[254] First-born of the ages. The invocation to the goddess Isis is partly borrowed from the metamorphoses of Appuleius (XI, 5) where the goddess calls herself: “first-born of all the centuries, highest of the gods, queen of the Manes, princess of the heavenly powers,” etc., repeating the names under which she is revered throughout the world.
[255] White Robe. The priests of Isis wore light robes, usually of linen (linum) from which the goddess is called in Ovid: “Isis in linen garments,” (Isis linigera). Byssus is a kind of cotton.
[256] Small tonsure. The ancient Oriental custom of shaving the crown of the head was enjoined upon the priests of Isis. Herodotus, II, 37.
[257] Rubies, emeralds and chrysolites. In ancient times the chrysolite ranked next to the diamond among precious stones. The finest came from Scythia. Next to the emerald, the beryl and opal were highly esteemed. (Plin. Hist. Nat. XXXVII, 85.)
[258] All three were wrapped in thick cloaks. The lacerna, the outer garment worn over the toga, not infrequently had a hood (cucullus).
[259] We must find an adventure yet, Parthenius. Such nocturnal rambles incognito were not at all unusual among aristocratic gentlemen. The incident is not expressly related of Domitian, but is told of Nero, Suet. Ner. 26, where the author says: “As soon as night came, he put on a hat or cap, went to the taverns and roamed about the streets, only in jest, it is true, but not without working mischief.” Domitian’s encounter with the slave Parmenio has its counterpart in an adventure of Nero, who once, assailing a noble lady, was almost beaten to death by her husband. (Suet.)
[260] Swarthy negress. See Suet. Dom. 22, where it is stated that the emperor now and then associated with the lowest wenches.
[261] The circus flaminius. Located in the ninth district, of the same name, built 221 B.C.
[262] Aelian Bridge. (Pons Aelius,) now the Angel Bridge.
[263] Aqueducts. The magnificent water-works formed one of the principal ornaments of ancient Rome. “The mountain springs, conveyed for miles in subterranean pipes or over huge arches to the city, poured plashing from artificial grottos, spread out into vast, richly adorned reservoirs, or mounted in the jets of superb fountains, whose cool breath refreshed and purified the summer air.” (Friedländer, I, 14.)