The Annals of the World, History 2 · 6 (continued) (15 of 15)

The Annals of the World · History 2 · 6 (continued) (15 of 15)

p. 670It seems not that he was at Athens on the Kalends of September, (which fell on the 17. day of the Julian June) for many things are reported to stay him in Asia, especially Pharnaces, saith Cicero ad Atticum. [lib. 11. epist. 24.] But Pharnaces being so suddenly conquered, (as it is in the Epitome of the 115. book of Livy) and all things so quickly dispatched, he came into Italy sooner than any one could imagine, as Hirtius observes in the end of his book of the Alexandrian war.

But Caesar came to Rome, just at the end of the year, in which he was designed Dictator, (which office had never before been annual) and was declared Consul for the next year. [Plutarch in Caesar.]

Pharnaces delivered over Synope to Domitius (Calvinus) who was left by Caesar to prosecute the war against him; and having accepted of peace; and dismissed him with his 1000 Horsemen, he killed their Horses; which their masters took much to heart: and then taking shipping, we read in Appian in Mithridatick, [pag. 254.] that he fled into Pontus, whereas it should have been said out of Pontus; for Synopa it self was in Pontus: and the same Appian in lib. 2. Bell. Civil. [pag. 485.] that Pharnaces fled back into the Kingdome of Bosphorus, that was delivered unto him by Pompey.

Herod the Perfect of Galilee, having taken Ezechius, a Jew, with many complices of his thievery, who had wont to make incursions into Syria in troups, and put him to death: which fact of his got him much favour with the Syrians, he then governed the Provice of Syria. [Joseph. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 8. & lib. Antiquit. cap. 17.]

Phasaelus, being stirred up in emulation of his brothers glory, got to himself the favour of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, by doing all publick businesses in his own person, and yet not abusing his power to the hurt of any: by which it came to passe that Antipater his father was reverenced by the whole Nation, as if he had been King; yet was his fidelity and good will neverthelesse to Hyrcanus. [Id. idem.]

Caesar undertaking an expedition against P. Scipio, Year of the World 3958 the father in law of Pompey the Great, M. Cato, and Jula, the King of Mauritania, upon the XIV. Kalends of January, came into Lilybaeum; and from thence on the VI. Kalends of January, taking shipping after four dayes, came within sight of Africa. [Hirt. in lib. de Bell. African.] Now the XIV. Kalends of January, fell at that time upon the 30. and last day of September, of the Julian account, the year before the institution, as the reckoning backwards of the long following year of 445. dayes, made in the Kalends of January, of the first Julian year will make manifest: which Plutarch and Dio not observing: he indeed hath related that Caesar crossed into Sicilia, foreign, about the winter Solstice, [in Caesare.) and the other that he went into Africa, foreign, in the middest of winter, [lib. 43.] but that he went into Africa before winter, even those words of Cicero [in lib. 2. de divination.] do sufficiently declare. Caesar, when he was advised that he should not go into Africa before winter, did he not go? nay, if he had not gone, all the forces of his adversaries had made their rendezvous in one place.

Upon the Kalends of January, (falling on the 13. day of the Julian October) Caesar incamped at a Town called Ruspina: the day before the Nones of January, (October 16.) after the third day that he landed in Africa, in a most sharp fight which lasted from five of the clock in the morning, till sun set: he overcame Labienus and Petreius: and the VI, Kalends of February, the sixth of the Julian November, he again beat the enemies army, under the commaud of Labienus and Scipio. [Hirtius.]

Dio in his 42 book notes, that Pharnaces, striving by force to enter into Bosphorus, was cast into prison, and put to death by Asander, which is more fully explained by Appian in his Mithridaticks, [pag. 254.] Thus Pharnaces having gathered together a p. 671band of Scythians and Sarmatians, seized upon Theudocia and Panticapeum: and when as he was made war upon by Asander, his Horsemen, being destitute of Horses, and not used so fight on foot, were overcome; onelyonly Pharnaces fighting valiantly, being now 50. years old, and wounded, was killed, after he had reigned fifteen years in Bosphorus, as Appian hath it, or rather seventeen years, which are the time that is reckoned from the murder of his father Mithridates.

Caecilius Bassus, of the order of Knighthood, who, flying from the battle of Pharsalia, after Pompey was overcome, kept himself private at Tyrus, whither also some of his own faction came unto him; and getting the favour to himself, both of these and them of Sextus, the Governour of Syria, his souldiers that came at diverse time for a guard of the City. Seeing there was much news brought of Caesars ill fortune in Africa: he, not being content with his present condition, began to make some innvations: but being apprehended for this by Sextus, before he was throughly provided, he said that he onelyonly raised forces to help Mithridates Pergamenus, to win Bosphorus, and so was dismissed upon the belief of this. [Dio. lib. 47.]

The noble men of the Jews seeing Antipater and his sons so highly advanced, both by the favour of the Nation, and by the monies of Hyrcanus, and by the revenues that they received out of Judea, began to stomack him: for now he had contracted friendship with the Roman Generals, and by perswading Hyrcanus to send mony unto them, he got to himself the credit of this present; as if he had sent it of his own treasure, and had not received it of Hyrcanus: which when Hyrcanus heard of, yet was he not moved therewith, but rather contented. But the violence and bold nature of Herod, who was desirous of the tyranny, did most of all terrifie the Princes of the Jews. For this cause therefore they addressed themselves to Hyrcanus, and now openly accused Antipater: but complaining most of all on Herod, because he had put to death Ezechias, with many others, without any commission received from Hyrcanus; in contempt of the laws, by which no man suffers, though never so wicked, unless he be first condemned by the Judges. The mothers also of them that were killed, every day did not cease to weary in the Temple with their continual exclamations, both the King and the people, desiring that Herod might be made to give an account of this his doing before the Sanhedrim. Wherefore Hyrcanus moved with these women, commanded Herod to be called before the Councel, and to plead his own cause. [Joseph. lib. 14. cap. 17.]

Herod, having ordered the affairs of Galilee as he thought best for himself, being forewarned of his father, that he should not come into the Counsel as a private person, he took with him a moderate, but yet a sufficient guard, least he should terrifie Hyrcanus, if he brought too many, nor leave himself unsecured from any danger from the judgement. When Herod therefore presented himself before the Sanbedrim in his royal robes, with his guard in arms, they were all astonished: neither durst any one of them that accused him being absent, speak a word against him, but all of them kept silence, not knowing what to do: then one of the councel called Sameas, a just man, and for this cause, not distracted with fear, (yet that old proverbe of the Hebrews sheweth that he was no hot spirited man, Be thou humble as Hillel, and not foreign angry as Samai) rrsing up, not onelyonly accused Herod of presumption and violence, but laid the fault upon the Judges, and the King himself, who had granted him so great a liberty: whom he pronounced should afterward, by the just judgement of God, be punished by Herod himself: which the event of the thing proved true, the Judges of that Councel, and Hyrcanus, being put to death by Herod when he was King: but Hyrcanus perceiving that the Judges were inclined to condemn Herod, put off the businesse till the nex day; and privately advised him to shift for himself: and so he departed to Damascus, as though he fled from the King: and presenting himself before Sextus Caesar, having secured his own affairs, he professed openly, That if he were again cited before the Judges, he would not appear: which they took in great disdain, and endeavoured to perswade Hyrcanus, that all these things tended to his destruction. [Id. ibid.]

Caesar being in Africa, The Julian Period. 4668 on the XII. Kalends of April, Year before Christ 46 (the 21 day of the Julian October) having mustered his army, the next day he brought out all his forces, and set them in battel array: but after he had even long enough invited his enemies to battle, and perceived they were not willing to fight, he brought his forces into their Camp again, [Hirt. de bell. Afric.]

Caecilius Bassus related out of the letters that he seigned, that he had received from Scipio, that Caesar was overcome, and dead in Africa, and that the government of Syria was committed to his charge: wherefore with those souldiers he had made for that purpose he seized upon Tyrus, and from thence marched towards Sextus his forces, by whom he was met and overcome, where he received a wound; wherefore he never after attempted any thing against him by main force. [Dio. lib. 47.]

p. 672Caesar the day before the Nones of April (the fourth day of the Julinan February) in the third watch of the night, went out of the Town Agar, and marching 16 miles that night, began to fortifie Thapsus that day: Where he in a memorable fight overcame Juba and Scipio; after which battle Cato laid violent hands on himself at Utica, [Hirt. de bell. Afric.]

Sextus Caesar, having received money, made Herod Governour of Coelosyria: Herod, taking it unpatiently that he was called before the Council, he led an army against Hyrcanus; but by the meeting and intreaties of his father Antipater, and brother Phasaelus, he was withheld from the inroding of Jerusalem, who strrived to appease him, and desired him, that being content to have afrighted them, he should indeed do hurt to none, nor that he should attempt any further against him that had raised him to that dignity: whose advice he obeyed, supposing he had done sufficient for his future hopes, that he had shewed to that Nation what power he was of, [Joseph. lib. 14. cap. 17.]

In Africa, Caesar is reported to have seen in his sleep, a great army calling him and weeping: and being moved with this dream, that he immediately put it into his books of Remembrances concerning the building of Carthage and Corinth, [Appian. in Lybicis. pag. 85.]

Hyrcanus by his Embassadours desired of Julius Caesar, that he would confirm the alliance and friendship that was between them, [Joseph. lib. 14. cap. 17.]

Caecilius Bassus, sending some of his party to Sextus Caesars souldiers, who should propound certain hopes to them, so associated them to himself, that having put Sextus to death, his own Legion came over to his side, [Id. ibid. Livy, lib. 114. Libo. apud Appian. lib. 3. de bell. civil. pag. 576. Dio. lib. 47.] although this story he reported by others after this manner. Sextus being a young man given to his pleasure, very unhandsomely carried about with him the Legion that Julius Caesar had left in Syria. Bassus to whom the care of the Legion was committed reprehending him for this, he sometimes reproachfully rejected: and one afterwards when at his call he but slowly obeyed, he commanded him to be brought by head and shoulders: in this tumult, they came to blows, and when as the army could not endure this insolence, they killed Sextus with their darts: but presently being sorry for what they had done, and afraid of Caesar, they made a conspiracy, that if there was not pardon granted them, and good assurance of it, they would fight it out to the last man; forcing also Bassus to become one of the conspiracy. After this they raised a new company, and accustomed them to the same exercises that they themselves used, [Appian. bell. civil. lib. 3. pag. 575, 576. & lib. 4. pag. 623.]

Bassus drew unto himself all the army, except a few who had wintered at Apamea, who having gone from thence into Cilicia before his coming, he in vain followed thither: and being returned into Syria, he is nominated Praetor, and fortified Apamea, that he might make that the seat of the war: all who were of full age, not onelyonly freemen, but servants also, he listed for the war: he coyned money, and made armes, [Dio. lib. 47.]

Caesar having finished the African War on the Ides of June, (the 14 day of the Julian April) took shipping at Utica, and after the third day came to Carales into Sardinia: from thence on the III Kalends of July (the 29 of the Julian April) going by shipping neer the shore, on the 28 day after (the 26 of the Julian May) because he was hindred by storms, he came to the City of Rome, [Hirt. in fin. lib. bell. Africa.]

Caesar Triumphed at Rome four times in the same monethmonth, but some dayes between: every one with diverse furniture and provision, [Sueton, in Julio, cap. 37.] The furniture of the Chariot for Gaule, was of Citron tree, for Pontus, of Brazell, for Alexandria, of Tortoyseshell, and for Africa of Ivory, [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 56.] In the Pontick Triumph amongst the Pageants and Shewes, he carried before him the Title of these three words, VENI, VIDI, VICI. I came, I saw, I overcame. Signifying not the acts atcheived by him, as other Conquerours, but the quick dispatch of this war, [Suetonius, ut supra.] In this, the flight of Pharnaces made the people laugh. The Alexandrian Triumph for Egypt was inserted in the middle between the Gallick and the Pontick: and in it the chance of Achillas and Photinus, was very plausible, [Appian. bell. civil. lib. 2. pag. 491.] But the chance of Arsinoe the Egyptian being a woman, and at that time accounted for a Queen, who was led among the captives, (which had never happened at Rome before) raised much pitty in the people; who yet after the Triumph, in favour of her kindred, was dismissed, [Dio. lib. 43.]

And her kindred, to wit, her elder sister Cleopatra, and younger brother Ptolemaeus, the husband of Cleoptra, came to Rome this year, being called thither by Caesar. Caesar appointed Cleopatra her lodging in his own house, and sent her away not p. 675without great honours and rewards, and cared not at all, although he were ill reported of for it. [id. ibid. Sueton. in Julio. cap. 52.] moreover also in the temple of Venus Genetrix, which he built, upon a vow he made, as the battle of Pharsalia was fighting, (which Dio confirmeth was this year dedieated by him) and even by Venus her side, Caesar set up the image of Cleopatra. [Appian. bell. civil. lib. 2. pag. 492.]

In Syria C. Antistius (Vetus) and others of Caesars captaines, coming against Caecilius Bassus with both horse and foot forces, shut him up in Apamea: to these the borderers that favoured Caesars party joyned themselves, amongst whom also Antipater, as well for the sake of that Caesar that was killed, as of him that was alive, because he was a friend to both: by his sons sent them aid, and seeing they had a long time fought it out with aequall advantage, and neither party could get the better of the other, by a truce confirmed by no articles of covenants, they suspended the war, for the providing of other auxiliaries, [Joseph. lib. 1. bell. cap. 8. sin. lib. 14. Antiquit cap. 17. fin. Dion. lib. 47.]

Mithridates Pergamenus again spoiled the temple of L…ucothea (in the country of the Moschi about the river Phases) which was formerly plundered by Pharnaces: [Strabo. lib. 11. pag, 498.] but as Pharnaces before, so how he endeavouring to seize upon Bosphorns, Asander, (falsly by Strabo called Casander and Lysander) overcame him: and so having removed both of them, he quietly enjoyed the Kingdome of Bosphorus. [id. ibid. pag. 495. & lib. 13. pag. 625.]

C. Julius Caesar being high Priest, in his third year and in the Consul-ship of M. Aemilius Lepidus, ordered the amendment of the Roman year, using therein the help of Sosigenes in Astronomicall matters, and of Flarius a Scribe in ordering the Kalendar, and whereas now there were 23 daies intercalated in the month of February; he moreover interposed between November and December, two other intercalary months of 67 daies. So that this present year had 15 months, and 445 daies. [Censorinus de dic. natali. cap. 8. Sueton. in Iulio. cap. 40. Pliny lib. 18. cap, 25. Dion. lib. 43. Macrob. lib. 1. Saturnal. cap. 14.]

The day before the former intercalary Kalends (the 26 day of the Julian September) Cicero made an oration before, Year of the World 3959 Caesar for Q. Ligatius. [lib. 6. ad fa…iliar. epist. 14.]

From the Kalends of January, The Julian Period. 4669 on which Caesar took upon him the fo…th Consulship, Year before Christ 45 the year is reckoned of the first Julian ordering, for from thence he appointed the beginning of the year ordained by him. [Censorin. ut supra.]

Caesar making war in Spain with Pompeys sons, on the XI Kalends of March won the town Aregna, and was called Emperour, when the Liberalia (called by foreign Plutarch in Caesare) were celebrated (on the XVI Kalends of Aprill, as is manifest out of the old Kalendar,) he got that memorable victory at the city Munda, in which battle there fell of the Pompeians about 30000 men, with the two generals Labienus and Atius Varus, and almost 3000 that were of the order of Knight-hood: of the Caesarians about a 1000 men, and about 500 wounded, after this young Cn. Pompeius being killed who had taken to himself the ensignes of the Consul and the government, his head was presented unto Caesar as he was marching to Hispales, the day before the Ides of Aprill, and openly shewed to the people. [Author commentariis de bell. Hispaniensi.]

The day before the Palilia, (on the XII Kalends of May) about evening the news of this victory was brought to Rome. [Dio. lib. 43.] and the day before the Kalends of May Caesar wrote a consolatory letter from Hispalis to M. Cicero, [Cicero. ad Attic. lib. 13. epist. 20.] for the death of his daughter Tullia: who after the divorce of her mother Terentia, at P. Lentulus his house died in childbed. [Ascon. Pedian. in orat. Pisonian. Plutarch. in Ciceron.] whenas her husband P. Cornelius Dolabella was in Spain with Caesar, as is perceived out of the second Philippick, and the 13 book of th… epistles to Atticus.

Caius Octavius the grandchild of his sister Julia accompanied Caesar in this war, being then 18 years old, who was alwaies lodged in the same house with him, and … waies rode in the same coach with him; he honoured this lad with the high Priesthood [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 59.]

King Dejotarus being in some trouble, sent Blesanius his Embassadour into Spain to Caesar, who by letters dated to him from Tarracon, bid him be of good hope and good courage. [Cicero pro Dejotaro.]

Whilst the war in Syria with Caecilius Bassus is prolonged L. Statius (in Velleius called Staius, and in Appian Sextius) Murcus (falsly by Josephus called Marcus) one that had been Praetour, being sent by Julius Caesar as successour of Sextus, came out of Italy with three companies: and is by Bassus valiantly repulsed. [Vellei. Paterc. lib 2. cap, 69. Joseph. lib. 1. bel. cap. 8. fin. lib. 14. Antiquit. cap. 17. fin. Appian. bell. civil. 3. pag. 576. &. lib. 4. pag. 623,] for the country furnished the army of Bassus, he had also many Princes of the Arabians, who were associated with him in this war, who held p. 674many fortified places hard by: amongst these places was Lysias, situate beyond the Lake, which is neer unto Apamea, and Arethusa, the country of Sampseranus, and of his lamblychus, (of whom Cicero makes mention in epist. 1. lib. 15. ad familiar) which Princes governed the nation of the Emisseni, Heliopolis and Chalcis also were nigh, which were under the command of Ptolomy, the son of Me…naeus, who also governed Marsya, and the mountanous places of the I…uraeans. [Strabo, lib. 26. pag. 753.]

Alchaudonius the Arabian (called Alchaedamus by Strabo) the King of the Rhambaean Nomades, who dwelt near Euphrates, who formerly had made a league with Lucullus, but afterwards had sent aids to the Parthians against Crassus, being called to assistance, both by Bassus and his enemies, went into Mesopotamia: but when he was come into a place that was between Apamea, and the Caesarians Camp, before he would give any answer to either party, he proposed that he would help them that gave most, and so joyned himself to Bassus, that gave most, and in the fight did much over-powerthe enemy by his archery. [Idem. ibid. Dion lib. 47.]

On the Ides of September, Caesar made his last Will and Testament in his own house at Laricum, & committed it to the keeping of the chief Vestal Virgin: in it he appointed three grand children of his sisters, his heirs C. Octavius of 3 fourth parts, (not of the half part only, as it is in Livy, lib. 116.) Lucius Pinarius, and Q. Pedius of the other fourth part: he adopted also C. Octavius, into his name and family. He named also many of his murderers for tutours to his sons, if he should chance to have any. He appointed also Decimus Brutus to be one of his second heirs in remainder. [Sueton in [Julio. cap. 83.] and M. Antonius, [Dio. lib. 44. Florus, lib. 4. cap. 4.] if those formermerly appointed, would not take upon them the inheritance. [Appian. bell, civil. lib. 2. pag. 518.]

In the monethmonth of October, Year of the World 3960 Caesar being now conquerour of all, entred Rome, and gave pardon to all that had born arms against him. [Vellei. Parcul. lib. 2. cap. 56.] And after he had performed the Triumph for Spain, in the beginning of this monethmonth, he quitted the Consulship, and by bringing in a new order of substituting honorary Consuls: he made Q. Fabius Maximus, and C. Trebonius Consuls for three moneths, [Dio. lib. 43. cum inscript. Gruteri. pag. CCXCVIII. init.] the former of whom being Consul, triumphed for Spain, on the III. Ides of October. [Ibid. pag. CCXCVII.] Whereupon, when as Chrysippus had seen in the Triumph of Caesar, the Ivory Towns carryed before him: and a few dayes after, the wodden ones of Fabius Maximus, he said they were but the cases of Caesars Towns. [Quintilian. lib. 6. cap. 4.]

Many and very great honours were by the Senate decreed unto Caesar, amongst which, that he should be perpetual Dictator: [Livy, lib. 116.] and moreover, that he should be named Emperour, [Sueton. in Julio. cap. 76.] not in that sense, in which both before and after, it was given to Generals for any victory they had obtained in the wars; but whereby the highest power and authority in the Common-wealth was signified, [Dio. lib. 43.] for it was granted unto him, that he alone should have Souldiers, and the command of the Militia, and that he alone should take charge of the publick monies, and that it should be lawful for no other to make use of either of them; and that all Magistrates should be subject to him, yea, even the Magistrates of the common people; and that they should swear that they would never insringe any of his decrees. [Id. ibid. & Appian lib. 2. Bell. Civil, pag. 194.] And from hence, even from this his last return into the City, Velleius Paterculus deduceth, His five moneths of his principal cessation. [lib. 2. cap. 56.]

Caesar had thoughts of repressing the Getae or Daci, who had made a great inrode into Pontus and Thracia, [Sueton. in Julio. cap. 44. Appian. lib. 2. pag. 497.] for the preparation of which expedition, he sent before Octavius, the son of Ariae, his sister Julias daughter, to Apollonia, that he might study there, and learn martial discipline; intending afterward to make him his fellow souldier in the Getick and Pontick war. [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 59. Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 8. Plutarch. in M. Brut. Appian. lib. 3. pag. 531. Dio. lib. 45.] and thither also came some Squadrons of Pergamus; whom now being very old, he carried with him out of the City thither, [Sueton. in Ostavio. cap. 89. cum Strabone. lib. 13. pag. 625.] and thither also came some Squadrons of Horse to him out of Macedonia, with whom he was exercised, where, by entertaining them courteously, he became very gracious with the army. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 531.]

Castor, a young man, incited by his father Suocondarius, (as Strabo calls him) and his mother, the daughter of King Dejotarus, went to Rome to accuse his grandfather: having corrupted the Kings servant and Phisitian, one Philip, with hopes and promises, that he should accuse his master, under a feigned crime of treason, as though p. 675he would have killed Caesar when he entertained him in his Tetrarchy, to whom the kings Embassadors Hieras, Blescenius, Antigonus, and Dorylaus, opposed themselves offering to Caesar their own bodies for the safety of the two kings, (the father and son who then reigned together) for him Cicero, in remembrance of their old friendship and familiarity, made an oration in Caesars house: using this as a preface, that it was so unusuall for a king to be guilty of treason, that it was never heard of before, but for this accusation, Dejotarus killed his daughter, together with her husband Cast or Su… condarius (that noble Chronographer) in Gorbrius the pallace of Castor himself. [Strabo. lib. 1… pag. 568.] concerning all this businesse famous Vossius (alas! our sometime dear friend) is to be consulted in the last chapter of his first book of Greek Historians.

Upon the Ides of December, Q. Pedius Triumphed for Spain, (the third that was within this three moneths space,) [Gruteri, Inscript. pag. CCXCVII.] in which (as before him Fabius had done) using wooden Pageants and not Ivory, caused much laughter, [Dio. lib. 43.]

The Parthians being by Caecilius Bassus called to his aid, came, but did not stay long with him by reason of winter, nor did any memorable thing. Thus Dio in [lib. 47.] notwithstanding by their coming, he was freed from that close siege with which he was straightned by Antistius Velus, as Velus himself confirmeth in his letters to Balbus: concerning which, Cicero thus, [lib. 14. ad Attic. epist. 9.] Balbus is here, and very much with me: to whom letters were delivered on the day before the Kalends of January from Vellus, whenas Caeilius was besieged by him, and was even ready to be tak…n: that Pacorus the Parthian came with great Forces, and so escaped him, with the losse of many of his men, for which be accuseth Volcatius. So it seems to me that that war is nigh at hand: but let Nicias and Dollabella look to it. As namely to whom the care of the Province of Syria, and of the Parthian War, after the death of Caesar, was committed: when Cicero wrote this Epistle.

At Rome, the day before the Kalends of January, Q. Fabius Maximus the Consul being dead, C. Caninius Rebilus demanded the Consulship of a few Towns, [Id. ibid. cum Plinio, lib. 7. cap. 53. Sucton, in Claudio. cap. 15. & Trabell Pollion. in XXX. Tyrannis.] concerning whom Cicero, to Curtius. [lib. 7. epist. 30. ad familiar.] Know that all the time that Caninius was Consul, there no body dined: yet there was no hurt done all the time that he was Consul: for he was of wonderful vigilance, as who never took sleep in his Consulship, [Vid. Macrob. lib. 2. Saturnal. cap. 3. & lib. 7. cap. 3.]

The next day Caesar took upon him his fifth and last Consulship: in which he made an Edict, that thanks should be returned to Hyrcanus 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 same Hyrcanus should have the City Jerusalem, and should wall it about, and govern it after his own will. He also granted to the Jews, that every second year there should a deduction be made out of their rents, and that they should be free from imposition and tributes: as is to be seen in the 14 book and 17 chapter of Josephus his Antiquities. So that the same Josephu… seems to be deceived, who in the former chapter declares, that Caesar being in Syni…, sent letters to Rome to the Consuls, that authority might be given to Hyrcanus to build the walls of Jerusalem that Po…pey had thrown down: and that presently after, Caesar departing out of Syria, Antipater fell to work about it; for that decree of the Senate that he puts down, doth not any thing at all belong either to this Hyrcanus, nor …o there building of the walls of Jerusalem: as we have formerly observed at the year of the World 3877. concerning which also Salianus is to be consulted with, at the year of the World 4007 num. 36, 37.

In the same fifth Consulship, in the second Julian year, the monethmonth Quintilis is called July, in honour of Julius Caesar, M. Antonius his Colleague in the Consulship preferring this law, because Julius was born on the fourth▪ Ides of Quintilis in this monethmonth, [Appian. bell. civil. lib. 2. pag. 494. Dio. lib. 44. Censorin. de die …, cap. 9. M…crab…us, lib. 2. …. cap. 12.] Whereupon, whereas in the following monethmonth of Se…ilis, M. Brut…, who was the City Praetor, and was to set forth the Apolli…ari…n Plr…es, after the Caesar was murdered by him, he wrote Nonis Jul…, the Nones of July. Cicero, wrote to his friend Articus, [lib. 16. epist. 1.] I could be angry an whole day: could any thing be more base, than for Brutus to write Jul…? and Brutius being …dmonished of this by him, said, that he would write that the hunting that was to be … day after the Apollinarian Playes, they should set down to be on the III Ides of Q…intilis, [ibid. epist. 4.]

Caesar rebuilt Carthage and Corinth, which were demolished both at one time, (as hath been formerly said at the year of the World 3858.) by bringing Roman Colonies thither, [Di…. lib. 43. Strabo▪ lib. 8. pag. 38…, & lib. …7. pag. 833.] which concerning Corinth, … in Cori…thiacis, and Solinus, concerning Carthage, cap. 30.] p. 676and Appian at the end of his Lybicorum do so far confirm, that they agree, that between the overthrow and rebuilding of Carthage, there passed an 102 years: which space of time brings us just to this year, on which the Consulship of M. Antonius and P. Dolabella, whom Solinus here nameth, fell. So that Appian lesse considerately signified, that these Cities were again rebuilt by Augustus Caesar.

At this time a great desire took the people of Rome to revenge the death of Crassus and the army that he lost, and hopes of utterly conquering the Parthians: whereupon this war by general consent was decreed to Caesar, and they very earnestly made preparation for it. And among other things that were done in prosecution of that war, and that both Caesar might have officers enough with him, and also that in his absence, lest that the City should be left destitute of Magistrate, neither if the city should chuse them there should be any new stirs again, they intended to appoint magistrates before hand for the whole three years, (for so long they thought that that war might last) half of these Caesar chose, as indeed was by the law granted unto him, (concerning which law Suetonius is to be consulted) and in truth all the rest. [Dio. lib. 43.]

But minding first to set upon the Ge…ae, or Daci, he sent before him over the Adriatick sea, sixteen Legions, and 10000 horse, and then to make war upon the Parthians, through Armenia the l…s…e, and not to come to a s…t battle, till he had tried what they could do. [Sueton. in Iulio. cap. 44. Appian. lib. 2. pag. 497.]

Caesar sent Cornificius to make war in Syria against Caecilius Bassus, and gave unto him the province of Syria. [Cicero. lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 18. 19.] but whilst the Legions were to be conducted to him, the murder of Caesar happened: after which that province was assigned to P. Cornelius Dolabella the Consul, and (as we shall see) old Africa was given to Cornificius [Cicero. ibid. epist. 19. 21. Appian. lib. 4. pag. 620. 621.]

Caesar committed the charg and command of three Legions that he had left in Alexandria …o Rufinus the son of a freed man of his, who was an old ca…amite of his own. [Su…ton. …n Iulio. cap. 76.]

On the VII Ka…en…s of February, Caesar entred the City in an Oration from the mount Albanus. [Inscript. Gruteri. pag. CCXCVII.] for it was decreed that in the performance of the Latine Feriae he should be thus brought into the city. [Dio. lib. 44.]

When some had saluted him King, as he was returning from the sacrifice of the Latine Feriae, and going into the city from the mount Albanus, he being offended that the people took it ill, answered them, that he was Caesar and not a King, and when they all held their peace, he went along by them very sad and melancholy, and when one of the company had put a lawrell crown tied with a white ribbon, (which was that that they used to do to their Kings,) upon his statue; Epidius Marcellus and Caesilius Flarus commanded the crown to be untied, and the man to be had to prison, but Caesar grieving that the mention of a kingdom went not on very prosperously, or that the glory of denying it was taken from him, he severely child the Tribun…s, and deprived them of their office. [Sueton. in Iul…o. cap. 79. Plutarch. in eodem, Dio. lib. 41. Livy. lib. 116. Appian. lib. 2. bell, civil. pag. 495. 496.]

On the Lupercalia (which the old Kalender shews were celebrated on the 15 day of February) M. Antonius his Colleague in the Consul-ship, being naked, came running amongst those that celebrated the feast, and falling down before Caesar, who sate in the Rostra, in his golden chain, cloathed in purple and crowned, and presented him with a diadem, in the name of the people of Rome, which being twice put on his head by him, Caesar took off again and laid in his golden chair, and answered, that Jupiter only was the King of the Romans, and sending the Diadem into the Capitoll to Jupiter, demmanded that it should be written in the records: That at the Lupercalia, Marcus Antonius the Consul, offered a Kingdome to Caesar the Dictatour, but he would not make use of it: whereupon he came into suspicion, that this was but a trick between them, and that indeed he did desire the name of King, but that he would fain be forced to take i…, idem …b…d… Cicero. in Philip, 2. 3. 8. 13. Vellei Patercul. lib, 2. cap. 56. Plutarch, in Antonio, Cassador. in Chronico.]

After this there was a rumour went about, either true or false, (as fables use to be made) That the Priest called Quindecimviri found in the Sybils book, that the Parthians might be overcome by the Romans, if a King were Generall, otherwise they were unconquerable, and thereupon that L. Cotta, one of the Quindecimviri, should in the next Senate preferre a law, that Caesar should be stiled King, and some were of opinion that he ought to be stiled either Dictatour or Emperour of the Romans, or any other name that sounded more plausible than the name of Kings: but that of all other nations that were under the command of the Romans, he should positively be stiled King. [Sueton. Plutarch, Dion, ut supra Appian, pag. 497.] whither also is to be referred that of Cicero [in lib. 2. de divinat.] We observe the Sybils verses, which she is p. 677reported in a fury to have uttered, whose interpreter (L. Cotta) was of late though to speak some false things meerly out of mens report, as though that he that we have now for King already, must be called King, if we will be secure.

Caesar provided by all means to get him out of the City as soon he could, where he began to be hardly thought of: but four dayes before he intended to go, he was stabbed in the Senate. [Appian. pag. 497.] There was in this conspiracy about 60. Senatours and Knights of Rome, as is reported, [Sueton. in Julio. cap. 80. Eutrop. lib. 6. fin. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 17.] the chief of which were M. Brutus, and C. Triboniu…, and C. Cassius, and of Caesars party D…cimus Brutus, [Livy, lib. 116.] when as therefore Caesar was come into the Senate house, with an intention to advance the Parthian war; there the Senatours stabbed him as he sare in the Ivory chair, and he was slain with three and twenty wounds, [Id. ibid. Florus, lib. 4. Histor. Rom. cap. 2. fin.] on the Ides of March, in the fifty sixth year of his age. [Sueton. in Julio. cap. 81, 88, 91. Plutarch in eodem. & Appian. lib. 2. bell. civ. l. pag. 522.]

Thus he who had fought in fifty set battles, and had killed a thousand one hundred ninety two thousand men in battles, (as Pliny relates. lib. 7. cap. 25.] in that Senate; the most part whereof he had chosen himself, in Pompey's Court, before the image of Pompey himself; so many of his own Centurions looking on, he so fell by the hands of the most noble Citizens, and those too, most of them advanced very much by himself, so that not onelyonly none of his friends, but that not so much as any of his servants could come at his body. [Cicero, lib. 2. de divinatione.]

P. Cornelius Dolabella, being but twenty five years old, who was by Caesar himself, when he was to go out of the City, designed Consul in his own room, for the rest of the years: whereas he snatched up the fasces, and the consular ensignes, came before them all, and vilely reproached the authour of his dignity; and as some deliver, preferred a Law, that that day might be accounted as the birth day of the City. [Appian. lib. 2. Bell. Civil: pag. 505, 506. cum Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 58.]

The third day after the murder of Caesar, (as Cicero hath it in his Philippicks) whereas the Liberalia were celebrated, (as is gathered out of the fourteenth book, ad Atticum. epist. 10. & 16.) that is, on the XVI. Kalends of April, the Senate being called into the Temple of Tellus, whereas the Consul Antonius, Plancos, and Cicero had discoursed concerning an act of oblivion, and a peace; It was decreed, that the memory of all iniuries might be blotted out, and that a firm peace might be settled among the Citizens, and that Caesars acts might be ratified, [Cicero, Philippick. 1. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 58. Plutarch in Cicerone. Bruto. & Antonio. Appian. lib. 2. D…o. lib. 44.]

And upon the very day first of all (as it is in the Philippick 1.) M. Antonius, laying aside all enmities, was willing that Dolabella should be his Colleague in the Consulship, although when as formerly Caesar shewed himself, that he had a mind, before he left the City, that he should be Consul, he vehemently opposed it, as Cicero declareth in Philippick 2. and Plutarch in Anto.) For at the first he had determined not to admit him to the Consulship, as being yet too young; but for fear he should make any sedition, he suffered him to be his Colleague. D…o. lib. 44.]

The next day the Senate meeting again, decreed Provinces for the murderers of Caesar; as Creta to M. Brutus, to Cassius Africa, to Trebonus Asia, to Cimber Bithinia, and to Decimus Brutus, Gallia Circumpana. [Plutarch in M. Bruto.]

Of these the two former were Praetors of the city, who seeing they thought it unhandsome, ambitiously to seize upon Provinces before the time of their Magistracy was out; and when they also saw it was not safe for them to exercise any jurisdictions in the City, they determined to passe over the rest of the year in Italy as private men: which when the Senate understood, they appointed them to be Overseers for the bringing in of corn into the City, [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 530.] that Brutus should take charge of sending corn to the City out of Asia, and Cassius out of Sicilia, but Cassius scorned this office. [Cicero. ad Attic. lib. 15. epist. 9, 11, 12.]

Some had a plot, that there should be a private bank raised for them that killed Caesar, from the Roman Knights; and they thought that this might be easily compassed, if the chief of them would bring in their monies. Whereupon Atticus is called upon by Flavius, a familiar friend of Brutus, that he would be the chief in this businesse: but he that alwayes thought of doing his friend courtesies, without any faction answered, That if Brutus had any mind to make use of his estate, let him use as much as his estate would bear; but that himself would not so much as speak with any about this matter, nor joyne with them in it, and so the whole plot of the consenters was spoiled by one mans dissent. [Cornel. Nepos in Vita. Attici.]

p. 678In the Temple of Castor, some letters of the names of the Consuls Antonius and Dolabella were strucken down with lightning: by which Julius Obsequens, in lib. de Prodigiis, saith that their alienation from their country was signified.

The Consul Antonius perswaded his Colleague Dolabella, as one that was an ambitious young man, that he should demand to be sent into Syria, and to the army that was raised against the Parthians: and brought it to passe that the Province of Syria fell to him by the vot…s of the people, and also the Parthian war, and the Legions that were appointed by Caesar for that purpose, together with those that were sent before into Macedonia: and he then of the Senate obtained Macedonia, (thus left naked without an army) [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 530, 531, & 550.]

Cicero fearing Antonius his power, determined at first to go with Dolabella into Syria, as his Lieutenant, [Plutarch, in Cicerone.] the IIII Nones of April there was a free Lieutenancy granted him, that he might enter upon it and have it when he would himself, [Cicero, ad Attic. lib. 15. epist. 12.] But being perswaded by Hirtius and Pansa who were designed Consuls for the next year, he changed his opinion: and leaving Dolabella, he resolved to spend the Summer at Athens, [Plut. ut supr.] to take his journey into Greece before the time that the Olympian Games were celebrated, [Cicero, ad Attic. lib. 15. epist. 24. & lib. 16. epist. 7.] and in this very year, was the 184 Olympiade was celebrated.

Octavius in the sixth monethmonth after he was come to Apollonia, having received the news of his Uncles death, passed out of Epirus into Italy, where at Brundusium being received by the army that went to meet him as Caesars son, without any further delay, he immediately assumed the name of Caesar, and took upon him to be his heir, (and so much the rather, because he had brought with him great store of money, and great forces that were sent him by Caesar.) And so at Brundusium adopting himself into the Julian Families, he henceforth called himself Caius Julius Caesar Octavius, instead of Caius Octavius, [Livy, lib. 117. Julius Obsequens de Prodiglis, Appian. lib. 3. pag. 531, 532. Dion. lib. 45.]

To this very name, no otherwise then to the true son, there came great store, partly of friends, partly of freed men and slaves, and with them of souldiers also, who either carried provision and money into Macedonia, or brought the tributes and other monies that they had exacted from the Provinces to Brundusium; he then being more strengthened and emboldened by the multitude of them that flocked to him, and by the authority of the Caesarean name in great reputation with the common people, he took his journey towards the city, with no contemptible Traine, and which daily encreased like a floud, [Appian. ibid. pag. 532, 533.]

On the XIIII Kalends of May, Octavius came to Naples, and the next day at Cumae he gave Cicero a visit, [Cicero, lib. 14. ad Attic. epist. 10.] of which, thus Cicero himself in an Epistle to Atticus, written X Kalends, [ibid. epist. 12.] Octavius was with us, very nobly and friendly, his own followers saluted him by the name of Casar, but Philip would not: for it stood not with the good liking of his mother Atia, and his father in law Philip, that he should take upon him the name of the envyed fortune of Caesar: as we read in Velleius Paterculus, [lib. 2. cap. 60. Succon, Octavie, cap. 8. Appian. lib. 3. pag. 532, 533.]

There met Octavius as he was coming to Rome, a vast company of his friends; and when he entred the city, the Globe of the Sun seemed upon his head, equally bent and rounded like a bow, (as it were putting a Crown upon the head of him that hereafter was to be so great a man) thus Velleius, [lib. 2. cap. 59. and Iulius Obsequens de Prodigiis.] When as he entred the City with a great multitude about him, the Sun being included in the round of a pure and unclouded skie, compassed him about, with the utmost part of the circle, (as the Rainbow is wont to be bent in the cloudes) to wit, a circle of divers colours, as is wont to be in the Rainbow, did at that time compasse about the Sun; as it is in Seneca, [Natural. Quaestion. lib. 1. cap. 2. Plinie, lib. 2. cap. 28. Sueton, in Octavio. cap. 95. Dion. lib. 45. and Oros. lib. 6. cap. 20.]

Octavius calling together his friends, over night commanded them all to be ready the next morning with good store of followers to meet him in the Market-place: where going to Caius the brother of Antonius the city Praetor, he told him he did accept of his adoption; for it was the Roman custom in an adoption, to interpose the authority of the Praetor: which acceptance being registred by the Scribes, he, immediately from the Market-place, went unto Antonius the Consul, [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 534.] whom the Consul entertained proudly, (but this was not contempt but fear) and scarcely admitting him into Pompeys Gardens, gave him … to speak with him, [Velles. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 60.]

The Circensian Playes were neglected which were decreed to be solemnized for the honour of Caesar in the Palilia, (XI Kalends of may) because the news of his Victory in Spain was brought to Rome the day before that day, [Dio. lib. 44. & 45.] p. 679but Quinctus and Lamia wore Crowns there for Caesars honours sake, [Cicer, lib. 14. ad A…ticum, epist. 16. & 22.]

When as the murderers of Caesar were sent into the Provinces, that fell to them by lot, (as Dio hath it in lib. 44.) Caius Trebonius went into his Province by By-ways, [Cicero, lib. 14. ad Attic. epist. 10.] to succeed Q. Philippus in the Proconsulate of Asia, [lib. 13. ad familiar. epist. 73. & 74. collat. with epist. 43. & 45.] With him went Patiscu…, as ordinary Proquestour: but P. Lentulus the son of Puolius Lentuius Spinther was by the Senate sent into Asia as extraordinary in that office, to gather in the trib…te, and to …aise money, [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 14, 15.]

XI Kalends of June, Trebonius came to Athens, and there finding young Cicero earnestly at his study under Cratippus, he invited them both into his Province of Asia: as he himself tells in his letters to his father, dated the VII Kalends of June, [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 16.] to which his father Cicero answers in lib. 15. in the last epist. to his familiars.

IV Nones of June, there was a law made, that the Consuls should take cognizance of those things that Caesar had ordained, decreed, and done, [Cicero, ad Attic. lib. 16. epist. 18.]

Antonius, after it was committed to him to overs…e and execute those things that Caesar had commanded to be done, what by corrupting the notes, and changing them at his pleasure, did every thing as it pleased him, as if it were by the appointment of Caesar, gratifying by this means Cities and Governours, and heaping to himself vast sums of money; for he sold not onelyonly fields and tributes, but freedoms also, even of the City of Rome, and other immunities: and that not onelyonly to particular persons, but to whole Provinces, and all people; and of these things there were tables hung up over all the capitol, [Cicero, in Philippica. 2. & lib. 2. ad familiar. epist. 1. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 60. Plutarch, in Antonio. Appian. lib. 3, pag. 529. Dio. lib. 44.] in one of which, the richest cities of the Cretians were freed from tributes, and it was ordained that after the Proconsulate of Brutus Creete should be no longer a Province, [Cicero, ibid.] Antonius also having received a great sum of money fixed up a Register also, as if the law had been made by Caesar, that the Sicilians should be made citizens of Rome, [Id. lib. 14. ad Attic. epist. 12.]

King Dejoratus, as soon as he heard of Caesars death, recovered all things that were taken from him of his own accord, notwithstanding his Embassadours being fearful and unskilful, without the consent of the rest of the Kings friends, by a bond given to Fulvia of 100000 Sesterces, got a decree fixed in the Capitol, by which all things were ridiculously feigned as if they were restored by Caesar himself, [Id. ibid. & in 2. Philippic.]

When as there were Playes to be set forth to Caesars Victory the XIII of August (as appears in the old Kalender in Gruterus his inscriptions pag. CXXXIII) and they not daring to do it to whose office it did belong, Octavius set them forth himself, [Sueton. in Octavio, cap. 10.] And when as he had committed the care for the prepartions for them to C. Matius, a most learned man; who gives this reason to Cicero, [lib. 11. ad familiar, epist. 27. & ad Attic. epist. 2.] not approving it. I have taken care for the Playes that young Caesar made to the Victory of Caesar, but it belonged to my private service to him, and not to the state of the commonwealth: which service yet I ought to perform to the memory and honour of my chiefest friend, although now dead; neither could I deny it at the request of that hopeful young man, and most worthy Caesar.

And hither are to be referred those things in the 45 Book of Dio; foreign. They did sacrifice with certain processions on a particular day consecrated to him for his Victories: and that it was formerly decreed to have been so, Appian in 2 book of the civil wars, [pag. 494.] and in lib. 43. Dion himself confirms; that those dayes should be celebrated with solemn sacrifices on which he obtained his Victories. It seems that the commemoration of all the Victories he had obtained were summed up on this one day consecrated for his victorial Sacrifices: for that of Lucan in the beginning of the seventh book shews, that the day of the Victory of Pharsalia, the most famous of all the rest, was not particularly reckoned among the Feast dayes.

Tempora signavit leviorum Roma malorum,

Hunc voluit nescire diem.

Rome hath oft celebrated times lesse dire;

But this would in oblivion have retire.

p. 680M. B…utus and Caius Cassius privately by letters advise Trebonins in Asia, and Tullius Cimber in Bythinia, that they should secratly gather up mony, & consider of an army. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 529, 530.] which advice Cimber obeying provided also a navy. [Cassius. ad Ciccron. lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 13.] It was that drunken Cimber, whom Seneca relates, in epist. 83. that he made this jest upon himself; Ego quemquam feram, qui vinum ferre non possum? Am I able to deal with any one, who cannot bear Wine.

Caesar Octavianus being nineteen years old, by his own advice, and at his own charge, gathered an army; as he himself shews in the Breviary of his Affairs, ingraven in the Ancyran Marble, [Inscript. Gruter. pag. CCXXX.) before the day of the XI. Kalends, to wit of October, in which he was entering into his twentieth year of his age; for before the departure of Antonius from the City, (which happened in the following October) he being commended to the Senate by the means of Cicero, and others that hated Antonius, he endeavoured to get the favour of the people, and to gather an army, [Plutarch in Antonio.] and preparing forces against Antonius, both for his own safty, and the Common-wealths, he stirred up the old Souldiers that were sent into Colonies, [Livy, lib. 117.] concerning which Florus speaks. Octavius Caesar pitied for his youth, and wrongs, and gracious for the majesty of that name, that he had assumed calling the old Souldiers to arms, he being a private person, then (who would believe it?) sets upon the Consul: thus he, [lib. 4. cap. 4.] where yet he doth not right in making him but eighteen years old: as neither Dio which writes that he was 18. years old when he assumed the name, and took upon him as Caesars heire. [lib. 45. pag. 271.] Neither is it accurately enough said of Seneca, [lib. 1. de clementia, cap. 9.] That he was newly out of his eighteenth year, or of Velleius Paterculus, That he was entred on his nineteenth year, for Paterculus saith, C. Caesar being e…tred on his nineteenth year; during wonderful things, and attaining the highest by his own advice, had a greater mind for the safty of the Commonwealth, than the Senate had. [lib. 2. cap. 61.] For when he began to provide an army, he was almost out of his nineteenth year of his age; and from that time, even to his death, there is reckoned 57 years, and so many also doth Maximus the Monck, in his computation assign to his government.

Here Antonius being afraid, hath a conference with him in the Capitol, and they are reconciled. The same night in his sleep, his right hand seemed to be strook with lightning: and a few dayes dayes after it was secretly whispered unto him, That Caesar sought to betray him; and when he would not belive Caesar that sought to clear himself, their old enmity brake out again. [Plutarch in Antonio.]

Antonius supposing that he had need of greater forces, and knowing that the Legions of Macedonia, were the best souldiers, and more in number, (for they were six Legions) and that with them there was a great band of archers, and light harnessed men, and horsemen also, and all in excellent equipage, which seemed to belong to Dolabella, because the Parthian▪ war was decreed to him, when Caesar made preparation against the Parthians. These he thought to draw to himself, because for the neernesse they might presently be in Italy, by crossing the Adriatick sea: and when as there was a false rumour spread abroad, that the G…tae hearing of the death of Caesar, wasted Macedonia by their inrodes. Antonius demanded an army of the Senate, that he might be revenged of the enemy, saying, That the Macedonian army was raised by Caesar against the Ge…ae, before he determined to set upon the Parthians, and that all things were now quiet towards the bounds of Parthia. At length having agreed to deliver one Legion over to Dolobella, he is chosen General of the Macedonian army. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 541, 542.] He obtained also by a law made by force the change of Provinces, that C. Antonius his brother should challenge Macedonia, which Province fell to Marcus Brutus lot, and the Consul Marcus Antonius should have Gallia Cisalpina, that was assigned to Decimus Brutus, together with the Macedonian army, which was sent before by Cesar to Apollonia. [Dio. lib. 45. cum Livy, lib. 117. & Appian. lib. 3. pag. 543, 545, 546.]

It was reported that the Legions of Alexandria were in arms, that Bassus was sent for out of Syria, and Cassius was expected, [Cicero. ad Attic. lib. 15. epist. 13.]

The time of the playes being come, which Critonius the Edile was to set forth; Cesar provided for his father a golden chaire and a crown: which thing was ordered by the decree of the Senate to be done for ever in all playes: and whereas Critonius …emed that ever he would suffer Cesar to be honoured in those playes that he set forth at his own private charge: Cesar was brought before Antonius, as unto the Consul; the Consul told him that he would propose it to the Senate, propose it (quoth he) and in the mean time I will provide the chair: which Antonius being exasperated, forbad; neither content with this, but forbad it also, in the following playes, that Cesar solemnized, and were instituted in honour of their mother Venus, when a Temple in the p. 681market-place was dedicated to him, and also the market-place it self: which fact of Antonius was entertained with publick hatred. [Appian. ibid. pag. 543, 544.]

On the VI. Kalends of October, in the Marble piece of the old Kalendar, [in Inscript. Gruter. pag. CXXXV. fin. conferred with another whole one. pag. CXXXIII.] it is there marked. VENERI. GENETRI. CIIN. FORO. CAESAR. On that day therefore Octavianus, to gain the peoples favour, made those playes, that were instituted for the finishing of Venus Temple, at his own charges, as pertaining to him by reason he came from that stock, and which some, during Cesars life time, had undertook that they would solemnize, but yet neglected them. [Dio. lib. 45.] which whilest he was setting fourth, Seneca teacheth that a Comet suddenly brake forth, [in Natural. quaestion. lib. 7. cap. 17. Sueton. in Julio. cap. 88. & Pliny, lib. 2. cap. 25.] where he relates these words of Octavius himself. In the very dayes of my Playes there was a Comet seen seven dayes together, in the North part of the Heaven: it arose about the eleventh hour of the day; it was clear, and conspicious in all lands: the people generally thought that by this star was signified Caesars soul to be received into the number of the gods: and under that notion was that mark added to the image of his head, that we newly consecrated in the market-place: which is also to be seen in some coins that were stamped after his death, with the inscription DIVI JULII. and signified in that of Virgil, Thy fathers star appeared in the North. [Aeneid. 8.]

The VII. Ides of October, Year of the World 3961 Antonius came to Brudusium, going to meet four of the Macedonian Legions (of five) that he thought to get to himself by mony. [Cicero. lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 23. with Appian. lib. 3. pag. 552. 554. & Dion. lib, 45. pag. 276. edit. Graecolatin. Hannoviensis.] And which, being granted him by the Senate and people of Rome, against the Getae, he transported into Italy, [Vellet. Patercul. lib, 2. cap. 61. with Appian. lib. 3. pag. 543, 546. & 556. fin.]

Thither also Octavianus sent his friends with mony, to hire those souldiers for himself. [Dio. ut supra.] But he himself posted into Campania, to ingage those souldiers that his father had sent into Colonies, to war on his side; and first he drew to his party the old Souldiers of Galatia: then those of Casilinum, which lay on both sides of Capua, and, bestowing upon each of them five hundred pence, (which Appian and Dio, after the custom of the Greeks, render drachmes) he gathered together about 10000 men, but neither well armed, nor marshalled into companies, and marched with them under one Ensigne as a guard. [Cicero, lib. 16. ad Attic. epist. 8. & Philippick. 3. Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 61. Appian. lib. 3. pag. 552, 553.] And upon these was the name of the Evocati first put; because that when they had had leave to serve no more in the wars, they were again called to it. [Servius Galba ad Ciceron. in lib. 10. ad familar. epist. 30. Dio. lib. 45. pag. 276. & lib. 55. pag. 565.]

In the mean while the four Legions of Macedonia, accusing Antonius for his delay in revenging Caesars death upon the murderers, without any acclamations conducted him to the Tribunal, as if they would hear an account of this businesse, before any thing. This silence of theirs he took ill, neither could he contain himself, but upbraided them with their ingratitude, because they did not acknowledge how much better it was to go into Italy, than into Parthia, neither shewed any token of thankfulnesse. He complained moreover, That they had not brought to him some disturbers of the peace, that were sent from that malapert young man (for so he called Caesar) but that he shall find them out; and that he would march with the army to the Province that was decreed him by the Senate, even that fortunate Gallia, and that he would give to every one, then present, 100 drachmes, or pence. This niggardlinesse of his in promising, was entertained with laughter; which when he took ill, he was deserted, and the tumult increased. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 554. with Dion. lib. 45. pag. 276. & Cicero. lib. 16. ad Attic. epist. 8.]

When Antonius had demanded the seditious of the Tribunes, according to the discipline of war, he drew out the tenth man by lot, but neither did he punish them all, but onelyonly part of them, thinking to terrifie them by little and little. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 554, 555.] Also in the house of his host, in the day of Brundusium, in the presence of his not onelyonly most covetous, but most cruel wife Fulvia, he put to death some Centurions, called out of the Martian Legion. [Cicero. Philippic. 3, 5, 13. Di… lib. 45. pag. 276.]

When those of Caesars party that were sent to corrupt them, saw that they were more provoked by this deed, they scattered libels about the army, calling … mind the memory of Caesar, in respect of the Businesse and cruelty of Antonius, and inviting them to the liberality of the young man: and whenas the Consul had propounded rewards to them that would tell him of them, and punishments to the concealers; he took it ill that none were discovered, as if the army did defend them, [Appian. pag. 555.]

p. 682When Caesar Octavianus came to have office, and had endeavoured to assure the people to himself, M, Brutus and Caius Cassius, both casting off all hope of holding the state of a popular commonwealth, and also being afraid of Caesar, set saile out of Italy, and landed at Athens, when they were magnificently entertained, [thus Dio. lib. 47. pag. 238. 239.] Cornelius Nepos in the life of Atticus writes that they, when Antonsus began to have the upper hand, casting of all care of those provinces that were given them by the Consuls, went into exile: and now both fearing the armes of Antonius, and now again to encrease the envy they had against Antonius, they feigned as though they feared, and protested by their edicts, that they would willingly live in perpetuall exile, as long as the commonwealth was in peace, neither would they give any occasion of civill war; Velleius Patercu…s tells that they went out of Italy. [lib. 2. cap. 62.]

When some went to Octavianus his side, and some to Antonius his party, the armies as if they had been set to sale at an outcry addicted themselves to him that would give most. Brutus intended to leave Italy, and through Lucania came by land to the sea at Elea, from whence setting saile he came to Athens, where being scholler to Theomnestas the Academick, and to Cratippus the Peripatetick (the Mitylenian) and together with them following his study, he seemed to give over all business and to live in idlenesse, whenas notwithstanding he prepared for the war; [Plutarch. in Bruto. Cicero in Philippic. 10.] declares that the navy of Cassius within few daies overtook Brutus.

Brutus Cassius determined by force to invade Macedonia, and Syria as assigned before to them, to Dolabella and Antonius, which consultation as soon as it was detected; Dolabella hasted into Syria, visiting Asia by the way, to gather mony from thence. So Appianus [de bellis civilibus lib. 3. pag. 541,] for he thought (as also before him Florus lib, 4, cap. 7.) that Macedonia was decreed by Julius Caesar (before he was killed by them) to Brutus, and Syria to Cassius, and that there were other lesser granted to them, in the place of those that were afterwards taken from them by the Consuls, to wit Cyrene and the Isle of Cre…e, or as some write both these to Cassius, and Bithinia to Brutus, but that they contemned these and gathered an army and mony with an intent to invade Syria and Macedonia. [Appian. lib. pag. 527. 530, 531. 533. 536. 550, & lib. 4. pag. 622.]

But that Syria was appointed by Julius Caesar to Cornificius, we learn from Cicero and the fourth day after his murther that Crete was decreed by the Senate to Brutus, and Africa to Cassius, we have heard formerly out of Plutarch, whereupon in Philippic. XI. Cicero saith of Brutus. Neither went he into his own province of Crete, but hasted into Macedonia which was anothers; and of Cassius he obeyed the law of nature, when he went into Syria, anothers province indeed of men would use writen laws, but these being violated, his own by the law of nature. Velleius Paterculus confirmeth' that they, both of them, seized upon provinces without any decree of the Senate, or publick authority. [lib. 2, cap. 62.] and of both of them living at Athen, Dio thus writes, [lib, 47. pag, 339.] when they heard that Caesar encreased in strength, Crete and Bithynia (for thither were they sent) being neglected, because they thought that these provinces would stand them in small stead, they set their mind upon Syria and Macedonia, indeed nothing belonging to them, but that at that time they flourished both in men and mony.

Dolabella making his journy through Achaia, Macedonia, and Thrace, came too late into Asia, but in Achaia having both foot and horse, he met Vetus Antestius, who having returned from Syria, had dismissed his army, (which he had lately used against Caecilius Bassus) when he had rather undergo any danger than to seem to give either upon compulsion, or willingly any mony to Dolabella. [Dio, lib. 47, pag, 344. & Brutus in lib. Ciceronis ad Brutum epist, 1.]

On the Kalends of November, letters were brought to Cicero from Octavian, wherein he asketh his advice, whether he had best come to Rome, with those 4000 old souldiers, or should keep Capax, and shut out Anthonius from thence, or should go to the three Legions of Macedonia, which came by the way of the Adriatick sea, which because they would not receive the largesse that Antonius offered them, he thought he might get them to himself, [Cicero. lib. 16. ad Attic. epist. 8,] Octavius numbred the centuries of Capua, [epist. 9.] taking his journy into Samnium he came to Cales, and tarried at Theanum, There was a wonderfull foreign and confluence of the free cities and corporations which came to Rome, with a great band. [epist, 1.]

Then going forth to the common people, already prepared for this purpose by Canutius the Tribune of the people) he renewed the memory of his father in a long oration to them, and the brave acts that he had done, he spake also many things modestly of himself, accused Antonius, and commended the souldiers that followed him; because they were ready to aid the city, and that they had chosen him for that purpose, and that they should by themselves signifie so much to multitudes, and being p. 683commended, partly for the goodly equipage he had, and partly for the multitude of souldiers he had with him; he went into Hetrucia for to raise more souldiers there, [Dio. lib. 45. pag. 276.]

At this time Marcus Cicero dedicates his three famous books of Offices to his son Marcus, having now been a Scholler an whole year to Cratippus, (not now at the first time sent thither, as Dio signifies in lib. 45 pag. 277.) [lib. 16. ad familiares, epist. 11.] and there are yet extant the sons letters to Tiro, [lib. 16. ad familiares, epist. 21.] in which speaking of them that boarded together with him, he saith, I have hired a place for Brutus hard by me, and as much as I can out of my poverty, I sustain his want: Moreover I intended to declaim in Greek before Cassius, but before Brutus, I will do my exercise in Latin. I use for my familiar friends and boarders, those that Cratippus brought with him from Mitylenae, learned men and well approved by him.

Brutus being brought to this want, associated himself (besides Clcero) with other young men that studied at Athens: he sent Herostratus into Macedonia, to get the favour of them that were Captains of the armies; and when he had received news that some Roman ships laded with money directed their course from Asia towards Athens, and that the Admiral was an honest man, and his familiar friend, he went to meet him about the Carystos, he perswaded him to deliver the ships over to him, [Plutarch, in Bruto.]

Brutus upon his Birth-day made a great Feast for the Admiral, in which when they came to tipling, they began a health to Brutus's victory, and the liberty of the people of Rome: then Brutus taking a large cup, spake aloud this Verse without any evident cause;

foreign.

Sed me sors misera & Latonae perdidit infans.

Latona's stem and cruel fate

To my successe have put a date.

Which exclamation was accounted for an ill omen of his overthrow, when going to fight his last battle at Philippi, he gave his souldiers the word Apollo, [Id. ibid. Appian. lib. 4. pag. 668.]

After this Anistius bestowed on Brutus of that money he carried into Italy foreign 500 Myriades: as Plutarch writes in that place. The Latin Interpreter rendered it 20000 Sestertium's, which sum Brutus himself acknowledges (that Vetus Antistius both promised of his own accord, and gave him of his money,) in an Epistle in which he commends him to Cicero, as Antistius was going to Rome to demand the Praetorship, [lib. ad Brutum, epist. 11.] We read in Cornelius Nepos in the life of Atticus, that Pompeius Atticus also sent a present of an C. M. Sestert. when Brutus was cast out and left Italy, and in his absence, commanded that 300 should be given him in Epirus.

Cassius and Brutus, parting the one from the other in Piraeera, the one went into Syria, the other into Macedonia, [Plutarch.] Cassius that he might keep Dolabella out of Syria, [Cicero, Philippic. 11.] Brutus that he might get Macedonia and Greece to joyn with him, [Dio. lib. 47. pag. 339.] and without any publick authority seizing upon Provinces and armies, pretending that where they were, there was the commonwealth, they received money of those that would deliver it them, that was sent by the Treasurers to Rome from the parts beyond Seas, [Velle…. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 62.]

Cassius, having prevented Dolabella, sailed into Asia to Trebonius the Proconsul: and having received money from him, he joyned to his party many of those horsemen that were sent before by Dolabella into Syria, (which P. Lentulus brags in his letters to Cicero that he first delivered over to Cassius, [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 14.] and also many of Asia and Cilicia. He compelled also Tarcondimotus and the Tarsenses to joyne in alliance with him, but the Tarsenses did it against their wills; for they so favoured the first Caesar, and for his sake the later, that instead of Tarsus, they called their City Juliopolus, [Dio. lib. 47. pag. 342.]

Brutus also after he had received from Apuleius what forces he then had, and in ready money sixteen thousand talents, which being collected out of the payments and tributes of Asia he had received of Trebonius, he came into Boeotia, [Appian. lib. 4. pag. 632. with Dion. pag. 339.] There he gathered up souldiers, partly of those of the battle of Pharsalia, he found wandering about Thessalia; partly of those that came with Dolabella from Italy, who either were left there by reason of sicknesse, or that had run away from their Regiments. Moreover, he took from Cinna 500 Horse, which he conducted to Dolabella into Asia, [Plutarch, & Dio, ut supra.] Whither p. 684also belongs that of Cicero concerning Brutus, Philippick XI. He raised new Legions, and entertained the old: he took to himself Dolabella's Horse, and that before he was defiled with the murder (of Trebonius) but judged him an enemy by his own sentence only; for if it were not so, how could he take away the Horse from the Consul?

Brutus being thus appointed, under colour of service to the Common-wealth, and of undertaking a war against Antonius, without any adoe he seized upon Greece, where there were no souldiers at all. [Dio. ut supra, with Livy, lib. 118.]

From hence he goeth to Demetrius, where he got into his power great store of arms that were provided by the command of Caesar the Dictator, against the Parthian war, which were to be carried to Antonius. [Plutarch & Appian. lib. 3. pag. 567.]

He came also into Macedonia at the same time, that Caius Antonins, the Consuls brother was newly come thither, and Q. Hortensius, the Proconsul of Macedonia, was preparing for his departure; but he stood nor much upon this, seeing that Hortensius would presently joyn with him: and Antonius being forbidden (Caesar now commanding all at Rome) to meddle with any thing that belonged to the chief Magistrate, had no forces. [Dio. ut supra. with Cicero. Philippic. 10.]

There was a muster made in Macedonia, by the great care and industery of Q. Hortensius; the Legion that L. Piso the Lieutenant of Antonius conducted, delivered it self over to Cicero's son, whom Brutus brought with him from Athens, the Horse which was conducted in two bridades into Syria, one whereof left him that conducted them in Thessalia, as it is said, and went to Brutus: the other Cn. Domitius in Macedonia withdrew from the Lieutenant of Syria. [Cicero. Philippic. 10.]

Brutus hearing that Antonius would immediately march to the forces which Gabinius had at Dyrrachium and Apollonia, and desiring to prevent him, suddenly took his journy through rough wayes, and much snow, and far out-went them that carried his dinner: as he came neer to Dyrrachium, through the labour and cold, he was taken with a Bulimia, which disease takes them that are wearied with going in the snow; whose necessity being understood, the Souldiers left the guard, and came running with meat and drink to him: for which curtesie Brutus, when the Town was delivered, shewed himself kind, not onelyonly to them, but for their sakes, to all. [Plutarch.] But Q. Vatinius, who commanded in Illyrium that lay near, came from thence, and had seized upon Dyrrachium before, having been an adversary to Brutus, throughout all the civil war. But being contemned of his Souldiers, by reason of his sicknesse, and they going to Brutus, he opened the gates to him, and delivers up the army to him. [Dio. ut supra. cum Ciceron. Philippick. 10. Livy, lib. 118.]

When a way lay both open, and not long, for Dolabella into Syria, he brake into Asia, another mans Province, in which there was no suspicion of war, he sending M. Octavius a Senatour, but poor, with a Legion, wasted the Countries, and vexed their Cities. [Cicero. Philippick. 11.]

But neither Pergamus nor Smyrna would receive him, but they afforded him a market-place without the City, as to one that was Consul: and when he in a passion had in vain assaulted Smyrna, Trebonius the Proconsul of Asia, who fortified Cities, for the retreat of Brutus and Cassius, promised that he would let him into Ephesus, and commanded his souldiers that they should immediately follow the Consul thither. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 542.]

After this there were familiar conferences with Trebonius, and embracings also, but false tokens of great kindnesse in feigned love. [Cicero, Philippick. 11.] But yet by which Trebonius was deceived, so that he promised Dolabella all courtesies, as affording provision for his souldiers, and lived together without any fear. [Dio. lib. 47. pag. 344.]

In Egypt, young Ptolomy being 15. years of age, is poysoned by his wife and sister Cleopatra, in the fourth year of his reign, and the eighth of his sister, (from the death of their father Auletes.) [Joseph. lib. 15. cap. 4. Porphyr. in Grec. Euseb. Scaliger. pag. 226.]

Marcus Antonius the Consul, being returned from Brundusium to Rome, when he had commanded the Senate to meet the day before the VIII. Kalends of December; and when they neglected to meet on that day, he deferred it till the IIII. Kalends, and then commanded them to meet in the Capitol. [Cicero, Philippic. 3.]

In the mean time Antonius his Macedonian Legions, mutined as they were going into Gallia Cisalpina; and contemning the Lieutenant that commanded them, many of them revolted to Caesar, [Dio, lib. 45. pag. 276.] all the Martian Legion, took away their colours, and coming to him, tarried at Asia. The fourth Legion also in imitation of that, L. Egnatuleius the Questor being their Commander, revolted unto Caesar also. [Id. ibid. Cicero, Philippic. 3, 4, 5, 11, 13. with lib. 11. ad familiar. ep. 7. Livy, 117. p. 685Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 6. Appian. lib. 3. pag. 556.] Caesar having entertained them, gave them money, as to the former, and so drew many to his party: he got also all Antonius his Elephants, falling upon them by chance as they were driving along, [Dio. ut supra.]

Antonius as he was going into the Senate in the Capitol on the appointed day, to complain of Caesars attempts, in the very entrance of the Court he received news of the revolt of the Legions; by which being terrified, he durst not speak a word in the Senate concerning Caesar, whenas he had intended to propound it to the Senate, and one that had been Consul brought a sentence written, by which he would judge Caesar an enemy, [Cicero, Philippic. 3, 5. & 13. & Appian. lib. 3. pag. 556.] And on the very same day at evening, there was casting of lots for the Provinces against the next year, among the friends of Antonius, so that every one might have that Province which was most convenient for him, [Cicero, Philippic. 3.]

He posted out of the City to Alba, to see if he could bring the souldiers of the Martian Legion who were quartered there, to obedience by words as he thought he might: but when they shot at him from the walls, to the rest of the Legions he sent 500 pence a man, and with what forces he had about him in warlike array, he marched with them to Tibur, and then to Ariminum, in the very entrance of Gallia Cisalpina, having with him three Macedonian Legions, (for the rest were now come) and one of old souldiers, with the auxiliaries that were wont to follow them, besides the Praetorians and young souldiers, [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 556.]

Antonius besiged Decimus Brutus, having shut him up in Mutina, because he would not leave Gallia Cisalpina as being his own Province, [Id. ibid. pag. 556, 558.] Caesar Octavius sent aid to him, although he was one of Caesars murderers, yet now doing as the time required, [Dio. lib. 45. pag. 277.] Octavius had besides those two valiant Legions of Macedonia that came to him, and one of raw souldiers, two other Legions of old souldiers, who though they were not compleat, yet were filled up with young souldiers; and when the army would have created him Propraetour, he refused the honour they offered him; yet he ingaged the mercenaries to him by a donative, giveing to every man of the two Macedonian Legions (that skirmished before him) 500 pence a peice more, and promised 500000 to the conquerours, if there should be any need of an ingagement indeed, [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 557, 558.] Cicero speakes of them in his X Philippic. The old souldiers that followed the authority of Caesar first repressed the attempts of Antonius, afterwards the Martian Legion abated his fury, and the fourth routed him.

They at Rome called a Senate on the XIII Kalends of January, when neither of the Consuls were there, (for Antonius had sent Dolabella before into Macedonia, and he himself then sate down before Mutina,) on which day Cicero by his third Philippick Oration perswaded, that those things that Octavianus had done against Antonius might be confirmed, and praises and rewards might be decreed to the Mutinenses, the Martian Legion, the fourth, and to the old souldiers that had revolted unto him; and that not onelyonly Decimus Brutus, but all the rest (without taking any notice of that appointing of Provinces that Antonius made by lots) should keep their Provinces, and deliver them over unto none, without a decree of the Senate: and there being a decree made accordingly, he called the people together and declared unto them what was done in the Senate, [Cicero, ibid. & Phipp. 5, 6. init. cum lib. 11. ad familiar. epist. 6. & lib. 12. epist. 22. Dio. lib. 45. pag. 277.]

On the Kalends of January, The Julian Period. 4671 on which Hirtius and Pansa began their Consulship, Year before Christ 43 Cicero in his fifth Philippick Oration, spoken in the Senate, perswaded to make war upon Antonius, and that honours should be decreed to them that defended the Common-wealth against him. The next day there is given to Caesar Octavianus by the Senate, an extraordinary command (as Cicero calls it in the XI Philippick) with Consular ornaments and lictours, and the ensignes of a P…aetour, and that he should together with the Consuls aide Decimus Brutus against Antonius: and it was added, that he should deliver his opinion amongst the Questours and those that had been Consuls, and that he should have authority to demand the Consulship ten years before it was by the law allowed. The Senate also honoured him with his Statue all guilt on horseback; which being set in the Rostra, declared his age by an inscription: and by the same decree it was enacted that the money that he had given to the souldiers, he should again receive out of the publick Treasury, (because that although he did it as a private person, yet it was for the service of the common-wealth) and that the donative that he had promised to give to the two Macedonian Legions after the victory, should be given them in the name of the common-wealth: and that to those Legions, and to other souldiers that were bired by Caesar, as soon as the war was endeed they should be exempted from going to wars any more; and should have lands presently divided unto them, [Cicero, Philippic. 5. & lib. ad Brut. epist. 15. Livy, lib. 118. p. 686Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 81. Sueton. in Octavio. cap. 10. Plutarch. in Antonio. Appian. lib. 3. pag. 359. 360. Dio. lib. 46. pag. 310.]

Although the dignity of Propraetour was granted by the Senate to Caesar Octavianus, which he would not accept of, being formerly offered him by the army, and that he should have the same power in managing the war as the Consuls had, yet there was private command given to the Consuls, that they should withdraw from him the two Macedonian legions, which were most fit to do service, for this was the sum of all their councels, that Antonius being overcome, and Caesar weakened, and all the Caesarians being taken away, the Pompeians should be again restored to the Government of the commonwealth, which thing Pansa the Consul, as he was upon his death bed discovered to Octavian. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 574. 575.]

But when Octavianus found what things had been decreed, he accepted the honours with great joy: and so much the more, because when he had taken upon him the habit and authority of Praetour, as he was sacrificing the first day of his office, the livers of twelve of the sacrifices appeared double, or foulded inwards from the lowest fillets, and it was answered that within the year his command should be doubled, but he took this ill, that Embassadours were sent to Antonius, and that the Consuls did not go on with the war neither seriously, nor presently under pretext of the winter season, whereupon he was compelled to lye idle all the winter at Forum Cornclis. [Dio. lib. 46. pag. 314. with Julius Obsequens. de prodigiis & Pliny lib. 11. cap. 37.]

The first of all Caesars murderers that suffered punishment, was Caius Trebonius who governed Asia by a consular power, being slain at Smyrna, by the treachery of Dolabella, a man most ungratefull towards the merits of Caesar, and partner in the murder of him, by whom he was advanced to the heigth of the co…sular dignity. [Cic. Philippic. 11. 12. Strabo. lib. 14. pag. 646. Vellei Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 69. Appian. lib. 3. pag. 542. 543. & lib. 4. pag. 624. Dio. lib. 47. pag. 344. Orosi. lib. 6. cap. 8.] …or Dolabela entring Smyrna by night, took the Proconsul, who after he had upbraided him in words, delivered him to the banished man Samiarius, who after he had questioned with him about the publick money tortured him by imprisonings, and scourgings, and by the strappado, and that for two daies together, afterward▪ he commanded him to be beheaded, and his head to be carried on a spear, and the rest of his body to be dragged, and torne, and cast into the sea, this is the relation of Cicero in Philippic. XI. much to be preferred before that of Appianus who delivers that this murder was committed by the command of Dolabella, when he passed first into Asia, and was now Consul.

Dio writes that he cast the head of him that he had killed before the statue of Caesar Appian relates that it was commanded to be laid in the Praetorian chair, in which he was wont to minister justice, but the souldiers (saith he) and the drudges being angry with him as a partner of the conspiracy, and because he deteined Antonius in talk before the doores of the court whilst Caesar was killed, they in divers manners abused the other part of his body, as also making a football of his head in a place that was paved with stones, they so tore it that no sign of face appeared. Strabo affirmes, that there were many parts of the city of Smyrna that were overthrown by Dolobella.

Asia being seized upon by Dolabella, P. Lentulus the extraordinary Quaestour, sent with all speed great store of money and great aides to Cassius, that he might seize upon Syria, he himself went into the next province of Macedonia to Brutus, doing his endeavour, that by whom he could soonest, the province of Asia and the tributes might be recovered, which he signifies in two espistles, one publickly to the Senate, and another privately to Cicero himself. [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 14. & 15.] when he tells him he could not see his son, because he was gone into the winter quarter, with the horse.

Dolabella carried himself most cruelly in the province of Asia. [Cicero. lib. ad Brutum epist. 3. 4.] of them that were set forth by the Germans, taking away the Roman tributes, and polling and vexing the Roman citizens. [P. Lentulus in Cicero lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 15.] he burthened the cities with new exactions of tributes, and hired … L…cians, Pamphilians, Cilicians, by the meanes of L. Figulus. [Appian. lib. 4. pag. 624.]

The Rhodians, being afraid concerning the lands that they had in the continent, …a they said themselves] sent two Embassies to Dolabella, and truly after a new example, and against their lawes, because the Magistrates forbad it, [Lentulus ut supra.] whom notwithwanding Brutus writes was excluded by the Rhodians. [lib. ad Brutum ut supra epist. 4.]

Aulus Allienus the Lieutenant of Dolabella, went to him after the death of Trebonius [Cicero. Philippic, 11.] whom he sent into Egypt unto the Queen Cleopatra, who favouring him for the acquaintance he had with the former Caesar, sent four Legions to him by Allienus the remainder of the overthrowes of Pompey and Crassus, (or of the number of those that remained with Cleopatra, upon the departure of Caesar) she p. 687had a Navy also ready to aide him, which yet could not saile, by reason of contrary winds. [Appian. lib. 3. pag. 576. lib. 4. pag. 623. & 626. & lib. 6. pag. 685.]

When as the valiant and victorious army (as Cicero calls it, in Philippick 11. in an Oratian spoken that year) of Q. Caecilius Bassus, a private, but valiant and famous, man, had prevailed sometime in Syria. Q. Marcius (not, as in Appian, Minutius) Crispus the Proconsul, (as Cicero calls him in Philippick XI.) being called by Statius Murcus to his aide, out of Bythinia (which he commanded by the decree of Julius Caesar, and approved by the Senate, although Cimber (as it seemeth, endeavoured to hold this Province this year also, by Antonius his lottery) with three Troups of his own, and three of Murcus his Troups, besieged the two Troups of Bassus (called by Strabo foreign, by Appian foreign, for it is manifest out of Cassius his letters to Cicero, that they made but one Legion. [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 11. & 12.] But Bassus so stoutly susteined the siege of two Roman armies, that he was not subdued, until having obtained what conditions he pleased, he yielded himself. [Strabo. l…b. 16. pag. 752. fin.] For when C. Cassius had come with his forces, being called thither by the consent of Murcus Marcius and the army, as Brutus relates in his letters to Cicero. [lib. ad Brut. epist. 5.] He would not deliver the army over to him: and unlesse the Souldiers had sent messengers to Cassius, without his consent, he had held Apamea ou…, till it had been taken by assault; as Cassius himself writes to Cicero. [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 12.]

Cassius raised the siege before Apamea, Bassus and Murcus being reconciled: and having drawn to his party those two Troups that were besieged, and six others that did besiege them, he takes upon himself the Ensignes of a General, and commands them by a proconsular power. [Vellei. Patercul. lib. 2. cap. 99. Joseph. lib. 1. Bell. cap. 9. & lib. 14. Antiquit. cap. 18. Appian. & Dion, ut supra.]

From this time he took upon himself the title of Proconsul, as appears by the inscriptions of his letters to Cicero, [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist, 11, 12.] although Cicero in his letters to him gives him not that title, [ibid. epist. 7, 8, 9, 10.] as not yet given him by the Senate; however Appian thinks otherwise. [lib. 3. pag, 576. & lib. 4. pag. 623.]

When Cassius with all these forces had placed his Camp in one place, there fell suddenly a mighty rain, and forces also rushing into the Camp through every Port, confounded and disturbed all things, so that some did presage from these things, his sudden power, and a litle after his sudden overthrow should happen. [Dio. lib. 47. pag. 343.]

Cassius being strengthened with these forces, immediately reduced to his obedience all the Cities of Syria, by the fame of those things he did, being Questor, and by the glory of his name, without any more pains. [Dio. lib. 47. pag, 339. 343.] And going to the Cities, there he got both arms and souldiers, and exacted very grievous taxes. [Joseph. lib. 14. cap. 18.] Livy writes that he invaded Syria with three armies, which were in that Province. [lib. 121.] and Velleius Paterculus, that he brought under his power…en Legions in that Country. [lib. 2. cap. 69.]

Marcus Brutus having undertaken an expedition against C. Antonius, who kept Apollonia with seven Cohorts, sent publick letters to Rome, concerning the things that he had done in Greece and Macedonia, which being rehearsed in the Senate, by the Consul Pansa, and by the X Philippick oration of Cicero there spoken, there was a Decree of the Senate made, that Brutus should hold Macedonia, Illyricum, and all Greece, as Proconsul. [Cicero. ibid. cum Appian. lib. 3. pag. 567. & lib. 4. pag. 622. & 632.]

The reliques of Trebonius being brought to Rome, and the scornes likewise with which they used him being known, the Senate declared Dolabella an enemy to the state, (Cicero. Philippic. 11. Livy lib. 119. Appian. lib. 2. pag. 566. Oros. lib. 6. cap. 8.] a day also he set for them who were with them, before which if they departed not from his party, that they also should be esteemed enemies. [Dio. lib. 47. pag. 344.]

The next day when it was disputed in the Senate, concerning the choice of a Generall, to follow the war against Dolabella, L. Caesars opinion was, that this war should be committed to P. Servilius contrary to the ordinary course, others thought that the Consuls cast lots for Asia, and Syria, in respect of prosecuting the war against Dolabella: Cicero in his XI Philippick oration, having first fiercely inveighed against Dolabella (in times past his son in law, but with whom a little after his departure out of Italy, there was great heart-burnings) perswaded that this war should be committed to C. Cassius, whose opinion Scaliger doth not rightly propound, in his animadversions upon Eusebius… (at the number MDCCCCLXXIII) as an example of the decree of the Senate concerning the command of Cassius, for that this opinion did not prevaile p. 688in the Senate, Pansa the Consul eagerly withstanding it, Cicero himself is witnesse in his letters to Cassius, [lib. 12. ad familiar. epist. 7.] adding also these things in them concerning himself. I promised and also performed it, that you had not expected, nor should not expect our decrees, but that you your selfe should defend the commonwealth, and although as yet we heard nothing, either where you were, or what forces you had: yet my opinion was, that all, both of aides and forces which were in those parts were at your command, and I was confident that the province of Asia should by you be recovered to the Commonwealth.

Whenas now it was not known at Rome, that Cassius had possessed himself of Syria, the war against Dolabella was altogether committed to the Consuls, if the present businesse against Antonins should come to an end, and a charge is also given to the governours of the neighbour nations, that they should take heed that the forces of Dolabella were not encreased, [Dio. lib. 47. pag. 344.] and by the Consuls consent the government of Asia is continued to P. Lentulus Spinther, who now commanded them under the title of Proquaestor and Propraetor, as may be seen in his letters to Cicero written after the death of Pansa and Hirtius (which yet he was ignorant of at that time.)

This decree against Dolabella being enacted, there were letters brought from Antonius to Hirtius the Consul, and Caesar the Propraetour, which are related and re…uted by Cicero in his XIII Philippick.