The New Aid to Memory/Plate V
PLATE V.
1. Claudius began to reign.
Root, 41 A.D.
A-Dreadful wild beast, whose claw (for Claudius) is fixed on the root of a tree, will suggest the era, name, and date of this imbecile monster of an Emperor.
Root will give the date 41 A.D.
2. Nero began to reign.
Lyre, 54 A.D.
A-Dulcet lyre, played by a hero, or Nero, while a city (Rome) appears to be in flames, will suggest something of the character of this cruel, vicious, and unnatural monster; who is said to have played music, as he stood upon a high tower during a conflagration in Rome, which conflagration most historians ascribe to him.
Lyre will give the date 54 A.D.
3. Galba began to reign.
Dove, 68 A.D.
A-Dear girl (vulgarly pronounced gal) with a dove, will suggest the name and date of Galba.
The virtues which had shone so bright in Galba, when a private man, totally disappeared after he ascended the throne.
Dove will give the date 68 A.D.
4. Otho began to reign.
Deaf, 69 A.D.
A-Deaf adder feeding upon oats (for Otho), will suggest the name and date of this Emperor.
During the reign of Nero, Otho was the companion in his vices and debaucheries; at that time he was deaf to every call of virtue; but when he became Emperor, he proved himself to be courteous, benevolent, and humane.
Deaf will give the date 69 A.D.
5. Vitellius began to reign.
Deep, 69 A.D.
A-Dead headless body, which has received a deep vital (for Vitellius) blow from the executioner, will suggest the name, date, and end of this Emperor. This monster was put to death by the soldiers of Vespasian, and his body flung in the river Tiber.
Deep will give the date 69 A.D.
6. Vespasian began to reign.
Dip, 69 A.D.
A-Daring man in a vast passion (for Vespasian), ready to dip his hands in blood, will suggest the enthusiasm of the army of Vespasian, when at. Jerusalem the soldiers determined to make him Emperor.
Dip will give the date 69 A.D.
7. Titus began to reign.
Cup, 79 A.D.
A-Daring titmouse (for Titus) feeding out of the Crater (or cup) of Mount Vesuvius, will suggest the era, name, and date of this Emperor; also the destruction of the cities of Herculaneum and Pompeii, by an irruption of Mount Vesuvius.
When he had done nothing beneficial to mankind the day preceding, he would exclaim: "I have lost a day!"
Cup will give the date 79 A.D.
8. Domitian began to reign.
Hat, 81 A.D.
A-Dreadful man, dressed in a domino (for Domitian), or toga, and wearing a Roman cap or hat, will suggest the name and date of this monster.
Hat will give the date 81 A.D.
9. Nerva began to reign.
Pied, 96 A.D.
A-Divine goddess, Minerva (for Nerva), with her favourite bird, the owl; the plumage of which is here very much pied.
Nerva was the first foreign Emperor who reigned in Rome, and justly reputed a prince of great generosity and moderation.
Pied will give the date 96 A.D.
10. Trajan began to reign.
Pew, 98 A.D.
A-Delightful memorial, erected to commemorate the victories of this excellent Prince; it is called Trajan's Pillar! We have placed the pillar in a sort of pew, and made ivy to trail (for Trajan) about the pillar, to suggest the name and date of this Emperor.
Pew will give the date 98 A.D.
1
The Root of Claudius is bad,
His actions imbecile and sad.
2
A Lyre the monster Nero plays,
And views the city in a blaze.
3
Short reign of Galba is a Dove,
His sway the Romans could not love.
4
Once deaf to virtue Otho's fame
Ended benevolent and humane.
5
Vitellius' corse is in the Deep,
The Tiber, where it ought to sleep.
6
Dip not the hands in blood affray,
Soldiers! Vespasian obey.
7
Here's health to Titus! take the Cup,
This Emperor's name is ever up.
8
Though beast, and worthless as a Rat,
Domitian must wear a Hat.
9
Minerva's favourite bird is Pied,
The reign of Nerva to decide.
10
To show the Roman Royal line,
A Pew is Emperor Trajan's sign.
NONSENSE HEXAMETERS.
Clau root, Nero lyre, Gal dove, Deaf Ortho, Vitellius deep. Vaspasian dip, Tit cup, Hat Domi. Pied Nerva, Tra pew.
