condition attends mine, and the Enemies Army: for pay is giuen to neither. Both of them may come victorious into Italy.
Which I doe admonish, and intreate you to consider, and that you would not inforce me with necessities to prouide priuately for my selfe. The hither Spaine,
which is not possessed by the ene∣mies, we or Sertorius haue quite wasted; except the greatest Cit∣ties, which of themselues are both a charge and burthen to vs. Gaule all this last yeere releeued Metellus Army with pay and Corne; and now hauing had an ill haruest, she her selfe doth hardly subsist. I haue not onely spent my owne estate, but credit also. You remaine as yet: who except you afford succours, in despite of me, and all my premo∣nitions, the Army will march from hence, and with it all the warre of Spaine will passe into Italy.
IF you should not well consi∣der, O yee Romanes, what
difference might be, betwixt the gouernment left vnto vs by our Ancestours, and this seruitude prepared by Sylla; it were re∣quisite for me to discourse at large, and shew for what iniu∣ries, and how often the armed Commonalty disunited them∣selues from the Fathers; and how they procured Tribunes of the people, to vindicate their right. That which remaines now, is one∣ly to exhort, and to goe the di∣rect way, by which I thinke li∣berty may be regained. Neither doth it ouerpasse me, how great supports of the Nobility, I being alone, and impotent, with the vaine shadow of Magistracy onely, must vndertake to re∣moue from the gouernment; and how much more securely the wicked liue; then the forelorne innocent.
But besides the good hope conceiued of you, which hath
subdued feare, it hath beene my resolution, that the difficulties of contending in the case of liberty, beseeme more a valiant man, then not to haue contended at all: Although all other Magi∣strates created for yo••r right, haue conuerted all their power and commaunds against you, indu∣ced with fauour, hope, or re∣wards; and hold it better to of∣fend for hire, then to doe well for bare thankes.
Therefore all are inthralled vn∣der the tyranny of some few, who vnder a military pretence haue vsurped the Treasury, King∣domes, Armies, and Prouinces, and possesse the capitoll out of your spoiles: when in the meane time you the multitude yeeld vp your selues, to be had, and posses∣sed by seuerall men, dispoiled of all things, which our Ancestours left: except that now you choose Lords by suffrages, as you did
Gouernours in former times.
Therefore all haue put their neckes vnder the same yoake, and forthwith, if you shall recouer your owne, most of them will re∣turne to your party. For rare is the resolution, which will defend those things, that please. The rest belong to the stronger.
What, doe you doubt, that any thing can hinder you, proceeding with vnanimity, whom they haue feared being lazie and languish∣ing? except perchance Ca. Cotta a Consull of the middle faction, otherwise then out of feare, resto∣red certaine priuiledges to the Tribunes of the people; and al∣though L. Sicinius was the first, that durst speake of the Tribu∣nitiall power, yet was he circum∣uēted through your irresolution. Notwithstanding, they first fea∣red the enuie of the fact, before you were greeued with the wrong. Which I cannot suffici∣••ntly
admire (O ye Romanes) or ye knew all hope to be vaine. Sylla being dead, who imposed ••greeuous seruitude, you belee∣••ed your miseries to be at an end. Catulus comes vp farre more ••ruell. A tumult interceded Bru∣••us, and Acmilius Mamercus ••eing Consuls. Then C. Curio ••yrannized, euen to the destructi∣••n of a guiltlesse Tribune, with ••hat eagernesse of mind Lucullus ••his last yeere prosecuted L. Quinctius, you your selues saw: ••esides what troubles are now ••••ised against me. Which verily would proue frustrate, if they would make an end of their ty∣••anny, before you doe of your ••••uitude: especially when in these ••uill broiles other things are pre∣••••nded in words, but both facti∣••ns contend for rule ouer you.
Therefore other combustions proceeding from licentiousnesse, ••atred, or auarice, haue beene
transitory. One thing onely is permanent, which both factions seeke for: and for euer hereafter is the Tribunitiall authority ta∣ken from you: a weapon left by your Ancestours for the defence of liberty. Which I admonish, & intreate you to consider: and that by changing the names of things to shadow your cowardice, you would not call it ease, in stead of seruitude. To inioy which euen now, if wrong shall onercome truth and honesty, it is no condi∣tion: it would haue beene, if you had beene altogether quiet. Now obserue thus farre; that except you vanquish, they will restraine you more; Since euery iniurie growes safer by his greatnesse.
What therefore is your cen∣sure? Some man will reply, first of all, the custome, which you now imbrace, is to be omitted, of a nimble tongue, and slouthfull spirit, not being mindfull of your
liberty without the place of as∣sembly. Then that I may not summon you to those virill du∣ties, by vertue whereof your Ancestours committing a Patriti∣an Magistracy to the Tribunes of the people, procured free suffra∣ges from Patritian Authors. Al∣though (O ye Romanes) it lyes in your power, that those things, which inioyned you suffer for o∣thers, you may doe, and not doe indifferently for your selues.
What doe you expect Iupiter, or some other god for counseller? the great commands of the Con∣suls, and decrees of the Fathers, you ratifie by your execution (O ye Romanes) and of your owne accord you make haste to inlarge and support their authority ouer you. Neither doe I perswade you to reuenge iniuries; rather I would haue you imbrace peace: neither desiring discords, as they misinforme, but the end of them, I require our owne by the
Law of Nations: and if they shall detaine that forcibly, I doe not giue my censure for armes, or dis∣union, but onely that you would not giue your blood any more.
Let them after their owne wayes mannage and hold places of command: let them seeke after triumphs: let them with their sta∣tutes persecute Mithridates, Sertorius, and the reliques of the banished. Let danger and labour be remoued, in which there is no share of the gaine: except per∣haps by that sudden Law for corne, your offices are amply re∣quited. By which not withstand∣ing they valued at 5. measures the liberty of all those, who could no longer want this releese. For as by the exiguity death is preuent∣ed, their stre••gths decay: so that neither such a small proportion frees them from domesticke care; and the slouthfullest persons are frustrated from the meanest hope. Which although it were
ample, yet because it representeth the price of slauery, whose folly was it to be deceiued, and to owe, together with iniury, the fa∣uour of those things, which be∣long to you? For by any other course neither can they worke vpon the generality, nor will in∣deuour. Yet ought we to be cautelous of their deceite.
For this cause, all of them to∣gether prepare Lenitiues to de∣lay you till the comming of Cn. Pompeius: whom when they haue reuerenced with an awfull regard, hauing made their neckes his footstoole, forthwith feare being remoued, they will rent his honour peecemeale. Neitherdoth it ashame these auengers, as they call themselues, of liberty, being so many as they are, that they durst not without one man par∣don an iniury, or are not able to defend their right. For certaine it is sufficiently knowne to me. that Pompey; being a youngman,
of such eminent glory, had rather be chiefe ouer you with consent, then an associat with them in ty∣ranny, and will labour especially to be Author of the Tribunitiall power.
But formerly (O ye Romans) all ye that were Citizens relyed on the patronage of many, all did not depend from one. Neither could any one man giue, or take away things of that nature. There∣fore inough hath beene spoken. Neither is the matter shut vp in ignorance.
But I know not, what dulnesse hath possessed you, in that you are neither moued with glory, not wrong; and haue exchanged all things for present slouth: think∣ing it liberty enough, because your backs are kept from scour∣ging, and you may lawfully go whither you will, by the leaue of your rich Masters; and that the Peazants inioy not the same pri∣uiledges. But yet these men are
beaten by the enmities of the mighty, and are giuen for a gift to the Magistrates with their Pro∣uinces. Thus some few fight, and vanquish: the Commonalty, whatsoeuer happens, is held for vanquished; and will bee more euery day than other; if they with greater care shall main∣taine their tyranny, then you shall require your liberty.
ALI men, who in their pros∣perous affaires are sollicited vnto the society of a warre, ought to consider, whether it may be lawfull for the present to contract peace: then, whether that which
is demanded, be sufficiently pi¦ous, safe, glorious, or else v••∣seemely. Thou mightest inioy a perpetuall peace except the ene∣mies were opportune, and withal∣most wicked. Thy renowne will become illustrious, if thou shalt suppresse the Romanes. Not o∣therwise should I dare to desire thy Aliance; and should vainely hope to blend my euill, and thy good fortunes together.
The storme of a new warre falling vpon Tigranes, and my vnprosperous estate, if thou shalt ballance them truely, will serue for a most speciall incourage∣ment. For he being offended, will entertaine Aliance, as thou wilt: fortune to me, after the losse of many things, hath giuen the benefit of aduising well; and that which is to be wished for of men that flourish, I being the weakest, represent an example, by which thou mayest compose thy affaires more orderly.
For this hath beene the onely, and ancient cause with the Ro∣manes, of warring with Nations, Kings, and People, the profound desire of rule, and riches: out of which they first ingaged warre with Philip King of the Macedo∣nians. Whilst they were pressed by the Carthaginians, counter∣feiting friendship, with a guile they diuerted Antiochus com∣ming to his succours, by the in∣tire graunt of Asia. And forth∣with after Philip, Antiochus was despoiled of all the territory on this side Taurus, and of ten thou∣sand talents. Then Perses the Sonne of Philip, being receyued into protection by the Samothra∣cian gods, after many and various conflicts; they being cunning and inuenters of the trecherie, killed him sleeping, because they had granted him life by compromise.
E••••menes, of whose friendship they gloriously vaunt, at first they betrayed to Antiochus, as
the price of peace. Afterwards they made Attalus, (being Gar∣dian onely of a captiued Coun∣try,) from a King, to become the miserablest of slaues, by the tax∣es and contumelies layd vpon him: and an impious testament being forged, they led his Sonne Aristonicus in triumph, after a hostill manner, because he sought his Fathers Kingdome. They haue besieged Asia: finally, Ni∣comedes being dead, they haue surprized all Bithynia; when as the sonne of Nusa, whom they called Queene, was borne with∣out all doubt.
For what should I name my selfe? whom being disioyned e∣uery where by Kingdomes and Tetrarchies from their Empire, because the report was, that I was rich, and would not serue, they prouoked with warre by Nicomedes, not altogether igno∣rant of their villany; as hauing giuen test of those things, which
happened afterwards; that onely amongst all men, the Creten∣sians and King Ptolomie were free at that season.
But▪ I reuenging my wrongs, expelled Nicomedes out of Bi∣thynia, and recouered Asia the spoile of King Antiochus, and freed Greece from a grieuous seruitude. My proceedings Ar∣chelaus the basest of my seruants hindred, by betraying my Army; and they, whom cowardice, or mischieuous cunning restrained from Armes, thinking that they should be safe-garded by my la∣bours, suffer now most cruell pu∣nishments. Ptolomie for a price delayes the day of warre. The Cretensians assaulted once alrea∣dy, are to expect no end but ruine.
Truely, when I was informed, that by reason of their owne inte∣stine miseries, warre was rather deferred, then peace granted; Tigranes condescending who ap∣proues
my words too late, thou being farre remoued, and all o∣thers obnoxious, for all this I vn∣dertooke the warre againe, and defeated Marcus Cotta Ge∣nerall of the Romanes at Chalce∣don in a Land-battell; at Sea I despoiled him of a most goodly Fleet. Staying at the siege of Cicicus with a great Army, corne failed, no man all about bringing reliefe: withall the win∣ter debarred the benefit of the Sea. Thus being constrained without the enemies force to re∣turne into my natiue Kingdome, I lost with wrackes at Para and Heraclea the best of my Souldi∣ers, together with my Fleetes.
Afterwards my Army being reinforced at Cabira, and sundry battels passing betwixt me, and Lucullus, want inuaded both of vs againe. He had for reliefe the Kingdome of Ariobarzuris, not touched as yet by the warre: I, all the Regions adiacent being
wasted, came into Armenia, and the Romanes following not me, but their custome of subuerting all Kingdomes, because in those fastnesses they restrained the mul∣titude from fight, they account Tigranes imprudence for a victo∣ry.
Now I pray consider, whe∣ther after our conquest, thou canst thinke thy selfe more firme for resistance, or that the warre will be at an end? I know for certaine, that thou art abundantly stored with men, Armes, and money: and for this cause thou art desired by vs for the so∣ciety of the warre, by them for a prey. Besides, it is the counsell of Tigranes, his Kingdome being in∣tire, to finish the warre with lit∣tle labour farre from home, by the bodies of our well experien∣ced Souldiers: since we can nei∣ther vanquish, nor be vanquished without thy danger.
Are you ignorant that the Ro∣manes,
after the Ocean had limi∣ted their Conquests to the west∣ward, conuerted their Armes hi∣ther? and that they had nothing frō the beginning, which was their own, not so much as their houses, wiues, fields, nor Empire? they were in times past a medley of strangers, without Countrie, without Parents, created for the plague of the world, whom not humane, nor diuine Lawes can restraine, but that they will force and ruine their friends and Alies, whether liuing neere or remote, poore or powerfull; and all that are not their vassalls, but specially Kingdomes they esteeme for enemies. For few desire liberty, the greatest part iust Masters: we are suspected for emulatours, and auengers in future time.
But thou, who hast Seleucia the greatest of Citties, and the Kingdom of Persia renowned for riches, what dost thou expect from them but deceit for the
present, and warre afterwards? The Romanes are armed against all men, but most fiercely against those, who being conquered, can yeeld the greatest spoiles: by da∣ring and deceiuing, and by raising warres out of warres, they are growne mighty. By this course they will ruine all, or perish: the last of which is not difficult, if thou from Mesopotamia, we from Armenia surround their Army, wanting corne, wanting aydes. Fortune is as yet intire through our defaults. And this fame will follow thee vndertaking the suc∣cour of mighty Kings, that thou hast suppressed the robbers of the Nations. Which thing, we warne, & perswade thee to doe; and that thou wouldest not with our de∣struction inlarge their onely Em∣pire, rather then by our Aliance to be the Conqerour.
MAny dangers (O ye Ro∣manes) haue happened to me, both at home, and abroad, many calamities: some of which I haue suffered, others I haue re∣pelled by the ayde of the gods, and my owne vertue: in all which neither my minde was wanting to my businesse, nor labour to my resolutions. Aduerse and pros∣perous affaires changed wealth, not my wit.
But contrariwise in these mise∣ries, all things haue forsaken me: besides, old age greeuous in it selfe, doth redouble my care: to whom being wretched, it is not
lawfull in these my last yeeres to hope for an honest death. For if I am a Paricide of you, and being borne for you, haue vilifi∣ed my houshold gods, my Country, and this most glorious Empire, what torment is suffici∣ent for me in my life, or what pu∣nishment after death? when with my wickednesse I haue exceeded all the punishments mentioned in hell.
From my first youth I liued in your eye both a priuate person & Magistrate; those that would, vsed my tongue, counsell, and money: neither did I exercise my eloquence craftily, nor my wit mischieuously: being most co∣uetous of priuate fauour, I vnder∣tooke great quarrells for the Commonwealth: who being vanquished together with her, when destitute of other helpe, I expected farther miseries; you (O ye Romanes) restored againe to me my Country, and houshold
gods, with an exceeding great dignity.
For which benefits I should not seeme sufficiently thankfull, if for them seuerally, which I can∣not doe, I should expend my ve∣ry soule. For life and death are the rights of nature; that thou mayest liue without disgrace with thy fellow Citizens, thy fame and fortunes being intire, that is nei∣ther giuen, nor taken as a do∣natiue.
You haue made vs Consuls (O ye Romanes) the Common∣wealth being much intangled both at home and abroade: for the Generalls of Spaine re∣quire pay, Souldiers, Armes, and corne, and the occasion inforceth it: for after the reuolt of our Confederates, and the flight of Sertorius ouer the mountaines, they can neither come to fight, nor prouide necessaries. Our Armies, in regard of Mithridates great forces, are maintained in
Asia and Cilicia: full of enemies is Macedonia: no lesse the mari∣time regions of Italy, and the Prouinces: when in the meane time our tributes being small and vncertainely ballanced for the warres, scarce sustaine a part of the charges: thus we saile with a lesse Fleet, then formerly we did, for the Conuoy of victuals.
If these things are contracted by our negligence and fraudu∣lent dealing, proceed, and take punishment as you will: but if the common fortune be in fault, wherefore doe you vndertake things vnworthy of your selues, of vs and the Commonwealth? And I, ouer whose age death is impendent, doe pray for it, if by that you can quit any inconueni∣ence: neither can any thing more honest this ingenious body, then if it cease to liue for your safety.
Behold I C. Cotta the Consull am here, I doe that which our ancestours haue often done in
dangerous warres: I vow and a∣bandon my selfe for the Com∣mon-wealth: the which to whom you may commit, bee circum∣spectiue from hence forwards; for no good man will desire that honour, when as of the fortune of peace and warre transacted an ac∣count is to be giuen, or an igno∣minious death to be suffred. One∣ly reserue this in your mindes, that I was not slain for lewdnesse, or auarice, but for the requitall of your greatest benefits, I gaue vp my soule as a free-wil offring,
Coniured therefore by your selues, and the glory of your an∣cestours (O ye Romanes) be pa∣tient in aduersities, and prouide for the Common-wealth: much care attends the ch••efest com∣mand, and many vast labours: which you refuse in vaine, and seeke the plenty of peace: when all Prouinces, Kingdomes, Seas, and Lands, are indangered and harraged with the warres.