Follower of Carlo Labruzzi

Lake Nemi is an ancient lake situated to the east of Rome in the Alban Hills.  It was known by the Romans as 'Diana's Mirror' since the moon was perfectly visible in the lake when viewed from the  temple of Diana which stood on the banks above the lake.  This temple was surrounded by her sacred grove which was protected by a guardian known as Rex Nemorensis.  This office could only be obtained by killing the encumbent priest, and who, on achieving the priesthood, had himself to stand alert to the constant possibility of attack.  Lord Macaulay in his poem on the Battle of Lake Regillus refers to this stange custom.

From the still, glassy lake that sleeps
Beneath Aricia'a trees -
Those trees in whose dim shadow
The ghostly priest doth reign
The priest who slew the slayer
And shall himself be slain