SATIRE XII.

This was the care which Jupiter used to show for the affairs of Latium, when made of earthenware,[743]and as yet profanedby no gold. Those days saw tables made of wood grown at home and from our native trees.[744]To these uses was the timber applied, if the east wind had chanced to lay prostrate some old walnut-tree. But now the rich have no satisfaction in their dinner, the turbot and the venison lose their flavor, perfumes and roses seem to lose their smell, unless the broad circumference of the table is supported by a huge mass of ivory, and a tall leopard with wide-gaping jaws, made of those tusks, which the gate of Syene[745]transmits, and the active Moors, and the Indian of duskier hue than the Moor;[746]and which the huge beast has deposited in some Nabathæan[747]glen, as now grown too weighty and burdensome to his head: by this their appetite[748]is whetted: hence their stomach acquires its vigor. For a leg of a table made only of silver is to them what an iron ring on their finger would be: I therefore cautiously avoid a proud guest, who compares me with himself, and looks with scorn on my paltry estate. Consequently I donot possess a single ounce of ivory: neither my chess-board[749]nor my men are of this material; nay, the very handles of my knives are of bone. Yet my viands never become rank in flavor by these, nor does my pullet cut up the worse on that account. Nor yet will you see a carver, to whom the whole carving-school[750]ought to yield the palm, some pupil of the professor Trypherus, at whose house the hare, with the large sow's udders,[751]and the wild boar, and the roebuck,[752]and pheasants,[753]and the huge flamingo,[754]and the wild goat[755]of Gætulia, all forming a most splendid supper, though made of elm, are carved with the blunted knife, and resounds through the whole Suburra. My little fellow, who is a novice, and uneducated all his days, does not know how to take dexterously off a slice of roe, or the wing of a Guinea-hen;[756]only versed in the mysteries of carving the fragments of a small collop.[757]

My slave, who is not gayly dressed, and only clad so as to protect him from cold, will hand you plebeian cups[758]bought for a few pence. He is no Phrygian or Lycian, or one purchased from the slave-dealer[759]and at great price. When you ask for any thing, ask in Latin. They have all the same style of dress; their hair close-cropped and straight, and only combed to-day on account of company. One is the son of a hardy shepherd, another of a neat-herd: he sighs after his mother, whom he has not seen for a long time, and pines for his hovel[760]and his playmate kids. A lad of ingenuous face, and ingenuous modesty; such asthoseought to be who are clothed in brilliant purple. He shall hand you wine[761]made on those very hills from which he himself comes, and under whose summit he has played; for the country of the wine and the attendant is one and the same.

Gambling is disgraceful, and so is adultery, in men of moderate means. Yet when rich men commit all those abominations, they are called jovial, splendid fellows. Our banquet to-day will furnish far different amusements. The author of the Iliad[762]shall be recited, and the verses of high-sounding Mars, that render the palm doubtful. What matter is it with what voice such noble verses are read?[763]But now havingput off all your cares, lay aside business, and allow yourself a pleasing respite, since you will have it in your power to be idle all day long. Let there be no mention of money out at interest. Nor if your wife is accustomed to go out at break of day and return at night, let her stir up your bile,[764]though you hold your tongue. Divest yourself at once of all that annoys you, at my threshold. Banish all thoughts of home and servants, and all that is broken and wasted[765]by them—especially forget ungrateful friends! Meantime, the spectacles of the Megalesian towel[766]grace the Idæan solemnity: and, like one in a triumph, the prey of horses, the prætor, sits: and, if I may say so without offense to the immense and overgrown crowd, the circus to-day incloses the whole of Rome;[767]and a din reaches my ears, from which I infer the success of the green faction.[768]For should it not win, you would see this city in mourning and amazement, as when the consuls were conquered in the dust[769]of Cannæ. Let young men be spectators of these,in whom shouting and bold betting, and sitting by a trim damsel is becoming. Let our skin,[770]which is wrinkled with age, imbibe the vernal sun and avoid the toga'd crowd. Even now, though it wants a whole hour to the sixth, you may go to the bath with unblushing brow. You could not do this for five successive days; because even of such a life as this there would be great weariness. It is a more moderate use[771]that enhances pleasures.

FOOTNOTES:[685]Atticus.Put for any man of wealth and rank. SoRutilusfor the reverse. Cf. xiv., 18.[686]Lautus.Cf. Mart., xii., Ep. xlviii., 5.[687]Apicius(cf. iv., 23), having spent "millies sestertium," upward of eight hundred thousand pounds, in luxury, destroyed himself through fear of want, though it appeared he had above eighty thousand pounds left.[688]Convictus.Properly, like convivium, "a dinner party." Cf. i., 145, "It nova nec tristis per cunctas fabula cœnas." Tac., Ann., xiv., 4; xiii., 14.[689]Stationes, "locus ubi otiosi in urbe degunt, et variis sermonibus tempus terunt." Plin., Ep. i., 13; ii, 9.[690]Sufficiunt galeæ.Cf. vii., 32, "Defluit ætas et pelagi patiens et cassidis atque ligonis."[691]Cogente.Cf. viii., 167, "Quanti sua funera vendunt Quid refert? vendunt nullocogente Nerone. Nec dubitant celsi prætoris vendere ludis."[692]Scripturus.Suet., Jul., 26. Gladiators had to write out the rules and words of command of their trainers, "dictata," in order to learn them by heart. Lubinus gives us some of these: "attolle, declina, percute, urge, cæde."[693]Macelli.So called from μάκελλον, "an inclosure," because the markets, before dispersed in the Forum boarium, olitorium, piscarium, cupedinis, etc., were collected into one building; or, from one Romanius Macellus, whose house stood there, and was "propter latrocinia ejus publicè diruta." Vid. Donat. ad Ter., Eunuch., ii., sc. ii., 24, where he gives a list of the cupediarii, "cetarii, lanii, coqui, fartores, piscatores;" or á mactando; as the French "Abattoir." Cf. Sat., v., 95. Suet., Jul., 26. Plaut., Aul., II., viii., 3. Hor., i., Ep. xv., 31.[694]Perlucente ruinâ.Cf. x., 107, "impulsæ præceps immane ruinæ." A metaphor from a building on the point of falling, with the daylight streaming through its cracks and fissures."Then with their prize to ruin'd walls repair,And eat the dainty scrap on earthenware." Badham.[695]Gustus.III., 93, "Quando omne peractum est, et jam defecit nostrum mare, dum gula sævit, retibus assiduis penitus scrutante macello proxima." The idea is probably from Seneca. "Quidquid avium volitat, quidquid piscium natat, quidquid ferarum discurrit, nostris sepelitur ventribus." Contr. V. pr. The Cœna consisted of three parts. 1. Gustus (Gustatio), or Promulsis. 2. Fercula: different courses. 3. Mensæ Secundæ. The gustus contained dishes designed more to excite than to satisfy hunger: vegetables, as the lactuca (Mart., xiii., 14), shell and other fish, with piquant sauces: mulsum (Hor., ii., Sat. iv., 24. Plin., i., Ep. 15). Cf. Bekker's Gallus, p. 466, 493. Vide ad Sat. vi., 428.[696]Difficile, i. e., "non dubitant." Vid. Schol. Not that they "haveno difficulty" in raising the money, as Crepereius Pollio found. Cf. ix., 5.[697]Oppositis."Ager oppositus est pignori ob decem minas." Ter., Phorm., IV., iii., 56.[698]Fractâ."Broken, that the features may not be recognized:" alluding probably to some well-known transaction of the time.[699]Quadringentis.Cf. Suet., Vit., 13, "Nec cuiquam minus singuli apparatus quadringentis millibus nummûm constiterunt."[700]Fictile.III., 168, "Fictilibus cœnare pudet."[701]Miscellanea."A special diet-bread to advantage the combatants at once in breath and strength."Holyday.It is said to have been a mixture of cheese and flour; probably a kind of macaroni. "Gladiatoria sagina." Tac., Hist., ii., 88. Prop., IV., viii., 25.[702]Ferratû.XIV., 259, "Æratâ multus in arcâ fiscus." X., 25. Hor., i., Sat. i., 67.[703]E cœlo.This precept has been assigned to Socrates, Chilo, Thales, Cleobulus, Bias, Pythagoras. It was inscribed in gold letters over the portico of the temple of Delphi. Hence, perhaps, the notion afterward, that it was derived immediately from heaven.[704]Conjugium.Cf. Æsch., Pr. V., 890. Ov., Her., ix., 32, "Si qua voles aptè nuberè nube pari."[705]Sacri."The undaunted spirit," says Gifford, "which could thus designate the senate in those days of tyranny and suspicion, deserves at least to be pointed out."[706]Thersites.Cf. vii., 115: x., 84; viii., 269. Juvenal is very fond of referring to this contest.[707]Traducebat.II., 159, "Illuc heu miseri traducimur." VIII., 17, "Squalentes traducit avos." It means literally "to expose to public derision," a metaphor taken from leading malefactors through the forum with their name and offense suspended from their neck. Cf. Suet., Tit., 8. Mart., i., Ep. liv., 3, "Quæ tua traducit manifesto carmina furto." VI., lxxvii., 5, "Rideris multoque magis traduceris afer Quam nudus medio si spatiere foro." Grang. explains it "se risui exponebat: nec enim arma Achillis Ulyssem decebant." Browne, "in which Ulysses cut a doubtful figure." Others refer ancipitem toloricam; or place the stop afterUlysses, and take ancip. withcausam. Gifford omits the passage altogether, as a tasteless interpolation of some Scholiast. Dryden turns it,"When scarce Ulysses had a good pretense,With all th' advantage of his eloquence."Badham:"Which, at the peril of a soldier's fame,The brave Ulysses scarcely dared to claim."Hodgson:"Thersites never could that armor bear,Which e'en Ulysses hesitates to wear."Britann. suggests that it may mean "his enemies doubted if he were really Achilles or no." Facciol.: "in a doubtful frame of mind as to whether they would become him or not."[708]Matho.Cf. i., 39; vii., 129. Mart., iv., Ep. 80, 81. For Curtius Montanus, see Tac., Ann., xvi., 48. Hist., iv., 42.[709]Mullum.Gifford always renders this by "sur-mullet" ["mugilis" being properly the mullet, of which Holyday gives a drawing, ad x., 317]; Mr. Metcalfe, by "the sea-barbel." Cf. ad iv., 15."Nor doubt thy throat of mullets to amerce,While scarce a gudgeon lingers in thy purse." Badham.[710]Crumenâ.Properly "a bag or reticule to hang on the arm;" a satchel to be hung over a boy's shoulder: then a purse suspended from the girdle, like the "gypciére" of the Middle Ages:"If thy throat widen as thy pockets shrink." Gifford.[711]Mersis."That deep abyss which every kind can hold,Land, cattle, contract, houses, silver, gold." Badham.[712]Novissimus.VI., 356, "Levibus athletis vasa novissima donat."[713]Pollio.Probably the Crepereius Pollio mentioned Sat. ix., 6, who could get no one to lend him money, though "triplicem usuram præstare paratus."[714]Senectus; exemplified in the story of Apicius above."Decrepit age far more than death they fear;Nor thirst nor hunger haunt the silent bier." Hodgson.[715]Qui vertere solum.Cic. pro Cæc., 34, "Qui volunt pœnam aliquam subterfugere aut calamitatem,solum vertunt, hoc est sedem ac locum mutant." Browne conjectures the meaning to be, "They who have parted with their property by mortgage, and sochangedits owner."[716]Cedere forois evidently explained, "to give one's creditors the slip"—"to run away from justice"—"to abscond from 'Change"—"to become bankrupt."[717]Ferventi."Lest Rome should grow toowarm, from Rome they run." Dryden.[718]Circensibus.Cf. iii., 223, "Si potes avelli Circensibus." vi., 87, "utque magis stupeas ludos Paridemque reliquit." viii., 118, "Circo scenæque vacantem." x., 80, "duas tantum res anxius optat Panem et Circenses." All these passages show the infatuation of the Romans for these games. Cf. Plin., Ep. ix., 6. Tac., Hist., i., 4; Ann., i., 2.[719]Uno.It is not implied that they had the privilege of returning at the end of a year, by a sort of statute of limitations, but only that the loss of the games even for that short period was a greater affliction than the forfeiture of all other privileges.[720]Siliquas, from Hor. ii., Ep. i., 123, "Vivit siliquis et pane secundo."[721]Pultes.A mixture of coarse meal and water, seasoned with salt and cheese; sometimes with an egg or honey added. It was long the food of the primitive Romans, according to Pliny, xviii., 8,seq.It probably resembled the macaroni, or "polenta," of the poor Italians of the present day. Cf. Pers., iii., 55, "Juventus siliquis et grandi pasta polentâ."[722]Evandrum.The allusion is to Virg., Æn., viii., 100,seq.; 228, 359,seq."Come; and while fancy brings past times to view,I'll think myself the king—the hero, you!" Gifford.[723]Alter aquis.Æneas, drowned in the Numicius. Hercules, burned on Mount Œta.[724]Fercula.Cf. ad 14.[725]Macellis.Virg., Georg., iv., 133, "Dapibus mensas onerabat inemptis." Cf. Hor., ii., Sat. ii., 150,seq.The next 16 lines are imitated from Mart., x., Ep. 48. Gifford says, "Martial has imitated this bill of fare in Lib. x., 48." But his 10th Book was writtenA.D.99; and from line 203, it is evident this Satire was written in Juvenal's old age, and therefore, in all probability, twenty years later.[726]Asparagi, called "corruda," Cato, de R. R., 6. The wild asparagus is still very common on the Italian hills. Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 21, "Inculti asparagi." See Sir William Hooker's note on Badham's version.[727]Signia, now "Segni" in Latium. Cf. Plin., xv., 15.—Syrium.The "Bergamot" pears are said to have been imported from Syria. Cf. Mart., v., Ep. lxxviii., 13, "Et nomen pyra quæ ferunt Syrorum." Virg., Georg., ii., 88, "Crustumiis Syriisque pyris." Columella (lib. v., c. 10) calls them "Tarentina," because brought from Syria to Tarentum. Others say they are the same as the Falernian.[728]Picenis.Hor., ii., Sat. iv., 70, "Picenis cedunt pomis Tiburtia succo, Nam facie præstant." And iii., 272, "Picenis excerpens semina pomis." These apples were to be also from his Tiburtine farm: the banks of the Anio being famous for its orchards. Hor., i., Od. vii., 14, "Præceps Anio ac Tiburni lucus et uda mobilibus pomaria vivis." Propert., IV., vii., 81, "Pomosis Anio quà spumifer incubat arvis." Apples formed a very prominent part of the mensæ secundæ: hence the proverb, "Ab ovo usque ad mala." Cf. Mart., x., 48, fin., "Saturis mitia poma dabo." Cf. Sat. v., 150,seq., where apples "qualia perpetuus Phæacum Autumnus habebat" form the conclusion of Virro's dinner. Cf. Mart., iii., Ep. 50.[729]Curiuswas found by the Samnite embassadors preparing his dish of turnips over the fire with his own hands. Cic., de Sen., xvi."Senates more rich than Rome's first senates were,In days of yore desired no better fare." Badham.[730]Vulvâ."Nul vulvâ pulchrius amplâ." Hor., i., Ep. xv., 41. For a description of this loathsome dainty, vid. Plin., xi., 37, 84. Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 56.[731]Maturius."For feasts like these would quit the mountain's soil,And snatch an hour from customary toil." Badham.[732]Fabios.Q. Fabius Maximus Rullianus, censorA.U.C.449, obliged his colleague, P. Decius, to allow him to administer his office with all its pristine severity.[733]Fabricios.Cf. ad ix., 142.[734]Testudo.Cf. vi., 80, "Testudineo conopeo;" xiv., 308, "ebore et lata testudine.""Which future times were destined to employ,To build rare couches for the sons of Troy." Badham.[735]Vile coronati.Henninius suggestsvite. The ass, by browsing on the vine, and thereby rendering it more luxuriant, is said to have first given men the idea of pruning the tendrils. Cf. Paus., ii., 38. Hyg., F., 274. The ass is always found, too, in connection with Silenus.[736]Nescius."Till at the soldier's foot her treasures lay,Who knew not half the riches of his prey." Hodgson.[737]Phaleris: xvi., 60. Florus says Phaleræ were introduced from Etruria together with curule chairs, trabeæ, prætextæ, etc. Vid. Liv., xxxix., 31. Plin., vii., 28, 9, says Siccius Dentatus had 25 phaleræ and 83 torques. Sil., xv., 254. Cf. Virg., Æn., ix., 359. Suet., Aug., 25; Ner., 33.[738]Venientis.Supposed to be a representation of Mars hovering in the air, and just about to alight by the sleeping Rhea Sylvia. The god isarmed, because the conventional manner of representing him was by the distinction of his "framea" and "clypeus." See Addison's note in Gifford.[739]In armis."Then all their wealth was on their armor spent,And war engross'd the pride of ornament." Hodgson.[740]Lividulus."Yet justly worth your envy, were your breastBut with one spark of noble spleen possess'd." Gifford.[741]Præsentior.Cf. iii., 18, "Quantopræsentiusesset Numen aquæ." Virg., Ec., i., 42, "Nec tam præsentes alibi cognoscere Divos." Georg., i., 10, "Præsentia Numina Fauni." Hor., iii., Od. v., 2, "Præsens Divus habebitur Augustus."[742]Vox."M. Cædicius de plebe nunciavit tribunis, se in Novâ Viâ, ubi nunc sacellum est, suprà sedem Vestæ vocem noctis silentio audîsse clariorem humanâ quæ magistratibus dici juberet 'Gallos adventare.'" "Invisitato atque inaudito hoste ab oceano terrarumque ultimis oris bellum ciente." Liv., v., 32, 3, 7, 50. Cic., de Div., ii., "At paullo post auditavox est monentisut providerent ne a Gallis Roma caperetur: ex eo Aio loquenti aram in novâ viâ consecratam." Cf. Plut. in Vit. Camill.[743]Fictilis.Cf. Sen., Ep. 31, "Cogita illos quum propitii essent fictiles fuisse."[744]Arbore.Cf. Mart., xiv., Ep. xc., "Non sum crispa quidem nec sylvæ filia Mauræ, sed nôrunt lautas et mea ligna dapes." Cf. Sat. i., 75, 137; iv., 132. The extravagance of the Romans on their tables is almost incredible. Pliny says that Cicero himself, who accuses Verres of stealing a Citrea mensa from Diodorus (in Verr., iv., 17), gave a million of sesterces for one which was in existence in his time. A "Senatoris Census" was a price given. These tables were not provided with several feet, but rested on an ivory column (sometimes carved into the figure of animals), hence called monopodia. They were called "Orbes," not from beinground, but because they were massive plates of wood cut off the stem in its whole diameter. The wood of thecitruswas most preferred. This is not thecitron-tree, which never attains to this bulk, but a tree found in Mauritania, called the thyæ cypressides. Plin., xiii., 16. Those cut near the root were most valued from the wood being variegated: hence "Tigrinæ, pantherinæ, pavonum caudæ oculos imitantes." The mensæ were formerly square, but were afterward round to suit the new fashion of the Sigma couch. The Romans also understood the art of veneering tables and other furniture with the citrus wood and tortoise-shell.[745]Porta Syenes.Syene, now "Assouan," is situated near the rapids, just on the confines of Ethiopia. It was a station for a Roman garrison, and the place to which Juvenal is said to have been banished. Some think the island Elephantine is here meant. Cf. ad x., 150, "aliosque Elephantos."[746]Mauro.Ab ἀμαυρός, vel μαυρός, "obscurus." Cf. Lucan., iv., 678, "Concolor Indo Maurus."[747]Nabathæo.The Nabathæi, in Arabia Petræa, took their name from "Nebaioth, first-born of Ishmael," Gen., xxv., 13. Elephants are said to shed their tusks every two years.[748]Orexis.VI., 428.Vires.Henninius' suggestion. Cf. ad l. 14.[749]Tessellæ.Holyday explains this by "chess-board," from the resemblance of the squares to the tesselated pavements. But it is a die, properly; of which shape the separate tesseræ were. Mart., xiv., 17, "Hic mihi bis seno numeratur tessera puncto: Calculus hic gemino discolor hoste perit." Cf. Ep. 14. Cicero considers this game to be one of the legitimate amusements of old age. "Nobis senibus, ex lusionibus multis, talos relinquant ettesseras," de Sen., xvi. "Old Mucius Scævola, the lawyer, was a great proficient at it. It was called Ludus duodecim scriptorum, from the lines dividing the alveolus. On these the two armies, white and black, each consisting of fifteen men, or calculi, were placed; and alternately moved, according to the chances of the dice,tesseræ." Vid. Gibbon, chap. xxxi.[750]Pergula.Literally "the stall outside a shop where articles are displayed for sale." Here used for the teachers of the art of carving who exhibited at these stalls. Suet., Aug., 94, speaks of a "pergula Mathematici." Pergula, "à perga, quia extrà parietem pergit." Facc.[751]Sumine.Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 44, "vivo lacte papilla tumet."[752]Pygargus."Capræ sylvestris genus, ab albis clunium pilis." Facc. Cf. Plin., viii., 53, 79, "Damæ et pygargi et Strepsicerotes." The "spring-bok" of the Cape.[753]Scythicæ.The pheasant (ὄρνις φασιανὸς or φασιανικός, Arist., Av., 68) takes its name from the Phasis, a river in Colchis, on the confines of Scythia, at the mouth of which these birds congregate in large flocks. Vid. Athen., ix., 37,seq.[754]Phœnicopterus.Arist., Av., 273. Cf. Mart., xiii., 71, "Dat mihi penna rubens nomen." Cf. iii., Ep. lviii., 14. Suetonius mentions "linguas phœnicopterûm" among the delicacies of the "Cœna adventicia" given by his brother to Vitellius, in Vit., c. 13.[755]Capreæ.Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 99.[756]Afra avis.Hor., Epod., ii., 53, "Non Afra avis descendat in ventrem meum non attagen Ionicus." The μελεαγρίς of the Greeks. Varro, R. R., III., ix., 18.[757]Offelæ, the diminutive of Offa. "A cutlet or chop," generally applied to the coarser kind of meat. Cf. Mart., xii., 48, "Me meus ad subitas invitet amicus ofellas: Hæc mihi quam possum reddere cœna placet." Some readfurtisforfrustis: which imputation against the character of the little slave Gifford indignantly rejects.[758]Plebeios calices, cf. ad vi., 155; v., 46, made of glass, which was now very common at Rome. Vid. Mart., Ep. xii., 74; xiv., 94,seq., and especially the Epigram on Mamurra, ix., 60. Strabo speaks of them as sold commonly in Rome in his own time for a χαλκοῦς each (not quite a farthing), lib. xvi., p. 368, T. Cf. Bekker's Gallus, p. 303.[759]Mango, cf. Pers., vi., 76,seq., frommanu ago, because they made up their goods for sale, or from μάγγανον, "a trick." Cf. Aristoph., Plut., 310. Bekker's Gallus, the Excursus on "the Slaves."[760]Casulam.Cf. ix., 59, "Rusticus infans, cum matre et casulis et conlusore catello.""Sighs for his little cottage, and would fainMeet his old playfellows the goats again." Gifford.[761]Vina.Cf. vii., 96, "Vinum Tiberi devectum." Mart., x., 48, 19, "De Nomentana vinum sine fæce lagenâ."[762]Iliados."The tale of Ilium, or that rival layWhich holds in deep suspense the dubious bay." Bad.[763]Legantur.Cf. Corn. Nep., vit. Attici, "Nemo in convivio ejus aliud acroama audivit quam Anagnosten: quod nos quidem jucundissimum arbitramur. Neque unquam sine aliquâ lectione apud eum cœnatum est, ut non minus animo quam ventre convivæ delectarentur," c. xvi. Cf. Mart., iii., Ep. 50, who complains of Ligurinus inviting him to have his own productions read to him.[764]Bilem."Let no dire images to-day be broughtTo wake the hell of matrimonial thought." Hodgson.[765]Perit.Cf. Hor., ii., Ep. i., 121, "Detrimenta, fugas servorum, incendia ridet."[766]Mappæ.Holyday gives the following account of the origin of this custom. "Nero on a time, sitting alone at dinner, when the shows were eagerly expected, caused his towel with which he had wiped his hands to be presently cast out at the window, for a sign of his speedy coming. Whereupon it was in after times the usual sign at the beginning of these shows." For the mappa see Bekker's Gallus, p. 476.—Præda, because "ruined by the expense;" orPrædo, from his "unjust decisions;" orPerda, from the "number of horses damaged."[767]Totam Romam.See Gibbon, chap. xxxi., for the eagerness with which all ranks flocked to these games.[768]Viridis panni.Cf. ad vi., 590. Plin., Ep. ix., 6, "Si aut velocitate equorum, aut hominum arte traherentur, esset ratio nonnulla. Nunc faventpanno:pannumamant,"et seq.Mart., x., Ep. xlviii., 23, "De Prasino conviva meus, venetoque loquatur." XIV., 131, "Si veneto Prasinove faves quid coccina sumis?"[769]Pulvereis not without its force. Hannibal is said to have plowed up the land near Cannæ, that the wind which daily rose and blew in that direction might carry the dust into the eyes of the Romans. "Ventus (Vulturnumincolæ regionis vocant) adversus Romanis coortus,multo pulverein ipsa ora volvendo, prospectum ademit." Liv., xxii., 46 and 43. Cf. Sat, ii., 155; x., 165.[770]Cuticula.Pers., iv., 18, "Assiduo curata cuticula sole." 33, "Et figas in cute solem." V., 179, "Aprici meminisse senes." Mart., x., Ep. xii., 7, "Totos avidâ cute combibe soles." I., Ep. 78, "Sole utitur Charinus." Plin., Ep. iii., 1, "Ubi hora balinei nuntiata est (cf. ad Sat. x., 216), est autem hieme nona, æstate octava, in sole, si caret vento, ambulat nudus." Cicero mentions "apricatio" as one of the solaces of old age. De Sen., c. xvi."While we, my friend, whose skin grows old and dry,Court the warm sunbeam of an April sky." Badham.[771]Rarior usus."Our very sports by repetition tire,But rare delight breeds ever new desire." Hodgson.

[685]Atticus.Put for any man of wealth and rank. SoRutilusfor the reverse. Cf. xiv., 18.

[686]Lautus.Cf. Mart., xii., Ep. xlviii., 5.

[687]Apicius(cf. iv., 23), having spent "millies sestertium," upward of eight hundred thousand pounds, in luxury, destroyed himself through fear of want, though it appeared he had above eighty thousand pounds left.

[688]Convictus.Properly, like convivium, "a dinner party." Cf. i., 145, "It nova nec tristis per cunctas fabula cœnas." Tac., Ann., xiv., 4; xiii., 14.

[689]Stationes, "locus ubi otiosi in urbe degunt, et variis sermonibus tempus terunt." Plin., Ep. i., 13; ii, 9.

[690]Sufficiunt galeæ.Cf. vii., 32, "Defluit ætas et pelagi patiens et cassidis atque ligonis."

[691]Cogente.Cf. viii., 167, "Quanti sua funera vendunt Quid refert? vendunt nullocogente Nerone. Nec dubitant celsi prætoris vendere ludis."

[692]Scripturus.Suet., Jul., 26. Gladiators had to write out the rules and words of command of their trainers, "dictata," in order to learn them by heart. Lubinus gives us some of these: "attolle, declina, percute, urge, cæde."

[693]Macelli.So called from μάκελλον, "an inclosure," because the markets, before dispersed in the Forum boarium, olitorium, piscarium, cupedinis, etc., were collected into one building; or, from one Romanius Macellus, whose house stood there, and was "propter latrocinia ejus publicè diruta." Vid. Donat. ad Ter., Eunuch., ii., sc. ii., 24, where he gives a list of the cupediarii, "cetarii, lanii, coqui, fartores, piscatores;" or á mactando; as the French "Abattoir." Cf. Sat., v., 95. Suet., Jul., 26. Plaut., Aul., II., viii., 3. Hor., i., Ep. xv., 31.

[694]Perlucente ruinâ.Cf. x., 107, "impulsæ præceps immane ruinæ." A metaphor from a building on the point of falling, with the daylight streaming through its cracks and fissures."Then with their prize to ruin'd walls repair,And eat the dainty scrap on earthenware." Badham.

[694]Perlucente ruinâ.Cf. x., 107, "impulsæ præceps immane ruinæ." A metaphor from a building on the point of falling, with the daylight streaming through its cracks and fissures.

"Then with their prize to ruin'd walls repair,And eat the dainty scrap on earthenware." Badham.

[695]Gustus.III., 93, "Quando omne peractum est, et jam defecit nostrum mare, dum gula sævit, retibus assiduis penitus scrutante macello proxima." The idea is probably from Seneca. "Quidquid avium volitat, quidquid piscium natat, quidquid ferarum discurrit, nostris sepelitur ventribus." Contr. V. pr. The Cœna consisted of three parts. 1. Gustus (Gustatio), or Promulsis. 2. Fercula: different courses. 3. Mensæ Secundæ. The gustus contained dishes designed more to excite than to satisfy hunger: vegetables, as the lactuca (Mart., xiii., 14), shell and other fish, with piquant sauces: mulsum (Hor., ii., Sat. iv., 24. Plin., i., Ep. 15). Cf. Bekker's Gallus, p. 466, 493. Vide ad Sat. vi., 428.

[696]Difficile, i. e., "non dubitant." Vid. Schol. Not that they "haveno difficulty" in raising the money, as Crepereius Pollio found. Cf. ix., 5.

[697]Oppositis."Ager oppositus est pignori ob decem minas." Ter., Phorm., IV., iii., 56.

[698]Fractâ."Broken, that the features may not be recognized:" alluding probably to some well-known transaction of the time.

[699]Quadringentis.Cf. Suet., Vit., 13, "Nec cuiquam minus singuli apparatus quadringentis millibus nummûm constiterunt."

[700]Fictile.III., 168, "Fictilibus cœnare pudet."

[701]Miscellanea."A special diet-bread to advantage the combatants at once in breath and strength."Holyday.It is said to have been a mixture of cheese and flour; probably a kind of macaroni. "Gladiatoria sagina." Tac., Hist., ii., 88. Prop., IV., viii., 25.

[702]Ferratû.XIV., 259, "Æratâ multus in arcâ fiscus." X., 25. Hor., i., Sat. i., 67.

[703]E cœlo.This precept has been assigned to Socrates, Chilo, Thales, Cleobulus, Bias, Pythagoras. It was inscribed in gold letters over the portico of the temple of Delphi. Hence, perhaps, the notion afterward, that it was derived immediately from heaven.

[704]Conjugium.Cf. Æsch., Pr. V., 890. Ov., Her., ix., 32, "Si qua voles aptè nuberè nube pari."

[705]Sacri."The undaunted spirit," says Gifford, "which could thus designate the senate in those days of tyranny and suspicion, deserves at least to be pointed out."

[706]Thersites.Cf. vii., 115: x., 84; viii., 269. Juvenal is very fond of referring to this contest.

[707]Traducebat.II., 159, "Illuc heu miseri traducimur." VIII., 17, "Squalentes traducit avos." It means literally "to expose to public derision," a metaphor taken from leading malefactors through the forum with their name and offense suspended from their neck. Cf. Suet., Tit., 8. Mart., i., Ep. liv., 3, "Quæ tua traducit manifesto carmina furto." VI., lxxvii., 5, "Rideris multoque magis traduceris afer Quam nudus medio si spatiere foro." Grang. explains it "se risui exponebat: nec enim arma Achillis Ulyssem decebant." Browne, "in which Ulysses cut a doubtful figure." Others refer ancipitem toloricam; or place the stop afterUlysses, and take ancip. withcausam. Gifford omits the passage altogether, as a tasteless interpolation of some Scholiast. Dryden turns it,"When scarce Ulysses had a good pretense,With all th' advantage of his eloquence."Badham:"Which, at the peril of a soldier's fame,The brave Ulysses scarcely dared to claim."Hodgson:"Thersites never could that armor bear,Which e'en Ulysses hesitates to wear."Britann. suggests that it may mean "his enemies doubted if he were really Achilles or no." Facciol.: "in a doubtful frame of mind as to whether they would become him or not."

"When scarce Ulysses had a good pretense,With all th' advantage of his eloquence."

Badham:

"Which, at the peril of a soldier's fame,The brave Ulysses scarcely dared to claim."

Hodgson:

"Thersites never could that armor bear,Which e'en Ulysses hesitates to wear."

Britann. suggests that it may mean "his enemies doubted if he were really Achilles or no." Facciol.: "in a doubtful frame of mind as to whether they would become him or not."

[708]Matho.Cf. i., 39; vii., 129. Mart., iv., Ep. 80, 81. For Curtius Montanus, see Tac., Ann., xvi., 48. Hist., iv., 42.

[709]Mullum.Gifford always renders this by "sur-mullet" ["mugilis" being properly the mullet, of which Holyday gives a drawing, ad x., 317]; Mr. Metcalfe, by "the sea-barbel." Cf. ad iv., 15."Nor doubt thy throat of mullets to amerce,While scarce a gudgeon lingers in thy purse." Badham.

[709]Mullum.Gifford always renders this by "sur-mullet" ["mugilis" being properly the mullet, of which Holyday gives a drawing, ad x., 317]; Mr. Metcalfe, by "the sea-barbel." Cf. ad iv., 15.

"Nor doubt thy throat of mullets to amerce,While scarce a gudgeon lingers in thy purse." Badham.

[710]Crumenâ.Properly "a bag or reticule to hang on the arm;" a satchel to be hung over a boy's shoulder: then a purse suspended from the girdle, like the "gypciére" of the Middle Ages:"If thy throat widen as thy pockets shrink." Gifford.

[710]Crumenâ.Properly "a bag or reticule to hang on the arm;" a satchel to be hung over a boy's shoulder: then a purse suspended from the girdle, like the "gypciére" of the Middle Ages:

"If thy throat widen as thy pockets shrink." Gifford.

[711]Mersis."That deep abyss which every kind can hold,Land, cattle, contract, houses, silver, gold." Badham.

[711]Mersis.

"That deep abyss which every kind can hold,Land, cattle, contract, houses, silver, gold." Badham.

[712]Novissimus.VI., 356, "Levibus athletis vasa novissima donat."

[713]Pollio.Probably the Crepereius Pollio mentioned Sat. ix., 6, who could get no one to lend him money, though "triplicem usuram præstare paratus."

[714]Senectus; exemplified in the story of Apicius above."Decrepit age far more than death they fear;Nor thirst nor hunger haunt the silent bier." Hodgson.

[714]Senectus; exemplified in the story of Apicius above.

"Decrepit age far more than death they fear;Nor thirst nor hunger haunt the silent bier." Hodgson.

[715]Qui vertere solum.Cic. pro Cæc., 34, "Qui volunt pœnam aliquam subterfugere aut calamitatem,solum vertunt, hoc est sedem ac locum mutant." Browne conjectures the meaning to be, "They who have parted with their property by mortgage, and sochangedits owner."

[716]Cedere forois evidently explained, "to give one's creditors the slip"—"to run away from justice"—"to abscond from 'Change"—"to become bankrupt."

[717]Ferventi."Lest Rome should grow toowarm, from Rome they run." Dryden.

[717]Ferventi.

"Lest Rome should grow toowarm, from Rome they run." Dryden.

[718]Circensibus.Cf. iii., 223, "Si potes avelli Circensibus." vi., 87, "utque magis stupeas ludos Paridemque reliquit." viii., 118, "Circo scenæque vacantem." x., 80, "duas tantum res anxius optat Panem et Circenses." All these passages show the infatuation of the Romans for these games. Cf. Plin., Ep. ix., 6. Tac., Hist., i., 4; Ann., i., 2.

[719]Uno.It is not implied that they had the privilege of returning at the end of a year, by a sort of statute of limitations, but only that the loss of the games even for that short period was a greater affliction than the forfeiture of all other privileges.

[720]Siliquas, from Hor. ii., Ep. i., 123, "Vivit siliquis et pane secundo."

[721]Pultes.A mixture of coarse meal and water, seasoned with salt and cheese; sometimes with an egg or honey added. It was long the food of the primitive Romans, according to Pliny, xviii., 8,seq.It probably resembled the macaroni, or "polenta," of the poor Italians of the present day. Cf. Pers., iii., 55, "Juventus siliquis et grandi pasta polentâ."

[722]Evandrum.The allusion is to Virg., Æn., viii., 100,seq.; 228, 359,seq."Come; and while fancy brings past times to view,I'll think myself the king—the hero, you!" Gifford.

[722]Evandrum.The allusion is to Virg., Æn., viii., 100,seq.; 228, 359,seq.

"Come; and while fancy brings past times to view,I'll think myself the king—the hero, you!" Gifford.

[723]Alter aquis.Æneas, drowned in the Numicius. Hercules, burned on Mount Œta.

[724]Fercula.Cf. ad 14.

[725]Macellis.Virg., Georg., iv., 133, "Dapibus mensas onerabat inemptis." Cf. Hor., ii., Sat. ii., 150,seq.The next 16 lines are imitated from Mart., x., Ep. 48. Gifford says, "Martial has imitated this bill of fare in Lib. x., 48." But his 10th Book was writtenA.D.99; and from line 203, it is evident this Satire was written in Juvenal's old age, and therefore, in all probability, twenty years later.

[726]Asparagi, called "corruda," Cato, de R. R., 6. The wild asparagus is still very common on the Italian hills. Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 21, "Inculti asparagi." See Sir William Hooker's note on Badham's version.

[727]Signia, now "Segni" in Latium. Cf. Plin., xv., 15.—Syrium.The "Bergamot" pears are said to have been imported from Syria. Cf. Mart., v., Ep. lxxviii., 13, "Et nomen pyra quæ ferunt Syrorum." Virg., Georg., ii., 88, "Crustumiis Syriisque pyris." Columella (lib. v., c. 10) calls them "Tarentina," because brought from Syria to Tarentum. Others say they are the same as the Falernian.

[728]Picenis.Hor., ii., Sat. iv., 70, "Picenis cedunt pomis Tiburtia succo, Nam facie præstant." And iii., 272, "Picenis excerpens semina pomis." These apples were to be also from his Tiburtine farm: the banks of the Anio being famous for its orchards. Hor., i., Od. vii., 14, "Præceps Anio ac Tiburni lucus et uda mobilibus pomaria vivis." Propert., IV., vii., 81, "Pomosis Anio quà spumifer incubat arvis." Apples formed a very prominent part of the mensæ secundæ: hence the proverb, "Ab ovo usque ad mala." Cf. Mart., x., 48, fin., "Saturis mitia poma dabo." Cf. Sat. v., 150,seq., where apples "qualia perpetuus Phæacum Autumnus habebat" form the conclusion of Virro's dinner. Cf. Mart., iii., Ep. 50.

[729]Curiuswas found by the Samnite embassadors preparing his dish of turnips over the fire with his own hands. Cic., de Sen., xvi."Senates more rich than Rome's first senates were,In days of yore desired no better fare." Badham.

[729]Curiuswas found by the Samnite embassadors preparing his dish of turnips over the fire with his own hands. Cic., de Sen., xvi.

"Senates more rich than Rome's first senates were,In days of yore desired no better fare." Badham.

[730]Vulvâ."Nul vulvâ pulchrius amplâ." Hor., i., Ep. xv., 41. For a description of this loathsome dainty, vid. Plin., xi., 37, 84. Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 56.

[731]Maturius."For feasts like these would quit the mountain's soil,And snatch an hour from customary toil." Badham.

[731]Maturius.

"For feasts like these would quit the mountain's soil,And snatch an hour from customary toil." Badham.

[732]Fabios.Q. Fabius Maximus Rullianus, censorA.U.C.449, obliged his colleague, P. Decius, to allow him to administer his office with all its pristine severity.

[733]Fabricios.Cf. ad ix., 142.

[734]Testudo.Cf. vi., 80, "Testudineo conopeo;" xiv., 308, "ebore et lata testudine.""Which future times were destined to employ,To build rare couches for the sons of Troy." Badham.

[734]Testudo.Cf. vi., 80, "Testudineo conopeo;" xiv., 308, "ebore et lata testudine."

"Which future times were destined to employ,To build rare couches for the sons of Troy." Badham.

[735]Vile coronati.Henninius suggestsvite. The ass, by browsing on the vine, and thereby rendering it more luxuriant, is said to have first given men the idea of pruning the tendrils. Cf. Paus., ii., 38. Hyg., F., 274. The ass is always found, too, in connection with Silenus.

[736]Nescius."Till at the soldier's foot her treasures lay,Who knew not half the riches of his prey." Hodgson.

[736]Nescius.

"Till at the soldier's foot her treasures lay,Who knew not half the riches of his prey." Hodgson.

[737]Phaleris: xvi., 60. Florus says Phaleræ were introduced from Etruria together with curule chairs, trabeæ, prætextæ, etc. Vid. Liv., xxxix., 31. Plin., vii., 28, 9, says Siccius Dentatus had 25 phaleræ and 83 torques. Sil., xv., 254. Cf. Virg., Æn., ix., 359. Suet., Aug., 25; Ner., 33.

[738]Venientis.Supposed to be a representation of Mars hovering in the air, and just about to alight by the sleeping Rhea Sylvia. The god isarmed, because the conventional manner of representing him was by the distinction of his "framea" and "clypeus." See Addison's note in Gifford.

[739]In armis."Then all their wealth was on their armor spent,And war engross'd the pride of ornament." Hodgson.

[739]In armis.

"Then all their wealth was on their armor spent,And war engross'd the pride of ornament." Hodgson.

[740]Lividulus."Yet justly worth your envy, were your breastBut with one spark of noble spleen possess'd." Gifford.

[740]Lividulus.

"Yet justly worth your envy, were your breastBut with one spark of noble spleen possess'd." Gifford.

[741]Præsentior.Cf. iii., 18, "Quantopræsentiusesset Numen aquæ." Virg., Ec., i., 42, "Nec tam præsentes alibi cognoscere Divos." Georg., i., 10, "Præsentia Numina Fauni." Hor., iii., Od. v., 2, "Præsens Divus habebitur Augustus."

[742]Vox."M. Cædicius de plebe nunciavit tribunis, se in Novâ Viâ, ubi nunc sacellum est, suprà sedem Vestæ vocem noctis silentio audîsse clariorem humanâ quæ magistratibus dici juberet 'Gallos adventare.'" "Invisitato atque inaudito hoste ab oceano terrarumque ultimis oris bellum ciente." Liv., v., 32, 3, 7, 50. Cic., de Div., ii., "At paullo post auditavox est monentisut providerent ne a Gallis Roma caperetur: ex eo Aio loquenti aram in novâ viâ consecratam." Cf. Plut. in Vit. Camill.

[743]Fictilis.Cf. Sen., Ep. 31, "Cogita illos quum propitii essent fictiles fuisse."

[744]Arbore.Cf. Mart., xiv., Ep. xc., "Non sum crispa quidem nec sylvæ filia Mauræ, sed nôrunt lautas et mea ligna dapes." Cf. Sat. i., 75, 137; iv., 132. The extravagance of the Romans on their tables is almost incredible. Pliny says that Cicero himself, who accuses Verres of stealing a Citrea mensa from Diodorus (in Verr., iv., 17), gave a million of sesterces for one which was in existence in his time. A "Senatoris Census" was a price given. These tables were not provided with several feet, but rested on an ivory column (sometimes carved into the figure of animals), hence called monopodia. They were called "Orbes," not from beinground, but because they were massive plates of wood cut off the stem in its whole diameter. The wood of thecitruswas most preferred. This is not thecitron-tree, which never attains to this bulk, but a tree found in Mauritania, called the thyæ cypressides. Plin., xiii., 16. Those cut near the root were most valued from the wood being variegated: hence "Tigrinæ, pantherinæ, pavonum caudæ oculos imitantes." The mensæ were formerly square, but were afterward round to suit the new fashion of the Sigma couch. The Romans also understood the art of veneering tables and other furniture with the citrus wood and tortoise-shell.

[745]Porta Syenes.Syene, now "Assouan," is situated near the rapids, just on the confines of Ethiopia. It was a station for a Roman garrison, and the place to which Juvenal is said to have been banished. Some think the island Elephantine is here meant. Cf. ad x., 150, "aliosque Elephantos."

[746]Mauro.Ab ἀμαυρός, vel μαυρός, "obscurus." Cf. Lucan., iv., 678, "Concolor Indo Maurus."

[747]Nabathæo.The Nabathæi, in Arabia Petræa, took their name from "Nebaioth, first-born of Ishmael," Gen., xxv., 13. Elephants are said to shed their tusks every two years.

[748]Orexis.VI., 428.Vires.Henninius' suggestion. Cf. ad l. 14.

[749]Tessellæ.Holyday explains this by "chess-board," from the resemblance of the squares to the tesselated pavements. But it is a die, properly; of which shape the separate tesseræ were. Mart., xiv., 17, "Hic mihi bis seno numeratur tessera puncto: Calculus hic gemino discolor hoste perit." Cf. Ep. 14. Cicero considers this game to be one of the legitimate amusements of old age. "Nobis senibus, ex lusionibus multis, talos relinquant ettesseras," de Sen., xvi. "Old Mucius Scævola, the lawyer, was a great proficient at it. It was called Ludus duodecim scriptorum, from the lines dividing the alveolus. On these the two armies, white and black, each consisting of fifteen men, or calculi, were placed; and alternately moved, according to the chances of the dice,tesseræ." Vid. Gibbon, chap. xxxi.

[750]Pergula.Literally "the stall outside a shop where articles are displayed for sale." Here used for the teachers of the art of carving who exhibited at these stalls. Suet., Aug., 94, speaks of a "pergula Mathematici." Pergula, "à perga, quia extrà parietem pergit." Facc.

[751]Sumine.Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 44, "vivo lacte papilla tumet."

[752]Pygargus."Capræ sylvestris genus, ab albis clunium pilis." Facc. Cf. Plin., viii., 53, 79, "Damæ et pygargi et Strepsicerotes." The "spring-bok" of the Cape.

[753]Scythicæ.The pheasant (ὄρνις φασιανὸς or φασιανικός, Arist., Av., 68) takes its name from the Phasis, a river in Colchis, on the confines of Scythia, at the mouth of which these birds congregate in large flocks. Vid. Athen., ix., 37,seq.

[754]Phœnicopterus.Arist., Av., 273. Cf. Mart., xiii., 71, "Dat mihi penna rubens nomen." Cf. iii., Ep. lviii., 14. Suetonius mentions "linguas phœnicopterûm" among the delicacies of the "Cœna adventicia" given by his brother to Vitellius, in Vit., c. 13.

[755]Capreæ.Cf. Mart., Ep. xiii., 99.

[756]Afra avis.Hor., Epod., ii., 53, "Non Afra avis descendat in ventrem meum non attagen Ionicus." The μελεαγρίς of the Greeks. Varro, R. R., III., ix., 18.

[757]Offelæ, the diminutive of Offa. "A cutlet or chop," generally applied to the coarser kind of meat. Cf. Mart., xii., 48, "Me meus ad subitas invitet amicus ofellas: Hæc mihi quam possum reddere cœna placet." Some readfurtisforfrustis: which imputation against the character of the little slave Gifford indignantly rejects.

[758]Plebeios calices, cf. ad vi., 155; v., 46, made of glass, which was now very common at Rome. Vid. Mart., Ep. xii., 74; xiv., 94,seq., and especially the Epigram on Mamurra, ix., 60. Strabo speaks of them as sold commonly in Rome in his own time for a χαλκοῦς each (not quite a farthing), lib. xvi., p. 368, T. Cf. Bekker's Gallus, p. 303.

[759]Mango, cf. Pers., vi., 76,seq., frommanu ago, because they made up their goods for sale, or from μάγγανον, "a trick." Cf. Aristoph., Plut., 310. Bekker's Gallus, the Excursus on "the Slaves."

[760]Casulam.Cf. ix., 59, "Rusticus infans, cum matre et casulis et conlusore catello.""Sighs for his little cottage, and would fainMeet his old playfellows the goats again." Gifford.

[760]Casulam.Cf. ix., 59, "Rusticus infans, cum matre et casulis et conlusore catello."

"Sighs for his little cottage, and would fainMeet his old playfellows the goats again." Gifford.

[761]Vina.Cf. vii., 96, "Vinum Tiberi devectum." Mart., x., 48, 19, "De Nomentana vinum sine fæce lagenâ."

[762]Iliados."The tale of Ilium, or that rival layWhich holds in deep suspense the dubious bay." Bad.

[762]Iliados.

"The tale of Ilium, or that rival layWhich holds in deep suspense the dubious bay." Bad.

[763]Legantur.Cf. Corn. Nep., vit. Attici, "Nemo in convivio ejus aliud acroama audivit quam Anagnosten: quod nos quidem jucundissimum arbitramur. Neque unquam sine aliquâ lectione apud eum cœnatum est, ut non minus animo quam ventre convivæ delectarentur," c. xvi. Cf. Mart., iii., Ep. 50, who complains of Ligurinus inviting him to have his own productions read to him.

[764]Bilem."Let no dire images to-day be broughtTo wake the hell of matrimonial thought." Hodgson.

[764]Bilem.

"Let no dire images to-day be broughtTo wake the hell of matrimonial thought." Hodgson.

[765]Perit.Cf. Hor., ii., Ep. i., 121, "Detrimenta, fugas servorum, incendia ridet."

[766]Mappæ.Holyday gives the following account of the origin of this custom. "Nero on a time, sitting alone at dinner, when the shows were eagerly expected, caused his towel with which he had wiped his hands to be presently cast out at the window, for a sign of his speedy coming. Whereupon it was in after times the usual sign at the beginning of these shows." For the mappa see Bekker's Gallus, p. 476.—Præda, because "ruined by the expense;" orPrædo, from his "unjust decisions;" orPerda, from the "number of horses damaged."

[767]Totam Romam.See Gibbon, chap. xxxi., for the eagerness with which all ranks flocked to these games.

[768]Viridis panni.Cf. ad vi., 590. Plin., Ep. ix., 6, "Si aut velocitate equorum, aut hominum arte traherentur, esset ratio nonnulla. Nunc faventpanno:pannumamant,"et seq.Mart., x., Ep. xlviii., 23, "De Prasino conviva meus, venetoque loquatur." XIV., 131, "Si veneto Prasinove faves quid coccina sumis?"

[769]Pulvereis not without its force. Hannibal is said to have plowed up the land near Cannæ, that the wind which daily rose and blew in that direction might carry the dust into the eyes of the Romans. "Ventus (Vulturnumincolæ regionis vocant) adversus Romanis coortus,multo pulverein ipsa ora volvendo, prospectum ademit." Liv., xxii., 46 and 43. Cf. Sat, ii., 155; x., 165.

[770]Cuticula.Pers., iv., 18, "Assiduo curata cuticula sole." 33, "Et figas in cute solem." V., 179, "Aprici meminisse senes." Mart., x., Ep. xii., 7, "Totos avidâ cute combibe soles." I., Ep. 78, "Sole utitur Charinus." Plin., Ep. iii., 1, "Ubi hora balinei nuntiata est (cf. ad Sat. x., 216), est autem hieme nona, æstate octava, in sole, si caret vento, ambulat nudus." Cicero mentions "apricatio" as one of the solaces of old age. De Sen., c. xvi."While we, my friend, whose skin grows old and dry,Court the warm sunbeam of an April sky." Badham.

"While we, my friend, whose skin grows old and dry,Court the warm sunbeam of an April sky." Badham.

[771]Rarior usus."Our very sports by repetition tire,But rare delight breeds ever new desire." Hodgson.

[771]Rarior usus.

"Our very sports by repetition tire,But rare delight breeds ever new desire." Hodgson.

This day, Corvinus, is a more joyful one to me than even my own birthday;[772]in which the festal altar of turf[773]awaits the animals promised to the gods.

To the queen of the gods we sacrifice a snow-white[774]lamb: a similar fleece shall be given to her that combated the MauritanianGorgon.[775]But the victim reserved for Tarpeian Jupiter, shakes, in his wantonness, his long-stretched[776]rope, and brandishes his forehead. Since he is a sturdy calf; ripe for the temple and the altar, and ready to be sprinkled with wine; ashamed any longer to drain his mother's[777]teats, and butts the oaks with his sprouting horn.[778]Had I an ample fortune, and equal to my wishes, a bull fatter than Hispulla,[779]and slow-paced from his very bulk, should be led to sacrifice, and one not fed in a neighboring pasture; but his blood should flow, giving evidence of the rich pastures of Clitumnus,[780]and with a neck that must be struck by a ministering priest of great strength, to do honor to the return of my friend who is still trembling, and has recently endured great horrors, and wonders to find himself safe.

For besides the dangers of the sea, and the stroke of the lightning which he escaped, thick darkness obscured the sky in one huge cloud, and a sudden thunder-bolt struck the yard-arms, while every one fancied he was struck by it, and at once, amazed, thought that no shipwreck could be compared in horror with a ship on fire.[781]For all things happenso, and with such horrors accompanying, when a storm arises in poetry.[782]

Now here follows another sort of danger. Hear, and pity him a second time; although the rest is all of the same description. Yet it is a very dreadful part, and one well known to many, as full many a temple testifies with its votive picture. (Who does not know that painters[783]are maintained by Isis?) A similar fortune befell our friend Catullus also: when the hold was half full of water, and when the waves heaved up each side alternately of the laboring ship, and the skill of the hoary pilot could render no service, he began to compound with the winds by throwing overboard, imitating the beaver who makes a eunuch[784]of himself, hoping to get off by the sacrifice of his testicles; so well does he know their medicinalproperties. "Throw overboard all that belongs to me, the whole of it!" cried Catullus, eager to throw over even his most beautiful things—a robe of purple fit even for luxurious Mæcenases, and others whose very fleece the quality of the generous pasture has tinged, moreover the exquisite water with its hidden properties, and the atmosphere of Bætica[785]contributes to enhance its beauty. He did not hesitate to cast overboard even his plate, salvers the workmanship of Parthenius, a bowl[786]that would hold three gallons, and worthy of Pholus when thirsty, or even the wife of Fuscus.[787]Add to these bascaudæ,[788]and a thousand chargers, a quantity of embletic work, out of which the cunning purchaser of Olynthus[789]had drunk. But what other man in these days, or in what quarter of the globe, has the courage to prefer his life to his money, and his safety to his property? Some men do not make fortunes for the sake of living, but, blinded byavarice, live for the sake of money-getting. The greatest part even of necessaries is thrown overboard: but not even do these sacrifices relieve the ship—then, in the urgency of the peril, it came to such a pitch that he yielded his mast to the hatchet, and rights himself at last, though in a crippled state. Since this is the last resource in danger we apply, to make the ship lighter.

Go now, and commit your life to the mercy of the winds; trusting to a hewn plank, with but four digits[790]between you and death, or seven at most, if the deal is of the thickest. And then together with your provision-baskets and bread and wide-bellied flagon,[791]look well that you lay in hatchets,[792]to be brought into use in storms.

But when the sea subsided into calm, and the state of affairs was more propitious to the mariner, and his destiny prevailed over Eurus and the sea, when now the cheerful Parcæ draw kindlier tasks with benign hand, and spin white wool,[793]and what wind there is, is not much stronger than a moderate breeze, the wretched bark, with a poor make-shift, ran before it, with the sailors' clothes spread out, and with its only sail that remained: when now the south wind subsided, together with the sun hope of life returned. Then the tall peak beloved by Iulus, and preferred as a home by him to Lavinium,[794]his stepmother's seat, comes in sight; to which the white sow[795]gave its name—(an udder that excited the astonishment of the gladdened Phrygians)—illustrious from what had never been seen before, thirty paps. At length he enters the moles,[796]built through the waters inclosed within them, and the Pharos of Tuscany, and the arms extending back, which jut out into the middle of the sea, and leave Italy far behind. You would not bestow such admiration on the harbor which nature formed: but with damaged bark, the master steers for the inner smooth waters of the safe haven, which even a pinnace of Baiæ could cross; and there with shaven crowns[797]the sailors, now relieved from anxiety, delight to recount their perils that form the subject of their prating.

Go then, boys, favoring with tongues and minds,[798]and place garlands in the temples, and meal on the sacrificial knives, and decorate the soft hearths and green turf-altar. I will follow shortly, and the sacrifice which is most important[799]having been duly performed, I will then return home, where my little images, shining in frail wax, shall receive their slender chaplets. Here I will propitiate[800]my own Jove, and offer incense to my hereditary Lares,[801]and will display all colors of the violet. All things are gay; my gateway has set up long branches,[802]and celebrates the festivities[803]with lamps lighted in the morning.

Nor let these things be suspected by you, Corvinus. Catullus, for whose safe return I erect so many altars, has three little heirs. You may wait long enough for a man that would expend even a sick hen at the point of death for so unprofitable a friend. But even this is too great an outlay. Not even a quail will ever be sacrificed in behalf of one who is a father. If rich Gallita[804]and Paccius, who have no children, begin to feel the approach of fever, every temple-porch is covered with votive tablets,[805]affixed according to due custom. There are some who would even promise a hecatomb[806]of oxen. Since elephants are not to be bought here or in Latium, nor is there any where in our climate such a large beast generated; but, fetched from the dusky nation, they are fed in the Rutulian forests, and the field of Turnus, as the herd of Cæsar,prepared to serve no private individual, since their ancestors used to obey Tyrian Hannibal, and our own generals,[807]and the Molossian king, and to bear on their backs cohorts—no mean portion of the war—and a tower that went into battle. It is no fault, consequently, of Novius, or of Ister Pacuvius,[808]that that ivory is not led to the altars, and falls a sacred victim before the Lares of Gallita, worthy of such great gods, and those that court their favor! One of these two fellows, if you would give him license to perform the sacrifice, would vow the tallest or all the most beautiful persons among his flock of slaves, or place sacrificial fillets on his boys and the brows of his female slaves. And if he has any Iphigenia[809]at home of marriageable age, he will offer her at the altars, though he can not hope for the furtive substitution of the hind of the tragic poets. I commend my fellow-citizen, and do not compare a thousand[810]ships to a will; for if the sick man shall escape Libitina,[811]he will cancel his former will, entangled in the meshes of the act,[812]after a service so truly wonderful: and perhaps in one short line will give his all toPacuvius as sole[813]heir. Proudly will he strut over his defeated rivals. You see, therefore, what a great recompense the slaughtered Mycenian maid earns.

Long live Pacuvius, I pray, even to the full age of Nestor.[814]Let him own as much as ever Nero plundered,[815]let him pile his gold mountains high, and let him love no one,[816]and be loved by none.

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