v. 15. Christ’s nature merely human.] Justinian is said to have been a follower of the heretical Opinions held by Eutyches,” who taught that in Christ there was but one nature, viz. that of the incarnate word.” Maclaine’s Mosheim, t. ii. Cent. v. p. ii. c. v. 13.
v. 16. Agapete.] Agapetus, Bishop of Rome, whose Scheda Regia, addressed to the Emperor Justinian, procured him a place among the wisest and most judicious writers of this century.” Ibid. Cent. vi. p. ii c. ii. 8.
v. 33. Who pretend its power.] The Ghibellines.
v. 33. And who oppose ] The Guelphs.
v. 34. Pallas died.] See Virgil, Aen. 1. X.
v. 39. The rival three.] The Horatii and Curiatii.
v. 41. Down.] “From the rape of the Sabine women to the violation of Lucretia.” v. 47. Quintius.] Quintius Cincinnatus.
E Cincinnato dall’ inculta chioma.
Petrarca.
v. 50. Arab hordes.] The Arabians seem to be put for the barbarians in general.
v. 54. That hill.] The city of Fesulae, which was sacked by the Romans after the defeat of Cataline.