The works of Horace : with English notes, critical and ... - Cristo Raul

EXPLANATOEY N0TE3. BOOK I., ODE XV. 283
ica.*' The comparative describes the sea as growing every moment
more and more violent.
10-13. 10. Di. AUading to the tatelory deities, Neptune, or Castor
and Pollux, whose images were accustomed to be placed, together with
a small altar, in the stem of the vessel. The figurative meaning of the
poet presents to us the guardian deities of Home offended at the sangui.
nary excesses of the civil wars, and determined to withhold their protects
ing influence if the state should be again plunged into anarchy and confusion.—11.
Pontica pirms. "Of Pontic pine." The pine of Pontus was
hard and durable, and of great value in ship-building. Yet the vessel of
the state is warned by the poet not to rely too much upon the strength of
her timbers.—12. Silvtejilia nobilis. " The noble daughter of the forest."
A beautiful image, which Martial appears to have imitated (xiv., 90)
" Non sum Maura Jilia silvts."—13. Et genus et nomen inutile. " Both
thy lineage and unavailing fame." The idea intended to be conveyed by
the whole clause is as follows : " Idle, O my country I will be the boast
of thy former glories, and the splendor of thy ancient name."
14-20. 14. Pictis puppibus. Besides being graced with the statues of
the tutelary deities, the stems of ancient vessels were likewise embellished,
on the outside, with paintings and other omaments. Hence Homer
occasionally calls ships /ttAroTrdp^Of, " red-cheeked." A purple color was
also sometimes employed.^15. Nisi debes ventis ludibrium, "Unless
thou art doomed to be the sport of the winds." An imitation of the Greek
idiom, 6