Arnobius

“ It was once usual, in speaking allegorically, to conceal under perfectly decent ideas, and clothe [1] with the respectability of decency, what was base and horrible to speak of openly; but now venerable things are at your instance vilely spoken of, and what is quite pure [2] is related [3] in filthy language, so that that which vice [4] formerly concealed from shame, is now meanly and basely spoken of, the mode of speech which was fitting [5] being changed. ”

“ But now, indeed, when the restraining of vices is said to be signified by the binding of Mars and Venus, two most inconsistent [10] things are done at the very same time; so that, on the one hand, a description of something vile suggests an honourable meaning, and on the other, the baseness occupies the mind before any regard for religion can do so.
Footnotes ↑ Passivè.↑ Lit., “strong in chastity.”↑ The ms., first three edd., Elm., and Oehler read commorantur—“lingers,” i.e., “continues to be spoken of;” the other edd. ”