312

CHAP.

VII.

Secular

games,

A. D. 248,April 21.

THE DECLINE AND FALL

solemnized the secular games with infinite pompand magnificence. Since Iheir institution or re-vival by Augustus , 1 they had been celebratedby Claudius, by Domitian , and by Severus, andwere now renewed the fifth time, on the accom-plishment of the full period of a thousand yearsfrom the foundation of Rome . Every circum-stance of the secular games was skilfully adapt-ed to inspire the superstitious mind with deepand solemn reverence. The long interval be-tween them* exceeded the term of human life;and as none of the spectators had already seenthem, none could flatter themselves with theexpectation of beholding them a second time.The mystic sacrifices were performed, duringthree nights on the banks of the Tyber; andthe Campus Martius resounded with music anddances, and was illuminated with innumerablelamps and torches. Slaves and strangers wereexcluded from any participation in these na-tional ceremonies. A chorus of twenty-sevenyouths, and as many virgins, of noble families,and whose parents were both alive, imploredthe propitious gods in favour of the present, and

1 The account of the last supposed celebration, though in an enlight-ened period of history, was so very doubtful and obscure, that the al-ternative seems not doubtful. When the popish jubilees, the copy ofthe secular games, were invented by Boniface VIII , the crafty popepretended that he only revived an ancient institution. See M. le ChaisLettres sur les Jubile's.

k Either of a hundred, or a hundred and ten years. Varro and Livyadopted the former opinion, but the infallible authority of the Sibylconsecrated the latter (Censorinus de Die Natal, c. 17). The emperorsClaudius and Philip, however, did not treat the oracle with implicitrespect