Minor Latin poets; with introductions and English translations

RUTILIUS NAMATIANUSsubstance that makes vice : blind lust of gold leadsinto every crime : golden gifts carry by storm thetroth of wedded brides : a golden shower can buy'^the maid's embraces : loyalty sapped by goldbetrays the well-wallcd town : by scandalous misuseof gold ambition itself pursues its wild career.But not so iron : it is with iron that neglected fieldsare tilled ; by iron was the first way of living found.Races of demigods, mIio knew not iron-harnessedMars, by iron faced the charge of savage beasts.For human hands their unarmed use is not enough,if iron weapons lent not other hands. Such thoughtsof mine beguiled the weariness of a laggard wind,and all the time in varied notes the boatswain'strumpery refrain rang out.The neighbouring Faleria ^ checks our wearycourse, though Phoebus scarce had reached his midcareer. That day it happened merry village-bandsalong the country cross-roads soothed their jadedhearts A\'ith festal observances ; it was in truth theday when, after long time restored, Osiris wakesthe happy seeds to yield fresh produce.'" Landing,we seek lodging,*^ and stroll within a wood ; we likethe ponds which charm with their shallow enclosed* It is noAv Falese, or Porto di Faliesi.' The worship of Osiris, introduced from Egypt in republicantimes, passed through vicissitudes of favour and disfavour,but spread widely through the Roman Empire. A vegetationdeityand patron of agriculture, Osiris was also a suffering heroand became god of the dead. The priests of his sister-wifeIsis mourned his death or joyfully celebrated his periodicresuscitation. Here he gives a fertilizing stimulus toautumnal sowings.**Villain here seems to mean an "inn": cf. villkus orvilicus as "innkeeper," I. 623.797