Page:Vasari - Lives of the Most Excellent Painters, Sculptors, and Architects, volume 4.djvu/142

134 distance of the picture, Codrus is again seen lying dead; beneath is his name in an epitaph.

Proceeding next to the remaining side or long wall, which stands opposite to that whereof we have described the paintings, with the octangle between them, we find in like manner two pictures, in the first of which is the Prince Zaleucus, who, in obedience to the laws, is about to deprive his son of an eye, and to suffer the loss of one in his own person; around him stand numerous personages, entreating him to refrain from that cruelty to both himself and his son. In the distance is the youth, who had been accused of offering violence to a Locrian maiden, and beneath is the name of Zaleucus on an inscription. In the octangle which is beside this picture there follows the story of Marcus Manilius in the act of being thrown from the Capitol. The figure of Manilius, which is a very youthful one, is seen precipitated from a sort of balcony; it is admirably foreshortened, and this figure, which is shown with the head downwards, is executed to such perfection that it appears to be indeed alive, as do also certain other figures which are standing below.

In the next picture is Spurius Mcelius who is put to death by the Tribune Servilius because the people suspected that he was about to attempt making himself the tyrant of his country. Servilius, a seated figure, is surrounded by many others, one of whom, who is near the centre, points to the body of Spurius lying dead on the earth, and painted with infinite art.

In the circles above, and which occupy the angles of the ceiling as before described, are representations of different men, all distinguished for the zeal with which they had defended the country. In the first is the renowned Fabius Maximus, seated in his armour; and on the opposite portion is Speusippus Duke of the Tegetes, who, being persuaded by a friend to rid himself of his rival and adversary, declares that he will not be induced by considerations of private interest to deprive his country of such a citizen. The circle on the opposite angle exhibits on one part the Praetor Celius, who, having ventured on giving battle to the enemy in opposition to the Aruspices, is punished by the senate, although he had come off conqueror and had obtained an important victory. Beside the Praetor is Thrasybulus, who,