[ 9 1 ] 
mean the moft favourable chance upon them. But 
he (8) elfewhere gives us to underhand, that the 
chance, which determined that election, was called 
V m/s. 
Propertius is fomewhat more explicite in align- 
ing the title of this throw, as above ; and at the fame 
time informs us further, that the contrary (and con- 
fequently mod; unlucky) one was termed canes. 
Me quoque per talos Venerem queer ent e fecundos y 
Semper damnoji fubjiluere canes (9). 
Now it feems to be agreed among the antiquaries, 
(10) that canis on the tali was unity : and indeed 
this opinion is countenanced by Perfius (11), who 
contrails canicula with fenio. If this be admitted, 
then the canes of Propertius mull have been the 
chance, wherein all (or at lead the greater number 
of) the tali came up (as we fhould exprefs it) aces. 
There have been feveral other conjectures propofed 
by learned writers upon this fubjeCt, which I choofe 
to omit, for want of proper authorities from the 
claffics to afeertain them. This is likewife the cafe 
with regard .to the rules obferved by the ancient Ro- 
mans at this diverfion. It is not at all improbable, 
that as we have feveral fpecies of games upon the fame 
fet of dice, cards, &c. fo they might have the fame 
(8) Quern Venus arbitrum t licet bibendi ? L. ii. od. 7. v. 25. 
Some think, that this caft was alfo named bafilicus from the ufage 
here mentioned. Sanad. in Loc. 
(9) Prop. L. iv. el. 9. v. 18. 
(10) Jul. Pollux. L. ix. c. 7. Lubin. on Perf. fat. 3. v. 49, kc. 
(11) 'Quid dexter fenio ferrety 
Damnofa canicula quantum 
Raderet Perf. fat. 3. v. 48. 
N 2 
variety 
