LIFE OF Q. CURTIUS RUFUS. Or the life of Quintus Curtius no particulars have been handed down to us, nor has he been quoted by any ancient author. The first writers mentioning him date no earlier than the twelfth century. The conjectures as to the time in which he wrote have been very various. Two passages in his work furnish the only evidence we have bearing upon this point; but the more important of these uses language which can be applied to many of the Roman emperors down even to Theodosius the Great. It has also been asserted that his history was the work of a modern writer. But the prevailing opinion is, that Curtius lived early in the Christian era, probably not far from the time of Vespasian; on the contrary, other critics would make him contemporary with Septimius Sevērus. He was, doubtless, a rhetorician, and his flowery, ornamented style has induced the critics to assume that it is entirely artificial, and an attempted imitation of Livy. It has life, brilliancy of expression, and freedom, but is wanting in simplicity. His admiration of his hero renders his work, although drawn from good sources, unreliable as historical authority. His narrative betrays a great ignorance of geography, astronomy, and of the military art. Although he may be refused the title of historian, he can still claim the credit of being an amusing and interesting writer. The first two books, and a portion of the tenth, have been supplied by modern writers, of whom Freinsheim ranks the highest. Q. CURTII RUFI DE GESTIS ALEXANDRI MAGNI LIBER III. [iii. 4.] I. ALEXANDER fauces iugi, quae Pylae appellantur, intravit. Contemplatus locorum situm, non alias magis dicitur admiratus esse felicitatem suam: obrui potuisse vel saxis confitebatur, si fuissent, qui in subeuntes propellerent. Iter vix quaternos capiebat armatos: 5 dorsum montis imminebat viae non angustae modo, sed plerumque praeruptae, crebris oberrantibus rivis, qui ex radicibus montium manant. Thracas tamen leviter armatos praecedere iusserat scrutarique calles, ne occultus hostis in subeuntes erumperet. Sagittariorum quoque 10 manus occupaverat iugum: intentos arcus habebant, moniti, non iter ipsos inire, sed proelium. Hoc modo agmen pervenit ad urbem Tarson, cui tum maxime Per LIBER III. Alexander, enters the passes of Cilicia. He bathes in the river Cydnus; is seized with a violent illness, but is cured by the skill of his physician, Philippus. sufficient to contain four armed men abreast.' 7. crebris - rivis] 'Numerous rivulets crossing the path.' 13. Tarson] Tarsus was a city of Cilicia, distinguished for its population and wealth. Tarson is 2. non alias] 'On no other oc- a Greek accusative. The Greek casion.' form of the accusative frequently 5. vix — armatos] 'Was hardly occurs in Curtius. |