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1. Now this Caius did not demonstrate his madness in offering
injuries only to the Jews at Jerusalem, or to those that dwelt in
the neighborhood; but suffered it to extend itself through all
the earth and sea, so far as was in subjection to the Romans, and
filled it with ten thousand mischiefs; so many indeed in number
as no former history relates. But Rome itself felt the most
dismal effects of what he did, while he deemed that not to be any
way more honorable than the rest of the cities; but he pulled and
hauled its other citizens, but especially the senate, and
particularly the nobility, and such as had been dignified by
illustrious ancestors; he also had ten thousand devices against
such of the equestrian order, as it was styled, who were esteemed
by the citizens equal in dignity and wealth with the senators,
because out of them the senators were themselves chosen; these he
treated after all ignominious manner, and removed them out of his
way, while they were at once slain, and their wealth plundered,
because he slew men generally in order to seize on their riches.
He also asserted his own divinity, and insisted on greater honors
to be paid him by his subjects than are due to mankind. He also
frequented that temple of Jupiter which they style the Capitol,
which is with them the most holy of all their temples, and had
boldness enough to call himself the brother of Jupiter. And other
pranks he did like a madman; as when he laid a bridge from the
city Dicearchia, which belongs to Campania, to Misenum, another
city upon the sea-side, from one promontory to another, of the
length of thirty furlongs, as measured over the sea. And this was
done because he esteemed it to be a most tedious thing to row
over it in a small ship, and thought withal that it became him to
make that bridge, since he was lord of the sea, and might oblige
it to give marks of obedience as well as the earth; so he
enclosed the whole bay within his bridge, and drove his chariot
over it; and thought that, as he was a god, it was fit for him to
travel over such roads as this was. Nor did he abstain from the
plunder of any of the Grecian temples, and gave order that all
the engravings and sculptures, and the rest of the ornaments of
the statues and donations therein dedicated, should be brought to
him, saying that the best things ought to be set no where but in
the best place, and that the city of Rome was that best place. He
also adorned his own house and his gardens with the curiosities
brought from those temples, together with the houses he lay at
when he traveled all over Italy; whence he did not scruple to
give a command that the statue of Jupiter Olympius, so called
because he was honored at the Olympian games by the Greeks, which
was the work of Phidias the Athenian, should be brought to Rome.
Yet did not he compass his end, because the architects told
Memmius Regulus, who was commanded to remove that statue of
Jupiter, that the workmanship was such as would be spoiled, and
would not bear the removal. It was also reported that Memmius,
both on that account, and on account of some such mighty
prodigies as are of an incredible nature, put off the taking it
down, and wrote to Caius those accounts, as his apology for not
having done what his epistle required of him; and that when he
was thence in danger of perishing, he was saved by Caius being
dead himself, before he had put him to death.
2. Nay, Caius's madness came to this height, that when he had a
daughter born, he carried her into the capitol, and put her upon
the knees of the statue, and said that the child was common to
him and to Jupiter, and determined that she had two fathers, but
which of these fathers were the greatest he left undetermined;
and yet mankind bore him in such his pranks. He also gave leave
to slaves to accuse their masters of any crimes whatsoever they
pleased; for all such accusations were terrible, because they
were in great part made to please him, and at his suggestion,
insomuch that Pollux, Claudius's slave, had the boldness to lay
an accusation against Claudius himself; and Caius was not ashamed
to be present at his trial of life and death, to hear that trial
of his own uncle, in hopes of being able to take him off,
although he did not succeed to his mind. But when he had filled
the whole habitable world which he governed with false
accusations and miseries, and had occasioned the greatest insults
of slaves against their masters, who indeed in a great measure
ruled them, there were many secret plots now laid against him;
some in anger, and in order for men to revenge themselves, on
account of the miseries they had already undergone from him; and
others made attempts upon him, in order to take him off before
they should fall into such great miseries, while his death came
very fortunately for the preservation of the laws of all men, and
had a great influence upon the public welfare; and this happened
most happily for our nation in particular, which had almost
utterly perished if he had not been suddenly slain. And I confess
I have a mind to give a full account of this matter particularly,
because it will afford great assurance of the power of God, and
great comfort to those that are under afflictions, and wise
caution to those who think their happiness will never end, nor
bring them at length to the most lasting miseries, if they do not
conduct their lives by the principles of virtue.
3. Now there were three several conspiracies made in order to
take off Caius, and each of these three were conducted by
excellent persons. Emilius Regulus, born at Corduba in Spain, got
some men together, and was desirous to take Caius off, either by
them or by himself. Another conspiracy there was laid by them,
under the conduct of Cherea Cassius, the tribune [of the
Pretorian band]. Minucianus Annins was also one of great
consequence among those that were prepared to oppose his tyranny.
Now the several occasions of these men's several hatred and
conspiracy against Caius were these: Regulus had indignation and
hatred against all injustice, for he had a mind naturally angry,
and bold, and free, which made him not conceal his counsels; so
he communicated them to many of his friends, and to others who
seemed to him persons of activity and vigor: Minucianus entered
into this conspiracy, because of the injustice done to Lepidus
his particular friend, and one of the best character of all the
citizens, whom Caius had slain, as also because he was afraid of
himself, since Caius's wrath tended to the slaughter of all
alike: and for Cherea, he came in, because he thought it a deed
worthy of a free ingenuous man to kill Caius, and was ashamed of
the reproaches he lay under from Caius, as though he were a
coward; as also because he was himself in danger every day from
his friendship with him, and the observance he paid him. These
men proposed this attempt to all the rest that were concerned,
who saw the injuries that were offered them, and were desirous
that Caius's slaughter might succeed by their mutual assistance
of one another, and they might themselves escape being killed by
the taking off Caius; that perhaps they should gain their point;
and that it would be a happy thing, if they should gain it, to
approve themselves to so many excellent persons, as earnestly
wished to be partakers with them in their design for the delivery
of the city and of the government, even at the hazard of their
own lives. But still Cherea was the most zealous of them all,
both out of a desire of getting himself the greatest name, and
also by reason of his access to Caius's presence with less
danger, because he was tribune, and could therefore the more
easily kill him.
4. Now at this time came on the horse-races [Circensian games];
the view of which games was eagerly desired by the people of
Rome, for they come with great alacrity into the hippodrome
[circus] at such times, and petition their emperors, in great
multitudes, for what they stand in need of; who usually did not
think fit to deny them their requests, but readily and gratefully
granted them. Accordingly, they most importunately desired that
Caius would now ease them in their tributes, and abate somewhat
of the rigor of their taxes imposed upon them; but he would not
hear their petition; and when their clamors increased, he sent
soldiers some one way and some another, and gave order that they
should lay hold on those that made the clamors, and without any
more ado bring them out, and put them to death. These were
Caius's commands, and those who were commanded executed the same;
and the number of those who were slain on this occasion was very
great. Now the people saw this, and bore it so far, that they
left off clamoring, because they saw with their own eyes that
this petition to be relieved, as to the payment of their money,
brought immediate death upon them. These things made Cherea more
resolute to go on with his plot, in order to put an end to this
barbarity of Caius against men. He then at several times thought
to fall upon Caius, even as he was feasting; yet did he restrain
himself by some considerations; not that he had any doubt on him
about killing him, but as watching for a proper season, that the
attempt might not be frustrated, but that he might give the blow
so as might certainly gain his purpose.
5. Cherea had been in the army a long time, yet was he not
pleased with conversing so much with Caius. But Caius had set him
to require the tributes, and other dues, which, when not paid in
due time, were forfeited to Caesar's treasury; and he had made
some delays in requiring them, because those burdens had been
doubled, and had rather indulged his own mild disposition than
performed Caius's command; nay, indeed, be provoked Caius to
anger by his sparing men, and pitying the hard fortunes of those
from whom he demanded the taxes; and Caius upbraided him with his
sloth and effeminacy in being so long about collecting the taxes.
And indeed he did not only affront him in other respects, but
when he gave him the watchword of the day, to whom it was to be
given by his place, he gave him feminine words, and those of a
nature very reproachful; and these watchwords he gave out, as
having been initiated in the secrets of certain mysteries, which
he had been himself the author of. Now although he had sometimes
put on women's clothes, and had been wrapt in some embroidered
garments to them belonging, and done a great many other things,
in order to make the company mistake him for a woman; yet did he,
by way of reproach, object the like womanish behavior to Cherea.
But when Cherea received the watchword from him, he had
indignation at it, but had greater indignation at the delivery of
it to others, as being laughed at by those that received it;
insomuch that his fellow tribunes made him the subject of their
drollery; for they would foretell that he would bring them some
of his usual watchwords when he was about to take the watchword
from Caesar, and would thereby make him ridiculous; on which
accounts he took the courage of assuming certain partners to him,
as having just reasons for his indignation against Caius. Now
there was one Pompedius, a senator, and one who had gone through
almost all posts in the government, but otherwise an Epicurean,
and for that reason loved to lead an inactive life. Now Timidius,
an enemy of his, had informed Caius that he had used indecent
reproaches against him, and he made use of Quintilia for a
witness to them; a woman she was much beloved by many that
frequented the theater, and particularly by Pompedius, on account
of her great beauty. Now this woman thought it a horrible thing
to attest to an accusation that touched the life of her lover,
which was also a lie. Timidius, however, wanted to have her
brought to the torture. Caius was irritated at this reproach upon
him, and commanded Cherea, without any delay, to torture
Quintilia, as he used to employ Cherea in such bloody matters,
and those that required the torture, because he thought he would
do it the more barbarously, in order to avoid that imputation of
effeminacy which he had laid upon him. But Quintilia, when she
was brought to the rack, trod upon the foot of one of her
associates, and let him know that he might be of good courage,
and not be afraid of the consequence of her tortures, for that
she would bear them with magnanimity. Cherea tortured this woman
after a cruel manner; unwillingly indeed, but because he could
not help it. He then brought her, without being in the least
moved at what she had suffered, into the presence of Caius, and
that in such a state as was sad to behold; and Caius, being
somewhat affected with the sight of Quintilia, who had her body
miserably disordered by the pains she had undergone, freed both
her and Pompedius of the crime laid to their charge. He also gave
her money to make her an honorable amends, and comfort her for
that maiming of her body which she had suffered, and for her
glorious patience under such insufferable torments.
6. This matter sorely grieved Cherea, as having been the cause,
as far as he could, or the instrument, of those miseries to men,
which seemed worthy of consolation to Caius himself; on which
account he said to Clement and to Papinius, (of whom Clement was
general of the army, and Papinius was a tribune,) "To be sure, O
Clement, we have no way failed in our guarding the emperor; for
as to those that have made conspiracies against his government,
some have been slain by our care and pains, and some have been by
us tortured, and this to such a degree, that he hath himself
pitied them. How great then is our virtue in submitting to
conduct his armies!" Clement held his peace, but showed the shame
he was under in obeying Caius's orders, both by his eyes and his
blushing countenance, while he thought it by no means right to
accuse the emperor in express words, lest their own safety should
be endangered thereby. Upon which Cherea took courage, and spake
to him without fear of the dangers that were before him, and
discoursed largely of the sore calamities under which the city
and the government then labored, and said, "We may indeed pretend
in words that Caius is the person unto whom the cause of such
miseries ought to be imputed; but, in the opinion of such as are
able to judge uprightly, it is I, O Clement! and this Papinius,
and before us thou thyself, who bring these tortures upon the
Romans, and upon all mankind. It is not done by our being
subservient to the commands of Caius, but it is done by our own
consent; for whereas it is in our power to put an end to the life
of this man, who hath so terribly injured the citizens and his
subjects, we are his guard in mischief, and his executioners
instead of his soldiers, and are the instruments of his cruelty.
We bear these weapons, not for our liberty, not for the Roman
government, but only for his preservation, who hath enslaved both
their bodies and their minds; and we are every day polluted with
the blood that we shed, and the torments we inflict upon others;
and this we do, till somebody becomes Caius's instrument in
bringing the like miseries upon ourselves. Nor does he thus
employ us because he hath a kindness for us, but rather because
he hath a suspicion of us, as also because when abundance more
have been killed, (for Caius will set no bounds to his wrath,
since he aims to do all, not out of regard to justice, but to his
own pleasure,) we shall also ourselves be exposed to his cruelty;
whereas we ought to be the means of confirming the security and
liberty of all, and at the same time to resolve to free ourselves
from dangers.
7. Hereupon Clement openly commended Cherea's intentions, but bid
him hold his tongue; for that in case his words should get out
among many, and such things should be spread abroad as were fit
to be concealed, the plot would come to be discovered before it
was executed, and they should be brought to punishment; but that
they should leave all to futurity, and the hope which thence
arose, that some fortunate event would come to their assistance;
that, as for himself, his age would not permit him to make any
attempt in that case. "However, although perhaps I could suggest
what may be safer than what thou, Cherea, hast contrived and
said, yet trow is it possible for any one to suggest what is more
for thy reputation?" So Clement went his way home, with deep
reflections on what he had heard, and what he had himself said.
Cherea also was under a concern, and went quickly to Cornelius
Sabinus, who was himself one of the tribunes, and whom he
otherwise knew to be a worthy man, and a lover of liberty, and on
that account very uneasy at the present management of public
affairs, he being desirous to come immediately to the execution
of what had been determined, and thinking it right for him to
propose it to the other, and afraid lest Clement should discover
them, and besides looking upon delays and puttings off to be the
next to desisting from the enterprise.
8. But as all was agreeable to Sabinus, who had himself, equally
without Cherea, the same design, but had been silent for want of
a person to whom he could safely communicate that design; so
having now met with one, who not only promised to conceal what he
heard, but who had already opened his mind to him, he was much
more encouraged, and desired of Cherea that no delay might be
made therein. Accordingly they went to Minucianus, who was as
virtuous a man, and as zealous to do glorious actions, as
themselves, and suspected by Caius on occasion of the slaughter
of Lepidus; for Minucianus and Lepidus were intimate friends, and
both in fear of the dangers that they were under; for Caius was
terrible to all the great men, as appearing ready to act a mad
part towards each of them in particular, and towards all of: them
in general; and these men were afraid of one another, while they
were yet uneasy at the posture of affairs, but avoided to declare
their mind and their hatred against Caius to one another, out of
fear of the dangers they might be in thereby, although they
perceived by other means their mutual hatred against Caius, and
on that account were not averse to a mutual kindness one towards
another.
9. When Minuetanus and Cherea had met together, and saluted one
another, (as they had been used on former conversations to give
the upper hand to Minucianus, both on account of his eminent
dignity, for he was the noblest of all the citizens, and highly
commended by all men, especially when he made speeches to them,)
Minuetanus began first, and asked Cherea, What was the watchword
he had received that day from Caius; for the affront which was
offered Cherea, in giving the watchwords, was famous over the
city. But Cherea made no delay so long as to reply to that
question, out of the joy he had that Minueianus would have such
confidence in him as to discourse with him. "But do thou," said
he, "give me the watchword of liberty. And I return thee my
thanks that thou hast so greatly encouraged me to exert myself
after an extraordinary manner; nor do I stand in need of many
words to encourage me, since both thou and I are of the same
mind, and partakers of the same resolutions, and this before we
have conferred together. I have indeed but one sword girt on, but
this one will serve us both. Come on, therefore, let us set about
the work. Do thou go first, if thou hast a mind, and bid me
follow thee; or else I will go first, and thou shalt assist me,
and we will assist one another, and trust one another. Nor is
there a necessity for even one sword to such as have a mind
disposed to such works, by which mind the sword uses to be
successful. I am zealous about this action, nor am I solicitous
what I may myself undergo; for I can not at leisure to consider
the dangers that may come upon myself, so deeply am I troubled at
the slavery our once free country is now under, and at the
contempt cast upon our excellent laws, and at the destruction
which hangs over all men, by the means of Caius. I wish that I
may be judged by thee, and that thou mayst esteem me worthy of
credit in these matters, seeing we are both of the same opinion,
and there is herein no difference between us."
10. When Minucianus saw the vehemency with which Cherea delivered
himself, he gladly embraced him, and encouraged him in his bold
attempt, commending him, and embracing him; so he let him go with
his good wishes; and some affirm that he thereby confirmed
Minuclanus in the prosecution of what had been agreed among them;
for as Cherea entered into the court, the report runs, that a
voice came from among the multitude to encourage him, which bid
him finish what he was about, and take the opportunity that
Providence afforded; and that Cherea at first suspected that some
one of the conspirators had betrayed him, and he was caught, but
at length perceived that it was by way of exhortation. Whether
somebody that was conscious of what he was about, gave a
signal for his encouragement, or whether it was God himself, who
looks upon the actions of men, that encouraged him to go on
boldly in his design, is uncertain. The plot was now communicated
to a great many, and they were all in their armor; some of the
conspirators being senators, and some of the equestrian order,
and as many of the soldiery as were made acquainted with it; for
there was not one of them who would not reckon it a part of his
happiness to kill Caius; and on that account they were all very
zealous in the affair, by what means soever any one could come at
it, that he might not be behindhand in these virtuous designs,
but might be ready with all his alacrity or power, both by words
and actions, to complete this slaughter of a tyrant. And besides
these, Callistus also, who was a freed-man of Caius, and was the
only man that had arrived at the greatest degree of power under
him, - such a power, indeed, as was in a manner equal to the
power of the tyrant himself, by the dread that all men had of
him, and by the great riches he had acquired; for he took bribes
most plenteously, and committed injuries without bounds, and was
more extravagant in the use of his power in unjust proceedings
than any other. He also knew the disposition of Caius to be
implacable, and never to be turned from what he had resolved on.
He had withal many other reasons why he thought himself in
danger, and the vastness of his wealth was not one of the least
of them; on which account he privately ingratiated himself with
Claudius, and transferred his courtship to him, out of this hope,
that in case, upon the removal of Caius, the government should
come to him, his interest in such changes should lay a foundation
for his preserving his dignity under him, since he laid in
beforehand a stock of merit, and did Claudius good offices in his
promotion. He had also the boldness to pretend that he had been
persuaded to make away with Claudius, by poisoning him, but had
still invented ten thousand excuses for delaying to do it. But it
seems probable to me that Callistus only counterfeited this, in
order to ingratiate himself with Claudius; for if Caius had been
in earnest resolved to take off Claudius, he would not have
admitted of Callistus's excuses; nor would Callistus, if he had
been enjoined to do such an act as was desired by Caius, have put
it off; nor if he had disobeyed those injunctions of his master,
had he escaped immediate punishment; while Claudius was preserved
from the madness of Caius by a certain Divine providence, and
Callistus pretended to such a piece of merit as he no way
deserved.
11. However, the execution of Cherea's designs was put off from
day to day, by the sloth of many therein concerned; for as to
Cherea himself, he would not willingly make any delay in that
execution, thinking every time a fit time for it; for frequent
opportunities offered themselves; as when Caius went up to the
capitol to sacrifice for his daughter, or when he stood upon his
royal palace, and threw gold and silver pieces of money among the
people, he might be pushed down headlong, because the top of the
palace, that looks towards the market-place, was very high; and
also when he celebrated the mysteries, which he had appointed at
that time; for he was then no way secluded from the people, but
solicitous to do every thing carefully and decently, and was free
from all suspicion that he should be then assaulted by any body;
and although the gods should afford him no divine assistance to
enable him to take away his life, yet had he strength himself
sufficient to despatch Caius, even without a sword. Thus was
Chorea angry at his fellow conspirators, for fear they should
suffer a proper opportunity to pass by; and they were themselves
sensible that he had just cause to be angry at them, and that his
eagerness was for their advantage; yet did they desire he would
have a little longer patience, lest, upon any disappointment they
might meet with, they should put the city into disorder, and an
inquisition should be made after the conspiracy, and should
render the courage of those that were to attack Caius without
success, while he would then secure himself more carefully than
ever against them; that it would therefore be the best to set
about the work when the shows were exhibited in the palace. These
shows were acted in honor of that Caesar who first of all
changed the popular government, and transferred it to himself;
galleries being fixed before the palace, where the Romans that
were patricians became spectators, together with their children
and their wives, and Caesar himself was to be also a spectator;
and they reckoned, among those many ten thousands who would there
be crowded into a narrow compass, they should have a favorable
opportunity to make their attempt upon him as he came in, because
his guards that should protect him, if any of them should have a
mind to do it, would not here be able to give him any assistance.
12. Cherea consented to this delay; and when the shows were
exhibited, it was resolved to do the work the first day. But
fortune, which allowed a further delay to his slaughter, was too
hard for their foregoing resolution; and as three days of the
regular times for these shows were now over, they had much ado to
get the business done on the last day. Then Cherea called the
conspirators together, and spake thus to them: "So much time
passed away without effort is a reproach to us, as delaying to go
through such a virtuous design as we are engaged in; but more
fatal will this delay prove if we be discovered, and the design
be frustrated; for Caius will then become more cruel in his
unjust proceedings. Do we not see how long we deprive all our
friends of their liberty, and give Caius leave still to tyrannize
over them? while we ought to have procured them security for the
future, and, by laying a foundation for the happiness of others,
gain to ourselves great admiration and honor for all time to
come." Now while the conspirators had nothing tolerable to say by
way of contradiction, and yet did not quite relish what they were
doing, but stood silent and astonished, he said further, "O my
brave comrades! why do we make such delays? Do not you see that
this is the last day of these shows, and that Caius is about to
go to sea? for he is preparing to sail to Alexandria, in order to
see Egypt. Is it therefore for your honor to let a man go out of
your hands who is a reproach to mankind, and to permit him to go,
after a pompous manner, triumphing both at land and sea? Shall
not we be justly ashamed of ourselves, if we give leave to some
Egyptian or other, who shall think his injuries insufferable to
free-men, to kill him? As for myself, I will no longer bear your
stow proceedings, but will expose myself to the dangers of the
enterprise this very day, and bear cheerfully whatsoever shall be
the consequence of the attempt; nor, let them be ever so great,
will I put them off any longer: for, to a wise and courageous
man, what can be more miserable than that, while I am alive, any
one else should kill Caius, and deprive me of the honor of so
virtuous an action?"
13. When Cherea had spoken thus, he zealously set about the work,
and inspired courage into the rest to go on with it, and they
were all eager to fall to it without further delay. So he was at
the palace in the morning, with his equestrian sword girt on him;
for it was the custom that the tribunes should ask for the
watchword with their swords on, and this was the day on which
Cherea was, by custom, to receive the watchword; and the
multitude were already come to the palace, to be soon enough for
seeing the shows, and that in great crowds, and one tumultuously
crushing another, while Caius was delighted with this eagerness
of the multitude; for which reason there was no order observed in
the seating men, nor was any peculiar place appointed for the
senators, or for the equestrian order; but they sat at random,
men and women together, and free-men were mixed with the slaves.
So Caius came out in a solemn manner, and offered sacrifice to
Augustus Caesar, in whose honor indeed these shows were
celebrated. Now it happened, upon the fall of a certain priest,
that the garment of Asprenas, a senator, was filled with blood,
which made Caius laugh, although this was an evident omen to
Asprenas, for he was slain at the same time with Caius. It is
also related that Caius was that day, contrary to his usual
custom, so very affable and good-natured in his conversation,
that every one of those that were present were astonished at it.
After the sacrifice was over, Caius betook himself to see the
shows, and sat down for that purpose, as did also the principal
of his friends sit near him. Now the parts of the theater were so
fastened together, as it used to be every year, in the manner
following: It had two doors, the one door led to the open air,
the other was for going into, or going out of, the cloisters,
that those within the theater might not be thereby disturbed; but
out of one gallery there went an inward passage, parted into
partitions also, 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, were set down also, and the right corner of the theater
was allotted to Caesar, one Vatinius, a senator, commander of the
praetorian band, asked of Cluvius, one that sat by him, and was
of consular dignity also, whether he had heard any thing of news,
or not? but took care that nobody 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 dav." 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 play 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 was also confessed that
this was the same day wherein Pausanias, a friend of Philip, the
son of Amyntas, who was king of Macedonia, slew him, as he was
entering into the theater. 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?"
Whereupon, out of reverence to Caesar, as it seemed, he sat down
again; but his fear prevailed over him, and in a little time he
got up again, and then Caius did no way oppose his going out, as
thinking that he went out to perform some necessities of nature.
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.
14. 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 Cherea, 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
expense of such as might perish at the same time. And as they
were just going back into the entrance to the theater, word was
brought them that Caius was arisen, whereby a tumult was made;
hereupon the conspirators thrust away the crowd, under pretense
as if Caius was 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 Valellus 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 Pyrrhic way of dancing upon the theatres. So Cherea met
him, and asked him for the watchword; 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
this stroke mortal. And although there be those that say it was
so contrived on purpose by Chorea, 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 was of that mind, I
esteem him the greatest of all fools, in pleasing himself in 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 to leave it to
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. But
every body may guess as he please about this matter. However,
Caius was staggered with the pain that the 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 further. Nor did he either cry out, (in such
astonishment was he,) nor did he call out 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 fled; when Cornelius
Sabinus, who was already prepared in his 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 act 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 admission of what he said about it, he got
the dispersed conspirators together; he prepared every thing
after a prudent manner, and by suggesting good advice, showed
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 in hand, 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, and bravery, and
labors of the hands of Cherea.
15. 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 bloody inquiry after his
murderers. The passages also were narrow wherein the work was
done, which were also crowded with a great multitude of Caius's
attendants, and of such of the soldiers as were of the emperor's
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 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 fall 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 pro genitors, for he
bad 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 Caesar's murderers, and cut Asprenas 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 this his meeting the
soldiers would not be for his good. Then did Norbanus meet them,
who was one of the principal nobility of and could show many
generals of armies among his ancestors; but they paid no regard
to his dignity; yet was he of such great strength, that he
wrested the sword of the first of those that assaulted him out of
his hands, and appeared plainly 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 show his hatred to
Caius, and because he loved to see Caius lie dead with his own
eyes, 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
also. And thus were these [three] persons slain.
16. But when the rumor that Caius was slain reached the theater,
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 faction that
could come to them, were under such a fear, that they could not
believe it. There were also those who greatly distrusted it,
because they were unwilling that any such thing should come to
Caius, nor could believe it, though it were ever so true, because
they thought no man could possibly so much power as to kill
Caius. These were the women, and the children, and 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 for the women
and the youth, they had been inveigled with shows, and the
fighting of the gladiators, and certain distributions of
flesh-meat among them, which things them pretense were designed
for the pleasing of multitude, but in reality to satiate the
barbarous cruelty and madness of Caius. 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 the
city, 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 report appeared
credible to some of them, either because they knew of the plot
beforehand, or because they wished it might be true; however,
they concealed not only the joy they had at the relation of it,
but that they had heard any thing at all about it. These last
acted so out of the fear they had, that if the report proved
false, they should be punished, for having so soon let men know
their minds. But those that knew Caius was dead, because they
were partners with the conspirators, they concealed all still
more cautiously, as not knowing one another's 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 indeed, yet was not he dead, but alive still, and under
the physician's 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 ill-will to him. Nay, it was said by some (and this indeed
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 turned different ways, according to the opinions of
the bearers. Yet did they not 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 supposals of the
accusers and of the judges.
17. But now a multitude of Germans had surrounded the theater
with their swords drawn: all the spectators looked for nothing
but death, and at every one 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 enough to go out of
the theater, nor believing themselves safe from dangers if they
tarried there. And when the Germans came upon them, the cry was
so great, that the theater rang again with the entreaties 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 any sedition raised, they
knew nothing of it; they therefore begged that they would spare
them, and 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 it be that hath
been done. Thus did these people appeal to God, and deplore their
infelicity 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 to them. This brake the
fury of the soldiers, and made them repent of what they minded to
do to the spectators, which would have been the greatest instance
of cruelty. And so it appeared to even these 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 jeopardy of perishing together with him; nor had they hitherto
any firm assurance of surviving.
18. 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 afterward. 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
friends in the world; this man came into the theater, and
informed them of the death of Caius, and by this means put an end
to that 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
theater, 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 expense 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 now in
vain for them to show their zeal and kindness to 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.
19. But Cherea was so much afraid for Minucianus, lest he should
light upon the Germans now they were in their fury, that he went
and spike to every one of the soldiers, and prayed them to take
care of his preservation, and made himself great inquiry 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 it, and had courage enough to
execute it; and said that "tyrants do indeed please themselves
and look big for a while, upon having the power to act unjustly;
but do not however go happily out of the world, because they are
hated by the virtuous; and that Caius, together with all his
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 lies now
dead as perishing by his own self."
20. Now by this time the people in the theatre were arisen from
their seats, and those that were within made a very great
disturbance; the cause of which was this, that the spectators
were too hasty in getting away. There was also one Aleyon, a
physician, who hurried away, as if to cure those that were
wounded, and under that pretense he sent those that were with him
to fetch what things were necessary for the healing of those
wounded persons, but in reality to get them clear of the present
dangers they were in. Now the senate, during this interval, had
met, and the people also assembled together in the accustomed
form, 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 consuls 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.
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