OBSERVATIONS.
IT is to be noted, for the better understanding these Passages, that of those which were cho∣sen Praetors, the two chiefest remained at Rome. The one, to administer justice to the Citizens, which was called Praetor Urbanus; who in the absence of the Consul, had the superinten∣dency of the affairs of the State, assembled the Senate, received Packets, made Dispatches, and gave order in all things: which place was now supplied by Trebonius. The other was called Praetor Peregrtnus; whose office was, to order the causes and suits of forreigners and strangers: whereunto Coelius was chosen; and being of a turbulent and unquiet spirit, took occasion upon this rent in the State, to raise new gar∣boils, fit for his own purposes;* 1.1 as having learn∣ed what Aristotle teacheth, That all things which are already stirred are more easily moved, then other natures that are yet in quiet. And thereupon, having power by his office to decide causes of Controversy, he removed his Tribunal, and placed it hard by where Trebonius fate, to the end he might oppose the Decrees he made, for the prizing of goods to satisfie Creditours, and draw the people to appeal unto him; pub∣lishing withall certain dangerous Edicts, on the behalf of those that were in debt.
This Coelius was Cicero's scholar for Ora∣tory; and in the opinion of Quintilian, was thought worthy to have lived longer, if he had been of a staied and settled carriage: but now must stand for an example of a wilfull Magi∣strate.
Touching Rostra, which I have translated the Speaking-place, it was a part of their Fo∣rum, where the Consuls and other Magistrates spake unto the people: wherein was built a Chair or Pulpit,* 1.2 of the beak-heads of ships, which the Romans took from the Antiatii, and thereupon took the name of Rostra; memorable amongst other things, for that Antony set Tullie's head between his two hands,* 1.3 in the Chair, where he had often spoken most eloquently, and with as many good words, as were ever found in hu∣mane Oratory.