[126] Cottana, "ficorum genus." Plin., xiii., 5.
[127] "As if squeezed in the passage by the narrowness of the throat."
[128] His powers of flattery show his ability of assuming a fictitious character as much as his skill in acting.
[129] Or the "Dorian maid." They were scantily dressed. Hence the φαινομηρίδες of Ibycus.
[130] Major abolla, seems to be a proverbial expression; it may either be the "Stoic's cloak," which was more ample than the scanty robe of the Cynic; or "the philosopher's cloak," which has therefore more dignity and weight with it than the soldier's or civilian's. The allusion is to P. Egnatius Celer, the Stoic, who was bribed to give the false testimony on which Bareas Soranus was convicted. V. Tac., Ann., xvi., 21, seq., and 32.
[131] Ripa. Commentators are divided between Tarsus, Thebes, and Corinth.
[132] Togatus. Gifford quotes Martial, x., Ep. 10.
"Quid faciet pauper cui non licet esse clienti?
Dimisit nostras purpura vestra togas."
[133] Collega; alluding to the two prætors, "Urbanus" and "Peregrinus."
[134] Claudit latus. This is the order Britannicus takes. "Claudere latus" means not only to accompany, as a mark of respect, but to give the inner place; to become his "comes exterior." Horace, ii., Sat. v., 18. So Gifford, "And if they walk beside him yield the wall."