M. CORNELIUS FRONTO
nothing of equal value and force could be put in its place. That, again, is a happy expression[† 1] . . . . or that turn of yours beside the mark where you say nor all the other things which make up the Odyssey.
3. Indeed all that Latin context is interwoven by you and alternates as skilfully with the Greek verses as the movements of the gaily-drest performers in the Pyrrhic reel when they run together, coalescing now with these, now with those, dressed some in scarlet, others in damask,[1] and crimson, and purple.
4. Again, your transition from Laertius to Atrides was neatly done. But come, that was a nasty return you gave Q. Ennius when you said that, had he not awaked from sleep he could not have recounted his dream. See if my Marcus Caesar can evolve anything more dexterous than that. No sleight of word So clever, no snare, as Laevius says, so cunningly set. What if I beseech you never to wake up? Nay, I beseech you to sleep. Another jester's[2] proverb: Marry, one with whom you can play odd and even in the dark! But am I not blest in seeing and realizing this, and above all in being called by the title master? How I master? who cannot get my way in this one thing I would have you learn—to sleep. Go your own way, provided that, whether you wake early or sleep long, the Gods keep you for me. Farewell, my joy, farewell.
- ↑ For the meaning of luteus see Fronto apud Gell. ii. 26, § 8.
- ↑ Cicero, De Off. iii. 19, calls it rusticorum proverbium. To "flash with the fingers" was to raise some of them sharply for another to rap out the number, a game still played in Italy and called mora.
H 2
- ↑ Fronto may be referring to the word lacus. A page is lost here. A marginal note in the Codex gives Baiae, Lucrinus, and Avernus, as mentioned in the lost part.
