BOOK III

(XXIV.)

Behold, O Rome, the hero whose presence the cries of thy people and the voice of thy nobles has long demanded. Cease now to count the stages of his long journey and to rise as though to greet him at the sight of every storm of dust; no further shall uncertainty torment thee. Full before thine eye is he who was long before thy mind, greater than thy hopes, more glorious than his fame. Honour thou the consul who has restored its dignity to the consulship; grasp the hand which has made the Carthaginians pass once more under the Roman yoke. Welcome the noble heart that directs the reins of empire and secures by its providence the equipoise of the world. Look with joy upon the sacred face thou worshippest cast in bronze and adorest in gold. Behold the warrior successful in every field, the defender of Africa, the conqueror of Rhine and Danube.

Should he wish in accordance with ancient custom to display the picture of his labours and show to the people the tribes he has subdued, crowns of laurel from north and south would contend in equally matched rivalry. Here is a triumph rich with the spoils of the Germans, there with those of the South; here would pass the Sygambri with their yellow

* * * * *

Page 44

caesarie, nigris hinc Mauri crinibus irent. ipse albis veheretur equis currumque secutus 20 laurigerum festo fremuisset carmine miles. hi famulos traherent reges; hi facta metallo oppida vel montes captivaque flumina ferrent. hinc Libyci fractis lugerent cornibus amnes; inde catenato gemeret Germania Rheno. 25 sed non inmodicus proprii iactator honoris consul, Roma, tuus. non illum praemia tantum quam labor ipse iuvat; strepitus fastidit inanes inque animis hominum pompa meliore triumphat.

Non alium certe Romanae clarius arces 30 suscepere ducem, nec cum cedente rediret Fabricius Pyrrho nec cum Capitolia curru Pellaeae domitor Paullus conscenderet aulae. nec similis Latias patefecit gloria portas post Numidas Mario, post classica Martis Eoi 35 Pompeio. nulli pars aemula defuit umquam, quae gravis obstreperet laudi, stimulisque malignis facta sequebatur quamvis ingentia livor: solus hic invidiae fines virtute reliquit humanumque modum. quis enim livescere possit, 40 quod numquam pereant stellae? quod Iuppiter olim possideat caelum? quod noverit omnia Phoebus? est aliquod meriti spatium, quod nulla furentis invidiae mensura capit. ductoribus illis praeterea diversus erat favor: aequior ille 45 patribus invisus plebi; popularibus illi munito studiis languebat gratia patrum.

* * * * *

Page 45

locks, there the black-haired Moors. He himself would be drawn in a laurel-decked chariot by white horses, and followed by his soldiers chanting their festive songs. Some would lead captive kings, others carry conquered towns wrought in bronze or mountains or rivers. Here would go in sad procession the river-gods of Libya, their horns broken, there Germany and the Rhine god in chains. Yet is not thy consul, O Rome, an unbridled boaster of his own prowess. ’Tis not the rewards of toil but the toil itself that he loves. He scorns empty applause and celebrates a happier triumph in the hearts of his fellow-citizens.

Of a surety the citadel of Rome has never welcomed home any of her generals with greater magnificence, no, not even Fabricius when he returned after the surrender of Pyrrhus, nor Aemilius Paulus, conqueror of Pella’s king, when he ascended the Capitol in his chariot. No such triumph as this threw open the gates of Rome to Marius after his conquest of Numidia or to Pompey after his victories in the East. Each of these suffered from a rival faction that murmured uneasily against their success, and envy pursued their actions, no matter how noble, with spiteful stings. Stilicho alone was raised above the range of envy and the measure of mankind. For who could be jealous of the star’s eternity, of Jove’s ancient rule in heaven, of Phoebu’s omniscience[13]? There are some merits so transcendent that furious envy’s bounds cannot contain them. Moreover, those other heroes owed a divided allegiance: one gained the favour of the nobles, but was hated of the people, one, supported by the suffrage of the commons, enjoyed but faintly the favour of the

[13] Phoebus is said to “know everything” because, as the sun, he is the all-beholding (πανόπτης).

* * * * *

Page 46

omnis in hoc uno variis discordia cessit ordinibus; laetatur eques plauditque senator votaque patricio certant plebeia favori. 50 O felix servata vocat quem Roma parentem! o mundi communis amor, cui militat omnis Gallia, quem regum thalamis Hispania nectit, cuius et adventum crebris petiere Quirites vocibus et genero meruit praestante senatus! 55 non sic virginibus flores, non frugibus imbres, prospera non fessis optantur flamina nautis, ut tuus adspectus populo. quae numine tanto litora fatidicas attollunt Delia laurus, venturi quotiens adfulsit Apollinis arcus? 60 quae sic aurifero Pactoli fonte tumescit Lydia, cum domitis adparuit Euhius Indis? nonne vides et plebe vias et tecta latere matribus? his, Stilicho, cunctis inopina reluxit te victore salus! septem circumspice montes, 65 qui solis radios auri fulgore lacessunt, indutosque arcus spoliis aequataque templa nubibus et quidquid tanti struxere triumphi. quantum profueris, quantam servaveris urbem, attonitis metire oculis. haec fabula certe 70 cuncta forent, si Poenus adhuc incumberet Austro. Mos erat in veterum castris, ut tempora quercu velaret, validis fuso qui viribus hoste casurum potuit morti subducere civem.

* * * * *

Page 47

senate. In Stilicho’s case alone class rivalry has not raised its head: the knights welcome him with joy, the senate with enthusiasm, while the people’s prayers rival the goodwill of the nobles.

Blessed mortal, whom the Rome that thou hast saved calls her father; darling of the world to whose banner flocks the whole of Gaul, whom Spain connects by marriage with the imperial house, for whose advent the citizens cried with ceaseless prayer, and whose presence the senate owed to thine illustrious son-in-law. Not such a girl’s delight in flowers, not such the desire of the crops for rain, or of weary sailors for a prosperous breeze as is the longing of thy people for the sight of thee. Under no such influence as this do the prophetic laurels wave on Delo’s coast when the brightness of Apollo’s bow announces the deity’s approach. Never did Pactolus’ golden wave so swell in pride when Bacchus from conquered Ind visited his banks. Markest thou not how the roads cannot be seen for the people, the roofs for the matrons? Thanks to thy victories, Stilicho, salvation has dawned on all beyond their hopes. Look round on Rome’s seven hills whose sheen of gold rivals the very sun’s rays; see the arches decked with spoil, the temples towering to the sky, and all the buildings that celebrate this signal triumph. Let thine astonished glance measure the magnitude of the city thou hast saved and the immensity of thy services. All this would live but in the memory were the African still master of the south.

It was the custom in campaigns of olden time to crown with oak the brow of him who by his valour had put the enemy to flight and succeeded in rescuing a fellow-citizen from imminent death.

* * * * *

Page 48

at tibi quae poterit pro tantis civica reddi 75 moenibus? aut quantae pensabunt facta coronae? nec solam populi vitam debere fatetur armis Roma tuis; sed, quo iucundior esset lucis honoratae fructus, venerabile famae pondus et amissas vires et regna recepit. 80 iam non praetumidi supplex Orientis ademptam legatis poscit Libyam famulosve precatur (dictu turpe) suos: sed robore freta Gabino te duce Romana tandem se vindicat ira. ipsa iubet signis bellaturoque togatus 85 imperat et spectant aquilae decreta senatus. ipsa tibi trabeas ultro dedit, ipsa curulem obtulit ultori fastosque ornare coëgit. Nil perdit decoris prisci nec libera quaerit saecula, cum donet fasces, cum proelia mandet; 90 seque etiam crevisse videt. quis Gallica rura, quis meminit Latio Senonum servisse ligones? aut quibus exemplis fecunda Thybris ab Arcto vexit Lingonico sudatas vomere messes? illa seges non auxilium modo praebuit urbi, 95 sed fuit indicio, quantum tibi, Roma, liceret: admonuit dominae gentes instarque tropaei rettulit ignotum gelidis vectigal ab oris. Hoc quoque maiestas augescit plena Quirini,

* * * * *

Page 49

But to thee what civic crown can we give for the salvation of so many cities? Or what honours can recompense thy deeds? Nor is it only for her people’s life that Rome owns herself a debtor to thine arms, but that so she might have sweeter enjoyment of this glorious dawn she has won back her ancient burden of renown, her lost strength and her conquered kingdoms. No longer do her ambassadors kneel suppliant before the proud East and beg that Libya may be given back to her; gone the shameful spectacle of our city a suitor to her own slaves. No, relying now on her native Latin vigour, Rome under thy leadership fights her own battles with Roman spirit. She herself bids the standards advance; the toga-clad consul directs the future conqueror, and the eagles wait upon the orders of the senate. Of her own free choice hath Rome bestowed on thee the consul’s robe, offered thee, her avenger, the curule chair and compelled thee to adorn her annals.

Nothing of her ancient dignity hath she lost, no regret has she for the age of republican freedom, since it is she who bestows the consular honour, she who gives the order for battle. Nay, she sees the growth of her power. Whose memory can recall a time when the fields of Gaul and the hoes of the Senones were at our service? Has it ever happened before that Tiber’s wave has carried grain from the fertile north over the ploughing of whose fields the Lingones have toiled? Such a harvest not only fulfilled Rome’s needs but also demonstrated the greatness of her power; it reminded the peoples who was their mistress and brought in triumph from those chill climes a tribute never before paid.

This, too, augments the majesty of Rome that the

* * * * *

Page 50

rectores Libyae populo quod iudice pallent 100 et post emeritas moderator quisque secures discrimen letale subit, quid Poenus arator intulerit, madidus quantum transmiserit Auster. ardua qui late terris responsa dedere, hic trepidant humiles; tremuit quos Africa nuper, 105 cernunt rostra reos. cani virtutibus aevi materiam pandit Stilicho populumque vetusti culminis inmemorem dominandi rursus in usum excitat, ut magnos calcet metuendus honores, pendat iustitia crimen, pietate remittat 110 errorem purosque probet damnetque nocentes et patrias iterum clemens exerceat artes. Fallitur egregio quisquis sub principe credit servitium. numquam libertas gratior extat quam sub rege pio. quos praeficit ipse regendis 115 rebus, ad arbitrium plebis patrumque reducit conceditque libens, meritis seu praemia poscant seu punire velint. posito iam purpura fastu de se iudicium non indignatur haberi. sic docuit regnare socer, sic cauta iuventae 120 frena dedit, teneros sic moribus induit annos verior Augusti genitor, fiducia belli, pacis consilium: per quem squalore remoto pristina Romuleis infloruit artibus aetas, per quem fracta diu translataque paene potestas 125

* * * * *

Page 51

chiefs of Libya tremble before the judgement-throne of our people, and that, his office ended, each governor must account under pain of death for all the corn the Carthaginian farmer has brought in, all that the rainy south-wind has dispatched to Rome. Those who of late uttered their proud judgements to broad domains here are cowed and tremble; those whom Africa held in dread Rome’s forum sees accused.

Stilicho gives scope for the virtues of a bygone age and rouses a people, forgetful of their former glory, to resume their accustomed sovereignty, to make themselves feared, to tread powerful magistrates beneath their heel, to mete out to crime its due reward, to show mercy towards the erring, favour to the innocent, punishment to the guilty, and to exercise once more their native virtue of clemency.

He errs who thinks that submission to a noble prince is slavery; never does liberty show more fair than beneath a good king. Those he himself appoints to rule he in turn brings before the judgement-seat of people and senate, and gladly yields whether they claim reward for merit or seek for punishment. Now the purple lays aside its pride and disdains not to have judgement passed upon itself. Such were the principles of rule taught by Stilicho to his son-in-law, Honorius; ’twas thus he guided his youth with the reins of prudence, and with precepts such as these directed his tender years, a truer father to the emperor than Theodosius, his stay in war, his adviser in peace. Thanks to him dishonour is banished and our age blossoms with Rome’s ancient virtues; thanks to him power, long degraded and all but transferred,[14] no longer, forgetful

[14] _i.e._ (apparently) to Constantinople. Throughout this confused passage Claudian seems to be labouring the point that now the capital of the West (Rome) is restored to an equal importance with that of the East (Constantinople).

* * * * *

Page 52

non oblita sui servilibus exulat arvis, in proprium sed ducta larem victricia reddit fata solo fruiturque iterum, quibus haeserat olim, auspiciis capitique errantia membra reponit. Proxime dis consul, tantae qui prospicis urbi, 130 qua nihil in terris complectitur altius aether, cuius nec spatium visus nec corda decorem nec laudem vox ulla capit; quae luce metalli aemula vicinis fastigia conserit astris; quae septem scopulis zonas imitatur Olympi; 135 armorum legumque parens quae fundit in omnes imperium primique dedit cunabula iuris. haec est exiguis quae finibus orta tetendit in geminos axes parvaque a sede profecta dispersit cum sole manus. haec obvia fatis 140 innumeras uno gereret cum tempore pugnas, Hispanas caperet, Siculas obsideret urbes et Gallum terris prosterneret, aequore Poenum, numquam succubuit damnis et territa nullo vulnere post Cannas maior Trebiamque fremebat 145 et, cum iam premerent flammae murumque feriret hostis, in extremos aciem mittebat Hiberos nec stetit Oceano remisque ingressa profundum vincendos alio quaesivit in orbe Britannos. haec est in gremium victos quae sola recepit 150 humanumque genus communi nomine fovit matris, non dominae ritu, civesque vocavit quos domuit nexuque pio longinqua revinxit.

* * * * *

Page 53

of itself, is exiled in lands of servitude but, returned to its rightful home, restores to Italy its victorious destiny, enjoys the promised auspices of its foundation and gives back its scattered limbs to the head of the empire.

Consul, all but peer of the gods, protector of a city greater than any that upon earth the air encompasseth, whose amplitude no eye can measure, whose beauty no imagination can picture, whose praise no voice can sound, who raises a golden head amid the neighbouring stars and with her seven hills imitates the seven regions of heaven, mother of arms and of law, who extends her sway o’er all the earth and was the earliest cradle of justice, this is the city which, sprung from humble beginnings, has stretched to either pole, and from one small place extended its power so as to be co-terminous with the sun’s light. Open to the blows of fate while at one and the same time she fought a thousand battles, conquered Spain, laid siege to the cities of Sicily, subdued Gaul by land and Carthage by sea, never did she yield to her losses nor show fear at any blow, but rose to greater heights of courage after the disasters of Cannae and Trebia, and, while the enemy’s fire threatened her, and her foe[15] smote upon her walls, sent an army against the furthest Iberians. Nor did Ocean bar her way; launching upon the deep, she sought in another world for Britons to be vanquished. ’Tis she alone who has received the conquered into her bosom and like a mother, not an empress, protected the human race with a common name, summoning those whom she has defeated to share her citizenship and drawing together distant races with bonds of

[15] Hannibal.

* * * * *

Page 54

huius pacificis debemus moribus omnes, quod veluti patriis regionibus utitur hospes; 155 quod sedem mutare licet; quod cernere Thylen lusus et horrendos quondam penetrare recessus; quod bibimus passim Rhodanum, potamus Orontem; quod cuncti gens una sumus. nec terminus umquam Romanae dicionis erit, nam cetera regna 160 luxuries vitiis odiisque superbia vertit: sic male sublimes fregit Spartanus Athenas atque idem Thebis cecidit; sic Medus ademit Assyrio Medoque tulit moderamina Perses; subiecit Persen Macedo, cessurus et ipse 165 Romanis. haec auguriis firmata Sibyllae, haec sacris animata Numae. huic[16] fulmina vibrat Iuppiter; hanc tota Tritonia Gorgone velat. arcanas huc Vesta faces, huc orgia Bacchus transtulit et Phrygios genetrix turrita leones; 170 huc defensurus morbos Epidaurius hospes reptavit placido tractu, vectumque per undas insula Paeonium texit Tiberina draconem. Hanc tu cum superis, Stilicho praeclare, tueris, protegis hanc clipeo patriam regumque ducumque 175 praecipueque tuam. dedit haec exordia lucis Eucherio puerumque ferens hic regia mater Augusto monstravit avo; laetatus at ille sustulit in Tyria reptantem veste nepotem, Romaque venturi gaudebat praescia fati, 180 quod te iam tanto meruisset pignore civem. Nec tamen ingratum nec, qui benefacta referre

[16] Birt keeps the _hinc_ of the better MSS., comparing xxvi. 509 seu caelum seu Roma tonat; _huic_ ς.

* * * * *

Page 55

affection. To her rule of peace we owe it that the world is our home, that we can live where we please, and that to visit Thule and explore its once dreaded wilds is but a sport; thanks to her all and sundry may drink the waters of the Rhone and quaff Orontes’ stream, thanks to her we are all one people. Nor will there ever be a limit to the empire of Rome, for luxury and its attendant vices, and pride with sequent hate have brought to ruin all kingdoms else. ’Twas thus that Sparta laid low the foolish pride of Athens but to fall herself a victim to Thebes; thus that the Mede deprived the Assyrian of empire and the Persian the Mede. Macedonia subdued Persia and was herself to yield to Rome. But Rome found her strength in the oracles of the Sibyl, her vigour in the hallowed laws of Numa. For her Jove brandishes his thunderbolts; ’tis she to whom Minerva offers the full protection of her shield; to her Vesta brought her sacred flame, Bacchus his rites, and the turret-crowned mother of the gods her Phrygian lions. Hither to keep disease at bay came, gliding with steady motion, the snake whose home was Epidaurus, and Tiber’s isle gave shelter to the Paeonian[17] serpent from beyond the sea.

This is the city whom thou, Stilicho, and heaven guard, her thou protectest, mother of kings and generals, mother, above all, of thee. Here Eucherius first beheld the light, here the queen his mother showed the babe to his imperial grandsire who rejoiced to lift a grandson upon his knee and to let him crawl upon his purple robes. Rome had foreknowledge of his destined glory and was glad, for so dear a pledge would keep thee ever her faithful citizen.

But think not this people ungrateful nor such as

[17] _i.e._ Aesculapius. “Paeonian” from the Greek Παιών, the Healer.

* * * * *

Page 56

nesciat, hunc credas populum. si volvere priscos annales libeat: quotiens hic proelia sumpsit pro sociis! quotiens dono concessit amicis 185 regibus Ausonio quaesitas sanguine terras! publica sed numquam tanto se gratia fudit adsensu: quis enim princeps non omnibus egit obsequiis dominum sese patremque vocari, quod tibi continuis resonant convexa diebus? 190 macte novis consul titulis! Mavortia plebes te dominum Bruto non indignante fatetur et, quod adhuc nullo potuit terrore coacta libertas Romana pati, Stilichonis amori detulit. exultant avidi, quocumque decorus 195 conspiciare loco, nomenque ad sidera tollunt nec vaga dilecto satiantur lumina vultu: seu circum trabeis fulgentibus aureus intres, seu celebres ludos, solio seu fultus eburno cingas iure forum, denso seu turbine vulgi 200 circumfusa tuae conscendant rostra secures. Quae vero procerum voces, quam certa fuere gaudia, cum totis exurgens ardua pennis ipsa duci sacras Victoria panderet aedes! o palma viridi gaudens et amica tropaeis 205 custos imperii virgo, quae sola mederis vulneribus nullumque doces sentire laborem, seu tibi Dictaeae placuerunt astra Coronae seu magis aestivo sedes vicina Leoni, seu sceptrum sublime Iovis seu Palladis ambis 210 aegida, seu fessi mulces suspiria Martis, adsis perpetuum Latio votisque senatus adnue, diva, tui. Stilicho tua saepius ornet

* * * * *

Page 57

knows not how to repay benefits. Turn but the pages of history and thou wilt find how often it has faced war for an ally’s sake, how often bestowed as a gift on friendly monarchs lands won at the expense of Italian blood. Yet never were public thanks poured forth with such consent. For what prince has not sought with every blandishment to be called lord and father--titles which the amphitheatres echo back to thee day after day? Hail, consul, to thy new titles! Mars’ people calls thee lord and Brutus gainsays them not; what till now no terror could compel Rome’s free citizens to endure, they freely offered to their love for Stilicho. Wheresoever thy shining form is seen they haste to greet thee and raise to heaven thy name; nor is their wandering gaze ever sated with looking upon thee whom they love when thou enterest the Circus in thy shining robes of gold or art present at the games or, seated on thine ivory throne, dispensest justice in the forum or, with thine attendant lictors, mountest the rostrum thronged with the dense and surging crowd.

But what were the acclamations of the great, how unfeigned their rejoicings when Victory, soaring aloft with outspread wings, herself threw open her holy temple to the hero? Maiden that lovest the green bay, thou that art decked in robes of triumph, guardian of our empire, sole healer of our wounds, that makest our toils as though they were not, whether it pleaseth thee to dwell amid the stars of Ariadne’s crown or nearer to the fervid Lion, whether thou art seated on the lofty sceptre of Jove or Pallas’ shield or calmest the sighs of weary Mars, be ever present to Latium and grant, goddess, the prayers of thy senate. May Stilicho often crown thy portals

* * * * *

Page 58

limina teque simul rediens in castra reducat. hunc bellis comitare favens, hunc redde togatum 215 consiliis. semper placidis te moribus egit servavitque piam victis nec polluit umquam laurum saevitia. cives nec fronte superba despicit aut trepidam vexat legionibus urbem; sed verus patriae consul cessantibus armis 220 contentus lictore venit nec inutile quaerit ferri praesidium solo munitus amore. Magnarum nec parcus opum geminare profundas distulit impensas, sed post miracula castris edita vel genero Romae maiora reservat. 225 auratos Rhodiis imbres nascente Minerva indulsisse Iovem perhibent, Bacchoque paternum iam pulsante femur mutatus palluit Hermus in pretium, votique famem passurus avari ditabat rutilo quidquid Mida tangeret auro; 230 fabula seu verum canitur: tua copia vicit fontem Hermi tactumque Midae pluviamque Tonantis. obscurat veteres obscurabitque futuros par donis armisque manus: si solveret ignis quot dedit inmanes vili pro pondere massas 235 argenti, potuere lacus et flumina fundi. Nec tibi, quae pariter silvis dominaris et astris, exiguam Stilicho movit, Latonia, curam: tu quoque nobilibus spectacula nostra laboras inlustrare feris summoque in vertice rupis 240 Alpinae socias arcu cessante pudicas

* * * * *

Page 59

and bear thee back with him to his armies. Accompany and bless him in war and give him back in robes of peace to our council-chambers. Always has he brought thee home in a spirit of mercy and kept thee kindly to the vanquished nor ever stained thy laurels with cruelty. He neither looks with disdain on his fellow-citizens nor harries the anxious city with his legionaries; but true consul now that the war is ended he comes accompanied only by his lictors nor seeks the useless protection of the sword, guarded only by a people’s love.

Handling his great wealth in no niggard spirit he does not hesitate to double his lavish expenses and after giving wondrous games in honour of his soldiery and of Honorius reserves yet greater for Rome. They say that Jove at Minerva’s birth showered gold upon lucky Rhodes; that while Bacchus forced an egress from his father’s thigh Hermus grew pale and turned to that same metal; that Midas, fated to suffer hunger as a punishment for his greed, converted to shining gold everything that he touched. Be these stories true or false thy liberality exceeds the waters of Hermus, the touch of Midas, the Thunderer’s shower. Thy hands, as prodigal of gifts as of daring deeds, o’ershadow the past and will o’ershadow the future. Should fire have melted the countless mass of silver thou bestowest as though it were the cheapest of metals, lakes and rivers of silver might have been formed.

Thou too, Latonia, queen alike of the woods and of the stars, art moved by no small care for Stilicho; thou toilest to distinguish our spectacles with the forest’s noblest denizens, and on the dizzy summits of Alpine rocks layest aside thy bow and summonest

* * * * *

Page 60

et pharetratarum comitum inviolabile cogis concilium. veniunt umeros et brachia nudae armataeque manus iaculis et terga sagittis, incomptae pulchraeque tamen; sudoribus ora 245 pulverulenta rubent, sexum nec cruda fatetur virginitas; sine lege comae; duo cingula vestem crure tenus pendere vetant. praecedit amicas flava Leontodame, sequitur nutrita Lycaeo Nebrophone telisque domat quae Maenala Thero. 250 ignea Cretaea properat Britomartis ab Ida et cursu Zephyris numquam cessura Lycaste. iungunt se geminae metuenda feris Hecaërge et soror, optatum numen venantibus, Opis progenitae Scythia: divas nemorumque potentes 255 fecit Hyperboreis Delos praelata pruinis. hae septem venere duces; exercitus alter Nympharum incedunt, acies formosa Dianae, centum Taygeti, centum de vertice Cynthi et totidem casto genuit quas flumine Ladon. 260 has ubi collectas vidit, sic Delia coepit: “O sociae, mecum thalami quae iura perosae virgineo gelidos percurritis agmine montes, cernitis ut Latio superi communibus ornent hunc annum studiis? quantos Neptunus equorum 265 donet ab orbe greges? laudi quod nulla canendae fratris plectra vacent? nostram quoque sentiat idem quam meritis debemus opem. non spicula poscit iste labor; maneant clausis nunc sicca pharetris, omnis et a solitis noster venatibus arcus 270

* * * * *

Page 61

thy virgin companions and the chaste band of thy quiver-bearing followers. Thither they come, their shoulders and arms bare, spears in their hands and arrows slung across their backs, beautiful though unadorned; red their cheeks, dusty and suffused with sweat; their fierce virginity betrays not their sex; disordered their hair; girdles twain prevent their dresses from flowing down below their knees. Golden-haired Leontodame precedes her comrades, Nebrophone, foster child of Mount Lycaeus, follows her, and Thero whose arrows hold Maenalus in subjection. Fiery Britomartis hastens from Cretan Ida and Lycaste, peer of the western winds in flight. There join them the twin sisters Hecaërge, terror of beasts, and Opis, deity beloved of hunters, Scythian maids; their preference for Delos[18] over the frosts of the north made them goddesses and queens of the woods. These were the seven chiefs who came; there followed them a second band of Nymphs, Diana’s lovely company, a hundred from Taygetus, a hundred from Cynthus’ summit, a hundred more whose first home was beside the chaste waters of Ladon. When she saw these gathered together Delia thus began:

“Friends who hate the rites of wedlock even as I hate them, who scour the snowy mountains in virgin companies, mark you how the gods with unanimous favour glorify this year for Latium? How many herds of horses Neptune provides from every quarter of the world? How that none of my brother Apollo’s lyres can refrain from sounding the praises of Stilicho? From us too let Stilicho receive the favour we justly owe him; the task needs no javelin; let our arrows remain bloodless in our unopened quivers. Let every bow refrain from its

[18] _i.e._ they became goddesses through association with Diana whose chosen island was Delos.

* * * * *

Page 62

temperet; in solam cruor hic servetur harenam. retibus et clatris dilata morte tenendae ducendaeque ferae. cupidas arcete sagittas; consulis in plausum casuris parcite monstris. acceleret divisa manus: mihi cursus anhelas 275 tenditur ad Syrtes, mecum Dictynna Lycaste et comes Opis eat; steriles iuvat ire per aestus: namque feras aliis tellus Maurusia donum praebuit, huic soli debet sed victa tributum. dum nos horribiles Libyae scrutamur alumnos, 280 Europae vos interea perquirite saltus et scopulos. posita ludat formidine pastor securisque canat Stilichonem fistula silvis. pacet muneribus montes qui legibus urbes.” Dixit et extemplo frondosa fertur ab Alpe 285 trans pelagus; cervi currum subiere iugales, quos decus esse deae primi sub limine caeli roscida fecundis concepit Luna cavernis: par nitor intactis nivibus; frons discolor auro germinat et spatio summas aequantia fagos 290 cornua ramoso surgunt procera metallo. Opis frena tenet, fert retia rara Lycaste auratasque plagas, inmortalesque Molossi latrantes mediis circum iuga nubibus ibant. quinque aliae paribus (Phoebe sic iusserat) armis 295 diversa regione ruunt ducitque cohortem quaeque suam. variae formis et gente sequuntur ingenioque canes. illae gravioribus aptae morsibus, hae pedibus celeres, hae nare sagaces,

* * * * *

Page 63

wonted hunting and the blood of our prey be spilled but in the arena. Not for now their death; close the glades with net and cages and lead the beasts captive; withhold your impatient arrows; spare the monsters of the forest whose death shall win applause for our consul. Divide and haste in every direction; my breathless course is towards the Syrtes; do you, Cretan Lycaste and Opis, bear me company. My purpose is to traverse the unfruitful desert; Mauretania has given ere now her animals to other consuls as a gift, to this consul alone she owes them as a conquered land owes tribute. While we track out the dread progeny of Libya do you hunt the glades and rocks of Europe. Let joy banish fear from the shepherd’s breast and his pipe hymn Stilicho in the dreadless forests. As his laws have given peace to the cities so let his shows give peace to the mountains.”

She spake and straightway is borne from the leafy Alps across the sea. Hinds bow their necks to her chariot’s yoke, hinds whom the dewy moon conceived in her fertile caverns beneath the threshold of the morning sky to be the glory of the goddess. White their skins as driven snow; gold marks their foreheads whence spring branching golden horns lofty as the tallest beech-trees. Opis holds the reins. Lycaste carries the fine-wrought nets and golden snares, and deathless Molossian hounds run barking about the chariot amid the clouds. Five others thus equipped (such were Diana’s orders) hasten this way and that, each at the head of her own company; there follow them dogs of various shape, breed and character; some whose heavy jowls fit them for big game, some swift of foot,

* * * * *

Page 64

hirsutaeque fremunt Cressae tenuesque Lacaenae 300 magnaque taurorum fracturae colla Britannae. Dalmatiae lucos abruptaque brachia Pindi sparsa comam Britomartis agit. tu Gallica cingis lustra, Leontodame, Germanorumque paludes eruis et si quis defensus harundine Rheni 305 vastus aper nimio dentes curvaverat aevo. nubiferas Alpes Appenninique recessus Garganique nives Hecaërge prompta fatigat. speluncas canibus Thero rimatur Hiberas informesque cavis ursos detrudit ab antris, 310 quorum saepe Tagus manantes sanguine rictus non satiavit aquis et quos iam frigore segnes Pyrenaea tegit latebrosis frondibus ilex. Cyrnaeis Siculisque iugis venata virago Nebrophone cervos aliasque in vincula cogit 315 non saevas pecudes, sed luxuriantis harenae delicias, pompam nemorum. Quodcumque tremendum dentibus aut insigne iubis aut nobile cornu aut rigidum saetis, capitur decus omne timorque silvarum. non cauta latent, non mole resistunt 320 fortia, non volucri fugiunt pernicia cursu. haec laqueis innexa gemunt; haec clausa feruntur ilignis domibus. fabri nec tigna polire sufficiunt; rudibus fagis texuntur et ornis frondentes caveae. ratibus pars ibat onustis 325 per freta vel fluvios: exanguis dextera torpet remigis et propriam metuebat navita mercem. per terram pars ducta rotis, longoque morantur

* * * * *

Page 65

some keen of scent; shaggy Cretans bay, slender Spartans, and Britons that can break the backs of mighty bulls. Britomartis scours the woods of Dalmatia and the precipitous ridges of Pindus, her hair flying in the wind. Thou, Leontodame, surroundest the glades of Gaul and huntest the marshes of Germany, tracking out any huge boar, his tusks flexed with age, that may have taken shelter among the sedges that flank the Rhine. Swift Hecaërge tires the cloud-capped Alps, the valleys of the Apennines, and the snows of Garganus. Thero with her dogs explores the caves of Spain and from their recesses ousts the horrid bears of whose bloody jaws full oft Tagus’ flood has failed to quench the thirst, and whose bodies, numbed with cold, the holm-oak of the Pyrenees o’ershadows with its leaves. The manlike maiden Nebrophone hunts the mountains of Corsica and Sicily and captures deer and other harmless beasts, beasts that are the joy of the rich amphitheatre and the glory of the woods.

Whatsoever inspires fear with its teeth, wonder with its mane, awe with its horns and bristling coat--all the beauty, all the terror of the forest is taken. Guile protects them not; neither strength nor weight avails them; their speed saves not the fleet of foot. Some roar enmeshed in snares; some are thrust into wooden cages and carried off. There are not carpenters enough to fashion the wood; leafy prisons are constructed of unhewn beech and elm. Boats laden with some of the animals traverse seas and rivers; bloodless from terror the rower’s hand is stayed, for the sailor fears the merchandise he carries. Others are transported over land in wagons that block the roads with the long procession,

* * * * *

Page 66

ordine plaustra vias montanis plena triumphis et fera sollicitis vehitur captiva iuvencis, 330 explebat quibus ante famem, quotiensque reflexi conspexere boves, pavidi temone recedunt. Iamque pererratis Libyae flagrantibus oris legerat eximios Phoebi germana leones, Hesperidas qui saepe fugant ventoque citatis 335 terrificant Atlanta iubis armentaque longe vastant Aethiopum quorumque impune fragosa murmura pastorum numquam venere per aures. non illos taedae ardentes, non strata superne lapsuro virgulta solo, non vocibus haedi 340 pendentis stimulata fames, non fossa fefellit; ultro se voluere capi gaudentque videri tantae praeda deae. respirant pascua tandem; agricolae reserant iam tuta mapalia Mauri, tum virides pardos et cetera colligit Austri 345 prodigia inmanesque simul Latonia dentes, qui secti ferro in tabulas auroque micantes inscripti rutilum caelato consule nomen per proceres et vulgus eant. stupor omnibus Indis plurimus ereptis elephas inglorius errat 350 dentibus: insedit nigra cervice gementum et fixum dea quassat ebur penitusque cruentis stirpibus avulsis patulos exarmat hiatus, ipsos quin etiam nobis miracula vellet ducere: sed pigra cunctari mole veretur. 355 Tyrrhenas fetus Libycos amplexa per undas

* * * * *

Page 67

bearing the spoils of the mountains. The wild beast is borne a captive by those troubled cattle on whom in times past he sated his hunger, and each time that the oxen turned and looked at their burden they pull away in terror from the pole.

By now Phoebus’ sister had wandered o’er the torrid plains of Libya and chosen out superb lions who had often put the Hesperides to flight, filled Atlas with alarm at their wind-tossed manes, and plundered far and wide the flocks of Ethiopia, lions whose terrible cries had never struck upon the herdsmen’s ears but as heralding their destruction. To catch them had been used no blazing torches, no twigs strewn over turf undermined; the voice of a tethered kid had not allured their hunger nor had a diggèd pit ensnared them: of their own free will they gave themselves up to capture and rejoiced at being seen the prey of so great a goddess. At length the countryside breathes again and the Moorish farmers unbar their now safe huts. Then Latonia collected grey-spotted[19] leopards and other marvels of the south and huge ivory tusks which, carved with iron into plaques and inlaid with gold to form the glistening inscription of the consul’s name, should pass in procession among lords and commons. All India stood in speechless amaze to see many an elephant go shorn of the glory of his tusks. Seated upon their black necks despite their cries the goddess shook the fixèd ivory and tearing it up from its bloody roots disarmed the monstrous mouths. Nay, she fain would have brought the elephants themselves as a spectacle but feared that their vast weight would retard the ships.

Fiercely o’er the Tyrrhene wave echoes the fleet

[19] Literally “green.” Latin (and Greek) colour epithets are often strangely at variance with ours.

* * * * *

Page 68

classis torva[20] sonat, caudamque in puppe retorquens ad proram iacet usque leo: vix sublevat unum tarda ratis! fremitus stagnis auditur in imis cunctaque prosiliunt cete terrenaque Nereus 360 confert monstra suis et non aequare fatetur. aequora sic victor quotiens per rubra Lyaeus navigat, intorquet clavum Silenus et acres adsudant tonsis Satyri taurinaque pulsu Baccharum Bromios invitant tympana remos: 365 transtra ligant hederae, malum circumflua vestit pampinus, antennis inlabitur ebria serpens, perque mero madidos currunt saliuntque rudentes lynces et insolitae mirantur carbasa tigres.

[20] _torva_ Birt; MSS. have _turba_.

* * * * *

Page 69

that holds the Libyan breed, and, as he coils his tail upon the stern, a lion stretches to the prow; that single beast the labouring bark can scarce uplift; deep down below the waters is heard the roaring. Out rushes the leviathan. Neptune compares these land prodigies to his and admits that his are not their equal. So whene’er victorious Bacchus ploughs the Red Sea’s waves, Silenus sways the helm, the urgent Satyrs sweat upon their oars and the oxhide drums, smitten by the Bacchants, summon the rowers of Bromius to toil at the thwarts; ivy-wreaths deck the benches, the pliant vine entwines the mast; a drunken snake glides out upon the yardarms; lynxes run and leap along the sheets that drip with wine, and unaccustomed tigers stare in amaze at the canvas.

* * * * *

Page 70

PANEGYRICUS DE SEXTO CONSULATU HONORII AUGUSTI

PRAEFATIO

(XXVII.)

Omnia, quae sensu volvuntur vota diurno, pectore sopito reddit amica quies. venator defessa toro cum membra reponit, mens tamen ad silvas et sua lustra redit. iudicibus lites, aurigae somnia currus 5 vanaque nocturnis meta cavetur equis. furto gaudet amans, permutat navita merces et vigil elapsas quaerit avarus opes, blandaque largitur frustra sitientibus aegris inriguus gelido pocula fonte sopor. 10

Me quoque Musarum studium sub nocte silenti artibus adsuetis sollicitare solet. namque poli media stellantis in arce videbar ante pedes summi carmina ferre Iovis; utque favet somnus, plaudebant numina dictis 15 et circumfusi sacra corona chori. Enceladus mihi carmen erat victusque Typhoeus: hic subit Inarimen, hunc gravis Aetna domat.

* * * * *

Page 71

PANEGYRIC ON THE SIXTH CONSULSHIP OF THE EMPEROR HONORIUS (A.D. 404)

PREFACE

(XXVII.)

All things that with waking sense desire ponders kindly repose brings back to the slumbering mind. The huntsman stretches his weary limbs upon the couch, yet his mind ever returns to the woods where his quarry lurks. The judge dreams of law-suits, the charioteer of his chariot the nightly steeds of which he guides past a shadowy turning-point. The lover repeats love’s mysteries, the merchant makes exchange of goods, the miser still watchfully grasps at elusive riches, and to thirsty sufferers all-pervading sleep offers from a cooling spring idly alluring draughts.

I am a lover of the Muses and in the silent night I too am haunted by that my accustomed task. For meseemed I stood upon the very summit of the starry sky and laid my songs at Jove’s feet, and, in the flattery of sleep, the gods and all the sacred band gathered about Jove’s throne gave applause to my words. I sang of Enceladus and conquered Typhoeus, the first a prisoner beneath Inarime, the second oppressed by the weight of Etna. How

* * * * *

Page 72

quam laetum post bella Iovem susceperat aether Phlegraeae referens praemia militiae! 20

Additur ecce fides nec me mea lusit imago, inrita nec falsum somnia misit ebur. en princeps, en orbis apex aequatus Olympo! en quales memini, turba verenda, deos! fingere nil maius potuit sopor, altaque vati 25 conventum caelo praebuit aula parem.

* * * * *

Page 73

joyous was that Jove whom, after the war with the giants, heaven welcomed, enriched with the spoils from Phlegra’s field!

My dream has come true; ’twas no vain imagining; nor did the false ivory gate[21] send forth an unaccomplished dream. Behold our lord, behold earth towering to heaven’s height! Here before me are gods such as I then saw, gods worthy of all reverence. Nought greater could dreams have fancied; this noble assembly offers the poet an audience like to that of heaven.

[21] A reference to the famous epilogue of Verg. _Aen._ vi. (ll. 893-96). Dreams which come through the ivory gate are false, those which issue from the gate of horn, true.

* * * * *

Page 74

PANEGYRICUS

(XXVIII.)

Aurea Fortunae Reduci si templa priores ob reditum vovere ducum, non dignius umquam haec dea pro meritis amplas sibi posceret aedes, quam sua cum pariter trabeis reparatur et urbi maiestas: neque enim campus sollemnis et urna 5 luditur in morem, species nec dissona coetu aut peregrina nitet simulati iuris imago. indigenas habitus nativa palatia sumunt, et, patriis plebem castris sociante Quirino, Mars augusta sui renovat suffragia campi. 10 qualis erit terris, quem mons Euandrius offert Romanis avibus, quem Thybris inaugurat, annus? quamquam omnes, quicumque tui cognominis, anni semper inoffensum dederint successibus omen sintque tropaea tuas semper comitata secures, 15 hic tamen ante omnes miro promittitur ortu, urbis et Augusti geminato numine felix. namque velut stellas Babylonia cura salubres optima tunc spondet mortalibus edere fata, caelicolae cum celsa tenent summoque feruntur 20

* * * * *

Page 75

THE PANEGYRIC

(XXVIII.)

If our ancestors vowed temples to “Home-bringing Fortune” in honour of the return of their generals, never would this goddess more worthily claim for her services a noble temple than when their proper majesty is restored alike to the consulship and to Rome. The annual election in the Campus Martius is not the accustomed farce, nor see we a consul of other race than his electors nor a foreigner claiming pretended rights.[22] The palace now our own wears a native dress, and while Quirinus associates the people with the armies of Italy, Mars gives back to his own Field its imperial suffrage. What will the year be like for mortals that is ushered in by omens on the Palatine Hill so favourable to true sons of Rome and inaugurated on the banks of the Tiber? ’Tis true that years marked by thy name have ever been rich in omens of success and that victory has always accompanied thy consulship, yet by its wondrous dawn is this year set before all years, blessed by the twofold deity of Rome and of her Emperor. For as Babylonian lore gives assurance that propitious stars do then promise the best fortune to mortals when they hold the summit of the sky and their course is at the zenith, not dimming their

[22] Claudian means that this year there is a real election (_cf._ Lucan, v. 392 for a similar passage) and that the new consul is a true Roman.

* * * * *

Page 76

cardine nec radios humili statione recondunt: haud aliter Latiae sublimis Signifer aulae, imperii sidus propria cum sede locavit, auget spes Italas; et certius omina surgunt victrici concepta solo. Cum pulcher Apollo 25 lustrat Hyperboreas Delphis cessantibus aras, nil tum Castaliae rivis communibus undae dissimiles, vili nec discrepat arbore laurus, antraque maesta silent inconsultique recessus. at si Phoebus adest et frenis grypha iugalem 30 Riphaeo tripodas repetens detorsit ab axe, tunc silvae, tunc antra loqui, tunc vivere fontes, tunc sacer horror aquis adytisque effunditur Echo clarior et doctae spirant praesagia rupes. ecce Palatino crevit reverentia monti 35 exultatque habitante deo potioraque Delphis supplicibus late populis oracula pandit atque suas ad signa iubet revirescere laurus. Non alium certe decuit rectoribus orbis esse larem, nulloque magis se colle potestas 40 aestimat et summi sentit fastigia iuris; attollens apicem subiectis regia rostris tot circum delubra videt tantisque deorum cingitur excubiis! iuvat infra tecta Tonantis cernere Tarpeia pendentes rupe Gigantas 45 caelatasque fores mediisque volantia signa nubibus et densum stipantibus aethera templis aeraque vestitis numerosa puppe columnis consita subnixasque iugis inmanibus aedes,

* * * * *

Page 77

light by a low position in the sky; so the Standard-bearer of the Latin palace[23] at _his_ zenith gives hope of a brighter future for Italy in placing the star of our empire in its true position. Omens that have their origin in Rome’s victorious soil are the more sure of fulfilment.

When fair Apollo leaves Delphi’s shrine and visits the altars of the north, Castalia’s waters differ in no wise from those of any common stream, nor the laurel from any common tree; sad and silent is the cave and the shrine without a worshipper. But if Phoebus is there, Phoebus returned from Scythian climes to his Delphic tripod, guiding thither his yoked griffins, the woods, the caves regain their voice, the streams their life; the sacred ripple revisits the face of the waters, a clearer echo resounds from the shrine and the now inspired rocks tremble to the voice of prophecy. Now the Palatine Mount is exalted with honour and rejoices in the return of its native deity; far and wide among the suppliant peoples it spreads oracles surer even than those of Delphi and bids its laurels grow green again to deck the standards of Rome.

Of a truth no other city could fitly be the home of the world’s rulers; on this hill is majesty most herself, and knows the height of her supreme sway; the palace, raising its head above the forum that lies at its feet, sees around it so many temples and is surrounded by so many protecting deities. See below the Thunderer’s temple the Giants suspended from the Tarpeian rock, behold the sculptured doors, the cloud-capped statues, the sky-towering temples, the brazen prows of many a vessel welded on to lofty columns, the temples built on massy crags where the

[23] _i.e._ the Emperor. _Signifer_ also means the zodiac. Claudian puns on the ambiguity.

* * * * *

Page 78

naturam cumulante manu, spoliisque micantes 50 innumeros arcus. acies stupet igne metalli et circumfuso trepidans obtunditur auro. Agnoscisne tuos, princeps venerande, penates? haec sunt, quae primis olim miratus in annis patre pio monstrante puer. nil optimus ille 55 divorum toto meruit felicius aevo, quam quod Romuleis victor sub moenibus egit te consorte dies, cum se melioribus addens exemplis civem gereret terrore remoto, alternos cum plebe iocos dilectaque passus 60 iurgia patriciasque domos privataque passim visere deposito dignatus limina fastu. publicus hinc ardescit amor, cum moribus aequis inclinat populo regale modestia culmen. teque rudem vitae, quamvis diademate necdum 65 cingebare comas, socium sumebat honorum purpureo fotum gremio, parvumque triumphis imbuit et magnis docuit praeludere fatis. et linguis variae gentes missique rogatum foedera Persarum proceres cum patre sedentem 70 hac quondam videre domo positoque tiaram summisere genu. tecum praelarga vocavit ditandas ad dona tribus; fulgentia tecum collecti trabeatus adit delubra senatus Romano puerum gaudens offerre favori, 75 ut novus imperio iam tunc adsuesceret heres.

* * * * *

Page 79

hand of man has added to the work of nature, the countless triumphal arches glittering with spoils. The eyes are dazed by the blaze of metal and blink outwearied by the surrounding gold.

Adored Prince, dost thou recognize thy house? ’Tis the same that thy loving sire showed to thy wondering eyes while yet thou wert a boy of tender years. Never in all his life did Theodosius, best of all the gods, better deserve our love than when, triumphant over all his foes, he came with thee to Rome to sojourn within its walls, and there, following the example of the noblest emperors, lived as a simple citizen, not seeking to inspire terror by his name but condescending to exchange banter and harmless raillery with the people and as ready to lay aside his rank and visit the homes of the poor as to enter the palaces of the noble. ’Tis thus the public love is kindled when with just humanity modesty bids royal state stoop to the people. And thee, while still but a boy, though the crown had not yet encircled thy head, thy father took to share his honours,[24] cherishing thee in his royal bosom, giving thy youth its first taste of triumphs and teaching it the prelude of its mighty destiny. Peoples of every tongue and Persian chiefs sent to solicit alliance in Rome[25] once saw thee seated with thy father in this very palace and bowing the knee laid their crowns at thy feet. Thou wert at his side when he summoned the tribes to receive a bounteous largess: with thee he entered the hallowed portals of the assembled senate clad in the consul’s robe, right glad to introduce his son to the goodwill of the Roman Fathers, that so his youthful heir might grow familiar with empire.

[24] Honorius was made Augustus Nov. 20, 393, shortly after his ninth birthday.

[25] The Persians seem to have sent embassies to Rome both in 387 and 389 (Themistius, _Orat._ xix. p. 227).

* * * * *

Page 80

Hinc tibi concreta radice tenacius haesit et penitus totis inolevit Roma medullis, dilectaeque urbis tenero conceptus ab ungue tecum crevit amor. nec te mutare reversum 80 evaluit propria nutritor Bosphorus arce. et quotiens optare tibi quae moenia malles adludens genitor regni pro parte dedisset, divitis Aurorae solium sortemque paratam sponte remittebas fratri: “regat ille volentes 85 Assyrios; habeat Pharium cum Tigride Nilum; contingat mea Roma mihi.” nec vota fefellit eventus. Fortuna novum molita tyrannum iam tibi quaerebat Latium belloque secundo protinus Eoa velox accitus ab aula 90 suscipis Hesperiam patrio bis Marte receptam. ipsa per Illyricas urbes Oriente relicto ire Serena comes nullo deterrita casu, materna te mente fovens Latioque futurum rectorem generumque sibi seniore supernas 95 iam repetente plagas. illo sub cardine rerum sedula servatum per tot discrimina pignus restituit sceptris patrui castrisque mariti. certavit pietate domus, fidaeque reductum coniugis officio Stilichonis cura recepit. 100 Felix ille parens, qui te secures Olympum succedente petit! quam laetus ab aethere cernit se factis crevisse tuis! duo namque fuere

* * * * *

Page 81

Hence taking firmer root the love of Rome clung to thee more closely and grew strong, deep-planted in all thy heart. As thou grewest the affection which thou hadst found in childhood for the city grew too; nor was Bosporus, whose cherished town was thy nurse, able on thy return to seduce thee from that love. Every time that thy sire in sport gave thee thy choice of whatsoever cities thou didst prefer to govern as thy share of empire, thou didst leave to thy brother Arcadius the throne and riches of the East and the lands which by inheritance should be his. “Let him rule over the servile Assyrians,” thou saidst, “let Nile, the river of Egypt, and the Tigris be his; let me have my beloved Rome.” Thy wishes have been fulfilled. Fortune set up a new tyrant only to ensure for thee the governance of Latium. So soon as ever the war was brought to a successful conclusion thou wert summoned from the court of Byzantium to undertake the rule of Italy twice conquered by thy father’s arms. Serena herself left the East and accompanied thee in thy journey across Illyria: fearless in face of danger she bestowed a mother’s care on thee who wert to be lord of Latium and her own son-in-law after Theodosius’ translation to the sky. She kept careful guard over the child entrusted to her protection through the dangers of that critical time and brought thee safe to her uncle’s throne and her husband’s army. Stilicho and Serena vied in love toward thee and what Serena’s care had brought safe home Stilicho’s affection welcomed there.

Happy father to enter heaven with no fears for the future; he knew that thou wert to succeed him. With what joy he looks down from above and sees his glory enhanced by thine exploits! Europe and

* * * * *

Page 82

Europae Libyaeque hostes: Maurusius Atlas Gildonis Furias, Alaricum barbara Peuce 105 nutrierat, qui saepe tuum sprevere profana mente patrem. Thracum venienti e[26] finibus alter Hebri clausit aquas; alter praecepta vocantis respuit auxiliisque ad proxima bella negatis abiurata palam Libyae possederat arva: 110 quorum nunc meritam repetens non inmemor iram suppliciis fruitur natoque ultore triumphat. ense Thyestiadae poenas exegit Orestes, sed mixtum pietate nefas dubitandaque caedis gloria, materno laudem cum crimine pensat; 115 pavit Iuleos inviso sanguine manes Augustus, sed falsa pii praeconia sumpsit in luctum patriae civili strage parentans: at tibi causa patris rerum coniuncta saluti bellorum duplicat laurus, isdemque tropaeis 120 reddita libertas orbi, vindicta parenti. Sed mihi iam pridem captum Parnasia Maurum Pieriis egit fidibus chelys; arma Getarum nuper apud socerum plectro celebrata recenti. adventus nunc sacra tui libet edere Musis 125 grataque patratis exordia sumere bellis. Iam Pollentini tenuatus funere campi concessaque sibi (rerum sic admonet usus) luce, tot amissis sociis atque omnibus una direptis opibus, Latio discedere iussus 130

[26] Birt prints the _venientem finibus_ of A and B (the other MSS. have _veniens e_), and the _aquis_ (l. 108) of the better MSS. I have adopted Heinsius’ emendation _venienti_ with some hesitation.

* * * * *

Page 83

Africa were alike threatened by foes: from Mount Atlas came fierce Gildo; Alaric from Peuce’s savage isle. Often had both with impious daring set at nought the commands of thy sire. When he came from the lands of Thrace Alaric closed against him the waters of the Danube; Gildo scorned his command and, refusing assistance for a neighbouring war, had seized on the fields of Libya he had long forsworn. Theodosius recalls the anger he then justly felt and rejoices to witness their discomfiture, proud to have his son for his avenger. Orestes’ sword took vengeance on the son of Thyestes[27]; but guilt was blent with piety, and the sword-stroke brings doubtful glory when honour is balanced by a mother’s murder; Augustus sated the shade of Caesar with his enemies’ blood, but he made a false advertisement of piety when, to the grief of his fatherland, he offered the blood of citizens to his father’s ghost. But for thee thy sire’s cause, linked as it is with the general safety, doubles thy warlike fame; the same victory that has avenged thy sire has restored peace to the world.

My lyre inspired by the Muses of Pieria has long since sung of the defeat and capture of the Moor; but of late, too, in Stilicho’s presence I have celebrated in verse the wars against the Getae. To-day I would fain sing the glories of thy home-coming and, ceasing to tell of wars, would prelude a theme of thankfulness.

Alaric, his hopes ruined by his bloody defeat at Pollentia, though policy dictated that his life should be spared, was nevertheless deserted by all his allies and bereft of all his resources. He was forced to leave Latium and to retrace his steps in ruin and

[27] Aegisthus.

* * * * *

Page 84

hostis et inmensi revolutus culmine fati turpe retexit iter. qualis piratica puppis, quae cunctis infensa fretis scelerumque referta divitiis multasque diu populata carinas incidit in magnam bellatricemque triremim, 135 dum praedam de more putat; viduataque caesis remigibus, scissis velorum debilis alis, orba gubernaclis, antennis saucia fractis ludibrium pelagi vento iactatur et unda, vastato tandem poenas luitura profundo: 140 talis ab urbe minas retro flectebat inanes Italiam fugiens, et quae venientibus ante prona fuit, iam difficilis, iam dura reversis. clausa putat sibi cuncta pavor, retroque relictos quos modo temnebat, rediens exhorruit amnes. 145

Undosa tum forte domo vitreisque sub antris rerum ignarus adhuc ingentes pectore curas volvebat pater Eridanus: quis bella maneret exitus? imperiumne Iovi legesque placerent et vitae Romana quies, an iura perosus 150 ad priscos pecudum damnaret saecula ritus? talia dum secum movet anxius, advolat una Naiadum resoluta comam, complexaque patrem “en Alaricus” ait “non qualem nuper ovantem vidimus; exangues, genitor, mirabere vultus. 155 percensere manum tantaque ex gente iuvabit relliquias numerasse breves. iam desine maesta fronte queri Nymphasque choris iam redde sorores.”

Dixerat; ille caput placidis sublime fluentis extulit, et totis lucem spargentia ripis 160

* * * * *

Page 85

disgrace; such was the complete reversal of his fortune.[28] As when a pirate ship, the terror of every sea, laden with the spoils of violence and the booty taken from many a captured merchantman, falls in with a great man-of-war and hopes to secure it for its prey as vessels heretofore, then indeed crippled by the slaughter of its oarsmen and the rending of its sails, deprived of its rudder and all but destroyed by the breaking of its yardarms, it is driven this way and that at the mercy of wind and wave and at last pays the penalty for its piracy; even so Alaric turned backwards his vain threatenings, fleeing from Italy that, once so easy for his advance, was now so difficult for his retreat. His fear makes him believe every road barred, and rivers, erstwhile left behind in scorn, fill him with alarm on his return.

Meanwhile, as it fell out, father Eridanus in his watery home beneath the crystal caverns, ignorant as yet of what had happened, was pondering weighty cares. What, he wondered, would be the outcome of the war: would Jove approve empire and law and Rome’s days of peace, or would he, abhorring order, condemn future ages to the primal ways of brute beasts? As he anxiously ponders such things one of the Naiads with hair unbound came and embraced her sire and said, “Alaric is other now than once we saw him in his hour of triumph: thou wilt wonder at the pallor of his countenance. Joy it will be to reckon up his army and number the remains of so great a host. Frown no more nor complain; let my sister nymphs once more enjoy their dances.”

So spake she and he lifted his gracious head above the gliding stream and on his dripping forehead

[28] Claudian did not live to see the next “reversal of fortune,” Alaric’s capture of Rome six years later.

* * * * *

Page 86

aurea roranti micuerunt cornua vultu. non illi madidum vulgaris harundine crinem velat honos; rami caput umbravere virentes Heliadum totisque fluunt electra capillis. palla tegit latos umeros, curruque paterno 165 intextus Phaëthon glaucos incendit amictus. fultaque sub gremio caelatis nobilis astris aetherium probat urna decus. namque omnia luctus argumenta sui Titan signavit Olympo: mutatumque senem plumis et fronde sorores 170 et fluvium, nati qui vulnera lavit anheli; stat gelidis Auriga plagis; vestigia fratris germanae servant Hyades, Cygnique sodalis lacteus extentas adspergit circulus alas; stelliger Eridanus sinuatis flexibus errans 175 clara Noti convexa rigat gladioque tremendum gurgite sidereo subterluit Oriona.

Hoc deus effulgens habitu prospexit euntes deiecta cervice Getas; tunc talia fatur: “sicine mutatis properas, Alarice, reverti 180 consiliis? Italae sic te iam paenitet orae? nec iam cornipedem Thybrino gramine pascis, ut rebare, tuum? Tuscis nec figis aratrum collibus? o cunctis Erebi dignissime poenis, tune Giganteis urbem temptare deorum 185 adgressus furiis? nec te meus, improbe, saltem terruit exemplo Phaëthon, qui fulmina praeceps in nostris efflavit aquis, dum flammea caeli

* * * * *

Page 87

gleamed the golden horns that cast their brilliance all along the banks. No common crown of reeds adorned his oozy locks. The green branches of the daughters of the sun[29] shadowed his head and amber dripped from all his hair. A cloak was flung over his broad shoulders, a cloak whose grey texture was set aflame with an embroidery of Phaëthon and his father’s chariot. Resting beneath his breast an urn glorious with engraved stars makes clear its heaven-sent beauty. For there Phoebus had set in the sky all the sad stories of his woe: Cycnus changed into a swan, Phaëthon’s sisters transformed into trees, and the river that washed the wounds of his dying son; the charioteer is there in his icy zone, the Hyades follow on their brother’s traces, while the Milky Way sprinkles the outstretched wings of Cycnus who bears him company; the constellation of Eridanus[30] himself wets the clear southern sky in its tortuous course and with starry stream flows beneath Orion’s dread sword.

Glorious in such guise the god looked forth and saw the Getae advancing with bowed necks. Then he spake: “What, Alaric, hast thou then changed thy plans? Why hastenest thou back? Art wearied so soon of the coasts of Italy? Feedest thou not thy horses on Tiber’s grassy bank as thou thoughtest to do? Drivest not the plough on Etruria’s hills? Fit object of all the punishments of Hell, thinkest thou to attack the city of the gods with a Giant’s rage? If none other, was not my Phaëthon a warning to thee, Phaëthon fall’n from heaven to quench his flames in my waters, what time he

[29] The poplar.

[30] Eridanus was a mythical river of the far West, generally identified with the Latin Padus (mod. Po). Phaëthon is said to have fallen into it when he attempted to drive the horses of his father, the sun. After this Eridanus, the river god, became a constellation--hence Eridanus is said to “wet” the southern sky.

* * * * *

Page 88

flectere terrenis meditatur frena lacertis mortalique diem sperat diffundere vultu? 190 crede mihi, simili bacchatur crimine, quisquis adspirat Romae spoliis aut Solis habenis.” Sic fatus Ligures Venetosque erectior amnes magna voce ciet. frondentibus umida ripis colla levant: pulcher Ticinus et Addua visu 195 caerulus et velox Athesis tardusque meatu Mincius inque novem consurgens ora Timavus. insultant omnes profugo pacataque laetum invitant ad prata pecus; iam Pana Lycaeum, iam Dryadas revocant et rustica numina Faunos. 200 Tu quoque non parvum Getico, Verona, triumpho adiungis cumulum, nec plus Pollentia rebus contulit Ausoniis aut moenia vindicis Hastae. hic, rursus dum pacta movet damnisque coactus extremo mutare parat praesentia casu, 205 nil sibi periurum sensit prodesse furorem converti nec fata loco, multisque suorum diras pavit aves, inimicaque corpora volvens Ionios Athesis mutavit sanguine fluctus. Oblatum Stilicho violato foedere Martem 210 omnibus adripuit votis, ubi Roma periclo iam procul et belli medio Padus arbiter ibat. iamque opportunam motu strepuisse rebelli gaudet perfidiam praebensque exempla labori sustinet accensos aestivo pulvere soles. 215 ipse manu metuendus adest inopinaque cunctis

* * * * *

Page 89

sought with mortal hand to hold the fiery reins of the sky and hoped to spread day’s brilliance from a mortal countenance? ’Tis the same mad crime, I tell thee, whosoever aspires to spoil Rome or drive the sun’s chariot.”

So spake he, and rising yet farther out of the stream he loudly summoned the rivers of Liguria and Venetia. These raise their dripping heads from among their leafy banks, fair Ticinus, blue Addua, swift Athesis, slow Mincius, and Timavus with his nine mouths. All mock at the fugitive and recall the happy flocks to the now peaceful meadows; Lycaean Pan is bidden to return and the Dryads and Fauns, gods of the countryside.

Thou too, Verona,[31] didst add no small makeweight to Rome’s victory over the Getae; not even Pollentia nor the walls of avenging Hasta did more for the salvation of Italy. Here, as once again he breaks his bond, and driven by his losses risks all in the attempt to change his present fortune, Alaric learned that his mad treachery availed him nothing and that change of place changes not destiny. The vultures fed on the countless bodies of his slain, and Athesis, carrying down the corpses of Rome’s enemies in its stream, turned the waters of the Ionian sea into blood.

The treaty violated, Stilicho with all eagerness grasped at the conflict proffered where Rome was now far away from danger and Padus flowed between witnessing the strife. He rejoices that now opportune treachery has broken out in rebellious risings and, setting an example of endurance, he shirks neither fiery sun nor scorching dust. Himself he is everywhere with dreadful arm; he stations troops

[31] The chroniclers do not mention this battle. It is probably to be attributed to the summer of 403.

* * * * *

Page 90

instruit arma locis et qua vocat usus ab omni parte venit. fesso si deficit agmine miles, utitur auxiliis damni securus, et astu debilitat saevum cognatis viribus Histrum 220 et duplici lucro committens proelia vertit in se barbariem nobis utrimque cadentem. ipsum te caperet letoque, Alarice, dedisset, ni calor incauti male festinatus Alani dispositum turbasset opus; prope captus anhelum 225 verbere cogis equum, nec te vitasse dolemus. i potius genti reliquus tantisque superstes Danuvii populis, i, nostrum vive tropaeum. Non tamen ingenium tantis se cladibus atrox deicit: occulto temptabat tramite montes, 230 si qua per scopulos subitas exquirere posset in Raetos Gallosque vias. sed fortior obstat cura ducis. quis enim divinum fallere pectus possit et excubiis vigilantia lumina regni? cuius consilium non umquam repperit hostis 235 nec potuit texisse suum. secreta Getarum nosse prior celerique dolis occurrere sensu. Omnibus exclusus coeptis consedit in uno colle tremens; frondesque licet depastus amaras arboreo figat sonipes in cortice morsus 240 et taetris collecta cibis annique vapore

* * * * *

Page 91

at every point, even where the enemy little expected them, and hastens in any and every direction to the succour of him who needs it. If the soldiers flag with wearied ranks he throws the auxiliaries into the line heedless of their loss; thus he cunningly weakens the savage tribes of the Danube by opposing one tribe to another and with twofold gain joins battle that turns barbarians against themselves to perish in either army for our sake. Thee too, Alaric, he had captured and delivered over to death had not the hasty zeal of the rash Alan chief upset his carefully laid scheme. All but a prisoner thou dost lash thy panting steed, nor do we regret that escape. Rather get thee gone, thou last remnant of thy race, sole survivor of so many Danubian tribes; get thee gone, the living witness of Rome’s triumph.

Yet was his[32] fierce spirit not cast down by these great reverses; he still attempted to discover an unknown path across the mountains, hoping that over their rocky summits he might fall suddenly on the peoples of Raetia and Gaul. But Stilicho’s more soldierly vigilance put a stop to his projects. Who indeed could hope to deceive that unsleeping brain, those godlike eyes that watched o’er Italy? Never did an enemy succeed in discovering Stilicho’s plans or had power to conceal his own. Before they knew them themselves the secrets of the Getae were known to Stilicho, whose generalship was quick to meet their every ruse.

Baulked in every attempt Alaric camped panic-stricken on a single hill. Though the horses, feeding on bitter leaves, gnawed even the tree-bark, though pestilence raged, brought on by foul food and

[32] _i.e._ Alaric’s.

* * * * *

Page 92

saeviat aucta lues et miles probra superbus ingerat obsesso captivaque pignora monstret: non tamen aut morbi tabes aut omne periclum docta subire fames aut praedae luctus ademptae 245 aut pudor aut dictis movere procacibus irae, ut male temptato totiens se credere campo comminus auderet. nulla est victoria maior, quam quae confessos animo quoque subiugat hostes. iamque frequens rarum decerpere transfuga robur 250 coeperat inque dies numerus decrescere castris, nec iam deditio paucis occulta parari, sed cunei totaeque palam discedere turmae. consequitur vanoque fremens clamore retentat cumque suis iam bella gerit; mox nomina supplex 255 cum fletu precibusque ciet veterumque laborum admonet et frustra iugulum parcentibus offert, defixoque malis animo sua membra suasque cernit abire manus: qualis Cybeleia quassans Hyblaeus procul aera senex revocare fugaces 260 tinnitu conatur apes, quae sponte relictis descivere favis, sonituque exhaustus inani raptas mellis opes solitaeque oblita latebrae perfida deplorat vacuis examina ceris. Ergo ubi praeclusae voci laxata remisit 265 frena dolor, notas oculis umentibus Alpes adspicit et nimium diversi stamine fati

* * * * *

Page 93

aggravated by the season’s heat, though the soldiers arrogantly heaped abuse on their beleaguered leader and reminded him of their captured children; yet neither the ravages of disease nor famine that teaches men to face all dangers, nor grief for spoils lost, nor the voice of shame nor anger at bitter gibes could tempt him to brave the perils of a hand-to-hand fight, tried so often before and with such ill success. What triumph more complete than that of extorting from a conquered foe the admission that he is conquered? And now numbers of deserters began to weaken his already reduced strength and day by day his forces were diminished. Sedition was not now the hidden work of a few but meant the open defection of whole sections and squadrons. Their general rides after them and with angry curses and vain clamour seeks to hold them back, waging war now on his own troops. He weeps, calls the men by name, recalls them with prayers and supplications; he reminds them of past campaigns and all to no purpose offers his throat to their reluctant hands. His mind a prey to melancholy he sees his forces desert him, his army melt away, even as an old bee-master of Hybla, beating Cybele’s gong, tries, by means of that noise, to recall his scattered bees who have wantonly left their combs and fled the hive, till, himself wearied of the useless sound, he weeps the loss of his store of honey and cries out upon the faithless swarm that has forgotten its accustomed home and left its cells empty.

And so when grief loosed the string of his tongue that had long been mute he looked with tear-dimmed eyes upon the well-known Alps and pondered upon his present retreat, attended by a fate so different

* * * * *

Page 94

praesentes reditus fortunatosque revolvit ingressus: solo peragens tum murmure bellum protento leviter frangebat moenia conto 270 inridens scopulos; nunc desolatus et expes debita pulsato reddit spectacula monti. tunc sic Ausonium respectans aethera fatur: “Heu regio funesta Getis, heu terra sinistris auguriis calcata mihi, satiare nocentum 275 cladibus et tandem nostris inflectere poenis! en ego, qui toto sublimior orbe ferebar ante tuum felix aditum, ceu legibus exul addictusque reus flatu propiore sequentum terga premor. quae prima miser, quae funera dictis posteriora querar? non me Pollentia tantum 281 nec captae cruciastis opes; hoc aspera fati sors tulerit Martisque vices. non funditus armis concideram; stipatus adhuc equitumque catervis integer ad montes reliquo cum robore cessi, 285 quos Appenninum perhibent. hunc esse ferebat incola, qui Siculum porrectus ad usque Pelorum finibus ab Ligurum populos complectitur omnes Italiae geminumque latus stringentia longe utraque perpetuo discriminat aequora tractu. 290 haec ego continuum si per iuga tendere cursum, ut prior iratae fuerat sententia menti, iam desperata voluissem luce, quid ultra? omnibus oppeterem fama maiore perustis! et certe moriens propius te, Roma, viderem, 295 ipsaque per cultas segetes mors nostra secuto victori damnosa foret. sed pignora nobis

* * * * *

Page 95

from that which had prospered his advance. Then with a single whisper he made war, with an outstretched spear lightly overthrew walls, making a mock of precipices; now deserted and in despair he offered a just spectacle to the mountains he had so scornfully crossed. Then looking up at the sky of Italy he said: “Land of death for the Getae, trod by me with such omens of disaster, let thy wrath be now appeased by the sacrifice of so many of the guilty; let my sufferings at last excite thy compassion. Behold me, once lord of the world, the friend of fortune till I invaded thee; now, like an exile or an adjudged criminal, I feel upon my back the nearer breath of my pursuers. Alas! which of my disasters shall I lament first, which last? Not thou, Pollentia, nor ye, my captured treasures, have thus tortured me; be that destiny’s harsh lot or the chance of war. I had not then lost all my forces; with troops still at my back, with my cavalry intact, I retired with the remnant of my army to the hills they call the Apennines. Its inhabitants told me that this mountain stretched from the confines of Liguria as far as the promontory of Pelorus in Sicily and embraced all the peoples of Italy, dividing with its unbroken chain the two seas that wash their country’s two coasts. If I had pursued the plan that anger first dictated to me and had in my desperation continued my march along its crest, what lay beyond? Giving everything to the flames I might have died with loftier fame. Ay, and my dying eyes had beheld thee, Rome, from not so far away, and my very death would have cost the victor dear as he pursued me over the well-tilled cornfields. But Rome held my

* * * * *

Page 96

Romanus carasque nurus praedamque tenebat. hoc magis exertum raperem succinctior agmen. “Heu, quibus insidiis, qua me circumdedit arte 300 fatalis semper Stilicho! dum parcere fingit, rettudit[33] hostiles animos bellumque remenso evaluit transferre Pado. pro foedera saevo deteriora iugo! tunc vis extincta Getarum; tunc mihi, tunc letum pepigi. violentior armis 305 omnibus expugnat nostram clementia gentem, Mars gravior sub pace latet, capiorque vicissim fraudibus ipse meis. quis iam solacia fesso consiliumve dabit? socius suspectior hoste. “Atque utinam cunctos licuisset perdere bello! 310 nam quisquis duro cecidit certamine, numquam desinit esse meus. melius mucrone perirent, auferretque mihi luctu leviore sodales victa manus quam laesa fides. nullusne clientum permanet? offensi comites, odere propinqui. 315 quid moror invisam lucem? qua sede recondam naufragii fragmenta mei? quaeve arva requiram, in quibus haud umquam Stilicho nimiumque potentis Italiae nomen nostras circumsonet aures?” Haec memorans instante fugam Stilichone tetendit expertas horrens aquilas; comitatur euntem 321 Pallor et atra Fames et saucia lividus ora Luctus et inferno stridentes agmine Morbi. lustralem tum rite facem, cui lumen odorum

[33] _rettudit_ Isengr. mg.; Birt reads _rettulit_, following EVA.

* * * * *

Page 97

children captive, my wives, my wealth--yet, freed from such hindrances, my advance had been the more rapid.

“With what cunning, with what skill, did Stilicho, that ever fatal enemy, ensnare me! His pretended mercy did but blunt my warlike spirit, and availed him to shift the war backwards across the Po. A curse on that armistice, more damaging than the yoke of slavery. ’Twas then the cause of the Getae was undone, then that I signed my own death-warrant. More rudely than any weapon did mercy destroy our people, beneath that semblance of peace lay the deadliest form of war, and I myself fell into the snare I had laid for others. I am weary of it all; where shall I find comfort or counsel? I fear my friends more than my foes.

“Would God I had lost them all on that field. He is ever mine that has fallen in hard conflict. Better all had perished by the sword; less bitter had been my grief for losses inflicted by a victorious foe than for those brought upon me by treachery. Is there not left one faithful follower? My comrades have turned against me, my friends hate me. My life is a burden; why prolong it? Where hide the remnants of my shipwrecked fortunes? To what land shall I flee where the names of Stilicho and all too powerful Italy shall not sound for ever in mine ears?”

So spake he, and with Stilicho pressing hard upon him fled in terror before our eagles. With him goes Pallor, black Hunger, Despair with bloodless, wounded countenance and a hellish company of shrieking Diseases. Then the learnèd priest whirls around the sick body[34] the torch of purification

[34] _i.e._ the sick body of Italy which has to be purified after the polluting presence of Alaric. With “rore pio spargens” _cf._ Verg. _Aen._ vi. 230, and for the throwing over the head of the purificatory instrument see Verg. _Ec._ viii. 102.

* * * * *

Page 98

sulphure caeruleo nigroque bitumine fumat, 325 circum membra rotat doctus purganda sacerdos rore pio spargens, et dira fugantibus herbis numina purificumque Iovem Triviamque precatus trans caput aversis manibus iaculatur in Austrum secum rapturas cantata piacula taedas. 330

Acrior interea visendi principis ardor accendit cum plebe patres et saepe negatum flagitat adventum; nec tali publica vota consensu tradunt atavi caluisse per urbem, Dacica bellipotens cum fregerat Ulpius arma 335 atque indignantes in iura redegerat Arctos, cum fasces cinxere Hypanin mirataque leges Romanum stupuit Maeotia terra tribunal. nec tantis patriae studiis ad templa vocatus, clemens Marce, redis, cum gentibus undique cinctam exuit Hesperiam paribus Fortuna periclis. 341 laus ibi nulla ducum; nam flammeus imber in hostem decidit; hunc dorso trepidum fumante ferebat ambustus sonipes; hic tabescente solutus subsedit galea liquefactaque fulgure cuspis 345 canduit et subitis fluxere vaporibus enses. tum contenta polo mortalis nescia teli pugna fuit: Chaldaea mago seu carmina ritu armavere deos, seu, quod reor, omne Tonantis obsequium Marci mores potuere mereri. 350 nunc quoque praesidium Latio non deesset Olympi, deficeret si nostra manus; sed providus aether

* * * * *

Page 99

with its smoky, odorous flame of blue sulphur and black bitumen; he sprinkles the limbs with holy water and with herbs that banish evil influences and, praying to Jove the Purifier and to Diana, with back-turned hands throws over his head towards the South the torches which are to carry off with them the spells cast over the sick.

Meanwhile the ardent desire of both senate and people to behold their emperor demands his often denied return. Not with such consent, our grandsires report, were public vows eagerly offered throughout the city when warlike Trajan had broken the power of Dacia and reduced the indignant north once more to subjection, what time the Scythian river Hypanis beheld the Roman axes and Lake Maeotis looked in amaze on a Roman court administering Roman law. It was a lesser enthusiasm which recalled the gentle Marcus Aurelius to give thanks in Rome’s temples for Fortune’s deliverance of Italy from a similar pressure of surrounding nations. Then ’twas no thanks to the generals: one man his scorched courser bore trembling on its smoking back; another sank down beneath his fire-wasted helmet; spears glowed molten by lightning and swords vanished suddenly into smoke. Heaven it was that fought that battle with no mortal weapons, whether it was that Chaldean seers[35] had by their magic spells won over the gods to our side or, as I rather think, that Marcus’ blameless life had power to win the Thunder’s homage. To-day, also, assuredly Heaven’s favour would not be wanting to Latium should our own hand fail, but a beneficent providence has

[35] Claudian refers to the famous legend of the “Thundering” legion, saved from dying of lack of water by a miraculous rain-storm. This miracle occurred during M. Aurelius’ war against the Marcomanni (_circ._ A.D. 175) and is attributed (1) to the prayers of the Christians; (2) to an Egyptian magician on Marcus’ staff (Dio Cassius lxxi. 8. 10); (3) to the emperor’s own prayers.

* * * * *

Page 100

noluit humano titulos auferre labori, ne tibi iam, princeps, soceri sudore paratam, quam meruit virtus, ambirent fulmina laurum. 355

Iam totiens missi proceres responsa morandi rettulerant, donec differri longius urbis communes non passa preces penetralibus altis prosiluit vultusque palam confessa coruscos impulit ipsa suis cunctantem Roma querellis: 360

“Dissimulata diu tristes in amore repulsas vestra parens, Auguste, queror. quonam usque tenebit praelatus mea vota Ligus? vetitumque propinqua luce frui, spatiis discernens gaudia parvis, torquebit Rubicon vicino nomine Thybrim? 365 nonne semel sprevisse satis, cum reddita bellis Africa venturi lusit spe principis urbem nec duras tantis precibus permovimus aures? ast ego frenabam geminos, quibus altior ires, electi candoris equos et nominis arcum 370 iam molita tui, per quem radiante decorus ingrederere toga, pugnae monumenta dicabam defensam titulo Libyam testata perenni. iamque parabantur pompae simulacra futurae Tarpeio spectanda Iovi: caelata metallo 375 classis ut auratum sulcaret remige fluctum, ut Massyla tuos anteirent oppida currus

* * * * *

Page 101

shown itself unwilling to rob human endeavour of its honour or to let the lightning win the crown of laurel which the efforts of thy father-in-law, Stilicho, have secured for thy brows.

Full often had the nobles, sent to urge thy return, brought back the answer that as yet thou couldst not come, until Rome herself, unable to bear any longer the frustration of her citizens’ common prayer, came forth from the depths of her sanctuary and, openly displaying her radiant face, urged the hesitating emperor with complaints of her own. “Too long, my emperor, have I, thy mother, borne in silence the hurt thy refusal to return hath done me. How long shall favoured Liguria possess that for which I desire? How long shall the Rubicon, separating me from the object of my prayers by so narrow a space, torture the Tiber by the all-but-presence of that divine being whose nearer sojourn it is not allowed to enjoy? Was it not enough to have scorned me once when Africa, again at war, mocked the city with hopes of its emperor’s coming, nor could we move thine obstinate ears with all our prayers? Yet did I harness for thee two steeds whiter than snow to draw the chariot wherein thou shouldst ride; already had I builded in thy name a triumphal arch through the which thou shouldst pass clad in the garb of victory, and I was dedicating it as a memorial of the war with an inscription to be the undying witness of the salvation of Libya. Even then were being prepared for Jove to see from the Tarpeian rock models for the coming triumph: a fleet of ships was cast in metal, ships whose oar-blades smote the golden sea; the cities of Africa were made to go before thy chariot and

* * * * *

Page 102

Palladiaque comas innexus harundine Triton edomitis veheretur aquis et in aere trementem succinctae famulum ferrent Atlanta cohortes, 380 ipse Iugurthinam subiturus carcere poenam praeberet fera colla iugo, vi captus et armis, non Bocchi Syllaeque dolis. “Sed prima remitto. num praesens etiam Getici me laurea belli declinare potest? sedesve capacior ulla 385 tantae laudis erit? tua te benefacta morantem conveniunt, meritisque suis obnoxia virtus quod servavit amat. iam flavescentia centum messibus aestivae detondent Gargara falces, spectatosque iterum nulli celebrantia ludos 390 circumflexa rapit centenus saecula consul: his annis, qui lustra mihi bis dena recensent, nostra ter Augustos intra pomeria vidi, temporibus variis; eadem sed causa tropaei civilis dissensus erat. venere superbi, 395 scilicet ut Latio respersos sanguine currus adspicerem! quisquamne piae laetanda parenti natorum lamenta putet? periere tyranni, sed nobis periere tamen. cum Gallica vulgo proelia iactaret, tacuit Pharsalica Caesar. 400 namque inter socias acies cognataque signa ut vinci miserum, numquam vicisse decorum. restituat priscum per te iam gloria morem verior, et fructum sincerae laudis ab hoste

* * * * *

Page 103

Triton, with his conquered waters and his head crowned with Minerva’s sacred reeds; crowds of slaves with upgirt dresses bore a figure of trembling Atlas cast in bronze; Gildo himself, destined to undergo in prison the punishment once meted out to Jugurtha, offered his stubborn neck to the yoke, Gildo fallen a captive to the arms of Rome, not to the treachery of a Bocchus and a Sulla.[36]

“But I pass over what has been. Can the present triumph, too, of the Getic war escape me? Does any spot give ampler room to so great renown? The very blessings thou hast bestowed beg thee not to delay, and thy generosity, constrained by its own fair deeds, must needs love those whom it has saved. Now for a hundred summers the reaper’s sickle has gathered the yellow harvest of Gargarus; already the consul has introduced the games that occur but once in a century and upon which no man looks twice. During these years which number twice ten lustres, I have but thrice[37] seen an emperor enter my walls in triumph; all at different times but for the same reason--civil war. Did they come in their pride that I should see their chariots stained with Italy’s blood? Can any think a mother finds joy in the tears of her offspring? The tyrants were slain, but even they were my children. Caesar boasted him of his victories over the Gauls; he said nought about Pharsalia. Where the two sides bear the same standards and are of one blood, as defeat is ever shameful so victory brings no honour. See thou to it that now a truer glory crown our arms; give me back the joy, long a stranger to me, of honest

[36] Bocchus, king of Mauretania, treacherously delivered up his kinsman Jugurtha to Marius. Sulla acted as the agent of the Roman general in this matter.

[37] In a century so replete with civil war as the fourth it is hard to say which particular three instances Claudian has in mind. One is no doubt Constantine’s defeat of Maxentius, after which we know that he entered Rome in triumph; the other two may refer to Theodosius’ victories over Eugenius and Maximus.

* * * * *

Page 104

desuetam iam redde mihi iustisque furoris 405 externi spoliis sontes absolve triumphos. “Quem, precor, ad finem laribus seiuncta potestas exulat imperiumque suis a sedibus errat? cur mea quae cunctis tribuere palatia nomen neglecto squalent senio? nec creditur orbis 410 illinc posse regi? medium non deserit umquam caeli Phoebus iter, radiis tamen omnia lustrat. segnius an veteres Histrum Rhenumque tenebant, qui nostram coluere domum? leviusve timebant Tigris et Euphrates, cum foedera Medus et Indus 415 hinc peteret pacemque mea speraret ab arce? hic illi mansere viri, quos mutua virtus legit et in nomen Romanis rebus adoptans iudicio pulchram seriem, non sanguine duxit; hic proles atavum deducens Aelia Nervam 420 tranquillique Pii bellatoresque Severi. hunc civis dignare chorum conspectaque dudum ora refer, pompam recolens ut mente priorem, quem tenero patris comitem susceperat aevo, 424 nunc duce cum socero iuvenem te Thybris adoret.” Orantem medio princeps sermone refovit: “numquam aliquid frustra per me voluisse dolebis, o dea, nec legum fas est occurrere matri. sed nec post Libyam (falsis ne perge querellis incusare tuos) patriae mandata vocantis 430 sprevimus: advectae misso Stilichone curules, ut nostras tibi, Roma, vices pro principe consul impleret generoque socer. vidistis in illo

* * * * *

Page 105

fame won from the enemy, and make good guilty triumphs by the lawful spoils of foreign madness.

“How long shall our emperor’s rule be a stranger to its true home and his governance stray from its rightful seat? Why does my palace which has given its name to all palaces mourn in neglected decay? Cannot the world be ruled therefrom? Phoebus never deserts his centre path though his beams are shed upon all. Was the hand of those old emperors who made me their home any lighter laid upon the tribes of Danube and Rhine? Was the awe felt by those of Tigris and Euphrates any less real when Mede and Indian came to this my capital of Rome to beg for alliance or sue for peace? Here dwelt those emperors whom merit chose for merit, and so, adopting them as consuls for the Roman state, made judgement not blood continue a noble line. Here lived the Aelian family that traced its descent from Nerva, the peaceful Antonines, the warlike Severi. Thou art a citizen; disdain not such a band; give us back the countenance we beheld long since, that Father Tiber, remembering the glory that was, may with thy father-in-law welcome thee as a man whom as a boy he saw leave my city at his father’s side.”

While yet she entreated the emperor reassured her with these words: “Never shalt thou complain that I have been deaf to thine entreaties; I could not thwart thee, goddess, who art the mother of our laws. Bring no railing accusation against thy sons. Did I disregard my country’s call after the African war? Nay, I sent thee Stilicho to sit in the curule chair to take my place, a consul instead of an emperor, a father- instead of a son-in-law. In him thy

* * * * *

Page 106

me quoque; sic credit pietas non sanguine solo, sed claris potius factis experta parentem. 435 cuncta quidem centum nequeam perstringere linguis, quae pro me mundoque gerit; sed ab omnibus unum, si fama necdum patuit, te, Roma, docebo subiectum nostris oculis et cuius agendi spectator vel causa fui. 440 “Populator Achivae Bistoniaeque plagae, crebris successibus amens et ruptas animis spirans inmanibus Alpes iam Ligurum trepidis admoverat agmina muris tutior auxilio brumae (quo gentibus illis sidere consueti favet inclementia caeli) 445 meque minabatur calcato obsidere vallo spem vano terrore fovens, si forte, remotis praesidiis, urgente metu, qua vellet obirem condicione fidem; nec me timor impulit ullus et duce venturo fretum memoremque tuorum, 450 Roma, ducum, quibus haud umquam vel morte parata foedus lucis amor pepigit dispendia famae. nox erat et late stellarum more videbam barbaricos ardere focos; iam classica primos excierant vigiles, gelida cum pulcher ab Arcto 455 adventat Stilicho. medius sed clauserat hostis inter me socerumque viam pontemque tenebat, Addua quo scissas spumosior incitat undas. quid faceret? differret iter? discrimina nullas nostra dabant adeunda moras. perrumperet agmen? sed paucis comitatus erat; nam plurima retro, 461 dum nobis properat succurrere, liquerat arma extera vel nostras acies. hoc ille locatus

* * * * *

Page 107

citizens saw also myself; so my love believes, for it has found that not blood alone but rather glorious deeds can show a parent. Had I a hundred tongues I could not touch on all the benefits he has bestowed upon me and upon the empire; one deed alone of them all will I recount to thee, goddess, if so be it is as yet unknown to thee, a deed of which I was the spectator or the cause.

“Alaric had laid waste Greece and the coasts of Thrace and in the mad pride of his many victories and the arrogance inspired by his crossing of the Alps had laid siege to the trembling cities of Liguria with winter as his ally--a season that favours a race accustomed to inclement skies; he then threatened to break down my defences and to lay strait siege to me also, bolstering up his hopes with the thought that, at the terror of his name and in fear of having none to aid me, I should come to terms with him on any conditions he chose. But I felt no fear, for I relied on the advance of Stilicho, and was mindful, O goddess, of those thy leaders who, even in face of death, never through base love of life made terms at the cost of honour. It was night; where’er I looked I saw the watchfires of the enemy shining like stars. The bugle had already summoned the soldiers to the first watch when glorious Stilicho arrived from the frozen north. But the enemy held the road between my father-in-law and myself, and the bridge whose obstructing piers churn turbid Addua to yet fuller foam. What was Stilicho to do? Halt? My danger forbade the least delay. Break through the enemy’s line? His force was too small. In hastening to my aid he had left behind him many auxiliaries and legionary troops. Placed in this dilemma he

* * * * *

Page 108

ancipiti, longum socias tardumque putavit expectasse manus et nostra pericula tendit 465 posthabitis pulsare suis mediumque per hostem flammatus virtute pia propriaeque salutis inmemor et stricto prosternens obvia ferro barbara fulmineo secuit tentoria cursu. “Nunc mihi Tydiden attollant carmina vatum, 470 quod iuncto fidens Ithaco patefacta Dolonis indicio dapibusque simul religataque somno Thracia sopiti penetraverit agmina Rhesi Graiaque rettulerit captos ad castra iugales, quorum, si qua fides augentibus omnia Musis, 475 impetus excessit Zephyros candorque pruinas. ecce virum, taciti nulla qui fraude soporis ense palam sibi pandit iter remeatque cruentus et Diomedeis tantum praeclarior ausis, quantum lux tenebris manifestaque proelia furtis! 480 adde quod et ripis steterat munitior hostis et cui nec vigilem fas est componere Rhesum: Thrax erat, hic Thracum domitor. non tela retardant, obice non haesit fluvii. sic ille minacem Tyrrhenam labente manum pro ponte repellens 485 traiecit clipeo Thybrim, quo texerat urbem, Tarquinio mirante Cocles mediisque superbus Porsennam respexit aquis. celer Addua nostro sulcatus socero: sed, cum transnaret, Etruscis ille dabat tergum, Geticis hic pectora bellis. 490

* * * * *

Page 109

thought it long and tedious to wait for reinforcements and, putting aside his own peril, was eager only to deliver me from mine; inspired by the courage that is born of love, heedless of his own danger, he broke through the enemy’s midst and, sword in hand, cutting down all who sought to bar his passage, he passed like lightning through the barbarians’ camp.

“Now let poets’ songs praise me the son of Tydeus because, relying on Odysseus’ help when the way was opened by Dolon’s wiles and all was sunk in feasting and slumber, he broke into the Thracian camp of Rhesus and brought back to the Greek lines his captured steeds, which--if we may trust the too generous Muses--surpassed the winds in speed, the snows in whiteness. Here was a man who, with no treachery ’mid silent slumber, clave a path for himself with his sword in the open light of day and arrived within our lines covered with blood, thus surpassing the brave deeds of Diomede by as much as day surpasses night and open battle ambush. Alaric’s position, moreover, on the river bank was a stronger one, and he himself a warrior with whom Rhesus, even when awake, could not be compared. Rhesus was king, Alaric the conqueror, of Thrace. Neither weapons nor the river’s bar could stop Stilicho. So Horatius, standing on the falling bridge, drave back the threatening hosts of Etruria and then swam the Tiber, still carrying the shield wherewith to the amazement of Tarquin he had defended Rome, and from mid stream looked back with scornful gaze upon Porsenna. ’Twas the swift Addua my father breasted; but, as he swam the flood, Horatius turned his back upon the Etruscans, Stilicho faced the barbarian foe.

* * * * *

Page 110

“Exere nunc doctos tantae certamina laudis, Roma, choros et, quanta tuis facundia pollet ingeniis, nostrum digno sonet ore parentem.” Dixit et antiquae muros egressa Ravennae signa movet; iamque ora Padi portusque relinquit 495 flumineos, certis ubi legibus advena Nereus aestuat et pronas puppes nunc amne secundo, nunc redeunte vehit nudataque litora fluctu deserit, Oceani lunaribus aemula damnis. laetior hinc Fano recipit Fortuna vetusto, 500 despiciturque vagus praerupta valle Metaurus, qua mons arte patens vivo se perforat arcu admisitque viam sectae per viscera rupis, exuperans delubra Iovis saxoque minantes Appenninigenis cultas pastoribus aras. 505 quin et Clitumni sacras victoribus undas, candida quae Latiis praebent armenta triumphis, visere cura fuit; nec te miracula fontis praetereunt, tacito passu quem si quis adiret, lentus erat; si voce gradum maiore citasset, 510 commixtis fervebat aquis; cumque omnibus una sit natura vadis, similes ut corporis undas ostendant, haec sola novam iactantia sortem humanos properant imitari flumina mores. celsa dehinc patulum prospectans Narnia campum 515 regali calcatur equo, rarique coloris non procul amnis abest, urbi qui nominis auctor: ilice sub densa silvis artatus opacis

* * * * *

Page 111

“Now, O Rome, lead forth the chorus that shall hymn a contest of such high renown and let thy best genius with all its eloquence voice the well-merited praises of my foster parent.”

So spake he and, issuing from the walls of old Ravenna, advanced his standards. He crossed the mouths of the Po and left behind him that river harbour[38] where, in fixed succession, in flows the foaming main and bears up the vessels that ride there at anchor on forward and backward flowing stream, and again deserts the waveless shore, like moon-led tides upon the marge of Ocean. Next he comes to the old city of Fortune’s Temple that bids him glad welcome and from its height looks down upon Metaurus threading its rocky valley where an arch, tunnelled through the living rock, affords a path through the mountain’s very heart, rising above the temple of Jove and the dizzy altars set up by the shepherds of the Apennines. ’Twas thy good pleasure, too, to visit Clitumnus’ wave,[39] beloved of them that triumph, for thence do victors get them white-coated animals for sacrifice at Rome. Thou markest well also the stream’s strange property, flowing gently on when one approaches with silent step, but swirling and eddying should one hasten with louder utterance; and while it is the common nature of water to mirror the exact image of the body it alone boasts the strange power that it mimics not human form but human character. Next thy royal charger treads the streets of Narnia, looking out from its eminence upon the plain below: not far therefrom flows the strange-coloured stream which gives the town its name, its sulphurous waters

[38] Classis Portus, a harbour formed by means of the Fossa Augusta which led the southern arm of the Po to Ravenna. It was in existence in 38 B.C. (App. _B.C._ v. 78, 80) and held 250 ships (Jordanes, _Get._ 150; _cf._ Pliny, _H.N._ iii. 119; Sid. Apol. _Epp._ i. 5. 5).

[39] For a description of the Clitumnus see Pliny, _Epp._ viii. 8.

* * * * *

Page 112

inter utrumque iugum tortis anfractibus albet. inde salutato libatis Thybride lymphis 520 excipiunt arcus operosaque semita vastis molibus et quidquid tantae praemittitur urbi.

Ac velut officiis trepidantibus ora puellae spe propiore tori mater sollertior ornat adveniente proco vestesque et cingula comit 525 saepe manu viridique angustat iaspide pectus substringitque comam gemmis et colla monili circuit et bacis onerat candentibus aures: sic oculis placitura tuis insignior auctis collibus et nota maior se Roma videndam 530 obtulit. addebant pulchrum nova moenia vultum audito perfecta recens rumore Getarum, profecitque opifex decori timor, et vice mira, quam pax intulerat, bello discussa senectus erexit subitas turres cunctosque coëgit 535 septem continuo colles iuvenescere muro. ipse favens votis solitoque decentior aër, quamvis adsiduo noctem foedaverat imbre, principis et solis radiis detersa removit nubila; namque ideo pluviis turbaverat omnes 540 ante dies lunamque rudem madefecerat Auster, ut tibi servatum scirent convexa serenum.

Omne Palatino quod pons a colle recedit Mulvius et quantum licuit consurgere tectis,

* * * * *

Page 113

flowing in tortuous course between opposed mountains through dense forests of holm-oak. Then when in greeting to Father Tiber thou hast poured a libation of his waters thou art welcomed by Rome’s arches and all the magnificent buildings which line the roads of that noble city’s suburbs.

And as a careful mother at the approach of her daughter’s lover does all that trembling hand can do to enhance the charms that are to win a husband, oft readjusts dress and girdle, confines her breast with bands of green jasper, gathers up her hair with jewels, sets a necklace about her neck, and hangs glistening pearls from her ears, so Rome, in order to be pleasing in thy sight, offers herself to thy admiring gaze more glorious and with hills made higher and herself greater than thou hadst known her. Still fairer than of old she seemed by reason of those new walls that the rumour of the Getae’s approach had just caused to be built; fear was the architect of that beauteous work and, by a strange freak of fortune, war put an end to the decay that peace had brought. For fear it was that caused the sudden upspringing of all those towers and renewed the youth of Rome’s seven hills by enclosing them all within one long wall. Even the weather listened favourably to our prayers and was finer than its wont, although continuous rain had spoiled the preceding night; but the clouds melted away before the glory of the sun and the emperor. All the days before had the south wind troubled with rain and dimmed the moon’s young disc that heaven might know it was for thee that the sunshine waited.

One huge crowd filled all the slope between the Palatine hill and the Mulvian bridge and as far up

* * * * *

Page 114

una replet turbae facies: undare videres 545 ima viris, altas effulgere matribus aedes. exultant iuvenes aequaevi principis annis; temnunt prisca senes et in hunc sibi prospera fati gratantur durasse diem moderataque laudant tempora, quod clemens aditu, quod pectore solus 550 Romanos vetuit currum praecedere patres: cum tamen Eucherius, cui regius undique sanguis, atque Augusta soror fratri praeberet ovanti militis obsequium; sic illum dura parentis instituit pietas in se vel pignora parci 555 quique neget nato, procerum quod praestat honori. haec sibi curva[40] senum maturaque comprobat aetas idque inter veteris speciem praesentis et aulae iudicat: hunc civem, dominos venisse priores. Conspicuas tum flore genas, diademate crinem 560 membraque gemmato trabeae viridantia cinctu et fortes umeros et certatura Lyaeo inter Erythraeas surgentia colla smaragdos mirari sine fine nurus; ignaraque virgo, cui simplex calet ore pudor, per singula cernens 565 nutricem consultat anum: quid fixa draconum ora velint? ventis fluitent an vera minentur sibila suspensum rapturi faucibus hostem? ut chalybe indutos equites et in aere latentes vidit cornipedes: “quanam de gente” rogabat 570 “ferrati venere viri? quae terra metallo nascentes informat equos? num Lemnius auctor

[40] _curva_ Birt; codd. _cura_.

* * * * *

Page 115

as it was possible to go on the house roofs; the ground seethed with men, the lofty buildings were aglow with women. Those who are young rejoice in an emperor of their own age, the old cease to belaud the past and count their destiny happy that they have lived to see such a day, blessing the kindly times when a prince so easy of access, so singular in courtesy, forbade the senators of Rome to march before his chariot, even though Eucherius, in whose veins ran regal blood on father’s and on mother’s side, and his own sister did honour to his triumph like simple soldiers. Such has been the teaching of that stern but loving parent who showed no more favour to his children than to himself, and refused a son honours he granted to nobles. Bent age and upstanding youth alike are loud in his praises and, comparing the new with the ancient rule, recognize in Honorius a true citizen, in his predecessors tyrants.

The women of Rome never tire of gazing at those blooming cheeks, those crowned locks, those limbs clothed in the consul’s jasper-studded robes, those mighty shoulders, and that neck, beauteous as Bacchus’ own, with its necklace of Red Sea emeralds. Many an innocent maid, while simple modesty blushes in her cheek, would bend her gaze o’er all and inquire of her aged nurse the meaning of the dragons on the colours. “Do they,” she would ask, “but wave in the air or is theirs a veritable hiss, uttered as they are about to seize an enemy in their jaws?” When she sees the mail-clad knights and brazen-armoured horses she would fain know whence that iron race of men is sprung and what land it is gives birth to steeds of bronze. “Has the god of Lemnos,”

* * * * *

Page 116

indidit hinnitum ferro simulacraque belli viva dedit?” gaudet metuens et pollice monstrat. quod picturatas galeae Iunonia cristas 575 ornet avis vel quod rigidos vibrata per armos rubra sub aurato crispentur serica dorso. Tunc tibi magnorum mercem Fortuna laborum persolvit, Stilicho, curru cum vectus eodem urbe triumphantem generum florente iuventa 580 conspiceres illumque diem sub corde referres, quo tibi confusa dubiis formidine rebus infantem genitor moriens commisit alendum. virtutes variae fructus sensere receptos; depositum servasse, fides; constantia, parvum 585 praefecisse orbi; pietas, fovisse propinquum. hic est ille puer, qui nunc ad rostra Quirites evocat et solio fultus genitoris eburno gestarum patribus causas ex ordine rerum eventusque refert veterumque exempla secutus 590 digerit imperii sub iudice facta senatu. nil cumulat verbis quae nil fiducia celat; fucati sermonis opem mens conscia laudis abnuit. agnoscunt proceres; habituque Gabino principis et ducibus circumstipata togatis 595 iure paludatae iam curia militat aulae. adfuit ipsa suis ales Victoria templis Romanae tutela togae: quae divite penna patricii reverenda fovet sacraria coetus

* * * * *

Page 117

she would ask, “bestowed on metal the power to neigh, and forged living statues for the fight?” Joy and fear fill her mind; she points with her finger how Juno’s bird decks the gay crests upon their helmets, or how, beneath the golden armour on their horses’ backs, the red silk waves and ripples over the strong shoulders.

Then it was, Stilicho, that Fortune repaid thee for the labour of so many years when, mounted in the same chariot, thou sawest thy son-in-law in his prime pass in triumph through the streets of Rome, and didst recall that day when in troubled terror mid uncertain fortune the dying father entrusted his son to thy care. Now thy many virtues have found their meet reward: loyalty that has kept safe that which was confided to it, singleness of purpose that made a boy the master of the world, affection that has bestowed such loving care on an adopted son. This is the boy who to-day summons Rome’s citizens to the place of meeting and from his father’s ivory throne tells to the fathers the causes and the issues of his acts, and, following ancient precedent, directs the deeds of empire at the judgement-seat of the Senate. He piles up no words, for confidence has nothing to conceal; his mind, conscious of true worth, refuses the aid of artificial speech. The senators learn to know him; their chief wears the Gabine[41] garb, and thronged with generals in the rôle of peace the Senate-house prepares for service under the auspices of the warlike court. Winged victory herself, Rome’s faithful guardian, was in her temple;[42] her golden pinions stretched in protection over the holy sanctuary where the fathers meet together, and she herself, a tireless

[41] See note on vii. 3.

[42] A reference to the statue of Victory in the Senate House. Ambrose had persuaded Gratian to turn it out (A.D. 384) but Honorius had had it replaced (_cf._ xxiii. 19 and Paulinus, _Vita S. Ambr._ viii. § 26).

* * * * *

Page 118

castrorumque eadem comes indefessa tuorum 600 nunc tandem fruitur votis atque omne futurum te Romae seseque tibi promittit in aevum. Hinc te iam patriis laribus via nomine vero sacra refert. flagrat studiis concordia vulgi, quam non inlecebris dispersi colligis auri; 605 nec tibi venales captant aeraria plausus corruptura fidem: meritis offertur inemptus pura mente favor. nam munere carior omni obstringit sua quemque salus. procul ambitus erret! non quaerit pretium, vitam qui debet amori. 610 O quantum populo secreti numinis addit imperii praesens genius! quantamque rependit maiestas alterna vicem, cum regia circi conexum gradibus veneratur purpura vulgus, adsensuque cavae sublatus in aethera vallis 615 plebis adoratae reboat fragor, unaque totis intonat Augustum septenis arcibus Echo! nec solis hic cursus equis: adsueta quadrigis cingunt arva trabes, subitaeque adspectus harenae diffundit Libycos aliena valle cruores. 620 haec et belligeros exercuit area lusus, armatos haec saepe choros, certaque vagandi textas lege fugas inconfusosque recursus et pulchras errorum artes iucundaque Martis cernimus. insonuit cum verbere signa magister, 625

* * * * *

Page 119

attendant on thine armies, now at last has had her wish granted and is able to promise that for all time to come thou shalt be Rome’s guardian and she thine.

Hence the Sacred Way (now truly named) brings thee back to thy home. Eagerly breaks out the world’s one-hearted welcome, that thou dost not woo with lure of scattered gold; nor for thee does the treasury, seeking to corrupt good faith, court venal applause; to worth unpurchased love is offered by a pure heart. For life that is dearer than any gift makes all thy debtors. Away with wooing of applause! He can ask no payment who owes his life to love.

Oh what mysterious power over the people does the Empire’s guardian-genius bring! What majesty bows to majesty as the prince, clad in imperial scarlet, returns the salutations of the people that crowd the tiers of the Circus! The shouts of the adoring populace rising from that immense circle thunder to the sky, while the echoes of Rome’s seven hills repeat as with one voice the name of Honorius. Nor does the Circus display only horse-races; its floor, whereon chariots were wont to drive, is surrounded by a palisade, and in this new amphitheatre, so far, so different, from their native valleys, Libyan lions shed their blood. This is the scene, too, of a military display; here we often see armed bands advancing and retiring in mazèd movements that are nevertheless executed according to a fixed plan; we watch them wheel in perfect order, extend with disciplined precision, affording us the pleasing spectacle of mimic warfare. The leader cracks his whip and a thousand bodies execute in unison

* * * * *

Page 120

mutatos edunt pariter tot pectora motus in latus adlisis clipeis aut rursus in altum vibratis; grave parma sonat, mucronis acutum murmur, et umbonum pulsu modulante resultans ferreus alterno concentus clauditur ense. 630 una omnis summissa phalanx tantaeque salutant te, princeps, galeae. partitis inde catervis in varios docto discurritur ordine gyros, quos neque semiviri Gortynia tecta iuvenci flumina nec crebro vincant Maeandria flexu. 635 discreto revoluta gradu torquentur in orbes agmina, perpetuisque inmoto cardine claustris Ianus bella premens laeta sub imagine pugnae armorum innocuos paci largitur honores. Iamque novum fastis aperit felicibus annum 640 ore coronatus gemino; iam Thybris in uno et Bruti cernit trabeas et sceptra Quirini. consule laetatur post plurima saecula viso Pallanteus apex; agnoscunt rostra curules auditas quondam proavis, desuetaque cingit 645 regius auratis fora fascibus Ulpia lictor, et sextas Getica praevelans fronde secures colla triumphati proculcat Honorius Histri. exeat in populos cunctis inlustrior annus, natus fonte suo, quem non aliena per arva 650 induit hospes honos, cuius cunabula fovit curia, quem primi tandem videre Quirites, quem domitis auspex peperit Victoria bellis!

* * * * *

Page 121

their new movements; now they clap their bucklers to their sides, now they brandish them above their heads; deeply sound the clashing shields, sharply ring the engaging swords, and, to the rhythm of beaten targes, the echoing song of steel is punctuated by the interclash of weapons. Suddenly the whole phalanx falls on its knees before thee and a thousand helmets bow down in reverence. Then the companies separate, wheeling and counter-wheeling with ordered skill, following a course more tortuous than the corridors of the Minotaur’s Cretan palace or the reaches of Meander’s wandering stream. Then wheeling apart they form with circular masses, and Janus,[43] emprisoning war behind his ever unopening doors, after a happy mimicry of battle bestows on peace the innocent rewards of combat.

And now, his double head crowned with laurel, Janus opens the new year with auspicious calendar; now Tiber sees united in Honorius Brutus’ consular robe and Romulus’ kingly sceptre. The Palatine hill rejoices after many generations again to look upon a consul; the rostra learn to know the curule chair famed of old among our forefathers, and royal lictors, a long unwonted sight, encircle with their golden fasces the Forum of Trajan; while Honorius, wreathing with Getic laurels the axes borne for the sixth time before him, places a conqueror’s foot upon the neck of subdued Danube. Let this year springing from its true source go forth among the nations more glorious than any--a year the consul inaugurated, not a stranger in a strange land, whose cradle the Senate-house guarded, that Roman citizens first beheld, that Victory, all wars o’ercome, auspiciously

[43] Mentioned, no doubt, as symbolical of the New Year.

* * * * *

Page 122

hunc et privati titulis famulantibus anni et, quos armipotens genitor retroque priores 655 diversis gessere locis, ceu numen adorent; hunc et quinque tui vel quos habiturus in urbe post alios, Auguste, colant. licet unus in omnes consul eas, magno sextus tamen iste superbit nomine: praeteritis melior, venientibus auctor. 660

* * * * *

Page 123

brought to birth. Years in which mere commoners held the consulship, and ye years when Theodosius and his predecessors graced that office in Rome or elsewhere, count your honours as nought and worship this present year. Ay, you five previous consulships of Honorius, even you that our emperor shall hold in Rome in the days to come, give place to this one. Wert thou, Honorius, to be consul every year, yet is this thy sixth to be magnified above all thy consulships, excelling all that are past and model of all that are to come.

* * * * *

Page 124

DE BELLO GOTHICO

PRAEFATIO

(XXV.)

Post resides annos longo velut excita somno Romanis fruitur nostra Thalia choris. optatos renovant eadem mihi culmina coetus, personat et noto Pythia vate domus: consulis hic fasces cecini Libyamque receptam, 5 hic mihi prostratis bella canenda Getis.

Sed prior effigiem tribuit successus aënam, oraque patricius nostra dicavit honos; adnuit his princeps titulum poscente senatu; respice iudicium quam grave, Musa, subis! 10 ingenio minuit merces properata favorem: carminibus veniam praemia tanta negant; et magis intento studium censore laborat, quod legimur medio conspicimurque foro.

Materies tamen ipsa iuvat solitumque timorem 15 dicturo magna sedula parte levat. nam mihi conciliat gratas impensius aures vel meritum belli vel Stilichonis amor.

* * * * *

Page 125

THE GOTHIC WAR

PREFACE

(XXV.)

After years of sloth my Muse, as if startled from long slumber, rejoices to sing a Roman song to Roman ears. Once more the same halls bring the gathering I longed for, and Apollo’s temple echoes to the voice of a familiar bard. ’Twas here I sang of the consular fasces and of the winning back of Libya and here must I sing of the war that overthrew the Getae.

But my former success won for me a brazen statue[44] and the Fathers set up my likeness in my honour; at the Senate’s prayer the Emperor allowed the claim--bethink thee, Muse, how strict a judgement thou dost face! Wit wins less favour when too soon rewarded, and so great a gift refuses indulgence for my song. Now that my name is read and my features are known in the forum my Muse labours for a sterner critic than before.

Yet my theme itself brings cheer and, as I begin to speak, eagerly lightens much of my accustomed fear. A gracious and more devoted hearing is secured for me, be it by the war’s deserving or be it by Stilicho’s love.

[44] For Claudian’s statue see Introduction, p. xii. For a similar honour conceded to Sidonius _cf._ Sid. Apol. _Epp._ ix. 16. 3; _Carm._ viii. 8.

* * * * *

Page 126

(XXVI.)

Intacti cum claustra freti, coëuntibus aequor armatum scopulis, audax inrumperet Argo Aeetam Colchosque petens, propiore periclo omnibus attonitis, solus post numina Tiphys incolumem tenui damno servasse carinam 5 fertur et ancipitem montis vitasse ruinam deceptoque vagae concursu rupis in altum victricem duxisse ratem; stupuere superbae arte viri domitae Symplegades et nova passae iura soli cunctis faciles iam puppibus haerent, 10 ut vinci didicere semel. quodsi ardua Tiphyn navis ob innocuae meritum sic gloria vexit, quae tibi pro tanti pulso discrimine regni sufficient laudes, Stilicho? licet omnia vates in maius celebrata ferant ipsamque secandis 15 Argois trabibus iactent sudasse Minervam nec nemoris muti iunxisse carentia sensu robora, sed caeso Tomari Iovis augure luco arbore praesaga tabulas animasse loquaces. plurima sed quamvis variis miracula monstris 20 ingeminent, teneras victuri carmine mentes,

* * * * *

Page 127

(XXVI.)

When the intrepid Argo, passing between the clashing rocks that guarded its entrance, burst through the portals of the unfurrowed sea making for Colchis where Aeëtes ruled, it is said that, when all were panic-stricken by the nearing danger, Tiphys alone--with heaven’s help--kept safe the almost uninjured bark. ’Twas thanks to him that the Argo escaped the cliffs threatening ruin and came out victorious into the open sea, cunningly eluding the meeting shock of the floating rocks. Amazed were the proud Symplegades thus subdued by the hero’s skill, and, submitting to the novel laws of the fixed earth, offer unmoved an easy passage to all ships since once they have learned defeat. But if the merit of saving a single vessel from ruin won, and rightly won, for Tiphys such meed of honour, what praises shall suffice for thee, Stilicho, who hast freed so great an empire from destruction? Poets may exaggerate the story; they may boast that Minerva toiled with her own hands to hew the Argo’s beams, and that she fitted together no senseless timber from a dumb forest, but felled the augural grove of Tomarian[45] Jove and with those prophetic trees quickened its planks to speech. But though they burden their recital with the story of countless prodigies to captivate the mind of the unlettered

[45] A reference to the “talking oaks” of Dodona, Tomarus (or Tmarus) being a mountain in Epirus near Dodona.

* * * * *

Page 128

Harpyiasque truces insopitisque refusum tractibus aurati custodem velleris anguem et iuga taurorum rapidis ambusta favillis et virides galeis sulcos fetasque novales 25 Martis et in segetem crescentis semina belli: nil veris aequale dabunt. prohibere rapaces scilicet Harpyias unaque excludere mensa nobilior titulus, quam tot potuisse paratas in Latii praedam Geticas avertere fauces? 30 anne ego terrigenas potius mirabor in ipsis procubuisse satis, vitae quibus attulit idem principium finemque dies, quam caesa Getarum agmina, quos tantis aluit Bellona tropaeis totaque sub galeis Mavortia canuit aetas? 35 Per te namque unum mediis exuta tenebris imperio sua forma redit, claustrisque solutae tristibus exangues audent procedere leges. iamque potestates priscus discriminat ordo iustitiae, quas ante pares effecerat una 40 nube timor. tua nos urgenti dextera leto eripuit, tectisque suis redduntur et agris damnati fato populi, virtute renati. iam non in pecorum morem formidine clausi prospicimus saevos campis ardentibus ignes 45 alta nec incertis metimur flumina votis excidio latura moram nec poscimus amnes

* * * * *

Page 129

young, though they tell of fierce Harpies, of the dragon whose unsleeping length lay curled in protecting folds about the golden fleece, of yoked bulls afire with flickering flames, of a springing crop of helmets, a field from out whose furrows grew a Martian race, of seeds of war whose increase yielded a harvest, too, of war, yet do these fictions fall short of the truth. Is it a nobler title to fame to have driven off the greedy Harpies and banished them from the table of a single man than to have had the strength to beat back those countless Getic maws that thirsted for the spoil of Latium? Am I to look with more admiration upon those earth-born warriors struck down in the very furrows from which they sprang, born and dying in a single day, than upon the slaughtered ranks of Getae whom the goddess of war reared on so many spoils and whose martial life came to grey hairs, passed ever beneath helmets?

Thou and thou alone, Stilicho, hast dispersed the darkness that enshrouded our empire and hast restored its glory; thanks to thee civilization, all but vanished, has been freed from the gloomy prison and can again advance. The old order of justice now makes distinction between magistracies which fear had made equal in a common gloom. Thy right hand has snatched us from impending death and restored to their homes and lands peoples whom fate sentenced and thy valour saved. No longer, herded together like sheep by reason of our fears, do we watch from the ramparts our fields ablaze with the enemy’s fire, no longer measure the depth of rivers which we feebly hope will retard our destruction nor ask the streams and flying clouds to

* * * * *

Page 130

undosam servare fidem nubesque fugaces aut coniuratum querimur splendere serenum. Ipsa quoque internis furiis exercita plebis 50 securas iam Roma leva tranquillior arces; surge, precor, veneranda parens, et certa secundis fide deis, humilemque metum depone senectae. urbs aequaeva polo, tum demum ferrea sumet ius in te Lachesis, cum sic mutaverit axem 55 foederibus natura novis, ut flumine verso inriget Aegyptum Tanais, Maeotida Nilus, Eurus ab occasu, Zephyrus se promat ab Indis Caucasiisque iugis calido nigrantibus Austro Gaetulas Aquilo glacie constringat harenas. 60 Fatales hucusque manus, crebrisque notatae prodigiis abiere minae. nec sidera pacem semper habent, ipsumque Iovem turbante Typhoeo, si fas est, tremuisse ferunt, cum brachia centum montibus armaret totidem spiramque retorquens 65 lamberet attonitas erectis anguibus Arctos. quid mirum, si regna labor mortalia vexat, cum gemini fratres, genuit quos asper Aloeus, Martem subdiderint vinclis et in astra negatas temptarint munire vias steteritque revulsis 70 paene tribus scopulis caelesti machina bello? sed caret eventu nimius furor; improba numquam spes laetata diu, nec pervenere iuventae robur Aloidae, dum vellere Pelion Otus nititur, occubuit Phoebo, moriensque Ephialtes 75 in latus obliquam proiecit languidus Ossam.

* * * * *

Page 131

keep the promise of their waters or complain that the sunshine conspires against us with its splendour.

Thou, too, Rome, so long vexed with internal discord, lift up thy hills at last more peacefully in safety. Arise, honoured mother, be sure that God’s favour is with thee; banish the lowly timorousness of age. City that art coëval with the world, inexorable Lachesis shall not exercise against thee her rights of destruction until Nature has so changed the immutable laws of the universe that Tanais turn his course and water Egypt, Nile flow into Lake Maeotis, Eurus blow from the west, Zephyr from India, and the south wind rage in tempest o’er the summit of Caucasus, while that of the north binds the deserts of Africa with its frost.

Thus far came the fatal hordes; now their threats, whereof so many omens warned us, have vanished away. Heaven’s self was not always at peace: they tell how even Jove trembled (if one may dare to say so) when Typhoeus attacked him, arming his hundred hands with a hundred mountains and touching the astonished constellation of the Bear with his towering snaky coils. What wonder if trouble harasses mortal realms when cruel Aloeus’ two sons cast Mars in chains and attempted to build that forbidden road to the stars so that the universe almost ceased to move, what time the three rocks[46] were uprooted in the war of heaven? But their blind fury was of no effect; wicked hopes never exult for long. Aloeus’ children never reached man’s estate; Otus, attempting to uproot Pelion, was stricken down by Phoebus, and Ephialtes as he died wearily let Ossa fall athwart his side.

[46] _i.e._ the mountains Pelion, Ossa and Olympus.

* * * * *

Page 132

Adspice, Roma, tuum iam vertice celsior hostem, adspice quam rarum referens inglorius agmen Italia detrusus eat quantumque priori dissimilis, qui cuncta sibi cessura ruenti 80 pollicitus patrii numen iuraverat Histri non nisi calcatis loricam ponere rostris. o rerum fatique vices! qui foeda parabat Romanas ad stupra nurus, sua pignora vidit coniugibus permixta trahi; qui mente profundas 85 hauserat urbis opes, ultro victoribus ipse praeda fuit; nostri quondam qui militis auro adgressus temptare fidem, desertus ab omni gente sua manibusque redit truncatus et armis. Hoc quoque, quod veniam leti valuere mereri, 90 si positis pendas odiis, ignoscere pulchrum iam misero poenaeque genus vidisse precantem. quae vindicta prior quam cum formido superbos flectit et adsuetum spoliis adfligit egestas? sed magis ex aliis fluxit dementia causis, 95 consulitur dum, Roma, tibi. tua cura coëgit inclusis aperire fugam, ne peior in arto saeviret rabies venturae conscia mortis; nec tanti nomen stirpemque abolere Getarum, ut propius peterere, fuit. procul arceat altus 100 Iuppiter, ut delubra Numae sedesque Quirini barbaries oculis saltem temerare profanis possit et arcanum tanti deprendere regni.

* * * * *

Page 133

Lift up thy head, Rome, and behold thine enemy; see how, leading back in dishonour a shattered host, he is cast forth from Italy. How different is he from what he was when he sware that everything should yield to his onset and took an oath by Danube whom he and his fathers worshipped that he would never unbuckle his breastplate until he had marched in triumph through the Forum. How strange are the changes Fate brings about! He who destined the women of Rome as victims of his lust has seen his own wives and children led away captive; he who in imagination had drained the countless wealth of our city became himself his victor’s easy prey; he who once sought to corrupt the loyalty of our troops has been deserted by his own people and has returned to his country beggared of men and arms.

Then too if, laying hatred aside, thou shouldest weigh the cause that won them pardon from their doom, surely to spare a fallen foe is itself a triumph and to see him on his knees punishment enough. What vengeance so satisfying as when terror makes pride stoop, and want bows down him who before bore spoils? But our clemency was in part due to another cause, for we thought of thee, O Rome. Concern for thee constrained us to offer a way of escape to the beleaguered foe lest, with the fear of death before their eyes, their rage should grow the more terrible for being confined. An enemy before thy very walls would have been too heavy a price to pay for the destruction of the race and name of the Getae. May Jove from on high forbid that the barbarian should outrage even with a glance Numa’s shrine or Romulus’ temple, or discover aught of the secrets of our empire.

* * * * *

Page 134

Quamquam, si veterum certamina rite recordor, tunc etiam, pulchra cum libertate vigerent 105 et proprio late florerent milite patres, semper ab his famae petiere insignia bellis, quae diversa procul tuto trans aequora vires exercere dabant: currus regumque catenae inter abundantis fati ludibria ductae. 110 at vero Italiam quotiens circumstetit atrox tempestas ipsumque caput laesura pependit, non illis vani ratio ventosa furoris, sed graviter spectata salus ductorque placebat, non qui praecipiti traheret semel omnia casu, 115 sed qui maturo vel laeta vel aspera rerum consilio momenta regens, nec tristibus impar nec pro successu nimius, spatiumque morandi vincendique modum mutatis nosset habenis. cautius ingentes morbos et proxima cordi 120 ulcera Paeoniae tractat sollertia curae parcendoque secat, ferro ne largius acto inrevocandus eat sectis vitalibus error. Sublimi certe Curium canit ore vetustas, Aeaciden Italo pepulit qui litore Pyrrhum, 125 nec magis insignis Pauli Mariique triumphus, qui captos niveis reges egere quadrigis; plus fuga laudatur Pyrrhi quam vincla Iugurthae; et, quamvis gemina fessum iam clade fugavit, post Decii lituos et nulli pervia culpae 130 pectora Fabricii, donis invicta vel armis,

* * * * *

Page 135

And yet--if duly I recall ancient conflicts--then also when, fair liberty lending vigour, the senate was everywhere successful with native troops, they sought trophies from such wars as were waged far away across the sea where our soldiers could exercise their courage without danger to their homes; chariots and fettered kings were accounted but the shows that overflowing fortune gave. But whenever a dread storm burst upon Italy or hung threateningly over her head their thought was not how to give vent to profitless fury but how best at such a crisis to secure the safety of the state. The leader of their choice was not he who hazarded all on one rash throw but one who gave careful thought to each eventuality, were it fortunate or the reverse, one who could bear adversity with fortitude and success with moderation, and by slackening or tightening the reins of government knew how to make use of victory and to temporize after a setback. The physician’s skill deals more carefully with grave diseases and ulcers that are near the heart: here he is more sparing of the knife for fear lest the blade, driven too deep, should slip and sever beyond healing some vital organ.

Proud assuredly is the strain in which bards of old sing of Curius who drove Pyrrhus, son of Aeacus, from the shores of Italy;[47] not more resplendent were the triumphs of Paulus and of Marius who dragged captive kings behind their white-horsed chariots. The expulsion of Pyrrhus is more praised than the capture of Jugurtha; and although Curius drove out a prince whose spirit had already been broken by two reverses, at the hands of Decius and of the blameless Fabricius whom neither bribes

[47] After his defeat by Curius Dentatus near Beneventum in 277 B.C. Pyrrhus, king of Epirus, was forced to evacuate Italy. Claudian, in this section, is at pains tactfully to justify Stilicho’s _expulsion_ of Alaric from Italy, as opposed to his _capture_.

* * * * *

Page 136

plena datur Curio pulsi victoria Pyrrhi. quanto maius opus solo Stilichone peractum cernimus! his validam gentem, quam dura nivosis educat Ursa plagis, non Chaonas atque Molossos, 135 quos Epirus alit, nec Dodonaea subegit agmina fatidicam frustra iactantia quercum. Primus fulmineum lento luctamine Poenum compressit Fabius, campo post ausus aperto Marcellus vinci docuit, sed tertia virtus 140 Scipiadae Latiis tandem deterruit oris. unus in hoc Stilicho diversis artibus hoste tris potuit complere duces fregitque furentem cunctando vicitque manu victumque relegat. Atque haec tanta brevi. miscentem incendia Pyrrhum sustinuit toto maerens Oenotria lustro, 146 et prope ter senas Itali per graminis herbas Massylus Poeno sonipes vastante cucurrit Hannibalemque senem vix ad sua reppulit arva vindex sera patrum post bellum nata iuventus. 150 his celer effecit, bruma ne longior una esset hiems rerum, primis sed mensibus aestas temperiem caelo pariter patriaeque[48] referret. Sed quid ego Hannibalem contra Pyrrhumque tot annis certatum memorem, vilis cum Spartacus omne 155 per latus Italiae ferro bacchatus et igni consulibusque palam totiens congressus inertes exuerit castris dominos et strage pudenda

[48] codd. _belloque_; Birt suggests _regnoque_; Postgate _patriaeque_.

* * * * *

Page 137

nor arms could overcome, yet the whole glory of that expulsion is given to him. But how much greater the task we see fulfilled by Stilicho alone! He has conquered not Chaones or Molossi, Epirot tribes, nor yet the armies of Dodona that idly boast their prophetic grove, but a mighty people whose home lies in those snowy regions beneath the icy constellation of the Bear.

Fabius was the first to stay by his slow struggles Hannibal’s lightning rush; then Marcellus, meeting him in the open field, taught him defeat, but it was the valour of Scipio that drove him from the shores of Italy. In the case of our latest foe Stilicho succeeded in combining in himself the diverse skill of all these three; he broke their frenzy by delaying, vanquished them in battle and drove the vanquished host from Italy.

And all this in so short a time. Full five years did Italy mourn beneath the scattered fires of Pyrrhus, for well-nigh eighteen years did the African steeds of the Carthaginians tread down and devastate our harvests, and it was a second generation, born after the outbreak of the war, that, exacting a tardy vengeance for the first, with difficulty drove an aged Hannibal back to his own country. Stilicho acted more quickly: he saw to it that the winter of our distress should last but one winter[49] but that spring in its earliest months should bring back fair weather alike to heaven and to fatherland.

Why should I make mention of the wars waged all those weary years against Hannibal and Pyrrhus when that vile gladiator Spartacus, ravaging all the countryside with fire and sword, oft engaged the consuls in open war and, driving out its feeble masters

[49] The winter of 401-402.

* * * * *

Page 138

fuderit imbelles aquilas servilibus armis? nos terrorum expers et luxu mollior aetas 160 deficimus queruli, si bos abductus aratro, si libata seges. non hanc ergastula nobis inmisere manum nec coniurantis harenae turba fuit; qualem Stilicho deiecerit hostem, Thraces et Haemonii poterunt Moesique fateri. 165 Frigida ter decies nudatum frondibus Haemum tendit hiems vestire gelu totiensque solutis ver nivibus viridem monti reparavit amictum, ex quo iam patrios gens haec oblita Triones atque Histrum transvecta semel vestigia fixit 170 Threicio funesta solo. seu fata vocabant seu gravis ira deum, seriem meditata ruinis, ex illo, quocumque vagos impegit Erinys, grandinis aut morbi ritu per devia rerum, praecipites per clausa ruunt, nec contigit ullis 175 amnibus aut scopulis proprias defendere terras. nil Rhodope, nil vastus Athos, nil profuit Hebrus Odrysiis; facili contemptum Strymona saltu et frustra rapidum damnant Haliacmona Bessi. nubibus intactum Macedo miratur Olympum 180 more pererratum campi; gemit inrita Tempe Thessalus et domitis inrisam cautibus Oeten. Sperchiusque et virginibus dilectus Enipeus barbaricas lavere comas. non obice Pindi servati Dryopes nec nubifer Actia texit 185 litora Leucates; ipsae, quae durius olim restiterant Medis, primo conamine ruptae

* * * * *

Page 139

from the Roman camp, put to rout the unwarlike eagles defeated with shameful carnage by a band of slaves? We, unused to war’s alarms, an age enervated with luxury, grumble and give up in despair if a ploughing ox is looted or our harvest so much as touched. It was no slaves’ prison that loosed on us the Getic hordes; these were not a crowd of rebellious gladiators. Thrace, Haemus and Moesia can tell you what manner of foe Stilicho expelled. Thrice ten times has chill winter cast her snowy mantle over leafless Haemus; as oft has spring, when those snows were melted, renewed the mountain’s verdant cloak since the Getic race, forgetful of its native stars and once having crossed the Danube, set destructive foot on Thracian soil. Whether fate led them or the heavy anger of the gods planning disaster upon disaster, from that day, whithersoever the Furies have driven those errant bands, they have poured pell-mell over remote lands, over every obstacle, like a storm of hail or a pestilence. No streams or rocks availed to defend their country. Neither Rhodope nor huge Athos nor Hebrus could save Thrace; the Bessi cursed the Strymon crossed with scornful ease and the Haliacmon that flowed swiftly and to no purpose. The Macedonians in amaze saw Olympus, too high even for clouds, trodden by them as it had been a plain. Thessaly bewails the uselessness of Tempe and conquered Oeta’s ridges made a mock. Sperchius and Enipeus, loved of maidens, served to wash the barbarians’ hair. The barrier of Pindus could not save the Dryopes nor cloud-capped Leucates the coasts of Actium. Thermopylae itself that had once more boldly withstood the Persians yielded a passage

* * * * *

Page 140

Thermopylae; vallata mari Scironia rupes et duo continuo conectens aequora muro Isthmos et angusti patuerunt claustra Lechaei: 190 nec tibi Parrhasios licuit munire colonos frondosis, Erymanthe, iugis, equitataque summi culmina Taygeti trepidae vidistis Amyclae. Tandem supplicium cunctis pro montibus Alpes exegere Getas; tandem tot flumina victor 195 vindicat Eridanus. docuit nunc exitus alte fatorum secreta regi. quisquamne reclusis Alpibus ulterius Latii fore credidit umbram? nonne velut capta rumor miserabilis urbe trans freta, trans Gallos Pyrenaeumque cucurrit? 200 Famaque nigrantes succincta pavoribus alas secum cuncta trahens a Gadibus usque Britannum terruit Oceanum et nostro procul axe remotam insolito belli tremefecit murmure Thylen? Mandemusne Noti flabris quoscumque timores 205 pertulimus, festae doleant ne tristibus aures? an potius meminisse iuvat semperque vicissim gaudia praemissi cumulant inopina dolores? utque sub occidua iactatis Pleiade nautis commendat placidum maris inclementia portum, 210 sic mihi tunc maior Stilicho, cum laeta periclis metior atque illi redeunt in corda tumultus. Nonne videbantur, quamvis adamante rigentes, turribus invalidis fragiles procumbere muri ferrataeque Getis ultro se pandere portae? 215

* * * * *

Page 141

at the first onset. Sciron’s cliffs protected by the waves, the wall that joins sea to sea across the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow pass of Lechaeum, all lay open to their approach. Thou, Erymanthus, couldst not protect the people of Arcadia with thy leafy ridges and thou, Amyclae, didst tremble to see the enemy’s cavalry on the heights of Taygetus.

At last, however, the Alps avenged on the Getae the disgrace of all mountains else and victorious Eridanus that of all other rivers. The event has proved that deep hidden are the ways of destiny. Who would have believed that, once a passage had been forced over the Alps, so much as the shadow of Italy’s name would survive? Did not the awful report of Rome’s fall cross the sea and spread beyond Gaul and over the Pyrenees? Did not Rumour, her sable wing sped on with panic, sweeping all before her in her flight, affright Ocean from Britain’s coast to Gades’ city and far away from our world make distant Thule tremble with the unaccustomed echoes of war?

And shall we fling to the South-wind’s blasts all the terrors we endured, lest mid feasting sadness trouble our ears? Or rather does such memory delight and does precursive pain ever changefully heighten unexpected joy? Even as to sailors storm-tossed at the Pleiads’ setting the rudeness of the sea commends the harbour’s calm, so to me does Stilicho appear greater when I compare happiness with hazard and all those troubles come again before my mind.

Did not our steel-girt walls seem to fall at the enemy’s attack, feeble as the towers that crowned them, and our doors of iron to open of their own accord to give him entry? It seemed as though

* * * * *

Page 142

nec vallum densaeque sudes arcere volantes cornipedum saltus? iamiam conscendere puppes Sardoniosque habitare sinus et inhospita Cyrni saxa parant vitamque freto spumante tueri. ipsa etiam diffisa brevi Trinacria ponto, 220 si rerum natura sinat, discedere longe optat et Ionium refugo laxare Peloro. fultaque despiciens auro laquearia dives tutior Aeoliis mallet vixisse cavernis; iamque oneri creduntur opes tandemque libido 225 haesit avaritiae gravioribus obruta curis. utque est ingenioque loquax et plurima fingi permittens credique timor, tunc somnia vulgo narrari, tunc monstra deum monitusque sinistri: quid meditentur aves, quid cum mortalibus aether fulmineo velit igne loqui, quid carmine poscat 231 fatidico custos Romani carbasus aevi. territat adsiduus lunae labor atraque Phoebe noctibus aerisonas crebris ululata per urbes. nec credunt vetito fraudatam Sole sororem 235 telluris subeunte globo, sed castra secutas barbara Thessalidas patriis lunare venenis incestare iubar. tunc anni signa prioris et si quod fortasse quies neglexerat omen, addit cura novis: lapidosos grandinis ictus 240 molitasque examen apes passimque crematas

* * * * *

Page 143

no rampart nor palisade were stout enough to withstand his cavalry’s wind-swift onset. Even now they[50] make ready to go aboard their ships, to dwell in Sardinia’s creeks and Corsica’s rocky, inhospitable coast, and to guard their lives behind the foaming main. Sicily herself, mistrusting the narrow strait, would fain retreat, did but Nature permit, and open a wider passage for the Ionian waves by withdrawing Pelorus. The rich, setting no store by their fretted golden ceilings, would rather have lived in greater security in an Aeolian cave. Soon, too, wealth was considered a burden, and greed of gain was curbed at last by reason of anxieties more overwhelming. Then--for that fear is by nature a babbler and allows all sorts of tales to be invented and believed--dreams, portents, and omens of ill were discussed on all sides. What, men asked, did that flight of birds portend, what message would heaven fain deliver to mortals by the thunderbolt, what did those prophetic books demand that guard the destiny of Rome? Constant eclipses of the moon alarmed us and night after night throughout the cities of Italy sounded wailings and the beating of brazen gongs to scare the shadow from off her darkened face. Men would not believe that the moon had been defrauded of her brother the sun, forbidden to give light by the interposition of the earth; they thought that Thessalian witches, accompanying the barbarian armies, were darkening her rays with their country’s magic spells. Then with these new portents their troubled minds link the signs of the past year and any omens that perchance peaceful days had neglected--showers of stones, bees swarming in strange places, furious

[50] _i.e._ the inhabitants of Italy.

* * * * *

Page 144

perbacchata domos nullis incendia causis et numquam caelo spectatum impune cometem, qui primum roseo Phoebi prolatus ab ortu, qua micat astrigera senior cum coniuge Cepheus; 245 inde Lycaoniam paulatim expulsus ad Arcton crine vago Getici foedavit sidera Plaustri, donec in exiguum moriens vanesceret ignem. Sed gravius mentes caesorum ostenta luporum horrificant. duo quippe lupi sub principis ora, 250 dum campis exercet equos, violenter adorti agmen et excepti telis inmane relatu prodigium miramque notam duxere futuri. nam simul humano geminas de corpore palmas utraque perfossis emisit belua costis: 255 illo laeva tremens, hoc dextera ventre latebat intentis ambae digitis et sanguine vivo. scrutari si vera velis, fera nuntia Martis ora sub Augusti casurum prodidit hostem, utque manus utero virides patuere retecto, 260 Romula post ruptas virtus sic emicat Alpes. sed malus interpres rerum metus omne trahebat augurium peiore via, truncataque membra nutricemque lupam Romae regnoque minari. tunc reputant annos interceptoque volatu 265 vulturis incidunt properatis saecula metis. Solus erat Stilicho, qui desperantibus augur sponderet meliora manu, dubiaeque salutis

* * * * *

Page 145

fires destroying houses from no known cause, a comet--ne’er seen in heaven without disaster--which first rose where Phoebus lifts his rosy morning beam and old Cepheus shines together with starry Andromeda, his spouse; then it withdrew little by little to the constellation of Lycaon’s daughter[51] and with its errant tail dimmed the stars of the Getic Wain until at last its dying fires grew feeble and vanished.

But what terrified men’s minds still more was the portent of the two slaughtered wolves. Ay, before the Emperor’s face as he practised his cavalry upon the plain two wolves savagely attacked his escort. Slain by darts they disclosed a horrid portent and a wondrous sign of what was to be. In each animal, on its being cut open, was found a human hand, in the stomach of one a left hand, in that of the other a right was discovered, both still twitching, the fingers stretched out and suffused with living blood. Wouldest thou search out the truth, the beast as messenger of Mars foretold that the foe would fall before the emperor’s eyes. As the hands were found to be living when the stomachs were cut open, so, when the Alps had been broken through, the might of Rome was to be discovered unimpaired. But fear, ever a poor interpreter, read disaster in the portent; severed hands, ’twas said, and nursing wolf threatened destruction on Rome and her empire. Then they reckoned up the years and, cutting off the flight of the twelfth vulture, tried to shorten the centuries of Rome’s existence by hastening the end.[52]

’Twas Stilicho alone who by his courage assured despairing Rome the promise of a better fate; at

[51] _i.e._ The Great Bear.

[52] The twelve vultures seen by Romulus (Livy i. 7. 1) were interpreted as twelve centuries of Roman power. Taking the traditional date of the founding of the city (754 B.C.) more than eleven centuries had already passed.

* * * * *

Page 146

dux idem vatesque fuit. “durate parumper” inquit “et excussis muliebribus ore querellis 270 fatorum toleremus onus. nil nautica prosunt turbatae lamenta rati nec segnibus undae planctibus aut vanis mitescunt flamina votis. nunc instare manu, toto nunc robore niti communi pro luce decet: succurrere velis, 275 exhaurire fretum, varios aptare rudentes omnibus et docti iussis parere magistri. non, si perfidia nacti penetrabile tempus inrupere Getae, nostras dum Raetia vires occupat atque alio desudant Marte cohortes, 280 idcirco spes omnis abit. mirabile posset esse mihi, si fraude nova vel calle reperto barbarus ignotas invaderet inscius Alpes; nunc vero geminis clades repetita tyrannis famosum vulgavit iter nec nota fefellit 285 semita praestructum bellis civilibus hostem. per solitas venere vias, aditusque sequendos barbarico Romana dedit discordia bello. “Sed nec praeteritis haec res incognita saeclis: saepe lacessitam, sed non impune, fatemur 290 Ausoniam. haec Senonum restinxit sanguine flammas, haec et Teutonico quondam patefacta furori colla catenati vidit squalentia Cimbri. vile decus, quod non erexit praevius horror; ingentes generant discrimina magna triumphos. 295 “Quid turpes iam mente fugas, quid Gallica rura

* * * * *

Page 147

this crisis he showed himself by his courage at once general and seer. “A little patience,” said he; “away with womanly repinings: let us bear with fortitude whatever fate lays upon us. What good do the sailors’ cries do to the storm-driven vessel? Neither waves nor winds will abate their fury for coward tears or useless prayer. Now for the general safety it befits us to use every effort, to struggle with all our strength--to attend to the sails, work the pumps, manage the various ropes, and obey every order of the skilful captain. Because the Getae have broken through, seizing by treachery the hour for striking home, what time Raetia claimed our attention and our regiments were busied with another war--not for that is all hope lost. Marvel indeed I might, if by some new guile, some discovered path, the barbarian ignorantly marched over the unexplored Alps; now, however, the successive defeats of the two tyrants[53] have made the road notorious, nor has the foeman missed the well-known track that was built for him by our civil strife. They have come a well-known way and Roman discord has opened the approach to barbaric war.

“Past generations have known a like fate. Full often, we know, has Italy been attacked--but never without the enemy’s paying dear. With their own blood did our country extinguish the fires lit by the Senones and, once the victim of a German invasion, she soon saw the squalid necks of Teutons and Cimbri loaded with the chains of captivity. Of little value is that glory whose worth has not been augmented by previous hardship; ’tis great dangers that beget great triumphs.

“Do you meditate shameful flight and fix your

[53] Maximus and Eugenius.

* * * * *

Page 148

respicitis Latioque libet post terga relicto longinquum profugis Ararim praecingere castris? scilicet Arctois concessa gentibus urbe considet regnum Rhodano capitique superstes 300 truncus erit? vestros stimulant si pignora sensus, me quoque non impar naturae cura remordet, nec ferro sic corda rigent ut nosse recusem quam sanctum soceri nomen, quam dulce mariti, quantus prolis amor. sed numquam oblita decoris obscaenam latebram pietas ignava requiret. 306 nec vobis fortis monitor, mihi cautior uni: hic coniunx, hic progenies, hic carior omni luce gener; pars nulla mei subducta procellae. accipe tu nostrae, tellus Oenotria, mentis 310 vincula communes tecum subeuntia casus, exiguamque moram muris impende tuendis, dum redeo lectum referens in classica robur.” His dictis pavidi firmavit inertia vulgi pectora migrantisque fugam compescuit aulae; 315 ausaque tum primum tenebris emergere pulsis Hesperia, ut secum iunxisse pericula vidit Augustum, tantoque sui stetit obside fati. protinus, umbrosa vestit qua litus oliva Larius et dulci mentitur Nerea fluctu, 320 parva puppe lacum praetervolat; ocius inde scandit inaccessos brumali sidere montes nil hiemis caelive memor. sic ille relinquens ieiunos antro catulos inmanior exit

* * * * *

Page 149

eyes on Gaul? Would you leave Latium and establish on the banks of the Saône a camp of refugees? Is Rome to be ceded to Arctic tribes, our empire to settle on the Rhone, and shall the trunk survive the head? If the thought of your children has any weight with you, remember that I too am not unaffected by similar feelings of nature; my heart is not so hard that I do not nor will not recognize the sacred ties that bind son to father-in-law, wife to husband and children to sire. But never, forgetting honour, shall cowardly affection seek refuge in ignominious flight. Nor do I give you bold advice, more careful for myself alone; here is my family, my wife, and her father whom I love more than life itself; not one of my relations is beyond the reach of this tempest. O land of Italy, know that my heart is set on bearing with thee whatsoever ills thou art called on to bear. Romans, hold your walls but for a short while till I return, bringing back to the sound of trumpets the flower of your host.”

With these words he instilled courage into the fearful hearts of the citizens and checked any inclination towards flight in the Court. The dark shadow fled and Italy dared raise her head once more seeing her emperor ready to share her perils, and stood her ground with such a hostage for fortune. Where Larius clothes his banks with shady olive-trees and with his fresh water imitates the sea’s salt waves, Stilicho crossed the lake with all speed in a small boat. Next he ascended those mountains, inaccessible in winter, with no thought for the season or the weather. Even so a lion, leaving his starving cubs within the

* * * * *

Page 150

hiberna sub nocte leo tacitusque per altas 325 incedit furiale nives; stant colla pruinis aspera; flaventes adstringit stiria saetas; nec meminit leti nimbosve aut frigora curat, dum natis alimenta parat. Sublimis in Arcton prominet Hercyniae confinis Raetia silvae, 330 quae se Danuvii iactat Rhenique parentem utraque Romuleo praetendens flumina regno: primo fonte breves, alto mox gurgite regnant et fluvios cogunt unda coëunte minores in nomen transire suum. te Cimbrica Tethys 335 divisum bifido consumit, Rhene, meatu; Thracia quinque vadis Histrum vorat Amphitrite: ambo habiles remis, ambo glacialia secti terga rotis, ambo Boreae Martique sodales. sed latus, Hesperiae quo Raetia iungitur orae, 340 praeruptis ferit astra iugis panditque tremendam vix aestate viam. multi ceu Gorgone visa obriguere gelu; multos hausere profundae vasta mole nives, cumque ipsis saepe iuvencis naufraga candenti merguntur plaustra barathro. 345 interdum subitam glacie labente ruinam mons dedit et tepidis fundamina subruit astris pendenti male fida solo.

Per talia tendit frigoribus mediis Stilicho loca. nulla Lyaei pocula; rara Ceres; raptos contentus in armis 350 delibasse cibos madidoque oneratus amictu

* * * * *

Page 151

cave, issues forth hunger-maddened some winter night and with silent tread goes out across the deep snow with murder in his heart, his mane frozen about his shoulders, and icicles clinging to his tawny coat; nought recks he of death nor cares for snow nor frost if only he can procure food for his little ones.

Near to the Hercynian forest the uplands of Raetia stretch out towards the north, Raetia, proud parent of Danube and Rhine, twain rivers that she sets to guard the empire of Rome. Small are their streams at first, but soon they grow in depth and like kings compel the lesser waters to pass with tributary wave beneath their name. The Cimbric ocean receives Rhine’s flood outpoured through his two mouths; the Thracian wave swallows that of Ister flowing out through five channels. Both rivers are navigable though both bear at times the marks of chariot-wheels upon their frozen surface; stout allies both of the north wind and the god of war. But on the side where Raetia marches with Italy precipitous mountains touch the sky, scarce even in summer offering an awful path. Many a man has there been frozen to death as though he had looked on the Gorgon’s head; many have been engulfed beneath vast masses of snow, and often are carts and the oxen that draw them plunged into the white depths of the crevasse. Sometimes the mountain plunges downwards in an avalanche of ice, loosening neath a warmer sky foundations that trust vainly in the precipitous slope.

Such was the country over which Stilicho passed in mid winter. No wine was there; Ceres’ gifts were sparing; ’twas enough to snatch a hurried meal, eaten sword in hand, while, burdened with rain-drenched

* * * * *

Page 152

algentem pulsabat equum. nec mollia fesso strata dedere torum; tenebris si caeca repressit nox iter, aut spelaea subit metuenda ferarum aut pastorali iacuit sub culmine fultus 355 cervicem clipeo. stat pallidus hospite magno pastor et ignoto praeclarum nomine vultum rustica sordenti genetrix ostendit alumno. illa sub horrendis praedura cubilia silvis, illi sub nivibus somni curaeque laborque 360 pervigil hanc requiem terris, haec otia rebus insperata dabant; illae tibi, Roma, salutem Alpinae peperere casae. Iam foedera gentes exuerant Latiique audita clade feroces Vindelicos saltus et Norica rura tenebant. 365 ac veluti famuli, mendax quos mortis erilis nuntius in luxum falso rumore resolvit, dum marcent epulis atque inter vina chorosque persultat vacuis effrena licentia tectis, si reducem dominum sors improvisa revexit, 370 haerent attoniti libertatemque perosus conscia servilis praecordia concutit horror: sic ducis adspectu cuncti stupuere rebelles, inque uno princeps Latiumque et tota refulsit Roma viro. frons laeta parum, non tristior aequo, non deiecta malis, mixta sed nobilis ira: 376 qualis in Herculeo, quotiens infanda iubebat Eurystheus, fuit ore dolor vel qualis in atram sollicitus nubem maesto Iove cogitur aether. “Tantane vos” inquit “Getici fiducia belli 380 erigit? hinc animo frustra tumuistis inani? non ita Romanum fati violentia nomen

* * * * *

Page 153

cloak, he urged on his half-frozen steed. No soft bed received his weary limbs. If the darkness forced him to halt in his advance he would either enter some dreadful beast’s den or sleep in some shepherd’s hut, his head pillowed upon his shield. The shepherd stands pale at the sight of his stately guest, and ignorant of his name the rustic mother points out to her squalid infant the glory of his face. It was those hard couches beneath the rough pines, those nights amid the snow, all that care and anxious toil, that won this peace for the world, this tranquillity it had despaired of for the empire. From out those Alpine huts, Rome, came thy salvation.

Now had the peoples broken their treaties and, encouraged by the news of Latium’s trouble, had seized upon the glades of Vindelicia and the fields of Noricum. Like slaves whom news of their master’s death lures into luxury with an idle tale, if mid the debauch and while wild licence riots with wine and dance some unexpected chance bring back their lord, then they stand panic-stricken and, abhorring liberty, servile terror shakes their guilty souls; so all the rebels were struck with terror at the sight of the general and in one man the Emperor, Latium and all Rome blazed before their eyes. Joy sat not upon his countenance nor excess of gloom nor yet dejection by reason of Rome’s reverses but nobility and indignation mixed, such as filled Hercules at Eurystheus’ inhuman orders, or such as dims the face of heaven when at Jove’s frown the troubled sky is gathered into a murky cloud.

“Put ye such faith,” he cried, “in Getic arms? Is it they that swell your hearts with empty pride? Fate has not brought Rome’s name so low that she

* * * * *

Page 154

opprimit, ut vestros nequeat punire tumultus parte sui. ne vos longe sermone petito demorer, exemplum veteris cognoscite facti: 385 cum ferus Ausonias perfringeret Hannibal arces et Trebiam saevo geminassent funere Cannae, nequiquam Emathium pepulit spes vana Philippum, ut velut adflictos ferro temptaret inerti. Romanos commovit atrox iniuria patres, 390 urgerent maiora licet, graviterque tulere, urbibus inter se claris de culmine rerum congressis, aliquid gentes audere minores. nec poenam differre placet, sed bella gerenti Punica Laevino regis quoque proelia mandant. 395 paruit imperiis consul, fususque Philippus, vilia dum gravibus populis interserit arma, praetereunte manu didicit non esse potentum temptandas, mediis quamvis in luctibus, iras.” Hoc monitu pariter nascentia bella repressit 400 et bello quaesivit opes legitque precantes auxilio mensus numerum, qui congruus esset nec gravis Italiae formidandusve regenti. Nec minus accepto nostrae rumore cohortes (sic ducis urget amor) properantibus undique signis conveniunt, visoque animi Stilichone recepti 406 singultus varios lacrimosaque gaudia miscent: sic armenta boum, vastis quae turbida silvis sparsit hiems, cantus ac sibila nota magistri

* * * * *

Page 155

cannot punish your rebellion with but a handful of her forces. Not to delay you with foreign tales, hear this example from your deeds of old. When warlike Hannibal was spreading destruction throughout the cities of Italy, and Cannae had doubled Trebia’s cruel losses, a vain hope drove Philip of Macedon to turn his feeble sword against a people which, as he thought, was in difficulties. The monstrous insult roused the Roman Fathers, although more pressing dangers were crowding upon them, and they took it ill that, while two great cities were disputing the mastery of the world, a lesser race should be insolent. They determine upon instant vengeance and command Laevinus, even while he conducts the war with Carthage, to do battle also with the king of Macedonia. The consul obeyed his orders, and Philip, intruding his feeble arms between mighty nations, was routed by a passing band and learned that it does not do to tempt the anger of powerful peoples even when they are in distress.”

With this warning Stilicho alike checked the threatened war and won new allies for war, enrolling them at their entreaty and setting such number to their forces as should best suit--neither a burden to Italy nor a terror to its lord.

Then, indeed, at the news of his return, the legions, such love they bore their general, hastened together from every side, and at the sight of Stilicho their courage revived and they broke out into sobbings and tears of joy. So when a herd of cattle has been scattered throughout some vast forest by the storm’s violence the beasts eagerly make for the sound of the ox-herd’s well-known song or whistle and

* * * * *

Page 156

certatim repetunt et avitae pascua vallis 410 inque vicem se voce regunt gaudentque fideles reddere mugitus et, qua sonus attigit aurem, rara per obscuras adparent cornua frondes. adcurrit vicina manus, quam Raetia nuper Vandalicis auctam spoliis defensa probavit; 415 venit et extremis legio praetenta Britannis, quae Scotto dat frena truci ferroque notatas perlegit exanimes Picto moriente figuras; agmina quin etiam flavis obiecta Sygambris quaeque domant Chattos inmansuetosque Cheruscos, huc omnes vertere minas tutumque remotis 421 excubiis Rhenum solo terrore relinquunt. ullane posteritas credet? Germania quondam illa ferox populis, quae vix instantibus olim principibus tota poterat cum mole teneri, 425 iam sese placidam praebet Stilichonis habenis, ut nec praesidiis nudato limite temptet expositum calcare solum nec transeat amnem, incustoditam metuens attingere ripam. Celsior o cunctis unique aequande Camillo! 430 vestris namque armis Alarici fracta quievit ac Brenni rabies; confusis rebus uterque divinam tribuistis opem, sed tardior ille iam captae vindex patriae, tu sospitis ultor. o quantum mutata tuo fortuna regressu! 435 ut sese pariter diffudit in omnia regni membra vigor vivusque redit color urbibus aegris!

* * * * *

Page 157

the pasture of their native vale, guiding their steps in answer to his voice and glad faithfully to reply with lowing, while, wherever his tones fall upon their ear, horns show themselves here and there through the dark foliage. First hasten up the neighbouring troops, their loyalty attested by their defence of Raetia and their mass of spoil from Vindelicia; next the legion that had been left to guard Britain,[54] the legion that kept the fierce Scots in check, whose men had scanned the strange devices tattooed on the faces of the dying Picts. Even the legions that faced the flaxen-haired Sygambri, and those who held the Chatti and wild Cherusci in subjection hither turned their threatening arms, leaving the Rhine, whose garrison they had formed, defended by but one thing--the fear of Rome. Will any posterity credit the tale? Germany, once the home of peoples so proud and fierce that former emperors could scarce keep them in check with the whole weight of their armies, now offers herself so willing a follower of Stilicho’s guiding hand that she neither attempts an invasion of the territory exposed to her attack by the removal of its frontier troops nor crosses the stream, too timid to approach an undefended bank.

Greater art thou, Stilicho, than all; thine only rival is Camillus, whose arms broke the rash power of Brennus as thine have broken that of Alaric. At a time of dire peril ye both gave the aid of gods; but he too late avenged a captured Rome, thou one still safe. What a reversal of fortune did thy return bring about! A new vigour returned to every part of our empire alike, and the glow of health came back to our suffering cities. A

[54] Legio II. Augusta. The legion referred to in l. 414 is probably III. Italica.

* * * * *

Page 158

creditur Herculeis lucem renovasse lacertis femina dilecti fatis impensa mariti; et iuvenem spretae laniatum fraude novercae 440 non sine Circaeis Latonia reddidit herbis. Cretaque, si verax narratur fabula, vidit Minoum rupto puerum prodire sepulchro, quem senior vates avium clangore repertum gramine restituit: mirae nam munere sortis 445 dulcia mella necem, vitam dedit horridus anguis. at tuus adventus non unum corpus ab umbris, sed tot communi populos sub morte iacentes totaque Tartareis e faucibus oppida traxit. Ipso Roma die (nec adhuc ostenditur auctor) 450 personuit venisse ducem, laetisque Quirites vocibus auspicium certi plausere triumphi, muniti Stilichone suo. quis gaudia vero principis, amplexus alacris quis disserat aulae? pulveris ambiguam nubem speculamur ab altis 455 turribus, incerti socios adportet an hostes ille globus. mentem suspensa silentia librant, donec pulvereo sub turbine sideris instar emicuit Stilichonis apex et cognita fulsit canities. gavisa repens per moenia clamor 460 tollitur “ipse venit.” portas secura per omnes turba salutatis effunditur obvia signis. non iam dilectus miseri nec falce per agros

* * * * *

Page 159

woman, so the story goes, who died to save the life of a loved husband, was recalled to the upper world by the might of Hercules. Diana with the help of Circe’s magic herbs restored to life Hippolytus whom the scorned passion of a stepmother had caused to be torn in pieces. Crete, if the fable be true, saw Glaucus, son of Minos, issue living from the tomb; his body was discovered by the cries of birds to Polyidus, the aged seer, who restored him to life by means of simples; strange indeed was the ruling of fate which apportioned sweet honey as the cause of his death and a hideous serpent as the restorer of his life.[55] But thy return, Stilicho, recalled not one body from the shades but countless peoples sunk in a common death, and snatched whole towns from the jaws of Hell.

That very day Rome rang with the report (though none ever knew its author) that the hero had arrived, and the citizens, assured of Stilicho’s protection, applauded this augury of certain victory. Who could tell of the Emperor’s joy, who of the courtiers’ eager greetings? From the lofty battlements we sight a distant cloud of dust and know not whether its obscurity conceals friend or foe. Suspense keeps us all in silence. Then suddenly from that dusty cloud emerged the helm of Stilicho, glittering like a star, and we recognized his gleaming white hair. Up rose the happy shout from the walls: “’Tis he.” Safe at last the crowd surges out through the gates to meet and greet the army’s return. Gone for ever are our wretched impressed levies; no longer

[55] Glaucus, son of Minos, fell into a vat of honey and was drowned. Polyidus, the seer, led by an oracle, discovered the body, and was, at Minos’ command, immured with it in a tomb until he should find a means of restoring it to life. Two snakes approached the corpse, one of which Polyidus slew. Observing the other bring its dead companion to life by placing a certain herb in its mouth, Polyidus applied the same method with success to the resuscitation of Glaucus (Hyginus, _Fab._ 136. Both Sophocles and Euripides wrote tragedies on the subject; see Soph. _Frag._ ed. Pearson, vol. ii. pp. 56 _sqq._).

* * * * *

Page 160

deposita iaculum vibrans ignobile messor nec temptat[56] clipeum proiectis sumere rastris 465 Bellona ridente Ceres humilisque novorum seditio clamosa ducum: sed vera iuventus, verus ductor adest et vivida Martis imago. Prospera sed quantum nostrae spes addita menti, tantum exempta Getis, qui vertice proximus astris post Alpes iam cuncta sibi promisit apertas 471 nil superesse ratus, postquam tot lumina pubis, tot subitos pedites, equitum tot conspicit alas cinctaque fluminibus crebris ac moenibus arva seque velut clausum laqueis, sub pectore furtim 475 aestuat et nimium prono fervore petitae iam piget Italiae, sperataque Roma teneri visa procul. magni subeunt iam taedia coepti. occultat tamen ore metum primosque suorum consultare iubet bellis annisque verendos. 480 crinigeri sedere patres, pellita Getarum curia, quos plagis decorat numerosa cicatrix et tremulos regit hasta gradus et nititur altis pro baculo contis non exarmata senectus. hic aliquis gravior natu, cui plurima dictis 485 consiliisque fides, defixus lumina terrae concutiensque comam capuloque adclinis eburno: “Si numero non fallor” ait “tricesima currit bruma fere, rapidum postquam transnavimus Histrum, Romanamque manum tantis eludimus annis. 490 sed numquam Mavors adeo constrinxit in artum

[56] _temptat_ codd.; Birt _temptans_.

* * * * *

Page 161

does the reaper, laying aside his sickle, try to hurl the impotent javelin, nor Ceres lay aside her harrow and, to the amusement of Bellona, essay the buckler. Stilled are the noisy wrangles of untried leaders; here is Rome’s true strength, her true leader, Mars in human form.

The more happy hopes grew in our hearts the more they deserted the Getae, who, touching the stars with their heads, after crossing the Alps accounted all their own and deemed nothing left to do. But when they saw all our glorious youth, all the quickly levied infantry, all the squadrons of horse, a countryside protected by so many rivers and fortresses, and themselves caught in a snare, a trouble they dared not voice seized their hearts and a regret that they had invaded Italy with too forward eagerness; and Rome they hoped within their grasp seemed far away. Weariness of their mighty undertaking steals over them. Yet Alaric’s face conceals his fear; he bids to the council of war those whose age or prowess had gained them the dignity of leadership. There sat the senate of long-haired, skin-clad Getic leaders. Many a scar received in battle adorned their faces, spears guide their tottering steps and, instead of a staff, old age, refusing to disarm, supports itself on their tall shafts. Then arose one older than the rest, trusted for his counsel and advice, who, fixing his gaze upon the ground, shaking his hoary locks and leaning on his ivory hilt, thus spake: “If I miscount not the years this is well-nigh the thirtieth winter since we swam across the swift Ister. All that time we have escaped defeat at the hands of Rome. Yet never, Alaric, has Mars brought your fortunes to such

* * * * *

Page 162

res, Alarice, tuas. per tot certamina docto crede seni, qui te tenero vice patris ab aevo gestatum parva solitus donare pharetra atque aptare breves umeris puerilibus arcus: 495 saepe quidem frustra monui, servator ut icti foederis Emathia tutus tellure maneres; sed quoniam calidae rapuit te flamma iuventae, nunc saltem, si cura tibi manet ulla tuorum, his claustris evade, precor, dumque agmina longe, dum licet, Hesperiis praeceps elabere terris, 501 ne nova praedari cupiens et parta reponas pastorique lupus scelerum delicta priorum intra saepta luas. quid palmitis uber Etrusci, quid mihi nescioquam proprio cum Thybride Romam semper in ore geris? referunt si vera parentes, 506 hanc urbem insano nullus qui Marte petivit laetatus violasse redit; nec numina sedem destituunt: iactata procul dicuntur in hostem fulmina divinique volant pro moenibus ignes, 510 seu caelum seu Roma tonat. si temnis Olympum, a magno Stilichone cave, qui semper iniquos Fortuna famulante premit. scis ipse, per oras Arcadiae quam densa rogis cumulaverit ossa, sanguine quam largo Graios calefecerit amnes; 515 extinctusque fores, ni te sub nomine legum proditio regnique favor texisset Eoi.” Talia grandaevum flammata fronte loquentem

* * * * *

Page 163

straits. Take the advice of an old man who has been through countless fights, one who like a father was wont to give thee in thine earliest youth little quivers to sling across thy back and to fit short bows to thy young shoulders. Often did I urge in vain that thou should’st observe the treaty and remain safe at home in Emathia. But if the fire of hot youth hurried thee into war, now at least, I beg thee, make good thine escape from out this net if thou hast any love left for thy people. The enemy’s forces are far away; thou hast the chance; flee headlong from Italy’s lands lest, in thy desire for fresh spoils, thou lose even what thou hast got and like a wolf pay the penalty of former depredations to the shepherd by being killed within the sheepfold. Why dost thou have ever on thy lips the richness of Tuscan vineyards and some Rome or other with its Tiber? If our parents speak sooth, never has any who has assailed that city in mad war returned to boast that he has done her violence. The gods desert not their own home; thunderbolts, they tell, are hurled from afar upon her foes and unearthly fires flash before her walls, whether ’tis heaven or Rome that thunders. If thou fearest not the gods beware the might of Stilicho; fortune is ever on his side against assaulting enemies. Thou thyself knowest how high with bones he piled our funeral pyres in Arcadia, and with what vast outpourings of our blood he made the rivers of Greece run warm; and thou hadst been killed had not treason in the guise of law and the goodwill of the Emperor of the East protected thee.”

While the elder spake thus Alaric, eyeing him

* * * * *

Page 164

obliquisque tuens oculis non pertulit ultra, sed rupit rabidas accensa superbia voces: 520 “Si non mentis inops fraudataque sensibus aetas praeberet veniam, numquam haec opprobria linguae turpia Danuvius me sospite ferret inultus. anne, tot Augustos Hebro qui teste fugavi, te patiar suadente fugam, cum cesserit omnis 525 obsequiis natura meis? subsidere nostris sub pedibus montes, arescere vidimus amnes. non ita di Getici faxint manesque parentum, ut mea converso relegam vestigia cursu. hanc ego vel victor regno vel morte tenebo 530 victus humum. per tot populos urbesque cucurri, fregi Alpes galeisque Padum victricibus hausi: quid restat nisi Roma mihi? gens robore nostra tum quoque pollebat, nullis cum fideret armis. at nunc Illyrici postquam mihi tradita iura 535 meque suum fecere ducem, tot tela, tot enses, tot galeas multo Thracum sudore paravi inque meos usus vectigal vertere ferri oppida legitimo iussu Romana coëgi. sic me fata fovent; ipsi, quos omnibus annis 540 vastabam, servire dati: nocitura gementes arma dabant flammisque diu mollitus et arte in sua damna chalybs fabro lugente rubebat. hortantes his adde deos. non somnia nobis nec volucres, sed clara palam vox edita luco: 545 ‘rumpe omnes, Alarice, moras; hoc impiger anno Alpibus Italiae ruptis penetrabis ad urbem.’

* * * * *

Page 165

askance with fiery brow, brooked his words no longer, but his enkindled pride broke forth in furious speech: “Did not witless age that has deprived thee of thy senses grant thee indulgence never, on my life, should Danube listen unavenged to such coward insults. Am I who have routed so many emperors (Hebrus’ river is my witness) to endure flight at thine advice--I whom all nature obeys? Have I not seen the mountains levelled at my feet, the rivers dried up? Never may my country’s gods, the spirits of my forefathers, allow that I retrace my footsteps on a backward path. This land shall be mine whether I hold it in fee as conqueror or in death as conquered. I have overrun so many peoples and cities, I have burst through the Alps and drunk of the waters of Eridanus from out a victor’s helmet. What is left me but Rome? My nation was strong even when it has no allied arms to help it. But now that I hold sway over Illyria, now that its people has made me their leader, I have forced the Thracians to forge me spears, swords, helmets with the sweat of their brows, and Roman towns (whose rightful overlord I now am) to contribute iron for mine own uses. Thus is fate on my side. Rome, whose territories I have laid waste year by year, has become my slave. ’Tis she has supplied me with arms; her own metal has glowed in the furnace, artfully molten and fashioned for her own undoing by reluctant smiths. The gods, too, urge me on. Not for me are dreams or birds but the clear cry uttered openly from the sacred grove: ‘Away with delay, Alaric; boldly cross the Italian Alps this year and thou shalt reach the city.’ Thus far the

* * * * *

Page 166

huc iter usque datur. quis iam post talia segnis ambigat aut caelo dubitet parere vocanti?” Sic ait hortatusque suos belloque viaeque 550 instruit. attollunt vanos oracula fastus. o semper tacita sortes ambage malignae eventuque patens et nescia vatibus ipsis veri sera fides! Ligurum regione suprema pervenit ad fluvium miri cognominis “Urbem,” 555 atque illic domitus vix tandem interprete casu agnovit dubiis inlusa vocabula fatis. Nec non et Stilicho pugnam poscentia movit pleno castra gradu dictisque instigat euntes: “nunc nunc, o socii, temeratae sumite tandem 560 Italiae poenas, obsessi principis armis excusate nefas deploratumque Timavo vulnus et Alpinum gladiis abolete pudorem. hic est, quem totiens campis fudistis Achivis, quem discors odiisque anceps civilibus orbis, 565 non sua vis tutata diu, dum foedera fallax ludit et alternae periuria venditat aulae. credite nunc omnes, quas dira Britannia gentes, quas Hister, quas Rhenus alit, pendere paratas in speculis: uno tot proelia vincite bello. 570 Romanum reparate decus molemque labantis imperii fulcite umeris; hic omnia campus

* * * * *

Page 167

path is mine. Who so cowardly as to dally after this encouragement or to hesitate to obey the call of Heaven?”

So he spake and made ready his army to take the road, exhorting them to combat. Prophecy serves to augment his vain pride. Ah! for the grudging oracles ever dumb with mystic utterance; ’tis the event alone that (too late) discloses the true meaning which the seers themselves could not read. Alaric reached the farthest confines of Liguria where flows a river with the strange name of the City.[57] There he suffered defeat and even then scarcely realized (though that defeat made it clear) that fate had tricked him with an ambiguous word.

Stilicho, too, fails not: at full speed he advanced his army clamorous for battle and spurs their march with these words: “Friends of Rome, the time has now come for you to exact vengeance for outraged Italy. Wipe out the disgrace which the investment of your emperor by his foes has brought upon you, and let your swords end the shame which the defeat on the Timavus[58] and the enemy’s passage of the Alps has caused to Rome. This is the foe whom ye so often put to flight on the plains of Greece, whom not their own valour but a world torn by civil strife has kept safe thus far, as they treacherously mock at treaties and traffic in perjury now with the West, now the East. Reflect that all the fierce peoples of Britain and the tribes who dwell on Danube’s and Rhine’s banks are watching and stand ready. Win a victory now and so be conquerors in many an unfought war. Restore Rome to her former glory; the frame of empire is tottering; let your shoulders support it. A

[57] The river on whose banks Pollentia stood. Sozomenes (ix. 6) mentions the oracle.

[58] Little is known of this battle. It is to be attributed presumably to (?) November 401 and is doubtless connected with Alaric’s attempt on Aquileia (Jerome, _Contra Ruf._ iii. 21).

* * * * *

Page 168

vindicat, haec mundo pacem victoria sancit. non in Threiciis Haemi decernimus oris nec super Alpheas umbrantia Maenala ripas 575 constitimus; non hic Tegean Argosque tuemur: visceribus mediis ipsoque in corde videtis bella geri. patrem clipeis defendite Thybrim.” talia nunc pediti, turmae nunc mixtus equestri dicta dabat. Simul externis praecepta ferebat 580 auxiliis. ibat patiens dicionis Alanus, qua nostrae iussere tubae, mortemque petendam pro Latio docuit gentis praefectus Alanae, cui natura breves animis ingentibus artus finxerat inmanique oculos infecerat ira; 585 vulneribus pars nulla vacat rescissaque contis gloria foedati splendet iactantior oris. ille tamen mandante procul Stilichone citatis acceleravit equis Italamque momordit harenam. felix Elysiisque plagis et carmine dignus, 590 qui male suspectam nobis impensius arsit vel leto purgare fidem; qui iudice ferro diluit inmeritum laudato sanguine crimen! morte viri turbatus eques flectebat habenas totaque praeciso nutassent agmina cornu, 595 ni celer instructa Stilicho legione secutus subsidiis peditum pugnam instaurasset equestrem. Quis Musis ipsoque licet Paeane recepto enarrare queat, quantum Gradivus in illa luce suae dederit fundator originis urbi? 600 altius haud umquam toto descendimus ense in iugulum Scythiae, tanta nec clade superbum

* * * * *

Page 169

single battle and all will be well; but one victory and the world’s peace will be assured. We fight not on the slopes of Thracian Haemus nor await our foe where Maenalus throws his shadow across the banks of Alpheus. We defend not Tegea nor Argos. No: as ye see, the scene of war is the very centre and heart of Italy. Protect Father Tiber with your shields.” Thus spake Stilicho to foot and horse.

Orders were at the same time sent to the auxiliary troops. The Alans, now subject to Roman rule, followed our trumpets’ call, taught by their chief to lay down their lives in the cause of Italy. Small was his stature but great his soul and fierce anger blazed from his eyes. Covered with wounds was he and with a visage rendered the more glorious and the more proud by reason of the scar some spear-thrust had left. At Stilicho’s command he hastened up with his cavalry, fated to bite the soil of Italy in death. Happy warrior, worthy of the Elysian fields and of my meed of song, who wast eager even at the cost of life to cleanse thy loyalty from stain! The sword that spilled thy generous blood, it was thy judge, acquitting thee of that most unjust charge of treachery. Thrown into confusion by the hero’s death his horsemen turned rein and, its flank thus exposed, the whole host would have reeled had not Stilicho quickly gathered a legion and hastening to the spot rallied the cavalry to the fight with infantry support.

What poet, were he inspired by the Muses or even by Apollo himself, could relate the blessings showered that day by Mars upon the city whose founder he himself was? Never was the sword of Rome plunged so deep in the Scythians’ throat;

* * * * *

Page 170

contudimus Tanain vel cornua fregimus Histri. invisum miles sitiens haurire cruorem per varias vestes onerataque plaustra metallo 605 transit et argenti cumulos et caedis avarus contemptas proculcat opes; pretiosior auro sanguis erat; passim neglecti prodiga lucri turba furens strictis odium mucronibus explet. purpureos cultus absumptique igne Valentis 610 exuvias miserisque graves crateras ab Argis raptaque flagranti spirantia signa Corintho callidus ante pedes venientibus obicit hostis incassum; neque enim feralis praeda moratur, sed iustos praebent stimulos monumenta doloris. 615 Adseritur ferro captivum vulgus, et omnes diversae vocis populi, quos traxerat hostis servitio, tandem dominorum strage redempti blanda cruentatis adfigunt oscula dextris desertosque lares et pignora laeta revisunt. 620 miratur sua quemque domus cladesque renarrant ordine; tum grati referunt miracula belli. Quis tibi tunc, Alarice, dolor, cum Marte perirent divitiae spoliisque diu quaesita supellex pulsaretque tuas ululatus coniugis aures, 625 coniugis, invicto dudum quae freta marito demens Ausonidum gemmata monilia matrum Romanasque alta famulas cervice petebat!

* * * * *

Page 171

never was Tanais’ pride abased by such a crushing defeat nor the horns of Ister so broken. Thirsting to drink the enemy’s hateful blood our soldiers passed by rich and varied raiment, carts laden with gold, heaps of silver, and, eager for the foe’s destruction, spurned his wealth. They held blood of more account than gold; none of them would stoop to pick up the fortune that lay at their feet but drew their swords and sated their wild fury. The crafty foe threw in the path of our advancing troops the robes of scarlet dye, and other spoils reft from Valens[59] who perished in the flames, heavy mixing-bowls looted from unhappy Argos and lifelike statues rescued from burning Corinth--all in vain, for this ill-omened booty, so far from delaying our men, reminded them of past reverses and so the more inflamed their righteous indignation.

The crowd of prisoners is loosed from its fetters and all the peoples of different tongue whom the Getae had led away captive. Freed at last by the slaughter of their captors they plant thankful kisses on the bloody hands of their deliverers and hasten back to their long-lost homes and their dear children. At each his household looks in wonder as they tell the story of their woes and then recount the marvel of welcome victory.

What must then have been thy despair, Alaric, when ruin overwhelmed thy wealth and all that gear that years of robbing had won thee, when there struck thine ear the cries of that wife of thine who, too confident in her long unconquered husband, demanded in her madness the jewelled necklaces of Italian matrons for her proud neck and Roman girls for her tire-women! The fair girls

[59] At Adrianople, Aug. 9, 378; see Introduction, p. vii.

* * * * *

Page 172

scilicet Argolicas Ephyreiadasque puellas coeperat et pulchras iam fastidire Lacaenas. 630 sed dea quae nimiis obstat Rhamnusia votis ingemuit flexitque rotam: domat aspera victos pauperies, unoque die Romana rependit quidquid ter denis acies amisimus annis.

O celebranda mihi cunctis Pollentia saeclis! 635 o meritum nomen! felicibus apta triumphis! virtutis fatale solum, memorabile bustum barbariae! nam saepe locis ac finibus illis plena lacessito rediit vindicta Quirino. illic Oceani stagnis excita supremis 640 Cimbrica tempestas alias emissa per Alpes isdem procubuit campis. iam protinus aetas adveniens geminae gentis permisceat ossa et duplices signet titulos commune tropaeum: “hic Cimbros fortesque Getas, Stilichone peremptos et Mario claris ducibus, tegit Itala tellus. 646 discite vesanae Romam non temnere gentes.”

* * * * *

Page 173

of Greece from Corinth and Sparta were, forsooth, not good enough now for so great a lady. But Nemesis, the goddess worshipped at Rhamnus, she whose pleasure it is to check unbridled desire, was wroth and turned her wheel; harsh poverty overwhelms the vanquished, and in one day Rome’s arm requites all that we have lost in thirty years.

Thy glory, Pollentia, shall live for ever; worthy is thy name to be celebrated by my song, a fit theme for rejoicing and for triumph. Fate pre-ordained thee to be the scene of our victory and the burial-place of the barbarians. Full often have thy fields and plains seen ample vengeance exacted for aggression against the descendants of Romulus. ’Twas there, in that same countryside, that the Cimbric hordes, bearing down upon Rome from Ocean’s farthest shore and crossing the Alps by another pass, suffered their final defeat. The coming generation should mingle the bones of these two races and engrave with this one inscription the monument which records our double victory: “Here beneath the soil of Italy lie the bodies of brave Cimbri and Getae: their death they owed to our famous generals Marius and Stilicho. Learn, presumptuous peoples, not to despise Rome.”

* * * * *

Page 174

CARMINUM MINORUM CORPUSCULUM

I. (XIII.)

_Ad Stilichonem._

Solitas galea fulgere comas, Stilicho, molli necte corona. cessent litui saevumque procul Martem felix taeda releget. tractus ab aula rursus in aulam 5 redeat sanguis. patris officiis iunge potenti pignora dextra. gener Augusti pridem fueras, nunc rursus eris socer Augusti. quae iam rabies livoris erit? 10 vel quis dabitur color invidiae? Stilicho socer est, pater est Stilicho.

II. (LXXXV.)

_Descriptio portus Smyrnensis._

Urbs in conspectu montana cacumina velat tranquillo praetenta mari. ducentia portum cornua pacatas removent Aquilonibus undas. hic exarmatum terris cingentibus aequor clauditur et placidam discit servare quietem. 5

* * * * *

Page 175

SHORTER POEMS

I. (XIII.)

_To Stilicho._

Crown with a wreath of flowers, Stilicho, that head more often graced with the shining helmet. Bid cease the trumpets and let the happy marriage-torch banish fierce war afar. Let the blood derived from a kingly race flow on through royal veins. Do a father’s duty and establish the firm bond of wedlock between thy daughter and adoptive son. Thou wert an emperor’s son-in-law; now an emperor will be thine. What cause is there now for envy, what excuse for jealousy? Stilicho is at once father and father-in-law.

II. (LXXXV.)

_Description of the harbour at Smyrna._

The city that meets our gaze veils the mountain peaks, fronting a tranquil sea. The two headlands that enclose the harbour protect the quiet water from the north wind. Here the sea is disarmed by the encircling land and learns to lie in undisturbed tranquillity.

* * * * *

Page 176

III. (LXXXI.)

_Ad Aeternalem._

Quidquid Castalio de gurgite Phoebus anhelat, quidquid fatidico mugit cortina recessu, carmina sunt; sed verba negant communia Musae. carmina sola loquor: sic me meus implet Apollo.

IV. (LIV.)

_Descriptio armenti._

Non tales quondam species tulit armentorum tellus tergemino subdita Geryoni. non tales, Clitumne, lavas in gurgite tauros, Tarpeio referunt quos pia vota Iovi. non talis Tyrias sparsisse iuvencus harenas 5 dicitur, optatum quando revexit onus. non Cretaeus ager nec amati conscia tauri Gnosos nec similes paverit Ida feros. ipse et dispariles monstro commissus in artus qui crimen matris prodidit[60] ore novo 10 Cres puer haud talem potuisset reddere formam, portassent totum si fera membra patrem.

[60] _prodidit_ cod. Med. (and Cuiacius). Birt _condidit_.

* * * * *

Page 177

III. (LXXXI.)

_To Aeternalis._[61]

Phoebus’ every breath from the Castalian spring, the tripod’s every moan within the shrine of prophecy--all these are poetry. Of prose the Muses will have none. In poetry only can I express myself, so wholly does my patron, Apollo, possess me.

IV. (LIV.)

_Description of a Herd._

Not such were the beauteous herds that the land once ruled over by triple Geryon produced. Not such the bulls thou bathest, Clitumnus, in thy stream for pious vows to offer duly to Tarpeian Jove. Not such the steer that, they say, scattered the sand of Tyre[62] what time he brought home his well-loved burden. Not the fields of Crete, nor Gnossos that knew of passion for a bull, nor Ida could have pastured the like. Even he whose monstrous figure united ill-assorted limbs, the Cretan child[63] who by his strange form revealed his mother’s shame--even he could scarce have shown a shape so fair had _all_ his rough limbs resembled those of his sire.

[61] Aeternalis was proconsul of Asia in 396 (_Cod. Theod._ iv. 4. 3, xi. 39. 12).

[62] _Tyrias_, because Europa was the daughter of Phoenix, eponymous king of Phoenicia. Ovid depicts her as being carried away from Tyre (_Fasti_ v. 605; _Met._ ii. 845).

[63] _i.e._ the Minotaur.

* * * * *

Page 178

V. (LXXXVI.)

_Est in conspectu longe locus._

Est procul ingenti regio summota recessu, insula qua resides fluctus mitescere cogit in longum producta latus, fractasque per undas ardua tranquillo curvantur brachia portu.

VI. (LXXVIII.)

_Rimanti telum ira facit._

In iaculum, quodcumque gerit, dementia mutat. omnibus armatur rabies. pro cuspide ferri cuncta volant, dum dextra ferox in vulnera saevit. pro telo geritur quidquid suggesserit ira.

VII. (LXXXVII.)

_De quadriga marmorea._

1.

Quis dedit innumeros uno de marmore vultus? surgit in aurigam currus, paribusque lupatis unanimi frenantur equi: quos forma diremit, materies cognata tenet discrimine nullo.

2.

Vir redit in currum; ducuntur ab axe iugales; ex alio se quisque facit. quae tanta potestas? una silex tot membra ligat ductusque per artem mons patiens ferri varios mutatur in artus.

* * * * *

Page 179

V. (LXXXVI.)

_A distant Scene._

There is a place deep buried in a huge bay where an island, stretching far out into the sea, stills the rough waves to quiet, and steep cliffs, jutting out into the broken water, curve themselves into a peaceful harbourage.

VI. (LXXVIII.)[64]

_Anger affords a weapon to him who seeks one._

Whate’er it carries, that rage converts into a weapon. Wrath supplies all with arms. When an angry man thirsts for blood anything will serve him for a spear. Fury turns a stick into a cudgel.

VII. (LXXXVII.)

_Statue of a Chariot._

1. Who had the skill to fashion so many figures out of one block of marble? The chariot melts into the charioteer; the horses with one common accord obey the same reins. These are distinguishable by their various forms but made from one and the same material without distinction.

2. The driver is of one piece with the car: to this are attached the steeds, each joined to, and proceeding out of, another. How admirable the artist’s skill! A single block combines within itself all these bodies: one mass of marble by submitting to the chisel has grown into all these various shapes.

[64] See Introduction, p. xviii, note 2.

* * * * *

Page 180

VIII. (LXIX.)

_De Polycaste et Perdicca._

Quid non saevus Amor flammarum numine cogat? sanguinis en fetum mater amare timet. pectore dum niveo miserum tenet anxia nutrix, inlicitos ignes iam fovet ipsa parens. ultrices pharetras tandem depone, Cupido. 5 consule iam Venerem: forsan et ipsa dolet.

IX. (XLV.)

_De hystrice._

Audieram memorande tuas Stymphale volucres spicula vulnifico quondam sparsisse volatu, nec mihi credibilis ferratae fabula pinnae visa diu. datur ecce fides et cognitus hystrix Herculeas adfirmat aves. Os longius illi 5 adsimulat porcum. mentitae cornua saetae summa fronte rigent. oculis rubet igneus ardor. parva sub hirsuto catuli vestigia dorso. hanc tamen exiguam miro natura tueri praesidio dignata feram: stat corpore toto 10 silva minax, iaculisque rigens in proelia crescit picturata seges; quorum cute fixa tenaci

* * * * *

Page 181

VIII. (LXIX.)

_Of Polycaste and Perdiccas._[65]

To what deeds of cruelty will the flames of love not inspire mankind? Here is a mother who dares not love her child, the fruit of her body. Holding the unhappy boy to her snowy breast and wishing to give him suck, she conceives for him, though she is his mother, a shameful passion. Cupid, thou goest too far; put down thy cruel quiver. Consult Venus; mayhap she feels like pangs.

IX. (XLV.)

_The Porcupine._

I had heard the strange tale, Stymphalus, that the birds that haunted thy marshes let fall from them arrows of death in their flight, and for long I could not bring myself to believe this story of iron feathers. But here is proof: the porcupine who is surely related to those birds of Hercules is their warrant.

His long snout is like that of a swine. Stiff bristles like horns stand up from his forehead. Red and fierce are his fiery eyes. Under his bristly back are short legs like those of a small dog. Small as this animal is, nevertheless Nature has seen fit to dower him with a wonderful means of defence. All over the body grows a threatening thicket: a harvest of brightly coloured spears bristles up ready

[65] Perdiccas, the young hunter, is said to have fallen in love with his mother Polycaste (or Polycarpe)=the Earth (see _Mythogr. Lat._ ii. 130). Claudian inverts the story. For details see Höfer in Roscher’s lexicon, art. “Perdix,” col. 1953.

* * * * *

Page 182

alba subit radix, alternantesque colorum tincta vices, spatiis internigrantibus, exit in solidae speciem pinnae, tenuataque furtim 15 levis in extremum sese producit acumen.

Sed non haec acies ritu silvestris echini fixa manet. crebris propugnat iactibus ultro et longe sua membra tegit, tortumque per auras evolat excusso nativum missile tergo. 20 interdum fugiens Parthorum more sequentem vulnerat; interdum positis velut ordine castris terrificum densa mucronum verberat unda et consanguineis hastilibus asperat armos: militat omne ferae corpus vibrataque rauco 25 terga fragore sonant. stimulis accensa tubarum agmina conlatis credas confligere signis: tantus in angusto strepitus furit. additur armis calliditas parcusque sui tumor iraque numquam prodiga telorum, caute contenta minari 30 nec nisi servandae iactus impendere vitae. error abest: certum sollertia destinat ictum nil spatio fallente modum, servatque tenorem mota cutis doctique regit conamina nisus.

Quid labor humanus tantum ratione sagaci 35 proficit? eripiunt trucibus Gortynia capris cornua; subiectis eadem lentescere cogunt ignibus; intendunt taurino viscere nervos; instruitur pinnis ferroque armatur harundo. ecce brevis propriis munitur bestia telis 40

* * * * *

Page 183

for battle. The roots of these weapons are white and are firmly fixed in the animal’s skin. The quills are themselves parti-coloured with black bands and come to a stiff quill-like point, diminishing in diameter towards the tip which is smooth and sharp.

But his armoury is not fixed like that of the woodland hedgehog. He can take the offensive and also protect himself at a distance by the frequent discharge of these darts of his, hurling through the air the flying missiles which his own back supplies. At times like the flying Parthian he wounds his pursuers; at times he entrenches himself and strikes his foe by the discharge of a storm of these terrible weapons which bristle on his shoulders out of which they grow. He fights with his whole body, and his back, as it moves, emits a raucous sound. You would think it was the trumpet’s note stirring an army to close with the foe and fight. Small is the animal but great the din. Besides his arms he displays cunning and a cold, calculated fury that never wastes its weapons but cautiously contents itself with threats, for he never expends a dart but in defence of his life. His aim is sure; the blow, such is his skill, unerring, nor can distance delude his range. The motion of his skin in the act of discharging ensures the speed, and accurately directs the flight, of the weapon.

Has human endeavour, with reason to guide it, ever done the like? Men rob of their horns the wild goats of Crete, then they force them to become pliant over the fire[66]; they use the guts of cattle to string their bows; they tip their arrows with iron and wing them with feathers. But here is a small animal whose arms are contained in his own body

[66] In the making of bows.

* * * * *

Page 184

externam nec quaerit opem; fert omnia secum: se pharetra, sese iaculo, sese utitur arcu. unum animal cunctas bellorum possidet artes.

Quodsi omnis nostrae paulatim industria vitae fluxit ab exemplis, quidquid procul appetit hostem, hinc reor inventum, morem hinc traxisse Cydonas 46 bellandi Parthosque retro didicisse ferire prima sagittiferae pecudis documenta secutos.

X. (XCII.)

_De birro castoreo._

Nominis umbra manet veteris; nam dicere birrum, si Castor iuret, castoreum nequeo. sex emptus solidis! quid sit, iam scire potestis: si mihi nulla fides, credite vel pretio.

XI. (XCI.)

_In sepulchrum speciosae._

Pulchris stare diu Parcarum lege negatur. magna repente ruunt; summa cadunt subito. hic formosa iacet: Veneris sortita figuram egregiumque decus invidiam meruit.

XII. (LXXXIV.)

_De balneis Quintianis quae in via posita erant._

Fontibus in liquidis paulum requiesce, viator, atque tuum rursus carpe refectus iter.

* * * * *

Page 185

and who needs no external defence. He carries all his own arms; himself his own quiver, arrow, and bow. Alone he possesses all the resources of war.

But if all human activities as they grow have had their source in imitation we may see here the exemplar of combat by means of missiles. It is from him that the Cretans learned to shoot and the Parthians to strike while in flight. These did but follow the example of the animal that is armed with arrows.

X. (XCII.)

_Of Beaver’s Overcoat._[67]

’Tis but the shadow of a name that is left. I cannot call it a coat of beaver, not though Beaver swear it is one. It cost six shillings. Now you know what it is like. If you don’t believe me, believe the price.

XI. (XCI.)

_On the Tomb of a Beauty._

Fate allows not beauty a long life: sudden is the end of all that is noble and pre-eminent. Here lies a lovely woman: hers was the beauty of Venus and hers the illwill of Heaven for a gift so rare.

XII. (LXXXIV.)

_Quintius’ Baths._

Stay awhile and bathe in these waters, traveller; then set forth again upon thy journey refreshed.

[67] Claudian is, I think, punning on _castor_=a beaver, and Castor, the name of the owner of the coat. But _castor_ in l. 2 might be taken to refer either to the god or to the animal.

* * * * *

Page 186

lympharum dominum nimium miraberis, hospes, inter dura viae balnea qui posuit.

XIII. (LXXIX.)

_In podagrum qui carmina sua non stare dicebat._

Quae tibi cum pedibus ratio? quid carmina culpas? scandere qui nescis, versiculos laceras? “claudicat hic versus; haec” inquit “syllaba nutat”; atque nihil prorsus stare putat podager

XIV. (LXXXII.)

_Ad Maximum qui ei mel misit._

Dulcia dona mihi semper tu, Maxime, mittis, et, quidquid mittis, mella putare decet.

XV. (LXXXIX.)

_De paupere amante_

Paupertas me saeva domat dirusque Cupido: sed toleranda fames, non tolerandus amor.

XVI. (XC.)

_De eodem._

Esuriens pauper telis incendor amoris. inter utrumque malum deligo pauperiem.

* * * * *

Page 187

An thou become its guest, warm will be thy gratitude towards him that built this bath and set it by the side of this long dusty road.

XIII. (LXXIX.)

_To a gouty Critic._

Canst thou talk of feet? Dost blame my verses and criticize my lines, thou whose own feet are so weak? This couplet, you say, will scarcely stand: the scansion is shaky. Dear friend, a gouty man thinks nothing at all can stand.

XIV. (LXXXII.)

_To thank Maximus for a Gift of Honey._

Thou dost ever send me sweet gifts, Maximus; ’tis honey whatsoever thou sendest, methinks.

XV. (LXXXIX.)

_The Poor Lover._

Biting poverty and cruel Cupid are my foes. Hunger I can endure; love I cannot.

XVI. (XC.)

_The Same._

A hungry pauper am I, a victim fallen to love. Two ills; but poverty is the lesser.

* * * * *

Page 188

XVII. (L.)

_De piis fratribus et de statuis eorum quae sunt apud Catinam._

Adspice sudantes venerando pondere fratres, divino meritos semper honore coli, iusta quibus rapidae cessit reverentia flammae et mirata vagas reppulit Aetna faces. complexi manibus fultos cervice parentes 5 attollunt vultus accelerantque gradus. grandaevi gemina sublimes prole feruntur et cara natos implicuere mora. nonne vides, ut saeva senex incendia monstret? ut trepido genetrix invocet ore deos? 10 erexit formido comam, perque omne metallum fusus in attonito palluit aere tremor. in iuvenum membris animosus cernitur horror atque oneri metuens impavidusque sui. reiectae vento chlamydes. dextram exerit ille 15 contentus laeva sustinuisse patrem; ast illi duplices in nodum colligit ulnas cautior in sexu debiliore labor. hoc quoque praeteriens oculis ne forte relinquas, artificis tacitae quod meruere manus: 20 nam consanguineos eadem cum forma figuret, hic propior matri fit tamen, ille patri.

* * * * *

Page 189

XVII. (L.)

_On the Statues of Two Brothers at Catina._[68]

See these two brothers toiling beneath a burden piety bade them bear. They deserve the tribute of divine honours at the hands of all men: at the sight of them the respectful flames ceased their ravages and Etna in admiration restrained his flooding lava. Seizing their parents they set them upon their shoulders and, with eyes raised to heaven, hasten their steps. The aged parents, thus carried aloft by their two sons, impede their flight, but dear to the children is that very delay. See, the old man points to the cruel flames; the aged mother’s trembling lips call upon the gods for help. Fear has set their hair on end, the bronze is terror-stricken and a pale shiver runs over all the metal. In the countenances of the sons is seen courage in face of danger, and, if fear, then fear for their burdens, none for themselves. The wind has blown back their cloaks. One raises his right hand; his left is enough to sustain his aged sire. But the other needs must clasp his burden with both arms, taking greater care for that it is his mother, one of the weaker sex, that he bears. This, too, as thou passest by, leave not unnoted, for well the craftsman’s dumb hands deserve such regard; both he has moulded with a likeness such as brothers bear, yet the one resembles rather his mother, the other his father.

[68] The story of the _pietas_ of these brothers has often been told or referred to: the better known passages are Senec. _De benef._ iii. 37. 2; Martial vii. 24. 5; Sil. Ital. xiv. 197. Hyginus (_Fab._ 154) gives the story though with different names. The brothers’ heads appear both on Sicilian and Roman coins, _e.g._ Head, _Hist. Num._ 117; _Brit. Mus. Cat._ Sicily 52, Nos. 70-79; Babelon, _Monn. de la répub._ i. 539, ii. 353.

* * * * *

Page 190

dissimiles annos sollertia temperat artis: alter in alterius redditur ore parens, et nova germanis paribus discrimina praebens 25 divisit vultus cum pietate faber.

O bene naturae memores, documenta supernae iustitiae, iuvenum numina, vota senum: qui spretis opibus medios properastis in ignes nil praeter sanctam tollere canitiem. 30 haud equidem inmerito tanta virtute repressas Enceladi fauces obriguisse reor. ipse redundantem frenavit Mulciber Aetnam, laederet exempli ne monumenta pii. senserunt elementa fidem. pater adfuit aether 35 terraque maternum sedula iuvit onus. quodsi notus amor provexit in astra Laconas, Aenean Phrygio raptus ab igne pater, si vetus Argolicos inlustrat gloria fratres, qui sua materno colla dedere iugo: 40 cur non Amphinomo, cur non tibi, fortis Anapi, aeternum Siculus templa dicavit honos? plura licet summae dederit Trinacria laudi, noverit hoc maius se genuisse nihil; nec doleat damnis, quae devius intulit ardor, 45 nec gemat exustas igne furente domos. non potuit pietas flamma cessante probari: emptum est ingenti clade perenne decus.

* * * * *

Page 191

The artist’s cunning has succeeded in expressing a difference of age in their faces, though a likeness to either parent is apparent in the features of both the sons; while, to ensure a further dissimilarity in that resemblance, he has varied the tenderness that either countenance expresses.

Faithful were ye to Nature’s law, bright example of divine justice, model for youth, fond hope of age! Wealth ye despised, and dashed into the flames to rescue nought save your venerable parents. Not undeservedly, methinks, did such piety quench the fires in Enceladus’ jaws. Vulcan himself checked the flow of molten lava from Etna that it should not harm those patterns of filial duty. The very elements were influenced thereby: father air and mother earth did their best to lighten the burden.

If signal piety raised Castor and Pollux to the skies, if Aeneas won immortality by rescuing his sire from burning Troy, if ancient story has rendered famous the names of those Argive brothers, Cleobis and Biton,[69] who harnessed themselves to their mother’s car, why does not Sicily dedicate a temple to the ageless memory of Amphinomos and Anapius? Though the three-cornered isle has many titles to fame, let her be sure that she has never given birth to a nobler deed. Let her not weep the destruction wrought by the spreading flames nor lament the houses burned down by the fire’s fury. The flames abating had never put affection to the proof; the great disaster purchased immortal fame.

[69] Herodotus tells their story in book i. 31.

* * * * *

Page 192

XVIII. (LI.)

_De mulabus Gallicis._

Adspice morigeras Rhodani torrentis alumnas imperio nexas imperioque vagas, dissona quam varios flectant ad murmura cursus et certas adeant voce regente vias. quamvis quaeque sibi nullis discurrat habenis 5 et pateant duro libera colla iugo, ceu constricta tamen servit patiensque laborum barbaricos docili concipit aure sonos. absentis longinqua valent praecepta magistri, frenorumque vicem lingua virilis agit. 10 haec procul angustat sparsas spargitque coactas: haec sistit rapidas, haec properare facit. laeva iubet: laevo deducunt limite gressum. mutavit strepitum: dexteriora petunt. nec vinclis famulae nec libertate feroces, 15 exutae laqueis, sub dicione tamen consensuque pares et fulvis pellibus hirtae esseda concordes multisonora trahunt. miraris, si voce feras pacaverit Orpheus, cum pronas pecudes Gallica verba regant? 20

XIX. (XLIII.)

_Epistula ad Gennadium exproconsule._

Italiae commune decus, Rubiconis amoeni incola, Romani fama secunda fori,

* * * * *

Page 193

XVIII. (LI.)

_Of French Mules._

Behold the docile children of fast-flowing Rhone that at their master’s word come together and at that word disperse. See how they go this way or that according to the different cries he utters, and, guided only by his voice, take the path he would have them take. Though each unguided by the rein takes his own course and no collar presses upon their necks they obey as though harnessed and, insensible to fatigue, hear and follow the directions shouted by their barbarous master. Though far away from their owner they nevertheless respect his commands, obeying the word of the muleteer as it were a bridle. It is his voice that even at a distance gathers them together when scattered or scatters them when gathered together; this that checks their haste or quickens their dragging steps. Does he shout “left,” they turn them to the left: does he alter his cry to “right,” to the right they go. Slaves, yet without bonds, free, but without licence, they go unbridled but obedient. Covered with tawny pelts they haul along the rumbling carts, each cheerfully doing his fair share. Dost thou wonder that Orpheus tamed the wild beasts with his song when the words of a Gaul can guide these swift-footed mules?

XIX. (XLIII.)

_Letter to Gennadius,[70] ex-Proconsul._

Glory of all Italy, who dwellest on the pleasant banks of Rubicon, ornament of the Roman bar

[70] Gennadius was by birth a Syrian (Synesius, _Ep._ 30); prefect of Egypt in 396 (_Cod. Theod._ xiv. 27. 1). He seems to have lived at Ravenna (_Rubiconis incola_). Birt (praef. p. xviii) thinks that line 2 refers to Symmachus, Gennadius’ contemporary, not to Cicero.

* * * * *

Page 194

Graiorum populis et nostro cognite Nilo (utraque gens fasces horret amatque tuos): carmina ieiunas poscis solantia fauces? 5 testor amicitiam nulla fuisse domi. nam mihi mox nidum pennis confisa relinquunt et lare contempto non reditura volant.

XX. (LII.)

_De sene Veronensi qui Suburbium numquam egressus est._

Felix, qui propriis aevum transegit in arvis, ipsa domus puerum quem videt, ipsa senem; qui baculo nitens in qua reptavit harena unius numerat saecula longa casae. illum non vario traxit fortuna tumultu, 5 nec bibit ignotas mobilis hospes aquas. non freta mercator tremuit, non classica miles, non rauci lites pertulit ille fori. indocilis rerum, vicinae nescius urbis adspectu fruitur liberiore poli. 10 frugibus alternis, non consule computat annum: autumnum pomis, ver sibi flore notat. idem condit ager soles idemque reducit, metiturque suo rusticus orbe diem, ingentem meminit parvo qui germine quercum 15 aequaevumque videt consenuisse nemus,

* * * * *

Page 195

second only to Cicero, well known to the peoples of Greece and to Egypt, land of my birth (for both have feared and loved thy rule), dost thou ask for poems to appease thy hungry throat?

By our friendship, I swear there are none at home. My verses soon learn to trust to their own wings and leave the nest, flying far afield nor ever returning to their humble home.

XX. (LII.)

_Of an old Man of Verona who never left his home._

Happy he who has passed his whole life mid his own fields, he of whose birth and old age the same house is witness; he whose stick supports his tottering steps o’er the very ground whereon he crawled as a baby and whose memory knows but of one cottage as the scene where so long a life was played out. No turns of fortune vexed him with their sudden storms;[71] he never travelled nor drank the waters of unknown rivers. He was never a trader to fear the seas nor a soldier to dread the trumpet’s call; never did he face the noisy wrangles of the courts. Unpractised in affairs, unfamiliar with the neighbouring town, he finds his delight in a freer view of the sky above him. For him the recurring seasons, not the consuls, mark the year: he knows autumn by his fruits and spring by her flowers. From the selfsame fields he watches the sun rise and set, and, at his work, measures the day with his own round of toils. He remembers yon mighty oak an acorn, and sees the plantation, set when he was born, grown old along

[71] This proves the poem to have been written before the Gothic irruption of 401. Abraham Cowley translated this poem (_Essays and Plays, etc._, Camb. Press, 1906, p. 447).

* * * * *

Page 196

proxima cui nigris Verona remotior Indis Benacumque putat litora Rubra lacum. sed tamen indomitae vires firmisque lacertis aetas robustum tertia cernit avum. 20 erret et extremos alter scrutetur Hiberos: plus habet hic vitae, plus habet ille viae.

XXI. (LXXX.)

_De Theodoro et Hadriano._

Manlius indulget somno noctesque diesque; insomnis Pharius sacra profana rapit. omnibus hoc, Italae gentes, exposcite votis, Manlius ut vigilet, dormiat ut Pharius.

XXII. (XXXIX.)

_Deprecatio ad Hadrianum._

Usque adeone tuae producitur impetus irae? nullus erit finis lacrimis? subitisque favorem permutas odiis? quo mens ignara nocendi, quo sensus abiere pii? tantumne licebit invidiae? tantum strepitus valuere maligni? 5

Me dolor incautus, me lubrica duxerit aetas, me tumor impulerit, me devius egerit ardor: te tamen haud decuit paribus concurrere telis. humanae superos numquam tetigere querellae nec vaga securum penetrant convicia caelum. 10

* * * * *

Page 197

with him. Neighbouring Verona is, for him, more distant than sun-scorched India; Benacus he accounts as the Red Sea. But his strength is unimpaired and the third generation see in him a sturdy, stout-armed grandsire. Let who will be a wanderer and explore farthest Spain: such may have more of a journey; he of Verona has more of a life.[72]

XXI. (LXXX.)

_Of Theodore and Hadrian._[73]

Manlius Theodorus sleeps night and day; the sleepless Egyptian steals alike from gods and men. Peoples of Italy, be this your one prayer--that Manlius keep awake and the Egyptian sleep.

XXII. (XXXIX.)

_Apology to Hadrian._

Must the violence of thine anger last so long? Are my tears never to cease to flow? Dost thou thus suddenly turn thy favour to hatred? Where, then, is that leniency that knows not to harm any, that loving-kindness? Shall envy have such licence? Has the clamour of calumny so prevailed?

What though rash wrath, though heedless youth tempted me, though pride urged, though passion led me astray, yet shouldst _thou_ be above meeting me with like weapons. Human murmurs never touch the gods nor do the loose railings of man disturb the peace of heaven. My punishment has

[72] Claudian plays on the words _vitae_ and _viae_.

[73] For M. see xvi. and note (and Introduction, p. xv). H. was _comes sacrarum largitionum_ in the East in 395, _magister officiorum_ in 397, praetorian prefect of Italy 401. This epigram was probably written in 396: the apology (next poem) perhaps the same year.

* * * * *

Page 198

excessit iam poena modum. concede iacenti. en adsum; veniam confessus crimina posco.

Manibus Hectoreis atrox ignovit Achilles. ultrices Furias matris placavit Orestes. reddidit Alcides Priamo, quas ceperat, arces. 15 Pellaeum iuvenem regum flexere ruinae: Darium famulis manibus doluisse peremptum fertur et ingenti solatus fata sepulchro; tradita captivo spatiosior India Poro. conditor hic patriae; sic hostibus ille pepercit; 20 hunc virtus tua digna sequi. quemcumque deorum laesimus, insultet iugulo pascatque furorem.

Gratia defluxit, sequitur feralis egestas; desolata domus, caris spoliamur amicis: hunc tormenta necant, hic undique truditur exul. 25 quid superest damnis? quae saeva pericula restant?

Emollit rabiem praedae mortisque facultas. praetereunt subiecta ferae, torvique leones, quae stravisse calent, eadem prostrata relinquunt nec nisi bellantis gaudent cervice iuvenci 30 nobiliore fame. secuit nascentia vota livor et ingesto turbavit gaudia luctu: iamiam suppliciis fessos humilesque serenus respice. quid tanta dignaris mole clientem? in brevibus numquam sese probat Aeolus undis, 35 nec capit angustus Boreae certamina collis: Alpes ille quatit, Rhodopeia culmina lassat. incubuit numquam caelestis flamma salictis

* * * * *

Page 199

been too severe; spare a fallen foe. Behold me; I confess my faults and ask pardon for my sin.

Fierce Achilles showed mercy to the shade of Hector, Orestes appeased his mother’s avenging furies, Hercules restored to Priam the cities which he had taken. A king’s overthrow won the pity of Pella’s youthful monarch, who wept, men say, for the death of Darius at a slave’s hand, and consoled his ghost with a lofty mausoleum. To captive Porus Alexander gave back an ampler kingdom. ’Twas thus the founder of our country[74] spared his conquered foes. Thine own nobility demands that thou shouldst follow his example. If it is one of the gods that I have insulted let him send down punishment upon me and sate his anger.

Now that I have lost thy favour I am become a prey to grinding poverty, my house is desolate, my friends reft from me. Death with torture is the fate of one, exile of another. What further losses can I suffer? What more cruel plagues can befall me?

The power to despoil and kill softens anger. Wild beasts turn away from their stricken prey, and fierce lions, eager to destroy, abandon the dead victim, and with a nobler hunger riot only in the flesh of the warlike steer. Envy has snapped the thread of my prosperity and turned my happiness into mourning. I am fordone with punishment and my pride is broken; look on me again with favour. Is a humble client worth so heavy a weight of anger? Aeolus makes not trial of himself where the sea’s waters are shallow; no lowly hill encounters Boreas’ blasts; ’tis the Alps he shakes, the summit of Rhodope he harasses. Never doth the lightning

[74] Alexander is called the founder of Claudian’s country (Egypt) because the first Ptolemy was one of his generals and became king of Egypt on Alexander’s death.

* * * * *

Page 200

nec parvi frutices iram meruere Tonantis: ingentes quercus, annosas fulminat ornos. 40

Hoc pro supplicibus ramis, pro fronde Minervae, hoc carmen pro ture damus. miserere tuorum. me, precor, heu, me redde mihi gravibusque medere vulneribus vitamque iube famamque reverti. quae per te cecidit, per te fortuna resurgat. 45 sanus Achilleis remeavit Telephus herbis, cuius pertulerat vires, et sensit in uno letalem placidamque manum; medicina per hostem contigit, et pepulit quos fecerat ipse dolores.

Quodsi nec precibus fletu nec flecteris ullo, 50 eripe calcatis non prospera cingula Musis, eripe militiam, comitem me pelle sodalis.[75] scilicet insignis de paupere vate triumphus. scilicet egregiis ornabere victor opimis. inruat in miseros cognata potentia cives; 55 audiat haec commune solum longeque carinis nota Pharos, flentemque attollens gurgite vultum nostra gemat Nilus numerosis funera ripis.

XXIII. (LXXIV.)

_Deprecatio in Alethium quaestorem._

Sic non Aethiopum campos aestate pererrem nec Scythieo brumam sub Iove nudus agam,

[75] Birt _sodali_ (EV AJ); _sodalis_ R.

* * * * *

Page 201

strike the humble willows nor do the modest shrubs deserve the Thunder’s angry bolt; lofty oaks and agèd elms are his victims.

Instead of the suppliant’s branch plucked from Minerva’s sacred olive, instead of incense, I offer thee this poem. Have mercy on thy servant. Restore me, even me, to my former state, heal my cruel wounds, bid life and honour return to me. Do thou, who didst overthrow my fortune, build it up again. Telephus came back cured by the magic of Achilles.[76] The same hand dealt death and healing--an enemy restoring him to health by the assuagement of the very pains he had inflicted.

But if neither my prayers nor my tears can soften thee, spurn the Muses with thy foot and take away my unlucky decorations, deprive me of my rank, cast me aside who was once thy companion. A noteworthy victory this thou hast won over a poor poet; redoubtable indeed the spoils that will grace such a triumph. Let a fellow-countryman’s power overwhelm his wretched fellows.[77] Be my fate told to our common fatherland and to Pharos, known of all who sail the distant seas, and let Father Nile raise his weeping head from out the flood and mourn my cruel case along the banks of all his seven mouths.

XXIII. (LXXIV.)

_Apology to Alethius, the Quaestor._[78]

As I hope never to cross the plains of Ethiopia beneath a summer sun, never to pass a winter naked

[76] Telephus, wounded by Achilles’ spear, could only be cured by his “wounder.” In return for such information about Troy as should lead to its capture, Achilles cured Telephus by means of the rust on the spear that had inflicted the wound.

_Herbis_ must here mean simply magic (_cf._ Prop. iv. 7. 72), but it is curious, and _hasta_ (_e_) is tempting.

[77] Both Hadrian and Claudian were Egyptians.

[78] Nothing is known about this Alethius.

* * * * *

Page 202

sic non imbriferam noctem ducentibus Haedis Ionio credam turgida vela mari, sic non Tartareo Furiarum verbere pulsus 5 irati relegam carmina grammatici: nulla meos traxit petulans audacia sensus, liberior iusto nec mihi lingua fuit. versiculos, fateor, non cauta voce notavi, heu miser! ignorans, quam grave crimen erat. 10 Orpheos alii libros impune lacessunt nec tua securum te, Maro, fama vehit; ipse parens vatum, princeps Heliconis, Homerus iudicis excepit tela severa notae. sed non Vergilius, sed non accusat Homerus: 15 neuter enim quaestor, pauper uterque fuit. en moveo plausus! en pallidus omnia laudo et clarum repeto terque quaterque “sophos”! ignoscat placidus tandem flatusque remittat et tuto recitet quod libet ore: placet. 20

XXIV. (LXXXIII.)

_De lucusta._

Horret apex capitis; medio fera lumina surgunt vertice; cognatus dorso durescit amictus. armavit natura cutem dumique rubentes cuspidibus parvis multos acuere rubores.

* * * * *

Page 203

beneath the northern pole, never to entrust my bellying sails to the Ionian Sea what time the Kids bring round the rainy nights, never, driven by the Furies’ hellish blows, to re-read the verses of an angry pedant,[79] ’twas not, I swear, impudent effrontery that moved me, nor did my tongue exceed a just outspokenness. I admit I incautiously found fault with a few lines, not realizing, luckless wight, the heinousness of my offence. Others attack the books of Orpheus and nothing is said; nor does thy fame, Maro, support thee in safety. The very father of poetry, Homer, lord of Helicon, knew the stigma of the censor’s pen. Yet neither Vergil nor Homer complains, for neither was a quaestor and both were poor. See, then, I applaud! See, in terror I praise every word and loudly cry again and again “bravo!” Let him be appeased and pardon at last, let him cease from wrath--and with secure voice recite whate’er he will; I applaud.

XXIV. (LXXXIII.)

_The Lobster._

Long horns project from his head; fierce eyes stand out from his forehead; his back is protected by the armour of his self-grown shell. Nature herself has rendered his skin a sufficient defence, covering it with small, red, pointed spikes.

[79] The “pedant” is doubtless Alethius himself and the “verses” the very poem which Claudian has already read once and criticized unfavourably.

* * * * *

Page 204

XXV. (XXX., XXXI.)

_Epithalamium dictum Palladio V. C. tribuno et notario et Celerinae._

PRAEFATIO

Carmina per thalamum quamvis festina negare nec volui genero nec potui socero. hic socius, dux ille mihi nostrique per aulam ordinis hic consors emicat, ille prior. hunc mihi coniungit studiis communibus aetas; 5 hunc mihi praeponit vel senium vel honos. carmen amor generi, soceri reverentia poscit officio vatis, militis obsequio.

Forte Venus blando quaesitum frigore somnum vitibus intexti gremio successerat antri densaque sidereos per gramina fuderat artus adclinis florum cumulo; crispatur opaca pampinus et musto sudantem ventilat uvam. 5 ora decet neglecta sopor; fastidit amictum aestus et exuto translucent pectore frondes. Idaliae iuxta famulae triplexque vicissim nexa sub ingenti requiescit Gratia quercu. pennati passim pueri quo quemque vocavit 10 umbra iacent; fluitant arcus ramisque propinquis pendentes placido suspirant igne pharetrae.

* * * * *

Page 205

XXV (XXX, XXXI)

_Epithalamium of Palladius and Celerina._[80]

PREFACE

Asked to improvise a song in honour of a marriage I find myself unwilling to refuse the bridegroom and unable to say no to his father-in-law. The former was my comrade-in-arms, the latter my general; at court the first is of equal rank with me, the second my superior. Similarity of age and pursuits made me a friend of Palladius; age and dignity set Celerinus far above me. The love I bear the one demands my good offices as a poet, the awe in which I hold the other a soldier’s obedience: I must sing.

It chanced that Venus had one day retired into the bosom of a cave overgrown with vine to woo sleep mid its alluring cool, and had laid her goddess limbs on the thick grass, her head upon a heap of flowers. The vine branches stir gently in the breeze and sway the full-veined grapes. Slumber befits the disorder of her brow, the midday heat will none of coverings, and the leaves show through them the gleam of her bare breast. Round her lie the nymphs of Ida and hard by beneath a lofty oak-tree the three Graces sleep with interlaced arms. Here and there, where’er the shade invites them, repose winged Cupids. Their bows are unstrung and their quivers hang from the branches of neighbouring trees, instinct with latent fire. Some

[80] This poem and the marriage it celebrates probably belong to the year 399. We know little of P. save that he was the friend and colleague (_tribunus et notarius, cf._ Introduction, p. xii) of Claudian. His father (l. 61) was probably prefect of Egypt in 382 (_Cod. Theod._ viii. 5. 37). Celerina’s grandfather held the same post (l. 73); her father (ll. 82 _et sqq._)--the _socer_ of line 2 of the preface--was _primicerius notariorum_ (so Godefroy on _Cod. Theod._ vi. 2).

* * * * *

Page 206

pars vigiles ludunt aut per virgulta vagantes scrutantur nidos avium vel roscida laeti mala legunt donum Veneri flexusque sequuntur 15 palmitis et summas pennis librantur in ulmos; defendunt alii lucum Dryadasque procaces spectandi cupidas et rustica numina pellunt silvestresque deos longeque tuentibus antrum flammea lascivis intendunt spicula Faunis: 20 cum subito varius vicina clamor ab urbe et fausti iuvenum plausus mixtaeque choreis auditae per rura lyrae. Celerina per omnes Italiae canitur montes omnisque maritum Palladium resonabat ager. Pervenit ad aures 25 vox iucunda deae strepituque excita resedit et reliquum nitido detersit pollice somnum utque fuit, turbata comas, intecta papillas, mollibus exurgit stratis interque suorum agmen et innumeros Hymenaeum quaerit Amores 30 (hunc Musa genitum legit Cytherea ducemque praefecit thalamis; nullum iunxisse cubile hoc sine nec primas fas est attollere taedas). conspicitur tandem. platano namque ille sub alta fusus inaequales cera texebat avenas 35 Maenaliosque modos et pastoralia labris murmura temptabat relegens orisque recursu dissimilem tenui variabat harundine ventum. Restitit ut vidit Venerem, digitisque remissis ad terram tacito defluxit fistula flatu. 40

* * * * *

Page 207

wake and play or wander through the thickets in search of birds’ nests or take delight in plucking dewy apples as a gift for Venus or hunt the gadding vine for grapes, and, poised on their wings, climb its branches to the very tops of the elm-trees. Others keep guard over the wood and drive off the wanton, curious Dryads, the country gods and the woodland deities, discharging flaming darts at the amorous Fauns who try from a distance to catch a glimpse of Venus’ bower. Suddenly there arose cries and shoutings from the neighbouring city; joyous acclamations of youth and the strains of the lyre accompanying dancing in the streets. Through all the hills of Italy the name of Celerina is chanted and every field re-echoes that of her husband Palladius.

The pleasant sound reached the goddess’ ears; aroused by the noise she sat up and with her fair hands rubbed from her eyes the residue of sleep; then, just as she was, her hair disordered, her breasts uncovered, she leapt from her soft couch and summoned Hymen from among the unnumbered Loves that formed her bodyguard. (Him, son of the Muse, Cytherea chose out and made the patron god of marriage. Without his sanction is no entry into wedlock nor is it lawful but with his leave to uplift the first wedding-torches.) At last he is found. There he lay stretched beneath a tall plane-tree joining with wax pipes of unequal length, seeking to repeat with his lips Maenalian measures and pastoral tunes, while, as his mouth ran over them, he varied his breathing upon the slender reed.

Seeing Venus he stopped; noiseless to the ground from out the nerveless grasp of his fingers fell the

* * * * *

Page 208

dulce micant oculi; niveas infecerat igni solque pudorque genas; dubiam lanuginis umbram caesaries intonsa tegit. prior ipsa silentem compellat: “Numquamne, puer, dilecta relinques carmina? maternis numquam satiabere donis 45 dedite Musarum studio nimiumque parentis aemule? quid medio tecum modularis in aestu? iamne tibi sordent citharae? iam lustra Lycaei atque pecus cordi redituraque rupibus Echo? huc ades et tantae nobis edissere causas 50 laetitiae, cui pompa toro tam clara resultet, quae nova dotetur virgo: patriamque genusque pande, quibus terris orti, quo semine ducti. haud ignarus enim, nec te conubia fallunt ulla; tuo primae libantur[81] foedere noctes.” 55

Ille refert: “equidem dudum te, diva, morantem mirabar, quod adhuc tanti secura maneres coniugii. non parva tibi mandatur origo. fascibus insignes et legum culmine fultae convenere domus et qui lectissimus orbi 60 sanguis erat. rubris quae fluctibus insula latrat, qui locus Aethiopum, quae sic impervia famae secessit regio, quo non rumore secundo Palladii penetravit amor mentisque benigna temperies doctique sales et grata senectus? 65

[81] Birt _librantur_ (MSS.); Delphin ed. _libantur_.

* * * * *

Page 209

pipe. Affection lights up his eyes; a modest blush suffuses those sun-browned cheeks so snowy-white by nature, clothed, too, with the scarce seen down of youth where ceased the ne’er cut hair. Silent he stood and the goddess first addressed him. “Wilt thou, boy, never leave thy beloved song? Wilt thou never have enough of thy mother’s gifts, ever devoted to the Muses’ task and too eager to rival thy parent[82]? What is it thou dost practise all alone in the midday heat? Dost thou now despise the lyre and seekest thou rather the woods of Lycaeus and the herds and Echo resounding from the rocks? Come hither and tell me the reason for this general rejoicing. What marriage is this that is attended with such ceremony and such demonstrations of joy? Who is the newly dowered bride? Of what country, what race are they that are wed? Tell me from what land they spring and what their parentage. Needs must thou know, for no marriage can take place without thee and by covenant with thee are wedlock’s joys first tasted.”

He replied: “Long have I been wondering, goddess, at thy delay, and marvelled that thou didst take no notice of so world-famed an union. They are no common folk that now submit them to thy laws. Two families are united illustrious with consulships, upheld by the highest offices, in whose veins flows the noblest blood of all the world. What island on whose coasts thunder the waves of the Red Sea, what tract of Ethiopia, what land so far withdrawn from human intercourse but has heard the blessings that the affection of his country calls down on the head of Palladius’ sire for his clemency, his learning, his wit, his genial age? He has trodden

[82] _i.e._ Calliope. Venus is in effect saying to him: attend to your own business, play your own instrument (the _cithara_ )and do not seek the haunts, and imitate the pipes, of Pan.

* * * * *

Page 210

per cunctos iit ille gradus aulaeque labores emensus tenuit summae fastigia sedis Eoum stabili moderatus iure senatum. hic splendor iuveni. cunabula prima puellae Danuvius veteresque Tomi. Mavortia matris 70 nobilitas spoliis armisque exultat avitis inmensamque trahit Celerini robore lucem, qui quondam Meroën iussus Nilumque tueri, cum sibi post obitus et Parthica fulmina Cari[83] sceptra daret miles rebusque imponere vellet, 75 despexit fremitus et praetulit otia regno; respuit ingestum, quod vi, quod poscere ferro posthabita pietate solent. tum purpura primum inferior virtute fuit meruitque repulsam obvia maiestas. doluit Fortuna minorem 80 se confessa viro. magnum delata potestas, maiorem contempta probat. “Cognomina sumpsit plena ducum genitor. paulatim vectus ad altum princeps militiae, qua non inlustrior extat altera, cunctorum tabulas adsignat honorum, 85 regnorum tractat numeros, constringit in unum sparsas imperii vires cuneosque recenset dispositos: quae Sarmaticis custodia ripis, quae saevis obiecta Getis, quae Saxona frenat vel Scottum legio, quantae cinxere cohortes 90 Oceanum, quanto pacatur milite Rhenus.

[83] Birt _caro_ (the reading of E and V); _Cari_ Heinsius.

* * * * *

Page 211

every rung of the ladder of honours, has held every place at court, and reached the highest of all offices, directing the deliberations of the senate of the East with a sure authority. Such is the bridegroom’s brilliance. The bride first saw the light in the old city of Tomi by the mouth of the Danube. She is descended on her mother’s side from noble ancestors famed in war and enriched by war’s spoils and derives especial glory from the renown of that stalwart Celerinus who, when appointed to the defence of Meroë and the Nile, and, after the death by lightning of Carus[84] in Parthia, offered the throne and dominion of the world by his soldiers, paid no heed to their clamour and preferred repose to an empire. Of his own will he refused when it was offered that which men will use every sort of violence and outrage every sort of right to acquire. For the first time virtue was reckoned above a throne and sovereignty, making offer of herself, met with a refusal. Sadly did Fortune confess herself beaten by a mortal. Great it is to deserve high office, still greater to have despised it.

“Celerina’s father has won every title that a warrior may. Step by step he has reached the highest of all ranks, that of commander-in-chief; it is he who dispenses titles of honour, settles the garrisons of the provinces, unites the scattered forces of the empire, and checks the disposition of its troops. He decides the defences of Sarmatia and the legions that are to face the wild Getae or keep Saxon and Scot in subjection. He knows how many cohorts fringe the shore of Ocean, how great an army maintains peace along the banks of the Rhine. In the family of Celerina is to be found unspotted

[84] Carus was struck by lightning (or murdered) during his Persian campaign, A.D. 283; (_cf._ Sidon. Apol. c. 23. 91).

* * * * *

Page 212

casta domus, sincera fides, industria sollers. elegit Stilicho; nihil ultra laudibus addi iudiciove potest. tali nubente puella nonne tibi cessare nefas? duc protinus omnes, 95 duc age. marcentes cupio quassare coronas et vibrare faces et noctem ducere ludo. haec quoque non vilem iam fistula commodat usum responsura choris.” Vix haec Hymenaeus; at illa fontibus abluitur gelidis legemque capillo 100 reddit et ornatum formae prelisque solutae mira Dioneae sumit velamina telae. floribus extruitur currus; iuga floribus halant; florea purpureas adnectunt frena columbas. undique concurrunt volucres, quaecumque frementem permulcent Athesin cantu, quas Larius audit, 106 quas Benacus alit, quas excipit amne quieto Mincius: ereptis obmutuit unda querellis. Eridani ripas et raucae stagna Padusae diffugiens nudavit olor. laetantur Amores 110 frenatisque truces avibus per nubila vecti ostentant se quisque deae magnoque tumultu confligunt pronique manus in verbera tendunt atque impune cadunt: lapsus meliore volatu consequitur vincitque suos auriga iugales. 115 Ut thalami tetigere fores, tum vere rubentes desuper invertunt calathos largosque rosarum imbres et violas plenis sparsere pharetris collectas Veneris prato, quibus ipse pepercit

* * * * *

Page 213

virtue, unfeigned loyalty, and diligence guided by knowledge. She is Stilicho’s choice; to such choice and judgement no praise can be added. It were a shame, Venus, shouldst thou not be present at the marriage of such a maid. Come, bring all thy train. Fain would I shake the withering wreaths, brandish the torches, and devote the night to pleasure. Now even this my pipe gives no dishonoured service answering the choirs’ songs.”

Scarce had Hymen spoken and she bathes her in the cool stream, gathers her flowing hair, and renews her charms, taking from out the press the wondrous garments spun by her mother Dione. Her chariot is heaped with flowers and the yoke thereof is fragrant with blossoms. Flowers entwine the reins that fetter her bright doves. From all sides the birds flock together, those that soothe with their song the roar of Athesis, those whom Larius hears, Benacus feeds, or Mincius welcomes with his quiet flood. Quiet are those waters now that the birds’ plaintive notes resound there no more. The swans have flown away and left the banks of Eridanus and the sounding marshes of Padusa. Right glad are the wanton Loves; they catch and harness the birds and ride them through the clouds before the eyes of Venus. There they join in noisy battle, lean forward to strike one another, and fall but suffer no hurt. Fallen they overtake their steeds with flight swifter than theirs, for the charioteer is fleeter than the chariot.

Soon as they reached the doors of the marriage-chamber they empty baskets full of red spring flowers, pouring forth showers of roses and scattering from their laden quivers violets gathered in Venus’ meadow, violets untouched e’en by the heat of the

* * * * *

Page 214

Sirius et teneras clementi sidere fovit. 120 gemmatis alii per totum balsama tectum effudere cadis, duro quae saucius ungue Niliacus pingui desudat vulnere cortex. adgreditur Cytherea nurum flentemque pudico detraxit matris gremio. matura tumescit 125 virginitas superatque nives ac lilia candor et patrium flavis testatur crinibus Histrum. tum dextram complexa viri dextramque puellae tradit et his ultro sancit conubia dictis:

“Vivite concordes et nostrum discite munus. 130 oscula mille sonent; livescant brachia nexu; labra ligent animas. neu tu virtute proterva confidas, iuvenis; non est terrore domanda, sed precibus placanda tibi. concede marito tu quoque neu Scythicas infensis unguibus iras 135 exercere velis: vinci patiare, rogamus. sic uxor, sic mater eris. quid lumina tinguis, virgo? crede mihi: quem nunc horrescis, amabis.” Dixit et aligera geminos arcuque manuque praestantes e plebe vocat. puer ilicet Aethon 140 et Pyrois rutilas respersi murice plumas prosiliunt puroque imbutis melle sagittis hic nuptam petit, ille virum. sonuere reducta cornua; certa notos pariter sulcavit harundo et pariter fixis haeserunt tela medullis. 145

* * * * *

Page 215

Dog-star who had tempered for their frail beauty his accustomed fires. Others throughout the palace poured forth from jewelled caskets unguents gathered by the banks of the Nile from trees whose bark, when wounded by the cruel finger-nail, oozed with rich gum. Cytherea approaches the bride, and, despite her tears, drew her from her mother’s arms. Her swelling breast betokens maidenhood ripe for marriage, her skin is whiter than lilies or than snow, and her golden hair points to the Danube as her birthplace. Then, taking the hand of the bridegroom, Venus joins to it that of the bride and with these words blesses their union: “Live as one and fulfil all my rites. Give a thousand kisses, let arm be bruised with enfolding arm, and lips so join that soul may meet soul. And thou, husband, put not thy confidence in rude love-making; thy wife’s love cannot be won by threats, but must be gained by entreaty. And do thou yield to thy husband nor seek to show anger; use not thy nails as weapons like the women of Scythia. I beg thee submit to conquest; so shalt thou be indeed a wife, so a mother. Why are there tears in thine eyes? Believe me, thou shalt love him whom now thou fearest.”

So spake she, and chose from out her winged attendants the two whose bows were strongest and their aim most sure. At once Aethon and Pyrois leaped forward, their bright wings tinged with purple. Dipping their shafts in pure honey the one aims his at the bride, the other his at the bridegroom. They draw their bows; the strings twang and the sure arrows cleave the air with equal speed and implant themselves at equal depths in the hearts of the twain.

* * * * *

Page 216

XXVI. (XLIX.)

_Aponus._

Fons, Antenoreae vitam qui porrigis urbi fataque vicinis noxia pellis aquis, cum tua vel mutis tribuant miracula vocem, cum tibi plebeius carmina dictet honos et sit nulla manus, cuius non pollice ductae 5 testentur memores prospera vota notae: nonne reus Musis pariter Nymphisque tenebor, si tacitus soli praetereare mihi? ludibrium quid enim fas est a vate relinqui hunc qui tot populis pervolat ora locum? 10

Alto colle minor, planis erectior arvis conspicuo clivus molliter orbe tumet ardentis fecundus aquae; quacumque cavernas perforat, offenso truditur igne latex. spirat putre solum, conclusaque subter anhelo 15 pumice rimosas perfodit[85] unda vias. umida flammarum regio: Vulcania terrae ubera, sulphureae fervida regna plagae. quis sterilem non credat humum? fumantia vernant pascua; luxuriat gramine cocta silex 20 et, cum sic rigidae cautes fervore liquescant, contemptis audax ignibus herba viret.

Praeterea grandes effosso marmore sulci saucia longinquo limite saxa secant. 25

[85] _perfodit_ Koch; codd. (Birt) _perforat_.

* * * * *

Page 217

XXVI. (XLIX.)

_Aponus._[86]

Fount that prolongest life for the dwellers in Antenor’s city, banishing by thy neighbouring waters all harmful fates, seeing that thy marvels stir utterance even in the dumb, that a people’s love bids poets to honour thee in song, and that there is no hand whose fingers have not traced for thee some lines in thankful witness of prayers granted, shall I not be held guilty alike by the Muses and the Nymphs if I alone sing not thy praises? How can a spot whose fame is on so many lips rightly be passed over by me in slighting silence?

Lower than a lofty hill yet higher than the level plain rises a gentle eminence, clear to see from all around. Prolific is it in hot springs, for wherever water penetrates its recesses encountering fires drive it forth. The crumbling ground exhales vapours, and the water, closed down in its prison of burning rock, forces its way out by many a fissured channel. ’Tis a region of liquid fire where Vulcan’s flames spring forth from earth’s breast, a land of burning and of sulphur. Who would not think it barren? Yet are those fiery fields green with verdure; grass grows o’er the burning marl and, though the very rocks melt at the heat, plants, mocking at the flames, boldly flourish.

Beyond this are vast furrows cut in the rock, scarring and cleaving it in long lines. Traces are

[86] Aponus (mod. Abano) near Padua, famous for its hot mineral springs (_cf._ Mart. vi. 42. 4; Lucan, vii. 193; Sil. Ital. xii. 218, etc.). Padua (Patavinum) is said to have been founded by Antenor.

* * * * *

Page 218

Herculei (sic fama refert) monstratur aratri semita, vel casus vomeris egit opus, in medio pelagi late flagrantis imago caerulus inmenso panditur ore lacus ingenti fusus spatio; sed maior in altum intrat et arcanae rupis inane subit: 30 densus nube sua tactuque inmitis et haustu, sed vitreis idem lucidus usque vadis. consuluit natura sibi, ne tota lateret, admisitque oculos, quo vetat ire calor: turbidus impulsu venti cum spargitur aër 35 glaucaque fumiferae terga serenat aquae, tunc omnem liquidi vallem mirabere fundi, tunc veteres hastae, regia dona, micant (quas inter, nigrae tenebris obscurus harenae, discolor abruptum flumen hiatus agit; 40 adparent infra latebrae, quas gurges opacus implet et abstrusos ducit in antra sinus); tunc montis secreta patent, qui flexus in arcum aequora pendenti margine summa ligat.

Viva coronatos adstringit scaena vapores, 45 et levis exili cortice terra natat calcantumque oneri numquam cessura virorum sustentat trepidum, fida ruina, pedem. facta manu credas, sic levis circuit oras ambitus et tenuis perpetuusque riget. 50

* * * * *

Page 219

they--so tradition tells--of Hercules’ plough, or else chance did the ploughshare’s work. In the middle of the hill is what seems a broad, steaming sea, an azure lake of vast extent. Great is the space it covers, still greater its depth where it plunges down and loses itself beneath the rocky caverns. A thick pall of steam hangs over it; its waters cannot be touched nor drunk though they are transparent as crystal to the very bottom. Nature took counsel for herself and lest that lake should be entirely beyond our ken she let our eyes penetrate what, because of its heat, our bodies could not enter. When a breeze scatters the thick clouds of steam and clears the grey surface of the erstwhile vaporous water you can gaze with wonder on the valley floor below that glassy flood where glint old weapons, king’s gifts[87] of bygone days (between these a gulf of other hue, dark with the eddyings of black sand, swallows the hastening waters; below there opens a cavern into which the darkling flood pours, filling every nook and cranny with its swirling eddies); then are revealed the hidden places of the hill which, bent round in a bow, encircles the surface of the water with an overhanging rim.[88]

A verdant amphitheatre surrounds this steaming cauldron, and the ground floats lightly with slender film[89]; never will it give way beneath the visitor’s weight, upholding his timorous feet, trusty though seeming so unsure. One would think it the work of man’s hand, so smoothly does its circuit enfold the shore, slight and yet firm all the way. The water

[87] Doubtless _ex voto_ offerings.

[88] The “hidden places” (_i.e._ the sides of the mountain below the water-level) are “revealed” because of the translucency of the water.

[89] Claudian describes a film or crust which encircles the lake and forms a path.

* * * * *

Page 220

haerent stagna lacu plenas aequantia ripas praescriptumque timent transiluisse modum; quod superat, fluvius devexa rupe volutus egerit et campi dorsa recurva petit, devehit exceptum nativo spira[90] meatu; 55 in patulas plumbi labitur inde vias; nullo cum strepitu madidis infecta favillis despumat niveum fistula cana salem. multifidas dispergit opes artemque secutus, qua iussere manus, mobile torquet iter 60 et iunctos rapido pontes subtermeat aestu adflatasque vago temperat igne tholos. acrior interius, rauci cum murmure saxi, spumeus eliso pellitur amne vapor.-- hinc pigras repetunt fessi sudore lacunas, 65 frigora quis longae blanda dedere morae.

Salve Paeoniae largitor nobilis undae, Dardanii salve gloria magna soli, publica morborum requies, commune medentum auxilium, praesens numen, inempta salus. 70 seu ruptis inferna ruunt incendia ripis et nostro Phlegethon devius orbe calet, sulphuris in venas gelidus seu decidit amnis accensusque fluit (quod manifestat odor), sive pares[91] flammas undarum lance rependens 75 arbiter in foedus mons elementa vocat, ne cedant superata sibi, sed legibus aequis alterius vires possit utrumque pati:

[90] _spira_ Heinsius; Birt follows MSS. _spina_.

[91] _pares_ EVJ; Birt reads _pari_ (A). If _pari_, probably a juristic formula (= _aequa lance_); cf. Symm. Epp. ii. 56. 1.

* * * * *

Page 221

in the lake stands motionless, filling it to the brim and fearing to o’erstep its appointed limit. The overflow runs in a stream down a sloping rock and seeks the undulating plain below. A natural but tortuous channel carries the water away and thence it flows into an open conduit of lead. These pipes, noiselessly impregnated with some powderous mineral that the water carries down, produce a snow-white distillation of salt. The streams branch off in all directions carrying with them this natural wealth whithersoever art has directed their going, flexing this way and that their errant courses, flowing in swift torrent below aqueducts and warming the arches with the heat of their rushing waters. Within the arches, amid the roarings of the echoing rock, issues forth fiercer steam and vapour as the water rushes out. Then the sick, weak with sweating, seek next the stagnant pools that long time has made pleasantly cool.

Hail to thee, stream, generous giver of the waters of healing, chief glory of the land of Italy, doctor of all that come to thee, common helper of all Aesculapius’ sons; a very present deity for whose aid there is nought to pay. Whether it be that hell’s fiery streams have burst their banks and that Phlegethon gone astray bestows his heat upon the upper world, or that a river, originally of cold water, sinks down into veins of sulphur and rises thence afire (as one would think from the smell), or that the mountain in arbitration summons the two elements to a treaty, balancing a certain quantity of fire against a similar amount of water that neither yield to the other but under a just law of equipoise each may withstand the other’s might--whatsoever

* * * * *

Page 222

quidquid erit causae, quocumque emitteris ortu, non sine consilio currere certa fides. 80 quis casum meritis adscribere talibus audet? quis negat auctores haec statuisse deos? ille pater rerum, qui saecula dividit astris, inter prima poli te quoque sacra dedit et fragilem nostri miseratus corporis usum 85 telluri medicas fundere iussit aquas, Parcarumque colos exoratura severas flumina laxatis emicuere iugis.

Felices, proprium qui te meruere, coloni, fas quibus est Aponon iuris habere sui. 90 non illis terrena lues corrupta nec Austri flamina nec saevo Sirius igne nocet, sed quamvis Lachesis letali stamine damnet, in te fata sibi prosperiora petunt. quodsi forte malus membris exuberat umor 95 languida vel nimio viscera felle rubent, non venas reserant nec vulnere vulnera sanant pocula nec tristi gramine mixta bibunt: amissum lymphis reparant impune vigorem, pacaturque aegro luxuriante dolor. 100

XXVII. (XLIV.)

_Phoenix._

Oceani summo circumfluus aequore lucus trans Indos Eurumque viret, qui primus anhelis sollicitatur equis vicinaque verbera sentit, umida roranti resonant cum limina curru,

* * * * *

Page 223

shall prove to be the cause, whatever the origin, of this we may be sure--that thou flowest not without design. Who would dare to ascribe such a miracle to chance? Who could deny that the overruling gods have so ordained? Nature’s lord, who measures the centuries by the stars, has given thee a place of honour among the works of his divinity, and, pitying the feebleness of our human bodies, has bidden pour forth healing waters for the earth, and from the riven hills burst forth streams that should win pardon from the Fates’ relentless distaffs.

Happy ye whose lot it is to dwell by those banks and to possess Aponus for your own; you no plague of earth, no pestilence-fraught winds of the south, nor Sirius with his cruel fires can harm. Should Lachesis’ fatal thread threaten death men find in thee a more propitious fate. If it chance that noxious humours swell their limbs or that excess of bile inflames their ailing bowels they need not to open their veins nor to cure one wound with another nor yet to drink medicine of bitter herbs. By thy water’s aid they renew their lost strength without suffering; ’mid luxury the sick find relief from pain.

XXVII. (XLIV.)

_The Phoenix._[92]

There is a leafy wood fringed by Ocean’s farthest marge beyond the Indes and the East where Dawn’s panting coursers first seek entrance; it hears the lash close by, what time the watery threshold echoes to the dewy car; and hence comes forth the rosy

[92] C. follows Herodotus (ii. 73) fairly closely.

* * * * *

Page 224

unde rubet ventura dies longeque coruscis 5 nox adflata rotis refugo pallescit amictu: haec fortunatus nimium Titanius ales regna colit solusque plaga defensus iniqua possidet intactas aegris animalibus oras saeva nec humani patitur contagia mundi. 10 par volucer superis, stellas qui vividus aequat durando membrisque terit redeuntibus aevum, non epulis saturare famem, non fontibus ullis adsuetus prohibere sitim; sed purior illum solis fervor alit ventosaque pabula potat 15 Tethyos, innocui carpens alimenta vaporis. arcanum radiant oculi iubar. igneus ora cingit honos. rutilo cognatum vertice sidus attollit cristatus apex tenebrasque serena luce secat. Tyrio pinguntur crura veneno. 20 antevolant Zephyros pinnae, quas caerulus ambit flore color sparsoque super ditescit in auro.

Hic neque concepto fetu nec semine surgit, sed pater est prolesque sui nulloque creante emeritos artus fecunda morte reformat 25 et petit alternam totidem per funera vitam. namque ubi mille vias longinqua retorserit aestas, tot ruerint hiemes, totiens ver cursibus actum, quas tulit autumnus, dederit cultoribus umbras: tum multis gravior tandem subiungitur annis 30 lustrorum numero victus: ceu lassa procellis ardua Caucasio nutat de culmine pinus seram ponderibus pronis tractura ruinam; pars cadit adsiduo flatu, pars imbre peresa rumpitur, abripuit partem vitiosa vetustas. 35

* * * * *

Page 225

morn while night, illumined by those far-shining wheels of fire, casts off her sable cloak and broods less darkly. This is the kingdom of the blessèd bird of the sun where it dwells in solitude defended by the inhospitable nature of the land and immune from the ills that befall other living creatures; nor does it suffer infection from the world of men. Equal to the gods is that bird whose life rivals the stars and whose renascent limbs weary the passing centuries. It needs no food to satisfy hunger nor any drink to quench thirst; the sun’s clear beam is its food, the sea’s rare spray its drink--exhalations such as these form its simple nourishment. A mysterious fire flashes from its eye, and a flaming aureole enriches its head. Its crest shines with the sun’s own light and shatters the darkness with its calm brilliance. Its legs are of Tyrian purple; swifter than those of the Zephyrs are its wings of flower-like blue dappled with rich gold.

Never was this bird conceived nor springs it from any mortal seed, itself is alike its own father and son, and with none to recreate it, it renews its outworn limbs with a rejuvenation of death, and at each decease wins a fresh lease of life. For when a thousand summers have passed far away, a thousand winters gone by, a thousand springs in their course given to the husbandmen that shade[93] of which autumn robbed them, then at last, fordone by the number of its years, it falls a victim to the burden of age; as a tall pine on the summit of Caucasus, wearied with storms, heels over with its weight and threatens at last to crash in ruin; one portion falls by reason of the unceasing winds, another breaks away rotted by the rain, another consumed by the decay of years.

[93] _i.e._ given leaves which in turn supply shade.

* * * * *

Page 226

Iam breve decrescit lumen languetque senili segnis stella gelu, qualis cum forte tenetur nubibus et dubio vanescit Cynthia cornu. iam solitae medios alae transcurrere nimbos vix ima tolluntur humo. tum conscius aevi 40 defuncti reducisque parans exordia formae arentes tepidis de collibus eligit herbas et tumulum texens pretiosa fronde Sabaeum componit, bustumque sibi partumque futurum. Hic sedet et Solem blando clangore salutat 45 debilior miscetque preces ac supplice cantu praestatura novas vires incendia poscit. quem procul adductis vidit cum Phoebus habenis, stat subito dictisque pium solatur alumnum: “o senium positure rogo falsisque sepulcris 50 natales habiture vices, qui saepe renasci exitio proprioque soles pubescere leto, accipe principium rursus corpusque coactum desere. mutata melior procede figura.” Haec fatus propere flavis e crinibus unum 55 concussa cervice iacit missoque volentem vitali fulgore ferit. iam sponte crematur ut redeat gaudetque mori festinus in ortum. fervet odoratus telis caelestibus agger consumitque senem. nitidos stupefacta iuvencos 60 luna premit pigrosque polus non concitat axes parturiente rogo: curis Natura laborat,

* * * * *

Page 227

Now the Phoenix’s bright eye grows dim and the pupil becomes palsied by the frost of years, like the moon when she is shrouded in clouds and her horn begins to vanish in the mist. Now his wings, wont to cleave the clouds of heaven, can scarce raise them from the earth. Then, realizing that his span of life is at an end and in preparation for a renewal of his splendour, he gathers dry herbs from the sun-warmed hills, and making an interwoven heap of the branches of the precious tree of Saba he builds that pyre which shall be at once his tomb and his cradle.

On this he takes his seat and as he grows weaker greets the Sun with his sweet voice; offering up prayers and supplications he begs that those fires will give him renewal of strength. Phoebus, on seeing him afar, checks his reins and staying his course consoles his loving child with these words: “Thou who art about to leave thy years behind upon yon pyre, who, by this pretence of death, art destined to rediscover life; thou whose decease means but the renewal of existence and who by self-destruction regainest thy lost youth, receive back thy life, quit the body that must die, and by a change of form come forth more beauteous than ever.”

So speaks he, and shaking his head casts one of his golden hairs and smites willing Phoenix with its life-giving effulgence. Now, to ensure his rebirth, he suffers himself to be burned and in his eagerness to be born again meets death with joy. Stricken with the heavenly flame the fragrant pile catches fire and burns the aged body. The moon in amaze checks her milk-white heifers and heaven halts his revolving spheres, while the pyre conceives the new life; Nature takes care that the deathless bird

* * * * *

Page 228

aeternam ne perdat avem, flammasque fideles admonet, ut rerum decus inmortale remittant. Continuo dispersa vigor per membra volutus 65 aestuat et venas recidivus sanguis inundat. victuri cineres nullo cogente moveri incipiunt plumaque rudem vestire favillam. qui fuerat genitor, natus nunc prosilit idem succeditque novus: geminae confinia vitae 70 exiguo medius discrimine separat ignis. Protinus ad Nilum manes sacrare paternos auctoremque globum Phariae telluris ad oras ferre iuvat. velox alienum pergit in orbem portans gramineo clausum velamine funus. 75 innumerae comitantur aves stipatque volantem alituum suspensa cohors. exercitus ingens obnubit vario late convexa meatu. nec quisquam tantis e milibus obvius audet ire duci, sed regis iter fragrantis adorant. 80 non ferus accipiter, non armiger ipse Tonantis bella movet: commune facit reverentia foedus. talis barbaricas flavo de Tigride turmas ductor Parthus agit: gemmis et divite cultu luxurians sertis apicem regalibus ornat; 85 auro frenat equum, perfusam murice vestem Assyria signatur acu tumidusque regendo celsa per famulas acies dicione superbit. Clara per Aegyptum placidis notissima sacris urbs Titana colit, centumque adcline columnis 90 invehitur templum Thebano monte revulsis.

* * * * *

Page 229

perish not, and calls upon the sun, mindful of his promise, to restore its immortal glory to the world.

Straightway the life spirit surges through his scattered limbs; the renovated blood floods his veins. The ashes show signs of life; they begin to move though there is none to move them, and feathers clothe the mass of cinders. He who was but now the sire comes forth from the pyre the son and successor; between life and life lay but that brief space wherein the pyre burned.

His first delight is to consecrate his father’s spirit by the banks of the Nile and to carry to the land of Egypt the burned mass from which he was born. With all speed he wings his way to that foreign strand, carrying the remains in a covering of grass. Birds innumerable accompany him, and whole flocks thereof throng his airy flight. Their mighty host shuts out the sky where’er it passes. But from among so vast an assemblage none dares outstrip the leader; all follow respectfully in the balmy wake of their king. Neither the fierce hawk nor the eagle, Jove’s own armour-bearer, fall to fighting; in honour of their common master a truce is observed by all. Thus the Parthian monarch leads his barbarous hosts by yellow Tigris’ banks, all glorious with jewels and rich ornament and decks his tiara with royal garlands; his horse’s bridle is of gold, Assyrian embroidery embellishes his scarlet robes, and proud with sovereignty he lords it o’er his numberless slaves.

There is in Egypt a well-known city celebrated for its pious sacrifices and dedicated to the worship of the Sun. Its temple rests on a hundred columns hewn from the quarries of Thebes. Here, as the

* * * * *

Page 230

illic, ut perhibent, patriam de more reponit congeriem vultumque dei veneratus erilem iam flammae commendat onus, iam destinat aris semina relliquiasque sui: mirata relucent 95 limina; divino spirant altaria fumo, et Pelusiacas productus ad usque paludes Indus odor penetrat nares completque salubri tempestate viros et nectare dulcior aura ostia nigrantis Nili septena vaporat. 100 O felix heresque tui! quo solvimur omnes, hoc tibi suppeditat vires; praebetur origo per cinerem, moritur te non pereunte senectus. vidisti quodcumque fuit; te saecula teste cuncta revolvuntur; nosti quo tempore pontus 105 fuderit elatas scopulis stagnantibus undas, quis Phaëthonteis erroribus arserit annus, et clades te nulla rapit solusque superstes edomita tellure manes: non stamina Parcae in te dira legunt nec ius habuere nocendi. 110

XXVIII. (XLVII.)

_Nilus._

Felix, qui Pharias proscindit vomere terras: nubila non sperat tenebris condentia caelum nec graviter flantes pluviali frigore Cauros invocat aut arcum variata luce rubentem.

* * * * *

Page 231

story tells, the Phoenix is wont to store his father’s ashes and, adoring the image of the god, his master, to entrust his precious burden to the flames. He places on the altar that from which he is sprung and that which remains of himself. Bright shines the wondrous threshold; the fragrant shrine is filled with the holy smoke of the altar and the odour of Indian incense, penetrating even as far as the Pelusiac marshes, fills the nostrils of men, flooding them with its kindly influence and with a scent sweeter than that of nectar perfumes the seven mouths of the dark Nile.

Happy bird, heir to thine own self! Death which proves our undoing restores thy strength. Thine ashes give thee life and though thou perish not thine old age dies. Thou hast beheld all that has been, hast witnessed the passing of the ages. Thou knowest when it was that the waves of the sea rose and o’erflowed the rocks, what year it was that Phaëthon’s error devoted to the flames. Yet did no destruction overwhelm thee; sole survivor thou livest to see the earth subdued; against thee the Fates gather not up their threads, powerless to do thee harm.

XXVIII. (XLVII.)

_The Nile._[94]

Blessèd is the man who cleaves the soil of Egypt with his plough; he need not hope for clouds to shroud the heavens in darkness nor call upon the storm-winds that bring the chilling rain or the rainbow bright with its various colours.

[94] Claudian again borrows from Herodotus (ii. 20-27).

* * * * *

Page 232

Aegyptus sine nube ferax imbresque serenos 5 sola tenet; secura poli, non indiga venti gaudet aquis, quas ipsa vehit, Niloque redundat: qui rapido tractu mediis elatus ab Austris, flammiferae patiens zonae cancrique calentis, fluctibus ignotis nostrum procurrit in orbem 10 secreto de fonte cadens, qui semper inani quaerendus ratione latet, nec contigit ulli hoc vidisse caput: fertur sine teste creatus flumina profundens alieni conscia caeli. inde vago lapsu Libyam dispersus in omnem 15 Aethiopum per mille ruit nigrantia regna et loca continuo solis damnata vapore inrorat populisque salus sitientibus errat per Meroën Blemyasque feros atramque Syenem. hunc bibit infrenis Garamas domitorque ferarum 20 Gyrraeus, qui vasta colit sub rupibus antra, qui ramos ebeni, dentes qui vellit eburnos, et gens compositis crinem velata sagittis. Nec vero similes causas crescentibus undis aut tempus meruit. glacie non ille soluta 25 nec circumfuso scopulis exuberat imbre. nam cum tristis hiems alias produxerit undas, tunc Nilum retinent ripae; cum languida cessant flumina, tunc Nilus mutato iure tumescit. quippe quod ex omni fluvio spoliaverit aestas, 30 hoc Nilo natura refert, totumque per orbem collectae partes unum revocantur in amnem;

* * * * *

Page 233

Fertile is Egypt without clouds; here alone is sunshine and yet rain. She regards not the sky, needs not the wind; enough for her the water she herself contains, Nile’s overflow. This swiftly-flowing river rises in the mountainous country of the south where it suffers the heats of the torrid zone and of the scorching Crab and issues forth from regions unknown into our world. Whence it comes none knows, for vain has ever been the search after its springing nor has any ever seen that source. ’Tis said that, fashioned without witness, it pours forth waters that have known a clime other than ours. Thence with errant stream it stretches through all Libya, and through Ethiopia’s thousand dusky kingdoms where it waters lands condemned to the sun’s unceasing fires, saviour of thirsting peoples, and threads its course across Meroë and black Syene and through the country of the wild Blemyae. The unconquered Garamantes and the Gyrraei who can tame wild animals drink of its waters, as do those tribes who dwell in huge rocky caverns, gathering the wood of ebony-trees and robbing the elephant of his tusks of ivory, and the folk who wear arrows in their hair.

Neither the cause nor yet the season of its overflow is the same as that of other rivers. Its waters rise neither because of melted snows nor by reason of rains flooding its rocky marge; for when dull winter giveth increase to other rivers Nile keeps within his banks; when other rivers flow with diminished stream, Nile, under other laws, rises. For of a truth whatever toll summer has exacted from all rivers Nature repays to the Nile, and waters gathered together from the whole world meet thus

* * * * *

Page 234

quoque die Titana canis flagrantior armat et rapit umores madidos venasque calore compescit radiisque potentibus aestuat axis, 35 Nilo bruma venit, contraria tempora mundo: defectis solitum referens cultoribus aequor effluit Aegaeo stagnantior, acrior alto Ionio seseque patentibus explicat arvis: fluctuat omnis ager; remis sonuere novales; 40 saepius, aestivo iaceat cum forte sopore, cernit cum stabulis armenta natantia pastor.

XXIX. (XLVIII.)

_Magnes._

Quisquis sollicita mundum ratione secutus semina rimatur rerum, quo luna laborat defectu, quae causa iubet pallescere solem, unde rubescentes ferali crine cometae, unde fluant venti, trepidae quis viscera terrae 5 concutiat motus, quis fulgura ducat hiatus, unde tonent nubes, quo lumine floreat arcus, hoc mihi quaerenti, si quid deprendere veri mens valet, expediat. Lapis est cognomine magnes decolor obscurus vilis. non ille repexam 10 caesariem regum, non candida virginis ornat colla nec insigni splendet per cingula morsu; sed nova si nigri videas miracula saxi, tunc pulchros superat cultus et quidquid Eois

* * * * *

Page 235

in one river. Then when the Dog-star increases the heat of the sun and sucks up all moisture, drying up earth’s veins and filling heaven with its scorching rays, winter comes upon the Nile, though elsewhere all is summer. Then, bringing back to the fainting husbandmen its accustomed waters, it o’erflows ampler than the Aegean, fiercer than the deep Ionian, and spreads itself over the low-lying country. All the fields are aswim; plough-land sounds to the beat of the oar, and full often the shepherd, o’ercome with summer’s heat, wakes to see flocks and fold carried away by the flood.

XXIX. (XLVIII.)

_The Magnet._

Whosoever with anxious thought examines the universe and searches out the origin of things--the reason of the sun’s and moon’s eclipse, the causes of comets’ red and baneful fires, the source of the winds, the motion that makes the earth to quake, the force that splits the heavens in twain, the noise of the thunder, the brilliance of the rainbow, let this man (if man’s mind has any power to conceive the truth) explain to me something I would fain understand.

There is a stone called the loadstone; black, dull, and common. It does not adorn the braided hair of kings nor the snowy necks of girls, nor yet shine in the jewelled buckles of warriors’ belts. But consider the marvellous properties of this dull-looking stone and you will see that it is of more worth than lovely gems and any pearl sought of

* * * * *

Page 236

Indus litoribus Rubra scrutatur in alga. 15 nam ferro meruit vitam ferrique rigore vescitur; hoc dulces epulas, hoc pabula novit; hinc proprias renovat vires; hinc fusa per artus aspera secretum servant alimenta vigorem; hoc absente perit: tristi morientia torpent 20 membra fame, venasque sitis consumit apertas.

Mavors, sanguinea qui cuspide verberat urbes, et Venus, humanas quae laxat in otia curas, aurati delubra tenent communia templi. effigies non una deis: sed ferrea Martis 25 forma nitet, Venerem magnetica gemma figurat. illis conubium celebrat de more sacerdos. ducit flamma choros; festa frondentia myrto limina cinguntur, roseisque cubilia surgunt floribus, et thalamum dotalis purpura velat. 30 hic mirum consurgit opus: Cytherea maritum sponte rapit caelique toros imitata priores pectora lascivo flatu Mavortia nectit et tantum suspendit onus galeaeque lacertos implicat et vivis totum complexibus ambit. 35 ille lacessitus longo spiraminis actu arcanis trahitur gemma de coniuge nodis. pronuba fit Natura deis ferrumque maritat aura tenax: subitis sociantur numina furtis.

Quis calor infudit geminis alterna metallis 40 foedera? quae duras iungit concordia mentes? flagrat anhela silex et amicam saucia sentit materiem placidosque chalybs cognoscit amores.

* * * * *

Page 237

Indian amid the seaweed on the Red Sea’s shores. It lives on iron and feeds on its inflexible nature; iron is its food and nourishment; from iron it recruits its strength. This seemingly inedible food, circulating throughout its body, renews its hidden powers. Without iron the loadstone dies; its bulk wastes away from lack of nourishment and thirst parches its emptied veins.

Mars, who strikes cities with his bloody spear, and Venus, who changes human cares to ease, share a common shrine and temple built of gold. Each deity has his own image; Mars, a polished iron statue, Venus, one fashioned of the loadstone. The priest duly celebrates their union. The nuptial torch precedes the choir; myrtle wreaths adorn the portals, the couches are piled with roses, while cloth of scarlet dye, as befits a marriage, adorns the bridal chamber. But, lo, a prodigy: Cytherea, without quitting her station, attracts her husband to her, and recalling the scene of which heaven was once witness, clasps Mars to her bosom with amorous breath. There she holds him suspended; her arms enfold the helmet of the god and clasp his whole body in a lifelike embrace. He, stirred by the far-compelling influence of her breath, is drawn towards her by the secret chains of his jewel-bride. Nature presides over the divine marriage; a binding breath woos the steel to wedlock; suddenly two deities are mated in secret union.

What hidden warmth infuses mutual sympathy into these twin metals? What harmony makes one their stubborn souls? The stone sighs and burns, and smitten with love recognizes in the iron the object of its desire, while the iron experiences a

* * * * *

Page 238

sic Venus horrificum belli compescere regem et vultum mollire solet, cum sanguine praeceps 45 aestuat et strictis mucronibus asperat iras. sola feris occurrit equis solvitque tumorem pectoris et blando praecordia temperat igni. pax animo tranquilla datur, pugnasque calentes deserit et rutilas declinat in oscula cristas. 50 Quae tibi, saeve puer, non est permissa potestas? tu magnum superas fulmen caeloque relicto fluctibus in mediis cogis mugire Tonantem. iam gelidas rupes vivoque carentia sensu membra feris, iam saxa tuis obnoxia telis, 55 et lapides suus ardor agit, ferrumque tenetur inlecebris; rigido regnant in marmore flammae.

XXX. (XXIX.)

_Laus Serenae._

Dic, mea Calliope, tanto cur tempore differs Pierio meritam serto redimire Serenam? vile putas donum, solitam consurgere gemmis et Rubro radiare mari si floribus ornes reginae regina comam? sed floribus illis, 5 quos neque frigoribus Boreas nec Sirius urit aestibus, aeterno sed veris honore rubentes

* * * * *

Page 239

gentle attraction for the stone. It is thus that Venus often holds the fierce god of war in check and softens his fiery glance when the angry blood boils within him and with drawn sword he whets his wrath. She alone can face his fierce steeds and appease the tumult of his heart, calming his anger with gentle flame. Peace and quiet are restored within his soul; he abjures the heat of battle and bends his head, helmed with ruddy plumes, to kiss the goddess.

Cruel boy, is aught beyond thy powers? Thou dost master the mighty thunderbolt; thou canst force the Thunderer to leave the sky and bellow amid the waves. Now thou showest that thou canst smite cold rocks and shapes not instinct with feeling or life, that stone can be wounded by thine arrows. Rocks are stirred by a passion of their own; iron is obedient to thy blandishments; thy flames exercise dominion over hardest marl.

XXX. (XXIX.)

_In praise of Serena._[95]

Say, my Muse, why tarriest thou so long to crown Serena’s brows with the Pierian garland they so well deserve? Thinkest thou the gift too poor shouldst thou, a queen, deck but with flowers the head of a queen accustomed rather to wear a tiara bright with all the jewels of the Red Sea? Nay, those flowers of thine are such that neither Boreas’ cold blast nor Sirius’ scorching heat can hurt them; theirs is the bloom of everlasting spring for they

[95] For Serena, niece and adoptive daughter of Theodosius and wife of Stilicho, _cf._ Introduction, p. xvi. I follow Vollmer (in Pauly-Wissowa, art. “Claudianus”) rather than Birt in dating this poem _circ._ 398 and XXXI. as 404.

* * * * *

Page 240

fons Aganippea Permessius educat unda: unde piae pascuntur apes et prata legentes transmittunt saeclis Heliconia mella futuris. 10 Dignius an vates alios exercuit unum femineae virtutis opus? quod sponte redempto casta maritali successit Thessala fato inque suos migrare virum non abnuit annos, hoc Grai memorant. Latiis movet ora Camenis 15 praescia fatorum Tanaquil rediensque per undas Cloelia Thybrinas et eodem flumine ducens Claudia virgineo cunctantem crine Cybeben. anne aliud toto molitur carminis actu Maeonii mens alta senis? quod stagna Charybdis 20 armavit, quod Scylla canes, quod pocula Circe, Antiphatae vitata fames surdoque carina remige Sirenum cantus transvecta tenaces, lumine fraudatus Cyclops, contempta Calypso: Penelopae decus est atque uni tanta paratur 25 scaena pudicitiae. terrae pelagique labores et saevi totidem bellis quot fluctibus anni coniugii docuere fidem. sit Claudia felix teste dea castosque probet sub numine mores absolvens puppisque moras crimenque pudoris: 30 Penelope trahat arte procos fallatque furentes stamina nocturnae relegens Laërtia telae: non tamen audebunt titulis certare Serenae.

* * * * *

Page 241

have grown by Permessus’ fount and been watered by Aganippe’s wave. Those flowers have fed the holy bees that skim the meadows and transmit the honey of Helicon to coming generations.

Did ever the single theme of woman’s worth more fitly stir other bards? The Greeks sing of Alcestis, that chaste Thessalian, who, to win her husband from death, freely offered herself in his stead, allowing him to enjoy her own span of life. The Latin Muse takes prophetic Tanaquil[96] for her theme or Cloelia breasting Tiber’s waves in her return to Rome or the maiden Claudia dragging with her own hair the ship which bore Cybele, what time it stuck fast in that same stream. Does old Homer’s soaring soul essay aught else throughout his song? Dangers from Charybdis’ gulf, from Scylla’s dogs, from Circe’s cup, the escape of Ulysses from the greed of Antiphate, the passage of the ship between the rocks where sat the Sirens to whose alluring voices the rowers were deaf, the blinding of Cyclops, the desertion of Calypso--all these do but redound to the glory of Penelope, and the whole scene is set to display her chastity alone. Toils by land and sea, ten years of war, ten years of wandering, all do but illustrate the fidelity of a wife. Let Claudia rejoice in the goddess’ witness and with heaven’s help vindicate her claim to chastity, freeing at the same moment the vessel’s stern and her own character from shame. Let Penelope by artful delays deceive the madness of the suitors and, ever faithful to Ulysses, delude their solicitations, ever winding up again by night the warp of her day-spun web. Yet shall not one of these heroines dare to vie with Serena.

[96] Tanaquil, sister of the elder Tarquin, wife of the Etruscan Lucumo; for her prophetic powers see Livy i. 34. 8. Cloelia, a hostage with Porsenna, swam back to Rome (Livy ii. 13. 6). When the image of Cybele was brought to Rome (204 B.C.) and the boat stuck in a shallow at the Tiber’s mouth it was said that only a chaste woman could move it. Claudia, who had been accused of adultery, took hold of the rope and towed the vessel to shore.

* * * * *

Page 242

Quodsi nobilitas cunctis exordia pandit laudibus atque omnes redeunt in semina causae, 35 quis venerabilior sanguis, quae maior origo quam regalis erit? non hoc privata dedere limina nec tantum poterat contingere nomen angustis laribus; patruo te principe celsam bellipotens inlustrat avus, qui signa Britanno 40 intulit Oceano Gaetulaque reppulit arma. claram Scipiadum taceat Cornelia gentem seque minus iactet Libycis dotata trophaeis. cardine tu gemino laurus praetendis avitas: inde Caledoniis, Australibus inde parentum 45 cingeris exuviis. necdum moderamina mundi sumpserat illa domus, cum te Lucina beatis adderet astrorum radiis, o maxima rerum gloria: post genitam didicit regnare Serenam.

Quid dignum memorare tuis, Hispania, terris 50 vox humana valet? primo lavat aequore solem India: tu fessos exacta luce iugales proluis inque tuo respirant sidera fluctu. dives equis, frugum facilis, pretiosa metallis, principibus fecunda piis, tibi saecula debent 55 Traianum; series his fontibus Aelia fluxit. hinc senior, pater, hinc iuvenum diademata fratrum. namque aliae gentes, quas foedere Roma recepit aut armis domuit, varios aptantur in usus imperii; Phariae segetes et Punica messis 60 castrorum devota cibo; dat Gallia robur

* * * * *

Page 243

But if noble birth opens the first path to fame and all its causes are to be traced to ancestry, what blood more noble, what birth more gentle than that of royalty? Such majesty could not have flourished within the house of a mere commoner nor could glory so great have sprung from any simple home. Thou art famous for that thine uncle was an emperor, more famous by reason of the warlike deeds of thy grandsire[97] who carried the Roman eagles across the British Channel and repulsed the armed bands of the Gaetulians. Cornelia, daughter of the Scipios, must cease to vaunt her high birth and to boast that she received for dower the spoils of Carthage. Thou canst point to ancestral triumphs in either hemisphere; on thy brow sit two crowns, the one won by thy sires from Scotland, the other from the South. Thou glory of the world, what time Lucina assisted at the birth of thee, our new star, thy house had not yet taken on itself the government of the whole earth; not till after Serena’s birth did it know world-empire.

What human voice can worthily sing thy praises, Spain? Though India first bathes the new-born sun in her ocean yet when the light dies thou waterest his wearied steeds and in thy waves the stars find refreshment. Rich in horses, bounteous in crops, dowered with mines, prolific in good emperors, to thee the world owes Trajan, from thee sprang the Aelian[98] race. From thy land came the brothers who now govern us and their father. Other races whom Rome has either received into alliance or subdued by arms serve the varying needs of empire: the corn of Egypt, the harvests of Africa go to feed our armies; Gaul recruits our powerful legions;

[97] For Theodosius the elder _cf._ note on xv. 216.

[98] Referring to Hadrian.

* * * * *

Page 244

militis; Illyricis sudant equitatibus alae: sola novum Latiis vectigal Hiberia rebus contulit Augustos. fruges, aeraria, miles undique conveniunt totoque ex orbe leguntur: 65 haec generat qui cuncta regant. nec laude virorum censeri contenta fuit, nisi matribus aeque vinceret et gemino certatim splendida sexu Flaccillam Mariamque daret pulchramque Serenam.

Te nascente ferunt per pinguia culta tumentem 70 divitiis undasse Tagum; Callaecia risit floribus et roseis formosus Duria ripis vellere purpureo passim mutavit ovile. Cantaber Oceanus vicino litore gemmas expuit; effossis nec pallidus Astur oberrat 75 montibus: oblatum sacris natalibus aurum vulgo vena vomit, Pyrenaeisque sub antris ignea flumineae legere ceraunia Nymphae; quaeque relabentes undas aestumque secutae in refluos venere palam Nereides amnes 80 confessae plausu dominam cecinere futuris auspicium thalamis. alio tum parvus in axe crescebat Stilicho votique ignarus agebat, debita cui longe coniunx, penitusque remoto orbe parabatur tanti concordia fati. 85

Nec tua mortalis meruit cunabula nutrix. ubera prima dabant gremio redolente Napaeae ternaque te nudis innectens Gratia membris adflavit docuitque loqui. quacumque per herbam reptares, fluxere rosae, candentia nasci 90

* * * * *

Page 245

Illyria produces stout horsemen for our cavalry. But Spain alone pays that rarest tribute--the gift of emperors. Corn, money, soldiers come from all the world over and are gathered together from every quarter of the globe; Spain gives us men to govern and direct all this. Nor was she content to be esteemed only for her famous heroes, did she not also excel in heroines, and, emulous to win glory from either sex, bestow upon us Flaccilla,[99] Maria, and the fair Serena.

At thy[100] birth they tell how swelling Tagus o’erflowed the rich fields with gold; Galicia laughed with flowers and on the rose-covered banks of Duria’s fair stream the once white fleeces of the sheep were everywhere turned to purple grain. The Cantabrian main cast up jewels upon the shore, and the pale Asturian delves no more into the bowels of the mountain; on the day hallowed by thy birth earth poured forth gold as dross from her open veins. Beneath the caves of the Pyrenees the river Nymphs gather the fiery thunder-stones. The Nereids, yielding to the flowing tide, followed the flooding waves up the river’s courses; there, in the sight of all, they acknowledged thee their queen by their applause and celebrated thy coming marriage in prophetic strains. And all the time beneath another sky grew the young Stilicho; he lived unwitting of his fortune, of the destined bride that awaited him afar, and in a distant world was the union of such high destinies prepared.

No mortal nurse was worthy to watch over thy cradle. First the Nymphs gave thee suck at their fragrant breasts; the three Graces held thee in their arms and breathing upon thee taught thee to speak. Roses sprang where’er thou didst creep over the

[99] Flaccilla, wife of Theodosius the Great (_cf._ x. 43).

[100] _i.e._ Serena’s.

* * * * *

Page 246

lilia; si placido cessissent lumina somno, purpura surgebat violae, factura cubile gramineum, vernatque tori regalis imago, omina non audet genetrix tam magna fateri successusque suos arcani conscia voti 95 spe trepidante tegit. Gestabat Honorius arto te pater amplexu. quotiens ad limina princeps Theodosius privatus adhuc fraterna veniret, oscula libabat teque ad sua tecta ferebat laetior; in matrem teneris conversa querellis: 100 “quid me de propriis auferre penatibus?” inquis: “imperat hic semper!” praesagia luserat error et dedit augurium regnis infantia linguae, defuncto genitore tuo sublimis adoptat te patruus magnique animo solacia luctus 105 restituens propius quam si genuisset amavit defuncti fratis subolem; nec carior olim mutua Ledaeos devinxit cura Lacones: addidit et proprio germana vocabula nato quaque datur fratris speciem sibi reddit adempti. 110 denique cum rerum summas electus habenas susciperet, non ante suis intendit amorem pignoribus quam te pariter fidamque sororem litus ad Eoum terris acciret Hiberis. Deseritur iam ripa Tagi Zephyrique relictis 115 sedibus Aurorae famulas properatur ad urbes. incedunt geminae proles fraterna puellae: inde Serena minor, prior hinc Thermantia natu, expertes thalami, quarum Cythereia necdum

* * * * *

Page 247

grass and white lilies blossomed there; didst thou close thine eyes in quiet sleep, there burgeoned the purple violet to adorn thy grassy couch with her imperial colour. Thy mother dared not tell of such great omens and, knowing her own secret vow, hides with eager hope the fulfilment she prays for.

Thy father Honorius held thee in a close embrace. Whenever Theodosius--not emperor then--came to his brother’s house he covered thee with kisses and loved to take thee with him to his own home. Then turning to thy mother with gentle complaint, “Why,” thou saidst, “take me from my own home? This man ever commands.[101]” Prophetic was the sportive word and thine infant lips gave augury of empire. At the death of thy sire thine illustrious uncle adopted thee and to console thee for the bitterness of that loss, bestowed upon thee, his brother’s child, more love than he could have bestowed on any child of his own. Leda’s twin sons were not united with a bond of affection more sure. He gave his own son the name his brother had borne, hoping in some way to discover in that son the image of the brother he had loved and lost. Finally, when the people’s choice had summoned him to take up the reins of empire, Theodosius would not vouchsafe his sons any proof of his affection for them until he had summoned thee and thy faithful sister from Spain to the lands of morning.

So now they leave Tagus’ banks and the home of the west winds and hasten towards the cities that recognize the empery of the east. They come, the maidens twain, his brother’s children, on this side Serena the younger, on that Thermantia[102] the elder born, strange as yet to love; nor has Hymen bent

[101] Claudian plays on the words _imperat_ and _imperator_.

[102] This Thermantia is not to be confused with her niece Thermantia, daughter of Serena and Stilicho (x. 339).

* * * * *

Page 248

sub iuga cervices niveas Hymenaeus adegit. 120 utraque luminibus timidum micat, utraque pulchro excitat ore faces. qualis Latonia virgo et solo Iove nata soror cum forte revisunt aequorei sortem patrui (spumantia cedunt aequora castarum gressus venerata dearum; 125 non ludit Galatea procax, non improbus audet tangere Cymothoën Triton totoque severos indicit mores pelago pudor ipsaque Proteus arcet ab amplexu turpi Neptunia monstra): tales sceptriferi visurae tecta parentis 130 limen Honoriades penetrant regale sorores. ambas ille quidem patrio complexus amore, sed merito pietas in te proclivior ibat; et quotiens, rerum moles ut publica cogit, tristior aut ira tumidus flagrante redibat, 135 cum patrem nati fugerent atque ipsa timeret commotum Flaccilla virum, tu sola frementem frangere, tu blando poteras sermone mederi. adloquiis haerere tuis, secreta fateri.[103] Prisca puellares reverentia transilit annos. 140 non talem Triviae confert laudator Homerus Alcinoo genitam, quae dum per litora vestes explicat et famulas exercet laeta choreis, auratam iaculata pilam post naufraga somni otia progressum foliis expavit Ulixen. 145

Pierius labor et veterum tibi carmina vatum ludus erat: quos Smyrna dedit, quos Mantua libros

[103] MSS. have _fideli_; P marks the passage as corrupt. I adopt Birt’s _fateri_ and, with Heinsius and Buecheler, suppose a line fallen out between 138 and 139.

* * * * *

Page 249

their snowy necks to the yoke of Venus. Spirited yet modest is the glance of each; of each the beauty fires the hearts of men. Such as are Diana and her sister, motherless child of Jove, when they visit the realm of their uncle, lord of the sea (the foaming waves grow smooth before them in honour of the approach of the chaste goddesses; Galatea ceases her mad frolics, bold Triton dares not clasp Cymothoë in his embrace; o’er the whole ocean the dictates of purity hold sway and Proteus prevents even Neptune’s flocks from indulging in their shameless amours)--even such the daughters of Honorius enter the palace and view the home of their royal parent. Both did the prince embrace with a father’s love but justly did affection turn more readily to thee. Often when, his heart troubled by the anxieties of public business, he returned home depressed or angered, when his own sons fled his presence and even Flaccilla feared to approach her exasperated husband, thou alone wert able to stay his wrath and bring healing with sweet converse. On thy words he would hang, to thee confess his secret thoughts.

Thy modesty, worthy of an earlier age, surpassed even that of modest girlhood. Less chaste than thee was that daughter of Alcinous whom Homer, in his praises of her, compares to Diana; she who spread her clothes on the shore to dry and sported with her attendant maids, throwing a golden ball from hand to hand until she fled in alarm from Ulysses issuing forth from the thicket where he had been enjoying sleep after his shipwreck.

The study of the Muses and the songs of poets of olden time were thy delight. Turning the pages of Homer, bard of Smyrna, or those of Virgil,

* * * * *

Page 250

percurrens damnas Helenam nec parcis Elissae. nobiliora tenent animos exempla pudicos: Laodamia sequens remeantem rursus ad umbras 150 Phylaciden et prona ruens Capaneia coniunx communes ardente viro mixtura favillas, et gravis incumbens casto Lucretia ferro, vulnere quae proprio facinus testata tyranni armavit patriae iustos in bella dolores 155 exule Tarquinio, memorandaque concidit uno ulta pudicitiam libertatemque cruore. talia facta libens non tu virtute minore, sed fato meliore legis. Iam nubilis aetas principe sollicito votis erexerat aulam 160 incertis, quem tanta tori fortuna maneret. Antiquos loquitur Musarum pagina reges, quod dura sub lege procos certare iuberent, empturos thalamum dubii discrimine leti, et sua crudeles gauderent pignora mortis 165 ambitione peti. curru Pisaea marino fugit praeda Pelops; nam perfidus obice regis prodidit Oenomai deceptus Myrtilus axem. Hippomenes trepidus cursu ferroque secutam aurato volucrem flexit Schoeneida pomo. 170 Herculeas vidit Fluvio luctante palaestras moenibus ex altis Calydon pretiumque labori Deianira fuit, cum pectore victor anhelo Alcides fremeret retroque Acheloius iret decolor: attonitae stringebant vulnera Nymphae; 175 saucia truncato pallebant flumina cornu.

* * * * *

Page 251

poet of Mantua, thou findest fault with Helen nor canst approve of Dido. Thy chaste mind fastens upon examples more noble: Laodamia following Protesilaus as he returned to the shades; Euadne who cast herself on the flaming pyre whereon her husband Capaneus perished, wishing to mingle her ashes with his; grave Lucrece who fell upon a chaste sword, she who self-slain bore witness to the tyrant’s crime, aroused to war her country’s righteous wrath, drove Tarquin into exile and died gloriously, having avenged by her one sacrifice both chastity and freedom. Of such deeds thou dost read with joy, thyself not less in virtue though more blessed of fortune.

Now that thou art of an age for marriage the hopes of the young courtiers run high, but the prince hesitates to select the happy man who is to share thy couch and regal state.

The pages of the poets tell how ancient kings bade suitors contend on the hard terms of purchasing the bride at hazard of their lives, and rejoiced that death should be the wooer of their daughters. Pelops escaped the weapons of Pisa’s king, thanks to the chariot Neptune gave him, for it was Myrtilus who tricked King Oenomaus by withdrawing the lynch-pin from the chariot-wheel. Panting Hippomenes got the better of Atalanta, daughter of Schoeneus, who followed close on his traces, a sword in her hand, by means of the golden apples. The inhabitants of Calydon watched from their high battlements the struggle of Hercules with the river-god when, Deianira being the prize of victory, the panting hero shouted in triumph and Achelous paled and shrank away, shorn of his horn, the wound whereof the astonished river nymphs sought to heal.

* * * * *

Page 252

te non Hesperidum pomis, non amne subacto, non socerum fallente rota, sed iudice dignus Augusto variis Stilicho spectatus in armis accipit et regni dotes virtute paravit. 180 saepe duces meritis bello tribuere coronas: hunc cingit muralis honos; hunc civica quercus nexuit; hunc domitis ambit rostrata carinis. solus, militiae mira mercede, iugalem promeruit Stilicho socero referente coronam. 185 Agnovit patrui similem Thermantia curam; nupsit et illa duci; sed longe fata sororis inferiora tuis. alio tibi numine taedas accendit Romana Salus magnisque coronis coniugium fit causa tuum. dilectus equorum, 190 quos Phrygiae matres Argaeaque gramina pastae semine Cappadocum sacris praesaepibus edunt, primus honor, gemino mox inde e germine[104] duxit agmina commissosque labor sic gessit honores, ut semper merito princeps cum magna dedisset, 195 deberet maiora tamen. si bellica nubes ingrueret, quamvis annis et iure minori cedere grandaevos equitum peditumque magistros adspiceres totumque palam permittere Martem, nec gradus aetatisque pudor senioribus obstat, 200 ne iuveni parere velint. ceu flamine molli

[104] _germine_ is the reading adopted by the Aldine ed. The MSS. vary. Birt conjectures _ex ordine_.

* * * * *

Page 253

But it is neither to the apples of the Hesperides nor to victory over a river nor to treacherous tampering with a chariot-wheel that Stilicho owes the winning of thy hand; the emperor himself adjudged him worthy thereof, for that his valour had been proved in countless wars; his own courage won him an empress to wife. Generals have often bestowed decorations on those who have deserved them in battle: one man wins the mural crown, another the civic wreath, a third, for having defeated an enemy’s fleet, the naval decoration. Stilicho is the only warrior who, as the reward for signal services in war, has won from a grateful father’s hand the crown of marriage.

Thermantia owes her uncle no lesser debt of gratitude: she too was married to a general. But how far inferior to thine, Serena, was thy sister’s fortune! For thee with fairer promise Rome’s guardian-angel kindles the torches, and glorious are the garlands that thy marriage brings. First to be set in his charge is the care of the horses reared in the royal stables, whose dams were Phrygian mares, or such as have pastured on Argos’ plains, whose sires were Cappadocians. Soon he exercises a double command in the army[105] and fulfils his functions with such energy and success that, howsoever great the honours heaped upon him by the emperor, his deserts are ever in excess of his reward. Whenever the cloud of war threatened thou mightest have seen experienced commanders of horse and foot give way to a leader younger and of less exalted rank and without more ado entrust to him the whole war. Neither rank nor age stays older men through shame from ready obedience to a youth. As when on a calm sea

[105] _i.e._ _magister utriusque militiae_ in the East.

* * * * *

Page 254

tranquillisque fretis clavum sibi quisque regendum vindicat; incumbat si turbidus Auster et unda pulset utrumque latus, posito certamine nautae contenti meliore manu seseque pavere 205 confessi (finem studiis fecere procellae): haud aliter Stilicho, fremuit cum Thracia belli tempestas, cunctis pariter cedentibus unus eligitur ductor; suffragia quippe peregit iudex vera timor; victus ratione salutis Quis tibi tunc per membra tremor quantaeque cadebant ubertim lacrimae, cum saeva vocantibus arma iam lituis madido respectans lumina vultu optares reducem galeaeque inserta minaci 215 oscula cristati raperes festina mariti! gaudia quae rursus, cum post victricia tandem classica sidereas ferratum pectus in ulnas exciperes, castae tuto per dulcia noctis otia pugnarum seriem narrare iuberes! 220 non illo nitidos umquam bellante capillos comere, non solitos gemmarum sumere cultus: numinibus votisque vacas et supplice crine verris humum: teritur neglectae gratia formae cum proprio reditura viro. Nec deside cura 225 segnis marcet amor: laudem prudentia belli feminea pro parte subit. dum gentibus ille confligit, vigili tu prospicis omnia sensu, ne quid in absentem virtutibus obvia semper audeat invidiae rabies neu fervor iniquus, 230 ne qua procul positis furto subsederit armis

* * * * *

Page 255

every sailor maintains his right to manage the rudder, but if the blustering south wind comes upon them and the waves buffet them on either side, then contention ceases and the sailors accepting a more skilful hand admit their fear (for the storm has set a term to their jealousy), even so Stilicho when the storm of war broke out in Thrace was chosen as commander-in-chief over the heads of all. Fear, that surest of judges, won him the votes of all; regard for safety o’ermastered ambition and jealousy was overthrown by dread.

How thou didst tremble and weep when the cruel bugles summoned thy lord to arms! With a countenance wet with tears thou saw’st him leave thy home praying for his safe return after snatching the final hasty kiss from between the bars of his crested helmet’s visor. But again what joy when at length he returned, preceded by the clarion of victory and thou couldst hold his still mailed form in thy loving arms once more! How sweet the long hours of the chaste night wherein thou badest him tell in safety the story of his battles. Whilst he was at the wars thou didst not comb thy shining hair nor wear the jewels that were wont to adorn thee. Thy time is spent in worship and in prayer as thy suppliant tresses sweep the temple floor; uncared for perishes the gracious beauty that shall return with thine own lord.

But love languishes not in idleness and sloth; as far as it could a woman’s watchful care seconds his deeds of glory. While he warred with foreign nations thou keepest guard lest mad envy or burning calumny should dare aught against him while far away, and lest, when war was ended abroad, treachery should lie secretly in wait to injure him

* * * * *

Page 256

calliditas nocitura domi. tu sedula quondam Rufino meditante nefas, cum quaereret artes in ducis exitium coniuratosque foveret contra pila Getas, motus rimata latentes 235 mandatis tremebunda virum scriptisque monebas.

XXXI. (XL.)

_Epistula ad Serenam._

Orphea cum primae sociarent numina taedae ruraque compleret Thracia festus Hymen, certavere ferae picturataeque volucres, dona suo vati quae potiora darent, quippe antri memores, cautes ubi saepe sonorae 5 praebuerant dulci mira theatra lyrae. Caucasio crystalla ferunt de vertice lynces, grypes Hyperborei pondera fulva soli, furatae Veneris prato per inane columbae florea conexis serta tulere rosis, 10 fractaque nobilium ramis electra sororum cycnus oloriferi vexit ab amne Padi, et Nilo Pygmaea grues post bella remenso ore legunt Rubri germina cara maris. venit et extremo Phoenix longaevus ab Euro 15 adportans unco cinnama rara pede. nulla avium pecudumque fuit, quae ferre negaret vectigal meritae conubiale lyrae.

Tunc opibus totoque Heliconis sedula regno ornabat propriam Calliopea nurum. 20

* * * * *

Page 257

at home. Thou didst indeed once show thy vigilance what time Rufinus, hatching his plots, sought means to destroy his master by traitorously stirring up the Getae against Rome, for thou didst search out his foul conspiracy and in fear for thy husband’s safety, didst send him warning by letters and messages.

XXXI. (XL.)

_Letter to Serena._

At the first kindling of Orpheus’ marriage-torch when festive Hymen filled the countryside of Thrace the beasts and gay-plumaged birds strove among themselves what best gifts they could bring their poet. Mindful of the cave whose sounding rocks had offered a wondrous theatre for his tuneful lyre, the lynxes brought him crystal from the summits of Caucasus; griffins golden nuggets from regions of the north; doves wreaths of roses and other flowers which they had flown to gather from Venus’ meadow; the swan bore from the stream of its native Padus amber broken from the boughs of the famed sisters[106]; while the cranes, after their war with the pygmies, recrossed the Nile and gathered in their mouths the precious pearls of the Red Sea. There came, too, immortal Phoenix from the distant East, bearing rare spices in his curvèd talons. No bird nor beast was there but brought to that marriage-feast tribute so richly deserved by Orpheus’ lyre.

Busily Calliopea decked her son’s bride with her riches and all the treasures of Helicon, and, moreover,

[106] _i.e._ of Phaëthon, who were changed into poplars.

* * * * *

Page 258

ipsam praeterea dominam stellantis Olympi ad nati thalamos ausa rogare parens. nec sprevit regina deum vel matris honore vel iusto vatis ducta favore pii, qui sibi carminibus totiens lustraverat aras 25 Iunonis blanda numina voce canens proeliaque altisoni referens Phlegraea mariti, Titanum fractas Enceladique minas. ilicet adventu noctem dignata iugalem addidit augendis munera sacra toris, 30 munera mortales non admittentia cultus, munera, quae solos fas habuisse deos. sed quod Threicio Iuno placabilis Orphei, hoc poteris votis esse, Serena, meis. illius expectent famulantia sidera nutum; 35 sub pedibus regitur terra fretumque tuis. non ego, cum peterem, sollemni more procorum promisi gregibus pascua plena meis nec, quod mille mihi lateant sub palmite colles fluctuet et glauca pinguis oliva coma, 40 nec, quod nostra Ceres numerosa falce laboret aurataeque ferant culmina celsa trabes. suffecit mandasse deam: tua littera nobis et pecus et segetes et domus ampla fuit. inflexit soceros et maiestate petendi 45 texit pauperiem nominis umbra tui. quid non perficeret scribentis voce Serenae vel genius regni vel pietatis amor?

Atque utinam sub luce tui contingeret oris coniugis et castris et solio generi 50

* * * * *

Page 259

with a mother’s pride dared to invite to her son’s wedding the queen of starry heaven herself. The queen of the gods spurned not her request either out of respect for Calliopea herself or because she was drawn by a just affection for the pious poet who had so often in her honour chanted his songs before her altars, hymning Juno’s godhead with his sweet voice and telling of the battles of her lord the Thunderer waged on the plains of Phlegra, and of the menace of Enceladus and the Titans there broken. Straightway, counting the marriage--night worthy of her presence, she brought heavenly gifts to deck the bridal, gifts such as stoop not to adorn mortals, gifts that the gods alone may possess. But as Juno showed herself gracious to Thracian Orpheus, so wilt thou, Serena, be favourable to my prayers. The stars, her slaves, obey the nod of her head; thee land and sea, subdued beneath thy feet, obey. I did not, as other suitors use, promise at my courtship fields where graze unnumbered flocks nor hills covered with countless vines, nor rich olive-trees waving in the breeze their grey foliage, nor harvests reaped by a thousand scythes, nor a lofty palace with golden pillars. Enough was the mandate of a goddess; thy letter, Serena, stands me in stead of flocks, of harvests, of palace. The shadow of thy name has won over her parents and an imperial prayer concealed my poverty. When Serena writes, what with such words could not the empire’s spirit or duteous love accomplish?[107]

Would heaven had allowed me to solemnize the longed-for day in the light of thy presence, in thy

[107] Claudian means that Serena’s imperial position and his own respect therefor ensure his obedience. Serena had written (_littera_, l. 43) urging Claudian to marry, and the poet uses the letter to urge his suit (ll. 37-46).

* * * * *

Page 260

optatum celebrare diem! me iungeret auspex purpura, me sancto cingeret aula choro. et mihi quam scriptis desponderat ante puellam, coniugiis eadem pronuba dextra daret. nunc medium quoniam votis maioribus aequor 55 invidet et Libycae dissidet ora plagae, saltem absens, regina, fave reditusque secundos adnue sidereo laeta supercilio. terrarum tu pande vias, tu mitibus Euris aequora pacari prosperiora iube, 60 ut tibi Pierides doctumque fluens Aganippe debita servato vota cliente canant.

XXXII. (XCV.)

_De salvatore._

Christe potens rerum, redeuntis conditor aevi, vox summi sensusque dei, quem fudit ab alta mente pater tantique dedit consortia regni, impia tu nostrae domuisti crimina vitae passus corporea numen[108] vestire figura 5 adfarique palam populos hominemque fateri; quemque utero inclusum Mariae mox numine viso virginei tumuere sinus, innuptaque mater arcano stupuit compleri viscera partu

[108] _numen_ Koch; _mundum_ Birt (following the MSS.); he suggests _mentem_.

* * * * *

Page 261

lord’s camp, before thy son-in-law’s throne. The royal purple would have been a good omen for our union, the august assembly of the court would have graced the ceremony and the hand which, by writing that letter, promised me my bride would have kindled the torch to light her to the altar. Now that the envious sea deprives me of my fondest hopes and stretches between thee and the coasts of Libya, yet, though absent, be gracious unto me, O queen, and of thy goodness grant me a safe return as by a nod of thy head thou, a goddess, canst do. Make straight the paths of earth; bid but gentle breezes blow and a calm sea prosper my voyage, that the Muses and Aganippe’s stream, the fount of song, may hymn thy praises in gratitude for the saving of their servant, the poet.[109]

XXXII. (XCV.)

_Of the Saviour._

Christ, lord of the world, founder of a new age of gold, voice and wisdom of the Most High, proceeding from the Father’s lofty mind and given by that Father a share in the governance of this great universe, thou hast overcome the sins of this our mortal life, for thou hast suffered thy Godhead to be clothed in human form and hath allowed mankind to address thee face to face and confess thee man. The swelling womb of the Virgin Mary conceived thee after that she had been visited by the angel, and the unwed mother, destined to give birth to her own creator, was astonished at the unborn

[109] The Muses themselves are to hymn Serena for having by her prayers (l. 60) secured the safe return of their servant, Claudian.

* * * * *

Page 262

auctorem paritura suum: mortalia corda 10 artificem texere poli, mundique repertor pars fuit humani generis, latuitque sub uno pectore, qui totum late complectitur orbem, et qui non spatiis terrae, non aequoris unda nec capitur caelo, parvos confluxit in artus. 15 quin et supplicii nomen nexusque subisti, ut nos subriperes leto mortemque fugares morte tua, mox aetherias evectus in auras purgata repetens laetum tellure parentem. Augustum foveas, festis ut saepe diebus 20 annua sinceri celebret ieiunia sacri.

XXXIII.-XXXIX.

_De crystallo cui aqua inerat._

XXXIII. (LVI.)

Possedit glacies naturae signa prioris et fit parte lapis, frigora parte negat. sollers lusit hiems, imperfectoque rigore nobilior vivis gemma tumescit aquis.

XXXIV. (LVII.)

Lymphae, quae tegitis cognato carcere lymphas, et, quae nunc estis quaeque fuistis, aquae, quod vos ingenium iunxit? qua frigoris arte torpuit et maduit prodigiosa silex? quis tepor inclusus securas vindicat undas? 5 interior glacies quo liquefacta Noto? gemma quibus causis arcano mobilis aestu vel concreta fuit vel resoluta gelu?

* * * * *

Page 263

child that grew within her body. A mortal womb hid the artificer of the heavens: the creator of the world became a part of human nature. In one body was conceived the God who embraces the whole wide world, and he whom nor earth nor sea nor sky can contain was enclosed by the limbs of a little child. Thou wert punished and didst suffer too, for our sins, to save us from destruction, and didst by thy death overcome Death. Then didst Thou ascend into Heaven, returning to the Father who rejoiced at the salvation of the world.

Bless Thou our Emperor that at holy seasons he may for many years to come observe the fast-days of the calendar.

XXXIII-XXXIX

_On a Crystal enclosing a Drop of Water._

1. This piece of ice still shows traces of its original nature: part of it has become stone, part resisted the cold. It is a freak of winter’s, more precious by reason of its incomplete crystallization, for that the jewel contains within itself living water.

2. Ye waters, who confine waters in a prison akin to them, ye that are liquid still and ye that were so, what wit has united you? By what trick of freezing is the marvellous stone at once hard and wet? What containèd heat has protected those enclosed waters? what warm wind melted that heart of ice? How comes it that the jewel in whose heart the water ebbs and flows was either made solid or liquid by frost?

* * * * *

Page 264

XXXV. (LVIII.)

Solibus indomitum glacies Alpina rigorem sumebat nimio iam pretiosa gelu nec potuit toto mentiri corpore gemmam, sed medio mansit proditor orbe latex. auctus honor; liquidi crescunt miracula saxi, et conservatae plus meruistis aquae.

XXXVI. (LIX.)

Adspice porrectam splendenti fragmine venam, qua trahitur limes lucidiore gelu. hic nullum Borean nec brumam sentit opacus umor, sed varias itque reditque vias. non illum constrinxit hiems, non Sirius axis, 5 aetatis spatium non tenuavit edax.

XXXVII. (LX.)

Clauditur inmunis convexo tegmine rivus, duratisque vagus fons operitur aquis. nonne vides, propriis ut spumet gemma lacunis et refluos ducant pocula viva sinus udaque pingatur radiis obstantibus Iris, secretas hiemes sollicitante die? 5 mira silex mirusque latex, et flumina vincit et lapides merito, quod fluit et lapis est.

XXXVIII. (LXI.)

Dum crystalla puer contingere lubrica gaudet et gelidum tenero pollice versat onus, vidit perspicuo deprensas marmore lymphas, dura quibus solis parcere novit hiems, et siccum relegens labris sitientibus orbem 5 inrita quaesitis oscula fixit aquis.

* * * * *

Page 265

3. Alpine ice was becoming so hard that the sun could not melt it, and this excess of cold was like to make it precious as diamond. But it could not imitate that stone in its entirety for at its heart lay a drop of water which betrayed its nature. As crystal its value is enhanced, for this liquid rock is accounted a miracle and the water enclosed within it increases its rarity.

4. See this vein which runs in a bright streak through the translucent ice. This hidden water fears not any blast of Boreas nor winter’s chill but runs this way and that. It is not frozen by December’s cold, nor dried up by July’s sun, nor wasted away by all-consuming time.

5. Safely hidden away in this round covering is a stream, an errant spring, enclosed within frozen waters. Mark you not how the crystal is all awash in its cavernous heart where living waters surge this way and that, and how, when the sun penetrates its frozen depths, the hues of the rainbow are reflected in it? Wonderful stone, wonderful water: stranger than all rivers and all stones because it is a stone and yet fluid.

6. Children love to handle this shining crystal and turn its chilly mass over and over in their little hands; they see imprisoned in the transparent rock the water which alone winter forebore to freeze. Placing the dry sphere against their thirsty lips they press useless kisses on that which guards the waters they desire.

* * * * *

Page 266

XXXIX. (LXII.)

Marmoreum ne sperne globum: spectacula transit regia nec Rubro vilior iste mari. informis glacies, saxum rude, nulla figurae gratia, sed raras inter habetur opes.

XL. (XLI.)

_Epistula ad Olybrium._

Quid rear, adfatus quod non mihi dirigis ullos nec redit alterno pollice ducta salus? scribendine labor? sed quae tam prona facultas, carmina seu fundis seu Cicerone tonas? cedere divitiis animi fortuna fatetur 5 et tantas oris copia vincit opes.

An rarus qui scripta ferat? quin tempore nullo cessant Flaminiae pulverulenta viae. cum fluat ingenium, cum sit qui dicta reportet, quae, nisi contemnor, causa relicta tibi? 10 despicis ergo tuum, si fas est credere, vatem perfidus, et spatio debilitatur amor.

Excidimusne tibi? lucem iam condet Hydaspes, et Tartesiaco, Sol, oriere vado, candescet Geticis Meroë conversa pruinis 15 claraque se vetito proluet Ursa mari, et, si iam nostros fastidit Olybrius ignes, constat Oresteam nil valuisse fidem.

* * * * *

Page 267

7. Do not despise this sphere of rock-crystal. Kings’ palaces contain no rarer jewel, nor are the Red Sea’s pearls of greater value. It may be shapeless ice, unpolished rock, a rough, uncarven mass, yet is it accounted among the most precious of riches.

XL. (XLI.)

_Letter to Olybrius._

What am I to think, that you send me no greeting, that no “Good wishes” traced by your fingers come back to me in turn? Is writing so difficult? Nay, who so eloquent as thou whether thou dost compose verses or, a second Cicero, thunder forth thy speeches? Greater even than thy riches is thy genius, greater thine eloquence even than thy wealth. Are the posts infrequent? Nay, couriers’ feet never allow the dust to lie on the Flaminian Way. If, then, thou hast the power to write and messengers in plenty to carry thy letters what reason hast thou for thy silence unless indeed thou wish to slight me? I take it thou hast abandoned thy poet and wilt have none of him (though I can scarce believe it); or distance has made thy heart less fond. Dost thou forget me? Now shall Hydaspes lay the day to rest, and thou, O sun, rise from out the seas of Spain; now shall Egypt change her nature and glisten with Getic frost and the Bear bathe him in forbidden waters. No, if Olybrius now disdains my love then ’tis sure Orestes’ loyalty availed nought. Nay come, banish

* * * * *

Page 268

Quin age rumpe moras solaturusque sodalem absens eloquio fertiliore doce, 20 crebraque facundo festinet littera cursu libris atque animis insinuanda meis. dignatus tenui Caesar scripsisse Maroni, nec tibi dedecori Musa futura. vale.

XLI. (XLII.)

_Ad Probinum._

Quem, precor, inter nos habitura silentia finem? quando dabit caras littera grata vices? me timidum vel te potius dixisse superbum convenit? alterius crimen utrumque tenet. transfluxere dies et, dum scripsisse priorem 5 paenitet, aeternas itur in usque moras. sed quid agam? coepisse vetat reverentia vestri; hinc amor hortatur scribere. vincat amor. “fors iuvat audentes” prisci sententia vatis. hac duce non dubitem te reticente loqui; 10 audax aut si quid penitus peccasse videbor, arguar, ingrati non subiturus onus. Romanos bibimus primum te consule fontes et Latiae accessit Graia Thalia togae, incipiensque tuis a fascibus omina cepi 15 fataque debebo posteriora tibi. ergo lacessitus tandem rescribe roganti et patria florens sorte, Probine, vale.

* * * * *

Page 269

delay and to console thy friend speak to him from far away with richer eloquence; hither let many a letter hasten with winged speech, to find its way to my shelves and to my heart. Augustus disdained not to write to poor Vergil and my muse shall never bring thee shame. Farewell.

XLI.

_Letter to Probinus._[110]

How long, pray, shall there be silence between us? When shall a welcome letter win a dear return? Is it right to call me timid or rather thee proud? Surely each shares the other’s fault. The days slip away and while each is ashamed to be the first to write our hesitation leads to an unbroken silence. Yet what am I to do? Respect forbids me to write first; love encourages me to do so. Let love have his way. Fortune favours the brave, as the old poet sang. Under her guidance I could not hesitate to speak, though thou still keep silence. If I shall seem overbold or guilty of some grave fault, thou mayst blame but I shall not bear the burden of ingratitude. ’Twas when thou wert consul that I first drank of the stream of Latin song and that my Muse, deserting Hellas, assumed the Roman toga.[111] From thy consulship my youth drew its omens and to thee I shall owe my future destiny. Be moved by my importunity and after so long a delay answer my letter. Farewell, Probinus; be thy father’s fortune thine.

[110] See note on i. 8 and Introduction, p. xiii.

[111] See Introduction, p. xiii.

* * * * *

Page 270

XLII. (LIII.)

_De apro et leone._

Torvus aper fulvusque leo coiere superbis viribus, hic saeta saevior, ille iuba; hunc Mars, hunc laudat Cybele. dominatur uterque montibus; Herculeus sudor uterque fuit.

XLIII. (LXXV.)

_In Curetium._

Fallaces vitreo stellas componere mundo et vaga Saturni sidera saepe queri venturumque Iovem paucis promittere nummis Cureti genitor noverat Uranius. in prolem dilata ruunt periuria patris 5 et poenam merito filius ore luit. nam spurcos avidae lambit meretricis hiatus consumens luxu flagitiisque domum et, quas fallacis collegit lingua parentis, has eadem nati lingua refundit opes. 10

XLIV. (LXXVI.)

_In eundem Curetium._

Si tua, Cureti, penitus cognoscere quaeris sidera, patre tuo certius ipse loquar. quod furis, adversi dedit inclementia Martis; quod procul a Musis, debilis Arcas erat;

* * * * *

Page 271

XLII. (LIII.)

_The Wild Boar and the Lion._

A dark boar and a tawny lion met once in battle, each exulting in his strength: the one shook his cruel bristles, the other his dreadful mane. One was Mars’ favourite, the other Cybele’s: both are kings of the mountains, both engaged the labours of Hercules.

XLIII. (LXXV.)

_Against Curetius._[112]

Uranius, Curetius’ father, could set deceptive stars in a sphere of glass, gloomily shake his head over the errant course of Saturn, or ensure for a trifle the favourable influence of Jupiter. The father’s chicanery meets with its punishment, so long deferred, in the son whose mouth needs must pay the just penalty. For filthy are his delights and he wastes all his substance in wantoning and debauchery. And so the tongue of the son has squandered all the riches which that of his lying father gathered together.

XLIV. (LXXVI.)

_The Same._

Wouldst thou, Curetius, have sure knowledge of thy horoscope, I can give it thee better than even thy father. Thy madness thou owest to the evil influence of Mars; thine ignorance of poetry to

[112] We know nothing further of Curetius.

* * * * *

Page 272

quod turpem pateris iam cano podice morbum, 5 femineis signis Luna Venusque fuit; attrivit Saturnus opes. hoc prorsus in uno haereo: quae cunnum lambere causa facit?

XLV. (LV.)

_De concha._

Transferat huc liquidos fontes Heliconia Nais et patulo conchae divitis orbe fluat. namque latex doctae qui laverit ora Serenae, ultra Pegaseas numen habebit aquas.

XLVI. (LXXII.)

_De chlamyde et frenis._

Non semper clipei metuendum gentibus orbem dilecto studiosa parens fabricabat Achilli, Lemnia nec semper supplex ardentis adibat antra dei nato galeam factura comantem, sed placidos etiam cinctus et mitia pacis 5 ornamenta dabat, bello quibus ille peracto conspicuus reges inter fulgeret Achivos. ipsa manu chlamydes ostro texebat et auro, frenaque, quae volucrem Xanthum Baliumque decerent, aequore quaesitis onerabat sedula gemmis. 10 At tibi diversis, princeps altissime, certant obsequiis soceri. Stilicho Mavortia confert munera, barbaricas strages Rhenique triumphos. reginae contenta modum servare Serena in tua sollicitas urget velamina telas. 15

* * * * *

Page 273

enfeebling Mercury; thy shameful disease and premature decay to lady Moon and lady Venus; Saturn has robbed thee of thy property. But this one fact is beyond me:--what causes thy filthy ways?

XLV. (LV.)

_The Shell._

Nymph, come from Helicon and pour herein thy limpid waters; fill all the vast extent of this wondrous shell. Surely the water that has bathed the face of the poetess Serena will have more virtue than all the streams of Castalia.

XLVI. (LXXII.)

_On a Cloak and a Bridle._

His loving mother did not always fashion for her dear son Achilles those round shields that did affright the world; she did not constantly approach the fiery caverns of the god of Lemnos, begging a plumèd helmet for her son. She gave him, besides these, garments of peace and unwarlike adornments wherewith, after the toils of war, he might shine conspicuous among the chiefs of the Achaeans. With her own hand she wove him cloaks of purple and gold and with patient care studded with ocean gems bridles to adorn his fleet steeds, Xanthus and Balius.

On thee, most puissant emperor, thy wife’s parents bestow diverse presents. Stilicho gives thee warlike gifts--slaughter of barbarians and victories on the Rhine; Serena, content to do such work as befits a queen, plies her busy loom to weave thee raiment.

* * * * *

Page 274

XLVII. (LXXIII.)

_De equo dono dato._

O felix sonipes, tanti cui frena mereri numinis et sacris licuit servire lupatis, seu tua per campos vento iuba lusit Hiberos, seu te Cappadocum gelida sub valle natantem Argaeae lavere nives, seu laeta solebas 5 Thessaliae rapido perstringere pascua cursu: accipe regales cultus et crine superbus erecto virides spumis perfunde smaragdos. luxurient tumido gemmata monilia collo, nobilis auratos iam purpura vestiat armos, 10 et medium te zona liget variata colorum floribus et castae manibus sudata Serenae, Persarum gentile decus. sic quippe laborat maternis studiis nec dedignatur equestres moliri phaleras genero latura decorem. 15

XLVIII. (LXX.)

_De zona equi regii missa Honorio Augusta a Serena._

Accipe parva tuae, princeps venerande, sororis munera, quae manibus texuit ipsa suis, dumque auro phalerae, gemmis dum frena renident, hac uterum zona cinge frementis equi, sive illum Armeniis aluerunt gramina campis 5 turbidus Argaea seu nive lavit Halys, sanguineo virides morsu vexare smaragdos et Tyrio dignum terga rubere toro.

* * * * *

Page 275

XLVII. (LXXIII.)

_On a Gift to a Horse._

Happy steed, whose good fortune it is to obey the directing hand of a god and to be guided by a sacred bit. Whether on the plains of Spain the wind tossed thy mane in sport, or thou didst bathe in the melted snows of Mount Argaeus, in some fertile valley of Cappadocia, or thou didst scour the rich pasture-lands of Thessaly in wind-swift course, receive this royal harness and, tossing thy proud mane, fleck with foam the bridle studded with emeralds. Arch thy haughty neck beneath its collar of pearls; let cloth of purple and gold clothe thy shoulders and a belt of many colours worked by Serena’s chaste hands pass beneath thy belly. ’Tis an ornament worthy the kings of Persia. Such is her motherly love that to enhance her son-in-law’s glory she disdains not to embroider the very harness of his horses.

XLVIII. (LXX.)

_On a Strap embroidered by Serena for Honorius’ Horse._

Receive at a sister’s hand a small gift, revered prince, a gift embroidered by her own hand; the bridle of thy champing steed is of gold, his head-harness studded with jewels; use now this strap to pass beneath his belly. Whether his home was the grassy plain of Armenia, or by the Halys, swollen with the melted snows of Mount Argaeus wherein he was wont to bathe, he well deserves an emerald-encrusted bit to champ in his blood-flecked mouth and cloth of Tyrian purple to adorn his back. How

* * * * *

Page 276

o quantum formae sibi conscius erigit armos spargit et excussis colla superba iubis! 10 augescit brevitas doni pietate Serenae, quae volucres etiam fratribus ornat equos.

XLIX. (XLVI.)

_De torpedine._

Quis non indomitam dirae torpedinis artem audiit et merito signatas nomine vires? Illa quidem mollis segnique obnixa natatu reptat et attritis vix languida serpit harenis. sed latus armavit gelido natura veneno, 5 et frigus, quo cuncta rigent animata[113], medullis miscuit et proprias hiemes per viscera duxit. naturam iuvat ipsa dolis et conscia sortis utitur ingenio longeque extenta per algas attactu confisa subit. inmobilis haeret: 10 qui tetigere iacent. successu laeta resurgit et vivos impune ferox depascitur artus. Si quando vestita cibis incautior aera hauserit et curvis frenari senserit hamis, non fugit aut vano conatur vellere morsu, 15 sed proprius nigrae iungit se callida saetae et meminit captiva sui longeque per undas pigra venenatis effundit flamina venis. per saetam vis alta meat fluctusque relinquit absentem victura virum: metuendus ab imis 20

[113] MSS. _armata_ which Birt prints, suggesting _afflata_ in a note; _animata_ is Scaliger’s emendation.

* * * * *

Page 277

conscious he is of his own beauty as he steps high and shakes his flowing mane over his proud neck! The slight nature of the present is dignified by the affection of Serena who for her brothers decks even their swift steeds.

XLIX. (XLVI.)

_The Electric Ray._

Who has not heard of the invincible skill of the dread torpedo and of the powers that win it its name?

Its body is soft and its motion slow. Scarcely does it mark the sand o’er which it crawls so sluggishly. But nature has armed its flanks with a numbing poison and mingled with its marrow chill to freeze all living creatures, hiding as it were its own winter in its heart. The fish seconds nature’s efforts with its own guilefulness; knowing its own capabilities, it employs cunning, and trusting to its power of touch lies stretched full length among the seaweed and so attacks its prey. It stays motionless; all that have touched it lie benumbed. Then, when success has crowned its efforts, it springs up and greedily devours without fear the living limbs of its victim.

Should it carelessly swallow a piece of bait that hides a hook of bronze and feel the pull of the jagged barbs, it does not swim away nor seek to free itself by vainly biting at the line; but artfully approaches the dark line and, though a prisoner, forgets not its skill, emitting from its poisonous veins an effluence which spreads far and wide through the water. The poison’s bane leaves the sea and creeps up the line; it will soon prove too much for the distant fisherman.

* * * * *

Page 278

emicat horror aquis et pendula fila secutus transit harundineos arcano frigore nodos victricemque ligat concreto sanguine dextram. damnosum piscator onus praedamque rebellem iactat et amissa redit exarmatus avena. 25

L. (LXXVII.)

_In Iacobum magistrum equitum._

Per cineres Pauli, per cani limina Petri, ne laceres versus, dux Iacobe, meos. sic tua pro clipeo defendat pectora Thomas et comes ad bellum Bartholomaeus eat; sic ope sanctorum non barbarus inruat Alpes, 5 sic tibi det vires sancta Susanna suas; sic quicumque ferox gelidum transnaverit Histrum, mergatur volucres ceu Pharaonis equi; sic Geticas ultrix feriat romphaea catervas Romanasque regat prospera Thecla manus; 10 sic tibi det magnum moriens conviva triumphum atque tuam vincant dolia fusa sitim; sic numquam hostili maculetur sanguine dextra: ne laceres versus, dux Iacobe, meos.

LI. (LXVIII.)

_In sphaeram Archimedis._

Iuppiter in parvo cum cerneret aethera vitro, risit et ad superos talia dicta dedit:

* * * * *

Page 279

The dread paralysing force rises above the water’s level and climbing up the drooping line, passes down the jointed rod, and congeals, e’er he is even aware of it, the blood of the fisherman’s victorious hand. He casts away his dangerous burden and lets go his rebel prey, returning home disarmed without his rod.

L. (LXXVII.)

_Against James Commander of the Cavalry._[114]

By the ashes of S. Paul and the shrine of revered S. Peter, do not pull my verses to pieces, General James. So may S. Thomas prove a buckler to protect thy breast and S. Bartholomew bear thee company to the wars; so may the blessed saints prevent the barbarians from crossing the Alps and Suzanna[115] endow thee with her strength; so, should any savage foe seek to swim across the Danube, let him be drowned therein like the swift chariots of Pharaoh; so may an avenging javelin strike the Getic hordes and the favour of Thecla[116] guide the armies of Rome; so may thy guests dying in their efforts to out-drink thee assure thy board its triumph of hospitality and the broached casks o’ercome thy thirst; so may thy hand ne’er be red with an enemy’s blood--do not, I say, pull my verses to pieces.

LI. (LXVIII.)

_Archimedes’ Sphere._

When Jove looked down and saw the heavens figured in a sphere of glass he laughed and said to

[114] Nothing is known of this man. Birt dates the poem 401.

[115] Suzanna was martyred under Diocletian.

[116] There were several virgins, saints, and martyrs of this name. Claudian probably means the proto-martyr of Iconium, the friend and companion of S. Paul.

* * * * *

Page 280

“hucine mortalis progressa potentia curae? iam meus in fragili luditur orbe labor? iura poli rerumque fidem legesque deorum 5 ecce Syracusius transtulit arte senex. inclusus variis famulatur spiritus astris et vivum certis motibus urget opus. percurrit proprium mentitus Signifer annum, et simulata novo Cynthia mense redit, 10 iamque suum volvens audax industria mundum gaudet et humana sidera mente regit. quid falso insontem tonitru Salmonea miror? aemula naturae parva reperta manus.”

LII. (XXXVII.)

_Gigantomachia._

Terra parens quondam caelestibus invida regnis Titanumque simul crebros miserata dolores omnia monstrifero complebat Tartara fetu invisum genitura nefas Phlegramque retexit tanta prole tumens et in aethera protulit hostes. 5 fit sonus: erumpunt crebri necdumque creati iam dextras in bella parant superosque lacessunt stridula volventes gemino vestigia lapsu. pallescunt subito stellae flectitque rubentes Phoebus equos docuitque timor revocare meatus. 10 Oceanum petit Arctos inocciduique Triones occasum didicere pati. tum fervida natos talibus hortatur genetrix in proelia dictis: “O pubes domitura deos, quodcumque videtis,

* * * * *

Page 281

the other gods: “Has the power of mortal effort gone so far? Is my handiwork now mimicked in a fragile globe? An old man of Syracuse has imitated on earth the laws of the heavens, the order of nature, and the ordinances of the gods. Some hidden influence within the sphere directs the various courses of the stars and actuates the lifelike mass with definite motions. A false zodiac runs through a year of its own, and a toy moon waxes and wanes month by month. Now bold invention rejoices to make its own heaven revolve and sets the stars in motion by human wit. Why should I take umbrage at harmless Salmoneus and his mock thunder? Here the feeble hand of man has proved Nature’s rival.”

LII. (XXXVII.)

_The Battle of the Giants._

Once upon a time mother Earth, jealous of the heavenly kingdoms and in pity for the ceaseless woes of the Titans, filled all Tartarus with a monster brood, thus giving birth to that which proved a very bane. Her womb swollen with this monstrous birth she opened Phlegra’s side and brought forth foes against heaven. With a noise as of thunder they burst forth in profusion and, scarce born, prepare their hands for war, as with twofold trail[117] they writhe their hissing course. Suddenly the stars grow pale, Phoebus turns his rosy steeds and, impelled by fear, retraces his steps. The Bear takes refuge in the Ocean, and the unsetting Triones learned to endure setting. Then their angry mother stirred up her sons to war with words such as these: “Children, ye shall conquer

[117] They were twiform; _cf._ l. 81.

* * * * *

Page 282

pugnando dabitur; praestat victoria mundum. 15 sentiet ille meas tandem Saturnius iras, cognoscet, quid Terra potest, si viribus ullis vincor, si Cybele nobis meliora creavit! cur nullus Telluris honos? cur semper acerbis me damnis urgere solet? quae forma nocendi 20 defuit? hinc volucrem vivo sub pectore pascit infelix Scythica fixus convalle Prometheus; hinc Atlantis apex flammantia pondera fulcit et per canitiem glacies asperrima durat. quid dicam Tityon, cuius sub vulture saevo 25 viscera nascuntur gravibus certantia poenis? sed vos, o tandem veniens exercitus ultor, solvite Titanas vinclis, defendite matrem. sunt freta, sunt montes: nostris ne parcite membris; in Iovis exitium telum non esse recuso. 30 ite, precor, miscete polum, rescindite turres sidereas. rapiat fulmen sceptrumque Typhoeus; Enceladi iussis mare serviat; alter habenas Aurorae pro Sole regat: te Delphica laurus stringet, Porphyrion, Cirrhaeaque templa tenebis.” 35 His ubi consiliis animos elusit inanes, iam credunt vicisse deos mediisque revinctum Neptunum traxisse fretis; hic sternere Martem cogitat, hic Phoebi laceros divellere crines; hic sibi promittit Venerem speratque Dianae 40 coniugium castamque cupit violare Minervam.

* * * * *

Page 283

heaven: all that ye see is the prize of victory; win, and the universe is yours. At last shall Saturn’s son feel the weight of my wrath; shall recognize Earth’s power. What! can any force conquer me? Has Cybele born sons superior to mine? Why has Earth no honour? Why is she ever condemned to bitter loss? Has any form of injury passed me by? There hangs luckless Prometheus in yon Scythian vale, feeding the vulture on his living breast; yonder, Atlas supports the weight of the starry heavens upon his head, and his grey hair is frozen stiff with cruel cold. What need to tell of Tityus whose liver is ever renewed beneath the savage vulture’s beak, to contend with his heavy punishment? Up, army of avengers, the hour is come at last, free the Titans from their chains; defend your mother. Here are seas and mountains, limbs of my body, but care not for that. Use them as weapons. Never would I hesitate to be a weapon for the destruction of Jove. Go forth and conquer; throw heaven into confusion, tear down the towers of the sky. Let Typhoeus seize the thunderbolt and the sceptre; Enceladus, rule the sea, and another in place of the sun guide the reins of dawn’s coursers. Porphyrion, wreathe thou thy head with Delphi’s laurel and take Cirrha for thy sanctuary.”

This exhortation filled their minds with vain hopes. They think themselves already victors o’er the gods, imagine they have thrown Neptune into chains and dragged him a prisoner from Ocean’s bed. One thinks to lay Mars low, one to tear Phoebus’ locks from his head; one assigns Venus to himself, another anticipates in thought his marriage with Diana, and another is all aflame to do violence to chaste Minerva.

* * * * *

Page 284

Interea superos praenuntia convocat Iris. qui fluvios, qui stagna colunt, cinguntur et ipsi auxilio Manes; nec te, Proserpina, longe umbrosae tenuere fores; rex ipse silentum 45 Lethaeo vehitur curru lucemque timentes insolitam mirantur equi trepidoque volatu spissas caeruleis tenebras e naribus efflant. ac velut hostilis cum machina terruit urbem, undique concurrunt arcem defendere cives: 50 haud secus omnigenis coeuntia numina turmis ad patris venere domos. tum Iuppiter infit: “O numquam peritura cohors, o debita semper caelo progenies, nullis obnoxia fatis: cernitis ut Tellus nostrum coniuret in orbem 55 prole nova dederitque alios interrita partus? ergo, quot dederit natos, tot funera matri reddamus: longo maneat per saecula luctu tanto pro numero paribus damnata sepulcris.” Iam tuba nimborum sonuit, iam signa ruendi 60 his Aether, his Terra dedit confusaque rursus pro domino Natura timet. discrimina rerum miscet turba potens: nunc insula deserit aequor, nunc scopuli latuere mari. quot litora restant nuda! quot antiquas mutarunt flumina ripas! 65 hic rotat Haemonium praeduris viribus Oeten; hic iuga conixus manibus Pangaea coruscat; hunc armat glacialis Athos; hoc Ossa movente tollitur; his Rhodopen Hebri cum fonte revellit

* * * * *

Page 285

Meanwhile Iris, messenger of the gods, summons the immortal council. There come the deities of river and lake; the very ghosts were there in heaven’s defence. Hell’s shady portals could not hold Proserpine afar; the king of the silent himself advances in his Lethaean chariot. His horses fear the light which hitherto their astonished eyes have never looked upon and, swerving this way and that, they breathe forth thick vapour from their soot-black nostrils. As, when an enemy’s siege-engine affrights a town, the citizens run together from all sides to defend their citadel, so gods of all shapes and forms came together to protect their father’s home. Them Jove thus addressed: “Deathless army, whose dwelling-place is, and must ever be, the sky, ye whom no adverse fortune can ever harm, mark ye how Earth with her new children conspires against our kingdom and undismayed has given birth to another brood? Wherefore, for all the sons she bore, let us give back to their mother as many dead; let her mourning last through the ages as she weeps by as many graves as she now has children.”

The clouds echo the blast of heaven’s trumpets; on this side Heaven, on that Earth, sounds the attack. Once more Nature is thrown into confusion and fears for her lord. The puissant company of the giants confounds all differences between things; islands abandon the deep; mountains lie hidden in the sea. Many a river is left dry or has altered its ancient course. One giant brandishes Thessalian Oeta in his mighty hand, another gathers all his strength and hurls Pangaeus at the foe, Athos with his snows arms another; this one roots up Ossa, that tears out Rhodope and Hebrus’ source, dividing the

* * * * *

Page 286

et socias truncavit aquas summaque levatus 70 rupe Giganteos umeros inrorat Enipeus: subsedit patulis Tellus sine culmine campis in natos divisa suos. Horrendus ubique it fragor et pugnae spatium discriminat aër. primus terrificum Mavors non segnis in agmen 75 Odrysios impellit equos, quibus ille Gelonos sive Getas turbare solet: splendentior igni aureus ardescit clipeus, galeamque nitentes adrexere iubae. tum concitus ense Pelorum transigit adverso, femorum qua fine volutus 80 duplex semifero conectitur ilibus anguis, atque uno ternas animas interficit ictu. tum super insultans avidus languentia curru membra terit multumque rotae sparsere cruorem. Occurrit pro fratre Mimas Lemnumque calentem 85 cum lare Vulcani spumantibus eruit undis et prope torsisset, si non Mavortia cuspis ante revelato cerebrum fudisset ab ore. ille, viro toto moriens, serpentibus imis vivit adhuc stridore ferox et parte rebelli 90 victorem post fata petit. Tritonia virgo prosilit ostendens rutila cum Gorgone pectus; adspectu contenta suo non utitur hasta (nam satis est vidisse semel) primumque furentem longius in faciem saxi Pallanta reformat. 95 ille procul subitis fixus sine vulnere nodis ut se letifero sensit durescere visu (et steterat iam paene lapis) “quo vertimur?” inquit,

* * * * *

Page 287

waters that before were one; Enipeus, gathered up with its beetling crags, scatters its waters over yon giant’s shoulders: robbed of her mountains Earth sank into level plains, parted among her own sons.

On all sides a horrid din resounds and only the air divides the rival armies. First impetuous Mars urges against the horrid band his Thracian steeds that oft have driven in rout Getae or Geloni. Brighter than flame shines his golden shield, high towers the crest of his gleaming helmet. Dashing into the fray he first encounters Pelorus and transfixes him with his sword, where about the groin the two-bodied serpent unites with his own giant form, and thus with one blow puts an end to three lives. Exulting in his victory he drives his chariot over the dying giant’s limbs till the wheels ran red with blood.

Mimas ran forward to avenge his brother. He had torn Lemnos and with it Vulcan’s fiery house from out the foaming main, and was on the point of hurling it when Mars’ javelin prevented him, scattering the brain from his shattered skull. What was giant in him died, but the serpent legs still lived, and, hissing vengeance, sought to attack the victor after Mimas’ death.

Minerva rushed forward presenting her breast whereon glittered the Gorgon’s head. The sight of this, she knew, was enough: she needed not to use a spear. One look sufficed. Pallas drew no nearer, rage as he might, for he was the first to be changed into a rock. When, at a distance from his foe, without a wound, he found himself rooted to the ground, and felt the murderous visage turn him, little by little, to stone (and all but stone he was) he called out, “What is happening to me? What

* * * * *

Page 288

“quae serpit per membra silex? qui torpor inertem marmorea me peste ligat?” vix pauca locutus, 100 quod timuit, iam totus erat; saevusque Damastor, ad depellendos iaculum cum quaereret hostes, germani rigidum misit pro rupe cadaver. Hic vero interitum fratris miratus Echion inscius, auctorem dum vult temptare nocendo, 105 te, Dea, respexit, solam quam cernere nulli bis licuit. meruit sublata audacia poenas et didicit cum morte deam. sed turbidus ira Palleneus, oculis aversa tuentibus atrox, ingreditur caecasque manus in Pallada tendit. 110 hunc mucrone ferit dea comminus; ac simul angues Gorgoneo riguere gelu corpusque per unum pars moritur ferro, partes periere videndo. Ecce autem medium spiris delapsus in aequor Porphyrion trepidam conatur rumpere Delon, 115 scilicet ad superos ut torqueat improbus axes. horruit Aegaeus; stagnantibus exilit antris longaevo cum patre Thetis desertaque mansit regia Neptuni famulis veneranda profundis. exclamant placidae Cynthi de vertice Nymphae, 120 Nymphae, quae rudibus Phoebum docuere sagittis errantes agitare feras primumque gementi Latonae struxere torum, cum lumina caeli parturiens geminis ornaret fetibus orbem. implorat Paeana suum conterrita Delos 125 auxiliumque rogat: “si te gratissima fudit

* * * * *

Page 289

is this ice that creeps o’er all my limbs? What is this numbness that holds me prisoner in these marble fetters?” Scarce had he uttered these few words when he was what he feared, and savage Damastor, seeking a weapon wherewith to repel the foe, hurled at them in place of a rock his brother’s stony corpse.

Then Echion, marvelling, all ignorant, at his brother’s death, even as he seeks to assail the author of the deed, turned his gaze upon thee, goddess, whom alone no man may see twice. Beaten audacity well deserved its punishment and in death he learned to know the goddess. But Palleneus, mad with anger, turning his eyes aside, rushed at Minerva, striking at her with undirected sword. Nigh at hand the goddess smote him with her sword, and at the same time the snakes froze at the Gorgon’s glance, so that of one body a part was killed by a weapon and a part by a mere look.

Impious Porphyrion, carried by his serpents into the middle of the sea, tries to uproot trembling Delos, wishing to hurl it at the sky. The Aegean was affrighted; Thetis and her agèd sire fled from their watery caverns; the palace of Neptune, regarded with awe by all the denizens of the deep, lay deserted. The summit of Cynthus rang with the cries of the gentle nymphs who had taught Phoebus’ unpractised hand to shoot at the wandering beasts with his bow, they who first had prepared the bed for weeping Latona when, in labour with the lights of heaven, she blessed the world with twin offspring. Delos in terror called her lord Phoebus to help her and begged him for aid. “In remembrance of the

* * * * *

Page 290

in nostros Latona sinus, succurre precanti. en iterum convulsa feror.”

* * * * *

Page 291

time when Latona entrusted thine infant life to my care, help me who thus call upon thee. Behold, once more they seek to uproot me.…”[118]

[118] Like the _De raptu Proserpinae_, the _Gigantomachia_ was probably never completed. S. Jerome in his commentary on Isaiah (viii. 27) quotes from a _Gigantomachia_, not giving the name of its author. It is possible that the lines, which do not occur in Claudian’s poem as we possess it, belong to a final portion which has been lost. But it is more likely that they come from some other poet’s work and that the abrupt end of Claudian’s poem is due not to loss but to the poet’s sudden death.

* * * * *

Page 292

DE RAPTU PROSERPINAE

LIBRI PRIMI

PRAEFATIO

(XXXII.)

Inventa secuit primus qui nave profundum et rudibus remis sollicitavit aquas, qui dubiis ausus committere flatibus alnum quas natura negat praebuit arte vias: tranquillis primum trepidus se credidit undis 5 litora securo tramite summa legens; mox longos temptare sinus et linquere terras et leni coepit pandere vela Noto. ast ubi paulatim praeceps audacia crevit cordaque languentem dedidicere metum, 10 iam vagus inrumpit pelagus caelumque secutus Aegaeas hiemes Ioniumque domat.

LIBER PRIMUS

(XXXIII.)

Inferni raptoris equos adflataque curru sidera Taenario caligantesque profundae Iunonis thalamos audaci promere cantu

* * * * *

Page 293

RAPE OF PROSERPINE