"Horace, (says Dacier) diverts himself with describing the folly of a Poet, whom his flatterers have driven mad." To whom the caution against flatterers was addressed, has before been observed by Dacier. This description therefore, growing immediately out of that caution, must be considered as addressed to the Elder Piso.
699.—Leap'd COLDLY into AEtna's burning mount.
Ardentem FRIGIDUS aetnam insiluit.
This is but a cold conceit, not much in the usual manner of Horace.
710.—
Whether, the victim of incestuous love, THE SACRED MONUMENT he striv'd to move.
An TRISTE BIDENTAL moverit incestus.
The BIDENTAL was a place that had been struck with lightning, and afterwards expiated by the erection of an altar and the sacrifice of sheep; hostiis BIDENTIBUS; from which it took its name. The removal or disturbance of this sacred monument was deemed sacrilege; and the attempt, a supposed judgement from heaven, as a punishment for some heavy crime.
7l8.—