The Octavius of Minucius Felix — Chapter 21

1

Otherwise, according to some, “of the historians.”

2

This treatise is mentioned by Athenagoras, Legat. pro Christ., ch. xxviii. [See vol. ii. p. 143, this series.] Also by Augustine, de Civ. Dei., lib. viii. ch. iii. and xxvii. In the fifth chapter Augustine calls the priest by the name of Leo.

3

This passage is very doubtful both in its text and its meaning.

4

Otherwise, “carried about.”

5

Otherwise, “his approach is drowned.”

6

Otherwise, “do they not show what are the sports and the honours of your gods?”

7

These words are very variously read. Davis conjectures that they should be, “When Feretrius, he does not hear,” and explains the allusion as follows: that Jupiter Feretrius could only be approached with the spolia opima; and Minucius is covertly ridiculing the Romans, because, not having taken spolia opima for so long a time, they could not approach Feretrius.

8

Otherwise, “pointed out,” or “designated.”

9

Otherwise corrupted into Ætna.

Chapter 21

Notes