Diodorus Siculus

FRAGMENTS - The Library of History



Page 769 taken many Thracian Prisoners Captive, and freely Releas'd them all, there were many that spread abroad his Fame for his Generosity and Clemency: And when many of the Thracian Nobility out of hatred to Diegulis, fled to him, and were kindly receiv'd, and the thing came to be known, Diegulis tortur'd the Hostages of them that were fled with most grievous Torments. Many of whom that were very Young, and of tender Age, he pull'd in pieces, Limb from Limb, and of others he cut of their Hands, Feet and Heads; some he crucified and others he hung upon Trees, many Women likewise who were Persons of Quality) he stigmatiz'd before they were put to death, and prostituted them to the Lust of every vile Fellow, in a most Barbarous manner giving up himself to all manner of Filthiness. Which as it clearly evidenc'd his unparall'ld Cruelty, so it mov'd many of the Spectators, who had but the least sense of Humanity, with pity and commiseration.

106. When Pompey was preparing to Besiege the City Lagnus, the Numantines willing to assist their Countrymen, sent to them in the Night 400 Soldiers; whom the Lagnetians at first readily receiv'd, and bountifully rewarded as their Saviours. But in a few days after, dreading a Siege, they Treated with Pompey, to deliver up the Town upon Terms, insisting only upon sparing their Lives. But when Pompey would admit of no Conditions, unless the Numantians were deliver'd up to him, the Lagnetians at first shrunk at the thoughts of such a wicked Act against their Benefactors, and therefore resolv'd to stand it out to the utmost: But being afterwards reduc'd to the utmost extremity, they sent to Pompey to acquaint him they were ready to Redeem their own Lives by the Destruction of their Confederates; which the Numantians coming to understand, they set upon the Citizens unexpectedly in the Night, and made a grievous Slaughter amongst 'em. Pompey having Intelligence of this Tumult and Bustle in the Town, forthwith set scaling Ladders to the Walls, and took the City, and put all the Lagnetians to the Sword, but generously discharg'd all the Numantian Auxiliaries, to the Number of 100; both pitying the Men that were so unworthily brought into such extremity and distress, as likewise hereby designing to to gain the Goodwill and opinion of the Numantians towards the Romans. Afterwards he Raz'd the City to the Ground.

107. Arsases King of the Parthians being a Mild and Gracious Prince, was exceeding prosperous and successful, and greatly enlarg'd the bounds of his Empire; for he Conquer'd all before him, as far as to India (where Porus Reign'd formerly) with a great deal of ease: And tho' he was advanc'd to that degree of Power and Authority, yet he inclin'd not in the least to Pride and Luxury, as is common with Princes in such cases, but was Kind to his Subjects, and Valiant in the Field against his Enemies: and having subdu'd several Nations, gathered together a System out of the best of their Laws, and imparted them to his Parthians.

108. Viriathus was Bury'd by the Lusitanians with great Pomp and State; for Two hundred Gladiators were matcht singly with as many more, and sought Duels at his Sepulchre, in honour of the remarkable Valour of this Man. For he was (as is agreed by all) Valiant in Dangers, Prudent and Careful in providing whatever was necessary, and that which was most of all considerable was, that whilst he Commanded he was more belov'd than ever any was before him: For in dividing the spoil he never serv'd himself with any thing above any of the rest; and of those things which fell to his share, he often rewarded them that had behav'd themselves valiantly, and reliev'd those Soldiers that were most in want. He was likewise of incredible Sobriety and Vigilancy, not sparing any Labour, or drawing back from any hazard, not to be overcome in the least by Ease or Pleasures. The Arguments of his virtuous Qualifications are evident and demonstrable: For being General of the Lusitanians for the space of Eleven years, during all that time his Soldiers were not only peaceable without any Mutinies, but remain'd unconquerable: But after his death the Forces of the Lusitanians in a short time after were broken and dispers'd, being depriv'd of such a General.

109. Ptolemy for his Cruelty, Murthers, filthy Lusts, and deform'd Body (whence he was call'd Physco) was hated by all. But Hierax his General being an expert Soldier, and Popular in all General Assemblies, and a Man of a great Spirit, took upon him the Government: For when Ptolemy wanted Money, and the Soldiers for want of Pay were ready to Revolt to Galaestes, he put a stop to their Mutiny by paying off their Arrears out of his own Purse.

110. The Aegyptians altogether contemn'd Ptolemy when they saw him so childish in his Speeches, drown'd in filthy Lusts, and his Body Emasculated by his Intemperance.

111. Aemilius the Consul being of an heavy and unweildy Body, by reason of his bulk, and too much pampering of himself, was very unfit for Martial Affairs.




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