Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

INTRODUCTION TOthe majestic greatness of Rome and her gift ofunifying nations. After the start from the city(165) Rutihus was weather-bound for fifteen daysat Ostia in the harbour of Claudius and Trajan.When his sailors had once found a fair \vind, thecoasting and mainly daylight voyage began, and,as related in Book I, lasted six days (or, accordingto Vessereau, seven). The first day (217-276)brings them to Centumcellae, where they spendthe night. On the second day (277-312) they sailat dawn, pass off the mouth of the Munio and thepinewoods of Graviscae, sighting Cosa before puttinginto Portus Herculis at nightfall. On the thu-d day(313-348), sailing still earlier, before sunrise, theycoast along Monte Argentario, pass the island ofIgilium (recently a refuge for fugitives from theGoths), touch, without staying, at the Umbro mouth,and are forced, when overtaken by night, to bivouacashore. The fourth day (349-428) finds themcompelled to take to oars in the morning : and aftersighting Ilva (Elba), whose mines suggest to thepoet the praises of iron, they land in a state offatigue before midday at Faleria, where they chanceupon an Osiris fete in progress. Their most unpleasantexperiences with an extortionate landlord,a Jew, lead to an outburst against Judaism. Subsequentrowing brings them to Populonia, where theyare rejoiced to get news from Rome. With thefifth day (429-510) we have the distant view ofCorsica chronicled, and when Capraria rises in sight,the opportunity is seized for an onslaught on themonasticism of its inhabitants. The travellerslater reach Volaterrana Vada. A visit is paid tothe villa of a good friend, Albinus, and the processes756