Book XXX Argument
Most of the commentators seem to be agreed that the subject of this book was “matrimonial life.” Mercer considers that it contained an altercation between a married couple, in which the lady strenuously refuses to submit to the lawful authority of her husband. Van Heusde says that in it were depicted the miseries of married life generally; especially of those husbands who are so devoted to their wives, that they surrender the reins of government into the hands of those, for whom the law compels them to provide subsistence, not only at the expense of their own personal labor, but also at the risk of life itself: the only return which they receive as an equivalent from the hands of their wives, being opprobrious language, ill temper, haughty exaction, treachery, and unfaithfulness to the marriage-bed. In addition to this, Gerlach thinks that in this, his last book, Lucilius recapitulated the subjects of his previous Satires; and consequently many Fragments are assigned to this book, which might easily be inserted in others. Among other matters, the poet also defends himself against the malignant charges of envious critics, one, Gaius, being especially noticed. The story of the old lion, which Horace has copied [i., Ep. i., 74], may also lead us to suppose that the treachery of false friends formed part of the matter of the poem.
N.B.—Gerlach considers that the 80th was undoubtedly the last book. The passages quoted from subsequent books are the result of the carelessness of the Librarii. These passages, therefore, will all be found incorporated into the preceding books.
1 †... Lamia and Pytho... with sharp teeth... those gluttonous, abandoned, obscene hags....1952
2... a sick and exhausted lion....1953
3 Then the lion said with subdued voice, “Why will you not come hither yourself?”1954
4 What does it mean? how does it happen that the footsteps, all without exception, lead inward and toward you?
5 For, be assured that disease is far enough removed from men in wine, when one has regaled himself pretty sumptuously.1955
6 †... in face and features... sport, and in our conversation... this is the virgin’s prize, and let us pay this honor....1956
7... Should you first fasten me to the yoke, and force me against my will to submit to the plow, and break up the clods with the coulter.1957
8 Immediately, as soon as the gale has blown a little more violently, it has raised and lifted up the waves.
9 You may see all things glittering within, in the glowing recess.1958
10 must I first break you in, fierce and haughty as you are, with a Thessalian bit, like an unbroken filly, and tame you down by war?1959
11 or when I am going somewhere, and have invented some pretext as to the goldsmiths, to my mother, a relation or female friend’s.1960
12 Much fiercer than she of whom we spoke before: the milder she is, the more savagely she bites.
13. † who not expecting... entering on the impulse of an evil omen.1961
14... hoping that time will bring forth the same—
... will give chewed food from her mouth—1962
15 So when fame, making thy fight illustrious, having been borne to our ears, shall have reported.1963
16 Take care there are in the house a webster, waiting maids, men-servants, a girdle-maker, a weaver—1964
17 You clean me out, then turn me out; ruin and insult me—1965
18 If Maximus left sixteen hundred... of silver.1966
19 beardless hermaphrodites, bearded pathic-adulterers1967
20 What is it, if you possess a hundred or two hundred thousand
21 †... what we seek in this matter... deceived... guarded against1968
22... here like a mouse-trap laid,... and like a scorpion with tail erect....
23... and what great sorrows and afflictions you have now endured.1969
24 † it was better you should be born,... like a beast or ass.
25... on the ground, in the dung, stalls, manure, and swine-dung.1970
26... as much as my fancy delights to draw from the Muses’ fountain.
27... and that our poems alone out of many are now praised.
28 Now, Gaius, since rebuking, you attack us in turn....1971
29... and would perceive that his... lay neglected... left behind....
30... since you do not choose to recognize me at this time, trifler!
31... still I will try to write briefly and compendiously back.1972
32... and that by your harsh acts and cruel words....
33... no one’s mind ought to be so confident—
34... if I may do this, and repay by verses....
35... just as you who... those things which we consider to be an example of life—
36... when having well drunk, he has retired from the midst....
37 Calvus Palatina, a man of renown, and good in war.1973
38 and in a fierce and stubborn war by far the noblest enemy.
39... as to your praising your own... blaming, you profit not a whit.1974
40... but tell me this, if it is not disagreeable, what is it?1975
41 all the labor bestowed on the wool is wasted; neglect, and the moths destroy all.1976
42 †... one is flat-footed, with rotten feet....1977
43... no one gives to them: no one lets them in: nor do they think that life....
44 by whose means the Trogine cup was renowned through the camp.1978
45... thanks are returned to both: to them, and to themselves together.1979
46... little mattresses besides for each, with two coverlets.1980
47 What do you care, where I am befouled, and wallow?
48 Why do you watch where I go, what I do? What affair is that of yours?
49 What he could give, what expend, what afford....
50 So the mind is insnared by nooses, shackles, fetters.
51 You are delighted when you spread that report about me, in your conversations abroad.
52 and by evil-speaking you publish in many conversations
53 While you accuse me of this, do you not before revolve in your mind?
54... let us kick them all out, master and all.
55... when once I saw you eager for a contest with Cælius.1981
56 These monuments of your skill and excellence are erected.
57... and remain, meanwhile, content with these verses.
58 They bring me forth to you, and compel me to show you these
59... at what our friends value us, when they can spare us.
60... both by your virtue and your illustrious writings to contribute....
61... What? Do the Muses intrust their strong-holds to a mortal?
62 Listen to this also which I tell you; for it relates to the matter.
63 The quæstor is at hand that you may serve....1982
64... receive laws by which the people is outlawed....
65... or to sacrifice with her fellows at some much frequented temple.1983
66 Whom you know to be acquainted with all your disgrace and infamy.
67 Then he sees this himself.... in sullied garments.
68... What you squander on the stews, prowling through the town.1984
69... that she is sworn to one, to whom she is given and consecrated.
70... serves him as a slave, allures his lips, fascinates with love.1985
71 †... himself oppresses... a head nourished with sense.1986
72... fingers, and the bodkin in her beautifully-clustering hair.1987
73... and beccaficos, and thrushes, flutter round... carefully tended for the cooks.1988
74... but why do I give vent to these words with trembling mind.
75 Think not that I could curse thee!
76 Sorry and marred with mange, and full of scab....1989
77 Which wearies out the people’s eyes and ears and hearts.1990
78 † No one will thrust through that belly of yours... and create pleasure... use force and you will see—1991
79 This you will omit: in that employ me gladly....
80 All modesty is banished—licentiousness and usury restored.
81 That too is a soft mischief, wheedling and treacherous.
82 They appear, on the contrary, to have invited, or instigated these things.
83... all... to you, handsome and rich—but I... so be it!1992
84 The husband traverses the wide sea, and commits himself to the waves.
85 † whose whole body you know has grown up... with cloven hoofs.
86 to be able to write out... the thievish hand of Musco.1993
87 Time itself will give sometimes what it can for keeping up....1994
88 and then fly, like a dog, at your face and eyes—1995
89... published it in conversation in many places....
90 He departed unexpectedly; in one hour quinsy carried him off.1996
91 An old bed, fitted with ropes, is prepared for us....1997
92 that no one, without your knowledge, could remove from your servants.
93 † And that they who despised you were so proud1998
94 and contract the pupil of their eyes at the glittering splendor.1999
95... you rush hence, and collect all stealthily.
96... and since modesty has retreated from your breast
97... nor suffer that beard of yours to grow.
98... he destroys and devours me....
Footnotes
Notes
1952 Lamia. Cf. lib. xx., Fr. 1. Oxyodontes. Scaliger’s emendation for Ixiodontes. Gumiæ. Vid. lib. iv., Fr. 1.
1953 Leonem ægrotum. Horace has copied the fable, i., Epist. i., 73, “Olim quod vulpes ægroto cauta leoni respondit, referam. Quia me vestigia terrent omnia te advorsum spectantia, nulla retrorsum.”
1954 Deductus, “tenuis; a lanâ quæ ad tenuitatem nendo deducitur.” Serv. Cf. Virg., Ecl., vi., 5, “pastorem pingues pascere oportet oves, deductum dicere carmen.”
1955 Invitare, Nonius explains by “repleri,” and quotes Sallust. Hist., “Se ibi cibo vinoque invitarent.” So Plaut., Amph., I., i., 130, “Invitavit sese in cœna plusculum.” Suet., Aug., 77, “quoties largissimè se invitaret senos sextantes non excessit.” Dapsilius. So “Dapsiliter suos amicos alit.” Næv. ap. Charis.
1956 Pretium, “præmium.” Non. Virg., Æn., v., 111, “Et palmæ pretium victoribus.”
1957 Proscindere. Cf. Varr., R. R., i., 29, “terram quum primum arant proscindere appellant: quum iterum, affringere quod primâ aratione gleba grandes solent excitari.” Virg., Georg., ii., 237. Ov., Met., vii., 219.
1958 Lege, “Omnia tum endo mucho (μυχῷ) videas fervente micare.”—Turnebe’s emendation.
1959 The invention of bits is ascribed by Pliny and Virgil to the Thessalian Lapithæ. Plin., vii., 56. Virg., Georg., iii., 15, “Frena Pelethronii Lapithæ, gyrosque dedere.” Cf. Lucan., Phars., vi., 396, seq. Val. Flac., i., 424, “Oraque Thessalico melior contundere fræno Castor.” Gerlach proposes, therefore, to read equam for acrem, as young ladies are often compared by the poets to fillies. Cf. Hor., iii., Od. xi., 9, “Quæ velut latis equa trima campis, ludit exultim.” Anacr., Fr. 75. Heraclid. Pont., All. Hom., p. 16. [Vid. Theogn., 257. Arist., Lys., 1308. Eurip., Hec., 144. Hip., 546.]
1960 Commentavi. The words of an adulterous wife, inventing some excuse to keep her assignation. Aurifex. Cf. Plaut., Aul., III., v., 34. Cic., Orat., ii., 38.
1961 Dusa refers this to the fox in the fable, quoted above. Ominis is Gerlach’s emendation for hominis and hemonis. (Hemo was an older form of Homo, hence Nemo, ne hemo.)
1962 Mansum is the food that has been chewed by the nurse preparatory to its being given to the child. Cf. Cic., Orat., ii., 39, “tenuissimas particulas, atque omnia minima mansa, ut nutrices infantibus pueris, in os inserant.” Quint., X., i. Pers., iii., 17, “pappare minutum poscis.” Plaut., Epid., V., ii., 62. It is expressed by the Greek ψωμίζειν. Arist., Lys., 19. Thesm., 692.
1963 Clarans. Cf. Hor., iv., Od. iii., 3, “Ilium non labor Isthmius clarabit pugilem.”
1964 These are the demands of an imperious, perhaps a dowered wife. The speech of Megadorus in the Aulularia of Plautus (iii., Sc. v.), admirably illustrates this Fragment. In the list of slaves which the “dotata” expects, we find the Aurifex, Lanarius, Sarcinatores, strophiarii, semizonarii, textores. The Gerdius is probably the same as the Lenarius: as it is explained in the Glos. γέρδιος, ὑφαντής. Zonarius. Cf. Cic. p. Flac, vii., 17.
1965 Probably the indignant expostulation of some young man to a Lena. Compare the scene between Argyrippus and Cleæreta, in the Asinaria of Plautus (i., Sc. iii.). Exsultare, “Gestu vel dictu injuriam facere.” Non. Gerlach reads deures. The old reading is deaures, which is defensible. Cf. xxvi., Fr. 8, deargentassere.
1966 Maximus. Q. Fabius Maximus Cunctator, whose son was notorious for his profligacy and luxuriousness. This is probably, therefore, part of the old man’s speech against the licentiousness of the young.
1967 Androgyni. Cf. Herod., iv., 67, c. not. Bähr. Juv., vi., 373, “Tonsoris damno tantum rapit Heliodorus.”
1968 Inductum. Thus explained by Nonius. Cf. Tibul., I., vi., 1, “Semper ut inducar blandos offers mihi vultus.”
1969 Exanclaris. Ennius in Andromacha, “Quantis cum ærumnis illum exantlavi diem.” Fr. 6, p. 36, ed. Bothe. Cic., Tusc., i., 49; ii., 8. Acad., ii., 34. On the difference of the forms “exanclare and exantlare,” vid. Burmann, ad Quintil., Inst., i., 6. Cf. Æsch., P. V., 375. Choëph., 746. Eurip., Hipp., 898.
1970 Sucerda, from sus and cerno.
1971 Gai. Van Heusde, Burmann, and Merula agree in supposing these to be the words of Fabius Cunctator to C. Minutius Rufus. [Cf. Liv., xxii., 8, 12, where, however, most of the Edd. call him Marcus.] Incilare, “increpare, improbare.” Non. Pacuv. in Dulor, “Si quis hâc me oratione incilet, quid respondeam?” Fr. 28, p. 121, ed. Bothe. Lucret., iii., 976, “jure increpet inciletque.”
1972 Summatim. Cic, Att., v., 16. Suet., Tib., 61, “Commentario quem summatim breviterque composuit.”
1973 Calvus, probably either L. Cæcilius Metellus Calvus, consul with Q. Fabius Maximus Servilianus, B.C. 142, or his son L. Cæcilius Metellus Calvus Dalmaticus, consul with L. Aurelius Cotta, B.C. 119, who repaired out of his spoils the temple of Castor and Pollux. From the form of the word Palatina, Dusa and Gerlach suppose it to imply the name of a tribe; though Gerlach says we have no evidence of the existence of a tribe called from the hill [but cf. Cic., Verr., II., ii., 43]. Cf. ad Pers., v., 73, “Publius Velina.”
1974 Hilum is the primitive from which nihilum is formed (i. e., ne-hilum). Cf. Poet. ap. Cic., Tusc., I., vi., “Sisyphus versat saxum sudans nitendo neque proficit hilum.” Lucret., iii., 221, “nec defit ponderis hilum.”
1975 Nænum, probably “ne unum,” written also nenum, nena the Archaic form of Non. Cf. Varro, Epist. ad Fusium, ap. Non. “Si hodie nænum venis, cras quidem.” Lucret., iii., 20, “Nenu potest.”
1976 Pallor, “negligentia, vetustas.” Non.
1977 Plautus, an Umbrian word implying “flat-footed.” From this peculiarity the poet derived his name, “Plotos appellant Umbri pedibus planis natos.” Fest. The end of the line is hopeless. Turnebe reads “mens elephanti,” and says it refers to “the horrors of matrimony, and the bodily defects of wives.” Gerlach reads “mensa Libonis,” and says, “Lucilius compares women to the tables of the money-changers.” Cf. Hor., Sat., II., vi., 35. Cf. ad Pers., Sat., iv., 49.
1978 Cic., de Div., ii., 37, mentions a people of Galatia, called Trogini. The name does not occur elsewhere.
1979 The Archaic Simitû for simul occurs repeatedly in Plautus.
1980 Privæ. Cf. i., Fr. 13. Privum, “proprium uniuscujusque.” Non. Centonibus. Cf. xxviii., Fr. 33. Culcitulæ, “small cushions or pillows,” from calco. Fest. Cf. Plaut., Most., IV., i., 49.
1981 Invadere, i. e., “appetenter incipere.” Cæli. Cicero tells us (Auct. ad Her., ii., 13, 19) that Cælius was the name of the judge who acquitted the man on the charge of defamation, who had libeled Lucilius on the stage.
1982 Publica. Fruter conjectures Publicià; but the Publician law is not mentioned.
1983 Operatum. So ῥέζειν. Cf. Virg., Georg., i., 339, “Sacra refer Cereri lætis operatus in herbis.” Liv., i., 81. Propert., ii., 24, 1. Nonius explains it “Deos religiose et cum summâ veneratione sacrificiis litare.”
1984 Lustris. Plaut., Asin., V., ii., 17, “Is liberis lustris studet.” Casin., II., iii., 28, “Ubi in lustra jacuisti?” Cic., Phil., xiii., 11. Probest., “Aliquis emersus ex tenebris lustrorum ac stuprorum.” The Fragment probably forms part of a speech of a jealous wife upbraiding her husband, as Cleostrata, in the Casina of Plautus, quoted above.
1985 Præservit. Cf. Plaut., Amph., Prol., 126, “Ut præservire amanti meo possem patri.” Delicere, “to allure from the right path.” Titinius ap. Non. in voc., “parasitus habeat qui illum sciat delicere, et noctem facere possit de die.” Delenit. Cf. xxviii., Fr. 1, “to inthrall the senses by the passion of love.” So Titinius, “Dotibus deleniti ultro etiam uxoribus ancillantur.”
1986 Nutricari for “nutrire.” Cf. Cic., de Nat. Deor., ii., 34, “Educator et altor est mundus omniaque sicut membra et partis suas nutricatur et continet.”
1987 Discerniculum, “the bodkin in a woman’s headdress for parting the hair.”
1988 Ficedulæ. Cf. ad Juv., xiv., 9. Turdi. Cf. ad Pers., vi., 24. Read perhaps “curatique cocis.”
1989 Cf. Juv., ii., 79, “Dedit hanc contagio labem et dabit in plures: sicut grex totus in agris unius scabie cadit et porrigine porci.”
1990 Rumpit, “defatigat.” Non.
1991 Pertundet. So Ennius, “latus pertudit hasta.” Juv., vi., 46, “Mediam pertundite venam.” vii., 26, “Aut claude et positos tineâ pertunde libellos.” Deliciet Gerlach explains by “Juvare, voluptatem creare:” and reads “Utere vi atque videbis.”
1992 Fortis etiam “dives.” Non.
1993 Gerlach retains Musconis. Tagax, from the old form tago. “Furunculus a tangendo.” Fest, “light-fingered.” Perscribere may mean (like conscribellare in Catullus) “to mark letters upon,” i. e., brand him with the word Fur on the hand: hence trium literarum homo.
1994 Habendo. Cf. Virg., Georg., iii., 159, “Et quos aut pecori malint summittere habendo.”
1995 Involem. Ter., Eun., V., ii., 20, “Vix me contineo quin involem in capillum.” So “Castra involare.” Tac., Hist., iv., 33.
1996 Angina, “genus morbi; eo quod angat.” Non. Cf. Plaut., Trin., II., iv., 139, “Sues moriuntur anginâ.” Most., I., iii., 61, “In anginam ego nunc me velim vorti, ut veneficæ illi fauces prehendam.”
1997 Consternere is applied “to preparing a couch.” Cf. Catul., lxiv., 163, “Purpureâve tuum consternens veste cubile.” This seems to be the meaning here; as there seems to be a vibration of the reading between consternitur, nobis lectus, and vetus, for Restes. Cf. ad lib. vi., Fr. 13.
1998 Dusa’s conjecture is followed. Scaliger supposes temnere to be an old form of the perfect “tempsere.”
1999 Præstringere “non valdè stringere et claudere.” Non.