Page:The story of the comets.djvu/262

206 heavens, and we all asked ourselves, what misfortune does it bring?"

Neither astronomy in general nor comets in particular owe much to the ancient Romans, for they did not trouble themselves much about astral phenomena, being more distinguished as warriors, lawyers, and bricklayers. Nevertheless they looked upon the Comet of 43 as a celestial chariot carrying away the soul of Julius Cæsar, who had been assassinated shortly before it made its appearance.

It is reported of the Emperor Vespasian, on the authority of Dion Cassius and Suetonius, that when nearing his end he heard some of his courtiers discussing in a low tone of voice the comet which was then visible. He seems to have taken a philosophical and very unusual view of the matter, for he is reported as having said: "This hairy star does not concern me: it menaces rather the King of the Parthians, for he is hairy, and I am bald."

compares a hero in his shining armour to a comet:—

Thus rendered by Davidson:—

In we find also another allusion to comets:—

Thus rendered by the Rev. Canon Newbolt:—

, in his life of the Emperor Nero, has the following:—