In Pliny the Elder's Natural History (Book 7, Section 183), two distinct men named Saufeius are listed consecutively as famous examples of sudden, unexpected deaths (subitaneae mortes). [1, 2]

Here are the original Latin text and its parallel English translation:

Latin Text

"...Appius Saufeius e balineo reversus cum mulsum bibisset ovumque sorberet, P. Quintius Scapula cum apud Aquilium Gallum cenaret, Decimus Saufeius scriba cum domi suae pranderet."[1]

English Translation

"...Appius Saufeius, when he had drunk some mead (honeyed wine) and was sucking an egg after coming back from the bathhouse; Publius Quintius Scapula, when out to dinner with Aquilius Gallus; Decimus Saufeius the clerk, when lunching at home." [1]

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Key Contextual Details

• Appius Saufeius: Died right after a bath. He drank a cup of mulsum (wine sweetened with honey) and was in the middle of swallowing a soft-boiled egg when he suddenly expired. [1, 2]
• Decimus Saufeius: A Roman scribe/clerk. Unlike his counterpart, he met his sudden end while simply having a midday meal (lunch) in his own home. [1, 2]
• Thematic Purpose: Pliny included these anecdotes in a sub-chapter dedicated to showcasing how fragile human life is, demonstrating that death can strike in the middle of the most mundane, secure everyday activities like eating a snack or returning from a relaxing bath. [1, 2]

If you want, I can:

• Provide the entire list of sudden deaths mentioned in that section (like the doctor who died from his own eye probe)
• Explain the historical identities of these two men from the Saufeius family
• Help you analyze the Latin grammar rules used in this specific passage

Let me know what you would like to explore next!