[7.] Country-seat at Misenum)—Ver. 8. This villa was situate on Cape Misenum, a promontory of Campania, near Baiæ and Cumæ, so called from Misenus, the trumpeter of Æneas, who was said to have been buried there. The villa was originally built by C. Marius, and was bought by Cornelia, and then by Lucullus, who either rebuilt it or added extensively to it.
[8.] Of the chamberlains)—Ver. 11. The “atrienses” were a superior class of the domestic slaves. It was their duty to take charge of the “atrium,” or hall; to escort visitors or clients, and to explain to strangers all matters connected with the pictures, statues, and other decorations of the house.
[9.] To sprinkle)—Ver. 16. Burmann suggests that this duty did not belong to the “atriensis,” who would consequently think that his courteous politeness would on that account be still more pleasing to the Emperor.
[10.] Another walk)—Ver. 18. The “xystus” was a level piece of ground, in front of a portico, divided into flower-beds of various shapes by borders of box.
[11.] Much higher price)—Ver. 25. He alludes to the Roman mode of manumission, or setting the slaves at liberty. Before the master presented the slave to the Quæstor, to have the “vindicta,” or lictor’s rod, laid on him, he turned him round and gave him a blow on the face. In the word “veneunt,” “sell,” there is a reference to the purchase of their liberty by the slaves, which was often effected by means of their “peculium,” or savings.
[12.] Literally: Whatever violence and unscrupulousness attack, comes.
[13.] Carrying baskets)—Ver. 2. “Fisci” were baskets made of twigs, or panniers, in which the Romans kept and carried about sums of money. Being used especially in the Roman treasury, the word in time came to signify the money itself. Hence our word “fiscal.”
[14.] Clear-toned bell)—Ver. 5. Scheffer and Gronovius think that the bell was used, as in some countries at the present day, for the purpose of warning those who came in an opposite direction to make room where the path was narrow.
[15.] Amid the slaughter)—Ver. 8. He alludes no doubt to the murder of the men conducting the mules by the Robbers.
[16.] Those spiders’ webs)—Ver. 23. The mode of clearing away the spider webs may be seen described in the beginning of the “Stichus” of Plautus.