Note IX.
And where the Samian Y directs thy steps to run
To Virtue's narrow steep, and broad-way Vice to shun.—P. [234].
Pythagoras, of Samos, made the allusion of the Y, or Greek upsilon, to Vice and Virtue. One side of the letter being broad, characters Vice, to which the ascent is wide and easy; the other side represents Virtue, to which the passage is strait and difficult; and perhaps our Saviour might also allude to this, in those noted words of the evangelist, "The way to heaven," &c.
Note X.
Fat fees from the defended Umbrian draws.—P. [235].
Casaubon here notes, that, among all the Romans, who were brought up to learning, few, besides the orators or lawyers, grew rich.
Note XI.
His heels stretched out, and pointing to the gate.—P. [237].
The Romans were buried without the city; for which reason, the poet says, that the dead man's heels were stretched out towards the gate.