[29] Recipere se is a common phrase for returning or retiring: see Forc. ‘Limina’ is the tent-door, and is doubtless meant to be taken strictly, as it was the custom to lay out dead bodies in the vestibule, not only in the heroic ages (Il. 19. 212, κεῖται ἀνὰ πρόθυρον τετραμμένος: ἀμφὶ δ᾽ ἑταῖροι Μύρονται), but at Rome. Comp. Pers. 3. 105, “In portam rigidos calces extendit,” Sen. Ep. 12, “Quis est, inquam, iste decrepitus et merito ad ostium admotus? . . . quid te delectavit alienum mortuum tollere?” Wagn. Q. V. 40 speaks of this passage as one which Virg. would probably have corrected, as it is incredible that Aeneas should be now returning to his tent for the first time. But there is nothing here to indicate that this was his first visit to his tent or to the body. He may have passed the night in his tent, while Acoetes was watching over the body in the vestibule; after which he would rise early, sacrifice, and address his men: and then, returning to his tent, he would find the mourners assembled and the lamentations begun.
This text is part of:
John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of. Virgil. , with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. and Henry Nettleship, M.A. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane;. George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden. 1876.
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