Out of the same BOOK.
Eclog. 2. ONE Battaces, Priest of the Goddess * 1.1 Rhea (they say) came to Rome from Pesinunte a City of Phrygia; who declar'd he came thither by the Com¦mand of the Goddess; and told the Magistrates and Senate, that their Temple was pro∣phan'd, and that a publick Expiation ought to be made in the name of the Romans. His Habit and other Ornaments of his Body was very strange, and altogether unusual at Rome; for he wore a Crown or Mitre of a vast Bigness, and a Flower'd Gown imbroi∣der'd with Gold, representing the State and Dignity of a King. After he had spoken to the People from the Bench, and instructed them in the Matters of Religion, he was ho∣nour'd with publick Entertainments, and large Gifts and Presents: But he was forbid to wear a Crown by Aulus Pompeius a Tribune of the People. However, being brought by another Tribune to the Desk, and being ask'd how the Expiatory Sacrifices should be made; his Answers were stuff'd with nothing but Superstitious Rites and Ceremonies. At length things were so manag'd that he was driven out by Pompeius his Faction, with many Scorns and Affronts; upon which he went to his Inn and never after appear'd a∣broad: But only told them, that not only he was disgrac'd, but the Goddess was re∣proach'd and dishonour'd. Presently after Pompeius fell into an high Feaver, and then a * 1.2 Quinsie which took away his Speech, and he dy'd the Third day. Upon which it was the common Discourse and Sentiment amongst the ordinary sort, that he was thus punish'd by a Divine Hand, for his prophane and impious abuse of the Goddess and her Priest. For the Romans are addicted to Superstition much above many other Nations: And therefore Battaces being honour'd with many Presents, and Liberty granted to him to wear his Sacred Vestments, with all their Ornaments, the day he had design'd for his departure, he was conducted by multitudes both of Men and Women out of the City.