18 NOVEMBER 1911, Page 32

" CURIOSA FELICITAS."

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SrmeTATore."]

Sin,—Does not the above phrase, like many others, such as " gratia vivax," come under the law of " hypallage," by which the noun substantive and adjective change places ? I have therefore been in the habit of translating "curiosa felicitas" "happy finish." Carlyle's dictum that "genius" is the supreme outcome of " taking care" is eminently applicable to Horace when at his best.—I am, Sir, &c.,