[p. 367]
INTRODUCTION
This piece is ascribed to Seneca by ancient tradition; it is impossible to
prove that it is his, and impossible to prove that it is not. The matter
will probably continue to be decided by every one according to his view of
Seneca's character and abilities: in the matters of style and of sentiment
much may be said on both sides. Dion Cassius (lx, 35) says that Seneca
composed an
ἀποκολοκύντωσις or
Pumpkinification of Claudius after his death, the title being a parody of
the usual
ἀποθέωσις; but this title is not
given in the MSS. of the Ludus de Morte Claudii, nor is there anything in
the piece which suits the title very well.
As a literary form, the piece belongs to the class called
Satura Menippea, a satiric medley in prose and verse.
This text is that of Buecheler, with a few trifling changes, which are
indicated in the notes. We have been courteously allowed by Messrs Weidmann
to use this text. I have to acknowledge the help of Mr Ball's notes, from
which I have taken a few references; but my translation was made many years
ago.
W. H. D. ROUSE.
[p. 369]
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Editio Princeps: Lucii Annaei Senecae in morte Claudii
Caesaris Ludus nuper repertus: Rome, 1513.
Latest critical text: Franz Buecheler, Weidmann, 1904 (a
reprint with a few changes of the text from a larger work, Divi Claudii
᾿αποκολοκύντωσις in the Symbola Philologorum Bonnensium,
fasc. i, 1864).
Translations and helps: The Satire of Seneca on the
Apotheosis of Claudius, by A. P. Ball (with introduction, notes, and translations):
New York: Columbia University Press; London, Macmillan, 1902.
