the Life and Death of Julius Caesar, Julius Caesar

the Life and Death of Julius Caesar · Julius Caesar

THE LIFE & DEATH OF Julius Caesar, The first Founder of the ROMAN EMPIRE AS ALSO The LIFE and DEATH OF Augustus Caesar In whose Raign our Blessed LORD, and SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIT was borne.

By Sa. Clarke sometime Pastor in St. Bennet Finck London.

LONDON, Printed for William Miller at the Guilded Acorn in S^t Pauls Church-yard, near the little North Door. 1665.

p. 1THE LIFE & DEATH OF Julius Caesar The first Founder of the ROMAN EMPIRE.

JUlius Caesar by the Fathers side was of a veryCaesars Parentage. Noble and ancient Family, and by the Mothers side he descended from the Kings of Rome, who were extracted from the Trojan Aeneas. When he was a young man, Sylla having gotten the Lordship of Rome, would have had him put away his Wife Cornelia, who was the Daughter of Cinna, the Dictator, but he could not prevaile with him, either by promises or threats to do it, whereupon he took away her joynter from him.

Sylla being very busie in puting to Death many of hisHis danger by Sylla. enemies, yet passed by Caesar whom he contemned for his p. 2youth. And Caesar was not contented to retire himself in safety inthose stormy times, but came and made suite to the People for the Priesthood which was then void, when he had scant any haire on his face: but by Syllas means he suffered a repulse, who was so irritated hereby, that he determined to have killed him; and when some of Syllas Friends told him, that it was to no purpose to put so young a man to Death, he answered, That they did not consider that there were many Marius's in that one Boy.

Caesar being informed of his danger, secretly fled from Rome, and hid himself a long time amongst the Sabines, His flight▪wandering from one place to another, yet at length he fell into the hands of a party of Syllas Souldiers who soughtfor him, but he bribed their Captain with two Talents, and so escaped. Then went he unto the Sea side, and taking Ship, he passed into Bythinia unto King Nicomedes. And after a while, he took Sea again,He is taken by Pirates. and fell into the hands of some Pirates, who at that time kept all the Sea-coast, with a great Fleet. They asking him twenty Talents for his Ransom, Caesar laughed them to scorne, as not knowing what a man they had taken, and of himself promised them fifty Talents, and sent some of his men to get him this money, so that he was almost left alone amongst these Theeves, which were the cruellest Butchers in the world, having onelyonly one of his Friends and two Slaves with him.

Thus he continued thirty eight dayes amongst them, not as a Prisoner, but rather waited upon as a Prince by them: For he boldly exercised himself amongst themHis boldnesse. in their sports: He would make Orations and call them to gether to hear them, and if they seemed not to understand or regard them, he would call them Blockheads and Beasts, and laughing, would threaten to hang them, and they took all in good part, thinking that it proceeded from his Boyish simplicity.

p. 3When his Ransome was come, he paid it them and so was dismssied; and presently arming and manningHe is delivered. some Ships out of the Haven of Miletum, he followed these Theeves, and finding them yet at Anchor, he took most of them, and got a great Booty, and carryed there persons to the City of Pergamus, and there imprisoned them, whilst himself went to Jumus, the Governour of Asia, to whom the execution of these Pirates did belong. But he desiring to get the money, because there was good store of it, said, that he would consider of these Prisoners at better leasure. Caesar hereupon returned back to Pergamus, and there hung up allHe crucifies the Pirates. these Theeves openly upon the Crosse, as he often had threatened that he would doe, when they thought that he was but in jest.

When Sylla's power began to decay, Caesars Friends wrote to him to returne to Rome: But he first went to Rhodes to study there for a time, under the Tuition of Apollonius, an honest man and excellent Rethorician, His studies.whose Schollar also Cicero had been. Caesar had an excellent gift to speak well naturally, which was much holpen by his Studies, so that he was very eloquent, and might have been second to none, but that he applied himself rather to follow the Wars, and to mannage great matters than to pleading of causes.

When he was returned again to Rome, he immediatelyHis return to Rome. wan the good willof the People by his Eloquence, and courteous speaking to every man, being more ceremonious in his deportment than could be expected from one of his years. Besides, he ever kept a good Table, andHe grows popular. fared well, and was very liberall, which much encreased his estimation with the people. And his enemies, presuming that when he could not hold out that charge andAnd is feared. expence, the favour of the People would quickly decay, they suffered him to go on, till by degrees he was grown very great, and powerfull. So that though some of them foresaw that his power would at last turne to the p. 4destruction of the Commonwealth of Rome, yet now they knew not how to provent it. Indeed Cicero was the first man, who mistrusting his dealings, found out his subtilty and malice, which he cuningly cloaked under a shew of curtesie, and familiarity: Yet (said he) When I consider how finely he combeth his fair bush of haire, and how smooth it lyeth, and that I see him scratch his Head with one finger, my mind gives me then, that such a man should not be so wicked as to designe the ruine of the commonwealth.

The first time that he made proofe of the good will of the People was, when he stood in competition with Pompey to be chosen a Collonel of a thousand Foot Souldiers, and carryed it against him; but a more manifest proof of it was at the Deathof his Aunt Julia, the Wifeof Marius the elder. For then he solemnly made an Oration in her commendations in the Market place, and at her Buriall, did boldly shew forth the Images of Marius, which was the first time that they were seen after Syllas Victory over him, at which time Marius and all his partakershad been proclaimed Traytors and enemies to the Commonwealth. And whereas some cryed out upon Caesar for doing it, the Poeple on the other side applaudded and thanked him him for it. And whereas there was an ancient custome that the Romans used to make Funerall Orations in commendation of old Ladys, but not of young Women, Caesar was the first that praised his own Wife in an Oration at her funerall, which much engaged the People to him, seeing him of so kind, and loving a nature.

Shortly after he was made Treasure under Antistius His preferment.Vetus, the Praetor, for which he ever after honoured him, so that when he himselfe came to be Praetor, he made his Son Treasurer under him, and when he came out of that Office, he married his third Wife, whom was Pompeia, and married his Daughter Cornelia which he had by his first Wife, to Pompey the Great. He further ingratiated, himself with the People by disbursing a p. 5great summe of his own money in mending the Appian way, when he was made Overseer thereof: as also for that, when he was chosen an Aedile, he shewed the People the pastime of three hundred and twenty couple of Sword Players, and exceeded all others in the sumptuousnesse of his Feasts and sports which he made for the delight of the People, which made them daily to give him new Offices by way of requitall.

Not long after the High Priest Metellus dyed, and Isauricus and Catulus, two of the chiefest men, and of the greatest authority in Rome, contended for the place: Caesar also presented himself to the People and sued for it, and Catulus fearing the event, sent a great summe of money to Caesar, to procure him to leave off his suite: Caesar sent him word, that he would disburse a greater summe than that to maintaine the suit against him: and when the Day of Election came, his Mother bringing him to the Doore, Caesar weeping kissed her and said,His ambition. He is made High Priest. Mother, This day thou shalt see thy Son chief Bishop of Rome, or bannished from Rome; and accordingly he carred it by the suffrages of the People, insomuch as the Senate and Noble men were all affraid of him, judging that from henceforth he would make the People do what he pleased.

Afterwards Caesar going into the Senate to cleere himself of some accusations that were brought against him, the Senate keeping him somewhat longer than ordinary, the People come to the door and called for him, bidding them let him out. Whereupon Cato fearing an insurraction of the Poor and needy persons, who put all their hopes in Caesar, moved, that a frank distribution of Corne for a monethmonth should be made amongst them, which indeed put the Commonwealth to the charge of fifty five hundred Myriades, but it quenched the present danger, and did happly scatter the best part of Caesars strength, and that at such time when he was made Praetor, and had thereby opportunity of doing p. 6much mischief. Yet all the time of that Office, he never attempted to make any alteration in the Commonwealth.His Moderation.

About this time Clodius was suspected of too much familiarity whith Pompeia wherefore Caesar put her away.He puts away his wife. The Government of Spain being falne unto Caesar as he was Praetor, his Creditors came with great importunity calling for their debts: But he being unable to satisfy them, went to Crassus, the richest man in Rome; who stood in need of Caesars boldness and courage to withstand Pompeys greatness, who became his surety to his greediest Creditors, for eight hundred and thirty Talents, whereupon he was suffered to depart to his Province.

As he passed over the Alps he came to a little poor Village, where his friends that did accompany him, asked him merrily if there were any contending for Offices in that Town, and whether there were any strife amongst the Noble-men for honour? Caesar answered, I cannot tell: but for my part, I had rather be the chiefest man His ambition.here, than the second person in Rome. Another time in Spain reading the History of Alexander he was sorrowfull a good while after, and at last burst out into weeping. His Friends marvelling at it, asked him what was the cause of his sorrow? He answered, Do you not think that I have good cause to be sorry, when Alexander (being no older than myself) had conquered so many Nations and Countries, whereas hitherto I have done nothing worthy of my self.

When he first came into Spain he followed his business close, and in a short time had joined ten new EnsignsHis victories in Spain. of Foot Souldiers, unto the other twenty which he had before. Then marching against the Gallicians, and Lusitanians, he conquered all before him as far as to the Atlantick Ocean, subduing those People which before knew not the Romans for their Lords; and then did as wisely take order for the establishing of Peace. For he reconciled the Cities together, made them Friends: But especially he pacified all suits of Law betwixt p. 7Debtors and Creditors which arose by usury: OrdainingHis Prudence. that the Creditors should take yearly two parts of the revenew of their Debtors, till such time as they had paid themselves, and that the Debtors should have the other third part to live upon. By this he won great estimation to himself, and returned from his Government very wealthy, his Souldiers also were full of rich spoiles.

The Romans had a custome, that such as desired the honour of Triumph, should stay without the City, whereas they that sued for the Consulship must of necessity be there in Person. Caesar coming home just at that time when Consuls were to be chosen, he sent to request the Senate that he might be permitted to sue for the Consulship by his friends: Against this Cato at first did vehemently invey, alleadging that it was contrary to an express Law. But when he perceived that many of the Senators (being Caesar's friends) favoured his request, he cunningly sought all he could to prevent them: whereupon Caesar resolved rather to give over his suit, for the Triumph, than to lose the Consulship: So he came into the City, and outwitted all but Cato. His device was this, Pompey and Crassus were the two greatestHis subtilty. Persons in Rome, and at jarr between themselves: Caesar affecting to make himself greater than either of them, sought to make them friends, and thereby to get the power of them both: For indeed, they both affected his Friendship, that by his help they might supplant one another. And in the end, by his endeavours, a peace was concluded betwixt them: yet being still jealous one of another, and fearing to lose Caesar, they both sought to gratifie him, and by this means he made himself equall to either of them: and that power which they two had formerly usurped, was now divided between three, and in the end Caesar hereby got the sole command.

This League being made betwixt them, Caesar demanded the Consulship, being brought into the Assembly for the Election betwixt these two Noble Persons p. 8and was there chosen Consul▪ together with Calphurnius He is chosen Consul.Bibulus, without the contradiction of any: And when he was entered into his Office, he began to put forth Laws meeter for a sedicious Tribune than for a Consul, because by them he preferred the division of Lands, and distrubuting Corne to every Citizen Gratis, and all to please the People; And when the Senators opposed it, he took the advantage, Protesting that the Senate by their austerity drave him against his will to cleave to the People, and thereupon he asked Crassus and Pompey in the open Assembly, if they gave their consents to his Laws? They answered, yea. Then he prayed them to stand by him against those that threatned to oppose him with the Sword: Crassus said he would, and Pompey did the like, adding, that he would come with his Sword and Target both against such; which gave great offence to the Senate, but the common People much rejoyced.

Caesar to oblige Pompey more to him, gave him his Daughter Julia in marriage, who was made sure beforeHe marries his Daughter to Pompey to Servilius Caepio, promising him in her stead Pompeys Daughter, who also was made sure unto Faustus, the Son of Sylla. And shortly after Caesar himself married Calphurnia, the Daughter of Piso, whom he caused to succeed him in the Consulship. Cato then cryed out, and called the Gods to witnesse, that it was a shamefull thing that they should make such havock in the Commonwealth by such horrible Bawdy matches, hereby dividing amongst themselves the Government of Provinces, and great Armies. And Bibulus perceiving that he did but contend in vaine, Caesar being too potent for him, and that his Life was in danger for opposing these Laws, he kept his House all the rest of his Consulship.

Pompey having married Julia, he filled the Marketplace with Souldiers, and by open force authorised the Lawes which Caesar had made in favour of the People: He procured also that Caesar had both the Gauls, and p. 9all Illyria, with four Legions, granted him for five years: and when Cato stood up to speak against it, Caesar He is sent into Gaul.bad his Officers to lay hold on him, and carry him to Prison, thinking that he would have appealed to the Tribunes, but Cato said no more, but went his way. And Caesar seeing that not only the Nobility, but the Commons also were offended at it, out of respect to Cato's virtues, he secretly prayed one of the Tribunes that he would take Cato from his Officers, which was done accordingly. Many of the Senators refused to be present in the Senate under him, but left the City, because they could not endure his doings; whereupon one Considius, an old man told him, that the Senators durst not meet because of his Souldiers. Why then (said Caesar) dost not thou also keep home out of the same fear? Because (said he) My age takes away my fear from me, for having so short a time to live, I care not to prolong it further.

Caesar preferred Clodius, a base fellow, to be Tribune, who sought the Office for no other end but to destroyHe bettays Cicero. Cicero, who had discovered his Villanies, and Caesar would not go to his Province till he had set them two together by the ears, and driven Cicero out of Italy. Yet did he deserve the name of as brave a Generall as any that went before him, if we consider the hard Countries where he made Wars: His gaining of so many Countries which he adjoyned to the Empire of Rome: The multitude and power of the enemies whom he overcame: The rudenesse and Valour of the men with whom he had to doe, whose manners yet he mollified, and civilized: His courtesy, and clemency to those whom he overcame: His great bounty and liberallity to those that served under him: As also if we consider the number of Battels that he fought, and the multitude of enemies that were slaine by him. For in lesse then ten years, he took by assault above eight hunderedHis Valour and great successes. Townes: He conquered three hundred Nations: and having at several times above thirty hundred thousand p. 10Souldiers against him, he slew a Million of them, and took as many more Prisoners. He was so intirely beloved of his Souldiers, that to doe him service, andHis Souldiers Valour. to advance his honour, they were invincible: As appeares by the example of Acilius, who in a Sea-fight before the City of Marseiles, boarding one of the enemies Ships, had his right hand cut off, and yet he ran upon his enemies, thrusting them in their faces with his Target on his left hand, and so prevailed that he took their Ship.

One Cassius Scava also in a fight before the City of Dyrrachium, having an eye put out with an Arrow, his shoulder striken through with a Dart, and his thigh with another, having received thirty Arrows upon his Shield, called to his enemies as if he would yeild to them: but when two of them came running to him, he cut off one of their armes by the shoulder, and wounded the other in the face, and made them give back till he was fetched off by some of his fellowes. In Brittan also when some of his Captaines were driven into a bog full of mire and dirt, the enemies fiercely assaulting them there, Caesar viewing the Battel, he saw a private Souldier thrust in amongst the Captaines, where he fought so valiantly that at length he forced the Barbarous People to fly, and thereby saved the Captaines, who otherwise had perished there: And then this Souldier being the hindmost of all the Captaines, marched through the bog, sometimes swiming, and sometimes on foot, till he gat to the farther side, onelyonly he lost his Target. Caesar wondring at his valour, ran and imbraced him: But the poor Souldier, hanging down his head, with teares in his eyes, fell at Caesars feet, begging pardon for leaving his Target behind him. In Africk also, Scipio having taken one of Caesars Ships, slew all that were in it, save Petronius, a Treasurer, to whome he profered life: But Petronius answered him, that Caesars Souldiers used to give others their lives, and not to have their lives given them, and thereupon slew himself with his own Sword.

p. 11Now Caesar bred this courage in them by rewarding them bountifully, and honouring them. He also gave them a good example by adventuring himself upon manifest dangers, and putting his Body to extreame paines when there was occasion, which filled them with admiration. As for his costitution he was lean, white, and soft skin'd, and often troubled with the Head-ach, and sometimes with the falling sicknesse, yet yeilded he not to his sicknesse, but rather took paines as a MedicineHis Temperance. to cure it, travelling continually, living soberly and commonly lying abroad in the Fields. Most nights he slept in his Coach, and in the dayes travelled up and down to see Cities, Castles, and strong holds. He had alwayes a Secretary with him in his Coach, who writ as they went by the way, and a Souldier behind him that carryed his Sword. He made such speed when he had gotten his Office at Rome, that in eight dayes he came to the River of Rhone. He was an excellent Rider from his youth: for holding his hands behind him, he wouldHis activity. run his Horse upon the spurre.

In his Wars in Gaul, or France, he used to exercise himself in inditing Letters by the way, wherein he was so nimble that he imployed two Secretaries, or more at one time. He made very little account of his Diet, Supping one night in Millane with his Friend Valerius Leo, there was served at Table some Sperage with perfumed oile instead of Sallet oile, he eat it, and found no fault, blaming his Friends who were offended at the mistake, saying, that if they liked it not they should have let it alone, and that it was not good manners hereby to shame their Friend. At another time in his journey he was forced by soul weather to shelter himself in a poor Cottage that had but one Cabbin, and that so narrow that one could scant lye in it, whereupon he said to his Friends, the greatest roomes, are fittest for the greatest men, and Beds for sick persons, and so caused Oppius that was sick to lie there, and himself with the rest of his Friends, lay without doors.

p. 14The first War that Caesar made in Gaul, was againstHe overcomes the Swissers. the Helvetians, or Swissers, and the Tygurines, who having set fire of their own Cities and Houses, came to invade that part of Gaul which was subject to the Romans. These were a very War-like and Valiant People, and in all they were three hundred thousand souls, whereof there were one hundred and ninety thousand fighting men: yet were they overthrown by Labienus, Caesar's Lieutenant at the River Arax. And when the Helvetians afterwards came suddenly to set upon Caesar, he made hast to get into some place of strength, and there ordered his Battel against them, and when one brought him his charging Horse, he said, when I have overcome mine enemies, then I will get upon him, to pursue them, and so marching against them on foot, he fiercely charged them: The Battel continued long before he could make them fly: yet had he more ado to take their Camp, and to break the strength that they had made with their Carts. For not onelyonly those that were fled into it, made head again, but their Wives and Children also fought stoutly for their lives, till they were all slain, and the Battel was scarce ended by midnght.

Presently after, above one hundred thousand of those that had escaped from this Battel, were forced by Caesar to return into their own Country again, and to the Townes which they had burnt; and this he did lest the Germans should come over the Rhine, and settle themselves in that Country being void.

The next War that Caesar made was in defence of theAnd the Germans. Gauls against the Germans, though himself had before admitted Ariovistus their King to be received as a consederate of the Romans: Notwithstanding which, they were grown very unquiet Neighbours, watching but an opportunity to possess themselves of the rest of Gaul. Caesar perceiving that some of his Captains much feared them, especially the young Gentlemen of Noble Famelies, who went along with him as to some Pastimes, he commanded all that were afraid to return home, and p. 15not endanger themselves against their wills. But for himself he said, he would set upon those Barbarous People, though he had left him but the tenth Legion onelyonly. Upon this the tenth Legion sent their Officers to thank him for the good opinion he had of them: and all the other Legions blamed their Captaines for their backwardness, and followed him cheerfully till they came within two hundred Furlongs of the enemies Camp.

Ariovistus his courage was well cooled when he sawAnd the Gauls. Caesar so near, whereas they thought that the Romans were afraid of them: His Army also was in a great amaze. But that which discouraged them most, was the Prophesies of some foolish women, who observing the terrible noise which the water in the River made, advised the Germans by no means to fight, and they being possessed with a supestitious fear, sought to avoid the fight: Yet Caesar skirmished with them every day and sometimes followed them to their Forts, and little Hills where they lay, whereby he so provoked them that at last they came down with great fury to fight. In this Battell he overcame them, and pursued them very eagerly, making a great slaughter of them even to the River of Rhine, filling all the fields with dead Bodies, and spoiles. Ariovistus himself flying speedily got over the River, and escaped with some few of his men: At this Battell there were slain about eighty thousand Germans.

After this Battel Caesar left his Army to winter amongst the Sequanes, and himself thinking of the affairsHis policy. of Rome, returned over the Alps to a place about the River Po: whilest he lay there he laboured to make Friends at Rome: and when many came to visit him there, he granted all their suits, and sent them back, some with liberal rewards, and others with large promises, whereby he engaged them to him.

During all the time of Caesar's great conquests in Gaul, Pompey did not consider how Caesar conquered the Gauls with the Roman weapons, and wan the Romans with p. 14the Riches of the Gauls. At this time Caesar being informed that the Belgae who were the most warlike NationHe overcomes the Belgae. of all the Gauls, were all up in Armes and had raised a very great Power, he presently made towards them with all possible, speed; and found them overrunning and plundering the neighbour Countries and confederates of the Romans, wherefore he gave them Battel, and overthrew their chiefest Army, and slew so many of them that the Lakes and Rivers were died with their bloud, and filled with their dead Bodies, that the Romans passed over on foot upon them: After this overthrow, such of them as dwelt neere the Sea yeilded themselves: and from thence he conducted his Army against the Nervians, the stoutest Souldiers of all the Belgae. These dwelling in a Woody Country, had conveyed their Wives, Children and Goods into a very great Forrest, remote from their enemies, and being above eighty thousand fighting men, they, watching their opportunity, set upon Caesar when his Army was out of order, and little expecting them. At the first charge they brake the Roman Horsemen, and encompassing the seventh and twelfth Legions, they slew all the Captains, and had not Caesar himself with his Shield on his Arme, run amongst them, making a lane as he went, and the tenth Legion, seeing him in that danger, followed him with all speed, there had not a Roman escaped alive that day. But looking upon Caesar's valour, his men fought desperately, even beyond their abilities, and yet could they not make the Nervi fly but they fought it out bravely till most of them wereA Battel. slaine in the Field, five hundred onelyonly of them ascapeing. Yet was it a bloudy Battel to the Romans, for that of four hundred Gentlemen, and Counsellers of Rome, there were but three saved.

The Senate of Rome made great, signes of joy for these Victories, by sacrifizing to the Gods, Playes, &c. and as Caesars fame was encreased hereby, so he wan upon the Peoples love: And alwayes, when his affaires would p. 15permit, he used to Winter by the River Po, to give direction about his affaires at Rome. And truly not only such as sued for Offices at Rome, obtained them by Caesars money, and therefore imployed all their power to promote his interest, but the chiefest also of the Nobility, went to Luke unto him, insomuch as at one timeHis Policy. there have been seen before his Gates, one hundred and twenty Sergeants carrying Rods and Axes before the Magistrates that have waited upon him, and two hundred Senators besides. Here they held a Councell, wherein it was agreed, that Pompey and Crassus should again be chosen Consuls for the year following: and that Caesar should have more money delivered him to pay his Army, and that his Government should be prorogued for five years longer.

Then Caesar returning into Gaul to his Army, found there a great War begun: For two Potent Nations of the Germans, having passed over the River of Rhine to conquer new lands, Caesar fought with them, which himself thus discribeth: These Barbarous People (saith he) after they had sent Ambassadours to me to desire peace, contrary to the Law of Armes, came and set upon me as I travelled by the way, insomuch as eight hundred of their men overthrew five thousand of my Horsemen, who nothing at all expected their comming, And going on to describe their farther proceedings. he saith, that they again sent Ambassadours to him to mock him, whom he kept Prisoners, and then setting upon the enemies, who were about four hundred thousand Persons, he slew most of them, saving a few thatHe overcomes the Germans. flying gat back over the River of Rhine and so escaped. Caesar, taking this occasion, and being ambitious to have the honour of being the first Roman that ever passed this River with an Army, he built a Bridg over it, though the River were very broad, and ran with a violent streame, and especially there where he built the Bridge: and the Barbarians casting great Trees into the River, they were carried down with such violence p. 16that by their great blowes they did sore shake the Posts of the Bridge, to prevent which, and to abate the sury of the streame, Caesar caused a Pile to be made a good way above the Bridge, which was forcibly rammed into the bottom of the River, so that in ten dayes space he had finished his Bridge of goodly Carpenters work: A very rare invention as could be possibly devised.

Then passing his Army over this Bridge, he found none that durst fight with him: For the Suevians who wereHe passes over the Rhine. the most Warlike People of the Germans, had retired themselves and goods into great Valleys, Bogs, Woods, and Forrests. Caesar therefore having burnt up the enemies Country, and confirmed the League with the consederates of the Romans, he returned back into Gaul. About this time also he made a journey into England, being the first that sailed the Westerne Ocean with an Army, and that passed through the Atlantick Sea toAnd went into England. make War in this great and famous Island, and was the first that enlarged the Roman Empire beyond the habitable Earth. For he twice passed the Seas out of France into England, where he fought many Battels with the Brittans, in which he did more hurt to the enemies, than enrich his own men: therefore this War had not such successe as he expected, which made him onelyonly to take pledges of the King and to impose a yearly Tribute upon him, and so returned back into Gaul.

He was no sooner landed there, but he met with Letters which advertised from Rome of the death of hisJulias death. Daughter, the Wife of Pompey, for which they both of them were very sorrowfull: and by this meanes the league betwixt Pompey and Caesar was broken, to the great prejudice of the Commonwealth. Caesars Army being very great, he sent it into severall Garrisons for their Winter Quarters, and returned into Italy, as he used to do. During which time all Gaul rebelled again, and had raised great Armies, who were led by one Ambiorix. p. 17These did first set upon the Garrisons of Caetta, and Titurius, whom they slew together with all their men. Then they went with sixty thousand men, and besieged the Garrison which Quintus Cicero had in charge, and had almost taken it by storme, Ciceroes Souldiers being all wounded, yet they shewed such valour that they did more than men in their own defence. This newes comming to Caesar, who was far off, he returned with all possible speed, and levying seven thousand Souldiers, he hasted to relieve Cicero that was in great distresse. The Gauls that besieged him, hearing of Caesars comming, arose, and went to meet him, making little account of his small number: Caesar to entrap them, still drew back, making as though he fled from them, but still lodging in plaees of safety, and commanded his men that they should not stirre out to skirmish with them, but rather to raise the ramparts of his Camp, and to fortifie the Gates, as men affraid, that their enemies might the lesse esteeme them: But at length, he took the opportunity when the enemies came in a disordered manner to assault his Camp, andHe beates the French. then sallying out, he routed, and slew a great number of them.

This Act suppressed all the rebellions of the Gauls in those parts: Himself also went in the midst of Winter in those places where they did Rebel▪ for now he had a new supply out of Italy of three whole Legions to fill up the rooms of those that were slaine, of which Pompey lent him two, and the other Legion was raised about the River Po. Shortly after there brake out the greatest and most dangerous War that ever he had in Gaul, which had been long designed by the chiefest and most Warlike People in all that Country, who had a very great Army, leavying multitudes of men, and much Treasure to fortifie their strong holds: The Country where thy were was very hard to come into, especially then in the Winter when the Rivers were high, and the Woods and Forrests covered with Snow, p. 18the meddowes drowned with floods, and the Snow so deep that no wayes could be discerned, all which might have discouraged Caesar from setting upon them: the rather, because many Nations joyned in this conspiracy, of whom the chief were the Vernians, and the Carnutes, who had chosed Vercing entorix for their Captain. He divided his Army into divers places, under divers Captaines, and drawn into his assistance all the Nations as far as to the Adriatiek Sea: So that if he had tarried a little longer till Caesar had been ingaged in his Wars with Pompey, he had put all Italy into great fear and danger.

But Caesar, who knew his advantages, and how to take the best opportunities, as soon as he heard of this Rebellion, he hasted towards them, intending to letThe French rebell. them know, that they had to do with an Army that was invincible, and which they could not possibly withstand, seeing they had marched with such speed in so hard a Winter. This made them wonder when they saw him burning and destroying their Country, when they thought him far off. Such Towns and strong Forts as yeilded to him, he received to mercy. But the Hedui, who used to be stiled the Brethren of the Romans, taking Armes against him, much discouraged his men: wherefore Caesar went through the Country of the Lingones to enter into Burgundy, who were confederates with the Romans. Thither the enemies followed him, endeavouring to compasse him in on every side. Caesar tarried their comming, and then fighting with them a long time, he at last overcame them. OfCaesar overcomes them. those which fled, most of them together with their King got into the City of Alexia, which Caesar presently besieged, though it seemed inexpugnable, both in regard of the hight of the Walls, and the many hands to defend them. During this siege Caesar fell into a very great danger: For three hundred thousand of the best Souldiers amongst the Gauls came against him, besides those within the City, who were seventy thousand fighting men, so that finding himself to be shut in between p. 19two such mighty Armies, he was faign to fortifie himself with two Walls: One against those within Alexia, and the other against those without. And truly the Battell which he wan at this place, gat him more honour than any other that ever he fought before. For in this extream danger he shewed more Valour and Wisdom, and courage than in any other. And this was wondefull, that they within the City neheard of their Friends that came to assist them, till Caesar had overcome them: Yea, Caesars own men that guarded the Wall against the City, knew nothing of the Battell till they heard the cries and lamentations of those in the City, when they saw the Romans bring into their Camp such a number of Shields glistering with Gold and Silver, such store of bloudy Corslets, and Armour, such a deal of Plate, and movables, and such a number of Tents, and Pavilions of the Gauls which the Romans had gotten of their spoiles. Thus the greatest part of this huge Army were slain: and as for those within the City, when they had done and received much hurt, they at last, yeilded, and Vercing entorix, went out of the City richly Armed, and his Horse furnished with brave, and glittering Caparisons, and rode about, Caesar who sat in his Chair of State. Then allighting, he took off the Caparisons, and stript himself of his Armour, and prostrated himself on the Ground, and then went and sat down at Caesars feet, speaking never a word. Caesar after a while committed him to Prison to be led in his Triumph at Rome.

Now Caesar had long since projected the distruction ofNon vult Caesarve priorem, Pompeiusve pareni. Pompey, as Pompey had done the like for him. Nothing kept Caesar from being the Greatest Person but Pompey the Great, and nothing kept Pompey from being supreame but Caesar. Hitherto Pompey had set light by Caesar, thinking that he could crush him when he pleased: But Caesar went more cunningly to work: for to attaine his end, he procured to be sent into Gaul, where he exercised and hardened his Army, and by his valiant deeds p. 20purchased fame and honour: so that now he lacked nothing but an occasion to put his design in practise, which Pompey partly gave him, and the iniquity of the times much surthered it. For such as sued for honours and Offices, bought the voices of the People shamefully, who therefore came to the Market-place, not to give their voices, but with Bowes, and Slings, and Swords: and the Assembly seldom brake up, but the Pulpit for Orations was besprinkled with the bloud of the slaine, so that many Wise men believed, that there was noDisorders at Rome. other cure of these evils but by putting the supreame authority into one mans hand; and many wished that Pompey were the man: But he seemed to decline it, though cunningly under hand he laboured to be chosen Dictator.

Cato smelling his drift, perswaded the Senate rather to make him sole Consul, thereby to satisfy his ambition:Pompey sole Consul. This was done accordingly, and the time also for the Gevernment of his Provinces was prorogued: they allowed him also a thousand Talents yearly out of the publick Treasury wherewith to pay his Souldiers. Hereupon Caesar took occasion to send his men to Rome, to sue in his name for the Consulship, and for the prolonging of his Government. This was too indiscreetly opposed by Marcellus and Lentulu, and many things were spoken in his disgrace. They took away also the freedom from the Collonies which Caesar had lately granted them. And when Marcellus was Consul, he caused one of those Senators to be whipt, saying, that he gave him those marks, that he might be known to be no Citizen of Rome; and bad him go and tell Caesar of it.

Shortly after Caesar opened his Treasures which he had got in Gaul, and gave it freely among the Magistrates of Rome. He set Curio the Tribune, cleer out of debt: He gave to the Consul Paul fifteen hundred Talents, wherewith he built a stately Theater. Pompey now beginning to fear, laboured to have a successour p. 21sent to Caesar, and withall sent for his two Legions, which Caesar returned to him, bountifully rewarding every Souldier: and they which brought these Legions back, disgraced Caesar all they could, and told Pompey that if Caesar's Souldiers did but once see him, they would all forsake Caesar and cleave to him. This made Pompey Pompey deluded.more secure, that he neglected to prepare for War. One of Caesar's Captaines coming to Rome, and moving the Senate to have his government prorogued, they delaying their answer, he laid his hand upon his Sword, and said, Sith you will not grant it him, this shall give it him. Caesar seemed to be very reasonable in what he requested, For he said, that whilest they required him to lay down Armes for fear of a Tyranny, and yet permitted Pompey to keep his, they went about to establish a Tyranny.

Curio in the name of Caesar moved before all the People, that both should be commanded to lay down Armes, which motion was entertained with great joy and claping of hands by the People, who threw nose-gayes, and flowers upon him for it. Then Anthony one of the Tribunes,Factions in Rome. brought a letter from Caesar, and read it before the People in spite of the Consuls, wherein hae desired that they would grant him Gaul on this side the Alps, and Illyria with two Legions onelyonly, and then he would desire no more: But Scipio the Father in Law of Pompey, moved in the Senate, that if Caesar did not dismiss his Army by a day appointed, that then he should be proclaimed an enemy to Rome, Marccilus also added, that they must use force of Armes and not Arguments against a Thief; whereupon the Senate rose without determining any thing, and every one put on his mourning apparrell as in the time of a common calamity. Cirero being newly come from his Government in Cilicia, took much pains to reconcile them together, and perswaded Pompey all he could, who told him that he would yield to whatsoever he desired, so he would let him alone with his Army: But Lentulus the Consul shamefully drave Curio and Anthony out of the Senate, who were in such p. 22danger that they were faigne to fly out of Rome to Caesar, disguised in a Carriers coat. This gave Caesar great advantage, and much incensed his men, when they saw and heard how his Friends were abused.

Caesar at this time had about him but five thousandCaesar goes against Pompey. Foot, and three thousand Horse, having left the rest of his Army on the other side of the Alps, to be brought after him by his Lieutenants: Judging it better suddenly to steal upon them at Rome, then to assail them with his whole Army, which would require time, & give his enemies opportunity to strengthen themselves against him. He therefore commanded his Captains to go before, and to take in the City of Ariminum (a great City on this side the Alps) with as little bloodshed as might be. Then committing the rest of those Souldiers which he had with him, to Hortensius, he spent a whole day in seeing the sword players exercise before him. At night he went unto his lodging, where having bathed himself a little, he came into the Hall, and made merry with those whom he had bidden to supper. Then rising from the Table, he prayed his Guests to be merry, and he would come again to them presently: howbeit he had secretly before directed his most trusty Friends to follow him: not all together, but some one way, & some another. Himself in the mean time took a Coach that he had hired, and pretending at first to go another way, he suddenly turned towards Ariminum.

But when he came to the River of Rubicorn, which divides the hither Gaul from Italy, he suddenly made a stop (for if he once passed that, there could be no hope of peace) considering with himself of what importance this passage was, and what miseries would ensue upon it. Some say that he spake thus to his Friends: Doubtlesse if I forbear to pass over this River, it will be the beginning of my ruine; if I passe it, the ruine will be generall: Then turning towards the River, he said, It is yet in our power to turn back, but if we passe the River we must make our way with our Weapons. Some say, that Coesar standing thus p. 23doubtfull, he was encouraged by the apparition of a man of a very great stature, piping upon a reed, whereupon many of the Souldiers and some Trumpetters went neer to hear him, and that he catching one of their Trumpets, leaped into the River, sounding to the Battel with a mighty blast, and so passed on to the farther side of the River: Whereupon Caesar, with a furious resolution, cryed out, Let us go (whether the Gods,) and the injurious dealing of our enemies, do call us. The Dice are cast. I have set up my Rest, Come what will of it: AfterHe passes Rubicon. which he set spurs to his Horse, and passed the River his Army following him.

Caesar having passed the River and drawn his Army together, he made an Oration to them, shedding some tears, and tearing his Garment down the Breast, laying before them the equity of his cause, and craying their assistance. To whom, having with a generall applause and consent made answer; that they were ready to obey his will, he presently marched on and came the next day to Ariminum, upon which he seized. The like he did to all the Towns and Castles as he passed on, till he came to Corfinium which was held by Domitius, who in a factious tumult had been nominated for his successour in the Government of Gaul. This being taken, he pardoned the Souldiers, and Inhabitants, and used Domitius kindly, giving him leave to depart (who went straight to Pompey) by which clemency he purchased to himself much honour. These thirty Cohorts he kept with him.

Caesars resolution being known at Rome, it troubled Pompey, amazed the Senate, and terrified the common People. Pompey now found himself deceived, who before could not believe that Caesar would thrust himself into so great danger, or that he could be able to raise sufficient forces to resist him: but the success proved otherwise. For though Pompey had authority from the Consuls and Senate to leavy Souldiers, to call home his Legions, and to send Captains for the defence of those p. 24Cities in Italy by which Caesar should passe, yet all this was not sufficient to resist his fury, and the power that he brought with him. The fame of Caesars comming increasing daily, Pompey, with the whole SenatePompey flies and the Senate. left Rome, going to Capua, and from thence to Brundusium, a Sea Town seated at the mouth of the Gulph of Vinic…, where he ordered the Consuls to passe to Dyrrachium, (now Durazzo) a Sea Town of Macedonia, there to unite all their forces, being out of hope to resist Caesar in Italy, who had already taken Corfinium, where, having drawn Domitius's thirty Cohorts to serve him, he marched on, and hearing that Pompey and the Consuls were at Brundusium, he hasted towards them with his Legions with all possible speed. But Pompey, thoughCaesar pursues him. he had fortified the Town sufficiently for his defence, yet when Caesar began to invest the Town, he imbarked himself and his men in the night time, and so passed over to Dyrrachium, to the Consuls. Thus Caesar injoyed Italy without opposition, yet was he doubtfull what to resolve on: He would gladly have followed Pompey but wanted Shipping, and it being Winter, he knew that Ships could not be procured so soon as was requisite: and considering with all, that it was not safe to leave an enemy behind him, which might cause an alteration in France, or Italy; he resolved first to go into Spain, which held for Pompey, and where he had his best Legions under the command of Petreius and Afranius, saying to his Friends, Let us go against an Army which wants a Captain, and afterwards we will go against a Captain that wants an Army. For Pompeys Souldiers in Spain were very valiant, and had been long exercised in Armes, but their Commanders were neither Politick, nor expert in War. But on the contrary, Pompey was a most Wise and Valiant Captain, but his Souldiers were newly levied, and of small experience.He is Lord of all Italy. And went to Rome.

Caesar returning from Brundusium, in sixty dayes space became Lord of all Italy, and when he came to Rome, the People were in great fear, remembring the Miseries they p. 25had suffered under Sylla: But Caesar using his accustomed clemency, hurt no man, high nor low: He called the Senators together which remained there, comforting them with milde and good words; and laying the whole fault upon Pompey, he fought to justifie his own cause, declaring how much he desired Peace, with all, requsting that Abassadours might be sent to Pompey to procure the same: And causing himself presently to be chosen Consul, he opened the Treasury, though Metellus, one of the Tribunes of the people, opposed him, and the Treasure which he took from thence, which was very great, he distributed amongst his Souldiers.

Then was he desirous to go into Spain, first taking order for the Civill Government: and making choise of the Legions which should go with him, he left the rest in Brundusium, and Otranto, and other strong places upon the Sea Coast, to keep Pompey from landing if he should attempt to return into Italy. He also made Hortensius, and Dolabella his Captaines to provide Shipping to be brought into the Port of Brundusium, there to be in a readinesse against his return from Spain: Quintus Valerius he sent with a Legion into Sardinia against Marcus Cotta which held the same for Pompey. To Sicily he sent Curius, and Marcus Cate, with direction that having taken the same, he should passe over into Africk. Lepidus he sent to Rome, as Prefect thereof, and Mark Anthony he made Governour of all Italy: And resolving to leave Licinius Crassus in France, with his acustomed celerity he went on his journey, finding no resistance, neither in Italy nor France, till he came toHe went into Spain Marcelleis, which held for Pompey. This City he besieged, and to avoid losse of time, left Decius Brutus, and Caius Trebonius with sufficient Forces, who endured much in the siege: himself hasted into Spain, where, being expected, Afranius and Petreius attended him with four Roman Legions, and the aid of their Friends, between whom, and Caesar the War continued for p. 26some while, chiefly about the City of Lerida.

At first Caesar was in great danger and much distressed chiefly for wans of Victuals, as also for that the Winter was come on, which troubled him with the swelling of Rivers, before and after which, there passed manyAnd conquered Pompeys men. great skirmishes between the two Armies. And Caesar, watching his opportunities, at last brought his adversaries to such distresse that they perished with hunger, and were forced to come to a composition, which was, that the Legions should have liberty to go whither they pleased: and so part of them took pay of Caesar, the rest departed, and Petreius, and Afcanius went to Pompey.

This War being ended, and the Spring come, Caesar, that he might leave no enemy behind him, marched into the Province of Betica (now Andaluzia) with part of his forces, commanding the rest to marchAnd other places. whither he had appointed, and there to stay for him, because Marcus Varro held that Province for Pompey against Caesar with one good Legion: But he, not daring to oppose Caesar, delivered up the Legion to him, together with that Country, and all was pacified there. From thence Caesar went to Cordova, where he called a Parliament of all the States of that Province, in which he highly commended them, and those of Sivil for taking his part, and so marching forward, he came to the Isle of Cadez, where having gotten Ships in readinesse, he left Quintus Cassius with four Legians in that Province, and so embarking, he went to Taragona, commanding his Legions to march by Land thither, where having settled his affairs, he advanced with his Army towards Narbona, and from thence to Marcelleis, which nowHe takes Marcelleis. yeilded to him, having endured many calamities during the Seige: Caesar respecting the antiquity and same of this City, would not destroy it, nor the Inhabitants, but leaving a strong Garrison in it, he ordered his Legions to march for Italy; and himself, with a sufficient guard, and some of his Friends took passage by Sea to Rome.

p. 27Though all things succeeded thus well with Caesar, yet some of his Captaines had ill sucesse. For Caius Antonius, His Captaines had ill successe.whom he left with Dolabella for to command his Navy, was overthrown and taken Prisoner in the Gulph of Venice by Octavius, Lieutenant to Pompey. In which overthrow this was very remarkable: Anthony was faign to put his men into long Boates for want of Ships, which were taken by a Strategem as in a toil, by the Pompeians, with Ropes under the Water. One of them which had in it a Thousand valiant young men, being thus ensnared, was assaulted by the enemies whole Army, against which they defended themselves bravely from morning till night, and in the end being oppressed with the multitude, by the perswasion of Valteius, their Collonel, they all slew one another, rather than they would fall into the enemies hand. Dolabella was likewise overthrowne neere to the Island of Coreyra (now Corfu:) and Curius, who went with his two Legions into Africk, though at first he had good successe, yet afterwards he was overthrown, and most of his men slaine by Jaba, King of Mauritania, Pompeys Friend.

Caesar being come to Rome and made Dictator, new Consuls were chosen, whereof he being one layed aside his Dictatorship, and provided Praetors for the Provinces as himself pleased. He sent Mracus Lepidus into Spain: Aulus Albinus into Sicily: Sextus Peduceius into Sardinia; and Decius Brutus into France; and taking such further order as he thought good, he departed from Rome in December towards Brundusium, whither he commanded all his Forces to march, there to take passage for Macedonia, where he knew that Pompey staid with his Army: who all that whole year that Caesar spentPompey prepares for War. in his journey to Spain, busied himself to provide a Navy wherein to return into Italy, and in gathering Treasure, and levying Souldiers, having made an exceeding great provision of all things. For there came unto him, Ships, money, and men from sundry Kingdomes p. 28and Provinces both of Asia, and Greece: as from Syria, Pontus, Bithynia, Cilicia, Phoeniciae, Caeppadocia, Pomphilia, Armenia Minor, Aegypt, Greece, Thessaly, Boeotia, Achaia, Epirus, Athens, Lacedemonia, the Isles of Creet, and Rhodes, and from many other Countries. There came also to his aid King Deiotarus, and Aribarzanes, of all which, together with those which he brought with him from Italy, he compounded a very great Army by Land, and a very great Fleet of Ships and Gallyes by Sea.

It being now the depth of Winter, Pompey presuming it improbable, if not impossible for Caesar to passe the Seas to him; having also intelligence that Caesar was in Rome, he disposed of his Army to their Winter Quarters in Macedonia and Thessaly; and himself retired farther from the Sea, commanding his Sea-Captaines (of whom Marcus Bibulus was chiefe) to guard the Sea coast. But Caesar knowing that in the speedy execution consisted his greatest hopes of Victory, and that occasion once lost could hardly be recovered, he departed from Rome, and came to Brundusium, though all his Legions were not as yet come to him. There he embarked seven of his best Legions in such ships as were ready, sending a Command to the rest which were comming, to hasten to Brundusium, whither he would send for them with all possible speed. And so departing, he crossed the Seas with a prosperous gale of Wind, and theCaesar goes against him. Now Brindez. third day after arrived upon the coast of Macedonia, before Pompey had any intelligence of his embarking. There he safely landing his men in dispite of Pompeys Captaines, and commanded his Ships and Galleys presently to returne to Brundusium to fetch, the rest of his Army. Presently after his first landing, he seized upon the Cities of Appallonia, and Erico, driving from thence Lucius Torquatus, and Lucius Straberius, who held them for Pompey.

Pompey hearing of Caesars arrivall, sent for his Troops which were neerest hand with all speed possible, with p. 29whom he marched towards Dirrachium, where his Victuals, ammunition, and other provisions for the War lay, lest Caesar should go and surprise them, which indeed he attempted but in vaine, the situation of the place makeing it inexpugnable.

Pompey being come, their Camps were lodged withinSksrmishes betwixt them. a few furlongs each of other, where he passed many adventurous skirmishes, and also some Treaties of Peace, offered by Caesar, but rejected by Pompey, so confident he was of his own power. In the interim Caesar dayly expected the comming of the other Legions, who staying longer than he expected, he resolved in person, with three Confident servants, secretly to embarke himself in a Brigandine, and to passe that streight of the Sea and to fetch them, hoping to performe the same without the knowledge of any. And accordingly, passing down the River to the Sea, he found it so troublesome and tempestious that the Master of his Brigandine (not knowing whom he carried) durst not adventure forth, but would have returned. Then Caesar discovering his face, said, Perge audactèr: Caesarem enim fers, & fortunam Caesars rashness.Caesaris: Beare up bravely, and boldly against the Winds and Waves: for thou carriest Caesar, and all his Fortunes. The Master herewith encouraged, strove all that possibly he could to proceed in his voyage: but the force of the Tempest was so great, and the Wind so contrary, that do what possibly they could, they were driven back again.

When Caesars Army heard of these passages, they much wondred, grieved and were troubled at it: Commending him more for his Valour, than for his Wifedome: But within few days after M. Anthony arrived with four of those Legions which were left behind in Italy, presently returning the Ships back for the rest. Anthony after some adventures, joyned with Caesars Army neer to Dirrachium where we lately left him. Frequent skirmishes still continued between the two Armies, and many were slain on both sides, and one day the skirmish p. 30was so hot, supplies being sent from both sides, that it almost came to a just Battel, wherein Caesars men wereCaesar is beaten. so beaten, that they fled before the enemies, and could not be made to stand by any intreaties, or menaces, till they were come into their Camp, which they had strongly fortified: yet many durst not trust to that, but fled out of it: But Pompey either because he imagined their flight to be faigned to draw him into an Ambush, or because he thought there needed no more to be done, and that Caesar could no more resist him, he neglected to prosecute his Victory, causing a retrate to be sounded without assaulting Caesars Camp, which, probably, he might have taken, and made an end of the War that day. Whereupon Caesar said to his Friends: Truly this day had ended the War, if our enemies had had a Captain that had known how to overcome.

At this time Caesar lost a great number of his men, amongst whom were four hundred Roman Knights, ten Tribunes (or Collonels) and thirty two Centurions (or Captaines) and his enemies took for from him thirty two Ensignes. Upon this Victory Pompey sent newes thereof to diverse parts of the World, holding himself for an absolute Conquerour. Caesar much blamed some of his Captaines and Ensigne bearers for their cowardize, and his Army were so grieved and ashamed, that they much importuned him to lead them forth again to Battell: But he thought it not fit so soon to lead them forth against a Victorious Army. He therefore sent his fick and wounded men to the City of Apolonia, andCaesars policy. departed by night with as great silence as could be from the place where he was▪ and marched towards Thessaly, intending there to refresh and encourage his Army, and to draw his enemies farther from the Sea coast, where their chiefe strength lay, and where their Camp was well fortified, and victualled, or at least he intended to attempt the overthrow of Scipio, who (as he heard) was comming to joyne with Pompey.

Pompey finding Caesar was departed, followed him for p. 31some few dayes; and then taking Councel what to do, he resolved to leave a sufficient Navy to guard the Seas,Pompeys good resolution. and with the rest to returne into Italy, and to seize upon it, together with France and Spain, and afterwards to go against Caesar: But the Romane Lords that were with him, and the importunity of his unskilfull Captains and Souldiers, forced him to alter his determination, and presently to pursue Caesar, who made an Alt in the fields of Pharsalia, which are in Thessaly, making his retreat with so much prudence, and in so good order, that upon all occasions that were offered he ever had the better; till at length seeing his men full of resolution and courage, he resolved no longer to defer the Fight. Concerning which Battell: the ordering, and event of it: the flight of Pompey Pompey beaten and slain.into Egypt, and how basely, and barbarously he was murthered there, see it before in the Life of Pompey the Great.

Julius Caesar having obtained this great and glorious victory, used therein his accustomed Clemency, notCaesars clemency. suffering any Roman either to be slain or hurt after the Battell was ended, but pardoned all those that were either taken in the Fight, or found in the Camp, amongst whom was Marcus Tullius Cicero. After which, beingHe pursues Pompey. informed which way Pompey was fled, he pursued him with the lightest, and swiftest of his Army, and in the way subduing all the Cities, he at last came to the Sea side, where he gathered together all the Ships and Gallies that possibly he could, together with those whom Cassius had brought, he therein shipped as many of his men as they could contain, and passed into the lesser Asia, where, being advertised that Pompey had been in Cyprus, he presumed that he was gone into Egypt; wherefore he steered the same course, taking with him two Legions of old Souldiers onelyonly. When he arrived atHe comes into Egypt. Alexandria, he understood that Pompey presuming upon the many benefits, and good entertainment which the Father of this King Ptolomy had received in his House, had sent to this Ptolomy to harbour and assist him: which accordingly the King promised, & Pompey comming upon p. 32his safe conduct, in a small Boat, was by the false Kings commandement basely murthered, thinking thereby to win the favour of Caesar. He understood likewise that Cornelia the Wife of Pompey, and his Son Sextus Pompeyus were fled from thence in the same ship wherein they came.

Caesar being landed, and received into the City, they brought him for a present the Head of the Great Pompey; but he turned away and would not see it, and when they brought him Pompeys Ring with his Seal of Armes, he wept, considering the end and successe of the great adventures and properties of Pompey, who with such honourVanity of vanities. and fame had Triumphed three times, and been so many times Consul in Rome: and had obtained so many Victories abroad.

When Caesar was landed in Aegypt, he found the Country imbroyled in Civill Wars: there being great discord between young King Ptolomy, and his Sister Cleopatra, about the division and Inheritance of that Kingdome, wherein Julius Caesar (as being a Roman Consul) took upon him to be an Arbitrator. For which cause, or because their guilty consciences accused them for the treacherous murther of Pompey, Fotinus the Enuuch, who had contrived the said murther, and Achillas, who had been the actor of it, fearing that Caesar inclined to favour Cleopatra, sent for the Kings Army that lay neere the City, consisting of twenty thousand good Souldiers, purposing to do by Caesar as they had done by Pompey, so that within a few dayes, there began between Caesar and his small Army, both in the City, and in the Harbour where the Ships and Galleys lay, the most cruel, and dangerous encounters that ever Caesar met with: For he was often forced to fight in his own Person, both within the City (whereof the enemiesHis Wars in Egypt. held the Greater part) and also in the Harbour with his ships, and was sometimes in so great perill and danger, that he was forced to leap out of the Boat into the Water, and by swimming to get to one of the Gallies, p. 33at which time he held his Commentaries in one hand above Water, and carry his Robe in his teeth, and toHis danger. swimme with the other hand. But when his other Forces were come to him from Asia, and other parts, he at the end of nine moneths (for so long these Wars lasted) became Victorious, as in all other his enterprises he had been, and the young King Ptolomy was slaine in fight.His Victory. In this Warre Caesar did such exploits, and behaved himself so gallantly, that for the same onelyonly he well deserved the fame and name of a brave Captain.

The Pride of the Aegyptians being thus tamed, Caesar put to death the murtherers of Pompey, and established the faire Cleopatra, the Queen and Governesse of Aegypt, whom, during his stay there, he intertained for his Friend, and had a Son by her called Caesarion. And when he had quitted and settled all things in Aegypt, he departed thence into Asia, and travelled through Syria He passes into Asia.(now Soria) being informed, that during his troubles in Aegypt, King Pharnaces, the Son of that mighty King Methridates, thought it a fit time, whilst the Romans were embroiled in Civil Wars, to recover what his Father had lost: For which end having overthrown Domitius, whom Caesar had sent to govern those parts, and having taken by force of Armes the Provinces of Bithynia, and Cappadocia, expelling thence King Ariobarzanes (a Friend and Subject of Rome) and beginning to do the like in Armenia the lesse, which King Deiotarus had subjected to the Romans: Caesar (I say) being informed hereof, went with his Army sooner than Pharnaces imagined, though he expected him, and had intelligence of his approach, so that in few dayes they came to a Battell, in which the King was soon overthrown,Overcomes Pharnaces. and put to flight, with great slaughter of his People, yet himself escaped.

Caesar was very joyfull for this Victory, because his of earnest desire to returne to Rome; where he knew that many scandals were raised, and many insolencies were p. 34committed for want of his presence: He knew also that Pompeys eldest Son had seized upon a great part of Spain, and had raised great forces of those which Marcus Varro had left there, and of his Fathers Troops. He also understood, that in Africa many principal Romans, who had escaped from the Battell of Pharsalia, were gethered together, where of M. Cato (surnamed Uticensis) was the chief, and Scipio, Pompeys Father in Law, and that these went thither with the greatest part of the Ships and Galleys which belonged to Pompey, and with the greatest power that they were able to leavy; and that joyning with Juba King of Mauritania, they had subdued all that Country, and had a great Army in a readinesse to oppose him, having chosen Scipio for their Generall, because that Cato would not take that office upon him, and for that the Name of Scipio had been so fortunate in Africa.

Caesar having intelligence of all these things, within the space of a few dayes, with great celerity and diligence recovered all that Pharnaces had usurped, and chasing him out of Portus he regained all those Countries: and so leaving Celius Minucius for General, with two Legions to gaurd that Province, pacifying the controversies and contentions in the rest, and rewarding the Kings, and Tetrarchs which continued firme in their Leagues and amity with the Romans, without any longer aboad, he departed out of Asia, and in a short space arrived in Italy, and so passed to Rome, within little more than a year after he went thence, whichHe comes to Rome. was a very short time for the performance of so great matters, and so long a journey.

Presently after his comming to Rome, he caused himself to be chosen Consul the third time, and reforming (so much as the time and his leasure would permit) all disorders in Rome, being troubled and not able to endure that his enemies should possesse Africk, with great expedition he prepared all things necessary, and from Rome took his way towards Africk, commanding p. 35his Army to follow him. First he went into Italy, from from whence taking Ship, he passed over into Africk, He passes into Africk.and though neither his Navy, nor his Army arrived with him, trusting to the valour of those that he had with him, and his own good Fortune, he landed with small Forces, neere to the City of Adrumentum, and from thence marched to an other City called Leptis, into which he was received, and after some conflicts that passed, his Legions being come to him, and certaine other Troops of Horse, and Companies of Foot, he began the War which continued four moneths. He first began with Petreius and Lubienus; and then with Scipio and King Juba, who brought to those Wars eight thousand men, the one half whereof were Horse.

In this War were many encounters and Battels, in which Caesar was in great danger: but at last (his good Fortune, still attending him) he overcame them in a great Battell, wherein there were slaine of the enemies ten thousand, and Caesar remained Master of theHe overcomes Scipio. Field, and in a short time after, subjected all the Country to him. Scipio, and all the chiese Captaines, with him died sundry Deaths, and Juba escaping by flight from the Battell, finding no place of security, Asranius and he resolved to dye fighting one against the other, in which combate, King Juba being the stronger man, slew Afranius, and then commanded one of his slaves to kill him, and so he died desperately.

Marcus Cato, who was in the City of Utica, hearingCato kills himself. that Caesar was marching thitherward, though he knew that he would not put him to death, but rather had a desire to pardon him and to do him honour; yet, resolving neither to receive life nor honour from his enemy, he slew himself: In whose death there passed many remarkable accidents recorded by Historians. Ftorus saith thus of it. Cato (saith he) hearing of the death of his Partners, he dallyed not at all, but joyfully hastened p. 36his end: For after he had embraced his Son, and his Friends and bad them good night, and then rested a while upon his bed, having first perused Plato's Book of the immortality of the Soul: then about the relieving of the first watch he got up, drew his sword, and therewith thrust himself through: after which the Phisicians applied plaisters to his wounds which he indured whilst they were in the roome, but then he pulled them away, and the bloud following abundantly, he left his dying hand even in the wound. Scipio, who had been Generall in this War, escaped also from the Battell by flight, entered into some Gallies, which being met with by Caesar's Navy, that he might not fall into his enemies hand, after he had given himself some wounds, he threw himself into the Sea, and so was drowned.

Caesar having obtained so great and absolute a Victory, spent some few dayes in settling and ordering the Provinces of Africa, making the Kingdome of Juba a Province, and then marched to Utica, where he imbarked June the third, and came to the Isle of Sardinia, and after some short stay there, he arrived at Rome theHe returns to Rome. twenty fifth day of July. At his comming thither there were granted unto him four Triumphs: First for his conquests and Victories in France, in which wereHis Triumphs. carried the Protractures of the Rivers of Rodanus, and the Rhine wraught in Gold. The second Triumph was for the Conquest of Aegypt, and of King Ptolomy, where were set the River of Nilus, and the Pharus burning. The third was for the Conquest of Pontus, and of King Pharnaces, wherein, in regard of his speedy Victory, was placed a writing with these words, Veni, Vidi, Vici: I came, I saw, I overcame. The fourth Triumph was for the Province of Africa, wherein King Jubas Son was led Captive: and in this Triumph were given Jewels, and Armes to Octavius, Caesars Nephew, who succeeded him in the Empire. As for the Battell wherein he Conquered Pompey, he would p. 37not Triumph, because it was against a Citizen of Rome.

These Triumphes being ended, he gave great rewards to his Souldiers, and intertained the People with Feasts, and bountifull gifts, and then caused himself to be chosen the fourth time, Consul. And so, to the end that there should be left no place wherein he would not be obeyed, he resolved to go for Spain, hearing that Gneius Pompeius, the Son of Pompey, was retired with the rest of the Army which had escaped out of Africk, to go to his Brother Sextus Pompeius, who was in possession of a great part of Spain, as we heard before, together with the famous Cities of Sivil, and Cordova, and many others of those parts: many Spaniards also comming to their aid.

Caesar in this journey carryed with him his most valiant, and most experienced Souldiers, and made so goodHe goes nto Spain. speed, that in few dayes space he arrived in Spain, in which journey his Nephew Octavius followed him. Entering into Spain he came to the Province of Betica (now Andaluzia) where were Sextus Pompeius, with his Brother Gneius, and such Legions and Souldiers as they had gotten together; and there began betwixt Caesar and them a most cruel and bloudy Warre, the end whereof was, that neere to the City of Munda, Caesar, and Gneius Pompeius (for Sextus was thenA cruel Battell. at Cordova) joyned Battell, which was one of the most obstinate, and most cruel fights that ever was in the world. For Caesar being a most excellent Captain, and the Souldiers which he brought with him most brave and valiant men, and fleshed with so many Victories, held it out with great resolution; and on the other side, the bravery and courage of young Pompey and his men was such, and they fought in such manner, as Caesars Squadrons began to give ground, and were ready to forsake the Field, and at the very point to have been wholly overthrown: and the matter came to this issue, that Caesar was about to have slain himself because he would p. 38not see himself overcome. Yet taking a Target from one of his Souldiers, he rushed into the midst of his enemies, saying with a loud voice, If ye be not ashamed, leave me and deliver me into the hands of these Boyes; For this shall be the last day of my Life and of your Honour: with which words, and his example, his Souldiers took heart in such manner, that recovering the ground which they had lost, the Battell became equall, which lasted almost a whole day without any signe of Victory to either party, sometimes seeming to incline to the one, sometimes to the other side; untill at the length Caesar and his men did so great exploits, as that the evening being come, his enemies began to faint, and fly, and the VictoryHis Victory. was apparently Caesars. There died of the enemies above thirty thousand in this Battell, and Caesar lost above a thousand men of account besides common Souldiers.

Caesar esteemed so much of this Victory, and so gloried in the danger which he had ascaped, that ever after he used to say, That in all other Battels he had fought for honour and Victory, and onelyonly that day he fought for his life. Young Pompey, after he had performed all the offices of a Prudent Generall and Valiant, Souldier, was forced to fly, and wandering through many places, was at last taken and slaine by some of Caesars Friends, who carried his head to Caesar. His other Brother Sextus Pompeius, fled from Cordova, and afterwards forsook Spain: Caesar recovered Sivil, and Cordova, and all the rest of the Country▪ after which, ordering his affaires in Spain after his pleasure, he returned to Rome, andHe returns …o Rome. Triumphed for these Victories, which was his fifth and last Triumph.

Caesar now came to be the most mighty, the most redoubted, and the most highly esteemed man in the World, having conquered and subdued the greatestHis power. part thereof, in as little time, as it might seeme that another man might be able▪ to travel through those Countries by reasonable journeys. He then made himself p. 39perpetuall Dictator, and so without opposition, he finished the making of himself the Soveraigne Lord, and Monarch of the Empire of Rome, within lesse than five years after he first attempted the same. And this was the Originall and beginning of the Roman Emperours. For Julius Caesar would not be called King (that Name being odious to the Romans above all things, ever since Kings were first driven from Rome) but contented himself to be called Perpetuall Dictator, and Emperour, which Title was usually given to the Roman Generals upon their obtaining any signall Victory. But after Julius Caesar, all his successors took that title, glorying to be called Emperour, which hath evere since been held for the highest Title, and Dignity in the World.

Caesar having now attained to that absolute power which he had so ambitiously saught after, he shewed in all his Deportment much clemency, and Magnanimity,His clemency, and Magnaminity. honouring and rewarding his Friends, and easily forgiving, and very cheerfully pardoning all those that had been his Adversaries: Thus he pardoned Brutus, Cassius, Cicero, Marcellus, and many others: Yea, some of them he admitted to his company, and private familiarity, and to Offices and Dignities; and amongst the many virtues wherewith he was endued, his clemency and liberality were most glorious. But all this prevailed not with the Romans to quench their desires after the recoverie of their lost liberty, neither to asswage the hatred and malice conceived against him by his adversaries, as afterwards appeared.

And notwithstanding many were discontented, yet some for love, others for fear, and out of dissimulation,Disconten's arise. both Senate and People, yea all in generall gave him Names, preheminences and Titles of Honour, such as never had been given to any other man before him, neither ought to have been accepted by him; and many were the more offended, because they knew that he p. 40affected and desired them. They gave him the name of Emperour, Father, Restorer, and Preserver of his Country. They made him perpetuall Dictator, and Consul for ten years: and perpetuall Censor of their manners. His Statue was erected and set up amongst the Kings of Rome: and a Chair, and Throne of Ivory was set up for him in the Temple, and in the Senate House, and an high Throne in the Theater, and in the place whereBase flattery. the Senators did use to sit. His Pictures and Statues were set up in the Temples, and in all publick places. Some Titles they gave him, and he accepted of, which were pecular to the Gods. The monethmonth formerly callad Quintile, they called Julius after his name. They also built, and consecreated Temples to him, as they did to Jupiter and the other Gods, and gave him certaine Honours which they held proper for their Gods, and did him many other honours exceeding all measure.

Julius Caesar enjoying such honour and power, so that he had no equall, no second in the World with whom he might contend, it seemed that he would contend with himself, and attempt something wherein he might excell himself: For he was not contented with all the Victories which he had obtained, neither to have fought fifty severall Battels, in all which he was Victorious, save in that one at Dirrachium against Pompey: neither to have slaine in the Wars and Battels which he fought a Million, ninety, and odd thousands of men, besides those which were slaine in the Civil Wars. But being of aHis great projects. most haughty mind, he sought to do greater matters, if greater could be.

For first he resolved to passe into the East, there to conquer and subdue the fierce Nations of the Parthians, and to revenge the death of Marcus Crassus; and from thence to passe through Hyrcania, and other Countries till he should come to the Caspian Sea, and so through all the parts of Scythia, Asiatica; and passing the River Tanais, to returne through Scythia into Europe, and in p. 41his retreat to come into Germany, and other Countries bordering thereupon, conquering and subjecting all to the Roman Empire. For which end, he presently caused to be levied in severall places ten thausand Horsemen, and sixteen Legious of chosen Footmen, and appointing the time wherein he intended to begin his journey, he commanded them to repaire to their Rendevouz. He sought also not onelyonly to subdue all Nations, but to correct and reforme even nature it self: For he purposed to have made an Island of Peloponesus (now called Morea) by cutting the neck of land between the Egaean, and the Jonian Seas. He purposed also to have altered the courses of the River Tiber, and Anian, and to have made there new channels, capable of bearing great Ships. He ordered the digging down and levelling many high Hils and Mountaines, in Italy, and to dry up, and dreine great Lakes and Marishes therein. He corrected the computation of the year, reforming it according to the course of the Sun, and brought it into that order wherein it now is. He did the like about the course of the Moon, and her conjunctions and oppositions to the Sun: and this was attributed to him for Tyranny by those that hated him.

Many others things Caesar did, which were very remarkable, in reforming the Laws, customes, and Offices. He reedified the ruined City of Carthage, in Africk, and sent thither Colonies, and Roman Citizens to Inhabit it: the like he did by Corinth. But all these works with his high conceits and undertakings, were prevented, by his unexpected, and immature Death, which within a few Dayes after ensued. A few men, and those unarmed bereft him of his Life, whom no former forces could resist. For five moneths only he lived as Soveraign Lord in Peace; when those in whom he reposed greatest trust conspired his Death.

Some say that Caesars was counselled to have a Guard about him alwayes; to which he answered, that he would have none: for that he had rather die once, p. 42then live continually in feare. They which conspired his death, were stirred up thereto, either out of hatred to his Person, or desire of Liberty, accounting him for a Tyrant: or out of suspition that he would have made himself a King, a thing in the highest degree hatefull to the Romans: and lastly because he begun to contemne others: For he used to say, that the Commonwealth wasHis Pride. but a voice and name without a Body, or Substance, and that Sylla was a Fool for resigning his perpetuall Dictatorship. All the whole Senate comming one Day to the Temple of Venus where he was, he sat still, and rose not up as formerly he used to do. His Friends also and Favourites began to report, that in the Books of the Sybils (which in Rome were had in great Veneration) it was written, that the Parthians could never be overcome but by a man that should have the Title of a King, and therefore he laboured that Caesar should take upon him that Title before his Parthian War; and though he seemed to be displeased at it, yet they suspected the contrary, and their suspition was encreased, for that, whereas the Tribunes of the People had caused a man to be imprisoned who had set a Crown upon the Head of one of Caesars Statues, he was so encensed against the Tribunes that did it, that he deposed them from their Office: And not long after, when Mark Anthony (who was his great fovourite▪ and that year his fellow Consul) being at some publick Games, came to Caesar, and put a CrownHis dissimulation. upon his Head, though he threw it down, yet they all imagined that Mark Anthony would not have presumed to have done it without his good liking, and that he did it but to prove the People how they would like it; these and such like passages gave them occasion to desire and designe his Death.

They were also further encouraged hereunto, for that in sundry publick places, certain writings were set up which did intice and animate them to conspire against him: as upon the Statue of Brutus, who in ancient times did chase the Kings out of Rome, were written these words, p. 43Would to God thou wert now living, Brutus. And upon the Image of Marcus Brutus, who then was Praetor, and descended from the former Brutus, were these words: Thou sleepest long Brutus. Truly thou art not Brutus. And again: Thou art dead Brutus: Would to God thou wert living, Thou art unworthy of the succession from the Brute. Surely thou art not descended from the good Brutus: and such like other writings were set upon these Statues.

So as for these, and such like reasons, there were seventy of the most eminent men in Rome that conspired toA conspiracy against him▪ murther Caesar: of which the principle were Decius, Marcus Brutus, Caius Cassius, Gaius Casca, Attilius Cimber, Servius Galba, Quintus Ligarius, Marcus Spurius, &c. who, after diverse consultations, concluded to kill him upon the Ides of March, which was the fifteenth day of that monethmonth, in the Temple where the Senators were to sit that day: Yet Brutus was held to be Caesars Son, and had received great honours, and many favoursHis death foretold. from him. This conspiracy was kept so secret notwithstanding the great number of them, that there was not any one found that discovered the same. But there were so many signes, and Prodigies, and to himself there happened so many forewarnings, that (without knowing any cause) all men were of opinion that Caesars Death was neere at hand. Spurina also, who was his Southsayer, forewarned him to look to himself till the Ides of March were past: for that his Life was in great danger. And Caesars own Wife intreated him upon her knees, that he would not that day go to the Senate: For shee had dreamed that he lay dead in her lap. These and such like warnings prevailed so far with him, that he was about to send to Mark Anthony to make his excuse, and to put off the Senate to another day. But what God hath determined must come to passe; and therefore Brutus being present, advised him by no meanes to discover any such fear, and so he resolved to go.

p. 44Caesar made small account of Death, and said, That as for himself he had won power and fame, and glory enough, and that at no time he could die with greater honour. And some discoursing the night before he was slaine, what Death was best: Even that (qouth he) which is sudden, and least prepensed. The fifteenth of March being come, he went from his House in a Litter towards the Senate, and as he passed along the street, there was a Petition delivered to him, wherein was set down in writing all that was concluded in this conspiracy, and he which gave it, prayed him to read it presently, which he began to doe: but there came so many to speake to him that he could make no farther progresse, and this Paper was found in his hand when he was dead. As he passed on, he met with Spurina, the Southsayer, and pleasantly jesting, he said to him, Dost thou not know Spurina, that the Ides of March are come? Yea (answered Spurina) and I know that they are not yet past.

When he came to the Temple where the Senators met, he alighted from his Litter and went in, and having first done Sacrifice (according to the custome) which all that saw persaged to be fatall, and infortunate, he sat him down in his Chair, and Brutus Albinus entertaining Mark Anthony at the door with discourse, one of the Conspirators, whose name was Celer, came to Caesar, under a pretence to intreat him to release a Brother of his from Banishment, and presently all the rest of the conspirators drew neere to his Chair; which when Caesar saw, thinking that they had all come for the same purpose, he said unto them, what force is this? and at that instant, one of them whose name was Casca, beginning, they all drew their poyniards, and Swords which they had privately under their Gowns▪ and began to wound him. The first blow he received Casca gave him in the throat: At which Caesar said aloude, What dost thou Traitor Casca? and wresting the Poyniard out of his hand, he arose and stabbed p. 45Casca through the Arme, and being about to strike him again, he was prevented by the many wounds which the others gave him, wilest with great force and courage he leaped from one side to the other to defend himself: But when he saw Marcus Brutus with his drawn Sword in his hand, wherewith he had already wounded him in the Thigh, he was much amazed, and said in the Greek Tongue, Why how now Son Brutus? And thou also? And having so said, seeing so many weaponsHe is slaine. bent against him, and that no body came to his rescue, he remembred to keep the honour of his person, with his right hand he covered his Head with part of his Robe, and with his left hand, girt himself and setled his cloathes about him, and being so covered he fell down to the ground, having received three and twenty wounds; and it happened that his fall was at the foot of the seat on which Pompeys Statue stood. So inHis character. this manner died one of the most Mighty, Worthy, Valient, Wise, and most successfull Princes, and Captaines that ever was in the World. For, his excellencies, abilities, invincible mind, incomparable courage, the Battels which he fought, and Victories which he obtained: The Provinces, Kings and Nations which he subdued; His Counsels, Policies, and Stratagems, and bold attempts: his Magnanimity, clemency, and bounty both to the conquered and Conquerors: the great designes which he had proposed to himself a little before he was slaine, being all well weighed and considered, it will plainly appear, that in none of those things aforesaid, nor in any other that may be said of him, there hath been any Heathen King, or Captain that ever excelled him. And setting apart his ambition, and desire of rule, he was onelyonly noted, and blamed for being too much given to women.

Caesar was thus slaine in the fifty sixth year of his age, a little more than four years after the Death of Pompey, in the seven hundred and tenth year after the building of Rome, and about fourty and two years before p. 46the Incarnation of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Caesar left behind him neither Son nor Daughter legitimate at the time of his Death: For though he had been four severall times married, yet he had but one only Daughter, named Julia, that was married to Pompey, and dyed before him. Wherefore by his last Will, he adopted for his Son, and made his Heire in theHis will. Dodrant, that is, in nine parts of twelve of his goods, his Nephew Octavius Caesar, after wards called Octavianus Augustus, who was the Son of Acia, his neece, and of Octavius Praetor of Macedonia, which Octavius at this time, was, by the commandment of his Uncle, in the City of Apollonia, in the Province of Epirus, where he applied himself to his studies, staying for him there, thence to go with him to the Parthian War, being now about seventeen years of age.

Caesar being thus slaine, the newes of it ran presently all over the City, and the tumult therein was so great, that no man knew what to doe or say. All Offices ceased, the Temples were all shut up, and every man was amazed. Caesars Friends were affraid of those that slew him, and they as much feared his Friends, Brutas, Cassius, and the other Conspirators, and others that joyned with them, seeing the great tumult, durst not go to their Houses, nor prosecute their other designs, for fear of Mark Anthony and Lepidus, whereof the one was Consul, and the other Generall of the Horsemen, but presently from thence they went to seize upon the Capitol, crying by the way as they went, Liberty, Liberty, and imploring the favour, and assistance of the People. The rest of that day, and all the next night, Mark Anthony, and Lepidus (who took Caesars part) were in Armes, and there passed sundry massages, and treaties between them and the Conspirators: At last it was agreed that the Senate should sit, whither Brutus, and Cassius came, M. Anthonies Sons (by the perswasion of Cicero, a great lover of Liberty) remaining as Hostages for them.

p. 47In the Senate they Treated of Peace and concord, andPeace concluded. that all that was past should be buried in perpetuall oblivion; whereunto, Anthony who was Consul, and the whole Senate agreed: and the Provinces being divided, there was algreat liklihood of Peace. For the Senate approved, and commended the murther, and the People dissembled their thoughts: For on the one side the authority of Brutus, and Cassius, and the name of Liberty, seemed to give them some content: and on the other side, the hainousnesse of the fact, and the love they bare to Caesar, did move, and excite them to hate the murtherers, and so all was quiet for the present. But Mark Anthony (who affected the Tyranny) took every oportunity to incense the People against them: and Caesars Testament being opened, wherein (besides the adopting of his Nehpew Octavius, and making him his Heire) besides other bequests, he bequeathed to the People of Rome, certaine Gardens, and Lands neere to the River of Tiber, and to every Citizen of Rome a certaine summe of money to be devided amongst them, which being known, much encreased their love to Caesar, and made his death more grievous to them.

Caesars Funerall being agreed upon, his Body was burnt with great solemnity in the Field of Mars, and Mark Anthony made the Funerall Oration in his Praise, and took the Robe wherein Caesar was slaine, being all bloudy, and shewed it to the People, using such speeches as provoaked them both to wrath, aud commiseration, so as before the Funerall solemnity was fully finished, they all departed in great fury, taking Brands in theirA tumult. hands from the fire wherein Caesar was burned, and went to burnethe Houses of Brutus, and Cassius, and if they could have found them, and the rest of the Conspirators, they would certainly have slaine them; and in their fury they unadvisedly slew Elius Cinna, by mistaking him for Cornelius Cinna, who was one of the Conspirators.

This tumult put Brutus, and Cassius, and their confederates, p. 48into such feate, that they all fled from Rome into severall parts: and though the Senate (having appeased the tumult) inflicted punishment upon some of the seditions, and had already committed some of them to Prison, yet Brutus, and Cassius durst not return to Rome, but after a while went into Greece, to Govern those Provinces which Caesar in his Life time had allotted unto them, which were, Macedonia to Brutus, and Syria to Cassius. And truly this was very remarkable, that within the space of three years all the Conspirators dyed, and not one of them of a naturall death.

Caesar in his fifth and last Consulship made an Edict, that thanks should be ruturned to Hyrcanus, the High-PriestHe favoured the Jewes. and Prince of the Jewes, and to the Nation of the Jewes, for their affection to himself and the People of Rome. And decreed also, that the said Hyrcanus, should have the City of Jerusalem, and repair the Walls of it which Pompey had beaten down, and should Govern it as he pleased himself. He also granted to the Jewes, that every second year there should an abatement be made out of their rents, and that they should be free from Impositions, and Tributes.

His Name of Caesar was so honourable, that all his successors to this present day, have assumed it into their Title, and esteem it an honour to be called Caesars.

FINIS.