Page 783 Mobb hereupon being all in an uproar, (affected by his Prayers and Intreaties) many Thousands of 'em run to the Tribunal, and unexpectedly for that time rescu'd him, and with the assistance of the People, he was again declar'd Tribune.
35. Mark Anthony made a Peace with the Cretians, which they kept for some time; but afterwards calling together a General Council to consider what was most advisable for them to do in order to their advantage; the more Ancient and Prudent amongst them Councell'd to send Ambassadors to Rome, to make Defence against those Accusations that were brought against them, and by fair Words and Intreaties, to work upon the Senate to a Reconciliation. To this end they dispatch'd away Thirty chosen out of the most Eminent Men, for Ambassadors, who privately Visiting the Senators at their several Houses, and courting them with fine Words, secur'd those that made up the Assembly: and being Introduc'd into the Senate, they made their Defence against the matters objected against them with great Prudence, exactly setting forth their good Services, and their Associations with the Senate, desiring that they might be Restor'd to their former Amity, and Confederacy: The Senate pleas'd with what they said, gave forth a Decree, by which they not only acquitted the Cretians, of the Crimes laid to their charge, but declar'd them Confederates and Friends to the State. But Lentulus sirnam'd Spinther, got the Decree revers'd, however the Cretians were dismissed. But the Senate had often Debates concerning the Cretians, alledging, and at length concluding that they join'd with the Pirates, and were Sharers in the Robberies; and therefore they decreed the Cretians should send in all their Ships to Rome, even to a Skiff of Four Oars, and resign the 300 famous Hostages, and send away Lasthenes and Paneres, and amongst them pay 4000 Talents of Silver. The Cretians hearing what was Decreed, went into a Consult about these Commands impos'd upon them, the more Prudent amongst 'em, advis'd to be observant in all things to what was enjoyn'd them: But those that were of Last thenes's party, and guilty of the same Crimes, and fearing lest being sent for to Rome, they should be there punish'd for their Offences, stirred up the People to a Sedition, advising them to maintain those liberties that they had ever, time out of Mind enjoy'd.