Florus, Epitome of Roman History and Fragment (1896) - Page 8

A rectangular frame with triangular, wing-like extensions on the left and right sides resembles a stylized Roman plaque, or tabula ansata handled tablet, containing the dedication.

TO MY BELOVED PARENTS

B.M.M.C.: Likely an abbreviation for "Bene Merentibus Monumentum Curavi" (I have provided this monument for those well-deserving).

One must treat the secondary work as a main task,

yet I exchange these few things for many good ones.original Greek: "τὸ μὲν πάρεργον ἔργον ὡς ποιητέον, ἀγαθῶν δὲ πολλῶν παῦρα ταῦτ’ ἀλλάττομαι." This is a reference to the tradition of "the by-work as the main work," suggesting the author views this editorial labor as a significant, if secondary, contribution.