Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/303

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282
A Diſcourſe
Book II.

only one testimony of the ancient slavery, in this respect; and that shall be out of an Author you are well acquainted with, and I would have you to attend him. 'Tis Tacitus in the reign of Domitian: We read (sayes he) that when Petus Thrasea was praised by Arulenus Rusticus, and Priscus Helvidius by Herennius Senecio; it was capital to them both. Nor did the cruelty extend it self only to the Authors, but also to their Works. Charge being given to the Triumvirs, that the monuments of those excellent wits should be burnt in the Forum and Comitium, supposing by that one fire, to have suppressed the voice of the people of Rome; the liberty of the Senate, and the conscience of Mankind. The professours also of Wisdom were banished; and all ingenious arts proscribed, lest there should any where appear the least footsteps of honesty. We gave certainly a grand example of our patience; and as the foregoing ages saw the utmost height of liberty, so did we of slavery, the commerce of hear-

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