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 [Greek: apokolokuntosis]
or Pumpkinification of Claudius after his death, the
title being a parody of the usual [Greek: apotheosis];
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.
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 [Greek:
Apokolokuntosis] 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.
Apocolocyntosis, or Ludus de morte
Claudii: The Pumpkinification of
Claudius.
I wish to place on record the proceedings in heaven
1 October 13 last, of the new
year which begins this auspicious age. It shall
be done without malice or favour. This is the
truth. Ask if you like how I know it? To
begin with, I am not bound to please you with my answer.
Who will compel me? I know the same day made me
free, which was the last day for him who made the
proverb true—One must be born either a Pharaoh
or a fool. If I choose to answer, I will say whatever
trips off my tongue. Who has ever made the historian
produce witness to swear for him? But if an authority
must be produced, ask of the man who saw Drusilla translated
to heaven: the same man will aver he saw Claudius
on the road, dot and carry one. [Sidenote: Virg.
Aen. ii, 724] Will he nill he, all that happens in
heaven he needs must see. He is the custodian
