THE FIRST OBSERVATION.

IT is well observed by Guicciardine,* That In∣solency and Timidity are never found asunder, but do alwayes accompany one another in the same subject: For the mind being the centre of all such motions, doth according to every mans nature, give the like scope to passions of contra∣riety, and extend them both to an equidistant circumference: as, if Courage shall happen to dilate it self to Insolency, then is Doubtfulnesse in like manner inlarged to Cowardice; and will imbase mens thoughts as low, as they did rise in height by insulting. For which cause it is advised by such as treat of Morality, that men be well warie in admitting dilatation of passions, or in suffering them to flie out beyond the compasse of Reason, which containeth the measure of Ae∣quability,* commended by Cicero, to be observed throughout the whole course of mans life. Len∣tulus the Consul may be an instance of this weaknesse, and learn others moderation by shunning his intemperancy. For in question of qualifying the rage of these broiles, and sor∣ting of things to a peaceable end, his arrogancy was incompatible with terms of agreement, and overswaid the Senate with heedlesse impetuosity. And again, when his authority and Consular gravity should have settled the distracted Com∣mons, and made good his first resolution, his o∣ver-hasty flying out of the City did rather induce the people to believe, that there was no safety within those walls, not for so small a time as might serve to have shut the Treasury at his heels; and so he became as abject, as before he shewed himself insolent.

Concerning these words (Aperto sanctiore Aerario,* rendred, the inner chamber of the Trea∣sury left open) it is to be noted, that Aerarium was their publick Treasury; and by the ap∣pointment of Valerius Publicola,* was made within the Temple of Saturn: whereof divers men make divers conjectures. Macrobius saith, that as long as Saturn continued in Italy, there was no theft committed in all the country: and therefore his Temple was thought the safest place to keep money in. Plutarch thinketh rather, that the making of the Treasury in that place, did allude to the integrity of the time wherein Saturn reigned; for avarice and deceit was not then known amongst them. S. Cyprian is of an o∣pinion, that Saturn first taught Italy the use and coinage of money; and therefore they gave the keeping thereof to his Deity. Howsoever, it is manifest, that not only the publick Treasure was there kept, but also their Records, Charts, Ordinances and Edicts: together with such books as were,* for their immeasurable greatnesse, called Libri Elephantini; containing all their Acts of Senate, and deeds of Arms atchieved by the Commanders abroad, as also their military Ensigns which they fetched alwayes from thence when they went into the field:* and there like∣wise did such Embassadours as came to Rome enregister their names, as Plutarch affirmeth.

It was called Aerarium of Aes, signifying Brasse; for that the first money used by the Ro∣mans was of that metall, untill the year of Rome 485, as Pliny witnesseth;* when they began first to coin pieces of silver marked with the letter X. whereof the ytook the appellation of Denarium, as valuing ten asses of brasse, which before they used for their coin; and every of the said asses weighed 12 ounces. Touching their order obser∣ved in their Treasury, for their disposing and lay∣ing up of their moneys, we must understand, that as bodies politick require necessary and ordinary treasure to be imploied in such manner, as may best concurre with the publick honour and weal of the same; so there must be speciall care to provide against unusuall and extraordinary casu∣alties, which are not removed but by speedy and effectuall remedies. According to which provi∣dence the Romans disposed of their treasure, and took the twentieth part of their receit, which they called Aurum vicesimarium,* and reserved it apart in an inner chamber; where it lay so pri∣viledged, that it was a capitall crime to touch it, but in extream and desperate necessity: as in time of war with the Galles, or in a sedition and tumult of the people. Livie affirmeth as much, where he saith,*Caetera expedientibus quae ad bellum opus erant consulibus, aurum vicesimarium, quod in sanctiore Aerario adultimos casus ser∣vatur, Page  14 promi placuit: prompta ad quatuor millia pondo Auri. The Consuls furnishing all other things needfull for the war, it was re∣solved that the vicessimary gold should be brought forth and employed: which said gold was reserved in the inner Treasury, till such time as affairs happened to be in a desperate condition. Accordingly, there was 4000 pound of gold ta∣ken out.