Rats in Rome Pliny tells us that the Romans drew presages from these animals, and to see a white rat foreboded good fortune. The bucklers at Lanu'vium being gnawed by rats presaged ill-fortune, and the battle of the Marses, fought soon after, confirmed this superstition. Prosperine's veil was embroidered with rats. Source: E. Cobham Brewer 1810­1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.