ABSTRACT
Julius Ctesar the prince; misdoubting nothing whilest Augustus yet strong in bodie, was able to defend himselfe, his house, and peace ...
3. The solemnities of Augustus funerals, and the censure which men gave of him
[People discussed Augustus-often trivially.]
But among the better sort his life was diversly commended or discommended: Some sayd, that the love of his father, and the care of the Common-wealth, at that time when all lawes were dasht drove him to civill warres, which can never be begun or prosecuted by any good meanes: and that he had yeelded in many things to Antol!}!, and to Lepidus in like maner, because he would revenge his fathers death. For seeing the one grew carel esse with age, and the other wasted with lasciviousnes, there was no other meanes left to redresse all discords in the Common-wealth, then to bring her under the obedience of one alone, who should governe; neverthelesse not as King or Dictator, but as Prince. The Empire he had bounded with the Ocean, and other Rivers farre off: the Legions, Provinces and Navie were linked and knit in peace and unitie: justice was ministred in the cities: the allies intreated with modes tie : the citie beautified with sumptuous building: and if any rigorous dealing had bene used against some few, it was for setling of quietnes in the whole. Contrarily some sayd, that the love of his father, the corruption of times, served him but for a cloake and colour: and that he had stirred up the old souldyers by gifts and bribery, through ambition and desire of rule; that being but yong and a private person, he had gathered a power; corrupted the legions of the Consuls ...
