, 38,
"Rite crescentem face Noctilucam.
"Rite crescentem face Noctilucam.
Satires
) He was consul B.
C.
189, and marched into Gallo-Græcia, and for
his conquests was allowed a triumph, B. C. 186. Livy enters into great
detail in describing all the various luxuries which he introduced into
Rome, such as sofas, tables, sideboards, rich and costly vestments
and hangings, foreign musicians, etc. Liv. , xxxix. , 6. Plin. , H.
N. , xxxiv. , 3, 8. Cf. Bekker's Gallus, p. 294. Catax (quasi cadax a
cadendo) is explained by coxo, "one lame of the hip. " There is probably
an allusion to his effeminacy. Corpet considers Manlius Verna to be
intended, who had the sobriquet of Pantolabus, i. e. , "grasp-all. "
[1616] Leg. _obducto tenebris_. Dusa's conjecture, adopted by Gerlach.
[1617] _Exsculpo. _ So Fr. incert. 49, "Esurienti Leoni ex ore
_exsculpere_ prædam. " Ter. , Eun. , IV. , iv. , 44, "Possumne hodie ego ex
to _exsculpere_ verum. "
[1618] All the commentators agree that no sense can be elicited from
this line. Ellendt (vid. sup. ) supposes Æmilius Scaurus to be meant;
others, Æmilius the præco, by whom Scipio, when candidate for the
censorship, was conducted to the forum, for which he was ridiculed by
Appius Claudius. _Præcantare_ is applied to singing magic hymns and
incantations by the bed of one sick, to charm away the disease. Cf.
Tibull. , I. , v. 12, "Carmine cum magico præcinuisset anus. " Macrob. ,
Somn. Scip. , II. , iii. _Excantare_ is "to elicit by incantation. " Vid.
Lucan, vi. , 685, "Excantare deos. "
[1619] Corpet says, this obviously refers to Scipio Africanus major.
But, as Gerlach says, it may apply equally well to Scipio Nasica, or
Opimius, who killed the Gracchi; perhaps even better to the latter than
to Scipio Africanus, who went _voluntarily_ into exile.
[1620] Cf. Ter. , Andr. , V. , vi. , 12, "_Tuus est_ nunc Chremes. "
Gerlach's reading and punctuation are followed. _Gentilis_ is a proper
name, on the authority of Appuleius.
[1621] _Natrix_, properly "a venomous water-serpent. " Cic. , Acad. ,
iv. , 38. Hence applied by Tiberius to Caligula. (Suet. , Calig. , xi. )
It means here a thong or whip (scutica), which twists about and stings
like a snake. So Anguilla, Isidor. , Orig. , v. 27.
[1622] _Succussatoris. _ Gr. ὑποσειστής, "one that shakes the rider in
his seat. " _Caballi. _ Vid. Pers. , Prol. i. , 1.
[1623] _Impuratus. _ Ter. , Phorm. , IV. , iii. , 64. _Impuno_, "one who
dares all, through hope of impunity. " _Rapister_ is formed like
magister, sequester, etc.
[1624] Cf. Bähr ad Herod. , vii. , 61 (which seems to confirm the
conjecture, χειροδύται), and the quotation from Virgil below. Herod. ,
vi. , 72. Schneider's note on Xen. , Hell. , II. , i. , 8. _Rica_ is a
covering for the head, such as priestesses used to wear at sacrifices,
generally of purple, square, with a border or fringe; cf. Varro, L. L. ,
iv. , 29; but worn sometimes by men, as Euclides of Megara used one. A.
Gell. , vi. , 10.
_Thoracia. _ Properly "a covering for the breast," then "an apron"
(Juv. , v. , 143, "viridem thoraca jubebit afferri"), then "a covering
for the abdomen or thigh," like the fasciæ. Cf. Suet. , Aug. , 82, "Hieme
quaternis cum pingui togâ tunicis et subuculâ _thorace_ laneo et
feminalibus et tibialibus muniebatur. "
_Mitra_ was a high-peaked cap, worn by courtesans and effeminate men.
Vid. Juv. , iii. , 66, "Ite quibus grata est pictâ lupa barbara mitrâ. "
Virg. , Æn. , ix. , 616, "Et _tunicæ manicas_ et habent redimicula mitræ. "
iv. , 216. Ov. , Met. , xiv. , 654.
[1625] _Ferta. _ Rich cakes, made of flour, wine, honey, etc. , which
formed part of the usual offerings. Cf. Pers. , ii. , 48, "Attamen hic
extis et opimo vincere ferto intendit. "
[1626] _Bulga_ is properly "a traveling bag of leather, carried on
the arm. " See the amusing Fragment, lib. vi. , 1. Hence its obvious
translation to the meaning in lib. xxvi. , Fr. 36, and here.
[1627] _Monogrammo. _ A metaphor from painting, "drawn only in outline. "
Used here for a very thin emaciated person. (Cf. lib. xxvii. , 17. )
Epicurus applied this epithet to the gods (Cic. , Nat. Deor. , ii. , 23),
as being "tenues sine corpore vitæ. " Virg. , vi. , 292. Cf. Pers. , vi. ,
73, "trama figuræ. "
[1628] _Mutinus_, or _Mutunus_, is the same deity as Priapus. The form
is cognate with Muto. He appears to have been also called Mutinus
Tutinus, or Tutunus. The emblem was worn as a charm or phylactery
against fascination, and hung round children's necks. Cf. Lactant. , i. ,
20. August. , Civ. D. , iv. , 7.
_Lurcor_ is "to swallow greedily. " _Lardum. _ Cf. Juv. , xi. , 84,
"Natalitium lardum. "
_Carnaria_ is probably the neuter plural of the adjective. Carnarius
homo, is one who delights in flesh. Carnarium is either "an iron rack
with hooks for hanging meat upon," or "a larder where provisions are
kept. "
[1629] _Noctilucam. _ An epithet of the moon. Hor. , iv. , Od. vi.
, 38,
"Rite crescentem face Noctilucam. " (Cf. Var. , L. L. , v. , 68, "Luna
dicta Noctiluca in Palatio, nam ibi _noctu lucet_ templum. ") Hence used
for a lantern, and then for a "minion of the moon," a strumpet, because
they suspended lights over their doors or cells. (Juv. , vi. , 122. Hor. ,
ii. , Sat. vii. , 48. ) This last appears from Festus to be the sense
intended here.
[1630] _Lurco_ is derived by some from λαῦρος, "voracious;" but by
Festus from _Lura_, an old word for "the belly. " Cf. Plaut. , Pers. ,
III. , iii. , 16, "Lurco, edax, furax, fugax. " Lurco was the cognomen of
M. Aufidius, who first introduced the art of fattening peacocks, by
which he made a large fortune. Varro, R. R. , iii. , 6. Plin. , x. , 20, 23.
[1631] _Inhospita tesqua. _ Horace has copied this sentiment in his
epistle to his Villicus, "Nam quæ deserta et inhospita tesqua credis,
amæna vocat mecum qui sentit. " i. , Ep. xiv. , 19. Tesqua is derived from
δάσκιος, "very wooded. " (Lucan, vi. , 41, "nemorosa tesca. ") Varro says
_tesca_ are "places inclosed and set apart as _templa_ for the purposes
of augury. " L. L. , vi. , 2.
BOOK III.
ARGUMENT.
We have not only much more ample and satisfactory information
respecting the subject of this Satire from ancient writers, but
the Fragments which have come down to us give sufficient evidence
that their statements are correct. It is the description of a
journey which Lucilius took from Rome to Capua, and thence to the
Straits of Messina; with an account of some of the halting-places
on his route, and incidents of travel. Besides this, which was
the main subject, he indulged by the way in a little pleasing
raillery against some of his contemporaries, Ennius, Pacuvius,
Cæcilius, and Terence, according to the old Scholiast. This
Satire formed the model from which Horace copied his Journey to
Brundusium, i, Sat. , v. The special points of imitation will be
seen in the notes; from which it will appear that the particular
incidents mentioned by Horace, are probably fictitious. As to
the journey itself, Varges and Gerlach are both of opinion
that it was a _real_ one, and undertaken solely for purposes
of pleasure; as it was not unusual for the wealthier Romans of
that day to travel into Campania, or even to Lucania, and as far
as the district of the Bruttii. (Cf. Hor. , i. , Sat. vi. , 102,
_seq. _) These journeys were occasionally performed on foot: as we
hear of Cato traveling on foot through the different cities of
Italy, bearing his own arms, and attended only by a single slave,
who carried his baggage and libation-cup for sacrificing. But
Lucilius probably on this occasion had his hackney (canterius),
like Horace, which carried not only his master's saddle-bags, but
himself also. (Cf. Fr. 9. Hor. , i. , Sat. vi. , 104. )
It is not quite clear whether the scene described at Capua was a
gladiatorial exhibition, or merely a drunken brawl that took
place in the streets, from which one of the parties came very
badly off.
Several of the "uncertain Fragments" may be fairly referred to this
book; evidently Fr. inc. 27. Cf. Hor. , i. , Sat. v. , 85. Probably
Fr. inc. 77, 95, 53, 11, 10, 14, 36.
1 . . . you will find twice five and eighty full miles; from Capua
too, two hundred and fifty--[1632]
2 . . . from the gate to the harbor, a mile; thence to
Salernum. [1633]
3 . . . thence to the people of the Dicæarcheans and Delos the
less. [1634]
4 Campanian Capua--
5 . . . three miles in length. [1635]
6 . . . But there, all these things were mere play--and no odds.
They were no odds, I say, all mere play--and a joke. The
real hard work was, when we came near the Setine country;
goat-clambered mountains; Ætnas all of them, rugged
Athosès. [1636]
7 Besides, the whole of this way is toilsome and muddy--[1637]
8 Moreover, the scoundrel, like a rascally muleteer, knocked
against all the stones--[1638]
9 My portmanteau galled my hackney's ribs by its weight. [1639]
10 We pass the promontory of Minerva with oars--[1640]
11 . . . four from this to the river Silarus, and the Alburnian
harbor. [1641]
12 Hence, I arrive at midnight, by rowing, at Palinurus--[1642]
13 And you shall see, what you have often before wished, the
Straits of Messina, and the walls of Rhegium; then Lipara, and
the temple of Diana Phacelitis--[1643]
14 . . . here the third passes the truck on the top of the
mast:[1644]
15 And you will square out the way, as the camp-measurer
does. . . . [1645]
16 . . . and we will take a decent time for refreshing our
bodies. [1646]
17 There was not a single oyster, or a burret, or peloris:[1647]
18 no asparagus.
19 Waking out of sleep, therefore, with the first dawn I call for
the boys--
20 Bending forward at once he covers his[1648]
21 The rabbit-mouthed butcher triumphs; he with the front tooth
projecting, like the Ethiopian rhinoceros--[1649]
22 . . . the other, successful, returns in safety with seven
feathers, and gets clear off--[1650]
23 . . . the forum of old decorated with lanterns, at the Roman
games.
24 . . . besides, the neat-herd Symmachus, already given over, was
heaving with panting lungs his last expiring breath. [1651]
25 . . . like the thick sparks, as in the mass of glowing iron. [1652]
26 she did not give birth to. . . .
27 . . . whoever attacks, can confuse the mind--
28 Tantalus, who pays the penalty for his atrocious acts--
29 . . . our senses are turned topsy-turvy by the wine-flagons. [1653]
30 . . . when it came to extremity and utter destruction--[1654]
31 then you exhale sour belchings from your breast--
32 we raise our jaws, and indulge in a grin
33 here however is one landlady, a Syrian[1655]
34 The little old woman's flight was rough and premature
35 . . . they are studying; look to the wood. . . .
36 propped up on a cushion.
37 seeing that
38 You should receive a share of the glory; you should have
partaken with me in the pleasure.
FOOTNOTES:
[1632] It is not known what the places are from which Lucilius meant to
mark these distances. Nonius explains _commodum_ by _integrum_, totum,
"complete. "
[1633] Gronovius supposes the harbor intended to be the Portus
Alburnus. Varges says it is Pompeii, which was a little distance from
the sea. Gerlach takes it to be Salernum itself: "and there you are at
Salernum! "
[1634] This high-sounding line is supposed to be a parody of some of
the "sesquipedalia verba" of Ennius. The place meant is Puteoli, now
Pozzuoli, so called either from the mephitic smell of the water, or
from the quantity of wells there. It became the great emporium of
commerce, as Delos had been before, and hence was called Delos Minor.
It was a Greek colony, and was called Dicæarcheia, from the strict
justice with which its government was administered, or from the name of
its founder. Plin. , III. , v. , 9. Stat. Sylv. , II. , ii. , 96, 110. Sil.
Ital. , viii. , 534; xiii. , 385.
[1635] _Longe_ pro _logitudine_. Cf. Hor. , i. , Sat. v. , 25, "_Millia_
tum pransi _tria repimus_. " What Horace says of his slow journey to
Terracina, Lucilius had said of his tedious ascent to Setia. See next
Fr.
[1636] _Susque deque_ is properly applied to a thing "about which you
are so indifferent that you do not care whether it is _up or down_. "
Cic. , Att. , xiv. , 6, "de Octavio susque deque. " Compare the Greek
ἀδιαφορεῖ. A. Gell.
his conquests was allowed a triumph, B. C. 186. Livy enters into great
detail in describing all the various luxuries which he introduced into
Rome, such as sofas, tables, sideboards, rich and costly vestments
and hangings, foreign musicians, etc. Liv. , xxxix. , 6. Plin. , H.
N. , xxxiv. , 3, 8. Cf. Bekker's Gallus, p. 294. Catax (quasi cadax a
cadendo) is explained by coxo, "one lame of the hip. " There is probably
an allusion to his effeminacy. Corpet considers Manlius Verna to be
intended, who had the sobriquet of Pantolabus, i. e. , "grasp-all. "
[1616] Leg. _obducto tenebris_. Dusa's conjecture, adopted by Gerlach.
[1617] _Exsculpo. _ So Fr. incert. 49, "Esurienti Leoni ex ore
_exsculpere_ prædam. " Ter. , Eun. , IV. , iv. , 44, "Possumne hodie ego ex
to _exsculpere_ verum. "
[1618] All the commentators agree that no sense can be elicited from
this line. Ellendt (vid. sup. ) supposes Æmilius Scaurus to be meant;
others, Æmilius the præco, by whom Scipio, when candidate for the
censorship, was conducted to the forum, for which he was ridiculed by
Appius Claudius. _Præcantare_ is applied to singing magic hymns and
incantations by the bed of one sick, to charm away the disease. Cf.
Tibull. , I. , v. 12, "Carmine cum magico præcinuisset anus. " Macrob. ,
Somn. Scip. , II. , iii. _Excantare_ is "to elicit by incantation. " Vid.
Lucan, vi. , 685, "Excantare deos. "
[1619] Corpet says, this obviously refers to Scipio Africanus major.
But, as Gerlach says, it may apply equally well to Scipio Nasica, or
Opimius, who killed the Gracchi; perhaps even better to the latter than
to Scipio Africanus, who went _voluntarily_ into exile.
[1620] Cf. Ter. , Andr. , V. , vi. , 12, "_Tuus est_ nunc Chremes. "
Gerlach's reading and punctuation are followed. _Gentilis_ is a proper
name, on the authority of Appuleius.
[1621] _Natrix_, properly "a venomous water-serpent. " Cic. , Acad. ,
iv. , 38. Hence applied by Tiberius to Caligula. (Suet. , Calig. , xi. )
It means here a thong or whip (scutica), which twists about and stings
like a snake. So Anguilla, Isidor. , Orig. , v. 27.
[1622] _Succussatoris. _ Gr. ὑποσειστής, "one that shakes the rider in
his seat. " _Caballi. _ Vid. Pers. , Prol. i. , 1.
[1623] _Impuratus. _ Ter. , Phorm. , IV. , iii. , 64. _Impuno_, "one who
dares all, through hope of impunity. " _Rapister_ is formed like
magister, sequester, etc.
[1624] Cf. Bähr ad Herod. , vii. , 61 (which seems to confirm the
conjecture, χειροδύται), and the quotation from Virgil below. Herod. ,
vi. , 72. Schneider's note on Xen. , Hell. , II. , i. , 8. _Rica_ is a
covering for the head, such as priestesses used to wear at sacrifices,
generally of purple, square, with a border or fringe; cf. Varro, L. L. ,
iv. , 29; but worn sometimes by men, as Euclides of Megara used one. A.
Gell. , vi. , 10.
_Thoracia. _ Properly "a covering for the breast," then "an apron"
(Juv. , v. , 143, "viridem thoraca jubebit afferri"), then "a covering
for the abdomen or thigh," like the fasciæ. Cf. Suet. , Aug. , 82, "Hieme
quaternis cum pingui togâ tunicis et subuculâ _thorace_ laneo et
feminalibus et tibialibus muniebatur. "
_Mitra_ was a high-peaked cap, worn by courtesans and effeminate men.
Vid. Juv. , iii. , 66, "Ite quibus grata est pictâ lupa barbara mitrâ. "
Virg. , Æn. , ix. , 616, "Et _tunicæ manicas_ et habent redimicula mitræ. "
iv. , 216. Ov. , Met. , xiv. , 654.
[1625] _Ferta. _ Rich cakes, made of flour, wine, honey, etc. , which
formed part of the usual offerings. Cf. Pers. , ii. , 48, "Attamen hic
extis et opimo vincere ferto intendit. "
[1626] _Bulga_ is properly "a traveling bag of leather, carried on
the arm. " See the amusing Fragment, lib. vi. , 1. Hence its obvious
translation to the meaning in lib. xxvi. , Fr. 36, and here.
[1627] _Monogrammo. _ A metaphor from painting, "drawn only in outline. "
Used here for a very thin emaciated person. (Cf. lib. xxvii. , 17. )
Epicurus applied this epithet to the gods (Cic. , Nat. Deor. , ii. , 23),
as being "tenues sine corpore vitæ. " Virg. , vi. , 292. Cf. Pers. , vi. ,
73, "trama figuræ. "
[1628] _Mutinus_, or _Mutunus_, is the same deity as Priapus. The form
is cognate with Muto. He appears to have been also called Mutinus
Tutinus, or Tutunus. The emblem was worn as a charm or phylactery
against fascination, and hung round children's necks. Cf. Lactant. , i. ,
20. August. , Civ. D. , iv. , 7.
_Lurcor_ is "to swallow greedily. " _Lardum. _ Cf. Juv. , xi. , 84,
"Natalitium lardum. "
_Carnaria_ is probably the neuter plural of the adjective. Carnarius
homo, is one who delights in flesh. Carnarium is either "an iron rack
with hooks for hanging meat upon," or "a larder where provisions are
kept. "
[1629] _Noctilucam. _ An epithet of the moon. Hor. , iv. , Od. vi.
, 38,
"Rite crescentem face Noctilucam. " (Cf. Var. , L. L. , v. , 68, "Luna
dicta Noctiluca in Palatio, nam ibi _noctu lucet_ templum. ") Hence used
for a lantern, and then for a "minion of the moon," a strumpet, because
they suspended lights over their doors or cells. (Juv. , vi. , 122. Hor. ,
ii. , Sat. vii. , 48. ) This last appears from Festus to be the sense
intended here.
[1630] _Lurco_ is derived by some from λαῦρος, "voracious;" but by
Festus from _Lura_, an old word for "the belly. " Cf. Plaut. , Pers. ,
III. , iii. , 16, "Lurco, edax, furax, fugax. " Lurco was the cognomen of
M. Aufidius, who first introduced the art of fattening peacocks, by
which he made a large fortune. Varro, R. R. , iii. , 6. Plin. , x. , 20, 23.
[1631] _Inhospita tesqua. _ Horace has copied this sentiment in his
epistle to his Villicus, "Nam quæ deserta et inhospita tesqua credis,
amæna vocat mecum qui sentit. " i. , Ep. xiv. , 19. Tesqua is derived from
δάσκιος, "very wooded. " (Lucan, vi. , 41, "nemorosa tesca. ") Varro says
_tesca_ are "places inclosed and set apart as _templa_ for the purposes
of augury. " L. L. , vi. , 2.
BOOK III.
ARGUMENT.
We have not only much more ample and satisfactory information
respecting the subject of this Satire from ancient writers, but
the Fragments which have come down to us give sufficient evidence
that their statements are correct. It is the description of a
journey which Lucilius took from Rome to Capua, and thence to the
Straits of Messina; with an account of some of the halting-places
on his route, and incidents of travel. Besides this, which was
the main subject, he indulged by the way in a little pleasing
raillery against some of his contemporaries, Ennius, Pacuvius,
Cæcilius, and Terence, according to the old Scholiast. This
Satire formed the model from which Horace copied his Journey to
Brundusium, i, Sat. , v. The special points of imitation will be
seen in the notes; from which it will appear that the particular
incidents mentioned by Horace, are probably fictitious. As to
the journey itself, Varges and Gerlach are both of opinion
that it was a _real_ one, and undertaken solely for purposes
of pleasure; as it was not unusual for the wealthier Romans of
that day to travel into Campania, or even to Lucania, and as far
as the district of the Bruttii. (Cf. Hor. , i. , Sat. vi. , 102,
_seq. _) These journeys were occasionally performed on foot: as we
hear of Cato traveling on foot through the different cities of
Italy, bearing his own arms, and attended only by a single slave,
who carried his baggage and libation-cup for sacrificing. But
Lucilius probably on this occasion had his hackney (canterius),
like Horace, which carried not only his master's saddle-bags, but
himself also. (Cf. Fr. 9. Hor. , i. , Sat. vi. , 104. )
It is not quite clear whether the scene described at Capua was a
gladiatorial exhibition, or merely a drunken brawl that took
place in the streets, from which one of the parties came very
badly off.
Several of the "uncertain Fragments" may be fairly referred to this
book; evidently Fr. inc. 27. Cf. Hor. , i. , Sat. v. , 85. Probably
Fr. inc. 77, 95, 53, 11, 10, 14, 36.
1 . . . you will find twice five and eighty full miles; from Capua
too, two hundred and fifty--[1632]
2 . . . from the gate to the harbor, a mile; thence to
Salernum. [1633]
3 . . . thence to the people of the Dicæarcheans and Delos the
less. [1634]
4 Campanian Capua--
5 . . . three miles in length. [1635]
6 . . . But there, all these things were mere play--and no odds.
They were no odds, I say, all mere play--and a joke. The
real hard work was, when we came near the Setine country;
goat-clambered mountains; Ætnas all of them, rugged
Athosès. [1636]
7 Besides, the whole of this way is toilsome and muddy--[1637]
8 Moreover, the scoundrel, like a rascally muleteer, knocked
against all the stones--[1638]
9 My portmanteau galled my hackney's ribs by its weight. [1639]
10 We pass the promontory of Minerva with oars--[1640]
11 . . . four from this to the river Silarus, and the Alburnian
harbor. [1641]
12 Hence, I arrive at midnight, by rowing, at Palinurus--[1642]
13 And you shall see, what you have often before wished, the
Straits of Messina, and the walls of Rhegium; then Lipara, and
the temple of Diana Phacelitis--[1643]
14 . . . here the third passes the truck on the top of the
mast:[1644]
15 And you will square out the way, as the camp-measurer
does. . . . [1645]
16 . . . and we will take a decent time for refreshing our
bodies. [1646]
17 There was not a single oyster, or a burret, or peloris:[1647]
18 no asparagus.
19 Waking out of sleep, therefore, with the first dawn I call for
the boys--
20 Bending forward at once he covers his[1648]
21 The rabbit-mouthed butcher triumphs; he with the front tooth
projecting, like the Ethiopian rhinoceros--[1649]
22 . . . the other, successful, returns in safety with seven
feathers, and gets clear off--[1650]
23 . . . the forum of old decorated with lanterns, at the Roman
games.
24 . . . besides, the neat-herd Symmachus, already given over, was
heaving with panting lungs his last expiring breath. [1651]
25 . . . like the thick sparks, as in the mass of glowing iron. [1652]
26 she did not give birth to. . . .
27 . . . whoever attacks, can confuse the mind--
28 Tantalus, who pays the penalty for his atrocious acts--
29 . . . our senses are turned topsy-turvy by the wine-flagons. [1653]
30 . . . when it came to extremity and utter destruction--[1654]
31 then you exhale sour belchings from your breast--
32 we raise our jaws, and indulge in a grin
33 here however is one landlady, a Syrian[1655]
34 The little old woman's flight was rough and premature
35 . . . they are studying; look to the wood. . . .
36 propped up on a cushion.
37 seeing that
38 You should receive a share of the glory; you should have
partaken with me in the pleasure.
FOOTNOTES:
[1632] It is not known what the places are from which Lucilius meant to
mark these distances. Nonius explains _commodum_ by _integrum_, totum,
"complete. "
[1633] Gronovius supposes the harbor intended to be the Portus
Alburnus. Varges says it is Pompeii, which was a little distance from
the sea. Gerlach takes it to be Salernum itself: "and there you are at
Salernum! "
[1634] This high-sounding line is supposed to be a parody of some of
the "sesquipedalia verba" of Ennius. The place meant is Puteoli, now
Pozzuoli, so called either from the mephitic smell of the water, or
from the quantity of wells there. It became the great emporium of
commerce, as Delos had been before, and hence was called Delos Minor.
It was a Greek colony, and was called Dicæarcheia, from the strict
justice with which its government was administered, or from the name of
its founder. Plin. , III. , v. , 9. Stat. Sylv. , II. , ii. , 96, 110. Sil.
Ital. , viii. , 534; xiii. , 385.
[1635] _Longe_ pro _logitudine_. Cf. Hor. , i. , Sat. v. , 25, "_Millia_
tum pransi _tria repimus_. " What Horace says of his slow journey to
Terracina, Lucilius had said of his tedious ascent to Setia. See next
Fr.
[1636] _Susque deque_ is properly applied to a thing "about which you
are so indifferent that you do not care whether it is _up or down_. "
Cic. , Att. , xiv. , 6, "de Octavio susque deque. " Compare the Greek
ἀδιαφορεῖ. A. Gell.
