SATIRE V. Argument. The poetical and philosophical claims of Persius rest, in some measure, upon this poem; and it is but justice to say that they are not ill supported by it. The Satire consists of two parts; the first of which is appropriated to the expression of the poet's deep and grateful sense of the kindness of his friend and instructor, Cornutus, and a beautiful summary of the blessings which he has derived from his wisdom und goodness. The second part consists of a laboured and ostentatious display of his proficiency in the esoterick doctrine of the Stoick school, in which something must be forgiven to the ardour of youth, and the vehemency of inexperienced virtue. This division of the Satire is principally occupied with that celebrated paradox of his sect, that the wise man alone was essentially free; and that the passions of avarice, ambition, luxury, superstition, &c. exercised as despotick a control over their victims as the severest taskmaster over his slaves. It cannot be supposed that much new matter should be produced under this head. In fact, both Persius and his preceptor came too late for such a purpose; and could only repeat, in other forms, what had been said a thousand times before. But there may be ingenuity where there is no novelty; and this is not wanting. Some amusement may be found in contrasting the sober earnestness of Persius with the solemn irony of Horace. The language of both is much the same, and the conclusions do not greatly differ: but the Stertinius of the latter, in spite of his inflexible gravity, must have been heard aobesų yeλwlı; while the youthful poet com mands respect, and, though he may fail to convince, always secures attention. A very pleasing part of Dryden's work, is the affectionate gratitude with which, in imitation of his author, he inscribes the translation of this Satire to his old master, Dr. Busby, " at the distance (he says) of forty-two years from the time when he departed from his tuition." A. PERSII FLACCI SATIRE. AD ANNÆUM CORNUTUM. [SAT. V. V. 1-5⋅ VATIBUS hic mos est, centum sibi poscere vo ces, Centum ora, et linguas optare in carmina cen tum ; Fabula seu moesto ponatur hianda tragœdo, Vulnera seu Parthi ducentis ab inguine ferrum. "Quorsum hæc ? aut quantas robusti carminis offas VER. 4. Vulnera seu Parthi ducentis ab inguine ferrum,] Casaubon supposes that this graphic line describes the manner in which the Parthian discharged his arrow, from the upper part of the thigh. But the Parthian in his flight (which is what the poet had in view) drew his bow over the left shoulder; and the wound which is received, not given by him, is inflicted by the lance of the pursuing Roman. Persius had Horace in his thoughts: ย "Aut labentis equo describit vulnera Parthi." VER. 1. Poets are wont, &c.] An allusion to Virgil-who, whenever he copies the hyperboles of Homer, is seldom satis |