63. The poet himself is compelled to acknowledge the
distress of Ricimer:-
Praeterea invictus Ricimer, quem publica fata
Respiciunt, 'proprio' solus vix 'Marte' repellit
Piratam per rura vabum.
[Carm. ii. 352.]
Italy addresses her complaint to the Tiber; and Rome, at the
solicitation of the river-god, transports herself to
Constantinople, renounces her ancient claims, and implores
the friendship of Aurora, the goddess of the East. This
fabulous machinery, which the genius of Claudian had used
and abused, is the constant and miserable resource of the
muse of Sidonius.