Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1841 edition. Excerpt: ... 26 AN APOLOGY FOB ACTORS. I never yet could read any history of any commonweale, which did not thrive and prosper whilst these publike solemnities were held in adoration. Oh! but (say some) Marcus Aurelius banisht all such triviall exercises beyond the confines of Italy. Indeed, this emperour was a philosopher of the sect of Diogenes, a Cinicke; and whether the hand of Diogenes would become a scepter or a root better, I leave to your judgments. This Aurelius was a great and sharpe reprover, who, because the matrons and ladies of Rome, in scorne of his person, made a play of him, in his time interdicted the use of their theatres: so, because his wife, Faustine, plaid false with him, he generally exclaimed against all women; because himselfe could not touch an instrument, he banisht all the musitians in Rome; and, being a meere coward, put all the gladiators and sword-players into exile. And, lest his owne suspected life should be againe acted by the comedians, as it before had beene by the noble matrons, he profest himselfe adversary to all of that quality; so severe a reformation of the weale publike hee used, restraining the citizens of their free liberties, which till his daies was not scene in Rome. But what profited this the weale publicke? Do but peruse the ancient Roman chronicles, and you shall undoubtedly finde, that from the time of this precise Emperour, that stately city, whose lofty buildings crowned seven high hils at once, and over-peered them all, streight way begun to hang the head. By degrees the forreigne kingdomes revolted, and the homage done them by strange nations was in a little space quite abrogated; for they governed all the world, some under consuls, some under pro-consuls, presidents, and pretors: they divided...
