[442] We have an example in Martial, v. 34. 9, of the imprecation which has been common in all ages:
Mollia nec rigidus cespes tegat ossa, nec illi
Terra gravis fueris;
and in Seneca’s Hippolytus, sub finem:
... istam terra defossam premat,
Gravisque tellus impio capiti incubet.
[443] The author refers to this opinion, xxix. 23, when describing the effects of venomous animals.
[444] inertium; “ultione abstinentium,” as explained by Alexandre, in Lemaire, i. 367.
[445] “Quod mortis genus a terræ meritis et benignitate valde abhorret.” Hardouin, in Lemaire, i. 367.
[446] “Terra, inquit, sola est, e quatuor naturæ partibus sive elementis, adversus quam ingrati simus.” Alexandre, in Lemaire, i. 368.