All the works of that famous historian Salust Containing, I. The conspiracy and war of Cataline, undertaken against the government of the senate of Rome. [2]. The war which Jugurth for many years maintained against the same state. With all his historical fragments. Two epistles to Cæasar concerning the institution of a common-wealth and one against Cicero: with annotations. To which is prefixt the life of Salust. Made English according to the present idiom of speech.

The Oration of C. Cotta the Consul to the People.

MAny dangers, most worthy Romans, have be∣fallen me in Peace, and as many Misfor∣tunes have I met with in War; of which, some I have been forc'd to undergo, others I have war∣ded off by the Assistance of the Gods and my own Vertue. In all which, neither my Courage was wanting to my Business, nor my Industry fail'd my Resolutions. Adversity and Prosperity made an Alteration in my Estate, but not of my Natural Inclinations. On the other side in these Calami∣ties all things deserted me, when Fortune left me. Moreover Old age, cumbersom of it self, re-doubles my cares: considering my self in that miserable Condition, that it is not permitted Me to hope for so much as an honest death. For if I have been the Parricide of your security, and being born by Restoration from Exile, have dishonour'd my Houshold Gods, my Country and the highest De∣gree of Magistracy, what Torment can be thought sufficient for Me living, or what punishment after my Decease? From my first years of Adolescency, your Eyes were still upon me both a private Per∣son, and a Public Magistrate: They who desir'd it had all my Elocution, my Advice, my Money at their Service; nor did I ever make a Crafty use of Eloquence to uphold the Knacks of Law, or Exercise my Parts in Mischief. But covetous of private favour, was forc'd to bow under the weight of ponderous Animosities for the good of the Commonwealth. At what time depress'd when she was quite subdu'd, and expecting dayly

nothing but utter ruin, You, most worthy Romans, restor'd me to my Country, and my Houshold Gods, with accumulations of Dignity. For which excess of Favours, I could not shew my self too grateful, should I for every single Kindness expend as many Lives. For Life and Death are only Claims and Rights of Nature; but for a Man to live blameless among his fellow-Citizens, entire in his Fortunes and his Reputation, that's a gift kindly as well bestow'd as acceptably receiv'd. You have made us Consuls, most worthy Romans, now that the Commonweath is in a most distracted Conditi∣on. For the Generals in Spain demand Money, Souldiers, Arms and Provisions: and 'tis but what necessity constrains 'em to: For that by reason of the revolt of our Allies, and the Flight of Sertorius among the Mountains, they neither can come to blows, nor get the necessary supports of Nature. The Excessive Power of Mithridates compels us to maintain great Armies both in Asia and Cilicia. Macedonia is crouded with Enemies. Nor are the Maritime Coasts of Italy, and the Provinces less infested. In the mean time our Tributes be∣ing small, and by reason of the Wars, but ill and uncertainly paid, hardly defray a part of the Ex∣pences: So that we are forc'd to lessen the number of our Ships that us'd to carry and convoy our Provisions. These things whether they befal Us through fraud or negligence do you consider; and as you find it, punish the Offenders. But if it be a general Misfortune and Calamity that attends Us, wherefore is it that ye enterprize things both unworthy of your selves, of Us and the Commonwealth. For my own part, whose years are near the Precipice of death, I do not wish one minute longer of Life, if that might

prove the least Advantage to your safety: not deeming this same free-born Body of mine can more be honour'd, then by submitting to its disso∣lution for your welfare. Here then behold the Consul Caius Cotta ready: ready to do what oft our Ancestors have done in times of dubious War. I freely devote and offer up my self a Victim for the Commonwealth. Of which, to whom you after∣wards shall recommend the Care, your selves be circumspect. For no good Man will be covetous of such an Honour, when either he must give an account of the success of Peace or War by others carry'd on, or suffer ignominious death. Only remember this, that I was not cut off for acts of Villany or Avarice, but willingly surrendred up my Life in gratitude for exceeding favours. For your own sakes therefore, most worthy Romans, and by the Glory of your Ancestors I conjure ye, a while to be patient in your adversity, and con∣sult the welfare of the Commonwealth. Great is the Care and many are the toyles that accom∣pany supream Command; which in vain ye refuse, yet seek the Opulency of Peace; when all our Provinces, Kingdoms, Seas and Lands are har∣rass'd and tyr'd with the Calamities and Hardships of War.