Van Heusde says that in it were depicted the
miseries of married life generally; especially of those husbands
who are so devoted to their wives, that they surrender the reins
of government into the hands of those, for whom the law compels
them to provide subsistence, not only at the expense of their
own personal labor, but also at the risk of life itself: the
only return which they receive as an equivalent from the hands
of their wives, being opprobrious language, ill temper, haughty
exaction, treachery, and unfaithfulness to the marriage-bed.
miseries of married life generally; especially of those husbands
who are so devoted to their wives, that they surrender the reins
of government into the hands of those, for whom the law compels
them to provide subsistence, not only at the expense of their
own personal labor, but also at the risk of life itself: the
only return which they receive as an equivalent from the hands
of their wives, being opprobrious language, ill temper, haughty
exaction, treachery, and unfaithfulness to the marriage-bed.
Satires
, Pyth.
, iii.
»
[1931] _Magna mercede. _ Merces, i. e. , "cost, injury, detriment. " Cic. ,
Fam. , i. , 9, "In molestia gaudeo te eam fidem cognoscere hominum non
ita magnâ mercede, quam ego maximo dolore cognôram. " The sentiment is
probably the same as Cato's, "asse carum esse dicebat, quo non opus
esset. "
[1932] _Emungi. _ Cf. Ter. , Ph. , IV. , iv. , 1, "Quid egisti? Emunxi
argento senes. " Plaut. , Bac. , V. , i. , 15, "Miserum med auro esse
emunctum. " Hor. , A. P. , 238, "Pythias emuncto lucrata Simone talentum. "
_Bolus_, "any thing thrown as a bait;" hence "profit, gain. " Ter. ,
Heaut. , IV. , ii. 6, "Crucior, bolum mihi tantum ereptum tam desubito de
faucibus. " Plaut. , Pers. , IV. , iv. , 107, "Dabit hæc tibi grandes bolos. "
[1933] _Exterminare. _ "To expel, banish beyond certain limits. "
[1934] _Aulæa obducite. _ Cf. Plin. , ii. , Ep. 17, "Velis obductis. "
[1935] _Cardines. _ Plaut. , Amph. , IV. , ii. , 6, "Pœne effregisti, fatue,
foribus cardines. " Asin. , II. , iii. , 8, "Pol haud periclum est cardines
ne foribus effringantur. " Cf. iv. , Fr. 15; xxviii. , Fr. 27.
[1936] _Carpere_, "celeriter præterire. " Non. Cf. Virg. , Georg. , iii. ,
141, "Acri carpere prata fuga. "
[1937] _Pluteus_, _tecta_, _testudines_, are all military terms, and
signify sheds, pent-houses, or mantlets, made of wood and hurdles
covered with hides, under cover of which the soldiers advanced to the
attack of a town. The vinea and musculus were of the same kind. (Cf.
xxvi. , Fr. 9. ) Cf. Fest. , in v. Pluteus. , Veget. , iv. , 15. They are
also used metaphorically, as perhaps here. Plaut, Mil. Gl. , II. , ii. ,
113, "Ad eum vineas pluteosque agam. "
[1938] _Polypus_, one that sticks as close as a polypus or barnacle.
Cf. Plaut. , Aul. , II. , ii. , 21, "Ego istos novi polypos qui sicubi quid
tetigerint tenent. " (Where vid. Hildyard's note. ) Ov. , Met. , iv. , 366,
"deprensum polypus hostem continet--"
[1939] _Filum_, "oris liniamentum. " Non. Cf. Plaut. , Merc. , IV. , iv. ,
15, "Satis scitum filum mulieris. " So filum corporis, "the contour of
the body. " A. Gell. , i. , 9.
[1940] Cf. iii. , Fr. 38.
[1941] _Sudum_, "semiudum. " Non. Serenum. Fulgent. Cf. Virg. , Georg. ,
iv. , 77, "Ver nactæ sudum. " Æn. , viii. , 529, "Arma inter nubem, cœli in
regione serenâ per sudum rutilare vident. "
[1942] _Gravedo. _ Crapula, κραιπάλη, "the headache that follows
intoxication. " Plin. , xx. , 13, "Crapulæ gravedines. " (Cf. Arist. ,
Acharn. , 277. )
[1943] _Obscœna_, i. e. , "mali ominis. " Fest. Hence the phrases
"obscenæ aves, canes, anus. " So "puppis obscœna," the ship that bore
Helen to Troy. Ov. , Her. , v. , 119. So Dies alliensis (Id. Quinct. ) was
said to be "Obscœnissimi ominis. " Fest. , in voc.
[1944] _Signatam_, i. e. , integram; a metaphor from that which is kept
closely sealed, and watched that the seals may not be broken.
[1945] _Supplantare. _ Plato (Euthydem. , l. 278) uses ὑποσκελίζειν.
[1946] _Nefantia. _ Cf. lib. iii. , 28, "Tantalus qui pœnas ob facta
nefantia pendit. "
[1947] _Nemo homo. _ The two words, according to Charisius, were always
used together. Cf. Plaut. , Asin. , II. , iv. , 60, "Ego certe me incerto
scio hoc daturum nemini homini. " Pers. , II. , ii. , 29, "Nemo homo unquam
ita arbitratus 'st. " Cic. , N. D. , ii. , 38.
[1948] Lib. xxviii. , 17, where the Fr. is also quoted.
[1949] _Ecferimur_, i. e. , "extollimur. " Non.
[1950] Is hopelessly corrupt.
[1951] Occurs before; lib. , xix. , Fr. 8.
BOOK XXX.
ARGUMENT.
Most of the commentators seem to be agreed that the subject of
this book was "matrimonial life. " Mercer considers that it
contained an altercation between a married couple, in which
the lady strenuously refuses to submit to the lawful authority
of her husband.
Van Heusde says that in it were depicted the
miseries of married life generally; especially of those husbands
who are so devoted to their wives, that they surrender the reins
of government into the hands of those, for whom the law compels
them to provide subsistence, not only at the expense of their
own personal labor, but also at the risk of life itself: the
only return which they receive as an equivalent from the hands
of their wives, being opprobrious language, ill temper, haughty
exaction, treachery, and unfaithfulness to the marriage-bed. In
addition to this, Gerlach thinks that in this, his last book,
Lucilius recapitulated the subjects of his previous Satires; and
consequently many Fragments are assigned to this book, which
might easily be inserted in others. Among other matters, the poet
also defends himself against the malignant charges of envious
critics, one, Gaius, being especially noticed. The story of the
old lion, which Horace has copied «i. , Ep. i. , 74», may also lead
us to suppose that the treachery of false friends formed part of
the matter of the poem.
N. B. --Gerlach considers that the 80th was undoubtedly the _last_
book. The passages quoted from subsequent books are the result of
the carelessness of the Librarii. These passages, therefore, will
all be found incorporated into the preceding books.
1 † . . . Lamia and Pytho . . . with sharp teeth . . . those
gluttonous, abandoned, obscene hags. . . . [1952]
2 . . . a sick and exhausted lion. . . . [1953]
3 Then the lion said with subdued voice, "Why will you not come
hither yourself? "[1954]
4 What does it mean? how does it happen that the footsteps, all
without exception, lead inward and toward you?
5 For, be assured that disease is far enough removed from men in
wine, when one has regaled himself pretty sumptuously. [1955]
6 † . . . in face and features . . . sport, and in our conversation
. . . this is the virgin's prize, and let us pay this
honor. . . . [1956]
7 . . . Should you first fasten me to the yoke, and force me
against my will to submit to the plow, and break up the clods
with the coulter. [1957]
8 Immediately, as soon as the gale has blown a little more
violently, it has raised and lifted up the waves.
9 You may see all things glittering within, in the glowing
recess. [1958]
10 must I first break you in, fierce and haughty as you are, with
a Thessalian bit, like an unbroken filly, and tame you down by
war? [1959]
11 or when I am going somewhere, and have invented some pretext
as to the goldsmiths, to my mother, a relation or female
friend's. [1960]
12 Much fiercer than she of whom we spoke before: the milder she
is, the more savagely she bites.
13. † who not expecting . . . entering on the impulse of an evil
omen. [1961]
14 . . . hoping that time will bring forth the same--
. . . will give chewed food from her mouth--[1962]
15 So when fame, making thy fight illustrious, having been borne
to our ears, shall have reported. [1963]
16 Take care there are in the house a webster, waiting maids,
men-servants, a girdle-maker, a weaver--[1964]
17 You clean me out, then turn me out; ruin and insult me--[1965]
18 If Maximus left sixteen hundred . . . of silver. [1966]
19 beardless hermaphrodites, bearded pathic-adulterers[1967]
20 What is it, if you possess a hundred or two hundred thousand
21 † . . . what we seek in this matter . . . deceived . . . guarded
against[1968]
22 . . . here like a mouse-trap laid, . . . and like a scorpion with
tail erect. . . .
23 . . . and what great sorrows and afflictions you have now
endured. [1969]
24 † it was better you should be born, . . . like a beast or ass.
25 . . . on the ground, in the dung, stalls, manure, and
swine-dung. [1970]
26 . . . as much as my fancy delights to draw from the Muses'
fountain.
27 . . . and that our poems alone out of many are now praised.
28 Now, Gaius, since rebuking, you attack us in turn. . . . [1971]
29 . . . and would perceive that his . . . lay neglected . . . left
behind. . . .
30 . . . since you do not choose to recognize me at this time,
trifler!
31 . . . still I will try to write briefly and compendiously
back. [1972]
32 . . . and that by your harsh acts and cruel words. . . .
33 . . . no one's mind ought to be so confident--
34 . . . if I may do this, and repay by verses. . . .
35 . . . just as you who . . . those things which we consider to be an
example of life--
36 . . . when having well drunk, he has retired from the midst. . . .
37 Calvus Palatina, a man of renown, and good in war. [1973]
38 and in a fierce and stubborn war by far the noblest enemy.
39 . . . as to your praising your own . . . blaming, you profit not a
whit. [1974]
40 . . . but tell me this, if it is not disagreeable, what is
it? [1975]
41 all the labor bestowed on the wool is wasted; neglect, and the
moths destroy all. [1976]
42 † . . . one is flat-footed, with rotten feet. . . . [1977]
43 . . . no one gives to them: no one lets them in: nor do they
think that life. . . .
44 by whose means the Trogine cup was renowned through the
camp. [1978]
45 . . . thanks are returned to both: to them, and to themselves
together.
[1931] _Magna mercede. _ Merces, i. e. , "cost, injury, detriment. " Cic. ,
Fam. , i. , 9, "In molestia gaudeo te eam fidem cognoscere hominum non
ita magnâ mercede, quam ego maximo dolore cognôram. " The sentiment is
probably the same as Cato's, "asse carum esse dicebat, quo non opus
esset. "
[1932] _Emungi. _ Cf. Ter. , Ph. , IV. , iv. , 1, "Quid egisti? Emunxi
argento senes. " Plaut. , Bac. , V. , i. , 15, "Miserum med auro esse
emunctum. " Hor. , A. P. , 238, "Pythias emuncto lucrata Simone talentum. "
_Bolus_, "any thing thrown as a bait;" hence "profit, gain. " Ter. ,
Heaut. , IV. , ii. 6, "Crucior, bolum mihi tantum ereptum tam desubito de
faucibus. " Plaut. , Pers. , IV. , iv. , 107, "Dabit hæc tibi grandes bolos. "
[1933] _Exterminare. _ "To expel, banish beyond certain limits. "
[1934] _Aulæa obducite. _ Cf. Plin. , ii. , Ep. 17, "Velis obductis. "
[1935] _Cardines. _ Plaut. , Amph. , IV. , ii. , 6, "Pœne effregisti, fatue,
foribus cardines. " Asin. , II. , iii. , 8, "Pol haud periclum est cardines
ne foribus effringantur. " Cf. iv. , Fr. 15; xxviii. , Fr. 27.
[1936] _Carpere_, "celeriter præterire. " Non. Cf. Virg. , Georg. , iii. ,
141, "Acri carpere prata fuga. "
[1937] _Pluteus_, _tecta_, _testudines_, are all military terms, and
signify sheds, pent-houses, or mantlets, made of wood and hurdles
covered with hides, under cover of which the soldiers advanced to the
attack of a town. The vinea and musculus were of the same kind. (Cf.
xxvi. , Fr. 9. ) Cf. Fest. , in v. Pluteus. , Veget. , iv. , 15. They are
also used metaphorically, as perhaps here. Plaut, Mil. Gl. , II. , ii. ,
113, "Ad eum vineas pluteosque agam. "
[1938] _Polypus_, one that sticks as close as a polypus or barnacle.
Cf. Plaut. , Aul. , II. , ii. , 21, "Ego istos novi polypos qui sicubi quid
tetigerint tenent. " (Where vid. Hildyard's note. ) Ov. , Met. , iv. , 366,
"deprensum polypus hostem continet--"
[1939] _Filum_, "oris liniamentum. " Non. Cf. Plaut. , Merc. , IV. , iv. ,
15, "Satis scitum filum mulieris. " So filum corporis, "the contour of
the body. " A. Gell. , i. , 9.
[1940] Cf. iii. , Fr. 38.
[1941] _Sudum_, "semiudum. " Non. Serenum. Fulgent. Cf. Virg. , Georg. ,
iv. , 77, "Ver nactæ sudum. " Æn. , viii. , 529, "Arma inter nubem, cœli in
regione serenâ per sudum rutilare vident. "
[1942] _Gravedo. _ Crapula, κραιπάλη, "the headache that follows
intoxication. " Plin. , xx. , 13, "Crapulæ gravedines. " (Cf. Arist. ,
Acharn. , 277. )
[1943] _Obscœna_, i. e. , "mali ominis. " Fest. Hence the phrases
"obscenæ aves, canes, anus. " So "puppis obscœna," the ship that bore
Helen to Troy. Ov. , Her. , v. , 119. So Dies alliensis (Id. Quinct. ) was
said to be "Obscœnissimi ominis. " Fest. , in voc.
[1944] _Signatam_, i. e. , integram; a metaphor from that which is kept
closely sealed, and watched that the seals may not be broken.
[1945] _Supplantare. _ Plato (Euthydem. , l. 278) uses ὑποσκελίζειν.
[1946] _Nefantia. _ Cf. lib. iii. , 28, "Tantalus qui pœnas ob facta
nefantia pendit. "
[1947] _Nemo homo. _ The two words, according to Charisius, were always
used together. Cf. Plaut. , Asin. , II. , iv. , 60, "Ego certe me incerto
scio hoc daturum nemini homini. " Pers. , II. , ii. , 29, "Nemo homo unquam
ita arbitratus 'st. " Cic. , N. D. , ii. , 38.
[1948] Lib. xxviii. , 17, where the Fr. is also quoted.
[1949] _Ecferimur_, i. e. , "extollimur. " Non.
[1950] Is hopelessly corrupt.
[1951] Occurs before; lib. , xix. , Fr. 8.
BOOK XXX.
ARGUMENT.
Most of the commentators seem to be agreed that the subject of
this book was "matrimonial life. " Mercer considers that it
contained an altercation between a married couple, in which
the lady strenuously refuses to submit to the lawful authority
of her husband.
Van Heusde says that in it were depicted the
miseries of married life generally; especially of those husbands
who are so devoted to their wives, that they surrender the reins
of government into the hands of those, for whom the law compels
them to provide subsistence, not only at the expense of their
own personal labor, but also at the risk of life itself: the
only return which they receive as an equivalent from the hands
of their wives, being opprobrious language, ill temper, haughty
exaction, treachery, and unfaithfulness to the marriage-bed. In
addition to this, Gerlach thinks that in this, his last book,
Lucilius recapitulated the subjects of his previous Satires; and
consequently many Fragments are assigned to this book, which
might easily be inserted in others. Among other matters, the poet
also defends himself against the malignant charges of envious
critics, one, Gaius, being especially noticed. The story of the
old lion, which Horace has copied «i. , Ep. i. , 74», may also lead
us to suppose that the treachery of false friends formed part of
the matter of the poem.
N. B. --Gerlach considers that the 80th was undoubtedly the _last_
book. The passages quoted from subsequent books are the result of
the carelessness of the Librarii. These passages, therefore, will
all be found incorporated into the preceding books.
1 † . . . Lamia and Pytho . . . with sharp teeth . . . those
gluttonous, abandoned, obscene hags. . . . [1952]
2 . . . a sick and exhausted lion. . . . [1953]
3 Then the lion said with subdued voice, "Why will you not come
hither yourself? "[1954]
4 What does it mean? how does it happen that the footsteps, all
without exception, lead inward and toward you?
5 For, be assured that disease is far enough removed from men in
wine, when one has regaled himself pretty sumptuously. [1955]
6 † . . . in face and features . . . sport, and in our conversation
. . . this is the virgin's prize, and let us pay this
honor. . . . [1956]
7 . . . Should you first fasten me to the yoke, and force me
against my will to submit to the plow, and break up the clods
with the coulter. [1957]
8 Immediately, as soon as the gale has blown a little more
violently, it has raised and lifted up the waves.
9 You may see all things glittering within, in the glowing
recess. [1958]
10 must I first break you in, fierce and haughty as you are, with
a Thessalian bit, like an unbroken filly, and tame you down by
war? [1959]
11 or when I am going somewhere, and have invented some pretext
as to the goldsmiths, to my mother, a relation or female
friend's. [1960]
12 Much fiercer than she of whom we spoke before: the milder she
is, the more savagely she bites.
13. † who not expecting . . . entering on the impulse of an evil
omen. [1961]
14 . . . hoping that time will bring forth the same--
. . . will give chewed food from her mouth--[1962]
15 So when fame, making thy fight illustrious, having been borne
to our ears, shall have reported. [1963]
16 Take care there are in the house a webster, waiting maids,
men-servants, a girdle-maker, a weaver--[1964]
17 You clean me out, then turn me out; ruin and insult me--[1965]
18 If Maximus left sixteen hundred . . . of silver. [1966]
19 beardless hermaphrodites, bearded pathic-adulterers[1967]
20 What is it, if you possess a hundred or two hundred thousand
21 † . . . what we seek in this matter . . . deceived . . . guarded
against[1968]
22 . . . here like a mouse-trap laid, . . . and like a scorpion with
tail erect. . . .
23 . . . and what great sorrows and afflictions you have now
endured. [1969]
24 † it was better you should be born, . . . like a beast or ass.
25 . . . on the ground, in the dung, stalls, manure, and
swine-dung. [1970]
26 . . . as much as my fancy delights to draw from the Muses'
fountain.
27 . . . and that our poems alone out of many are now praised.
28 Now, Gaius, since rebuking, you attack us in turn. . . . [1971]
29 . . . and would perceive that his . . . lay neglected . . . left
behind. . . .
30 . . . since you do not choose to recognize me at this time,
trifler!
31 . . . still I will try to write briefly and compendiously
back. [1972]
32 . . . and that by your harsh acts and cruel words. . . .
33 . . . no one's mind ought to be so confident--
34 . . . if I may do this, and repay by verses. . . .
35 . . . just as you who . . . those things which we consider to be an
example of life--
36 . . . when having well drunk, he has retired from the midst. . . .
37 Calvus Palatina, a man of renown, and good in war. [1973]
38 and in a fierce and stubborn war by far the noblest enemy.
39 . . . as to your praising your own . . . blaming, you profit not a
whit. [1974]
40 . . . but tell me this, if it is not disagreeable, what is
it? [1975]
41 all the labor bestowed on the wool is wasted; neglect, and the
moths destroy all. [1976]
42 † . . . one is flat-footed, with rotten feet. . . . [1977]
43 . . . no one gives to them: no one lets them in: nor do they
think that life. . . .
44 by whose means the Trogine cup was renowned through the
camp. [1978]
45 . . . thanks are returned to both: to them, and to themselves
together.
