Ancient Motto

Sir,—In your Sixth Number, p. 93, J.E.M. wishes to know whence the motto, "Si quis amicum absentum rodere delectat," &c. is taken. Allow me to refer your correspondent to Horace, Sat. I. iv. 81 sqq. "Absentem qui rodit amicum, Qui non defendit, alio culpante, hic niger est, hanc tu, Romane, caveto." The inscription would seem to be but an adaptation of Horace's maxim.