The Roman history from the building of the city to the perfect settlement of the empire by Augustus Caesar containing the space of 727 years : design'd as well for the understanding of the Roman authors as the Roman affairs / by Laurence Echard ...

THE Roman History. BOOK II.

The Consular State of ROME▪ From the Beginning of that Go∣vernment, to the Ruine of it by the first Triumvirate.

Containing the Space of 449 Years.

CHAP. I.

From the Banishment of the last King, to the first Dictator; which was the first Inter∣mission of the Consular Power.

Containing the space of 10 Years.

I. THE State of Affairs in Rome was now wholly alter'd, and the Government quite chang'd; Restoration of Ancient Priviledges was the Peoples constant Discourse, and an odd mixture of Fury and Cunning ran through the whole Body of the Nation, which caus••d 'em to put down Kingly Government, and set up that of Consuls. These High Officers were two in

Number, first call'd Praetors, next Iudices, and after∣wards Consuls, à Consulendo, from Counselling or Con∣sulting the Common Good of the People: They were yearly elected by the People in the Centuriata Comitia, out of the Patricians, being Persons no less than 43 Years old, or nigh, and of excellent Qua∣lifications, as long as there was little or no Corrupti∣ons. The Consular Power was at first equal to the Regal, till in a short time Poplicola brought in the Li∣berty of Appealing to the People: Yet, after this, their Authority was very large, for they were the Heads of the People and Senate, superiour to all other Magistrates, govern'd the State, dispos'd of the Publick Revenues, ad∣minister'd Iustice, call'd and dismiss'd the Senate, and all General Assemblies, had all the Laws enacted in their Names, led Armies, appointed Officers, treated with all Foreign Princes and Ambassadors, and transacted many o∣ther Things in their own Names. They had also the Roy∣al Ornaments us'd by the Kings, as the Golden Crown, Sceptre, Purple Robes, White Robes the twelve Lictors, with the Axes and Fasces, the Ivory and Curule Chairs; only to prevent the People's Jealousies, the Crowns and Sceptres were never us'd but upon extraordinary Days of Triumph; and commonly one was attended by the Axes, and the other by the Rods, changing each Month. The first Consuls were L. Iunius Brutus, and L. Tarquinius Collatinus, who had been the Authors of this Settlement; and they immediately reviv'd the Laws of Servius Tullius, concerning Publick Meetings and Assemblies, with other things that conduc••d to the Satisfaction of the common sort, who look'd upon their ancient Rights as newly recover'd.

Before Affairs were perfectly settled in the Com∣mon-wealth, some Ambassadors from Hetruria arriv'd at Rome, in behalf of the late King Tarquin, who was now so mortifi'd, and so sensible of his Mismanage∣ment, that he made very large Promises of observing all regular Administration for the future, If they

wou'd receive him as their lawful King. When this Pro∣posal cou'd not be heard, the Ambassadors only de∣sir'd, That he might have his Goods return'd him, at least such as were his Grand-father Priscus's, who had deserv'd no Ill at their hands. But Brutus very violently oppos'd that Demand, as being almost as dangerous as the o∣ther, he esteeming it no good Policy to furnish an E∣nemy with Money against themselves; however his Collegue Collatine most readily comply'd with it, but putting it to the Vote, it pass'd in the Negative, the Voices being very nigh equal. The Ambassadors meeting with no Success, according to their Instructi∣ons, made several plausible Excuses for tarrying in Rome longer than ordinary; and in that time, by their cunning Management and fair Promises, found means to draw over some of Collatine's Family to their sides, namely, two of the Aquilii, and three of the Vitellii, together with Brutus's two Sons, Titus and Tiberius. These, with some other, all join'd in a Conspiracy, keeping their private Meetings at the House of the Aquilii, there to consult about, and manage their De∣signs, which were to kill both the Consuls, and to en∣deavour to re-inthrone Tarquin.

These Conspirators cou'd not long conceal their Practices, but were discover'd by a Slave call'd Vin∣dicius, who had accidentally hid himself in the same Room, fearing to be found there, and not having time to come out. Now Vindicius, fearing to disco∣ver this strange Accident to either of the Consuls, upon the Account of such a nigh Relation, went di∣rectly to Valerius, afterwards call'd Poplicola, a great Assistant in this Revolution, and laid open the whole Plot. Valerius was much startled at the Dis∣covery, therefore to proceed warily, he first secur'd the Slave to have him in readiness; then sending his Brother Marcus to beset the King's Palace, and watch all the Servants there, he himself, with his Friends and Clients went to the House of the Aquilii,

where he seiz'd on several Letters writ to Tarquin by these Conspirators. The Aquilii being abroad, met 'em at the Gate, where they endeavour'd to recover the Letters by force of Arms; but Valerius, by the help of his Followers, violently dragg'd 'em to the Forum, where he found some of the King's Servants with other Letters, who had been likewise forc••d thi∣ther by his Brother Marcus. The People throng'd on all sides, but the Consul's Sons drew the Eyes of the whole Multitude upon 'em, and several Tumults were like to arise, till both the Consuls came, and ascend∣ing the Tribunal, appeas'd all.

Vindicius was immediately sent for by Valerius's Or∣der, and coming before the Consuls, he related the whole Story at large, and for a greater Proof against 'em, the Letters were read publickly before all, Brutus all the while inwardly burning with Rage and Fury. The Accused Parties pleaded nothing for themselves, but all stood wonderfully astonish'd, and in a profound Silence; till at last some, to flatter Brutus, propos'd Banishment as a sufficient Punishment, and Colatine's Tears, with Valerius's Silence, gave the Prisoners great Hopes of Mercy. But Brutus at last rose up, with a stern Majesty, and a Resolution to do something that the World shou'd wonder at, he call'd aloud to both his Sons, Canst not thou, O Titus, nor thou, Tiberius, make any Defence against these Crimes, now laid to your charge? This Question he put to them three several times, and receiving no Answer, he turn'd himself to the Lictors and Executioners, saying, Now 'tis your Part to perform the rest. Nor could all the Sentiments of Paternal Pity, nor all the sad pleading Looks of the People, nor yet the lamentable Complaints of the unhappy Youths, move the Firmness of his Resolution; but presently the Lictors seiz'd on the two Young Men, and strip∣ping 'em, ty'd their Hands behind 'em, then tore their Bodies with Scourges, and presently after beheaded 'em; Brutus all the time gazing on the cruel Spectacle

with a most steady Look and unalter'd Countenance, while the Multitude look'd on with a strange Mixture of Pity and Amazement. Brutus after this Execution immediately departed out of the Assembly, leaving the rest of the Criminals to the Discretion of his Collegue.

Collatine's Backwardness in punishing the Prisoners, encourag'd the Aquilii to desire some time to answer, and to have their Slave Vindicius deliver'd up to 'em, and not to continue in the hands of their Accusers. Collatine was ready to do both, and to dismiss the As∣sembly, when Valerius, who had the Slave in his hands, wou'd neither deliver him, nor suffer the People to break up without censuring the Accused; but imme∣diately laid hands on the Aquilii, and sent for Brutus, exclaiming against Collatine's partial Dealings, where∣upon the Consul in a Rage commanded the Lictors to take away Vindicius, who laying hold on him by Violence, were assaulted by Valerius's Friends, the People all the while crying out for Brutus. Upon his appearing, Silence being made, he told the People, He had already shewn himself a sufficient Lover of his Country by his Iustice to his Sons, and left the other Delinquents to them, giving leave to every Man to speak freely. They immediately put it to the Vote, and condemn'd 'em to be beheaded, which was presently executed. Col∣latine finding the People so enrag'd at him, partly for the sake of his nigh Relation to Tarquin, and partly for his unfortunate Behaviour in this Business, willingly resign'd his Place, and departed the City. Valerius was strait chosen Consul in his room, who, to reward Vin∣dicius, made him Free, allowing him some Privileges above former Freed Men; and from him a perfect and full Manumission was afterwards call'd Vindicta. This done, the Consuls divided Tarquin's Goods among the People, demolish'd his Palace, and laid the Campus Martius, which he had kept to himself, open as be∣fore, where happening to be Corn which had been

newly cut down, they threw it into the River; and after that the Trees that grew there, which fastning in the Ground, and stopping the Rubbish that was brought down by the Stream, at last grew into an Island, which they call'd Insula Sacra.

II. Tarquin now finding all his Endeavours ineffectu∣al, drew together a considerable Army of Hetrurians, and advanced towards Rome. The Consuls likewise drew out theirs to oppose him, and upon their joyning, the two Generals, Aruns the Son of Tarquin, and Brutus the Consul, imprudently singled out each other, and fighting with more Zeal and Fury than Conduct and Discretion, were both Slain. A very bloody Battel follow'd between both Armies, which the Night parted, but with such equal Fortune, that neither Par∣ty had much reason to boast; but in the Night-time, either from a Voice out of a Grove, as the common Story goes, That the Hetrurians had lost one Man more than the Romans, or from some other extraordinary Fright, the Enemy abandon'd their Camp, and be∣ing fallen upon by the Romans, were nigh 5000 taken Prisoners, having lost 11300 in the Battel before. For this Victory, Valerius triumph'd at his return to the City, after a more magnificent Manner than any before him; whose Example was always observ'd by Posterity. Soon after, he bury'd his Collegue Brutus with great Honour, he himself making a Funeral O∣ration in his Commendation; and this Custom was continu'd in Rome for the future, upon the Death of all great and memorable Persons. There was such an universal Concern through all the City for Brutus's Death, that the Women by general consent mourn'd for him a whole Twelvemonth, which was two Months more than Numa had appointed.

Valerius now sole Governour, deferr'd the Election of another Consul, that he might the more easily settle the Common-wealth himself; but the People

complaining, and fearing another Tarquin, he soon let 'em see their Mistake by his Courteous Behaviour and ready Compliance with all their Desires, even to the demolishing his own House, which they thought too large and stately for him. His courteous and obliging Carriage, and his Bowing to the People in the Assembly, got him the name of Poplicola. He first fill'd up the Senate, which wanted 164 Per∣sons; then made several Laws in favour of the Peo∣ple, and for the Retrenchment of the Consular Power. By one, he allow'd an Appeal from the Consuls to the People. By another, he made it Death for any Man to take any Magistrate's Office without the Peoples Consent. A third, gave Relief to poor Citizens, by ta∣king away the payment of Tribute. Another punish'd Disobedience to Consuls, and appointed a Penalty of five Oxen, and two Sheep; a Sheep being in those days valu'd at ten Oboli, (each Obolus 1 d. 1 q.) and an Ox at a hundred. Another Law gave Power to any Man to kill the Person unheard, who affected the Supreme Power, if he cou'd demonstrate the Crime. The last Law was for the Creation of two Quaestors or Pub∣lick Treasurers, who were to take care of the Publick Monies and Contributions, and appointed the Tem∣ple of Saturn for the Aerarium or Treasury. These Officers were so nam'd à quaerendo, because they en∣quir'd after the Publick Money, and likewise after Ma∣lefactors. Some say Romulus and Numa had their Quae∣stors, but then they were for Punishment, such as were afterwards the Triumviri, for Capital Matters. This Quaestorship was the first step to the Offices of Magistracy, and they were likewise to keep the Mili∣tary Ensigns in the Treasury, to sell Plunder and Booty, lodge and carry out Ambassadors, and seve∣ral other things of the like Nature. Their Number was afterwards very much encreas'd, till in the time of Iulius Caesar they came to forty, some being us'd for the Armies, and others for the Provinces. Of

which, these two of the first Creation were term'd Urbani, the rest Provinciales, and Militares.

Poplicola having thus setled Affairs, held an Assem∣bly for the Election of another Consul; where Lu∣cretius, the Father of Lucretia, was chosen, to whom, as being the Elder, Poplicola granted the Fasces, or Bundle of Rods, which respect of Age was ever ob∣serv'd by their Successors. Lucretius dying a few days after his Creation, was succeeded by M. Horatius, in whose time the Capitol was finish'd, and the Dedica∣tion of it fell to Horatius, much against Poplicola's will, who was forc'd to be abroad in the Wars at the same time. This was perform'd with great Pomp and Solemnity, and with as great a Concourse of People of all sorts. In the same Year was the first League made between the Romans and Carthaginians, according to Polybius; wherein it was provided, that the Romans shou'd not Sail beyond the Fair Promontory, which lay before Carthage towards the North; but were allow'd to Traffick in all that Part of Africa on this side the Promontory, as also in Sardinia, and that part of Sicily that was then under the Carthagi∣nians. From whence it appears, that the Carthagini∣ans look'd upon Africa and Sardinia as all their own, but Sicily only in part; but the Romans included in this League only Latium, making no mention of the rest of Italy, which was not then in their Pow∣er. In a little time after Horatius's Election, the time coming for new Consuls to be made, Poplicola was chosen a second time, and with him Lu••retius Tricipitinus, in whose time a Census being perform'd, 130000 were cess'd and valu'd, besides Widows and Orphans.

III. Before Poplicola's second Consulship was expir'd, Tarquin after his last Defeat, had betaken himself to the Clusini, one of the twelve Nations of Hetruria, and had procur'd Porsena, King of Clusium, and of

great Power, to undertake his Quarrel. Poplicola to appear as magnificent as this King, founded the City Sigliucia, or rather Signia, while he was approaching, which he fortify••d with great Expence, and planted it with a Colony of 700 Inhabitants. But Porsena march'd directly to Rome, laid a close Siege to it, and made a furious Attack upon the Place; in which Contest the two Consuls with much difficulty repul∣sing the Hetrurians, were both wounded and carri'd off. Upon which the Romans were much dishearten∣ed, and flying in great Disorder, were closely pur∣su'd by the Enemy to the Bridge, who wou'd also undoubtedly have enter'd the Town with 'em, had not Horatius Coecles, with only Herminius and Lartius, most valiantly oppos'd 'em. Coecles defended the Pas∣sage with a wonderful Bravery, till his own Party found time to break down the Bridge, then cast himself arm'd, as he was, into the River, and swam over to his Friends, having receiv'd a Wound with a Spear in his Passage over. Poplicola, to reward him for this extraordinary Piece of Service, gave him several great Privileges, and appointed a Statue to be erected to his Memory in the Temple of Vulcan. Porsena held the Siege a long time, and reduc'd the City to great Straits; but Poplicola, now exercising his third Consulship, together with his last years Collegue, drew out his Forces, engag'd the King, overthrew him, and kill'd 5000 of his Men.

Nevertheless, the Siege continud'd, till Mutius, a Man of a most undaunted Courage, resolving to attempt the Life of Porsena, tho' amidst his own Soldiers, put on a Tuscan Habit, and using that Language, came into the Camp, where by a Mistake he stabb'd the King's Secretary, who sat nigh him, instead of the King himself. Being apprehended, and ready to be exa∣min'd, he like a Person more dreadful to others than fearful himself, told 'em, That he was a Roman, and knew as well how to suffer as to act. Upon which he

couragiously thrust his Right-hand into the Fire, in∣tending to punish it for so great a Mistake, all the while beholding Porsena with a steady and angry Countenance, who struck and amaz'd at the great∣ness of his Resolution, dismiss'd him with much Applause, and reach'd him his Sword back from his Throne. Mutius taking it with his Left-hand (whence he had the Name of Scaevola) told the King, That the Nobleness of his Generosity had more van∣quish'd him than all the Terrors of his Threats; and that in requital he wou'd reveal a Secret to him, which no Tor∣ments shou'd ever have extorted from him: That Three hundred Romans in the Camp were now waiting for his Life; that the first Attempt was appointed for him; but now he was extreamly satisfy'd that he had so happily miss'd killing a Person, whose Magnanimity better entitl'd him to the Friendship, than the Hatred of the Roman Nation. P••rsena hearing this, was immediately inclin'd to an Accommodation, not out of Fear of the 300 Men, but in Admiration of the Roman Courage. Poplicola was well pleas'd with the Proposal, and agreed to make him Arbitrator between Tarquin and the Peo∣ple; but Tarquin resolutely refus'd to admit of any Judge; much less Porsena, Who, as he said, had pro∣mis'd him Aid, and now basely falsify'd his Word. Por∣sena, angry at this, immediately made Peace with the Romans upon these Articles, That the Romans shou'd quit those Tuscan Lands, which they had taken from the Veientes, rest••re all Prisoners, and receive all their Deserters.

For the ratifying this Peace the Romans depos'd Twenty Hostages, Ten young Men, and as many Virgins, among which was Valeria, the Daughter of Poplic••la. All Acts of Hostility ceasing, Claelia, a bold Virago, and one of the Hostages, got from her Keepers, and at the Head of the rest of the Virgins, swam over the River Tiber, amidst the Darts of the Enemies; and being all got home, they presented themselves be∣fore

Poplicola; but he fearing the dangerous Conse∣quences such an Act might occasion, sent them all back to Porsena; which Tarquin understanding, laid an Ambuscade for them and their Convoy, but they were rescu'd by Aruns, Porsena's Son. Porsena exami∣ning them, was so much taken with the extraordinary Courage and good Behaviour of Claelia, presented her with one of his own Horses sumptuously equip'd, and gave her Power of disposing of a set number of the Hostages, which she did with much Discretion, chu∣sing out the Youngest, as being less able to bear In∣juries and Hardships. Then to give a further Testi∣mony of his great Respect to the Romans, besides other pieces of Magnificence, he commanded all his Soldi∣ers to leave the Camp with only their Arms, deliver∣ing to the Romans his Tents well furnish'd with Pro∣visions and Riches. On the other side, the Romans to shew their Gratitude, and to preserve his Memory, erected a Statue for him by the Senate House; and another to Claelia, as Livy relates it, which was a Maid on Horseback, in the Street call'd Via Sacra; giving likewise to Mutius a Field beyond the Tiber, after∣wards call'd Mutia Prata. Thus ended the Hetrurian War, much to Tarquin's Dissatisfaction; and soon after Herminius and Lartius, who had so bravely de∣fended the Bridge, were together chosen Consuls.

IV. A Year or two after, the Sabines began to be very troublesome, making Incursions into the Roman Territories. M. Valerius being one of the Consuls, by the Instructions of his Brother Poplicola, obtain'd great Honours, overthrowing 'em twice, the last time kil∣ling 13000, with little or no Loss to the Romans. Be∣sides his Triumph, he had the additional Honour of a House built for him at the publick Charge. The Year following, when Poplicola was Consul the fourth time, the whole Nation of the Sabines joyn'd in Con∣federacy with the Latines against Rome; but Appius

Clausus, an Eminent Man among the Sabines for Riches, Valour, and Eloquence, being much against the War, first retarded their Preparations, then after a short time came over to the Romans with 5000 Fa∣milies of his Friends and Dependants. These had a considerable quantity of Land, and large Priviledges allow'd 'em, besides their Freedom, especially Clausus himself, who was made also a Senator; and the Claus••, afterwards call'd Claudii, became as great a Family as any in Rome. Soon after this, the Tribes of the Roman State were encreas'd from Four to One and twenty, and one of the four in the City was call'd Tribus Clau∣dia, from the foremention'd Appius Claudius; and this remarkable Change happ'ned in the 250th Year of this City, but upon what Account, and by whose Means it was effected, Historians are very silent.

The Sabines having made all necessary Preparations, advanc'd with all the Troops to Fidenae, laying an Am∣buscade of 2000 Foot; whereof Poplicola having some Notice by Deserters, he divided his Forces into three Parts, and taking the advantage of a Mist, fell upon the Enemy on so many Sides, that only the nigh Di∣stance of Fidenae sav'd 'em from being all cut off; the Romans obtaining large Plunder, and Poplicola a noble Triumph. Not long after, Poplicola having ended his Consulship, dy'd; and the People, as well upon the account of his Poverty, as to shew their Respect to so great and serviceable a Person, decree'd he shou'd be bury'd at the Publick Charge, and by a favour pe∣culiar to that Family alone, within the City. This was perform'd with an equal Mixture of Pomp and Sorrow; the Women, by a general Consent, mourn∣ing for him a whole Year, as they had before done for Brutus. In the same Year, Posthumius and Meneni••s being Consuls, the Sabines once more drawing toge∣ther a numerous Army, march'd up almost to the Walls of Rome. As the Consuls advanc'd towards 'em, Posthumius fell into an Ambuscade, lost many

of his Men, and narrowly escap'd himself; which unfortunate Disadvantage put the Citizens into so great a Consternation, that they ran back with all speed to their Walls, expecting when the Enemy shou'd attack the City: But the Enemy making no such Attempt, they march'd out again, resolving to redeem their lost Credit; and Posthumius more con∣cern'd than the rest, behav'd himself nobly, and to∣gether with his Collegue, obtain'd a notable Victory, which had been finish'd with the entire Ruine of the Sabines, had not the Night interpos'd.

For the greatness of this Victory, the Senate de∣creed Menenius a full Triumph; but Posthumius, by reason of his ill Success in the beginning, had only an inferior one, which the Romans call'd Ovation, so nam'd from the Letter O, as it is said, which the Sol∣diers in way of Joy were wont to eccho at their re∣turn from Victory, whereas in Triumphs they cri'd Io Triumphe! Now an Ovation differ'd from a Triumph, properly so call'd, in these Particulars; namely, that in an Ovation, the General enter'd the City on foot, and not in a Chariot; that he was met only by the Knights and Gentlemen, not by the Senators in their Robes; that he himself had only the pretexta toga, the ordinary Habit of Consuls and Praetors, and not the Robe interwoven with Gold: And lastly, That he had not a Sceptre in his Hand, but had only Lau∣rel, and a Wreath of Myrtle on his Head. The Year following, Cassius and Virginius being Consuls, the Sabines receiv'd another great Overthrow at Cures, 10300 being kill'd, and 4000 taken Prisoners; which Defeat forc'd 'em to beg Peace, and pur∣chase it with Corn, Money, and part of their Lands. While Cassius did this good Service against the Sabines, his Collegue Virginius subdu'd the Camarinaeans, who had revolted, and having executed the Ring-Leaders, he sold the rest, and demolish'd the City: And thus ended the Contests with the Sabines for a while.

V. Tarquin still restless and unsatisfy'd, by the As∣sistance of Mamilius Octavius, his Son-in-Law, stirr'd up the whole Body of the Latines to declare War against Rome; and moreover, had procur'd Fidenae to revolt. But the Senate prudently declin'd making War with all the Latines, well knowing that many of 'em were rather inclin'd to live in Peace; therefore at first they block'd up Fidenae, which had receiv'd some of Tarquin's Forces. Tarquin meeting with no greet Success, now endeavour'd to accomplish his De∣signs a more easie Way, by fomenting Differences and Quarrels between the Rich and Poorer sort of Rome; for the effecting of which, he happen'd on a very con∣venient Opportunity for his purpose. For about this time, the common People, who were burden'd by U∣sury, were much dissatisfi'd with the present State of Affairs, especially with the unreasonable Severity of Creditors, who generally seiz'd upon the Body of their Debtors, and us'd 'em worse than Slaves. Tarquin being sensible of all this, sent certain of his Friends with good quantities of Gold, giving 'em some in hand, and promising more after the King's Restoration, and thereby procur'd a Conspiracy of many poor Citizens, and discontented Slaves. But the whole Matter was soon discover'd to Sulpicius, one of the Consuls, who after he had return'd a very civil Denial to the Latin Ambassadors, then present about Business, by a Wile drew the Conspirators into the Forum; where incom∣passing 'em about, he put 'em all to the Sword.

These dangerous Stirs being thus allay'd for a time, the Consuls of this and the following Year look'd abroad, and in no long time Fidenae was yielded to Largius Flavius. The Latines now inrag'd at the Loss of this Town, began to complain of their principal Men; which Opportunity Tarquin and Mamilius so far improv'd, as to procure all the Latin Cities, 24 in number, to declare War against the Romans; withal

ingaging them, that none shou'd forsake the Interest of the Associates, nor make any separate Peace, which they seal'd with dreadful Oaths and Curses against them who shou'd break the Confederacy, who were to be held as Enemies by all the rest. The Latines made extraordinary Preparations, as likewise did the Romans, but the latter cou'd procure no Auxiliaries abroad, therefore were forc'd to rely all upon their Domestick Strength, which Necessity made the bet∣ter sort more couragious and valiant. But in levy∣ing Men, to the great surprize of the Consuls and Senate, the poorer sort and Debtors, which were very numerous, refus'd to list themselves, except their Debts were all remitted by a Decree of Senate; nay, some began to talk of leaving the City, since they cou'd have no happy Life while they were there.

The Patritians endeavour'd to appease the Multitude by gentle words, but all in vain; upon which the Se∣nate fell into a serious Debate about this weighty Mat∣ter. There are some for a free Remission of all Debts, as the safest and securest Method at that Jun∣cture; others urg'd the dangerous Consequences of this Condescention, advising 'em to list such as wou'd give in their Names, and slight the rest. Between these two Extreams, several other Methods were propos'd; but at length this Order prevail'd, That all Suits and Processes concerning Debts shou'd cease till this War was fi∣nish'd. This Expedient, tho' in some measure useful, had not the intended Effect upon the unruly Minds of the Multitude, therefore the Senate was put upon another. Whereas by the Laws of Poplicola, the Con∣sular Authority was much restrain'd and diminish'd by the Appeal to the People, so that no Man cou'd be oblig'd to go into the War against his Will; therefore they found it necessary at this time, as well as upon the account of the Wars abroad, as the Troubles at home, to create a particular Magistrate, from whom shou'd lie no Appeal, and who for a set Time shou'd be the

sole Governour. This Supream Officer was call'd Dictator; Largius Flavius was the first that was crea∣ted by the Senate; and this was the first Intermission of the Consular Power, about ten Years after their first Creation, and afterwards prov'd the Ruine of the Popular State, and the bringing in of Mo••archy a second time.

CHAP. II.

From the Creation of the first Dictator, to the great Retrenchment of the Consular Power by the Tribunes of the People.

Containing the space of 5 Years.

I. NOW was the Consular Power for a while laid aside, and another Officer made, who had more Power than both the Consuls; so nam'd à di∣ctando, from dictating or commanding what was to be done. He was also call'd Magister Populi, and Praetor Maximus, and was always created in the Night-time by the Senate's Order, and Nomination of the Consuls without the People; and was gene∣rally made, either upon some urgent Occasion of War and Sedition, or in the times of Plagues and Famines, or for the Celebration of some particular Games, or whenever else there was need of a sudden and extraordinary Command; and this was often∣times a Means of preserving the Roman Common∣wealth from Ruine. His Authority was absolute, he had Power of Peace and War, to levy Forces, to lead 'em out, to disband 'em, and to act all things according to his Pleasure, without referring them to the Senate; and upon his Creation, all other Magistrates, except the Tribunes

of the People, laid down their Offices, and the whole Government was left in his Hands. He had 24 Bun∣dles of Rods carry'd before him, with as many Axes, and he punish'd as he pleas'd without any Appeal; hence this Office came to be so terrible, that the Edict of a Dictator was observ'd as the Command of a Deity. But then this extraordinary Power was li∣mitted both by Time and Place; for the Office was never to continue above six Months; nor was the Dictator allow'd to march out of Italy, nor ever on Horseback without leave, to shew that the Roman Strength lay in the Infantry. The Dictator upon his Creation, always made choice of another Officer, one that had either been Consul or Praetor, to assist him; this Officer was call'd Magister Equitum, who had chief Command over the Horse-men, as the Di∣ctator had over the Roman People. In the Dictator••s Absence, this Master of the Horse executed his Place in the Army; if present, he Commanded the Horse, yet so as to be obedient to the Dictator's Orders, and never to fight either contrary to, or without his Commands.

Largius Flavius, one of the Consuls for this Year, being, as was said before, made Dictator, chose Sp. Cas∣sius for his Master of the Horse, who had been Consul in the Year 252, and immediately appear'd in Publick with his 24 Axes and Rods before him; which soon chang'd the Face of Affairs in the City. Ha∣ving with these and other Ensigns of Power terrify'd and stopp'd the Seditious Murmurs of the Multitude, he began the Census, after the Pattern of Servius Tul∣lius the sixth King, according to the Tribes, taking the Names and Ages of such as were cessed, and of Chil∣dren. In a short time, the Fear of losing Freedom and Estates, so far prevail'd, that 150700 of full Age gave in their Names, which he distributed into four Parts, taking one for himself, ordering a second for his Master of the Horse, and the two remaning to two Persons Commissioned on purpose, one of which

was to continue in the City for the Defence of it Affairs thus setled, he sent some private Ministers, who dealt privately with several Latine Cities, and procur'd 'em to suspend the War, and make a Truce for one Year, notwithstanding the great Oppositions made by Tarquin and Mamilius, for whose sakes they undertook the Quarrel. Upon this, Largius return'd home with his Army, and before his six Months were out, he laid down his Office, and the Consular Pow∣er took place again, no Citizen being punish'd ei∣ther by Death or Banishment, or cruelly us'd in all that time; and this Carriage was imitated by his Suc∣cessors for many Ages; and notwithstanding the Vastness of this Authority, it was very rarely abus'd; nor was the Commonwealth any ways prejudic'd by it, till Sylla's time.

When the Truce between the Romans and Latines was at an end, both Parties prepar'd to take the Field, the former chearfully, and the latter unwillingly. The Latins were so strong, that the Romans thought it convenient to create a Dictator, and accordingly Vir∣ginius the Senior Consul nominated Posthumius his Col∣legue, who chose Ebutius Helva for his Master of the Horse; and hastning his Levies, divided his Troops in∣to four Parts, reserving one to himself, assigning the second to Virginius, the third to Ebutius, and the fourth to Sempronius, who was to defend the City. Upon Intelligence that the Latines had taken the Field, Post∣humius advanc'd with all speed to the Lake Regillus, 14 Miles East of Rome by Tusculum, where he fortifi'd himself against the Enemy, who as yet were not all u∣nited, but expected Aid from the Volsci. The Romans divided themselves into three parts, and were so con∣veniently posted as to cut off all Provisions from the Latine Camp, designing to starve 'em; but the News of the March of the Volsci alter'd their Measures, making 'em resolve to engage. The Roman Army consisted of 24000 Foot, and 1000 Horse, and the Enemy of 40000

Foot, and 3000 Horse, Tarquin's Son Titus command∣ing the main Body, his Brother Sextus the Left Wing, and Mamilius the Right: Posthumius stood against Ti∣tus, Ebutius against Sextus, and Virginius against Mami∣lius, and so began a bloody Battel. Florus says that Posthumius cast one of the Ensigns among the Enemy, that his Men might be the more eager to fall upon 'em and recover it; and that Ebutius commanded the Bridles to be taken off the Horses, that they might Charge with the greater Violence and Fury. The Vi∣ctory at last fell on the Romans side; and the Battel was fought with so much Bravery and Courage, that it was reported that the Gods themselves were pre∣sent, particularly Castor and Pollux mounted on milk white Steeds. The Latines lost Mamilius and Sextus, and were so broken, that scarce a fourth Part of 'em escap'd; and from the Place of this Victory, Post∣humius obtain'd the Sirname of Rhegillensis; ma∣ny others likewise gaining great Honour, particular∣ly Caius Marcius, afterwards call'd Coriolanus.

After the Battel was over, the Volsci arriv'd at the Camp, whereof one Party was for attacking the Romans now weary; but another Party, willing to ingratiate themselves with the Conquerors, prevail'd to send to the Dictator, to let him understand, That they came to his Assistance. But Posthumius convinc'd 'em of their Falshood by their own Letters which he had intercepted, and giving leave to the Messenger to return, whom the Multitude wou'd have pull'd in pieces, resolv'd to fall on 'em the next Day; but in the Night they abandon'd their Camp and fled. The Latines, now in a very bad Condition, sent in the humblest manner imaginable to beg Peace of the Ro∣mans; and their Ambassadors with so many Tears and submissive Intreaties laid all the Blame on the Nobility, that the Motion of Largius prevail'd in their behalf for the former League to be renew'd. Thus ended all the Wars made upon the Tarquin's ac∣count,

which had been carry'd on for 13 Years. As for Tarquin himself, the only Person left of all his Family, now abandon'd by the Latines, Hetrurians, Sabines, with the rest of the Neighbouring People, who all refus'd to harbour him, he went into Cam∣pania to Aristodemus Prince of Cuma, where he shortly after dy'd, being about 90 Years of Age, and the last King that Rome ever saw.

II. Upon the finishing of this War, Posthumius laid down his Office, and Appius Claudius the Sabine, and Servilius Priscus were made Consuls for the Year fol∣lowing; and now the Courts of Justice were again open'd, and Processes against Debtors reviv'd. This caus'd great Disturbances among the Common Peo∣ple, the Plebeians alledging their Inability of paying their Debts upon the account of their Losses by the Enemies Incursions, and their want of Tillage; which Plea their Creditors likewise made use of, shewing that these Losses were such as made the remitting of their Debts impossible; which occasion'd many Tumults and Quarrels. The Consuls endeavour'd to divert these threatning Mischiefs, by making War against the Volsci, who had lately assisted the Latines; but none of the Plebeians wou'd List themselves, making grie∣vous Complaints against the intollerable Severity of their Creditors, and declaring, That they had ventur'd their Lives to preserve the Liberty of the State abroad, and in requital were made Slaves by their Countrymen at home. Now Servilius was willing to comply in some measure with the Poor, but Appius very hotly oppos'd it as the most dangerous Remedy in the World; and the Disa∣greement of the Consuls added much to the com∣mon Calamity. However, the Senate at last was forc'd to have recourse to the Popularity of Servi∣lius, who with fair Words and Promises perswaded the People into the Field; where when he had by his good Services deserv'd a Triumph, the Honour was

deni'd him by the Insinuation of his Collegue Appius, who represented to the Senate, That by bearing and com∣plying with the Multitude, he had impair'd the Dignity of his Order. The People now expecting the Perfor∣mances of Servilius's Promises, were wholly disap∣pointed by Appius's Contrivances, which doubled their Rage, and made 'em carry all things by open Force, rescuing their Companions out of the hands of the Serjeants, holding Secret Cabals, denying ever to touch a Weapon till their Burdens were remov'd.

These dangerous Stirs put the Senate to a great stand; Appius still urg'd, That nothing ought to be granted to the Rabble; and the better to quell the Disturbances, procur'd a Dictator to be created, which most suppos'd wou'd be himself: But the present Consuls made choice of M. Valerius, a popular Man, supposing that the Terror of the Office alone wou'd perform the Work, and that a Person of a mild and moderate Temper wou'd best manage it. Valerius chose Servilius the late Consul for his Master of the Horse, and he minding the Pleasure of the People more than his own Authority, told 'em, That if they wou'd freely fol∣low him, not only what they justly requir'd concerning their Debts, but other Rewards shou'd be granted 'em; by which means he procur'd ten Legions to be listed. With these he march'd against the Volsci, Aequi, and Sabines, who were all up in Arms; and having reduc'd 'em, he divided some Lands he had taken from the Volsci, among the Soldiers. At his return he requested the Senate, that his and their Promises might be made good, but was check'd for his too great Compliance with the Multitude; and because he was an old Man, above Seventy, unfit as he said to contend, and unwilling to shew his utmost Authority, he imme∣diately laid down his Office. This more inflam'd the common People, who now had their private Con∣sultations, designing to separate themselves from the

Patritians; which when the Senate perceiv'd, order was given to the Consuls not to disband the Army, pretending that the Sabines and Aequi had new Designs against Rome. Now the Soldiers being strictly bound by their Oath, call'd Sacramentum, at their first Listing, cou'd not forsake their Standards; but the Consuls having their Camps nigh each other, by the Advice of one Sicinius Bellulus, they all remov'd to one of them; and then taking away the Ensigns and Stan∣dards from the Consuls, they retir'd to a Mountain afterwards call'd Mons Sacer, three Miles North of Rome by the River Anio, now call'd Taverone.

Upon this News, the whole City was in a strange Consternation and Tumult; insomuch that the Pa∣tritians fear▪d least Civil Wars shou'd insue, for the Plebeians growing extream high, many of 'em left the Town and flock'd to the Army, tho' the other hinder'd it as much as possible. The Fathers had great Contests among themselves, some pleading for the Multitude, others urging nothing but right down Force; till the former sort prevail'd to send a Mes∣sage to the Armies, desiring 'em To return home, and declare their Demands; withal promising 'em, To for∣get their Crimes, and to reward their good Services. But this Message was receiv'd with disdainful Words, and violent Complaints, intermix'd with threatning Lan∣guage; which the more sensibly afflicted the Fathers, as not knowing which way to procure a Reconcilia∣tion, since they cou'd no longer keep the People in the City from going over to the Army. Now was the time for electing of new Consuls at hand, but the Stirs were so violent, that no Candidates (so cal∣led, because they su'd for the Place in white Gar∣ments) wou'd stand for the Office, nor any accept of it; till at last the Consuls by their sole Authority appointed Posthumius Cominius, and Sp. Cassius, who had been Consuls before, and were equally in favour with the Nobility and Commons.

The Consuls immediately call'd the Senate, and consulted 'em about the Return of the Commons. Agrippa Menenius, a very discreet Person, and a great Orator in those days, urg'd the great Necessity of a Com∣posure, and a Compliance with the People, since the Ro∣man Dominions cou'd neither be encreas'd, nor yet preserv'd without the Inferior sort. Valerius the last Dictator se∣conded him, and upbraided the Senate for not believ∣ing him when he foretold these Distempers; that now they ought to heal the Wound before it was gone too far; that there were several Reasons the Roman People had to separate themselves from the better sort, all which had great and plausible Appearances of Iustice. But Appius, accord∣ing to his usual Manner, violently declaim'd a∣gainst the Insolence of the Mob, and the Imprudence of the Senate in any sort of Compliances; that if they granted these Things when Enemies, which they refus'd when Friends, they wou'd not rest here, but require a Communication of all Honours, and what not? So that at last the whole Power of the State wou'd come into the hands of the Rabble. This Speech so pleas'd and transported some of the young∣er sort of his Party, that nothing cou'd be determi∣ned by reason of the Heats on both Sides. This put the Consuls upon dismissing the Senate for that time, admonishing the younger sort, to carry themselves more modestly for the future, or else they wou'd prefer a Law to limit a certain Age for Senators; exhorting likewise the graver sort to Concord, letting them know, That they had a Way to end the Controversie, by referring the Mat∣ter to the People, who had a Right to judge of it, as a Case of Peace and War. Upon which, the Senate broke up.

At the next Meeting, the Senate almost unani∣mously agreed to treat with the People, tho' Appius op∣pos'd it what he cou'd; and Menenius with nine others were Commission'd with full Power to compose the Differences. At their first arrival at the Camp, their Proposals cou'd not be heard through the Instigations of two cunning and turbulent Fellows, Sicinius and

Lucius Iunius, who out of Conceit had likewise affe∣cted the Name of Brutus; but by degrees they were so far appeas'd as to listen to the Commissioners. Menenius finding the Rage and Violence of the People too great to hearken much to Rhetorick, bethought himself of a more effectual Way, and such as was more likely to make Impression; therefore laying aside his former Way of Speeches and Oratory, after a short Promise or two of discharging all disabled Debtors, he in a plain and familiar Way began thus: Once upon a time, the Members and Parts of Man••s Body fell out with the Bel∣ly, alledging, that they were all forc'd to toil and moil to provide Necessaries for the Belly, whilst that liv'd idle and lazy in the Midst of the Body, and did nothing but enjoy its Pleasures. Whereupon they resolv'd that the Hands shou'd not lift the Meat to the Mouth, nor the Mouth receive, nor yet the Teeth chew it; by which Means while they endea∣vour'd to famish the Belly, they themselves and the whole Body were all starv'd for want of the Nourishment they re∣ceiv'd from it. This Story, and his home Applicati∣on of it, had so great an Effect upon the People, that they unanimously cry'd out, He shou'd lead 'em h••me without Delay.

The Multitude were so well satisfi'd, that they were ready to depart with no other Security than the bare Words of the Commissioners; but Iunius Brutus before-mention'd, kept 'em from that, alledging, That tho' they were gratefully to acknowledge the kind Of∣fers of the Senate, yet some Persons of revengeful Tempers might notwithstanding reserve their Anger for a more convenient Opportunity; and that therefore it was necessary for the Security of the Commons, to have certain Officers created Yearly out of their own Body, whose Power shou'd be to give Relief to such Plebeians as were injur'd, and suffer none to be defrauded of their Rights. This was greatly ap∣prov'd of by the Multitude, and closely insisted on and urg'd to Menenius and his Fellow Commissioners; who thought it not proper to yield to a Matter of

that great Consequence without leave from the Se∣nate, but demanded time to know their Pleasures. Upon the Debate of this Matter in the Senate House, Valerius thought the Favour was to be granted to the Commons, but Appius most violently oppos'd it, in∣voking the Gods, and truly foretelling, What vast Troubles and Calamities the Granting it wou'd certainly bring upon the Common-wealth; yet the Majority, wea∣ri'd out with the present Misfortunes, and desiring Peace, gave it in Favour of the People, and Com∣missioners were immediately dispatch••d to ••em with the Resolution of the House. The Commons by the Advice of Menenius, first sent to have a Religious Confirmation of this Privilege from the Senate, and afterwards in the Assembly of the Curiae, or Curiata Comitia, elected I. Brutus and Sicinius Bellulus, to whom they afterwards join'd C. and P. Licinius, and Icilius Ruga, which made five in all.

These Officers were call'd Tribunes of the People, ei∣ther because they were elected by the Tribes, or be∣cause they were first made out of the Tribunes or Co∣lonels of the Soldiers. They were first five in Num∣ber, 37 Years after, five more were added, and this number of Ten so continu'd; and they were always elected by the Plebeians, and ever out of their Body, ex∣cept once, and most commonly of the lower sort, till by a Law made afterwards, they were order'd to be created out of such of the Plebeians as were Senators. They had the Power of Interposing, and the Design of that Power was to relieve the Oppressed, and to be a Shield to keep off all Evil and Mischief. They null'd all such Decrees and Commands of the Senate and Con∣suls as they reckon'd unjust, and of all other Magi∣strates, except the Dictators; and to shew their Rea∣diness to protect the meanest, their Doors stood open Night and Day to their Complaints. They at first had their Seats plac▪d before the doors of the Senate-House, tho' afterwards they enter'd in, where examining the

Decrees of the Fathers, they either interpos'd by the word Veto or Vetamus solemnly pronounc'd, or else sign'd 'em with the Letter T, which made 'em pass. They procur'd themselves to be accounted Sacrosancti, so as by a Law made they were free from all manner of Compulsion, and were inviolable, either by Word or Deed, and s••evere Penalties laid on such as broke it; and lest the People shou'd afterwards repeal this Law, they made all the Citizens take the most solemn Oath imaginable to preserve it intire and untouch'd. As for the Ensigns of their Office, they had no Toga Pretexta, Lictors or Curule Chair, but only a sort of a Beadle, call'd Viator, went before 'em. The want of these Attendants, their not entring at the beginning of the year, and their not laying down their Office upon the Creation of a Dictator, made some hold 'em to be no Magistrates, but rather a Curb and Restraint to all others. Notwith∣standing the disproportionate Greatness of these Tri∣bunes Power, it was considerably limited by these two Things, which they scarcely perceiv'd at the Begin∣ning: The first was their Confinement to the City Walls, out of which they had no authority; neither was it lawful for 'em to be absent from the City a day, Dion says not an hour: The second was their Number, for any one of the ten had a Negative Vote, and this was the only effectual means to moderate the Power which they afterwards assum••d; the Patritians generally pre∣vailing with one of the ten to be of their side, which was sufficient to hinder the Designs of all the rest.

This was the first great Retrenchment of the Consu∣lar Power, besides what had been caus'd by Poplicola before: and now the Commonwealth was turn'd from an Aristocrac•• to a Democracy, or at least to a Mixture of both. The Awe which this Sacrosanct Magistracy had upon most People, gave 'em occasion afterwards to enlarge their Power and Authority, and to be∣come most extravagantly Imperious, assembling and dismissing the Senate, imprisoning the Consuls, and

the like, as shall be more particularly shewn after∣wards: So that they often prov'd the Cause of many dangerous Seditions and Tumults, and were the greatest Disturbers of the Peace of the Common∣wealth, insomuch that they were by some Authors call'd Pestes Reipublicae. This remarkable Innovation on the Government hapned in the 260th Year of the City, 46 after the Ruine of the Babylonian, and the Beginning of the Persian Empire, and in the third Year of the 71st Olympiad.

CHAP. III.

From the Creation of the Tribunes of the People, to the Second Intermission of the Consular Power, by the Decemviri.

Containing the space of 42 Years.

I. THE Commons having got a Confirmation of the Office of Tribunes from the Senate, ob∣tain'd further, that they might yearly chuse two out of their own Body, to assist these Officers. These were first call'd Ministers and Assistants of the Tribunes, but afterwards Aediles, ab Aedibus curandis, because one part of their Office was to take care of the Repairing the Publick Buildings, Aqueducts, and Common-Sewers, especially the Temple of Ceres, where all the Plebiscita or Ordinances of the Commons were kept, of which they had an Oversight. Besides the care of the Publick Buildings, they were by the Permission of the Tribunes to determine some particular Con∣troversies; to look after such as held more Land than the Laws allow'd 'em; to accuse such Matrons as liv'd Scandalously; to punish excessive Usur••rs, and

Extortioners; to restrain Tipling and Gaming-houses; to Fine Persons for lewd and uncivil Words or Acti∣ons; to Correct false Weights and Measures; to pro∣vide Bread-Corn and Oyl in the time of Famine, and to see that the same was not hoarded up, nor the Markets forestall'd; as also to take care that necessa∣ry Provisions were sent to the Armies, and the like. About 127 Years after, were added two more out of the Patritians, call'd Aediles Curules, who shall be spoken of in their proper Place.

After the Commons had obtain'd these Officers, and what else they desir'd, they readily listed themselves to go against the V••lsci, under Posthumius the Consul. He soon took Longula and Polustia from 'em, then invested Corioli, a strong City, and the Metropolis of the Nati∣on; but the Antiates marching to its relief, he left part of his Army under T. Largius, and with the other ad∣vanc'd to give the Enemy Battel. Largius in the mean time attempting to Storm the Town, the Besieg'd re∣ceiv'd him with so much Courage and Vigour, that the Romans were driven back to their Trenches in great Disorder; but Caius Marcius, a valiant Patritian formerly mention'd, with a small Party, most coura∣giously stood the Enemies Shock, and with a wonder∣ful Bravery forc'd 'em back into the Town, whom he follow'd so close at their Heels, that he went in with 'em: By which the Besieg'd were so terrifi'd, that not considering their own Numbers, they fled to the con∣trary part of the City, suffering him to let the rest of the Army into the Town, which they soon possess'd themselves of. Which done, Marcius wou'd not per∣mit the Soldiers to stay for Plunder, but hastned 'em to joyn the Consul with all Speed; and whilst the Armies were approaching, desir'd leave of Posthumius to engage in the main Body with his Party, where the chief Strength of the Enemy lay; and having obtain'd that Post, he behav'd himself with that admirable Courage and Conduct, that the Enemy

were soon overthrown. The Consul gave him extra∣ordinary Commendations, owning him to be the chief Cause of the Victory, and offer'd him a large Share of the Booty before the Division among the Soldiers. But he modestly refus'd all but one single Horse, which gain'd him greater Honour among the Soldiers, and caus'd Posthumius to bestow the Surname of Coriolanus upon him, for his incomparable Valour shewn at Co∣rioli. The Volsci by this Overthrow were forc'd to Submission, and made their Peace. This same Year was the League of Confederacy renew'd with the Latines, and likewise a third Feria or Holy-day appoin∣ted by the Senate for the Union of the Nobility and Commons, the first being for the Conquest of Hetru∣ria in the fifth Kings Reign, and the second for the Banishment of Tarquin. This Year also dy'd Meneni∣us, whom the People out of Gratitude bury'd at the publick Charge, because he dy'd Poor, and Money was bestow'd on his Children. Now likewise was the Census perform'd and 110000 Heads were cessed.

II. The Year following, there was a great Famine in the City, occasion'd chiefly by the want of Tillage during the late Separation. This put the Senate upon sending to Sicily, and several Parts of Italy to buy Corn; but notwithstanding this Care, the Common sort, now extreamly pinch'd with Want, grew very tur∣bulent, laying all the Blame upon the Patritians. This Advantage the Volsci endeavour'd to improve, but were diverted by a grievous Plague, which so rag'd among 'em, that Velitra a Noble City of that Country being exhausted of its Inhabitants, they begg'd of the Ro∣mans to send a Colony thither. Which occasion'd many of the Romans, tho' unwillingly, to be sent thither, and also to Norba, a Latine Town. Upon which the rest were so inrag'd, imagining it a Design to destroy 'em, that they call'd the Tribunes into the Comitium, where they and the Consuls had a violent

Contest; which occasion'd a Law to be made, That no Man shou'd dare to interrupt the Tribunes, when they spoke to the People. This still bred greater Aniniosities between the Senate and People; but the Consuls to divert 'em, and to ease their Wants, offer'd to lead 'em into the Enemies Country; but few or none wou'd List themselves; so that Marcius Coriolanus with some Patritians, and a few of their Clients, made Incursions, and return'd home laden with Booty; the Knowledge of which put the poorer sort into a fresh Murmuring against the Tribunes, who had disswaded them from the Expedition. So that now the City was almost all in a Flame and Confusion, but more from the Infirmity of the Government, than the Disposition of the People.

These Tumults and Disturbances were considera∣bly appeas'd by the happy Arrival of great Quantities of Corn from Sicily, which was bought at a cheap Rate, and half given in by Gelon of Sicily. Now the Patritians considering at what Rates to dispose of the Corn, Coriolanus, incens'd at the Behaviour of the Commons, counsell'd 'em to keep it up at a high rate, and to shew no Favour, nor give any Incouragement to the Inso∣lence of the Tribunes and the Rabble; but wholly to take away the Tribune-ship, as the only Way to remedy the Dis∣orders of the State. Upon Notice of this, the Multitude in a mad Fury wou'd have fall'n upon the Senate, but were stopp'd by the Tribunes, who laid all the Blame upon Coriolanus, and sent the Aediles to apprehend him, and bring him before the People. The Aediles going to execute their Office, were repuls'd and beaten by the young Patritians, who were gather'd about Coriolanus. This put all in a greater Flame than ever, and the whole City tumultuously assembled together, where the Tribunes decreed, that Coriolanus shou'd immediate∣ly be cast down headlong from the Tarpeian Rock. The Aediles strait seiz'd on him, and the Patritians a∣gain rescu'd him, and there was nothing but Tu∣mults

and Uproars in all Places: But the Senate by selling of Corn at low Rates, and by good Words and Entreaties, so far appeas'd 'em, that the Tribunes null'd their former Decree, and set him a Day to Answer for himself before the People. The Consuls finding their Authority was like to be much weakned, after long Debates and much Difficulty, procur'd the Tri∣bunes to sue out this Decree from the Senate, which was granted; and the third Market-day after was appoin∣ted for his Tryal. Coriolanus demanded of the Tribunes what they wou'd lay to his Charge; who after some Consultation, told him, They intended to accuse him of Aiming at Sovereignty and Tyranny; whereupon he chear∣fully put himself upon Tryal, not refusing the severest Punishment if they cou'd prove that against him.

When the appointed day was come, all Persons were fill'd with great Expectations, and a vast Concourse of Country People early in the morning had plac'd them∣selves in the Forum, and the Tribunes assembled the Peo∣ple, separating the Tribes from one another with Cords, and ordering them to give their Votes according to their Tribes, and not according to their Centuries; which Innovation the Patritians much complain'd of, but af∣ter some Debate, admitted it. Minucius, the Consul, began first, Declaring the great Worth of the Person to be try'd, signifying that the Senate became Petitioners in his Be∣half, and desiring the Tribunes that they wou'd keep wholly to their first Impeachment, namely, his aiming at Soveraign∣ty, which they promis'd to do. Sicinius, one of the Tri∣bunes, enviously urg'd all he cou'd imagine would make for his Purpose, putting the worst Construction upon all his Actions: But when Coriolanus came to speak, his Affairs soon seem'd to be in a more favourable Condition; for his graceful relating all his great Servi∣ces to the State, his shewing his Scars receiv'd all over his Body, and the Cries and Lamentations of such as he had sav'd in the Wars, made such a powerful Im∣pression upon the People, that they generally cry'd out,

He was to be releas'd. But Decius, another of the Tri∣bunes, a cunning and spiteful Fellow, stood up, al∣ledging, That he wou'd wave all Words and Expressions, and insist on his Actions, which wou'd make good the Charge of Tyranny: There was a certain Law, that all Booty and Plunder gain'd in War shou'd be appropriated to the Publick Use, and be given into the Hand of the Quaestor, untouch'd by the General. Now, whereas that Law had ever been look'd upon as inviolable, Coriolanus had wilfully broke it: For in the late Incursion into the Territories of Antium, where he had got great plenty of Slaves, Cattel, and Provi∣sions, he neither deliver'd these things to the Quaestor, nor paid any Money into the Treasury, but divided the Booty a∣mong his Friends, which was a manifest Argument that ••e design'd to Enslave his Country; it being the constant Pra∣ctice of all that affect Tyranny, by such Means to procure themselves Instruments for their Purpose. Coriolanus was strangely surpriz'd at so unexpected a Charge; and the Consuls and Patritians being likewise utterly to seek for an Answer, the Tribunes immediately nam'd per∣petual Banishment, and gather'd the Votes of the Tribes, where only nine of the one and twenty clear'd him, so he stood condemn'd by the Majority. This was the first Sentence pass'd by the People upon any Pa∣tritian, and henceforth the Tribunes usually set a Day to whomsoever they pleas'd; whereby the Power of the Commons was very much enlarg'd, and the Inte∣rest of the Patritians more and more diminish'd.

Coriolanus, accompany'd home with the Sighs and Tears of a great many, took his leave of his Mother, Wife, and Children, who all made lamentable Com∣plaints; but he, like a true Roman, with small Ap∣pearance of Concern, bad 'em bear all chearfully, and departed the City without any thing to bear his Charges, attended only by a few of his Clients. Thus he went to Antium, and apply'd himself to Tullus At∣tius, a Man of great Note among the Volsci, of a Magnanimous Spirit, and a Violent Enemy of the

Romans, where throwing himself at his Feet, he begg'd of him to Revenge his Countries Losses by his Death, or his own Wrongs by Rome's Destruction, which by her unnatu∣ral Carriage towards him, had now forfeited all that Duty and Service she might have justly expected at his Hands. Tullus most readily espous'd his Quarrel, and by his Advice sent many of the Volsci to Rome upon pre∣tence of seeing some Solemn Games at that time ce∣lebrated, but with Design to make a Breach between the two Nations. These Volsci procur'd a Person to go to the Consuls, and accuse the Strangers of having some dangerous Design against the City, which im∣mediately occasion'd an Order from the Consuls, That all Strangers shou'd depart by Sun-set. This Order Tul∣lus represented to his Country-men as a Breach of the Peace, and so aggravated the Matter, that he pro∣cur'd 'em to send to Rome, to demand all the Towns and Territories which the Romans had taken from 'em. The Senate receiv'd this Message with great Scorn, telling them, That if the Volsci were the first that took up Arms, the Romans wou'd be the last that shou'd lay 'em down. Upon which Answer, the Volsci made all ne∣cessary Preparations for a War.

Coriolanus, together with Tullus, was made General of the Volsci, and accordingly invaded the Roman Ter∣ritories, ravaging and laying Waste all such Lands as belong'd to the Plebeians, but not suffering those of the Nobility to be injur'd in any part. This rais'd new Commotions between the Nobility and Commons; the former upbraiding the latter with Ingratitude to so considerable and deserving a Person; and the lat∣ter charging the other with Treachery to their Coun∣try, and saying, It was by their Procurement that he invaded their Dominions. Coriolanus returning with his Men richly laden with Booty, was sent out soon after with the sole Command of half the Forces, and taking Circaeum, a Roman Colony, he then fell upon the Latines, who immediately sent to Rome for Suc∣cour;

but the Commons Averseness to the Wars, and the approaching End of the present Consuls Office, render'd their Message of no Effect. But Coriolanus still proceeded with great Success, taking Tolerium, Lavici, Pes, and Bola, all by Storm, plundering them, and making the Inhabitants Prisoners of War. Such as yielded he treated mildly, others he put to the Sword; and the Volsci now so admir'd his extraordi∣nary Courage and Conduct, that they left their Towns bare, flocking in great Numbers to him, and owning him for their sole Commander. At Rome there was nothing but Confusion and Despair, and all the Peo∣ples Satisfaction was by venting their Rage against one another; but soon after, when News was brought that Lavinium was invested, the Commons all cry'd out, That Coriolanus was to be restor'd, and his Banish∣ment repeal'd. The Senate utterly refus'd to assent to this, either out of Desire to oppose the People in all Things, or out of Scorn to have his Restoration a∣scrib'd to the Commons, or else out of a just Indig∣nation against Coriolanus, who was now become an open Enemy to all his Country in general.

Coriolanus understanding the Dissentions of the Ci∣ty, immediately rose up from before Lavinium, and advancing towards Rome, Encamp'd at Clulius's Ditch, five Miles from the City. This struck the Ro∣mans with such a Terror, that now both Senate and People unanimously agreed to send Ambassadors to him with Proposals of Restoration. The Ambassadors behav'd themselves with all possible Respect; not∣withstanding which, and their being Patritians, and his Choicest Friends, he receiv'd 'em with all the Sternness and Severity of a most Injur'd Person; and in a Council of War made Answer, That if they hop'd for Peace, they must immediately restore all the Towns and Territories taken from the Volsci; and make 'em Free of the City as the Latines were; and for that he wou'd give 'em thirty Days to consider of it. And this he spoke as he

was General of the Volsci, and not as he was a Roman, ungratefully us'd, and barbarously treated by his own Coun∣try-men. This Space of Time he employ'd in subdu∣ing Seven great and strong Towns; and at the end of it, another Ambassy was dispatch'd to him, de∣claring, That they were still Romans, and that neither Constraint nor Fear shou'd influence their Souls to stoop to any Thing that is Base, but desir'd him to draw off his Troops, and consult in Common. And that if he thought the Volsci were to be gratifi'd, they wou'd yield to him, provi∣ded they wou'd lay down their Arms. Coriolanus, a lit∣tle more moderate, repli'd, That now he behav'd him∣self not as General of the Volsci, but as a Roman Citezen, and desir'd that having a Respect to Interest and Modera∣tion, they wou'd return in three Days with a Grant of his former Demands, or else he must proceed in his Enterprize. The Senate being reduc'd to this Extremity, their Courages began to fail 'em, and as their last Remedy, order'd all the Pontifices, Priests, Governours of Religi∣ous Houses, and Augurs, all in their proper Ornaments and Habits, to go in Solemn Procession, and humbly to beg for an Accommodation. But this Pompous Train, with all their earnest Prayers and Supplications did not in the least move Coriolanus; he still insisting, That they shou'd either accept of his Proposals, or else they must expect the utmost Severity of War and Bloodshed.

Upon the Return of the Priests, the whole City was full of Tumults, Trembling, and Amazement, the Men running in Disorder to the Walls, and the Wo∣men in Confusion to the Temples; especially to that of Iupiter in the Capitol. Among which, was Valeria, Poplicola's Sister, who put 'em in mind of going to Ve∣turia, Coriolanus's Mother, with his Wife Volumnia, to get them to intercede for their Country. Veturia was very ready to undertake so pious a Work, tho' with little hopes of succeeding; and thereupon set forward, accompani'd with many of these Ladies, her Daugh∣ter-in-Law, and her two Grand-Children. Coriolanus

discovering this Mournful Company, fully resolv'd to give 'em a Denial; but perceiving his Mother among 'em, immediately descended from his Tribunal, and went to meet her; courteously receiving her with his Wife and Children, and carefully listning to her Peti∣tion, which she urg'd with all the Skill and Rhetorick she cou'd, from the Consideration of the impending Ruine of his Country, and of the certain infamy which he wou'd incur if Victorious, and the unavoidable Dishonour he wou'd receive if he were Successless in his Attempts. But this not prevailing, she put him in mind, How much the Sacred Ties of Nature and Religion, together with her most tender Education of him in her Widowhood, had ingag'd him to Obedience, or at least to a Compliance: Declaring likewise, That he shou'd not stir one Foot towards the tread∣ing down of his Country, without first trampling upon the dead Body of her who brought him into the World. And in Conclusion, with his Wife and Children, cast her self at his Feet, Embracing and Kissing 'em; which with the lamentable Sighs and Tears of the fair Train, so far mov'd his great Spirit, that lifting 'em up, and embracing 'em, he cry'd, O Mother, you have gain'd the Victory, most fortunate for my Country, but most destructive to my self; and accordingly drew off the Volsci into their own Country. Tullus, who now envy••d his Glory, represented this Act to the Volsci as the highest Piece of Treason against 'em, and procur'd him to be cut in Pieces, scarce allowing him to speak for himself, as Dionysius relates it. This was against the Consent of the greatest Part of the Volsci, who bury'd him Honourably, adoring his Tomb with Arms and Trophies as a Great General, and a Famous Warrior, and the Roman Women themselves were permitted to mourn for him 10 Months, all acknowledging him to be the most valiant and most couragious Man in this age.

III. Great and many Publick Rejoycings were made at Rome for Coriolanus's Retreat, and the Senate

decreed to grant the Women what Honours they wou'd demand; but they only desir'd to have a Chap∣pel ded••cated to Woman's Fortune, built in the same Place where they had deliver'd their Country, which was done at the Publick Charge. The Consuls soon after took the Field with a considerable Army, but had no occasion to use it; for the Volsci and Aequi joyning Forces, had such violent Contests about a General, as they almost ruin••d each other. The year following the New Consuls, Aquilius and Sicinius, o∣verthrew one the Hernici, and the other the Volsci, a∣mong whom fell Tullus their General. The next Year, the Consuls, Virginius and Cassius took the Field, the Aequi falling to the former, as the Volsci and Her∣nici did to the latter: But the Volsci immediately begg'd Peace, having lost their best Men in the last Battel; as soon after did the Hernici, who now re∣fus'd any longer to contend with the Romans for Su∣periority. Cassius having receiv'd Money and Provi∣sions from 'em as Persons who own'd themselves Con∣quer'd, made a Truce, but referr'd the Articles to the Senate. But the Fathers, after resolving to ac∣cept of their Alliance, left the Conditions of the League to Cassius's Discretion; who now affecting So∣vereignty, and desiring Popularity, granted 'em equal Privileges with the Latines, which together with his Triumph lately obtain'd without performing any thing for it, procur'd him much Envy and Hatred.

Cassius now grown Insolent by his three Consulships, and his two Triumphs, was resolv'd to push on his Design of Sovereignty; and the more to gain the Fa∣vour of the People, propos'd the Division of some late conquer'd Lands among the Meaner Sort, together with such Publick Grounds, which through the Neg∣lect of the Magistrates had been seiz'd on by the Rich. Then he recounted to the People his many Services to the State under his three Consulships, insinuating, That his extraordinary Care and wise Management in those

Times, had shewn him no less than sole Governour; and that since he had already taken Charge of the Common∣wealth, it was but just and reasonable he shou'd continue to do it. This Speech, tho' so strongly ••avouring of Ty∣ranny, wou'd have been far more serviceable to him, had he not brought in the Latines and the Hernici as Sharers in these Lands, which he did to gain their Favours, tho' with the weakning his Interest with the Common People. This Proposal concerning the Lands, met with many Oppositions in the Senate, created Fears and Jealousies among some, and caus'd various Discourses among others: But the Commons Forwardness, and the Disturbances that were like to follow, caus'd the Senate after many Debates, to pub∣lish their Resolution for dividing the Lands among the Com∣mons, withal excluding all new Allies and Associates, as having no Reason to expect a Share of what was gain'd be∣fore their Times. This was the famous Agrarian Law, which afterwards occasion'd such Mischiefs and Di∣sturbances; but at present the Promise of it appeas'd the People, and ruin'd Cassius's Designs: For the year after his Consulship, the Quaestors set a day to him to answer to the Charge of Aiming at Tyranny, before the People; where he was accus'd of a Multitude of Crimes of that Nature; and notwithstanding his premeditated Orations, his many Services, and the Intercession of all his Friends and Clients in Mourn∣ing, he was condemn'd to be thrown down the Tar∣peian Rock, and was straight executed accordingly.

Soon after his Death, the Commons were very ur∣gent for the Execution of the Agrarian Law, which Cassius had set on foot; but the Senate being resolv'd to divert it as much as possible, caus'd the Consuls to prepare for an Expedition. The Plebeians inrag••d at their Disappointment, and the Loss of a Person whom they expected to have been so serviceable to 'em, refus'd to List themselves, the Tribunes always protecting 'em from Punishment; but the Name of

a Dictator, and their suspecting Appius to be the Man, soon frighted 'em into a Compliance; so Cornelius, one of the Consuls, wasted the Territories of the Vei∣entes, as Fabius the other, did those of the Aequi. Not long after, the Commons refusing to List themselves, the Consuls found means to sit in the Campus Martius, out of the City, where the Tribunes had no Authori∣ty; and there they severely punish'd and fin'd such as did not appear, to the great Mortification of the Popular Faction. A third time the Consuls gain'd their Designs by getting over one of the Tribunes to their side; a way they were often forc••d to make use of afterwards. In the mean time, they had several Wars abroad with the Volsci and Aequi, and soon after the Veientes; there being many Ravages on both sides, with some Battels, but of no great Note or Conse∣quence. At home were greater Contests and Quarrels between the Consuls and Tribunes concerning this Agra∣rian Law; the former always declining the execution of it, and the latter as constantly urging it, but with no other effect than the blowing up of Dissentions, and the increasing of Factions. And this was the trou∣blesome and unhappy State of Rome for about five Years together, as may be seen at large in Dionysius.

IV. In the midst of these Troubles, when Fabius and Virginius were Consuls, two Years after Xerxes's Expedition into Greece, the Veientes by the Assistance of other of the Hetrurians, march'd with a powerful Army against the Romans. Virginius oppos••d 'em with another, but was so overpower'd by 'em, that he had lost his Army, had not Fabius came from the Aequi with timely Succour, and brought him off. Upon the Roman Retreat, the Veientes made Incursions almost to the Walls of Rome, to the great Injury and Dishonour of the City; and what added more to their Inconveni∣encies, was the lowness of the Treasury, and the Dis∣contents of the People about the Agrarian Law. This

reduc'd the Senate to very great Extremities, till at last the whole Family of the Fabii, a noble Stock, gene∣rously offer'd their Service to be a constant Guard to the Frontiers, without any Charge to the Publick, which was gratefully accepted by the Senate. They were in Number 306, which with their Clients and Friends, made up 4000, all commanded by Marcus, the last years Consul; and to them was afterwards sent another Company under Fabius the present Con∣sul. These brave Adventurers fortifi'd themselves in a Castle, which they call'd Cremera, as standing upon a River of the same Name, nigh the Frontiers of the Veientes, from which they made great Incursions, and extreamly annoy'd the Enemy. The following Year, the Veientes, Volsci, and Aequi, all agreeing upon an In∣vasion, great Preparations were made by the Senate; Aemilius one Consul, led an Army against the Veientes, with whom was join'd Baebius, as Pre-Consul; Servilius the other Consul, led another against the Volsci; and Furius a third, against the Aequi. The latter soon finish'd his Work; Servilius was forc'd to draw out the War at length; but Aemilius engag'd the Veien∣tes and their Allies, and overthrew 'em; then fal∣ling upon their Camp, forc'd 'em to beg Peace; the Conditions of which being left to his Discretion by the Senate, he made a League with 'em upon Terms so little Advantageous to the Romans, that they gain'd him much Hatred, and lost him the Honour of a Triumph; which so enrag'd him, that he immediately disbanded his Troops, endeavouring still more to incence the Commons against the Se∣nate.

The Year following, when Horatius and Menenius were Consuls, eleven Cities of Hetruria declar'd against the Veientes for making Peace without their Consent, and forc'd 'em to break it. Their Pretence against Rome was, that the Fabii were not drawn off from Cremera, upon which they advanc'd towards 'em with

a powerful Army; whereupon Menenius was order'd against Hetruria, and Horatius against the Volsci. The Veientes not daring to Attack this Valiant Body of the Fabii in their Fortress, drew 'em out by a Stratagem, causing several Herds of Cattle, and Flocks of Sheep to be driven to the neighbouring Places, and laying several great Parties in Ambuscade. The Design•• took, and the Fabian Adventurers were all unfortunately cut off; tho' at first by forming themselves into a Wedge, they gain'd the top of a Hill, and there though wholly encompassed, made an incredible Slaughter of the Enemy. Livy says, That none of this Family was left, but only one young Lad, from whom afterwards sprung Fabius Maximus; but Diony∣sius much questions this Tradition. The Veientes, now Masters of Cremera, advanc'd boldly towards the Roman Army, which lay encamp'd not far off, and might have reliev'd the Fabii: Then taking ad∣vantage of Menenius's Unskilfulness, they possess'd themselves of a Hill nigh his Camp, from whence they streightned him so, that he was forc'd to Fight upon very unequal Terms, and his Army was much worsted. The Romans quitted their Camp, and fled in such Disorder, that had the Veientes been mindful of any thing but Plunder, they might have destroy'd 'em all. The next day they enter'd the Roman Ter∣ritories, and possess'd themselves of the Hill Ianicu∣lus, two Miles from Rome, to the great Damage and Disgrace of the City: But Horatius, the other Con∣sul, returning from the Volsci, overthrew 'em twice, and much eas'd the People, but cou'd not yet wholly dislodge the Enemy.

The Year following, Servilius and Virginius, two experienc'd Warriors, were made Consuls, which gave great Hopes to the People, who were now extreamly streightned for want of Corn and Trade, which was the more felt by reason of the Populousness of the Ci∣ty; for at the next 〈…〉〈…〉 appear'd to be 110000

Men of ripe Age, and three times as many Women, Children, Slaves, Merchants, and Artificers. The People were ready upon every Opportunity to seize on the Stores of the Rich; and the Consuls endea∣vour'd to appease 'em by buying what Corn they cou'd, and causing such as had Corn to expose it to Sale, till their Levies and Troops were compleated. When they had rais'd a sufficient Number of Men, one Night they drew out their Troops from the City, towards the Enemy, and passing the River before day, unexpectedly fell upon 'em, entirely routed em, and clear'd the Hill, they retiring in great Disorder to their own Territories. This Campaign ended, Mene∣nius, the last Years Consul, was call'd to an Account, and severely fin'd for suffering the Fabii to be cut off, whom the People so gratefully esteem'd, that they plac'd the day of their Defeat among their Nefasti, or unlucky days, whereon no Work of great consequence was to be undertaken. The War was still carry••d on, and within two years after, the Veientes were so over∣power'd, having been overthrown in Battel, together with their Confederates the Sabines, and now closely hem'd in, that they begg'd Peace of the Romans: And having purchas'd leave to send to the Senate, with a whole Years Pay for the Consuls Army, and Money for two Months Provision, they obtain'd a Truce for Forty Years. Thus ended the War with the Veien∣tes, after Seven Years Contests on both sides.

V. The following year, Aemilius and Vopiscus being Consuls, the old Stirs about the Agrarian Law were re∣viv'd by Genutius, one of the Tribunes, who boldly set a day to Manlius and Furius, the last Years Consuls, to answer before the People, why they did not divide the Lands. This Quarrel had like to have been fatal to the City, had not Genutius's sudden Death pre∣vented it; after which the Sedition might have been quite appeas'd, had the Consuls born their Success

with Moderation: But, making new Levies, they offer'd to force one Volero, a turbulent Fellow, and formerly an Officer, to List himself for a Common Soldier, and upon his refusing, they order'd him to be stripp'd and scourg'd. But Volero fled to the Tri∣bunes, who protected him, and violently exclaim'd a∣gainst the Tyranny of the Consuls. This diverted the People from the thoughts of Lands, and rais'd new Quarrels concerning Priviledges and Liberty. And the Year after, Volero getting to be one of the Tribunes himself, the more to retrench the Consular Power, propos'd a Law for holding the Assemblies of Tribes instead of that of the Curiae, call'd Comitia Curiata; which was so contriv'd as to take in greater Num∣bers, and to give the Commons much more Privi∣lege and Power than formerly. This Proposal was much urg'd by the Pl••beians, but so strongly oppos'd by the Patritians, that Volero cou'd not accomplish his Designs before his Time was expir'd.

The next Year, Volero, by his mighty Promises, pro∣cur'd himself to be made Tribune a second time; and the Senate to balance him, got Appius Claudius, the Son of Appius now absent, to be made Consul, tho' against his Will, and with him Quintius Capit••linus, who hapn'd to be of a contrary Temper. Appius in a Publick As∣sembly oppos'd the Common's Designs so hotly and violently, and so sharply reprimanded them for their rude Actions and Seditious Practices, that the Tri∣bunes saucily commanded him to depart the Assembly; and upon his Refusal, to be sent to Prison. This Piece of Boldness was so surprizing to the Fathers, that all were ready to rise up in Arms, and the Lictors were beaten back that went to lay Hands on him; he being defended by a Company of stout young Men, an unseemly Contest ensu'd, which beginning with Railings and Jostlings, proceeded to Blows and throwing of Stones. But Quintius, the other Consul, by his Intreaties, and throwing himself into the

Middle, and by the help of the Graver Senators, prevented the Tumult from proceeding to any fur∣ther Inconveniencies, which was ended shortly after by the Night. But all Disturbances did not end here, for within a few Days after, the Tribunes and the People seiz'd on the Capitol, and there for∣tifi'd themselves against the Patritians. This might have been of the most dangerous Consequence, had not Quintius by his mild Intreaties and fair Promi∣ses perswaded the Tribunes to refer this Law to the Senate's Discretion; which after many long De∣bates, permitted it to be put to the Comitia, and so it was pass'd.

This was call'd the Comitia Tributa, where all the Free Romans voted according to their Tribes: Where∣as in the Comitia Curiata, none cou'd Vote but Inha∣bitants of Rome; in the Comitia Centuriata, the Rich Men had the advantage, by reason of their Num∣ber of Centuries; but in this Comitia Tributa, there was no Respect to either of these Qualifications, but all Free Romans in or without the City, Poor or Rich, might have Voices. Another Difference between this and the Curiata Comitia, was the Place of Assembly; that being ti'd to the Comitium in the Forum R••ma∣num, and that with the Superstitious Observations of Birds, call'd Auspicia; but this Tributa was ti'd to no set Place, being assembl'd in a great many several, with∣out any Observation of Birds. But the most mate∣rial Difference between these two Comitia's, was this; in the Curiata such things were treated of, and confirm'd by the Suffrages of the Curiae, as the Senate had first decreed; but in the Tributa, all Things were manag'd without any consulting of the Senate, and were wholly determin'd by the Votes of the Tribes ga∣ther••d apart. The Matters that were manag'd here, were chiefly, The chusing of Inferior Magistrates, as the Tribunes, Aediles, Priests, &c. making of those Law••, ••all'd Plebiscita, or whatsoever shou'd concern the Commons;

as als•• the Punishment of Misdemeanors, but not as to Life and Death; and the making Peace, but not War. This new Law gave the Commons still more Power and Authority, and made 'em still more Bold and In∣solent, to the danger of many a Patritian, and to the Ruine of Appius, whose ill Success against the Volsci this same Year, and ••his violent opposing the Agrari∣an Law the next, made the Tribunes set him a Day to answer for his Life before the People, which he prevented by killing himself.

VI. Still the Romans had Wars with the Aequi, Sa∣bines, and Volsci, and had generally the Advantage. From the Volsci was taken Antium, a considerable City on the Sea, 28 Miles South-East of Rome, which they made a Roman Colony. For nine Years together, none of these got any considerable Advantage over the Ro∣mans; tho' in the midst of these Wars, there hapned a most grievous Plague in Rome, which swept away an innumerable Company of the Slaves, a fourth Part of the Senators, both the Consuls, and most of the Tribunes. The Aequi and Volsci were at last much weakned, their Territories greatly wasted, and Lucre∣tius and Veturius, the Consuls, obtain'd one a Triumph, and the other an Ovation over them. The Year af∣ter this, and of the City 292, Volumnius and Cameri∣nus, the Consuls, having no Action Abroad, em∣ploy'd themselves at Home against the exorbitant Power of the Tribunes, who were now got to that heighth of Boldness as to assert, That the Citizens ought all to have equal Power in the Government; they like∣wise made great Complaints, that the Roman Laws were yet unwritten; and thereupon propos••d a Law to have Ten Men chosen in a lawful Assembly, to publish Laws both concerning a•• Private and Publick Business. The young Patritians furiously oppos'd their Designs, casting the meaner Sort like Slaves out of the Forum. Among these, Caeso

Quintius, the Son of Quintius Cincinnatus, was Princi∣pal, a Person of great Courage, whom the Tribunes resolv'd to make an Example to all young Men, and therefore set him a Day to answer for his Life be∣fore the People, which caus'd new Stirs and Com∣motions. Caeso being admitted to Bail, fled into He∣truria; whereupon his Father sold almost all his Estate to reimburse the Sureties, and then retreating to a small Farm, and a little Cottage beyond the Tiber, liv'd retir'd from the World, laboriously working for his Living.

The Tribunes were much deceiv'd in their Expecta∣tions, and the young Patritians so hotly oppos'd 'em, that they cou'd act nothing of Consequence this Consulship. The next Year, the same Tribunes be∣ing chosen again, they caus'd various Rumors to be spread abroad, That many of the Senators and Patriti∣ans had form'd a Plot, and conspir'd to Murther the Tri∣bunes, and Ruine all the Authority of the Plebeians. This Contrivance was design'd to fright the Senate into a Compliance, but had no other Effect than the cau∣sing great Tumults and Disturbances among the Commons. These Troubles were so great as to give Occasion to Herdonius, a Sabine, with 4000▪ Men to seize on the Capitol, calling in the Slaves to their Li∣berty, which put the whole City into a great Con∣sternation, all being in a Confusion. Valerius and Clau∣dius were then Consuls, and the Tribunes persuaded the Multitude not to Fight, except the Patritians wou'd engage by Oath to create Ten Men for ma∣king of Laws, and suffer the Commons to have e∣qual Priviledges with them. Claudius wou'd have wholly slighted their Assistance, but Valerius finding such pres••ing Necessity for 'em, promis'd upon Oath to endeavour to satisfy the Desire of the Commons when the War was ended. Whereupon Claudius was appointed to look to the City, and Valerius valiantly attack'd the Capitol on all sides, and took it by Storm,

but with the Loss of his Life; the Slaves being pu∣nish'd according to their Deserts, and the rest made Prisoners of War.

This War finish'd, the Tribunes requir'd Claudius to make good the Promise of his deceas'd Collegue; but he alledg'd, He cou'd do ••othing himself, and appoint∣ed the Comitia for the chusing a new Consul. The Fathers, the better to support their Interest, resolv'd upon Quintius Cincinnatus, Father to Caeso lately fled; and immediately sent for him to the City. The Messengers found him hard at Plow, only in his Truss, and a Cap on his Head; but being told of their coming by a Viator that ran before, he present∣ed himself in a better Habit. Being saluted by the Name of Consul, invested with Purple, honour'd by the Fasces and other Ensigns of Magistracy, he was de∣sir'd to begin his Journey; but after a little Pause he answer'd with Tears, Then for this Year my poor little Field must go unsown, and we shall be in danger of Want. After this, taking his leave of his Wife, he departed for the City. There Quintius partly by Cunning, and partly by Threats restrain'd the Tribunes from prefer∣ring the Law; and carry'd himself so as to be a Terror to the Multitude when ever they refus'd to List themselves, and their greatest Incourager when their Behaviour was such as deserv'd it. He perform'd his Office with that Prudence and Justice, and likewise with that Civility and Cour∣tesie, that the Commons were now of Opinion, that they stood in no need of new Laws: Then having finish'd his Consulship, he to the Concern of the whole Senate, betook himself to his little Cottage, and his former laborious Course of Life. The Year following, the Aequi surpriz'd Tusculum, but were worsted by the Romans, together with their Friends the Volsci, and were forc'd to beg Peace: And in this Year, there were found 119000 Free Citizens, according to Eutropius.

In the next Consulship, the Aequi and Volsci were drawn to revolt by Gracchus Claelius, a ruling Man a∣mong 'em, who by his Industry so hemm'd in and block'd up the Roman Army, that it was in great dan∣ger of being lost. This put the City into a great Consternation, so that they were glad to have recourse to a Dictator, and Quintius Cincinnatus was immediate∣ly resolv'd upon. The Messengers found him sweat∣ing and labouring as before; but he seeing himself made Dictator by the 24 Axes, the Purple, the Horses, and other Royal Ensigns, was so far from being pleas'd with the Honour, that he said with great Concern, This years Crop will also be lost, and my poor Family must be Starv'd. At his entring the City, he encourag'd the People what he cou'd, and chose Tarquinius for his Master of the Horse; then drawing out his Troops, he fell upon Claelius and forc'd him into his Intrench∣ments; and Besieging him a while, brought his whole Army to his Mercy, who were forc'd to yield at Dis∣cretion. They were all made Prisoners of War; and in token of Servitude, Quintius made 'em pass under the Iugum, which was two Spears set up, with a third cross, like a Gallows; and likewise made 'em deliver up Corbio. He order'd the choicest Plunder for Rome, and the rest to be given to his Soldiers; then return'd to the City with a more Magnificent Triumph than any before him, having defeated a powerful Army, and plunder'd and fortify'd a City of the Enemy within Fourteen Days after his Creation. He im∣mediately resign'd his Office, and when the Senate and his private Friends wou'd have inrich'd him with publick Lands, Plunder, and Contributions, he ut∣terly refus'd all, betaking himself again to his Cot∣tage, and his old Course of Life; which is one great Instance of the Abstinence of the Romans at that time. The Year following the Sabines with the Ae∣qui retook Corbio, against whom when Levies were to be made, the Tribunes, who were all created a

Fourth time, withstood them again. Whereupon the Fathers with weeping Eyes, made use of En∣treaties, offering to go in their own Persons if they refus'd; which so sensibly mov'd the People, That they promis'd all manner of Obedience, if they wou'd per∣mit the Number of their Tribunes to be encreas'd to Ten: Which the Senate after some Debates, Granted, reasonably supposing, that their Number wou'd prove the most probable Means to divide 'em; but then with this Proviso, as Livy says, That they shou'd never chuse the same Tribunes twice. This done, Le∣vies were made, and a successful War was carry'd on against the Sabines and Aequi.

VII. The Domestick Troubles seem'd for a while to be allay'd, but in a Years time, the Tribunes uni∣ting all together, made farther Incroachments than ever, and ventur'd so far as to Assemble the Senate by their own proper Authority; moreover requiring Mount Aventine for the People to build on, which being a Mile and an half in compass, was not yet ful∣ly inhabited, but Common, and full of Wood. The Senate, after most violent Quarrels on both sides, out of hopes it might be a Means to suppress the Agrari∣an Seditions, granted those Parts that were Common, to the People, who spent the remaining part of the Year in Building, to the considerable Encrease of the City. This Grant satisfy'd the Commons but for a short time; for the next Year their former Complaints were renew'd, and carry'd on with all the violent Heats und Animosities that cou'd be imagin'd, often proceeding to Blows; till at last the Tribunes, having thrown off all Respect and Reverence, insolently set a Day to the Consuls themselves to answer before the People. But this appear'd so odious to many, that they were prevail'd upon to let such a Matter fall, as being most dangerous both to themselves, and the whole State of Rome. But at the same time they

made a firm Resolution to prefer the Agrarian Law, which they agreed to do in the next Assembly, and for that Reason they appointed a day apart for the Comitia.

At this Assembly were gather'd together great Numbers of all Ranks and Qualities; where the Tribunes having spoken very largely on that Subject, several of the Plebeians related what good Services they had done the Commonwealth, and how little Reward they had for their Pains; Among which was Siccius Dentatus, a Man of admirable Shape and Courage, 58 Years of Age, and well furnish'd with Military Eloquence for a Seditious Attempt, who told 'em, He had serv'd his Country in the Wars forty Years, had been an Officer thirty, first a Centurion, then a Tribune; had fought one hundred and twenty Battels, in which, by the Force of his single Arm, he had sav'd many Patriti∣ans Lives, recover'd several Standards, perform'd many great and dangeros Exploits, gain'd 14 Civick Crowns, 3 Mural Crowns, and 8 Golden Crowns; besides 83 Gol∣den Chains, 60 Golden Bracelets, 18 pure Spears, and 23 Horse-Trappings, whereof 9 were for killing Enemies challeng'd to single Combats; moreover he had receiv'd 45 Wounds, all before and none behind, particularly twelve in that Day the Capitol was recover'd: Yet notwith∣standing he had fought so many Years, serv'd in so many Expeditions, receiv'd so many Wounds, help'd to gain so many large Territories for his Country, and had spar'd no Cost or Labour, nor refus'd any Danger or Difficulty; yet neither he, nor any of his Fellow-sharers in his Dangers, had receiv'd the least Portion of those Lands they had gain'd by their Swords, but that they were possess'd by others who had not the least Title or Merit to shew for 'em; and to such too, whose private Attempts, and sinister Designs, better entitl'd 'em to a disgraceful Punishment, than to any Publick Re∣ward. These Particulars he urg'd at large, withal accusing the Patritians of many Designs against the Privileges of the People, and the Publick Peace of

the City; which he did with such Rhetorick and Cunning, that the Commons were almost transport∣ed with the Man. Yet still the Patritians by their wonderful Prudence and cautious Management, tho' with extream Hazard to themselves, so far defeated their Designs, that the Law cou'd not be pass'd.

These Disturbances were a little diverted by the Enemies March as far as Tusculum, against whom Sic∣cius went as Volunteer, where the Consuls put him upon a most desperate Attempt, which gain'd him the highest Honour, instead of procuring his Ruin, as they imagin'd it wou'd have done. A notable Victory was gain'd over the Aequi by his Means, and he reveng'd himself upon the Consuls, by preventing their Tri∣umph this Year, and by getting 'em fin'd the next, when he himself was made one of the Tribunes. Upon which a Law pass'd in the Centuriata Comitia, That all Magistrates shou'd have Power to punish such as violated their Authority (which before was only the Priviledge of the Consuls) But not by any Fine exceeding two Oxen or thirty Sheep; which Law was long observ'd by the Romans. This new Law pleas'd the People, and all now being a little more moderate, the whole Body of Rome began to consider of Ways and Methods to set∣tle the Government more firmly, and to prevent all dangerous Feuds for the Future; thereupon it was a∣greed, That Ambassadors shou'd be sent to the Greek Cities in Italy, and to Athens, to bring such Laws from thence as were most excellent, and most con∣venient for the good of the Commonwealth.

For this great Design, Posthumius, Sulpicius, and Manlius were fix'd upon, and Gallies assign'd for their use, suitable to the Majesty of the Roman People. The Year following, there hapned a great Famine, and a most grievous Plague, to the great Damage of the Ci∣ty: And the Year after, the Ambassadors return'd out of Greece with their Laws, presently after which the Tribunes requir'd, that Law-makers might be

appointed; and after many grave and prudent De∣bates, and some Opposition, it was Granted. The Method that they all agreed upon was, That Ten Men out of the Chief of the Senate shou'd be elected, whose Pow∣er continuing for a Year, shou'd be the same with that of Kings and Consuls, and that without any Appeal; that all other Magistracies shou'd lay down their Authorities till they might be renew'd according to the Laws. This was agreed on by the Senate, and confirm'd by the Peo∣ple; and the Consuls elect, immediately resigning their Office, were made part of the Decemvirate; and also the Tribunes, Aediles, Quaestors, &c. were divested of all Power and Authority. This was a most remarkable Change of Government, as great as that from Kings to Consuls, and was the second sort of Intermission of the Consular Power, which hapned in the second Year of the 82d, Olympiad, 302 Years after the Building of the City, 57 after the Banishment of Tarquin, 30 after Xerxes's Expedition into Greece, and 450 before our Saviour's Nativity.

CHAP. IV.

From the Creation of the Decemviri, to the Third Intermission of the Consular Power, by the Military Tribunes.

Containing the space of 8 Years.

I. THE ten Persons chosen by the Centuriata Comi∣tia for this high Office, were Appius and Ge∣nutius, the late Consuls elect; Posthumius, Sulpicius, and Manlius, the three Ambassadors; Sextius and Romu∣lius, former Consuls; with Iulius, Veturius, and Hora∣tius, all Senators. These being invested with almost

absolute Power, agreed that only one of 'em at one time, shou'd have the Fasces and other Consular En∣signs, to which they were to succeed by Turns, for a certain limitted Time, till the Year came about. And he whose Turn it was for the time being, assembled the Senate, confirm'd the Decrees, and did all other Things that belong'd to a chief Magistrate to do; the rest, to avoid Envy and Suspicion, differ'd little in Habit from private Persons, having only an Accensus, or a sort of a Beadle going before 'em. These great Men for a time manag'd all things with such Ju∣stice and Moderation, that the Commonwealth seem'd most Hapy under them; and Appius above the rest grew exceeding Popular, carrying away the chief Praise from the whole Colledge, having in∣deed greater, and more secret Designs than the rest. At length, having made a Model out of such Laws as were brought from Greece, and their own Countries Customs, they expos'd 'em to the View of all Men in Ten Tables, that any one might make Exceptions. When all were approv'd of, a Senatus Consultum pass'd Nemine contradicente, for the ratifying of these Laws; and the Question being put to the People in the Cen∣turiata Comitia, they were most Religiously and Ce∣remoniously confirm'd in the Presence of the Pontifi∣ces, Augurs, and Priests; then they were ingraven in Brass (some say Ivory) and plac'd for publick View in the most conspicuous Part of the Forum.

The Year being almost expir••d, the Decemviri mov'd the Senate for a Continuance of this Office; and after a great Debate, it was resolv'd by them, to have the same kind of Magistracy for the following Year, because something seem'd yet Wanting to the new Model; but especially because this Office Sus∣pended the Tribune-ship, which had been an intole∣rable Burden to the State. A Comitia was appointed on purpose, where the most Ancient and Honoura∣ble of the Fathers stood for this Office, fearing if it

fell into the Hands of turbulent Persons, it might prove very dangerous to the Peace of the Common∣wealth. Appius had now gain'd the Hearts of the People, and his Behaviour and Actions were extoll'd to the Skies, therefore they labour'd earnestly to retain him in his Place; but he cunningly desir'd to be ex∣cus'd the Undertaking such a troublesome and un∣grateful Work. But at last, overcome as it were by the Intreaties of the People, he plac'd himself among the Candidates; where by a crafty Insinuation of his own Services, and a malicious Accusation of the o∣ther Patritians, as owing him a Spight for his publick Spirit, he not only made way for himself, but for his Friends too. He procur'd to be chosen with himself, Fabius, a former Consul; Cornelius, Servili∣us, Minucius, Antonius, and Rabulius, all Patritians; and Petilius, Duellius, and Oppius, all Plebeians; whom he took in, the more to Ingratiate himself with the Rabble; saying, It was very just that the Commons shou'd have a Share in that Magistracy, which was to Govern and Command all.

On the first Day after their Creation, they all made their Appearance with Regal Ensigns, which exceed∣ingly terrify'd the People, especially the Axes now added again to the Rods, which Poplicola had laid a∣side to prevent the Dissatisfaction of the Common Sort. The first thing the Decemviri did, was their promising each other by Oath, To be of one Mind; to retain the Power in their own Hands; to be of equal Au∣thority among themselves, and to admit none into their Number; never to make use of Senatus Consul∣tum's and Plebiscitum's but in Case of Necessity, Acting most Things by Vertue of their own Power. These things they observ'd with great Exactness; nothing valuing the Roman Senate and People; and exercising their Authority with all Licentiousness: By which Means it came to pass, that they being both Legislators and Judges, many Citizens were unjustly put to Death,

and others illegally depriv'd of their Estates; whose Causes they all formally judg'd, that they might make the greater Shew and Pretence of Justice. Ac∣cusers were subborn'd out of their Dependents, each one affording all Assistance herein to his Collegue; and such private Persons as had Suits depending, had no other way to secure their Causes, but by join∣ing themselves with the Judges Party, so that in a short time most of the Citizens were also Corrupted. And such as were most offended at the Extravagan∣cy of the Decemvires Actions, withdrew themselves, waiting for a new Creation of Magistrates.

One very memorable Thing was done by 'em this Year, which was their adding two Tables of Law to the ten that were made the Year before; whereof one forbad all Marriages between the Patritians and Plebeians. These two together with the other ten, al∣ways went by the name of the Laws of the Twelve Tables, being much talk'd of by many Authors, and extreamly commended by Cicero, as containing Mat∣ters of the greatest Policy, and excelling the Libraries of all the Philosophers. They were divided into three Parts, whereof the first contain'd what belong'd to the Religion of the Romans; the second, what concern'd the Publick; and the third, the Rights of private Per∣sons. These Laws being establish'd, it necessarily fol∣low'd, that Disputations and Controversies wou'd a∣rise, which requir'd the Interpretation, and Determi∣nation of the Learned: Now this Interpretation, or this unwritten Law fram'd by the Learned, was call'd by the common Name of Ius Civile, or Civil Law. Be∣sides, certain Cases were compos'd out of these Laws almost at the same time; which Cases, least the Peo∣ple shou'd make 'em at their Pleasure, were to be cer∣tain and solemn; and this part of Law was call'd Acti••n••s Iuris, or Cases at Law: So that almost at the same time arose these three sorts of Law: Namely, the Laws of the Twelve Tables, call'd barely Leges, the

Civil Law, and the Cases at Law. The rest of the Roman Laws, that were either before or after these, according to Pomponius, were of these sorts; namely, a Plebiscitum, made by the Commons without the Au∣thority of the Fathers; or an Edict of a Magistrate call'd Ius Honorarium; or an Ordinance of the Se∣nate by their sole Authority, call'd Senatus Consultum; or Lastly, that call'd Principalis Constitutio, which was Enacted by the Prince or the Emperor.

But to return to the Decemviri, who now neither regarded the Approbation of Senate nor People; but in a meer Arbitrary Way, continu'd themselves in Power for the Year following, which was the third of the Decemvirate. They so manag'd the Affairs, that in a short time even the most considerable of the Citizens, Patritians and others, were either Murder'd or forc'd to quit the City. At the same time the Sabines and Aequi began to invade the Roman and Latine Ter∣ritories, which did not a little startle the Decemviri, be∣cause they found no means of Resistance without first assembling the Senate, which had been laid aside for some considerable time. At this pressing Juncture a Senate was at last call'd, where Appius in a preme∣ditated Oration propounded the Business of the War: Upon which, Valerius the Grand-Son of Poplicola, first stood up, and, tho' Appius commanded him to for∣bear, violently exclaim'd against the Tyranny of the present Usurpers. He being forc'd to Silence, was se∣conded by Marcus Horatius, Grand-son to Poplicola's Col∣legue, who having express'd great Indignation against the Decemviri, threatned to have him cast Headlong down the Tarpeian Rock. All the Senators exclaim'd against this, as the highest Breach of their Priviledges, and an intollerable piece of Injustice: Whereat the Ten, a little repenting this Rashness, began to excuse themselves, saying, They hinder'd none of the Liberty of speaking to the Matter propounded, but interrupted all Sedi∣tious Orations, which they might do by their Power of Con∣suls

and Tribunes receiv'd from the People, not for a Year, or any limitted Time, but till the great Work of the Laws shou'd be finish'd; until which they were resolv'd to Act, and wou'd then give an Account of their Administration.

The Design of Tyranny and Slavery, too openly appear'd under this Veil; whereupon Claudius, Appius's Uncle, stood up, and very handsomely expos'd the Ar∣bitrary, and Tyrannical Carriage of his Nephew and nine Companions; plainly demonstrating, that this War was solely occasion'd by the present Distempers of the State; withal advising the Senators to resolve nothing till the accustom'd Magistrates were first Created. Many of the younger Sort were of Opi∣nion, that the present Urgency requir'd the War to be committed to the Management of the Decemviri; and others were for creating a Dictator, which Opi∣nion had the most plausible Appearance of any: So that the House was very much divided; many, out of Fear either of the Decemviri, or the Enemies, having alter'd their first Intentions. Appius took Advantage of these Divisions, and look'd upon his own Parties Votes as a ••ufficient Determination; whereupon he immediately commanded the Clerk to draw up a Se∣natus Consultum, whereby full Power of Levying Forces, and Commanding them, was given to the Decemviri; and straight the Senate was dismiss'd, to the great Dissatisfa∣ction of many. This new way of Proceeding made Horatius and Valerius stand upon their own Defence, gathering together their Clients and Dependents; and caus'd Claudius to go over to the Sabines, where he liv'd. And notwithstanding all the Care and Provi∣sion of the Decemviri, great Multitudes follow'd his Example, leaving their Native Seats, with their Wives and Children, and went into a voluntary Exile.

II. The Decemviri divided their Army into three Parts, whereof on continu'd with Appius and Oppius in the City; and the other two were commanded

by their Collegues, one against the Aequi, and the o∣ther against the Sabines. The Aequi forc'd the Ro∣mans to abandon their Camp, and fly shamefully; which caus••d great Joy in Rome among the Enemies of the Decemviri: So thar Appius fearing some At∣tempt, wrote to his Collegues in the Army, to destroy their known Adversaries by any Means, which was Effected upon several. But at Rome, among many o∣thers Siccius Dentatus, the Roman Achilles, as he was cal∣led, blam'd the Commanders as Cowards and Unskil∣ful; whereupon Appius, to secure him, with good Words perswaded him to go as Lieutenant, or Lega∣tus, ••o the Army then lying at Crustumeria against the Sabines. Siccius without any suspicion or distrust, un∣dertook the Employment; for the Office of Legatus was most Sacred and Honourable among the Romans, having the Power and Authority of a General, and the Inviolableness, and Veneration of a Priest. Upon his Arrival at the Camp, he was sent out with a Party of 100 Men, who had strict Orders to Murder him; where he shew'd such incredible Strength and Valour, that he kill'd fifteen of 'em himself, and wounded twice as many, as Dionysius relates it; so that at length they were forc'd to throw Darts and Stones at him, keeping some distance, and by that Means effected their Design. The Assassinates gave out that he fell into the Enemies hands; but the Soldiers easily per∣ceiving the Villany, began to grow very Mutinous; and the Decemviri to appease 'em, gave Siccius a very Honourable Burial, which was perform'd with much Ceremony, and an universal Sorrow among the Sol∣diers, who from that time thought upon nothing but a Revolt; which the other Army lying at Algedum against the Aequi, soon after found a fair Opportu∣nity to effect.

It was occasion'd dy one Virginius a Plebeian, who had a Daughter of most admirable Beauty, and of as eminent Chastity, whom Appius saw by chance, and

was so extreamly smitten with her, that nothing cou'd allay his violent Passion. His own Laws had forbidden him Marrying her, as being a Plebeian; nor cou'd he hope to enjoy her any other Way, but by procuring Claudius, one of his Clients, to challenge her for his Slave; so that the Matter being brought be∣fore him, he might judge her to be so. Claudius, accor∣ding to his Instructions, laid Claim to her; and bring∣ing the Matter to a Tryal before Appius, he affirm'd, That she was natural Daughter to his Slave, procur'd by Virginius's Wife, being Barren and now Dead, and brought up for her own; a thing though known to others, as well as himself, he had no Opportunity till now to make it ••••••ear. This Pretence was so Impudent and Groundle•••• ••hat it rais'd the Indignation of all unconcern'd Pe••••ons; and Numitor the Maids Uncle, with Icilius who was Contracted to her, ••ufficiently prov'd the Falsity of the Assertion. But Appius, resolutely bent upon his lustful and base Design, wou'd hear no Reason, nor mind any Proof; till at last the loud Cries and Mur∣murs of the Multitude, prevail'd with him to deferr the Matter till her Father cou'd be sent for from the Camp to defend her Cause, for which he wou'd al∣low but one Day. He immediately wrote to Algedum at the Camp to confine Virginius; but Numitor and I∣cilius's Brother intercepted the Letters, and Virginius pretending the Death of a near Relation, got Leave to leave the Camp, and come posting to the City.

The next Day, Virginius appear'd at the Place, to the great Surprize of Appius, he and his Daughter both in Mourning, accompany'd with several weeping Matrons, and a numerous Train of Advocates, the whole City crowding into the Forum. Virginius prov'd the Maid to be his own Daughter; but Appius, cor∣rupted by the Greatness of his Power, and inflam'd with the Heat of his Lust, neither consider'd the just Defence of the Father, nor the bitter Tears of the poor Virgin; but was inrag'd at the Pity of the Stan∣ders

by, thinking himself a greater Object of Pity, who endur'd more for her Beauty's sake than she her self did. He interrupted all that pleaded in her behalf, Commanding their Silence, and strait judg'd Claudi∣us to be right Lord and Owner of her. Great Out∣cries and Lamentations being made, as well by others, as the Virgin and her Relations, all knowing she was doom'd to the Tyrant's Lusts, Appius commanded all to depart, and order'd Claudius to take Possession of his Slave. Virginius finding no relief, desir'd he might speak a Word with his Daughter before he parted from her; which being Granted, he dragg'd her han••••ng about him to a Butcher's Stall hard by, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 bewailing her deplorable Condition; where catc••••ng a Knife in his Hands, he said, Daughter, I will send thee to our Ancestors both Free and Unspotted, for the Merciless Tyrant will suffer thee to be neither here; and thereupon stabb'd her to the Heart: Then cast∣ing his angry Eyes up to the Tribunal, he cry'd out, Appius, thou Tyrant, with this Blood I doom thee to certain Death! With the bloody Knife in his Hand, in a great Rage and Fury, he ran through the City, wildly calling upon the People in all Places to regain their Liberty; and coming to the Gate, rod Post to the Army, a Company of 400 Plebeians following him.

In this Posture Virginius arriv'd at the Camp, with the Knife and his Clothes all Bloody; where with all his Rhetorick and Pathetick Reasons he persuaded 'em to revolt from the Ten, and redeem their sinking Country; shewing 'em likewise, That their Sacramentum or Mili∣tary Oath, was no ways binding in this Case, because the Oath suppos'd the Commanders to be made according to Law, which the Ten were not, having Usurp'd all the Power and Authority they cou'd pretend to. The Army, ready enough for such a Design, immediately decamp'd, some few Centurions only remaining, and took their Station on Mount Aventine; and the next day, fortifying their

Camp, chose Ten Captains, whereof one Oppius was Chief: And soon after came great Parties from the other Army, who were much Offended at the Mur∣der of Siccius, and join'd them; and this was the se∣cond Separation of the Commons. Appius in the mean time having endeavour'd by Force to suppress the Di∣sturbances he had rais'd in the City, was so over∣power'd by the Parties of Valerius and Horatius for∣merly mention'd, that he was forc'd to keep himself to his House. Oppius, one of the Decemviri, assembled the Fathers, and urg'd the Punishment of all Desert∣ers; but the Senate was so sensible of the threatning Dangers and Miseries of the State, that they were glad to come to any Agreement with the Sol••••ers: Therefore, to compose all Differences, they imme∣diately dispatch'd Messengers to the Army, which had lately remov'd to the Holy Mount, as they had once done above 40 Years before. Where the Peo∣ple demanded to have the same Form of Govern∣ment as was setled before the Creation of the De∣cemviri, which was readily Granted 'em, the People all returning home to the City. Thus in less than three Years time, ended the famous Decemvirate.

III. Valerius and Horatius were for their Services made Consuls for the remaining part of the Year. These preferr••d divers Laws in favour of the Com∣mons, to the great Regret of the Patritians; where∣of one was, That such Laws as the Commons enacted in the Comitia Tributa, shou'd have the same Force as those made in the Comitia Centuriata; which was a great Advantage to the People. After this, the Tri∣bunes, whereof Virginius was one, thought it conve∣nient to call the Decemviri to an Account. Appius was Committed to Prison, no Bail being allow'd him; but before his Tryal was found Dead, but by what means is uncertain. Oppius, the next to him in Guilt, was accus'd; and being Condemn'd, dy••d

the same day in Prison by his own Hands. The o∣ther eight banish'd themselves, and Claudius the pre∣tended Master of Virginia, was driven out after 'em; with which Justice the State was satisfy'd, and In∣demnity granted to all others. Affairs thus setled, the Consuls took the Field against the Aequi, Volsci, and Sabines, and so successfully as to deserve a Tri∣umph; but the Senate gave 'em a Repulse for making Laws so much in favour of the Commons, and so dis∣advantageous to the Patritian Priviledges. The Con∣suls appeal'd to the People, and complaining much of the Senate, by the Assistance of the Tribunes pro∣cur'd a Law to pass, for receiving the Priviledge of Tri∣umph from the People. Thus did the Pl••b••ian Power en∣crease daily, each Morsel of the Patritians Preroga∣tive serving only to add to their insatiable Appetites.

Little was perform'd by the Romans for three years after, besides the Wars with the Volsci and A••qui, which were carry'd on with no great Vigour, by reason of the frequent Disputes between the Senate and People; till the Year 308, the Enemy ma∣king Ravages and Incursions to the Walls of Rome, put the People upon considering the Common Safety of the State, and under the command of Quintius and Furius the Consuls for this Year, they obtain'd a notable Victory over them. This Victory was attended with a remarkable Determination of the Romans, between the Inhabitants of Ardea and Aricia, who had frequent Contests about certain Lands, and had left it to Rome to be Judge. One Scaptius, an Old Commone•• of 84 Years old, stood up, and declar'd, That these very Lands by Right be∣long'd formerly to Corioli, and consequently to the Ro∣mans, who ought to have 'em. The Senate were a∣sham'd to determine the Thing this way, because it had been left to them to be Judges; but the Peo∣ple, ready to make use of any Advantage, caus'd it to be Voted in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tributa; where the Lands

were adjudged, To be the Publick Possession of the Ro∣man People, to the great Surprize of the Ardeans and Aricians, who were forc'd to return home as well sa∣tisfy'd as they cou'd.

IV. The Tribunes now grew more and more turbu∣lent, and nothing wou'd satisfie the Commons but a Share in the highest Offices, and Places of greatest Trust; and for that Reason they propos'd two Laws, one to permit the Marriages of Patritians with Plebei∣ans; and the other to make the Plebeians capable of the Consulship, which they never were before. The Senators took these Proposals most hainously, seeing their Priviledges in danger to be ruin'd, and were resolv'd to endure the utmost Extremities rather than pass these Laws; but finding such violent Commotions in the State, they pass'd the Law about Marriages, in hopes that wou'd satisfie the People, and make them not insist upon the other. This ap∣peas'd the Commons for a short space; but soon after, when the Aequi and Sabines made great Ravages in the Roman Territories, they took the Advantage of these Troubles, and utterly refus'd to List them∣selves, till they were made likewise Partakers of the Consulship, nor cou'd they be prevail'd upon to de∣fer the Matter till the War was over. Upon this, the Consuls were forc'd to hold a private Conference of the Chief of the Senators, where after some De∣bates, Claudius propos'd an Expedient as the most seasonable in this pressing Conjuncture. He advis'd 'em by no means to suffer the Consulship to come into the Hands of the Plebeians, but to create certain Gover∣nors in the room of Consuls, Six or Eight, whereof one half at least shou'd be Patritians: For by this means they shou'd seem not to take too much Power to themselves, and yet retain all their Prerogative. This Project extreamly pleas'd the whole Meeting; and that nothing might seem to be design'd before-hand, they agreed, That

at the next Meeting of the Senate, the Consuls shou'd not ask the Senior's Opinions first, as the Custom was, but the Younger's, and such as were most Po∣pular. And Genutius, the Consul's Brother, was fix'd upon to propound this way of Reconciliation, purely as his own private Opinion.

Upon the Assembling the Senate, Canuleius, the Tribune, upbraided the Consuls with holding of secret Meetings, and of managing dangerous Designs against the State. The Consuls on the other side protested their Innocency, and to demonstrate this more clear∣ly, gave leave to any of the younger sort to speak first, who cou'd not be suppos'd to be acquainted with any private Contrivances, and to Valerius in particular. Valerius advis'd the Fathers to favour the Commons, who had so well deserv'd both in gaining of Dominions, and getting and preserving the Liberty of the City; and urg'd further, That the City cou'd not be Free till there was an Equality of Right. Horatius, and o∣thers, being next ask'd, seconded him; and after that, Claudius being desir'd to speak, the better to conceal his Design, according to his old way, broke out into bitter Invectives against the Commons, and advis'd, That the Law might not pass, neither then nor ever after. This caus'd some Disturbance, but at last Genutius was ask'd his Opinion, who as it was before design'd, propounded this Expedient to the Senate and People, That Six Governors shou'd be chosen with Consular Authority, three Patritians, and three Plebeians; and when the time of their Magistracy shou'd be expir'd, then the Senate and People might resolve whether they wou'd have the same Office, or that of Consuls for the Year following.

This Project was gladly embrac'd both by the Se∣nate and Commons; and leave was given to any Ple∣beian to stand for this new Office▪ Yet so fickle were the Minds of the Multitude, and so pleas'd with the bare Novelty of the thing, that tho' many Plebeians

stood for this Office, they thought none of 'em wor∣thy of that Honour, but bestow'd it upon Eminent Patritians only, who appear'd as Candidates. This was the third Intermission of the Consular Power, tho' the Authority was equivalent; and likewise the third great Change in Rome, which hapned scarce eight Years after the second, in the 310th of the City, 65 Years after the Expulsion of the Kings, and 442 be∣fore our Saviour Christ's Nativity.

CHAP. V.

From the Creation of the Military Tribunes, to the Burning of Rome by the Gauls; which almost ruin'd the Roman Nation.

Containing the space of 54 Years.

I. THE Consuls being for once more laid aside, these new-mention'd Magistrates succeeded, being call'd by the Name of Tribuni Militum, or Mi∣litary Tribunes, three Patritians only being chosen, namely Sempronius Atratinus, Claelius Siculus, and At∣tilius Longus. Thus at first they were but three in Number, afterwards they were increas'd to four, and at length to Six. And tho' these had the Power and Ensigns of Consuls, yet their Number, together with the Mixture of Plebeians which afterwards press'd in, made their Priviledge and Dignity seem something Different and Inferior: Whence a Tribune of the People afterwards in way of Contempt, call'd them a Proconsular Image; and Manlius the Dictator, shew∣ing that a Master of the Horse was inferior to a Consul, compar'd his Power to that of these Magistrates. These Military Tribunes having held their Of∣fice

almost eight Weeks, were constrain'd to lay it down, for that the Augurs found some Flaw in their Election, and Consuls were created afresh, Sempronius being one: So that in Seventy three Days here was another Change of Government, the Old one pre∣vailing over the New.

The following Year they procur'd Consuls again to be elected, and not Military Tribunes, who were Geganius and Quintius, who had both been Consuls be∣fore. In this Year the Consuls finding the Publick Business to increase, to ease themselves, procur'd two new Magistrates to be created, call'd Censors, so nam'd because the Business of the Census, which had been in∣stituted by Servius Tullius the Sixth King of Rome, was one great part of their Office. These Magistrates at first made no great Appearance, but in a short time they became Persons of extraordinary Dignity and Power, having all the Ornaments and Ensigns of Consuls, except Lictors. At the beginning, they were created for five Years, which space was call'd Lustrum, as was formerly observ'd; but soon after, their time was shortned to a Year and half, but still they were chosen but once in five Years, the Census being no oftner perform'd. Their Power was very large, and their Office very extensive; for tho' at first they only perform'd the Census, making an Estimate of Men's Estates, distributing them into their several Classes and Centuries, taking the Numbers of the Inha∣bitants, &c. yet in a short time they became Publick Inspectors of Men's Lives and Manners, and were therefore frequently call'd Magistri Morum; and took upon 'em to degrade Senators upon Misdemeanors, to take away Horse and Ring from Equites or Knights, and to turn Plebeians out of their Tribes, and put 'em into a Lower, and many other things of the like Nature. The two first Censors were Papirius and Sem∣pronius, both Patritians, and the two last Years Con∣suls; and these high Officers were for nigh 100

Years chosen out of the Patritians, and only such as were Eminent and Famous, and had formerly been Consuls, till the Plebeians found the way to this, as they did to all other Offices. Afterwards the Roman Colonies had their Magistrates, call'd Sub-Censors, who gave an Account to these, of the Number of Inhabitants, and their Wealth, which was immedi∣ately register'd in the Censor's Books.

The Fathers were extreamly satisfy'd that they had got these Magistrates created out of their own Body, and the Tribunes esteeming their Power to be incon∣derable, were willing enough to agree to it. In this same Year, the Ardeans, as being Allies, sent to the Romans for Succour against the Volsci, who were call'd in by some dangerous Factions among themselves, and had reduc'd them to great Extremities. The Ro∣mans were ready to serve the Persons they had so lately injur'd about their Lands, and immediately Geganius, the Consul, was sent with a considerable Army against the Volsci, and he soon reliev'd the Ar∣deans, and clear'd the Country of the Enemy. This Victory was very memorable, and the Consul had a noble Triumph, Clulius, the Volscian General, being led before the Chariot. Ardea had now been so dis∣peopled with the Factions, and the late Wars, that they were willing to accept of a Roman Colony, which the Senate sent soon after; and to shew a further Piece of Generosity, restor'd all the Lands they had before adjudg'd to the Publick Use, tho' with the great Complaints of many of the Com∣mons.

II. The Heats of the Commons were still kept alive but for some time were of no dangerous Con∣sequence, till three Years after, Sp. Maelius, a rich Knight, incourag'd upon these Contentions, by his large Bounty to the Poorer Sort in time of a great Fa∣mine, began to affect Popularity, and by that means

to aspire to the Sovereignty. His Designs were soon guess'd at, and he was accus'd of this by Minucius, who had the care of the Provisions; which thing in these unsettled times so startled the Senate, that by advice of Quintius, the Consul, they order'd a Dictator to be immediately created, the Tumult hourly increa∣sing. Quintius Cincinnatus, now 80 Years old, was the Person, who chose Servilius Ahala for his Master of the Horse. The Dictator presently summon'd Maelius to appear, who being well back'd and supported by the Mob, refus'd to obey, now breaking out into o∣pen Rebellion; whereupon Ahala set upon him in the Forum, and kill'd him, and was justifi'd by Quin∣tius, who commanded his Goods to be sold, and his House to be demolish'd. The Tribunes inrag'd at the Death of their great Friend, Maelius, procur'd Mili∣tary Tribunes instead of Consuls to be created for the following Year, now six Years after their first In∣stitution, hoping that some Plebeian might get into the number of Six, which might give 'em an Op∣portunity of revenging his Death: But Three only were created, all Patritians too, and their Expectati∣on wholly unanswer'd.

The following Year, Consuls were created again, and in the same Year, Fidenae, a Roman Colony, re∣volted to Tolumnius, King of the Veientes; and to in∣hance their Crime, by his Instigation, they treache∣rously murder'd the Ambassadors sent thither, who dying thus for the Publick, the Senate generously ap∣pointed Statues to be erected in their Honour. This War in the beginning prov'd so dangerous and threatning to the Romans, that they were forc'd to create a Dictator to manage it, Mamercus Aemilius be∣ing the Person, who made choice of Quinctius Ci••∣cinnatus, an Eminent Youth of the City, for his Master of the Horse. Aemilius, the Dictator, obtain'd a great Victory over the Enemy, in which Battel Cornelius Cossus, a Tribune in the Army, slew King T••∣lumnius

with his own Hands, and by that means ob∣tain'd the Honour of the Opima Spolia, or Royal Spoils, which were the only Spoils of that Nature since the Reign of Romulus. These Spoils were a great Grace to Aemilius's Triumph, and a great Honour to Cossus, they being with extraordinary Pomp and Ceremo∣ny consecrated to Iupiter Feretrius.

Two Years after this, there hapned a great Plague in the City, and the Fidenates and Veientes press'd so hard upon the Romans, that they were forc'd to have recourse to another Dictator; and Servilius Priscus was created, who chose Aebutius Elva for his Ma∣ster of the Horse. Servilius was so successful, as not only to drive the Enemy back, but to take the Town of Fidenae, which he did by a Mine. The taking of Fidenae was so disadvantageous to the E∣nemy, that the Veientes sent to all their Neighbours about for Succour, threatning no less than entire De∣struction to Rome. These formidable Preparations put the Romans upon creating another Dictator, a lit∣tle above a Year after the last, which was Aemilius, who had been Dictator three Years before, and he chose Posthumius Tubertus for his Master of the Horse. In a short time, the Romans found that the Veientes cou'd procure no Aid, so the Dictator had little Em∣ployment abroad; but resolving to do something at home, he caus'd the Censorship to be reduc'd to a Year and a half, which was eight Years after its first In∣stitution, and then laid down his Office. The Cen∣sors from this took an Occasion to remove him out of his Tribe, which so inrag'd the People, that the next time they procur'd Military Tribunes to be brought in again, after there had been Consuls four Years: And in this Election, notwithstanding the great In∣dustry of the Tribunes of the People, they cou'd not get in one of the Commons, which was a great Mortification to the Multitude.

At two years end, the Senate took occasion from the Wars of the Aequi and Volsci to bring in Consuls again; and partly for the Enemies great Preparati∣ons, and partly for the violent Humour of the Tri∣bunes of the People, a Dictator was likewise created, tho' against the Consuls Consent. This was Posthumi∣us Tubero, who had Iulius Vopiscus for his Master of the Horse, who having finish'd this War successfully, tri∣umph'd and laid down his Office. For four Years after this, they had Consuls, in which space little was acted abroad or at home; then the Commons pre∣vail'd to have Military Tribunes again created, which was now the fifth time, and they had four in Num∣ber, but still they cou'd not bring about their De∣signs. In this Year Fidenae revolted again, and joyn'd with the Veientes; whereupon three of the Consular Tribunes were sent against the Enemy, and the fourth left to govern the City. When they proceeded to an Engagement, one of the Tribunes cry'd Charge, another cry'd Halt, all three being of a several Mind, till there was such Confusion, that the Romans betook them∣selves to their Heels and fled; which sufficiently con∣vinc'd 'em of the Folly of having several Generals in one Army. The City upon this was put into such a Consternation, that immediately a Dictator was crea∣ted, which was Aemilius, a third time, who chose Cossus, who had obtain'd the last Opima Spolia, for his Master of the Horse. By the Prudence and Valour of these two, the Veientes were overthrown, and Fidenae once more taken and plunder'd: Then Aemilius re∣turning to Rome in Triumph, laid down his Office, after he had held it but 17 Days.

For two Years after this, Military Tribunes conti∣nu'd; at the end of which, the Senate took Occasion from the War with the Volsci, and the Absence of those Magistrates, to bring in Consuls again, notwith∣standing the Tribunes of the People oppos'd it as much as possible. But Sempronius, one of the Consuls,

managing this War very carelesly, the Tribunes from thence took advantage, and Military Tribunes were created again the next Year. This was for one Year, at the end of which, the Senate procur'd Con∣suls to be made again; and Capitolinus, one of 'em, gain'd advantage enough over the Aequi, to procure him an Ovation. When this Year was expir'd, there hapned so great a Contention about two Quaestors or Treasurers, whom the Commons wou'd have created out of their Body, that the State fell into an Inter∣regnum. Papirius being Interrex, for a Composure, procur'd Military Tribunes to be again admitted, and four Quaestors (which was two more than formerly) to be created either out of the Patritians or Plebeians, as the People shou'd think most proper in their Comitia. Notwithstanding this, tho' many of the Commons striv'd for it, not one of 'em cou'd get to be either Military Tribune, or so much as Quaestor, which much incens'd the People. In the second Year after this, Military Tribunes still continuing, the Slaves conspir'd to Fire the City, and seize on the Capitol; but the Plot was timely found out, and the Discoverers great∣ly rewarded. The following Year, the Aequi joyn'd with the People of Lavicum, press'd hard upon the Roman Territories, and the Consular Tribunes quarrel∣ling among themselves for the Superiority, they got great Advantages; insomuch, that a Dictator was created, which was Servilius Priscus, a second time, who chose his Son Axilla for his Master of the Horse. Servilius soon dispatch'd his Business, and laid down his Office, after he had kept it but eight Days.

After this, for four Years successively, were Milita∣ry Tribunes instead of Consuls, till new Contentions ari∣sing between the Patritians and Plebeians, tho' partly from old Heart-burnings, and especially upon the ac∣count of the Agrarian Law, the State fell again in∣to an Interregnum. Fabius being Interrex, brought in

Consuls again, which Government continu'd for five Years longer, in which space of time not very much was transacted either abroad or at home. In the fifth Year, the Commons being cross'd in their De∣signs of bringing in Military Tribunes, bestirr'd them∣selves so much, as to procure three of the Quaestors to be created out of their own Rank, who were the first Plebeian Quaestors that ever were in Rome. The Aequi and the Volsci, strengthn'd by Confederacies, made great Ravages in the Roman Dominions; and the Commons refusing to List themselves according to their usual Custom, procur'd Military Tribunes again, who march'd against the Enemy, but with so little Success, that a Dictator was thought necessary to be created. This was Cornelius Cossus, formerly mention'd, who appointed Servilius Ahala for his Master of the Horse, and march'd against the Enemy, overthrew 'em in one Battel, wasted their Country, and then return'd. Two Years after, the Patritians and Plebeians were in some measure reconcil'd by means of the great Plunder of Anxur or Terracina, taken from the Volsci; but especially by a Decree of the Senate for the Publick Pay of the Army with Brass Money, before which time every Soldier bore his own Charges in the War, as was hinted formerly; and this was the first time of the paying of Soldiers in Rome, which hapned in the 347th Year of the City. The taking of Anxur, and some other Places from the Volsci, in a short time brought 'em to a Peace; and now the Roman Dominions were considerably in∣creas••d.

III. About the same time, War was proclaim'd against the Veientes with that Resolution, and carry'd on with that Vigour, that it was evident that one of the two Cities must fall. Veii was an exceeding large strong and wealthy City, and had not only been a Rival to Rome for many Years, but had always been

so perfidious, that a full Revenge was necessary. The Romans invested the City, but it being seated upon a craggy Rock, they soon found it wou'd cost 'em several Years Siege; so that they were constrain'd to carry it on both Winter and Summer, the Soldiers lying under Beast-skins. At this the Tribunes of the People began to repine, as a thing wholly new and dangerous; complaining likewise of the Payment of Soldiers as an Innovation, and an unjust Artifice to ruine the Commons. And the next Year, they got the Number of the Military Tribunes to be increased from four to six, as it was at first design••d, but still cou'd not procure one Plebeian to be elected; and this Number continu'd always for the future. New Stirs daily arose, notwithstanding the great Diversion by War; sometimes upon the account of the little Succes•• against Veii, the Tribunes blaming the Commanders, and prohibiting the Taxes which had been laid upon the City ever since the Soldiers had receiv'd Pay. About six Years after, they renew'd their ancient Contest about the Agrarian Law, and carry'd it on so far as to get it promulg'd among themselves, tho' not in the Senate: And in the same Year, after much Trouble and Pains, they procur'd one Plebeian to be elected into the Consular Tribunes, Licinius Cal∣vus being the Person. They extreamly applauded themselves for this, it being the first time that the Commons cou'd make themselves sharers in the high∣est Offices; and now they most readily permitted the Pay of the Army to be gather'd, all Stirs being for a while laid aside.

The Siege of Veii was still carry'd on from Year to Year, but with various Success, and under divers Commanders; sometimes all the Besieger's Works were destroy'd, and the Men driven back with great Loss by Sallies from the Town: Then the Falisci, one of the twelve Nations of Hetruria, join'd with the Veientes, and very much annoy'd the Romans, some∣times

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to the great hazard of their whole Army. Be∣sides, the Roman Forces were much diverted by the Volsci, who suddenly took Anxur; and tho' in no long time it was retaken, yet still it was great hin∣derance to the Siege of Veii. In the third Year of this Siege, Furius Camillus, a Person extraordinary for Courage and Valour, as well as other Excellencies, was made one of the Censors. He finding the Wars lay heavy, caus'd the Batchelors to marry the Wid∣dows of such as had lost their Lives for their Coun∣try; and likewise was the first, who oblig'd Orphans to pay Taxes. Two Years after, he was made one of the Military Tribunes, but little fell to his Share then. Three Years after that, which was the eighth Year of the Siege, he was a second time made Military Tribune, in which time he march'd a∣gainst the Falisci and Capenates, both Confederates of the Veientes, and great Disturbers of the Romans in the Siege, and forc'd them all into their Towns of Defence.

The tediousness of the Siege, made the Romans re∣solve to carry it on with the utmost Vigour; and for that reason they created Camillus Dictator, and he appointed Corn••lius Scipio for his Master of the Horse. Camillus drew out all the Forces he cou'd raise, and made a solemn Vow, that if he took Veii, he wou'd dedicate the tenth Part of the Plunder to Apollo; Then marching into the Country of the Falisci, he overthrew 'em in a great Battel, together with the Capenates their Confederates; and after that, he turn'd all his Forces against Veii, all People greatly expecting the Avent of this important Siege. Camil∣lus finding it very hazardous to attempt the storming a Place of that Strength both by Art and Nature, secretly wrought a Mine into it with vast La∣bour; and finding the City incapable of Relief, sent to the Senate, who order'd all who had a desire to share in the rich Spoils, immediately to repair to the

Army, which caus'd great Multitudes of all Ranks to go thither. Camillus at an appointed time order'd a Party of Men to enter the Mine, who with ease became Masters of the City, to the great Amaze∣ment of the Besieged. Thus was the rich and strong City of Veii taken, like a second Troy, after Ten Years Siege, which enrich'd the Romans with vast Plunder. As for Camillus himself, he transported with the Honour of subduing the great Rival of Rome, triumph'd after a more magnificent Manner than ordinary, having his Chariot drawn by four Milk-white Steeds; a thing which the Romans look'd upon as Sacred and peculiar to the King and Father of the Gods, and therefore they were much offended at his Carriage: And indeed no Man either before or since him ever assum'd so much Honour to himself.

Soon after the taking of Veii, the Tribunes of the People, who were ever restless, propos'd a Law to divide the Senate and People into two Parts, where∣of one should stay at Rome, and the other remove to Veii, and there settle; this Separation, as they imagin'd, being a ready means for the enriching of both by the Possession of two such considerable Ci∣ties. The Plebeians, now Rich as well as Numerous, press'd hard for this Division; but the Patritians judg∣ing it wou'd prove the Ruine of the State, as ear∣nestly oppos'd it, betaking themselves to Camillus, who by prudently employing, and variously divert∣ing the Multitude, with much difficulty put it off, but with the Hatred of many of the Commons. But not long after, there hapned a greater and more apparent Cause of their Hatred to him, occasi∣on'd by his neglecting, either through Business or Forgetfulness, while he continu'd Dictator, to offer those Tenths of the Spoils of Veii, which at the be∣ginning of his Expedition he had vow'd to Apollo. When therefore he had laid down his Office, he mov'd the People to restore the Tenths of what they had

receiv'd; and the Priests also reported that all the Sacrifices portended the Anger of the Gods, which must be appeas'd by Gifts. So that the Soldiers, who had already spent what they had gain••d upon their necessary Occasions, were forc'd upon Oath to re∣store the tenth Part to Apollo, which was look'd upon as a very hard Injunction, and caus'd great Murmu∣rings among the People. Now, because there was little Gold in the City, the Ladies freely contributed their Dresses and Ornaments, which amounted to eight Talents in Gold. And the Senate in requital of this generous Act, decreed that Women shou'd for the future have the Priviledge and Honour of Funeral Orations, which before had never been al∣low••d ••em.

The Commons still grew more turbulent and Uneasie, and moving again for a Separation, the War with the Falisci happily fell out to divert them; for which Camillus was made Military Tribune a third time. He soon invested Falerii, the chief City, a large and strong Place, 25 Miles almost North-West of Rome, where the School-Master of the Town drew 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his ••oys into the Roman Trenches, and offer'd him to betray the Town, by delivering up the Sons of the Nobility and Magistrates. Camillus's noble Spirit wou'd not permit him to hearken to such Baseness, but out of an extraordinary Greatness of Mind, he immediately order'd the School-Master to be stripp••d, his Hands ty'd behind him, and in that ignominious Manner to be whipp'd into the Town by his own Boys. The Magistrates were so affected with the great Generosity of the Roman, that they immediately yielded; and the Senate leaving the Conditions to Camillus, he only fin'd them a Summ of Money, and receiv'd 'em with all the Falisci into Friendship. But the Soldiers, who expected great Plunder, were extreamly disgusted, and from that Instant sought his Ruine. This same Year, the Se∣nate

with much difficulty procur'd Consuls to be cho∣sen, instead of Military Tribunes, after an Intermis∣sion of 15 Years. And the Year following, Consuls also were chosen again; but in the third Year, Military Tribunes, in which time the Tribunes of the People mov'd again for a Separation, but were so sharply oppos'd by Camillus, that in Revenge they accus'd him of fraudulent Practices in the Plunder of the late Wars. Camillus finding the Multitude exasperated against him for several Reasons, and that they were now ready to condemn him, left the City; but first lifting up his Hands towards the Capitol, he pray'd, That if his Banishment were unjust, and meerly the ef∣fect of the Rage and Malice of the Multitude, they might suddenly repent it; and that it might visibly ap∣pear to the World, how much the Romans were oblig'd by his Actions, and stood in need of his Presence. Thus, like Achilles, leaving his Imprecations on the Citi∣zens, he went into Banishment, being fin'd 15000 Asses.

IV. About this same time, many thousands of the Gauls finding their own Country too narrow for them, and desirous of removing, under the Conduct of Brennus their King, broke into Hetruria, and in∣vested Clusium, a City in Alliance with Rome. These were the Galli Senones, a very numerous and war∣like People inhabiting most of that Part of Italy, which now goes by the Name of Lombardy, and which the Hetrurians had been Masters of before them; a People vast in Body, rude by Nature, bar∣barous in Conditions, and wandering as Rovers over many Countries. The Inhabitants of Clusium, much affrighted at their great Numbers, and dread∣ful Looks, sent immediately to Rome, begging that State to interpose by sending Ambassadors and Let∣ters to disswade these unjust Aggressors from pro∣ceeding in their Enterprize. The Senate willing to

perform this friendly Part, dispatch'd Ambassadors to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, chusing out three of the Family of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, Persons of the greatest Quality, and the most Honourable in the City, for that Office. The Gauls at first receiv'd 'em courteously enough; and coming to a Conference with 'em, the Ambassadors de∣manded the Reason of this their present Underta∣king, and what Injury the Clusians had done them: Brennus made answer somewhat sharply, That they had much injur'd 'em by refusing to part with some of their Lands, when they had more than they themselves cou'd easily manage; and this was nothing more than what the Romans themselves had done to the Albans, the Fidenates, the Ardeates, the Veientes, and many other People that they made War with. These Reflecti∣ons so enrag'd the Ambassadors, that they immedi∣ately stirr••d up the Inhabitants to make a Sally a∣gainst the Besiegers, they themselves heading 'em. It hapned, that in the midst of the Fight, Fabius Am••usius, one of the Three, kill••d a Gaul of huge Bulk, and was discover'd while he was disarming of him; whereupon Brennus mov'd with a just Indig∣nation, immediately broke up the Siege, and march'd directly for Rome.

Brennus, that he might not seem to do any thing meanly or unjustly, sent first to Rome, demanding the Ambassadors to be deliver'd up, as having broken the Law of Nations. But Favour so far prevail'd above Equity, that the Matter being referr••d from the Senate to the People, no Satisfaction cou'd be had from either: Nay, further, the Ambassadors themselves, were with three others created Military Tribunes for carrying on the War. The Gauls hearing this, in a great Rage hastned their March, breathing out nothing Revenge and Destruction to Rome. The Places through which they march'd, were so terrify'd with their Numbers, the Fierceness of their Natures, and their dreadful Preparations of War,

that they gave their Countries for lost. But contrary to their Expectations, they did no Injury as they march'd, crying, That the Romans only were their Enemies, and that they took all others for their Friends. The Romans met 'em at the River Allia, 11 Miles from the City, with an Army of 40000 Foot, but most of 'em raw and unskilful Men, and what was more dangerous, under the Conduct of several Com∣manders. In this Condition they engag'd the Gauls, without either Order or Discipline, or scarce any Courage, and were miserably defeated. The Left Wing was immediately driven into the River, and there intirely cut off: The Right escap'd better, tho' with great Loss, some dropping into Rome; the rest, as many as escap'd, stole by Night to Veii, giving Rome for lost, and all that was in it for ruin'd. This Day was ever after branded for an unlucky Day by the Romans, wherein no Work of Note was to be done, and was call'd Alliensis in their Kalendar.

Never was Rome in the like Consternation, as at the News of the loss of this Battel, and the sudden Ap∣proach of the Enemy: Nothing but miserable Howl∣ings and Lamentations were heard on all Parts, some leaving the City, others creeping into Holes, Priests hiding their Relicks, Women running like distracted Persons with their Children in their Arms, and every one shifting for himself; so that Rome became aban∣don'd, and was left open to the Rage and Fury of the Enemy. For they who resolv'd to stay at Rome, quitting the rest of the City, betook themselves to the Capitol, which they fortify'd, in order to hold out a Siege. Only some of the Pontifices and Priests, and the most ancient of the Senators, such as had been honour'd with several Consulships and Triumphs, who cou'd not endure to think of leaving the City, put on all their Robes of State, plac'd themselves in the Forum on their Ivory Chairs, resolving since they had liv'd in Honour, to die in State, and in that no∣ble

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Posture expected the utmost of what wou'd follow.

On the third Day after the Victory, the Easiness of which much amaz'd the Gauls, Brennus appear'd with all his Forces before the City, and finding the Gates wide open, the Walls unguarded, and all things defenceless, began to suspect at first some Stratagem of the Romans; but after a little Consideration, he enter'd the City, and marching into the Forum, he was more surpriz'd than ever, to find so many Men sitting all in that remarkable Order, and pro∣found Silence, like so many Statues. Their splendid Habits and Ornaments, their steddy Unconcern'd∣ness, their Majestick Gravity, their venerable Looks, together with that Air of Greatness which appear'd in 'em, made the Gauls imagine 'em to be an Assembly of the Gods, or at least somewhat more than Hu∣man; till one Bolder than the rest stroaking Papiri∣us's Beard, was struck by him with his Ivory Staff, whereupon he immediately kill'd the old Man. Up∣on which began the Slaughter, the rest of the Gauls following his Example, set upon the rest, and kill'd 'em all without Mercy or Distinction; and continu∣ing their Rage and Fury, dispatch'd all that came in their Way. In this Manner they proceeded, Sack∣ing and Plundering the Houses for many days toge∣ther; then setting the whole City in Flames, burnt down every House to the Ground.

Thus was the famous City of Rome laid all in Ashes, except the Capitol; occasion'd by the Romans manifest Breach of Justice, and the Laws of Nati∣ons. This hapned 364 Years after it was first built, 119 after the Expulsion of the Kings, Anno Mun∣di 3615, in the third Year of the 97th Olympiad, 60 Years before the Ruine of the Persian Empire, and the setting up of the Macedonian by Alexan∣der the Great, and 388 before our Saviour Christ's Nativity.

CHAP. VI.

From the Burning of Rome by the Gauls, to the War with the Samnites; when the Ro∣mans began much to extend their Conquests.

Containing the space of 46 Years.

I. ROme now felt the utmost Afflictions and Seve∣rities of Fire and Sword, and was the true Scene of all kind of Misery and Desolation; the Town deserted by its Inhabitants, and all its stately Buildings a heap of Rubbish; no hopes being left but in the Capitol, which was now closely besieg'd by the Gauls, and in the Banish'd Camillus, whose Presence was now heartily wish'd for. While the Gauls lay before the Capitol, they sent out many Parties to Forage in all the Country about, who ra∣vag'd and destroy'd all the Towns and Villages they arriv'd at; and that with the greatest Carelesness and Security imaginable, conceiving no sort of Op∣position, or any manner of Danger. But the great∣est and best order'd Body of their Forces approach∣ing Ardea, Camillus, who had liv'd there a retir'd Life, began to rouse himself from the sullen Resent∣ments of his Wrongs, to the moving Considerations of the Miseries of his Country; and by a brave and incouraging Speech perswaded all the Ardeans, that were able to bear Arms, to fall upon the Enemy in the Night time; which was done so effectually, that scarce any were left to carry the News of the De∣feat. The Fame of this Victory began to revive the fainting Spirits of the Romans, who now found that these dreadful People were not invulnerable; and the

Romans who lay at Veii, now finding Camillus's rea∣diness, immediately sent to him to be their General; begging of him to forget all former Injuries, and suc∣cour his distressed Country. He objected his ba∣nish'd Condition, and refus'd to Act, unless by Commission from those in the Capitol; whom he consider'd as the true Body of the surviving Roman State. This modest Answer was extreamly well ta∣ken, but they cou'd not imagine by what means to send to the Capitol, while the Enemy was in full Possession of the City.

But for the Undertaking this desperate Attempt, one Pontius Cominius offer'd his Service, which being kindly accepted of, he thus perform'd: Putting on a poor Garment, carrying Corks underneath, he went for Rome, and arriv'd at the City when it was dark: The Bridge he cou'd not pass by reason of the Guards, but taking his Cloaths and binding 'em about his Head, he swam down the Tiber upon his Corks; and avoiding those Quarters, where he perceiv'd the Enemy to be awake, which he guess'd at by the Lights and Noise, he got into the City, and from thence to the Capitol, climbing up in the steep∣est Place with extream Danger and Difficulty. The Besieged were much surpriz'd at the Greatness of the Attempt, and presently giving him his Instructions, sent him back the same Way he came; and this part of his Expedition he perform'd with the same good Success that he had done the other, and upon his Return delivered to Camillus an Order of the Senate to make him Dictator. Camillus chose Valerius Potitus for his Master of the Horse, and getting together an Army of above 40000 Men, he prepar'd to march against the Enemy. In the mean while, at Rome some of the Gauls hapned to discover some Foot-steps and Prints made by Pontius at his climbing the Hill, which being privately told to Brennus their King, he order'd a select Party of Men in the dead of Night

to climb up the same Way, and take the Capitol by Surprize. These Men perform'd their Office with great Difficulty, and much Time, not any of the Dogs appointed for the Watch perceiving it; never∣theless it so hapned that some Sacred Geese which were kept by the Temple of Iun••, by their Gaggling and clapping their Wings, discover'd them. The Ro∣mans every one snatching what Weapon he cou'd, did their utmost on this sudden Occasion; and Manlius, a Patritian of great Courage, was the first that made Head against 'em, boldly mounting the Rampier, and presently tumbling down two of the Enemy at once. Others soon came in to his Assistance, and drove down all the rest, not a Man escaping; and the next Morning the Captain of the Watch was thrown Headlong down the Rock, and Manlius re∣warded as well as Circumstances wou'd permit.

Henceforwards the Affairs of the Gauls were in a worse Condition, first wanting Provisions, then in∣fected with the Plague, which rag'd much among 'em; but still the Besieged cou'd have no Relief, being re∣duc'd to a languishing and desponding Condition for want of Provisions and Necessaries. So that after a seven Months Siege, they were forc'd to Capitulate, and it was agreed, That the Romans paying down 1000 Pound weight of Gold, the Gauls should immediately quit the City and Territories. This Agreement being con∣firm'd by Oath, and the Gold brought forth, the Cauls out of Covetousness us'd false Dealings in the weigh∣ing, pulling back the Balance as they thought fit; at which the Romans complaining, Brennus cast in his Sword and Belt into the Scales, scoffingly crying, Vae Victis, Woe to the Vanquish'd, which afterwards became a Proverb. Whilst this Difference lasted, Camillus was arriv'd with his Army, and hastning with a choice Party of Men to the Place where the Gold was a weighing, he came boldly and took it out of the Scales, telling the Gauls, that it was the Custom of the

Romans to deliver their Country with Iron, not with Gold: Therefore he null'd the Compact, because made without his Consent, who alone, as being then their Dictator, had the sole Power of making Peace. Upon this there∣fore a Fight immediately ensu'd, where, after a most bloody Contest, the Gauls were intirely routed, and such great Execution done upon 'em in the pursuit, that all the Roman Territories were in a short time clear'd of 'em. Thus was Rome unexpectedly taken, and in seven Months, as unexpectedly recover'd; Camillus for his excellent Services having a noble Triumph, being now deservedly look'd upon as their second Romulus.

II. After this War was finish'd, the Tribunes of the People began to urge once more for the removing to Veii, which caus'd the Senate to procure Camillus to hold his Office of Dictator for a whole Year, which was six Months longer than the usual time. Camillus with kind Words and gentle Language appeas'd the Multi∣tude, shewing 'em, How unworthy and dishonourable a Thing it wou'd be for 'em to forsake the venerable Seat of their Ancestors, and all their Sacred Rites, which were ap∣propriated to this Place, to inhabit a conquer'd and inslav'd City. Upon this therefore Rome was order'd to be re∣built with all Diligence, and all Persons were em∣ploy'd about it; but it was carry'd on with that Haste and Hurry, that the City wanted much of its former Beauty and Regularity; and the Water-courses for∣merly laid in the Streets, now ran for the most part under private Houses. When Camillus's second six Months were out, Military Tribunes were chosen; and in the same Year the Aequi, Volsci and Hetrurians all took up Arms and invaded the Roman Territories. The Military Tribunes were soon block'd up by the E∣nemy, and were brought to such Straits, that the Se∣nate made Camillus Dictator a third time, and he chose Servilius Ahala for his Master of the Horse. Camillus over∣threw

both Aequi and Hetrurians, and forc'd the Vol∣sci to yield themselves, after the War had continu'd for seventy Years; for all which he had a third Tri∣umph. Three Years after this, Camillus being Military Tribune, overcame them again, together with the Her∣nici and Latines, the latter of which till now had been faithful ever since the Battel at the Rhegillan Lake a∣bove a hundred Years before: And from the Hetruri∣ans he recover'd two Towns, which they had taken from the Allies of Rome. The Year following four Tribes were added; namely, the Stellatine, the Nor∣mentine, the Sabbatine, and the Arnian; which now made the whole Number twenty five.

About this time Manlius, who for his great Services in saving the Capitol had now got the Sirname of Ca∣pitolinus, began to grow very haughty and ambitious; and by his ingratiating himself with the common Sort, his paying their Debts, and his railing at the No∣bility, it was apparent that Sovereignty was his Aim. The Numbers that he got over to his Party, together with the War renew'd with the Volsci, made the Senate procure a Dictator to be created; who was Cor∣nelius Cossus, who made choice of Quintius Capitolinus for his Master of the Horse. Cossus soon overthrew the Enemies, and returning home in Triumph, call'd Manlius to an Account, and put him in Prison. But the Multitude, extreamly afflicted at this, put on Mourn∣ing Garments, and made such dangerous Disturban∣ces, that after some time he was set at Liberty, and soon after Cossus laid down his Office. But Manlius still growing more insolent, holding private Cabals, and filling the whole City with Faction and Sedition, the Senate remitted his Business to the Care of the Milita∣ry Tribunes, whereof Camillus was one, and a Day was ••et him to answer for his Life. The Place of his Try∣al was right over-against the Capitol, where when he was accus'd, he often pointed to it, and with weep∣ing Eyes and moving Voice let the People know, what a Noble piece of Service he had done there. This mov'd

the Multitude to such Pity and Compassion, that Ca∣millus caus'd the Judges to remove him without the Gate to the Peteline Grove; where having no View of the Capitol, he was condemn'd to be thrown down the Tarpeian Rock, the Place both of his highest Ho∣nour and greatest Infamy: Ant it was decreed that none of the Manlii afterwards shou'd be call'd Mar∣cus. Thus jealous was Rome of her Liberty, that no Deserts cou'd atone for presuming to offer at that.

About three Years after, Camillus was chosen Mili∣tary Tribune a sixth time, tho' much against his Consent, and march'd against the Volsci; where Lucius his Col∣legue, eager to engage the Enemy when Camillus judg'd it dangerous, was permitted to Fight alone, Camillus being left weak in his Bed. Lucius was soon worsted, and his Army almost routed, when Camillus rousing himself, was presently help'd up on Horseback; where making his Way through them that fled, he drove fu∣riously to oppose the Pursuers; which Boldness so in∣courag'd the Soldiers, that they all rally'd again, re∣solving never to forsake a General so famous for his Actions, and so venerable for Age: By this the Enemy were soon stopp'd, and the next day intirely routed, losing Bag and Baggage, and the greatest part of their Men. The Year following, great Stirs were rais'd in the City about the Creditors and Debtors, which gave an Opportunity to the Inhabitants of Praeneste, a Town of Latium, with its Dependents, to make In∣cursions and Devastations to the Walls of Rome, to the great danger and damage of the City. This and the Troubles at home, caus'd the Senate to create a Dictator, which was Quinctius Cincinnatus, who appoint∣ed Sempronius Atratinus for his Master of the Horse; and he was so Successful against them, that he overthrew 'em, took the eight Towns that were their Depen∣dents, by Storm, and Praeneste it self by Surrender. Then returning in Triumph with the Statue of Iupi∣ter Imperator, which he put into the Capitol. he laid down his Office, after keeping of it but twenty days.

Two Years after this, a dangerous Contest hapned between the Patritians and Tribunes of the People, oc∣casion'd by Fabius Ambustus a Tribune, who had Mar∣ri'd one Daughter to a Patritian, and the other to a Plebeian: The latter being very much concern'd at her Husband's want of equal Honour, Fabius told her, That he would so manage Affairs, that her House shou'd shortly be of the same Dignity as her Sisters. From that time therefore he consulted with Licinius Stolo her Husband, and L. Sestius, about preferring a Law for making one Consul out of the Commons. These two being made Tribunes of the People, labour'd so violent∣ly about this Law, and the Contests were carri••d with such wonderful Heats and Animosities on both sides, that from the Year 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to ••82, which was five Years, no Supream Magistrates were chosen at all, nor any other but Tribunes and Aediles, who kept their Places all that time. And in all this unhappy Space there was little better than Anarchy and Confusion in Rome, till the Year 282, they procur'd Military Tribunes to be chosen; but still the Contests were kept up on both sides; when two Years after, Camillus was made Dicta∣tor a fourth time, but much against the Consent of the People. He chose Aemilius Mamercinus for his Master of the Horse, and with much Difficulty brought both Parties to a better and more moderate Temper; but finding the Multitude so very stubborn and reso∣lute in their Designs, withal threatning to Fine him if he compli'd not, he soon laid down his Office. Upon this another Dictator was immediately created, which was one Manlius Capitolinus, who chose Licini∣us Stolo for his Master of the Horse, and he was the first Plebeian that ever obtain'd this Honour. Stolo, who had been the great Occasion of these Disturbances, now took an Occasion to prefer a Law that no Man shou'd possess above 500 Acres of Land, which was very disadvantageous to the Patritians, and more to himself▪ for soon after▪ he was found to have above

that Proportion, and so was punish'd by Vertue of his own Constitution.

III. In the midst of these violent Contentions a∣bout the Consul-ship, News was brought to Rome, that many thousands of the Gauls were marching from the Adriatick Sea towards Rome. This put the City into a great Fright, and all began to lay aside their private Differences, and to think of nothing but of the com∣mon Safety; for they had fear'd the Gauls so much, that a Law was made, That Priests shou'd be excus'd from all Wars, unless in an Invasion from the Gauls: All Una∣nimously agreed to make Camillus Dictator a fifth time, now near 80 Years old, who refus'd not the Employ∣ment in this dangerous Juncture, but presently chose Quinctius Cincinnatus for his Master of the Horse. Camil∣lus consider'd that the Force of the Gauls lay chiefly in their Swords, with which they laid about 'em in a rude and unskilful Manner: Therefore he furnish'd his Men with light Iron Helmets, and bound their wooden Targets about with Brass, teaching them how to fence and receive the Enemies Blows without Hurt. By this means he render'd the Swords of the Gauls so unserviceable, that giving 'em Battel at the River Anio, he easily overthrew 'em, which hapned 23 Years after they had destroy'd the City; and af∣ter this Defeat the Romans began now to despise the Gauls as much as they had fear'd 'em before. Soon after this Camillus in his Return homewards had Veli∣trae surrender'd to him without any Resistance.

But Camillus's greatest Contention, and which was hardest to be manag'd, was with the People, who now returning home full of Victory and Success, violent∣ly insisted again to have one of the Consuls chosen out of their own Body. The Senate strongly oppos'd it, and wou'd not suffer Camillus to lay down his Dictator-ship, thinking that under the Shelter of his great Name and greater Authority, they shou'd be the better able

to contend for the Power of the Nobility. But when Camillus was sitting upon the Tribunal, dispatching publick Affairs, an Officer sent by the Tribunes of the People commanded him to rise and follow him, lay∣ing his Hand upon him as ready to seize him: Upon which such a Noise and Tumult follow'd in the As∣sembly, as was never before known in Rome: Some that were about Camillus, thrusting the People from the Bench, and the Multitude below Crying out, Pull him down, Pull him down! Still he wou••d not lay down his Office, but taking the Senators along with him, he went to the Senate-House; where great Con∣tests arose, by reason of contrary Opinions; but at last the most Popular Party prevail'd, and a Law was made, That one of the Consuls for the future might be chosen out of the Plebeians; and this hapned 143 Years after their first Creation, and 24 after the burning of Rome by the Gauls. From this time forwards the Military Tri∣bunes were for ever laid aside, now 78 Years since their first Creation, after 49 Courses of that Office, and 15 from the Consul-ship to that, and from that to the Con∣sul-ship. Now the People were reconcil'd to the Se∣nate, and a Temple was presently built and Dedica∣ted to Concord, according as Camillus had vow'd; and the Patritians desiring a Praetor to be created out of their Body for the Administration of Justice in the City, it was immediately Granted 'em.

This Praetor was a Magistrate of extraordinary Note, so call'd à Prae••undo, a Name which the Consuls them∣selves had for some time. The Power and Authori∣ty of this Magistrate was very great, for he executed the Office of the Consuls in their Absence, both in the Senate and in the Comitia. But the Principal Bu∣siness of these Praetors was to Administer Justice in the City or Provinces to which the Consuls cou••d not so ea∣sily attend; and upon that account they may be English'd, Lord Chief Iustices. They judg••d all Causes both Civil and Criminal, which last were call'd Ca∣pitales;

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in Civil Causes they were cloth'd in Purple; but when they pass'd Sentence in Criminal Causes, they were in Mourning. Upon the account of their Power and Honour, and likewise because they were created by the same Auspicia with the Consuls, Livy calls them Collegues of the Consuls. Their Ornaments and Ensigns were six Lictors with their Fasces, the Toga Praetexta, and Cella Curulis; and besides those Marks of Consular Dignity, the Sword and Spear, plac'd by them in the Court. Their Officers in Court, besides the Lictors, were the Scribes or Notaries, to enter things in Writing, and the Accensi or Bailiffs, who Sum∣mon'd the People together. At first there was but one Praetor, and that for above 100 Years; then ano∣ther was Created, who administred Justice to Stran∣gers; whereupon for Distinction sake the first was call'd Praetor Urbanus, or Major, and the latter Peregri∣nus, or Minor. But as the Business and Dominions of Rome increased, the number of these Praetors was like∣wise inlarg'd, and encreas'd gradually, till in Augu∣stus's Reign they came to Sixteen.

Immediately after the Reconciliation between the Nobility and Commons, a 4th Day was added to the La∣tin Feriae, and the greater fort of Games were Solem∣niz'd; which when the Aediles of the Commons were unwilling to manage according to their Office, the young Patritians offer'd themselves, and the Senate pro∣cur'd also of the People, that two Patritians every year might be made Aediles, who from the Ivory Chair call'd Cella Curulis, had the Name of Aediles Curule••▪ These were Created 128 Years after the Aediles of the Commons, but were of greater Account, as being Cu∣rule Magistrates, their Chair being so call'd either from Currus, the Chariot which carri'd it and the Ma∣gistrate about, or from Curvus, because it was made with Crooked Feet. They had all the same Offices and Business as the Aediles of the Commons, but had ra∣ther greater Authority; but more especially they took

Care of the great and publick Games, such as the Ludi Florales, Circenses, Megalenses, Romani, &c. as also of Tragedies and Comedies. Sometimes at their own Charge they made these Shews, and ever examin'd the Plays written before they were Acted; and (whether from this Inspection of all Plays and the like, it is uncertain) they seem to have been the Licensers and Judges of other Writings. It is further observ'd, that the Gene∣rals of Armies when return'd home from Victory, de∣liver'd up the Corn and Provisions which were Prize, to these Aediles Curules, as they did the Prisoners to the Praetor, and the Money to the Quaestor. Thus were the Disturbances of Rome allay'd, and all things for a short space continu'd in Peace and Quiet.

IV. Soon after these Affairs were setled, News came of the Gauls meeting together, who had before been dispers'd through Apulia, and of the intended Revolt of the Hernici: But all Preparations were deferred by the Senate, because they were unwilling to have any thing done by a Plebeian Consul. On the other side the Tribunes began to complain, that for one Plebeian Consul, the Nobility had got three Patritian Magi∣strates, who sate as Consuls in their Curule Chairs, and their Praetexta. Modesty therefore suffer'd not the Fathers to Create both the Curule Aediles out of their own Body; so that it was agreed first that every other Year they shou'd be chosen out of the Commons; but afterwards they were Elected promiscuously. The Year following there hapned a grievous Plague in the City, which swept away vast Numbers, among the rest Camillus himself, after he had done so many No∣ble Services for the City, that he was deservedly called the second Founder of Rome. The Plague raging both in this, and the following Year, the Romans to ap∣pease their Gods brought in Stage-Plays; sending for Actors out of Hetruria, in the Language of which Country Hister signifying a Player, thence came the

Roman word Histrio. These Plays were at first very Barbarous and Antick, beginning with a plain Coun∣try Dance to a Pipe; after which the young Men, who Jeared one another, at first began with Rude and Artless Verses, call'd Versus Fescennini, from Fesc••nninum a City of Hetruria: This was about 40 Years after the Deaths of Sophocles and Euripides in Greece. Still the Plague continu'd, which with the Overflowing of Tiber, made the Romans Consider of some other Ways; and some of the elder People reporting, That a Pesti∣lence was formerly asswag'd by the Dictator's driving of a Nail; the Senate immediately created a Dictator, which was Manlius Capitolinus, who appointed Pinari∣us Natta for his Master of the Horse. This Nail with great Ceremony and Superstition, was driven on the right side of Iupiter's Temple in the Capitol, just by that of Minerva, and this was the first Dictator created upon this Account.

The Year following, the Ground cleaving asunder in the Forum to a vast Depth, M. Curtius a brave young Sol∣dier, is said to have rode into this Gulph, Arm'd, and with great Solemnity, and so being swallow'd up, pur∣chas'd the Deliverance of his Country, according to the Declaration of their Gods. The same Year the Hernici being up in Arms against Rome, Genucius the Plebeian Consul marching against 'em, was slain, and his Army routed; which threatning Danger caus'd the Senate to create a Dictator, which was Claudius Crassinus, who made Cornelius Scipio his Master of the Horse, and gain'd so much Advantage over the Enemy as to obtain an Ovation. Within a Year after, the Gauls were gather'd together in great Numbers, and had march'd within three Miles of Rome, which put the City into such a Consternation, that according to their usual Way in such Cases, they created a Dictator; and this was Quin∣tius Pennus, who had Cornelius Maluginensis for his Master of the Horse. The Armies being drawn up on both sides, a Gaul of vast Bulk and Stature challeng'd

any of the Romans to meet him in a single Combat; which Challenge was accepted of by T. Manlius a Courageous young Man, who with great Bravery and Agility overthrew his mighty Foe, and slew him: Then taking a Torques or Golden Chain from his Neck, return'd, and was Honourably receiv'd by the Dictator; and from thence he and his Posterity had the Sirname of Torquatus. The Gauls were so discourag'd at this Action, that they fled by Night, and retired in∣to the Tiburtines Country, a People of Latium; and the Dictator return'd in Triumph.

The War with the Tiburtines and Hernici gave the Gauls Opportunity to do much Injury to the Roman Territories, which occasion'd the Creation of another Dictator, which was Servilius Ahala, who chose Quintius Capitolinus for his Master of the Horse, and soon quell'd the Gauls; but Paetileus the Consul, who had been em∣ploy'd against the Hernici, hapned to come off with the greatest Honour. In a Year after Peace was made with the Latines, which was advantageous enough to the Romans, by reason of their frequent Auxiliaries from them: But the Year following, the great Preparati∣ons of the Gauls, caus'd the Senate to create another Dictator, which was Sulpitius Peticus, who appointed Valerius Poplicola for his Master of the Horse, and march∣ing against the Enemy obtain'd a Signal Victory over 'em. In this Year were two new Tribes added to the former five and twenty, Namely, the Pomptine and the Publican. About two Years after this, the whole Body of the Hetrurians took up Arms against Rome, led on by the Tarquinii and Falisci; in which great time of Dan∣ger, Marcius, Rutilus a Plebeian, was made Dictator, which was the first Commoner that ever obtain'd this Ho∣nour, it being now 143 Years since their first Creation. He appointed Plantius Proculus for his Master of the Horse, a Plebeian likewise; and tho' he was oppos'd by the Patritians, as much as they cou'd, yet he did great Service against the Enemy, and Triumph'd, but still

against the Senate's Consent. The Patritians were so enrag'd at this, that at the next Election they took a∣way the Consul-ship from the Commons, after they had enjoy'd it ten Years; and this hapned in the 399th Year of the City.

This occasion'd many violent Heats and vast Distur∣bances between both Parties, for three Years successive∣ly, when some of the Hetrurians press'd so hard upon the Roman Territories, that another Dictator was created, namely, Manlius Torquatus, who made Cornelius Cossus his Master of the Horse; but the Enemy out of Fear was soon brought to a Peace, and so little was perform'd by him. Now the Contests and Quarrels at home were grown to that height, that the Senate was forc'd to give the Commons once more the Privilege of the Consul-ship, four Years after they had taken it from 'em; and because Usury again was grown exceeding Burthen∣some to the poorer Sort, they appointed five Men to or∣der the Payment of Debts out of the Treasury: So now all Differences were again reconcil'd. Soon after this, a groundless Apprehension of the Hetrurians, who were reported to be all united against Rome, occasion'd the Creation of another Dictator, which was C. ••fulius, who made L. Aemilius his Master of the Horse, but he had so little Employment that he left all to the next Consuls, who were both Patritians. And they went against the Tarquinii and Falisci, who were not yet quieted, and brought 'em to a Peace for the Term of 40 Years.

V. Now Rome was for a while at Peace abroad, and might have been longer so at home, had not Marcius Rutilus, the Plebeian Dictator, stood for the Office of Censor, and rais'd new Disturbances. The Plebeians urg'd it hotly, but the Patritians the better to oppose 'em, procur'd a Dictator to be created, which was M. Fabius, Q. Servilius being his Master of the Horse; but still without Success; for after many Contests, the Plebeian Faction prevail'd, and Marci••s was made one

of the Censors, which was the first Plebeian Censor in this City, it being 92 Years after their first Creation. The next Year, a considerable Victory was obtain'd over the Gauls, who now grew troublesome again, and one of the Consuls being wounded, and the other sick, the Senate was forc'd to create a Dictator for as∣sembling the Comitia for a new Election of Consuls, which was Furius Camillus, who made Cornelius Scipio his Master of the Horse; and this was the Dictator crea∣ted upon this account. Camillus himself was chosen for one Consul, and the Death of his Collegue soon after, and the pressing Wars with the Gauls, caus'd the Senate to give him the sole Authority, so that he was almost the same with a Dictator. Camillus led a noble Army against the Gauls, and when they were in sight of each other, a Gaul, remarkable both for his Stature, and the Richness of his Arms, challeng∣ed any of the Romans to a single Combate. M. Vale∣rius a brave young Colonel of the Foot met him, and in a little time slew him; but in the midst of the Combat a Crow came, and sitting upon Vale∣rius's Head, with Beak and Wings assisted him in his Fight, whence he had the Sirname of Corvus, and his Posterity all call'd Corvini. This Combate brought both Armies to a Battel, and the Gauls were intirely routed. Camillus returning home, procur'd a Dictator to be created for the holding of the Comitia for a new Election of Consuls. This was Manlius Torquatus, his Master of the Horse being Cornelius Cossus; and in this Comitia, Valerius Corvus, for his great Deserts, was made Consul at 23 Years Age, a thing indeed very extraordinary.

Now the Armies were disbanded, and for a short Space there was both Peace abroad, and Concord at home. This Year a Colony was drawn out from the City Antia to People Satricum, which had been de∣stroy'd by the Latins; and also at Rome, a League was concluded with the Ambassadors of Carthage, who

came on purpose to desire Amity between both Na∣tions, as Livy relates it. Above three Years after, the Arunci, a People beyond the Volsci, and one of the six Nations of Latium in the largest extent, made a sud∣den invasion upon the Roman Territories; and upon Suspition that it was by the Instigation of the whole Latin Nation, Furius Camillus was created Dictator, as if all Latium had been up in Arms. He chose Manlius Capitelinus for his Master of the Horse, and March'd against the Enemy, whom he found more like Rob∣bers than Soldiers, so that in the very first Battel they were dispers'd, and that War dispatch'd. A Year af∣ter, a Temple was dedicated to Iuno Moneta, on the Capitol Hill, as the last Dictator had vow'd; and soon after, some Prodigies were observ'd, of which the Romans were so superstitiously fearful, that they crea∣ted a Dictator, to constitute certain Feasts and Holy∣days for the appeasing of the Gods, and diverting the Judgments threatned: Val••rius Poplicola was the Per∣son, and Fabius Ambustus his Master of the Horse; and this was the first created upon this Account. Orders were given, that not only all the Tribes shou'd go in Procession with their solemn Prayers, but also the bordering Nations; with precise Directions, upon what Days each of 'em shou'd make their Supplicati∣ons. This Year likewise, the Usurers were prosecuted by the Aediles, and severe Sentences given against them by the People.

These were the principal Wars and Actions of the Romans with their nearest Neighbours, which are ob∣serv'd by their own Historians to have been all De∣fensive, or at least, not begun without just Grounds and Provocations; yet these, which may well enough bear the name of Defensive Wars, still increas'd the Roman Dominions, which now contain'd in effect all Old Latium, and the greatest Part of the other five Nations afterwards comprehended under that Name, viz. the Volsci, Aequi, Rutili, Hernici, and Arunci, to∣gether

with most of Sabina, and a great Part of He∣truria: So that now their Dominions contain'd more than double the Extent of what they were at the Ex∣pulsion of the Kings. The last Dictator beforementi∣on'd, was created a year before the Wars with the Sam∣nites, which Wars began A. M. 3661. in the first Year of the 109th Olympiad, 410 Years after the Building of the City, 165 after the beginning of the Consular State, 46 since the Restoration of the City, 14 before the Ruin of the Persian, and the setting up the Macedo∣nian Empire by Alexander the Great, and 342 before our Saviour Christ's Nativity.

CHAP. VII.

From the Wars with the Samnites, to the Wars with Pyrrhus, King of Epirus, the first Foreigner they had to deal with; wherein the Romans be∣gan to learn the Arts of War.

Containing the Space of 63 Years.

I. HItherto the Romans had all their Wars nigh home, and as it were at their own Gates; but now daily gathering strength, and encreasing in Power, they ventur'd against the warlike Samnites, a People above 100 Miles East of Rome. These Samnites were a hardy Nation, descended from the Sabines, from whom they probably had their Name, and inha∣bited a considerable Part of that Side of Italy, which now goes by the Name of the Kingdom of Naples, having likewise seven other People as Dependents, namely, the Picentes, Vestini, Marrucini, Frentini, Pe∣ligni, Marsi, and Hirpini. The Occasion of this War was the Samnites Contesting with their Neighbours the Sidicini, who immediately betook themselves to the Campanians for Succour. These Campanians were a luxurious and effeminate People, inhabiting a deli∣cious Country bordering on Samnium, and were so

weakned, that they sent to Rome for Aid, their Am∣bassadors imploring it with Tears, and giving up both themselves and Country into the Hands of the Romans. The Senate at first was very unwilling to begin a War with the Samnites, as being their Friends and Allies; but the importunate Cries and Prayers of the Ambassadors, and more especially the scorn∣ful Refusal of the Samnites to desist from ravaging the Territories of Capua and Campania, so far pre∣vail'd, as at last to make them undertake the War.

The Consuls, Valerius and Cornelius, began their Marches with two distinct Armies; one to Capua, and the other into Samnium. Valerius after a most bloody and obstinate Fight overthrew the Enemy in Campania, and became Master of their Camp. The Romans confess'd they never met with more resolute Enemies; and demanding of 'em, What made 'em fly after so brave a resistance? They answer'd, That the Eyes of the Romans appear'd to 'em like Flames of Fire, and their Looks so fierce and dreadful, as not to be born with. In Samnium, Cornelius, the other Consul, having un∣warily led his Army too forward into a dangerous Place, P. Decius, a Tribune in the Army, boldly pos∣sess'd himself of a Hill above the Enemy, who much surpriz'd at the Attempt, turn'd their principal Force thither, which gave Opportunity to the Consul to draw off his Men to a more convenient Place. Where∣upon Decius with an undaunted Bravery, though sur∣rounded, brake through the Enemy, which more a∣maz'd 'em than ever; and the Consul at the same time Charging with great Resolution, so great a Victory was obtain'd, that 30000 of the Samnites were slain. Both the Consuls triumph'd over the Sam∣nites, and Decius was highly honour'd by the Senate and People for his great Services.

Soon after this, Ambassadors from Campania re∣quested to have Garisons from the Romans that Win∣ter, in Capua, and other Places, to secure 'em from

the Insults of the Samnites, which were accordingly sent. But many of the Roman Soldiers were of corrupted with the Delights and Pleasures of Capua, that they began to form a Design of destroying the Inhabitants, and taking the Town to themselves. This Design was communicated to many of their Companions in other Places, and well approv'd of, but it was soon discover'd to some of their Officers, who made se∣veral Removeals to disperse 'em. But the Soldiers finding themselves liable to be call'd to an Account, and perhaps severely punish'd; as soon as they found Opportunity, gather'd themselves together, and daily encreas'd their Numbers, march'd directly for Rome in a Rebellious and hostile Manner. This piece of Boldness so surpriz'd the Senate, that they presently created a Dictator, which was Valerius Corvus, one of the last Years Consuls, who appointed Aemilius Ma∣mercinus for his Master of the Horse, and march'd a∣gainst the Rebels, who had now forc'd T. Quintius an eminent Soldier, to be their General. Upon the Ap∣proach of both Armies, the Rebels out of Fear yield∣ed themselves, and were receiv'd into Favour, the Dictator having no more Imployment abroad. In the same year, the frequent Inroads made by the Romans into the Samnites Country, drew 'em to a Peace, the Sidicini being left to their Mercy.

II. Soon after this Peace, the Samnites desir'd of the Romans that the Latins and Campanians might be commanded not to assist the Sidicini; but because the Senate wou'd not deny that these Nations were under their Command, and were likewise unwilling to pro∣voke 'em, such an ambiguous Answer was return'd, that the Latins and Campanians thought themselves so far disoblig'd as to revolt. Manlius Torquatus, now Con∣sul the third time, and his Collegue, Decius Mus, were sent by the Senate to chastise the Latins, who now wou'd be satisfi'd with no less than having one of

the Consuls; and half the Senators chosen out of their Nation. Upon certain Dreams and Prognostications, that the General on one side, and the Army on the other was certainly to be destroy'd; the Consuls So∣lemnly agreed, That in what Part the Roman Army shou'd be distress'd, the Commander of that Part shou'd de∣vote himself to the Gods, and die for his Country; which generous Resolution was confirm'd by Oath: And be∣cause they were all acquainted with each others Disci∣pline, and way of Fighting, strict Commands were given that no Man upon pain of Death shou'd Fight without Orders.

Both Armies were drawn up in Battalia, and a bloody and obstinate Ingagement immediately fol∣low'd; the Latins pressing very hard upon Decius's Part, he according to his Promise devoted himself to the Gods, and rushing violently into the midst of his Ene∣mies, after a great Slaughter lost his Life, the Latins be∣ing soon after entirely defeated. Nor was the Disci∣pline of Manlius less remarkable than the Courage of Decius, in relation to his own Son: For he, passing with his Troops, before the Battel nigh the Enemy, was challeng'd by Metius, Captain of the Tusculans, whom when he had slain and stripp'd, his Father with Tears commended him for his Valour, but con∣demn'd him for his Disobedience; which though a sad, was a profitable Example to the rest of his Men: And after that, cruel Commands were usually call'd Man∣liana Dicta. The Latins now defeated, begg'd Peace; which being given 'em, tho not with the same Con∣ditions to all, Manlius return'd in Triumph, but was met only by the Old Men, the Young Ones refusing to do him that Honour, and ever after hating him up∣on the account of his Son. Soon after, the People of Antium and Ardea made incursions into the Roman Territories: But Manlius being Sick, he nam'd Papy∣rius Crassus for Dictator, who appointed Papyrius Cursor his Master of the Horse, and kept the Field some Months

in the Antiates Country, but no remarkable Action hapned.

The Consuls for the following Year, Aemilius and Publius, overthrew the Latins, who had again revolted upon the Account of some Lands taken from 'em. Publius, by whose Conduct the Victory was obtain'd, receiv'd into Alliance such Cities as had been worsted; and Aemilius march'd his Army and sat down before Pedum, which receiv'd Supplies from several Places. Tho he had the Advantage in all Skirmishes, yet still the Town held out, and he understanding that his Collegue was return'd to his Triumph, he immediate∣ly left the Siege, and went for Rome to demand that Honour likewise. The Senate was much offended at this Presumption, denying him that Honour, except Pedum was either taken or surrender'd; which caus'd him out of Revenge to joyn with the Tribunes against the Patritians the rest of his Time, his Collegue not opposing it, being himself a Plebeian. The Senate, out of a Desire to get free of 'em both, order'd a Dictator to be created, whom it fell to Aemilius's share to nomi∣nate, as having the Fasces that Month. Aemilius nam'd his Collegue Publius Philo, who appointed Iunius Bru∣tus for his Master of the Horse, and was the second. Ple∣beian Dictator in Rome. Publius was a great Vexation to the Nobility, and was full of Invectives against 'em, procuring three Remarkable Laws, whereof the first alter'd the very Constitution of the State, which was, That the Plebiscita shou'd bind the Quirites or Citi∣zens of Rome, of all Ranks and Degrees whatsoever. The second was, That such Laws as were enacted in the Cen∣turiate Comitia, shou'd be propos'd or pass'd by the Senate before they were voted by the People. The third, That where∣as they had obtain'd before, that both the Censors might be Plebeians; now one at least must of necessity be so. So now the Majesty of the Roman State was more impair'd by the Authority of these two at home, than it was augmented by their Valour abroad.

In the following Year, wherein Furius Camillus and C. Maenius, were Consuls, Pedum was taken by Storm, and the Consuls in pursuit of the Victory Conquer'd all Latium, bringing it and some neighbouring Parts to an intire Submission; for which they triumph'd, and had Statues on Horseback erected for 'em in the Forum, an Honour very rare in those Days. The se∣veral People of Latium, had several Conditions of Peace appointed 'em, some being rewarded and honour'd, o∣thers punish'd and disgrac'd, according as their former Behaviour had been. To Antium was sent a new Colo∣ny, the old Inhabitants being forbidden the Sea, and had all their long Ships taken from 'em, but had leave to enter themselves in the Colony, and were made free of that City. The Ships were some of 'em brought into the Roman Arsenal, others burnt, and with their Rostra or Beaks, was the Gallery or Pulpit, for Orations in the Forum adorn'd; whence that had af∣terwards the name of Rostra. The Year following, Minutia, a Vestal Virgin, was bury'd alive in the Cam∣pus Sceleratus, which, as Livy believes, had its Name from Incest; for so Incontinency in those Women was call'd. And in this same Year, Publius Philo was made Praetor, who was the first Plebeian that obtain'd this Honour, the Senate little regarding it, having been so often overpower'd in Matters of the greatest Consequence: And this hapned in the 416th Year of the City, and 28 Years after the first Creation of this Office.

III. Not long after the Agreement between the Romans and Latins, a War broke out between the A∣runci and the Sidicini in Campania, in which the lat∣ter constrain'd the former to abandon their ancient Seats, and settle in Suessa, which was afterwards call'd Arunca. The Arunci had given up themselves to the Romans, who thereupon order'd 'em Relief; but the Consuls deferring it, lost the Opportunity of assisting

'em. But in the next Year, the Sidicini with their Confederates and Neighbours, the Inhabitants of Cales were overthrown; and Valerius Corvus, now the fourth time Consul for the following Year, and one of the greatest Roman Commanders of his time, took Cales also, in which he plac'd a Colony of 2500 Persons, Corvus return'd in Triumph; but he and his Collegue being imploy'd in some small Actions abroad, a Dictator was created for the holding the Co∣mitia for the Election of new Consuls, which was Aemilius Mamercinus, who appointed Publius Philo for his Master of the Horse. Two Years before this, a Di∣ctator was created, and another a Year after this; but by reason of their undue Election, and their not acting, I shall not reckon 'em among the Number of Dicta∣tors. Affairs abroad were in a peaceable Posture for some time, but in two or three Years, the mere Ru∣mour of an Invasion by the Gauls occasion'd the Crea∣tion of a Dictator, which was Papirius Crassus, his Master of the Horse being V. Poplicola; but neither of 'em had any extraordinary Employment. In this same Year, two new Tribes were added, namely, the Metian and the Scaptian, for the late admitted Ci∣tizens, which now made the Number twenty nine: The Arunci were also made free of the City, but with∣out the Privilege of Voting, by a Law prefer'd by Papirius the Praetor.

About a Year after the Settlement of these Matters, above 170 Women were put to Death for the Art of Poysoning, being discover'd by a She-slave. This was look'd upon, as such a Prodigy by the Superstitious Peo∣ple, that a Dictator was created to drive a Nail into Iu∣piter's Temple, as the best Remedy for the Distempers of the State. Quintius Varus was the Man, and Valerius Potius his Master of the Horse; and this was the second Dictator created upon that account. For the two suc∣ceeding Years, a War was carri'd on against the Inha∣bitants of Privernum in the Volscian State, who were

drawn into it by Vitrurius Vaccus, a Man of principal Note among the Arunci. The first Year they were o∣verthrown, the next Vitrurius was taken Prisoner, and Privernum surrender'd; the principal Actors with Vi∣trurius being put to Death, and the rest of the Inhabi∣tants made free of the City: This hapned in the same Year with Alexander's destroying the Persian Empire, and his setting up the Macedonian, and 60 after the burning of Rome by the Gauls. In a Year or two after, the Inhabitants of Palaepolis in Campania, trusting to the Treachery of the Samnites, and taking advantage from a Plague in Rome, committed great Acts of Ho∣stility against the Romans, who dwelt about Cumae and Falernus. War was presently declar'd against 'em and tho they we assisted by the Samnites and Taren∣tines, a People beyond 'em, yet they were forc'd to yield up their City, which stood in some Place, where Naples did afterwards, and the Samnites lost three of their own Towns. The Tarentines nevertheless pro∣ceeded, and drew the Samnites with the Residue of the Palaepoltians again into the War, wherein the Vestini, to∣gether with their Allies, were also ingaged.

In the beginning of this War, great Commotions happen'd in the City, occasion'd by one Papirius, who had given up himself as Slave to Publius, a severe Usu∣rer, to work out his Father's Debt. Papirius being both Young and Beautiful, Publius attempted to abuse him after a filthy Manner, and upon his Refusal, most cruelly scourg'd him. In this Condition Papirius fled to the People, who were so affected with his barba∣rous Usage, that they procur'd these two Laws Short∣ly after: First, That no Man shou'd be detain'd in Bounds, except for heinous Misdemeanors, and then not after Punish∣ment. The second, That the Money and Goods, not the Body of the Debtor shou'd be responsible: Whereupon all Prisoners for Debt were immediately set at Liberty. The following Year, the Vestini were overthrown by Brutus Scaeva, the Consul, and two Towns taken

from 'em. His Collegue, Furius Camillus, being Sick at Samnium, nam'd Papirius Cursor for Dictator, the most famous Commander in those times, who appointed Fabius Rullianus for his Master of the Horse. Papirius be∣ing encamp'd nigh the Samnites, was forc'd to return to Rome to renew his Auspicia, leaving a most strict Command to Fabius not to stir out of his Trenches in his absence: But Fabius finding a great Advantage, engag'd the Enemy, and made a great Slaughter of 'em. The Dictator in a great Rage return'd to the Camp, and wou'd have put him to Death, but the Army re∣scu'd him; which caus'd Papirius to make great com∣plaints to the Senate, witha•• urging the absolute Ne∣cessity of a strict Discipline and Authority. But at last the Intreaties of the Fathers, with the Commotions of the Tribunes and People, prevail'd with him to spare his Life. This Severity of Papirius so alienated the Hearts of the Soldiers, that it almost cost him the loss of a Battel soon after, which constrain'd him to be more Popular for the future; after which he over∣threw the Samnites, and so much wasted their Coun∣try, as forc'd them to desire a Peace.

The Samnites soon return'd to their former Enmi∣ty, and in two Years time they grew so strong, that the Senate thought it necessary to create a D••ct••tor to op∣pose 'em, and this was Cornelius Arvina, who appointed Fabius Ambustus for his Master of the Horse, and gave the Enemy a great Overthrow; by which the Samnites were so weaken'd, that they sent all their Prisoners and Plunder to Rome, together with the dead Body of the Author of the Revolt, who had kil••'d himself to avoid being deliver••d up, and all to purchase Peace. The Senate only receiv••d the Men, with such Goods as were particularly challeng'd, and dem'd 'em Peace. Inrag'd at this, Pontius, the chief Man among em, drew out the Samnites to a Place, call'd Caudium, and putting ten Soldiers in the Habit of Shepherds, he sent 'em to Calatia where the Consuls lay, with Instructions

to report that the Samnites were now in Apulia before Luceria, and had almost taken it. The Consuls belie∣ving this Report, made all speed to relieve the Town, lest their Allies, the Apulians might be oblig'd to join with the Samnites. Now the Romans had but two Ways to March to Luceria; one large enough, but far a∣bout; the other a narrow Passage through the Straits of Caudium, a Place incompass••d with high Mountains, and extream difficult and dangerous to pass, if an Ene∣my were nigh. The Consuls leading their Army through this, were immediately block'd up on all sides by Pontius, who had possess'd himself of all the Defiles.

The Samnites having got the Romans at this great Advantage, immediately sent to Herennius, Pontius's Fa∣ther, to know how to proceed. Herennius sent two se∣veral Messages, the first to dismiss the Romans without any Injury at all, the second to put 'em all to the Sword; urging, That one of th••se two Ways was absolutely necessary; for the first would lay a perpetual Obligation on a most powerful People, and the second would be a great weakning of a most formidable Enemy; and that no third Way cou'd either gain their Friendship, or diminish their Strength. But this prudent Counsel wou'd not be heard; so the Romans had these Articles allow'd 'em: First, That their Army shou'd march away only with their under Garments, having first in Token of Slavery pass'd under the Jugum or Gallows: Secondly, They shou••d wholly quit all Samnium, and remove all their Colonies: And Thirdly, Both Roman and Samnite shou'd live under the same Terms of Confederacy and Alliance. The Romans were constrain'd to submit to these disgraceful Articles, and with wonderful Shame, Anger, and Confusion, re∣turn'd to Capua disarm'd and half naked, and from thence to Rome. The whole City was most sensibly afflicted at this shameful Disaster, their generous Blood boiling in their Veins, and nothing but Fury and Re∣venge appear••d in their Faces. The Consuls refused to appear abroad, or to act, for which reason a Dictat••r

was created for holding the Comitia for a new Electi∣on, which was Aemilius Papus, who appointed Valerius Flaccus for his Master of the Horse. But instead of an Election of Consuls, the State for a while fell into an Interregnum, there being nothing but Grief and Vexa∣tion in all Places, and the whole City put into Mourning.

But the Year following, Consuls were chosen, Pa∣pirius Cursor and Publilius Philo being the Persons; and the Senate being assembled, Posthumius, one of the last years Consuls, generously offer••d himself to be deli∣ver••d, together with his Collegue up to the Enemy, and so to break the Caudine Treaty, urging, That only they two were oblig'd to observe the Articles, and not the State, which was altogether Ignorant of what was done. This was gratefully accepted of, but Pontius refus••d to receive 'em, greatly exclaiming against the Perfidiousness of the Romans. But the Army soon march'd against them under the Conduct of Papirius, and sufficiently re∣veng'd themselves of all former Affronts, overthrow∣ing 'em in several Battels, making em all pass under the Iugum, recovering several Towns, and freeing the 600 Hostages which they had deliver'd to em in the Caudine Treaty; so that the Samnites cou'd very hard∣ly obtain a two years Truce. In the time of this Truce, two new Tribes were added to the rest, namely, the Ufentine and Falerine, which made the Number thir∣ty one. The Samnites, incourag••d by some others, broke their Truce, which together with the Hetrurians warlike Preparations, occasion••d the Creation of a Dictator, which was L. Aemilius, who made L. Fulvius moritious his Master of the Horse, and in a bloody Battel over∣threw the Enemy, who came to relieve Saticula, which he had invested. The next Year, another Dictator was created to carry on this War, which was Fabius Maxi∣mus, who chose Aulius Cerretan for his Master of the Horse, and took Saticula, managing the War with great Success against the Samnites, and considerably

inlarging the Roman Dominions in those Parts.

The following Year, a dangerous Conspiracy was discover'd at Capua; and this occasion'd the creating of a Dictator, which was C. Maenius, who made choice of M. Foslius for his Master of the Horse, and soon sup∣press••d that Disturbance. The next Year, the Samnite War was carri••d on with great Vigour, and a Dictator created, which was C. Paetelius, who made M. Foslius his Master of the Horse, and gain'd great Advantages over the Enemy. After which the Romans had a short Breathing Time, and but a short one; for soon after, the Hetrurians making great Threats, and as great Pre∣parations, another Dictator was created, which was Iunius Bubulcus, who perform'd little against 'em, by reason of their keeping upon the Defensive. In this same Year, Appius Claudius being one of the Censors, made the Famous Cawsey, or High-way, call••d Via Appia, a Prodigious Work, together with the Chan∣nel of Fresh Water, which he brought into the City; which Works he all alone Accomplish••d, according to Livy. A year or two was employ••d against the Hetru∣rians, till at last Papirius was made Dictator, who chusing Bubulcus his Master of the Horse, gave 'em the greatest Overthrow that they ever receiv'd yet, all their Choi∣cest Men being lost; and from that time they were never able to perform much against Rome. Four years after, a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia for Election of Consuls, which was Cornelius Scipio, and Decius Mus was his Master of the Horse. In the se∣cond Year after this, the Samnites, after many and great Losses, obtain••d a Peace, 12 Years after they broke their Truce, and the Ancient League was re∣new••d with em, and this happen••d 37 Years after the first War with that Nation.

Soon after this Peace was concluded, the Romans turn••d their Arms against the Aequi, and chastiz••d them for Assisting the Samnites, which affrighted o∣ther

Nations into Subjection, the Roman Dominions now daily increasing. But however such Resistance was made as they thought it necessary to have a Di∣ctator, which was Iunius Bubulcus, who chose M. Ti∣tinius for his Master of the Horse, and in Eight days time return'd in Triumph. In less than a Year af∣ter, the Fame of the Hetrurians joyning with the Um∣brians, a People on the North of them, and the Sabines, occassion'd the creating of another Dictator, which was Valerius Maximus, who appointed Aemilius Paulus for his Master of the Horse. This Dictator intirely broke the Power of all the Hetrurians, reducing all their Ter∣ritories to the Roman Subjection; which happen'd a∣bove 420 Years after the first Wars with those Peo∣ple. The Umbrians were likewise much weaken'd, and lost a considerable Part of their Country; the Romans still extending their Dominions on all Sides, and continually Increasing their Strength.

During some sort of Intermission abroad, the Com∣mons began to fall into their former dissatisfi'd Hu∣mour, and the Tribunes much complain'd that all the Priests and Augurs were created out of the Patritians, and urg••d that the Plebeians might also partake of those Offices. The Senate made no great Oppositions, as being sufficiently accustom'd to yield in Matters of greater Moment: So that whereas at present there were but Four Chief Priests, and as many Augurs, an∣swering to the Four Tribes in the City, now Four more were added, and to those, Five more out of the Body of the Commons. And in this same Year, Valerius, the Consul, preferr'd a Law of Appeal more carefully enacted; which was the third time this Law was con∣firm'd since the Expulsion of the Kings, and always occasion••d by the same Family. The same Consul fell upon the Aequi, who were now in Rebellion, and in a little time they had nothing left 'em of their An∣cient Fortune, but the Stoutness of their Tempers. The

following Year was a Lustrum, and Two new Tribes were added to the former, namely, the Aniensis and the Tarentine, which now made the whole Number Thirty three. The City was also much increas'd, for at the next Lustrum, five Years after, there were cess'd no less than 262322 free Citizens.

Within a Year after this, the Samnites, after six Years Respite, broke their League with the Romans, and with them were fought several Battels, the Sam∣nites being almost always Losers. But the most Me∣morable was that about three Years after this last Breach, when they had got the Umbrians and Gauls, with some of the Hetrurians to assist 'em, and receiv••d a most dreadful Overthrow by the Consuls, Fabius Maximus, and Decius Mus. In the midst of this Fight, Decius seeing his Party retire, and in danger of being defeated, he follow'd the great Example of his Fa∣ther above Forty Years before, and most solemnly devoted himself to the Gods; then rushing into the midst of the Enemy with an extraordinary Fury and Courage, he recover••d his Army, but with the loss of his Life. About two Years after, Papirius, Son to the former, got a noble Victory over 'em, took above 15000 Prisoners, gain••d several Towns, and obtain••d a splendid Triumph. But the following Year, the Samnites ventur••d another Battel, and had better For∣tune, overthrowing Fabius Gurges, the Consul, which put the Senate upon removing of him. But his Fa∣ther, Fabius Maximus, to prevent the Disgrace, pro∣mis••d to be Lieutenant to his Son; which Office he perform••d so well, as he procur'd him a great Victo∣ry, and a Triumph. And within two Years after, the Samnites were so mortifi'd, as to beg a Peace, after Pontius their General had been taken and slain, which was at last granted em, and the League was renew••d with ••em a fourth time.

In less than a Years time, the Samnites again broke their League, but were punish••d with the loss of seve∣ral

Battels and more Towns, over whom, Dentatus, the Consul, Triumph'd twice in one Year; after which were Colonies sent to Castrum, Sena, and A∣dria. Two years after, the Triumviri for Capital Mat∣ters were created, who had Power to Imprison, and Punish all Malefactors; and in the same Year 273000 Free Citizens were Cess'd. Three Years after that, the Commons, by reason of their desperate Debts, and violent Contests between them and the Patricians, withdrew themselves into the Hill Ianiculum; which was the third Separation of the Plebeians. The Se∣nate, to appease this dangerous Tumult, Created Q. Hortensius Dictator, who, with many Arts, and much Difficulty, perswaded 'em to return, Promising them, That their Plebiscita shou'd have the Force of Laws, and bind the whole Body Politick. This was call'd the Lex Hortensia, tho' the same, in Effect, had been granted twice before. Soon after, Wars were successfully ma∣nag••d against the Lucani, a Nation in almost the far∣thest Parts of Italy, who had molested the Thurini, the Roman Allies. But the last of the Italians that made much Opposition, were the Tarentines, formerly men∣tion••d, who inhabited a very large and rich City in the South-Eastern parts of Italy, 240 Miles from Rome. These People had plunder••d several of the Roman Ships, which was the Occasion and Beginning of that War.

Nevertheless these Tarentines, tho' joyn'd with the Lucani, Messapii, Brutii, Apulii and Samnites, (the four former being their Neighbours, and the Inhabitants of the South-Eastern parts of Italy) were not able to oppose the extraordinary growing Power of the Ro∣mans; but were in a short time so distress'd, that they were forc••d to send for Pyrrhus King of Epirus to come over and Assist 'em. And thus began the Me∣morable War with that Famous Commander, the most considerable the Romans ever before met with, which happen'd in the 473d. Year of the City, A. M. 3724,

in the 4th Year of the 124th Olympiad, 228 since the beginning of the Consular State, 109 since the Burning of the City by the Gauls, 49 since the beginning of the Macedonian Empire by Alexander, and 279 before our Saviour Christ.

CHAP. VIII.

From the first Wars with Pyrrhus King of Epirus to the first Punick or Carthaginian War; when the Romans first set Foot out of Italy.

Containing the Space of 16 Years.

I. PYrrhus was much Solicited by the Tarentines to come into Italy, who, in the Name of many of the Italians, made many large Presents to him, signi∣fying, How much they stood in need of a General, so Emi∣nent both for Abilities, and the reputation of his Arms. Pyrrhus being of a generous and ambitious Temper, promis'd 'em to come over with an Army, and short∣ly after dispatch'd Cineas a Thessalian, an excellent O∣rator and Scholar of Demosthenes, with 3000 Men for Tarentum. Soon after him, he put to Sea with 20 E∣lephants, 3000 Horse, 20000 Foot, 2000 Archers, and 500 Slingers; but meeting with a great Storm, his Ships were much dispers'd, and some lost, so that he arriv'd at Tarentum but with a small part of his Ar∣my. When he enter'd the Town, he refus••d to act without their particular Order, till the rest of his Ar∣my were Arriv'd; then observing how the Inhabi∣tants apply'd themselves chiefly to Bathing, Feasting, and their Pleasures, he shut up the Publick Meeting Places, restrain'd them from Drinking and Games, and called them to Arms, being very severe in Listing Men fit for Action and Service. He now receiv••d Intelli∣gence, that Laevinus the Roman Consul was upon his

March with a numerous Army, wasting Lucania as he pass••d; and tho these Confederate Troops were not all arriv••d, he drew out his Army against him; but be∣fore the Armies cou'd joyn, he sent to Laevinus, offe∣ring a Mediation between the Romans and their Adver∣saries. But Laevinus return'd Answer, That he neither esteem'd him as a Mediator, nor fear'd him as an Enemy; and taking his Messengers, he order'd 'em to be led through the midst of the Camp, and bad them go tell their Master what they had seen.

Pyrrhus advanc'd, and encamp'd on the Plain be∣tween Pandosia and Heraclia; and perceiving the Ro∣mans lay on the other side of the River Lyris in good Order, he Planted Men all along the Bank to oppose their Passage: But the Romans hastning to prevent the coming up of those Forces he expected Attempted the Passage with their Infantry, where it was fordable, the Horse getting over in several Places; so that the Greeks fearing to be hemn'd in were oblig••d to retreata little way which Pyrrhus perceiving, drew up his Men in Battalia, himself at the Head of em, and began the Charge. He was very remarkable for the Fineness and Richness of his Arms, but more for the Bravery and Nobleness of his Acts; managing the Battel with a great Steadiness and Presence of Mind, and perfor∣ming the Drudgery of a common Soldier, as well as the Office of a general. In the midst of the Fight, Pyrrhus••, Horse was kill'd under him, which oblig'd him to change Armour with one near him, who being taken for the King was slain, and his Armour taken. This Armour being carri'd about by the Romans in token of his Death, struck such a Terror into his Sol∣diers, that it had lost him the Victory, but that he seasonably, and with much Labour made himself known. Whilst the Battel seem'd, doubtful, the Ele∣phants were sent in among the Romans, and the Sur∣prize they were in, together with their Horses not induring the Smell and Bigness of those Creatures,

broke their Ranks; whereupon Pyrrhus commanded the Thessalian Cavalry to Charge them in this Disor∣der, and gave them a total Rout, with great Slaugh∣ter, tho with the Loss of many of his best Men, he himself also being wounded. The Romans lost nigh 15000 Men, and had 1800 taken Prisoners: and the other side lost 13000, as Plutarch observes out of Dio∣nysius.

Pyrrhus us'd the Roman Prisoners with extraordinary Civility and Courtesie, and generously bury••d their Dead; then taking a view of their Bodies, and obser∣ving that they were all wounded before, and what noble and stern Countenances they had, he lift up his Eyes, and Cry••d, O how easily might I Conquer the World, were I Master of such Soldiers! After this Battel, Pyrrhus being joyn'd with the Auxiliary Troops of the Samnites, Lucani and Brutii, directed his March towards Rome, and advanc'd as far as Praeneste, laying waste all before him. The Romans us'd all necessary Diligence to recruit their Troops, and to make new Levies, Stirring up their Courages as much as possi∣bly, Fabricius a Patritian insinuating, That the Loss was not through want of Valour, but Conduct, and that the Grecians had not overcome the Romans, but Pyrrhus had Conquer'd Laevinus. Pyrrhus finding the Romans very diligent and expeditious in their Recruits, consider••d it was more Honourable to Treat with 'em after his Victory, since he had but small hopes of subduing them, and for that purpose sent Cineas to find out their Inclinations, a Man so powerful in Rhetorick, that the King acknowledg••d him, To have storm'd more Towns by his Tongue, than he ever did by his Arms. Cineas very closely apply••d himself to several of the Nobili∣ty, with Presents for themselves and their Ladies as from his Master; but he found 'em so Steady and unmov'd, that not a single Person wou••d receive any, and both Men and Women answer••d, That if a Trea∣ty were publickly concluded, They then shou'd be ready to

shew all Respect and Service due to so great a Man as the King was.

Cineas finding these Methods ineffectual, proceeded to his Business more publickly, and being come into the Senate, he said the most soft and obliging Things in the World; likewise offering in his Masters Name, to return all that was taken in the Battel without Ran∣som, and Promising all the Assistance that cou••d be expected for the Conquering all Italy, only asking for his Master and the Tarentines their Friendship and Al∣liance. These fair Promises at first made the Senate somewhat inclin••d to a Treaty, till Appius Claudius, now blind and very ancient, was brought into the Senate-House, who by a stirring and incouraging O∣ration, so warm'd the assembly, that Cineas, cou'd be hear'd no more, but was dismiss••d with this Answer; That when Pyrrhus had withdrawn his Forces from Italy, then if he pleas••d they wou'd Treat with him about Friend∣ship and Alliance, but till then, they resolv'd to carry on the War with the utmost Vigour, tho' they met with never so many Defeats. Cineas at his Return, was ask••d by Pyrrhus, what he thought of Rome, he told him, That the Senate appear'd to him as a venerable Assembly of so many Kings; and the People he thought were like the Hydra, whose Num∣bers increas'd the more for the Defeat; for the Consul had alreday rais'd twice as great an Army, and there were still far greater Numbers behind.

Soon after Cineas's Return, the Romans sent to Pyr∣rhus about Ransoming of Prisoners, among others, C. Fabricius, a Person eminent for his great Vertues, and remarkable for his profess'd Poverty. Pyrrhus receiv••d him with an Extraordinary Civility and Kindness, likewise offer'd him Gold, assuring him, It was no o∣therwise than an Hospitable Respect to a Person of his Excel∣lencies; but all this had no Effect upon the Steadiness of Fabricius's Temper. The next Day, Pyrrhus trying all Methods to discompose him, commanded one of his largest Elephants, compleatly Arm'd, to be plac'd

behind the Hangings, and in the midst of their Dis∣course, upon a Sign given, the Tapestry was drawn aside, and the huge Elephant raising his Trunk over Fabricius's Head, made a hideous Noise. Fabricius, tho he had never seen this Creature, was not at all a∣fraid, but gently turning about, and Smiling said, Neither your Gold Yesterday, nor you dreadful Beast to Day can make any Impression upon me. Pyrrhus amaz'd at the Greatness of his Mind, releas'd the Prisoner••, intru∣sting 'em to him alone, with nothing but a Promise, That if the Senate accepted not of Peace, they shou'd return to him; which accordingly they did, being comman∣ded to do it by the Senate upon pain of Death. In the same Year, Coruncanius, Laevinus•• Collegue, Tri∣umph'd over some of the Hetrurians who had revol∣ted; and likewise this Year the Lustrum being per∣form'd, 278222 Free Citizens were Cess'd.

II. The Roman Army being now recruited, Sulpi∣cius Saverrio, and Decius Mus, the Consuls for the fol∣lowing Year, were sent against Pyrrhus. The Romans had now learn'd not to fear the Elephants so much as formerly, and were very carful in observing and un∣derstanding Pyrrhus's Art and Conduct in Battel. Both Armies met about the City of Asculum, and Pyrrhus was incommoded by a Woody Country ve••y inconve∣nient for his Cavalry, and a very swift Current of the River, that the Elephants for want of sure Footing cou'd not get up with the Infantry: But after many wounded and kill'd, the Night put an End to the Engagement. The next Morning, Pyrrhus designing to Fight on even Ground, and to have the Elephants in the thickest of the Enemy, caus'd a Detachment, to possess themselves of those incommodius Grounds, and mixing Slingers and Archers among the Elephants, with great Courage advanc'd in a close and well or∣der'd Body; and the Romans not having those Advan∣tages of Retreating and falling on as they had before,

were oblig'd to Fight Man to Man upon plain Ground making a bloody Slaughter among the Graecian Spear Men not minding or valuing what they suffer'd them∣selves: After a long and obstinate Fight, the Romans were so press'd upon, especially by the mighty Force of the Elephants and the Gaecian Cavalry, and so over∣power••d, that they retreated to their Camp with the loss of 6000 Men, the Enemy having lost nigh 4000. This Battel is variously related, but this is the truest Account that I can find of it.

After this Engagement, 'tis said, Pyrrhus reply'd to a Gentleman who congratulated him for his Victory, If we overcome the Romans another time, we are utterly ruin'd. For by this time, he had lost a great Part of his Forces he had brought over, and almost all his parti∣cular Friends and Commanders. This Battel finish'd the Campaign, and the rest of the time was employ••d in taking Care for the next; at which time Fabricius himself was chosen Consul together with Aemilius Pa∣pus. At the nigh Approach of the two Armies, Fabri∣cius receiv••d a Letter from the King••s principal Physi∣cian, Offering to take off Pyrrhus by Poyson, and so end the War without farther hazard to the Romans, provided he might have a Reward proportionable to the Greatness of the Service. Fabricius inrag'd at the Villany of the Phy∣sician, and Disposing his Colleague to the same Opi∣nion, he immediately dispatch••d Letters to Pyrrhus to let him know what an ill Choice he had made both of his Friends and Enemies; that he was in War with Honest Men, and trusted and promoted Villains; and that the Ro∣mans abhor'd all Treacherous Practices, it being their Cu∣stom to Conquer an Enemy by the Power of their own Arms, and not by Treason of the other Subjects. Pyrrhus receiv'd the Message with all Courtesie, and being more and more surpriz••d at the Roman Greatness and Generosi∣ty, he cry'd out, This is that Fabricius whom it is har∣der to turn from the Ways of Vertue and Honesty, than the Sun from its Course. Such was the noble Spirit of the

Romans in these Days, where each Man minded the Honour of the Publick more than his own particular profit.

Pyrrhus made a strict inquiry into this Plot, and ex∣ecuted the Physician; and that he might not be ex∣cell••d in Generosity, he immediately sent to Rome all the Prisoners without Ransom, and again employ'd Cineas to Negotiate a Peace with 'em, being now more desirous of their Alliance than ever: But whether the Romans believ'd their sending home so many Priso∣ners, too great an Obligation from an Enemy, or too great a Reward for barely not doing Ill, they wou••d not accept of 'em Gratis, but immediately releas••d as many of the Tarentines and Samnites: and wou••d ad∣mit of no Debate of Alliance or Peace with Pyrrhus, till he had withdrawn his Forces from Italy and Sail••d back to Epirus in the same Ships that brought him over. The King was much confounded at this, being very unwilling to continue this War, and much more to quit it Dishonourably; but in a short time after he was reliev'd by an Expedition into Sicily, he begin intrea∣ted by the Inhabitants, to expell the Carthag••uians, and clear the Island of Tyrants. This prov'd an Ho∣nourable Pretence of drawing off his Forces, and lea∣ving Italy; therefore sending Cineas before, and put∣ting a Garrison into Tarentum, tho much against their Wills, he embark••d for Sicily with an Army of 30000 Foot, and 2500 Horse, after he had been in Italy two Years and Four Months.

III. The Absence of Pyrrhus gave the Romans much Respite, or at least Leisure enough to punish the Samnites, Tarentines, Lucani and Brutii, whom they warr••d against with good Success; they having little Hopes, but the Return of Pyrrhus, with whom they were very Urgent, letting him to understand, That they were shut up in their Towns, which cou'd hard∣ly be maintain'd without his Assistance. Pyrrhus, tho he

had been successful enought, within two Years, was glad to have so specious a Pretence of leaving Sicily, when his Carriage there had been so displeasing to many, that in a short time he must have left it with no other Pretence than Necessity and Self-Preservati∣on. About the time of his Return, there happened such a dreadful Plague in Rome, that Cornelius Rufinus, the last year's Consul, was created Dictator for the Ce∣remony of Driving a Nail into the Temple of Iupi∣ter, which they, by Tradition, believ'd wou'd asswage the Distemper: and this was the third Dictator created upon this Account. The Consuls for the following year were Curius Dentatus, and Cornelius Lentulus; the former of which raising new Levies, was oppos'd by the Peo∣ple, who refus'd to list themselves. Curius, resolving to go through with his Designs, commanded the Names of every Tribe to be put into a Box; and the Lot falling upon the Pollian Tribe, the first that was drawn of that Tribe was cited: and not answering, he sold his Goods; and, upon his appealing to the Tribunes, he sold the Man too, saying, The Commonwealth stood in no need of such a Member as refus'd all Obedience The. Tribunes at that time, did not assist the Fellow; and ever after hatt if any refus'd to stil himself in a just Muster when commanded, it became a Custom to make a Slave of him.

Pyrrhus, by this time, had with some Difficulty and Danger got from Sicily to Tarentum with an Army of 20000 Foot and 3000 Horse, where increasing his Army by new Levies, he march'd into Samnium, where the Romans had gather'd together a powerful Ar∣my Pyrrhus divided his Forces into two Part where∣of, one he sent into Lucania to hinder Lentulus from joyning with his Collegue Curius Dentatus, against whom he directed his March, then advantage•••• ••ly posted nigh Beneventum. Pyrrhus hast'ning to attact him there before the other cou'd arrive, with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his Men and the fiercest of his Elephants, march'd

in the time towards the Roman Camp, hoping to sur∣prize 'em; but passing through Woods his Lights fail'd him, and his Men lost their way. Whereupon a Council of War being call'd, while they were in de∣bate, and at the break of day his Approach was dis∣cover'd by the Romans as they march'd down the Hills, which put their whole Camp into much Disor∣der and Fear; but recovering themselves, Curius drew out his Troops in haste, and falling in with the Vant∣guard of Pyrrhus, put him to flight, killing many Men, and taking some Elephants. This Success very much discourag'd the rest of Pyrrhus's Troops, and Cu∣rius descending into the Plain, join'd Battel with the whole Army. In one Wing he repuls'd the Enemy, in the other, by the Violence of the Elephants, he was born back to his Trenches; where calling forth those who guarded 'em, they from the high Places so ply'd the Beasts with Darts and fired Pitch and Hemp, that they ran back upon their Friends, bearing down, and breaking all their Ranks, so that the Victory fell to the Romans, Pyrrhus having lost 23000 Men, ac∣cording to Eutropius.

Pyrrhus's Camp was also taken, which was not on∣ly admir'd, but likewise prov'd of very great Use af∣terwards: for anciently the Romans and the Nations about 'em were wont to pitch their Tents without Order, after the manner of Booths, in the midst of their several Battalions; but Pyrrhus measuring out his ground, encamp••d his whole Army within a Trench. By his Example the Romans receiv'd great Light and Experience as to Warlike Affairs, and af∣terwards adding such things as they found necessary, they attained to the most absolute Skill in Encam∣ping, in succeeding times. Curius Dentatus obtained a most splendid Triumph for this Victory, being graced with four Elephants, 1300 Prisoners of several Nati∣ons, with several Implements of the Tarentine Luxury, and Rarities. A few days after, his Collegue tri∣umph'd

over the Samnites and Lucani: and this year was remarkable for the Censorship of Fabricius and Aemilius, who remov'd Rufinus, and who had been twice Consul and once Dictator, out of the Senate, for having ten pound of Silver Plate for the Use of his Table: and in this Lustrum 271224 Free Citizens were cess'd or poll'd. As for Pyrrhus, he bore his Defeat with an undaunted Mind, and receiving Letters from Greece and Asia, he call'd the Epirots and Tarentines to∣gether, telling them that Assistance wou'd soon come; which Report, kept the Romans in their Camp: and so taking this Advantage, the Night following he pass'd undisturb••d into Epirus with 8000 Foot and 500 Horse, first leaving a Garrison in Tarentum, which was more to preserve his own Reputation than for any other Use. Thus in about six Years ended the Wars with the famous Pyrrhus, a Person esteem••d the ablest Commander of all the Kings in that time, both for Military Experience and Personal Valour: but he knew better how to Conquer than how to Keep; and from him the Romans did not only improve the Art of Encamping, but likewise learn'd to avoid Plains, and better to sustain the Shock of a disciplin'd Caval∣ry, which before they had despis'd.

IV. The Roman Name, which before had been fa∣mous, was now become formidable, after the Over∣throw of so great a Man as Pyrrhus, which made way for farther Conquests, and the Establishment of the Roman Empire. In the second year after Pyrrhus's Retreat, Ptolemy Philadelphus, King of Egypt, sent Am∣bassadors to congratulate the Roman Success, and to enter into an Alliance with 'em. The Romans, to shew him the greater Respect, likewise sent Ambas∣sadors to Egypt, where they were most courteously receiv'd, and sent home laden with Gifts and Pre∣sents. The following year, the Taremines not being able to remove the Garrison Pyrrhus had left under

Milo, desir'd Aid of the Carthaginians; and with them giving Battel to the Romans, were overthrown. Milo sensible how unable he was to resist, by leave from the Consul Papirius, departed with his Men, and quit∣ted the Castle, which the Romans possessing, easily became Masters of the City, the Walls whereof they demolish'd. Peace and Liberty were granted to all the Citizens; and this year the two Consuls triumph'd, having finish'd both the Tarentine and Samnite Wars in the year 481. The latter of these had, with some Intermissions, continu'd seventy one years; and over these the Romans triumph'd thirty times, namely, Con∣suls twenty six, Dictator twice, and Pro-Consuls as many.

Now the Romans grew much too powerful for their Neighbours, for the greatest Part of Italy was now conquer'd, an Accession being made not only of the Tarentines and Samnites, but of the Lucanians also, and not long before, of the He••rurians. After this, the Campanian Legion, who had treacherously seiz'd upon Rhegium, and kept it to themselves, were besieg'd, and upon Surrender, put to death by fifty at a time. Soon after, the Inhabitants of Apollonia in Illyricum sending Ambassadors to Rome, some extravagant and unruly Noblemen fell upon 'em and beat 'em but the Romans were so just as to deliver 'em up to the Apollo∣niates. In the same year, the Picentes were subdu'd, and Colonies were sent to Ariminum in the Country of the Piceni, and to Beneventum in that of the Samnites. About the same time was Silver first coin'd in Rome, whereas Brass had only been in use till now, their Riches being encreas'd by their Conquests, and large Quantities of Silver were found in a Castle of the Sam∣nites. A year after, the Sabines, who some years past had been made Denizons of Rome, receiv'd now also the Power of Voting in Elections. About four years after that, the Number of the Quaestors were encreas'd from four to eight; and in the same year the Reducti∣on of the Umbri and Sallentini, together with the Ci∣ty

of Brundusium, compleated the Conquest of all Ioaly.

Now were the Roman Dominions much larger than ever, containing the whole Body of old Italy and the several Italian Nations, being about 500 Miles long, and 130 broad, which comprehended about one ha••f of that Country which now goes by the Name of Italy, as was formely observ'd. Just at the same time began the first Punick or Carthaginian War, in the 489th Year of the City, A. M. ••740, in the 4th Year of the 128th Olympiad, 244 since the beginning of the Consu∣lar State, 125 since the Destruction of the City by the Gauls, 65. since the beginning of the Macedonian Em∣pire by Alexander the Great, and 263 before our Sa∣viour's Nativity.

CHAP. IX.

From the Beginning of the first Punick War, to the Beginning of the second; the Romans now grow∣ing powerful by Sea as well as by Land.

Containing the Space of 47 Years.

I. THE Carthaginians made up a very large and powerful Common-wealth, commanding most of that part of Africa which now goes by the general Name of Barbary; their Dominions extending about 2000 Miles in length, all bordering upon the Sea; ha∣ving besides the Islands of Sardinia and Corsica, and the greatest part of Sicily, with other lesser Isles. The Occasion of the Romans War with this Nation, was, their joyning with Hiero King of Syracuse against the Mamertines, and for besieging Messana, which oblig'd that People to send to Rome for Succour. The Ro∣mans had not forgot the Carthaginians assisting the Ta∣rentines against them not long before; and because the former Carriage of the Mamertines was not easily justified, they made that their Pretence of their de∣claring War against the Carthaginians. And Appi••••

Claudius, one of the Consuls, was immediately sent over to Sicily with an Army and a small Fleet. With much Danger and Difficulty he pass'd the Streights between Italy and Sicily, but with that Success, that the rais'd the Siege of Messana in a short time, and af¦ter that defeated both Hiero and the Carthaginians in two several Battels. Appius return'd to Rome with a noble Triumph, which was the first that ever was ob∣tain'd upon the Account of Foreign Actions. Not∣withstanding the great Wasting of the People by con∣tinual Wars, 292224 Free Citizens were cess'd this Year; and in this Year D. funius Brutus first brought in the Custom of having Fencing Maches perform'd by Gladiators at Funerals, a Custom very much in use afterwards.

The following Year, both the Consuls were or∣der'd for Sicily, with all their Le••••ons. And they manag'd the War so successfully, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 going to invest Syracuse it self, Hiero was affrighted into Obedience, perceiving that the Romans most probably wou'd be Conquerours; and so he made Peace upon these Terms, To restore all their Prisoners without Ransom, and to pay a hundred Talents of Silver. The Romans more readily embrac'd the Alliance, because the Carthagi∣nians being Masters at Sea, they cou'd not safely sup∣ply the Armies with Provisions and Necessaries, ex∣pecting that he shou'd chiefly take care about that af∣fair. Valerius, one of this Year's Consuls, from Messana had the Sirname of Messala, who also having taken Catana, carry'd from thence a new Sun-Dial to Rome, Papirius Curs••r having 30 Years before set up the first that ever was in this City. This, tho' not perfect, the People made use for 99 Years, till M. Philippus the Censor set up a perfect one by it; and about that time, Scipio Nasica being Censor, first made the equal Division of the Day into Hours, by Water dropping out of one Vessel into another. This Year the City being much afflicted with a Pestilence, a Dictator was

created for the Ceremony of Driving a Nail into Iu∣piter's Temple: This was Fulvius Maximus, who made Marcius Philippus his Master of the Horse; and he was the fourth Dictator created upon this Account.

The Romans, by the Alliance with Hiero, found themselves so eas'd of the Burden of the War, that the following Year they sent but two Legions to Si∣cily; at which time Agrigentum was invested by the Ro∣mans, and Annibal, the Carthaginian Admiral who came to relieve it, was overthrown by Posthumius and Mamilius the Consuls at land; so after a long Siege it was taken. The news of this was very grateful to the Citizens of Rome, who now began to think of no∣thing less than the clearing of Sicily, and the Con∣quests of that Island; and to that they directed all their Counsels. On Land indeed they seem'd suffici∣ently prosperous, for the two succeeding Consuls manag••d the War with good Success; but the Cartha∣ginians without Controversie being entire Masters at Sea, by that means procur'd the Maritime Towns to revolt to them: so that the War was not only bal∣lanc'd between the two Interests, but Italy was also grievously infested with the Carthaginian Fleet, while Africk was out of all Danger. The Considerations caus'd 'em diligently to apply themselves to Sea Af∣fairs, of which they were wholly ignorant before; therefore they found it a Matter of extraordinary Dif∣ficulty as well to build Vessels as to make use of 'em; for Italy had been as free from Shipwrights as from Sea-men. Having throughly observ'd a Carthaginian Vessel or two driven a Shore, they set about 100 Ves∣sels of five Oars of a side, and 20 of three, which they fitted out as well as they cou'd, after an odd way teaching their Men to Row upon Dry Land; well knowing that their Courages must supply all o∣ther Defects.

Thus meanly rigg'd out, in the fourth Year of this War the Consuls Cornelius and Duilius boldly ventur'd

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themselves aboard, and more boldly ventur'd to en∣gage an Enemy, who for many Ages had been the Inheritors of the Dominion of the Sea both by their Power and their Skill; a thing much admir'd by all Historians. Cornelius the Admiral parting from the rest of his Company with 17 Gallies to reduce Lipara, was surpriz'd by at greater number of the Carthaginians, and taken with the rest of his Fleet. But his Col∣legue Duilius was much more successful, first defeat∣ing 50 Sail of the Enemy, then falling upon the Rest of their Fleet, by the Help of a new invent∣ed Engine to grapple with their Vessels, by which they cou'd board 'em and fight as on Land, he obtain'd a Signal Victory over 'em, taking 50 of their Vessels; then pursuing it, rais'd the Siege of Aegesta, and took Macella by Storm. These Successes were so unexpected by the Senate, that they decreed Duilius unusual Honours; for besides his obtaining the Glory of the first Naval Triumph, he was ever after attended from Supper with Musick and Flambeaus. Annibal on the other side, to secure himself from Pu∣nishment, with all speed sent one of his Friends to Carthage before the Battel was known here, who gave an Account to the Senate, that the Romans were un∣der Sail with a great Fleet, and he wanted Instructi∣ons about engaging 'em. The Senate, upon this gave Orders to Fight without Delay, to whom the Mes∣senger reply'd, That he had already fought, and was o∣verthrown: By which means he prevented their con∣demning an Action they had but just before approv'd of.

This Year the Romans had but small Success by Land; for, a Breach between the Legions and the Auxiliaries occasion'd a Separation; which Advantage Amilcar the General of the Carthaginian Forces so far improv'd, as to cut off 4000 of 'em. But the Advan∣tages gain'd by Sea so far animated the Romans, that the following Year they invaded the Island; of Sardin•••• and Corsica, and with so good Success, that Hanno the

Carthaginian General there, was slain, and his Army cut off by Cornelius Scipio the Consul. This Victory was follow'd by another over Annibal, whom they surpriz'd at Sea, newly recruited from Carthage; for which the unfortunate Admiral was crucify'd by his own Soldiers that out-liv'd the Defeat. The next Year many Towns were lost and gain••d in Sicily on both sides; but above all, a noble Action of Calpur∣nius Flemma, a Tribune of the Army, was most re∣markable; for Attilius Calatinus the Consul having carelesly brought his Army into such a desperate Place, as there was no hopes of escaping, Calpurnius, with 300 choice Men, possess'd themselves of an Emi∣nence just by, and with incredible Courage so divert∣ed the whole Body of the Carthaginians, that the Con∣suls Army had Opportunity of passing with little op∣position. Calpurnius was the only Person that sur∣viv'd of the ••00, being miserably wounded, and co∣ver'd with dead Bodies. The next Year, Attilius Re∣gulus the Consul subdued the Islands Lipara and Me∣lita, the latter famous for the Shipwrack of St. Paul, and since call'd Malta: in which Year certain Prodi∣gies in Rome, or the Belief of such, occasion'd the crea∣ting of a Dictator, for the celebrating the Latin Holi∣days, which was Ogulneius Gallus, his Master of the Horse being Letorius Plancianus; and there was the se∣cond Dictator created upon this Account.

II. Now had this War continu'd Eight Years; when the Romans, finding themselves so strong by Sea as well as by Land, resolv'd to remove the Seat of the War into Africk; and accordingly put to Sea with a Fleet of 330 Sail, under the Command of the Con∣suls Regulus and Manlius. The Carthaginians, being sensible how necessary it was to keep the War from their own Walls, oppos'd 'em with a Fleet of 350 Sail, and a three-fold Battel was fought on the same Day, in which the Romans, by the Help of their Grap∣ling

Engines, and their undaunted Courages, became Conquerours, taking 54 Ships with all their Men, and sinking 30, losing themselves but 24 without their Men. In pursuance of this Victory, they made a Descent upon Africk, whose nighest Part was about 200 Miles from Sicily, and shortly after had Clupea surrender'd to 'em, a City seated upon the Promonto∣ry Hermaea. This done, they March'd into the Coun∣try, laying waste all before 'em, which they did without Opposition; but soon after they receiv'd In∣structions from the Senate, that Regulus should remain in Africk, in Character of Pro-Consul, with 40 Ships, 15000 Foot, and 500 Horse, and Manlius should re∣turn to Rome with the remaining Forces. Regulus en∣camping upon the River Bagrada, was forc'd to en∣gage a Monstrous Serpent of Miraculous Bigness, which, with the great Trouble of his Army, and by the Help of Battering Engines, he ••lew, sending its Skin to Rome, which was 120 Foot long, according to Livy and Gellius.

The Carthaginians, finding the Romans so successful, oppos'd Regulus with a considerable Army; but fight∣ing in a Place where their Horse and Elephants cou'd do but little Service, were soon defeated, and Tunetum or Tunis in a short space was taken by Regulus. But the Carthaginians having procur'd Xantippus, a brave Lacedaemonian, for their General, soon after gave Re∣gulus a dreadful Overthrow, he himself being taken Prisoner, and most of his Army cut off, the rest esca∣ping to Clupea. But Xantippus met with more Bar∣barous and Ungrateful Usage than Regulus; for the Carthaginians pretending to conduct him home Ho∣nourably, commanded the Sea-men to throw him and his Companions over-board, least so great a Victory shou'd be ascrib'd to the Laced••emonians, as Appian re∣lates it. The Romans were Besieg'd in Clupea, till their Enemies perceiving the small probability of reducing 'em, broke up the Siege, and made all Preparations

for the opposing the Succours sent under Aemilius Paulus and Fabius Nobilior, the following Years Con∣suls. These Consuls putting to Sea with 350 Sail, were met with by the Carthaginians, night hir own Coasts, whom they entirely defeated, taking 30 Ships and sinking 104, with the loss only of Nine of their own. After this, the Consuls took in the Roman Gar∣rison from Clupea, and set Sail again for Sicily, expect∣ing to have several Towns there surrender'd to 'em upon the News of this Victory; but before they cou'd make the Shore, there arose such a dreadful Storm, that most of their Ships were swallow'd up, or split upon Rocks; so that the Shore was fill'd with dead Bodies and broken Pieces of Ships. Both the Consuls perish'd, and those few that escap'd, Hiero kindly re∣ceiv'd; and furnishing 'em with Cloaths and other Necessaries, convey••d ••em safe to Messana.

Karthalo the Carthaginian immediately taking Ad∣vantage of this great Misfortune, besieg'd Agrigentum, and soon after took it, and demolish'd the Fortificati∣ons of it. The Romans nothing discourag'd at the great Losses sustained by the Tempest, immediately set about Building 220 Vessels, which they prosecu∣ted with that extraordinary Diligence and Expedition, that in three Months time they were both Built and Launch'd. On the other side, Asdrubal the Carthagi∣nian, with his Veterane Troops and Levies arriv'd at Sicily, with a Fleet of 200 Sail Old and New. The Consuls, Attilius and Cornelius being order'd for Sicily this Year, manag'd the War so prosperously, as to take several Towns; after which they return'd. Their Successors Servilius and Sempronius, in the following Spring, pass'd into Sicily with the whole Fleet, and from thence to Africk, where, Coasting about, they Landed in many Places, but perform'd nothing very Memorable. At last they touch'd upon the Island of the Lotophagi, call'd Meninx, nigh the lesser Syrtis; where being ignorant of these Coasts, they fell upon

certain Quick-sands; but getting off with much diffi∣culty, they return'd to Panormus in Sicily in a flying Posture. Then sailing for Rome, through the Straights, very unadvisedly, they were taken in a Storm, and 150 of the Ships lost. This same Year the Censors cal∣ling over the Senate, turn'd out 13 Members for Mis∣demeanours, and performing the Lustrum, 297797 Free Citizens were Poll••d.

Tho' the Senate and People of Rome were extreme∣ly vigorous in all great Attempts, being push'd on by an extraordinary Desire of Glory; yet the Losses at Sea had now been so great and numerous, that they were constrain'd to omit Naval Preparations, and place all their Hopes in their Land-Forces. Caecilius and Metellus were sent into Sicily with the Legions, and 60 Transport Vessels, only for Necssearies; and they did not only yield the Dominion of the Sea to the Carthaginians, but fear••d 'em also at Land, by rea∣son of their great Preparations, but especially for their Elephants, which had oftentimes much annoy••d 'em. Asdrubal, the Punick General, understanding their Fears, and that one of the Consuls was now return'd into Italy with half the Army, with great Assurance and Confidence ravag'd all the Country about Panor∣mus, and with the more Carelessness and Security, be∣cause Metellus kept himself within the Walls. But the Consul taking an Opportunity, so well plac'd his Men against the Elephants, that when Asdrubal came nigh the Town, he gave him a dreadful Overthrow, killing 20000 Men, and taking 26 Elephants, for which he had a noble Triumph. The Carthaginians imme∣diately lost all Sicily except Lilybaeum and Drepanum, to the former of which Places Asdrubal escap'd; but be∣ing Condemn'd at Carthage, he was taken and put to Death as soon as he return••d; the Unhappy Fate of many Carthaginian Generals.

III. The Carthaginians now finding themselves great

Losers, and weary'd out with a Tedious War, which had now continu••d 14 Years, began to sollicit for Peace, and sent to the Senate to Treat about it: With the Ambassadors, Regulus also was sent, who had been Five Years Prisoner, and was now Bound with an Oath to return to Carthage, in case there was no Peace nor Exchange of Prisoners made. Regulus, contrary to the Expectation of all, openly in the Senate, discover∣ed the Weakness of the Carthaginians, and advised the Romans to make no Peace; shewing withall, both how honourable and profitable it might be to the State to prosecute the War. The Senate seem'd well satisfied with the Ad∣vice, if it were to be follow••d without Prejudice to the Adviser, whom they Pity••d as well as Admir'd, and cou'd not determine any thing to the Ruin of a Per∣son who had deserv••d so well at their hands. Upon that Account they desir'd him to stay; but he, with an Undeunted Resolution, told ••em, That he knew that Death and the extreamest Tortures were preparing for him at Carthage, but still he cou'd not comply with their Requests, who might have better us'd their Commands, had he been still his Countries Servant, as he was Africk's Slave, and upon that account not capable of living as became a Citizen of Rome: yet however he had so much of the True Spi∣rit of a Roman, that he cou'd do nothing that was base or dishonourable; and that he less fear'd the Tortures of a cruel Rack, than the Shame of an infamous Action, for the former only touch'd the Body, whereas the latter pierc'd the Mind.

All Means were us'd to perswade Regulus to stay, both by his Friends and others, which he avoided as much as possible, refusing to speak with his Wife, and shunning the Embraces and Kisses of his little Chil∣dren: And when the Negotiation was at an end, he return'd to Carthage, there ending his Days in great Torments. For, first they cut off his Eye-lids, keeping him in a dark •• Dungeon for a while, then brought him out in the midst of the Day, with his

Face turn'd full against the Sun: At last he was put into a Chest or Barrel, stuck with Nails with the Points inward, and so narrow, that he cou'd have no Ease, where he died with the Extremity of the Pain. When the Senate heard of the Barbarous Usage of Regulus, in great Rage they deliver'd up some Prisoners of the Highest Note and Quality to Marcia his Wife, who shut 'em up in an Armory stuck round with Iron Spikes, designing to torment them after the same man∣ner that her Husband had been, and keeping 'em five days together without Meat: in which time, Bostar the Carthaginian, with Pain and Hunger, died, but Hamilcar, being a stronger Man, was kept in, toge∣ther with the dead Body of Bostar, five days longer, having only so much Sustenance allow'd him as might serve to prolong his Life in Misery. At last, the Ma∣gistrates being inform'd of this, began to relent, and strictly forbid any more of such Usuage, commanding that Bostar's Ashes should be sent home, and the rest of the Prisoners shou'd be us'd more moderately: Which was done, to let the Enemy know, that the Romans were too generous to insult over the Miseries of unhappy Men, or to countenance any cruel Actions, tho' they had been incited by the highest Provocations, and all the Sen∣timents of a most just Retaliation.

The following Year, because the Land-Forces were very fearful of the Enemies Elephants, and pursu'd their Affairs with small Vigour, the Romans provided another Fleet, and Besieg'd Lilybaeum by Sea and Land, a Town standing upon the Southern Promontory of Sicily, over against Africk. The Romans were very unsuccessful in this Expedition, losing most of their Ships in a short time, partly by the Mismanagement of the Consul Claudius Pulcher, and partly by other Misfortunes; so that the whole Fleet was soon re∣duc'd to an inconsiderable number. Lilybaeum was still closely invested by Land; but the small Successes of the present Consuls, and other Losses, occasion'd

the creating of a Dictator to Command the Forces in Sicily: This was Attilius Calatinus, who appointed Cae∣cilius Metellus, who had Triumph'd over the Carthagi∣nians, for his Master of the Horse, and was the first Dicta∣tor that ever led an Army out of Italy; but nothing memorable was acted by him in Sicily before the time of his Office expir'd. The Romans now began to feel the Weight and Charge of the War more than ever; and they found that the City was not only drein'd of Money, but of Men too; for in the next Lustrum there were but 251222 Free Citizens Poll'd.

For Seven Years did the Romans abstain from any Sea-Preparations, in which time another Dictator was created in the Consuls Absence for holding the Comi∣tia for a New Election, which was Coruncanius Nepos, and his Master of the Horse was Fulvius Flaccus. At this time Amilcar, the Carthaginian Admiral, extream∣ly infested the Coasts of Italy; which made the Romans resolve once more to try their Fortune at Sea: and accordingly they fitted out a considerable Navy out of their private Purses, the Treasury being now exhaust∣ed. With this they gave the Carthaginians a notable Overthrow nigh the Aegatian Is••es, taking and sinking 120 of their Ships, according to the most modest Com∣putation. This great Loss brought 'em to a Peace, which, after two Consultations, was concluded upon these Articles; First, That the Carthaginians shou'd lay down 1000 Talents of Silver, and 2200 more within 10 Years time: Secondly, That they shou'd quit Sicily, with all the Isles thereabouts: Thirdly, That they shou'd never make War upon the Syracusians, or their Allies, nor come with any Vessels of War within the Roman Domi∣nions: and Fourthly, That they shou'd deliver up all their Prisoners without Ransom, as also the Deserters. Thus end∣ed the first Punick, or Carthaginian War, by the Greek Writers call'd the Sicilian War, after it had continu'd 24 Years, in the 51••th Year of the City, 23 Years be∣fore the Second, and 239 before our Saviour's Nativi∣ty;

wherein the Romans are said to have lost 700 Vessels, and the Carthaginians no more than 500.

IV. All Affairs now seem'd to succeed prosperous∣ly with the Romans, and in the same Year that this long War was ended, Two New Tribes were added to the rest, namely, the Veline and Quirine, which now made up the Number 35, which Number was never after exceeded. At this time the Romans began to grow more polite, a little applying their Minds to something of Study and Learning, particularly Poetry; and the Year after this War, the first Tragedies and Co∣medies were made by Livius Andronicus, a Graecian by Birth, one Year before Ennius the Poet was Born, about 160 after the Deaths of Sophocles and Euripides, and 62 after that of Menander. He drew the Minds of the People from the Use of the Satyr, which had immedi∣ately succeeded the old Stage-Plays, call'd Ludi Fescen∣nini, spoken of in the Sixth Chapter of this Book; which Satyr was a sort of a Dramatick Poem, full of Jests and Raillery, wholly different from the Satyrs of Lucilius and Horace afterwards. Naevius was the first Poet that follow'd his example, five Years after, the Year before which were celebrated the great Secu∣lar Games the third time, which were also call'd Ludi magni, and Ludi Terentini, and were of two sorts: the Greater, celebrated every 120 Years, and first institu∣ted in the 298th Year of the City; and the Lesser, ce∣lebrated every 100 Year, and first instituted about the 305th Year of the City, after the Banishment of the Decemviri: But these now celebrated were of the for∣mer sort. There were also other Games call'd Ludi Tarentini, which were very different from the Ludi Seculares, which I mention that Learners may avoid Confusion.

But to return to the Roman Affairs; the Carthagi∣nians, soon after their Peace with the Romans, fell into a Bloody War between themselves and their Merce∣nary

Soldiers, which proceeded both from their Want of Pay, and their Want of Employment; and this, with much Difficulty and Loss, was ended by Amil∣car, after more than Three Years. During which time, several of the Romans who traded into Africk, were secur'd by the Carthaginians, lest they shou'd fur∣nish their Enemies with Provisions. But when Am∣bassadors were sent to Carthage to complain of this Usage, they kindly dismiss'd all that were in Custo∣dy; which so affected the Romans, that they gene∣rously sent 'em all their Prisoners without Ransom, and for a short Space there seem'd to be an extra∣ordinary Friendship between these two Nations. But soon after their Troubles were ended, the Sardinians inviting over the Romans to that Island, they sail'd thither, which much offended the Carthaginians, who thought themselves to have the greatest Right to it; so they prepar'd to send Forces thither. The Romans took an Occasion from thence to proclaim War a∣gainst 'em, complaining, That these Preparations were design'd more against them, than the Sardinians. This so terrify'd the Carthaginians, who found themselves in no Condition to begin a new War, that they were forc'd to yield to Necessity, and not only quit all Sar∣dinia, but further, to pay the Romans 1200 Talents. This, tho' submitted to at present, prov'd afterwards the Occasion of a more bloody and dangerous War than the former. In the sixth Year after the Cartha∣ginian War, the Romans being in perfect Peace with all their Neighbours, the Temple of Ianus was shut the second time, it being open 437 Years. In the following Year was the first Divorce in Rome; and two Years after a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia, and this was C. Duilius, his Master of the Horse being Aurelius Cotta.

For five Years successively the Temple of Ianus continued shut, and in the sixth was open'd by a War with the Illyrians, a People nigh Greece, who inhabited

that Country which is now call'd Dalmatia: for Teu∣ta Queen of that Nation, elevated by her Prosperity in Peace, gave her Subjects Commission to rob all they met with at Sea; some of which happen'd to be Merchants of Italy, whom they used very Barbarously. Upon Intelligence of this, the Romans dispatch'd two Ambassadors, Caius and Lucius Coruncanus, to Illyricum, to demand Satisfaction. Teuta told 'em, That she would take care that no publick Injury shou'd be offer'd to the Romans; but she thought it was never the Custom of Princes to hinder their Subjects from making what private Advantage they cou'd from the Sea. But Lucius smart∣ly told her, That the Romans had learn'd a better Cu∣stom, which was, to punish Private Injuries with a Publick Revenge, and to relieve the Distressed; and they, by the help of the God's, would take care to reform her Princely Cu∣stoms. The Queen took this Freedom so heinously, that, contrary to the Law of Nations, she sent after the Ambassadors, and slew Lucius. This so enrag'd the Romans, that War was immediately Proclaim'd a∣gainst her, and the two Consuls sent to Illyricum, Ful∣vius with a Fleet, and Posthumius with a Land Army. Fulvius had Corcyra surrender'd to him at his first Ap∣pearance before it, and soon after took Apollonia; then the Armies joyning, the Consuls reliev'd Dyrrhachium, which was Invested by the Illyrians. Soon after most of the Illyrick Towns were surrendred to the Consuls; whereupon the Queen retir'd with a few Followers to Rhizon, a strong Town, and the Spring after, sent to Rome to beg Peace; which was granted upon these Terms: First, To pay a yearly Tribute: Secondly, To quit all Illyricum, except a very few Places: And Thirdly, Not to Sail beyond the River Lissus with more than two Barks, and those unarm'd. Thus ended the first Illyrian War, in less than two Years time.

V. These Wars in Illyricum still Inlarg'd the Ro∣man Dominions, and their generous Behaviour, gain••d

'em as much Love as their Valour had got 'em Repu∣tation in those Parts, particularly among the Atheni∣ans and Corinthians; the latter of which pass'd a De∣cree in Honour of 'em, which made 'em free of the Isthmian Games, one of the Four Solemn Exercises of Greece. And this same Year were the Praetors en∣creas'd to Four, one being sent to the Province of Sicily, and another to that of Sardinia. In the mean time Domestick Disturbances about the Division of Lands taken from the Gauls, awakened that Nation, who, concluding, that the Romans Fought more out of Covetousness than Glory, began that War, which the Latine Historians call'd Bellum Gallicum Cisalpinum. These fierce People, now joyn'd in Confederacy, sent ••ver the Alps for other Gauls, call••d Gessatae, nigh the River Rhosne, who came over with a Prodigious Force, and joyning with the rest, made an Irruption into Hetruria, with an Army of 50000 Foot and 20000 Horse. The Romans, to oppose 'em, made the great∣est Preparations that had been known, all Italy being up in Arms, to the number of Seven or Eight hundred thousand Men, which were plac'd in several Parts, to be in readiness upon all Occasions: And the Consuls themselves led a particular Army of 50••00 Foot, and 4200 Horse.

The Gauls now entring Hetruria, wasted all with Fire and Sword till they came to Clusium, about three Days Journey from Rome; where they were block'd up by the Romans, the Praetor on their Back, and the Consuls before, possessing themselves of all the Passes: Inso∣much that they were forc'd to form Two Fronts, and Fight very disadvantageously, both by reason of their Nakedness and the Unfitness of their Arms. But the Vanity of the Gessatae prov'd the most injurious to 'em, for they throwing off all their Cloaths, would needs fight naked, and begin the first Charge; and these be∣ing easily broken, so discourag'd the rest, that all fled. The Gauls were miserably slaughter'd, 40000 of 'em

being kill'd, and 10000 taken Prisoners; among the rest, Concolitanus, a King of the Gessatae. The Consuls obtain'd a most Splendid Triumph for this Victory, scarce any being more remarkable for the Number of the Prisoners, or the Variety and Value of the Spoils. The next Year great Inroads were made into the Ter∣ritories of the Gauls, they being several times over∣thrown: At which time the Consuls being abroad, a Dictator was created to hold the Comitia for a new E∣lection; which was Caecilius Metellus, and Fabius Bu∣teo his Master of the Horse, or Lieutenant.

The Gauls were now so harass'd and weakned, that they sent Ambassadors to Rome to beg Peace on any Terms; but Claudius Marcellus, and Cornelius Scipio put a stop to that Affair, and stirr'd up the Multitude to continue the War. Whereupon the Gauls, now grown desperate, resolv'd to make their last Efforts, and pro∣cur'd ••0000 Auxiliaries from the Gessatae. The Con∣suls March'd into the Country of the Insubres, and o∣pen'd the Campaign with the Siege of Acerrae; where∣upon the Gauls invested Clastidium, a Confederate Town of the Romans. Marcellus, with two Thirds of his Cavalry, and a small Detachment of Light-Arm'd Foot-men, March'd both Night and Day towards the Enemy; and notwithstanding the great Inequality of the Numbers, and the extraordinary Fatigues of the long Marches, he fell upon 'em, and after a Bloody Battel overthrew 'em. Marcellus with his own Hands kill'd Virdomarus King of the Gessatae, and dedicated the third Opima Spolia, or Royal Spoils to Iupiter Feretrius, obtaining likewise a Noble Triumph. Those that escap'd fled to Mediolanum, now call••d Milan, the Chief City of the Insubrian Gauls, which be∣ing shortly after taken, the Gallick War was ended, after Six Years Continuance, to the considerable Enlargement of the Roman Dominions, Colonies be∣ing planted not long after at Cremona, and at Placen∣tia.

About this time, a Multitude of Libertini or Freed Slaves, which liv'd dispers'd among all the Tribes, gave great Disturbances to the City, which occasion'd the Censors at the next Lustrum to confine all these to four Tribes, namely, Esquilina, Palatina, Suburrana, and Col∣lina; at which time were also 170213 Free Citizens cess'd. In the same Censorship C. Flaminius, one of the Censors, built a Cirque, and Pav'd the High-way as far as Ariminum, 130 Miles, both which great Works were afterwards call'd by his Name. Within a Year after, the Illyrians revolting, were reduc'd by Aemilius and Livius the Consuls, tho' with some Difficulty and Trouble. But the greatest Concern the Romans had now, was the successful Progress of the Carthaginians in Spain, who now had gain'd a great Part of that Country, and more than all, had taken Saguntus a Town in Alliance with R••m••, after they were desir••d to desist. This caus••d the Romans to send their Ambassadours to Carthage, to require their General Hannibal to be deli∣ver'd up; and if that were not granted, to denounce War. The Ambassadours finding the Carthaginians very little inclin'd to give any Satisfaction, the Senior of 'em holding out the Skirt of his Robe, told the Se∣nate, Here we bring you War or Peace; chuse which you please. The Chief of the other answer••d, Deliver which you will: the Roman replying, War, the other accepted of it. And thus began the Second Punick or Carthagi∣nian War, 23 Years after the First, in the 536th Year of the City, A. M. 3787, in the Third Year of the 140th Olympiad, 291 Years since the beginning of the Consular State, 172 since the Destruction of the City by the Gauls, 112 since the Beginning of the Mace∣donian Empire by Alexander, and 216 before our Sa∣viour's Nativity.

CHAP. X.

From the Beginning of the Second Punick War, to the Finishing of it by Scipio Africanus; when the Romans became perfect in the Arts of War.

Containing the Space of 17 Years.

I. THE War being broke out a Second Time between these two Rival Nations, the Romans and Carthaginians, the latter committed the Manage∣ment of it to Hannibal, Amilcar's Son, now in Spain, a Person of wonderful Abilities as to War, both for Conduct and Valour, of a hardy, laborious, and in∣defatigable Body, as well as a fierce, daring, and un∣daunted Mind. This General had Sworn himself a Mortal Enemy to the Romans; and having over-run all Spain to the Pyrenaean Mountains, he resolv'd to run any Danger, or Hazard, so he might procure the Ru∣in of the Roman State; therefore leaving Hanno with a sufficient Force to guard that Country, he cross'd the Pyrenaean Mountains into Gaul, with an Army of 50000 Foot, and 9000 Horse, of different Nations and Languages. From whence he shortly pass'd the Rhosne with great Danger and Difficulty, the River there being swift and spacious, and its Banks cover'd with many and dangerous Enemies. In Ten days March from thence, he arriv••d at the Foot of the Alps, over which he resolv'd to pass into Italy, not∣withstanding the Lateness of the Season, the Fears of his Men, his Ignorance of the Ways, the Labour of the March, and all the numerous Perils and Hazards that attended so vast an Enterprize.

It was now in the midst of Winter, and every thing appear'd strange and dreadful, the prodigious Height of the Mountains, Capp••d with Snows; the

rude mis-shapen Cottages on the sides of Craggy steep Rocks; the Cattel, Sheep, and Horses, parch••d and stiff with Cold; the People Barbarous, and with long shagg'd Hair like Savages, and nothing to be seen but a general Scene of Deformity and Horrour. The Soldiers in this March, besides their Fears, were extreamly afflicted with the Greatness of the Colds, and grievously harass'd by the narrow Defiles, the slippery Passages, and the craggy Rocks, but more e∣specially by the Inhabitants, who, from their lurking Places fell often upon 'em with great Slaughter; and sometimes by their unusual Shouts and Outcries, which were redoubled by the Echo's between the Rocks and Valleys, their Horses were so affrighted, as they frequently overthrew themselves, Men and Carriages, down these narrow Precipices, who falling from one Rock to another, made a dreadful Rum∣bling, as if it were the Fall of some Castle or great Building. Nevertheless, after Nine Days painful March through these untrodden Paths, Hannibal at last gain••d the Top of these vast Mountains, where he refresh••d his Men, and encourag••d their fainting Minds by a distant Prospect of Italy, telling ••em, That now, like hardy Soldiers, they had mounted not only the Walls of Italy, but those of Rome too.

After two Days Respite among these dismal Places, the Army mov••d forward, and were forc'd to encoun∣ter with new Difficulties; for Prodigious Quantities of Snow being lately fallen, as many Men were lost in the depth of that, as had been before by the Ene∣mies Encounters. And now a sort of Despair ap∣pear'd in almost every Man's Face but Hannibal's, who still remain'd steady and unshaken, inciting 'em for∣ward till they arriv••d at a Place, which was a Rocky Precipice, where the Earth had lately fallen away to the depth of 1000 Foot; so that it was impossible to pass with Elephants or Horses. Whereupon he en∣deavour'd to bring his Men through other unknown

Ways; but finding the Snow had made 'em impassa∣ble, he was forc••d to betake himself to the levelling the Rock. In order to that, great Numbers of huge Trees were fell'd, and a mighty Pile made against it and set on fire; when the Rock was red-hot, they sof∣ten'd, and putrefy'd it with Vinegar, as Livy relates it, and then with wonderful Labour cleav'd it, lessen∣ing the Descent by such moderate Turnings, that not only the Beasts of Burden, but the Elephants also, might safely pass. Four Days indefatigable Toil was employ'd about this Rock, the Beasts the mean while being almost stary'd, having had very little Sustenance all that time. But coming lower, certain Valleys af∣forded Pasture, where the Cattel were refresh'd, and Rest allow'd the weary Soldiers. From thence Han∣nibal descended into the Plains, having been 15 Days in passing the Alps, it being now the 5th Month after his setting out from New Carthage, which was a City built by Asdrubal in Spain. At his arrival in the Country of the Insubres, he found his Army reduc'd to about 18000 Foot, and 6000 Horse, according to Polybius, having lost most of 'em upon the Alpes.

Scipio the Consul hearing of Hannibal••s March, ha∣sten'd to meet him, before his Men were well refresh••d. Both Armies met at Ticinum (now Pavia) in which Battel the Consul being Wounded, was sav••d by the great Valour of his young Son, afterwards call••d Afri∣canus, and in a few Hours was defeated, especially by the means of the Numidian Cavalry, who unex∣pectedly fell upon his Rear. Soon after this Defeat, Sempronius, the other Consul, out of Sicily, joyn••d Sci∣pio at the River Trebia. Sempronius having been suc∣cessful in some Skirmishes, resolv••d to give the Ene∣my Battel, before too many of the Gauls were joyn••d him, tho' Scipio was much against it, who was now laid up of his Wounds. Hannibal knowing the Gauls to be all at his Devotion, and finding his own Men fresh and vigorous, endeavour'd at nothing more

than a Battel. Upon the nigh Approach of these Armies Hannibal convey'd 1000 choice Horse into a private Place, and another Party he sent to brave the Romans before they cou'd provide against the Extremity of the Weather by Meat or Drink; so that engaging with Cold and Hunger, passing the River up to the Arm-pits, and being unexpectedly charg'd both in Front and Rear, they were intirely defeated, tho' not without great Slaughter of the E∣nemy, through whose Ranks 10000 desperately broke, and escap'd to Placentia, 26000 being either slain, taken or drown'd in the River. The Cartha∣ginians having done what they were able in pursuing, retir••d to their Camp so stupify'd with Cold, that they were scarcely sensible of their Victory; for Rain mixt with Snow, and intolerable Cold, kill'd many of their Men, and almost all their Beasts and Ele∣phants. Thus Hannibal was now as successful in his Battels, as before he had been daring in his Marches, the Romans never having met with a more formidable Enemy, or a more expert General.

II. The Loss of these two Battels caus'd the Ro∣mans to be more diligent in the Preparations for the next Campaign; for the Managing of which, C. Fla∣minius and Servilius Geminus were chosen Consuls: The former of these had a good Faculty of Speaking, but no great Skill in War. Hannibal having all this while kept in the Country of the Gauls, where he had recruited and strengthen'd his Army now resolved to change the Seat of the War, and march into Hetruria; and after some Consultation about the Way thither, he fixt upon that of the Fens, as short and unexpected to the Enemy, tho' far more difficult to pass. Here they found a miserable Passage, being forc••d to march three or four Days and Nights through nothing but Water, without any Sleep or Rest, which sorely distress'd his Men; many of the Beasts were left dead in the Mud,

and the Hoofs came off the Horses Feet. Hannibal himself riding upon an Elephant, which was the on∣ly one left alive, escap'd with his Life, but got intolera∣ble Pains in his Eyes, and lost one of them entirely. Being at last arriv'd upon dry ground, and under∣standing Flaminius's fiery Temper, the better to en∣trap him, he pass'd by his Camp, and march'd farther into the Country, wasting it with Fire and Sword. This enrag'd Flaminius, who thought himself slighted and despis'd by the Enemy; and when he was advi∣sed by some To use great Caution, and not rashly pursue, especially by reason of the Enemies Cavalry, but above all things to stay for the Conjunction of his Collegue's Forces, he cou'd by no means bear their Words; but rising with all his Troops, he began his March, as if nothing had been more certain than the Victory, his Army being follow'd with a greater number of Rabble laden with Chains, Bonds, and the like, for the Prisoners and Booty.

Hannibal was now at a Lake call••d Thrasymene, nigh which were certain Mountains, and between them and the Lake was a narrow Passage leading to a Val∣ley just by encompass'd with a Ridge of Hills. These Hills Hannibal made choice of, placing and disposing his Men round about, so that when Flaminius follow'd him into the Valley, he was immediately hemm••d in, and attack'd on all sides, to the cutting off of his whole Army, and the loss of his own Life; and this was done almost before they cou••d see who engag••d 'em, by reason of a Mist which was risen from the Lake. About 15000 of the Romans fell in the Valley, and 6000 escap'd to a Village, where they were forc••d to yield themselves Prisoners. Hannibal gathering all his Prisoners together, to the number of 15000, kept the Romans, but dismiss'd the Latins without Ran∣some; and he sought also for the Consul••s Body to bury it, but cou'd not find it. Servilius the other Consul, who lay at Ariminum, having Intelligence

of Hannibal's March into Hetruria, with all speed de∣tach'd a Party of 4000 Men, commanded by Centi∣nius, to joyn Flaminius, if possible, before the Battel. Hannibal hearing of this Supply, immediately after his Victory, detach••d out a sufficient Party under Mahar∣bal, who cut off one half of the Romans, and forc••d the rest to a Hill, where they yielded themselves Prisoners.

The Romans were now in a great Consternation at these vast Losses, and upon mature Deliberation, they found it necessary to have a General with abso∣lute Authority; whereupon they resolv'd upon a Dictator, which was Fabius Maximus, a Person of ex∣traordinary Wisdom and Experience, in whom was a happy Mixture of Caution and Boldness. He made choice of Minutius Rufus for his Master of the Horse, who was of a Temper more hot and violent than himself. Having made what Preparations he was a∣ble, he set forward to meet Hannibal, with little In∣tention to fight him, but rather to wait his Motions, straiten his Quarters, and cut off his Provisions, which he knew wou'd be the most effectual way to ruin him, in a Country so far from his own. He always encamp'd on the highest Grounds, free from the In∣sults of the Enemies Cavalry, still keeping pace with 'em; when they march••d he follow••d ••em; when they encamp'd he did the same, but at such a distance as not to be forc••d to engage; by which means he gave them no Rest, but kept 'em in a continual Alarum. This cautious way of proceeding, which got him the Name of Cunctator, made Most Men sus∣pect his Courage, except Hannibal himself, who was extreamly troubled and inrag'd at it, using all possible Artifices to make Fabius and his Actions become de∣spicable; sometimes by braving him in his Camp, and other times by wasting the Country round him. Soon after, Hannibal designing for Casinum, was by a mistake Conducted to Casilinum nigh Campania,

where entring a Valley inviron'd with Mountains, Fabius detach••d 4000 Choice Men who possess••d them∣selves of the Entrance, and with another Party cut off 800 of his Rear, putting his whole Army into some disorder. Hannibal finding himself block'd up, and in a dangerous Condition, one Night he ordered small Fagots and lighted Torches to be ty'd to the Horns of 2000 Oxen, which by their tossing their Horns and scattering the Fires, so frighted the Party that guarded the Entrance, that they quitted their Posts; and by this Stratagem, Hannibal drew off his Army, and escap'd, tho' with considerable Damage to his Rear.

This Action, tho' excellently well manag'd by Fa∣biu's procur'd many Complaints against him, and Han∣nibal to improve their Hatred, ravag••d the Country about, but carefully spar'd Fabius••s Lands, to render him suspected of a secret Correspondence with him. These Suspicions, and Fabius's want of Courage, as his Men believ••d, prov'd so prejudicial to him, that in his Absence soon after, Minutius his Master of the Horse, having skirmish'd with some Success, procur'd so much Favour from the Multitude, that his Power was made equal with the Dictator's; which was a thing beyond all Example. Minutius was so exalted with his late Successes and this new Honour, that he resolv'd, contrary to all the Perswasions of Fabius, to engage Hannibal with his Part of his Army, which he did; where he was cunningly drawn in by Hanni∣bal to a disadvantageous Place, and was in great dan∣ger of being intirely defeated, when Fabius, who had been a careful Observer of this Action from an Eminence in his Camp, came in, and falling upon the Enemy with extraordinary Skill and Courage, soon forc'd 'em to retreat, and sav'd Minutius. Hannibal, after this Battel, told his Friends, That he thought the Cloud which had so long hover'd upon the Mountains wou'd some time break upon 'em with a Storm. As for Minu∣tius,

he was so far convinc'd of his former Rashness, that he confess'd his Errour to Fabius, whom he now call'd his Father, and renouncing his new Power a∣gain, subjected his Office freely to the Dictatorship.

Soon after Fabius's time was expir••d, a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia for a new Election of Consuls, which was Veturius Philo, and Pomponius Ma∣tho was his Master of the Horse. The new Consuls were Aemilius Paulus and Terentius Varro, the former a prudent experienc••d Person, the latter a hot, rash, and inconsiderate Man. These had gather'd together an Army of 80000 Foot and 6000 Horse, which gave great Hopes to the People, but rais••d as great Fears in some of the wiser sort, especially Fabius, who with all the powerful Arguments imaginable advis'd Aemilius, To beware of the Policy of Hannibal, and the Rashness of Varro. Both Armies met at a Village in Apulia call'd Cannae, where Varro resolv'd to engage contrary to Aemilius's Advice, the Enemy being a∣bout 40000 Foot and 20000 Horse. This Battel was fought with dreadful Fury on both sides, and Han∣nibal had plac'd his Men with all possible Skill and Art, so that the Romans were not only forc'd to fight with Wind, Dust, and Sun, but pressing forwards, were in a little time almost surrounded. In short, the Abilities of the Punick General at this time were more apparent than ever, who more over-match'd them in Skill than they exceeded him in Numbers, making a most miserable Slaughter of the Romans, till quite wearied out, he commanded his Soldiers to give over. Aemilius was found desperately wounded by Lentulus a Colonel, who offer'd him his Horse to fly; but the Consul with weeping Eyes desired him to make use of it himself, and go tell Fabius that he had follow'd his Directions to the last, but Fate had conquer'd him: and then falling among the dead Bodies, he expir••d. In this Battel the Romans lost 50000 Men. Po∣lybius says, 70000, 2 Quaestors, 21 Tribunes, 80 of Sena∣torian

Order, and so many Equites or Knights, that 'tis said that three Bushels of their Rings were sent to Carthage; the Enemy having lost but 5700 Men.

Never was any thing so terrible and dreadful to Rome as the News of this fatal Defeat; never was the City so sadly fill'd with Terrour and Tumult; and never was a more universal Mourning and Lamen∣tation throughout all the Streets, than at this time. The Citizens were all in an Uproar and Consternati∣on, and the Senators themselves in great Trouble and Confusion, being extreamly disturb'd in their De∣bates by the dismal Outcries of miserable Women tea∣ring their Hair and beating their Breasts after a sad and deplorable manner. A Dictater upon this was created, which was M. Iunius, his Master of the Horse being T. Sempronius, and Order was immediately gi∣ven to keep all the Women from coming abroad into the Streets, the Senators themselves going from House to House to comfort and appease 'em what they cou'd. Great Care was likewise taken to set strict Guards at the Gates, to keep all Persons from abandoning the City; and to make all People see, That there cou'd be no possible Mean••s of preserving themselves, but by brave∣ly defending the Walls. In a short time Varro arriv••d at Rome with the weak and tatter'd Relicts of his Army; and tho' he had been the principal Cause of this De∣feat, yet the Romans, out of an extraordinary Great∣ness of Mind, went out to meet him in Multitudes, and the Senate return'd him Thanks, for that he had not despair'd of the Commonwealth. Notwithstanding the vast Losses sustain'd by Hannibal, and the Revolt of a great part of Italy immediately after this last De∣feat, the Romans wou'd never so much as mention Peace; Whereas, as Livy says, No Nation under Hea∣ven but wou'd have fainted, and have suffer'd themselves to have been overwhelm'd and crush'd with the weight of so mighty a Disaster.

III. Thus far was Hannibal extraordinary success∣ful; and had he made the best use of this his last Victo∣ry by marching directly to Rome, he might in all Probability have put an end to the War and Roman State at once; but this great Soldier, as Maharbal Captain of his Horse told him, knew perfectly how to gain a Victory, but not how to use and improve it. For his careless manner of proceeding that Summer, gave the Romans an Opportunity of Recovering themselves when they were almost reduc'd to a despairing Con∣dition: And now they were inspir'd with new Cou∣rage, and new Resolutions of prosecuting the War without Fainting; making all possible Preparations for another Campaign, arming of several thousands of Slaves, and filling up the Senate, which wanted 177 Persons: This last was done by Fabius Buteo a Dictator, created for that purpose, without any Master of the Horse, and that before the last Dictator was out of Office who was then abroad. But that which prov••d most fatal to Hannibal, was, his Wintering in Capua, a most wealthy and luxurious City, which among many other Places had surrender••d it self to him since his last Victory. He••••••e utterly spoil••d an excellent and hardy Army, which now was so enfeebled and enervated by their immoderate Use of the Pleasures and Effeminateness of that Place, that ever after his Men became impatient of Labour and the ancient Military Discipline; So that Capua became a Cannae to Hannibal••s Soldiers. And now Hannibal's Fortune be∣gan to change; for in the next Campaign, he was worsted in a Sally out of Nola by Marcellus the Praetor, and repuls'd at Casilinum after he had brought the Place to great Extremities; and not long after Marcellus gave him a considerable Repulse nigh Nola, which gave the Romans mighty Hopes of farther Successes.

In Spain the Scipio's manag••d the War with great Success, overthrowing Hanno and gaining much

Ground, and likewise defeating Asdrubal, who but just before had been order'd by the Senate of Carthage to go for Italy and joyn Hannibal; which Design by this means was broke. In Sicily and Sardinia, tho' se∣veral Attempts were made by the Carthaginians, and some Revolts hapned, yet Affairs succeeded prospe∣rously especially in Sardinia, where a Battel was fought, and 12000 Carthaginians, kill'd, and many taken Prisoners, among whom were Asdrubal, Hanno, and Mago, all Persons of the highest Quality. Rome now had the Misfortune of having Enemies on all sides of her, and in all Parts of her Dominions and Terri∣tories, so that the Vigour and Diligence of her Inha∣bitants was certainly very admirable in sending Re∣cruits and Supplies into Spain, Sicily, and Sardinia, those distant Countries, with the same Care as against Hannibal himself. But what is a greater Instance of the Roman Courage and Magnanimity, is their pro∣claiming War with Philip King of Macedon in Greece, not long after their dreadful Defeat at Cannae, for his making a League with Hannibal, and their venturing to invade his Dominion, which they did with good Success. About this time, Claudius Centho was crea∣ted Dictator for holding the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Consul's Ab∣sence for a new Election, and his Master of the Horse was Fulvius Flaccus.

The Affairs of Sicily were in a little time alter'd by the Death of Hiero King of Syracuse, and the Mur∣der of his Grandson Hieronymus not long after, which caus'd great Factions in that City. The prevailing Faction proving Enemies to Rome, Marcellus was sent thither, who besieg••d the great City of Syracuse by Sea and Land, but cou'd not storm it with all his Power, being perpetually hinder'd by the great Skill and Inventions of that excellent Mathematician Ar∣chimed••s, who contriv'd such Engines as wou••d cast Stones of prodigious Bulk upon the Romans, and vast Beams upon their Ships, and dismount all their Bat-Battering

Engines. He also set the Roman Ships up∣on one end, or overturn'd them, or hois'd 'em up into the Air, and after all the Men were fallen out, let 'em fall upon the Walls; by which means he became so formidable to the Romans, that Marcellus was forc'd to remove to a farther Distance, Jeering his own Engi∣neers, and calling Archimedes, Briareus. After some considerable Actions in Sicily, and after Three Years Siege, Marcellus found means to surprize the City on a great Festival of theirs, by reason of an Ill-guarded Tower, and so became Master of it. Marcellus cou'd not forbear his Tears at the Destruction of such a glo∣rious and Magnificent City, which he endeavour'd, but could not prevent; but above all, the Death of Ar∣chimedes was the greatest Trouble to him; for he had given strict Command to his Men to preserve him. But this great Artist was at that time so extreamly Bu∣sie about his Mathematical Speculations, that he took no Notice of the Noise and Uproar in the City, and so was kill'd by a Common Soldier before he suspect∣ed any Danger. His Body was honourably bury'd by Marcellus's Order, and vast Plunder was obtain'd by the Soldiers, besides many rich Works and great Rare∣ties sent to Rome, the City being full of People, and 22 Miles in Compass.

The Wars in Italy were manag'd the same time with various Success, Hannibal had Tarentum betray'd to him, the Castle still holding out; and the Romans invested Capua, straitning it so much, that they were forc'd to send to Hannibal for Relief. He made no great haste to relieve 'em, being very desirous to take the Castle first; but then co••sidering how great a Disgrace the loss of such a Place as Capua wou'd be, he broke up the Siege of Tarentum, and directed his March thither. Hannibal attack'd the Romans in their Trenches; and tho' he was assisted both by the Inhabitants and his own Garrison, he was repell'd with considerable Loss. Finding the Relief of the

Place extream hazardous, he resolv'd to fall upon Rome it self, expecting that the very Name of such an Enterprize wou'd oblige 'em to raise the Siege; for which Reason he March'd directly that way. His Designs being heard of at Rome, the Citizens were variously inclin'd as to their Way of Security, some thinking all the Forces in Italy were to be sent for; but Fabius wou'd by no means hear of rising from before Capua: therefore a middle Way was taken, which was, to send for Fulvius the Proconsul from the Siege with 15000 Foot and 1000 Horse for the De∣fence of Rome; which was speedily effected, Hannibal being now encamp'd about eight Miles from the City.

Hannibal in a short time decamp'd, and advanc'd to the River Arno, three Miles from Rome, from whence with a Party of 2000 Horse he went to take a View of the City. Flaccus, much offended that he shou'd take such Liberty without Opposition, sent out a con∣siderable Body of Horse, which falling upon him, forc'd him to retreat. The next Day, and the Day following, Hannibal on one side, and Flaccus with the Consuls on the other, drew out all their Forces for a General Battel; but on both those Days there fell such great Storms of Hail and Rain, that the Ar∣mies cou'd not joyn; but after they had retir'd to their Camps, the Weather prov••d fair and calm. This struck the Carthaginians with a Religious Awe, and made Hannibal to say, That one while his Mind, ano∣ther time his Fortune, wou'd not suffer him to become Ma∣ster of that mighty City. Whereupon he decamp'd, and March'd to the River Turia, from thence to the Lake of Feronia, where he plunder••d a Temple of that Goddess, proceeding in this outrageous Manner through the Countries of the Lucani and Brutii; which Cruelty lost him much Credit, and did him as much Injury. Flaccus return'd to the Siege of Capua, which soon after was surrender'd, the Heads of the Revolt

being put to death, and the common sort sold. This City, being situated in so good a Soil, was reserv'd for the Use of all sorts of Plowmen, Labourers and Arti∣ficers, without any Shew of Government of its own as it had formerly. This happen'd in the 7th Year of this War, and 54••d of the City.

In Spain, the War had been carry'd on all this time with great Vigour, the Romans being generally Con∣querours, killing in one Battel 3••000 Men; but in this last Year, Claudius Nero the Governour of Spain was much impos'd upon by the Treachery of Asdru∣bal, and another Governour was order'd to succeed him, both the Scipio's having been slain not long be∣fore in Spain. A Comitia was held for the creating a Proconsul for Spain, but none appear'd to stand for that Office, well perceiving the Hazards and Difficul∣ties of such a War, which caus••d a great Concern and Sadness among the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Whereupon young Sci∣pio, a Noble Youth, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 24 Years of Age, bravely stood up, and profess'd ••••••self Candidate, having the Year before been 〈…〉〈…〉, tho' under Age, by the great Favour and C••••••ence of the People. This Scipio was Son to the Consul slain in Spain, a Person of rare and wonderful Abilities for his Age, of extra∣ordinary Courage and Valour, and of as eminent Pru∣dence and Vertue; which excellent Accomplishments made him joyfully accepted of by the Votes of all; but after he was chosen, they began to have some Concern upon the Account of his Youth; which he apprehending, call'd 'em together, and with such a noble Spirit and great Resolution promis'd 'em Suc∣cess, that they departed abundantly satisfied with their Choice.

The following Year after Scipio's Voyage to Spain, Valerius Laevinus, who had done good Service against Philip of Macedon, was made Consul a second time, and sent into Sicily; where taking the City Agrigentum, he soon reduc'd the whole Island, which was the

first time the Romans became Masters of all Sicily; and this fell out in the 8th Year of this War, and 544th of the City. In the time of Laevinus's Consulship, a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia for a new Election, both he and his Collegue Marcellus being abroad: this was Fulvius Flaccus, and his Ma∣ster of the Horse was Licinius Crassus. In this Election Fabius Maximus was chosen Consul a Fifth time, in which Year Tarentum was Betray'd into his hands, the Success of this Campaign proving very doubtful and various; and in this same Year was a Lustration, where were found but 137108 Free Citizens; by which Account it appears, what great Losses the Ro∣mans had sustained by these Dreadful Wars. Marcel∣lus for this Year sometimes won and sometimes lost with Hannibal; and the following was made Consul a Fifth time, when, going against Hannibal, he was slain in an Ambuscade; a Valiant Soldier, who was call••d the Sword, as Fabius 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Buckler, of Rome. His Collegue Crispinus also 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Wound, which in a little time kill••d him, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 nominated a Dicta∣tor for holding the Comiti•••••• new Election, which was Manlius Torquatus, his Master of the Horse being C. Servilius.

The following Year, Asdrubal was order'd to leave Spain and go for Italy to the Assistance of his Brother Hannibal. Whereupon Livius the Consul was order'd to meet and oppose him, whilst his Collegue Nero observ'd the Motions of Hannibal: but Nero having met with some Success against Hannibal, made a choice Detachment of 6000 Foot, and 1000 Horse, and with great Secrecy and as great Expedition, March••d to∣wards his Collegue. Having joyn'd him, they sur∣rounded Asdrubal, who by the Treachery of his Guides had led him into a dangerous Place, and cut him and his whole Army in pieces. Nero immediately return••d to his Camp, and before Hannibal knew of his Departure, cast his Brother's Head in his Camp; by which, to his

great Grief, he knew of his Defeat. At the finishing of this Consulship, a Dictator was created for the hold∣ing of the Comitia for a new Election, the Consuls be∣ing both in the Field, which was Livius Salinator, his Master of the Horse being Caecilius Metellus. The Year after this, Scipio, after the obtaining many great Victo∣ries, and the performing many noble Exploits in Spain, wholly reduc'd that Country to the Obedience of Rome; having taken or driven out all the Carthagini∣an Commanders, and gain'd as much Reputation by his Mild, Sweet, and Generous Temper, as he did by his Courageous and Valiant Acts. This happen'd Five Years after his undertaking this Charge, and Twelve after the Beginning of this War.

IV. The Romans now found themselves in a much better Condition than they were at the Beginning of these Wars, especially by the happy Reduction of two such considerable Provinces as Spain and Sicily, which had been great Diversions to ••em; but still Hannibal, in the Bowels of Italy, was a severe Curb, and a grie∣vous Burden to ••em; upon which, Scipio, at his Re∣turn, being made Consul at 29 Years of Age, greatly desired to be sent into Africk, as the most effectual Means to finish the War; declaring to the Senate, That he doubted not but to manage Affairs so, as that the Carthaginians should be forc••d to recall Hannibal out of Italy for the Defence of his own Country. Fabius most earnestly and with some Heat, oppos'd this, and thereupon a considerable Difference arose; but at length Sicily was granted him for his Province, and Leave given him to pass over into Africk, if he saw it convenient for the Common-wealth. All the first Year he spent in Sicily, in providing Necessaries for his Expedition; at the end of which, a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia for a new Election of Consuls, namely, Caecilius M••tellus, his Master of the Horse being Veturius Philo: The next Lustrum being

soon after, 215000 Free Citizens were Cess••d, which was 77892 more than at the last; a happy Encrease for Five Years time. This same Year, which was the 14th of this War, Scipio arriv'd at Africk with a brave Fleet, where Masanissa King of Numidia, who had joyn'd with him in Spain, came in to his Assist∣ance.

Scipio was not long in Africk without Employment, for in a short time Hanno oppos••d him, and was slain himself with 3000 of his Men; which so encourag'd Scipio, that he immediately Invested Utica: but Sy∣phax King of Numidia, who had dispossess'd Masanis∣sa of his Kingdom, Marching with the Carthaginians to relieve the Place, Scipio broke up the Siege, and de∣parted to his Winter Quarters. But in the Winter he again Invested Utica; and understanding that the E∣nemy was encamp'd not far off, he sent his ablest Soldiers, in the Habits of Slaves, with his Commissio∣ners, to view their Camp. This done, he suddenly set Fire to their Coverings of Mats, Reeds, dry Boughs and the like; which they not suspecting, but thinking it came by Accident, were cut in pieces in the midst of the Hurry and Confusion, to the Numberof 40000 Men, 6000 being taken Prisoners. Not long after he gave them another great Overthrow, which so ter∣rify'd the Carthaginians, that they were oblig••d to recall their great Champion Hannibal out of Italy, who him∣self likewise had been in declining condition for a considerable time. An Embassage was immediately dis∣patch'd to Rome, with a Design to obtain a Ces••ation of Arms till Hannibal cou'd safely retire from Italy: But their Aim being sufficiently understood, their Message was slighted, and came to no Effect.

During these Endeavours, Syphax, finding his King∣dom wou'd probably return to Masanissa, the True Inheritor, had gather'd together a Numerous Army of Unexperienc'd Strangers, and with them March'd against Scipio, but was soon defeated, and himself ta∣ken

Prisoner. Masanissa, the better to regain his Kingdom, March'd with all speed to Cirta the Chief City, and by shewing them the King in Bonds, pro∣cur'd the Gates to be open'd, every one striving to gain the Favour of him, who, as they perceiv'd, wou'd be their King. Among the rest, Queen So∣phonisba, Syphax••s Wife, a Woman of incomparable Beauty, who very earnestly and humbly besought him, That she might not be deliver'd up into the hands of the Romans. Her Powerful Charms so recommend∣ed her Suit, that young Masanissa forthwith granted it; and the more effectually to perform his Promise, Marry'd her himself that Day. This Action was much disapprov••d of by Scipio at his Arrival soon af∣ter, letting him to understand, That the Romans had a Title to her Head, as being their Captive, one of their greatest Enemies, and the Principal Cause of all Syphax's Treachery. Upon this therefore, Masanissa, in despe∣rate Passion, sent her a Bowl of Poyson; at the re∣ceiving of which she only said, That if her Husband had no better Token to send to his new Wife, she must ac∣cept of that; adding, That her Death had been more ho∣nourable, if her Marriage had been farther from it; and so boldly drank it oft. Scipio, the better to comfort the Melancholy Prince, had him immediately Pro∣claim••d King of Numidia, with the greatest Pomp and Solemnity that cou••d be expected, having now setled him in his Throne without any farther Oppo∣sition.

V. Hannibal had now made his greatest and utmost Efforts in Italy, and had perform'd more than any o∣ther Commander, when he was recall'd by his Supe∣riours; and with great Concern and Reluctancy was forc'd to quit that Country, after he had spent 15 Years in it with various Fortune. He complain'd much of his Senate, and of Himself: of his Senate, because they had so badly supply••d him with Money

and other Necessaries, when he had been so long in an Enemies Country: of Himself, for giving the Romans time to recover themselves, after he had so often o∣verthrown 'em. It is said likewise, that before he Embark'd, he built an Arch nigh the Temple of Iuno Lacinia, where, in Punick and Greek Letters, he wrote the Sum of his great Exploits. Then putting to Sea in a Melancholy Temper, having lost both his Brothers, Asdrubal and Mago, and a great many of his best Men, he Landed in a few Days at Leptis; from whence he March'd to Adrumetum, and next to Zama, five Days Journey from Carthage. A General Satisfaction was in Rome for his Departure; for never was a General more dreaded by ••em: and much about that time a Dictator was created for holding the Comitia for a new Election of Consuls, Sulpicius Galba being the Person, and Servilius Geminus his Master of the Horse.

Hannibal now lying encamp'd near Zama, and Sci∣pio not far from him, the former beginning to consi∣der the declining Estate of his Country, desir••d a Meeting with Scipio to Treat of a Peace, which was granted. In a large Plain between the Two Armies, the Two Greatest Generals in the World came to an Enterview; but receiving mutually no satisfaction, e∣specially for that Scipio had upbraided the Carthagini∣ans with a late Breach of Truce and Violation of Am∣bassadours, they return'd to decide the Controversie by the Sword. Never was a more Memorable Bat∣tel fought, whether we regard the Generals, the Ar∣mies, the Two States that Contended, or the Impor∣tance of the Victory. Both the Generals shew••d ad∣mirable Skill in placing their Men, and chusing their Ground, as well as extraordinary Courage in Charg∣ing and Falling on, letting their Soldiers to under∣stand, That this Battel must shew whether Rome or Carthage should give Laws to the World. Hannibal, tho' he behav'd himself most gallantly, and with all

the true Management of such an Expert Comman∣der, was at last overcome by Scipio, who slew 20000, and took as many Prisoners. Whereupon Hannibal perswaded his Country-men to beg Peace, and Am∣bassadours were immediately dispatch'd to Rome for that Purpose; a little before whose Arrival, a Dicta∣tor was created for holding the Comitia for Election of Consuls; and this was C. Servilius, his Master of the Horse being Ailius Paetus.

The Power of concluding Peace was by the Peo∣ple decreed to Scipio and Ten others, and was at last agreed to upon these Articles; First, That the Cartha∣ginians should enjoy all their Territories in Africk; but that the Romans should hold Spain, with all the Islands in the Mediterranean: Secondly, That all Rebels and Deserters should be deliver'd up to the Romans: Third∣ly, That the Carthaginians should deliver up all the beak'd Ships, except Ten Triremes, with all their Tam'd E∣lephants, and Tame no more: Fourthly, That it should be unlawful for 'em to make War in Africk, or elsewhere without Leave from Rome: Fifthly, That they should r estore all to Masanissa, and enter into Alliance with him: Sixthly, That they should give Money and Corn to the Roman Troops, till the Return of the Ambassadors: And Seventhly, That they should Pay 10000 Talents of Sil∣ver in 50 Years time, and give 100 Hostages for the Per∣formance of all. Thus ended the Second Punick, or Carthaginian War, in the 1••th Year of it, to the great Satisfaction of Rome, and the greater Renown of Sci∣pio, who, besides a most Splendid Triumph, obtain••d the Honourable Surname of Africanus. It was Seven Years shorter, tho' far more Bloody and Dangerous than the First Punick War, and ended in the 55••d Year of the City, A. M. 3804, in the 4th Year of the 144th Olympiad, 308 Years since the Beginning of the Consular State, 189 since the Burning of the City by the Gauls, 129 since the Beginning of the Macedo∣nian Empire by Alexander, and 199 before our Savi∣our's Nativity.

CHAP. XI.

From the End of the Second Punick War, to the End of the Third, and the Destruction of Car∣thage; when Rome got free from all her Rival States.

Containing the Space of 55 Years.

I. THese Wars, though they had been very dange∣rous, almost to the Ruin of the Roman State, ended much to the Advantage of it, both as to its Honour and Dominion, as well as its Experience and Knowledge. The Romans began more and more to know the Use of Riches, and Arts and Learning dai∣ly encreas'd as they became more acquainted with the Gr••ecians. For much about this time flourish'd Ennius, Licinius Tegula, and Caecilius, all Dramatick Poets; the Romans being much delighted with such Spectacles, as well as those more cruel ones of Gla∣diators, Fightings with wild Beasts, &c. The finishing of these late Wars much eas'd the Romans, but still they were employ'd abroad; for immediately after began, or rather went on, the Macedonian War against King Philip, the first Occasion being given soon after the great Battel of Cannae, upon his entrance into an Alliance with Hannibal, as was said before. But now the Romans having a good Opportunity, and not with∣out Provocation as well by his Breach of Faith with the Aetolians and other Roman Allies in those Parts, as by his Supplies long before sent to Hannibal, and at the earnest Request of the Athenians, as well as the Complaints of Attalus King of Pergamus and the Rho∣dians, proclaim••d War against him a-new.

This Philip King of Macedon was one of Alexander's Successors, being the Tenth King after him, and a Powerful Prince in Greece. Against him Sulpicius

Galba the Consul was sent, who by Himself and his Lieutenant, put him to the worst divers times, and had almost taken him Prisoner. By the Assistance of At∣talus and the Rhodians, the Consul rais'd the Siege of Athens; whereupon the Aetolians, before backward enough by reason of their Magistrates, and the Athe∣nians now newly encourag••d, invaded Philip's Domi∣nions, but being too slothful and careless, were easily repulsed by him. This same Year obtain'd Furius the Praetor a great Victory over the Gauls, who had lately revolted and invested Cremona, killing 30000 Men, and with them Amilcar a Carthaginian Captain. For this Action, after much Dispute in the Senate, he Tri∣umph••d, tho' against the Custom, and without Prece∣dent; for none ever obtain••d this Honour, who had gotten a Victory with another's Army, as he had done with Aurelius Cotta's the Consul, in his Absence, who therefore took the Matter very hainously. The Year following, Bebius the Praetor entring unadvisedly into the Territories of the Insubrian Gauls, was surrounded, and lost above 6600 of his Men; in this Year there was but small Action in Macedonia.

In the third Year of the Macedonian War, Quintus Flaminius the Consul was sent thither, who using great Expedition and Diligence, beat Philip out of the Streights, where he had been very advantageously po∣sted; and by Sea his Brother Lucius, with Attalus, re∣gain'd several Confederate Towns, and Invested Co∣rinth it self, but with no Success. The latter end of this Year, by reason of the great Business of the Com∣mon-wealth, the Praetors in Rome were encreas'd from Four to Six; and now the time coming for the Electi∣on of Consuls, and it being usual for them to take the Provinces from their Predecessors, the Tribunes rightly objected, That this Custom hinder'd the Progress of the Wars, and so procur'd Quintius's Government and Place to be continu'd to him, who being just upon taking the Castle of Opus, Messengers came from Philip about

a Treaty. Several times they met, as they formerly had done at the Streights, the Ambassadors of Attalus, the Rhodians and Athenians being present, but all came to no Effect. Philip soon after delivering up Argos into the hands of Nabis Tyrant of Lacedaemon, who us'd the Inhabitants with great Cruelty and intolerable Exactions. But Quintius, managing his Affairs with good Success, at last follow'd Philip into Thessaly, and gave him a great Overthrow at Cynocephalae, killing 8000, and taking 5000 Prisoners; so that he was for∣ced to beg Peace, which was granted upon Terms moderate, enough: one of the Articles was, That he should pay 1000 Talents, half at present, and the other half in the space of ten Years.

About this same time, two great Victories were obtain••d over the Gauls; and the Slaves in Hetraria breaking into a dangerous Rebellion, were quell••d stand chastis'd by Attilius the Praetor. And now the Ro∣mans, out of a Principle of Generokty, resolv••d to re∣store Liberty to the Cities of Greece which they had ta∣ken in this War; and for that Reason, ten Men of the chiefest Quality were sent over thither, Flaminius be∣ing the principal. These Commissioners went to the great Solemnity of the Isthmian Games, were was a general Meeting of all Greece to behold those Shows; and there, in the Name of the Senate and People of Rome, they publickly proclaim'd Liberty to all the Ci∣ties and People of Greece. This was the most surprizing and most joyful thing in the World to these People, who scarce so much as imagin'd, much less expected, the Favour. Many Speeches were made in Praise of the Roman Greatness and Generosity, particularly, That at last, there was a People in the World, born for the Safety of all others, that cross'd Seas and made Wars at their own Cost and Peril, to relieve the Oppress'd, to establish Laws, and cause them to be observ'd, and to maintain the publick Security throughout the whole Earth. And this was the end of the first Macedonian War, which happen'd five

Years after it was last proclaim'd, and twenty after it first began.

II. The Year following after the War, some Distur∣bances were rais'd in the City concerning the Oppian Law; a Law preferr••d by Oppius, tribune of the People, soon after the Defeat at Cannae, forbidding women to were Gold or Purple, and some other Ornaments. This Law the present Tribunes endeavouring to abrogates, Affairs being chang••d and the Occasion remov'd, were violently oppos••d by Porcius Cato the Consul, a Fa∣mous Moralest, who publickly and severely inveigh'd against the Females; but by reason of the tribunes answering him out of his own Book, but chiefly by means of the Womens tumultuous filling the streets and the Assemblies with their importunate Cries, it was at last annul'd. Cato then betook himself to Spain his own Province, where using Severity to himself as well as his Soldiers, he restored the Roman Discipline, in those Parts, and reduc'd many of the Spanish Nati∣ons who had lately revolted. The Romans had still Wars with the Gauls, who were joyn'd with their Neighbours the Ligurians: but they were not much burdensome to the State, nor such as hinder••d the Progress of Learning in the City. For about this time Plautus had many Plays acted at Rome with great Ap∣plause; and he it was that brought Comedy to its Per∣fection in this City, being a Person of a great Geni∣us, and a compleat Master of the Latin Tongue, which, tho' it was not arriv'd to its utmost Purity, had even then a masculine Strength and Energy which was ve∣ry excellent. The Romans were not without some Wars in Greece; for Nabis, lately mention••d, still op∣pos••d 'em, but was forc••d to submit in no long time: And about this time, Antiochus. King of Syria, by his Incroachments upon the Roman Allies, gave an Occa∣sion to the Romans to fall out with him; and this he did partly through his own Ambition and Hatred to

Rome, and partly by the Perswasions of Hannibal, who had been lately forc'd thither by the Ingratitude of his own Country-men. These Matters occasion'd Am∣bassies on both sides, but to no great Effect, till at last Antiochus proceeded so far into Greece it self, the Aetolians treacherously joyning with them, that the Romans after suitable Preparations, proclaim'd War a∣gainst him, which was five Years after the finishing the Macedonian War.

Antiochus as well as Philip was one of Alexander's Successors tho' of another Kingdom, and sirnam'd Magnus, being a very potent Prince, and Master of great Dominions, therefore the greater Preparations were made against him, and Acilius the Consul was sent into Greece to manage the War. Acilius easily recover'd those Places which Antiochus had possess••d himself of in Thessaly; then following that King to the Straigh•••• of Thermopylae, whither he had retir'd, he forc'd him out of his advantageous Post, and gave him such an Overthrow, that he immediately abandon••d all Greece, the Aetolians being left to the Mercy of the Conque∣rours. While Acilius perform'd these Acts in Greece, his Collegue Nasica got a notable Victory over the Boian Gauls in Italy, which entirely broke all their Power, Lucius Scipio and Laelius Nepos, being Consuls for the following Year, came according to Custom to divide the Provinces by Lot. Both were extreamly desirous to have Greece, and Laelius being in great Fa∣vour, offer'd to leave it to the Determination of the Senate, which Scipio was perswaded to assent to by his Brother Africanus. The Matter was wholly new, and the Senate expected many Speeches and Arguments on both sides, when Africanus standing up, told the Fathers, That if they wou'd decree Greece for his Bro∣ther's Province, he himself wou'd be his Legatus or Lieu∣tenant, at which there needed no other Argument; for it was immediately voted with Universal Consent and Applause, and Power given to Scipio to pass into Asia, if he saw it convenient.

In the mean time Antiochus lay at Ephesus in Asia, secure, as he imagin'd, of the Romans; but Hannibal who had advis'd him to invade Italy, told him, He ra∣ther admir'd they were not there already than, doubted of their coming, and procur'd the Forces to be sent for out of the further Provinces, and all the Ships that were ready, to secure the Passage of the Hellespont, where the Consul most probably wou'd pass. Perga∣mus, the Chief City of Eumenes the Friend of the Ro∣mans, was likewise invested, but the Siege was soon and Antiochus sent to Aemilius the Roman Admiral, now on those Coasts, about a Peace, but he disown'd all Power of concluding it without the Consul. Soon after, the Rhodians defeated his Admiral at Sea, which rais••d; was Hannibal, a Man out of his proper Element; and after that in a Fight with Aemilius, Eumenes and the Rhodians, he intirely lost the Command at Sea. Antiochus affrighted at this ill Fortune impru∣dently abandon'd Lysimachia, which might have kept the Consul in Action a Year longer; and, adding one piece of Indiscretion to another, suffer'd the Scipio's to pass the Hellespont into Asia without Oppo∣sition. This was the first time that the Romans got Foot∣ing in Asia, which so startl'd Antiochus, that he of∣fer••d to quit all Places in Europe and such Asia as were Friends of Rome, to pay half the Charges the Romans were at in this War; and rather than not obtain Peace, to part with a Portion of his own Kingdom.

The Ambassadors who carry'd these Proposals, us'd their utmost Endeavours to procure the Favour of A∣fricanus, offering him the Restitution of his Son who had been taken Prisoner, and many other great and honourable Advantages, if it cou'd be effected. But Africanus wou••d promise nothing more than only pri∣vate Offices of Kindness, modestly letting 'em to know, That since Antiochus was now in such a declining state, Peace was not probably to be purchas'd at so easie a Rate as formerly, Whereupon Antiochus made what

Provision he cou'd for a Battel; and Africanus falling sick soon after, to comfort him, and to gain his Fa∣vour, he sent him his Son without Ransom, upon which the other, in way of Requital, advis'd him not to engage with his Brother till he cou'd return to the Camp. Antiochus therefore; having received this Message, declin'd fighting what he cou'd, till Scipio the Consul press'd so hard upon him nigh Magnesia, that he was forc'd to draw out his Men to the Num∣ber of 70000 Foot and 12000 Horse. Scipio oppos'd him with a much less Army, but in a few Hours time entirely defeated him, where his own Chariots arm'd with Sithes, being driven back upon his own Men, contributed much to his Overthrow. Antioc••us now was glad to procure Peace of the Romans upon their own Terms, and Ambassadors were dispatch'd accordingly, where Africanus told 'em, That the Ro∣mans were never wont to insult over their conquer'd Ene∣mies, and therefore nothing should be requir'd of him more than formerly. The Terms were, To pay 15000 Ta∣lents of Eubaea for the Expences of the War; to quit all their Possessions in Europe, and likewise all Asia on this side Mount Taurus; to deliver up Hannibal and other Incendiaries; and to give 20 Hostages for securing the Peace. Thus ended the War with Antiochus the Great, much to the Advantage of Rome, within two Years time or less, twelve Years after the second Punick War, Luci∣us Scipio having gain'd the Surname of Asiaticus, as his Brother had of Africanus.

III. The Romans had now but little Employment abroad besides chastising the Aetolians in Greece, which was soon effected by Manlius Scipio's Collegue; and by the same Consul an Expedition was underta∣ken against the Gallo Graecians or Galatians in Asia with good Success; but Luxury and Idleness was first brought into Rome by his Army out of Asia The same Year the Census being perform'd, 258328 Free

Citizens were cess'd. In the third Year after the en∣ding of the War with Antiochus, Scipio Africanus was maliciously accus'd of defrauding the Treasury of the Booty taken in the War and of too nigh a Correspon∣dence with Antiochus, and of Matters of the like Na∣ture. Some write that his Accusers were incited to it by Cato, who hated him for his being frequently saluted King in Spain by the Inhabitants there, and occasion'd him to have a Day set him by the Tribunes to answer it before the People. The Day of Hearing being come, and the Tribunes having taken their Pla∣ces in the Rostra, this great Man enter'd the Assembly with a mighty Train of Friends and Clients, all the People having their Eyes, fix'd upon him with Admi∣ration. Silence being made, he with an undaunted Bravery put on his Triumphal Crown and with the Voice of a Conqueror cry'd, This very Day, O Ro∣mans! I did overcome the fierce Hannibal, and vanquish the powerful Carthaginians, therefore let us lay aside pri∣vate Contests, and go as many as can to the Capitol, to Thank the Gods for giving me the Will and Power of d••ing such eminent Services for my Country. Whereupon go∣ing up to the Capitol, the Whole Assembly follow••d him, as also to all the Temples in the City, insomuch that the very Viat••rs and Clerks left the Tribunes alone, who from Accusers were turn'd Admirers.

Shortly after, the Tribunes accus'd him in the Senate-House, and desir'd he might be brought to his An∣swer. Scipio boldly rising up, produc'd his Books of Accounts, and ••ore 'em in pieces before 'em all, dis∣daining to give an Account for so small a Matter, in com∣parison of those vast Summs be himself had brought into the Treasury. The next Day of Appearance he absented himself, and his Brother declaring his Indisposition, he was excus••d, and another Day appointed; before which time, he withdrew himself to Linternum a Sea-Town of Campania, and there liv••d a Retir••d Life. In his Absence the Tribunes were very violent against

him; yet, through the Interposition of Gracchus, one of 'em, he was not Condemn'd. His Brother Asiati∣cus was shortly after call'd to an Account about Mat∣ters of the same nature, but by Gracchus's means like∣wise escap'd Publick Punishment. The Year follow∣ing, many Scandalous Abuses of the Feasts of Bacchus were strictly enquir'd into and reform'd. Three Years after which, the Great Africanus dy'd, who, according to Val. Maximus, order'd, Ingrata Patria ne ossa quidem mea habes to be engraven on his Tomb, My Ungrate∣ful Country shall have none of my Remains. This same Year was Remarkable for the Death of Two other Famous Men, Philopoemen, Captain of the Achaeans in Greece, and Hannibal; the latter of which had fled to several Places to escape falling into the hands of the Romans, and at last to Prusias King of Bithynia, who, out of Fear, was about delivering him up, when Han∣nibal took Poyson, which, 'tis said, he carry'd about him in his Ring, first Invoking the Gods of Hospitality as Witnesses of the Violated Faith of King Prusias, and upbraid∣ing the present Romans with degenerating from their An∣cestors, who had honourably prevented the Murder of their Mortal Enemy Pyrrhus, whereas these had basely sent to Prusias to Murder his Guest and Friend.

The Romans were for about 12 Years after this chiefly employ'd in Wars with their Neighbours the Ligurians and Istrians, with the Sardinians and Corsicans, and likewise with the Celtiberians in Spain, all which they reduc'd to Subjection. In which space of time the Works of Numa Pompilius, the Second King of Rome, after they had been Buried in a Stone Chest 535 Years, were taken up and Burnt by Order of Senate; and in a Lustration not long after, 273244. Free Citizens were Cess'd. About Two Years after this, Pers••us King of Macedon, the Son of Philip, invi∣ted by his Father••s Preparations before his Death, and pleas'd with his own Strength and Imaginary Succes∣ses, renounc'd the League made with the Romans, and

so began the Second Macedonian War, 25 Years after the finishing of the First, and 18 after that with Antio∣chus. Upon this, Quintus Marcius and others were sent into Greece to secure and establish the Confede∣rates in their Fidelity; which made Perseus begin to reflect upon what he had done▪ and understanding the Motions and Preparations of the Romans, he ap∣ply'd himself to Marcius about a Treaty for Peace, re∣lying upon the Ancient Friendship between their two Families. The Ambassadors were well satisfy'd with this Opportunity, and to divert him from Action, granted him Truce till he might send to Rome; for without this, he might have began the War much to the Disadvantage of the Romans, who had neither Ar∣my nor Commander yet arriv••d in Grecce.

The Senate deny'd him Peace, and Attilius the Con∣sul was sent to seize upon Larissa the Chief City of Thessaly: Whereupon Perseus drew all his Forces to∣gether, having gather'd together a greater Army than any of his Predecessors were Masters of since Alexan∣der the Great. He took in some Towns upon his Fron∣tiers, and Licinius the Consul led such a raw undisci∣plin'd Army into Macedonia, and through such diffi∣cult and almost Impassable Places, that had Perseus made his Advantage of this Opportunity, he might easily have destroy'd it. After this, he sent to Licini∣us, offering, to observe the Articles to which his Father Philip had submitted, by paying the Tribute, and leaving the Cities to their Liberty; but could not obtain Peace to be granted him upon these Terms. Soon after, Thebes, and Aleartus were taken by Lucretius the Prae∣tor•• and the Consul having had the Advantage in a∣nother Skirmish, possess'd himself of some Towns, and took up his Winter-Quarters; mean while Appius Clau∣dius lost many Men in Illyricum. The Year follow∣ing, Hostilius the Consul; who was to manage this War; perform••d but little of moment, besides reducing his Men to that Ancient Discipline which his Prede∣cessor

had too much neglected. Marcius Philippus suc∣ceeding him, at his first Entrance into his Province might have easily been defeated, had he met with a Prudent and Expert Enemy, the Ways being so diffi∣cult and dangerous to pass, that his Soldiers could scarce hold their Weapons in their Hands, by reason of their Weariness. And after he had enter'd the Plains, he might as easily have been block'd up and starv••d, had not Perseus, struck with a groundless Fear, retreated to Pydna, and left all the Passes open to him. Yet Marcius acted nothing of Consequence, leaving all to be perform••d by his Successor Aemilius Paulus, who had been Consul 17 Years before, and was a ve∣ry Experienc••d Commander.

Aemilius very skilfully manag'd the War, and caus••d the Eclipse of the Moon to be foretold to his Soldiers, lest they should be discourag••d by it, which much terrify'd the Enemy that knew nothing of the Natural Cause. He kept his Men from Fighting when they were fatigu••d, tho' the Officers were desirous to En∣gage: but the Armies lying Encamp••d on each side the River Enipeus, a Peast, by chance, passing over from the Roman side, was seiz'd on, and being rescu••d, by degrees drew both Armies to an Engagement, wherein Pers••us lost the Day, and with it his Kingdom. He fly∣ing into the Isle of Crete, when all abandon••d him, sur∣render••d himself into the Hands of Cn. Octavius. Ae∣milius severely Chastis'd the Epirots, who had joyn••d, with Perse••s, Plundering and Demolishing about 70 of their Towns, whereby such a great Booty was gain••d, that each Footman had 200 Denarii (above 7 English Pounds) and every Horseman twice as much. But the Soldiers having gain••d little or no Plunder in M••∣c••donia, nor any of the King••s Treasure, deny••d their General a Triumph, which he obtain••d notwithstand∣ing, and that a most Splendid one too, such as Rome scare ever saw before, Preseus himself and his Two Sons be••ng Led in Great State and Magnificence be∣fore

his Triumphal Chariot. And the same Year Cn. Octavius, the Praetor at Sea, Triumph'd, and L. Anicius, before whose Chariot was Led Gentius King of the Illyrians, who being a Confederate of Perseus, was ob∣lig••d to yield himself Prisoner. Thus ended the Se∣cond Macedonian War in three Years time, and with it the Macedonian Kingdom, after it had continu••d 156 Years after Alexander••s Death, and several Hundreds of Years before; A••milius, by this Conquest, bring∣ing 200 Millions of Sesterces into the Treasure, ac∣cording to Paterculus.

IV. Now the Roman Grandeur began to display it self through all Countries and Nations; many Kings and Potentates became humble Suppliants to the Se∣nate, being all at their Disposal; and Learning now flourish••d much more than ever, being much forward∣ed by the Romans Converse and Familiarity with the Graecians, whom they had lately conquer'd; and much encourag••d by Scipio and Laelius, the two noble Pa∣trons of Eloquence, Poetry, and all Arts, and the worthiest and most accomplish'd Gentlemen in Rome. The former of these was Aemilius the Consul••s Son, adopted by the Son of Africanus; and the other was Son to Laelius, who formerly did great Service in A∣frica. In this time flourish'd the famous Comedian Terence, who Writ with extraordinary Correctness and Accuracy, and help••d to bring the Roman Tongue to a great Perfection, as to Purity and Propriety, his first Play being acted one Year after the Conquest of Ma∣cedonia and Perseus. And not only the Learning, Riches, and Dominions of Rome were encreas••d, but likewise the Inhabitants, for in a Lustration about this time, there were•• 312081 Free Citizens Cessed. For 17 or 18 Years the Romans were employ'd in more inferiour Wars, such as those with the Ligurians, Corsicans, Dal∣matians, and Spaniards, and likewise the Macedenians, being all in the nature of Revolts, which though they

often created much Trouble to the State, yet they were not so memorable as to deserve a particular Ac∣count in this Volume.

These Wars were scarcely finish'd, when the Ro∣mans found a Pretence to begin the Third Carthagini∣an War, which was their being in Arms against Ma∣sanissa, a Roman Ally, tho' they had sufficient Justice on their side. The Roman Ambassadors who were sent to Carthage, finding the City very Rich and Flou∣rishing from their Fifty years Peace, at their Return insisted much on the Danger which threatned Rome from that State; especially Cato, who never came into the Senate, but after his Speaking to any Publick Business, concluded with Delenda est Carthago; Car∣thage is to be Destroy'd. He was often oppos••d by Sci∣pio Nasica, who urg'd, That upon the Removal of so powerful a Rival, Security wou'd cause the Ruin and Dis∣solution of the Roman Common-Wealth, as it afterwards prov'd: But Cato's Reason's drawn from the pre∣sent Danger, so Over-rul'd Scipio's Forecast, that the Senate, now having a Pretence of an Open Breach of Articles, Order'd War to be Proclaim'd against the Carthaginians, and both the Consuls were sent, with a full Resolution utterly to destroy Carthage. The Carthaginians, affrighted at the Romans Preparations, immediately Condemn'd those who had broken the League, and most humbly offer'd any reasonable Sa∣tisfaction. Answer was return'd to 'em, That they shou'd enjoy all as formerly, provided they sent 300 Hosta∣ges of the Chief of the City within 30 days to Sicily, and did what the Consuls shou'd f••rther Command 'em. The Car∣thagini••ns, desiring nothing more than Peace, sent their Children within the limited time; and the Con∣suls Landing at Utica soon after, they sent their Com∣missioners to wait upon them and know their Plea∣sure. Censorinus the Consul, commending their Dili∣gence, demanded all their Arms, which, without any Fraud, were deliver'd up. Now the Carthaginians im∣ploring

Mercy, with many Tears, and all possible Submission, desir'd to know their last Doom; the Consuls told 'em, That they were Commanded to quit their City, which they had special Orders to Level with the Ground, and build another any where in their own Ter∣ritories, so it were but 10 Miles from the Sea. This se∣vere Command they receiv••d with all the Concern and Rage of a Despairing People, and resolv'd to suf∣fer the Greatest Extremities rather than abandon, or yield to the Ruin of their Ancient Seat and Habita∣tion.

The Consuls were very backward in beginning the War, not doubting but easily to become Masters of the City, now in this Naked and Defenceless Con∣dition, but they found it far otherwise; for the Inhabitants acting by a desperate Rage and Fury, both Men and Women fell to Working Night and Day in the Defence of the City, and making of Arms: And where Iron and Brass were wanting, they made use of Gold and Silver, the Women free∣ly cutting off the Hair of their Heads to supply the place of Tow or Flax. Asdrubal, who had lately been Condemn••d upon the Account of the Romans, was now made their General, and Governour of the City, where he had already a good Army; and such Preparations were made, that when the Consuls came before the City, they found such notable Resistance as much discourag••d them, and as much encreas'd the Resolu∣tion of the Besieged. The Consuls engag'd several times to their Disadvantage, and might have been great Losers had not the Army been secur'd and brought off by the great Wisdom and Courage of Scipio Aemilianus, formerly mention'd, who drew o∣ver Pharneas Master of the Carthaginian Horse to his side; which action gain'd him great Fame and Ho∣nour. This Year dy••d Masanissa, 90 Years old, leav∣ing his Kingdom and a young Son to Scipio••s Discre∣tion: And the same Year dy••d Cato in Rome, in the

85th Year of his Age, who did not live to see the too much desir'd Ruin of Carthage.

Little was perform'd by the Consuls in the follow∣ing Year, for they only invested Clupea and Hippo, without taking of either: But at Rome all Mens eyes were fix'd upon Scipio, looking upon him as the Per∣son destin'd to end the War; and whereas he sought only for the Aedileship, the People bestow'd the Con∣sulship upon him, dispensing with his Age and other usual Qualifications. Scipio soon let 'em know, that their Honours were not ill bestow'd; for having re∣stor'd Discipline, which had been too much neglected by the foregoing Consuls, he soon after took that part of Carthage call••d Megara, and drove the Inhabitants into the Citadel or Byrsa. Then securing the Isthmus which led to the City, he cut off all Provisions from out the Country, and block'd up the Haven; but the Besieg'd, with Miraculous and Incredible Industry, cut out a New Passage into the Sea, whereby, at cer∣tain times, they cou'd receive Necessaries from the Army without. Scipio therefore, in the beginning of the Winter, set upon their Forces lying in the Field, of which he kill'd ••0000, and took 10000 Prisoners; by which means the Besieg'd cou••d have no Relief from abroad, so that they were now in a sad and de∣spairing Condition.

In the Beginning of the next Spring, he took the Wall leading to the Haven Citho, and soon after the Forum it self, where was a most miserable and deplo∣rable Spectacle of slaughter'd People; for some hewn in pieces by the Sword, others half kill'd by the Fall of Houses, or Fires; some half bury'd in the Earth and trampled on, and others torn Limb from Limb, lay mangled in vast Heaps after a sad and lamenta∣ble manner. Still the Citadel held out, till at last it was desir'd by some, That all that wou'd come forth shou••d have their Lives; which being granted to all but Revolters, above 50000 yielded, and were sav'd, as

did afterwards Asdrubal himself. He was much re∣vil'd for it by the Revolters, who finding their Condi∣tion Desperate, set Fire to the Temple, and burnt themselves with it; whose Example was follow'd by Asdrubal's Wife, who, in a desperate Fury threw her self and her two Children into the midst of the Flames. Then was this Magnificent City laid in Ashes, being 24 Miles in compass, and so large, that the Burning of it continu'd 17 Days together. The Senate at Rome receiv'd this long expected News with extraordi∣nary Joy and Satisfaction, and dispatch'd Men of their own Order, whom they joyn'd with Scipio for the disposing of the Country. These order'd, that none of Carthage shou'd be left; and that it might never be Re-built, they denounc'd heavy Curses on any that shou'd offer to do it. All the Cities which as∣sisted in this War were order••d to be demolish'd, and the Lands given to the Friends of the Roman People; and the rest of the Towns were to be Tributaries, and Govern'd Yearly by a Praetor appointed for that purpose, all the Captives and Prisoners being Sold, ex∣cept some of the Principal.

This was the fatal end of one of the most Renown'd Cities in the World, both for Command and Riches, 708 Years after it was first Built, having been Rival to Rome above 100 Years: And this was the End of the Third and last Carthaginian War, which was fi∣nish'd in the 4th Year after it began, to the great En∣largement of the Dominions, Power, and Riches of the Roman State. This happen••d in the 60••th Year of the City, A. M. 3859, in the 3d Year of the 15••th Olympiad, 363 Years since the Beginning of the Consu∣lar State, 184 since the Beginning of the Macedonian Empire by Alexander, 119 since the first Contest be∣tween the Romans and Carthaginians, and 144 before our Saviour's Nativity.

CHAP. XII.

From the Destruction of Carthage to the End of the Sedition of the Gracchi; which much shook the Government, and was the first Step towards the Ruin of the Consular State.

Containing the Space of 23 Years.

I. NOW Rome began to Pride her self to a higher degree than ever, having got free from her E∣nemies that she most fear'd and most hated, her Do∣minions being extended to a large Circumference, and the Common-wealth encreas'd to a noble Height of Glory, but to a more dangerous Degree of Securi∣ty in respect of Neighbours, which in not many Years prov'd the Dissolution of the present Government. However, the Power and Conquests of the State still daily encreas'd, and this same Year Corinth, one of the noblest Cities in Greece, sustain'd the same Fate with Carthage, being levell'd with the Ground. The Oc∣casion was given by the Achaeans themselves, who not only affronted the Roman Ambassadours sent to dis∣solve the Confederacy, and to leave the Cities to the Government of their own peculiar Laws, but likewise joyn'd with others in a War against the Lacedaemoni∣ans the Allies of Rome. Upon these Grounds the Se∣nate decreed War against 'em, and Metellus now in Ma∣cedonia undertook it; who drawing down his Army through Thessaly into Baeotia, overthrew Critolaus, then took Thebes and Megara, about which time Mummius the Consul succeeded him in his Province. And this Mummius overthrew Dieus the Achaean General, after which he enter'd Corinth and demolish'd it, because there the Ambassadours had been Affronted. And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Scipio, who destroy'd Carthage, like the former 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had the Surname of Africanus, and Metellus for re∣ducing

Macedonia that of Macedonicus; so Mummius, for his Success this Year, obtain••d the Surname of A∣chaicus, because he reduc'd those Parts, and all Greece, with Epirus, into the Form of a Province, call'd after∣wards by the general Name of Achaia.

It was now 74 Years since the Romans enter'd Spain in a Hostile manner, and many and frequent Strug∣lings had been made by that People, especially since the Departure of Scipio Africanus the Elder: At this time was Viriatus up in Arms, who from a Shepherd became a Robber, and from a Robber a General over a Numerous Party of such as himself, which created the Romans much Trouble for some time. And Fa∣bius the Brother of Scipio the Younger, after some Suc∣cess against him, was, at last, reduc'd to such Extre∣mities, that he was oblig'd to accept of Peace upon equal Terms, which Coepio the following Years Con∣sul refus'd to stand to, receiving new Orders from the Senate to prosecute the War. Coepio attempted to destroy Viriatus by Surprize, but he escap'd, and soon after sending his Ambassadours to Treat of a Peace, Coepio so wrought upon 'em, that they Murder'd him in his Bed at their Return, to their own Shame, and the Consul's great Dishonour. But the most difficult and dangerous part of this War was at Numantia, a Town of no great Bigness, but Peopled with Inha∣bitants of extraordinary Valour. Before Viriatus's Death they had foil'd Q. Pompeius the Consul several times, and likewise his Successor Mancianus, who were constrain••d to make dishonourable Treaties with 'em, but afterwards sufficient Pretences were found to break ••em, Mancianus being deliver'd up bound to the Enemy. After this Brutus defeated many Thou∣sands of the Lusitanians, and overthrew the Gallaecians; but Lepidus the Pro-Consul was far less successful, for setting upon the Vaccaei, a harmless and quiet Peo∣ple of the hithermost Spain, he was intirely defeated by 'em.

These Misfortunes so terrify'd the Roman Soldiers, that they were ready to tremble at the sight of a Spa∣niard; and this oblig'd the Citizens of Rome to chuse Scipio Africanus Consul a second time, as the chief Hope and Bulwark of their Country. Scipio at first restor'd Discipline, the want of which had been the Cause of all their former ill Success; but coming to engage, he found the Courage of the Enemy so ex∣traordinary, that he resolv'd to fight no more, but lay a close Siege to Numantia, which he did with all possible Care and Diligence. At last the Besieged were so straitned, that they offer••d to yield upon rea∣sonable Terms, or to Fight if they might have Battel given 'em, notwithstanding the great Inequality of their Numbers: But neither of these being allow'd 'em, they all drank strong Liquors purposely to En∣flame themselves, and then fell upon the Besiegers, with such a desperate Fury, that the Romans had all fled, had any other General but Scipio Commanded 'em. The Besieged finding there was no avoiding being made Prisoners, Fir'd the City over their own Heads, scarce a Man being left to be led in Triumph. This Famous City, seated in Gallaecia, had for 14 Years together withstood 40000 Romans with only 4000 Men, often putting ••em to great Loss and Shame: And that it might be no longer a Trouble to 'em, Sci∣pio destroy'd it, after a Siege of Fifteen Months; 13. Years after he had destroy'd Carthage, Mutius Scaevols and Calpurnius Piso, both Learned Men, being Consuls. Scipio gain••d a great Name both by destroying Car∣thage and Numantia, the former being a Terror, and the latter a Reproach to the Romans. All Spain was now brought to a more entire Subjection than ever, being not many Years before divided into the three Provinces of Terraconensis, E••e••ica, and Lusitanica, two Praetors being yearly sent thither for its better Go∣vernment. At this time flourish'd Lucilius the Famous Satyrist, the first, at least of Note of that kind in Rome;

and this same Year was a Servile War in Sicily, but the Slaves were in a short time intirely broken and dispers'd.

II. The Romans now began daily to degenerate from their ancient Modesty, Plainness, and Severity of Life; addicting themselves more and more to Pleasure and Luxury: For the Asian Expeditions and Tri∣umphs having brought in Excess and Riot, and the Ruin of Carthage taken away all Fear; Idleness and Security, as well as Avarice and Ambition, by degrees stole in upon 'em, and almost a General Corruption began to mix with the State. For tho' after this time many a Powerful People were subdu'd, Arts and Learning daily encreas'd and flourish'd, and Great Glory was obtain'd abroad, yet it was often stain'd and fully'd with inglorious Factions, Seditious Jea∣lousies and Contentions at Home, sometimes to the shedding of one anothers Blood; of which, that of Tiberius Gracchus was the first Remarkable Instance. This Person, being the Elder Africanus's Grandson, and of a stirring and active Spirit, had a share in Mancinus••s dishonourable Treaty in Spain, for which being Reflected on by the Senate (who, not with∣out In••ustice, had broke it) and thereby both Sham'd and Affrighted, he endeavour••d to make himself Po∣pular, by restraining the In••ust Oppressions of the No∣bility, which were now far more notorious than for∣merly: And therefore procuring himself to be chosen Tribune, he preferr'd a Law, forbidding any Man to possess above ••00 Acres of the Publick Lands, and ordering the Overplus to be divided among the Poor. For it was customary for the Romans to divide those Lands which were taken from their Enemies among their own Citizens, if Arable; if not, they Farm••d 'em out by the Censors to the Italians, or the ordinary sort of Romans, upon condition, that if they Plow••d 'em; they shou'd Pay the Tenth part of the Corn,

and the Fifth of other Fruits; but if they did not Plow them, they paid a certain Rent. But Corrup∣tions daily increasing in the State, the poor Husband∣men were, by degrees, thrust out of their Ancient Possessions by the great Oppressions and Licentious∣ness of the Rich, who, by Purchasing, and other Me∣thods, got these Lands all into their own Hands; so that the Publick, by this Means, was defrauded of its Revenues, and the Poor of their Livelyhoods.

For the Reformation of these Abuses, Gracchus took great care; and whereas the Lex Licinia and Sempro∣nia were formerly Enacted for restraining the Avarice of the Rich, he strengthen'd the former by adding, least the Law shou'd be wrested, That one half shou••d be given to the Children, and the rest divided among such Poor as had nothing; And least any shou'd go about to enlarge their Portions by Purchase, Triumviri, or Three Men, were Yearly appointed to Judge what Lands were Publick, and what were Private. These Matters, tho' at first carry'd on with sufficient Mode∣ration, extreamly disgusted the Nobility and Richer sort, who, by Vertue of this Law, were to part with much of their Estates; and for that Reason they fre∣quently insinuated to the People, That Gracchus had introduc'd this Law with a Design only to disturb the Go∣vernment, and to put all things into Confusion. But Grac∣chus being a Person of great Abilities and Eloquence, easily wip'd off those Aspersions, and in a Publick Speech told the People, That while the Savage Beasts and Destroyers of Mankind wanted not their Places of Re∣pose and Refuge, those Men who expos'd their Lives for their Countries were forbidden all Enjoyments but the open Air and Sun-shine. That their Commanders before the Bat∣tels ridiculously Exhorted 'em to Fight for their Temples and Altars, and their Ancestors Seats! when they had none of these to defend o•• care for. They had the Honour in∣deed of gaining large and rich Dominions, but had not the

Profit of enjoying the smallest and meanest Possessions: and likewise had the Honour of being styl'd Lords of the U∣niverse, but had not the Command of one Foot of Land.

This Speech, and some others of his, had great Ef∣fects upon the common People, who, before, were for∣ward enough in promoting a Law so very advanta∣geous to themselves; but Gracchus meeting with much Opposition on one side, as well as Encouragement on the other, began now to proceed with greater Heat and Violence; and being oppos'd by Octavius, one of his Collegues, he so manag'd him both by Cunning and Violence, as he was forc'd to quit his Office; in∣to whose Place he chose Mummius, one of his own Faction. This Action of his being without all Pre∣cedent, much alienated the Minds of many of the Multitude; and his own Party, who judg'd he us'd too Great a Freedom with the Sacrosanct Office of the Tribuneship. Gracchus perceiving this, first made a ve∣ry plausible Defence; and the more to ingratiate himself with the People, he offer••d to prefer a Law for distributing the Money of Attalus King of Perga∣mus, which he had lately left, together with his King∣dom, to the People of Rome. This caus'd Greater Disturbances among the Senate and Nobility than before, and all Things were carry••d on with more vio∣lent Feuds than ever; so that Gracchus's Death began now to be thought on and design'd, as the surest Means to quiet all Disturbances, and to compose all Differences.

The Senate being assembled to consult the most proper Method in this Juncture, and all being of Opi∣nion that M••tius Scaevola the Consul shou'd defend the Commonwealth by Arms, he refus'd to act any thing by Force. Whereupon Scipio Nasica, Gracchus's Kinsman, taking up his Gown under his Left-arm, held up his Right-hand in great Passion, crying, Since the Consul regards not the Safety of the Common-wealth, l••t every Man that will defend the Dignity and Authority

of the Laws, follow me! Upon this, he went directly up to the Capitol, being accompanied with most of the Senate, many Equites, and some Commoners, arm'd with Clubs, Staves, and such like Weapons; who knocking down all that resisted, open'd their Way into the Capitol, where Gracchus was speaking to the People, and endeavouring to be chosen Tribune for the following Year. In which Place they fell upon both him and his Hearers, of whom they kill'd 300, and with them, himself with a piece of a Seat, as he was endeavouring to save himself by Flight. This was the first Insurrection among the Romans, that ended with Effusion of Blood, since the Abrogation of Kingly Government; for all former Seditions tho' many of 'em were very great and lasting, were constantly en∣ded by the two Parties yielding to one another, and submitting all to the Good of the Publick; for then Riches and Private Interest were not understood a∣mong the Romans.

At this time there were some Risings at Athens and at Delos, being as Sparks of that Fire kindled by the Slaves in Sicily the Year before, which with some Trouble were extinguish'd; neither was Italy it self altogether free from them. But a greater War en∣su••d about the Kingdom of Asia; for Attalus King of Pergamus or Asia, by his last Will had left the People of Rome his Heir, as was before observ'd: But after his Decease, Aristonicus, his Bastard-Brother, seiz'd on the Kingdom as his own Inheritance and Right. Licinius Crassus the Consul was first sent against him, but was unfortunately overthrown in the first Battel; and being taken Prisoner, struck one of the Soldiers on the Eye, on purpose to provoke him to kill him, which he did. He thus miscarrying, tho' with the Assistance of several Kings, his Successor Perp••nna hasted into Asia, set upon Aristonicus unawares, be∣fore he was recover••d of his Security contracted by his Victory, first overthrew him in Battel, then besieg'd

him in Stratonice, where by Famine he forc'd him to a Surrender, shortly after which he dy'd himself at Pergamus. The Remainder of the War was finish'd by Aquilius the following Year's Consul, who having settled the Province with sufficient Oppression of the People, led Aristonicus in Triumph, tho' he had been taken by another; and afterwards, by Order of the Senate, he was strangl'd in Prison, about 4 Years af∣ter the Death of Tiberius Gracchus, a little before which tiem a Lustrum being perform'd, 330••23 Free Citi∣zens were cess'd.

III. The Civil Dissentions occasion'd by Gracchus, did not die with him; his Law for the Division of the Lands being still in Force, of which the People were so fond, that many Disturbances were rais'd upon that Account. Now Gracchus had a younger Brother call'd Caius, who with Flaccus, and Papirius, had been made Triumvirs for dividing the Grounds. He with his Collegues undertook the Patronage of this Law and performing his Office with great Vigour, such Trouble arose about the Divisions, the Reckon∣ings, the Accounts, and Removals, that the Italians finding themselves Severely press••d upon, betook themselves to Scipio Africanus for Ease. Scipio did not altogether reject their Suit, nor yet wou'd he make any Objections against the Law it self; so he only moved in Senate, That the Executive Power of it might be taken from the Triumviri, and lodg'd in some others. The Senate most willingly agreed to this, and con∣ferr'd it on Sempronius T••ditanus the Consul; but he finding the Work troublesome and ungratefull, reti∣red from the City, under Pretence of the War in Il∣lyricum: There being none at present to fly to in this Juncture, the People were much incens••d at Scipio, accounting him ingrateful, and a Favourer of the Italians more than themselves•• which ill Opinions of him were encreas'd by his Approving of the Senior

Gracchus's Death, and his Reprimanding the Multitude for being dissatisfy'd with it. But such was his For∣tune, that being one Night retired to his Chamber, to meditate of something to speak to the People the next Day, in the Morning he was found dead in his Bed, not without Suspicion of Treachery from his Wife and Mother-in-Law, the latter of which was Mother to the Gracchi. Nevertheless, being then in no favour with the People, little enquiry was made after his Death, though he was a Person of extraordi∣nary Merits, and had been justly esteem'd the Bul∣wark of the State.

The Owners of the Land still made Delays in the Division, and some believ'd that the Partakers of the Dividends should likewise have the Freedom of the City; which, however lik'd of by others, was highly displeasing to the Senate. While the People were va∣riously discoursing of these Matters, Caius obtain'd the Tribune-ship, and bearing a great Enmity to the Se∣nate, he found a fair Opportunity to shew it. He preferr'd several Laws, among the rest, one for divi∣ding the publick Corn to every Man Monthly; in which Laws he shew••d himself rather more stirring and active, and more dextrous than his Brother. Then procuring his Office to be continu••d to him another Year, he began more strictly to inspect into the late Corruptions of the Senate; such as their taking Bribes; their selling of Offices, and such like unjust Proceed∣ings: Whereupon he found Means to transferr the power of judging corrupt Officers, from the Senators to the Equites or Knights, which gave the latter an ex∣traordinary Authority, and made a remarkable Change and Alteration in the whole Government.

These Equites were first instituted by Romulus, and though they were originally in the Common-Wealth, yet they had no particular Authority, Rank or Or∣der, till this Law of Gracchus, by which it was enact∣ed, That these Iudgments•• should be peculiar to them. So

that whereas at first, there were only two Orders or Ranks, namely, Patritian, and Plebeian, which through the Incroachments of the People, were afterwards distinguish'd only into Senatorian and Plebeian. By this Law, and especially by the Procurement of Cicero, af∣terwards the Equites became a distinct Order. Thus now the Roman Citizens consisted of three Ranks or Orders, namely, the Senatorian, which included all the Patritians, and such of the Plebeians, as could rise to be Senators; the Plebeian, which still continu'd the same as formerly; and the Equestrian, which before had always been included in the Plebeian, and had been only distinguish'd by their Way of Service. Gracchus took the fairest Opportunity that he cou'd expect for preferring this Law; for the Senators were become odious of late, because for Money they had acquitted Cotta, Salinator and Aquilius; Persons capi∣tally guilty of Corruption. But the Great Power of these Equites became extreamly burdensome to the State, till by Degrees, their Authority came to be di∣minish'd. The Equites alone, were wont to Farm the publick Revenues and Customs from the Censors, and from thence had the Name of Publicans. These were the principal of the Equestrian Order, the Ornaments of the City, and the Strength of the State, who made up so many Companys, as there were Provinces subject to the payment of Toll, Tribute, Custom or Impost:

Caius grew more and more in favour with the Commons, and was invested with a larger Authority than ordinary, which he manag'd with extraordinary Prudence and Cunning, being a Master of much Elo∣quence, and many other Accomplishments. And the more to gratifie the Commons, he took special Care about the High-ways, making 'em extraordinary handsom and pleasant, as well as usefull and conveni∣ent; erecting likewise pillars of Stone at the end of each Mile to signifie the Distances from Place to Place: For Caius fi••ding the Senators to be his Enemys, he

endeavoured still more to ingratiate himself with the People by other new Laws. Particularly, he propos'd that a Colony of Roman Citizens might be sent to the People of Tarentum, and that all the Latines should enjoy the same Privileges with the Citizens of Rome. But the Senate dreading the Effects of Caius's Power, forbid the Latines to come near the City, at such time as they knew his Laws would be propos'd; and the better to satisfie and please the People, they gave Leave to the sending of 12 Colonies. Caius thus fru∣strated of his Designs, departed into Africk, with Flaccus his Collegue, intending to plant a Colony where Carthage stood, calling it Iunonia; but there he also met with a Disappointment, the Bound Marks of the intended City being continually remov'd in the Night time by Wolves, as some Authors relate it; whereupon the Augurs and South-sayers pronounc'd the Design unlawful.

Caius having been twice Tribune, stood for it a third time, and had many Votes, but his Collegues, offended at his violent Carriage at this time, procur'd Minucius Rufus to be chosen into his Place, who be∣gan to abrogate many of his Laws; wherein he was seconded by Opimius the Consul, who was a profest Enemy to Caius, and endeavoured to find some co∣lourable Pretence to put him to Death. Whereupon Ca••us, at the Instigation of his Friends, especially Ful∣vius, resolv'd presently to raise Forces; and at an As∣sembly in the Capitol, he and many of his Friends went thither privately arm'd. It happen'd that one Antilius a Serjeant, coming down from the Capitol, cry••d out to Fulvius and his Friends, Ye factious Citi∣zens, make way for honest Men! whereupon they im∣mediately slew him. This Murther caus••d a great Disturbance in the Assembly, and Caius himself was very angry with those of his Party, for giving his Enemies so much Advantage against him, and endea∣vour••d to excuse himself but could not be heard by

reason of the Tumult; so together with his Friends and Confederates, he retir••d home, the Consul keep∣ing strict Watch all Night in the City. The next day, Antilius's Corps was brought upon a Bier through the Forum, and expos'd to open view just before the Se∣nate House, with design to stir up the People to a Revenge. The Senate invested Opimius with an ex∣traordinary Power, and all the Equites were order'd to be in Arms, which forc'd Caius and all his Friends to betake themselves to Mount Aventine, where they for∣tify'd themselves offering Liberty to all Slaves that shou'd come in to them.

The Consul press••d hard upon Caius, and Procla∣mation was made, that whoever shou'd bring the Head either of Caius or Fulvius, shou'd receive their Weight in Gold for a Reward. Caius finding himself in no Con∣dition for a long Defence, in a short time fled into a Grove beyond Tiber, and procur'd his Servant to kill him, who immediately after kill'd himself, and fell down dead upon his Master. One Septimuleius, car∣ry'd his Head to Opimius, and 'tis said, that to make it weigh the heavier, he took out the Brains and fill'd the Skull with Lead. Fulvius flying to a Friend's House, was betray'd and slain; and by the Severity of Opimius, no less than 3000 Persons of this Party were put to Death. Thus fell Caius Gracchus, above 10 Years after his Brother Tiberius Gracchus, and fix after he began to act much in the Common-wealth. These Gracchi had so far chang'd the Constitutions of the Common-wealth, and the publick peace was now so broken, particularly by the Disunion of Patrons and Clients, that the Roman State became very unset∣tled, and more liable to any new Revolution than e∣ver; and though Reformation might be their Design, yet it might well be feared, that Ruin wou'd be the Effect of such Disturbances in a Common-wealth now so corrupted with the Greatness of their Riches, as well as the Greatness of their Power. Caius's Death

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happen'd in the 631 Year of the City, in the 4th. Year of the 164th. Olympi••d, 386 Years since the be∣ginning of the Consular State, 207 since the setting up the Macedonian Empire, and 121 before our Saviour's Nativity.

CHAP. XIII.

From the End of the Seditions of the Gracchi, to the End of the First Civil War in Italy, and to the Perpetual Dictatorship of Sylla; which was the second great Step to the Ruin of the Consular State.

Containing the Space of 41 Years.

I. THE Distempers and Disturbances of the Com∣mon-wealth were for the present asswag'd by the Death of Caius Gracchus; and soon after, a Law was made that any one might sell his Land, which the Senior Gracchus had forbidden; by which means the Poor, partly by Purchase, and partly by Con∣straint, were again dispossess'd. After that, the Law for Division of Lands was fully abrogated by Borcus, and the Grounds left to their ancient Owners, with a Proviso to pay a Tribute to the People out of 'em. But not long after, the Tribute was likewise all ta∣ken away, and so nothing was left remaining for the Poor. During these Domestick Troubles, the Sardi∣nians rebell••d, and were reduc'd by Aurelius, and the Fregellans were punish'd with the Loss of their City by Opimius the Praetor. About which time Africk was infected with a most prodigious Plague, destroying vast Numbers of Men, Cattel and Fowl, occasion'd by an infinite Number of Locusts, which having o∣verspread the Ground, and destroy'd the Corn, Fruits, and even Trees themselves, at length were

driven by a Wind into the Mediterranean Sea, and there putrefying, corrupted the Air after a most wonderful manner. Two Years after this, Metellus the Consul subdu'd the Islands Beleares near Spain, and restrain'd all the Piracies which were there main∣tain'd.

At the same time was carry'd on that War call'd Bellum Allobrogicum, the War with the Allobroges, a People inhabiting about the Countries, now call'd Dau••hine and Savoy. This War was occasion'd first by the Salies, a People of Gaul beyond the Alps, who invading the Massilians, Allies of Rome, were cha∣stiz'd by Fulvius, and subdu'd by Sextus Calvinus. Teuto∣malus their King flying out of the Battle, was receiv••d and protected by the Allobroges, who likewise invaded the Hedui, Allies also of Rome, and drew into Confe∣deracy the Arverni. The Allobroges were first over∣thrown by Domitius Aenobarbus, who kill••d 20000 of 'em, and took 3000 Prisoners, which great Victo∣ry, was owing chiefly to his Elephants. After him, Fabius Maximus, Grand-Son to Paulus Aemilius, and adopted into the Fabian Family, defeated 'em with the Arverni and Ruteni, in a most bloody Battel, where 120000 were reported to be slain; and more∣over, taking one of their Kings Prisoners, he obtain'd the Surname of Allobrogicus. About which time Gallia Narbonensis was reduc'd into a Province, in the Year 636. Not long after, the Scordisci a people of Gaulish Original, inhabiting Thrace, defeated the Roman Army under Cato the Consul, yet were afterwards driven back into their own Country by Didius the Praetor, and the Consul Drusus; and after this they gave oc∣casion of a glorious Triumph to Minutius, of which Honour Metellus also had a Share. Soon after these Wars, in a Lustration, 394336 free Citizens were poll'd in Rome, which Number was very little dif∣ferent from that in the Lustrum five years before.

II. Rome had not very much Action abroad for a while, but in no long time began a considerable War in Numidia, call'd the Iugurthine War. It was oc∣casion••d by Iugurth, Grand-son to the famous Masa∣nissa, the Romans old Friend, who murder'd his Cou∣sin Hiempsal to get his Kingdom, and attempted to do the same to his Brother Adherbal, but he made his escape, and fled to the Romans for Succour. Where∣upon Iugurth being sensible how much Avarice and Injustice had crept into the City, he sent his Ambas∣sadors with large Presents to Rome, which had such Effects upon the Senate, that they decreed him half the Kingdom, and sent ten Commissioners to divide it between him and Adherbal. The Commissioners thinking they might lawfully imitate their Masters in the Senate, were also brib'd to bestow the most rich and populous Part upon Iugurth; but he still unsatis∣fy'd, fell suddenly upon Adherbal, besieg••d him in Cirta, and getting him into his Hands, likewise murder'd him. For this, War was decreed against Iugurth, and committed to the Management of Calpurnius Bestia the Consul, who shortly after invaded Numidia with great Vigour and Diligence, and took in some Towns, but he was soon stop••d in his Career, being overcome by the Golden Weapons of Iugurth, so that a Treaty of Peace was soon set on Foot. The Senate were a little mov••d at this, and at the Power of Scaurus, who accompanying the Consul as his Friend and Coun∣sellor, was likewise guilty of the same Crime; and therefore the People got Cassius Longinus the Praetor, to go and procure Iugurth to come to Rome upon the publick Faith of the State, that by that means they might discover all such as had been guilty of Bribery.

Cessius with no great Difficulty perswaded Iugurtha to make Tryal of the Clemency of Rome, and to throw himself upon the Peoples Mercy; whereupon he came to Rome in a pitiful and mourning Habit. But

coming into the Assembly, Baebius the Tribune bad him hold his Peace, he being also brib'd to deferr the Business, and delude the people. At the same time was one Massiva in Rome Iugurth's Cousin-Ger∣main, who had fled from Africk formerly. This Per∣son was perswaded by Albinus the Consul to beg the Kingdom of the Senate; but Iugurth having some Intelligence of the Design, procur'd him to be assassi∣nated and convey'd the Murderer away to Numidia. Hereupon, within a few days he was commanded to be gone, and being out of the City, he look'd upon it, with his Hands lift up, crying, O Rome, that would'st be sold thy Self, were there but a Chapman for thee! So extreamly were the Inhabitants degenerated from their former Fidelity, Modesty and Abstinence, which af∣terwards brought upon 'em the greatest Miseries that ever befell any State. Albinus follow'd him with an Army, which after he himself had been sometime there, he left with his Brother Aulus, who in the Con∣suls absence, by Virtue of some Compact, withdrew from Suthul, where the Chief Treasure of the King∣dom lay, when he was just upon investing it. The Centurions were likewise so corrupted, that when Al∣binus return'd, Iugurth was suffer••d to break into the Camp, whence beating out the Army, he either forc••d, or by former Agreement, brought Albinus to submit upon most dishonourable Terms.

In this Condition did Metellus the following Con∣sul find Affairs, and the whole Army was almost ru∣in'd for want of Discipline, to the great Dishonour of the Roman State, and the grievous Vexation of the ho∣nester sort in the City. Metellus having with much difficulty brought his Soldiers into good Order, with∣in the space of two years overthrew Iugurth several times, forc'd him out of several Towns, and pursu'd him beyond her own Frontiers, which constrain••d him to submit and beg Peace; but he in a short time broke the Conditions of it, and so the former Hostility re∣turn'd.

At this time, one C. Marius was Legatus, or Lieutenant to M••tellus, a Person of Frugality, Policy, and Military Experience, and of vast Courage in War; a Contemner of Pleasure, but very ambitious of Honour, which made him extreamly desirous to gain the Consulship. To obtain this, he privately blam'd Metellus, to the Merchants of Utica, avowing That he was able with half the Army to take Jugurth Prisoner, and that within few Days. By these and the like de∣tracting Discourses, he procur••d many Complaints to be written to Rome against Metellus, and getting leave to go thither, obtain••d the Consulship, and had like∣wise the management of the War committed to him. Notwithstanding, the People were so grateful to Me∣tellus, that at his return, being satisfy'd as to his Beha∣viour, they both granted him a Triumph, and be∣stow'd upon him the Surname of Numidicus, as an ad∣ditional Honour.

Marius shew'd himself a very expert Warrior, and in a short time took the City Capsa, a place very rich and strong; and after this, another call'd Mulucha. `fugurth now finding himself too weak to oppose him any longer, procur'd Bocchus, King of Mauritania, and his Father-in-Law, to joyn with him, who, by the As∣sistance of his Numerous Cavalry much harrass'd the Roman Army. Marius had Invested Cirta, and Boc∣chus approaching to raise the Siege, partly by the Number of his Horse, reported to be 60000, and part∣ly by the violent Heats and great Dusts, the Romans were sorely distress'd, and the Fight continu••d dan∣gerous and terrible to them for three Days; at the end of which, a Tempest of Rain falling, spoil'd the Enemies Weapons, and reliev••d Marius's Men, almost famish'd with Thirst; and now the Course of For∣tune changing, the Two Kings were entirely defeat∣ed. In another Battel, Marius, 'tis said, kill••d 90000, after which Bocchus began to repent of his Enterprise, and sent to Rome to enter into a League, which he

could not procure; nevertheless he obtain'd Pardon for his Crime. Not long after Marius took Iugurth in an Ambuscade, whither he had drawn him by spe∣cious Pretences, and deliver'd him up to Sylla his Quae∣stor, who had brought over some Forces from Italy; and under Marius he learnt that Skill in War, which he afterwards employ'd against him. Iugurth, with his Two Sons, were led in Triumph by Marius; and shortly after, by Order of Senate, he was put to Death, and so the Iugurthine War ended, after it had continu'd about Seven Years.

III. At the same time a War was carry'd on against the Cimbri, a Vagabond People of Cimbrica Chersonesus, now call'd Denmark, who, joyning with the Teutones, a Nation of the Germans, made dreadful Irruptions into several Parts of the Roman Dominions, particu∣larly Gaul and Spain, where they had overthrown se∣veral Consuls, in the last Battel killing 80000 Romans, after which they resolv'd to pass the Alps into Italy. Rome began now to be in a great Consternation, and Marius having just vanquish'd Iugurtha, they made him Consul a ••d time, as the only Man thought able to Manage▪ so Threatning a War, and to preserve the State. While they continu'd in Spain, Marius March'd against their Friends the Tolosans in Gaul, where King Copilus was taken by Sylla his Lieutenant. Being made Consul again the following Year, he declin'd Fight∣ing till the Enemies Force was weakned by Delays. The next Year, in his Fourth Consulship, the Enemy, in Three several Parties were just upon passing the Alps into Italy, and as he attended their Motions, it happened that his Army was extreamly afflicted with Thirst, the Teutones and Ambrones lying between them and the Water, which Necessity brought him to an Ingagement with 'em; and, in Two Days time, he, by his excellent Conduct, utterly destroy'd 'em, ta∣king Theutobocchus their King Prisoner. The Cimbri

escap'd him, and fled over into Italy, notwithstanding the Winter-Season, and the Alps cover'd with Snow, being in vain oppos'd by Catulus, both at the Alps, and at the River Athesis, nigh Verona. The Year following Marius was again made Consul, and joyning with Catulus, was challeng••d by the Enemy to give Battel. Whereupon he fell upon their numerous Army, and gave 'em a most dreadful Overthrow; their Wives all the while making a wonderful Resistance from the Chariots, and when they saw all things in a despe∣rate Condition, they, in a great Fury, first kill'd all their Children, and after that themselves. About 140000 were slain in this Battel, and 60000 taken Prisoners, which ended this War, after it had conti∣nu'd 12 Years, Marius the Fifth time, and Aquilius Nepos being Consuls: The former was then esteem'd the Preserver of his Country, and contented himself with one Triumph, when he might have had more; and his Collegue had now also finish'd the Second Servile War in Sicily, which had lasted almost Four Years.

Notwithstanding these Dangers abroad, the City was not without Domestick Troubles, which were occasion'd by Saturninus, one of Marius's Friends, who having been Quaestor at Ostia, during a Famine, was turn'd out of his Place by the Senate, to revenge which usage, he procur'd the Tribune-ship. But after his Year was expir••d, Metellus Numidicus, formerly mention'd, being Censor, endeavour'd to remove him from the Senate, but was hinder••d by his Collegue▪ This so enrag••d him, that he stood again for the Tri∣bun••-ship; and Nine of the Ten Tribunes being cho∣sen by the Assistance of Marius, he Murder••d Nonius his Competitor, and so obtain'd the Place. Now be∣ing once again in Power, he preferr••d a Law for the Division of such Lands as Marius had recover••d in Gaul, and compell'd the Senate to Swear to it, which Oath Numidicus refusing he set him a day to Answer it

before the People, but for fear of him and Marius to∣gether, Numidicus fled to Smyrna in Asia. Saturninus procuring the Tribuneship a Third time, and finding Memmius Candidate for the Consulship, he also caus'd him to be Murder'd, to make way for Glaucius the Praetor, one of his own Party. These base and unge∣nerous Practices rais'd several Troubles and Commo∣tions in the City, and the Senate resolv••d to make him Answer it; whereupon Marius, now a Sixth time Consul, perceiving him in a declining Condition, ve∣ry politickly withdrew himself from his Friendship. The Consuls were now, as in some other Dangerous Times, Invested with an unusual and Dictatorian sort of Power, the manner of conferring of which was by a Vote of the Senate, in these or the like Words, Vide∣ant Consules ne quid detrimenti Respublic•• accipiat. Ma∣rius therefore with his Collegue, set upon Saturninus in the Publick Assembly, and forc••d him and his Fol∣lowers into the Capitol, where, for want of Water, they were constrain'd to yield; after Marius had gi∣ven 'em his Faith for their Safety. Saturninus and Glaucius much rely'd upon Marius, not scrupling to give out, That they were but the Actors and Instruments of his Designs. But notwithstanding this Security, they were all cut in Pieces by the Equites in the Fo∣••rum, who broke in among 'em; and Numidicus, espe∣cially by his Sons Industry, was recall••d, with the General Applause of the People.

The Wars abroad, and the Dissentions and Cor∣••uptions at home, did not hinder Learning, for that ••till flourish'd more than ever, and Poetry was come almost to its highest pitch in Rome; for a little before ••his, flourish'd the Famous Lucretius, an admirable Po∣••t in his kind, and in many particulars scarce inferi∣••ur to Virgil. Now for the space of seven or eight Years, there was no great Action abroad, nor any o∣••en Sedition at home; but however there was great Dissatisfaction among those of the Senatorian Order,

by reason of the Power of Judicature, given to the Equites by C. Gracchus's Laws, which prov'd an extra∣ordinary Grievance to ••em. The Common-wealth too was bought and sold; the Publicans, who Farm••d the Publick Revenues, being as they were Equites, both Judges and Parties. Upon these accounts, Drusus the Tribune, a very eminent and well-designing Person, endeavour'd to restore the Fathers to their Ancient Privileges and Authority, and yet not offend the E∣quites; and therefore the Senate being now reduc••d to a small Number, he preferr'd a Law, that as many E∣quites should be added to them, and that the Power of Judicature shou'd be committed equally to all that shou'd be then of this Body. This gave great Of∣fence to both Parties; and Caepio also, one of Dru∣su••'s Collegues, oppos'd him, and coming into the Se∣nate, there accus'd some of the Highest Rank of Ille∣gal Endeavours to gain Offices. Drusus, to withstand his Designs, again propos'd the Agrarian Law; and that the Allies and Confederates of Italy, the present Possessors, might take it amiss, he gave 'em hopes of the Freedom of the City. A great Concourse of Stran∣gers was occasion'd upon this account, and as great a Contention rais••d; where Philippus the Consul, for opposing the Law for dividing the Lands, was Dis∣gracefully buffeted by one of the Strangers, and vio∣lent Disturbances follow'd. Drusus disappointed in this Particular, still endeavour'd to perform his Pro∣mise to the Italians; but going home, accompany'd with a Great Multitude of People, he was Stabb'd in the Court of his own House, having Breath enough to say, That the Common-wealth cou'd never find a Per∣son more true to her Interest than he.

IV. These Troubles did not end with Drusus's Death, for soon after, a very Dangerous War broke out upon this account with most of the Italians, call'd the Social, or Italian War. These People had, for

some time, taken it very hainously, that they were deny'd the Freedom of the City, which had been partly Promis'd 'em in the time of the Gracchi. But now Drusus's Death, who had very much heightned their Expectations, inrag'd 'em more than eve••, espe∣cially when the Equites, immediately after, had, by-force of Arms, procur'd a Law for Banishing all the Great Persons who were not for their Interest. The Italians also thought that they had sufficient Reason to expect this Privilege from that City, whose Subsist∣ance and Empire had been so much maintain••d by their Valour, they commonly sending out double the Number of Troops to those of Rome. Upon these Grounds they resolv'd to procure that by Force and Violence, which cou'd not be obtain'd by Intreaties and Civil Means, and thereupon they joyned toge∣ther in a close Confederacy, and privately sent Mes∣sages and Hostages to each other; namely, the Luca∣nians, Apulians, Marsi, Peligni, with many others, and especially the old Enemies of Rome, the Samnites, who made their Preparations, with equal Diligence and Secrecy.

These private Transactions being discover'd at Rome, tho' late enough, Spies were immediately sent out into all Quarters, to make what further Discoveries they cou'd. One of which happening to see a young Man of Asculum carry••d into another City for an Hostage, thereupon acquainted Servilius the Pro-Consul, who, go∣ing to Asculum, and reprimanding the Citizens of that Place, was set upon and Slain, together with all the Romans. Their Designs being now wholly discover••d, for their greater Security they all broke out into open Rebellion: However first, they thought it most con∣venient to send to Rome to complain; but their Mes∣sengers cou'd not be Admitted without Satisfaction and Repentance for what they had already done. Whereupon the War was committed to both the Con∣suls, together with Mari••s and Sylla, and several o∣thers••

thers who had Pro-Consular Authority, the Forces on either side amounting to about 100 000 fighting Men. The War was very dangerous and destructive; and R••tilius the Consul in a short time lost his Life, falling into an Ambuscade laid by the Marsi; and the Ro∣mans. receiv'd many terrible Blows, so that they were constrain'd to List many who had been Slaves. The Bodies of the Consul, and several others, being car∣ry••d into the City, so discourag'd the People, that the Senate made a Decree, that henceforward the Bodies of the Slain should be Bury'd where they Dy'd, which, as a Prudent Example, was likewise follow'd by the Enemy: After the Death of Rutilius, his Army was committed to Marius his Lieutenant, and Capio, who acted in Conjunction with him. Caepio was Slain not long after in an Ambuscade laid by Popedius, one of the Italian Generals; so Marius had his Desire of Commanding alone, and did excellent Service, as like∣wise did Sylla the same Year.

For the following Year, Pompeius Strabo, Father to Pompey the Great, and Porcius Cato, were made Consuls, and now the Senate thought fit to give the Freedom of the City to such of the Italians as had not Revol∣ted, which much establish••d those who were some∣what wavering in their Minds, and abated the Cou∣rages of the other already ingag'd: Yet these were not chosen into any of the 35 Triben, but were plac••d by themselves behind all, so that in Voting, they cou'd not hinder the rest, which afterwards caus••d some Disturbance. Cato the Consul did very good Service this Campaign, which swell'd him with such an O∣pinion of himself, that he boasted himself equal to Marius, for which he was Slain by Marius's Son, in the midst of a Battel against the Marsi. His Collegue Pompey overthrew the Picentes and Asculani; and ha∣ving long Besieg'd Asculum, he defeated the Enemy which Sally'd out upon him; he likewise kill'd 18000 of the M••rsi, taking 3000 Prisoners. And at last pos∣sessing

himself of Asculum, he caus'd all the Officers and Principal Men in the City, to be first Scourg'd, and then Beheaded. Sylla also perform'd many great Actions, overthrowing the Samnites, and Storming Two of their Camps, which success so elevated him, that he immediately stood for the Consul-ship, and ob∣tain••d it, having the Honour likewise of Finishing this dangerous War, nigh Three years after it was begun; a War so destructive, that it consum'd above ••00000 of the Youth of Italy, according to Patercu∣lus. This War was ended with a Disturbance in the City about Usury, and the unexpected Privileges of the Conquer'd Italians, who had the Freedom of the City given 'em, just as the others had a short time be∣fore, and so all things were happily quieted.

V. But Quiet and Peace was too great a Happiness for Rome at this time, for the Social War was scarce finish'd, when Two others broke out, one the Cause of the other. This first was with Mithridates, King of Pontus in Asia Minor, a Prince famous for his Know∣ledge and Learning, mighty in Riches and Power, of a boundless Ambition, and a Former of vast Designs. This King, by several Actions, had gain••d the Enmi∣ty of Ronie, particularly by procuring Tigranes King of Armenia, to Declare against the Roman State, and by his over-running his Neighbours, the Bithynians, Phrygians, Mysias, Lycians, Pamphylians, and other Al∣lies of Rome. And which was more Provoking than all the rest, he had taken Q. Oppius, and Aquilius, the latter of which he kill'd, by pouring Melted Gold down his Throat, continually upbraiding the Romans with Avarice and Corruption. Upon all these Ac∣counts, the Romans Proclaim'd War against him; and Sylla, and Pompeius Rufus being Consuls, it fell to the former's share to Undertake it. But Sylla having not yet quite finish'd the Social War, Marius stirr'd by the Desire either of Profit or of Honour, perswaded Sul∣picius,

Tribune of the People, of prefer a Law for trans∣ferring the Management of this War from Sylla to him. He made what Parties he cou'd, and drew the People of Italy to his Side, who had lately been made free of the City, by promising em equal Privileges with those in the 35 Tribes, which as yet they want∣ed; so that Matters were carry'd on with Violent Heats and Contentions; and Pompey's Son, and Son-in-Law to Sylla, was kill'd in the midst of these Tu∣mults and Disturbances.

Sylla hearing of these dangerous Commotions, hast∣ned to the City, easily perswading his Army to stand by him in all Exigencies; for they were very un∣willing to have any other go on that Expedition, from which they promis'd themselves such Great Advanta∣ges. His Collegue Pompey joyn'd with him; and tho Marius, and Sulpicius the Tribune, made all possible Op∣position, yet, after some Difficulty and Bloodshed, they enter d the City, and Marius with his Accomplices were forc'd to betake themselves to flight; and thus began the other War, which was the first Civil War of any Note among the Romans, as the Troubles of the Gracchi were the first in which there had been any Blood-shed of Note. Sylla did no Injury to the Citi∣zens in General, but Revers'd all that Sulpicius had done, regulated the Senate, procur'd Marius, Sulpicius, and Ten other Leading Men, to be Declar'd open E∣nemies to their Country, made it Lawful for any Person to kill them, and set their Goods to Pub∣lick Sale. Shortly after this, he departed upon his Expedition against Mithridates, who now had very much extended his Conquests, even to the subduing a Great Part of Greece it self. Sulpicius was in a short time taken and put to Death; but Marius hid him∣self in the Fens of Minturnum, where, being disco∣ver'd, a Gaul was sent to kill him, but he was so dash'd and amaz'd at the Nobleness of his Presence, that he cou'd not perform his Order: So that Marius being

convey'd out of that Place, escap'd into Africk, where he was joyn'd by cethegus and other, who had fled into Numidia, expecting a convenient Opportunity to Invade their own Country. Pompeius Rufus the Con∣sul, to secure Italy, was at the same time appointed to Receive and Command the Army of Pompeius Strabo, who had done great Service in the Social War, and had so far gain'd the Affection of his Men, that they finding they were like to part with their Old Gene∣ral, stood up and slew the Counsul himself; so that now there were great Dangers and Disturbances in all Parts.

Cornelius Cinna, and C. Octavius, were made Con∣suls for the following Year: Cinna, corrupted, as some are of Opinion, immediately declar'd himself for the New Citizens, and recall d Marius, with the rest of the Exiles; which Actions were so violently oppos'd by his Collegue Octavius, that Cinna was by Force, driven from the City, and Merula put in his Place. Cinna, upon this, going about to the Italian People, by giving 'em fresh Hopes of equal Privileges with the Romans, and pretending, That all his Troubles and Sufferings were purely for their Sakes, obtain'd great Summs of Money. Marius also coming over to him shortly, they, together, rais'd a Considerable Army, and Cinna March'd directly to Rome, and sat down be∣fore it, to the Great Surprize and Terror of the In∣habitants. Marius at the same time March'd against Ostia, and took it by Force; but Cinna before Rome, finding he was not like to carry the Place, broke up the Siege, and Invested Ariminum, which he soon after Storm'd. Marius, after the taking of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, ad∣vanc'd with his whole Army, and pos••ed himself up∣on the Hill Ianiculum, joyning to Rome; which again put the Inhabitants into a Great Consternation, espe∣cially for that he was soon after joyn'd by Cinna. The Consuls, finding they cou'd not recall Sylla from Countries so far distant, sent to Metellus, then lying

with an Army in Samnium; but he differing with them about some Conditions, shortly after join'd him∣self with Marius: At which time the City was nigh being betray'd by Ap. Claudius, a Tribune of the Army, who was invested with the Command of the Janicu∣lum; but tho' He and Cinna Broke in, they were re∣pell'd by Octavius, and Pompeius Strabo the Proconsul, who was shortly after kill'd with a Thunder-bolt.

Marius, after this, took in several. Towns about Rome where Provisions lay, and Cinna, by the fair Promises of Liberty, drew great Numbers of Slaves out of the City; which the Senate perceiving, dis∣patch'd Ambassadors to Cinna and Marius, desiring them to come into the City peaceably, and spare their own Country-men. Cinna refus'd to admit of any Address made to him as a Private Man, so that they were forc'd to treat with him as Consul, and desir'd him to swear that he wou'd shed no Blood. Oinna absolutely refus'd to take such an Oath; but promis'd, that know∣ingly and willingly he wou'd not be the Cause of any Man's Death: Marius stood by him, and said nothing, but gave sufficient Testimony by the Sourness of his Coun∣tenance, and the Sternness of his Looks, that he wou'd shortly fill the City with Massacres. But the better to dissemble his Rage, he at last broke Silence, tel∣ling the Ambassadors, that he was then in Exile, and banish'd his Country by course of Law; that if his Presence were necessary, they must repeal the former Act of his Ba∣nishment by a new Decree, that he might be received as a religious Observer of the Laws, and might enter the City free from Fear or Oppression. Upon this all Matters were adjusted, and the Law for banishing Marius, and his Associates, abrogated.

Upon their Entrance into the City, great Plunde∣rings and miserable Slaughters began in all Places. Octavius the Consul, tho' he had the Oath of Cinna and Marius, yet refusing to fly from his Charge, was kill'd, and his Head set upon the Rostra, to which

was added that of M. Antonius, Grand-Father to the triumvir with Augustus, an excellent Orator, who by the Charms of his Eloquence defended himself a a considerable time against the Rage of the Soldiers, and several others. Dreadful Tumults and Out-crys were in all Places; and none were spared either for the Dignity of their Worths, or their Ages. The dead Bodies, being barbarously mangl'd, and abomi∣nably abus'd, were left to be torn in Pieces, and de∣voured by Dogs and Fowls, none daring to bury 'em. All Sylla's Friends were slaughter'd without Mercy, his House demolish'd, his Goods set to Sale, and he himself judged and declared an Enemy to Rome. Me∣rula, tho' he never sought the Consulship, and Catullus, having their Days set 'em to answer for their Lives, destroy'd themselves. Cinna and Marius having thus sa∣tiated themselves with the blood of others, made them∣selves Consuls for the following Year; but Marius dy'd about a Month after, in the 70th. Year of his Age, within less than two Years after the breaking out of this Civil War, being a noble Soldier, and a brave ominander, but much more serviceable to his Country in the Time of War than in Peace, and the only Per∣son who had the Honour of the Consulship seven times.

VI. In the Time of these unhappy Troubles at home, Sylla perform'd many noble Exploits against Mithri∣dates, who not long before her Arrival had command∣ed in one Day 80000, some say 150000 Romans and Italians in Asia, to be murder'd in cold Blood. Sylla first over-threw Archelaus his General nigh Athens so effectually, that of his 120000 Men scarce 10000 were left; then he gave him another great Defeat, recover'd Greece, Maccdonia, Ionia, Asia, and other Countries, which Mithridates had got into his hands, and withal took his Fleet from him; insomuch that Mithridates was very willingly to come to a Treaty, which Sylla notwithstanding Mithridates's high Provoca∣tion

before, was not much averse to, being in want of Money, and very desirous to return to Italy, and to revenge himself of those who had declar'd him an Enemy to Rome. The principal Articles of the Peace were that Mithridates shou'd pay the Charges of the War, and that for the future he shou'd be content with his Fathers Kingdom; which were ratified in less than Three Years after the Beginning of the War. Sylla severely fin'd Asia for its Revolt, and fetling Affairs according to the present Occasion, he return'd for Italy. He took Athens in his Way, from whence he carry'd the fa∣mous Library of Apellicon the Teian, in which were most of the Books of Aristotle and Theophrastus, then not vulgarly known. He soon after wrote to the Senate at Rome, recounting all his great Services he had done for the State, and how ungratefully he had been us'd by Marius's Party, telling them plainly, that he was coming to revenge both himself and the Publick, by punishing the Authors of those Injuries, though the rest he wou'd spare, whether they were old or new Citizens.

The Senate extremely dreaded the effects of Sylla's Return, well knowing it would be fatal to many, and even to some who had unwillingly join'd with Ma∣riu••; therefore they sent to treat with him, offering all their Endeavours for his Satisfaction, if he would quickly make known his Demands. And that there might be the less Blood-shed, they order'd Cinna to discontinue his Levies; but he finding there was no Way of supporting his Interest, but by Arms, only return'd 'em a plausible Answer, and proceeded to raise Soldiers, designing to make himself and his Col∣legue Carbo Consuls for the following Year that there might be no Necessity of returning to Rome for a new E••ection. He sent over part of his Troops into Dal∣matia, there to meet Syll••, but those behind were dri∣ven back to Italy by a Storm, after which they abso∣lutely refus'd to fight against their own Country-men, so that all the rest, who as yet had not put to Sea, re∣fus'd

to go on Board. Hereupon Cinna going to speak with 'em; one of his Officers who made way before him, struck one of 'em; at which the Soldier struck him again, and being apprehended for this Crime, a great Tumult and Mutiny arose among the rest of the Men, wherein Cinna himself was run through; and thus perish'd in his fourth Consulship, a Person worthi∣er to have dy'd by the Command of the Conqueror, than by the Fury of the Soldiers. Carbo continu'd Consul by himself for the remaining Part of the Year.

Sylla before this time had receiv'd the Senate's Pro∣posals, and return'd for Answer, That be wou'd never be reconcil'd to such wicked Persons as Cinna and Carbo, who besides many pernicious Practices against their Country's Good, had procur'd War to be decreed against him who had done it so much Service. But if the People of Rome wou'd grue 'em Indemnity, be shou'd not oppose it; yet be thought all such as came over to him to be far more safe, since he had so considerable an Army at his Devotion. This sufficiently declaring his Intentions; he also demanding Restitu∣tion of his Estate, his ancient Dignity and Honours; but the Messengers coming to Brundusium, and there hearing of Cinna's Death, and the Disturbances of the Common-wealth, return'd back to him. Sylla then cros'd the Sea with a Fleet of 1600 Ships and ••0000 Men, and landed at Brundusium, where he was join'd by M••tellus Pius, who had retir'd from Rome for fear of Marius and Cinan, and likewise by Pompey, after∣wards surnam'd the Great, who from this time became Sylla's great Favourite. Besides these, came also Ce∣thegus, who having before join'd with Cinna, now begg'd Pardon, and was receiv'd into Favour. Nor∣ba••ts and Scipio, the present Consuls, together with Carbo, made all necessary Preparations for Resistance; and the first Trial at Arms was at Canusium, where Norbanus lost 6000 Men, and fled to Capua. His Col∣legue Scipio shortly after, throughout Treachery

of his Army, fell, with his Son, into the Hands of Sylla, who civilly dismiss'd them both. After this, Sylla sent to Norbanus to treat of Peace; but not be∣ing thought serious perhaps, had no Answer••return'd him.

Italy now began to feel all the Desolations and Mi∣series of a Civil War, Sylla making great Devastations on one side, and Carbo on the other, who getting in∣to Rome, procur'd Metellus, and the rest who join'd with Sylla, to be declar'd Enemies to the State. Both Parties diligently sent up and down to the Italian Ci∣ties, labouring by all possible Ways and Methods to procure Forces; and thus was the rest of the Summer spent in which time the Capitol was burnt down, none knowing by what means it was done; this hapned a∣bout 430 Years after it was first built. The following Year, Carbo a third Time, and young Marius, the Son of the former, were made Consuls; the latter at 27 Years of Age. In the beginning of the Campaign, Carbo's Lieutenant Carinus was overthrown by Metellus, and Marius himself by Sylla. Marius was driven into Praeneste, where being closely besieg'd, and almost despairing of Relief, he in a great Rage wrote to Brutus, then Praetor at Rome, to use some Pretence to call the Senate, and then to kill the principal of 'em who were his Enemies; which Order was executed with great Cruelty; so that whatsoever Side were Conquerors, Rome was still a miserable Sufferer. Metellus having by this time overthrown Carbo once more, and Pompey defeated Marcius, another of that Party, Sylla march'd directly to Rome, which Place he easily enter'd, great Numbers of the opposite Faction being fled into the Country.

The Inhabitants of Rome were extremely terrify••d at Sylla's Entrance; but he only put the Goods of the Persons that fled to Sale, wishing the People not to be dejected, for he was oblig'd to act as he did. Then lea∣ving a sufficient Garrison in the City, he departed to

Clusium, where he and his Officers several times over∣threw-Carbo's Armies. Carbo, being now upon the defensive, sent eight Legions to Praeneste to relieve his Collegue Marius; but they were met by Pompey in a narrow Passage, where he ••lew many of 'em, and di∣spers'd the Rest. Soon after, Carbo being join'd with Norbanus, engag'd with Metellus, and had 10000 of his Men slain, and 6000 yielded; whereupon great Numbers went over to Sylla's Party, which presently became Masters of all Gaul on that side the Alpes. Norbanus fled to Rhodes, where fearing to be deliver'd up, he kill'd himself; and Carbo fled to Africk, tho he had 30000 Men at Clusium, besides other Forces, all which soon after were broken and dispers'd by Pompey. But Carinus, and Marcius, with other Com∣manders, by the Assistance of the Samnite Troops en∣deavour'd to force the Trenches at Praeneste, and re∣lieve Marius; but finding it impracticable, they ad∣vanc'd to Rome, where meeting with Sylla, a most bloody Battell was sought at the very Gates, in which many thousands were slain on both sides. But Sylla at last obtain'd the Victory, and Carinus and Marcius were taken, and their Heads sent to Praeneste to be shewn to the Inhabitants, at which sorrowful Sight, they surrender'd to Lucullus, and Marius kill'd himself, whose Head was set up in the Pleading-Place at Rome. All his Faction in Praeneste, with the Natives and Sam∣nites were put to Death without Mercy; only the Ro∣mans escap'd with their Lives, and this rich City was plunder'd. Norba a little after was taken, and the In∣habitants setting the Town on Fire, all destroy'd them∣selves, some one way, and some another: So now all Italy came under the Power of Sylla.

Sylla, having been thus successful against his Ene∣mies at home, sent Pompey into Africk against Carbo, and gave him Charge to pass from thence into Sicily against others of that Party. Pompey in a short time drove Carbo into Sicily, and thence into Corcyra, where

he took him, and caus••d his Head to be cut off, and sent to Sylla. But Rome in the mean time now se∣verely felt the dreadful Effects of Civil Contests; for Sylla calling the People together, told them, That he wou'd put 'em into a better Condition, if they were obedient to his Commands▪ but as for his Enemies, be was resolv'd to prosecute them with all sorts of Miseries and Calamities; which he did with more Severity than any before him, killing and butchering many thousands after a most barbarous and inhumane Manner. Eight Thousand were put to Death together in the Villa Publica a large House in the Campus Martius; Men were slain in the Embraces of their Wives, Children in the Arms of their Mothers, and Liberty was given to the Soldiers to kill all they met, without distinction till Furfidius a little stopp'd the Current of his Rage, by putting him in mind that he ought to leave some to reign over Sylla, then publish'd Tables of Proscription for particularly Per∣sons, these being the first ever known in Rome, wherein were proscribed 80 Senators, and 1600 Equites, to which he afterwards added more, promising great Re∣wards to the Discoverers, and threatning Death to the Concealers of them. Of these Out-law••d Persons some were slain in their Houses, others in the Streets, and others prostrate at his Feet, begging their Lives; and those that fled, their Goods were seiz••d on. Marius, Brother to Sylla's great Enemy, had his Eyes first pull'd out, then his Hands and Legs cut off at several times, that he might die with the greater Torment. ••. Iulius Caesar, a young Man of wonderful promising Abilities, who had marry'd Cinna's Daughter, very hardly e∣scap'd the common Miseries of these Times, of whom Sylla was wont to say, after a Prophetick Manner, That in Caesar were many Marius's.

Rome was not the only Sufferer in these dreadfull Calamities; for this Proscription was carry••d through∣out all the Cities of Italy, where the merciless Effusion of Blood was such, that neither the Temples of the

Gods, nor all the Sanctuaries cou'd afford. Protection to any Man. Both the Consuls being now destroy'd, Sylla withdrew himself from the City; and order'd the Senate to create an Inter-Rex, which they most willingly did, naming Valerius Flaccus. He wrote to him to ask the People, that since Affairs were yet much unsettled, a Dictator might be created, and that not for any limited Time, but till all publick Evils and Grievances should be redress'd, not forgetting to mention himself. This the People were constrain'd to yield to, he having then all the Power in his own Hands; and so this Office, which had been intermitted for 120 Years, was conferr'd on him without any Limitation of Time. And thus ended the first Civil War in Italy, tho' not in all other Pla∣ces, about 6 Years after it began, and four after the first Marius's Death, in the 672d. Year of the City, in the 3d. Year of the 174th Olympiad, 427 Years since the Beginning of the Consular State, 248 since the set∣ting up of the Macedonian Empire, and 80 before our Saviours's Nativity

CHAP. XIV.

From the Perpetual Dictatorship of Sylla, to the first Triumvirate, namely, that of Caesar, Pom∣pey and Cra••sus; which prov'd the Ruin of the Consular State, and the first Step to the setting up the Imperial.

Containing the Space of 22 Years.

THE Government of Rome was now for some space chang••d to a Monarchy, Sylla's Power being unlimited as to Time, and tho•• to keep up a Shew of a Common-wealth, he permitted Consuls to be made, yet he plainly reign••d alone, having 24 Li∣ctors with their Fasces and Axes, and a great Guard constantly to attend his Person, as the Kings in for∣mer times had, and repealing old Laws and enacting

new at his pleasure. He regulated the Consulship, or∣dering that none shou'd be capable of it without first passing through other Offices. He remov'd that Plague to the Senate, the Tribuneship, by making those who, bore it uncapable of any other Trust. He added 300 of the Equites to the Senate, and likewise 10000 of the Slaves of the Proscribed to the People, making 'em Free, and calling 'em Cornelii according to his own Name; and he assign'd great quantities of Land to 23 Legi∣ons, the better to secure and bind 'em to his Interest. This was the first Year of Sylla's Reign in which the War broke out again with Mithridates, about three Years after the first, occasion'd by Murena who•• Syl∣la had left behind him in Asia. This Person being extraordinary ambitious of a Triumph, found an Op∣portunity of making a Breach with Mithridates, con∣trary to the Senate's Designs; but as it proved, he only procur••d himself an Overthrow, and Mithridates a Peace not long after, which finish'd the second War with that Prince, having lasted above two Years.

In the second Year of Sylla's Office he again made Consuls, but joyn'd himself with Caecilius Metellus, he being one, which Course the Emperors afterwards imitated. The Year after, when the People design••d him Consul again, he declin••d it, and chose two o∣thers; and then, to the great Surprize and Wonder of all Men, he laid down his Dictatorship, in the third Year of his Office; and what was more Surprising tho' he had done so many cruel and wicked Acts, he like a Man perfectly Just and Innocent, freely offer••d to give an Account of all his Management and Pro∣ceedings. Yet we find none accus'd him but one young Man, whose scurrilous Language to him made him say, that such course Usage for the future wou••d keep any Man from laying down an Office of such Supream Authori∣ty; which Iulius Caesar afterwards seem'd to have been aware of. Not long after he retired himself into the Country, where following nothing but his Plea∣sure,

he dy'd in a short time at Puteoli, his body being putrefied, and all turn'd into Lice. This was the End of Cornelius Sylla, and as his Life was very perni∣cious to his Co••ntry, so was his Death extreamly trou∣blesome to it, the two Consuls and their Factions fal∣ling about the Honours design'd for him at his Funeral. Catullus prevailing against his Collegue Lepidus, his Bo∣dy was carry'd in great Pomp and State through the City, and was the first in Rome that was burnt, to prevent being treated as Marius before had been, whose Bones Sylla himself had order'd to be digged up and thrown away.

After this, the Consuls fell into greater Dissentions about the Lands given away by Sylla, which Lepidus was for returning to the former Possessors. The Se∣nate being very fearful of another War, made 'em both swear Not to deside the Controversie by the Sword. But Lepidus resolv'd not to return out of his Province, 'till the new Election of Consuls was over, and then to begin a War, thinking himself discharg'd from his Oath when he was out of his Office. Hereupon the Senate sent for him, and at his return, he offer'd to bring his Troops into the City, but being oppos'd by Catullus and Pompey, a Battel in••u••d, wherein he was overthrown, and fleeing to Sardinia, he dy'd the same Year with Sylla. This was not the end of all these Troubles, for a more dangerous War was still depen∣ding in Spain against Q. Sertorius, an admirable expert Commander of Ci••••••a's Faction, who had driven out all Sylla's Party from Spain, and had chosen 300 of his Friends, whom he call'd a Senate, in Opposi∣tion to that at Rome. Sertorius having joyn'd with the Cel••iberians, had before been Successfull against Me∣tellus, and now being re-inforc'd with part of Le∣pidus's Army brought over by Perpenna, he design'd no less than the Invasion of Italy. The Senate ap∣prehensive of this threatning Danger, sent Pompey a∣gainst him, who for his great Exploits in Africk and

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Sicily had already triumph'd, tho' scarce 26 Years of Age, and neither Consul nor Praetor. Pompey in Imi∣tation of Hannibal, pass'd the Alpes, tho' a contrary way, but with no Success against Sertorius either then or in the next Spring: and tho' Perpenna and Herculeus were several times worsted by Metellus, yet Sertorius by his extraordinary Management reduc'd Pompey to great Extremities, insomuch he was oblig'd to send to Rome for Supplies; which after he had receiv'd, he attack••d several Places subject to Sertorius, yet per∣form'd no thing of Consequence this Year.

The following Year, Pompey and Metellus being much strengthn'd, made Incursions into several Parts, and with more Success than formerly; yet no con∣siderable Battel was fought. And indeed there need∣ed none, since Sertorius fell away insensibly, by dis∣obliging his chief Soldiers in preferring the Celtiberians for his Guard; but more especially by his degenera∣ting into a lazy and debauch'd, as well as cruel Tem∣per, putting many to Death with little Reason or Justice. And now Perpenna fearing it might fall to his Lot to be destroy'd amongst the rest, resolv'd to pre∣vent it, and thereupon inviting him to a Sumptuous Feast, first made him and his Companions very drunk, and then murder'd him; which was a very inglori∣ous End for so great a Soldier, who had stoutly and bravely resisted all that had been sent against him, and had been admired by the Spaniards as another Hannibal. Perpenna with much difficulty obtain'd his Command from his Army, but not long after was overthrown in Battel, and taken Prisoner by Pompey. He offer'd to disclose to Pompey in private some Matters of the highest Consequence, if he wou'd spare his Life; but Pompey with great Policy and Dis∣cretion commanded him to be Executed immediately, and his Papers all to be burnt, least his Accusations shou'd bring the State into further Troubles, of which it had felt too severely already. Thus ended all the

Civil Wars, in the 68th. Year of the City, 1•• Years after they first began, and 9 after it ended in Italy, in the Consulship of Terentius Varro and Cassius Varus▪ the former being a Person of wonderful Knowledge, and one of the most Learned Men that ever Rome produc'd, in whose time Learning was in many respects at the highest Pitch in the State.

II. But the Year before, a third War broke out with Mithridates, who now had joyn'd himself with Tigranes King of Armenia, and gather••d together an Army of divers Countries consisting of 140000 Foot 16000 Horse, by which he in a short time Possess'd himself of all Bithynia, which Nicomedes the late King had given by his Will to the Romans. Lucinius Lucullus and Aurelius Cotta being Consuls, the former, a brave General, was sent against Mithridates. He found the King before C••zicus a City of Propontis, where he plac'd his Men with so much skill as to besiege the Besie∣ger, and reduc'd Mithridates to such Extremities, that, through Famine he was forc'd, first to send away his Cavalry and sick Men into Bithynia, whereof 15000 were intercepted, and then to retire himself with the rest that could escape the great Slaughter which the Romans made in their Flight. During the time of this double Siege, Eumachus one of Mithridates's Com∣manders, made Inrodes into Phrygia, subdu'd Pisidia and Isauria, and endeavoured to do the like to Cili∣cia, 'till he was Repuls••d by Deiotarus one of the Go∣vernours of Galatia. But Lucullus improv'd his Suc∣cess by Land by gaining many Victories at Sea, where he took several of Mithridates's Commanders, and closely pursu'd the King himself. Mithridates flying with more Speed than Discretion, had been Cast away, but that he was receiv'd into a Pirate's Vessel, to which he was glad to commit himself in so great a Danger, and at length after many Difficulties, got into his own Kingdom, whither Lucullus pursu'd

him, having taken in all Bithynia and Paphlagonia in in his Way; and this was his first Years Expedition.

Mithridates made all possible Preparations for Resi∣stance, sending to Tigranes and others for Aid; and within the space of a Year he got together 40000 Foot and 4000 Horse, with which he once or twice gain'd some Advantage over the Romans; and struck some Terror into the Soldier. But Lucullus found Means to cut off•• most of his Cavalry, which, with the Loss of a Battel soon after, so terrify'd him that he quit∣ted his Kingdom, and fled into Armenia to Tigranes, who entertain'd him like a King, but refus'd to admit him to his Presence. All Pontus, except a few Places, yielded to Lucullus in a Short space; and Machares King of Bosphorus sent this General a Crown of Gold, by which he purchas'd the Title of his Friend and Allie. This was the fourth Year of his Expedition, in which Year also was happily finish'd the War with Spartacus the Gladiator in Italy. This Person with seventy four of his Companions having broken out of their Fencing School at Capua, fled away; and wandring through all the Country round, and vastly encreasing in their Numbers, commenc'd a dangerous War in Italy. They at last had gather'd together an Army of about 70000 Men, most Vagabonds and such kind of People, and all pretenders to Liberty, and had besides overthrown many of the Roman Commanders, and two of their Consuls; till at last they were Con∣quer'd and despers'd by Licinius Crassus the Prooon••ul in Apulia a Person of great Nobility and Riches, and after many Troubles and Calamities in Italy, the War was ended in the third Year by him. About the same time a Lustrum being perform••d in Rome, 450000 Free Citizens were Poll'd, the City still encreasing in Bulk and People, and the Inhabitants in Learning and Po∣liteness, as well as Corruption and Factions.

Lucullus, having still the Management of the War, against Mithridates, follow'd him into Armenia, sen∣ding

to Tigranes King of that Country, to demand him. Tigranes was a very powerful Monarch, having lately Conquer'd several Nations and Kings, which made him so intolerably Proud, that when he rode abroad he would have four of his Subdu••d Kings run by his side like Lacqueys, and when he sat on his Throne, to stand before him with folded Hands in token of Subjection. Tigranes being now abroad in reducing Phoenicia, Lucullus's Messenger found Op∣portunity to draw over many to his side, who had been much dissatisfy'd at his proud and insulting Car∣riage. Tigranes at his return refus'd to deliver up Mithridates, and likewise to acknowledge Lucullus as a General, because he had not given him the Title of King of Kings. Whereupon Lucullus suddenly pass••d the River Euphrates with two Legions and about 3000 Horse, which did not a little surprize Tigranes, who first hang••d the Messenger of the News as a Disturber of the Peace, and soon after sent Mithrobarzanes with 2000 Horse▪ to Incommode his Passage, leaving Man∣caeus to cover the City Tigranocerta which he had late∣ly built, and went himself to Levy Forces. While he was drawing together a vast Army of 250000 Foot, and ••0000 Horse against the Romans, Mithrobazanes was repell••d, and Mancaeus driven from the Cover of the City, and the Place immediately Invested. Mi∣thridates upon this advis••d him not to hazard all in a Battel, but rather to starve the Romans; but he sligh∣ted this Motion, and contemn••d the Smallness of their Numbers, saying, That if the Romans were all Ambassadours they were a great many, but if Soldiers, ve∣ry few, pretending to over-run 'em with great Faci∣lity. But Lucullus posting himself upon a Hill, sent his Cavalry to provoke and draw out the Enemy so as he might break their Ranks; and then setting upon the Carriage Beasts, so successfully caus'd 'em to drive their Foot among their Horse, that great Confusio•• follow'd and a dreadful Slaughter continu'd all the

day; and Tigranocerta was surrender'd by means of certain dissatisfy'd Greeks in the Place.

After these Defeats, another great Army was rais'd, and committed to the Conduct of Mithridates. They both endeavour'd to ••hem in Lucullus, but were disap∣pointed in their Design by his extraordinary Vigilancy; and thus both Sides continu'd with little Action, till want of Provisions constrain'd 'em to remove, Tigra∣nes Marching farther into his Kingdom, and Mithri∣dates, into his, with Lucullus not far behind him. Fa∣bius, who had been left in Pon••us by Lucullus, was o∣verthrown by Mithridates, and after him Triarius, who imprudently Engag'd with him, and lost ••000 of his Men. Soon after, Mithridates taking with him all the Necessaries he cou••d carry, and destroying the rest, March'd into the Lesser Armenia, Lucullus wou••d gladly have follow'd him, and might have put an End to the War, but that now Acilius Glabrio this Years Consul, by Glabinus the Tribunes Procurement, was appointed to carry it on in his Place. This being known in the Army, Lucullus was lighted by his Men, and Mithridates and Tigranes began to be more Successful than formerly. In a short time, Glabrio arriu'd at his Province, and sent about to give Notice That the Senate being displeas'd with Lucullus for prolong∣ging the War, had disbanded his Army, and wou'd Con∣fiscate the Estates of such as shou'd disobey its Order. Up∣on which all his Army abandon'd him except some few poor Men, who had no great Cause to fear any loss of Estates; and Lucullus being out of his Com∣mand, Mithridates recover'd almost all his Kingdom, and did much Damage to Capp••clocia, Glabrio not so much as coming to his Army, but lying idle in Bithy∣nia. This hapned in the seventh Year after Lucullus had undertaken the War.

III. About this time, Pompey began to come into great Esteem among the Romans, having now a new

Occasion of shewing his great Abilities in War, which was this: The Pirates, who had been first employ••d by Mithridates, finding their Profit so great, had now got together many thousands of several Nations, ma∣king choice of Cilicia for their Rendezvous; and seeing that the War continu'd, they thought it more Wis∣dom to damnify others, than lose their own Estates. They were now grown so Numerous and Powerful, that there was no secure passing the Seas nor dwel∣ling upon the Coasts; for they not only took and robb'd Ships by Sea, but also whole Provinces on the Land. They had likewise defeated several. Romans Praetors, and were grown so impudent, that they lan∣ded in Italy it self, carry'd away several Women of Quality, and more than that, two Armies with their Ensigns. These great Affronts very much enrag'd the People of Rome, and a Law was preferr'd by Gabinius the Tribune, That some Person shou••d be created Admiral with full Power against the Pirate for three Years, who shou'd have large Forces and many Lieutenants. This Law did not please the Senate, who now began to grow jealous of Pompey••s Power; for to him was the Affair committed, and he had full Power given him over all Persons upon the Sea, and fifty Miles distant, whe∣ther Kings or others, to oblige them to assist him in his Enterprize. The Senate also permitted him to chuse fifteen Lieutenants out of their Body, to take 200 Ships, and raise what Men he cou••d: But he ob∣tain'd greater Advantage of the People, namely 500 Ships, 120000 Foot, and 5000 Horse, 6000 Attick Talents, and the Power of appointing 25 Vice-gerants out of the Senate, and Two Quaestors; so difficult it appear'd to destroy such numerous Fleets as the Pi∣rates had, in a Sea that had so many Places of Retreat and Refuge.

Pompey with great Skill and Judgment distributed his Lieutenants through the several Bays, Havens, Streights, and Windings of the Mediterranean Sea, fur∣nishing

them with convenient Shipping and Forces▪ that so the Pirates being rous••d out of their lurking Holes by some, might be receiv'd by others, and chas'd by the next, and none might be oblig'd to sail too far. While he himself, like a King of so many Kings, sail'd up and down observing, visiting, di∣recting, instructing, and overseeing with that singu∣lar Art and Diligence, that in forty Days he scour'd all the Seas about Africk, Sardinia, Corsica and Sicily▪ and all the Pirates that escap'd, flock'd to Cilicia, as their Common Receptacle. He soon follow•• d 'em with 60 Galleys; and tho' they had prepar•• d them∣selves to give him Battel, yet upon the sight of his Fleet, they submitted to his Mercy; and so much had the Greatness of his Name terrify•• d them, that in for∣ty Days more, he reduc'd Cilicia to the Roman Obe∣dience. Such of these Piratesas remain'd, being a∣bove 20000, he was unwilling to kill, and to let ••em return to their old Habitations was not safe: There∣fore he remov•• d ••em to Places farther distant from the Sea, where he gave ••em Land and Houses, fur∣nishing their Seats with new Inhabitants. Thus after the taking of nigh 400 Ships, and 120 Forts, and the killing of 10000 Men, he finish'd the War in three or four Months, using the Conquer'd with more Gle∣mency than Q. Metellus did those in Crete, which he subdu••d, and thereby obtain'd besides a Triumph, the Sirname of Creticus.

This Expedition still added much to Pompey's Re∣putation; and it was scarce at an End, when Man∣lius the Tribune preferr•• d a Law, That all the Armies the Romans had in any Place, together with the Government of all Asia, and the Management of the War against Mi∣thridates and Tigranes, might be committed to him alone. This he did to curry Favour with so great a Man as Pompey, whom he had displeas'd not long before by a Law of his, which gave equal Privileges to free'd Slaves with their Masters that made 'em so. The

Nobility were extreamly dissatisfied at this new Law, not only for the manifest Injury done to Lucullus and Glabrio; by removing them from their Places but also out of a high jealousie of Pompey's growing Greatness, as being in a manner absolute Monarch of the Roman Empire, by having these Provinces added to, his for∣mer, with the same Power of Peace and War; and which was more than all the rest, a Jurisdiction o∣ver all Armies whatsoever; which Things had never before been conferr'd up•• any one single Person.

But the Commons were ••ry hot for the Law, be∣ing much incited by Cicero 〈◊〉〈◊〉 renowned Orator, now Praetor, who in a Publick A••. sembly made a noble Oration in Commendation of Pompey, shewing not only how very convenient it was for the Good of the Common-Wealth to have a General with so large a Power; but like∣wise how absolutely necessary it was to chuse him above all other Men in the World, as being incomparably eminent for those four great Accomplishments requir d in an Absolute Soldier, Conduct, Courage, Authority and Success, which had all been abundantly apparent in those numerous and won∣derful Exploits he had already perform'd in so many Parts of the World. This had so good an Effect, that when the Law came to the Scrutiny, it pass•• d with little Opposition; and C. Iulius Caesar, lately Quaestor, is said to have likewise favour•• d it, chiefly with Design that afterwards the People might be the more inclin'd to commit the like extraordinary Power to himself.

Pompey having made what Preparations he thought convenient, in a short time undertook his Expedition, in which he propos•• d great Honour and Renown to himself. Yet he first sent to Mithridates, offering him good and reasonable Terms, which the other refused in Expectation of the Assistance of Phraaes King of Parthia; but hearing that a League was made between him and the Romans, he shortly after sent to desire a Peace. Pompey commanded him to lay down his Arms, and deliver up all Deserters; which occasio∣ned

such a dangerous Disturbance and Mutiny in Mithridates's Army, that he immediately receded, saying, He only sent to make an Espial, and evading the Articles by swearing, that he would never be reconcil•• d to the Romans, because of their insatiable Avarice. Pompey marching into Galatia, there met with Lucullus, and a violent Contest was rais'd between 'em. The lat∣ter affirm'd the War to be already finish'd; and that the Commissioners from Rome were to decide it; and when Pompey would not harken to this, he upbraided him with an unjust Ambition, Pompey retorting the Charge of immoderate Desire of Gain upon Lucullus. Lucullus still gave out Commands in his own Name, but Pompey, by his Edicts, forbad 'em, null'd all his Acts, and at last drew away the greater Part of his Army. Yet Lucullus at his Return was received with great Honour by the Senate, carrying with him among his great Booty, many valuable Books; with which he furnish'd a Library, that always stood open, to Greeks especially. He much advanc'd the Roman Lux∣ury as to Buildings, Furniture of Houses and exces∣sive Feast, and also was the first that brought the Cherry-Tree out of Pontus into Italy.

Mitrhidates had now gather'd together a ve••y con∣siderable and numerous Army; and Pompey finding how he had wasted all the Country to hinder the Sub∣sistance of his Army, march'd into the lesser Arm••nia, subject to Mithridates, who fearing he might become Master of that Country, follow•• d him thither. Here Mithridates was in hopes to starve him, but was disap∣pointed with considerable Loss, and to his great Sur∣prize was surrounded by Pompey with an Intrench∣ment of above eighteen Miles Circuit. Whereupon hearing that Marcius was join'd Pompey, he betook himself to Flight, having first killed all such as were sick and useless about him. But Pompey pursu•• d him so close, that before he cou'd pass the River Euphra∣tes, he forc'd him to an Engagement in the Night.

The Moon being very low, and on the Backs of the Romans, so lengthen'd their Shadows, that the Ene∣mies thinking ••em nigher than really they were, shot most of their Arrows without doing Execution. Here Mithridates lost many Thousands of Men; but he himself broke through with 800 Horse, of which on∣ly 300 stay'd with him. Then sorrowfully wandring through the Woods with his Horse in his Hands, he accidentally met with some Mercenaries, and about 3000 Foot, by whose Assistance he was convey'd in∣to a Castle where he had laid up much Treasure. From hence he sent to Tigranes, who now refused to receive him, alledging that his Son upon his Account had rebell•• d against him. Whereupon Mithridates fled to Colchis, which he had formerly conquered, and Pompey followed him, thinking he would not have stirr'd thence; but he immediately passed into Scythia, where partly by Force, and partly by Perswasions, he oblig•• d the Princes of that County, to be of his Party, bestowing his Daughters in Marriage upon some of 'em, having still vast Designs in his Mind, e∣ven of passing through Thrace, Maced••nia, Pannonia, and so over the Alpes into Italy it self.

Pompey, in a short time left Colchis; and getting clear of the Ambuscades, laid for him by the Albanians and Iberians, directed his March to Armenia against Ti∣granes, who now resolv•• d not to fight, upon the Ac∣count of the Rebellion of his three Sons he had by Mithridates's Daughter, two of which he had executed, and the third after an Overthrow had fled to Pompey. Tigranes's Ambassadors coming to desire a Peace, this Son so far prevail'd, that they cou'd not be heard shortly after Pompey, invested the City Artaxata, which Tigranes immediately surrender'd, and shortly after came himself into Pompey's Camp, ma∣king him Mediator between him and his Son who wou'd not so much as rise up to his Father, or shew him any Respect whatsoever. But Pompey received

him with extraordinary Civility, allowing him the greatest Part of his former Dominions, and his Son the rest; but took away all his Conquests, and fin'd him 6000 Talents of Silver for the Charge of the War. Tigranes was by these Articles oblig'd to quit many conquer••d Territories, particularly all Syria and Phoenicia and Euphrates to the Sea; but his Son was still very refractory, refusing Obedience, and threatning the Death of his Father, for which he was shut up in Prison by Pompey, and reserv••d for a Triumph; and not long afterwards he was put to Death. Tigranes being now reconcil'd to the Romans, paid more than his Fine, and made Presents to every Officer and Soldier, for which he was esteem'd a Friend and Allie of the Romans. Pompey restor'd Cap∣padocia to Ariobarzanes, giving him also Gordiena and Sophena with Cabala a City of Cilicia, and other Pla∣ces; after which with some Opposition, he constrain'd the Albanians and Iberians to beg Peace.

Thus prosperous was this great Commander, who still design'd larger and more glorious Conquests; and therefore passing over the vast Mount Taurus, he march'd against Darius the Median, and Anti••chus King of Syria, for molesting the Roman Allies, or assisting their Enemies. Whereupon Phraates King of Parthia, who had been call'd into Gordiena, by Tigranes's Son, terriy••d at his great Exploits, sent to beg Peace of him, which he granted not, but sent Afraneus into into Gordiena to expel his Forces, and restore that Country to Tigranes. Phraates upon this invading Ar∣menia, Tigranes sent to Pompey for Succour, who be∣ing unwilling to commence a War with Phraates with∣out positive Orders from Rome, sent three Commis∣sioners to make an Accommodation. But for Anti••∣chus, to whom Lucullus had granted Syria for his In∣heritance, he first intended to betake himself to the Assistance of Phraates; but upon mature Deliberation, he resolved to yield himself to Pompey••S Generosity.

But Pompey having now possess'd himself of all his Country without Resistance, refus••d to grant him what he expected, and what he knew he was unable to keep from the Incursions of the Jews and Arabians on both sides of him. And the better to excuse him∣self, told him, That since the Romans had been at such Charges and Pains to conquer Tigranes, it wou'd be un∣reasonable that the Reward shou'd fall to another. There∣fore he only allow'd him that Part of Syria, call'd Comagena; and in a short Time after, extending his Conquests farther over the Ituraeans and Arabians, he reduc'd all Syria into a Roman Province.

The Time that Pompey was proceeding in these Suc∣cessfull Expeditions, Mithridates sent to him to desire Peace; but being order'd to come to him himself he refus'd it, and proceeded in his Preparations for War: After which many of his Places revolted, and many of his Friends, with one of his Sons, were executed upon that Account. Yet still he design'd to pass in∣to Europe, there to join with the Gauls, and invade Italy; but the Unwillingness of his Soldiers to this dif∣ficult Expedition, and the Rebellious Designs of his Son Pharnaces, caus••d his Army••s Revolt, and his Ruine, his Son being shortly after faulted King. Mi∣thridates, now under Confinement, seeing this from an Upper-Room, sent to his Son to ask leave to de∣part, but in vain, who bidding his Father Die, he cry'd out with many bitter Imprecations, That he might one Day hear the same. Words from his own Chil∣dren! Then coming down to his Wives, Daughters, and Concubines, he gave 'em all Poison, and fea∣ring to be delivered up to the Romans, he took some himself; but having much us'd his Body to Antido∣tes, particularly to that Sort which still goes by his Name, the Poison wou'd not operate, whereupon he wounded himself; but that not dispatching him soon enough, he call'd to one Bitaeus a Gaul, who got in through the broken Wall, and by his Hands he dy'd.

Thus fell Mithridates, a Man, who sometimes in For∣tune, and at all times in Courage was of the highest Rank, in Direction a skilful Commander, in Execu∣tion a great Soldier, and in Hatred to the Romans a second Hannibal, having made longer Opposition than he. And thus ended the Mithridatick War after twen∣ty five Years, and eleven since it last broke out; a War, which in the Beginning happened to be dange∣rous to the Roman State, as creating other Mischiefs, but in the End prov••d very glorious and advantage∣ous to it, by the Addition not only of all Mithridates's Dominions, but likewise of many other rich Coun∣tries in Asia.

Pompey, when the News of Mithridates's Death was brought to him, was near Iericho, marching towards Ierusalem against Aristobulus King of Iudea, who had depos'd his elder Brother Hyrcanus, and usurp'd his Kingdom Hyrcanus complain d of his Brother to Pom∣pey at Damascus, who likewise came thither to vindi∣cate himself. Pompey treated 'em both very civilly, promising 'em to come into their Country, and settle Mat∣ters between 'em, after he had dispatched some other neces∣sary Affairs. Having therefore in a short Time settled the Affair of Syria, and reduc••d Pont••••: into a Roman Province, he return'd to Iudea, being much incens'd against Aristobulus. He first cited him to appear be∣fore him, and deliver up all his fortify'd Places, which he did with much Regreet and Anger, withdrawing himself to Ierusalem, to make Preparations for a War. Pompey suspecting his Designs, immediately march••d after him, which Aristobulus understanding, went out to meet him; and tho' the City was enter••d without Opposition, his Soldiers fortify'd the Temple and held it out against Pompey, which caus••d Aristobulus to be taken into Custody. The Temple being very strong by Situation, made a vigorous Defence; but after three Month's Siege, was with much Difficulty and La∣bour taken, and 12000 of the Iews cut in Pieces, the

Priests not neglecting to offer Sacrifices all that Time. Pompey, without any Fear, enter'd the Holy of Holies with many Followers, looking on these things which were unlawfull for any but the Priests to behold, how∣ever he show, so much Veneration for the Place, that he forbore touching any Thing that was there. He restor'd Hyrcanus to his Priesthood and Government, but with a Command never to wear a Diadem, and took Aristobulus with him, making all Iudea tributary to Rome. This hapned in the third Year of his Ex∣pedition, and 61 Years before our Saviour's Nativity.

IV. While Pompey thus proceed in his noble Ex∣ploits abroad, Rome it self was in great Hazard, and very nigh its Ruine, occasion'd by one of the most dangerous Conspiracies that had been ever known in the City. It was begun and carry'd on by Sergius Catiline, a Patrician by Descent, but of a very pro••••i∣gate Life; a Person daring in his Attempts, crasty in his Designs, greedy of other Men s Properties, pr••di∣gal of his own; one who had been accus'd of debauching a Vestal Virgin, and suspected of murde∣ring his Son for the Love of another Woman. This Person having contracted vast. Debts by the Loose∣ness of his Life, grew desperate, and sought for no∣thing but Power and Authority, and, if it were pos∣sible, the Soveraignty over all; but his Designs being suspected, he twice receiv'd a Repulse in standing for the Consulship. This last time it was carry'd from him by Cicero, whom he therefore scurrilously abus'd as an Upstart and Foreigner, as being but of the Equestrian Order, and born in Apulia; and offer'd to kill him in the Comitia. The missing of his Designs, drove him into the utmost Rage and Fury, and brought him into that Plot, in which he had formerly been engag••d with Piso, for the Destruction of his Country. Aure∣lius Cotta and Manlius Torquatus, who before had miss'd of the Consulship for want of competent Bribes, also

join'd with him, and afresh plotted the Ruine of the Consuls and Senate, the Burning of the City, and the Overthrow of the State, as likewise did Lentulus, Ce∣thegus, and many other inferior Persons of debauch'd and infamous Lives. Cethegus and Lentulus were both Praetors, and the Latter, who formerly had been Con∣sul, was mov'd to this Design by a vain Confidence he had in the Sibylline Oracles, which he said porten∣ded, That the Soveraig•• Power shou'd be in the Hands of three Gornel••••, namely, Sylla, Cinna, and Himself.

This Conspiracy was carry••d on with the greatest Secrecy imaginable, their Numbers daily encreasing, among which were several Women, who by prosti∣tuting themselves had been maintain'd after a prodi∣gious Rate; but afterwards, Decay of Beauty l••miting their Gains. tho' not their Luxury, had greatly run them in Debt, notwithstanding all their Care of con∣cealing this horrid Design, it was discover'd by the Means of Q. Curius, one of the Plotters, a degraded Senator, who neither cou'd contain the Secrets he had heard, not the Crimes he had committed; but impru∣dently relating all to one Fulvia his Courtesan, she discover'd it to Cicero who was now Consul. Cicero by examining of these two, found out the whole Mat∣ter, how often, and where they met, and what De∣signs they had in Hand particularly his own Destructi∣on to be brought about by Vasgunt••ius a Senator, and Cornelius a Knight, under Pretence of a Friendly Visit. Cicero with great Diligence and Care appointed Guards in several Parts of the City, and immediately after call'd the Senate to the Temple of Concord to con∣sult what was best to be done in this Time of Danger. Great Rewards were promis'd to any who shou'd make any farther Discovery of this black Conspira∣cy, and the whole City was in a great Consternation, all in a Hurry, all in a Fear, not knowing whom to trust, or where to be secure, either in War, or Peace; but every one measuring his Danger by his Fears.

The Senate, being now assembled, Catiline, to shew how well he cou'd dissemble, or to justifie himself, went boldly thither; but none of the Senators wou'd come near him, the Place where he sat being wholly void. Whereupon Cicero, either dreading his Presence, or in∣cens'd at his Boldness; stood up, and made a severe invective Speech against him, openly manifesting his Crimes, which were both numerous and notorious, and saying, Did that most honourable Person Scipio Na∣sica, slay his own Kinsman Tib. Gracchus for a slight Di∣sturbance of the City; and shall we, Consuls, tamely suffer a Person endeavouring to lay the World desolate with Slaugh∣ter and Destruction? He farther commanded him to leave the Town, concluding with wishing Confusion and Destruction to him and all his Accomplices. Up∣on his sitting down, Catiline, well prepar'd, with all manner of Artifice and Dissimulation, with a deject∣ed Countenance, and suppliant Tone, besought the Fathers not ••ver-rashly to credit•• vain Reports concerning him; nor to believe that a Person of his Rank, whose own and whose Ancestors Services had been so remarkably bene∣ficial, stood in need of a ruin'd Common-wealth; conclu∣ding with many scurrilous Reflections upon Cicero; which not being hearkned to by the Senate, he left the House in a great Rage, breathing out Ruine and Destruction to all his Enemies. He left the City late at Night with ••00 Arm'd Men, and Lictors with Axes and Fasces before him like a Magistrate, and retired into Hetruria, gathering together Soldiers all the Way, intending to return to the City, which he had order'd Lentulus and Cethegus to lay in Ashes at an appointed Time.

In the mean time the Ambassadors of the Allobroges, now in Town, were also perswaded to stir up the Gauls against the Common-wealth; but declaring their De∣signs to ••abius•• Sanga their Patron, it came shortly to Cicero's Fiar, and so was prevented. The Day after Catiline's Departure, Cicero summon'd the People, and

made a second Oration to 'em, where he congratula∣ted the People and Common-Wealth for being freed from so infamous a Person▪ and encouraged 'em, by representing the Forces of that Rebel as both small and inconsiderable. Upon this the Senate judged Catiline an Enemy to the State, and likewise Manlius who had join'd him in Hetruria, Lentulus also was depriv'd of his Office of Praetor, by whom the Ambassadors had been perswaded over, who confess'd that they had often heard him make his Conjectures from the Sibyl∣lime Oracles. Cicero shortly after summon••d the People again, and made another Oration to 'em, wherein he reported the Particulars of the Discovery, with the Arraignment and Conviction of many of the Conspi∣rators. Lentulus, Cethegus, Statilius, Cassius, and several others being now secur'd, Cicero call'd the Se∣nate, and propounded to the Fathers to consider what was to be done with the Prisoners▪ But while the Senate was sitting, great Disturbances arose in the Ci∣ty; for the Slaves and Dependent•• of Lentulus and Ce∣thegus had gather••d together a great Number of Artifi∣cers and Rabble, who endeavour••d to break in upon the back-side of the Praetor's House and res••••e the Priso∣ners. Upon Notice of this, Cicero left the Senate House, and appointing a Watch and sufficient Guards, return••d asking the Opinions of the Senators.

Now a great Debate arose concerning the Punish∣ment of the Prisoners▪ Silanus, design••d Consul for the next Year, being first ask'd his opinion, according to Custom, was for putting 'em to Death, as were seve∣ral others, till Nero diswaded in, and Iulius Caesar standing up, in a plausible Speech pleaded much for Mercy, and disapprov'd of Death as an irregular Way of proceeding, speaking to this effect: If any Punish∣ment might be found to equalize their Faults, then I shou••d approve your Design; but if the Vastness of their Crimes sur∣passes all our Inventions, we ought to make use of such 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Law provides▪ Tho' I must confess that all the Tortures is

the Wor'd are inferiour to their Offences▪ yet most Men still remember what comes last, and in the Sufferings of the most Impious, forget the Fact, and discourse of nothing but the Punishment, if more severe than ordinary, and since the Porcian Law only punishes Capital Offenders with Exile, we ought not to bring in Innovations▪ for certainly their Wisdom and Vertue was greater, who rais'd so vast an Em∣pire from such small Beginnings, than ours who can hard∣ly preserve what they so bravely won. Caesar's Advice was likely enough to have, taken, till P••rcius Cato, Grand∣son to the great Moralist, stood up, and with some Heat oppos'd him, saying, That he had never pardon'd in himself the least Error of his own. Thoughts, and therefore cou'd not easily forgive the Misdemeanors of a turbulent Pas∣sion and Ambition in others. That among the Ancient Ro∣mans Manlius Torquatus had caus'd his own Son to be put to Death only for fighting the Enemy contrary to his Com∣mand; And if that valiant Youth was so severely chastis'd for his over-hasty Courage, shall the present Generation hesi∣tate what to decree against the most bloody of Parricides▪ and the greater Monsters of Mankind!

Cicero after these Speeches, made one himself, which was his fourth upon this Occasion, wherein he with a cunning sort of Mildness and Ambiguity inclin'd to Cato's Side, telling them, That his Earnestness did not proceed from any Malice or Anger but from a singular Ten∣derness and Compassion: That they ought to consider that it was not T. Grachus, who requir'd a second Tribuneship, nor C. Gracohus, who claim'd the Publick Lands, nor yet Saturninus, who shew Memmius, that was to be call'd in Question; but Burners of the City, Murderers of the People, and Assistants of Catiline himself: and likewise that this Mischief was already diffus••d over all Italy, and beyond the Alpes, and therefore impossible be crush'd with Forbearance and Delays. By Cicero's Speech the Senate were induc••d to put 'em all to Death, which the Consul saw Executed before the House arose; but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mildness and Peculiar Management in

this Affair, made several suspect he himself had some Hand in the Conspiracy. As for Catiline himself, he was shortly after overtaken by C. Antonius, Cicero's Collegue, nigh the Alpes, as he was passing into Gaul to compleat his Levies; where engaging most obsti∣nately he was slain, but his Men desperately sought it out to the last; and scarce any of 'em remain••d to be taken, or were found out of their Places when dead. Thus was this most dangerous Conspiracy quash'd, chiefly by the Vigilance and Diligence of Cicero the Consul. Publick Thanks were given him for his great Care and Pains; and, at the Instance of Cato, he was first of all others stil'd Father of his Coun∣try, and that with loud Acclamations of the People, who said, That tho' indeed they were indebted to several Commanders of that Age, for Riches, Spoils, and Power; yet it was to Cicero alone that they ow'd the Safety and Security of all these Blessings.

V. After these Disturbances were over, the Affairs of Rome were in a much more quiet Posture; but neither Catiline's Defeat nor Death was sufficient to settle the City in a firm and lasting Peace, but still she lay expos'd to the sinister Designs which some more Ambitious Senators than the rest were always form∣ing against her Liberty: Nor cou'd their Inclinati∣ons of that kind meet with Greater Temptations, since the Gaining of this only City must carry with it so Great a Part of the World. And now it was that Caesar began to make a Greater Appearance in Rome than ever, being this Year made Praetor. He had be∣fore gone through the two Offices of Questor and Ae∣dile, in the latter of which, by his Magnificence in Shews and Buildings, he had acquitted himself with much Reputation, having also the Advantage of being descended from one of the most Illustrious Families in Rome. He afterwards stood for the High-Priest∣hood, and, by his Great Liberality, carry'd it from two

of the most Powerful Men in Rome, and his Seniors; and scarce any Man in the City was more Remarka∣ble, either for the Freeness of his Presents, or the Largeness of his Bribes. He was now also arriv'd to a very high degree in Learning, as well as an Admi∣rable Skill in Eloquence, having already disputed the Prize with the most famous Orators, and scarce anything appear'd impossible for his Great Genius to un∣dertake. Little was perform'd by him during this Time of his Praetorship, besides composing some Di∣sturbances occasion'd by one Clodius, a young Man of a Noble Family, but of a Scandalous Life, who being in Love with Caesar's Wife Pompeia, had, in a Woman••s Habit enter'd his House in the time of a particular Fe∣stival, when only. Women were permitted to be present. This brought Clodius into much Trou∣ble and Danger, for Prophaning those Sacred In∣stitutions, and caus'd Caesar to put away his Wife privately; who, being Ask'd the Reason, said, He did not believe her Guilty, but Caesar's Wife ought to pre∣serve her self from the Suspicion, as well as the Guilt of the Crime.

The Violent Heats, and the Parties, with the Fa∣ctions and Divisions, upon this and other Occasions, sufficiently shew'd, that the State was ready for a Change, and liable to become a Prey to Men of the Greatest Power and Ambition. This Caesar well knew, and thought of nothing so much as the Greatness of Pompey, and of surpassing, or at least equalizing him in the Honour of his Exploits. Therefore upon the expiring of his Praetorship, he procur'd the Govern∣ment of Spain; but having contracted extraordinary Debts by his too Bountiful Way of Living, he was re∣tarded in his Journey by the Prosecution of his Cre∣ditors. Whereupon he was forc'd to apply himself to Crassus, a Person of vast Riches, of Great Wit and E∣loquence, and of no contemptible Valour; who be∣ing

wrought upon by the Importunities of his Wife Tertulla, one who no less Lov'd Caesar, than Clodius did Pompeia, became Security for 830 Talents. It was in this Government that Caesar viewing the Statue of Alexander at Gades, Wept, to think, That he had done none nothing Great and Memorable, at an Age wherein that Prince had Conquer'd the World. And he gave in∣deed sufficient Marks of his Bravery and Desire of Glory; for instead of spending his Time in bare Administration of Justice, he pierc'd with his Arms farther into the Country, subduing seve∣ral Nations before untouch'd, and collected toge∣ther so vast a Treasure to himself, in the Name of the Common-Wealth, as enabled him afterwards to imitate that Alexander, whom he so justly ad∣mired.

Shortly after Caesar's Departure for Spain, Pompey, after a Five Years Expedition, return'd to Rome, co∣ver'd with Glories for his mighty Exploits, and Great Conquests: He had, upon his Arrival in Italy, sent back his Troops, to prevent such Suspicions as might arise from his appearing at the Head of an Army, so that he obtain'd the Honour of Triumph with a Ge∣neral Applause; and with so much more Splendor and Magnificence, in regard that he now Triumph'd over another Third Part of the World, after his receiving the same Honour for the Conquest of Two Part of it before. The Triumph lasted Two Days, and yet they were much streightned for time, and therein were expos'd the Names of 15 Conquer'd Kingdoms, and 860 Cities, with the Re-peopling of 39, and 1000 Castles. Among the Prisoners led in Triumph, ap∣pear'd the Son of Tigranes King of Armenia, with his Wife and Daughter; as also Zozima, the Wife of King Tigranes himself, and Aristobulus K. of Judea; the••∣ter of King Mithridates, with her Five Sons, and some Ladies of Scythia. There were likewise the Hostages

of the Albaniaus and Iberians, with those of the King of Comagena; besides a vast Number of Trophies, an∣swering directly to each particular Battel wherein he was Conqueror. The Gold, Silver and Jewels that made up Part of this Publick Pomp, amounted to the value of 20000 Talents, which is 3740000 Pounds of our Money: He made it appear by an Account plainly stated, that he had advanc'd and improv'd the whole Revenue of the Common-Wealth 12000 Talents, being above one Third Part, by this Expedition, without mentioning those large Sums he had distributed among his Men, where∣of the meanest Soldier's share was nigh Forty Pounds.

Pmpey, tho' he had obtain'd vast Honour of the Senate, yet was much fear'd and hated by many, as appear'd by the great Opposition he met with short∣ly after, in his demanding a Confirmation of all that he had transacted in Asia, and certain Lands for a Re∣ward for his Soldiers: He had already prevail'd by his Credit in the Election of both the Consuls, Metel∣lus Certicus and Afranius, but in a short Time found himself mistaken in his Choice: For Afranius, being wholly given to his Pleasure, never acquired much Authority in the Senate; and Metellus cancell••d all former Obligations, upon the Account of the Dis∣grace that was done to his Sister Mutia, whom Pom∣pey had put away upon Suspicion of her too great Fa∣miliarity with Caesar. Cato, on the other side, set all his Power against the Interests of Pompey, and Lucul∣lus did the like, desiring, and obtaining of the Senate, that those Decrees of his which Pompey had formerly repeal••d might be in Force, and that those made in re∣ference to the Conquer••d Countries might be null'd, and withal stopp'd his intended Law for rewarding his Soldiers. Pompey, upon this Usage, apply••d him∣self to the Tribunes, (which Office he and Caesar had

restor'd after Sylla had put it down) one of which, by Name Flavius, propos'd the Law for the Reward of the Soldiers. Metellus the Consul oppos'd it very sharply, till the Contest rising even to Blows and Bloodshed, the Tribune caus'd Metellus to be sent to Prison; and when the whole Body of the Senate offer'd to make themselves Prisoners with him, Fla∣vius plac'd his Tribunal at the Prison-Door, and for∣bad 'em Entrance. Upon which the Fathers caus'd the Walls to be broken down in another Place; and the Constancy of the Senate began to shake the Resolution of the People, who always Judg••d of Things by their Outward Appearances. This Pom∣pey quickly perceiv••d, and desir'd the Tribunes to Accommodate the Matter, pretending Com∣mission from Metellus for his so doing; now, too late Repenting his Inconsiderate leaving his Army, and exposing himself to his Enemy••s Ha∣tred.

At the same time Caesar return'd from Spain, the Election of now Consuls being at Hand: Caesar had good Intelligence of all these Disturbances, and the Reasons of Pompey's Dissatisfaction, so that he now resolv••d either to Improve his own Authority with the Senate, or find a good Opportunity of quitting their Interest: His Services in Spain had sufficiently deserv••d a Triumph, wherefore he desir'd it of the Senate, declaring at the same time his Design also of standing for the Consulship. Now these Desires were inconsistent; for the Law forbad Entrance into the City to any one who desir••d a Triumph; and re∣quir••d also, that whoever su••d for the Consulship, shou'd do it in his proper Person. Caesar therefore Wrote to the Senate, desiring that these Formalities might be dispenc'd withal; but Cato stood up for the Main∣taining the Laws to their utmost Rigour, and his O∣pinion prevail••d, so that Caesar chose to decline his

Triumph, and went to Rome and stood for the Con∣sulship, which Honour he very eagerly pursu'd. And well understanding Pompey's Credit, and his Quarrel to the Senate, this he thought a fit Conjucture to en∣gage himself into his Interests. Pompey on the other side was no less pleas'd to gain a Man of such ex∣traordinary Merit, especially when Caesar promis'd him to confirm all his Acts, if he cou••d procure him to be elected, whereupon a close Agreement was made between 'em. After this, Caesar made it his Business to bring his Friend Crassus into the League, who finding his own Interest was weak separately, was easily perswaded to joyn with 'em, and a for∣mer Breach between him and Pompey was who••ly ac∣commodated. These three made a firm Combina∣tion, or Conspiracy, That nothing shou'd be done in the Common-wealth against any of their Interests, or Ap∣probations, which they most solemnly confirm'd with mutual Oaths and Promises. This was the first Great Triumvirate, which prov'd the Overthrow of the Con∣suler and Popular State, being a Combination of three of the Greatest Men in Rome, either for Valour, Au∣thority, or Riches, Pompey being then about 47 Years of Age, and Caesar 40.

Thus Rome lost her Liberty, after she had flourish'd many Years in a wonderful Grandeur, occasion'd wholly by the numerous Abuses, and notorious Cor∣ruptions in her Government and Inhabitants, which shortly after plung'd her into greater Miseries than ever she felt before. This Remarkable Union hap∣pen'd in the 694th Year of the City, A. M. 394••, in the First Year of the 180th Olympiad, 449 Years since the Beginning of the Consular State, 330 since the Burning of Rome by the Gauls, 270 since the Be∣ginning of the Macedonian Empire by Alexander the Great, 86 since the Destruction of Carthage, and ••8 before our Saviour's Nativity, the Roman Do∣minions

containing now all Italy, all Cisalpine-Gaul, and Part of the Other, all Spain and Africk, all Greece and Illyricum, all the Kingdoms in Asia Minor, with Armenia, Mesopotamia, Media, Syria and Iudaea, and many Islands besides.

The End of the Second Book.

Notes

• U. C. 245.
• Consuls.
• Vindicta.
• ••••sula Sa∣cra.
• U. C. 246.
• Quaestors.
• U. C. 247.
• U. C. 249.
• Claudii. Tribes en∣creas'd a second time.
• U. C. 251.
• Ovation.
• Triumph.
• U. C. 252.
• U. C. 254.
• U. C. 255.
• Dic. i. U. C. 255.
• Magister Equitum.
• Dic. ii. U. C. 257.
• U. C. 258.
• Dic. iii. U. C. 259.
• Candi∣dates.
• U. C. 260.
• Tribuni Plebis.
• U. C. 260.
• Aediles.
• U. C. 261.
• U. C. 265.
• U. C. 266.
• U. C. 268.
• Lex Agra¦ria.
• U. C. 274.
• U. C. 276.
• U. C. 280.
• U. C. 282.
• Comitia Tributa.
• U. C. 284.
• U. C. 293.
• Dic. iv. U. C. 295.
• Iugum.
• Tribunes en••reas'd. U. C. 296.
• U. C. 297.
• U. C. 299.
• U. C. 302.
• Decemviri.
• U. C. 303.
• The Twelve Tables.
• Ius•• Civil••.
• Actiones Iuris.
• Plebisci∣tum.
• Ius Hono∣rarium. Senatus Consultum. Principa∣lis Consti∣tutio.
• Legatus.
• U. C. 304.
• U. C. 309.
• U. C. 310. Tribuni Militum.
• U. C. 311. Censors.
• Dic. v. U. C. 314.
• Dic. vi. U. C. 316.
• Dic. vii. U. C. 318.
• Dic. viii. U. C. 319.
• Dic. ix. U. C. 322.
• Mil. Tri∣bunes en∣creas'd. U. C. 326.
• Dic. x. U. C. 327.
• Quaestors encreas'd. U. C. 333.
• Dic. xi. U. C. 335.
• Quaest. Ple∣beian. U. C. 344.
• Dic. xii. U. C. 345.
• ••. C. 347.
• Mil. Tri∣bunes en∣creas'd. U. C. 348.
• Mil. Trib. Pleb. U. C. 353.
• 〈◊〉〈◊〉. xiii. U. C. 357.
• U. C. 36••.
• U. C. 363.
• U. C. 364.
• U. C. 364.
• Dic. XIV. U. C. 364.
• U. C. 365.
• Dic. xV. U. C. 366.
• Tribes en∣creas'd a third time. U. C. 369.
• Dic. xvi. U. C. 369.
• U. C. 372.
• Dic. xvii. U. C. 373.
• U. C. 275.
• Dic. xviii U. C. 284.
• Dic. xix. U. C. 285.
• Dic. xx. U. C. 387.
• U. C. 388. Consul Pleb. Military Tribunes put down.
• Praetor.
• Aediles cu∣dules.
• U. C. 389.
• Stage Plays first used. U. C. 391.
• Die. xxi. U. C. 391.
• Dic. xxii. U. C. 392.
• Dic. xxiii U. C. 393.
• Dic. xxiv. U. C. 394.
• Dic. xxv. U. C. 396. Tribes in∣creas'd a fourth time.
• Dic. Pleb. xxvi. U. C. 398.
• Dic. xxvii. U. C. 401.
• Dic. xxviii. U. C. 402.
• Dic. xxix. U. C. 403.
• Censor Pleb.
• Dic. xxx. U. C. 404.
• Dic. xxxi U. C. 405.
• Dic. xxxii. U. C. 408.
• Die. xxxiii. U. C. 409.
• U. C. 410.
• Dic. xxxiv. U. C. 411.
• Dic. xxxv. U. C. 413.
• Dic. xxxvi. U. C. 414.
• Rostra.
• Praetor Pleb. U. C. 416.
• Dic. xxxvii. U. C. 418.
• Dic. xxxviii. U. C. 421.
• Tribe•• en∣creas'd a fifth time.
• Dic. xxxix. U. C. 422.
• U. C. 424.
• Dic. xl. U. C. 428.
• Dic. xli. U. C. 431.
• Dic. xlii. U. C. 432.
• Tribes en∣creas'd a sixth tim•••• U. C. 436.
• Dic. xliii. U. C. 437.
• Dic. xliv. U. C. 438.
• Dic. xlv. U. C. 439.
• Dic. xlvi. U. C. 440.
• Dic. xlvii. U. C. 441.
• Dic. xlviii. U. C. 443.
• Dic. xlix. U. C. 447.
• U. C. 449.
• Dic. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 U. C. 451.
• Dic. li. U. C. 452.
• Tribes en∣creas'd a seventh ••ime. U. C. 454.
• U. C. 462.
• Triumviri capitales.
• Dic. lii. U. C. 467.
• U. C. 472.
• U. C. 473.
• U. C. 474.
• Dic. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 U. C. 477.
• U. C. 480.
• U. C. 484.
• Quae. en∣creas'd.
• U. C. 489.
• U. C. 489.
• Dic. liv. U. C. 490.
• Dic. lv. U. C. 496.
• U. C. 497.
• U. C. 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• Dic. lvi. U. C. 504.
• Dic. lvii. U. C. 50.
• U. C. 51••. Tribes en∣creas'd the last time.
• U. C. 514. First Tra∣jedies and Comedies in Rome.
• Ludi Sa∣culares.
• Dic. lviii. U. C. 522.
• Praet. en∣creas'd. U. C. 527.
• U. C. 529.
• Dic. lix. U. C. 350.
• U. C. 532.
• U. C. 534.
• U. C. 536.
• U. C. 537.
• Dic. lx. U. C. 537.
• Dic. lxi. U. C. 538.
• Dic. lxii. U. C. 538.
• Dic. lxiii. U. C. 539.
• Dic. lxiv. U. C. 541.
• U. C. 542.
• Dic. lxv. U. C. 544.
• Dic. lxvi. U. C. 546.
• Dic. lxvii. U. C. 547.
• U. C. 548.
• Dic. lxviii. U. C. 549.
• Dic. lxix. U. C. 551.
• Dic. lxx. U. C. 552.
• U. C. 553.
• Pr••••••. en∣creas'd, U. C. 556.
• U. C. 559.
• U. C. 53••.
• U. C. 565.
• U. C. 571.
• U. C. 583.
• U. C. 586.
• U. C. 604.
• U. C. 608.
• U. C. 609.
• U. C. 621.
• U. C. 625.
• Equites.
• Publican••s.
• U. C. 631.
• U. C. 634.
• U. C. 643.
• U. C. 650.
• U. C. 654.
• U. C. 663.
• U. C. 666.
• U. C. 670.
• Dic. lxxi. Perpetual U. C. 672.
• U. C. 680.
• U. C. 684.
• U. ••. 65••.
• U. C. 688.
• U. C. 68••.
• U. C. 692.