Martial's Distribution of Hours (Vol. iv., pp. 273., 332.).
—I ought perhaps to thank THEOPHYLACT for good intention in answering, not the question I did ask, but that which he thinks I "might have asked."
My real question was based upon an assumption, the truth of which THEOPHYLACT denies: his reply therefore is rather a challenge to premiss, than an answer to the question.
I totally dissent from him in understanding "quies lassis" in any sense short of absolute recumbent repose: "finis," which he takes as the real commencement of the siesta, I understand as its conclusion: nor am I aware of any, except the last final quies, to which the term finis would be applicable.
Neither can I admit, upon the authority of THEOPHYLACT, that there was any gradual or partial cessation of business in Rome during the hour which we call "between eleven and twelve o'clock in the forenoon." Julius Cæsar left home, commenced the business of the senate, was surrounded by thronging applicants, and was assassinated—all during that hour: and, unless THEOPHYLACT can show that therefore, and on that account, it became distasteful to succeeding emperors, he must excuse me from admitting his interpretation.
A. E. B.
Nelson's Signal (Vol. iv., p. 473.).
—I send you Nelson's exact words as conveyed by signal at Trafalgar, as noted down by several ships in the fleet:
England—253
expects—269