In a small work, entitled _Specimens of Macaronic Poetry_, 8vo., 1831, the
verses quoted by "O." are stated to have been written by some poet (not
named) in praise of Pope Clement VI. or Pius II., but of which learned
authorities do not agree. It seems the poet was afraid he might not receive
such a reward as, according to his own estimate, he deserved, and therefore
retained the power of converting his flattery into abuse, by simply giving
{78} his friends the cue to commence from the last word, and begin
backwards. The following are other verses of the same sort:--
AD JULIUM III. PONTIFICEM MAXIMUM.
"Pontifici sua sint Divino Numine tuto
Culmina, nec montes hos petat omnipotens."
AD CAROLUM V. CAESAREM.
"Cæsareum tibi sit felici sidere nomen,
Carole, nec fatum sit tibi Cæsareum."