The Lives and Deaths of Persons Surnamed Great, Life 9

The Lives and Deaths of Persons Surnamed Great · Life 9

p. 197THE LIFE and DEATH OF JULIUS CAESAR The First FOUNDER OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE.

JULIUS CAESAR by the Fathers side was of a very Noble and ancient Family,Caesars Parentage. and by the Mothers side he descended from the Kings of Rome, who were extracted from the Trojan Aeneas. When he was a youg 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 prevail with him, either by promises or threats to do it, whereupon he took away her Joynter from him.

Sylla being very busie in putting to Death many of his Enemies, yet passed by Caesar whom he contemned for his youth.His danger by Sylla. And Caesar was not contented to retire in safety in those stormy times, but came and made suit to the People for the Priesthood which was then void, when he had scant any hair on his Face: but by Syll…s 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,His flight. secretly fled from Rome, and hid himself p. 198a long time amongst the Sabines, wandering from one place to another, yet at length he fell into the hands of a party of Syllas Souldiers who sought for 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. He is taken by Pirates.And after a while, he took Sea again, and fell into the hands of some Pirates, who at that time kept all the Sea-coast, with a great Fleet. They asked him twenty Talents for his Ransom, Caesar laughed them to scorn, 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 mony, so that he was almost left alone amongst these Thieves, which were the cruellest Butchers in the World, having only one of his Friends and two Slaves with him.

Thus he continued thirty eight days amongst them, not as a Prisoner, but rather waited upon as a Prince by them:His boldness. For he boldly exercised himself amongst them in their sports: He would make Orations and call them together 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.

When his Ransome was come, he paid it them and so was dismissed;He is delivered. and presently arming and manning some Ships out of the Haven of Miletum, he followed these Thieves, and finding them yet at Anchor, he took most of them, and got a great Booty, and carryed their 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 Pirats did belong. But he desiring to get the mony, because there was good store of it, said, that he would consider of the…e Prisoners at better leasure. Caesar hereupon returned back to Pergamus, He crucifies the Pirates.and there hung up all the Thieves openly upon the Cross, as he often had threatened that he would do, when they thought that he was but in jest.

When Syllas power began to decay, Caesars Friends wrote to him to return to Rome: But he first went to Rhodes to study there for a time, under the Tuition of Apollonius, an honest man and excellent Rhetorician, 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, His return to Rome.he immediately wan the good will of 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.He grows popular. Besides, he ever kept a good Table, and fared well, and was very liberal, which much encreased his estimation with the People. And his Enemies, presuming that when he could not hold out that charge and expence, the favour of the People would quickly decay,And is feared. they suffered him to go on, till by degree he was grown very great, and powerful. So that though some of them foresaw that his power would at last turn to the destruction of the Commonwealth of Rome, yet now they knew not how to prevent it. Indeed Cicero was the first man, who mistrusting his dealings, found out his subtilty and malice, which he cunningly cloaked under a shew of courtesie, and familiarity: Yet (said he) When I consider how finely he combeth his fair bush of hair, 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 design the ruin of the Commonwealth.

The first time that he made proof of the good will of the People was, when p. 199he 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 Death of his Aunt Julia, the Wife of Marius the elder. For then he solemnly made an Oration in her commendations in the Market place, and at her Burial, 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 partakers had been proclaimed Traytors and Enemies to the Commonwealth. And whereas some cryed out upon Caesar for doing it, the People on the other side applauded and thanked him for it. And whereas there was an ancient custom that the Romans used to make Funeral 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 Funeral, which much engaged the People to him, seeing him of so kind, and loving a nature.

Shortly after he was made Treasurer under Antistius Vetus, His preferment.the Praetor, for which he ever after honoured him, so that when he himself 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 great sum of his own mony in mending the Appian way, vvhen he was made Overseer thereof: as also for that, vvhen 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 sumptuousness of his Feasts and sports vvhichwhich he made for the delight of the People, vvhichwhich made them daily to give him new Offices by way of requital.

Not long after the High Priest Metellus died, 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 sum of money to Caesar, to procure him to leave off his suit: Caesar sent him word, that he vvould disburse a greater sum than that to maintain the suit against him: and vvhen the Day of Election came, his Mother bringing him to the Door, Caesar vveeping kissed her, and said,His ambition▪ Mother, This day thou shalt see thy Son chief Bishop of Rome, or banished from Rome;He is made High Priest. and accordingly he carried it by the suffrages of the People, insomuch as the Senate and Noble men vvere all affraid of him, judging that from henceforth he vvould make the People do vvhat he pleased.

Afterwards Caesar going into the Senate to cleer himself of some accusations that vvere 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 insurrection of the poor and needy Persons, who put all their hopes in Caesar, moved, that a frank distribution of Corn for a month should be made amongst them, vvhichwhich indeed put the Commonvvealth to the charge of fifty five hundred Myriads, but it quenched the present danger, and did haply scatter the best part of Caesars strength, and that at such a time vvhen he was made Praetor, and had thereby opportunity of doing much mischief. Yet all the the time of that Office,His Moderation he never attempted to make alteration in the Commonvvealth.

About this time Clodius vvas suspected of too much familiarity vvith Pompeia, vvherefore Caesar put her avvay.He puts away his Wife. The Government of Spain being faln unto Caesar as he vvas Praetor, his Creditors came with great importunity calling for their debts: But he being unable to satisfie them; went to Crassus, the richest man in Rome; who stood in need of Caesars bloldness and courage to p. 200withstand Pompeys greatness, who became his surety to his greadiest 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?His ambition. Caesar answered, I cannot tell: but for my part, I had rather be the chiefest man here, than the second person in Rome. Another time in Spain reading the History of Alexander he was sorrowful 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 my self) 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 joyned ten new Ensigns 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,His Victories in Spain. 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 Debtors and Creditors which arose by usury:His Prudence. Ordaining 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 spoils.

The Romans had a custom, 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 Caesars 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 greatest Persons in Rome, and at jar between themselves:His Subtilty. 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 equal 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 and was there chosen Consul,He is chosen Consul. together with Calphurnius 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 distributing Corn to every Citizen Gratis, and all to please the People: And vvhen the Senators opposed it, he took the advantage, Protesting p. 201that 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,He Marries his Daughter to Pompey. gave him his Daughter Julia in Marriage, who was made sure before 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 witness, that it was a shameful thing that they should make such havock in the Commonwealth by such horribly Bawdy matches, hereby dividing amongst themselves the Government of Provinces, and great Armies. And Bibulus perceiving that he did but contend in vain, 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 Market-place with Souldiers, and by open force authorised the Laws which Caesar had made in favour of the People:He is sent into Gaul. He procured also that Caesar had both the Gauls, and all Illyria, with four Legions, granted him for five years: and when Cato stood up to speak against it, Caesar 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 accordingy. 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 destroy Cicero, He betrays 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 General as any that went before him, if we consider the hard Countries which he adjoyned to the Empire of Rome: The multitude and power of the Enemies whom he overcame: The rudeness and Valour of the men with whom he had to do, whose manners yet he molli…ied, and civilized: His courtesie, 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 slain by him.His Valour and great successes. For in less then ten years, he took by assault above eight hundred Towns: He conquered three hundred Nations: and having at several times above thirty hundred thousand Souldiers against him, he slew a Million of them, and took as many more Prisoners. He was so intirely loved of his Souldiers,His Souldiers Valour. that to do him service, and to advance his honour, they were invincible: As appears 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.

p. 202One Cassius Scaeva also in a fight before the City of Dyrrhacium, having an eye put out with an Arrow, his shoulder stricken through with a Dart, and his thigh with another, having received thirty Arrows upon his Shield, called to his Enemies as if he would yield 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 fellows. In Brittain also when some of his Captains 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 Captains, where he fought so valiantly that at length he forced the Barbarous People to fly, and thereby saved the Captains, who otherwise had perished there: And then this Souldier being the hindmost of all the Captains, marched through the bog, sometimes swimming, and sometimes on foot, till he gat to the farther side, only he lost his Target. Caesar wondring at his valour, ran and imbraced him: But the poor Souldier, hanging down his head, with tears 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 whom 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.

Now 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 extream pains when there was occasion, which filled them with admiration. As for his constitution he was lean, white, and soft skin'd, and often troubled with the Head-ach, and sometimes with the falling sickness,His Temperance. yet yielded he not to his sickness, but rather took pains as a Medicine to cure it, travelling continually, living soberly, and commonly lying abroad in the Fields. Most nights he slept in his Coach, and in the days travelled up and down to see Cities, Castles, and strong-holds. He had always 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 days he came to the River of Rhone. He was an excellent Rider from his youth:His activity. for holding his hands behind him, he would run his Horse upon the Spur.

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 some perfumed oyl instead of Sallet oyl, 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 foul weather to shelter himself in a poor Cottage that had but one Cabbin, and that so narrow that one could scarce lye in it, whereupon he said to his Friends, the greatest rooms, are fittest for the greatest men, and Beds for sick persons, and so caused Oppius that was sick to lye there, and himself with the rest of his Friends, lay without doors.

The first War that Caesar made in Gaul, He overcomes the Swissers.was against the Helvetians, or Swissers, and the Tigurines, 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, Caesars Lieutenant at the p. 203River Arax. And when the Heluetians 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 th…m 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 only 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 midnight.

Presently after, above one hundred thousand of those that had escaped from this Batt…l, were forced by Caesar to return into their own Country again, and to the Towns 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 the Gauls against the Germans, And the Germans.though himself had before admitted Ariovistus their King to be received as a confederate 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 Families, who went along with him as to some Pastimes, he commanded all that were afraid to return home, and not 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 only. 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 Captains 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 saw Caesar so near,And the Gauls. 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 superstitious fear, sought to avoid the fight: Yet Caesar skirmished with them every day and sometime 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 Battel 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 Battel there were slain about eighty thousand Germans.

After this Battel Caesar left his Army to winter amongst the Sequanes, and himself thinking of the affairs of Rome, His Policy▪returned over the Alps to a place about the River Po: whilst 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 Caesars great conquests in Gaul, Pompey did not consider how Caesar conquered the Gauls with the Roman weapons, and wan the Romans with the Riches of the Gauls. At this time Caesar being informed that the Belgae who were the most War-like Nation of all the Gauls, He overcomes the Belgae.were all up in Arms and had raised a very great Power, he presently made towards them with all possible speed; and found them overrunning and p. 204plundering 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 blood, and filled with their dead Bodies, that the Romans passed over on foot upon them: After this overthrow, such of them as dwelt near the Sea yielded 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 Caesars Valour, his men fought desperately, even beyond their abilities, and yet could they not make the Nervi fly,A Battel. but they fought it out bravely till most of them were slain in the Field, five hundred only of them escaping. Yet was it a bloody 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 signs of joy for these Victories, by sacrificing to the Gods, Plays, &c. and as Caesars fame was encreased hereby, so he wan upon the Peoples love: And always, when his affairs would permit, he used to Winter by the River Po, to give direction about his affairs 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,His Policy. went to Luke unto him, insomuch as at one time 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 Councel, 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 Horse-men, 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, saying a few that flying gat back over the River of Rhine and so escaped.He overcomes the Germans. 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 stream, and especially there where he built the Bridg: and the Barbarians casting great Trees into the River, they were carried down with such violence that by their great blows they did sore shake the Posts of the Bridg, to prevent which, and to abate the fury of the stream, Caesar caused a Pile to be made a good way above the Bridg, which was forcibly rammed into the bottom of the River, so that in ten days space p. 205he had finished his Bridg of goodly Carpenters work: A very rare invention as could be possibly devised.

Then passing his Army over this Bridg,He passes over the Rhine. he found none that durst fight with him: For the Suevians who were the most War-like 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 confederates of the Romans, he returned back into Gaul. About this time also he made a Journey into England, being the first that sailed the Western Ocean with an Army,And went into England. and that passed through the Atlantick Sea to 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 success as he expected, which made him only 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,Julias death. but he met with Letters which advertised from Rome of the death of his Daughter, the Wife of Pompey, for which they both of them were very sorrowful: and by this means the league betwixt Pompey and Caesar was broken, to the great prejudice of the Commonwealth. Caesars Army being very great, he sent it into several 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. These did first set upon the Garrisons of Catta, 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 storm, Ciceroes Souldiers being all wounded, yet they shewed such valour that they did more than men in their own defence. This news 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 distress. 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 places of safety, and commanded his men that they should not stir 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 less esteem them: But at length, he took the opportunity when the Enemies came in a disordered manner to assault his Camp,He beats the French. and 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 slain, 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 War-like 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 they 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, the Meddows drowned with Floods, and the Snow so deep that no ways 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 Vercingentorix for their Captain. He divided his Army into divers places, under divers Captains, p. 206and drawn into his assistance all the Nations as far as to the Adriatick 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,The French rebel. he hasted towards them, intending to let 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 yielded to him, he received to mercy. But the Hedui, who used to be stiled the Brethren of the Romans, taking Arms against him, much discouraged his men: wherefore Caesar went through the Country of the Lingones to enter into Burgundy, who were consederates with the Romans. Thither the Enemies followed him, endeavouring to compass him in on every side. Caesar tarried their coming, and then fighting with them a long time,Caesar overcomes them. he at last overcame them. Of 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 two 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 Battel 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 wonderful, that they within the City never heard 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 Battel 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 bloody 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 spoils. 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 yielded, and Vercingentorix, 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 of Pompey, Non vult Caesarve priorem, Pompeiusve parem.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 supream 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 attain his end, he procured to be sent into Gaul, where he exercised and and hardened his Army, and by his valiant deeds purchased fame and honour: so that now he lacked nothing but an occasion to put his design in practice, which Pompey partly gave him, and the iniquity of the times much furthered 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 Bows, and Slings, and Swords: and the Assembly seldom brake up, p. 207but the Pulpit for Orations was besprinkled with the blood of the slain,Disorders at Rome. so that many Wise men believed, that there was no other cure of these evils but by putting the supream authority into one mans hand; and many wished that Pompey were the man: But he seemed to decline it, though cunningly underhand 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 Government 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 Lentulus, and many things were spoken in his disgrace. They took away also the freedom from the Collonies which Caesar had 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 sent to Caesar, and withal 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 Caesars Souldiers did but once see him, they would all forsake Caesar and cleave to him.Pompey deluded. This made Pompey more secure, that neglected to prepare for War. One of Caesars Captains 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 whilst they required him to lay down Arms 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 Arms, which motion was entertained with great joy and clapping of hands by the People, who threw Nose-gays, and flowers upon him for it.Factions … Rome. Then Anthony one of the Tribunes, brought a Letter from Caesar, and read it before the People in spite of the Consuls, wherein he desired that they would grant him Gaul on this side the Alps, and Illyria with two Legions only, 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 … Army by a day appointed, that then he should be proclaimed an Enemy to Rome, Marcellus also added, that they must use force of Arms and not Arguments against a Thief; whereupon the Senate rose without determining any thing, and every one put on his mourning apparel as in the time of a common calamity. Cicero 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 danger that they were faign to flie 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 thousand Foot, and three thousand p. 208Horse,Caesar goes against Pompey. 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, and 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 on way, and 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: Doubtless if I forbear to pass over this River, it will be the beginning of my ruin; if I pass it, the ruin will be general: Then turning towards the River. he said, it is yet in our power to turn back, but if we pass the River we must make our way with our Weapons. Some say, that Caesar standing thus doubtful, he was encouraged by the apparition of a man of very great stature, piping upon a Reed, whereupon many of the Souldiers and some Trumpeters 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: He passes Rubicon.After 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 craving their assistance. To whom, having with a general 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 Cities in Italy by which Caesar should pass, yet all this was not sufficient to resist his fury; and the power that he brought with him. The fame of Caesars coming increasing daily, Pompey, p. 209with the whole Senate left Rome, Pompey flies and the Senate.going to Capua, and from thence to Brundusium, a Sea Town seated at the mouth of the Gulph of Venice, where he ordered the Consuls to pass to Dyrrhachium, (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, Caesar pursues him.though 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 doubtful 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 levyed, and of small experience.

Caesar returning from Brundusium, He is Lord of all Italy, And went to Rome.in sixty days space became Lord of all Italy, and when he came to Rome, the People were in great fear, remembring the miseries they had 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 mild and good words; and laying the whole fault upon Pompey, he sought to justifie his own cause, declaring how much he desired Peace, with all, requesting that Ambassadours might be sent to Pompey to procure the same: And causing himself present 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 civil Government: and making choice 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 retùrn into Italy. He also made Hortensius, and Dolabella his Captains to provide Shipping to be brought into the Port of Brundusium, there to be in a readiness 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 Cato, with direction that having taken the same, he should pass over into Africk. Lepidus he sent to Rome, as Prefect thereof, and Mark Anthony he made Governour of all Italy: And resolving to leave Lucinius Crassus in France, He went into Spain.with his accustomed celerity he went on his Journey, finding no resistance, neither in Italy nor France, till he came to Marcelleis, which held for Pompey, This City he besieged, and to avoid loss of time, left Decius Brutus, and Caius Trebonius with sufficient Forces, who indured 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 some while, chiefly about the City of Lerida.

At first Caesar was in great danger and much distressed chiefly for want of p. 210Victuals, as also for that the Winter was come on, which troubled him with the swelling of Rivers, before and after which, there passed many great skirmishes between the two Armies.And conquered Pompeys men. And Caesar, watching his opportunities, at last brought his adversaries to such distress 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 Afranius 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 march 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, And other places.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 readiness, he left Quintus Cassius with four Legions 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, He takes Marcelleis.and from thence to Marcelleis, which now yielded to him, having endured many calamities during the Siege: Caesar respecting the antiquity and fame 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.

Though all things succeeded thus well with Caesar, His Captains had ill success.yet some of his Captains had ill success. For Caius Antonius, 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 Boats 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 overthrown near to the Island of Corcyra (now Corfu:) and Curius, who went with his two Legions into Africk, though at first he had good success, yet afterwards he was overthrown, and most of his men slain by Juba, 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 Marcus 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 spent in his journey to Spain, Pompey prepares for War.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 Kingdoms and Provinces both of Asia, and Greece: as from p. 211Syria, Pontus, Bithynia, Cilicia, Phoenicia, Cappadocia, Pomphilia, Armenia Minor, Aegypt, Greece, Thessaly, Baeotia, 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 Gallies by Sea.

It being now the depth of Winter, Pompey presuming it improbable, if not impossible for Caesar to pass 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-Captains (of whom Marcus Bibulus was chief) 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 coming, to hasten to Brundusium, whither he would send for them with all possible speed.Caesar goes against him. Now Brindez. And so departing, he crossed the Seas with a prosperous gale of Wind, and the 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 Captains, and commanded his Ships and Gallies presently to return to Brundisium 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 arrival, sent for his Troops which were neerest hand with all speed possible, with whom 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 vain, the situation of the place making it inexpugnable.

Pompey being come, their Camps were lodged within a few furlongs each of other,Skirmishes betwixt them. where he passed many adventurous skirmished, and also some Treaties of Peace, offered by Caesar, but rejected by Pompey, so consident he was of his own power. In the interim Caesar daily expected the coming of the other Legions, who staying longer than he expected, he resolved in Person, with three confident Servants, secretly to embark himself in a Brigandine, and to pass that streight of the Sea and to fetch them, hoping to perform the same without the knowledg of any. And accordingly, passing down the River to the Sea, he found it so troublesome and tempestuous 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 avdactèr: Caesarum enim fers, & fortunam Caesaris:Caesars rashness. Bear 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 Wisdom: 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 near 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. 212was so hot, supplies being sent from both sides, that it almost came to a just Battel,Caesar is beaten. wherein Caesars men were 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 retreat 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 Captains) and his Enemies took from him thirty two Ensigns. Upon this Victory Pompey sent news thereof to divers parts of the World, holding himself for an absolute Conquerour. Caesar much blamed some of his Captains and Ensign beàrers for their cowardize, and his Army were so grieved and ashamed, that they much importuned him to lead them forth again to Battel: But he thought it not fit so soon to lead them forth against a Victorious Army.Caesars policy. He therefore sent his sick and wounded men to the City of Apolonia, and 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 chief 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 coming to joyn with Pompey.

Pompey finding Caesar was departed, followed him for some few days; and then taking Councel what to do,Pompeys good resolution. he resolved to leave a lufficient Navy to guard the Seas, and with the rest to return into Italy, and to seize upon it, together with France and Spain, and afterwads to go against Caesar: But the Roman Lords that were with him, and the importunity of his unskilful 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 Battel: the ordering, and event of it:Pompey beaten and slain. the flight of Pompey 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,Caesars clemency. not suffering any Roman either to be slain or hurt after the Battel 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,He pursues Pompey. being 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 Aegypt; wherefore he steered the same course, taking with him two Legions of old Souldiers only.He comes into Aegypt. When he arrived at Alexandria, he understood that Pompey presuming upon the many benefits, and good entertainment p. 213which 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, and Pompey coming upon his safe conduct, in a small Boat, was by the false Kings commandment basely murthered, thinking thereby to win the favour of Caesar. He understood likewise that Cornelia the Wife of Pompey, and his Son Sextus Pompeius 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 Arms, he wept,Vanity of vanities. considering the end and success of the great adventures and properties of Pompey, who with such honour 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 imbroiled in Civil Wars: there being great discord between young King Ptolomy, and his Sister Cleopatra, about the division and Inheritance of that Kingdom, 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 Eunuch, 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 near the City, consisting of twenty thousand good Souldiers, purposing to do by Caesar as they had done by Pompey, so that within a few days, there began between Caesar and his small Army, both in the City, and in the Harbour where the Ships and Gallies lay, the most cruel, and dangerous encounter that ever Caesar met with:His Wars i… Aegypt, for he was often forced to fight in his own Person, both within the City (whereof the Enemies held the greater part) and also in the Harbour with his Ships, and was sometimes in so great peril and danger, that he was forced to leap out of the Boat into the Water, and by swimming to get one of the Gallies;His danger. at which time he held his Commentaries in one hand above Water, and carry his Robe in his teeth, and to swim with the other hand. But when his other Forces were come to him from Asia, and other parts, he at the end of nine months (for so long these Wars lasted) became Victorious,His Victory. as in all other his enterprises he had been, and the young King Ptolomy was slain in fight. In this War Caesar did such exploits, and behaved himself so gallantly, that for the same only 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 fair Cleopatra, the Queen and Governess 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 passes into Asia.he departed thence into Asia, and travelled through Syria (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 Arms 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 less, 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 appproach; so that in few days they came to a Battel, in which the p. 214King was soon overthrown,Overcomes Pharnaces. and put to slight, with great slaughter of his People, yet himself escaped.

Caesar was very joyful for this Victory, because of his earnest desire to return to Rome; where he knew that many scandals were raised, and many insolencies were committed 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 Battel of Pharsalia, were gathered together, whereof 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 readiness to oppose him, having chosen Scipio for their General, 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 days, 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 guard that Province, pacifying the controversies and contentions in the rest, and rewarding the Kings, and Tetrachs which continued firm 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, He comes to Rome.and so passed to Rome, within little more than a year after he went thence, which 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 possess Africk, with great expedition he prepared all things necessary, and from Rome took his way towards Africk, commanding his Army to follow him.He passes into Africk. First he went into Italy, from whence taking Ship, he passed over 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, near to the City of Adrumentum, and from thence marched to another City called Leptis, into which he was received, and after some conflicts that passed, his Legions being come to him, and certain other Troops of Horse, and Companies of Foot, he began the War which continued four months. He first began with Petreius and Lubienus; and then with Scipio and King Ju…a, 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 Battel, wherein there were slain of the Enemies ten thousand,He overcomes Scipio. and Caesar remained Master of the Field, and in a short time after, subjected all the Country to him. Scipio, and all the chief Captains, with him died sundry deaths, and Juba escaping by flight from the Battel, finding no place of security, Afranius and he resolved to dye fighting one against the other, in which combate, King Juba being the stronger man, slew Asranius, and then commanded one of his Salves to kill him, and so he died desperately.

Marcus Cato, Cato kills himself.who was in the City of Utica, hearing that Caesar was marching thitherward, though he knew that he would not put him to death, but p. 215but 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: Florus saith thus of it. Cato (saith he) hearing of the death of his Partners, he dallyed not at all, but joyfully hastened his 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 room, but then he pulled them away, and the blood following abundantly, he left his dying hand even in the wound. Scipio, who had been General in this War, escaped also from the Battel by flight, entered into some Gallies, which being met with by Caesar 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 vvas drowned.

Caesar having obtained so great and absolute a Victory, spent some few days in settling and ordering the Provinces of Africa, making the Kingdom of Juba a Province,He returns to Rome. and then marched to Utica, vvhere he imbarked June the third, and came to the Isle of Sardinia, and after some short stay there, he arrived at Rome the tvventy fifth day of July. At his comming thither there vvere granted unto him four Triumphs:His Triumphs▪ First for his conquests and Victories in France, in vvhichwhich vvere carried the Portraictures of the Rivers of Rhodanus, and the Rhine vvrought in Gold. The second Triumph vvas for the conquest of Aegypt, and of King Ptolomy, vvhere vvere set the River of Nilus, and the Pharus burning. The third vvas for the conquest of Pontus, and of King Pharnaces, vvherein, in regard of his speedy Victory, vvas placed a vvriting vvith these vvords, Veni, Vidi, Vici: I come, I savv, I overcame. The fourth Triumph vvas for the Province of Africa, vvherein King Jubas Son vvas led Captive: and in this Triumph vvere given Jevvels, and Armes to Octavius, Caesars Nephevv, vvho succeeded him in the Empire. As for the Battel vvherein he conquered Pompey, he vvould not Triumph, because it vvas against a Citizen of Rome.

These Triumphs being ended, he gave great revvards to his Souldiers, and entertained the People vvith Feasts, and bountiful 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,He goes into Spain. and most experienced Souldiers, and made so good speed, that in few days 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 bloody War, the end whereof was, that neer to the City of Munda, Caesar, and Gneius Pompeius (for Sextus was then at Cordova) joyned Battel,A cruel Battel. 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, p. 216as 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 not see himself overcome. Yet taking a Target from one of his Souldiers, he rushed into the midst of his Enemres, 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 Battel became equal, which lasted almost a whole day without any sign of Victory to either party, sometimes seeming to incline to the one, sometimes to the other side; until at the length Caesar and his men did so great exploits, as that the evening being come, his Enemies began to faint, and fly,His Victory. and the Victory was apparently Caesars. There died of the Enemies above thirty thousand in this Battel, 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 escaped, that ever after he used to say, That in all other Battels he had fought for honour and Victory, and only that day he fought for his life. Young Pompey, after he had performed all the offices of a Prudent General and Valiant Souldier, was foreed to fly, and wandering through many places, was at last taken and slain 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,He returns to Rome. ordering his affaires in Spain after his pleasure, he returned to Rome, and 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,His power. having conquered and subdued the greatest part thereof, in as little time, as it might seem that another man might be able to travel through those Countries by reasonable Journeys. He then made himself perpetual Dictator, and so without opposition, he finished the making of himself the Soveraign Lord, and Monarch of the Empire of Rome, within less than five years after he first attempted the same. And this was the Original 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 Perpetual Dictator, and Emperour, which Title was usually given to the Roman Generals upon their obtaining any signal Victory. But after Julius Caesar, all his successors took that Title, glorying to be called Emperour, which hath ever 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 sought after,His clemency, and Magnanimity. he shewed in all his Deportment much clemency, and Magnanimity, 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 recovery of their lost liberty, neither to asswage the hatred and malice conceived against him by his adversaries, as aft…rwards appeared.

And notwithstanding many were discontented, yet some for love, others for fear,Discontents arise. and out of dissimulation, both Senate and People, yea all in general gave him Names, preheminences and Titles of Honour, such as never had p. 217been 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 affected and desired them. They gave him the name of Emperour, Father, Restorer, and Preserver of his Country. They made him perpetual Dictator, and Consul for ten years: and perpetual 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,Base flattery. and in the place where 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 peculiar to the Gods. The month formerly called Quintile, they called Julius after his name. They also built, and consecrated Temples to him, as they did to Jupiter and the other Gods, and gave him certain 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 equal, no second in the World with whom he might contend, it seemed that he would contend with himself, and attempt something wherein he might excel himself: For he was not contented with all the Victories which he had obtained, neither to have fought fifty several Battels, in all which he was Victorious, save in that one at Dyrrachium against Pompey: neither to have slain in the Wars and Battels which he fought a Million, ninety, and odd thousands of men, besides those that were slain in the civil Wars. But being of a most haughty mind,His great projects. he sought to do greater matters, if greater could be.

For first he resolved to pass 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 pass through Hyrcania, and other Countries till he should come to the Caspian Sea, and so through all the parts of Scithia, Asiatica; and passing the River Tanais, to return through Scithia into Europe, and in his retreat to come into Germany, and other Conntries bordering thereupon, conquering and subjecting all to the Roman Empire. For which end he presently caused to be levied in several places ten thousand Horsemen, and sixteen Legions of chosen Footmen, and appointing the time wherein he intended to begin his Journey, he commanded them to repair to their Rendevouz. He sought also not only to subdue all Nations, but to correct and reform even nature it self: For he purposed to have made an Island of Peloponnesus (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 their new Channels, capable of bearing great Ships. He ordered the digging down and levelling many high Hills and Mountains, in Italy, and to dry up and drain 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, customs, and Offices. He re-edified 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 Days after ensued. A few men, and those unarmed bereft him of his Life, whom no former forces could resist. For five months only he lived as Soveraign Lord in Peace; when those in whom he reposed greatest trust conspired his Death.

p. 218Some say that Caesar 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, than live continually in fear. 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 hateful to the Romans: His Pride.and lastly, because he began to contemn others: For he used to say, that the Commonwealth was but a Voice and Name without a Body, or Substance; and that Sylla was a Fool for resigning his perpetual Dictatorship. All the whole Senate coming 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 incensed against the Tribunes that did it, that he deposed them from their Office:His dissimulation. And not long after, when Mark Anthony (who was his great favourite, and that year his fellow Consul) being at some publick Games, came to Caesar, and put a Crown 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 design his Death.

They were also father 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, Would 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,A Conspiracy against him. and such like reasons, there were seventy of the most eminent men in Rome that conspired to murther Caesar: of which the principal were Decius, Marcus Brutus, Caius Cassius, Gaius Casca, Attilius Cimber, Servius Galba, Quintus Ligarius, Marcus Spurius, &c. who, after divers 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 favours 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.His Death foretold. But there were so many signes and Prodigies, and to himself there happened so many fore-warnings, that (without knowing any cause) all men were of opinion that Caesars Death was near 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 she 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, p. 219and to put off the Senate to another day. But what God hath determined must come to pass; and therefore Brutus being present, advised him by no means to discover any such fear, and so he resolved to go.

Caesar 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 slain, what Death was best, Even that (quoth 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 do: but there came so many to speak to him, that he could make no farther progress, 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 presaged to be fatal 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 intrcat him to release a Brother of his from Banishment, and presently all the rest of the Conspirators drew near 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 aloud, What dost thou Traitor Casca? and wresting the Poyniard out of his hand, he arose and stabbed Casca through the Arm, and being about to strike him again, he was prevented by the many wounds which the others gave him, whilst 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? He is slain.And having so said, seeing so many weapons 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 settled his clothes 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.His Character. So in this manner died one of the most Mighty, Worthy, Valiant, Wise, and most successful Princes and Captains 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 Designs which he proposed to himself a little before he was slain, being all 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.

p. 220Caesar was thus slain 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 forty and two years before the Incarnation of our Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Caesar left behind him neither Son nor Daughter legitimate at that time of his Death: For though he had been four several times married, yet he had but one only Daughter, named Julia, that was married to Pompey, and died before him.His Will. Wherefore by his last Will, he adopted for his Son, and made his Heir in the Dodrant, that is, in nine parts of twelve of his goods, his Nephew Octavius Caesar, afterwards 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 slain, the news of it ran presently all over the City, and the tumult therein was so great, that no man knew what to do or say. All Offices ceased, the Temples were all shut up, and every man was amazed. Caesars Friends were afraid of those that slew him, and they as much feared his Friends, Brutus, 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 General 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 next night, Mark Anthony, and Lepidus (who took Caesars part) were in Arms, and there passed sundry messages, 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.

In the Senate they Treated of Peace and concord,Peace concluded. and that all that was past should be buried in perpetual oblivion; whereunto, Anthony who was Consul, and the whole Senate agreed: and the Provinces being divided, there was a great likelihood 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 hainousness 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 opportunity to incense the People against them: and Caesars Testament being opened, wherein (besides the adopting of his Nephew Octavius, and making him his Heir) besides other bequests, he bequeathed to the People of Rome, certain Gardens, and Lands near to the River of Tiber, and to every Citizen of Rome, certain Gardens, and Lands neer to the sum of mony to be divided amongst them, which being known, much encreased their love to Caesar, and made his death more grievous to them.

Caesars Funeral being agreed upon, his Body was burnt with great solemnity in the Field of Mars, and Mark Anthony made the Funeral Oration in his Praise, and took the Robe wherein Caesar was slain, being all bloody, and shewed it to the People, using such Speeches as provoked them both to wrath, and commiseration, so as before the Funeral solemnity was fully finished, they all depart in great fury,A tumult. taking Brands in their hands from the fire wherein Caesar was burned, and went to burn the Houses of Brutus, and Cassius, and if they could have found them, and the rest of the Conspirators, they would p. 221certainly have slain 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, into such fear, that they all sled from Rome into several parts: and though the Senate (having appeased the tumult) inflisted punishment upon some of the seditious, 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 died, and not one of them a natural death.

Caesar in his fifth and last Consulship made an Edict, that thanks should be returned to Hyrcanus, He favoured the Jews.the High-Priest and Prince of the Jews, and to the Nation of the Jews, 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 Jews, 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 esteemed it an honour to be called Caesars.