ut eius diversa studia, etc., 'to help you to understand other tastes of his in quite a different sphere of life' ('ratio,' lit. 'way,' 'method,' 'plan').
ludo, 'school,' where gladiators were trained under a fencing-master (lanista).
in scaena (σκηνή), 'on the stage.' The profession of an actor was considered degrading (infamis) for a Roman citizen, and was generally left to slaves and freedmen.
levior et nequior, 'a little more frivolous and worthless' (than his fellows).
cum, 'although.'
instrumenta, 'the instruments,' i.e. the powers of mind and body by which a virtuous disposition makes itself felt.
fortunas, 'estates,' as distinguished from property in money.
obligaverunt, 'mortgaged.'
res, 'money,' fides, 'credit.' This has just begun to fail them, because in view of the break-down of their schemes, their creditors will not trust them any longer. See on 'proximis Idibus' [1. 14].