Plutarch's Romane Questions · Plutarch
47.
_Wherefore founded_ Romulus _the temple of_ Vulcane _without the citie of_ Rome? IS it for the jealousie (which as fables do report) _Vulcane_ had of _Mars_, because of his wife _Venus_: and so _Romulus_ being reputed the sonne of _Mars_, would not vouchsafe him to inhabit and dwell in the same citie with him? or is this a meere foolerie and senselesse conceit? But this temple was built at the first, to be a chamber and parlour of privie counsell for him and _Tatius_ who reigned with him; to the end that meeting and sitting there in consultation together with the Senatours, in a place remote from all troubles and hinderances, they might deliberate as touching the affaires of State with ease and quietnesse. Or rather, because _Rome_ from the very first foundation was subject to fire by casualtie, hee thought good to honour this god of fire in some sort, but yet to place him without the walles of the citie. _What is the reason, that upon their festivall day called_ Consualia, _they adorned with garlands of flowers as well their asses as horses, and gave them rest and repose for the time_? IS it for that this solemnitie was holden in the honour of _Neptune_ surnamed _Equestris_, that is to say, the horseman? and the asse hath his part of this joyfull feast, for the horses sake? Or, because that after navigation and transporting of commodities by sea was now found out and shewed to the world, there grew by that meanes (in some sort) better rest and more ease to poore labouring beasts of draught and carriage.
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