400 Oft from those grave affairs were wont abstain,
wont > accustomed to, given to
401 With the sweet lady Muses to play: 402 So Ennius the elder African,
Ennius > (Quintus Ennius, 239-170 BC, Roman poet)
the elder African > (Scipio Africanus, 237-183 BC, Roman general in
Second Punic War)
403 So Maro oft did Caesar's cares allay.
Maro > (Publius Vergilius Maro [Virgil], 70-19 BC, author of the
Aeneid)
Caesar > (Augustus Caesar, 63 BC-14 AD, Emperor of Rome)
404 So you, great lord, that with your counsel sway
sway > influence
405 The burden of this kingdom mightily,
burden > fate, destiny