BOOK VII.
ARGUMENT.
The general subject of the book seems to be agreed upon by all commentators, though they differ as to the details. Schoenbeck says it is directed against the lusts of women; particularly the occasions where those lusts had most opportunity of being exhibited and gratified, the festivals of the Matronalia and the kindred Saturnalia. Petermann considers that it refers simply to the intercourse between husbands and wives, in which view Dousa seems to coincide. Duentzer takes a wider view, and says it refers to all licentious pleasures. Van Heusde leaves the matter undecided. Gerlach coincides with the general view, but supposes that the passions and the quarrels alluded to must be referred to slaves, or at all events persons of the lowest station, for whom festivals, like the Sigillaria (alluded to in Fr. 4), were more particularly intended. The first two Fragments evidently refer to a matrimonial brawl. The tenth, eleventh, and twelfth refer to an unhallowed passion. The fifth, sixth, and thirteenth to the unnatural and effeminate refinements practiced by a class of persons too often referred to in Juvenal and Persius. The fifteenth, to the fastidious taste of those who professed to be judges of such matters. The connection of the seventh Fragment is uncertain, as it applies apparently to rewards for military service.
1 When he wishes to punish her for her misdeed, the fellow takes a Samian potsherd and straightway mutilates himself—[1700]
2 I said, I come to the main point; I had rather belabor my wife, grown old and mannish, than emasculate myself—[1701]
3 ... who would love you, prove himself the patron of your bloom and beauty, and promise to be your friend.
4 This is the slaves' holiday; a day which you evidently can not express in Hexameter verse.[1702]
5 I am shaved, plucked, scaled, pumice-stoned, bedecked, polished up and painted—[1703]
6 Did I ever compare this man with Apollo's favorite Hyacinthus.[1704]
7 Five spears: a light-armed skirmisher, with a belt of gold.[1705]
8 first glows like hot iron from the forge—
9 If he moves and flattens his nostrils as a dolphin at times.[1706]
10 The one grinds, the other winnows corn as it were....[1707]
11 ... bloom and beauty, like a go-between and kind procuress.[1708]
12 like that renowned Phryne when....[1709]
13 that no dirt settle on the ear ... no vermin—
14 ... that have no eyes, or nose....
15 We are severe; difficult to please; fastidious as to good things.
16
17 ... and the goose's neck.[1710]
18
19 ... We murmur, are ground, sink down....[1711]
20 you whimper in the same way—[1712]
21 With such passion and hatred for him am I transported.[1713]
22 Here is Macedo if Acron is too long flaccid.[1714]