Note 253 — Chapter XXXIV
Reading edition
To inaugurate the new pontificate, and mark the contrast of Alexander and Julius with their successor,—its Maecenas, Agostino Chigi, erected a triumphal arch, inscribed,—
"Olim habuit Cypris sua tempora; tempora Mavors Olim habuit; sua nunc tempora Pallas habet." Venus here reigned supreme, by Mars displaced; Our happier age by Pallas' sway is graced.
To this doggerel there quickly appeared the rejoinder,—
"Mars fuit, est Pallas, Cypria semper ero."
Once Mars, Minerva now, but Venus still.