Part of Lucian made English from the originall, in the yeare 1638 by Jasper Mayne ..., to which are adjoyned those other dialogues of Lucian as they were formerly translated by Mr. Francis Hicks.

Alexander, Or the false Prophet.

PErhaps, my dear Celsus, you think you have set me a light, and easy task, when you enjoyn me to send you Alexander of Abonwall, the impostor's life, Trickes, Adventures, and cousenages, written in a book. But he, who shall exactly describe them all, shall find it an enter∣prize as hard as to write the deeds of Alexander the sonne of Philippe: the one being as eminent for his villanie, as the other for his valour. Yet upon condition you will read me with pardon, and supply the defects of my nar∣ration with your own Additions, I will undertake the work: and will endeavour to purge, if not all, yet as much of Augea's Oxstall, as I can, by carrying forth some few Baskets full of filth; that from thence you may guesse how great and unmeasurable the Dung was, which three thousand Oxen were able to make in so many years. Though I cannot, in the mean time, but blush both for you and my selfe. For you, who think fit a person so wicked should be committed to memory, and writing: For my selfe, for imploying my labour in the History and Actions of a fellow not worthy to be read by Schollars, but to be seen in some populous and ample Theatre dis∣membred by Apes, and Foxes. Yet if any shall accuse us, we can defend our selves by example. For Arrianus, Epictetus Schollar, a man much reverenced at Rome, who spent his whole life in study, shall in like case be our A∣pology. For he refused not to write the life of Tilliborus the Thiefe. But I am to speake of a Thiefe much more famous, and cruell: who robbed not in woods, or moun∣tains, but in Cities; nor made Mynia only, or Ida his walk, or beset some few wild places of Asia, but (as I may so say) overspread the whole Romane Empire with his Rob∣beries. First, then, I will give you a draught of his person, and dravv his picture to you as vvell as I can; though I be

no very skilfull Painter. For his Bodily character, he vvas tall of stature, vvell set, of a goodly aspect, and, to say truth, of a Divine presence: vvhite of Complexion, his Beard not thick: his Hair partly native, partly artificiall, but so resembling the naturall, that many took it for his ovvn. His eyes sparkling, and expressing a Divine pos∣session, or rapture: his voice svveet, and clear. In a vvord, for his Lineaments, Shape, and Figure, he vvas every vvay faultlesse: but for his Soule and Mind, Let me, O Hercules, thou expeller of mischiefs, and thou, O Iu∣piter, preventer of sad Accidents, and Castor and Pollux, ye Tvvin-Protectors frō Shipvvrack, rather fall into the hands of Enemies, then have to do vvith him. For in vvit, pro∣jects, and sharpnesse, he exceeded all others: he had curio∣sity, quickness of apprehensiō, memory, & aptness to all the Sciences in excesse. All vvich he imployed to the vvorst; & furnish'd vvith those naturall helps, quickly became the Top of all the famous Rogues that ever vvere, & excell••d the Cercopians, Euribatus, Phrynondas, Aristodemus, and So••stratus. For vvriting upon a time to his Son in lavv Rutili∣anus, his modestest expression vvas the comparing of himself vvith Pythagoras. Nay with Pythagoras, pardon, though he vvere a vvise man, and of a Divine understand∣ing, had he lived till novv, he had (I believe) been thought but a Child to him: vvhich I desire you not to take as spo∣ken in disparagement of Pythagoras, as if I compared them together for the resemblance of their Actions. But let any man summe, and compute the vvorst, and most reproach∣full things vvhich passe in slander of Pythagoras (to vvhich I cannot give any credit as Truths) they vvill not make the least part of Alexander's Impostures. For you are to present him to your Imagination as one; the temper of vvhose Soule vvas various, compounded of Lyes, De∣ceits, Perjuries, and Juglings; active, daring, flexible, in∣dustrious to pursue projects, persvvasive, apt to gaine be¦liefe, and to act vertue, and to professe that vvhich he had

least in designe. No man, therefore, but at first acquain∣tance departed with this opinion of him, that he was of all men the most excellent, just, severe, and farthest from Tricks. Then his aimes were alwaies high, not petty, or poor, and his mind alwaies bent to great enterprizes. When he was yet a Boy, being, as I have heard, and as far as I can judge of the Springe by the Stubble, of very beautifull lineaments, he prostituted, and let himself out to as many as would hire him. Among others, he was entertained by one of those Impostors, who professe Ma∣gick, and Inchantments, the Art to provoke Love, be∣witch Enemies, find Treasures, and obtein Inheritances, who, perceiving him Toward, and apt to act a part in his Imployments, and as much enamoured of his devices, as he was of his Feature, taught him his Art; and from that time used him as his Officer, Prentice, and Servant. His profession in publick was Physick, having learnt of Thoon the Egyptian's Wife, many Receipts to cure, many to kill, all which he afterwards bequeathed to the other as his Heir. This enamoured Doctor was by birth a Cappadocian, and one of those who accompanied, and converst with Apollonius Tyaneus, through all the passages of his Tragedy. You see, then, what man I describe to you, for his School, and Company. After his Masters death, Alexander, whose Beard was now grown, being reduced to great poverty, and unable by his handsome shape, which now began to wither, to maintaine him∣self, betook himself to no small designes: but joyning ac∣quaintance with a certaine Byzantine Chronographer, (naturally the greatest Impostor that ever yet entred upon the course) whose name, if I be not deceived, was Coc∣conas, went about with him, practising Cheats, and flee∣cing Grosse men; for so do these Juglers in their Canting language call the Vulgar. Among the rest, lighting upon one Macetis a rich woman, well stricken in years, yet de∣sirous to be thought lovely, they pickt a maintenance

from her, and attended her from Bithynia into Macedonia. For she dwelt at Pella, a flourishing Country under the Macedonian Kings, now inhabited only by a few obscure Villagers. Here beholding Dragons of a wonderfull greatnesse, and yet so gentle, and tame, that they were fed by women, lay with Children, sufferd themselves to be trod, and crush'd without reluctancy, and like Infants suck'd milk from the Brest, (for many such there are in that country, from whence in likelyhood sprung the fable, that when Olympias conceived Alexander, she had copula∣tion with a Dragon) they for a small summe bought one of the fairest; And, in the expression of Thucidides, From hence began the war. For these two most wicked, adventrous men, and prepared for any mischievous at∣tempt, entring into Conspiracy, easily perceived that the two great Tyrants over the life of man were Hope, and Fear. And that he that could imploy them to advantage, might suddenly grow rich. For they savv, that both to him vvho vvas troubled vvith Fear, and him vvho nou∣risht Hopes, Prophecie, and Presage, vvas most necessa∣ry, and desireable. Thus Delphos anciently increased its riches vvith its fame. Thus Delos also, and Claros, and the Priests of Apollo grevv vvealthy; men being dravvn to their Temples by the forementioned Tyrants, Hope, and Fear, vvith desires to foreknovv future events; for vvhich they sacrificed Hecatombes, and offered golden plates. Having vvell discours'd, and tost the Plot, they resolved to erect an Oracle; confident, that if their designe pros∣pered, they should in short time enrich, and make them∣selves happy: vvhose successe vvas aftervvards far greater then they at first expected, and indeed beyond their hope. Their next consultation, therefore, vvas, vvhere they should lay their Scene, and hovv they should begin their enterprise. Cocconas thought Chalcedon to be the fittest place; being a country of Merchants, and bordering upon Thrace, and Bithynia, and not far from Asia, and Galatia,

and other neighbouring people. But Alexander rather preferr'd his own country: affirming (as the truth was) that the first broaching of such an Adventure required dull, simple men, and easie of entertainment: such as are the Paphlagonians, who dwell at Abonwall, who for the most part are superstitious, and grosse, that if but a Sive-pro∣phet appear among them, with a Fidler, Trumpetter, or one that plaies on a Cymball in his company, they present∣ly flock together, and gape at him, and admire him, like some Divine person dropt from Heaven.

After some con∣troversie, at last Alexander overcame: yet to Chalcedon they went (a City, as they thought, conducible to such a de∣signe) where, in Apollo's old Temple they buried some brazen Meddals, which prophesied, that ere long Aescu∣lapius, and his Father Apollo should come into Pontus, and dwell at Abonwall.

These Meddals thus purpose∣ly found, presently cast a rumor throughout all Bythinia, and Pontus, but especially among the people of Abonwall; who presently decreed to build a Temple, and began to lay the foundation. Cocconas was left at Chalcedon, where he wrote ambiguous, doubtfull, crosse Oracles: and shortly after dyed of the sting of a Serpent. Whereupon Alexander was sent for, who came in curl'd haire, clad in a changeable Cassock of Purple, and white; over which was cast a white Ephod, holding a Sickle, like Perseus, from whom he derived himselfe by the Mothers side. The stupid Paphlagonians in the meane time, though they knew both his Parents to be of obscure and base quality, yet gave credit to an Oracle which said,

Phoebus friend, Podalirius bloud you see, One who from Perseus draws his Pedigree.

This Podalirius was naturally so lecherous, and given to women, that he was enticed by Alexander's mother from Tricca into Paphlagonia. There was another Oracle, as if written by some Sybill, foretelling,

That neere Sinope, on the Euxine sand, Not farre from Tyrsis should a Prophet land, Whose medicinall name should these foure numbers hold, One, thrice ten, five, and twenty three times told.

A while after Alexander, with his puppet-play, in great bravery, and pomp, arrived in his owne Country; where he sometimes counterfeited him selfe possest, and foamed at mouth; which was easie for him to doe, having first chewed sope weed roote, with which wooll is scoured. His foaming shew'd to the spectators both divine, and terrible. Before his arrivall he made a linnen head to his Dragon, visaged like a Man, and painted like one, which open'd, and shut the mouth, with horse haire: having also, like other Dragons, a blacke forked tongue, which was also stir'd, and moved by haire. This Dragon he had in readinesse, and fed secretly, with a purpose, when he saw occasion, to produce him; and to assigne him his part in the play; or rather to make him the chiefe Actor. When 'twas almost time to begin, he contrived this plot: com∣ming by night to the foundation of the Temple newly digged, where stood water, either risen from some spring, or fallen in some shower, and bringing with him a hol∣low goose egge, which held a little serpent, newly hatcht, he sanke and buried it in the mudde, and so de∣parted. Next morning running naked into the market∣place, with only a golden towell about his soynes, carry∣ing also his sickle in his hand, and shaking his loose bayre, like one possest by the mother of the Gods, he got upon an Altar, and proclaimed the happinesse of the Citty, which was presently to discover the foretold Dei∣ty. The spectators, which were all the men, women, and children of the Citty drawne together, were amazed, fell to their prayers, and adored him, whilest he uttering some unsignificant words, in Hebrew perhaps, or the Phoenician Language, much more astonisht them who

understood nothing he said, but onely that he often named Apollo, and Aesculapius. From hence he distractedly ran to the newly begun Temple, and to the pitt, and spring, digged there to lay the foundation; and descending into the water, in a lowd voyce, sung the praises of Apollo, and Aesculapius, and invited the God to enter with good for∣tune into the Citty. Demanding also a shovell, which was reacht him, he no sooner dipt it in the water, but brought up wrapt in water, and mud together, the egge, which inclosed the God; indiscernably stopt, and cemen∣ted with white waxe, and chalke, which taking in his hand,, now, quoth he; I will show you Aesculapius. They stupidly wondred, what would be the event, and much admired the egge found in the water. Till he brea∣king it in the hollow of his hand, tooke out the young snake. Which when they saw stirre, and ros•• it selfe a∣bout his fingers, they presently gave a great shout, and saluted it as a God, and congratulated the good fortune of the Citty: every one also conceiving a petition, and prayed to him for wealth, riches, health, and the like. He speedily ran home againe, carrying w••••h him his new hatcht Aesculapius, borne now the second time, whereas men are borne but once. Hatcht, I say, not by some Coro∣nis, or Daw (which was his mothers name) but by some Goose. All the people followed, divinely inspired, and distracted with their hopes. He for some dayes kept at home, hoping as indeed it came to passe) the same would draw great confluence of Paphlagonians. When the Citty began to be filled with people, voyd both of understan∣ding, and braines, and no way resembling men who lived by bread, nor differing at all from beasts, but onely in shape; he, sitting in a little roome, upon a Couch, attired like a Priest, held his Pellaean Aesculapius in his bosome; which was, as I said before, of a faire, and goodly mag∣nitude. For winding him sometimes about his necke (which he patiently suffer'd) and letting onely his tayle

hang downe, and hiding his head under his arme, he trayled upon the ground: sometimes from under another part of his Cassock, he would let the linnen head peep out, which was verily thought to be the Serpent's. For you are to fancie the house where he made his presentments, nei∣ther stately, nor over lightsome: then the presse of people, which thronged to see him, squeezing and crowding one another, and anticipating the show with their asto∣nishment. For comming with rais'd expectations, it must needs seem a miracle to them, to see a little, small serpent, in a few dayes become a great Dragon; faced like a man, and withall so gentle. No spectators stay'd long, but be∣fore they had an exact view, were thrust out by new commers, who continually resorted. Just against the doore, where they entred, stood open another doore, to let them out. In imitation of the course practiced by the Macedonians, when Alexander lay sick, and ready to dye, and great troops prest into the Pallace to see him, and take their last farewell. 'Tis reported of this Cheater, that he many times made these presentments, especially to strangers which were rich. And to say truth, my deare Celsus, you are to pardon those dull unletter'd Paphlagoni∣ans, if they were cousen'd when they touch't the Dragon, (which Alexander permitted to as many as would) and saw a head by a false doubtfull light, so artificially open∣ing and shutting the mouth, that ▪twould require a Demo∣critus or Epicurus, or Metrodorus, or some other of a hard, flinty faith towards such things, not to believe, or to make a true conjecture of what he saw. And if he could not find out the mystery, yet to come with a perswasion that the wayes, and secrets of the Imposture, were above his discovery, though all he saw were a Delusion, and Im∣possible to be done. In short time, Bithynia, Galatia, and Thrace were drawne to the spectacle, upon the report of those who confidently affirmed, they saw the God newly hatch't, and touch't him after he was in few

dayes growne very great, and that he had the face of a man: Pictures also, and Images, and Statues were taken of him, some carved in Silver, others in Brasse. At last they gave him a name, and call'd him Glycon, warn'd in a verse by a divine Oracle, thus utter'd by Alexander,

I Glycon am from Jove Third, Mortalls light.

It now began to be time (which was the great hinge of the Plott) that he was to give Oraculous answers, and to Prophecy. Alexander, therefore, taking his pattern from Antilochus in Cilicia, who after the death of his father Amphiaraus at Thebes, being banish't his Countrey, went into Cilicia, where he lost not by his change, but prophe∣cyed to the Cilicians, and tooke monyes for his predicti∣ons. Taking I say, his coppy from him, he told all com∣mers that his God would shortly give Oracles, and assign∣ed a day, bidding every one write, what they had a de∣sire to learne, or know in a little booke, and to winde it about with thred, and seale it with wax, clay, or the like: And that he taking the bookes, and presenting them be∣fore the Tripod, (for by this time an Oracle was built, and a Curtaine hung up) would call them in order by a Cryer, or Priest, and as he was instructed by his Deity, would restore to every man his scrowle, sealed, as it was, with an exact answer subscribed by his God, to every pet••tion. Which Device, to such a man as you, or (with∣out ostentation) as I am, were palpable, and easy to be found out, but appeared to blunt men, and as they say, to such as blew not their noses, a very prodigie, and wonder. For having invented severall wayes to open the Seales, he read the contents, and framing agreeable answers, bound up the papers againe, and returned them sealed, to the great admiration of the receivers: who thus reason∣ed with themselves. How could he know what I gave him, lockt under seales so impossible to be counterfeited, if he were not a God, who knowes all things? You will aske mee now what art he used. 'Tis worth your hea∣ring,

that you may be instructed against such juglings. His first way, my deare Celsus, was to heat a needle, with which melting the waxe under it he tooke off the seale; and having read the inside, with the same needle melted the waxe which was upon the outside of the thred, and clapt on the seale againe entire. His next way was by Collyrium, a thing Compounded of Berytian pitch, lime, specular stone pounded, waxe, and masticke; which he warming at the fire, and applying to the seale, first an∣nointed with tallow, brought away the impression; and as soone as it was cold and hard, having nearly open'd the paper, and read it, applying his stamp to fresh waxe, gave it a print, as it were, with a stone seale, exactly re∣sembling the Originall. His third device was, to mingle chalke, with the ordinary glue, with which letters are sealed; which he wrought into a waxe, and applying it soft to the print, presently tooke it off; which aftervvards grovving as hard as horne or Iron, he used for a seale. Many other contrivances he had, vvhich I cannot stand to report, lest I seeme tedious; especially since you in your Commentaries concerning Magicians, vvhich are excellent usefull, and able to make their Readers vvife, have delivered many more passages of this nature. O∣racles, then, he gave and Divinations; vvhich vvith great Art, and Subtlety he still drest in probable colours. Giving to some Questions Oblique, and intricate ansvvers. To others, ansvvers darke and unintelligible. A course, as he thought, most suitable to an Oracle: some he fright∣ed, and encouraged others, as he found it made for his pro∣fit. To some he prescribed Medecines, and dyets, being (as I said before) variously skill'd in receipts. Among vvhich he chiefly extold Cytmides, vvhich is the fayn'd name of a playster made of Beares grease. The ansvver to hopes, successes, and successions in Inheritances, he still put off to another time; Adding though, that they should accomplish their expectations, vvhen he thought

fit, and when his Priest Alexander should pray or petition for them. The rate set upon every Oracle was a Drachme & two pence: which you are not, my friend, to call a small gaine, rising yearly to 70. or 80. thousand Drachmes. Some men out of their greedinesse, and thirst of satisfa∣ction, paying for ten, some for fifteen Answers. What he received he kept not wholly to himselfe, or treasured up, but maintained many associates, and servants, some were emissaries, some projected Oracles; some subscribed An∣swers; some made and applyed the Seales; some inter∣preted; all were more or lesse sharers according to their place, or imployment. His Emissaries he sent into farre Countries, who did spread the fame of the Oracle among the Nations; and reported that he foretold future events, recall'd fugitive servants, discover'd Theeves, and Rob∣bers, revealed where treasures were to be digg••d, cured all diseases; and raised some from the dead. Whereupon followed great resort, and confluence from all parts; Sa∣crifices were offer'd, and double presents made to the Priest, and Disciple of the God. For now an Oracle to this purpose was divulged:

Honour my Priest and Servant, I you charge; Gayne I despise, yet let his gaynes be large.

At length, when many recovering their wits from a deep intoxication, conspired against him, especially those who were of Epicurus sect, and the whole cheat and pa∣geant by little and little began to be open'd, he threatned them with terrible misfortunes; and sayd, that Pontus was now overspread with Atheists, and Christians, vvho vvere not afraid to speake blasphemies of him, charging those, vvho came to consult him, as they expected the fa∣vour of the God, to drive them avvay vvith stones. Upon Epicurus himselfe he past this Oracle, vvhen one enquired vvhat he did in Hell; He sits in mire (said he) in leaden

fetters chained. Can you yet vvonder at the spreading of the Oracle, vvhen you heare vvhat sage and learned enquiries vvere put up? His quarrell to Epicurus vvas ir∣reconcileable, and not vvithout cause. For vvith vvhom in reason should a Jugler, Friend to Monsters, and enemy to truth, make vvarre, but vvith Epicurus, a man perfectly studied in the nature of things, and alone able to distin∣guish vvhat vvas truth in them? The follovvers of Plato, Chrysippus, and Pythagoras, he counted his friends, and vvas in deep, peace vvith them. Onely intractable Epicurus (as he call'd him) vvas perfectly in his hatred: and good rea∣son; For he vvould have converted those things into laughter, and sport. Of all the Citties of Pontus, therefore, he most hated Amastris, because he heard those vvho came vvith Lepidus, and many others of the like-breeding li∣ved ther••: vvhich vvas the reason vvhy he never gave Oracle to any that came from thence. But endeavour∣ing upon a time to give an Oracle to the Proconsul's brother, he vvas ridiculously disappointed, neither able to invent a fit one himselfe, nor any for the present to compose one for him. For intending to bid him, for the cure of a paine in his stomacke, eat a hogges foot drest vvith Mallovves, he thus utter'd the prescription;

Take Malwickes in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 di••ine hogge Syrrupe steept. Ma∣ny times (as I said before) he shovv'd his Dragon to those vvho desired the sight; not all, but his tayle, and some more of his body: still keeping his head in his bosome invisible. And that he might the more astonish the mul∣titude, he promised they shoud heare his God speake, and give Oraales vvithout an Interpreter. For that purpose vvithout much difficulty, he so order'd the vvind-pipe of a Crane, that being dravvne through the Artificiall head, another stood behind the curtaine, and speaking through the Artery, gave ansvvers to the Questions; conveying the voyce through the linnen Aesculapius. These vvere call'd Selfe-Oracles, and vvere not spoken to all promiscu∣ously,

but onely to those who were rich, bravely clad, and offer'd well. The answer which Severianus received concerning his expedition into Armenia was a selfe-Oracle, who was encouraged to make an Invasion after this manner,

Thou Medes, and Parthians, with quick war shalt waste, Then back to Rome, and Tybers streams shalt haste, Wearing a Chaplet, which bright beames shalt cast.

Vpon which perswasion, after the studpid Gaule had made an incursion, and was with his army slaine by Othryades, that Oracle was dasht out of the Catalogue, and this other insetted;

Make no warre with Armenians, 'Tis best, Lest a man, in a womans garments drest, Thee with his bow, of life and light devest.

His plot herein was by after Oracles craftily to heale the former which miscarryed. For many times a little before their death he promised recovery to sick persons; Af∣ter whose deaths he had this recanting Oracle in readi∣nesse;

Henceforth aske no cure for thy helplesse paine, Death is at hand, to thinke to scape is vaine.

Learning by intelligence that some at Claros, Didymae, and Male, were famous for such divinations, he made friendship with them, and sent many thither, saying;

To Claros goe, and heare my Fathers voyce.

Againe,

At Male Amphilochus shall you resolve.

Thus much of the Scene lay within his owne Coasts, though in it Ionia, Cilicia, Paphlagonia, and Galatia had parts. But when the fame of the Oracle once pierced Ita∣ly,

and arrived at Rome, every one strived to be first. Some presently went in person, others sent; especially Senators, and such as bore great offices in the State. The first of note, and reputation, was Rutilianus, a man otherwise honest, and prudent, and approved in many Romane battles for his valour: but indiscreetly superstitious towards the Gods; of whom he had taken in such improbable perswasions, that wheresoever he saw a stone anointed, or crowned, he fell downe, and worshipt, and made long prayers to it, and petitioned for good fortune. He, therefore, hear∣ing what was reported of this Oracle, almost resolved to leave his Army, and make a voyage to Abonwall. But however sent thither messengers after messengers. They who were sent, being servants of small capacity, and easi∣ly deceived, at their returne reported what they had seene; and some things which they feyned to have seene, and heard; much enlarging their relation, the more to endear themselves to their Master. Much was the unfortunate old man enflamed, and cast into a violent phrenzy, who go∣ing about to all his friends (of which he had store, and powerfull) told what he heard from his messengers, be∣sides some additions of his owne. The report presently fill'd, and astonish't the Citty; especially many of the Court, who presently sent to be instructed in their affaires Alexander received the messengers very affably; and re∣turned them with presents, and gifts of great value: who not onely reported their answers, but sung the prayses of the God; telling prodigious lyes, both of him and his Oracles. One plot he had in ordinary practise, too inge∣nious, and subtle for a vulgar Cheater: which was to open the Tickets which were sent, and if, in the reading, he found any thing unsafe, or dangerous, he kept, and ne∣ver restored them, with a purpose to keep the Inquirers obnoxious, and to awe them with their owne feares, when they reflected upon their enquiries. Foreseeing that men of great riches, and quality, would aske the most

dangerous questions. From these, therefore, he exacted great rewards, knowing themselves caught in his net. I will repeat to you some of the Oracles he gave to Ruti∣lianus, who consulting the Oracle what Tutor he should choose for the education of his sonne by his first wife, who was now growne ripe for the Arts, was thus an∣swered;

Pythagoras, and he who Battles sings.

A few dayes after the child dyed; and he was much troubled to defend himselfe to those who accused him of an Oracle so apparently confuted. But Rutilianus being a religious man, prevented him, and excused the Oracle; Interpreting the meaning of the God to be, that no living Tutor should be chosen, but Homer, and Pythagoras, long since dead, with whom his sonne in hell probably held conversation: and who now can blame Alexander for cheating such men? Inquiring another time whose soule he possest; 'Twas replyed:

First thou Achilles, then Menander wast, Next thy selfe; shalt a Sun-beame be at last; An hundred fourescore summers once being past.

But he died of Melancholy at threescore and ten, and tar∣ryed not for the promise of the God; though this were a selfe Oracle. Another time enquiring about his marri∣age, he received this answer:

VVed Alexanders daughter borne o'th' Moone.

For there went a stale report, that the daughter he had was begotten of the Moone, who grew enamoured of him, as he lay asleepe. A thing usuall with her to love beautifull men in their slumbers. Rutilianus, like a wise man, presently sent to the wench, and proceeded to a wedding, though he was a Sexagenary Bridegroome,

bedded her, and sacrificed whole Hecatombes to the Moone his Mother-in-Law. Reckoning himselfe now among the Gods. Alexander, in the mean time, ha∣ving intelligence how the report tooke in Italy, applyed his mind to greater matters: and dispersed Emissaries through all the Romane Empire; who scatterd Oracles; forewarning Citties to take heed of Plagues, Combusti∣ons, and Earth-quakes: For the eversion whereof he pro∣mised infallible remedies. In the time of Pestilence, the Oracle he sent to all Nations, which was a selfe-one, was comprehended in this one verse;

Phoebus th' unshorne infectious clouds expells.

Which was every where written upon doores, as a charme against the Plague. But the successe was contrary. For it happened that those houses which had the Inscription were most depopulated: which I bring not into obser∣vation, as if the verse encreased the Infection, but so it fell out by chance; and many, it may be, relying on the Charme, were carelesse and negligent of their dyet, using no remedies against the Plague, but th•• Oracle; but thought the Syllables would protect them, and unshorne Apollo with his dart would dispell the Contagion. At Rome he had many Spyes, who were of the conspiracy, who certified him of every mans purposes, what doubts, and enquiries they would propose, and what resolutions they desired: which, before they came, gave him time to provide Answers. And these were his plots upon the Italians. Lastly, he instituted certaine ceremonies and rites, especially the carriage of Tapers in solemne proces∣sion for three dayes successively. The first day, in Imitati∣on of the Athenians, was made this proclamation; If any Atheist, or Christian or Epicurean, become as a Spye to these solemnities, let him depart: But let such as reverence the Gods be initiated in our mysteries: whereupon divi∣sion

was presently made; And Alexander in front cryed out, away with the Christians, and the whole multitude in a lowd Acclamation ecchoing him, cryed, Away with the Epicureans. Then was Acted Latona's Delivery, and A∣pollo's Birth; then his mariage with Coronis, and the birth of Aesculapius. The second day was Acted Glycons Epi∣phany, and Birth. The third day Podalirius mariage with Alexander's mother; whose name was Dadis; and the Tapers were then lighted; the whole Solemnity ended with the Moone's and Alexander's love, and the nativity of Rutilianus Bride. In which Alexander's part was to hold a Torch, and, like another Endymion, to personate himselfe asleep; Then from the roofe, as from her orbe, descended to him one Rutilia, representing the Moone; A beautifull woman, and wife to a great Officer about Caesar, who courted Alexander, and was courted by him againe; openly, and before her besotted husband's eyes exchanging kisses, and embraces; and had the Tapers been away had perchance acted out the whole part. Af∣ter this, putting on his properties of a Priest, in deepe si∣lence he enter'd, and then sang in a loud voyce, lô Glycon. To which many Paphlagonians, well throated, who fol∣lowed him, in high shooes, and stunk of Garlicke, reply∣ed, lô Alexander. Many times, as he danced in Processi∣on, his Cassock of purple flew open, and revealed a gol∣den thigh; covered, I believe, with some gilt skinne, which glitter'd against the Torches: which raised a great dispute between two foolishly wise, whether he were informed by Pythagoras soule, since he had a golden thigh, or by a soule like his. The doubt was brought to Alexander, and was thus decided by Prince Glycon;

Pythagoras soule felt often Transmigration; But my Priests soule had sacred generation, Dropt by my father for mens preservation.

Againe:

Soules, from Jove's lightning cast, returne to Jove.

He used to forbid the unnaturall use of Boyes as a hey∣nous sinne; though his prohibition were attended with this plot. He commanded the Citties of Pontus, and Pa∣phlagonia, every third yeare to dedicate so many of their sonnes to his God, to sing his praises; and those to be ap∣proved and selected by him, of noble birth, delicate age, and beautifull feature. Which hee keeping in a kind of Seraglio, like so many bought Captives, variously abu∣sed, and prostituted to his lust. He made a Law, also, that none above the age of eighteene, should touch his mouth, or salute him with a kisse. To such, therefore, he onely vouchsafed his hand, reserving his lips only for those who were handsome: who from thence were cal∣led the admitted within the kisse. In this manner he cousen'd simple people, corrupted their wives, and pro∣stituted their children: who accounted it a great mat∣ter, and much to be wisht, if he would cast a glance up∣on their wives. But if he would vouchsafe them a kisse, they thought deluges of good fortune would flow into their houses. Some there were who bragg'd they had conceived by him, which was confirm'd by the testimo∣ny of their husbands. I will report to you a Dialogue which past between Glycon, and a Tyanean Priest, whose wisdome you may perceive by his Questions. I read it in golden letters in the Priests house at Tion. Tell me, sayd he, Prince Glycon, who art thou? I am, answered he, the lesser Aesculapius. Distinguisht from the former? Speake 'Tis not lawfull for thee to know. How many yeares wilt thou stay among us, and give Oracles? A thousand and three. Whither wilt thou goe then? To Bactra, and the Regions about it. For 'tis fit the Barbarians should should enjoy my presence. Have the Divinations at Di∣dymae, Clare and Delphos, Apollo for their Author, or are they

false, counterfet Oracles? 'Tis not lawfull for thee to know. What shall I be after this life? First a Camell, then a Horse, then a wise man, and a Prophet equall to Ale∣xander. This was the Dialogue between Glycon and the Priest: whom at last, knowing him to be a friend to Le∣pidus, he sent away with this Oracle wrapt up in this verse,

Believe not Lepidus, his fates are dire.

For (as I said before) he much feared Epicurus, as an An∣ti-plotter, and Anti-juggler to his cheats. A certaine Epi∣curean, therefore, not a little endanger'd himselfe for con∣futing him in a publique Assembly: where setting upon him in a loud voyce, he said, Thou Alexander didst per∣swade a Paphlagonian to accuse his servants before the Pre∣fect of Galatia, for the suspected murther of his son, who went to schoole at Alexandria; yet the young man lives, and is safely come home, but the servants are executed, and by this meanes have bin cast to wild beastes. The oc∣casion was this. The youth, sayling a good way up into Aegypt against streame, was perswaded from thence to sayle on to India. After a long stay, his unfortunate ser∣vants supposing him either drowned in the Nile, or slain by theeves, (of which there was then store) returned home, and reported he was lost; whereupon the O∣racle was consulted, and they condemned: presently af∣ter return'd the youth, and reported his voyage. He had scarce done speaking, but Alexander, much provok't by his confutation, and unable to heare truth longer, com∣manded the multitude to stone him, as they meant to a∣voyd the wicked name of Atheists, and Epicureans: which they presently attempted. But one Demostratus, who so∣journed in Pontus, interposed himselfe, and rescued him from Lapidation; who had else bin deservedly slaine: for why would he offer to be the only discreet man among so many distracted, and expose himselfe to the madnesse of

the Paphlagonians? you see what he got by it. Alexanders custome was, the day before he gave Oracles, to call in order those who had given in their Inquiries, and a cryer standing without the curtaine, ask't him if he were pleased to answer them. And if he gave this reply from within to any man's name, To the crowes with him, none after∣wards received such a one into their house, or admitted him, as they say, either to their fire or water. But he was forced to wander up and downe forreine Countries, as an Atheist, a man hated of the Gods, and an Epicurean, which was the height of infamy. He did one thing very ridiculous. Having got Epicurus select Sentences, which, you know, is his best Booke, and the Abridgement of his whole Philosophy, he carryed them into the middest of the Market place, and burning them, in stead of the Au∣thor, cast the ashes into the Sea, with this Oracle, The pur∣blind old man's workes I doome to the flame. Not consider∣ing of what use, and instruction that booke was to the Readers; and how it quieted, settled, and freed their minds from vaine feares, phantasmes, prodigious appre∣hensions, empty hopes, and swelling desires, and planted vertue in their stead; truly clearing, and purging the soule, not with a Taper, or Brush, or such other trifles, but with right reason, liberty, and truth. Among his other Pranks, you shall heare now one of the greatest the Rascall ever play'd. Having, by Rutilianus procurement, gain'd no small reputation in Caesar's Court, in the heat of the Ger∣man warre, when Marcus was to joyne battle with the Bohemians, he divulged an Oracle, which commanded two Lyons to be cast alive in Danubius, with many o∣dours, and perfumes, and magnificent sacrifices. But 'tis best to repeat the Oracle as 'twas deliver'd;

Into Danubius, when most swolne, and vast, Let two of Cybel's wood bred Teeme be cast, VVith fragrant flowers crown'd, which in India grew, Then Conquest, Peace, and Triumph shall ensue.

All things being performed as the Oracle directed, the Lyons swamme over to the enemies shoare; which the barbarous people tooke for forreine dogges or wolves, and chased them away with clubbes. But a great defeat, and slaughter befell us, to the losse of twenty thousand men: presently after, the like befell us at Aquileia; where we had almost lost the Citty. He coldly vvrested the Delphicke Oracle, vvhich vvas delivered to Croesus, to this Accident, and said, the God did indeed foretell a great vi∣ctory, but explain'd not himselfe vvhether it should befall the Romans, or the enemy. When the Citty of Abonwall began at length to be so surcharged vvith the great conflu∣ence, and resort of people, which came to consult the O∣racle; that it was not able to supply them with victuals, he invented a new kind of Oracles; which were call'd night Oracles. For taking their Tickets, and sleeping with them, he gave such answers as he said his God re∣vealed to him in his dreame; which, for the most part, were darke, ambiguous, and confused; especially if the Ticket were exactly sealed. For then, without the danger of opening, he subscribed any thing by chance, which was obscure, and agreeable to an Oracle. To these kind of Answers belonged certaine Interpreters; who recei∣ved no small rewards, from those who askt their expo∣sitions, and farmed their places of Alexander; to whom they every one paid yearly an Attick Talent. Sometimes, when none came, or were sent to enquire, he gave vo∣luntary Oracles, to astonish the simple people, of which this was one;

The page, to thee most deare, at home unspyed, Commits adultery with thy faire cheekt Bride. 'Tis but a just revenge of sinne with sinne, He Cuckolds thee, who hath thy pathick bin. Drowsie Charmes, also, they in secret places, To make thee stupid to their loose Imbraces,

Under thy bed, neere to the wall have laid, Assisted by Calypto, thy wives maid.

What Democritus would not be troubled to have names, and places thus punctually discribed? And yet would not smile assoone as he knew the plot?

He many times gave answers to barbarous people, though they enquired in their owne language; in Syriack, perchance, or French. But his manner vvas, vvhen he could not easily find one of that Country, to take the Tic∣ket, and to keep it, till he met vvith an Interpretter; vvhich made a long space sometimes betvveene the Inquirie, and Ansvver; A Scythian once received this Oracle;

Morphi Ebargulis, into the shade, Chnenchichranc, his light shall fade.

Another time, vvhen no body appear'd, or vvas present, he gave this ansvver in Prose; Returne, he that sent thee is this day slain by his neighbour Diocles, assisted by three theeves, Mangus, Celer, and Bubulus, who are caught, and fetter'd. Novv heare some of the Oracles vvhich vvere given to mee. One of my questions vvas, (vvhich I sealed openly and exactly) vvhether Alexander vvere bald. To vvhich this night ansvver vvas subscribed; Sabar, Dalachi, Ma∣lach, he was another Attis. Another of my Questions vvas, (vvhich I vvrote in severall Tickets) and sent under seve∣rall names, vvhere Homer vvas borne. In one paper, de∣ceived by my Boy, vvho, being askt for vvhat he came, told him, he came for a cure of the paine in his side, he vvrote;

Take Beares grease, mingled with Latona's Dew.

In another paper, being told by the Messenger, he came to enquire vvhether I vvere best goe into Italy by land or sea; He gave this ansvver, nothing at all to Homer,

Returne borne by thy feete, not by thy sayles.

Many such tricks I put upon him, inclosing sometimes

the same enquiry in eight severall notes; to which I feined as many names, and sent them by eight severall messen∣gers, with as many groates, and what more was to be paid: he perswaded by his gaine, and the Inscription of the notes, to this one Question, in which I ask't when Alexander the Impostor should be discover'd, gave eight severall answers, as farre distant as heaven and earth, senslesse withall, and hard to be understood: which comming afterwards to his knowledge, and because I formerly disswaded Rutilianus from marriage, and from giving any credit to his Oracles, he hated mee, as he had reason, and accounted me his mortall enemy. Vpon a time, therefore, Rutilianus enquired of the Oracle some∣thing concerning me, and was thus answered;

He spends his night with whores, in obscure stewes.

And, to say truth, he deservedly hated mee. Afterwards, having intelligence of my comming to the Citty, and that I was Lucian (now I brought two Souldiers in my company, one armed with a Lance, the other with a Hal∣berd, lent mee by the Governour of Cappadocia, my espe∣ciall friend, for my sa••e conduct to the Sea) He with much civility, sent for mee: when I came, I found many with him, and by good fortune brought my Souldiers with mee. He, as his manner was, reach't me out his hand to kisse; which I respectfully taking, and offering to kisse, gave it such a bite, as almost maim'd him. The standers by presently attempted to beat, and choke mee, as an irre∣ligious person; having before taken it very ill that I did salute him by the name of Alexander, not of a Prophet. But he very generously interposing himselfe, appeased them, and promised by the help and power of his God to heale my distraction, who, said he, is able to asswage, and winne those who are most tempestuous against him. Then putting them all out of the roome, he began to ex∣postulate with mee, telling mee he knew vvhat counsell

I had given to Rutilianus; and asking mee how he had deserved such carriages from mee, seeing it was in his power to contrive great matters for mee? I was much o∣vercome with his friendly behaviour; considering in what danger I was; And after some small stay went out with him reconciled. The sudden alteration strucke deepe astonishment into the beholders. Not long after, I resolved to take ship; and being alone with Zenophon, and having sent my father, and my other company be∣fore to Amastris, he sent me great gifts, and presents, and offer'd to provide me a ship, and marriners to row mee, which I accepted as proceeding from a cleare, and honest intention. But when we came into the middle of the Sea, I saw the Pilot weepe, and earnestly contest with the Say∣lers; which were no very good presages of my safety. The truth is, they were hired by Alexander to throw us over board: which had they done, he had amply revenged himselfe upon mee. But he that wept prevailed with them not to execute their designe; who in these words addrest himselfe to mee, I have lived, as you see, to the age of threescore yeares, a religious, innocent life; and will not now at this great age, having wife and children, defile my hands with murther. Intimating for what purpose he tooke us into the ship, and what plot Alexander had layd. Having set us ashore at Aegiali, made so famous by Ho∣mer, he sayled backe againe. Not long after sayled by the Bosphoran Embassadours, sent by their King Eupater with the Tribute mony which was yearly paid into Bi∣thynia; To whom after I had told our danger, and escape, they courteously tooke us into their ship, and transpor∣ted us safe to Amastris. So neare my death was I. From that time I tooke Armes against him, and raised all my forces to revenge my self; who before this Trechery hated him, and accounted him my enemy for the wickednesse of his life, and manners. Nor had I failed to question him, and joyned vvith others in his accusation, especially vvith

the Schollers of Timocrates the Her••clean Philosopher, had not the Governour of Bithynia, and Pontus, vvith much intercession, and intreaty dissvvaded us, vvho out of his respect to Rutilianus profest he could not punish him, though his Impostures vvere never so plainly proo∣ved: vvhereupon I supprest, and suffer'd my revenge to coole, dispairing of my successe before a Judge so partiall. Of vvhom, to his other bold attempts, Alexander adven∣tured to aske leave, that Abonwall might change its name, and be called Ionople; and obtained povver also to coyne mony, stampt vvith the Image of Glycon, on the one side, and of Alexander on the other, holding the Badge of his Grandfather Aesculapius, and Perseus sickle, from vvhom he derived himselfe by the mother. At last he publish't this Oracle concerning himselfe; That 'twas decreed by the Fates that he should live an hundred and fifty yeares, and that then he should dye miserably struck with lightning. But he dyed under seventy of a Gangrene, (as it became Podali∣rius sonne) vvhich did eate from his foote to his thigh; and almost devoured by vvormes. At vvhich time hee vvas discover'd to be bald, by permitting his head to be bathed by Physitians, for the head-ache: vvhich they could not do, and not pluck off his Perivvigge. Thus en∣ded the Tragedy of Alexander, and this vvas the Catastro∣phe of the vvhole play. Through vvhich there seemed to run a Thred of Providence, but all vvas casualty, and chance. That vvhich follovved vvas an Epitaph upon him, expressing the vvorthinesse of his Actions, and Life, and a contention among his principall Camerades, and fellovv Cheaters, vvho referr'd themselves to Rutilianus vvhich should be preferr'd, and chosen to succeed in the Oracle, and vveare the Propheticke Crovvne, and Robe. In vvhich number vvas one Paetus of that Citty, by pro∣fession a Physitian; vvho by such a competition disgraced both his profession and vvhite haires. But Rutilianus, the Master of the Game, dismist them all vvithout Gyrlands,

and reserved the Propheticke place for himselfe, after his departure thence. These few things, of many, my Celsus, have I written both to give you a tast of the man, and to gratifie you, who are my acquaintance, and friend, and whom I hold in speciall regard, for your Wisedome, Love to Truth, Sweetnesse, and moderation of Carriage, serenity of Behaviour, and Affability toward those with whom you Converse. As also (a thing much in your wishes) to vindicate Epicurus; a man of a divine and in∣spired wit, who alone knew truth, and honesty, and de∣liver'd it, and infused liberty into all those who tasted his Conversation. Lastly, I doubt not but this peece of my writings will be of this use to the Readers, that 'twill confute, and cleare false opinions, and confirme those who are already rightly informed in true.

Toxaris,