The Lives and Deaths of Persons Surnamed Great, Life 10

The Lives and Deaths of Persons Surnamed Great · Life 10

p. 222THE LIFE and DEATH OF OCTAVIANUS AUGUSTUS In whose Raign our LORD CHRIST WAS BORN.

OCtavius Caesar, His Parentage.who was afterwards called Octavianus Augustus, was by the Fathers side descended of the Antient Family of the Octavij, which was of great account in Rome even from the time of Tarquin their King: By the Mothers side he was descended from the Regal Line: His Mother was Accia the Daughter of Accius Balbus, and Julia, the Sister of Julius Caesar, which Accia was married to the Father of Octavius. He was born in the year of the Consulshp of Cicero, and Caius Antonius. He was but four years old when his Father dyed: and at twelve years old he made an Oration at the Funeral of his Grand-mother Julia.

When his Uncle Julius Caesar, was Warring in Spain against the Sons of Pompey, His first imployment.Octavius (though he was but young) followed him thither through many and great dangers: and when that War was ended, Julius Caesar intending to take him with him to the Parthian War, sent him before to the City of Apollonia, where he plyed his Book very diligently; and on a time having a mind to see Theogenes, a learned Astronomer, he calculated his Nativity, and promised him great matters, which made Octavius conceive great p. 223hopes of himself, and in memory thereof he caused certain Medals to be coined, and would often boast of what Theogenes had told him.

Octavius in the sixth month after he went to Apollonia, having intelligence from his Mother of the Death of his Uncle Julius Caesar, He comes into Italy.he hasted out of Epirus to Brundusium, where he was received by the Army that went to meet him as the adopted Son of Caesar, and without any further delay he assumed the name of Caesar, and took upon him to be his Heir, and that so much the rather, because he had brought with him good store of mony, and great forces that were sent him by his Uncle: and so at Brundusium, adopting himself into the Julian Family, he called himself Caius Julius Caesar Octavius.

To this very Name, as though he had been his true Son, there came great store of,Many resor: to him. partly of his Friends, partly of freed-men, slaves, and Souldiers, by whom being more strengthened and imboldned by the multitude of them that flocked to him, and by the authority of the Caesarian name, which with the common People was in great reputation, he took his journey towards Rome with a great train, which daily increased like a Floud.

On the fourteenth Kalends of May he entered into Naples, where he gave Cicero a visit.He comes to Rome. From thence as he was going to Rome there met him a vast company of his Friends, and as he entered the City, the Globe of the Sun seemed to compass his Head round like unto a Bow, as it were, putting a Crown upon his Head, who afterward was to be so great a man: and at night, calling together his Friends, he commanded them to be ready the next morning, with good store of followers, to meet him in the Marketplace, which was done accordingly; and he going to Caius, the City Praetor, and Brother to Anthony, he told him that he did accept of the Adoption. For it was the Roman custom in Adoptions to interpose the authority of the Praetor: which acceptance being Registred by the Scribes, from thence he presently went to Mark Anthony the Consul,M. Anthony's Pride, who behaved himself proudly towards him, and scarcely admitting him into Pompeys Gardens, gave him time to speak with him.

Octavianus had a great mind to revege the Death of Julius Caesar; but by his Mother, and Philip his Father in Law he was advised to conceal his purpose for a time, both because the Senate had approved his Death, and because Mark Anthony, who was principally to assist him therein, did not shew himself very friendly to him. Octavianus understanding that Mark Anthony had in his custody all the Treasure that was left by Julius Caesar, he desired him to command it to be delivered to him, therewith to pay his debts, and to distribute it as Caesar had appointed in his Will: But Anthony with greater Pride than Octavianus could well bear, not only refused what he demanded, but reproved him for desiring it; whereupon discords presently arose betwixt them: and Octavianus strengthened himself with the Counsel of Cicero, a great Enemy to Anthony, and one whose authority at that time, by reason of his Wisdom and Eloquence, was very great.

Anthony being Overseer of those things which Caesar had commanded to be done,And falshood. what by corrupting the Notes, and changing them at his pleasure, did what himself listed, as if it had been the appointment of Caesar; by this means, gratifying Cities and Governours, and heaping vast sums of money to himself, selling not only Fields and Tributes, but freedoms and immunities even of the City of Rome, and that not only to particular Persons, but to whole Provinces, and of these things there were Tables hung up all over the Capitol.

p. 224Octavianus being nineteen years old,Caesar raises … at his own charges gathered an Army, and sought the favour of the People, and prepared Forces against Anthony for his own and the Commonwealths safety. He allo stirred up the old Souldiers, who by Julius Caesar had been planted in Colonies: so that Anthony being afraid of him, by the mediation of Friends, had a conference with him in the Capitol, and they were for the present reconciled, but within a few days, through the whisperings of some, their enmity brake out again, and Anthony, not thinking himself strong enough, and knowing that the Legions of Macedonia were the best Souldiers, and six in number, with whom also were many Archers, light harnessed men, and Horsemen, these he sought to draw to himself, who, because of their neerness, might presently be brought into Italy: and thereupon he caused a rumour to be spread, that the Getae wasted Macedonia by their inrodes; and upon that occasion he demanded an Army of the Senate, saying, that the Macedonian Army was raised by Caesar against the Getae, before he intended the Parthian War, whereupon he was chosen General of those Forces, and he obtained a Law for the change of Provinces, whereby his Brother Caius Anthony challenged Macedonia, which before by lot fell to Marcus Brutus.

On the seventh of the Ides of October Anthony went to Brundusium, Anthony leaves Rome.there to meet four of the Macedonian Legions, whom he thought to draw to himself by money. Thither also Octavianus sent his Friends with money to hire these Souldiers for himself, and himself posted into Campania, to engage those Souldiers which were in Colonies to take his part; and first he drew to him the old Souldiers of Galatia, then those of Casilinum on both sides of Capua, giving to each man five hundred pence, by which means he gat together about ten thousand men, who marched with him under one Ensign as a guard.

In the mean while the four Legions of Macedonia, accusing Anthony for his delays in revenging Caesars Death, without any acclamations conducted him to the Tribunal, as it were, to hear an account of this matter, and there continued silent. Anthony taking this ill, upbraded them with their Ingratitude, and complained that they had not brought to him some disturbers of the Peace, who were sent from that malapert young man (for so he called Octavian) and to ingratiate himself with them, he promised an hundred pence to each of them, which niggardly promise was intertained with laughter, which he took so ill,His Parsimony. that being returned to his Quarters, in the presence of his most covetous, and most cruel Wife Fulvia, he put to death some Centurions out of the Martian Legion.

When those of Caesars party, that were sent to corrupt the Souldiers, saw that they were more exasperated by this deed,Caesars Policy. they scattered Libels about the Army, wherein they disgraced Anthony, and extolled the liberality of Caesar. And when some sided with Octavian, and others with Anthony, the Army, as if it had been set to sale at an outcry, addicted themselves to him that would give most. And because that Decius Brutus, who commanded Gallia Cisalpirea (now Lombardy) opposed Anthony, he went to besiege him in the City of Mutina (now Modena) which being known in Rome, Cicero his authority and credit in the Senate was such, that Mark Anthony was declared an Enemy to the State,Anthony declared an Enemy. and the new Consuls, Hircius and Pansa were sent against him, and with them was Octavian sent with Ensigns of a Consul, and Title of a Pro-praetor, having been first admitted into the Senate though so young, which was done by the procurement of Cicero, though he afterwards requited him ill for it.

Octavian with the Consuls, drew neer to Mark Anthony, Cicero remaining p. 225to command in chief in all matters at Rome: and between the two Armies there passed many skirmishes and encounters, and at last they came to Battel, wherein the Consuls and Caesar had the Victory,Caesar overcomes him. but Hircius was slain in the Battel, and Pansa was so wounded, that he died within few days after, and both the Armies of the slain Consuls obeyed Caesar. By this means D. Brutus was freed from his siege, and Anthony was forced to forsake Italy by a dishonourable flight, leaving his baggage behind him. In this service Octavian made marvellous proof of himself, being but twenty years old, performing the Office, not only of a good Captain, but also of a stout Souldier: For seeing the Standard-bearer sore wounded and ready to fall, Octavian took from him the Eagle, and bare it a great while till he had lodged it in safety.

Mark Anthony after the Battel,He flies into France. gathering the remainders of his Army, passed tho Alps and went into France, solliciting the Friendship of Lepidus, who was there with an Army ever since the Death of Julius Caesar, whom after some treaties he made his Friend: and Octavian after the Victory obtained, presently sent to the Senate to require a Triumph for his Victory, as also the Consulship for the remainder of the year in the roome of the dead Consuls, with their succession in their charge, and command of the Army. But the answer of the Senate was not according to his desire: For the Friends and Kinsmen of those that had murthered Caesar began to fear him, and to suspect his power, wherefore they prevailed to delay that which he required, and in the end they resolved to assign the Army to Decius Brutus, and temporizing with Octavian, they granted him a Triumph, but denied him the Consulship, whereat he was much discontented, and therefore secretly treated of friendship with Mark Anthony, and having drawn to himself the affection of the Army, he therewith marched towards Rome, and approaching near to the City, in dispite of the Senate, he caused himself to be chosen Consul being not fully twenty years old.Caesar makes himself Consul. Then did he cause accusations to be exhibited against Brutus, and Cassius, and the rest of the Conspirators; and in their absence, having none that durst defend their cause, they were condemned. After this was done he left the City, and with his Army marched toward Anthony, and Lepidus, who were already entred into Italy.

Decius Brutus hearing of the Treaties and League that was made between Octavian, Lepidus and Mark Anthony, not daring to stay in that Country, departed with his Army, which soon forsook him, some going to Caesar, others to Mark Anthony, whereupon he fled, but being at last taken, he was brought to Mark Anthony, who caused his Head to be cut off. The Armies of these Captains drawing near together, to whom Affinius Pollio, and Planeus, with their Legions were joyned, these three Octavian Caesar, Mark Anthony, and Lepidus, meeting, after three days debate, they concluded their accursed Peace;A Triumvirate efected. and these fire-brands of sedition entered into a Tiumvirate, with several intents and designs. Lepidus was covetous, and sought riches by troubling the State. Anthony was by nature an enemy to Peace, and to the Commonwealth, desiring an opportunity to be revenged of those who had declared him an Enemy to the State. And Octavian sought revenge upon Brutus, and Cassius, and those who had slain his adopted Father. And to bring these things to pass, Octavian put away his Wife who was Daughter to Servilius, and contracted himself to Claudia, Daughter in Law to Anthony by his Wife Fulvia, who was now a child, and from whom he was afterward divorced by reason of the discord that arose between Anthony and him.

In this League which they made, besides dividing the Provinces amongst themselves,Many proscribed. they agreed to Proscribe and kill each of them his Enemies, and the one delivered them into the others hands, having more respect to be revenged upon an Enemy than to save a Friend; and so there was made the p. 226most cruel and inhumane Proscription, and Butchery that ever was before heard of, giving and exchanging Friends, and Kinsmen for Enemies. For Mark Anthony gave up his Fathers Brother: and Lepidus his own Brother, Lucius Paulus: Ingratitude.and Octavian, M. T. Cicero, whom he called Father, and who had intreated and honoured him as a Son. And besides these, they Proscribed and condemned to die three hundred other Principal men of Rome, amongst whom were about one hundred and fourty Senators, besides two thousand Romans of the order of Knighthood.

This agreement being made, they all three went to Rome, where they took upon them the Government of the Commonwealth by the name of Triumvirat, the time being limited to five years, though they never meant to leave the same. And presently after, those who were condemned and Proscribed, were by their commandment put to death, being sought out in all parts and places; their Houses were ransacked, and their goods confiscated.

Cicero understanding that his name was in the Catalogue amongst the Proscripts,Cicero flies. only because he had been a lover of Roman Liberty, he fled to the Sea, where he embarked himself, but so hard was his hap, that by contrary winds he was driven back to the shore, whereupon, returning to some possessions of his near Capua, not far from the Sea, as he lay sleeping there, he was awakened by some Crowes which with their bills pluckt his cloaths from his back. His servants being moved with this ill presage, put him into his Litter, and again carried him towards the Sea: but being overtaken by the murtherers,And is slain. he put his neck but of his Litter, and they cut off his Head, and his right hand, wherewith he had written his Orations against Mark Anthony called Philippicks: And thus was he slain by one whom he had defended, and delivered from death. Anthony joyfully received his …and, and caused it to be nailed up in the place where he was wont to plead, to which all the People repaired to behold so woful and miserable a spectacle, of whom there was not any one but was heartily sorry for the Death of so great a Personage, and so fervent a lover of his Country. Salvius Otho, a Tribune of the People, invited his Friends to his last Supper, and as they were sitting, in came a Centurion, and in the presence of them all, strake off his Head. Minutius the Praetor was slain,Horrid cruelty. sitting in his seat of Judgment. L. Villius Annalis, who had been Consul, flying from the murtherers, hid himself in the Suburbs in a little House of one of his clients,Sons unnatural. but his own Son betrayed him to the murtherers, who slew him there; but shortly after this Particle being drunken, quarrelling with the same Souldiers, was slain by them. C. Terentius also being betrayed by his own Son, was slain, who in a few days having consumed his Patrimony, was condemned for Theft, and banished into a place where he died miserably.

Quintus▪ Cicero was hid by his Son, whom they could never make to confess by any torments where his Father was;Sons dutiful and good. but the old man, not being able any longer to endure that they should torment so vertuous a Son, came and presented himself to the Murtherers: whereupon the Son entreated them to kill him first, but they killed them both together. The Egnaces; the Father and Son, embracing one the other were both run through and slain. C. Hosidius Geta, was put into a grave by his Son as dead, who sustained and kept him till the danger was over. Aruntius, after he had comforted his Son, delivered up himself to the murtherers, but his Son for grief famished himself. Some other Children carefully hid, and preserved their Parents.

Tanusia was such an importunate suitor to Caesar for her Husband T. Junius Wives good.that she preserved his life: He was in the interim hidden by Philopoemen, his bondmen enfranchised, whom Caesar afterwards Knighted for his fidelity to his Master. Q. Ligurius having been concealed by his Wife, was discovered p. 227by a slave, and killed, whereupon his Wife pined her self to death. Lucretius Vespilio, having passed many dangers whilst he sought to hide himself here and there, at last came to his Wife Shuria, who hid him between the Cieling and the top of the House, till she had begged his Life of the Triumvirs. Apuleius was saved by his Wife, who fled away with him. Antius his Wife wrapped him up in Coverlets, and caused him to be carried to the Sea side, as a pack of Stuff, where he embarked, and sailed into Sicily. Coponius was saved by his Wife, who lent her Body to Anthony for one night, to save him whom she preferred before her honour.

But the Wife of Septimius, Wives bad.having shamefully given her Body to one of Anthonies Familiars, caused her Husband to be put into the number of the Poscripts, that she might the more freely continue her Adulteries, and her Husband was slain by her means. Q. Vettius Salussus was hidden in a very secret place, but acquainting his Wife with it, she betrayed him to the Murtherers. Fulvius was discovered by one of his slaves and his Concubine, though he had made her free, and given her goods wherewithall to maintain her self.

P. Naso was betrayed by his slave enfranchised,Servants bad. with whom he had been too familiar, but he revenged himself upon his slave, whom he killed, and then held forth his neek to the cut throats. L. Lucceius had put into the hands of two of his Freed men, as much as would have relieved him in his Banishment, but they ran away with all; whereupon he delivered himself to the Murtherers. Haterius, who had hid himself in a very secret place, was sold and betrayed by his slave, and killed. Cassius Varus, who was betrayed by a slave made free, had his Head struck off. Caius Plotius was hidden by his slaves, but being given to Perfumes, the scent thereof discovered him;Servants good. yet when the Souldiers could not find him, they cruelly tormented his Servants to make them confess where he was, which yet they would not do: But the Master pittying his faithful Servants, came out of his secret place, and delivered himself to the murtherers.

Appius Claudius changed his Gown with his slave, who in that habit presented himself to the murtherers, and was slain by them instead of his Master. Another slave of Menius did the like: for he went into his Masters Litter, and offered his neck to the murtherers, who cut off his Head, and so his Master escaped into Sicily. The slave of Urbinus Panopio, hearing that the murtherers were coming to his Masters house, took off his Gown and his Ring, and gave him his own apparel, and put him out at a back door: then he went up and lay upon his Masters Bed, where he boldly attended them that killed him for Panopio. The slave of Antius Restio, though his Master had soundly beaten him a few dayes before for some knavish tricks, yet to save his Master, meeting an old man by the way, he struck off his Head, and shewing that, with his whippings to the murtherers, he made them believe that thus he had revenged himself of his Master, with whom he shortly after fled into Sicily. The slaves of Martius Censorinus kept their Master secretly, till he had opportunity to escape into Sicily, to Sextus Pompeius.

Q. Oppius, A good Son.an honourable old man, being very near taking, was rescued by his Son, who conveying him out of Rome, carried him upon his shoulders, and sent him into Sicily, vvhere all the poor distressed Romans were courteously entertained by S. Pompeius, who sent forth Ships and Galleys to lye upon the Coast of Italy, ready to receive all them that fled to him; doubly rewarding those that saved any that was proscribed: He gave also honourable Offices to all that had been Consuls, and comforting the rest with singular courtesie. Many others fled into Macedonia, to Brutus and Cassius: others into Africk to Cornisicius. Statius Samnis, an honourable Senator, being p. 228about eighty years old, that those Thieves might have no part of his Goods, he gave them for a prey to whomsoever would take them; then setting his House on fire, he burnt himself in it. Aponius having been long concealed by his slave, grew weary of that confinement, came out into the Market-place, and yielded his neck to the murtherers. Cestius being in the like condition, caused his slaves to make a great fire, threw himself into it, and died: Sulpitus Rufus, who had been Consul, was murthered, because he would not sell an Isle of his to Fulvia: A Jezabel.also Ampius Balbus was slain, because he would not give her a pleasant place of his.

M. Anthony put into the number of Proscripts,Base Covetousness. a Senator called Nonius Struma, onelyonly to get from him an Emerald esteemed worth fifty thousand Crowns: but Nonius found a means to escape with his Emerald, to the great grief of Anthony. Some valiantly defended themselves, as Atteius Capito, who killed many Souldiers,Valour. who came rudely running upon him, but being at last oppressed with multitudes, he was slain. Vetulinus, assisted by his Son, valiantly repulsed the murtherers, but at last was slain. Sicilias Coranas hoping to escape, put himself amongst the Mourners that followed a dead Corps, but being discovered, was slain.

The Triumviri caused the Goods of the Proscripts to be sold by the Drum, at such prizes as the Souldiers pleased, yet most part of them was spoiled, and given away. They promised also to Widows their Joyntures, and to Sons, the tenth part of their Fathers Patrimony, and to Daughters the twentieth part; but few or none had any benefit by this promise: yea, on the contrary, they sacked many of them that demanded these rights. They exacted great sums of money in Rome, Oppression.and all over Italy; and to encourage the Souldiers, they gave them unmeasurable gifts, and granted them daily new pillage. The Legions they Wintered in the richest Cities upon free Quarter. To be short, men by fear and custome were so inured to slavery, that they became more slaves than the Tyrants would have had them.

These three men having done what they would in Rome, and knowing that Brutus and Cassius had a very great Army in Greece, who called themselves the Deliverers of their Countrey saying, that they would go and set Rome at liberty from Oppression: Cassius having overthrown and slain Dolabella in Syria: and being informed, that by the assistance of their Friends, they had gotten together eighteen Legions; hereupon Mark Anthony and Octavian resolved to go against them wich the greatest Army that they could possibly make, of old Souldiers, and that Lepidus should stay to guard Rome: and accordingly they departed,They go against Brutus and Cassius. and arrived in Greece, and marching on, they drew near to the place where Brutus and Cassius were encamped, which was in Macedonia in the Philippick Fields.

Before they came to joyn Battel,Prodigies. there were sundry Prodigies: for Fowls of prey hovered about the Camp of Brutus, as if it had been their own already: and as they marched out to Battel, a Blackmoor met them, which they accounted an ill Omen. Brutus being alone in his Tent at night, a man sad and gastly appeared to him,A Spectrum. and being asked what he was, he answered, I am thy evil Genius, and so vanished: But on the contrary, Birds and Beasts promised good success to Caesar. These Armies lying so near together, had frequent skirmishes, and at last came to a Battel, where the Victory was strangely divided: For Brutus on the one side of the Field, did beat Octavian, and put his Battalion to rout,Brutus beats Caesar. pursuing them into the Camp, where many of them were slain;M. Anthony. beats Cassius. and while Brutus was following his Victory, his partner Cassius was overthrown by Mark Anthony, though he did all that was possible to encourage his men, and by reason of the clouds of Dust, knew nothing of Brutus his Victory, whereupon, retiring to an high ground, p. 229he there pitched his Tent: and so standing and looking about, he saw Brutus his Troops coming to his aid, and to relieve him; but he imagining that they came flying before their enemies, commanded a slave of his, whom he had made free, to kill him, who did it accordingly.

Octavians men that escaped by flight, retired to Mark Anthonies Camp, and had not Brutus his men busied themselves in ransacking Octavians Camp, they had that day obtained an entire Victory: for they might in due time have rescued, and relieved Cassius, and both of them being joyned together, might easily have overthrown Mark Anthony: but God had otherwise determined. The Victory being thus divided, the Generals of either party gathered their Forces together, and of Brutus side were slain eight thousand men, and of the Enemies side a far greater number. Brutus did his best to encourage and comfort his Souldiers, and the Gentlemen which followed Cassius: and the next day, though both Armies were put in battel Array, yet they fought not; but a few dayes after, Brutus, by his Souldiers, was forced to come to another Battel, who was of himself willing rather to delay and prolong the War, knowing that his Enemies wanted Victuals, and many other necessaries, and because he reposed no great trust in the Forces of Cassius: for he found that they were fearful, and hard to be commanded, because of their late overthrow. When they came to the second encounter, Brutus did all the Offices of an able General, and of a Valiant Knight,Brutus beaten. yet in the end his men were broken, and overthrown by the Enemy. Brutus having gathered his scattered Troops together, found himself unable to make any farther resistance, and being advised by some of his Friends to fly, he told them, That so he would, yet not with his feet, Kills himself.but with his hands; and thereupon, taking a Sword from a Servant of his called Stratus, he slew himself. Thus Octavian and Mark Anthony remained Victors, and Masters of the Field, and all things succeeded according to Caesars desire, for whom, God in his secret Counsel had reserved the Monarchy of the whole World, which for the present was divided between three.

These Wars being ended, and the Legions of Brutus and Cassius reduced to the obedience of the Conquerours, Octavian and Mark Anthony agreed, and resolved, that Anthony should remain to govern Greece, and Asia, that Lepidus should go into Africk, and that Octavian should return to Rome: and accordingly Mark Anthony went into Asia, Anthony with Cleopatra.where he gave himself up to sensuality and delights, with the fair, but wanton Cleopatra, Queen of Aegypt, and Octavian, though with some hindrances, by reason of his health, at last came to Rome.

Not long after,Troubles in Rome. there arose new Wars and troubles, for though Octavian was at peace with Lepidus, who was now in Africk, Octavian having under his command, Spain, France, part of Germany, Italy, and Illyricum, yet Lucius Antonius, who at this time was Consul, being provoked thereto by his Sister in Law Fulvia, Wife to Mark Anthony, began to oppose himself against Lepidus and Octavian, seeking to overthrow the Triumvirat; which contention brake out about the division of Fields which Caesar had made to the Souldiers which had served him in his Wars. Some say that Fulvia made this stir, that she might procure the return of Mark Anthony to her, of whom she was jealous, hearing of his familiarity with Cleopatra. The discord in Rome grew to that height, that they came to Arms; and Lucius Antonius went from the City, and levied an Army against Octavian, who also marched towards him with his Forces. But Lucius not daring to joyn Battel, shut himself up in Perugia, where Caesar immediately besieged him, and Divorced himself from Claudia the Daughter of Fulvia, and was married to his third Wife Scribonia, by whom he had p. 230one onelyonly Daughter. Octavian being about twenty three years old, so strictly besieged Perugia, Caesars Victory.that Lucius and his men were brought to such straits for want of Victuals, that he was forced to yield up himself to Octavian, who pardoned him, and used him kindly; and thus this War was ended without bloudshed. And so Octavian returned to Rome, of which he was now sole Lord: and from hence some reckon the beginning of his Empire, which was about four years after the Death of Julius Caesar, and about thirty eight years before the Incarnation of our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Caesar being now in quiet, Fulvia, by Letters, and false Informations, sought to stir up her Husband Mark Anthony against Octavian, with which resolution she left Italy, and went towards him; and at the same time Mark Anthony departed from Alexandria in Aegypt, and came to the Isle of Rhodes, where he was informed of all that had happened to his Brother Lucius. From thence he went into Greece, Anthony comes into Italy.and at Athens he found his Wife Fulvia sick, yet vehemently inveighing against Octavian: wherefore leaving her there, he went with two hundred Gallies into Italy, and landed at Brundusium, where the Wars began between him and the Forces of Octavian, who was yet at Rome. But news coming of Fulvia's death, some Friends interposed to reconcile them, and at last it was agreed, that Arbitrators should be chosen to compose their differences. Octavian chose Mecoenas, and for Mark Anthony was Asinius Pollio, and these brought it to this issue, that Mark Anthony should have all the East from Italy, beginning from the Jonian Sea, which is the entry into the Venetian Gulph, unto the River of Euphrates, wherein were included all the Provinces of Graecia and Asia, with all the Islands within these limits.Peace made betwixt them. To Octavian was allotted from the said Jonian Sea to the Western or Spanish Sea, wherein were contained Spain, France, Italy, Germany, and Britain. To Lepidus was confirmed Africa, where he then was, with all the Provinces thereof. And for the strengthening of this League, Mark Anthony, now a Widower, was to marry with Octavia, the Sister of Octavian by the Fathers side, formerly married to Marcus Marcellus, by whom she had one Son, called also Marcellus, whom Octavian adopted. And this marriage was dispensed with by the Senate, because in Rome Widows were not permitted to marry, till they had lived ten months in Widowhood, which she had not done.

This being concluded,Anthony marries Octavia. Octavian and Mark Anthony went to Rome, where the Wedding was solemnized, and they were seemingly good Friends; but their Peace was disquieted by the Neighbourhood of Sextus Pompeius, who commanded the Seas from Sicily where he lived, and with his Ships and Pyrates he disquieted Caesars Friends, who thereupon resolved to ruine him: But at the request of the Senate, and of Mark Anthony, he hearkened to Peace, and by the mediation of Friends,They are reconciled with Sextus Pompey. it was agreed, that all matters past should be forgotten, and that they should live like good Neighbours and Friends, and that Sextus Pompey should enjoy Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, which he had in possession, and that he should clear the Seas from Pyrates, that Merchants and Passengers might pass safely, and that he should furnish Rome yearly with a certain quantity of Corn. This being concluded, they agreed upon a meeting of all three upon the Sea side in the Straight of Messina, in a Fortress built for that purpose, which reached into the Water, whither Sextus Pompey might come with his Galleys and be in safety: which accordingly was performed with great joy and solemnity; and Sextus Pompey feasted them in his Galleys, and they likewise him by Land.

From hence Sextus Pompey returned into Sicily, and Octavian and Mark Anthony to Rome, where for a while they remained in great Familiarity: and then Mark Anthony preparing for his journey into the East, sent Venditius before p. 231him with a great Army against the Parthians, wherein he had so good success, that he overcame and defeated Pacorus, The Parthians beaten.the Parthian Kings Son, and slew twenty thousand of his men, and thereby sufficiently revenged the Death of Marcus Crassus, for which he afterwards Triumphed at Rome.

Mark Anthony departed from Rome with his new Wife, and wintered with her in Athens. Octavian in the mean time in Rome growing mighty, and in high esteem, was yet very pensive, being troubled at the Neighbourhood of Sextus Pompey in Sicily, attending an occasion to War against him: for which purpose he prepared a great Fleet,Caesar envies Sextus Pompey. pretending that Sextus with his Ships, and Gallies hindred the coming of Corn into Italy. These Sicilian Wars continued for some years: in the beginning whereof Octavian had ill success, yet more from storms and tempests than from the force of his Enemies: and if Sextus Pompey had been as prudent and able to offend his Enemy as he was to defend himself: and as he was Valiant, if he had been as Wise and Politick, he might have greatly distressed Octavian in all matters concerning Italy: yet the matter was so handled, that at Octavians request Mark Anthony came twice out of the East into Italy to assist him in these Wars. The first time he came to Brundusium, where, not finding Octavian according to appointment, he returned without seeing him, upon some jealousies which grew betwixt them. But Octavian having lost most of his Fleet in a storm, he sent his intire Friend Mecenas to Mark Anthony, at whose intreaty he returned into Italy with three hundred Ships and Gallies, giving it out that he came to Caesars aid. And though there were some difference between them, yet Octavia so laboured between her Husband and Brother, that she reconciled them, and so they met in the mouth of the River near Tarentum, where Mark Anthony gave to Octavian one hundred and twenty of his Gallies for his Wars, and Octavian gave to him some of the Italian Souldiers, and they renewed their Triumvirat for other five years. Which done, Mark Anthony returned to the East to prosecute his Wars against the Parthians, his Wife Octavia and her Children remaining in Rome.

Anthony being gone,Wars against him. Octavian resolving to prosecute the Wars against Sextus Pompey with all his Forces, armed two Navies, whereof Agrippa was the Admiral of the one, and himself of the other: He sent also to Lepidus intreating his aid, who accordingly came and brought with him a thousand Ships, little and great, and eighty Gallies, wherein he transported five thousand Horse, and twelve Legions of Foot Souldiers. Sextus Pompey hearing what great preparations were made against him, did strongly fortifie all the Sea-coasts of Sicily, and on the frontiers of Africk, near to Lilibaeum, he placed Plinius, a good Captain with good Companies of Souldiers, and his whole Fleet by Sea he drew into the Port of Messina, purposing to mannage his Wars by Sea, having neither experience, nor power to do it by Land, and so he attended the coming of his Enemies.

Lepidus loosing with his whole Fleet from Africk, was encountered with a tempest, wherein with the loss of a great part of his Navy, he, with the rest landed at Lilybaeum, and took in certain places thereabout, but having small judgment, and experience in the Wars, he made a greater noise then did hurt to Pompey. Octavius also being at Sea in a tempest, lost thirty of his Gallies, besides small Ships, and with much difficulty returned to Italy: and Taurus, who commanded the Gallies which Anthony left, landed at Tarentum, though with great loss and danger. Octavian was so grieved at these losses, that he had thoughts of giving over the War for that year: but changing his mind, he repaired his Fleets, and ordered Agrippa, with one of them to pass into Sicily, and there to make War both by Sea and land: and himself following with the other Fleet did the like.

p. 232About this time Octavian divorced himself from Scribonia, though he had a Daughter by her called Livia, Caesar marries Livia.and then he married Livia Drusilla, Wife to Tiberius Nero, by whom she had a Son called also Tiberius; hereupon Tiberius was forced to leave her to please Octavian, though at this time she was with Child of a Son. This Livia he loved dearly, and continued with her till his Death.

Agrippa assaulted and took in some places in Sicily, which Pompey hearing of, departed from Messina with one hundred and seventy five Gallies, to relieve them, and Agrippa being advertised of his coming, prepared to meet him, his Gallies being almost equal in number, and so they joyned Battel, which for a time seemed to be equal,Pompey beaten. but at last Agrippa prevailed, and Pompey retreated in time, his Gallies and Foists withdrawing themselves into some Rivers near at hand, whither Agrippa with his bigger Vessels could not follow them. In this fight Pompey lost thirty of his Gallies. Agrippa the next day went to a City called Tindaria, thinking to surprise it by reason of intelligence which he had with the Citizens: and Pompey in the Night gave secret order to his whole Fleet to retire to Messina.

Octavian in the mean time imbarked a great part of his Army, which he landed in Sicily, and set them on shore under the command of Cornificius, little thinking that Pompey had been so near, who if he had taken this opportunity, might have defeated Octavian. But loosing it, Octavian imbarking again, intended to determine the quarrel by a Battel at Sea, leaving Cornificius with his men fortified on the Land. Then did Pompey sail out of Messina with his whole Fleet,Caesar beaten. and neither Parties refusing it, they came to a Battel, in which Octavian was overcome, and all his great Fleet scattered and lost, and himself driven to flie into Italy in a Brigandine, where through many dangers, he at last came to the Army, whereof Mesalla was General, and being nothing discouraged with this loss, he presently took order for all that was needful. To Rome he sent his intire Friend Mecenas, to take order that this news should breed no alteration there, and then presently sent to Agrippa, the Admiral of his other Fleet, that he should with all speed succour Cornificius and his Army in Sicily, and to Lepidus he sent to desire him to make his present repair to the Isle of Lippari, which is between Sicily, and Calabria.

His diligence and good order about these affairs was such, that in a short time, by the help of Lepidus, and Agrippa, in dispite of Pompey, he landed all his Forces in Sicily, and joyning with Lepidus, he encamped near to Messina, where began a most cruel War both by Sea, and Land, wherein the power and sufficiency of Pompey did wonderfully appear, in that he was able to grapple with so potent adversaries. Yet seeing himself oppressed, he sent a challenge to Octavian, that to avoid the further effusion of blood, he would try it out with him in a Naval fight, so many Ships and Gallies against so many. Octavian delayed him at the first, but afterwards they agreed that with three hundred Ships and Galleys on either side, they would meet in such a place, and there fight it out, and accordingly they prepared for the Battel.

Octavian leaving Lepidus with his Land Army, embarked himself in his Fleet, and Pompey did the like, and so they joyned Battel, which was one of the cruellest that ever was, considering the Commanders and the strength on either side, where Pompey, after he had performed all the Offices of a good and Valiant Captain,Pompey beaten. and after the slaughter of multitudes on both sides, was overcome by Octavian, and all his Fleet was burnt and sunk, or taken, saving sixteen sail which escaped by flight, and he in one of them, and these entered into the Haven of Messina. And though the City was sufficiently fortified, and Pompey knew that Plinius, his General was coming to his rescue, yet in a dark night he imbarked,And flies. and with those sixteen Ships which had escaped, he p. 233fled into the East to Mark Anthony, hoping to find relief from him: But after much toil,And is slain. and many accidents which happened to him, he was slain by one Titius at the command of Mark Anthony, and in him failed the House and memory of his Father Pompey the Great.

In this War Octavian escaped many dangers. For having transported part of his Army into Sicily, Caesars dangers.and sailing back to fetch the rest, he was suddenly surprised by Demochares, and Apolaphanes, two of Pompeys Captains, from whom he escaped with much difficulty with one only Ship. Then travelling by Land to Rhegium, he saw some of Pompeys Gallies near to the Shore, and supposing them to be his own, he went down to the Sea side, where he had like to have been taken by them; and then seeking to escape by unknown passages, he met with a slave of Aemilius Paulus, who remembring that he had proscribed his Master Paulus, Father to this Aemilius, he attempted to kill him.

Octavian having obtained this great Victory aforesaid, though with very great loss, he went to Land with the remainder of his Ships and Army, commanding Agrippa to joyn with Lepidus, and to go to Messina, whither Pliny, Pompeys General had retired himself. But not thinking good to stand upon his defence, now that his Master was fled, he yielded himself to Lepidus with all his Legions:He falls out with Lepidus. This made Lepidus so proud, that affecting to have Sicily to himself, he contended with Octavian about it: and entering into the City of Messina, he placed a Garrison in it, to hold it for his own use: The like he did in many other places of the Island: and when Octavian came, he desired to speak with him, greatly complaining of his proceedings.

But in Rule, and Dominion equallity is intollerable, whilst either of them coveted this Isle for himself they fell at variance, and Octavian made his Navy to draw neer to the shore: So that both Armies began to stand upon their guard, the one against the other, and many messages passed between them, yet could they not agree. But Octavian was far better beloved and esteemed by the men of War, for his many vertues, and Nobility, and for his Namesake [Julius Caesar,] then the other, and the Souldiers began to lay all the fault upon Lepidus.

Octavian understanding this,Caesars Policy. laboured secretly to corrupt Lepidus his Souldiers, to draw them to himself: and one day, with a great Troop of Horse, he rode neer to Lepidus his Camp, and parlying with his Souldiers, justified himself and laid all the fault upon Lepidus, insomuch that many of them began to come over to his side. Lepidus, being informed hereof, caused an Alarm to be given, and commanded his men to sally out against Octavian, but when they came forth,Lepidus overcome. most of them joyned with him: so that Lepidus seeing himself in danger of being forsaken of his whole Army, yielded himself unto Caesar, and putting off his Generals Robe, he went to his Tent, and submitted to him. Octavian received him as if he had never offended, very courteously, and honourably, but restored him neither to his State nor power, and sent him with a good company to Rome, without any Office but the High Priesthood, which he had held ever since the Death of Julius Caesar: and so this difference was ended without bloodshed.

Octavian now retaining Sicily to himself, and having devested Lepidus of the Triumvirat, he appropriated to himself the Province of Africk, and remained General of the three Armies, to wit, of Lepidus, of Pompey, and of his own; wherein were forty five Legions of Footmen, and twenty five thousand Horse, all well armed, besides many other Numidians. He had also upon the Sea, six hundred Gallies and many Ships, and Brigandines. And now waited only for an opportunity to fall out with Mark Anthony that he might make himself Lord of all. Yet for the present he paid his Souldiers as well as he could, and gave Coronets, Honours, and Arms to those who had deserved well in these p. 234Wars. He then dispersed his Armies, sending them to their own homes, loaden with many fair promises. He also left, and sent Praetors and Governours into Sicily and Africk, Caesar returns to Rome.and so hasted towards Rome, where he was received with Ovation (which was little less than a Triumph) with incredible joy and honour: and was so exceedingly beloved, that in many places they erected Temples and Altars to him, as to their Gods: and he reformed such things as by reason of the Wars were grown out of order.

At this time Mark Anthony, who was in the East, though he had no great success in his Parthian War, yet was he still of great power, very Rich, and well obeyed in the Provinces of Greece, Asia, and Aegypt, and in the rest of his Governments.Anthony besotted with Cleopatra. But he was so besotted with the love, and company of Cleopatra, the Queen of Aegypt, that he thought of nothing but how to saitsfie her humour, in the mean time neglecting, and forgetting his Wife Octavia, the Sister of Octavian, who in beauty and Wisdom was nothing inferiour to Cleopatra, and in virtue and goodness did far excel her.

The Monarchy of the World being thus divided between these two, the one in the East, the other in the West, yet, as though each of them had not enough, they studied each of them to supplant, and destroy the other Chiefly Octavian, Caesar seeks a quarrel with him.who seeing that Anthony neglected his Sister, and did not send for her, he continually advised, and urged her to go to her Husband, that he might have a fair occasion to fall out with him if she were not well intertained: But she, not well understanding his design, that she might prevent all controversies between her Brother and her Husband, departed from Rome, carrying with her many Jewels, and Presents which she had gotten together therewith to present Mark Anthony. But he, having fixed his heart upon Cleopatra, wrote to her by the way that she should go into Greece, and stay at Athens, till he returned from the Parthian War, yet did he never go against them, Cleopatra hindering him. Notwithstanding Octavia sent all those things which she had brought, to her Husband, and all this not prevailing to procure her acceptance, she went full of grief to Rome.

Then did Octavian begin openly to complain of Mark Anthony, and to declare himself his Enemy, and Mark Anthony, entered into a League with the King of the Medes, the better to strengthen himself, causing Cleopatra (besides the Title of Aegypt) to be called Queen of Syria, Lybia, and Cyprus, and joyntly with her, a Son of hers called Caesarion, of whom Julius Caesar left her with Child when he was in Aegypt: and to two Sons which himself had by her, called Ptolomy, and Alexander, he gave the Title of Kings, to Alexander, of Armenia, and Parthia: and to Ptolomy, of Cilicia, and Phoenicia; hereupon the enmity between Octavian and him greatly encreased: yet was the War deferred because of other Wars which Octavian had in Illyricum, and Dalmatia. The People of these Countries,Caesars new troubles. seeing the Romans engaged in Civil Wars, rebelled, together with those of Austria, Hungary, and Bavaria, who joyned with them. This War Octavian undertook in his own Person, which was very cruel and dangerous: wherein he was twice wounded, and gave great proof both of his Wisdom and Valour: yet in the end, he not only subdued and tamed Illyricum, but both the Panonnia's, and all the neighbouring Nations with had joyned with them.

Then did Octavian return Victorious to Rome, and though a Triumph was granted him, yet would he not Triumph as then, so great was his desire to make War against Mark Anthony, who was no better affected towards him. For he levied Souldiers, procured Friends, and Armies against him, and promised Cleopatra to bring her Triumphing into Rome. Yea, she requested of him, the Rule and Empire of Rome, and he promised it her.

p. 235Matters standing upon these tearms, Mark Anthony sent his Wife Octavia a Bill of Divorce, according to the custom of those times, commanding her to go out of his House,Quarrels betwixt them. wherein she dwelt in Rome. This, and other indignities Octavian imparted to the Senate, complaining against Anthony, and in his Orations to the People, he accused him for that (the second five years of his Triumvirat and League being expired) yet came he not to Rome, neither respecting the authority of the Senate, nor of the People, but held his place, and kept possession of the East and of Greece: and by such suggestions he incensed the People against him.

Mark Anthony, on the other side by Letters and Messengers, complained that Octavian had often broken the Peace, and had cast Sextus Pmpey out of Sicily, retaining that, and other places which he held to himself: and that therein he had no respect of him, nor had given him any part thereof: and that he detained the Gallies which he had lent him for that War. As also that he had deprived Lepidus of his Government, and kept all those Provinces, and all the Legions which were his, without imparting any share thereof to him: and that he had divided all the Lands in Italy to his own Souldiers, not assigning any part thereof to his. Thus the one accused the othet, either pretending that they were forced to undertake the War; whereas the truth is, it was their Ambition, and insatiable desire to Rule that pricked them forward to it. Hereupon they called divers Nations to their aid, so as the whole World in a manner,Preparations for War. either of one side or other, was in Arms. Those in the West for Octavian, and those in the East for Anthony: at least, the best and choisest men of them all.

Anthony was first in the Field, and came with a great Army to the famous City of Ephesus in Jonia, a Province of Asia the less, whither he had sent for his Navy to transport him into Europe. And he had in readiness eight hundred Gallies and Ships of burthen: two hundred whereof Cleopatra gave him, together with all the Ammunition, and Victuals necessary for the Fleet: He also took her along with him, contrary to the advise of all those which were of his Counsel. Then sailed he to the Isle of Samos, to which he had appointed all the Kings, Tetrarchs, and People which served under him in this War, to come by a day prefixed. The Kings that met him there, were Tarcondemus, King of the upper Cilicia: Archalaus, of Cappadocia: Philodelphus, of Paphlagonia; Methridates, of Comagena, and others: Besides those which sent there Forces, as Herod, King of Judaea: Amyntas, of Lycaonia: and the Kings of Arabia: Of the Medes: and Palemon, King of Pontus with some others. So that he had one hundred thousand well trained Footmen, and twenty two thousand Horse, besides his Navy by Sea, which consisted of five hundred Gallies, besides Ships of burden which carried his Ammunition, and Victuals.

If Anthony, thus furnished, had presently passed into Italy, he had put Octavian into great hazard: For then he had not sufficient Forces to have withstood him, nor other necessary Provision for the Wars. But Mark Anthony, Anthony: imprudence.delaying the time at Athens, let slip the opportunity, and gave Octavian leasure to provide all things necessary from Italy, France, Spain, and all other his Provinces, from whence he levied eighty thousand choise Souldiers, and above twenty thousand good Horse: and seeing that Anthony stayed so long,Caesars message. he sent him word, that seeing he had Ships, and other fit provision, he should come for Italy, where he staid in the Field to give him Battel, promising to afford him good Ports and Havens, where he might safely land without interruption.Anthonys answer. To this Anthony answered, that it would be more honourable if he would determine this quarrel in Person against him, body to body, which he would willingly accept, though he was now old and crazed, and the other young and lusty: and if he liked not of this challenge, he would p. 236stay for him with his Army in the Fields of Pharsalia, in the same place where Julius Caesar fought with Cneius Pompey.

These Messages passing between them without effect, Anthony drew his Army by Land, and his Navy by Sea towards Italy, and Octavian, imbarked his Legions at Brundusium, and crossed the Sea to a place called Torma, in the Province of Epire (now called Romania) and after some notable exploits performed, the two Armies drew neer together,They meet. as also did the Navies. Octavians Navy consisted of two hundred and fifty Gallies, but better armed, and swifter than were Mark Anthonies, though his were more in number. And Mark Anthony, being perswaded by Cleopatra (who in this also was the cause of his ruin, thereby to have the better means to fly if the Battel should be lost) would needs try his Fortune in a Sea fight, though his Army by Land had a great advantage over the other.

Anthony chose twenty thousand out of his Army and put them aboard his Fleet,They prepare to fight. and Octavian, who refused not the Sea-fight, made his provision also, and so shipping himfelf in his Gallies, he committed the charge of his Land Army to Taurus, and Anthony left his Land Forces with Canidius: and in the sight of both the Armies, these two brave Captains, with the best Navies in the World, took the Seas where they fought, for no less than the Empire of the World. Yet was the Fight deferred for three days in dispite of both Parties, the Seas rising so high that they could not Govern their Vessels. The fourth day they came to an encounter at a Cape called Accius, in Epire, not far from the place where their Land Armies stood.

The Battel was one of the most cruellest that ever was heard of, and lasted ten hours before Octavian obtained the Victory,A Battel. though Mark Anthony staid not so long in the fight. For Cleopatra in the greatest fury of the Battel, fled away in her Galley, whom seventy of her other Galleys followed: and unfortunate Mark Anthony, who all his life time hitherto had been a valiant and brave Captain, seeing Cleopatra fly, on whom he had fixed his eyes and heart,Anthony flies. shifting out of his own Galley into a lighter, followed her, without regard of his Armies either by Sea or Land, and overtaking her, went aboard her Galley, wherein he sailed three days without either seeing or speaking with her, being confounded with shame for shewing so much weekness, and at last they arrived in the Port of Alexandria in Aegypt.

His Navy which he left fighting,His mens fidelity. though now Headless and without a Captain, yet continued to make gallant resistance till five thousand of them were slain: and at last they were overcome, rather for want of a Commander then through any force of an Enemy, though Octavians light and swift Galleys were a great help to him: and so he remained Conquerour, and granted life, and pardon to the conquered, getting into his hands three hundred of their Galleys. In Anthonys Army by Land there wanted neither courage nor constancy to theit General, though he had so unworthily deserted them: and therefore they continued seven days in their Camp, ready to give Battel, without accepting any composition from the Enemy, and they would have staid longer, had not Canidius their Captain abused his trust, flying secretly from the Camp to seek Anthony, whereupon, the Army being destitute of a General, yielded to the Enemy;His Army yields to Caesar. who admitted them into his own Army, being nineteen Legions of Foot, and twelve thousand Horse. The Senators, Knights, and Noble men, that had served Anthony, many of them he fined in great sums of Money, many he put to death, and some he pardoned.

Then did Caesar sail to Athens, and being pacified with the Greeks, he distributed the Corn that was left in the War, to the Cities that were afflicted with Famine, and that were dispoiled of their Money, Servants, and Horses. And Anthony being arrived in Aegypt, chose out one good Ship of good burden, and fraught with store of Treasure, and rich Plate of Gold and Silver, p. 237and gave it to his Friends, intreating them to divide it amongst them and to shift for themselves, and he wrote to Theophilus, the Governour of Corinth, that he would provide them an hiding place till they might make their Peace with Caesar. And Caesar, of the spoils of the Enemy dedicated ten Ships to Apollo Actius.

Anthony being come into Africk went into a desart place,Anthony lives privately. wandering up and down, only accompanied with two Friends; and after a while he sent to the General of the Army which he had formerly raised for the defence of Aegypt, but he slew his Messengers, and said that he would not obey Anthony, whereupon he had thought to have killed himself, but being hindered by his Friends, he went to Alexandria, and after a while he built him an House in the Sea by the Isle of Pharos, and there lived from the Company of all men, saying, That he would live the life of Timon the Man-hater, because he was abused by his Friends, and had experience of their ingratitude, and he called this House Timonion. Yet at length he left this place, and went to the Pallace, where he spent his time in Feasting and jollity. And Cleopatra got together divers sorts of deadly poysons of poysonsome Creatures, whereof she made tryal upon many condemned persons, and amongst all, she liked the biting of the Aspe best: for it brought a sleepiness without any contraction of the members, or groaning, only causing a gentle sweating of the face, and a languishing stupidity of the senses.

At Rome many things were decreed in honour of Caesar for this Victory at Sea:Casar highly honoured. First a Triumph was granted him for Cleopatra: and a Triumphal Arch was erected at Brundusium, and another at Rome. The base of the Julian Temple was adorned with the Beaks of the Ships he had taken: There were Plays decreed to be kept every fifth year in honour of him: Processions were always to be made on his Birth day, and on the day wherein the news of his Victory was first brought. That the vestal Virgins, the Senate, with their Wives and Children should go and meet him at his return: that all the Ornaments of Anthony should be demolished & cast down: that his Birth day should be accounted unlucky: and that none of his Family should ever have the forename of Marcus.

About this time Anthony and Cleopatra sent Ambassadours to Caesar into Asia. Cleopatra demanded the Kingdom of Aegypt for her Children, and without Anthonies knowledg, sent him a Scepter, Crown, and Chair, all of Gold, as it were, delivering her Kingdom over to him: and Anthony demanded that he might live a private life at Athens if he might not continue in Aegypt. Caesar accepted of Cleopatra's gifts, accounting them as good Omens: but he would afford no answer to Anthony; and privately he promised impunity and her Kingdom to Cleopatra if she would kill Anthony. They sent also a second Ambassage to Caesar, and Cleopatra promised him a huge mass of Money; and Anthony minded him of the former friendship and alliance that was between them, and what acts they had done together: he delivered also to him Terullius, a Senator, and one of Caesars murtherers, whom he put to death: he proffered also to kill himself to obtain security for Cleopatra, yet Caesar would give him no answer.

Anthony and Cleopatra hereupon prepare for War,Anthony prepares for War. and Caesar at last marched against them, and sent Cornelius Gallus before with four Legions, who suddenly seized upon Paraetonium, the prime City of Aegypt, toward Lybia. Anthony being informed hereof, marched towards Paraetonium, hoping to draw Gallus his Souldiers to own him, but when on the contrary he had received great loss both by Sea and Land, he returned to Alexandria. Presently after Caesar took Pelusium, by the Treachery of Cleopatra, who caused Selucus the Governour to deliver it up to him, hoping to draw his love to her, yet did she disown it to Anthony.

Cleopatra had Store-houses, and Monuments, admirable both for sumptuousness and highth, which she had built by the Temple of Isis, and p. 238thither she had brought the most precious things of all her Royal Treasure, as Gold, Silver, Emeralds, Pearls, Ebony, Ivory, and Cinnamon, as also store of Lamps, and Flax: whereupon Caesar fearing that she would set fire of them, whereby he should lose such Treasures, he, to prevent despair, gave her hopes of favour, whilst he marched towards the City, and she privately forbad the Citizens of Alexandria to sally out against him; whereas openly she seemed to encourage them to oppose him.

Caesar being come before the City,Caesar pursues him into Aegypt. Anthony sallied out, and fought valiantly with him, and routed his Horse, and drave them to the very Camp, of which, at his return, he boasted to Cleopatra, and she to reward him, gave him an Headpiece, and Armour all of Gold. The next day Anthony dispersed tickets amongst Caesars Souldiers, promising them fifteen hundred Drachmaes a piece, if they would come over to him: These Caesar read to his Souldiers, rendring Anthony more hateful to them thereby, and they being exceeding angry that their fidelity was tempted, fought so valiantly at the next encounter, that Anthony was driven back out of the Field. After this, Anthony challenged Caesar to a single Duel, who answered, That Anthony had more wayes to die. He therefore considering that he could not die any way more honourably than in Battel, resolved to set upon Caesar both by Sea and Land.

Many Prodigies fore-ran the bondage of Aegypt. Prodigies.In some places it rained bloud. Armies appeared in the Air. A huge Dragon was seen amongst the Aegyptians, which hissed horribly. A Comet appeared, and the Images of the Dead. The Statues seemed to mourn: and Apis lowing heavily, shed some tears.

On the Kalends of August, Cleopatras treachery.Anthony, early in the morning, went down to the Haven, to order his Fleet. But Cleopatra caused them to revolt from him, and to joyn with Caesars Fleet: Whilst Anthony beheld this, he was also forsaken by all his Horsemen, who revolted to Caesar, and his Foot were beaten back into the City: whereupon he cryed out, that he was betrayed by Cleopatra. She fearing his anger, fled to her Monument, with one Eunuch, and two Maids, and sent Anthony word that she was dead: This he believing, desired his faithful servant Erotes, according to his former promise, to kill him: Erotes drew out his Sword, as if he vvould do it, but Anthonies back being towards him, he slew himself; who falling at his feet, Anthony said, Noble Erotes, thou hast taught me what to do, but couldst not endure to do it thy self; So taking the Sword,Anthony kills himself. he thrust it into his Belly: yet after a while, the bloud stopping, he desired those about him to dispatch him, but they all fled, which caused a great tumult.

Cleopatra from the top of the Monument perceiving it, (for the Gate was so made, that being shut it could not be again opened) she sent her Secretary to bring him into the Monument to her: Anthony was carried to the foot of the Monument, and being tyed in a Pulley, vvas vvith great pains drawn up by Cleopatra and her two Maids. It was a sad sight to see him thus drawn up, besmeared with bloud, and ready to give up the Ghost. When he came to the top, he stretched forth his hands to Cleopatra, who receiving him in, laid him on a bed, tearing her head tire, breast and face with her own hands, so that she was all gore bloud: He laboured to comfort her, and advised her to look to her affairs, and to save her life, if she could do it without dishonour, and that amongst all Caesars Friends, she should most trust Proculeius, and so gave up the Ghost.

In the mean time Dercetaeus, one of Anthonies Guard, stole his bloudy Sword, and ran away with it to Caesar, Caesar bewails his Death.telling him what had happened: Caesar then going into the inmost room of his Tent, much bewailed Anthony, his Kinsman, and Colleague, and who had been his companion in many Battels, and in the Government of the Empire. Then sending for Proculeius, he p. 239commanded him, by all means, if it were possible, to save Cleopatra alive, fearing to lose her Treasures, and that she might adorn his Triumph. Proculeius, and one Epaphroditus, coming to the Monument, laboured to perswade Cleopatra to come forth: and at last by a wile, Proculeius seized upon her, yet granted her some dayes to embalm Anthonies Body, after which they brought her into the Palace, diminishing nothing either of her wonted train, or honour, that so she might do no mischief to her self.

Caesar having conquered Alexandria, Caesar pardons the A…gyptians.ascended into a Tribunal, and calling the Citizens before him, who for fear fell upon their knees, he told them that he freely pardoned them for their great God Serapis his sake. He also pardoned the rest of the Aegyptians, being unwilling to put so many men to death, which formerly had done so good service for the Romans. Of those that favoured Anthony, some he put to death, and others he pardoned, either of his own good will, or at the intercession of Friends. And whereas Anthony had with him many children of Kings, some as Hostages, others upon false accusations, some of them Caesar sent home, others he joyned together in marriage, and some he kept by him. Coming to view the Tomb of Alexander the Great (which as Strabo reporteth, was of Glass) Caesar put a Crown upon it, and strewed flowers over it, and worshipped it: and being asked whether he would see the Bodies of the Ptolomies? He answered, That he would see a King, not the dead. Neither would he go to see their God Apis, saying, that he used to worship Gods, not Oxen.

Many great Kings and Captains desired to bury the Body of Anthony, but Caesar would not take it from Cleopatra, who buried it splendidly and Magnificently, and Caesar suffered her to take what Treasures she would for his Funerals. Cleopatra, through her much sorrow, fell into a Fever, and her Breast was troubled with inflammations and Ulcers, through the blowes which she had given her self, yet by the care of Caesar, and the skill of her Physician, she was recovered: after which she delivered to Caesar an Inventory of all her Treasures: and when Scleucus, one of her Treasurers, accused her for concealing some things, she leaped up, and taking him by the hair, she buffetted him soundly; at which Caesar smiling, reproved her; to whom she answered, Is it not a great matter, Cleopatras Passion.O Caesar, seeing thou pleasest to come and visit me in this condition that I am in, that I should be accused by my own Servant? If I have reserved some Jewels, not for my self, poor wretch, but that I might present Octavia, and thy Lyria, that by their intercessions I might find the more favour with thee, I hope it's no fault. Caesar was glad at this, hoping that now she had a mind to live, but she deceived him.

Shortly after she wrote a Letter, and sealing it up, she sent it by Epaphroditus to Caesar, wherein she desired to be buried with Anthony: then adorning her self in her best apparel,She kills her self. she set an Asp to her left Arm, by the biting of which, she presently died, as in a slumber. As soon as Caesar had read her Letter, he sent some in all haste to her to see what was done, who when they came, found Cleopatra dead upon a bed of Gold, in all her Royal Robes, and her two waiting Maids dead at her feet. Caesar being informed hereof, admired, and pitied her, and grieved that he was deprived of the chief honour of his Triumph; and buried her in the same Sepulchre with Anthony, finishing the Tomb which she had begun: and her waiting Women by his command were buried honourably: She lived thirty nine years, and reigned twenty two.

Caesar having setled his affairs in Aegypt, Caesars Triumpas.passed through Syria into Asia, and from thence into Greece, and so to Rome, where he Triumphed three dayes, first for his Dalmatian, secondly, for his Accian, and thirdly, for his Aegyptian Victory, which was the most sumptuous, and set forth with the greatest preparations, wherein was carried in a Bed the Image of Cleopatra, and an Asp biting her Arm. After which, Caesar enriched the Temple of his Father p. 240Julius with the Aegyptian spoyls: He also consecrated many things to Jupiter Capitolinus, Juno, and Minerva: He brought into the Cell of Jupiter Capitolinus sixteen thousand pound weight of Gold, beside Pearls and precious Stones, valued at fifty Millions of Sesterces, and Rome was so enriched with the Riches of Alexandria, that the prizes of every thing were doubled, and Interest fell from ten to four per Cent.

Thus Caesar, in the space of about sixteen years, erected the Monarchy, which his Uncle Julius had begun, and though the means whereby he obtained it are not justifiable, yet afterwards he Governed it justly, and wisely, and was one of the best Princes in the World:Caesars commendations. Gentle, Just, Merciful, Liberal, Valiant, and endued with many other Virtues; happy and successful in his affairs, and much beloved of all: and the People and Senate of Rome gave him a new Name, which before that time was never heard of, calling him Caesar Augustus, a Name which they held for holy, venerable, and of Great Majesty, and which appertained to the Gods and their Temples, concerning which Ovid thus writes,

Sed tamen humanis celebrantur honoribus omnes,

Hic socium summo cum Jove nomen habet, &c.

Fastorum.

All common Persons have their common Fame,

But He with Jove enjoyes an equal Name,

Of old most sacred things Augusta were▪

Temples that Name, and hallowed things do bear:

Yea, Auguri depends upon this word,

And whatsoever more Jove doth afford:

Let it inlarge his rule and life, let all

Our Coast be guarded with a fenced Wall.

The Senate also by Oath approved all his acts,Flat…ry. freed him from all tye of Laws, and that he should have as absolute power as the Laws, and that he might do all things, or not do them, according to his pleasure. And now, because the Books of the Sybils through age were worn out, Augustus gave charge to the Priests, with their own hands to write them out, and that no other should read them.

Caesar Augustus (for so now we must call him) seeing himself in quiet, and without War,Janus Temple shut up. caused the Temple of Janus to be shut, whereas they religiously observed, that during the time of War it should stand open: It had never before been shut since the foundation of Rome but twice: Once in the time of Numa Pompilius, the second King thereof, and the other after the second Punick War, when Titus Manlius was Consul. Augustus shut this Temple three times, whereof this was the first: And now living in Peace and prosperity, he omitted no part of his care in the Government of the Roman Commonwealth, and the Provinces thereof: Sending thither Praetors, Pro-consuls, and other Governours, which were excellent men, and fit for those dignities: and himself gave direction, and was very diligent in all things touching Justice, Customes, Religion, and publick buildings, so as in all things his Reign was happy, peaceable, and quiet, during all his Life.

Yet in this so happy a time, some People and Nations still affecting Liberty, laboured to shake off the Roman yoke,New troubles. and thereby molested, and disquieted the Empire, as the Spaniards, the Inhabitants of Illyricum, and the Pannonians. In Spain, the Cantabrians, the Asturians, and part of Gallicia, passing their bounds, began a War against the Empire. Augustus being informed hereof, judging it to be a doubtful War, and of importance, commanded the Temple p. 241of Janus to be opened: and determined to go against them in Person, and to send other Captains to follow his other Wars. And accordingly Augustus went into Spain, and with three Armies made War against the People aforementioned, which proved very doubtful and desperate, and lasted five years: and though he suppressed the Cantabrians, and Asturians, and drave them to their Rocks and Mountains, yet before he could wholly subdue them, he was fain to bring a great Navy upon the Coast of France, to invade the Sea coasts of Cantabria and Galizia, by which means he drave them to such extremities by Land, that they were at last forced to submit to his obedience.

Augustus his great favourite Agrippa served him faithfully in this War, whom therefore he married to his Daughter Julia, who was the Widow of his Nephew Marcellus, Spain subdued.the Son of his Sister Octavia. And thus he brought all Spain into subjection to him, above two hundred years after the Comans began to make their first Wars there. So as no Province cost Rome more Treasure, more bloud, nor more time than Spain.

This long and doubtful War being so happily finished, Augustus was so pleased with it; that he gave commandment that the Temple of Janus should again be shut, and came to Rome in great Triumph. But this Temple continued not long shut, for some Nations of the Germans rebelled, so that it was again opened. These were the Inhabitants of Noricum (now Bavaria) and the Pannonia's, (now Austria and Hungary) and the two Missia's, (now Bulgary and Servia) as also Illyricum, (now Sclavonia) and the Province of Dacia, (now Transylvania and Walachia) and some others, though at several times.

Against these, Augustus sent his Generals and Armies, amongst which were his Sons in Law, the Sons of Livia, Tiberius Nero, who succeeded him in the Empire, and his Brother Drusus Nero, of whom Livia was with child when Octavian married her: and these two Brothers (though the War lasted somewhat long) vanquished those Nations, and obtained great Victories in Germany, and the confines thereof: especially Tiberius, who in three years space subdued the Pannonia's, Illyricum, and Dalmatia; for which Victories he afterwards entred into Rome in an Ovation Triumph with great Pomp and Honour. Marcus Crassus also overcame and put to flight the Missians, a People who had never seen the Romans before. And when they were ready to give Battel, they said, Tell us who you are that seek to molest and disquiet us? We are (said they) Romans, the Lords of Nations; whereupon they replied; It shall be so if you overcome us; which fell out accordingly.

But Augustus obtained not these Victories without some crosses.Augustus his crosses. For in these Wars died his Son in Law Drusus, who was highly esteemed for his Noble acts, and great Victories; for the loss of whom, both Augustus and Livia were much afflicted: But yet his grief was greater for the mishap which befell Quintilius Varro, who was General of three Legions in Germany, and being careless, was surprized by the Almans, and himself, his Legions, and all his Auxiliaries were slain, and two Standards with the Imperial Eagles taken; for which he was so immoderately grieved, that he knocked his Head against the Wall, and cryed out unadvisedly, Quintilius Varro, Give me my Legions again: For certain months also, he suffered the hair of his Head and Beard to grow carelesly. And the very day of this unhappy accident, he did every year observe mournfully, with sorrow and lamentation.

Of his Son in Law Drusus there remained two Sons, Germanicus and Claudius, which he had by Antonia, Augustus his Neece, and Daughter of his Sister Octavia and Mark Anthony; of which Claudius was Emperour: And Germanicus married Agrippina the Daughter of Julia, Augustus his Daughter, by whom he had Caius Caligula, who also was afterwards Emperour. Augustus after many notable Victories, compelled his Enemies at length to sue for p. 242Peace, whereupon again he commanded the Temple of Janus to be shut up, and from thenceforth all things succeeded prosperously with him.

The Subjects of the Empire were now very obedient to him,Many Ambassadours come to him. and all other sent their Ambassadours seeking his Favour and Friendship. The Indians in the remotest parts of the East, and the Scythians that inhabited the North: and the Parthians, an untamed People, sent their Ambassadours to him, giving security to keep the Peace, and restoring to him the Standards and Eagles which were taken when Marcus Crassus was slain. There came also Kings, who were Friends and Subjects to the Roman Empire, to do him Homage, laying aside their Ensignes, and Royal Robes: and many of them bult Cities to his Name, and for his Honour, calling them Caesaria. So did Herod the Great in Palestine, King Juba in Mauritania, and others.

The World being thus at Peace and quietness, forty and two years being expired since that Augustus, after the Death of Julius Caesar, came to Rome; In the time of this general Peace, was the Prince of Peace, our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ born in Bethlem, Our Saviour Christ born.of the Virgin Mary, Herod being King of Judea, placed there by the Romans, of whose blessed Life and bitter Death, as also of the order of his Ministry, and Miracles, see his Life, published by me, Anno Christi 1664. At which time there came forth a command from Caesar Angustus, that all the Roman World should be taxed, which taxing was first made, when Cyrenius was Governour of Syria, Luk. 2. 1. Out of which, a little Book was made by Augustus, in which all the publick riches were contained: as also how many Citizens, and Allies in Arms: what Navies: How many Kingdomes and Provinces: what Tribute and Customes there were: what necessary charges and Pensions went out. Shortly after, Augustus was called Lord by the People, but he did not only refuse that Title, but forbad it by a publick Edict.

Augustus enjoying so great prosperity,His Prudence and Justice. was yet nothing altered in his qualities and behaviour, as often it happens in other Princes; but rather became more mild, just, and affable, more courteous, liberal, and temperate. He established very good Laws and Orders for the reformation and abuses, and evil customes. He erected both within and without Rome many stately and sumptuous Edifices, which made him to boast concerning Rome, Latericiam inveni, Marmoream reliqui: I found it built with Brick, and left it built with Marble. He bestowed great gifts and favours upon all sorts of People. He delighted the People with Feasts, and Playes of sundry kinds, going himself in person to honour them: He sent Colonies into sundry parts and Provinces: He made excellent good Orders for the Governours and Government of the whole Empire: The like he did also for the Wars, and Martial Discipline. He shewed himself loving and sociable to his Friends and Familiars, whom he honoured and loved much, Some conspiracies against him which were discovered, he punished without rigour, being more prone to pardon than to punish. Of murmurings and defamatory Libels, he never desired to know the Authors; but answered them with gravity, giving satisfaction, and purging himself from those things which were charged upon him. He was much addicted to, and affected with Learning, and himself was very Learned and Eloquent, and compiled some notable Books. He much honoured and rewarded Wise and Learned men: yet he escaped not the tainture of some Vices,His Vices. growing through humane frailty, and his great liberty: especially he was much given to Women, though in his diet, apparel, and ornaments, he was very sparing and modest. He gave himself also excessively to play at Dice, and other Games then in use.

Thus,His Crosses. though in many things he was very happy, yet, besides his troubles and dangers, he was very unhappy in his Children and Successours. For by his four Wives to whom he was married, he had only one Daughter called Julia, p. 243by his third Wife Scribonia, and she proved exceeding wanton, and unchaste, yea, she left nothing undone in Luxury and Lust, that was possible for a Woman to do or suffer, accounting every thing lawful that pleased her. Yea, she came to that height of lasciviousness, that she kept her Feasting even in the Courts of Justice, abusing those very places with lascivious acts, in which her Father had made Laws against Adulterers. Hereupon her Father was so enraged, that he could not contain his anger within his own House, but published these things, yea, and communicated them to the Lords of the Senate. He kept himself also a long time from company, for very shame: He had thoughts of putting his Daughter to death; but at last he banished her into Pandataria, an Island of Campania, her Mother Scribonia, of her own accord, accompanying her in her banishment. Julia being at this time thirty eight years old.

For want of Sons to succeed him, Augustus first adopted his Nephew Marcellus, the Son of his Sister Octavia, to whom he first married his Daughter Julia: and Marcellus dying without Issue, he then married her to his Favourite Agrippa: who also left her a Widow, but yet he had by her three Sons, and two Daughters: Two of these Sons having been adopted by Augustus, died before him: whereupon he adopted the third, who bore his Fathers Name, Agrippa, the which adoption he afterwards revoked, for some displeasure conceived against him: and lastly, he adopted his Son in Law Tiberius Nero, and made him his Heir, whom also he married to his Daughter Julia, the Widow of Agrippa: yet this he did more through the importunity of his mother, than for any good liking that he had of him, being sorry that such an one should succeed him.

Not long after, the first Letter of his Name, that was upon the Inscription of his Statue that was set up in the Capitol,A Prodigy. fell down, being struck with a flash of Lightning; whereupon the Southsayers foretold that he should live only one hundred dayes after, which was denoted by the Letter C. and that he should be Canonized for a God, because Aesar, which remained of his Name, in the Hetruscan Tongue, signified a God. Hereupon he wrote a Catalogue of his doings, which he appointed to be engraven in Tables of Brass, and to be set over his Tomb.

Things being thus done, Caesar Augustus being now seventy six years old, and odd dayes, having Reigned above fifty six, and being the best beloved, and the best obeyed Prince in the World, Death overtook him, which was occasioned by a Flux, which held him for some dayes: and so Augustus died at Nolla in Campania, His Death.in the same House and Chamber wherein his Father Octavius died, being the nineteenth day of August, upon which day he was first made Consul: and in the fifteenth year after the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

He was generally lamented, and there was a universal sorrow and heaviness over the whole Empire for him. For he did wisely and uprightly Govern that Monarchy which he had gotten by force and fraud.His Character. He was of a mean stature, of a very good shape and proportion of Body, of an exceeding fair face, mixed with modesty and gravity: His eyes were very clear and bright: He was very advised in his speeches, and loved to speak quick, and briefly. His last Will and Testament was written a year and four moneths before he died, and left in the custody of the Vestal Virgins.

In his life time he vvas very desirous to reform abuses in Rome, and in the first place he corrected some disorders in the Senate, vvhom he reduced to the number of six hundred. He reformed vvhat vvas amiss in their Playes and Games, in the Knights, and in their manner of suing for publick Offices. He set Fines upon their Heads that vvould not marry, and bestovved much upon those that had Wives and Children.He was a Friend to marriage. He gave unto Hortensius tvventy five thousand Crovvns, to procure him to marry, that he might raise up issue to p. 244that Noble Family of the Hortenses. He ordained that Maids should be at least twelve years old before they married: and suffered them to kill Adulterers, that were taken in the fact, and condemned the Sodomites without pardon. He gave order that none should be put in nomination for Offices, but such as were vertuous,His temperance. and of good repute. He tied not himself to any certain hours for his meals, but used to eat when he was hungry, and that which he fed upon was neither dainty nor delicate, and he drank little Wine: Instead of a Looking-glass, he used to read or write whilst his Barber was trimming him. He never spake to the Senate or people, or to his Souldiers, but what he had first written and premeditated, though he had words at command.

He delighted to read good Authors,His Prudence. but gathered nothing more than sentences teaching good manners, and having written them out word for word, he gave Copies thereof to his familiar Friends, and sent them about to the Governours of Provinces, and to the Magistrates of Rome. He was too much addicted to Divinations, and was marvellously afraid of Thunder and Lightning. Our Saviour christ being born, all the Devils Oracles ceased, and the Oracle of Delphos was fain to confess it,The Devils Oracles dumb. and ever after remained Dumb: whereupon Augustus being astonished, caused a great Altar to be set up in the Capitol, with an Inscription, signifying, that it was the altar of the God first born. To prevent the great abuse of Usury, which undid many Families, he put into the Exchequer twenty five hundred thousand Crowns,His Charity. and suffered private men to take of it for three years, without Interest, putting in good security for the paying back of the principal: and condemned such Usurers as had taken more than the Law allowed, to pay four times as much to those who had been oppressed by them.