L.A. Seneca the philosopher, his booke of consolation to Marcia. Translated into an English poem

Cap. 14

WHat should I need to urge a multitude Of presidents, by fortune so pursude? As if it were not harder farre to name Them, upon whom misfortunes never came. Survey the Consulls, Lucius Bibulus And Caius Caesar have been dealt with thus; Two colleagues that were enemies profest, Yet both by Fortune equally opprest. Lucius a man for honesty commended Rather than valour, had two Sonnes that ended Their lives at once, and that which to be borne Was worse than death, they both were made a scorne To an Aegyptian Souldier who them slew, Yet he, who all that yeere himfelfe with-drew To shun his fellowes envie, did for all The newes of such a double Funerall Come forth the next day, and with cheerefull face Perform'd the publike duties of his place: He might bewaile one day his two sonnes fate, That did a yeere lament the Consulate. Caesar, when he all Britanie ore-ran With armes not bounded by the Ocean, Heard of his Daughters death, whereon he knew A publike dammage was most like t'ensue, For he on Pompey quickly cast his eyes His Sonne in Law, who would have no man rise Beside himselfe, although so neere of kin,

That he might looke to have his share therein; Yet Caesar that high charge perform'd againe. Within three dayes, and did his griefe restraine, As soone as he, the glory of our Rome, Was wont all other things to overcome.