Satyræ - Juvenalis, Decimus Junius 55-after 128; Persius Flaccus, Aulus 34-62; Schrevel, Cornelis 1608-1664 (Leiden Hack, 1648)
See also 03F16 and 05B03 for different Dutch editions
Juvenal's Satires is a series of 16 satirical poems, divided between 5 books. The poems meditate on life in Rome under the Emperor Domitian, and his successors. The Satires are especially well known for their uniquely caustic style, which is often contrasted with the urbane and witty style of Juvenal’s predecessor, Horace.
Persius strikes the highest note that Roman satire reached; in earnestness and moral purpose he rises far superior to the political rancour or good-natured persiflage of his predecessors and the rhetorical indignation of Juvenal.
interesting title page engraving by Reinier van Persijn (1615-1668) : allegory of discord: Elevation on which a woman in two minds. In her hands is a burning heart, symbolising virtue, and a mask, representing vice. She is flanked by a personification of America and Avarice. In the background, two satyrs are holding the curtain open for a window. The personification of Truth is crowned by angels. Below the image, in a cartouche, is the title in Latin.
index
Cum Veteris Scholastiae, & Variorum Commentariis
Keywords: 17th Century (1601-1700); Classical Antiquity (8th Century BC-6th Century AD); Poetry; Satire