_Ancient Motto_
Sir,--In your Sixth Number, p. 93, J.E.M. wishes to know whence the
motto, "Si quis amicum absentum rodere delectat," &c. is taken.
Allow me to refer your correspondent to Horace, Sat. I. iv. 81 sqq.
"Absentem qui rodit amicum,
Qui non defendit, alio culpante,
* * * * *
hic niger est, hanc tu, Romane, caveto."
The inscription would seem to be but an adaptation of Horace's maxim.