The third volume of Plutarch's lives. Translated from the Greek, by several hands

THE LIFE OF LYSANDER.

By the Honourable Charles BOYLE of Christ-Church.

VOLUME III.

IN a treasury of the Acan••••ii at Delphos this is one of the Inscriptions, BRA∣SIDAS AND THE ACANTHII 〈…〉〈…〉 THIS FROM THE A∣THENIANS. From he••••e many are of 〈…〉〈…〉 statue within the Temple 〈…〉〈…〉 for Brasidas, but 'tis rather Lysander's, whom it represents ex∣actly with his Hair in its full growth, and a long comely Beard, both after the old

[illustration]

LYSANDER.

Lacedaemonian fashion. The account of this custom is not to be plac'd so low as some people would have it; it not being true that the Argives shav'd themselves for grief after a great overthrow, and that the Spartans on the contrary flush'd with victory let their Hair grow beyond its usu∣al length; neither can we allow that be∣cause the Bacchiadae when they fled from Corinth to Lacedaemon, seem'd mean and despicable, upon account of their being shav'd. The Lacedaemonians for that reason began to esteem long Hair. This custom may be trac'd very easily from Lycurgus, who us'd to say, That Hair made handsome men appear more beautiful to the eye, and the unhandsome more terrible.

'Tis generally agreed that Aristoclitus Lysander's Father, though he was not im∣mediately ••••…••••…ded from royal ancestors, was howev••••▪ some way, related to the Fa∣mily of the Heraclidae. Lysander himself was bred up under much hardship, and be∣hav'd himself all along wit•••••• due respect to the disciplin••▪ and manners of his Country. He was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and above all sort of pleasure, that alone 〈…〉〈…〉 arose from a sense of honour, 〈…〉〈…〉 that at∣tends just and generous Actions; and to indulge this pleasure was very excusable at Sparta, where their yough was fire'd with

an early desire of Glory, taught to be de∣jected under disgrace, and rais'd by com∣mendation. And he that was insensible of these, was look'd upon as one of a mean spirit, and uncapable of aspiring to any thing that's great or manly. That emula∣tion then and thirst after fame which ap∣pear'd in the whole course of Lysander's Life we have no reason to blame him for; it came from his Country, and education; but another fault he had which was purely his own; He paid too servile a deference and more than became a Spartan, to great men; and where his interest was concern'd, bore the frowns of men in Authority some∣thing too patiently. Which however by some is reckon'd no small part of Policy.

Aristotle, where he observes that great wits are generally enclin'd to Melancholy (instanc∣ing in Socrates, Plato and Hercules) says too, that Lysander, though not in his Youth, was in his declining Age subject to it. But that which peculiarly distinguish'd his Character, was the way he had of making poverty sit well upon him, and of keeping his mind steady and untainted under the greatest affluence. For he reserv'd nothing for himself out of all those spoils of Gold and Silver that he brought from the Attick War, but liberally dispers'd 'em among his Country-men, who upon this increase of riches began to value

'em as much as they despis'd 'em before. Another instance of his generous disposition was this, when Dionysius the Tyrant wou'd have presented his Daughters with some Garments of a rich Embroidery, he refus'd 'em, with that handsome excuse, That they were fit only to make unhappy faces more remarkable: But this temper wore off by degrees; for being sent Embas∣sadour some time after to the same Tyrant who offer'd him the choice of two Vests, I like this best says he, and modestly took both.

After a long continuance of the Pe∣loponnesian War, when the Athenians had re∣ceiv'd a great blow in Sicily, and were under fearful apprehensions of a total over∣throw both by Sea and Land, Alcibiades being recall'd from banishment▪ manag'd the War with such success that he quickly chang'd the whole scene of Affairs, and after some engagements, made the Atheni∣ans equal in naval power to the Lacedaemo∣nians, who now began to be sensible of their dangerous condition, and were re∣solv'd to exert themselves more vigorously. They knew this design requir'd greater pre∣parations and a bold Commander. After the strictest enquiry they found none of more ability for this service than Lysander.

In discharge of this new Office he went to Ephesus, and found that City particular∣ly well inclin'd to him, and withal wholly in the interest of the Lacedaemonians, though at that time in very mean circum∣stances, and almost over-run with the bar∣barous Persian customs, by reason of their frequent commerce with 'em, being situa∣ted opportunely enough to invite the great Officers of that kingdom often to reside there. This kind reception he met with from the Ephesians engag'd him to pitch his Tents among 'em. He commanded all Victuallers to be brought into their har∣bour, and built a dock for his capital Ships, and by this means their ports were fre∣quented by Merchants, their exchange was full of business, and their Shops had a plentiful Trade; so that this City is so far oblig'd to Lysander that it ought to date from that time the hope and rise of the greatness and splendor with which it now flourishes. But hearing that Cyrus was now at Sardis, he went thither chiefly to acquaint him with the treachery of Tissa∣phernes, who though he had a commission to assist the Lacedaemonians against the A∣thenians, upon some sollicitation from Alci∣biades (as 'twas suspected) acted remissly, and by neglecting to pay his Soldiers, had occasion'd the ruine of his Fleet. Cyrus

was easily perswaded to believe the truth of this accusation, for he had before heard an ill character of Tissaphernes, and was him∣self particularly disoblig'd by him. Lysan∣der by these means, and the opportunities he had of being familiar with the young Prince, entirely gain'd his affections, and by affable conversation, and due respect, engag'd him strongly on his side. Cyrus to shew how great a kindness he had for Lysander, after he had splendidly entertain'd him, de∣sir'd him to deal freely, and assured him whatsoever he ask'd should be granted. Ly∣sander was so modest as only to ask a small addition to the Sea-men's pay. Cyrus was taken with his generous answer, and made him a present of ten thousand pieces of Sil∣ver. Lysander manag'd this to the best advantage, and out of his own stock libe∣rally encreased the Sea-men's pay; by this encouragement to his Soldiers, in a short time he quite wasted the Enemies fleet, for many of the common Soldiers were glad to go over to that party where the most mo∣ney was stirring. And those few that staid behind behav'd themselves with a great deal of indifferency to their Officers, and often mutini'd. Though he had thus drain'd and weaken'd his adversaries, he durst not engage 'em, because Alcibiades who was their admiral, had the advantage

of him in the number of Ships, and had been better experienc'd, and hitherto more successful in whatever enterprize he under∣took either by Sea or Land.

Alcibiades having occasion to go from Samos to Phocea, left Antiochus his Vice-Admiral, who to upbraid and provoke Ly∣sander, sail'd to the very mouth of the Har∣bour at Ephesus, and impudently pass'd by him with a great deal of noise and scorn. Lysander who was too high spirited, not to resent this open affront, with two or three Ships immediately pursu'd him, but when he saw fresh supplies come to the relief of Antiochus, he call'd up more to his assi∣stance, and in a little while the whole Fleet was engag'd. Lysander soon got the bet∣ter, took fifteen of their Ships, and set up a Trophy. The people of Athens were highly displeas'd at Alcibiades, and turn'd him out of their service, who being now disrespected and slightly spoken of by the Soldiers in Samos, left the Army and with∣drew to Peloponnesus. This fight was no farther considerable than as Alcibiades's mis∣fortune made it so.

Lysander while he had a little respite, sent a choice number of bold and prudent men to Ephesus, with instructions, to form themselves into Companies, and ap∣ply themselves to Policy and business, upon

promise that assoon as the Athenians Go∣vernment was broken, their Democracy shou'd be dissolv'd, and they made Gover∣nors in their respective Cities; by this contrivance, he secretly made way for the Decemviri, and all other innovations which afterwards succeeded in that Common∣wealth. For he kept his word with his Friends, and still promoted those that ac∣quitted themselves well in any Office, to higher honours and preferments, and to comply with their covetous humours, was himself or Accomplice in all their injustice and oppression. So every body endeavour'd to ingratiate himself with Lysander; to Him only people made their Court and ap∣plication, and promis'd themselves all that was Great or Honourable, while the chief power of the Republick was lodg'd in him. Wherefore assoon as he left 'em they were very uneasie under his Successor Callicrati∣das, whose Actions indeed show'd him to be Great and Just, yet the people were all along discontented with his Conduct, which favour'd too much of Dorick plainness as they call'd it, that is, true Honesty and Sincerity. 'Tis true, they admir'd his vir∣tue as men do the Beauty of some Hero's statue, but their desires all this while were bent upon Lysander, the loss of whose Fa∣vour and benevolence they were so sensible

of, that some of 'em exprest their Con∣cern with Tears. Nay, he drew off their Affections yet more from Callicratidas, for he sent back to Cyrus the residue of that money he had receiv'd from him for the Soldiers pay, and scornfully said, Let's see now how you, Callicratidas, can support the Charges of the Army. I have resign'd that Fleet to you which Commands the whole Ocean. This emp∣ty and affected vanity, Callicratidas thus handsomely reprov'd. First pass the Athe∣nian Navy at Samos, after that resign me your Command, and then I'll confess you have de∣liver'd up to me that Fleet which rides master of the Seas, for till it dares face the Enemy there, it can scarce, I think, claim that Ti∣tle. No says Lysander, I have done with it now, 'tis wholly under your conduct, so he sail'd off for Peloponnesus.

Callicratidas was left in great perplexity, for he had brought no money from home with him, neither cou'd he raise any, the People had been too much oppress'd to en∣dure another Tax. The only refuge he had was to beg Supplies, as Lysander had done, from some foreign Prince. And he was the most unqualified of any man for this employ, for he was of so Noble and generous a Spirit, that he cou'd sooner brook Slavery under a Grecian Enemy, than bring himself to flatter and caress a

Barbarian, who had nothing to value him∣self upon but his Gold. However necessity forc'd him to Lydia, and when he came to Cyrus his Palace, he bid one of the atten∣dants tell him, Callicratidas was come to wait upon him. The Servant reply'd, The King is not at leisure now, he's drinking. Well, says Callicratidas, (without any de∣sign of an Affront) I'll stay till he has done. The Lydians upon this answer took him for some ill bred Clown. So when he saw himself laugh'd at, and slighted by the Bar∣barians he withdrew a while, but upon his return not gaining admission, he resen∣ted it so highly, that he went immediately to Ephesus, reflecting with indignation upon those mean wretches, that first cring'd to Barbarians, and encourag'd 'em to be proud, only because they were rich; he farther protested to some of his Friends, that assoon as he arriv'd at Sparta, he wou'd make it his business to reconcile the diffe∣rences among the Greeks, and unite 'em against the Barbarians, or at least perswade 'em so far, as never to accept assistance from their hands against one another. These resolutions indeed were worthy of Calli∣cratidas, whose virtue and bravery were not inferiour to the greatest of the Lace∣daemonians, but he was unhappily taken off, after he had lost the victory at Ar∣ginusa,

before he cou'd put 'em in execu∣tion.

The prospect of affairs looking now very dismally, the Confederates sent an Ambassy to Sparta to desire that Lysander might be chose Admiral, expressing very earnestly the great confidence they had of success under his Conduct. Cyrus too dispatch'd Letters thither to the same effect. Now there was a Law among the Lacedaemoni∣ans that oblig'd 'em never to conferr that command twice upon the same person, yet they were desirous to gratifie their Allies; so they gave one Acacus the Title, but Him the power. This news was re∣ceiv'd with great satisfaction by the chief Magistrates of the Republique. For he had long since rais'd their expectations, and given 'em hopes, that the Democracy shou'd soon be put down, and the whole Government devolve upon them.

Whoever takes an impartial view of these two Generals, will find in Callicratidas an open and sincere carriage, in Lysander craft and cunning, for he ow'd most of his success in War to some under-hand trick, and never scrupl'd to preferr Interest to Honesty; he thought nature had fix'd no difference between truth and falshood, and so made advantage the measure of both. When he was told, 'twas below the cha∣racter

of one descended from Hercules, to relie upon Stratagems in War, he turn'd it off with a Jest, and said, When the Lions strength fails, we must take in the Fox's sub∣tilty. He gave a remarkable instance of his disposition this way at Miletus. For when his Friends whom he had promis'd to help in subverting the present Govern∣ment, had chang'd their Opinions, and sided with the contrary party, he preten∣ded openly to be much pleas'd with their proceedings, and to desire a reconciliation, but secretly thus contriv'd their ruine. First he provok'd 'em to set upon the mul∣titude, and assoon as they had rais'd a tu∣mult he himself came up to the head of 'em, and in the ears of the common people gave 'em a severe reprimand, but privately fo∣mented the disturbance, and assur'd 'em of his assistance. This treacherous manage∣ment of his encourag'd the Rebels to stay in the City where they were all kill'd just as he had design'd. Androclides takes notice that this deceitful temper ran through the whole course of his Life; for he says, he cheated Children with foul play, and men with perjury, and all along follow'd the ex∣ample of Polycrates. Though 'tis inexcusable in a General to imitate a Tyrant, and very disagreable to the character of a Spartan to use his Gods more contemptibly than he

does his Enemies, for he that over-reaches his Adversary by a false Oath, declares he fears Him, and despises the Gods.

Without any farther reflection upon Ly∣sander's vices, let us return to his Conduct. We left the Fleet under his Command, yet he thought he had too few Ships, to encounter the Enemy with, and too many to lie still, so he cruis'd about some neigh∣bouring Islands, and surpriz'd Aegina, and Salamis, from whence he steer'd his course to Attica, where he waited upon Agis, and with great Ostentation, as if he had been Master of the Seas, drew out his Fleet be∣fore him, but hearing that the Athenians pur∣su'd him, he made off, not without some confusion, towards Asia, and finding the Hellespont open without any guard, he attack'd Lampsacus by Sea, whilst Thorax at the same time besieg'd it by Land, and assoon as the Town was storm'd, he gave his Soldiers the plunder of it. In the mean while the Athenian Fleet consisting of an hundred and eighty Sail, were going for Elis, but having intelligence that Lampsa∣cus was taken, they alter'd their measures and put in at Sestos, whence after they had taken in Provisions, they went to the Ri∣ver Egus, where they were just opposite to the Enemy, which was still cruising about Lampsacus. Amongst the Athenian

Commanders Philocles was one, the same that formerly stir'd up the common People to a Rebellion, and mov'd once in Council to cut off the right Thumb of every Cap∣tive, that they might be disabled from ma∣naging any Weapon, and yet be serviceable to 'em in handling the Oar. The two navies now were in sight of one another, and every body expected an Engagement the next morning; but Lysander had quite other designs; he commanded all the Sea∣men on board, as if they were to fight by break of day, and gave 'em a strict charge to be in readiness upon the first sign; he gave the same orders to the Infantry who lay upon the shore: About Sun-rising the Athenian Fleet drew up in a line directly before the Lacedaemonians, and gave the challenge, but Lysander wou'd not accept it, however he heart'ned his men, bid every one keep his post and be silent. So the Athenians at evening were forc'd to retire, and the same game was play'd over for three or four days together.

Upon this news Alcibiades came up to 'em out of Peloponnesus, and finding some fault with the situation of the Camp, and the ill management of some things relating to the Fleet, met with a scornful rebuke from Tydeus that sent him back again. When he was gone they offer'd Battle as

they had done several times to no purpose; Lysander, when he saw 'em returning with disdain and (as they thought) security to their Harbours, dispatch'd some few light Vessels to observe their motion, and bid the Captains, row back assoon as ever they saw the Athenians Land, and lift up the Golden Shield from the fore deck, upon which sign he'd immediately make up to 'em. Afterwards he gave▪ orders to the Officers in the Fleet diligently to look after the Soldiers and Mariners, and take care they shou'd be all ready to run in briskly upon the Enemy, at the first sight of the Shield. By that time he had given his in∣structions, the sign immediately appear'd, and the Trumpet from the Admiral soun∣ded to Battel, the Ships set sail, and the Land men marched up along the shore to the promontory. The distance between the two continents was fifteen Furlongs, but the Sea-men were so eager and indu∣strious, that they soon reach'd the opposite shore; yet Conon the chief Captain of the Athenians had descry'd 'em, and made what haste he cou'd, to get his Soldiers on board; some he commanded, some he per∣swaded, and others he forc'd into the Ships; but all his endeavours were in vain, his men, not in the least suspecting any sur∣prize, were dispers'd; one party was walk∣ing

in the Fields, another slept in their Tents, a third was gone to Market. So Conon when the noise and Cries of the Lacedaemonians drew very near him, made his escape with eight Ships to Evagoras King of Cyprus. The Peloponnesians fell upon those that remain'd, and either took or disabled 'em all. Those Soldiers that came to the relief of the navy were slain in the attempt, those that thought to make their escape by flight, were pursu'd and taken. Lysander took three thousand Pri∣soners with their Commanders, and seiz'd the whole Fleet, except those few Ships that convey'd Conon to Evagoras. Thus after he had compleated this famous Victory by his own Counsel and Conduct, and in so little a time, with such unexpected suc∣cess, put an end to that War which had been so long depending, and in which more Grecians lost their Lives, than in all the former ones, he return'd in Triumph to Lampsacus.

This Action was so surprizing that 'twas thought a particular Providence was concern'd in it. Some say Castor and Pol∣lux plac'd themselves on each side Lysan∣der's Ship, and attended this affair with extraordinary influence. Others fansi'd a stone, that seem'd to fall from Heaven, to be an Omen of this overthrow. 'Twas of

a vast bigness, and fell by the River Egus. The Peloponnesians esteem it very much, and show it among their Curiosities to this day.

Theophrastus tells us that Lysander, when the three Thousand Athenians which he took prisoners were condemned by the Council, call'd Philocles and asked him What punishment he thought that man de∣serv'd, who advis'd the Citizens to proceed so severely against the Grecians? Philocles not at all daunted in his Adversity, reply'd, You are no judge in this Case, but do you use your Prisoners as I wou'd have us'd you, if you had been mine. After this bold answer, with all gayety and cheerfulness he led on his Country-men, as if he had been going rather to a Triumph, than his Executi∣on.

When this Tragedy was over, Lysander visited all the neighbouring Cities, and Commanded all the Athenians he found, up∣on pain of death, to repair to Athens. His design was this, That the City being thus throng'd might soon be reduc'd to Famine, and glad to surrender upon discretion, as soon as he open'd the Siege. Where-ever he came, he chang'd the present Government of the place, and put in a Lacedaemonian as Chief with ten other Assistants. Thus he dealt not only with his Enemies, but his

Allies, and by this means had in a manner engross'd to himself the whole Empire of Greece. He did not employ the Nobility or the wealthy Citizens in any part of the Government, but put it into the hands either of private Friends, or strangers, and entrusted 'em with full power of Life and Death. Many were executed whilst he was present, and whoever exprest any dis∣like of his Friends proceedings were sure to meet with very hard usage. This manage∣ment gave the Greeks an ill Opinion of the Lacedaemonian Government. From hence Theopompus took occasion by way of drol∣lery to compare the Lacedaemonians with Vint'ners, who whilst they pretend to en∣tertain us with sweet Wine give it a dash of Vinegar; for though Lysander openly profess'd he allow'd 'em all their Freedom and privileges, yet he oppress'd 'em so much by his Ambitious and Tyrannical Officers that no Slavery cou'd be more un∣easie to 'em than what he call'd Liberty.

Having settled Affairs here according to his mind, and dispatch'd Messengers to tell the Lacedaemonians, that he shou'd return to them with two hundred Sail in a very short time, he appear'd before Attica, with such assurance, as if he thought of nothing less than the immediate surrender of the City. But when he found the Athenians made a

vigorous defence beyond his expectation, he retreated into Asia, and made the same alteration in other Cities as he had done in those we mentioned before▪ putting some to death who did not submit to his Tyranny, and forcing others to quit their Country. He utterly routed the Samians, and gave Fugitives the possession of their Cities. He us'd the same Barbarity to the Inhabitants of Sestos, which was then in the hands of the Athenians, and divided it among his Sea-men. The Lacedaemonians themselves were displeas'd at these inhu∣mane proceedings, though against their Enemies, and re-establish'd the Sestians. The Greecians were well satisfi'd with Ly∣sander's Conduct, for by his means the Aeginites were restor'd to their own Cities, of which the Athenians had injustly possess'd themselves. By this time Lysander had in∣telligence that there was a Famine in A∣thens, upon which he sail'd to the Piraeum, and had no sooner began his siege, but the City surrendred, submitting to whatever Terms he demanded.

'Tis reported among the Lacedaemonians, that Lysander wrote to the Magistrates thus, Athens is taken: To which they re∣turn'd this Answer in the same way; You say 'tis taken, we are satisfi'd. But this was recorded rather as Laconick than true,

for they commanded him to observe these orders. They run thus: Know this is the de∣cree of the Lacedaemonians; Pull down the Piraeum, and the long Wall; Divide their Lands among the neighbouring Cities; Allow 'em what's necessary, and set the Captives at liberty. When you have perform'd this, enjoy that peace which you have so well deserv'd: As for the number of Ships, use your own dis∣cretion in that matter. When these orders came to the Athenians, they took Thera∣menes his advice thereupon, whom Cleome∣nes one of the young Councellors ask'd, why he acted contrary to the intention of Themistocles, and gave those Walls into the hands of the Lacedaemonians, which he built in defiance of 'em. Youth, says he, I have my eye upon Themistocles his design. He rais'd these Walls for the preservation of the City, and I for the very same reason wou'd have 'em destroy'd; and if Walls only secure a City, Sparta which has none is in a very ill condition.

Lysander as soon as the Ships and For∣tifications of the Athenians were deliver'd into his hands, attempted the same altera∣tion among them, as he had made in the other parts of Greece, but finding 'em more stubborn than he expected, he complain'd to the Lacedaemonians, that their orders were not observ'd by the Athenians, that

the Walls were yet standing, after the time fix'd for their pulling down was expir'd, and now since they had broke their first Articles, he declar'd he wou'd not enter into new conditions with 'em. Some say he mov'd in Council that they might be re∣duc'd to Slavery, when at the same time Eri∣anthus the Theban propos'd wholly to de∣stroy the City, and leave the Country de∣solate; but a little afterwards at an enter∣tainment of the Captains, one of 'em repeated some verses out of Eurypides's Electra: They begun thus,

Electra, O unhappy Queen, Whither wou'd you fly! return; Your absence the forsaken Groves And desert Palace seem to mourn.

This struck 'em, and, gave 'em occasion to reflect, how barbarous 'twou'd appear to lay that City in ruine, which had been renown'd for the birth and education of so many famous men. However Lysander, the A∣thenians entirely submitting to him, call'd a great consort of Musick, both out of the City and Camp, and whilst he pull'd down the Walls and burn'd the Ships, his associ∣ates dancing and Crown'd with Garlands, express'd as much joy, as if the end of other men's happiness, had been the beginning

of their own. After this, according to his usual way of dealing with Conquer'd Peo∣ple, he alter'd their Government, appoin∣ted thirty Rulers over the City, and ten over the Piraeum, plac'd a strong Garrison in the Tower, and made Callibius a Spar∣tan the Governour, who upon some slight occasion offer'd to strike Autolycus (a fa∣mous wrestler, the same whom Xenophon mentions in his 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉) but the young Gentleman avoided the blow, and gave Callibius a fall. Lysander, though this re∣flected upon one of his Officers, seem'd not to be much disturb'd at it, he only mildly reprimanded Autolycus, and told him Callibius was unacquainted with the Athenian Polity, and did not know the distinction of his quality: But soon after the Governours to ingratiate themselves with Callibius, kill'd Autolycus.

Lysander when he had settled his Affairs, sail'd to Thrace. All the money and pre∣sents which he had receiv'd (and in all pro∣bability a man in his station must have re∣ceiv'd many) he sent to Lacedaemon by Gulippus, whom he had made Captain over the Troops in Sicily. This Gulippus ripp'd up every bag, and when he had taken out of each as much as he thought fit, sow'd 'em up again; but this was not ma∣nag'd so cunningly as he imagin'd, for in

every bag it seems there was a bill that gave a particular account of its summ, so that when he came to Sparta, having first secur'd, as he thought, under the tiles of his House what he had taken for his own use, he deliver'd up his charge to the Ma∣gistrates, and with a good assurance show'd 'em the Seals as a mark of his fidelity. But when they examin'd the money and found it fall short of the Accounts express'd in the Bills, not suspecting any cheat in the Messenger they were something surpriz'd at the difference, till Gulippus his Servant betray'd the Secret, and told 'em by way of Riddle, That he had observ'd a great many Owls lodg'd under his Masters tiles: Now the Athenian money being generally stamp'd with the image of an Owl, this Mystery was quicly understood, and Gulippus ha∣ving stain'd his former reputation with this mean action, was asham'd to appear any more at Lacedaemon.

Some of the wisest among the Spartans, probably upon this occasion, being sensible what an ill influence money had over most mens manners, and how easily the best were corrupted by it, were very warm in their reflections upon Lysander, and ear∣nestly press'd the Magistrates to send away all their treasure of Gold and Silver. This debate was referr'd to a Council, where

as Theopompus says Scirophidas, as Ephorus will have it, Phlogidas, openly declar'd a∣gainst receiving Gold or Silver into the City, and mov'd that no money might be us'd amongst 'em, but their own, which was Iron dip'd in Vinegar whilst it was Red-hot, to make it hard and unpliable, that it might not easily be cover'd with Counterfeit Brass, this Coin of theirs made in the fashion of a Pyramid, was heavy, and that which was much in weight, was but little in value, so that 'twas very trouble∣some to carry any considerable Summ. This party that Voted against keeping the money was over-power'd by Lysander's Friends, and at last 'twas decreed that it shou'd be employ'd upon Publick Occasions, and that it shou'd be a Capital Crime to convert any of it to Private uses; But this did not at all answer Lycurgus his design, who by a scarcity of money intended to prevent Covetousness which is generally the ill Consequence of Riches; now this was not so much prevented by forbidding the use of money in Private, as 'twas en∣courag'd by allowing it in Publick, and it cou'd not be imagin'd that People who manag'd wealth to so General an Advan∣tage of the Republick, shou••d think it of no concern to themselves; nay 'tis much more reasonable to conclude that the com∣mon

Custom of a Nation shou'd influence particular men, than that the whole Nati∣on shou'd be corrupted by the Actions of some few, who upon any misdemeanor may be call'd to account, and reduc'd to a better sense of their duty, by sound Laws and strict Discipline. So that the order of State which we just now mentioned, was of no benefit to the Commonwealth, for though the fear of punishment was a pretty secure Guard upon men, not to hazard their Lives in Treasuring up money, yet the prohibition only heighten'd their de∣sires, and if their Actions did not break out, at last their affections were tainted. But I shall say no more of this matter here, because I have reflected upon it in another place.

Lysander, as we observ'd before, being much enrich'd with plunder and presents, rais'd his own and several of the chief Commanders statues in Brass at Delphos, and represented in Gold the Constellations of Castor, and Pollux, which had shone so favourably upon him at the Battel of Leuctra. The great Ship that Cyrus sent him when he congratualted him upon his Victo∣ry, he plac'd in the Treasury of Brasidas, and the Acanthians, and Alexandrides in his History names a very considerable Summ left there by Lysander. But this ac∣count

is not agreeable to the latter circum∣stances of his Life.

It must be own'd that never any Lacedae∣monian General had so absolute an Authority as Lysander, yet his Pride and Haughtiness of Spirit still carried him beyond it, inso∣much that Douris says the Grecians rais'd Altars to his Honour and sacrificed to him as a God. He was the first that was com∣plimented with Songs of Triumph; one of which begun thus,

To the brave Leader of our Bands, Begin the Song, which Gods inspire; With Tuneful Voice, and Artful Hands: Io Paean! touch the Lyre!

And the Samians decreed that the Feasts which were Celebrated in the Honour of Juno, shou'd now be transferr'd to Lysander. Chaerilus a Poet was always one of his re∣tinue and ready upon all occasions to Cele∣brate his Actions. Antilochus presenting him with a Panegyrick which he was much pleas'd with, was very splendidly re∣warded. There was a great emulation be∣tween Antimachus of Colophon and Nicera∣tus of Heraclea, who shou'd write the best Poem in Lysander's Praise. The Lawrel was given to Niceratus, which Antimachus taking ill, suppress'd his Verses. Plato who

was then a young Man, and an admirer of Antimachus his Poetry, desir'd him to bear this little misfortune with more Courage, telling him that ignorance affects only those that are ignorant, as Blindness hurts those alone that are Blind, and that this affront was not so much his own unhappi∣ness, as theirs who were not able to judge of his excellencies. Aristonous the Musi∣cian who had six times won the prize of the Pythian games, openly declar'd, that if ever he had the fortune to be conquerour once more, he'd employ all his art in Ly∣sander's praises.

Lysander's Haughtiness and Ambition was alike uneasie to his Superiours and his equals; he had so many Creatures follow'd him, that he look'd upon every Body with careless disdain, and was so regardless of other peoples Opinions, that he made his own humour the measure of all his Actions; to his Friends and those strangers that humbly attended him, and sided with his party, he was too liberally grateful, and rewarded their services with unlimited Commissions to govern Cities as absolutely as they pleas'd: But an Enemy seldom escap'd his revenge, and that was never sa∣tisfi'd but with the death of the Offender. To compass this he stuck at nothing that was base or treacherous, as 'tis plain from

his dealing with the Milesians. They had appear'd too forward in maintaining the right of the people, and when they found their designs discover'd, he was afraid they might secure themselves by flight, to pre∣vent this he solemnly swore not a man of them should suffer; Upon this they were all so credulous as to relie upon his word, nay many who upon apprehension of pu∣nishment had before absconded, appear'd abroad again, so when he had got 'em all in his power, he order'd 800 of 'em to be slain at one execution. In every City he exercis'd cruelties of this nature, and no man cou'd be safe who was suspected of any inclinations to popular Government. He did not only sacrifice men to his own private caprices, but with the same barba∣rity gratifi'd either the malice or Covetous∣ness of his Friends. From whence Eteocles his saying became famous; that Greece cou'd never bear two Lysanders. Theophra∣stus says that Archistratus appli'd the same thing to Alcibiades.

Pharnabazus after he had been plundred and very ill us'd by him, sent informers against him to Sparta. The Magistrates took this complaint into Consideration, and put some of his Friends to death, amongst which was his Fellow-Captain Thorax, who a∣gainst the late Law was found with Silver in

his possession; neither did they stop here in punishing his accomplices, but com∣manded him home by their Scytale. The nature and use of which was this. When the Magistrates gave their Commission to any Admiral or General, they took two round pieces of Wood both eactly equal in breadth and thickness, one they kept themselves, the other was deliver'd to their Officer, so when they had any thing of moment which they wou'd secretly convey to him; they cut a long narrow scrowl of Parchment, and rowling it about their own staff one fold close upon another, they wrote their business on it, when they had wrote what they had to say, they took off the Parchment and sent it to the General, he appli'd it to his own staff, which being just like that of the Magistrates, the folds fell in with one another, exactly as they did at the writing, and the Characters, which, before 'twas wrapt up, were confu∣sedly disjoin'd, and altogether unintelligible, appear'd now very plainly.

Lysander was startled at the Scytale, and being conscious how ill he had us'd Pharna∣bazus, thought this message was chiefly up∣on his Account, so he took all the care imaginable to have a speedy conference with him, and hop'd by a little discourse to compose all differences between 'em. When

they met, he desir'd him to give another information to the Senate, and to contra∣dict what his Messengers had told 'em be∣fore. Pharnabazus seem'd to comply with these proposals, but, as 'tis in the Proverb, Put the cheat upon the deceiver; for he wrote a Letter in Lysander's Presence ac∣cording to his directions, but had contriv'd to have another by him, which was to a quite contrary effect; so when they came to Seal the Letter, he put that upon him which he had writ under-hand; Lysander return'd boldly to Lacedaemon, and attending the Magistrates, as 'tis their Custom, at the Palace, he deliver'd Pharnabazus his Letter to 'em, which he was pretty confidently assur'd, wou'd take off his greatest Accusa∣tion, for he knew Pharnabazus was much valu'd by the Lacedaemonians, as being an expert Soldier and a favourite of Artax∣erxes. The Magistrates read the Letter, and show'd it Lysander, he was much sur∣priz'd to meet with what he had not in the least suspected, and in great confusion left the Palace.

Some days after when he was amongst the Governors, he told 'em he was oblig'd to go to Ammon's Temple, and pay that Sacrifice which he had Vow'd to him be∣fore the Battel, and 'tis indeed reported that Ammon appear'd to him in a Dream,

when he besieg'd the Aphygaeans, upon which as the God had directed he rais'd the Siege, and bid the Aphygaeans Sacrifice to Ammon: But 'tis generally believ'd that this was only a pretence, and that the true occasion of his retiring was a suspicion that the Magistrates wou'd call him to an Ac∣count, for having Rul'd so long without controul; his haughty Spirit cou'd not brook Submission to any Body, like an Horse that after he had been free a great while and rang'd in open Pasture, is very unwilling to be confin'd again to the Sta∣ble, and submit to the manage of his Ri∣der. Ephorus gives another Account of his retiring, which I shall mention by and by. Whatever the occasion was, he found it very difficult to get the Magistrates leave, and when with much ado they had given their consent to his Voyage, consi∣dering that most of their Cities were in the possession of his Friends, that he con∣sequently must needs have a great sway among 'em, and be likely to be receiv'd by 'em with all the respect due to their great Commander and Patron, they took particular care to dispossess 'em and put the Government into other hands.

This Revolution rais'd every where new disturbances, and first of all the Atheni∣ans attempted to seize upon their thirty

Governors, but Lysander happen'd to come very opportunely to their relief, and per∣swaded the Lacedaemonians to join with the Rulers against the People, they did not only grant him this, but presented the Governors too with an hundred Talents, and chose him their Captain: Some of the Chief of the the Athenians were jealous of Lysander, and fearing least he shou'd take the City a∣gain, resolv'd one of 'em shou'd be deputed to discourse with him. Pausanias was the man. When he came to Lysander, he pre∣tended he had been a great Friend to the Tyrants against the People, but his design was to break off the War, least Lysander shou'd again make himself Master of A∣thens. This design he compass'd very easi∣ly, for he reconcil'd the Athenians, and compos'd the Tumults, and so put a stop to Lysander's Ambition. However the Athenians made another insurrection, but Pausanias made a plausible excuse for it, and said that 'twas no strange thing to see People that were just free from their usual discipline, and left more to their own li∣berty, break out into insolent Affronts; withal he gave Lysander the commendati∣on of a generous man, who never em∣ploy'd his Arms either for the gratification of Friends or his own fame, but purely for the Glory of Sparta. Thus he preserv'd

the City a second time from Lysander's Ty∣ranny.

Lysander's Courage and Spirit appear'd in his expressions, no less than it did in his Actions. Once when the Argives con∣tended about their bounds, and thought they cou'd make a better Plea than the Lacedaemonians, he held out his Sword, and said, He that's Master of this will best make out his Title. A Megarean using more freedom than ordinary with him, met with this reprimand, By your discourse, Sir, a man may guess you are a stranger at Court. When the Boeotians stood wavering whether they shou'd engage on his side, or his Ene∣mies, he told 'em they must fix their reso∣lutions, he wou'd be with 'em speedily, and bad 'em consider whether they had ra∣ther be visited in a Friendly or hostile man∣ner. After the Corinthians had revolted, and the Lacedaemonians seem'd backward in their Assault, an Hare by chance leaping over the Ditch, Are ye not asham'd, said he, to fear those Enemies, whose laziness is such that the Hares sleep under their very Walls?

After Agis his death, Agesilaus his Bro∣ther, and Leotychides his suppos'd Son, were the only pretenders to the Crown, Lysander who was Agesilaus his particular Friend, perswaded him to claim his Right

to the Kingdom, as being legitimately de∣scended from Hercules, for 'twas very much suspected that Leotychides was Alcibiades his Son, who had been observ'd to be fami∣liar with Agis his Wife Timaia, all the time he was a fugitive in Sparta, and Agis computing the time, concluded that he himself cou'd not be the Father, so openly disown'd him and neglected him as a Ba∣stard; yet afterwards when he fell sick and was carri'd to Herea, by the importunity of the Youth himself, and his Friends, just before he died he declar'd before many witnesses that Leotychides was his lawful Son, and desired them to testify these his last words to the Lacedaemonians; which accordingly they did. Every body respe∣cted Agesilaus as a very deserving man, and his acquaintance with Lysander was a farther recommendation of him, but he was abus'd by Diopithes a great dealer in Prophecies, who apply'd this Speech of the Oracle to Agesilaus his lameness.

Proud as thou art, Sparta, beware How thou obeyest a limping Heir! War and discord without end, Shall on that luckless Hour attend; Every Labor, every Fate, That can waste, or sink a state.

Many believ'd the interpretation, and be∣gan to favour Leotychides his party. But Lysander said that Diopithes had mistook the sence of the Oracle, that 'twas not meant the Lacedaemonians would be unhap∣py under a lame King, but that they'd be a lame people if they suffer'd the posterity of Hercules to be govern'd by illegitimate princes. Having thus put a plausible con∣struction upon the words of the Oracle, and being otherwise one that had got a great interest among the People he prevail'd with 'em to make choice of Agesilaus; As soon as he was setled in his Kingdom, Ly∣sander press'd him very earnestly to make War upon Asia, putting him in hopes of raising to himself a great reputation by the Conquest of Persia; to further this design he writ to his Friends in Asia, and desir'd 'em they wou'd Petition Agesilaus to accept the Command of their Forces against the Barbarians. They comply'd with his re∣quest, and sent Ambassadours to Lacedaemon for that purpose.

Agesilaus thought himself no less oblig'd to Lysander for this favour, than he had been before for his Kingdom. But ambitious Spirits however otherwise qualifi'd for Go∣vernment, are hindred in their way to Glory by that Envy which they generally bear to their equals, and so make them the

chief opposers whom they might make the greatest promoters of their Heroick Actions. Thus Agesilaus at first chose Ly∣sander for his particular Favourite, made him one of his Cabinet Council, and consulted him upon all Affairs of moment, but when they came into Asia, having little acquain∣tance there, the People seldom addrest themselves to him but made their greatest Court to Lysander, some upon the account of a former familiarity and Friendship, o∣thers out of a servile Compliance. Thus as it often happens in Plays, a chief Actor represents one of a mean Character, yet is much taken notice of, while he that per∣sonates the King has but a small part, and is little regarded by the Spectators; so here the Councellour had all that was re∣ally valuable in Government, and left the King only the empty name of Power. In∣deed both of 'em ought to have moderated their Ambition, Lysander was too forward in accepting those honours which ought first to have been paid Agesilaus: On the other side Agesilaus did ill, so unhandsomely to discard a Friend that he had been so much oblig'd to. For first of all he never gave him any opportunity of appearing with reputation, never put him in any post of Command; besides whoever he en∣gag'd for, was sure to miscarry, and to be

thought Lysander's Friend was fault enough to deserve the King's displeasure.

Lysander was so unsuccessful in every thing he undertook, and found so often that what he design'd as a kindness was prejudicial to his Friends, that he desir'd 'em to forbear their addresses, and take no publick notice of him, that they shou'd either speak to the King himself, or to those Favourites who had more interest than he at present to preferr 'em. Upon this many gave him no farther trouble with their concerns, but still continu'd their respects to him, and waited upon him in all places of publick entertainment. This griev'd A∣gesilaus yet more, when he saw all his en∣deavours to call off the Peoples Affections from Lysander were in vain: So to show his resentment, when he made new Offi∣cers in his Army, and Governours of Ci∣ties, he affronted Lysander so far as to make him overseer of his House-provisions, and then by way of derision bid the Ioni∣ans, go and pay their complements to his Caterer. Lysander cou'd brook this usage no longer, and resolv'd freely to tell the King his mind. Their discourse was very short and Laconick. Agesilaus, says Lysan∣der, you know very well how to despise your Friends; Yes, says he, when they affect to be greater than my self, and 'tis just they shou'd

have the greatest share in my power who most endeavour to promote it. Lysander reply'd very modestly, Sir, this is rather what you please to say, than what I ever did. I beg of you, since our Enemies have an eye upon our carriage to one another in hopes to make advantage of it, let me serve you in some Office where I may be least suspected, and most useful to you. This favour was granted him, and he was sent Ambassador to the Hellespont, and though he did bear some secret grudge to the King, yet that did not hinder him from a very faithful discharge of his duty. He perswaded Mithridates the Persian who had fallen out with Pharnabazus to revolt with all the Army under his Command, and brought him over to Agesilaus: How∣ever he was not employ'd upon any other service, but return'd in disgrace to Sparta, not only highly incens'd against Agesilaus in particular, but displeas'd more than e∣ver with the whole frame of the Govern∣ment.

Things had been a great while ripe for change, and People were ready to break in∣to Rebellion; he resolv'd therefore not to miss the opportunity but set it on foot assoon as possible. His stratagem was this. Some of the Heraclidae who came into Peloponnesus and mix'd with the Dorians, were now grown very numerous and

powerful in Sparta. But two Families only cou'd claim any right to succession in the Kingdom; those were the Eurytiontidae and the Agiadae, others had no privilege in the Commonwealth by the Nobleness of their Birth, but those who cou'd plead most merit had the best Titles to the com∣mon Rewards of Vertue. Lysander was one of these, and when he had gain'd a great Reputation by his Actions, many Friends, and much Power, he was uneasy to see that City which ow'd its encrease chiefly to him, rul'd by others no better descended than himself. So he contriv'd to alter the settlement which confin'd the Government to two Families, and gave all the Heraclidae an equal right to it; nay some say not the Heracli∣dae only, but all the Spartans, and make it a reward not so much of Hercules his posterity, as of those who bravely imi∣tated that valour which gave him a place among the Gods. He had great hopes that when the Kingdom was thus to be dispos'd of, no Spartan cou'd appear with those ad∣vantages that he cou'd. Upon which prospect first he endeavour'd to insinuate the reasonableness of this change into pri∣vate People, and afterwards to the same purpose spoke an Oration which Cleon of Halicarnassus had made for him. But per∣ceiving

that this new project was very extraordinary, and not to be brought about by common means, as in Tragedies, when any thing of great importance is to be re∣solv'd, the assistance of some God is made use of, so he to promote his designs with more colour of Authority counterfeited an∣swers from Delphos, presuming he shou'd terrifie those by Apollo's Oracles whom he cou'd not perswade by Cleon's Eloquence. Ephorus says that after he had in vain en∣deavour'd to pervert the Pythian Oracle, and as unsuccessfully sent Pericles to cor∣rupt Dodona, he went himself to Ammon, and profer'd the Priests prodigious Summs of Gold, who with great indignation re∣jected his Bribes and sent people to accuse him at Sparta. Where he met with such favourable Judges that he was easily clear'd from their impeachments, upon which the Libyans took their leave of the Spartans in this manner, When you come to live a∣mong us in Africa you'll find us more imparti∣al Judges. Now there was an ancient Pro∣phecy which foretold that the Lacedaemo∣nians shou'd some time or other inhabit Africa. Lysander's designs in this matter were very subtile and intricate, and ma∣nag'd by very great Politicians, so in order to clear the whole intrigue we must trace it as we do a Mathematical demonstration,

up to its first principles; I shall therefore at large explain it as 'tis related by a cer∣tain Historian and Philosopher.

There was a Woman in Pontus who was said to conceive by Apollo, many with a great deal of reason suspected it, others were so credulous as to believe it. After she was deliver'd of a Boy many People took peculiar care of its education, and for some reason or other gave it the Name of Silenus. Ly∣sander taking hold of this, made it the Ground of his whole stratagem, and chose such confidents to assist him in it, whose Character might bring the story into re∣putation without the least suspicion of for∣gery. To make the best advantage of this they spread abroad another story, that there were very ancient Oracles closely conceal'd in the custody of the Priests, and 'twas upon record that they were not to be profan'd by vulgar hands, neither was it lawful for any man to read 'em, till in some future Age one shou'd arise who shou'd manifestly prove himself the Son of Apollo, and challenge to himself the Interpretation of these Mysteries. When the credit of this report was well established among the People, Silenus was to come and demand the prerogative of his Birth. The Priests who were Confederates in this Plot, were strictly to examine into every circumstance

and particular of his Nativity, and after∣wards being fully convinc'd that he was the true Son of Apollo, were to deliver up their charge to him: who when he pub∣lickly open'd the Oracles before the People, was to declare several things concerning the Government, among which he was to tell 'em 'twou'd be more for their honour and interest to break the present succession, and choose their Kings out of the most deserving men in the Commonwealth. But when Silenus was grown up and every thing ready for Action, the whole business miscarri'd by the Cowardice of one that was an agent in it, whose heart failed him just at the time of Execution. However nothing of this was discover'd while Lysan∣der liv'd, for he died, before Agesilaus re∣turn'd from Asia, in the Baeotian, or as some say the Grecian, War. For 'tis repor∣ted both ways. Some say he himself was the occasion of his death, others blame the Thebans for it, others accuse both. To the Thebans 'tis objected that they us'd the Sa∣crifice so irreverently, as to scatter it in pieces on the Ground; that suffering them∣selves to be corrupted by the King about Androclides and Amphitheus, they engag'd the Lacedaemonians in the Grecian War, that they set upon the Phocians and laid waste their Country. They say too Lysan∣der

took it ill, that they alone, when the rest of the Confederates were content, pretended to the privilege of assuming to themselves the tenth part of the spoils; and that they complain'd of his sending money to Sparta. But he was most of all displeas'd, because they made way for the Athenians to free themselves from the Ty∣ranny of that Government which he had establish'd among 'em. To terrifie the A∣thenians from this revolt, the Lacedaemoni∣ans decreed that those who fled out of A∣thens shou'd be apprehended where-ever they shou'd be found, and that those who en∣deavour'd to rescue 'em shou'd be treated as Enemies to the Government. The Thebans gave out a counter order which was gene∣rous and becoming the posterity of Hercu∣les, and Bacchus, that every House and City in Baeotia shou'd be open and free for any Athenian that desir'd protection, and that whoever did not assist a fugitive that was in danger of being seiz'd, shou'd be fin'd a Ta∣lent, besides if any one shou'd march Arm'd through Baeotia to the Relief of the Athe∣nians, he shou'd find a safe passage without being taken notice of. Neither did they stop here, for as their decree was hospitable and friendly, so their Actions were agreea∣ble to it. For Thrasibulus with several other fugitives was so far aided by them secretly,

with Money, and Arms, that he made an assault upon the Phile, and possess'd him∣self of it. Lysander cou'd not but resent these affronts, which the Thebans had so openly offer'd both to him and the Lace∣daemonians. His Anger grew very fierce, and was encreas'd by a Splenetick humour which he was troubled with in his old Age. This urg'd him to importune the Magi∣strates to employ him once more in their Service, so he march'd out with the Army under his Command, and Pausanias fol∣low'd him with another. Pausanias went round by Cythaeron with a design to in∣vade Baeotia; Lysander pass'd through Phocis in order to meet him. As he march'd a∣long he took by surrender the City of the Orchomenians, and laid waste Lebadia. From whence he sent Letters to Pausanias that he shou'd remove from Platea, and make haste to join Forces with him at Haliartus, where he himself wou'd certain∣ly meet him by break of day. These Let∣ters fell into the hands of the Enemies Spies, and were brought to the Thebans. Upon the opening of 'em they entrusted their City with the Athenians, and they sallying out at the first Watch arriv'd at Haliartus, and put part of their Forces in∣to the City a little before Lysander came. Lysander had at first resolv'd to pitch his

Tents upon the side of an Hill, and wait for Pausanias, but day drawing on he grew impatient, and led his Soldiers out in a direct line along the Road to the Walls of the City.

There is a Fountain call'd Cisseusa in which they say Bacchus was wash'd imme∣diately after his birth, for the Water is like Wine, of a bright Colour, and a pleasant taste, not far off grows the Cretian Storax, by which the Haliartians guess Radaman∣thus dwelt there, and the rather because his Sepulchre too, which they call Alea, is seen in this place. The monument of Alcmena is hard by, where they pretend she was buri'd, when after Amphitryo's death she marri'd Radamanthus. 'Twas here about on the left side of Haliartus, that those Thebans who had not entred the City were plac'd, from whence with great fierceness they fell upon the Enemies Rear. In the mean time those within the City putting themselves into one body with the Haliartians kept their order in quiet. But assoon as Lysander appear'd with his Van-Guard before the Gates, they rush'd out, killed him and one of his Priests, with some few more, for the greater part made their escape to the main Army, but the Thebans pursu'd 'em so closely that they all soon dis∣pers'd and fled to the Hills. A Thousand of

them were kill'd in this pursuit, and 300 of the Thebans fell by chasing 'em too rash∣ly into craggy and dangerous places. These 300 had been suspected of correspondence with the Lacedaemonians, which made 'em so rash and desperate that they were re∣solv'd to wipe off this disgrace though with the loss of their Lives. The news of this defeat came to Pausanias as he was going from Platea to Thespias. He presently put his Army in order and made towards Ha∣liartus, where about the same time Thrasy∣bulus was arriv'd with a party of the Athe∣nians under his Command. Pausanias wou'd have articled with 'em upon terms for the dead, but the Spartan Magistrates wou'd not consent to it, and were angry with him for offering such mean proposals. They declar'd Lysander's body shou'd not be re∣deem'd by conditions, but if they fought it out, and Conquer'd they might carry it off honourably, if they happen'd to be overcome themselves 'twou'd however be more glorious to die upon the spot with their Commander. The Magistrates carry∣ing it thus high with the usual haughtiness of Spartans, Pausanias, who was more calm, saw 'twas too difficult a matter to think of routing the Thebans, who were just now flush'd with Victory; besides if this cou'd have been done, the body lay so near the

Walls, that it cou'd not easily be bore off without a truce, so he immediately dis∣patch'd an Herauld, obtain'd a Treaty; drew back his Forces, carri'd away Lysan∣der, and buri'd him in the Country of his Friends, the Panopeans. His Monument is still to be seen in the Road from Delphos to Chaeronea, where the Lacedaemonians for some time took up their quarters, and while they staid there, one of Phocis giv∣ing an account of the Battel to one of his Companions, said, The Enemy fell upon 'em, after Lysander had pass'd Ophlites. A Spartan, Lysander's Friend that stood by, having not heard of that name, ask'd what Ophlites he meant, and yet says the Pho∣cian that's the place where we lost our bravest men, 'tis the River that runs by the City. The Spartan immediately wept and broke out into this expression, O how un∣avoidable are the decrees of Fate! For it seems the Oracle had pronounced this to Lysander.

Take care to shun Ophlites watery Field, And him who bears a Dragon in his Shield.

Some indeed say Ophlites doth not run to Haliartus, but is a River near Coronea, which mix'd with the River Phliarus passes along to that City. 'Twas formerly call'd

Oplias, but now 'tis known by the name of Isomantus. Neocorus the Haliartian who kill'd Lysander, bore a Dragon in his Shield, and 'tis probable that this was signifi'd by the Oracle.

'Tis reported there was an Oracle con∣cerning the Thebans in the Peloponnesian War, which foretold the Battel at Delium, and this at Haliartus, though this hap∣ned thirty years after. The Oracle runs thus.

Don't follow in your chase the eager Hound Ʋpon the Confines, fly th 'Orchalian Ground That den of Foxes.

This place about Delium he calls the Con∣fines, where Baeotia borders upon Atti∣ca; and the Hill Orchalides, which now they call Alopecon, lies in that part of Haliartus, which is towards Helicon.

The Lacedaemonians look'd upon Pausani∣as his proceedings as so dishonourable to a Spartan General, that they wou'd have tri'd him for his Life, but he durst not ven∣ture to appear, so fled into Tegaea, where he devoted himself to a private Life in the Temple of Minerva.

Lysander's poverty which was discover'd at his death, made his virtue more admir'd, when it appear'd that from so much plenty

and power, such rich presents from so many Cities, which were under his Government, he had not at all encreas'd the wealth of his own private Family. This is observ'd by Theopompus, whom we may sooner believe when he commends, than when he finds fault, for men are more apt to discom∣mend than praise. Ephorus says that upon some dispute between the Confederates with Sparta, when Lysander's writings were to be examin'd, Agesilaus was order'd to make the search, who finding a discourse of Ly∣sander's concerning the Government, where he endeavour'd to show how advantageous 'twou'd be to the Commonwealth, if the right of succession, which the Family of the Eureutiontidae and Agiadae pretended to, was broke, and the Kingdom made elective. This discourse Agesilaus design'd to publish, and discover by that means what sort of a Friend Lysander was to 'em in private. But Lacratidas a wise man, and at that time President of the Council, wou'd not suffer him so basely to abuse a great General's me∣mory, and told him that these papers which were so plausibly and ingeniously writ, deserv'd to rest honourably with their Author, and that 'twas inhumane to dig Lysander out of his Grave. The Spartans bestow'd many honours on him after his death, amongst which this was none of the

least; There were some who had engag'd themselves to Lysander's Daughters while every thing about him appear'd Rich and Splendid, but when they saw how poor and honest he died, they broke off their contract. These in respect to Lysander's memory the Spartans severely fin'd: For there was it seems in Sparta a Law which punish'd as well those that broke off, or de∣ferr'd a promis'd marriage, as those who engag'd in an ill one, and this Law laid hold on those chiefly who endeavour'd to marry into rich, rather than good Families. Thus we have faithfully related all the Re∣markable passages which we cou'd gather of Lysander's Life.

THE LIFE OF L. C. SYLLA.

Englished from the Greek, By William Davies, Fellow of Trinity College in Cambridge.

VOLUME III.

LƲcius Cornelius Sylla was descended of a Patrician or Noble Family. Of his Ancestors, Rufinus, they say, had been Consul, and that his Honour met with a more signal disgrace: For being found possessed of Plate, to the value of above ten pounds more than the Law allowed, he was thereupon put out of the Senate. His Poste∣rity have lain ever since in obscurity, nor had Sylla himself any such splendid Educati∣on.

[illustration]

SYLLA.

••e Sylla lays his Arms and Empire down quits his power, and takes a private gown ••imple strange! and which we scarce beleive; ••••erce Tyrants sheath their swords, and yet they live!

In his younger days he dwelt in hired Lodgings, for which he paid but a very small rate, insomuch as in after-times it was upbraided to him as one who had been for∣tunate above his Quality. And as he was boasting and magnifying himself for his Ex∣ploits in Libya, a Person of Worth and In∣genuity made answer; And how canst Thou be an honest man, who since the death of a Fa∣ther, who left thee nothing, hast purchased so much? The then present Age was not abso∣lutely an Age of clean and upright manners, but was already declin'd and fallen in love with Riches and Luxury: however then, in this Gentleman's Opinion, they who had deserted the Ancient Hereditary meanness of their Family, were as much to blame as those who had run out a fair Estate. And after, when he had seized the Power into his hands and slew many, a Freeman of the Ci∣ty, being suspected to have concealed one of the Proscribed, and for that reason sentenced to be cast headlong down the Tarpeian Rock, in a reproachful way, recounted, how that they had lived long together in fami∣liar converse under the same Roof, himself for the upper Rooms paying two thousand Sesterces, and Sylla for the lower three thou∣sand; so as the difference between their For∣tunes then was no more but one thousand Sesterces, which in Attick Coin give two

hundred and fifty Drachma's. And thus* 1.1 much of his Original.

His other shape of Body appears by his Statues, only his grey Eyes, of themselves extream fierce and glaring, the complexion of his face rendred yet more formidable to look on, for it brake out into red fiery Pim∣ples, intermixt here and there with spots of white. Hence, by report, he was surnamed Sylla, in allusion to which an Athenian Droll cast out this Scoff in Verse,

Sylla's a Mulberry drudg'd o'er with Meal.

Nor is it improper to make use of such re∣marks as these, in the decyphering of a Per∣son, who by Nature was so addicted to rail∣lery, as in his youthful obscurer years he would converse freely with Mimicks and Jesters, and accompany them in all their wild Fegaries. And, when Lord of All, he was often wont to muster together the most impudent Stage-Players and merry Fellows of the Town, to drink with, and play Pri∣zes of Wit, without seasonable regard had to his Age, or Dignity of his Place, and to the prejudice of other important Affairs. At hours of refreshment it was not in Syl∣la's Nature to admit of any thing that was serious, and though at other times he was a man of business, and somewhat austere of

countenance, yet would he alter so, all of a sudden, at his first entrance upon Wine and good Fellowship, as to Minstrels and Dance∣ing-women he became tractable, and to all sorts of humours pliant and condescending. The cause of this loose distemper in him, could be no other than Nature her self, ever prone to love and violently breaking forth into all manner of voluptuousness, from which in his old Age he could not refrain. He constantly from his youth affected Ma∣crobius, the Player. In his first Amours it happ'ned, that he made court to a common but rich Lady, Nicopolis by Name, and what by the air of his Youth, and what by an a∣greeable behaviour, won so far on her Af∣fections in Quality of a Gallant, as dying she bequeathed him her whole Substance; he likewise inherited the Estate of a Mother∣in-law, who loved him as her own Son. By these means he had pretty well advanced his Fortunes.

He was chosen Questor to Marius in his first Consulship, and set sail with him for Africa, to War upon Jugurtha. Here as to other Points he approved himself to all men, but more especially, by closing in dexte∣rously with an accidental occasion, made a Friend of Bocchus King of Numidia. For having honourably entertained the King's Embassadors, after their escape from Numi∣dian

Robbers, he sent them on their Jour∣ney with Presents and a safe Convoy. As for Bocchus, he had long since hated and dreaded his Son-in-law, Jugurtha, who at that time had been worsted in the Field, and fled to him for shelter: Wherefore spying his opportunity, he called Sylla in, as chusing by him, rather than by himself, to make seizure and delivery of Jugurtha. Sylla, when he had communicated the business to Mari∣us, and received from him a small Detach∣ment, put himself on imminent danger; for confiding in a Barbarian, and one who had been unfaithful to his own Relations, out of desire to apprehend another man's Person, he made surrender of his own. Bocchus, having both of them now in his power, was necessitated to betray one or other, and af∣ter long debate with himself, at last resolved on his first Design, and gave up Jugurtha into the hands of Sylla.

For this Marius Triumphed, but the Glo∣ry of the Enterprize, which the conscious Envy of Marius thought due to Sylla, grie∣ved him inwardly. And the truth on it is, Sylla himself was by Nature vain-glorious, and this being the first time, that from a low and private condition he had risen to Esteem amongst the Citizens, and tasted of Honour, his Ambition bore him up higher to such a pitch of Ostentation, as to cause

the Figure of this Action to be engraved on a Signet, which he made use of ever after. The Impress was, Bocchus delivering and Sylla receiving of Jugurtha. This toucht Marius to the quick, however judging Sylla to be below a Rival, he made use of him as Lieutenant-General in his second Consul∣ship, and in his third, as Tribune. And by his means were many considerable Services done. In his Lieutenant-Generalship he took Copillus, Chief of the Tectosages, Priso∣ner, and compelled the Marsians, a great and populous Nation, to become Friends and Confederates of the Romans.

From henceforward Sylla perceiving that Marius bore a jealous eye over him, and would no longer afford him opportunities of Action, but rather opposed his growth, he applied himself to Catulus, Marius his Col∣legue, a brave man, only somewhat unactive as to War. Under this General, who entrusted him with the chiefest and greatest Com∣mands, it came to pass, that, together with Glory, he arrived at Power. He subdued by Arms most part of the Alpine Barbari∣ans. There happ'ning a scarcity in the Ar∣mies, he took that care upon himself, and brought in such store of Provisions, as not only to refresh the Soldiers of Catulus with Plenty, but likewise to supply Marius. This, as he writes himself, struck Marius to the

very Heart. So slight and childish was the first beginning and rise of that Enmity be∣tween them, which nourished with Civil Blood and endless Divisions, grew up to Tyranny, and the Confusion of the whole State. This argues Eurypides to be a wise Man, and well skilled in the Distempers of the Body Politick, in that he forewarned all Men to beware of Ambition, as the most de∣structive and pernicious Goddess to those who consult her.

Sylla by this time thinking that the Re∣putation of his Arms abroad was sufficient to entitle him to part of the Civil Admini∣stration, betook himself immediately from the Camp to the Assembly, and fell a can∣vassing for a Pretorship, but lost it. The fault of this disappointment he wholly as∣cribes to the People, who knowing his inti∣macy with King Bocchus, and for that rea∣son expecting, that if he was made Aedile before his Pretorship, that he would then shew them noble Game, and the Encoun∣ters of Lybian Beasts, chose other Pretors, on purpose to force him on the Aedileship. The vanity of this Pretext was sufficiently disproved by matter of fact. For the year following, partly by stroaking the People with fair Words, and partly by Money, he got himself elected Pretor. Wherefore car∣rying the Place, and withal hastily telling

Caesar, that against him he should make use of his Own Authority, Caesar smilingly re∣plied, You do well to call it your Own; for you have bought it. At the end of his Pretor∣ship he was sent over into Cappadocia, with a specious pretence, to re-establish Ariobar∣zanes in his Kingdom, but in reality to give check to the growing Power of Mithridates, a mighty stirring Prince, who had already invested himself in as vast a new-acquired Power and Dominion, as was that of his an∣cient Inheritance. He carried over with him no great Forces of his own, but making use of the chearful supply of the Confederates, flung out Gordius, with huge Slaughter of the Cappadocians, more especially of the Ar∣menian Succours, and declared Ariobarzanes King.

During his stay on the Banks of Euphra∣tes* 1.2 there came unto him Orabazus, a Par∣thian, in quality of Ambassador from King Arsaces, whereas yet there had been no Cor∣respondence between both Nations. And this we may lay to the account of Sylla's Fe∣licity, that he should be the first Roman to whom the Parthians made address for Alli∣ance and Friendship. At the time of Re∣ception, having ordered three Chairs of State to be set, one for Ariobarzanes, one for Orobazus, and a third for himself, he placed himself in the midst and gave Audi∣ence:

For which the King of Parthia after∣wards put Orobazus to death. Some People commended Sylla for his lofty carriage to∣wards the Barbarians: Others again accu∣sed him of Arrogance and unseasonable Am∣bition. It is reported, that a certain Chal∣cidian, of Orobazus his Retinue, looking Syl∣la wistfully in the Face, and observing ju∣dicially the Motions of his Soul and Body, according to the Rules of Art, should say, That it was impossible for him not to be the greatest Man, or rather a wonder how he could eventhen abstain from being Head of all.

At his return Censorinus impeach'd him of Extortion, for drawing a vast sum of Mo∣ney from a well affected and associate King∣dom. However Censorinus appeared not at the Tryal, but let fall his Accusation. The quarrel between Sylla and Marius began to break out afresh, receiving new life from the Ambition of Bocchus, who to please the People of Rome, and gratifie Sylla, set up in the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus con∣secrated Images of Victory, and withal a Golden Jugurtha, in posture as he was delivered by him to Sylla: but as Marius attempted to pull them down in a rage, and others were aiding to Sylla, the City had like to have taken fire by that vio∣lent Commotion, had not the Confede∣rate-War, which lay long a smothering,

blaz'd forth at last, and respited the Sedition.

In the course of this War, which had ma∣ny great Revolutions, and which shockt the Romans most, and endangered the very be∣ing of the Commonwealth, Marius was not able to signalize his Valour in any action, but left behind him a clear proof, that a warlike Spirit stands in need of a strong and vigorous Body. Sylla, on the other hand, by his extraordinary Deeds, got the name of a great Commander amongst the Citi∣zens, of the greatest amongst his Friends, and the most fortunate amongst his Adver∣saries. Nor made this the like Impression on him, as it made on the Spirits of Timo∣theus the Son of Conon, an Athenian, who, when his Adversaries had pictured him asleep, and Fortune by his side, casting her nets over Cities, rag'd and storm'd at those who did it, as if by ascribing his successes to Fortune, they had rob'd him of his just honours, and to the People at his return from the Wars, said, And in this, ye men of Athens, Fortune had no part. For this high presumption of his, the Goddess grew so perversely cross, that from that time he was never able to compass any thing that was great, but proving altogether unfortunate in his attempts, and falling into discredit with the People, was at last banisht the Ci∣ty.

Sylla on the contrary would not only having frankly acknowledged such Divine Felicities and Favours, but withal magni∣fying and extolling what was done to the Skies, had plac'd it all to Fortune, whether out of haughty purpose, or a real sense of the Deity. He remarks, in his Memoirs, that of all his well-advised Actions, none proved so lucky in the Execution, as what on a sudden he had boldly enterprized. And in that Character which he gives of himself, That he was born for Fortune rather than War, he seems to attribute more to his Fortune than Valour. In short, he makes himself entirely the creature of For∣tune, accounting even his unanimous a∣greement with Metellus, a man of equal Authority with himself, and his Father-in∣law, as a blessing from Heaven. For ex∣pecting to have met in him a turbulent, he found a quiet Collegue. Moreover, in those Memoirs which he hath dedicated to Lucullus, he admonisheth him to esteem nothing more solid, than what the Gods should advise him in a Vision by Night. And when he was sent forth with an Army to the Confederate-War, he relates, how that the Earth about Laverna opened wide, and from thence issued much fire, shooting forth a bright flame up to the Heavens. The Southsayers upon this foretold, that

a valiant Person of rare and singular aspect, should take the Government in hand, and quiet the present troubles of the City. Sylla affirm'd, he was the man, for he had that about him which was extraordinary, a golden head of hair; nor was he asham'd openly to attest his Valour, after so great and gallant performances. And thus much of his opi∣nion of the Gods.

As to the rest of his conditions, he was an irregular sort of man, inconsistent with himself: much given to Rapine, to Pro∣digality much more: in promoting or dis∣gracing whom he pleased, alike unaccoun∣table: cringing to those he stood in need of, and domineering over others who stood in need of him; so that it was hard to tell, whether his Nature had more in it of dis∣dain or flattery. As to his unequal distri∣bution of punishments, when upon slight grounds he would put to the torture, and again bear gently with the greatest Crimes, and receive into grace the most hainous Transgressors upon easie terms, but small and inconsiderable offences chastise with Death, and Confiscation of Goods; one might from hence judge, that in himself he was really of a bitter revengeful Nature, which however he could qualifie, upon reason of Interest. In this very Confede∣rate-War, when the Soldiers with Stones

and Clubs, had killed a chief Commander, his own Legate, Albinus by name, he pas∣sed by such horrid indignity without taking Cognizance, giving it out moreover in a boast, that hereafter he should have the Soldiers more intent upon the War, to re∣pair their breach of Discipline, by some notable piece of service; nor took he notice of the clamours of those that cried for Justice, but casting in mind, how to crush Marius, now that he saw the Confede∣rate-War to be at an end, he made much of the Army, in hopes to get himself de∣clared General of the Forces against Mithri∣dates.

At his return to Rome he was chosen Consul with Quintus Pompeius, in the fifti∣eth year of his Age▪ and then he took to Wife, the Illustrious Lady Cecilia, Daugh∣ter to Metellus, the Chief Priest. The common People made Sonnets on the Mar∣riage, and many of the Nobility were dis∣gusted at it, esteeming him, as Livy writes, unworthy of the Lady, whom be∣fore they thought worthy of a Consulship. This was not his only Wife, for first in his younger days he was joined to Ilia, by whom he had a Daughter; after her to Ae∣lia, and then to Caelia, whom he dismis∣sed as Barren, but with respect and a good report, adding moreover Presents. The

Match between him and Metella falling out a few days after, gave suspicion that he had wrongfully accused Caelia: he was e∣vermore indulgent to Metella, insomuch as when he refused to recal the banisht Mari∣ans, the People made their humble applica∣tion to Metella. And the Athenians, it's thought, had harder measure, at the Sack∣ing of the Town, because in a jeering way, they had affronted Metella from off the Walls. But of this hereafter.

At present esteeming the Consulship but small in Comparison of things to come, he was impatiently carried on in thought to the Mithridatick War. Here he was with∣stood by Marius, who out of mad affectation of Glory, and thirst of Empire, those ne∣ver dying Passions, though he were bro∣ken in Body, and insufficient for the last services, by reason of his Age, yet still co∣veted after Foreign and Transmarine Wars; and whilst Sylla was departed for the Camp, to order the rest of his Affairs there, sate brooding at home, and at last hatcht that execrable Sedition, which wrought Rome more mischief, than all her Enemies toge∣ther could have done, as was foretold by the Gods. For a flame broke forth of its own accord, from under the staves of their Ensigns, and was hard to be extinguisht. Three Ravens brought forth their young

and eat them, carrying the reliques into the Nest again. Mice having gnawed the Consecrated Gold of the Temple, the Aediles took one Female in a trap, but she bringing forth five young ones in the very trap, devoured three of them. But what was greatest of all, in a calm and clear sky there was heard the sound of a Trum∣pet, but with such a strong and dismal blast, as struck terror and amazement into the hearts of the People. The Hetruscane Sa∣ges affirmed, that this Prodigy betok'ned the mutation of the Age, and revolution of the whole Universe. For according to them there be in all eight Ages, differing one from another in Lives and Conversati∣on, and to each of these God has allotted a certain measure of times, determined by the Circuit of the great year; when one Age is run out, at the approach of another, there appears some wonderful sign from Earth or Heaven, as is plain to those who have made it their business to study such things, that there has succeeded in the World a new race of Men, disagreeing in Customs and Institutes of Life, and more or less regarded by the Gods, than the pre∣ceeding. Amongst other mighty changes that happen, as they say, at the turn of Ages, even the Art of Divination grows into esteem sometimes, and predicts certainties

from clear and evident tokens, sent from God: and then again, in another Genera∣tion waxes as low to a decline, as frivolous for the most part, taking in future events through weak and darksome Organs. This was the Mythology of the Tuscan Sages, who were thought to be more knowing than other People. Whilst the Senate sate in Consultation with the South-sayers, con∣cerning these Prodigies, in the Temple of Bellona, Goddess of War, a Sparrow came flying in before them all, with a Grashop∣per in the mouth; and part she let fall, and part she bore away. The Diviners doubted a Commotion and Dissention to arise be∣tween the Country and City. For with them the clamorous Grashopper signifies the Country, and Sparrow, the City.

Now Marius join'd to him Sulpitius, a Fellow second to none for the most exqui∣site Villainies, so as we need not enquire wherein he excelled others, but where∣in he excelled himself in Wickedness. He was cruel, bold, rapacious, openly disho∣nest, and throughout a Rogue, making sale by out-cry of the Roman Freedom to Libertines and Strangers, and telling out the price on the publick Money-tables. He maintained three thousand Sword-men, and had always about him a company of young Gentlemen ready on all occasions,

whom he styled his Antisenatarian-band; having caused a Law to be enacted, that no Senator should contract a debt of above three thousand Drachma's, he himself after Death, was found indebted three Millions. This was the man whom Marius let in upon the Commonwealth, and who or∣dering all things by Force and the Sword, made several Ordinances of dangerous con∣sequence, and amongst the rest, that same, which gave to Marius the Conduct of the Mithridatick War. Upon this the Consuls proclaim a Publick Cessation of business, but as they were holding a Senate in the Temple of Castor and Pollux, he let loose the Rabble upon them, and amongst many others slew Pompey, the Consuls young Son, in the Forum, Pompey himself hardly escaping in the Crowd. But Sylla being closely pursued into the House of Marius, was forc'd to come forth and dissolve the Cessation; for this cause Sulpitius having deposed Pompey, continu'd Sylla in his Con∣sulship, only the Mithridatick Expedition, that he conferred on Marius.

There were immediately dispatcht to Nola, Tribunes, to receive the Army, and bring it to Marius; but seeing that Sylla was got before to the Camp, and the Sol∣diers upon hearing of the News had stoned the Tribunes, Marius in requital, put the

Friends of Sylla in the City to the Sword, and rifled their Goods. The People were all up in a hurry, shifting and running to and fro, some from the Camp to the City, others from the City to the Camp. The Senate, then no more its own, but whol∣ly Governed by the Dictates of Marius and Sulpitius, alarm'd at the report of Sylla's advancing his Troops towards the City, sent forth two of the Pretors, Brutus and Servilius, to forbid his nearer approach: The Soldiers would have slain these Pre∣tors in a fury, for their rough Language to Sylla; however, breaking their Rods asun∣der, and tearing off their Purple Robes, after much contumelious usage, they sent them back, to the sad and sudden dejection of those that beheld their Magistrates de∣spoiled of Pretorian Ensigns, and withal declaring, that things were now manifest∣ly come to a Rupture and past cure: Mari∣us put himself in a readiness, and Sylla with his Collegue moved from Nola, at the head of six compleat Legions, all whom he found willing to march up directly against the City; but he himself as yet was doubt∣ful in thought, and apprehensive of the danger. As he was sacrificing, Posthumius the South-sayer having inspected the En∣trails, stretching forth both hands to Sylla, required to be bound and kept in Custody

till the Battel was over, as willing if they had not speedy Success, to suffer the utmost Punishment. It's said, that there appeared to Sylla in a Dream a certain Goddess, whom the Romans learnt to worship from the Cappadoces, whether she was the Moon, or Pallas, or Bellona: This same Goddess, to his thinking, stood by him, and put in∣to his Hand Thunder and Lightning, then naming his Enemies one by one, bad him discharge on them, who all of them dropt at the discharge, and disappeared. Encou∣raged by this Vision, and relating the same to this Collegue, next day he led on to∣wards Rome: About Picinae being met by an Embassy, beseeching him not to fall on of a sudden, in the heat of a March, (for the Senate had decreed to do him all the right imaginable) he consented to lodge on the place, and sent his Officers to mea∣sure out the Ground, (as is usual) for a Camp; so as the Ambassadors believing it, returned. They were no sooner gone, but he sent a Party before, under the Com∣mand of Lucius Basillus and C. Mommius, to secure the City-Gate and Wall on the side of the Aesculine-hill; then at the Heels of these he himself followed with all speed. Basillus fell with success into the City, but the unarmed Multitude pelting him with Stones and Tiles from off the Houses, stopt

his further Progress, and beat him back to the Wall. Sylla by this time was come up▪ and seeing what was done, called aloud on his Men to set fire to the Houses, and tak∣ing a flaming Torch, he himself led the way, and commanded the Archers to make use of their Fire-darts, letting fly at the tops of Houses: This he did without the least consideration▪ all enraged, and yield∣ing the Conduct of that days work to Passi∣on, as if all he saw were Enemies, with∣out respect or pity either to Friends, Rela∣tions, or Acquaintance, he went on by Fire, which knows no distinction betwixt Friend or foe.

In this dispute Marius being driven into the Temple of Mother Earth, would from thence have drawn in the Bondmen by Pro∣clamation of Freedom, but the Enemy coming on, he was overpowered and fled the City.

Sylla having called a Senate, had Sen∣tence of Death passed on Marius, and some few others, amongst whom was Sulpitius Tribune of the People. Sulpitius was exe∣cuted, being betrayed by his Servant whom Sylla first made free, and then threw him head-long down the Tarpeian Rock. As for Marius, he set a Price on his Life, by Pro∣clamation; but neither gratefully nor poli∣tickly, if we consider into whose House not

long before he put himself at Mercy, and was safely dismissed. Albeit had Marius not let go Sylla, but suffered him to be slain by the Hands of Sulpitius, he might have been Lord of all; but he spared his Life, and a few days after, upon like occasion, received not like measure.

By these Proceedings Sylla gave secret distaste to the Senate; but the displeasure and free indignation of the Commonalty shewed it self plainly by their Actions. For they ignominiously rejected Nonius his Ne∣phew, and Servius, who put in for Offices of State by his Interest, and chose others for Magistrates, by honoring whom, they thought to have grieved him most. He made semblance of extreme satisfaction hereat, as if the People by his means had again enjoyed the Liberty of doing what seem'd best to them. And to pacifie the publick Odium, he created Lucius Cinna Consul, one of the adverse Party, having first bound him under Oaths and Impreca∣tions, to be true to his Interest: For Cinna ascending the Capitol with a Stone in his Hand, swore solemnly and with a direful Curse, that he himself, if he kept not the Accord, might be cast out of the City, as that Stone out of his Hand; he thereupon cast the Stone to the Ground, in the pre∣sence of many People.

Cinna had no sooner entred on his charge, but fell to disturb the Establishment, and having prepared an information against Syl∣la, suborned Virginius, one of the Tribunes of the People, to be his accuser; but Sylla leaving him and the Court of Judicature to themselves, set forth against Mithridates.

About the time that Sylla was making ready, to put off with his Forces from Italy, besides many other Divine Omens which be∣fell Mithridates at Pergamos, there goes a Story, that the Statue of Victory, with a Crown in her hand, which the Pergameni∣ans by Engines from above let down on him, when she had almost reach'd his head, fell asunder, and the Crown tumbling down into the midst of the Theatre, broke to pieces against the ground, so as this start∣led the Vulgar, and hugely disquieted the Mind of Mithridates, altho his Affairs hi∣therto had succeeded beyond expectation; for at present having wrested from the Ro∣mans Asia, from the * 1.3 Kings Bithynia and Cappadocia, he made Pergamus his Royal Seat, bestowing on his Friends Riches, Prin∣cipalities, and Kingdoms. Of his Sons, the one (Arcathias) residing in Pontus and Bos∣phorus, held his Ancient Realm as far as the Desarts, above the Lake Maeotis, without molestation: Ariarathes (the other) was a∣bout reducing Thrace and Macedon, with a

great Army, to Obedience. His other Com∣manders with Forces under them, invaded other Quarters; especially Archilaus, who by his Ships gave in a manner absolute Law at Sea, had subjected the Isles Cyclades, together with other situated within Malea, and had taken Aeubaea it self. From Athens, his Seat of War, he made his Excursions as far as Thessaly, and drew after him most of the States of Greece, without the least im∣peachment, save only at Chaeronea. For here Brutius Sura, Deputy of Sentius, Go∣vernour of Macedon, a man excelling in Valour and Prudence, met with Archelaus, and though, like a Torrent, he came pour∣ing along Baeotia, made stout resistance, and giving him thrice Battel, repulsed and forc'd him off again to Sea; however being Commanded by Lucius Lucullus to give place to his Successor Sylla, and resign the War to whom it was decreed, he present∣ly left Baeotia, and returned back to Sinti∣us, although his Success had out-gone all hopes, and Greece was well disposed to a Revolt, upon account of his gallant beha∣viour. These be the glorious Actions of Brutius.

Sylla at his arrival received by their Am∣bassadors the Complements of all the Ci∣ties of Greece, except Athens, which being forc'd by the Tyrant Aristion within to

hold for the King, he came against it with all his might, and investing the Haven Py∣reus, laid formal Siege to it, erecting all manner of Batteries, and trying all man∣ner of Assaults; whereas had he forborn never so little, he might without hazard have taken the Upper City by Famine, be∣ing already reduc'd to extreamity, through want of Necessaries; but hasting to Rome, and fearing some Innovation there, by ma∣ny Adventures, many Fights, and vast Expence, he pusht on the War; for besides other Equipage, the very Work about the Engines of Battery was supplied with no less than ten thousand Yoak of Mules, em∣ploy'd daily in that Service; and when Timber grew scarce (for many of the Works fail'd, some quash'd to pieces by their own weight, others taking fire by the continual play of the Enemy) he made bold with the sacred Groves, and cut down the stately Walks of the Academy, which stands in the Suburbs, and the Lyceum; and being there wanted a vast Summ of Money to carry on the War, he broke up the unvoidable Treasures of Greece, that of Epidaurus, and that of Olympia, sending for the fairest and richest Offertories; he wrote likewise to the Amphyctiones at Del∣phos. That it were better to remit the Wealth of the God to him, for that he

would keep it more securely, or in case he made use of it, restore as much. And of his Friends he sent Caphis the Phocean on this Message, commanding him to receive each Particular by weight. Caphis came to Delphos, but was loth to touch holy things, and with many Tears in the pre∣sence of the Amphyctiones, bewailed the Necessity: But some of them making as if they heard the sound of a Harp from the innermost Shrine, he, whether himself be∣liev'd it, or else was willing to strike a Re∣ligious awe into Sylla, sent back an Express. To which Sylla replied in a scoffing way, That it was matter of wonder to him, that Caphis understood Musick to be a sign of Joy, not Anger; and therefore wish'd him to go on boldly, and receive it from the hands of a Gracious and bountiful God.

The rest of the things that were deliver∣ed out, escaped the memory of most Gre∣cians, save the Silver Tun, that only Re∣lick of Regal Donation, which for its weight and bulk the Carriages not being a∣ble to receive, when the Amphyctiones were forced to cut in pieces, they presently call'd to mind, now Titus Quinctius Flaminius, and Manius * 1.4 Acelius, now Paulus Aemilius. One of whom, when he had thrown Anti∣ochus out of Greece, the others when they

had brought under * 1.5 Macedonian Kings, not only abstained from the Grecian Temples, but added to them Gifts and Honour, and much Veneration. Those indeed accord∣ing to Law being only elected Chief Lea∣ders of Men well-disciplined, and taught to yield ready obedience to Command, them∣selves Great in Soul and Mean in Expences, lived within the Bounds of the ordinary establish'd Charges, accounting it a grea∣ter disgrace to stoop basely to their own Soldiers, than to stand in awe of an Ene∣my; whereas the Commanders of these times, attaining to Superiority by force, not worth; and having need of Arms one against another, rather than an Enemy, were constrained to temporize in Authori∣ty, and hiring the Soldiers labour at the price of Luxury, have rendred their whole Country at unawares Mercenary, and themselves Slaves to the vilest of Wretches, to the intent they might Lord it over their Betters. These Practices cast out Marius, and again brought him in against Sylla, The same caused Cinna to be the Assassin of Octavius, and Fimbria of Flaccus. To which beginnings Sylla contributed not the least▪ For he to corrupt and call over those who were under the Command of others, would be munificent and profuse towards those who were under his own, so as by

drawing some of the adverse Party to a re∣volt, and his own men to a dissolute course, he came to be in want of a large Treasury, especially for that Siege.

Sylla had a vehement and an implacable desire to Conquer Athens, whether out of emulation, fighting as it were, against the shadow of that once Famous City, or out of anger, stomaching those Flouts and Scurrillous jests, wherewith the Tyrant Aristion, fooling and skipping about daily, had provoked him and Metella from off the Walls.

The Tyrant Aristion had his very Being compounded of Wantonness and Cruelty, receiving into himself as common Sewer the worst of Mithridates his ill humours and vicious qualities, who like some satal disease, after its deliverance from innume∣rable Wars, many Tyrannies and Sediti∣ons, brought the City to the last extreami∣ty. At the time when a * 1.6 Medimnus of Wheat was to be sold in the City for one Thousand Drachma's, and men were forc'd to live on Feverfew, growing round the Cittadel, and eat shooes and Oyl-bags sod∣den, he daily carrousing and feasting it in the open face of Noon, then dancing in Armour, and sporting at the Enemy, suf∣fered the holy Lamp of the Goddess to ex∣pire for want of Oyl, and to the Chief-Priestess,

who demanded of him an * 1.7 Hemi∣na of Wheat, he sent the like quantity of Pepper. The Senators and Priests, who came in humble guise, to beg of him to take Compassion of the City, and treat a Peace with Sylla, he drove at and dispersed with a flight of Arrows. At last with much ado, he sent forth two or three of his re∣velling Companions to parley, whom Sylla, perceiving that they made no over∣tures towards an accommodation, but went on haranguing in praise of Theseus, Eumolpus, and their Median Trophies, reply∣ed to them thus, Happy men! ye may put up your Speeches and be gone, for I was sent by the Romans to Athens, not to learn, but to reduce Rebels to obedience.

In the mean time News came to Sylla, that some old men discoursing in the Cera∣micum, were over-heard to blame the Ty∣rant, for not securing the Passages and Ave∣nues on the side of the Gate Heptachalcos, where only the Enemy might easily get over. Sylla neglected not the report, but going in the Night, and discovering the place to be assaultable, set streight to work: Sylla himself makes mention in his Me∣moirs, that Marcus Teius, the first man who scal'd the Wall, meeting with an Adversa∣ry, and striking him on the head-piece a home stroke, broke his Sword, however

shrunk not from his ground, but withstood and held him fast. The City was taken on that part, as 'tis recorded by the most anci∣ent of the Athenians.

When they had thrown down the Wall, and made all level betwixt the Pyrean, and Sacred-Gate, about the dead of night, Sylla entred the breach in dreadful manner with many Trumpets and Cornets, with the row∣sing shout and cry of an Army, falling to the spoil and slaughter, and scouring through the streets with Swords drawn, so as there was no numbring of the slain; only from the space of ground overflowed with Blood, we may even now take a survey of their Multitude, for to pass by the execution done on other Quarters of the City, the blood∣shed about the Market place, took up the whole Ceramicum, within the Double gate, and according to most Writers, passing through both doors, overwhelmed the Sub∣urbs. Nor did the People which fell thus in such vast heaps, excel the number of those, who out of pity and love of their Country, then at point of destruction, slew themselves; the best of them despairing and dreading to survive; as not expecting either Humanity or Moderation in Sylla. At length, partly by the instance of Midias and Calliphon, two exil'd men, beseeching and casting themselves at his feet, partly by the

intercession of those Senators who followed the Camp, having had his fill of Revenge, and making some honourable mention of the Ancient Athenians, I forgive (said he) the Many for the sake of a Few, the Living for the Dead. He took Athens, according to his own Memoirs, on the Calends of March, which fall out exactly on the first of Authesterion, on which day the Athenians keep a Solemn Commemoration of the ma∣ny Ruins and Devastations, occasioned by excessive rains, particularly of the Deluge which hap'ned about that time.

At the taking of the Town, the Tyrant fled into the Cittadel, and was there besieged by Curio, who had that charge under Com∣mand. He held out a considerable time, but for want of Water yielding up himself, clear∣ly evidenced the Divine Providence. For on the same day and minute that Curio con∣ducted him down, the Clouds gathering in a calm Heaven, there showred down a great quantity of rain, and filled the Cittadel with Water.

Not long after Sylla won the Haven Py∣reus, and burnt most of it, amongst the rest Philo's Arsenal, a stupendious Work.

In the mean time Taxilles, Mithridates his General, coming down from Thrace and Macedon, with an Army of one hundred thousand Foot, ten thousand Horse, and

ninety Chariots, fang'd at Axles with Iron Sythes, would have joyn'd Archelaus, who lay hovering with a Navy on the Coast of Munichia, with intention, neither to quit the Sea, or engage the Romans in Fight, but to draw out the War in length, and cut off the Enemies Provision, which Sylla perceiving much better than himself, passed with his Forces into Baeotia, from out a region bar∣ren and unable to maintain a Camp in time of Peace. He was thought by some to have taken false measures, when leaving Attica, a rugged Country, and uneasie for the Cavalry to move in, he put himself into the plain and open Fields of Baeotia, knowing the Barbarians strength to consist most in Horse and Chariots. But as was said before, to avoid Famine and Scarcity, he was forc'd to run the risque of a Battel: Moreover he was troubled for Hortensius, a man expert in War, and of a rough Sol∣diery Constitution, whom on his way to Sylla with Forces from Thessaly, the Barba∣rians awaited in the * 1.8 Streights: For these reasons Sylla drew off into Baeotia▪ Caphis * 1.9 our Country-man led Hortensius another way unknown to the Barbarians, by Par∣nassus just under Tithora, being then no such great City as 'tis now, but a Garrison built a round on a steep Precipice, which the Phocenses, to escape the Invasion of

Xerxes, put themselves and goods into, and were saved. Hortensius encamping here, kept off the Enemy by day, and at night descending by difficult passages into Patronis, join'd the Forces of Sylla, who came to meet him. Thus united, they posted themselves on a fertile Hill, on the Plains of Elateia, set round with Trees, and watered at the foot: It's called Philo∣beotus, the Situation and Richness of which Soil, Sylla praiseth wonderfully.

As they lay thus encamped, they seem∣ed to the Enemy a contemptible number, for they were not above fifteen hundred Horse, and less than fifteen thousand Foot; wherefore, the rest of the Commanders over-perswading Archelaus, and drawing up the Army, covered the Field with Hor∣ses, Chariots, Bucklers, Targets: The cla∣mour and hideous roar of so many Nations, standing thick together in Battalia, tore the Sky; nor was the Pomp and Gallantry of their costly array, altogether idle and unserviceable for terrour: For the bright∣ness of their Armour, embellished with Gold and Silver magnificently, and the lustre of their Median and Scythian Coats, intermixt with Brass and shining Steel, cast forth a flaming and a dreadful sight, by the waving and moving to and fro of the Ar∣my, insomuch that the Romans shrunk

them into their Trenches; and Sylla being unable by any means to remove the fear, and unwilling to force them to fight a∣gainst their wills, was fain to sit down in quiet, ill-brooking though, to become the Subject of Barbarian Insolence and Laughter; this however above all advantaged him, for the Enemy from contemning of him, fell into disorder amongst themselves, and be∣ing less subject to Command, by reason of many Commanders, some few of them re∣mained within the Line, but others, the Major part, lur'd out with hopes of prey and rapine, flew about the Countries many days Journey from the Camp, and by re∣port demolished the City of Panope, rifled Lebadea, and rob'd the Oracle, without any Discipline.

Sylla all▪ this while chasing and fretting to see the Cities all around destroyed, suf∣fered not the Soldiery to indulge, but go∣ing forth, compelled them to divert Cephi∣sus from its ancient Channel, by casting up ditches and giving respite to none, shew'd himself rigorous in punishing the remiss, that growing weary of labour, they might be drawn by hardship to embrace danger; which fell out accordingly, for on the third day being hard at work, as Sylla passed by, they beg'd and clamour'd to be led against the Enemy. Sylla replied, That this de∣mand

of War proceeded rather from a back∣wardness to labour, than any forwardness to fight; but if they were in good earnest Martially given, he bad them with their Arms get up thither, pointing at the anci∣ent Tower of the Parapotamians, whereof at present, the City being laid wast, there remained only the Mountainous head, steep and craggy on all sides, and severed from Mount Edulium, the breadth of the River Assus, which running betwixt, and at the bottom of the same Hill, falling into Cephi∣sus, with an impetuous Confluence, made that a safe Height to lodge on; wherefore beholding the Brass Targettiers to make up hastily, Sylla was willing to take prepos∣session, and took it by the vigorous Ad∣dress of the Soldiers. Archelaus put back from hence, bent his Forces upon Chaero∣nea. The Chaeroneans, who bore Arms in the Roman Camp, beseeching Sylla not to abandon the City, he dispatcht Geminius the Tribune with one Legion, and withal sent out the Chaeroneans, endeavouring, but not able to get in before Geminius; so active▪ was he, and more swift to relief, than they who prayed Relief. Juba writes, that Ericius was the man sent, not Gemini∣us. Thus narrowly escaped * 1.10 our Native City.

From Lebadea and the Cave of Trophoni∣us there were spread abroad favourable Ru∣mours and Prophecies of Victory to the Ro∣mans, which the Inhabitants report at large: And as Sylla himself affirms in the tenth Book of his Memoirs, Quintus Titus, an ob∣scure Man of those who traffick into Greece, came to him after the Battel won at Chaero∣nea, and declared that Trophinius had fore∣told another Fight and Victory on the same place, within a short time. After him a Soldier, by name Salvenius, brought an account from the God of the issue of Affairs in Italy. As to the Vision, they both agreed in this, that for Stature, and Majestick Grace they had seen somewhat in the likeness of Jupiter Olympius.

Sylla when he had passed over the Assus, march'd up to Edylium, and encamped close to Archelaus, who had intrench'd himself strongly between the Mountains Acontium and Edylium, towards those called Assia: The Place of his Intrenchment is to this day named from him Archelaus. Sylla af∣ter one days respite having left Muraena be∣hind him, with one Legion and two Co∣horts, to amuse the distracted Enemy with continual Alarms, went and sacrificed on the Banks of Cephisus. The holy Rights ended, he held on towards Chaeronea, to receive the Forces there, and view Mount

Thurion, where the Enemy had posted them∣selves. This is a craggy Heighth, running up gradually to a Point, which we call Orthopagon; at the foot of it, is the River Morius, and the Temple of Apollo Thurius: The God had his Surname from Thuro, Mother of Cheron, whom ancient Fame makes Founder of Chaeronea. Others assert, that the Cow, which Apollo gave to Cadmus for a Guide, appeared there, and that the Place took its Name from the Beast; for the Phaenicians call a Cow, Thor.

At Sylla's approach to Chaeronea, the Tri∣bune, who had been commanded out to guard the City, drew his Men into Arms, and meet him with a Garland of Laurel in his hand; which Sylla accepting of, and withal caressing and animating the Soldi∣ers to the Encounter, two Men of Chaero∣nea, Homoloichus and Anaxidamus, present themselves before him, and proffer with a small Party to dislodge those who were po∣sted on Thurium; for that there lay a Path, unknown to the Barbarians, from Petro∣chus along by the Musaeum, leading over head upon Thurium; by this way it was ea∣sie to fall on, and either stone them from above, or force them down into the Plain. Sylla assured of their Faith and Courage by Geminius, when he had exhorted them to go on with the Enterprise, Embattelled the

Army, and disposing of the Cavalry on both Wings, himself commanded the Right, and the left he committed to the direction of Muraena; in the Rear of all, Gallus and Hortensius, his Legates, had planted them∣selves on the upper Grounds, with the Cohorts of Reserve, to watch the moti∣on of the Enemy, who with infinite num∣bers of Horse, and expedite light-armed Foot, having made the Wing pliant, and ready to wind about at pleasure gave suspi∣cion that he intended to over-reach and en∣close the Romans. In the mean time the Chaeroneans, who had Ericus for Comman∣der by appointment of Sylla, covertly sur∣rounding Thurium, and discovering them∣selves, there arose a great Confusion and Rout, and mutual Slaughter amongst the Barbarians; for they kept not their stand, but making down in that hurry, cast them∣selves on their own Spears, and violently bore each other headlong, the Enemy from above pressing on, and wounding them on the open side, insomuch as there fell three thousand about Thurium. Some of them who escaped being met by Muraena as he stood in Array, were cut off and destroy'd. Others breaking through to their Friends, and falling disorderly into the Ranks, filled most part of the Army with fear and Tu∣mult, and put the Chief Officers to a

stand, which was no small disadvantage. For immediately upon the Discomposure, Sylla coming full speed to the Charge, dis∣appointed the Service of their Armed Chariots, which require a good space of Ground to gather strength and impetuosity in the Career, whereas a short drift proves weak and ineffectual, like that of Engines without a full swing. Thus it fared with the Barbarians at present, whose first Cha∣riots, that set forth spurtingly, and made but a faint impression when the Romans had repulsed, with a clattering din and slaugh∣ter they called for more, as is usual in the publick Cirque. By this time the Gross of both Armies met. The Barbarians, on one side, charged their long Pikes, and with Shields lock'd close together like a Roof o∣ver head, strove what in them lay to pre∣serve their Battalion entire: The Romans, on the other side, threw by their Piles, and with drawn Swords put by their Pushes, the sooner to mingle with them, in the rage they were then in: For in the Front of the Enemy they beheld fifteen thousand Slaves, whom the Royal * 1.11 Commanders had set free by Proclamation, and rang'd a∣mongst the Men of Arms. Whereupon a Roman Centurion is reported to say, That he never knew Servants allowed to play the Masters, unless on the Holy-days of Sa∣turn.

These Men, by reason of their deep and thick Array, as well as for their da∣ring Courage, yielded but slowly to the weighty Legions, till at last by slinging Engines and Darts, for which the Roman spar'd not from behind, they were forc'd to give way and scatter. And as Archelaus was extending the the Right Wing to en∣compass the Enemy, Hortensius with his Cohorts came down amain, with intention to charge him in the Flank; but Achelaus wheeling about suddenly, with two thou∣sand Horse, Hortensius, overlaid with num∣bers, withdrew himself to the upper Grounds, not far from the main Body, and was surrounded by the Enemy: When Sylla heard this, he came speeding from the right to his succour, before the Engage∣ment; but Archelaus guessing the matter by the dust of his Troops, turned to the right Wing, from whence Sylla came, in hopes to have surprised it without a Commander: At the same instant likewise Taxilles with his Brass-Targetiers assailed Muraena, so as a Cry coming from both places, and the Hills repeating it around, Sylla stood in suspence which way to move; it seeming best to reassume his own Station, he sent in aid to Muraena four Cohorts, and command∣ing the fifth to follow him, returned on the spur to the right Wing, which then of

it self held Archelaus to equal play; at his appearance they gave one lusty push for all, and overcoming, followed them disorderly flying to the River and Mount Acontium. Neither was Sylla unmindful of the danger Muraena was in; for hasting thither, and finding them Victorious, he help'd to pursue. Many Barbarians were slain on the spot, many more cut in pieces, as they were making to the Camp: Of such infinite Multitudes, ten thousand only got safe into Chalcis. Sylla writes, that there were but fourteen of his Soldiers wanting, and that two even of those returned towards even∣ing; wherefore he inscribed on Trophies, Mars, Victory, and Venus, as having won the Day no less by Good-fortune, than by true management and force of Arms. That Trophie of the Field-Battel stands on the Place where Archelaus first gave back, as far as the Streums of Molus: The other is erected high, on the top of Thurium, where the Barbarians were environ'd signifying in Greek Letters, That Homoloichus and Anaxi∣damus were the Chief Leaders. The Hymns of Victory for this Action were celebrated at Thebes, where Sylla built a Stage for Mu∣sick, near Oedipus's Well. As for the Judges of the Performance, they were Grecians chosen out of other Cities, because he bore an implacable hatred to the Thebans, and

having cut off from them half their Terri∣tories, he consecrated the same to Apollo and Jupiter, commanding them, out of the Revenue, to make satisfaction to the Gods, for the Riches himself had taken from them.

After this, hearing that Flaccus a Man of the contrary Faction, being chosen Con∣sul, had crossed the Ionian Sea with an Ar∣my, to act in shew against Mithridates, but in reality against himself, he took the way of Thessalia, designing to meet him; but in his March, about Meleteia, received Advises from all Parts, That the Countries on his back were over spread and harrased by no less a Camp-Royal than was the for∣mer: For Dorilaus arriving at Chalcis, with a mighty Fleet (on board of which he brought over with him Eighty Thousand of the best-appointed and best disciplin'd Sol∣diers of Mithridates his Army) had made a sudden Incursion into Baeotia, and secured that Coast, in hopes to bring Sylla to a Battel, making no account of the disswasi∣ons of Archelaus, but giving it out, as to the last Fight, that without Treachery so many Thousand Men could never have pe∣rished. However, Sylla facing about ex∣peditiously, made it appear to Dorilaus, that Archelaus was a wise Man, and had good skill in the Roman Valour; insomuch

as Dorilaus himself, after some small Skir∣mishes with Sylla at Tilphossion, was the first of those who thought it not advisable to put things to the decision of the Sword, but rather by expence of Time and Trea∣sure to wear out the War; nevertheless the Field of Orchomenos, where they then lay encamped, gave no small encouragement to Archelaus, as being most advantageous to those who excel in Cavalry to engage in. For of the Baeotian Campagnes, that is the fairest and largest, which confining on the Principal Seat of the Orchomenians, alone opens a clear Prospect, void of Cover as far as the Fens, where the River Melas is swallowed up. Of all the Grecians Rivers, this only, which ariseth from under the City Orchomenus, draws with it a deep and navigable Water from the very Head, en∣creasing about the Summer Solstice like Nile, and bringing forth all things grow∣ing there; yet small, and without Fruit. It runs not far, before the main Stream loseth it self among the blind and woody Marsh Grounds, a small Branch whereof mingleth with Cephisus, about that place especially where the Lake is thought to pro∣duce the best Flute-reeds.

Now that both Armies were posted near each other, Archelaus lay still, but Sylla fell to casting up Ditches athwart from either

side, that, if possible, by cutting the Ene∣mies from the firm and open Champagne, he might force them into the Fens. They on the other hand, not enduring this, but at the Word of Command, issuing out fu∣riously in full Bodies, not only the Men at work were dispersed, but most part of those who stood in Arms to justifie the Work, cast themselves disorderly into flight. Up∣on this Sylla leaps from his Horse, and snatching hold of an Ensign, rusht through the midst of the Rout upon the Enemy, crying out aloud, To me, O Romans, it seems glorious to fall here: And as for you, when demanded where was it, you betrayed your General, remember you say, at Orcho∣menus. His men Rallying again at these words, and two Cohorts coming to his suc∣cour from the Right-Wing, he gave a fierce Onset and turn'd the Day. Then retiring some few Paces back, and refreshing his Men, he came on again to block up the Enemies Camp but they again sallied out in better Order than before. Here Diogenes, Son in-law to Archelaus, having fought on the Right-Wing with much Gallantry, made an Honourable end. And the Ar∣chers, being pressed on hard by the Romans, and wanting space for a retreat, took their Arrows by handfuls, and striking with those as with Swords, beat them back. In

the end they were all shut up into the en∣trenchment, and had a sorrowful Night of it, by reason of their slain and wounded. The next day again Sylla leading forth his men up to their Quarters, went on finish∣ing the Line, and as they were drawing out to give him Battel, fell on, and putting a large Party of them to the rout, in the fright they were in, none daring to abide, he took the Camp by force, whence the Ma∣rishes were filled with Bloud, and the Lake with dead Bodies, insomuch as to this day there be found, of the Barbarian make, ma∣ny Bows, Helmets, pieces of Breast-plates, and Swords, buried deep in Mud, some two hundred years since the Fight. Thus much of the Action, of Chaeronea and Or∣chomenus.

Cinna and Narbo at Rome, using injustice and violence towards Persons of the grea∣test Eminency, many of them to avoid that Tyranny, repaired to Sylla's Camp, as to a safe Harbour, where in a short space he had about him the Majestick face of a Senate. Metella likewise having with diffi∣culty conveyed her self and Children away by stealth, brought him word that his Ci∣ty and Country houses were set on fire by the Adversary, and prayed his help at home. Whilst he was in doubt what to do, being impatient to hear his Country abused,

and not knowing how to leave so great a work, as the Mithridatick-War unfinished, comes unto him Archelaus, a Merchant of Delos, with some hopes of an accommoda∣tion, and private instructions from Arche∣laus the King's General. Sylla lik'd the business so well as to desire a speedy confe∣rence with Archelaus in Person, and had a meeting at Sea on that side of Delos, where the Temple of Apollo stands. When Arche∣laus began to propose and demand of Sylla, that quitting his Pretensions to Asia and Pontus, he should set sail for the War in Rome, receiving Money and Shipping, and such Forces as he should think fitting, from the King: Sylla interposing, bad him take no further care for Mithridates, but assume the Crown to himself, and become a Con∣federate of Rome, delivering up the Navy. Here Archelaus professing his abhorrence of Treason, Sylla proceeded: Thou, O Arche∣laus, Cappadocian as thou art, and Slave (on, if it so please thee, Friend) to a Barbari∣an King, dost thou upon such vast Considerati∣ons scruple any thing of Baseness? and to me Roman General and Sylla dar'st talk of Trea∣son? as if thou wert not the self same Arche∣laus who ran away at Chaeronea, with a few in Company, the Reliques of One hundred and twenty thousand Men; who lay squat for two days in the Fens of Orchomenus, and left

Baeotia unpassable for heaps of dead Carcases. Archelaus, chang'd at this, in humble man∣ner fell at his Feet, beseeching him to lay aside the thoughts of War, and make Peace with Mithridates. Sylla consenting to this Request, Articles of Agreement were concluded on; That Mithridates should quit Asia and Paphlagonia, restore Bithynia to Nicomedes, Cappadocia to Ario∣barzanes, and pay the Romans two Thou∣sand Talents, and give him seventy Ships of War, with all their Furniture: On the other hand, That Sylla should confirm to him his other Dominions, and declare him a Roman Confederate. On these terms he returned by the way of Thessaly and Mace∣don for the Helespont, having Archelaus with him in great esteem. For Archelaus being taken desperately ill at Larissa, he staid the March of the Army, and took care of him, as one of his own Captains, or Joynt Comander in Chief. This gave suspicion of foul play in the Business of Chaeronea, as well as because Sylla had dis∣charged all the Friends of Mithridates, ta∣ken Prisoners in War, save only Aristion the Tyrant, whom disaffected to Archelaus, he made away by Poison; but more espe∣cially the ten Thousand Acres of Baeotian Land, given to a Cappadocian, and him styled by Sylla, Friend and Allie of the Ro∣mans.

For all which, Sylla apologizeth in his Memoirs.

The Embassadors of Mithridates arriving, and withal declaring, That they accepted of the Conditions, only Paphlagonia they could not part with, and as for the Ships, they knew of no such Capitulation; Sylla in a rage answered, What say you; does Mithridates then with-hold Paphlagonia? and as to the Ships, denies he that Article? Whom I thought to have seen prostrate at my foot, had I left him only that right hand of his, which cut off so many Romans. Sure he will shortly, at our coming over into Asia, speak another Language; in the mean time, let him at his ease in Pergamus, sit manag∣ing a War which he never saw. The Em∣bassadors out of fear stood silent by, but Archelaus with humble supplication asswag'd his wrath, laying gentle hold on his right hand and weeping; in the conclusion he obtained to be sent Embassador to Mithri∣dates. For that he would either Mediate a Peace, to the satisfaction of Sylla or, if not, slay himself. Sylla having thus dis∣patched him away, made an Inroad into Media, and after wide Depopulation re∣turned back again into Macedon, where he received Archelaus about Philippi, bring∣ing word that all things were well, and moreover that Mithridates earnestly re∣quested

an interview. The chief cause of this meeting was Fimbria; for he having assassinated Flaccus the Consul, one holding of the contrary Faction, and worsted the Mithridatick Commanders, was advancing against Mithridates himself, who fearing this, chose rather to enter into Alliance with Sylla.

There met at Dardanus of Troas, on one side Mithridates, attended with two hun∣dred Ships compleatly equipped, and of Land forces twenty thousand Men of Arms, two thousand Horse, and a large train of Sythed-Chariots: on the other, Sylla with only four Cohorts, and two hundred Horse. As Mithridates drew near and put out his hand, Sylla demanded, Whether he was willing or no to end the War on what Ar∣chelaus had agreed to? but seeing the King made no answer, Why then (said he) it be∣hoveth the distressed to speak first, and as for the Conquerors it is sufficient to give audience. And when Mithridates, entering upon his Plea▪ began slily to shift off the War, part∣ly on the Gods, and partly to blame the Romans themselves, he took him up, say∣ing, That he had heard indeed long since from others, and now knew it himself for truth, that Mithridates was a powerful speaker, who to set off such foul and unjust practices, wanted not for handsome preten∣ces.

Then charging him with, and in∣veighing bitterly against outrages by him committed, he askt again, Whether he was willing or no, to ratifie the Treaty of Archelaus? Mithridates answering in the affirmative, Sylla ran into and embracing kissed him. Not long after he introduced Ariobarzanes and Nicomedes, the two Kings, and made them all Friends. Wherefore Mi∣thridates, when he had furnisht Sylla with seventy Ships, and 500 Archers, set sail for Pontus.

Sylla perceiving the Soldiers to be dissa∣tisfied with the Peace, for the most perni∣cious of Kings, and one who had caused one hundred and fifty thousand Romans to be massacred in one day throughout Asia; they thought it a heinous thing to behold him sailing out with the Riches and Spoils of Asia, which he had pillaged, and put under contribution for the space of four years;) alledged, that he was not able to have made head against Fimbria and Mi∣thridates, had they both withstood him in Conjunction. Thence he arose and went in search of Fimbria, who lay with the Army about Thiatira, and pitching hard by, began to fortifie himself with a Trench. The Soldiers of Fimbria came out in their single Coats, and saluting his men, lent rea∣dy assistance to the work, which change

Fimbria beholding, and withal apprehend∣ing Sylla as irreconcileable, laid violent hands on himself in the Camp.

Sylla impos'd on Asia in general a Tax of twenty thousand Talents, and particu∣larly wasted each Family by the licentious behaviour, and long residence of the Soldi∣ery in private Quarters. For he ordained, that every Host should allow himself four Tetradrachma's each day, and moreover entertain him, and as many Friends as he should invite, with a Supper; that a Centu∣rion should receive fifty Drachma's a day, together with one Sute of Clothes to wear within doors, and another when he went abroad.

Having put off from Ephesus with the whole Navy, he came the third day to An∣chor in the Pirean Haven. Here he was initiated in the Mysteries of the Goddess Ceres, and seizing to his use the Library of Apellicon a Teian, in which were most of Theophrastus and Aristotle's Works, then unknown to most, he transported the same to Rome. It's said, That Turannion the Grammarian made his Collection chiefly from hence, and that Andronicus the Rhodi∣an having through his means the Command of divers Copies, put out those Heads of Treatises which be common now in every Mans hands, under the Title of Tables.

The ancient Peripateticks were of them∣selves indeed Men of Polite and Universal Learning; but of all the Writings of Aristo∣tle and Theophrastus, they had no exact knowledge; because Theophrastus bequeath∣ing his Study to the Heir of Neleus Sceptius, these happ'ned to fall into rude and illiterate Hands.

During Sylla's stays about Athens, there fell into his Feet a lumpish benuming Pain, which Strabo calls, the first fetterring on of the Gout. Wherefore taking a Voyage to Adipsus, he made use of the Hot Waters there, easing his thoughts of Care likewise, and merrily passing away the time with Drolls. As he was walking along the Sea∣shore, certain Fishermen brought him a lovely Present of Fish. Being taken there∣with, and understanding that they were Men of Alaeae, What, said he, be there any of Alaeae surviving? (For having won the Field at Archomenus, in the heat of a Pursuit he had destroyed three Cities of Baeotia, Anthedon, Larymna, and Alaeae.) The Men knowing not what to say for fear, Sylla with a smiling Countenance bad them cheer up and return in peace, as who had brought with them no small or con∣temptible Intercessors. The Alaei from hence took Courage, and embodying, re∣entred the City.

Sylla having march'd through Thessaly, and Mecedon, down to the Sea-coast, pre∣pared with twelve hundred Vessels to cross over from Dyrrachium to Brundisium. Not far from hence is Appollonia, and near it a spot of Ground dedicated to the Nymphes, which from among flowry Dales and Meads discovers here and there springs of Fire con∣tinually streaming out. Here, they say, was a Satyr, such as Statuaries and Pain∣ters represent, found sleeping, and brought before Sylla, where he was ask'd by several Interpreters who he was, when with much ado he sent forth a harsh unintelligible Noise, like the Neighing of a Horse, and crying of a Goat, in mixt Consort: Sylla dismay'd at it, turned aside in detestation.

At the point of Transportation, because Sylla was concerned, least at the first set∣ting foot upon Italy, the Army should dis∣solve of it self one by one among the Ci∣ties, they of their own accord first took an Oath to stand firm by him, and with good-will not to injure Italy; then seeing him straitned for a round summ of Money, they readily offered their assistance, and contributed each Man according to his A∣bility. However Sylla would not accept of the Benevolence, but praising their Good∣will, and withall rowzing up their Courage, he put over (as himself writes) against fif∣teen

Commanders, with four hundred and fifty Cohorts under them.

The happy success of Affairs was plain∣ly foretold him by the Divine Power; for as he was sacrificing at his first landing a∣bout Tarentum, the Liver seemed to have on it the figure of a Crown of Laurel, with two Labels pendant. And little while before his arrival, in Campania, about the Mountain Hephaeus, two stately Goats were seen, in a Rencounter by day, per∣forming like Men in a Battel. This Ap∣parition rising up gradually from the ground, dispersed several through the Hea∣vens, like to fancied Representations in the Clouds, and so vanish'd out of sight. Not long after, in the self-same place, when Martius the younger, and Norbanus the Consul attack'd him with two great Ar∣mies, without prescribing the Order of Battle, or ranging his Men according to their Divisions, by the sway only of one common Alacrity and Transport of Cou∣rage, he overturn'd the Enemy, and shut up Norbanus into the City of Capua, with the loss of seven thousand of his Men. This was the reason, says he, that the Sol∣diers disbanded not throughout the Towns, but stuck close together, and despised the Enemy, though infinitely more in num∣ber.

At Silvium (as he himself relates it) there met him a Servant of Pontius, an Enthusiast, saying, That he brought him the power of the Sword and Victory from Bellona, the Goddess of War; and if he ha∣sted not, that the Capitol would be burnt; which fell out on the same day the Man foretold it, namely on the sixth day of the Month Quintilis, which we now call July.

Moreover, at Fidentia, Marcus Lucullus, one of Sylla's Commanders, reposed such confidence in the sprightly forwardness of the Soldiers, as to dare to face fifty Co∣horts of the Enemy, with only sixteen of his own; but because many of them were unarmed, delayed the Onset. As he stood thus in gaze, considering with himself, a gentle gale of Wind bearing along with it from the neighbouring Meadows, an innu∣merable company of Flowers, threw them in scatteringly among the Army; which falling about casually, and resting upon the Shields and Helmets, shew'd them to the Enemy as crown'd with Chaplets. Up∣on this being further animated, they joyn∣ed Battel, and victoriously slaying eight thousand Men, took the Camp. This Lu∣cullus was Brother to that Lucullus who in after-times conquered Mithridates and Ty∣granes.

Sylla seeing himself surrounded with so many Armies, and such mighty Powers, had recourse to Art, inviting Scipio the o∣ther Consul to a Treaty of Peace. The Motion was willingly embrac'd, and there∣upon followed several Meetings and Con∣sultations, in all which Sylla interposing still matter of delay and new Pretences, in the mean while debauched Scipio's Men by Under-instruments of his own, who in sub∣til train and all the Methods of Inveigling, were as well practised as the General him∣self. For entring into the Enemies Quar∣ters, and intermixing, they wrought off some by present Money, some by Promi∣ses, others by fair Words and Perswasions; so as in the end, when Sylla with twenty Cohorts drew near, they came forth to sa∣lute him, leaving Scipio behind them in his Tent, where he was found all alone and dismissed. Thus Sylla having used twenty Cohorts as Stales, to draw in forty more Cohorts of the Enemy, led them all back into the Camp. On this occasion Carbo was heard to say, That having a Fox and a Lion in the Breast of Sylla to deal with, he was plagued most with the Fox.

Some time after, at Signium, Marius the younger, with eighty five Cohorts, offer∣ed Battel to Sylla, who was extreamly de∣sirous to have it decided on that very day;

for the night before he had seen a Vision, which to his thoughts represented Marius the Elder, who had been long since dead, advising his Son Marius to beware of the fol∣lowing day, as of fatal consequence to him. For this reason Sylla, longing to come to a Battel, sent to the Camp afar off for Dola∣bella. But because the Enemy had beset and lock'd up the Passes, his Soldiers were exceedingly tired by Skirmishing and Marching at once. To these difficulties was added moreover tempestuous rainy Weather, which distressed them most of all; wherefore the Principal Leaders came to Sylla, and besought him to defer the day, shewing him withall how the Soldiers lay all along on the Ground, cast down with Toil, and leaning upon the Target. When with much difficulty he had yielded, and given order for the setling of the Camp, they had no sooner begun to cast up a Ram∣part, and draw a Ditch across, but Marius came riding up furiously at the Head of his Troops, in hopes to have scattered them in that disorder and confusion. Here the Gods fulfilled Sylla's Dream: For the Sol∣diers stirred up with anger, left off to work, and sticking their Piles on the Bank, with drawn Swords and a couragious Shout, came to handy blows with the Enemy, who made but small resistance, and

were miserably slain in the Flight. Marius fled to Praeneste, but finding the Gates shut, tied himself round by a Rope, that was thrown down to him, and was taken up on the Walls. Some there are (as Fenestella for one) who affirm that Marius knew no∣thing of the Fight, but over-watch'd and spent with hard Duty, had reposed himself, when the Signal was given, beneath some Shade, and was hardly to be awakned at the Flight of his Men. Sylla (according to his own account) lost only three Men in this Brush, having killed of the Enemy, twenty thousand, and taken alive eight thousand.

The like Success had others of his Com∣manders, as Pompey, Crassus, Metellus, Ser∣vilius, who with little or no loss cut off vast numbers of the Enemy, insomuch as Carbo, the prime Supporter of the Cause, fled by night from his Charge of the Army, and sailed over into Libya.

In the last Encounter, the Samnite Tele∣sinus, like to some Champion whose lot it is to enter last of all into the List, and take up the wearied Conqueror, came nigh to have foiled and overthrown Sylla before the Gates of Rome. For Telesinus with his se∣cond Lamponius the Lucan, having drawn together huge Levies of Men, made all hast toward Praeneste, to free Marius from

the Siege; but perceiving Sylla at the Head of him, and Pompey in the Tail, both ma∣king violently at him, streightned thus be∣fore and behind, he, as a valiant and ex∣pert Soldier, arose by night, and marching directly with his whole Army, had like to have fallen unexpectedly into Rome it self. He lay that night before the City, some ten Furlongs off from the Gate Collatina, all jocund and swoln with further Hopes, as having already bafled so many eminent Commanders by Stratagem: At break of day being charged by the Noble Youth of the City, among many others, he overthrew Appius Claudius, a Person renowned for Nobleness of Blood and Valour. The City, as it is easie to imagine, was all in an Up∣roar, the Women shrieking and running a∣bout, as if he had been entred forcibly by Assault, till at last Balbus advanced, with seven hundred Horse on full speed, and af∣ter some small halt made for rubbing and bridling again, fell into skirmish with the Enemy. In the mean time Sylla appeared, and commanding the formost to take re∣freshment, drew into order. Dolabella and Torquatus were extreme earnest with him to desist a while, and not with spent Forces to hazard the whole sum of Affairs, having before them in the Field not Carbo or Ma∣rius, but two warlike Nations, bearing im∣mortal

hatred to Rome, the Samnites and Lucans to grapple with; but he put them by, and commanded the Trumpets to sound a Charge, about four a Clock in the af∣ternoon. In this Conflict, which was the sharpest as ever was, the Right-wing, where Crassus stood embattelled, had clearly the advantage; the Left was overcharged, and in a declining condition, when Sylla came to its succour, mounted on a white Cour∣ser, full of mettle, and exceeding swift of foot, which two of the Enemy knowing him by, had their Lances in a readiness to cast; but this Gentleman giving the Horse a touch, he was, unknown to himself, so far advanced, as that the Points falling be∣side the Horse-tail, stuck in the Ground. There goes a Story, That having a golden Image of Apollo from Delphos, he was al∣ways wont in the day of Battel to carry it about him in his Bosom, and that then he kissed it, with these words: O Apollo Py∣thius, the Fortunate Cornelius Sylla, whom in so many Battels thou hast raised to Honour and Greatness, wilt thou now cast down, bring∣ing him before the Gate of his Country, to pe∣rish shamefully with his Fellow Citizens? Af∣ter he had thus addressed himself to the God, some of his Men he intreated, some he threatned, and others he laid hold on, till at length the left Wing being wholly shat∣tered,

he was forc'd in Company of the Rout to betake himself to the Camp, ha∣ving lost many of his Friends and Acquain∣tance; many likewise of the City-spectators were trod to Death. So as Common Fame gave the City for taken, and had like to have raised the Siege of Praeneste; many who escaped by Flight posting thither, and advising Lucretius Offella (who was appointed to keep on the Siege) to rise in all haste, for that Sylla was defeated, and Rome fallen into the Hands of the Ene∣my.

About Midnight there came into Sylla's Camp Messengers from Crassus, to fetch Provision for him and his Soldiers; for ha∣ving vanquish'd the Enemy, they pursu'd him to the Walls of Antemna, and had sat down there. Sylla hearing this, and that most of the Enemy were destroyed, came to Antemna by break of day, where three Thousand of the Besieged having sent forth a Herald, he promis'd to receive them to Mercy, on condition they did the Enemy mischief in their coming over. Trusting to his Word, they fell foul on the rest of their Companions, and made a great Slaugh∣ter one of another; but however Sylla gathered together in the Cirque, as well those as others of the remaining party, to the number of seven Thousand, and as he

was speaking to the Senate in the Temple of Bellona, causeth them all to be slain, by Men appointed for that Service. The cry, as must needs be, of so vast a multitude put to the Sword, in so narrow a space, flying abroad and startling the Senators; he, as he was speaking, with a secure unconcern'd Countenance, bad them listen to what he had to say, and not busie themselves with what was a doing without doors; for him∣self had ordered the Chastisement of a few naughty People. This gave the most stu∣pid of the Romans to understand, that they had made an exchange only of Tyrannical Government, not a change. Marius, be∣ing in himself austere, altered not, but confirmed Nature by Authority; whereas Sylla behaving himself moderately and pru∣dently at first, and giving good hopes of a true Patriot, firm to the Interests both of the Nobility and Commonalty, being moreover of a gay pleasant humour from his youth, and of such a melting compassi∣onate disposition, as to weep easily, has perhaps deservedly cast a Blemish upon the higher Offices of State, as if these put us beside our former course of Life, and were occasion of Folly, Pride, Inhumanity. This whether it be real change, and new frame of Mind, arising from Fortune, or rather a malicious sly Nature, discovering it self in

Authority, to decide were matter of another sort of Disquisition.

Now that Sylla was wholly bent upon, slaughter, and filled the Town incessantly with infinite Executions, (many disinte∣ressed Persons falling a Sacrifice to private Enmity, through his permission and in∣dulgence to a Party) Cajus Metellus, one of the Noble Youths, made bold in the Senate to ask him, what ends was there of those Evils, and where he intended to stop? We pray thee not (said he) to pardon such as thou hast resolved to destroy, but to free from doubt such as it hath pleased thee to save. Sylla answering, That he knew not as yet whom to spare: Why then (said he) tell us whom thou wilt punish. This Sylla said he would do. Those last Words, as some Au∣thors would have it, were spoken not by Metellus, but by Offidius, one of Sylla's faw∣ning Companions. Immediately upon this, without imparting the matter to the Ma∣gistracy, Sylla proscrib'd eighty Persons, and notwithstanding the generality of Men stomach'd it, after one days respite he posted two hundred and twenty more, and on the third again as many. In an Harangue to the People on this occasion, he told them he had put up as many Names as he could think of; and those who had esca∣ped his memory, he should hereafter pro∣claim.

He publish'd an Edict likewise, ma∣king Death the Punishment of Humanity, to any one who should dare to receive and cherish an Outlaw, without exception to Brother, Son, or Parents. And to him who should slay any one proscribed Person, he ordained two Talents, as a Reward of Par∣ricide, whether it were a Slave, who had beat out the Brains of his Master, or a Son his Fathers. But what was most unjust of all, he cause'd the Attainder to pass upon their Sons, and Sons Sons, and made open sale of the Goods of them all; nor reign'd the Proscription only at Rome, but through∣out all the Cities of Italy, where the Effusi∣on of Blood was such, as neither the Tem∣ples of the Gods, nor Sanctuaries, nor private Houses, escaped clear; Men were butche∣red in the Embraces of their Wives, Chil∣dren in the Arms of their Mothers. They who fell thus through publick hatred, or private spleen, were nothing in comparison of the numbers of those who suffer'd for their Riches. The Assassin might safely say, A fair House killed this Man, a Garden that, a third his Hot Baths. Quintus Aurelius, a quiet peaceable Man, and one who thought it his Duty to bear a part in the common Cala∣mity, so far as to condole the Misfortunes of others, coming into the Forum, and finding himself among those who were

set up, cried out, Woe's me, my Alban, Mannor has informed against me. He had not gone far, before he was dispatched by a Ruffian sent on that Errand.

In the mean time Marius on the point of being taken, killed himself. Sylla at his first coming to Praeneste, proceeded judicially against each particular Person, till at last, finding it a Work of too much time, he cooped them up close together in one place, to the number of two and twenty thousand Men, and gave order for the Execution of them all, his Hoast only excepted; but he brave Man, scorning the Obligation of Life it self, from the Hands of one who had been the Ruine of his Country, plung'd into the Herd, and submitted willingly to the Stroke. That of Lucius Catilina was a rare Contrivance: For before Matters came to an issue, having made away his Brother, he beseeched Sylla to clap him in∣to the List of Outlawry, as living, and was so; wherefore Catiline, to return the kind Office, assassinated Marius, one of the ad∣verse Party, and brought the Head to Sylla, as he was sitting in the Court of Judica∣ture; then going to the Holy Water of Apollo, which was nigh, wash'd his Hands.

There were other things beside matter of Tragedy, which gave offence: for Sylla had declared himself Dictator, whereas

that Form of Government had then been laid aside for the space of one hundred and twenty years. There was likewise an Act of Grace passed on his behalf, granting Impunity for what was past, and for the future entrusting him with the Power of the Sword, Confiscations, Trasplanting of Colonies, erecting and demolishing of Ci∣ties, taking away of Kingdoms, and be∣stowing them at pleasure. He managed the Sale of Conficsated Goods after such an arbitrary imperious way, seated on a Chair of State, amidst beautiful Women, Mi∣micks, Fidlers, and such like rascally Peo∣ple, on whom he squandred away the Reve∣nues of whole Countries and Cities, bestow∣ing on some of them Ladies in Marriage against their will; so as his Gratuities were much more intolerable than his Usurpati∣ons. Having a mind to assure Pompey the Great by a nearer Tie of Bloud, he com∣manded him to make void the Nuptial Bed, and forcing Aemilia (the Daughter of Scau∣rus and Metella, his own Wife) from Mar∣cus Glabrio, he bestowed her, great with Child, on him; but she died in Labour at Pompey's House.

When Lucretius Offella, the same who reduced Marius by Siege, put in and push'd his Fortune hard for the Consulship, he first forbad him; then seeing he could not re∣strain

him from coming down into the Forum, with a numerous Train of follow∣ers, he commanded a Centurion of the Guards out and slew him, himself sitting on the Bench in the Temple of Castor, and beholding the Murder from above. The Citizens apprehending the Centurion, and dragging him to the Tribunal, he bad them cease tumultuous clamouring, and let go the Centurion, for he had command∣ed it.

His Triumph, tho' of it self exceeding stately, and set off with the unusual Pomp, and Magnificence of Royal Spoils, was yet further illustrated, and drew after it a goodly Spectacle, the Exiles. For in the Reer followed the most eminent and most potent of the Citizens, Crowned with Gar∣lands, and calling Sylla, Saviour and Father, by whose means they were restored to their own Country, and again enjoyed their Wives and Children. When the Solemni∣ty was over, and the time come to render an Account of his Actions, in a Publick Assembly, he was as punctual in innumera∣ting the lucky hits of War, as any of his own Military Vertues. And from his Fae∣licity it was, that he made choice to be Surnamed Felix. In his Addresses and Answers to the Graecians, he styled him∣self, Epaphroditus, or Beloved of Venus.

His Trophies which are still extant with us, bear this Inscription, Lucius Cornelius Sylla Epaphroditus. Moreover when his Wife had brought him forth twins, he named the Male Faustus, and the Female Fausta; by which words the Romans understand Success and Good Omen. The Confidence which he reposed in his good Genius, rather than in any Abilities of his own, embold∣ned him, though deeply engaged in Blood, after such great Changes and Revolutions of State, to lay down his Authority, and settle the Right of Consular Elections once more on the People. So that he not only came abroad, but on the Forum exposed his Person publickly to the People, walk∣ing up and down as a private Man. And whereas, contrary to his will, a certain bold Man, and his Enemy, Marcus Lepidus, was in Election to be Consul, not by his own Interest, but by the Power and Solli∣citation of Pompey, who was extream gra∣cious with the People; when the business was over, seeing Pompey going home over∣joyed with the Success, he called him to him, and said, Was it not politickly done of you, Young man to pass by Catulus the best of Men, and chuse Lepidus the worst? Take heed, and look to thy self, or the Adversary thou hast raised will be too hard for thee. Sylla spoke this it may seem by Divine In∣stinct,

for not long after Lepidus grew in∣solent, and broke into open defiance with Pompey.

Sylla consecrating the Tenth of his whole Substance unto Hercules, entertain'd the People with sumptuous Feastings. The Provision was so much above what was ne∣cessary, as that they were forced daily to throw great quantities of it into the River, and drank Wine forty years old and up∣ward. In the midst of the Jollity, which lasted many days, Metella died of a Disease. Now because that the Priest forbad him to visit the Sick, or suffer his House to be polluted with Mourning, he sent her a Bill of Divorce, and caused her to be removed into another House, whilst alive; in this he observed the Law to a Tittle, out of Religi∣ous Superstition; but as for the Retrenching Act which himself made, himself break it, sparing for no Funeral Cost. He trangres∣sed likewise for his own Sumptuary Laws, thinking to allay his Grief by excessive Drinking and Revelling.

Some few Months after, at a Prize of Gladiators, when Men and Women sat pro∣miscuously in the Theatre, no distinct Pla∣ces being as yet appointed, there sat by Sylla a beautiful Lady of high Birth, by name Valeria, Daughter of Messala, and Sister to Hortensius the Orator. Now it

hapned that she had been lately divorced from her Husband. The same came gently behind Sylla, and putting out her Hand, plucked a lock of his Garment, and then passed on to her Seat again. Sylla looking on and wondring what it should mean; No harm, Mighty Sir, (said she) for that I also was desirous to partake a little of your Felicity. It appeared straight that Sylla was well pleased, and even tickled with the Fancy; for the sent to enquire her Name, her Quality, and Behaviour of Life. From this time there passed between them many an amorous Glance, both of them at once oftentimes turning one on another, and in∣terchanging Smiles. In the end Overtures were made, and a Match concluded on. All which was innocent perhaps on the Ladies sides; but though the Lady was never so modest and Vertuous, it was no such modest and seemly beginning of Love in Sylla, to take fire, as became Youth rather, at a Face, and buxom Humour, those common Incentives to the most disorderly and shame∣less Passions.

Notwithstanding this Marriage, he kept company with Actors, Actresses, and Min∣strels, drinking with them night and day. His chief Favourites were, Roscius the Co∣median, Sorex the Arch-Mimick, and Me∣trobius the Woman Actor, for whom,

though past his Prime, he ever retained a profest Kindness. He fell by these Courses into a Disease, which grew so leasurely upon him, as of a long time he perceived not his Bowels to fester, till at length the cor∣rupted Flesh broke all out into Lice. Many being employed Day and Night in destroy∣ing them, the Work so multiplied under their hands, as not only his Cloaths, Baths, Basons, but his very Meat was polluted with that Flux and Contagion, they came swarming out in such numbers. Where∣fore he went often by day into the Waters, to scowr and cleanse his Body, but all in vain; the Course returned so quick, and with such numerous Supplies, as overcame all manner of Riddance. There died of the Lowsie Disease, amongst those of anci∣ent note, Acastus the Son of Pelias; of later date, Alcman the Poet, Pherecides the Theologe, Callisthenes the Olyntian in the time of his Imprisonment, as also Mutius the Lawyer; and if it be fit to bring in Men of infamous Memory, Eunus the Fugitive, who stirred up the Slaves of Sicily to rebel against their Masters; after that, he was brought Captive to Rome, died of this creeping Sickness.

Sylla not only foresaw his End, but also writ somewhat concerning it; for in the two and twentieth Book of his Memoirs,

which he finished some two days before his death, he writes, That the Chaldeans fore∣told him, That after he had led a Life of Honour, he should conclude the last Act in fulness of Prosperity. He declares moreover, That in a Vision he had seen his Son, who had departed not long before Metella, to stand by in mournful Weeds, and beseech his Father to cast off further care, and come along with him to his Mother Metella, there to live at ease and quietness with her. However, he could not refrain intermed∣ling in Publick Affairs; for ten days before his decease, he composed the Differences of the Puteolaxians, and prescribed Laws for their better Government; and the very day before his End, it being told him that Cranius a Man in Authority, deferred the Payment of a Publick Debt, in expectation of his Death, he sent for the Man to his House, and calling his Servants about him, caused him to be strangled; but through the straining of his Voice and Body, the Imposthume breaking, he cast forth a great quantity of Bloud. Upon this his strength failing him, after a troublesome Night he died, leaving behind him two young Chil∣dren by Metella. Valeria was afterwards delivered of a Daughter, named Posthuma; for so the Romans call those who be born after the Fathers Death.

Many ran tumultuously together, and join'd with Lepidus, to deprive the Corps of the accustomed Solemnities; but Pom∣pey, though offended at Sylla, (for he alone of all his Friends was left out of his Will) having kept off some by his Interest and Intreaty, others by Menaees, gave it a se∣cure and honourable Burial. It's said, that the Roman Ladies threw on such vast heaps of Spices, as beside what was brought in one hundred and ten Vessels, sufficed to raise a large Statue for Sylla, and another for his Lictor, out of the precious Frankin∣cense and Cinnamon. The day being Cloudy over head, they deferred carrying forth the Corps till about three in the Af∣ternoon, expecting it should rain, but a strong Wind blowing full against the Fune∣ral Pile, and setting it all on a bright Flame, his Body was consumed in a moment. As the Pile shrunk down and the Fire was up∣on expiring the Clouds showr'd down, and continued raining till Night; so as his good Fortune was firm even to the last, and did as it were officiate at his Funeral. His Monument stands on Campus Martius, with an Epitaph of his own Writing. The Substance this, That neither Friend nor Foe had out-done him, either in good or bad turns.

The Comparison of Lysander with Sylla.

HAving in like manner run through this Life, come we now to the Com∣parison. That which was common to them both, was, that they were Founders of their own Greatness, with this difference, that Lysander had the Consent of the Citi∣zens, in Times of right understanding, for the Honours he received; nor forc'd he any thing against their good will, or sought to raise himself above the Laws; whereas, In Civil Broils the Slave himself gets Honour; as then at Rome, when the People were distempered, and the Government out of order, one or other was still a getting up∣permost; no wonder then if Sylla reign'd, when the Glauciae and Saturnini drove out the Metelli, when Sons of Consuls were slain in the Assemblies, when others for Silver and Gold bought Men and Arms, and with Fire and Sword set up new Laws, in spite of all Lawful opposition; nor do I blame any one in such Circumstances, for working himself into Supream Power; on∣ly I would not have it thought a sign of Sovereign Goodness, to be Head of a State so wretchedly discomposed. But Lysander being employed in the greatest Commands

and Affairs of State, by a sober and well∣disciplin'd City, was ever esteemed the best and most Vertuous Man, in the best and most vertuous Commonwealth. Where∣fore Lysander often returning the Govern∣ment into the hands of the Citizens, re∣ceived it again as often; for the Excellen∣cies of his Vertues ever held the first place. Sylla on the other hand, when he had once made himself of the Army, kept up his Command for ten years together, creating himself sometimes Consul, sometimes Pro∣consul, and sometimes Dictator, but was al∣ways a Tyrant. It's true, Lysander (as was said) designed to introduce a new Form of Government, after a milder fashion however, and more agreeable to Justice, than Sylla; not by force of Arms, but Perswasion; nor by subverting the whole State at once, but by more orderly direct∣ing the Succession of Kings. And by Na∣ture it seems just, that the most deserving should rule, especially in a City which it self got the leading hand of Greece, upon the account of Vertue not Nobility. For as the Hunter considers the Whelp it self, not the Bitch; and the Horse-courser the Foal, not the Mare, (for what if the Foal should prove a Mule?) so likewise were that Poli∣tician extreamly out, who in the Choice of a Chief Magistrate should enquire, not

what the Man is, but how descended. The very Spartans themselves have deposed seve∣ral of their Kings, for want of Kingly Ver∣tues, as degenerated and good for nothing▪ A depraved Nature, though of an ancient Stock, is dishonourable; whereas Vertue without Birth is honourable. Moreover, the one was injurious to many, upon the score of his Friends; the other to his very Friends. It's confessed on all hands, that Lysander offended most commonly for the sake of his Companions, committing seve∣ral Slaughters to uphold their Power and Dominion; but as for Sylla, he out of En∣vy would have discarded Pompey from Commanding by Land, and Dolabella by Sea, although himself had given them those Places; he ordered Lucretius Offella, who sued for the Consulship, upon divers meritorious accounts, to be slain before his Eyes, raising thereby strange Apprehensi∣ons and Jealousies in the Minds of all Men, for his Cruelty to his Dearest Friends.

The Business of Riches and Pleasure do's further yet demonstrate in one a Princely, in the other a Tyrannical Disposition. Ly∣sander did nothing that was intemperate or extravagant, in that full range of Power and Licence, but kept aloof as much as ever Man did, from that trite

Saying, Lion within, but Fox without, he ever maintained such a sober, Laconick, well tempered Conversation; whereas Sylla could never break his unruly Affections, either by Poverty, when young, or by a long run of Years, when grown old; but would be still prescribing of Laws to the Citizens, concerning Chastity and Sobrie∣ty, himself living all that time (as Salust affirms) in open Lewdness and Debauche∣ry. By these ways he had so impoverished and drained the City of her Treasures, as to be forced to sell her Liberties and Im∣munities to the associated and well-affected Cities for Silver, although he had daily exposed the wealthiest and greatest Fami∣lies to publick Sale and Out-cry. There was no end of his Favours vainly spent and thrown away on Flatterers; for what mean, what likelihood of Parsimony in his more intimate Conversation, and En∣dearments over Wine, when in the open face of the People, upon Auction of a large Estate, which he would have passed over to one of his Friends at a small Price, because another bidding higher, the Offi∣cer had made Proclamation of the Ad∣vance, he broke out into a Passion, saying, What a strange unjust thing is this, O Citi∣zens, that I cannot dispose of my own Booty as I please? But Lysander, on the contra∣ry,

with the rest of the Spoil, sent even the Presents which were made him to the Citizens. Nor do I commend him for it, (for he perhaps by excessive Liberality did Sparta more harm, than ever the other did Rome by Rapine) only I make it an Ar∣gument of his Contempt of Riches. They had a strange peculiar influence each Man on his own City. Sylla, a profuse Debau∣chee, brought in Sobriety however a∣mongst the Citizens: Lysander agen, tem∣perate as he was, filled the Town with Lux∣ury: So as they both were blame-worthy, the one for raising himself above his own Laws; the other for causing his Citizens to fall beneath his own Example, in that he taught Sparta to want those things, which himself had learnt not to want. And thus much of their Civil Administra∣tion.

As for Feats of Arms, wise Conduct, in∣numerable Victories, perillous Adventures, Sylla was beyond compare. Lysander in∣deed came off twice victorious at two Sea∣fights; I shall add to that the Siege of Athens, a Work of greater Fame than Dif∣ficulty. For all this, the Business of Aliar∣tus in Baeotia, altho perhaps it came about by ill Fortune, bears yet the semblance of ill Advice, when out of Ambition and Ea∣gerness to fight, without further attending

the Kings Forces, which were then almost at hand from Plataeae, he unseasonbly ap∣proached the Walls, and was miserably de∣feated by a Sally of inconsiderable Men; he received his Death-wound, not as Cleom∣brotas at Leuctra, resisting manfully the impression of a just Enemy; not as Cyrus or Epaminondas, pressing hard on the de∣clining Battel, and making sure the Vi∣ctory; who all of them died the Death of Kings and Generals: But he, like some Common Soldier, or one of the Forlorn Hope, cast away his Life ingloriously, gi∣ving testimony to the ancient Spartans, that they did well to avoid storming of Walls, in which the stoutest Man may chance to fall by the Hand not only of an abject Fellow, but by that of a Boy or Woman, as they say, Achilles was slain by Paris in the Gates. As for Sylla, it was somewhat hard to reckon up how ma∣ny set Battels he won, or how many thou∣sands he slew: He took Rome it self twice, and forc'd the Pyraean Haven, not by Fa∣mine, as Lysander did, but by several sharp Encounters, driving out Archelaus from Land to Sea. And what most importeth, there was a vast difference between the Commanders they they had to deal with; for I look upon it as an easie Task, or rather Sport, that same Overthrow of

Antiochus, Alcibiades his Pilot, as likewise the Circumventing of Philocles the Atheni∣nian Orator, Sharp only at inglorious point of Tongue: both whom Mithridates would have scorned to compare with the Master of his Horse, or Marius with his Lictor. But of all the Grandees, Consuls, Commanders, and Daemagogues, to pass by others who op∣posed themselves to Sylla; who amongst the Romans so formidable as Marius? What King more powerfull than Mithridates? Who of the Italians sturdier than Lamponius and Telesinus? Yet of these, one he drove into Banishment, one he quelled, and the o∣thers he slew. Now the greatest of all, which has been as yet related, in my judgment, was, That Lysander had the As∣sistance of the State in all his Archieve∣ments; whereas Sylla, besides that he was a Banish'd Person, and sorely overcharged by a Faction, at what time his Wife was driven from home, his Houses demolished, and Adherents slain, himself▪ then in Baeotia stood Embattelled against infinite Num∣bers of the Enemy, and adventuring all for the sake of his Country, erected a Tro∣phie: Nor, when Mithridates came with Proposals of Alliance and Aid against his Enemies, would he shew any the least Compliance, or so much as Civil Respect, either by greeting or vouchsafing him his

Hand, till such time that he had it from the Kings own Mouth, that he was wil∣ling to quit Asia, surrender the Navy, and restore Bithynia and Cappadocia to the two Kings; than which Action, Sylla never performed a braver, or with a Nobler Courage, when preferring the Publick Good to the Private, and, like a generous Dog, where he had once fix'd, never let∣ting go his hold, till he had conquered the Enemy, he then set himself to revenge his own private Quarrels. We may perhaps make a better estimate of their Manners, by weighing both their Athenian Actions in the Ballance. Sylla, when he had made himself Master of that City, which had upheld the Dominion and Power of Mithridates, in opposition to him restored her to Li∣berty. and the free Exercise of her own Laws. Lysander, on the contrary, when she had fell from such a vast height of Dignity and Rule, unmercifully took a∣way the Democracy, imposing on her the most Cruel and Lawless Tyrants. It's now time to consider, whether we should swerve from the Truth or no, by declaring, that Sylla performed the more Glorious Deeds, but Lysander committed the fewer Faults; as likewise by giving to one the Pre∣heminence for Moderation and Abstinence, to the other for Conduct and Valour.

Notes

• * 1.1

  At seven pence half penny a Drachma.
• * 1.2

  Romans and Per∣thians.
• * 1.3

  Nicome∣des and A∣riobarza∣nes.
• * 1.4

  Acilius.
• * 1.5

  Philip & Perses.
• * 1.6

  About six bushel.
• * 1.7

  About a Pint.
• * 1.8

  Ther∣mopule.
• * 1.9

  Plu∣tarch's Country∣man a- Chaerone∣an.
• * 1.10

  Plu∣tarch's.
• * 1.11

  The Com∣manders of King Mi∣thridates.