89. Claudian (i. Cons. Stil. 1. i. 221, etc.; 1. ii. 186)
describes the peace and prosperity of the Gallic frontier.
The Abbe Dubos (Hist. Critique, etc., tom. i. p. 174) would
read 'Alba' (a nameless rivulet of the Ardennes) instead of
'Albis'; and expatiates on the danger of the Gallic cattle
grazing beyond the 'Elbe'. Foolish enough ! In poetical
geography, the Elbe and the Hercynian signify any river or
any wood in Germany. Claudian is not prepared for the strict
examination of our antiquaries.