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Shakespeare's Plutarch, ed. C.F. Tucker Brooke (New York: Duffield and Company, 1909). Vol. I containing the main sources of Julius Caesar. https://oll.libertyfund.org/titles/1842,
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Vol. 1 of a 2 volume selection of the works of Plutarch which Shakespeare used in the writing of Julius Caesar, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Coriolanus. Vol. I contains the main sources of Julius Caesar.
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The influence of the writings of Plutarch of Chæronea on English literature might well be made the subject of one of the most interesting chapters in the long story of the debt of moderns to ancients. One of the most kindly and young spirited, he is also one of the most versatile of Greek writers, and his influence has worked by devious ways to the most varied results. His treatise on the Education of Children had the honour to be early translated into the gravely charming prose of Sir Thomas Elyot, and to be published in a black-letter quarto 'imprinted,' as the colophon tells us, 'in Fletestrete in the house of Thomas Berthelet.' The same work was drawn upon unreservedly by Lyly in the second part of Euphues, and its teachings reappear a little surprisingly in some of the later chapters of Pamela. The essay on the Preservation of Good Health was twice translated into Tudor prose, and that on Curiosity suffered transformation at the hands of the virgin queen herself into some of the most inharmonious of English verse.
The sixteenth century was indeed steeped in Plutarch. His writings formed an almost inexhaustible storehouse for historian and philosopher alike, and the age was characterized Edition: current; Page: [x] by no diffidence or moderation in borrowing. Plutarch's aphorisms and his anecdotes meet us at every turn, openly or in disguise, and the translations I have alluded to did but prepare the way for Philemon Holland's great rendering of the complete non-biographical works in the last year of the Tudor era.
But it is as author of the Parallel Lives of the famous Greeks and Romans that Plutarch has most strongly and most healthily affected the literature of modern Europe. Few other books of the ancient world have had since the middle ages so interesting a career; in the history of no other, perhaps—not even the Iliad—can we see so plainly that rare electric flash of sympathy where the spirit of classical literature blends with the modern spirit, and the renascence becomes a living reality. The Lives of Plutarch were early translated into Latin, and versions of them in that language were among the first productions of the printing press, one such edition being published at Rome about 1470. It was almost certainly in this Latin form that they first attracted the attention and the pious study of Jacques Amyot (1514–93).
Amyot's Translations of Plutarch. No writer of one age and nation has ever received more devoted and important services from a writer of another than Plutarch owes to Amyot. Already the translator of the Greek pastorals of Heliodorus and Longus, as well as seven books of Diodorus Siculus, Amyot came not unprepared to the Edition: current; Page: [xi] subject of his life's work. Years were spent in purification of the text. Amyot's marginal notes as to variants in the original Greek give hut a slight conception of the extent of his labours in this direction. Dr. Joseph Jäger has made it more evident in a Heidelberg dissertation, 'Zur Kritik von Amyots Übersetzung der Moralia Plutarch's' (Bühl, 1899).
In 1559, being then Abbot of Bellozane, Amyot published his translation of Plutarch's Lives, printed in a large folio volume by the famous Parisian house of Vascosan. The title page of this edition is here reproduced in facsimile as frontispiece to my second volume. The success of the work was immediate; it was pirated largely, but no less than six authorized editions were published by Vascosan before the end of 1579.
Amyot's concern with the Lives did not cease with the appearance of the first edition. Each re-issue contained improvements, and only that of 1619 can perhaps be regarded as giving his final text, though by that time the translator had been twenty-six years in his grave. Yet it was not the Lives solely that occupied him. In 1572 were printed Les Oeuvres Morales et Meslees de Plutarque. Translatees du Grec en Francois par Messire Jacques Amyot. The popularity of this volume, by whose appearance all Plutarch was rendered accessible in the vernacular to French readers, was hardly inferior to that the Lives had attained, and it directly inspired another work, already mentioned, whose importance for English drama was not very greatly inferior Edition: current; Page: [xii] to that of North's translation of the Lives: 'The Philosophie, commonly called the Morals, written by the learned Philosopher, Plutarch of Chæronea. Translated out of Greeke into English, and conferred with the Latin translations, and the French, by Philemon Holland ... London 1603.'
The indebtedness of such writers as Chapman to the Morals of Plutarch is hardly to be measured. Our concern, however, is rather with the lives as they appeared in North's translation from the French of Amyot, in 1579.
Sir Thomas North. Thomas North, or Sir Thomas, as history has preferred to call him, was born about 1535, the second son of Edward Lord North and Alice Squyer his wife. The knightly title in North's case, like that or Sir Thomas Browne, is really an anachronism as regards his literary career. It was a late granted honour, withheld, like the royal pension, which seems to have immediately preceded death, till the recipient's fame had long been established and his work in this world was virtually over. It is simply as Thomas North that he appears on the early title pages of his three books, and as Master North we find him occasionally mentioned in state papers during the long and eventful years that precede 1591. Sometimes, by way of self-advertisement, he alludes to himself rather pathetically as 'sonne of Sir Edward North, Knight, L. North of Kyrtheling' or 'Brother to the Right Honourable Sir Roger North, Knight, Lorde North of Kyrtheling.'Edition: current; Page: [xiii]
We know little of his life. It appears to have been a long and honourable one, full of incident and variety, darkened till almost the very end by the shadow of poverty, but certainly not devoid of gleams of temporary good fortune, and on the whole, no doubt, a happy life.
There is good reason, but no positive evidence, for believing that he was educated at Peterhouse, Cambridge. In 1557 we find him at Lincoln's Inn; on the 20th of December in that year he dates from there the dedicatory epistle to Queen Mary, prefixed to his Diall of Princes. In 1568 he was presented with the freedom of the city of Cambridge. In 1574 he accompanied his elder brother Roger, second Baron North, on a special mission to the court of Henri III of France. Six years later, under date of August 25, 1580, the Earl of Leicester commends Mr. North to Lord Burghley as one who 'is a very honest gentleman, and hath many good things in him which are drowned only by poverty.' During the critical days of the Armada he was Captain of three hundred men in the Isle of Ely, and he seems always to have borne a high reputation for valour.
With 1590 the more interesting part of North's life closes. In 1591 he was knighted. At this period he must apparently have enjoyed a certain pecuniary prosperity, since eligibility for knighthood involved the possession of land worth £40 a year. In 1592 we hear of him as justice of the peace in Cambridgeshire; the official commission for placing him is dated February 24. Six years later we may infer Edition: current; Page: [xiv] that he was again in financial straits, for a grant of £20 was made to him by the city of Cambridge. The last known incident of his life was the conferring on him of a pension of £40 per annum from the Queen, in 1601. He may or may not have lived to see the publication of the third, expanded edition of his Plutarch in 1603, to which is prefixed a grateful dedication to Queen Elizabeth.
North was twice married, and we know that at least two of his children, a son and daughter, reached maturity. His literary fame rests on three translations. The first in point of time was a version of Guevara's Libro Aureo, of which an abbreviated translation by Lord Berners had been printed in 1535, with the title 'The Golden Boke of Marcus Aurelius Emperour and eloquent Oratour.' North made no such effort at condensation; his rendering appeared first in 1557 and again, with the addition of a fourth book, in 1568, with the following title page: 'The Dial of Princes, compiled by the reverend father in God, Don Antony of Guevara, Byshop of Guadix, Preacher, and Chronicler to Charles the fifte, late of that name Emperor. Englished out of the Frenche by T. North... And now newly revised and corrected by hym, refourmed of faultes escaped in the first edition: with an amplification also of a fourth booke annexed to the same, enituled The fauored Courtier, never heretofore imprinted in our vulgar tongue. Right necessarie and pleasaunt to all noble and vertuous persones.' There seems no reason to accept the suggestion that the style of this book was Edition: current; Page: [xv] influential in any particular degree in shaping that of Lyly's Eupbues.
North's second translation appeared in 1570. The title page, which contains all the information concerning the work that the reader is likely to require, runs as follows: 'The Morall Philosophie of Doni: Drawne out of the auncient writers. A worke first compiled in the Indian tongue, and afterwardes reduced into divers other languages: and now lastly Englished out of Italian by Thomas North.'
In the Stationers' Register for 1579 occurs this entry: 'VIto Die Aprilis.–Thomas vautrollier, master Wighte– Lycenced vnto yem a booke in Englishe called Plutarks Lyves–XVs and a copie.' This is the first mention of North's translation of Plutarch, which was duly published in the same year, 1579, by the two book-sellers named in the registration notice. A facsimile of the title page appears as frontispiece to this volume. Details as to the later editions of the work will be found on pp. xix-xxi. It is of importance to consider here the exact relation in which North's translation stands to that of Amyot, first printed just twenty years before and definitely claimed by North as his source.
Amyot and North. The dependance of North on Amyot cannot be questioned. Phrase for phrase, generally word for word, the English translation follows the French, with a closeness far exceeding that with which North was ever imitated by his great borrower. Yet the charge of plagiarism is as irrelevant in the one case as the other. The Edition: current; Page: [xvi] spirit of North was not the spirit of Amyot, nor was there any very great affinity between the spirit of mid-sixteenth century France and that which pervaded England a couple of decades later. Each book is thoroughly representative of its author and its environment.
Amyot ranks, with Montaigne, as one of the creators of modern French prose, and Montaigne himself praises him with a praise that never wearies. 'I do with some reason, as me seemeth,' says the latter in the fourth essay of his second book, 'give prick and praise unto Jacques Amiot above all our French writers, not only for his natural purity, and pure elegancie of the tongue, wherein he excelleth all others, nor for his indefatigable constancie of so long and toylesome a labour, nor for the unsearchable depth of his knowledge, having so successfully-happy been able to explaine an author so close and thorny, and unfold a writer so mysterious and entangled…. but above all, I kon him thanks that be hath had the hap to chuse, and knowledge to cull out so worthy a worke, and a booke so fit to the purpose, therewith to make so unvaluable a present unto his Countrie.'
This is noble and perfectly just commendation for Amyot; it is not the language we should use of North's translation. One would hardly characterize his style by 'pure elegancy,' nor would one comment on the unsearchable depth of his knowledge. We shall have to point out in the notes several instances where North has badly mistranslated or obscured Edition: current; Page: [xvii] his original, and his use of words tends much more towards raciness than elegance. Amyot is all that Montaigne and the stylists of later days have called him, but North is something more and different; and it is peculiarly the words of North, we should remember, and not of Amyot, which have touched the imagination of Shakespeare in a way the words of no other man, save possibly Marlowe, seem ever to have done.
Amyot's prose is simple and luminous, redolent of scholarship and precision; yet it appears bare and commonplace when contrasted with the fierce slangy idioms of North, which have all the high colour of the Elizabethan imagination. Instances could be multiplied indefinitely: we take three average ones from a single page of the Life of Brutus. North tells us that 'Brutus could evil away with the tyranny,' where Amyot had been content with the simple phrase 'portoit mal patiemment.' A dozen lines later Amyot's judicial 'mais ilz ne disent pas la uerité' becomes vertebrate and personal in North's colloquial rendering, 'But this holdeth no water.' And in the next sentence but one, North's imagination being stimulated as it always is by the suggestion of a fight, we read, 'Cassius rose up on his feet and gave him two good whirts on the ear,' where the gentle Amyot had written 'luy donna une couple de soufflets.'
North's influence on 'Julius Caesar.' The Lives of Caesar and Brutus printed in this volume were freely used by Shakespeare when he came, about 1601, to Edition: current; Page: [xviii] write the play of Julius Caesar. At this period the poet was engaged also with Hamlet, and it is not surprising that we find in eight well-known lines of the latter drama (I. i. 113–20) a patent allusion to North's description of the portents which foreshadowed the fall of 'the mightiest Julius.' For his play of Caesar Shakespeare employed both the lives here printed, and he made more occasional use also, as the footnotes to the text will show, of the Life of Antonius.
It is important to note that his procedure in the case of the first Roman play did not vary essentially from that he had already followed in constructing the English histories out of the chronicles of Holinshed. That is, his indebtedness in Julius Caesar is primarily one of subject matter, not of language, and it is only occasionally, as in the dialogue between Brutus and Portia, or the scene where the ghost of Caesar visits Brutus's tent, that we perceive the poet to be writing with North's book open before him. In other places –for example, the account of Caesar's assassination and its immediate sequel–we find the three different versions of Plutarch fused with all the masterly subordination of the letter to the spirit which characterizes Shakespeare's treatment of English history. A considerably more intimate relation to North's text manifests itself in the later plays of Antony and Cleopatra and Coriolanus; a discussion of this matter will be found in the introduction to the second volume.Edition: current; Page: [xix]
In its presentation of the character of the more famous dramatis personae, Julius Caesar follows pretty faithfully the lines of Plutarch's portraiture. We find all, and rather more of the Greek's disapproval of Caesar, and all his somewhat fantastic championing of Brutus. Cassius and the minor conspirators remain practically unchanged. The greatest alteration probably is in the character of Antony: in Julius Caesar he begins already to assume something of that heroship which Plutarch grants him only by snatches and grudgingly, but which in Antony and Cleopatra becomes for all time his.
Editions. North' translation of Plutarch' Lives from the French of Amyot was first printed, as has been said, in 1579. Between this date and that of the appearance of Amyot' editio princeps, twenty years earlier, the latter had been four times legitimately re-issued, and there had been several spurious editions, in Holland and elsewhere. Another reprint was published by authority in this very year 1579. It seems hardly possible to ascertain which of these versions was used by North, nor is the matter of any real consequence. In my notes I quote from the Bodleian copy of Amyot's second, revised, edition of 1565, which is as likely as any other to have been in the hands of the English translator.
North's work waited sixteen years for republication. The second edition was printed in 1595, 'by Richard Field for Thomas Wight,' as the title page of the Bodleian copy states, or as other copies have it, 'by Richard Field for Edition: current; Page: [xx] Bonham Norton,' two publishers being apparently concerned in the transaction. This edition varies in pagination from the first; it adds an index, and the text has been normalized to an injurious extent, archaic idioms and spellings being very frequently supplanted by others more satisfactory probably to a progressive compositor. Thus, the old comparative lenger is invariably replaced by longer, and such a form as conducts reappears in modern orthography as conduits. There is no special indication that North himself supervised this reissue, which does not even contain the obvious correction of the phrase 'the highway going unto Appius' into 'the highway called Appius' way,' first found in the 1603 folio.
A third issue seems to have been called for in just half the time required to exhaust the first, for in 1603 the next edition appeared, this time with a supplement containing fifteen new lives not written by Plutarch, but translated, like the rest, if we are to believe the title page, by Sir Thomas North.
A reprint of the third edition, with no substantial change, was published in 1612. The separate title page introducing the supplementary lives bears the date 1610, and it is probable that the whole of this, the fourth, edition was printed in that year, though publication was delayed. In 1631 appeared a fifth edition of no special interest, and in 1656–7 a sixth, which again added brief lives of twenty more 'Eminent Persons,' translated from the French of Andrew Thevet.Edition: current; Page: [xxi]
The foregoing editions were all published in London. In 1676 appeared a seventh, published at Cambridge. It will be seen from these statistics that North' Plutarch enjoyed till the close of the seventeenth century a popularity equal to its merits; but its vogue was now interrupted. It was supplanted by a succession of more modern and infinitely less brilliant renderings and was not again reprinted as a whole till 1895. How entirely it had fallen into disrepute in the eighteenth century is evident from the significant verdict of the Critical Review for February, 1771, 'This was not a translation from Plutarch, nor can it be read with pleasure in the present Age.' One hopes, and can readily believe, that the critic had not made the attempt to read it.
There is some doubt as to which edition of North was used by Shakespeare. The theory of Mr. A. P. Patos that a copy of the 1603 version bearing the initials 'W. S.' was the poet's property has long ago been exploded. From an allusion by Weever in his Mirror of Martyrs, we know that Julius Caesar was in existence in 160 1. The two possible editions, those of 1579 and 1595 respectively, often vary a little in wording, but there seems to be no instance where such difference offers any hint as to which text Shakespeare used. No one with a knowledge of the rules and vagaries of Elizabethan orthography will probably lay any stress on the argument which prefers the folio of 1595 for the sole reason that on the first page of the Life of Coriolanus it Edition: current; Page: [xxii] happens to agree in spelling of the word 'conduits' with the 1623 Shakespeare, whereas the folio of 1579 gives the older form of 'conducts.'
If Shakespeare's acquaintance with North was delayed till about 1600, it may be imagined that copies of the second edition would then be the more easily obtainable. If, on the other hand, we derive the allusions in A Midsummer Night's Dream (II. i. 75–80) to Hippolyta, Perigouna, Aegle, Ariadne, and Antiopa from the Life of Theseus, as has been done, though with no very great show of probability, we must then assume the dramatist to have known North's book at a period probably antecedent to the appearance of the second edition. The question is of little import. There seems on other grounds every reason to prefer the text of the editio princeps, which in practically all cases of difference offers an older and apparently more authentic reading than the version of 1595. As has been said, we have no evidence that North was personally responsible for any of the changes in the second edition.
The present text follows the edition of 1579. All variants in the edition of 1595, which are not purely typographical, are recorded in the notes, together with all important alterations in the editions 1603–1631. I have attempted also to quote the readings of Amyot wherever North has departed from his rendering. Unfortunately the scheme of the series to which this book belongs necessitates the modernization of spelling. The capitalization of the Edition: current; Page: [xxiii] original edition is preserved except in a few cases where, judged by Elizabethan usage, it is obviously irregular, and I have been as conservative in the matter of punctuation as has appeared compatible with intelligibility to the modern reader.
The main purpose of the book, as its title indicates, is to make clear the relation in which North stands to Shakespeare. I have therefore marked with stars at the end of the lines all passages from which the latter has apparently borrowed hints for his subject matter. The corresponding lines in Shakespeare are indicated by means of footnotes. Where not only the general purport of the passage, but its wording also, has been incorporated by Shakespeare, daggers appear in place of stars.
The order in which the four lives are printed is neither that of historical chronology nor that in which they are given by Plutarch and his translators. History would, of course, require that the Life of Coriolanus should come first, and Plutarch, while agreeing with the actual sequence of events in that regard, violates it by inserting the Life of Antonius before that of Brutus. I have preferred to arrange the lives according to the order in which Shakespeare used them. The first volume, therefore, contains the main sources of Julius Caesar, written about 1601, while the second volume gives that on which Antony and Cleopatra (1607) is mainly based, followed by that which inspired the still later play of Coriolanus. There is other reason for this procedure than Edition: current; Page: [xxiv] mere convenience; by glancing at the marked passages one sees a continuous advance from the life of Caesar, of which, except for several allusions, Shakespeare used only the last few pages, to that of Coriolanus where the connexion between the dramatist and the biographer is closest of all. References to Shakespeare are to the Oxford edition.
At what time Sylla was made Lord of all, he would have had Caesar put away his wife Cornelia, the daughter of Cinna Dictator: but, when he saw he could neither with any promise nor threat bring him to it, he took her jointure away from him. The cause of Caesar's ill-will unto Sylla was by means of marriage: for Marius th' elder married his father's own sister, by whom he had Marius the younger, whereby Caesar and he were cousinCaesar joined with Cinna and Marius germans. Sylla being troubled in weighty matters, putting to death so many of his enemies, when he came to be conqueror, he made no reckoning of Caesar: but he was not contented to be hidden in safety, but came and made suit unto the people for the Priesthoodship that was void, when he had scant any hair on his face. Howbeit he was repulsed by Sylla's means, that secretly was against him. Who when he was determined to have killed him, some of his friends told him that it was to no purpose to put so young a boy as he to death. But Sylla told them again, that they did not consider that there were many Marians in that young boy. Caesar, understanding that, stale out of Rome, and hid Edition: current; Page: [2] himself a long time in the country of the Sabines, wandering still from place to place. But one day, being carried from house to house, he fell into the hands of Sylla's soldiers, who searched all those places, and took them whom theyCaesar took sea and went unto Nicomedes, king of Bithynia. found hidden. Caesar bribed the captain, whose name was Cornelius, with two talents which he gave him. After he had escaped them thus, he went unto the seaside and took ship, and sailed into Bithynia to go onto King Nicomedes. WhenCaesar taken of pirates. he had been with him a while, he took sea again, and was taken by pirates about the Isle of Pharmacusa: for those pirates kept all upon that sea-coast, with a great fleet of ships and boats. They asking him at the first twenty talents for his ransom, Caesar laughed them to scorn, as though they knew not what a man they had taken, and of himself promised them fifty talents. Then he sent his men up and down to get him this money, so that he was left in manner alone among these thieves of the Cilicians (which are the cruellest butchers in the world), with one of his friends, and two of his slaves only: and yet he made so little reckoning of them, that, when he was desirous to sleep, he sent unto them to command them to make no noise. Thus was he eight-and-thirty days among them, not kept as prisoner, but rather waited upon by them as a prince. All this time he would boldly exercise himself in any sport or pastime they would go to. And other while also he would write verses, and make Edition: current; Page: [3] orations, and call them together to say them before them: and if any of them seemed as though they had not understood him, or passed not for them, he called them blockheads and brute beasts, and, laughing, threatened them that he would hang them up. But they were as merry with the matter as could be, and took all in good part, thinking that this his bold speech came through the simplicity of his youth. So, when his ransom was come from the city of Miletus, they being paid their money, and he again set at liberty, he then presently armed, and manned out certain ships out of the haven of Miletus, to follow those thieves, whom he found yet riding at anchor in the same island. So he took the most of them, and had the spoil of their goods, but for their bodies, he brought them into the city of Pergamum, and there committed them to prison, whilst he himself went to speak with Junius, Junius of praetor of Asia. who had the government of Asia, as unto whom the execution of these pirates did belong, for that he was Praetor of that country. But this Praetor, having a great fancy to be fingering of the money, because there was good store of it, answered, that he would consider of these prisoners at better leisure. Caesar, leaving Junius there, returned again unto Pergamum, and there hung up all these thieves openly upon a cross, as he had oftentimes promised them in the isle he would do, when they thought he did but jest. Afterwards, when Sylla' power began to decay, Caesar's friends wrote unto him, to pray him to come Edition: current; Page: [4] home again. But he sailed first unto Rhodes, to study there a time under Apollonius the son of Molon, whose scholar also Cicero was, for he was a very honest man, andCaesar'e eloquence. an excellent good rhetorician. It is reported that Caesar had an excellent natural gift to speak well before the people, and, besides that rare gift, he was excellently well studied, so that doubtless he was counted the second man for eloquence in his time, and gave place to the first because he would be the first and chiefest man of war and authority, being not yet come to the degree of perfection to speak well, which his nature could have performed in him, because he was given rather to follow wars and to manage great matters, which in th' end brought him to be Lord of all Rome. And therefore, in a book he wrote against that which Cicero made in the praise of Cato, he prayeth the readers not to compare the style of a soldier with the eloquence of an excellent orator, that had followed it the most part of his life. When he was returned again unto Rome, he accused Dolabella for his ill-behaviour in the government of his province, and he had divers cities of Greece that gave in evidence against him. Notwithstanding, Dolabella at the length was dismissed. Caesar, to requite the goodwill of the Grecians, which they had shewed him in his accusation of Dolabella, took their cause in hand, when they did accuse Publius Antonius before Marcus Lucullus, Praetor of Macedon: and followed it so hard against him in their behalf, that Antonius was driven to Edition: current; Page: [5] appeal before the Tribunes at Rome, alleging, to colour his appeal withal, that he could have no justice in Greece against the Grecians. Now Caesar immediately wan many men' goodwills at Rome, through his eloquence in pleading of their causes: and the people loved him marvellously also, because of the courteous manner he had to speak to every man, and to use them gently, being more ceremonious therein than was looked for in one of his years. Furthermore, he ever kept a good board,Caesar loved hospitality. and fared well at his table, everand was very liberal besides: the which indeed did advance him forward, and brought him in estimation with the people. His enemies, judging that this favour of theCaesar a follower of the people. common people would soon quail, when he could no longer hold out that charge and expense, suffered him to run on, till by little and little he was grown to be of great strength and power. But in fine, when they had thus given him the bridle to grow to this greatness, and that they could not then pull him back, though indeed in sight it would turn one day to the destruction of the whole state and commonwealth of Rome: too late they found, that there is not so little a beginning of anything, but continuance of time will soon make it strong, when through contempt there is no impediment to hinder the greatness. Thereupon Cicero, like a wise shipmaster that feareth the calmness of the sea, was the first man that, mistrusting his manner of dealing in the commonwealth, found out his Edition: current; Page: [6] craft and malice, which he cunningly cloked under the habitCicero's judgement of Caesar. of outward courtesy and familiarity. 'And yet,' said he, 'when I consider how finely he combeth his fair bush of hair, and how smooth it lieth, and that I see him scratch his head with one finger only: my mind gives me then that such a kind of man should not have so wicked a thought in his head, as to overthrow the state of the commonwealth.' But this was long time afterThe love of the people in Rome unto Caesar. that. The first show and proof of the love and good will which the people did bear unto Caesar was when he sued to be Tribune of the soldiers (to wit, Colonel of a thousand footmen), standing against Caius Pompilius, at what time he was preferred andCaesar chosen Tribunus militum. chosen before him. But the second, and more manifest proof than the first, was at the death of his aunt Julia, the wife of Marius the elder. For, being her nephew, he made a solemn oration in the marketCaesar made the funeral oration at the death of his aunt Julia place in commendation of her, and at her burial did boldly venture to show forth the images of Marius: the which was the first time that they were seen after Sylla's victory, because that Marius and all his confederates had been proclaimed traitors and enemies to the commonwealth. For, when there were some that cried out upon Caesar for doing of it, the people on th' other side kept a stir, and rejoiced at it, clapping of their hands, and thanked him for that he had brought as it were out of hell the remembrance of Marius' honour Edition: current; Page: [7] again unto Rome, which had so long time been obscured and buried. And where it had been an ancientCaesar the first praised his wife in funeral oration. custom of long time that the Romans used to make funeral orations in praise of old ladies and matrons when they died, but not of young women, Caesar was the first that praised his own wife with funeral oration when she was dead, the which also did increase the people's good wills the more, seeing him of so kind and gentle nature. After the burial of his wife he was madeCaesar made Quaestor. Treasurer under Antistius Vetus Praetor, whom he honoured ever after: so that when himself came to he Praetor, he made his son to be chosen Treasurer. Afterwards, when he was come out of that office,Pompeia, Caesar' third wife. he married his third wife Pompeia, having a daughter by his first wife Cornelia, which was married unto Pompey the Great. Now for that he was very liberal in expenses, buying (as some thought) but a vain and short glory of the favour of the people (where indeed he bought good cheap the greatest things that could be), some say that, before he bare any office in the commonwealth, he was grown in debt to the sum of thirteen hundred talents. Furthermore, because he was made overseer of the work for the highway going unto Appius, he disbursed a great sum of his own money towards the charges of the same. And on the other side, when he was made Aedilis, for that he did show the people the pastime of three hundred and twenty couple of sword players, and did Edition: current; Page: [8] besides exceed all other in sumptuousness in the sportsCaesar' prodigality. and common feasts which he made to delight them withal, (and did as it were drown all the stately shows of others in the like, that had gone before him), he so pleased the people, and wan their love therewith, that they devised daily to give him new offices for to requite him, At that time there were two factions in Rome, to wit, the faction of Sylla, which was very strong and of great power, and the other of Marius, which then was under foot and durst not shew itself. But Caesar, because he would renew it again, even at that time when, he being Aedilis, all the feasts and common sports were in their greatest ruff, he secretly caused images of Marius to be made, and of victories that carried triumphs, and those he set up one night within the Capitol. The next morning, when every man saw the glistering of these golden images excellently well wrought, shewing by the inscriptions that they were the victories which Marius had won upon the Cimbrians, every one marvelled much at the boldness of him that durst set them up there, knowing well enough who it was. Hereupon it ran straight through all the city, and every man came thither to see them. Then some cried outCaesar accused to make a rebellion in the state. upon Caesar, and said it was a tyranny which he meant to set up, by renewing of such honours as before had been trodden under foot, and forgotten, by common decree and open proclamation: and that it was no more but a bait to gauge the people's Edition: current; Page: [9] good wills, which he had set out in the stately shews of his common plays, to see if he had brought them to his lure, that they would abide such parts to be played, and a new alteration of things to be made. They of Marius' faction on th' other side, encouraging one another, shewed themselves straight a great number gathered together, and made the mount of the Capitol ring again with their cries and clapping of hands: insomuch as the tears ran down many of their cheeks for very joy, when they saw the images of Marius, and they extolled Caesar to the skies, judging him the worthiest man of all the kindred of Marius. The Senate being assembled thereupon, Catulus Luctatius, one of the greatest authority at that time in Rome, rose, and vehemently inveighed against Caesar, and spake that then which ever since hath been noted much: that Caesar did not now covertly go to work, but by plain force sought to alter the state of the commonwealth. Nevertheless, Caesar at that time answered him so that the Senate was satisfied. Thereupon they that had him in estimation did grow in better hope than before, and persuaded him, that hardily he should give place to no man, and that through the good will of the people he should be better than all they, and come to be the chiefest man of the city. At thatThe death of Metellus, chief Bishop of Rome. time the chief Bishop Metellus died, and two of the notablest men of the city, and of greatest authority, (Isauricus and Catulus), contended for his room: Caesar, notwithstanding their contention, would Edition: current; Page: [10] give neither of them both place, but presented himself to the people, and made suit for it as they did. The suit being equal betwixt either of them, Catulus, because he was a man of greater calling and dignity than the other, doubting the uncertainty of the election, sent unto Caesar a good sum of money, to make him leave off his suit. But Caesar sent him word again, that he would lend a greater sum than that, to maintain the suit against him. When the day of th' election came, his mother bringing him to the door of his house, Caesar, weeping, kissed her, and said: 'Mother, this day thou shalt see thy son chief Bishop of Rome, or banished from Rome.' In fine, when the voices of theCaesar made chief Bishop of Rome. people were gathered together, and the strife well debated, Caesar wan the victory, and made the Senate and noblemen all afraid of him, for that they thought that thenceforth he would make the people do what he thought good. Then Catulus and Piso fell flatly out with Cicero, and condemned him for that he did not bewray Caesar, when he knew that he was ofCaesar suspected to be confederate with Catiline in his conspiracy. conspiracy with Catiline, and had opportunity to have done it. For when Catiline was bent and determined, not only to overthrow the state of the commonwealth, but utterly to destroy the empire of Rome, he scaped out of the hands of justice for lack of sufficient proof, before his full treason and determination was known. Notwithstanding he left Lentulus and Cethegus in the city, companions of his Edition: current; Page: [11] conspiracy: unto whom whether Caesar did give any secret help or comfort, it is not well known. Yet this is manifest, that when they were convinced in open Senate, Cicero, being at that time Consul, asking every man's opinion in the Senate, what punishment they should have, and every one of them till it came to Caesar, gave sentence they should die; Caesar then rising up to speak madeCaesar went about to deliver the spirators. an oration (penned and premeditated before), and said that it was neither lawful, nor yet their custom did bear it, to put men of such nobility to death (but in an extremity) without lawful indictment and condemnation. And therefore, that if they were put in prison in some city of Italy, where Cicero thought best, until that Catiline were overthrown, the Senate then might at their pleasure quietly take such order therein, as might best appear unto their wisdoms. This opinion was thought more gentle, and withal was uttered with such a passing good grace and eloquence, that not only they which were to speak after him did approve it, but such also as had spoken to the contrary before revoked their opinion and stuck to his, until it came to Cato and Catulus to speak. They both did sharply inveigh against him, but Cato chiefly: who in his oration made Caesar suspectedCato'oration against Caesar. to be of the conspiracy, and stoudy spake against him, insomuch that the offenders were put into the hands of the officers to be put to death. Caesar coming out of the Senate, a company of young men, which guarded Edition: current; Page: [12] Cicero for the safety of his person, did set upon him with their swords drawn. But some say that Curio covered Caesar with his gown, and took him out of their hands. And Cicero self, when the young men looked upon him, beckoned with his head that they should not kill him, either fearing the fury of the people, or else that he thought it too shameful and wicked a part. But, if that were true, I marvel why Cicero did not put it into his book he wrote of his Consulship. But certainly they blamed him afterwards, for that he took not the opportunity offered him against Caesar, only for overmuch fear of the people, that loved him very dearly. For shortly after, when Caesar went into the Senate, to clear himself of certain presumptions and fals accusations objected against him, and being bitterly taunted among them, the Senate keeping him lenger than they were wont: the people came about the council house, and called out aloud for him, bidding them let him out. Cato then, fearing the insurrection of the poor needy persons, which were they that put all their hope in Caesar, and did also move the people to stir, did persuade the Senate to make a frank distribution of corn unto them for a month. This distribution did put the commonwealth to a new charge of five hundred and fifty myriads. This counsel quenched a present great fear, and did in happy time scatter and disperse abroad the best part of Caesar's force and power, at such time as he was made Praetor, and that for respect of his office he was most to be feared. Yet all the time he was Edition: current; Page: [13] officer he never sought any alteration in the commonwealth, but contrarily he himself had a great misfortune fell in his own house, which was this. There was a young nobleman of the order of the Patricians, called PubliusThe love of P. Clodius untoPompeia', Caesar's wife. Clodius, who lacked neither wealth nor eloquence, but otherwise as insolent and impudent a person as any was else in Rome. He became in love with Pompeia, Caesar' wife, who misliked not withal: notwithstanding she was so straitly looked to, and that Aurelia (Caesar's mother), an honest gentlewoman, had such an eye of her, that these two lovers could not meet as they would, without great peril and difficulty. The Romans do use to honour a goddess which theyThe good goddess, what she was, and her sacrifices. call the good goddess, as the Grecians have her whom they call Gynaeceia, to wit, the goddess of women. Her the Phrygians do claim to be peculiar unto them, saying that she is King Midas' mother. Howbeit the Romans hold opinion, that it is a nymph of wood married unto god Faunus. The Grecians, they say also that she was one of the mothers of the god Bacchus, whom they dare not name. And for proof hereof, on her feast day, the women make certain tabernacles of vine twigs and leaves of vine branches, and also they make., as the tale goeth, a holy dragon for this goddess, and do set it by her: besides, it is not lawful for any man to be present at their sacrifices, no not within the house itself where they are made. Furthermore, they say Edition: current; Page: [14] that the women in these sacrifices do many things amongst themselves, much like unto the ceremonies of Orpheus. Now when the time of this feast came, the husband (whether he were Praetor or Consul) and all his men and the boys in the house do come out of it, and leave it wholly to his wife, to order the house at her pleasure, and there the sacrifices and ceremonies are done the most part of the night, and they do besides pass the night away in songs and music. Pompeia, Caesar's wife, being that year to celebrate this feast, Clodius, who had yet no hair on his face, and thereby thought he should not be bewrayed, disguised himself in a singing wench's apparel, because his face was very like unto a young wench. He finding the gates open, being secretly brought in by her chambermaid that was made privy unto it, she left him, and ran to Pompeia her mistress, to tell her that he was come. The chambermaid tarried long before she came again, insomuch as Clodius being weary waiting for her where she left him, he took his pleasure, and went from one place to another in the house, which had very large rooms in it, still shunning the light, and was by chance met withal by one of Aurelia's maids, who, taking him for a woman, prayed her to play. Clodius refusing to play, the maid pulled him forward, and asked him what he was: Clodius then answered her, that he tarried for Abra one of Pompeia's women. So Aurelia's maid, knowing him by his voice, ran straight where the lights and ladies were, and cried out, that there was a man Edition: current; Page: [15] disguised in woman's apparel. The women therewith were so amazed, that Aurelia caused them presently to leave off the ceremonies of the sacrifices, and to hide their secret things, and, having seen the gates fast locked, went immediately up and down the house with torch light to seek out this man: who at the last was found out in the chamber of Pompeia's maid, with whom he hid himself. Thus Clodius being found out, and known of the women, they thrust him out of the doors by the shoulders.Clodius taken in the sacrifices of the good goddess. The same night the women told their husbands of this chance as soon as they came home. The next morning, there ran a great rumour through the city, how Clodius had attempted a great villany and that he deserved, not only to be punished of them whom he had slandered, but also of the commonwealthClodius accused for profaning the sacrifices of the good goddess. and the gods. There was one of the Tribunes of the people that did indict him, and accuse him of high treason to the gods. Furthermore, there were also of the chiefest of the nobility and the Senate, that came to depose against him, and burdened him with many horrible and detestable facts, and specially with incest committed with his own sister, which was married unto Lucullus. Notwithstanding, the people stoutly defended Clodius against their accusations: and this did help him much against the judges, which were amazed, and afraid to stir the people. This notwithstanding, Caesar presently put his wife away, and thereupon, being brought Edition: current; Page: [16] by Clodius' accuser to be a witness affainst him, heCaesar putteth away his wife Pempeia. answered, he knew nothing of that they objected against Clodius. This answer being clean contrary to their expectation that heard it, the accuser asked Caesar, why then he had put away his wife: "Because I will not," said he, "that my wife be so much as suspected." And some say that Caesar spake truly as he thought. But others think that he did it to please theClodius quit by the judge for protasning the sacrifices of the good goddess. common people, who were very desirous to save Clodius. So Clodius was discharged of this accusation, because the most part of the judges gave a confused judgement, for the fear they stood one way of the danger of the common people if they condemned him, and for the ill opinion of th' other side of the nobility if they did quit him. The government of the province of Spain being fallen unto CaesarCaesar Praetor of Spain. for that he was Praetor, his creditors came and cried out upon him, and were importunate of him to be paid. Caesar, being unable to satisfy them, was compelled to go unto Crassus, who was the richest man of all Rome, and that stood in need of Caesar's boldness and courage to withstand Pompey's greatness inCrassus surety for Caesar to his creditors. the commonwealth. Crassus became his surety unto his greediest creditors for the sum of eight hundred and thirty talents: whereupon they suffered Caesar to depart to the government of his province. In his journey it is reported that, Edition: current; Page: [17] passing over the mountains of the Alps, they came through a little poor village that had not many households, and yet poor cottages. There, his friends that did accompany him asked him merrily, if there were any contending for offices in that town, and whether there were any strife there amongst the noblemen for honour. Caesar, speaking in good earnest, answered: 'I cannot tell that,' said he, 'but for my part, I had rather be the chiefest man here, than the second person in Rome.' Another time also when he was in Spain, reading the history of Alexander's acts, when he had read it, he was sorrowful a good while after, and then burst out in weeping. His friends seeing that, marvelled what should be the cause of his sorrow. He answered them, 'Do ye not think,' said he, 'that I have good cause to be heavy, when King Alexander, being no older than myself is now, had in old time won so many nations and countries: and that I hitherunto have done nothing worthy of my self?' Therefore, when he was come into Spain, he was very careful of his business, and had in few days joined ten new ensigns more of footmen unto the other twenty which he had before. Then, marching forward against theCaesar's acts in spain. Calaïcans and Lusitanians, he conquered all, and went as far as the great sea Oceanus, subduing all the people which before knew not the Romans for their Lords. There he took order for pacifying of the war, and did as wisely take order for the establishing of peace. For he did reconcile the cities together, and made them friends Edition: current; Page: [18] one with another, but specially he pacified all suits of law and strife betwixt the debtors and creditors, which grew byCaesar's order bitwix the creditor and debtor. reason of usury. For he ordained that the creditors should take yearly two parts of the revenue of their debtors, until such time as they had paid themselves: and that the debtors should have the third part to themselves to live withal. He, having won great estimation by this good order taken, returned from this government very rich, and his soldiers also full of rich spoils, who called him Imperator, to say, sovereignCaesar's soldiers called him Imperator. captain. Now the Romans having a custom, that such as demanded honour of triumph should remain a while without the city, and that they on th' other side which sued for the Consulship should of necessity be there in person: Caesar coming unhappily at that very time when the Consuls were chosen, he sent to pray the Senate to do him that favour, that, being absent, he might by his friends sue for the Consulship. Cato at the first did vehemently inveigh against it, vouching an express law forbidding the contrary. But afterwards perceiving that notwithstanding the reasons he alleged, many of the Senators (being won by Caesar) favoured his request, yet he cunningly sought all he could to prevent them, prolonging time, dilating his oration until night. Caesar thereupon determined rather to give over the suit of his triumph, and to make suit for the Consulship: and so came into the city, and had such a device with him, as went beyond them all Edition: current; Page: [19] but Cato only. His device was this. Pompey and Crassus, two of the greatest personages of the city of Rome,Caesar reconcileth Pompey and Crasans together. being at jar together, Caesar made them friends, and by that means got unto himself the power of them both: for by colour of that gentle act and friendship of his he subtly (unwares to them all) did greatly alter and change the state of the commonwealth. For it was not the private discord between Pompey and Caesar, as many men thought, that caused the civil war: but rather it was their agreement together, who joined all their powers first to overthrow the state of the Senate and nobility, and afterwards they fell at jar one withCato's foresight and prophecy. another. But Cato, that then foresaw and prophesied many times what would follow, was taken but for a vain man: but afterwards they found him a wiser man, than happy in his counsel. Thus Caesar being brought unto the assembly of the election in the midst of these two noble persons whom he had beforeCaesar's first consulship with Calpurnius Bibulus. reconciled together: he was there chosen Consul, with Calphurnius Bibulus, without gainsaying or contradiction of any man. Now, when he was entered into his office, he began to put forth laws meeter for a seditious Tribune of the People than for a Consul: because by them he preferred the division of lands,Caesar's law. and distributing of corn to every citizen, gratis, to please them withal. But when the noblemen of the Senate were against his device, he desiring no better occasion Edition: current; Page: [20] began to cry out and to protest, that by the overhardnessLess agymria. and austerity of the Senate they drave him against his will to lean unto the people: and thereupon having Crassus on th' one side of him, and Pompey on th' other, he asked them openly in th' assembly, if they did give their consent unto the laws which he had put forth. They both answered, they did. Then he prayed them to stand by him against those that threatened him with force of sword to let him. Crassus gave him his word, he would. Pompey also did the like, and added thereunto, that he would come with his sword and target both against them that would withstand him with their swords. These words offended much the Senate, being far unmeet for his gravity, and undecent for the majesty and honour he carried, and most of all uncomely for the presence of the Senate whom he should have reverenced: and were speeches fitter for a rash light headed youth than for his person. Howbeit the common peopleCaesar married his daughter Julia unto Pompay. on th' other side, they rejoiced. Then Caesar, because he would be more assured of Pompey's Power and friendship, he gave him his daughter Julia in marriage, which was made sure before unto Servilius Caepio, and promised him in exchange Pompey'sCaesar married Calphurnia, the daughter of Piao. daughter, the which was sure also unto Faustus the son of Sylla. And shortly after also, Caesar self did marry Calphurnia, the daughter of Piso, whom he caused to be made Consul to succeed him the next year following. Cato then cried out with Edition: current; Page: [21] open mouth, and called the gods to witness, that it was a shameful matter, and not to be suffered, that they should in that sort make havoc of the Empire of Rome, by such horrible bawdy matches, distributing among themselves through those wicked marriages the governments of the provinces and of geat armies. Calphurnius Bibulus, fellow Consul with Caesar, perceiving that he did contend in vain, making all the resistance he could to withstand this law, and that oftentimes he was in danger to be slain with Cato in the market-phce and assembly: he kept close in his house all the rest of his Consulship. When Pompey hadPompey by force of arms authorised Caesar's laws. married Julia, he filled all the market-place with soldiers, and by open force authorised the laws which Caesar made in the behalf of the people. Furthermore, he procured that Caesar had Gaul on this side and beyond the Alps, and all Illyria, with four legions, granted him for five years. Then Cato standing upCaesar sent Catoto to prison. to speak against it, Caesar bade his officers lay hold of him, and carry him to prison, thinking he would have appealed unto the Tribunes. But Cato said never a word, when he went his way. Caesar perceiving then, that not only the Senators and nobility were offended, but that the common people also, for the reverence they bare unto Cato's virtues, were ashamed, and went away with silence: he himself secretly did pray one of the Tribunes that he would take Cato from the officers. But after he had played this part, there were few Senators that would be Edition: current; Page: [22] President of the Senate under him, but left the city, because they could not away with his doings. And of them there was an old man called Considius, that on a time boldly told him the rest durst not come to council, because they were afraid of his soldiers. Caesar answered him again: 'And why then dost not thou keep thee at home for the same fear?' Considius replied, 'Because my age taketh away fear from me: for, having so short a time to live, I have no care to prolong it further.' The shamefullest part that Caesar played while he was Consul seemeth to be this: when he chose P. Clodius Tribune of the people, that had offered his wife such dishonour, and profaned the holy ancient mysteries of the women, which were celebrated in his own house. Clodius sued to be Tribune to noCaesar by clodius drave Cicero out of Italy. other end but to destroy Cicero: and Caesar self also departed not from Rome to his army before he had set them together by the ears, and driven Cicero out of Italy. All these things they say he did, before the wars with the Gauls. But the time of the great armies and conquests he made afterwards, and of the war in the which he subdued all the Gauls (entering into another course of life far contrary unto the first), made him to be known for as valiant a soldier and as excellent aCaesar a valiant solider and a skilful captain. captain to lead men, as those that afore him had been counted the wisest and most valiantest generals that ever were, and that by their valiant deeds had achieved great honour. For whosoever would compare the Edition: current; Page: [23] house of the Fabians, of the Scipios, of the Metellians, yea those also of his own time, or long before him, as Sylla, Marius, the two Lucullians, and Pompey self,
Whose fame ascendeth up unto the heavens:
it will appear that Caesar's prowess and deeds of arms did excel them all together. The one, in the hard countries where he made wars: another, in enlarging the realms and countries which he joined unto the Empire of Rome: another, in the multitude and power of his enemies whom he overcame: another, in the rudeness and austere nature of men with whom he had to do, whose manners afterwards he softened and made civil: another, in courtesy and clemency which he used unto them whom he had conquered: another, in great bounty and liberality bestowed upon them that served under him in those wars: and in fine, he exelded them all in the number of battles he had fought, and in the muhitude of his enemies he had slain in battle. For in less than ten years'Caesar's conquests in Gaul. war in Gaul he took by force and assault above eight hundred towns: he conquered three hundred several nations: and having before him in battle thirty hundred thousand soldiers, at sundry times he slew tenThe love and respect of soldier unto him. hundred thousand of them, and took as many more prisoners. Furthermore, he was so entirely beloved of his soldiers, that to do him service (where otherwise they were no more than other men in any private Edition: current; Page: [24] quarrel) if Caesar's honour were touched, they were invincible, and would so desperately venture themselves, and with such fury, that no man was able to abide them. And this appearethThe wonderful valiantness of Acilius Caesins Scaeva and divers other of Caesar's solider. plainly by the example of Acilius: who, in a battle by sea before the city of Marseilles, boarding one of his enemies ships, one cut off his right hand with a sword, but yet he forsook not his target which he had in his left hand, but thrust it in his enemies faces, and made them fly, so that he won their ship from them. And Cassius Scaeva also, in a conflict before the city of Dyrrachium, having one of his eyes put out with an arrow, his shoulder stricken through with a dart, and his thigh with another, and having received thirty arrows upon his shield: he called to his enemies, and made as though he would yield unto them. But when two of them came running to him, he clave one of their shoulders from his body with his sword, and hurt the other in the face: so that he made him turn his back, and at the length saved himself, by means of his companions that came to help him. And in Britain also, when the captains of the bands were driven into a mariah or bog full of mire and dirt, and that the enemies did fiercely asail them there: Caesar then standing to view the battle, he saw a private soldier of his thrust in among the captains, and fought so valiantly in their defence that at the length he drave the barbarous people to fly and by his means saved the captains, which otherwise were in great danger to have been Edition: current; Page: [25] cast away. Then this soldier, being the hindmost man of all the captains, marching with great pain through the mire and dirt, half swimming and half afoot, in the end got to the other side, but left his shield behind him. Caesar, wondering at his noble courage, ran to him with joy to embrace him. But the poor soldier hanging down his head, the water standing in his eyes, fell down at Caesar's feet, and besought him to pardon him, for that he had left his target behind him. And in Africk also, Scipio having taken one of Caesar's ships, and Granius PetroniusGranius Petronius. aboard on her amongst other, not long before chosen treasurer: he put all the rest to the sword but him, and said he would give him his life. But Petronius answered him again: that Caesar's soldiers did not use to have their lives given them, but to give others their lives: and with those words he drew his sword, and thrust himself through. Now Caesar'self did breed this noble courage and life in them. First, for that he gave them bountifully, and did honour them also, shewing thereby, that he did not heap up riches in the wars to maintain his life afterwards in wantonness and pleasure, but that he did keep it in store, honourably to reward their valiant service: and that by so much he thought himself rich, by how much he was liberal in rewarding of them that had deserved it. Furthermore, they did not wonder so much at his valiantness in putting himself at every instant in such manifest danger, and in taking so extreme pains as he did, knowing that it was his Edition: current; Page: [26] greedy desire of honour that set him afire, and pricked him forward to do it: but that he always continued all labour and hardness, more than his body could bear, that filled them all with admiration. For concerning the constitution of his body, he was lean, white, and soft skinned, and often subject to headache, and otherwhile to the falling sickness,Caesar had the falling sickness. (the which took him the first time, as it is reported, in Corduba, a city of Spain): but yet therefore yielded not to the disease of his body, to make it a cloak to cherish him withal, but contrarily took the pains of war as a medicine to cure his sick body, fighting always with his disease, travelling continually, living soberly, and commonly lying abroad in the field. For the most nights he slept in his coach or litter, and thereby bestowed his rest, to make him always able to do something: and in the daytime, he would travel up and down the country to see towns, castles, and strong places. He had always a secretary with him in his coach, who did still write as he went by the way, and a soldier behind him that carried his sword. He made such speed the first time he came from Rome, when he had his office, that in eight days he came to the river of Rhone. He was so excellent a rider of horse from his youth that, holding his hands behind him, he would gallop his horse upon the spur. In his wars in Gaul, he did further exercise himself to indite letters as he rode by the way, and did occupy two secretaries at once with as much as they could write: and, as Oppius writeth, more than two at a time. Edition: current; Page: [27] And it is reported, that Caesar was the first that devised friends might talk together by writing ciphers in letters, when he had no leisure to speak with them for his urgent business, and for the great distance besides from Rome. How little accompt Caesar made of his diet, thisThe temperance of Caesar in his diet. example doth prove it. Caesar supping one night in Milan with his friend Valeius Leo, there was served sperage to his board, and oil of perfume put into it instead of salad oil. He simply ate it, and foundCaesar's civility not to blame his friend. no fault, blaming his friends that were offended: and told them, that it had been enough for them to have abstained to eat of that they misliked, and not to shame their friend, and how that he lacked good manner that found fault with his friend. Another time as he travelled through the country, he was driven by foul weather on the sudden to take a poor man's cottage, that had but one little cabin in it, and that was so narrow, that one man could but scarce lie in it. Then he said to his friends that were about him: 'Greatest rooms are meetest for greatest men, and the most necessary rooms for the sickest persons.' And thereupon he caused Oppius that was sick to lie there all night: and he himself, with the rest of his friends, lay without doors, under the easing of the house. The first war that Caesar made with the Gauls was with the Helvetians and Tigurinians, who, having set fire of all their good cities, to the number of twelve, and four hundred villages besides, came to invade that part of Gaul which was Edition: current; Page: [28] subject to the Romans, as the Cimbri and Teutons had done before: unto whom for valiantness they gave no place, and they were also a great number of them (for they were three hundred thousand souls in all) whereof there were a hundred four-score and ten thousand fighting men. Of those, it was not Caesar himself that overcame the Tigurinians,The Tigu rinians slain by Labienus Arar fl. but Labienus his Lieutenant, that overthrew them by the river of Afar. But the Helvetians themsalves came suddenly with their army to set upon him, as he was going towards a city of his confederates. Caesar, perceiving that, made haste to get him some place of strength, and there did set his men, in battle ray. When one brought him his horse to get up on whichCaesar refused horse when he fought a battle. he used in battle, he said unto them: 'When I have overcome mine enemies, I will then get up on him to follow the chase, but now let us give them charge.' Therewith he marched forward afoot, and gave charge: and there fought it out a long time, before he could make them fly that were in battle. But the greatest trouble he had was to distress their camp, and to break their strength which they had made with their carts. For there they that before had fled from the battle did not only put themselves in force, and valiantly fought itThe Hel vetians slain by Caesar. but their wives and children also fighting for their lives to the death were all slan, and the battle was scant ended at midnight. Now if the act of this victory was famous, unto that he also added Edition: current; Page: [29] another unotable, or exceeding it. For of all the barbarons people that had escaped from this battle he gathered together again above a hundred thousand of them, and compelled them to return home into their country which they had forsaken, and unto their towns also which they had burnt: because he feared the Germans would come over the river of Rhine, and occupy that country lying void. The second war he made was in defence ofCaesar made war with King Ariovistus. the Gauls against the Germans: although before he himself had caused Ariovistus their king to be received for a confederate of the Romans. Notwithstanding, they were grown very unquiet neighbours, and it appeared plainly that, having any occasion offered them to enlarge their territories, they would not content them with their own, but meant to invade and possess the rest of Gaul. Caesar perceiving that some of his captains trembled for fear, but specially the young gentlemen of noble houses of Rome, who thought to have gone to the wars with him as only for their pleasure and gain: he caued them to council, and commanded them that were afraid, that they should depart home, and not put themselves in danger against their wills, sith they had such womanish faint hearts to shrink when he had need of them. And for himself, he said, he would set upon the barbarous people, though he had left him but the tenth legion only, saying that the enemies were no valianter than the Cimbri had been, nor that he was a captain inferior into Marius. This oration being made, Edition: current; Page: [30] the soldiers of the tenth legion sent their lieutenants unto him, to thank him for the good opinion he had of them: and the other legions also fell out with their captains, and all of them together followed him many days' journey with good will to serve him, until they came within two hundred furlongs of the camp of the enemies. Ariovistus' courage was well cooled, when he saw Caesar was come, and that the Romans came to seek out the Germans, where they thought and made aceompt that they durst not have abidden them: and therefore, nothing mistrusting it would have come so to pass, he wondered much at Caesar's courage, and the more when he saw his own army in a maze withal. But much more did their courages fall by reason of the foolish women prophesiers they had among them,The wise women of Germany how they did foretell things to come which did foretell things to come: who, considering the waves and trouble of the rivers, and the terrible noise they made running down the stream, did forewarn them not to fight until the new moon. Caesar having intelligence thereof, and perceiving that the barbarous people thereupon stirred not, thought it best then to set upon them, being discouraged with this superstitious fear, rather than, losing time, he should tarry their leisure. So he did skirmish with them even to their forts and little hills where they lay, and by this means provoked them so, that with great fury they came down to fight. There he overcame them in battle, and followed them in chase, with great slaughter, three hundred furlong, Edition: current; Page: [31] even unto the river of Rhine: and he filled all the fields thitherto with dead bodies and spoils. Howbeit Ariovistus, flying with speed, got over the river ofKing Ariovitus overthrown by Caesar. Rhine, and escaped with a few of his men. It is said that there were slain four-score thousand persons at this battle. After this exploit, Caesar left his army amongst the Sequanes to winter there: and he himself in the meantime, thinking of th' affairs at Rome, went over the mountains into Gaul about the river of Po, being part of his province which he had in charge. For there the river called Rubico divideth the rest of Italy from Gaul on this side the Alps. Caesar lying there did practise to make friends in Rome, because many came thither to see him: unto whom he granted their suits they demanded, and sent them home also, partly with liberal rewards, and partly with large promises and hope. Now, during all this conquest of the Gauls, Pompey did not consider how Caesar interchangeably did conquer the Gauls with the weapons of the Romans, and won the Romans again with the money of the Gauls. Caesar being advertised that the Belgae (which were the warlikest men of all the Gauls, and that occupied the third part of Gaul) were all up in arms, and had raised a great power of men together: he straight made towards them with all possible speed, and found themThe Belgae overcome by Caesar. spoiling and over-running the country of the Gauls, their neighbours, and confederates of the Romans. So he gave them battle, and, they fighting cowardly, he Edition: current; Page: [32] overthrew the most part of them which were in a troop together, and slew such a number of them, that the Romans passed over deep rivers and lakes afoot upon their dead bodies, the rivers were so full of them. After this overthrow, they that dwelt nearest unto the seaside, and were next neighbours unto the ocean, did yield themselves without any compulsion or fight: whereupon, he led his army against the Nervians, the stoutest warriors of allNervii the stoutest warriors of all the Beigae. the Belgae. They, dwelling in the wood country, had conveyed their wives, children, and goods into a marvellous great forest, as far from their enemies as they could: and being about the number of six-score thousand fighting men and more, they came one day and set upon Caesar, when his army was out of order, and fortifying of his camp, little looking to have fought that day. At the first charge they brake the horsemen of the Romans, and compassing in the twelfth and seventh legion, they slew all the centurions and captains of the bands. And had not Caesar self taken his shield on his arm, and, flying in amongst the barbarous people, made a lane through them that fought before him: and the tenth legion also, seeing him in danger, run unto him from the top of the hill where they stood in battle, and broken the ranks of their enemies: there had not a Roman escaped alive that day. But, taking example of Caesar's valiantness, they fought desperately beyond their power, and yet could not make the Nervians fly, but they fought it out to the death, Edition: current; Page: [33] till they were all in manner slain in the field. It is written that of three-score thousand fighting men there escaped only but five hundred: and of four hundredThe Nervii slain by Caesar. gentlemen and counsellors of the Romans but three saved. The Senate understanding it at Rome ordained that they should do sacrifice unto the gods, and keep feasts and solemn processions fifteen days together without intermission, having never made the like ordinance at Rome for any victory that ever was obtained. Because they saw the danger had been marvellous great, so many nations rising as they did in arms together against him: and further, the love of the people unto him made his victory much more famous. For when Caesar had set his affairs at a stay in Gaul on the other side of the Alps, he always used to lie about the river of Po in the winter-time, to give direction for the establishing of things at Rome at his pleasure. For not only they that made suit for offices at Rome were chosen magistrates by means of Caesar's money which he gave them, with the which bribing the people they bought their voices, and when they were in office did all that they could to increase Caesar's power and greatness: but theThe great lords of Rome come to Luca to Caesar. greatest and chiefest men also of the nobility went unto Luca unto him. As Pompey, Crassus, Appius, Praetor of Sardinia, and Nepos, Proconsul in Spain. Insomuch that there were at one time six-score sergeants carrying rods and axes before the magistrates: and above two hundred Senators besides. There they Edition: current; Page: [34] fell in consultation, and determined that Pompey and Crassus should again be chosen Consuls the next year following. Furthermore, they did appoint that Caesar should have money again delivered him to pay his army and beside did prorogue the time of his government five years further. This was thought a very strange and an unreasonable matter unto wise men. For they themselves that had taken so much money of Caesar persuaded the Senate to let him have money of the common treasure, as though he had had none before: yea, to speak more plainly, they compelled the Senate unto it, sighing and lamenting to see the decrees they passed. Cato was not there then, for they had purposely sent him before into Cyprus. Howbeit Favonius, that followed Cato's steps, when he saw that he could not prevail, nor withstand them: he went out of the Senate in choler, and cried out amongst the people that it was a horrible shame. But no man did hearken to him, some for the reverence they bare unto Pompey and Crassus, and others, favouring Caesar's proceedings, did put all their hope and trust in him: and therefore did quiet themselves, and stirred not. Then Caesar, returning into Gaul beyond the Alps unto his army, found there a great war in theIpes&Tentericies, people of Germany. country. For two great nations of Germany had not long before passed over the river of Rhine, to conquer new lands: and the one of these people were called Ipes, and the other Tenterides. Now touching the battle which Caesar fought with them, he Edition: current; Page: [35] himself doth describe it in his commentaries in this sort. That the barbarous people having sent ambassadors unto him, to require peace for a certain time, they notwithstanding, against law of arms, came and set upon himCaesar's horsemen put to flight. as he travelled by the way, insomuch as eight hundred of their men of arms overthrew five thousand of his horsemen, who nothing at all mistrusted their coming. Again, that they sent him other ambassadors to mock him once more: but that he kept them, and therewith caused his whole army to march against them, thinking it a folly and madness to keep faith with such traitorous barbarous breakers of leagues. Canutius writeth that the Senate appointing again to do new sacrifice, processions, and feasts, to give thanks to the gods for this victory, Cato was of contrary opinion, that Caesar should be delivered into the hands of the barbarous people, for to purge their city and commonwealth of this breach of faith, and to turn the curse upon him that was the author of it. OfThe Ipes and Tenterides slain by Caesar. these barbarous people which came over the Rhine, (being about the number of four hundred thousand persons), they were all in manner slain, saving a very few of them, that flying from the battle got over the river of Rhine again, who were received by the Sicambrians, another people of the Germans. Caesar takingSicambri, a people of the Germans. this occasion against them, lacking no good will of himself besides, to have the honour to be counted the first Roman that ever passed over the river of Rhine Edition: current; Page: [36] with an army: he built a bridge over it. This river isCaesar made a bridge over the river of Rhine. marvellous broad, and runneth with great fury. And in that place specially where he built his bridge, for there it is of a great breadth from one side to th' other, and it hath so strong and swift a stream besides, that men, casting down great bodies of trees into the river (which the stream bringeth down with it), did with the great blows and force thereof marvellously shake the posts of the bridge he had set up. But to prevent the blows of those trees, and also to break the fury of the stream, he made a pile of great wood above the bridge a good way, and did forcibly ram them into the bottom of the river, so that in ten days' space he had set up and finished his bridge of the goodliest carpenter's work, and most excellent invention to see to, that could be possibly thought or devised. Then, passing over his army upon it, he found none that durst any more fight with him. For the Suevians, which were the warlikest people of all Germany, had gotten themselves with their goods into wonderful great valleys and bogs, full of woods and forests. Now when he had burnt all the country of his enemies, and confirmed the league with the confederates of the Romans, he returned back again into Gaul after he had tarried eighteenCaesar's journey into England. days at the most in Germany, on th' other side of the Rhine. The journey he made also into England was a noble enterprise, and very commendable. For he was the first that sailed the west Ocean Edition: current; Page: [37] with an army by sea, and that passed through the sea Atlanticum with his army, to make war in that so great and famous Island: (which many ancient writers would not believe that it was so indeed, and did make them vary about it, saying that it was but a fable and a lie): and was the first that enlarged the Roman Empire beyond the earth inhabitable. For twice he passed over the narrow sea against the firm land of Gaul, and fighting many battles there, did hurt his enemies more than enrich his own men: because of men hardly brought up and poor there was nothing to be gotten. Whereupon his war had not such success as he looked for: and therefore, taking pledges only of the king, and imposing a yearly tribute upon him, to be paid unto the people of Rome, he returned again into Gaul. There he was no sooner landed, but he found letters ready to be sent over the sea unto him: in the which he was advertised from Rome of the death of his daughter,The death of julia, Caesar's daughter. that she was dead with child by Pompey'. For the which Pompey and Caesar both were marvellous sorrowful: and their friends mourned also, thinking that this alliance, which maintained the commonwealth (that otherwise was very tickle) in good peace and concord, was now severed and broken asunder, and the rather likely, because the child lived not long after the mother. So the common people at Rome took the corpse of Julia, in despite of the Tribunes, and buried it in the field of Mars. Now Caesar being driven to divide his army Edition: current; Page: [38] (that was very great) into sundry garrisons for the wintertimeThe rebellion of the Gauls., and returning again into Italy as he was wont: all Gaul rebelled again, and had raised great armies in every quarter to set upon the Romans, and to assay if they could distress their forts where they lay in garrison. The greatest number and most warlike men of these Gauls that entered into action of rebellionCotta and Titurius with their army slain. were led by one Ambiorix: and first did set upon the garrisons of Cotta and Titurius, whom they slew and all the soldiers they had about them. Then they went with three-score thousand fighting men to besiege the garrison which Quintus Cicero had in his charge, and had almost taken them by force, because all the soldiers were every man of them hurt: but they were so valiant and courageous, that they did more than men (as they say) in defending of themselves. These news being come to Caesar, who was far from thence at that time, he returned with all possible speed, and levying seven thousand soldiers made haste to help Cicero that was in such distress. The Gauls that did besiege Cicero, understanding of Caesar's coming, raised their siege incontinently, to go and meet him: making accompt that he was but a handful in their hands, they were so few. Caesar, to deceive them, still drew back, and made as though he fled from them, lodging in places meet for a captain that had but a few to fight with a great number of his enemies, and commanded his men in nowise to stir out to skirmish with them, but compelled them to Edition: current; Page: [39] raise up the rampers of his camp and to fortify the gates, as men that were afraid, because the enemies should the less esteem of them: until that at length he took opportunity by their disorderly coming to assail the trenches of his camp, (they were grown to such a presumptuous boldness andCaesar slew the Gauls led by Ambiorix. bravery), and then sallying out upon them he put them all to flight with slaughter of a great number of them. This did suppress all the rebellions of the Gauls in those parts, and furthermore, he himself in person went in the midst of winter thither, where he heard they did rebel: for that there was come a new supply out of Italy of three whole legions in their room which he had lost: of the which, two of them Pompey lent him, and the other legion he himself had levied in Gaul about the river of Po. During these stirs brake forth the beginning of the greatest and most dangerous war thatThe second rebellion of the Gauls against Caesar. he had in all Gaul, the which had been secretly practised of long time by the chiefest and most warlike people of that country, who had levied a wonderful great power. For everywhere they levied multitudes of men, and great riches besides, to fortify their strongholds. Furthermore, the country where they rose was very ill to come unto, and specially at that time being winter, when the rivers were frozen, the woods and forests covered with snow, the meadows drowned with floods, and the fields so deep of snow, that no ways were to be found, neither the marishes nor rivers to be discerned, all was so Edition: current; Page: [40] overflown and drowned with water: all which troubles together were enough (as they thought) to keep Caesar from setting upon the rebels. Many nations of the Gauls were of this conspiracy, but two of the chiefest were theVercin-getorix captain of the rebeles against Caesar. Arvernians and Carnutes: who had chosen Ver- cingetorix for their Lieutenant general, whose father the Gauls before had put to death, because they thought he aspired to make himself king. This Vercingetorix, dividing his army into divers parts, and appointing divers captains over them, had gotten to take his part all the people and countries thereabout, evenSome say that in this place is to be read in the Greek πρὸς τὸν Αραριν, which is the river Saone. as far as they that dwell towards the sea Adriatic, having further determined (understanding that Rome did further conspire against Caesar) to make all Gaul rise in arms against him. So that if he had but tarried, a little lenger until Caesar had entered into his civil wars, he had put all Italy in as great fear and danger, as it was when the Cimbri did come and invade it. But Caesar, that was very valiant in all assays and dangers of war, and that was very skilful to take time and opportunity: so soon as he understood the news of the rebellion, he departed with speed, and returned back the self same way which he had gone, making the barbarous people know that they should deal with an army unvincible, and which they could not possibly withstand, considering the great speed he had made with the same in so sharp and hard a winter. For where they Edition: current; Page: [41] would not possibly have believed that a post or cutter could have come in so short a time from the place where he was unto them, they wondered when they saw him burning and destroying the country, the towns, and strong forts where he came with his army, taking all to mercy that yielded unto him: until such time as the Aedui took armsThe Aedui rebel against the Romans. against him, who before were wont to be called the brethren of the Romans, and were greatly honoured of them. Wherefore Caesar's men when they understood that they had joined with the rebels, they were marvellous sorry and half discouraged. Thereupon Caesar, departing from those parties, went through the country of the Lingones, to enter the country of the Burgonians1, who were confederates of the Romans,Sequani.1 and the nearest unto Italy on that side, in respect of all the rest of Gaul. Thither the enemies came to set upon him, and to environ him of all sides with an infinite number of thousands of fighting men. Caesar, on th' other side, tarried their coming, and fighting with them a longVercingetorix over-thrown by Caesar. time he made them so afraid of him that at length he overcame the barbarous people. But at the first it seemeth notwithstanding that he had received some overthrow: for the Arvernians shewed a sword hanged up in one of their temples, which they said they had won from Caesar. Insomuch as Caesar self, coming that way by occasion, saw it, and fell a-laughing at it. But some of his friends going about to take it away, he would not suffer Edition: current; Page: [42] them, but bade them let it alone and touch it not, for it was a holy thing. Notwithstanding, such as at the first had saved themselves by flying, the most of themThe siege of Alexia. were gotten with their king into the city of Alexia, the which Caesar went and besieged, although it seemed inexpugnable, both for the height of the walls, as also for the multitude of soldiers they had to defend it. But now, during this siege, he fell into a marvellous greatCaesar's danger and wise policy. danger without, almost incredible. For an army of three hundred thousand fighting men of the best men that were among all the nations of the Gauls came against him, being at the siege of Alexia, besides them that were within the city, which amounted to the number of three-score and ten thousand fighting men at the least: so that, perceiving he was shut in betwixt two so great armies, he was driven to fortify himself with two walls, the one against them of the city, and the other against them without. For if those two armies had joined together, Caesar had been utterly undone. And thereforeCaesar's great victory at Alexia. this siege of Alexia, and the battle he won before it, did deservedly win him more honour and fame than any other. For there, in that instant and extreme danger, he shewed more valiantness and wisdom than he did in any battle he fought before. But what a wonderful thing was this! that they of the city never heard anything of them that came to aid them, until Caesar had overcome them: and furthermore, that the Romans themselves Edition: current; Page: [43] which kept watch upon the wall that was built against the city knew also no more of it than they, but when it was done, and that they heard the cries and lamentations of men and women in Alexia, when they perceived on th' other side of the city such a number of glistering shields of gold and silver, such store of bloody corselets and armours, such a deal of plate and movables, and such a number of tents and pavilions after the fashion of the Gauls, which the Romans had gotten of their spoils in their camp. Thus suddenly was this great army vanished, as a dream or vision: where the most part of them were slain that day in battle. Furthermore, after that they within the city of Alexia had done great hurt to Caesar and themselves also: in the end they all yielded themselves. AndAlexia yielded up to Caesar. Vercingetorix (he that was their king and captain in all this war) went out of the gates excellently well armed, and his horse furnished with rich caparison accordingly, and rode round about Caesar, who sate in his chair of estate. Then lighting from his horse, he took off his caparison and furniture, and unarmed himself, and laid all on the ground, and went and sate down at Caesar's feet, and said never a word. So Caesar at length committed him as a prisoner taken in the wars, to lead him afterwards in his triumph at Rome. Now Caesar had of long time determined to destroy Pompey, and Pompey him also. For Crassus being killed amongst the Parthians, who only did see that one of them two must needs fall, nothing kept Edition: current; Page: [44] Caesar from being the greatest person, but because he destroyedThe discord betwixt Caesar and Pompey, and the cause of the civil wars. not Pompey that was the greater: neither did anything let Pompey to withstand that it should not come to pass, but because he did not first overcome Caesar, whom only he feared. For till then Pompey had not long feared him, but always before set light by him, thinking it an easy matter for him to put him down when he would, sith he had brought him to that greatness he was come unto. ButCaesar's craftiness Caesar contrarily, having had that drift in his head from the beginning, like a wrestler that studieth for tricks to overthrow his adversary: he went far from Rome to exercise himself in the wars of Gaul, where he did train his army, and presently by his valiant deeds did increase his fame and honour. By these means became Caesar as famous as Pompey in his doings, and lacked no more to put his enterprise in execution but some occasions of colour, which Pompey partly gave him, and partly also the time delivered him, but chiefly the hard fortune and ill government at that time of the commonwealth at Rome.The people's voices bought at Rome for money. For they that made suit for honour and offices bought the voices of the people with ready money, which they gave out openly to usury without shame or fear. Thereupon the common people that had sold their voices for money came to the marketplace at the day of election, to fight for him that had hired them: not with their voices, but with their bows, slings, Edition: current; Page: [45] and swords. So that the assembly seldom time brake up but that the pulpit for orations was defiled and sprinkled with the blood of them that were slain in the market-place, the city remaining all that time without government of magistrate, like a ship left without a pilot. Insomuch as men of deep judgement and discretion, seeing such fury and madness of the people, thought themselves happy if the commonwealth were no worse troubled, than with the absolute state of a monarchy and sovereign lord to govern them. Furthermore, there were many that were not afraid to speak it openly, that there was no other help to remedy the troubles of the commonwealth, but by the authority of one man only that should command them all: and that this medicine must be ministered by the hands of him that was the gentlest physician, meaning covertly Pompey. Now Pompey used many fine speeches, making semblance as though he would none of it, and yet cunningly underhand did lay all the irons in the fire he could, to bring it to pass, that he might be chosen Dictator. Cato finding the mark he shot at, and fearing lest in the end the people should be compelled to make him Dictator: he persuaded the Senate rather to make him sole Consul, that, contenting himself with that more just and lawful government, he should not covet the other unlawful. The Senate, following hisPompey governed Spain and Africk. counsel, did not only make him Consul, but further did prorogue his government of the provinces he had. For he had two provinces, all Spain and Africk, the Edition: current; Page: [46] which he governed by his Lieutenants: and further he received yearly of the common treasure to pay his soldiers a thousand talents. Hereupon Caesar tookCaesar sueth the second time to be Consual, and to have his government Prorogued. occasion also to send his men to make suit in his name for the Consulship, and also to have the government of his provinces prorogued. Pompey at the first held his peace. But Marcellus and Lentulus (that otherwise hated Caesar) withstood them, and to shame and dishonour him, had much needless speech in matters of weight. Furthermore, they took away the freedom from the Colonies which Caesar had lately brought unto the city of Novum Comum in Gaul towards italy, where Caesar not long before had lodged them. And moreover, when Marcellus was Consul, he made one of the Senators in that city to be whipped with rods, who came to Rome about those matters: and said, he gave him those marks that he should know he was no Roman Citizen, and bade him go his way, and tell Caesar of it. After Marcellus' Consulship, Caesar, setting open his coffers of the treasure he had gotten among the Gauls, did frankly give it out amongst the Magistrates at Rome, without restraint or spare. First, he setCaesar bribeth the Magistrates at Rome. Curio the Tribune clear out of debt: and gave also unto Paul the Consul a thousand five hundred talents, with which money he built that notable palace by the market-place, called Paul's Basilick, in the place of Fulvius' Basilick. Then Pompey, being afraid of Edition: current; Page: [47] this practice, began openly to procure, both by himself and his friends, that they should send Caesar a successor: and moreover, he sent unto Caesar for his two legions of men of war which he had lent him for the conquest of Gaul. Caesar sent him them again, and gave every private soldier two hundred and fifty silver drachmas. Now they that brought these two legions back from Caesar gave out ill and seditious words against him among the people, and did also abuse Pompey with false persuasions and vain hopes, informing him that he was marvellously desired and wished for in Caesar's camp: and that though in Rome,Pompey abused by flatterers. for the malice and secret spite which the governors there did bear him, he could hardly obtain that he desired, yet in Gaul he might assure himself, that all the army was at his commandment. They added further also that, if the soldiers there did once return over the mountains again into Italy, they would all straight come to him, they did so hate Caesar: because he wearied them with too much labour and continual fight, and withal, for that they suspected he aspired to be king. These words breeding security in Pompey, and a vain conceit of himself, made him negligent in his doings, so that he made no preparation for war, as though he had no occasion to be afraid, but only studied to thwart Caesar in speech, and to cross the suits he made. Howbeit Caesar passed not of all this. For the report went that one of Caesar's Captains which was sent to Rome to prosecute his suit, being at the Senate Edition: current; Page: [48] door, and hearing that they denied to prorogue Caesar's time of government which he sued for: clapping his hand upon his sword, he said, 'Sith you will not grant it him, this shall give it him.' Notwithstanding, the requests that Caesar propounded carried great semblance of reason with them.Caesar's requests unto the Senate. For he said that he was contented to lay down arms, so that Pompey did the like: and that both of them as private persons should come and make suit of their Citizens to obtain honourable recompense: declaring unto them, that taking arms from him, and granting them unto Pompey, they did wrongfully accuse him in going about to make himself a tyrant, and in the meantime to grant the other means to be a tyrant. Curio making these often and persuasions openly before the people, in the name of Caesar, he was heard with great rejoicing and clapping of hands, and there were some that cast flowers and nosegays upon him when he went his way, as they commonly use to do unto any man, when he hath obtained victory, and won any games. Then Antonius, one of the Tribunes, brought a letter sent from Caesar, and made it openly to be read in despite of the Consuls. But Scipio in the Senate, Pompey's father-in-law, made this motion: that if Caesar did not dismiss his army by a certain day appointed him, the Romans should proclaim him an enemy unto Rome. Then the Consuls openly asked in the presence of the Senators, if they thought it good that Pompey should dismiss his army: but few agreed to that Edition: current; Page: [49] demand. After that again they asked, if they liked that Caesar should dismiss his army: thereto they all in manner answered, yea, yea. But when Antonius requested again that both of them should lay down arms: then they were all indifferently of his mind. Notwithstanding, because Scipio did insolently behave himself, and Marcellus also, who cried that they must use force of arms, and not men's opinions, against a thief, the Senate rose straight upon it without further determination, and men changed apparel through the city because of this dissension, as they use to do in a common calamity. After that, there came other letters from Caesar, which seemed much more reasonable: in the which he requested that they would grant him Gaul, that lieth between the mountains of the Alps and Italy, and Illyria, with two legions only, and then that he would request nothing else, until he made suit for the second Consulship. Cicero the Orator, that was newly come from his government of Cilicia, travailed to reconcile them together, and pacified Pompey the best he could: who told him, he would yield to anything he would have him, so he did let him alone with his army. So Cicero persuaded Caesar's friends to be contented to take those two provinces, and six thousand men only, that they might be friends and at peace together. Pompey very willingly yielded unto it and granted them. But Lentulus the Consul would not agree to it, but shamefully drave Curio and Antonius out of the Senate: whereby they themselves gave Caesar a happy Edition: current; Page: [50] occasion and colour as could be, stirring up his soldiers theAntonius and Curio, Tribunes of the people, fly from Rome to Caesar. more against them, when he shewed them these two notable men and Tribunes of the people that were driven to fly, disguised like slaves, in a carrier's cort. For they were driven for fear to steal out of Rome, disguised in that manner. Now at that time, Caesar had not in all about him above five thousand footmen, and three thousand horsemen: for the rest of his army he left on th' other side of the Mountains, to be brought after him by his Lieutenants. So, considering that for th' execution of his enterprise he should not need so many men of war at the first, but rather, suddenly stealing upon them, to make them afraid with his valiantness, taking benefit of the opportunity of time, because he should more easily make his enemies afraid of him, coming so suddenly when they looked not for him, then he should otherwise distress them, assailing them with his whole army, in giving them leisure to provide further for him: he commanded his Captains and Lieutenants to go before, without any other armour than their swords, to take the city of Ariminum, (a great city of Gaul, being the first city men come to, when they come out of Gaul), with as little bloodshed and tumult as they could possible. Then committing that force and army he had with him unto Hortensius, one of his friends, he remained a whole day together, openly in the sight of every man, to see the sword-players handle their weapons before him. At night he went into his lodging, and bathing his Edition: current; Page: [51] body a little, came afterwards into the hall amongst them, and made merry with them a while whom he had bidden to supper. Then when it was well forward night and very dark, he rose from the table, and prayed his company to be merry, and no man to stir, for he would straight come to them again: howbeit he had secretly before commanded a few of his trustiest friends to follow him, not altogether, but some one way, and some another way. He himself in the meantime took a coach he had hired, and made as though he would have gone some other way at the first, but suddenly he turned back again towards the city of Ariminum. When he was come unto the littleCaesar's doubtful thoughts at the river of Rubicon. river of Rubicon, which divideth Gaul on this side the AIps from Italy, he stayed upon a sudden. For the nearer he came to execute his purpose, the more remorse he had in his conscience, to think what an enterprise he took in hand: and his thoughts also fell out more doubtful, when he entered into consideration of the desperateness of his attempt. So he fell into many thoughts with himself, and spake never a word, waving sometime one way, sometime another way, and oftentimes changed his determination, contrary to himself. So did he talk much also with his friends he had with him, amongst whom was Asinius Pollio, telling them what mischiefs the beginning of this passage over that river would breed in the world, and how much their posterity and them that lived after them would speak of it in time to come. But at length, casting Edition: current; Page: [52] from him with a noble courage all those perilous thoughts to come, and speaking these words, which valiant men commonly say that attempt dangerous and desperate enterprises, 'A desperate man feareth no danger, come on!'The Greek useth this phrase of speech: 'Cast the die.' Caesar, took the city of Ariminum. he passed over the river, and when he was come over, he ran with his coach and never stayed, so that before daylight he was within the city of Ariminum, and took it. It is said that the night before he passed over this river he dreamed a damnable dream, that he carnally knew his mother.Caesar's damnable dream. The city of Ariminum being taken, and the rumour thereof dispersed through all Italy, even as if it had been open war both by sea and land, and as if all the Laws of Rome together with th' extreme bounds and confines of the same had been broken up: a man would have said, that not only the men and women for fear, as experience proved at other times, but whole cities themselves, leaving their habitations, fled from one place to another through all Italy. And Rome itself also wasRome in uproar with Caesar's coming. immediately filled with the flowing repair of all the people their neighbours thereabouts, which came thither from all parties like droves of cattle, that there was neither officer nor Magistrate that could any more command them by authority, neither by any persuasion of reason bridle such a confused and disorderly multitude: so that Rome had in manner destroyed itself for lack of rule and order. For in Edition: current; Page: [53] all places men were of contrary opinions, and there were dangerous stirs and tumults everywhere: because they that were glad of this trouble could keep in no certain place, but running up and down the city, when they met with others in divers places, that seemed either to be afraid or angry with this tumult (as otherwise it is impossible in so great a city), they flatly fell out with them, and boldly threatened them with that that was to come. Pompey himself, who at that time was not a little amazed, was yet much more troubled with the ill words some gave him on the one side, and some on the other. For some of them reproved him and said that he had done wisely, and had paid for his folly, because he had made Caesar so great and strong against him and the commonwealth. And other again did blame him, because he had refused the honest offers and reasonable conditions of peace which Caesar had offered him, suffering Lentulus the Consul to abuse him too much. On th' other side, Favonius spake unto him, and bade him stamp on the ground with his foot: for Pompey, being one day in a bravery in the Senate, said openly: let no man take thought for preparation of war, for when he listed, with one stamp of his foot on the ground, he would fill all Italy with soldiers. This notwithstanding, Pompey at that time had greater number of soldiers than Caesar: but they would never let him follow his own determination. For they brought him so many lies, and put so many examples of fear before him, as if Caesar had been already Edition: current; Page: [54] at their heels, and had won all: so that in the end he yielded unto them, and gave place to their fury and madness, determining (seeing all things in such tumult andPompey flieth from Rome. garboil) that there was no way but to forsake the city, and thereupon commanded the Senate to follow him, and not a man to tarry there, unless he loved tyranny more than his own liberty and the commonwealth. Thus the Consuls themselves, before they had done their common sacrifices accustomed at their going out of the city, fled every man of them. So did likewise the most part of the Senators, taking their own things in haste, such as came first to hand, as if by stealth they had taken them from another. And there were some of them also that always loved Caesar, whose wits were then so troubled and besides themselves with the fear they had conceived, that they also fled and followed the stream of this tumult without manifest cause or necessity. But above all things, it was a lamentable sight to see the city itself, that in this fear and trouble was left at all adventure, as a ship tossed in storm of sea, forsaken of her Pilots, and despairing of her safety. This their departure being thus miserable, yet men esteemed their banishment (for the love they bare untoLabienus forsook Caesar, and fled to Pompey. Pompey) to be their natural country, and reckoned Rome no better than Caesar's camp. At that time also, Labienus, who was one of Caesar's greatest friends, and had been always used as his Lieutenant in the wars of Gaul, and had valiantly fought in his cause, he Edition: current; Page: [55] likewise forsook him then, and fled unto Pompey. But Caesar sent his money and carriage after him, and then went and encamped before the city of Corfinium, the which Domitius kept with thirty cohorts or ensigns. When Domitius saw he was besieged, he straight thought himself but undone, and despairing of his success he bade a Physician, a slave of his, give him poison. The Physician gave him a drink which he drank, thinking to have died. But shortly after, Domitius, hearing them report what clemency and wonderful courtesy Caesar used unto them he took, repented him then that he had drunk his drink, and began to lament and bewail his desperate resolution taken to die. The Physician did comfort him again, and told him that he had taken a drink only to make him sleep, but not to destroy him. Then Domitius rejoiced, and went straight andDomitius escaped from Caesar, and fled to Pompey. yielded himself unto Caesar, who gave him his life: but he notwithstanding stale away immediately, and fled unto Pompey. When these news were brought to Rome, they did marvellously rejoice and comfort them that still remained there: and moreover there were of them that had forsaken Rome, which returned thither again. In the meantime, Caesar did put all Domitius' men in pay, and he did the like through all the cities, where he had taken any Captains that levied men for Pompey. Now Caesar, having assembled a great and dreadful power together, went straight where he thought to find Pompey himself. But Pompey tarried not his coming, but fled into Edition: current; Page: [56] the city of Brundusium, from whence he had sent the two Consuls before with that army he had unto Dyrrachium:Pompey flieth into Epirus. and he himself also went thither afterwards, when he understood that Caesar was come, as you shall hear more amply hereafter in his life. Caesar lacked no good will to follow him, but wanting ships to take the seas, he returned forthwith to Rome: so that in less than threescore days he was Lord of all Italy, without any bloodshed. Who when he was come to Rome, and found it much quieter than he looked for, and many Senators there also, he courteously entreated them, and prayed them to send unto Pompey, to pacify all matters between them upon reasonable conditions. But no man did attempt it, either because they feared Pompey for that they had forsaken him, or else for that they thought Caesar meant not as he spake, but that they were words of course to colour his purpose withal. And when Metellus also, one of the Tribunes, would not suffer him to take any of the common treasure out of the temple of Saturn, but told him that it was against the law:Silent leges inter arma. 'Tush,' said he, 'time of war and law are two things. If this that I do,' quoth he, 'do offend thee, then get thee hence for this time: for war cannot abide this frank and bold speech. But when wars are done, and that we are all quiet again, then thou shalt speak in the pulpit what thou wilt: and yet I do tell thee this of favour, impairing so much my right, for thou art mine, both thou and all them that have risen against me, and whom I have Edition: current; Page: [57] in my hands.' When he had spoken thus unto Metellus, he went to the temple door where the treasureCaesar taketh money out of the temple of Saturn. lay: and finding no keys there, he caused smiths to be sent for, and made them break open the locks. Metellus thereupon began again to withstand him, and certain men that stood by praised him in his doing: but Caesar at length speaking bigly to him threatened him he would kill him presently, if he troubled him any more: and told him furthermore, 'Young man,' quoth he, 'thou knowest it is harder for me to tell it thee than to do it.' That word made Metellus quake for fear, that he got him away roundly: and ever after that Caesar had all at his commandment for the wars. From thenceCaesar's journey into Spain against Pompey's Lieutenants. he went into Spain, to make war with Petreius and Varro, Pompey's Lieutenants: first to get their armies and provinces into his hands which they governed, that afterwards he might follow Pompey the better, leaving never an enemy behind him. In this journey he was oftentimes himself in danger, through the ambushes that were laid for him in divers strange sorts and places, and likely also to have lost all his army for lack of victuals. All this notwithstanding, he never left following of Pompey's Lieutenants, provoking them to battle and intrenching them in: until he had gotten their camp and armies into his hands, albeit that the Lieutenants themselves fled unto Pompey. When Caesar returned again to Rome, Piso his father-in-law gave him counsel to send Edition: current; Page: [58] ambassadors unto Pompey, to treat of peace. But Isauricus,Caesar Dictator. to flatter Caesar, was against it. Caesar, being then created Dictator by the Senate, called home again all the banished men, and restored their children to honour, whose fathers before had been slain in Sylla's time: and did somewhat cut off the usuries that did oppress them, and besides did make some such other ordinances as those, but very few. For he was Dictator but eleven days only, and then did yield it up of himself, and made himselfCaesar and Isauricus Consuls. Consul, with Servilius Isauricus, and after that determined to follow the wars. All the rest of his army he left coming on the way behind him, and went himself before with six hundred horse and five legions only of footmen, in the winter quarter, about the month of January, which after the Athenians is called Posideon. Then having passed over the sea Ionium and landed his men,Caesar goeth into the kingdom of Epirus. he wan the cities of Oricum and Apollonia. Then he sent his ships back again unto Brundusium, to transport the rest of his soldiers that could not come with that speed he did. They as they came by the way, (like men whose strength of body and lusty youth was decayed), being wearied with so many sundry battles asComplaints of the old soldiers against Caesar. they had fought with their enemies, complained of Caesar in this sort: 'To what end and purpose doth this man hale us after him up and down the world, using us like slaves and drudges? It is not our armour, but our bodies that bear the Edition: current; Page: [59] blows away: and what, shall we never be without our harness on our backs, and our shields on our arms? Should not Caesar think, at the least when he seeth our blood and wounds, that we are all mortal men, and that we feel the misery and pains that other men do feel? And now, even in the dead of winter, he putteth us unto the mercy of the sea and tempest, yea, which the gods themselves cannot withstand: as if he fled before his enemies, and pursued them not.' Thus spending time with this talk, the soldiers, still marching on, by small journeys came at length unto the city of Brundusium. But when they were come, and found that Caesar had already passed over the sea, then they straight changed their complaints and minds. For they blamed themselves, and took on also with their captains, because they had not made them make more haste in marching: and sitting upon the rocks and cliffs of the sea, they looked over the main sea towards the Realm of Epirus, to see if they could discern the ships returning back to transport them over. Caesar in the meantime being in the city of Apollonia, having but a small army to fight with Pompey, it grieved him for that the rest of his army was so long a-coming, not knowing what way to take. In the end he followed a dangerous determination, to embark unknown inA great adventure of Caesar. a little pinnace of twelve oars only, to pass over the sea again unto Brundusium: the which he could not do without great danger, considering that all that sea was full of Pompey's ships and armies. So he took ship Edition: current; Page: [60] in the night apparelled like a slave, and went aboard upon this little pinnace, and said never a word, as if he had been some poor man of mean condition. The pinnace lay in theAnius fl. mouth of the river of Anius, the which commonly was wont to be very calm and quiet, by reason of a little wind that came from the shore, which every morning drave back the waves far into the main sea. But that night, by ill fortune, there came a great wind from the sea that overcame the land wind, insomuch as, the force and strength of the river fighting against the violence of the rage and waves of the sea, the encounter was marvellous dangerous, the water of the river being driven back and rebounding upward, with great noise and danger in turning of the water. Thereupon the Master of the pinnace, seeing he could not possibly get out of the mouth of this river, bade the Mariners to cast about again, and to return against the stream. Caesar, hearing that, straight discovered himself unto the Master of the pinnace, who at the first was amazed when he saw him: but Caesar then taking him by the hand said unto him, 'Good fellow, be of good cheer, and forwards hardily, fear not, for thou hast Caesar and his fortune with thee.' Then the Mariners, forgetting the danger of the storm they were in, laid on load with oars and laboured for life what they could against the wind, to get out of the mouth of this river. But at length, perceiving they laboured in vain, and that the pinnace took in abundance of water and was ready to sink: Caesar then to his great Edition: current; Page: [61] grief was driven to return back again. Who when he was returned unto his camp, his soldiers came in great companies unto him, and were very sorry that he mistrusted he was not able with them alone to overcome his enemies, but would put his person in danger, to go fetch them that were absent, putting no trust in them that were present. In the meantime Antonius arrived, and brought with him the rest of his army from Brundusium. Then Caesar, finding himself strong enough, went and offered Pompey battle, who was passingly well lodged for victualling of his camp both by seaCaesar's dangers and troubles in the Realm of Epirus. and land. Caesar on th' other side, who had no great plenty of victuals at the first, was in a very hard case: insomuch as his men gathered roots and mingled them with milk, and ate them. Furthermore, they did make bread of it also, and sometime when they skirmished with the enemies, and came alongst by them that watched and warded, they cast of their bread into their trenches and said that as long as the earth brought forth such fruits, they would never leave besieging of Pompey. But Pompey straightly commanded them that they should neither carry those words nor bread into their camp, fearing lest his men's hearts would fail them, and that they would be afraid, when they should think of their enemies' hardness, with whom they had to fight, sith they were weary with no pains, no more than brute beasts. Caesar'sCaesar's army fled from Pompey. men did daily skirmish hard to the trenches of Pompey's camp, in the which Caesar had ever the Edition: current; Page: [62] better, saving once only, at what time his men fled with such fear, that all his camp that day was in great hazard to have been cast away. For Pompey came on with his battle upon them, and they were not able to abide it, but were fought with and driven into their camp, and their trenches were filled with dead bodies, which were slain within the very gate and bulwarks of their camp, they were so valiantly pursued. Caesar stood before them that fled, to make them to turn head again: but he could not prevail. For when he would have taken the ensigns to have stayed them, the ensign-bearers threw them down on the ground: so that the enemies took two-and-thirty of them, and Caesar's self also scaped hardly with life. For striking a great big soldier that fled by him, commanding him to stay and turn his face to his enemy, the soldier being afraid lift up his sword to strike at Caesar. But one of Caesar's pages, preventing him, gave him such a blow with his sword, that he strake off his shoulder. Caesar that day was brought unto so great extremity, that (if Pompey had not either for fear or spiteful fortune left off to follow his victory, and retired into his camp, being contented to have driven his enemies into their camp) returning to his camp with his friends, he said unto them: 'The victory this day had been our enemies',Caesar's words of Pompey's victory. if they had had a captain that could have told how to have overcome.' So, when he was come to his lodging, he went to bed, and that night troubled him more than any night that ever he had. For still his Edition: current; Page: [63] mind ran with great sorrow of the foul fault he had committed in leading of his army, of self-will to remainCaesar troubled in mind after his loss. there so long by the seaside, his enemies being the stronger by sea: considering that he had before him a goodly country, rich and plentiful of all things, and goodly cities of Macedon and Thessaly, and had not the wit to bring the war from thence, but to lose his time in a place, where he was rather besieged of his enemies for lack of victuals, than that he did besiege them by force of arms. Thus fretting and chafing to see himself so straighted with victuals, and to think of his ill luck, he raised his camp, intending to go set upon Scipio, making accompt, that either he should draw Pompey to battle against his will, when he had not the sea at his back to furnish him with plenty of victuals, or else that he should easily overcome Scipio, finding him alone, unless he were aided. This remove of Caesar's camp did much encourage Pompey's army and his captains, who would needs in any case have followed after him, as though he had been overcome, andPompey's determination for the war. had fled. But for Pompey himself, he would in no respect hazard battle, which was a matter of so great importance. For finding himself well provided of all things necessary to tarry time, he thought it better to draw this war out in length by tract of time the rather to consume this little strength that remained in Caesar's army: of the which the best men were marvellous well trained and good soldiers, and for valiantness at one day's Edition: current; Page: [64] battle were incomparable. But on th' other side again, to remove here and there so oft, and to fortify their camp where they came, and to besiege any wall, or to keep watch all night in their armour: the most part of them could not do it by reason of their age, being then unable to away with that pains, so that the weakness of their bodies did also take away the life and courage of their hearts. Furthermore, there fell a pestilent disease among them, that came by ill meats hunger drave them to eat: yet was not this the worst. For, besides, he had no store of money, neither could tell how to come by victuals: so that it seemed in all likelihood, that in very short time he would come to nothing. For these respects Pompey would in no case fight, and yet had he but Cato only of his mind in that, who stuck in it the rather, because he would avoid shedding of his countrymen's blood. For when Cato had viewed the dead bodies slain in the camp of his enemies, at the last skirmish that was between them, the which were no less than a thousand persons, he covered his face and went away weeping. All other but he contrarily fell out with him, and blamed him, because hePompey called Agamemnon, and king of kings. so long refrained from battle: and some pricked him forward, and called him Agamemnon, and king of kings, saying that he delayed this war in this sort, because he would not leave his authority to command them all, and that he was glad always to see so many captains round about him, which came to his lodging to honour him, and wait upon him. And Favonius also, a Edition: current; Page: [65] harebrained fellow, franticly counterfeiting the round and plain speech of Cato, made as though he was marvellous angry, and said: 'Is it not great pity that we shall not eat this year of Tusculum figs, and all for Pompey's ambitious mind to reign alone?' And Afranius, who not long before was but lately come out of Spain, (where, because he had but ill success, he was accused of treason, that for money he had sold his army unto Caesar,) he went busily asking, why they fought not with that merchant, unto whom they said he had sold the province of Spain? So that Pompey with these kind of speeches, against his will, was driven to follow Caesar, to fight with him. Then was Caesar at the first marvellously perplexed and troubled by the way: because he found none that would give him any victuals, being despised of every man for the late loss and overthrow he had received. But after that he had taken theThe city of Gomphi in Thessaly. city of Gomphi in Thessaly, he did not only meet with plenty of victuals to relieve his army with, but he strangely also did rid them of their disease. For the soldiers, meeting with plenty of wine, drinking hard, and making merry, drave away the infection of the pestilence. For they disposed themselves unto dancing, masking, and playing the Baccherians by the way: insomuch that drinking drunk they overcame their disease, and made their bodies new again. When they both came into the country of Pharsalia, and both camps lay before th' other Pompey returned again to his former determination, Edition: current; Page: [66] and the rather, because he had ill signs and tokens of misfortune in his sleep. For he thought in his sleepPompey's dream in Pharsalia. that when he entered into the theatre, all the Romans received him with great clapping ofThe security of the Pompeians. hands. Whereupon, they that were about him grew to such boldness and security, assuring themselves of victory, that Domitius, Spinther, and Scipio in a bravery contended between themselves for the chief Bishopric which Caesar had. Furthermore, there were divers that sent unto Rome to hire the nearest houses unto the market-place, as being the fittest places for Praetors and Consuls: making their accompt already, that those officers could not scape them incontinently after the wars. But besides those, the young gentlemen and Roman knights were marvellous desirous to fight, that were bravely mounted, and armed with glistering gilt armours, their horses fat and very finely kept, and themselves goodly young men, to the number of seven thousand, where the gentlemen of Caesar's side were but one thousand only. The number of his footmen also were much after the same reckoning.Pompey's army as great again as Caesar's. For he had five-and-forty thousand against two-and-twenty thousand. Wherefore Caesar called his soldiers together, and told them how Cornifi-cius was at hand, who brought two whole legions, and that he had fifteen ensigns led by Calenus, the which he made to stay about Megara and Athens. Then he asked them if they would tarry for that aid or not, or whether they Edition: current; Page: [67] would rather themselves alone venture battle. The soldiers cried out to him, and prayed him not to defer battle, but rather to devise some fetch to make the enemy fight as soon as he could. Then, as he sacrificed unto the gods for the purifying of his army, the first beast was no sooner sacrificed, but his soothsayer assured him that he should fight within three days. Caesar asked him again if he saw in the sacrifices any lucky sign or token of good luck. The soothsayer answered, 'For that thou shalt answer thyself better than I can do: for the gods do promise us a marvellous great change and alteration of things that are now, unto another clean contrary. For if thou beest well now, dost thou think to have worse fortune hereafter? And if thou be ill, assure thyself thou shalt have better.' The night before the battle, as he went aboutA wonder seen in the element before the battle of Pharsalia. midnight to visit the watch, men saw a great firebrand in the element, all of a light fire, that came over Caesar's camp, and fell down in Pompey's. In the morning also, when they relieved the watch, they heard a false alarm in the enemies' camp, without any apparent cause: which they commonly call a sudden fear, that makes men beside themselves. This notwithstanding, Caesar thought not to fight that day, but was determined to have raised his camp from thence, and to have gone towards the city of Scotusa: and his tents in his camp were already overthrown when his scouts came in with great speed, to bring him news that his enemies were Edition: current; Page: [68] preparing themselves to fight. Then he was very glad, and, after he had made his prayers unto the gods to help him that day, he set his men in battle ray, and divided them into three squadrons: giving the middle battle untoCaesar's army and his order of battle in the fields of Pharsalia. Domitius Calvinus, and the left wing unto Antonius, and placed himself in the right wing, choosing his place to fight in the tenth legion. But seeing that against that his enemies had set all their horsemen, he was half afraid when he saw the great number of them and so brave besides. Wherefore he closely made six ensigns to come from the rearward of his battle, whom he had laid as an ambush behind his right wing, having first appointed his soldiers what they should do, when the horsemen of the enemies came to give them charge.Pompey's army and his order of battle. On th' other side, Pompey placed himself in the right wing of his battle, gave the left wing unto Domitius, and the middle battle unto Scipio his father-in-law. Now all the Roman knights (as we have told you before) were placed in the left wing of purpose to environ Caesar's right wing behind, and to give their hottest charge there, where the general of their enemies was: making their accompt, that there was no squadron of footmen, how thick soever they were, that could receive the charge of so great a troop of horsemen, and that at the first onset they should overthrow them all and march upon their bellies. When the trumpets on either side did sound the alarum to the battle, Pompey commanded his footmen that they should Edition: current; Page: [69] stand still without stirring, to receive the charge of their enemies, until they came to throwing of their darts. Wherefore Caesar afterwards said that PompeyAn ill counsel and foul fault of Pompey. had committed a foul fault, not to consider that the charge which is given running with fury, besides that it giveth the more strength also unto their blows, doth set men's hearts also a-fire: for the common hurling of all the soldiers that run together is unto them as a box on the ear that sets men a-fire. Then Caesar, making his battle march forward to give the onset, saw one of his captains (a valiant man and very skilful in war, in whom he had also great confidence) speaking to his soldiers that he had under his charge, encouraging them to fight like men that day. So he called him aloud by his name and said unto him: 'Well, Caius Crassinius, what hope shall we have to-day? How are we determined, to fight it out manfully?" Then Crassinius, casting up his hand, answered him aloud: 'This day, O Caesar, we shall have a noble victory, and I promise thee ere night thou shalt praise me alive or dead.' When he had told him so, he was himself the foremost man that gave charge upon his enemies, with his band following of him, being about six-score men, and making a lane through the foremost ranks, with great slaughter he entered far into the battle of his enemies: until that, valiantly fighting in this sort, he was thrust in at length in the mouth with a sword, that the point of it came out again at his neck. Now, the footmen Edition: current; Page: [70] of both battles being come to sword, the horsemen of the left wing of Pompey did march as fiercely also,The battle in the fields of Pharsalia. spreading out their troops, to compass in the right wing of Caesar's battle. But before they began to give charge, the six ensigns of footmen which Caesar had laid in ambush behind him, they began to run full upon them, not throwing away their darts far off as they were wont to do, neither striking their enemies on the thighs nor on the legs, but to seek to hit them full in the eyes, and to hurt them in the face, as Caesar had taught them,Caesar's Stratagem. For he hoped that these lusty young gentlemen that had not been often in the wars, nor were used to see themselves hurt, and the which being in the prime of their youth and beauty, would be afraid of those hurts, as well for the fear of the present danger to be slain, as also for that their faces should not for ever be deformed. As indeed it came to pass, for they could never abide that they should come so near their faces with the points of their darts, but hung down their heads for fear to be hit with them in their eyes, and turned their backs, covering their face, because they should not be hurt. Then, breaking of themselves, they began at length cowardly to fly, and were occasion also of the loss of all the rest of Pompey's army. For they that had broken them ran immediately to set uponCaesar over cometh Pompey. the squadron of the footmen behind, and slew them. Then Pompey, seeing his horsemen from the other wing of his battle so scattered and dispersed flying Edition: current; Page: [71] away, forgat that he was any more Pompey the great which he had been before, but rather was like a man whose wits the gods had taken from him, being afraid and amazed with the slaughter sent from above: and so retired into his tent speaking never a word, and sat there to see the end of this battle. Until at length, all his army being overthrown and put to flight, the enemies came, and got up upon the rampers and defence of his camp, and fought hand to hand with them that stood to defend the same. Then, as a man come to himself again, he spake but this only word: "What, even into our camp?" So in haste,Pompey's flignt. casting off his coat armour and apparel of a general, he shifted him, and put on such as became his miserable fortune, and so stale out of his camp. Furthermore, what he did after this overthrow, and how he had put himself into the hands of the Egyptians, by whom he was miserably slain, we have set it forth at large in his life. Then Caesar, entering into Pompey's camp, and seeing the bodies laid on the ground that were slain, and others also that were a-killing, said, fetching a great sigh: 'It was their own doing, and against my will.' For Caius Caesar, after he had won so many famous conquests, and overcome so many great battles, had been utterly condemned notwithstanding, if he had departed from his army. Asinius Pollio writeth that he spake these words then in Latin, which he afterwards wrote in Greek, and saith furthermore that the most part of them which were put to the sword in the Edition: current; Page: [72] camp were slaves and bondmen, and that there were not slain in all at this battle above six thousand soldiers. As for them that were taken prisoners, Caesar did put many of them amongst his legions, and did pardon also many men of estimation, among whom Brutus was one, thatBrutus, that slew Caesar, taken prisoner at the battle of Pharsalia. afterwards slew Caesar himself: and it is reported that Caesar was very sorry for him, when he could not immediately be found after the battle, and that he rejoiced again, when he knew he was alive, and that he came to yield himself unto him. Caesar had many signs and tokens of victory before this battle: but the notablest of all other that happened to him was in the city of Tralles. For in the temple of victory withinSigns and tokens of Caesar's victory. the same city there was an image of Caesar, and the earth all about it very hard of itself, and was paved besides with hard stone: and yet some say that there sprang up a palm hard by the base of the same image. In the city of Padua, Caius Cornelius, an excellentA strange tale of Cornelius, an excellent prognosticator. soothsayer, (a countryman and friend of Titus Livius the historiographer) was by chance at that time set to behold the flying of birds. He (as Livy reporteth) knew the very time when the battle began, and told them that were present, 'Even now they give the onset on both sides, and both armies do meet at this instant.' Then sitting down again to consider of the birds, after he had bethought him of the signs he suddenly rose up on his feet, and cried out as a man possessed with Edition: current; Page: [73] some spirit, 'Oh Caesar, the victory is thine.' Every man wondering to see him, he took the crown he had on his head, and made an oath that he would never put it on again, till the event of his prediction had proved his art true. Livy testifieth that it so came to pass. Caesar afterwards giving freedom unto the Thessalians, in respect of the victory which he won in their country, he followed after Pompey. When he came into Asia, he gave freedom also unto the Gnidians for Theopompus' sake, who had gathered the fables together. He did release Asia also the third part of the tribute which the inhabitants paid unto the Romans. Then he came into Alexandria, after Pompey was slain: and detested Theodotus that presented him Pompey's head, and turned his head at o' side because he would not see it. Notwithstanding, he took his seal and beholding it wept. Furthermore, heCaesar's clemency in victory. courteously used all Pompey's friends and familiars, who wandering up and down the country were taken of the king of Egypt, and won them all to be at his commandment. Continuing these courtesies, he wrote unto his friends at Rome, that the greatest pleasure he took of his victory was, that he daily saved the lives ofThe cause of Caesar's war in Alexandria. some of his countrymen that bare arms against him. And, for the war he made in Alexandria, tome say he needed not have done it, but that he ∗willingly did it for the love of Cleopatra:1 wherein he won Edition: current; Page: [74] little honour, and besides did put his person in great danger. Others do lay the fault upon the king of Egypt's ministers, but specially on Pothinus the eunuch, who,Pothinus the eunuch caused Pompey to be slain. bearing the greatest sway of all the kings servants, after he had caused Pompey to be slain and driven Cleopatra from the court, secretly laid wait all the ways he could how he might likewise kill Caesar. Wherefore Caesar, hearing an inkling of it, began thenceforth to spend all the night long in feasting and banqueting, that his person might be in the better safety. But besides all this, Pothinus the eunuch spake many things openly not to be borne, only to shame Caesar and to stir up the people to envy him. For he made his soldiers have the worst and oldest wheat that could be gotten: then, if they did complain of it, he told them they must be contented, seeing they eat at another man's cost. And he would serve them also at the table in treen and earthen dishes, saying that Caesar had away all their gold and silver, for a debt that the king's father (that then reigned) did owe unto him: which was a thousand seven hundred and fifty myriads, whereof Caesar had before forgiven seven hundred and fifty thousand unto his children. Howbeit then he asked a million to pay his soldiers withal. Thereto Pothinus answered him that at that time he should do better to follow his other causes of greater importance, and afterwards that he should at more leisure recover his debt, with the king's good will and favour. Caesar replied unto him and said, that he Edition: current; Page: [75] would not ask counsel of the Egyptians for his affairs, but would be paid: and thereupon secretly sent for Cleopatra which was in the country to come unto him. She, only taking Apollodorus Sicilian of all herCleopatra came to Caesar. friends, took a little boat and went away with him in it in the night, and came and landed hard by the ∗foot of the castle. Then, having no other mean ∗to come in to the court without being known, sheCleopatra trussed up in a mattress and so brought to Caesar upon Apollodorus' back. laid ∗herself down upon a mattress or flock-bed, ∗which Apollodorus her friend tied and bound up ∗together like a bundle with a great leather thong, ∗and so took her up on his back, and brought her ∗thus hampered in this fardel unto Caesar, in at ∗the castle gate. 1 This was thc first occasion (as it is reported) that made Caesar to love her: but afterwards, when he saw her sweet conversation and pleasant entertainment, he fell then in further liking with her, and did reconcile her again unto her brother the king, with condition that they two jointly should reign together. Upon this new reconciliation a great feast being prepared, a slave of Caesar's that was his barber, the fearfullest wretch that lived, still busily prying and listening abroad in every corner, being mistrustful by nature, found that Pothinus and Achillas did lie in wait to kill his master Caesar. This being proved unto Caesar, he did set such sure watch about the hall where the feast was made, that, in fine, he slew Edition: current; Page: [76] the eunuch Pothinus himself. Achillas, on th' other side, saved himself and fled unto the king's camp, where he raised a marvellous dangerous and difficult war for Caesar: because, he having then but a few men about him as he had, he was to fight against a great and strong city. The first danger he fell into was for the lack of water he had: for that his enemies had stopped the mouth of the pipes, the which conveyed the water unto the castle. The second danger he had was that seeing his enemies came to take his ships from him, he was driven to repulse that danger with fire, the which burnt the arsenal where the ships lay andThe great library of Alexandria burnt. that notable library of Alexandria withal. The third danger was in battle by sea, that was fought by the tower of Phar: where, meaning to help his men that fought by sea, he leapt from the pier into a boat. Then the Egyptians made towards him with their oars on every side: but he, leaping into the sea, with great hazard saved himself by swimming. It is said,Caesar's swimming with books in his hand. that then holding divers books in his hand, he did never let them go, but kept them always upon his head above water, and swam with the other hand, notwithstanding that they shot marvellously at him, and was driven sometime to duck into the water: howbeit the boat was drowned presently. In fine, the king coming to his men that made war with Caesar, he went against him and gave him battle, and won it with great slaughter and effusion of blood. But, for the king, no man could ever Edition: current; Page: [77] tell what became of him after. Thereupon Caesar made ∗Cleopatra his sister Queen of Egypt, who, beingCaesar made Cleopatra queen of Egypt. Caesarion Caesar's son, begotten of Cleopatra. ∗great with child by him, was shortly brought to bed ∗of a son whom the Alexandrians named Caesarion. 1 From thence he went into Syria, and so going into Asia, there it was told him that Domitius was overthrown in batde by Pharnaces the son of King Mithridates, and was fled out of the realm of Ponte, with a few men with him: and that this King Pharnaces, greedily following his victory, was not contented with the winning of Bithynia and Cappadocia, but further would needs attempt to win Armenia the less, procuring all those kings, Princes, and Governors of the provinces thereabouts to rebel against the Romans. ThereuponCaesar's victory of King Pharnaces. Caesar went thither straight with three legions, and fought a great battle with King Pharnaces by the city of Zela, where he slew his army and drave him out of all the realm of Ponte. And because he would advertise one of his friends of the suddenness of this victory, he only wrote three words unto Anicius at Rome: Veni, Vidi, Viu: to wit, 'I came, I saw, I overcame.'Caesar writeth three words to certify his victory. These three words, ending all with like sound and letters in the Latin, have a certain short grace more pleasant to the ear, than can be well expressed in any other tongue. After this, he returned again into Italy and came to Rome, ending his year for the Edition: current; Page: [78] which he was made Dictator the second time, which office before was never granted for one whole year, but unto him. Then he was chosen Consul for the year following. Afterwards he was very ill spoken of, for that his soldiers in a mutiny having slain two Praetors, Cosconius and Galba, he gave them no other punishment for it, but, instead of calling them soldiers, he named them citizens, and gave unto every one of them a thousand drachmas a man, and great possessions in Italy. He was much misliked also for the desperate parts and madness of Dolabella, for the covetousness of Anicius, for the drunkenness of Antonius and Cornificius, which made Pompey's house be pulled down and builded up again, as a thing not big enough for him, wherewith the Romans were marvellously offended. Caesar knew all this well enongh, and would have been contented to have redressed them: but, to bring his matters to pass, he pretended he was driven to serve his turn by such instruments. After the battle of Pharsalia, Cato and Scipio being fled into Africk, King Juba joined with them, and levied a great puissant army. WhereforeCaesar's journey into Africk against Cato and Scipio. Caesar determined to make war with them, and in the midst of winter he took his journey into Sicily. There, because he would take all hope from his Captains and soldiers to make any long abode there, he went and lodged upon the very sands by the seaside, and with the next gale of wind that came he took the sea with three thousand footmen and a few Edition: current; Page: [79] horsemen. Then, having put them a-land, unwares to them he hoised sail again, to go fetch the rest of his army, being afraid lest they should meet with some danger in passing over, and meeting them midway he brought them all into his camp. Where, when it was told him that his enemies trusted in an ancient oracle, which said that it was predestined unto the family of the Scipios to be conquerors in Africk: either of purpose to mock Scipio the General of his enemies, or otherwise in good earnest to take the benefit of this name (given by the Oracle) unto himself, in all the skirmishes and battles he fought he gave the charge of his army unto a man of mean quality and accompt, called Scipio Sallution, who came of the race of Scipio African, and made him always his General when he fought. ForCaesar's troubles in Africk. Alga and dog tooth given to the horse to eat. he was eftsoons compelled to weary and harry his enemies: for that neither his men in his camp had corn enough, nor his beasts forage, but his soldiers were driven to take seaweeds, called alga, and (washing away the brackishness thereof with fresh water, putting to it a little herb called dog's-tooth) to cast it so to their horse to eat. For the Numidians (which are light horsemen, and very ready of service), being a great number together, would be on a sudden in every place, and spread all the fields over thereabout, so that no man durst peep out of the camp to go for forage. And one day as the men of arms were staying to behold an African doing notable things in dancing and playing with the flute; Edition: current; Page: [80] they being set down quietly to take their pleasure of the view thereof, having in the meantime given their slaves their horses to hold, the enemies stealing suddenlyCaesar's dangers in Africk. upon them compassed them in round about, and slew a number of them in the field, and chasing the other also that fled followed them pell-mell into their camp. Furthermore, had not Caesar himself in person, and Asinius Pollio with him, gone out of the camp to the rescue and stayed them that fled, the war that day had been ended. There was also another skirmish where his enemies had the upper hand, in the which it is reported that Caesar, taking the ensign-bearer by the collar that carried the eagle in his hand, stayed him by force, and, turning his face, told him: 'See, there be thy enemies.' These advantages did lift up Scipio's heart aloft, and gave him courage to hazard battle: and, leaving Afranius on the one hand of him, and King Juba on the other hand, both their camps lying near to other, he did fortify himself by the city of Thapsacus, above the lake, to be a safe refuge for them all in this battle. But whilst he was busy intrenching of himself, Caesar having manvellous speedily passed through a great country full of wood, by by-paths which men would never have mistrusted, he stale upon some behind, andCaesar's great victory and small loss. sudden assailed the other before, so that he over-threw them all, and made them fly. Then following this first good hap he had, he went forthwith to set upon the camp of Airanius, the which he took at Edition: current; Page: [81] the first onset, and the camp of the Numidians also, King Juba being fled. Thus in a little piece of the day only, he took three camps and slew fifty thousand of his enemies, and lost but fifty of his soldiers. In this sort is set down th' effect of this battle by some writers. Yet others do write also, that Caesar self was not there in person at th' execution of this battle. For as he did set his men in battle ray' the falling sickness took him, whereuntoCaesar troubled with the falling sickness. he was given, and therefore, feeling it coming, before he was overcome withal, he was carried into a castle not far from thence where the battle was fought, and there took his rest till the, extremity of his disease had left him. Now, for the Praetors and Consuls that scaped from this battle, many of them being taken prisoners did kill themselves, and others also Caesar did put to death: but, he being specially desirous of all men else to have Cato alive in his hands, he went with all possible speed unto the city of Utica, whereof Cato was Governor, by means whereof he was not at the battle. Notwithstanding, being certified by the way that Cato had slain himself with his own hands, he then made open shew that he was very sorry for it, but why or wherefore no man could tell. But this is true, that Caesar said at that present time: 'O Cato, I envy thy death, because thou didst envyCaesar was sorry for the death of Cato. my glory to save thy life.' This notwithstanding, the book that he wrote afterwards against Cato being dead did shew no very great affection nor pitiful heart Edition: current; Page: [82] towards him. For how could he have pardoned him, if living he had had him in his hands, that beingCaesar wrote against Cato being dead. dead did speak so vehemently against him? Not-withstanding, men suppose he would have pardoned him, if he had taken him alive, by the clemency he shewed unto Cicero, Brutus, and divers others that had borne arms against him. Some report that he wrote that book, not so much for any private malice he had to his death, as for a civil ambition, upon this occasion: CiceroCicero wrote a book in praise of Cato being dead. had written a book in praise of Cato, which he entitled Cato. This book in likelihood was very well liked of, by reason of the eloquence of the orator that made it, and of the excellent subject thereof. Caesar therewith was marvellously offended, thinking that to praise him of whose death he was author was even as much as to accuse himself: and therefore he wrote a letter against him, and heaped up a number of accusations against Cato, and entitled the book Anticaton. Both these books have favourers unto this day, some defending the one for the love they bare to Caesar, and others allowing the other for Cato's sake. Caesar, being now returned out of Africk, first of all made an oration to the people, wherein he greatly praised and commended this his last victory, declaring unto them that he had conquered so many countries unto the Empire of Rome, that he could furnish the commonwealth yearly with two hundred thousand bushels of wheat, and twenty hundred thousand pound Edition: current; Page: [83] weight of oil. Then he made three triumphs, the one for Egypt, the other for the kingdom of Ponte, and the third for Africk: not because he had overcome Scipio there, but King Juba. Whose son being likewise called Juba, being then a young boy, was led captive in the show of this triumph. But this his imprisonment fell outJuba, the son of King juba, a famous historiographer. happily for him: for, where he was but a barbarous Numidian, by the study he fell unto when he was prisoner he came afterwards to be reckoned one of the wisest historiographers of the Grecians. After these three triumphs ended, he very liberally rewarded his soldiers: and to curry favour with the people, he made great feasts and common sports. For he feastedCaesar's feasting of the Romans. all the Romans at one time at two-and-twenty thousand tables, and gave them the pleasure to see divers sword-players to fight at the sharp, and batdes also by sea, for the remembrance of his daughter Julia, which was dead long before. Then, after all these sports, he made the people (as the manner was) to beThe muster taken of the Romans. mustered: and, where there were at the last musters before three hundred and twenty thousand citizens, at this muster only there were but a hundred and fifty thousand. Such misery and destruction had this civil war brought unto the commonwealth of Rome, and had consumed such a number of Romans, not speaking at all of the mischiefs and calamities it had brought unto all the rest of Italy, and to the other provinces pertaining Edition: current; Page: [84] to Rome. After all these things were ended, heCaesar Consul the fourth time. was chosen Consul the fourth time, and went into Spain to make war with the sons of Pompey: who were yet but very young, but had notwith- standing raised a marvellous great army together, and shewed to have had manhood and courage worthy to command such an army, insomuch as they put Caesar himselfBattle fought betwixt Caesar and the young Pompeys by the city of Munda. in great danger of his life. The greatest battle that was fought between them in all this war was by the city of Munda. For then Caesar seeing his men sorely distressed, and having their hands full of their enemies: he ran into the press among his men that fought, and cried out unto them: 'What are ye not ashamed to be beaten and taken prisoners, yielding yourselves with your own hands to these young boys?'Caesar's victory of the sons of Pompey. And so, with all the force he could make, having with much ado put his enemies to flight, he slew above thirty thousand of them in the field, and lost of his own men a thousand of the best he had. After this battle he went into his tent, and told his friends that he had often before tought for victory, but this last time now that he had fought for the safety of his own life. He won this battle on the very feast day of the Bacchanalians, in the which men say that Pompey the Great went out of Rome about four years before, to begin this civil war. For his sons, the younger soaped from the battle: but within few days after Didius brought the head of the elder. This Edition: current; Page: [85] was the last war that Caesar made. But the triumph he made into Rome for the same did as much offendCaesar's triumph of Pompey's sons. the Romans, and more, than anything that ever he ∗had done before: because he had not overcome ∗Captains that were strangers, nor barbarous kings, but had ∗destroyed the sons of the noblest man in Rome, whom ∗fortune had overthrown. And because he had plucked up ∗his race by the roots, men did not think it meet for him to triumph so for the calamities of his country, rejoicing at a ∗thing for the which he had but one excuse to allege in his ∗defence unto the gods and men, that he was compelled to do that he did.1 And the rather they thought it not meet, because he had never before sent letters nor messengers unto the commonwealth at Rome for any victory that he had ever won in all the civil wars: but did always for shame refuse the glory of it. This notwithstanding, the Romans inclining to Caesar's prosperity and taking the bit in the mouth, supposing that, to be ruled by one man alone, it would be a good mean for them to take breath a little, after so many troubles and miseries as they had abidden in these civil wars: they chose him perpetual Dictator. This was a plain tyranny: for to this absolute power ofCaesar Dictator, perpetual. Dictator they added this, never to be afraid to be Delete, deposed. Cicero propounded before the Senate, that they should give him such honours as were meet for a man: howbeit others afterwards added-to honours beyond Edition: current; Page: [86] all reason. For, men striving who should most honour him, they made him hateful and troublesome to themselves that most favoured him by reason of the unmeasurable greatness and honours which they gave him. Thereupon, it is reported that even they that most hated him were no less favourers and furtherers of his honours than they that most flattered him: because they might have greater occasions to rise, and that it might appear they had just cause and colour to attempt that they did against him. And now for himself, after he had ended his civil wars, he did so honourably behave himself, that there was no fault to be found in him: and therefore methinks, amongst other honours theyThe temple of clemency, dedicated unto Caesar for his courtesy. gave him, he rightly deserved this, that they should build him a temple of clemency, to thank him for his courtesy he had used unto them in his victory. For he pardoned many of them that had borne arms against him, and furthermore, did prefer some of them to honour and office in the commonwealth: as, amongst others, Cassius and Brutus, both the whichCassius and Brutus Praetors. were made Praetors. And where Pompey's images had been thrown down, he caused them to be set up again: whereupon Cicero said then, that Caesar setting up Pompey's images again he made his ownCaesar's saying of death. stand the surer. And when some of his friends did counsel him to have a guard for the safety of his person, and some also did offer themselves to serve him, he would never consent to it, but said, it was Edition: current; Page: [87] better to die once, than always to be afraid of death, 1 But to win himself the love and good will of the people, as the honourablest guard and best safety he could have,Goodwill of subjects the best guard and safety for princes. he made common feasts again, and general distributions of corn. Furthermore, to gratify the soldiers also, he replenished many cities again with inhabitants, which before had been destroyed, and placed them there that had no place to repair unto: of the which the noblest and chiefest cities were these two, Carthage and Corinth, and it chanced also that, like as aforetime they had been both taken and destroyed together, even so were they both set afoot again and replenished with people at one self time. And as for great personages, he wan them also, promising some of them to make them Praetors and Consuls in time to come, and unto others honours and preferments, but to all men generally good hope, seeking all the ways he could to make every man contented with his reign. Insomuch as one of the Consuls called Maximus chancing to die a day before his Consulship ended, he declared Caninius Rebilius Consul onlyCaninius Rebilius Consual for one day. for the day that remained. So, divers going to his house (as the manner was) to salute him, and to congratulate with him of his calling and preferment, being newly chosen officer, Cicero pleasantly said, 'Come, let us make haste, and be gone thither before his Consulship come out.' Furthermore, Caesar being born to attempt all Edition: current; Page: [88] great enterprises, and having an ambitious desire besides to covet great honours, the prosperous good success he had of his former conquests bred no desire in him quietly to enjoy the fruits of his labours, but rather gave him hope of things to come, still kindling more and more in him thoughts of greater enterprises, and desire of new glory, as if that which he had present were stale and nothing worth. This humour of his was no other but an emulation with himself as with another man, and a certain contention to overcome the things he prepared to attempt. For he was determined, and made preparation also, to make war with the Persians. Then, when he had overcome them, to pass through Hyrcania (compassing in the sea Caspium and Mount Caucasus) into the realm of Pontus, and so to invade Scythia: and over-running all the countries and people adjoining unto high Germany, and Germany itself, at length to return by Gaul into Italy, and so to enlarge the Roman Empire round, that it might be every way compassed in with the great sea Oceanus. But whilst he was preparing for this voyage, he attempted to cut the bar of the strait of Peloponnesus, in the place where the city of CorinthAnien Tiber, flu. standeth. Then he was minded to bring the rivers of Anien and Tiber straight from Rome unto the city of Circeii with a deep channel and high banks cast up on either side, and so to fall into the sea at Terracina, for the better safety and commodity of the merchants that came to Rome to traffic there. Furthermore, he determined Edition: current; Page: [89] to drain and seaw all the water of the marishes betwixt the cities of Nomentum and Setium, to make it firm land for the benefit of many thousands of people: and on the sea-coast next unto Rome to cast great high banks, and to cleanse all the haven about Ostia of rocks and stones hidden under the water, and to take away all other impediments that made the harbourough dangerous for ships, and to make new havens and arsenals meet to harbour such ships as did continually traffic thither. All these things were purposed to be done, but took no effect. But the ordinance of the calendar and reformation ofCaesar reformed the inequality of the year. the year, to take away all confusion of time, being exactly calculated by the Mathematicians and brought to perfection, was a great commodity unto all men. For the Romans, using then the ancient computation of the year, had not only such incentainty and alteration of the month and times, that the sacrifices and yearly feasts came by little and little to seasons contrary for the purpose they were ordained: but also in the revolution of the sun (which is called Annus Solaris) no other nation agreed with them in account: and, of the Romans themselves, only the priests understood it. And therefore, when they listed, they suddenly (no man being able to control them) did thrust in a month above their ordinary number, which they called in old timea,a Mercedonius, mensis intercalaris. Mercedonius. Some say that Numa Pompilius was the first that devised this way, to put a month between: but it Edition: current; Page: [90] was a weak remedy, and did little help the correction of the errors that were made in the account of the year, to frame them to perfection. But Caesar, committing this matter unto the Philosophers and best expert Mathematicians at that time, did set forth an excellent and perfect calendar, more exactly calculated than any, other that was before: the which the Romans do use until this present day, and do nothing err as others in the difference of time. But his enemies notwithstanding that envied his greatness did not stick to find fault withal. As Cicero the Orator, when one said, 'Tomorrow the star Lyra will rise:' 'Yea,' said he, 'at the commandment of Caesar,' as if men were compelled so to say and think by Caesar's edict. But theWhy Caesar was hated. chiefest cause that made him mortally hated was the covetous desire he had to be called king: which first gave the people just cause and next his secret enemies honest colour, to bear him ill will. This notwithstanding, they that procured him this honour and dignity gave it out among the people, that it was written in the Sibylline prophecies, how the Romans might overcome the Parthians, if they made war with them and were led by a king, but otherwise that they were unconquerable. And furthermore they were so bold besides, that, Caesar returning to Rome from the city of Alba, when they came to salute him, they called him king. But the people being offended and Caesar also angry, he said he was not called king, but Caesar. Then, every man keeping silence, he went his way Edition: current; Page: [91] heavy and sorrowful. When they had decreed divens honours for him in the Senate, the Consuls and Praetors accompanied with the whole assembly of the Senate went unto him in the market place, where he was set by the pulpit for orations, to tell him what honours they had decreed for him in his absence. But he, sitting still in his majesty, disdaining to rise up unto them when they came in, as if they had been private men, answered them: that his honours had more need to be cut off than enlarged. This did not only offend the Senate, but the common people also, to see that he should so lightly esteem of the Magistrates of the commonwealth: insomuch as every man that might lawfully go his way departed thence very sorrowfully. Thereupon also Caesar rising departed home to his house, and ∗tearing open his doublet collar, making his neck bare, he ∗cried out aloud to his friends, that his throat was ready to ∗offer to any man that would come and cut it. 1 Notwithstanding, it is reported that afterwards, to excuse this folly, he imputed it to his disease, saying, that their wits are not ∗perfect which have his disease of the falling evil, when ∗standing of their feet they speak to the common people, but ∗are soon troubled with a trembling of their body, and a ∗sudden dimness and giddiness. 2 But that was not true. For he would have risen up to the Senate, but Cornelius Balbus one of his friends (but rather a flatterer) would not let him, Edition: current; Page: [92] saying: 'What, do you not remember that you are Caesar, and will you not let them reverence you, and do their duties?' Besides these occasions and offences,The feast Lupercalia. there followed also his shame and reproach, abusing the Tribunes of the people in this sort. At that time the feast Lupercalia 1 was celebrated, the which in ∗old time men say was the feast of shepherds, or herdmen, and is much like unto the feast of the Lycaeans in Arcadia. But howsoever it is, that day there are divers noblemen's ∗sons, young men, (and some of them Magistrates themselves ∗that govern then) which run naked through the city, ∗striking in sport them they meet in their way with leather thongs, hair and all on, to make them give place. And many noblewomen and gentlewomen also go of purpose to stand in their way, and do put forth their hands to be striken, as scholars hold them out to their schoolmaster to be striken with the ferula: persuading themselves that, being with child, they shall have good delivery, and also, being barren, that it will make them to conceive with child.Antonius being Consual was one of the Lupercalians. Caesar sat to behold that sport upon the pulpit for orations, in a chair of gold, apparelled in triumphing manner. Antonius, who was Consul at that time, was one of them that ran this holy course. 2 So, when he came into the marketplace, the people made a lane for him to run at liberty, and he Edition: current; Page: [93] came to Caesar, and presented him a Diadem wreathed about with laurel. Whereupon there rose a certain cry of rejoicing, not very great, done only by a few appointed for the purpose. But when Caesar refused theAntonius presented the Diadem to Caesar. Diadem, then all the people together made an out cry of joy. Then, Antonius offering it him again, there was a second shout of joy, but yet of a few. But when Caesar refused it again the second time, then all the whole people shouted. 1 Caesar having made this proof found that the people did not like of it, and thereupon rose out of his chair, and commanded the crown to be carried unto Jupiter in the Capitol. After that, there were set up image of Caesar in the city with Diadems upon their heads, like kings. Those the two Tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, went and pulled down: 2 and furthermore, meeting with them that first saluted Caesar as king, they committed them to prison. The People followed them rejoicing at it, and called them Brutes, because of Brutus, who had in old time driven the kings out of Rome, and that brought the kingdom of one Person unto the government of the Senate and people. Caesar was so offended withal, that he deprived Marullus and Flavius of their Tribuneships, 3 and, accusing them, he spake also against the People, and called them Bruti and Cumani, to wit, beasts and fools. Hereupon the Edition: current; Page: [94] people went straight unto Marcus Brutus, who from his father came of the first Brutus and by his mother of the house of the Servilians, a noble house as any was in Rome, and was also nephew and son-in-law of Marcus Cato. Notwithstanding, the great honours and favour Caesar shewed unto him kept him back, that of himself alone he did not conspire nor consent to depose him of his kingdom. ForCaesar saved Marcus Brutus life after the battle of Pharsalia. Caesar did not only save his life after the battle of Pharsalia when Pompey fled, and did at his request also save many more of his friends besides: but, furthermore, he put a marvellous confidence in him. For he had already preferred him to the Praetorship for that year, and furthermore was appointed to be Consul the fourth year after that, having through Caesar's friendship obtained it before Cassius, who likewise made suit for the same: and Caesar also, as it is reported, said in this contention, 'Indeed Cassius hath alleged best reason, but yet shall he not be chosen before Brutus.'Brustus conspireth against Caesar. Some one day accusing Brutus while he practised this conspiracy, Caesar would not hear of it, but clapping his hand on his body, told them, 'Brutus will look for this skin:' meaning thereby that Brutus for his virtue deserved to rule after him, but yet that for ambition's sake he would not shew himself unthankful nor dishonourable. Now they that desired change and ∗wished Brutus only their Prince and Governor ∗above all other, they durst not come to him themselves to tell Edition: current; Page: [95] ∗him what they would have him to do, but in the night ∗did cast sundry papers into the Praetor's seat where he ∗gave audience, and the most of them to this effect: 'Thou sleepest, Brutus, and art not Brutus indeed.'1 Cassius, finding Brutus' ambition stirred up the more byCassius stirreth up Brutus against Caesar. these seditious bills, did prick him forward and egg him on the more for a private quarrel he had conceived against Caesar: the circumstance where-∗of we have set down more at large in Brutus' life. Caesar∗ also had Cassius in great jealousy and suspected him much: ∗whereupon he said on a time to his friends, 'What will Cassius do, think ye? I like not his pale looks.' Another time, when Caesar's friends complained unto him of ∗Antonius and Dolabella, that they pretended some ∗mischief towards him: he answered them again, 'As for those fat ∗men and smooth-combed heads,' quoth he,'I never reckon of them: but these pale-visaged and carrion lean people, I ∗fear them most:' meaning Brutus and Cassius'2 Certainly, destiny may easier be foreseen than avoided: consideringPredictions and foreshews of Caesar's death. the strange and wonderful signs that were said to be seen before Caesar's death. For, touching the fires in the element and spirits running up and down in the night, and also the solitary birds to be seen at noon-days sitting in the great market place: are not Edition: current; Page: [96] all these signs perhaps worth the noting in such a wonderful chance as happened?1 But Strabo the Philosopher writeth that divers men were seen going up and down in fire:2 and furthermore, that there was a slave of the soldiers, that did cast a marvellous burning flame out of his hand, inso- much as they that saw it thought he had been burnt, but when the fire was out, it was found he had no hurt.3 Caesar self also, doing sacrifice unto the gods, found that one of the beasts which was sacrificed had no heart:4 and that was a strange thing in nature, how a beast could liveCaesar's day of his death without a heart. Furthermore, thcre was a certain Soothsayer that had given Caesar warning long time afore, to take heed of the day of the Ides ofCaeser's day of his death prognosticated by a Soothsayer. March (which is the fifteenth of the month), for on that day he should be in great danger. That day being come, Caesar going unto the Senate-house, and speaking merrily to the Soothsayer, told him, 'The Ides of March be come:' 'So be they,' softly answered the Sooth-sayer, 'but yet are they not past.'5 And the very day before, Caesar, supping with Marcus Lepidus, sealed certain letters, as he was wont to do, at the board: so, talk falling out amongst them, reasoning what death was best, he preventing their opinions cried out aloud, 'Death unlooked for.' Then going to bed the same night as his manner was, Edition: current; Page: [97] and lying with his wife Calpurnia, all the windows and doors of his chamber flying open, the noise awoke him, and made him afraid when he saw such light: but more, when he heard his wife Calpurnia, being fast asleep, weep and sigh, and put forth many fumbling lamentable speeches. For she dreamed that Caesar was slain,1 and thatThe dream of Calpurnia Caesar's wife. she had him in her arms. Others also do deny that she had any such dream, as amongst other Titus Livius writeth, that it was in this sort. The Senate having set upon the top of Caesar's house, for an ornament and setting forth of the same, a certain pinnacle, Calpurnia dreamed that she saw it broken down, and that she thought she lamented and wept for it. Insomuch that, Caesar rising in the morning, she prayed him if it were possible not to go out of the doors that day,2 but to adjourn the session of the Senate until another day. And if that he made no reckoning of her dream, yet that he would search further of the Soothsayers by their sacrifices, to know what should happen him that day.3 Thereby it seemed that Caesar likewise did fear and suspect somewhat, because his wife Calpurnia until that time was never given to any fear or superstition:4 and then, for that he saw her so troubled in mind with this dream she had. But much more afterwards, when the Soothsayers, having sacrificed many beasts one after another, told him that none did like them: then Edition: current; Page: [98] he determined to send Antonius to adjourn the session of the Senate.1 But in the meantime came Decius Brutus,Decius Brutus Albinus' persuasion to Caesar. surnamed Albinus, in whom Caesar put such con-fidence, that in his last will and testament he had appointed him to be his next heir, and yet was of the conspiracy with Cassius and Brutus: he, fearing that if Caesar did adjourn the session that day the conspiracy would out, laughed the Soothsayers to scorn, and reproved Caesar, saying: that he ∗gave the Senate occasion to mislike with him, and that they might think he mocked them, considering that by his commandment they were assembled, and that they were ready willingly to grant him all things, and to proclaim him king of all the provinces of the Empire of Rome out of Italy, and that he should wear his Diadem in all other places both by sea and land. And furthermore, that if any man should tell them from him they should depart for that present time, and return again when Calpurnia should have better dreams: what would his enemies and illwillers say, and how could they like of his friends' words?2 And who could persuade them otherwise,Decius Brutus brought Caesar into the senate house. but that they would think his dominion a slavery unto them, and tyrannical in himself ? 'And yet, if it be so,' said he, 'that you utterly mislike of this day, it is better that you go yourself in person, and saluting the Senate to dismiss them till another time.' Therewithal he took Caesar by the Edition: current; Page: [99] hand, and brought him out of his house. Caesar was not gone far from his house, but a bondman, a stranger, did what he could to speak with him: and, when he saw he was put back by the great press and multitude of people that followed him, he went straight unto his house, and put himself into Calpurnia's hands to be kept till Caesar came back again, telling her that he had great matters to impart unto him. And one Artemidorus also, born in the Isle of Gnidos, a Doctor of Rhetoric in the GreekThe tokens of the conspiracy against Caesar. tongue, who by means of his profession was very familiar with certain of Brutus' confederates, and therefore knew the most part of all their practices against Caesar, came and brought him a little bill written with his own hand, of all that he meant to tell him. He, marking how Caesar received all the supplications that were offered him, and that he gave them straight to his men that were about him, pressed nearer to him, and said: 'Caesar read this memorial to yourself, and that quickly, for they be matters of great weight, and touch you nearly.' Caesar, took it of him, but could never read it, though he many times attempted it, for the number of people that did salute him: but holding it still in his hand, keeping it to himself, went on withal into the Senate-house.1 Howbeit other are of opinion that it was some man else that gave him that memorial, and not Artemidorus, who did what he could all the way as he went to give it Caesar, but he was always Edition: current; Page: [100] repulsed by the people. For these things they may seem toThe place where Caesar was slain. come by chance: but the place where the murther was prepared, and where the Senate were assembled, and where also there stood up an image of Pompey dedicated by himself amongst other ornaments which he gave unto the Theatre: all these were manifest proofs that it was the ordinance of some god, that made this treason to be executed specially in that very place. It is also reported, that Cassius (though otherwise he did favour the doctrine of Epicurus)1 beholding the image of Pompey, before they entered into the action of their traitorous enterprise, he did softly call upon it to aid him. But the instant danger of the present time, taking away his former reason, did suddenly put him into a furious passion, and madeAntonius Caesar's faithful friend. him like a man half beside himself. Now Antonius, that was a faithful friend to Caesar, and a valiant man besides of his hands, him Decius Brutus Albinus entertained out of the Senate house, having begun a long tale of set purpose.2 So, Caesar coming into the house, all the Senate stood up on their feet to do him honour. Then part of Brutus' company and confederates stood round about Caesar's chair, and part of them also came towards him, as though they made suit with Metellus Cimber, to call home his brother again from Edition: current; Page: [101] banishment: and thus, prosecuting still their suit, they followed Caesar, till he was set in his chair. Who denying their petitions, and being offended with them one after another, because the more they were denied, the more they pressed upon him, and were the earnester with him:1 Metellus at length, taking his gown with both his hands, pulled it over his neck, which was the sign given the confederates to set upon him. Then Casca behind him strake him in the neck with his sword:2Casca the first that strake at Caesar. howbeit the wound was not great nor mortal, because, it seemed, the fear of such a devilish attempt did amaze him, and take his strength from him, that he killed him not at the first blow. But Caesar, turning straight unto him, caught hold of his sword, and held it hard: and they both cried out, Caesar in Latin: 'O vile traitor Casca, what doest thou?' And Casca in Greek to his brother, 'Brother, help me.' At the beginning of this stir, they that were present, not knowing of the conspiracy, were so amazed with the horrible sight they saw, that they had no power to fly, neither to help him, not so much as once to make any outcry. They on th' other side that had conspired his death compassed him in on every side with their swords drawn in their hands, that Caesar turned him nowhere but he was stricken at by some, and still had naked swords in his face, and was hacked and mangled among Edition: current; Page: [102] them, as a wild beast taken of hunters.1 For it was agreed among them that every man should give him a wound, because all their parts should be in this murther: and then Brutus himself gave him one wound about his privities. Men report also that Caesar did still defend himself against the rest, running every way with his body: but when he saw Brutus with his sword drawn in his hand, then he pulled his gown over his head, and made no more resistance,2 and was driven either casually or purposedly by the counsel of the conspirators against the base whereupon Pompey's image stood, which ran all of a gore-blood till he was slain3 Thus it seemed that the image took just revenge of Pompey's enemy, being thrown down on the ground at his feet, and yielding up his ghost there for the number of wounds he had upon him. For it is reported that he hadCaesar slain and had 23 wounds upon him. three-and-twenty wounds upon his body:4 and divers of the conspirators did hurt themselves, striking one body with so many blows. When Caesar was slain, the Senate (though Brutus stood in the midst amongst them, as though he would have said somewhat touching this fact,5) presently ran out of the house, and flying filled all the city with marvellous fear and tumult. Insomuch as some did shut-to their doors, others forsook their shops and warehouses, and others ran to the Edition: current; Page: [103] place to see what the matter was: and others also that had seen it ran home to their houses again. But Antonius and Lepidus, which were two of Caesar's chiefest friends, secretly conveying themselves away, fled into other men's houses, and forsook their own. Brutus and his confederates on th' other side, being yet hot with this murther they had committed, having their swords drawn in theirThe murtherers of Caesar do go to the market-place. hands, came all in a troop together out of the Senate, and went into the market-place, not as men that made countenance to fly, but otherwise boldly holding up their heads like men of courage, and called to the people to defend their liberty, and stayed to speak with every great personage whom they met in their way. Of them some followed this troop and went amongst them as if they had been of the conspiracy, and falsely challenged part of the honour with them: among them was Caius Octavius, and Lentulus Spinther. But both of them were afterwards put to death, for their vain covetousness of honour, by Antonius and Octavius Caesar the younger: and yet had no part of that honour for the which they were put to death, neither did any man believe that they were any of the confederates, or of counsel with them. For they that did put them to death took revenge rather of the will they had to offend, than of any fact they had committed. The next morning Brutus and his confederates came into the market-place to speak unto the people, who gave them such audience, that it seemed they Edition: current; Page: [104] neither greatly reproved nor allowed the fact: for by their great silence they showed that they were sorry for Caesar's death, and also that they did reverence Brutus. Now the Senate granted general pardon for all that was past, and toCaesar's funerals. pacify every man, ordained besides that Caesar's funerals should be honoured as a god, and established all things that he had done: and gave certain provinces also and convenient honours unto Brutus and his confederates, whereby every man thought all things were brought to good peace and quietness again. But when they had opened Caesar's testament, and found a liberal legacy of money bequeathed unto every citizen of Rome,1 and that they saw his body (which was brought into the market place) all bemangled with gashes of swords: then there was no order to keep the multitude and common people quiet, but they plucked up forms, tables, and stools, and laid them all about the body, and setting them afire burnt the corse. Then, when the fire was well kindled, they took the firebrands, and went unto their houses that had slain Caesar, to set them afire.2 Other also ran up and down the city to see if they could meet with any of them, to cut them in pieces: howbeit they could meet with never a man of them, because they had locked themselves up safely in their houses. There Edition: current; Page: [105] was one of Caesar's friends called Cinna, that had a marvellous strange and terrible dream the nightCinna's dream of Caesar. before. He dreamed that Caesar bade him to supper, and that he refused, and would not go: then that Caesar took him by the hand, and led him against his will. Now Cinna hearing at that time that they burnt Caesar's body in the market place, notwithstanding that he feared his dream and had an ague on him besides, he went into the market place to honour his funerals. When he came thither, one of mean sort asked him what his name was? He was straight called by his name. The first man told it to another, and that other unto another, so that it ran straight through them all, that he was one of them that murdered Caesar (for indeed one of the traitors to Caesar was also called Cinna as himself): wherefore,The murther of Cinna. taking him for Cinna the murderer, they fell upon him with such fury, that they presently dispatched him in the market place.1 This stir and fury made Brutus and Cassius more afraid than of all that was past, and therefore, within few days after, they departed out of Rome: and touching their doings afterwards, and what calamity they suffered till their deaths, we have written it at large in the life of Brutus. Caesar died at six-and-fiftyCaesar 56 year old at his death. years of age: and Pompey also lived not passing four years more than he. So he reaped no other fruit of all his reign and dominion, which he had Edition: current; Page: [106] so vehemently desired all his life, and pursued with such extreme danger, but a vain name only, and a superficial glory that procured him the envy and hatred of his country. But his great prosperity and good fortune, that favouredThe revenge of Caesar's death. him all his lifetime, did continue afterwards in the revenge of his death, pursuing the murtherers both by sea and land, till they had not left a man more to be executed, of all them that were actors or counsellors in the conspiracy of his death. Furthermore, of all the chances that happen unto men upon the earth, that which came to Cassius above all other is most to be wondered at.Cassius being over-thrown at the battle of Philippi slew himself with the self-same sword wherewith he strake Caesar. For he, being overcome in battle at the journey of Philippi, slew himself with the same sword with the which he strake Caesar.1 Again, of signs in the element, the great comet, which seven nights together was seen very bright after Caesar's death, the eight night after was never seen more. Also the brightness of the sun was darkened, the which all that year through rose very pale, and shined not out, whereby it gave but small heat: therefore the air being very cloudy and dark, by theWonders seen in the element after Caesar's death. A great Comet. weakness of the heat that could not come forth, did cause the earth to bring forth but raw and unripe fruit, which rotted before it could ripe. But, above all, the ghost that appeared unto Brutus shewed plainly that the gods were offended with the murther Edition: current; Page: [107] of Caesar. The vision was thus. Brutus, being ready to pass over his army from the city of Abydos to the other coast lying direcdy against it, slept every night (as his manner was) in his tent, and being yet awake thinking of his affairs, (for by report he was as careful a Captain, and lived with as little sleep, as ever man did,) he thought he heard a noise at his tent door, and, looking towards the light ofBrutus' vision. the lamp that waxed very dim, he saw a horrible vision of a man, of a wonderful greatness, and dreadful look, which at the first made him marvellously afraid. But when he saw that it did him no hurt, but stood by his bedside and said nothing, at length he asked him what the was. The image answered him: 'I am thya spirit appeared unto Brutus. ill angel, Brutus, and thou ∗shalt see me by the city of Philippi.' Then Brutus replied again, and said: 'Well, I shall see thee then.' Therewithal the spirit presently vanished from him.1 After that time Brutus being in battle near unto the city of Philippi against Antonius and Octavius Caesar, at the first battle he won the victory, and, overthrowing all them that with stood him, he drave them into young Caesar'ssecond appearing of the spirit unto Brutus. camp, which he took. The second battle being at hand, this spirit appeared again unto him, but spake never a word. Thereupon Brutus, knowing he should die,2 Edition: current; Page: [108] did put himself to all hazard in battle, but yet fighting could not be slain. So, seeing his men put to flight and overthrown, he ran unto a little rock not far off, and there setting his sword's point to his breast fell upon it, and slew himself, but yet, as it is reported, with the help of his friend that dispatched him.
Marcus Brutus came of that Junius Brutus, for whom the ancient Romans made his statue of brass to be setThe parentage of Brutus. up in the Capitol with the images of the kings, holdlng a naked sword in his hand, because he had valiantly put down the Tarquins from their kingdom of Rome.1 But that Junius Brutus, being of a sour stern nature, not softened by reason, being like unto sword blades of too hard a temper, was so subject to his choler and malice he bare unto the tyrants, that for their sakes he caused his own sons to be executed. But thisBrutus manners/ Marcus Brutus in contrary manner, whose life we presently write, having framed his manners of life by the rules of virtue and study of Philosophy, and having employed his wit, which was gentle and constant, in attempting of great things: methinks he was rightly made and framed unto virtue. So that his very enemies which wish him most hurt, because of his conspiracy against Julius Caesar, if there were any noble attempt done in all this conspiracy, they refer it wholly unto Brutus, and all the cruel and violent acts unto Cassius, who was Brutus' familiar friend, Edition: current; Page: [110] but not so well given and conditioned as he. His motherServilia M. Brutus' mother. Servilia, it is thought, came of the blood of Ser-vilius Ahala, who, when Spurius Maelius went about to make himself king, and to bring it to pass had enticed the common people to rebel, took a dagger and hid it close under his arm, and went into the market place. When he was come thither, he made as though he had somewhat to say unto him, and pressed as near him as he could: wherefore, Maelius stooping down with his head to hear what he would say, Servilius stabbed him in with his dagger and slew him. Thus much all writers agree for his mother. Now touching his father, some for the evil will and malice they bare unto Brutus, because of the death of Julius Caesar, do maintain that he came not of Junius Brutus that drave out the Tarquins: for there were none left of his race, considering that his two sons were executed for conspiracy with the Tarquins: and that Marcus Brutus came of a mean house, the which was raised to honour and office in the commonwealth but of late time. Posidonius the Philosopher writeth the contrary, that Junius Brutus indeed slew two of his sons which were men grown, as the histories do declare, howbeit that there was a third son, being but a little child at that time, from whom the house and family afterwards was derived: and futhermore, that there were in his time certain famous men of that family, whose stature and countenance resembled much the image of Junius Brutus. And thus much for this matter. Marcus Edition: current; Page: [111] Cato the Philosopher was brother unto Servilia, M. Brutus' mother: whom Brutus studied most to follow of all the other Romans, because he was his uncle,Servilia Cato's sister. and afterwards he married his daughter. Now touching the Grecian Philosophers, there was no sect nor Philosopher of them, but he heard and liked it: but above all the rest he loved Plato's sect best, and did notBrutus' studies. much give himself to the new nor mean Academy as they call it, but altogether to the old Academy. Therefore he did ever greatly esteem the PhilosopherBrutus followed the old Academics. Antiochus, of the city of Ascalon: but he was more familiar with his brother Ariston, who for learning and knowledge was inferior to many other Philosophers, but for wisdom and courtesy equal with the best and chiefest. Touching Empylus, whom Marcus Brutus himself doth mention in his Epistles,Empylus, an Orator, wrote a book of Caesar's death, and entitled it Brutus. and his friends also in many places, he was an Orator, and left an excellent book he wrote of the death of Julius Caesar, and titled it Brutus. He was properly learned in the Latin tongue, and was able to make long discourse in it, beside that he could also plead very well in Latin. But, for the Greek tongue, they do note in some of his Epistles, that heBrutus' manner of writing his Epistles in Greek. counterfeited that brief compendious manner of speech of the Lacedaemonians. As, when the war was begun, he wrote unto the Pergamenians in this sort: 'I understand you have given Dolabella money: Edition: current; Page: [112] if you have done it willingly, you confess you have offended me: if against your wills, shew it then by giving meA brief letter to the Samians. willingly.' Another time again unto the Samians: 'Your counsels be long, your doings be slow, con-sider the end.' And in another Epistle he wrote unto the Patareians:' The Xanthians, despising my good will, have made their country a grave of despair: and the Patareians, that put themselves into my protection, have lost no jot of their liberty. And therefore, whilst you have liberty, either choose the judgement of the Patareians or the fortune of the Xanthians. 'These were Brutus' manner of letters, which were honoured for their briefness. SoBrutus followed Cato into Cyprus. Brutus being but a young stripling went into Cyprus with his uncle Cato, who was sent against Ptolemy king of Egypt, who having slain himself, Cato, staying for certain necessary business he had in the Isle of Rhodes, had already sent Canidius, one of his friends, before to keep his treasure and goods. But Cato, fearing he would be lightfingered, wrote unto Brutus forthwith to come out of Pamphylia (where he was but newly recovered of a sickness) into Cyprus, the which he did. The which journey he was sorry to take upon him, both for respect of Canidius' shame, whom Cato as he thought wrongfully slandered, as also because he thought this office too mean and unmeet for him, being a young man, and given to his book. This notwithstanding he behaved himself so honestly and carefully that Cato did greatly commend him: Edition: current; Page: [113] and after all the goods were sold and converted into ready money, he took the most part of it, and returned withal to Rome. Afterwards when the Empire of Rome was divided into factions, and that Caesar and Pompey both were in arms one against the other, and that all the Empire of Rome was in garboil and uproar: it was thought then that Brutus would take part with Caesar, because Pompey not long before had put his father unto death. But Brutus preferring the respect of his country and commonwealth before private affection, and persuading himself that Pompey had juster cause to enter into arms than Caesar: he then took part with Pompey, though oftentimes meet-Brutus taketh part with Pompey. ing him before he thought scorn to speak to him, thinking it a great sin and offence in him to speak to the murtherer of his father. But then submitting himself unto Pompey, as unto the head of the commonwealth, he sailed into Sicilia, Lieutenant under Sestius that was Governor of that province. But when he saw that there was no way to rise, nor to do any noble exploits, and that Caesar and Pompey were both camped together, and fought for victory: he went of himself unsent for into Macedon to be partaker of the danger. It is reported that Pompey being glad, and wondering at his coming, when he saw him come to him, he rose out of his chair, and went and embraced him before them all, and used him as honourably as he could have done the noblest man that took his part. Brutus, being in Pompey's Edition: current; Page: [114] camp, did nothing but study all day long, except he wereBrutus' exercise in Pompey's camp. with Pompey, and not only the days before, but the self same day also before the great battle was fought in the fields of Pharsalia, where Pompey was overthrown. It was in the midst of summer, and the sun was very hot, besides that the camp was lodged near unto marishes, and they that carried his tent tarried longBrutus studied in Pompey's camp. before they came, whereupon, being very weary with travel, scant any meat came into his mouth at dinner time. Furthermore, when others slept, or thought what would happen the morrow after, he fell to his book, and wrote all day long till night, writing a breviaryJulius Caesar careful of Brutus safety. of Polybius. It is reported that Caesar did not forget him, and that he gave his Captains charge before the battle, that they should beware they killed not Brutus in fight, and if he yielded willingly unto them, that then they should bring him unto him: but if he resisted and would not be taken, then that they should let him go and do him no hurt. Some say he did this for Servilia's sake, Brutus' mother. For, whenJulius Caesar loved Servilia Brutus' mother. he was a young man, he had been acquainted with Servilia, who was extremely in love with him. And because Brutus was born in that time when their love was hottest, he persuaded himself that he begat him. For proof hereof the report goeth, that when the weightiest matters were in hand in the Senate, about the conspiracy of Catiline, which was likely to have undone the Edition: current; Page: [115] city of Rome, Caesar and Cato sate near together, and were both of contrary minds to each other: and then, that in the meantime one delivered Caesar a letter. Caesar took it and read it softly to himself: but Cato cried out upon Caesar, and said he did not well to receive advertisements from enemies. Whereupon the whole Senate began to murmur at it. Then Caesar gave Cato the letter as it was sent him, who read it, and found that it was a love letter sent from his sister Servilia: thereupon he cast it again to Caesar, and said unto him, 'Hold, drunken sop.' When he had done so, he went on with his tale, and maintained his opinion as he did before: so commonly was the love of Servilia known which she bare unto Caesar. So, after Pompey's overthrow at the battle of Pharsalia, and that he fled to the sea, when Caesar came to besiege his camp, Brutus went out of the camp gates unseen of any man, and leapt into a marish full of water and reeds. ThenBrutus saved by Julius Caesar after the battle of Pharsaha. when night was come he crept out, and went unto the city of Larissa: from whence he wrote unto Caesar, who was very glad that he had scaped, and sent for him to come unto him. When Brutus was come, he did not only pardon him, but also kept him always about him, and did as much honour and esteem him as any man he had in his company. Now no man could tell whither Pompey was fled, and all were marvellous desirous to know it: wherefore Caesar walking a good way alone with Brutus, he did ask him which way he thought Edition: current; Page: [116] Pompey took. Caesar perceiving by his talk that Brutus guessed certainly whither Pompey should be fled, he left all other ways, and took his journey directly towards Egypt. Pompey, as Brutus conjectured, was indeed fled into Egypt, but there he was villainously slan. Furthermore, Brutus obtained pardon of Caesar for Cassius: and, defending also the kingaa This king was Juba: howbeit it is true also that Brutus made in tercession for Deiotarus, king of Galatia, who was deprived notwith standing of the most part of his country by Caesar, and therefore this place were best to be understanded by Deiotarus. of Libya's cause, he was overlaid with a world of accusations against him, howbeit, entreating for him, he saved him the best part of his realm and kingdom. They say also that Caesar said, when he heard Brutus plead: 'I know not,' said he, 'what this young man would, but, what he would, he willeth it vehemently.' For, as Brutus 'gravity and constant mind would not grant all men their requests that sued unto him, but being moved with reason and discretion did always incline to that which was good and honest, even so, when it was moved to follow any matter, he used a kind of forcible and vehement persuasion, For calmed not till he had obtained his desire. For, by flattering of him man could never obtain anything at hands, nor make him to do which was unjust. Further, he thought it not meet for a man of calling and estimation to yield unto the requests and entreaties of a shameless and importunate suitor, requesting things unmeet: the which notwithstanding, some men do for shame, because they dare deny nothing. And therefore he was Edition: current; Page: [117] wont to say, that he thought them evil brought up in their youth, that could deny nothing. Now when CaesarCaesar made Brutus Governor of Gaul on this side the mountains. took sea to go into Africk against Cato and Scipio, he left Brutus Governor of Gaul in Italy, on this side of the Alps, which was a great good hap for that province. For where others were spoiled and polled by the insolency and covetousness of the Governors, as if it had been a country conquered, Brutus was a comfort and rest unto their former troubles and miseries they sustained. But he referred it wholly unto Caesar's grace and goodness. For when Caesar returned out of Africk, and progressed up and down Italy, the things that pleased him best to see were the cities under Brutus' charge and government, and Brutus himself: who honoured Caesar in person, and whose company also Caesar greatly esteemed. Now there were divers sorts of Praetorships at Rome,Brutus and Cassius contend for the Praetorship of the city. and it was looked for, that Brutus or Cassius would make suit for the chiefest Praetorship, which they called the Praetorship of the city: because he that had that office was as a Judge to minister justice unto the citizens. Therefore they strove one against the other, though some say that there was some little grudge betwixt them for other matters before, and that this contention did set them further out, though theyCassius married Junia, Brurus sister. were allied together. For Cassius had married Junia, Brutus sister. Others say, that this contention betwixt them came by Caesar himself, who secretly Edition: current; Page: [118] gave either of them both hope of his favour. So their suit for the Praetorship was so followed and laboured of either party, that one of them put another in suit of law. Brutus with his virtue and good name contended against many noble exploits in arms, which Cassius had done against the Parthians. So Caesar, after he had heard both their objections, he told his friends with whom he consulted about this matter: 'Cassius' cause is the juster,' said he, 'but BrutusThe first cause of Cassius malice against Caesar. must be first preferred.' Thus Brutus had the first Praetorship, and Cassius the second: who thanked not Caesar so much for the Praetorship he had, as he was angry with him for that he had lost. But Brutus in many other things tasted of the benefit of Caesar's favour in anything he requested. For, if he had listed, he might have been one of Caesar's chiefest friends, and of greatest authority and credit about him. How beit Cassius' friends did dissuade him from it, (for Cassius and he were not yet reconciled together sithence their first contention and strife for the Praetorship,) and prayed him to beware of Caesar's sweet enticements, and to fly his tyrannical favours: the which they said Caesar gave him, not to honour his virtue but to weaken his constant mind, framing it to the bent of his bow. Now Caesar onCaesar suspected Brutus. the other side did not trust him overmuch, nor was not without tales brought unto him against him: howbeit he feared his great mind, authority, and friends. Yet, on the other side also, he trusted his good nature and Edition: current; Page: [119] fair conditions. For, intelligence being brought him one day, that Antonius and Dolabella did conspire against him, he answered, that these fat longߞhaired men made himCaesar's saying of Brutus. not afraid, but the lean and whitelyߞfaced fellows, meaning that by Brutus and Cassius. 1 At another time also when one accused Brutus unto him, and bade him beware of him: 'What,' said he again, clapping his hand on his breast, 'think ye that Brutus will not tarry till this body die?' Meaning that none but Brutus after him was meet to have such power as he had. And surely, in my opinion, I am persuaded that Brutus might indeed have come to have been the chiefest man of Rome, if he could have contented him self for a time to have been next unto Caesar, and to have suffered his glory and authority which he had gotten by his great victories to consume with time. But Cassius being a choleric man, and hating Caesar privately, more than he did the tyranny openly, he incensed Brutus againstCassius incenseth Brutus against Caesar. him. It is also reported that Brutus could evil away with the tyranny, and that Cassius hated the tyrant, making many complaints for the injuries he had done him, and, amongst others, for that he had taken away his Lions from him. Cassius had provided them forCassius Lions at Megara. his sports, when he should be Aedilis, and they were found in the city of Megara when it was won by Calenus, and Caesar kept them. The rumour went that these Lions did marvellous great hurt to the Megarians. For Edition: current; Page: [120] when the city was taken, they brake their cages where they were tied up, and turned them loose, thinking they would have done great mischief to the enemies, and have kept them from setting upon them: but the Lions, contrary to expectation, turned upon themselves that fled unarmed, and did so cruelly tear some in pieces, that it pitied their enemies to see them. And this was the cause, as some do report, that made Cassius conspire against Caesar. Bat this holdeth noCassius an enemy of tyrants. water. For Cassius even from his cradle could not abide any manner of tyrants, as it appeared when he was but a boy, and went unto the same school that Faustus the son of Sylla did. And Faustus, bragging among other boys, highly boasted of his father's kingdom: Cassius rose up on his feet, and gave him two good whirts on the ear. Faustus' governors would have put this matter in suit against Cassius: but Pompey would not suffer them, but caused the two boys to be brought before him, and asked them how the matter came to pass. Then Cassius, as it is written of him, said unto the other: 'Go to, Faustus, speak again, an thou darest before this nobleman here, the same words that made me angry with thee, that my fists may walk once again about thine ears.' Such was Cassius'How Brutus was incensed against Caesar. hot stirring nature. But for Brutus, his friends and countrymen, both by divers procurements, and sundry rumours of the city, and by many bills also, did openly and procure him to do that he did. For, under the image of his ancestor Junius Brutus, Edition: current; Page: [121] that drave the kings out of Rome, they wrote: 'Oh that it pleased the gods thou wert now alive, Brutus': and again, 'That thou wert here among us now.' His tribunal (or chair), where he gave audience during the time he was Praetor, was full of such bills: 'Brutus, thou art asleep, 'and art not Brutus indeed.' 1 And of all this Caesar's flatterers were the cause: who beside many other exceeding and unspeakable honours they daily devised for him, in the night time they did put Diadems upon the heads of his images, supposing thereby to allure the common people to call him king, instead of Dictator. Howbeit it turned to the contrary, as we have written more at large in Julius Caesar's life. Now when Cassius felt his friends, and did stir them up against Caesar, they all agreed and promised to take part with him, so Brutus were the chief of their conspiracy. For they told him, that so high an enterprise and attempt as that did not so much require men of manhood and courage to draw their swords, as it stood them upon to have a man of such estimation as Brutus, to make every man "boldly think that by his only presence the fact were holy and just. If he took not this course, then that they should go to it with fainter hearts, and when they had done it they should be more fearful: because every man would think that Brutus would not have refused to have made one with them, if the cause had been good and honest. 2 Therefore Edition: current; Page: [122] Cassius, considering this matter with himself, did first ofCassius prayeth Brutus first to help him to put down the tyrant. all speak to Brutus since they grew strange together for the suit they had for the Praetorship. 1 So when he was reconciled to him again, and that they had embraced one another, Cassius asked him if he were determined to be in the Senate-house, the first day of the month of March, because he heard say that Caesar's friends should move the council that day, that Caesar should be called king by the Senate. Brutus answered him, he would not be there. 'But if we be sent for,' said Cassius, 'how then?' 'For myself then,' said Brutus, 'I mean not to hold my peace, but to withstand it, and rather die than lose my liberty.' Cassius being bold, and taking hold of this word, 'Why,' quoth he, 'what Roman is he alive that will suffer thee to die for the liberty? What, knowest thou not that thou art Brutus? Thinkest thou that they be cobblers, tapsters, or suchlike base mechanical people, that write these bills and scrolls which are found daily in thy Praetor's chair, and not the noblest men and best citizens that do it? No, be thou well assured, that of other Praetors they look for gifts, common distributions amongst the people, and for common plays, and to see fencers fight at the sharp, to shew the people pastime: but at thy hands they specially require (as a due debt unto them) the taking away of the tyranny, being fully bent to suffer any extremity for thy sake, so that thou wilt shew thyself Edition: current; Page: [123] to be the man thou art taken for, and that they hope thou art. 'Thereupon he kissed Brutus and embraced him: and so, each taking leave of other, they went both to speak with their friends about it. Now amongst Pompey's friends there was one called Caius aa In another place they call him Quintus. Ligarius, who had been accused unto Caesar for taking part with Pompey, and Caesar discharged him. But Ligarius thanked not Caesar so much for his discharge, as he was offended with him for that he was brought in danger by his tyrannical power. 1 And therefore in his heart he was alway his mortal enemy, and was besides very familiar with Brutus, who went to see him being sick in his bed, and said unto him: 'O Ligarius, in what a time art thouBrutus maketh Ligarius one of the conspiracy. sick?' Ligarius rising up in his bed, and taking him by the right hand, said unto him: 'Brutus,' said he, 'if thou hast any great enterprise in hand worthy of thyself, I am whole.' 2 After that time they began to feel all their acquaintance whom they trusted, and laid their heads together consulting upon it, and did not only pick out their friends, but all those alsoThey do hide the conspiracy against Caesar from Cicero. whom they thought stout enough to attempt any desperate matter, and that were not afraid to lose their lives. For this cause they durst not acquaint Cicero with their conspiracy, although he was a man whom they loved dearly, and trusted best: for they Edition: current; Page: [124] were afraid that he being a coward by nature, and age also having increased his fear, he would quite turn and alter all their purpose, and quench the heat of their enterprise, the which specially required hot and earnest execution, seeking by persuasion to bring all things to such safety, as there should be no peril. 1 Brutus also did let other of his friends alone as Statilius Epicurean, and Favonius that made profession to follow Marcus Cato. Because that having cast out words afar off, disputing together in Philosophy to feel their minds, Favonius answered thatCivil war worse than tyrannical government. civil war was worse than tyrannical government usurped against the law. And Statilius told him also that it were an unwise part of him, to put his life in danger for a sight of ignorant fools and Labeo was present at this talk, and maintained the contrary against them both. But Brutus held his peace, as though it had been a doubtful matter, and a hard thing to have decided. But afterwards, being out of their company, he made Labeo privy to his intent: who very readily offered himself to make one. And they thought good also to bring in another Brutus to join with him, surnamed Albinus: who was no man of his hands himself, but because he was able to bring good force of a great number of slaves, and fencers at the sharp, whom he kept to shew the people pastime with their fighting, besides also that Caesar had some trust in him. Cassius and Labeo told Brutus Albinus Edition: current; Page: [125] of it at the first, but he made them no answer. But when he had spoken with Brutus himself alone, and that Brutus had told him he was the chief ringleader of all this conspiracy, then he willingly promised him the best aid he could. Furthermore, the only name and great calling of Brutus did bring on the most of them to give consent to this conspiracy. Who having never taken oathsThe wonderful falthand secrecy the Conspltators of Caesar's death. together, nor taken or given any caution or assurance, nor binding themselves one to another by any religious oaths: 1 they all kept the matter so secret to themselves, and could so cunningly handle it, that notwithstanding the gods did reveal it by manifest signs and tokens from above, and by predictions of sacrifices, yet all this would not be believed. Now Brutus, who knew very well that for his sake all the noblest, valiantest, and most courageous men of Rome did venture their lives, weighing with himself the greatness of the danger: when he was out of his house, he did so frame and fashion his countenance and looks, that no man could discern he had anything to trouble his mind. But when night came that he was in his own house, then he was dean changed. For either care did wake him against his will when he would have slept, or else oftentimes of himself he fell into such deep thoughts of this enterprise, casting in his mind all the dangers that might happen, that his wife, lying by him, found that there was some marvellous great matter that Edition: current; Page: [126] troubled his mind, not being wont to be in that taking, andProcia Cato's daughter wife unto Brutus. that he could not well determine with himself. 1 His wife Porcia (as we have told you before) was the daughter of Cato, whom Brutus married being his cousin, not a maiden, but a young widow after the death of her first husband Bibulus, by whom she hadBibulus book of Brutus acts also a young son called Bibulus, who afterwards wrote a book of the acts and gests of Brutus, extant atthis present day. This young Lady being excellently well seen in Philosophy, loving her husband well,Porcia studied in Philosophy. being of a noble courage, as she was also wise; because she would not ask her husband what he ailed before she had made some proof by her self, she took a little razor such as barbers occupy to pare men'sThe courage of Porcia. nails, and, causing all her maids and women to go out of her chamber, gave her self a great gash withal in her thigh, that she was straight allof a goreblood, and incontinently after a vehement fever took her, byGreat difference betwixt a wife and a harlot. Porcia's words unto her husband Brutus. reason of the pain of her wound. Then perceiving her husband was marvellously out of quiet, and that he could take no rest, even in her greatest pain of all she spake in this sort unto him: 'I being, O 'Brutus,' (said she) 'the daughter of Cato, was' married unto thee, not to be thy bedfellow and 'companion in bed and at board only, like a harlot, but to be partaken also with thee of thy good and evil Edition: current; Page: [127] 'fortune. Now for thyself, I can find no cause of fault 'in thee touching our match: but for my part, how may 'I shew my duty towards thee, and how much I would do 'for thy sake, if I cannot constantly bear a secret mischance 'or grief with thee, which requireth secrecy and fidelity? 'I confess that a woman's wit commonly is too weak to 'keep a secret safely: but yet, Brutus, good education and 'the company of virtuous men have some power to reform 'the defect of nature. And for myself, I have this benefit 'moreover: that I am the daughter of Cato, and wife of 'Brutus. This notwithstanding, I did not trust to any of 'these things before: until that now I have found by 'experience, that no pain nor grief whatsoever can overcome me.' With those words she shewed him her wound on her thigh, and told him what she had done to prove her self. Brutus was amazed to hear what she said unto him, and lifting up his hands to heaven, he besought the gods to give him the grace he might bring his enterprise to so good pass, that he might be found a husband worthy of so noble a wife as Porcia: so he then did comfort her the best he could. 1 Now a day being appointed for the meeting of the Senate, at what time they hoped Caesar would not fail to come, the conspirators determined then to put their enterprise in execution, because they might meet safely at that time without suspicion, and the rather, for that all the noblest and chiefest men of the city would be there. Who, Edition: current; Page: [128] when they should see such a great matter executed, would every man then set-to their hands for the defence of their liberty. Furthermore, they thought also that the appointment of the place where the council should be kept, was chosen of purpose by divine providence, and made all for them. For it was one of the porches about the Theatre, in the which there was a certain place full of seats for men to sit in, where also was set up the image of Pompey, which the city had made and consecrated in honour of him, when he did beautify that part of the city with the Theatre he built, with diverse porches about it. In this place was the assembly of the Senate appointed to be, just on the fifteenth day of the month of March, which the Romans call Idus Martias: so that it seemed some god of purpose had brought Caesar thither to be slain, for revenge of Pompey's death. So, when the day was come, Brutus went out of his house with a dagger by his side under his long gown, that nobody saw nor knew, but his wife only. The other conspirators were all assembled at Cassius' house, to bring his son into the market place, who on that day did put on the man's gown, called Toga Virilis, and from thence they came all inThe wonderful constancy of the conspirators in killing of Caesar. a troop together unto Pompey's porch, looking that Caesar would straight come thither. But here is to be noted the wonderful assured constancy of these conspirators, in so dangerous and weighty an enterprise as they had undertaken. For many of them being Praetors, by reason of their office, Edition: current; Page: [129] whose duty is to minister justice to everybody, they did not only with great quietness and courtesy hear them that spake unto them, or that pleaded matters before them, and gave them attentive ear, as if they had had no other matter in their heads: but moreover, they gave just sentence, and carefully despatched the causes before them. So there was one among them, who being condemned in a certain sum of money refused to pay it, and cried out that he did appeal unto Caesar. Then Brutus, casting his eyes upon the conspirators, said, 'Caesar shall not let me to see the law executed.' Notwithstanding this, by chance thereSunday misfortunes to have broken off the enterprise fell out many misfortunes unto them, which was enough to have marred the enterprise. The first and chiefest was Caesar's long tarrying, who came very late to the Senate: for, because the signs of the sacrifices appeared unlucky, his wife Calpurnia kept him at home, and the Soothsayers bade him beware he went not abroad. The second cause was when one came unto Casca being a conspirator, and, taking him by the hand, said unto him: 'O Casca, thou keptest it close from me, but Brutus hath told me all.' Casca being amazed at it, the other went on with his tale and said: 'Why, how now, how cometh it to pass thou art thus rich, that thou dost sue to be Aedilis?' Thus Casca being deceived by the other's doubtful words, he told them it was a thousand to one, he blabbed not out all the conspiracy. Another Senator called Popillius Laena, after he had saluted Brutus Edition: current; Page: [130] and Cassius more friendly than he was wont to do, he rounded softly in their ears, and told them, 'I pray the gods you may go through with that you have taken in hand, but withal dispatch, I read you, for your enterprise is bewrayed.' When he had said, he presently departed from them, and left them both afraid that their conspiracy would out. 1 Now in the meantime, there came one of Brutus' men post-haste unto him, and told him his wife was a-dying.The weakness of Porcia not with standing her former courage For Porcia being very careful and pensive for that which was to come, and being too weak to away with so great and inward grief of mind: she could hardly keep within, but was frighted with every little noise and cry she heard, as those that are taken and possessed with the fury of the Bacchantes, asking every man that came from the market place, what Brutus did, and still sent messenger after messenger, to know what news.2 At length, Caesar's coming being prolonged as you have heard, Porcia's weakness was not able to hold out any lenger, and thereupon she suddenly swooned, that she had no leisure to go to her chamber, but was taken in the midst of her house, where her speech and senses failed her. Howbeit she soon came to her self again, and so was laid in her bed, and tended by her women. When Brutus heard these news, it grieved him, as it is to be presupposed: yet he left not off the care of his country and commonwealth, neither went home to his house for any news he heard. Edition: current; Page: [131] Now, it was reported that Caesar was coming in his litter, for he determined not to stay in the Senate all that day (because he was afraid of the unlucky signs of the sacrifices) but to adjourn matters of importance unto the next session and council holden, feigning himself not to be well at ease. When Caesar came out of his litter, Popillius Laena, that had talked before with Brutus and Cassius, and had prayed the gods they might bring this enterprise to pass, went unto Caesar, and kept him a long time with a talk. Caesar gave good ear unto him. Wherefore the conspirators (if so they should be called) not hearing what he said to Caesar, but conjecturing by that he had told them a little before, that his talk was none other but the very discovery of their conspiracy: they were afraid every man of them, and one looking in another's face, it was easy to see that they all were of a mind that it was no tarrying for them till they were apprehended, but rather that they should kill themselves with their own hands. And when Cassius and certain other clapped their hands on their swords under their gowns to draw them, Brutus marking the countenance and gesture of Laena, and considering that he did use himself rather like an humble and earnest suitor thanBrutus with his countenance encouraged his fearful consorts. like an accuser, he said nothing to his companion (because there were many amongst them that were not of the conspiracy) but with a pleasant countenance encouraged Cassius. And immediately after Laena went from Caesar, and kissed his hand: which Edition: current; Page: [132] shewed plainly that it was for some matter concerning himself, that he had held him so long in talk.1 Now all the Senators being entered first into this place or chapter-house where the council should be kept, all the other conspirators straight stood about Caesar's chair, as if they had had something to have said unto him. And some say that Cassius, casting his eyes upon Pompey's image, made his prayer unto it, as if it had been alive. Trebonius,aa In Caesar's life it is said it was Decius Brutus Albinus that kept Antonius with a talk without. on th' other side drew Antonius at o' side as he came into the house where the Senate sat, and held him with a long talk without.2 When Caesar was come into the house, a11 the house rose to honour him at his coming in. So, when he was set, the conspirators flocked about him, and amongst them they presented one Tulliusbb In Caesar's life he is called Metellus Cimber., Cimber, who made humble suit for the calling home again of his brother that was banished. They all made as though they were intercessors for him, and took him by the hands and kissed his head and breast. Caesar at the first simply refused their kindness and entreaties: but afterwards,The murther of Caesar. perceiving they still pressed on him, he violently thrust them from him. Then Cimber with both his hands plucked Caesar's gown over his shoulders, and Casca that stood behind him drew his dagger first, and Edition: current; Page: [133] strake Caesar upon the shoulder, but gave him no great wound. Caesar, feeling himself hurt, took himCasca the first that wounded him. straight by the hand he held his dagger in, and cried out in Latin: 'O traitor Casca, what doest thou?' Casca on th' other side cried in Greek, and called his brother to help him. So divers running on a heap together to fly upon Caesar, he looking about him to have fled, saw Brutus with a sword drawn in his hand ready to strike at him: then he let Casca's hand go, and, casting his gown over his face, suffered every man to strike at him that would. Then the conspirators thronging one upon another because every man was desirous to have a cut at him, so many swords and daggers lighting upon one body, one of them hurt another, and among them Brutus caught a blow on his hand, because he would make one in murdering of him, and all the rest also were every man of them bloodied. Caesar being slain in this manner, Brutus, standing in the midst of the house, would have spoken and stayed the other Senators that were not of the conspiracy, to have told them the reason why they had done this fact. But they, as men both afraid and amazed, fled one upon another's neck in haste to get out at the door, and no man followed them. For it was set down and agreed between them that they should kill no man but Caesar only, and should entreat all the rest to look to defend their liberty. All the conspirators but Brutus, determining upon this matter, thought it good also to kill Antonius, because he was a wicked man, and that in nature favoured tyranny: Edition: current; Page: [134] besides also, for that he was in great estimation with soldiers, having been conversant of long time amongst them: and specially having a mind bent to great enterprises, he was also of great authority at that time, being Consul withWhy Antonius not slain, with Caesar. Caesar. But Brutus would not agree to it:1 First, for that he said it was not honest: secondly, because he told them there was hope of change in him. For he did not mistrust, but that Antonius, being a noble-minded and courageous man, (when he should know that Caesar was dead) would willingly help his country to recover her liberty, having them an example unto him, to follow their courage and virtue. So Brutus by this means saved Antonius' life, who at that presentBrutus with his consorts went unto the Capitol. time disguised himself and stale away. But Brutus and his consorts, having their swords bloody in unto their hands, went straight to the Capitol, persuading the Romans as they went to take their liberty again. Now, at the first time when the murther was newly done, there were sudden outcries of people that ran up and down the city, the which indeed did the more increase the fear and tumult. But when they saw they slew no man, neither did spoil or make havoc of anything, then certain of the Senators and many of the people, emboldening themselves, went to the Capitol unto them. There a great number of men being assembled together one after another, Edition: current; Page: [135] Brutus made an oration unto them to win the favour of the people, and to justify that they had done. All those that were by said they had done well, and cried unto them that they should boldly come down from the Capitol. Whereupon, Brutus and his companions came boldly down into the market place. The rest followed in troop, but Brutus went foremost, very honourably compassed in round about with the noblest men of the city, which brought him from the Capitol, through the market place, to the pulpit for orations. When the people saw him in the pulpit, although they were a multitude of rakehells of all sorts, and had a good will to make some stir: yet being ashamed to do it for the reverence they bare unto Brutus, they kept silence, to hear what he would say. When Brutus began to speak, they gave him quiet audience 1: howbeit immediately after, they shewed that they were not all contented with the murther. For when another called Cinna would have spoken, and began to accuse Caesar, they fell into a great uproar among them, and marvellously reviled him. Insomuch that the conspirators returned again into the Capitol. There Brutus, being afraid to be besieged, sent back again the noblemen that came thither with him, thinking it no reason that they, which were no partakers of the murther, should be partakers of the danger.2 Then the next morning the Senate being assembled, and holden within the temple of the goddess Tellus, to wit, the earth, and Antonius, Edition: current; Page: [136] Plancus, and Cicero having made a motion to the Senate in that assembly, that they should take an order to pardon and forget all that was past, and to stablish friendship and peace again: it was decreed, that they should not only be pardoned, but also that the Consuls should refer it to theHonours decreed for the murtherers of Caesar Senate what honours should be appointed unto them. This being agreed upon, the Senate brake up, and Antonius the Consul, to put them in heart that were in the Capitol, sent them his son for a pledge. Upon this assurance, Brutus and his companions came down from the Capitol, where every man saluted and embraced each other, among the which Antonius himself did bid Cassius to supper to him: and Lepidus also bade Brutus, and so one bade another, as they had friendship and acquaintance together. The next day following, the Senate being called again to council did first of all commend Antonius, for that he had wisely stayed and quenched the beginning of a civil war: then they also gave Brutus and his consorts great praises, and lastly they appointed them several governments of provinces. For unto Brutus, they appointed Crcta: Africk, unto Cassius: Asia, unto Trebonius: Bithynia, unto Cimber: and unto the other Decius Brutus Albinus, Gaul on this side the Alps. WhenCaesar's will & funerals., this was done, they came to talk of Caesar's will and testament, and of his funerals and tomb. Then Antonius thinking good his testament should be read openly, and also that his body should be honourably Edition: current; Page: [137] buried, and not in hugger mugger, lest the people might thereby take occasion to be worse offended if they did otherwise: Cassius stoutly spake against it. But Brutus went with the motion, and agreed unto it: wherein it seemeth he committed a second fault. For theBrutus commited two great faults after Caesar's death. first fault he did was when he would not consent to his fellow-conspirators, that Antonius should be slain: and therefore he was justly accused, that thereby he had saved and strengthened a strong and grievous enemy of their conspiracy. The second fault was when he agreed that Caesar's funerals should be as Antonius would have them: the which indeed marred all. For first of all, when Caesar's testament was openly read among them, whereby it appeared that he bequeathed unto every Citizen of Rome 75 Drachmas a man, and that he left his gardens and arbours unto the people, which he had on this side of the river of Tiber, in the place where now the temple of Fortune is built: the people then loved him, and were marvellous sorry for him.1 Afterwards, whenAntonius funeral oration for Caesar. Caesar's body was brought into the market place, Antonius making his funeral oration in praise of the dead, according to the ancient custom of Rome, and perceiving that his words moved the common people to compassion: he framed his eloquence to make their hearts yearn the more, and, taking Caesar's gown all bloody in his Edition: current; Page: [138] hand, he laid it open to the sight of them all, shewing what a number of cuts and holes it had upon it. There withal the people fell presently into such a rage and mutiny, that there was no more order kept amongst the common people. Forsome of them cried out, 'Kill the murtherers:'1 others plucked up forms, tables, and stalls about the market place, as they had done before at the funerals of Clodius, and having laid them all on a heap together they set them on fire, and thereupon did put the body of Caesar, and burnt it in the midst of the most holy places. And furthermore, when the fire was thoroughly kindled, some here, some there, took burning firebrands, and ran with them to the murtherers' houses that had killed him, to set them afire.2 Howbeit the conspirators, foreseeing the danger before, had wisely provided for themselves, and fled.3The strange dream of Cinna the Poet. But there was a Poet called Cinna, who had been no partaker of the conspiracy, but was alway one of Caesar's chiefest friends: he dreamed the night before that Caesar bade him to supper with him, and that he refusing to go, Caesar was very importunate with him, and compelled him, so that at length he led him by the hand into a great dark place, where being marvellously afraid, he was driven to follow him in Edition: current; Page: [139] ∗spite of his heart. This dream put him all night into a ∗fever, and yet notwithstanding, the next morning when he ∗heard that they carried Caesar's body to burial, being ∗ashamed not to accompany his funerals: he went out of his ∗house, and thrust himself into the press of the common ∗people that were in a great uproar. And becauseThe murder of Cinna the poet, being mistaken for another of that name. Brutus and his consorts do fly from Rome. ∗some one called him by his name, Cinna, the ∗people thinking he had been that Cinna, who ∗in an oration he made had spoken very evil of ∗Caesar, they falling upon him in their rage slew ∗him outright in the market place.1 This made Brutus and his companions more afraid than any other thing, next unto the change of Antonius. Wherefore they got them out of Rome, and kept at the first in the city of Antium, hoping to return again to Rome, when the fury of the people were a little assuaged. The which they hoped would be quickly, considering that they had to deal with a fickle and unconstant multitude, easy to be carried, and that the Senate stood for them: who notwithstanding made no inquiry of them that had torn poor Cinna the Poet in pieces, but caused them to be sought for and apprehended that went with firebrands to set fire of the conspirators' houses. The people growing weary now of Antonius' pride and insolency, who ruled all things in manner with absolute power: they desired that Brutus might return again, and Edition: current; Page: [140] it was also looked for, that Brutus would come himself in person to play the plays which were due to the people, by reason of his office of Praetorship. But Brutus understanding that many of Ceasar's soldiers which served under him in the wars, and that also had lands and houses given them in the cities where they lay, did lie in wait for him to kill him, and that they daily by small companies came by oneBrutus' plays and sports at Rome in his absense and by one into Rome: he durst no more return thither, but yet the people had the pleasure and pastime in his absence, to see the games and sports he made them, which were sumptuously set forth and furnished with all things necessary, sparing for no cost. For he had bought a great number of strange beasts, of the which he would not give one of them to any friend he had, but that they should all be employed in his games: and went himself as far as Byzantium, to speak to some players of comedies and Musicians that were there. And further, he wrote unto his friends for one Canutius an excellent player, that, whatsoever they did, they should entreat him to play in these plays: 'For,' said he, 'it is no reason to compel any Grecian, unless he will come of his own good will.' Moreover, he wrote also unto Cicero, and earnestly prayed him in any case to be at these plays.Octavius Caesar'scoming to Rome. Now the state of Rome standing in these terms, there fell out another change and alteration, when the young man Octavius Caesar came to Rome. He was the son of Julius Caesar's niece, whom he had Edition: current; Page: [141] adopted for his son, and made his heir by his last will and testament. But when Julius Caesar his adopted father was slain, he was in the city of Apollonia where he studied, tarrying for him, because he was determined to make war with the Parthians: but when he heard the news of his death, he returned again to Rome, where to begin to curry favour with the common people, he first of all took upon him his adopted father's name, and made distribution among them of the money which his father had bequeathed unto them. By this means he troubled Antonius sorely, and by force of money got a great number of his father's soldiers together, that had served in the wars with him, And Cicero himself, for the great malice he bare Antonius, did favour his proceedings. But Brutus marvellously re proved him for it, and wrote unto him, that heBrutus reproved Cicero for taking part with Octavious Caesar. seemed by his doings not to be sorry to have a Master, but only to be afraid to have one that taking should hate him: and that all his doings in the commonwealth did witness that he chose to be subject to a mild and courteous bondage, sith by his words and writings he did commend this young man Octavius Caesar to be a good and gentle Lord. 'For our prede cessors,' said he, 'would never abide to be subject to any Masters, how gentle or mild soever they were:' and, for his own part, that he had never resolutely determined with himself to make war, or peace, but otherwise, that he was certainly minded never to be slave nor subject. And Edition: current; Page: [142] therefore he wondered much at him, how Cicero could be afraid of the danger of civil wars, and would not be afraid of a shameful peace: and that to thrust Antonius out of the usurped tyranny, in recompense he went about to stablish young Octavius Cacsar tyrant. These were the contents of Brutus' first letters he wrote unto Cicero. Now, the city of Rome being divided in two factions, some taking part with Antonius, other also leaning unto Octavius Caesar, and the soldiers making portsale of their service to him that would give most: Brutus seeing the state of Rome would be utterly overthrown, he determined to go out of Italy, and went afoot through the country of Luke unto the city of Elea, standing by the sea. There Porcia, being readyPorcia's sorrowful return to Rome for the absense of her husband Brutus to depart from her husband Brutus and to return to Rome, did what she could to dissemble the grief and sorrow she felt at her heart: but a certain painted table bewrayed her in the end, although until that time she always shewed a constant and patient mind. The device of the table was takenThe story of Hecto and dromaché set forth in painted tables out of the Greek stories, how Andromaché accompanied her husband Hector, when he went out of the city of Troy to go to the wars, and how Hector delivered her his little son, and how her eyes were never off him. Porcia seeing this picture, and likening herself to be in the same case, she fell a-weeping: and coming thither oftentimes in a day to see it, she wept still. Acilius, one of Brutus' friends, perceiving that, Edition: current; Page: [143] rehearsed the verses Andromaché speaketh to this purpose in Homer:
Then Brutus, smiling, answered again: 'But yet' (said he) 'I cannot for my part say unto Porcia, as Hector answered Andromaché in the same place of the poet:
For indeed the weak constitution of her body doth not suffer her to perform in shew the valiant acts that we are able to do: but, for courage and constant mind, she shewed her self as stout in the defence of her country, as any of us.' Bibulus, the son of Porcia, reporteth this story thus. Now Brutus embarking at Elea in Luke, he sailed directly towards Athens. When he arrived there, the people of Athens received him with common joys of rejoicing, and honourable decrees made for him. He lay with aHow Brutus bestowed his time at Athens friend of his, with whom he went daily to hear the lectures of Theomnestus Academic Philosopher, and of Cratippus the Peripatetic, and so would talk with them in Philosophy, that it seemed he left all other matters, and gave himself only unto study: howbeit secretly, notwithstanding, he made preparation for war. For he sent Herostratus into Macedon, to win the Captains and soldiers that were upon those marches, and he did alsoEdition: current; Page: [144]
entertain all the young gentlemen of the Romans, whom he found in Athens studying Philosophy: amongst them heBrutus commendeth Cicero's son. found Cicero's son, whom he highly praised and commended, saying, that whether he waked or slept he found him of a noble mind and dis position, he did in nature so much hate tyrants. Shortly after, he began to enter openly into arms: andBrutus prepareth himself towar. being advertised that there came out of Asia a certain fleet of Roman ships that had good store of money in them, and that the Captain of those ships (who was an honest man, and his familiar friend) came towards Athens, he went to meet him as far as the Isle of Carystos, and having spoken with him there, he handled him so, that he was contented to leave his ships in his hands. Whereupon he made him a notable banquet at his house, ∗because it was on his birthday. When the feast day came, and that they began to drink lustily one to another, the guests drank to the victory of Brutus, and the liberty of the Romans. Brutus therefore, to encourage them further, called for a bigger cup, and holding it in his hand, before he drank spake this aloud:
And for proof hereof it is reported, that the same day he fought his last battle by the city of Philippi, as he came out of his tent he gave his men for the word and signal of batge, Phœbus: so that it was thought ever since, that this Edition: current; Page: [145] his sudden crying out at the feast was a prognostication of his misfortune that should happen. After this, Antistius gave him of the money he carried into Italy 50 Myriads. Furthermore, all Pompey's soldiers that straggled up and down Thessaly came with very good will unto him. He took from Cinna also five hundred horsemen, which he carried into Asia, unto Dolabella. After that, he went by sea unto the city of Demetriad, and there took a great deal of armour and munition which was going to Antonius, and the which had been made and forged there by Julius Caesar's commandment, for the wars against the Parthians. Furthermore, Hortensius, governor of Macedon, did resign the government thereof unto him. Besides, all the Princes, kings, and noblemen thereabouts came and joined with him, when it was told him that Caius (Antonius' brother) coming out of Italy, had passed the sea, and came with great speed towards the city of Dyrrachium and Apollonia, to get the soldiers into his hands which Gabinius had there. Brutus therefore, to prevent him, went pre sently with a few of his men in the midst of winter when it snew hard, and took his way through hard and foul countries, and made such speed indeed, that he was there long before Antonius' sumpters that carried theA strange disease took Brutus at Dyrrachium victuals. So that, when he came near unto Dyrrachium, a disease took him which the physicians call βουλιμiα, to say, a cormorant and unsatiable appetite to eat: by reason of the cold and pains he Edition: current; Page: [146] had taken. This sickness chanceth often both to men and beasts that travel when it hath snowen: either becauseWhy by snow this hungry disease taketh men that are wearied with travel. the natural heat being retired into the inward parts of the body, by the coldness of the air hard- ening the skin, doth straight disgest and consume the meat: or else because a sharp subtle wind, coming by reason of the snow when it is molten, doth pierce into the body, and driveth out the natural heat which was cast outward. For it seemeth that the heat being quenched with the cold, which it meeteth withal coming out of the skin of the body, causeth the sweats that follow the disease. But hereof we have spoken at large in other places. Brutus being very faint, and having nothing in his camp to eat, his soldiers were compelled to go to their enemies, and, coming to the gates of the city they prayed the warders to help them to bread. When they heard in what case Brutus was, they brought him both meat andBrutus thankfulness and clemency. drink: in requital whereof afterwards, when he wan the city, he did not only entreat and use the Citizens thereof courteously, but all the inhabitants of the city also for their sakes. Now, when Caius Antonius was arrived in the city of Apollonia, he sent unto the soldiers thereabouts to come unto him. But, when he understood that they went all to Brutus, and furthermore, that the Citizens of Apollonia did favour him much, he then forsook that city, and went unto the city of Buthrotum, but yet he lost three of his ensigns by the way, that were Edition: current; Page: [147] slain every man of them. Then he sought by force to win certain places of strength about Byllis, and to drive Brutus' men from thence, that had taken it before: and therefore, to obtain his purpose, he fought a battle with, Cicero, the son of Marcus Tullius Cicero, by whom he was overcome. For Brutus made the younger Cicero a Captain, and did many notable exploits by his service. Shortly after, having stolen upon Caius Antonius in certain marishes far from the place from whence he fled, he would not set on him with fury, but only rode round about him, commanding his soldiers to spare him and his men, as reckoning them all his own without stroke striking: and so indeed it happened. For they yielded themselves, and their CaptainC. Antonius yielded unto Brutus. Antonius, unto Brutus: so that Brutus had now a great army about him. Now Brutus kept this Caius Antonius long time in his office, and never took from him the marks and signs of his Consulship, although many of his friends, and Cicero among others, wrote unto him to put him to death. But when he saw Antonius secretly practised with his Captains to make some alteration, then he sent him into a ship, and made him to be kept there. When the soldiers whom C. Antonius had corrupted were gotten into the city of Apollonia, and sent from thence unto Brutus to come unto them: he made them answer, that it was not the manner of Roman Captains to come to the soldiers, but the soldiers to come to the Captain, and to crave pardon for their offences committed. Thereupon they Edition: current; Page: [148] came to him, and he pardoned them. So, Brutus preparing to go into Asia, news came unto him of the great change at Rome. For Octavius Caesar was in arms, by commandment and authority from the Senate, against Marcus Antonius. But after that he had driven Antonius out of Italy, the Senate then began to be afraid of him: because he sued to be Consul, which was contrary to the law, and kept a great army about him, when the Empire of Rome had no need of them. On the other side, Octavius Caesar perceiving the Senate stayed not there, but turned unto Brutus that was out of Italy, and that they appointed him the governmentOctavius Caesar joineth with Antonius. of certain provinces: then he begun to be afraid for his part, and sent unto Antonius to offer him his friendship. Then coming on with his army near to Rome, he made himself to be chosen Consul, whether the Senate would or not, when he was yet but a stripling or springal of twenty year old, as himselfBrutus accused and condimened by Octavious Caesar's means for the death of Julius Caesar. reporteth in his own commentaries. So, when he was Consul, he presently appointed Judges to accuse Brutus and his companions, for killing of the noblest person in Rome, and chiefest Magistrate, without law or judgement: and made L. Cornificius accuse Brutus, and M. Agrippa, Cassius. So the parties accused were condemned, because the Judges were compelled to give such sentence. The voice went, that when the Herald (according to the custom after sentence given) went up to the chair or pulpit for Edition: current; Page: [149] orations, and proclaimed Brutus with a loud voice, summoning him to appear in person before the Judges, the people that stood by sighed openly, and the noblemen that were present hung down their heads, and durst not speak a word. ∗Among them, the tears fell from Publius Silicim' eyes: ∗who, shortly after, was one of the proscripts or outlaws ∗appointed to be slain.1 After that, these three,The Trium virate ∗Octavius Caesar, Antonius, and Lepidus, made an ∗agreement between themselves, aud by those ∗articles, divided the provinces belonging to the Empire of ∗Rome among themselves, and did set up bills of proscription ∗and outlawry, condemning two hundred of the noblest men of ∗Rome to suffer death,2 and among that number Cicero was ∗one.3 News being brought thereof into Macedon, Brutus being then enforced to it, wrote untoC. Antonius murdered Hortensius that he should put Caius Antonius to death, to be revenged of the death of Cicero, and of the other Brutus, of the which the one was his friend, and the other his kinsman. For this cause therefore, Antonius afterwards taking Hortensius at the battle of Philippi, he made him to be slain upon his brother's tomb. But then Brutus said, that he was more ashamed of the cause for the which Cicero was slain, than he was otherwise sorry for his death: and that he could not but greatly reprove his friends he had at Rome, who were slaves more through their own Edition: current; Page: [150] fault, than through their valiantness or manhood which usurped the tyranny: considering that they were so cowardly and faint-hearted, as to suffer the sight of those things before their eyes, the report whereof should only have grieved them to the heart. Now when Brutus had passed over his army (that was very great) into Asia, he gave order for the gathering of a great number of ships together, as well in the coast of Bithynia, as also in the city of Cyzicus, because he would have an army by sea: and himself in the meantime went unto the cities, taking order for all things, and giving audience unto Princes and noble men of the country that had to do with him. Afterwards he sent unto Cassius in Syria, to turn him from his journey into Egypt, telling him that it was not for the conquest of any kingdom for themselves that they wandered up and down in that sort, but contrarily, that it was to restore their country again to their liberty: and that the multitude of soldiers they gathered together was to subdue the tyrants that would keep them in slavery and subjection. Wherefore, regarding their chief purpose and intent, they should not be far from Italy, as near as they could possible, but should rather make all the haste they could to help theirBrutus and Caasius do join armies together. countrymen. Cassius believed him, and returned. Brutus went to meet him, and they both met at the city of Smyrna, which was the first time that they saw together since they took leave each of other at the haven of Piraeus in Athens: the one going into Syria, Edition: current; Page: [151] and the other into Macedon. So they were marvellous joyful, and no less courageous, when they saw the great armies together which they had both levied: considering that they departing out of Italy like naked and poor banished men, without armour and money, nor having any ship ready, nor soldier about them, nor any one town at their commandment: yet notwithstanding, in a short time after they were now met together, having ships, money, and soldiers enow, both footmen and horsemen, to fight for the Empire of Rome. Now Cassius would have done Brutus as much honour, as Brutus did unto him: but Brutus most commonly prevented him, and went first unto∗ him, both because he was the elder man,1 as also for that he∗ was sickly of body. And men reputed him ∗commonlyThe sharp and cruel condition of Cassius. to be very skilful in wars, but otherwise ∗marvellous choleric and cruel,2 who sought to rule men by fear, rather than with lenity: and on the other side he was too familiar with his friends, and would jest too broadly with them. But Brutus in contraryBrutus' gentle and fair condition. manner, tot his virtue and valiantness, was well beloved of the people and his own, esteemed of noble men, and hated of no man, not so much as of his enemies: because he was a marvellous lowly and gentle person, noble-minded, and would never be in any rage, nor carried away with pleasure and covetousness, but had ever an upright mind with him, and would never yield to any wrong Edition: current; Page: [152] or injustice, the which was the chiefest cause of his fame, of∗ his rising, and of the good will that every man bare him: for∗Brutus intent good, if he had overcome. they were all persuaded that his intent was good.∗1 ∗For they did not certainly believe, that if Pompey himself had overcome Caesar he would have resigued his authority to the law: but rather they were of opinion that he would still keep the sovereignty and absolute government in his hands, taking only, to please the people, the title of Consul or Dictator, or of some other more civil office. And as for Cassius, a hot, choleric, and cruel man, that would oftentimes be carried away from justice for gain: it was certainly thought that he made war, and put himself into sundry dangers, more to have absolute power and authority, than to defend the liberty of his country. For they that will also consider others, that were elder men than they, as Cinna, Marius, and Carbo, it is out of doubt that the end and hope of their victory was to be Lords of their country: and in manner they did all confess that they fought for the tyranny, and to be Lords of the Empire ot Rome. And in contrary manner, his enemies themselves didAntonius' testimony of Brutus. never reprove Brutus for any such change or desire. For it was said that Antonius spake it openly∗ divers times, that he thought that of all them that∗ had slain Caesar there was none but Brutus only, that∗ was moved to do it as thinking the act commendable of itself∗; but that all the other conspirators did conspire his† Edition: current; Page: [153] †death for some private malice or envy, that they otherwise †did bear unto him1 Hereby it appeareth that Brutus did not trust so much to the power of his army, as he did to his own virtue: as is to be seen by his writings. For approaching near to the instant danger, he wrote unto Pomponius Atticus, that his affairs had the best hap that could be. 'For,' said he, 'either I will set my country atBrutus' noble mind to his country. liberty by battle, or by honourable death rid me of this bondage.' And furthermore, that they being certain and assured of all things else, this one thing only was doubtful to them: whether they should live or die with liberty. He wrote also that Antonius had his due payment for his folly. For where he might have been a partner equally of the glory of Brutus, Cassius and Cato, and have made one with them, he liked better to choose to be joined with Octavius Caesar alone: 'with whom, though now he be not overcome by us, yet shall he shortly after also have war with him.' And truly he provedBrutus a true Prophet of Antonius. a true Prophet, for so came it indeed to pass. ∗Now, whilst Brutus and Cassius were together in ∗the city of Smyrna, Brutus prayed Cassius to let him have ∗some part of his money, whereof he had great store, because ∗all that he could rap and rend of his side he had bestowed ∗it in making so great a number of ships, that by means of ∗them they should keep all the sea at their commandment. ∗Cassius' friends hindered this request, and earnestly dissuaded Edition: current; Page: [154] him from it: persuading him, that it was no ∗reason that Brutus should have the money which Cassius had∗ gotten together by sparing, and levied with great evil will of the people their subjects, for him to bestow liberally upon∗ his soldiers, and by this means to win their good wills by∗ Cassius' charge. This notwithstanding, Cassius gave him∗ the third part of his total sum1 So Cassius and Brutus∗Cassius wan the city of Rhodes. city of departing from each other, Cassius took the coty of Rhodes, where he too dishonestly and cruelly used himself: although when he came into the city, he answered some of the inhabitants, who called him Lord and King, that he was neither Lord nor King, but he only that had slain him, that would have been Lord and King. Brutus, departing from thence, sent unto the Lycians to require money, and men of war. But there was a certain Orator called Naucrates, that made the cities to rebel against him, insomuch that the countrymen of that country kept the straits and little mountains, thinking byBrutus' gests in Lycia. that means to stop Brutus' passage. Wherefore Brutus sent his horsemen against them, who stale upon them as they were at dinner, and slew six hundred of them: and taking all the small towns and villages, he did let all the prisoners he took go without payment of ransom, hoping, by this his great courtesy to win them, to draw all the rest of the country unto him. But they were so fierce and obstinate, that they would Edition: current; Page: [155] mutiny for every small hurt they received as they passed by their country, and did despise his courtesy and good nature: until that at length he went to besiege the city of the Xanthians, within the which were shut up the cruellest and most warlikest men of Lycia. There was a river that ran by the walls of the city, in the which many men saved themselves, swimming between two waters, and fled: howbeit they laid nets overthwart the river, and tied little balls on the top of them, to sound when any man was taken in the nets. The Xanthians made a sally out by night, and came to fire certain engines of battery that beat down their walls: but they were presently driven in again by the Romans, so soon as they were discovered. The wind byThe city of Xanthus, set a fire. chance was marvellous big, and increased the, flame so sore, that it violently carried it into the cranews of the wall of the city, so that the next houses unto them were straight set a fire thereby. Wherefore Brutus being afraid that all the city would take of a fire, he presently commanded his men to quench the fire, and to save the town if it might be. But the Lycians at that instant fell into such a frenzy and strange and horrible despair, that no man can well express it: and a man can not more rightly compare or liken it, than to a franticThe desperate end of the Xanthians. and most desperate desire to die. For all of them together, with their wives and children, Masters and servants, and of all sorts of age whatsoever, fought upon the ramper of their walls, and did cast down stones Edition: current; Page: [156] and fireworks on the Romans, which were very busy in quenching the flame of the fire to save the city. And in contrary manner also, they brought faggots, dry wood, and reeds, to bring the fire further into the city as much as might be, increasing it by such things as they brought. Now when the fire had gotten into all the parts of the city, and that the flame burnt bright in every, place: Brutus, being sorry to see it, got upon his horse, and rode round about the walls of the city, to see if it were possible to save it, and held up his hands to the inhabitants, praying them to pardon their city, and to save themselves. How beit they would not be persuaded, but did all that they could possible to cast themselves away, not only men and women, but also little children. For some of them weeping and crying out did cast themselves into the fire: others headlong throwing themselves down from the walls brake their necks: others also made their necks bare to the naked swords of their fathers, and undid their clothes, praying them to kill them with their own hands. After the city was burnt, they found a woman hanged up by her neck, holding one of her children in her hand dead by her, hanged up also: and in the other hand a burning torch setting fire on her house. Some would have had Brutus to have seen her, but he would not see so horrible and tragical a sight: but when he heard it he fell a weeping, and caused a Herald to make proclamation by sound of trumpet, that he would give a certain sum of money to every soldier that could save Edition: current; Page: [157] a Xanthian. So there were not (as it is reported) above fifty of them saved, and yet they were saved against their wills. Thus the Xanthians having ended the revolution of their fatal destiny, after a long continuance of time they did through their desperation renew the memory of the lamentable calamities of their Ancestors. Who in like manner, in the wars of the Persians, did burn their city, and destroyed themselves. Therefore Brutus likewise besieging the city of the Patareans, perceiving that they stoutly resisted him, he was also afraid of that, and could not well tell whether he should give assault to it or not, lest they would fall into the despair and desperation of the Xanthians.The patareans do yield themselves unto Brutus. Howbelt, having taken certain of their women prisoners, he sent them back again without payment of ransom. Now they that were the wives and Daughters of the noblest men of the city, reporting unto their parents that they had found Brutus a merciful, just, and courteous man: they persuaded them to yield themselves and their city unto him, the which they did. So, after they had thus yielded themselves, divers other cities also followed them, and did the like: and found Brutus more merciful and courteous than they thoughtThe extreme covetousness and cruerly of Cassius to the Rhodians.they should have done, but specially far above Cassius. For Cassius, about the self same time, after he had compelled the Rhodians every man to deliver all the ready money they had in gold and silver in their houses, the which being brought together Edition: current; Page: [158] amounted to the sum of eight thousand talents: yet he condemned the city besides to pay the sum of five hundred talents more. Where Brutus in contrary manner, after he had levied of all the country of Lycia but a hundred and fifty talents only, he departed thence into the country ofBrutus clemency unto the Lycians. Ionia, and did them no more hurt. Now Brutus in all this journey did many notable acts and worthy of memory, both for rewarding, as also in punishing those that had deserved it: wherefore among the rest I will tell you of one thing, of the which he himself and all the noblemen of the Romans were marvellous glad. When Pompey the great (having lost the battle against Julius Caesar in the fields of Pharsalia) came and fell upon the coast of Egypt, hard by the city of Pelusium, those that were protectors to the young king Ptolemy, being then but a child, sate in council with his servants and friends, what they should determine in that case. They were not all of one mind in this consultation: for some thought it good to receive Pompey, others also, that theyTheodotus born in Chio, a Rhetorician School master to Ptolemy the young king of Egypt. should drive him out of Egypt. But there was a certain Rhetorician called Theodotus, that was born in the Isle of Chio, who was the king's Schoolmaster to teach him Rhetoric. He, being called to this council for lack of sufficienter men, said, that both the one and the other side went awry, as well those that were ot opinion to receive Pompey, as the other that would have had him driven Edition: current; Page: [159] away: and that the best way was (considering the present time) that they should lay hold on him, and kill him, adding withal this sentence, that 'a dead man biteth not.'Theodouts saying; 'A dead man biteth not'. The whole council stuck to this opinion. So, for a notable example of incredible misfortune, and unlooked for unto Pompey, Pompey the great was slain, by the motion and council of this wicked Rhetorician Theoclotus, as Theodotus afterwards did himselt boast of it. But when Julius Caesar came afterwards into Egypt, the wicked men that consented to this counsel had their payment according to their deserts: for they died every man of them a wicked death, saving this Theodotus, whom fortune respited a little while lenger, and yet in that time he lived a poor and miserable life, never tarrying long in any one place. So, Brutus going up and downTheodotus chian the Rhetorician that gave counsel to kill pompay was put to death by Brutus. Asia, Theodotus could hide himself no lenger, but was brought unto Brutus, where he suffered pains of death: so that he wan more fame by his ∗death, than ever he did in his life. About that ∗time, Brutus sent to pray Cassius to come to the ∗city of Sardis, and so he did. Brutus, understanding ∗of his coming, went to meet him with all hisBrutus and cassius do meet at the city of sards. ∗friends.1 There, both their armies being armed∗, they called them both Emperors. Now, as it ∗commonly happeneth in great affairs between two ∗persons, both of them having many friends and so many Edition: current; Page: [160] Captains under them, there ran tales and complaints betwixt ∗them. Therefore, before they fell in hand with any ∗other matter, they went into a little chamber together, and ∗bade every man avoid, and did shut the doors to them.Brutus and Cassius' complaints one unto the other. ∗Then they began to pour out their complaints one ∗to the other, and grew hot and loud, earnestly ∗accusing one another, and at length fell both ∗a-weeping.1 Their friends that were without the ∗chamber hearing them loud within, and angry between themselves, they were both amazed, and afraid also lest it would grow to further matter: but yet they were commanded†,that no man should come to them.2 Notwithstanding†M Favonius a follower of cato., ∗one Marcus Favonius, that had been a∗ friend and follower of Cato while he lived, and ∗ took upon him to counterfeit a Philosopher, not ∗with wisdom and discretion, but with a certain bedlam and ∗frantic motion: he would needs come into the chamber, ∗though the men offered to keep him out. But it was no ∗boot to let Favonius, when a mad mood or toy took him ∗in the head: for he was a hot hasty man, and sudden in ∗allCynicphilo sophers counted dogs. his doings, and cared for never a Senator of ∗them all. Now, though he used this bold manner ∗of speech after the profession of the Cynic Philosophers ∗(as who would say, dogs), yet this boldness ∗did no hurt many times, because they did but laugh at ∗him to see him so mad. This Favonius at that time, in∗ Edition: current; Page: [161] ∗despite of the doorkeepers, came into the chamber, and ∗with a certain scoffing and mocking gesture which he ∗counterfeited of purpose, he rehearsed the verses which old ∗Nestor said in Homer:
∗Cassius fell a-laughing at him: but Brutus thrust him out ∗of the chamber, and called him dog, and counterfeit Cynic.1 Howbeit his coming in brake their strife at that time, and so they left each other. The self same night Cassius prepared his supper in his chamber, and Brutus brought his friends with him. So, when they were set at supper, Favonius came to sit down after he had washed. Brutus told him aloud, no man sent for him, and bade them set him at the upper end, meaning indeed at the lower end of the bed. Favonius made no ceremony, but thrust in amongst the midst of them, and made all the company laugh at him: so they were merry all suppertime, and full of their Philosophy. ∗The next day after, Brutus, upon complaint of the Sardians, †did condemn and noted Lucius Pella for a defamed person, 2 that had been a Praetor of the Romans, and whom Brutus ∗had given charge unto: for that he was accused and convicted∗ of robbery and pilfery in his office. This judgement ∗much misliked Cassius:2 because he himself had secretly (not many days before) warned two of his friends, attainted Edition: current; Page: [162] and convicted of the like offences, and openly had cleared them: but yet he did not therefore leave to employ them in any manner of service as he did before. And therefore he greatly reproved Brutus, for that he would shew himself∗ so straight and severe, in such a time as was meeter to bear∗ a little, than to take things at the worst. Brutus in contrary∗Julius Ceaser siain at the ides of March. manner answered, that he should remember the∗ Ides of March, at which time they slew Julius† Caesar: who neither pilled nor polled the country,† but only was a favourer and suborner of all them ∗ that did rob and spoil by his countenance and authority.1 ∗And if there were any occasion whereby they might honestly set aside justice and equity, they should have had more reason to have suffered Caesar's friends to have robbed and done what wrong and injury they had would, than to bear with their own men. For then, said he, they could but have mid they had been cowards: and now they may accuse us of injustice, beside the pains we take, and the danger we put ourselves into. And thus may we see what Brutus' intent and purpose was. But as they both prepared to pass over againThe wonderfull constency of Brutus in matters of justice and equity. Out of Asia into Europe, there went a rumour that there appeared a wonderful sign unto him. Brutus was a careful man, and slept very little., both for that his diet was moderate, as also because equity, he was continually occupied. He never slept in the day time, and in the night no lenger than the time he was Edition: current; Page: [163] driven to be alone, and when everybody else took their rest. But now whilst he was in war, and his headBrutus' care and watching. ever busily occupied to think of his affairs, and what would happen: after he had slumbered a little after supper, he spert all the rest of the night in despatching of his weightiest causes, and after he had taken ∗order for them, if he had any leisure left him, he would ∗read some book till the third watch of the night, 1 at what time the Captains, petty Captains, and Colonels did use to come unto him. So, being ready to go into Europe, one night very late (when all the camp took quiet rest) as he †was in his tent with a little light, thinking of† weighty †matters: he thought he heard one come in to him,† and casting his eye towards the door of his tent, †that he saw a wonderful strange and monstrous †shape of a body coming towards him, and said of Sardis †never a word. So Brutus boldly asked what he was, a god †or a man, and what cause brought him thither. The spirit †answered him, †I am thy evil spirit, Brutus: and thou †shalt see me by the city of Philippi.' Brutus, being no †otherwise afraid, replied again unto it: ' Well, then I shall †see thee again.' The spirit presently vanished away, and †Brutus called his men unto him, who told him that they †heard no noise, nor saw anything at all.2 Thereupon Brutus returned again to think on his matters as he did Edition: current; Page: [164] before: and when the day brake, he went unto Cassius, to tell him what vision had appeared unto him in the night. Cassius being in opinion an Epicurean,1 and reasoningCassius' opinion of spirits, after the Epicureans' sect. thereon with Brutus, spake to him touching the vision thus. ' In our sect, Brutus, we have an opinion, that we do not always feel or see that which we suppose we do both see and feel: but that our senses being credulous, and therefore easily abused (when they are idle and unoccupied in their own objects), are induced to imagine they see and conjecture that which they in truth do not. For our mind is quick and cunning to work (without either cause or matter) anything in the imagination whatsoever. And therefore the imagination is resembled to day, and the mind to the potter: who without any other cause than his fancy and pleasure, changeth it into what fashion and form he will. And thisThe cause of dreams. doth the diversity of our dreams shew unto us. For our imagination doth upon a small fancy grow from conceit to conceit, altering both in passions and forms of things imagined. For the mind of man is ever occupied, and that continual moving is nothing but an imagination. But yet there is a further cause of this in you. For you being by nature given to melancholic discoursing, and of late continually occupied, your wits and senses having been overlaboured do easilier yield to such imaginations. For, to say that there are spirits or angels, and if there were, that Edition: current; Page: [165] they had the shape of men, or such voices, or any power at all to come unto us: it is a mockery. And for mine own part I would there were such, because that we should not only have soldiers, horses, and ships, but also the aid of the gods, to guide and further our honest and honourable attempts.' With these words Cassius' did somewhat comfort and quiet Brutus. When they raised their campA wonderful sign by two Eagles., †there came two Eagles that flying with a marvellous†force lighted upon two of the foremost ensigns, †and always followed the soldiers, which gave them meat, †and fed them, until they came near to the city of Philippi: †and there, one day only before the battle, they both flew †away.1 Now Brutus had conquered the most part of all the people and nations of that country: but if there were any other city or Captain to overcome, then they made all clear before them, and so drew towards the coasts of Thassos. There Norbanus lying in camp in a certain place called the straits, by another place called Symbolon (which is a port of the sea), Cassius and Brutus compassed him in in such sort, that he was driven to forsake the place which was of great strength for him, and he was also in danger beside to have lost all his army. For Octavius Caesar could not follow him because of his sickness, and therefore stayed behind: whereupon they had taken his army, had not Antonius' aid been, which made such wonderful speed, thut Brutus could scant believe it. So Caesar came not thither of ten days Edition: current; Page: [166] after: and Antonius camped against Cassius, and Brutus on th'other side against Caesar. The Romans calledBrutus' and Cassius' camps before the city of Philippi against Octavius Caesar and Antonius. the valley between both camps, the Philippian fields: and there were never seen two so great armies of the Romans, one before the other, ready to fight. In truth, Brutus' army was inferior to Octavius Caesar's, in number of men: but for bravery and rich furniture, Brutus army far excelled Caesar's. For the most part of theirBrutus soldiers bravely armed. armours were silver and gilt, which Brutus had bountifully given them: although in all other things he taught his Captains to live in order without excess. But for the bravery of armour and weapon, which soldiers should carry in their hands, orBrutus opinton for the bravery of soldiers in their armour and weapons. otherwise wear upon their backs: he thought that it was an encouragement unto them that by nature are greedy of honour, and that it maketh them also fight like devils, that love to get, and be and afraid to lose: because they fight to keep their armour and weapon, as also their goods and lands. Now, when they came to muster their armies, Octavius Caesar took the muster of his army within the trenches of his camp, and gave his men only a little corn, and five silver Drachmas to every man to sacrifice to the gods, and to pray for victory. But Brutus, scorning this misery and niggardliness, first of all mustered his army, and did purify it in the fields, according to the Edition: current; Page: [167] manner of the Romans: and then he gave unto every band a number of wethers to sacrifice, and fifty silver Drachmas to every soldier. So that Brutus' and Cassius' soldiers were better pleased, and more courageously bent to fight at the day of the battle, than their enemies' soldiers were. Notwithstanding, being busily occupied about the ceremonies of this purification, it is reported that there chanced certain unlucky signs unto Cassius. For one of hisUnlucky Signs unto Cassius. Sergeants that carried the rods before him brought him the garland of flowers turned backwards, the which he should have worn on his head in the time of sacrificing. Moreover it is reported also that at another time before, in certain sports and triumph where they carried an image of Cassius' victory of clean gold, it fell by chance, the man stumbling that carried it. And yet further, there were seen a marvellous number of fowls of prey, that feed upon dead carcases: and beehives also were found, where been were gathered together in a certain place within the trenches of the camp: the which place the Soothsayers thought good to shut out of the precinct of the camp, for to take away the superstitious fear and mistrust men would have ∗of it. The which began somewhat to alter Cassius'Cassius and Brutus opinions about battle. ∗mind from Epicurus' opinions,1 and had put the ∗soldiers also in a marvellous fear. Thereupon ∗Cassius was of opinion not to try this war at ∗one battle, but rather to delay time, and to draw it Edition: current; Page: [168] out in length, considering that they were the stronger in ∗money, and the weaker in men and armours. But Brutus in contrary manner did alway before, and at that time also, desire nothing more, than to put all to the hazard of battle ∗as soon as might be possible1: to the end he might either∗ quickly restore his country to hcr former liberty, or rid him forthwith of this miserable world, being still troubled in following and maintaining of such great armies together. But, perceiving that in the daily skirmishes and bickerings they made, his men were alway the stronger, and ever had the better: that yet quickened his spirits, again, and did put him in better heart. And furthermore, because that some∗ of their own men had already yielded themselves to their∗ enemies, and that it was suspected moreover divers others∗ would do the like:1 that made many of Cassius' friends,∗ which were of his mind before, (when it came to be debated in council whether the battle should be fought or not), that they were then of Brutus' mind. But yet was there one of Brutus'Ateliius opinion for the battle. friends called Atellius, that was against it, and was of opinion that they should tarry the next winter. Brutus asked him what he should get by tarrying a year lenger? 'If I get nought else,' quoth Atellius again, 'yet have I lived so much lenger.' Cassius was very angry with this answer: and Atellius was maliced and esteemed the worse for it of all men. Thereupon it was presently determined they should fight battle the next Edition: current; Page: [169] day. So Brutus all suppertime looked with a cheerful countenance, like a man that had good hope, and talked very wisely of Philosophy, and after supper went to bed. But touching Cassius, Messala reporteth that he supped by himself in his tent with a few of his friends, and that all suppertime he looked very sadly, and was full of thoughts, although it was against his nature: and that after supper∗ he took him by the hand, and holding him fast (in∗ token of kindness as his manner was) told him inCassius' work unto Messala the night before the battle. †Greek: ' Messala, I protest unto thee, and make †thee my witness, that I am compelled against my †mind and will (as Pompey the great was) to jeo-pard† the liberty of our country to the hazard of† a battle.1 And yet we must be lively, and of good courage, considering our good fortune, whom we should wrong too much to mistrust her, although we follow evil counsel.' Messala writeth, that Cassius having spoken these last words unto him, he bade him farewell, and willed him to come to supper to him the next night following, ∗because it was his birthday.2 The next morning, by break of day, the signal of battle was set out in Brutus' and Cassius' camp, which was an arming scarlet coat:Brutus and Cassius talk before the battle. and both the Chieftains spake together in the midst of their armies. There Cassius began to speak †first, and said: ' The gods grant us, O Brutus, that †this day we may win the field, and ever after to live all the Edition: current; Page: [170] rest of our life quietly, one with another. But sith the† gods have so ordained it, that the greatest and chiefest† things amongst men are most uncertain, and that if the battle† fall out otherwise to-day than we wish or look for, we shall† hardly meet again: what art thou then determined to do,†Brutus answer to Cassius. to fly or die?' 1 Brutus answered him, 'Being† yet but a young man, and not over greatly experienced† in the world, I trust (I know not how) a† certain rule of Philosophy, by the which I did greatly blame† and reprove Cato for killing of himself, as being no lawful† nor godly act, touching the gods, nor, concerning men,†valiant; not to give place and yield to divine providence,† and not constantly and patiently to take whatsoever it† pleaseth him to send us, but to draw back and fly 2: but, †being now in the midst of the danger, I am of a contrary mind. For if it be not the will of God that this battle fall out fortunate for us, I will look no more for hope, neither seek to make any new supply for war again, but will rid me of this miserable world, and content me with my fortune. For I gave up my life for my country in the Ides of March,∗ for the which I shall live in another more glorious world.'3 ∗Cassius fell a-laughing to hear what he said, and embracing him, 'Come on then,' said he, 'let us go and charge our enemies with this mind. For either we shall conquer, or we shall not need to fear the Conquerors.' After this talk, Edition: current; Page: [171] they fell to consultation among their friends for the ordering of the battle. Then Brutus prayed Cassius he might have the leading of the right wing, the which men thought was far meeter for Cassius: both because he was the elder man, and also for that he had the better experience. But yet Cassius gave it him, and willed that Messala (who had charge of one of the warlikest legions they had) should be also in that wing with Brutus. So Brutus presently sent out his horsemen, who were excellently well appointed, and his footmen also were as willing and ready to give charge. NowThe battle at philippi against Octavius Ceaser and Antonius. Antonius' men did cast a trench from the marish by the which they lay, to cut off Cassius' way to come to the sea: and Caesar, at the least his army, stirred not. As for Octavius Caesar himself, he ∗was not in his camp, because he was sick. And for his people,∗ they little thought the enemies would have given them ∗battle,1 but only have made some light skirmishes to hinder them that wrought in the trench, and with their darts and slings, to have kept them from finishing of their work: but they, taking no heed to them that came full upon them to give them battle, marvelled much at the great noise they heard, that came from the place where they were casting ∗their trench. In the meantime Brutus, that led the right ∗wing, sent little bills to the Colonels and Captains of private ∗bands, in the which he wrote the word of the battle; 2 and he himself, riding a-horseback by all the troops, did speak to Edition: current; Page: [172] them, and encouraged them to stick to it like men. So by this means very few of them understood what was the word of the battle, and, besides, the most part of them never tarried to have it told them, but ran with great fury to assail the enemies: whereby, through this disorder, the legions were marvellously scattered and dispersed one from the other. For first of all, Messala's legion, and then the next unto them, went beyond the left wing of the enemies, and did nothing, but glancing by them overthrew some as they went, and so going on further fell right upon Caesar's camp out of the which (as himself writeth in his commentaries), he had been conveyed away a little before, through the counsel and advice of one of his friends called Marcus Artorius: who, dreaming in the night, had a vision appeared unto him, that commanded Octavius Caesar should be carried out of his camp. Insomuch as it was thought he was slain, because his litter (which had nothing in it) was thrust through and through with pikes and darts. There was great slaughter in this camp. For amongst others there were slain two thousand Lacedaemonians, who were arrived but even a little before, comlng to aid Caesar. The other also that had not glanced by, but had given a charge full upon Caesar's battle, they easily made them fly, because they were greatly troubled for the loss of their camp, and of them there were slain by hand three legions. Then, being very earnest to follow the chase of them that fled, they ran in amongst them hand over head into their camp, and Brutus Edition: current; Page: [173] among them. But that which the conquerors thought not of, occasion shewed it unto them that were overcome: and that was the left wing of their enemies left naked, and unguarded of them of the right wing, who were strayed too far off, in following of them that were overthrown. So they gave a hot charge upon them. But notwithstanding all the force they made, they could not break into the midst of their battle, where they found men that received them and valiantly made head against them. Howbeit they brake and overthrew the left wing where Cassius was, by reason of the great disorder among them, and also because they had no intelligence how the right wing had sped. So they chased them, beating them into their camp, the which they spoiled, none of both the Chieftains being present there. For Antonius, as it is reported, to fly the fury of the first charge, was gotten into the next marish: and no man could tell what became of Octavius Caesar, after he was carried out of his camp. Insomuch that there were certainOctavius Caesar falsely reported to be slain at the battle of Philippi. soldiers that shewed their swords bloodied, and said that they had slain him, and did describe his face, and shewed what age he was of. Further-more, the voward and the midst of Brutus' battle had already put all their enemies to flight that withstood them, with great slaughter: so that BrutusCassius' misfortune. had conquered all of his side, and Cassius had lost all on the other side. For nothing undid them, but that Brutus went not to help Cassius, thinking he had Edition: current; Page: [174] overcome them, as himself had done: and Cassius on the other side tarried not for Brutus, thinking he had been overthrown, as himself was. And to prove that the victory fell on Brutus' side, Mcssala confirmeth it, that they wan three eagles, and divers other ensigns of their enemies, and their enemies wan never a one of theirs. Now Brutus returning from the chase, after he had slain and sacked Caesar's men, he wondered much that he could not see Cassius' tent standing up high as it was wont, neither the other tents of his camp standing as they were before, because all the whole camp had been spoiled, and the tents thrown down, at the first coming in of the enemies. But they that were about Brutus, whose sight served them better, told him that they saw a great glistering of harness, and a number of silvered targets, that went and came into Cassius' camp, and were not (as they took it) the armours nor the number of men that they had left there to guard the camp: and yet that they saw not such a number of dead bodies, and great overthrow, as there should have been if so many legions had been slain. This made Brutus at the first mistrust that which had happened. So he appointed a number of men to keep the camp of his enemy which he had taken, and caused his men to be sent for that yet followed the chase, and gathered them together, thinking to lead them to aid Cassius, who was in this state as you shall hear. First of all he was marvellous angry to Edition: current; Page: [175] ∗see how Brutus' men ran to give charge upon their ∗enemies, and tarried not for the word of the battle ∗nor commandment to give charge, and it grieved him ∗beside, that after he had overcome them, his men fell ∗straight to spoil, and were not careful to compass in the rest ∗of the enemies behind. But with tarrying too long also, ∗more than through the valiantness or foresight of the ∗Captains his enemies, Cassius found himself compassed in ∗with the right wing of his enemies' army. 1 Whereupon his horsemen brake immediately, and fled for life towards ∗the sea. Furthermore, perceiving his footmen to give ∗ground, he did what he could to keep them from flying, ∗and took an ensign from one of the ensign-bearers that fled, ∗and stuck it fast at his feet: 2.although with muchCassius' valiantness in war. ado he could scant keep his own guard together, ∗So Cassius himself was at length compelled to fly ∗with a few about him, unto a little hill, from whence ∗they might easily see what was done in all the plain3: ∗howbeit Cassius himself saw nothing, for his sight was ∗very bad,4 saving that he saw (and yet with much ado) ∗how the enemies spoiled his camp before his eyes.3 He saw also a great troop of horsemen whom Brutus sent to aid him, and thought that they were his ∗enemies that followed him: but yet he sent Titinius, one ∗of them that was with him, to go and know what they were. Edition: current; Page: [176] Brutus' horsemen saw him coming afar off, whom when they∗ knew that he was one of Cassius' chiefest friends, they∗ shouted out for joy: and they that were familiarly acquainted∗ with him lighted from their horses, and went and∗ embraced him. The rest compassed him in round about∗ a-horseback, with songs of victory and great rushing of their∗ harness, so that they made all the field ring again for joy.∗ But this marred all. For Cassius thinking indeed∗The importance of error and mistaking in wars. ∗that Titinius was taken of the enemies,1 he then∗ spake these words: 'Desiring too much to live,† I have lived to see one of my best friends taken, †for my sake, before my face.'2 After that, he got into a† tent where nobody was, and took Pindarus with him, one∗ of his freed bondmen, whom he reserved ever for such∗ a pinch, since the cursed battle of the Parthians where∗ Crassus was slain, though he notwithstanding scaped from∗ that overthrow: but then casting his cloak over his head, ∗and holding out his bare neck unto Pindarus, he∗Cassius slain by his man Pindarus.gave him his head to be stricken off.3 So the∗ head was found severed from the body: but after that time Pindarus was never seen more. Whereupon, some took occasion to say that he had slain his master without his commandment. By and by they knew the∗ horsemen that came towards them, and might see∗ Titinius crowned with a garland of triumph, who came∗ Edition: current; Page: [177] ∗before with great speed unto Cassius. But, when he perceived∗, by the cries and tears of his friends which tormented ∗themselves, the misfortune that had chanced to his Captain ∗Cassius by mistaking: he drew out his sword, cursing ∗himself a thousand times that he had tarried so long,The death of Titinius. ∗and so slew himself presently in the field.1 Brutus in the meantime came forward still, and understood also that Cassius had been overthrown: but he knew nothing of his death till he came very near to his camp. So when he ∗was come thither, after he had lamented the death of Cassius, †calling him the last of all the Romans, being unpossible that †Rome should ever breed again so noble and valiant a man †as he2: he caused his body to be buried, and sent it to the ∗city of Thassos, fearing lest his funerals within the camp ∗should cause great disorder,3 Then he called his soldiers together, and did encourage them again. And when he saw that they had lost all their carriage, which they could not brook well, he promised every man of them two thousand Drachmas in recompense. After his soldiers had heard his Oration, they were all of them prettily cheered again, wondering much at his great liberality, and waited upon him with great cries when he went his way, praising him for that he only of the four Chieftains was not overcome in battle. And to speak the truth, his deeds shewed that he hoped not in vain to be conqueror. For with few legions Edition: current; Page: [178] he had slain and driven all them away, that made head against him: and yet if all his people had fought, and that the most of them had not outgone their enemies to run to spoil their goods, surely it was like enough he had slain them all, and had left never a man of them alive.The number of men slain at the battle of Philippi. There were slain of Brutus' side about eight thousand men, counting the soldiers' slaves, whom Brutus called Brigas: and of the enemies' side, as Messala writeth, there were slain, as he supposeth, more than twice as many moe. Wherefore they were more discouraged than Brutus, until that very late at night there was one of Cassius' men called Demetrius who went unto Antonius, and carried his master's clothes, whereof he was stripped not long before, and his sword also. This encouraged Brutus' enemies, and made them so brave, that the next morning betimes they stood in battle ray again before Brutus. But, on Brutus' side, both his camps stood wavering, and that in great danger. For his own camp, being full of prisoners, required a good guard to look unto them: and Cassius' camp on the other side took the death of their Captain very heavily, and beside, there was some vile grudge between them that were overcome and those that did overcome. For this cause therefore Brutus did set them in battle ray, but yet kept himself from giving battle. Now for the slaves that were prisoners, which were a great number of them, and went and came to and fro amongst the armed men, not without suspicion: he commanded Edition: current; Page: [179] they should kill them. But for the freemen, he sent them freely home, and said, that they were better prisoners with his enemies, than with him. ForBrutus' clemency and courtesy. with them they were slaves and servants: and with him they were free men and citizens. So, when he saw that divers Captains and his friends did so cruelly hate some, that they would by no means save their lives: Brutus himself hid them, and secretly sent them away. Among these prisoners, there was one Volumnius a jester, and Sacculio a common player, of whom Brutus made no accompt at all. Howbeit his friends brought them unto him, and did accuse them, that though they were prisoners, they did not let to laugh them to scorn, and to jest broadly with them. Brutus made no answer to it, because his head was occupied other ways. Whereupon Messala Corvinus said, that it were good to whip them on a scaffold, and then to send them naked, well whipped, unto the Captains of their enemies, to shew them their shame, to keep such mates as those in their camp, to play the fools, to make them sport. Some that stood by laughed at his device. But Publius Casca, that gave Julius Caesar the first wound when he was slain, said then: 'It doth not become us to be thus merry at Cassius' funerals: and for thee, Brutus, thou shalt show what estimation thou madest of such a Captain thy compeer, by putting to death, or saving the lives of these bloods, who hereafter will mock him, and defame his memory.' Brutus answered again in choler: Edition: current; Page: [180] 'Why then do you come to tell me of it, Casca, and do not yourselves what you think good?' When they heard him say so, they took his answer for a consent against these poor unfortunate men, to suffer them to do what they thought good: and therefore they carried them away, and slew them. Afterwards Brutus performed the promise he had made to the soldiers, and gave them the two thousand Drachmas apiece, but yet he first reproved them, because they went and gave charge upon the enemies at the first battle, before they had the word of battle given them: and made them a new promise also, that if in the second battle they fought like men, he would give them the sack and spoil ot two cities, to wit, Thessalonica and Lacedaemon. In all Brutus' life there is but this only fault toBrutus' fault wisely excused by Plutarch. be found, and that is not to be gainsaid: though Antonius and Octavius Caesar did reward their soldiers far worse for their victory. For when they had driven all the natural Italians out of Italy, they gave their soldiers their lands and towns, to the which they had no right: and moreover, the only mark they shot at in all this war they made was but to overcome, and reign. Where in contrary manner they had so great an opinion of Brutus' virtue, that the common voice and opinion of the world would not suffer him neither to overcome, nor to save himself otherwise than justly and honesdy, and specially after Cassius' death: whom men burdened, that oftentimes he moved Brutus to great cruelty. But now, like as Edition: current; Page: [181] the mariners on the sea after the rudder of their ship is broken by tempest, do seek to nail on some other piece of wood in lieu thereof, and do help themselves to keep them from hurt as much as may be upon that instant danger: even so Brutus having such a great army to govern, and his affairs standing very tickle, and having no other Captain coequal with him in dignity and authority: he was forced to employ them he had, and likewise to be ruled by them in many things, and was of mind himself also to grant them anything, that he thought might make them serve like noble soldiers at time of need. For Cassius' soldiers were very evil to be ruled, and did shew themselves very stubborn and lusty in the camp, because they had no Chieftain that did command them: but yet rank cowards to their enemies, because they had once overcome them. On the other side Octavius Caesar and Antonius were not in much better state: for first of all, they lacked victuals. And because they were lodged in low places, they looked to abide a hard and sharp winter, being camped as they were by the marish side, and also for that after the battle there had fallen plenty of rain about the autumn, where through all their tents were full of mire and dirt, the which by reason of the cold did freeze incontinently. But beside all these discommodities, there came news unto them of the great loss theyBrutus' victory by sea. had of their men by sea. For Brutus' ships met with a great aid and supply of men, which were sent them out of Italy, and they overthrew them in such Edition: current; Page: [182] sort, that there scaped but few of them: and yet they were so famished, that they were compelled to eatWonderful famine among Caesar's soldiers by sea. the tackle and sails of their ships. Thereupon they were very desirous to fight a battle again, before Brutus should have intelligence of this good news for him: for it chanced so, that the battle was fought by sea on the self same day it was fought by land. But by ill fortune, rather than through the malice or negligence of the Captains, this victory came not to Brutus' earThe ignorance of Brutus' victory by sea was his utter destruction. till twenty days after. For had he known of it before, he would not have been brought to have fought a second battle, considering that he had excellent good provision for his army for a long time, and, besides, lay in a place of great strength, so as his camp could not be greatly hurt by the winter, nor also distressed by his enemies: and further, he had been a quiet Lord, being a conqueror by sea, as he was also by land. This would have marvellously encouraged him. Howbeit the state of Rome (in my opinion) being now brought to that pass, that it could no more abide to be governed by many Lords, but required one only absolute Governor, God, to prevent Brutus that it should not come to his government, kept this victory from his knowledge, though indeed it came but a little too late. For the day before the last battle was given, very late in the night, came Clodius, one of his enemies, into his camp, who told that Caesar, hearing of the overthrow of his army by sea, desired nothing more than to fight Edition: current; Page: [183] a battle before Brutus understood it. Howbeit they gave no credit to his words, but despised him so much that they would not vouchsafe to bring him unto Brutus, because they thought it was but a lie devised, to be the better welcome for this good news. The self same night, it isThe evil spirit appeared again unto Brutus. reported that the monstrous spirit, which had appeared before unto Brutus in the city of Sardis, did now appear again unto him in the self same shape and form, and so vanished away, and said never a word.1 Now Publius Volumnius, a grave and wise Philosopher, that had been with Brutus from the beginning of this war, he doth make no mention of this spirit, but saith, that the greatest Eagle and ensign was covered overStrange sights before Brutus' second battle. with a swarm of bees, and that there was one of the Captains whose arm suddenly fell a-sweating, that it dropped oil of roses from him, and that they oftentimes went about to dry him, but all would do no good. And that before the battle was fought, there were two Eagles fought between both armies, and all the time they fought there was a marvellous great silence all the valley over, both the armies being one before the other, marking this fight between them: and that in the end the Eagle towards Brutus gave over, and flew away. But this is certain, and a true tale: that when the gate of the camp was open, the first man the standard-bearer met that carried the Eagle was an Ethiopian, whom the soldiers for ill luck Edition: current; Page: [184] mangled with their swords. Now, after that Brutus had brought his army into the field, and had set themBrutus' second battle. in battle ray, directly against the voward of his enemy: he paused a long time, before he gave the signal of battle. For Brutus riding up and down to view the bands and companies, it came in his head to mistrust some of them, besides that some came to tell him so much as he thought. Moreover, he saw his horsemen set forward but faintly, and did not go lustily to give charge: but still stayed to see what the footmen would do. Then suddenly, one of the chiefest Knights he had in all his army, called Camulatius, and that was alway marvellously esteemed of for his valiantness until that time: he came hard by Brutus a-horseback, and rode before his face to yield himself unto his enemies. Brutus was marvellous sorry for it, wherefore, partly for anger, and partly for fear of greater treason and rebellion, he suddenly caused his army to march, being past three of the clock in the afternoon.1 So in that place where he himself fought in person, he had the better, and brake into the left wing of his enemies, which gave him way, through the help of his horsemen that gave charge with his footmen, when they saw the enemies in a maze and afraid. Howbeit the other also on the right wing, when the Captains would have had them to have marched: they were afraid to have been compassed in behind, because they were fewer in number than their enemies, and therefore did Edition: current; Page: [185] spread themselves, and leave the midst of their battle. Whereby they having weakened themselves, they could not withstand the force of their enemies, but turned tail straight, and fled. And those that had put them to flightBrutus' valiantness and great skill in wars. came in straight upon it to compass Brutus behind, who in the midst of the conflict did all that was possible for a skilful Captain and valiant soldier: both for his wisdom, as also for his hardiness, for the obtaining of victory. But that which wan him the victory at the first battle did now lose it him at the second. For at the first time, the enemies that were broken and fled were straight cut in pieces: but at the second battle, of Cassius' men that were put to flight, there were few slain: and they that saved themselves by speed, being afraid because they had been overcome, did discourage the rest of the army when they came to join with them, and filled all the army ∗with fear and disorder. There was the son of M.The death of the valiant young man Cato, the son of Marcus Cato.∗Cato slan, valiantly fighting amongst the lusty ∗youths. For, notwithstanding that he was very ∗weary, and overharried, yet would he not therefore ∗fly, but manfully fighting and laying about him, ∗telling aloud his name, and also his father's name, at length ∗he was beaten down amongst many other dead bodies of ∗his enemies, which he had slain round about him.1 So there were slain in the field all the chiefest gentlemen and nobility that were in his army, who valiantly ran into Edition: current; Page: [186] any danger to save Brutus' life, Amongst them there was one of Brutus' friends called Lucilius, who seeingThe fidelity of Lucilius unto Brutus. a troop of barbarous men making no reckoning of all men else they met in their way, but going all together right against Brutus, he determined to stay them with the hazard of his life, and, being left behind, told them that he was Brutus:1 and, because they should believe him, he prayed them to bring him to Antonius, for he said he was afraid of Caesar, and that he did trust Antonius better. These barbarous men being very glad of this good hap, and thinking themselves happy men, they carried him in the night, and sent some before unto Antonius, to tell him of their coming. He was marvellous glad of it, and went out to meet them that brought him.1 Others also understanding of it, that they had brought Brutus prisoner: they came out of all parts of the camp to see him, some pitying his hard fortune, and others saying, that it was not done like himself, so cowardly to be taken alive of the barbarous people for fear of death. When they came near together, Antonius stayed awhile, bethinking himself how he should use Brutus. In the meantime Lucilius was brought to him, who stoutly with a bold countenance said, 'Antonius, I dare assure thee that no enemy hath taken nor shall take Marcus Brutus alive: and I beseech God keep him from that fortune. For wheresoever he be found, alive or dead, he will be Edition: current; Page: [187] found like himself.1 And now for myself, I am come unto thee, having deceived these men of arms here, bearing them down that I was Brutus: and do not refuse to suffer any torment thou wilt put me to.' Lucilius' words made them all amazed that heard him. Antonius on the other side, looking upon all them that had brought him, said unto them: 'My companions, I think ye are sorry you have failed of your purpose, and that you think this man hath done you great wrong: but I do assure you, you have taken a better booty than that you followed.2 For, instead of an enemy, you have brought me a friend: and for my part, if you had brought me Brutus alive, truly I cannot tell what I should have done to him. For I had rather have such men my friends as this man here, than enemies.'3 Then he embraced Lucilius, and at that time delivered him to one of his friends in custody, and Lucilius ever after served him faithfully, even to his death. Now Brutus having passed a little river, walled in on eitherBrutus flying. side with high rocks, and shadowed with great trees, being then dark night, he went no further, but stayed at the foot of a rock with certain of his Captains and friends that followed him 4: and looking up to the firmament that was full of stars, sighing, he rehearsed two verses, of the which Volumnius wrote the one, to this effect:Edition: current; Page: [188]
And saith that he had forgotten the other. Within a little while after, naming his friends that he had seen slain in battle before his eyes, he fetched a greater sigh than before: specially when he came to name Labeo and Flavius, of the which the one was his Lieutenant, and the other Captain of the pioneers of his camp. In the meantime, one of the company being athirst, and seeing Brutus athirst also: he ran to the river for water, and brought it in his sallet. At the self same time they heard a noise on the other side of the river. Whereupon Volumnius took Dardanus, Brutus' servant, with him, to see what it was: and, returning straight again, asked if there were any water left. Brutus, smiling gently, told them all was drunk, 'but they shall bring you some more.' Thereupon he sent him again that went for water before, who was in great danger of being taken by the enemies, and, hardly scaped, being sore hurt. Furthermore, Brutus thought that there was no great number of men slain in battle, and, to know the truth of it, there was one called Statilius, that promised to go through his enemies (for otherwise it was impossible to go see their camp), and from thence if all were well, that he would lift up a torch light in the air, and then return again with speed to him. The torch light was lift up as he had promised, for Statilius went thither. Now Brutus seeing Statilius tarry long Edition: current; Page: [189] after that, and that he came not again, he said: 'If Statilius be alive, he will come again.' But his evil fortuneThe death of statilius. was such, that as he came back he lighted in his enemies hands, and was slain.1 Now, the night being far spent, Brutus as he sate bowed towards Clitus, one of his men, and told him somewhat in his ear: the other answered him not, but fell a-weeping. Thereupon he proved Dardanus, and said somewhat also to him:2 at length he came to Volumnius himself, and speaking to him in Greek, prayed him for the study's sake which brought them acquainted together, that he would help him to put his hand to his sword, to thrust it in him to kill him. Volumnius denied his request,3 and so did many others: and amongst the rest, one of them said, there was no tarrying for them there, but that they must needs fly.4 Then Brutus rising up, 'We must fly indeed,' said he, 'but it must be with our hands, not with ourBrutus' saying of flying with hands & not with feet. feet,' Then taking every man by the hand, he said these words unto them with a cheerful countenance. 'It rejoiceth my heart that not one of my friends hath failed me at my need, and I do not complain of my fortune, but only for my country's sake: for, as for me, I think myself happier than they that have overcome, considering that I leave a perpetual fame of our courage and manhood, the which our enemies the conquerors Edition: current; Page: [190] shall never attain unto by force nor money, neither can let their posterity to say that they, being naughty and unjust men, have slain good men, to usurp tyrannical power not pertaining to them.'1 Having said so, he prayed every man to shift for themselves, and then he went a little aside with two or three only, among the which Strato was one, with whom he came first acquaintedBrutus slew himself. by the study of Rhetoric. He came as near to him as he could, and taking his sword by the hiltsStrato, Brutus familiar and friend. with both his hands, and falling down upon the point of it, ran himself through. Others say that, not he, but Strato (at his request) held the sword in his hand, and turned his head aside, and that Brutus fell down upon it: and so ran himself through, and died presently.2 Messala, that had been Brutus' great friend, became afterwards Octavius Caesar's friend. So, shortly after,Strato received into Caesar's friendship. Caesar being at good leisure, he brought Strato Brutus' friend unto him, and weeping, said: 'Caesar, behold, here is he that did the last service to my Brutus.'3 Caesar welcomed him at that time, and afterwards he did him as faithful service in all his affairs, as any Grecian else he had about him, until theMessala Corvinus, Brutus' friend. battle of Actium. It is reported also, that this Messala himself answered Caesar one day, when he gave him great praise before his face, that he had Edition: current; Page: [191] fought valiantly, and with great affection for him, at the battle of Actium, (notwithstanding that he had been his cruel enemy before, at the battle of Philippi, for Brutus' sake): 'I ever loved,' said he, 'to take the best and justest part.' Now, Antonius having foundBrutus' funerals. Brutus' body, he caused it to be wrapped up in one of the richest coat armours he had. Afterwards also, Antonius understanding that this coat armour was stolen, he put the thief to death that had stolen it, and sent the ashes of his body unto Servilia his mother. And for Porcia, Brutus' wife, Nicolaus the Philosopher andPorcia Brusus wife, killed herself with burning coals. valerius Maximus do write, that she determining to kill herself (her parents and friends carefully looking to her to keep her from it) took hot burning coals, and cast them into her mouth, and kept her mouth so close that she choked herself,1 There was a letter of Brutus found written to his friends, complaining of their negligence, that his wife being sick, they would not help her, but suffered her to kill herself, choosing to die, rather than to languish in pain. Thus it appeareth that Nicolaus knew not well that time, sith the letter (at the least if it were Brutus' letter) doth plainly declare the disease and love of this Lady, and also the manner of her death.
P. 3, ll. 9, 11. Miletus. The old editions have Miletum, an erroneous expansion of Amyot's Milet. North seems never to have had recourse in case of difficulty to a Latin or Greek text of Plutarch. Practically all his mistranslations are due to his effort to follow Amyot where the latter's language is ambiguous or obscure. In almost every instance reference to the Greek version would have set him right at once. It is especially noteworthy that in the names of persons and places he either takes over the Gallicized form directly or else Anglicizes it, as here, purely by guess.
P. 5, l. 14. quail. The word here retains its original signification, 'to die, perish,' as in O.E. cwelan.
P. 6, l. 5. scratch. This is the form found in the text of 1595 and subsequent editions. The 1579 folio reads scrat.
P. 7, l. 19. bought good cheap. 'Cheap is, of course, here a noun, as in 'Cheapside,' and has the meaning of 'bargain.' The phrase 'good cheap' is really prepositional, a word like 'at' being understood before it, but it occurs in just the present use at least as early as the M.E. Ayenbite of Inwit.Edition: current; Page: [194]
l. 23. highway going unto Appius. Such is the reading of the first two editions, a stupid mistranslation of Amyot's 'chemin qui s'appelle la uoye d'Appius.' The edition of 16o3 gives the obvious correction, 'the highway called Appius way.'
P. 8, ll. 12, 13. in their greatest ruff. The French has, 'en leur plus grande uogue.' The word 'ruff' in this sense is common in Elizabethan usage; cf. Sir Thomas More, II. iv. 99, 'And you in ruff of your opynions clothd.'
l. 14. of victories that carried triumphs: 'des uictoires qui portoient des trophees.' The Greek has Níκας τροπαιοϕóρους.
P. 9, ll. 20, 21. that hardily he should give place to no man: 'qu'il prist hardiment cueur de ne ceder ´ personne.'
l. 24. chief Bishop. This is a rather startling anachronism in which North persists. Amyot has quite regularly 'le souuerain Pontife.' The office is, of course, that of Pontifex Maximus, to which Caesar was elected in the year 63 B.C.
P. 10, l. 7. lend should be 'borrow.' Amyot's word is 'emprunteroit.' Plutarch wrote προσδανεισáμενος.
P. 11, l. 16. best appear. So add. 1579, 1595. The editions of 16o3 and after read 'appear best.'
P. 13, l. 19. ymph of wood: 'dryad,' νᾛμφην "ρυáδα.
P. 15, l. 15. slanaered. The proper meaning of the word appears from Amyot's reading, '´ qui il auoit faict cast oultrage.' Cf., for another instance, the Life of Brutus, p. 112, 1. 24.
P. 17, l. 22. Calatcans. The old editions of North spell 'Callæcians,' following Amyot's 'Callæciens.' Plutarch writes Kοαλλαïκοὺς.Edition: current; Page: [195]
l. 23. Oceanus. Old editions, 'Oceanum'; again an error due to the attempt to Latinize the French 'Oceane.'
P. 20, l. 9.let: 'hinder.'
l. 21. made sure: 'betrothed.'
II. 22, 23. Pompey's daughter. This is the correction of ed. 1603. The first two editions have 'Pompey's wife,' a mistake caused by the ambiguity of Amyot's 'celle de Pompeius.'
P. 21, l. 15.Gaul on this side: 'Cisalpine Gaul.' The edition of I579 gives 'Gaul on his side,' corrected in ed. 1595. Amyot reads 'routesles Gaules, tant de deca que de dela les monts.'
P. 22, l. I. that would be President of the Senate under him: a complete mistranslation. Plutarch wrote: Tῶνδὲἄλλων συγκλητιῷν ὀλίγοιπαντάπασιν αὐτῷ συνῃεσαν. Amyot translates: 'il y eut peu des Senateurs qui se uoulussent trouuer soubz luy President au Senat,' where 'President' is, of course, to be construed with 'luy.'
P. 26, ll. 14, 15. thereby bestowed his rest, to make him always able to do something: 'employant par ce moien son repos #x00B4; faire tousiours quelque chose.'
P. 28, l. 8. Arar. Both in the text and in the marginal note the old editions of North read 'Arax,' though Amyot gives the proper form 'Arar.'
1. 20. distress their camp: 'take their camp.' Cf. N.E.D., s.v. Distress, v., 2.
1. 21. strength: 'rempart' in Amyot.
P. 31, 1. 7. Sequanes: 'Sequaniens' in Amyot.
P. 32, 1. 8. tat Nervians. The form of the proper name here agrees as usual with the French, 'Nerviens.'In the marginal note, however, we find the Latin form, 'Nervii.' Edition: current; Page: [196] There are no marginal notes in Amyot except a very few dealing principally with textual criticism. From various discrepancies between the notes in North and the text, it would seem probable that the former were not written by the translator, but were later inserted by the publisher for the comfort of readers. Cf. my notes to the Life of Coriolanus, Vol. II. pp. 152, 202, and to p. 103, 1. 10 of this volume.
1. 13. six-score thousand fighting men. Plutarch's number, 60,000, has been exactly doubled; but cf. p. 33, I. 2, where we have the proper computation, 'three-score thousand.' Such irregularities in reckoning are the rule rather than the exception in Amyot and North; they are really of no consequence, and indicate merely the ease with which mistakes in numerals crept into all ancient texts.
P. 33, 1. 23. Luca. Here the old editions have Luke, corresponding to Amyot's 'Lucques,' whereas the marginal note gives Luca.
P. 34, 1. 14. Favonius. 'Faonius' old editions and Amyot, corresponding to the Greek Φαώνιος. I follow modern editors in using the Latin form.
1. 26. Ipes. The proper form would be 'Usipes.' The mistake is due to a corruption in the Greek text of Plutarch by which Oὐσίας became οὕς"Iπας
P. 37, 11. 2–7. to make war in that so great and famous Island ... inhabitable. North's national pride is here responsible for the addition of an adjective or two and for the slurring over of the reference to the conquest of Britain. The corresponding passage in Amyot runs as follows: 'pour aller faire la guerre en ceste isle, si grande, que plusieurs des anciens n'ont pas uoulu croire qu'elle fust en Edition: current; Page: [197] nature, & qui a mis plusieurs historiens en grande dispute, maintenans que c'estoit chose faulse & controuuee ´ plaisir, & luy fut le premier qui commencea á la conquerir.'
1. 22. tickle: 'insecure.' Cf. p. 181,1. 6.
P. 38, 11. 22, 23. making accompt that he was but a handful in their hands, they were to few. The pronouns are decidedly mixed; Amyot's version is much clearer: 'faisans leur compte, qu'ilz l'édporteroient tout du premier coup, ´ cause qu'il auoit si peu de gens.'
P. 40, 1. 12. towards the sea Adriatic. The marginal note to these words is one of Amyot's, where it runs, 'Les autres lisent en ce lieu, πρòςτòνἌραριν,qui seroit á dire iusqu'á la riuiere de la Sone. 'The alternative reading is the one which all modern editors of Plutarch have adopted.
1. 19. very valiant. The editions of 1595, etc., omit 'very.'
1. 25. unvincible. Edd. 1603, etc., change to 'invincible.'
P. 41, 1. 6. Aedui. Old editions have 'Hedui'= Amyot's 'Heduiens.
P. 43,11. 26, 27. who only did see that one of them two must needs fall. This is vilely translated from Amyot and fails entirely to convey Plutarch's idea in öς ηνἔφεδροςἀμφοῖν The French is, 'qui seul Pouuoit espier que l'un d'eulx deux donnast en terre,' which means that Crassus was the only Roman sufficiently powerful to look on till one of the competitors should be overcome, and then join combat with the survivor.
P. 44, 11. 2–4. neither did anything let Pompey to withstand that it should not come to pass. Clumsily and probably incorrectly translated. Amyot reads, 'ny á Pompeius pour obuier á ce que cela ne luy aduinst,' where cela refers to Edition: current; Page: [198] becoming the greatest person at Rome. The Greek is somewhat different: ἀπελέιπετο τῷμὲν (Caesar) ὑπὲρ τοῦ γενέσθαι μεγίστῳ τον ὂντα (Pompey) καταγύειντῷδὲ (Pompey),ïνα μὴ πάθῃ ποῦτοῦτο,προαναιρεῖν ὂνἑν ἑδεδοίκει.
P. 49, I. 6. Marcellus. So Amyot, by mistake, but Plutarch says 'Lentulus.'
P. 50 11. 20, 21. a great city of Gaul, being the first city men come to, when they come out of Gaul: 'grande uille, que l'on rencontre la premiere au sortir de la Gaule.'
P. 52, 1. 4. A desperate man feareth no danger: 'A tout perdre n'y a qu'un coup perilleux. 'The marginal note to this passage is translated from Amyot.
P. 54, 1. 4. garboil: 'commotion.' Cf. Life 0f Brutus, p. 113, 1. 6.
P. 55, 1. 2. carriage: 'tout son bagage.' North uses the word repeatedly in this sense. Cf. p. 177, 1. 17; Vol. II. p. 59, 1. 26.
P. 64, 11. 25, 26. so many captains. So the edition of 1579; the later editions all read 'many captains,' but wrongly, for the French is 'tant de Capitaines.'
P. 65, l. 17. Gomphi in Thessaly. The old editions of North follow the spelling of Amyot both here and in the margin, reading 'Gomphes.'
1. 23. Baccherians. Amyot has 'Bacchanales,' Plutarch 'BακΧεúοντες.
P. 66, l. 5. hands. This passage is obviously incoherent. Amyot gives the following note, disregarded by North: 'L'original Grec est defectueux en cest ᾽droit: le faut r᾽plir de ce qui est cy doubt escrit en la uie de Pompeius, feuillet 458 soubs la lettre C.' The passage in question runs: 'Et la nuict ensuiuant il fut aduis à Pompeius en Edition: current; Page: [199] dormant, qu'il entroit dedans le Theatre, lá ou le peuple le recueillolt auec grands battemens de mains par honneur, & que luy ornoit le temple de Venus uictorieuse de plusieurs despouilles. Ceste uision de songe d'un costé luy donnoit bon courage, & d'un autre costé le luy rompoit aussl, pour autant qu'il auoit peur, qu'estant la race de Caesar descendue de la deesse Venus, son songe ne uoulust signifier qu'elle seroit annoblle & illustree par la uictolre & par les despouilles qu'il gagneroit sur luy. 'Modern editors of Plutarch bracket the Greek sentence corresponding to 'For he thought—hands' as spurious.
ll. 8, 9. the chief Bishopric: 'le souuerain Põtificat.' Cf. note to p. 9, l. 24.
P. 67, l. 13. dost thou think: a mistaken translation of Amyot's imperative, 'attens toy.'
l. 17. the element: that is, par excellence, the element of air. Cf. N.E.D., s.v. Element, sb. 10.
P. 69, l. 9. a box on the ear. Quite wrong. Amyot's word 'souffiet' has here the sense of 'bellows.' Cf. Littré's dictionary, s.v. 10. The simile is not in the Greek.
P. 70, l. 9. but to seek ... and to hurt. Instances of the so-called absolute infinitive construction. Cf. Kellner, Historical Outlines of English Syntax, §§ 399, 400.
P. 72, l. 23. give. So the second and later editions of North. The editio princeps reads 'gaue,' but Amyot's phrase is 'se commence.'
P. 73, l. 14. at o'side. Edd. 1579, 1595 read 'at toe side,' which is merely a Middle English form of the words in the text. The preposition and article have been merged, as in Chaucer's 'atten ale,' 'atte beste,' and in redividing Edition: current; Page: [200] the final consonant of 'at' has remained with the article; cf. 'the tother' < 'that other.' o' is a weakened form of 'one' (¯n), which originally might serve either as indefinite article or as numeral. The edition of 1603, not understanding the idiom 'at toe side,'substituted 'aside'; modern editors have printed 'at one side.'
P. 74, l. 17. treen: 'wooden.' O.E. 'tr¯owen,' the adjective belonging to trëo, 'tree.'
P. 76, l. 19. holding divers books in his hand: 'tenant plusieurs papiers en l'une de ses mains.' It is very likely that this passage suggested to Shakespeare the episode of Caesar's swimming match with Cassius (Julius Caesar, I. ii. 100-115). Cf. also the last speech but one of Achillas in The False One (V. iv.).
P. 79, l. 11. battles he fought: 'battles fought,' 1595, etc.
1. 13. Sallution. So Amyot; the old editions of North give wrongly, 'Sallutius.'
P. 81, l. 13. Praetors and Consuls: 'Praetor and Consuls,' 1595, etc. Amyot's phrase is 'personnages de dignité Praetoriale ou Consulaire.'
P. 82, l. 9. for a civil: 'for civil,' 1595, etc.
1. 21. allowing: 'commending,' the common M.E. sense. Cf. also p. 104., l. 1.
P. 88, l. 11. Persians. Plutarch and Amyot have 'Parthians,' which is right, but cf. note to Vol. II. p, 57, l. 12.
l. 24. Circeii. 'Circees' in old editions and Amyot.
P. 89, l. 1. seaw: 'drain.' Amyot writes, 'de destourner l'eau.'
P. 91, l. 2l. standing of their feet 'standing on their feet,' ed. 1595, etc. The use of the preposition of, or its Edition: current; Page: [201] abbreviation o', in such cases is almost too common to call for notice. Cf. Vol. II. p. 17,1. 10.
P. 93, l. 13. with Diadems upon their heads. In Shakespeare it is only scarfs which Flavius and Marullus pull off. Cf. Julius Caesar, I. ii. 290.
l. 18. Brutes. We should expect 'Bruti' or 'Brutuses,' but North keeps the Gallicized form of Amyot.
P. 94, l. 10. many more of his friends besides. Instead of 'more' the 1595 edition gives the old adverbial form 'moe.'
P. 95, l. 23. the solitary birds. So ed. 1595, etc.; the folio of 1579 gives 'these solitary birds,' but Amyot's rendering is 'des oyseaux solitaires.'
P. 96, l. 17. to the Soothsayer. For 'to' ed. 1595, etc., read 'vnto.'
P. 97, l. 25. none did like them: 'he luy en promettoient rien de bon.' For like in the common Elizabethan sense of 'please,' cf. N.E.D., s.v. Like, v1, 1.
P. 98, l. 2. Decius Brutus. Amyot reads 'Decimus,' which is Plutarch's word.
l. 25. to dismiss them. Another instance of the 'absolute infinitive.' Cf. note to p. 70, l. 9.
P. 99, l. 5. unto his house. The edition of 1595 replaces 'unto' by 'into.'
P. 100, l. 15. beside. 'besides' in the old editions.
l. 18. Decius Brutus Albinus. In the Life of Brutus, p. 132,1. 8, as in Shakespeare, it is Trebonius who decoys Antony away. Perhaps these lines ought not to be marked with asterisks, as Shakespeare's plain debt is rather to the version of the same incident in the Life of Brutus. Probably, though, both accounts were in the poet's mind.Edition: current; Page: [202]
l. 24. Metellus Cimber. The name should be 'Tullius Cimber,' as in Plutarch and in North's version of the Life of Brutus; cf. p. I32, 1. 15. The mistake is due to Amyot. Here Shakespeare follows the Life of Caesar rather than that of Brutus.
P. 101, ll. 19, 20. that they had no power to fly. The folio of 1595 and its successors omit 'that.'
P. 102, l. 11. gore-blood. A common intensive with North; cf. Life of Brutus, p. 126, ll. 17, 18.
l. 16. three and twenty wounds. Shakespeare says 'three and thirty,' possibly a mere slip of the memory.
P. 103, l. 10, marginal note. do go to the market-place. Instead of 'market-place' the editions of 1579, 1595 read 'Capitoll,' which the later folios altered to make the note agree with the text (I. 9). Cf. note to p. 32, l. 8.
l. 16. among. Folio 1595, etc., read 'amongest.'
P. 104, l. 19. their houses that had slain Caesar. 'their' has here retained its original character of personal pronoun in the genitive; it is the antecedent of the relative.
P. 105, l. 10. one of mean sort: 'one of the mean sort' ed. 1595, etc.
ll. 24, 25. and Pompey also lived not passing four years more than he. This is not by any means the significance of the French,' & ne suruescut Pompeius gueres plus de quattre ans.' North has taken the object of the verb for its subject, led astray no doubt by the preservation of the Latin nominative termination. The Greek is perfectly clear: Πομπηδ'ἑπιβιώσαςοὐ πολ[46w] πλέσν ἑτοῶντσσάρων.
P. 106, ll. 12, 13. at the journey of Philippi. For 'journey' in sense of 'battle' cf. N.E.D. s.v. 7. North follows Amyot's 'aprwes auoir esté desfait en battaille en la iournée de Edition: current; Page: [203] Philippes.' It should be added that both here and elsewhere the old editions of North retain the French form of the proper name, Philipes.
l. 17. the eight night. 'Eight' is here a weakened form of the ordinal 'eighth,' as often in early English. Cf. N.E.D. s.v. Eighth.
l. 24. rotted before it could ripe. The use of 'ripe' in this way illustrates one of the most striking features of the Elizabethan language, the facility with which verbs could be made out of adjectives, nouns or any other part of speech.
P. 108, ll. 4–6. For a more detailed account of the death of Brutus, cf. pp. 189, 190.
P. 109, l. 12.presently: 'at present.'
P. 110, l. 3. Ahala. The word is spelled 'Hala' in Amyot and the early editions of North.
l. 10. Servilius. So, correctly, the editions of 1579, I6o3, etc. The folio of 1595 gives 'Brutus' by mistake. Amyot uses the pronoun 'il,' referring obviously to Servilius.
P. 111, ll. 2, 3. whom Brutus studied most to follow of all the other Romans. An illogical idiom exceedingly popular with Elizabethan writers.
l. 19. He: i.e. Brutus.
P. 112, l. 23. Canidius. 'Caninius' in Amyot and early editions of North, with marginal note, 'Ou Canidius,' 'Or Canidius.'
P. 113, l. 8. unto death: 'to death' 1595, etc.Edition: current; Page: [204]
l. 9. respect of: 'consideration for.' Cf. N.E.D., s.v. Respect, sb. 13.
P. 114, ll. 2–4. marginal note. Omitted 1595, etc.
ll. 2, 3. not only the days before, but the self same day also before the great battle. Translated over literally from Amyot's 'non seulement tous les iours prccedẽts, mais aussi celuy mesme de deuant la grande battaillc'
P. 115, l. 8. a love letter: 'une lettre amatoire & lascifue.'
l. 10. drunken sop: 'yurogne.'
P. 116, marginal note. This is one of Amyot's notes, merely translated by North; the French reads: 'C'estoit Iuba, mais il est certai que Brutus interceda aussi pour Deiotarus, Roy de Galatie, qui neãtmoins fut par Cesar priué d'une grãde partie de son pats. Et pourcc seroit plus à propos entendre ce lieu de luy.'
P. 118, ll. 6, 7. objections: 'representations.' Cf. N.E.D., s.v. 4.
P. 119, l. 8. think ye that Brutus will not tarry till this body die. This is the proper rendering; cf. Life of Caesar, p. 94, 11. 21, 22, where the wording is, 'Brutus will look for this skin.' The Greek has Tίδῖ;οὐκ ἄν ὑμῖν δοκεῖ Βροῦτος áναμεναι τουτὶ τὀ σρκίον;
l. 13. to have been next unto Caesar. So folio I 595, etc.; instead of 'to' folio 1579 reads 'and', which is possible, but not so smooth or so near the French, 's'il eust peu endurer de seconder Caesar quedlque espace de temps.'
ll. 18, 19. could evil away with: 'portoit mal patiemment.'
P. 120, ll. 8, 9. But this holdeth no water: 'mais ilz ne disent pas la verité.'
ll. 14, 15. two good whirts on the ear: 'une couple de soufflets.'Edition: current; Page: [205]
ll. 2l, 22. that my fists may walk once again about thine ears. This is a not infrequent Elizabethan use of the word 'walk'; cf. Thomas Lord Cromwell, I, ii. 29, 'No hammers walking and my worke to do.'
P. 121, ll. 12, 13. as we have written more at large in Julius Caesar's life: viz. p. 93.
l. 18. it stood them upon: 'it concerned them.'
l. 20. by his only presence. We should say, 'by the presence of him alone.'
P. 122, l. 2. grew strange together: 'became estranged.'
l. 15. to die for the liberty: a Gallicism. Amyot has regularly enough 'la liberté.' The editor of the folio of 1603 attempted to improve matters by substituting 'thy' for 'the,' which, however, does not give the sense.
P. 123, ll. 5–8, marginal note. One of Amyot's glosses.
l. 18. acquaintance: 'acquitance,' folio 1595. A mere misprint.
P. 124, ll. 1–6. Cicero is omitted from the conspiracy in Shakespeare's play, not because of his cowardice, as here, but
l. 10. Favonius. The word is regularly spelled 'Faonius' in Amyot and the old editions of North. Cf. note to P. 34, 1. 14 above.
ll. 14, 15. for a sight of ignorant fools and asses: 'pour des folz & des ignorans.'
P. 125, l. 5. the only name: 'the name alone.'
P. 126, l. 10. well seen in: 'well informed about.' Cf. Dr. Faustus, 1. 168, 'Inricht with tongues, well scene in minerals.'Edition: current; Page: [206]
P. 129, l. 27. Laena. The correct Greek form is Aaívas, but Shakespeare agrees with Amyot and North in adopting the Latinized spelling.
P. 130, l. 2. rounded: 'whispered,' from M.E. 'rounen.' The 'd' is parasitic, as in 'sound.'
P. 131, ll. 16, 17. it was no tarrying for them till they were apprehended. An Elizabethan equivalent of Amyot's 'qu'il ne falloit pas attendre iusques à ce que lon les saisist au corps.' The Greek has ὡς Χρὴμὴπεριμένεινσύλληψιν which is rendered in Latin, 'non esse exspectandum donec caperentur.'
l. 23. companion. Amyot has 'cõpagnons,' which answers to Plutarch's τοὑςπερὶΚἀσσιον.North's reading may be a misprint, or it may refer like the Latin version to Cassius alone, 'nam ... verbis uti non licebat, Cassium confirmavit.' 'Cassius,' in 1. 26, ought strictly to be 'Cassius and his companions' (τοὑς περὶ Κάσστον ἑθ´ρρυνε).
P. 132, l. 9. at o'side. Ed. I579 prints in one word, 'atoside.' Cf. note to p. 73, 1. 14. The editions of 1595 ff. have 'aside.'
P. 133, l. 6. on a heap: a relic of the common Old English use in adverbial phrases. Cf. 'among,' 'a-fishing' (O.E. on gemonge, on fiscunge).
l. 20. fact. The word is commonly used by Elizabethan writers in the sense of 'deed,' and generally, as here, with an unfavourable connotation.
ll. 24, 25. to look to defend their liberty: 'á tascher de recouurer la liberté'
l. 27. a wicked man, and that in nature favoured tyranny. A Gallicism. Amyot writes, 'un homme insolẽt, & qui de sa nature fauorisoit á la monarchie.'Edition: current; Page: [207]
P. 1 37, l. 1. in hugger mugger: 'in careless haste.' The phrase is a very common piece of Elizabethan slang. Cf. N.E.D. for instances.
P. 138, l. 10. midst. The folio of 1579 regularly spells the word 'middest.'
P. 141, l. 24–27. and, for his own part, that he had never resolutely determined with himself to make war, or peace, but otherwise, that he was certainly minded never to be slave nor subject. The English is not quite clear, but there is no ambiguity about the French reading: 'Et que de sa part il n'auoit iamais resoluement arresté en soymesme de faire ny la paix, ny la guerre, mais que sa resolution & sa deliberation arrestee estoit de iamais ne seruir.'
P. 142, l. 8. other. The proper pronominal form of the plural, corresponding to O.E. ōÐre. In North's time usage was fluctuating, and in the second edition (1595) of the Lives the form 'others,' after the analogy of plural nouns, has become the usual one.
l. 9. making portsale of their service: 'uendans leur seruice, ne plus ne moins qu'´ un encan.'
l. 12. Luke. Amyot, following the Greek, gives 'Lucanie.'
P. 143, l. 4. all in all. So ed. 1593 ff. The folio of t579 omits the first 'all.' North's translations from Homer are very free. Amyot reads in the present case:
l. 8, 9. Amyot's translation of these lines runs:
l. 15. embarking at Eka in Luke. Amyot has simply 'An partir de là,'translating the Greek ΑναΧθεὶςδ' ὶΒ ἐκεῖθεν.
P. 144, ll. 22, 23. Amyot reads:
P. 145, l. 10. forged. The folio 1595 has the misprint 'forced,' retained by one of the modern editors. The French word is 'forgees.'
l. 2l. snew. An old preterite.
P. 146, l. 26. Buthrotum. 'Buthrotus' in Amyot and North.
P. 147, l. 12. without stroke striking: 'sans coup ferir.'
P. 149, l. 12. two hundred of the noblest men of Rome. There is great inconsistency as to the number. Compare the corresponding passages in Julius Caesar (IV. iii. 174–6) and in the Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 29.
P. 150, l. 9. Cyzicus: 'Cyzicum' Amyot and North.
l. 27. Piraeus. Amyot gives 'Piræe,' which North wrongly Anglicizes 'Piraea.'
P. 151, 1. 4. departing. So the first edition, rightly; the second folio changes to 'departed.' Amyot's reading is, 'estans partiz,' translating the Greek "Ὀρμἠσαντες.
ll. 20, 21. well-beloved of the people and his own: 'bi᾽uoulu du peuple, aimé des si᾽s.'
P. 155, l. 18. of a fire: 'on fire' ed. 1595 ff.
P. 156, l. 19. with their own hands. The first edition omits 'with.'
P. 158, l. 24. sufficienter. Ed. 1595 ff. read 'sufficient,' but the comparative is certainly right. Amyot has 'plus Edition: current; Page: [209] suffisans' and the Greek phrase is δι' ἐηρμίανἀνδρῶν βελτὸνων.
P. 159, l. 24. called them both Emperors. Amyot has the following note: 'Imperatores, c'est à dire souuerains Capitaines.'
P. 161, ll. 5, 6. North takes great liberties with Homer's Αλλὰ πίθεσθ 'ἄμΦῶ δε' νεῶτέρῶ ἐστὸν εμεῖο Amyot's rendering is much closer:
l. 24—P. 162, l. 3. North's English is here rather obscure. Amyot's rendering runs: 'à cause que peu de iours au parauãt, luy mesme auoit seulement admonesté de paroles en priué deux de ses amis attaincts & conuaincus de mesmes crimes, & en public les auoit absouls, & ne laissoit pas de les employer & de s'en seruir comme deuant.'
P. 163, l. 9. Captains, petty Captains, and Coloneh: 'Capitaines, C᾽teniers & Chefz de b᾽des.' The Greek has έκατοντάρΧαι και ΧιλίαρΧοι.
l. 15. that he saw. Amyot has simply 'aperceut.'
P. 165. ll. 24, 25. had not Antonitus'aid been: 'had it not been for, etc.,' a common construction. 'Aid' is probably used in sense of Latin auxilia, 'troops.' Amyot's wording is very similar: 'n' eust esté le secours d'Antonius.'
P. 166, ll. 18, 19. and be afraid. So ed. 1579; the second and later editions read wrongly 'and to be afraid, 'which does not answer to the French & craignent.'
P. 167, l. 5. day of the battle. 'day of battle' ed. 1595 ff.
l. 12. at another time. 'at' is omitted in ed. l595 ff.
Richard Clay &Sons Limited,
bread street hill, e.c., and
bungay, suffolk.
Cf. Antony and Cleopatra, I. v. 29, 30, 66–74.
Cf. Antony and Cleopatra, II. vi. 68–70.
Cf. Antony and Cleopatrab II. ii. 235, 6; III. vi. 6.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. i. 36–55.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. ii. 32, 33.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. ii. 268, 9; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 19.
Ibid. I. ii. 248–58; and ante, pp. 26, 81.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. i. 71
Ibid. I. ii. 3–9; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. pp. 18, 19.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. ii. 219–246; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 19.
Ibid. I. i. 68–73; Life of Brutus, p.121.
3 Ibid. I. ii. 289–91; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 20.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. iii. 140–44, II. i. 46; Lift of Brutus, pp. 120, 121.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. ii. 191–200; Life of Brutas, p. 119; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 18.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. iii. 10, 25–32.
Ibid. I. iii. 25; II. ii. 19.
Ibid. I. iii. 15–18.
Ibid. II. ii. 37–40.
Ibid. III. i. 1, 2.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. ii. 1–3.
Ibid. II. ii. 76–82.
Ibid. II. ii. 5, 6.
Ibid. II. ii. 13, 14.
Cf. ]ulius Caesar, II. ii. 52–6.
Ibid. II. ii. 93–9.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. iii; III. i. 3, 6–12.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. i. 77, 8.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. i. 25, 6; Life of Brutus, p. 164; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. pp. 20, 21.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. i. 27–75.
Ibid. III. i. 76; V. i. 43, 4.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. i. 204–10.
Ibid. III. i. 77; ii. 189–92.
Ibid. III. i. 115; ii. 193, 4.
Ibid. V. i. 53. Ibid. III. i. 82, 3.
Ibid. III. i. 82, 3.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. ii. 134–164, 242–256; Life of Brutus, p. 137; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. pp. 23, 24.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. ii. 258–64; Life of Brutus, p. 137, 8; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p, 22.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. iii.; Life of Brutus, pp. 138, 9.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iii. 41–6.
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 274–84; Life of Brutus, p. 163.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. v. 19, 20; Life of Brutus, p. 183; Antony and Cleopatra, II. vi. 12, 13.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. ii. 158–162.
Cf Julius Caessar I. ii. 191–200.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. iii. 142–6; Life of Caesar. pp. 94, 95.
Cf. Julius Caesar I. iii. 157–60.
Cf. Julius Caesar, I. ii. 32–36.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. i. 215–16.
Ibid II. i. 314–17.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. i. 141–52.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. i. 114–40.
Cf. Jalius Caesar, II. i. 237–55.
Cf. Julius Caesar II. i. 280–7, 292–303, 305–8.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. i.
Ibid. I iv. 13–17.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. i. 18–24.
Julius Caesar, III. i. 25, 6; Life of Caesar, p. 100; Life of Antony, Vol. II. pp. 20, 21.
Cf. Julius Caesar, II. i. a 155–66, 181–5; Lifee of Antonius Vol. II. p. 20.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. ii. 1–11.
Ibid. IlI i. 94, 5.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. ii. 245–56; Life of Caesar, p. 104; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 23, 24.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. ii. 45–210; Life of Antonius, Vol. II. p. 22.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III. ii. 258–64; Life of Catsar, p. 104; Life, Antonius, Vol. II. p. 22.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III ii. 273, 4; Life of Antonius, Vol, II. p. 22.
Cf. Julius Caesar, III iii.; Life o: Caesar, p. 105.
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. i. 4, 5.
Ibid. IV. i. 1–9.
Ibid. IV. iii. 177–9.
Cf. Julius Caetar, IV. iii. 30, 1.
Ibid. IV. iii. 43, 4.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. v. 73–5.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. v. 68–72
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 69–84.
Cf Julius Cassar, IV. ii.
CL Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 1-122.
Ibid. IV. ii. 50, I.
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 123–137.
Ibid. IV. iii. 2, 3. VOL. I.
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 7–26.
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 251.
Ibid. IV. iii. 274–303; Life of Caesar, p. 107.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. i. 76, 7; Life of Caesar, p. 100.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. i. 80–4.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. i. 78, 9.
Cf. Juluis Caesar, IV. iii. 197–223.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. i. 73–6.
ibid.V.i. 72, 3; iii. 23, 4.
Cf. Julius Casear, V. i. 93–100.
Ibid. V. i. 101–8.
Ibid. V. i. 113–14.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. i. 2, 3.
lbid. V. ii. l, 2.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iii. 5-8.
Ibid. V. iii. 1-4.
Ibid. V. iii. 9-14.
Ibid. V. iii. 21,
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iii. 14-22, 25-32, 81–4.
Ibid. V. iii. 34, 5.
Ibid. V. iii. 36–40, 43–50.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iii. 51–90.
Ibid. V. iii. 99-101.
Ibid. V. iii. 104-6.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. v. 17–19; Life of Caesar, p. 107.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iii. 108.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iv. 3-6, 9-11.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iv. 12-19.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. iv. 20–5.
Ibid. V. iv. 26, 27.
Ibid. V. iv. 28, 9.
Ibid. V. v. 1.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V, v. 2, 3.
Ibid. V. v. 5-12.
Ibid. V. v. 25-29.
Ibid. V. v. 30.
Cf. Julius Caesar, V. v. 33-8.
Ibid. V. v. 47-51.
Ibid. V. v. 66, 7.
Cf. Julius Caesar, IV. iii. 151-6.