The satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis translated into English verse by Mr. Dryden and several other eminent hands ; together with the satires of Aulus Persius Flaccus, made English by Mr. Dryden ; with explanatory notes at the end of each satire ; to which is prefix'd a discourse concerning the original and progress of satire ... by Mr. Dryden.

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THE Translator of Juvenal's 8th Satyr industrously avoided imposing upon the Reader, and perplexing the Printer with tedious Common∣place Notes; but finding towards the latter End many Examples of Noble-Men who disgraced their Ancestors by Vicious Practices, and of Men Mean∣ly Born who innobled their Families by Virtuous and Brave Actions, he thought some Historical Relations were necessary towards rendring those In∣stances more Intelligible; which is all he pretends to by his Remarks. He wou'd gladly have left out the heavy passage of the Mirmillo and Retiarius, which he Honestly Confesses he either does not rightly under∣stand, or cannot sufficiently explain. If he has not confin'd himself to the strict Rules of Translation, but has frequently taken the liberty of Imitating, Paraphrasing, or Reconciling the Roman Customs to our Modern Vsage▪ He hopes this freedom is Pardonable, since he has not us'd it, but when he found the Original flat, obscure, or defective; and where the Humour and Connexion of the Author might naturally allow of such a Change.

EXPLANATORY NOTES ON THE EIGHTH SATYR.

THE Family of the Fabii were descended of Hercules (in Honour of whom the Romans built a Temple in the Foro Boario.) Fabius Maximus in remembrance of his Services in the Wars, against the Peo∣ple of Provence, Languedoc, Dauphiny▪ and other Provinces of France (formerly known by the Name of Allobroges) was Sirnamed Allobrogi∣cus; which Title his Son wou'd have assumed, whom our Author here Censures, as a Man of an Effeminate Person, a profligate Life, and of Dangerous Practices.

Brave and Virtuous Romans.

The Rods and Ax, which were carry'd in Processions, as Badges of the Consular Dignity.

Such as Getulicus, Africanus, Numantinus, Creticus.

Osyris, for teaching the Aegyptians Husbandry, had a Temple built at Memphis; where he was Worshipt in the shape of an Ox, which the Priests used to Drown at a certain Age; and gave out, their God was withdrawn, and absented himself for a few Days; during which time 'twas their Custom to go Mourning and searching up and down, till they found another Ox to supply his place, and then they broke out with these Exclamations, We have found him, let's rejoyce.

The first King of Athens.

I have taken the Liberty to give this Simile a Modern Air, because it happens to agree exactly with the Humour of our Author.

(Meaning your Ancestors.) Rubellius Plancus.

Phalaris was a Tyrant of Agrigentum in Sicily; to flatter whose Cruelty, Perillus invented a Brazen Bull, wherein People might be Roasted alive, and their Cries were not unlike the bellowings of an Ox: But the Tyrant had the Justice to reward the Artizen as he deserv'd, by making him first try the Experiment.

Pag. 152. Improperly we measure Life by Breath, &c. This and the 7 following Verses are a sort of Paraphrase upon 2 lines of the Original, which I was forced to enlarge, because the sence of the Author is too close and obscure.

(Speaking to Ponticus)

(Any poor Man who is Oppress'd.)

Famous Painters, Statuaries, and other Artizens.

Proconsuls of Asia and Sicily.

Returning to Ponticus.

The Inhabitants of these places were Effeminate, and easie to be enslav'd.

The People of Africk, who supply'd Rome with Corn.

Marius Priscus.

The first King of the Latins.

The Poet in this place speaks neither to Rubellius nor Pontic••••, but in general to any Perjur'd, or Debauch'd Nobleman.

Numa Pompilius (the Second King of Rome) the better to Civilize the savage Humour of the People, first introduc'd among them the fear and Worship of the Gods, and instituted the Rites and Ceremonies of Priests, Oaths, and Sacrifices.

Hippona was the Goddess of Jockies and Horses.

Ostia, the Mouth of the River Tyber.

Meaning Nero, whom he Censures severely in the Pages follow∣ing, Fig. 33.

This Period is perplext, and I fear will not be understood in our Language, being only a Description of the Roman Gladiators, who were of two sorts, and had different Names according to the Arms and Habit they appear'd with, one fought with a Cymiter in his right Hand▪ a Target on his left Arm, and an Helmet on his Head; he was call'd Mirmillo, or Secutor. The other wore a short Coat without Sleeves▪ call'd Tunica; a Hat on his Head; he carried in his right Hand a Jave∣lin Fork'd like a Trident, call'd Fuscina; and on his left Arm a Nett, in which he endeavour'd to catch his Adversary, and from thence was call'd Retiarius. The meaning of the Poet, is, to reprehend Gracchus (whom he had before rebuked in the 2d Satyr) for 3 Vices at once: For his Baseness, for as much as being a Nobleman he will condescend to fight upon the publick Theater: For his Impudence, in not chusing an Habit which might have kept him Disguis'd, and hindred him from being known: And for his Cowardise, in running away.

For the clearer understanding of what follows, it may be Neces∣sary to give a short Abridgment of Nero's Cruelties, Follies, and End: Which may be found at large in his Life, written by Suetonius and Tacitus, and in the Continuation which Mr. Saville has added to his Translation of the last of these Authors, by way of Supplement to what is wanting betwixt the Annals and the History. But I shall only relate what I find mention'd in this Satyr, and shall begin with his Parricides.

Upon suspicion that Seneca his Tutor, had some Knowledge of the Conspiracy which Piso was carrying on against his Person, Nero laid hold on this Oportunity to Rid himself of the uneasie Censurer of his Vices, yet allow'd him the liberty of chusing the Manner of his Death. Seneca was apprehensive of Pain, and therefore desired to have his Veins opened, which he judg'd might be the most easie and plea∣sant Method of Dying: But finding it too tedious, he prevail'd with his Friend and Phisitian, Annaeus Statius, to give him a Draught of Poyson; which too operating very slowly, by Reason his Veins were exhausted, and his Limbs chill'd, the Standers by, to make quicker dispatch, smother'd him with the steem of an hot Bath. Iuvenal not unjustly places this Murder of Seneca among Nero's Parricides, since a Tutor ought to be esteem'd as a Civil Parent.

This bold Thought and Expression of Iuvenal is grounded on the Roman Laws whereby Par••icides were Condemn'd to be sow'd up in a Bag (call'd Cule••s) with a Cock, a Monkey, a Serpent, and a Dog, and thrown together into the Sea, or any Neighbouring River. This Punishment of drowning in a Sack▪ is still us'd in several Parts of Ger∣many, but without the Company of those Creatures abovemention'd.

The Story of Orestes (betwixt whom and Nero, Iuvenal wou'd draw a Parallell) is this; his Mother Clytemnestra finding her Husband Agamemnon was return'd alive from the Siege of Troy, and fearing he might Revenge her Amours with Egystheus, with whom she had lived

in Adultery during her Husband's absence, she thought the safest way might be, to Assassinate Agamemnon, by the help of Egystheus, at his first Reception, and before he cou'd suspect such an attempt. The manner how they dispatch'd him, is reported differently. Some Au∣th••rs relate that as he was changing his Linnen, he was stifled in a Shirt ••ow••d together at the Neck. But Homer in the 4th and 11th Books of his Odyssea, where he describes this Murder, is of Iuvenal's Opinion, that he was kill'd at a Banquet, when he little expected such Treatment. Egystheus after this Murder Married Clytemnestra, and U∣surp'd the Kingdom of Mycena 7 Years: During which time Orestes grew up to Man's Estate, and by the instigation of his Sister Electra, and the Assistance of some Neighbouring Princes, march'd from Athens, Destroy'd and Murther'd the Usurper; and at last, under pretence of being Mad, stab'd his Mother. Homer (as well as our Author) justifies this Revenge, as being undertaken by the Advice of the Gods: And Paterculus infers they must needs have approved the Action, since O∣restes (after it) lived long, and Reigned Happily.

Nero cou'd not suffer his Mother Agrippina, because of her en∣croaching on his Government; for which Reason he made frequent At∣tempts upon her Life, but without success, till at last Anicetus his Bond∣man undertook to stab her, which she perceiving, and guessing by whose Orders he came, clapt her hand upon her Belly, and bid him (with great presence of Mind) strike there, supposing it deserv'd that Punishment for bearing such a Monster.

He ordered his first Wife Octavia to be publickly Executed, upon a false Accusation of Adultery, and kill'd his second Wife Poppaea, when she was big with Child, by a kick on the Belly.

Britannicus (his Brother by Adoption) was Poison'd by his Or∣ders, out of jealousie lest he shou'd supplant him. And Antonia (Clau∣dius's Daughter) was Executed under pretence of a Conspiracy, but in truth because she refused to Marry Nero after the Death of Poppaea.

He caus'd Rufinus Crispinus, Son to Poppaea, to be Drown'd as he was Fishing; and Aulus Plancus, a Relation of his Mothers, to be kill'd because she was fond of him.

I need mention no more of these unnatural Murders, but go on to his other Extravagancies.

He was Industrious to be esteem'd the best Musitian of his Age; and at his Death regretted nothing more sensibly, than that the World shou'd lose so great a Master. To maintain this Reputation, he fre∣quently condescended to Act and Sing upon the Theater among the or∣dinary Comedians, and took a journey to Greece on purpose to try his skill against the most Famous Artists of that Country; from whom he bore away the Garland (which was the usual Recompence of the first performer) return'd to Rome in Triumph, as if he had Conquer'd a Province; and order'd both the Garland and Instrument to be hung up among the Banners and Honours of his Family.

He had likewise a great Vanity towards being thought a good Poet, and made Verses on the Destruction of Troy, call'd Troica; and

'tis reported he burnt Rome to be more lively and natural in his De∣scription: Tho 'tis more probable he destroy'd the Old-Fashion'd Build∣ings▪ out of dislike to the narrowness and crookedness of the Streets, and to have the Honour of rebuilding the City better, and calling it by his own Name.

These monstrous Frolicks and Cruelties cou'd not but make his People weary of his Government. Virginius Rufus, who was his Lieutenant General in Gaule, by the Assistance of Iunius Vindex (a No∣bleman of that Country) soon perswaded the Armies under his Com∣mand to fall from their Allegiance; and sollicited Sergius Galba, who was Lieutenant General in Spain, to do the like, by offering him the Empire in favour of Mankind; which he at last accepted, upon inti∣mation that Nero had issued out secret Orders to dispatch him; and March'd with all the Forces he cou'd gather, towards Rome. Nero not being in a Condition to oppose such Troops, fell into Dispair, which turn'd to an uncertainty what Measures to take, whether to Poyson himself, or beg Pardon of the People, or endeavour to make his Escape. The last of these Methods seem'd most Adviseable; he therefore put himself into Disguise, and crept with four Attendants only into a poor Cottage; where perceiving he was pursued, as a Sacrifice to the Pub∣lick Vengeance, and apprehending the Rabble wou'd Treat him Barba∣rously, if he fell into their Hands; with much adoe he resolv'd to Stab himself.

Catiline's Conspiracy is a Story too well known to be insisted on: He was of a Noble Family, but by his Extravagancies had re∣duced himself to great want, which engaged him in bad Practices. The Roman Armies were then pursuing Conquests in remote Provinces, which Catiline judg'd the most seasonable opportunity for undertaking some desperate Design: He therefore entred into a Conspiracy with Cethegus, Lentulus, and other Senators, and Persons considerable by their Births and Employments, to make themselves absolute Masters of their Country, by seizing the Senate, plundering the Treasury, and burning the City.

Incendiaries by the Roman Law were wrapt in a Pitch'd Coat (which they call'd Tunica Molesta) and Burnt alive: As we see by Tacitus Ann. 16. § 44. Where Nero after having set Rome on Fire, lays the blame and Punishment on the Christians, by ordering them, with a Cruel jest, to be Light up, and serve as Torches when it was dark.

One Fulvia (whom Livy calls a Common Whore, tho Plutarch makes her pass for a Lady of Quality) came to have some knowledge of this Enterprize, and discover'd it to Cicero, (a Person whom Pater∣culus elegantly calls Vir••m novitatis Nobilissimae; since he was a Man of Mean Parentage, Born at Arpinum, an inconsiderable Town among the Volscians, but by his Eloquence rais'd himself to the chief Digni∣ties of State, and happened to be Consul at that time) who assembled the Senate, and by a severe Oration accused and convicted Catiline: However he, with a few of his Party▪ found means to make his escape towards Tuscany, and put himself at the Head of some Troops which Manlius had got together in those Parts, threatning publickly that he wou'd put out the Fire of the City by the Ruins of it. In the mean time Cethegus, Lentulus, and several other Complices were seiz'd and

strangled in Prison by order of the Senate, at Cato's perswasion: And Caius Antonius Nepos, who was joint-Consul with Tully, March'd with what Forces he cou'd raise against Catiline, who in a sharp Battle was kill'd upon the Spot with most of his Followers, and (as Paterculus ob∣serves) Quem spiritum supplicio debuerat, praelio reddidit.

A Promontory of Epirus, near the Island Leucas, where Antony and Cleopatra were Ruin'd by a Famous Sea-Fight.

The Fields near Philippi, in Thessaly, where Brutus and Cassius were defeated.

Caius Marius, was likewise Born at Arpinum, and of such poor Parents, that he was first a Plowman, then a Common Souldier, yet at last by his Merit arrived to the highest Employments. One while he was Consul (for that Honour was 7 times conferr'd on him) the Cimbria••s attempted to make an Incursion into Italy; But he kill'd 140000 of them, and made 60000 Prisoners; For which Victory, a Triumph was ordain'd him by the Senate; but to decline the Envy which might be rais'd by his Good Fortune, he sollicited that Q. Luctatius Catulus, his Collegue, who was of a Noble Family, might be permitted to Triumph with him, tho he had no share in the Action.

Among the Romans there was a Superstition, that if their Gene∣ral wou'd consent to be Devoted, or Sacrificed to Iupiter, Mars, the Earth, and the Infernal Gods, all the Misfortunes which otherwise might have hapned to his Party, wou'd by his Death be transfer'd on their Enemies. This Opinion was confirm'd by several successful In∣stances, particularly two, in the Persons of the Decii, Father and Son here mention'd. The first being Consul with Manlius in the Wars a∣gainst the Latins, and perceiving the Left Wing, which he Com∣manded, gave back, he call'd out to Valerius the High-Priest to per∣form on him the Ceremony of Consecration, (which we find describ'd by Livy in his 8th Book) and immediately spurr'd his Horse into the thickest of his Enemies Forces, where he was kill'd, and the Roman Army gain'd the Battle. His Son Died in the same manner in the War against the Gauls, and the Romans likewise obtain'd the Victory.

Servius Tullus was Son to Oriculana, whom Iuvenal calls a Serving-Maid, but Livy supposes her to have been Wife to a Prince of Corniculum, who was kill'd at the taking of the Town, and his Wife was carri'd away Captive by Tarquinius Priscus, and presented as a Slave to his Wi••e Tanaquil, in whose Service she was deliver'd of this Tullus. The Family had a great Respect for the Child, because of a Lambent Fire they observ'd to play about his Head while he slept, which was interpreted as an Omen of his future Greatness; therefore care was taken of his Education, and at last he was Contracted to the King's Daughter: Whereupon A••cus Martius his 2 Sons (who were the true Heirs of the Crown) fearing this Marriage might hinder their Succession, hired two Shepherds to Assassinate Tarquinius, which they undertook, but cou'd not Execute so dextrously as was expected; for, the King lived some days after the blow was given, during which time Tanaquil caus'd the Gates of the Pallace to be kept shut, and amused the People (who were eager on a new Election) with assurances that the Wound was not Mortal, That the King was in a fair way of Reco∣very,

and till he cou'd appear abroad, required them to pay Obedience to Servius Tullius: Who by this means first got possession of the Go∣vernment in the King's Name, and after his Death Usurp'd it 44 Years in his own. At last he was forced out of the Senate by Lucius Tar∣quinius, thrown down Stairs, and Murder'd by his Orders. Livy adds this Commendation, That with him Iusta ac legitima regna occidêrunt; which agrees with Iuvenal's calling him The last good King; For, Tar∣quin, who Reign'd 25 Years after him, was hated for his Pride and Cruelty, and for the Barbarous Rape which his Son Sextus committed on Lucretia, Wise to Collatinus; who by the help of L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Pre••ensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect. (44) Tar∣quin, who Reign'd 25 Years after him, was hated for his Pride and Cruelty, and for the Barbarous Rape which his Son Sextus committed on Lucretia, Wi••e to Collatinus; who by the help of L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Precensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect. (46) L. Iunius Brutus reveng'd this injury, by driving Tarquin and his whole Race out of Rome, which from that time began to be Govern'd by Consuls; and the better to secure their Liberty, Brutus Administred an Oath by which the Romans oblig'd themselves never to suffer any more Kings, and made a Decree (which prov'd fatal to his Family) whereby it was declared a Capital Crime in any Person who shou'd endeavour by any means to bring back the Tarquins. However they gave not over their Precensions, but send Embassadours under pretence of solliciting that their Estates at least might be restored them, but underhand to insinuate themselves among the loose Young Noblemen (who grew weary of a Common-Wealth, because the Rigour of their new Laws did not tolerate that licentious way of living which they enjoy'd un∣der the Government of their Kings) and to concert with them the best Methods towards their Restoration. This Design was first pro∣posed to the Aquilii and Vitellii: The last of these were Brothers to Brutus his Wife, and by that Alliance easily engag'd Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect. (45) Titus and Tibe∣rius (two Sons he had by her) in the Conspiracy, the sum of which was, That the Gates of the City shou'd be left open for the Tarquins to enter in the Night-time; and that the Embassadors might be assu∣red of their sincerity, each Member of the Cabal deliver'd them, the Night before they were to return, Letters under their own hands for the Tarquins, with Promises to this effect.

Vindicius, a Slave who waited at Table, by chance overheard part of their Discourse; and comparing these Circumstances with some others he had observ'd in their former Conferences, he went streight to the Consul's, and told what he had discover'd. Orders were immediately issued out for searching the Embassadors, the Letters abovemention'd were intercepted, the Criminals seiz'd, and the proof being evident against them, they suffered the Punishment (which was newly introduced) of being tyed Naked to a Stake, where they were firs•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by t••e Lictors, then Beheaded: And Brutus, by Virtue of his Office, was unhappily obliged to see this Rigorous Sentence Execu∣ted on his old Children.

To pursue the Story; the Tarquins finding their Plot had miscarried, and fearing nothing cou'd be done by treachery, struck up an Alliance with Porsenna King of Thuscany, who pretending to restore them by o∣pen force, march'd with a numerous Army, and besieg'd Rome: But was soon surpriz'd with three such Instances of the Roman Bravery, in the Persons of Cocles, Mutius, and Clelia, that he withdrew his Army, and courted their Friendship.

Horatius Cocles being Posted to guard a Bridge, which he per∣ceived the Enemy wou'd soon be Maste•• of, he stood resolutely and

opposed part of their Army, while the Party he Commanded, repass'd the Bridge, and broke it down after them; and then threw himself, Armed as he was, into the Tyber, and escaped to the City.

Mutius Scaevola went into the Enemies Camp with a Resolution to kill their King Porsenna, but instead of striking him, stabb'd one of his Guards; and being brought before the King, and finding his Er∣rour, in indignation he burn'd off his Right hand as a Penalty for his mistake.

Clelia, a Roman Virgin, who was given to Porsenna as an Hostage, made her escape from the Guards, and swam over the Tyber.

Romulus finding the City, call'd by his Name, not sufficiently Peopled, establish'd an Asylum, or Sanctuary, where all Out-laws, Vagabonds, and Criminals of what Nature soever, who cou'd make their escape thither, might live in all freedom and security.

The Author either means the Bastard of Mars, and R••ea Sylvia, a Vestal Virgin, of whose Rape we have a Relation in the beginning of Ovid's 3d Book de Fastis, or a Parricide, for killing his Brother Remus.

* The ugly Buffoon of the Grecian Army.