flee before their own captives, whom, as Danube’s stream well knows, they once subdued; and those now fear a handful who once could drive back all. Meanwhile the palace devotes its attention to dances and feastings, and cares not what be lost so something remain. But lest our salesman lose aught by this dismemberment of the empire he has divided each remaining province into two, and forces the two halves, each under its own governor, to compensate him for the loss of other provinces. ’Tis thus they give me back my lost peoples: by this ingenious device they increase the number of my rulers while the lands they should rule are lost. In thee is now my only hope; in place of Minerva’s supplicating branch I offer thee my tears. Help me in my distress. Save me from this tyranny of a slave master; do not condemn all for the fault of a few, and let not a recent offence cancel former merits. Grant me now my request; extreme danger ever exonerates from blame. Camillus, though justly angered at his banishment, forebore not to succour his country when in flames. I seek not to draw thee away from Italy; thou art enough defence for both empires. Let both have the benefit of thine illustrious arms; let the same shield defend us and one hero work the salvation of a twofold world” * * * * * Page 230 FESCENNINA DE NUPTIIS HONORII AUGUSTI I. (XI.) Princeps corusco sidere pulchrior, Parthis sagittas tendere doctior, eques Gelonis imperiosior, quae digna mentis laus erit arduae? quae digna formae laus erit igneae? 5 te Leda mallet quam dare Castorem; praefert Achilli te proprio Thetis; victum fatetur Delos Apollinem; credit minorem Lydia Liberum. tu cum per altas impiger ilices 10 praedo citatum cornipedem reges ludentque ventis instabiles comae, telis iacebunt sponte tuis ferae gaudensque sacris vulneribus leo admittet hastam morte superbior. 15 Venus reversum spernit Adonidem, damnat reductum Cynthia Virbium. Cum post labores sub platani voles virentis umbra vel gelido specu torrentiorem fallere Sirium 20 et membra somno fessa resolveris: o quantus uret tum Dryadas calor! quot aestuantes ancipiti gradu furtiva carpent oscula Naides! * * * * * Page 231 FESCENNINE VERSES IN HONOUR OF THE MARRIAGE OF THE EMPEROR HONORIUS[124] I. (XI.)