DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.57734#0083
most surfeited of the pampered Romans? And, above
all, it was a change! Why should not this islet have
been a place of rest and right-cosy entertainment for
the Court of Augustus, which was adorned by the
most intellectual and learned men of the day, this spot
where the beauties of a southern strand were seen all
around in full splendour?
And although the few historical works which have
been handed down to us only make mention of two
visits by the emperor to Capri, this does not forbid
us from imagining that he frequently paid it a visit.
As Suetonius depicts the imperial owner of the island
and his thorough affability, it is quite possible, and
more than probable, that Augustus frequently went
with his favorite Masgabas, and others of his court
who needed refreshment, to the little island, and passed
their time in merry entertainment and leisure — for
the selection of this site for the tomb of Masgabas
seems to have been intended as a memento of happily-
spent hours. It must have given rise to very impressive
sensations to wile away the hours on the little wave-beaten
island, which had hitherto served.as a delectation for the
sense of sight under the leadership of Masgabas, the foun-
der of the Colony of Slothfulness, whose grave was honored
on the emperor’s return by the flaming torches — and dear
must this man have been to his master’s heart.
Ferdinand Gregorovius, in his interesting work,
“The Island of Capri”, often launched what he called
“little fantasy-vessels”; i. e. while resting on the strand
he wove merry thoughts and allowed his fantasy to
depict imaginary episodes in connexion with particular
spots, such as might possibly have happened, but were
incapable of proof. The rock of Monacone is also
such a spot for the launching of fantasy-vessels, for,
in spite of its insignificant form, it was immortalised
by a verse of the great Augustus and, as we have
already seen, these few words admit of a series of
combinations, and consequential inferences.
77
all, it was a change! Why should not this islet have
been a place of rest and right-cosy entertainment for
the Court of Augustus, which was adorned by the
most intellectual and learned men of the day, this spot
where the beauties of a southern strand were seen all
around in full splendour?
And although the few historical works which have
been handed down to us only make mention of two
visits by the emperor to Capri, this does not forbid
us from imagining that he frequently paid it a visit.
As Suetonius depicts the imperial owner of the island
and his thorough affability, it is quite possible, and
more than probable, that Augustus frequently went
with his favorite Masgabas, and others of his court
who needed refreshment, to the little island, and passed
their time in merry entertainment and leisure — for
the selection of this site for the tomb of Masgabas
seems to have been intended as a memento of happily-
spent hours. It must have given rise to very impressive
sensations to wile away the hours on the little wave-beaten
island, which had hitherto served.as a delectation for the
sense of sight under the leadership of Masgabas, the foun-
der of the Colony of Slothfulness, whose grave was honored
on the emperor’s return by the flaming torches — and dear
must this man have been to his master’s heart.
Ferdinand Gregorovius, in his interesting work,
“The Island of Capri”, often launched what he called
“little fantasy-vessels”; i. e. while resting on the strand
he wove merry thoughts and allowed his fantasy to
depict imaginary episodes in connexion with particular
spots, such as might possibly have happened, but were
incapable of proof. The rock of Monacone is also
such a spot for the launching of fantasy-vessels, for,
in spite of its insignificant form, it was immortalised
by a verse of the great Augustus and, as we have
already seen, these few words admit of a series of
combinations, and consequential inferences.
77