Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

CALPLllXIUS SICULUSluislied the clash of arms and bade the trumpet-^oimd 'mid lioly rites instead of war. No more-hall the consul purchase the form of a shadowydignity or, silenced, receive worthless fasces and"'. aninsrless judgement-seat. Nay, laws shall bet ored ; right will come in fullest force ; a kinderiiud will renew the former tradition and look of theForum and displace the age of oppression. Let allthe peoples rejoice, whether they dwell furthestdown in the low south or in the uplifted north,whether they face the east or west or burn beneaththe central zone. Do ye mark how^ already for atwentieth time the night is agleam in an uncloudedsky, displaying a comet radiant in tranquil light ?and how brightly, with no presage of bloodshed,twinkles its undiminished lustre ? Is it with anytrace of blood-hued flame that, as is a comet's way,it besprinkles either pole ? does its torch flash withgory fire ? But aforetime it was not such, when, atCaesar's taking off, it pronounced upon lucklesscitizens the destined wars.** Assuredly a very godshall take in his strong arms the burden of themassive Roman state so unshaken, that the worldwill pass to a new ruler without the crash of reverberatingthunder, and tjiat Rome will not regardthe dead as deified in accord with merit ere thedawn of one reign can look back on the setting ofthe last."^Claudius, Suet. Claud. 4(3. Similarh',' Virgil, Georg. I. 487 sqq.,described the celestial portents accompanying the assassinationof Julius Caesar." The words seem obscurely to imply a succession to imperialpower without disturbance or interregnum. By one of hisearly acts, Xero proclaimed divine honours for his predecessor,Claudius.VOL. I.O225