The satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis translated into English verse by Mr. Dryden and several other eminent hands ; together with the satires of Aulus Persius Flaccus, made English by Mr. Dryden ; with explanatory notes at the end of each satire ; to which is prefix'd a discourse concerning the original and progress of satire ... by Mr. Dryden.

THE EIGHTH SATYR OF JUVENAL, (Book 8)

Translated into ENGLISH VERSE BY Mr. G. STEPNY, Fellow of Trinity College in CAMBRIDGE.

ARGUMENT OF THE Eighth Satyr.

In this Satyr, the Poet proves that No••ility do••s not confist in Statues and Pedigrees, but in Honoura∣ble and Good Actions: He lashes Rubellius Plancus, for being Insolent, by Reason of his High ••irth; and lays do••n ••n I••sta••ce t••••t 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ought to make the like Iudgment of Men, as we do of Horses, who are valued rather according to their Personal Qualities, than by the Race of whence they co••••. He ad••ises his N••ble Friend Ponticus (to whom he Dedicates the Satyr) to lead a Virtuous Life, disswading him from De∣bauchery, Luxury, Oppression, Cruelty, and other Vices, by his severe Censures on Lateranus, Da∣masippus, Gr••cchus, Nero, Catiline; And in Opposition to these, displays the worth of Persons Meanly Born, such as Cicero, Marius, Servius Tullius, and the Decii.

THE EIGHTH SATYR.

WHat's the advantage, or the real Good, In traceing from the Source our ancient Blood? To have our Ancestors in Paint or Stone Preserv'd as Reliques, or, like Monsters, shewn? The Brave Aemilii, as in Triumph plac'd, The Virtuous Curii, half by Time defac'd; Corvinus, with a mouldring Nose, that bears Injurious Scars, (the sad Effects of Years;) And Galba grinning without Nose or Ears?

Vain are their Hopes, who fancy to inheritLine 10 By Trees of Pedigrees, of Fame, or Merit; Tho plodding Heralds through each Branch may trace Old Captains and Dictators of their Race, While their Ill Lives that Family belye, And grieve the Brass which stands dishonour'd by.

'Tis meer Burlesque, that to our Gen'rals praise, Their Progeny immortal Statues raise,

Yet (far from that old Gallantry) delight To game before their Images all night, And steal to Bed at the approach of day,Line 20 The hour when these their Ensigns did display.

Why shou'd soft 1 1.1 Eabius impudently bear Names gain'd by Conquests in the Gallic War? Why lays he claim to Hercules his Strain, Yet dares be Base, Effeminate, and Vain? The glorious Altar to that Hero built, Adds but a greater Lustre to his Guilt, Whose tender Limbs, and polisht Skin, disgrace The grisly Beauty of his Manly Race; And who by practising the dismal skillLine 30 Of Poys'ning, and such treacherous ways to kill, Makes his unhappy Kindred-Marble sweat, When his degenerate Head by theirs is set.

Long Galleries of Ancestors, and all Those Follies which ill-grace a Country-Hall, Challenge no Wonder or Esteem from me; "Virtue alone is true Nobility. Live therefore well: To Men and Gods appear, Such as Good 2 1.2 Paulus, Cossus, Drusus were; And in thy Consular triumphal Shew,Line 40 Let These before thy Father's Statues go; Place 'em before the 3 1.3 Ensigns of the State, As chusing rather to be Good than Great.

Convince the World that you're devout and true, Be just in all you say, and all you do; Whatever be your Birth, you're sure to be A Peer of the first Magnitude to me: Rome for your sake shall push her Conquests on, And bring 4 1.4 New Titles home from Nations won, To Dignifie so Eminent a Son:Line 50 With your blest Name shall every Region sound, Loud as mad Egypt, when her Priests have found A new 5 1.5 Osyris, for the Ox they drown'd.

But who will call those Noble, who deface, By meaner Acts, the Glories of their Race; Whose only Title to their Father's Fame Is couch'd in the dead Letters of their Name? A Dwarf as well may for a Gyant pass; A Negro for a Swan; a Crook-back'd Lass Be call'd Europa; and a Cur may bearLine 60 The Name of Tyger, Lion, or what-e're Denotes the Noblest or the Fiercest Beast: Be therefore careful, lest the World in jeast Shou'd thee just so with the Mock-titles greet, Of Camerinus, or of Conquer'd Crete.

To whom is this Advice and Censure due? Rubellius Plancus, 'tis apply'd to you; Who think your Person second to Divine, Because descended from the Drusian Line;

Tho yet you no Illustrious Act have doneLine 70 To make the World distinguish Iulia's Son From the vile Offspring of a Trull, who sits By the Town-Wall, and for her Living knits. You are poor Rogues (you cry) the baser Scum And inconsiderable Dregs of Rome; Who know not from what Corner of the Earth The obscure Wretch, who got you, stole his Birth: Mine, I derive from Cecrops 6 1.6 —May your Grace Live, and enjoy the Splendour of your Race—. Yet of these base Plebeians we have knownLine 80 Some, who, by charming Eloquence, have grown Great Senators, and Honours to that Gown: Some at the Bar with Subtilty defend The Cause of an unlearned Noble Friend; Or on the Bench the knotty Laws untye: Others their stronger Youth to Arms apply, Go to Euphrates, or those Forces join Which Garrison the Conquests near the Rhine. While you, Rubellius, on your Birth relye; Tho you resemble your Great FamilyLine 90 No more, than those rough Statues on the Road (Which we call Mercuries) are like that God: Your Blockhead tho excels in this alone, You are a Living Statue, that of Stone.

Great Son of Troy, who ever prais'd a Beast For being of a Race above the rest,

But rather meant his Courage, and his Force? To give an Instance—We commend an Horse (Without regard of Pasture, or of Breed) For his undaunted Mettle and his speed;Line 100 Who 7 1.7 wins most Plates with greatest ease, and first Prints with his Hoofs his Conquest on the Dust. But if fleet Dragon's Progeny at last Proves jaded, and in frequent Matches cast, No favour for the Stallion we retain, And no respect for the Degenerate strain; The worthless Brute is from New-Market brought, And at an under-rate in Smith-Field bought, To turn a Mill, or drag a Loaded Life Beneath two Panniers, and a Baker's Wife.Line 110

That we may therefore you, not yours, admire; First, Sir, some Honour of your own acquire; Add to that Stock which justly we bestow On those 8 1.8 Blest Shades to whom you all things owe.

This may suffice the Haughty Youth to shame, Whose swelling Veins (if we may Credit Fame) Burst almost with the Vanity and Pride, That their Rich Flood to Nero's is ally'd: The Rumour's likely; for "We seldom find "Much sence with an Exalted Fortune join'd.Line 120

But, Ponticus, I wou'd not you shou'd raise Your Credit by Hereditary praise; Let your own Acts Immortalize your Name; "'Tis Poor relying on another's Fame; For, take the Pillars but away, and all The Superstructure must in Ruins fall; As a Vine droops, when by Divorce remov'd From the Embraces of the Elm she lov'd.

Be a good Souldier, or upright Trustee, An Arbitrator from Corruption free,Line 130 And if a Witness in a doubtful Cause, Where a brib'd Judge means to elude the Laws; Tho 9 1.9 Phalaris his Brazen Bull were there, And He wou'd dictate what he'd have yuo swear, Be not so Profligate, but rather chuse To guard your Honour, and your Life to lose, Rather than let your Virtue be betray'd; Virtue, the Noble Cause for which you're made.

"Improperly we measure Life by Breath; * 1.10 "Such do not truly Live who merit Death;Line 140 Tho they their wanton Sences nicely please With all the Charms of Luxury and Ease; Tho mingled Flow'rs adorn their careless Brow, And round 'em costly Sweets neglected flow;

As if they in their Funeral State were laid, And to the World, as they're to Virtue, Dead.

When 10 1.11 You the Province you expect, obtain, From Passion and from Avarice refrain; Let our Associates Poverty provoke Thy generous Heart not to encrease their Yoke,Line 150 Since Riches cannot rescue from the ••nave, Which claims alike the Monarch and the Slave

To what the Laws enjoin, submission pay▪ And what the Senate shall Command, Obey; Think what Rewards upon the Good attend, And how those fall unpitied who offend: Tutor and Capito may Warnings be, Who felt the Thunder of the States Decree For robbing the Cilicians, tho they (Like lesser Pikes) only subsist on Prey.Line 160 But what avails the Rigour of their Doom? Which cannot future violence o'recome, Nor give the Miserable Province ••ase▪ Since what one Plund'rer left, the next will seize▪

Cherippus 11 1.12 then, in time your self bethink, And what your Rags will yield by Auction, sink; Ne're put your self to Charges to complain Of Wrongs which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you did sustain;

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Make not a Voyage to detect the Theft, "'Tis mad to Lavish what their Rapine lest.Line 170

When Rome at first our Rich Allies subdu'd, From gentle Taxes Noble Spoils accru'd; Each wealthy Province, but in part Opprest, Thought the Loss trivial, and enjoy'd the rest. All Treasuries did then with Heaps abound; In every Wardrobe costly Silks were found; The least Apartment of the meanest House Cou'd all the wealthy Pride of Art produce; Pictures which from 12 1.13 Parrhasius did receive Motion and warmth; and Statues taught to live;Line 180 Some 12 1.14 Polyclete's, some Myron's Work declar'd, In others 12 1.15 Phidia's Masterpiece appear'd; And crowding Plate did on the Cupboard stand, Emboss'd by curious 12 1.16 Mentor's artful hand. Prizes like these Oppressors might invite, These Dolabella's Rapine did excite, These 13 1.17 Anthony for his own Theft thought fit, Verres for these did Sacriledge commit; And when their Reigns were ended, Ships full Fraught The hidden Fruits of their Exaction brought,Line 190 Which made in Peace, a Treasure Richer far, Than what is Plunder'd in the Rage of War.

This was of Old; But our Confederates now Have nothing left but Oxen for the Plough,

Or some few Mares reserv'd alone for Breed; Yet lest this provident Design succeed, They drive the Father of the Herd away, Making both Stallion, and his Pasture, Prey. Their Rapine is so abject and prophane, They nor from Trifles, nor from Gods refrain;Line 200 But the poor Lares from the Niches seize, If they be little images that please. Such are the Spoils which now provoke their Theft, And are the greatest, Nay they're all that's left.

Thus may 14 1.18 You 15 1.19 Corinth, or weak Rhodes oppress, Who dare not bravely what they feel, redress: (For how can Fops thy Tyranny controul "Smooth Limbs are symptoms of a servile Soul) But Trespass not too far on sturdy Spain, Sclavonia, France; thy Gripes from those restrain,Line 210 Who with their 16 1.20 sweat Rome's Luxury maintain; And send us Plenty, while our wanton day Is lavish'd at the Circus, or the Play. For, shou'd you to Extortion be inclin'd, Your Cruel Guilt will little Booty find, Since gleaning 17 1.21 Marius has already seiz'd All that from Sun-burnt Africk can be squees'd.

But above all, "Be careful to with-hold "Your Tallons from the Wretched and the Bold;

"Tempt not the Brave and Needy to Despair;Line 220 "For, tho your Violence shou'd leave 'em bare "Of Gold and Silver, Swords and Darts remain, "And will Revenge the Wrongs which they sustain, "The Plundred still have Arms.—

Think not the Precept I have here laid down A fond, uncertain Notion of my own; No, 'tis a Sibyl's Leaf what I relate, As fixt and sure, as the Decrees of Fate.

Let none but Men of Honour you attend; Chuse him that has most Virtue for your Friend,Line 230 And give no way to any Darling Youth To sell your Favour, and pervert the Truth. Reclaim your Wife from stroling up and down, To all Assizes, and through every Town, With Claws like Harpies, eager for the Prey; (For which your Justice, and your Fame will pay▪) Keep your self free from Scandals such as these; Then Trace your Birth from 18 1.22 Picus, if you please: If he's too Modern, and your Pride aspire To seek the Author of your Being higher,Line 240 Chuse any Titan who the Gods withstood▪ To be the Founder of your Ancient blood, Prometheus, and that Race before the flood, Or any other Story you can find From Heralds, or in Poets, to your mind.

But shou'd you prove Ambitious, Lustful, Vain; Or cou'd you see with Pleasure and Disdain, Rods broke on our Associates bleeding backs, And Heads-Men lab'ring till they blunt their Ax: Your Father's Glory will your Sin proclaim,Line 250 And to a clearer Light expose your shame; "For, still more publick scandal Vice extends, "As he is Great and Noble who offends.

How dare 19 1.23 you then your high Extraction plead? Yet blush not when you go to forge a Deed, In the same Temple which your Grandsire built, Making his Statue privy to the Guilt. Or in a Bawdy Masquerade are led Muffled by Night to some polluted Bed.

Fat Lateranus does his Revels keepLine 260 Where his Fore-Fathers peaceful Ashes sleep; Driving himself a Chariot down the Hill, And (tho a Consul) links himself the Wheel: To do him Justice, 'tis indeed by Night, Yet the Moon sees, and ev'ry smaller light Pries as a Witness of the shameful sight: Nay when his Year of Honour's ended, soon He'll leave that nicety, and mount at Noon; Nor blush shou'd he some Grave Acquaintance meet, But, (proud of being known) will Jerk and Greet:Line 270

And when his Fellow-Beasts are weary grown, He'll play the Groom, give Oats, and rub 'em down. If after 20 1.24 Numa's Ceremonial way He at Iove's Altar wou'd a Victim slay, To no clean Goddess he directs his Pray'rs▪ But by 21 1.25 Hippona most Devoutly Swears, Or some rank Deity whose filthy face We suitably o're stinking Stables place.

When he has run his length, and does begin To steer his course directly for the InnLine 280 (Where they have watch'd, expecting him all night) A greasie Syrian, e're he can alight, Presents him Essence, while his courteous Host (Well knowing nothing by good breeding's lost) Tags every Sentence with some fawning word, Such as My King, My Prince, at least My Lord; And a tight Maid, e're he for Wine can ask, Guesses his Meaning, and unoils the Flask.

Some (Friends to Vice) industriously defend These innocent Diversions, and pretendLine 290 That I the Tricks of Youth too roughly blame, Alledging that, when young, we did the same. I grant we did; yet when that age was past, The frolick Humour did no longer last; We did not cherish and indulge the Crime: What's foul in acting, shou'd be left in time.

Tis true, some faults, of course, with Childhood end, We therefore wink at Wags when they offend▪ And spare the Boy, in hopes the Man may mend.

But Lateranus (now his vig'rous ageLine 300 Shou'd prompt him for his Country to engage, The Circuit of our Empire to extend, And all our Lives, in Caesar's, to defend) Mature in Riots, places his Delight All day in plying Bumpers, and at night Reels to the Bawds, over whose Doors are set Pictures and Bills, with Here are Whores to let. Shou'd any desperate unexpected Fate Summon all Heads and Hands to guard the State, Caesar, send quickly to secure the 22 1.26 Port;Line 310 But where's the General? Where does he resort? Send to the Sutler's; There you're sure to find The Bully match'd with Rascals of his Kind, Quacks, Coffin-Makers; Fugitives and Sailers; Rooks, Common-Souldiers, Hangmen, Thieves and Tailers; With Cybele's Priests, who, wearied with Processions, Drink there, and sleep with Knaves of all Professions. A Friendly Gang! each equal to the best▪ And all, who can, have liberty to jest▪ One Flaggon walks the round, (that none shou'd thinkLine 320 They either change, or stint him of his drink) And lest Exceptions may for Place be found, Their Stools are all alike, their Table round.

What think you, Ponticus, your self might do, Shou'd any Slave, so lewd, belong to you? No doubt, you'd send the Rogue in Fetters bound, To work in Bridewell, or to Plough your Ground: But, Nobles, you who Trace your Birth from Troy, Think, you the great Prerogative enjoy Of doing ill, by Virtue of that Race;Line 330 As if what we esteem in Coblers base, Wou'd the high Family of Brutus grace.

Shameful are these Examples, yet we find (To Rome's Disgrace) far worse than these behind: Poor Damasippus, whom we once have known Flutt'ring with Coach and Six about the Town, Is forc'd to make the Stage his last retreat, And Pawns his Voice, the All he has, for Meat: For now he must (since his Estate is lost) Or represent, or be himself, a Ghost:Line 340 And Lentulus Acts Hanging with such Art, Were I a Judge, he shou'd not Feign the part. Nor wou'd I their Vile insolence acquit, Who can with Patience, nay Diversion, sit, Applauding my Lord's Buffoonry for Wit. And clapping Farces, Acted by the Court, While the Peers Cuff, to make the Rabble sport: Or Hirelings, at a Prize, their Fortunes try; Certain to fall unpity'd if they Dye;

Since none can have the favourable ThoughtLine 350 That to Obey a Tyrant's Will they Fought, But that their Lives they willingly expose, Bought by the Praetors to adorn their shows.

Yet say the Stage and Lists were both in sight, And you must either chuse to Act, or Fight; Death never sure bears such a ghastly shape, That a rank Coward basely wou'd escape By playing a foul Harlot's jealous Tool, Or a feign'd Andrew to a real Fool. Yet a Peer-Actor is no monstrous thing,Line 360 Since Rome has own'd a 23 1.27 Fidler for a King: After such Pranks, the World it self at best May be imagin'd nothing but a Jest.

Go 24 1.28 to the Lists where Feats of Arms are shown, There you'll find Gracchus, (from Patrician,) grown A Fencer, and the Scandal of the Town. Nor will he the Mirmillo's Weapons bear, The Modest Helmet he Disdains to wear; As Retiarius he Attacks his Foe; First waves his Trident ready for the throw,Line 370 Next casts his Net, but neither levell'd right, He stares about, expos'd to publick sight, Then places all his safety in his flight. Room for the Noble Gladiator! See His Coat and Hatband shew his Quality;

Thus when at last the brave Mi••millo knew 'Twas Gracchus was the Wretch he did pursue, To Conquer such a Coward griev'd him more, Than if he many Glorious Wounds had bore.

Had 25 1.29 we the freedom to express our Mind,Line 380 There's not a Wretch so much to Vice inclin'd, But will own 26 1.30 Seneca did far excell His Pupil, by whose Tyranny he fell: To expiate whose Complicated Guilt, With some Proportion to the Blood he spilt, Rome 27 1.31 shou'd more Serpents, Apes, and Sacks provide Than one, for the Compendious Parricide. 'Tis true 28 1.32 Orestes a like Crime did Act; Yet weigh the Cause, there's difference in the Fact: He 29 1.33 slew his Mother at the God's Command,Line 390 They bid him strike, and did direct his Hand To punish falsehood, and appease the Ghost Of his poor Father treacherously lost, Just in the Minute when the flowing Bowl With a full Tide inlarg'd his Chearful Soul. Yet kill'd he not his 31 1.34 Sister, or his 30 1.35 Wife, Nor 32 1.36 aim'd at any near Relation's Life: Orestes 33 1.37 , in the Heat of all his Rage, Ne're play'd, or Sung upon a publick Stage; Never 34 1.38 on Verse did his wild Thoughts employ,Line 400 To paint the horrid Scene of burning Troy,

Like Nero, who to raise his Fancy higher, And finish the great Work, set Rome on Fire. Such 35 1.39 Crimes make Treason just, and might compel Virginius, Vindex, Galba, to Rebel: For what cou'd Nero's self have acted worse, To aggravate the Wretched Nation's Curse.

These are the blest Endowments, Studies, Arts, Which Exercise our mighty Emperour's parts; Such Frollicks with his Roving Genius suit,Line 410 On 33 1.40 Forreign Theaters to prostitute His Voice and Honour, for the poor Renown Of putting all the Grecian Actors down, And winning at a Wake their Parsley-Crown. Let 33 1.41 this Triumphal Chaplet find some place Among the other Trophies of thy Race; By the Domitii's Statues shall be laid The Habit and the Mask in which you play'd Antigone's, or bold Thyestes part, (While your wild Nature little wanted Art)Line 420 And on the Marble Pillar shall be hung The Lute to which the Royal Mad••mn Sung.

Who, 36 1.42 Catiline, can boast a Nobler Line, Than thy lewd Friend Cethegus his, and thine? Yet you took Arms, and did by Night conspire To set our Houses, and our Gods on Fire:

(An Enterprise which might indeed become Our Enemies, the Gauls, not Sons of Rome, To recompence whose Barbarous intent Pitch'd 37 1.43 Shirts wou'd be too mild a Punishment)Line 430 But 38 1.44 Tully, our wise Consul, watch'd the blow, With care discover'd, and disarm'd the Foe: Tully, the humble Mushroom, scarcely known: The lowly Native of a Country Town, (Who till of late cou'd never reach the height Of being Honour'd as a Roman Knight) Throughout the trembling City plac'd a Guard, Dealing an equal share to every Ward, And by the peaceful Robe got more renown Within our Walls, than Young Octavius wonLine 440 By 39 1.45 Victories at Actium, or the Plain Of Thessaly 40 1.46 discolour'd by the Slain: Him therefore Rome in gratitude decreed The Father of his Country, which he freed.

Marius 41 1.47 (another Consul we admire) In the same Village Born, first Plow'd for Hire; His next Advance was to the Souldiers Trade, Where, if he did not nimbly ply the Spade, His Surly Officer ne're fail'd to Crack His Knotty Cudgel on his tougher back.Line 450 Yet he alone secur'd the tott'ring State, Withstood the Cimbrians, and redeem'd our Fate:

So when the Eagles to their Quarry flew (Who never such a Goodly Banquet knew) Only a second Lawrel did adorn His Collegue Catulus, tho Nobly Born; He shar'd the Pride of the Triumphal Bay, But Marius won the Glory of the Day.

From 42 1.48 a mean Stock the Pious Decii came, Small their Estates, and Vulgar was their Name;Line 460 Yet such their Virtue, that their Loss alone For Rome and all our Legions did Attone; Their Countries Doom, they by their own, retriev'd, Themselves more worth than all the Host they sav'd. The 43 1.49 last good King whom willing Rome obey'd, Was the poor Offspring of a Captive Maid; Yet he those Robes of Empire justly bore Which Romulus our Sacred Founder wore: Nicely he gain'd, and well Possest the Throne, Not for his Father's Merits but his own,Line 470 And Reign'd, himself a Family alone.

When 44 1.50 Tarquin, his proud Successor, was quell'd, And with him Lust and Tyranny expell'd; The Consuls 45 1.51 Sons (who for their Countries good, And to Inhaunce the Honour of their Blood, Shou'd have asserted what their 46 1.52 Father won; And, to confirm that Liberty, have done Actions which 47 1.53 Cocles might have wish'd his own;

What might to 48 1.54 Mutius wonderful appear; And what bold 49 1.55 Clelia might with Envy hear) Open'd the Gates, endeavouring to restore Their Banish'd King, and Arbitrary Power. Whilst a poor 50 1.56 Slave, with scarce a Name, betray'd The horrid Ills these well-born Rogues had laid; Who therefore for their Treason justly bore The Rods and Ax, ne're us'd in Rome before.

If you have strength Achilles Arms to bear, And Courage to sustain a Ten Years War; Tho foul * 1.57 Thersites got thee, thou shalt be More lov'd by all, and more esteem'd by me,Line 490 Than if by chance you from some Hero came, In nothing like your Father but his Name.

Boast then your Blood, and your long Lineage stretch As high as Rome, and its great Founders reach; You'll find, in these Hereditary Tales, Your Ancestors the scum of broken Jayls: And 51 1.58 Romulus, your Honours Ancient source, But a Poor Shepherds 52 1.59 Boy, or something worse.

The End of the Eighth Satyr.

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THE Translator of Juvenal's 8th Satyr industrously avoided imposing upon the Reader, and perplexing the Printer with tedious Common∣place Notes; but finding towards the latter End many Examples of Noble-Men who disgraced their Ancestors by Vicious Practices, and of Men Mean∣ly Born who innobled their Families by Virtuous and Brave Actions, he thought some Historical Relations were necessary towards rendring those In∣stances more Intelligible; which is all he pretends to by his Remarks. He wou'd gladly have left out the heavy passage of the Mirmillo and Retiarius, which he Honestly Confesses he either does not rightly under∣stand, or cannot sufficiently explain. If he has not confin'd himself to the strict Rules of Translation, but has frequently taken the liberty of Imitating, Paraphrasing, or Reconciling the Roman Customs to our Modern Vsage▪ He hopes this freedom is Pardonable, since he has not us'd it, but when he found the Original flat, obscure, or defective; and where the Humour and Connexion of the Author might naturally allow of such a Change.

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE EIGHTH SATYR.

THE Family of the Fabii were descended of Hercules (in Honour of whom the Romans built a Temple in the Foro Boario.) Fabius Maximus in remembrance of his Services in the Wars, against the Peo∣ple of Provence, Languedoc, Dauphiny▪ and other Provinces of France (formerly known by the Name of Allobroges) was Sirnamed Allobrogi∣cus; which Title his Son wou'd have assumed, whom our Author here Censures, as a Man of an Effeminate Person, a profligate Life, and of Dangerous Practices.

Brave and Virtuous Romans.

The Rods and Ax, which were carry'd in Processions, as Badges of the Consular Dignity.

Such as Getulicus, Africanus, Numantinus, Creticus.

Osyris, for teaching the Aegyptians Husbandry, had a Temple built at Memphis; where he was Worshipt in the shape of an Ox, which the Priests used to Drown at a certain Age; and gave out, their God was withdrawn, and absented himself for a few Days; during which time 'twas their Custom to go Mourning and searching up and down, till they found another Ox to supply his place, and then they broke out with these Exclamations, We have found him, let's rejoyce.

The first King of Athens.

I have taken the Liberty to give this Simile a Modern Air, because it happens to agree exactly with the Humour of our Author.

(Meaning your Ancestors.) Rubellius Plancus.

Phalaris was a Tyrant of Agrigentum in Sicily; to flatter whose Cruelty, Perillus invented a Brazen Bull, wherein People might be Roasted alive, and their Cries were not unlike the bellowings of an Ox: But the Tyrant had the Justice to reward the Artizen as he deserv'd, by making him first try the Experiment.

Pag. 152. Improperly we measure Life by Breath, &c. This and the 7 following Verses are a sort of Paraphrase upon 2 lines of the Original, which I was forced to enlarge, because the sence of the Author is too close and obscure.

(Speaking to Ponticus)

(Any poor Man who is Oppress'd.)

Famous Painters, Statuaries, and other Artizens.

Proconsuls of Asia and Sicily.

Returning to Ponticus.

The Inhabitants of these places were Effeminate, and easie to be enslav'd.

The People of Africk, who supply'd Rome with Corn.

Marius Priscus.

The first King of the Latins.

The Poet in this place speaks neither to Rubellius nor Pontic••••, but in general to any Perjur'd, or Debauch'd Nobleman.

Numa Pompilius (the Second King of Rome) the better to Civilize the savage Humour of the People, first introduc'd among them the fear and Worship of the Gods, and instituted the Rites and Ceremonies of Priests, Oaths, and Sacrifices.

Hippona was the Goddess of Jockies and Horses.

Ostia, the Mouth of the River Tyber.

Meaning Nero, whom he Censures severely in the Pages follow∣ing, Fig. 33.

This Period is perplext, and I fear will not be understood in our Language, being only a Description of the Roman Gladiators, who were of two sorts, and had different Names according to the Arms and Habit they appear'd with, one fought with a Cymiter in his right Hand▪ a Target on his left Arm, and an Helmet on his Head; he was call'd Mirmillo, or Secutor. The other wore a short Coat without Sleeves▪ call'd Tunica; a Hat on his Head; he carried in his right Hand a Jave∣lin Fork'd like a Trident, call'd Fuscina; and on his left Arm a Nett, in which he endeavour'd to catch his Adversary, and from thence was call'd Retiarius. The meaning of the Poet, is, to reprehend Gracchus (whom he had before rebuked in the 2d Satyr) for 3 Vices at once: For his Baseness, for as much as being a Nobleman he will condescend to fight upon the publick Theater: For his Impudence, in not chusing an Habit which might have kept him Disguis'd, and hindred him from being known: And for his Cowardise, in running away.

For the clearer understanding of what follows, it may be Neces∣sary to give a short Abridgment of Nero's Cruelties, Follies, and End: Which may be found at large in his Life, written by Suetonius and Tacitus, and in the Continuation which Mr. Saville has added to his Translation of the last of these Authors, by way of Supplement to what is wanting betwixt the Annals and the History. But I shall only relate what I find mention'd in this Satyr, and shall begin with his Parricides.

Upon suspicion that Seneca his Tutor, had some Knowledge of the Conspiracy which Piso was carrying on against his Person, Nero laid hold on this Oportunity to Rid himself of the uneasie Censurer of his Vices, yet allow'd him the liberty of chusing the Manner of his Death. Seneca was apprehensive of Pain, and therefore desired to have his Veins opened, which he judg'd might be the most easie and plea∣sant Method of Dying: But finding it too tedious, he prevail'd with his Friend and Phisitian, Annaeus Statius, to give him a Draught of Poyson; which too operating very slowly, by Reason his Veins were exhausted, and his Limbs chill'd, the Standers by, to make quicker dispatch, smother'd him with the steem of an hot Bath. Iuvenal not unjustly places this Murder of Seneca among Nero's Parricides, since a Tutor ought to be esteem'd as a Civil Parent.

This bold Thought and Expression of Iuvenal is grounded on the Roman Laws whereby Par••icides were Condemn'd to be sow'd up in a Bag (call'd Cule••s) with a Cock, a Monkey, a Serpent, and a Dog, and thrown together into the Sea, or any Neighbouring River. This Punishment of drowning in a Sack▪ is still us'd in several Parts of Ger∣many, but without the Company of those Creatures abovemention'd.

The Story of Orestes (betwixt whom and Nero, Iuvenal wou'd draw a Parallell) is this; his Mother Clytemnestra finding her Husband Agamemnon was return'd alive from the Siege of Troy, and fearing he might Revenge her Amours with Egystheus, with whom she had lived

in Adultery during her Husband's absence, she thought the safest way might be, to Assassinate Agamemnon, by the help of Egystheus, at his first Reception, and before he cou'd suspect such an attempt. The manner how they dispatch'd him, is reported differently. Some Au∣th••rs relate that as he was changing his Linnen, he was stifled in a Shirt ••ow••d together at the Neck. But Homer in the 4th and 11th Books of his Odyssea, where he describes this Murder, is of Iuvenal's Opinion, that he was kill'd at a Banquet, when he little expected such Treatment. Egystheus after this Murder Married Clytemnestra, and U∣surp'd the Kingdom of Mycena 7 Years: During which time Orestes grew up to Man's Estate, and by the instigation of his Sister Electra, and the Assistance of some Neighbouring Princes, march'd from Athens, Destroy'd and Murther'd the Usurper; and at last, under pretence of being Mad, stab'd his Mother. Homer (as well as our Author) justifies this Revenge, as being undertaken by the Advice of the Gods: And Paterculus infers they must needs have approved the Action, since O∣restes (after it) lived long, and Reigned Happily.

Nero cou'd not suffer his Mother Agrippina, because of her en∣croaching on his Government; for which Reason he made frequent At∣tempts upon her Life, but without success, till at last Anicetus his Bond∣man undertook to stab her, which she perceiving, and guessing by whose Orders he came, clapt her hand upon her Belly, and bid him (with great presence of Mind) strike there, supposing it deserv'd that Punishment for bearing such a Monster.

He ordered his first Wife Octavia to be publickly Executed, upon a false Accusation of Adultery, and kill'd his second Wife Poppaea, when she was big with Child, by a kick on the Belly.

Britannicus (his Brother by Adoption) was Poison'd by his Or∣ders, out of jealousie lest he shou'd supplant him. And Antonia (Clau∣dius's Daughter) was Executed under pretence of a Conspiracy, but in truth because she refused to Marry Nero after the Death of Poppaea.

He caus'd Rufinus Crispinus, Son to Poppaea, to be Drown'd as he was Fishing; and Aulus Plancus, a Relation of his Mothers, to be kill'd because she was fond of him.

I need mention no more of these unnatural Murders, but go on to his other Extravagancies.

He was Industrious to be esteem'd the best Musitian of his Age; and at his Death regretted nothing more sensibly, than that the World shou'd lose so great a Master. To maintain this Reputation, he fre∣quently condescended to Act and Sing upon the Theater among the or∣dinary Comedians, and took a journey to Greece on purpose to try his skill against the most Famous Artists of that Country; from whom he bore away the Garland (which was the usual Recompence of the first performer) return'd to Rome in Triumph, as if he had Conquer'd a Province; and order'd both the Garland and Instrument to be hung up among the Banners and Honours of his Family.

He had likewise a great Vanity towards being thought a good Poet, and made Verses on the Destruction of Troy, call'd Troica; and

'tis reported he burnt Rome to be more lively and natural in his De∣scription: Tho 'tis more probable he destroy'd the Old-Fashion'd Build∣ings▪ out of dislike to the narrowness and crookedness of the Streets, and to have the Honour of rebuilding the City better, and calling it by his own Name.

These monstrous Frolicks and Cruelties cou'd not but make his People weary of his Government. Virginius Rufus, who was his Lieutenant General in Gaule, by the Assistance of Iunius Vindex (a No∣bleman of that Country) soon perswaded the Armies under his Com∣mand to fall from their Allegiance; and sollicited Sergius Galba, who was Lieutenant General in Spain, to do the like, by offering him the Empire in favour of Mankind; which he at last accepted, upon inti∣mation that Nero had issued out secret Orders to dispatch him; and March'd with all the Forces he cou'd gather, towards Rome. Nero not being in a Condition to oppose such Troops, fell into Dispair, which turn'd to an uncertainty what Measures to take, whether to Poyson himself, or beg Pardon of the People, or endeavour to make his Escape. The last of these Methods seem'd most Adviseable; he therefore put himself into Disguise, and crept with four Attendants only into a poor Cottage; where perceiving he was pursued, as a Sacrifice to the Pub∣lick Vengeance, and apprehending the Rabble wou'd Treat him Barba∣rously, if he fell into their Hands; with much adoe he resolv'd to Stab himself.

Catiline's Conspiracy is a Story too well known to be insisted on: He was of a Noble Family, but by his Extravagancies had re∣duced himself to great want, which engaged him in bad Practices. The Roman Armies were then pursuing Conquests in remote Provinces, which Catiline judg'd the most seasonable opportunity for undertaking some desperate Design: He therefore entred into a Conspiracy with Cethegus, Lentulus, and other Senators, and Persons considerable by their Births and Employments, to make themselves absolute Masters of their Country, by seizing the Senate, plundering the Treasury, and burning the City.

Incendiaries by the Roman Law were wrapt in a Pitch'd Coat (which they call'd Tunica Molesta) and Burnt alive: As we see by Tacitus Ann. 16. § 44. Where Nero after having set Rome on Fire, lays the blame and Punishment on the Christians, by ordering them, with a Cruel jest, to be Light up, and serve as Torches when it was dark.

One Fulvia (whom Livy calls a Common Whore, tho Plutarch makes her pass for a Lady of Quality) came to have some knowledge of this Enterprize, and discover'd it to Cicero, (a Person whom Pater∣culus elegantly calls Vir••m novitatis Nobilissimae; since he was a Man of Mean Parentage, Born at Arpinum, an inconsiderable Town among the Volscians, but by his Eloquence rais'd himself to the chief Digni∣ties of State, and happened to be Consul at that time) who assembled the Senate, and by a severe Oration accused and convicted Catiline: However he, with a few of his Party▪ found means to make his escape towards Tuscany, and put himself at the Head of some Troops which Manlius had got together in those Parts, threatning publickly that he wou'd put out the Fire of the City by the Ruins of it. In the mean time Cethegus, Lentulus, and several other Complices were seiz'd and

strangled in Prison by order of the Senate, at Cato's perswasion: And Caius Antonius Nepos, who was joint-Consul with Tully, March'd with what Forces he cou'd raise against Catiline, who in a sharp Battle was kill'd upon the Spot with most of his Followers, and (as Paterculus ob∣serves) Quem spiritum supplicio debuerat, praelio reddidit.

A Promontory of Epirus, near the Island Leucas, where Antony and Cleopatra were Ruin'd by a Famous Sea-Fight.

The Fields near Philippi, in Thessaly, where Brutus and Cassius were defeated.

Caius Marius, was likewise Born at Arpinum, and of such poor Parents, that he was first a Plowman, then a Common Souldier, yet at last by his Merit arrived to the highest Employments. One while he was Consul (for that Honour was 7 times conferr'd on him) the Cimbria••s attempted to make an Incursion into Italy; But he kill'd 140000 of them, and made 60000 Prisoners; For which Victory, a Triumph was ordain'd him by the Senate; but to decline the Envy which might be rais'd by his Good Fortune, he sollicited that Q. Luctatius Catulus, his Collegue, who was of a Noble Family, might be permitted to Triumph with him, tho he had no share in the Action.

Among the Romans there was a Superstition, that if their Gene∣ral wou'd consent to be Devoted, or Sacrificed to Iupiter, Mars, the Earth, and the Infernal Gods, all the Misfortunes which otherwise might have hapned to his Party, wou'd by his Death be transfer'd on their Enemies. This Opinion was confirm'd by several successful In∣stances, particularly two, in the Persons of the Decii, Father and Son here mention'd. The first being Consul with Manlius in the Wars a∣gainst the Latins, and perceiving the Left Wing, which he Com∣manded, gave back, he call'd out to Valerius the High-Priest to per∣form on him the Ceremony of Consecration, (which we find describ'd by Livy in his 8th Book) and immediately spurr'd his Horse into the thickest of his Enemies Forces, where he was kill'd, and the Roman Army gain'd the Battle. His Son Died in the same manner in the War against the Gauls, and the Romans likewise obtain'd the Victory.

Servius Tullus was Son to Oriculana, whom Iuvenal calls a Serving-Maid, but Livy supposes her to have been Wife to a Prince of Corniculum, who was kill'd at the taking of the Town, and his Wife was carri'd away Captive by Tarquinius Priscus, and presented as a Slave to his Wi••e Tanaquil, in whose Service she was deliver'd of this Tullus. The Family had a great Respect for the Child, because of a Lambent Fire they observ'd to play about his Head while he slept, which was interpreted as an Omen of his future Greatness; therefore care was taken of his Education, and at last he was Contracted to the King's Daughter: Whereupon A••cus Martius his 2 Sons (who were the true Heirs of the Crown) fearing this Marriage might hinder their Succession, hired two Shepherds to Assassinate Tarquinius, which they undertook, but cou'd not Execute so dextrously as was expected; for, the King lived some days after the blow was given, during which time Tanaquil caus'd the Gates of the Pallace to be kept shut, and amused the People (who were eager on a new Election) with assurances that the Wound was not Mortal, That the King was in a fair way of Reco∣very,

and till he cou'd appear abroad, required them to pay Obedience to Servius Tullius: Who by this means first got possession of the Go∣vernment in the King's Name, and after his Death Usurp'd it 44 Years in his own. At last he was forced out of the Senate by Lucius Tar∣quinius, thrown down Stairs, and Murder'd by his Orders. Livy adds this Commendation, That with him Iusta ac legitima regna occidêrunt; which agrees with Iuvenal's calling him The last good King; For, Tar∣quin, who Reign'd 25 Years after him, was hated for his Pride and Cruelty, and for the Barbarous Rape which his Son Sextus committed on Lucretia, Wise to Collatinus; who by the help of L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Pre••ensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect. (44) Tar∣quin, who Reign'd 25 Years after him, was hated for his Pride and Cruelty, and for the Barbarous Rape which his Son Sextus committed on Lucretia, Wi••e to Collatinus; who by the help of L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Precensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect. (46) L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Precensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect. (45) Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect.

Vindicius, a Slave who waited at Table, by chance overheard part of their Discourse; and comparing these Circumstances with some others he had observ'd in their former Conferences, he went streight to the Consul's, and told what he had discover'd. Orders were immediately issued out for searching the Embassadors, the Letters abovemention'd were intercepted, the Criminals seiz'd, and the proof being evident against them, they suffered the Punishment (which was newly introduced) of being tyed Naked to a Stake, where they were firs•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by t••e Lictors, then Beheaded: And Brutus, by Virtue of his Office, was unhappily obliged to see this Rigorous Sentence Execu∣ted on his old Children.

To pursue the Story; the Tarquins finding their Plot had miscarried, and fearing nothing cou'd be done by treachery, struck up an Alliance with Porsenna King of Thuscany, who pretending to restore them by o∣pen force, march'd with a numerous Army, and besieg'd Rome: But was soon surpriz'd with three such Instances of the Roman Bravery, in the Persons of Cocles, Mutius, and Clelia, that he withdrew his Army, and courted their Friendship.

Horatius Cocles being Posted to guard a Bridge, which he per∣ceived the Enemy wou'd soon be Maste•• of, he stood resolutely and

opposed part of their Army, while the Party he Commanded, repass'd the Bridge, and broke it down after them; and then threw himself, Armed as he was, into the Tyber, and escaped to the City.

Mutius Scaevola went into the Enemies Camp with a Resolution to kill their King Porsenna, but instead of striking him, stabb'd one of his Guards; and being brought before the King, and finding his Er∣rour, in indignation he burn'd off his Right hand as a Penalty for his mistake.

Clelia, a Roman Virgin, who was given to Porsenna as an Hostage, made her escape from the Guards, and swam over the Tyber.

Romulus finding the City, call'd by his Name, not sufficiently Peopled, establish'd an Asylum, or Sanctuary, where all Out-laws, Vagabonds, and Criminals of what Nature soever, who cou'd make their escape thither, might live in all freedom and security.

The Author either means the Bastard of Mars, and R••ea Sylvia, a Vestal Virgin, of whose Rape we have a Relation in the beginning of Ovid's 3d Book de Fastis, or a Parricide, for killing his Brother Remus.

* The ugly Buffoon of the Grecian Army.

Notes

• 1 1.1

  THE Family of the Fabii were descended of Hercules (in Honour of whom the Romans built a Temple in the Foro Boario.) Fabius Maximus in remembrance of his Services in the Wars, against the Peo∣ple of Provence, Languedoc, Dauphiny▪ and other Provinces of France (formerly known by the Name of Allobroges) was Sirnamed Allobrogi∣cus; which Title his Son wou'd have assumed, whom our Author here Censures, as a Man of an Effeminate Person, a profligate Life, and of Dangerous Practices.
• 2 1.2

  Brave and Virtuous Romans.
• 3 1.3

  The Rods and Ax, which were carry'd in Processions, as Badges of the Consular Dignity.
• 4 1.4

  Such as Getulicus, Africanus, Numantinus, Creticus.
• 5 1.5

  Osyris, for teaching the Aegyptians Husbandry, had a Temple built at Memphis; where he was Worshipt in the shape of an Ox, which the Priests used to Drown at a certain Age; and gave out, their God was withdrawn, and absented himself for a few Days; during which time 'twas their Custom to go Mourning and searching up and down, till they found another Ox to supply his place, and then they broke out with these Exclamations, We have found him, let's rejoyce.
• 6 1.6

  The first King of Athens.
• 7 1.7

  I have taken the Liberty to give this Simile a Modern Air, because it happens to agree exactly with the Humour of our Author.
• 8 1.8

  (Meaning your Ancestors.) Rubellius Plancus.
• 9 1.9

  Phalaris was a Tyrant of Agrigentum in Sicily; to flatter whose Cruelty, Perillus invented a Brazen Bull, wherein People might be Roasted alive, and their Cries were not unlike the bellowings of an Ox: But the Tyrant had the Justice to reward the Artizen as he deserv'd, by making him first try the Experiment.
• * 1.10

  This and the 7 following Verses are a sort of Paraphrase upon 2 lines of the Original, which I was forced to enlarge, because the sence of the Author is too close and obscure.
• 10 1.11

  (Speaking to Ponticus)
• 11 1.12

  (Any poor Man who is Oppress'd.)
• 12 1.13

  Famous Painters, Statuaries, and other Artizens.
• 12 1.14

  Famous Painters, Statuaries, and other Artizens.
• 12 1.15

  Famous Painters, Statuaries, and other Artizens.
• 12 1.16

  Famous Painters, Statuaries, and other Artizens.
• 13 1.17

  Proconsuls of Asia and Sicily.
• 14 1.18

  Returning to Ponticus.
• 15 1.19

  The Inhabitants of these places were Effeminate, and easie to be enslav'd.
• 16 1.20

  The People of Africk, who supply'd Rome with Corn.
• 17 1.21

  Marius Priscus.
• 18 1.22

  The first King of the Latins.
• 19 1.23

  The Poet in this place speaks neither to Rubellius nor Pontic••••, but in general to any Perjur'd, or Debauch'd Nobleman.
• 20 1.24

  Numa P••mpilius (the Second King of Rome) the better to Civilize the savage Humour of the People, first introduc'd among them the fear and Worship of the Gods, and instituted the Rites and Ceremonies of Priests, Oaths, and Sacrifices.
• 21 1.25

  Hippona was the Goddess of Jockies and Horses.
• 22 1.26

  Ostia, the Mouth of the River Tyber.
• 23 1.27

  Meaning Nero, whom he Censures severely in the Pages follow∣ing, Fig. 33.
• 24 1.28

  This Period is perplext, and I fear will not be understood in our Language, being only a Description of the Roman Gladiators, who were of two sorts, and had different Names according to the Arms and Habit they appear'd with, one fought with a Cymiter in his right Hand▪ a Target on his left Arm, and an Helmet on his Head; he was call'd Mirmillo, or Secutor. The other wore a short Coat without Sleeves▪ call'd Tunica; a Hat on his Head; he carried in his right Hand a Jave∣lin Fork'd like a Trident, call'd Fuscina; and on his left Arm a Nett, in which he endeavour'd to catch his Adversary, and from thence was call'd Retiarius. The meaning of the Poet, is, to reprehend Gracchus (whom he had before rebuked in the 2d Satyr) for 3 Vices at once: For his Baseness, for as much as being a Nobleman he will condescend to fight upon the publick Theater: For his Impudence, in not chusing an Habit which might have kept him Disguis'd, and hindred him from being known: And for his Cowardise, in running away.
• 25 1.29

  For the clearer understanding of what follows, it may be Neces∣sary to give a short Abridgment of Nero's Cruelties, Follies, and End: Which may be found at large in his Life, written by Suetonius and Tacitus, and in the Continuation which Mr. Saville has added to his Translation of the last of these Authors, by way of Supplement to what is wanting betwixt the Annals and the History. But I shall only relate what I find mention'd in this Satyr, and shall begin with his Parricides.
• 26 1.30

  Upon suspicion that Seneca his Tutor, had some Knowledge of the Conspiracy which Piso was carrying on against his Person, Nero laid hold on this Oportunity to Rid himself of the uneasie Censurer of his Vices, yet allow'd him the liberty of chusing the Manner of his Death. Seneca was apprehensive of Pain, and therefore desired to have his Veins opened, which he judg'd might be the most easie and plea∣sant Method of Dying: But finding it too tedious, he prevail'd with his Friend and Phisitian, Annaeus Statius, to give him a Draught of Poyson; which too operating very slowly, by Reason his Veins were exhausted, and his Limbs chill'd, the Standers by, to make quicker dispatch, smother'd him with the steem of an hot Bath. Iuvenal not unjustly places this Murder of Seneca among Nero's Parricides, since a Tutor ought to be esteem'd as a Civil Parent.
• 27 1.31

  This bold Thought and Expression of Iuvenal is grounded on the Roman Laws whereby Par••icides were Condemn'd to be sow'd up in a Bag (call'd Cule••s) with a Cock, a Monkey, a Serpent, and a Dog, and thrown together into the Sea, or any Neighbouring River. This Punishment of drowning in a Sack▪ is still us'd in several Parts of Ger∣many, but without the Company of those Creatures abovemention'd.
• 28 1.32

  The Story of Orestes (betwixt whom and Nero, Iuvenal wou'd draw a Parallell) is this; his Mother Clytemnestra finding her Husband Agamemnon was return'd alive from the Siege of Troy, and fearing he might Revenge her Amours with Egystheus, with whom she had lived in Adultery during her Husband's absence, she thought the safest way might be, to Assassinate Agamemnon, by the help of Egystheus, at his first Reception, and before he cou'd suspect such an attempt. The manner how they dispatch'd him, is reported differently. Some Au∣th••rs relate that as he was changing his Linnen, he was stifled in a Shirt ••ow••d together at the Neck. But Homer in the 4th and 11th Books of his Odyssea, where he describes this Murder, is of Iuvenal's Opinion, that he was kill'd at a Banquet, when he little expected such Treatment. Egystheus after this Murder Married Clytemnestra, and U∣surp'd the Kingdom of Mycena 7 Years: During which time Orestes grew up to Man's Estate, and by the instigation of his Sister Electra, and the Assistance of some Neighbouring Princes, march'd from Athens, Destroy'd and Murther'd the Usurper; and at last, under pretence of being Mad, stab'd his Mother. Homer (as well as our Author) justifies this Revenge, as being undertaken by the Advice of the Gods: And Paterculus infers they must needs have approved the Action, since O∣restes (after it) lived long, and Reigned Happily.
• 29 1.33

  Nero cou'd not suffer his Mother Agrippina, because of her en∣croaching on his Government; for which Reason he made frequent At∣tempts upon her Life, but without success, till at last Anicetus his Bond∣man undertook to stab her, which she perceiving, and guessing by whose Orders he came, clapt her hand upon her Belly, and bid him (with great presence of Mind) strike there, supposing it deserv'd that Punishment for bearing such a Monster.
• 31 1.34

  Britannicus (his Brother by Adoption) was Poison'd by his Or∣ders, out of jealousie lest he shou'd supplant him. And Antonia (Clau∣dius's Daughter) was Executed under pretence of a Conspiracy, but in truth because she refused to Marry Nero after the Death of Poppaea.
• 30 1.35

  He ordered his first Wife Octavia to be publickly Executed, upon a false Accusation of Adultery, and kill'd his second Wife Poppaea, when she was big with Child, by a kick on the Belly.
• 32 1.36

  He caus'd Rufinus Crispinus, Son to Poppaea, to be Drown'd as he was Fishing; and Aulus Plancus, a Relation of his Mothers, to be kill'd because she was fond of him.

  I need mention no more of these unnatural Murders, but go on to his other Extravagancies.
• 33 1.37

  He was Industrious to be esteem'd the best Musitian of his Age; and at his Death regretted nothing more sensibly, than that the World shou'd lose so great a Master. To maintain this Reputation, he fre∣quently condescended to Act and Sing upon the Theater among the or∣dinary Comedians, and took a journey to Greece on purpose to try his skill against the most Famous Artists of that Country; from whom he bore away the Garland (which was the usual Recompence of the first performer) return'd to Rome in Triumph, as if he had Conquer'd a Province; and order'd both the Garland and Instrument to be hung up among the Banners and Honours of his Family.
• 34 1.38

  He had likewise a great Vanity towards being thought a good Poet, and made Verses on the Destruction of Troy, call'd Troica; and 'tis reported he burnt Rome to be more lively and natural in his De∣scription: Tho 'tis more probable he destroy'd the Old-Fashion'd Build∣ings▪ out of dislike to the narrowness and crookedness of the Streets, and to have the Honour of rebuilding the City better, and calling it by his own Name.
• 35 1.39

  These monstrous Frolicks and Cruelties cou'd not but make his People weary of his Government. Virginius Rufus, who was his Lieutenant General in Gaule, by the Assistance of Iunius Vindex (a No∣bleman of that Country) soon perswaded the Armies under his Com∣mand to fall from their Allegiance; and sollicited Sergius Galba, who was Lieutenant General in Spain, to do the like, by offering him the Empire in favour of Mankind; which he at last accepted, upon inti∣mation that Nero had issued out secret Orders to dispatch him; and March'd with all the Forces he cou'd gather, towards Rome. Nero not being in a Condition to oppose such Troops, fell into Dispair, which turn'd to an uncertainty what Measures to take, whether to Poyson himself, or beg Pardon of the People, or endeavour to make his Escape. The last of these Methods seem'd most Adviseable; he therefore put himself into Disguise, and crept with four Attendants only into a poor Cottage; where perceiving he was pursued, as a Sacrifice to the Pub∣lick Vengeance, and apprehending the Rabble wou'd Treat him Barba∣rously, if he fell into their Hands; with much adoe he resolv'd to Stab himself.
• 33 1.40

  He was Industrious to be esteem'd the best Musitian of his Age; and at his Death regretted nothing more sensibly, than that the World shou'd lose so great a Master. To maintain this Reputation, he fre∣quently condescended to Act and Sing upon the Theater among the or∣dinary Comedians, and took a journey to Greece on purpose to try his skill against the most Famous Artists of that Country; from whom he bore away the Garland (which was the usual Recompence of the first performer) return'd to Rome in Triumph, as if he had Conquer'd a Province; and order'd both the Garland and Instrument to be hung up among the Banners and Honours of his Family.
• 33 1.41

  He was Industrious to be esteem'd the best Musitian of his Age; and at his Death regretted nothing more sensibly, than that the World shou'd lose so great a Master. To maintain this Reputation, he fre∣quently condescended to Act and Sing upon the Theater among the or∣dinary Comedians, and took a journey to Greece on purpose to try his skill against the most Famous Artists of that Country; from whom he bore away the Garland (which was the usual Recompence of the first performer) return'd to Rome in Triumph, as if he had Conquer'd a Province; and order'd both the Garland and Instrument to be hung up among the Banners and Honours of his Family.
• 36 1.42

  Catiline's Conspiracy is a Story too well known to be insisted on: He was of a Noble Family, but by his Extravagancies had re∣duced himself to great want, which engaged him in bad Practices. The Roman Armies were then pursuing Conquests in remote Provinces, which Catiline judg'd the most seasonable opportunity for undertaking some desperate Design: He therefore entred into a Conspiracy with Cethegus, Lentulus, and other Senators, and Persons considerable by their Births and Employments, to make themselves absolute Masters of their Country, by seizing the Senate, plundering the Treasury, and burning the City.
• 37 1.43

  Incendiaries by the Roman Law were wrapt in a Pitch'd Coat (which they call'd Tunica Molesta) and Burnt alive: As we see by Tacitus Ann. 16. § 44. Where Nero after having set Rome on Fire, lays the blame and Punishment on the Christians, by ordering them, with a Cruel jest, to be Light up, and serve as Torches when it was dark.
• 38 1.44

  One Fulvia (whom Livy calls a Common Whore, tho Plutarch makes her pass for a Lady of Quality) came to have some knowledge of this Enterprize, and discover'd it to Cicero, (a Person whom Pater∣culus elegantly calls Vir••m novitatis Nobilissimae; since he was a Man of Mean Parentage, Born at Arpinum, an inconsiderable Town among the Volscians, but by his Eloquence rais'd himself to the chief Digni∣ties of State, and happened to be Consul at that time) who assembled the Senate, and by a severe Oration accused and convicted Catiline: However he, with a few of his Party▪ found means to make his escape towards Tuscany, and put himself at the Head of some Troops which Manlius had got together in those Parts, threatning publickly that he wou'd put out the Fire of the City by the Ruins of it. In the mean time Cethegus, Lentulus, and several other Complices were seiz'd and strangled in Prison by order of the Senate, at Cato's perswasion: And Caius Antonius Nepos, who was joint-Consul with Tully, March'd with what Forces he cou'd raise against Catiline, who in a sharp Battle was kill'd upon the Spot with most of his Followers, and (as Paterculus ob∣serves) Quem spiritum supplicio debuerat, praelio reddidit.
• 39 1.45

  A Promontory of Epirus, near the Island Leucas, where Antony and Cleopatra were Ruin'd by a Famous Sea-Fight.
• 40 1.46

  The Fields near Philippi, in Thessaly, where Brutus and Cassius were defeated.
• 41 1.47

  Caius Marius, was likewise Born at Arpinum, and of such poor Parents, that he was first a Plowman, then a Common Souldier, yet at last by his Merit arrived to the highest Employments. One while he was Consul (for that Honour was 7 times conferr'd on him) the Cimbria••s attempted to make an Incursion into Italy; But he kill'd 140000 of them, and made 60000 Prisoners; For which Victory, a Triumph was ordain'd him by the Senate; but to decline the Envy which might be rais'd by his Good Fortune, he sollicited that Q. Luctatius Catulus, his Collegue, who was of a Noble Family, might be permitted to Triumph with him, tho he had no share in the Action.
• 42 1.48

  Among the Romans there was a Superstition, that if their Gene∣ral wou'd consent to be Devoted, or Sacrificed to Iupiter, Mars, the Earth, and the Infernal Gods, all the Misfortunes which otherwise might have hapned to his Party, wou'd by his Death be transfer'd on their Enemies. This Opinion was confirm'd by several successful In∣stances, particularly two, in the Persons of the Decii, Father and Son here mention'd. The first being Consul with Manlius in the Wars a∣gainst the Latins, and perceiving the Left Wing, which he Com∣manded, gave back, he call'd out to Valerius the High-Priest to per∣form on him the Ceremony of Consecration, (which we find describ'd by Livy in his 8th Book) and immediately spurr'd his Horse into the thickest of his Enemies Forces, where he was kill'd, and the Roman Army gain'd the Battle. His Son Died in the same manner in the War against the Gauls, and the Romans likewise obtain'd the Victory.
• 43 1.49

  Servius Tullus was Son to Oriculana, whom Iuvenal calls a Serving-Maid, but Livy supposes her to have been Wife to a Prince of Corniculum, who was kill'd at the taking of the Town, and his Wife was carri'd away Captive by Tarquinius Priscus, and presented as a Slave to his Wi••e Tanaquil, in whose Service she was deliver'd of this Tullus. The Family had a great Respect for the Child, because of a Lambent Fire they observ'd to play about his Head while he slept, which was interpreted as an Omen of his future Greatness; therefore care was taken of his Education, and at last he was Contracted to the King's Daughter: Whereupon A••cus Martius his 2 Sons (who were the true Heirs of the Crown) fearing this Marriage might hinder their Succession, hired two Shepherds to Assassinate Tarquinius, which they undertook, but cou'd not Execute so dextrously as was expected; for, the King lived some days after the blow was given, during which time Tanaquil caus'd the Gates of the Pallace to be kept shut, and amused the People (who were eager on a new Election) with assurances that the Wound was not Mortal, That the King was in a fair way of Reco∣very, and till he cou'd appear abroad, required them to pay Obedience to Servius Tullius: Who by this means first got possession of the Go∣vernment in the King's Name, and after his Death Usurp'd it 44 Years in his own. At last he was forced out of the Senate by Lucius Tar∣quinius, thrown down Stairs, and Murder'd by his Orders. Livy adds this Commendation, That with him Iusta ac legitima regna occidêrunt; which agrees with Iuvenal's calling him The last good King; For, Tar∣quin, who Reign'd 25 Years after him, was hated for his Pride and Cruelty, and for the Barbarous Rape which his Son Sextus committed on Lucretia, Wise to Collatinus; who by the help of L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Pre••ensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect.
• 44 1.50

  Tar∣quin, who Reign'd 25 Years after him, was hated for his Pride and Cruelty, and for the Barbarous Rape which his Son Sextus committed on Lucretia, Wi••e to Collatinus; who by the help of L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Precensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect.
• 45 1.51

  Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect.
• 46 1.52

  L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Precensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect.
• 47 1.53

  Horatius Cocles being Posted to guard a Bridge, which he per∣ceived the Enemy wou'd soon be Maste•• of, he stood resolutely and opposed part of their Army, while the Party he Commanded, repass'd the Bridge, and broke it down after them; and then threw himself, Armed as he was, into the Tyber, and escaped to the City.
• 48 1.54

  Mutius Scaevola went into the Enemies Camp with a Resolution to kill their King Porsenna, but instead of striking him, stabb'd one of his Guards; and being brought before the King, and finding his Er∣rour, in indignation he burn'd off his Right hand as a Penalty for his mistake.
• 49 1.55

  Clelia, a Roman Virgin, who was given to Porsenna as an Hostage, made her escape from the Guards, and swam over the Tyber.
• 50 1.56

  Vindicius, a Slave who waited at Table, by chance overheard part of their Discourse; and comparing these Circumstances with some others he had observ'd in their former Conferences, he went streight to the Consul's, and told what he had discover'd. Orders were immediately issued out for searching the Embassadors, the Letters abovemention'd were intercepted, the Criminals seiz'd, and the proof being evident against them, they suffered the Punishment (which was newly introduced) of being tyed Naked to a Stake, where they were firs•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by t••e Lictors, then Beheaded: And Brutus, by Virtue of his Office, was unhappily obliged to see this Rigorous Sentence Execu∣ted on his old Children.

  To pursue the Story; the Tarquins finding their Plot had miscarried, and fearing nothing cou'd be done by treachery, struck up an Alliance with Porsenna King of Thuscany, who pretending to restore them by o∣pen force, march'd with a numerous Army, and besieg'd Rome: But was soon surpriz'd with three such Instances of the Roman Bravery, in the Persons of Cocles, Mutius, and Clelia, that he withdrew his Army, and courted their Friendship.
• * 1.57

  The ugly Buffoon of the Grecian Army.
• 51 1.58

  Romulus finding the City, call'd by his Name, not sufficiently Peopled, establish'd an Asylum, or Sanctuary, where all Out-laws, Vagabonds, and Criminals of what Nature soever, who cou'd make their escape thither, might live in all freedom and security.
• 52 1.59

  The Author either means the Bastard of Mars, and R••ea Sylvia, a Vestal Virgin, of whose Rape we have a Relation in the beginning of Ovid's 3d Book de Fastis, or a Parricide, for killing his Brother Remus.