[72]. I speak of those whose abominable lasciviousness and execrable lust do not even spare the head. (Lactantius, Instit. Div. VI., 23.) Similarly Juvenal, VI., v. 299, 300:

“For what cares the drunken Venus? She knows not the difference between groin and head.”

[73]. Martial, II., 72:

“They say Posthumus, that they did to you last night, at supper, what I would not have let them do;—who could approve such doings? They split your mouth! ...”

Then playing upon the words rumour and irrumate he adds:

“... As the author of this crime, the town’s rumour designates Caecilius.”

And again III., 73, ibid.:

“Rumour denies you are a Cinede.”

III., 80:

“Rumour says, you have an evil tongue.”