[878] Vana supervacui, repeated xvi., 41.
[879] Sardonychus. Pliny says the sardonyx was the principal gem employed for seals, "quoniam sola prope gemmarum scalpta ceram non aufert." xxxvii., 6.
"If rogues deny their bend (though ten times o'er
Perused by careful witnesses before),
Whose well-known hand proclaims the glaring lie,
Whose master-signet proves the perjury." Hodgson.
[880] Incendia. Cf. ix., 98, "Sumere ferrum, Fuste aperire caput, candelam apponere valvis, non dubitat."
[881] Grandia pocula. Alluding perhaps to some of Nero's sacrilegious spoliations. Suet., Ner., 32, 38. It was customary for kings and nations allied with Rome to send crowns and other valuable offerings to the temple of Capitoline Jove and others.
[882] Coronas.
"Gifts of great nations, crowns of pious kings!
Goblets, to which undated tarnish clings!" Badham.
[883] Touantem. Vid. Dennis's Etruria, vol. i., p. li. Cf. Suet., Nero, 32, fin. Milman's Horace, p. 66.
"Is much respect for Castor to be felt
By those whose crucibles whole Thunderers melt?" Badh.
[884] Mercatoremque veneni. Shakspeare, Rom. and Jul.,