Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/302

Chap. 25. their Kings, and we know that Alexander challenged to himself that divine adoration, with the ill will of his ruder Macedonians. Amongst the Romans that good and moderate Emperour Augustus had in the Provinces, yes in every house, Flamens and Priests as a God. Caligula cutting off the Heads from the Statues of the Gods, with a ridiculous impiety, caused his own to be placed upon them. The same instituted a Temple, Priests and chosen Sacrifices to his own deity. Nero would be taken for Apollo, and the most illustrious of the City were slain, under this accusation; that they had never sacrificed to the heavenly voice. Domitian was openly called our Lord and God. Which vanity or impiety if it were found at this day, in any of our Kings; what would you then say Lipsius? I will sail no nearer this Scylla, into which no winds of ambition shall either betray or force me: For a secure old age is the reward of silence. I will bring in Rh