Chapter 67

'Communis mundo superest rogus ossibus astra mixturus.'

Note especially the very frequent references to fate; i. 263-4,

'cunctasque pudoris rumpunt fata moras.'

The gods are not introduced as chief agents; cf. the censure of Petronius quoted below. Lucan prides himself on despising the gods, and substitutes for them his favourite divinity, Fortuna; i. 128,

'Victrix causa deis placuit, sed victa Catoni';