[671] “Sinistræ.” The play here upon the word “sinister” cannot be so well transferred into the English language; but it bears reference to the double meaning of the word, “on the left hand,” and “unlucky,” “ill-omened,” or, as we say “sinister.” We may remark, that rings were very generally employed by the Romans, not merely as ornaments, but as indications of office and rank.—B.
[672] From Corinth, it was said: Damaratus of Corinth being the father of the first Tarquin. See B. xxxv. c. [5].
[673] On the subject of “Bullæ,” golden balls, worn by the children of the nobles, see Dr. Smith’s Dict. Antiq. p. 168.—B.
[674] As to the “Toga prætexta,” see B. viii. c. 74.
[675] “Lorum.” This word literally signifies a leather strap or thong, and Pliny is supposed by Hardouin to mean simply, that, in this latter case the strap was worn without the bulla, which was in other cases attached to it. Juvenal, Sat. v. l. 164, speaks of the “lorum” of the children of the poor.—B.
[676] Δακτύλιον, from δάκτυλος, a “finger.”
[677] Festus says that this was the Oscan name for a ring. It would appear to be allied to the word “unguis,” which means a nail of the finger or toe, and would perhaps signify a “nail ornament.”
[678] As meaning a seal or signet, for which purpose, as we shall find explained in the sequel, the ring was used.
[679] This seems to be the meaning of “Vulgoque sic triumphabant.”
[680] As to these crowns, see B. xxi. c. 4.