[1947] Nemo homo. The two words, according to Charisius, were always used together. Cf. Plaut., Asin., II., iv., 60, "Ego certe me incerto scio hoc daturum nemini homini." Pers., II., ii., 29, "Nemo homo unquam ita arbitratus 'st." Cic., N. D., ii., 38.
[1948] Lib. xxviii., 17, where the Fr. is also quoted.
[1949] Ecferimur, i. e., "extollimur." Non.
[1950] Is hopelessly corrupt.
[1951] Occurs before; lib., xix., Fr. 8.
BOOK XXX.
ARGUMENT.
Most of the commentators seem to be agreed that the subject of this book was "matrimonial life." Mercer considers that it contained an altercation between a married couple, in which the lady strenuously refuses to submit to the lawful authority of her husband. Van Heusde says that in it were depicted the miseries of married life generally; especially of those husbands who are so devoted to their wives, that they surrender the reins of government into the hands of those, for whom the law compels them to provide subsistence, not only at the expense of their own personal labor, but also at the risk of life itself: the only return which they receive as an equivalent from the hands of their wives, being opprobrious language, ill temper, haughty exaction, treachery, and unfaithfulness to the marriage-bed. In addition to this, Gerlach thinks that in this, his last book, Lucilius recapitulated the subjects of his previous Satires; and consequently many Fragments are assigned to this book, which might easily be inserted in others. Among other matters, the poet also defends himself against the malignant charges of envious critics, one, Gaius, being especially noticed. The story of the old lion, which Horace has copied [i., Ep. i., 74], may also lead us to suppose that the treachery of false friends formed part of the matter of the poem.
N.B.—Gerlach considers that the 80th was undoubtedly the last book. The passages quoted from subsequent books are the result of the carelessness of the Librarii. These passages, therefore, will all be found incorporated into the preceding books.