Note 2, 12 — A. PERSIUS FLACCUS (continued 2)

12. Hercule: This is Hercules πλουτοδότης, to whom the Romans consecrated a tithe of their gains. Mommsen and others dissociate this Hercules from the Greek Ἡρακλῆς. According to Casaubon and the schol. (v. 44), Hermes (Mercury) is the bestower of windfalls found on the way, Hercules the patron of sought treasures.—pupillum: ‘The Twelve Tables provided that where no guardian was appointed by will, the next of kin would be guardian, and he would of course be heir’ (Conington, after Jahn).