Herodians of Alexandria his imperiall history of twenty Roman caesars & emperours of his time / First writ in Greek, and now converted into an heroick poem by C.B. Staplyton.

The Second Book. (Book 2)

CANTO VI.

The ARGUMENT.

Describe wee Pertinax his high degree, With Laetus speach and Emperour proclaim'd; The Senate in his choise doe all agree, Informers quell'd, good Government is Aimd, Train'd Bands rebell, Strangers extol the State, He murth'red is, though some repent too late.

1.

LO here the fatall end of Prodigality, When men delight in Riot and excesse, More wholsome Doctrine is the mean frugality That checks the will when once it doth digresse: The greater he that doth himselfe inthrall, The more his shame and greater is his fall.

2.

Commodus slaine, Conspirators devise From Souldiers how the matter to conceale; They know 'tis time to put on some disguise, Two trusty friends must now the matter heale: The manner how while they in briefe discusse, In Fardel Course his Corps they roundly trusse.

3.

And carry forth in stead of houshold stuff, Which straight they doe convey away in post; The drunken guards say not so much as muff,* 1.1 Regarding not what did concerne them most; With ready Coach before that any mist' um In dead of night they hurry to* 1.2 Aristum.

4.

The chiefe conspirers fall into debate What way was best to save their Triple necks;* 1.3 And cause they would avoyd the peoples hate, They gave it out he died of Apoplex; For he so oft did sleep with drunken pate, They well might creed no Treason did him vex: Thus Tyrant dead that peace might take effect, They first conclude some grave man to elect.

5.

Consulting then they Pertimax resolve Most fit to undertake this weighty charge; On him it was that Marcus did divolve His chiefest trust, and he who did enlarge His conquest from the North unto the East, And brought the Barb'rous People to his Hest.

6.

Him Commodus both spared and rever'd, For gravity and poverty his praise Was ground sufficient that he was not fear'd, By wealth he never sought himself to raise: In silent night when doores were shut and pent, To him Electus, Laetus, also went.

7.

The ope the doores they doe the Porter Call, Who upon summons peeped soone without, And seeing Souldiers with their Generall, To Master ran amaz'd with feare and doubt; Who him Commands they should not be rejected, For now the mischiefe came he long expected.

8.

They say he Wav'd the Terror of the night, And never changed hue or bed forsooke, But with undaunted and a manly sprite, A Courage bold, and unappaled Looke, Said here I am, you need to seeke no further, I am the man that you are sent to murther.

9.

This end indeed I look'd for every Tide, I marvaile Commodus hath been so ••lack; Of Fathers Friends I last of all Abide, And now Expect to follow on the Track: Perform your Errand that you come about, And me discharge of further feare and doubt.

10.

Then Laetus thus, O Noble Sir Remove These Scruples which doe now your mind infest; Distrust not those that doe you dearely Love, We come with Diadem you to invest; The Tyrant dead, you Chosen are above All others, as the man Accepted best: Electus, I, and Marcia doe signifie, That you above the rest we meane to dignifie.

11.

To whom againe good Pertinax reply'd, I am (to be deluded in this sort) Too old; forbeare and doe not thus deride, Or think that with a Coward you make sport; Then said Electus, since you will not 'bide By that whereof we make so true report, Or deem, we gladly crave not your Command, Peruse this Booke, you know Commodus Hand.

12.

Good Friends they were to Pertinax of old, He plaine perceives the businesse how it goes: Thus much disclos'd againe he waxed bold, And yeelds himself to be at their dispose; Yet that the Souldiers might not be too Cold, They thought it best with them to make a close; And that from Power they might the matter take, Laetus the Generall did it for his sake.

13.

The night grew on, it being almost spent, Next day a feast in honour of New Yeare; For trusty Messengers in hast they sent, Commodus death that they might make appeare; How Pertinax now Prince would ease their bands, When once this was divulg'd, they clap their hands.

14.

Excesse of Joy was spread all or'e the City, In every corner and in every street; The people run and sing a pleasant Ditty, Glad tydings tell to every one they meet; The men renown'd for wealth and eke for worth, That were in danger, now come peeping forth.

15.

Such men of Tyrants stand in greatest doubt, To Temples then and Altars doe they Trudge; Some Tyrant Cried, Fencer some other flout, Nor any one hereat was known to grudg: Such as before durst not appeare in unity, Dare now proclaime assured of impunity.

16.

But some for feare doe to the Army post, Lest Souldiers rude should not this Prince admit; For under Tyrants they doe ravin most, But this perhaps will not their spoile remit: Yet to perswade they meane to undertake, And Laetus to the Army gently spake.

17.

Our Prince while're is dead of Apoplex,* 1.4 Doe what we could to keep him safe and quiet; The drunken fits his braines did so much vex, His night disports and gormandizing diet; All which together did him so perplex, They Death procur'd by vaine excesse and Riot: In stead of whom, wee and the Romans bring, A man approv'd most fit to be your King.

18.

To you which Vet'rans are his worth is known, He also was a guide unto the City; Not only Prince but Parent to each one, Fortune hath sent us as it were in pity; Whose Government if you doe now promote, Will glad your fellowes that are far remote.

19.

Such as the Marches of the Empire guard, His* 1.5 Noble Acts and how he was inclin'd, Remember yet, and how by him they far'd The Barb'rous people now will change their mind: Nor shall wee need with mony them to win, His only Name will awe and keep them in.

20.

When Laetus once this pithy Speech had made, The Souldiers 'gan to pause and to demurr; Yet were the Common People all so glad, They soone Appeas'd the Tumult and the sturr; 'Twas Holiday, unarm'd the Souldiers came, So all agreed the Emp'rour to proclaime.

21.

They lesse in number were and intermixt, To give consent they therefore thought it best; No further diff'rence then was them betwixt, Nor did they seem as if they had been prest: But all with Lawrels made great Joy and solace, Conducting him to the Imperiall Palace.

22.

Now he good man himself was somewhat pensive, Not that he wanted courage or was faint; But yet he tooke this Act as reprehensive, And fear'd it might his former prudence ••aint; Then that it might in him be lesse offensive, He thought it best the Senate to acquaint, How after such a sudden change of Tyranny, The Crown was fal'n into a meaner Family.

23.

No Symbole yet of State he would admit With fire before, according to the kind, Till that he knew if they approved it, Or else he was obedient to their mind; Whom when they saw, they all with one accord, Augustus Call, and eke their Soveraigne Lord.

24.

This Title was of Envy as he thought, And studies to avoid it all he might: Full well I know quoth he, this Honour ought To be preferr'd where there is greater Right; Amongst you many are of higher Race, To whom compar'd I count my selfe but base.

25.

My yeares have also worne me out of Date; Set me aside and chuse some Noble Peere; Loe there a man ordained is by Fate, How right it is that he be placed here; Glabro is he must ease me of this moane, Whom streight he handed to the Regall Throne.

26.

He was descended of Aeneas Race, And twice he had the Consular Degree, Yet back againe he did resigne the Place, O Pertinax this Seate belongs to thee: When now no longer he could shun their sute, He made this Speech, concluding the dispute:

27.

My Lords,* 1.6 your Fervent Zeal and good Affection In this debate most manifest Appeares▪ For that you please of me to make Election Before so many Great and Noble Peeres: Your Faith and worth that herein is so Large, Serves as a prop the Burden to discharge.

28.

These Favours yet so rare and so sublime, Intimidates even at the very sight, For Benefits so great at such a time Will not so easie be for to requite: Then how I may deserve what you conferr, Is task too great, and doth me much deterr.

29.

The Lasting Glory of a Soveraigne Prince Consists not meerely in a Chaire of State, But in those Royall Acts which may convince Such as Maligne, or doe repine thereat: The Evils past which they before endur'd, Must by his prudent Care be salv'd and Cur'd.

30.

Our grifes remaine, good turns are oft forgot, No sooner done but shortly fade and perish: Who is't that injuries remembers not; But him that seekes the Cure they seldome Cherish, Though he secure their Goods with all his might, No thanks say they, it is our proper Right.

31.

Best Change that happens for the Publike good, Is little worth to private men undone, And such as liv'd profuse when Tyrants stood, If once reduc'd a desp'rate Course they run, Accusing all of sparing Innovation, Though they reform with prudent Moderation.

32.

Yet since excesse of gifts as heretofore Can not be done, except we doe oppresse And put the people in the like uproare, As erst they were when want did them distresse; Nor that our selves doe covet any more Then what is just, and all of them confesse; You will I hope with Counsell me assist, That each may have his owne, not what he list.

33.

This Speech convai'd such Meeknesse and such Love, With cheerfull hearts they doe him all revere; Then brought him to the Temple of great Jove, And other gods of whom they stand in feare: When he had done the wonted Sacrifice, He to the Palace went in Princely wise.

34.

When it was voic'd how Graciously he spoke, And Commons had receiv'd what he had writ, All men were pleas'd remembring well the yoke That on their necks so heavy erst did sit; The Souldiers Spoile he also ••ought to choake, By making Edicts for the purpose fit: Thus did he plant good order and Civility, With Spirit meeke and Garb of affability.

35.

Although their Prince he govern'd as a Father, Were he at home or else in judgment Sate, Good Marcus steps did imitate the rather, 'Cause he reproved quarrell and debate: All men affect this rule (without severity) Reduc'd to welcome Peace with great security.

36.

His Princely Vertues gained had such Fame, The Nations and Confederates round about, Did all agree to deifie his Name; The Barb'rous People whom he oft did rout, Doe now come in to fortifie the same, Though Late Revolters, Rebels fierce and stout; Embassadors declare from ev'••y part, The Romans had promoted true desart.

37.

Now of this Change the Commons were full glad, Unto this civill Rule to be recal'd; But yet the guard of Souldiers were as mad To see their Rape and insolence forestall'd; Which they resent and are no long time Idle, But doe resolve not to endure the bridle.

38.

Yet for a while they doe but grudg and grumble, Two months there was for all men to Appeale, Then Fortune blind did topsy turvy tumble, What he design'd for good and Common weale; And that the Commons might no more be scanted, He first decreed the wast Lands should be planted.

39.

Yea though what was the Princes owne demeane, To Husbandmen he gave it to manure, With promise likewise during all his Reign From ten yeares Tax their Farms should be secure; The Emp'rours goods he also did disdeign; To stamp his own name he would not endure, Nor take unto himself at any rate, But said they did belong unto the State.

40.

Since Tyrants Death all Tolls and Impost ceast, At River Banks, Highwayes and City Ports, An Optimacy now their harm releast Informers false that daringly resorts; He strict Commands they forthwith shall be banish'd, And for their former faults severely punish'd.

41.

Both Rich and poore were safe and free from strife, A fellow then a Prince he seemed rather; His Son not at the Court, Led private Life, To Schooles of learning often went the Father, And Publike exercise did eke frequent, In Pomp or State he seldome came or went.

42.

His Rule so just inflam'd the Souldiers rude, Their insolence and Rapine now decreast O Savage minds! they in a Frantick moode His Death complotted at a dreadfull Feast; Then in their fury to the Court they pranc'd▪ In Warlike March, with Swords and pikes Advanc'd.

43.

The Courtiers had no care themselves to Arme, Within the verge each left his sev'rall place; For being frighted with this sharp Alarm, They eftsoones fell before the Emp'rours Face, And praied that he would save himself by slight, The People (they were sure) would aid his Right.

44.

Although he knew their Counsell well Advis'd, Yet did not think it was a fit Decorum His former Glory should be so disguis'd, To be afraid and run away before'um; Then unamaz'd a Princely stand he made, And reason'd thus their malice to disswade:

45.

The life you seeke to you is little gaine, Or losse to me, Arrived at this Age; All Humane things we ought to count as vaine, Yet Honour doe I weare as chiefest Badge: You are by Oath my Person safe to guard, Whom if you kill, small will be your reward.

46.

My Conscience tels me I have wrong'd you never, And if at Commod's death you doe repine, No man that breaths is born to live for ever; Yet well you know it was no fault of mine, My Innocence pleads for me altogether, Of Least suspect in me there is no signe: Though he be dead, if you forbeare this hate, You shall have Largesse fit for your estate.

47.

This Speech concluded, diverse did retreate, Such Awe* 1.7 they had and Reverence of the Prince Yet others kill'd him in a furious heate, Worse deed was never done before or since: But now the people all was in a sweat; And lest they should of madnesse them convince, To 'th Camp they get Immured in their Wals, This end Renowned Pertinax befals.

48.

Great Cries were made for him and Lamentations In every Coast, and throughout every City; Now fresh in mind they beare their old Vexations, Their Father dead, who is that will them Pity; Full well they know they must have new Taxations, Thus Frantick like they sing a wofull ditty; The Nobles and the Rich to shun their Harmes, Doe all retire unto their Country Farms.

CANTO VII.

The ARGUMENT.

Praetorians put the Empire unto sale, And Julian buye•• it with the Commons Curse, Niger is prais'd who tels a subtle Tale, Playes and Revels of Idlenesse, the Nurse; He makes a Speech and Emp'rour is elected, Yet too secure, of Error is detected.

1.

THough life we Lose, yet must wee not give o••'e, Our study how the Common-weale to save; Example Late we shew'd you heretofore, Whose Vertues Live though he be laid in grave: This is the Hope we have in doing well, Good Fame we get, which after Ages tell.

2.

When all was husht, the Souldiers from their Wals, Proclaime aloud the Empire to be sold, And all the People round about them Cals To know the man that will depart with Gold; Avouching, that he need not feare to scorce, For him they would invest with Armed Force.

3.

Of all the Nobles that were left behind,* 1.8 None would appear, this offer they did scorn; Yet Julian he was of another mind; He thought with Honour to Exalt his horne, And in his Tipsy Cups when he was Jolly, His Wife and Daughters doe promote his Folly.

4.

Then up he gets and hies him from his Pallat,* 1.9 With Parasites that could his humour tell, When Wine was got into his drunken Sallat, He aptest was for gaine to buy and sell; Aloud he cals and to the Souldiers told, His Chests were full of Silver and of Gold.

5.

Another Copes-mate came, Sulpitian hight, That proffer'd ready Mony at their Call; But him refus'd, the lot on Julian light, Whom yet they keep in pledg upon the Wall, Till they receiv'd the sum which he did offer, Then let him down accepting of his prof••er.

6.

Commodus Lawes he promis'd to restore, And Statutes eke which Senators pull'd downe, With Liberty, such as they had before; The Souldiers also should have many a Crowne, More then he promis'd, or they could demand; For why, he had it ready at Command.

7.

The Souldiers straight allured with this Hope, Proclaim him Prince by Commodus Sirname, With Ensigns spread (who rather ••arn'd a Rope) And Pictures gay he to the City came, When first in Court according to the Guise, He finish'd had the wonted Sacrifice.

8.

Yet stronger then accustom'd was his Guard, For that by bribes the Empire he did seize, Or else perhaps the people had him scar'd, His shamelesse dealing nothing did them please; And lest they should affront him in the way, The Souldiers put themselves in Battel ray.

9.

Being thus Prepar'd they ready were to fight, Amidst their Troopes they placed him among, And or'e their heads they bore* 1.10 their Targets right, The better to avoid the Peoples Throng, Or Tiles from houses might not on them light, To th' Palace they conducted him along: The Commons on this matter fell to scanning, And stood aloof with Cursing and with Banning.

10.

The Souldiers now doe ravine in Extream, The world appear'd as if it were in Dotage; Both high and low were slumbring in a Dream, Not any sought to Catechise this Brocage: The Princes Death and many moe beside, (With Soveraign Rule) the Mutineers deride.

11.

Thus Julian the Empire having Ravish'd, Did State Affaires and Princely garbe neglect, In Riot and disorder foule he lavish'd, For which the Souldiers roundly him detect; And now at length they jeered him and taunted, His Coine fell short whereof so much he vaunted.

12.

Th' Exchequer Commod's vaine disports exhausted, And Souldiers falling short were much offended; The Commons knew their minds, and to them posted, Whereby his matter was not much Amended; They raile and scoff when er'e he comes abroad, And of his lewd behaviour laies on Load.

13.

In publick* 1.11 Cirque they Julian cry downe And Niger call'd to rectifie the State; They will no more be rul'd by such a Clowne, Allready are their wrong to vindicate: This Niger was of Syria President, A place of all the rest most Eminent.

14.

As far as Euphrates is his Command Of Fame renown'd and held in high esteeme; In all Assemblies they for him doe stand, Another Pertinax he now doth seem; They Julian brand with shamefull defamations, And Niger cry with Royall Acclamations.

15.

When Niger heard the other so contemn'd, And that they cri'd up him in every meeting, Julian for falshood standing thus condemn'd, Himselfe he knew should have the fairer greeting; The better to promote these high affaires, He sends his Captus to divulge these aires.

16.

This silent Course did carry least suspect; For when they saw he sought not to invade, With Votes they woe him, as he did expect; From all parts come Acceptance to perswade; The Syrian Nation also are as prone Him to invest in the Imperiall Throne.

17.

The Syrians* 1.12 much to Niger were devoted, For that his Rule so gentle was and mild; On Plaies and Pastimes over much they doted, By suff'rage his they sooner are beguil'd: At Antioch he Bals and Maskes promoted, To which the People run as they were wild; To take the Soveraign Rule they him beseech, Then up his Seat he mounts and makes a Speech.

18.

How I have rul'd you with a gentle hand,* 1.13 And Punctuall been in all my undertaking, Is known I think to all men of this Land, Nor is the Tale I tell of my owne making; The Romans cry as erst to you was told, The Empire Late is basely bought and sold.

19.

To undertake so great an Enterprise, Presumption were without good grounds before: So might it be Imputed Cowardise, Friends to forsake when they our help implore; For this Cause I conven'd you that are wise, To give advise in this so great uproar: And if by Counsell rightly you designe, It will be to your praise as well as mine.

20.

Nor is our Hopes contemptible or vaine, The Romans of themselves are so resolv'd, Usurping Julian shall no longer Reign; On them the Worldly Rule is sole devolv'd, Praetorian Bands, besides of Cash defeated, Doe now complain how they by him are cheated.

21.

And nothing surer is then our Design, So forward are they that our succour crave, Of Opposites there is no manner signe, The Souldiers know full well he is a knave; His credit's crackt, he is of Breach detected, Then shew your freedom how you stand affected.

22.

The Army thus; O Emp'rour our Augustus, With Purple Robes your Grace we thus invest; And that you may have better cause to trust us, This Title we confer above the rest: Then fire before they in his Mansion Place him, With all the Regall Titles that may grace him.

23.

Niger was glad at heart of this successe, He now had little doubt of Soveraigne State; The Romans and the rest both more and Lesse, European Nations doe congratulate; Embassadors from all parts make Approach, And Emp'rour him salute at Antioch.

24.

From Tygris and Euphrates Princes send, Rejoycing much and promising their Aid; Both men and mony they will to him Lend, With Thanks and Gifts he to this Message said: Of quiet rule he had assurance good, And hop'd to weild the Scepter without blood.

25.

He in this confidence too long repos'd, With Antioch'ans and the Neighbours round, To Theaters and Sports himself dispos'd, By which appear••d his judgment was not sound; To Rome he should have gone, not staid in Syria, Or yet neglect the Souldiers in Illyria.

26.

But these he hop'd would side with Easterne Forces, While thus demean'd be on the shallowes Anchor'd▪ For Ister Banks and Rhine observ'd his Courses, Full little thought he they would prove so cankred: But in this story if you take some pleasure, I will receite the rest at further leasure.

CANTO VIII.

The ARGUMENT.

Severus we describe his Dreame and Policy, A Speech he makes and Emp'rour is Elected, He Expedites to Rome surpriseth Italy, Julian is slaine, of Bribery detected, Train Bands are catch'd, which could not be evaded, A Speech to them whereby they are degraded.

1.

THe world you see is like unto a Stage, Where ev'ry Actor playes a sev'rall part; Some King, some Lord, some Servant is or Page, And some think jugling is a pretty Art: So Julian here for Empire late durst Barter, And Souldiers for his mony Seal'd his Charter.

2.

Some Garrisons were kept as erst I told On Ister Banks, and on the River Rhoyne, The Roman Empire to defend and hold Against the Barb'rous people that adjoyne; Severus was of Africk by descent, And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whole Pannonia President.

3.

This was a Gallan, Brave, and Active man, Yet in * his moode of Spirit somewhat furious; Austere of Life, his visage pale and wan, Of Labour great, in Travaile nothing curious; Of quick Resolve and nimble Apprehension, To execute what er'e was his Intention.

4.

The Roman Empire hovering in the Aire, And Meteor like uncertaine where to fall; Catch that catch may, he see 'twas open faire, Then in this Market he set up his stall: Usurping Julian was too much Pragmatick, And Niger dull so muddy braine flegmatick.

5.

He also had Presages by his dreams, Which credit best obtaine by their Event, Although to some they prove uncertain Theams, That cannot guesse what good or harme is meant, And often faile, for surely they are gleams If one could rightly hit of their intent; Then one of his I must not here omit, Because I find it in the Booke he writ.

6.

When Sovereigne Rule on Pertinax did light,* 1.14 And he is Leigeman sworne in Word and deed, Then went he home and dreamed that same night He saw him mounted on a Gallant Steed, Adorn'd with Princely Trappers as was meet, Which Carri'd him along the Sacred Street.* 1.15

7.

But when he should into the Forum enter, Where Democratick* 1.16 people make their meeting, The Prince to ground the Beast threw at adventure, Which seemed to the rest a homely greeting; Yet to himselfe he came with faire Decorum, On whom he mounts and gallops through the Forum.

8.

Severus then was lifted up between The People there, and him they all adore, A Brazen Image standeth to be seen, This to Record which never was before; By this his Dreame he Cogitates alone, He was Divinely called to the Throne.

9.

His Captus straight about him he convenes, Resolv'd to try how they his Rule affected, And plainely told by what unworthy meanes The Sacred Empire is so much neglected; Then to his purpose all the Souldiers leanes, Train'd Bands of Treason foully is detected: Thus of this matter they debate no further, But will revenge good Pertinax his murther.

10.

Full well he wist that Pertinax his Name In their Illyrian Army shined Glorious; For there in Marcus time he gained Fame, And or'e the German Nation was Victorious: A man of Prudence and of Moderation None might compare in all the Roman Nation.

11.

A Soul of sweet and ••genious disposition, Th' Assinats (he knew) they songht to have, And he with them will make due Inquisition, If they consent 'tis all that he will crave; With this his faire and winning Proposition This easie People like to Sheep he drave; And linckt them all in Chaine of perfect Unity, Whereon he grounds his further Opportunity.

12.

They* 1.17 in this Region are a race of men Of mighty Limb, and Body somewhat full, Tall Souldiers too if once their Foe they ken,* 1.18 But yet of slender Wits and temper dull; Such subtle Drifts they meet but now and then, When therefore this did penetrate the Skull: They him believe, then doe themselves submit, And in his Stile the Soveraigne Title writ.

13.

The dull Pannonians thus he set in order, With Promise large to ev'ry Northern President, Great Hopes he gave the Regions that did border, Of Right pertaining to the Roman Regiment; A deep Dissembler and a subtle Plotter, A crafty Fox and cunning as an Otter.

14.

To falsifie his Oath to serve his turne, To Cogg and feigne he queintly knew his part;* 1.19 Against his Letters that they might not spurne, His pen oft told what was not in his heart: Their burdens he Avouch'd should not be heavy, Whereby great store of Souldiers he did Leavy.

15.

And Pertinax Sirname he did assume, For that he knew was worthy of Esteem; Both currant in Illyria and at Rome, ••o like an humble Saint he then did seeme: Yet you shall see he was no tardy Drone, But first this Speech from his Exalted Throne.

16.

The Zealous Love to gods that you revere,* 1.20 By whom you swore your Emp'rours true Devotion, In this contest doth singular appe're; For me I never thought of such promotion, But still Obey'd my Soveraignes Just Commands, And will with you correct Praetorian Bands.

17.

What you require I purpose to pursue, The Sacred Empire now doth suffer much, Which you and I will rectifie anew; Yet Commod's slips we will but lightly touch: His youthfull strain deserves Commiseration, For Fathers sake let's use some mitigation.

18.

His fault you know ought rather be imputed To Sycophants, which did his youth mislead; But Pertinax of Noble Fame reputed, By wicked Hands so Direfully struck dead, And Julian eke that in his Seate did Mount, These dismall deeds we call unto Account.

19.

Of Commons he and Souldiers is detested, They now perceive his purpose to delude, By Craft and Bribes he got himselfe invested, Thus shamefully did in the Throne intrude; Yet if defend this wretched Act they durst, Your skill in Arms will put them to the worst.

20.

You often skirmish with the Rude Barbarians, With toyle and Travell, scorning heate and Cold; Train'd Bands are Pamp'red like unto Maidmarians, In Martiall feates who ever knew them bold; You* 1.21 Hunting use, they live like Lazy Carrions; Your Shout and Shock, they dare not once behold; You water drinke and wade through Rivers frozen, They stall fedd are, and wanton ease have chosen.

21.

If any doe the Syrian Force misdoubt, Withall they may their Cowardise Collect; They from the Country never marched out, Or had to Rome Intention or Respect: These Silken Syrians are no Souldiers Martiall, But are to disports and pastimes o're Partiall.

22.

Though they of Antioch doe on Niger dote, Since none yet like an Emp'rour doth appear, The Townes and Cities that are more remote, Of you and me doe stand in double feare; They think you will advance to pay their Cote, And me they know since I did Govern there: Our fury they will shun and their owne harmes, They must subscribe to us in feates of Arms.

23.

Then let us instant march and seize on Rome, The Princely Palace we shall soone obtaine; For so to us an easie Rise will come, And due revenge on Julian we shall gaine: Divine Presages praedicts us good Event If your Victorious Arms crosse their Intent.

24.

This Speech he ended thus and nothing lacks, The Souldiers leap and shout with Acclamation, Augustus they him call, and Pertinax, With cheerfull Votes they make this Proclamation; Then lightly Arm'd, their geere they trusse in Packs, Without delay or more procrastination: He gives them Largesse fit for such a journey, Himselfe in person needeth no Atturney.

25.

Scarce suffring once his weary Troopes to rest, He march'd with Courage bold and nimble Speed; They post away as some doe to a Feast, Yet Cates have none but what they barely need: He fellow-like no Pomp would have at all, Which made the Souldiers ready at his Call.

26.

Then through the great Pannonia was his Race, Where eftsoons seen a Prince preventing Fame, And up th' Italian Hils he climbes apace, Before they knowledg had from whence he came; Such quick approach the People heard of never, Which puts the Cities in a shaking fever.

27.

They Arms had left, and tooke them to manure Their Country Farms, living a quiet Life; The former Armies made them so secure, With Barb'rous folke they have no fear of strife: Forsooth (say they) our troubles have an end, Our Roman Power to all parts doth extend.

28.

Indeed when first Augustus seiz'd the Monarchy, So quiet and Pacifick was his Rule, The people fell to lasie kind of Lethargy, Their wits grew dull as either Horse or Mule: Because that none should interrupt the Hierarchy, His Souldiers guard ev'n to the utmost* 1.22 Thule; Some parts had Ditches, Rivers deep and Fountaines, Some Deserts had, some Rocks and craggy Mountaines.

29.

No marvaile then if they were sore agast, To see such mighty Troopes of armed men, Not knowing where the Frontiers they had brast, To march so fiercely thus within their ken; Severus yet they heard it was at last, Which partly put them in their wits agen: No help at hand, they thought it best to greet him, With Laurels in their hands they run to meet him.

30.

Yet where he came he made but little stay, Except it were to doe his Sacrifice, Or to salute the People in the way, His head of other matters did devise; The first designe was quick to post to Rome, To bring usurping Julian to his Doome.

31.

Who now from Commons had but little Hope, And lesse from Souldiers that do him detest, He thought the time was come to stretch a Rope, His guilty Conscience did him so molest; He Labors friends and scrapes beyond all measure, Defacing Temples to engrosse the Treasure.

32.

This wicked deed was for the souldiers hire, Who ne'r the more will ease him of his moane, By former breach he known is for a lyar: Assistance now Train'd Bands will give him none, His friends advise he shall the Alpes preclude, Yet nought could stop the Vengeance that ensude.

33.

To Italy these Mountaines are a Wall,* 1.23 This Nature added to that happy soile; Yet Julian Dastard durst not budge at all, But with the Souldiers doth himselfe turmoile; He them intreats the Elephants to Traine, That Riders might command with Bit & Raine.* 1.24

34.

The Northern Army thus he thought to Daze, As being unacquainted with this Beast; But shortly he himselfe was in Amaze, Severus straight did interupt the jest: His men the City entred sev'rall wayes, And th' other taken tardy in delayes.

35.

(Disguis'd) by night they enterprise the Towne,* 1.25 In Julians bosome er'e he was aware; Some wore a Frock, some habit of a Clowne, And now the Common People doe not spare: Julian from Dastardy, Niger of sloth, Severus, he must carri't from them both.

36.

How glad would Julian be to share a part Of Soveraigne Rule,* 1.26 or utterly resigne; But Senators that knew his fainting heart, To cut him off doe thus resolve in fine: A Tribune was at hand, to him they leave him, Who of his wretched life doth soon bereave him.

37.

Then Noble Lords from Senate had Commission, To Grace Severus with Imperiall Crowne; Thus had he what he sought by their Permission, And was invested in the Regall Throne: When all things came so fitly to his hands, He layes a plot to catch Praetorian Bands.

38.

The Tribunes and Centurions he pursues,* 1.27 With promise faire they shall have due reward, To bring their men as in the solemne shewes, For they quoth he (once sworne) shall be my guard; The Souldiers then not doubting further harms, Doe soone consent to lay aside their Arms.

39.

So Issue forth with Laurell Branch in hand, And Equipage as to a Solemne Feast; Severus this was made to understand, For he their welcome had demurely drest: While they before him doe their Presents bring, He casts his Troopes about him in a Ring.

40.

This was a Martiall feate to catch a dolt, Yet he Commands they shall not wound or strike; You may perceive he was a crafty colt, For his was Arm'd with Javelin and with Pike; Praetorians then when he had thus surrounded, With Lofty voyce this Speech to them propounded:

41.

You see how much our skill doth yours surmount,* 1.28 You now are caught and stand at my devotion; For black and ugly Deeds you must account, His blood you spilt by whom you had promotion: Good Pertinax the Prince that none offended, Whom you (his guard) should rather have defended.

42.

You next for Coyne the Roman Empire Truct, As if it did belong to you direct; Yet when you had the Princely Marrow suckt, You durst not once your Marchant man protect: But when he came in quest'on, you eftsoones Betrai'd, like Villanes false and base Poultroones.

43.

A thousand Deaths for your Enormous Crime Too little were if I your due should render; Pollute my hands I will not at this time, Or Learne of you, my Wit is not so slender: Yet since the Royall Blood you have not spar'd, You shall no more be of the Emp'rours guard.

44.

Of Noblenesse I give more then I owe, My Souldiers first ungirdling your Attire, Your Soules and Bodies on you I bestow; Then pack away far off, you I require. For neer this City if you dare be found, I here decree you shall be hang'd or drown'd.

45.

Th' Illyrian Souldiers ready at their duty, Praetorian Swords with Gold and Silver wrought, They quick ungirt, full glad of such a Booty, These knacks for feasts and solemne shewes were brought, For Scarfs and Feathers yet they further raked; Train'd Bands they stript, and left them all stark naked.

46.

These Novices thus taken with a wile (Though glad of Life) depart with heavy cheare; Full sore they rue they did themselves beguile, To leave their Arms that they were wont to beare: Thus to be cast they count a shamefull Doome, And others grac'd that must supply their Roome.

47.

A further plot this Prince had to secure Their Camp, lest they to that returne againe; Some Troops of Horse he sent to make it sure, And seize the Arms, for that must them constrain: Thus these Assassinats were justly banish'd, And for their breach of Oath condignly punish'd.

The End of the second Book.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Proverb.
• * 1.2

  A City.
• * 1.3

  Electus, Laetus, Marcia.
• * 1.4

  Laetus Speech.
• * 1.5

  Sirnamed Britanicus for Service there.
• * 1.6

  P••rtina•• speech.
• * 1.7

  The like ef∣fect of Maje∣ste in Q. Olym. See Justin. l. 14.
• * 1.8

  Bravery of a Roman Spirit.
• * 1.9

  The R••m••n▪ sate not at Tables.
• * 1.10

  In form of a cestudo. vid. L••••psius de mibit Rom.
• * 1.11

  Horse-race of Ovall form able to con∣tain 100000 Spectators.
• * 1.12

  Their Cha∣racter.
• * 1.13

  Nigers Speech.
• * 1.14

  His dreame.
• * 1.15

  A street in Rome.
• * 1.16

  Popular rule
• * 1.17

  Their de∣scription.
• * 1.18

  Quaere Gu••d••∣mar Bishop Spoletto.
• * 1.19

  A Darke subtle Prince.
• * 1.20

  Severus Speech to the Army.
• * 1.21

  A Military Exercise.
• * 1.22

  The furthest Northward.
• * 1.23

  The Alps.
• * 1.24

  Elephants Train'd.
• * 1.25

  Stratagem.
• * 1.26

  No Receipt a∣gainst feare.
• * 1.27

  His subtlety.
• * 1.28

  Severus speech to the Praeto∣rians.