SYNONYMOUS TERMS. r2' 
times ufe vatis as a general term, but the profe-writers never 
do. The term exprefles a raft, formed by the junction of a few 
beams, which can be ufed with fafety only in fmooth water. 
It had at firft been but a floating platform, and when improved 
a little, got the appellation of cava. 
Ipfa vides coelum pice nigrius et freta ventis 
Turbida, perque cavas vix adeunda rates *. 
Boru Festus and Isrporvus fupport the account now given 
of ratis. ‘ Rates vocantur tigna inter fe colligata, que per 
“ aquas agantur.”—‘“ Rates primum et antiquiflimum genus 
“ navigii e rudibus tignis afferibufque confertum.” 
In the two following inftances, Cicero and Livy feem to 
juftify the diftin@tion made between zavis and ratis. “ Cum aut 
“* navibus aut ratibus conarentur accedere }.””—‘ Navibus ab 
“ HANNIBALE incenfis, rates ad trajiciendum in magna inopia 
“¢ materize 2gre comparabat {.”” When any reference is made 
to ratis as the fubject of a fimile, it is always regarded as de- 
noting a rude veflel, capable of giving but very imperfect fe- 
curity. “ Tanquam rafis in mari immenfo, noftra vehitur 
“€ oratio §.”’ 
Cymsa differs from ratis, in referring to a veffel fabricated 
with more art, and that is always of a {mall fize. It denotes a 
boat, fuch as is ufed upon a ferry or lake, but fo formed as to 
give all the fecurity to be expected from its dimenfions. 
Non ideo debet pelago fe credere, fi qua 
Audet in exiguo ludere cymba lacu **. 
. gq 2 CymBa 
* Ov. Ep. 17.7. § Cic. Tufc. Q. 164. a 
+ Cic. in Ver. 236. 6. ** Ovid. Trift. 2. 329. 
¥ Liv. cap. 36. 
