Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4, Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (5 of 7)

Commentary on the Old Testament Volume 2-4 · Biblical commentary 1 · Intertestamental history (5 of 7)

p. 162To return now to Mithridates, he having had peace granted him by Sylla, would happily have continued quiet, but that Sertorius sent from Spain unto him, as desirous to stirre up against the Roman State all the trouble that he could, one Marius to certifie him of the civill Wars in Italy, and of his own power in Spain, who would be a friend unto him in any thing that hee should desire, and to stirre him up to take this opportunity to invade the Romans Dominions in those parts. Wherefore, the King of Bythinia being lately dead without children, and by his last Testament, giving his Kingdome to the Romans, Mithridates with a great army first invaded Bythinia, which being weakly defended by Catta, came in a great part into his hands. But Lucullus being sent from Rome to this Warre according to his own desire, first beat Mithridates from thence: and afterwards he warring against Cizicum, a City which stuck fast to the Romans, he so cut off his provision, that he compelled him to rayse his siege, and in his return took his p. 153opportunity to cut off many thousands of his army so that he fled into parts farther off, having lost almost all his Army, being at the first 300000, but the Romans Army not much above 30000, then he gathered a new power of 40000, besides many horsemen: but sending out his horsemen to take away all provision, that Lucullus might through want be brought to the like streight that he had been before Cizicum, they were encountered by the Roman horsemen, and taken at such an advantage, that they were almost all slain, so that Mithridates being discouraged hereby fled, and all his Army without regard to any Leaders, and so he came to Tigranes King of Armenta, a King now of many Kingdoms, since the accession of Syria to his dominions and his son in law, yet so proud was he, that hearing of his comming, he only sent to direct him to a strong place within his Dominions, and not to his Court. But that was only whilst he was busie in warring in another place. For returning to Armenia, Mithridates came unto him. Then Appius Claudites was sent Embassadour to Tigranes by Lucullus to demand Mithridates, to whom he comming, after long travell and delay, by reason of the Kings absence, required him to deliver Mithridates to be carryed to Lucullus, but he denyed, saying, that if Lucullus should come for him he would defend him. With this answer Appius returned, telling of the great State of Tigranes, as having many Kings subject to him and foure continually to attend him, wherefore he was offended at Lucullus his letters written to him without the style of King of Kings. Lucullus in this interim tooke the Cities and Towns of Mithridates, and with 11000 men took his journey towards Armenia. Tigranes preparing for him, gathered an Army of 250000 foot, and 50000 horse, insomuch that when Lucullus his Army came in sight, he asked whether they were Embassadours, and being told that it was the Roman Army, he sayd that they were too many indeed to be Embassadours, but too few for an Army. Then he wished that all the Roman Captains had been there, that he might have overcome them all together, so confident was he of the victory, by reason of his surpassing great forces. But Lucullus comming to joyne battell with him, handled the matter so politickly, that all his great army was soon routed, and he made to flee, and to cast away his Crown and Royall Ensignes, from him that he might not be known. For having set his horsemen to begin the battell upon the face of the enemie, he fetching a compasse with his foot came upon their backs, and soon routed the whole Army, killing about 100000 men, and losing only five of his men, and 100 wounded. The King then fleeing, Lucullus The fall of pride.did forbear to pursue far, choosing rather to return and take the chiefe City of Tigranes; called Tigranoserta, which he did, and found 8000 talents therein. Thence moving to other great places, he fought against and overcame them. But the two Kings in the mean season gathered a new Army, which was committed to the leading of Mithridates, & then Lucullus his Souldiers mutining against him & many falling from him to a new Commander, sent from Rome to take his place, began to decline, and having somtimes fought unhappily, was left at length almost alone. And now a new war began, called the Py…icall war, by means of certain Pyrats at the first sent out by Mithridates to take what prizes they could by sea from Happinesse here faiding.the Romans, which in the time of these troubles grew into great numbers, and became formidable to all that travelled by Sea and Maritim Towns. The Senate therefore being much perplexed at the hearing of it, thought of sending out a power against them, whose reandevouze was in Cilicia. And upon whom should the whole state now pitch, but upon Pompey, as being grown most famous of all others. But the Senate fearing lest he being set up, should become another Sylla, yet the people consenting about him, because he stood for the restoring of the Tribunes, whom Sylla had put down, he had full power given him for three years, to gather what forces he would, and to rule both by sea and land, wherefore he prepared many ships, and made many Captains, committing severall parts unto them, and power as Emperours in those parts, reserving to himselfe a power over them all, to overlook them, & to be ready to help any of them, as most need should require. By this means the Pyrats being in dangered in every place at once, soon submitted themselves to Pompey, and so this war with little sighting, was ended in little more then 3 moneths, and the Pyrats had the mercy to be spared their lives, but were sent to live in places most remote and unpleasant.

p. 154Then Pompey passed over into Asia to the Mithridatean war, although the Senate was very unwilling, partly for the reason before going, and partly because Marcius his year, who was sent last thither, was not yet ended. Pomp…y meeting with Lucullus in Galathia, after some expostulation between them tooke away all his men, but only 1600, whom he knew to be discontented with him: then he went against Mithridates, who retired with his forces into the inner part of the kingdom, and Pompey followed, commanding provision to be brought after him, lest his army should want, and by a long trench kept Mithridates his Army from comming abroad for provision, so that they were almost starved. Therefore he went away in the night through reckie places to a most strong hold, but even there he was overcome and his men slain, and he by sleeing escaped, and travelled into all parts for the renewing of his Army, but could never gather together any power more. Tigranes also his son in law rejected him, & forbad him comming into Armenus, because he thought him to be author of his sons rebellion against him, who was now fled for ayd to Phraates King of Scythia, but Phraates perswaded him to go to Pompey, which he did, and Tigranes hearing it, went himselfe also, trusting to the equity of Pompey, for which he was grown famous. Comming neer by Serjeants, that were sent out to meet him, he was bidden to alight from his horse, and did so, and delivered his sword unto them, and came and cast his Crown down at Pompeys feet: but he arising took him by the hand, and made him sit down by him on his right hand, and his son Tigranes on his left. Then after the Kings relation heard, Pompey determined that the son should have Armenia the lesser, and the father the Kingdom of Armenia, leaving it to him as his heir after his decease, and that Tigranes should leave Syria which he then held, and pay for the charges of the Mithridatean war, of which he had been in part the cause, 6000 talents. All which he did, and more & so Syria was thenceforth made a Province. But young Tigranes ungratefully crossing A son rebelli ous punisht.Pompey, and using his father unreverently, did not only not enjoy that which was given him, but it was restored to his father again, and he was sent bound to Rome, and being there in prison when it was found that he wrote to the Parthians, to stir them up to war against the Romans, he was slain in prison. About two years before this Alexandra the Queen of the Jews being dead, Hircanus her son who Anno mundi, 3900.had hithereto been High-priest atteined to the kingdom. But Aristobulus his younger brother gathered great froces, came against him and overcame him, who fled to the Castle, wherein the wife and children of Aristobulus were. Therefore the brethren Ioseph. l. 14. c. 1. 2.came to a parley, and it was agreed that Aristobulus should be King, & Hircanus should lead a private life. But Hircanus not long after through the perswasion of Antipater an Idumaean & a rich man, sought the kingdom again, as his due. He therefore fled with the sayd Antipater to Aretas King of the Arabians, to whom he had made large offers, to help him to his Kingdom again. Th… Aretas preparing an Army of 50000 horse and foot, went with Hircanus against Aristobulus. He being in Jerusalem made strong resistance against the enemy, insomuch that there being a most holy man, O…s, who had before prevailed for rain in time of drought when hee prayed, they fetching him to the Arabian Army would compell him to pray against Aristobulus, this he long refused to doe, but being over urged, he at length prayed thus. O God, the King of the whole world, Cap. 9.for as much as they that are with us be thy people, and they which are besieged An honest Prayer.by them are thy Priests, I beseech thee that thou wouldest neither hear these praying against them, nor them against these. The wicked Jews in the Army hearing him say so, were inraged against him and overwhelmed him with stones. Then the An horrible murther of an holy man.Feast of the Passeover being come, and the Priests within wanting sacrifices to offer, they prayed some of their brethren without to help them to beasts for their money, they asking 1000 drams a head, promised so to furnish them. But having taken their money, they derided them and would not doe it. Hereat the Priests being greatly moved, prayed God to shew some judgment upon them, which he did soon after, by sending such a storm as marred the fruits of the earth, whereby a great dearth followed, and so the siege could be no longer continued. Soone after this, Pompey comming from Armeniae, sent Scaurus before him into Syria, to whom coming to Damascus, both Aristob. and Hircanus sent Embassadours craving the p. 155Romans friendship and aid. But Aristobulus, for 300 talents obteined his favour, so as that he sent to Hircanus as he tendred the Romans favour to abstain from warre with hi… brother and to goe out of Judaea, which he therefore did, and returned with King Aretas again into Arabia. Then Aristobulus having gathered together an Army went against them to a place called Papyron, and fighting with them got the victory, slaying 7000 men. And hearing that Pompey was now come to Damascus, both he and other Princes sent rich presents unto him: his being a golden vine of 500 talents, sent by Nicomedes his Embassadour, and Antipater came Embassadour for Hircanus. The one pleaded that he was the elder brother, and wrongfully by the younger put out of his Kingdom, the other that for his sloth and want of courage, he was cast out by the people, so that either he must take the Kingdom, or else it would lie open to the taking of some other. Pompey having heard them, sayd, that when he had setled the matters of Arabia he would come into Judaea and end their difference, using Aristobulus especially most kindly, and willing them both to be quiet in the mean season. Aristobulus notwithstanding being afraid of the worst, returned and sought to strengthen Judaea against the Romans comming. Pompey hearing this left his journey into Arabia, and calling his forces together marched towards Judaea, Hircanus and his friends being with him and urging him so to doe. Aristobulus fled to a Castle, but Pompey approaching, he descended to him, and offered both himselfe and Kingdom to his disposing, promising to let him in to Ierusalem, and to given him 700 talents. But Gabinius being by Pompey sent for the money, was both denyed to enter, and returned empty. Pompey therefore bound Aristobulus and laid siege to Jerusalem, some that were on Hircanus his part perswaded to let him in, but they that were for Aristobulus denyed. Yet by Hircanus his faction he was let in & then went to the Temple where his enemies were, and having it three took moneths he took it, and his souldiers breaking in, slue 12000 of the Jews, the Priests in the mean season nothing daunted hereat, standing still in their places to do the offices belonging to the day, being a fasting day, so were they moved with Religion, more then with the fear of death. Then also as Josephus sayth, all the people within the Temple shewed great piety, Ioseph. l. 14. c. 8.because that during the time of the siege they did nothing upon the Sabbath day in seeking to hinder the Romans, and to beat them from their works made before the Temple, as holding it unlawfull for reverence of that day, although they held it not unlawfull to fight in their own defence, if their enemies assaulted them upon The lews Superstition.that day, but this difference putting was not without superstition. Pompey having won the Temple entred in and saw the golden Table and MercieMercy Seat, and 2000 talents in the treasury, but tooke nothing away for reverence of the place, and having caused the Temple to be purged, he made Hircanus High-priest, who so continued 22 years. Thus Judaea, which had been free now 80 years, and under her own Anno 3903.governours, became tributary to the Romans paying, as Iosephus sayth, 10000 talents and being deprived of the parts of Coelosyria subdued by the Jews, because Pompey made them free, and commanded that they should live under their own President, and this came to passe through the dissention of two brothers about the kingdom. For it was made free in the first year of Simon Prince & High-priest, viz. anno 3823 and was now again brought under tribute, anno 3903. Pompey having setled these things left Syria, and hastened towards Rome, as Josephus sayth. But according to others he first composed the difference between Tigranes King of Armenia, and Orosius. Appianus.Phraates King of Parthia, and then addressed himselfe towards Mithridates King of Pontus, who had now gathered together an Army again of 36000, Yet he sent Embassadours to Pompey for peace, but he willed that he should come himselfe, from which be desired to be excused, feigning that he was broken out in his face, & therefore suffered no man to see him, but only three Eunuchs that tended upon him. And when this would not satisfie Pompey, he thought to send to the French & so to passe over to them to war against Italy, but his people wearied with his exactions to maintain his Army revolted from him, and his eldest sonne Pharnaces together with many of his Souldiers, conspired against him, and when they were about to take him, he would have poysoned himselfe, but because he had oft used means of preservation, the poyson would not work upon him, and therefore he killed p. 156himselfe with his sword, according to some, according to others, procured a friend to doe this execution, fearing that if he were taken, he should be carryed in triumph at Rome. His Body then was sent by Pharnaces to Pompey, who also submitted himselfe and Kingdom to him, and so was taken for a friend to the Romans, and had the Kingdom of Bosphorus given him. But Pompey insulted not over the dead body of the King, but committed it to the buriall, so Mithridates after 27 years wars with the Romans, dyed, Anno 68 or 69 of his age, when he had reigned about 50 years.

After this Pompey prepareth to return home to Rome, sending before Piso to demand the Consulship after Cicero his year expired, for he and Anthony were then Consuls, but their time was almost out. The Fathers and all the people for fear of Pompey, presently chose Piso Consul. And Pompey tarryed still in Asia, he built divers Cities, that he might leave behinde him a memoriall of his victories. In the year of Cicero his Consulship, Catalin with many more conspired against him, and again disquieted the Roman State, but his conspiracie being discovered, some of his chiefe associates were taken in Rome and exempted, and hee soone in battell slain. For the Jewish affairs. Alexander the sonne of Aristobulus after Pompeys departure, who carryed his father away bound with him gathered together an Army of 10000 foot and 1500 horse, wherefore Gabinius Ioseph. lib. 14. cap 10.was sent against him, and other Roman Captains, who together with the Iews that continued in obedience to the Romans, fought against him neer to Jerusalem. and slue 3000 of his men, and tooke 3000, then he pursued him to Alexandria, to which City he had fled. But Alexander soon yielded, and so the City was beaten down, and others that lay desolate before were rebuilt, and five Lords being set to rule over that whole Region, the Romans departed thence. One of these had his seat at Jerusalem, another at Gadara, the third at Amathuntis, the fourth Salustius. Plutarch.at Jericho, the fifth at Saphora. And now the time came of Pompeys return to Rome, when all feared that he would use his power to act Sylla his part over again, and Crassus in particular fearing it, conveyed himselfe and his family and goods out of the City. But he contrariwise when he came nigh to Rome. dismissed his Army to their own houses, willing them only to be present at his triumph. This being heard in Rome, did so affect the Senate and City, that they went forth in great abundance to meet him, and conducted him into the City with all joy. Then at his request again new Consuls were made, Afranius and Metellus Celer, and he triumphed most gloriously, as Conqueror of this the parts of the World, about 35 of his age. But to shew the instability of this worlds glory, so soon as his triumph was over his enemies began to oppose him, so that now he repented his so sudden dismissing of his Army, for first Metellus, by his means made Consul, opposed him for his sisters sake, whom Pompey for her light behaviour had put away, after her returning out of Syria. And for Afranius, the other Consul, hee gave his minde so much to musick, and dancing, and pleasure, that he stood him in no stead. At that time I. Caesar began to be famous for his victories in Spain, and bringing the whole Countrey into the subjection of the Romans. Returning therefore to Rome he would have triumphed, but because he had not yet been Consul, and so could not, he omitting that sought the Consulship, and atteined it. Bibulus being made his Colleague. Then Caesar ambitious of honour and domimon, thought it necessary first to joyne in friendship with Pompey and Crassus for their great power with the people, then he sought to come into grace with the people, by propounding a law for the dividing of the common field amongst them, which he had so equally prepared that none could speak against it, yet neither would Bibulus, not many of the Senatours consent unto it, and after this hee sought to come in grace with the Knights, by propounding a Law of remitting to them the third part of their tributes, which passed, and to make that for the people to passe also, he called Pompey and Crassus, and publikely asked what either of them thought of that Law: They both, as he knew well enough before, applauded it and then an Ordnance was made, that upon pain of death every one should be sworn to it, whereupon for fear, all the Senatours yeilded. Thus Caesar prevailed in the time of his Consulship, and when his time was out he procured p. 157Gabinius, whose daughter he had marryed, and Piso that had marryed his daughter to be the Consuls of the next year, and to him was assigned the Province of France. But Cicero in the mean time went down by means of Clodius, Tribune of the people, who was very sharp, against him, and brought him in danger of his life by a Law that he made of putting such to death as had caused any to be cut off without the consent of the people, as he had not long before done. Wherefore he having first basely sought to every one whom he met of the common sort, and not prevailing, went into voluntary exile, and Cato his chiefe friend was sent away to be over the affairs of Cyprus. But he continued not so long, for Pompey falling out with Clodius, obteined of the Senate to spight him, that Cice…o was called home again, and Clodius his Law was reversed. Then their being great scarcity of come in Italy, Pompey had power given him over all the World in that matter. Caesar in the mean while prevailed mightily in France, and against the Germans and Belgians, by slaying at sundry times many thousands, and taking many prisoners, bringing them all under obedience, in all which battells, the great expedition that he made gave him the most advantage. His fame then by his victories increasing, when the first three years of his being over that Province were ended, he had five years more granted him, and it was agreed by 200 Senatours, and 120 Serjeants that came to him with other great persons to Luca, where hee wintered, that Pompey and Crassus should bee Consuls, which was also, though with great contention, done accordingly. Cato a wise Senatour and a lover of the Common-wealth, who was now again with great glory come out of Cyprus, seeing this feared a tyranny to ensue, and therefore desired to be made Pretor, which for the great respect wherein he was had by the people, was granted, but so earnestly opposed by Pompey, that he found means to set up Vatanius for Pretor, and Cato was rejected, who thereupon foretold the evils that were like to ensue to the State by these Consuls, when they feared to have him Pretor. A law then was made by the Tribune of the people, that Crassus should go to Syria, where Gabinius had hitherto been, and Pompey to Spain. Caesar having his time prolonged, prepared to sayl over into Brittain, because hee heard, that the Brittons had sent supplyes to the French against him. He passed over therefore with his army, where the Sea was narrowest, but not without losse of some of his ships, the Brittons then came to him to sue for peace, but when his Navy lying at anchor had suffered shipwrack by a great tempest arising at that time, they armed to fight against him. But being overcome, they soon sued to him again for peace, which he granted, and requiring hostages to be sent after him into France, which they promised, returned thither again, and then went against the Germans and Swedes, and prevayling every where, because two Cities only sent him hostages from Brittain, he sayled thither again, but with great losse in his Navy, as at the first. Yet he so prevailed, that then he made tributary Brittain to the Romans. But for Crassus, he being appointed to Syria out of his covetousnes and ambition, bent his mind rather to go against Parthia, where no Roman Commandor had hitherto been, thinking therefore by subduing the Parthians to get him the more glory and riches. But most unwisely when he had made known this his intent, he went first into Syria, giving the Parthians time to prepare for him to his own destruction. Then comming to Ierusalem he robbed the Temple of that creasure, which Pompey for reverence to the place could not touch, viz. of 2000 talents of Gold, and Ios. lib. 14. c. 12.8000 more layd up there, as Josephus sayth: neyther was this all, but a beam of Gold weighing 300 pound, covered over with Cedar board, of which none knew, but Eleazar, the keeper of the ornaments, and it was by him given to Crassus fearing, that hee would otherwise take away all precious utensils of the Temple, Sacrilege punisht.Crassus swearing to him at the same time to the contrary. But notwithstanding his oath he carried all away, yet he had not long joy of it. For going from Syria towards Parthia, when he would by no means be flayed from that expedition, it turned to the overthrow of his whole army and his own destruction also in the end. For Orodes the Parthian King sent Embassadours to him before his setting out to know the cause why he would make war upon him: but he contemptuously answered, that he would make the cause known, when he came to Seleucia, whereunto p. 158Vasiges the chiefe Embassadour answered, saying, here shall sooner grow haires, holding up the palme of his hand, then thou shalt come to Seleucia. Then Orodes sent out forces to reduce such places to his obedience; as had revolted from him, and also to keep the King of Armenia from helping the Romans. By this means some of the Romans, who were left to keep those places, had a tast of the Parthians valour, and fleeing with great feare came and told Crassus, whereupon the Captains and Southsayers diswaded him from that War. But hee being resolutely bent would harken to none of them, and so comming to battell, the Parthian bowmen sent forth such a showre of arrows, that many of his men were slain, whilst they were but approaching towards them. Crassus then hoping, that this storme would not last long encouraged his men hereby, but when news was brought him, that there were many Camels laden with arrows wherewith the Parthians were again supplyed when their first were spent, he put on to come to handy stroaks, but the Parthians retiring kept them still at a distance killing and, slaying as they did before, and when the Romans came up to them, they came with such vilence, pierc'd them with their spears, that somtimes they thrust through two of them at once. The night comming on ended the battell, and in the night Crassus with only foure bands of men in silence fled. The next day the Parthians pursued him, but he had placed himselfe and men, so that the Parthian horsemen could not come at them, wherefore Syrenas the Parthian General dealt politickly, by going and offering to make peace with the Romans upon reasonable terms, if Crassus would come forth unto him, to whom he offered his hand for assurance. But Crassus suspecting fraud refused, yet so desirous of peace were his souldiers, that they urged him to go and hee went, though unwillingly and then in a shorttime hee had the reward of his sacrilege and covetousnesse by being slain, when hee was mounted upon an horse trapped with Gold given him by Syrenas in the Kings name. Being dead, his head was cut off, and his right hand, and his mouth filled with Gold; carryed about with contempt. Then almost all his men, that remayned with him were destroyed also. But neyther Syrenas nor Orodes his Master went long Perfidy punished.unpunished for this their perfidy, for Serenas was slain by Orodes enuying this his glory, and Orodes soon after lost Pacorus his son in battell against the Romans, and then his other son Phraates gave his father poyson, and when it wrought away by reason of the hydropicalnesse of his body doing him more good then hurt he strangled him, till that he dyed.

Touching the Jewish affairs, when Gabinius having overthrown Alexander the son of Aristobulus, as vvas sayd before, thought, that novv the Iews vvould be quiet, Aristobulus being hitherto a prisoner at Rome, escaped from thence and came again to Iudoea, and entring into Alexandria, attempted to fortifie it by the help of many Iews, that flockt unto him: but Gabinius sending out forces hindered him from that, then he fled to the Castle of Machernutis, taking only 8000 men vvith him. But Gabinius comming thither with his army, it vvas vvithin two days taken and Aristobulus being diversly vvounded, came again into the Romans Ioseph. lib. 14. c. 11.hands together vvith his son Antigonus, and vvas the second time sent prisoner to Rome. Then Aristobulus his son Alexander gathered nevv forces to the number of 30000: but Antipater vvas sent to the Iews to persvvade them to peace, and vvhen he could not prevail vvith Alexander, another battell vvas fought betvvixt him and Gabinius, vvherein Alexander vvas again overcome, and 10000 of his army slain, the rest being put to flight. So Gabinius, his time being expired, hee committed the ordering of things there to Antipater, and returned to Rome. Then Crassus comming to governe in Syria, robbed the Temple of infinite riches, as was sayd before, and Josephus to prove it true, that the Temple had then in it so much treasure, alledgeth Strabo and some other reason to make it probable, which I omit, as thinking it almost incredible for the vastnesse of the sum, the Temple having been often pillaged and poled before by other Tyrants. Crassus then by going against the Parthians, brought himselfe to ruine, and Cassius escaping out of that war came to Syria, and being thither pursued by the Parthians he defended the Countrey against them, and repelled them. Then he fought against those Jews that held with Aristobulns under Pitholaus his Captain, and slue both him, and p. 159many of them, being specially stirred up by Antipater, who was the father of Herod, afterwards King, for he was a man of great authority amongst the Arabians, having to wife Cypron an Idumaean of a most Noble Family, of whom came King Herod Phasaetus, Josephus and Pherotas, and by confederating with other great Princes, especially Arabians, he grew very potent. And he himself as Josephus sayth, was an Idumaean, rich and factious, and the first occasion of setting Aristobulus the King of Judoea, and Hircanus together by the ears, whereby that Kingdom was again brought under tribute by Pompey, as was shewed before. And by this means he came into grace with the Romans, as siding with Hircanus, who was always more yielding and submisse towards them, then his brother Aristobulus, whereby he layd a foundation of his sonne Herods future rise to the Kingdom.

To return to Rome, whilst Cassius Questor to Crassus, after his death, ruled in Syria, and Coesar continued still in his wars in France and Germany great contention happened between Milo and Clodius at Rome, and Clodius in this dissention being slain, those that were on Clodius his side, armed and came to the Senate, where Milo was, excusing himselfe, so that he was fain speedily to flee disguised, and hereupon followed other great tumults in the City, the rude multitude under colour of seeking Milo from house to house, robbing and spoyling many. Then the Senate not knowing otherwise what to doe, first thought of a Dictator, but fearing to set up such a Magistrate, when they remembred Sylla and his tyranny, by Catoe's perswasion it was agreed, that one man should be Consul alone, and that Pompey for his valour, justice, and love, should be the man. Then Pompey with his forces comming into the City, soon quieted all things, and then marryed the daughter of Scipio, and took him into the fellowship of his Consulship, and soon after obteined the Province of Spain for foure or five years. In the mean season Caesar by reason of these tumults at Rome was put to much trouble in France, many Cities then taking heart to rise up in Arms again and to fight for their liberty, supposing that he would hasten to Rome to quiet those stirs. But he hearing thereof, and withall that Pompey by his wisdome had setled the Roman affairs, betooke himselfe again with all speed to his forces, and gathered them together, and went out with such celerity in the dead time of winter, that he was ready to give battell to his enemies before they thought him to have been returned, and after many fights so brought them under again, as that both they and their King were at his merciemercy, whereby he got abundance of treasure, and then it being granted that he should be the second time Consul, he shewed so great liberality to the people and souldiers doubling their stipends for ever that hee wonne their hearts, and so laid a foundation to his rise to the Empire. At Rome the news of Casars victories being heard, Letanies, or Thanksgivings were determined for 20 dayes to be made unto their gods. But after this Caesar still stayd in France, & Pompey not being yet gone out of Italy into Spain, new Consuls were made after his time expired, viz. Marcellus and Sulpitius. Then Caesar sued to be continued in his Province sometime longer, fearing least if hee left it and returned to Rome to a private condition Pompey would be to mighty for him. But Marcellus being for Pompey, would not permit it, of this Caesar being informed, sayd, then this shall doe it, pointing to his sword: yet nothing was done, till Marcellus his time was expired, then succeeded in the Consulship another Marcellus and Paulus, the one an enemy to Caesar, the other wonne unto him by his profuse gifts, and Curio was Tribune of the people, who also seemed to be an enemy but was indeed a friend. For not long after upon some dissention Marcellus going to Pompey, and of his own head, without the consent of the Senate, committing the government of the City to him he went to Caesar, who having firstsetled things in France and Belgia, returned into Italy, where he was joyfully received of the people. But he stayed at Ravenna, till he had sent Letters to the Senate by Curio, & received answer. Therein he offered to lay down arms and to dismisse his forces, if Pompey would do the like, if this offer should not be accepted, he would come with his forces to be revenged upon his enemies. This was presently taken; as a denouncing of War, and immediatly great treasures were delivered to Pompey, and souldiers p. 160were raised in all parts, although Caesar had also offered, if the Senate should think good rather, that Pompey should go forth with into his Province of Spain, he would continue in France, with only two Legions, till hee were declared Consul for the next year, which he had now long desired. Caesar hearing of their preparation spake unto his souldiers, who had been under his Empire 10 or 11 years, exhorting them to stick to him to defend him from his enemies, which were only the 13 Legion then present. They readily assenting, he presently calling more out of France, set upon divers Cities in Italy, and took them, insomuch that the report hereof comming to Rome they greatly feared, neyther durst any come forth against him, wherefore he over-ran all Piceum, the Towns and Cities all readily yielding to him, Then he went to Corsinium, where Domitius, a Captain of Pompeys was with 20 bands of men. He then preparing to besiege the City, Domitius sent to Pompey for ayd, but having a negative answer, and that hee should get away as well as he could, and come with his men to him, he prepared so to do, but his souldiers turned to Caesar, and delivered him into Caesars hands the next day, and then many Senatours and Knights present there yielded themselves, all whom and Domitius hee dismissed without hurt, although Domitius despayring tooke poyson first, but then seeing his humanity repented, and the supposed poyson wrought no further, but to bring him to a sleep. Caesar also let him carry away with him great treasure, which lay there for the pay of his army. This kindnesse and bounty of Caesar drew many more of Pompeys souldiers daily to him. Caesar then went against Pompey, who fled before him to Brundusium. Caesar followed him thither and besieged the City yet he invited Pompey first to a Colloquy, which he refused, then seeing Caesars preparations against the City hee sayled away and left Brundusium and all Italy to Caesar. The next day Brundusium was yielded, and Pompey bending his course to Spain, where he thought, that the people would stick to him, Caesar went to Rome, and without bloudshed brought all under his power, offering still to the Senate to have Embassaders sent to Pompey for peace, but none durst undertake that task. Then Caesar demanding money out of the treasury for his souldiers was denyed, but the treasury being by his men broken open, he took abundance, and immediatly sent forth one of his Captains to take in Sardinia, another to Sicily, and a third to Africk, which they did. But Pompey commanded over all Spain, Syria, and the Eastern parts. Wherefore Caesar let loose Aristobulus, who had been hitherto prisoner at Rome to go into Syria to repossess his Kingdom in Judea, for this he thought, would be a weakning to Pompey. But he was poysoned and dyed by the way by some, that favoured Pompey, and order was also immediatly taken, that Alexander his sonne being in Judaea should be slain also, left he should make any new stirs there, and this was done by Scipio, President of Syria under Pompey. Then Caesar himself hastened into Spain, passing thither by France, and there increasing his army. Being come into Spain and besieging Massilia, hee was sometime brought into great streights for want of provision. Yet he was soon again delivered out of that danger, and in a Sea-fight his overcomming their enemies, Massilia being terrified yielded, and so did many Cities more in Spain, a great motive to them still being his humanity towards all. Caesar then returned to Rome again where he was made Dictatour, but leaving that office within 14 dayes, the 11 year being now come wherein hee might be made Consul according to Law, which willeth that 10 years come between the same mans being Consul the first and second time, he and P. Servilius were made Consuls. This being done, he applyed his minde chiefly to pursue Pompey, who had at Caesars first comming into Spain before spoken of left it and gone into Asia to raise forces there, For he thought whilst he continued, he could not come to that power which he desired. Into Asia therefore he followed him, and came to Epyrus, where all readily yielded unto him.

Pompey hearing this, leaves Thessalonica, where he had thought to have wintered, and travelled night and day till he came at Dirrachium, where all his provision lay, Caesar also hastening to the same place, so that now their Armies were neere one another, a river only parting them. Then some attempt was made again by Caesar, to come to agreement, but in vain, seeing both aymed at p. 161the chiefe power, and Pompey would not live through Caesars favour. For Pompey, he had far greater forces, and was better provided then Caesar, having such forces at Sea also, under the leading of Bibulus, as that he had the command thereof, and Anthony a Captain of Caesars with his power, deferred also to come unto him. But at length he came, and Scipio out of Syria to Pompey, and then Caesar had a great desire to fight, but Pompey would not stir from an hill, where hee had seated himselfe for his most advantage, untill that Caesar making away, as if he would depart thence, he came down, at what time he turning back upon him, and the battell began, Caesar not having halfe the number of men that he had: for Pompey had 45000, Caesar but 22000, yet so cunningly was it ordered by Caesar, that Pompeys horsemen were first put to flight, and then his foot, which he seeing fled to his tents, but being immediately pursued by Caesar, he changed his habit, and fled by water from place to place, till he came into Egypt, where he thought that for his former good deserts he should be protected. But Ptolomee the King being very young, his Councel considering the danger that the Kingdom might be brought into by Caesar, if Pompey should be there harboured, or if they dismissed him being come into their power, resolved to slay him, and therefore this being committed to the trust of two men, they treacherously acted this bloudy part, when they had drawn him on to the Sea in a fishers ship, and then cutting off his head, reserved it till Caesars comming, but so far was he from giving them thanks, that he slue them, and wept at the fight of it, calling him his friend, that had done him many good offices, and his sonne in law, and so buryed his head honourably. Touching the losse of men in the foresayd War, some say, that Caesar lost not above 200, some 1200, and Pompey 15000 according to some, 6000 according to others. However, his losse was not so great to drive him to that cowardly sleeing away, neither regarding more to gather together his scattered forces, that he might give his enemy battell again. But God would thus make way to the Roman Monarchy, so long before prophesied of by Daniel, by prospering Caesar in all things, and daunting his enemies. And of this Caesar was also so confident, that he feared no danger, as appears in that going privately upon a time to sea, and the sea growing tēpestuous, which made the Governour of the ship affraid, he spake to him saying, fear nothing, seeing thou carryest Caesar. Pompey having left his forces, they for the most part soon yielded to Caesar, all whom he pardoned, lasting some together with his own men, and sending some home to Rome, with letters to the Senate, signifying his care to save as many Romans as he could. Only such Senatours and Commanders as came into his power, vvhom he had formerly taken and dismissed, he put to death, and all the Auxiliary forces of other Countreys, vvhom he could easily distinguish from Romans by their language. Yet after this victory, Caesar was in great danger vvhen he came into Egypt by reason of the few forces, only two Legions, and 900 horsmen vvhom he took thither vvith him. For there being then war betwixt Ptolomee the King, and his sister Cleopatra, and Caesar seeming to favour Cleopatra most, vvhen he undertooke to compose the difference between them, a tumult vvas suddenly raised through the Kings exclamations hercupon, and 20000 gathered together under one Achillas, and by sea 120 saile vvere gathered together to stop any other forces of Caesars from comming to him, vvherefore incouraging his men vvhichwhich he had vvith him, he brake through that multitude, and comming to the Sea coast, set the ships on fire and burnt them all, and then the fire from them fleeing to the most famous library in Alexandria, a great number of excellent books vvere burnt also. Caesar then having cleared the coast, sent for ayd and provision from divers parts. But before they could come at him, he had many battels with the Egyptians, and somtimes vvas in great danger of perishing, insomuch that he vvas once constreined to svvim for his life a great vvay vvith one hand, for he held his books above the vvater vvith the other, yet at length vvith the help of Mithridates, son of the famous Mithridates King of Pontus comming to his ayd, he got such a victory over the Egyptians that tvventy thousand of them vvere slam, and Ptolomee their King also. Then he gave the Kingdom to a younger brother, and Cleopatra his sister, vvho had formerly reigned together vvith Sister & brother marryed together.Ptolomee, and vvas his vvife, as their father had by his Will appoynted, p. 162and then shee became wife to him. But Caesar had first a sonne by her called Caesaron. In the time of this Egyptian Warre, Antipater, the father of Herod also, who had before cleaved unto Pompey, hee being dead, came into favour with Caesar, for hee came to helpe him at Alexandria with three thousand Jews, wherefore when hee had gotten the foresaid victory, he comming into Judaea, confirmed Hircantes in the High-priesthood, and made Antipater Governour in Judaea, according to his own desire, granting liberty to Hircanus to build the walls of Jerusalem again, which had beene beaten down by Pompey. And indeede, as Josephus sayth, Antipater had fought very valiantly, together with Mithridates for Caesar, insomuch that Mithridates acknowledged that he was saved in that War by his valour. Therefore Antigonus the son of Aristobulus comming after this to complain to Caesar of him and Hircanus, and to move him to some pity, by recounting, that his father was slain as he was comming to Judaea by his appoyntment, and his brother cut off by Scipio, in respect of Caesar, to despight whom, Scipio at the command of Pompey did this, could not be heard when Antipater had spoken, but Caesar did him all the honour that might be, and declared him a friend to the Romans. Caesar now hearing of troubles at Rome, would have hastened thither, but because he thought it needfull first to settle things in Asia, he stay'd a while about Pontus, which Kingdome Pharnaces the son of old Mithridates had taken into his possession, as of right belonging to him, after that he had overthrown Domitius a Captain of Caesar that came against him. But when he heard that Caesar was comming thitherward, he sent Embassadours to him for peace, and a Crown of gold, but Caesar would not consent, except he went out of Pontus, and made satisfaction for the hurts which he had done, upon this a great battell was fought, and Pharnaces was overthrown Here it was that Caesar had so speedy a victory, that hee wrote of it to the Senate thus, Veni, vidi, vici.and put to flight, and soon after slain, and the kingdom was bestowed upon Mithridates his brother. But whilst Caesar was thus busied, Cato went to Caelosyria, having with him Cicero, and Octavius, and Pompey, the son of Pompey the Great, and Scipio with many others, who were against Caesar, thinking to strengthen themselves in Africa and Spain against him, and so with a great power to come to Rome. But Caesar hearing of it in the winter time, tooke shipping vvithout further delay, to come upon them before they vvere aware, vvhichwhich he did, though in his passage to Africa he susteined much losse. Being come thither, at the first he layd about him for provision, vvhereof he had great vvant a long time, and having but small forces, hee vvas in great danger of being quite overthrown, by the great preparations that vvere made against him by Scipio, to vvhom the chiefe government of this Warre vvas committed, and by Juba King of Numidia. But it so fell out that one Sittius, a man banished out of Italy, gathering together divers other exiles, came at that time to Bocchus, and of him obteining more forces invaded the Kingdom of Juba, vvhereby he vvas forced to return to defend his own Countrey, and by this Diodorus. Hircius. Plutarch.means Scipio his Army vvas vveakned, so that he durst not yet goe against Caesar. He therefore tooke Ruspina, and attempting to doe the like to other places, Labinus and Petrius, being of the Pompeyan faction, encountered vvith him, and after a long fight vvere beaten by him. Then Scipio sent to Juba, making great proffers to him to come again and helpe him. Hereupon he came, and brought vvith him many Elephants, vvhichwhich the Romans vvith Caesar seeing, vvere greatly terrified: but Caesar so ordered the battell, setting bowmen to shoot at the Elephants, that they being inraged by the vvounds vvhichwhich they received, turned upon their leaders, and disordered the whole Army, and made the victory more easie for Caesar. Then vvere slain of the Pompeyans 10000, according to some 30000, but of Caesars men only 50, and all the Elephants being 60, came into Caesars power. Cato being all this time at Utica, vvhere many favoured Caesar, and therefore vvere, by such as fled thither out of the battell, spoyled of their goods, & some slain, vvhen he sought to disswade them from such outrages, and could not, vvith a weapon vvhichwhich he carryed vvith him, when he went to bed, thrust himself through and although the vvound vvere not mortall at the first, yet his servants coming and seeking to save him, he rent it vvider, till he dyed, saying that he had rather die p. 163then receive the favour at Caesars hands to live. Scipio by fleeing away by water saved himselfe, but Juba returning into his own Kingdom perished, as some say, by laying violent hands upon himselfe also: For returning secretly into his Kingdom, together with Petreius, and being from every City to which he came shut out, he despairing of safety first sought with Petreius, and slue him, and then himselfe by the helpe of a servant. Scipio being long tossed upon the Seas, came at length to Spain, where Sitius being with his horsemen, came upon him and slue him. Caesar then made the Kingdom of Numidia a Province, and having setled things in Africa returned to Rome, and kept foure most stately Triumphs. 1 Over France. 2 Over Egypt. 3 Over Pontus. 4 Over Africa, and was made by the Senate Dictatour for ten years, and had sumptuous Statues erected to him, being written underneath Caesar semi deus, although he was so modest as to cause this to be expunged, and shewed great humility towards the gods, by going up to the Capitall upon his knees, after that in the first dayes triumph, the axletree of his Chariot broke, which hee tooke as a check given him by them: And with many good words he comforted the Citizens, saying, that from his forces they should have no hurt, but they should be a guard to the City. Then he also rectified the account of the yeare, by the help of a famous Mathematician called Sosigenes, who found that the yeare was now overgone the due time 67 dayes, and that the Sommer Solstice, fell the third of the Plin. l. 18. c. 20.Calends of August, and therefore between November and December that year, which was the third of Caesars Consulship, Anno{que} mundi 3918, two moneths Anno mundi, 3918.more were interposed, and foure dayes, for which it was called, annus confusionis, and from thence forward every fourth yeare hath a day added to it, being for this called the Leap-year, and in honour of Julius Caesar, one monethmonth in the year was called Julius, which before was called Quintilis.

Touching the Jewish affairs at this time. Hircanus being still High-priest, was honoured with the friendship both of the Romans and Athenians, and by the help of Antipater the walls of Jerusalem were repaired, he commending to the Jews their High-priest Hircanus for their Prince & exhorting them to live quietly under him without stirring up new troubles, and threatning them if they did not, that Ioseph. lib. 14. c. 16, 17.he would be their Ruler. But when he perceived of how little spirit and courage Hircanus was, he made his eldest son Phasaelus Prince of Judaea, and his other son Herod being young, he set over Galilee, being then but 15 years old, yet even at that age, having wit and courage above his years, he set his minde to do something worthy his high place, and did. For he went out against Ezecias Captain of the Anno mundi, 3922.Thieves that infested the borders of Syria, and slue him, whereby he wan to himselfe great credit, and his fame came to the ears of Sextus Caesar Governour of Syria, and kinsman to Julius Caesar, and his brother Phasaelus being pricked on hereby with emulation, endeavoured by all means to get himself credit also by well governing over the parts committed to him, and by his continnall care to doe every one justice, Thus Antipater and his sons came to be much honoured both amongst the Jews, and were in singular friendship with the Romans, to whom Antipater sent gifts from time to time in his own name, but pretending to doe it for Hircanus, of whom he received the money for that end. This being observed by some of the Jews, they informe Hircanus of it, and how he was made but a stale, all the Kingly power being in Antipater and his sons, and specially against Herod for killing Ezecias without judgement given upon him according to Law. Hircanus therefore sent for Herod to answer it, and he being forwarned by his father, came with a Band of men to the Councell, insomuch that all his enemies were terrified from comming to witnesse any thing against him. But there was one Same as a just man in the Councell, who stirred up Hircanus and the Councell against him for comming in such a manner, and not as the accused of such crimes ought to doe, foretelling if they suffered this, that they should by Herod be destroyed, which afterwards came indeed to passe: yet Hircanus out of his great love to Herod, privately admonished him to flee away to Damascus, lest the Judges should determine against him, which he did, and came to Sextus Caesar, by whom he was also preferred to the Principality of Caelosyria. Then gathering p. 164an Army, he would have gone against Jerusalem and Hircanus for his former disgrace, but that he was turned by the perswasion of his father and brother herefrom. Hircanus then sending to Rome, renued the league of friendship with the Romans, which was done, and writings divers given hereof by Julius Caesar, wherein Hircanus and his sons were confirmed in the High-priesthood, and many priviledges were granted to them and to the Jews, and the like was done by Anthony and Dolobella, Consuls after Caesars death.

But to return to Caesar again. He having given amongst the Romans many great gifts according to his power, being now sole Consul, hastened into Spain, Appianus. Hircius.against the two sons of Pompey who remained yet to be subdued with their forces. And his haste his sayd to be such, that he came thither in 24 dayes, and had many battels with them, till at length in one great battell, with much hazard first undergone, to his own person and Army, he overcame Pompey, and slue of his foot men 30000, and of his horsemen 3000, losing of his own 1000 and 500 wounded. In this battell, Pompey himselfe was also wounded and fled, but was soon taken in a cave where he did himselfe, and his head being cut off was brought to Caesar his brother being in the City, when he heard of this great overthrow, immediately yielded. Then Caesar having setled things in Spain, and placed Anthony Governour, returned to Rome, and held another triumph, when by the Senate all honours vvere given unto him as a King, but only the Title. For he vvas made perpetuall Dictatour, and Emperour, and High-priest, and it vvas decreed that all other Officers should be obedient to him, and that the Empire after him should remain to his adopted children, for he had none of his own, and vvas novv aged 56 years. They also built Temples to his honour, as to a God, and gave him power in all things to rule at his vvill. Thus after foure years of civill War, they ended, and in the beginning of the fifth Caesar thus triumphed. But Sextus Caesar Iosephus.in the mean season being President of Syria, vvas slain by Bassus a Pompeyan, vvhereupon much trouble arose in those parts, as Josephus sayth, the Caesarians comming in great numbers against the Pompeyans to be revenged, in vvhichwhich vvars also Antipater acted a part for the Caesarians. Appian sayth, that Bassus vvas one set over a Legion by Caesar, and vvhen he savv Sextus Caesar addicted altogether Appianus.to riot, and not to attend his Prefectureship, he admonished him thereof, but vvas contemned, and by him sent for, and vvhen he came not, some vvere sent to bring him by force, as vvhichwhich his Souldiers disdaining, tumultuated and slue Sextus Caesar. Then fearing Julius Caesar, they resolved unlesse they could have pardon, to fight together for their lives, and having drawn another Legion unto them, one Marcus vvith three Legions came against them and vvas foyled, then the Governour of Bythinia comming to his ayd; Bassus and his men vvere overcome, and so this tumult ended. Caesar having thus quelled all enemies except the Parthians, vvas desired by the Senate to goe against them, and because it vvas thought that it vvould require a long time before he could return again, he vvas desired to nominate Consuls before his going, and so Anthony and Lepidus vvere appoynted. But his untimely death prevented him of that expedition, the envie of many at his excessive honours, putting them on to murther him, under a pretence of freeing the Common-vvealth from a tyranny, yet he vvas most excellent for clemencie and liberality, and did many good things for the benefit of the Common-vvealth, in that short time of his continuance at Rome, vvhichwhich vvas but six moneths, as the rebuilding of many Cities decayed, and placing in them many Colonies of the Romans. The chiefe conspiratours against him vvere Brutus and Cessius, the one greatly favoured by him, so that he had made him Governour in France, and appoyntud him another year to be Consul, and given him a large legacie by his Will, and in case that he dyed, whilst Octavius his sisters son, whom he had adopted were under age, he together with Anthony, should be his tutours. Yet this Brutus was by some put on, who made him believe that he was of the race of that Brutus, who long a goe by killing the King, had freed the Roman State from servitude, and therefore if he would doe any thing worthy the stock of which he came, he should kill Caesar, that tooke upon him to be King, and with him and Cassius many more conspired, to the number of a hundred and upward. p. 165The causes of their enemy were partly his ruling in all things, partly Anthonies offering to Crowne him, although hee modestly refused it and sayd, that hee would not be called King, but Caesar causing the Crown therefore to be offered to Jupiter in the Capitoll, saying, that none was King of the Romans but Jupiter. For notwithstanding this refusall they thought, that he desired it, and only because hee perceived by the countenances of the people, that they disliked, hee made this refusall. For hee ruled over all as a King, and this the free spirits of the Romans could not endure, that the sovereigne power should be in one, although it had been better for them, having been for many years of late so much oppressed by civill dissentions. Partly also there was a prophesie, which foretold, that the Parthians should never be overcome, but by a King, which made them to suspect the more, that Caesar must be he, before his going out against them. And lastly, his disrepect at one time to the Senat comming unto him, for he received them sitting, which was taken as an argument of an high aspiring minde. Therefore upon the 15 of March, a meeting in the Senate house with the Senatours about weighty affairs of the State being appointed, the Conspirators agreed together at that place and time to dispatch him, as an invader of the liberty of the Romans, neyther had he power, although hee had many forewarnings to keep away to avoid those fatall strokes. For the Wizards looking into the entrails of a beast, which was without an heart, took this for an evill signe, and advised him not to go out that day, moreover, he was before by them admonisht to take heed of the Ides of March, which was that day, his wife also Calphurnia was troubled Caesar forewarned.about his going to the Senate, and being slain there in her dream, and therefore earnestly besought him not to go. Insomuch, that he had thought once to have sent to dismisse the Senate, and not to goat that time. But Brutus, a Favourite of his and brother to Brutus, the chief conspiratour came and importuned him to go so, that he yielded, when hee told him, that the Senate had a purpose that day to make him King of all other Countreys round about, but only of the Romans, and told him, how ill the Senatours would take it to be dismissed, and against the ill presages sayd, that they were not to be regarded, and so taking him by the hand he went with him. But by the way, and when he was placed in his chair of State, he was much troubled by suitors comming with petitions to him, and the conspiratours placed themselves neer about him, as his friends to do him service, sometime talking to him, and sometime to one Cimber, that was a suitor to him for his banished brother, whom Caesar denyed, then he layd hold upon his gown with both his hands to pull it from his neck, and upon this, as a signe given of beginning Plutarch.the murther, one Casca thrust him first in the neck vvith his svvord, but made no great vvound, then Caesar arising, pursued him, amazed at his ovvn bold attempt, but he called his brother to his help, and by and by Caesar savv many svvords dravvn about him, and amongst others Brutus, to vvhom he sayd, o my son Brutus, and wrapt up his head in his robes, but he was immediatly slain, 23 wounds being given him. And this Brutus was thought indeed to be his son by Servilia, with whom Caesar had been very familiar. All things were full of tumult, but the conspiratours fled to the Capitoll to the gods for succour, and continued there a night and a day, till that by their messengers having apologized for themselves that they did this meerly for the good of the Common-wealth, and sworn to, mayntain all the good Ordinances of Caesar, some agreement was made, especially because the Senate liked well enough of their fact, and so they came forth. But Caesars Will comming to light, in which, as was sayd before, he had made Brutus and Anthony with others his executors, &c the people were inraged and sought to slay Brutus and his fellows & the Senators also, because they seemed to favour these murtherers, and making a fire in the market-place, they burnt the body of Caesar, so, as that withall they set fire upon the houses of some of the conspiratours, and then they set up an Altar there to Caesar, and worshipped him as a god, till that the Consuls, Anthony and Dolobella overthrew it, and with much ado repressed their fury.

Thus Caesar after foure yeers dominion, or three and an halfe as Josephus sayth, Anno mundi, 3922.was cut off, and all things were again stilled by sending the chiefe conspiratours p. 166away to certain Governments assigned unto them. Anthony then, as if hee had succeeded Caesar in his power, took upon him the rule of all things, and carryed away out of his house abundance of treasure, and taking Caesars books, cancelled some of his Laws, and altered others, as he thought good, so offering them to the people, who called for Caesars Laws. The Senate also made a new Decree, that no man should hereafter be Dictatour, and who so sought this dignity, a reward was propounded to him that should kill him. Octavins the adopted son of Caesar, the son of Attia his sister being at Apollonia all his time was a while doubtfull, what to do. But at length resolved to gather together such souldiers of his fathers, as he could, and to be revenged for his death. And to this end he took treasure, which Caesar had left with him, when he prepared for his expedition against the Parthians, and went into Campania, and many resorted unto him, he being now but 18 years old. From thence hee went to Rome, pretending that hee came only to take possession of the inheritance left him by Caesar, and although his mother and other friends disswaded him from it, yet he took upon him his name also, being called Caesar Octavins, nothing fearing the danger of the conspiratours, which he should thus be brought into. And indeed he did herein most wisely: for now, as if Caesar himself had been still living, many mens hearts were moved towards him. Anthony, yet slighted him so far, that they in a short time grew to open difference, whereupon Caesar Octavius his power increased much, some Legions of Anthonies falling unto him. Anthony seeing this betook him into France, which was committed to the government of Brutus, willing him to go into Macedonia as President there, and when he refused, he was by Anthony besieged in Mutina, the news whereof being brought to the Senate, hee was required forthwith to break up his siege, and leaving France to Brutus to passe into Macedonia to govern there. Anthony full of wrath at the hearing of this urged the siege the more, for which he was by the Senate, Cicero putting them on, declared an enemy, and his Colleague Dolobella going against Trebonius, to whom Syria was committed and entring the City, wherein he was in the night, and slaying him, was likewise declared an enemy. This Trebonius was one of the conspiratours, that helpt to kill Revenge for Caesars death against Trebonius.Caesar, and therefore vengeance now befell him, and his head being cut off, was camped about by the souldiers, and his body indignly used cast into the Sea. Two new Consuls therefore were immediatly made, viz. Hircius and Pansa, to goe with Caesar Octavius against Anthony, which Caesar was now made Propretour, but the chief strength of his souldiers taken from him, lest he should become too great, and so over-rule all, as Julius Caesar had done. For this was the Senats care, to employ him in the War against Anthony, that they two might never be reconciled to joyn together against the conspiratours, and to send the Consuls with greater power together with him. But Pansa and Caesar comming first to Mutina, after many skirmishes with Anthonyes men had a great battle with him, wherein Security after victory cost deere.they were put to the worst, and Pansa was greatly wounded. Yet as Anthonyes men returned from the battle singing, Hirtius with 20 fresh troups came upon them, and slue them, and forced Anthonyes tents, but in the entrance Hirtius was slaine, but Caesar kept his ground and continued in his atmour all night, which comming now on ended the battell for that day. Anthony calling a Councell in the night, resolved to raise his siege and be gone, then Decimus Brutus, who held the City Mtina, knowing what danger he was in now that one Consul was dead, and the other gone away sore wounded, so that all the power was in Octavius, because he was one of the conspiratours against his father, sent to him to give him thanks for delivering him from the siege, and to desire a reconciliation. Octavius answered that it was not for his sake, but to persecute Anthony an enemy of the Common-wealth, that he came, and therefore he lookt for no thanks from him, and for his desire of a friendly parle, this piety did forbid in him. Decimus therefore comming to the other side of the river, where he might be heard, read unto him the Decree of the Senate, that he had the government of France committed to him, and therefoce he warned him not to come thither without the Consuls. Whereupon Octavius did forbeare, and comming to the place, where Pansa lay, he heard by him that the drift of the p. 167Senate was to keepe him down and to humble Anthony who was grown so proud, but he for his part would deliver the Legions taken from Caesar to him, and so he dyed. He being dead, Torquatus the Questor, being warned by the Senate so to doe, delivered those Legious to D. Brutus and to keepe Caesar from growing in power. Sextus Pompetus had the government of the Navy committed to him, M. Brutus of Mecedonia, and Cassius of Syria, all the Eastern parts being commanded to be subject to them two. Caesar Octavius came to Rome full of wrath for this and demanded to triumph, but was rejected, then hee perswaded Cicero, the Consuls being dead, to stand to be Consul, and that he might be another, but he was laughed at therefore by the Senate because of his youth. Then Octavius thought it best to reconcile himself to Anthony and Lepidus, another great Commander over divers Legions, and therefore to make way hereunto, hee used the souldiers of Anthony, whom he had taken with all courtesie, and sent such an army to him as were desirous and wrote letters to him and to Lepidus, signifying in what danger they all were, if the conspiratours continued in their authority, and shewing the necessity, that there was of joyning together against them. Hereupon Anthony came with his army to Lepidus, and hee joyning with him after some pause, their forces grew very great. This strook terrour into the Senate, and stirred up much hatred against Lepidus, more then against Anthony, insomuch that Cassius and Brutus were sent for to helpe against them and two Legions, which were with Sextus Pompeyus, and Caesar Octavius was joyned in commission with D. Brutus to pursue Anthony it being from the Senate yet concealed, what he had done to joyne with Anthony. Octavius hearing of this stirred up his souldiers against the Senate for want of their pay, and when they were not after means used herein satisfied, hee made a speech unto them declaring, that the ayme of the Senate was to set up the Pompeyans and to suppresse the Cesareans, and to hinder such, as Julius Caesar had given possessions to, from enjoying them, but if he might be made Consul, he would be revenged upon the conspiratours, and helpe every man to his right. To this a great acclamation was made by his army, and the Centurions were forth with sent to the Senate to propound it. But before this they had made Plancus and D. Brutus Consuls, thinking, that they together with Octavius should go against Anthony. Therefore the Senate refused to hearken to this motion, although they were much urged, and their objection of his youth Diodorus.answered by the Legats, saying, that Scipio had been made Consul being under the age required ten years, and some others also. The Centurions returning to the army exasperated them so, that they marched forthwith towards Rome, being eight Legions. Then the Senate sent with all speed to pay Caesars army, and signifie that he should keep aloof from the City, and so be chosen Consul, but two legions comming from Sextus Pompeyeus at that instant, they repented and sent out other messengers to signifie it. Hereupon Caesars army was more inraged and came to the City, and without resistance took a great part thereof, many falling to him both of the noble and common sort, The Senate seeing this for fear made him Consul immediatly, and so he came to the Senate house in pomp, taking into the society of his Consulship Q. Pedius his Kinsman. The Senate then to flatter with him gave him all the power, that his father Caesar had to rule according to his will, and to be keeper of the City. And after this at his motion Anthony was sent unto by the Senate for reconciliation, and Lepidus, who also had been condemned for a publike enemy, and all the conspiratours against Julius Caesar were condemned to die D. Brutus hearing this prepares to flee to Cassius, & M. Brutus: but of the ten Legions, that were with him all revolted some to Caesar, and some to Anthony, except 300, and with them seeking to get over the river Rhene, but making some delay because of the difficulty of the passage, they also forsook him all but 10. Then hee travelling disguised as a Frenchman was taken by robbers, D. Brutus slain.and brought to the Governour of the Countrey, who at Anthonyes command, when he knew of it, cut off his head and sent it to Anthony, thus the second conspiratour against J. Caesar sell a year & a half after the murther, Octavius being yet but 20 years old: for he was not fully so much, when he was made Consul, in the monethmonth Sextilis, which hee vvould for this have called August, after his ovvne p. 168title, Caesar Octavius Augustus, and so it is called to this day, but because hee was born in September, some of his friends would have had that monethmonth called so. When Anthony and Lepidus had received the message for reconciliation they went towards Rome, but not without the greatest part of their armyes, making account by their power to prevaile so as to agree upon what terms they pleased Caesar, then went out with his army to meet them, and at their meeting all three parled together, because although neyther loved other, yet they thought it best to agree for a time the better to be revenged upon the conspiratours. Wherefore they three went into a certain Island, wherein the view of their armies they consulted two or three days together, and agreed finally that the enemyes of eyther of them should be proscribed, of which they reckoned 200, amongst whom Cicero was one, and that they three should have the chief power in all things, and that Anthony should be Governour of France, and those parts, Lepidus of Spain and Italy, Octavius of Africa, the East parts, Syria, &c. being left undisposed of, yet because M. Brutus and Cassius held them. To the City then they came, and first published a proscription against 17, promising a reward to any that should bring in any of their heads, whether he were free or bond, and threatning proscription to such as concealed any of them, whereupon great feare arose in Rome, and many fled to Cassius and Brutus, and soon after 30 more were proscribed to be slain and spoyled of their goods, and lastly 150 more, and yet they thinking, that they had not money enough for their Warre, condemned 1400 rich women also, but spared 1000, because this was cryed out upon, as a point of greatest cruelty, and took that which should have been taken from them, from other men. And in all this Caesar Octavius was least blamed, as by whose desire this cruelty was not shewed, for he was milde and kind like his father, but of the other two especially. Thus a new office of Triumviratus was set up to continue five yeares, because a Dictator-ship was odious ever since Sylla, but under them, when Octavius had deposed his Consulship, and his Colleague was now dead, two more Consuls were made, viz, Ventidius and Cartinas. But the three abolished some Laws, made others new, and ruled all things at their will, so that the time of J. Caesar seemed to be a golden time to this-ward. Soon after this, Anthony with his Army sets forth, and then Octavius, but they were both hindered in their Diodorus.passages, Anthony by Marcus with his sea forces, Octavius by Sextus Pompeyus, who then held Sicily. Yet they went forward towards Macedonia, to which place Anthony came with all his power, but Octavius stayed behinde because he fell sick. Cassius and Brutus having gathered abundance of treasure, met together neer Rhodes, and agreed first to take that City, because a friend to Anthony, which Cassius did, and then the Countrey of the Lycians, which was done by Brutus, who both spoyled them of all their goods, threatning such with death as conceiled any. But amongst the Xanthians, that were of the Lycians, a memorable thing happened. A rich man that hid his gold, was taken and led away to be punished, he saying nothing, his mother following cryed, it was not he but I that hid it, then the servant that discovered it, sayd, it was not she, but my master, this Brutus hearing, was so moved with the modesty of the man, and the affection of the mother, and the treachery of the servant, that hee dismissed the mother and son with his gold and hanged up the servant. Cassius and Brutus his forces now together A servants treachery against his Master punishe?were 80000 foot and 12000 horse, besides, 5000 horse that were brought in by friends. Anthony and Caesar likewise had 12000 horse and more foot, but their Army was not so well provided with victuals, and Octavius also was sick still, or not fully recovered, although through divers jealousies about Anthony he followed him and came to the Campe within ten dayes. Cassius and Brutus thought it best to delay to fight, that the provision of their enemies being wasted, they might the more easily subdue them. But Anthony provoked them daily to it, so that at length the Souldiers of Brutus would no longer be held in, but rushed out upon their enemies, and falling upon Octavius his men, he being absent, put them to the worse, but of them 8000 were slain, of Octavius his men twice so many, then he comming to his Army the fight was renewed, and Cassius thinking that Brutus was overcome, first ran up to an hill to see, but by reason of p. 169the dust not able to see any thing, he sent one to see, but before he returned, conceiving the worst, he caused his Armour-bearer Pindarus to slay him, when as indeed Brutus had the victory. The next day, having buried Cassius, he would have kept in his Souldiers, hoping to prevail with lesse bloudshed, for the want of provision in his enemies army: but they refusing to be kept in, joyned battell again, and then were overcome and put to flight in the wing, which was not led by Brutus, and then although he hitherto had stood his ground, he was also hem'd in by his enemies behinde, and made to flee to an hill with foure Legions, upon which having continued all night, he seeing his men discouraged, procured a friends servant also to kill him. And thus the two chiefe of the murtherers of Caesar, by a just judgement, procured their own murthers within two years, being brought Appian.into a desperate condition, when in all humane reason, they were most likely to have prevailed: For they had two Navies by sea, their enemies but one, and that wrecked, they had the advantage of provision, were equall in forces, and wonderfully rich in money, and most free to every Souldier, to put courage Cassius and Brutus, pay for murthering Caesar.into them, and to make them stand with them, and began also victoriously by advantages given them; yet being guilty of the bloud of an Emperour and a friend, vengeance would not suffer them to live. But as I should have sayd before, Anthony and his fellows did great honour to dead Caesar before their comming out of Rome, for they erected a Temple to him in the place where his corps was burnt, and made it an Asylum, so as no Temple in the City was besides, for though that of Romulus were, yet it now stood so that men could not come at it, Brutus his men that remained, fell all to Anthony and Octavius; being fourteen thousand, who tooke them into their Armies, the rest fled some to Marcus and some to Oenobarbus, Sea-captains. Anthony and Octavius having sacrificed for their victories, and honourably buried Brutus, now began to thinke of a new division of the World between them, Lepidus being excluded, all the East to Anthony, and the West to Octavius, Italy being left in common to them both, and so it is agreed that Octavius with part of the Army should return to Italy, & to give the souldiers the portions of land assigned to them, for a reward, and Anthony went with the other part into Egypt, where he was honourably entertained by Cleopatra and tooke with her beauty, he continued with her all that winter, neglecting all other things to his own ruine and hers. Caesar comming to Rome, went about to divide the lands promised both to Anthonyes Souldiers and his own, but they vvhichwhich then had them in possession, tooke their expulsion so heavily, that they resorted to L. Antonius being then Consul, stirring him up to warre against these Souldiers vvho ranged about so licentiously, that they filled all Italy with rapine and trouble, he therefore received them, and gathering more forces, thought to reduce the Common-wealth to the old form of government, that of the Triumvir seeming unto him intolerable. And to this, Fulvia the vvife of Anthony, ceased not to instigate him, because shee was vexed for her husbands stay vvith Cleopatra, and thought by this means hee vvould be moved to hasten to Rome. Octavius hereupon put away his vvife, the daughter of Fulvia, and so the contention increasing. Lucius Antonius gathered together 17 Legions and came to Rome, vvhichwhich he entered vvithout fight, through the sluggishnesse of Lepidus, and having stirred them up against Caesar, hee vvent forth towards Perusium to fight vvith him, vvho had then but foure Legions, and six vvhichwhich he sent for out of Spain, and the Pretorian Souldiers. But before they joyned battell, other helps came to Caesar out of France, being led by Salvidienus, but against him vvent Ventidius and Asinius, till that Agrippa, another Captain of Caesars comming in, made them turn away. Then they both bent their course against L. Antonius, vvho to avoid the danger, shut himselfe into Perusium. But Caesar and they both besieged him, and the City of Perusium being unprovided of victuals, Lucius vvas soon brought into a great streight through famine, vvherefore hee made divers sallies out, but in vain, and at length sent to such for peace, and vvhen hee could not so prevaile, but upon evill conditions, he vvent himselfe in submisse manner, and was by Caesar accepted, and the next day his men being suffered to depart, Caesar p. 170entred into the City, pardoning all but a few which were Decurions, amongst whom Xestius set fire desperately upon his own house, whereby the whole City was burnt down. Of the Souldiers of Lucius Antonius that went away, some hastened vvith Julia the mother of the Anthonyes, to Sextus Pompeyus, and some vvith Plancus and Fulvia the vvife of Anthony to him: Caesar Octavins in the mean season going to France, and taking Anthonyes forces vvhichwhich vvere there under Calenus, vvho vvas then dead, unto himselfe, vvhereby he increased his power to 11 Legions. Anthony in the spring tooke shipping, and came from Egypt to Athens, vvhere his wife met him, vvhom he blamed much for the War at Perusium, and L. Antonius also. Then his mother came to him, being honourably sent out by Pompey to draw him to his part against Caesar Octavius but Anthony replyed, that for his mother sending to him, he thanked him, and vvould requite it. But to breake vvith Caesar Octavius he had no purpose, if he vvould hold to his covenants vvith him, in case he should not then hee vvould use his help and if Octavius and he continued still in amity, he vvould doe his best to reconcile Pompey also to him. But Octavius being now very potent, for he had gathered together 40 Legions, as being Lord over all France and Spain, began to devise hovv to destroy Anthony, that he might rule alone, and to this end he both sought to stir up such Anthonians against him, as to vvhom he had divided possessions. and to make friendship vvith Pompey, being in Sicilia, by sending and taking to vvife the sister of his father in lavv Libo, called Scribonia, and by sending Lepidus away into Africa with six suspected Legions of Anthonies, and Lucus Anthonius vvith an Army into Spain, joyning vvith him the Propretours as Legats. Antonius on the other side came vvith a mighty Navy of two hundred ships to Brundusium, and then Oenobarbus came to him vvith all his Navy also, and vvas accepted by him. Caesar Octavius hearing this, hastened vvith his Army against him. Anthony therefore sent to Pompey to invade Italy in his ayd, so that much bloud vvas likely to have been shed, but that L. Cocceius vvho vvas a friend to both, mitigated their mindes so as that a peace followed, and reconciliation: The vvife also of Anthony dyed at the same time, vvho had beene a chiefe incendiary to vvarre, and so a marriage vvas made betwixt Anthony and Caesar Octavius his sister Octavia, and they feasted one another. As for Pompey it was agreed that hee should return to Sicily, Oenobarbus to Bythinia. But Caesar would not be reconciled to Pompey, because he had lately expelled Helenus a Captain of his out of Sardinia. Pompey hearing this, tooke all the passages to Italy, whereby was caused a great famine, which made the people to tumultuate, and presse Caesar and Anthony both to a reconciliation with Pompey, and that with such vehemencie, stoning the Magistrates when they came to appease the tumult, and the Emperours themselves, although many of them were slain by their Souldiers, so that Libo also, whose daughter Caesar Octavius had lately marryed, mediating betwixt them and Pompey his sonne in law, and Mutia the mother of Pompey, it was agreed that all they three should come to a conference, which they did, and at the second meeting agreed, that Pompey should rule in Sicilia and Sardinia, and some other Islands, and have Peloponesus delivered unto him, and this his rule to continue as long as their Triumviratus. The Emperours then feasted one another, Pompey beginning in Menodorus his Ship, where when the other two were, Menodorus moved Pompey to kill them, and so to be avenged for his fathers death, he answered that he wished Menodorus had done it without telling him, saying: Menodorus might have been perjured, but Pompey not. Then were Pompeys forces withdrawn from Italy, and they being by this means delivered from famine, rejoyced greatly in Rome, and gave exceeding great honour to Caesar Octavius and Anthony as the saviours of the Countrey, insomuch that they sacrificed to them. But this joy lasted not long, for Anthony returning into Asia, and Caesar into France, Pompey finding that Covenants were not kept as hee expected, about the delivering of Peloponesus to him, but being first exhaust of their treasure by Anthony, living then at Athens, began to prepare for Warre again, first infesting the Seas by his Pyrates, whereby Italy p. 171being again troubled cryed out, as oppressed now with foure men instead of three. Octavius hearing of this tooke some of the Pyrates, and when they confessed Pompey to be the authour of their practices, he prepared again to war, and sent to Anthony to meet him at Brundusium to consult about it, which he did, but Caesar Octavius being absent at his comming, he stayed not, but returned again to Athens. Then Caesar with the forces which he had, invaded Sicilia, but being by Pompey incountered, who was far better provided of shipping, he was at the first brought into great streights. But he sent Mecenas to Anthony to come to his ayd, who came and exchanged with him 120 ships, of which Caesar had most need for 20000 Legionary souldiers, which Anthony most needed to goe against the Parthians, and then returned again, leaving his wife Octavia with her brother, because he doted still upon Cleopatra, who offered to accompany him into Parthia. Then Caesar spent a year or two in preparing more ships, in which time Anthony with a mighty Army went towards Parthia, but had no better successe then Crassus in times past, for which he thought by craft to come upon Phraates their King unawares, he found him so prepared that he could doe no good against him, wherefore understanding that the King of Armenia was comming with a great power to the Parthians, he went another way to his Countrey, but not being able to enter suddenly, his army perished a great part through famine, cold, and sicknesse, for it was winter time, insomuch, that being in great streights, he swore a servant Appian.of his to kill him, but after this, finding means to flee away, hee posted with a few into Syria, where Cleopatra met him, bringing with her great treasure to pay his Army that survived, for 20000 foot were dead; and 4000 horsemen.