E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Rome.
Founders of Rome. (1) Romulus, the legendary founder, B.C. 752; (2) Camillus was termed the Second Romulus, for saving Rome from the Gauls, B.C. 365; (3) Caius Ma’rius was called the Third Romulus, for saving Rome from the Teuto’nes and Cimbri, B.C. 101.
1
From Rome to May. A bantering expression, equivalent to the following:—“From April to the foot of Westminster Bridge;” “Inter pascha Rennesque feror” (Reinardus, ii. 690); “Inter Cluniacum et Sancti festa Johannis obit” (Reinardus, iv. 972); “Cela s’est passé entre Maubeuge et la Pentecóte.”
2
’Tis ill sitting at Rome and striving with the Pope. Never tread on a man’s corns. “Never wear a brown hat in Friesland” (q.v.).
3
“Mr. Harrison the steward, and Gudyell the butler, are no very fond o’us, and it’s ill sitting at Rome and striving with the pope, sae I thought it best to flit before ill came.”—Sir W. Scott: Old Mortality, chap. viii.
Oh, that all Rome had but one head, that I might strike it off at a blow! Caligula, the Roman emperor, is said to have uttered this amiable sentiment.
4
When you go to Rome, do as Rome does—i.e. conform to the manners and customs of those amongst whom you live, and don’t wear a brown hat in Friesland. St. Mon’ica and her son St. Augustine, said to St. Ambrose: At Rome they fast on Saturday, but not so at Milan; which practice ought to be observed? To which St. Ambrose replied, “When I am at Milan, I do as they do at Milan; but when I do as they do at Milan; but when I go to Rome, I do as Rome does.” (Epistle xxxvi.) Compare 2 Kings v. 18, 19.
