7 id . . . non potuisse. Cf. Livy ‘temperare oculis nequivisse = he could not restrain his eyes.’

8 cupiditate = from curiosity. Cf. Livy ‘cura ingeni humani = with the natural curiosity of the human mind.’

8-11 visam belluam . . . pervertere = he thought he saw a monster overthrowing.

[B.] The Interpretation—Vastitatem esse Italiae.

[200]

Hoc trepidus monstro . . . ardua quae sit,

Scitatur, pestis, terrasque urgentia membra

Quo ferat et quosnam populos deposcat hiatu.

Cui gelidis almae Cyllenes editus antris:

‘Bella vides optata tibi: te maxima bella,