maiorque videri, Nec mortale sonans, adflata est numine quando Iam propiore dei.'
53. LEGERE] When the narrator is an eyewitness, the present infinitive is usual, even of past time.
80. RHOMPHAEA] a sword; the Septuagint word.
97. OMNIIUGA] This word is not classical; but multiiugus, 'manifold' (literally, of many yoked together, cf. biiugus, quadriiugus), is common.
110. QUID] 'for what purpose?'
129. ID GENUS] An adjectival accusative, equivalent to genitive of quality; cf. virile secus.
133. CULMI] The stalks of Cain's fine crops.
VIII
[A letter to an English friend, Robert Fisher, who had been a pupil of
Erasmus in Paris in 1497 and had then gone to study law in Italy.]
4. IN EA…REGIONE] Italy was at this time regarded as being, and in fact was, more advanced than the rest of Europe in classical learning and refinement. In consequence to visit Italy was the ambition of every scholar.