"At tu, pulchra Salix, Thamesini littoris hospes."
Certain critics object to this word "littoris," used here in the sense of "ripa." The question is, whether such an application can be borne out by ancient authorities. To be sure, the substitution of "marginis" for "littoris" would obviate all controversy; but as the objection has been started, and urged with some pertinacity, it may be worth while to consider it. The ordinary meaning of littus is undoubtedly the sea-shore; but it seems quite certain that it is used occasionally in the sense of "ripa."
In the 2d Ode of Horace, book 1st, we find:
"Vidimus flavum Tiberim, retortis
Littore Etrusco violenter undis,
Ire dejectum monumenta regis,
Templaque Vestæ;
Iliæ dum se nimium querenti
Jactat ultorem; vagus et sinistrâ
Labitur ripâ."