fastened together, as it used to be every year, in the following manner. It had two doors: the one door led to the open air; the other was for going into, or going out of the cloysters, that those within the theatre might not be thereby disturbed. But out of one gallery there went an inward passage, which led into another gallery, to give room to the combatants, and to the musicians, to go out, as occasion served. When the multitude were set down, and Cherea, with the other tribunes also, were set down also, and the right corner of the theatre was allotted to Cæsar; one Vatinius, a senator, commander of the pretorian band, asked of Cluvius, one that sat by him, and was of consular dignity also, whether he bad heard any thing of news, or not? but took care that no body should hear what he said. And when Cluvius replied, that he had heard no news. "Know then," said Vatinius, "that the game of the slaughter of tyrants is to be played this day." But Cluvius replied, "O brave comrade hold thy peace; lest some other of the Achaians hear thy tale." And as there was abundance of autumnal fruit thrown among the spectators, and a great number of birds, that were of great value to such as possessed them, on account of their rareness, Caius was pleased with the birds fighting for the fruits and with the violence wherewith the spectators seized upon them. And here he perceived two prodigies that happened there. For an actor was introduced, by whom a leader of robbers was crucified; and the pantomime brought in a player called Cinyras: wherein he himself was to be slain, as well as his daughter Myrrha; and wherein a great deal of fictitious blood was shed; both about him that was crucified, and also about Cinyras. It is also * confessed, that this was the same day wherein Pausanias, a friend of Philip's, the son of Amyntas, who was king of Macedonia, slew him, as he was entering into the theatre. And now Caius was in doubt whether he should tarry to the end of the shows, because it was the last day; or whether he should not go first to the bath, and to dinner, and then return and sit down as before. Hereupon Minucianus, who sat over Caius, and was afraid that the opportunity should fail them, got up, because he saw Cherea was already gone out, and made haste out, to confirm him in his resolution. But Caius took hold of his garment, in an obliging way, and said to him, "O brave man, whither art thou going?" Hereupon, out of reverence to Cæsar, as it seemed, he sat down again. But his fear

*Whether Josephus be here mistaken in saying, "It is confessed that this was the same day of the year whereon Pausanias slew Philip of Macedon," i. e. January 24th, or about any circumstances of that drama, which was acted before them both at the times of their slaughter; as Abp. Usher supposes, at A. M. 3668, it is at present hard to say. Because Josephus might have then complete evidence VOL. II.-NO, XXXVII.

prevailed over him: and in a little time he got up again; and then Caius did no way oppose his going out. And Asprenas, who was one of the confederates, persuaded Caius to go out to the bath, and to dinner, and then to come in again: as desirous that what had been resolved on might be brought to a conclusion immediately.

So Cherea's associates placed themselves in order, as the time would permit them: and they were obliged to labor hard, that the place which was appointed them should not be left by them. But they had an indignation at the tediousness of the delays, and that what they were about should be put off any longer, for it was already about the + ninth hour of the day: and Cherca, upon Caius's tarrying so long, had a great mind to go in, and fall upon him in his seat; although he foresaw that this could not be done without much bloodshed, both of the senators, and of those of the equestrian order that were present. And although he knew this must happen, yet had he a great mind to do so; as thinking it a right thing to procure security and freedom to all, at the expence of such as might perish at the same time. And as they were just going back into the entrance to the theatre, word was brought them, that Caius was arisen: whereby a tumult was made. Hereupon the conspirators thrust away the crowd, under pretence as if Caius were angry at them: but in reality as desirous to have a quiet place, that should have none in it to defend him, while they set about Caius's slaughter. Now Claudius his uncle was gone out before; and Marcus Vinicius his sister's husband; as also Valerius of Asia; whom though they had had such a mind to put out of their places, the reverence to their dignity hindered them so to do. Then followed Caius, with Paulus Arruntius. And because Caius was now gotten within the palace, he left the direct road, along which those his servants stood that were in waiting, and by which road Claudius had gone out before, Caius turned aside into a private narrow passage, in order to go to the place for bathing; as also in order to take a view of the boys that came out of Asia, who were sent thence partly to sing hymns in these mysteries which were now celebrated; and partly to dance in the pyrric way of dancing-npon the theatres. So Cherea met him, and asked for the watch-word. Upon Caius's giving him one of his ridiculous words, he immediately reproached him, and drew his sword, and gave him a terrible stroke with it. Yet was not

1

this stroke mortal. And although there be those that say, it was so contrived on purpose by Cherea, that Caius should not be killed at one blow, but should be punished more severely by a multitude of wounds: yet does this story appear to me incredible. Because the fear men are under in such actions does not allow them to use their reason. And if Cherea were of that mind, I esteem him the greatest of all fools, in pleasing himself with his spite against Caius, rather than immediately procuring safety to himself, and to his confederates, from the dangers they were in. Because there might many things still happen for helping Caius's escape, if he had not already given up the ghost. For certainly Cherea would have regard, not so much to the punishment of Caius, as to the affliction himself and his friends were in, while it was in his power, after such success, to keep silent, and to escape the wrath of Caius's defenders, and not leave it in uncertainty whether he should gain the end he aimed at or not, and after an unreasonable manner to act as if he had a mind to ruin himself, and lose the opportunity that lay before him. However, Caius was staggered with the pain that blow gave him: for the stroke of the sword falling in the middle between the shoulder and the neck, was hindered by the first bone of the breast from proceeding any farther. Nor did he either cry out, in such astonishment was he; nor did he call for any of his friends: whether it were that he had no confidence in them, or that his mind was otherwise disordered: but he groaned under the pain he endured; and presently went forward, and Hed. When Cornelius Sabinus, who was already prepared in mind so to do, thrust him down upon his knee; where many of them stood round about him, and struck him with their swords: and they cried out, and encouraged one another all at once to strike him again. But all agree that Aquila gave him the finishing stroke, which directly killed him. But one may justly ascribe this to Cherea. For although many concurred in the act itself, yet was he the first contriver of it; and began long before all the rest to prepare for it; and was the first man that boldly spake of it to the rest. And upon their ad. mission of what he had said about it, he got the dispersed conspirators together; prepared every thing after a prudent manner; and, by suggesting good advice, shewed himself far superior to the rest, and made obliging speeches to them: insomuch that he even compelled them all to go on, who otherwise had not courage enough for that purpose: and when opportunity served to use his sword, he appeared first of all ready so to do; and gave the first blow in this virtuous slaughter; he also brought Caius easily into the power of the rest, and almost killed him himself. Insomuch that it is but just to ascribe all that the rest did to the advice, the bravery, and labors of the hands of Cherea.

7

Thus did Caius come to his end, and lay dead, by the many wounds which had been given him. Now Cherea and his associates, upon Caius's slaughter, saw that it was impossible for them to save themselves, if they should all go the same way: partly on account of the astonishment they were under; for it was no small danger they had incurred by killing an emperor who was honored and loved by the madness of the people: especially when the soldiers were likely to make a strict enquiry after his murderers. The passages also were narrow, wherein the work was done: which were also crowded with a great number of Caius's attendants; and of such of the soldiers as were of the emperois guard that day. Whence it was that they went by other ways, and came to the house of Germanicus, the father of Caius, whom they had now killed: which house adjoined to the palace: for while the edifice was one, it was built in its several parts by those particular persons who had been emperors: and those parts bare the names of those that built them, or the name of him who had begun to build any of its parts. So they got away from the insults of the multitude, and then were for the present out of danger: that is so long as the misfortune which had overtaken the emperor was not known. The Germans were the first who perceived that Caius was slain. These Germans were Caius's guard; and carried the name of the country whence they were chosen, and composed the Celtic legion. The men of that country are naturally passionate: which is commonly the temper of some other of the barbarous nations also, as being not used to consider much about what they do. They are of robust bodies, and fail upon their enemies as soon as ever they are attacked by them: and which way soever they go, they perform great exploits. When therefore these German guards understood that Caius was slain, they were very sorry for it, because they did not use their reason in judging about public affairs, but measured all by the advantages themselves received. Caius being beloved by them, because of the money he gave them; by which he had purchased their kindness to him. So they drew their swords, and Sabinus led them on. He was one of the tribunes; not by the means of the virtuous actions of his progenitors; for he had been a gladiator: but he had obtained that post in the army by his having a robust body. So these Germans marched along the houses in quest of Cæsar's murderers: and cut Asprėnas to pieces, because he was the first man they fell upon; and whose garment it was that the blood of the sacrifices stained, as I have said already; and which foretold that his meeting the soldiers would not be for his good. Then did Norbanus meet them, who was one of the principal nobility of the city; and could shew many generals of armies among his ancestors. But they paid no regard to his dignity. Yet was he of such great

great strength, that he wrested the sword of the first of those that assaulted him out of his hands, and appeared not to be willing to die without a struggle for his life until he was surrounded by a great number of assailants, and died by the multitude of the wounds which they gave him. The third man was Anteius, a senator; and a few others with him. He did not meet with these Germans by chance, as the rest did before; but came to shew his hatred to Caius: and because he wished to see Caius lie dead, and took a pleasure in that sight. For Caius had banished Anteius's father, who was of the same name with himself: and being not satisfied with that, he sent out his soldiers and slew him. So he was come to rejoice at the sight of him now he was dead. But as the house was now all in a tumult; when he was aiming to hide himself, he could not escape that accurate search which the Germans made; while they barbarously slew those that were guilty, and those that were not guilty, and this equally so. And thus were these three persons slain.

But when the rumour that Caius was slain reached the theatre, they were astonished at it, and could not believe it. Even some that entertained his destruction with great pleasure, and were more desirous of its happening than almost any other satisfaction that could come to them, were under such a fear, that they could not believe it. There were those also who greatly distrusted it; because they were unwilling any such thing should come to Caius: nor could believe it, though it were never so true: because they thought no man could possibly have so much power as to kill Caius. These were the women, the children, the slaves, and some of the soldiery. This last sort had taken his pay, and in a manner tyrannized with him; and had abused the best of the citizens in being subservient to his unjust commands, in order to gain honors and advantages to themselves. But the women and the youth, had been inveigled with shows, and the fightings of the gladiators, and certain distributions of flesh meat among them which things in pretence were designed for pleasing the multitude; but in reality to satiate the barbarous cruelty and madness of the emperor. The slaves also were sorry, because they were by Caius allowed to accuse, and to despise their masters and they could have recourse to his assistance, when they had unjustly affronted them. For he was very easy in believing them against their masters, even when they accused them falsely; and if they would discover what money their masters had, they might soon obtain both riches and liberty, as the rewards of their accusations; because the reward of these informers was the eighth part of the criminal's substance. As to the nobles, although the re

*

*The rewards proposed by the Roman laws to informers, was sometimes an eighth part of the criminal's goods, as

port appeared credible to some of them, either because they knew of the plot beforehand; or because they wished it might be true: they concealed not only the joy they had at the relation of it, but that they heard any thing about it. These last acted so out of fear, that if the report proved false they should be punished, for having so soon let men know their minds; and fearing lest they should speak of it to some of those to whom the continuance of tyranny was advantageous: and if Caius should prove to be alive, they might be informed against, and punished. And another report went about, that although Caius had been wounded, yet was he still alive, and under the physicians' hands. Nor was any one looked upon by another as faithful enough to be trusted, and to whom any one would open his mind. For he was either a friend to Caius, and therefore suspected to favor his tyranny, or he was one that hated him; who therefore might be suspected to deserve the less credit, because of his illwill to him. Nay it was said by some, (and this it was that deprived the nobility of their hopes, and made them sad :) that Caius was in a condition to despise the dangers he had been in, and took no care of healing his wounds, but was gotten away into the market-place, and, bloody as he was, was making an harangue to the people. And these were the conjectural reports of those that were so unreasonable as to endeavor to raise tumults, which they tu ned different ways, according to the opinions of the hearers. Yet did not they leave their seats, for fear of being accused, if they should go out before the rest. For they should not be sentenced according to the real intention with which they went out, but according to the conjectures of the accusers, and of the judges.

But now a multitude of Germans had surrounded the theatre with their swords drawn, all the spectators looked for nothing but death; and at every one's coming in, a fear seized upon them, as if they were to be cut in pieces immediately. And in great distress they were; as neither having courage to go out of the theatre, nor believing themselves safe from danger if they tarried there. And when the Germans came upon them, the cry was so great, that the theatre rang with the intreaties of the spectators to the soldiers; pleading that they were entirely ignorant of every thing that related to such seditious contrivances; and that if there were already any sedition raised, they knew nothing of it. They therefore begged that they would not punish those that had not the least hand in such bold crimes as belonged to other persons; while they neglected to search after such as had really done whatsoever had been done. Thus did these people appeal to

here: and sometimes a fourth part as Spanheim assures us, from Suetonius and Tacitus. God,

God, and deplore their unhappiness, with shedding of tears and beating their faces; and said every thing that the most imminent danger, and the utmost concern for their lives, could dictate. This appeased the fury of the soldiers, and made them repent of what they intended to do to the spectators; which would have been the greatest instance of cruelty. And so it appeared to even those savages, when they had once fixed the heads of those that were slain with Asprenas upon the altar. At which sight the spectators were sorely afflicted; both upon the consideration of the dignity of the persons, and out of a commiseration of their sufferings: nay indeed, they were almost in as great disorder at the prospect of the danger themselves were in; seeing it was still uncertain whether they should entirely escape the like calamity. Whence it was, that such as thoroughly and justly hated Caius, could yet no way enjoy the pleasure of his death, because they were themselves in danger of perishing together with him. Nor had they hitherto any firm assurance of surviving.

There was at this time one Euaristus Arruntius, a public crier in the market, and therefore of a strong and audible voice; who vied in wealth with the richest of the Romans, and was able to do what he pleased in the city, both then and afterwards. This man put himself into the most mournful habit he could, although he had a greater hatred against Caius than any one else his fear and his wise contrivance to gain his safety taught him so to do, and prevailed over his present pleasure. So he put on such a mournful dress as he would have done had he lost his dearest friend. This man came into the theatre, and informed them of the death of Caius; and by this means put an end to the state of ignorance the men had been in. Arruntius also went round about the pillars, and called out to the Germans, as did the tribunes with him, bidding them put up their swords, and telling them that Caius was dead. And this proclamation it was plainly, which saved those that were collected together in the theatre, and all the rest who any way met the Germans for while they had hopes that Caius had still any breath in him, they abstained from no sort of mischief. And such an abundant kindness they still had for Caius, that they would willingly have prevented the plot against him, and procured his escape from so sad a misfortune, at the expence of their own lives. But they now left off the warm zeal they had to punish his enemies, now they were fully satisfied that Caius was dead; because it was in vain for them to shew their zeal and kindness to

These are almost the very words Dio on this occasion, at the end of 1. LIX png. 763, as Spanheim justly ob serves here.

These consuls are named in the War of the Jews, II.

him, when he who should reward them was perished. They were also afraid that they should be punished by the senate, if they should go on in doing such injuries; that is, in case the authority of the supreme governor should revert to them. And thus at length a stop was put, though not without difficulty, to that rage which possessed the Germans on account of Caius's death.

But Cherea was so much afraid for Minucianus, lest he should meet with the Germans, now they were in their fury, that he went and spake to every one of the soldiers, and prayed them to take care of his preservation; and made great enquiry about him, lest he should have been slain. And for Clement, he let Minucianus go when he was brought to him; and, with many other of the senators, affirmed the action was right; and commended the virtue of those that contrived, and had courage enough to execute it: and said that tyrants did indeed please themselves, and look big for a while, upon having the power to act unjustly; but did not go happily out of the world, because they were hated by the virtuous. And that Caius, together with all this unhappiness, was become a conspirator against himself, before these other men who attacked him did so: and by becoming intolerable, in setting aside the wise provision the laws had made, taught his dearest friends to treat him as an enemy. Insomuch that although in common discourse these conspirators were those that slew Caius; yet that, in reality he lay now dead, as slain by himself.

By this time the people in the theatre were risen from their seats; and those that were within made a very great disturbance: the cause of which was, that the spectators were too hasty in getting away. There was also one Alcyon, a physician, who hurried away, as if it were to cure those that were wounded: and under that pretence he sent those that were with him to fetch what things were necessary for the healing those wounded persons; but in reality to get them clear of the present dangers they were in. Now, during this interval the senate had met, and the people also assembled together in the forum; and were both employed in searching after the murderers of Caius. The people did it very zealously, but the senate in appearance only. For there was present Valerius of Asia, one that had been consul. This man went to the people, as they were in disorder, and very uneasy that they could not yet discover who they were that had murdered the emperor. He was then earnestly asked by them all, who it was that had done it? He replied, *I wish I had been the man.". The † con

11. Sentius Saturninus and Pomponius Secundus, as the same Spanheim notes here also. The speech of the for mer of them is set down in the next chapter.

suls

suls also published an edict, wherein they accused Caius; and gave order to the people then got together, and to the soldiers, to go home and gave the people hopes of the abatement of the oppressions they lay under; and promised the soldiers, if they lay quiet, as they used to do, and would not go abroad to do mischief unjustly, that they would bestow rewards upon them. For there was reason to fear, lest the city might suffer harm by their wild and ungovernable behavior, if they should once betake themselves to spoil the citizens or plunder the temples. And now the whole multitude of the senators were assembled together; and especially those that had conspired to take away the life of Caius ; who put on at this time an air of great assurance, and appeared with great magnanimity, as if the administration of the public affairs were already devolved upon them.

CHAP. II.

Of the different inclinations of the senators and soldiery respecting the form of government; the slaughter of Caius's wife and daughter; and the character of Caius's morals.

WHEN

HEN the public affairs were in this posture, Claudius was suddenly hurried away out of his house. For the soldiers had a meeting together; and when they had debated about what was to be done, they saw that a democracy was incapable of managing such a vast weight of public affairs; and that if it should be set up, it would not be for their advantage: and in case any one of those already in the government should obtain the supreme power, it would in all respects be to their grief, if they were not assisting to him in that advancement. That it would therefore be right for them, while the pub. lic affairs were unsettled, to choose Claudius emperor; who was uncle to the deceased Caius, and of a superior dignity and worth to every, one of those that were assembled in the senate; both on account of the virtues of his ancestors, and of the learning he had acquired in his education; and who, if once settled in the empire, would reward them according to their deserts, and bestow largesses upon them. These were their consultations, and they executed the same immediately. Claudius was therefore siezed upon suddenly by the soldiery. But Cneus Sentius Saturninus, although he understood that Claudius was seized, and that he intended to claim the government, unwillingly indeed in appearance, but in reality by his own free consent; stood up in the senate, and, without being dismayed, made an oration to them; and such a one as was fit for men of freedom and generosity; and spake thus: "Although it be a thing incredible, O Romans,

VOL. 11.-No. XXXVIII.

because of the great length of time, that so unexpected an event hath happened, yet are we now in possession of liberty. How long indeed this. will last is uncertain; and lies at the disposal of the gods, whose grant it is. Yet such it is as is sufficient to make us rejoice, and be happy for the present; although we may soon be deprived of it. For one hour is sufficient to those that are exercised in virtue, wherein we may live with a mind accountable only to ourselves, in our own country, now free, and governed by such laws as this country once flourished under. As for myself, I cannot remember our former time of liberty, as being born after it was gone; but am beyond measure filled with joy at the thoughts of our present freedom. I also esteem those that were born and brought up in that our former liberty, happy men; and that those men are worthy of no less esteem than the gods themselves, who have given us a taste of it in this age. And I heartily wish that this quiet enjoyment of it which we have at present, might continue to all ages. However, this single day may suffice for our youth, as well as for us that are in years. It will seem an age to our old men, if they might die during its happy duration. It may also be for the in-struction of the younger sort, what kind of virtue those men, from whose loins we are derived, were exercised in. As for ourselves, our business is, during this space of time, to live virtuously; than which nothing can be more to our advantage; which course of virtue it is alone that can preserve our liberty. For as to our ancient state, I have heard of it by the relation of others; but as to our later state, during my life-time, I have known it by experience; and learned thereby what mischiefs tyrannies have brought upon this commonwealth; discouraging all virtue, depriving persons of magnanimity of their liberty, and proving the teachers of flattery, and slavish fear; because it leaves the public administration not to be governed by wise laws, but by the humor of those that govern. For since Julius Cæsar took it into his head to dissolve our democracy, and by overbearing the regular system of our laws, to bring disorders into our administration, and to get above right and justice, and to be a slave to his own inclinations, there is no kind of misery but what hath tended to the subversion of this city. While all those that have succeeded him. have striven, one with another, to overthrow the ancient laws of their country, and have left it destitute of such citizens as were of generous principles: because they thought it tended to their safety to have vicious men to converse with; and not only to break the spirits of those that were best esteemed for their virtue, but to resolve upon their utter destruction. Of all which emperors, who have laid upon us insufferable hardships during the times of their government, this Caius, who hath been slain

L

to-day,