Rodere qui solitus, roditur a vermibus."
[1] [The author of the Critique de Marsollier says it was Philip Labbe. See Burigni, tom. ii. pp. 428, 429. Jortin's Life of Erasmus.—ED.]
This distich, it has been remarked, presents two obvious faults of prosodial quantity; the first syllable of bonus being made long, and the first of vermibus short, which the author explained by maintaining that the one nullified and compensated for the other, thus redeeming both.
The best epitaph on Erasmus has always appeared to me to be that of Julius Cæsar Scaliger, expressive of his regret for their long personal hostility, and then rendering ample justice to his deceased adversary. It begins thus:—
"Tunc etiam moreris? ah quid me linquis, Erasme?
Ante meus quam sit conciliatus amor!"
To which may be aptly applied the sentiment expressed by Corneille (Mort de Pompée, Acte V. Sc. 1.):—
"Ah! qu'il est doux de plaindre
La mort d'un ennemi, quand il n'est plus à craindre."
To the portrait of Erasmus have been subscribed these characteristic words, "Vidit, pervidit, risit."