The tvvo most vvorthy and notable histories which remaine vnmained to posterity (viz:) the conspiracie of Cateline, vndertaken against the gouernment of the Senate of Rome, and the vvarre which Iugurth for many yeares maintained against the same state. Both written by C.C. Salustius.

CHAP. 4.

1. Ambassadors are the second time sent into Affrica with sharper Instructions. 2. Iugurths cunning and fayning excuses. 3. After the Ambassadors departure, he againe besiedgeth his Brother.

ASsoone a 1.1 as the Senate had vn∣derstanding of their differences, they dispatched three young Gentlemen into Affrique, with Commaundement, to goe perso∣nally to both the Kings, and in the name of the Senate & Roman people, by word of mouth to say vnto them; That It was their will and pleasure, that they should both lay downe their Armes. In so doing, they should performe a worke b 1.2 woorthy theyr Friendes and them∣selues.

The Ambassadors make the more hast towardes Af∣frique, for that the newes was in Rome before their depar∣ture, that the Princes had fought, and that Cirtha was be∣siedged. But that rumor was sparingly verified.

2. Iugurth hauing vnderstood the Tenor of their Am∣bassy protested, That nothing could bee of greater worth, or more deere vnto him, then the authority of the Senat: that such had beene his carriage from his youth, that the loue of al good men had voluntarily befallen him: that he had been gra∣cious vnto P. Sci••io, that worthy Gentleman, for his ver∣tues, not for peruersenesse: And lastly, That for these quali∣ties, and not for want of Issue, Micipsa had adopted him into the Kingdome. So that, by how much the more he had shewed himselfe a good man in ciuill behauiour, and a valiant Cap∣taine

Captaine in seruice, by so much the lesse could his great spirit brooke to pocket vp a wrong. Inferring, that Adherbal had laide waight traiterously to murder him; vpon discouery whereof,c 1.3 hee had but taken the course of preuention: which if the Roman people gain said, they neither vsed him according to his calling, nor affoorded him Iustice; to for∣bid him to apply those remedies which the Law d 1.4 of Na∣tions and nature prouided. Finally, he protesteth, that in good time he wold send his Agents to Rome, to giue am∣ple satisfaction to all parties: and so taketh his leaue. Li∣cense of reply Adherbal could not obtaine••

3 Now, Iugurth coniecturing about what time the Ambassadors might take shipping to depart, returneth againe to Cirtha, and for that the Scituation thereof was impregnable by nature to be forced, he inuesteth it round with a trench and a ditch, he errecteth Towers, & man∣neth them: Night and day he proffereth assaults, & wor∣keth Stratagems: Sometime he loadeth the defendantes with Mountaines of faire words, and other times he ad∣iureth all terrible punishments: his owne people he pray∣eth to be resolute, and for his owne part, is negligent in nothing that might put life to the enterprize.

Adherbal now perceiuing vpon what desperate terms his safety consisted, that the enemy pressed harde vppon him, no hope of raising the siedge; as also, that for want of meat and munition the war could not bee prolonged, of those, that fled with him in company into Cirtha, hee maketh choise of two lusty and trusty companions, indu∣cing thence by great promises and his miserable estate, by night to faine flight into the enemies trenches, from them to passe to the sea-side, and so to take passage for Rome. Within a fewe dayes these Numidians execute their maisters command: Adherbals Letters are deliue∣red in the Senate, the Tenour whereof, was as follow∣eth.

It is not my default (Honourable Lords) that I thus often trouble your Honors with petitions, the violence of Iugurth is the motiue: Him, so incompatible a thirst of my bloud pos∣sesseth, that neither your prescripts, nor the remembrance of

heauen, can turne his mind vnto consideration of duty. My life aboue all earthly things he aymeth at:* 2.1 Fiue moneths are now past, sithence I (your friend and confederate) haue indured his siedge: the fauours of my father Micipsa are forgotten; your Iniunctions, no defence: I cannot resolue you, whether warre or hunger do most torment me.* 2.2 My hard fortunes doe diswade me to write more concerning this Iugurth: I haue already made triall, that miserable men find small credence: Only this I dare assure you, that he affecteth somewhat else, besides my life: you know he cannot bereaue me of my kingdome, & neth lesse stand in your good grace,q 2.3 which he would make choise of to lose, who doubteth? He hath already slaine my brother Hi∣empsal, and dispoiled me of my fathers kingdome: These are my priuate iniuries, they concerne not you. But now he vsur∣peth vpon the whole; the Man, who you haue made Lord Go∣uernour of Numidia, he besiedgeth, and how he hath scorned the behests of your Ambassadors, my perils plead publication. What one remedy is left, but your assistance; yet such, as were of power to raise him from this siedge? Surely I could wish, that these my present lines, as also my former complaints in Senat, were causlesse, so that my misery might win you to credit. But sithence the destinies haue reserued me to this houre, wherein I am made a laughing stock and matter of triumph, to the dis∣loialty of Iugurth, I do not now thinke vpon death, nor the di∣uersion of miseries, but onely pray that I might share in his pu∣nishments, so I were sure to participate of his fortunes. As for the kingdome of Numidia (which I confesse is yours) prouide for it, as you thinke best; let me intreat you thus much, for the maiesty of your Empire, and our plighted faiths in friendship, onely to deliuer my body from the tyranny of this impious con∣spirator: And this, as you tender the remembrance of my Grand-father Massinissa.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Nihil decenter in hac ••e gevi••ur: co∣po••si••r ex••••ci••u••, nō legat••, ne ••lli ••e∣bebant ad in••u••iā vindicandam.
• b 1.2

  Digrum se••atu, quē ••••cis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 esse d••cuit et dig••ii ••••li••, qui inter se tam propinqui es∣sent.
• c 1.3

  Magna ingenia agrè serūt iniurias
• d 1.4

  s. vim vi repelle.
• * 2.1

  Cuius vlt. •• ••••nt ••, sed ••a no g••a••••ur.
• * 2.2

  Pa••um creditur m••s••••is.
• q 2.3

  d. grauius ferret remit t••re regnum meum, quam ann∣citiam vestram.