Note 35 — Chapter I
Reading edition
The indignant phrases with which Horace scathes the degeneracy of his own times in this respect clearly indicate the religious aspect of the patriotic self-immolation of Regulus:—
“Milesne Crassi conjuge barbara Turpis maritus vixit et hostium (Proh curia inversique mores!) Consenuit socerorum in armis Sub rege Medo Marsus et Apulus Anciliorum et nominis et togæ Oblitus æternæque Vestæ Incolumi Jove et urbe Roma?” (Od., iii. 5.)