_Martial's Distribution of Hours_ (Vol. iv., pp. 273., 332.).--I ought
perhaps to thank THEOPHYLACT for good intention in answering, not the
question I did ask, but that which he thinks I "might have asked."
My real question was based upon an assumption, the truth of which
THEOPHYLACT denies: his reply therefore is rather a challenge to
premiss, than an answer to the question.
I totally dissent from him in understanding "quies lassis" in any sense
short of absolute _recumbent_ repose: "finis," which he takes as the
real commencement of the siesta, I understand as its conclusion: nor am
I aware of any, except the last final quies, to which the term _finis_
would be applicable.
Neither can I admit, upon the authority of THEOPHYLACT, that there was
any gradual or partial cessation of business in Rome during the hour
which we call "between eleven and twelve o'clock in the forenoon."
Julius Cæsar left home, commenced the business of the senate, was
surrounded by thronging applicants, and was assassinated--all during
that hour: and, unless THEOPHYLACT can show that therefore, and on that
account, it became distasteful to succeeding emperors, he must excuse me
from admitting his interpretation.