[272] In spite of what Schenkius says in confirmation of Pliny, this is very doubtful. Of course it must increase from childhood, but the increase surely does not continue till the fiftieth year.
[273] See an account of him in the Messeniaca of Pausanias.
[274] In this part of the story may have originated that of the escape of Sindbad the Sailor, when buried in the vault with the body of his wife.—See the “Arabian Nights.”
[275] “Rex Sacrorum.” This was a priest elected from the patricians, on whom the priestly duties devolved, which had been originally performed by the kings of Rome. He ranked above the Pontifex Maximus, but was possessed of little or no political influence.
[276] No doubt there was trickery in this.
[277] By supernatural agency.
[278] This was P. Vitellius, who served under Germanicus in Germany. He was one of the accusers of Cn. Piso, who was charged with having poisoned Germanicus.
[279] The cardiac disease, as alleged.
[280] B. ix. c. 6.
[281] But see B. viii. c. 51, and B. xxviii. c. 29.