[29.] Extorts a groan)—Ver. 22. So in the Aulularia of Plautus, Act II. Sc. viii. the miser Euclio is represented as groaning over the high price of provisions.
[30.] Cutting down)—Ver. 25. In his will.
[31.] Lest Libitina)—Ver. 26. The “pollinctores,” or “undertakers,” kept their biers and other implements required at funerals, at the Temple of the Goddess Libitina.
[32.] In the island of Ceos)—Ver. 28. The poet Simonides was born at Iulis, a city of the isle of Ceos, one of the Cyclades, in the Ægæan Sea.
[33.] Their girdles)—Ver. 11. Among the ancients, the zones or girdles were sometimes used for the purpose of keeping money there; while sometimes purses were carried suspended from them.
[34.] Carrying about their pictures)—Ver. 24. It was the custom for shipwrecked persons to go about soliciting charity with a painting suspended from the neck, representing their calamity; much in the fashion which we sometimes see followed at the present day.
[35.] A Mountain)—Ver. 1. Tachos, King of Egypt, is said by Plutarch to have said to Agesilaüs, King of Sparta, when he came to his assistance: “The mountain has been in labour, Jupiter has been in alarm, but it has brought forth a mouse,” alluding to the diminutive stature of Agesilaus; who contented himself with replying, in answer to this rude remark: “One day I shall appear to you even to be a lion.”
[36.] A certain Pugilist)—Ver. 5. “Pyctæ;” from the Greek πυκτὴς, a “boxer,” or “pugilist,” Latinized.
[37.] Twin stars of Leda)—Ver. 9. Castor and Pollux, the twin sons of Leda.
[38.] Usually are)—Ver. 9. Orellius introduces this after Fable V in the Fifth Book.