WORKS

O
F

THE

TACITUS WITH
Political Discourses UPON THAT

AUTHOR,
B

THOMAS

DISCOURSES
UPON THE

HISTORY
O
F

TACITUS.
Vol. V,

THE

INTRODUCTION.
NOW

I
as

acquit myfelf of my engagement to the Public, by fending abroad the remaining Works

fecond
in the

of Tacitus tranflated into Englifh. In this Volume I have followed the"" fame method in the firft, allowing for the difference of ftile
-,

Original for that of the Hiftory is more eloquent and founding than that of the Annals ; though both Works are equally grave, equally

abounding in ftrong fenfe and beautiful reflexions, fuch as at once convince the underflanding, affe^fl the heart, and pleafe the imagination Proofs of the power of good writing, and indeed of its utmofi: perfedlion. A very fine flile may be very languid ; very lively expreffion may have vei-v little force ; ver)' grave reafonings may be far lliort of perfuading. But when a'writer at the fame time delights, and animates and inflrudils, when
:

his fentences are brilliant,

his

proportions felf-evi-

dcnt, his arguments irrefilHble, his manner charming, and when his heart withal is benevolent and fmcere, he is an accomplifhed, he is a perfect writer. Such a writer is Tacitus, as I have already largely fhewn. Nor do I mean or want
to add further to the charader or defence of that extraorI

dinary Author.

hope

need not. 2

have alrea-

dy

INTRODUCTION.
difplayed and defended it, and the more more caufe I find to admire and him, and to wonder at theobjeaions ufually
to

dv amply
juftify

I ftudy him, the

made

him, as

fantaftical

The

foregoing Hiftory

taining that can poffibly fpirit events and revolutions, recounted vi^ith great than and judgment, in a ftile more free and flowing with enriched where every and Annals, that of The

and groundlefs. one of the moft enterbe read, full of furprifing

is

Ewife. curious obfervations, all charming and Treatiles two his are delightful qually noble and and the fubjoined, his Account of Germany, very mboth curious, Life of Agricola, both very hand of mafterly the of worthy only and ftruaivc,
Tacitus. In my
Difcourfes
ill

Ihewn how
lators.

on the Annals, 1 have he had been ufed by former Tranf-

t-

His Hiftory has hardly fared better than Sir Henry Savil who tranflated it Hrif, his Annals. but his has taken great pains and is very exaft ; void of expreffion is mean, lifelefs and perplexed, He grovels from fentence to all force and beauty. labouring after the meaning of words
fentence,

or quite and particular phrafes, and quite lofes, Tacitus. of thoughts nervous and noble ftarves the He is a cold dealer in dry grammar, untouched and without teelAvith the vivacity of his Author, any part of his ftrength inc^, much lefs pofTefTing, infipid, and and fire. His Notes are learned, but but a barren memory, and diligence great fhew His cenfures genius and very {hort difcernment. he chiefly bethem in and pitiful, are Tacitus of and carping his own peeviihnefs, his vanity
trays

temper. n . Tranflation Since him there has been another beholden ftiUworfe, by fcveral hands, moft of them and guilty of ento him for the fenfc of Tacitus, Sir H. Savil. feebling even the weak expreOion of
,

INTRODUCTION.
He
tianflated four

hooks of the Hiftory, with the Life of Agricola (I prefume he oinitteil the fifth book in teiidLniefij to the Jews) and they who tranHated thefe over again have fadly maimed them
to

make them modern EjigHfh, make Tacitus prate pertly and

it

that is to fay, to famiharly. Were

I

could largely of both Tranflaiions as I did thofe in the Tranflations of the Annals. But to fuch as have any doubt or curioreadi
[

not for fear of tiring

my

fnew the many and continual

defeviis

about it, I refer that tafk. In defence of my own Tranflation, I have little elfe to fav than that it wanted no care of mine to make it e.xacff, to make it reiemble the Original, and yet not to read like a Tranilation. It is my opinion, that it is poflible for an Englifti writer to imitate the AncieiUs very nearly in phrafeology and ftile. As our Language is capable of many variations of phrafe, tL ere is great room to improve it by the tranfpofitloii of words from the common way of marihalling them ; and in folemn works of profe as well as i:i poctr)', it muft be frequently done in order to prefervc a decent dignity of exprelEon, and to avoid the lightnefs and familiarity of ordinary converfation Whatever is intended to convince the underftanding, and to move the heart, muft be noble and grave, free from all trite words, from all light and tri\ ial founds. And becaufe v/e want variety of words, and our words often want force, it will be found necefTary to give them fome advantage in the Ranging and Cadence; a thing which may eafdy be done. Of this a tlioufand inftances might be produced, efpecially frorti Milton and other of our Poets. But I Ihall illuftrate Vv'hat I mean by a quotation or two from the old Teftament. The Prophet fpeaking of Tophety, fays, ' Wide and deep it \^'as made For the King * it was made./ This feems to me more noble
fity
:
:

B 3

and

INTRODUCTION.
:
:

and founding than if it had been exprefled a different and the ufual way, though the very fame ' words had been employed It was made wide ' and deep It was made for the King.' Ancthf r example I fliall take from the Book of Job. * By the blafl: of God they perifli, and by the * breath of his noftrils they are confumed.' This m.anner of expreff.on is far from being ftiff. I think it more flowing as well as miore forcible than the common manner. Here both periods clofe with the flrongeft ideas, thofe conveyed by the words and the vigour of the fentence fertjh^ and ccnfvmed is found where it f}:ouId be, in the end of it. Another improvement would arife from reviving fome of cur old words, fuch as have fignificancy and found For many fuch there are, and many fuch we eminently want. I have ventured upon doing this in a fev/ inftances ; and it may be done in abundance with fuccefs. I have not vet found ."ny csufe for wifhing that I had taken another m-etbcd in tianilating Tacitus. Whoever would do him julHce mu(l- endeavour to preferve his brevity and fire, and, injRead of bringing him down to coirm.cn language, endeavour to raiie the language up to him. or as near him as the idiom will permit. Such transformation is fcr its advantage, may be made without hurting pcrfpicuity or the ear, and will prove more beautiful as well as more lively. I mean not a verbal tranHa;
:

is generally no language, but only and jargon. What I mean is Pruning and Ranging, the Rejedting all wafte words, all faint phrafes, and the Confolidating fpirit and found. Thefe variations from the ufual and familiar form, are by fome called Laiiriifms^ and under that name condemned. But if they be clear .'ind ftrong, and read well, they are juff, whatever they be called. I wilh our Language reicrnbled Latin more.

ticn,

which

liarflinefs

7 I own that an exa<Si: imitation of the Latin more. will never do, witnefs the old Tianllation of Tacitus, which cTceps after every word with equal I fhall only produce one infipidncfs and obfcurity.
fays,
*

INTRODUCTION.

That Writer fpeaking of the Germans, example. aurum propitii an arati Dii negaArgenium

vcrint^ duhito.

The

Tranilator renders

it

thus

and Gold v/hether the angry or favourable < Gods have denied them, I doubt.' This is nonThe man perhaps knew what Tacitus iQ\-\{Q. meant ; but no E^nglifh reader can know what he himfelf means, though he has adhered literally to
Silver

In my own Tranllation of this palTage, the Latin. have preferved fomething of the Latin manner, I hope v^^ithout iiijuring the Englifh. ' Silver and

Gold the Gods have denied them, whether in kindnefs or in anger, I am unable to decide.' Sir Walter Raleigh, Mr. flobbes, Milton and Shakefpear, are all great mafters of lanijuage ; and their language refcmblts that of the Ancients.
' *

Whatever

objecfions to this performance

come

from men of capacity and candour, I have ever regarded, I ever ihall regard, with due fubmiilion to them, w^ith due diftruft of myfelf, and be ready

own my convidlion, or to convince Lhem that I cannot fee caufe. Tnere may be very juif and unanfwerable exceptions, which have not been communicated to me. Whenever they are, I fhall be forward and glad to make fuitable alterations. In reviewing my Tranfiation of the Armals I have difcovered fome miilakes, v/hich though they be of iic^.Ie importance, I have re^tilied in tiiis edition. The like care I have taken of the Hi:l:ory, where I hope very few will be tound. The folio vr/iiig Dixouries, like the foniier, were compoied for tiie intereft of puDiic Lir"""^r -inil public violence and the Irdqu'iici lot can one who reads l^ac-tus attend,
to
<

'"

..

4.

INTRODUCTION.

ing a thouranct rei^eitlons, fuch as muft fill his heart with anguiih fcr the deplorable lot of a people entheir tyrants

and opprefTed, and with bitternefs againft and cpprefTors. Unlefs he have hardened his heart againft all the impulfes of humanity and compafiion, unlefs we have loft all regard for right and wrong, all fenfe of Kberty and truth, he muft be ftiuck v.ith the fad fcenes before him, innocence fufFering, cruelty devouring, iniquity exalted and powerful, virtue perfecuted and periihing. He muft rejoice in his own happier lot and that of his country j muft abhor ail pradices and principles lepugnant to libert}', and productive of fervitude, abhor the men who broach fuch principles, and advance fuch pradlces. He muft find proportionable delight from feeing the caufe of Liberty flourifh, from feeing it well explained, afierted and recommended. The advantages and blefTmgs of Liberty are there nioft palpably to be difcerned, where Tyranny is moft heavily felt ; and from this very Hiftory the reader will fee, that whatever is good or amiable in the world is by Tyranny deftroyed and ex~ tinguiflied ; that whatever is evil, mifchievcus and deteftable, is by Tyrants introduced, nurtured and From hence he will reafon and recolpiopagated.
flaved
lecSi:

thi.t

every thing dear and' defirable to fociety

muft rtiuk from a ftate of liberty ; that there only property and life are not precarious, nor confcience That and the facukies of the foul bound in chains even Religion, in order to dc; good, muft be left entirely free, and that in countries enflaved, it -is converted, even the facred alliance between the foul of man and its Creator, is converted, into an apparent engine of tyranny and delufion, hito a manifeft market and commodity for deluders, who
:

whiift they are openly ciir::igcd in nothing but gain, and fraud and domii^ceiing, and the like fclfilii purfuits.

I
purfui'ts,

N t R O D
a]I

N.

very wicked, have the eciifidence to preach up felf-denial, to preach againlt the world, and to claim fucceflGrfhip to the poor, wandering, holy and difinterefted Apoftles^
very worldly,
fort of hypocrify ajid affurance more irifalting than all the reft of their unhallowed contradictions. and doings, that fuch men as they, the tools of Tyranny, and themfelves Tyrants, dare thus cover their pride and palTions with the name and comdare premifTion of the meek and merciful Jefus tend to reafoning, yet forbid all enquiry, talk of" learning, and promote ignorance, demand vaft reverence from the people for keeping them in a condition of fa.vagencis ajid flavery, and take great re-' venues for deceiving and opprefiing them^ By fuch confiderations upon nations under fervitude, efpecially under popiih fervitude, the moft hideous and complete that the world ever faw, he will be awakened with juft zeal for the prefervatioji of his own Britifti liberty, and grow jealous of every attempt to abridge it; fince whoever will! know the value of Liberty, need only examine the dilmal ftate of thofe countries where it is not.
;.

many

Liberty, which is the people's civil falvation^ cannot be too often inculcated and explained. Where Liberty is gone, what have they more ? It has beeis often fecretly Uiidermined, often openly attacked in thi^ free Nation. Againft it many monftroiis

and wicked

do<5trines

have been advanced:

Ts>

pvertarn it the holy name of God has been boldly profaned, his f^cred Word impioufiy perverted, ail the excefles of oppreillon and public robbr ry have

been encouraged and fanCtiiied And all this by* the Law,, in defiance of Law j hf many minii^ers of ReHgion,. in fpight of Religion and of foleran Oaths,, Injuftice has iifurj>cd the* iiame of Law ^ nonfenfe, chicanery^ and the prorHitutioft (?f Scripture^ were called found Divirxiiy j
:

fome Oracles of

^furpauoi*

to

INTRODUCTION.
:

ufurpation and mifrule were ftiled the Ordinance of God niadnefs was Loyalty ; common kn{e was

Trcafon.

Thus was every thing dear and valuable to this Nation given up nor was it a meer compliment officioufly made, and not taken. To manifeft how acceptable it was, the perjured and godlefs traitors wlio made it, were openly diftinguilhed v/ith protediion and rewards To refute their reveries and barbarous poiitions, was dangerous, forbidden, nay, capital j and to prevent the poor people, thus doomed to bondage and mifery, from perceiving how inhumanly they were abufed and betrayed by their profefied guides and penfioners, and by thefe their paid protestors, they were bluided and terrified by the witchery of words and fuperftition, nay, threatened with damnation, if they would not be
:
:

damned

to be Haves.

What
i'o

language can paint fuch fliocking wickedI

Surely none ever feared God fome who have fpoken in his name none have ever been fo void of humanity towards
nefs and delufion
little

as

j,

men
to
all

as

happinefs.

many who afilimed Nor v/as

a right to guide them,

it

poflible for

any

man
mad>

to deliver fuch tenets as from a hard-hearted

truth, thefe
felfifli

God,

witliout being

cither a bold Impoftor, or an Enthufiaft fcark

Knave, or a dreaming Lunatic. la doclrines of theirs were as notorioufly

and abfurd.

as they v/ere notorioufly v/icked

they thcmfelves were carefl'ed, they Jiever failed to juilify oppre0ion and to deify opprefWhenever they thought themfelves flighted^ fois. though bereft of nothing but the power of doing, mifchief, tliey ever laboured with all bitternefs to diftrefs and even to deftroy eveiy admir.illration

Whenever

however
offered
to

legal,

however

free

oaths

and laws.

from any violation Could there be a

fpirjt

ftronger demonftrationj that fuch a

came not
froiu

INTRODUCTION.

ir

from a gracious and a juft God, or from reafon j or from any concern for right and juftice, and thcr good of men ? And was it not evidently infpirf^d by the fouleft ambition, by malice and rage, and every corrupt and ungodly paifion ? Could they after this expe6l to be truRed or refpeited by men, they who had fhewn themfelves fuch rcftlcfs enemies to fociety and the good of men ? To vindicate the Deity from the impious charge
of proteding Tyrants, to maintain the caufe of Liberty, and fheW its bleinngs, to aflcrt the rights of men and of fociety, and to difplay the fad confequences of public corruption, with the beauty and benefit of public virtue, is the defign of thcfe difcourfes. The defign I hope is pardonable, and ia purfuing it I can truly fiy, that I was utterly divcfted of all perfonal paffions, of every partiality,, friendfhip or enmity, and utterly free fj'oixi any view to hurt or to flatter any man in the Vv'orld. If I inveigh againit any of the dead, or praife them^ it is for a warning and incitement to the living. i'o explain the evils of Tyranny lay dlrtcily in my way, and tended to fhew the value, the ineflimable value of Liberty. What fo nearly concerns the fiappinefs of all men, it imports every man to know. It is but knowing their birthright, with the ni^ts.fuves of iecuring it, as alfo the peril and ways of lofmg it, and the curfe attending the lofs. It is a fubjecr of infinite avail ment, and comprehends v/hatever is dear to men in tlie world ; it furnifiies the ftrongefl truths, the clearefl" reafonings, and is perplexed with
intricacies. The great queflion arifuig from it, chieny this, v/hether men have a right to v/hat God and Nature has given them, to what their ov/n Laws and Conftitutions confirm to them-, to

no
is

what

the Oaths and

fy to belong to

Duty of their Whether them

:

iVIagiftrates tefli-

that fort of go-

verument

12

INTRODUCTION.
is

vernment which

evidently beft for

men, be well
and

pleafing to the Deity, or whether he efpoufes

approves the worft. of a clearer anfwer

What

queftion ever admitted

? Yet what tomes of nonfenfe and ungodly falfhoods have been publifhed about it, to fandify oppreflion, to blaft and overthrow all the natural and civil rights of men Common happinefs and fecurity are the ends of
I

fociety

to procure thefe ends

is

the duty of
it is

Go-

vernors.;

the duty of" fubje6ls to obey, and reverence, and fupport their Governors. Where fuch ends are not purfued, \)ut, in oppofition to them, power degenerates into
are procured

where they

violence, and fubjedtion into flavei-y

where meer
mifery

will and paflion bear rule, v/here univerfal

and dread and open oppreflion prevail, can Government be faid to exift ? No ; this is not the and to cxcrcife of Government, but of hoftility it is the law jefift an enemy is but felf-defence ; and duty of nature. Is it not repugnant to nature and to all common fenfe, to reverence evil, to be fond of the author of evil, and to conceive that any duty is due to him ? Was it poflible for the Ro;

mans to love Tiberius, or Nero ? It is enough

relieve

poiTible to

efteem Caligula
as

that people love fuch

love them, that they efteem thofe

who

protect

and

them.

0IS-

DISCOURSE
Of the Emperors who
fters.;

I.

are the fubjedl

:

the foregoing Hiftory

Of

their

of Mini-

their Misfortunes,

and the caufes

of their Fall.
Bed:.

I.

mildly

The

Idea of Nero's Reign, how began, how terrible it grew.. deceitfulnefs of profperity.
it

An

model of Augul^us, and, upon all occafior.s, courted the fame of Clemency, Liberality and Courtefy ; did every thing that was generous and benevolent to the Public ; fhewed every act of mercy and tendernefs to particulars ; wifhed, that he could net write, when he was to fign an execution was continually doing popular and expenfive things. For thefe he was extremely
-,

NE
flattered
:

RO

at

firfl

propofed to reign after the

him with vanity ; and" he became neceflitous. Hence the beginning of his cruelty and rapine. He furrendered himfelf intirely to a courfe of luxury, and engaged the City in it; loved Shews and Pantomimes, found the people loved them, and thence promoted them aiTiduoufly and continually, and at
Flattery infatuated

by

his extravagances

laft

obliged

men

of the

iirft

quality to aft in

them^

as

he himfelf did.

This courfe at laft grew tirefome, he firft became contemptible, then hated. He threw off all care of public affairs and the duty of an Emperor, to attend the Theatre, and gain the unprincely glory o
finging aiid ading.

There followed continual murders;,

14
if his life

DISCOURSES
and exceffes, as had been a conftant ftruggle to fhew how

ders, parricides, falfe accufations

wicked,

how

execrably bad,

human

creature

power may be. He murdered murdered his mother his brother Britannicus, Agrlppina, his wife Odavia, his wife Poppasa, Antonia his wife's fifter, becaufe {he v/culd not marrv him, Veftinus the Conful to have his wife ; murdered m.oft of his own kindred, all of them that were fignal for merit or fortune, or fplendor,
vefted v/ith great

or popularity, Rufius

Cri'''pinus his wife's

fon, Se-

neca his ancient Pracceptor and Counfellor, with Burrus Captain of his guards, a venerable and exas alfo ail tlie rich freedmen at cellent .perfon court, all fuch ancient men as had at tirfl prom.oted At lail his adoption^ and then his fovcreignt)^ he murdered men by heaps with their fan)llies and children, by the knife, by poifon, by drowning, by f}arving, by torture and cafting them headlong and all for any caufe or no caule, fome for their
:

name
looks

or that of their anctflon^,

aiid

fome

for their faces,

robbed the Provinces, robbed the Temples, wafted the public Treafuic, murdered the bell: men, opprelied ail, and brouglit all things into a ftate of diffolution and defolation. Thefe with him were the meafures of Government, fuch as he faid his predecefibrs (though brutal and raging Tyrants) had failed in, and he blamed them He defor not underifanding their own power ^. ftroyed Rome by iirc, meant to deftroy the Senate by the fworo, and rejoiced at the firlt tydings of a' revolt, as thence he hoped for a pretence to fack and pillage the Provinces. Princes in the flov/ of their power and grand fortune (things fo apt to turn the head and fwell
temper.
'

He

Negavit quemquam principum fciue cuod fli

thQ

liceret,

O N T A C

T U

S.

15

the heart) (hoiild prevent overmuch glddinefs and infolence, naturally cleaving to grandeur, by fup-

poiing thcmfelves now and then in a ftate of diftrels, and confidering the great pofTibility of a change They (hould at leaft put themfelves in the place of
:

others, their fubje^ts

and

inferiors,

and as they

would then wifh to be ufed by their Prince, let them ufe their People. They ihould reflect how

much a tumult of fpirit caufcd by profperity darkens or fufpends the underftanding ; they therefore ought to fufpend their joy and iHfle their vanity and palHons, to confult and exercife their reafon. Inftead of this, they feldom quit their exultation till that quits them, nor hear reafon till reafon can do them no good, but only fcrve to reproach and
torment them. Croefus King of Lydia could not bear the behaviour of Solon, for telling hiin honeft truth and refufing to magnify his pov/er and felicity. But when misfortune and captivity had abated his pride, and brought him to his fenfes ; when he who had been lately fo elated and happy. Taw a dreadful doom prepared for him, he could ligh, and call mournfully upon the name of Solon, and prefer his wifdom to the wealth of the woad. Crcefiis feems to have been a man of fenfe and natural moderation, but blinded by fortune and
flattery.

Sed.

II.

The weaknefs
iniquities

of Galea, and the of his Miniilers.

B A, with an heart altogether upright and well-meaning, for want of prudence, activity anu a good head, fell into rneafures quite unpopular and odious. His feverity to the foldiery was ill-timed, fo wxis his ftrldtnefs andparclrnony ;' and he who was a new Fringe, uneitablifhfd, and^
Ihould

GA L

i6
aiTiiiiance

DISCOURSES

all men becaufe he wanted the of all, behaved himfelf fo as to difoblige the Armies, the Senate, the Equeilrian Order, and Befides, he was blindly controuled, the People. and his authority abufed by his fervants and mini flers, men who were continually proftituting the credit and character of their Mafter to their owa vile gain and wicked pallions. By them all things

fhould have courted

fet to fale. Offices, Provinces, public Revenues, public Juftice, and the lives of men both innocent and guilty. He was old, they were infatiable, and eager to make the moft of a /hort reign ; and as he was eafy and credulous, they were daring and rapacious. From him they enjoyed their place and honours and all their advantages, but employed the fame not for his benefit, but their own : Nay, every fervice which they did to themfelves was pernicious to him, fince whilft they^ reaped all the profit, he bore all the odium. In truth no Prince will be long reckoned good>

were

when

his Minifters are

known

to

be bad

and

if

they are

Few

hated, he will not be much beloved. Princes, if any, efcape reproach where then

much

owned

Minifters are believed to deferve it. It muft bef that Miniflers are often wronged, and fufler
;.

imputations very ill -grounded and unjult nay, perhaps, will be ever doomed to fufFer fuch, from the nature of their poft and power ; and where they do fo it is but reafonable and generous to protect them. But here the guilt was glaring and theliiniquities manifeft to all men butGalba. He whom of all men it moil imported to know it, knew it As he never inquired into their behaviour, not. nor blamed it, they never mended it, nor feared him. The fad fate which this their corruption and his own indolence and incuriofity brought upon him, is a fufficient warning to Princes either

never to

truit implicitly to the advice aiid

conduct
6).V

O N T A C

TU

S.

17

f any Minifters, or at leaft to be well aiTurcd that the men are fuch as may be implicitly tniftcd. The befl of them have wcakneiTes, and paffions, and
partialities,

miftakes

enow There

to lead

them

into rafhnefs

are therefore perhaps

and none of

them

fo perfectly

innocent and wife, as to render

however

management, however unaccountable, will Minifters no yet be righteous and immaculate. more than their Mafters ought to be left without It may perhaps be right reftri6tion and controul. in fome few inftances to deceive a Prince, it may
a difcerning Prince fecure that their
uninfpevSted,

be of public advantage to mxifiead the Public But fuch a latitude will be ever more hkely to be abufed than well applied.
:

Se(5l. III.

The folly of the evil meafures purfued by thefe Miniilers, how pernicious to themfelves and to the Emperor.
to dwell

NOT
credit

upon the ingratitude and

vile-

nefs of Galba's Minifters, thus to abufe, dif-

they owed all and ruin a Prince to things, and to facrifice him, his glory and diadem, to fordid intereft, which was the fmalieft thing that

whom

they ought to have facrificed for him, their ancient Emperor, and fo good a Mafter ; the meafures which they took proved pernicious to themfelves. Their poJicy was folly, and though they purfued nothing but their intereft, they were not interellcd enough. The beft intereft is that which provides for our own reputation and fecurity. Now the Minift-crs of Galba, by evr;ry Itep which they took, invited and haftened their own doom. Their
fafety

thefe they
iiig

and elfablifhm.ent depended upon his, and were continually weakening and renderudioiis aiid cfciitemptible, and thenifelves deteftable.

i8
able.

DISCOURSES
their daily

Their daily oppreflions, venality and rapine, multiplied

their

a):s of enemies with-

Nay, to their own enormous guilt out meafure. they added the odium of that of others, even that of the moil execrable inftruments of Nero's Tyranny, Tigellinus and Halotus, men whofe execution was demanded by the univerfal voice of the Roman People. Indeed had thefe two fons of blood been kfs guilty than they really v/ere, it had been but juft, as vv'ell as politic and popular, to have devoted their impure lives to the Manes of fo many illuftrious Romans murdered by them, and to the But this was only juhoneft rage of the Public. ftice and reafon, it v/as only obliging the People and ftrengthening their Mafterf fmall confederations with Vinius, and Lace, and Icelus, in comparilbn of fill ing their coffers and gratlTying private pafiioiis They protedted both ; and thence gained to t'iieir Prince what they never ftudied to avert, infinite public hate, but to theinfclvcs what they aimed at, and v/hat every one may conjedfure. It is probable too that they dreaded the precedent of punilhing any man for having done vv'hat they Yet their very wealth thcmfelves were doing. contributed to their delfruilion and that of their
!

families.

But befides the influence of money and example, Titus Vinius who chiefly proteded Tigellinus, had another view which is iintly'exprelled by Tacitus; namely, ^ thence to purchafe means of fhelter and ' efcape in time to come. Fcr this is the policy of ' every dei]:erate oiFendcr, from diftruft of prcknt
' ' '

fortune,
hate.

and dread of cliange, to arm himfclf betimes with private favour againft the public

Hence

it

comes, that
is

for
;

*
'

of innocence no regard

fliewn

the protection but the guilty

combine for mutual exemption from puniOiment.* But his Such was the felflfli wifdom of Vinius
:

wifdom

UPON TACITUS.
wlfdom proved
on
vv'eaknefs
;

19
the

for,

by

protc<fling

abhorred TigeHiniis, he drew frelh abhorrence upThe People, after Otho had fucceedhimfelf. ed, were fo bent upon the execution of Tigellinus, that an uproar enfued, and many feditious clamours, till the fentence was pafTed for his doom,
over-late, as
it

now

v/as plainly forced,

and there-

fore could claim too, the

no thanks.

For, under

Otho

fame policy and corruption prevailing, juflice againfl that monfter was hardly procured. Such confederacies between guilty men in power and guilty men out of power, are frequent and natural ; and no m,an who is corrupt or intends to be, will care to join in punifhing any man for corruption. Mucianus, the prime Confident of Vefpafian, entertained the Senate with a long difcourfe in behalf of the Accufcrs. Yes, the Favourite of Vefpafian, a Prince wlxo profcfied to cure and remove the mifchiefs of formier tyranny, became an advocate for the Accufers, the foreft inftruments of
that tyranny.

How confident was this and what hopes it mud give the Senate and People of Rome of feeing better days ? What came he for? It' it was to fave the Romans, v;hy fave their worft enemies r If he mieant altogether to fecure the Flock, why fo tender of the Wolves, unlefs he found wolfifh inclinations in himfelf? What a comfortable refle^Licn to the Public, that after myriads of men flain, after fo maoy millions fpent, after fo many flruggles and battle^, and fo much cryin? defolation, they were to have no change but that of names, and no Prijice without opprefTors The Candidates for place and power are always bent upon public reformation, till they have an opportunity of making one, and then find it needlcfs, or dangerous, or unfeafonable. They are great enemies to oppicHion, till they are in a capacity of opprdUng.
! !

20
oppreffing.

DISCOURSES

Then, as their own guilt grows, they become very merciful to the guihy. This is the Great reipirit of man, this the round of things.
drelles are ftill wanted, ftill promifed, ftill unperformed. Such Mockery is not new, and never will be old. All wickednefs is folly ; nor can I recollect an inflance where evil doings have not been followed by painful confequences to the doers. They were either difappointed, or found new difficulties, or met with infamy and mortification, or infecurity, or fome grief and uneafinefs after the iniquity, fuch as rendered the committing of it a greater afflidion than pleafurc. Neither in the fortune of Alexan-

Mahomet, or of any other the moft refplendent criminal againft Truth, and Liberty, and Peace, is ought to be found to invalider, or Caefar, or

date this reafoning. Even in their beloved purfuits of power, they could have no pure delight: Though they valued not tlie liberties and lives of men, yet as they valued their own fecurity, and fuccefs. and fame, they mull: needs feci many in-

many apprehenfions and difirufts, doubts about the ilTue, many anxieties for If worthemfelves, and their party and caufe ^. thy purfuits alfo are often attended w^ith evils, the teftimony of a good confcicncc and of good incn
ward
ftruggles,

many

at leaft

makes thefe evils the lighter. However true or difputable thefe fpeculations
certain that the Miniilers of

be,

it is

Gaiba, by their corrupt and feliiih management, brought a bloody fate upon themfelves as v/cll as upon their Prince ; a Prince who, from the integrity of his intention,
*

Si

recludantur tyranronim incntes, po.Te afpici la-

niatui, ct

icUis fa:vitj.a,

libidine. inalis ccyiifultis

animts

dilactTcti'.r,

merited

UPON TACITUS.
any other.

21

merited a better, but from his blind reliance upon fuch wicked men could not reafonably hope for

Se6l. IV.
tirely

Galea's blindnefs
to his

in trufting in-

Favourites,

who by
and

their their

wickednefs blafted his reign, own hopes.

HA D

fellors,

Galba been blefTed with good Counhe would in all probability have

He had many public proved an excellent Prince. frugal, free temperate, was he virtues ; and private from ambition, an enemy to the infolence of the foldiery, and wifhed well to the Commonwealth. But what availed his good qualities, when he exercifed them not ? He himfclf robbed no man, but thofe under him robbed all men j and he, who {hould not have employed bad men, or at leaft (hould have reftrained or puniihed them, incurred the fame cenfure and blame as if he himfelf had done the evil, or authorifed it. The People juftly
expecSl protection

and paternal ufage from their

Prince, and where they Prince anfwerable.

hnd

Why
raifed

it not, will think the does he undertake the

Office

Why
Why

is,

he

an'd all

men, but
if
?

for the

Nero

depofed,

fo high above others, good of all ? Why was things were not mended under

a new Prince chofen, but for the and cafe of the Public after a reign of Violence Tyranny? Vain is the change of men, where

Galba

meafures are not changed ^ Galba left the adminiftration, he

fate and glory to hia Favourites
a j

left

his
his

own
Fa-

and

Eadem nov

aulse

mala, que gravia, non cxque

excufata.

vourites

22

DISCOURSES

him to difhonour, and a violent death, turned the State into a market and fhambles ; and whilft they were yet glutting their cruelty and avarice, the hand of vengeance overtook them, though it was reafonabiy judged that fome of them had tried to fecure a retreat, and had purpofely betrayed Galba to merit favour from Otho. It is the way when they have foolifhiy or wanof fuch men tonly ruined their Matter's affairs, their laft office to him is to revolt from him, and perhaps it proves the firft inflance of their dealing fmccrely with him. But whether they really meditated treafon or not, Such was the they were believed to have done it public opinion of their vilenefs and falfhood j and luch always will be the general rule of judging, that from men notorioully wicked every fort and degree of wickednefs v/ill be apprehended. It is v/orth obferv'Ing here how fhort-fighted and imperfeft was the ambition of thefe men, and how foolifhiy, as well as wickedly, they marred what Was it glory and power ? By conthey aimed at. jfulting and eitablifhing thofe of their Mafter, they would have reaped an abundant fhare to thenifelves. Good men v/ould have applauded and afiifted them bad men v/ould have feared them They would have had inward peace, perhaps protection, from their own good works, reverence from the public Ey the fame voice, and the praifes of pofterity. honeil means they might have acquired wealth, and ample fortunes, with the approbation of all men, and probably left it to the peaceable pofleffion of their families. They had the largeft opportunities for raifmg and eftablifhing their name : They were the firft Minifters in the great and opulent Empire of Rome, veiled with the iirft dignities, and firft in favour ; and they ferved a Prince eafy to his fervants, too eafy, one never difpofed
Yourites fold
:
:
:

to check or change them.

UPON TACITUS.
As he came
to the
tion, and popular favour,

23 Empire with great expedlahad

his

adminiftration

proved fleady and virtuous, all revolts might have been prevented, or, through his fuperior credit and ftrength, eafily defeated, and he might have gone Both his Rivals to his grave in peace and glory. were in their perfons extremely unpopular, both loathed for their vices, both defperately poor, neither of them efteemed in War, neither thought qualified for the arts of Peace, one a ftupid GlutHe himfelf ton, one an abandoned Debauchee. had condu61:ed Armies with renown, governed ProHis race was noble, his vinces with integrity. life innocent ; he poflefTed great wealth, and was by all men efteemed capable and worthy of fwayWhat more probable, than that ing the Sceptre. his reign might have lafted peaceably as long as his life, had his reign been well condu6led ? where a fairer profpedl: for his Minifters than under himfelf ? By betraying him they betrayed themfelves : by ill ferving him, they ruined themfelves. What could they expedl from Otho or Vitellius, but to be confidered as real Traitors, or at beft as corrupt and wretched Counfellors ? the former always detefted, the latter always defpifed, even by fuch Amurath the Turkifti Empeas profit by them. ror cut off the head of the Perfian Governor who betrayed a City into his hands. Myr Mahmud dealt feverely with thofe who had held a traiterous correfpondence with him from Ifpahan, declared their names infamous, their eftates confifcated, and had them all put to death, and their carcafTes

thrown

into the ftreets.

Maximin
him

ferved

Thus too the Emperor Macedo who had prompted his

bofom-frlend Quartinus to revolt, and then flew to make a merit with Maximin, who, for all feis wicked merit, put him to death.

Sea

24
Se5t.

DISCOURSES
V.

The

infatuation of

men

in

power

they generally rely upon it as never to end, and thence boldly follow the bent of their Inflances of this. pafTions. Guilty Minifters how dangerous.

A I have obferved in the laft Seaion was reafonable and obvious. But in the tumult of rampant paflions, reafon is not heard. Thofe minifters were tranfported with the fudden change of their condition, and giddy with the diredlion of Imperial Power. The prefent temptation, the prevailing appetite was too ftrong to be
refifted ; and, v/ithout regard to confequences, to the Emperor's honour and fafety, to the public good, to their own infamy and danger, they blindly followed every impulfe of concupifcence and revenge. Men in a torrent of profperity feldom think of a day of diftrefs, or great men, that their greatnefs will ever ceafe. This feems to be a fort of a curfe upon pow^er, a vanity and infatuation blended with the nature of it : as if it were poflibie, nay, eafy, to bind the ficklenefs of fortune, and enfure happinefs for a term of years. It is from this foolilh aflurance, often cleaving to very able men, that thofe in authority often adt with fuch boldnefs and infolence, as if their reign were never to end, and they were for ever fecure againft all

WH

after-reckonings,

all cafualties

and difgrace.

From

whence elfe comes it, but from fuch blind fecurity in the permanence of their condition, and in the
impunity of their anions, that Minifters have fometimes concerted fchemes of general oppreflion and pillage, fchemes to depreciate or evade the Laws,
leftraints

upon Liberty, and

proje6ls for arbitrary

Rule?

U
Rule
?

O N T A C

TU

S.

25

they thought that ever they thcmfelves mould lufter in the common oppreffion, they have advifed methods of

Had

WouM

oppreiTing

Laws had

they have been for weakenmg or abro-atincr the they dreamed that they fhould coine to want the protection of Law ? Would they have aimed at abolifliing Liberty, had they apprehended

Would

'^'"-y ''"^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^"^ Po^^f i or at "^T^^' c.tab ifning defpotic Rule, but for the fake of having the direction of it againil others,

au^n^
its

ing

without feel-

charged with having contrived fuch a model of government for one of our Enghih Kings, as

^wilght and terrors in their own particulars ? great ir.an near an hundred years a^o is

ed

to fway the which it is probable he would not have altered, had he not imagined that his Avay was to have no tnd. He lived to fee it at an end He, who had bat too lightly
ftile
;

common zeal : It was State that he altered his

and Turkifh, a model delibein writing. Such a monlirous change or mmd had enfued the chana;e of his condition i^prmerly he had breathed a very difFexent and oppoiite Ipirit, and aiTerted Liberty with unrately

intirely

was

arbitrary

digeflH

when he came

promoted lawand unaccountable power, he kll by an effort of power, unufual and extraordinary^ A wicked
lefs

Liberty, and the Lives of men, was bere.t of Liberty and Life in a manner contrary to ne rorxns of Law, and as he had

Laws and

efteem-

Minifter

''

that he hoped to fee the King^s Edicts (that is,%is absolute will and humour) have the force of Laws, and pafs for Laws, made this declaration in plenltude of favour, which, as he meant not b^ any vntueoflns to lofe, he hoped never to forfeit^ made It at a tiine when his head would have l>cen employed in framing fuch Edicts. When af''^'''

who

declared in a fucceeding reign,

Vol V^

''^^''^^''^^ ^^ difgrace,

truft

he had

26

DISCOURSES
,

about kingly power, ana had different fentlments have feen his hfe and willingly J.l,;svvould not proclamation. a by away <^i>nte taken fortunes of men, efpecially Such a "everfe^n the upon the caP"ce anddepend who of great men, eafy to be bream of another, were !,;, nd breath and whim, ^^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^

ft':rng'

Sow "r- How

exceeding blind. ?n when thev are blind, are an evil hem have provided againft refource a themfelves few fecured Public, affeftlon from the a If^friendftip of fnendltiip and ^f ^

The

gr-teft

men.

nay,

the wifeft

So

^^^ ^^^^^^

k them have done to g^he c^^^:t^:%!r!'^j- Sve:

ctwn' narwhatfome

U urco,

yjj

^^pUies

then executed for havthus the Great

iJ^clr^S'-ttmfa^d

Turk

'''xoturntoSa;

S;

.n his

more no Prince was ever Favourite

very guilty men ; ""'^"^^^^^^/'^X Selden, difi or fecure. tains/uch, be happy ^^. ^.^^^^ ^^^^^

^iJ^^-jXe^:

? uf F
. '

S^e
bring

-l^of^o^^^^^^^ and People, becoming

:

v"
''^

"ftead of cement

be

delerts r-^troTo ba^Vd but t/eir chiefly and fate better ThrMafll'S<l a blood Grea^ was fhed

J^oTgh

their guilt

h-is

guilt in Minifters

*reatning to^Pru

ce.

longer f"PPO" ^hey can no

*-J

p obaWy be

U
their

O N TA C

T U

S.

27

wicked adminiflration they had betrayed his intereft and dignity, deftroyed his reputation, the deareft mterell which a Prince can have, incenfed and eftranged the minds of his people, who are the fureft fupport which a Prince can rely on, it is by no means unnatural, if at lait they deilroc. him whom they had already undone. I Ihall hereafter prove this by many examples.

Sea. VI. Weak and evil Princes rirely profit by able Minifters they like .-rte, ; rers better Thefe fruftrate the good advice of others.
:

thefe Roman Empero-s haopened to have good Minifters, they rarely made any good uk of them, but followed the advice of others and worfe For with bad they w^re always provided Hence it is, that as a weak^or an evil Prince feldom has good counfel, he is {eU dom the better for it when he has. Suetonius Pauhnus and Manus Celfus were able men, and probably would have made the caufe of Otho triumphant, had Otho purfued their counfels. But about ai luch Princes, for one
:

EVEN when

and bafe, and it is grea odds but tnefe have much more influence^and weight; as they are more forward and impudent, more pofitn^ and fanguine, more prone to flatte; him, and allure him of fuccefs (a
fooliih

there will be

many

honeft or able man,

goes great lengths with Princes ;) and, as they are worfe judges of meafures, lefs"
events,

method which

mean

l^erhaps too they have already

concUd aLlt
made, or
whatever 'be-

to

make

ternis for themfelves,

comes of tneir Mafter.

Vitellius,

So C^cina came to defert and to efpoufe the caufe of Vefpafian

latter.

would be rewarded by the

Perhaps they

28
are bent

DISCOURSES
upon the ruin of feme Rival
has
alfo at this

For

happened,

that

men have

Court. be-

trayed their
fered,

own

cular Leader in

it

particaufe out of pique to feme Armies have been o.ten fur;

to be cut to by one of the Commanders, the othei, upon difgracc bring nieces, purely to the guards to Galba even

?nd

councd, however and Empire, oppofed every one elfe, part.any from wholefome, which came Vinius. Titus .cularly from and Proculus, CapTitianus, Otho's brother, fruftrated every and thwarted guards, his tain o of PauUnus and prcjeft good advicet every ratioral flatterers, they better were telfus, and as they ' very wicked both were better heard. They were and

Lac'o, cJaptain of his Prince for in the laft ftruggle of

f^^^Z^-^}^

men;

u. flander Proculus particularly excelled It w..s adro.t Courtier. an was and whifpering, came injuhi.e, and craft thus that this man, full of

as well righteous than himfelf. d.ftrufted eveand dreaded as thefe his Fa^ourltes, and e , chiefly upon tale-bea ry able man, relied bo ioldi.rs^ common the ^ade his chiefcourtto ai.d we.k moft probably w,U cUd Vitellius, and i'o They diflike to lee any man exeuilty Princes. public eiiimation, or to in rrowefs', and

eaf^y

to

furpafs

credit

all

who were more

Otho, .noreovcr

fflhem
Sua

from roffefs the credit arif.ng iuch of nd militar,- explo^its. Nay,

are

addrefs,

good con-

them

as

Governors, moft eminentiy want ^e being governed. the moft fearful of J^^^^ great ,,c-^P-'y "* thirteenth dreaded the the ^^^'''X perion ; as diu ^clo Richelieu, and hated his Seneca. .-rfon and authority of Pnnces .11, is not 'The danger of fervingfuch them over-well, nor fefving .rriter than that of Mmifters and great ", rSsfo great: and many undone for d and ufed iU been Sene?als have eminent
.

.ne

inj.e

UPON TACITUS.
eminent
fervice,

29

and difcharging their duty with applauie ; fuch as Caius Sllius, Antonius Primus, and Gonfalo, the great Spanifh Captain, under From this weaknefs and Ferdinand the Catholic. pride of theirs, they arc fometimes prone ol themfelves to follow the advice of weak counfellors rather than of fuch as are able and fufficient, partly from jealoufy of the latter, partly from an ambition of being thought to do notable things without them, and of reaping all the praife thcmfelves, at leaft of feeing it reaped by fuch whofe moderate ability and chara6ter gives them no umbrage.

Hence the fignal mifcarriages of Princes v/ho have wife Minifters but neglect their wife advice. Nero was afiifced, or might have been, by the counfels of Seneca and Burrus, and it was no fault of theirs that he proved a deteftable Tyrant. What advice he took, was that of Sycophants, Debauchees, Pandars, of the worfr and off-cafl of humankind. Thefe told him v/hat an acccmplifJ:ed Prince he was, what ripenefs of judgment he had, what maturity of years ; and being no longer a child, it v/as high time for him to fhake off his For towards Seneca they bore notable Tutor. rancour and antipathy, as was natural to fuch profligates who then fwarmed at Court ; and whiift he was there, he fiill proved fome check to the
brutal fpirit of

the Courtiers, nor

Nero a thing which pleafed not Nero himfelf For with fuch Princes flattery in their fervants is more palatable
;
:

and prevailing than virtue and

ability.

Sea.

30

DISCOURSES
How
difficult
it is

Se6l. VII.

for a

worthy

man

to ferve a bad Prince, and gerous.

like

how dan-

manner was Otho hurried through IN counfel and conduft fortune, though
evil

into
as

evil

lerved by fuch

Leaders

Paulinus and Cdlus.

Such

is

the rifque

which an able and worthy man

incurs

by ferving a weak Prince, even to have his good counfels rejedted, and to bear the blame and difcredit of evil counfels which he had dilapproved. For upon the moft fignal Minifter all the reproach will be apt to reft, and he mufi; bear the infamy of
nor perhaps will it be fafe for him to and diiaftrous meafures which he oppofed, left he thence caft a blemifh upon his Mafter. Even fome able Princes have looked with an evil eye upon the perfon and credit of an able Minifter, and perhaps it is the fafeft way of advifmg the beft of them, to let the advice feem
the wcrit
j

difo-vvn the foolifh

to come from themfelves. Such is the flippery fituation of good Minifters under Princes wife or weak 5

Paulinus and Celfus they v/ere likewife thought traitors ; fo infamois were the meafures which he had purfued, and which they in truth had oppofed. Yet afterwards Paulinus and Proculus meanly defcended, for their own fafety, to contefs that they had contrived them purpofely and for favour from Vitellius pleaded the merit of having betrayed Otho. Vitellius too was vain enough to believe, that, out of pure regard for him, they had really ftaincd themfelves with fuch foul difhonour. It was ftiameful to own that they had.
:

a fituation not to be envied. Otho mifcarried and as

were thought
his

dired;ors,

UPON TACITUS.

31

But fo dlftcrcntlv do had, though they had not. men conftrue aations done for them and agalnit them, and fo rare It is to find the braveii mca completely brave, any more than the wifeft men

The qualities of all men arc licompletely wife. mited, and fubjecl; to inconftancy ; elfe fuch a man as Paulinas, who had fo often ventured his life for glory, would never have lludied to fave it by infamy. It was, however, much lefs criminal to affume guilt, than to have earned it. It mull be owned, it required either very great virtue or very great {oily to ferve fuch Princes as fome of theie Emperors v/ere tliough Ic was crujl and unjuft to betray them. ]]y raihng to the Diadem iiich men as Oclio and ViLciliLi:;, it looked as if the defign had been, not to find, one fit to reflore the Roman State, fliaken, ravaged, and tyrannized by the bloody Nero, but to chufe one purely for his refemblance of that Monfter, one as monltrous a's he. They were both guilty of tiie fame debauchery and excefTes, both fludled to imitate him, and to reflore his name and honours ; nay, divine honours were already paid folemnly to his Manes. It was even reckoned one of Oiiho's
;

qualifications for reigning, that in his

fo nearly

manners he
the foldiers

refembled Nero.

For

this

adored him ; and for this the common people loved him, as they had Nero, and as the vulgar ever will any man who gratifies them with idlenefs, and the means of debauchery. What, for example, is more pernicious to a State, to public Virtue, to private Induftry and Innocence, than rioting and idle holy-days ? Yet what more dear to the populace than fuch debauched and riotous days, and the holy idle men who encourage them ? I fpeak of Italy, and other Popifh countries. In ferving fuch Princes, there was neither honour nor fecurlty to one's felf, nor benefit to the

Public.

32
Publir,
digaiity

DISCOURSE
Tr.eir chief delight

S
feats

was
in

lii

of pro
Pathics

and

voluptuoufnefr;,

Jefters,

and Buffoons, and all the execrable retainers to Nero's Court. They thought that the bufinefs of
Sovereignty confifted in exceffes and fcnftiality. Their meafures of Government were to opprefs and exhauft the State, to deprefs or deftroy every good man, to countenance and em.ploy tlie molt profligate Or, if they employed m.en of merit, they did it againft their v/iil, and the more they were obliged to fuch men, the mi ore they hated them; as Vitellius did Junius Blsefus, a man nobly born, of a princely fpirit, and equal fortune, one who ferved him generoully, and at a vaft expence furnifhed him with a princely train, which the great poverty of Vitellius could not yet afford : For all this he incurred the Em^peror's diftafte, and was repaid in hollow flattery, and fmcere hate.
:

could chearfully ferve a creature whom he could not help defpifmg, and probably had caufe to fear, one by whom he knew himfelf dreaded, perhaps hated i

Who

Sc6l.

Vill.

Under wicked

Princes,

how

natural and

common

it

is

to wifli for a

change.

and dead.
confide.

Their different treatment living In what a Prince is chiefly to

all good men, all prudent men, all wifhed the good of the Empire, the tranquillity of Rome, and fecurity to themfelves, had their eye upon a change. A better there might All endeavours exbe, a worfe there could not. eited in behalf of fuch rafli, raging and polluted Tyrants, tended only to prolong public mifciy and difgrace, as well as the ruiw and perils of particu-

DOubtlefs
who

lars.

lars.

U P O N T A C I T U S. 33 They who ferved them with moft applaufe,

diftruft

muft expe6t
that glorious

and

ill

to be difmifled, perhaps

to be

ufage in return, at heft deftroyed, as was

Commander Corbulo by Nero, and

the illuflrious Agricola thought to have been by Domitian. Men wicked and corrupt are always

and it was natural for them to dread ; and hate the belt men for being the beft. Nor could either Otho orVitellius, with a good grace, complain of being deferted and betrayed. It was no more than they themfelves had done to Galba, who confided in them whilft they were revolting from him. Befides, fuch was their charader with the Public and the public opinion concerning them, fuch the wrong meafures which they took, fuch the weak and evil counfellors Vv^hom they followed, that it was manifefl they could not ftand. And when Princes begin to totter, the zeal of their adherents They who were the always begins to flacken. foremoft to flatter them, are alfo foremoft to cenfure them j and, as a Prince in power never fails to have merit and applaufe, a Prince who is fsiWen or falling, never wants faults and reproach. It was thus with Galba How much zeal, hov/ many warm profefiions did he find whilft he flood ? Plow many upbraidings, how much contumely purfued himafter he fell ? It was thus with Otho, thus with Vitellius. They were adored and traduced, as fortune v/as leen to efpoufe them or to forfake them. And thus it will be with all Princes. It is feldom that they will hear truth, feldom that others will venture to tell it. They mull therefore form a judgment of the opinion of the Public, and of their own liability, from their own adions and adm.iniftraticn, from the charader of theMiniiters whom, they employ, and of the mcaflires which they pur-fue, and not from the fayings and foothings of. thofe about them, nor from the fhouts, of a crov/d,,
fufpicious
:

nc c:

34

DISCOURSES

All thefe nor from the fidelity of their Generals. lights may be deceitful, and have deceived many. But a righteous conduct may be boldly trufted. At worft, who would not rather fall by it, than fubfift by vilenefs and iniquity ? He wh falls through virtue is a gainer, whatev^er he lofes ; as he who gains by wiekednefs is certainly a lofer, whatever he gains. Virtue is equivalent to all things, and the wages of wiekednefs are worfe than nothing. Ncr is this fpeculation only, and mere refining, but holds in pradlice, and the commerce of life.

DISCOURSE
Of competition amongft
S^ct.

11.

the Minifters of

The a Prince, and their corruption. evil effe(5ls of indolence in a Prince.

I.

Difcord between Minifters,

fatal to their

how

Maflers.

TH

flrife

and difcord between the Mini-

of a Prince, who wants authority to controul them, and capacity to make ad-vantage of their difference, never fail to be of mifchievous confequence. The Minifters of Galba, were daily ftriving not to ferve him, not to fave the State, but to diftrefs and difappoint one another. IBetv/een the Miniflers of Vitellius the like enmity prevailed. He could do nothing without them, they did nothing but contend with one another j and by feeming partial to Valens he provoked Caecina to hate him, and at lafl revolt from him. For Sabinus (Vefpafian's brother) knew his difflers

gufls,

and improved tliemi

and by reprefenting
bis

UPON TACITUS.
his

35

ufage from Vitellius, drew him to embrace the party of Vefpafian. Nor was this his defertion and infidelity a new or uncommon thing :

unequal

It

is

the ufual refult of fuch competitions.

When

an ambitious man cannot engrofs the whole power and favour, he will renounce what he has, though ever fo much, and concur with an enemy to pull down a rival. With fuch men the fear of public and avowed enemies is not fo prevalent and alarming as that of a fecret Competitor. Cardinal Mazarin was abhorred by the fa6i:ion of the Frondcurs, yet concerted with them for the ruin of the Prince of Conde, even when the Frondeurs were offering
the Prince their ailiftance to deftroy the Cardinal, whom the Prince had prote6led from their vengeance. The Prince afterwards, in emulation to the Cardinal, called in the Spaniards, the natural

enemies of France. The viJc and malicious Eunuchs, they who governed all things under Schah Hullein, Emperor of Perfia (a few years fince depofed by the Agvans) were more afraid of their own Generals, efpecially if they proved honeft and able, than of thefe Barbarians and public enemies. They were therefore
continually deftroying
quefls of the invaders.

every

brave
will

commander,

and conaccount for their hafty and amazing fuccefs. Yet after they had. gained many Provinces, were ravaging the heart of the Empire, and advancing with terror and rapidity to befiege the Capital, the Emperor having appointed a faithful and experienced General, had regained moll: of the country, and was upon the point of retrieving all ; till the Eunuchs, the execrable governing Eunuchs, fet themfelves, with
intereit

and thence daily advancing the

This

all their

might and malice, to ruin his preferver and the prefeiTcr of the State> becaufe no man ihould C 6

36

DISCOURSES

fhould have more credit than themfelves. They efFefted their wicked purpofc, and made that goodnatured eaiy Prince beheve, that his deliverer was his enemy, and they themfelves his only vigilant guardians, whilft they were difgracing his Government, and overturning his Throne.

Court

an army was defeated, one faction at wretched Eunuchs were alv/ays divided into two) never failed to rejoice; as the General being preferred by one fadtion, was always and certainly maligned by the other. The lofs of Armies, the defolation of the Kingdom, the diflionour of their Pvoyal Mafter, the miferies of the poor unoffending People, touched them not. They hated domeftic rivals more than public enemies.
(for the

When

There

followed, or rather there attended fuch comx-

and mifruie, and intire difiblution of government. No Magazines, no ftores, no expeEven' rienced officers ; nothing fit for the field. when all was loft but the Capital, and that was bewhen the fword v/as preiling them from fieged without, fear and famine within, thefe mercilefs wretches forbore not to cahal againft every efFort for deliverance, becaufe no man fhould h^ve the glory of eflei5lii:g it, and thence endanger or eclipfe them.
petitlon
;

Seel.

II.

An

indolent Prince a ready prey

all

to the falfeft and worft of

ple.

men

Thefe

difgrace his Reign, and provoke his peo-

Their arnazing

corruption.

WHEN
him. him,
alid

a Prince neglects himfclf and his ov/n credit, all men will be apt to negled The v^orfl: men will be fure to gather about

then the beft

men cannot

ferve him.

Schah

37 Schah HuiTein had been ferved by able Minifters^ brave Generals ; but the Eunuchs difappointed all their e.ndeavours, and often deftroyed their fortunes and lives. Weak and indolent Princes always truft men too much or too little ; and it behoves every Prince to be wary what fort of perfons he entertains about him in any ftation, fmce all fuch, however low, will always have fome degree of influence, and be able to hurt him. If they cannot miflead him (which yet they will probably endeavour, probably acccmpliili) they can at leaft diferedit him either by reviling him, or by behaving themfelves corruptly, and thence bring a ftain upon him. For a Prince always fuffers by the ill behaviour and depravity of his fervants, efpecially

UPON TACITUS.

where they meddle

in the diflribution of favours or punifhments.

Galba's common domeffics and even his fiaves were confiderable enough to diflionour the Sovereignty of their Mafter, becaufe they v/ere
to
fell all

knowa

of grace. The Emperor, who {hould have confidered the defert of particulars, fhould have confidered their capacity and pretenfions, as v/ell as his own reputation and the juftlce of beftowing benefits worthily, neglected this ufeful and important dut)^, and left it to the adminiftration of his domeftics, who difcharsed it to his reproach and their own gain. With thefe
places and
all a6ls

knaves it availed not how they difgraced, and confequently ruined their good old Mafter, provided they could by his indulgence and their own villainy acquire money Though every ftep that they took to raife themfelves in this diihonourable way, was a ftep taken to fink him, fince in his fame and re-

mercenary and

faithlefs

much

or

how

faft

putation,

which they were thus polluting and

his beil ftrength lay.
fails

pull-

ing dov/n,

Indeed it never People, People of

to four

and provoke the

they fee underlings

all

ranks,

when

38
lings
rile,

DISCOURSES
vagabonds and ftrangers, by the mere countenance and indolence of a
and
upflarts, perhaps

pomp and wealth j fee his Butler or Barber pollefled of fortune fufficient for the qualifications of many Senators. If upon themfelves only they brought public odium, it were of little moment j but by fuch infamous gain they bring infamy upon their Patron and their Prince, not to mention the jufl refentment of all fuch whofe reaPrince, into
his

derable

fonable pretenfions are thus defeated. So confiis the evil and danger to a Prince in hav-

ing venal minds about him. undone by the corruption of

Galba was

as

much
by the

his fervants, as

corruption and violence of the foldiers. the Emperor Schah HulTein there was no accefs but through the favour of the Eunuchs, nor

To

any merit confidered by them but Thefe filthy Haves fold the royal

that of

money.
fold

protecSlion,

the royal favours to the beft bidder, and made public trafiic of public cmploym.ents and juftice. Hence all emulation in merit was extinguiflied, where no Hence alfo fufficiency, no virtue was regarded. public oppreflion, with private extortion and rapine, in all forms ; fince they who had exhaufted themfelves to purchafe places, were forced to exercife all forts of villainy and fpoil to repay themfelves, and to feed their infatiable Patrons the Eunuchs with continual bribes for prote5i:ion and Thus all Perfia groaned under depredaimpunity.
thefts or becaufe the Governors of the places and provinces were anfwerable for the damage, and took fpecial care to prevent it. But under Schah Huflein robbery was common, and even encouraged, becaufe the Governors had a fhare, or, in civiller words, a perquifite. Nor had they ought to fear from juftice, for none was itirring. As Ipng as they had pru-

tions

and licenced

fpoilers.

Formerly no

robberies were

known amongft them,

dence

UPON TACITUS.
opprefTor,
felf

39

dence and a purfe to fee the Eunuchs, they might He fpoil and ravage without mercy Or fliame. niufl he a very fimple knave, unworthy to be an

who would

not refign a part to fave him-

and the whole. The Eunuchs, the moft barbarous bloodfuckers that Perfia had ever {een, were, forfooth, fuch enemies to blood, that they taught the Emperor a cruel piece of falle mercy, that of putting no man to death for any crime whatfoever. Thus thefe pious Then by their addeceivers fecured themfelves. vice he turned all puniiliments into pecuniary
mul(fi:s

but as his confcience fcrupled to receive for fm and crimes, they who taught his confcience this tender leffon for their own good, had the fingering of all thefe fines. Thus thefe gentle hypocrites enriched themfelves.
;

amercements

The public Tax in Perfia was fixed and certain, and every town paid yearly fuch a limited and conThis the Governors could not alter : flant fum. But as the mulcts for cfFences ai'e arbitrary, tliey were difcovering perpetual offences and raififtg perpetual fines, and thus pillaged tlie people of fums mighty and uncertain. They ufed by thefe moneypenalties to levy at once fix times more upon fome towns than thefe towns paid to the public Tax in Ev^en by the Governor of Ifaphan, a whole year. the capital of the Empire, and feat of Government,, thieves and robbers were put to ranfom. Such as had not robbed fuificiently to fatisfy him and gain his favour and a releafe, were kept in jail, yet let out at nights to rob again and again ; and by their
lafl

robberies they cleared themfelves of punifhrnent

for all the former,-

Sea

40

DISCOURSES
how
deftruclive

Se6t. III.

The Reign of an indolent Prince, it may prove, however

Into what contempt

harmlefs the man. he falls.

NO W
prote6i;ion

injuftice,

whence all the abovementioned crying whence this abfence of all equal

and depravation of all Law in Perfia ; anarchy and fpoil of the greater over the fmaller, this general and rampant iniquity, this facrilice and oppreffion of innocence ? Came it not all from one root, the bafenefs and corruption of thofe about the Throne, and the weaknefs of him upon it ? Schah HuiTcin was a Prince of in-

whence

all this

finite

gocd-nature,
;

and compniiion
tendernefs, that

of generofity, full of mercy mind of that delicacy and he was ftartled and alarmed upon
full

his

having fhct a

meant only

in one of his canals, when he have frightened her. He thought himfelf polluted with blood, and for expiation had For recourfe to a6ts of devotion and alms-deeds. he had likewife a world of religion ; fo much religion, that when fire had feized the great Hall of the Palace, full of wealth and rich furniture, he would not fufFer it to be extinguifhed, for fear of oppofmgthe decrees of Providence. He gave Immenfe Charities, built Monafteries, en,dowed Hofone Pilgripitals, performed long Pilgrimages, mage of fix hundred miles.

Duck

to

Now what availed his good-nature, what his compaffion or his religion ? He w^ould n5t hurt a Duck, but fuffered his Subjects to be pillaged and undone, brought war and delolation upon his CounThe poor man faw the Duck killed, but try. fa w not the opprciTions of his people, nor heard their cries. He fecmed to have no other Kingdom

O N T A C

T U

S.

41

Ladies there, not his Subjects, had all his time and benevolence ; and the Governor of a City or Province was fure No to pleafe him, if he fent him a fine Woman matter how that Governor ufed or abufed the People. About this Schah HulTcin made no enquiry IF he had, his faithful advifers the Eunuchs were beforehand retained to make a favourable anfwer. In truth, thefe indulgent Tutors of his, had conor care than his Seraglio.
!

The

fulted his eafe fo

all

much

in

the cares and fatigues of

vv^hole

withdrawing him from Government, by af-

fuming the

of that painful tafk to themfelves,

that he feemed not to believe himfelf intereiled in

the concerns or fate of his

v/as told that the public

own Empire.

When he

phan
*

he

faid,

'

It

enemy approached to Ifawas the bufmefs of the Mi-

look to that j they had armies ready. ' For his part, if his Palace at Farabath were but ' Into what inleft him, he fhould be content.' and, therefore, into fenfibility, what weaknefs, what contempt, had this poor harmlefs Prince
nifters to

brought himfelf, by trufting blindly to

ducers.

felfifh

fe-

Than
thing
is

a Prince, or a State, or great

is

Man
is

fallen

into contempt, nothing

more contemptible, noan obthat religious

more

infecure.

This, I think,

fervation of Livy.

Even

or rather

fuperftitious turn, v/ith

crites

which thefe defigning hypohad bewitched Schah HulTein, the better to govern their Dupe by fuch ghoftly fears, was of In one long pernicious confequence to his People. pilgrimage Vv^hich he took, to vifit the tomb of a Saint, as he travelled accompanied v/lth all his Seraglio and a guard of fixty thoufand men, he opprefied and ruined all the Provinces through which he paiTed, and wafted more treafure than would have ferved for many expeditions againft the invaders of Perfia.

Prince

42

DISCOURSES
A
Prince

who negle<3:s his affairs will always be contemned, and from the moment he is contemned, he ceafes to be fecure. People will be turning their eyes and minds towards a SuccefTor, growing impatient for a change, and perhaps be ready to make one. At beft, though they may wifh him well, they cannot eileem him. What eileem could
the Public entertain for Philip the fourth of Spain, when they faw him marching to defend his King-

dom

againft the French, accompanied, not with a

Officers, but with a troop

number of
dians.

of

Come-

had been the contrivance of the Count Duke Olivares, to keep him from marching too faft, and from meddling with affairs, and feeing public mifmanagements. What wonder if the affairs of that Prince were fo ioofely conducted, if his defigns mifcarried, and that great Monarchy,
P^or fuch

for fo long a time,

made
was

fo fmall

a figure,

when

the

Monarch

himfelf

refigned toabfolute indo-

lence, and not he but his Favourites reigned ? Small will be the credit of a Nation abroad, when the

adminiflration is loofe or wretched at home, and fmall the regard for a Prince who exercifes not the

duty of one.

Philip

was

King, as bad man.

it is

poilible that a

good man, but a bad good King may be a

Sed. IV.
fellors,

how

Prince befet with evil Counfaft he improves in evil.

always fure of being furrounded by the men, who will be flocking about him as eagerly as a party of robbers about a rich booty, and will exert equal zeal to keep far from him all fuch who are not fo bad as themfelves. If they
is

apply it, worft of

Prince

who is naturally weak, or, which is the fame thing, has ability, but does not
all

find

43 him weak, they will make him wicked if they find him wicked, they will make him worfe. If they cannot make him direclly cruel, they will at leaft make him idle, and idlenefs in a Prince is cruelty ; fmce he who governs all men, ought to A Prince who minds be more vigilant than ail.
find
;

UPON TACITUS.

let his intention be ever fo good, is for withbe eternally abufed and mifled out experience, and examination, and attending to the courfe of things, he can form no judgment about them ; but muft truft altogether to the judgment and reprefentation of others, and thence becomes their property and machine. The mod: mifchievous of ail the Roman Emperors (and more mifchievous the world never fav/) were yet made worfe by their Favourites and FlatThe cruelty of Tiberius was heightened terers. by the bloody counfels of Sejanus ; Macro promoted the monftrous excefles of Caligula ; and the

not

affairs,

liable to

-,

brutal

tion of Tigellinus.
difpofed Prince,

Nero was made more brutal by the inftigaOf all human vermin the worft
if

; and even a wellhe be but credulous and lazy, can hardly efcape being managed and corrupted by them, efpecially if he be addicted to pleafure. They will be continually laying baits for him, devifmg new fcenes of voluptuoufnefs, and keeping him immerfed in fenfuality. The Emperor Commodus was carefully educated by feveral learned men placed about him by

are found in debauched Courts

his father the excellent

his death left

Marcus Aurelius, who

hands of his

at

him

in the

own

ancient

friends

and worthy Minifters.

virtuous
Flatterers

But he foon be-

foon cor and debauched Courtiers, abandoned the duty of an Emperor, and furrendered himfelf to eafe and luxury. In this courfe he was encouraged by his reigning Favourites, parrupted by
ticularly

came weary of

Men, became

44
ticularly

DISCOURSES

by Cleander, who, whilft he was funk in voluptuouihefs, fludied to deftroy him, and let up himfclf. Sejanus too, from managing the whole bufmefs of the Empire, found himfelf in a condition of afpiring to be Emperor.

When
and
ful

a Prince runs thus, like

Commodus,

in-

to thefe dangers (though they

were dangers of
his

his

own making,
of
all.

and arofe from

foily) they four his fpirit,

all

mifmanagement make him diftruftcruel

at

men, and thence mifchievous and

to

Thus from

purpofes perhaps harmlefs

he becomes at laft a Tyrant. This was the fate and charader of Gornmodus, who in the beginning chiefly attended to pleafure This withdrew him from Government and the bufmefs of a Prince Others ruled ; he grew defpifed Confpiracies were formed againft him Thefe incenfed him ; and from being an idle voluptuary, he commenced a bloody Tyrant. He greedily hearkened to ail flanders, all defamations ; thought all men wicked ; contracted fierce enmity to every thing that was good ; abhorred and baniflied from his prefence all men who had virtue or wifdom, as men ill forting with his reign and genius, and degenerated into a devouring favage ; wc uld fee none about him but Buitoons, Pimps, Pandars, Gladiators and Charioteers, wretches as polluted as himfelf, and fo vile as to give him no umbrage ; and fet himfelf to butcher and deflroy all who were obnoxious to him or them. Hence he grew further detefted, and found that he was ; and thence his frefh fallies of Fury, and Tyranny. Such is the gradation, and fo naturally does evil beget and
firft,
:

multiply evil

I S-

UPON TACITUS.

45

DISCOURSE
Of
-ed.
its
I.

III.

public Frugality.

Prodigality of the Emperors terrible confequences to the Public,

The

namely, Tyranny, Murders and Oppreffion.

,4

MONGST

all

the

weakneiTes,

vices,

/-%
-^

involved thernfelves and the Empire in calamities, none contributed more to their ov/n ruin and that of the State, than their Profufenefs and And upon all Princes and Countries Prodigality. fame in the^ world the ilime conduft will have the ' If by popular or vain-glorious bounties efFedl.
'

and excelles of the

Roman Emperors who

v/e exhauft the

prefTions
It

Exchequer,
fupply
it ;'

by rapine and opfaid

we muft

Tiberius very

was what his mad SuccefTor did ; he wifely. v/aftcd the public money, then robbed and murThis was the courfe of almoft dered to get more. the iticceeding Princes, of Caligula, Nero, all
Otho,
Vitellius,

Domitian, Commodus, &c.

And

this the continual caufe

of lawlefs oppreilion and In taxing the People and arraigning parkilling. that were ticular men, it v/as not juitice or guilt confidered, but how much money could be acquired. So that wealthy men v/ere always guilty, extrava-

gance and murder fuccecded one another naturally, bea man who had a great fortune rarely efcaped always he Life his with and Traitor, great a ing Oftentimes rich men were forfeited his Ef ate. form at all, bat only by any without death put to
a fhoj-t

46

DISCOURSES
:

a fhort direction from the Emperor to kill them, and feize all that they had. And Nero, whenever he beftowed any public Office, always told the
perfon
* ' Thou knoweft what my wants require j our joint endeavours be, that no man pofleis * any thing.' Thefe Tyrants firft brought themfelves Into necellities by monftrous waftefulnefs and diilipation, then let loofe their bloodhounds to fpoil and de-

let

ftroy

men and
it,

clared, that he

to fcatter

Nero deother ufe of Treafure but and thought the calculation of expence
countries for a fupply.

knew no

(without v/hich neither the Public nor particulars can fubfift) a tafk only worthy of mifers and m,ean fouls ; but efteemed fuch who knev/ how to laviih and confound, as fpirits altogether polite and magnificent. Nor did he admire and applaud his uncle Caligula for any of his execrable exploits, fo much as for hi5 confuming, in fo fhort a time, fuch an immenfe Treafure left In the Exchequer by Tiberius ; that is to fay, above one and tv/enty millions of our money in lefs than a year. He Indeed clofely followed the great example, infomuch that he plundered and fquandered almoit all that that mighty Empire could yield him. He robbed and exhaufted Nations, Cities, Churches, and all degrees of men, not only of money and land, but From wantof furniture, pictures and ornaments. So ing, he proceeded to plundering and killing. had his pattern and predeceflbr Caligula, who had at laft defcended to keep public Stews for money, whither all men were invited to encourage the He llkewifc Emperor, and promote his trade. kept a public warehoufe for the fale of confifcated goods, which he put upon his cuftomers at his ovy^n price. Domltlan too, when by every wild expence he had drained the Treafuiy, and Involved hlmfelf in great ftraights, had retourfe to every expe'

dient,

UPON TACITUS.
dient, every trick of rapine

47 and fpoiling, and to

unlimited butchery. What elfe could be expedlcd, after fuch incredible wafle, but proportionable barbarity and plunder ? Nero had fquandered away above feventeen
millions, in

mad bounties; Vitellius, in a few more than feven millions, chiefconfumed months, Calily in feats of voluptuoufnefs and gluttony. gula in one fupper fpent near eighty thoufand pounds, and upon his favourite horfe beftowed a
flable furniflied v^ith ivory

and

fclid

gold, befides a

great houfhold
ridates in

and

train.

Nero

entertained

Ti-

expence of above fix thoufarKl pounds a day ; and when he went away, prefented him with the fum of near eight hundred To Menecrates the Harper, thoufand pounds. and to Spicillus the Fencer, he gave the Palaces and patrimonial Eftates of noble Romans, even thofe of the firft dignit)^ fuch as had been diftin-

Rome,

at the

guifhed with triumphal honours.

Nor,

after

this,

was Mules covered with

it

wonder

to fee his

Lady Poppaea drawn by

harnefles of

herfelf daily in the

afles,

warm

Gold, or bathing milk of five hundred fhe-

fuch as had lately foaled. revenue of the world was not equal to the expence and luxury of thefe Imperial Vultures,

The

frantic with

the mifei-y, the

fo thefe

power and elevation. No matter for want and beggary of humankind, profligates, the worft of the race, might

but riot with their vile train of Pandars, Sycophants, Harlots, Buffoons and Informers about Nations them; for in fuch only they delighted. muft be drained of their whole wealth and beft
blood, to furnifh out a debauch for the chief Canpamper a few fuch as nibal and his crew. were the curfe and difgrace of nature, all the reft

To

were obliged

to languifli, to forrow,

and to

perifh.

Whenever

48

DISCOURSES
undone by Taxes, or murdering and

a new fund was wanted, to carry on the courfe of voluptuoufnefs and prodigaHty, it was only laying a heavy tax upon the miferable Peo-

Whenever

ple already

conlifcating a

number of men

guilty of being rich,

fometimes

forty at once.

SQ(St. 11.

Only the word men fhare in the bounties of an extravagant Prince, and carefully feclude the bell. ruinous his extravagance to himfelf and the State.

How
are

the bounties of a IN men always fhare,

ferers.

prodigal Prince the woril

as

by

it all

the reil are fuf-

Such
it.

as really deferve

it,

feidom the

better for

The

vitious,

the idle, the impudent

and the falfe, will naturally flock about him, and be vigilant to keep far from him whate\^er bears the dangerous marks of honeftv, truth, or modelly. Terrible Rivals thcfe to the Minions of Power, and never to be fiilFered to approach, at leaft not When the poor unforto be heard when they do.
tunate Vitellius, not more unhappy in his own folly than in the falfliood and corruption of his Confidents, was undoing himfelf by precipitate counfel, fuch of his oilicers as would have dealt
faithfully
v/Ith

him,

ar.d

advifed

him

profitably,

were debarred by the Minions, who had in truth fo moulded his loft and ilmple ipirit, that he would hear notlur.g but what was plealing and pernicious, and difreiifhed every honeft truth, as unfavoury and bitter. An honeft Centurion who honourably
ventured to acquaint him with his condition, with the ftrength and vidlory of his enemies, with his

own

weaknefs and lofs, was reviled by him as a Traitor; vScgt vv^hich fo incenfcd the brave man, that, as a proof of his fuicciity, he went ;md flew
"

himfelf.

Who

U
Who
^

O N T A C
tliey
?

T U
all

S.

49

were

that reaped

but Fencers, Voluptuaries, Procurers and Accufers, Creatures at once the moft waileful and rapacious, the pefts and difhonour of Society and of the Court, but with the Emperors chief Favourites and privy Counfellors. The Governm.ent of Vitellius was chiefly conduaed by the vdeft Mimics and Chariot-drivers but efpecially ; by Aiiaticus, his Freed-flave This laft was his i^ataic, or Male-AIsftrefs, reckoned one of the xichefl men in the Empire, and the greateft rogue, i he followers to a King exceffive in gifts, are excelTive in demands, and cut them not out by reafon, but by example,' Sir Robert Cotton ' Fa\-ours pad are not accounted. love ' no favours but what are future,' Some of thefe obiervations he has taken fi-om Montague. He adds, that * the more a Prince weakeneth himfelf ' in giving, the poorer he is in friends. For fuch
Fidlers,
Jefters,
Proftitutes,
:

gifts

of the

Roman Emperors

the enormous

Who

%s

We

'

prodigality in a Sovereign ever ends in the rapine of his S..:bjeas.' He inftances in Henry the

Jewels, pawn his Countries abroad, nay, his Imperial Crown,^ ^nd even to rob the Shrine of Edward the Confeflor. At lail he had not bread for his family, was di-iven to quit houfe-keeping, and went about with his Qiieen and Children, from Abbey to Abbey, humbly feeking victuals and lodcrins lamentable fituation for a King'^or a Man yet he deferved no other, and indeed run into it by

^''^^^S"^ ^"^ rifl^^V^^ w. f i to fell was forced his Lands, fell his

bountiful,

'y'^'^'^y' He had fi^^'^i iealed he S'Tr''^' had figned, and folemnly fworn to obfcrve tae great Charter,

P'^j^^^y ^-^^

with

many

terrible

crations
to all

upon

exeit.

himfelf, or
rJl

any other that broke

Oaths,

Charters and Laws, had reccurfe

50

DISCOURSES
opprefTion, called in foreign Counfeilors
to
all

to avowed and foreign Guards, became an Enemy But from People and a public Spoiler.

his

his

fpoiling and opprefling, he gained nothing In the

end but the jull recompence of fuch enormous meafures, fhame and diftruft, fcorn and beggary. Yet again his Oath was taken, again he fwore to obferve the great Charter, and was once more re-inBut, faithlefs ftill, and defflated and fupphed. prfmg the ties of confcience for the mifchievous poffeiJion of unjufl: power, he once more ventured his own Damnation and a War upon his People. It muft be owned, he grew wifer near his latter end, and after he had governed fifty years, began to learn from many efforts, many trials and revolutions, after much diflrefs and difgrace, that his his greateft fafety, confifted in greateft power, ruling rightecufiy, in obeying the Laws, and ufmg
his People well.
* *
' His immoderate liberality, fays Sir Robert, he had found but a weak means to win love j but it

loft

*
'

ing.

more in gathering, than it gained in This Bounty beftowed without

grace,
difcredited

the givrefpe61:,

was taken without

ceiver, detradled

the

Re-

*
'

from the judgment of the Giver,

*
*

and blunted the appetites of fuch as carried their hopes out of virtue and fervice.' He that will
lay
love,

*
* *

the foundations of greatnefs upon popular muft give the People eafe and juftice. For

they meafure the bond of their obedience always by the good that they receive.'

Sea

"upon TACITUS.
Sedl.

5t

IIL The wafle of public Money, its tendency to produce popular Commotions and civil War. How much men love themfelves better than the PubHc. Such waile feldom anfwers any end.
began the dvil

WHENCE

War

in Paris,

during the minority of Lewis the fourteenth, but from the extreme exa6hons and oppreffions praftlfed to fupply tlie treafury, exhaufled by prodigality, and by bounties and penfions to particulars ? For the Qt^ieen and the Cardinal, to re-

that, whilft-the People, only were oppreffed, the fovereign Courts made no oppofition But as foon as they themfelves began to be cramped and fqueezed, they prefently grew public-fpirited, and combined
:

commend their adminifiration, and ftrenotheu themfelves with friends, refufed nothing, gave the public money with both hands, and by j^mtifying Creatures made the People mad. For "the poor People mufl ever pay all, even for their ov/n 'undoing, it may not be amifs to obfer/e here,

to

make

a great ftand.
all

Thence

of Union of

the Parliaments.

the famous Arret Yet the Parlia-

though ading from fuch narrow motives, was thought the refuge of the diftrelTed, and adored by the People, who, unlefs mifled by fome falfe friend or by fome fuperior pafParis,

ment of
and

felfifh

fion, ace

always and naturally grateful. This behaviour of the Parliament of Paris reminds me of a man who had a place in the Exche-

quer during our own civil War,' The man was a good Cavalier, a great lover of Church and Monarchy. He had an afFeaion for the caufe and perfon of the King, and was concerned for his misfortunes. But whatever bcfeii his IxUjcib/ and

the

^2
the Royal

DISCOURSES
Intereft, or that of the

were

both daily finking, the

very forry, fliil kept his to his fiends. preached patience and acquiefcence Mafter, faw Royal his of calamities He faw all the hardly ufed, tried, nay, imprlfoned, taken, him Monarchy Itfelf and Epifcohis head cut off, faw
n^acv utterly abolifhed
:

Church, which good man, though temper and his place, Itui

He

difliked all this indeed,

for fubmitting to the

but bore

it all.

He was

ftill

approved theni not. Powers that were, though he did a thing which eitectually Parliament the laft At by going about to regulate and fet fire to his zeal, He tnen deFees of the Exchequer
retrench the
clared
^
'

That
it

no liberality can fecure m.en void ot Many of thofe who and virtue. honour natural by Princes, and favoured had been moft highly liberalit)-, were tne firlt to their to beholden moft

mentals, look about them.'

if they were was high time

for ftriking at i'undafor all honcft

men
.

to

No

bribe,

defert

Many them. them, and to turn againft to be no them given advantages the have thought due to their meat, more than what were already to future fervice. them upon ties and therefore no go many will be bribed and engaged to

Befides, And fuch largeffes all. certain lengths, but not by the means of men to application fuch officious argument of tac an for money, will be apt to pafs the fears of and Adminiftration weaknefs of the

thofe in

and then tlie Government wul be ilill craving for more defpifed, and the Leeches the Court hath evil and that judged be will 0?it too the price will be danaerous defigns ; and then Many fdl off. quite will others raif?d by fome^ the and Qi^een the deferted of all thefe forts quite were corfew remained, as fuch of Cardinal ; and whatever they appeared. dial and determined,

Power

Sea.

UPON TACITUS.
4)cd.

53

IV. The wifdom of Parfiinony in a Prince.The certain diitrefs and difgrace of iiich as are prodigal.

PRINCES fhould confider themfelves as only

Stewards of the public Purfe, and what k breach of truft it is, what a breach of honour, my^ how cruel and criminal, to apply the People's money other wife than for the People's benefit,- much more to wafte it wantonly, or beftow it upon Idlers, Flatterers and Debauchees.. I am pleafed with the frugality and public fpirit of Omar, the fecond Caliph after Mahomet. He had a jev/el of ;rcat
.

price fcnt

him,
it

as a prefent

peror Heraclius, and fold

it.

him

to

keep

for Jiimfelf.

from the Greek EmHis friends adviied But Omar faid, he

In propor-

could not anfwer that to the Public.

tion to this his public frugality, v/as the fi:eadiners and credit of his Governm.ent ; and in dealing with

he was equally juft and judicious. were the meafures of Othman, the next Caliph, different his reputation and fate. He was partial and profufe to his Creatures, emxparticulars,

Very

different

ployed

removed the for them, and upon them wafted the public Treafure, which
unqualified,
beft ofncers in the State to
his

them however

make room

predeceffors

owned

to

belong to the Public.

But Othman faid that it was God's, and that he who was fuccelfor to the Apoftle of God, had a
right to difpofe of
it

as

he pleafed.

It is

probable

that his

Minions and Flatterers, they who gained by his mifmanagement and prodigality, had been filling his weak head with wild dreamis of his Prerogative and divine Rights for which doubtlefs thefe
pernicious

hypocrites

appeared very zealous.

fince
j

It

was what others have done

that

is,

they

haY5

54.

DISCOURSES

fo infatuated a Prince with a divine right of doing v/hatever he pleafed, (that is, a power from the good God to be mifchievous to men) that

have often

he has perTfned in making the experiment. In which the Almighty did but vindicate his goodnefs from fuch a blafphemous imputation, and give thefe fe*
ducers the lye. A profufe Adminiilration
refpcaied and tottering
:

is

always loofe,

dif-

That of Othman was emi-

Public difconnently fo, and ended tragically. and tents and rcfentments, popular remonftrances mifhis of efFeds natural the were iniurrecbions,
rule.

As he hud
and
it

facrificed all things to his

tures,
lic
;

regarded his

CreaFamily more than the Pub-

was no wonder that the People, who v^'ere not regarded by him, grew weary of him ; no wcnde'r that they were enraged at fuch a fcandaworthlous diffipation of the publicVioney to feed he had v/bom People tlie when And leii- Favourites. could prc'.'olccG, had taiLen up arms againft him,
his Favouiiccs,

whoin he had
:

fo dearly

purchafed,
loii:

protect

him

No

The

poor man, having

all

efteem and the hearts of his fubjefts, was left helphis houfe with lefs and forlorn, and butchered in For Othman was very the Alcoran in his lap. devout, and perhaps faying his prayers, when his Secretary was ufmg his name and feal to the deflruaion of his bell fubjeas, and fervants y a practice uiual with the Secretary. Henry the third of France was a moft layifli Prince, and according to the meafure of his lavifhnefs

were

his

exa^ions and rapine.

He was

fo

buried in riot and fcnfuality, and his

fubjeas fo it faid of him, have to as pillaged, and drained they that only by his daily and heavy oppreflions, infamous more a Could alive. knew him to be to be thing be faid of a King, one whofe duty it is employed in contriving how to eafe and bedaily* ^
nefit

UPON TACITUS.
neflt his
:

55

People ? He made a very different ufe of Sovereignty, and robbed them without mercy to As if Royalty fatiate his Minions and his Vice were only pomp and luxury, and Princes only for
themfelves.

He
his

reaped the jufl

fruits

of fuch extreme wicked-

nefs and folly; aiid fuffered forely for having

made

By his prodigality and the barPeople fufier. barous methods which he took to fupply it, he drove them to defpair , and as the firfl part of his reign had been wanton and oppreflive, the latter He never part of it was miferable and diftrelFed. could recover the efteem and affections of his fubjeciis ; fo that ambitious men, taking advantage of the fcorn and hate borne him by almoft all men, hunted him to his grave ; and he v.^ho had been a man of blood, died in blood. Yet this unhappy Prince had many good qualities, and fome great But he was eafy and prGf"uie, and thence ones. the property of Sycophants, Minions and Monks, and to his People a very great Tyrant. His father too had a fine difjK>fition and fine endowments, but
rable
;

his reign

was grievous and

intole-

becaufe he was profufe, and therefore raHe loaded his Kingdom with heavy impacious. pofitions, fuch as were unknown before, yet all too So that befides little to gorge a few Favourites. the general grinding of the poor people, the rich
mull:

be brought under forfeitures, and their eftates To acgiven to the Leeches about the King. complifh this. Laws were flretched or trod under foot, evidence forged, witnefies fuborned, and every execrable Court-art tried to deflroy the innocent, on purpofe to enrich wretches bloated with guilt and crimes. Herefy was one fruitful pretence for worrying and robbing the wealthy, that the Minions might have their fpcils. To be innocent

wag of no availment

-,

nor had any man, marked out 4

56
out for~a

DISCO

U R

vilim, other remedy than that of redeeming his life and ellate by a large price giveix to the Minions for their intejpofition with the King, who, for the fake of fuch blood-thirfty ferpents, was become the enemy and fpoiler of his

People.

The Dutchefs of Valentinois, a wicked woman who governed this King and milled him, glutted
^

herfelf

with coniifcations

ef^^ecially

thofe of the
neceilitous,

.flugonots.
his

He

himJelf the while

full

was

of mifcarriages and diflionour. He had fpent a large Treafure left him by his father, devoured the fubflance of his People,
feized

Government weak, and

yet the

many Eftates, Kingdom not

Vv^as

forty millions in debt, defended, nor his Dominions

all

preferved intire, but

on

hands

I02I:

and difmem-

bered

^.

upon a King are venal and voraSuch a curfe upon the People, is a King governed by them. They never fail to bring miitry and defolation upon his People, and upon him necefiity and difhonour Perhaps he efSuch a
curfe

cious Favourites

capes not fo. violent death, v/hich ftiortened the days of that Prince, leaves us only room to conjecture what events his meafures might have produced, had he continued them, and his reign

been longer.
*

Aliis quid em

qiium omnia raperent,

&

rapta redefue-

tinerent, utfi nihil rapuiiTent, nihil detinuiflent,

rint

omnia.

P/in. Pan.

Sea.

UPON TACITUS.
Se6l.

57

V.

Public Frugality and public Pro-

fufion

compared

in their efFedls.-- -Princes

brought by extravagance into diftrefs have no refburce in the hearts and purfes of the
People.

PArfimonia magnum
Revenue,
plenty, nor
biat

efl

ueBigaL

It

is

not great
thrift,

great Frugality,

that creates

that brings poverty.

a fmall income, but Francis the

want of
firft
:

with a fev/

Such was management, that this alone fufficed for fo many demands, fo Aany expences. His Succeflbrs with numerous Taxes v/ere poor even in peace. Francis was fo apprized of the fufHciency of the public Revenue even then, that he advifcd his fon Henry the fecond to eafe the People, and abolifh fome of the Imports, efpeclally fueh as were laid on to fupport the War. fee
rich,

Taxes was

though alvrays in war

the force of good

We

how

well he profited by fuch good counfel.

Princes,

When
to

who by

extravagance and mlf-

management

are difireired in their Finances,

come

be prefTed by any pubnc exigency, by diforders at home or war abroad (and to fuch exigencies fuch Princes v/ill be ever moft obnoxious) they then ^n^^ perhaps too late, the folly and wickednefs cf their ill oeconomy. The People whom they have provoked and abufed will not help them, or, being already impoverilhed, cannot. Will they then have recourfe to their Minions for help to defend their Crown and Dignity, and to repulfc an Invader ? Nero in the midft of his fports and profulion never had thought of a day of diftrefs, or that he fhoaid ever be obUged to afk the Romans for money, and be refufed But he lived to fee that day, to find v^ants, and none to fupply them.
.

When

SS

DISCOURSES

When

the Provinces and Armies were revolting, and he judged an expedition in perfon necefiary to reclaim them, he vv'anted a fund to fet it on foot, and ccmmandtd all orders of men to bring in fuch But almoft ali men rea proportion of money. fufed to contribute any thing, and, with common confent, defired, that he w^ould rather recall all the monflrous fums which he had beftowed" upon his creatures and implements, the Informers and AcIt v/as a juft and a bitter return made to cufers. the deadly Tyrant.
frugal adm.iniilration of the public Treafurea fign of a well-governed State, which can never be well governed where the public Trcafure is To the honour of Queen wafted and mifapplied. Elizabeth's reign it was faid, (and to her honour too much never can be faid) that in her Court Majefty and Thrift ftrove for pre-eminence No No Hardfhips upon the Prodigality, no Meannefs People ; no Refentment upon the Queen. She. never had opprelled nor drained her People wonder Hie had their hearts, which Mr. OfborneL calls, very truly, the Paradife of a Prince. Her Succeflor, who was always lavifh, was always in wants, and ever hunting after new rei'burces for moneys nor did he refufe any that were offered, however heavy, however fcandalous. Hence fo many Combinations and Monopolies, to the ruin of Trade, and the affiiciion of the Subject, fo m.any vexatious Proiccutions, fo many exceffive and arbitrary Fines. The Blcodfuckers about him were continually preying upon him, and forcing him to prey upon the Public. Profufenefs created
is
: :

No

and v/ant, which tempts private men to be All his reknaves, makes public men oppreflbrs. gular Revenue, all the fupplies which he had from Parliaments, with all the advantages which arofe
\vant,

fjtom

many mean

devices,

many

oppreffive tricks

to

U
to get
tuaries.

O N T A C

ir
to

S.
raife

59-

and fupport Favourites, Upftarts, Panders and Volupfufficlent

money, were hardly

Could the Public

or honour

like

fuch an AdminiHration,

him ? He was accounted at beft but a King in Law, not eftablifhed upon the affections of his People. It was reckoned that his Minions coft England more than Qiieen Elizabeth had fpent He was fond of all new ways of in all her Wars. raifmg money and fqueezing his People, fond of all
Forfeitures and Confifcations
;

affronted his Parlia-

cared not to oblige him ; deceived them, fo that they would no longer truft him ; denied their reafonable demands, or granted and then eluded them ; defcended to all low fhifts^ and was at laft thought unworthy of all confidence, fubmitted to have the money granted by Parliament depofited in the hands of Commiffioners appointed by Parliament, yet afterwards forced it

ment,

fo that they

from thefe Commiilioners againft all faith and ho-nour folemnly plighted. A Prince muft be extremely defpifed of whom it could be faid, as it was of him, ' That he had * no defigns to hurt any people but his own and
-,

*
*

was

fevere againft Deer-ftealers, but indulgent to

Man-flayers,' fmce no murder v/as punifhed

when

had money. In return for all his Prodigality, Falfhood and Oppreflion, hewasfcorned, hated, and lived in conftant uneafmefs and diflrefs. In his reign began thofe difcontents which afterwards involved the Nation in the long Civil
the murderer

"W ar,

Sea.

6o
Se(St.

DISCOURSES
VI.
ill

The greateft Revenues

management.
the People,

under
State.

this to

How how
is

infufficient

grievous

baneful to the

what.
fuifts.

The The

true Liberality
vile
fpirit

of a Prince, of flattering Ca-

to bear wealth of the new World, the mines of Mexico and Peru, poffeffed by the Spaniards, could not keep their great Monarchy from fbandalous poverty during a long courfe of years in the late reigns ; bccaule the Finances v^ere miferably managed, lavifhed in mifapplications and enormous Penfions, and diverted

NO

Revenue whatever

large

enough

conftant embezzlement.

The

from the

fervlce of the State.

By

this

means, in a

great meafure, that proud

aimed
and
tries,

at

being univerfal,

Monarchy, which had was become fo impotent

helplefs, that, far

file

from conquering other councould not defejid her own, faw fome of

her moft conftderable territories torn from her, and had it not been for fome of her neighbours, even luch as fhe had formerly aimed at fwallowing up, but now, for their 'own prefervation, obliged to
prote6i: that their ancient enemy, fhe herfelf had followed the fortune of her Frontiers, and been the rport and purchafe of a Conqueror. few Provinces once her own, not very large, but very frugal, as they had at firfl: beaten her in her belt days, aiTifted her in her v/orft, and, in the grcateft of their fieets and armies employed in lier defence, quite furpafled her, as well as in promptnefs and capacity to fit them out. Can there be a greater inltancc of the difFercnt effects of management and

:i}ifraanagement

Under

UPON

TA

T U

S.

6i

Under the Minlftry of Cardinal Mazarln, during the minority of Lewis the fourtenth, v/hcn

money was wanted from the Finances for the fervice of the State, the Superintendants were wont to anfwer, ' That there was none in the Treafury, but * V/ith the Cardinal would lend the King- fome.' honeft imh2.<yen\ent the King; could not have been fo deftitute, nor the Cardinal fo abounding. When the Emperor Claudius was once complaining of the poverty and emptinefs of his Exchequer, it was pertinently obferved, ' That he might be abun< dantly rich, if his two governing Freedmen would ' admit him for a fharer with them/ NarcifTus ajid Pallas were the two meant, they who ftudied nothing but to ravage and fpoil v/ith all their might No matter v/hat the Public paid 5 no matter what their Mafter wanted, Lewis the fourteenth, who v/as extremely magnificent, that is,

throwed aWay vaft fums in pomp and vanity, when he heard t)f the great Confederacy forming againfl- him, refolved to abridge his prodigious expence In building, gardens, jewels^ Uc. For that very year he had, in building only^ fpent fifteen millions. Nor could he hold his refolution to retrench, notwithfianding the public neceflity fo preffing, notwithftanding the private poverty fo melancholly and affecfing. He went on with Prodigality and Taxing. What the poor People had, he v/ould not want ; for his pity was by no means fo extenfive as his pov/er. To fpare, to fcfl-er, and to enrich the People, is the true and chief Liberality of a Prince. Deteftable is that Bounty v/hlch impoverifhes all men. It was truly faid of Otho, that greatly deceived were they v/ith whom his profufion and extravagances pafi'ed, as he would have had them, under the name and guife of Geiierofity. The man might know how to wafte ar.d confound but to -the dif;.

cieet

62

DISCOURSES

erect and beneficent rules of liberality he mufthave been an utter ftranger. I admire a faying of Henry the great, (who, in truth, was a glorious Prince) that he hoped to fee the time when the pooreft man in France would be able to have a pullet in his This fhewed the pot 5 or words to that purpofe. true and paternal fpLrit of a King, fuch a fpirit as every King ought to have, elfe I know no bufmefs he has with the Office. What has any King to do but to make the People happy ? What have People to do with a King who makes them miferable ? Yet, to the difhonour of fome of our EngIifh Princes, they often claimed payment of the People, and had it, even for reafonable Lav/s and ConcefTions, and never parted with any lawlefs cxadlions v/ithout an Equivalent. They were paid for granting what it was unjuft and infamous to deny, I was out of countenance for a late Piince, one

who

affe6led the title of Great (in

my

opinion very

upon meeting fomev/here with the He told a Aliltrefs of his, what following Story. great peace of mind he had jufl: received from his Confeffor, to whom he had imparted his anxiety about his grinding and exhauuing his People in fo grievous a manner, and how readily the good man had removed all his fcruplcs, by airuriiig him, that whatever they had was his own, and whatever was She is faid his own he might confcientioufly take.
prepofterouily)

to have replied, very freely, but very juftly * were you fuch a fool as to believe him?'
lefs

'

And

there was no fiattery, no felf-ends, to favour and preferment in the State-Cafuiflry

this

Doubtnor view
of

holy hard-hearted knave, who by the law of God could authorize Oppreffion, and fandlify the Surely worfe than no Reenormities of a Tyrant. ligion is that Religion which extinguifhes humanity and warrants barbarity
are, they

who

; as wicked as Tyrants cowiteuauce Tyfapny., and of all

jSycophants

O N T A C

T U

S.

6'i

Sycophants fuch who cajole In the name of the Lord, are the moft peftilent and odious. When King James the firft afked BiOiop Neal, whether he might not take his People's money without the ceremony and confent of Parliaments ; that he might. the Bifhop anfwcred roundly, < God forbid, Sir, but you fhould You are the < breath of our noflrils.* By fuch cant, and the impious burlefque of Scripture, he would have war:

ranted the overthrow of the Eftabliihment, and let loofe the King to rob his Subjects, contrary to the Duty of a King, contrary to his Coronation-oath, Had the and againft Law and the Conllitutlon.

Law

provided no punifhment for fuch a poifonous fuch a declared enemy to Law and Liberty, and all men ? To meditate the death of the
parricide,

King is was for

juftly

made High Treafon.

The

Bifhop

killing the Conilitution.

To fuch extreme

wickednefs and falfhood h is probable this unhallowed pedant was ied only out of regai'd. to King James's partiahty to Epifcopacy, and chiefly to his I being the iburce of ecclefiaftical preferments. know not In what other ienCe he could be the breath Siue I am it would have of the Bifliop's ncflrils been a very lying complim.ent out of the mouth of the People, had they been fleeced andfpolled agalnft Law, as the good King dehred, and the pious
:

Bifhop advifed.
to his

narrow

fpirit

This miferable confideration was faperior to the felicity of huand

all

man

Society, the Lavv^s of his Country,

things.

The State of Athens was fo fenfible of the danger and mifchief of embezzling or mifapplying the
public money, that to prevent it they made the * following awful Lav/ That v/hereas a thoufand * Talents were yearly affigned for the defence of * Athena agaiiiit foreign invafjo.ns ) if any perfon
:

64

DISCOURSES

prefumed to lay out, or but propofed to lay out * that money, or any part of it, on any other de* fign, he fhould fufter death.' And, though by the Law of Athens no free Athenian could be put in bonds, yet fuch as had wafted or mifapphed the pubhc Treafure, were excepted and denied the benefit of it. Many other wife and fevere precautions they took to fecure the Revenue of their State, and by it the State itfelf. Nor can any State fubfift in honour and fecurity where havock is made in the Exchequer. A Nation as well as a Family may be undone by Profufencfs,
.

Sedt. Vlf.

Public Frugality advantageous

difliked only
ill

to
lic

all

by

a few,

Pub-

Bounties

beftowed, hovv diflionour'

abie.

by almoft all men, he ihall be accounted noble and beneficent, and reckoned clofe and penurious only by a few to whom he gives nothing, fays Machiavel ; and it is truly faid. Let him therefore judge, whether it be not more juft, prudent and prohtable to oblige arjd carefs his People,, though he difguft fom.e particulars, than to clitrifh and glut a few particulars at People fometimes love the expence of the People. to fee a liberal Prince, but care not to feel him, when he is liberal out, of their pockjets. It mufl be a melancholy confideration to a Prince (if he confider at all) that by giving a large Penfion perhaps to a worthleis or waftcful man, he is iayhig a heavy load upon the backs of b.undreds of his befl fubjtcts, and opj)reiIing a multitude to be generous or rather prodigal to one. It was a fine and true

BY

ail thofe

from
is

whom a Prince takes

notliing
,

away, that

to fay,

compliment

U P O N
aompliment
javillinefs

T A C

T U

S.

65

to Trajan, that he warily retrained all

in the
it

meant
cent.
It is

to fiipply

Exchequer, beeaufe he neveF out of the fortunes of the inno-

indeed infamous in any

if

man

to

accept of

bounties from the Public,

he can

live

without

them.

of fortune, who v/ith it ; has virtue or fhame, v*'iil fcorn the characSler. What is here faid, does not affeft fuch as for fervfmce ing the Public receive thence an equivalent But, rewards that are due are never fcandalous.
-,

They who do fo, Almfmen and every man

are at

bed but public

alas

the fervice

is

that ceafes, the

recompence
it,

too often over-rated, and when is often continued to

^Mch as w^ant
)t

it

not, as well as given to

many who

but never could deferve it. mighty Annuii liave known great LargelTes and but ties granted to many for no apparent reafon, that they were fhamelefs enough to afk, and the If they had any real Prince weak enough to give. and it claim, it was too infamous to be owned is a terrible reproach upon a Prince, v/hen, for a
:

only do not want

fmall or a wicked fervice

done to him perfonally,

equal regard
as for

is

had, and as

much

liberality fliewn,

any fignal fervice done to the State, perhaps more, and v/hen the offices of the State, or its Treafure are proftituted to gratify private Jobbs and Intimacies.

When

this giving

humour

prevails, there

is

no

end of Suiters and Claimers. Every man, every woman will have fomething to aliedge, feme fuffering or fome fervice. Upon the acceffion, particularly, of a nev/ Prince fuch claims always abound. ' In every fhift of Princes, fays Sir Robert Cot* ton, there are few fo mean or modeft that pleafe ' not themfelves with fome probable object of pre' ferment. Men expect payment for doing their ' duty and affifting the Public,, that is, affifting
'

themfelves.

66
* *
'

DISCOURSES
what is no more than duty they and merit mult be rewarded ; and are left to meafure their own, we

themfelves, and
call merit,

will lofe nothing of its extent and 71iere are indeed few who think tliem* felyes as high in employment as they are in ca* pacity.' When there are not Places enow to gratify pretenders, an equivalent is expelled ; and when once Penfions multiply, and are given to many worthlefs people, there can be no fatisfa6lo*
*

when men may guefs it

value.

ry reafon given for refufing others as worthlefs* Thus the public Revenue comes to be thrown into a Nor when the corrupfort of average and fpoil. tion has gone far, is it an eafy matter to cure it j and lie who firft attempts it. Prince or Minifter, will be fure to find a hard tafk, a torrent of oppopies, all

and outrageous clamours For all the Harwho had not clean hands, will be found to have foul m.ouths y and when public frugality, when general eafe and relief is intended and purBut fued, injuftice and avarice will be imputed. the reformation, as it is always juft, will certainly prove popular at laft, when the generality feel benefit from the juft difappointment of a few ^.
fition
:

Augeo

Principis

ineffe rationem.

munus, quum cflendo liberalitati Ambitio enim, etjaciantia, et effufK),,

et quidvis potius
ratio

quam

liberalitas

exiilimanda

ell,

cui

non

conflat.

Plin, Pane^.

DIS.

UPON TACITUS.

67

DISCOURSE
Of Princes.
:

IV.

Sed. I. The Duty of a Prince, what. His motives to be good, and content with limited Power That of the Roman Emperors bounded.

IFwhat tKe can

and

we now

enquire into the duty of a Prince, it be but to conform to the Laws,

fee that all others

conform

to be vigilant

for the public welfare, to confult

the good of the

whole and of
to puniih
it,

particulars, to prevent oppre/iion

to

and
it,

promote

virtue

and to reward

to conlider hlmfeif as

made

for the People's

pro-

pleafure, and that where his SubjeiSls reap no advantage, he can reap no glory ; to enforce the obfervance of Law by his example as wclh as by his judgments, and by his faithful care of his People, merit their afFedtion and
teftion, not the People for his
fidelity ^.
It is thus he muft refemble the Deity, nor can he be otherwife the Reprefentative of God than by doing God-like a6tions. It is not enough that he do things innocent and harmlefs it is not enough that he forbear thins;^ wicked and mean. Vv^hat he does muft be virtuous, noble, pubHc fpirited. Every fordid a6lion, every- low artifice he mufl deteft and avoid. He who reprefents tlie Almighty, he who guards the Laws and the Lives of men,
:

Omnia

invifere,

omnia

audire, at

undecunque

in-

vocaturn., (batim velut

numen

adeffe et aiTiHere.

muit

68
muft be
femble his

DISCOURSES
jufr in

ambitious to reHow can he, how dare he negleft or injure thofe for whcfe fake alone he is what he is ? ' He who is above ali,

obferving

Law,

Maker and

Sovereign.

' ought to be better than all/ v/as the wife and worthy faying of Cyrus ^. Such a Prince, v/hofe only end and purfuit is

the People's good, as

will delire

it is

in truth

hi-s

only bufinefs,

no power

to hurt them,

none fuch

as

others under him, or aft^r him, may turn to their prejudice, though he himfelf would not. Though

a Prince perfectly wife and jufl could never abufe any power, he would not covet power without bounds, becaufe whatever the beft Princes have had,the word" will always expe6l. So that good Princes will be content with a little, a finaller fhare, that the bad may not have too m.uch. They v/ili lookbeyond their ov/n time, and contrive that the People may be happy when they themfelves are gone. This confideration terribly heightens the crime of Ufurpation, and overturning the Laws of a Country. Though he who does it may have good qualities, and pofTibly defire public good yet fuch as are to come after him may befools, madmen, bloody favages. Caefar, therefore, and his fellov\^s are never to be forgiven, never to be excufed. Let a Prince be invefted with a power ever fo bo,undlefs, it is ftill intended, or ought to be, for the good of men, and he has none to be cruel or wicked. power to deftroy, is not given, but
;

Un Roy
:

(entant que Roi)

n'ai rien

proprement

fien
fe

il

fe

donne

La juriididion ne doit foy menie a autruy. point en faveur da jurifdiciant: Ceil: en fa-

fuperior

Mohtagne. H^ adds. That a ; Jhys created not for his own advantage, but for that of his inferiors As a Phyfician is fo for the fick,
vour du juridicie
is
:

"aot for himfelfo

taken,^

UPON TACITUS.
taken, and

69

ufurped, has no right whatever. reoruLir, no juft power can be derived from the irre2;ular will of man, whatever fine name he takes

what

is

No
'

to himfelf.
to his

' Hard it is for one who has no bounds power, to fet bounds to his paffions ;' faid Nor did the the wife and good Marcus Aurelius. Roman Emperors pretend to be above the Law, but only above the formality of Law. If they aded otherwife, as they generally did, they gave the lie Alexander to truth, and their own profeilions. Severus declared, that nothing was fo much a part of fovereign power, nothing io much its characSLCf, Trajan proas to live according to the Laws. feiTcd, that the Prince v/as fo far from being above the Laws, that the Laws were above the Prince. As he took an Oath to obey the Laws, he faithfully obferved that Oath ; and thence Pliny fays, ' That all the Emperors before him had made
'

the fame profeflions, but their profeffions v/ere not believed :' What they had promifed to be, he The RomiTns in the times of the Emperors, was.

wide difference betv/een a Prince and a the former they con fid ere d as a lawful Magiftrate, the latter as an Intruder and Ufurper. And it was obferved of Trajan, that he pofTelTed

made

Mailer

cife

the place of a lawful Prince, to prevent the exerThe Emperor Adrian deof lawlefs rule ^.

clared to a public affembly of the Romans, that he would govern like one v/ho had the direcliion of the

People's affairs, not his own: and Severus owned himfelf to be no more than the public Steward, JMany Emperors ufed their power mifchievoufly ; but fuch abufe of power was no part of their CommiiTion.

Sedein obtinet Principis, ne

fct

Dcnfrir.o locus.

Se^a.

DISCOURSES

Sc(Et. II.

No

The wifdom
juft

of governing by

Lav,r,

power without

Law.

Government

requires fenfe. Any wretch

Juft

capable of tyrannizing. -No good fond of boundlefs power.

man

are fet over men, too often forget that they themleU'es are but men. Indeed fuch of them who pretended to be above Law

THEY who
they

were much worfe than claimed Divinity, a difgrace to Humanity. Hence PHny fays to Trajan, who, without arrogating celeftial honours, had a fpirit truly divine, ' That, from, the fate of the Princes * his predecefTors, it was manifefl, that none but * fuch as men love, are beloved by the Gods.' What is it that gives a Prince a right to power ? Not his bare will, for then every man who has
and above Kumankind,
beafts,

who

force, has a right

to

pov/er,

a right to

all

that

downright brutal force can bring him. As the public good is the general rule of Laws, thefe Laws are the rule and boundaries of the Prince's power. To thefe all men are and ought to be fubject, he efpecially who is intruded with their execution and the care of all men. If the Laws are for the fecurity of the State, why fnould not the Prince obferve them, he to whom the guardianfhip of the State is committed ? The Roman Emperors, even in their ads of Tyranny pretended to obfervc Law, and under the name of fome Law moft of their cruelties were perpetrated. Nor durft they avowedThus Claudius was afraid to ly violate the Laws. marry Agrippina, for that there was no I^aw authorizing an Uncle to marry his Niece. Nor -dur/l he accomplifh the marriage till a Decree was purpofely made, l^hus even the outrageous Nero proceeded

UPON TACITUS.
:

71

needed in cutting off fome of the greateft men He got them butchered under the form and mockery of

Law.
glory for a Prince to govern reby the juH meafure of Equity and Lavv^s ; for that, in order to govern well, parts, and prowefs, and vigilance are required ; but any novice, any favage can exert brutal paflion, follow
It is

the

more

gularly, and

his abfurd
is

humour,

yield to his headftrong

v^ill.

It

the eaficft thing in the world to exercile diforder

gratify

and mifrule, to
ligula could

private appatite, to create

public mifchief and diforder.

This the

frantic

Ca-

do, this the infamous Heliogabalus,

our Richard the fecond or King John. or a fool may be an able Tyrant and to be fo, fools and madmen are the moil afpiring. La Bruyere fays, ' That for the exercife of Ty* ranny there is no need of arts or fciences. Thofc ' politics which confift only in fhedding of blood, ' are very narrow and void of refinement They ' infpire us to kill fuch who, while they are alive, * prove an obftacle to our ambition. This is what ' a man naturally cruel does without diiHculty. ' It is the moll horrible, it is the molt grofs method of fupporting ourfelves, or of acquiring ^ grandeur.' Indeed, a wrong head, a v/icked

and

this

madman

heart,

and human fhape, feem the chief

qualifica-

tions for a Tyrant,

As

unlimited oppreffion generally follows

unli-

mited power, and as all power that can be abufed will be abufed, none but a madman, a wicked man, or a changeling will dehre unaccountable dominion, whence he can reap no other fruit than guilt and odium, and his People none but mifery and pillage. What can be the mark of a viler fpirit, what a more deteftable character of a man, what more repugnant to the bufmefs ^nd duty of a public Father,

72

DISCOURSES
is

Father, than to confider the People as his properas if millions were created for ; the fake of aggrandizing one of tliemfelves, often
ty, not his care

the worft, as a Tyrant

ture in his dominions,

let

certainly the worft creathe reft be ever fo bad,

and bad they muft be, as well as wretched. For the breath of Tyranny contaminates all things, deilroys the beft things, nor can virtue any more than happinefs ftand before it, or within its reach. It is a maxim with evil Princes to make their fubjecls evil j and, in order to bear llavery, they muft
have the abjecl
fouls

and

vices of flaves,

muft be

fordid, ignorant, debauched, void of care for the

Public, void of humanity and honour.

:Se6i:. III.

How

amiable the charafter of a

good Prince, v/ho rules by JuRice and Law, who loves and relieves his People.

yjr E N R Y
P
I
'

the fourth of France ufed to fay,

^*

it is not exfaying worpedient to do whatever we can :' thy of the wife head and great heart of that brave Prince. As he faid, he pracfifed. He always heard

That

in order to reign well,

with great patience the remonftrances of

je6ts and Parliaments, nor
his opinion, or to depart
y

his

was aftiamed

to

Subchange

from points of prerogahated to hear Parafites magnify his power, and ftiew great tcndernefs for the privileges of Royalty, or to be praifed by men unworthy of praife would not fuftcr the Provinces to be opprelled to enrich particulars j confefi'cd that he differed not from his Subjects, fmce he had but two eyes and two feet no more than they. He told an affemhly
tive

of the principal men of Normandy at Rouen, that he had called them, not bhndly to approve what

wa^

UPON
was
fel,

1^

A C

T U

S.

73

his will

time.

French Monarch was feldom heard to mention conhdered It as given him only for one end' nor could it be given to any Prince for any other! for the faice and fupport of his People, as were his Kevenues to enable him to defend the People, and not to be wafted upon pomp and voluptuoufnefs, as were the Revenues of fome other Crowns at that

the language of a man of fcnfe and honour, and he did juft the contrary to what a fool or a fmall fpi, rit would have done. certain Prince, cotcmporary with him, would have probably told fuch an ailembly, ' That State-affairs were above their ' reach,' (and quoted fome Latin to prove it) ' that they fhouid beware of entrench ino- upon his * Prerogative that he wanted not their j advice, * tor he was a wife Kino-/ The word Prerogative was what that o-reat

to truft

and pleafure, but to receive their counit, and to follow it. This was

He

An

contrad-aion

one ^.d.a he forgave the People

u 1 u tind been

a good Pnnce think ought due to him which his Subjects are unable to bear or to pay. Henry the fourth abhorred the recent exceffes 'and encroachments of the Royal Authority, and fuopreffed many duties which the late Tyranny had exaaed.

oppreffive Prerogaflve is a monfler fo are oppreffive Revenues, nor

:

and
will

'

In

all

the arrears due

Ti^' fufficient,

''''''^

"^^^^^^^

'''^'^

^^'

o^^ Revenue
he would br^e

for that then

taken nothing out of the purfes of his People. djvme Marcus Aurelius remitted all that had
clue to the

The
been

imperial, or to the public Treafury fror tncy were diihnct) during iix and forty years. He declared, < That the public wealth beloii^ed to the Senate and People, that he had nothing

of his

rXl'

'''' ''"'"'" ^^'""^

^^^

^^'^

^^^

74

DISCOURSES'
This was the
ftile,

thefe

the

conceiTions

of a

which Kincr and public Father, two charaders too feldom are. but fame, the be eternally Ihoutd Nor were all thefe profefTions of theirs the grimace Marcus Aurelius and Henry the
of
politicians.

Great fouls fourth had no occafion for grimace fee their to delighted They are always fincere.
:

To fo. People happy, and ftudied to make them lefchearfully fourth the accomplifh this, Henry and reauthority, his lefTened revenue, fened his prerogative intertrained his prerogative where his of his People. happinefs and intereft fered with the all doubwas above all little fufpicions, above
He
ling;

of little and deceit ; habits fo common to men man, no wronged he As fenfe. little minds and never was mind large he feared none, and his ufually cleaving to power. fretted with the jealoufies higher than others, being of purpofe no knew He he found himleU when and ; all but to do good to not to high to affift thofe below him, he feared

too defcerd
tions
his

flill

and

fecure in the benevolence of his intenof conduct, as well as in the fufficiency

aware that overbearing not the meaiis to win were pride and prerogative the condefcenfion ot that and efteem, or afFeaion his dignity, nay, a to a Prince is no contradiclion

own

might.

He was

fure

way

to raife

it

He

therefore lived with

;

his

children People like a father with his

as

was

faid

refembled him, I mean of a Roman Empercr who rxcellencies refembling Trajan, a Prince in all pity that fuch Princes, What Henry the fourth. protcacrs of men, and world the to friends fuch Ihould ever die
!

Sect,

UPON TACJTUS.

1^

Sed. IV. The miferablc Spirit and Infamy of Princes who confider themfelves above Law, and independent on their People.
Cato the elder known two fuch Princes above-mentioned, he would not have given Tuch a fhocking character of Kings, < Thac < they were all ravening beafts :' a charaaer due to thofe whom he knew, eaftern Tyrants, the conftant Enflavers, OpprelTors and Butchers of men.
as the

HAD

Power is indeed a brutal, a hideous thing, when not tempered by Reafon and Laws, not employed for the benefit of Society ; and fuch as have it and do not thus ufe it, are worfe than animals of prey,
more
dertru(5live,

more

deteftable.

One

of our weakefl and worfl Kings (at leaft till then) were Edward the fecond and Richard the fecond. Thefb were great zealots for Prerogative, that IS for a piivilege to be mifchievous and^unaccountable, and rejeaed all ilich demands. Hence their miferable reigns, tlieir calamitous ends,
their

Two

was Edward the third. He had many demands made upon him by his Parhaments, and granted them alh Hence he reigned and died in renown.

of the greateft and braveft of our Princes

infamous memory. They were that fort of wretches who let up ioWy and appetite againft duty and hujire

fociety. Good fenfe and greatneis of mind always found together, and juftice is infeparah\^ from either, Edward the third had equal v/ifdom and magnanimity, and was juft proportion as he was brave. It was his fludy to

man

cherifh his

t'cople, nay, to be great

with them,

and to be

counieiJed by their Representatives. < He had the * honour, fays Selden, to be the repairer of the ' ruiiis that his iatlier had made, and was a Prince
*^

whom

;6
*

DISCOURSES

whom

<

you might think by his Story to be feldom abroad.' at home, and by his Laws feldom Lewis the thirteenth v/as a great lover of power,

exercife it. in proportion to his great incapacity to of ThoPeople the when both, of fpecimen a As

unanimous loufe applied to him, by an earneft and Montmorency De Duke the to mercy for petition,

condemned

to die,

he anfwered,

'

That

if

he

fol-

fon

lowed the inclinations of the People, he fhould I queftion whether his not aa like a King.' anfwer, a Prince fo better a would have given

flattered for the art of reigning, if his

government

deferve that name. that a

!

What
weak

nnift have poiTefied the

ftrange lofty notions head of this Prince,

King fhould aa
is

for himfelf againft his

Peo-

But, pray, how The thing ple an ihould the People act, on their part, upon fuch at occafion ? I mean not the People of Tholoufe they find when nation, whole a but junaure, that himby his adminiftration, that he only confiders a only them makes rather or and not them,
often too true.
felf,

property to himfelf. Such as have an unjuft or fuch as intend to abufe ill got, or overmuch, They and fearful. jealous ever are power, thetr caufe to fear, are ever fearing thofe whom they deftroy. and whom they fear they feek to opprefs or In This is the nature and progrefs of Tyranny \ deihockmg a find we Hiftory Dr. Burnet's late concerning the claration of Charles the fecond

power,

Duke
done

of Lauderdale,
a great

* jefty,
*

Ma' but I cannot fee, lays his ple of Scotland j mmy agamft thing any done has that he
fpeech upon which I make no reflecfurnifli one that can tion, nor can my imagination horror. its heighten poflibly
terelL'

many damned

that the Duke had mdeed things agalnll the peo-

Cun^la

fcrit

dum cuada

timit.

Now

UPON TACITUS.
Now
quity of

77

befides the infamy, befides the crying ini-

Lewis the thirteenth, of making his Kinggroan under the mercileis weight of Prerogative exerted in violation of their Birthright, Liberty and Law ; all the new power which he ufurpcd was ufurped to his Minifter. It was the Cardin^il who fwaycd the enormous Scepter, and fwayed it even to the dread and fhame of the terribly, Monarch, who by fetting himfelf above the Laws, above the remonilrances of his Parliament, did but fet the Cardinal above him, and from his exceflive weaknefs, to call it no worfe, his Minifter derived Henceforward he could not, his exceiTive power. he durft not either fee or hear but by licer-ce from

dom

his

Eminence.

Seft.

V.
:

Princes feeking or pofl'efFing arbi-

trary
felves

Power, rarely exercife any themTheir Minifters and Creatures geail.

nerally rule

unbounded Power, which yet they feldom occupy themfelves, but leave to be exercifed by others, their Minions or MiftrefTes. What they gain by putting bonds upon all men, is to be themfelves holden in bonds by the meanefh Lewis the thirteenth, a Prince very or the worft. iniuflicient, but very obftinate, one who had no ideas or very fhort ones of his own, alTumed to be the origin and oracle of all Juftice and Law and his pafiions-, infufed or managed by the Cardinal, were to be the rule of life, and to determine the fate of all men. The Cardinal, v/ho ufed the King like a mere machine, was efFcctually Moappetite in Princes for
;

IT

is

wonderful

this llrange third, this

boundlefs

narch of France, as

all

Frenchmen

felt,

as

all

Europe

78 Europe faw. He v/as indeed an extraordIna!y man, a mighty genius but as he trcd upon the
:

DISCOURSES
is,

Laws and
can be
jftruclive

Liberties of his

faid

of him, Minifter.

Country, the beft that was an able deWhoever rules by fancy will
that he

ever be a pernicious ruler, let his abilities be whaj they will. The fovereignty, and folly, and cruelty of Claudius were all managed by his manumifed flaves, or his Wives ; and he had neither difcernment or paffions but fuch as they infufed. Nor was it peculiar to Claudius to be under fuch guideance. The reft of the Ca?fars were generally fubjcc?L to the fupreme rule of fbme mean and uncontroulable Favourite. Thefe lofty Emperors who v/culd bear no limits to their authority, exercifed
in cfftO: none, but, referving only the
ini.quity

name and

of pov/er, devolved the adm.iniftration and abufe of it upon their viitft domeftics, the dregs

cf human race.

The
power

great

Turk, who claims and

li\'es

exercifes

V.

ithout controul over the

of

all

men,

who
cf

challenges a right to the fortune and property

Lord of every acre throughout his enjoys from all this enornious, this founding fovereignty no m.ore than a mighty name and mighty danger. He is feldom ieen, feldom docs any thing, or knov/s what is done.
TiU,
is

and

vaft dominions,

With

the Teal vi^hlch he delivers to his primiC Vizier,

he furrenders the abfolute difpofal of his immenfe Empire, the abfolute dirctSlion of liis bounGlcfs Authority. The prerogatives of State which he
exerts in his own perfon, are fuch as concern not the State, at leaft help it not He diverts himfelf with the tricks and grimaces of Mutes and Buffoons, with his Ladies or Pathics, with Dogs and
:

HuntfjBien.
It

UPON TACITUS.
It is

79

thus he difcharges the duties of a Sovereign, thus guards the Public, and protects Nations. Are theie the marks of authority divine, of a power

holden immediately from God, facred and

ble,

irrefifti-

as the

Mahometan

Doiftors teach

Are the

found in the negand abufe of Government, as well as in the difcharge of it ? If he vi^ho does the office be the perfon divinely appointed, as I think he ought, not
charatSeriflics of Divinity to be
lect

the Grand Seignior, but the Grand Vizier is the man. How the Turkifli Divines rcafon upon this
point, I

knew

not.

doubt not but they are pro-

vided with good cafuiftry and diftinclions to account for their recommending, as they have fome-

tjmes

done,

their

Monarch

to

be dethroned or

knocked on the head, though by their principles he was irrefiftible and facred. Such force and magic there is in tlie fage fubtleties of this profound Divinity and of thefe able Divines, and fo powerfully do they aid Princes to ftand or fall Mahometan preacher was bold enough to tell
!

Emperor to his face, that inftead of defending Buda (then befieged) he v/ent every day a hunting.
the

The
the

rebuke had iuch an efFe<5t, that, as foon as was ended, his Highnefs ordered nine hundred of his hunting dog? to be drowned. fee the efncacy of an honcfl fermon upon a Prince when an honeft man is found to preach it, one who aims at truth and reformation, not at flattery and preferment. Thamas King of Perfia was fhut up in his Seraglio, drowned in voluptuoufnefs, for ten years together, leaving his Authority to be abufed, and his SubjC(ls opprciTed and devoured all that while at the lull: and difcretion of his fervants. They therefore were the fovereign Rulers, whilft he had the fovxrcign Title. In a manner like this are all or moft of the great Monarchies in the Eafl conferxTioii

We

E 4

duded.

no
tkic^eJ.

DISCOURSES
The Monarchs do
nothing, and their Theie Reprefentatives of

Minifters do n}irchief.

or

the Deity are themfelves rfprefented by a Woman a Pathic, always by a Slave. Such of our Endifh Kintrs as h?.d the o-reatefr

appetite to abfokite rule, as the worft always had, never fwayed what violent power they had grafped, but refigned their People, their Dominion and themfelves to Creatures and Favourites Whether the King were a Henry, an Edward or a Richard, a John or a James, it was ftill a Pierce Gavefton, a .Hugh Spencer, a Mountford, a Brember, a Carr or a Peters that mifgoverned and oppreiTed. The King only lent his name and warrant, and often not that but ftill blindly approved what they had done, though he knew it not, nor why.
:
',

Se6l.

VI.

The

arbitrary will of Favourites

often proves the only

Law

arbitrary

Prince.

How

of a bad and apt they ai-e

lail

to abufe his Power, and at

to defert

him.

TH
lejeds

weak a Prince who

E caprice, or p affion, or evil counfel of a reigning Favourite, Vv'ill always pafs upon a Prince for the rules of Equity and Law. As
is

not cotitrouled by

Law

will in

all

probability prove bad, and certainly bad where he

Law j fo a Minifter aSling without any check or inquiry from his Mailer, is not very likeThe one will ly to prove modeil and vfituous. be apt to grow domineering and infolent, if the Such a temptaother be credulous and indolent. tion is feldom withftood, or fuch an opportunity This was the cafe and misfortune of Galba. loft. For fuch, fays Taci-^us, was his weaknefs and acquiefcence, that by it t'le avarice of his friends,
already

O N T A C
;

T U

S.

8i

already infatiable, and ravening according to the meafure of his fbvereign fortune, was farther whilil under a Prince thus heightened and excited feeble and credulous, their iniquities were attended with the fmaller peril, and with gains the more Pliny fays, ^ it was always a glaring mighty. and fure fign, that tlie Prince was impotent and contemptible, when his Servants were mighty and

powerful.

Richard the fecond

*

left his

Government
were

fo
'

ento

tirely to his Favourites,

that they

faid

have taken the

Kingdom

to farm.'

They

pafled

Patents, they

ifllied

Proclamations, levied
his

Money,

fpoiled the Subjedl, all \vithout

once afking

his confent.

knowledge or Nor other reafon had

they for fetting him above Law, but that they might be lawlefs. Thus they caufed it to be proclaimed in the City of London, ' That no perfon ' fhould dare to utter a word or expreilion againft ' them, on pain of forfeiting all that he had.' Nay, they made the poor weak King fvvear to them, ' not only to be governed and counfelled * by them alone, but to maintain and defend them, * and to live and die with them.* After this it is fmali wonder that they would not fufFer the great perfons of the Realm, or the King's beft fubjecfs, to give him any advice or information, or even to approach him, except in their prefence. Brember (one of the Minions) caufed two and twenty men to be hanged in one night, without law or trial. But this was only a fmall eiTay of his power and violence ; he had marked out fevQn or eight thoufand obnoxious Citizens to be cut ofF at once, ajid prepared a common Hatchet for that purpofe, an
*

Prcrcipuum indicium non magr.i principis, magnos

libertos.

iuftrumcat

8^

DISCOURSES
to fliike his
his body.

inftrunicnt that providentially fenced

own head from

who,

Concerning thofe low and fervlle fpirits at Court, in times of peace and corruption, fwagger and govern all things with high infolence and difclain, manage little intrigues with notable craft and
tell

ilifficiency,

lies,

pradife falfnood,

traffic

for

places,

and carefully keep all men of honour, capacity and merit at a due diftance it is worth while to obferve, what a mii'erable figure they make in a time of danger and alarms, confounded, ftruck with terror, ready to change fides, ready to abandon their old friends and protestors, to fubjnit with mean fupplenefs to fuch as they had lately deceived, infulted and oppreffed, and to become
;

humble

ilaves to profeiled enemies.

Sed. VII.

Princes guilty of the Oppreflions

their

committed by

Authority.

Their

Minifters are generally, like them, bad or limited Authority fafefb to good. Kings and Minillers. The beft Minifters

obnoxious to clamours.

A
not
;

Prince
is

who

permits oppreffion and cruelty,

cruel and oppreflive, though he

know

it

he ought 4iQ" know, ought to enquire, and Why elfe is he a to prevent it, or punifh it. Prince, and v/hat elk is his duty, but to watch for the public good ? Nor did ever any reafon otherwife, except Tyrants, public enemies and fpoiiers, with their Flatterers and Minions, who hoped to gain by mifleading and corrupting them. What they cannot do themlelves they ought to fee w>;ll done by others, to redrefs what is ill done, to take care that it be not repeated, and that puoiic examples
for

UPON TACITUS.

83

examples be made of public criminals. A Prlnc? becomes bad by his idleiiefs as well as by his adieus.. He is invefted with a great truft, the greatcfl upon earth, one fo extenfive that upon the well or ill executing of the fame depends the felicity or niifery of Nations ; fo that whoever neglects it, is unfit for it, or unworthy of it. It is allowed that an able and honeft Mini/lry

make amends
a Prince
:

for the indolence

or infufficiency

of

but
r

chufes fuch
vicious or

how rarely does it happen They generally prove like

his felly a

that he
himfelf,.

warrant for their injuftice. His choice is determined not by their talen^ts for Government, about which perhaps he is ignorant, perhaps unconcerned, but bytalk,
or

weak, or make

whim, or
fome

pallion,

for

feme particular

quality, or

foolifh excellency th?.t he delights

in. Peradventure they joak well, or fhave vv.^Il, or procure him Miftrelles, or become iuch themfelves, or are notable Muficians, notable Devotees, or notable Drinkers. P'or fuch accomplifh-ments, and without any other. Men and Monks, and Women, and Barbers, and Bufrbons zind

Fidlers have

been raifed by Kings to rule over

Kingdoms.

They who do what they pleafe, feldom do what they ought, and fuch as may do evil with im.punity, generally do it with licentioufnefs. Nor Ocher fence or fecurity is there againft evil, but peniiities znd the dread of evil. Men are then leaft likelv to. offend when they dare not. The power tlierelbre of
the higheft ought to be bounded, and prccauticus. taken as well agaiiiil: the excelfes of Kings, as thoie
it is

of Subjects. Kino;s themfeives, fr culd d-^l*re It the fafeft rule as well as the moil: honci.i'^.ble, and even moft profitable fuice whei^e the People,, fecured by the Laws, live unmoleded, the Prtncc
j,

wiU rei^u

iii

fecurity,

and the more 6

free they

are,,

the

84
the

DISCOURSES
more
able they
v/ili

be to ferve him, the more

chearful to fupport him, as well as

liberal to fupply

more

rich

and

him.

Neither can a Prince under the reftri6lion and guidance o( Laws, be long ferved by worthlefs, They miift be men of iilly, or arbitrary men. fenfe and reputation, otheiwife they will foon deIn a Nation flr^-y themfelves, or him, or both. governed by fixed Laws all men will fee, indeed feel, whether the Laws and their Properties are violated, whether they are opprefled againfl Law, The dignity of the Adminior prote(?ted by it. ftration muft be fupported, decency and gravity preferved, with regularity in the courfe of bufinefs ; the Public muft be tenderly treated, and particuElfe the Crown will fall into conlars civilly ufed tempt, into weaknefs and diftrefs, the Subject into into confufion. all things difcontejits and rage, Minions and Underlings may, and probably always will, have fecret influence and fway, fometimes enough to hurt and perplex a Minifter, wha
:

often fufters blame for the

fpight of him, do
lie affairs
^.

ill things which they, in But he who conduces the pub-^

muft be a
ail this
it

man

of parts, a

man

of buii-

nefo,

and

fufficiency, of

name and

credit.

With

he muft expe6l to be hardly preifed,

often find

a hard tafk to ftand.

He

will

often

be thought guilty even where he is moft innocent. He will be fure to difoblige fome, even by obliging
Several v/ili think themfelves at leaft as. well qualified as he for his place, and, in hopes to They be taken !:- endeavour to pufh him out. will be apt to charge him with crimes at a venture, and probably hate him enough to wifh him crimiMany will concur in nal, or to believe him fo. the imputation^ fome through perfonal anger^ more
others
:

Daninatus culpje

cj^uain alii

delicperant.

through

UPON TACITUS.
through
folly.

85
throuo;h

natural

malignity,

moft of

all

The

multitude love changes, fome find ad-

and many hope to find. Even his renown may happen to create him enemies and perfecution ^. Perhaps few Minifters ever fervcd a Prince with more faith and fufficiency than Monfieur De Rony did his great Mafter Heiiry the fourth, or with greater regard to the intereft Yet his credit with the King, tho' of the Public. no more than he deferved, and two or three fine employments, however due to his merit, ferved for a ccnllant pretence to malecontents, and even In matters for the ground of feveral confpiracies. of great and public mioment, it is a difficult thing
vantage in
it,

excellencies and

to pleafe

all.

Sed. VIII.
to

The benefit of (landing Laws Princes and their Miniiters, further illuftrated. What regard Princes fbould

have to poflhiimous Fame, v/hat dread of Infamy.

Country not a IT where whatever the Prince
is

in

free

as

in one enHavcd,

muft feem muit beftow their reverence and fubmilTion blindfold, where-ever he bellows power and favour, though blindfold too. In a Nation of Freedom and Laws^, all m.en claim a right to judge and ceii-ure for themftives, a right which they often abufe and mifapply, but ought
likes all

to approve

v/here

all

never to lofe. Better it is, that all men fay what they pleafe, than one man do v/hat he will. Yet a Minifter under all thefe disadvantages, however obnoxious to clamour and uiijuft cenfure, is fafer and happier than in the fervice of a lawlefs Prince^
*

Caufa periculi non ciimcn uUum, fed giOria

viri,

whofe

86

DISCOURSES

whofe rage is ufually more fudden than his favour, and who never accufes but he likewife deftroys,
often without accufing ; whereas when the Lav/s govern, Minifters are frequently accufed, but feldom hurt 3 nay, the worft often efcape, v/hilft un-

der a Tyrant the beft never do. To Princes themfelves the Laws are the beft Moft men will be apt guides as well as guards.
to flatter

them, few to

tell

them

the truth.

them have

recourfe, for information, to the

Let Laws,

Counfellors Vv'hich will not cajole nor deceive them, nor betray and defert them, as P'avourites and Armies may. Sycophants will tell them, that * they may do what they lift,' and, it is like, confirm that impious lie by another equally impious, The Laws that ' fuch is the ordinance of God.' will tcil him, that, * whatever he does muft be ' for the good of men; that he has no right to * hurt them, no power but what is given him, * limited by inftitutions framed by the wifdom of * men, for their own fafety and his, and that for * their fecurity, and not for his own cafe or pride, * he is fet over them. If he break his bounds, if ' he violate his truft, lie becomes an enemy to * God and Man, and muft hope for favour from
* *
' '

neither, fince in the fight of

God,

the impartial

Father of

all

men, none

are high or

low but

in

the fan(5lity or impiet)' of their lives, and he who injures and betrays all men is evidently the worft

<

of

all.'
is

Let any Prince judge, which

the

more

rea-

fonable inftruclor, the Sycophant 01 the Laws. (For Sycophants, and the vileft, they all are who tell a Prince that he may overturn the Law) Let him judge v/hich is likely to lead hini to moft juftice

and benevolence, to moft honour and renown.,

dead
;

lo moft fecurity whilft he lives, to moft praife

he

is

Let him iieterminc with

hiinfelfj

when whether

UPON TACITUS.

87

ther he would be a Nero, governed by Parafites and his lufb, detcfted as a Tyrant, doomed to immortal abhorrence through all ages, or a Titus, who made Juftice and Law the meafure of his Government, was (Hied the delight of human-kind at that time, and has been judged worthy of the fame In proportion amiable chara6ter at all times fincc. to the excellence and depravity of a Prince's reign, will be his fame afterwards, illuftrious or inglorious.

can be more delightful to a Prince, than being adored when he is dead ? What more fhocking than to forefee, that he Ihall be abhorred, or even his mem.cry flighted amongft men ? For in the memories of men his moll lading monument m'afl be raifed, happy for him if

What

an

afllirance of

alfo in their

afFecStion^

-K

T."hefe

are

the inlcrip-

tions, this the characie-r,

which cannot be erazed,

panegyrics that will not lie, unperi/hing honours, out of the power of time, and death, and malice ^. Such as were by Pliny foretold to Trajan, and fuch
as

Trajan

licill

eiijoys^ ftill fhail enjoy.

Sedl. IX.

Idle Princes feldorn

come

to be

able Princes.

How

much

application to

bufmcfs imports them, for their own accomplifhmenc and the good of their Government.

INdolent

Princes, fuch as love not bufmefs, or

it,

are kept from

befides

their being liable to

be abufed, fcarce ever come to be

^

men

of great

Mihi

effigies et
*

in animis vcftris templr: manfurae.

h.^ pulcherrimss

In quos nihil flaminis, nihil

fene<ftwti,

r.ihil

fuccef-

foribus liceat,

fufEciency,

88
is

DISCOURSES
is

fufficlency, tho' they

may have good natural parts. It by the continual exercife of the underllanding that
enlarged.

the underftanding
for

A man

of

much

in-

duilry, with moderate parts, will be an over

match

one who has the greateft, but never exerts them. Attention to bufmefs and the affairs of life, fills the mind v/ith ideas and reflecSlions, arms it againft miftakes and furprlzes, and ufes it to judging and But to a fpirit untrained and void of deciding. experience, every fmall matter proves a great difficulty, every fmall diiftculty proves difcouraging. man pradfifed in affairs is feldom ifartled or at at lofs, and for every emergency will be apt to find fome expedient ; for he is ufcd to emergencies, and Every fm.all Clerk will be to provide for them. apt to defpife, tvery little Lawyer be able to outwit a man juif come out of a College or a Cloifter, though he may make no mean figure there. Even very filly men will acquit themfelves notably in bufmefs, where it lies in a road and method, and make difpatch where a very bright man not ufed I have feen a to it would be flrangely puzzled. man of poor natural capacity, but well trained in bufmefs, triumph over a man of extraordinary taSuch as are origilents deftitute of experience.

nally

weak may

acquire

artificial abilities,

as others

of great genius, applying to nothing, will be good for nothing. As the bufmefs of reigning is the moft important upon earth, he who is inveiled with fuprenie authority, in order to make hinifelf worthy of it, fliould be extremely careful to qualify himfelf for He fhould inform himfelf aiiiduouily, exert it. himfelf dihgently, and convince all men, that he who befi^ov/s every oiHce, is able to difcharge, and It were indeed therefore fit to bear, the highefl. prepofterous, that authority fhould be in the hands of one who ought 10 adminiiccr it, but cannot, and
leaves

UPON TACITUS.
leaves
it all

S9
This

to

be adminiftered by others.

was the characSler of many of the Casfars, Idiots in Government, Heroes in Tyranny. So that Pliny
had juft caufe to fay, That it feemed highly unworthy, that he Oiould confer all dignities, who could fuflain none. It is a misfortune even in a Country where the Laws govern, to have a weak, or, which is the fame thing, an indolent Prince ; for the adminiftration of an indolent Prince is generally weak ; and where he does too little, thofe who atTt for him will be apt to do too much. But under a Government limited by Laws, fuch weaknefs or neglel in a Prince can do lealt harm, nor can his will or his folly be pleaded, as in arbitrary Countries, for the caufe or cloak of enormities, fince his will and his folly are repugnant to the Laws, and may be oppofed by Law. All men know how far his power extends, how far others can extend it for him. In abfolute Monarchies, not only his
will, his fury, his appetites,
irrefiftible,

are

Laws, and Laws

but fo likewife are the appetites-, and will, and fury of his officers, who ahva^-s alledge that, v/hatevcr they perpetrate he commands ; and who dares doubt or deny it, or go to Court to en?

quire

let a Princess power be ever fo cautioufly retrained, let the Laws which limit and direcl him be ever fo plain, he Vv^ill flill find an abundant call for all his indulrry, in chufing his Officers, in ob-

But

ferving their Conduft, in overlooking his

in executing; the

Revenue,

Laws,

in hearing Petitions, in at-

tending to Treaties and Kmbailadors, in taking care of the Dignity and Tranquillity of the Nation, and even in governing

What Family. Prince have, if he mean to perform it with confcience and care r Few men are equal to it ; the ableft man cannot be too
his

more

extenfive office

would

diligent in

it.

Henry

90
ftaiiding,

DISCOURSES
Henry the

fourth of Prance had a great iinderbecaufe he had made great ufe of it. From his childhood he was almoft continually exercifed in diflirefs and affairs, and forced by the former into the hitter. As he was a man of great
pleafure,
eafily,

had
;

his

it is

certain he

Kingdoni fallen to him early and would not have had equal
is

fufficiency

for fufTiciency

to be acquired like

fcience.
lant,

He was

forced to be induftrious, vigi-

inquiiitivcj

and therefore was aKvays imexcellently qualified

proving.
for

Thus he became

Flcnry the third might have proved fo too. had he been obliged from his youth and for a long courfe of years to have flruggled for his Crown. He had ilhewn wh^t he v/as capable of, Vv'hihl yet vtxy young.' In truth fo great was his repi-La: ;on in the camp, fuch ability he had manifeired as a Coniniaricler, and fuch hopes v/cre conceived of him as a Prince, thai: he was chofen King of Poland before he was tv/enty years old. But through idlencfs, and fenfuality, c.nd flatterers, he became a moll miiferable Ruler, iniamous and fanguinary. Princes that do nothing, Ivat leave all things to Others, will alwa}'3 be minors, as v;as our Richard the fecond. Contemptible is that Prince who holds nothing of Sovereignty but the Pageantry, and the

Government.

Nor can Crov/n. Poor Richard lofl even that any Prince vv'ho takes no care to funpcrt his own dignity, be fecurc that his dignity will not fall. Men who are able and good v/ill be kept carefully from him, at leafl- from ferving him. The felfifh, the falfe, the mifchievous will always be moll numerous about him, perhaps exclude all others-, at leaft will always liave tlie moil: fway, perhaps the only fway. At laft perhaps he will bear no counfel but the worft ^,
:

* ha. foi-matis principis auribui, ut

acerba qua^

utilia.

In

UPON TACITUS.
of any human
altogether
idle,

91

fufficiency or virtue, that In Tpight will be many Si Prince can exert or pcfTefs, there abufes growing or creeping in, iuch as he cannot

remove or prevent. But where he is where he is negledful, diforder will prevail tenfold, corruption walk barefaced, truth and virtue and merit will be brow-beaten or banifhed, vice and infolence will flourifh, the Laws lofe their force, the Adminiftration become loofe and
defpifed.

Such was the reign of Henry the third of France, fuch that of Richard the fecond of England. They minded nothing but pjeafure and fcftivity. Their

Government by being

neglected, grev/ corrupt, impotent, fcandalous, at lafl: ftW to pieces. Yet the former was a capable Prince, indeed capable of great things, and only wanted application ; but.

his propenfity to pleafure he difrelifhed bufiand fatigue, and by the pernicious Hattery and foothing of Minions and Deceivers, came to drop the reins of Government in their hands, and referved to himfelf only the name and danger. Richard the fecond had the fame voluptuous biafs, and the like mifchievous Leaders. He was not a Natural, ncr a Lunatic, nor feems to have wanted a fhare of {cnCt but having never been taught or fuffercd, or inclined, to exert it, he continued in the ftate of childhood, fimple by habit, foolifh for want of induilry and experience, and having never difcharged the fundions of Government, was at lail unuble to dillharge them.

from

nefs

Sea,

DISCOURSES
X.

St6t.
all

The mofb wretched and wicked of

wont to account themfeives
di-

Princes are

moll facred, and to claim Attributes

vine.

remarkable that both the v/retched Princes IT mentioned the Sei^ion were flrangely
is

in

I2.il

conceited of their ov/n power, had high notions of Prerogative, nsy, claimed Authority aimoft divine, and vi^ere extremely jealous of Kingftiip when they exercifed none, but left themfeives and their Realms to be abufed and undone by the Parafites their Mafters. This is the fpirit of all wretched Princes,
to be proud according to the meafure of their folly,

to be the fonder of
v/eild
it,

power

for being the lefs able to

and to affume an alliance with the Gods when they are too vile or foolifh to be accounted men. The Roman Emperors, moft fignal for cruelty, frenzy and ftupidity, never failed to be

Gods, or akin to the Gods. Such Chriftian Princes as have aimed at Titles and Pnviler;es more than human, would have done well to have remcm.bercd, that they M'ere but
reviving the fiale pretenfions of ancient Tyrants

and Pagans,

and owning for their Predeceflbr^

that
bore.

Madmen,
e\'er

Idiots, Savages, the miofl detefled

indeed have any followed thcfe Monfters in this profane and enormous vanity but fuch as in their other qualities too refembled them, the vicious, the prodigal, the falfe, the poor fpirited, and the debauched, fuch as could not go\'crn well or chofe to govern ill, fuch as boldly called in Heaven to vindicate what
the earth

Nor

Lav/ and Confcience condemned, and alledgcd a deputation from above to blaft and dcflroy all
things

UPON TACITUS.
things below.

93

Impious defigns were entertained, when meafures execrable and ruinous were purfued, folemn Oaths A'iolated, Liberty extin-

When

guifhed, all the Laws overturned. Tyranny fet up, then a Lieutenancy from God was always forged and pleaded, divine impunity for diabolical deeds, a right from the Father of Mercies, of JufHce, and of Men, to commit Cruelty and InjulHce, to opprefs and butcher. Vifions like thefe, wild and impious, are refuted by repeating them, and the difhonour of fuch as maintained and encouraged them, fufficiently expofed. Such too is the mean character of thefc Princes, fuch has been their reign and fate, as to
vindicate the Deity from the blafphemous tation of havino; avowed them.

impu-

DISCOURSE
The fame
Se6l.

V.

fubjedl continued.

I. The example of a Prince its e(cacy When good how advantageous to his People and himfelf.
:

BY

the a(f^ions of a Prince,

is

the

fpirlt

of a
it is

Prince

difcerned.

If he
If

do nothing,

what he does be bad, he had better not reign. One upon whom the felicity of all depends, is under a continual call and obligation to fee that none be miferable, that none be wronged or unredrefTed and becaufe his own example is of univerfal influence, beyond that of
not he
reigns
:

who

exhortation, or of precepts, or of preachments, in-

deed more cogent than

Law itfelf,

or penalties, or
terrors.

94
terrors,
It

DISCOURSES
behoves him to fhew himfelf wife and

virtuous.
it

How

glorious

Is it

for a Prince,

becomes the glory of

all

men

to imitate

when him ?

fcandalous, when he is only their guide to bafenefs and debauchery ? The goodnefs of his demeanour fhould vie with the greatnefs of his
ed,
*. In vain will he caufe vice to be punifheven in his executing he himfelf be vicious of juft Laws, he will be accounted unjuft, if he himfelf obferve them not ; nor will the frowns of Juftice be found of fuch force, as the countenance and pattern of him who holds, or fhould hold, her

How

power
if

fcales.

In Peru, during the Government of the Inc3*s, of the Royal Blood, or of the prime Nobles, violated the Law, they were punilhed more feverely than a common Subject, forfeited all their Privileges, were degraded from their hereditary Honours, and accounted Traitors and TyIt was thought reafonable to debafe thofe rants. who had fhewn themfelves bafe, and to make an example of fuch as by their great figure and credit

when any

were

likely to

draw others

after their track.

Upon

motives a criminal Magiftrate there was punijfhed according to his character and quality, rather than to that of his crime, from an opinion that in a Minifter of Juflice the leaft evil was not to be tolerated, fmce he was appointed to eradicate evils, and obliged to be more obfervant of the Laws than his inferiors. It was faid of the Inca's, that they took fuch an afFelionate care of their Subjecis, as to merit being ftiled rather Fathers of their Country, and Guardians of their Pupils, than
tlie like

Kings over

Subjects.

They were
Such

called

by the
every

Indians, Lovers of the Poor,

Par omnibus, mdior.

iliould

ct

hoc tantum

cretcris

major quo
Prince

UPON TACITUS.
:

95

His life and condu6l Prince be, and appear to be. All men fee it, moft are a perpetual ftandard men follow it, and according to the courfe of his life will be the courfe of morality or debauchery. Vefpafian in a few years (for he reigned not

many) by the
frugal,

praflice of frugality

made

all

men

and in that (liort fpace flopped a torrent of profufion which had been flowing for a hundred Henry the third debauched all years before. France, as did Richard the fecond all England. Manners as well as fafliions beginning from the Court, the corrupt manners there become quickly
univerfal.

The

Nobility,

efpecially

the

young

Nobility,

and followed the tafle and The Gentry next, then the plcafures of the King Commonalt}^, fell all into the fafhion of their fuperceived
:

periors.

The

reign of the great Qi^ieen Elizabeth

and that of her Succeflbr, fufficiently {hew, how far the example of a virtuous or a voluptuous Prince can go towards making their People riotous or fobcr, as well as towards ennobling or debafing
their fpirits.

The

public

Manners

are beft afcer-

and the jfurefl cure for the irregularities of Subjed^s, is the regularity of Princes ; fmce even Example alone without Authority, goes further than Authority without Example, fays Pliny * to Trajan, who was
indeed a pattern to his Subje6ls as well as to all He adds, that the fear of pufucceeding Princes. nifhment is but an unfure guide to right morals. Neither Is the Virtue and Morality of a Prince of greater advantage to his People than to himfelf. Virtuous Subjects are always peaceable, nor will they fail to honour a virtuous Governor. It is the

tained by thofe of public Rulers,

debauched, the riotous, the

^

idle,

who

are prone

Vita principis cenfura

eft,

eaque perpetua non to

tarn

impeno nobis opus

eft,

quam exempio.

^6
to
fedltlon,

DISCOURSES
love
public changes,

and promote

them.

Whatfoever

particular points a Prince may-

carry by debauching his People, it cannot be the ftability of his Throne, whatever he may think. People vt^ho have abandoned their Virtue will

readily

abandon their King ; nor does he deferve any other, if it was he who firft corrupted them. From a vicious People it is madnefs to hope for
and fidelity. Where no integrity is left, no honour can be expedled ; and when they are corrupted fo far as to fell or throw away their Liberties, which is the higheft degree of corruption, what other or lefler degree will they be alhamcd of? Nor can one who has made them univerfally vile, complain, with a good grace, that they prove It is but a part of what he taught vile to him. them. It is faid of China, that when the Emperor proves licentious and bad, when he neglecls his duty and the adminiflration, and falls into enormities and vice, the face of the whole Empire becomes altered, and the People, otherwife fober and v/ife, grow riotous, unruly, debauched, and tuSo that for his own fake he is obliged multuous. to be fober and orderly, obliged to prefers- e, at

virtuous Principles, fuch as thofe of juft allegiance

leaft,

all

the appearances of innocence and virtue.

Yet
ly

is tlie moft compleatframed of any that the world ever produced, fupported by admirable orders and maxims, all fettled into reverence and authority by the approbation and ufage of numerous ages. But all their admirable maxims and orders art* infufficient where the good example of the Prince is wanting to inforce them, llie Chinefe therefore maintain, that by the virtue of the King the People becomes virtuous, and that he is refponfible to Heaven for the wicked manners of his Kingdom. They lay, it

the

Monarchy of China

IS

UPON TACITUS.
IS

97

a fniall matter for a Prince to punifli crimes he ought by the example of his own viitue to pre-

vent crimes in others. The innocence therefore of a Prince's

beft guide to his People,

life is

the

guard of This is what Pliny fays his Perfon and Diadem. Many of the Prmccs before him, beto Trajan ^. fides their own peftilent examples, had forced the People, and all orders of men, by aK the influence and terrors of Tyranny, to be debauched, difhonourable, contemptible, and wicked ; that all men' being corrupt, they themfelves might not be feeii woric than the reil, and no man have credit or virtue enough to be terrible to the Tyrants. Their poiicy v/as as abfurd as it was abominable, and their fate proved a warning to Princes and all menj^ example. to avoid foliov/ing their deftriiclive Where God doth not blefs, man will not, fays
fureft
I^Tr.

and the

Selden.

By the neceillty of fetting a good example, I dai not mean that a Prince fhould be debarred from
diverfions and pleaflire, but only

to corrupt the public

of

his as

from fjch as tend Manners. With fuch pleafure$ hurt not his People, the People have no-

thing to do. of the greateft Princes, as well as the bell that ever reigned, vv^ere men of plea-

Mod

which is almolt univcrfally the effect of much Genius and Fire. Nor does it avail how much they love it, if they purfue it with decency, and neglect not bufmefs and their duty. The Emperor Titirs, he who was called the delight of mankind, was a man of gallantry, but his gallantries
fure,

never interfered with his occupations. It is true, fays Tacitus, that his foul, youthful and amorous, was not indifferent to Berenice j but from hence
a

Difcimus experimento, fidelifrunam cuftodiam prininnoctutiam.

ci^is, ipfms

Vol. V.

arofc

98

DISCOURSES

afarofe no neglect or relaxation in his conducting His father Vefpafian had fairs of Duty and Truft. but gothe fame turn, loved gay amufements, Trajan was addicted to wine verned carefully.

and other delights, yet an able and faithful Steward Adrian loved diverfions, but neof the Empire. Solon, a very wife man andver ncgleded aitairs. made any fcruple to own never Lawgiver, worthy Wine ; nor his fondnefs for Ladies, Mufick and tafle, or was that }oft he had even in his old age

aihamed of

it.

Seel.

IL

The

Character cf a Prince to be

learnt

from that of his Company and Favourites, and his defigns by the Opinions which become in fafhion about him.
the Charafters and Principles of the a Prince promotes or favours, his

FROM men whom

own may

be learnt or prefumed.

Trajan {hewed
Li
ail

what he himfelf was, by

the excellency of the per-

hirn. fons preferred and countenanced by who chofe thino-s unlike the preceding Emperors, the belt chofe he men, all the worfi and vileft of manifeftcd to the he Hence virtuous. moft and him wdiat fort of men and purfuits pleafed

world
beft.

About him were found no informers, no

Power, no Accufers, no Advocates for lawlefs no CaFlatterers, no Oppreiilon, Inftruments of The former Princes had cholen JNlilujnniators.
nifters,

much for their ability in managuig dexterity in admimftrmg to their their for afi'alrs, as rule the voluptuouiiiefs or fury, not Stntcfmen to the humour to Pandars and State, but Buffoons and knl Prince, or Ruffians and Spoilers t<? rob
not fo

fefhim.

^^^,^^

U
What

P
elfe

O N T A C

T U

S.

g^

but wickednefs, cruelty, continual cxcelles and mifrule could be forefeen or expeited from Princes perpetually farrounded with Parafites, J^^ers, Harlots, powerful Slaves and ?

ehe to be prefumed of Princes, who cal rdied and advanced the moft opprobrious, the blackefl and mofl deteftable of ail Villains but that they diiliked, diftrufted, and would pro'bablv deftroy every able, every worthy man ? Was It not fiatural to miaglne that an Emperor who was daily told that he might do ivhat he pleafed, would do wnat he pleafed, and grow lawlefs when he was informed that he was above Law. One of Nero's Favourites, a hireling Orator employed to legitimate Tyranny and Murder by Law and Haranguing, to traduce innocent men by invectives before they were furrendered to the executioner, told the Tyrant his Mafler, that he did but tire hiinfelf and his advocates by proceedmg fo leifurely with the Senate in arraLninc and cutting tiiem off one by one, when he nti^ht! by .a)^ng but a fingle word, have the whole Bo

What

ArfafTins

this faithful

V^7w7n "'rT^^^^-' ^^' ^"^h Hacknefs, Counfellor blamed the bloody

gentle and over-deliberate. Ihort and decilive, and

as too

was Nero ftewed by abundant

Tyrant This advice

difauftful.

not at

all

how hign ly ne efleemed the man, preferred him to the Confular and Pontifical Honours, and recompenfed him with a bounty of fifty thoufand pounds, part ot the fpoilsoffuch
noble

liberalities

and honours

hunted

down and worried

Nero.
fuch

his facred Sovereign

Romans as he had for the Lnperial fport of wi F

*

When
.

men and

fuch

doaHnes

prevail, it

mtended

No man

will

counfe but where he knows nor Will a Pnnce hear It

care to eive pernicious

it wHl be^leal n" udefs he be inclinable to

.

take

,30
tike
it

DISCOURSES
He
only

who

has a mind to do what he

ouoht not,

may ; will like to be told that he preached "P ^h^" then is Prince the theNvill of down. What Law and Liberty are to be pulled ot arb. trary propagating the avails ^eans or
and

Maxims,
where no

but to

juffify

and

Proceedings?

Nor

need miy
is

fpreaU are too odious to be by doing >t. great defign is to be ferved a furer fign, that univerfal

They

"'^J".fa

flavery
verfal

when uniintended by the Court, than the i'eoupon fubmiffion to it is incnlcated

no excufe or confideration alone leaves when fuch reigns, thofe to be made for

man

defire

^\his
3Polo<.y
flavifc

maintained, and Tenets were eveiy where countenanced, Tenets thefe the vile Maintainers of pubj.c fnbuthe from when Sred and preferred: to Law and facred Pulpits, places r'als and public the

nay, became th t there to affer rifing of only and one, of Will wild the fave in thefe was no Law might lawful^ho though fvvorn to defend Law man.feft falftoods impious overturn it ; to aflert the God upon faUTroods fuch father 'o a Imen, to name to fhelter outrageou u h, under his holy o' hands of the oppreffed ; the ,nnr"ffions to bind up men which they he d of lives the ^o'mSa n that which was fccurcd o
uth,
it

became fafhionable

fureft

way

from God, their .property, the Conftitution .tfelf drem bv the Conftitution, for their own precoXived by the wifdom of men ages by their v ithrough defended fer" aion, and and were all at the mere mercy [ue and bravery, all, protea to bound was folemnly luft of him who all, wuhthem dcftroy lifted, bu mi'ht, if he fo oppof.t.on was damnable. ou op^oMon; nay, all When'all this was' the ftyle ot Favourites the lansuagc of Power, doubt could ^emam thiroad to favour, what

^^o^^^'aTT)^^

td

UPON TACITUS.
whither
bitrary
it all

icr

tended

To

prevent

meafiires

principles

were purfued, were promoted. The perfons cf

illegal

doubts, a;whilft arbitraKy

all

men

were

illegally imprifoned,

fines

inipofed,

eftates violently feized,

and the Public confidently

robbed.

Scd:.

IIL

Doi5lrines

in defence

of lawlefs

Power, and againft civil Liberty, to be punifhed as Trealbn againft the Public.

How

Princes difcover their fpirit. -I'hey

jcldom take warning,

Parliament of Paris maintained, that which the King could not pardon, fuch as any great mifchief or indignity done to the State. Pray what treatment is due to a deliberate opinion, declared and urged, that a State may be defrroyed, all its Laws annulled, and all men in it made miferable flaves, whenever the chief Magiflrate thinks fit ? Can there be a greater crime, a greater indication of malice againft the Public, or a higher evil intended and avowed ? Or can the Authors of fuch horrible pofitions be acceptable to any but a horrible Tyrant, to a Nero, or one who would be as bad as he, one who hates his People, purfues an interefl deftrudtive of theirs, and is confequently their enemy ^ ? An Englifh Prince, who longed for power unlimited, though he made miferable Ufe of what he had, was wont to fay, ' That a Crown waj ' not worth having, if he that v/ore it muft be ' thus controuled by a parcel of fellows.' He meant the Parliament, who mufl have been fel^
there v/ere crimes
3

TH

Tempus

fuit,

et

nimium diu

fuit,

quo

alia adverfa,

alia

fecanda principi et nobis.

F 3

lows

102

DISCOURSES

lows indeed, and bad ones, if the worft' of them was worfe than himfelf. He had been trufled with vaft films of the public money for the fervice of the Public, had betrayed that truil, funk the money, or applied it againft the Public, and after fo vile a inflead of penitence and fhame, had the fraud, face to complain that he was not cntrufted with He had the whole without limitation or inquiry.
Parafites enough to tell him that it was his right, and over the Kingdom there were Impof{:ors more than enough to perfuade People to believe and fubmit to it, men who for fome preferment, or for better preferment to themfeives, had the afTurance to tell a great Nation, that they ought to bear bondage Nor did ought but the power of forcery %tf-d delufion keep the fnamelefs deluders from be:

and corrcfponding practices, alarmed all men who had prefcrved their honefry and their {cnks, and there enf<td fuch a ftruggle betvv^een him and his People zs foured and inflamed them, and made him miferable, fearful and infecure all the reft of his reign. By purfuing the like Politics, by countenancing the like arbitrary Maxims, his Father had ccme to be firft difliked, then diftrufted, at laft undone. But he had not wifdom and virtue enough to prot by this example, no m^ore than his immediate SuccelTor, who made fuch an open claim of doing what he pleafed with his Kingdoms, that his KingEveii tloms, to fave themfeives, drove him out. the holy men, who for many years had blinded him with a belief, that he might violate his Oatii and Truft with fafety, as foon as they found the weight of his oppreffive hand, which they had cn-

ing iloned.. Such dreadful doctrines, however,

couraged him to exert, turned fiercely againfl jm and bad him open defiance. Too few Princes take warnijfig. They are often fo bliiided by their

own

UPON TACITUS.
own
wllfuhiefs and
fovereigii

r<f3

or by the foothin^s of flatterers^ efpecially of fuch as flatter them in ifrains of piety, and millead them in the
fortune,

name

of the

Lord,

that their

doom

fometime.'^

come? upon them,

danger. Kino;

before

they

are apprized

of

Eric, heir to Queen Margaret, who reigned over Sweden, Denmark: and Norway, was depofed whilft yet exulting in his power, fecurity,

and violence, and defpifmg the cries of his People, whom he had barbaroufly opprefied. Yet his Si'cproved not wifer, nor, confequentiy, fafer. Confiding in their own flrength, and too often inftigated by the Clergy, they rioted in Oppreflion, Barbarity and MaiTacres, till the evil hour overtook them unforefeen, when they had quite forfeited all title to pity and aiTiftance. The Emperor Charles the fifth was a Prince of CcpSg^ yet grew rafh and wanton through good fortune, and was infolent to his captives, fome of them great Princes, whom he carried about, from place to place, in a very injurious manner. Whence, fays ThuanuSj he gained not a Triumph by the viclary, but the mofi: inveterate hate by his Triumph. But amidft his glory and pride, fudden diftrefs and fears overtook him At Aufburg his foldiers mutinied with great fury, for want of their pay nor was his dread and danger lefs from the citizens, who immediately took arms to defend their houfes from being plundered. Nero was diverting himfelf in the Theatre, when news came of the revolt of Gaul, and Vitellius immerfed in debauchery when Vefpafuin was proclaimed Emperor. Caligula and DomJtian were concerting more murders, at the inftant that they themfelves were pierced with the fatal knife ; fo was Commodus. When men have a while
ceifors
:

F 4

done

16^4

DISCOURSES
evil alliens

with fuccefs, they begin to think that they may be repeated with equal fafety. They do not confider that punifhment often comes the furer for coming flow, and that by proceeding in their crimes, they are but advancing to meet it. Wicked men ceale to do wickedly when it is out of their power, and only ncceility can reform them.
either that they are not eviJ, or

done

Sed. IV.

Of

the Veracity of Princes

The
lieft

folly of

Fajrnood -The
it

worfl;
is

and

fil-

men

praclile

moil- --it

infepa-

rable

from Tyranny.
confider the character of a Prince for

F we
values his

Ve-

racity or the

want of

it,

it is

certain that as he

word or

difregards

difregarded or valued.
for

The

it, he himfelf will be fame man can never

be accounted honourable and falfe, nor is it pofiible him to follow Falfhood, but the fame of Falfhood will follow him. To gain belief to words, a6lions muil follow. Evafions and chicaning can never fave him by fuch fhifts and meannelles he will be thought the more mean. When a man is cnce known to be a knave and a lyar, what man of knfc or honeft man will truft him ; and wheji a Prince is foimd to falfify and play low tricks, what iNJation will tiufl him ? For no man, nor Prince,
:

was

ever

falfe

or treacherous
;

in

many

inflances,

and a treacherous temper, once detetSted, becomes both hated and impotent. Tiberius in whatever he faid was thought to mean fomething elfe, even when he did not. In Falftiood there is no excellence or praife. Any Blockhead, any Lunatic can be a lyar. Cav/itbout being difcovered
ligula,
falfe,

who was

really crazy, could be

exceeding
yet

and though he owned himfelf above (hame,

UPON TACITUS.
:

1C5

He was full of darknefs and yet pra^tifed craft. a leflbn equivocation, and a great diiTembler which he had learnt early and carefully in the
Court of Tiberius.

The

fillieft

people are the greatefl lyars,

and

the moft grofs and ftupid Nations have been found For deceit is not peculiar deceitful and hollow. to Courts, though it may be much improved there, nor has any man caufe to value himfelf upon an

accomplifhment

common amongft

Barbarians and

Tyrants, who Canibals, indeed fit for none elfe. Nero are worfe than Canibals, are always falfe. was fo in a fovereign degree, fo by nature, fo by
education, and could kifs and wheedle fuch as he

meant to deftroy. Thus he behaved Mother, thus to Seneca, treated them with much for.dnefs, with many Embraces, and caufed them to be murdered. Even the flupid Vitellius could falfify and deceive, could cover the rancour
hated, and
to his
liarity.

of his heart under great complaifance and famiDomitian was as falfe as either, fudden

and fubtle in his cruelty ; and whenever he was moft implacable, appeared moft moderate and merciful. I believe the fame to be o;enerallv true of all Tyrants ancient or later, as well as of John Bafilowitz, Lewis the eleventh, and Muly of Morocco.
It is

the

firft

leiTon

that they learn,

it

is

the moft eafy, and

it is

neceflary that he
it,

who

has
dif-

an

evil heart

fhould hide

and conceal or

guife his

wicked purpofes.
are continually purfuing mifchievous

When men
pocrify
;

defigns, they will be apt to practife continual

for

hybe de-

no man

will ov/n his intentions to

bad

and fuch

as are confcious of their

own

praved inclinations will be prone to fufpedt others,, will ftudy to over-reach whomfoever they fuijjedt, will hate thofe who are like themfelves, as well ss
tliofe

y/ho

<ire

ngt.

H^nce

the conitaiit cgjuoierce

F5

cf

io6

G O U R

of infmcerity amongft corrupt and defigning men : when bafe motives govern their adions, guile governs their tongues, and fair w^ords cover dark
ends.

This

is

a terrible fituation, and wretched policy.

ail

He who

deceives

For no man

will truft,

men, will be deceived by all': no man will love one who

as naturally out

cheats every man. of diftruft, as love find that Tiberius world ; for he had,

Hatred grov/s

I do not had one fincere friend in the or was believed to have had, So that as all men feared a friendfhip for no man. or fufpeiled him, he was hated by all, trufted by none. It was dealing with him according to his ov.-n meafure Had he loved his People, he might have had their love, and been f"aithfuily ferved, had he aded faithfully.

out of confidence.

Se6l.

V.

Princes of noble and good minds

:

fcorn to deceive

thence their Glory and

Popularity.

QUEEN

Elizabeth,

who

regarded her Sub-

je6ls as her Children,

was by her Subj6i3

honoured as their common Parent, and as fuch fhe lived with them, as did Trajan with the Romans. She never broke her faith with her PeoThey fufpedfed her of ple, never deceived them. no evil defigns, as they faw fhe pra6lifed none \ and were zealous for her glory, becaufe her glory was for their good. They liked to fee her great, fmce XiQ fought no greatnefs which tended to make them lefs, none in which they had not a fhare. She retained their obedience by the llrongeft tye, that of their affedions ; their affc6tions were engaged by the flronged and moft natural bonds,
tliofe

of their

own

intereft
.

nor

knew

Ihe

what

it

was

U. P
was
lefs

O N

TACITUS.
from
theirs,

107

to

have an

intereft diflindt
intereft.

much
be-

an oppofite

l^hc

grcatefl: conteft

tween her and her People, her and her Parhaments, was that of mutual confidence and zeal, as was faid of the above-mentioned Emperor and the

Roman
*

Senate.
fays of her, that

Mr. Selden

to her People fhe

committed her confidence under God, and they * to her their chiefeft treafure upon earth.' He fays, that fhe once refufed a fubfidy as too much, would take but one half, and thanked the People ' for the remnant a courtefy, fays he, that rang; ' load abroad, to the fhame of other Princes." I think it is the fame Author v/ho obferves^ that ' to a Prince who fpares them, the People will ' always be liberal, and a good Prince v/ill fpare ' a liberal People.' It is no v/onder that under her the Credit of the Exchequer was as high as that of the Exchange. Thefe were ways to endear her
;

Government

to

all

men,

v/ays to endear

Monar-

chy when conducted by fuch a Monarch. In her days were {Qen no flruggles for a Common v.^ealth, nor did her Subjeds wil'h for a piuralit)' of Rulers, when they were happier under one. Monarchy muft grow terrible before it grows odious, oppreffive ere people long to (hake it off j nor will they have recourie to another form of Government, till

diiv^en to

it

for relief.

Princes are cenfured

when

and encroachments from, one another, and blamed if they take not vengeance. Is not equal confideration, at leaft fome conlideration, to be had to the honour and prefervation of a People when oppreffed and worried by their Rulers, men whom they pay fo dearly, and fupport fo nobly, to fecure and protect them, an office which that illuftrious Queen performed v/ith iuch benevolence and wi-fdom i
inllilts

they bear

Her

ro2
Her

DISCOURSES
glorious cotemporary

Henry the

fourth

of

France, to his other great qualities added that of great Veracity, in this, as in ev^cry thing cKq^ vejy different from the two Princes his immediate PreIn the Court of Charles the ninth-, decelTors. Falfhocd and Treachery prevailed and thefe vices were accompanied by all others, by cruelties, debauchery, poiibnings and aflafiinations, by all forts ef opprefTions, all forts of mifrule. Henry the third was found to be fo fraudulent and falle, that his promifes paiied for fnares, and by having deceived all men, could be tmfted by none. For his known want of faith fo often given and broken, he v/as abandoned by his fubje6ls ; and even his oaths, c\ en declarations under his hand, palled for nothing but proofs that he would certainly violate them. At the fame time the King of Navarre (afterward Henry the fourth) who had never failed in his word, was trufted by eveiy body. Even his enemies trufted him When upon occafion he had offered them hoftages, they refufed the fame, and defired only his word Yes, his mortal enemies the Spaniards, upon coming to a treaty with himj refufed hoftages, and fought only his word. This was Virtue, this was Vv^ifdom ; and what Prince who knov/s the value, the glory and advanworthy Mi*tage of it, would be without it? nifter of his, the Prelident Jeannin, a man of exreellent underftanding, was famed for equal probir ty, and aded in Counfel, ailed in. Negotiations, and with particular men, without any refinings or
;
: :

<k'oublings,

or

little

man
wiie

truly wife defpifes,

men

pra6^ife.

nour
*

fo facred,

as

Thefe are what a what none but the apes of Henry the fourth held his horto declare, ' That he would
artifices.

lofe his

Crown

rather than caufe the leaft fuf-

* *

picion of breaking his

Word, even

to his grcateft:

enemies.
Sect,

UPON TACITUS.
Se6l.

1.09

confequences of Falfhood In and Impotence.- Ic is th=e Scorn a Prince, and difhoneft Spirit.- poor a of mark Spirits abhor it. virtuous and Great

VI.

The

is a meannefs, a deformity In tricking and lying, liich as a great and a good mind fcorns as well as detacfts. In truth the honour of Henry the fourt'^ and of Qiieen Elizabeth, their fleadinefs and noblenefs of mind, were Co

THERE
known and
known,

prized,, that as far as their

their perfons

names were were feared or reverenced.

fo-

They

defpifsd that fort of Kingcraft

unmanly

and pedantic, which a cotem.porary Prince ufed to boaft of, and by which he made himfelf little in His the eyes of the world, and of his People. Falftiopd was fo notorious, and he fo- notoriouily decried for his Falfhood, that the only fruit lie reaped from it, was impotence and contempt. He had no kind of credit abroad, worfe than none at

home

his treaties

were abortive,
laughed
at

his
;

mediatioiis

and he who called himfelf the wifeft King in Europe, was really the Dupe and the Jefl of all Chriftendom. The %dT^y people who could depend upon him, v/ere his as ofFavourites, and thefe he durif not deceive ten as he dared he did, and when he was about to part with one of them for ever, he could afk him, after many kiiTes, ' For God's fake, when fhall I * fee thee again-?' Then turn round and fay, ' I * hope in God I fhall never fee thy face more.' With foreign States his promifes and his menaces were alike difregarded, becaufe alike unexecuted, and with his People their Prince had not fo much credit as a Banker. He had fo often, fo fhameflighted, his refentments
:

luily,

forfeited his credit, perverted the public truft,

wafted

lie

DISCOURSES

money, that he was thought unv/orthy of all farther confidence. The moft difgraceful of all Bankrupts, is a King bankrupt of
wafted the public
his

Honour.

The Romans,

the greateft People that the

Sun

ever law, as they were great in their fortune and valour, were fo alfo in their honour, which they obferved with fignal pun6fuality, and by it gained

renown with depend upon

their intereft.

all

nations, v/ho whilft they could

their faith,

Some

adhered with fidelity fo of their allies were fo obfti-

nate in their adherence to the Romans, that rather relinqr.ifh them they fuftered the fword, famine and utter deftruciicn, nay, dcfirroyed themThey held treachery in fuch deteftation^ felves.

than

that

when

a traiterous Schoolmafter in a

Town
to be

which they

befieged, offered to procure

it

furrendered by betraying all hi? fcholars, the children of the principal Inhabitants, into the hands of the Roman General, they abhorred the propofal, and gave up the villain even to their enemJes. The fame noble courtefy they did to KingPyrrhus,

When his phyiician propofed to poifon him. for a certain rev/ard, they rejedted the execrable propofal, and communicated after. Long afterwards, when they it to his had loft their Libert)', and with it too much of their virtue, they yet refufed the offer of Adgandeftrius a Prince of Germany, who- undertook, * That if the Senate would fend him poifon, he * w^ould difpatch Arminius j' the moft terrible foe The that they had ever found in that country. anfwer of the Senate was very noble, ' That not * by fnares and blows in the dark, but openly
whilft yet defolating Italy
:

armed, and in the day of battle, the Roman People purfued vengeance againft their enemie?.' The Romans, Qiieen Elizabeth, and Henry the fourth^ had great Spirits, great Ht^iiour, but were
*
*

UPON TACITUS.
Kingcrafts
It

iir

not accompliflied in little falfifications, fuch as tiie above-mentioned Prince gloried in by the name of

was well he had fome caufe of gio-

Sed. VII.

Tyranny

v/orfe

than

Anarchy,

or rather nothing but Anarchy.

T
ter

is

ufually faid, that bad

;

than none
I
is

a propofition

Government Is betwhich is far from

felf-evident.

am

apt to think that abfolute

Ty-

worfe than Anarchy ; for I can eafily fuppofe popular ccnfufion to be lefs mifchievous than

ranny

a fetded active

harm, and
are in their

is

it will do no lefs end fooner. All tumults nature, and muft be, fhortin duration,

Tyranny, that

likely to

mufl foon
ing,
till

fubfide, or fettle into

laft for

Tyranny may

fome order. But ages, and go on in dcflroynothing to deftroy.

at lall it

has

left

What

can the moft dreadful Anarchy produce but a temporary work of defolation and fury, what but violation of Law and Life ? And can Government be faid to exift, where all Juflice is negle(51ed, where all Violence and Opprefiion is committed, where lawlefs Will is the only reafon, where the ravages of blind appetite, and of the blind fword, are the
only adminiftration ? If this be Government, what Is Anarchy ? Js obedience due to aught but Law and Protection ? Is he a Governor Vvho fpoils and kills ? I obliged to pay duty and reverence to my eneiriy, to a common robber? By doings, and not by titles and

Am

names, is a Governor diflinguifhed h-om an enemy ^ and lefs vengeance is due to a.profelTed fpoiler, than to a fpoiiing Magiftrate. What have Societies to do with fuch a deftrucSlive Traitor, but to exterminate or deflroy him, befgre he has deitipyed fccie^y
iind

112
and
all

DISCOURSES
men
?

An OpprelTor under the name of a Ruler, is the moft deteftable Opprefibr ; and, by fuch impudence and mockery, fhould. but quicken I know of no argumeJit for univerfal refentment. dcftroying Anarchy, but what is full as ftrong for the defl:ru6lion of Tyranny*
Sed:.

Vni.

Bad Princes ought

to be treated

v/ith feverity

and abhorrence, in honovir No worthy and jufbice to the good. Prince offended to fee a wicked Prince

expofed.
difcourfmg IN good with

on Princes,
poifible

have treated the

as the tender Fathers of their People, as benevolent Guardians of Law and Righteoufnefs, as Friends to hudi\^ine Character, which can never man kind be too m.uch prized, never too much extolled. If
all
:

reverence,

towards the bad I have fhewn equal indignation, I hope I fhali want no excufe, fmce it was equally They who honour w^orthy Princes, cannot julL avoid detefting Princes that are wicked ; nor caji fuch as hate not the wicked, ever truly love the worthy, fays Pliny ^ to Trajan, who. I dare fay, believed him, and miiil needs find it a genuine

compliment

to his

own excellent reign,

to fee thoie

of the preceding Tyrants well expofed, fmce the blacker theirs appeared, the brighter his muft fhine.

by fuch

expofe them was to praife him, and it is chiefly oppofition of characters, that his friend the Conful adorns that of the Emperor, in his immortal Panegyric, a Mafter-piece of Eloquence, Truth and good Senfe, and a continued Invedive againft

To

Neque enim
non

fat's

amarintLonos Frincipes, qui maDoinitigji,

les fatis

oUcriiU.

UPON TACITUS.

rrj

Domltian, and the other Imperial Savages, who had flained and perverted the Sovereignty. It rs thus, in a great meafure, that he applauds Trajan, and his method was jull. To reverence bad Princes, is to rob and injure the good, as reverence is the reward and perquiIf no evil whatfoever can be site of well-doing. entitled to refpedt, what claim to it have the authey efpecially who commit the higheft? Do the Indians well in adoring mifchievous Demons ? Were the ancient Pagans v/ife in their wild v/orihip of fire, fevers and crocodiles? Was any beaft of prey, were all beafts of prey, half fo deftrucStive as Nero ? Were the ravages of
thors of evil,

the Conflagration or a Pellilence worfe than his ravages ? Are men bound to reverence the plagues-, the tormentors, and the confumers of men ? fpeak refpeclfully of bad men, Princes or others, is

To

not reverence but flattery, and flattery is abufe. Before men can be brought to adore a hurtful being, they muft be firft (fo far at leafl) divefted of' their fenfes, and flruck blind by fuperilition, and then it is reverence without reafon, confequently
nothing.
trances of a

Who

would value

liimfeif

upon the

mad-man, miftaking you

for a Deity,

and adoring you ? A good Prince fhould indeed take it amifs to perceive bad ones fpared, as it will argue a prefumption that he approves them, or will come to .refemble them An imputation which he Jfhould fear and abhor. He will therefore, for his own fake, encourage all freedom to examine and difplay their behaviour and memory. Nor can he diicouragc this as long as he means not to do as they did. Pliny allerts it roundly, as a matter of ' the utmoft certainty That, v/hen of an evil
:
:

*.

Priiice pofterity fays

nothing,

it

is

evident that

the prelent Prince fallows'" his

fteps.'

When-.

Commodus

114

DISCOURSES
?

put one to death for reading the Hfe of Caligula, freely written by Suetonius, what could the Public infer, but that he kn<?w his own conducSl
to be like that of Caligula

Commodus

Trajan,

who was
:

virtuous Prince, cared not

contumelicuily the name and memories of Tyrants were ufed Nor was ought a greater proof of the excellence of his adminiftraticn, and the integrity of his heart, than that in his reign it was fafe for all men to inveigh againft evil Government, and evil Princes, as the fame Pliny obferves ; and elfewhere, ftill compli' menting that glorious Emperor then fhew ' how paflionately we love good Princes, when we * are feen utterly to abhor the bad.' Tacitus fays,
;

how

We

to the deathlefs praife of this reign, that fuc4i wa^ the rare felicity of the times, ' That you might

what fentim.cnts you pleafed, and dewhat fentiments you entertained.' In confequence of fuch true principles, thefe Uvo noble Authors treat Nero, Domitian and their fellows, as Monfters, Beafts, and Executioners ; and thus mufl every honeft, every rational Author treat fuch Princes. Pliny fays, that Domitian was
*

entertain

clare

'

*
*

the Spoiler, the Butcher of every excellent Perfon J a moft treacherous Prince ; a moft rapa-

cious Robber.' With fuch bitter and terrible flames did a Roman Conful treat a wicked Emperor, in prefence of a good one, Pliny before Trajan, nay, fpeaking to Trajan, Tacitus 'is not more tender like the other, he loved virtue^ and hated vice too much to be fo.
:

.DIS.

UPON TACITUS.

115

DISCOURSE
Of
Seel.
Its
I.

vr.

Bigotry in Princes.
mifcbief of Bigotry in a Prince
!

The
it.

ftrange efiicacy, and

what Chimera's

govern

f-|"-^ACITUS
his defigns

tells

us,

that

Otho was,

in

upon the Sovereignty, violent-*> ly inftigated by the vain predicVions of th^ Aftrologers, who were ever confidently averrhig, that the Stars prefaged approaching revolutions, and What elie was a year of fignal gloTy to Otho.
-

and greedy belief in the Aftrologers but Bigotry to deceivers and falfe prophecy, whence he was prompted to feize the Empire, murder the Emperor, and throw the world into "War and convulfions ? For with hinl thefe wretched predilions pafled as uttered by a prophetic fpirit, and as the My Author, acpropitious warnings of the Fates. cording to his cuftcm-, accounts for Otho's credulity in thefe by a fine obfervation, ' That fuch is ' the vifionary genius of human nature ever moft ' zealous to believe things dark and unfearchable.' He adds, that Ptolemy (one of the Aftrologers moft credited by him) confined not himfelf afterwards to predictions only ; but having firft flattered the ambition of Otho, was now promptms; him to the laft bloody act of treafon. His refieclion upon this is juft and ftrong, ' That from the har* bouring of fuch afpiring v/ifties, to the forming ' of fuch black purpofes, the mind is led with
this his abfurd
'

wonderful

facility.'

Croefus,

ir6
Croefus,

DISCOURSES
King of Lydia, was
a bigotted believer

of Oracles, and many and immenfe were the gifts By their and oblations, which he made them. faHacious refponfes he was incited to war with Cyrus, which ended in his perpetual captivity, and in the utter conqueft of his wealthy Kingdom.
Bigotry, in a
is

weak

Prince, or in any Prince,

always one of his word and moft dangerous weaknelTes, generally ruinous to his People, often
to himfelfj as
it fubje(ts

him

to the blind cantroul

of narrow- fpirited and defigntng Guides (for all Bigots mud: have Dire(Stors and Maflers) who in managing his confcience feldom forget their own intereil, and to that intereft often facrifice the Public and all things. Bigotry has a kindnefs for nothing but itfeff, and to all the reft of the world bears at beft perfect unconcern, generally perfect malice. Hence wild wars and perfecutions. Countries oppreffed and exhaufted. Communities enflaved and butchered, all perhaps for names and garments, for poftures and grimaces, for founds, and diftincftions, and nonienfe. Correfpondhig to the defign is the refult numbers are made miferable or deftroyed, that a few may flourifh and domineer. For, that dominion is founded in Grace, and that the holy ought to inherit the Earth, is a pofition as old and extenfive as roguery and enthufiafm. From this fpirit Princes who are guided by it, inftead of public Fathers and ProtecPtors, often become public Pefts and deftroyers j Nations are animated againft Nations, and thofe of the fame Nation plague and devour one another. What human wifdom can refirain men actuated by divine fury ? And when they think that the Deity commands them to fpoil and kill, what avails any counfel or exhortation to protecSl and to fave Sheck Eidar a Prince and Enthuilaft of Perfia, having
.?

UPON TACITUS.
having made a Reform o( the

117

Mahometan Religion there, declared it impolTible to be faved without adhering to his fyftem : And upon fuch as are to be damned in the next world, it is always
deemed
inflict penalties

lawful, nay, necefiary and meritorious, to and death in this.

differ-

The

Turkifh Doctors, on the contrary,

ing from thofe of Perfia in feme Important niceties, hold it lawful for the true believers (that is, for

themfelves) to
Perfians.

kill,

deftroy and

exterminate the

at the day of Judgment, he will gracioufly change thefe Heretics into AfTes, and doom them to carry the Jews, as the moft contemptible of all Nations, a full trot into Flell. For fuch cruel and unrelenting cenfures, certainly thefe found divines mull have enormous provocation, and the Perfians undoubtedly hold the moft They do fo For, inftead fhocking opinions. of waftiing the naked feet all over, as the orthodox Turks do, they fatisfy themfelves with only fprinkling the water lightly over them. Another of their damnable Dotftrines is, that they do not trim their Muftaches, according to the pure do6trine and
:

Thofe pious goodnefs of God, that,

zealots even hope from the

ufage of thefe their antagonlfts, but cut their beards What is yet more horrible, only upon the chin. they hold it lawful to wear green about their feet,

a colour facred to the memory of Mahomet ; and, as a further demonitratlon of their obftinacy and peftilent notions, they afTert the lawfulnefs of wearWhat can be a more jult, ing a red Turbant. what a nobler ground for hatred and war between
thefe

two Nations
?

war and hatred never

to

have

an end

Incited by fuch worthy caufes as thefe, and openly avowing them as the motives of anger and
hoitility,

their refpeclive Princes

have often conducted

ii8
tluCLCjcl

DISCOURSES
vaft armies againft

eaeh other, wafted coun*

mes, facrificed millions. An Emperor of Turkeyhad it once in his head to have maiTacred all the Chriitians in his Dominions, though in feveral of his Countries they were by far the greater part. But this and' all the Laws of mercy and policy^ are

weak confiderations when oppofed to religious impulfe, and the iniiigation of Bigotry and Bigots. Mahomet was to be humoured, he v/ho was the
but

would,

God, he who hated Iniidels. Now who who durft refufe to oblige God and MaIjomet ? Nor was fuch reafoning- peculiar to the Mahometan Dervifes, the good men who conduct The the Confciences of Mahometan Princes.
Apoftle of
profefTors of the beft Religion

cannot reafon better,

whenever they

allege Religion to juftify violence.

Seel.

I J.

How

eafily a bigotted
:

againfl: reafon

he

is

and interell apt to commit.

What

Prince is led ravages

FO R
States.

recited, or for

fuch dreams and whimfies as thofe laft whimfies equally abfurd, equal-

ly reproachful to

men and
confume

focieties,

been brought

to

their People

The Emperor
by
his
firft

Juftinian,

have Princes and rifle their b^nt upon a

diilliaded

war

againft the Vandals in

it

Africa,

was

from

Minifter, the Captain of his

fame wild defign by the

of a Biiliop,
vifion,

guards, for foiid rcafons, but urged again to the credit and foolifh reafons

who

it

Teems had

in his

fleep

ken

which encouraged the Emperor by ail means to exterminate thofe Heretics. (They were Arians.) Who could withftand fuch an argument ? And was not the expedition a wife one, worthy of a judicious Prince and of the Public-weal? It was at
kail

UPON TACITUS.
leaft

119

worthy of him who

advifcd

it,

and he dream-

ed or hed meritorioufly for the truth, that is to In fiu]fay, for his own opinion and animofity. guinary, in v/ild and deflruclive counfcls, none have ever exceeded, few have ever equalled, thofe who profefTcd to be the Minifters of mercy and peace. Henry the fecond of France made a moil icandalous Peace witli the Emperor, even to the dif--

membering of his own Dominions, on purpofc to make war upon his native Subjects, and to crufti and butcher the Hugonots, who gave liim no provocation, but that of praying to God in a manner which they judged moil acceptable to God. This the feliiih Bigots who governed his Paffions and Counfels, and difhonoured his Crown, reprefeiited
as the moft crying crime, and this crime he punifhed with the moil glaring rigour. It was a fine

purfuit

in

which

thefe

Prince, in himfelf truly

ceifors,

feducers had engaged a magnanimous, that of cut-

ting the Throats of his People.

One

of his Suc-

a great aimer at Glory, with all his mighty ambition was cramped by the little fpirit of a Bigot.

IMonarchy, was himand his Bigotry made his country groan, made him an enemy to great part of his Subje6ls, the fobereil and moil induftrious of them all, and produced oppreffions and defolation utterly repugnant to the glory which he thirfled after v/ithout meafure, and claimed without a title. The expulfion of the Moors from Spain, efFecEled by the devices and iniligatlons of reillefs and mifchievous Mpnks, working upon the Bigotry of the King, and continually alarming his Confcience with the anger and denunciations of Heaven fof his HQwaefs aijd ^ya^t of zeaJ, k another fad
at univerial
felf fubjeol to the

He who

aimed

Empire of Bigots,

inilance

I20

DISCOURSES
In
all

inftance of the baneful nature of this fort of fpirit, when found in a Prince, or in thofe who gov-cra

him.

places

where

it

prevails,

how

diffe-

rent foever they be, and upon all occafions, how contracli6lory foever they prove, whatever it pr<Dpofes or purfues,
is ftiil

the caufe of

God

And
it,

who

that once believes this, will,

by oppofmg

venture to fight againfl God ? There is afterwards no room, nor perhaps fafety, to mention public good or public peace, or any temporal confidera-

For what are thcfe in comparifon ? numbers and induftry of the Moors, as long as they were Infidels ? Where the harm of difpeopling and impoverifhing Spain, when, with fo foiall a lofs, fo great, fo pious a point was gained, that of quieting the King's Confcience and making the Monks eafy ? No matter what became of the Bees fo the Drones were fafe and the Bigot was appeafedtion whatever.

What

fignified the

Sed.

bigotted Prince how fubjedl to III. The be drawn into Guilt and Folly. diilates of Bigotry how oppofice to thofe of true Religion.

NY
it

folly,

any chimera or pun6^Ilio,

let

it

jl"^ be as abiiird, as mean and trifling as it will, when once it is pronounced facred, grows inftantly
momentous, and equal, nay,
fuperior, to all thijigs.

be a piece of earth, or piece of building, or a coat, or a cap, or a day, or an uncouth word it is more important than the tranquillity of the world and all the rights of men, and for it all men are to be oppreHed, or worried, or Haughtered. Nay, the highelt and moil diftufive mifchicf which a Prince can do, (hall be made his higheft merit and
;

Whether

U P A C I U S. 121 and public devaftation or a general mafTacre fhall be recommended as a fure and pious atonement for his private vices and enormities. Henry the third of France was very debauched,

O N T

very devout, a notorious Bigot, a notorious OpprefTor. But by ads of penance all his afts of impiety were cancelled, his confcience

he

calmed, and

free to begin a

new

fcore of iniquity.

This was

the repeated round of his life. Amongft the atonements exafted from him by the mercilefs Hypocrites whofe property and inftrument he was, the perfecutlon of the Proteftants was always

The

one

reft confifted in profufe

bounties and donations

Monks. So that the blood and fpoil of his poor Subjects payed for all. He, moreover, rendered himfelf contemptible by defcending to frrange and ridiculous mortifications, and to all
to the

mummery
Man,
held

the foolifli

of Friars,

fo

much below

King

but fo

of his ghoftly

him

much conducing to the holy purpofes Guides, who thus bewitched him and

or a

fait to their iTatcrnity.

Whilft the late Pope, a well-meaning man, but a wretched Bigot, inftead of attendino: to the

Ad-

miniftration
his

of his

Principality,
in

thoughts

and time

was beftowing all viTiting Churches and

Images,

in confecrating

Chapels and Altars, and the

like pious

injuftice prevailed in his lery amongft his People.

and unprofitable fooleries, corruption and Court, opprelTion and mi-

With

the beft intentions

that could be, his reign

vous

itupid Prince is the heavieft curfe that God can fend upon a People, is equally true of a bi'^otted one J for Bigotry is religious ftupidity, pious

was defpicable and g-rieV/hat Philip de Comines fays, tlSt a

crazl-

whether natural or fpiritual, is of iticlf blind and ahvays requires guidin-r, t^ie Bigot as well as the Blockhead will be for ever a ikive to Pedagogues and Seducers,

iiefs i_

and

as folly,

^^^'

^^'

Cardinal

J22

DISCOURSES

Cardinal Richlieu, amongft the other ImpleMafter the Moinents of his Sovereignty over his able Dinarch, was always provided with fome the Scruples, confcientious away explain vines to of Morality, and the precepts of the
impreflions

Gofpel, whenever the fame thwarted his Paflions the and Politics. Nay, the whole Aflembly of complaifant Clergy of France always proved his their Cafuiib upon occafion, and accommodated

Theology to the he v/as engaging

caufe Bible
ino-

drift

of the

firft

Minifter.

When

thefe his Sycophants to declare the null, bemarriage of the Duke of Orleans to be the reaion better a (and it he did not like
itfeif

thefe venerable

could not have furnifhed for illummatGuides) the Queen Mother

dlin<r v/ith that

medwrote to the Pope, to forbid the Clergy from marriage ' For, fhe faid, it was that the Bifhops were all * publicly notorious, or < Courtiers, and would fay whatever the King * Minifter would have them, and even contradid
:

*
*

what they then

nif^er bid them.'

declared,

fhould a future

Mi-

the like management he like a good Catholic, abwho, King, brought the Heretics,"to proted and afllft Heretics, as

By

horred

he did the Proteftants in Germany, SubjecSts, fame time to crufn and opprefs his own Law the by though becaufe they were Heretics, protection. them owed he i:)uty and his 1 o believe in God, to truft in him, and to of all men. adore him, is the duty of a Prince and diftrefs men, But, for the love of God to hurt and and phrenzy. Confciencc is amazing wickcdnefs and has as juft a right property, facred moft is the
yet at the,
as have the lives to proteaion from the Sovereign in. Rehdifference If Subje6ts. his of and fortunes People, fo does difp-ion caufe difputes amongft his

ference about civil Property

trovcrficb'

and

in religious

con^
as

amongft them,

it is

his duty

to hold

even

UPON TACITUS.

123

even a hand as in litigations about money and land. In one cafe as well as the other, he is to leave them to Law, and Reafon, and Argument, and to prevent their deciding religious opinions, any more than civil fuits, by force and violence.

Sefl.

IV. Further inilances of the great mifchiefs occafioned by Bigotry of Princes.

proceeded the Croifades, thofe expeditions fo often undertaken by Chriftian Princes to recover Judea out of the hands of the Saracens, but from the Bigotry of Princes and People infpired and managed by the Pope and the Clergy? For this, Europe was drained
beft
in

WHENCE mad
Men

of her and Treafures, and her frrength wafted the Eaft, for no reaibns of State or iecurity, but

only for the fake of the

Rock where our

Saviour's

Neither he nor his Apoftles had declared, that he had endowed this Rock with any fanaity or virtue, any more than any other ftcne or earth upon which he had chanced
to tread.

Body had

lain for

fome hours.

ways

But the cheating Prieits, they allaid the firft foundations of their Empire in.

who

delufion,

impudence and forgeries" mind^ of men, as produced great armies, efforts, and flau^hter for the recovery of a bit of ground jufr like other ground. It was apparent that neither God, nojnoife,
railed fuch frantic zeal

by their

in the

Chrift, nor the blefled Spirit concerned themfelves about It, elk they would have gttarded it from the hands of Infidels. So far otherwife, that never did any warlike expeditions more milerably mir. carry, never was fo much valour and ilren^th
lo

thiown away. Indeed, the whole "enj^-j in miclortunes and difappointments, nor produced augh. ..ve the deftra^ion of Ch;iftian blood and
ulelefly

wealth

J24

DISCOURSES

and poverty at wealth abroad, mifrule, weaknefs Ecclefialhcal 1 yof home, and the eftablifhment it was manithough Yet, Chriftendom. ranny in not thefe extravagant ramfeft that God bleflfed repugnant to all good Ukewife bles, vs^hich vvrere cheats who defolemn the men, amongft policy be knowalways would ceived in his name, who valued not who and himfelf, of fpite in will ing his not to preach up more, the intereft of men, failed former had ended in nothmg but in-

when

famy and

cared not what became of govern it, and with all could the world fo they and impudence, again frauds, and might, their
ruin.

all

the

They

to deftroy and again excited Chriftendom humour them. -n

,

itfelf

to

will not the will not deluders dare, what reafon is and reigns delufion when deluded fufter, of their ufe the men have loft

..

..u^

What

fubdued

When

likely to fenfes, they are not

about rob them of their they <)r property; and

their perfons

be very circumfped and fortunes ; nor will fuch as underftanding, fpare their hves

God made no Croifades were more Still fcruple of abufing men. them on carry To undertaken. preached up and
who
belied

maidens their dowries ; he who had widows portions, their fuch as were too nopropertv gave his life, and hired others in their fight, and travel ?eeble to Impoftors had Uijder fuch phrenzy the room. for all their pardon of afllirance an hrou^ht them by Saints to the of inheritance fms by an off^er of the and madmen, like ad to grace all who had the Salvation, of which and Paradife fools. like perifh to be the difpofers, coft thefe Jugglers affumed they were always ready thefe and them nothing, advantage and fubftantial to traffic away for any
gratification prefent.

men facrificed women their

their perfons and eftates, jewels and rich apparel,

married

Thus

they abufed the

La

ty

UPON TACITUS.

125

with words and hopes, a Ibrt of payment which they themfelves v/ould never accept : Nor, in truth, was ever any fet of men fo addicted as they to fecure all their rewards and eftabliihments in this life, whilft, to difguife their defigns, they were all the while difcourfmg pibully of another. They preached up the contempt of the world to others, and ftill humbly accepted to themfelves whatever they had induced others to renounce. Nay, to engrofs all, feemed to be the only drift of fuch preachments.
fenfe

All this was glaring and notorious to common But the Monks had vanquifhed and banifh:

fenfe by the dint of ghofHy fears : combat any underftanding that was ftill ftubborn and unbewitched, they were furnifhed v/ith other weapons, with dungeons, ropes and faggots. Every one who dared to contradict the Monks, though in defence of the veracity and honour of God, and for the welfare of human-kind, was an Atheift, at beft a Heretic, fit to be configned to Satan, and dcftroyed by men. So far had thefe enemies to the world gained the dominion of it with its property, and fuch credit had the mockers of God obtained by boldly abufmg his name and word What could be more ruinous,

ed

all

common

And

to

and had proved to be, than thefe Croifades ? Yet with what vehemence did the Clergy promote them, and how fail and blindly did Kings and People run to deilruclion and fhame at the cry and inftigation of the Clergy, who had the craft and addrefs to throw all their works of zeal, all or the principal hazard and expence, upon the heads and pockets of others, and of makmg the Laity their dupes, property and drudges ? Pere Daniel, the Jefult, in his late Hiflory of PVance, is forced to own, that the Clergy there, after they had preached up a Croifade with mighty eloquence and zeal, grum-

bled

126

DISCOURSES
!

bled bitterly when they themfelves became taxed to So rare, fays he, it is to find any zeal carry it on. This is a very merthat is perfei:ly difintereiled
ciful refiecflion.

The

truth

is,

that their zeal

was

nothing but

interefl,

or,

at beft, frenzy.

The

was engaged by the Pope

He Story of Saint Bernard is remarkable. to exert his credit and

eloquence in raifmg a Croiiade. The warm Monk undertook it zealoufly, and laboured in it with ardour. Even miracles were faid to have been wrought in favour of his endeavours. He alledged a divine call, and authority divine for that expeto the dition, and prophefied certain fuccefs
Chriftians, certain deftru6iion to the Turks.

Up-

on fuch afTurances from Heaven, uttered by one of

its

Embaffadors,
all

to war,
Cities

men

who founded the Lord's trumpet ran to enlift themfelves, and whole

A mighty and Villages were left defart. moft of that mighty army The v/hole expedition was fatal, and perifhed God's Providence gave the lye notorioufly to the promifes of his Embaffador, who yet kept himfelf ' That in countenance by a pitiful fubterfuge ;
army
pafTed into Afia,
:

thefe forces mifcarried for their fms.'

Why

did

not forefee thefe fuis, he who pretended to divine light and prophecy ? He had boldly promifed fuccef^ v/ithout exception or referve ; and the excufe which he made will equally ferve any quackprophet that ever appeared or ever can appear in the world. Befides the lofs of men, v/hich was often fuch
fee

as left the countries that funiifhed

them

little

elfe

but

Widows

and Orphans

(for the

Monks who

remained in fafety at home, were to be accounted, not members, but moths of human Society) befides
the waftc of Treafure, then very fcarce in Chriilendom ; the Adminiflration of Government was every where negle6led or abufed in the abfence of the

G o\ernors,

UPON TACITUS.

127

Governors, men, who can never fail of finding bufinefs enough at home, if they will confcientioully perform it. Kings too were fometimes taken prifoners, and for ranfoming them, almoft' all the money which remained in their poor Countries, always made poor by thefe pernicious enterprizes,. mufl be amafied and carried away to enrich their
enemies.

We

now

fee

clearly the folly

;

and mifchief of

thefe wild adventures

at leaft) the

we

difcern (in this inftance

danger of credulity, the peftilent inThey who v/ere under it perceived it not, and we wonder at their blindnefs^ Succeeding generations will perhaps be finding caufe, though I hope not equal caufe, of wondering at us, though they too may have tl\eir folliesj, but perchaace not the fame folfies.
fluence of delufion.

DISCOURSE
Of Ministers.
Sedb.
it

VIL

The choice of Miniflers how much I. Of what imports Prince and People, fad confequence to both, when bad. The bad only ferve themfelves, not their Ma-^
Her.

cannot do PRINCES therefore

appoint
for to

all

themfelves, and muff-

fiich as

they can

trufl:

to

a(5t

to

them and in their name, men who are apprize them of what is proper for them to know, advife them what is fit for tliern to. do. Thefe

are

128

DISCOURSES

are their Miniflers and Counfellors, and upon the rafh or prudent choice of thefe, the credit and eafe, or difhonour and danger of a Prince, as well as the

or ill ufage of his People largely depends. wife Princes chufe fuch as are like themielvxs, fo do Princes who are weak or vicious. Nero's Favourite was Tigellinus, Queen Elizabeth had a
fkfety,

As

Walfingham, Trajan
C)f

a Pliny,

Henry

the fourth

de Sully. In a free Country, a Prince has a great advantage and ailiftance in chufing his Miniflers, for if his intentions be righteous, if he mean to maintain the Conftitution of the Laws, he will of courfe appoint men of name and ability And this he maydo without much ability of his own He need only attend to the unbialTed humour and opinion of the Reprefentatives of the People, and he cannot fail of being furniftcd with the ablcft men. Whenever you v/ant to chufe, you are, by the general confent, directed to the perfon worthy to be chofen, iaid Galba to Pifo. Not unlike this is the obfervation of Helvidius Prifcus, when an Embafly of Senators were about to be fent to Vefpafian. Helvidius prcpofed, that they fliould be nominated by the Magiftrates ; for that by the judgment of the Senate thus m.anifcf(:ed, the Prince would be, as it were, advifed and warned, v/hom to fear and fhun, v.'hom to countenance and approve. He adds, that no greater fupport was there of a righteous reign, than righteous Miniflers about the perfon reigning. If indeed a Prince aim at overturning the Cojifiitution and fetting his Power above the Law, he will find out tools proper for the wicked work, creatures of mere will, of defperate fortunes or defigns, dreaded or contemned, fclfixh, cntcr:

France a

Duke

prizing, or fool-hardy, fuch as will humour him, fuch as muft depend upon him. But a Prince who
ftudics

UPON TACITUS.
fludles public good, will like
fpirited.

129

men who

are public-

Such as are known to love their Country Laws, can never be unacceptable to one who has no views but to preferve both. Whilft Nero was guided by the counfels of Seneca and Burrus, great hopes were conceived of his Government, becaufe they were known to be The Plan of his Reign worthy and able men. conceived by them, and by him exhibited in his firft fpeech to the Senate, was very juft^ and .%e. ' He claimed not the judgment and decifion of af fairs, nor would allow the fhutting up thofe who * were accufed in the fame houfe with their ac' cufers, and by it fuftain the impotent Tyranny ' of a few. Nothing fhould be faleabk v/ithin his
and
its
*
'

'

walls, nor any acccfs there to the crooked plots ^nd attempts of ambition. Between his Family

and the Republick a juft diftinaion fhould be The Senate fhould uphold her anmaintained.
Italy and all thofe provinces,-. which depended by allotment upon the People,, fhould apply only to the Tribunal of the Confuls, and by them procure aceefs to the Fathers. To himfelf he referved, what v/as efpecially eom-

cient jurifdiaion.

*
' '

* mitted to his truft, the direction of the Armies.'" Tacitus adds, that thefe declarations of his. wanted not fincerity, and by the Senate many regulations

were made, agreeable to their own good liking. For fomiC years his Government continued very-

conduced

good, atleaftvery plaufible, andi, as far as they it, was unexceptionable, nay, reckoned a pattern to the bell; Princes, as the rel^ of it can-

not be exceeded by the worfl.. But when Burrus and- Seneca were dead^ or their credit with Nero decayed, it was. eajQly forefeen at what he aimed, and that he would break
out into
all

when

it

wa&

the outrages of a Tyrant,, efpecially fcen who held the chief fway about

iuai'.

130

DISCOURSES

him. Seneca and Burrus were therefore forely lamented, the more for that TigelHrnis fucceeded. As he h-ad iliewn himfelf unworthy of fuch a Miniftry, he now found a Minifter worthy of fuch a Prince, who promoted him only for his infamy and And as they had taken all care to form vilenefs. him to virtue and good government, it was the buiinefs and purfuit of his prefent dire6tor to draw him headlong into a courfe of abominations and cruelty. Infinite enormities he caufed him to commit j many he committed of his own head, unknown to his Mafter. They were well matched, or rather very ill Nero promoted him becaufe he was a polluted and mifchievous man ; and he improved Nero into a moft peftilent Tyrant, fuch a Tyrant as committed a power of tyrannizing even to his m^anumifed flaves. Helius was one of them^ and to his governance and difpofal the Emperor Surrendered the people of Rome and thofe of all Italy, with a fway fo abfolute and dreadful, that> without once confulting his Mafter, he fentenced Reman Knights, nay, Senators, to what punifhments or penalties he lifted, fome to exile, fome
:

to deaths

many

to coniifcations.

By

the breath of

and potent Slave capital doom was pronouncsd againft one of the moft illuftrious Grandees of Rome, Sulpitius Camerinus, as alfo againft his fon ; and both v/ere doomed to die, for no fort
this arbitrary

ofci-ime, or other reafon, fa ve that they ufed the

additional

name

of Pythicus, a

name
juft

derived to

them from

Judge charged this as impiety againft the Emperor, who had acquired that title by his vidories in the Pythian Games. If the Freedman were thus mighty, what muft be the firft Minifter, and one in fuch high,
their anceftors.

The

favour

Tigellinuo at
nifter to fuch

laft

acted as

became fuch

Mi-

a JPiince,

proved, a

Traitor to his mafter.

UPON TACITUS.
maftcr,

131

he had made a traitor to his trufl, to abhor him, then deferted him. What other could be expe6led from him ? Was it likely that he who was a villain to almoft all the world, could be faithful to any man in it ? It was but natural that a man who had acfted fo many villainies for him, or in his name, ihould aA one agalnft him, and fave his own life at the expence of his Mafter's. Purely for his own fake, only direcSled to his own ends, had been all the eitorts of his Miniftryj and what Nero vainly thought to be the effeds of duty and fidelity, refulted from treachery tmd felfifh views. He meant nothing but the gratification of his own brutal fpirit, and ths aggrandizing of himfelf, purpofes which could not be accomplifhed but by the favour and authority of Nero. He therefore did not ferve Nero ; he only humoured and deceived him, as does every Miniftcr eveiy Prince when he encourages him in evil: courfes, or purfues them in his name,
brought
all

whom

men

Sedl. II.

A
is

fure

rah

for a Prince to

know

advifed faithfully. The duty of a Minifler to warn Princes with freedom. The interefl: of Princes to hear a Minifter patiently. Few will tell them^

when he

truth,

when

telling

it is
it.

offenfive,

A wife-

Prince will encourage

HERE
pleafing,
vifed. well,

therefore is a rule for a Prince to judge of the fidelity of his Mlnifters, by confider:

ing whether their counfel be good or evil

unjuft, or cruel, or unpopular,
it is

If

it

be

though

it

may be

certainly faithlefs.
is

who

No Prince is adnot advifed honejftlyj and. v/ho-

6.

foever.-

132
foever

DISCOURSES
feiives
is

him wickedly, ferves him falfly ; fince due to him, none ought to be done for him, and none will profit him, but what is All the actions of a righteous and honourable. Prince, all his purfuits (hould tend to glory and popularity, and from juff acSlions alone all genuine

BO

fcrvice

Agefilaus King of Sparta faid well, glory arifes. the ncceiTity was urged of complying with the Great King^ a title always given to the Monarch of Perfia, ' The Great King is not greater

when

Plutarch, who than I, unlefs he be jufter.' mentions this, add, that he thus fettled the true, tht Royal Standard of Greatnefs, which is to be

What glory eftimated by Juftice, not by Force. can follow wickednefs in any fhape, however difgui fed by art, or new named by jBattery ? From the Governors of men nothing fliould be found but what is for the good of men ; when that good is not purfued, but evil felt inftead of good, the Governors are deemed infamous, becaufe by them Government is perverted. When the fword given for protection, is turned upon the givers, and, inflead of proteiSting, flays, he who wields it will be accounted unworthy to hold it. This is what
wife Princes know, what fiich as know it not fhould be told, and what honeft Minifters will always tell. What elfe is the ufe of Counfel and of Counfellors ? It is betraying a Prince to fuffer him
all

to do evil
into
it ?

unwarned

how much

worfe to lead him

it

He

will certainly fuffer for

at laft.

Danefpe-

ger naturally accompanies wicked actions, cially wicked actions that affe6t the State.

One

danger furely attends fuch adions, the danger of infamy, of all others the greatcff, fuch as a Prince ought to dread more than death. Now what is due to men who train and footh a Prince into the worft, the moli fhccking doom that can befal him, that
of

UPON TACITUS.
hiimortal
apter to reproach than to
praife.

133

prefent and all fucceeding of bcincr odious to the of Princes is ever as infamy the For cenerat'ions ? as men are as their glory, perhaps more,

Thus Nero
Caligula
.

is

cftener mentioned Trajan.

than

Titus,
,

than

imports a Prince to be patient of counand prize men who tell fel, to court information, who always conceal or flatterers hate him truth, to his own opinion and purdifo-uife it, and to fubmit and even contra{mts to be examined, canvafTed, imperious, wedded and peevifh be he If diaed. and difov/n fentiments, hate free fpeech,

Hence

it

to his

courage fuch as ufe

it,

he muft expea, that his

duty, when it is fervants will utterly negled their it beit. do to fruitlefs or thus dangerous counlel him, comes fafer to deceive him than to him, many will few or none will be apt to counfel

When

be ready to deceive him

all his

meafures will be

of all, becaufe extolled, the worft perhaps moft fondeft of the be may he and mofl, they want it Many reafons will be found to fupport foolifheft. and he may ga that which is moft againft reafon, free from contradicbecaufe eafe, great with on meet rum with tion, boldly, becaufe blindly, and blow before he the feel will he Perhaps applaufe. juft at the approach it to be coming, and,

knows

Too many of death, learn that he has a difeafe. almoft all men will are apt to flatter wantonly, but Few men in the it. flatter when they are forced to difpleafure, fewer Prince's a venture will world employments, and fcarce any their lives, to
their
tell

him uncourtly
all

truths.

When Nero had thrown

was already debafing

off

fhame and

reftraints

and engaged his dignity in the face of the world, the public upon finging-matches and in harping in admonifh to fafe or pofllble Stage, it was no longer So followed. he which courfe ruinous him of the
that

134
that

DISCOURSES
what
his worft

fycoph ants encouraged,

lils

beft

feemed to approve. Even Bunus joined in applauding him whih^ his heart ached for him. He proceeded in his fcandalous purfuits v^ith fuch ardour as to deftroy whomever he found to diflike them, hoping for appjaufe from all men, not
friends

an Emperor of Mandarins. He had given himfelf over to a^s of Tyranny, and was proceeding in them. His Minifters modeftly but truly reprefented to him the enormity and evil tendency of his condua. He immediately caufed thefe Minifters to be executed Others made the fame repre^""^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^""^^ ^^^^' I^^ the next the [m^^^^AT' hke ItifFnefs and integrity was ftill found, and againft them too the like bloody fentence pronounced. Yet more remained to bear a teftimony equally virtuous and daring. By this their perfeverance, io Reddy and undaunted, his flubbornnefs was overcome, he relented, and, yielding to -conviaion, changed his courfe of reignincr.

peaed

Theatre was his fcene of glory, and in theatrical diverfions he was engaged when he received news of the confpiracy formed to deprive him of empire and life. He was undone before any one was found bold enough to tdl hrni, that he v/as undoing himfelf. Exceeding fmgular and hardly ever to be ex:

Reignmg but

for

for

Aalng

The

Is

fuch refolute honefty as

in his

Chma

once found

Virtue fo difmterefted, fo heroic, is feldomfeen. In the beginning of the civil wars in France, during the minority of the late King, when all things were running into confufion, a prefent remedy wanted, and a Council called to find one, out of feven or eight Counfellors who compofcd it, not one was found who fpoke as he thought, for fear of offending the Queen Regent; infomuch that, as
the lure
bcr.

way

to picafe her,

all

fludied to deceive
truth,.

Fear

is

not wont to fpeak

When per-

UPON TACITUS.
he

135

perfeft freedom muft be feci fincerity is expected, is apt to be angry when who one has nor allowed ; hears truth, any caufe to wonder that he does

Prince of temper and fenfe, one not hear it. who has patience to hear, and capacity to diftinQiieen Elizaguifli, need feldom be deceived. of France beth, Trajan,- and Henry the fourth not only encouraged freedom in their Minifters, and took advice in Council, but abroad and from
all

men.

fourth, ufed to treat

Rofni, the great Confident of Henry the him with fo much plainnefs, but nay, fom.etimes with fuch roughnefs, as none and- the value, his knew who King, wife very

De

ufe of plain fpeaking,

would have borne.

fool-

always proudeft) would ifli Prince (and fuch are have banifhed him for ever, perhaps done worfe. That o;reat Prince found caufe to confult others behow to eafe fides hts Minifters, when enquiring
his

People oppreffed by the Farmers of the Revenue, he learnt that fome of his Frivy Council were fo mean to be Penfioners to thefe rapacious

Farmers, had fhare of their wicked gains, and thence fupported them in all their rapine and op^
preffions.

He difcovered too, that all tricks and ufed to keep him from knowing the were artifices perplexed ft ate of his Revenue, and the accounts on purpofe to make it impoflible, at leaft extreme-^ ly difticuit and tedious.

Sea

136

DISCOURSES
They fometimes com-

Se6l. III. Minifters to be narrowly obferved,

as well as heard.

bine to nourifh corruption and blind the Prince. nearly it concerns him that

How

all

about him be uncorrupt.

the Great took the advice of his Minifters, as alfo care not to be mifled by their advice Miron, Lieutenant-civil, and
:

HENRY

When

Provoft of the Merchants, efpoufed the intereft of the People whofe property in the rents of the Townhoufe of Paris the Court was about to feize, the Courtiers prefled to have him doomed to fome terrible punifhment, as an Incendiary j nay, as a Blafphemer, becaufe in his remonflrances to the King, he uttered fome uncourtly truths, fuch as, though they touched not the King, fell heavily upon fome of his Counfellors. This they called flying in the King's face, and would have had him vindicate their honour as his own ; nay, their honour at the price of his juftice. He was too worthy and wife to hearken to them. wife Prince will profit as well by vi'atching his fervants, as by confulting them. Kcnry the Great faw in how many channels they had cauled corruption to flow, nor could he with all his vigour and underftanding ftop all, nor even clcanfe the feats of Jufilce. Of old the order taken in that Kingdom for fupplying the Tribunals worthily, was very good, by directing a Regifter to be kept of all the able Advocates and Lawyers. Out of thefe, upon a vacancy, three were prefented to the King, for him to chufe one. But the Courtiers had advifed the King to flight all fuch reprefentatioJis, as reflralnts upon Royalty, and to chufe one

of his

own mere

will an<i

liiidijig.

Thus

it

fell

into

UPON TACITUS.
into

137

the hands of the Courtiers to recommend, and they always recommended him that gave moft. Hence baie fellows filled the Courts, ignorance pofTefled and polluted the facred feats of Juftice, and thefe fcandalous dealers, who had found money more regarded than virtue and fufficiency, were feen to value Law and Righteoufnefs lefs than MoOf this venality of places Thuanus juftly ney. complains, in the dedication of his excellent HiftoYet this evil, this eftablifhment ry to that King. of corruption has been found fcarce capable of a cure even by fuch Princes and Minifters as had the

cure of

it

at heart.

Indeed all corruptions creep eafily in, but are In time they even with great difficulty removed. grow fafhionable ; and then no man is afhamed of being in the mode ; fo that the greatefl infamy upon earth ceafes to be infamous when grown common, as every iniquity countenanced at Court will grow. When the fhame of being vicious is banifhed, vice becomes eftablifhed ; nay, virtue will then be thought fmgularity and fournefs, and be So much it treated with coldnefs and contempt. imports a Country, fo much it imports a Prince

who

values

com^mon honefty,

his

own

reputation,

and the intereft of his Country, that all about him have clean hands. It is not enough that his iVIinillers and great officers be untainted and above the mean traffic of felling places None that are near him, or approach his perfon fhould be fufFered to The diigrace and dabble in that vile commerce. the danger will at laft reach him, and when places are bafely filled, when honours are unw^orthlly beflow^ed, he will bear, at leall, fhare of the blam.c. He fnould confider fuch infamous traders as Vulturs, that prey upon the very vitals of Sovereignt)-, the credit of the Sovereign, as creatures oblcene
:

that

138

DISCOURSES
When
liich

that contaminate his Court, injure and provoke his

People, alienate their aifeilions, and difhonour his

reign.

venality prevails,

it

will

cer-

tainly be

known,

as certainly create difgufts, foon

fpread to general murmuring. Some will be provoked becaufe it immediately hurts them, others
will relent
diflike
it
it

as

it

affeds the
It

Public, and

all

will

as

it is

bafe.

may

indeed happen that

the
it

man who

has favour for money,

may

deferve

without money, and then it is hard upon him to pay for what he merits But generally fpeaking, the worft men rife when money is the vv^ay of
:

rifmg.

However

that be, the thing itfelf

:

is

difho-

nourable and unpopular and what hath a Prince more to fear than unpopularity and difhonour ? Let a Prince, the ablefl Prince, take v/hat care he pleafes, he v/ill ftill be in danger to be milled, if thofe in his confidence have an intereft to miilead him. Vefpafian, who at firft intended no oppreflion, was by evil counfel brought to com.mit many. Queen Elizabeth confefled to her Parliament with regret, that ihe had been over-reached, her power abufed, and enormities committed under her

name.

Edward

the third fuffered his reign,

00

of the mofl glorious that hiftory can fhew, to be ftained by the Miniftry of a Miftrefs, a rapacious Vx^oman, who had a ihameful fway over him and his affairs. The Prerogative, which in the hands of a good Prince is a rod of Gold, when exerted by evil inftrum.ents under him, becomes a rod of Iron j as I have Cecn it fomewhere obferved.

Sea.

U
Se6t.

O N T A C

T U

S.

139

IV. What feliiili ends the Counfellors of Princes fornetimes purfue, yet pretend public good. They gratify private paffion What a reto the ruin of the State. proach to a Prince the corruption of his
Servants.

tlie Great, after gaining the Battle of Ivry, might, according to the general opinion, have had the City of Paris furrendered to That him, had he immediately advanced thither. he did not v/as afcribed to the artifices of his Mi-

HENRY

niflers

rent motives of their own.

it upon diffeMarihai de Biron v/as thought to dread Peace, for that by it his ov/n great importance v/ould have been loft or lelTened. Monfieur D' O, Superintendent of the Finances, was beheved to aim at the facking of Paris, that thence the King's treafures might be filled, and his Others imagined that the Hugodebts cancelled. not Minifters retarded him, from a jealoufy of an accommodation with the Catholics of Paris about matters of Religion. The feveral conjedures are reafonable, tha% particularly, concerning the Mar-

agreeing to diifuade

him from

The

flial

de Biron, who was fo fond of continuing the war, that he would not fufFer his fon to feize the General of the League, when he propofed it and had it in his power. < How, fays the Marfnal, ' wouldft thou fend us back to plant cabbages at ' Biron?' The Marquis de Louvois, Minifter to the late

French King, adled from the fame principle, and by it influenced his Malter. Pie was eternally con-r triving to keep the King and his Kingdom involved in wars, becaufe he himfelf was Secretary at War,
send

140

DISCOURSES

and during war found that he was of moft confidcration. As further proofs of the power and prevalence of private fpirit in public concerns in the minority of that King, the Dutchefs de Longueville inftigated the civil war with all her might, purely to avoid living with her hufband the Duke, whom fhe had provoked with her conduct. The Duke de Nemours did what he could to promote it, on purpofe to feparate the Prince of Conde from the Dutchefs of Chatillon, a Lady whom they both loved. The Queen Regent Itudied not to prevent a civil war, fmce it might bring back her dear fugitive Cardinal. Katherine de Medicis was continually ffirring up Commotions, confpiracics, and even civil v/ars, even againft her own fon Henry the third, with defign to fecure power to herfelf. She fucceeded too well She exhaufted that noble Country, opprefTed the Subje6ts, deftroyed Liberty and Laws, to promote defolation, licentioufnefs and the confuming fword. Was this Wretch, this Peft of Society, the Parent of her Country ? As the moft comprehenfive calamity that could befal a Nation, fhe kept it always divided, always engaged in war and blood. When the People, wearied and weakened with long ftrife and llaughter, had procured peace and a breathing-time, fhe never ceafed her wicked machinations, until fhe had broke it again, and, in fpight of Treaties and public mifery, fet their blood a running. Moreover, to drive all virtue out of a country, from which fhe had already driven all fecurity and concord, fhe carefully promoted all forts of debauchery, and amidft the pangs and calamities of the State, encouraged every excefs of voluptuoufnefs and revelNay, to gain and corrupt the Grandees with ling. the faireft and moft bewitching baits, fhe kept her Court replenifhed with fair Ladies well trained and fit to cajole Malccontents, and to foften Heroes.
:

Thole

UPON TACITUS.
Thofe whom nothing elfe could Influence, this By what name can we call thefe politics,
of hers
?
,
.

i4t
this did.

trade
j

Many
terefting,

public defigns, however admired and mare facrificed to private ends and perfo-

nal piques.

de Mayenne, that zealous League, the mortal enethe of Catholic, General fourth, poftponed all the Henry and Herefy my to for the League, all regard his zeal for Religion, all fear that his nefole the to Heretics, his hate of phew the Duke of Guife would be declared King Upon this apprehenfion he fet above him.

The Duke

and

made

a truce with

Henry

the fourth.

It is

happy

for Princes

when

their intereft

and

that of their Minifters are the Public when both com.bine to

fame ; happy for the promote the common

good.
tion are
their

But when fuch as conduft the Adminiftradrawn away by low purfuits and gains of

own, the Prince's reputation will be blotted, intereft at beft negleded, often marred public the There are inftances where a general or ruined. war has been rifked, rather than a few Courtiers
would part with fome private bribes and gettmgs, even from fcandalous Villains and Banditti. The Ufcoques, who were a neft of fugitives of Hungary, fettled at Segna upon the Frontiers as a Auftria, of Houfe the by proteaed and there
enband of de^erate fellows proper to repulfe the Turks, bordering the of infults croachments and became themfelves Freebooters upon^ all Nations, the and thenee caufed univerfal complaints from of Vethat from efpecially States, neighbouring made to the nice ; and repeated applications were

This courfe of rapine, Imperial Court for redrefs. and confequently thefe complaints and expoftulations,
ilill

went on

for

many

years.

The

robbed, the foreign Minifters

flill

Ulcoques complained

no

142

DISCOURSES

no efFe&al redrefs was obtained, and therefore a War was threatened. Behold the true reafon of all this. When the Merchants and Traders, defpoiled by this band of Thieves, went to the Imperial
relief,

Court to reprefent their loiTes, and to beer they faw their Jewels and Brocades upon
of the Imperial Minifters.

the

Wives

This was a hopeful confederacy and commerce between great Minifters of State and a Den of Robbers. It was thus they were protected in robbing
:

indeed, paid fo high for this protedion, that though they had made infinite fpoil, and acquired great wealth, they were ftill beggars, for they were fuffered to keep none. One old Ufcoque had in his time acquired by plunder to the value of eighty

They,

thoufand Crowns, yet perifhed for want. The Robbers at Court feem to have been the more rigorous fort of the two, for they left nothin^^ Surely they were the moft infamous. What a fcandal upon the Imperial Court, to be
:

thus bribed by a neft of Rogues

fufFer fuch depredations

and Outlaws, to

fuch vile fpirits at the fordid lucre of particulars, to venture a v/ar in Europe. Much more honourable were the o-rounds which engaged Alonfo the ninth. King of^Leon, in a war againft another Prince, his kinfman, for that the latter owed him ten thoufand Maravedisy

upon the innocent, to have the helm of the State, and, for

about feven pounds ten killings of cur money. Upon the payment of that fum Don Alonfo promifed to make peace.
boafted of the Auftrian Family, as generofity and clemency, that in the fpace of three hundred years, they never punifhed any of their Minifters, their worft Minifters, with death or confifcation. So Mi:
it is

} think

a proof of

their innate

were

thofe

who

maintained

this

honourable alliance with

UPON TACITUS.
with the Ufcoques.
to the very worft of

143

This character of that Auguft Houfe, reminds me of what was faid of Charilaus, a King of Sparta, remarkable for extreme gentleriefs, ' that he was fo gracious as to be very good
'

men.'

Sedt.

V. Under a Prince fubjed to be blindly managed, a change of Minifters rarely mends the Adminiftration. He often hates his Minifters, yet ftill employs them. Minifters moft in danger where the Prince has moft Power.
is

management and defigns of whomfoever he happens to have about him for then the change of perfons rarely mends the
is

heavy misfortune IT the Prince

a

to a

country,

when a

fubje6l to

condition of his country or his own condition. Lewis the fourteenth was weary of the imperious humour of Madam de Montefpan, and apprized that many of her demands were unreafonable and yet could refufe her nothing v/hen face -infolent
;

to face.

So manageable was that great Monarch had once got pofTeffion of him, Minifters or Miftreffes, that even Mademolfelle Fontange, a ftupid idiot, but very handfome, domibythofe

who

neered over him. Ke generally hated his Minifters, and almoft always feared them, wanted to get rid In orof them> but was afraid to difcharge them. der to remove Fouquet^ Superintendent of the Finances, he ufed the moft remxOte pretences, difguifed his intentions, made feints, took a long journey, drew an army together, and made fuch

on

mighty movements, as if fome great war had been Yet Fouquet was at all times in his foot. power, nor does there appear any other caufe for
fo

144
fo

DISCOURSES
:

precautions, and fuch a grand apparatus, but his own extreme timidity and caufelefs fear! He could not abide Louvois his firftMinifter, who had long managed him The like averfion he bore to Seignelay and la Feuillade, two other of his

many

Infomuch that when he had taken it amongft the other felicities of the year, that he was relieved for ever from thefe three great Olficers. He had been weakly fubjea to them, then as weakly afraid of them.
Minifters
:

Mons, he reckoned

Had it not been for the King's dread or hatred, or that of fome fuperior Favourite, it was thought that
Louvois might have lived to have been an older

man.

What fignifies the change of Minifters, without changing meafures ? What, when they who fucceed are permitted to be as bad as their predeceflbrs ? Let a Prince hate a Minifter ever fo much, or dread him, or deftroy him ; all this avails neither him nor the State, if the Adminiftration be not mended. Without this any alteration or pumockery. It is the grimace of Turkey, where the Grand Seignior frequently cuts off a wicked and rapacious Bafhaw, but never returns any of his rapine. He ought to correal or prevent foul dealings, to difcountenance fuch of his fervants as commit them, and to protedl and encourage fuch as commit none againft all clamour and malevolence ; for clamours and malevolence there will be againft Minifters the moft virtuous and irreproachable, as long as there
is

nifhment

folly or

Juftice, like that

in

are Minifters or

Men.

Minifters are only fafe there, where the ftanding fence of impartial Laws will be able to protect
their innocence, when in fpight of innocence the People think them guilty, and the Prince through pique or policy would punifti them as fuch. The People may be miiiiiiorined, and often are, and

puftion

UPON TACITUS.
may

145

But the Laws mlfguide the Prince. pallion arc never angry, at leaft with the guiltlefs, and judge not but according to truth and evidence. There, as they cannot acl by the mere command of the Prince, fo neither can they fuffcr by his mere In arbitrary countries the Prince muit fomewill. times deftroy good A'linifters, becaufe it is known that he. can; and to an enraged populace or foldiery he has no room to plead his inability. His overgrown power is a curie upon himfelf as well as upon his iervants, and by having too m^uch he has none, or worfe than none, none to protect and fave, which is the office of a Governor and a Father ; but only to kill and deftroy, which is the work of an enemy and an executioner. Such a power is but the worfl part of bondage, bondage to him, bondage to them, to be doomed to acSl, not to chufe it, doomed to the moft terrible of all that of deftroying, or being dellroyed. flavery, This has been often the fituation of the greateft Monarchs upon earth. It was that of Otho. In Otho, fays Tacitus, authority fufficient was not found to prohibit acts of violence ; it was hitherto only in his power to ordain them to be done. It was that of Vitellius, To him, fays the fame Author, no power remained either to command or to fojbid ; nor was he any longer Emperor, but only the caufe of war. And it was that of many of their fucceflbrs.. In Turkey it is common. can fecurely ferve fuch Princes ? They can put you to death if you do not obey their commands, hovvever unjuft they be, and cannot defend you when you do, nor fave you, however innocent you are.

Who

Vol. V.

Sea.

14^

DISCOURSES
How
often to theni-

Se6t. VI. Minifters truiled without controul, fometimes threatening and perillous to a

Prince.
felves,

fatal

this

and to the State.

EVEN
none

Princes of parts, and naturally jealous, are Ibmetimes fubjecl to a fondnefs for Favourites, even to folly and their own danger, apt to heap fo much grandeur upon them as to have
left for themfelves ; and when nothing of Sovereignty remains but the name, that too will foon ibllow, unlefs feme chance or ftratagem intervene Tiberius, the to fecure it, and redeem the whole. darkeft and moft fufpicious Prince upon earth, was

yet open to Sejanus without referve, trufted him without bounds. To this Idol every thing was many noble iliade to bend, all knees to bow, and By his power and artifices he delives facrificed. nay, efFeaed ih-oyed moft of the Imperial Family vvhofe Tiberius, of co-operation the the fame by In all public ho-palTions he guided and enflamed.
;

and nours done to Tiberius, Sejanus was included, Emperor's Ihared in them with the Emperor at the

Rome, in the Senate, over the Provinces. he had more Statues ereded than the City In the Year has Days. Men every where fwore by the Fortune of Sejanus, with the fame folemnity as the by that of the Prince, nor was the name ot Rothe of Wills laft the in Prince found oftener
defire, at

mans than

him, in his form abfence, Embafladors were of People the from Embaffadojs Prince, as to the Rome, EmbafTadors from the Equeftrlan Order; His nay, Embafladors from the Roman Senate. decree of birth-day was celebrated publicly, by a
the

name

of Sejanus.

To

fent with the fam.e

well as that of the Prince. Senate, ' as

For

his

health

U
new

O N T A C
was
all

T U

S.

147

health public

vows were paid every

this,

return of the

year, as for the health of the

elfe

Emperor.

but to inveft Sejaniis with Sovereignty, by paying him all the hoxiours due to a Sovereign ? Though all difcerning men favv the confequcnce, faw his purfuits, and whither they tended, no man durft inform or warn the Em-

What

he muft have expofed his ov/n was the Prince, fo powerful hi$ No wonder his intelligence was late, Minion. and that his information and defpair came togeSejanus fwayed the State at the head of the ther. foldiery, who were Mafters of the State, and had in their hands the making and unmaking of Emiperors So that no more remained to be done to accomplifh a revolution, but juft to change names, Sejanus for Tiberius, the latter long fmce impriperor, becaufe
;

by

it

life

fo capricious

foned in an liland, the former already governing

the Empire, and adored by the

Army.

Nothing

but the form feem.ed wanting, and that too was concerted, and the confpiracy fettled. Tiberius,
illuminated, by wonderful wiles and diffimulation, and by the bold management and lies of Macro, efcaped this peril. Yet it was nine months ere he could accomplifh the fall of this mightyTraitor, whofe doom proved as deflruclive to the
at laft,

Roman

State as

had

his flourifiiing

Fortune.
that of

No Tyranny
and
in pulling

was ever more

fignal than

Tiberius both in raifmg that peftilent Favourite,

him down.

Whomfoever
and by

Sejanus

difliked, Tiberius deftroyed,

his favour or

frowns all men profpered or perifhed. The Roman World feemed the Patrimony of Sejanus. The Roman People were his valTals, the Grandees of Rome his dependents or vijftims, the Army his

Emperor his ftiadow. But whatever mifchief he had done whilft he lived, hs did rather
guards, the

more

1^8

DISCOURSES

more when dead. As before, all who were obnoxious to him, had been murdered, or beggared, eipoufed him, or banifhed ; (o now all who had upon him, depended who all him, to adhered jind were fufpeaall who had favoured his fortune, or ed to have favoured it, were docm.ed to the like inexorable cruelty, to dungeons, to halters and the bloody knife. Nay, progrciTive murders were too Men, flow for the inhuman rage of Tiberius \ Women and Children muft be butchered in the lump, lie dead in heaps, and barbarity be cxcrcifed
is affe6lingly defcribed in ' His cruelty being the fixth^Book of the Annals. ^ but inflamed by incefiant executions, all thole < kept in prifon under accufation of any attachment comimand put to the * to Sejanus, were by his * flau<^hter. Expofed to the Sun lay the fad mo nunients of the mighty butchery ; thofe of every

on their carcafTes, This general carnage

< <
<

fex, of every

age

their carcafles ignominioufly

the illuftrious and the mean thrown, apart or on

-,

heaps.
ino-

Neither was

it

permitted to their furvivto approach

<

friends

or kindred,

theni, to

bewail them,

< *

nor even any longer to ^behold dead guards were placed, who the Round tliem. watched faces and marked the figns of forrow ; dragged to and as the bodies putrified, faw them
the llream, or the Tyber, where they floated in daring to man no bajiks, were driven upon the none to touch them. The force of

<
< *

burn them, intercourfcs of humanity fear had cut off the the growth of Tyranny, to and in proportion was banifhed. - ever}' fymptom of commiferarlon men courted moll that Tiberius It was in court to For this, Tiberius deftroyed them, as he
Sejanus

Non jam

pcrmtervalla ac fpiramenta temporum,

fed concinuo et

vdut uno idu Rempublicam

exhaufit.

had

UPON TACITUS.
ftroyed himfelf as the greateft Criminal.

149

If the crime was had before thofe who did it not. fo great, the old Tyrant fhould in juftice have de-

Se6l.

VII. The great mifchief of exalting Favourites beyond mealure, efpecially luch

as

command

great Armies.
Plautianus under the like fate. Pie had

MU
preiiions

CH

the like fway had

Severus, and

much

enjoyed the fame poll,

committed the fame opand excelfe:^, and was put to death for having had the fame treafonable defigns. No man's fortune efcaped his claws, and by trick or violence he fliared in the eftates of ail men Many of the moit confiderable he put to death. No Nation efcaped his extortions, no City was unpillaged. The Prefents made to him were larger and more frequent than thofe to the Emperor, and he could boaft more Statues erecSled to him, in Rome, in other Cities, by private men, by public focieties, and even by the Senate. The Senators and Soldiers fwore by his Fortune, and for him made folemn vows. He commanded the guards, governed all things, did what he lifted. Indeed fo giddy and wanton his boundlefs power had made him, that having invited to his houfe an hundred Romans of good Families, he caufed them all to be caftrated. Nor were they boys only whom he thus abufed, but men grown, fome of them married men and all for no other caufe than to increafe the number of his daughter's Eunuchs. Dion Cailius fays, that he had ieen fome of thcfe men, fo fuddenly made Eunuchs, P^unuchs Vv^ho had children, wives and beards. To this daughter, w]iom he married to the Emperor's fon, he gave a fortune large enougk for the daughters of nfty Kings.
:

All

150

DISCOURSES

All this power was too mighty to laft in the fame He muft either ceafe his greatIhape ; nor did it. nefs, to be greater, or perifli. Rather than do the firll, he ventured the lail in order to the fecond. He attempted to cut off the Emperor, and 1vas bimfelf cut off. Fortune faved Severus, as it had TiberiuSj and they kept their Diadem, when they had nigh loil it. So near fometimes is Treafon to a Throne, and fometimes aicends it. Plautianus, in the midft of his hopes and grandeur, he who was firjfl Minifler to the Empei-or, Father-in-law to the Emperor's fon, and aiming himfelf at the Empire, was executed like a common malefa6tor, by the command of his daughter's hufband, and

So ftrangely are This great match for his child, whence he hoped an acceffion of credit and might, haftened his tragical fail, and
his into the ftreet.

body thrown

the views of the greateft

men

baffled

made
mily
:

it

more

tragical.

With him

too

fell

his fa-

His fon, born, as once feemed, to wealth more than Royal, his daughter more than royally portioned and married, were banifhed to an ifland, v/here having for fome time led a miferable life, defritute of common neceffaries, ftruggling with many miferies, apprehending yet more and heavier, they were relieved by the hand of an executioner
in the following reign.
it appear that Severus had in the fuch a rcverfe in the Fortune of h.is great Favourite, and for want of fuch forefight, caufed it. It was but the natural confequence of

Neither does

leafl forefeen

llich a blind

and unbounded tru{L

The
at
firlt

tion

Vr'as

too great, and

what was

temptaambition

This grew at laft to be neceffity. Severus himfelf afterwards owned, lamented the weaknefs of human nature, which in elevated fortune ki-iows no moderation, and blamed himfelf
in Platianus,
for having raifed

him

fo

high that he grew giddv.

By

UPON TACITUS.

151

By ihe ruin too of Plautianus many were endangered, leveral fufFered a bloody doom. Where-ever there are great ftanding Armies, Retherefore volutions are fuddcnly brought about, and the Arwill be often attempted ; for whoever has
my, has or may have the
State.

Hence the dan

hence ger of Tiberius, hence that of Severus, and alIn Princes many of fate die danger and fudden mod ail ages, as well as encouragement to ambithe tious men'^to fct up themfelves by corrupting
foldiery, a tafk not over difficult.
It

was the

fate

of moll of the

Roman
fo to

by

their

Annie?,

Emperors, as to be made be deftroyed by their Armies.

DISCOURSE
The fame
Seft.

VIII.

fubjedt continued.

Good Minifiers often ruined^ and I. deftroyed for their virtue by a combinaThe fpight and v/icked tion of the bad. ready to charge arts of the latter. their own guilt upon the innocent.

How

IT

a matter of grief and concern, though wonder, to fee the bell fervants of a Prince often fupp'anted, often undone by and the word, to fee his trueft friends deprefled, the moft pernicious parafites triumph, to confider the vile lies and contemptible caufes by which the bad undermine and undo the good. Junius Blaefus
is

not alv/ays of

was one of
ly Spirit,
ble.

the moft illuftriousllomans, of a princehis

and

Fortune

He was Governor

like his Race, very noof Lionefe Gaul, and ei-

poufed the caufe of Viteliius early and cordially nay.

152

DISCOURSES
him many open commendations,

nay, bore at firft all the expence of his Imperial State and Train ; for fuch was the poverty of Vitelliu?, that he could rxot as yet fupport the fame himfelf For fuch fplendid inlfances of his zeal
Vitcllius returned

and

efteem and merit the falfe and They bore him could not bear. fpecial enmit}^, for that, in a reputation glorious and popular, he fo far furpafled themfelves contaminated with every fort c f infamy. man fo dangerous to the T'ribe, by being fo much better than

much A man

fecret hatred.

of fo

much

fpiteful Courtiers

much above them, mufl: therefore be and as he was perfedly innocent, fomie fault muft be forged, and the fimple Emperor alarmed with the fhadow of feme terrible Trealbn. A terrible one indeed they found Blsefus happened to fup with a Friend, whilfi: the Emperor liappcned to be out of order. This was aggravated to him, and this embittered him. Here was ground and encouragement enough to proceed to a dire6f charge ; it was all that the plotters wanted, they who made
they, and fo
off,

taken

it

their bufmefs to

dive v/ith a curious eye into

Inthe paflions and difgufts of tlie Prince. flantly one of the body is difpatched to impeach
all

him. The Impeachcr made a difmal, a weeping harangue, how ' Blaefus was making merry, and ' the Emperor's life at ftake, 'nor could aught fe' cure it but the death of fuch an infolent crimi' The foolifh nal.' The argument prevailed Em^peror ordered him to be poifoned, and, as brutfee him ifli as foolifn, went full of glaring joy to in his agonies ; nay, boafted, that he had fealted his eyes with tlie fight of an enemy expiring. This was the unworthy, the tragical end of Junius Blasfus, procured by the poifonous tongues of
:

traducers

man

venerable for the antiquity of his

houfe, fignal for eleganCe of manners, fignal for uprightnols

UPON TACITUS.
wprlj^htncfs of heart
,

153

in his faith

towards Vitellius

from all vice, from all ambiand intrigues, fo far from coveting any hafty honour, much lefs fovcreignty, that he could hardly efcape being judged worthy to be Sovereign. The truth is, he had been already tried by the. Courtiers and falfe friends of Vitellius, and by them tempted to defert him, but tempted in vain. This alone might prompt fome of them to deflroy hijn. It was v/hat many fuppofed to have occalloned the deatli of Fonteius Capito commander inGermany under Galba Cornelius Aquinus, and Fabius Valens, two Colonels of Legions, infliobftinately firm, free
tion
:

gated him to rebel, ajid upon his refufal flew him, then charged him with Rebellion.

Sedl.

hard it is for a good Mihimfclf with a Prince fupport nifter to furrounded by Sycophants and Seducers,

n.

How

or to preferve

him and

his State.

Their

execrable Malice.

How

Stratasrems o

execute their fuch fometimes abuie the

to
diilreis

Prince, miflead him,

him,

and

murder him,
no good Minifl:er can be fafe where fucli mifchievous Minions prevail, fo neither can^ a Prince nor his State. It is fiot the honour of thePrince, it is not the eafe and benefit of the Country that they feek and confider ; it is only their own intereit and advantage, and this they will pur-

AS

King ruin, of Prince or State. of Scotland had a f^ur opportunity of eftabliihing a lafting peace v/idi England. Henry the eighth his Uncle, then at great variance with the Pope, the Emperor and Spain, willing tofue,

though to the
fifth

James the

ftrengtiiea himfelf at

home, even

eRrous to ferdb the

154

DISCOURSES

the fuccelTion upon his Nephew, courted him to an alliance ; nay, to an interview and conference Nothing could promife fairer for the adat York. vantage of Scotland, for many ages harrafTed and
defolated

by wars with England,

nothing prove

more honourable and

beneficial to the Scotch

King

than the entail of the Englifli Crown and the fupport of his Uncle. Henry the eighth had then only a daughter, Mary, and fhe was declared illegitimate. King Jam.es therefore, by the advice of his Council, declared his acceptance of the proposal
^

iied,

the Englifri Em.baPiadors returned highly and highly pleafed their Mailer, who

fatis-

made

great preparations at

York

for the entertainment

cf

his

Nephew.

But the Scotch King had Minions about him. of more prevalence with him than his Council, or his Honour or his Intereil, if thcfe two can be parted.
Minions the Clergy apply, and with large them to diffuade the King from keeping his word. Somx of the Minions too were Clergymen, and in the name of all laboured to deThey frightened bauch and deceive the King. And and cheated him with the word Herefy. whatever offended the Clergy, be it man or thing, muft furcly be an enemy to God and the King, They and confequently very bad and terrible. and growing f^iid, it was grown up in England, fafi: in Scotland, and ihewed him what notable proiit would accrue to him from iuppreffjiig it, and enthefe

To

bribes engage

riching himfelf with the eftates of fuch as profefied,

and of fuch as favoured it. With this they gave a lift of their names, eiicouraging him to plunder and burn the befr and richefl of his fub-

him

jecls.
.

The King

liflcned
it

to the propofal too greedily,

and communicated
Treafurer.

Grange his This was an honeil and bold Man,

to the Laird of

who

UPON TACITUS.
who
freely

155
ini-

fhewed

his

Mafter the monflrous

quity and mifchief of fuch counfel, expofed the evil and rapacious hearts of the Bifhops, their corrupt practices, unfufferable pride, ambi-tious de-

and ungodly lives, with their utter unfitnefs in Council, or with any civil concerns ; reprefented, how rafhly and pernicioufly one of his PredecefTors, King David, had flripped the Crov/n of its Patrimony to endow Bifhopricks and Abbeys j whence his Majefcy was now fo poor, the Prelates fo rich, fo prodigal and afiuming, that they ftrove to be Mafters and DirecFtors in all things. Thus he convinced the King, and recofigns,

to be trufted

him to his firft reafonable purpofe of clofing with England infomuch that his Majefly, next time the Prelates approached him, fell upon them with great bitternels, for having endeavoured to
vered
;

miflead
Eftate.
'

him
'

into fuch cruelties againft fo

many No-

blemen and Barons,

V/herefore,
cefibrs
fo

to the

danger of his own fald he, gave my Predethe

many

lands and rents to

Kirk

'
' '

Was
to a

land

Hawks, Dogs and Whores number of idle Priefis ? The King of Engburns, the King of Denmark beheads you
it

to maintain

I fhall ftick

you with

this

Whingar.'

Where-

with, fays Sir

thefe words)
fled

James Melvil (from whom I quote he drew out his dagger, and tiiey

from

his prefence in great fear.

his

keep his promife with Uncle of England, as tending both to his advancement and honour. But his refolution held The Bifhops were not eafily baulked nor not.
K^: nov/ fully refolved to

afhamed, nol* wont to relax when intereft, or dominion, or revenge was in view. Again they alfail the Minions, particularly Oliver Sinclair, with ffore of gold, promifed him high honours by their weight and procurement, efpecially the command of the Army againfl England, could he bring 6 his

156
his

DISCOURSES
M after to violate his Faith,
:

Uncle.
*'

and break with his Their next ilep was to undo the Treal'u' He rcr, by defaming him to the King was proud, he was a Heretic (an imputation always ' pov/erful, however ftale and foohfh) he carried ' an Englifh new Teftament in his pouch ; nay, * he was To arrogant, that he would not procure ' Women for the King, nor proftltute his Son's ' Wife to his Majefry's Pleafure.' For this was one article of the charge againft him, and urged by a venerable Prelate. It was ufual for thefe
Favourites to
furnifli

the youiig

King with

Wo-

men, married or unmarried,

favour.

thus to preferve their

Miniftcr, as a

When

the

King

vindicated his

beloved well, and to v/hom he begrudged no reward ; the Prior of Pittenv/ecn replied and faid, 'Sir, the heir (heirefs) * of Kelly is a luf!:y fair Lais, and I dare pledge * my life, that if your Majelly v/111 fend for her * prefently, he fhall refufe to fend her to you".*
plain, frank
wt.s betrothed to the Trcaiurer's Son.) godly propofal,. and it took. The King figned an order for the Lady to be brought to him ; najv the Prelates and tiieir Faftion contrived that a brother Prelate, the Prior of Plttenween, fhould carry it, and return v/ith the fair prize. The Treafurer refufed to comply, for good reafons amongft others, the. reverend Envoy was his knov/n Ejiemy, and a known Debauchee. The Pri-or hov/ever who had gained the main point,, rejoiced in tlic denial, and by it enraged the King, nay, from him a warrant M^as obtained to feize the Treafurer, and commit h\vn to the Caflle of Edinburgh..

Gentleman,

whom

(The Lady

He was aware of their miicli.ievous devices, and haftened to Couit. The King lowered, nor would fpeaktohim. Ke boldly aikcd his Mijefty,
iach a change, (o

Why
io

much

difpleafure prs^ifently after

UPON TACITUS.
fo

157

much

favour, and for

'

what offence
reful'e

repHed,
*

Why

did thoa

to fend

The King me tlie

maiden whom I wrote for, and gave defpiteful language to him I fcnt for hei ?' The Ireafurer faid, that he thought himfelf meeteft to bring her, nor would he truft the Prior, as he knew him to be one Infamous for rapes, a man the moil notorious of any in Scotland for debauching of women, whether wives or virgins* Such failings, it feems, the lioly man had, but v/as zealous for the Hierarchy againU Heretics and his Country. ' Haft thou then ' brought the Gentlewoman with thee l' faid the This fofKing. Yes, Sir, faid the Treafurer. ' Alas, faith the King, they have fet tened him. ' out fo many leafmgs againft thee, that they have * obtained of me a warrant to put thee in v/ard ; ' But I ilva.l\ mend.it with a cojitrary order.' The TVeafurer anfwered with lamentation ' My life. Sir, or warding is a fmall matter but ' it breaks my heart, that the world fhould hear ' of your Majefty's facility,' I-'or he had learnt, thdt in his abfence they had made the King fend
'
:

to

England to contradict his promife, arid refufe to meet his Uncle. His lamentations availed not 7 he v.'orft counfels had iwayed him* The Prerlates, and other Minions corrupted by them,, and fubfervient to them, rule the King. Harry the eighth rages, vows to revenge fo much fcorn, and fends away an Army to lay Scotland defokrte by fire and fv/ord. The Scotch King too raifes forces,
but forces without heart, as in a caufe undertaken for the pleafure of the Prelates againft their Coun.-

This damped their fpirits, but what quite hnifhed their dejection and defpan- was, to fee Oliver Sinclair, a Minion and Hireling of the Pretry.

lates,

declared General of the

Army.

and principal Officers, through in^ dignatiou that the Court and Country fhould be governed

The Lords

158

DISCOURSES

governed by fuch vile Inflruments as the Bifhops and their Creatures, refufed to fight under fuch a

Commander ; nay, fuftered themfelves to The whole Army was overbe all taken prifoners. thrown, the Kingdom defencelefs, and expofed to the ravages of a victorious enemy, and the poor King to anguifh and difgrace. Againft the Bifhops all mouths were open, all men enraged, to fee the
worthlefs

Country perifhing
tion
:

to fatiate

their

fury and ambi-

heard the general outcry, his eyes were opened, and, in the fulnefs of his heart, he dropped fome exprelBons of refcntment againft his for which exprefffhoftly and execrable advilcrs iions they loon took fevere vengeance.
-,

The King

Such men never retract, ne\^er Realm was under the fpoiling hand

forgive.

The
King
foften

Ijwaders, the Army the People miferable and murmuring,

diftrefled,

of Enemies and routed, the Nobility provoked,

the
loft.

and
?

his
:

Honour

Did

all this

the Biftiops

No

to accomplifh their malice

and

good

fervices to

the Public and their Sovereign,

For, with their other and wholefome feverities derived from Rome, they had learnt the art of making an Italian Pojfety and with this, adminiftered by fome of their faithful villains about him, they fhut up the days and
politics

they murder him by poifon.

reign of James the fifth, firft deprived him of his Innocence, next of his honeft Counfellors, then of his Peace and Honour, laftly of his Life. Were not thefe notable Diredors of a Monarch's power and confcience ? Nay, even dying and dead they abufed him, as well as they had whilft alive.
of them attending him at his death, di(5tated a Will for him, and what he himfelf caufed to be written, when the poor King was expiring, he boldly declared to be the King's Will afterwards.

One

To fuch an amazing power in wickednefs and v^'ant of fhame had the Clergy then grown by their enormous

UPON TACITUS.
:

159

But they were popifli nious increafe of property. The Proteftant fort thirft not after weahh, CIer2;y
and where they have it, are too meek to become proud and abufe it, too confcientious to neglect the cure of fouls, and live in luxury, too modeft to haunt Courts, too difinterefted and fincere to flatter Princes, too juft and impartial to preach felfifli do6^rines tending to ralfe themfelves by the purfe, or fubfervicncy, cr fuffcrlngs of others.

SecSl. III.

Reflexions upon the fate of King James the fifth of Scotland feduced and undone by Minions, who withdrew him from the direction of an honefl Minifter.
fate

of James was the SUCH and good of

fpirit

the

qualities,

fifth, a Prince but debauched,

abufed and undone by wicked and crafty Minions, Pandars and Seducers ; fuch the difmal ilTue of falfe and unjuft Counfels, of forfaking honefl: and worthy advifers, to follov/ the deceitful, the felfifh and cor-

and fuch ample ground had Sir James Melfaying as he does of Princes, efpecially of young Princes, and their favour to thofe v/ho m,if' guide and ruin them. They were carried away ' by the craft and envy of fuch as could fubtilly * creep into their favour, by flattery -and by join* ing together in a deceitful bond of fellowihip, ' every one of them fetting out the other, as meet* eft and ablefl for the fervice of their Prince, to ' the wrack of him and his Country ; craving the * Prince to be fecret, and not to communicate his ' fecrets to any but their Society. Thus the Prince's * good qualities being fmothered by fuch a com* pany, were commonly led after the paffions and
rupt
;

vil for

* *

particularities of thofe,

marks

Some

who fhot only at their own of them continually poileffing his

*

ear,

i66
'
'

DISCOURSES
and debarring therefrom
;

*
*
* '

all honelt, true and no more hope could be left of a gracious Government, nor place for good men to help the Prince and Country, wherethrough fell out many foul, ftrange, and fad acci-

ear,

plain fpeakers

fo that

as may be afterwards ieen and read : Princes mifuled, and abuied, their Country rob-

dents,

'
<

bed, their beft and trueft fervants wracked, and

the v/icked inftruments at laft perifhed with
their high
all

'

and

fine

pretences

others, ay, (al-

'
* *
*
'

ways) fuch-Iike, fucceeding in their place, never one taking example to become more temperate and difcreet, becaufe of the deflrution of thofe who went before them ; but as highly and fierce-, ly following their greedy, vain and ambitious;.
pretences, obtained the like tragical rew^ard.'

afterwards quotes the complaint made by left and difliked by the ' Alas, wherefore fliould men Prince his Mafter. * be earneit to furpafs their neighbours in wor' thinefs and fidelity, feeing that Princes, who get. ' the fruits of our labours, like not to hear of * plaiimefs, but of plcafant fpeeches, and are eafi-

He

Moniieur de BoulTie, when

'
'

ly altered

without occafion upon their truell Ser-

vants

r.'

SqCz. iV.

Where' Flattery
fall

is

encouraged.
is

Flatterers rule, and

lincerity

banilhed.

Miniilers lomttimes

but ladion

not throuerh euilt yet always acculed of guilt.

v/ill

WH
who
ways
v/lll

EN

a Priiice

bear no Minifter that

tells

him the
flatter

truth,

and only exalts thofe

befl:

foodi and

him, the

Flatterer
his

is

al-

fure to be tiie f ifl Miniller,

and

Mailer

fully

be pleafantly deceived infleiid of being faithand unacccptabiy ierved. The Marquifs de

Vieville,

UPON TACITUS.
Vieville, Superintendent of the Finances to

i6i

Lewis

favour and preferment by extolling the King's fpirit and conduct, in commanding liis armies in perfon. Though that Prince had no fufHciency in war, lie hked to hear that he had, perhaps believed it ; for what is more vain than power, what more credulous than vanity ? At. the fame time his Chancellor de Sillery
the thirteenth, gained
his
fell

under difpleafure and loft his employment, for His Son too, blaming thefe military rambles. Monfieur de Fuyficux, Secretary of State, was afterwards removed, on pretence, that the King could not trufc a Man who was doubtlefs foured by the difgrace of his Father.

To the difgrace of that Minifter almoft the whole

band cf Courtiers contributed, all from caufes perThe Queen-Mother hated him fonal and diiHn<5t.
for his

fuperior credit with

the

King

Cardinal

Richlieu, for having oppofed his

elevation to the

Purple ; the Prince of Conde, for forwarding a Peace with the Hugonots, whence his own credit was hCLsncd or loft in the Army the Count of SoifTons for retarding his marriage with the King's Sifter ; de Thpiras for diicrediting him with the
;

King
were

the

Duke

de Bellegarde for oppoftng the

refignation of his
their true

employment

to a kinfm.an.

Thefe

motives, though very oppofite to thofe that they avowed. They charged him with infolence to the King, infidelity in his truft, and
faults

Whatever faults he might have, his had no fliare in his difgrace. Favour at Court is a brittle thing. That of Vieville, the Superintendent, had its period and declenfion. Though he had flattered the King and lyed for his honour, the King gave him up to the jealoufy and difpleafure of the Cardinal, a more terrible antagonift than the i\Ionarch himlcJf. Fallcorruption.

i62

DISCOURSES
:

ing Minlfters are always faulty, and muft be It would be prepofterous and unjuft to pull them down, yet own them iimocent. Vieville was accuied of
*
'

affairs

many heavy crimes, ' with deciding great of his own head with altering the King's
; ;

with fending directions to Embailadors, * without communication with the King or Coun' cil ; with doing acts of injuftice, and throwing ' the odium upon the King, and with gratifying ' his pride and pafiions at the expence of the King's ' honour.' To the honour of that Minifter it mufl be owned, that upon trial, all the uproar and pompous charges againft him for malversation and corruption in the Treafury, appeared groundlefs. In truth, in all the efforts of faction and rivalfhip men do not fludy to punifh Truth, but Reproach. The CarIt is fo probable that dinal wanted to ruin him. men in office may be guilty, that if fuch guilt be but boldly charged, it will be readily believed. When the fufpicion is once well raifed, it will This ferves the hardly fail of being well received. turn, and proves a good warrant for difgracing an innocent man once thought guilty. Indeed when prejudices fubfide, and popular heat cools, it is probable his innocence will begin to appear and be credited ; but firfl he is difgraced or undone, and bis Comipetitors already triumph, till perhaps they meet with the fame meafure from others. Tiie Eunuchs of Schah Huflein fallly charged the iirft Miniftcr behind his back with a confpiracy, and produced a forged Letter to fupport it. By that Letter it v/as to be executed in a fcv/ hours. 7'he Emperor was frightened, and gave immediate orders to arreft him. The Emperor conlidered the Eunuchs as his guardian angels, who by their vigilance had favcd him, yet would needs be fo juft
orders
as

UPON TACITUS.
as to

163

hear that great Man in his own defence. He defended himfelf glorioufly, expofed their execraBut ble fraud, and manifefled his own innocence. what fignif.ed his innocence, or the Emperor's conviction, for his eyes were put out ? Of this the cruel villains had taken prefent care, that he might jiever (land in their way in the fame poft, or any
poft again.

Se6t.

V.

Miniiler

may

be difgraced for
his Prince.

his Virtue,

and Fidelity to
certain

Mercenary Courtiers
upright Minifters.

Juflice

Enemies to done to both

Sir

by time and

hiftory.

the reign of Richard the fecond. IN Scroope was promoted be Lord

to

Richard Chancellor

of England,

Perfon reckoned

fo

accompliflied

and

juft,

that he

was

raifed to that

the requeft of the Parliament, Commons. He was indeed too juft to hold
long.

Great Truft at both Lords and

it

not fcn^Q the turn of the Favourites, and the Favourites would not let him They had begged ferve the King and Kingdom. grants of diverfe Lordihips lately fallen to the Crown But v/hat the King had w^eakly granted, the Chancellor honeftly refufed to confirm. He alledged ' the King's wants and debts, with the ' necefTity of fatlsfying his creditors that no good ; * Subject fhould prefer his own advantage to the ' King's intereft, private lucre to public good : ' Already they had received from his Majefty ' abundant Largeffes and it was but modeft to ; * afk no more.' This repulfe fired them, and to the King they went with grievous accufations ' againft the Chancellor He was obftinate, he ' contemned his Majefty's Commands ; he muft * fufter exemplary puniflimcnt for tis difobedience
:
:

He would

'

and

164.
' '

DISCOURSES

and fcorn of the Royal Authority, which would

otherwife

fall into pubHc contempt.' This was enough to incenfe the undifcefning King, who fends in a fury to demand the Seal.

from pure tendernefs for the King'3 they were che?x'\ng and robbing) and with no eye to any intereft of their own, that they arraigned the Chancellor, and afl'erted the Prerogative. Nor is it to be imagined, that they did not reprefent liim abroad in ugly colours, as proud and infolent, engroiling all fayour to him.felf, injuring the King's beit friends, nay, ading the part ci a King himfelf. Nor were ail thefe imputations more than what others had deferved,
Doubtlefs
it vv'as

Honour (v/hom

and therefore
Chancellor,

likely

enough
for

to

be believed of the

who was

thus feverely cenfured, thus

his

ungratefully difmifled,

uncommon

faith

and

integrity.

The good Chancellor reaped one advantage of which neither Malice, nor Power, nor Time could
deprive him. He is recorded in the Hillory of his Country, as a glorious Magiftrate, an upright Minifter, a faithful Patriot whilft his lupplanters bear fuch a Character as they deferve, that of Sycophants, public Robbers, Enemies to King and People. Thus it is that virtue triumphs over vice,
:

and for ever triumphs ; this the immortal reward of men who faithfully ferve their Country, wha worthily difcharge public Truft. The fruits of bafe aftions perifh ; their infamy only is fure to remain. It is a dreadful lot, that of being hated to all followiiig generations. How amiable is the contrary lot, to be beloved and praiild whilft there are Men and Letters in the Vv'orld ? Such are the different and hilling lots of a Cha?2ccl/or Jelxeries, and a Chancellor Cowper.

S^

UPON TACITUS.

165

DISCOURSE
Of
Se6l.
I.
:

IX.

the People.

The

variable Characlier of the Peo-

ple

very good or very bad, according to Hence their educaiion and government. the improvement or depravation of their
m.anners.

People CONCERNING down any

the
poffible to lay

it

is

fcarce

general propolition.
to

If
evil,
it is

we

fay, that they arc greatly difpofed

;

true

If

we

aiTtrt,

that they have a fund

They arc cruel of gcodncfs in them, it is true. and merciful, conftant and fickle, fond of their
to their friends, very pavery furious, unmanageable, and eafy to be governed, greatly given to change, greatly afraid of it, apt to love extravagantly, apt to hate impla* cably. They are indeed juil what they are made, They take the formed by Habit and direclion jmpreiiions that are given them, follow the opinions of fuch as lead them, tlie example of thofe who govern them, and are capable 01 being very virtuous and modeft, very vitious and turbulent, according to the Icilons and pattern of their Guides
bencfa^Slors, un2;rateful
tient,
:

and Rulers.

Thus the Romans from a band of Robbers, became a civil Communit}^ at RiO: rough and rude,
afterwards regular and fociable, then polite and ele-

gant, alv/ays brave, fond of Liberty and Glory, impatient of Servitude. Such was their beginning,
alteration,

and improvement,

ftill

in proportion to
fierce

the influence of their Leaders and

Laws,

and

warlike

i66

DISCOURSES
oeconomy and
regulations

warlike under Romulus becaufe he was fo, tamed by Religion or Superltition under Numa, addicted
to civil

of State under

Servius Tullius, who made fuch inftitutions hiscare ; zealous Republicans under a republican Gofull of reverence for Arts and Learning ; Arts and Learning came to be favoured and Afterwards when introduced by the Magiilratcs. they were corrupted by evil and ambitious men, they became extremely corrupt, and intirely changed by the change of their Government ; and in order to make fuch a change or to continue it, fuch corruption was carefully promoted and perpetuated. Their fpirit, their honefty, and even their difcernment were vitiated, funk and banifhed, to qualify them for mifery and chains. Whilfl: they had courage, integrity and eyes, ufurpation could not pro-

vernment

when

fper nor vafTalage

be eflablifhed.

Thenceforward

the

Roman
;

people grew utterly debauched and fpifell

ritlefs

their

vernment,
berty.

Virtue, which rofe with their Gowith it, and they were as unlike
as

what they had been,

Servitude

is

unlike Li-

Nor was fuch a revolution of Manners pcculrar to the Romans, but in all places will follow fuch It is not fo much by the revolutions of State. genius of the Clime, by the heat or coldnefs of a Countr}^, that the characters of the inhabitants are
to be
their

known and efti mated, as by the nature of Government, and the wifdom, or defeat, or corruption of their Laws. It is thus that men from Savages and Banditti, become juft and humane, or from virtuous and free, abje6l flaves and
barbarians.
Attica, the Country of the Athenians, was over-run with violence, feuds, robbery and murders, until Thefeus reformed the (jovernment, and by it civiiized the People, who by virtue of their Liberty

UPON TACITUS.

167

Liberty and Laws, afterwards corre6led and improved by Solon, came to be the mailers and itandard of politenefs and learning over the world. Thus Lycurgus reclaimed the licentioufncfs of the Spartans, and eftabliHied fuch an inlHtution, and fuch wife orders amongft them, that for courage, patriotifm and evei-y kind of virtue, they were the

As the Liberty envy and wonder of all Nations. of thefe two famous Cities decayed, fo did their Valour and Probity, and perlflied when that perifhed.

They feemed

afterwards

another race

though their blood and climate were The Grecians, once Conquerors ftill the fame. and Mafters of univerfal Empire, are now fpiritlefs Slaves, funk in unmanly fuperiHtion, drunken, ignorant, barbarous.

of men,

Nations in Peru lived nearer to the condithan that of miCn, till taught the Laws of Society by the hicas For thefe Princes did not fo much fubdue them, as inftru6t and polifh them. So that thefe Clans of Savages, many of them Canibals, dealing In human facrifices, and pra6lifmg abominations fcarce credible, were brought by the mere force of good ufage and good Laws, to be fociable, difcreet and humane 7'hey who were ftrangers to agriculture, they who went naked, were dellitute of houfes , lived upon rocks and hills, and knew not what it was to drefs their food, dropped all their wUdnefs, formed regular
tion of beails
:

The

habitations,

fell into prefent induilry, cultivated the ground with care, and altogether grew a mighty People, fober, ingenious, orderly, and formed an

Empire above two thoufand miles in extent, an Empire which continued for eight hundred years
happy and
flourlfhing.

by education and the exerclfe of the underilanding that fome men come to furpafs others
It is chiefly

for

i68
for

DISCOURSES
by nature
;

men are alike, all made of the fame nor greater diiference is there between the Lord and the Slave than that which proceeds
materials

from chance or education.

title

Many men
:

great

in

have the fplrit of Slaves ; many men mean in fortune have greatnefs of fioirit Many a Cicero

has kept iliecp, many a Cxifar followed the plough, many a Virgil foddered cattle. Government is public education, and as the national difcipline is good or bad. Nations will be well nurtured, or ill. In all civilized Countries, the people are 2;enerally harmicfs and manageable, where they are OppreiTion is apt to not milled or opprefled. make a wife man mad, nay, the wifer he is the more he will feel the opprefTion, becaufe he will And when the more readily difcern it to be unjuft men are milled, they difcern not juftice from vio:

lence.

Se6t. II.

The People under good Govern:

apt to be peaceable and grateful often mooften patient under OppreiTion

:

ment

derate in oppofing Oppreffors

to Juftice

inclinable

when not

mifled.

the Nobility, until the Nobility infulted and opprefled them ; nay, they bore it a good while without complaining, complained long before they

TH

E Roman Commonalty quarrelled not with

proceeded to an infurredlion, even their infurre(flion8 were without blood, and they grew calm and content upon every appearance of redrefs j for, their redrefs was feldom complete, and what was under* taken feldom made good. In the flruggle, partis cularly about the Agrarian Law, a Law fo neceffary to the State,
i'o

iieceirary to

prefeive equality ainongft

PON TACITUS.

169

amongft Citizens, without which they could not be long free, they were perpetually injured, dlfapThe Law was eternally viopointed and abufed. Was it any lated, they eternally the fufterers. wonder that a grievance fo notorious and heavy, fo much affcfting the Public and the People, was felt and refented by the People ; any wonder that they contended for its removal, or, that when it was not removed, they had recourfe to and were guided violence to procure juftice, by their Tribunes, who fometimes, under the name of that Law and a colour of efpoufmii; the Populace, purfued very ambitious and dangerous
defigns
?

aggrellbrs ? The Nobility furely, long deluded the Plebeians, that The Plebeians thefe could no longer truft them. had indeed (hewn much more faith and patience, than the other had honour or juftice ; and where between parties, treaties are always broken, enmity will be always reviving. Yet it was many years, rather many ages ere that enmity had re/Courfc to the fword or produced hoftiiity and blood. The People prefer ved a ftrange fteddy reverence ta

Who

were the
fo

they

who had

the Patricians, whilft thefe were daily fcorning, daily aggrieving the People. In the City, fays Livy, the violence of the Fathers was daily increafmg, and fo were the miferies of the People.

they had gained admiffion to the public Honours, which had been long accounted things facred, and thence inacceflible to the Populace, who were reckoned unworthy and prophane, they were very tender and Ilov/ in exerting that glorious privilege and power, and for many years continued
to confer all the great Offices

When

upon the Nobility.

right

So that they feemed tp have given back again that

Vol.. V.
I

1^0
ricxht for

DISCOURSES
which they had
fo

long contended before

they gained it ^. The People are very apt to be deceived, yet as often to their ov,m wrong as to that of others ; and when through miflake they have hurt others, they are forry for it as foon as made fenfible of it. Their pity generally follows their feverity, and is more If their wrath be immolaftijug than their anger. derate, fo Is their commiferation ; and what mifchief they do in their fury, they
repair
lar

are inclinable to

When the popuOrators at Athens had before the People fiillly reprefented fome of their brave Officers as criminal, the People doomed the innocent men to die, but repented as foon as they were undeceived, and difcharged their vengeance upon the Orators. The People too are very grateful to their benewhen
their fenfes

return.

fadors, and their affecHons generally lafting whenever they are well apprized that the objed is very The Athenians ever adored the medeferving. mory of Thefeus and Solon, ever honoured their The fame refpe6l the Lacedaemodefeendents. to the name and pofterity of Lypaid always nians
curo-us.

That of Lucius Junius Brutus was affecby the Rom.ans, fo was that reverenced tionately that of of Popli'cola, of the (Gracchi, and indeed EliQueen Heroes. and Patrons ail their 2,reat but zabeth is" never mentioned by an Englilhman Orange of name The with affeaion and praife. popular in Holland, though fome who bore it.
i3

purfued very unpopular meaiures there. this fnew that tb.e love of the People

Does
is

not.

ftronger

than their difguils

a

They

rather

remember himmode
a plebe per vide-.

PoiTeiTionemque lonoris ufurpa.ti

pauc.os
ifprnr.

armos
I iv.

rciUierafic in pcrpetuum

ptres

who

UPON TACITUS.
who

171

Liberty, than him who atfirft founded their tempted to take it away. In Countries where the race of their Princes has proved rather bad than good, nay, exceeding bad, yet the People are generally bent to honour, generally averfe to change that race, but retain a fondnefs without caufe or merit, nay, againft reafon and intereft. This is foolifh, but it is good-natured folly. The Roman People were fond of the Caefars, the Parthians of the Family of Arfaces, the French of that of Charlemain, though moll: of each hne proved contemptible or tyrannical, often When any of the blood gi'ew quite intoboth.
arid for his cruelty or infuiRciency was depofed, another of the fame blood was placed in

lerable,

his

ported,

room. The Lineage was Hill beloved and flipthough the men were often changed and

abhorred^

Std:. in.

The People generally fond of old Names and Habits. The difference between the fame People under different Governments:

How
how

generous and friendly

when

free

vicious

and

falfe

when

enflaved.

People are indeed fubjefl to change, but chiefly by fits, when they are angry, or feduced. Left to themfelves, they ufually go on in the old way, or return back to it again. Old Habits and old Names feem to pleafe them moft, nor do they readily defert the fame till forced or deceived. Casfar and Augullus were fo fenfible of this bent in the People to ancient Cuftoms and Inftitutions, that w^hen upon enflaving Rome, they had in effed dilTolved the force and eflence of the I 2 Romaa
it is

TH E

172

DISCOURSES
:

Magiftracy, they left the Magiftrates their old Names, and all the appearances of power and They are likewife inclinable to be quiet dignity. and harmlefs, v/here no provocation roufes them but when they are enraged, they are very terrible snd very cruel. Yet their outrage is not apt to They foon cool, and when their rage fubJafr. iides, rcmorfe is apt to follow They will then embrace the man whom juft before they fought to murder, and love him the more for having intended him a m.ifchief ^. Between the Roman People under the Commonwealth, and the R.oman People under the Dominion of the Ernperors, the difference was as great as between different Nations, and they only refemblcd each other in language and drefs. They were indeed as different, or rather as oppofite, as men uncorrupted and free are to debauched Slaves. In Livy you find the People brave, generows, temperate and juff, efpecially for fome ages after the Tacitus reprefents them as falfe, rile of the State Yet neither of ilattering, fpiritlcfs and debauched thefe Authors i^, chargeable with contradiction or falfifying. By Libertj^ they were infpired v.'ith vir:
:

Homan

tue and every good quality

Tyranny,
nefs

To fafhion them for was deftroyed, all bafeand debauchery encouraged, and they were
:

all

their virtue

taught not to coilifider the Roman State, but only Their zeal and allegiance the Roman jBm.peror. wel-e to be njanifefied by obfequious fawning, and This was all their leffon and a torrent of flattery. They adored^ duty, and tliey learnt it notably. they extolled every Tyrant, the worlt generally moft Whether he committed murder, or inceft, ,01' follv, drove chariots, or fung fongs, he was ftiU
:

>

Divcrfa pari ceitamine poftuiantibus.

Tacitus.
4ivinc_,

U
divine,

O N T A C
invincible.

T U

S.

P73

Their acclamations were to found not with v/hat was juft or true, but with Their praife? what was deceitful and plcafmg. were no proof or efFe^i: of tiicir afFeclion, but of Whether they hated their falOiood and fervility or defpifed him, they were fure to magnify him, nay, ready to ufe the fame IHIe towards his enemy and deftroyer on the very fame day ^. They were Joud in behalf of Galba at noon, vehement in callBefore night they were ing for the blood of Otho -as loud in the applaufes of Otho, as vehement in traducing Galba, who was then murdered, andillll
:
:

his carcafs the fport

How
the
great

unlike this to the

Roman

of the Rabble. fpirit and behaviour of People under the free State, when any

man, and their benefactor v/as facrificed ? After the murder of the Gracchi the People failed not to reproach and even to infult the authors of it, though the greateft men in Rome. 7'hey charged Scipio Nafica, upon all occafions, in the ftreets, and to his face, as a Tyrant and Murderer. Infomucli that to fave him from their indignation, the
pretence of an EmbafTy.

Senate contrived to fend him into Afia, under the Nor diviH he ever return

into Italy, though he was chief PontiiT, but wandered abroad under difcontent and anguifh, and foon died of grief, according to the account given' by Plutarch. Nor did the celebrated Scipio Africanus, a man as great, as popular, and as much admired as any man that ever lived at any time^ efcape much better, for having fhewed his approbation of that murder. This provoked them Coy. that notwithftanding his extraordinary chafacSler,.

and the reverence always paid hira, they treated*

Quippe illis non judicium aut Veritas, fed tradito more quemcunque principem adulandi, licentia accla.

mationutn, et rfudiis inanibus.

3^

liinii

174

DISCOURSES
defpight publicly,

him with

and interrupted
the

his

of the People amply manifefted their fondnefs and reverence, caufed their Statues to be made, ere6led thern in public, confccrated the places v/here they were flain, there oftercd fii-il-frults and oblations, there performed worfhip and devotion.
fpeeChes with, hiffing. Gracchi, the Roman

To

memory

Sedl.

IV. The People v;hen deceived by names and deluders, how extremely blind and cruel, yet mean well.
People are
fo

TH E
:

fmcere in their friendfhip,

that they are often fond of their falfe friends.

Cacfar v/as popular v/hilft he was undoing the People fo were the Dukes cf Guife ; fo is the Inquifition.

That

execrable
it is,

Tribunal,

bloody and

treacherous as
ffru(live to

a reproach to Chriftianity, de-

men, is reverenced as the buiw^ark of Religion, though it be only fo to the pernicious Impoilors who are the peft^s of Religion, enemies to Society and human Happinefs. This cruel band of the People's fervitude and mifery, the People would venture their lives to defend. So profoundly

are they bewitched,

fo efFecStually

bound and

blinded by ungodly Sorcerers,

tellers,

whom

Fortunethey hug and enrich for cheating and

fpiritual

enflaving them.

When

once their

faculties

are

thus darkened or dead, it is not furprizing that they fiercely reject all relief and illumination, that,

following the impulfe or nod of their powerful feducers, they are ready to fight in defence of their blindnefs and chains, ready to facrifice and butcher
all

who would enlighten and releafe them. Can there be a greater inftance of the power
to

and mifchief of deluftonj a greater warning

guard

afrainft

UPON TACITUS.
againft
it ?

175

Superftition

is

apt to creep in and gain

:

But when art, force, even without the aid of art and induftry, and intereft combine to promote and Lncreafe the infirmities of Nature ; when all helps, all tricks, all terrors are applied and exerted to millead, frighten and deceive ; nay, when power, and penalties, and punifhments, might and magiiiracy, rods and axes, combine in the caufe of delufion and deludersj when all inquiry is forbid, all inquirers exesuted and damned ; what can enfue but thick ignorance and barbarity, the triumphs of
fraud, the exile

of

common

fenle

Can

infatua-

tion and hardnefs of heart go further, than to re-

joice in

ufmg

man

cruelly, in

torturing

him

till

he is almoft dead, and afterwards recovering him on purpofe to burn him alive, for an opinion perhaps very innocent, perhaps very juft, by him fe'f
efteemed facred, at worft hurtful only to himfelf ? Yet at fuch (hocking a6ls of inhumanity there cir.^ people, there are women and infants, and whole Nations that can rejoice, though in other inftance*not ungenerous nor cruel. They can forrow for the juft execution of a thief, or a murderer, and exult to fee a confcientious man thrown quick into the flames, for daring to be rational, for conlulting truth, or endeavouring to make hi mfcli acceptable to the Deity. T/je Deities are hungry^ the Priefts of Mexico were wont to cry in the ears of their Emperor. He took their word, and in fubmifHon to fuch holy warning, butchered thirty thoufand of his Subjects in one year, to humour the Priefts, and to feed the Idols. What elfe is the language of all men who prompt any Prince to fhed blood and plague his Subjects in defence of Bigotry falfely called Religion ? For, Religion itfelf difclaims hurting any man for any opinion. The Diity is mgry^ is the
I

ftile

176
ilile

DISCOURSES
of
all

and by the force of that cry. in Chriilendom than ever v/as in Mexico, or by all the human facriWhat elk is perfecuces fince the Creation.
perfeciUors
;

more blood has been fhed

tion, but

human
pleafe
'

facrifice

men- to
'
'

the

? V/hat but deflroying God-head ? Montagne fays

v/ith reafon,

That

the Savages do not fo

much

offend him, in roafting and eating the bodies of

their dead, as
ciLtc

do they

who

torment and perfe~

'

die living.'

St6t.

V.

luftrated.
irnpieties

The pov/er of delufion further ilThe dreadful wickednefs and

committed under the name oi
Religious
cheats furpafs
all

Religion.
others,

WHEN

the Reformation

was gaining ground

countenance of

in Sv/eden,

by the

fecret

that extraordinary Prince, Guff:avus Erlcfon, the

People enraged by the Clergy, made an infurrection, and advanced towards Stockholm, v/ith fury and menaces. The King fent to the multitude, confifling chiefly of Boors (for the more ftupid the men, the ftronger their zeal) to know their demands.. In anfwer they infifted, ' to have all the ' Heretics burnt, and the bells reftored again.' For it feems (oniQ of thefe facred utcnfils had been diflodged. Here k an inftance of a People's furioufly oppofing the greateft good that could befall them, the light of the Gofpel, and redemption from their thraldom to Popery, nay, venturing a rebellion and their lives to defeat that good, and to procure the deftrudtion of their friends and neighbours for beNor is it the only ining wifer than themfelves The like happened in many other Counftance.
:

tries

U
tries

O N T A e

T U
To

S.

177

upon that fame occafion.

fliew,

how-

ever, that the People are capable of being mended and undeceived, when the Government is wife and
juft

enough to refcue them from their deceivers ; King Guftavus having abohfhed Popery, and

proved himfelf an able and upright Prince, lived to fee his Perfon and Government fo well beloved, and the. People fo changed, that the fame Nation who once took up arms againil him, would havQ ventured their lives for him.. The People generally mean good, when they commit evil. The Swedes thought that there was no Salvation out of the Church of Rome ;. fo their Prlefts told them, nor would they or dared they And who would not be difbelieve their Priefts tenacious of the means of Salvation ? They had the fame falfe afiurance, upon the fame holy auSo thority, that Heretics were enemies to God. that in fighting againft Heretics,, they only fought God's Battles; in burning of Heretics, they didbut execute God's vengeance upon God's eiiemiesV/ho is it tliat would not obey, when he is convinced that the Almighty commands ? Hence the power of Impoftors who fpeak, and govern, and: cheat the People in Ins name ; and hence the frenzy and wickednefs of the People when under the influence of fuch Impoftors. will be deterred) by the dread of the block, or checked by the ignominy of the gallows, when he confiders the gallows or the block as tlie means of martyrdom, and the way to glory ? Plave there not been men whoby. the merit -even of murder, the murder of Kings,, fought to gain a place in Paradife, and immortaWas not Jacques Clement,, lity amongft men ? who aflaffinated Henry the third of France, deem-ed a Martyr ? And v/hen his impious fraternity theMonks, had roufed the bloody Bigot, to perpe-Uate the deteftable deed, was he not faid to have
:

Who

1 5

been'

178

DISCOURSES
God
?

been infpired by

It is

plain that the wretch

a

was perfuaded that he had

call from Heaven. Jean de Chaftel, a youth who attempted to murder Henry the great, fhewed not the leafl fign of

remorfe at his

execi;ition

fo ftrongly

was

the

En-

thufiafl- poiTefTed

murder of an Heretic, and one excommunicated by the Pope, was a ferthat the

vice acceptable to

God.

Ravillac afterwards ac-

complifhed the murder of that incomparable Prince, many years after he had ceafed to be a proteftant, and been formally reconciled to the Church of The ghoftly deceivers perfuaded the Rome.

gloomy

Villain, that the

King was

a Heretic in
kill

his heart, for that

he did not perfecute and

the

Proteftants.

Thomas a Becket,
as
this.

a mifchievous afluming

Prieft-,

Ifland ever faw, turbulent, rebellious, for-

fv/orn, was entitled a Saint and Martyr ; a fellow that really deferved a halter,, was complimented with a crown of glory, and for many centuries had

more worfhip paid him than Jefus Chrift. He was indeed a greater advocate for power ecclefiaftical. So enchanted were the People by the cant and rharms of Impoftors, fo utterly bereft of underiLinding, as to adore their deceivers, their enemies, and opprefTors Can thefe People be faid to
!

have been rational, they who were for exalting fuch as had a manifeft intereft to keep them blind and humble, an intereft to get all then- property, and to leave them none of their fenfes ? It is enough to mortify and grieve any candid fpirit, who wifhes well to humanity, to fee human
nature fo pitifully debafed,
fufpended, loft or turned into a fnare

be angry at common nonfenfe of founds ; to learn folly as an improvement ; to bear flavery as duty and happinefe ; to beftow. their wealth upon thofe who inveighed
agaiiift

underftanding taught to fenfe, and to fL.*jmit to the

;

human

UPON

T*A C

T U

S.

179

infatiably puragainft wealth, yet were ever and with great reve-fuing more ; to encourage them

performed nues to perform funaions which they hired for poor they whom others to left but not, before wages ; to perfecute truth, and fall proHrate comgarments, and names worfhip falfhood ; to mon earth, common food, and common men,
to reawith many more abfurdities alike dlfgraceful Such is the fovefon, alike pernicious to fociety.

the characrei^n force of delufion, and fuch was the Engof that fuch Nation, Englifh terV the in the days of the great Englifh Clerg>-,
!ifh

Saint, Thomas a Becket, and till confcience tion, v/hen the ufe of reafon and
reftored.

the

Reformawas

Sefl.

The People not turbulent unlefs VI. flow to refift Opreduced or oppreited even in their mild preiTors: fometimes of their defence in brave jufl vengeance
:
:

Liberties.

and induftry of feducers, uneafy and diffor under fuch Government ; good a under content to be quiet a Government they are naturally inclined
the owing XT that the People are fometimes
is

to

arts

will

and fubmiffive, and it muft be very ill ufage that tempt them to throw it ofF, when they are not There were infurreaions firft notorioufly mifled. agauiaagainft Guftavus Ericfon, fo there were Queen Elizabeth, all animated by the fame fpnit, But fuperftition managed and enflamed by Priefts. when a juft Adminiftration is once fettled, and become familiar to the People, and where no violent
to innovations are attempted, they will not be apt truth in are They wi0i ill to it.
difturb
it,

^or to

^ery

i8o
very
fiovv''

D
to

I S

C O U R

rcfift,.

and often bear a thoufand hard^-

fhips before they return one.

The Romans

lono^

fufFered the encroachments, infults

and tyranny of

the

laft

Tarquin, before they drove him out,

it

nor

would they have done

and
the
trao-ical fate

fo foon,

but for the rape

Tyranny

tolerable.

of Lucretia. The Dutch endured of Spain, till that Tyranny grew inWhen King Philip had vi^antonly vio-

'

lated his folemn oath, deftroyed their ancient Liberries and Lavirs, fhed their blood, a6lea like an implacable enemy, and ufed them like dogs, it. was high time to convince him that they were men,, and v/ould continue free men in fpite of his wicked; attempts to enflave them. They did fo to fome purpofe, to their own immortal glory,, and eftablifhment in perfeft independency, to his infinite:
jofs

and

lafcing difhonour.

People of Sv/ifTerland groaned long under the heavy yoak of Auftria, fuftained a courfe of" fufFerings and indignities too many and too great* fo infolent and barbarous were for human patience their Governors, fo tame, and fubmiiTive the go:

The

verned.

At

iail tlif^y

roufed themfelves, or ratherfo

their opprelKive

Governors roufed them,

as not;

to be quelled.

no

further

Yet they than was barely

fpilt
little

carried their vengeance-

neceiiary for their future

fecurity.

or none of the blood of their Tyrants and Tafkmakers, the Rulers from. Auftria,

They

who had

fo

freely fpilled

theirs.

They,

only conducted thefe lav/lefs fpoilers to the borders of the Country, and there difmiiTed them in fafety,, under an oath never more to return into their terWhat could be more flow to refift, what ritories. more meek in their refinance, than that brave and: abufed People ? They were indeed fo brave, and. had been fo abufed, as to refolve never more to Thenceforth they fubmit to the Imperial Power.
afFerted

UPON TACITUS.

i8r

and afTerted it with afferted their native freedom, With handfuls of men they overamazino- valour. threw mighty hofts, and could never be conqueredTheir exploits by all the neighbouring Powers. againft the Imperial Armies, againft thofe of Lewis againft Charles the the eleventh, then Dauphin, bold, Duke of Burgundy, are fcarce credible.. Three hundred and fifty Swifs routed at one time, fay fixteen thouei2;ht thoufand Auftrians, fome An hundred and thirteen vanquiftied the faiid. Arch'duke Leopold's Army of twenty thoufand, and killed a great number ; an hundred and fixteen beat another Army of near twenty thoufand, ^iid
flew him.

was no fmall provocation, no cafual miftakes, or random fallies of pafTion in their Rulers, that drove the Dutch and the Swifs to expell theirs. No the oppreiTion, the Ads of violence were geFor neral, conftant, deMberate and increafing. efpecially of men in fiich is the nature of men, pov/er, that they will rather commit two errors than retradl one ; as Lord Clarendon juilly obSometimes they v/ill commit a feccnd, to ferves. ihew that they are not aihamed of the firft, but reIt
;

f^lved to defy refentment, to declare their contempt of the People, and how much they are

Som.e of them have by mirth and derifion,, Kkeliim in Swiiferland, who having long infulted and abufed the poor People, and ftill thinking their fervitude imperfeft, fet up his Cap in the marketplace,, and obliged all that pafied by to pay it renay, to punifh one for failing in duty to verence that Cap, he caufed him to place an Apple upon his fon's head, and at fjch a diftance cleave it with an Arrow. Was there not caufe, was it not

above fear and amendment.

deli2;hted to heighten cruelty

high time to exterminate fuch inilruments of

elty ? ^

ci-u-

DIS-

l82

DISCOURSES
X.

DISCOURSE
The fame Subjed
Sc6t.

continued.

The infatuation of Men in power I. they are much apter to opprefs, than the People to rebel. People oppreiTed rejoice In difputes bein public misfortunes. tween Magiilrates and People, the former generally to blame.
Is

IT

a miferable Infatuation of

Men

In

power,

to pufh that
far as either

power and the People's patience as will go, and leave no room for a
this
fpirit

retreat.

Thofe of

finding the People

tame and

patient to a certain degree, conclude that

they will or muft be fo to every and the utmoft degree, and fo never think of taking off their heavy hands, till the People, grown defperate, throw off them and their power, and having found no mercy, Promifes of may be tempted to fhew none. amendment will then be too late. They will not truft to the faith and good ufage of one, who had dealt faithlefsly and barbaroufly with them, even before they had exafperated him by oppofition. His remorfe and promifes, however fincere, will be thought falfe and enfnaring ; and even of his good actions unkind conflru6tions will be made ^. Under an evil Adminiftration, or one fufpetlled and hated (a misfortune that feldom comes without caufe) People will rejoice in the public diftrefs, fuf*

Invifo femel principe, feu bene feu male fada pre-

xnant.

UPON TACITUS.
fer

i8

themfelves to be invaded, fubmit to be vanquifhed, bear national difhonour and private lofs, rather than afTift their Governor to prevent it.

Thus the Romans behaved under the Decemvirate. That People of all others the mofl brave, of all
others the moft fignal for public fpirit, refufed to fight, and bore a defeat ; becaufe rather than not

be revenged upon that ufurped Magiftracy, they chofe that the public enemy Ihould execute that revenge, and to obtain it, ventured the worft that could befal themfelves and their Country. Under Tiberius, people received with joy any news of In the year 1639, the Engrevolts and invafions. lifh Nation was pleafed that the Scots had feized the four northern Counties ; and in the Reign of Charles the fecond his Subjects hated the French, becaufe the King loved them, as a Droll pleafantly told him, when he was wondering what might be
the reafon.

People are fometimes long patient under where it is not altogether violent and fevere. The Pvomans under the ufurpation of the Decemvirate, continued peaceable whilft the exercife of that power was tolerable ; nay, they fuffered many efforts of Tyranny, opprellive enormities, murder, arbitrary imprifonment, lav/lefs decrees, and luft pafHng for Law, before they had recourfe to refiftance and felf-defence. At laft they roufed themfelves, driven to outrage by outrao-eous opprefTicn. This their proud OpprefTors might have forefeen, had not power and pride made them altogether blind. Appius Claudius the chief of them, had hardened his fpirit againft all reafon and tendernefs So ftrangely was he intoxicated with 4he pofTeilion of his enormous power. Yet with all their provocation, they hurt no man's perfon. They
unjufl ufage,
:

The

at

firit

threatened high, and fufficient caufe they

had;

1^4
had
:

DISCOURSED
:

But by a few reafonable words they were foon upon affurance of feeing the ufurpatign Thefe Ufurpers were hke moft others aboliflied. They had their authority from the Law, would keep it againft Law, and flretch it beyond Law. I could mention a Commonwealth, in which the.
foftened,

People have feen themfelves for

many

years, daily

diverted of their rights, and inftead of

chufmg

their

Magiilrates themfelves, according to the very fundamentals of their Conftitution, fee their Magiftrates chufe one another, their Government changed, and an Ariftocracy grown out of a popular GoThis public abufe, corruption and vernment. breach of Truft, the People fee, complain of it Their patience too may indeed, but bear it. I wilh that they may never be have a period prompted to feek a violent remedy, fuch as may fhake or overturn their State. Governors are apt to ccnlure the People as reftlefs and unruly, the People their Magiftrates as It is generally very eafy tounjuft and opprefiive. There are decide who are moft to be cenfured.
:

Countries where arbitrary oppreilions are felt 'ye.t not one infurre6Lion or rebellion. known in an age. Power is an incroaching thing, Men and/ feldom fails to take more than is given. in limited authority are apt to covet more, and The v/hen they have gained more, to take all.

many

every day,

People,

who aim

chiefly at protection

and

fecurity,,

what they have, nor feek to interfere in matters of Power, till Power has attempted to rob them of liberty and right Wheii. thefe are feizcd by thofe who are bound to defend them, are the People to blame for exprefTmg reare content to keep
:

ral

fentment, and feeking redrefs ? It is but the natuLaw of felf-prefervation, a Law that prevails eveix amongli Brutes y and is the eifedl of Reafon
as

UPON TACITUS.
as well as of Paffion.
:

185

In the firft fellies of their wrath, they fometimes dlfcharge it violently and fhed blood, and when juflice is denied, feek rebut their wrath lafts not, and drefs from force when they once have recovered their ufurped rights, they even fpare the Ufurpers.

Seel. If.

The

gentlenefs of the People in

their purfuit of Juflice againft opprefTive

Magiilrates.

How
Law,

readily

opprefTed the

feek the protedlion

men who have oF

the Laws. The People not revengeful they flicv/ mercy where they have found ncac.

REMARKABLE
nocence of the

was the modefty and

People, after
all

In-

Roman

the

Even they peaceably through the Ci ty under their arms, and when they might have fallen upon their domeftic enemies, the ten infolent Tyrants, and defcroyed them at once, they preferved their temper and civil behaviour, -hurt no man's perfon, no man's houfe or fortune. They only defired to be reinftated in their ancient Liberties, and left thofe who had ufurped their Liberties to the chaflifement of the Law, an indulgence which they who had deftroyed Law could not reaIt is indeed remarkable, fonably have claimed. that Appius Claudius, the Ringleader of thefe Ufurpers, and the molt obnoxious to popular venfeance, he who had abolifiied all appeals to the 'eople, appealed to them himfelf when he faw himfelf reduced to the condition of a Subje61: ; faw himfelf impleaded for his enormities and lawlefs rule. Could there be a more mortifying declaraviolent opprefJions of the Decemviri.

from the

Camp marched

tion

iS6

DISCOURSES

own guilt ? He who had deftroycd the privileges of the People, had the confidence to implore the People's proted^ion. As a free Roman Citizen he claimed and prayed an exemption of a man's
all

he had imperioufly bereft of that juft immunity. The Story is beautifully recounted in the third book of Livy. Appius has had his fellows in other countries, men who would not fubmit to the decifion of Law when they thought themfelves above Law ; and afterwards, upon the abatement of their
tion
after

from bonds,

the free citizens of

Rome

men who were glad to feek its proteftion promoted arbitrary imprifonments without allowing legal relief from the Tribunals of Juftice, then
pride,
;

claimed that relief

foned.

when

they

came

to

be impri-

Such men are for equal juftice, not v/hen other People want it, but when they want it themfelves. Surely if any man ought to be denied the benefit of juftice, it is he who will do none confideration which was urged againft Appius *. I believe that upon refearch, it will be generally found, that the People have ufed their Rulers with much more tendernefs than their Rulers have ufed them ; that rnercilefs Ufurpers have found mercy, and barbarous Tyrants, when depofed, That mighty have not been treated barbaroufly. man of blood, Sylla, he who h:id wantonly maf:

facred

thoufands,

Rome,

filled its ftreets

ufurped the Government of with carcaiTes, as well as

all Italy with murder and lamentation, a monfter of cruelty, an enemy to his country and all men, lived in fafety after he had refigned his power, lived in the midft of Rome, a City which he had ufurped, oppreffed, and caufed fo often to bleed and mourn He who by fo many violent deaths had
:

civilis

Unum Appium Claudium & & humani foederis eife.

legum expertem,

&

made

UPON TACITUS.
made
his

187

Country

thin, died in peace.

So gentle

and forgiving were the Romans, that though he walked daily and publicly amongft them without any. precaution, they made no attempt upon his Doubtlefs the life, however hateful and guilty. Athenians might have flain their Tyrant Pififtratus, during fo many years as he lived privately in exile after they had expelled him, if their vengeance had

prompted them
let

They

fuffered

him

to live in quiet,

him

live to enflave

them

again.

Towards Dio-

younger, the Syracufians manifefted When themfelves equally mild and unrevengeful. they were releafed from that filthy Tyrant, faw him a necefHtous vagabond, reduced to teach boys, they offered not to diflurb him, fo far were they from feeking his life, but left him an opportunity of enflaving them once more. Nay, to an Aunt of his, fifter to the Tyrant his Father, they always paid the refpecl due to a lawful Princefs, even after the abolition of Tyranny, fupported her in princely fort, and buried her magnificently. The Pwomans however they regretted the ufurpation of Caefar, regretted his death more. He had done them the highefl evil that Man could do, and they grieved for his lofs. The People of Ifpahan, upon the late Revolution in Perfia, fhewed
nyfius

the

more

grief for the misfortunes of their

Emperor

Schah Huffein than for their own, though theirs were as great as could befall human nature 3 and though from his evil Adminiftration, all their numberlefs calamities flowed, firft all their

long pillage

and opprefiion, next war, invaders, and defolation, then famine and a fiege, laftly, their fubje6lion to the will and fword of a foreign enemy, fierce, jealous and fanguinary. Yet their chief concern was for their old Emperor, the author and inviter of all their fore aiflidions, when they faw

him

3S8

DISCOURSES
to refign a

him about
worthy

crown which he was never

to wear.

Sedl. III.

The People not hard to be governed, nor unconftant, nor ungrateful, at kail not fo often as they are accufed.

'

inclinable to think it fo far from beingtrue, that the People are hard to be governed,. that I afraid the very contrary will prove true,

AM

am

namely, that they are too eafily to be oppre/Fed Neither is this to their praife. Is it not fufficient for the charader of any Nation, fufficient for their duty and glory, to fubmit quietly to jufl and humane, to equal and certain Laws, to which their Governors themfelves fubmit ? Surely, yes. Is it not infamy rather than loyalty, for People to yieldtamely to the wanton will of Ufurpers and Traitors, whofe duty it is to protect them, whofe pradice it is to rob them, who will fubmit to no Law, who execute cruelty inf^ead of Juftice, opprefs men againft Law, or acft lawlefly under the name of Law? What elfe can it be ? Here therefore is the difference between Freemen, who obey righteous Lav/s, and Slaves, who mufl obey the worfl and
:

any.
I know not In the world very many Governments that do not make a fhift, and fome of them ufe not very good fhifts, to fupply themfelves with as much power as they well want, and as much

revenue as the People can fpare. ple ufually refufe or envy them a
of either,
in both.

Nor do the Peocompetent portioa nor even fome exceffes and extravagance But when nothing will fnffice lefs than a

power
lefs

to deftroy as well as to protedj nothing than beggaring the Subjeds inllead of taxing

them

UPON TACITUS.
them
;

189

when

the

Laws

are

and their birthright fcized ; and ungovernable, becaufe they feel wrong, and feek right ? Who can be eafy under diftreis, or
thankful
for

annulled or defpifed, are they unconllant

made great made them

murmur,
vil.
if

barbarous ufage ? When men are order to do great good, thofe who fo, and for whofe fake they are fo, will
in

they are difappointed, efpecially

when

inftead of great good, they are repaid

with great

Such as become enemies to their benefactors cannot wonder if their benefactors refent ingratitude Violence, fo glaring, and fo faithlefs a return.
efpecially violence

from
be.

men who owe

us

good

ufage, will fooner or later be returned with violence, and ought to

Not mere power, but

and gratitude, and whoever fets up for governing without prote<5ting,5 muft not be furprized to meet with deteftation inftead of afFe6tion, contempt inftead of honour, opprotection
is

entitled

to duty

pofition inftead of fubmiillon.

Good Government

nor will the good complain Where the People are bad, it will of the good. be prefumed that their Rulers have made them fo And then v/ho has moft reafon-to complain ? Perhaps the People are accounted bad for adhering .ftubbornly to their Liberty and .Laws To rail at them for this, is to make them a high complia good People
;
:
:

makes

and a feyere contumely upon their Gonamely, that they would be Oppreftbrs, ; but their People are too virtuous and brave to let them. The State of Genoa had recourfe to the French ' No, -King for protedion againft 'her Enemies. * faid the King ; the Devil may have that People ' for me, they are only fit for fuch a Governor.' ,A fpeech which has been repeated as a Satire upon ith^m ever fmcej yet was. really ^ very great Praife, whatever

ment,

vernors

190

DISCOURSES

He had once before undertaken their Protection, and fent them Troops^ who indeed relieved them from the former enemy, To repay themfelves for favbut proved a worfe. ing the Republic, they wanted to deftroy it ; to enflave it, becaufe they had delivered it from flaFor fuch heinous Treachery and Tyranny very. the People drove them out, and pro^'oked that For this he gave Prince by preferving themfelves. them to the Devil as a proper inftrument to revenge his quarrel. What would he have had of
whatever he intended.

them

to have been thankful for

changing their

condition without making it better ? to have grown prefently eafy, becaufe they had changed their Oppreflbrs,

but were

ftill

opprelTed

to

have killed

the Iron rod, only for that it was nev/, though as heavy as the old, and been humbly fatisfitd with whips and racks, chains and rapine, beg-

gary and death ? Could they take cruelty to be mercy ? Could they reverence the blackeft treachery, and fubmit tamely to fervitude from thofe whom they employed and paid to aboliih it ? Did they belong to the Devil for refufmg to facrifice their Freedom and Property, their Families, Lives, and every human happinefs, to the lufts and fpoil of enemies, or to fuch as wer worfe thaw enemies,
faithlefs friends
?

Sed. IV.

falHy charged with and Ingratitude, and Rebellion in refilling OpprefTors and Tyrants. All Tyrants, ail who afTume lawlefs rule, are Rebels, and the greatcft.

The People

Ficklenefs,

fuch of anger had King James JUST People of England, ^c. of whom he was
caufe
the

to

wont

to

make

the

fame complaint, that they were

a fickle,

U
^
fickle,

O N T A C

TU
:

S.

191
flander

giddy and rebellious People

that turned wholly upon himfelf, who had alienated their affections by ufing them like flaves, by go-

verning them without and againft Law, and, for a limited Englifh Monarchy, fetting up a boundIt was not enough to be trufted lefs Tyranny. with the power of protecting them, the nobleft Truft that mortal man can poiTefs No he muft
:
-,

have a power alfo to deftroy them, which none Three great free Nabut a Deflroyer can want. tions could not, would not bear to be tyrannized by one trufted and fworn to protect them. If a man whom I take for a guard become an afTafiin, and turn upon me the arms which I gave him to defend me, am I blameable for difcharging him ? Will any but affaiTins blame me ? If King James was not fatisfied with the conditions of the Monarchy, he might have declined accepting it No man would have taken him by force, and made him a King. In receiving it he received a Truft for the benefit of the People, attended with all reaibnable advantages, with all poflible glory to himfelf. This Truft he inglorioully perverted, ard applied it treacheroufly to their fubverfion. When he ought to have made the Law his rule, according to his duty and his oath, he made his Will his Law, or rather the will of his bigoted Qiieen and of his hot-headed Priefls. Againft the Conftltution he fet up the fword, his outlawed Priefts againft the eftabliflied Church, Romiih Su:

perftition againft the Proteftant Religion,

and an

Army
was

of Papifts againft a Proteftant People. This fuch abfolute Treafon againft the Public, that

the People muft have been fickle and wicked indeed, had they given up the ancient Laws, their Property, Lives, and juft Rights into the jaws of
this violent,

this enormous and upftart Power, calculated always to deftfoy, never to favc.

Were

192

DISCOURSES
the People fickle for adhering to their
?

Were

o^

Conftitution

v/ere they changeable hi not iubmit-

ing to a change, an avowed and violent change of their ancient Government ? Were they ungovernable, becaufe they rejeded miigovernnient ? ungrateful for defending their Lives and Eftates againfl: the 'Ufurpatlon of thofe who owed them all gratitude r Were they Rebels in maintaining the Law againft fuch as were open Rebels to Law, and infolently profefTed to be above Law, though vefted with power to protect Law, the only juft end of power ? People that will not be opprelTed, will' always be reckoned ungovernable by men who are, or who 'would be OpprefTors, and enemies to Oppreffion will be ftiled enemies of Government. It will be feditious to blame the exceiles of Power, infolent to mention the infolence of thofe who abufe Power ; it will be the fign of a turbulent
fpirit,

to dlilinguifh between public right and wrong, between Government and Tyranny, nor will it be enough to own all good Government to

'he irrefiftible, but the worft and the

beft

abufe of the

muft be likewife

irrefiftible
j

To

complain of
it

Tyranny,
bellion.

will be Faction

to

throw

off.

Re-

They who

opprefs are the

firft

and great-

and for the opprefied to turn upon eft Rebels j them, is but to refift Rebellion, is but to do a jufi: and a natural action. Whoever violates the Laws of reafon, equity and nature, w^hoever violates the Laws of his Country, whatever ftation or name he bear, is a Rebel, fubjeit to the Laws againft Tyrants, therefore, and Violence and Rebellion. lawlefs Oppreflbrs are the higheft and moft con-

fummate Rebels

in the world, capital Traitors

to

God and Man, and punifhablc of God and of Realbn.

by

all

the

Laws

Sea.

U
'$e6l.

PON TACITUS.
People

193

V.

who

are

flaves love

their Prince fo affedionately,

not nor can de-

fend him fo bravely,

free.

as thofe

who

arc

and poor is that loyalty which reonly from force and fear, nor can it the ilavifh paffion which lafl longer than does creates it, but goes with it, as is comes with it. Whenever the dread is gone, fo is the loyalty, oi*
fults

WEAK
follows

him who

causes

fuperior

dread.

From

People that are flaveSj no Prince can expeft ileady Let who will mafter them, duty and adherence. they can be but flaves, and therefore have fmall jeafon to oppofe one who cannot well make their condition worfe, or to abide by him who has made it fo bad, and would not make it better. Nor have they Ipirit to defend him, though they were willing. They are in the field what they are at home, pufilanimous, abjevSt, cewardly. Hence moftof the great Monarchies have been overturned, at leaft always beaten, almoft as foon as attacked,
efpecially

when by Freemen

the attack

was made.
all

Thus

D.ifii... fell

before the Groelis, v/ho in

encounters, and with

few men agalnfl multitudes, had been long accuftomed to vanquifh the Great King, and at laft feized his many Kingdoms, as long before they would have done, but fbr their own domeftis jealoufies and flrife. Thus too Antiochus fell before the Romans, and thuiTigrajics.
IjucuIIus faid well, that
* the
'

the

Lion never counts

hut fourteen

he, w!io led thoufand men, little more than two Legions, was told what myriads he bad to encounter. It was indeed an encounter between Lions and Sheep, nor found his men fo much occiifi on the Sheep,'

number of

when

Vol. V.

for

i94

DISCOURSES

for fighung as for laughing, to fee fuch a vafl hoft frightened and flying before a handful of men. From the little free State of the.Samnltes, the Romans found jnore danger and oppofition than from
all

the abfolute Princes in the world.

Such

is

the

mighty -difference between the fpirit of Freemen ^nd of Slaves, between men who live and fight for themfelves, and men who breathe and a6l at the mere mercy of another.
In the.Eaft the fervitude of the People is as.blind and complete, as Tyranny, and Art, and Superilition can. make
it.

Does

this Slavery in the

Peo-

fccure the ple, Slavery the moft ftupid and abjeft, Prince, and fortify his -Throne ? So far otherwife^ abfothat the Eaftern Kings, they who are fuck their Subof fortunes and lives the of Matters lute thence their jects, are thence the more unfafe, and The wavering. and unflable more Thrones the higher he is, the more violent and probable is hifi

The People indeed profefs to adore him.; they are forced ; or whether they do becaufe Yes, fuperflition, their adoration is it through fear or perfonal love ; and the with accompanied not afFeaion nearer he approaches to a God, the lefs is fo vaft;, diftance the Where he has from men. kindnefs, nor there can be no intcrcourfe of mutual terror, ev^r and awe only can ought which caufes would gaia who He tendernefs. and love caufe People's hearts, mufl not fet himfelf too high,
falL
his

nor them too low.

Between perfons who would

mufl be precontinue cordial friends fome equality or Kings m^n, private be they ferved, whether

and People.

s^a.

UPON TACITUS.
Sc6b. VI.

19^

The weak and

precarious condi-

tion of the greateft Prince,

who

beloved by his People.

be,

No

is not Tyrant can

and why.
poiTefs

no certain property, un der no tye to their Country, nor holden by any obligation to their Prince. So that, as la Lou* biere obferves in his hiftorical relation of Slam, fince they muft bear the fame yoke under any Prince whatfoever, and fmce it is impofTible to
in their Country, are

who PEOPLE nor eftablifhment

bear a heavier, they never concern themfelves about the fortune of their Prince. He fays, expedience fhews that upon the leaft trouble or attempt,

they

let

the

Crown go

quietly to him,
force or

whoever

he

be, that has moil

moft policy.

Siamefe will readily die to difcharge private hate, to be releafed from a v/retched life, or to efcape a cruel Death but to die for their Prince and Coun:

the they have no 'liberty, no certain property, confequently no atvtachment to their native foil. Infomuch that thofe of them who ^re taken captives by the King of Pegu, will refide peaceably in that Country, at a fmall diftance from their own frontiers. They foon forget their native abodes, where they knew
:

rtry,

a virtue unknown there. motives which animate free men

is

They want

and bear the prefent becaufe The Natives of Pegu too, when carried into Siam, fhew the fame indifFerence to return home, and for the famereafon. The Kings of the Eaft, fays he, are regarded as the adoptive Sons of Heaven, their fouls believed to be celeitial, in virtue as much tr-anfcending other
fervitude,

nought but

no worfe than the

paft.

fouls^

rg6
fouls,
i

DISCOURSES
as their royal lot appears

happier than that

Subjeas of the :ft of men. Yet if one of their doubt which revolt, the People begin prefently to the lawof the two fouls is moft valuable, that of SubjeiSt, and ful Prince, or that of the rebellious whether the heavenly adoption be not pa-fled Their Hiftofrom the King to the Subjea. He likewife quotes are full of fuch examples.
lies

are Father Martinius, who fays that the Chinefe Sovereign cften perfuaded, that in changing their fomethey follow the will of Heav^nj and have tlie reigning to Robber common a preferred times
Prince..

rlty

befides, fays he, that fuch defpotic authoalmoft deftitute of defence, the exercife of it weak for centering altogether in the Prince, is

But
is

want of fpreading and communication. Whoever do would difpoiTefs the Prince, lias little more to fpirit and perfon of a the him upon take to than

confined to Prince ; becaufe all the SLUthonty being is prefently traiifj one, by but exerted one, and employed and mterefted ferred, for want of many

He adds, iConcerAed or able to d' ^-.-d the Prince. in rebellions ancient the that it appears, that in Seal, prefently royal the feized whoever China, People al^ rendered himfelf mafter of all ^ for the .appeared, Seal the where-ever orders ways obeyed Such was. without enquiring in whofe hands it Kin^' the which with care and too is the jealoufy with no man, of Siam keeps his, which he truiU of tlvi obedience the that it credible,
as to

io preierve

it ;

and (here

is

none but the Pnnce

make

People there alfo follows the Seal. So from things chief danger of thefe Princes arifes whether it fecurity, chief their hope whence th^ey
that

the

be from a great Army, or a crains thefe, is prefently King.

Seal

Whoever
is

7he iame

true

UPON TACITUS.

197

f a great Treafure, the laft refource in arbitrary The People there are under a Governments. continual ftate of ruin and poverty, and being conftantly drained, cannot furnifh any fudden fupply wpon fudden exigency. The Prince therefore muft truft to what he has, and that likew^ife being liable to be feized, may be turned againft Upon hin?, may (erve to exalt the Ufurper. this la Loubiere remarks juftly, that befides the exhaufting and fpoiling of the People, by drawing from them great fums to fill his treafure, it frequently helps forward the ruin of him who has gathered it, and as it v/as collected to preferve

him,

it

is

employed and

difliinted

to

undo him.

the fubftance of what ihat Author fays in the latter part of the fourteenth Chapter, Part the

This

is

third.

So much does a Prince gain by boundlefs power, by enflaving his People, and having an intereft and purfe different from theirs. They have no ability They have no to fupport him, nor any reafon money to give him, becaufe he has taken all, or too much ; they have nothing of their own to defend, and why fhould they defend him, fmce by lofmg him, they lofe- nothing
:
?-

DIS-

r9

DiSGOURS'ES
XI.

DISCOURSE
Of Nobility.
;^e<5t. I.

The

political

caufe

of Nobility.

They

are readily refpe6i:ed

by the People

apt to opprefs. Nobility without Virtue, what. The Spirit of Nobility, v/hat it-

ought to

be.

{o much faid abou^the People, itr not be improper to add fomething As by the Peoconcerning the Nobility. ple I mean not the idle and indigent rabble, under which name the People are often underftood and traduced, but all who have property, without the privileges -of Nobility ; (o by the latter I mean iuch as are pofielled of privileges denied to the People, In 2r State no man ought to rife above the reft, without giving the reft fome equivalent for fuchfuperiority ; and for all public diftin6lion there ought to be fome public merit. As it is wife in a Prince or a State to employ men of virtue and ca-This was pacity,- it is but jufl to reward them. the natural rife of the Roman Senators, chofen for their ability and experience to diretfi the State, and digniiied with the title of Confcript Fathers^ as were Their their defcendents by that of Patric'ia7is. duty arofe from their dignity, and their dignity recompcnfed their duty. Thus they merited their pre-eminence and popular eftimation ; nor did the SVople ever fail in reverence to them,, until they
failed

AFTER may

tJ

O N T A C
are

T U

S.

199

failed in their

then.fo

refpea to the People, and So natural it is for power to encroach,

apter

and hardly

much

men

in

authority to depart
:

fubjeaicn. from moderation, than the People from property power does fo power, As property begets The Senators,' they who fwayed the State, enThe People were grofTed the liches of the State. who opNoblhty, the by poor kept and poor, and when they prelTed them by exceiTive ufury,
their perfons, could not fatisfy the debt, fcized was too and kept them in bonds. The violence borne always be to ignominious great, the ufage too

by a

free

and bold People,

who

therefore in their

own defence forced the Nobility to allow them Thus Maaiftratcs and Prcteaors of their own.
began the popular Tribunes,
Officers

who

fre-

People quently mortified the Nobility, taught the alTert a right to all to and turn, their in afpire 'to This was the efFea and puthe hio-heft Honours. The People were Pride. Patrician of Hifhm?nt

Govercontent to be governed ; but when their a afTumed they them, opprefTed nors infulted and fiiare in governing themfelves. The People are the materials of Government, any other ; their proteaion its end, nor can it have
and that Government is a Monfter where the Peonature prople have no (hare, fuch a Alonfter as and duces not, a Head unconcerned for the Body devouring nourilhing, of Members, and, inftead them. In Society no man (hould be higher than
others,

good

is

but for the good of others j when that not oj^tained, v/hen he confiders himfelf

only for himlelf, and purfues his to the ^hurt of others, his elevation
it
is

own
is

advantage

prepofterous againft juftice and nature, and better he def-

cend than all men fmk. Nature produces no Nointo bility, nor do the greatell when they come the world, furpafs the meaneft in features, com-

K.4

plexion

200

C O U R STE

plexion or ftrcngth. The difference is created by civil eftablifhment, which confers Nobinty for political ends, but cannot convey a greaf foul with a

name, any more than ftature or ftrength. would be well, if, when the beft men are thus raifed, their defcendents would continue to refemble them. When they do not, their degeneracy
great
]t
is a fcandal to themfelves as well as injurious to the Public, and thence the more fcandalous. For

is

being elated none of them have any caufe, fmce it incumbent upon them to farpafs others in Virtue
:s

well as in Title. Nobility without Virtue is but exalted infamy,, wid the fevereft thing you can fay of a great man, to call him mean ; and mean he is if he do .nean things, let his name be ever ib founding j I. ay, lie is mean v/hen his behaviour is not great*. Ti'ie abfence oi good qualities is abundant reproach j. but vvheie lie has many evil andiione good^ he becomes a difgrace to his Country, ought to be the fcorn of his order, and conligned to the rabble, as His he is already one of them in mafquerade.
fpirit

ought to be noble

like

his

name,

full

of

private benevolence, full of public zeal, abhorring

corruption, defpiling little perfonal advantages, doing juftice to every man, feeking the good of all;
title, above he deferves fuperiority and praife, and werer he not noble, haS' He honours a great ftation more a claim to be fo. Greatnefs of foul than a great ilation can him. is above the gift of man ; a Crown cannot convey it, but only diftinguiih it, and does honour to Little to be valued itfelf by honour fo beftowed. is that reverence which is paid only to title and

men;

his

example

illuftrious as

his

falihood, above lucre.

It is thus

rank
fpeft
his

nor will a wife

man much

regard that re-

which would be paid to his footman, were footman in the fame ftation. True cfteem is
always-

UPON TACITUS,
accidents,

2or

always perfonal. V/hat men pay to fortune and is only flattery or fafhion, and in it the

heart has

no

fhare.

Sed:.

IL

The Duty of a Nobleman

to furpafs* others.

Country;.

to his In Virtue and public Spirit he

ought

AM A N
mind,

is

of great title with a little and evl! worfe and more defpicable than the
-

loweft of the vulgar, who are often bad through neceflity and ignorance, as^ well as through a Even poverty cannot excufe vicious education. He who has a the bafe actions of a man of -rank.

mere

will not ad poorly even in poverty y he will confider his^Duty and Honour preferably to his wants,. and besir calamity rather than reproach. All noblemen ihould be the ornaments of Society, for elfe Society cannot efteem them, nor ought; their integrity is of great concernment to the Public. According to the meafure of their Virtue or

worthy mind,

Corruption, the State often thrives or decays, efwhere they have a large ihare in making the Laws, and in diredling the Adminiftration. It is but common honefty to be jult to their Country^
-

pecialiy

and promote its intereftj -it- is- no more than the duty which all men-'owe it; and upon public men, men of eminence and title, this duty They are of molt is more particularly incumbent
to confult
:

confideration, .they
are

are;. better

qualiiied

(it

is

to

their irreparable flaam.e if they are

not)

already- poffefTed of their reward,

are.

and they by being

what they

is indifferent. about the intereft of his Country, let his condition be ever fo low, is unworthy to live in it, and it ought to drive him Jt
'-,

Whoe\xr

for

he

who

is

not

its

friend,

is its

^n^my. 1 hough
he-

122

DISCOURSES
him
;

he may have no fortune, he has

luable to engage

ftill fomething vahe has a life to lofe or to be protected, and by being proteded by the Public, he is bound, nay, he is paid to wifh it well and to defend it, Bcfidcs this, common humanity, the intereft, and diftrefs, and prefervation of his acquaintance and neighbours, or relations, are powerful calls upon him to love and promote the good of the whole. He who has no public Virtue can hardly be thought to have any other ; fmce out of a complication of private virtues public virtue arifes, out of tendernefs and mercy, out of generofity and goodnefs of fpirit, out of friendfhip and jtiftice, out of love for Liberty, and Right, and Peace, as likewife from an averfion to Intrufioii and Violence, to Ufurpation and Servitude. PafHon for the public Weal is the noblefV paffion that can pofTefs the heart of man, and he v/ho has it not can have little eU'e that is good or-: laudable there. A benevolent heart interefts itfeir even the concerns of remote Nations, and in Revolutions v/hich befell many nges ago. carr read of free Nations falling into bondage, of Virtue deprefTed, of Villainy exalted, without fympathy and commiferation ? Who, even at this diftance, or a thoufand ages hence, can behold the divine Brutus perifhing in defence of the moft righteous caufe upon earth, behold the debauchedAnthony, the faithlefs OiSfavius, triumphing in^ the worft, without being touched with indignation,^ touched witli forrow ? Or fee^ without emotion^ ;^n(i heavinefs, thcfe and the fucceeding Tyrants mowing down, Vv^ith fettled fury, whatever was good and glorious amongil: rnen ? If public Spirit he the duty of all men, the dutf^ not only of the middle, b'-t the ioweft order, how T rjch public Spirit is to- be cxpcdled from the No^ buity> fiom them upon whom thir Country has

Who

4X)uri!*f

UPON
poured
its

A^

TU

S.

2133

fhould can be ? rely for the lail zeal and coin r.:fo juft, what fo dear, what fo noble and henfive, what fo much a duty,_ as to love and maintain what gave us not only birth, but fortune,
higheft favours,

whom It What fervices

upon

honours and diftlnaion ? generous benefador and

:

It
if

Is

but gratitude to a
are ungrateful, fo

we

good quality have we? Agsirift. Ingrates the ancient Perfians had an They exprefs Law, very penal and rigorous.
fovereignly
ungrateful,

v/hat

confidered ingratitude as the fource of all enmities adnongR men and an indication of the vilefl fi^irit, nor believed it poffible for an ungrateful man to love the Gods or Men, or his Friends, Parents^ Surely he that loves not die laft> or Country. can love none of the reft, and ingratitude to one's Country implies univerfal ingratitude,

Seb. in:

A Nobleman- void
-,

of good Qua-

lities^ or poiTefTed with bad, a miferable Charader. The Bafcnefs and Corruption of the Roman Nobility its fatal confe-

quence.

rader.

Nobleman and

not, a Patriot^' is a wil5 tontradition, ^i Deft a pkifd and depraved-cha-

Wh^t
if

is

any

truft for his

he ? Sj^ircly not worthy to' beaf Country, or ta fhine in her ho-^

-

HQurs,
lie faith

he.r.vake

no confclence of
it,'

his truft,

ifh^'
piibip

betrayil:,

or be indifFerent about and zeal, uncorruptible

or want

tionate zeal.

As

public

faith and Honours fhould be

affecgivcii

for public Spirit, public Spirit fhould ever:

accom-.

pany public Honours

man

a.right to thefc* .either

thera.

Ely fu;ai^ jin

nor withoiitcthat -haii-any to obtain them or to keep efiential defeat and difrualifi-'
:

yp-Uoa

204

DISCOURSES

cation he degrades hlmfelf, and forfeits what hehas no capacity to enjoy. He is afterwards to be confidered as an Intruder^ a Mimic who indeed als a part, but fuftaiiis no real Dignity. Nor

can the ornaments and prerogatives of

ferve for aught but to expofc

his

Order

him

to conftant ridi-

cule and defpight

like

the time of Salluft, * they were like fo

*
*

many of the Nobility in who fays of- them, ' That many Statues, and befides
to

their

pompous name had nothing

ftupidlty of the

recommend

them.'

The
rupted,

Roman

from being their worll quality. debauched, oppreffive, infolent, venal-; mercenary men wlio betrayed the Public, who
debafed

Nobility was far They vvere cor-

themfelves to

make

vile

trafSc of their
.

power in- the State,- fold Juflice, fold Countries, gave judgment againft the Innocent for money, or negkfted to do it v.dien th& Innocent had none For money they protedled public Enevoices and
:

domeilic OpprefTors. of them, need only read the ftory of the War againft Jugurtha. finely told by Salluft. By their Corruption they, haftened the downfal of Liberty, of which in truth--, What they aftercorrupt men are never worthy. wards fuffered in the civil war, from the rage of Ufurpers, was a juft puni{hmen^ upon them for^ fuch fiiameful degeneracy and corruption. Thenceforth they ferved for continual facriiices to fucceedHad ing Tyrants. They might thank themfelves tncy been juil and uncorruptible, they might have By their Corrr.pfaved Uiemfelves and the State. tion and Venality, by their Pride and Opprellion,. thev had iolt their power. ^Vhenever 'Government becomes corrupt and ^^pyreiTive, it grov/i frcra that moment hated and
mies, for
authoriz.ed

money

Whoe\'er v/ould

fee a true picSkire

wcak>

UPON
weak.

TA
it.

TU

S.

20^:

Hence ambitious men

find temptation will find

opportunity to o\'eiturn

They

to fay againfl it, and enov/. to ; they fay will be greedily fwallowed,. The lot that is difliked, is generally believed the worfl that canhappen,, anotht^r is defired, and a remedy hoped from a change, which feldom brings one. When-eyer the prefent Governors are hated, their Competitors are fui-e of being adn>ired, though perhaps
r

and enough hear them what

But the evil which is immediately thought keaviefl, and to get rid of it, a heavier is often incurred. Befides men will venture a mifchief to themfelves> if by it they can 7'he Roman Nobility had affli6i: their enemies. provoked the Roman People, fo that both purfuing feparate interefts fell naturally under the dominion Th& like happened in Denmark: All of one. public burdens and taxes were laid upon the Peopie, nor would the Nobility bear any, p^rt, but treated them, with fcorn >and oppreilion, The injured People took bitter vengeance, made the King abfolute to make jthe Nobility Slaves. Thefe made, once a great figure At prefent a fmall Officer in the Army is of more account than a Nobleman .of.

muchworfe,.
felt is

Denmark.

Sed. IV.

The begiiiriihg of public Corruption geaerally from the Nobility:: ruinous this to the Public, and to
.

How
'

theiufelves.
^
I
|_

HE

firft

great

Liberties of France,,

blow that was given to the was given by the No>

bility, v/ho confented, in the reign of Charles the feventh, as Philip de. Comines obferves, that the

Court fhould raife money upon their Tenants, for the venal confideration. of having ihare of that

money

2d6

DISCOURSES
this

andUpon that of his SuccefTors, and gave his Kingdom a wound which would continue long to bleed, Upon this occafion, I cannot forbear quoting ano-ther paflage from that good Frenchman, that honeft Politician, worthy Hiftorian, *' Is there, fdvi h^^' a Pritice upon earth, who has power to iay a * fingle penny upon his Subje^^s, v/ithout the grant * and confent of thofe who are to pay it, other* wife than by Xyranny and Violence ? No ' Prince can Isvy it, unlefs thtough Tyranny, and' ' under the penalty of excommunication. But * there are thofg who are brutifh enough not to * know what they can do or omit in this affair.' Thefe impofitions grow monilrtfus, almoft as foon as they grew arbitrary Charles the feventh,x who began them, never raifed annually above an*hundred and eighty thoufand pounds. His SonLewis XI; almoil trebled that Revenue ; and fmce then, all that the Kingdom and People had, even to their fkins, has hardly been thought fufficient for^ their Kings. All this might have been eafily fore-foul
'
i"

money to themfelves ^, He adds that by King brought a heavy iin upon his own

that

fecn

but a ; Nobilky.

little

prefent lucre blinded the French''

By money got with their confent^ the CourCcould maintain Armies without their confent j and'it tv as too late to defend their public privileges^when they had given away the public purfe, the firft and greateft privilege, the bulwark of all the reft. They afterwards found, by dear experience, that nothing which hurts their Country could in the iffue benefit them, and that in betraying the right? of the Public^ they had betrayed their own, By
*

|j

;'

cecy confentirent

les

Seigneurs de France, poiiT;

certaines penfions qui leu^ furent promifc3>;

pour

Ics

4cniers ^u'on kveroic en Icurs tcrios.

:^tcri?^:

'

UPON TACITUS.
flattering

207

and exalting the Crown for fome prefent fome poor perfonal advantages, they brought themfelves to a ilavifli dependence upon the Crown for all the advantages of honour and Neither could the Crown be blamed for life.
gratuity,

giving them money, if it was true that they would not do their duty, vTould not fervQ their Country without money. By it however they gained little. Befides the mearmefs mid difgrace of it, w^hat they got corruj^^ly, they wafted prodigally, and ruined^ their pofterrty without mending their own condiIt was moreover a temptation to the Crown tion. to grafp at allj fince whatever is coveted, it knew how to accomplifh. What the Nobility did^ others were to ready to imitate,, and the Court took advantage of the So that Mezeray. had too muchvcnahty of all. caufe to fay what he does 01 the States-General hoWen in the beginning of the reign of Charles the eighth, that the Prefident of the States, many of the Ecclefiaftics,-. and feveral Deputies, fold themfelves to the Court, and betrayed the public caufe. It muft be owned that, whatever the Court acquired was but a poor acquifition, not the this way, hearts of the People, but the venal mouths of their Deputies. Nor can a Monarchy be ever flrengthened by any acquifitions which weaken the People. It is at bell but the ftrength of a man in a frenzy and convulfions, mighty for a time, and fupernatural, but ending in miferable faintnefej languor and death.

a.

zor

DISCOURSE
V.

Scd:.

advantages of public LiberHow fafl Tyrants The ftrange degeneracy deftroy them. of the Roman Nobility : contemptible,, yet proud fubjedt to be degraded for bafa. Morals or Paverty..
ty to the Nobihty.
:

The

IN

a free Country the Nobility have

all

room

to

exercife

their virtues

Under an

arbitrary

Prince what virtue they have they muft-hide ; finec It is certain^ if it be fignal, they may find it-fatal. that by mofrit is marked- with a jealous eye, and' The Pofuch jealoufy feldom fleeps or forgives^. litics of almoft all the Caefars were nothing elfe than bloody devices to murder every man of quality fignal for any virtue mihtary or civil, or for" Tacitus is full of fuch examw^ealth and family. It ples, and I have elfewhere referred to them. was treafonable to be noble ; capital to be rich ; criminal to have borne honours, criminal to have declined them ; and the revvard of worth and virtue was quick and inevitable deftru<lion ; fays TaSo that raei> of cbara<fter, poffefTed of great citus. were, for fafety, obliged ta^difguife qualities, them, and to appear, againft nature, mean, fawning, debauched, and even i^upid, like the firft Brutus under Tar^uin. The natural heavinefs of Galba was fuppoled to be ahumed, purpofely to efcape : the deadly luipicion of the feveral 1 yrants under whom he had lived. Such was the fplendor of his race, and fuch the terrible fplrit of thofe times (which he had efcaped) that thence colour war'
,

* jrat.

PromptilTunus quifque

faevitia Principis intcrcide-

Tag.
jx^aiilcxed;;

UPON TACITUS.
mmiftered
for

209
wifdom

beftowing the

name of

real

upon that which in him was real heavinefs, as the feme author obferves. 1 hrough this fear and precaution, under the Tyranny of Domitian, Tacitus favs, men were fo careful to conceal their faculties,

filence

that they loft a great fpace of their life in^ and non-exiftence, inlomuch that they had

furvived not only others

but themfelves.

Now

where was the advantage, where the honour of being Noble, when fuch a3 were Noble were obliged to ad meanly, and to feem mean ? It was all mock-honour, and a misfortune to poilefs it. Under fuch preflure aud terrors could virtue rife or flourifh, a thing too rare even where it was errcouraged
In
fa5t
?

moft of the Nobility were what they feemcd, corrupt, bafe, fervile, void oi fpirit and virtue, deftitute of accomplishments, in name only 'and fortune diftinguifhed from the Rabble, and Ridiculous is a noble therefore worfe than they. name without noble qualities. Is a fruit-tree to beregarded, which bears no fruit ? The reafoning of Marius is unanfwerable ^. The illuftrious virtue of the founder of a family, is but a perpetual reproach upon his defcendants, if they^ want virtue.. The merit of our forefathers derives none upon us, fio more than their crimes do guilt. Is it any praife to a coward, that he had an anceftor who was brave ? He has much caufe to be afhamed, none to glor)', yet probably will glory in fpite of fhame. The lefs merit generally the more pride, and nothing is more common than to find in very worthlefs, in very corrupt men, notable ftatelinefs and infolence. I have known men of the moft fafti*

Quanto

vita

illorum prceclarior, tanto

horum

fo-

ordia flagitiofior..

2M>
dious
fplfit

f S

C 6 U R

S
I

and confident mien, do

a<Slions

little

and bafe, known them falfe, fordid, unjuft. What can be more odious than fuch men, what more Contemptible ? Do not Titles and Honours, if thej have any, render them more contemptible, more odious t For a great man to be difhoneft and corrupt, is infamy in abundance ; but when to corruption and difhonefty he add^^ infolence and difdain, he is completely infamous, and claims abhorrence from all men. It was part of the office of the public Gcnfors aP P-ome, to weed the Senate, and to degrade unworthy Senators Nor could that illuflrious dig-nity be gained or kept without a fuitable fortune.It was not thought honourable or fafe, that any'i one with an ill charadar and no eflate, fliould a6l and vote amongft Magiftrates and Lawgivers ; that a man of bad morals fhould direct the public manners, and difpofe of property, yet have none. Nor was aught, more juft^. than that they who had the fpirit of the worft Plebeians, as well* as thepoverty, fhould be reduced into the clafs of ndfen'
:
<

Senator was at firll they refembled. a Plebeian well accompliihed, and^ therefoie ennobled ;, and it was but reafonable, that wanted accompliiliments, Senators,., who

whom

no more than

'

'

be declared Plebeians again,- when in efFe61: Nobility was the price of they were fo before. worth, and without wortii, reckoned Ufurpation.
fliould
It

was thought: equitable

merit, ib to pull
raifed without

ufage, as to raile men of down men who happened to be Phe worthlefs Nobility were a it..

'

fcandal to the worthy, as well as to their ov/n aneeflors ; nor was it jufl that the worfl fhould be

ennobled,
qualities

when the heft could be no more. Great were accounted natural Nobility, fuch as no favour, no power could bellow s and the power which

UPON TACITUS.

2ir

which exalted worthlefs men, was thought rather Befides it to debafe itfelf than to honour them. State, that the dangerous to and difgraceful was
ien unquaUfied, corrupt, venal, infam.ous,- fhould be allowed any fhare in the fv/ay ; that an Ignorant and a Mercenary fhould have equal weight with the ablefl Senators, and upright Patriots,

Sed. VI.

Public Virtue juftly due from the They ought to Nobility to the Public. be zealous for Liberty upon their own account,
is

but juft to the Public, for men to r-crit which they hold in it, to render themfelves worthy of the privileges and emoluments which they enjoy from it. To take a reward without deferving it, is a fort of robbery, efpecially when to that reward public Service and Duly are annexed. The Nobility of a Country have more advantages from rt than the reft of the Natives, and are therefore more bound in honour and confciencfe to ferve it. It is for this onlv they are, or fhould For their own fake alfo they are bound be Noble. to fludy its profperity, and to guard its Liberty and

IT

the ftations

Laws.

their dignity,

V/here thefe are precarious, fo will be which can never be fafe where Li-

berty is not fo, unlefs in an eflablifhed Ariflocracy, of which I do not now fpeak. By fuch righteous cpnduvS^, a condu6l fo worthy of public Leaders, fo incumbent upoa the Protectors of their Country, they entai! fecurity upon their families, and glory upon their own name. For under Tyranny,

even the memory of great Men is denied Juftice. Arulenus Rufticus was condemned for having pubIjfhed the life and praifes of Thrafea Paetus, a gloijiQUS Patriot murdered by Nero, who hated him,
fo^

212
tirpate

DISCOURSES
which the Monfler laboured to esfHerennius Senecio was from the earth. death under Domitian, for doing the hke

for his virtue,

put to
cus.

juftice to the virtuous

memory

of Helvidius Prif;,

were doomed to the flames fo zealous were thefe Tyrants to deftroy the name But as well as the life of every excellent perfon. in fpite of the Tyrants, in fpite of all their power and rage, thofe precious names are: ftill preferved, ftill praifed So will be the names of all great Men remarkably good and, to heighten the glory of thefe, the infamy of great bad Men, will be Here therefore is thenever fufFered to perifh. choice, to be immortal ia Praife, or in Reproach,

Even

the books

DISCOURSE
Of public Teaching
Sedl.
I.

XII.

and Teachers,

to be

The

Whoever is head of the State ought head of the Religion of the State, force of early impreflions, with their

ufe and. abufe..

TACITUS

fays, that

no government wai

ever fufficiently powerful to reprefs the tur-

bulent fallies of a people, who were once brought to fan6lify and defend the evil doings and devices of men as real parts and a6ls of Religion. Never was any obfervation more true ; and itflieWs of what importance it is to Government to take care how the People are nurtured, that the public education be rational and juff, and that fu bjets be not taught to reverence any authority inthc State more than the civil authority, or indeed
to-

UPON TACITUS.
I

213

to behold or

feel

any other whatfoever.

Where
whea

the public Teachers depend not upon the Magihis fubjedts will no longer depend upon flratc,

him, but upon their Teachers, nor obey him

It is dangerous to taught difobedience by them. the Magiftrate.to have his people .believe, that any

man, or fet of men, has more intereft with God than he has, fmce then, the (ame maa, or fet of men, will of courfe have .more interell with
people. Every Magiftriite therefore who his would rule v/ith proper awe and in proper fecurity, muft be at i:he head of the Church as well as This was the juft policy of the of the State.
Caliphs in Arabia and Egypt, this the policy of

the Sophi's of Perfia, and this is the policy of the Crown of Great Britain. The great Turk .affumes not the name, but he exercifes the power by making and unmaking the Mufii at his pJeaiure. In difcourfmg of public Teaching, I do not mean to consider the courfe or method of education in fchools and univerfities, but to examine the
^ffetSls

of ignorance or underftanding in the pjeo^ and how much it concerns a State wiiat nolions are inftilled into them concerning Keiigion
pie,

.and
*

Government.
it will be allov^d juft, that fuch imas.aremoft wife and virtuous, and wor-

I believe
lafl,

fjrefTions

thy to

Uiauld be

.firlf

nuiiley

not only becaufe

tlicy are

moi\ important, but becaufe the jnofl earafterwaals caufe to

ly impre/Tions are likely to abide longcfl, efpecially

when
:bibed.

the underilandijig iinds

approve ^and retain wJiat the

Upon

,our

fpirits,

mind had already im=^ whillt yet young and

any ideas whatfoever may be flamped, Jiowever foolifli, however mad, or even pernicious. Nay, ilich are very eafily infufed, though very
tender,

hard to be removed. .This iij exemplified eminent flubbornnefs of religious errors.

in

th

Wha

;2i4
is

C O U R
fenfe

more monftrous than fome of

all

thefe,

what more

repugnant to
iiefs,

common

and human happithe attributes of

what more difhonourable to

God, what more

difgraceful to the reafon of

men,

6r more baneful to foclety ? Yet what upon earth is maintained with fuch fondnefs, with fuch zeal

and obftinacy ? Whence comes all this ferocity for the fupport of folly, often in defence of mifery, but from hence, that thefe reveries are for the moft part very early fucked in, befides that they are confirmed by fuperftition, which teaches men not
I
to reafon, but to fear, not to fee, but to believe ? know not that thing which human minds may jTiot be taught to adore, let it be ever fo abfurd, ever fo deformed, or deftru<Stive, whether Crocodiles and Serpents, or Impoftors and Daemons. Nay, what they often adore does not even exift, hut is only fancied, like the imaginary Deity men* tioned and ridiculed by Cicero, called Jius locutus^

the Voice that fpoke^ or like the Idols mentioned by St. Paul, who of them fays truly, ' that they were < nothing in the world j' that is they were only
ftatues

and nam.es.

opennefs of the foul to receive imprefand of its fondnefs for impreffions arly received, Excellent ufe might be made, tho* and it has happened to be generally mifapplied The mind may be taught true proporabufed. tions as well as falfe, fuch as tend to its honour and advantage, as well as thofe which tend to its hurt and difgrace. People may be brought up with aia high opinion of their own reafon as well as with a low, and learn to exercife it as well as to lay it afide, to confidcr and prize It as a gift and guide given them by God, as well as to rail at it, and
fions readily,

Of this

to

diftruft
!

its

guidance.

As

in

fome

countries

(alas
iion,

too

many) they

are e: jcated to love

dclu-

and to adore dcludcrs, they might in others

be

UPON
,

TA

TU

S.

215

'be inftru6led to defpife deluders and to abhor delufion ; here to love liberty and right, as there td

bear bondage and mifrule i to love God vi^ithout being cheated, and im^poverifhed in his holy name, to honour Governors, but to own no allegiance ,tD Oppreflbrs ; to know that the wife God can-

not

command

.fooleries,

nor good Magiftrates rule

violently.

:Se<3:.

IL The ignorance of the People no pledge of fecurity to their Governors, 'The ignorant Rabble always mofl: tumultuous.
are not the iefs fecurebc-

GOVERNORS
men
=cyes.

caufe their fubjels have fenfe and difcernment ; I think they are much more fo, and that 'from the ftupidity and bllndncfs of their people

^hey have conftamt dang^ to apprehend

are apter to be mifled

as blind

than

men

that

have

ignorant and foolifh are eternally fubjel to mifguidance, eternally apt to be inflamed by Incendiaries, to be deceived and drawn away

The

by Demagogues. Such as have no underftanding of their own, will be ever at the mercy and

.command of

thofe

who

can gain their admiration

and efteem, and will ever follow the man who can beft feduce them. Thus the caufelefs mutinies In Armies, thus unprovoked tumults and infurre^hons in Cities and Countries, generally confift of the ignorant and brutal Rabble, excited .and conducted by wretches often as low as them.fclves, only of fuperior craft, and the bad are chiefly guided by the worft. Such was the feditlon of the Legions in Pannonia, in the beginning of the reign
f Tiberius,
'

In

^i^
*

DISCOURSES

In the Camp, fays Tacitus, there was one Percennlus, formerly a bufy Leader in the em* -broilments of the Theatre, and now a common. * foldier ; a fellow of a petulant, declaiming * tongue, and by inflaming parties in the Play* houfe, well qualiiied to excite and infatuate a ' crowd. This Incendiary pralired upon the ig* norant and iinway. He engaged them in * nightly confabulations, and by little and little * incited them to violence and diforders, and to* wards the evening when the fobereft and beft
*

were withdrawn, he aflembled the worft and moft turbulent. When he had thus ripened * them for fedition, and other ready incendiaries * were combined with him, he perfonated a law* ful Commander, and harangued them.' His harangue was artful and vehement, and by it he
*

afFe(Sled

quite fired the credulous multitude.

All licentiouf-

nefs followed and terrible outrages, efpecially

when

Vibulenus, another incendiary and common foldier, had inflamed them v/ith frefli fury by an impudent lye, as if his brother had lately periflied Infomuch that for promoting the common caufe. had it not appeared that the Impofror never had any brother, to atone fur that imaginary murder their General was in danger of fuffering a real Now during all this infurreciion and upone. roar of the common herd (for of fuch only it confifted) the General was ftiil dutifully obeyed by the Centurions, and by ail the foldiers of any
.

merit-.

Indeed all fudden diforders are raifed, all fuand unjuft revolutions are accomplifhed, chiefly by the grofs ajid undilVmguifliing crowd, nurtured in no principles, or bad ones, ready to take every imprellion and alarm, to lovC or to hate by impulfe and direction, and to be guiJc4
rious

net

UPON TACITUS.

117

notbyjuftice, and fenfe, but by pafHon and names, and cries.

One tumult Is generally the pidure of all others ; and reafon, which is a calm and orderly thing, can fcarce have part in any, but inftead of it rage and wilfulnefs bear fway Like the uproar in Ephefus againft St. Paul, ftirred up by the Shrinemakers to Diana. A terrible inlurredion there was, and a hideous clamour. The whole city was filled with confufion, yet the greater part of the multitude knew not wherefore they were come
:

together.

They
in

only agreed in their

a

common

was Diana of the Epheftans and this cry was the only argument which they continued to urge for the fpace of two hours againft what the Apoftle had
cry,

phrenzy and

common
-,

that great

namely, < that they were no Gods j which were made with hands 5* a moft felf-evidcnt and pious truth, if ever there were any. But this manly and benevolent dodrine ferved only to
<

declared

provoke, not to convince a rabble nurtured blind error, and therefore furious to defend it.

in

Sed.

III.

The untaught

to be reduced.

vulgar, how liable 7^he great Power of their

Teachers over them.

does not IT the people,
at all follow

from the Ignorance of

th^t they are thence the more likely to be peaceable fuhjec^s. The more ignorant tney are, the more eaiily they are deceived

luch

depend, not upon reafon, but uoon authority and men, are the fureft dupes of Ambition and Craft, the certain materials for every public combuftion. A few loud, or folemn, or even lenielels words artfully pronounced and applied,
are lufficient to raife their palTions, toprefent

who

and

them

aiB
>vith falfe

DISCOURSES
objeas of love and hate, to
fill

them

with harden them

likely they

foolifh pity

or fooliih indignation, and to It is againft all fenfe and peace.

fo blind

may be even

and bewitched,
cruelties
fo

and ment, efpeare wickedly taught they where countries in dally barbarities are well to believe, that violence and by his will, prowarranted and God pleafmg to his name be boldiy vided that, for their juftification, Whoever can perfuade them, that their ufed. God, has it in lawful Governors are enemies to to their lawful enemies them Inis power to make will be to Governors-, and then the next ftep
order to Ihew their rebel againft their King, in Kings. of King the to obedience , ^ i their Kuler, Neither is it any certain fecunty to to confider him and that they may be alfo taught irrefiftible and facred, tho his power as altogether peltilent even de2;enerate into the moft
.

and as to think all their outrages ny aas of juftice, nay, of piety

ma-

he fhould
-Tyrant
;

is utterly fmce, befides that fuch dodrine incenled, thoroughly w^hen a/ainft nature, which ftubborn to be bound by any x^ill prove often too dependence upon doarine ; there can be no conftant is itfelf founded which principle any of the operation is abfolutely Whatever upon nonfenfe andfalfl.ood latitude in and uncertainty infinite abfurd admits of granted once contradiaion reafoning from it, and a contradiaions of train a in man a involves

generally

and to one another. even to that contradiaion abfurd pofition iman of Moreover the reception embrace it, that who them in blindnefs fuch plies example) that (for them, the fame men who taught whatloever, pretence any upon refill never they muft upon the even reilft teach them to

may

afterwards

non-reiiftance. very pretence of defending kai m our own Such inconfiftencies we have hkewile noiifenfe, clayii
tiiiic.

They who

teach

UPON TACITUS.
a right to
feveral variations of their views.
as they

219

declare the explanations of their own iionlenfe, and thefe they take care to accomaiodate to their prefent temper and views, and to the

Nor from fuch have in{lru6led in folly have they caufe to apprehend any difcoveries to their difadvantage, or that any inconfiftency will be charged upon them. Men who fubmit to be blind, have no right to fee; and he who fees for them, will hardly fuffcr them So that to perceive any faults or errors in himfe'f. he may perfuade them to one thing to day, to another to-morrow, yet fcorn to own any contradiction in his condu6i:, or in their practice.
ftill

He

will

be fure of their adherence, fo long as they have not light enough to fee that they want light nor, whilil: they deliglit in darknefs, can they diflikc him who keeps them in it.

S-ecl.

IV,

The

deceitfulnefs

of Doclrines

which

are againit

Reafon and Nature.

1"^. HERE can hardly be found under any Governmejit ignorance more grols than under that of Turkey nor can the power of the Sove;

reign there be pofiibly carried higher, eltlier in t'le minds of the People, or in the principles of their

Religion.

Yet where upon

r

earth

is

fovercign

Power more
perillous

precarious than there,

is

where more

and where
?

the

life

of the Sovereign Co

often iacriiiced
fon,
all
;

All

men
his

profefs to adore his per-

men own
Nay,

authority to be without
it

bounds
mited
:

ought to be liand prerogative of his abfolute Will, would be as penal, a.^ to call in queftion the Attributes, and even the Being of God nor did it ever enter into their hearts to circumfcribe his Sovereignty by any law. 7'hey
to difpute the doctrine
;

no man pretends that

profcis

aio

DISCOURSES
even unto death, though
to

profefs paflive obedience

he command whole armies

fclves

precipitate

them-

with from a rock, or to build him a bridge or to rivers, of palTmg his for bodies piles of their is he ever each other to afford him fport ; nor
kill

whatfoever, accountable for any aftion or excefs and v^Jthout all wantonly, deftroy he thoup-h Thefe in a day. caufe, a thoufand of his fubjeds worthy Turks, of groffnefs the worthy are flishts Divines j nor have the p-rofs flattery' of Turkifn this flavifh flretching in them exceeded any Divines have held Doarine, except fome of our own who of hufalvation the for even refift it unlawful to thus improved upon the had they As kind. man they wrongTurkifh Cafuifts, fo in another inftance was the pedoftrine this that afferting ed them, by when it Church, own culiar charaaeriftic of their

was

that of the Mahometan dred years before.

Church many hun-

j r favage and grols, But this doarine, however undifcernpleafe and however by it flatterers may

fo oppofite to nature ine Princes, has been found fenfe) that it has common all to is it fas indeed the barbarity ot for proved too barbarous even died violenthave who Princes all Turks ; and of tragically than theirs, more died have none ly, and obedience. none have found fo little refpea earth ; thefe fhadows and images

Thefe Gods upon

to the Sun ; thele of the Almi2;hty ; thefe brethren dicriiities and crowns, are, with alUarthly aivers of vicdivine titles, often the iport and
all thefe their

tims of the

vileft rabble.

This
nature.

it is

to carry fubmiffion

r j beyond rcafon and

,

courfe
a<rainft

is

As every thing human is limited, human patience and what avails bring the bent of nature ? You may
j

fo

ot

theory people

by teaching and ghollly

thing be
it

fafcination,

to lay

any

ever fo abfurd,

ever fo hurtful,

perhaps

UP ON T
to believe
it

A CJ T U

S.

221

But there Is difference between faying and bearing, between aifenting and fufferWhen the trial comes, paflion will prove ing.
too.

f}rongcr thaji opiiiion.

The mofl
is

ignoraiit people,
j

reafon, can be angry

their guide,

though they cannot and anger, whilft it lafl.s,

l^heir other guides

may

dIvSlate

to

them, and argue for them, but cannot feel for them, may govern their ideas, but not their rage. All fchemes which prc-fuppofe the continual rell or fupprefTion of the pailions, are foolifh and fantaftical, let the terrors and reftri6tions which they annex be ever fo awful. What can be more fo than the dread of hell, of everlafting torture and burning i a penalty denounced by fome, particularly by the Turks, againit refiftance, and by many believed Yet has this dreadful terror, even when corroborated with numerous guards and mighty armies, fecured the thrones of Princes ? No Such as have trufled to it, have fallen in
.?

perhaps becaufe they trufted to it. want no fuch deceitful fupport ; for fuch it is, at beft ; and he who relies upon it has generally no other to rely on, and therefore defervcs not a better. It is not juff that falfhood fhould fupport mifrule, or the holv narr.e of God ferve to fhield an OpprelTor. gocd Prince confides in the laws, and in his own upfpight
it,

of

They who

rule righteoully

right adminiftration, and has no occalion for recourfe to lies and frauds, fince he is fure of the fa-

vour of God and man and he who reigns wickedly* ought not to wonder if his wicked hopes perifh.
:

Sea,

i22

D
V.

C O U R

E &

Std:.

foregoing Reafoning further it behoves Rulers that their Subje6ls be well and rationally taught.

The

illuftrated.

How much

pafnve principles^ and iinlinriited and mighty armies fecure a^ Prince agalnft public dilguils, the Revolution at Gonftar.tmopL the other day, is a figJial proof and examand inany fuch examples have happened there, ple lliis is the fecond v/ithin the fpace of feven and A PriiKe whofe authority knev^^ no twenty ye?as. bounds, one by Vv-hofe breath ail men lived, and the greateft men perifhed, one v/hofe height of pov/er could only be exprelTed by titles taken from the Almighty, is in a moment tumbled from his Had he not been proud throne into a prifon. ralfed fo unnaturally high, his fall would not probably have been fo immediate and violent. Where there is only one man to be changed^ the change power be ever is foon m.ade, let the nature of his Tifo pompous, let his name be ever fo folemin. reveall when^ nothing, fignify lofty moft tles the and his defpotic power, rence for titles is gone mud leave him armies', his from which he holds

JOW 1^^ power,

;

little

v/henever his armies do. An angry fa6iion, or a tumultuous foldiery, or c-ven one'defperate fellow, can effect a Revdution, -where it rs^ to be effected by removing a finglc pcriince upon a fingle perfon in all arbitrary But, to countries, the whole Governmeiit rclfs. who them all delh-oy to or Parliament, rem-ove a

fon,

Here is a far different talk. a over ruling Prince a of fecurity therefore io the The States of tlie Country are a wall free peopl-j. Whalcvtr buitheus the fubjcas bear^ about him.
chufc Parliaments,

UPON TACITUS.
are laid

aa3

on by public confent, cannot proas they voke them againft him: Hence his fafety from As he relies not upon armies, popular tumults. at ieral but in part, even the revolt of an army and he has a rcfourcG can but in part diftrefs him amon-ift: his people, where he has not provoked them by opprefiion. It will moreover be a con(tant check and discouragement to any defiga
;

againft

him,

that, though''

it' 'fliiould

fucceed, the

Government would not be

altered,

and fevere ven-

geance would be fure to follow.

Since, therefore, neither grofs ignorance in the people, nor the poflefling them with the moft fiavid-v tenets, can fecure their Rulers againil: infurrections and revolt ; it is the intereft of their Rulers, as well as duty, to provide that the public education

be rational and virtuous, and the public morals be found, that the people have juft notions of right and wrong, that they be not taught flavery inftead of fubjeQion, delufion under the name ofreHgion, and toily for devotion. Where they are taught to be honeft and fenfible, they will be certainly
dutiful to their

another

but

if

dealings,

their

Governors as well as juft to one they be left to folly and corrupt reverence to magiilrates will be

precarious, and

much, fmce without

be as well too little as too a fhare of (enk, efpecially a fenfe of honour and obligations, they can have no fure rule of condud and obedience, and are more likely to follow evil than good, to be turbulent

may

than peaceable. Every departure from juft liberty is an approach to da-s-ery ; every advance towards fiavery is a ftep to brutality, which is then compleat when no liAnd the nearer men are to beafts,, berty is left fooner they are enraged, the harder to govern. the
:

Wild

beaftsj

however managed and muzsded,

of-

L 4

im

124

DISCOURSES

ten deftroy their keepers, as the moft abjecl flaves have fometimes dcftroyed their proud tyrants. Men who know how to e.xercife their reafon and to

watch over their pallions, will be quiet under good ufage out of choice and intereft, whereas llich

whofe
not

faculties
it

are vitiated or fupprelled,

know
it

when

is
:

proper to

fit

flill,

or

when

is

right to roufe

They may

whom

they truft

be perfuaded, by thofe with the management of their

condition is the worlt, that the mofl: equal Government is OpprefTion, that the that a P^rince, ITioft legal Title is Ufurpation ; provided his name be John or James, may do
fenfes, that the beft
pleafes, be it ever fo wicked and tybut if he be called Thomas or William, let him be ever fo juft and wife, he is an ufurper. For, to the flupid and intoxicated herd they do not, they need not, give the true reafon, or a better reafon, or any reafon at all, for this their Neither is it likely that partiality and averfion. they will own, that in ftiling Rulers the Ordi> nance of God, or Apoftates from God, they are generally, almoft eternally, guided by their paf-

whatever he
;

rannical

iions, to

fawn or clamour, flatter or revile, blefs or curfe, be obfcquious or rebellious, juft as they find themfelves courted or negle6i;ed.

Se(5l.

Power in the hands of the public VI. Teachers how dangerous to Rulers and hoY/ ill it fuits with Chriflianity.
-,

People led by deluficn, efpeclally by religious delufion (the moil powerful of all others, and thence the moft praci:ifed) are the fubjc6ts, not of the civil magiHrate, but of the deluders, who may incite them againll him, as well
us

UPON TACITUS.
as

225

engage them for him. Infomuch tliat for his fafcty, and for the repofe of the State, he muft be behoJden not to his People, but to the Leaders and Pedagogues of the People. To them he muft pay all his court, and leave them to domineer, nay, ailift them in domineering, that they may fufFer him to reign, though only to reign in name. Conftant diilrefs and reftraint is the lead that he can expect, nay, if he continue not fufficiently tame, they will perhaps arm his own fubje^ffs againfl him ; perhaps, not content with putting him under due fear and chad fern en t, they will even depofe him, perhaps butcher him, or ob-

own

lige

him to butcher himfelf. Even this laft fally of their pride and power is not new, as the others

have been very com.mon. The Egyptian Prieirs old had gained fuch abfolute fway over all men, efpecially over the King, that, as often 'as they found themfelves prompted by any offence from him, or by any caprice of their own, they were wont, by a fhort order, to command him to
of
die.

Others, fmce, have acled with equal fcorn towards Princes, and depofed and murdered thera with as high a hand. Nay, in moil of their druggles with their Sovereign, they have proved too
hard for him ; a fuperiority which they at firft gained through his own blindnefs and ill policy, by giving them himfelf, or fufFering others to give them fuch mighty revenues, that, by the flrength of thefe, and by their influence over the confciences of men, which with equal weaknefs he had flirrendered to their will and blind guidance, they were
to

become fo potent and imperious, that he was glad compound with them for the quiet pofleffion of his throne, to comply with all their demands, to
b
itill

augmeiltijig their privileges and power, and

thence

226

DISCOURSES
Nor

thence to weaken and give up his own ; nay, to be their daily and common executioner, and to mfll6l death and vengeance where-ever they fliewed
did all this complaifance always he manifefted any uneafmefs or rciervcs, or the love of mercy rather than of cruelty,
difpleafiire.

fave him,

if

or refufed chearfully to
jedls,

kill

who

in their devotions

or diftrefs all his fubufed not the words

and tunes
chano-ins;.

in fafhion, thou-gh the fafhion

was

daily

The
That
Is,

fpeech of the Biihop ef Nifmes to the

is

French King the other day of the fcirir of thofe men.

*

curious fpecimen
tells

He

his

Majefty^,

his

Monarchy is founded upon

Catholicifm,*

that

upon whatever they, the

Bifliops, fhall

think nt to call fo ; for they are the Judges. So that, v/henever he falls fi^om Catholicifm, that is, v/benever he provokes thefc Judges of Catholicifm to declare that he does, he falls of courfe from hh Monarchy. In the mean time they modellly expedt from his Majefly, that he fhould perfecute and undo ail who refufe to fubmit blindly to thek authority and diclates, in fpite of confcience and conviction. It is the ufual reafonino; of fuch men. Whoever oppofes or contradicts them, never fails
to be an

enemy

to

Chrifcianity,

God and the King. which was certainly propagated

without the aid of wealth or power, never has, Like never can receive any alTiflance from either. it muft fuball other inftltutions civil and facred, jili; upon the fame principles from whence it began,, Nor can it enter into the heart or ceale to fubfift. of man to conceive, hov/ Religion, which is a conviction of the foul produced by the grace of God there, and v/ithout that grace can never be produced, fhould refult from force or gain, things which naturally caufe only pride and the fear of

man>

O N T A C

T U

S.

127

man, and other worldly pafHons quite repugnant Nor was any thing ever more evito Religion.
dent than that, when fecular authority and fecular riches are contended for in behalf of Chriftianity, Chrift nor for a y it is done not by the voice of of interefted me i, voice the by but his, purpofes of

and for apparent ends of their own. will readily allow them to be holy men, who call men to Chrift, and labour to convert not alfo holy fouls from fm 3 but furely they are which have things about employed are they when They are not holy no fhare of holinefs in them. civil or in offices and purfuits which are purely No man can be faid to be holy in eating, natural. neither is he holy keeping, or in growing rich even in preaching or praying, if in thefe fundicns If his fermon be his foul be corrupt or inhncere. religious fermon, a not is it thin2;s, fecular about no more than any^^other fpeech prompted not 1 y grace but by paffion ; or, if he pray without fakri

We

and the fpirit, his prayer is no longer holy. mufl diftinguirn between the occupation and the m.an, between his holy occupation and his other Were 'every thing which a holy occupations. be accounted holy, even his fin to man does, would be holy, his acts of frailty would be a61:s of In his preaching and 'teaching the fame holinefs. muft be rule muft be obferved ; elfe his miftakes fwallowed as inftruftion, and he may preach you
into

We

fm and

folly as well as out

of

it.

Sea

228

DISCOURSES

Seifl.

VII. The abfurdity of implicit belief any fct of Teachers, with its mifchievous and monflrous confequences. The natural progrefs of Perfecution.
in

is faid above ftiews the monflrous nonfenfe of fubmitting blindly to any fet of Teachers, and the matchlefs aiTurance of fuch The condition of the countries where as claim it. this wicked point is gained, their fhocking ignorance and mifery, are abundant warnings to na-

WH
who

AT

tions

yet pofiefs the privilege of private judg-

ment and

confcience, to be zealous in preferving a privilege fo precious, the ineflimable gift of God and Nature, that divine ray illliing from the Deity, and the true chara6ferillic of a rational creature.
It is

human

reafon

more than human (hape,

that

Indeed fuch as part with their reafon, have in a great meafure renounced their fpccies, and are to be ranked v/ith creatures
that

<ienominates a man.

them

are not rational, nay, in fome fort, below for, dumb beails part not with their in;

f!:in6l'.

After this fatal furrender of their chief fafaculty, or which of their fenfe can they claim a right to exercife ? They have indeed fmall pretence to any referve, nor is any referve allowed them fuch as may interfere with their J
culty,

what other

fpiritual

bondage.

They

are even

doomed

to

re-

rtounce their eyes, their tafte and their fmell, taj difown the tafte of bread in bread, and the flavourj f vwine in wine, to fee the one God, who is ineivifible

and

fills

heaven and earth,

cut out of

ioaf into numberlefs human bodies intire, yet ftillJ to maintain that he is but one though thousands ofj

mouths are eating him, and each ^ 2

eats

him whole.
Aftei

UPON TACITUS.
After fwallowing dare they difpute, efpecially
this
infinite
lie,
it

229

when

what other comes from

men armed

with double terrors, thofe of Hell and late to afiert thofe of fecular Power ? It is then too bewitched our fenfes, which perhaps are already

and given up ; it is too late to alledge, that it imimpoffibility, plies an abfolute contradidion and involuntary the govern and bind for any man to motions of my foul, which I myfelf cannot direct, From the affuming of a nor hinder, nor alter.

power over the mind of man, every other power

will follow of courfe
refult of
fpiritual.
j

and

civil fervitude is

the fure

(hould be exhorted to examine To order men to believe in before they conceive, their hearts what the heart of man cannot fuch a impiety, and ranee affu is fuch a ftretch of mark of malice againft truth and {enky fuch an fuch a afTault upon natural candor and veracity,

From hence men

alTent.

fure

way

to harden

men

in lying
all

and hypocrify,

fuch an apparent inlet to

godly dominion, that all but, if It may begin with negative penalties, it. for, Inquifition an in ; fuiFcred to go on, will end a (mail punifhmerit infers the necefTity of a greater, confeivhere the firft anfwers not the end, and higheft the but none when higheil, quently of the
Will do.

deiufion and every unmen ihould rife up againfl

tural

few condder this, with the danger and natendency of punifliing for opinions ? Many would rejoice at the whipping of a man for having notions different from theirs, yet be forry to fee him burned whereas the fame arguments that juftify the

How

ufe of the lafh will juftify that of the faggot, and were that man as ftrong as his perfecutors, he has an equal right and pretence for whipping or burn-

ing them.
let loofe,

So that

if this

fpirit

were

univerfally

before perfecution ceafed

men muft ceafe.

Sedt,

230

DISCOURSES

The Will of God not depofited Sea. VIII. The ufe of public with any {ct of Men. Teaching, with the Character necciTary to
public

1 eachers.

How much they are corand great Wealth.

rupted by

Pomp
the
it is

WHEN
cord,
for the

Will of God is matter of remonftrous abfurdity to depend

knowledge of it, upon the authority of and it is an open affront to the divine Being, to ftile it his revealed Will, and yet to call it obfcure or hard to be iinderftood. What can be greater mockery than to fuppofe, that the omnipotent God fhould impart to fome men only, certain great fecrets which were of the utmoft importance to all men ; that all men were to be eternally taxed for

men

'

having thefe fecrets eternally communicated them that he fhould publifh thefe fecrets in his revealed Will to remain always concealed though always preached ; that they are flili to be fecrets, flill hid, though thoufands are publifhing and explaining them every day, and have been for many ages ? Is it not more worthy the idea of an all -wife, of an all-merciful God, to believe that he lays open to all men whatever is necellary for all men to

know

Neither does this reafoning affect: the being of It is my opinion, that a paronational Churches. chial Clergy are of infinite ufe, where they take
pains by their example aiid inftru61ions to mend the hearts of tlie people, where they teach them to love God, and their Neighbour, and Virtue, and their

Country, and to hate no man. As corrupt as men are, though m.orc prone to evil tlian good, I believe it poihble for a wife, and diligent, and upright

Ciergyman,

to

(hame vice and

diiboneliy

gut

UPON TACITUS.
^ut of
his parifh

231

hi s , to make virtue amiable to all of the folly ^^nd deforknaves convince to hearers, perfuade them to be honeft mity of knavery, and to of intereft, as well as for quiet

even for the fake reputation, and the love of their of mind, and for

Bv the fame neighbours. fuch as cured, be miSit

means other

evil habits

drunkennefs, lewanefs, might be even made People lyit and idlenefs. duties ot Religion, which the'genuine all of fond number, and all capable ot are really but few in capacity. meaneft the to demonftration that tney who But it is abfoiutely expedient, men of verathemfelves be truth, profefs to teach order to fober virtuous and city ; that they be

fhew by their recommend fobri.ty and virtue, and that their duty, occafions all upon behaviour, of the people, is the inllruaion and happmefs
that

own mtereft. it the dearer to them than their to all this his contrary condua of a Teacher be If he fet Paitor a of that to contrary character is and lay faliliood, out with a great and folemn
that he came from God, he alledge the call of the
call

whom

he never faw,

it

Holy Ghoft, when

his

are

was apparently interefted and prophet, and he doth the marks of every falfe
;
:

human

theie

not t-ach, but deceive

Or

if

he be debauched,

his attempts, it ne or falfe, or idle, vain will be If he have in others. vices thefe cure to any, ufe cure of the for revenue a great or confiderable cure to a worthimportant that furreiider and folds,
lefs hireling

he be retained at a fmall price, can can Nor money as ? well fo fouls thoue-ht to love

if he revue, or he pafs for an Embafiador of Peace, injure fuch and hate to people curfe, or teach his him. from fDCCulations in differ as of truth, Neither can he be tliought a mefienger with them puzzle if he oraninftruaaQfmea,

curious

232

DISCOURSES

curious and fanciful notions irreconcileable to probability and human apprehenfion, yet to be emThis were to reprebraced as neccrtary duties. fent the wife and good God as delighting to mock and perplex his creatures with riddles and contraAnd for men to own their belief of any di6i:ions. religious proportion, which they cannot poilibly

conceive,

is

to

mock God

in their turn

fince to

our underftanding what tlie underftanding cannot comprehend, is abfolutely impoffible. I can cafily conceive, that a juft God mufl love righteoufnefs and hate iiiiquity ; and this muft be obvious to the conceptions of all men. But, I cannot conceive how the God of truth fhould delight in fophiftry, how he who would have all men come to the knov/ledge of truth, 'fliould defire to have all men confounded with inexplicable niceties, or to have that made true in fyilems which in reafon can never be true. Neither can a Teacher ever edify others whilft he preaches up himfelf. If he contend for power, and dominion, and worldly pomp, how is he a fpiritual guide ? The blefi'ed Jefus and his holy ApcfJes had nothing of all this, claimed nothing.

embrace

v.'ith

And

it is

the fpiritual

amazing that others, who evidently want endowments of the Apoflles, fhould

venture to demand,, as fucceflbrs to the Apoftles, what it is plain tlie Apoftl js never had, nor fought. Other arms than perfuafion and prayer, they have none, and power is incompatible with either. It

was

natural for

Mahomet

to

plant a falfe Reli-

gion by troops of horfe. But Chrift and St. Paul took no fuch ways, nor allowed others to take

them.

Nor has it at all appeared, that our Religion ever flourifhed in proportion as Churchmen grew I doubt its fpirit will be found to have wealthy.
conflantly

UPON TACITUS.

233

The eonftantly funk as their pomp increafed. People, indeed, have ever been moft ignorant
where the Clergy have been moft pov^^erful. The more the latter had, the lefs they taught, and, when under the name of Religion, they were bemafters of all things, they quite aboli/hed Religion to fet up frauds and luperftition. what grofs ignorance, to what mifery and barbarity they had brought Chriftcndom before the Reformation, I leave Hiftorians to declare. In what a horrible ftate of ftupidity, dread and defolation^ they ilill keep the parts of it yet unreformed,

come

To

all travellers

fee,

and

all

that read travels

may

learn.

So much the poor People got by giving thefe Teachers all, or too much, and by believing their commiffion to be from God, when they were acting like the moft deprav^ed of men, full of retheir

venge,
Jefus,

though profefled followers of the meek he was reviled, reviled not again ; nay, confidently glutting their avarice under his name, though he himfelf had not a place where to

who when

lay his head.

AH

this

was

natural, and, in

all

places

upon

earth, the like caufes will produce the like eiFedls,^

The people who had been long deluded, grew firft blind ^ when they had parted with their reafon, they were eafily brought to part with their property, and where all the property was, there all the power followed.
to the end of the world.

Sea.

234

DISCOURSES
IX.
Public Teachers have no Power,

.Se6l.

no, Creation but from the State. Their Folly and ill Policy in claiming any other.

T
let

becomes the wifdom of

all

al*

Governors

fo

to

fafhion and regulate the public Teachers, as to

fee, that they are the appointed by the civil Power to a religious office. This was the wifdom of England at the Reform^atlon. They were then obliged, to fwear, that they deri\"ed all power of all forts whatfoever, from the Crown ; nor could they after this, without exprefs perjury, claim any antecedent or independent power. They were by this cut ofF from the prophane nonfenfe and preiumption of their predecefTors, of reprefenting Jei'us Chrift, and of fucceeding the Apoftles j a fource from which the Popilh Clergy had drawn all their gain and fairy dominion, and with which they had covered and hallov/ed all their wicked pretences

them know, and

of the

men

Creatures

State,

and frauds.

Yet for feveral reigns after the excellent Qiieen Elizabeth, though the fame law, and oaths and fubfcriptions continued, many of the Clergy, in defiance of the conftitutioi}, of confcience and of fhame, adopted all the antichriftian and corrupt claims of the Popifh Clergy ; and, through the
monftrous policy of the reigning Princes, this their lawlefs behaviour was connived at, nay, fupported. For, the Court, where all arbitrary fchemes were

on

foot, in order to gain its

own

purfuits,

humoured

and allifted the Clergy in theirs j and though both Court arid Clergy became thence notorioully unpopular and obnoxious j though bcth Monarchy and Church fuffered a terrible Citaftrophe, for aiming at more than belonged to either, the fame
rclUei*^

U
rind

O N T A C

T U

S.

235

poffcflbd both upon A^'^;^-f f^^ J,: be lawlels arrogiited a power to both and ,ment,
reftlefs fpirit

""This

forfworn, by divine right. fevere check afterwards fpirit mJt another confidence ; but the equal with Yet revived again that than ever Infomuch times fince bore it worfe o much Churchmen which contempt of upon the Clergy by com.p'ain, has been brought Th-^,^'^'^^ themfelve.. ergy ma?y of' the indeed fo f he and extravagant were^fo ambitious, well cxpofed that no wicked, and have been fo perfons could reverence the
;

7tL

l,n

of

common

fenfe

who made them.

makes , they are, the Law certainly certainly gwes them. Law fame the what they have, to a higher crewould they be falfly afpiring deriving from be divine? ation, and a title only from come to world fees

What

.v^*v, them

Why
God
the

Why

what

all

the

bounty of

fo^ieties

and of particukr

men

.inaUonofFreLen? Why
dinary, even a divine

Why

ad
who
form

affert an extraordo cercain adhons, which any man pronounce certain words, fpeak and percould tongue a has hands and

deftruftive o. be broaching doctrines

L berty

power

to

as

well,

if

him

Why would ? fela! tneir moft cernment or piety, by fathering upopm^ns fordid and earthly fift, al, their'moft holy Go.pel, al his and Redeemer on our bleffed and contraaicnons upon their notorious falfocods
the

appointed the civil Magiftrate any di of men all (hock they

word of truth?

Why cover

and avarice, manifcfi

thefe facred

apparent ambuion vengeance and anger, with

,
_

names ? reverence ; .nd Thele were not ways to gam falle reverence, all been had they gained any, it had

worfe than none. . rmA not worth gaining, indeed help f^^^j^*"']" wants no falfe decking, not any.

236
hood, but
is

DISCOURSES
Whoever
often loft or injured by fuch unnatural fpeaks truth and does eood,

company.
IS

fure of a warrant and approbation from heaven, whatever be his habit or his title j and, if he utter falfhood and do mifchief, he may be afliired that God will difown him ; and no name, however fo^ lemn, no habiliment, however g-rave or trorc^eous, can in the leaft juftify him.

The Apoftles had no power, no revenues, nor even the countenance of authority. Ail their credit, all their reverence and fuccefs flowed from their heavenly doarine and behaviour. I hone the world, which has been fo long illuminated with the light of the Gofpel, is not worfe than it was then. The Gofpel has been many ages planted amongft us ; nor could the Clergy be faid to be ftill planting it over again where the people already believed and received it. The bufinefs therefore of the public Teachers was, by contmually urging its precepts upon the confciences of men, to miprove them in practical holijiefs-, to purify their lives in this

for another.

For

this

world, and thence fit them purpofe they have encou-

ragement and fupport from the State j and as a delignation and maintenance from the civil power is all that they can defire, it is likewife all that
they want. They have all poffible fcope to propagate every divine truth, to enforce every fecial and civil duty And whilft they are thus worthi:

no man will envy them, no man can contemn them ; nay, all men will, for their own iakes, pay them ail due countenance and
rcfpeci.

ly employed,

in this glorious purfuit they might be of excellent ufe to others, and gain great ^Iteem to thcmfelves,

eafy, for

by making people good and H,ovenunent good men will be good fubjetts. But it
will

UPON TACITUS.

237

obftacle in their way to elleem, if will be a great and would derive it only they aim at too much,

however they negfrom their name and fundion, duty, and however worthlefs. their pprvert or lea

Too great a fondnefs they be in their perfons. others lefs fond of them, make will themfelves, for too high, many and by deriving their pedigree or even at it too low, fet to provoked will be the greatncfs of nouMit y like vain men who boaft when their defcetit is known to be ortheir race,

dinary, and their

rife late

and fudden.

Se6t.

X. The fatal and ungodly confequences

,

Religion of allowing force in matters of with the inconfiftent and Confcience how The Teaching. nature and end of religious it whence Teachers, contempt of public how Prieftcraft of arifes, and the cry founded.
public Teachall temporal power the ought to be carefully debarred. This is Teachers of Reli.what neithel- agrees with the Government, or with the nature of civil gion the fame For partnerfhip. of which admits not fpiritual power is claimed, of degree any that caufe till at laft the the hieheft degree will be claimed, in the eccleup fwallowed either is civil power tool and machine, as fiaftical,'or becomes only its the Clergy claim a juin Spain and Italy, where Magiftrate, which rifdiction independent upon the and depole excommunicate alfo infers a right to Tyranny, a two-faced a beft at is This him. conllramed to lame and uncertain Government, with two monfter a much too s do too little or direction of the heads, each aiming at the chief body.

FROM
ers

!3t3S

DISCOURSES

body, each furnifhed with a fet of limbs moving oppofite ways. They who deal with the foul, if they meditate its convidion, muft avoid all force,which can on* Indeed the exercife of power ly teach it to lie. in matters of Confcience has produced fuch tra2;ical efFecls, always and every where, as to be fufRcicnt warnings to every country and generation to prevent kindling a flame that would confume all Whenever this power has been once gainthings. ed, the public Teachers have then done teachings and begun to comm.and. Inftead of arguing, they then imprilbn, and filence galnfayers by a lialter,
or a faggot.
It is wonderful how a man of this fpirit, can have the face to attempt the com'erfion of any man cr nation of men. How can he pretend to reafon tne into his opinion, when if I embrace it, I mull: never leave it, though I diflike it, nor follow my reafon afterwards, though my reafon fatisfies mc that I have been miftaken, and that my prefent profeilion is impious and abfurd ? Would it not be rnadnefs to embrace the opinion of a man, who profefles to perfecute or kill you, if you ever afterwards change your milid, let your convl6tion be ever fo full, your confcience ever fo uneaiy ? I would fain know how fuch men can fet about the work of converfion, unlefs they play the hypocrites, and hide all their terrors, their daggers and their flames, till they have once made fure of your perfon. This were a fraud unworthy the Chriftian name, and yet I cannot fee how fuch men could avoid fuch a

fraud.

They
is

arc obliged either to forbear conver-

fions, or to deceive their converts.

Their

prin-

and muft lead them into antlchriftian practices. Whoever would preach the name of Chrift, mwft renounce all perfecution, all
ciple
antichriflian,
fe verities.

Such

UPON TACITUS.

239

Such of our Clergy as dllbwn all fpiiltual indedivine pendent power, airchimerical claims to a and diflinaion their all derive ricrht, and honeftly afted pnvilccres from the Law of the Land, have well as an honeft part, and are the only
a wlfe'^as

men who can preferve the Church and Churchmen from contempt, by giving up all ghoftly craft,
all reftraints

for reafon againft force. charged with Prieftcraft

upon Confcience, and by declarmg Such men can never be

nor be obnoxious to the

That fuch craft has long fcorn that follows it. mifchief prevailed in the world, done prodigious Conprivate to baneful always proved and it, to be fcience and to public Liberty, is toomanifeft where Prieftcraft of cry a raife to Indeed, denied. unjufl; and there is none, would be foolifh and of the cry complain to unjuft foolifh and
it is

as

where the thing fobfifts. I doubt the thing only began the cry, and continues it where it is continued.

Every claim of the Clergy's, which is irreconand cileable to the underftandincrs, to the freedom as any intereft of the Laity, is Prieftcraft, fuch

power
hearts

to domineer, to

damn
to

or to fave, to

know

by confeillon,

perfons,

change the qualities of and places, and matter, by prerogative

the and words, &c. Surely the impartial God, Father of mercies and of men, is not influenced words by the perfons of men ; nor can the fame be efFedual with him out of one man's mouth, This and ineffeaual out of the mouth of another. would not favour of infinite wifdom, but of inas it would be infinite cruelty finite caprice ; and eternal welfare of men happinefs to make the and -depend upon habits and poftures, upon names or man, one of falvation the forms, and to leave

of many,

Yd this

of another, or of a few. dodrine, as falfe and impious as it is, has

at the option

been

240
fco

DISCOURSES
;

been maintained
fubmit to
it

and a power to oblige

all

men

has been contended for.

Se6l.

XI. Power in the hands of any public Teachers, leads naturally to Popery, and How apt they are to diifer is Popery. amongft themfelves, yet claim conformiPerfuafion and good ty from all others. example their only province ; the fandity

of their doings their only landity.

of PoThis is the fpirit, thefe the principles which make Popery terrible. For, as to the mere whimTies of Popery, its ridiculous tenets and worfliip,
Se6lion, conflitute the genuine
fpirit

SUCH

principles as thefe

mentioned

in the laft

pery.

they are of little moment in themfelves. If a pay adoration to a piece of paper with a picture upon it, or to a bit of rotten wood, or to a rufty nail ; he is to be pitied for his folly, but by his folly he hurts not me. It is the power of the Clergy, it is their long claws that conftitute Popery, render Popery terrible, and are Popery, Clerreal Popery, whatever elfe it be called. gy who may do whatever they pleafe in behalf of themfelves againft the Laity, will ever be popiih Pricfts ; that is, they will do what popifh Priefts have always done, every thing to deprefs the Other Laity, every thing to exalt themfelves. difference there will be none, fave in names and

man

trifles.

Wherever the power of Popery, unbounded authority in the Clergy, is

that

is,

an

eflabliflicd,

all the vifionary follies, all the idolatry and extravagant fuperftition of Popery, are likely to follow. 'I'he ignorance and pannic fears of the vulgar, and

the

UPON TACITUS.
the cunning and
-time introduce
all tlie reft.

241
pofitions

fcllifhnef^ of their guides, will in

The amazing

and ablurdities of Popery were not immediate! j fettled with the moiiltfous power of tiie Popes, but gradually and naturally followed it.
Calviji

was

a protcitant,

and a Reformer, and

:

occafioned great good by weakening Popery but in the proceedings aganH Servetus, Cahin was a

Pope, nay, a popiih

inquifitor,

if it

be true, that

he was the author of

vetus
a

thefe proceedings.
?

Was

Ser-

So was John Calvin to the Pope and the Monks, who had as much right to burn him, and were as little vouched by the Gofpel in their trade of burning, as was he in burning Servetus. Were e\'ery man who differs from another in
Heretic to John Calvin
religious points, efpecially in points

owned to be not only curious, but even inexplicable, to be executed,

one man in the world '^\'ould remain alive, fmce men differ more or lefs. No men differ more about

"but
all

Religion than Clergymert, or with more acrimony. are fubjeci: to difpute about things of the leaft and of the greateil moment, and to mix much paffion with all their difputes, be the f\]bje(5l ever fo important, or -ever fo trivial I wifn I could fay, that they never manifefted any unchriftian want t)f charity towards each other, and tov/ards all their opponents whatfoever. However that be, it is matter of wonder, that they, who are fo different and oppofite, nay, fo endlcfsly divided in their fentiments, can fo boldly exatSt conformity from all men, can contend that all men fliould agree with them, who cannot agree with one another. Under all the darknefs and uncertainties of Paganifm, did the Philofophers (the Teachers of ttiofe days) differ more widely, or quarrel more fiercely than the Teachers under a clearer difpen-

They

VoL. V,

fation

242
fation have

DISCOURSES
difFercd

and quarrelled ? Or did the heathen Sages ever produce llich furious ferments in the world, fuch nr.ercilcfs wars, fuch public defolation. as the everlafting contention between Fathers and. Fathers, between Dollars and Doctors , has produced ? It is flrange, that they who profeffed to be guided by eternal verity, and to guide all men to it, fhould maintain If this' be owing to their eternal flrife about it. own various conceits, to their pair.cns, errors and particular interefls, with what certainty, or f^tisfaction, or fafety, can w^e rely upon fuch di<putit poffible ins; and contradilory Leaders ? How^ is tol)e determined by judges who vary thus infinitely in their judgments'? Will they tell us, that they agree in the thing, though they differ in explaining it ? This would be too great mockery, when the thing as they explain it feems we muft afler.t to all tlieir pretended auit ; elfe there is an end of
wrani:!;ling of thefe old

thority and guidance.

If they fay, that the

-,

thing

this is Trill equally abcannot be explained at all admits no expliwhat to aflenting the lurd, fmce and why do they cation, is to afient to nothing difpute about what they can never clear ?
;

It,

had thus ordered

in truth, looks as if -the providence of it, on purpofe to bailie the vanity

God

and atof fuch men as would didate to others, tempt to make his word clearer or darker than he
himJelf has thou9,ht
fit

to

make

it.

It

looks as

if

fon

perpetual he meant to warn us, by thefe their reaand eyes own our upon wrangles, to depend in his word, for undcrflanding his will revealed

which

to the

meaneft capacity difcovers what

is

is
?

fm, and what

duty.

What more

is

necelTaiT

curious doubti'ng and learned difcord ever were not iTiended the world ? 1 wiili the contrary

Has

too tragically true.

UPON TACITUS.
The

243

province of public Teachers is perfuafion. Otlicr force than that, and the force of good example, is monftrous ; it is contrary to the Gorpel to require any, or any refpe6^ at all but what refults from their ufefulnefs and the piety of their All men v/ill be ready to reverence them lives. according to the meafure of their integrity and virWhat would tue, and of the good that they do. they have more ? This is reverence upon a folid
foundation,
iuch
as

will

lad.

But

to

demand

high refpe^f to mere fhew and names, to the fanetity of their charaders, however little there appear in their perfons, or to their mighty prerogatives from Heaven, v/hen their purfuits are altogether worldly, is the diredl way to bring themfelves under public ridicule and even public indignatioii.
It
is

only

fanirlity
-,

of alions that makes a fanili-

and whoever does thole actions has that charafter, as he who does them not cannot have it, though he may boldly afTume it. A Clcr-. gyman who is, a perfecutor, an oppreiTor, a drunkard, proud, unjult, licentious, muft with an ill
fied

charader

grace talk of his facred profeffion, or pretend to the Holy Ghofl. Much more conceivable it is,

much
rit

miorc likely and natural, that the Holy Spii(hould influence and accompany any Layman
is

who
That

Spirit

in evil

peaceable and merciful, pfb and fober. can never furely be fuppofed to dwell and vicious men, be their titles ever fo

coeleftial. He whofe wa3^s are not can never be efteemed a fuccellbr to the Apoifles whereas he who lives like an Apoftle, though he be:u- no particular habit or name, is an apoltolical man.

fpecious and
apoftolica],

It is

not reconcileable to

common
power of
idle,

fenfe or
holijiefs

fenfe, that hollncfs or the

any can
"imd

adhere indelibly to a

man

of an
2

or proiliizate

244
and impure
that
is,

DISCOURSES
which he performs not,
but ever accord with

life, merely by the force of ordination, of being ordained, according to the prefcription of the Law and Forms of man's dcvifmg,

to perform an office
neglc<5]:s

or difhonours.

Can

it

God and his Religion, that thofe lands, which are once pofibfled by one
reafbn, or with the idea of
fort of Churchmen, though acquired by the moft impious frauds, to maintain the luxury of infamous and cheating Monks, muft ftill continue appropriated to the ufe of another fort of Churchmen, and can never be alienated without the fm of facrilege ? That the holy Church of Jefus -Chrift, who pofielTed no wealth himfelf, nor left any behind him, can crave or bear an endowment acquired by robbery and frauds, or refufe to make reftitution to fuch as have been plundered in his name by vile and rapacious deceivers ?
.

Sed. XII.

How

it is

that public Teachers

it.

fail

of refped, or gain
more fhocking
laft

CAN

there be
all

tenets than thofe,

mentioned

in the

SetStion, or

more
truth

re-

and piety ? Yet many fuch tenets are maintained with It is certain that the Reformajiotable iiercenefs. tion owned none fuch ; nor, confequently, docs our Church, which is founded upon the Reformation, own them. In renouncing Popery, we renounced all its falfities and abominations nor can he who adopts and defends them, be an Englifli Protellant, nor indeed hardly a Chriflian, if he thus fly in the face of Chrift and his ApoUles, and 1their name demand pofTciridns which they never
pu2;nant to

reafon and virtue,

to all

enjoyed,

UPON TACITUS.
enjoyed,

24^-

demand power which tbcy never

fought,

they proniotc narrow from the public intcrelK or if they endeavour to make their hurtful to it hearers rather bhndly obedient to themfelves than zealous for tlic public weal and for the honour of the State, rather intoxicated dupes to names and if when delufion than wife and good fubjecls they are angry at their Governors they encourage difaffection to the Government, but, when humoured, preach up Havcry and tamencls under oppreilion however outrageous, can tliey liope to ba reverenced f Can they be thought a6luated by Religion, or Reafon, by Mercy, or Truth, or by any good fpirit ? But, -if their conduct be contrary to all this, no contempt or public defpight can Where they a6t worthily, poffibly befall them. they will be as furc of refpe6^, xs by acting difintereib,

but always renounced. If in their exhortations^

feparate
:

ferently they will be fure to mifs

it.

True

refpect

comes from good deeds and not from notions and appellations, much lefs from pride and the itch of
dominion, from impatience of difference in opifpirit. Whoever manimeeknefs of behaviour, univerfal charity and forbearance, confults and promotes private honefty and peace, with public virtue and tranquillity and the welfare of fociety, and goes about doing good, cannot fail to find the efteem of all men.

nion,
fefts

or peevifhnefs of

a general

Sea,.

246

DISCOURSES

Std:. XIII.
lic

ExceiTive Revenues of the pubTeachers, how pernicious to the World. decent and caiy maintenance to be allowed them.

"T

T T HAT

lefpedi r gieat pcrtion of the world

its Teachers, the miferabJe conmoft parts of it, the ignoranee and flavery to which they have brought it, and under which they fuller, nay, obUge it to lye, do abundantly fhew. Can it be denied that as their power role, civil happinefs funk, that in proportion to their grandeur has been the mifery of their followers r Indeed if the mofl: heavy and lafting curfes that can befall or afBicSt human kind, entitle them

owes

to

dition of

to refpc61-, they
higheif, from

may,

in

many

places, claim

the

public delufion,

perfccuticn,

beg-

gary and bondage, and from general defolation and woe, as from io many monuments of their own raif: ng, or fuch St leail, as they largely helped ta raife. It is evident, that where they profper moil, the people are the moft wretched, and that ta fucli profperity fuch wretchednefs is owning ; if thnt

can be called profperity which produces fuch

nite evil.

infi-

Is not this ai"Rple warning to nations which arehot yet in the fame condition, to take care of every approach towards it r And is not this a. ready anfwei" to every attempt for accumulating overmuch worldly property upofi fpiritual men ? Beyond a certain meafure it makes them ufelefs, vely much makes them dangerous, and their p;ide and power always rife in proportion to their revenues. Is it not fo in Spain and Italy, v/here their infinite wealth, eternally produdive of infinite authcrlty, has made them a public plague and fcourge..

There

UPON TACITUS.
There
bounds:
their
terrors

^47

and depreciations

know no

Guarded by flames and an Inquditum

and all oppofition to their enorthey cheat mous falftioods and infatiable avarice, reftraint, and not or fear without and domineer of the miierable content to prey upon the lubftance and their fenfes their of Laity, rob them even there, lo talt delufion the is complete So time. the bondage over foul and body. nations yet free and If this be dreadful, let other the Bible and rational, yet at liberty to underfland all meaagamit guard Confciences, to follow their however imperceptifuics that would lead them, unchnaian Itate, blv, into the fame doleful and
a-ainft gainfayers

Cnurdi freedojii. for Chriftianity is a ftate of withflounflied, even ofChrifthas fubiiiied, and

The

much revenue has out any revenues at all ; but too quite defaced always impaired its purity, fometimes always io has It inftances. it, as in the above prohappened, that immenfe wealth and a holy pomp much and accorded, feifion have not well nor found wel :^nd fpiritjaliuy neither look well more efF^aual a be Neither can there
together.

demo miration,

that neither a heavenly

commimon,

fet of nor heavenly hearts belong to men, to any arand ever them fee to than men whatfoever, and dently engaged in purfuits of w^oridly wealth worldly power. Let I'le public Tcc-xhers have a maintenance in maintenance the name of God, a decent and eafy of loconfent the and laws by fecured to them ciety; but let them not boMly pretend to derive

their

maintenance from God, when it is evidently They who contend for this, cut the gift of men. themfelves off from all regard, and cannot poffibly be grateful to any benefactor,- fincc they confider

him not

as the giver, but only as the

M.

4.

indrumenty nay.

248

DISCOURSES

nay, probably, may think him an uiurper in pretending to give them what was theirs before by
divine right.

Moreover their maintenance ought to be retrained within a certain meafure, and not fiiffered to grow To as to devour in time the property and maintenance of all other men. If fome of them have too Uttle, as doubtlefs they have, otliers have too much \ and in all orders of men there will ever be fuch inconveniences and unequal diftributioii ; nor is it poffible for public wifdom to remedy the fame, or for the public purfe to enrich or
even to fupport lower than they
is

all

that are indigent, or

fituated
It
lot,^

more

jufi:

and fometimes deferve. that particulars fhould bear a hard

wifli,

than that, to
the- bal lance
is

mend

it,

fociety fhould fuffer,

loft

and
It

of fociety be

or endangered.

againft

all

rcafon, and very ungenerous, to feelc

relief fron^ a.ny lizheme

all

which would in time bring from them. I wifh it could be fo ordered, that where-ever Religion produces Gain, Gain would never prove to be more confi-

men

to feek relief

dered than Religion,

Se6l.

XIV. An inquiry Dilpenfation has, with

and excellencies,
fo

why
all

the Chnftian

its

advantages

World.

mended the Whether and how far pubhc

Httle
this.

Teachers are chargeable with

WHY
much
quiry of
all

the world has not been more mended by the Chriftian Difpenfation, of itfclf fc^

adapted to

mend

the world,

is

worth the inas

men,

efpecially of fuch

are

em-

ployed to inculcate its precepts upon the minds of all And here many other inquiries fubfequcnt to
dils

UPON TACITUS.
this will

249

naturally occur

namely, whether they

have

e\'er

purfued their

affiduoufly than fuited

own worldly intereft more with their holy profefHon,

and never proftituted religion to ferve the purfuits of weal h and power whether they have ever difpenfed with fins, and been even partial to favourite and bountiful Tinners, or difcouraged and even perfecuted conicience, and fincerity, and all holinefswhether they never that bore not their mark claimed an abfolving and damning power, and byit brought men to fear them more than God, to be more afraid of offending them than of committing: fm, for which they could fo eafdy pronounce pardon whether they have always man^kiced that humility, gentlenefs and benevolence fo well becoming fuch as fpoke in the name of Chrift whether they never, ufed the. Holy Gofpel to warrant their own atiger and ambition or avarice, and inthe ftile of the Gofpel enflamed the mad rage of party whether they have been equally diligent to make their followers nncere Chriflians, as warm
:

Champions for Chriil as Champions for Churchmen: whether they promoted knowledge
zealots.
religious and rational inquiries without reand taught truth rather than blind fubmiffion, rather than the narrow principles of particuwhether they have prom.oted the lar facSlions great blefHngs of fociety, civil and religious Liberty, obedience to equal and fixed Laws rather than. to the lawlefs and unfteady will of man, and have always fupported Government, when Governors obferved the Laws and whether men who have a holy profeflion, if in their conduct they be not holy, can be reverenced. for. their profeflion which

and

rdl

serve,

they diihonour, or lead men into all righteoufnefs, without being righteous themfelves ? The continual endeavours of fo many thou fund

Teachers

in

any country, to recommend ths beautv

7ild

250

DISCOURSES

and benefit of Religion and Virtue, and to fTiew the deformity and mifchief of evil and immorality,, would furely be of vaft weight and confequence.. But let the number of Teachers be ever fo great, fmall good v/ill enfue, if many exert no endeavours at all, if many do it fuperficially, like a tafk which they feem forced to, and not to chufe or
delight in.
If they recommend dry and dark fpeculationsy fuch as are hard to be underftood, or if underftood, produce no pradical duties, and, without mending the heart, only perplex the head i or if

they inveigh againil fuch as entertain ideas different from theirs, and provoke people to bitternefs towards each other, rnftead of exhortijig them to

mutual
appear

love
fet

and forbearance

If

their

hearts

upon pomp, and gain, and dominion,.

filled
:

rather than

with humility and fejf-denial, and men If' they promote ignorance and flavery, perfecution and difcord, and fhew anger or favour to men, not according as they are wicked or virtuous, but countenance and their own followers however bad, and hate dictates of diftrefs fuch as only follow the pure
zeal for the fouls of
,

If they darken or pervert the Gofpel crjoffes, by talfe and felfifh comments, and vain by would oblige all rneri to fubmit to thefe thei^r inventions, though directly oppofite to the Gofpel and all the ends of the Gofpel ; fmall is the won-

Confcience

der that mankind are not mended by fuch depraved as It is indeed wonderful that, bad inilruaion. they are, they are not ftill worfe, fmce it is maniearth, and in feft that over a great part of the fome of its fireft regions, their Inftrudors are confrightening tinually deceiving, debafmg, blinding,

and opprefTmg them.

In
matters of Religion,
the

neither

Church nor

Roman Church

the Greek allow their people to

UPON' TA
to retain

T U

S.
It

251
in others.

common

hate and damn as tradiaions, and dreams, and to who are^not lo Hind, Atlieifts, or Heretics, all Their as themfelves. flavifli and diftraaed, and the mercy of Tearhe's even affume to fell them

For Religion they

feme, nor to forgive and arc taught gibberifh,

con-

and eternal Salvation, at a money, and for them from the blackeft jruilt for his refentment of money to difarm the Almighty can pay, they they as long As and vengeance. warranted nay, may fm, and are thus encouraged,

God

price, to abiolve

Cfftce of in eternal immorality. In the to their feveral according taxed are fins Rome, at as weU as the greateft the fizes and qualities, and and for inigold and ; filver by cancelled leaft are to nature, Ihockmg quities deftruaive to focicty and

the Datary

atonement.^ fuch as have wealth may find Where fuch or any commutations for Im are alabate, finlowed and praaifed, are fins likely to or even to abound, to Religion or mend, to ners willi nothing like Aibfift, in any force or purity ? I were found in other countries eveiv
this vile traffic

where Popery

is

abolifhcd.
is,

doubt a good

gift

to

the Altar, that

often paffes as

to

them who miniiler

there,,

an expiation tor a multitude ot a bounty tofms ; and has it never happened that preiTed upon the ftrangely been has Church the as what confciences of timorous and dying people, opened the gates of Paradiie, and was^
powerfully

torments ? a prevailing antidote againft future true or almoit notoriouOy be One thino; feems to not efieemed. are jnen that Religion, in parties all.
virtue, by them according to their real piety and partyand adherence blind their to but according; men are zeal ; and the moft wortldefs or word the fobercit often careiTed and applauded, whilft 1 bus we and the belt are negleaed-or decried,. ^^'^^e Ivl 6

252

DISCOURSES

have feen very pious Chriftians hated and traduced as very bad Churchmen, when very bafe and very profligate men were extoIJed as excellent Church-

men.

of Port Royal were, for their for their Religion and Virtue, an ornament to the learned world as well. as to the Kingdom of FraiKe They were tvca zealouHy attached to the Romifli Religion. But all this merit faved them not from conUimely and perfecution, becaufe they had defended the eternal laws of Morality and the Gofpel ao;ainft the execrable maxims and cafuiflry of the Jefuits, who in

The Gentlemen

Learnmg and Writings,

voluminous writings had confounded all Moand Confcience, "For this the Gentlemen of Port Royal w^ere reprefented as Atheifts, Heretics, and enemies to the Church, nay, as enemies to the Government, and thence expofed to all injuflice, ill ufage, and the frowns of power. The like treatment had the divine Archbifhop of Cumbray, the immcrtal Fenelon. When at the fame
their
rality

time, the grofielr ignorants, the vilell voluptuaries, the moft hot-lieaJed bigots, were reckoned excellent Catholics, ap.plauded, and preferred.

What the King of Sardinia has lately done, in taking the education of youth .out of the hands of the Jefuits, merits great attention, and is an. example to other Princes and States, at lead to tho^e of the fame communion. It was i.ndeed of hic^h
nioment, that the public education fnould not be directed by an order of men who were continually
purfuing an intercfl direftly againft the intereft of the State ; vi^ho taught his fubjeas not fo much to reverence the Magiftratc, as to reverence Them, not to love or conllder the good of the whole, but
tlie good of that Order; who poifoncd them with party-maxims deftruaive of the maxims of fociety ; and

UPON TACITUS.

253.

principles and inftead of inftilling the benevolent

without^ which of peace and mutual forbearance, perifli, infpired vior miferable be mufl fociety all
fee the rulence and eternal hate, and would rather fuffcr the than diflblution, and ruin into run State conceits, however leaft variation from their own

For, it is notofond, or ridiculous, or wicked. I that this is the fpirit of the Jefuits. rious, feds other fevcral of fpirit ihe wifh it vver not and bigots, efpeci'ally where their bigotry is ani-

mated by a palTion for power and riches. It feems at the. the Court at Turin is not much difturbed the counthreats of the Reverend Fathers to leave
try,

but even frankly offers palTports to as

fit

many

as

think

to go.

bitter

body can forget the extraordmary merit and treatment of the late excellent Dr. Clark, Chriflianity^, his able performances in defence of as a bad him ruin ta attempt rcillefs the and Churchman. The declaration of Father Canaye the Jcfuit to the Marfhal r>'Hocquincouit, rckted

No

by St. Evremont, was open and inflru(f^ive. The Marfhal had faid,. that he was formerly a Janfenift, but now for the Jefuits, and could be crucified why or for his Religion, though he knew not Oh excellent words, blefTed motions, wherefore.
fays the

Jefuit

be crucified

for Religion^ yet not

know why or wherefore f what an extraordinary grace, my Lord, has Heaven, beftowed upon you ?
Ejiote ftcuti infantes : Be as little children : Bleffed The good Father liked the ^re the poor in fpirit. fo Marfhal's zeal the better for being ftark blind
:

far was he from blaming his ignorance. Where-ever it is mor.;. dangerous to offend the

Clergy than to oftend God, it is natural for the For the ignorant iritere'rt of Religion to decay. and the many, will always incline, nay, probably, be taught to rely more upon them than upon him, and

254

DISCOURSES

and to think that if they can but pleafe them, they Where an 11! man who concannot difpleafe him. formsy is better ufed than a good man who diflents, the neccf?7ty of being good will not be confidered, but the neceiTity of being conform?blc-, and^ men will not be ib much afraid of fin as of diiTentWhen the doing certain acflion?, v/hlch may ing. be done without any devoutneis at all, filall yet pafs for devotioji, many will be apt to think that when they have performed thefe, they have done all that
is

required, at Icafl

made

amen.ds for pait iniqui-

which they may itill cancel, as often as committed, by the like atonemeni: and repetitions, and by a little devotion on one day in the week, calm their confcience about all their failings during
ties,

the rclK

Thus falfc ztA is, as it were, a muilcl for want f Religion, and palTes for Religion ; and many other Church m. en befides thcfe of Rome, fcem to accept of equivalents in the room of real piety. Were it otherwife, the guides of one fe6b wouldlove the fober and good men of another fe6l better They v/ould hate than the vicious of their own.
the
fl:rl6icft

conformifls

the conftant practice is otherwife in moft Churches and iBeCis. So that the name of Religion is ufcd, but

eftecm feparatifts

who wanted virtue, who had it. But I doubt

and'

the thing, the eficnce,

is

often turned into fadiun

the endlefs paifions of men,. They all talk of Chrift and Paul, and appeal to Perijaps it is well for many that they arc them. not yet called upon by cither to make good their Nay, were Chrift or Paul to return to appeals.
loft in

and party, and

the earth under their former characters, I fear their reception, in many countries, would not be better

than

it was in Judaea. This Sc6tion, as v/ell as the whole Difcourfe grows too lono:, though m-uch more mi^j^ht'be faid.

1 ftiall

UPON TACITUS.

25^

obfervation more, namely, I fliall make but one which has ibmetimcs inconfiflency ilrange the upon appeared in the notions of feme great and venerahow ihcjr ble Dodors about evil and Im ; 1 mean

could be vehement againft peccadillos, againft folof little confequence,. lies and frailties, which were and for which perhaps they had no rclifh, yet could
often,
at

zealouflv.
prefTion,'
afTift

the fame time, go deliberately, nay^ Into apparent meafures of public op-^ or of public tumults and war; could-

and fandify the moft enormous, the moft the moft complicated and devouring, Rebellion ;, of all fins, thole of Tyranny and
dreadful,

could declaim terribly againft profane fwearing,. which only hurt him v/ho uttered it, and yet encoura2;e and animate univerlal Perjury,, fome-the peotimes'^in Ma8;iftrates, at another time in
ple

and be1"or eftablifning univerfal Slavery, or generarRevolts, at different times, juft asthey happened to be pleafed or difgufted. For fucli. has been the inconfiflency of their behaviour in;

incitino;

many

countries, and at many times ; and, as nonehave ever proved forer plagues to righteous Governors, none have been fuch fell champions for Tyrants.

And

as to

the

abufes of Religion,

efpe-

cially fuch as

were gainful, have they ever appeared vvallins; to. reform them, or willingly fuffered them to be reformed by others ? And have not all great and ufeful Pvcforrnations been accomplifhed by the Laity, and conftajitJy oppofed by the public Teachers ? Could Religion, the humble and difinterefled Religion of the Gofpel fiourifhi under fuch Circumftances, and fuch Direaors I

Sea.

2s^.

DISCOURSES
XV.
Of
public

Se6l.

Spirit, its ufe and promoted by public Some Conliderations upon the: Teachers. importance and character of public Spirit.

efHcacy.

How

little

WHILST much
was no wonder

the public Teachers were (o attached to party and intereft, it

that in their teaching there

were

thing of great importance they feem to have almoft intlreJy negrle6led, I mean the raifing and recommending of Public Spirit, fo necefiary to the profperity of e^very
material omillions.

many

One

Country, and even to the prefervation of all. Itthis which animated tht> Roman State, andBut they fet the Romans above all other men.. who inftrudled the youth of Rome had no by-ends,

was

no

They infpired detaciied inter efts of their own. fuch as they taught^ with the love of their CounThe public try, and of Virtue, and of Honour.
all,
it

good, the glory of the State, was the end of

they had' learned chearfully to forego every private advantage, nay, life itfelf. 'This was a fine fpirit, early and conftantly infufed,

^nd to prom.ote

and produced
to

men who were a

human

nature,

credit and ornament and are patterns ftill for the

effect

whole

race.

Such was the glorious

began to

of a

noble and rational education.

The Romans

know

the value of Li-

berty, and to feel a palfion for the Public V/cal, at

an age when others fmce are conning over v/ords, and know little elfe but to fear the rod, and, without once thinking of their Couiitry, only learn to reverence a particular fet of men and names, and
heartily to hate
all

the reft.

They

are for a courfe

of

many

years employed about words,

and notions.

UPON TACITUS.
tlons,

257

when they arc thus fufnarrownefs of mind^ when their heads are well filled with abfurd maxims, arid unmeaniii-g dittinctions, they may be Tafely trufted abroad in the world, as fecure again ft all free and rational fentiments, and polTefTed with falfe ideas of reverence and of averfion, to the end When, like the young Romans, of their lives. they might be ftiining in aflemblies or armies, they
and
fubtleties
;

anxl

ficiently difclpiined into

are engaged
phyfics.

in

Logic, and combating in Meta'

Mr. Locke
*
*

fays,

It

is

matter of aflonifhment,

of quality and parts fliould fuffer themfelves to be fo far mifled by cuftom, and implicit
that

men

<
'

faith.

Reafon,
children's

if

confulted,

would

advife, that

time fhould be fpent in ac' quiring what might be ufeful to them when they * come to be men, rather than to have their heads < fluffed with a deal of trafh, a great part where' of they ufually never do (it is certain they never ' need to) think on again as long as they live v ' and fomuch as does flick by them, they are * only the worfe for. This is fo well known, that * I appeal to parents themfelves, who have been * at cofl to have their young heirs taught it, whe* ther it be not ridiculous for their fons to have ' any tin6lure of that fort of learning, when they * come abroad into the world ; whether any ap' pearance of it would not lefTen and difgrace them * in company. And that certainly mufl be an ' admirable acquifition, and defcrves well to make ' a part in education, which men are afhamed of ' where they are mofl concerned to ihew their ' parts and breeding.' In latter ages the caufe of public Liberty has been littSe beholden to the public Teachers, who, inflead of inftilling and cherifhing Public Spirit,,
their

without:

^58

DISCOURSES

without which Liberty can hardly fubfiftj ha\'e too often exerted all th^^ir endeavours to exting,uifh both. V/here-ever Slavery is fettled, they help too afliduo'jfly to confirm it, and where it is not, many of them have appeared diligent agents to introduce it. Was it thus they merited the profound reverence which they claimed from mankind, thus that they earned the mi^^hty revenues which they enjoyed, for bringing upon men the higheft evil which men can fuffer, an evil big with every other evil, the dreadful calamity of public
Servitude
lic Spirit,
?

of this Section upon Pub^ Lord of great knowledge, obfcrvation and parts, with all which he himfelf feems to be much lefs acquainted, than, they are who have the happinefs of knowing him and fuch is the private manner in which he pafTes moil of his time, that his acquaintance are far from numerous : So natural it is for fine qualifications to be accompanied with great modefly.

For the

follov%^ing part

am

obliged to a noble

* *

' It is a remark of Thucydides, that bad Laws well executed are better than good Laws not duly obferved. It is not enough for a Nation

ConlHtuuon, unlefs both the People concur in adhering to it with ftriclnefs, Abufej cnce fufFered to creep in, fo naturally gain ground, fo quickly fpread,.
to iiave

a good
iind

Governors

that it requires conilant via;ilance to prevent their entrance and grov/th. jcaloufy for the Public is a commendable jealoufy, and if ever the excefs of any pailion were juilifiable, it would fureThat temper of mind to which ]y be fo here.

we

give the

name

of Public Spirit,
that
it is

is

fo

neccf-

fary to all focicties,

^

next to impoifiblo

Lord

Pagctt..
'

they

UPON TACITUS.
*

259
Indeed,
in
it,

they fhould long fubfift

without
agree to

it.

*
'
*

whatever

difficulties particular
it,

the exercife of

all

men

men may find commend

'
*

Nor can there be better proof of the excellency of any character, than to fee the very men who refolve never to defcrve it, takijig grc?t pains
to

make
it.

the world believe that they have a right

to
*

* *

*
'

* '

*
'

'
*

* *
^

'
'

' '

^
'
'

*
' ^
*-

In times of the greatefl corruption, we do not that ever a corrupt man of any fenfe durft openly avow his principles, or declare that he made his own intereft the mcafure of his public condud. Qiiite otherwife Such men are apt to ftart at their own picture, and will not forgive thofe who difcover their views, and reprefent them in proper colours. Such tendernefs is prudential > fmce the difcovery of ill defigns, is a. ftep towards defeating them. Befides, m.en are generally more y.fhamcd of vices Vv'hich fhew the weaknefs of their underftanding, than of thofe which unfold the corruption of their hearts. It is a confejSion of the meannefs of a felfifh difpolition, that men are thus loth to be thought governed by it. Though they would be glad toreap benefit from their low purfuits, they arc afhamcd to be detected in contriving them. ^ It therefore looks as if it were equally renouncing the rules of good fenfe, and every impulfe of good nature,, to be deftitute of regard for the welfare of the Community, or to imagine that any pm-ate advantage can ftand in comipetitiorv with the profpeiity of the whole. For one nation to grow rich by the fpoils of others, is very unjuit, yet not always impolitic. But to weaken and impoverifn our own- Countiy, is as fooiifh
find,
:

*
*

as it is wicked ; fince private property muft be very infecure, when once that of the public is in danger y nor can it be ever more fo than when
'

it.

26c
it

DISCOURSES
Gomcs
to be defertcd
It.

by thofe whofe

intcrefl

It

is

to preferve

* I believe that Icarce any Confiitution has been overturned by mere accidents or misforturiesr Errors at home may have immediately contributed to national ruin, and foreign invafion brought it on. But a long courfe of mifmanagements, of ambition and rapine, and of evil and loofe adminiftration, has generally preceded allgreat Revolutions ; when the leading men made It their only lludy to fupplant, decry, and opprefs each other ; when the people were on both iides perverted to ferve the narrow and corrupt purpofes of particular and oppofite Leaders, and were animated not by zeai for their Country, but for hoftile factions debauching and rending their Country. Whenever cabals, and hcentioufnefs, whenever fforruplion, and contempt of authority, are the mcaiures of acquiring,, and afterwards of fupporting power, the confequences muil be oppreflion and injuffice, which will naturally introduce diforder and confufion. Government thus fapped in the foundations, like a tree, loofened at the roots, will infallibly be over-turned by the firft unruly blaft, and would in time be overfet even by its own weight. ' Societies can never fubfift but through the fame means by which they were firft inftitutedImpartiality and juftice, zeal for the Public, anda fteady adherence to its interefl, are the onlynational fecurities. When thcfe ane wanting,

large Territories,, anti great Fleets

will prove but Ceeble
all

fupports

and, in

and Armies, fpite or

fuch fplcndi.d

appearances,.

deftru6lioii will'

follow.

The

feveral

changes of Government in

the Grecian
observation,

Commonwealths, are proofs of this Aijufes of power made corruption'

neccliary

i.

UPON
necefTary
;

T A C

T U

S.

261

corriiption produced bafencfs, luxury,

and the extinction of all virtue, and thefe feldom ended but in fome kind of Ufurpation and Tyranny. Nor were they brought to a fenfe of their follies until they had thus fuffered for them ; and,
ciples of honefty
firff

before they tiiought of returning to their old prinand Public Spirit, they mull be

av/akened by the fevere lafh of fome arbitraIt was for this integrity of Manners, for this Public Spirit, and inviolable attachment to their Conftitution, that the Lacedemonians were fo remarkable, as were alfo the Romans for many ages, and it was through the decay of Public Spirit and national Integrity, that Athens was fo near being deilroyed in the courfe of the Peloponnefian War. Alcibiades, who had boundIcfs ambition, employed his great wealth in debauching the people, that by their alfiftance he might raife himfelf upon the ruin of his antagonift. Hence alfo the peace concluded between the
ry power.

two nations by Niclas, was broken a few years a breach which brought on after it was made
;

all

thofe

lofles

abroad,
like

all

thofe

diftractions at
In the utter

home, which had

*

to have

ended

lubjeclion of the Republic.

of this kind are found in the but remarkable above all is the ftory and condu(ft of Caefar, who by debauching the people enfiaved the State. Who;

Many exam.plcs Roman Hiftorians

ever reads I'ully's Epilfles, which are a currous fecretHillory of thofe times, mufi; be ftruck with the prodigious diiTolution of manners in thatonc-e
honeil and powerful people.

Indeed

fo

affonifhing

were become even paft reclaiming. All the fmart of their long and heavy misfortunes was not fufficient to bring them back

was

the change, that they

to a fenfe of their duty to their

Country,
*

^nfo-

inuch that

when by

the death of their Die ator,

Liberty

262
'

DISCOURSES
.
.

Liberty was once more, as it were, pre(entcd t * them, they wanted the courage, or rather they ' had not the honefty to accept it. * If we inquire into the accounts of Jatter days, * we IHII find the fame caufes regularly producing * the fame efFects. What was it that occafioned * thofe long and defperate civil wars which afflicted * and alm.otl delfroyed the great and powerful King* dom of France ? Was it not private ambition, * private intereft carried on under public pretences? * The prefervation of the old Religion, and the ^ modeft requcft of a toleration to the new, v/ere ' the outward appearances, and very plaulible they * were. Buttheinjuftiiiable ambition of the Princes, * and the felfifti attachment of their dependents, ' were the fecret fprings that produced and prolong* ed thofe peniicious difturbances, pernicious not * only in weakening and impoverilhing the State * for the prelcnt, but in debauching the principles
'

'
'

of all orders* of men, and making each iide look upon the irregular views of their own party as the only obje6^s of attention and zeal, and thus facrifice the intereft, nay, almoif the very being of the Community, tothelov/and narrow purfuits of furiaus factions.

*
*
-'^

And when
reign,

after the fliort

calm of

Henry the

fourth's

the public diforders

'

'

began to revive in the minority of his Succcilbr, and it was found neceflary for the fupport of the Royal Power, to .curb and break that of the Grandees, an opportunity was furniihed to two fuc-

ceeding Miniil-ers, for their own fecurity as well as 'their Mailer's, totally to dcftroy all poliibility of * oppofition. So that putting an end to the old ' eltablifhment, in its room they fet up a new, * which, probably, the French Nation will never ' be able to remove or alter.
'

I^

UPON TACITUS.

263

on this occafion, the It is Kingdom, orcac Revolution in a"" neighbouring Whilft the ago. century a not much above haU" Nobility and Commons were wifely quarrelhng
Impoffible to forget,
requifite about the manner of raifmg the money three Parricides or two army, the dia-anding for

'

<
'

<

Liberties fnatched the opportunity, and fold the fifty thouand huKidred two tor Country of their and limitfand crowns, and changed an elective

ed
'

Monarchy

into one hereditary

and abfolute.

conduct, fomeas it confiders he without furprize, when artifice mighty for world the upon pafiing times

Who

can

reflect

on the

folly of fuch

'

and cunning ? To barter away fubftances of fhadows, to part with a birthright for a mefs that one pottage, is an abfurdity fo glaring, it to be pofmi'j;ht as well believe thofe who do any fnare of feflld with real honefty, as with Contemptible, and poor, and foohfli wifdom. even the higheif terms, for beterms, any are They who do it, do traying one's Country.
for

but teach and encourage otlier.s to play the o;ame upon thcmiclves, where they find by their example it may be done with impunity. What infecurity ? e^encral dllhonefty, but general is it authorize to is ourfelves, To^praciifc villainy
in others asainif us
;

fame

and

it is

as natural

to

lofe

by
fit
' ' ' '

it

as to gain

of their

by it. They who for foine proown would defraud mankind of theu"
are like Iharpers

liberties or fortunes,

who
tiiey

in-

' '

toxkate company wiih They may I'ucceed in robbing their with them. fear dupes of their money, but have caufe to their moof unji^itlofs the by racrej fince their
temper. ney, men are likewife apt to lofe all ^ 'Without peace of mind there can be no fuch nor can there be any peace thiho as happinefs s ' i of

liquor before

play

-'

264

DISCOURSES
there
Is

of mind where

a ieni'c of guilt, whicli

rs

naturally accompanied v/ith apprehenfion of danCan fuch as know that they are not to be ger.

ever frankly truft others ? be apt to think others like themfelves, true only to felf-infereft, and fo will try to deceive them, as well as defpife them for being
trufted

themfelves,

They

will

deceived.
lefs

Thus

endlefs difhonefly,
life,

private or public
anxieties,
all

will be attended with

whether in endit

when

fuch as pradlife

remem-

ber that by

their unrighteous acquifitions, all

their guilty fuccefs, they

can only

fet

themfelves

up
lefs

as

marks to be fhot at, and will have the chance of efcaping by beiiig fo much ex-

pofed.

Grcatnefs acquired by great abilities and Pubis a noble acquifition, and will be enjoyed with fatisfaction, though it cannot always But power and efcape obloquy and clamour. pomp purchafed by the mifery and groans of the people, as it is always deteilable, fo it is always Grandeur, in order to be refpeded by unfafc. the Public, muft be fupported with merit to'

lic Spirit,

wards the Public.

they

They wh

love the people,

it,

who

confult their intcreft, and purfue

are \vorthy to

Ihine amongll them, nay,

wordlgjii-

thy to rule them.

ty,

But grcatnefs without

which
:

arifcs as

as

may perhaps fubmit but they are defpifed by thoi whom they are moft wanted to reltrain. To be exalted upon the ruins of Liberty and Laws, to rife by force and iniquity, and to ailert fuperiority o\cr men by hurting and opprelling them, is Grange It is like beinfatuation, a dangerous province.
tics

from capacity, llie weak and fimple

well from public bcne\'olence like Laws without penalis

to

them

ing mounted on an unruly horfe without bit or

Vndle

UPON TACITUS.
< *
<

265

bridle

a fituation which no v/ife jnaii wouM Solon was advifcd to chufe to be in.
;

When

make

ufe of his intereft with his

countrymen

to

*
'

feize the

fupreme

rule,

he anfwered wifely, that

pot > but there ivas ?ii Tyranny indeed was a fair f way to iomc out of it. Such as are known not to love their Countr}%

'
'

'
*

* * '
'

' ' '

*
'

'
*
*

cannot reafonably expe6l to be fafe in it, or that enmity to the Public will not meet with public hate, which is the next ftept to public revenge : and they who are indifferent to ev^ery intereft but their own, though they may purchafe flatterer^ who have minds as bad as theirs, can never be exempt from one miferabie reflection, that moH men, and all the bell men abhor them, whilfl only a few of the word applaud them y nor can they find much dehght from the hollow praifei of a tribe of Fawners, when they remember that injured multitudes are at the fame time perhaps curfmg them. * The defire of applaufe is implanted -in human nature, and without doubt intended by the Author of nature as an incitement to nrtue and benevolent actions ; fmce by fuch means only \ve can be fure of obtaining fo pieafmg a ^ratification.

We may

indeed perfonate Public Spirit

* *

'
'

'
'

have none, and for a while, pais for virtuous without having Virtue But the i'rdui will foon be difcovered. No difgtiifes can long hide the falfc Patriot and his hypocrify will but add to his condemnation, when it is no longer
for a while, yet
:
:

able to cover his guilt.

* There feems to be one never-failing td&. whence to didlnguifh a public fpirited iVian $ even an honeft and difmtercfted heart. This is a ibrt of coniiitutional VL'-tue, and whoever has

'

*
*

it is fect^fi'e

againll

many

of the moll dangerrr-is

*

Vot. V.

temptitio*.

266
^

DISCOURSES
The
love of money and of power few who -are ftrongjy
fafely
truft

temptations.
pofleiled with

f ^

^ '
'
'
'

are violent paffions, and

them can

themlelves*
liilen

How

naturally does the avaricious

filling his coffers
?

man

to

any fcheme for

How

eagerly

does the ambitious

man

enter into meafures for

?

inlarging his figure and

power

How apt are both

all

to flatter themleh^es that they deferve

that

'

'

they can poiTibly poffefs, that whatever they can grafp is but their due, and that therefore they can never grafp too much ? Blinded by thefe favourite inclinations, they can bear nothing that and, as they thus ftate the actiiwarts them count on one fide only, the balance muft be
-,

'

eternally one way.

'

The

true Patriot

is

content to take the appro-

'

bation of his

own

condudl:, at leaft for

one part

of his reward ; neither would he exchange his quiet of mind, or the good wifhes of his countrym.en, for
all

the benefit

which he could

poffibly

'

'

'

has a general benevolence to the relt of the world, and cannot taile that unnatural happinefs of being
juftiy forfeiting either.

make by

He

'

efpccially

alone eafy amongft tlie many that are miferable, were they to be miferable by his means.

Though he may not fet up for any romantic pitch of Patrlotlfm, though he do not undertake to devote himfdf for his Country, like Curtius, and may be diffident of the weaknefs of human nature when put upon fuch awful trials ; yet of ojie Virtue he is at all times fure, never to facrifice the Public to his paifions or intereft, or rifque the tranquillity of the State for any views or emo-

luments of his own.

The

END

of the Dj4C0Ui^.iis.

t67

N D E
his

X.
i.

ABDJGESES, fupports
he
is

great

pwer,
is

05.

ht

Tiridates, ibiJ.

vefted with the

whole power of the party, 309. his unfortu* nate Counfel to Tiridates, 316. Jhdus, the Eunuch, his authority in Parftla, i. 209,
Acaratusy
ioid. poifoned by Artabanus, Freedman to Nero, a peftilent inftrument and fpoiler, ii. 231.

Accufations,

their progrefs,

i.

168.

how

inceflant

and

228. Accufersy what bloody and deftrulive Inftruments, i. 223. what powerful protection they find, 228. their fury continued, p,53^ Aceronia, one Qi Agrippiaa's women, mii^aken for her Lady, and inurdered, ii 14a. Aceronius fCneius) Conful, i. 23S, Aohai2y the Gov^nnient of that Provinct changed,
prevailing,
i.

71.

A.hala and Afia^ alarmed with a counterfeit Nero, iiu

Adlius (Marcus) Conf*!,
ii.

77.

A3e, Nero's Millrefs, ii. 91. (he is introduced by Se"neca, as an antidote againli the enticements of Agrippma, 136. ASnoriy a glorious one of two common foldiers, iiu
qO. aBl of Caius Volufiu!^, fr>
iS
-z

iirft

entered Gre-

sioaa

68
mona, 2ii.

INDEX,

as alfo of a Captive in Vocula's Army, 301, and of a Slave of Lucius Pifo, 319. A:iitiay condemned for Treafon, i, 313. Mg-andejirius, Prince of the Cattians, offers to the Senate to poifon Arminius, i. 138. Adiabenians, their fufferings and complaints, ii. if4. Jdoptlors (fraudulent) their prevalence and iniquity, ii. 210. a decree of Senate againfl their abufe, ibid^

AdorJianSy lee EunoneSy

^j^i&ns their culkms, manners and fituatioc, iv. 63, Afer (Domitius) a zealous accufer, i. 242. arraigns Claudia Pulchra, ibid, he is more eloquent than upright, 243. purfues the profeflion of an Accufer, and
ibid,

attacks Quindilius Varus, 253. his death and charafter,

his vile motions,

255
202.

\Africay a

war begun

there,

i.

114. the forces there,

i. 278. Africanus (Julius) acciifed, Africanus (Sextius) who, ii. 98. he is appointed to aifefs the Gauls, 1 74. Agerinusy Agrippina's Freedman, falfly charged with ii. 142. Treafon againfl Nero, and put in irons, AgreJIis (Julius) a Centurion, a remarkable inllance of

his

faith, fortitude

and firmnefs of

fpirit,

iii.

22^2,

^^;rVi5/^ (Cneius Julius) introduction to

his life, iv. 71.
liis

the

hiflor}'-

of

birth and defcent, 73. the

man-

ner and place of his education, 74. his prudent behaviour and condudl while young, 74, 75. he marries Domitia Decidiana, 75. his preferments, ibid.
his probity in
all

offices,

75, 76, his

addrefs and

behaviour to Cerialis, 77. he is advanced by Vefpafian to the rank of Patrician, ibid, and to the GoVvvnment of Aquitaine, 78. his glorious charader as a Magi ill-ate, ibid he is called to the Confulihip, ibid, his behaviour in Britain on his arrival there, 87, 88. he attacks the Ordovicans, and defeats them, ibi^. conquers the Ifie of Anglefey, 88. his gallant behaviour thereupon, 89. he creds forts and giirritbns throughout all the known parts of Britain, ^i. by his mild ajid geutls treauneut of the Britons, diey

N D E

X.

2%

diey are brought to love the Roman cufloms, 9I/92. his fKill in ereding Forte, 92. he paflco the Frith, and fubdues feveral Nations till then unknown, 9^.
places forces in that part of Britain fronting Ireland. ihiH. thedifpofal of his army to fight the Cakdo
nians, 95. he fights and routs them, Hid leadf his'' Army to the Grampian Hills, 97. hii animsting fpeech to his army there, 102, ^r feq. he engages the Britons under command of Galgacu<=^ 104. his-

behaviour and condud, ibid, he inrirely routs andvaaquiihes them, 107. after the tight he receives hoflages of the Britons, and orders hk Fleet and Army into winter quarters, 108. he writes to the Emperor a modeft relation of thcfe aclions, ibid. leaves the Government of Britain, and arrives at Rome, no. his reception by the Emperor, ibid, liis behaviour and charader, ibid, by his fignal merithe incurs the env)' and hate of the Emperor and Iris is perfuaded to petition, vitious Courtiers, 110, 11 1 ^the Emperor to excufe his going as Proconfv.l to
.

III, 112. he dies, not without fulpicion of being poifoned by Domitia's order, 11-3. a glorious 11-4, ii^*and affeding characler of him, jfgrippa (Marcus) his character, dignities and death, i. 4. all his children but one die a violent death,
Afia,

154.
Jigrippa, his lake, fee TigilUnu:.

Agrippa (Afmius) Conful,

death and' clia* 249, 250. Agrippa (Fonteius) offers to implead Libo Drufus, u 138. 9^. why his daughter not made chief Veftal, Agrippa (Haterius) Hands for the Prsetorfhip, i. 113, his fevere fentence againlV Prilcus, 176. his fcandalous flattery, 133. his malice and debauched life, 276. Agrippa, King of Judjea, his death, ii. 48^ Agrippa (Julius) banifhed, ii 256. A^r'p;a (Fofthumus) baniflied by his Grandfather Au' guftas, at the inftigation of Livia, i. 5 his character, ibid, he is the firft facrifice upon the acceffion of
i.

225.. his

radW,

Tiberiusj

7.

AgrilpOk

^^0
doom,

INDEX;
Roman
Knigbt,
his

Jgrippa (Vibulenus) a

tiagtcal

i. 507. 4grippina, Wife to Germanicu3, her fruitfulncfs, chaftity, love for her hufband, and vehement but vir-

tuous fpirit, i, 34. Ihe is hated by Livia, ihid. her inournful departure from her hufcand during a fedition of the Arn^y, 40. fhe is pitied by the foidiery, .v/ho thence relent, 41. her magivanimity and kind treatment of the foldiers, 65. thence roufes the jealoafy of Tiberiiif, ihid. ihe embarks for Rome with her hulband's funeral Afnes, and her children, 130. her virtue and forlorn lot lamented, ihid. her fleet ijieets that of i'ifo, 132. they are both ready to engage, ib.d. fne lands in Italy, 141. is received by a great conflux of people, ihid, her indifcretion, 208. fhe is deceived by the arts of Sejanus, 209. her incorruptible chaftity, ihid. the univerfal fympathy and mourning of the people, ihid. her vehemence, 242. her j aft reproaches upon Tiberius, ihid. ilie deiires a fecond hufljand, 243. is further inflamed by the iecret agents of Sejanus, ihid. her haughty behaviour, 244. Guards and Spies placed about her, 554. ,flie is arraigned in the Senate by letters from
'I'lberius

remarkably bitter, 265. an infurredlion oC the people in her behalf, 266. her tragical death, 293. the fliameful rage of Tiberius againll her after
ihe

jdorifjinai

i. 243, married to Cneius Doir.itius, 262. pcrfecuted ly Mefuuina, ii. 10. recomm.ended to Claudius for a Wife, by Pallas, 33. fhe carefies her Uncle Claudius, and fecures her marriage with him, 34. meditates a match between her Son and his Daughterj^ ihid. her abfolute Avay, 38. her behaviour and chalader, ihid. Ihe recalls Seneca from exile, and her reafons for this, ihid. fhe flgnalizes her power, 50. ellablilhes a Colony, and calls it by her own name,

was dead, ibid, her charader, ihul. Mother of Nero, writes Memoirs,
is

fne

ihid.

afliimes, 57. calls herwith Claudius in the Empire, ihid. her manngemecit of the Emperor, 61. flie removes Crif-

v/hat

mighty power ihe

felf partner

id. in

U\ei

their

room

in this,

ihid.

policy puts Barrhus Afranius, ihid. Her NarcilTus, 7'^ flie inveighs agaiiiii

and procure-covets the gardens of Statilius Taurur, doom, his and 74. fher him, againft an accufation tKa dnermines the death oC Claadius, 77. procures

Nero s coademnation and death of Domitia Lepiaa, tor poifon prepare to Locuiia Aunt, -S. employs Xonophon, So, Clindiiis, -cj, call's in the help o and'great forrow, careHes Brltarmicus

perfonates i^mpe.Oaavia, 80. procures Nero to be declared be murdered;,tor 80, 81. direts Junius Silanns to of his Brotlier Lucius, 8v' had direotd thc"murder 8|. her violent fiaughtc'-s, of torrent ifid. intends a

of dominion, and tcmpelbou. fpirit, ,t^- P''0created Prieilefs to Claudius, thid. oppofes aicend the ceedings of the Seriate, 86. attempts to Audience to LmIm'.^erial Tribunal", and to give
h;il

loid.

Ihe

is-

her fury againft Ade and agamO: changes her arts, andeven tempt 5Nero, pi, 92. agair?;, him to unnatural embraces, 92. waxes violent meiiaces, and reproaches him, ibid, treats him with of Claudeclares for Britannicus, regrets the murder greatand reviles Seneca and Eurrhus, 93. her
bafi'adors,

87.

ilie

dius,

condernation upon the murder of Britannieus, 95.

{he carefies
cers

Odavia, amalfes money, courts the Ofoand Nobility, 97. is deprived of her guards, and forfaken by her wonted followers, 98. is chargheard ed with a confpiracy againft her Son, ihid.
loi. it, 100, in her defence, 100. the boldnefs of refor vengeance upon her accufers, and

Jlie infills

wards

loz. to her friends, and obtains both; loi, toherpaifion for pov/er, 136. flie tempts her Son her infaninceft, ihid. her iliocking behaviour from but: cy, 136, 137. fhe is defignedly ihipwrecked, efcapes, 139. diffembles her apprehenfions, 141difcothe fympathy and zeal of the populace upon vering her danger, 142, 143. her houfe befet with-,
:

armed men, her domeftics

fiy,

the afiaffins enter,

and lall re143. her fpeech to them, her murder, markable v/ords, ihid. her relics lay long uncovered, her end foreat. Ufi repoiited.in, a vulgar grave, 144..
Ns..i.
-

told:

272

INDEX.
from

told Icng before. Hid. Ihrieks faid to be heard

her grave, 145. decrees of the Seivate againS her meniory, 146. Jgrip^iuus (Paconius) accufed, ii. 283, his iBCOcencc, 2:^4. and baniihnient, Z87. Jlhc.nlaris, wherice fprung, i. 300, 301. Jlbnus (Luceius) Governor of Mauritania, iriurderd, ab alfo his Wife, iii. 14^^. Jlhucilla^ charged with deviiing charms againft the life of Tiberius, i. 313. ilie is executed in pxifon, 314. Jieius (Pv.arcus) chofcn by the Senate; to furvey and reiitve the Ahatxc Cities ruined by an earthquake,
i.
1

II.

Alo-ander (Tic'Crius) an illuilncus

aiuftaci to
Ate;KCincir

Roman

Corbulo in the Eafl, (Tiberius Governor of ^gypt, iii. li, AUicsy thcfe of Rome, what forces they farniflied,
202, 203. 240, 277. Jlfmui (Montanus) Captain of a Cohort, confirms to the troops of Vitellius the fate of the battle at
i.

Knight, gn ii. 217.

Al^hemis (Varus) abandons the

Army,

iii.

297. and has orders to Civilis to for298. Mf'S (fv^arltime) tlielr inhabitants prefented with the privileges of Latium, ii. 220.
iii.

Cremona,
Vv'ar,

bear

JltivMs (Julius) baaiflied, Jjrder, where found, and

.

ii.

276.

by whom",
its

jv.

65.
iiid,

the
its

Aw^
na-

thor's ccnjcifture

about

produdion,

and qualiry defcribed, 64* Aa.ifui, the River and Town of that name, i. Si. At}.j.ius (Titus FJavianus) Governor of Panncnia, iii. 170. is perfuaded by Fufcus to join him, 188. is in great danger of being murdered by tiie foldicrs, 193. is faved by Anicnius, and departs from the Army,
-ture

Ancharius (Prifcus) accufes Cneius Corcus, ProcorJul of Crete, i. 168.

Aiigiers, the revolt

begun

there,

I.

70.

and fupprcfied,
ibid,

^njes. See l^Jiiphards.

AnJcJ'e^
^^Ifie

of) cor^quered and fubdued by AgricoJa,

iv.

89.

AiigrHdriMTn

INDEX.

275.

Angrlvarians revolt and are chaflifed, i. 81. they fubmit and are pardoned, 90. an account of their coun^v* 54try and culloms, Anglefey. See Suetonius Paulinus. Fleet, Anketus, Nero's Freedman, Commander of the Agnpat Mifenum, his contrivance for murdering to^pina, ii. 137. it mifcarries, 139. he undertakes accomplilh the murder, 142. and accomplifhes it, 143.
after the
-

murder of Agrippina, he

is

detefled

by her

Son, 189 yet prompted by him to own an adulterous commerce with O^avia, and undertakes it. 90. he fufters a fort of baniihment, ibid. and. 1 89, 1
dies naturally,
Anicetiis,
'^'^"-

Freedman
(Cerialis)

to

King Polcmon,

his
iii.

adventures,.

226,

227.

Jnidus

Gonful eleft, moves for a Temple 60 Nero with the title of Deification,^ ii. 258. this motion judged ominous, and why, ibid, his accufatioa^

and doom,

'^71'

2.-74..

Junius (Vivianus) Son-in-law to Corbulc, commands^ " 2S. the fifth Legion, and ieeic. Af^fibarians, exterminated by the Chaucian?, a new fettlement, ii. 1 30. they are forced to wander from place to place, and at lall periih, Antcius, directs the building of a fleet, Antcius (Publius) made Governor of Syria, ii. 10
^

32.

1.

i.

80. but-

detained from polTefiing it, ibid, he is accuied, 27 1 ^bid, and fwallows poifon, Anthony y his power fwallowed up in tlixit o5 Auguitus,. i. 2* i. 107. Antiochus, King of Comagena, his death, Antiochus (King) accedes to VeAiailan,- in 2%- his oppulcnce,
Antijiia, the
ib;d^^

Wife of Rubellias

Plautus, accompanies-

Antijiius,

her hufband into Afia, ^V' \S5writcf^ a bitter Satir^ agamft the Praetor, Nero, ii. 175. hence he is arraigned for Treafcn^

ibid,

condemned
(Caius
)

to exile,

and
i99

his eftate

confifcated,

176. 177..
^;?///?;j

ConfuU

i-

hi^ fecoiid Contuliliip,

ii.

49.
^99'

(Lucius) Conful, Antijiius "^

'

1.

Antiftiut.

274"
^ntijiiu^,

INDEX.
Tribune of the Paople,
his

conduct cenfiired

ii. io6. by the Senate, Jntcnia, the Daughter of Claudius, efpoufed to Cor-

nelius Sylla,
/.ntcnia, the
J-ntD7iius

ii.
i.

I02.

142. (Haterius) poor through prodigality, but fup-

Mother of Germanicus,

ii. no. ported by Nero, Jntonius (Lucius) his death, nobility, and funeral ho-

nours,

J-

236.

Antonhu (Fkmma) convided of extortion, andbanifhed>

iii. 313. (Primus) See Primus. Jfa7?:ea x^\^ Cixy of) overthrown by an earthquake, ii. 74. e?.fed of tribute for five years, jphrodifums, their claim to a Sanduary, whence, i. ihi^. 186. v^hat Deity they worihipped, Jjicata, the Wife of Sejanus, iirfl difcovered the mur' i. 208. der of Drufus,

Jr.toTzius

"

Jpnius (Tiro) commands the revolters

at

Mifenum,

iii,

235.
Jficn (King) bequeathes his Kingdom to the Roman ii. '5i> 'people, 152. Jlcllinans (Claudius) Commander of the Fleet at Mifenum, when it revolted to Vefpafian, iii. 235. he efcapes from Tarracina, 255. Jlcllo (Clarian) his Oracles, how delivered at Colo-

phon,
jf'jntaKus (Dillius) joins
v/ith

i.

16.

Antonius Primus, and brings iii. 193. him the third Legion,

Jjonius (Saturninus) a (leneral Officer, iii. 192. narrowly efcapes being murdered by the foldiers} 19^,
retires to

Padua,

ibid,

Jppius (Appianus) for his vices degraded from the Sei. 112, nate, Jp^-onius (Caefianus) drives Tacfarinas and his forces 1.156.back to the defart, ^I'vcniiis (Lucius) a Roman Knight, employed to carry the demands of the foldiery to Tiberius, i. 30. he is left behind by Gernianicub to fecure his retreat, 53.
'

is

diftingitifhed

with ornaments of a Triumph, 67.

97.

his tiattciy,

ApratilhS-

'> ,

D E

x:

27-5.

Proconful of Africa, Jpronius (Lucius) Governor and

his

its inexemplary feverity to the foldiers, 1. 155. 210, Gracchus, young protects he /^/V. fluence, attacks Germany, lower of Governor Jpromus (Lucius) 1. 25 9' 2"^the Frifians with various fuccefs, i-234>. ^W/^, punifhed for adultery, forces fome commands Ktiight, jlul/a (Julius) a Raman tliii orBofphorus, ii. 43- he is rewarded with

in

naments of

Prastorfhip,
^

.^.

Jqidl'us, a principal Centurion,

111.

472^1 *

of the ConJ-^rkus (Vulcatus) a Roman Kmght, cne ^35* ^V. fpirators againll Nero,
Jybe/a, the great battle there,
^;v;../^..

j-r i"" r"' King of Cappadocia, under tke difpleafure inveigled is of Tiberius, and why> i- i^. he /^'.',^ Rome, accufed and dies, or Ti^ ^ra.to., a noble Greek, falls by the cruelty
berius,
^r/.^^;-^^;:^/,
.

-.

King of Armema, King of

,.,111

^'-^
'I' an accident.

killed by.

4nJfohulus,

created

the lelTer

Armecla

43y.-

^ ,V^'Farand Rome Jrmenia, the conteH about it between the Romans-:by both evacuated is it no. ii. thia, ^9and'Parthians, ^ Romans,^ 1. 7.Armenians, how ellrang^d from the 118,. they are/ thcir cklencfs and fituation, 117, n. iiifaithlefs and double minded, mutinous meditate- an union, i.- 37. a de-

Nero,

Amies, the

effeft, 37, 38. vice to pacify them, but without l^ow vidently he 1. Jh-minius. his charader, L 52. V\ lie, and that tranfported with the captivity of his inflame.^ the he 56unbovn, yet 55, child of his

the-KoCherufcans to arms,* and mveigha agamft

q.g

retires to tiJ-e departs ^... rnans and Segeftes, 56, 57= morale, engages andcliilrefies the Romans in. a
'Hid',

hii>

Germanicus, ibid, the latter are fupported by fabconference with his brother Flavms,- 8^, he

orns
his
"^ity

men, 86.

foldu^rs to defert, 84. harangues, bravery and efcape, 87. his adtiLiberty,. fiUs him, 89. he is a. Cbanipio for 59^N.6.

the

Roman
his

2^6

INDEX.
aniniates his
ibid*

men 109. to enfu-ive his Country,

by a fpccch, 109,-110. aimd 138. falls by the fraud of his kindred, 130. he was the Deliverer of Germany, and a great Captain, ibid^ and never conquered,
in Judaea

Army^ that
as
is

and Syria,

that in Aj&ica, ibid,

Qtho, iii. 75. the difpofition of Otho's

fv>'orn to

it is commanded by Silvanus Titianus, 116. that led by Valens, its mutiny and infurrection, and how quelled, 1 19121. both Armies en-

i\rmy, 87.

gage near Bedriacum, that of Vitellius obtains a vidory, 130, 131. Otho's Army difpatch deputies to treat of a peace, which is gladly embraced by tliat ofVitdiius, 134. an afFedting account of the meeting of the Armdes, 13:;. that of Vitellius let ioofe to fpoil and ravage, 143, that of Otho, after his death, embarrafies Vitellius, 151. a great part of it difcharged by him, 152. that in the Eaft fwears to Vefpafian, 166. as does^. that under the command of Ca'cina, 197. they expoflulate, revolt, and put Cr:ciiia in irons, 198. they chufe for Leaders Fabius Fabullus, and Calfius Longus, ibid, are beaten by" Antonius, 201. are firengthened by frelh Legions, renew the battle, and are again overcome, 211, 212. are totally routed at Cremona, 212. revolt to Vefpafian, 222, 223:. a terrible account of the conquering Army, 229, 2.30. Vitellius's Array defert a'->d revolt, 23^9, 240. that of Vefpaf.an under com'

mand of
iiiuch

Antoiiias arrives at Rome, whi^h after refinance they enter, 260. their cruelty and liccntjoufnefs, 261. ihje Armies of Vocula and Civiiis

engage, 301. that of Civilis beaten, but not purufed, 302. Civilis v/otmded by a fall, ihid, fevethe Army of rai fkirmifnes defcribed, 302^ 303. Julius Sabinus beaten by the Sequanians, 338. that of Tutor routed by Sextiiius, 342. that of Valentinus, at Rigodulum, vanquilhed, and he taken by Ceriaiis, 343, 544. the meeting of the Legions, from the Mediomatricians, with jhcfe of Ceriaiis, fiiicly defcribed, 344, 345. the Army under Ceriaiis intrench themfelves, 348. in that of the Germans
.different

N D E
to attack
is

X,

277,

different opinions prevail, ibid,

vice of

Tutor

upon debate fKe adapproved, 349. and inof the

ftantly purfued, ibid, the order

German Ar-

my

defcribed, 350, 351. that under Agricola routs the Caledonians, iv. 94, 95. that of the Britons under Galgacus, their number and order, 97, 9S.

that under Agricola, its difpofition and order at the Grampian Hills, 104. that under Galgacus and that of Agricola, engage, 105. the former routed, 107. 108. that of Agricola retires into winter quarters,
Jrpiis, Prince

of the Cattans,

his wife

and daughter
i.

taken,

80.

Ar returns (Clemens) appointed Commander of the Praetorian Guards in the room of Varus, iii. 339. his
charafter,
ibid.

Ania, the wife of Thrafea

him,
Jrians. See Lygians.

Petus, earneft to dfe with

ii.

288.

Arrius (Varus) See Varvs. Jrrimtius (Lucius) incurs the dlfpleafure of Tiberius, his great qualifications and is obnoxious for i. 17. fortune, ibid, was accounted equal to the fovereignty by Auguftus, ibid, and thence doomed to deIlrudlion by Tiberius, ibid, he is employed with Capito to rellrain the Tiber within its banks, 70, 71.
accufed, 313. refolves to die, 314, his. fne and afFeding reafoning, ibid. Arfamofata^ a caftle garrifoned by Ca^cennius Pzetus, ii. 2C2. Artabanus gains the Kingdom of Parthia, i. 78. his Embally to Germanicus, i 19. his ariogance and Tyranny, 298. he defpifes Tiberias, and feizes Armenia for his Son, ibid, his politics, 299. h"s affairs
is

and he flies from his Kingdom, 303, 304, accounted barbaroufly cruel, 308. is recalled by his Subje<^s, 309. his adlivity and good conduct, 310, 311. his fuccefs, 310. Arta'vajdesy King of Armenia, deceived by JMarc Anthony, put in bonds and fiain, i. 78. Artaxata (the City of) burnt and demoliihed, ii. 118.
ruined,

he

is

a wojid^rful Phenomenon

thcne^

ibid,

Artofcias

278

N D E
.

X.

Artaxias, King of Armenia, flain by a confpiracy of his kindred, i. 78. ArtaKias, made King of Armenia by Germanicus, i.

118. Arulenus (Rufllcus) Tribune of the People, a daring propofal of his in behalf of Thrafea Pastus, ii. 28/, 282. fuffers death, and why, iv. yiz. i, 306. Jriifeius (Lucius) fuffers the pains of death,
Jfclepiodotus (Callius) his faithful
,

and

fignal

friendfliip

287. hence he is ^t'iibid.' poiled'of his whole fortune and banilhed, ^fia, twelve noble Cities there overthrown by ah earthquake, i.. 111. they are relieved by Tiberius, ibid.' they decree a Temple to Tiberius, the Senate, and Livia, 211. contend for the honour of ereding the Temple decreed to Tiberius and the Senate, 244,"
to Soranus, to the
laft,
ii.

their feveral pleas,

ibid.

245.

Smyrna

preferred,

246.
AJiaticiis,
iii.

an infamous Freedman, knighted by Vitellius, 144. his quick rife under Viteilius, 178. his'
ii.

death,
AJiaticus

(Valerius) accufed and felzed, hardly ufed and impleaded by Suiiius,

ibid.

luntary and

magnanimous death,
Conful
ele<il,

AJiaticus (Valerius)

JJtnius (Caius) Conful, Jftnius (Lucius) Conful, Aftnius (Marcus) Conful, Afper (Sulpicius) the Centurion, how zealous, in the:confplracy againft Nero, i, 234. his fortitude and"

death, and reproach to Nero, 253. Afprenas (Calpurnius) Governor of Galatia and Pamphylia, contrives the delb-uiTtion of the counterfeit

Nero,
Ajlretias (Lucius) Proconful

iii,

lo-:.
i.

of Africa,
in the

AJfembliesj

of debauchery, ufual

Reign of

51. Nero^,

ii.

149.

Afirologersy a decree for driving

Ajirologersy

them from Rome, i- 97. impudent deceivers, excluded by Law, antl

it,
iii.

entertained againft
'
.

23. baniihed oat of Italy

by Vitdlius,

'148.
JJiroIogy

IN
Jfirology (Judicial)
Jtiiin,
its

D E
fallhood,

X.
i.

279r
247.

Lucan, accufed amongft the confpirators againft Nero, ii. 243. Ihe eTcapes trial, 256. Jtiliusy ereds a large Amphitheatre at Fidena, i. 250^ is banifhed for its falling, 251. Jtimetus^ a Freedman, in a plot againfl Agrippina^ he is executed for this, 102. ii. 98, 99.

Mother

to

Atticui (Curtius)

by Tiberius doomed

to die,

i.

281.

Aufidienus
radler,

(Rufus)

Camp -Marftial,
i.

how
^

infulted and.

abufed by his mutinous foldiers,

Augury,

23, 24. his cha-

48, Augujia, Nero's Daughter by Foppasa, her birth, death,

ii.

_ that of divine proteftion

who,

24,
revived,

and

deification,

ii.

213*
150.

Auguftani,

ii.

Juguftodu7ium, the Capital of the Eduans, i. 271. all the noble youth of Gaul are inftruded there in the
liberal Arts,
ibid,

Augvftus^

acquired the fovcrcign power, i. 2." under what Title he affumed it, ihid the fpirit of flattery prevailing in his reign, a check upon truth and writers, ihid. by what arts and gradations he engrofled all power, and with what eafe, 3. his politics to ftrcngthen his ufurpation, 4. the latter en4. of his reign why fo peaceable, 5, 6. he fecretly vifits

how he

his

Grandfon Agrippa

in exile,
7.

and

is

tiience

thought to be poifoned by Livia, produced, its tenour, and who his

his laft

Will

heirs,

10, his fc-

veral funeral honours, and by v/hom propofed, 10, II. reflexions upon his funeral, 11. various reafon-,
3

ng upon

his life

and Empire,

11

14.

he adopted

Tiberius without liking him, and why, 14. a Temple and worfhip decreed to him, 15. the regiller. and fummary kept by him of the Hate and forces of the Empire, ibid, his counfel againft enlarging the Empire, and why, 16. plays in honour of liirn by whom annually celebrated, 19. public games inftit tuted to bis honour, 52. his politics in relation to Egypt, 120. he is unhappy in his family, 157, turn^
*dv.ltery into treafon,

and

violates his

own

Lavv's,

2So
ibid,
is

I
inilitutes

N D E
for a

X.
fmgle
ruler,

Laws proper

xGo,

accompanied with Livia, i66. his friendfhip for Livy the Hiilorian, ii. 85. his eafy
to travel

wont

elocution,
A'viola
(Acilius)

Commander of

a Legion,

226. reduces

fome
Anjittis

rebellieus Gauls, i. 170. (Dubius) Commander in Germany, ii. 129. his anfwer to Boiocalus, and meafures agaiull the Anci-

barians,
Mnjiones.

131,

See Longohoj'ds. Junius (Plautius) See Plautiut. Jurelius (Cotta) fupported by Nero, though a prodigal,
ii.

lie.

Jurelius (Marcus) Conful,

i.

142.
i.

Jurelius (Pius) the Senator, obtains a price for of his houfe,

tjie lofs

jo,

B.

BAlhilius

(Caiasj made Governor of Egypt, ii. icr, Baibus (Domitius) a Will forged in his name, ii.

170. Baibus (Lelius) charges Acutia with High Treafon, i. 3 1 3'. his banifnment and peflilent charafter, 315. JBardanesy a Competitor for the Crown of Parthia, ii. 7. his great vigour, ibid, he gains the Monarchy, ibid. Yidories, Tyranny, and AiTaifmation, 8, 9. iii. 163. Bajilides, Pried at Mount Carmel, Bqfus (Annius) Commander of a Legion, his characiii. 228. ter, Baffm (Caefcllius) a Carthaginian, upon the credit of a dream, promifcs immcnfe treafuie to Nero, ii. 260. digs for it in vain, and after much labour fpent, 260, 261. kills himfelf in delpair,
Bajjiis (Lucilius;

Commander of
iii.

Vitellius's

Fleet,

his
V'^ef-

conference with Ca:cina,

1S3. he revolts to

pafian, 196. his management, Bata'viavs^ an account and character 277. a farther hiltory of them,
Battle^ that

ibid.

of them,
iv.

iii,

51.

in Narbon Gaul, between the forces of Otho and V^itellius, iii. 106, 107. the vi<^tojy claimed by -O the 's troops, 107. that near Cremona, 115.

thut

INDEX.
.-

2Sr

that of Caflores defcribed, ii6. that between \itellius and Otho's forces, 117. a decihve one be-

tween Ca^cina and Valens in behalf of Vitellius, and Titlanus and Proculus Commander? of Otho's Army near Bedriacum, 204. finely defcribed, Il?iil &: feq". another at the fame place, between the Armies of Vitellius and Vefpafian, 205. finely defcribed, j6:d, k feq. that on the bank of the Rhine, 281, 282. that at Bonn, 286, 287. that at the Cam>p n*;ar Gelduba defcribed, 299, 300. that between Juliu3 Sabinas and the Sequanians, 33S. that between Ce riaiis and the German Army, commanded by Civilis, Clafficus, and Tutor, 351. that at the old intrenchments, between Civilis and Cerialis, iv. 14. that between the Caledonians and Agricola, 94, 95, that between the Britons commanded by Galgacus at the Grampian Hills, and the Romans under Agri

cola,

104,

105.

Medriacuviy a village
leaft

famous

for feveral battles,

Vitellius views the heaps efflain

115. there without the

iii.

emotion, 156. a battle there between the forces of Vefpafian and Vitellius, 204, 2.05. DefieftSy too large to be returned, their reward, what^
Berenice (Queen) fupports Vefpafian's interefi-, iii. 165^ Bibulus (Caius) his reafonings in the Senate againil luxury, i. 177, 178.
^

Blafus, in dread of Tiberius, dies

by

his

own

hands,
i.

307.

Blafus (Junius) Uncle to Sejanus,

named by Tiberius

to the Government of Africa, i. 167. Bhtfus (Junius) commands the Legians in Pannonia, i. 19. his fpeechcs and behaviour during their infurredion, 22, 23. a Tribune deputed to the Emperor by the foldiery, 23. he punifhes fome of the. ring-leaders and puts them in bonds, 24. but they are violently releafed by the reft, ibid, he is in danger of being murdered by the foldiery, 26. his feats againft Tacfarinas, 194, 19^. he is faluted Imperator by the Legions, 195.
Bl'rjui (Juniuj)

Governor of L)'onefe Gaul,

furnifhes

V'itclHuR

^82

N'i> E x:

magnificent train at his own: charge, iii. 146. this gives Vitellius diflalle, ihut his death fought by Vitellius, 220. he is murdered by him. ibid, kis ani-able character, ihi.l. BUfus (Pedius) expelled the Senate for corruption, Ji.
Boiocalu;^

Vitellius with a moft

151, leads the Anfibarians in purfuit of a new iettlement, ii. 130. his fignal charafter aiid fpeech: to Dubius Avitus, 130, 131. his bold invocation of

the Gods,
to himfelf,
'

131. his refufal of an advantageous oficr

and

his refolute declaration,

131,
ferit
ii.

132.

Bohnus

(Vettius)

Commander of a Legion,
iv. 77.

to fuc-

cour Tigranes, Bolanus (Vettius) Ruler in Britain, and character there, Bcnania, the refidence of Valens,

196.
87.

his

condud
Vi-

who

entertains

tellius thcrcj iii. 156. Boudlcca (a Britifh Queen)- ignominioufiy wi^d. by ths, Romans, and her two Daughters deflowered, ii 162./ fhe commands the Britifh Army^^ 165. her fpeech to them, 166. Ihe is defeated, and ends her life by pcifon, 168. Bcudiceai ^ Queen of Britain, leads her People to war,
iv.

85.

BriganteSf a people
rius,

<5f

Britain, reduced

by Publiu^fto*
" 53*

Briganticus
lius Felix,

(Julius)

Commander of
iii.

Squadron of
iv.

Horfe, revolts to Vitellius, 341, he is flain

iii.

114. he joins Sexti10.

is

at

Wida,

Brlnno^ his character,

the Caninefates,
Britain,
its

280. he

chofcn-Leader of
ihid.,

Princes reflore the rtiipwrecked

ii.

Romans,

i.-

160. Britain revolts, iii. 224. a fhort hirtory of afftiirs there,. 225. that llland is under great combullions, iv. 75.. its fituation and defcription, 79. firll difcovered to

92. combuilions there, the Romans there,

52. a great (laughter of

be an
80.

people and inhabitants, v.'ho^. charader, 8 ^. its clime and feitility, 81, 82. its produce, ibid, it is fubdued and fettled by Claudius, ^-^j, an account oft
Ifland, ibid,
its

their

religion

and

I
feveral

N D E

X.

2^5

Governors there, ibid* Agncola's tonquefti 88, 89. there at hi'? firll coming, Brita-finicus, Son of Claudius by Meffilina, ii. 27. he
is

not fo popular as
is

Lucius Domitius, afterwards

fcrvant*
raiies

Nero, 10.
dition, 49,
pity, 94.
is

eclipfed by Nero, and his forlorn conis

50,

bereft of all his faithful

fings at a feftival,

and adherents, 60. he

the poifon,
his

and

poiforted, with the

65.

his funeral,

manner andprogrefs of with refiedtions upon

95, 96.

untimely death,

Britons, opprefled

by the P.omans, fly to arms, i;. \i,z. they attack the Colony of Camalodunum, and raze it, 163. obferve no Law of war, 165. their extreme cruelty, their immenfe Hoif and fierccrnef^, ihid.
ibid,

their improvidence, famin,

they are routed with prodigious (laughter, 167, and llubb.ornnefs, 168, they wonder that the viclorious Romans flioulcl 1 69. be fubfervient to Haves, 169.

Britons y their religious rites, iv. 31. their making war, ibid, their Government,

manner o

would not endure

ill

ibid, they treatment from their Gover-

nors, 82. they confult how to iliake oir their bondage, 84. take arms and afTail the Romans, 85, but are again reduced by Suetonius Paulinus, 86. they are farther fubdued by Ceiialis and Frontinu^^, 88. by the mild Government of Agricola they are brought to be in love with arts and iciences, 91. and with all the Roman cuftoms, 91, 92. they are in great difmay at the fight of the Roman Fleet, 94* the Caledonians engage Agricola and are routed^ 95;. they are undaunted at that lofs, and by embaiTies and confederacies draw together in great numbers on the Ciraaipian Hills, 97. Galgacus's glorious fpeech to them there, iv. 98. they attack Agricola, and are utterly vanquifhed, 105. their dciperate and furious behaviour after their defeat^,
lire

Bruclerians^ that People

their dwellings, are rooted

by the Romans, and

B^rucienans, a

their

whole Country

laid walle,
i.

57.

German

Nation, defcribeti,

54. Brutus,

iv.

284
Brutus y

INDEX.
tKe founder of Liberty

and the Confuifhrp, W 2.

Burians. See Marjlgnians.

Burrhus (Afranius)

made Captain of the Guards to Claudius, ii. 6i. he is an Officer ox great renown, ibid, he governs, with Seneca, the youth of Nero, 84. his accompliihments, ibid, he diverts Nero from flaying his Mother, and pleads for hearing her defence, 99, 100 is falfiy accufed, and acquitted, 102. what fhare he had in the death of Agnppina, 141, 142. he praifes Nero's tidings and grieves forhim, 150. his death, and lofs to the public, 177. he is thought to be poifoned by Nero, and forely

lamented, 177, 178. his death weakens the interest of Seneca, 178. Bjzantiufn (the City of) its preteniions to favour, li. jG. it is exempted from Tribure for five years, 77. its happy iituation directed by Apollo, 76*

CAdlda,

the Wife of Scevinus, doomed to banilhment unheard, ii. 256.. Cadmusy from Phoenicia, inllrudls the Greeks in letters,
ii.
1

1.

Grandfon to Auguftus, death imputed to the fraud of Livia, Caius (Caefar) fettles Armenia,
Caius
(Ca^far)

his

untimely
i.

4,
i.

5,

78.

Caius (Volufms) a foldier of the third Legion, the firfl iii. 211. who entered Cremona, Caledo7iia (the people of) have recourfe to arms, and advance againft the Romans, iv. 94. they attack the Roman Army, with fuccefs at firll, but arc vanquifii'
ed,
Caligula^ his hiHory

95.

why

falfified,

i,

3.

why

fo called,

41. his encomium upon his grandmother Livia at her funeral, 264. his marriage with Claudia, 288. his favage humour and diliimulation, 265. his wild fpirit, ambition and diffimulacion, 312. he is hated

by

I'ibcrius, yet left his

fuccciibr,. V^;i.

his

violent
fear

INDEX.
fear
Cal'tjus^

285
ii.

and alarm, 397, 398. he was a ready fpeakr,

85.
ii.

a Freedman,

an old Courtier and wary,

Calpurniay
ii.

an illuftrious Lady, praifed by and thence perfecuted and banifhed by Agrippina,

47.
ihe
is

25. Claudius,

recalled

from banifhment by Nero,

H7.
Calpurnius,

an Eagle bearer, protcas Minucius Plancus

i.

from the fury of the foldiers, Calpurnius (Galerianus) his charaaer,

murdered by Mucianus,
Calpurnius (Lucius) Coniul,

39.
is

iii.

276.
^

he

277. 1.250.
11

Cahina, banifhed
Cahijius,

Italy, inftigated to accufe Agrippina,

this,

U- S^98. he is

banifhed for

i2.

but recalled from exile

by

Nero,
^

H7*

i. -37Cahifius (Caius) Conful, Calufidius, a common foldier, his brutal behaviour and i- 3^* boldnefs to Germanicus, Camalodunumy a Colony in Britain, planted by Publms Oftorius, ii. 54. the infolence and tyranny of the Veterans there, 163. the infatiable and confuming avarice of the Pr elts there, ibid, the terrible appa-

163, 164. ritions and prefages there, Camerinus (Scribonianus) one who counterfeits that illuflrious name, proves to be a flave named Geta, iii 157and is put to death, Camillus (Furius) Proconful of Afr'ca, routs the Nnmidians and Moors under Tacfarinas, i. 114. and re1 15. trieves the ancient renown of his family, \. zjz, CcmiUus (Scribonianus) Conful, ii. 269. Campa?iia, defolated by a Tempefl, Cangians, a people in Britain, ravaged by Publius Olio^

rius,

"

53'
ibid,

Caninefates,
fhips,
iii.

deflroy and feize feveral of the 352. and rout the Nerv^ans,

Roman
^

Canopusy by

whom

built,

and whence named,

i.

120.

i. 80. Cantius (Publius) colkas the tribute in Gaul,_ Capito (Ateius) employed with Lucius Arruntius to reiUain the Tiber withm its Banks, i. 70, 71. his great

feB6

IN

D E

X.

great accomplilhments, and infamous flattery, 192. his death and great acquirements, 195, 196. his preferments and obfequioufnefs to power, 1 96. Capita (CofTutianus) accuied by the Cicilians and condemned, ii. 110. he accufes Antiftius the Praetor, 175. See Cojfutianus. Capito (Fontems) once Proconful of Afia, accufed and acquitted, i. 228. Capito (Infteius) Camp-Marfhal to Corbulo, his ex -

ploits,

ii.

115,

n6.

Capto (Fonteius) zxAClodius (Macer). See Macer.

Capito (Lucilius) the Emperor's Procurator in Afia, acciifed by that Province before the Senate, i. 211:

difavowed by Tiberius and condemned, ibid. Capito (Valerius) recalled from exile by Nero, ii. 147. Capitol by whom added to Rome, ii. 49. -Capitol, burnt, iii. 250. ordered by Vefpafian to be rebuilt, 321. the dire6lion of the work given to Lucius Veftinus, the confecration, &:c. ibid, Cappadocia, reduced to a Province, i. 107. Caprea, that Illand defcribed, its natural ftrength, and
tine climate,
i.

253, 254.

its

antiquity,
ii.

ibid.

Capuny that Colony Ihpplied, ^araBacus, a Britilh King of great renown,

108.

at

war

with the Romans, ii. 54. he polls himfelf advantageoufly, and harangues his men, 54, 55. is intirely routed by Publius Oilorius, 56. flies to Queen Cartifmandua, is by her delivered to the Conquerors, and fent to Rome, ibid, his great charader, and folemn reception there, ibid, his undaunted behaviour -and fpeech to Claudius, 56, 57. he is pardoned with his Wife and Brother, and pompous Decrees pafTed upon taking him, 57, 58. 'Carinas (Secundus,^ a Creature of Nero's, learned, but void of virtue, ii. 232. 'Carionjalda, Captain of the Batavians, after a brave refiftance,
is

flain

Carmel, Mount,
'*Carrhenes,

by the Germans, i. 83. an account of the Oracle there^ iii.

163.

efpoifei

Meherdates,

ii.

41.

his

and

defeat,

bravery 42.

Carti/fnandiia,

J
^dytifmandua.

N D E

X.
56.
59.
flie

^Sy
delivers
is

Queen of

the Brigantlnes,

up
at

King Caradacus to the Romans, ii. war with Venufius once her hufband, ported by our forces,
Cqfperius, a' Centurion, his honeft fpirit
ii.

and fupibid.

64, 65, he is fent by Corbulo to delivers his meflage Iternly,

(Caius)

and behaviour, Vologefes, and

197, 198.

O^a/

Governor of

Syria, conducts

herdates to the Euphrates,

plifhments,

and

llri6l

ii. 40. his military difcipline, ibid,

King IVJecivil accom'

his

to Mehcrdates, 41. his jufl obfervation in the Senate, u8, 119. his fpeech for the execu-

good advice
all

tion of

the flaves in a family, where one of

his

Lord, 171 173. without any guilt he is accufed by Nero, 264. his worthy charader, with the ridiculous and falfe charge againll him, 264, 265. he is baniihed into Sardinia, 266, "Caffius (Chaerea) a Centurion, efcapes in a mutiny by
his

had murdered

them

courage,

i.

33.

and afterwards

kills

Caligula,
ibid.

(Longus). See Longus. CaJJius (Lucius) marries Drufilla, Grand-daughter to Tiberius, i. 284. his family and charafter, ibid. CaJJius (Severus) his petulant Writings, their eiFedl, i.
CaJJius
6-].

his virulent fpirit, 216^

he dies

in exile,
iii.

Cajhres^ a battle there, Caionius (Juftus) a principal

116,

217. 117,
i.

Centurion employed to
30.

carry the

demands of the

foldiery to Tiberius,

Cattiatis, their territories

invaded by Germanicus, they are furprized and fiaughtered by him, i. 52. their ravages in Germany, ii. 50, 51. they are routed, ibid, are at war with the Hermundurians, 133. their bloody vow and defeat, ibid.
(the

Cattians

Nation of)

their

territories,
iv.

cuftoms,

manner of making war, &c.

defcribed,

52

See Chaucians. Catualda, a German Leader, hi^ purfuits,

fate,

54,
his

i.

122.
ii

123.

Catulinus (Blitius) baniihed,

<CatHs,

256.

Piocurator in Britain, his rapacioufnefs^ and efii,. cape into Gaul, 164.
Civdluimts

288

N D E
him with

X;

CisciliaMus (DoiTxitius)

an intimate friend of Thrafe*

Pactum, acquaints

CacilianuSy the

his doom, ii. 287, 2S8. Senator, punifhed for accufmg Cotta,
i.

277..

Oecilianus (Magius) trcafon forged againfl him, i. 168. Ciscina (Aulus) commands under Germanicus in th lower Germany, i. 32. he is forced to yield to the outrage of the foldiers, 33. is fent by Germanicus through the territories of the Bruclerians to the river

Amifia, 57.

is

Germans, at the caufeway 6o 63. his brave counfel

hardly befet by Arminius and the called the long bridges,

to his army in diftrefs, 63. he gains a viflory over the Germans, 64, 6c;. and is difiinguiihed with the ornaments of a triumph,

67. he directs the building -of a Fleet, 80. the fhips ibid. defcribed, Ctecina (Alienus) an abandoned Commander of a Leiii. 53. he joins Vitellius, 54. riots in fpoii and blood, 66. feizes on the Helvetians money unjuftly, and dcftroys many of them, 66, 67. pafies the Alps, 104 his behaviour changed for the better, lit. he paiTes the Po, attempts to corrupt Otho's forces, and befieges Placentia, 112. is repulfed with lofs, 113. repai^es the Po, where more forces revolt to him, 114. is vext at his repulfe, ij6. meditates an ambufcade at Caftores, ibid, his defign betrayed by Otho's Generals, ibid, the greateft part of his Army routed, 117, 118. he is joined by Valens, 121. favoured by the foldiers, and why, 122 derides Ya-lens, yet joins with him for the fervice of the caufe, ibid, feigns a deugn to pafs the Po, 125. his chaTa<^er, 143, 144. he entertains Vitellius at Cremo-

gion,

na,
I us,

155. reafons for fui'pedling his fidelity to A'itel179. his behaviour while at the head of Vitel-

liust

Army,

iHi, 182. his conference with

Luciliits.

183. he encamps between Hoftilia and the river Tartarus, iii. 1 92. hath it in his power to deftroy the forces of Vcfpafian, ibid. Icnda letters to them,
Balllis,

to revolt to them, ibid, on the news of the revolt of the Fleet he afl'embles the principal Oliceis, who all fwcar to Yelpafiiin, 196, 197. th<^

and agrees

INDEX.
theya^ain
revolt,

289

and he Is put in irons, 198. he is I'ucd to at Cremona, to intercede for them with Antonius, 212. he is dcipiled by the Coaquerors, 313. Antonius lends him to Veipafian, ibid, judgment 217 pall'es againlt him in the Senate, C.-eclira (Severus) his Ipeech againil any provincial Maglftrate carrying his wife along with him into the 165 Province, i. 164, 165. his motion eluded, Cekr i Domitius) prompts the ambition of Cneius Pifo,
i.

131

Oler (Publlus) a Roman Knight, poifons Junius Silanus, ii 83. he is accufed by the Province of Afia, and guilty, 109, no. is proteded by Nero, and

why,

'

no
iii.

X'V/fr iPublius)

an accufer, his character, is convided and fentenced, Cf/et^runsy a people of Thrace,

Ca-iius ^Caius)

275.
i.
i.

he 307
1651

Conful,

105

Co'/ius (Curfor) a

Roman

Knight, conviftod of forging

iire,
i.

a charge of treafon,
C<elius

(Mount) confumed by name and antiquity,

251.

its

i. 168 former

252

Cel/us (Julius) a

Roman

Ki;ight,

doomed

to the pains

of treafon,
the Eaft,

i.

Celfus (Marius) Celfus (Marius)

ibid^ 284. he breaks his neck, command;> a Legion under Corbulo in

ii.

215

narrowly efcapes being murdered, iii* 44. he is appointed by Otho Commander of foot and horfe, %Z. fignal exploits by him, 115, ii6. he is preferred to the Confulfliip under Vitellius, 147 Ccv^rivnsy they who confpired againft Nero, how OTavely they encountered death, ii. 255
Cerantu, the Ph^ilofopher, exhorts Pkutus to 0;//, a
(iie,

ii,

186

Freedman of Nero,

fuffiers

djeatk for

villaini.
1

ous

lie,

01

Cerialis (Petilius) routed

by the
from

Britons, but efcapes,

ii.

164

Cerialis (P.etllius) efcapes

Vitellius,

iii.

238. he is

unfortunate in an attack againft Vitellius's forces, 257. he' is appointed Commander of the army agau ft the revolted Germans by Mucianus, 338; he arrives Voj.. V, at

290

INDEX.

at Magontiacum, 342. is impatient of delay, and in three marches reaches Rigodulum, 343. he there attacks Valentinus at the head of a numerous holl of Treverians, ihid. his behaviour, ibid, takes Valentinus and many other illufirious Belgians, 344. he rebukes the foldiers who were for raling that City, ibid, his fpeech to the Legions who had revolted and w^re returned to their duty, 345. his fine fpeech to the Treverians and Lingones, 345 -54^. he receives letters from Clvilis and Claiiicus^ aiibring him of the death of Vefpafian, and offering him the tmpire of the Gauls, 348, he difpatches the

bearer of thofe letters to Domitian, ibid, he is cenfured for letting the enemy join, when he might have deiliroyed them piecemeal, ibid, he is furprized by the enemy, 350. and in danger of being vanquiflied, w hen by his own perfonal bravery he gains the conquell, ibid, his fpeech to the deferters, 350, 351, by a liafty march he arrives at Cologn to protect it, 352. he again attacks Civilis at the old intrencbment, iv. 14. his encouraging fpeech to the army, 15, 16. his troops defeat the enemy, 17. his condud greatly cenfured for the lofs of his Ihips, 20. he was Relieved to have fpent the night in the embraces of Claudia Sacrata, 20, 21.. he fits out a Heet, and attacks Civilis, 21. ravages fhe Iflands of the Eatavians, ibicK his army in great diftrefs, 21, 22. his addrefs in gaining the Germans to fubmit to the Romans, iv. 22. he is appointed Governor of
C.cricuis

Britain, 77. his exploits there, (Turullus) revolts to Vitellius,

iii.

87 114
85

Ct'far, the Dictator, a great Orator,

cV/.'Vz/j

ii.

(Cftius)

put npon the

work of accufmg by Tibei. i.

lius,

Cethegus (CorHelius) Conful, (^laltcdon, the folly of it3 founders,

''J^ama^vitxnsy
flor.iB,

277 212
']']

ii

76,

German Nution,

their country

and cuiv. 54.

Charicici, the Phyfician, his art to difc.over the illnefs

of Tiberius,

he acqu^iints i. 316. ].roachingt:nd of Tiberius,

,

Macro of

the

'ap-

ibid.

Chafnarlt^ii

INDEX.
C.ho.fuarians

291

See Dulgihiinans. Chaucians, that people taken into the farvke of the Romans, i. 57. they commit hoililities againft the Ro-

mans,
Chciuciajis, tlic

ii,

14,

moil noble People of Germany, their country aiul manners, iv. 5^ Cherufcans, that people alarmed by C^ecina, i. 53. they are roufed by Arminius to arms, 57. their device in a battle, 86, '^'j. they are attacked and routed. 87. are at war with the Suevians, 108, 109. and feek a King from Rome, ii. 12 Cherufcansy their country and manners, iv. 5^ Ch/iji (our blelTed Saviour) put to death under Pontius Pilate, Procurator of Judsea, ii. 23a Chnjliansy Tacitus his account of them, ii. 230. they
are barbaroufly murdered by Nero, Cibyra^ an Aliatic City, overthrown hy
a,nd relealed Cilicia,

231 an Earthquake,
i.

from tribute for three years,

209

the Boors there, their infurredion and depredations, ii. 71, 72. they defeat Curtius Severus,

with a body of Horfe, by King Antiochus,

Cilo (Julius) the

72.

and are reduced

.

to

peace
ibid

Roman

Procurator in Pontus, carries

Mithridates to Rome, ii. 46. he is rewarded with the Confular Ornaments, 47 Cimbrians^ an account and great charadler of them, iv.
Cinithiansy a people

of Africa,

i.

Cinna, his domination but fnort, i. z. Claudius (Labeo) Commander of a Batavian Squadron, rand Competitor with Civilis, fent to Frifia, iii. 285.

Cologn, with a few forces, 325 J and defeats fome inconfiderable people, 325, 326. at the head of fome new-raifed forces oppofes Civilis, 337. is defeated and efcapes,
at

he joins Vocula

ikirmifhes with,

ibid.

Clemensy

Bondnian to Agrippa Poflhumus, his bold defign, and artifices, i. 103, 104. he is feized by a device of SallufUus Crifpus, and difpatched privately, 104, 105 .t Chnens

2^2

INDEX.
27, 28

negotiate for Clemens (Junius) a Centurion chofen to their demands, the foldiery, i. 26. he propofcs
Gallio, Clemens (Salienus) accufes Junius ftrained by the Senate,
^

and

is
!!*

re-

Cleonicus, a Freedman of Seneca's, Spam, his chaCluinus Rufus (Marcus) Governor of Vitelhus, raaer, iii. 8. and 311. he congratulates acquitted, ihid. and Hillarius, by accufed is he I 5. Claudius, 11. 22 Citizens (Roman) their number under 308 fubdued, Ciitaans revolt, i. 307. and are it to the Roman particular places allotted
Circus,

^57 " 232

^ ^ ^ charader, 111. and Civilis (Claudius) his royal defcent to his Army, 279, fpeech his ibid, delign, his 278. Rhine, 280 he deftroys the Roman forces on the twenty-four ihips, 28., 282. courts the

Knights,

"-22^

and takes

alliance of the Gauls,

282. his fpeech to them, and vanquilhes Lupercus, engages he 282, 283. regular Army, 287, him' 28c. becomes mailer of a

and leads

it

forth, 288. befieges the old

Camp, 289.

Camp defcnbed, the order of his army, and the him by Mou280, 295. a letter from Antonius to to Montanus, tanus, 298. his fpeech and direftion the braveft of his away difpatches he 200. 208, Julius Maximus and forces under the command of Vocula, 299. Claudius \'iaor, and they furprize forces, 300. his more fending not for blamed he is to a deceive the enemy, 301. and ""^Ity
artifice to

Roman
avows

difguife, and Soldier ibid, he throws off all againft the Roman people, 323. worn in purfuance ot a cuts his hair which he had ambitious vow ^^i. his great cruelty, ibid, his the plunder of views 332. his reafon for forbearing neighbourCoWii, 334. he determines to gain the tbul bis fpeech to the Tungnans,
hoftilities

ing c^ies, 337

he traces the Belgic deAuts in to Ceriahs Labeo, 341. he and Clafficus fend letters and offer him the aflecdn:^ the death of Vefpafian,
oftht Gauls,. 248. he Empire i
advifes to delay the

fearch of Claudius

engaging

INDEX.
engaging of Cerialis, Tutor and Clafiicus,
feated,
ibid,
ibid.

29-3

his
8c

Council over-ruled by feq. hib army is de-

351. he fupplies his Arniy in Germany, and pitches his camp in the old entrenchments, iv. 14.. he diverts the courfe of the Rhine, iaid. h att.-cked by Ceriaiis, 15. his order of battle, ibid, hii fpeech to the Army, 16. he is again defeated by Cerialis,
>7. rallies again, 18,
19.
his

and rnrmifhea in feveral places,

Fleet defcribed, 21. his Fleet attacks that of Cerialis, ibid, he yields himijjlf to the Ro^ mans, ibid, his fpeech to Cerialis, 23, 24
Clajftcus,
ter,

horfe, his charac323, 324. he tenders the oath f Sovereign ty to the Gauls, 330. between him and Julius Tutor the diretflion of the war is ihared, ibid, his arts to reduce the old Camp, ibid, he is elated with fucand hardly can forbear to plunder Cologn, cefs,
iii.

Commander of Treverian

341. joins with advifes to attack Cerialis, 349. and is defeated by him, 351. he hath a fuccefsfui encounter with fome horfe fenc by Cerialis to Novefium,. 352

334.

is

immerfed in

floth

and

eafe,

Civilis in fending letters to Cerialis, 348.

Cogidunus^ a

King of

the Britons, and friend to

iv.

trie

Romans,
Cologn hardly efcapes being facked
Civilis

33

by the Armies of

and

Clafficas,

iii.

334. the anfvver of the Ci-

tizens to the embafiy of the Tendlerians, y^b. tlie' People of Cologn flaughter all the Germans living

552. hence their dread of Civilis, they deiboy a Cohort of Chaucians, and Frifians, by making them drunk, and burning them ia their beds, ibid. Claudia (Daughter of Marcus Silanus) marries Caliibid,

among them,

gula,
Claudius, the emperor, his hiflory

i.

288
i.

why

falfiHed,

2.

154. he means well, but his underfianding defedive, 312, he afcertains the fees of Pleaders, ii. 5. reftorcs Mithridates to the Kingdom of Armenia, 7. is blind to the lewdnefs of his Wife, 10, 11. performs thie
153,
Office of Cenfor,

how

notorioufiy

he was neglefted,

adds new

letters to

the

Roman

Alphabet,

294

INDEX.

Alphabet, brirgs water to Rome, ii. his reprefen^ tation concerning the college of foothfayers, 12. hisfpeech in behalf of the Gauls, 20, 21. his reformation in the Senate, as Cenfor, 22. he checks the flattery of Vipfanius the Conful, ibid hears at lafl the abominations of his Wife, 22, 23. his family alarmed upon the Emprefs's marrying Silius, 24.
his terrible affright
is

upon that marriage, 27. yet he inclinable to relent towards her, ibid, but is ani-

jnated and incenfed by NarciiTus, 27, 28. his wonderful filcnce and coniler nation, 28. his afFedion
returns, 29.his

ftrange ftupidity, 30. he

abandoned
310
"vice to

to the

dominion of

his

difcernment nor paiTions of his Meherdates, 40. and to the Parthians, ibrd. lie adopts Iv[ero, 49. the adoption confirmed by the .Senate, Hid. his llinh Confulihip, 60. he boafls his jTiercy without fliev/ing any, 69. degrades certain SenatcTs, 70. his abfurd praifes of Faiias,. Hid. he is pufhed by Agrippina upon all the meafures of cruelty, 74. he raifes the power of his Freedmen as high as his own, or that of the Laws, 75. his compliment and favour to his Phyfician Xenophon, 75, 76. his death portended by feveral prefages, yy. a faying of his, in his drink, fatal to him, ibid, he- is poiibned by the direction of Agrippina, 80. his death fome time concealed, ibid, his deification, and funeral praifes, 85. he v/as capable of elegance of ibid, fcxprelTion when he lludied the fame, Coionies, thofe of Italy, with what refpefl they attended the afhes of Germanicus, i. 142. their forrow and zeal, ibid, the manner of planting them of old, 160 ii. 159. how much corrupted, Comet ken, ii. 155. obfervations of the vulgar upon
r

is always Wives, 33. has own, 35. his ad-

it,

ibid,

Com:77iu5 (Caius) convifted

berius,

i.

144. he

is

of a foul libel againfl Tipardoned at the fuit of his

Hid.
ufed,
i

Brother,
Confarreatioft, that

Ceremony when

2\2

Conjldius (JEquus) a

Knight, convided of forg' i- 168 ing a charge of Treafon,

ConJ^iracyy

Kcman

INDEX.
Confpircuy,

295

fuddennefs and ftrength, ii. 233. the reality of it queftioned by the People, but afiertcd by Tacitus, 257. it is follow258 ed by many flattering decrees of Senate,
that
againft

Nero,

its

Confpiraton, thofe againft Nero, governed by fecrel intereH, ii,. 235. their flownefs and procraftination,

236. they are animated by a Woman, ibid, they propofe to diipatch Nero at Bai^, but are oppofed by Pifo, 237, 238. Pifo his pretended and real mo238". they then agree to flay Nero in the tives, Circus, ibid, the manner how, 239. they are vaiUy numerous and faithful, 240. how fall they betrayall their deareil friends and relations, 243. they are
Confuls, their eleflion

243, 244 uncertain, i. 73, 74. his ftrange artifices and doublings in recommending or oppofmg Candidates, 74. his de-

haled to the Tribunal in droves, under Tiberius

how

clarations
fion,

how

plaufible

and hollow upon that occa

ibid.
t
.

Confuljhip,

by wliom founded,

Coosy

the people there claim a right of Sanctuary to the Ten\ple of Sfcalapiiis, i. sfo. th^ir pretenuons to ih^ frien<^rriip of Rojric, ihiJ.. they, arc
(the lile of)

exempted
the Ifiand

fioia
is

all ijripcfjtions

by

Ciaudi.u,^,

ii.

76,

facijed to Efculapius,

and friendly

to the

Roman

i^cgple,

Hid.

Cor-bulo (Doraitius) his

complaint againft Lucius SyTla, made him, ihid. and is i. 163. he has fatisfadion appointed, to infped the repair of the public roads, 164. his fevei-ity in that office, ibid, he is appointed Governor of ]o\ver Germany, ii, 15. lays there the foundation of his future fame, and defeats Gannafcus the Pirate, ibid, the great feverity of his difcipline, ibid, he terrifies the Barbarians, and fettles the rebellious Frifians, ibid, he is envied and re-' called, 16. yet allowed the decorations of triumph, ibid, he cuts a mighty Canal between the P.hine and the Meufe, ibid, is appointed by Nero to command in the Eaft, 88. this choice applauded, 89. his great cftimation and experience, ibid, he is admired even for his ^erfon and air, ibid, his variance with Nu-

midiua-

2^6

INDEX.

midius Quadratus, 89, 90. his difficulties to recoverr ditcipline to the army, in. the great fufFerings of his army, with his own great hardinefs and wholefome feverity, ui, 112. his propofal to Tiridates, 1 14. his forefight, 115. he profecutes the War with fucceis, 115, 116. his wary march, 116. he takes and razes the City Artaxata, 117, 118. his reafons for this, 118. his exploits and able conduft, 156, he efcapes great danger, 157. refcues Armenia from the Parthians, takes pofTeffion of it, and in it inflates Tigranes the Cappadocian, 158, 159. he withdraws

Government in Syria, 159 hi^ counfels and ineafures againft Vologefes, 196. he fends fuccours to Tigranes, /^/V. his embafTy and remor.ftrance to
to his

Vologefes, 197. the reafonings of People upon his behaviour, 198, 199. his wary conduit, 200. he iays a bridge over the Euphrates, and baffles all the dcfigns of the Parthians upon Syria, 201. he advances to fucccur Pectus, 203. his declaration to fome fugitives from that General, and exhortations to his own men, 204. he laments the difailers and rnifconduft of Paetus, 208. his reafons for not proceeding with his forces to Armenia, ihid. his demands to Vologefes, 209. he is invefted with unlimited power in the Eaft againft the Parthians, 215. he aifembles his army at Melitene, his magnificent fpeech to them there, 216. he appoints certain Centurions to confer with the Parthian EmbafTadors, iird. his exhortations to Vologefes, reafonings and menaces, 216, 217. his ravages in Armenia, and "jeputation in the Eafl, 217. he meets Tiridates, 2-18. manages that Prince, and perfuades him to refjgn the royal Diadem, ihid. feafts him fumptuoufly, and fills him with admiration of the Romans, 219. i. 141 orcyra (the Ifle of) where fituated, Or^us (Ca^fius) accufed of public rapine by the Cyi. 192 renaeans, and condemned, orduj (Cremutius) the Hiftorian, arraigned for praifmg Brutus and Caflius, i. 225. his noble defence, 226,

227,

he

ends his

life

by abflinence,

225.

his

books

INDEX.
books are condemned to be burnt, nue difperfed and read,
Cornelia, chofen chief Veftal,
ibid,
i.

297
yet contiibid,

Cornelia (CofTa)
Cornelius,

1. 296. convifted of bribery and banifhed, Cornelius Laco, Minifter to Galba, his charafter, iii. 6. he fhares the fovereignty with Titus Vinius, 12. an iuftance of his ignorance and obftinacy, 27. h& meditates the death of Vinius, 39. is murdered by

made a Veftal, accufes Mamercus Scaurus,

ii.

212 213 he is 297

command of Otho,
Cornutus (Caecilius) accufed
dies

46.,

and

innocent,

i.

221.

}et

hands, ibid, Ccrjica (the Ille of) kept under obedience to Otho, iii, 108. yet very nigh brought to deftrudtion by Decimus Pacarius the Governor there, ibid, the People
his
kill

by

own

him

in his bath,

Corn.:i}ius
C'jJ/us

(MeiTala) once

Governor of Rome,
i*

i,
ii.

(Cornelius) Conful,

225,

1C9 232 152

CoJJutia7jus

(Capito) his villainous

fpirit,

and rancour-

ii. 277. his inflammatory fpeech againft Nero, 277, 278. he begins the charge, again fi Thrafea in the Senate, 282. his mighty reward for accufmg Thrafea, 287. fee Capito. CoJJ'utia7iuSi the Pleader, defends pleading for hire, ii,

to Thrafea,
to

him

Cotta (Aurelius) the Conful, his

Pifo,
Coiys,

Motion

againft Cneius
\: 153 Eunones,
ii;

King of Eofphorus,

his

alliance with

Prince
Cotys,

of the Adorfians,

againft. Mithiidatcs,

43
one of the Kings of Thrace, his peaceable cha^ i. 123. he is deceived and murdered by Rhsjt'cuporis, 124, 125 Coiinfel, that of a woman the worft, ii. 241 CraJJusy his power fwallowed up in that of Csefar,
ra*fter,
i.

Cr/3^j (Scribonianus) his charader,. iii. 306 Cremona, a battle there, iii, in;. Caecina entertains Vitellius there, 155. it is befieged by Antouius,

/2-^>

2^8
21 o. rayaged,

N D E
burnt,

X.

and

utterly dellroyed, 214.,

Crefcens (Tarquitius) a Centurion, his bravery,

Crete, pretends to a right

ii.

203
1

of Sanduary, i. 87 Crifpinilla (Galvia) had inlligated Clodius Macer to a revolt, and laboured to famifh the People of Rome, ihid. fhe eludes the iii. 71. her death demanded, Hid, profecution, and efcapes her doom. Crifpinus, Captain of the Guards to Claudius, diftinguiflied with the Prretorihip, and a great reward in

money, and why,

Crijfinus (Rufius)

ii.

4.

his

accufation and

doom,
ii.

272 256 Crif^inus (Varius) a Tribune of the Prastorian Guards^ inadvertently the occafion of a dreadful tumult, iii. 78, 79. he is murdered in it, 79 Cf-upellarii, what fort of forces, i. 172, they are de-

why

banifhed,

feated,

ii. 233. Cuma^ a fhipwreck of the G allies there, Cumanus (Ventidius) Governor of Galilea, his crimes ii. 72 and pnnifhment, Curtifiui (Titus) heads an infurreftion of Slaves in ibid. Italy, i. 220. he is taken prifor.er, O-trtius (Atticus) a Roman Knight, accompanies Ti-

74

berius in his retirement,

i.

247.

Curiim

(Rufus)

liis

rife,

charafter

and adventures,

Cyprus (the people of)

Cyrem'ans, their charge
ii. 351. its ilTue, i^zicus (the City of)

ii. 17 claim a right of Sanctuary to

i. 186 three of their Temples, againll Acilius Straho, what^

1^2
lofes
its

liberties,

and

why,
i.

22B

Djfciam

in arms, are quelled by Mucianus, iii. i2^ i. 202, 203. Dalmatia, two Legions there, JTamaratus, the Corinthian, inflru^ls the Etrufcans in 12 ii. 11, the fe of Letters,

Dandarid^Sr

INDEX.
Dandaridesy fee Mithridates.

299
i.

Danube, what Legions guarded

Deaths, voluntary,
Decemnjirate,
Decrius, a

it,

why
long

fo
it

common
lafted,

in

Rome,
2.

i.

202 296
ic;9

how

i.

why

created,

Roman

Officer, his fignal bravery

and death,
i.

155

Deities, Tacitus his

reproach upon them,

Demetrius, the Philofopher, his difcourfe Pzetus, what, ii. 287. he attends him when he died,

287 with Thralea

ii.

288
Demetrius, an advocate for Publius Celer, one of the. iii. 308 Seft of the Cynics, Demianus (Claudius) one convidled and imprifoned for villainies, employed to accufe Lucius Vetus, and for
ii. 267 fuch wicked fervice reieafed by Nero, Den/us (Sempronius) Centurion of a Prjetcrian Cohort, an adlion of his remarkably brave iii a z Deputies, from the Senate to Germanicus obnoxious to the Soldiers, i. 39Diana, her Temple at Ephefus, its immunities, and i. whence derived, 185, 186 DiSlators, when chofen, i. 2* Didius, the Roman Commander in Bofphcrus, ii. 43 Didius (Aulus) Governor of Britain, his diificiilties and proceedings there, ii. 59 Didius (Gallus) Governor of Britain, iv^ %% Dillius (Aponianus) Leader of the third Legion, joins Antonius Primus, ill. 193 Dolahella (Cornelius) his ridiculous flattery, i. 1717. his frefh ftrain of flattery, 1 00, 1 9 r Dolahella (Cornelius) his confinement, its caufe, iii. 88, he is flain by order of VitelliuG, 149, 150 Ddlahella (Publius) Proconful in Africa> his fuccefsful exploits againfl: Tacfarinas, i. 218, 219. he is ungratefully treated, 219. but his glory increafed, ihid. he is drawn in to accufe his Kinfman Qumtilius Varus.. 253. his motion concerning the Qua^ftors, ii. 18,. Domitia (Decidiaua) Wife of Agricol a, her quality and

character,

iv. 75, Dornitia

^'00

N D E

X.

Domitia (Lepida) Aunt to Nero, her great quality, and evil charader, ii. jj. ihe is accufed and condemned
to die,

78

Domitiany (the Emperor) advanced the Author, iii. 2, he is tempted to efcape frqm Vitellius, 238. 3. efcapes at the burning of the Capitol, 252,253. ia faluted Caefar by the foldiery, and carried to his Father's Houfe, 264. his filthy behaviour, 267, 268. his carriage before the Senate modeft and graceful, 307. he propofes all honours to be reftored to Galba, ibid moves in the Senate for oblivion, with regard to the neceffity of the late times, 312. he is perfuaded by Mucianus to retire to Lyons, 358. from whence he is lufpedled to have attempted to corrupt Cerialis, 359. he relinquifties all functions of government, and, to hide his paffions, feigns a love for learning and poetry, ihid. grows remarkable only for his debaucheries, iv. 76. is ftung with envy at the news of Agricola's conquefts in Eriiraini io8. yet caufes triumphal honours to be decreed to hini, 109. his conduct in r2gard to Agricoln, 112. he is fufpeQ-ed of poifoning him, 113,. his horrid cruelty^
T) cm- tins (Celer) fee Celer (Domitius) ^Vcmitiui (Cneius) marries the younger Agrippina, i. 261., 262. his family and defcent, ibid, he is conful, 272.
is accufed, 313. but efcapes, 314 Domitius (Lucius) his. death, quality, and explc^ts, i.

235, 2-36. Domitius (Lucius) afterwaixls Nero, is beloved by the Roman People for the fake of Germanicus, ii. 10. he marries Oftavia, the daughter of Claudius, 59 Doryfhorus, the imperial Freedman, his death, li. 192. he is fuppofed to have bfcn poifoned, and why, ihid, Druids, the Eritifh, their direful curfes upon the Roman Army, ii. 16 1. their barbarous fuperliition and. human facriiices, 162. their groves cut dovv:n, ibid.

Druids invent fuperftitious and idle

Druftlla^ the

Itories,

iii.

Daughter of Germanicus, married

ef Germaniaus,
his

to
i.

cius Caffius,

324 Lu284
asid

Drujui^ Father

high preferment

INDEX.

30I

and death, i. 4. his great popularity, and its caufe, 34, the Canal cut by him in Germany, and the Altar raifed there, 81. his manes invoked by his Son, ibid, how pompoufly buried, 143, 144 Drufus, Son of Germanicus, puts on the manly Robe, i. 201. he is dillinguifhed with honours by the Senate, ibid, his deftrudion meditated by Sej anus, 249,. his warm temper, ibid, he is flarved to death, 291. his laft agonies and fpeeches, 292. his barbarous
ufage for feveral years,
ibid.

Vrufus, Son of Tiberius, fent by his Father to pacify the mutinous Legions in Pannonia, i. 26, their flern behaviour defcribed, 27. he reads his Father's letto them, ibid, his offers do but incenfe them, 27, 28. betakes advantage of the fuperftition of the foldiery, 29. the reafonings of thofe employed by him to reclaim them, 30, with what fpirit he fpoke to them, ibid, debates arife in his Council, whether to exercife rigor or mercy, 31. he inclines to the
ters

former, ibid, is Conful, 5^'. he prefides over an entertainment of Gladiators, and manifells a delight in blood, 71. he lives in friendly fort with Germanicus, notwithflanding^ the divifion amongft their friends, 108. is fent into Illyricum, and why, ibid. he fows feuds amongft the Germans, 121. a triumph decreed to him, 123. he meets the Afhes of Germanicus, 142. goes to the Army in Illyricum, 145. his
ibid,

anfwer to Cneius Pifo, ibid, by v/hom did'lated, he returns to P.ome, 147. he triumphs, 154. courts the people in behalf of the Senate, 160. his fecond Confulfhip, 163. he mediates a difference between two Senators, 163. profeffes his delight in travelling accompanied with his Wife, 167. his juffice and popular behaviour, 168. he is excufed for
artful

his love of pleafure, ibid,

his

letters
1

to the Senate

deemed arrogant and haughty,

84.

he

is

kind to

the children of Germanicus, 202. hi's complaint of the power of Se]anus,. 204, 205. all his Secrets betrayed by his Wife, 205. he is poifoned by the diredion of Sejanus, ibid, his fplendid funeral, ibid.
his death falily related, 206,

267.

refi^dions upoji
it.

2 2 2

302
it>

INDEX.
269
(Caius) the
at Sea,
iirll

ihU. 208. not chargeable upon Tiberius, ihid* Drufus, a counterfeit one, alarms Greece and Afia, 1.
Duillius,

who

fignalized the

Roman
i.

Power

1 1

E.

E^B
EduanSf

7",

what Legions

there,

i.

202
fol-

Eclipfe,

of the Moon, daunts the mutinous

^

diery,

i 29
i.

an infurreftion of that People,

170. they
ibid.

are an opulent State,

Egnatius (PubliuO the Stoic, appears as an evidence agaiaft Bareas Soranus, his Patron and Friend, ii. 286. his fanflimonious outfide, and falfe heart, 286, 287. Egypt ^ its remarkable antiq-uities, i, 121. the Forces
there,

202

Egyptians, their religious folemnities abolilhed at Rome, 137. numbers of them are banilhed to Sardinia, ihid. all the reft doomed to depart out of Italy, or renounce their profane Rites, ibid, they are the inventors

of Letters,

ii.

11.

Egyra, a Greek City, overthrown by an earthquake, and eafed of Tribute for three years, i, 209
Eleazc)',

Commander of

the

Temple

at

Jerufalem,

is

murdered by John firnamed Bargioras, one of the Governors of that City, iv. 1
Elianus (Plautius) the Pontiff, confecrates the Floor of the Capitol, iii. 322 Elianus (Pompeias) convidsd of a fraud, ii. 170 Eloquence, the Prize of it adjudged to Nero, ii. 154,
Ely/tans.

Ernilia (Lepida)

See Lygians. charged with impofmg upon her Husband a fuppofititious Birth, and with Adultery andTreafon, i. 156, her great quality, r^/^. Ihe is pitied

E?nilia

157 (Mufa) her eftate claimed by the Exchequer, but by Tiberius furrendered to Emilius Lepidus, i. 1 1 '-295 Emilimi Family, a Charader of it,
j^

by the people, convicted and banilhed,

Emiliusi

INDEX.
Emilius, with Stertinius, relieves the Batavians, ^?nilius Longinus, a deferter from the firft Legion,

303
i.

83

mur-

ders

Vocula by command of Clafficus, iii. 329. is himfelf butchered by a Squadron of Horfe called

Picenti^a, 333 334 ., , . Emperors (Roman) difpenle with the Laws, li. 4. the ibid. pernicious confequences of this, Bmiia, Wife of Macro, proflituted by her Hufband to

Caligula, Ennius (Lucius) a

Epaphroditus, a

Roman

i. 311, 312 Knight, the ftrange Treafon

192 241 i. 185 Ephejians, their plea for a Sanduary, Epicharis, her part, zeal and arguments in animating the confpiracy againil Nero, ii. 236, 237. fhe is accufed to Nero by Volufius Proculus, an Officer of Marines, and baflies her accufer, yet is kept in bonds, ii. 237. fhe is vehemently tortured, yet relolutely denies all, and hangs herfelf in her girdle, 243. fhe is a fmgular inilance of magnanimity, ihid,
i.

charged upon him,

Freedman of Nero's,

ii.

Epiphanes (King) v/ounded, iii. 100 Epponiay Wife of Julius Sabinus, iii. 338 Erato, Queen of Armenia, quickly expulfed, i. 78 Eryx (Mount) the Temple of Venus there, its antiquity and decay, i. 135. it is repaired by Tiberius, ibid, Efcitlapius, his Temple at Pergam.os found to be a ge-

nuine fanduary, i. 187. fee Coos. E<vandery the Arcadian, inllrudls the native Latins in the ufe of Letters, ii. 12
Eudemus, Phyfician to Livia, a wicked inllrument of
Sejanus,
Eudofes. See Langohards,
i.

201

Runones, Prince of the Adoriians, efpoufes Cotys, King of Bofphorus, againft Mithridates the late King, ii.

43. but intercedes with Claudius for Mithridates, 45, 46. Claudius his anfwer to Eunones, 46 Eunuchs, in great elleem amongfl Barbarians, i. 299 Exchequer J its various regulations^ ii. 107

304

INDEX,
(Rubrius) arraigned for defpairing of the State, i, 284. he efcapes through oblivon,
ibid.

FAhatui

Roman

Fahius Fabullus, Commander of the fifth Legion, chofen one of the Leaders of Vitellius's Army, iii.

198
ii. 170 J'W^/^^w (Valerius) convi<Eled of a fraud, Fahius (Maximus) believed to die by his own hands, through dread of Auguflus, i. 7 i. 295 Fabius (Paulus) Conful, Fahius (RulHcus) the Hillorian, praifes Seneca, ii. 99 Fulanius^ a Roman Knight, the ftrange fort of Treai. 68 fon charged again ft him, Faventinus (Claudius) occafions the revolt of the Fleet iii. 235 at MifenmiL, 308. his chara^er, Favourites of Trinces, w.iy apt to decline in favour, i. 162, 163 Faujius (Annius) tried, and put to death, for being an iii. 102, accufer in the time of Nero, 103 Felix (Freedman to Claudius) Governor of Judaea, his

great power, fortune and villainy, ii. 70. 71. his ibi(^. crimes and impunity, Felix (Sextiliub) commands a Squadron of Horfe, iii. 189. he forces an entrance through Rhaetia, 341 Fenyiians. See Peucinians. Fenius (Rufus) fee Rufus (Fenius.) Fefius (Martius) a Roman Knight, one of the Conf]:!rators againil
Fejius (Valerius)

Nero,

ii.

235

Commander
iii.

his

charafter,

316.

of the Legion in Africa, he murders Lucius Pifo,

Proconful there,
Fidentr, the tragical

31:8.

farther

ads of

his villainy,
ibid.

Calamity there from the fall of the Amphitheatre, i. 2.50. in it fifty thoufand fouls pS' rifh, 251 ii. 98 Fire (iubterraneous) a ftrange account of it,

Fir7nius (Catui.) expulfed

from the Senate

for forging

treafonablcL

INDEX.
trcafonable crimes againft his
faves
Flaccilla (Antonia)
fifter,
i.

305
223, Tiberias

him from bani'hment, why,

accompanies her Hafband in
Lieutenant
to
ii.

224
exile,

255
ex-

flaccm (Cornelius)
ploits,

Corbulo,
ii.

his

116 fiaccus (Hordeonius) Commander of the i^rm.y in up115,

per Germany, his charader, iii. 9. to him Vitellus commits the defence of the Rhine, 144. he is well difpofed to Vefpafian, 278. orders Lupercus to advance againft Civilis, 284. is accafcd of want of refolution, 285, 286. fends Dilius Vocula to the Camp, is blamed by the foldiery, and narrowly efcapes beinjr murdered, 290, 291. he for his own defence introduces an ill cuflom, 292. tenders the oath to the foldiers in behalf of Vefpafian, 298. they hardly repeat it, ibid, he is murdered by the
foldiers,

304

an ancient evil in the Roman State, i. 97 Fla^tianus. See Jnpius. Fla^vius, Brother to Arminius, fights for the Romans, i. 82. his conference with his Brother, ibid, Flanjius (Subrius) the Tribune, how zealous in the confpiracy againft Nero, ii. 234. his noble purpofe to kill Nero in the theatre, or in the ftreets, 236. whence defeated, ibid, he offers to fmite Nero du^ jng the examination of the confpirators, but is checked by Fenius Rufus, 244. he judges Caius Pifo unworthy of the Empire, 250. he is charged with the conipiracy, and at lirfl defends himfelf, at laft glories in it, and reviles Nero to his face, 251, 252. his laft brave words, and contempt of death,
Flattery^
,

Fleets^

the

Roman, where

kept,

i.

252 202

Florus (Julius) animates the

fpeech to them, ibid, he own hands, Fonteius [Q^AXXs] Conful,

Foreigners,

Gauls to rebel, i. 170. his is routed, and dies by his

171
iii.

13^ Tyrants chiefly confide in them, ii. 244 Fortimatuii Freedman to Lucius Vetus, robs his Lord, then

So6
this,

N D E
ii.
'

X.
268

then accufcs him,

266, 267. his recompense for

Fortune (Equeftiian) her Temple, where, i. 19^ Foftans, a Gernian Nation. See Cherujcans. Freedmen^ their infclence to their Lod?, ii. 104. reafons alledged for recalling the freedom of fuch as abufed it, ibid, their rights, as a body, fecured,

104,
Fregellanth (Pontius) degraded
Frie72d.'j

from the Senate,

.

i.

J^rijia,

at variance, the greateffc enemies, the greater and lefier, defcribed, Frijtans, their ft>re oppreiTion and revolt,

105 315 1,53

55 258, 259. their exploits and renown, 2,59. j6o. they are fettled, and their State modelled by Corbulo,, ii. i j, 16. they change their dwellings, 129. are threatened
i.

iv. 54,.

by Dubius Avitus, Commander

in

Germany, and

fend their two Chiefs to fupplicate Nero, 129, 130. their petition rejedled, and themfelves exterminated by the fword, 1 3.0
frontinus (Julius) a Governor in Britain, his ftgnal fame iv. 87 and aftions there,

Ft^nto (Odlavius) arraigns

in.

the Senate the prevalence

i.

of luxury,
FrQTito

97,
i.

9y8

(Vibius) General

of horfe,

puts

Vonones in
126.

bonds,

Fucinus (th^Lakeof ) a naval combat exhibited there by Claudius, its pomp defcribed, ii. 72, 73. as alfo a combat of Gladiators, ,73
i. 242 Furnius condemned for adultery, Fufcus (Cornelius) joins Vefpafian, and his character, uniii. 170, he is fecond in command of the forces

der Antonius Primus, 188. he

Fiifnis

is

appointed Praetor,

270
263. a favourite of Livia the elder, 264, 265. his charader, and why hated 28 by Tiberiuo, 265. his fate,

(Geminus) Conful,

i.

INDEX.
ALB
.^,

307

the emperor, facceeds Nero,

lii.

5,

his

6 his court compared to 2>lero's, 8. he deliberates concerning the adoption of a fucceflbr, adopts Pifo, and fpcech to him on that occa1 2. 18. he declares it to the foldicrs and to fion, 14 the Senate, 19. orders nine tenths of Nero's donations to be rcflored, 20. difcharges from their compiand Antonius Taurus, Antonius Nafo, Emilias Pacenfis and Julius Fronto, &c. which alarms the foldiery, iii, 21. is warned of a treafonable plot againfl him in the prcfence of Otho, 27. receives the netvs of Ctho's being prefented to the foldiery while facrilicing, 28. calls a council, ibid, fends Pifo to the Camp, 34. receives falfe information
fevcrity,

from the Crowd, 34. and from Julius Atticus, 35, his remarkable ajifwer to him, ihid. he is i^ great diilrefs and fufpenfe, 40. his death, 41. his head carried on a pole, 43. his corps, after many cniel indignities, is by Argius his bondman interred in his own garden, 48. a fhort Hiflory of hinji,
48, 49 Gaholus (Licinius) recalled from exile byNero, ii. .147 Galba (Caius) once Conful, terrified with a letter from Tiberius, falls by his own hands, i. 307 Galba (Servius) Conful, i. 284
Galeriay

Wife

to Vitellius the

emperor, her charadler,

iii.

150

Galgacus, a Leader of the Britons, famous for his valour and defcent, iv. 98. his glorious fpeech to his Army on the Grampian Hills, 98, iqi Galla (Arria) Wife to Caius Pifo, her character, ii.

246
Galla (Sofia) Wife to Caius Silius, arraigned with her Ifufband, i. 214. fhe is condemned to exile, 215 Gallio (Junius) his motion '\n favour of the Praetorian feldiers, refented by Tiberius, i. 274, he means
to

5o8
to flatter, but

I
is

N D E

X.
ibid,

expelled the Senate, and baniflied,

Gallio (Junius) Brother to Seneca, his fears

ii.

257, 258. he is protected by the Senate, ibid. Callus (Annius) appointed Commander by Otho, iii. 88. Vellricius Spujinna joined with him, 104. he is informed by Spurinna of Caecina's repulfe from Pla-

and perils, accufed by Salienas Clemens, but

and marches to Bedriacum, 114, 115. he appointed Cdmmander of an Army againft Ci-vilis, who then headed the revolted Nations in Gercentiii,
is

many,
^

338

(Afmius) incurs the difpleafare of Tiberius, how i. \(y. he had married Vipfania, formerly Wife to Tiberius, ibid, his ambition, ibid, his flattery, 97. he defends the prevailing luxury, 98. his difpute in the Senate with Cneius Pifo, 100. his difpute with Tiberius there, //;/./. he is flarved to death, 290. the cruelty of Tiberius, 29X Galhis (Caninius) one of the College of fteen, i. 282. he is reproved by Tiberius, 2S3
GalJits

Galliis (Clitius) baniflied for

his friendlhip to Seneca,.

ii.

255

Legion, and Governor of Bonn, iii. 286. he attacks the Batavians, the battle defcrit)ed, 286, 287. is taken into a fliare of the command with Vocula, and narrowly efcapes being murdered by the foldiers, 293, 294 Callus, (Publius) a Roman Knight, baniflied for his intimacy with Fenius Rufus and Lucius Vetus, ii.
Callus (Herennius)

Commander of the

firfl:

268
Callus

(Rubrius)

obtains pardon for the

Cohorts at

iii. 140 Brixellura, Callus (Tagonius) his extravagant flattery, he is derided by Tiberius, i. 273, 274 Callus (Vipfanius) Praetor, his death, i- 113

G;/;^j

(Quinquennial) inftituted by Nero, ii. 152. they Rome, 260, 261, the foolifli and pompous panegyrics made there upon Nero's Reign, 261
are celebrated at
(Secular) celebrated under Claudius,
ii.

Games

8.

as

alfa

INDEX.
airo

509
Domitian,

under Auguflus,

g.

and

under

ibU. Gawafcus, a deferter and pirate, heads the rebellious Chaucians, ii. 24, 25. he is feized and flain, 26 GaramanteSf their EmbafTadors, a fingular fight at
i. 219, Rome, 220 Gaui, the Cities there, rebel, and why, i. 170 Gauls, a Nation rich and unwarlike, ii. 15. their Nobility claim a fhare in the public honours of Rome, 19. reafonings againft their pretenfions, 1921. they are admitted into the Senate, 21. a general poll

Gemhiius, z
treafon,

impofed upon them, ii. 174 Roman Knight, doomed to the pains of
i.

284

Genmius, (Ducennius) fee Lucius Ptfo. Geminus (Verdius) fent by Vefpafian, deftroys Anicetus and his followers, iii. 226, 227 GermaniciiSy the Son of Drufus, adopted by Tiberius at the defire of Auguflus, and the aim of Auguftus in this, i. 5. he commands eight Legions upon the Rhine, ibid, acquires the Proconfular power, 18. the Armies in Germany defire him for their Emperor, 52. he is unjuftly hated by his Grandmother Livia, and his Uncle Tiberius, 34. and beloved

by the Romans," ibid, he promotes the ellablifhment of Tiberius, ibid, his behaviour and reafonings to the mutinous Legions, 35. he hears their complaints, 35, 36. has the Empire offered to him, and
Ihews his indignation, 36. his
life

threatened, ibid.

his perplexity, 37. he is forced to fatisfy the unruly foldiers out of his own coffers, 37, 38. brings thofc in higher Germany to fwear allegiance to Tiberius,

38.

expoflulatcs with the outrageous foldiers, 39,

is

40.

cenfured for not withdrawing from them, ibid, Agrippina, ibid, his fine and affc<5ling fpeech to his Army, 41 43. its efficacy, 43, 44. he paffes a fcrutiny upon the Centurions, 44. prepares to fight the foldiers who perfifl in their fedi tion, 45. his ftratagem to reclaim the mutinous foldiery, 46, 47. it fucceeds, and they butcher one *nother, 47. what terrible havock they made, ibid.
difmiffes

he

2io

INDEX.

he kments this, 47, 48. and leads them agalnll the Germans, 48. a triumph decreed to h.'m, 52. he
proiecutts the War in Germany, Hid. his conduct againft the Germans, 52, 53. he is faluted hnperator by the Army, by the diredlion of Tiberius, 56. how univerfaljy he is elleemed, 66, 67. his tendernefs and generofiu^ to the foldiers, ihid. a fhew of Gladiators exhibited in his name, 71. he deliberates
"

to profecute the War in Germany, 79. his proceedings in Germany, 80, 81. he pafles the Viiurgis, 83. learns the defigns of Arminius, ibid, traverfes the camp in difguife to know the fentiments ai the ibldiers, 84. hears his own praifes, ihid. his his propitious dream, '^^. his fpeech to the Army,

how

"

conduct and exhortations, 85, 86. his good intelligence, 88, 89. his wife conduct and bravery, 89. he raifes a monument of arms with a proud infcription, 90. embarks with fome Legions, and fufters a terrible {hipwreck, 90, 91 hence his great grief and melancholy, 91, he invades the Marfians, and recovers one of the Eagles loft w^itk Varus, 92. ravages the country, and routs the foe, ihid. his great bounty to the foldiers, 92, 93.. his triumph, 105. the love and fears of the people for him, ibid, the Provinces beyond the Sea decreed to him, 107. he lives in friendly fort with Drufus, notwithftanding the divifion of their friends, 108. is Conful for the fecond time, 1 1 5. vifits Greece, ibid, as alfo the Coafts of the Propontis, ihid. confults the Oracle of Apollo at
.

Colophon, 116. his generofity to his enemy, 117, he proceeds to Armenia, ihid. creates Zeno King of that Country, 118. his humane and forgiving fpirit, 11 8, 119. his difference with Pifo heightened by ofiicious friends, 119. his noble and modeft behaviour to the Embaffadors of the Parthians, ibid, the court paid to him by their King, ihid. he travels t Egypt, 120. his popular beha;.'iour there, and thence blamed by Tiberius, ihid, he vifits the antiquities 'there, 20, 121. is thwarted and affronted by Pifo, i 26. he fails ill, and is believed to be bewitched, 1 27. his apprehenfions and complaints, ihid. he renounces
1

N D E

X.

311

tiounces all friendlhip with Pifo, ibid, his afTedling fpcech before death to his friends, 127, 128. his advice to Agrippina, he then expires, 128, 129. his
1 29. he is univerfally lamented, compared to Alexander the Great, and furpafling him in virtue, ibid, his body expoied to pub lie view, whether poifoned a queftion, ibid, honours decreed to his memory, great and many, 136. his afhes attended by the Magiftrates of Calabria, Sec. and carried by Tribunes and Centurions, 142. his remains depofited in the tomb of Auguftus, 143. his

amiable charafter,

ibid,

Funeral thought not fufficiently n\agniiicent, ibid, his death revenged, 153. Germajis, whilii under the efFefl of a debauch, attacked by Germanicus with infinite flaughter, i. 48, 49. their counfels how to deal with the Romans in diftrefs, 63, 64. they attack the Romans with afTurance pf viftory, are defeated and flaughtered, 64. their principal advantages againil an invader, what, 79. their mighty defeat and flaughter, 88, they are enraged by a Roman Trophy, ibid, though defeated they try another Battle, ibid, their advantageous Poll, ibid, they are routed and flaughtered, 89. ihelr courage, ibid, they are unfit for a clofe engagement, ibid, they reckon the Ronians invincible, 92 Qermans, their original, iv. 31, 32. their regifters and
hiftories,

v/hat,

ibid,

their

make, form and com-

plexion defcribed, 33.

a charadler of that People, ibid, their riches confift in numbers of cattle, 34. they have not the ufe of filver or gold, ibid, but

exchange one commodity for another, ibid, thofe bordering upon the frontiers of the Romans excepted, ibid, they are fuppofed not to abound in iron, ibid, their armour and manner of making war, 34,
35. their greateil: difgrace, what,

35.

their

manner

of chufmg Kings and Generals, 35, 36. aone but

their Prielh allowed to inflidl punifhment,
lifual

36. their

cuftom of forming their Armies, an incitement to valour, ibid, ti.eir women ufeful and affiiling even in battle, ibid, their v, orftiip, and method of divining by lots, 37. th^y have divine prefages and admomtion

312
nitions

INDEX.

from horres, 38. their method of divining in affairs of the highell confequence, 38, 39. their manner of reckoning time, ibid, their manner of afTembiing their Diets, 39. their manner of propofmg and dcbatirig affairs there, ibid, their method of chufmg Rulers and Officers of jufnce, 39, 40. their notions of honour, and manner of befrowing it, ibid, they cannot brook repofe, yet have an averiion to labour, 42. they ha\^e no cities, ibid, their manner of building, ibid, the drefs and cloathing of their men and women, 43. their laws of matrimony, their punifhment of adultery, 43, 44. their cullom of educating their youth, 45. their manner of making up quarrels of one family with another, 46. they are famous for their liberality and hofpitality, ibid, their ufual way of fpending their time, 46, 47. and manner of confultrng, 47. their food and manner of living, 47, 48. they are guilty of excefs in drinktheir public diverfions, 49, 50. they are exceedingly addided to gaming, ibid, their manner of treating flaves, ibid, chey arc llrangers to ufury, 49. their tillage and hufbandry, ibid, their funeral folemnities, ibid, the original of feveral nations of them, ibid, their great power and bravery, in comparifon of other nations, 5 6, 57 Germany, an iniurreflion of the Legions there, i. 32. the inaftivity of oar Commanders there, whence,

ing, 49.

ii. 128 Germany, near loft to the Romans, iii. 224, 225. but upon the approach of the Roman Armies that country fubmits, 341. its bounds and fituation, iv. 31, its lands productive of grain, but not kindly to f>uit-

trees, 34.

all

the cattle there fmall,

ibid.

Geta (Lucius) Captain of the Pr^torian Guards to ii. 27 Claudius, a man of uncertain faith, Geta, a flave and an impoftor, doomed to die for being at the head of a confpiracy againft Vitellius, ^ii. 57 Gothinians. See Marfignians.
Glafficianus (Julius) Procurator in Britain, envies

and
168

traduces Suetonius,

ii.

GotarnfA^

INDEX.
Gotarzes,
7.

315
ii.

King of
is

Parthia, his barbarous cruelties,

forced to abandon his Kingdom, ibid, 15 recalled, 8. he plays the tyrant again, and is again forfaken by his people, 9. his detellable tyranny, 39.

he

he routs Meherdates, and cuts off his he dies, Gothones, their fituation and government,
Go'vernmenty

ears, 42, 43.

43
iv.

and mixt,

how many how rare,

forts

of

it,

i.

6 224. one equal

ibid,

Go-vermr of Rome, his

office,

what,

pointed, Gvacchi (Serapronius and Caius) inflame the people,

and when api. 281, 282

i;

Gracchus (Caius) his low fortune, i. 209. his peril the fplendor of his race, 2 1o Cr^rc/^//^ (Sempronius) his character and doom, i. 51. he is the adulterer of Julia, ibid, thence banifhed to Cercina, and now afTalfmated by order of Tiberius,
ibid,

160 from

he dies bravely,
thofe of

ibid.

Gracilis (^lius) See Vetiis (Lucius)

Grandees,

Rome,

their proHitixte

flattery,

I.

188
Granius (Quintus) accufes Culpurnius Pifo, i. 216 Graptus, Nero's Freedman, a fubtle and wicked courtier, ii. 125. he forges a plot againll Cornelius Sylla,

ibid,

Gratianus (Tatius) charged with trcafon and executed,

i.

306
235

Grains (Munatius) a
fpirators againft

Roman

Knight, one of the conii.

Nero,
accul'cd for
ii.

Gr^ciiia (Pomponia)
Itiperliition,

embracing
109.

a foreign
ibid,

and acquitted,

her great age

1.

and

afiiidlion,

Greeks admire chiefly their freedom of fpeech,

tius Julianus,

own

exploits,

139. their

227

Griphus (Plotius) decreed Prsetor in the

room of Teriii.

30^

Vol. V.

H,

3t4

INDEX.
H.
felt

HAlicaryic.Jfus, no earthquake hundred years,

there in thirteen

i. 244, 245 Halotus (the Eunuch) adminifters the poifon to his Mailer Claudius, ii. 30

J//mz/j (Decimus) Conful, i. 177 Jiaterius (Quintus) offends Tiberius, i. 17. what peril threatened him, 18. he arraigns the luxury of the Romans, 97. his death and quality, 249, 250. a charadler of his eloquence, ihid. Haterius (Quintus) Conful, "-73 Heliust the Imperial Freedman, a poifoner, ii, 83, 84 Helliiftans, a fabulous account of them, iv. -65
Hel'vi cones.
Jiel<vidius Prifcus.

See Lygians. See Prifcus.

faves a Roman Citizen, i. 255. and rewarded for it, ibid. Hamus (Mount) Winter begins fuddenly there, i. 24,2 Hercules, he of Egypt the oldefl of all, i. 120. he of Mount Sambulos, his hunting horfes, their miraculous feats, ii. 41, 42. he appears to his Priells in

Hehius (Rufus)
is

their lleep,

ihid.

Hercules, his pillars reported to be flanding, iv. 55, Herennius Senecio, put to death, and why, iv.

56 72

Herenniusy
his

Commander of

a Legion,
iii.

of Valentinus and Tutor,

murder,
Hermunduriatis,

is llain by order 342. their reaix)ns for

ibid.

their conteft with

the propriety of a river, ii. conquerors, 133 Hermundui'dans, their charadler and fituation, iv. 59, 60 Hieroco'/area, its inhabitants claim a right of Sanduar}^,

about 132. they f^ght and prove

the Cattians

whence,
Hilarius,

i.

186

Freedman to Vitellius, his charge againft Cluvius Rufus Governor of Spain, iii. 150. that does not fucceed, and he himfelf is doomed to punifh150, 151

ment,
Hijiorian, the duty

of one,

i.

188

Mijioty,

INDEX.
Hijlory, that

515
in agree-

of the free State,

how abounding

i. 224. the ule of it, 224, 225. the foland infamy of fiipprefling it, 227 Hi/po (Romanus) his wicked character and courfc of his fortune, credit and life, as an Accufer> ii. 69.

able matter,

ly

imitators,

ihid.

Hormus, Freedman to
ftrian Dignity,

Vefpafian, advanced to Equeiii.

30^

ilortalus

(Marcus) Grandfon to the Orator Hortenfius,

his great quality and poverty, i. loi. his moving fpeech to the Senate for fupport, with his addrefs to Tiberius, loi, 102. the Senate favourable to him,

I02
Hynaniansy at
fadors to
vv^ar

with Parthia,

ii.

158, fend Ernbafil'id.

Rome,

I.
i- 30t IBerians, whence fprung, Icelus, Freedman to Galba, vefbd with the Equeftrian Dignit)', and new named Martianus, iii. 22. his great fway in the Miniitry, ibid, he combines with Laco, ibid, is formally executed by Otho's command, 49

Iceniam^

powerful people in Britain, 2l bravery and defeat,

ii.

53.

their
ibid,
i.

the battle there, Jerufalem, its deicription and fituation,

IdiJIa-vi/us,

SS
its-

iv. to,

11.

Urong

fumptuous Temple, if,, 12. the command of the City divided between Simon and John, furnamed Bargioras, 12. the defence and command of the Temple in the hands of Eleazer, ihid. the City is befieged by Titus, 1
fortifications, ihid. its

Jen.K}s,

their religious folemnities abolifhed at

Rome,

i.

a great number baniftied to Sardinia, Hid. they are obliged to leave Italy, or renounce their national Rites, ibid, their infurreftions under Caligula and Claudius, ii. 71, 72
137.

ytzw,

their rife

and

antiquity, iv.

2.

their

religious

prdijiances, 4. their peculiar ceremonies

and cuftoms,
5-

Si6

N D E
iall

X.
&
i-

5. their various lot fince the time of the A/Tyrian Empire to the fiege of Jerufalem by Titus, 8, feq. J/ljn'um, the Legions there fupplied, ii. 269

/operator,

who

the

General faluted by that name,

19s

Incendiariesy

how

readily delivered to punilhment

i.

by
3

their brethren,

Indus (Julius) an

enemy

to Julius Florus,

i.

171

Inguiotmrus, a German Leader, his advice fiercer than that of Arminius, and thence better liked, i. 64. how he efcaped upon a defeat, 87. his intrepidity, 109 89, 90. he deferts to Maroboduus, and why, infechiojis^ a people affedionate to the Romans, ii. 113 jolm, furnamed Bargioras, one of the Governors of

Jerufalem,
iv. 12.

employs aiTafiins who murder Eleazar, he takes poffeffion of the Temple there, ibid,
fituation, fize, foil

'Jordan^ that river defcribed,

Jrelafid,
its

iv. 6, 7 and climate, iv. 93. a petty King from thence under the protedion of Agri-

cola, Italian Allies deceived

Italicus,

ibid.

by promifes from Rome, i. Son of Flavins and Nephew to Arminius,

to rule over the Cherufcans,
his reign popular,

60

fent

ii. 13. the but diftreffed with factions, ibid, he is intoxicated with good fortune and grows tyrannical, 14. is expelled, but reilored, ibid. and continues to afflid the Cherufcan State, Italyy how guarded, i. 202. a Servile War there, 220 iial\\ from the Po to the Alps, pofTelTed by the troops

from

Rome

beginning of

of Vitellius,

iii.

109

ii. 48 Jturea annexed to the Province of Syria, liurins, inftigated to accufe Agrippina, ii. 98. he is baniflied for this, 102. but recalled from exile by Nero,

1. 202 Juba King of Mauritania, Judca, that Province prays an abatement of Taxes, i. ii. 48 107. annexed to the Government of Syria, Jud^a^ all, except Jerufalem, reduced by Vefpafian, boundaries defcribed, iv. 6. its natural iii. 97. its iiiftorj', ibid. a. fumraary of its government from the A fly rj an

N D E
till

X,
8,

gry
&feq.
ii.
I

A/lyrlan Empire

the fiege of Jerufalem by Titus,

Juhones, the ftrange calamity

Jul; at

which

befcl that People,,

33

Daughter of Auguftus and Wife of Tiberius, her death, character and intrigues, i. 50, 5 1-. flic was banifhed by Augullus, and now doomed to pcibia. riih through want by Tiberius^

Julia,

Grand daughter

to

Auguftus, dies in exile,

to

i.

258Julia, Daughter of Vinicius,

German -cus, married

dies

Marcus
i.

2H4:

Ju'ia,

Daughter of Drufus,

by the procaremenr..
ii.

of Meiialina,
Ju.'ianus X'^^xx.nis) flies for fear of

109iii.

being murdered,

169. appointed by Vitellius to reclaim the foldiers^ and goes over to the fide of Vefpafian, 235. his cha-

he commands at Tarracina, is taken by 2-; Lucius Vitellius, and murdered by him, Julianus (Tertius) degraded from the Prictorfaip by the Senate, iii. 305. he is re ilo red,, 307 See Frovtinus, Julius Frontinus. Julius Manfuetus, killed by his Son at the battle of Beiii. 2c driacum, Julius Martialis, the Tribune, fufpedled of the coniii. 28 fpiracy againft Galba, See Sabinus (Julius.) Julius Sabinus. See Tutor. Julius Tutor. Junia, the Wife of Caffius, her great age and death, ilicf.. i. 196. her Will and fplendid Funeral, i- 94Junius, a dealer in charms, ii. Junius (Decimus) Conful, 73 Jupiter, his Prieft, generally confined to Rome, i. 183^ 212 what immunities he enjoys,
racter, 254.

Ju-venales, Sports inilituted

by Nero,

ii.

149. in

them

ibid. ranks debafe themfelves, Izatesy King of the Adiabenians, deferts Meherdates,.
all
ii.

men of

42

K..

3i8

INDEX.
K.
Knights

were the original Magiflrates of Rome, i. 2 (Roman) not fufFered to accompany an Ador, 72. their oblation upon the recovery of Livia, 192. an account of their Judicial Power deduced, ii.
74' 7S

INGS,

L.
noble accomplliliment.% I not fupplc to power, and thence check cd from rit'lng to the rirft dignities, ihiJ. LuI.eo (Aiconius) once Tutor to Nero, diflinguiflied with the Confular ornaments, ii. 90 Labeo. See Claudius Laheo. L.abei (Fomponiufi) accufed, and dies by his own hands,
(Antiflius) his
ij

/fBEO

196. he

r.

i.

296

l.alco ;'ji.'dlas)

accufed for not punifhing the adulteries

Wife, i- *37 claim a Right to the Temple of Diana, i. 234, ther plea, ihid. haco^ a noSle Greek, falls by the cruelty of Tiberius, i. 287 i.aco. See Ccniellus Laco. Ladies, a decree againft fuch at married flaves, ii. 70. thofe of great quality enter the public liUs as Glahis

of

Laced^e77icn:ans

diators, 220 Lamia (^lius) Proconful of Africa, proteds young Gracchus, i. 210. his death, employments and fine character 294

Lc.vgobards^ a Pecple
their Religion,

few in num.ber, but brave,

iv, 5

b'.

59

Laodicea (the Ci'Ly of' overthrown by an earthquake, ii. ///-/. 159. it recovers again, Lateranus (Phiutius) reftorcd by Nero to the rank of a Senator, ii. 9c. v>hen CoLTui tXtdi, he confpires againil

INDEX.
againft
Tiitate

319

Nero, from

iSrSiusI

doom, 246. he

precU worthy motives, 234. hU """ dies magnaiumoufly,

i.

his deteftable guile,

255. 1- meet.
i
i

his iall doom, r. . ?2 ^ .. > 3 Majefty waxes .nten e La--^. th of violated why, 1. 3. and impotence, 4^^^^y LaJs (Roman) their favour, ..3- 'i'"/%f are vanquilhed by ,XmV 158-161. their Soyeieigr^^y their Hiftorv deduced,

thet.cWe 'pTefe^d^thatof Kin^s, .;? thofe 0. they are made by .a ^rabies, how coUefted, M^.
-

number the f.gn of a conu^t tion, 159, .60. their

ottite,
ii

lecamus (Caiusj Conful, See Soldiery. Leziom-

'O
.

Uia,

the Veftal, her death,

" -=
;;

See Githoues. leim-vians. ;i 107 r , Z,MJ (Vipfanius) condemned, -n J' of_a convided Knight, Roman a rrerentius)

Lril
'

L^Dt (Cneius)

murd-^ed by narrowly ^fcapes being

28. hf fofiens the lut 1. the ou rageous foldicry, .90. his death and woi^ tence agafnll Caius S.lanus,

i^Mc^fuSc',.)

Conful, : .37.

commander of

the

accufed, 297. his LeSons in condemned accaler his and Tetter to^Tiberius, tofd

higher Germany, and

LeZTiln^li^) Widow of young

Adultery with a fiave, and

pats an

Brufus, accufed of end to her l.fe.^K

power fwaliowed up in that LeHd.s (the Triumvir) his i(>o purfmts, turbulent of Auguftus, i. 2. his judgment of Auguilus he .s the i" (llanius) Le^iJus fond of it .. 17. 'qualified to reign, but not

^^f^^^' ^''' '5?^; for Cneius Pilb, .47^^,^=^f'^' .W. Afia, .54. his cuarafter to Governor fent is A:nca, to the Government of
is

%f^^^'

Pnfciis, 170, >77- ""t P';^againft executing Lutorias

vlils not,
i

,67:

named by Tiberius declines it, andwBy, iU.

77. he rellores the

his

candid fpeech
his

monuments of

ta-

3to

INDEX.
his

mily, 193. his mild fentcnce, 215.

wifdom and

moderation, /^/V. his death and nobility, 294, 295. Lepidus (Marcus) Guardian to the children of King Ptolemy, i. 125, 126. Governor of Afia, 246 ii. 11, 12 Letters, by whom firft invented, Le--LK:dnejs and immodefty, their prodigious growth and encouragement under Nero, ii. 149, 150 Zihamis (Mount of) defcribed, iv. 6 Liberty, founded by Lucius Brutus, i, % Libo (Drufus) maliciouHy feduced by Firmius Catas, falls under the charge of Treafon, i. 93, 04. the deceitful countenance of Tiberius towards him, 94. he
deferted by his friends, and why, 95. the ftrange and extravagant articles againft him, 95, 96. his Haves examined by torture, but rll fold, 96. he finds Tiberius obdurate, ihid. is terrified by a guard of ioldiers, iliJ. and f.ills upon his fword, yet the profecution carried on after his death, and his fortune given to the accufers, 96, 97. flattering decrees of
is

rhe Senate againft his Liho (Lucius) Conful,

memory,
i.

97 76

i. 250 Lianius (Marcus) Conful, Lidnius (Marcus) Conful, ii. 220 See Mucta-nus. Liciniiis Mucianus. Life-guard Men i their behaviour in regard to Galba and

Pi lb,

iii.

31

i. 297 Ligur (Varlus) bribes his accufers, Liguria (a Woman of) her great intrepidity^ and refoiii. 106 lute anfwer to the plundering foldiers, Li^j'ta, her abfolute fway over Augullus, i. 5. her management upon the death of Auguftus to fecure the Sovereignty to Tiberius, i. 7. the liattory of the Senate towards her, 18. Tiberius is jealous of her credit, ikid. ihe appears not at the funeral of Germanicus, and why, 142. fhe is feized with a violent diilemper, 187. lives upon ill terms with her fon, iiid, flattering Decrees of Senate upon her illnefs, and fupplications for her recovery, 188. how jealous of her own power, 208, 209. an extraordinary privilege decreed to her, 212. ftie is uneafy to her fon, 247. her

N D E

X.

321

her ambition and reproaches to him. Hid. fhe deilroys moll: of the family of Auguftus, and afTeclsto ihew kindnefs to the reft, 258. her great age, death and charafter, 263, 264 Li'via, Wife of Drufus, excelled in reputation by Agrippina, i. ro8. ihe brings forth twins, 136. her fcan201. dalous proftitution and iniquity, Li'via, the younger, importunes Sejanus to marry her, i. 230. furious Decrees palled againft her after her
death, 273 ii. 151 Liinnius (Regulus) banifhed, why, Lin^y, the Hiltorian, his many encomiums upon Pompey, i. 226. he reviles not the enemies of C^efar and

Auguftus, but often

Loaifta, the Poifoner,
ii.

79, 80.

ihid^. commends them, an inftrument of Imperral rule,, fhe feeths a deadly potion for Claudius,

ibid,

and prepares the

(Paulina)
34, Ihe

fatal dofe for Britannicus,

94..

Lollia

recommended
is

to Claudius fjr a

Wife

by Caliilus, ii. by -Agrippina,

compelled

crimes are framed againil: her

to die, 47,

doomed to banifhment and her great' quality and immenfe

ibid,
ii.

wealth, London (the City of) a noble Mart,

164.

it.is

aban-ihidi

doned by Suetonius,
Longinus.

See Emilius Longimis.

Longus (CalTms) Camp-Martial, chofen Leader of Vitellius's Army by the foldiers, iii. 19S' Ltwan (the Poet) defpitefully ufed by Nero, hat-^s him;

and confpires againft him,

in denying
;

ii.

234.

he

perfifts

long

upon promife of pardon^ owns the confpiracy, 242, 243. he informs againft his^i Mother, 243. is fentenced to die, and gallantly unat laft,

dergoes the pains of death, See Bajfus. Lucilius, a Centurion, put to death by the
Luciliiis EafTus.

2541
fn-rioiis
i.

diery,
hiicilius

fol 26*

(Longus) a conftant and ancient friend to

Ti-

berius, his deatli affeds the,

Emperor,

'\.z\i, his fu-ihid.-

neral honours,
htciiis

(Caifar)

Grandfon

to Auguftiif,

hk

early deathx
i.

imputed

to the fraud

of Livia,

4^^

Luciun

322
Lucius (Plfo)-

INDEX.

See Pifo (Lucius). Lucius Pifo, Proconial in Africa, a particular account iii- 3'^ of his murder,
i97 Lucius (Publiiis) his flattery, Lucius (Vetus) See Fetus (Lucius) Lupercus Mummius, advances againfl CIvilis, iii. 284. to the is obliged with his Legions only to efcape Camp, 285. which he fortifies, but neglects to fe-

cure proviiions, 288.

is

befieged by Civiiis,

ibid,

is

taken and fent to be prefcnted to Veleda, but in the 35* journey thither he is flain, in Lvfus (Curtius) Qu^eftor, fuppreffes the Servile war
^

Italy,

i-

220
hirn-

Lupus (Junius) the Senator accufes Vitellms, but

felf banilhed,

is

ii.

62

Lupus (Numifius) joins Antonius Primus, and brmgs iii. 193 \vith him the eighth Legion, Luxwy, that of Rome declaimed againft, i. 97, 9^.

and defended, 98. its prevalence, 179. how be cured, ibi.'j. 180. how at lafc reftrained, Lycurgus compiled good Lav/s for Sparta,
Lydia,

hai'd to
I'^i

whence

fo called,

Lygiafis, their fituation

Lygdus, the Eunuch, poifons his Mailer Drufus, and cufloms,

Lyons,
'

^59 245 i. 205 iv. 61

j-

i.

damaged by

fre,

li.

269. the bounty of

Nero
z^^^-

to that City,

M.
"n
IfAcedoriy the

Government of that Province changed*

his affafTmation, for raifmg commotion Capito, for 7. with that of Fonteius

Uacer (Clodius)
in Africa,
iii.

^hid. the fame crime in Germany, Macer (Martius) the battle fought by him near Cremoby na, iii. 115. he is in danger of being murdered

the foldiers,

Man-iva (Fompeia) herbanifhment and the ftrange crime i- 287 alledged againil her, his liUcro, Captain of the Guards to Tiberius, i. 285.
mil-

P^

"

INDEX.

323

exceffive power, 3.1. he mlfchievous fpirit, 297. his h.s villainous praciHJ. CaUgala, pays all court to men, 3 3 h.s noUluftrious tices againll the lives of

torious%nm;ty to Arruntius, Mailer I ibenus 36 Sejanus, 3,4- he murders his from, the choice of them tranfiated Majjhaus,

tW-V

Z
,

from prefenting pubil/...i/?L./(Provincial) prohibited ^""''^ '^-^^'^ 1*^ (hews, ii. 93- th^ ^^ : f * , ^ il.W^M ruined by an earthquake, i. i S6 whence, ianctuary, a to claim their Magniftans, Magontiacvm befieged, i A^ T>of^ rl^F.^ i. 6; howdfrc^ ^47?;' violated, that Law revived, oy Auguilus, of old, iUd. it is perverted

People to the Senate,

"

/enf it was
//^/^.

by him Libels made Treaion,

Sec Verritus, General of the MarHans,
(Servlus) though
T. i.
^

^^'^

lldorigis.
ili4^-.:.W/..,
ilii./...;,;.../.

; n-. i-.g^

Prieft of Jupiter
iB-.. 183,

demanas
192, 193

the

^.^ r^L^:..,...^. of Af... Government r.9 Afia,

hio luit diiallowed.

with Vanlia Ma.lius banifned Italy for adultery

Apdcm,

complains to th Senate il.W-v. Patruitus, a Senator, the Magiflia.e. of from of mfults and indignities and fufFer capitally, 111. 513 Siena, who areconviaed, of a fraud, 11. 170. his Marcellus (Afmius) convifted ibid, he accounts po^^l;^. character, and
great quality ty the worft of all evds,
^^'^'

AW//.-.

(Claudius)

Nephew

to

Auguftus, though a

i4 .. perfeft youth, highly preferred, Praetor for one day, 11 ,5. i'.W///^. (Eprius) created but of Lycia, 11. he is accufed by the people furious fpeech his ibid, fadion, acquitted through 282. his m>ghty reag;Lft Thrafea in the Senate,

no

^2^,2, 2b3 wards for accufing Thrafea, ot Nero, a reign the in accufer Marcellus (Eprius) an concerning .enddTpute between hijn and Helvidius 272. his artful iii. Vefpafian, to EmbafTadors ing
,

!?* fpeech on thac occaiion, ^^'"^;^'''rT^ accuf^ ot li^aJJ^/W///.(Graniu^> Pmor of Bithynia, 10'^ P 6
^

324
64.).

N D EX.
fpitefiil articles,
i.

fon, confifting of ftrange and

68,

and acquitted,
by Catualda,
i.
.

69
122

Marcomanniajis, ravaged
Mm-x'ovjann'uxns

See Nan/cans.

'Man ecus

a Boian of mean birth, takes upon him the at the head of eight thoutitle of a God, iii. 147. fand men invades the Eduans, is taken and thrown amongft wild beafts, but not hurt by them, ihid. is
^

put to death in the prefence of Vitellius, 148 ii. 175 Conful, Marrus (Sextus) condemned and executed for inceft, i. 287. his great riches proved his bane, ibid, thefe
I'larlui (Pdblius)

feized

by

'1

iberius,

ibid,

Marohoduus, King, of the Suevians,. unpopular at home^. his fpeech to his Army, 1 10. he is vanquiflii. 109. ed by Arminius, ibid, and invokes the aid of the Romans, III. his power broken, 122. what a terrible enemy to the R.omans, ibid, lis grows old in.
exile at

Ravenna,

123.
i.

Marfians, their forces routed by Csecina, Marfgnians, their fituation, fpeech and ^"i'Ss,

53

iv.

60

Mar/us accufed, i. 1 32. his illuftrious charader, 133. he efcap^s, 395 Mar/us (\'ibius) fummons Pifo to his trial.at Rome, i. 132 Viartialii (Cornelius) the Tribune feared by Nero, and
.

difniiiTed,

Martiar.iis (G.-anlus) the Senator

Ji- 255 charged with Treafon,

_

ibid, i. 306. he dies by his own hands, Martina^ an infamous artiil: in poifoning, a Confident of Piancina fent in cuivody to Roms, i. i 30. fhe is found dead at Brundufium, with poifon bound up lu the knots of her hair, 145 Mcrullus (Junius) Conful ele^, his fevere fentence, ii.

Mt-fja (Bebius) a Procurator ia Africa, one of the alililTins

of Lucius Pifo,

iii.

315
ii.

Mattiacians, a fdver
JsU'ttiac'.avs,

Mnie opened

in their Country,

i?
(the

Nation of)

their territories

and cufiv.
j;i

toms defcribed,

Maturi

INDEX.
.

325
atfirft

the Maritime Alps, MaM-ns (Marius) Governor of on he the forces of Otho, but

M^uric!

t'mpts to repel the rage diffipated, u> .05 ftock his people were Fabms Valens receives he 'l>->^of the foldieo'. kindly, liis diftrefs very v.^l moves Domitian to communicate the

thence to d.fcover Regifters of the late Emperors,

(Junius)

her Kufband in exile, J.fL/ J/^l^'gnatia) accompanies

11.

255

Maximus

(Ca^fonius)

doomed

to banifhment ^^^^ard^
ii.

Maximus Maximus

the Gauls,^ (Trebellius) appointed to affefs

(Trebellius)

Governor of

Britain,

difcarded,

whilil in Bntam, his condua and charader in Africa, Mazlppa, General of the Moors

and his Vace fuppUed by

Vettius Bolanus,

15^. 86 1. 114
iv.
1.

Mec^nas,

firft

favourite to Auguftus,
_

162.

or Rome, 1^282 Mec^nas (Cilnius) once Governor ^^ /^^^^;?; "' 9 Meherdates, called to the Crown poffeflion of the Kmgtake to Claudius by is fent

dom

c Knight, Brother to Seneca, Mella (Ann^us) a Roman own his by dies and and Father to Lucan, accufed and auconnderation great his hands, ii. 272, 273. legacy to Tigellinus and thority, with his immenfe 2/3' Coffutianus Capito, iEgypt, '! il/m;/.;/, a Coloffus in ir'* quelling an Menmus, Camp Marfhal, his boldneis infurreftion of the Veterans, r ,i,!'cl the lift of the SeMcrula (Apidius) why ftruck from
'

of Parthia, 40. his ill condu6t, 41 /^,^)^",^^^ ibid, he is mifled tbtd. his rovaltv confills in luxury, confederates revolt, 42. he his /^/V. fatigued, forces' off, cut "^^ ears is routed and his

_m

nators,

;
^

.70-

having fer^^ed under CaiMejfala (Corvinus) gloried in i- 226 fius, yet exalted by Auguftus, his poverty and il^.>/^ (Valerius) Conful, ii. 110.
^

M^/f^, two Legions there,

rS

good charader,

^^^^^

32^
IJeJJalla

INDEX,
309

(Vipflanus) his charader, iii. 192. he fuppor.^ an onfet, 201. gains vafl: applaufe in the Senate by ^pleading for his Brother /\v|uilius JR^egulus,

Mejfalina (the Emprefs) her rapacioufnefs and ranccur to Valerius Afiaticus, ii. 2. fne procures the death of Poppa^a Sabina, the elder, 3. is bent tc- defaoy Agnppina, 10. her defperate paiilon for S'lYms, ibid.

her amazing boldnefs in the purfuit of it, 10, 11. her extravagant lewdnefs, 23. in the abfence of her hufband he marries Silius, ibid, her nuptials publicly and formally celebrated, ibid, her frantic riot and
,

voluptuoufnefs, 26. fixe is threatened with the vengeance of the Emperor, ibid, yet ventures to meet him,_ 27. what a wretched objea in dilcrcfs, ibid. her importunate entreaties to Claudius, 28. ihe is

Mejfali'nus (Cotta)
.

difpatched by a Tribune, ibid. motion againll the mc niory of Libo Drufus, i. 97. his odd motion, 21 ^ liis forwardnefs to gratify the cruelty and tyranny of Tiberius, 265, he is arraigned in the Senate, zib. his crimes deteited, ibid, his charadter, 277. heappeals to I'iberius, and gains hjs protcdijon, ibid, his accufer puniihed, m^^
is

loth to die, 28. but

his HatteiiKg

Mejjalimis (Valerius) his fpeech in defence of Mapitrates, who carried tkeir wives into the Provinces," i.

165, 166

Mefemans claim a

i-jght

to.

the

Temple of Liana, L ^

234. their plea, y/,;^; Miletus (the People of) pretend a right to a Sanftuary
t^^ere,
i.

,87

Milichus, a traiterous Freedman, urged by his Wife, betrays his Lord, and iirit diicovers the' Confpiracy
againft Kero, 11. 241. his mighty rewards, 255 Milvian Bridge, the nightly revellings there, ii. 1 25 Minos gives good Laws to Crete, i. i pq Minutius (1 hermusj accufed and condemned, but turns evidence, i. 278 Miracles, feme performed by Vefpafian, iii. 353, 354

Mithridatesy

of the

King of Pontus, Romans in. Afja and

caufed a general maffacre

the
Illes,
ii.

i.

210

Mithridtites,

he of Eolphorus, a vagabond,

43. he gathers

INDEX.
Pathers forces

327
the

and

feizes the

Kingdom of

Dan-

fortune darides, ihU. his defperate

and great

diftrcls,

AC
ihid.

Eunones he throws himfelf upon the mercy of

is

carried to

Rome,

his 46, 47. the boldnefs o.

^

or Armenia, 11. Mithridutcs, reftored to the Kingdom he is dethroned adminiftration, 7. violent his 6 7 Rhadamiflus his Nephew and ths
for lymg with tue Lmllnefter (the Player) executed of his crime, icul. mitigations ii. 29. MelTalina, prefs Freedman to Agrippina, flays himfelf at her

behaviour there,

,47

2nd murdered hy Huiband of his Daughter,

^s,tt>

Mnefter, funeral pile,

Vologeies, 11. 196. he Monejes, appointed General by Tigranes ready to haftens into Armenia, but finds
receive him,
..

..

^^44
'^'^' '91 194, ^95
"i-

Vologefes to war, Momhazus, MoPtanus (Alpinus.) See Alpinus,

incites

n.

297

v.rtue, mnoMontcmus (Curtius) accufed, ii. 283. his 287 his fentence, 284. writings, fine and cence that puolic Montanus (Curtius) the Senator, propoies Pifo, m. 307.^ folemnity be paid to the memory cf Regulus, one ot fine fpeech in the Senate againil

h's

^^' theaccufers, ^t" the Nero by xr Monioniis (Julius) a Senator, afiamlted n. die, to 103 dark, repulfes him, and thence forced by MeiMontanus (Traulus) a lovely youth, debauched

"-29 falina, then ill ufed, Montanus (Votienus) a man of celebrated wit, accmied is conof invectives againft Tiberius, i. 234. he
.

of the Jevv.fli M^/fXj'hls addrefs to fecure the fubjetIon 4 himfelf, to Nation Mucianus (Licinius) his charader, 111. lo and 98. he fpeech to Vefpanan, rules over Syria, 98. his fine irn 162. he admin'fters to his foldiers the oath of

Jv

peoallegiance to Vefpafian, 164. his fpeech to the at Beritus, ple of Antoch, 165. he holds a council 166. is appointed Leader againil Vitellius, 167. his bafe arts to dlfpofitloii of the Fleet, 167, 168. his the fudraife money, ihd. he is ftung with envy at

dea

S2S
den
vldlories
,

INDEX.

of Antonius, 230. is guilty of douBlings and bafenefs to him, 230, 232, 257. he in his letters boafts to the Senate of his fervices, 270. he arrives in Rome, and bears univerfal fway, 276. murders Calpurnius Galerianus, 277. his artful addrefs and management in regard to Antonius, 306. he harangues ihe Senate in behalf of the accufers*. 312. his difpoial of the foldiery, 31^. he fends over
'

Pifo the Proconful,

Papirius, a Centuricn, to Africa, t6 murder Lucius 3 1 7. the news of the tranfadionsGermany fill him with anguifh, 338. he makes
z'^/V.

338, 339. heorders the Son of yitellius to be Hain, 353. he cannot endure that Antonius ihould attend Domitian in the intended expedition, Ih'^. when informed, of the fuccefs of the Romans againft the Treverians,

Commanders of the Army in Germany, fully makes changes and promotions,

choice of Callus Annius and Petilius Cerialis for

he

art-

he advifes Domitian
arrive,

to retire to

Lyons, where they

See Lupercus. Mujhnius (Rufus) banilhed for his fignal reputation

Mummius.
^e^^'

by

Mufonius (Rufus) a Roman by the foldiery, for recommending the blefTings of peace and calamities of war, iii. 259. he accufes Publius Celer of having by falfe witnefTes procured the death of Barea Soranus, 275. obtains fentence againfthim, 30^^ Mufomus, the Tufcan; See Ceranus.. Mufidanians^ a people in Africa, i^a i

256. Knight, derided and abufed

ii.

^g
n-

MutiUus (Papius) his

flattery,

i,

N. NAhnwaliatu,
Naples, the
their fituation andVeliglon,
vafl:

iV.

di

conflux of people there to hear Nero flng on the flagc, ii. 220, 221. the Theatre falls without hurting any body, 321. Nero's infe-

rence from

this,

and great joy,

Z^-^,

INDEX.

329

Karhon Gaul, the privilege allowed to the Senators of ii. 48 that Province, Narcijus, a Freedman, fuborns two Courtefans to accule Meflalina to Claudius, ii. 25. he is called for by the Emperor, confirms the charge of her marriage with Silius, and frightens the Emperor, ibid. he controuls all things, ibid, of his own accord orders Meflalina to be executed, 30. his public reward and psftilent fway, 31. inveighs boldly againft

Agrippina, 73.

his

griefs

and complaints, 78, 79.

in prifon, 78,
ibid,

doomed by Agrippina to perifli 79. is beloved by Nero for his vices, Narjica (Cccfms) commands a Legion in
he
is

Britain,

ii.

60

Na/o (Valerius) chofen to fupervife the building of a i. 246 Temple to Tiberius in Afia, Natalis (Antonius) a Roman Knight, one of the confpirators againft Nero, ii. 235. he is the great confident of Caius Pifo, ibid, is terrified with the rack, and confefles, 242. is pardoned, 255 Kepos (Marius) for his vices degraded from the Senate, i. 1 12 Nepos (Flavius) the Tribune, feared by Nero, and difmiiTed, Nero, the Emperor,
ii. 255 Son of Germanicus, his hiftory why falfified, i. 2. he is recommended to the Senate by Tiberius, 160. the mockery of this, 161. he is and marries Julia the beloved by the people, Daughter of Drufus, 162. his fpeech to the Senate,

211. his perfon how much beloved, ibid, he is mifreprefented to Tiberius, 248. his innocence and ill advifers, ibid, he is incautious in his expreiTions, and betrayed by his Wife, 249. the enmity of his Brother Drufus, and the malignity of Tiberius towards him, ibid, guards and fpies placed about him, 254. he is ill adviied, then traduced, ibid, is arraigned in the Senate by Letters from Tiberius remarkably bitter, 265. an infurredlion of the people in his behalf, 266. he is prefented v\'ith the manly robe, ii. 60. flattering Decrees of the Senaue in his behalf, ibid, how much he is preferred to BritannicuS;, ibid, he efpoufes Odavia, 73. pleads for

the

Sso

INDEX.

the Ilians, and for the Colony of Bologna, 73. accompanied by Burrhus he is declared Emperor, 8 1 his title reckoned unjuft by the populace, 83. his humour profufe and rapacious, 84. above the controul of Haves, ihi^. he makes a funeral panegyric upon Claudius, corapofed by Seneca, S^. the iirli

needed another man's elofome grounds of fcience, il>id. his firil: fpecch to the Senate, and fcheme of future Governm.ent very good, 86. he makes
quence,
iou/.

Roman Emperor who

he

Vv'anted not

preparations for the

,

War

in

Parthia, 88.

refuff;s

compliments and Statues, reftrains accufations, does adls of mercy, and profefles great clemency, 90. he
love with Adle, is Conful, 90. his pleafiires indulged by his Miniflcrs, gi. he naufeates his Wife Odavia, il^ul. he furrenders himfelf entirely to Seneca, 91. is aware of his Mother's arts, 92. makes her a mighty prefent, il^IJ. difmi/fes Pallas, ^'^/V. is jealous of Britannicus, 93, 94. caufes him to be poifoned, 94. afFedls to lament his death, 97.
falls in

why

gives vail gifts to his friends, /^/V.

this, ihid.

his defign

in

wild nodurnal rambles and revellings in Rome, 103. the mifchievous confequence of this, ihJd. he bereaves hi^ Aunt Bomitia of Paris her Freedman, 106. is Conful a fecond time, 108. ereds a wooden Amphitheatre in the field of Mars, ihW. is Conful a third time, 110. is proclaimed Lnperatory 118. the many flatteries of the Senate to him, 118, 119. he falls in love with Poppa?a, 1:4.
his

removes Otho from Rome, ilpid. his vilenefs and fufpicions, 124, 12^. he dreads Cornelius Sylla, and drives him into baniiliment, 125. his purpofe to abolifn <'I1 taxes, 127. the reafonings of the Senate againft this, il?U. he refolves to kill his Mother, 135. is tranfported with a paffion for Poppa^a, and inlligated by her arts, 135, 136. he avoids his Mother, 137. nds it difricult to difpatch her, and wheedles her out of Rome, 137, 138. his prodigious falfncod and fhew of filial tendernefs, 138. his fears when his his Mother efcaped, 141. he urges Anicetus to finilh the murder, 142. his horror and agonies aftenvaia',
144.
hii al^e!:b

great forrow for her death,

145.
tram'-

INDEX.
?romthe Senate,
ibid,

331

many heavy charges againft tranfmlts to the Senate complmients upon the flattering receives her ihid. Ofiicers, 146. and the from death of his Mother
his

brutal f^n^^/.^.f

'

J"!

^heie but is t^fere ^^^^J tbtd. Rome,"^-^^f to ther he fears to return by all, and thence received with exquifite flattery and vilenefs 148. abandons himfelf to all iniquity xor that di apology and harp, the his propenfity to chanot-dnvhe diverts himfelf wrth of the peoprivately, at lail in the ^xe

profligate Court, 147-

^^^

^1 1

verLf.m
Zz
at
firft

ple,' ibtd.

Romans by motiie Stage, 148, upon icy to proftitute themfelves and public Stageas a public unger the mounts ,49. poetry is adchaed to 150. harp, the pkyer upon dnd the difputes of Philofophers,
he engages feveral noble

Ind. likes to hear Conful, 152. his vo uptuoufnefs is the fourth time he inllitutes a wreillmg fcnooj, 156. andficknefs, caufing Burrhus to be poifoned, 174.. is lufpeaed of mifchievous and wicked men, is quite attached to , 77 his ,78' hil deceitful fpeech, to Seneca, 181--183. mahce, 183. extreme and him, to

many

carrefles

jelts upcn ieemg his he dooms Sylla to die, 184. Plautus to die tbui. what orders ibid, head, bloody he cona186 he declared upon feeing his head, after their death, .<^/^. plains of both to the Senate from his bed, and elbaniflies his Wife Odavia

poufes
to

189. pubhlhes own himfelf Oaavia's her to exile, 190 an Edia againft her, and dooms
adulterer,

Popp^a

his Miftrefs,

187.

fuborns Amcetus

and

management and 191. he boafts his by lightmng, melted is Statue frugality, 209. his by Poppa^a, 21? -n- a Daughter is born to him and ot tranfport^ofjoy upon this occaflon,
to death,

bafe behaviour to Thragrief for her death, ibid, his raillery upon Ca^ienmus ta^tus, iea, ibid, his pleafant at Naples, 220. .ir. he fm-s upon the public Stage the viaory gain to there Greece, pu?poies to vifit
in fon<r, ibid, in the midfc

2x1

his

of his gaieties, he riots 222 of blood, 221. but profelibs clemency, but is difEaft, the and iEgypt vifit he purpofes to his popular dernayed and changes his mind, with
feats

clarations,

332
lace, 223.

INDEX.

pleafmg to the pop 11^ he banquets frequently in public places, ibid, his abominable pollutions, 223, 224. he perfonaf.es a woman, and marries Pythagoras the Pathic publickly and in form, 224. he relieves and affills the People after the burning of Rome, 226. but is fuppofed to have caufed it, and to have chanted the deftru(5lion of Troy during the fire, ibid, he builds an immenfe palace, 228. attempts works impofuble, ibid, caufes Rome to be rebuilt, and directs the manner of building, 229. the new and the late City compared, 229, 230. to acquit himfelf, he charges the Chriftians with having burnt Rome, 230. and treats them with many horrible cruelties, 230, 231. he exhaufts the Empire, fpoils Italy, the Roman Provinces, the Allies of Rome, Cities, Temples, Deities, and all things, 231. he attempts to poifon Seneca, 232. is wont to expiate omens by illuftrious murders, 233. how univerfally detefted, and his defl:ru6tion fought, ibid, his tyranny threatens the Em'* pire with diliblation, 235. his huge difmay upon difcovering the extent of the confpiracy againft him, 243, 244. his rage to Seneca, 247. he dooms him to die, ibid, but prevents the voluntary death of Paulina, Seneca's Wife, 249. his earneftnefs to deftroy Viiftinus the Conful, 253. his intimacy with him, his dread of him, and refentment for his bitter farcafms, ibid, he can charge him with no crime, yet brutally dooms him to perifh, 254. he is an infulting tyrant, and fports with the mifery and fears of men, 255. his mighty donative to the foldiery, after he had fuppreffed the confpiracy, his 256, notable friendihip for Cocceius Nerva and Tigellinus his favour to Pctronius Turpilianus and Nympclarations, 222. his riot well
',

hidius,

to the Senate, and 257. he publifhes the evidence againft the confpirators, but is not believed, nay, forely reproached by the public voice, ibid, accidents fceming to prefage his fudden fall, 238. he becomes the jell of fortune, 259. is infatuated with hopes of mighty treafure to be found in Africa, 260.

256,

25^7.

his difcourfe

EdicT: to the People,

hence

INDEX.
.

333

hence Kis frefti feats of prodigality and vvafte, 260, 26 1 he enters the public Theatre as a competitor
for the prizes there, 262. his great afliduity in ailing, and court to the judges, ibid, he is fhamefuUy

applauded by the commonalty of Rome, ibid, fucli as clapped him not, are regularly and conftantly beaten by tlie foldiers, 263. he employs obfervers to watch the faces of tlie audience, ibid, many are .puniilied for neglecting to applaud him, his ading continued night and day, to the bane of numbers, all obliged to attend, ibid, he kills his Wife with a kick on the belly, 264. purfues the deftruflion of Caius Caffius and Lucius Silanus, "264, 265. his bloody rancour tcvards Lucius Vetus and his family, 266. he is peticianed by Vetus's Daughter in his
behalf, but
is

inexorable, 267. his

mock mercy

to

they were dead, 268. he li'/es in continual dread, 271. his cruelty his ftrongeft appetite, 274. his vengeance to Silia, whence, and her doom, 276. he gratifies the bloody vengeance of Tigellinus, ibid, is bent to extirpate virtue from the earth, ibid, and to deftroy Thrafea and Soranus, ibid, he fends a fpeech in writing to the Senate againft Thrafea, without naming him, 282 l^ero, his death, and what public joy it caufed, iii. 5. his wild profufenefs, 20 Ner-ja (Cocceius) his dignity and accomplifhments, i, 247. he accompanies Tiberius in his retirement, ibid^ in perfect health he chufes a voluntary death, affected with the fadnefs of the times, 293 Ner'va (Cocceius) Prietor eleift, diftinguilhed with the ornaments of Triumph, ii. 256 Ner^va (Silius) Conful, i. 255. a fecond time Conful,
after
Neriilimts

them

(Son to Publius Suilius) arraigned and ac-

12. 120, 1 21 Niger (Brutidius) his fine accomplifhments and wayward ambition, i. 189 Niger (Veianus) the Tribune, his trembling and conllernation in executing Subrius flavius, ii, 252. he

quitted,

boalls his

own

cruelty,

ibid.

Nikf

J34
Nile,

INDEX.
an
artificial

Lake

for the reception of

its

waters,
i.
1

21

NoUlity of

i. bribed into bondage, 3 ^i- 5^ Norbanus (Caius) Conful, 1. 120 Norbanus (Lucius) Conful, upon the No'vius (Cneius) a Roman Knight, his defign of Claudius, ii. 18. he is vehemently racked,

Rome,

life

tbid. but difeiofes not his accomplices, of ii. 108. the quarrel fupplicd, Colony Nucena, that its inhathis Colony with that of Pompemm, 151. themflaughterbitants are defeated, and numbers of

ed and maimed,
Niitothones.
Nutr.antir.a,

^^^^'

See Langcbat'ds. accufed of exercifing charms,

quitted,
f^ufniftus

an^ ac1. 217

Lupus. See Lupus, Oid Numiius Rufus, Commander of a Legion at the Camp befieged by Civilis, iii. 288. is flam by com34^ mand of Valentinas and Tutor,
ornaments, Nyrnpkidius difiinguifhed with the Confular ^^^^' "^ii* 257. his birth and rife, iii. 6. he Soverignty, the upon defigns Nymphidiits, his
perifnes,
'^^*^*

o.
Buhronlus (Sabinus) Qjgaeftor of the Exchequer, ii. 107 cenfured by Helvidius Prifcus, 1. Occia, chief Vellal, her death, age and fandimony,

o
^^^^

11. Oaa'uia, the Daughter of Claudius by MefTalma, 34. but 27. fhe is betrothed to Lucius Silanus, withholden from him, 35. and given to Nero, 39. furpnze Ihe is forced to diffemble her iorrow and

is falfiy

Biitannicus, 96. ^ccufed of adultery, her maids racked, and her innocence afferted, 187. the pafTionate affecfalfe tions of the people towards her, ibid, a further charge againft her, 190. her banillimsnt and forlorn

upon the murder of her Brother

lot,

INDEX.
iot,
ibid,
flie is

335
ibid,

doomed

to die

and executed, 191. motion of Mucianus, iii. 312 i. 169

her head prefented to Popp^^a,

OJfa^vius Sagitta, banllhed at the

Oniens obferved,
juil:

Odnfcvans, a people of Thrace, See Prodigies. i. 167. Opjii'.s (Marcus) his infamy, i. 255, 256. he meets his

doom,
ftrle
i.

2^^
revolt,
1 16 attacked

dark and doubtful, Ordovicc.ns, a People of Britain, under

Oracles, their

by Publius Oftorius,

ii.

54. they are defeated,

ii.

55

60 Ornafpadesy the Parthian, his great power and command, i. 304 Orodcsy Son of Artabanes, commands the Parthian ArOrjitus (Servius Cornelius) Conful,

my

againft Pharafmanes,
is

303 Orphltus (Padlius) fights againft the orders of Corbulo, and is defeated, ii. 112. he is doomed with his xpL^rx
to notable difgrace,
Ofca7i,

men, 301, 302. he

i. 300. routed,

his fpeech to

his

113

the Farce fo called,

what tumults
in

it

caufed,

i.

210
'

OJiorius {Mo.rz\i?>)

quires the Civic

Son of the General Crown,

Britain, acii.

53

Opans.

See Marjignians.

Ojhriiis (Publius) Pro-Pr^etor in Britain routs

and

flays

the revokers there,

52. difanns all fuch as he fufpedls, 53. his fuccefsful Battle againft the Icenians and their Confederate?, 53. he reduces the Briii.

gantes, fettles a
tions,

Colony to bridle the conquered Naand marches againft the Siiures, 53, 54. attacks them with the Ordovicans and other Confederates, 54. the great difficulties which he found, ibid, yet gains a fignal Vidory, 55, 56, he fends their General, Caradacus, with his wife and brothers, prifoners to Rome, 56. and is diftinguifhed with the triuiaphal Ornaments, 57, 58. his misfortunes and lofTes, anxiety and death, 58, 59
See Scapula.
ii.

OJtorius Scapula.

Gtho, his intimacy with Nero,

91.

his paffion for

e;ctol5

Pcppaa, 123. he marries

her,

and

her beauty

336

INDEX.
gre<it
/^/V/.

ty to Nero, ihU. he governs Lufitania with honour, 1 24. his various charafter,

Ofbof his charader, and Nero's confidence in him, iii. 13. his hopes of adoption by Galba, /^zV. his courie of life riotous and expenfive, 21. his rage to Galba, and envy to Pifo, inflame his inordinate ambition, il>id. he believes in an Ailrologer, 23. his bafe artifices to the foldiery, 2^3, 24. he commits the diredlion of his treafon to Onomaftus, 25. is faluted Emperor by twenty-three life-guard-men only, 27. his behaviour to the foldiery, 36. his inflaming ha-

rangue to them, 3639. he orders the common armory to be thrown open, 39. the ill effedl of this> iI?U. he commands the foldiers to march into Rome, 40. receives news of the death of Pifo with the utmoft delight, 43. orders the murder of Laco and Icelus, 46. tribunicial authority, and the name of Auguflus, are decreed to him, /^/,/, he grants leave to bury the heaps of flain, 47. his known vices make him dreaded, 49. he fufpends his pleafures, diifembles his luxury, and caufes Celfus, whom he had confined, to be pardoned, 70. dooms Tigellinus to death, 71. his letters to Vitellius firft deceitful, then abufive, il?u/. he attempts to dellroy Vitellius, 73. appoints Confuls, and makes other prom.otions, 75. is fufpeded to have intended public honours to Nero, 77. his joy on the vidory in Mcefia, 78. he is flruck with fear from .in outrageous tumult, 79. fpeaks to the foldiery, and cahns them, 8284. ^^^ difpofal of his Army fent againil Vitellius, &c. 87. urged by the approach of Cascina, he leaves Rome, 90. commits to his Brother Salvius Titianus the management of the Empire and City, 91. the firll motions of the war propitious to Otho, and four more Legions join him, 103. his forces in Narbon Gaul have the advantage over thofe of Vitelliuo, 104. he is made uneafy by falfe news, fmJs for his Brother Titianus, and to him commits the diret^ion of the war, 116. he is bent upon engaging Cascina and Valens, 124. he returns to Brixellum, I2j. his motions no fecret to the army of Vitellius, z^/V/.
his

INDEX.
his

337
is

army defeated near Bedriacum, 130, 131. he

determined in his purpofe, and waits undifmayed for an account of the battle, 135. his fine fpeech and calm behaviour before he dies, 136, 137. his death and funeral, 139. fome of his foldier*, from affeAion to him, kill themfelves, ibid, his chara(fler,
ibid,

Otho (Junius) Prsetor, a creature of Sej anus,

is

i.

189.
i-

he

condemned

to exile,

why,

Otho (Salvius) Conful, Qxiones. See Hellujiam,

313 ii. 68

PAcarius

(Decimus) Governor of Corflca, his attempt to engage the Corficans for Vitellius, iii. 108. he kills Claudius Pyrrhicus and Quindlius Certias for oppofmg him, ibid, is himfelf killed in his
1

bath, Paconianus (Sextius) accufed,

fpirit

09

for verfes

and charafler, ibid, upon Tiberius,

275. his mifchlevous he is ilrangled in prifon

i.
ii.

Pacorus, occupies the

Pat'Iius (Africanus)

Realm of Media,

306 195

charged with having accufed the two Brothers of the Scribonian Houfi3, endeavours to evade the punifhment of his guilt by ihewin^ iii others as guilty, 309 PallaSi SL Freedman, a reigning favourite with Claudjus, ii. 25. his authority with Claudius, he advifes him to adopt Domitius (Nero) and lies with Agrippina, 49. the public honours and extravagant prefent devifed for him, 70. his immenfe wealth, ibid. his prodigious fway under Claudius, 92. he is difmiffed by Nero, but without pafling any account,
ibid,
is

charged with a confpiracy,

but innocent,
his death,

192. fuppofed to have been poifoned by order of Nero on account of his vaft wealth, ibid. Pammenes, a famous Aftrologcr, in exile, ii. 270 Pandm (Latinius) Propraetor of Moefia, i. 125 Vol. V. Pannonia, Q^

102. his
is

Ihoddng arrogance,

ibid,

he

8 1

33B

INDEX.
/02
i.

^annonla, the Legions there mutiny, i. 19. the are unruly and debauched, ihid. their fury and reproaches,
22. how many Legions there, Tafia Popprea, the Law fo called, what, rigour foftened by Tiberius,

158. its 160, 16

i.
i.

Papinius, his defperate end, and Paphtius (Sextus) Conful, Papirius, a Centurion, fent by

why,
Mucianus
to

316 3^

deftroy

Lucius Pifo Proconful in Africa, is executed by command of Pifo, iii. 317. he was one of the muracer, 31 derers of Clodius See MarJius. Patruitus. Paris, the player, charges Agrippina with a confpiracy againft her Son, and alarms him, ii. 99. he is the inilrument of the Emperor's debauches, 102. the ibid, Emperor's partiality to him, Parthia, EmbafTadors from thence, their errand and ii39 fpeech to Claudius, Parthiansy feek a King from Rome, i. 76. they are him, and then expel him, -j^. diffatislied with they fend EmbafTadors to Tiberius to feek Phrahates

for their Piing, 298, 299.

they are not expert in

"
,

Sieges,
ligula,

PaSenus, a famous obfervation of his concernmg Ca^-

;97
28
11.

Pajnons, that of reigning the moft

vehement of

all,

239
leaves part of his Patuhius, a rich Romr.n Knight, to Servilius, i. iiz efcate to Tiberius, who refigns it die with her HusPaulina, Wife to Seneca, relblves to is reftrained from but cut, veins her has and band, dyinT by Nero, ii. 249, 250. her behaviour cen250. fhe ever reverences the memory of her
fure<f,

ibid. Hufband, nor lives long after him, Paulina (LoUia) See Lollia ^Paulina) in Germany, perfetts Paulinus (Pompeius) Commander over-flowing of the the reftraining for damm the " '-^ Rhine, ^.^ ^ Paidlm.i (Pompeius) See lucius (Pifo.) Commander by Utlio, Puidinu^ (Suetonius) appointed charader, Hid. fignal exploits by him,
iii

88. his

no.

INDEX.
1 1

339

on the ftate of the war, and the concurrence of Cclfus and Gallus with him, iii, 123, 124. he is pardoned by VitcUius, 147. he was Governor of Britain, iv. 84. he quells a revolt there, 85, 86 Paulinus (Valerius) a brave officer, and fail friend to Vefpafian, diverts Valens from his defigns, iii. 222. fends after hira, and takes him prifoner, 223 Paulus (Venetus) the Centurion, one of the Confpiraii. 235 tors againft Nero, Paxea, Wife of Pomponius Labeo, dies by her own i. 296 hands, Pcdo, Commander of the cavalry, fent by Germanicus
6.

his difcourfe

PelngOy the
ties,

i* along the confines of the Frifians, 57 Eunuch, Superintendent of Nero's cruel-

ii. 186 Emperor's buffoon, made Governor of Cappadocia, his abfurd attempts and vile behaviour, ii. 6']. he becomes the hireling of the Ufurper Rhadamiftus, ii. dj Peloponnefusy divided amongft the defcendants of Her-

Pelignus

(Julius)

the

cules,
People, thofe

i.

235

of Rome, their grief and lamentation at the funeral of Germanicus, i. 142, 143. their prayers for Agrippina and her Children, 143. why not forry for the death of Drufus, 208. their fondnefs for the houfe of Germanicus, ibid, their extreme debafement, 261. their licentious behaviour towards Tiberius, 283. they are reproved by a decree of Senate, 284. their defcanting.s upon the war with Parthia in the beginning of Nero's reign, ii, 87 People of Vienne, their humble fubmiilion and application to the Army, iii. 65, 66. thole of Rome, how fenfibly they feel the many evils of war, %'Z, 89 Percer.nius a noble incendiary amongft the Legions in Pannonia, i. 20. his charatter and harangue, 20, 21. he is executed by the command of Druius, 31 Peiilius Cerialis. See Cenalis. Pctina (^lia recommended to Claudius for a Wife by Narciffus, ii, 33, Ihe was once married to the
Hrtipcror before,

34

0^2

Peine,

340
Fctrc-Cy

INDEX.

two illuftrious Roman Knights of that name, and Brothers, put to death under Claudius for a dream, ii, 4 Tetronim (Caius) his luxury and accomplifhments, pleafures and abilities, ii. 274, he is acceptable to Nero, thence hated by Tigellinus, ibid, is accufed, feized, and opens his veins, 75. his calm, curious and uncommon manner of dying, with his remarkable Will,
_

Hid,
to banifhment,
ii. 102 Armenia, ii.

Tcvtus^

one infamous for accufations and informing,

(Casfennius) fent to

condemned
Tatiis

command

in

199. his forces, boafts and folly, ibid,

fad prefages

upon his paiTmg the Euphrates, 200. his ill condudl and vain glory, ibid, he is not furnifhed with intelligence,

201. nor with firmnefs, ibid, his foolhardinefs and cowardice, with his raihnefs in difperfmg his forces, 201, 202. his forces defeated, ibid, he deferts all the duties of a Captain, and fends

humble

entreaties to Corbulo for fuccours, 203. his conflernation and that of his men, 204, 205. their defpair, 205. he expoftulates by letter with Vologefes, ibid, defires a conference with him, 206. his interview with Vafaces, ibid, his fcandalous treaty

and conceiTions, ibid. 207. his foldiers infulted and treated like Captives, 207. his oath and covenant with the Parthians, ibid, his march like a flight,
ibid,

he and his men meet Corbulo and his at the Euphrates, 208. the forrowful interview of the two Armies, ibid, he urges Corbulo to proceed to Armenia, ii. 208. withdraws to Cappadocia, 209. returns to Rome, 215. his dread of punifhment, but
ibid.
ii.

he efcapes it, Tatus {Caefonius) Conful,

160 having been General under Nero, iii. 6. his behaviour during his Goiv, 86 vernment of Britain, Peuiimans (the Nation of) their fituation and cuftoms,
Petronius Turpilianus, flain for
iv.

64

Phara/manesj

his treacherous defigns

and cruelty towards

INDEX.

341
1 1

wards his Brother Mithridates and family, ii, 63. & feq. he aids the Romans, 3 Tharofmanes^ King of the Iberians, efpoufcs the intereit' of Tiridates, i. 300. leads an Army iRto Armenia againft the Parthians, Hid. gains the City of Artaxata, ihid. his fpeech to his Army, 301, 302. he attacks Orodes, and defeats him, 302, 303. his adSee Rhadamjlus vice to Claudius, ii. 7. Phcehus (Nero's Freedman) his infoience and menaces ii. 263 to Vefpafian, Fhcenicians, iirft brought the ufe of Letters into Greece, ihid. ii. II. but had them from iEgypt, Phenix, One feen in ^gypt, i. 295. the feveral accounts of that Bird, 295, 296 i. 1 Philadelphia ruined by an Earthquake, Philippcpclis (the City of) by whom founded, i. 169 Philopate:\ King of Galicia, his death, i. 107 Phrahates^ what court he paid to Augullus, and why, i. 77. he is deftined by Tiberius to the Parthian Dia1

dem, and

dies in Syria,

299

i- 301 Phrixus (the Oracle of) in Colchos, Pilate (Pontius) See Chrifl. Pifo (Caius) the confpirator againil Nero, his popularity and noble defcent, his great accompliihments and his vices, ii. 233, 234. he is jealous of Lucius Silanus, why, 238. of Ve{l"nus the Conful, vhy, ibid, the brave advice given him when the conf^iracy was firil detected, 245. he neglecls it, and dies by opening his veins, 246. and in tendernefs to his Wife fiatcers Nero in his Will, ibid.

pifo (Licinianus) his

extraftion, charadler, and adopby Galba, iii. I J., his mcdefl behaviour, 18. his fpeech to the Cohort upon duty at the Palace, 29 31. he is fent to the Camp, 34. returns and is encountered by numbers of Parricides, but by the aiTiftance of Sempronius Denlus efcapes to the Temple of Veila, 42. by order of Otho he is rr.urdered in the Porch, 43. he is buried by his Wife Verania, and his Brother Scribon anus, 47. a fummaiy of his

tion

Hiftory,
Pifo (Cneius) his difpute
in

ibid.

the Senate with Afxnius

0^3

G alias.

342

.INDEX.

Gallas, i. lOO. he is a man of a violent fpirit, and preferred to the Government of Syria, in defpight to Germanicus, 103.. his charader, /^V, he reproaches Germanicus, 116. infults and hates the Athenians,
116, 117. his fierce behaviour to Germanicus, 117. he haftes to Syria, and corrupts the army there, itiii. his infolence and difobedience to Germanicuj,
Vv^hy,

119, he parts from him in open enmity, ibid, his intemperate joy and exultation for the death of Germanicus, 130. he is ilattered by the Centurions, 130, 131. is prompted by Domitius Celer, 131. his letagainU: the couduft of Germanicus, X'.'T to Tiberius
132. he raifes forces, ibid,
iVIarfus,

his difdainful anfvver to

132, 133. he feizes a Caflle, and harangues his men, 133,134. his forces fly, 134. he is forced to abandon Syria, ibid, is doomed to vengeance by

the public voice, 145. his fon is civilly received by Tiberius, ibid, he arrives with his wife Plancina at Rome, 146. tlieir magnificent entrance refented by fhe populace, ibid, he is arraigned, and by whom, ibid, his trial, 146 150. the charge againfl: him, his defence impotent, except in one inftance, 4.9. if id. his Judges implacable, and why, 150. the fury and indignation of the people towards h'm, ibid, he finds ail things threatning and boding, ibid, waves

eH further defence, 151.

and

is

chamber with
to be fuborned
cites

his throat cut, ibid, his crim.es

found dead in his thought

by Tiberius, who in the Senate rea Letter from him, and affefts to comiplain of his manner of ^y "Cig, 151, 152. his Son acquitted by the Emperor, 1 52. the fentence awarded againll him,. ibid, it is foftened by Tiberius, ibid, his Sons defend their Mother, 153. their favour from the Emperor,
Tifo (Lucius) his boldnefs in the
ibid.

cution of Urgulania,
Piib, 147.
is

i.

98, 99.

Senate, and profehe pleads for Cneius

charged with Treafon, 216. his conibid, demnation prevented by a natural death, Tijo (Lucius) Governor of Spain, aflallinated by a Boor there, i. 236. how he provoked his fate, 237. the ibid. defperate fpirit of the Aiiiiilin,
Fifo

INDEX.
.

343

charaaer, i. Pifo (Lucius) PontifF, his death and fine 2S2 281 a public funeral decreed to him,
Conful, ii. 108. he and Ducennius Geminus, and,.Pompeius Paulinus fet over the public ^^9 revenue, See Indus Pifo. Pifo (Lucius v/holfom advice to Pifo (Marcus) Sou of Cneius, his 132 his Father, i. 131. he is affiduous to affift him, Pituanus (Lucius) a Magician, call down from the TarFifo (Lucius)
)

peian Rock,
Placentla, befieged by Ca^cina, haviour of the befieged,
iii.

^-97

112. the gallant be112, 113 Plavcina, V/ife of Cneius Pifo, inflruaed by Livia to perfecure Agrippina, i. 108. her unfeemly behaviour,

and inveaives againft Agrippina and Germanicus,

117. her arrogant joy for the death of Germanicus,^ of 130. fhe is tried with her Hufband for the death Germanicus, 150. ihe profefies to adhere to the fortune of her Huiband, but fccures her own pardon,

and drops him, jhid. her juft farll, 294. flie dies by ^'^^'' her own hands, well Dignity, Confular of Senator a Plancui (Minutius) ^- 39 nigh murdered by the foldiers, .. ii. 109 Plautius triumphs for his exploits in Britain, Plautius (Aulus) the firll: Governor of Britain of Con
_

fular quality, See P-liaiius Plautius. Plautius Elianus. Plautius (Quintus) Conful,

iv.
^

83

^ 1. 3^^ of order Afia by Plautus, doomed to be murdered in Nero, ii. 184. he is advifed to renft, 185. but peaceably fubmits to die, 185, 186. his head prefented to' Nero, 186. he is degraded from the rank
ii'^^^ of Senator after his death, Plautus (Rubellius) his great quality, ii. 99. he is mentioned in a plot, ibid, but not queftioned, ibid, his nobility and virtues, 202. he is deftined to ^fucceecl Nero by the public voice, and thence oblio-d ta

retire to Afia,

Players, their

they are exempt from ftripes, according to the judgment of Auguilus, 71. are laid under reftriaions, and their wages limited*
faftions,
i.

^55

52.

7U

J44

N D E
ii.

X.

71, 72. their infolence, 210. they promote prh^ate debaudiery, and difturb the public, ibi^. are driven

they are debarred by are attacked in the Se5. nate, 5, 6. their apology for themfelves, 7. their fees afcertajned. Hid. Poenius (Poflhumus) Camp-Marlhal in Britain, flays
4.

Pleaders^

out of Italy, how mercenary, law from taking fees,

ii.

104

himielf,
Pollio

and why,

ii.

168

(Annius) charged with treafon, i. 280. he is baniihed for his friendfliip to Seneca, ii. 255 Pol/io Afmius) his Daughter made chief Veftal, i. 138. Pcllio (Afinius) the Hiftorian, praifes Brutus and CafTius, yet preferred by Auguftus, i. 226
;

Poliio (Caelius) a

Roman Commander

in

Armenia,
ii.

his

perfidioufnefs
Pcllio
(Julius)

and venality, Tribune of the Guards,

64, 65 his part in the

ii.

murder of Eritannicus,
Poliio

94

(Memmius) Conful ele6l, moves the Senate for a match between Nero and Oftavia, ii. 38, 39 Poliio (Vinicianus) charged with treafon, i. 280 Pcllucia, Widow of Rubellius Plautus, doomed to deftruftion by Nero, ii. 266. her forrowful Widowhood, and fupplications for her Father Lucius Vetus, 267. fhe advifes him to die, and dies with him, 267, 268. they are condemned after death, 268 Polycletiis, a manumifed Slave of Nero's, fent to infpe6l the State of Britain,
ii.

169. his

and

retinue, ibid,

he

is

an

obje<ft

amazing ftate of derifion to the

ib d.

Britons,
Pompeiiipiy that

Colony checked by a decree of Senate, ii. See 151. overthrown by an earthquake, 213. Nucena. Pompeius, a Roman Knight, doom.ed to the pains of treafon, i. 284 Pompeius (Macer) Praetor, i. 67 Pompeius (Sextus) his reproaches upon Marcus Lepidus, i. 164 Pompeius the Tribune, feared by Nero and difcharged, ii. 255 Pompey^ his power f.vallowed up in that of Csefar, i. 2. he
y

INDEX.
name, ibid, Theatre
he was the
firft
ii-

345

he is chofen to correa: the public enormities, 160. his Theatre his remedies worfe than the difeafe, ibid, burnt and reftored by Tiberius, 193. retains his old
founder of a permanent

152

Tomponius (Flaccus) his flattering motion againft the memory of Libo Drufus, i. 97. he is preferred to the Government of Moefia, 125. deceives and feizes
Rhefcuporis, ibid, and dies Proprietor of Syria, 294 Pcmponiiis (Lucius) Conful, i. 105. Commander in the higher Germany, defeats the invading Cattians, ii. Triumph, 51. he is 50, 51. and is rewarded with a ^'^'^"^ a celebrated Poet, Tomponius (Quintus) the accufer, his notorious impu.

^- ^^'7 dence, Pomponius (Secundus) accufed, i. 268. his fine charac^^^d. he outlives Tiberius, ter, ibid, Pomponius (Silvanus) Proconful in Africa, accufed of

ibid. male-adminilbation, i'. 1 z8. how acquitted, ii. 170 Ponticus (Valerius) baniflied for a fraud, Germanicus, and Pontifs, their vows for the Sons of
_

ij- 207 thence provoke Tiberius, i- 311 (Caius) Conful, Popp^a (Sabina the Elder) her death procuted by Mef-

Po?itius

falina,

i'-

Popp^a (Sabina the younger) her defcent, charafter, and mifchi^vous charms, ii. 123. fhe marries Rufius Crifpinus, but is carried away by Otho, ibid, (he manages and intoxicates Nero, 1 24. enchants and governs him, 13:;, 136. inflames him againfl his Mother and his Wife, 136. rules him implicitly, 187.
forges a charge of adultery againft Oftavia, ibid. her Statues thrown dov/n by the populace, 188. her artful and inflammatory difcourfe to Nero, 188, 189. ihe is deli^'ered of a Daughter, 213. the fervile vows and zeal of the Senate upon her pregnancy and de-

livery, ibid, fhe

bloody inquifitions, Ntro. 264. 247. her death and pane ;yr:e, both by her pompous and royal funeral, with the popular
aflifts

Nero

in his

joy for her death,

'-^^^'

Q^^

Poppaui

34^

INDEX.

Popp^us (Sabinus) Governor of Mcefia, as alfo of AcKaia and Macedon. See Saiirna. i. 73 Populace, at Rome, their refentments and complaints towards Tiberius and Livia, about Germanicus, i. ii. 62 152. their tumult during a famine, PopulacCi their behaviour in the contcll: between Galba and Otho, iii. 32. they rejoice at the murder of the Emperor, 44. many prefent memorials to Otho for rewards for their Far>icide, Hid. their dread and
anguifh, occafioned
as

by two fuch infainous Princes

they raife a terrible tumult, 78. are filled with fufpicion and d flruft, 85. want bread, and employment to earn it, 86. fome of them elated by the public commotions, 89. they rejoice v.nen iCcllius is proclaimed, 143 PorciiiS (Cato) his mfp.mcus praftice, 1-255
Vitellius, -^9.
.

Otho and

Prafutagiis^ a Eritifn

heir with his

this,
Pre/iejle,

own

King, leaves the Emperor joint Daughters, ii. 162. the policy of
ihid.

a tumult of the Gladiators tliere fuppreiled,

ihid. ii. 232. it caufes public terror, Pratorian Bands, an inilance of their faith, iii. 66 Pratorion Guards, when iirft removed from lodgings

to a cam>p,
Pra:tjrs, their

i.

2Co

200. Tiberius referves to him-felf the nomination of four, 19. they manage the treafury, 70. are employed to punilh unruly fpedators at the Theatre, 72. the maHner of ele<rt60 ing them new-fettled, Primus (Antoniu) convi<5ted of a fraud, ii. 170. his
fettled,
i.
i

number

dar.'ng fpirit,

ibid.

Primus (Antonius)
teJ,
iii.

his revolt to Vefpafian,

and charac-

170. his fpeech for difpatch and pufliing the 186, 187. he is Leader of the .'^rmy into Italy, 18S. acquires great fame by ordering the
war in Italy,

Galba to be reftored, 191. aflaults the enemy, 192. he is reinforced by the feventh Legion, and by the third and eighth, 193. appeafcs ibid, a tumult, and faves Am.pius Flavianus from beingStatues of

murdered,

194.

IS

fufpei^ed

to

occufion

the

ic-

ditioni

INDEX.
ditlons
retire,

347
Saturnirrts ta

when informed of the diftraOions ot the them before Valens ^enemy, he determines to engage
195.

which obliged Flavianus and

at Bedriacum, could head them, 198. he encamps approach, 199. his enemy's the of and is informed behaviour, gallant his and difpofitionofhis Army, viaory, 200. is jomed by loq, 2CO. he obtams the Ai;my, who ai-e for Vefpafian's of power the whole but retrained by 201. inftantly, attacking Cremona 203 he is informed his addrefs and eloquence, 202, with fix Legions, ^c. of the approach of the enemy, ihid. his glorious beArmy, "04 thedifpofalofhis he befieges Cremohaviour and management, 206. buildings withfumptuous moll the orders 210. na, of fubmifliOD, fign on 1 21 burnt, be out the City to 212. he is luphe orders all violence to be ftayed, burning the City, pofed to have given orders for orders that none and Ihame, with 214 is ftruck of Cremona ftiouldholdas a captive any Citizen debauches the Army, and Italy, opprefTes 216. 21 c by Macommks rapine, 227. finds hiini^lf iU ufed Vefpaiian, 231. his fpeech cianus, 230. and writes to Carfulae, 239. his behaviour to pacify the foldiers at anddifpofal of them, 241. his delay
.

to the revolters, of treachery, 256. ho giv^s occafion to fufpec^ him road, 257. and advances along the great Flaminian is principal in autnority 260. Rome, approaches Confular Dignity, 270. his there, 268. obtains the the arrival of power and authority is quite funk by penwaded have to reported is he 276.

MuciaRus,

he goes to Vefpafiaii, 353.

Sovereignty, 306. Scribonianus CrafTus to afilime the his reception ana treats
reprefentitives of God, i in what fenfe the 181. their death ,67. the force of their example, tales, 208. then- paifmal d w;th accompanied ever 2 1 5 hovv tender fions and prejudices unaccountable. dangerous to upbravd them, their years, 221. how '.rue apph.uies from 222. they mav eafily diftinguifn Monuments where lailing flattery, 223. 'their moft raiilc:-ies. they always remember Iharp
.

pX^cZ'

found, 229.

348
26^.
ties,

INDEX.
how
they behold the inftrument of their cruelii.
i.

Prifcus (Ancharius) implends Ccefius Cordus,

189 192
the

Prifcus (Cains Lutorius) his celebrated

Poem upon

death of Germanicus, and its reward, i. 175, 176, he is accufed by an informer for preparing another upon the death of Drufus, when it fhould happen,

176
Prifcus (Fabius)
JBritain,

Leader of the fourteenth Legion from takes the Nervians and Tungrians under the
iii.

Roman

protection,

352

Prifcus (Helvidius) See Qhultrcnius Sahinus.

Prifcus (Helvidius) fent to regulate the diforders in the

prudent management there, ii. 6^^ he is accufed, 283 288" his innocence, 284. and banifhment, Prifcus (Heividus) his difcourfe and fentiments gain him great glory in the Senate, iii 271 his great charafter, ibid, a fpeech of his, 27?, 373. as Prstor he confecrates the Hocr of the Cs-pitol, 321 Prifcus (Helvidius) Son of the above mentioned, CLxecuted under Domitian, iv. 115^ Prifcus (Julius) Commander of an Army under Vitellius, iii. 233. he abandons the Camp, 240. on the death of Vitellius, and redudion of Rom.e to Vefpafian, he kills himfeif, 277 Prifcus (Nonius) a friend of Seneca's, and for this baEaft,

and

h;s

why

fo luddenly recalled, ibid,

nilhed by Nero,
Prifcus (Pctronius) baniihed,
Prifcus (Tarqaitiut)

condemned

for

255 256 public Rapine

ii.
ii. ii.

Bithynia, Pruulus (Cervarius) a

fpirators againft

174
and
255

Roman
ii.

Knight, one of the con235.

his

Nero,

confefiion

pardon,

ii. 107 Proculus (Ceftius) accufed and acquitted, Proculus (Confidius) fudderily charged with treafon, and

executed,

i.

28 7. Sancia his Sifter baniihed,

ibid,

Proculus (Licinius) Captain of the Pra:torian

Guards ta

advifes to engage Crecina aod Valens, iii.. 124. he is pardoned by Vitellius, 147 Proculus (Volufius) helped to murder Agrippina (Nejo'&

Otho,

Mot

INDEX.
Mother)
ii.

34^

236. difcontcnt with Nero, and threatSee Eficharis. ens vengeance, 236, 237. Prodigies obferved at Rome, ii. 62. many and various,

with their fuppofed portent,

Prodigies. See
iii.

233

Propertius
Proftitutesy

86, 87, 162, 163, 234, 293. iv. 12, 13 (Celer) a poor Senator, relieved and fupi.

ported by Tiberius,

70

i. 137 of old puniflied only by infamy, Pro'vidence and Fate, the feveral opinions about them, 289, 290 Pro'vinces (Roman) why not averfe to the Sovereignty of one, i. 3. a decree for preventing their application to the Senate for public thanks to their Go-

vernors,

ii.

212

Proximus (Statius) the Tribune, one of the confpirators againft Nero, ii. 235. he is pardoned, but oiFends
again, and dies, 255 Ptolemy King of the Moors, his reign conducted by flaves, 274. he difguils his People, i. 218 Pulchra (Claudia) accufed, and condemned, i. 242

Pulchra (Quinta) the Veftal, by the fire,

her Statue twice fpared

i.

252

Puzzoli, difienfions between the Senate and the populace there, ii. 125. dignified by ISIcro with the title of

a Colony, 159 Pyramids (of -^gypt) their immenfe bulk and fituation,
i.

121.

by

whom

raifed,

ihid

OUadians.

See Nari/cans.

^adratus (Numidius) Governor of Syria, ii. 64. he connives at the ufurpation and cruelty of
Rhadamiftus, 66, 67. yet feems to oppole him, (ij. compofes the Trouble in Judsea, and protects Felix, 7

^adratus

(Seius) accufed,

^^JlorJJjip^ the antiquity of that office, plied,

Rictus (Cluvidienus) banifhed,

^inSIianus (Aiianius) the Senator, a

i. 278 and how fupii. 18, 19 ii. 256

man of evil fame,

yet

350

INDEX.
ii.

yet vigorous in the ccnfpiracy againft Nero, ii. 234. he denies the charge long, 242. but is corrupted by a promife of pardon, and informs aoainlT: Glicius
Gallus,

243.

he

fuffers

death with refolution,

^inSilianus, Tribune of the people, his motion concerning one of the Sybills Books, i. 282 ^ir'malis (Clodius) his conviction, and voluntary
death,
^irifiiusy
railer,
ii.

,255
i,

107

Hufband

to -Emilia Lepida, his

mean cha156
requeft of

^irinius (Publius)
Tiberius,
ibid, his

his public funeral at the

i. 175. his merit towards the Emperor, warlike exploits and unpopularity, ihid.

R.

REhilus

(Caninius) chufes a voluntary death,

i.

108.

and infamous life, ibid. Red S^a^ the boundaiy of the Roman Empire, i. 12! Regi'.lus (Aquilius) charged as the accufer, and deftroyer of the illuftrious houle of the ancient Craffi, and that of Orphitus, iii. 309. his horrid cruelty fet forth in a fpeech of Curtius Montanus, 310, 311 Regulus (Liveneius) pleads for Cneius Pifo, i. 147 Regulus (Memmius) his death, and illulbious character, ii. 174. Nero's opinion of him, ibid, Regulus (Memmius) Conful, ii. 213 Remmius^ a Veteran foldier, ilays Vonones, i. 1 26
his wealth, ^abilities,

Reudignians.

See Longobards. Rebels (popular) cenfured and defended,

ii.

152, 153,,

Rhadamifius, Son of Pharafm^enes King of Iberia, his ambition and guile, ii. 63. by force and fraud he feizes Armenia, the Kingdom of Mithridates, his

Uncle, 64, 65. and caufes him Rhadamillus) to be murdered, as alfo their children, 66. he is driven out of Armenia with his Iberians, 68. recovers it once more, and is more bloody than ever, ihid, the people inFatherhis
VI-

Law and

and

Wife

(Sifter to

cenfcd.

INDEX.
by
his Father,
Rhcur.fis (an

3i

cenfed, and he forced again to fly, ibid, his love and barbarity to Zenobia his Wife, 69. he quite renounces all further ibuggles, 87. and is put to death
1

^
i,

Egyptian King)

his

wide conquefts,
i.
1

121
Rhetnetakes
Rhefcuporis,

made King of Thrace,

25

one of the Kings of Thrace, his character and violence, i. 123, 124. his fraud and barbarity, 124 he is feiz^d, banilhed and put to death, 126 Rhine, its courle defcribed, i. So. how many Legions guarded it, 202 ^ Rhodes (the City of) often lofes and recovers its liberties,
.

"74
reckoned unholy, accord-

Ri'versy to alter their courfes

Romans

ing to the opinion of the Latins, i. y-^ lofi all fpirit of liberty under Augufius, r, i their reafonaigs and fears about his bucceilbr, 6.

under the condud of Germanicus, their great vidlory over the Germans, 87, 88. their generofity to
their foes,

138. they chiefly delight to magnify ancient exploits, 139. are alarmed with the revolt in
ibid,
2.

Gaul, 172. inveigh againft Tiberius, Ro7m, its frft Magiftrates were Kings, i.
five fervility

the excef-

flattery there upon the acceflion of the extreme public (brrow for the death of Germanicus, 134, 135. and expollulations of the populace, 135. what forces guarded the City, 203. the mutual fears amongil ail men there, whence,

and

Tiberius, 8, 9.

256. the many bloody executions there, 306. a re there, 311. its circumference widened by Claudius^ ji. 48. its ancient bounds what, ibid, falfe rejoiceings there, 209. the flate of public provifions there*.
ihid.

terrors

the terrible conflagration there, 224, 226. the and nriifery of the people then, 226, 227, tiie flames wilfully heightened by incendiaries, v/ho alledge authority for this their behaviour, 22 j, 226.

Nero fufpefted for the author of this calamity, 227. the many public buildings and monuments dellroyed by it, ibid, the public fupplications and devotiona tk^re J^ft^jr the %, 230. the public rejoicings, and
inwai'd

352

INDEX,
terrible

inward mournings, 255. a

peflilence there

269

Rome

(the City of) rent

by feuds and

parties,

iii.

130.

is entered by the forces of Vefpafian, 260. the terrible havock which enfiies, 261. the calamitous condition

of the City
uneafinelTes

after

the death of Vitellius, 266, 267.

and

terrors there, left Africa fhould rebel,

305. the City reftored to her pacific form, 307 Romulus, arbitrary in the adminiftration of juftice, i. ii. 21 159. his wifdom, R'ifcius (Regulus) appointed Conful for a day only, iii.

218
Roxolanians, a People of Sarmatia, invade Alcefia, iii. ]']. their charadter, and overthrow by Marcus Aponius, &-C.

77, 78

Rubellius (Blandus) marries Julia the

fus the

Daughter of Dru-

Emperor's Son, i. 294 (Geminus) Conful, i. 263 Rubrius, a Roman Knight, the ftrange fort of treafon charged againft him, i. 68 i. 168 Ruflla (Annia) her remarkable infolence, Rufnus (Vincius) a Roman Knight, convi(5ted of a fraud, ii. 170 Rujius (Crifpinus) Hufband to Poppaea, ii. 123 Rufus (Fenius) made Superintendent of public provifions, ii. loi. he is innocent and heavy, ihld. Captain of the Guards to Nero, and in credit with the public, ibid, hence difiiked by the Emperor, ibid. Kis authority djp.eiTed, 183. he is one of the confpirators againft Nsro, 235. his conftant danger from Tigellinus, ibid, his violent behaviour in examining
Rulellius

the other confpirators, to prevent being fufpedled himfelf, 244. he is accafed of the confpiracy, and feized. 251. but dies meanly, 253 See Nu7/i''fiuu Rufus (Numifuis). i. 255, 256 Rufus (Petlius) h:s infamy, Rufus (Trebellienus) accufed, and dies by his own i. hands, 306 ii. 213 Rufus (Verg'n'us) Conful, See Gothunes^ Rugians,
Kuiiiiitalis,

INDEX.
Ruminalis, the tree fo called at
vives,
Rujiicus (Arulenus).
ii.

353
re-

Rome, decays and

133
i.

See Arulenus.

Rujiicus (Junius) his furprizing

motion in the Senate,

266

S^hinus

(Calvifius)

Commander

charged with treafon, i. 280. of a Legion under Casfennius Partus in

ii.

the Eaft, Suhinus (Flavius) Brother

199

Coniul eleft, Macer's room, iii. 127. with the forces under hs command, he goes over to Vitellius, 140. draws up all the forces in Rome, who are by him fworn to Vitellius, 142, 143. he is perfuaded to leave Vitellius, 238. and even by the Grandees of Rome, 242. is fufpedled to envy his Brother's fortune, ibid, his character, 243. he attacks a party of Vitellius's men, but is forced to retire, and fliuts himfelf in the Capi247. fends to Vitellius to expoilulate, ihid. is belieged in the Capitol, 249. is taken and murder^ ed, 253. his character, 333, 334. funeral honours are paid to him as Cenfor, 31 Sabinus Julius j one of the Lingones, values himfelf as being defcended from Julius Csefar, iii. 324. caufes himlelf to be proclaimed Cccfar, 238. leads a huge
tol,
(

Emperor Vefpafian, appointed by Otho to command in

to the

the Lingones, to invade the Sequanians, ibid, he is put to flight by them, and thence the war is flayed; ibid. Sabinus (Oftorius) accufes Bareus Soranus, ii. 279 as

hoft of his countrymen,

daughter Servilia, 284. his charge againft 284, 285. his great rev/ards for accufing Soranns, 287 Sabinus (Popp^us) his fuccefsful exploits againft the wild Thracians, i. 237242. his death and character, 306. See Popp^us. Sabinus (Publius) Captain of the Prastorian Guards to Vitellius, iii. 175. put in Chains by him. 217 Sabinus
alfo his

her,

354
faithful

INDEX.
Roman
to
i.

Sabinus (TItius) a

adherence
ibid,

the
is

Knight, haled to prifon, his family of Germanicus,

thence his crime,

255.

cumvented,
5'rt'rfrd^oj-

he

by what vile fraud circondemned and executed,

ibid.
i.

257. his lad words,

(Grafidius) once Praetor, banlfhed,

315, 316 Sacronjir (Julius) incites the Gauls to revolt, i. 170. his fpeech to them, ibid, his deceit, 17!. his great forces, ibid, he holds as hoftages all the noble youths of

Gaul,

ibid,

harangues his army, 173.

is

routed,

ilays himfelf,

and 174

S^gitta (Odlavius)
ii.

his extravagant pafiion

is

for Pontia,

121. he murders her, ar)d

Sagitta,

generous fpirit of his See OSia'vius.

condemned, 122. the ibid. Freedman,

iii.
1 1

^alonina.

Wife

to Ccccina, at court,

Sallujiius (Crifpus) his credit

and counfel to

Livia, i, 8. he aids Tiberius by his counfel, 104. his 162 death, favour, and character, Saloninus (Afmius) his death, and illuftrious defcent, i.
Salt, a

fmgular

way of producing

it

in

198 Germany, ii.

Sak)iaf!Ui (Calpurnius) accufes Sextus

133 Marias unfeaibn-

S^t;'!os,

ably, 278. and thence baniihed, Jbid. the people there claim a right of fanduary to

Sanctuaries.,

1,210 the Terr- pie Q:f Juno, the mifchief of infcituting fuch, i. 184, 185. tkeir number and privileges retrained by the Senate, 187

Sanquinius,

Governor of lower Germany,

dies,

ii.

14

i. Sanquinius (Maximus) his foftening fpeech, 275 Sardes (the City of) punilhed by an Earthquake, i.

in. it claims a right to a fanftuary, 187. its claim ibid. not proved, ibid, its fme air and climate, Sarioienis (Vocula) expelled the Senate for endeavouring to intioduce the pradice of accufmg under Nero iii. 308, ana Vitellius, 309 i. 245 Sarmatians engage for pay on different fides, Sfitvius (Secundus; lie w lio dtteded the confpiracy of
Sejanus,
i-

3H

Saturnius^

INDEX.
Saturnius, a turbulent Tribune,
i.

355
1

60

Saturninus (Aponius) Commander in Mocfia, attempts ZtQ Aponiui. to murder Tertius Julianus, iii. 169. Scapula (Oltorius) a Satire upon Nero is faid to have been read in his houie, ii. 175. he denies to have

hands, 27 Scapula (Oftorius) Governor of Britain, iv. 83 Scaw'us (Mamercus) offends Tiberius, who conceals his own rancour, i. 17. his vain-glory and vilunefs, 1S9, he is charged with treafon, 200. threatened yvith. vengeance by Tiberius, 201. accufed afiefh, 296. his various charadler, and voluntary death, 297 Scaurus (Maximus) the Centurion, one of the confpihis

heard it, ihid. nanimoufly by

is

accufed, 270, 271.

and

dies

mag-

own

rators againft
Sce'vinus

Nero,

ii.

235

the Senator, a vicious Man, yet warm in the confpiracy agairiH Nero, ii. 234. his behaviour and preparations obferved by Milichus, his Freedman, 241. is by him accufed, and thence haled to the Tribunal, ibid, his bold and artful defence, 241, 242. but terrified by the rack, and the
(Flavius)

confeiTion of Natalis, he declares all his accomplices,

24-5.
S.cipio.

he

fuffers

Hufband

to

death with refolution, 255 Poppsea the elder, his temper and
ii.

addrefs,
Scipio (Cornelius)

4
ii.

his

monflrous flattery to Pallas,

Scipio

(Fublius) his

courteous demeanour in Sicily of

i.

old,
Scipio (Publius) Conful,

120
103

ii.

Scrihoniuniis (Camillus) takes

arms in Dalmatia,

ii.

69

Scrihomanus (Furius) doomed to exile, why, ii. 69. Junia his Mother involved in his crime, ibid, he foon
dies in
Scribonii.
it,

ibid,

Scribonianus.

See Canierinui and CraJJus. the two brotliers of that name compofe
ii.

th<?

troubles at Puzzoli,

126
by-

Secundus (Fedianus)

Governor of Rome, murdered

ii.

one of his Haves,

this,

171. all the reil executed for

ibid.

Segeftes, his character,

i.

52. his advice to Varus, ibid. his

35^
he prays

INDEX.
relief

and variance with him, ihU. from Germanicus againft his own country-men, 54. is refcued by Germanicus, ibid. his Daughter Wife to Arminius, her behaviour and great fpirit in captivity, ibid, his fpeech and apology to Germanicus, 55, 56. his defertion how varioully it aivefted the Germans, 56 Segimrndus, Son to Segefles, a deputy from his Father to Germanicus, i. 54. a Prieft amongil the Ubiaus, ibid, had once revolted from the Romans, but is
his affinity to Arminius,

gracioufly received,
Sejanus

ibid.
i.

commands

the Prstorian Guards,

26.

his

great credit with

T iberius,

ibid,

his

arts

againft Agrippina and others, 65. Daughter to the Son of Claudius, 162. this refented by the people, ibid, his afpiring vaews, ibid. a Statue erected to him by the Senate, 193. the partialty of Tiberius to him, ibid, his mighty fway
his

him

incenfe he marries
to

with Tiberius, 199

his charLicter

how

ruinous to the State, ibid.

and purfuits, 200, his defigns againft Drufus, he debauches his Wife, 201. d'kharges his own, ibid, at rft recommends himfelf by good counfels, 204. ftudies to deftroy the houfe of Germanicus, 208. his wicked artifices and inftruments, ibid, he continually inftigates Tiberius againft Agrippina, 208, 209 his exceflive power and infatuation, 230. he feeks Livia (the Widow of Drufus) in marriage, 251. is alarmed, and urges the Emperor to leave Rome, 233. his views in this, ibid, he expofes his perfon for Tiberius, 208. hence the encreafe of his power, ibid, he fets himfelf to deftroy the ofFfpr ng of Germanicus, ibid, no accefs to honours but through h G favour, this purchafed only by iniquity, 255. how he managed the Prince's cruelty, 258. his great power and infolence, 261. his two children executed, and their bodies expofed, 296. the Girl executioner, ibid, his efteds firft deHowered by the how difpofed of, 273. all thofe under accufation of any attachment to him are put to the ftaughter, 387, 28B. an aiTeciing defcript.on of that Maifacre, .88
Seleitcia^

INDEX.
Seleucia (the

357

City of) by whom founded, i. 308. its GovGininent. and flattery to Tindates, 308, 309. it baffles the whole power of the Parthian Monarchy ii. 8 for feven years together, Semnones, an account of their religious cufloms, iv. 58.
ibid. their power and authority, Senate, their importunity and fycophancy to Tiberius, 142. their i. 15. they meet the afhes of Germanicus,

adulation, 182, 183. they retain a ihadow of their old jurifdidion, 185. why not forry for the death ofDrufus, 208. the fear and flattery of that aflembly, 260, 261. their fupplenefs, 266, 267. their fycophancy to Claudius, ji. 36. they legitimate his marriage with his Niece, 37. the infamous flights of flattery there upon the murder of Odavia, 192. their care to avert Nero's public fliame, 261, 262. but
to

no purpofe, Nero,

ibid,

more

flattering

ads of

theirs to

268, 269

Se}iate,

decree Tribunitial authority and the name of iii. 46. they are infulted by the foldiers, 140. and in fufpenfe and terror at the death Otho, 141. all turn their thoughts and obedience to Vitellius, ibid, they are frighted by Cenus a freed-

Auguftus to Otho,

man

of Nero's, 142. they decree

all

honours

at

once

143. flatter Vitellius, 144. pronounce judgment on Caecina, ibid, they decree to Vefpafian all titles and prerogatives, 269. and the Confulfliip, with Titus for his Collegue, 270. as alfo the Praetorto Vitellius,
fliip

and Confular authority to- Domitian, ibid, they award thanks to the General Ofiicers, to the Armies, and confederate Kings, 305. and appoint Piotius Griphus Prstor in the room of Tertius Julianus, ibid. they devife an oath, by which they feverally appeal to the Deities, that they had in no degree fought the

damage

or

life

of any perfon, 308.

tlieir

abhorrence

of accufers,
Senators, not fuffered to enter the houfe

309
of an Alor,
ii. i.

72.

many of them

fight

upon the

flage as Gladiators,

220

Sineca (Annseus) recalled from banlfhment,

great abilities, ibid, he

is

38. his appointed with Burrhus to

ii.

govern

358
and

INDEX.

govern the youth of Nero, 84. his accomplifhraents fine Genius, ibid, he compofes fpeeches for Nero, 90, gi. is reviled by Suilius, 119. his fliare in the death of Agrippina, ibid, he irxurs popular cenfure, 141. is traduced to Nero by wicked Counfcllors, 178. their charge againll him, and their flattery to Nero, 178, 179. his fine fpeech to the Emperor, he offers to reiign all his wealth and power, and begs to retire, 179 181. he avoids the Court, 232. his conilant danger, and abflemious life, ibid. his deftrudion fought by Nero, 246. his accufation, defence, and firmnefs of mind, 246, 247. his great calmnefs when doomed to die, and fine reafonings, 248. he is anxious .for the lot of his Wj|e, 248, 249. his exhortations to her, 249. he ordi-s all his veins to be opened, but without efFeft, and utters excellent difcourfes, ibid, he fwallows poifon, but in vain, 250. is fuffocated in a hot bath ; his Ir.ll words, and plain funeral, ibid, a purpofe amongll: the confpirators of transferring the Empire to him, ibid. Senecio (Claudius) his intimacy with Nero, ii. 91 Senecio (Tuliius) a Roman Knight, one of the Confpirators againfl Nero, ii. 235. he is intimate with him, ibid, he informs againfl Annius Pollio, 242, 243. and fuffers death with refolution, 255 Senecio. See Herennins. Sevtius (Cnelus) adminiilers the Province of Syria, i. 130. his letter of admonition to Cneius Piib, 133. ibid. he prepares to attack him, iii. 189 Septimius (Portius) his charadler, i- I73 Sequanians., ravaged by Caius Silius, i^equanians obtain a vidlory over the Lingones, iii. 338 Serapisy God of the Egyptians, fends a man to Vefpafian to be cured of blindnefs, iii. 354. another to be cured of lamenefs, ibid, the hiftory of this Deity, according to the archpriefts of Egypt; 355, 356 Serenus (Annasus) cloaks Nero's paflion for A6le, ii.

Serenus (Vibius) forges an accufation againil: Fonteius Capito, i. 228. he is convided of it, but not puniih-

ed, and why,

ibid.
Scrn.'iui.

INDEX.
Ser^veus, preferred to pontifical

.359

honours, i. 1 54 ^^'rt'fwj (Quindlus) Governor of Comagena, i. 118. he is accufed and condemned, but turns evidence, 277,
Ser^iliay the
ii.

27S Daughter of Soranus, accufed with him,

284, 285. Ihe rifques her own life to fave his, 285, 286. her affeding fpcech and behaviour in the Senate, ibid, fhe is permitted to chufe her own death,

Sernjilius accufes

Mamercus Scaurus, i. 296. takes a banilhed, 297 ^ i. 298 Ser'vilius (Marcus) Conful, Ser^ilius (Marcus) the Orator and Hiftorian, his death i. 152 and charadler, Servitude, with peace, preferred to a perilous flruggle i. for Liberty, 3 See Galba Servius (Galba) his fecond Confulfhip.
bribe,

and

is

Servius (Tullius)

commended

for his

Laws,

i.

159

Sefiuf[Q2ims] his complaint in the Senate againft turning the Statues of the Emperors into fanduaries, i. 167. he is Conful, 298. is made ruler of Syria, ii.

211
Severus (Titus Alledius) a Roman Knight, his ftrange court to Agrippina, "-37 Se'vet-as (Verulanus) Commander of a Legion, fent to ii. 196 fuccour Tigranes, Sextia, Wife to Mamercus Scaurus, perfuades her Huf-

band
Sextiuy

i. 297 and dies with him, Mother-in-law to Lucius Vetus, accufed, ii. 267. {he kills herfelf, ibid, and is condemned after

to die,

death,
Sextilia,

268

Mother

to Vitellius,

iii.

350.

her good chaibid.

ra6ler,
Sexlilius.
Sicily^

See Felix.
ii. 48 Kings of the Sucvians, join Vefpa-

the privilege allowed the Senators of that ProItalicus,

vince,
Sido
Siege

and

fian's

Army,

iii.

189,

204

of Cremona, by Antonius, finely defcribed, iii. 209, 210

iiiege

360
S:egt of the old

INDEX.
Camp
defcribed,
iii.

288

295.

that of

Magontiacum, Siege of Placentia, by Cacina,

304
finely defcribed,
iii.

112,

113

SigamhrianSf a wild people, 1-238 Sigimerus, the Brother of Segeftes, furrenders himfelf

with his Son to Stertinius,

i.

66

Silana (the Wife of Caius Silius) divorced to oblige MefTalina, ii. 10. her charader, 98. fhe forms a plot againll Agrippina, ibid, is banilhed, 102. but returns to Italy, and dies at Tarentum, 147 Silanus (Appius) charged with treafon, i. 280
Silanus (Caius) Proconful of Afia, accufed of robbing the public, i. 188, i8g. his Impleaders, who, 189.

he

is

guilty, but hardly ufed, ibid,

and doomed to
1

exile,

Silanus (Creticus)

Governor of Syria, i. 79. he is removed from the Government of Syria by Tiberius, becaufe of his friendihip and affinity to Germanicus,

Silanus (Decius) banilhed under Auguftus,

and why,

i.

157. he is reftored under Tiberius, 158. but arrives at no preferment, ibid.

Silanus
lity,

(Junius)

Conful,
ii.

i.

255.

he

is

poifoned,

by
ibid,

whom
.

and why,

83. his innocence and great qua-

engaged to 0lavia, the Daughter of Claudius, ii. 34, he is unjuftly accufed of incell, and degraded from the rank of a Senator, 35, is deprived of Oclavia, and diverted of his Praetorlhip, 35. kills himfelf, 38. his eminent accomplifhmcnts and nobility, 23^ Silanus (Lucius) accufed by Nero, ii. 264. his innocence, great quality, and worthy charader, with the abfurd and lying charge againft him, 265. he is doomed to exile, 266. is murdered by a Centurion, and band of foldiers, ibid, and dies like a brave man, ibid. Silunus (Marcus) Conful, i. 120. his great quality and eloquence, 158
Silanus (Lucius)
"

Silanus

INDEX,
Stla)ius

361

(Torquatus) his great quality, accufation, and voluntary death, ii. 221, izz Sri aj why doomed to baniihment, ii. 2-6 SiJius (Caiui) commands under Germanicus in the higher Germany, i. 32. he is diitinguiihed witli the ornaments ot'a triumph, 67. direds the building of a Fleet, 80. invades the Cattians, ibid, takes their Prince with his Wife and Daughter, 80, 8[. is difpatched with an Army againll the Cattians, 92. fends forces againllthe revolted Gauls, 171. the alacrity of his men, 173. his fpeech to them ; he routs Sacrovir, 174. he is arraigned, 213. the friendfhip of Germanicus fatal to him, ibid, he hurts himfelf by boafting his fervices, ibid, kills himfelf before condemnation, 215. yet his eilate confifcated, ibid. Silius (Caius) Conful elecl, his fpeech againfl: mercenary Pleaders, ii. 5. he is obliged by Mcfialina to divorce Silana, his Wife, 10. the danger of this amour, ibid, his defperate intoxication, 23. he marries the Emperor's Wife, ibid his riot v/ith Meilalina, 26. he is alarmed with the approach and menaces of Claudius, ibid, is prefented before the Tribunal, 29. begs a difpatch of his doom, ibid, his accomplices executed, /^,/^^
^

-Silius

(Fublius) fells
baniflied,
i.

judgment
2.' 3.

for

money,

is

convicled

he proves afterwards a mifchievous Minifter under Claudius, ibid. Silvanus (Granius) the Tribune, one of the confpirators againft Nero, ii. 235. he is pardoned, but falls by
his

and

own
dies

hands,

/3/^^

Sil-vanus {?Uim\xi) the Prstor,

murders his Wife,

i.

iii. 100. he leads fixthoufand Dalmatians, 228. his charadler, ib. SiJures, a people of Britain, very fierce and hard to be

by opening his veins, Silvanus (Poppaius) Governor of Dalmatia,

and

217
ibid.

reclaimed,

ii.

54. they are defeated,

58.

yet conti-

nue implacable, ib. and are repulied by Didius, 59 Simon, one of the Governors of Jerufalem, iv. 12
Simplex (Cscilius) appointed Conful,
Pinnaces, his great credit in Parthia, Tiridates,
i.

iii.

147

303. he fupports

^^^i,^^,l

Vol. V.

362
Sirpicus,

INDEX.
a Centurion, the caufe

two Legions,
Sifenna, a'Centurion, flies
Sitones, their fituation

of a quarrel between i- 26
I>[ero,
iii.

from the counterfeit

:oi

and Government, Sia'ves, a regulation concerning them, ii. doom where one of them kills his Lord,
^

iv.

64
171

109.

their

Smyrna, (the City of) claim.s a right to a Sanftuary, i. "187. its claim' not proved, ibid, its antiquity, and
early friendfhip to

Scremus,
Sc/yeiKusy

Rome. King of Ituria, his death, created King of Sophenes by Nero,

ii.

245 4B ii. 88
165

Sohnnus (King) accedes to the party of Vefpafian,

Svldiers, thole
i.

iii.

32,

newly levied in Rome, debauch the reft, fury and exceffes, 33. their barbarity their 33.
ibid,

:o

the Centurions,

how

ftubborn in their fedi-

fedition they deliver up the au33, 34. after a 44 thors to execution, to SoUiery, their behaviour to Galba, iii. 5, 7, 31. Otho, 3 c;. their terrible march into Rome, 40, 41.
t^on,
_

they deftroy many Citizens, and murder Galba, 41, tranfafted by 42. and Titus Vinius, 42. all things being extheir w ill and option, 45. they infift on empt from paying fees to their Centurions, and advance Flavius Sabmus to the Government of Rome,

and chufe
^i.

their officers, ibid, juft refleaious

on them,

they break in pieces the image of Galba, to juft before they had fworn, 56. terrible in"whom to ftances of their fury, cruelty, and madnefs, 59, 63. arc they infift on deftroying the Helvetians, who faved by the eloquence of Claudius CofTus, 68. a
cruelty, horrible inllance of their rage, frenzy, and 8284 79. they are calmed by a fpecch of Otho's, uneafy that thofe in Judxa, Syria, and Egypt, are Empire, they have no fhare in the dilpofal of the without di100. they burn, plunder, and lay wafte, infolence to ftin^ion, their own Country, 105. their Gallus, efpecially that of thofe wlio had

Annius murdered Galba, 115, 116. thofe of Vitellius let make Vitellius loofe to fpoil and ravage, 143. they

behaviour at 1 uvery uneafy, 151. their outragious them difcharged, 152, rin, 152. great numbers of
1

'A'

INDEX.
pius Flavianus,

^6^

154. they brag and magnify their fervice to Vicellius, 155. their behaviour in regard to Vefpafian, i6g. many cruel murders committed by them, 172. they were funk in vices not fit to be named, 176. a great mortality among them, 176, 177. in a rage (witnout any caule) they doom to death Titus Am193, 194. and are kept from murdering him by Antonius Primus, 194. they then affail Aponius Saturninus, 195. thofe of Vitellius go over to Veipafian, 241. an inftance of their infolence and bafenefs, 258. a cruel inftance of their outrage to Gallus, 294. they murder Hordeonius Flaccus, 304. and are difappointed of murdering Vocula, by his efcape, ii?i^. their confufion and diftrefs beget diflenfions, and the iirft, fourteenth and eighteenth Legions put themselves again under the command of Vocula, i6U. and again they take the oath to Vefpafian, //'?V. they are near flaming into fedition, 314. are under a difmal confternation, and relieved from it by Mucianus, 315. they bargain to fwear fealty to ftrangers, 327. an inftance of their bra\'ery and fortitude in the old Camp, 330. their tragical defcruclion, 331. they are under ftrange agitations at Novefmm, 332. as they are led by Claudius Sanclus, a fquadron of horfe go off from him, and meeting I.onginus they butcher him, 333, 334

S 0/0*1, the Athenian Lawgiver, i* ^59 Sojhoinus (I'igellinu.) See Tigellmus. iiorr.mjs (Bareas) Conful elecl, his flattery to Pallas, ii. 70. he is deftined to deftruition by Nero, 276. his excellent Government in Afia, and benevolent behaviour there, matter of jealoufy and hate to Nero, 279, he is accufed, 284, 285. the ftale impurations againil him, 285. the tendernefs and generofliry of his Daughter Servilia, 285, 286. his concern for h3r, 286. he is permitted to chufe his -own death, 287 SoJia?ius (Antillius) an exile, accufes Publius Anteius,

and Ollorious Scapula,

Sojlanus (Antiftius) banlfhed at the
iii.

ii.

270

motion of Mucianus,

Softbius,

312. his character, 313 Tutor to Britannicus, incenfes Claudius againil Valerius Afiaticus, ii. 2. his reward for this, 4

S^ai:lara's

364

IN-

D.

X.-

to Auguftus, i. 72 SpaniarJs allowed to build a temple to Tiberius and they are dcfirous to build a Temple allowed, 229, 250 his Mother, 228. but not 1. never admitted to treat with the Romans,
S'.artacus,

194
Speech, the

freedom of

it

how

infecure under Tiberius,

Speech,

thatofGalba
iii.

to

Pifo,

upon

his

1.1 3^ adopting the

latter,

1418.

upon the firil thatofFabius Valens

duty,'

that of Pifo to the Cohort upon revolt of the Army, 2931. to Vitellius, 53, 54. that of

reOthoto the foldiers, 36, and 8284 and a that markable one of his before his death, 136, 137. and to the of Mucianus to Vefpafian, 159162. Antioch, 165., that of Antonius to his Ar-

peo-ole of

at Carfulae, 239. iny'202, 203. and to his foldiers Sabinus, 241. that to Rome of Grandees the that of

to him, 243, 244. tlir.t of the followers of Vitellius that of bof Hclvidius Prifcus in the Senate, 272. 274., that of Ciyilis to there, 273, Marcellus prius a glorious one of Curtius the Batavians, 279, 280. Vocma to Montanus in the Senate, 310, y}- "^^ Vocula to the folof and 326. Tutor, and Clafficus

diers

^^^^^ Y^'^^^ terians to the City of Cologn, the Tungriar.s, 337. anfwer, 536. that of Civilis to Cerialis for razirg the City that of the foldiers of his Army, iv. 1 5, ofCclogn, 344- that of Cerialis to the former fubthaf of Civilis to Cerialis, when

327529. thatoftheEmbaaadoroftheTenc-

334^35

R.itted to the

Romans, 23, 24. an admirable fpeech that of AgnofGalgacus to his Army, 98-101.
cola to his

16

Army

at the

fame time,

'^^"^^

Spuri7.:ia (Vellricius)

appointed

^i; loi. commands in addrefs and managepranks of his foldiery, with his place agamftCa^cma 1.3. the defends he /W. ment, raifed to Anmus Gallus, fends word of the fiege being joins the Army, 1 27 A lie. leaves Placentia and 1 by Nero, and S/^/.2'(Domitius) the Tribune, feared
,

Commarder by Otno the mad Placentia, no.

bereft of his

command,

"'^^^
i.

Statues, thofe of the of profligates,

Emperors, become the Sanftuane^s

167

INDEX.
Stslla (Arruntius)

3^5
public Hiews,
ii.

appointed to

dircfi:

lot
5'/(?;-///Vj

on the Angr'varians,
Ztraho

routs the Bruclerians, i. 57 takes vengeance 81. with Emilius relieves the

S3 Bativians bcfet with a Hoft of Germans, (AciliLi.s) See Cyrenians. Stratoniceais, their cl iim to a vSanfluary, whence, i. 106. ibif. what Deity they worihipped, Stiardones. See L ngohards. ii 270 Sucto/iius (Caius) Confal, Zuetouim (Paulinus) a General of renown. Governor of Britain, gains a great victory in anglefey, ii, 16^1. 165. he cm his vigour and llrength of men, 164, battles his army, 165. harangues them, 166, 167.
^ains
ibid,

mighty victory, 167,

168.
is

168.

h:s

Army

re-

cruited,

his

devailations throughci^t

Eritaiji,

he

Glafficianus, the Procurator,

to refign his
Suetciiiiis

maligned and mifreprefented by jniius 168, 169. and ordered

command,
ii.

i''9

Suiliits,

iv. 57 an abandoned accufer, ii. 4. he takes an iinmenfe reward, yet betrays the caufe, ibid, defends pleading for hire, 5, 6. is arraigned, 119. his mifch-evous fpirit and ftubbornnefs, ibid, he inveighs againfl Seneca, 119, 120. the many charges againll him, and his impotent defence, 120, 121. he is 121 convidled and banifned, ii. Suiliits (Marcus) Conful, 49 Suitfnes, their fituation and power, iv. 62. their fhips, and manner of working them, ibid, their government, Hid, Su'piticis (Caius) Conful, i. 177^ Srtlpitius (CamxCrinus) Proconful in Africa, accufed of male-adminiflration, and acquitted, ii. 12S SuHy popular conjeflures conc&rning his rifing and fet-

See Pau!i7ius. Paulinus. K-uevia, th? riches of that Kingdom, Sue^vlansj at war with the Cheruicans, Sue-viansy their country and caflom, ^c.

51, ;
i

ic3

ing,
^

ii.

62, 63
i.

Superjiition,
Sybillijie

its

force

upon ignorant minds,

books not fuffcred to be confulted, i. 70. they are fuppreffed by authority, and called in, 282, 283,

Sjlla,

2 1

366
Sjlla, tlie

N D E

X.
i.-

Didator, his domination not long,

2.

hi*

regulations,
Sxlla (Cornelius) for his vices

i6o
degraded from the Sei.
1
1

nate,
Sy/la (Cornelius)

mentioned

in a plot,

ii.

102. his fplen-

did defcent and alliance, ibid, he is ^d.\i\y actufed and banifned to Marfeilles, 125. his natural heavinefs and innocence, ibid, he is fuddenly murdered at Marfeilles by order from Nero, 184. his head prefented to the Emperor, 186. he is degraded frcm the dignity of a Senator after his death, ibid.
Sy//a
Sj/;'a

(Fauftus) Conful, i 69 (Lucius) his conteils with Domitius Corbulo, i. 163. he is Confal, 284

Syr^cz/Jians,

a decree in their favour,

ii.

2J
i.
1

Sjria, that Province prays

an abatement of Taxes, 107. the Legions there how much debauched, ii.

T.
TAcforinas,
greCs
raifes war in Africa, i. 114. his proand ilrength, Hid. he renews the war, 154.

continues his depredations, 164.

bafiy to Tiberius,

his

194. he

is

diflrefTed,

arrogant Empu^fued, and

forced to retire, 194, 195. his flrength and ftratagems, 217, 218. his forces furprized and defeated, ihid. 219* he dies bravely, Tc-xitus, his defign in writing thefe Annals, what, i. 2. he declares againft partiality, 3 laments the fubje<^ of his Hiitory as melancholy and confined, 224. he is one of the Quindecimviial Prieilhood under Domitian, ii. 9. and Prietor, ibid he laments fo many tragical deaths under Nero, celebrates the memory of thofe illufcrious Victims, and blames the pafiive.

Tacitus.,

Romans, 272 advancement by Vefpafian, by Titus, and by Domitian, and his defign to write of Nerva and Trajan, iii. 2, 3. his curious and occafional digrei"fion on the date of afiaivs, 3, 4. 5, c^'C. 128, &; feci, and on the burning of the Capitol, 250, 251. durnefs of the
his

ing the Confulihip of Agricola he is contrat^ed to his Daughter, iv. 79. ius accouiU of Britain, ibid, his CUiiQUA

INDEX.
curious and
iuft

3^7

Refieedons on the prudence and mo-^ affefting relation ot deration of Agricola, 112. his the death of Agricola, . , ^ of the Germans razcd^ ^anfana, a celebrated Temple

Taurus, 7arqtiiths (Prifcus) accufes Siatilius Senate, the polled from

<raurians, a

and

is

e.i-

barbarous People,

fl..y

fome of

tlie

\7^ Ro11.

mans,
Conful, <raurus (Sifenna Statilius)
r^;.r. (Statilius)

45
-,s 7^

i-

once Governor of Rome, u 282.

.

h.s

y-iaccufation and voluntary death, 1. > :i confinned, penny hundredth the of that T^r, gathering t.v^m, 11, i "7. Taxes, good regulations about what, ; taxes ^f the true mcafure of public u. 126. tneu rx-^^?M^rr;v, complaints againlUhem,
'

power

reftraincd,

..

"'

Telefirms (Lucius)

Conful,

11.

2,0

tradition and cuTeLle, that of Venu. at Paphon, its a iv. 8. defcnbed, Jerufalem thatof ftoms, iii. 94.

more
<r.;/..

particular defcription of It, (the lOe of) their claim to a

1^1.^2

ngat

0.

oanccuajy

r.m;.'.V. (Marcus)

^^'-^ there found obfcure, r j /' for his a Roman Kmght accufed his bold defence, friendiliip with Sejanus, i. 278 his accufers banilhand acquitted, is he 278280.
<

280

Cologn, iii. 334-. ^beir Telaerians, fend an Embafiy to &c. defcnbed, iv. Si cuftoms, manners, territories, the bones ot ^eutobunium (the Forefl of) contained 1. 57. the lad Varus, and the Legions there flain, late llaughter, the alfo as defcribed, there monuments

Army, 58. the bones buried by the See Jidiami, Tertius. Teffius Julianus. Marlhe?, Thames, the Phantoms feen in its

59
^^

^"- *^3 blood fhed there, Theatre at Rome, the diffentions and from thence, 11. 102. i 71 the ufual Guard removed

and recalled, ^^ Theatres, formerly erefted occafionally,

121. the Theophanes, of Mytelene,

..

''^+

"; ,^^'? opulence ot old t Thebes, that of Egypt, its mighty ibid, obelifks and ancient charaders there,

who,

i-

^^1

3^8

N D E

X.

Ihermus (Numicius) once Praetor, his innocence and bloody doom, ^^ Thrace, how divided, j^,* i 127hrajiars, unealy under the Roman Governme^nt' r.L^ revolt, ]. 169. they are routed, ilnd, thdr infurrection and dilcontents, 237. their defiance and warli^-e Songs, 238. their mifery and diftrefs,
cclpair and furious onlet, 241,
'.rirafea (Pietus)

239

their

their defeat,

241,

mfhmg
fluence

oppofes a decree of Senate, ii. 126. ^the of his enemies againil him, 126. his apology for his condurt, 126, 127. he provokes the vengeance of Nero, how, 146. his fpeech about painvetftives

Antillius the Pnetor,

17^,
his

mthc

176. his great in-

.-^enate,

ibid,

firrnnefs

and

credit,

177- his excellent fpeech upon the Trial of Tim?rchus of Crete, 21 1, 212. he is warned of Nero's

geance, 213. hs undaunted fpiiit, Itmed to deltruaion by Nero, 276. tend Tindates his entry into Rome,
to vnidicate himfeif, rbid.

ibid,
is

he

is

vendeat-

forbid

to

279.

his great fpirit dreadful to Nero, 280. the realonings of his friends for and againft h s repairing to the Senate, and attempLing a defence, 2S0, 281. his wife advice to Arulenus Rufticus, 281. the Senate

fpeech

how

he oiFers and {rcQ

armed men upon his Trial, 282. thence the terrible difmay of the Senators, 2^^', his compofed and noble behaviour, when apprized of his doom, 287. his converfation with the Philoippher Demetrius, w th his generous concern for his friends, and tender advice to Arria his Wife, 287, 288 his veins opened, his magnanimity and fine
difcourle,
' '

terribly befet with

^gg

7brafullas, the Aftrologer, a fignal proof of his fkill, i. 289. he is dear to 'Piberius,'' ibid, hi^ Son foretold ^he Empire to Nero, 2C/o

Tbrofobor heads the rebellious Peafants in Cilicia, 'ii. and is put to death, 'J I. -, Tihenus, the Emperor, h s H.flory why falfified, i.V!
his favour and great command, 4. his diffimulation and doublings upon the murder of young Agrippa, 7. he would fecm to decline the Sovereigntv, yet
'

ad

INDEX.
a6ls as Sovereign,
9.

3%
authohis fear of Gerall

afFeds to derive

his

rity from the Commonwealth, ibid, manicus, ibid, his irrefolution, and its caufes, 10, hiS hollow fpee -h againft affuming the Sovereignty, 15 he is naturally obfcure and dillruilful, ibid. \6 un-

popular, 28.
ibid,

his

demeanour haughty and obfcure,

at

he

is

blamed

Rome

for not going in perfoa

to quell the infurre(5tion of the

Armies

in

Germany,

45. but determines not to leave Rome, and his reafons, 46. yet feigns to go, ibid, he repines at the glory of Germanicus, yet glad of his fuccefs, 50. extols him in the Senate in a ftile very pompous and infmcere, ibid, how different h;s temper and politics from thofe of Auguftus, 52. he is foured at the pro-

ceedings of Germanicus, 59. affeds felf-denial, but gains no public efteem, 6j. is exafperated by fatyricai verfes, 68. his wife letter to the Senate, ibid. he is ainduous in the Tribunals of Juftice, jo. private jullice promoted under him, but public liberty over-

thrown,

ibid,

what

his aufterenefs, ibid,

man

as well as

he long retained, ibid, he fupprefles all mquiries, hudivine, ibid, his abfence from popuvirtue

lar entertainments to

in prolonging provincial
ibid,

what afcribed, 71. his politics Governments, whence, 73.

he was not fond of eminent virtue, yet hated vice, is pleafed with the commotions in the Eaft, and why, 79. is proclaimed hnperator by the Army, 88* urges Germanicus to return to Rome, 93. his reafonings, envy, and fallhood, ibid, he difcourages the reftraint of Luxury, 98. his prudence and moderation, 99 he helps fome neceiTitous Senators,
1 01. oppofcs the application of Hortalus to the Senate for relief, 102. his fpeech there, 102, 103. he is fufpecled of evil purpofes toward Germanicus, 106. ftudies to rem.ove him far from Rome, and iinds a pretence, ibid, propoies to the Senate to fend him into the Eaft, 107. encourages no Wills in his own favour, but often rejcds inheritances, 112. fmilhes and confecrates certain Temples, ibid, is Conilil for the third time, 115. his pacific policy, 123. his. art and diliimulation, 124, 125. he turns all things to his own ^lory, 137. lelTens the price of grain, 138.

R.

refufea.

370

INDEX.

refufes flattering titles,

138. appears not at the faneral of Germanicus, and why, 143. checks the people by an Edid:. for their exceflive grief for Ger-

manicus, 144, 148. is perplexed about the trial of Cneius Pifo for the death of Germanicus, 146, 147. his artful fpeech to the Senate about the trial of Cneius Pifo, 147, 148. he is proof againll the temptation of money, 153. his flrange fubtilty and variations, 156. his fourth Confulfhip, 163. his dark fpirit and dirtrafts, 168, 169. his firmnefs againil: popular reproaches, 172, 173. his reafons to the Senate for not repairing to the War, 174. his afFeded moderation, his policy and rigour, 177. his prudent letter to the Senate about the cure of Luxury, 178 -^181. he defires the Senate to confer upon his fon prufus the power Tribunitial, 182. his modefl charafter of Drufus, ibid, he reftrains the honours decreed to Drufus, 184. cenfures extravagant flattery, Hbid. his exclamation againft the fervile fpirit of the Senate, 188. his rigour in the trial of Caius Silanus^ yet he moderates his punifhment, 191. his pru! 90. dent temper and. fine reafoning, ibid, how much he is afFefted with the arrogance of Tacfarinas, 194. he inftrufts Blaefus how to feduce his followers, ibid. grows more tyrannical, 199. reckons the death of Germ.anicus a blelTmg, ibid, how blind to the purfuits of Sejanus, 200. his profeiTions how little believed, 202. his reign moderate till the death of Drufus, 204. he fhev/s no concern for the death of his Son, 205. his fpeech to the Senate, ibid, he recommends to them the Sons of Germanicus, ibid, his admonition to the latter, 206. his hollow propofal to reftore the Commonwealth, ibid, his fpeech about creating a Prieft of Jupiter, 211, 212. he encourages zeal for things divine, 212. cloaks his a6ts of Tyranny under good old names, 214. grows rapacious, 215. his vengeful and unforgiving fpirit, 216. how Jong he retained his wrath, 222. he mitigates a fevere motion, ibid, and is a fhameful advocate for the accufers, ibid, an inflance of his mercy applauded by the public, 223. his difcernment, yet a Tyrant, ibid, though ufually wary and flow of fpeech, yet in pleading 2

N D E

X.

371

pleading for mercy he fpoke readily, ihid. his wife reafoning againil admitting honours divine, 228 230. variously conllrued, 230. his artful anfwer to

230233. he praifes and diiappoints him,> 232. what determined him to ftiun all aliemblies of the Fathers, 234. he is ftung with the refle6tions of particulars, ibid, grows more cruel, becaufe charged with cruelty, ibid, his darknefs and taciturnity, 242^ he makes no anfwer to a fuit of Agrippina, and
Sejanus,

why,

the true caufes of his retirement, 246, 247. H!s life threatened by an accident^ 248 his generous bounty to fuch as had fufFered by fire, 252. his Statue unhurt by the flames, ibid, he fhuts himfelf up in the Ifle of Capteae, 253. in what
ibid,
fters

243, 244. pretence for this,

he

retires

from Rome,

246,

his,

fear he pretends to live, 258. he protesTts the Mini-, of his cruelties from others, but fometimes,

them himfelf, ibid, is follicitcus to hide his. purpofes, ibid his negledt of his Mother in her fickncfs, 264, he abridges the honours decreed to her,
crulhes

grows a Tyrant complete, 265. is animated by Sejanus, 266. his prodigious pollution and Iewdnefs 272, 273. his agonies, and the horrors that haunted
ibid,

him, 276, 277. the fadneis of the times under him, 277, 278, he avoids returning to Rome, 285. his hollow letter and requeft to the Senate, ibid, what a horrid MafTacre he commands, 2 36, & feq. his extreme Tyranny, 288. his prefage concerning Galba, 288, 289. he is addided to Aftrology, 289, grows cruel without difguife, 292. knows how much he is hated, 297. is infatiable of blood, 305. his cruelty never relents through time, ibid, he ap* proaches Rome, as it were to behold the many tra-. gical executions there, 306. his bounty, 311. he is Iparing in buildings private and public, ibid, various new honours decreed to him, ibid, in fettling the Succeffion he is regardlefs of the public weal, 312. he v/avers about it, ibid, fortels the cruelty and bloody reign of Caligula, ibid, is taken ill, but con ceals his condition, and continues his volaptuoufnefs,^ ibid, ridicules Phyficiaris, ibid, is near his end, yet feigns perfect health, 313. is feized with a deepk R 6 fv/Qoa

372
ibid,

INDEX.
his charader,

fwoon, lut recovers, 316.

317.

is fmothered by Macro,. he underftood the art of

Tigellinus (Sofonius)

ii. 85 Captain of the Guards to Nero, polluted with every abomination, ii. 178. his great fway with the Emperor, whence, ibid, his power grows more mighty, 183. he fooths the Emperor's cruelty, and incites him to the murder of Sylla and Plautus, 183, 184. urges Odavia's maids to accufc their Lady of adultery, 187. how he was anfwered by one of them, ibid, his prodigious entertainment made for Nero on the Lake of Agrippa, defcribed,, 223. the monftrous fcenes of Lev/dnefs feen at it, 223, 224. by forged crimes he labours the deftruction of Fenius Rufus, 235. he is MiniHer of blood: to Nero, 247. is diftinguifhed with the ornaments of triumph, 256. fuborns one of the ilaves of Caius Petronius to accufe his Mafter, 274. his cruelty expiated by an illuftrious facrifice, 276 'figelliftus (Sophonius) afummary of his life and wicked charader, iii. 71. he is doomed to die, and kills

fpeaking,

himfelf,

72
78.
ii.

reigns not long, i. put to death under Tiberius. ^igranes created King of Armenia by Nero,
^igr,mes.
his nobility, education,

King of Armenia,

is

307.
158,.

and

fervile fpirit,

158, 159.

. he overruns the Adiabenians, 194 Tigranocerta furrendered to Corbulo, and fpared by him, ii. 157. its Citadel forced to yield, 158. pof-

by Tigranes, its fituation and flrengtli, 19;}. ibid, well garrifoned and viftualled,. fimanbus (Claudius) of Crete, his accufation and trial, ii. 210, 2! I firidates deftined by Tiberius to the Crown of Parthia, i. 399, 300. his progrefs and ftrength, 304. hepafTes
feiTed

the Euphrates, and takes poUeflion of feveral Cities, 308. the hopes conceived of him by the Parthians, ibid, his ill politics and mifcarriage, 308, 309. he it deferted, and retires into Syria, 311. gains the Kingdom of Armenia, ii. 68. lofes and recovers it, ib.
Tiridates, Brother to

King Vologefes,
ii.

his efforts to

gain

Armenia prove

abortive,

113.

he expoflulates with

INDEX.
l^is

zn

in Rome to the Roman politics, 219, 220. arrives 279 receive from Nero the Crown of Armenia, has the iii. 91. 'Titianus (Salvius) Brother to Otho, whole command committed to him, 116. he advifes

fraudulent dealings and with Corbulo, 113, 114ani diftrefs, 117. retreat, 114, 115. his perplexity away, ibid. marches 'he ihid, admits, impotent his advice to his 158. Armenia, of hopes is bereft of all brother VoloVoloaefes, 19;. he is crowned by his lays his diadem at eefesf 19:). meets Corbulo, 218. undertakes to ibid, Nero, of Statue the the feet of in perfon, 219. fue for the fame to the Emperor a fupphant gives his daughter as an hoftage, writes Nero, is inured to pride, and ignorant of
letter to

124 engage Caecina and Valens, ^^_ he is iii. 2. Author, the promoted Vefpafianus, l^itiis Galba, hears of fent by his Father to congratulate iii 94, 95. prohis murder, and flops in Greece, Venus, 94. ceeds to Syria, and vifits the Temple of anfwer, confults the Oracle there, has an aufpicious
to

and returns to
his

his Father, 97.

Father in the Confulihip, 269.

ther to command the war againft the Jews, at parting, 320, 321.

the foldiers,

iv. 2.

his

decreed Collegue to is left by his FaArmy, and to profecute the 320. his fpeech to his Father his winning behaviour toward Army defcribed, ibid, he enis

he befieges the City, 10, &c. ii. 279 forquata, a Veflal, her fanftity and intereft, '^Qurs, the revolt begun there, i. 170. and crufhed, ib. ii.^ 128 7rade, the duties upon it regulated,

camps near Jerufalem,

ibid,

traitors, odious to their

'Ireafon,

own

party,
i.

i.

55

the bulwark what minute and harmleis of- all accufations, ibid, things pafTed for it under Nero, fuch as looks,

how common

a charge,

i6S.

fmiles,

and accidents,

24+
dur-

Trebellienus (Rufus)

made Adminiftrator of Thrace

i- 125 ing a minority there, Lieutenant to Vitelliu^ in Syria, ^ overcomes i. 307, 308 the rebellious Cliteans, See Maximus Trebellius, *Irebeliius Maximus. 171 7re-vesj an infurretoa there, i, 170, ended,

Trebellius,

Vriaria^

574
Triariay
ter,

INDEX.
Wife
to Lucius Vitellius, her
iii.

149. an inftance of her barbarity, Tribunes (military) with Confular authority, long,

wicked charac255, 256

lafted not
i.

2
ii.

Tribunes, of the People, their jurifdidlion reftrained,

Tribunitial (power) a

title

devifed by Auguftus,
i.

106 and

why.
Trio (Fulcinius) a notable accufer, 95.

i. 182 he impleads

Libo Drufds, ihid. arraigns Cneius Pifo, 146. the advice of Tiberius to that Orator, 154. he leaves a Will full of invedives againft Tiberius and his Minifters,

Trio and Regulusy Confuls, at variance,

i.

305 270
105

Triumphal-arch raifed near the

viftories of

Temple of Saturn

for the
i.

Germanicus,

Tubero (Seius)

commands

the horfe and the field under

i.

Germanicus,
Tugurinus (Julius) a
rators againft

89

Roman

Knight, one of the confpiii.

ii.

Nero,

235

Tiirpilianus, (Petronius) Conful,

Britain, 169. dillinguifhed with the ornaments of triumph, See Petronius Turpilia?ius. Turpilianus (Petronius.)

of

160. he is Governor his lifelefs adminiftration, /^/V. he is

256

Tutor (Julius) the Treverian, his charafter, iii. 324. he commands the Treverians, and fhares the direclated, ihid.

tion of the v/ar with Clafficus,~^330. his anions rehe negledls to fortify the bank of the
is

Rhine, 341. he

routed by Sextilius, 342. he adinftantly,

vifes to attack Cerialis

349. he

is

defeat-

ed by Cerialis,
Tyrants,

351

miferable and infecure, i. 277. dily forfaken by their fervile adherents,

how

how
i.

rea-

Tjrrh>H2iiins,

whence

their

name,

303 245

Commander of a Legion, his inflaming fpeech to Vitellius, iii. 53, 54. he revolts with the fir ft Legion, and falutes him Emperor, 58. he is fufpe^ted of taking a great fum for favijig Vienne from being facked, 6^. his prodigality and
Jlens (Fabins)
vile

INDEX.
vile venality, 66.

375
Prsetoriaa

he fends

letters to the

Bands, and City Cohorts, 73. he Tends forces under Julius Claflicus to defend the coaft of Narbon Gaul againft Otho's Fleet, 106. a battle enfues, and the vidory inclines moft to Otho's fide, 107, he quells a mutiny aud infurredion, 1 19. joins Ca^cina, 121. derides him, yet to promote the fame caufe concurs with him, 122. he is infamous for pillage and feats of rapine, 144. he refides at Bononia, and there exhibits a combat of Gladiators, 156. advances at the head of a huge hoil againfl Antonius Primus, 220. his fcandalous behaviour. 221. he embarks, and is well received by Marius Maturus, but diverted from his expedition by Valerius Paulinus, a fall: friend to Vefpafian, and is taken prifoner, 223. he is flain in prifon, at Urbin, 240. his charader, 240,

241 Valem (Manlius) Commander of the Italic Legion, ill ufed by Fabius Valens, iii. 64 Valefitinus (Tullius) an Embaflador of the Treverians, and promoter of the Vv'ar, iii. 339. his harangue at Rheims, 340. he is oppofed by Julius Aufpex, ibid. his charaftcr, 341. he joins Tutor, and they put to death Herennius and Numifms, Commanders of Legions, 342. their reafons for

ed
his

at

it, ibid, he is vanquifhRigodulum, and taken by Cerialis, 343, 344. wonderful fortitude and intrepidity at his death,

Valerius Afiaticus.

See

y^Jiaticus.
i.

Valerius (Marcus) Conful,

Valerius (Paulinus.)

142

See

Pau!i7ius.

Vangio and ^ido, joint Kings of Suevia, at firft beloved by their Subjedls, afterwards hated, ii. 52. whence
this,
^

ibid.

Vannius (King) who, i. 123 VanniuSf King of the Suevians, popular in the beginning of his reign, ii. 51. he grows infolent with power, and provokes a confpiracy, ibid, fights brave* Jy, but is overthrown and liie;, 51, 52. is allowed a fettlernent by Claudius, 52 Vardanes, the Son of Vologefes, feeks to dethrone his Father, ii. 88
.

Voi-Uia

Z1^
Varilia

INDEX.
(Apulela)

charged

againft Augullus,

Tiberius,

with opprobrious words and his Mother, and

Varinians.

with adultery, i. 113. fhe is banifiisd fi'om Rome, ib. See Langobards. Varro (Cingonius) his fevere motion againft Freedmen,
ii.

173, 174

Varro (Cingonius) Conful elefl, flatn bv Galba, for being an accomplice in the CGnfpiracy of Nymphidius, iii. 6 Varro (Vibidius) for his vices degraded from the Senate,
i.
1

12

Varro

(Vifellius)-

Governor of lower Germany,

he fends forces againft Sacrovir, 171. is 212. defcends to the infamous pradlice of an accufer, 214. is the tool of Sejanus, ibid. Varus (Alphenus) routs a body of Gladiators, and attacks the forces of Otho in flank, iii. 133. he is appointed Commander by Vitellius, 233. he abandons the Army, 240 Varus (Arrius) his charader, he accompanies Antonius
190. reduces a Garrifon at Inteappointed at Rome Commander of the Praetorian Guards, 268. and Praetor, 270. he is difplaced by Mucianus, and fet over the public
Prim.us,
iii.

170. Conful,
i.

189,
is

rkmna, 23.

Varus (Quindlilius)

grain,
flain,

with

his

Army,

339

in

Germany,

Varus (Quindlilius) the Emperor's Kinfman, accufed, i. ibid. 253. his trial poftponed by the Senate, Vafaces, General of horfe to Vologes, his conference ii. 206 and ftipulat ons with Ciefennius Pectus, Vatiniusj a Favourite of Nero's, an upftart buffoon, and wicked inftrument, ii. 221. he prefents Nero ibid, with a combat of Gladiators at Beneventum, Ve^lonianus (Famifulanus) Commander of a Legion unii. 199 der Ca^fennius Partus in the Eaft, Veleda, a German Virgin and Prophetefs, iii. 332. flie
is

treated as a Deity,

336, 337

i. 169 See Fe acinians. See Cartifmandua Venufiusy a Britifli General, ii. 59. iii. Varania, Wife to Lucinianus Pifo, buries him, 47

Vellius (Publius) routs the Thrafians,

Venedians,

Veraniui

INDEX.
Veramus (Quindus) Governor of Cappadocia,
the public tazes,
putation, ^
160. the fervile ftrain of his
lail:

zjj
lefiens
i.
1

18

Veramus prepares a charge againft Pifo and Plancina, i. 130. he impleads Pifo for the death of Germanicus, 154. &c. 1^6. is preferred to pontifical honours, Vcranius, Governor of Britain, his death, and great reiii.

Will, ihU,

iy. 83 Veranius, Governor of Britain, Vergivms, flow in declaring for Galba, iil. 9. he is applied to by the foliiery to accept of Sovereignty, 140. is with much difficulty faved from the fury of

the foldicrs by Vitellius, 154 Verona (the City of ) poffefled by Antonius Primus, iii. 191 Verritus and Malorigis, Heads of the Frifians, go with a Petition to Rome, ii. 129. their fmgular behaviour in the Theatre there, 129, 130. they are created
i 30 Pvoman Citizens, but their petition rejected, ii. 164 Vervlarnium, the llaughter there and elfewhere, Vefculariis (Flaccui,) a Roman Knight, his part in the

ruin of Libo Drufus,

i.

94. he

is

by Tiberius doom281
iSi
,

ed

to die,

Vefpajtan,

his frugality,

its efFel, i.

182. his

life in

Vefpafian (the

danger for havdng nodded whilft Nero adled, ii. 263 Emperor) promoted the Author, iii. 2. he commands the Arm.y againfl the Jews, 10. his great character as a General, 98. he agrees with Mucianus by means of Titus, 100. deliberates on the bufinefs of war and arm.s, 158. he is encouraged by the fpeech of iMucianus, and the propitious anfwers of Oracles, and determines to pufn for the Empire, 163. he is acknowledged Emperor, and has allegiance firft fworn to him at Alexandria, with his behaviour thereupon, 163, 164. all the forces in the Eaft, with the Provinces, &c. fwear allegiance to him, 165. he eftabiiflies a Council, 166. and promotes many deferving men, ihid. inv'tes all to join himi who v/ere difcharged by Vitellius, 167. fjveral Legions revolt to him, 16S, 169. difpatches are fent to Britain, Spain, and Gaul, 171. his forces, le by Antonius Primus, arrive in Italy, 185. he obta a vifcory at Bedriacum, 199, 203, 204. and at C r

mona.

Zl^

INDEX.

mona, 204. he is informed of the battle of Cremona, and haftes to Alexandria, with his fcheme for diH-reffing the enemy, 227. his Sovereignty confirmed by the Senate, 269. he commences Conful a fecond time, 3'55, receives news of the vi6lory at Cremona, and fate of Vitellius, 320. EmbaiTadors from Vologefes offer to affift him with forty thoufand Parthian fJorfe, ihtd. hears ill reports of Domitian, and commits to Titus the Army for fubduing the Jews,
ibid, their difcourfe

rives at E-ome,
pitol,

at parting, 320, 321. he arand give orders for reiloring the Ca321. he works many miracles, 353, 354. re-

duces Brita'n, iv. 83 Vejiah wont to attend the Tribunals, when their Evidence was required there, i. 99 VeJ^iiius (Sextus) accufed by Tiberius, though lately his friend, \. 280. he dies by his ov/n hand, ilnd. Vejlinus (Atticus) Conful, ii. 233. he is not concerned in the confpiracy againft Nero, yet dies for it, 238. not trufted by the confpirators, 253. intimate with

Nero, and fcorns

his vile fpirit, ihid.

fent againft him, v/ith his quick

Vefiinus (Lucius) the reiloring

a great guard and manly death,

is

of the Capitol

com321

mitted to his care, Vejiricius. See Spwinna.

Veterans, the conceifions

iii.

made them during

their

mui.

tiny cancelled,
Vettiiis

72

Bolanus.

See Bolanuu

Fetus (Antiftius) a principal Nobleman of Macedonia, accufed, and condemned to exile, i. 168, 169 Vetiis (Lucius) Commander in Germany, makes a canal

between the rivers Arar and Mofelle, ii. 128. the profecution of the work marred by the envy of -/Elius Gracilis, L'eutenant of Eelgic Gaul, 129. his dertrudion fought by Nero, 266. he dies by his own hands, 268. after his death is fentencedto die, ib, ii. 51 Vibellius, King of the Hermunduriaiis, Vihidia^ the chief Vefcal, intercedes for Meffalina, ii. 28 i. 123 Vihiltusy Captain of the Hermundurians, Vibim (Caius) fupports the charge againft Libo Drufus,
i.

95

Vibiui

INDEX.
Vihiin (Sercnus) Proconful

379

of Spain, condemned for violent adminillration, i. 209. he is accufed by h;& So)i, 220. his fpirit, and defence, 221. his flaves examined on the rack, Hid. their teftimony favourable to their Mailer, ih. he is remanded to exile, 222 Vihiiis (Serenus) the younger, accufes his Father of treafon, i. 220. he is threatened by the populace with the pains of parricide, flies, but is forced to return, 221, 222 Villus (Secundus) a Roman Knight, condemned to ex le for public rapine, ii. 1 60 Vihuknis, an incendiary, his lying fpeech to the mutinous foldiers,
i.

25. the furious efforts

his

of

it,

Hid.
31

he

is

executed by the
the Praetor,

command of Drufus,
ii.

Fibidius,

judgment confirmed by the

106 hz,

Senate,
i.

Veiento (Fabric'us) his inveiRives againfl the Senate,

177. he is convidted of felling the Emperor's favours, and banilhed, ilid^

Vin'icius

(Marcus) marries Julia, Grand-daughter to Tii.

Vinius (Titus)

ihid^ 284. his charafter, and defcent, CoUegue in the Confulfhip with Galba, iii. 2, II. he is Minifter to Galba, 6. his charader, ibid, the more powerful he grows, the more detefl-. able he is, 1 2. he fhares the Sovereignty with Cor-. ne! us Laco, ibid, is in the interell of Ocho, ibid, his advice to Galba, 33, 34. he is oppofed by Laco, 34. he is killed by Julius Carus, 42. his head carried on a pole round the Camp, 43. he is buried by his Daughter CrJfpina, 47. a fummary of his life, 47, 48 Vipfania, Mother of Drufus, her death, i. 154 Vipfanius (Lenas) condemned, ii. 107 Vip/aniu- (l,ucius) Conful, 11 Viifiantis (Caius) Conful,

berius,

Viyginius baniiTied for his great

Vijfilia,

fame by Nero,
publifnes herfelf a
ii.

Lady of

great quality,

ProlHtute.
Vitdlia^ her firmnefs, ViteUius i^AuIus) Coiful,
Vite'iUus

>37 176
^9,

ii-

prepares a charge againfl Pifo and Plancina, i. 130. impleads Pifo for the death of Germanicus, ^x. 146 is preferred to pontifical honours, ?54.
FiteilMk

38o
Vitellius

IN

D E

X.

(Lucius) Conful, i. 295. he is fet over the Eafi by Tiberius, 300. his variable chara<^er, a good Governor, a flavifh Flatterer, ihhi. his management of the Parthians, 303. his advice to Tjridates, 304. he is the tool of MeiTaima, ii. 3. hs great hypocrify and faifhood, ibid,
27,
ibid,
2*8.

his fdence and referv'e, he engages in the counfels of Agrippina, 35.

ibid,

falily accufes Licius Silanus,

his

lerviie

fpirit,

he prollitutes the office of Cenfor, ibid, brings the Senate to legitimate the marriage of Claudius with his Niece Agrippina, 36, 37. is accufed, but proteded by Agrippma, and his accufer banifhed,
Vitelliiis

176 by Galba to command in the lower Germany, iii. 9. above an hundred and twenty dillinct memorials of the murderers of Galba
(the

62. his fpirit fiaviih and infolent,

Emperor)

fent

fall

into his

hands,

all

claiming rewards, 43, 44.

to the fvvord, 44.

he caufes the Authors to be put tidings of him put the People of

greatefl conllernation,
iii

Rome under the 49. the ri'e and caufe of the commotion and revolt begun hy him, 5 i a faort character of him, 52. he gratified the cruel revenge
.

of

his foldiers, 59. dooms to deftrusSlion four Centurions, for adhering to their duty, 60. many forces
ibid,

join him.,

his

ftupidity

and

flothfulnefs,

62.

he fends

letters to

Otho,

treats

him

abfurdly,

and

abufes him, 72. attempts the death of Olho, 73. writes to Otho's Brother with Menaces, 74. fome of

Narbon Gaul worfted by Otho's, 107. under Caecina repulfed at Placentia, 113. they are routed, and forced to fly at Caftores, 116. which Icfs rather reforms than difmays them, 119. he is joined by Valens, 121. his Army under Cnecina and V^alens oivtam a vidory near Bedriacum, 130, 131. tlie Senate and People fwear allegiance to him, 143. all honours decreed him, ibid, his Army let themfelves loofe to fpoil and ravage, nor dared their General to reilrain them, ibid, he receives intelligence of the viclory at Bedriacum, and of the death of Otho, 144. dignifies his Freedman Afiaticus with Knighthood, ibid, he takes no notice of the murder of fevcral great men, nor makes inquiry into any afhis forces in
his forces

INDEX.
fairs

381

Cxcina,

names

praifes of Valer.s and 145. he celebrates the 146. orders his Son to be brought, and him Germanicus, ihid. he puts to death all
faithful to

the Centurions who had been to tnal, but hardly admits Paulinus and Proculus of him, ibid. pardons them, 146, 147. a charafter Cluvms, 150, he punifhes Hilarius for falily accufmg Cohorts, 152. with iri. difcharges the Praetorian foldiery, 153. difnculty faves Verginius from the without any view s the field of batde near Bedriacum of followers defcribfi^n ofrem.orfe, 156. his train the dilpofal of the Coned, ibid, his partiality the Eaftern Provinces ful'fhlp, 157. upon news that abandoned to all the becomes he him, to fworn

Otho,

ikid.

had

exceffes of cruelty, lull

and rapine,

ibid,

grows dady

more

171. his followers defcnbto furniih him provifions, confumed Cities ed, ibid. Rome defcribed, and his i-'i, 172. his entry into Sovereignty pibiic fpeech, 173. all the func^dcns of
ftupid

and

llothful,

adminillered by C^ecina and Valens, 175. they both dread and deipife Vitellius, 176. he humours the common foldiers, and by that means ruins his Arm.y, Nero, 178. his pro177. folemnizes the cbfequics of revolt, ibid, fends digality, 179. he hears of the lirft his Commanders, for fuccours, ibid, the remilTnefs of he orders Caecina and Valens to take the field,
ibid,

flupidity, 181. refigns himfelf to voluptuoufnefs and of the 216, 217! upon receiving news of the revolt ihid. Fleet and of Ccecina, he puts Sabinus in chains, murders Blaefus, 217. feigns that all his proceedings it, 232. profper, and murders thole who contradift

lehe feems roufed out of lleep, orders an Army to accompacure the pafTes of the Apennine ; himfelf, the nied by a vaft number of Senators, arrives at Camn, 233. his ftupid and irrefolute behaviour there,

infurreftion in

231. "'fends his Brother Lucius Vitellius to quell the Campania, 236. wants to affume the terrified and forfaken, is afhamed, title of C^far, to Vefpafian, 241 237. his troops defert and go over abhe is deaf to all magnanimous counfels, 244. his
ject

demeanour, 245, 246. he raifes pity and comhe is palfion in all, and offers to abdicate, 246. but
not'

382
tragical death,

INDEX.
is

246. attempts to efcape, 262. his 363. his characcer, 263, 264. ViteiUvs (Lucius) Brother to Vitellius the Emperor, prcfcnts himfelf to the Senate to be flattered, iii. 142. propofes judgment againft Ca?cina for his revolt,

not permitted,

144. accufes Bla^fus, 145.

appointed to take care

of the City, 233. ftorms and takes Terracina, 254. his infamous fpirit, 256. delivers himielf up to VefVitellius (Publius)
is put to death, his chara<Pitr, ib, leading two Legions along the ftrand, and the tide, i. 65, 66. is overtaken by a tempefl, their fad diflrefs defcribed, 66. he collefls the tribute in Gaul, 80. is accufed, 268. his brother becmes his fiirety, ih. his melancholy, and death, ih. Vitellius (Quinftus) for his vices degraded from the Se-

pafian's party, 268.

nate,
Vitia, an

i.

executed for bewailing the i. 281 Voci'Ja (Dilius) Commander of the eighteenth Legion, fent to raife the fiege of the old Canip, iii. 290, 291 a fgnal inftance of his intrepidity and courage, whence he obtains the command in chief, 296. he dooms to death the authors of a mutiny, 294. is furprized by the enemy in the Camp at Gelduba, 299. the battle there defcribed, 299, 3C0. he is blam.ed for not pufh ng his good fortune, 3C0. engages Civiiis, and routs him, but makes no purfuit, 302. and thence fufpecled of intentions to prolong the wav, ibid, he obtains a viftory, and narrowly efcapes being murdered by his ow n foldiers, 304. in dilhefs he IS obliged jo ufe dillimulation with the eneniy, 325. repairs to Cologn, ihid. his manly fpeech to Clauicus and Tutor, 326. that being v/ithout effcft,

ancient Lady, blood of her Son,

he returns to Novefium, 326, 327. a gallant and fine fpeech of his to the foldiers, 327 329. he is retrained by his own fiaves from putting a period to his li.^e, 329. he is mun^crcd by Emilius Longinus

at the

command

of Clailicus,
^-

ihid.

Volcatius (Mofchus) dies in exile at Marfcilles,

and

to

that City leaves his eflate,

Vologefesj

235
for

King of

Tarthia,

ii.

43.

he

fei2:es

Armenia

INDEX.

383

for his Brother Tiridatcs, 68. lofes it again, Hid. meditates frelh war againft Armenia, 19-1. is ani-

mated by Monobazus, Governor of the Adiabcnians, and by his own Brother Tiridates, 194, 195. his fpeech to his council, 195. he crowns Tiridates, and commands his General Monefes to drive Tigranes from Armenia, 196. intends to head a great Army againft the Romans, ibid, is afraid of the Romans, h;s many difappointments and misfortunes, 198. his
anfwer to Corbulo, 199. his Embafiadors to Nero unfuccefsful, ibid, he advances againft Armenia with a great hoft, 201. overthrows the forces of Paetus,
202, 203. befieges him in his camp, 204. his anfwer to Pstus, 206. he takes poffeiiion of the Roman fortrefies and ftores, 2c6, 207. raifes a pompous trophy, ibid, his meflage to Corbulo, and the anfwer of the latter, 208, 209. he fends other Embaftadors to Rome, 214. his letters and offers, ihid. the Embaffadors difmifTed with prefents, but without fuccefs, 215. he demands a truce, 217. his tendernefs for the honour of Tiridates his Brother, and
requeft to Corbulo on his behalf,
Volucius (Lucius) his death, preferments

219
and
charaifier,
i. 162 and amiable ii. ic8

Volucius (Lucius)

his

death,
ii.

great age,
103. he
is

charafter,
Volucius (Quintus) Conful,
aiTfcfs

appointed to

the Gauls,

Veneres,
Vcnonesy
fion,

174 Governor of Media, created King of Parthia,

ii.

his fhort reign,

43

King of

Parthia, his unpopularity and expul-

i. 77, 78. he finds a retreat and a Crown in Armenia, 78. but is forced to relinquilh it, 79 he is held a Captive by the Romans, ibid, is rem.oved to Pompeiopolis in Cilicia, 1 19. his great court and prefents to Plancina, 1 20. he efcapes, is taken and 126 (lain, Vrgulayiiay her pride and infolence, and favour :>t

Court,
Vfpiansy a
iv.

i. 99 memorable adventure of a Cohort of them,

96.

See Tenderians,
Vftes

384

INDEX.
and
its

U/f-es (die Gity of) befieged, flormed, tants put to the Ivvord,
Vfii7'ers,

inhabiii.

J4

attacked by the accufers, i 285 tjjHry, the laws againll: it, i. 285. its exceffes and evil confcquences, with the expedients to remove them,

285, 286

w.

WAHAL,
PFit'es,

a branch of the Rhine,

i.

80

thofe of Provincial Magiftrates generally fharers in the guilt of their Hufbands, i. 164, 165. apt to meddle in affairs, //^/V. and to be corrupted in the abfence of their Hufbands, 166
Wonie7i (Biitilh) their fi-antic behaviour in their Armies,
ii.

161

WriUrs, their punifliment gains credit to their writings, i. 227, 228 Wriiivgs, obnoxious and forbidden, are eagerly read,
ii.

177. othenvife negiedted,

ibid.

X.
XEmpJwK',
76.

he helps to poifoa

Phyfician to Claudius, his credit, his Mailer,

ii.

75,

8q

ZEAL Laws,
Zsna,
is

(popular)

too mighty for Magiflracy and

i.

185

made King of Armenia by Germanlcus, i. 1 18 Zenobia, Wife to Rhadamillus, wounded by her Hufband and thrown into the River Araxes, ii. 69. flie faved by fome ihepherds, and nobly entertained ibid, by Tiridatcs, Zorjtncs, King of the Siracians, in arms, ii. 43. ail. lis i^w^ithridates of Bofphorus, 44. deferts him, and fubibid. mits to the Romans,

J^