Page:Juvenal and Persius by G. G. Ramsay.djvu/398



whole satire is an attack on the corruption of literature and literary taste in Rome, as a sign and accompaniment of a similar corruption in morals. The poem takes the form of a dialogue between Persius and a Friend. Persius recites a line (possibly from Lucilius) which looks like the beginning of a poem. "Who will read stuff like that?" asks the Friend. "Well," says Persius, "what does that matter! The opinion of thick-headed Rome isn't worth a dn! If only I could say what I think! But when I look at our gloomy way of living, and our affectation of morality, I feel that I must have my laugh out (1–12). Just look at the foppery and ostentation of our public recitations, and the licentious character of the things recited" (13–23).

F. "But surely you must allow our young poets to show their learning and give their genius a vent?" (24–25).

P. "Learning, indeed ! as if knowledge were of no use unless other people know that you possess it!" (26–27).

F. "But you cannot deny the charm of being praised and of hearing people say 'That's the man!'" (28–30).

P. "And what kind of praise do they win? Listen to the mawkish stuff poured forth at dinner tables, and the applause given to it by the well-filled guests. How grand and soul-sufficing!" (30–40).