quinque,* calices AEgyptios operisque diversi decern " (Claudius, 17). In this list the first two items are in gold, set with gems : the round discus, chased with ivy-berries, is of 20 lbs. ; the oblong lanx with vine-leaves, of 30 lbs. ; the flat patera with
ivy-leaves, of 23 lbs. ; the " mushroom-dish," of 20 lbs., has a
chasing of a fishing-scene, the two flagons of 6 lbs. each, are
embellished with emblemata in gold : the " chrysendeta " of earlier
times.
The
regular allowance of plate to a tribune we find detailed in a letter of
Valerian's, containing a most curious specification of all such
perquisites, written upon his raising the same Claudius to that rank :
" Argenti in opere annua pondo quinquaginta (meaning silver plate, not
coin) Philippeos nostri vultus annuos cl. et in strenis lvii., et trientes clx., item in cauco et scypho, et zuma, pondo XI." This latter item refers to the gold plate, following immediately as it does upon the mention of gold coin.
In Roman polite society a gold phiala was
considered the authorized form for a testimonial, just as a gold
snuffbox was, till lately, with ourselves. Martial thus elegantly
repays the donor of such a substantial mark of admiration (viii. 51.) :—
"
Whose work adorns the bowl ? Hath Myron's mind Or skilful Mys the
chasing rare designed ? Hath Mentor's hand its precious mould embossed,
Or far-tamed Polyclete enhanced the cost ? No drossy clouds to dull its
polish rise ; The testing fire its standard pure defies. The yellowest amber with less radiance flames, The
swelling stamp the whitest ivory shames. Art with material vies : so
Luna rounds Her orb when she with fullest torch abounds. Dressed in
jRolian fleece of silky gold, So stands the goat as he in days of old,
Saviour of .Phryxus : yet sure Helle fair Had chosen this her lovely weight to bear.
* The term denotes the precious ornamental glass-ware of Alexandria.
