[58] Eurotas. A river in Greece, flowing past the city of Sparta.
[59] Vesta. The goddess of the hearth.
[60] Golden Shield. The shield of Mars which had fallen from heaven during the reign of Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome.
[61] Celtic plain. The north of Italy, inhabited by Celtic tribes.
[62] Sire Quirinus. Romulus, the founder of Rome.
[63] The Twelve. In order to prevent the shield of Mars from being stolen, eleven others were made after the same pattern, and twelve priests were appointed to guard the twelve shields.
[64] High Pontiff. The chief priest.
[65] Asylum. Romulus was said to have promised a refuge to all fugitives, in the newly-founded city of Rome.
[66] the fire. In the temple of Vesta.
[67] Dorians. The Spartans belonged to the Dorian branch of the Greek people.