Page:Statius (Mozley 1928) v1.djvu/305

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BOOK V

Statius to his Friend Abascantus: Greeting!

Good examples should be whole-heartedly honoured, since they are publicly beneficial. The devotion which you show to your Priscilla is a true part of your character, and must needs win you the affection of all, especially of a husband. For to love a wife is a joy, while she is alive, and a religion, when she is departed. It was not, however, as a mere stranger that I undertook this task, nor only with the readiness of one bound by ties of duty. For Priscilla loved my wife, and by that love made her more worthy in my eyes; after that it were ingratitude in me to take no notice of your grief. Further, I always strive, insignificant as I am, to deserve well of all adherents of the Sacred Palace.^[1] For he who in good faith worships the gods, loves their priests also.^[2] But although I had long desired a more intimate experience of your friendship,^[3] yet I would rather the occasion had not come so soon.

↑ “latus” here means those who are “a latere principis,” see note on iii. 3. 65, and cf. v. 1. 187, and for different uses v. 1. 80, iii. 3. 120.
↑ The reference is, of course, to the Imperial House.
↑ He seems to mean that the death of Priscilla had drawn Abascantus and himself closer together. Vollmer, however, understands by the phrase “a more intimate use of your friendship,” an opportunity of dedicating a poem to one in so high a position.

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[1] “latus” here means those who are “a latere principis,” see note on iii. 3. 65, and cf. v. 1. 187, and for different uses v. 1. 80, iii. 3. 120.

[2] The reference is, of course, to the Imperial House.

[3] He seems to mean that the death of Priscilla had drawn Abascantus and himself closer together. Vollmer, however, understands by the phrase “a more intimate use of your friendship,” an opportunity of dedicating a poem to one in so high a position.

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