To the READER.

THese few Fragments, together with those of Polybius, Dionysius Halicarnas∣sus, Dion Casseus, and Appian were Publish'd in the Year of Our Lord 1581. By Fulvius Ursinus a Roman Born, and Eminently Learn'd; But for a further and more particular Account of 'em, I refer the Reader to the Epistle to the Fragments of Valerius plac'd next before these. And therefore have now no further to add, but an acknowledgment of Thanks due to a Learned Person in Oxford, through whose Can∣dor the Book out of which the Translation of these Fragments was made, was brought to hand for perusal.

I. IN the Reign of Tullus Hostilius King of the Romans, the Albans, jealous of the * growth of the Roman Power, pretended that the Romans committed Thefts and Robberies in their Country, and therefore sent Ambassadors to Rome to demand Justice, with Instructions, that if they did not hearken to them, to denounce War against 'em; Hostilius the King of Rome understanding that they sought occasion to pick a Quarrel, and begin a War, Commanded his Friends and Officers to Entertain the Ambassadors courteously, and persuade them to Peace and Amity. But the King not willing hastily to give 'em Audience, sent some in the mean time to the Albans with Orders and In∣structions like to those of the Albans to him; ordering this, as prompted thereunto by * that Antient Custom, according to which the Old Romans studied nothing more than that their Wars should be Just and Warrantable: For he was very cautious lest not be∣ing able to find out the First Authors of the Depredations, or such as were to be deli∣ver'd up to the Demands of Justice, he should be thought to be the first Fomenter of an unjust War. But it falling out that the Ambassadors that were sent to Alba were first denied Justice; upon the 30th. day they denounc'd War against the Albans.* The Al∣bane Ambassadors, according to their desires receiv'd Answer, That they being the first that deny'd doing Justice, the Romans were they that now denounc'd War against them. And these were the Reasons that the People, who were before Ally'd by Marriages, and at mu∣tual * Amity one with another, now became Enemies, and Alienated one from another.

II. When Cambyses King of Persia was Lord of all Aegypt, the Lybians and Cyrenians confederating with the Aegyptians, sent Presents, and promised entire Obedience and Subjection to their Commands.

III. The Ambassadors that were sent from Nabis and *Flamininus to Rome concern∣ing the terms of Peace, after they had open'd to the Senate the Matters given them in Charge; the Senate decreed the Articles to be confirm'd, and that all their Garisons should be remov'd, and their Forces drawn out of all parts of Greece. When Flamininus heard of the Senate's Decree, he Summon'd all the Nobility of Greece from all parts, to meet in a General Council, where he rehears'd to 'em the great Kindnesses and Good will of the Romans towards the Grecians, and Apologiz'd for the matter relating to Nabis, because they did in that Affair, as far as they were able. He told them likewise, that ac∣cording to their Desire all the Inhabitants of Greece should be free and eas'd of all their Garisons, and above all, be Govern'd by their own Laws. But he begg'd the Greeks would so far Gratifie him, as to enquire what Italian Servants were among 'em, and to discharge them within Thirty Days; which was done accordingly.

IV. The Senate again gave Audience to the Grecian Ambassadors, and Caress'd 'em with very fair words, desirous to have them earnest and forward in the prosecution of the War against *Antiochus, which they suddenly expected. They gave Answer likewise to the Ambassadors of *Philip, that because he maintain'd his Fidelity they would free him from Tribute, and discharge his Son *Demetrius. And to those that came from Antiochus they appointed Ten of the Senate to hear what they said they had in charge from the King. When the Commissioners sate, one of the Ambassadors nam'd Menip∣pus, President of the Embassie, Declar'd, that they came to make up a League of Friend∣ship and Confederacy between the Romans and Antiochus. But he said that the King greatly wondred for what manner of reason the Romans should lay their Commands Page  783 upon him, what parts of Europe he should make his Concern; What Cities he should not meddle with, nor collect the Tributes of some that were in Arrear; that it was not usual for those that are making a Treaty upon equal Terms, but for the Conquerors, to Impose in such a manner; And that their Ambassadors that were sent to him to Lysi∣machia, imperiously charg'd him with these things: That Antiochus had no War with the Romans, and if they have a mind to enter into an Alliance and League with him, he was ready. Flamininus Answer'd, there were two things propounded by the Senate, let him chuse which of them he wou'd; and that is, If he would relinquish all his Pretences in Europe, the Romans would not meddle with his Concerns in Asia: And if this did not please him, then they were to let the King know that the Romans would assist their Friends and Allies when opprest. The Ambassadors reply'd, They could not agree to any thing that might impair the King's Sovereignty. The next day the Senate told the Grecians, That if Antiochus did busy himself, and intermeddle with any thing in Europe, the Romans wou'd with all their Care and Diligence imaginable set free all the Greeks that were in Asia. The Grecian Ambassadors hereupon approved of all by an Applause, but the King's Ambassadors intreated the Senate that they would consider into what Dan∣gers and Miseries both Parties would be brought, and not to be rash in their Resolves, but that they wou'd give the King time to consult, and themselves to be better advis'd about these things.

V. As to the Aetolian Ambassadors that sought for Peace, the Senate decreed, that they should either give up all their Country to the Romans, or forthwith pay to them a * Thousand Talents of Silver, upon this severe Answer (never suspecting any such thing would have been enjoyn'd) they were seized with great Fear, and being that they had adher'd to the * King they fell into inextricable streights and perplexities, not having any means left, or way open to escape utter Ruin.

VI. Antiochus hearing that the Romans had pass'd over into Asia, sent Heraclides of Byzan∣tium to Treat with the Consul about a Peace, with offers to bear half of the Charges * of the War; to give up Lampsacus, Smyrna, and Alexandria, upon the account of which Cities he conceiv'd the War broke forth: For those were the first of all the Greek Cities of Asia that by their Ambassadors to the Senate, pray'd the Assistance of the Romans for the regaining of their Liberty.

VII. Antiochus promis'd Publius Scipio the President of the Council to release his Son * without Ransom, whom he had taken prisoner when he lay about the Island Eubaea: and besides this, that he would give him a great Sum of Money upon the obtaining of a Peace. Scipio answer'd that he would return the King Thanks for the Release of his Son, but that he did not want those Sums; and in requital of so remarkable a Kindness, he advis'd him as a Friend not to withstand the Pomans, of whose Valour he had had Ex∣perience. But Antiochus judging those terms to be harder than were fit to be comply'd with, rejected his Advice.

VIII. In Rome before the overthrow of Antiochus, the Ambassadors from the Aetolians being brought into the Senate, and not in the least excusing the Faults, but setting forth the great Services the Aetolians had perform'd to the Roman State; one of the Senate rose up and ask'd the Ambassadors whether the Aetolians had given up themselves to the Protection of the Romans? The Ambassadors being hereupon silent and dumb, the Se∣nate suspecting that the Aetolians fixt their hopes in Antiochus, sent them back into Greece with a fruitless Embassy.

IX. Antiochus laying aside all thoughts of War, sent Ambassadors to the Consul to ask * Pardon for his Miscarriages, and to procure a Peace upon any terms that possibly might be had. The Consul keeping close to the Moderation and Clemency of his Country, and advis'd likewise by his Brother *Publius, agreed to a Peace upon these Conditions;

X. After the overthrow of Antiochus there came Ambassadors from all the Cities and * States of Asia, some concerning the Freedom of their Cities, others relating to Congra∣tulations for the good Services they had done for Rome, in joining in the War against Antiochus. To all which the Senate gave great Encouragement, and said they would send Ten Commissioners into Asia, who with the * Generals should bring all Orders Page  779 with them. When the Ambassadors were return'd into their own Countries, the Ten Commissioners with Scipio and Aemilius met in Council together, and decreed that the Regions on this side T〈…〉us should be given to Eumenes, and the Elephants. But Caria and Lycia they assign'd to the Rhodians. They order'd likewise that such Cities as paid Tribute to Eumenes should be subject to him; but that such as were Tributary to Antiochus should be freed from all Tribute whatsoever.

XI. When the *Galatian Ambassadors came to Cncius Manlius the Proconsul to Treat for Peace, he answer'd he wou'd come to terms of Peace with them when their Kings came to him.

XII. The same coming into Lycaonia brought * Corn that was due from Antiochus, and the yearly Tribute of a Thousand Talents according to the Articles of Peace.

XIII. The General Assembly of the Achaians coming together in Peloponnesus, the Ro∣man Commissioners met them, and Declar'd that the Senate was much displeas'd at the * demolishing of the Walls of Lacedemon, which was done by the States of Achaia when they were Lords of Sparta, and had brought the Lacedemonians as Members into the same Common-wealth. To this Assembly came the Ambassadors of Eumenes, and brought along with them a * Present of Twenty Talents; out of which the King intended the Charge of such as were Members of the Achaian Senate should be defraid. But the Achaians disliking the disposal of the Money refus'd the Gift. Thither likewise came Ambassadors from Seleucus, to renew the League formerly made between the Achaians and Antiochus, which League they renew'd and accepted the Present sent from him.

XIV. Ambassadors coming to Rome from the Kings and Princes of Asia, those Prin∣ces with Attalus had a Noble Reception, for they were met with great State. and Pomp, and Presented with Rich Gifts, and other extraordinary marks of Respect and Favour; for for these Princes were fast Friends to the Romans, and observant in every thing to the Senate; and besides, having courteously Entertain'd above all others those Romans that came to visit the * Queen, they were judg'd worthy of the most Honourable Recption. For these Reasons the Senate having heard all the Ambassadors, and especially desirous to gratifie the Princes that belong'd to Eumenes, return'd them a Gracious Answer; For they signified that they would send Delegates from the Senate to put a full end to the War with Pharnaces.

XV. The defrauding of Creditors in Thessaly, setting all in a Flame among the Aeto∣lians, and every City being fill'd with Seditions, and Tumults; the Senate suspected that all this Confusion was caus'd by *Perseus, and Declar'd to his Ambassadors that they wou'd acquit him of other Crimes whereof he was accus'd: But as to his ejecting of Ab∣rupolis King of Thrace out of his Kingdom; they commanded Perseus, to * rectifie what he had done.

XVI. When Arpalus Perseus's Ambassador was silent, the Senate so far Honour'd Eu∣menes as to present him with an Ivory * Chariot, and conferr'd upon him other Ho∣nours, and with special Favour and Respect sent him away into Asia.

XVII. The same day the Senate decreed the War against Perseus, and declar'd it to the Ambassadors, but return'd no Answer; and Commanded the Consuls expresly to re∣ject * them in the Assemblies, and order'd that the Ambassadors and all the Macedonians should that very day depart out of Rome, and within Thirty Days out of Italy.

XVIII. *Ptolemy King of Egypt knowing that his Ancestors had been formerly Lords of Caelo Syria made great preparations to gain that justly, even by the Law of Nations that was before lost by an unjust War. *Antiochus having intelligence of these preparations, sent Ambassadours to Rome, Commanding them to acquaint the Senate, that Ptolemy had begun an unjust War against him; But he before nam'd, sent Ambassadors to make his Defence, and to inform the Senate how Antiochus against all Right and Justice Lorded it over Caelo Syria, being Ptolemy's own Inheritance, descended to him from his Ance∣stors. But he order'd them to renew Friendship with the Romans, and to endeavour to * put an end to the War against Perseus,

XIX. Ambassadors came to Rome from Rhodes to clear themselves of those Crimes that were charg'd against 'em; For in the War against Perseus they seem'd in their Hearts to lean to the King, and to be loose in their Friendship towards the Romans;) But per∣ceiving the aversion and displeasure of the Senate against 'em, they were greatly deject∣ed; * and when one of the * Praetors (who had call'd together an Assembly) stirr'd up the People to a War against the Rhodians, they were exceedingly afraid upon the Ac∣count of their Country, and fell into that Consternation, that they put on Mourning Ha∣bits, not any longer making their Demands, or Solliciting after the usual freedom of Friends, but Deprecating with Tears, that nothing that was Remediless might be decreed Page  780 against 'em. But one of the * Tribunes introducing them into the Senate, and vio∣lently plucking down the Praetor from the Desks, who was stirring them up to the War, he caus'd them to speak, who saying many things in a way of humble Supplication, re∣ceiv'd such an Answer as altogether freed them from their excessive Fears; But for some of their Crimes they were sharply rebuk'd.

XX. About this time came Ambassadors to Rome from all parts to Congratnlate their Victories; the Senate courteously receiv'd them all, and returning them Gracious An∣swers, presently sent them back into their own Country.

XXI. About this time there being many Ambassadors arriv'd, the Senate first dispatch'd those that came along with Attalus. For the Romans were jealous of Eumenes, by reason of some Letters that were intercepted, by which it appear'd that he had confederated with Perseus against the Romans, being likewise accus'd by many Ambassadors that came out of Asia, and especially by those that were sent from King *Prusias, and the Gallo-Greeks; those with Attalus readily answer'd to every Article of the Charge, and not only clear'd themselves of all the Crimes, but return'd home with much Honour and Reputation. However, the Senate did not altogether lay aside the Suspicion of Eumenes: but pitching upon Caius, sent him away strictly to observe his Affairs and Motions.

XXII. Prusias became unworthy of the Royal Dignity, spent his days basely and sor∣didly in flattering his Superiours; and when the Roman Ambassadors came to him, he threw aside the Ensigns of Royalty the Diadem and the Purple, and imitating exactly the Garb of the Roman Libertines, met the Ambassadors with his Head shaven, and wearing a White Cap, and having on the Gown and * Shooes of a Manumitted Slave, so Saluted the Ambassadors, Declaring himself to be a * Libertine of the Romans, then * which it's no easie matter to find a more dishonourable Title; and many other such mean things he had done before. And when he came to the Portico of the Senate-House, stand∣ing at the Door straight over against the Senators, he fell down prostrate upon both * Hands, kissing the Threshold, and cry'd out with a loud voice to them as they sate, All Health! Ye Gods! The Saviours! not sparing any high-soaring Compliments of unmanly Flattery and Effeminacy. And moreover, making a Speech in the Senate agreeable to his sordid Deportment, he proceeded so far as is a shame for me to write. But the Se∣nate being offended at many things he said, return'd him Answer suitable to his Flatte∣ries. For the Romans are eager chiefly to conquer a Stout and Couragious Enemy.

XXIII. Ambassadors came to Rome both from the younger and the elder Ptolemy. An Account of Affairs being given to those in the Assembly, the Senate upon hearing of * part decreed, that the Ambassadors from the * elder Ptolemy should depart out of Italy within Five Days at most, and the Confederacy be broken off. But that Ambassadors should be sent to the * younger Ptolemy to Declare to him the Good Will of the Senate, and those things that had been signify'd to his Brother.

XXIV. About the 155 Olympiad, Ambassadors came from *Ariarathes bringing a Crown of the value of 10000 pieces of Gold, signifying the Good Will the King bore to the Romans, and that upon their account he had prohibited Marriage and Amity with De∣metrius; which was attested and confirm'd by the Ambassadors from Greece. The Senate commended Ariarathes and accepted the Crown, and sent back to him such * Presents as were of greatest Esteem among the Romans.

XXV. At the same time Ambassadors came from Demetrius bringing likewise a Crown of the value of 10000 pieces of Gold, and those prisoners that were guilty of the Mur∣ther of Octavus: But the Senate had a long Debate what was best and most advisable to do in these Concerns; at last they accepted the Crown, but wou'd not receive *Isocrates and *Leptinas that were offer'd to be deliver'd up to them.

XXVI. The *Celtiberians after the Victory, wisely foreseeing what wou'd follow, sent Ambassadors to the Consul to Treat of Peace, but he looking upon it necessary to keep up the Grandeur and Magnanimity of his Country, made Answer, That they must either give up all to the Romans, or else be Victors in the War.

XXVII. When the Romans were at War with the Carthaginians, the Carthaginians hearing that they were sailing to Lilybaeum, and not in the least making a Descent up∣on them, sent Ambassadors to Rome, and by them deliver'd up both themselves, and all the Concerns of their Country to the Romans. The Senate accepting the Surrender of their Country, gave this Answer; Since the Carthaginians are so well advis'd, the Se∣nate returns them their Country, their Laws, their Temples, their Sepulchres, their Li∣berties and their Estates; (not at all mentioning their City Carthage, for that was con∣ceal'd under these kind Concessions) if they wou'd give Three hundred Sons of the Senators Hostages, and obey the Consuls Commands. They thinking hereby to be Page  781 free from the War * sent the Hostages not without great Lamentation. Afterwards * they came to Utica; and the Carthaginians again sent Ambassadors to ask what further com∣mands the Romans would lay upon 'em; when the Consuls told them they must deliver up their Arms and Engines without fraud, they at first (because of the War against *Asdrubal) took it heavily, however they brought in 200000 Arms of all sorts, and 2000 Engines. Afterwards the Romans sent again to the Carthaginians Commands, to send some Persons of their Senate to whom they would declare their further Commands, and ac∣cordingly they sent Thirty of the Noblest. Manilius the Senior Consul told 'em that it was the Senates Pleasure they should leave the City they Inhabited, and build another * Eighty Furlongs distant from the Sea: But the Ambassadors crying out for Mercy & Com∣passion, all of them cast themselves to the Ground, uttering many lamentable Complaints with Tears, upon which great confusion was rais'd in the Assembly: And when the Car∣thaginians were a little recover'd out of their Consternation, one only, Named Blannus* delivering himself in the natural Language of the Auditory, Debated the matter with great Heat and Earnestness, attended with an undaunted Presence of Mind, which mov'd the Auditors to Pity and Commiseration.

28. The Romans being unmovable in their Decrees, as to the Razing of Carthage, the Senate commanded them forthwith to depart to Carthage, and to declare to the * Citizens what things were Decreed; but some of the Ambassadors refusing to return to their Country, fled each of them where ever they could; the rest chusing rather to re∣turn, went home, having thus finish'd a doleful Embassy. When the People came thronging together to meet 'em, they gave 'em never a Word, but beating their heads, and stretching out their hands, and invocating their Gods, they went on to the Court, and inform'd the Senate what things were commanded.

29. The Arradians supposing they had got an opportunity to destroy those of Mara∣thum, sent privately to Ammonius* Viceroy of the Kingdom, and with a Bribe of 300 Talents, prevail'd with him to deliver up *Marathum, whereupon Ammonius sent Isadore to the Marathonians, who by his speech was to pretend some other matters, but in truth went to seize upon the City, and to deliver it up to the Arradians. The Marathonians being ignorant that they were design'd for Destruction, yet observing how that the Arradians were higher in the Kings Favour than themselves, refus'd the Kings Soldiers Entrance into their City, and resolved to make their Addresses as Supplicants to the Arra∣dians. They forthwith therefore sent Ten of the most Eminent of their eldest Citizens, as Ambassadors to Arradus, who brought with them a humble Address and Supplication, * and the oldest Images of their Gods, which they had in their City, hoping that upon the account of their kindred, and mov'd with Reverence to their Gods, the Arradians would be appeas'd, and their anger diverted. As soon as they landed according to the * Commands given, they addressed themselves as Supplicants to the People: But the Arra∣dians Blood being up, they slighted the usual and common Laws of Supplicants, and cast off all Reverence of their kindreds Images, and their Gods, and therefore broke the Ima∣ges, and trampled them most shamefully under their Feet, and attempted to Stone the Ambassadors; but some of the Senators interposing themselves between 'em and the rage of the People (scarce restrain'd from stoning them, notwithstanding the Reverence they ow'd the Senators) commanded 'em to be convey'd to Prison.—

The *Numantines and *Termisians sent Ambassadors to the Romans, to treat of a Peace, which was granted to them upon these Conditions, that they should deliver up each their Cities to the Romans, 300 Hostages, 900 Soldiers Coates, 300 Hides, 800 War-Horses, and all their Armes, and they should be Friends and Allies to the Romans. There being a day appointed for the performance of these Conditions by the Cities, all was done accor∣ding to the Articles, but when at last it came to the delivering up of their Arms, there a rose a certain Generous Regret and Lamentation, and a couragious Resolution in the Po∣pulacy to regain their Liberties. Therefore they were angry one at another they should ever consent, that they should like Women strip themselves of their Arms. Wherefore repenting of those things that were decreed, the Fathers accus'd their Sons, Children their Parents, and Women their Husbands, and so coming to themselves again, resolving not to deliver up their Arms, they renew'd the War against the Romans.

31. *Tryphon, of a private Man being made King, hasted all he could to establish the Government in himself, by a decree of the Senate: Wherefore preparing a golden Me∣dal of Victory weighing 10000 Crowns, he sent Ambassadors to Rome, to present it to the People, not doubting but that he should obtain from them the Compellation of King, considering the Present which he sent was not only very rich in it self, but such whose Name carried along with it the happy Prognostication of Victory. But he found the Se∣nate Page  782 far more Subtile than himself, whose Prudence prompt'd them to a Dislike of those that * deceitfully circumvent others: For they receiv'd the Present, and the good Omen, together with the profit, but instead of Grifon's Name, the Senate Decreed that the Title of the King that was treacherously Murder'd, should be Engraven upon it; and thus doing they approv'd themselves haters of his wickedness in Murdering of the Child, and such as would not accept of the presents of wicked Men.

32. There came with Scipio Africanus other Ambassadors to Alexandria, to view the whole Kingdom. *Ptolemy met them in Pomp and State, with a great Retinue, and Feasted them Sumptuously, and going about with them, shew'd them his Palace and Trea∣sury. But * they being Persons Eminent in Virtue, contented themselves with a spare Diet, and such as was wholesome, scorning that rich Provision, as prejudicial both to Mind and Body. As for those things which the King esteem'd as Rarities and Admirable, they only Glanc'd their Eyes upon 'em, and look'd on 'em as things of no Value: But what was really worth their Eying, those things they view'd most exactly; as the Scituati∣on of the City and its Capacity, and particularly the *Pharos, and what belong'd thereun∣to: Thence likewise they Sail'd to Memphis, and took notice of the goodness of the Coun∣try, the conveniencies of the River Nile, the number of the Cities, the infinite Thousands of Inhabitants, the * Fortification of Egypt, and the excellency of the Country, how well it was provided, both as to the Security, and Extent of an Empire: And having admir'd both the Populousness of Egypt, and the Conveniency of the Places therein, they were of opinion that the Kingdom of Egypt would easily swell into a vast Empire, if it once had Masters answerable. After the Ambassadors had well view'd Egypt, they went to Cyprus, and from thence into Syria. In short, they past through most parts of the World: And carrying themselves Soberly, to Admiration in all Places wherever they came, they gain'd exceeding Honour and Reputation; and Travelling through most parts of the World, with the general Applause of all, they return'd home. For those that were at difference, they reconcil'd one to another; others they perswaded to do Right and Justice, to those that complain'd against them; those that were impudently Obstinate, they were * necessitated to Curb and Restrain by Force; such Causes as were Difficult to be Determi∣ned, they transmitted to the Senate. Conferring both with Kings and their People, and renewing all former Leagues, they increas'd the love of all sorts to the Roman Government, and so all applying themselves in their several Countrys to chuse fit Persons, they sent Ambassadors to Rome, and highly applauded the Delegates with Scipio, and the Senate for imploying of such Men.

33. Bocchus, King of Lybia, having sharply rebuk'd those that would have perswaded him to make War upon the Romans, sent Commissioners to Marius, craving pardon for for his Crimes, and desiring to enter into a League, made many promises to be serviceable to the Romans for the time to come. But Marius ordering him to send Ambassadors to the * Senate, to Treat of these matters, the King observ'd his directions, and sent accordingly. Upon which the Senate answer'd, that Bocchus should in every respect be receiv'd into Grace and Favour, if he could prevail with Marius. Marius desirous to have *Jugurtha, the King his Prisoner, Bocchus willing to serve him, sends for *Jugurtha, as if he would discourse with him about Business of concern to them both, and by this means seizes him, and delivers him Bound to Lucius Sylla the Quaestor, who was sent out for that purpose; and so by the misfortune of this Prince, he bought his own Safety, and escap't Punishment from the Romans.

34. Ambassadors came from King Mithridates to Rome, with a great sum of Money, with hopes by that to corrupt the Senate. *Saturnius thinking now he had an advantage against the Senate, reproach'd and bespatter'd the Embassy at a great rate; the Senators instigated the Ambassadors, and promis'd to assist them, who thereupon call'd Saturnius in question for this abuse. There being then rais'd a mighty popular Tumult by reason of the violation of the Ambassadors, and of that constant Abhorrence the Romans have of such notorious Affronts, Saturnius (who was now condemn'd to die, by the Senate his proper Judges in such Cases) fell into most racking Fears and Perplexities; and because of the great Stirs and Tumults that were rais'd, in a Consternation he betook himself for Shelter to the Pity those commonly find that are * cast out of all; throwing therefore off his rich Apparel, and putting on a mean and sordid Habit; suffering his Beard to grow, he ran up and down to the Tumultuous throngs of People throughout the City, fal∣ling. down upon his Knees to some, catching others fast by the Hands, begging with Tears that they would assist him in his present Calamities, declaring he was Factiously opprest by the Senate against all Right and Justice, and suffer'd all this for his Good-will he bore to the People; that the Senators were his Enemies, Accusers and Judges. The Page  783 Mobb hereupon being all in an uproar, (affected by his Prayers and Intreaties) many Thou∣sands of 'em run to the Tribunal, and unexpectedly for that time rescu'd him, and with the assistance of the People, he was again declar'd Tribune.

35. Mark Anthony made a Peace with the Cretians, which they kept for some time; but afterwards calling together a General Council to consider what was most advisable for them to do in order to their advantage; the more Ancient and Prudent amongst them Councell'd to send Ambassadors to Rome, to make Defence against those * Accusations that were brought against them, and by fair Words and Intreaties, to work upon the Se∣nate to a Reconciliation. To this end they dispatch'd away Thirty chosen out of the most Eminent Men, for Ambassadors, who privately Visiting the Senators at their se∣veral Houses, and courting them with fine Words, secur'd those that made up the Assem∣bly: and being Introduc'd into the Senate, they made their Defence against the matters objected against them with great Prudence, exactly setting forth their good Services, and their Associations with the Senate, desiring that they might be Restor'd to their former Amity, and Confederacy: The Senate pleas'd with what they said, gave forth a Decree, * by which they not only acquitted the Cretians, of the Crimes laid to their charge, but declar'd them Confederates and Friends to the State. But Lentulus sirnam'd Spinther, got the Decree revers'd, however the Cretians were dismissed. But the Senate had often Debates concerning the Cretians, alledging, and at length concluding that they join'd with the Pirates, and were Sharers in the Robberies; and therefore they decreed the Cretians should send in all their Ships to Rome, even to a Skiff of Four Oars, and resign the 300 * famous Hostages, and send away *Lasthenes and Paneres, and amongst them pay 4000 Talents of Silver. The Cretians hearing what was Decreed, went into a Con∣sult about these Commands impos'd upon them, the more Prudent amongst 'em, advis'd to be observant in all things to what was enjoyn'd them: But those that were of Last the∣nes's party, and guilty of the same Crimes, and fearing lest being sent for to Rome, they should be there punish'd for their Offences, stirred up the People to a Sedition, advising them to maintain those liberties that they had ever, time out of Mind enjoy'd.