J′ANI was a place in Rome where there were three statues of Janus, and
it was a meeting-place for usurers and creditors.
JA′NITOR. A title of Janus, from the gates before the doors of private
houses being called Januæ.
JA′NUS. A king of Italy, said to have been the son of Cœlus, others
say of Apollo; he sheltered Saturn when he was driven from heaven by
Jupiter. Janus presided over highways, gates, and locks, and is usually
represented with two faces. A brazen temple was erected to him in Rome,
which was always open in time of war, and closed during peace.
“Old Janus, if you please,
Grave two-faced father.”
“In two-faced Janus we this moral find,--
While we look forward, we should glance behind.”