The workes of Caius Crispus Salustius contayning the Conspiracie of Cateline The Warre of Iugurth. V. bookes of historicall fragments. II orations to Cæsar for the institution of a co[m]monwealth and one against Cicero.

SALVSTS ORATIONS.

The first Oration of the institution of a Common-wealth, directed to C. Caesar.

THe Romane people got for∣merly Kingdomes, and Em∣pires: it gaue fortune for a dona∣tiue, and other things, which are greedily desired by mortals: be∣cause, as if it had beene out of meere lust, they were often con∣ferred vpon vnworthy persons, neither remained they vncorrup∣ted with any. But experience hath taught that to be true, which

Appius in his verses saith; That euery man is a forger of his owne fortune: and this is verified espe∣cially in thee, who hast so farre outgone others, that men are first wearied with praising thy deeds. then thou art of doing things praise-worthy.

But vertuous acquisitions, like edifices, ought to be preserued with very much industry; lest they be deformed with negligence, or ruined through weakenesse. For no man willingly resignes rule to another, and although hee bee good, and milde, who can doe most; yet be∣cause it is lawfull for him to bee wicked, he is feared.

This happeneth, for that many men, who are powerfull in au∣thority, counsell peruersly; and thinke themselues by so much the more fortified, by how much those, ouer whom they command, haue beene the more wicked. But this ought to be indeuoured a∣gainst; that thou being vertuous

and valiant, mayst command o∣uer the best. For euery man that is most lewde, with most difficulty suffreth a gouernour.

But this is more laborious for thee, then for all men before thee, to settle an estate gotten by Armes. Thou hast managed a warre more gentle then the peace of others: besides the conque∣red are Cittizens. Amongst these difficulties thou must make an euasion, and for euer hereafter the Commonwealth is to be confir∣med, not by armes onely, nor a∣gainst enemies, but which is grea∣ter, and harder by farre, with the profitable Arts of peace.

Therefore the occasion sum∣mons hither all, who are much and meanely wise: that euery man should aduise the best he can. And this seemes so to me, that in that manner, as thou shalt settle the victory, all things will suc∣ceed. But now, that thou mayest dispose this more readily, and

easily, receiue in few words, what my minde tells me.

Thou hast had a warre, O Emperour, with a famous man, of great wealth, greedy of rule, of greater fortune then wise∣dome: whom some few haue fol∣lowed, being made thy enemies by their owne iniury: withall whom affinity, or any other ali∣ance hath incited. For neither was any man partaker of his do∣mination, nor if he could haue suffred it, had the whole world beene shaken with warre. The rest of the multitude, rather out of the vulgar custome, then Iudgement, followed him, one after another, as if he had beene the prudenter person.

About that time some men being possessed with hope, by the suggestions of the wicked, of v∣surping vpon the Common∣wealth, made thy Campe their place of Concourse, hauing first polluted all things with lewd∣nesse

and luxury; and openly menaced vnto the peaceable, death, rapines, and finally all out∣rages, which their depraued na∣ture vrged. A great part of whom, after they saw neither debt to be remitted, nor thy selfe to vse Cittizens as thou wouldst enemies, shrunke away from thee: a few stayd, who were likely to haue more security in the Campe, then at Rome. So e∣gerly did the Creditours pursue them.

But for the same causes, it is incredible to be spoken what great persons, and how many de¦parted afterwards vnto Pompey, and vsed him all the time of the warre, as a sacred and vnuiolated Sanctuary.

Therefore, because peace and warre must be agitated by thee the Conquerour; this, that thou mayst leaue it ciuilly; that, that it may be most iust and di••••ur∣nall: first of all, thinke with thy

selfe, because thou art to com∣pose them, what is best to bee done. Verily my opinion is, that all tyrannicall gouernments are more grieuous then lasting; neither can any man be feared by many, but feare from many must reflect on him: that kinde of life wageth a continuall and doubtfull warre: because thou canst neither be as∣sured from before, behind, or ei∣ther side: thou must liue alwaies in danger and feare.

Contrariwise they, who with bounty, and clemencie haue tem∣pred command, all ioyfull and prosperous euents haue attended them; yea their enemies were more iust, then to others their owne Citizens.

But will some say, that I am a corrupter of thy victory, and too much a wel-wisher of the vanquished? forsooth, because those things, which we, and our ancestours haue giuen to for∣raigne Nations, enemies by na∣ture,

I thinke fit to be granted to Cittizens; neither after a barba∣rous manner would haue murder with murder, and blood expiated with blood. What hath obliuion defaced those outrages, which not long before this warre were obiected against Pompey, and Syllaes victory? he slew Domi∣tius, Carbo, Brutus, with others besides, being not armed, neither according to the law of Armes, but butchered afterwards, being suppliants, with the greatest vil∣lany that could be: the Common-people of Rome in a publicke Village were slaughtered after the manner of Cattell.

Out alas, how clandestine were Cittizens funeralls, and how suddaine were their mur∣thers in the bosomes of parents and children, with the flight of women, and yonglings, and the spoile of houses? before the vi∣ctory gotten by thee, all was full of rigour and cruelty. Vnto

which courses the very same men perswade thee: and that for∣sooth was the end of both your quarrels, that with mutuall con∣sent, iniuries should be done: and that the Commonwealth was not recouered, but taken by thee. And for that cause, the ablest and old∣est Souldiers of the Army being cashiered, contended in Armes, some against their brethren, and parents, others against their chil∣dren: that from the miseries of others, they might, being the wickedst of all men, procure ex∣pences for their gluttony and vn∣satiable lust, and might be the re∣proaches of the victory: by whose debauchments the praise of good men might bee blemi∣shed.

Neither yet doe I thinke, that thou doest ouerpasse, with what manners and modesty each man demeaned himselfe, the victory as yet being doubtfull; and how in the administration of the war,

some of them frequented whores and bankets, whose age, if it had beene in peacefull times, could not without obloquy, haue tasted such pleasures. Of the warre inough hath beene spoken.

Of establishing a peace, be∣cause both thou, and all thine de∣liberate: First, consider this, I be∣seech thee, what that is, about which thou consultest: thus good and euill men being disseuered, thou shalt proceed in the open way to truth. I coniecture thus: because all things which are borne, dye; that at what time the fate of dectruction shal approach towards the Citty of Rome; that Citizens against Citizens shall ioyne in battell: thus they being wearied and bloodlesse, will be∣come the prey of some King, or Nation. Otherwise, not the whole world, nor all people vni∣ted together, can moue or demo∣lish this Empire.

Therefore the benefits of con∣cord

are to be confirmed, and the mischiefes of discord are to be re∣moued. This will fall out so, if thou shalt take away the licence of expences, and rapines, not by recalling to the ancient ordinan∣ces, which long since in this de∣prauation of manners are made a laughing stocke, but if thou shalt perscribe to euery man a limited estate and measure of expences. Because this custome is much practized; that young men thinke it a most glorious action to con∣sume their owne, and other mens goods, to deny nothing to their lust, or to others crauing. They esteeme this to bee vertue, and greatnesse of minde; shamefast∣nesse and modesty being reputed cowardice.

By this meanes their proud mindes being entred into an euill course, when as wonted meanes are wanting, are spleenefully car∣ried sometimes against Alies, then against Cittizens: they disturbe

affaires that are settled, and seeke out new fashions for old.

Wherefore for euer hereafter the Vsurer is to be remoued, that euery man may care for his own. This is the true and plaine way, to sway the Magistracy for the profit of the people, not of the creditour; and to shew the greatnesse of spirit in adding, not in taking from the Republicke.

And I know how difficult this will be at first, especially with such, who thought in the victory to liue more licentiously, and freely, not more strictly. For whose safety if thou shalt pro∣uide rather then for their lust, thou shalt settle both them, vs, and our Alies in a firme peace. If the youth shall follow the same studies, and Arts, certainely thy renowned fame, together with the Citty of Rome, will be ruined in a short time.

Finally, wisemen for the respect of peace, wage warre, they sustaine

labour for the hope of quietnesse: except you confirme this, what difference is there to haue van∣quished, or to be vanquished? wherefore coniured by the gods, vndertake the Commonwealth, & passe through all difficulties, as thou art accustomed. For either thou alone canst heale; or farther care is to be omitted by all men.

Neither doth any man inuoke thee to cruell punishments, & se∣uere Iudgemēts, by which a City wasted rather, then reformed, but that thou wouldest restraine the youth from euill Arts, & wicked desires. This indeed wil be clemē∣cy: to haue prouided, that Citi∣zens may not be expelled out of their Country vndeseruedly; to haue retained them from folly, & deceiteful pleasures; to haue esta∣blished peace and concord; not, if thou being obsequious to vices, & suffring offēces, shalt giue way to a present ioy, accōpanied with a mischiefe, which will forthwith insue.

And my courage is most of all erected, with that, which others feare, the difficulty of the busi∣nesse. And for that all Lands and Seas are at once to be compo∣sed by thee (because such a Spirit as thine cannot touch vpon meane things) for thy great care there remaines a great reward.

Therefore thou must prouide, that the Common people cor∣rupted with Largesses, and corne publickly giuen, may be imploy∣ed in affaires, proper for them∣selues, and by which they may be with-held from publicke mis∣chiefe: that the youth apply themselues to honesty, and indu∣stry, not to expences, nor riches. This will come to passe thus, if thou shalt cut off the vse and re∣putation of money, which is the greatest plague of all others.

For I my selfe, pondering often∣times in my minde, by what meanes men of most renowne had found out greatnesse: what

things had inlarged people and Nations by Authors of great vn∣dertaking; and last of all, for what causes most mighty King∣domes and Empires had beene ruined: I found alwaies the same things to be good and euill, and that ail the Conquerors contem∣ned riches, and that all the con∣quered desired them. Nor other∣wise can any man raise vp himselfe, and being mortall attaine things diuine, except the delights of mony and the body being neglected, hee be indulgent to the minde, not gra∣tifying a peruerse fauour by flatte∣ring, or yeelding to concupiscence; but exercising himselfe in labour, patience, wholesome precepts, and valiant exploits.

For to build vp a house, or village, and to adorne it with Skutcheons, Tapistry, and other workes, and to make all of them a spectacle, rather then thy selfe, that is not to haue riches for an ornament, but for a mans selfe to

be a reproach to them. Moreo∣uer, they who twice in a day are accustomed to loade their bellies, and not to sleepe one night with∣out a whore; when as they haue oppressed the soule with serui∣tude, which ought to command; That being afterwards growne dull and lame, vainely they seeke to exercise it. For with impru∣dence they precipitate both themselues, and many things be∣sides. But these, and many other mischiefes will together end with the reputation of money, if nei-Magistracies, nor other things to be coueted by the vulgar, shall be set to sale.

Besides, prouision must bee made by thee, how Italy and the Prouinces may be better secured: the meanes whereof is not ob∣scoure. For the same men make a generall waste by forsaking their owne houses, and by seizing wrongfully on others. Withall, that warrefare, as it hath beene

hitherto, be not vniust, nor vne∣quall: when some serue out thir∣ty payes, others not so much as one: and that corne, which was formerly a reward of slouth, it will be conuenient to distribute vnto them throughout the infran∣chised townes, and Colonies, when as they shall returne home after the expiration of their sti∣pendary yeeres.

What things are necessary for the Commonwealth, and glorious for thee, I haue deliuered in a few words. It seemes good to me now to speake something of this, that I haue done. Most men haue, or faine themselues to haue wit inough to censure: but to re∣prehend other mens doings and say∣ings, the disposition of all men is earnestly bent: the mouth seemes not sufficiently open, nor the tongue prompt, which can onely vtter things meditated in the minde: To whose interpretation that I am subiect, it doth not repent

mee; it would haue grieued me more to haue kept silence. For whether thou shalt proceede in this, or any other course, surely I shall speake and assist thee to the best of my power. That which remaines, is to wish, that what things shall please thee, the immortall gods may approue, and suffer them to succeed hap∣pily.

The second Oration of the, institu∣tion of a Commonwealth, to C. Caesar.

I Know how difficult, and dan∣gerous a thing it is to giue counsell to a King or Emperour; finally to any man, whose power is seated on high: because they haue both abundance of counsel∣lers, neither can any man be cir∣cumspectiue, and prudent inough of future euents. Besides, often∣times

euill counsels succeed more prosperously then good; because fortune swayeth most things ac∣cording to her pleasure.

But it was my desire from my first youth, to vndertake the Commonwealth: and in know∣ing it, I tooke much, and most speciall care: not to that end alone, that I might be capa∣ble of a magistracy, which many haue gotten by euill Arts; but that I might take a suruay of the State, both at home, and a∣broad, and how powerfull shee might bee in Armes, men and money.

Therefore by me, as I meditated many things with my selfe, this counsell was approued, to esteeme my owne reputation and modesty after thy dignity, and to hazard any thing, so that any glo∣ry might accrue to thee from that. And this I haue not resol∣ued rashly, nor because of thy fortune; but for that amongst

others, I haue found in thee this one Art, admirable aboue the rest; that thy minde was alwaies greater in aduerse, then prospe∣rous fortunes. But this amongst other mortals is most remarka∣ble, that men are also first wearied with praising and admiring thy munificence, then thou art in do∣ing things meriting glory.

Verily this is my resolution, that nothing can be found out so difficult, which thou doest not readily apprehend. Neither haue I written these things to thee of the Commonwealth, which see∣med to concerne it, because I approued my owne wit and counsell more then was fitting: but amongst the labours of war∣fare, amongst battailes, victories, and gouernment, I resolued to admonish thee of ciuill affaires.

For if this counsell be lodged in thy brest; that to vindicate thy selfe from the violence of thy ene∣mies, thou wouldst by any

meanes, opposed against the Con∣sull, retaine the fauours of the people, thou must harbour thoughts vnworthy of thy ver∣tue. But if that spirit be within thee, which from the beginning hath disturbed the faction of the Nobility, hath restored the Ro∣mane Commonalty from a grie∣uous seruitude vnto liberty; in thy Praetourship, vnarmed hath broke the Armes of thy enemies; at home and abroad hath atchie∣ued so great, and such glorious exploites, that thy very aduersa∣ries dare nor complaine of any thing but thy greatnesse: then heare that, which I shall speake of the summe of the Common∣wealth, which verily thou shalt finde to be true, or not farre re∣moued from truth.

But because ••n. Pompeius ei∣ther out of his corrupt dispositi∣on, or that he desired nothing more, then that he might hinder thee, fell into such an errour, that

he put weapons into his enemies hands: by what meanes hee troubled the Commonwealth, by the same thou oughtest to re∣store it. First of all, he gaue to a few Senatours the chiefe power of moderating, about tributes, expences, and iudgements; the Romane Commonalty, whose power was formerly chiefest, he left together with vs vnder the same conditions of seruitude.

Although the iudgements, as before were restored to the three orders, yet the selfesame factious men sway, giue, and take away, what pleaseth them: they cir∣cumuent the innocent: they ad∣uanceir their owne Fauourites to honour. Not villany, not scandall, or lewdnesse doth hinder them, from being capable of Magistra∣cies: what is commodious, they force, they take by violence: finally, as in a captiued Citty, they vse lust and licence for Lawes.

And verily I should be some∣what grieued, if they should ex∣ercise a victory gotten by ver∣tue, after this their seruile cu∣stome. But these vnactiue per∣sons, all whose force and valour lyes in the tongue, mannage in∣solently a domination thrust into their hands, by fortune, and ano∣thers cowardice. For what other sedition, or ciuill dissension hath plucked vp from the roote so many, and such illustrious Fami∣lies? or in whose victory euer was the minde so precipitated, and immoderate? Lu. Sylla, vnto whom all things were lawfull in the victory by the Law of warre, although he conceiued that the enemies party was fortified by Sulpitius, yet some few being slaine, he was desirous to retaine the rest with bountie, rather then feare.

But now together with Cato, L. Domitius, and the rest of that faction, forty Senators, and many

young men of good hope haue beene slaughtered like sacrifices: when in the meane time this most mischieuous kinde of peo∣ple could not be glutted with the blood of so many miserable Citi∣zens: not Orphants, not Parents in the cloze of their age, not the mourning of men, the lamentati∣on of women could mollifie their barbarous mindes. But doing and speaking worse euery day more then other, they went a∣bout to remoue some men out of their dignitie, others out of the Citty.

For what should I speake of thee, whose contumelie these most slothfull men would ex∣change for their owne life? In regard that domination is not such a pleasure to them, (although it happened beyond hope) as thy dignity is a griefe: who hold it more acceptable to hazard their owne liberty out of thy calami∣tie, then that by thee the Empire

of the Romane people, of great should be made greatest.

For which cause thou oughtest to be more and more prouident, how thou mayst establish, and strengthen the State. As for me, what my minde suggesteth, I shall not be doubtfull to speake. In two parts I take this Citty to be diuided, as I haue heard from my Ancestours; into the Fathers, and Commonalty. In former times the chiefest authority was in the Fathers; the greatest power by far was in the Commonalty. Thereupon disunion happened frequently in the Citty: and al∣waies the Nobilities strength was lessened, and the right of the peo∣ple amplified. But by this meanes the Commonalty liued freely, because no mans power was aboue the Lawes: neither in riches, nor pride, but in a good fame, and valiant exploites, the Noble excelled the ignoble. Euery man of the inferiour ranke,

in Armes, or military imploy∣ment, wanting no honest accomo∣dation, was inough for himselfe, inough for his Country.

But when as being expelled by degrees out of their possessions, slouth and pouerty inforced them to haue vncertaine habitations: they began to couet other mens wealth, and to account their li∣berty with the Republicke sala∣ble. Thus the people by little, and little, which was the Lord, and ruler of all Nations, fell from his first greatnesse: and for a common command, euery man procured for himselfe a priuate seruitude.

Therefore this multitude be∣ing first infected with euill man∣ners, then dispersed into sundry Arts, and courses of life, no waies agreeing amongst themselues, seeme not fit men vnto me, to vn∣dertake the Commonwealth. But new Citizens being added, a great hope doth possesse me, that

all of them will be rozud vp for the cause of liberty: for that both a care will grow in them for re∣taining their freedome, as well as in those for quitting their serui∣tude. My censure is, that these being commixed, the new with the old, thou shouldst place them in the Colonies: thus both the military estate will be strength∣ned, and the Commonalty being detained with good imployments, will cease from committing pub∣like euill.

But I am not ignorant, nor im∣prudent, when this thing shall be, what insolencie, what outrages of the Nobilitie will follow, when as they shall be incensed, that all things are confounded together, that this seruitude is imposed on ancient Citizens; finally, that of a free State, it will become a Kingdome, when by one mans gift, a mighty multitude shal haue the freedome of the Citty. As for my selfe, this verily is my

opinion, That hee commits an euill offence against himselfe, that would procure fauour for himselfe, with the disprofit of the Common-wealth: whereas the publicke good serues also for priuat vse, there to be doubtfull to vndertake, I hold it a point of slacknesse and cowardice.

This was alwayes the counsell of M. Liuius Drusus, in his Tribuneship to striue for the No∣bility to the vtmost of his power: neither did he intend to doe any thing else from the beginning, if some factious persons had not suggested it vnto him, vnto whom deceit and malice were dearer then faith. When as they vnder∣stood that by one man, the great∣est benefit would be communica∣ted to many men: and withall euery one of them being consci∣ous to himselfe, that he was of an euill and faithlesse disposition, they conceiued of Drusus alike as of themselues. Therefore out

of a feare, lest he through so great a fauour should inioy the sole command, contending against that, they disturbed their owne counsels.

For which cause (O Emperor) friends mony, and Aydes are to be procured by thee with greater care and constancie. To suppresse an opposed enemie, it is no difficulty for a valiant man; neither to plot, nor auoid couert dangers, is a thing proper to good men.

Therefore when thou shalt haue brought them into the City, and that by this meanes the Com∣monalty shall be renewed in this thou oughtest to exercise thy minde especially, that good man∣ners may be had in estimation, that concord may be confirmed betwixt the old and new Citti∣zens. But by farre shalt thou procure the greatest of all other benefits for thy Country, Citti∣zens, thy selfe, thy children; lastly, for all mankind, if thou

shalt either take away the loue of money▪ or lessen it, as farre as oc∣casion will serue. Otherwise nei∣ther priuate, nor publicke estate, neither at home, nor abroad, will be well gouerned. For whereas the desire of money is once entred, neither discipline, nor good Arts, nor any ingenuitie is polished inough: but the minde more or lesse maturely, yet finally, is ouer∣come.

Often haue I heard, what Kings, what Citties, and Nations haue lost great Empires by opu¦lencie, which being poore, they got by vertue. This is not much to be maruelled at. For whereas a good man sees one that is worse to become more renowned and ac∣ceptable by his riches; he stormes at first, and agitateth many things in his minde: but whenas euery day more then other, glory ouerballanceth honour, opulency vertue; the minde from truth re∣uolts to pleasure. For with glory

industry is cherished: when as you shall take away that, vertue in it selfe is rough and vnpleasant. Last of all, where riches are valued, all good things are vilified, faith, ho∣nesty, shamefastnesse, and modesty. For to vertue there is one, and that a difficult way: to get money, euery man endeuoureth, as he pleaseth; it is created both out of euill, and good meanes.

For this cause, first of all take away the Authority of money: neither in point of life nor honor, will any man iudge more or lesse from a mans estate, if neither Praetour nor Consull be made out of the regard of wealth, but dignity. Yet in the choice of Magistrates, let the peoples iudgement bee free. To haue Iudges allowed by some few, is an argument of Royalty; to haue them chosen for money, is dishonest. Wherefore it is my will, that all those of the first Classicall order doe iudge, but more in number,

then now iudge. Neither did the Rhodians, nor any other Citties euer repent of their iudge∣ments, whereas promiscuously the rich, and the poore, as euery mans turne comes, consult alike about the greatest and least af∣faires.

But in the creation of Magi∣strates, that Law pleaseth me, and that not absurdly, which C. Gracchus diuulged in his Tri∣buneship, that out of the fiue Classicall Orders blended toge∣ther, at all peraduentures Centu∣ries should be called forth. Thus they being coequalled in dignity, and money, one will striue to ex∣cell another in vertue. Neither doe I prescribe difficult remedies against riches. For accordingly all things are praised and desired, as the vse of those things is. Wickednesse is exercised for re∣wards: when you shall barre that, no man amongst all will be wicked for thankes onely.

Besides auarice is a cruell, fieree, and vnprofitable beast: where it intends, it wasteth Townes, Fieldes, Temples, and Houses: it confounds diuine and humane Lawes: neither Armes, nor walles can hinder her from pe∣netrating with her Force: Of fame, modesty, children, Country, and parents, she dispoyleth all mortals. But if thou shalt take away the reputation of money that mighty force of auarice will easily be vanquished by good manners.

And although all men both iust and vniust remember these things to bee thus: yet thou shalt haue no meane controuer∣sie with the faction of the Nobi∣lity; of whose deceite if thou shalt be cautelous, all things else will succeede with facility. For these men, if they excelled with vertue inough, would rather be emulous, then enuious of good men. Because slouth, and vn∣actiuenesse, stupidity, and dul∣nesse

haue inuaded them; they clamour, they detract, they esteeme another mans good name to be their disgrace.

But what should I make any farther relation, as if it were of an vnknowne subiect? The for∣titude of M. Bibulus, and the vertue of his minde hath made the way open to a Consulship: he being a man dull of language, rather euill, then cunning of wit. What may this man dare, vnto whom the Consulship, the great∣est of all other commands, be∣came the greatest dishonour? what is L. Domitius, a person of much ability, no member of whom is free from lewdnesse, or villany? his tongue is vaine, his hands bloody, his feete fugitiue: things most dishonest, which cannot be named honestly.

Yet I doe not contemne the onely various, talkatiue, and subtill wit of M. Cato. These are procured by the Grecian

discipline. But vertue, vigilancy, and labour are not found amongst the Greekes. For since they haue lost their liberty at home by slouth, thinke you that by their precepts, command may be gotten? The rest of the fa∣ction are most vnactiue Noble∣men, in whom, as in a statue, there is no addition of worth, be∣sides the name. L. Posthumus, and M. Fauonius resemble in my opinion the superfluous bal∣last of a Ship, when they seeme to arriue safe at their ends: when any aduerse thing doth happen, the first losse is of them, for that they are of the lowest estima∣tion.

Because now, as it seemeth to me, I haue spoken at large of re∣newing, and reforming the Commonalty: I will speake of the Senate, what may seeme fit to be done by thee.

After my age, and wit grew ripe, I did not altogether exer∣cise

my body with Armes, and Horses, but imployed my minde in litterature, because by nature it was firme in the sufferance of labours; and in that course of life, I found out this by frequent rea∣ding, and hearing; that all King∣domes, Citties, and Nations so long inioyed a prosperous Em∣pire, as solid counsels preuailed amongst them: wheresoeuer fa∣uour, feare, and pleasure corrup∣ted them, not long after, their power was lessened, then, com∣mand taken away, last of all, ser∣uitude was imposed.

Verily, this is my resolution, that whosoeuer hath a more am∣ple, and illustrious place in a Cit∣ty then others, hath an especiall care of the Commonwealth: for to the rest, the Citty being safe, onely liberty is assured; those who by vertue haue gotten rich∣es, renowne, and honour for themselues, as soone as the State inclining a little, begins to be tur∣moiled,

their minde is variously troubled with cares and toiles: it either meditates the defence of glory, or liberty, or of priuate meanes: in all places it is present, it hastneth: by how much more it flourished in prosperity, by so much the more in aduersity is it full of anxiety and griefe. There∣fore when the Commonalty o∣beys the Senate, as the body doth the soule, and doth execute its counsels: it behoueth the Fa∣thers to be able in counsell. In the people cunning is superflu∣ous. For this cause our Ance∣stours, when they were pressed with most dangerous warres, horses, men, and money being lost, they were neuer weary to contend armed for the Empire not the wants of the Treasury not the force of the Enemies, no aduerse fortune could deiect thei•• mighty Spirits, but that those things, which they had gotten by vertue, they would maintaine to∣gether

with life. And this was done more by sound counsell, then fortunate fights. In regard that with them there was one Commonwealth; for that they prouided: saction was prepared against forraigne Foes: euery man exercised body, and soule, for his country, not for his owne greatnesse.

But contrariwise, at this time Noblemen, whose mindes slouth and cowardice hath inuaded, be∣ing ignorant of labour, of enemies, of warfare, instructed with home∣bred faction, rule with pride o∣uer all Nations. By this meanes the Fathers, by whose counsell the doubtfull Commonwealth was formerly established, being oppressed, rauing vp and downe, at anothers pleasure are agitated hither and thither. Sometimes they make these, then those de∣crees: as the faction and arro∣gance of them inclines, who beare rule, so they esteeme good,

good and publicke euill.

But if either the liberty of all were equall, or the opinion of it more obscure, the Common∣wealth would be farre stronger, and the Nobility lesse potent. But because it is difficult to make the respect of all coe∣quall: for that to them the ver∣tue of their ancestours left an ac∣quired glory, dignity, and clien∣tels: the rest of the multitude for the most part being ignorant people, let them in their opinion be frec from feare. Thus it being concealed from themselues, ano∣thers power will be dearer to e∣uery man.

Libertie is desiderable alike of the good, and bad, of the valiant, and the cowardly. But most men abandon that out of feare. Most foolish mortals, that which is doubt∣full in the conflict, how it will hap∣pen, out of cowardice, like men vanqushed, they take vpon them∣selues. Therefore I thinke by

two meanes the Senate may be confirmed: if augmented in number they deliuered their Votes in a written table. The table will serue for an incourage∣ment, to make them dare with greater freedome: in the multi∣tude there is more assurance, and ampler vse.

For in these times for the most part, some being intagled in pub∣licke Iudgements, others in their owne, or their friends affaires, haue not beene present at the Counsels of State: neither did imployment detaine them more, then the proud commands of o∣thers. The Noblemen, with some few of the Senatorian order, whom they haue for additions of faction, what things soeuer please them, they reprehend, allow, and decree; them they execute, as their lust inciteth. But as some as the number of Sen••tours being increased, the Votes shall be de∣liuered in a written table, they

will dismisse their former pride, when they must obey those, ouer whom before they commanded most tyrannously.

Perchance (O Emperour) these letters being read, thou wilt decree, what number of Sena∣tours it may p••ease thee to haue; and after what forme they shall be distributed into many and sundry Offices; and since it is my opinion, that the first Classicall order should deliuer their iudge∣ments, what description, and what number is to be of euery kinde: To describe all things generally, had not beene a matter difficult in doing: but first it see∣med good to labour about the summe of the Counsell, and to proue that to be true to thee. If thou resoluest to make vse of this way, all other things will succeed promptly. I would that this my counsell were prudent, and of most speciall vse. For wheresoeuer prosperity happeus

to thee, there a good fame will betide me.

But this desire doth exercise me more, after what manner and how soone the Commonwealth may be releeued▪ I hold liberty worthier then glory. And I doe request and exhort thee, that thou wouldst not (most famous Em∣perour) after the conquest of the Gaules, suffer the highest and in∣uincible Empire of the Romane people to be ruined with age, and dissolued by the greatest discord. Verily, if this shall happen, nei∣ther day, nor night shall ease thy anguish of minde, but being awa∣ked out of sleepe, raging, and ra∣uing thou shalt be vexed with a distracted spirit. For it is mani∣fest to me for a truth, that the life of all mortals is visited by a diuine power: neither is the good, nor euill deed of any man valued at nothing. But with a different condition re∣wards attend the good and bad: in the meane time perchanee they pro∣ceed

more slowly; euery mans mind giues him hope from his conscience.

But if thy Country, and pa∣rents could speake with thee, surely they would say these words vnto thee: O Caesar, we being most valiant men, begot thee in a most goodly City, to be an honour, and succour to vs, a terrour to our enemies. What we had gotten with many la∣bours and dangers, we deliuered ouer to thee, being borne toge∣ther with thy life, a Country greatest of al on the earth, a house and family most illustrious in that Country, besides good Arts, well gotten riches: finally, all the ho∣nestations of peace, and the re∣wards of warre.

For these most ample benefits, we desire of thee not lewdnesse, nor villany, but that thou would∣est restore our ouerthrowne li∣berty; which thing being accom∣plished, the fame of thy vertue will flye throughout all Nations.

For at this time although thou hast performed glorious exploits, both at home and abroad, yet is thy renowne but equall with ma∣ny valiant men: but if thou shalt restore almost from destruction this City amplest in name, and largest in dominion: who will be more famous, who greater then thee on earth? for that if by sicknesse, or fate, it should happen otherwise then well to this Em∣pire: who doubts, but that through the whole world, vasta∣tion, warres, and slaughters would arise?

But if thou hast an honest de∣sire of gratifying thy Country & Parents; hereafter the Common∣wealth being restored, thy glory shall be acknowledged aboue all mortals, & the death of thee alone shall be more famous then thy life. For the liuing sometimes for∣tune, oftentimes enuy doth molest: as soone as the soule hath giuen way to nature, vertue extolleth her selfe

more and more aboue all detraction.

What seemed to me expedient to be done, and what I thought would be vsefull for thee, I haue briefely written Now I request the immortall gods▪ that what course soeuer thou takest this af∣faire may succed prosperously to thee, and the Commonwealth.

The Oration of SALVST, against CICERO.

GReeuously, and with an of∣fended minde should I suf∣fer thy reprochfull speeches, O M. Tullius, if I knew that thou didst vse this thy petulancy more out of iudgement, then a braine∣sicke humour. But because in thee I finde neither meane nor modesty; I will answer thee, that if thou hast taken any pleasure in speaking ill, thou mayst loose that by hearing as bad.

Where shall I complaine? whom shall I implore, (O ye Conscript Fathers) that the Cōmonwealth is wasted, and become the subiect of trechery for euery man, that is most audacious? whether a∣mongst the Romane people, who are so corrupted with Largesses, that they hold themselues, and their fortunes venals: whether a∣mongst you (O ye Conscript Fa∣thers) whose authority is growne a laughing stocke for all the worst and wickedst of men; where M. Tullius defends the Lawes and iudgements of the people of Rome, and doth so moderate it this order, as if he were the onely remainder of the family of that most renowned man Scipio the African, and were not an vpstart, au Inmate, not long since natura∣lized into this Citty?

Whether or no, M. T. are thy deedes, and words obscure? hast thou not liued so from thy child∣hood, that thou thoughtest no

thing filthy for thy body, which might please anothers lust? For∣sooth didst thou not learne that immoderate eloquence of M. Pi∣so, with the losse of thy modesty? Therefore it is not much to bee wondred at, that thou sellest that wickedly, which thou procuredst most lewdly.

But as I thinke, domesticke splendour exalteth thy minde: thy wife is sacrilegious, and stai∣ned with periuries. Thy daughter is a Concubine to her mothers preiudice, more pleasing and ob∣sequious to thee, then is fit she should be to a father. Thou hast gotten a house with violence, and rapine, fatall for thee, and thine: that indeed thou mightst admo∣nish vs how much the Common∣wealth is changed, since thou (O thou most wicked man) dwellest in that house, which belonged to M. Crassus a Consular person.

And when these things are so, Cicero saith, he hath beene in the

Counsell of the immortall gods, and was sent from thence to this Citty, for a protectour of the Ci∣tizens; without giuing him the name of hangman, who accounts the Republicks dāmage his owne glory: as though thy Consulship was not the cause of that conspira∣cy, & by that meanes the Cōmon∣wealth was disioynted, at what time it had thee for a protectour.

But I coniecture, those things extoll thee more, which after thy Consulship, thou didst aduise with Terentia thy wise about the Commonwealth, when at home yee contriued the iudgements of the Plaution Law: when thou condemnedst some of the Con∣spiratours to die, others to pay money: when this man built the Tusculan for thee, that other the Pompeian village another bought a house. But he that could doe nothing, was next to calumniati∣on; he either came to assault thy house, or laid in wait for the Se∣nate;

finally, some thing was found out against him by thee.

Which if I obiect falsely a∣gainst thee, giue an account, how much Patrimony thou didst re∣ceiue? what hath accrued to thee from pleading? out of what mo∣ney thou didst purchase thy house: thou buildedst thy Tuscu∣lan and Pompeian, with infinite expence. Otherwise, if thou art silent, to whom can it be doubt∣full, that thou gottest that wealth out of the blood, and bowels of the Citizens?

But as I conceiue, this new man of Arpinum, extracted from the family of Caius Marius, imi¦tates his vertue, he continueth the faction of the Nobility, he hath a care of the Romaue people, he is not moued with feare, nor fauour. But is this an argument onely of his amity, and mentall vertue? Yes verily this most inconstant man is suppliant to his Enemies, contumelious to his friends, some∣times

of this, sometimes of that faction; he is faithfull to no man; a most light Senatour, a mercinary Patron, no part of whose body is free from filthinesse; his tongue is vaine, his hands are rauenous, his throate is vnsatiable, his feete are fugitiue. And he, when as he is such a man, yet hee dares to say:

O happy Rome, me being Con∣sull borne!

Happy thee being Consull Ci∣cero? Yea rather vnhappy and wretched, which suffredst as then, the most cruell poscription of her Citizens, when as thou, the Com∣monwealth being disturbed, didst inforce all good men amazed with terrour, to obey thy Tyran∣ny: when all iudgements, all Lawes were swayed by thy lust: when as the Portian Law being remoued, & liberty taken away, thou didst appropriate to thy selfe alone the power of all our liues and deaths.

Thou shalt doe (I prethee Ci∣cero) thou shalt accomplish what thou wilt: it is inough for vs, that we haue suffered: but as yet wilt thou loade our eares with thy hatred? as yet wilt thou pro∣secute vs with these vnsufferable words?

Armes yeeld to Gownes, Bayes to the tongue giue place.

As though forsooth, gowned, and not armed, thou hadst perfor∣med those things, of which thou doest glory; and that there were any difference betwixt thee, and Sylla the dictatour, besides the name of command?

But what should I relate more of thy iusolency? whom Miner∣ua hath taught al her Arts, whom the best and greatest Iuputer hath admitted into the Counsell of the gods, whom Italy, being banished, brought backe on her shoulders. I beseech thee▪ O thou Romulus of Arpinū, what place at length ob∣ainest thou in the Citty? what

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

counterfeit and dissemble deepely: greedy he was of other mens goods, prodi∣gall of his owne, in lust vn∣satiable. He had eloquence enough, but little wise∣dome. His vast mind did euermore desire things im∣moderate, incredible, and ouer difficult.

After the tyrannicall go∣uernement of Silla, he had a great desire to vsurpe vp∣on the Commonwealth, neither did he care whether it were by right or wrong, so that he might attaine the soueraigne rule. His rest∣lesse spirit was daily more and more disquieted through his priuate wants, and guilty conscience, both

which increased in him by the meanes before recited: besides, the corrupted mā∣ners of the Citty, serued for incentiues to his ambi∣tion, and these were tur∣moiled by the worst of op∣posite euils, Luxury and Couetousnesse. And now, because wee haue related some thing of the States deprauation, the opportu∣nity it selfe seemes to inuite vs vnto the repetition of things forepast, and in them to deliuer the institutions of our Ancestours, both Ciuil and Military, the forme of gouernment, which they vsed in the Cōmonwealth, and the greatnesse with which they left it to poste∣rity, and how this glorious

Republique, languishing by degrees, did degenerate into a vile & ignominious tyranny.

CHAP. 3.

The beginning and declining of the Roman Empire: the pre∣cedent times commended, and the present taxed.

THe Troians (as I haue heard) first built and inhabited the Cittie of Rome, who vnder the con∣duct of Aeneas, liuing like fugitiues, wandred vp and downe without any cer∣taine place of habitation: with these the Aborigines, or natiues ioyned them∣selues,

who being a sauage kind of people, liued free without lawes, and disso∣lute without gouernment.

After both these were in∣uironed with one wall (in∣credible it is to be thought on) with what redinesse they complied together, being different in linage, lan∣guage and customes. But after their estate grew res∣pectiue, and powerfull enough, being inlarged with inhabitants, ciuilitie & territory (an euent most frequēt in humane affaires) enuy did attend on prospe∣ritie, so that for this cause alone, the Kings and bor∣dering. Nations assailed them with warre; in this some few friends came to

their ayde, others being terrified, remoued them∣selues from the danger: But the Romans being regard∣full of themselues, both in ciuill & militarie exigents, neglected no opportu∣nity; they made great pre∣parations, incouraged one another, issued forth to en∣counter the enemy, repo∣sing their liberties, their Countries, and parents safety, in the protection of their Armes After, when their vertue had giuen the repulse to danger they sent aydes to their friends and allies, procuring new confederacies, rather by giuing then receiuing be∣nefits. Their gouernment was regular, and the name

of it was termed Royall. Certaine selected persons whose bodies were infee∣bled with age, as their minds were fort••fied with wisedome, did prouide for the Commonwealth: these in regard of their yeeres, or Office, were called Fa∣thers.

Afterwards when the Domination Royall, which was first instituted for the maintenance of liberty, and inlargement of territory, did degenerate into pride and absolute soueraigenty, the forme of policie being changed, they erected an annuall Empire vnder the rule of two Consuls. By this course, they thought mens minds could best be

strained from insolency. But euen then more then before, euery man began to ouerualue himselfe, and to dispose his endeuours to∣wards indirect ends: as well knowing, that Princes jealousies attend more vpon good men then bad, and that the vertue of others administers to them al∣wayes an occasion of terrour.

Now it is a matter strange to be rehearsed, how much the Cittie hauing regained her liberty, inlarged her selfe in a short time. So forcibly moued the desire of glory, for now the youth, as soone as they were capa∣ble of warlike sufferances, with much exercise learned their military duties, resi∣ding for the most part in

Tents, and these reposed more delight in the equi∣page of their Armes and horses of seruice, then in bankets, and whores. Hence was it, that to such men no labour was vncouth, no place was too difficult for accesse or assault, yea, the armed enemy was not dreadfull: their valour sub∣dued all incountring oppo∣sites, the controuersie of glory remaining especially amongst themselues. Thus euery man stroue with emu∣lation to inuade the enemy, to scale the walles, and to exploit such things in pu∣blicke view. This they ac∣counted riches, Honour, and true Nobilitie. They were greedy of praise, libe∣rall

of their coine. They co∣ueted glory without mea∣sure, wealth with a compe∣tency.

Here I could relate, in what places the Roman people haue defeated with small numbers, puissant Ar∣mies of their aduersaries, what Citties they haue ta∣ken by situation impregna∣ble: but I feare, this digres∣sion would withdraw me too farre: onely let me as∣sure thus much, that For∣tune is predominant in all euents: It is she, that illu∣strates and obscures our actions being led more by will then reason.

The exploits of the Athe∣nians in my opinion were ample and magnificent, yet

somewhat inferiour to their report, for by reason of those admirable wits which liued in that State, their actes were celebrated tho∣row the world, with excesse of praise: so that their ver∣tue was prized in as high an estimate, as the sufficiency of wit could deliuer in lan∣guage. But the ancient Ro∣manes were necessitated in this, the capablest spirits being the most actiue doers: no man exercised his mind without reference to the body. The best men preferred doing before speaking, and desired ra∣ther to haue their owne de∣serts praised, then to re∣ate other mens exploits, by which meanes disci∣pline

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

an irruption vnto him with their weapons. The Consull hauing intelli∣gence of these prepara∣tions, and Guardes being disposed, according as the occasion and time re∣quired, he proposeth, (a Senate being called) what their pleasure was to doe with them, who were de∣liuered ouer vnto custo∣dy; a frequent Senate ha∣uing declared them not long before, to haue vn∣dertaken treasonably a∣gainst the Common∣wealth.

Thereupon D. Iunius Sillanus, being first deman∣ded his opinion, because at that time he was Con∣sull Elect, gaue 〈◊〉〈◊〉

that condigne punish∣ment was to bee taken vpon those who were kept in prison, as also vpon L. Cassius, P. Furius, P. Vmbrenus, and Q. Annius, if they should be apprehen∣ded. And being after∣wards mooued with Caesars Oration, he pro∣tested that hee would punctually concurre in opinion with Tiberius Nero, in that hee had tbought it fit to make a re∣ference concerning that particular, and the rein∣forcement of the Guards: but Caesar, when it came to his turne, being required his opinion by the Con∣sull, deliuered these or the like words:

All men that consult (O ye conscript Fathers) about doubtfull affaires, ought to be free from hatred, friendship, anger, and pitty: for whereas these impediments are, the mind can hardly dis∣cerne the truth: neither is there any man, who can serue at once, both his pleasure & profit: where∣as you bend your disposi∣tion, there it preuailes: If lust hath gotten the pos∣session, it predominates, and Reason sways nothing at all. I haue an ample subiect (ye conscript Fa∣thers) to discourse, what Kings and Nations haue done vncouncellably, be∣ing forced by anger or

compassion. But I had ra∣ther relate those things, which our Ancestours, contrary to their naturall desires, haue accomplish∣ed rightly and orderly. In the Macedonian war, which wee waged with King Perses, the great and goodly Citty of Rhodes, that grew powerfull by the support of the Ro∣mane people, became vn∣faithfull, and ill-affected to vs. But afterwards the wars being ended, when it was consulted vpon, cōcerning the Rhodians: our Predecessours, lest any man should re∣port, they vndertooke the warre more for wealth then wrong, dismissed

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉