The New Aid to Memory/Plate VII
PLATE VII.
1. Alexander began to reign.
An union, 222 A.D.
A-Due balance, or the scale of justice, held by an union of hands, will suggest the name, date, and excellent character of this Emperor.
An union will give the date 222 A.D.
2. Maximin began to reign,
Animal, 235 A.D.
A-Drover, or we will call him a royal herdsman, having a sword instead of a whip, to drive a very large (Maximus) animal, will suggest the name, date, size, origin, and character of this cruel Emperor. He was eight feet and a half high, well proportioned, and originally a poor herdsman of Thrace.
Animal will give the date 235 A.D.
3. Pupienus and Balbinus began to reign.
Numb, 238 A.D.
A-Dying puppy (for Pupienus) in a numb torpid state, with a ball (for Balbinus) tied to its tail, will suggest the names and date of these two Emperors, who were partners in the Empire. The swords will remind us that they were murdered.
Numb will give the date 238 A.D.
4. Gordian began to reign.
One Mow, 238 A.D.
A-Deadly scythe, which has cut asunder at one mow a knot in a cord (the Gordian knot), will suggest the name, date, and end of Gordian, who was slain by the order of Philip, and made his equal in the command of the Empire.
One mow will give the date 238 A.D.
5. Philip began to reign.
In Rome, 243 A.D.
A-Dreadful sight! a head, which is almost cut asunder by a sword that has severed the jaws through the lips (for Philip), will suggest the name, date, and the exact manner in which he was killed. He caused the Secular Games to be celebrated, it being just a thousand years from the building of the city.
In Rome will give the date 243 A.D.
6. Decius began to reign.
Nerve, 248 A.D.
A-Determined arm and hand, in which a nerve is visible, trying to restrain and hold together a globe, which is breaking to pieces, and running down a descent (for Decius), will suggest the name and date of this Emperor, as well as the approaching downfall of the state, which, it appeared, no human means could prevent. The Roman standard and Christian banner crossed, remind us of the obstinate dispute between the Pagans and Christians.
Nerve will give the date 248 A.D.
7. Gallus began to reign.
Inlet, 251 A.D.
A-Dreary gallows (for Gallus), on which an olive wreath is suspended the gallows is situated on an inlet. The gallows will suggest the punishment he deserved for his treachery, when a general, to the late king his master; and the olive wreath, the dishonourable peace he bought from the Goths, to whom he agreed to pay a considerable annual tribute.
Inlet will give the date 251 A.D.
8. Valerian began to reign.
An Elm, 253 A.D.
A-Deep Valley Valerian with an elm tree, and by it is a man mounting a horse, making another man's back his footstool.
These symbols will suggest the name and date of this unfortunate Emperor, who was treated in this servile manner by Sapor, king of Persia.
An elm will give the date 253 A.D.
9. Galienus began to reign.
In Leap, 259 A.D.
A-Dusty galloway (for Galienus) in leap; the mane of the horse is under the effect of a gale from the north. These symbols will suggest the name and date of this Emperor, as well as the violent incursions of the Northern nations upon the Roman empire.
In leap will give the date 259 A.D.
10. Claudius began to reign.
Endive, 268 A.D.
A-Dirty bird's claw (for Claudius), holding a bunch of endive, will suggest the name and date.
Endive will give the date 268 A.D.
1
An Union for Alexander,
Whose reign was even without slander.
2
An Animal fitted for a sty
Was Maximin, full eight feet high.
3
Of Pupienus and Balbinus,
Numb and Puppy will remind us.
4
Gordian by Philip is laid low,
Whose date is fixed by One Mow.
5
Philip's jaws were cleft asunder
In Rome, the upper from the under.
6
Though Decius tried with all his Nerve,
He could not Ancient Rome preserve.
7
When treacherous King Gallus reigns,
An Inlet properly explains.
8
An Elm denotes Valerian's rule,
Sapor made his back a stool.
9
For Galienus—In a leap,
Whose realms the Northern nations sweep.
10
The date of Claudius we give,
By a little bunch of Endive.
NONSENSE HEXAMETERS.
Alex. an Union, Max. Animal, Balb. numb. Pupienus. Gord. one Mow, Philip in Rome, Decius Nerve, Gullus inlet. Valeri, an Elm, Galienus in leap, Claudius Endive.
