[204] Aura auri is explained ‘splendor auri’ by Serv., who may be right in applying the same doctrine to Hor. 2 Od. 8. 24, but goes too far in making ‘aura’ in this sense the root of ‘aurum.’ The account of this use of the word is apparently to be sought in the connexion between the notions of light and air (see on G. 2. 340, and comp. v. 747 below, “aurai simplicis ignem”), and also between those of light and motion, as in αἰόλος, &c., the gleaming light being naturally identified with the flickering breeze. The jingle is of course intended: see on 2. 494 &c. “‘Discolor,’ nam per arborem viridem fulsit color aureus,” Donatus. ‘Refulsit’ 1. 402 note. Rom. and another give ‘auro.’
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John Conington. P. Vergili Maronis opera. P. Vergili Maronis Opera. The works of Virgil, with a Commentary by John Conington, M.A. Late Corpus Professor of Latin in the University of Oxford. London. Whittaker and Co., Ave Maria Lane. 1876.
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