The annales of Cornelius Tacitus. The description of Germanie

THE THIR TEENTH BOOKE OF THE ANNALES OF CORNELIVS TACITVS. (Book 13)

I. Silanus is put to death, and Narcissus. Neroes good beginning.

THe first whose death was contriued in this new gouernment, was Iunius Silanus Proconsull of Asia, and that without the priuitie of Nero, by Agrippinaes treachery and malice; not be∣cause he had by any seditious demeanor procured his owne ruine: for he was so heauie and dull spirited, and the other Em∣perours did so smally regard him, that C. Caesar was wont to call him a golden sheepe. But Agrippina hauing wrought the ruine of his brother L. Silanus, feared reuenge; being a common speech among the people that this man deserued to be preferred to the Empire before Nero, yet scarse out of his childhood, and hauing gotten it by wicked meanes: for he was a man of a setled age, sincere and iust in his dealing, noble of birth, and which at that time was greatly esteemed, descended of the Caesars, being in the fourth degree to Augustus. This was the cause of his death, the ministers being P. Celer, a gentleman of Rome, & Aelius a freed man, both hauing charge of the Princes peculiar reuenues in Asia. By them the poison was giuen the Proconsull in his meate, and that so openly, that it could not be denied. With no lesse speede Claudius freed man, Narcissus (of whose iarring with Agrippina I haue alreadie spoken) was brought to his end, by hard imprisonment, and extreame necessitie, against the Princes will; whose vicious hu∣mors yet vnknowne, he did exceedingly well fit in couetousnes and prodigalitie; and had gone forward in murders, if Afranius Burrhus, and Annaeus Seneca had not stayed them. These two were the yong Emperors guides and gouernors; and in e∣quall authoritie, well agreeing, bare equall stroke in diuers faculties. Burrhus in mili∣tarie discipline and grauitie of manners; Seneca in precepts of eloquence, and cour∣teous carriage; helping one the other in their charge, the easier to bridle the youths slipperie age with honest and lawfull pleasures, if he contemned vertue. Their care was both alike in keeping vnder Agrippinaes fierce humor, who boyling with all desires of wicked rule and dominion, had Pallas for her counseller; by whose aduise Claudius through his incestuous marriage, & pernicious adoption, wrought his own ruine. But Neroes disposition was not to be ruled by a slaue; and Pallas with an o∣dious arrogancie exceeding the moderation of a freed man, bred his owne dislike. Neuerthelesse, all honors were openly heaped vpon Agrippina, and the Tribune according to the order of seruice asking the watch-word, had this giuen him by Nero, Of the verie goodmother. The Senate decreed she should haue two sergeants, & Claudius a colledge of Priests called Claudians: & withall, that he should haue the funerals of a Cēsor, & be after deified & put amōg the gods. The day of his funerals, Nero made the oration in his praise, & as long as he spake of the antiquitie of his stock, of the Consulships, & triumphs of his ancestors, he & the rest were attentiue: and likewise whilest he spake of the loue he bare to liberall sciences, and that during the time of his gouernment the common wealth was not molested by forren pow∣ers, all men gaue good eare: but after he descended to his prouidence and wise∣dome,

no man could forbeare laughing; although the oration composed by Seneca shewed the exquisite skill of that mans pleasant vaine, fitted and applied to the eares of that time. The old men (which were at leasure to compare things past with the present) noted that Nero was the first Emperour that needed another mans elo∣quence. For Caesar the Dictator, was equall with the famous orators: and Augustus had a readie fluent and eloquent speech, such as well becommed a Prince. Tiberius had great skill in waighing his words, vttered much in few words, but was obscure of set purpose. Yea, C. Caesars troubled minde hindered not his eloquence: neither wanted Claudius elegancie when he had premeditated. Nero in the beginning of his childish yeeres bent his liuely spirit to other matters, as to ingraue, to paint, to sing, to mannage horses, and sometimes in composing a verse he shewed some smattering of learning. When the funerals were ended, he entered the Curia, and hauing first spoken of the authoritie of the Lords of the Senate, loue and concord of the souldiers, he reckoned vp certaine deseignments and precidents he intended to follow in the gouerning of the Empire, adding: that not hauing beene nusled vp in ciuill warres, nor domesticall discords, he would bring with him neither hatred, nor grudge, nor desire of reuenge. Then he layd downe a platforme of his future regiment, especially auoiding those things, the hate whereof did yet freshly boile in mens hearts; that he would not be the iudge of all matters, least the accusers and defendants being as it were shut vp in one house, the power of a few might haue full sway to worke their will: there should nothing be set at sale in his court, or ex∣posed to ambition; his house should be deuided from the common wealth; the Senate should retaine his old preheminence; Italie and publicke prouinces should make their appearance before the Consuls tribunall, and they giue audience like Lords of the Senate, and he himselfe would looke to the armie committed to his charge. Neither did he faile in his promise. For many things were ordained by the arbitrement of the Senate: As that no man should be bought for reward or gift to pleade a cause. That the Questor elected should not be constrained to set forth the shew of Fencers, which was a matter the Senators obtained contrary to Agrippi∣naes will, vnder colour that Claudius acts were thereby infringed. And thereupon she caused the Senate to be called to the Pallace, to the end that she might stand in a secret place, separated from the Lords by some vaile, which might not hinder the hearing of them, and yet not be seene. Yea, when the Embassadors of Armenia came to pleade the cause of their nation before Nero, she was readie to pearch vp to the chaire of audience, and by his side to giue answere with him, if (the rest sur∣prised with a great feare) Seneca had not aduised him to meete his mother, as she came; and so vnder colour of doing his dutie, preuented the discredit.

II. Neroes preparatiues to defend Armenia.

IN the end of the yeere, it was a common rumor that the Parthians had burst out againe, and wasted Armenia, driuen out Rhadamistus, who hauing beene first King, and after a fugitiue, had then giuen vp this warre. Whereupon in the citie greedie of talke, they began to enquire, how the Prince which was yet scarse past seuenteene yeeres of age, could either vndertake or acquit himselfe of so great a burden: what helpe could be expected at his hands, who was led by a woman: whether battels and warres also, and besieging of townes, and other duties of seruice, could be accomplished by his maisters? Contrarywise others said it had fallen out better, then if Claudius a weake and cowardly old man, should haue beene

called to the labors of warre, readie to obey the commandements of his slaues. Yet Burrhus and Seneca had beene proued by experience of many matters: and what wanted to the Emperors full strength? seeing that Cn. Pompeius at eighteene yeeres of age, and Caesar Octauianus at nineteene, sustained ciuil warres. Most things in high fortune are atchieued rather by good luck, conduct and counsell, then weapons and hands. That he should giue an euident proofe, whether he vsed honest friends or not, if he would rather make choise of a notable and valiant captaine, enuie layd aside, then a rich, graced and fauored by ambitious sute. Whilest the people thus discoursed, Nero commaunded a muster to be made of the youth in the prouinces bordering vpon the Parthians, to supplie the legions of the East; and the legions themselues to be planted neere vnto Armenia: and withall, wrote to the two old Kings, Agrippa, and Iocchus, to prepare their forces, and enter the bounds of Parthia, and make bridges ouer the riuer Euphrates: and gaue charge of lesser Armenia to Aristobulus, and the Sophenian nation to Sohemus, honoring them both with royall marks and ornaments. And in very good time, it fell out that Vardanes sonne began to rebell and beard Vologeses, which caused the Par∣thians to depart Armenia, as though they woulde deferre the warre. But all things were made more then they were to the Senate, amplified by those who gaue aduise that Processions should be made in honor of the Prince: and that that day he should weare a triumphall garment, and enter into the citie ouant: and that his image of the same greatnes that Mars the reuengers was, should be placed in the same temple; being besides their ordinarie flatterie, ioyfull and glad, that he had made Domitius Corbulo gouernor of Armenia: perswading themselues, that the way was now made open to vertue. The forces of the East were so deuided, that part of the aid-souldiers with two legions should remaine in the prouince of Syria, with the Lieutenant Quadratus Vinidius; and that the like number of citizens and allies should be vnder Corbuloes charge, with other cohorts and cor∣nets of horsemen, which wintered in Cappadocia. The Kings which were confe∣derate with the Romans, were warned to be in a readines as occasion of warre should require. But their affections were bent more vpon Corbulo, who to purchase fame (which in new enterprises is of great importāce) making a way with all speede at Agas, a citie of Cilicia, met Quadratus; who was come so farre, least if Corbulo should haue entered into Syria to receiue the forces, all mens eyes would haue been cast vpon him, being of a comely and tall stature, magnificall in words; and besides his experience and wisedome, in shew of vaine hope and promises, woon the people to what he lusted. In fine, both of them by messengers admonished King Vologeses to desire rather peace then warre; and giuing hostages, continue the like reuerence to the people of Rome as his predecessors had done. And Vologeses to make prepa∣rations of warre with more aduantage, and such as might match the Romans, or to remoue those he suspected as concurrents vnder the name of hostages; deliuereth the noblest of the Arsacides familie, whom Hostorius the Centurion sent before by Vinidius for other occasions receiued. Corbulo vnderstanding this, commaundeth Arrius Varus, captaine of a companie of footemen, to goe and receiue them: from whence grew a quarrell betweene the Captaine and Centurion (which because they would no longer be a iesting stock to the strangers) they referred to the ar∣bitrement of the pledges themselues, and Lieutenants which conducted them: who preferred Corbulo before the other, partlie through the fresh renowne which was yet in euery mans mouth; and partly through a certaine inclination which the enemies themselues bare him. Hereupon grew a iarre betweene the captaines,

Vinidius complaining, that, that was taken from him which was compassed by his aduise: Corbulo protesting on the contrarie part, that the king was neuer drawen to offer pledges, vntill that he being chosen captain of the warre, had turned his hopes into feare. Nero to set them at one, caused it to be published: that Quadratus & Cor∣bulo, for their prosperous successes, shoulde haue baies added to the bundle of rods, which was carried before great captaines of warre. I haue ioined these things togi∣ther, although they were done vnder other Consuls. The same yeere Caesar demaun∣ded of the Senate that there might be an image dedicated to his father, and the Consularie ornaments giuen Asconius Labeo, who had beene his tutor; and for∣bad that any image of massiue gold or siluer, should be offered in honor of himselfe. And although the LL. of the Senate had decreed, that the yeer should begin on that day of December that Nero was borne: yet he retained the olde ceremonie of be∣ginning the yeere the Kalends of Ianuarie. Neither were Carinas Celer a Senator, accused by a slaue, or Iultus Densus gentlemen, called into question, although it was laide to their charge, that they fauoured Britannicus.

III. Nero beginneth to hate his mother: and falleth in loue vvith Acte.

CLaudius Nero and L. Antistius being Consuls, when the magistrates tooke an oath of obseruing the ordinances of the princes; he would not suffer Anti∣stius his fellow officer to sweare to the obseruation of his: which the LL. of the Senate did highly commende in him; to the ende, that the youthly minde of the prince being sturred vp with the glorie of small things, shoulde continue in mat∣ters of greater moment. After this followed his lenitie towards Plautius Lateranus, who being remooued from the order of Senators, for adulterie committed with Messallina, was restored by him to his roome; binding himselfe to continue this cle∣mencie, with many orations: which Seneca, to testifie in what honest precepts he in∣structed him, or for a bragge of his owne wit, published by the voice of the prince. But Agrippinaes credit and authoritie by little and little began to waine: and Ne∣ro cast a liking to a freed woman called Acte: two comely youthes, Otho descen∣ded from a Consularie house; and Claudius Senecio, son of one of Caesars freed men, being partakers of his counsels: his mother being at the first a stranger to the mat∣ter, and in vaine at last striuing to the contrarie. So far she had possessed him by dis∣solute behauiour, and riot & secret conuersation, that his greatest friends & seue∣rest, seemed not to know it: considering that this woman satisfied his lusts, without the offence of any. For Octauia his wife, a womā of noble birth, & of approued good life, either by some secret destinie, or bicause things vnlawfull are most greedily de∣sired, he vtterly disliked. And some feared also that if he were brideled of that loue; he would lust after the defiling of noble women. But Agrippina fretted and fumed that a freed woman should beard her, & a bond woman become her daughter in law; with other such like womanish complaints; not hauing patience to see whether her sonne woulde either repent or be filled: and the more opprobriouslie she vpbraided him, the more she inflamed him; till at last ouercome with the rage of loue, he shaked off all dutie & reuerence towards his mother, and committed himselfe wholy to Se∣neca. Amongst his familiars was Annaeus Serenus, who faining loue to the same freed woman, couered & cloked with his owne name, the first heats of this yoong prince: and such things as the prince had bestowed on hir by stealth, he openly aduouched to be his gifts. Then Agrippina changing her stile seeketh to win the yoong man by

faire alluring speeches, offereth rather hir own chamber and bosome to hide those things which his youth & high fortune desired. Yea she cōfessed her vntimely seue∣rity; & offered him the vse of al her wealth, which was little inferior to the Emperors: as before too seuere in correcting her sonne; so now vnreasonably humbled and cast downe in courage. The which change did neither deceiue Nero, and gaue his neerest friends cause of feare; and prayed him to beware of the trecherie of this woman, alwaies fell and cruell; and then false and dissembling. Nero hauing by chaunce seene the wardrop where the apparell laye, which Princes wiues and pa∣rents were wont to shine in, made choise of a garment and iewels, and sent them his mother most bountifully: seeing he sent of his own the chiefest, and which by others were most of all desired. But Agrippina exclaimeth that these ornaments were not so much giuen her to adorne and trim her selfe, as to exclude her from the rest; and that her sonne would diuide those things with her, which came wholly from her. Neither wanted there some to carrie these speeches, and make them woorse then they were. Whereupon all such growing odious vnto Nero, vpon whom this wo∣mans pride chiefly relied, displaceth Pallas from the charge which Claudius had gi∣uen him; in which he carried himselfe as if he had beene chiefe Lord and master of all. It is reported that when Pallas departed with a great retinue following him, Nero verie aptly said that Pallas went to resigne his office. True it is, that Pallas had couenanted with the Prince not to be called in question for any act past; and that he had made euen with all accounts of the common-wealth. Agrippina, after this, more mad and wilfull then euer, gaue out threatning and thundering speeches: yea not forbearing the Princes eares, but criyng, that Britannicus was now growen to mans estate: a true and woorthie plant to receiue his fathers Empire, which a graffed sun by adoption now possessed by the iniury and trumperie of his mother. There should be no let in her, but that al the villanous practises of that infortunate house should be layde open: and first of all her owne marriage, and her impoisoning of Claudius. That only thing was prouided by the gods to her good, that her sonne in law was a∣liue. She would goe with him to the campe, where on one side Germanicus daugh∣ter should be heard: on the other side that base companion Burrhus, and Seneca the banished; the one his hand cut off; and the other with his professors eloquence quarelling and debating of the rule and gouernment of the whole world. In vtte∣ring of this she bent her fist towards him; heaped one iniurie vpon another; called Claudius, and the infernall ghosts of the Silaniens; and so many fruitlesse wicked at∣tempts, which she had beene author of. Nero troubled with these speeches, and the day now at hand, on which Britannicus had accomplished the full age of foureteen yeeres; began to ponder with himselfe, sometimes the violence of his mother; som∣times the towardlines of Britannicus knowen of late by good proofe; & which hath won him great fauour and good will. On a festiuall day dedicated to Saturne, a∣mongst other pastimes of his equals, drawing lots who should be King; the lot fell to Nero: who commanding diuers things vnto others, which could not turne to their shame; commaunded Britannicus to rise vp and stand in the middle and begin a song, hoping the childe should be laughed to skorn, as one ignorant how to carrie himselfe in sober companie; much lesse in drunken. But he verie constantly began a verse, which signified that Nero had thrust him from his fathers seate, & gouerment of the Empire: which mooued them all to open compassion; because the night and lasciuious wantonnes had taken away all dissimulation.

IIII. Britannicus empoisoned. Agrippina chased from the Emperours house.

NEro feeling himselfe toucht, augmented his hatred; and incensed with Agrip∣pinaes threats, because he could lay no iust cause against him, nor openly durst not commaund the murdering of his brother, practiseth secret meanes, and commaundeth poison to be prepared; Pollio Iulius tribune of the Pretorian co∣hort being his minister in the action. Vnder whose charge Locusta, a woman infa∣mous for lewd practises, and before condemned for empoysoning, was kept priso∣ner. For it was long before prouided that such as were neerest about Britannicus should haue no regard either of honestie or faith. He tooke the first poison of his bringers vp; which not being strong enough, he voided by siege; or els because it was tempered, least it should worke immediatly. But Nero impatient of lingring & long working wickednes, threatned the Tribune, cōmanded the poisoneresse to be put to death, bicause that whilest they respect the rumor, and forge excuses for their owne safty, they droue off his security. They then promising as spedy a death, as if he shold be slaine with a sword, neere vnto Caesars chamber a poison was sod strong and vio∣lent, by proofe of poisoning. The custome was for Princes children to sit with other noble mens, of the same age, in presence of their neere kindred, with a spare diet at a table by themselues: Britannicus there taking his repast, because one of the ser∣uitours did taste his meates and drinkes, least the custome should be omitted, or the villanie disclosed by both their deaths, this pollicie was deuised: A drinke yet not hurtfull, but very hote, and tasted of, was presented to Britannicus; then that being refused by reason of the heate, the poison was powred into cold water, which so spread throughout all the parts of his bodie, that his speech and spirits were at once taken from him. Those which sate about him were in a maze; the other which knew nothing ran away: but they which were of deeper iudgement stirred not, but looked Nero in the face; he leaning on the table like one that knew nothing of the practise, sayd: he was often wont to fall into such fits, through the falling sicknes, which Bri∣tannicus had been greeuously afflicted with from his infancie; and that his sight and speech by little and little would come to him againe. But Agrippina was possessed with such a great feare, & an astonishment of senses, although she indeuored to hide it in countenance, that she was easily iudged to be as ignorant of the fact, as Britan∣nicus sister Octauia: for she saw that she was bereaued of her greatest stay, & percei∣ued well that it was a beginning of parricide. Octauia also although of yong yeeres, yet had learned to hide her griefe, her loue and all affections; and so after a little silence, the mirth of the banquet began againe. Britannicus bodie was burnt the same night he died, all funerall preparation hauing beene prouided before hand, which was but small: neuertheles he was buried in Campus Martius, in such stormes & showres, that the people beleeued they portended the wrath of the gods against so heinous a fact: which yet many excused in Nero, calling to minde the auncient discord of brothers in termes of soueraigntie, and how Kings admit no companions. Many writers of that time do deliuer, that Nero many dayes before had abused Bri∣tanicus bodie; and therefore that now his death could not seeme either vntimely or cruell, although it happened in the sacred libertie of his table, his sister not ha∣uing so much as time to imbrace him, hastned before his enemies face against the last of Claudius bloud, and his bodie defiled before he was poisoned. Caesar excused the hastines of the obsequies by an edict, saying, that the custome of auncient times

was to celebrate in secret manner, and not openly dolefull and bitter funerals, with∣out either solemnities or praises. As for himselfe hauing lost the ayde and comfort of his brother, the rest of his hopes were anchored wholy in the common wealth: and that the Lords of the Senat & people should so much the more fauour & main∣taine that Prince, which was only left of the familie borne to rule and absolute do∣minion. Then he enriched with gifts the chiefest of his friends. Neither wanted there some which blamed men pretending grauitie, that they deuided houses and possessions, as though they had beene booties. Some thought the Prince forced them thereto, as guiltie of his fact, and hoping for pardon if he could bind vnto him the mightiest and strongest in power. But his mothers wrath could by no munifi∣cence be appeased, but she embraced Octauia, and had often secret conference with her friends: and besides her naturall couetousnes, scraping money together of all hands as it were for some purpose on a pinch, she entertained the Centurions and Tribunes with all courtesie: she honored the names and vertues of the nobilitie which then were in towne, as though she had sought for a head to make a faction. Nero perceiuing that, commaundeth the gard of souldiers which heretofore was appointed to gard the Emperors wife, and now her, as his mother, to be taken from her; and certaine Germans which she had, besides the former appointed to gard her, to depart and be gone. And least she should be frequented with multitudes of saluters, he deuideth his house, & sendeth his mother to that which was Antoniaes; and as oft as himselfe came thither, garded with a companie of Centurions, after a short salutation, departed againe.

V. Agrippina accused for conspiring against Nero. Silana punished. Pallas, and Burrhus accused.

THere is no mortall thing more mutable and flitting, then the fame of great∣nes, not sustained by his owne force and strength. Agrippinaes house was now vtterly forsaken; no man went to comfort her; no man to visite her, sa∣uing a few women: and vncertaine of them, whether for loue or hatred. Among which Iunia Silana was one, who as I haue alreadie declared, at Messallinaes instiga∣tions was separated from hir husband C. Silius; a woman of great parentage, of allu∣ring and wanton beautie, and a long time welbeloued of Agrippina. Yet afterwards there was a priuie grudge betweene them two, bicause Agrippina had dehorted Sext. Africanus a noble yoong gentleman from marriyng of Silana: saying, shee was vnchast and growne into yeeres; not because she meant to reserue him for hir selfe; but fearing least he should enioy Silanaes goods if she died without issue. Sila∣na hauing a hope of reuenge offered, sollicited Iturius and Caluisius, followers of her owne, to accuse Agrippina: yet not for any old and stale matter, as that she be∣wailed the death of Britannicus, or published the iniuries done to Octauia; but that she intended to stir vp Rubellius Plautus (by the mothers side, as neere to Augustus, as Nero was) to new enterprises against the state, & by marriyng, of him & Empire got∣ten by her meanes, afflict & inuade the common-wealth afresh. These things Iturius and Caluisius discouered to Atimetus a freed man of Domitia, aunt vnto Nero. Who glad of the occasion offered (for betweene Domitia and Agrippina there was deadly hatred) vrged the stage player Paris a freed man likewise of Domitia, to goe withall speed to Nero, and enforme most bitterly against her. The night was well spent, and Nero well tippled, when Paris entereth as one accustomed at other times to entertaine the Prince with sports and iestes: but then his countenance setled to

sadnes, and declaring the whole order of Atimetus tale, did so terrifie and daunt the Prince, that he determined to kill not onely his mother, and Plautus; but discharge Burrhus of his office, as aduaunced by Agrippinaes fauour; and readie therefore to requite her with as good a turne. Fabius Rusticus reporteth, that letters were writ∣ten to Caenina Tuschus, to come and take charge of the guard; but that Burrhus credit was saued, and kept in his office by Senecaes meanes. Plinie and Cluuius seeme there was no doubt made of Burrhus loyaltie: and in verie deede Fabius inclineth much to the commendation of Seneca, as one of his preferment. But our meaning is to fol∣low the consent of authors; and if any affirme contrarie, we will deliuer it vnder their names. Nero trembling for feare, and exceeding desirous of the death of his mother, could not indure the delay, vntill Burrhus had promised to performe it, if she were conuicted of the crime. But euerie man might alleage what he could for his defence; much more a mother. Neither were there any accusers present, and no∣thing to ground on but one mans report out of an enimies house. He was to cōsider that it was night, and that spent in banqueting; and therefore all would seeme to smell of rashnes and folly. The Princes feare somewhat lightened by these speeches and the day come, one went to Agrippina to let her vnderstand of the accusation, & to purge her selfe, or looke to suffer. Burrhus was to do the message in presence of Seneca, with some freed men as witnes of the speeches. Then Burrhus hauing decla∣red the accusation, and the authors of it, vsed threatning termes: and Agrippina not forgetting her old fiercenes, returned him his answere: saying, I maruell not if Silana neuer hauing had childe, know not what the affections of mothers are: neither are children changed by their parents, as adulterers by shamelesse women. Neither if Iturius and Caluisius, hauing wasted their substance, bestow this their last labour in vndertaking this accusation: therefore am I to sustaine the infamie of parricide, or Caesar haue scruple of conscience, that I would commit it: as for Domitia I would thanke her for the hate she beareth me, if she would likewise in good will and loue towards my Nero, striue with me. Now by her concubine Atimetus, and Paris the stage player she doth as it were compose fables for the stage. She was busie about her fish pooles of Baia, when by my counsels, Neroes adoption; proconsularie autho∣ritie; election to be Consull; and other steps to mount to the Empire were procu∣red. Or else let some one be brought foorth to make it appeere, that I haue practised with the citie-cohorts; corrupted the loyaltie of the Prouinces; or sollicited bond-men, or freedmen to rebellion. I might haue liued if Britannicus had beene soue∣raigne: but if Plautus or some other should get the rule of the common-wealth, for∣sooth there should want accusers to laye to my charge, not wordes sometimes vn∣aduisedly escaped thorough feruencie of loue; but such crimes also from which I could not be acquited, but as a mother by hir son. The assistance moued with these speeches and endeuoring to appease her anger; she requireth to speake with her sonne: before whom she spake nothing in defence of her innocencie, as if she had distrusted; or of her benefits, as to vpbrayd him: but obteined reuenge of her accu∣sers; and rewards for hir friends. The charge and office of prouision of corne was giuen to Senius Rufus; the commission of plaies which Caesar was a preparing, to Aruntius Stella: Aegypt to C. Balbillus: Syria was appointed to P. Anteius, then abused with diuers deuises, and in the ende detained in the citie. But Silana was banished; Caluisius also and Iturius: Atimetus was executed: Paris being in grea∣ter credit (by reason of pleasures ministred to the Prince) then that he should be put to death. Plautus was sent away for the time with silence. Pallas after this and Burrhus were accused to haue practised to call Cornelius Sylla, for noblenes of birth

and affinitie with Claudius, whose sonne in lawe he was by marriage of Antonia, to the Empire. The author of that accusation was one Paetus, a man infamous, by causing debters to forfeit their goods: and then manifestly conuicted of vanitie and falshoode. Neither was Pallas innocencie so gratefull, as his pride insupportable: for when some of his freed men were saide to haue beene priuie to the practise; he made answer that in his house he appointed nothing to be done, but with a nod of his head or hand; or by writing, if he had much to say, least if he shoulde haue spo∣ken vnto them, he should seeme to haue made them his fellowes. Burrhus although accused, yet gaue sentence among the iudges. Paetus the accuser was banished, and the writings burnt, by which he went about to renewe the recordes of the treasurie alreadie cancelled. In the end of the same yeere, the gard of the soldiers which was woont to be at the plaies, was taken away, for a greater shew of libertie: and bi∣cause the souldier being absent from the disorder of the Theater, shoulde be lesse corrupt; and the people shewe by proofe, whether they would vse modestie if the guarde were away. The prince hallowed and purged the citie with sacrifices, by ad∣uise of the southsaiers, bicause Iupiters and Mineruaes temples were set on fire with lightning.

VI. Neroes disorders: the case of the franchised debated: an order for certaine magistrates.

Q. Volusius and P. Scipio being Consuls, there was peace abroad, & filthie la∣sciuiousnes at home: during which, Nero gadded vp & down the streetes, to infamous brothell houses, & by-corners, in slaues attire, to be vnknown; accompanied with such as snatched away wares from mens stales, wounded such as met them, and with such small regard whome, that Nero himselfe hath receiued and carried away blowes and marks on the face. And when it was knowne to be Caesar which played those pranks, the disorder grew greater against both men and women of accompt; and with like licentiousnes abusing Caesars name, many practi∣sed the same insolencies, gathered together in particular companies, and so spen∣ding the night as it had been in taking a towne, and captiuitie. One Iulius Montanus a Senator, who had not yet taken vpon him the dignitie, by chaunce coping with the Prince in the darke, and rudely thrusting him backe as he offered him violence; then knowing him, and crauing pardō, was inforced to die, as though therby he had reproched him of folly. Nero more wary and fearefull after that, went not without a rabble of souldiers and fencers; which medled not at the first, and whilest the prince made his party good: but after, if he were ouermatched, by such as he abused, they layd hands immediately on their weapons. He turned the disordered licence at plaies, and part-taking in fauor of stage players, almost to a mutinie, by giuing im∣punitie and rewards, himselfe priuily or for the most part openly looking on; vntill the people growing to sedition, and fearing greater stirres, no other remedie was found then to expell the stage-players out of Italie, and place a gard of souldiers a∣gaine on the theater. At the same time the deceit and vngratefull behauior of freed men was debated in Senat; and instant sute made that the patrons might haue authoritie to reuoke the freedome giuen to such as deserued it not: for many there were of that opinion. But the Consuls not daring to determine the matter; without the priuitie of the Prince; yet wrote the common consent vnto him: And that he should be the author of the decree, few being of a contrary opinion, and some grudging that the irreuerence of their late bondmen, by reason of libertie was

growen to that, that they cared not whether they carried themselues towards their patrons dutifully or not: nothing at all waying what they sayd vnto them: yea, bende their fists towards them; thrust and elbow such as would haue any lawe made to bridle them. For what other redresse was there graunted vnto patrons of∣fended, but to banish his freed man aboue twentie miles off, to the coast of Campa∣nia? all other actions were indifferent and equall to both. Some weapon therefore should be giuen the patron, which the freed man should not despise. Neither could it seeme hard if the manumised should with the same obedience keepe their liberty, by which they got it. And such as were openly conuicted of crimes, were woorthily brought againe to seruitude; that such might be brideled by feare, whom benefits could not change. Some spake to the contrarie, saying: That, that fault of a fewe should be preiudiciall but to themselues; and not derogate from the priuiledges, common to them all; bicause it was a bodie farre spred abroad. From them were ta∣ken many Tribes and Decuries, fit men for magistrates & priests, and citie cohorts: and many gentlemen and Senators could deriue no beginning but from thence. If the freed men should be seuered from the rest, the number of the free borne woulde appeere very small. Not without cause our auncestors when they diuided the citi∣zens into degrees and callings, left libertie in common. Yea they had institu∣ted two kindes of manumising their bondmen, bicause it might be in their choise to repent or yeelde newe fauour. Those whome the patron did not manumise Vindicta before the magistrate, remained still as it were in the bonds of seruitude. That eue∣rie man should looke into the merits of his slaue; and graunt that slowly, which be∣ing once giuen coulde not be taken away. This opinion caried it away. And Caesar wrote to the Senate that they should priuately examine the cause of the freed men, as oft as they were accused by their patrons: and derogate nothing from the whole bodie of them. Not long after, Paris the late bondman was taken from Domitia, Neroes aunte, vnder colour of ciuill lawe; not without a disgrace to the Prince: by whose commandement iudgement of free condition was giuen him. Neuerthe∣lesse there remained a certaine shew of a free common-wealth. For a contention be∣ing growen betweene Vibullius the Pretor, and Antistius tribune of the people, for releasing out of prison certaine vnruly fauourers of the Stage-plaiers, committed by the Pretor: the Lords of the Senate approoued the Pretors fact, and blamed Anti∣stius boldnesse. Withall the Tribunes were forbidden to vsurpe any thing belong∣ing to the Pretors or Consuls authoritie; or call such before them out of Italie, whose right was to be determined by law. L. Piso Consull elect added further, that they should not exercise their authoritie in punishing of any in their own houses: & that the Quaestors of the treasury should not enter into record before foure months were past, the mercements adiudged by them: and that in the mean time it might be lawfull to speake against them; and the Consuls determine the matter. The au∣thoritie of the Aediles is also restrained, and order set down how much the Curules, and the people might take to pawne, and how farre they might punish. Thereupon Heluidius Priscus, Tribune of the people, shewed his priuate grudge against Obultro∣nius Sabinus Quaestor of the treasury, as though he had too seuerely enforced the ex∣ecution of open sales of goods against the poore. Then the Prince transferred the records of publicke debts from the Quaestors to the Prouosts of the citie: albeit, the forme of that office hath beene diuersly vsed, and often chaunged. For Augu∣stus gaue the Senate licence to choose the Prouostes; then canuasing of voices be∣ing suspected, they were drawne by lot out of the number of the Pretors. Neither did that long continue, because the lot fell oft vpon the vnmeetest. Then Claudius

restored againe the Quaestors to the office, and bestowed extraordinarie promotion vpon them, least for feare of offence they should be slacke in their dutie. But bicause there wanted authoritie of age in manie which were in that office, as being the first they were possessed of; Nero chose such as had beene Prouostes, and tried by long experience. Vipsanius Lenas was condemned vnder the same Consuls, for behauing himselfe too rauenously in the Prouince of Sardinia. Cestius Proculus was acquited of extorsion, his accusers letting fall the sute. Clodius Quirinalis, Captaine of the galli-slaues at Rauenna, accused for molesting Italie with riot and crueltie, as the least of all nations, preuented his condemnation by poisoning himselfe. Aminius Rebius a principall man for the skill of the lawes and of great wealth, escaped the griefes of sickely olde age by letting himselfe blood in the vaines, although he was thought to be too cowardly to kill himself; by reason he was giuen too effeminately to lustes. But L. Volusius died with great fame, hauing liued ninetie three yeeres, verie rich by good meanes, and neuer once hurt by any of those vniust Emperors, vnder whom he liued.

VII. What Annales ought to intreate of: plaies forbidden.

NEro being the second time Consull, and L. Piso, few things happened worthy of memorie; vnlesse some would thinke it well done to fill vp volumes in praising the foundations and timber imployed by Caesar in the huge buil∣ding of the Amphitheater in Campus Martius, seeing it is meet for the dignitie and honor of the people of Rome to commit famous actes to their annales, and such as those to the diurnall of the citie. Capua and Nuceria both colonies, were reenfor∣ced with a supplie of old souldiers. There was bestowed a gift of * 1.1 fortie sesterces by powle to the people, and * 1.2 foure hundred thousand sesterces to the publike trea∣surie to maintain the people faithful vnto him. The tribute of the fift, & of the twen∣tieth for the sale of slaues was released in shew rather then in deed: for when the sel∣ler was commaunded to pay it, he enhansed the price still to the buiers losse. Caesar commaunded by an edict, that no magistrate, procurator of any prouince, should set foorth a shew of fencers, or wilde beasts, or any other pastime. For heretofore the subiects were no lesse endomaged by such-liberalities, then by taking their money from them, whilest they cloaked with fauor gotten by such spectacles, their faults committed by robbing the people. A decree of Senate was made as well for reuenge as securitie, that if any man had been slaine by his bondmen, those also who being manumised by testament, & continued in the same house, should be punished as the other bondmen. L. Varius somtimes Consull was restored to his dignitie, re∣moued before for couetous dealing and extortion. And Pomponia Graecina a noble woman, and wife to Plautius, who returned with a small triumph out of Britannia, and accused of strange superstition, was remitted to the iudgement of her husband; and he according to the auncient custome, in the presence of her neerest kindred, heard her cause of life and death, and pronounced her innocent. This Pomponia liued long, and in continuall sorrow: for after that Iulia, Drusus daughter was murdered by Messallinaes trecherie, she was not seene for forty yeers but in mourning apparel, and very sad & doleful. Which she might lawfully do whilest Claudius raigned, & af∣terward turned to her glory. Many citizens were accused that yeere, of which num∣ber P Celer being one, at the information of the inhabitants of Asia, because Caesar could not acquit him, he prolonged his cause till he died of age. For Celer (as I haue alreadie sayd) hauing besturred himselfe in the murdering of Silanus the Proconsull,

cloaked all other villanies vnder the greatnes of that lewd action. The Cilicians ac∣cused Cossutianus Capito, criminally noted and discredited with many vices, thinking he had had the same priuilege of vsing insolent behauiour in the prouince, as he had done in the citie. But turmoiled and molested with an ouerthwart accusation, in the end letting fall his defence, was condemned of extorsion. Great suings preuailed so much for Eprius Marcellus, of whom the Lycians demaunded restitution, that some of the accusers were banished, as though they had indangered an innocent man.

VIII. A liberalitie of Nero towards certaine decaied gentlemen. The warre of Armenia renewed. Tiridates de∣parteth the countrey.

WHen Nero was the third time Consull, Valerius Messalla entered the same office, whose great grandfather Coruinus an orator, some old men re∣member to haue beene companion in office with Augustus of famous memorie, Neroes great grandfathers father. But the honor of this noble familie was bettered by giuing Messalla by yeare * 1.3 fiue hundred thousand sesterces to relieue his harmelesse pouertie. To Aurelius Cotta likewise, and Haterius Antoninus, the Prince graunted that an annuall sum of money should be giuen, although they had wasted riotously the wealth their ancestors had left them. In the beginning of that yeere, the warre which was drawne at length with soft and milde beginnings vntill then, betweene the Parthians and the Romans for obtaining of Armenia, was nowe hotly pursued: because Vologeses would neither suffer his brother Tiridates to be depriued of the kingdome in which he had inuested him, nor that he should enioy it as a gift from another Lord; and Corbulo thought it woorthie of the greatnes of the people of Rome to recouer that which by Lucullus and Pompey had beene once got∣ten. The Armenians being doubtfull, and faithfull to neither side, inuited both: yet by the site of their countrey and conformitie of conditions, being more neere vn∣to the Parthians, and intermingled with them by mariages, and not knowing what libertie was, inclined rather to that seruitude. But Corbulo had more adoe with the slothfulnes of the souldiers, then perfidiousnes of the enimies: for the legions remo∣ued from Syria, by a long peace grown lazie and idle, could hardly endure the labor and paines of the Roman discipline. Certaine it was there were old souldiers in that campe, which had neuer kept watch nor ward; a rampire or trench they gazed at, as at a new and strange deuise: without head-peeces; without curasses; neate and fine; hunting after gaine; hauing spent all their seruice in townes. Whereupon the olde and feeble being dismissed, he desired a supplie, which was had out of Galatia and Cappadocia. And to them was added a legion out of Germanie with wings of horsemen, and all the armie kept in campe; although the winter were so hard, and the earth so couered with yce that they could not pitch their tents, vnlesse they had first digged the ground. Manie of their limmes grew starcke with extre∣mitie of cold; and many died in keeping the watch. And there was a souldier noted carriyng a faggot, whose hands were so stiffe frozen, that sticking to his burden, they fell from him as though they had beene cut from his armes. Corbulo slightly ap∣parailed, bare headed, was with them when they marched; when they laboured, praised the stout; comforted the feeble; and gaue example vnto them all. Then bi∣cause many refusing to endure the hardnes of the season, & such rigor of discipline, forsooke him; he sought a redresse by seueritie: for he did not pardon the first and second fault as in other armies, but he suffered death presently who forsooke his en∣signe:

which by experience proued more profitable, then clemencie. For fewer forsooke that campe, then where there was much mercie shewen. In the meane sea∣son Corbulo hauing kept the legions in campe vntill the spring, and disposed the ayd∣cohorts in conuenient places, charged them not to giue the onset. The charge of the garrisons he committed to Pactius Ophitus, once Captaine of the first ensigne: who although he wrote to Corbulo that the Barbarians were carelesse and disorde∣red, and a fit occasion offered of atchieuing some exploite; yet he was commaunded to keepe within his garrison, and expect greater power. But breaking his comman∣dement when he saw a few troupes of horsemen issue out of a castle hard by, and vn∣skilfully demaund battell; he encountered the enimie, and went away with the losse. And those which should haue seconded them, terrified with that discomfiture, fled as fast as they could euerie man to his hold; which to Corbulo was an exceeding griefe. Who rebuking Pactius and the Captaines, and the souldiers, commaunded them all to pitch their tents out of the campe: and there kept them in that disgrace, vntil they were deliuered by the intercession & sute of the whole armie. But Tiridates besides his own followers, succoured by his brother Vologeses; not now by stelth, but with open warre molesteth Armenia, spoiling all such he thought faithfull to vs: and if any forces were brought against him, he deluded them, by flying hither and thither, terrifiyng more by fame then fight. Corbulo therefore seeking occasion to ioyne battell, but in vaine; and constrained to make war now in one place, now in another, as the enimy did; seuered his forces, to the end that the Lieutenants & Cap∣taines might inuade diuers places at once. Withall, he aduertised King Antiochus to set on the gouernment next adioyning to him. For Pharasmanes, his sonne Rhadamistus being slaine, as a traitor towardes him, to testifie his loyaltie to∣wards vs, shewed more willingly his inueterate hatred against the Armenians. Then the Isichians, a nation neuer before confederate with vs, being nowe brought to our side, inuaded the hardest passages of Armenia; whereby all Tiridates deseignments were crossed. He sent Embassadors to expostulate in his owne, and the Parthians name, Why hauing of late giuen hostages, and renewed amitie, which opened the way to new benefites, he should be driuen from the auncient possession of Armenia? therefore Vologeses was not yet moued to warre, because he had rather debate the matter by reason, then by force. But if they would persist in warre, the Arsacides should neither want courage nor fortune, often experimented to the losse of the Romans. Hereupon Corbulo knowing well that Velogeses was troubled with the Hircanians rebellion, perswadeth Tiridates to deale with Caesar by intrea∣tie; that he might obtaine a firme possession of a kingdome without bloudshed; if leauing of a long and slow hope, he would imbrace that which was present and more sure. Then they resolued, because by entercourse of messengers they profited nothing, for the full knitting vp of peace, to appoint time and place for a parlie. Tiridates sayd, that he would come with a thousand horse for his gard: how many of whatsoeuer sort of souldiers Corbulo should bring, he weighed it not; so as they came without curasses & helmets, as a better shew of peace. The barbarous treache∣rie was palpable to all men, much more to an old circumspect captaine: therfore a small number was limited on one part, and a greater permitted to the other, that the treason might be the better effected: for to oppose against practised horse∣men archers, vnarmed men, the multitude would auaile nothing. Yet Corbulo ma∣king as though he had not perceiued the treason, answered, that publick affaires would better be debated in the face of both the whole armies. And for the purpose chose a place whereof the one part had hils of an easie ascent fit for ranks of foote∣men;

the other stretched out into a plaine, conuenient to display troupes of horsemen. And the day agreed on, Corbulo appeared first in this order: He placed the cohorts of allies, and succours sent by Kings, in the wings: and in the middle, the sixt legion; among which he had intermingled three thousand of the third, sent for by night from other garrisons, with one ensigne, as if all were but one legion. Tiri∣dates the day being well spent, shewed himselfe aloofe, where he might better be seene then heard: so the Romaine captaine without parlie, commaunded his soul∣diers to depart euery man to his owne camp. The King either suspecting fraude, because our men went at once to diuers places, or to intercept our prouision of victuals, comming from the sea of Pontus, and the towne Trapezunt, maketh away with all speede. But he could not hinder the comming of the victuals, because it was brought through mountaines possessed by our owne garrisons; and Corbulo be∣cause the warre should draw to an end, and the Armenians constrained to defend their owne, goeth about to raze their Castels.

IX. Corbulo hauing taken the Castles, destroyeth Artaxata the chiefe towne of the countrey.

COrbulo chose to himselfe the strongest place of the countrey called Volan∣dum to assault; the lesser he committeth to Cornelius Flaccus Lieutenant, and Isteus Capito camp-maister. Then surueying his forces, and seeing all things in a readines for the assault, incourageth his souldiers to vnnestle the vaga∣bond enemie, neither readie for peace nor warre; acknowledging by his fleeing away his perfidiousnes and cowardise; and so win at once both glory and wealth. After this, hauing deuided his armie into foure parts, he lead some close and thicke ranked together, for a target fence to vndermine and beate downe the rampire: others to scale the walles: others to let flee fire and darts out of engins of warre: the sling-casters and stone-throwers had a place appointed them, from whence they might a farre off throw pellets of yron and stone, that the besieged might haue no refuge or comfort of one another, all places being full of like feare. The courage of the assailants was so great, that within the third part of the day the wals were naked of defendants; the gates broken downe; the fortresse scaled; and all of lawfull yeeres put to the sword; no one souldier lost on our side, and verie few hurt: the weake and vnable people were sold in a portsale and made slaues; the rest of the bootie fell to the Conquerours share. The Lieutenant and camp-master had the like fortune; three castles taken in one day; the rest for feare and by consent of the inhabitants yeelded: which encouraged the Romans to set on Artaxata the chiefe towne of the countrey. Yet the legions were not brought the next way, bi∣cause that passing the riuer Araxis which washeth the wals, by the bridge they should haue come vnder the danger of blowes; but went ouer a farre off at broade foordes. But Tiridates assailed with seare and shame, least if he should suffer the besieging, he might seeme not to be able to succour it; if hinder it encomber himselfe and his horsemen in dangerous and difficult places, resouled in the end to shew his armie in battell aray, and a day appointed, giue the onset; or making as though he would flee, dresse an ambush. Whereupon on a sudden he enuironeth the Ro∣mans; our Captaine not ignorant thereof, who had marshalled his armie in such aray, that it might both march on, and fight. On the right side the third legion; on the left the sixt marched; in the middle a companie chosen out of the tenth; the carriages betweene the rankes, and a thousand horsemen in the rereward, with

commaundement that they should resist and make head against the enimie if they passed in; but if they sled, not to follow. In the wings went the footemen archers with the residue of the horsemen; the left wing stretched somewhat longer to the bottome of the hils; that if the enimie should enter on them, he should haue beene receiued both in the front and middle. Tiridates on the contrarie side, came about the Romans freely; yet not within a darts cast; now threatning; now making as though he were afraide; and so retiring, to see whether we would open or breake our rankes to follow, and so entrap vs being scattered. But not seeing any thing dis∣ordered, nor any ranke broken by rashnes; and onely one vnder Captaine of horse∣men ventring boldlier then the rest to haue beene slaine with an arrow, and the rest by his example to obey, the night being almost come, he departed. Corbulo hauing pitched his campe in the same place, considered with himselfe, whether he should goe by night to Artaxata, and besiege it with light and vncumbered legions, sup∣posing that Tiridates had retired thither. Then the scouts hauing brought intelli∣gence that the King had taken a longer iourney, doubtfull whether to the Medes or Persians, he staied vntill it was day: sending before a companie lightly armed, to en∣uiron the wals, and beginne the assault a farre off. But the townesmen opening the gates of their owne accord, yeelded themselues and all they had to the Romans; whereby their liues were saued. But Artaxata was burnt and raced to the ground, because it could not be kept without a strong garrison, by reason of the compasse of the wals; and our forces were not so great that we could leaue there a sufficient gar∣rison, and withall, keepe the field: or if she should be left standing and vngarded, there would be neither profit nor glorie that she had beene taken. There is a mira∣cle reported, as it were by some diuine power happened: for all things out of the houses were lightened by the sun; but that which was inuironed with the wals, was on such a sudden couered with a darke cloud & separated with lightning, that it see∣med the will of the gods was, it should be destroyed. Hereupon Nero was saluted Emperor, & processions made by decree of Senat; and images & triumphall arches set vp, and the Consulship continued on him: and ordained that the day the victo∣rie was gained, the day of the newes, the day wherin they talked of it in Senat should be kept holie, & other such like; so far beyond measure, that C. Cassius cōsenting vnto the rest of the honors giuen him, touching the processions; said, that if they would giue the gods thanks for so many fauours of fortune, al the yere would not be enough to make them processions. And therefore they should distinguish working daies from holie daies, in such sort that the gods might be honoured, and temporall bu∣sines not hindered.

X. Suilius is banished. Octauius tribune of the people killeth Pontia, with whom he was in loue.

ABout that time, P. Suilius, a man crossed with many aduersities, and iustly incurred the hatred of many, was called in question, and condemned; not without some touch of Senecaes credit. This Suilius in Claudius raigne was both cruell and corrupt, and by alteration of times brought lowe, though not so much as his enemies desired; and who rather would seeme culpable, then as a sup∣pliant craue pardon. For it was thought that the penaltie of the law Cincia, against such as pleaded causes for money was set on foote againe, only to subuert and ouer∣throw him. Yet Suilius neuer forbare complaints and hard speeches, besides his na∣tural fiercenes, more free by reason of his old age: laying in Senecaes dish that he was

an enemie to Claudius friends, vnder whom he had sustained a most iust banishment: withall, that with his idle and dead studies, applying himselfe to the vnskilfulnes of raw youth, he enuied such as vsed a liuely and vncorrupt eloquence in defending the citizens. He had beene Questor to Germanicus; and Seneca, an adulterer of his house. Was it to be iudged a greeuouser offence to receiue a suters reward freely offered for a mans honest trauell, then to defile the beds of Princes wiues? with what wisedome, with what precepts of Philosophers within foure yeeres friendship with the King, had he gotten * 1.4 three thousand times three hundred thousand se∣sterces? At Rome he coozened men of their legacies, and such as died without chil∣dren, as if he had layd a snare to intrap them. Italy and the prouinces were drawne dry by his excessiue vsurie. As for himselfe, he had but small store of wealth got∣ten by his labour and sweate. He would suffer the accusation, perill, and what else might fall, rather then subiect his old credit and estimation to a new vpstart. Neither wanted there such as reported these or worser speeches to Seneca againe: and other informers were found, which accused Suilius that he had pouled and pilled the allies when he was gouernor of Asia, and purloined the common trea∣sure. Then because he had obtained a yeeres space for to make enquirie of these matters; it seemed to be the shorter course, to begin with crimes committed neere about the citie, because of such, witnesses were at hand. They obiected against him, that the bitternes of his accusation droue Q. Pomponius to a necessitie of ciuill war: that he had brought Iulia the daughter of Drusus, and Sabina Poppaea to destruction; & falsly accused Valerius Asiaticus, L. Saturninus, & Cornelius Lupus: yea a great com∣panie of gentlemen of Rome had beene condemned by his meanes: in fine, all Clau∣dius crueltie was imputed to Suilius. He for his defence answered, that he had vnder∣tooke none of those things of his owne will, but to obey the Prince, vntill Caesar cau∣sed him to hold his toong, saying, that he was assured by his fathers memoriall, that he neuer inforced any man to accuse another: then he pretended Messallinaes com∣maundement, and his defence began to faile him. Why was there no other chosen to speake for that cruell vnchast dame? the instruments of cruell actions are to be punished, when as hauing receiued the reward of their lewdnes, yet go about to lay it to others charge. Therefore part of his goods being taken from him (for part was left his sonne and his neece, and that also was excepted which was giuen them by their mothers or grandfathers testament) he was banished into the Ilands of Balea∣res, neuer losing courage either in the time of his danger, or after condemnation. And it is reported that he suffered that separation from company, liuing both a∣boundantly and delicately. The accusers had ouerthrowne his sonne Nerulinus, for the enuie they bare the father, and his owne extortions, if the Prince had not oppo∣sed himselfe, as though the reuenge had beene sufficient. About the same time Octauius Sagitta, Tribune of the people, mad in loue with Pontia a maried wise, by great gifts brought her vnlawfull loue, and vse of her bodie; then to forsake her hus∣band, promising her mariage, and inducing her to the liking of him. But when this woman was free from her husband, she began to finde delayes, shifting it off that her father was vnwilling, and in the end finding a hope of a richer husband, went from her promise. Octauius on the contrary side somtimes complained, sometimes threatned, protesting his credit was lost, and his money consumed; finally put his life which only remained in her hands. But being reiected, craueth one nights plea∣sure for his satisfaction, then promised he would desist. The night was appointed, and Pontia gaue charge of watching the chamber to a maide which was priuie to their dealings. He with one freed man conueyeth in a weapon vnder his garment,

Then as the manner of louers is, sometimes angrie, sometimes chiding, sometimes intreating, sometimes vpbraiding, & spending some part of the night in voluptuous pleasures, at last kindled with griefe and complaints, with his sword ran through this woman, which feared no such thing, and wounded the maide which ran in, and so rusheth out of the chamber. The next day the murder was knowne, and the murderer not doubted of, being knowne manifestly that they had beene together. But a freed man protested it was his doing, in reuenge of the iniuries done to his patrone, and moued some with the strangenes of that example to beleeue him, vn∣til the maid, recouered of her wound, discouered the truth. Then Octauius accused of the murder before the Consuls by Pontias father, at the end of his Tribuneship was condemned by the Senat, according to the lawe Cornelia against murderers.

XI. Nero taketh away Sabina Poppaea from her husband.

THe same yeere, an vntemperate life, no lesse infamous then the former; was a beginning of greater mischiefes in the common wealth. There was in the citie one Sabina Poppaea, daughter of T. Ollius: but she had takē the name of Sabinus Poppaeus, her grandfather by the mothers side; a man of worthie memorie, honored with the Consularie dignitie, & ornaments of triumph: for Seianus friendship did o∣uerthrow Ollius before he came to any dignities. This woman was graced with all things sauing an honest mind: for her mother surpassing other women of her time in beautie, gaue her both glorie & beautie: wealth she had sufficiēt to maintain her no∣bilitie: her speech affable & gratious, nor no grosse wit; but knowing wel how to pre∣tend modestie, & liue lasciously: she came little abroad, and then part of her face couered with a vaile; either not to fill the eie of the beholder, or bicause it becōmed her best: of her credite regard she had neuer; making no differēce betweene hir hus∣bands & adulterers: neither subiect to her owne will, nor anothers; but where profit was offered, thither she carried her affection. This woman then being wife to Rufus Crispinus, a gentleman of Rome, by whom she had a sonne; Otho seduced through his youth & riot; & bicause he was most inwarde in friendship with Nero: It was not long but they ioined marriage to adulterie. Otho either bicause he was vncircumspect in loue, or bicause he would enflame the princes lust; praised his wiues beautie and comely feature in his presence; that both enioying one woman, his credite and au∣thoritie might by that bond grow greater. He hath bin often heard to say, as he hath risen from banquetting with Caesar, that he woulde go to her in whom was all beau∣tie and nobilitie; and to her who kindling all mens desire, was able to make them most happie. Through these and the like prouocations, there was no long delaie made. Nero then finding accesse vnto her, Poppaea at the first by allurements and cun∣ning, began to inueigle him; saying, that she was not able to withstande his loue, and that she was ouercome with his beautie. Then perceiuing the princes lust to be growen hot; she began to grow proud; and if she entertained him aboue a night or two, it was all she coulde affoorde him; saying, she was a married wife, and that she could not abandon her husband as being bounde vnto Otho, for his man∣ner of cariage and behauiour, which fewe came neere vnto: that he was in courage and demeanour magnificent; and in all respects woorthie of highest fortune. As for Nero vsing a bond-slaue for his concubine, and tied to Actes familiaritie, he had learned nothing of that seruile companie, but basenes and niggardice. Otho af∣ter this was barred of the accustomed familiaritie with the Prince; then of his com∣panie and retinue: and last of all, least he should be his concurrent in the citie, he

made him gouernour of the prouince of Portingall. Where he liued vntill the ciuill wars, not as before disorderly; but honestly and vncorruptly, as one loosly giuen when he had little to do; but in office and rule more stayed and temperate. All this while Nero sought to cloke his vitiousnes and licentious life. Afterward he beganne to be iealous of Cornelius Syllaes dull and heauie disposition, interpre∣ting it contrarie to that which it was, deeming him a craftie and subtle dessembler. Which iealousie Graptus a freed man of Caesars by age, and experience and time, vntill then well practised in Princes houses, augmented with this lie. The Miluian bridge in those daies was notorious for a haunt, of dissolute and vnruly persons in the night. Whither Nero resorted also to inioy his licentious pleasures more free∣ly, being out of the towne: and returning backe by the Flaminian way; Graptus put him in the head that there had bin wait laid for him, which he escaped by destinie, be∣cause he went another way to Sallustius gardens, & falsly accused Sylla to be the au∣thor thereof: Bicause that some of the Princes seruitors returning that way by chaunce, were, by some licentious behauiour of youth, which in that place was verie cōmon, put in greater fright than danger. Yet there was no one of Syllaes seruitours or vassals knowen. His faint hart and not daring any enterprise being well knowen to be farre from any such fact: yet neuerthelesse as though he had been conuicted, he was commaunded to depart his countrey, and liue within the wals of Marsiles. Vnder the same Consuls the Embasies of the Puteolanians were heard, which the Senators on one side, and the communaltie on the other, sent to the Senate: the Se∣nators charging the communaltie with insolencie; and the people charging the magistrates & chiefe gentlemen with couetuousnes. And when the sedition was al∣readie growen to throwing of stones, and threatning to fire one another, and like to drawe on murder and war, C. Cassius was chosen to order the matter; but knowing that they could not endure his seueritie at his request, that care was committed to the brothers the Scribonians, with a band of the Emperours guarde: through the terrour of which, and punishment of a fewe, the townesmen were set at quietnes againe. I would not speake of the very common decree of Senate, by which the ci∣tie of Syracusa was licensed to exceede the number prefixed in the shew of Fencers: If Paetus Thrasea had not spoken against it and giuen matter vnto backbiters to re∣prehend his iudgement: For said they, if he beleeued that the common-wealth wan∣ted the libertie of Senators, why did he meddle in such trifles? He should rather haue perswaded or disswaded matters of warre or peace; of tributes, of lawes, and other things wherein consisted the estate of Rome. It was lawfull for the Lords of the Senate as oft as they thought conuenient to giue their opinion, to propounde what they listed, and aske for a consultation vpon it. Was it onely woorthie of cor∣recting, that at Syracusa the plaies should not be so long? Be all other things in the Empire, as well as if, not Nero, but Thrasea had the gouerment thereof? The which if they were let passe with great dissimulation; how much more should they forbeare vaine trifles? Thrasea on the contrary, his friends demaunding him a reason why he contradicted the decree, made answere; that he did it not as being ignorant of the present estate of things; but for the greater honour of the Lords of the Senat: and shew manifestly that they would not dissemble in important affaires, which would looke into such small matters.

XII. Matters of policie redressed. The Senators withstand Nero touching subsidies.

THe same yeere, through the often and importunate sute of the people, blaming the couetousnes of the farmers of the common rents; Nero doubted whether it were best to command that there should no more subsidies and tributes be leuied; and giue so faire a gift to the worlde. But this sudden pang, hauing first commended the bounteousnes of his minde; the LL. of the Senate staied, affirming it to be the dissolution of the Empire, if the reuenewes by which it was sustained should be diminished: for if custome were taken away, it would follow that the abo∣lishing of tributes woulde be demaunded. Manie societies of tributes and tallages were established by the Consuls and Tribunes of the people, euen when the com∣munaltie had greatest libertie. Things afterwarde were so proportioned, that the receits and reuenues shoulde be answerable to the layings out. Indeede the coue∣tousnes of the farmers was to be moderated; least things tolerated so many yeeres without complaint, should turne to further mischiefe and hatred, by their strange greedines. The prince therefore by edict commanded, that the taxation of euerie custome which hitherto hath bin concealed, should now be published: and that the farmers should not after the yeere was expired demaund any thing, let slip, or for∣gottē, during that time. That in Rome the Pretor; in the prouinces, those which sup∣plied the places of the pretors & Consuls, should extraordinarily determine against the farmers of common rents. That souldiers shoulde keepe their immunitie: those things excepted wherin they trafficked: and many other iust things, which obserued a short time, afterward came to nothing. Neuerthelesse the abolishing of one in fortie, and one in fiftie continueth, and what other names the farmers had inuen∣ted for their vnlawfull exactions. The carriage of corne to partes beyond the seas was moderated. And ordained that marchants ships should not be valued in the ge∣nerall estimate of their goods, nor tribute paied for them. Caesar discharged Sulpi∣tius Camerinus, and Pomponius Siluanus, who had beene Proconsuls in Affrike; and accused by the prouince; obiecting against Camerinus, rather cruell dealing against a few priuat men, then extortion in generall. A great number of accusers came about Siluanus, and required time to produce witnesses: but the defen∣dant desired his defences might presently be hearde: which being rich, child∣lesse, and old, he obtained; and ouerliued those by whose suite he had escaped. The estate of Germanie was quiet vntill then, through the industrie of the cap∣taines, who seeing the honor of triumph common, hoped for greater glory if they could continue peace. Paullinus Pompeius, and L. Vetus had charge of the armie at that time: yet least they should keepe the souldier in idlenes, Paullinus finished a banke begun threescore and three yeeres before by Drusus, to keepe in the riuer of Rhene. Vetus went about to ioyne Mosella and Araris by a ditch cast betweene them, that the armies conueyed by sea, then by Rhodanus and Araris by that ditch, anon after by Mosa into Rhene, in the end should fall into the Ocean: that all diffi∣culties of the passages taken away, the west and north seas might be nauigable from the one to the other. Aelius Gracilis Lieutenant of Belgia enuied the worke, dehor∣ting Vetus, least he should bring the legions into anothers prouince, & seeke to win the harts of the Gallois, affirming it to be dangerous to the Emperour: a pretext which often hindereth honest indeuours. Through the continuall rest of the armies a rumor was spred, that the Lieutenants were forbidden to leade them against the

enemie. Whereupon the Frisians placed their youth in the woods and marishes; sent their feeble old men to the banks of Rhene, planting them in voide grounds appointed out for the vse of souldiers; Verritus and Malorigis being the authors thereof, who then gouerned the countrey which the Germains were Lords of. Now they had built houses, sowed the ground, and tilled it, as though it had been their na∣tiue countrey: when Dubius Auitus hauing receiued the prouince of Paullinus, threatning to send the Roman forces, vnlesse the Frisians would returne to their old homes, or obtaine a new place of habitation of Caesar; enforced Varritus and Ma∣lorigis to fall to intreatie. And taking their iourney to Rome whilest they attended for Nero, busied in other matters, among other things woont to be shewen to bar∣barous people, they went to Pompeius Theater to behold the multitude of people. There at their leisure (for being vnskilfull in those plaies, tooke no great delight in them) whilest they inquired of many things touching the assemblie, skaffolds, diffe∣rences of degrees, which were gentlemen, where the Senators sate, they perceiued some in a strange attire in the Senators roomes: and asking who they were, when they vnderstoode that that honour was done to the Embassadors of those countries which excelled in vertue, and friendship with the Romans; they cried that There were none in the world more valiant and faithfull than the Germans; and so went and sate among the Lords of the Senate, which was courteously taken of the beholders, as a forwardnes of their old good nature, and a commendable emulation of vertue. Nero gaue them both the priuileges of a citizen of Rome, and commaunded the Fri∣sians to depart the countrey they had possessed: who refusing to obeie, a troupe of ayde horsemen sent on the sudden forced them to it, and those taken and slaine which most obstinately resisted. The Ansibariās entered the same territories, a stron∣ger nation then the other: not onely by their owne strength, but by the pitie their neighbours take on them; bicause that being driuen out by the Chauci, and wanting dwelling places, they desired they might haue it as a sure place of exile. They had for their conductor a man of great reputation in that countrey, and vnto vs likewise trustie, called Boiocalus: who declared, how by the commaundement of Arminius he had beene taken prisoner, when the Cheruscirebelled: then how he had serued the Romans fiftie yeeres vnder Tiberius and Germanicus. He said further,

He would put his nation vnder our dominion. What neede was there of such spa∣tious waste grounds, to put at sometimes onely the souldiers heards and cattell to feed? That they might reserue those grounds they had receiued for their stocks (al∣beit men died with famine) so as they desired not rather a wildernes than an habita∣tion of people their confederates. In times past those fields belonged to the Cha∣mauorians; then to the Tubantians; and in the ende to the Vsipians. As the heauen was giuen the gods, so the earth to makind; and that which was not posses∣sed, was common. Then beholding the sunne, and calling vpon the rest of the stars, he asked as it were in their presence, whether they would see the land naked? That they would rather ouerwhelme the takers away of the earth with the sea.

Auitus mooued with these speeches; aunswered that the commaundement of their betters was to be obeied. It was the will of the gods whom they called vpon, that the arbi∣trement should belong to the Romans, what they should giue, and what take away; neither would they suffer any iudges but themselues. These things he aunswered the Ansibarians in publicke, to Boiocalus he would giue grounds in memorie of his friendship. Which he as if it had beene a reward of treason contemning added: We may want land to liue in; but to die in we cannot: and so they parted both discon∣tented. They called the Bructeri, and Tencteri, and other nations further off, their

confederates to ioine in warre with them. Auitus hauing written to Curtilius Man∣cia Lieutenant of the vpper armie, that he should passe ouer Rhene, and shew the forces behinde them; conducted the legions himselfe into the Tencterans coun∣trey, threatning their destruction vnles they would breake with the Ansibarians. These therefore desisting, the Bructeri daunted with the like feare, and the rest flee∣ing from others perils, the Ansibarian nation alone retired back to the Vsipians and Tubantians: from whose territories being expulsed, as they went to the Catti, then to the Cherusci, by long wandering, strangers, poore, enemies, in a strange coun∣trey, that youth that was left was slaine: those that for age were vnfit for warre, diuided for a pray. The same summer there was a great battell fought betweene the Hermunduri, and Catti, each side striuing by force to be maister of a riuer which yeelded aboundance of salt, sited in the confines of both their countries. And besides a desire of ending all strifes by warre, they had a religion rooted in them, that those places are aboue others neere heauen; and the prayers of mortall men no where sooner heard, then from thence. For they were of opinion, that by the goodnes of the gods in that riuer, and in those woods came increase of salt, not as in other countries, of the wooes of the sea, when the water is dried vp; but by that water cast vpon a pile of wood set on fire, by the vertue of two contrary ele∣ments, fire and water, which becommeth thick and congealed. The warre was prosperous on the Hermundurians side, but the vtter ruine of the Catteans, because of a vow they made, that if they were conquerors, they would dedicate the con∣trary army to Mars and Mercury, protesting, horses, men, all things ouercome, should be put to the sword; and truly those deadly threats were turned against themselues. But the citie of the Iuhonians confederate with vs, was afflicted with a sudden disaster: for fires issuing out of the earth, burned townes, fields, villages euery where, and spread euen vnto the walles of a Colonie newly built; and could not be extinguished, neither by raine, nor riuer water, nor any other liquor that could be employed, vntill for want of remedie, and anger of such a destruction, certaine peasants cast stones a farre off into it; then the flames somewhat slakning, drawing neere, they put it out with blowes of clubs, and other like, as if it had been a wilde beast. Last of all, they threw in clothes from their backs, which the more worne and fouler, the better they quenched the fires. The same yeere, the Fig tree called Ruminalis, in the place of assemblies, which aboue eight hundred and fortie yeeres before had couered Remus and Romulus infancie, hauing his boughes dead, and the bodie beginning to wither, was held as a prodigious signe, vntill it began to flourish againe, and thrust out new shootes.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sixe shil. 3. d.
• * 1.2

  About 31250. pound.
• * 1.3

  About 3906. pound 5. ••.
• * 1.4

  About 2343750. lib.