The accomplish'd courtier consisting of institutions and examples, by which courtiers and officers of state may square their transactions prudently, and in good order and method / by H.W. Gent.

CHAP. XXIX.

The Argument.

Examples of Treasons and Disloyalties. Of false Let∣ters, and false witnesses.

I Cannot but add one Example more out of the same Cornelius Tacitus. Firmius Catus a Senator, and of most intimate friendship with Libo a young Citizen of Rome, and one improvident and very soone to be drawne to vanities; drew the youth to the impious vowes of the Chaldean Magici∣ans, and himselfe became an Interpreter and ex∣pounder of dreams to him; while he ostentates and boasts to him that Pompey was his great

Grandsire, that Scribonia (who was once the wife of Augustus) was his fathers Sister; that the Cae∣sars were his Cousin-germanes, and showes him a house full of Pictures; encourageth him to Luxury and borrowing of money, being his Com∣panion in his Lusts and necessities; that by many such shewes and representatures he might the bet∣ter intangle him. He desires accesse to the Prince, having declared the Crime and Accusation; and the party accused by Flac••us Vescula••ius, a Roman Knight, who had neerer familiarity and acquain∣tance with Tiberius. Annall fourth, Book the se∣cond.

2. Stippiota, whose wi••e in removing Hagio∣theoderita before (Chap. 27 Numb 2.) we have related, could not shun but that, after the same manner with Sab••••us Romanus (of which in the preceding Chapter. Numb 4.) he was almost circumvented. The builder of the snare was Came∣terus Log••theta, who being an Enemy to Stippiota accuseth him before the Emperour as an Impo∣stor; and one who had conceived in his intentions to betray Sicilia. And that the Calumny might resemble truth, he hides the Emperour in a cor∣ner in his Bed-Chamber; and in his hearing, be∣gins to discourse with Stippiota (whom he had purposely invited thither,) of the affairs of Sicily; where some few things fell from him which were either contrary, or unpleasant to Caesar, Cameterus not content with this, causeth feigned Letters to be put into Stippiota's Boots, which by the Em∣perours Command being searched, Stippiota was condemned, and his Eyes put out.

3. This discourse brings us occasionally to the

other way and means, by which we told you, that Calumnies and false accusations come to have the resemblance of truth: and this consists in the supposition, and pretence of forged and coun∣terfeit Letters; And yet, this mode, and way could not so preserve and maintain it self, but that at length it vanished and came to nought, although it hath ever had the greatest force, to cause suspition to take the deeper impression in the mind of a Prince, and to alienate and estrange his will; which thing being considered, the par∣ties accused fearing worse matters, have either spontaneously quitted their imployments; or else after the Calumny has been accepted and taken for granted, having attempted and set upon those very villaines, have added to and encreased such detraction: which is verified a little before by the Example of Silvanus, Chap. 28. Num. 10.

4. The perfidiousnesse and treachery of false witnesses, is a main and Principall ground, and prop for Calumnies and slanders, and such as they chiefly have need of, who accuse any one of high Treason, in betraying their Prince and Soveraign, whose domesticks are in this case most preva∣lent.

5. In the reign of Arcadius, Eutropius conspi∣ring against Timasius an old Sword-man and of approved Authority, corrupted Bargus his Client, (or rather his most intimate familiar) with flattery and gifts, to accuse Timasius of affecting the Empire. Bargus puts his faith and credit out to use to the accuser Eutropius upon this ac∣count, because there having been such a conjuncti∣on between him and Timasius, he could not be

thought or believed to accuse of any such crime one so well deserving at his hands, unlesse he were most certaine of the truth there∣of.

6. They adde moreover to the probation of the crime, feigned and forged Letters. By this meanes the most innocent man, together with his Son, is cast out into the Isle Oasis from whence neither of them returned.

7. Caius Petronius seemed better and more to be desired to Nero, then Tigellinus, for skill and knowledge in volupty and pleasures. Scevinus, the friend of Petronius was the Author of Conspiracy against Nero. Whereupon Tigellinus being des∣tempered with Envy, having corrupted and mis∣led a servant of his to detect Petronius of Emula∣tion, by and by objecteth and layes to his charge his friendship with Scevinus, and his knowledge of, and being conscious to his enterprise. Annal. Book the 16th.