Antiquities of the Jews — Book 19, Chapter 1

1. Now this Caius 2 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 Cæsar'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, he
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 Cæsar, 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 how 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 Minucianus 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,] Minucianus 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 Minucianus 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 3 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 Cæsar 4
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 Cæsar 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 slow 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 Cæsar, 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 Cæsar,
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 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 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 Cæsar, 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 5
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 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
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 6 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 spoke 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 7 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.