Ciris 250–258 and 340–348: Textual Problems and Poetic Techniques

Abstract

This contribution discusses the text of two passages in the Ciris. At 256 marmoreum intra is taken as an ellipsis for marmoreum limen intra. At 257 Carme is tentatively proposed for inquit. It is argued that the transmitted hic (340), for which his was substituted in the Aldina 1517, should be retained in the text. Arguments are presented in support of Gaar’s spe mulserat (341) and Woodman’s subducere (342). At 344 bibulum restinguens lumen is understood as an ellipsis for sitim restinguens bibuli luminis. Attention is drawn to certain features also present in Virgil’s Aeneid, the most important being the use of historic infinitives to indicate that someone embarks on a strategy in a critical situation.