76. According to Varro, the twelfth century would expire
A.D. 447; but the uncertainty of the true era of Rome might
allow some latitude of anticipation or delay. The poets of
the age, Claudian (de Bell. Getico, 265) and Sidonius (in
Panegyr. Avit. 357), may be admitted as fair witnesses of
the popular opinion.
Dunc reputant annos, interceptoque volatui
Vulturis, incidunt properatis saecula metis.
. . . . . .
Jam prope fata tui bissenas Vulturis alas
Implebant; scis namque tuos, scis, Roma, labores.
See Dubos, Hist. Critique, tom. i. p. 340-346.