Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/291

270 contribution, above the reach of our senses as well as of our Estates. But Octavianus Cæsar (probably with some reference to his name,) exacted and received of all freed men the eighth part of their Estates. I omit what the Triumvir's and other Tyrants have done, lest I should teach those of our times, by the recitall of them. Let that one of Colonies, be instead of all examples of Exactions and Rapines. An invention then which nothing did more contribute to the strength of the Empire: and nothing could be devised more grievous to the Subject. Veterane Legions and Cohorts were drawn out into Towns and Fields, and the miserable Provincials, (in a moment of time) were thrust out of all their Estates and Fortunes, and that for no offence or unlawful attempt, their riches onely and plentiful possessions were their crimes. In which certainly the sum of all calamities is comprized. It's a Rh