BOOK XX.
ARGUMENT.
Gerlach without hesitation pronounces the subject of this book to have been "the superstition of the lower orders, and the luxury of the banquets of the wealthy." There were, even in the days of Lucilius, many who could see through, and heartily despise, the ignorant superstition by which their fellow-men were shackled. Hence the famous saying of Cato, that he wondered how a soothsayer could look another of the same profession in the face without laughing. The 3d and 4th Fragments are probably part of the speech of some notorious epicure, who cordially detests the simplicity and frugality of ancient days; and the 6th may contain the fierce expression of his unmeasured indignation at any attempt to suppress or curtail the lavish munificence and luxurious self-indulgence of men like himself. The 6th, 7th, and 9th Fragments may also refer to the sumptuous banquets of the day.
1 These bugbears, Lamiæ, which the Fauni and Numas set up—at these he trembles, and sets all down as true.... Just as little children believe that all the statues of brass are alive and human beings, just so these men believe all these fables to be true, and think there is a heart inside these brazen statues.
... It is a mere painter's board, nothing is real; all counterfeit.[1817]
2 ... in their own season, and at one and the same time ... and in half an hour ... after three are ended ... only the same and the fourth.
3 ... such dainties as endive, or some herb of that kind, and pilchards' sauce ... but this is sorry ware.[1818]
4 I reviled the savage law of Calpurnius Piso, and snorted forth my angry breath from my nostrils....[1819]
5 ... then he will burst asunder, just as the Marsian by his incantation makes the snakes burst, when he has caused all their veins to swell
6 They are captivated with tripe and rich dinners.[1820]
7 ... he be a trifler and an empty-headed fellow ... far the greatest[1821]
8 ... then a certain youth whom they call[1822]
9 ... then he wiped the broad tables with a purple napkin[1823]
10 ... damage the bows and shear away the helm.
11 ... they chatter: and your dirty-nosed country lout chimes in.[1824]