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, ^3 7 3
A/ 5 « *
C 43
/ ? 3° O
T H.E;
W O R K S O F H O R A C E,
WITEI
ENGLISEI NOTES,
IBY THE
R. E v. A. J. M A C L E A N E, M. A.,
READ-MAstre of xrwg xpwARD*§ 8cHooL, BATH.
REVISED AND EDITED
IBY
EEGINALD H. CHASE, A. M.
IB O ST O N :
J O H N A L LY N, P U B L IS H E R,
LATE SEVER, FRANCIS, & CO.
1880.
Entered according to Aet of Congress, in the year 1856, by
J o HN B AR TILE TT,
in the Clerk?s Office of the Distriot Court of the District of Massachusetta
«-»
T W E I, F T H E D I T I O N.
University Press: John Wilson & SoN,
CAmeriDGe.
>/wi « . %og {
%. % £/
><
-7- /7-/ 7</o
ADVERTISEMENT.
This edition of Horace is substantially the same
with Mr. Macleane's Abridgment of his larger edition
in the Bibliotheca Classica. Only such changes have
been made in the notes as seemed necessary to adapt
them to the use of students in the colleges and schools
of the^ United States. The Arguments of the Odes have
been introduced from the larger work ; and Dr. Beck's
Introduction to the Metres has been appended to the
Notes. -
CAMBRIDGE, August 16, 1856.
C O N T E N T S.
IPA6}
LIFE oF HoRAcE . ę © � © © ç» i) ę . vii
CARMINUM LIBER PRIMUS . ę • ® ę ¢ « * ç 1
CARMINUM LIBER SEcUNDUs . cs ę cù ę • . 32
CARMINUM LIBER TERTIUs . ce «• ç» «… « ò ę cù 51
CARMINUM LIBER QUARTUs . ę © «• ę • � . 83
CARMEN SAECULARE . q. ę ύ © ¢ � £• * * 101
EPODON LIBER . ú ύ qºo ę «• c- ύ * ę . 104
SATIRARUM LIBER PRIMUS . ¢ «… ę ę � ce ę 124
SATIRARUM LIBER SECUNDUS . c. ę © ę ę «… . 152
EPI8TOLARUM LIBER PRIMUS Co o ę � *• ę ę 181
EPISTOLARUM LIBER SECUNDUs . t> ¢ • ę ę . 210
EPISTOLA AD PIsoNEs (DE ARTE PoÉTIoA) . . . . 223
N O T E S.
OpEs. — BooK I. © ę & … «• (…) ę ę «… ę . 239
ODEs — BooK II. c* ę o. «• � « » ę e ę 285
OmEs. — BooK III. . C* … 0 • ę ę � • ,. 312
ODEs. — BooK IV. • © • C. t » ę ç «… ę 352
THE SECULAR HYMN ę � o • ę � c> ę . 375
THE BooK oF EPomoEs > � ę « … () c. ę ę 379
SATIREs. — Book I. . «> « » ç ę e ¢ c. ę . 403
SATIREs. — Book II. . </ «… © � ę ■ © ¢ 449
EPISTLEs. — Book I. c. ę * ę * ę t. ę . 498
EPISTLEs. — Book II. . . . • · · • ę ę 545
THE ART oF PoETRY ç ę ę ¢ ce ¢ � « ò . 562
EECK's INTRodUcTroN To THE Merar.s of HorAcE . ę . 577
q,*
L IIF E OIF H O R A C E.
THE materials for Horace's life are derived almost entirely
from his own works. A few additional facts are obtained from
a short memoir, attributed to Suetonius.
He was born on the 8th of December, A. U. c. 689 (b. c. 65), at
or near Venusia* (Venosa), in the Apennines, on the borders of
Lucania and Apulia. His father was a freediman;f having, as
his name proves, been the slave of some person of the Horatia
gens. As Horace implies that he himself was ingenuus,f his
father must have obtained his freedom before his birth. He
afteryards followed the calling of a coactor,§ a collector of rhoney
in some way or other, it is not known in what. He made, in
this capacity, enough to purchase an estate, probably a small one,
near the above town, where the poet was born. We hear noth-
ing of his mother, except that Horace speaks of both his parents
with affection.\ His fäther, probably seeing signs of talent in
him as' a child, was not content to have him educated at a pro-
vincial school, but took himi (at what age he does not say, but
probably about twelve) to Rome, wheré he became a pupil of
Orbilius Pupillus,*| who had a school of much note, attended by
boys of good family, and whom Horace remembered all his life
as an irritable teacher, given unnecessarily to the use of the rod.
* C. iii. 4. 9; C. iv. 9. 2; S. ii. 1. 34. f S. i. 6. 6. 46, 47.
f S. i. 6. 8. § S. i. 6. 86.
|| S. i. 6. 96. “I Epp. ii. 1. 71 ; ibid. 2. 4l.
•
viii LIFE OF HORACE.
With him he learnt grammar, the earlier Latin authors, and
Homer. He attended other masters (of rhetoric, poetry, and.
music perhaps), as Romam boys were wont, and had the advan-
tage (to which he afterwards looked back with gratitude) of his
father's care and moral training during this part of his education.
It was usual for young men of birth and ability to be sent to
Athens, to finish their education by the study of Greek literature
and philosophy under native teachers ; and Horace went there
too, at what age is not known, but probably when he was about
twenty. Whether his father was alive at that time, or dead, is
uncertain. If he went to Athens at twenty, it was in B. C. 45,
the year before Julius Cæsar was assassinated. After that
event, Brutus and Cassius left Rome and went to Greece. Fore-
seeing the struggle that was before them, they got round them
many of the young men at that time studying at Athens, and
Horace was appointed tribune * in the army of Brutus, a high
command, for which he was not qualified. He went with Brutus
into Asia Minör, and finally shared his defeat at Philippi, B. C.
42. He makes humorous allusion to this defeat in his Ode to
IPompeius Varus (ii. 7). After the battle he came to Italy, hav-
ing obtained permission to do so, like many others who were
willing to give up a desperate cause and settle quietly at home.
His patrimony,f however, was forfeited, and he seems to have
had no means of subsistence, which induced him to employ him-
self in writing verses, with the view, perhaps, of bringing himself
into notice,f rather than for the purpose of making money by
their sale. By some means he managed to get a place as scriba §
in the Quæstor's office, whether by purchase or interest does not ap-
pear. In either case, we must suppose he contrived soon to make
friends, though he could not do so by the course he pursued,
* S. i. 6. 48.
f Epp. ii. 2. 50.
f Some persons reject this notiom, supposing Horace to meam, in the pas-
sage on which it is founded (Epp. ii. 2. 51), that poverty made him desper-
ate and careless of consequences, but that when he became comparatively
rich he lost that stimulus.
§ Suet. Vit. S. ii. 6. 36.
LÎFE OF HORACE. ix
without âlsó makifig many enémies. His Satires are füll of alfu-
sions to the enmity his verses had raised up for him on all hands.
He became acquainted; among other literary persons, with Virgil
and Variüs, who, aboüt three years after his return (B. c. 39),
introduced him tò Mæcenas, who was careful of receiving into his
circle a tribune of Brutus, and one whose writings were of a kind
that was new and umpopular. He accordingly saw nothing of
Horace for nine months aftèf his introduction to him. He them
sent for him (B. c. 88), and from that time continued to be his
patron and warmést friend.
At his house, probably, Horace became intimate with Pollio,
and the many persons of consideration whose friendship he ap-
pears to have enjoyed. Through Mæcenas, also, it is probable
Horace was introduced to Augustus ; but whem that happened is
uncertain. In B. c. 87, Mæcenas was deputed by Augustus to
meet M. Antonius at Brundisium, and he took Horace with him
on that journey, of which a detailed account is givem in the fifth
Satire of the first book. Horace appears to have parted from the
rest of the company af Brundisium, and perhaps returned to
Rome by Tarentum and Venusia. (See S. i. 5, Introduction.)
Between this journey and B. c. 82, Horace received from his
friend the present of à small estate in the valley of the Digentia
(Licenza), situated about thirty-four miles from Rome, and four-
teen from Tibur, in the Sabine country. Of this property he
gives a deseription in his Epistle to Quintius (i. 16), and he
appears to have hived there à part of evéry year, ánd to have
been fönd of the place, which was very quiet and retired, being
four miles from the mearest town, Varia (Vico Varo), a muni-
cipium perhaps, bùt nót a place of any importaiìce. During this
interval he continued to write Satirés and Epodes,but also, it ap-
pears probable, some of the Odes, which sofme years Pater he
published, and others which he did not publish. These composi-
tions, no doubt, were seen by his friends, and were pretty well
Known before any of them were collected for publication. The
first book of the Satires was published probably in B. c. 35, the
Epodes in B. C. 30, and the second* book of Satires in the foHow-
ing year, when Horace was about thirty-five years old.
X. LIFE OF HORACE.
When Augustus returned from Asia, in B. C. 29, and closed
the gates of Janus, being the acknowledged head of the republic,
Horace appeared among his most hearty adherents. He wrote
on this occasion one of his best Odes (i. 2), and employed his pen
in forwarding those reforms which it was the first object of Au-
gustus to effect. (See Introduction to C. ii. 15.) His most
striking Odes appear, for the most part, to have been written after
the establishment of peace. Some may have been written before,
and probably were. But for some reason it would seem that he
gave himself more to lyric poetry after his thirty-fifth year than
he had done before. He had most likely studied the Greek poets
while he was at Athens, and some of his imitations may have been
written early. If so, they were most probably improved and
polished, from time to time, (for he must have had them by him,
lknown perhaps only to a few friends, for many years,) till they
became the graceful specimens of artificial composition that they
are. Horace continued to employ himself in this kind of writing
(on a variety of subjects, convivial, amatory, political, moral, —
some original, many no doubt suggested by Greek poems) till
B. C. 24, when there are reasons for thinking the first three books
of the Odes were published. During this period, Horace appears
to have passed his time at Rome, among the most distinguished
men of the day, or at his house in the country, paying occasional
visits to Tibur, Præneste, and Baiæ, with indifferent health,
which required change of air. About the year B. C. 26 he was
nearly killed by the falling of a tree, on his own estate, which
accident he has recorded in one of his Odes (ii. 13), and occa-
sionally refers to ; once in the same stanza with a storm in which
he was nearly lost off Cape Palinurus,* on the western coast of
Italy. When this happened, nobody knows. After the publica-
tion of the three books of Odes, Horace seems to have ceased
from that style of writing, or nearly so ; and the only other com-
positions we know of his having produced in the next few years
are metrical Epistles to different friends, of which he published
a volume probably in B. c. 20 or 19. He seems to have taken
• - • • • —-—
* C. iii. 4. 28.
1LIFE OF HORACE. xi
up the study of the Greek philosophical writers, and to have
become a good deal interested in them, and also to have been a
little tired of the world, and disgusted with the jealousies his
reputation created. His health did not improve as he grew
older, and he put himself under the care of Antonius Musa, the
emperor's new physician.* By his advice he gave up, for a time
at least, his favorite Baiæ. But he found it necessary to be
a good deal away from Rome, especially in the autumn and
winter.t *- -*
In B. c. 17, Augustus celebrated the Ludi Seculares, and
Horace was required to write an Ode for the occasion, which he
did, and it has been preserved. This circumstancè, and the
credit it brought him, may have given his mind another leaning
to Ode-writing, and have helped him to produce the fourth book,
a few pieces in which may have been written at any time. It
is said that Augustus particularly desired Horace to publish an-
other book of Odes, in order that those he wrote upon the victo-
ries of Drusus and Tiberius (4 and 14) might appear in it. The
Matter of these Odes was not written, probably, till B. C. 18, when
Augustus returned from Gaul. If so, the book was probably
published in that year, when Horace was fifty-two. The Odes of
'the fourth book show no diminution of power, but the reverse.
There are none in the first three books that surpass, or perhaps
equal, the Ode in honor of Drusus, and few superior to that
which is addressed to Lollius. The success of the first three
books, and the honor of being chosem to compose the Ode at the
Ludi Seculares, seem to have given him encouragement. There
are no incidents in his life during the above period recorded or
alluded to in his poems. He lived five years after the publica-
tion of the fourth book of Odes, if the above date be correct, and
during that time, I think it probable, he wrote the Epistles to
Augustus and Florus which form the second book ; and having
conceived the intention of writing a poem on the art and progress
of poetry, he wrote as much of it as appears in the Epistle to the
Eisones which has been preserved among his works. It seems,
* Epp. i. 15. f Epp. i. 7. 1 — 18.
xii LIFE OF HORACE.
from the Epistle to Florus, that Horace at this time had to resist
the urgency of fiiends begging him to write, one in this style
and apother in that, and that he had no desire to gratify them
and to sacrifice his own ease to a pursuit in which it is plain he
never took any great delight. He was likely to bring to it less
energy as his life was drawing prematurely to a close, through
infirmities either contracted or aggravated during his irrational
campaigning with Brutus, his inaptitude for which he appears
afterwards to have been perfectly aware of. He continued to
apply himself to the study of moral philosophy till his death,
yhich took place, agcording to Eusebius, on the 27th of Novem-
ber, B. C. 8, in the fifty-seventh year of his age, and withim a
few days of its completion. Mæcenas died the same year, also
towards the close of it ; a coincidence that has led some to the
notion, that Horace hastened his own death that he might not
have the pain of surviving his patron. According to Suetonius,
his death (which he places after his fify-ninth year) was so
sudden, that he had not time to execute his will, which is opposed
to the notion of suicide. The two friends were buried near one
another “in extremis Esquiliis,” in fhe farthest part of the Es-
quiliæ, that is, probably, without the city Walls, on the ground
drained and laid out in gardens by Mæcenas, (See S. i. 8, In-
troduction)
Q. HORATII FLACCI
C A R M I N U M
LIBER PRIMUS.
— *©—
C A R, M E N I.
MAECENAS atavis edite regibus
O et praesidium et dulce decus meum,
Sunt quos curriculo pulverem Olympicum
Collegisse juvat metaque fervidis
Evitata rotis palmaque nobilis, 5
Terrarum dominos evehit ad Deos,
Hunc si mobilium turba Quifitium
Certat tergeminis tollere honoribus ;
Illum si proprio condidit horreo
Quidquid Ê Libycis verritur areis, L-h*
Gaudentem patrios findere sarculo — Afiav^
Agros Attalicis conditionibus- ' -°i!* *
Numquam dignoveas, ut trabe Cypria
Myrtoum pavidus nauta secet mare.
Luctantem Icariis fluctibus Africum 15
t,.& ar »{» Mercator metuens otium et oppidi
Laudat rurà sui; mox reficit rates
Quassas indocilis pauperiem pati.
Est qui nec veteris pocula Massici «-*
Nec partem solido demere de die 920
Spernit, nunc viridi membra sub arbuto
Stratus, nunc ad aquae lene caput sacrae.
f-* J\4</~i?(.
10
CARMINUM
Multos castra juvant et lituo tubae
Permixtus Sonitus bellaque matribus
Detestata. Manet sub Jove frigido
Venator tenerae conjugis immemor,
Seu visa est catulis cerva fidelibus,
Seu rupit teretes Marsus aper plagas.
Me doctarum hederae praemia frontium
Dis miscent superis ; me gelidum nemus.
& * v_• Nympharumque leves cum Sátyris chori
{.
«j-o^^ °
Secernunt populo, si neque tibias
Euterpe cohibet nec Polyhymnia
Lesboum refugit tendere barbiton. v
Quod si me lyricis vatibus inseris, rw»i^
Sublimi feriam sidera vertice.
A…
C A R. M E N II.
• • • v J . 2 v-
JÄM jiis téfis nivis|ätqué [É
Grandimis misit Pater, et ru
Dextera sacras jaculatus arces P-v- x^°
Terruit Urbem,
Terruit gentes, grave ne rediret
Seculum Pyrrhae nova monstra questae,
Omne cum Proteus pecus egit altos
Visere montes,
Piscium et summa genus haesit ulmo
Nota quae sedes fuerat columbis,
t superjecto pavidae matarunt
Aequore damae.
Vidimus flavum Tiberim retortis
Littore Etrusco violenter undis
Ire dejectum monumenta regis
Templaque Vestae ;
Iliae dum se nimium querenti :
ὸactat ultorem, vagus et sinistra
v •*
ente \\_/
* 30
10
LlB. I. CARM. II.
Y^^® r-* &. r
Labitur ripa Jove non probante u-
XOT1UlS 8. ImInIS.
Audiet cives acuisse ferrum
Quo graves Persae melius perirent;
Audiet pugnas vitio parentum
Rara juventus. _
Quem vocet divum populus ruentis
Imperi rebus ? preee qua fatigent
Virgines sanctae minu$ audientem
Carmina Vestam ? •
Cui dabit partes scelus expiandi
Juppiter? Tandem venias precamur
Nube candentes humeros amictus,
Augur Apollo;
Sive tu mavis, Erycina ridens,
Quam Jocus circum volat et Cupido ;
Sive neglectum genus et nepotes
Respicis auctor,
Heu nimis longo satiate ludo,
Quem juvat clamor galeaeque leves
Acer et Mauri peditis eruentum
Voltus in hostem ;
Sive mutata juvenem figura
Ales in terris imitaris, almae
Filius Maiae, patiens vocari
Caesaris ultor:
Serus in caelum redeas diuque
Laetus intersis populo Quirini ;
Neve te hostris vitiis iniquum
Ocior aura
Tollat: hic magnos potius triumphos,
Hic ames dici pater atque princeps,
Neu sinas Medos equitare inultos
Te duce, Caesar.
40
CARMINUM *
C A R. M E N III.
SIc te diva potens Cypri,
Sic fratres Helenae lucida sidera, *
Ventorumque regat pater,
Obstrictis aliis praeter Iapyga:
Navis, quae tibi creditum
Debes Virgilium finibus Atticis
Reddas incolumem precor,
Et serves animae dimidium meae.
Illi robur et aes triplex
Circa pectus erat qui fragilem truci
Commisit pelago ratem
Primus, nec timuit praecipitem Africum
Decertantem Aquilonibus
Nec tristes Hyadas, nec rabiem Noti
Quo non arbiter Hadriae
Major tollere seu ponere volt freta.
Quem Mortis timuit gradum
Qui siccis oculis monstra natantia,
Qui vidit mare turgidum et
Infames scopulos Acroceraunia ?
Nequicquam deus abscidit
Prudens Oceano dissociabili
Terras si tamen impiae
Non tangenda rates transiliunt vada.
Audax omnia perpeti
Gens humana ruit per vetitum nefas.
Audax Iapeti genus
Ignem fraude mala gentibus intulit.
Post ignem aetheria domo
Subductum macies et nova febrium
Terris incubuit cohors,
Semotique prius tarda necessitas
Leti corripuit gradum.
5
10
20
LIB. I. CARM. IV. 5
Fxpertus vacuum Daedalus aëra
Pemnis non homini datis ; ' 35
, Perrupit Acheronta Herculeus labor.
Nil mortalibus ardui est ;
Caelum ipsum petimus stultitia neque
Per nostrum patimur scelus
Iracunda Jovem ponere fulmina. 40
C A R. M E N IV.
SOLVITUR acris hiems grata vice veris et Favoni,
Trahuntque siccas machinae carinas,
Ac neque jam stabulis gaudet pecus aut arator igni ;
Nec prata, canis albicant pruinis.
Jam Cyiher&a choros ducit Venus imminente Luna, 5
Junctaeque Nymphis Gratiae decentes
Alterno terram quatiunt pede, dum graves Cyclopum
Volcanus ardens urit officinas. -
Nunc decet aut viridi nitidum caput impedire myrto -
Aut flore terrae quem ferunt solutae. 10
Nunc et in umbrosis Fauno decet immolare lucis,
Seu poscat agnam sive malit haedum.
Pallida Mors aequo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas
Regumque turres. O beate Sesti,
Vitae summa brevis spem nos vetat inchoare longam. 15
Jam te premet nox fabulaeque Manes wxv**
Pt domus exilis Plutonia: quo simul mearis, # •*
Nec regna vini sortiere talis <
INec tenerum Lycidan mirabere, quo calet juventus
Nunc omnis et mox virgines tepebunfy 20,
A. *
6 · CATRMINUM
C A R M E N V.
QUIS multa gracilis te puer in rosa
IPerfusus liquidis urget odoribus
, Grato, Pyrrha, sub antro?
- „r'*'^* Cui flävam religas comam
….…-^ * Simplex munditiis ? Heu quoties fidem
ç-f Mutatosque deos flebit et aspéra
Nigris aequora ventis
Emirabitur insolensy
Qui nunc te fruitur credülus aurea;
Qui semper vacuam, semper amabilem
Sperat nescius aurae
Pallacis. Miseri quibus
, , Intentata mites ! Me tabula sacer
**^** (***^ Votiva paries indicat uvida
t. Suspendisse potenti
Vestimenta maris deo.
C A R M E N V I.
ScRIBERIS Vario fortis et hostium
Victor Maeonii carminis alite,
Quam rem cumque ferox navibus aut equis
Miles te duce gesserit. ÁJU*
Nos, Agrippa, neque haec dicere nec gravem
IPelidae stomachum cedere nescii . — -*..
Nec cursus duplicis per mare Ulixei
Nec saevam Pelopis domum
Conamur tenues grandia, dum pudor
Imbellisque lyrae Musa potens vetat
a*
1δ
I,IB. I. CARM. VII. 7
Laudes egregii Caesaris et tuas
Culpa deterere ingeni.
Quis Martem tunica tectum adamantina
Digne scripserit aut pulvere Troico
Nigrum Merionem aut ope Palladis 15
- (*• • ' Tydidem superis parem ? .
- Nos convivia, nos proelia virginum
Sectis in juvenes unguibus acrium
Cantamus vacui, sive quid urimur
Non praeter solitum leves. - 2(}

C A R M E N V II.
. . LAUDABUNT alii claram Rhodon aut Mytilenen gx$\ , ** v»
\%, % 6- *^* ' Aut Epheson bimarisve QQyinthi \ »*
Moenia vel Baccho Thëbä§*él Apolline Delphos s,\^
Insignes aut Thessala Tempe. *• -
Sunt quibus unum opus est intactae Palladis urbem 5
Carmine perpetuo celebrare et
Undique decerptam fronti praeponere olivam.
Plurimus in Junonis honorem . u\ , *^
Aptum dicit equis Argos ditesque Mycenas.~^'
Me nec tam patiens Lacedaemon 10
Nec tam Larissae percussit campus opimae,
Quam domus Albuneae resonantis
Et praeceps Anio ac Tiburni lucus et uda
Mobilibus pomaria rivis.
Albus ut obscuro deterget nubila caelo , 15
Saepe Notus neque parturit imbres
Perpetuo, sic tu sapiens finire memento
Tristitiam vitaeque labores
Molli, Plance, mero, seu te fulgentia signis
Castra tenent, seu densa tenebit 20
Tiburis umbra tui. Teucer Salamina patremque
Cum fugeret tamen uda Lyaeo
CARMINUM
Tempora populea fertur vinxisse corona,
Sic tristes affatus amicos : .
Quo nos cunque feret melior fortuna parente
Ibimus, o socii comitesque.
Nil desperandum Teucro duce et auspice Teucro;
Certus enim promisit Apollo
Ambiguam tellure nova Salamina futuram.
O fortes pejoraque passi .-
Mecum saepe viri, nunc vino pellite curas ;
Cras ingens iterabimus aequor.

C A R M E N V III.
LYDIA, dic, per omnes
Te deos oro, Sybarin cur properas amando
Eerdere ; cur apricum
Oderit campum patiens pulveris atque solis ?
Cur neque militaris
Inter aequales equitat, Gallica nec lupatis
Temperat ora frenis ?
Cur timet flavum Tiberim tangere ? Cur olivum
Sanguine viperino
Cautius vitat, neque jam livida gestat armis
Erachia saepe disco, .
Saepe trans finem jaculo nobilis expedito ?
Quid latet, ut marinae -
Filium dicunt Thetidis sub lacrymosa Trojae
Funera me virilis -
Cultus in caedem et Lycias proriperet catervas ?
i\, ; . .? …
£.-< **
LIB. I. CARM. X.
C A R M E N IX.
VIDES ut alta stet nive candidum
Soracte, nec jam sustineant onus
Silvae laborantes geluque
Plumina constiterint acuto.
Dissolve frigus ligna super foco
Large reponens, atque benignius
Deprome quadrimum Sabina,
O thaliarche, merum diota.
Permitte divis cetera, qui simul
Stravere ventos aequore fervido
Deproeliantes nec cupressi
Nec veteres agitantur orni.
Quid sit futurum cras fuge quaerere, et
Quem Fors dierum cunque dabit lucro
Appone, nec dulces amores
• Sperne puer neque tu choreas,
Donec virenti canities abest
Morosa. Nunc et campus et areae
Lenesque sub noctem susurri
Composita repetantur hora;
Nunc et latentis proditor intimo
Gratus puellae risus ab angulo,
Pignusque dereptum lacertis
Aut digito male pertinaci.
CARMEN X.
MERCURI facunde nepos Atlantis,
Qui feros cultus hominum recentum
<y^
10
15
10 CARMINUM
*¥
Voce formasti catus et decorae
More palaestrae,
Te canam magni Jovis et deorum
Nuntium curvaeque lyrae parentem, _- .
Callidum quidquid plácuit jogoso-} ^
a* Condere furto. -- ' ' , :
Te boves olim nisi reddidisses
Per dolum amotas puerum minaci
Voce dum terret, viduus pharetra
Risit Apollo.
Quin et Atridas duce te superbos
Ilio dives Priamus relicto
Thessalosque ignes et iniqua Trojae
Castra fefellit.
Tu pias laetis animas reponis
Sedibus virgaque levem coërces
Aurea turbam, superis deorum
Gratus et imis.
i , , Atl
Or. Λ ιι £'.
C A R. M E N XI.
?
TU ne quaesieris, scire nefas, quem mihi, quem tibi
Finem di dederint, Leuconoë, nec Babylonios
Tentaris numeros. Ut melius quidquid erit pati,
Seu plures hiemes seu tribuit Juppiter ultimam,
Quae nunc oppositis debilitat pumicibus mare
Tyrrhenum. Sapias, vina liques, et spatio brevi
Spem longam reseces. Dum loquimur fugerit invida
Aetas: carpe diem quam minimum credula postero.
_ r* *\
;*
10
10
ILIB. I. GARM. XII. 11
C A R MEN XII. ;
QUEM virum aut heroa lyra vel acri
Tibia sumis eelebrare, Clio,
Quem deum ? Cujus recinet jocosa
Nomen imago as*'**
Aut in umbrosis Helicanis oris v~ « . ; . ' `
Aut super Pindo, gelidove in Haemo -''', «
Unde vocalem temere inseeutae . . .
a p. . ; £.'; £. , ę * .
.A£.v.s«/'**** Qrphea silvae
Arte materna rapidos morantem
Fluminum lapsus celeresque ventos, £0
Blandum et auritas fidibus canoris ¢
Ducere quercus ?
Quid prius dicam solitis parentis
ÌLaudibus, qui res hominum ac deorum, •
Qui mare ac terras variisque mundum [15
Temperat horis ? -
Unde nil majus generatur ipso,
Nec viget quidquam simile aut secundum :
Βroximos illi tamen occupavit
Pallas honores. 20
Proeliis audax, neque te silebo .- ,
Liber et saevis inimica Virgo /%x*^**
IBeluis nec te, metuende certa
Phoebe sagitta. qu,„!,,. \ }. . .
Dicam et Aleiden puerosque Ledae, 25
Hunc equis, illum superare pugnis
Nobilem ; quorum simul alba nautis
Stella refulsit
Defluit saxis agitatus humor,
Concidunt venti fugiuntque nubes, -* 30
>• Et minax, quod sic voluere, ponto
Unda recumbit.
Romulum post hos prius an quietum
•^$, ,^** Pompili regnum memorem an superbos
12
CARMINUM
Tarquini fasces dubito, an Catonis 35 `
INobile letum.
Regulum et Scauros animaeque magnae
Prodigum Paullum superante Poeno
Gratus insigni referam Camena
Eabriciumque. 40
Hunc et incomptis Curium capillis
lUtilem bello tulit et Camillum
Saeva paupertas et avitus apto
Cum lare fundus.
Crescit occulto velut arbor aevo, 45
Eama Marcelli ; micat inter omnes
Julium sidus velut inter ignes
Luna minores.
Gentis humanae pater atque custos
Orte Saturno, tibi cura magni 50
Caesaris fatis data : tu secundo
Caesare regnes.
Ille, seu Parthos Latio imminentes
Egerit justo domitos triumpho
Sive subjectos Orientis orae 55
Seras et Indos,
Te minor latum reget aequus orbem ;
Tu gravi curru quaties Olympum,
Tu parum castis inimica mittes
Pulmina lucis. 60
C A R, MIIE IN XIII.
CUM tu, Lydia, Telephi
Cervicem roseam, cerea Telephi
Laudas brachia, vae pmeum
FéTêïíôáíôïíôïéí jecur.
Tunc nec mens mihi nec color 5
Certa sede manet, humor et in genas
/
LIB. I. CARM. XIV.
13
Furtim labitur, arguens
Quam lentis penitus macerer ignibus.
Uror, seu tibi candidos
Turparunt humeros immodicae mero
Rixae sive puer furens
Impressit memorem dente labris notam.
Non, si me satis audias,
Speres perpetuum dulcia barbare
Laedentem oscula, quae Venus
Quinta parte sui nectaris imbuit.
Felices ter et amplius
Quos irrupta tenet copula, nec malis
Divolsus querimoniis
Suprema citius solvet amor die.
C A R. M E N XIV.
O NAVIS, referent in mare te novi
Fluctus ! O quid agis ? Fortiter occupa
Portum! Nonne vides ut
Nudum remigio latus
Et malus celeri saucius Africo
Antennaeque gemant ac sine funibus
Vix durare carinae
Possint imperiosius
. Aequor? Non tibi sunt integra lintea,
Non di, quos iterum pressa voces malo.
Quamvis Pontica pinus,
Silvae filia nobilis,
Jactes et genus et nomen inutile ;
Nil pictis timidus navita puppibus
Eidit. Tu, nisi ventis
Debes ludibrium, cave.
Nuper sollicitum quae mihi taedium,
Nunc desiderium curaque non levis,
10
15
1£ CARMINUM
Interfusa nitentes
Vites aequora Cycladas. 20
C A R. M E N X V.
PASTOR cum traheret per freta navibus
/»•* Idaeis Helemen perfidus hospitam,
Ingrato celeres obruit otio
Ventos ut cameret fera
Nereus fata : Mala ducis avi domum 5
Quam multo repetet Graecia milite,
Conjurata tuas rumpere nuptias
Et regnum Priami vetus.
Heu heu quantus equis, quantus adest viris
- Sudor! quanta moves funera Dardanae 1()
Genti ! Jam galeam Pallas et aegida
Currusque et rabiem parat.
Nequicquam Veneris praesidio ferox
Pectes caesariem grataque feminis , vj
Imbelli cithara carmina divides ; 4**<>*f*^?
Nequicquam thalamo graves , , … J `
Hasta$ et calami spicula Cnossii v-S^*
Vitabis strepitumque et celerem sequi
Ajacem ; tamen heu serus adulteros
Crines pulvere collimes. 90
Non Laërtiadem, exitium tuae
Genti, non Pylium Nestora respicis ?
Urgent impavidi te Salaminius
Teucer et Sthenelus sciens
Pugnae, sive opus est imperitare equis 25
Non auriga piger ; Merionem quoque
Nosces. Ecce furit te reperire atrox
« txo»** Tydides melior patre, *
Quem tu cervus uti vallis in altera
Visum parte lupum graminis immemor 30
â
{
LIB. I. CARM. * XVI. 15
Sublimi fugies mollis anhelitu,
Non hoc pollicitus tuae.
Iracunda diem proferet Ilio
Matronisque Phrygum classis Achillei;
Post certas hiemes uret Achaicus 35
Ignis Iliacas domos.
C ARMEN XVI.J a lo %v**
O MATRE pulchra filia pulchrior,
Quem criminosis cunque voles modum
Pones iambis, sive flamma
Sive mari libet Hadriano. •
Non Dindymene, non adytis quafit , , ; , 5
Mentem sacerdotum incola Pythius, &r i .
Non Liber aeque, non acuta «-, »*
*\:
Sic geminant Corybantes aera ¥*
Tristes ut irae, quas neque Noricu§
Deterret ensis nec mare naufragum 10
Nec saevus ignis nec tremendo
Juppiter ipse ruens tumultu.
Eertur Prometheus, addere principi
Limo coactus particulam undique
Desectam, et insani leonis 15
~z~** Vim stomacho apposuisse nostro.
Irae Thyestem exitio gravi • ..•
Stravere, et altis urbibus ultimaev ^i'
Stetere causae, cur perirent
Funditus imprimeretque muris 20
Hostile aratrum exercitus insolens.
Compesce mentem : me quoque pectoris
Tentavit in dulci juventa-,
Fervor et in céleréiáìbos
Misit furentem ; nunc ego mitibus 25.
Mutare quaero tristia, dum mihi
CARMINUM
Eias recantatis amica
Opprobriis animumque reddas.
-\ s»
/
* s*
} I t ■ *
CARMEN XVII. .
A } A - ?t 24.
z-2 ■ A - ?
.-' ' •-{ 4, .6. t'.
•_.-& , '-" *
1
... t ' / '. J. ' ; r?], ,--' '
VELox amoenum saepe Lucrétilem

Mutat Lycaeo Faunus et igneam avve aÆLo.
Defendit aestatem capellis :
A. Usque, meis, Ę véntos.
Imjune íufùm pêÊ néfiu§ arbutos
Quàerunt labentes et thyma deviae
Olentis uxores mariti,
Nec virides metuunt colubras
Nec Martiales Haedileae lupos, r^- *"*^
Utcunque dulci, Tyndari, fistula
Valles et Ustißäe cubantis
Laevia personuere saxa.
Di me tuentur, dis pietas mea
Et Musa cordi est. Hic tibi copia
Manabit ad plenum benigno
Ruris homorum opulenta cornu.
Hic in reducta valle Caniculae
Vitabis aestus et fide Teia
Dices laborantes in uno
Penelopem vitreamque Circen;
Hic innocentis pocula Lesbii
Duces sub umbra, nec Semeléîus
Cum Marte confundet Thyóneus
IProelia, nec metues protervum
Suspecta Cyrum, ne male dispari
Incontinentes injiciat manus
Et scindat haerentem coronam
Crinibus immeritamque vestem.
2î)
LIB. I. CARM. XIX. 17
CARMEN xvIII.
NULLAM, Vare, sacra vite prius severis arborem
Circa mite solum Tiburis et moenia Cátili.
Siccis omnia nam dura deus proposuit, neque
Mordaces aliter diffugiunt sollicitudines.
Quis post vina gravem militiam aut pauperiem crepat ? 5
Quis non te potius, Bacche pater, teque, decens Venus ?
At ne quis modici transiliat munera Liberi
Centaurea monet cum Lapithis rixa super mero
Debellata, monet Sithoniis non levis Euius,
Cum fas atque nefas exiguo fine libidinum ]0
Discernunt ayidi. Non ego te, candide Bassareu, -
Invitum quatiam, nec variis obsitâ frondibus
Sub divum rapiam. Saeva teme cum Berecyntio
Cornu tympana, quae sub$equitur caecus Amor sui -
Et tollens vacuum plus nimio Gloria verticem, 15
Arcanique Fides prodiga, perlucidior vitro.
C A R, M E N XIX.
MATER saeva Cupidinum
Thebanaeque jubet me Semeles puer,
Et lasciva Licentia ++*r%t vt o»*»*
JFinitis animum reddere amoribus.
Urit me Glycerae nitor • 5,
Splendentis Pario marmore purius;
Urit grata protervitas L*v &^^'*
Et voltus nimium lubricus adspici.
In me tota ruens Venus
Cyprum deseruit, nec patitur Scythas 1®
18
CARMINUM
Et versis ajköáíôïíüis
Parthum dicere nec quae nihil attinent.
EHic vivum mihi caespitem, hic
Verbenas, pueri, ponitè thuraque
Eimi cum patera meri : 15
Mactata veniet lenior hostia.
CARMEN XX.
VILE potabis modicis Sabinum
Cantharis Graeca quod ego ipse testa
0onditum levi, datus in theatro
Cum tibi plausus,
Care Maecenas eques, ut paterni 5
Eluminis ripae simul et jocosa
Redderet laudes tibi Vaticani
Montis imago.
' Caecubum et prelo domitam Caleno, ,, ,
Tu bibes uvam: mea nec Falernae *^' 10
Temperant vites neque Formiani
Pocula colles.
J^
\
t
C A R. M E N XXI.
DIANAM temerae dicite virgines,
Intonsum, pueri, dicite Cynthium
Latonamque supremo
Dilectam penitus Jovi.
Vos laetam fluviis et memorum comA, p.
Quaecunque aut gelido prominet Algido **, X, ,
,· U. § ę „£
LIB. I. CARM. XXII.
19
P.
Nigris aut Erymanthi αεωla.
Silvis aut viridis Cragi;\y€wo-
i*i ••«/ Vos Tempe totidem tollite laudibus,
( Natalemque, mares, Delom Apollinis,
* Insignemque pharetra
£j
Hic bellum lacrumosum, hic miseram famem
Pestemque, a populo et principe Caesare in
Eraternaque humerum lyra.
Pér§Â§*àtqùe Britannös ç
— *
Vestra motus aget prece.
C A RMEN XXII.
•. ^ , , /— l2
^v/- j^/vv/- v/
INTEGER vitae scelerisque purus
Non eget Mauris jaculis neque arcu
Nec venenatis gravida sagittis,
Eusce, pharetra,
Sive per Syrtes iter aestuosas
Sive facturus per inhospitalem
„a*. p. •
6).» ô ,
fœvœ.
Caucasum vel quae loca fabulosus
Lambit Hydaspes. }^^}^^-
Namque me silva lupus in Sabina,
Dum meam canto Lalagem et ultra
Terminum curis vagor expeditis,
Pugit inermem,
Quale portentum neque militaris
Daunias latis alit aesculetis,
Nec Jubae tellus generat leonum
Arida nutrix.
Pone me pigris ubi nulla campis
Arbor aestiva recreatur aura,
Quod latus mpgi nebulae malusque
Juppíer urget ;
Pone sub curru'nimium propinqui
Solis in terra domibus negata:
10
15
10
15
20
CARMINUM
Dulce ridentem Lalagen amabo,
Dulce loquentem.
C A R M E N XXIII.
VITAs hinnuleo me similis, Chloë,
Quaerenti pavidam montibus aviis
Matrem non sine vano
Aurarum et silüae metu.
Nam seu mobilibus veris inhorruit
Adventus foliis seu virides rubum
Dimovere lacertae,
Et corde et genibus tremit.
Atqui non ego te tigris ut aspera
Gaetulusve leo frangere persequor:
Tandem desine matrem
Tempestiva sequi viro.
CARMEN XXIV.
QUIS desiderio sit pudgraut modus
Tam cari capitis ? Präéêipe lugubres
Cantus, Melpomene, cui liquidam pater
Vocem cum cithara dedit.
Ergo Quinctilium perpetuus sopor
Urget! cui Pudor, et Justitiae Soror
Incorrupta Fides nudaque Veritas
Quando ullum inveniet parem?
Multis ille bonis flebilis occidit,
Nulli flebilior quam tibi, Virgili.
10
LIB. I. CARM. XXV. . 2]
Tu frustra pius heu non ita creditum
Poscis Quinctilium deos.
2. J4. Quoá si Threicio blandius Orpheo
Auditam moderere arboribus fidem, ?
/%wx Non vanae redeat sanguis imagini, ■ 15
Quam virga semel horrida } £. £, , , ' £. '
Non lenis precibus fata recludere
Nigro compulerit Mercurius gregi.
Durum : sed leyius fit patientia
Quidquid cöïígere est nefas. 20
aa
C A R, M E N X X V.
PARCIUS junctas quatiunt fenestras
Ictibus crebris juvenes protervi,
Nec tibi somnos adimunt, amatque
Janua limem
Quae prius multum facilis movebat 5
Cardines; audis minus et minus jam : -
“ Me tuo longas pereunte noctes,
Lydia, dormis?”
Invicem moechos anus arrogantes. , . . . .U
Elebis in solo leyis angiportu, αα} *** ` 10
Thracio bacchante magis sub inter-
lumia vento,
Cum tibi flagrans amor et libido
Quae solet matres furiare equorumy , , Jv ' :-
Saeviet circa jecur ulcerosum, frr*)• *** '* 15
Non sine questu,
Laeta quod pubes hedera virente
Gaudeat pulla magis atque myrto,
Aridas frondes hiemis sodali
Dedicet Hebro. f7 k^ «^ e 320
22
CARMINUM
* A #-
vvv 6. «j. j <;.,:'i
CARMEN XXVI.
MUSIS amicus tristitiam et metus
Tradam protervis in mare Creticum
JPortare ventis, quis sub Arcto
Rex gelidae metuatur orae,
Quid Tiridqtem terreat unice 5
Securus. O, quae fontibus integris
Gaudes, apricos necte flores,
Necte meo Lâmiae coronam, ., &
IPimpléa dulcis! Nil sine te mei .-' ' ' .
Prosunt honores: hunc fidibus novis, 10
Hunc Lesbio sacrare plectro -
Teque tuasque decet sorores.
CARMEN xxvII.
•*
NATIS in usum laetitiae scyphis
Pugnare Thraeum est: tollite barbarum , ,
Morem, verecundumque Bacchum bºve*?
' Sanguineis prohibete rixis ! '.'
Vino et lucernis Medus acinaces ß
' ; αιά/ Immane quantum discrepat: impium
W

Lenite clamorem, sodales,
Et cubito remanete presso !
Voltis severi me quoque sumere
IPartem Falerni? Dicat Opuntiae 10
Frater Megillae quo beatus
Volnere, qua pereat sagitta.
Cessat voluntas ? Non alia bibam
Mercede Quae te cumque domat Venus
«*
LIB. I. CARM. XXVIII.
VV -
Non erubescendis adurit
Ignibus ingenuoque semper
Amore peccas. Quidquid habes age
Depone tutis auribus. Ah miser,
Quanta laborabas Charybdi,
Digne puer meliore flamma!
Quae saga, quis te solvere Thessalis
Magus venenis, quis poterit deus ?
Vix illigatum te triformi
Pegasus expediet Chimaera.
X.
C A R, MIE N X X VIII.
TE maris et terrae numeroque carentis arenae
Mensorem cohibent, Archyta,
Pulveris exigui prope litus parva Matinum
Munera, nec quidquam tibi prodest
Aërias tentasse domos, animoque rotundum
Percurrisse polum, £grituro.
Oecidit et Pelöpis géïôÝêonviva deorum,
Tithonusque remotus in auras «.
Et Jovis arcanis Minos admissus, habentque —
Tartara Panthoiden iterum Orco
Demissum, quamvis clipeo Trojana refixo .
Tempora testatus nihil ultra
Nervos atque cutem morti concesserat atrae,
Judice te non sordidus auctor
Naturae verique. Sed omnes una manet mox
Et calcanda semel via leti :,
Dant alios Furiae torvo spectacula Marti ;
Exitio est avidum mare nautis;
Mixta senum ac juvenum densentur funera, nullum
Saeva caput Proserpina fugit.
Me quoque devexi rapidus comes Orionis
Illyricis Notus obruit undis.
10
24
CARMINUM
At tu, nauta, vagae ne parce malignus arenae
Ossibus et capiti inhumato
Particulam dare: sic quodcumque minabitur Eurus 2:
Fluctibus Hesperiis Venusinae
Plectantur silvae te sospite, multaque merces
gUnde potest,tibi defluat aequo
Ab Jove Neptunoque sacri custode Tarenti.
Negligis immeritis nocituram 30
Postmodo te natis fraudem committere ? Fors et
Debita jura vicesque superbae
Te maneant ipsum : precibus non linquar inultis,
Teque piacula nulla resolvent.
Quamquam festinas non est mora longa ; licebit 35
Injecto ter pulvere curras.
C A R, M E N XXIX.
ICCI, beatis nunc Arabum invides
Gazis, et acrem militiam paras
Non ante devictis Sabaeae /- .
Regibus, horribilique Medo 0^**^^
Nectis catenas ? Quae tibi virginum, 5
Sponso necato barbara serviet ?
Puer quis ex aula capillis
Ad cyathum statuetur unctis,
I)octus sagittas tendere Sericas
Arcu paterno ? Quis neget arduis 10
Pronos relabi posse rivos
Montibus et Tiberim reverti,
Cum tu coëmptos undique nobilis
Libros Panaeti Socraticam et domum
Mutare loricis Hiberis 15
Pollicitus meliora tendis ?
ILIB. I. CARM. XXXI.
C A R, M E N XXX.
O VENUS, regina Cnidi Paphique, •'' ' *
Sperne dilectam Cypron, et vocantis'
Thure te multo Glycerae decoram
Transfer in aedem.
Fervidus tecum puer et solutis
Gratiae zonis properentque Nymphae
Et parum comis sine te Juventas
Mercuriusque.
C A R, M E N XXXI.
QUID dedicatüm poscit Apollinem
Vates ? quid orat de patera novum
Fundens liquorem ? Non opimae
Sardiniae segetes feraces, J/«-
Non aestuosae grata Calabriaewv®'*
Armenta, non aurum aut ebur Indicum,
Non rura quae Liris quieta
J Mordet aqua, taciturnus amnis,
, , , ,-!'*' Premant Galena falce quibus dedit
v<'° ' Fortuna vitem, dives et aureis
Mercator exsiccet culullis
Vina Syra reparata merce,
Dis cärus ipsis, quippe ter et quater
Anno revisens aequor Atlanticum
Impune. Me pascunt olivae,
Me cichorea, levesque malvae.
- Frui paratis et valido mihi,
J//. Latoë, dones et precor integra
/<;- - <F)
:
- * . : …
25
CARMINUM
alea.
Cum mente, nec turpem senectam
Degere, nec cithara carentem.
C A R. MIEN XXXII.
POSCIMUR. Si quid vacui sub umbra
Lusimus tecum quod et hunc in annum
Vivat et plures, age dic Latinum,
Earbite, carmem,
Lesbio primum modulate civi,
"* . Qui ferox bello tamen inter arma,
Sive jactatam religarat udo
Litore navim,
Liberum et Musas Veneremque et illi
Semper haerentem puerum canebat
Et Lycum nigris oculis nigroque
Crine decorum.
O decus Phoebi et dapibus supremi
Grata testudo Jovis, o laborum
Dulce lenìmen, mihi cumque salve
Rite vocanti.
C A R. M E N XXXIII.
ALBI, ne doleas plus nimio memor
Immitis Glycéraé, neu miserabiles
Decantes elegos cur tibi junior
- Laesa praeniteat fide.
Insignem tenui fronte Lyéórida
Cyri torret amor, Cyrus in asperam
20
}0
**
Ἀ
J«J*-
2
;
ILIB. I. CARM. XXXIV.
Declinat Phblöêm ; sed prius Apulis
Jungentur capreae lupis
Quam, turpi Pholoë peccet adultero.
Sic visum Veneri, cui placet impares , 10
Formas atque animos sub juga aënea
Saevo mittere cum joco.
lpsum me, melior cum peteret Venus,
Grata detinuit compede Myrtale T
Libertina, fretis acrior Hadriae 15
Curvantis Calabros sinus. f
Q.
A.
R.
M.
E
N
X
X
X.
I.
V.
w*-* •* , ,- •*-- â– **
* *• va
PARCUS deorum cultor et infrequens
Insanientis dum sapientiae
Consultus erro, nunc retrorsum
ela dare atque iterare cursus
Cogor relictos ; namque Diespiter, . 56'
Igni corusco nubila dividens $
Plerumque, per purum tonantes
Egit équo§ volucremque currum . .N°
Quo bruta tellus et vaga flumina, .,,^
Quo Styx et invisi horrida Taenari $\` 10
Sedes Atlanteusque finis `
Concutitur. Valet ima summis
Mutare et insignem attenuat deus
Obscura promens ; hinc apicem rapax
Portuna cum stridore acuto 1&
Sustulit, hic posuisse gaudet.
28
CARMINUM
wv*
C A R M E N X X X V.
O DIVA, gratum quae regis Antium;*
IPraesens vel imo tollere de gradu
Mortale corpus, vel superbos
Vertere funeribus triumphos,
Te pauper ambit sollicita prece
Ruris colonus, te áominam aequoiig., Q,.
Quicunque Bithyna lacessit § %\
V* Carpathium pelagus carina.
ge* Te Dacus asper, te profugit Scythae
\ Urbesque gentesque et Latium ferox
Regumque matres barbarorum et
IPurpurei metuunt tyranni,
Injurioso ne pede proruas
Stantem columnam, neu populus frequens
Ad arma cessantes, ad arma
€oncitet imperiumque frangat.
Te semper anteit saeva Necessitas \
Clavos trabales et cuneos manu
Gestans aëna, nec severus
* Uncus abest, liquidumque plumbum.
Te Spes et albo rara Fides colit
Velata panno nec comitem abnegat,
Utcumque mutata potentes
Veste domos inimica linquis.
At volgus infidum et meretrix retro
IPerjura cedit, diffugiunt cadis
Cum faeee siccatis amici , ■ v-
Perre jugum pariter dolosi. \%
Serves iturum Caesarem im ultimds
Orbis Britannos et juvemum recens
Examen Eois timendum
Partibus Oceanoque rubro.
Eheu cicatricum et sceleris pudet
Fratrumque. Quid nos dura refugimus
10
15
90
30
LIB. I. CARM. XXXVI.
Aetas ?. quid intactum nefasti
Liquimus ? unde manum juventus
Metu deorum continuit ? quibus
Pepercit aris ? ' O utinam nova
Incude diffingas retusum in
Massagetas Arabasque ferrum!
<,
* \L
j^
C A R M E N XX XVI.
a^
ET thure et fidibus juvat
Placare et vituli sanguine debito
Custodes Numidae deos,
Qui numc Hesperia sospes ab ultima
Caris multa sodalibus,
Nulli plura tamen dividit oscula AJ^l
Quam dulci Lamiae, memor í
Actae non alio rege puertiae 8.</
Mutataeque simul togae. ,
Cressa ne careat pulchra dies nota,
Neu promptae modus amphorae,
Neu morem in Salium sit requies pedum,
Neu multi Damalis meri f ,
IBassum Threïcia vimcat amystide,i. , , . • • •
Neu desint epulis rosae,
Neu vivax É neu breve lilium.
Omnes in Dámalim putres
Deponent oculos, nec Damalis novo
Divelletur adultero
Lascivis hederis ambitiosior.
3 *
>.
w*f) y^
40
f
e4^
|
21)
30
CARMINUM
C A R M E N XXXVII.
3 ] ανά- -<*>
NUNC est bibendum, nunc pede libero
T'ulsanda tellus, nunc Saliaribus
Ornare pulvinar deorum
Tempus erat dapibus, sodales.
Antehac nefas depromere Caecubum
Cellis avitis, dum Capitolio
Regina dementes ruinas
Funus et imperio parabat
Contaminato cum grege turpium
Morbo virorum, quidlibet impotens
Sperare fortunaque dulci
Ebria. Sed minuit furorem
Vix una sospes navis ab ignibus,
i \ &.
Mentemque lymphatam Mareotico ' ' ' A.
Redegit in veros timores T* 8.3 q# ep*
Caesar, ab Italia volantem
Remis adurgens, accipiter velut
Molles columbas, aut leporem citus
Venator in campis nivalis
§ v. ¢ ę
qy»^( - Haemoniae, daret ut catenis
1./ Y ... rU-
IEatale monstrum : quae generosius
Perire quaerens, nec muliebriter
Expavit ensem nec latentes
Classe cita reparavit oras.
Ausa et jacentem visere regiam
Voltu sereno, fortis et asperas
Tractare serpentes, ut atrum
Corpore combiberet venenum,
I)eliberata morte ferocior, *
aevis Liburnis scilicet invidens -
Privata deduci superbo
Non humilis mulier triumpho.
* , x. «.(.-\ , &/. ζ, , , T :
f
®*
. • !
*
• , r
* . -;
*.
?
10
15
90
LIB. I. CARM. XXXVIII. 31
C A R M E N XXX V III.
(VJV^^- '
1'ERSICOS odi, puer, apparatus,
Displicent nexae philyra coronae ;
Mitte sectari rosa quo locorum
Sera moretur.
Simplici myrto nihil allabores
Sedulus curo : neque te ministrum
Dedecet myrtus neque me sub arta
Vite bibentem.
Q. HORATII FLACCI
C A R M I N U M
LIBER SECUNDUS.
——•-
C A R, M E N I.
MoTUM ex Metello consule civicum
IBellique causas et vitia et modos
Ludumque Fortunae gravesque
Principum amicitias et arma
Nondum expiatis uncta cruoribus,
IPericulosae plenum opus aleae,
Tractas et incedis per ignes
Suppositos cineii doloso.
IPaullum severae Musa tragoediae
Desit theatris : mox ubi publicas
Res ordinaris grande munus
Cecropio repetes cothurno,
Insigne maestis praesidium reis
Et consulenti, Pollio, curiae,
Cui laurus aeternos honores
Delmatico peperit triumpho.
Jam nunc minaci murmure cornuum
Perstringis aures, jam litui strepunt,
Jam fulgor armorum fugaces
Terret equos equitumque voltus :
Audire magnos jam videor duces
Non indecoro pulvere sordidos,
LIB. II. CARM. II. 33
Et cuncta terrarum subacta
Praeter atrocem animum Catonis.
Juno et deorum quisquis amicior 25
Afris inulta cesserat impotens
Tellure victorum nepotes
Rettulit inferias Jugurthae.
Quis non Latino sanguine pinguior
Campus sepulcris impia proelia 3(,
Testatur auditumque Medis
Hesperiae sonitum ruinae ?
Qui gurges, aut quae flumina lugubris
Ignara belli ? quod mare Daumiae
Non decoloravere caedes ? • 35
Quae caret ora cruore nostro ?
Sed ne relictis, Musa procax, jocis,
Ceae retractes munera meniae:
Mecum Diomaeo sub antro *.
Quaere modos leviore plectro. 40
C A R. M E N II.
NULLUS argento color est avaris
Abdito terris, inimice lammae
Crispe Sallusti, nisi temperato
Splendeat usu.
Vivet extento Proculeius aevo 5
Notus in fratres animi paterni ;
Illum aget penna metuente solvi
Fama superstes.
Latius regnes avidum domando
Spiritum, quam si Libyam remotis 10
Gadibus jungas et uterque Poenus
Serviat uni.
Crescit indulgens sibi dirus hydrops,
Nec sitim pellit nisi causa morbi
34
CARMINUM
Eugerit venis et aquosus albo
Corpore languor.
Redditum Cyri solio Phraatem
Dissidens plebi numero beatorum
Eximit Virtus, populumque falsis
Dedocet uti «-
Vocibus, regnum et diadema tutum
Deferens uni propriamque laurum
Quisquis ingentes oculoinretorto
Spectat acervos.
C A R, M E N III.
AEQUAM memento rebus in arduis
Servare mentem, non secus in bonis
Ab insolenti temperatam
Laetitia, moriture Delli, +
Seu maestus omni tempore vixeris,
Seu te in remoto gramine per dies
Restos reclinatum bearis
Interiore nota Falerni.
Quo pinus ingens albaque populus
Umbram hospitalem consociare amant
Ramis ? Quid obliquo laborat
Lympha fugax trepidare rivo ?
EIuc vina et unguenta et nimium breves
JFlores amoenae ferre jube rosae,
Dum res et aetas et sororum
Fila trium patiuntur atra.
Cedes coëmptis saltibus et domo
Villaque flavus quam Tiberis lavit,
Cedes et exstructis in altum
Divitiis potietur heres.
Divesne prisco natus ab Inacho
Nil interest an pauper et infima
90
L1B. II. CARM. IV.
De gente sub divo moreris,
Victima mil miserantis Orci.
Omnes eodem cogimur, omnium
Versatur urna serius ocius
Sors exitura et nos in aeternum
Exilium impositura cumbae.
C A R M E N IV.
NE sit ancillae tibi amor pudori,
Xanthia Phoceu! Prius insolentem
Serva Briseis niveo colore
Movit Achillem ;
Movit Ajacem Telamone natum
Forma captivae dominum Tecmessae ;
Arsit Atrides medio in triumpho
Virgine rapta,
Earbarae postquam cecidere turmae
Thessalo victore et ademptus Hector
Tradidit fessis leviora tolli
Pergama Grais.
Nescias an te generum beati
Phyllidis flavae decorent parentes:
Regium certe genus et penates
Maeret iniquos.
Crede non illam tibi de scelesta
Plebe dilectam, neque sic fidelem,
Sic lucro aversam potuisse, nasci
Matre pudenda.
JBrachia et voltum teretesque suras
Integer laudo ; fuge suspicari,
Cujus octavum trepidavit aetas
Claudere lustrum.
36
CARMINUM
C A R M E N V.
NoNDUM subacta ferre jugum valet;
Cervice, nondum munia comparis
Aequare nec tauri ruentis
In venerem tolerare pondus.
Circa viremtes est animus tuae
Campos juvencae, nunc fluviis gravem
Solantis aestum, mune in udo
Ludere cum vitulis salicto
IPraegestientis. Tolle cupidinem
Immitis uvae : jam tibi lividos
Distinguet Auctumnus racemos
IPurpureo varius colore.
Jam te $equetur : currit enim ferox
Aetas et illi quos tibi dempserit
Apponet annos ; jam proterva
Fronte petet Lalage maritum :
IDilecta quantum non Pholoë fugax,
Non Chloris albo sic humero nitens,
Ut pura nocturno renidet
Luna mari, Cnidiusve Gyges,
Quem si puellarum insereres choro
Mire sagaces falleret hospites
Discrimen obscurum solutis
Grinibus ambiguoque vultu.
C A R M E N V I.
SEPTIMI, Gades aditure mecum et
Cantabrum indoctum juga ferre nostra et
Earbaras Syrtes ubi Maura semper
Aestuat unda,
9U;
( ' [VII3. II. CARM. VII.
37
Tibur Argeo positum colono
Sit meae sedes utinam senectae,
Sit modus lasso maris et viarum
Militiaeque!
Unde si Parcae prohibent iniquae,
Dulce pellitis ovibus Galaesi
Elumem et regmata petam Laconi
Rura Phalantho.
Ille terrarum mihi praeter omnes
Angulus ridet ubi non Hymetto
Mella decedunt viridique certat
Eaca Venafro ;
Ver ubi longum tepidasque praebet
Juppiter brumas, et amicus Aulon
Eertili Baccho minimum Falernis
Invidet uvis.
Ille te mecum locus et beatae
Postulant arces: ibi tu calentem
Debita sparges lacrima favillam
Vatis amici.
C A R, MEN VII.
O SAEPE mecum tempus in ultimum
Deducte Bruto militiae duce,
Quis te redomavit Quiritem
Dis patriis Italoque caelo,
Eompei meorum prime sodalium,
Cum quo morantem saepe diem mero
Fregi coronatus nitentes
Malobathro Syrio capillos?
Tecum Philippos et celerem fugam
Sensi relicta non bene parmula,
Cum fracta virtus et minaces
Turpe solum tetigere mento.
i ()
10
CATRMINUM
Sed me per hostes Mercurius celer
Denso paventem sustulit aëre ;
Te rursus in bellum resorbens
Unda fretis tulit aestuosis.
Ergo obligatam redde Jovi dapem
Longaque fessum militia latus
Depone sub lauru mea nec
Parce cadis tibi destimatis.
Oblivioso levia Massico
Ciboria exple; funde capacibus
Unguenta de conchis. Quis udo
Deproperare apio coronas
Curatve myrto? quem Venus arbitrum
Dicet bibendi? Non ego sanius
IBacchabor Edonis: recepto
Dulce mihi furere est amico.
C A R M E N VIII.
ULLA si juris tibi pejerati
IPoena, Barine, nocuisset unquam,
IDente si nigro fieres vel uno
Turpior ungui,
Crederem. Sed tu, simul obligasti
Perfidum votis caput enitescis
Pulchrior multo, juvenumque predis
Publica cura.
Expedit matris cineres opertos
JFallere et toto taciturma noctis
Signa cum caelo, gelidaque divos
Morte carentes. -
Ridet hoc inquam Venus ipsa, rident;
Simplices Nymphae ferus et Cupido
Semper ardentes acuens sagittas
Cote cruenta. .
i5
9M
10
LIB. II. CARM. IX. 39
Adde quod pubes tibi crescit omnis,
Servitus crescit nova nec priores
Impiae tectum dominae relinquunt
Saepe minati. 20
Te suis matres metuunt juvencis, *•
Te senes parci miseraeque nuper
Virgines nuptae, tua ne retardet
Aura maritos.
C A R. M E N IX.
NON semper imbres nubibus hispidos
Mamant in agros aut mare Caspium
Vexant inaequales procellae
Usque, nec Armeniis in oris,
Amice Valgi, stat glacies iners 5
Menses per omnes aut Aquilonibus
Querceta Gargani laborant
Et foliis viduantur orni:
Tu semper urges flebilibus modis
Mystem ademptum, nec tibi Vespero 10
Surgente decedunt amores
Nec rapidum fugiente Solem.
At non ter aevo functus amabilem
Ploravit omnes Antilochum senex
Annos, nec impubem parentes 15
Troilon, aut Phrygiae sorores
Flevere semper. Desine mollium
Tandem querelarum, et potius nova
Cantemus Augusti tropaea «*-*
Caesaris et rigidum Niphaten, £0
Medumque flumem gentibus additum
Victis minores volvere vertices,
Intraque praescriptum Gelonos
Exiguis equitare campis.
4U
CARMINUM
C A R. M E N X.
RECTIUS vives, Licini, neque altum
Semper urgendo neque, dum procellas
Cautus horrescis, nimium premendo
Litus iniquum.
Auream quisquis mediocritatem
Diligit tutus caret obsoleti
Sordibus tecti, caret invidenda
Sobrius aula.
Saepius ventis agitatur ingens
Pimus et celsae graviore casu•
Decidunt turres feriuntque summos
Eulgura montes.
Sperat infestis, metuit secundis
Alteram sortem bene praeparatum
Pectus. Informes hiemes reducit;
Juppiter, idem
Summovet. Non si male nunc et olim
Sic erit : quondam cithara tacentem
Suscitat musam, neque semper arcum
Tendit Apollo.
Rebus angustis animosus atque
Portis appare ; sapienter idem
Contrahes vento nimium secundo
Turgida vela.
C A R. MEN XI.
QUID bellicosus Cantaber et Scythes,
Hirpine Quinti, cogitet Hadria
5
10
2U.
LIB. II. CARM. XII. 41
Divisus objecto remittas
Quaerere, nec trepides in usum
Poscentis aevi pauca. Fugit retro . 5
Levis juvemtas et decor, arida
Pellente lascivos amores
Canitie facilemque somnum.
Non semper idem floribus est honor
Vernis neque uno Luna rubens nitet 1(}
Voltu: quid aeternis minorem
Consiliis animum fatigas ?
Cur non sub alta vel platano vel hac
Pinu jacentes sic temere et rosa
Camos odorati capillos, 15
Dum licet, Assyriaque mardo
Potamus uncti ? Dissipat Euius
Curas edaces. Quis puer ocius
Restinguet ardentis Falerni
Pocula praetereunte lympha ? 20
Quis devium scortum eliciet domo
Lydem ? Eburna dic age cum lyra
Maturet in comptum Lacaenae
More comas religata modum.
C A R ME N XII.
INoLIs longa ferae bella Numantiae,
INec dirum Hannibalem, nec Siculum mare
Poeno purpureum sanguine mollibus
Aptari citharae modis;
Nec saevos Lapithas et nimium mero 5
Hylaeum domitosque Herculea manu
Telluris juvenes, unde periculum
- Fulgens contremuit domus
Saturni veteris; tuque pedestribus
Dices historiis proelia Caesaris, 10
4 *
CARMINUM
Maecenas, melius ductaque per vias
Regum colla minacium.
Me dulces dominae Musa Licymniae
Cantus, me voluit dicere lucidum
Eulgentes oculos et bene mutuis
Eidum pectus amoribus ;
Quam nec ferre pedem dedecuit choris,
Nec certare joco nec dare brachia
Ludentem nitidis virginibus, sacro
Dianae celebris die.
Num tu quae tenuit dives Achaemenes,
Aut pinguis Phrygiae Mygdonias opes
Permutare velis crime Licymniae,
Plenas aut Arabum domos ?
Dum flagrantia detorquet ad Oscula
Cervicem, aut facili saevitia negat,
Quae poscente magis gaudeat eripi,
Interdum rapere occupet.
CARMEN XIII.
ILLE et nefasto te posuit die,
Quicunque primum, et sacrilega manu
Produxit, arbos, in nepotum
Perniciem opprobriumque pagi ;
Illum et parentis erediderim sui
Eregisse cervicem et penetralia
Sparsisse nocturno cruore
Hospitis ; ille venena Colchica
Et quidquid usquam concipitur nefas
Tractavit, agro qui statuit meo
Te, triste lignum, te caducum
In domini caput immerentis.
Quid quisque vitet numquam homini satis
Cautum est in horas: navita Bospcrum
2(1
ILIB. II. CARM. XIV.
43
JPoenus perhorrescit neque ultra
Caeca timet aliumde fata,
Miles sagittas et celerem fugam
Parthi, catenas Parthus et Italum
Robur ; sed improvisa, leti
Vis rapuit rapietque gentes.
Quam paene furvae regna Proserpinae
Et judicantem vidimus Aeacum
Sedesque discretas piorum et
Aeoliis fidibus querentem
Sappho puellis de popularibus,
Et te sonantem plenius aureo,
Alcaee, plectro dura navis,
Dura fugae mala, dura belli!
Utrumque sacro digna silentio
Mirantur umbrae dicere; sed magis
Pugnas et exactos tyrannos
Densum humeris bibit aure volgus.
Quid mirum, ubi illis carminibus stupens
Demittit atras belua centiceps ,
Aures et intorti capillis
Eumenidum recreantur angues?
Quin et Prometheus et Pelopis parens
Dulci laborum decipitur sono ;
Nec curat Orion leones
Aut timidos agitare lyncas.
CARMEN XIV.
EHEU fugaces, Postume, Postume,
Labuntur anni, nec pietas moram
Rugis et instanti senectae
Afferet indomitaeque morti, —
Non, si trecenis, quotquot eunt dies,
Amice, places illaerumabilem
lä)
2(]
9;
40
44
CARMINUM
Plutona tauris, qui ter amplum
Geryonem Tityonque tristi
Compescit unda, scilicet omnibus
Quicumque terrae munere vescimur, | (|
Enaviganda sive reges
Sive inopes erimus coloni.
Erustra cruento Marte carebimus,
Eractisque rauci fluctibus Hadriae,
Frustra per auctumnos nocentem i5
Corporibus metuemus Austrum :
Visendus ater flumine languido
Cocytos errans et Danai genus
Infame damnatusque longi
Sisyphus Aeolides laboris. 2{}
Linquenda tellus et domus et placens •
Uxor, neque harum quas colis arborum
Te praeter invisas cupreSSOS
Ulla brevem dominum sequetur.
Absumet heres Caecuba dignior - 95
Servata centum clavibus, et mero
Tinget pavifhentum superbo
Pontificum potiore coenis.

C A R. M E N X V.
JAM pauca aratro jugera regiae
Moles relinquent; undique latius
Extenta visentur Lucrino
Stagna lacu, platanusque caelebs
Evincet ülmos ; tum violaria et 5
Myrtus et omnis copia marium
Spargent olivetis odorem
Fertilibus domino priori,
Tum spissa ramis laurea fervidos
Excludet ictus. Non ita Romuli 10
LIB. II. C ARM. XVI.
Praescriptum et intonsi Catonis
Auspiciis veterumque norma.
Privatus illis census erat brevis,
Commune magnum : nulla decempedis
Metata privatis opaeam
Porticus excipiebat Arcton,
Nec fortuitum spernere caespitem
Ueges sinebant, oppida publico
Sumptu jubentes et deorum
Templa novo decorare saxo.
C A R M E N X V I.
OTIUM divos rogat in patente
Prensus Aegaeo, simul atra nubes
Condidit lunam neque certa fulgent
Sidera nautis;
Otium bello furiosa Thraee,
Otium Medi pharetra decori,
Grosphe, non gemmis neque purpura ve-
' nale neque auro.
Non enim gazae neque consularis
Summovet kietor miseros tumultus
Mentis, et euras laqueatâ eircum
Tecta volantes.
Vivitur parvo bene cui paternum ,
Splendet in mensa tenui salinum,
INec leves somnos timor aut cupido
Sordidus aufert.
Quid brevi fortes jaculamur aevo
Multa ? Quid terras alio calentes
Sole mutamus ? Patriae quis exsul
Se quoque fugit ?
Scandit aeratas vitiosa naves
Cura nec turmas equitum relinquit,
l5
2(}
10
46
CARMINUM
Ocior cervis et agente nimbos
Ocior Euro. �
Laetus in praesens animus quod ultra est 2
Oderit curare et amara lento
Temperet risu ; nihil est ab omni
Rarte beatum.
Abstulit clarum cita mors Achillem,
Longa Tithonum minuit senectus, 33)
Et mihi forsan tibi quod negarit,
Porriget hora.
Te greges centum Siculaeque circum
Mugiunt vaccae, tibi tollit hinnitum
Apta quadrigis equa, te bis Afro 35
- Murice tinctae -
Vestiunt lanae : mihi parva rura et
Spiritum Graiae tenuem Camenae
Parca non mendax dedit et malignum
Spernere volgus. • 40
2.
CARMEN XVII.
CUR me querelis exanimas tuis ?
Nec dis amicum est nec mihi te prius
Obire, Maecenas, mearum
Grande decus columenque rerum.
Ah te meae si partem animae rapit 8)
Maturior vis, quid moror altera, -
Nec carus aeque nec superstes
Integer ? Ille dies utramque
Ducet ruinam. Non ego perfidum .
Dixi sacramentum: ibimus, ibimus 10
Utcunque praecedes, supremum
Carpere iter comites parati.
Me nec Chimaerae spiritus igneae
Nec, si resurgat cen*imanus Gyas
1,IB. II. CARM. XVIII. 47
m .
Divellet unquam : sic potenti 15 '
Justitiae placitumque Parcis.
Seu Libra seu me Scorpios adspicit
IFormidolosus pars violentior
Natalis horae, seu tyrannus
Hesperiae Capricornus undae, 20
Utrumque nostrum incredibili modc
Consentit astrum. Te Jovis impio
Tutela Saturno refulgens
Eripuit volucrisque Fati C
Tardavit alas, cum populus frequens
Laetum theatris ter crepuit sonum:
Me truncus illapsus cerebro
Sustulerat, nisi Faunus ictum
Dextra levasset, Mercurialium -
Custos virorum. Reddere victimas 30
Aedemque votivam memento:
Nos humilem feriemus agnam.
325
C A R M E N X VIII.
NON ebur neque aureum
Mea renidet in domo lacunar;
Non trabes Hymettiae
Premunt columnas ultima recisas
Africa; neque Attali 5
Ignotus heres regiam occupavi;
Nec Laconicas mihi
Trahunt honestae purpuras clientae:
At fides et ingeni
Eenigna vena est, pauperemque dives 10
Me petit ; nihil supra
Deos lacesso, nee potentem amicum
Largiora flagito,
Satis beatus unicis Sabinis.
Truditur dies die, 15
Novaeque pergunt interire lunae.
48 .
7 CARMINUM
Tu secarida marmorâ
Locas sub ipsum fumus, et sepulcri
Immemor struis domos
Marisque Baiis obstrepentis urges 90
Summovere litora, -
Parum locuples continente ripa.
Quid, quod usque proximos
Revellis agri terminos et ultra
Limites clientium 95
Salis avarus ? Pellitur paternos
In sinu ferens deos -
Et uxor et vir sordidosque natos;
Nulla certior tamen
Rapacis Orci fine destimata , 30,
Aula divitem manet •
Herum. Quid ultra tendis ? Aequa tellus
IPauperi recluditur -
Regumque pueris, nec sateHes. Orci
Callidum Promethea 35
Revexit auro captus. Hic superbum
Tantalum atque Tantali
Genus coërcet; hic levare functum
JPauperem laboribus
Vocatus atque non vocatus audit. . 4C
C A R M E N XIX.
EACCHUM in remotis carmina rupibus
Vidi docentem— credite posteri —
Nymphasque discentes et aures
Capripedum Satyrórum àcutas.
Euoe, recenti mens trepidat metu 5
Plenoque Bacchi pectore turbidum
Laetatur. Euoe, parce Liber,
Parce, gravi metuende thyrso !
I,IB. II. CARM. XX.
49
Eas pervicaces est mihi Thyiadas
Vimique fontem lactis et uberes
Cantare rivos, atque truncis
Lapsa cavis iterare mella ;
Fas et beatae conjugis additum
Stellis honorem tectaque Penthei
Disjecta non leni ruina,
Thracis et exitium Lycurgi.
Tu flectis ammes, tu mare barbarum,
Tu separatis uvidus in jugis
Nodo coërces viperino
Eistonidum sine fraude crines:
Tu, cum parentis regna per arduum
Cohors Gigantum seanderet impia,
Rhoetum retorsisti leonis
Unguibus horribilique mala ;
Quamquam choreis aptior et jocis
Ludoque dictus non sat idoneus
Pugnae ferebaris: sed idem
Pacis eras mediusque belli.
Te vidit insons Cerberus aureo
Cornu decorum, leniter atterens
Caudam, et recedentis trilingui
Ore pedes tetigitque crura.
C A R M E N XX.
NoN usitata nec tenui ferar
Penna biformis per liquidum aethera
Vates, neque in terris morabor
Longius, invidiaque major
Urbes relinquam. Non ego pauperum
Sanguis parentum, non ego quem vocas,
Dilecte Maecenas, obibo, ω
Nec Stygia cohibebor unda. '
I()
{15
2ò
925
5
50
CARMINUM LIB. II. GARM. XX.
Jam jam residunt cruribus asperae
Pelles, et album mutor in alitem
Superne, nascunturque leves
Per digitos humerosque plumae.
Jam Daedaleo ocior Icaro
Visam gementis litora Bospori
Syrtesque Gaetulas canorus
, Ales Hyperboreosque campos.
Me Colchus et qui dissimulat metum
Marsae cohortis Dacus et ultimi
Nóscent Geloni, me peritus
Discet Hiber Rhodanique potor.
Absint inani funere nemiae
Luctusque turpes et querimoniae ;
Compesce clamorem ac sepuleri
Mitte supervacuos honores.
1(j
20.

*a
Q. HORATII FLACCI
C A R M I N U M
LIBER TERTIUS.
——•—
C A R M E N I.
ODr profanum vulgus et areeo;
Pavete linguis: carmina non prius
Audita Musarum sacerdos
Virginibus puerisque canto.
Regum timendorum in proprios greges, ß
Reges in ipsos imperium est Jovis
Clari Giganteo triumpho,
Cuncta supercilio moventis.
Est ut viro vir latius ordinet
Arbusta sulcis, hic generosior 10
Descendat in Campum petitor,
Moribus hic meliorque fama
Contendat, illi turba clientium
Sit major: aequa lege Necessitas
Sortitur insignes et imos; •. 15
Omne capax movet urna nomen.
Districtus ensis cui super impia
Cervice pendet non Siculae dapes
Dulcem elaborabunt saporem,
Non avium citharaeque cantus 2()
Somnum reducent. Somnus agrestium
Lenis virorum non humiles domos
Pastidit umbrosamque ripam,
Non Zephyris agitata Tempe.
52
CARMINUM .
Desiderantem quod satis est neque eo 2£
Tumultuosum sollicitat mare,
Nec saevus Arcturi cadentis
Impetus aut orientis Haedi,
Non verberatae grandine vineae
Pundusque mendax, arbore nunc aquas 30
Culpante nunc torrentia agros
' Sidera nunc hiemes iniquas.
Contracta pisces aequora sentiunt
Jactis in altum molibus ; huc frequens
Caementa demittit redemptor 36
Cum famulis dominusque terrae
Eastidiosus. Sed Timor et Minae
Scandunt eodem quo dominus, neque .
Decedit aerata triremi, et
Post equitem sedet atra Cura. 40
Quodsi dolentem nec Phrygius lapis
Nec purpurarum sidere clarior &
Delenit usus nec Falerna -
Vitis Achaemeniumque costum,
Cur invidendis postibus et novo 45
Sublime ritu moliar atrium ?
Cur valle permutem Sabina
Divitias operosiores ?
C A R M E N II.
ANGUSTAM amice pauperiem pati
Robustus acri militia puer
Condiscat, et Parthos feroces
Vexet eques metuendus hasta,
Vitamque sub divo et trepidis agat 5
In rebus. Illum ex moenibus hosticis
Matrona bellantis tyranni
Prospiciens et adulta virgo
Suspiret, eheu, ne rudis agminum
Sponsus lacessat regius asperum 10
LIB. III. CARM. III. 53
Tactu leonem, quem cruenta
Per medias rapit ira caedes.
Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.
Mors et fugacem persequitur virum,
Nec parcit imbellis juventae - 15
Poplitibus timidoque tergo.
Virtus repulsae nescia sordidae
Intaminatis fulget honoribus,
Nec sumit aut ponit secures
Arbitrio popularis aurae. 90
Virtus recludens immeritis mori
Caelum negata tentat iter via,
Coetusque volgares et udam
Spernit humum fugiente penna. -
Est et fideli tuta silentio 925
Merces: vetabo qui Cereris sacrum
Vulgarit arcanae sub isdem
Sit trabibus fragilemve mecum
Solvat phaselon ; saepe Diespiter
Neglectus incesto addidit integrum : 30
Raro antecedentem scelestum
Deseruit pede Poena claudo.
C A RM EN III.
JUSTUM et tenacem propositi virum
Non civium ardor prava jubentium,
Non voltus instantis tyranni .
Mente quatit solida, neque Auster
Dux inquieti turbidus Hadriae, . 5
Nec fulminantis magna manus Jovis ;
Si fractus illabatur orbis
Impavidum ferient ruinae. £-
Hac arte Pollux et vagus Hercules
Enisus arces attigit igneas, 1®
Quos inter Augustus recumbens
Purpureo bibit ore nectar.
*-*
5 ὐ;
54.
CARMINÜM
Hac te merentem, Bacche pater, tuae
Vexere tigres indocili jugum
Collo tfahentes ; hac Quirinus
Martis equis Acheronta fugit,
Gratum elocuta consiliantibus .
Junone divis: Ilion, Iliom
Patalis incestusque judex
Et mulier peregrina vertit
In pulverem, ex quo destituit deos
Mercede pacta Laomedon, mihi
* Castaeque damnatum Minervae
Cum populo et duce fraudulento.
Jam nec Lacaenae splendet adulterae
Ramosus hospes nec Priami domus
Perjura pugnaces Achivos
Hectoreis opibus refringit,
Nostrisque ductum seditionibus
IBellum resedit. Protinus et graves
Iras et invisum nepotem
Troica quem peperit sacerdos
Marti redonabo ; illum ego lucidas
Imire sedes, ducere nectaris
Succos, et adscribi quietis
Ordinibus patiar deorum.
I)um longus inter saeviat Ilion
Romamque pontus qualibet exsules
In parte regnanto beati;
Dum Priami Paridisque busto
Insultet armentum et catulos ferae
Celent inultae stet Capitolium
Pulgens, triumphatisque possit
Roma ferox dare jura Medis.
Horrenda late nomen in ultimas
Extendat oras, qua medius liquor
Secernit Europen ab Afro,
Qua tumidus rigat arva Nilus,
Aurum irrepertum et sic melius situm
Cum terra celat spernere fortior,
Quam cogere humanos in usus
Omne sacrum rapiente dextra.
15
30
40
50
I,IB. III. CARM. IV. 55
Quicunque mundo terminus obstitit
Hunc tangat armis, visere gestiens
Qua parte debacchentur ignes, 5f,
Qua nebulae pluviique rores.
Sed bellicosis fata Quiritibus
Hac lege dico, ne nimium pii
Rebusque fidentes avitae
Tecta velint reparare Troiae. �){)
Troiae renascens alite lugubri
Fortuma tristi clade iterabitur,
Ducente victrices catervas
Conjuge me Jovis et sorore. »
Ter si resurgat murus aëneus 365
Auctore, Phoebo ter pereat meis
* Excisus Argivis, ter uxor
Capta virum puerosque ploret.
Non hoc jocosae conveni et lyrae:
Quo, Musa, tendis ? Desine pervicax <r0
Referre sermones deorum et
Magna modis tenuare parvis.
CARMEN IV.
IDEscENDE caelo et dic age tibia
Regina longum Calliope melos,
Seu voce nunc mavis acuta,
Seu fidibus citharaque Phoebi.
Auditis, an me ludit amabilis 3
Insania ? Audire et videor pios
Errare per lucos amoenae
Quos et aquae subeunt et aurae.
Me fabulosae Vulture in Apulo
Altricis extra limen Apuliae 10
Ludo fatigatumque somno
Fronde nova puerum palumbes
CARMIN UM
Texere, mirum quod foret omuibus,
Quicunque celsae nidum Acherontiae
Saltusque Bantinos et arvum -
Pingue tenent humilis Forenti,
Ut tuto ab atris corpore viperis
Dgrmirem et ursis, ut premerer sacra
Lauroque collataque myrto,
Non sine dis animosus infans.
Vester, Camenae, vester im arduos
Tollor Sabinos, seu mihi frigidum
Praeneste seu Tibur supinum
Seu liquidae placuere Baiae.
Vestris amicum fontibus et choris
Non me Philippis versa acies retro,
Devota non exstinxit arbos,
Nec Sicula Palinurus unda.
Utcunque mecum vos eritis, libens
Insanientem mavita Bosporum
Tentabo et urentes arenas
Litoris Assyrii viator ;
Visam Britannos hospitibus feros
Et laetum equino sanguine Concanum,
Visam pharetratos Gelonos
Et Scythicum inviolatus amnem.
Vos Caesarem altum, militia simul
Eessas cohortes addidit oppidis,
IFinire quaerentem labores
Pierio recreatis antro.
Vos lene consilium et datis et dato
' Gaudetis almae. Scimus, ut impios
Titanas immanemque turmam
Fulmine sustulerit caduco,
Qui terram inertem, qui mare temperat
Ventosum, et urbes regnaque tristia,
Divosque mortalesque turbas
Imperio regit unus aequo.
Magnum illa terrorem intulerat Jovi
Eidens juventus horrida brachiis,
Eratresque tendentes opaco
Pelion imposuisse Olympo.
15
2()
2ö
J0
40
LIB. III. CARM. V.
57
Sed quid Typhoëus et validus Mimas,
Aut quid minaci Porphyrion statu,
Quid Rhoetus evolsisque truncis
Enceladus jaculator audax
Contra sonantem Palladis aegida
Possent ruentes ? Hinc avidus stetit
Volcamus, hinc matrona Juno et
Nunquam humeris positurus arcum,
Qui rore puro Castaliae lavit
Crines solutos, qui Lyciae tenet
Dumeta matalemque silvam,
Delius et Patareus Apollo.
Vis consili expers mole ruit sua:
Vim temperatam di quoque provehunt
In majus ; idem odere vires
Omme nefas animo moventes.
Testis mearum centimanus Gyas
Sententiarum, motus et integrae
Tentator Orion Dianae
Virginea domitus sagitta.
Injecta monstris Terra dolet suis
Maeretque partus fulmine luridum
Missos ad Orcum ; nec peredit
Impositam celer ignis Aetnem,
Incontinentis nec Tityi jecur
Reliquit ales, nequitiae additus
Custos ; amatorem trecentae
Pirithoum cohibent catenae.
C A R, M E N V.
CAELO Tonantem credidimus Jovem
Regnare : praesens divus habebitur
Augustus adjectis Britannis
• Imperio gravibusque Persis.
60
70
S0
58
CARMINUM
Milesne Crassi conjuge barbara
Turpis maritus vixit et hostium,
Pro curia inversique mores!
Consenuit socerorum in armis
Sub rege Medo Marsus et Apulus,
Anciliorum et nominis et togae
Oblitus aeternaeque Vestae,
.Incolumi Jove et urbe Roma ?
Hoc caverat mens provida Reguli
IDissentientis condicionibus
IFoedis et exemplo trahentis
Perniciem veniens in aevum,
Si non periret immiserabilis
Captiva pubes. Signa, ego Punicis
Adfixa delubris et arma
Militibus sine caede, dixit,
Derepta vidi; vidi ego civium
Retorta tergo brachia libero
Portasque non clausas et arva
Marte coli populata nostro.
Auro repensus scilicet acrior
Miles redibit, Flagitio additis
Damnum : neque amissos colores
Lana refert medicata fuco,
Nec vera virtus quum semel excidit
Curat reponi deterioribus.
Si pugnat extricata densis
Cerva plagis erit ille fortis
Qui perfidis se credidit hostibus,
Et Marte Poenos proteret altero,
Qui lora restrictis lacertis
Sensit iners timuitque mortem.
Hic unde vitam: sumeret inscius
Pacem duello miscuit. O pudor!
O magna Karthago, probrosis
Altior Italiae ruinis ! -
Pertur pudicae conjugis osculum
Parvosque natos ut capitis minor
Ab se removisse et virilem :
Torvus humi posuisse voltum :
5
10
3()
40
I,IB. III. CARM. VI.
59
Donec labantes consilio patres
Firmaret auctor nunquam alias dato,
Interque maerentes amicos
Egregius properaret exsul.
Atqui sciebat quae sibi barbarus
Tortor pararet ; non aliter tamen
Dimovit obstantes propinquos,
Et populum reditus morantem,
Quam si clientum longa negotia
Dijudicata lite relinqueret,
Tendens Venafranos in agros
Aut Lacedaemonium Tarentum.

C A R, M E N VI.
DELICTA majorum immeritus lues,
Romane, donec templa refeceris
Aedesque labentes deorum et
Roeda nigro simulacra fumo.
Dis te minorem quod geris imperas:
Himc omne principium, huc refer exitum.
' Di multa neglecti dederunt
Hésperiae mala luctuosae.
Jam bis Monaeses et Pacori manus
Non auspicatos contudit impetus
Nostros et adjecisse praedam
Torquibus exiguis remidet.
Paene occupatam seditionibus
Delevit Urbem Daeus et Aethiops,
Hic classe formidatus, ille
Missilibus melior sagittis.
Fecunda eulpae secula nuptias :
Primum inquinavere et genus et domos ;
Hoc fonte derivata clades
In patriam populumque fluxit.
10
15
60
CARMINUM
Motus doceri gaudet Ionicos
Matura virgo et fingitur artibus:
Jam nunc et incestos amores
De tenero meditatur ungui:
Mox juniores quaerit adulteros
Inter mariti vina, neque eligit
Cui donet impermissa raptim
Gaudia luminibus remotis;
Sed jussa coram non sine conscio
Surgit marito, seu vocat institor
Seu mavis Hispamae magister,
Dedecorum pretiosus emptor.
Non his juventus orta parentibus
Infecit aequor sanguine Punico,
Eyrrhumque et ingentem cecidit
Antiochum Hannibalemque dirum;
Sed rusticorum mascula militum
Proles, Sabellis docta ligonibus
Versare glebas et severae
Matris ad arbitrium recisos
Portare fustes, sol ubi montium
Mutaret umbras et juga demeret
" Bobus fatigatis, amicum
- Tempus agens abeunte curru.
Dammosa quid mon imminuit dies ?
Aetas parentum pejor avis tulit
Nos nequiores, mox daturos
Progeniem vitiosiorem.
C A R. M E N V II.
QUID fles, Asterie, quem tibi candidi
Primo restituent vere Favonii
Thyna merce beatum,
Constantis juvenem fide,
40
LIB. III. CARM. VIII.
6]
Gygem ? Ille Notis actus ad Oricum
Post insana Caprae sidera frigidas
Noctes mom sime multis
Insomnis lacrimis agit.
Atqui sollicitae nuntius hospitae,
Suspirare Chloën et miseram tuis
Dicens ignibus uri,
Tentat, mille vafer modis.
Ut Proetum mulier perfida credulum
Ealsis impulerit criminibus nimis
Casto Bellerophonti
Maturare necem, refert.
Narrat paene datum Pelea Tartaro,
Magnessam Hippolyten dum fugit, abstinens ;
Et peccare docentes
Fallax historias movet.
Erustra: nam scopulis surdior Icari
Voces audit adhuc integer. At tibi
Ne vicinus Enipeus
IPlus justo placeat cave ;
Quamvis non alius flectere equum sciens
Aeque conspicitur gramine Martio,
Nec quisquam citus aeque
Tusco defiatat alveo.
Prima nocte domum claude neque in vias
Sub cantu querulae despice tibiae,
Et te saepe vocanti
Duram difficilis mane.
C A R, ME N VIII.
MARTIIS caelebs quid agam Kalendis,
Quid velint flores et acerra thuris
|Plena miraris, positusque carbo in
Caespite vivo,
10
20
25
CARMINUM ,
Docte sermones utriusque linguae ? 5
Voveram dulces epulas et album
Libero caprum prope funeratus
Arboris ictu,
Hic dies anno redeunte festus
Corticem adstrictum pice dimovebit í
Amphorae fumum bibere institutae
Consule Tullo.
Sume, Maecenas, cyathos amici
Sospitis eentum et vigiles lucernas
Perfer in lucem ; procul omnis esto ]5
Clamor et ira.
Mitte civiles super urbe curas :
0ccidit Daci Cotisonis agmen,
Medus infestus sibi luctuosis
Dissidet armis, 20
Servit Hispanae vetus hostis orae
Cantaber sera domitus catena ;
Jam Scythae laxo meditantur arcu
Cedere campis.
Neglegens ne qua populus laboret 25
Parce privatus nimium cavere ;
Dona praesentis cape laetus horae et
Linque severa. '
3
C A R, M E N IX.
DONEC gratus eram tibi �
Nec quisquam potior brachia candidae
Cervici juvenis dabat, f
IPersarum vigui rege beatior.
Donec non alia magis ß
Arsisti neque erat Lydia post Chloën,
Multi Ilydia nominis
Romana vigui clarior Ilia.
LIB. III. CARM. X. 63
è
Me nunc Thressa Chloë regit
Dulces docta modos et citharae sciens, 10
Pro qua non metuam mori
Si parcent animae fata superstiti.
Me torret face mutua
Thurini Calais filius Ornyti,
Pro quo bis patiar mori 15
Si parcent puero fata superstiti.
Quid si prisca redit Venus .
Diductosque jugo cogit aëneo,
Si flava excutitur Chloë
Rejectaeque patet janua Lydiae ? 20
Quamquam sidere pulchrior
Ille est, tu levior cortice et improbo
Iracundior Hadria,
Tecum vivere amem, tecum obeam libens.
C A R MEN X.
ExTREMUM Tanaim si biberes, Lyce,
Saevo nupta viro, me tamen asperas
Porrectum ante fores objicere incolis
Plorares Aquilonibus.
Audis quo strepitu jamua, quo nemus $
Inter pulchra satum tecta remugiat
Ventis, et positas ut glaciet nives
Puro numine Juppiter?
Ingratam Veneri pone superbiam,
Ne currente retro funis eat rota. 10
Non te Penelopen difficilem procis
Tyrrhenus genuit parens.
0 quamvis neque te munera nec preces
Nec tinctus viola pallor amantium
Nec vir Pieria pellice saucius 15
Curvat, supplicibus tuis
CARMINUM
Parcas, nec rigida mollior aesculo
Nec Mauris animum mitior anguibus.
Non hoc semper erit liminis aut aquae
Caelestis patiens latus. 20
C A R M EN XI.
MERCURI,— nam te docilis magistro
Movit Amphion lapides canendo,—
Tuque testudo resonare septem
Callida nervis,
Nec loquax olim neque grata, nunc et 5j
Divitum mensis et amica templis,
Dic modos Lyde quibus obstinatas
&s Applicet aures,
Quae velut latis equa trima campis,
Ludit exsultim metuitque tangi, 10
Nuptiarum expers et adhuc protervo
Cruda marito.
Tu potes tigres comitesque silvas
Ducere et rivos celeres morari ; -
Cessit immanis tibi blandienti 15,
Janitor aulae
Cerberus, quamvis furiale centum
Mumiant angues caput ejus atque
Spiritus teter saniesque manet •
Ore trilingui. 20
, Quin et Ixiom Tityosque voltu
Risit invito, stetit urna paullum
Sicca dum grato Danai puellas
• Carmine mulces.
Audiat Lyde scelus atque notas 20
Virginum poenas et inane lymphae
Dolium fundo pereuntis imo,
Seraque fata
LIB. III. CARM. XII. - • 65
Quae manent culpas etiam sub Orco. - * «
Impiae, — nam quid potuere majus ? — 30
Impiae sponsos potuere duro
Perdere ferro !
Una de multis face nuptiali
Digna perjurum fuit in parentem
Splendide mendax et in omne virgo 35
Nobilis aevum, . . .
Surge, quae dixit juveni marito,
Surge, ne longus tibi somnus, unde
Non times, detur ; socerum et scelestas
Falle sorores, - 40
Quae velut mactae vitulos leaenae
Singulos eheu lacerant : ego illis
Mollior nec te feriam neque intra
Claustra tenebo.
Me pater saevis oneret catenis -» 45
Quod viro clemens misero peperci :
Me vel extremos Numidarum in agros
Classe releget.
I pedes quo te rapiunt et aurae
Dum favet nox et Venus, i secundo 50
Omine et nostri memorem sepulcro
Scalpe querelam.
CARMEN XII.
MISERARTIM «st neque amori dare ludum neque dulci
Mala vino lavere, aut exanimari metuentes
Patruae verbera linguae.
Tibi qualum Cythereae puer ales, tibi telas
Operosaeque Minervae studium aufert, Neobule, 5
Liparaei mitor Hebri,
Simul unctos Tiberinis humeros lavit in undis,
Eques ipso meiior}ieropone, neque pugno

66 . ¢. CARMINUM
- Neque segni pede victus ;
Catus idem per apertum fugientes agitato
Grege cervos jaculari et celer alto latitantem
Eruticeto excipere aprum.

C A R. M E N X III.
O FONS Bandusiae, splendidior vitro,
Dulci digne mero non sine floribus,
Cras donaberis haedo
Cui frons turgida cornibus
Primis et venerem et proelia destinat ;
Frustra: nam gelidos inficiet tibi
Rubro sanguine rivos
Lascivi suboles gregis.
Te flagrantis atrox hora Caniculae
Nescit tangere, tu frigus amabile
Pessis vomere tauris
Praebes et pecori vago.
Eies nobilium tu quoque fontium,
Me dicente cavis impositam ilicem
Saxis, unde loquaces
Lymphae desiliunt tuae.
C A R. M E N XIV.
HERCULIS ritu modo dictus, o plebs,
Morte venalem petiisse laurum
Caesar Hispana repetit penates
Victor ab ora. .
10,
10
15

LIB. III. CARM. XV.
67
Unico gaudens mulier marito
Prodeat justis operata sacris,
Et soror clari ducis et decorae
Supplice vitta
Virginum matres juvenumque nuper
Sospitum. Vos, o pueri et puellae
Jam virum expertae, male ominatis
Parcite verbis.
Hic dies vere mihi festus atras
Eximet curas; ego nec tumultum
Nec mori per vim metuam tenente
Caesare terras.
I pete unguentum, puer, et coronas
Et cadum Marsi memorem duelli,
Spartacum si qua potuit vagantem
Fallere testa.
Dic et argutae properet Neaerae
Murrheum modo cohibere crinem ;
Si per invisum mora janitorem
Eiet, abito.
Lenit albescens animos capillus
Litium et rixae cupidos protervae ;
Non ego hoc ferrem calidus juventa
Consule Planco.
C A R, M E N X V.
UxoR pauperis Ibyci,
Tandem nequitiae fige modum tuae
Famosisque laboribus :
Maturo propior desine funeri
Inter ludere virgines
Et stellis nebulam spargere candidis.
Non si quid Pholoën satis
Et te, Chlori, decet : filia rectius
5

£
68
£ ARMINUM
Expugnat juvenum domos,
Pulso Thyias uti concita tympano.
Illam cogit amor Nothi
Lascivae similem ludere capreae:
Te lanae prope nobilem
Tonsae Luceriam, non citharae decent.
Nec flos purpureus rosae
Nec poti vetulam faece tenus cadi.
C A R. M E N X VI.
INCLUSAM Danaën turris aënea
Robustaeque fores et vigilum canum
Tristes excubiae munierant satis
Nocturnis ab adulteris,
Si non Acrisium virginis abditae
Custodem pavidum Juppiter et Venus
Risissent, fore enim tutum iter et patens
Converso im pretium deo.
Aurum per medios ire satellites
Et perrumpere amat saxa potentius
Ictu fulmineo : concidit auguris
Argivi domus ob lucrum
Demersa exitio ; diffidit urbium
Portas vir Macedo et subruit aemulos
Reges muneribus ; munera navium
Saevos illaqueant duces.
Crescentem sequitur cura pecuniam
Majorumque fames. Jure perhorrui
Late conspicuum tollere verticem,
Maecenas, equitum decus.
Quanto quisque sibi plura negaverit,
Ab dis plura feret : nil cupientium
Nudus castra peto et transfuga divitum
Partes linquere gestio,
10
15
10
LIB. III. CARM. XVII. 69r
Comtemptae dominus splendidior rei, 25
Quam si quidquid arat impiger Apulus
Occultare meis dicerer horreis,
Magnas inter opes inops.
Pürae rivus aquae silvaque jugerum
Paucorum et segetis certa fides meae 3()
Fulgentem imperio fertilis Africae
Pallit sorte beatior.
Quamquam nec Calabrae mella ferunt apes
Nec Laestrygonia Bacchus in amphora
Languescit mihi nec pinguia Gallicis 38
Crescunt vellerà pascuis,
Importuna tamen pauperies abest,
Nec si plura velim tu dare deneges.
Contracto melius parva cupidine
Vectigalia porrigam, 40
Quam si Mygdoniis regnum Alyattei
Campis continuem. Multa petentibus
Desunt multa: bene est cui deus obtulit
Parca quod satis est manu.
CARMEN XVII.
AELI vetusto nobilis ab Lamo,
(Quando et priores hinc Lamias ferunt
Denominatos et nepotum -
Per memores genus omne fastos,
Auctore ab illo ducit originem 5
Qui Formiarum moenia dicitur
Princeps et inmantem Maricae
Litoribus tenuisse Lirim
Late tyrannus) cras foliis memus
Multis et alga litus inutili 1U
Demissa tempestas ab Euro
Sternet, aquae nisi fallit augur
CARMINUM
Annosa cornix. Dum potis aridum
Compone lignum: cras Genium mero
Curabis et porco bimestri 15
Cum famulis operum solutis.
CARMEN xvIII.
JFAUNE, Nympharum fugientum amator,
JPer meos fines et aprica rura -
Lenis incedas abeasque parvis
- , Aequus alumnis,
Si tener pleno cadit haedus ammo, 5
Larga nec desunt Veneris sodali
Vina craterae. Vetus ara multo
Fumat odore,
Ludit herboso pecus omne campo,
Cum tibi Nonae redeunt Decembres ; · 10
Pestus in pratis vacat otioso
- Cum bove pagus;
Inter audaces lupus errat agnos;
Spargit agrestes tibi silva frondes ;
Gaudet invisam pepulisse fossor 15
Ter pede terram. .
C A R, M E N XIX.
QUANTUM distet ab Inacho
Codrus pro patria non timidus mori
Narras, et genus Aeaci
Et pugnata sacro bella sub Ilio:
LIB. III. CARM. XX. .71
Quo Chium pretio cadum 5
Mercemur, quis aquam temperet ignibus,
Quo praebente domum et quota
Pelignis caream frigoribus, taces.
Da lunae propere novae, ,
Da noctis mediae, da, puer, auguris 1{}
Murenae: tribus aut novem
Miscentur cyathis pocula commodis.
Qui Musas amat impares
Ternos ter cyathos attonitus petet
Vates ; tres prohibet supra 15
Rixarum metuens tangere Gratia
Nudis juncta sororibus.
Insanire juvat: cur Berecyntiae
Cessant flamina tibiae ?
Cur pendet tacita fistula cum lyra? . 220
Parcentes ego dexteras
Odi: sparge rosas; audiat invidus
Dementem strepitum Lycus
Et vicina seni non habilis Lyco.
Spissa te nitidum coma, ; 5
IPuro te similem, Telephe, Vespero,
Tempestiva petit Rhode :
Me lentus Glycerae torret amor meae.

C A R. M E N XX.
NoN vides, quanto moveas periclo,
Pyrrhe, Gaetulae catulos leaenae?
Dura post paullo fugies inaudax
Proelia raptor
Cum per obstantes juvenum catervas 5
Ibit insignem repetens Nearchum,
Grande certamen tibi praeda cedat
Major an illi.
CARMINUM .
Interim, dum tu celeres sagittas
Promis, haec dentes acuit timendos,
Arbiter pugnae posuisse nudo
Sub pede palmam
Eertur, et leni recreare vento
Sparsum odoratis humerum capillis,
Qualis aut Nireus fuit aut aquosa
Raptus ab Ida.
CARMEN XXI.
O NATA mecum consule Manlio,
Seu tu querelas sive geris jocos
Seu rixam et insanos amores -
Seu facilem, pia testa, somnum,
Quocunque lectum nomine Massicum
Servas, moveri digna bono die,
Descende, Corvino jubente
Promere languidiora vina. .
Non ille, quamquam Socraticis madet
Sermonibus, te negleget horridus :
Narratur et prisci Catonis
Saepe mero caluisse virtus.
Tu lene tormentum ingenio admoves
Plerumque duro ; tu sapientium
Curas et arcamum jocoso
Consilium retegis Lyaeo ;
Tu spem reducis mentibus anxiis
Viresque, et addis cornua pauperi,
IPost te neque iratos trementi -
Regum apices neque militum arma.
Te Liber et, si laeta aderit, Venus.
Segnesque nodum solvere Gratiae
Vivaeque producent lucernae, . . . . .
Dum rediens fugat astra Phoebus.
10
{5
LIB. III. CARM. , XXIII.
C A R M E N XXII.
MONTIUM custos nemorumque, Virgo,
Quae laborantes utero puellas
Ter vocata audis adimisque leto,
Diva triformis,
Imminens villae tua pinus esto,
Quam per exactos ego laetus annos
Verris obliquum meditantis ictum
Sanguine donem.
C A. R, M E N XXIII.

CAELO supinas si tuleris manus
Nascente Luna, rustica Phidyle,
Si thure placaris et horna
Fruge Lares avidaque porca,
Nec pestilentem sentiet Africum
Fecunda vitis nec sterilem seges
Robiginem aut dulces alumni
Pomifero grave tempus anno.
Nam quae nivali pascitur Algido
Devota quercus inter et ilices
Aut crescit Albanis in herbis
Victima pontificum secures
Cervice tinget: te nihil attinet
Tentare multa caede bidentium
Parvos coronantem marimo
Rore deos fragilique myrto.
Immunis aram si tetigit manus,
Non sumptuosa blandior hostia
10
15
7
7
CARMINUM
4
Mollivit aversos Penates •
Farre pio et saliente mica. 90
C A R MEN XXIV.
INTACTIS opulentior
Thesauris Arabum et divitis Indiae
Caementis licet occupes
Tyrrhenum omne tuis et mare Apulicum,
Si figit adamantinos 5
Summis verticibus dira Necessitas
Clavos, non animum metu, .
Non mortis laqueis expedies caput.
Campestres melius Scythae
Quorum plaustra vagas rite trahunt domos 10
Vivunt, et rigidi Getae
Immetata quibus jugera liberas
Fruges et Cererem ferunt,
Nec cultura placet longior ammua,
Defunctumque laboribus 15
Aequali recreat sorte vicarius.
Illic matre carentibus
Privignis mulier temperat innocens,
Nec dotata regit virum
Conjux nec nitido fidit adultero. 20
Dos est magna parentium
Virtus et metuens alterius viri
Certo foedere castitas ;
Et peccare nefas aut pretium est mori.
0 quisquis volet impias - 25
Caedes et rabiem tollere civicam,
Si quaeret PATER URBIUM
Subscribi statuis, indomitam audeat
Refrenare licentiam,
Clarus postgemitis ; quatenus, heu nefas! ' 30
LIB. III. CARM. XXIV. . 75
Virtutem incolumem odimus,
Sublatam ex oculis quaerimus invidi.
Quid tristes querimoniae
Si non supplicio culpa reciditur ?
Quid leges sine moribus 35
Vanae proficiunt, si neque fervidis
Pars inclusa caloribus
Mundi nec Boreae finitimum latus
Durataeque solo nives
Mercatorem abigunt, horrida callidi ' 40
Vincunt aequora navitae,
Magnum pauperies opprobrium jubet
Quidvis et facere et pati
Virtutisque viam deserit arduae ?
Vel nos in Capitolium 46
Quo clamor vocat et turba faventium,
Vel nos in mare proximum
Gemmas et lapides aurum et inutile,
Summi materiem mali,
Mittamus scelerum si bene poenitet. 50
Eradenda cupidinis
Pravi sunt elementa, et temerae nimis
Mentes asperioribus
Formandae studiis. Nescit equo rudis
Haerere ingenuus puer 55
Venarique timet, ludere doctior,
Seu Graeco jubeas trocho
Seu malis vetita legibus alea,
Cum perjura patris fides
Consortem socium fallat et hospitem 60
Indignoque pecuniam
Heredi properet. Scilicet improbae
Crescunt divitiae ; tamen
Curtae nescio quid semper abest rei.
*76
CARMINUM
C A R, MIE N XXV.
QUO me, Bacche, rapis tui
Plenum ? quae memora aut quos agor in specus
Velox mente nova? quibus
Antris egregii Caesaris audiar
Aeternum meditans decus - 5
Stellis inserere et consilio Jovis ?
* Dicam insigne recens adhuc
Indictum ore alio. Non secus in jugis
Exsomnis stupet Euias
Hebrum prospiciens et nive candidam 10
Thracem ac pede barbaro
Lustratam Rhodopen, ut mihi devio
Ripas et vacuum nemus
Mirari libet. O Naiadum potens
Eaccharumque valentium 15
Proceras manibus vertere fraxinos,
Nil parvum aut humili modo,
Nil mortale loquar. Dulce periculum est,
O Lenaee, sequi deum
Cingentem viridi tempora pampino. 20.
C A R M E N XXVI.
VIXI puellis nuper idoneus
Et militavi non sine gloria;
Nunc arma defunctumque bello
Barbiton hic paries habebit,
Laevum marinae qui Veneris latus ô
Custodit. Hic hic ponite lucida
LIB. III. 'CARM. XXVII. . 77
Eumalia et vectes et arcus
Oppositis foribus minaces.
O quae beatam diva tenes Cyprum et
Memphim carentem Sithonia nive, ]0
Regina, sublimi flagello
Tange Chloën semel arrogantem
C A R. M E N X X VII.
IMPIOS parrae recinentis omen
Ducat et praegnans canis aut ab agro
Rava decurrens lupa Lanuvino
Petaque vulpes.
Rumpat et serpens iter institutum &
Si per obliquum similis sagittae
Terruit mannos : ego cui timebo
Providus auspex,
Antequam stantes repetat paludes
Imbrium divina avis imminentum, ] ((
Oscinem corvum prece suscitabo
Solis ab ortu.
Sis licet felix ubicumque mavis,
Et memor nostri, Galatea, vivas,
Teque nec laevus vetet ire picus 15
Nec vaga cornix.
Sed vides quanto trepidet tumultu
Eronus Orion. Ego quid sit ater
Hadriae novi sinus et quid albus
Peccet Iapyx. 20
Hostium uxores puerique caecos
Sentiant motus orientis Austri et
Aequoris nigri fremitum et trementes
Verbere ripas.
Sic et Europe niveum doloso 25
Credidit tauro latus et scatentem
*
78
CARMINUM
IBeluis pontum mediasque fraudes
Palluit audax.
Nuper in pratis studiosa florum et
Debitae Nymphis opifex coronae
Nocte sublustri nihil astra praeter
Vidit et undas.
Quae simul centum tetigit potentem
Oppidis Creten: Pater, o relictum
Eiliae nomen pietasque, dixit,
Victa furore !
Unde quo veni ? Levis una mors est
Virginum culpae. Vigilansne ploro
Turpe commissum, an vitiis carentem
Ludit imago
Vana quae porta fugiens eburma
Somnium ducit ? Meliusne fluctus
Ire per longos fuit an recentes
- Carpere flores ?
Si quis infamem mihi nunc juvencum
Dedat iratae lacerare ferro et
Erangere enitar modo multum amati
Cornua monstri.
Impudens liqui patrios Penates,
Impudens Orcum moror. O deorum
Si quis haec audis, utinam inter errem
Nuda leones !
Antequam turpis macies decentes
Occupet malas, teneraeque sucus
Defluat praedae, speciosa quaero
Pascere tigres.
Vilis Europe, pater urget absens :
Quid mori cessas? Potes hac ab orno
Pendulum zona bene te secuta
Laedere collum.
Sive te rupes et acuta leto
Saxa delectant age te procellae
Crede veloci,nisi herile mavis
Carpere pensum
Regius sanguis dominaeque tradi
Barbarae pellex.—Aderat querenti
40

45
50
YLIB. III. CARM. XXVIII. 79
Perfidum ridens Venus et remisso
Eilius arcu. • "
Mox ubi lusit, satis: Abstineto,
Dixit, irarum calidaeque rixae • 4 (J
Cum tibi invisus laceranda reddet
Cornua taurus.
Uxor invicti Jovis esse nescis:
Mitte singultus; bene ferre magnam
Disce fortunam ; tua sectus orbis tyr
Nomina ducet.
C A R, MIE N X X VI II.
EESTO quid potius die
Neptuni faciam ? Prome reconditum
Lyde strenua Caecubum
Munitaeque adhibe vim sapientiae.
Inclinare meridiem $
Sentis ac, veluti stet volucris dies,
Parcis deripere horreo ā– .
Cessantem Bibuli consulis amphoram.
Nos cantabimus invicem
Neptunum et virides Nereïdum comas; 10
Tu curva recines lyra
Latonam et celeris spicula Cynthiae ;
Summo carmine quae Cnidon
Fulgentesque tenet Cycladas et Paphon
Junctis visit oloribus; 15.
Dicetur merita Nox quoque nemia.
80
CARMINUM
C A R, M E N XXIX.
TyRRHENA regum progenies, tibi
Non ante verso lene merum cado
Cum flore, Maecenas, rosarum et
Pressa tuis balanus capillis
Jamdudum apud me est. Eripe te morae;
Ne semper udum Tibur et Aesulae
Declive contempleris arvum et
Telegoni juga parricidae.
• Fastidiosam desere copiam et
Molem propinquam nubibus arduis;
Omitte mirari beatae
Eumum et opes strepitumque Romae.
JPlerumque gratae divitibus vices,
Mundaeque parvo sub lare pauperum
Coenae sine aulaeis et ostro
Sollicitam explicuere frontem.
Jam clarus occultum Andromedae pater
Ostendit ignem, jam Procyon furit
Et stella vesani Leonis,
Sole dies referente siccos.
Jam pastor umbras cum grege lamguido
Pivumque fessus quaerit et horridi
Dumeta Silvani, caretque
Ripa vagis taciturna ventis.
Tu civitatem quis deceat status
Curas et Urbi sollicitus times
Quid Seres et regnata Cyro
Paetra parent Tanaisque discors.
IPrudens futuri temporis exitum
Caliginosa nocte premit deus,
Ridetque si mortalis ultra
Fas trepidat. Quod adest memento ,
Componere aequus ; cetera fluminis
Ritu feruntur, nunc medio aequore
5
1(}
LIB. III. CARM. XXX.
8]
Cum pace delabentis Etruscum
In mare, nunc lapides adesos
Stirpesque raptas et pecus et domus
Volventis una non sine montium
Clamore vicinaeque silvae,
Cum fera diluvies quietos
Irritat amnes. Ille potens sui
Laetusque deget, cui licet in diem
Dixisse Vixi: cras vel atra
Nube polum Pater occupato
Vel sole puro ; non tamen irritum
Quodcunque retro est efficiet, neque
Diffinget infectumque reddet
Quod fugiens semel hora vexit.
Portuna saevo laeta negotio et
I1udum insolentem ludere pertinax
Transmutat incertos honores,
Nunc mihi, nunc alii benigna.
Laudo manentem ; si celeres quatit
Pennas resigno quae dedit, et mea
Virtute me involvo probamque
Pauperiem sine dote quaero.
Non est meum si mugiat Africis
Malus procellis ad miseras preces
Decurrere, et votis pacisci
Ne Cypriae Tyriaeque merces
Addant avaro divitias mari:
Tunc me biremis praesidio scaphae
Tutum per Aegaeos tumultus
Aura feret geminusque Pollux.
\
CARM EN xxx.
ExEGI monumentum aere perennius
Regalique situ pyramidum altius,
Quod non imber edax, non Aquilo impotens
Possit diruere aut innumerabilis
40
55
60
ß2
CARMINUM LIB. III. CARM. XXX.
Annorum series et fuga temporum.
Non omnis moriar, multaque pars mei
Vitabit Libitinam: usque ego pQstera
Crescam laude recens dum Capitolium
Scandet cum tacita virgine pontifex.
Dicar qua violens obstrepit Aufidus 1 0
Et qua pauper aquae Daunus agrestium
Regnavit populorum, ex humili potens,
Erinceps Aeolium carmen ad Italos
Deduxisse modos. Sume superbiam
Quaesitam meritis et mihi Delphica 15
Lauro cinge volens, Melpomene, comam.
Q. HORATII FLACCI
C A R M I N U M
LIBER QUARTUS.
—•>—
C A R, M E N I.
INTERMISSA, Venus, diu
Rursus bella moves ? Parce, precor, precor.
Non sum qualis eram bonae
Sub regno Cinarae. Desine, dulcium
Mater saeva Cupidinum,
Circa lustra decem flectere moi.ibus
Jam durum imperiis: abi
Quo blandae juvenum te revocant preces.
Tempestivius in domum
Paulli purpureis ales oloribus
Comissabere Maximi,
Si torrere jecur quaeris idoneum :
Namque et nobilis et decens
Et pro sollicitis non tacitus reis
Et centum puer artium
Late signa feret militiae tuae,
Et quandoque potentior
Largi muneribus riserit aemuli
Albanos prope te laeus
Ponet marmoream sub trabe citrea.
Illic plurima maribus
Duces thura, lyraeque et Berecyntiae
{()
{5
84
CARMINUM
Delectabere tibiae
Mixtis carminibus non sine fistula;
Illic bis pueri die
Numem cum teneris virginibus tuum
Laudantes pede candido
In morem Salium ter quatient humum.
Me nec femina nec puer
Jam nec spes animi credula mutui,
Nec certare juvat mero
Nec vincire novis tempora floribus.
Sed eur heu, Ligurine, cur
Manat rara meas lacruma per genas ?
Cur facunda parum decoro
Inter verba cadit lingua silentio ?
Nocturnis ego somniis
Jam captum teneo, jam volucrem sequor
Te per gramina Martii
Campi, te per aquas, dure, volubiles.
() A R M E N II.
PINDARUM quisquis studet aemulari,
Iule, ceratis ope Daedalea
Nititur pennis vitreo daturus
Nomina ponto.
Monte decurrens velut ammis imbres
Quem super motas aluere ripas
Eervet immensusque ruit profundo
Pindarus ore,
Taurea donandus Apollimari,
Seu per audaces nova dithyrambos
Verba devolvit numerisque fertur
Lege solutis ;
Seu deos regesve canit deorum
Sanguinem per quos cecidere justa
30
40
I,IB. IV. GARM. II.
Morte Centauri, cecidit tremendae
Flamma Chimaerae ;
Sive quos Elea domum reducit
Palma caelestes pugilemve equumve
Dicit et centum potiore signis
Munere donat :
Elebili sponsae juvenemve raptum
Plorat et vires animumque moresque
Aureos educit in astra nigroque
Invidet Orco.
Multa Dircaeum levat aura cycnum
Tendit, Antoni, quotiens in altos
Nubium tractus. Ego apis Matinae
More modoque
Grata carpentis thyma per laborem
Plurimum circa nemus uvidique
Tiburis ripas operosa parvus
Carmina fingo. *-.
Concines majore poëta plectro
Caesarem quandoque trahet feroces
Per sacrum clivum merita decorus
Fronde Sygambros,
Quo nihil majus meliusve terris
Eata donavere bonique divi, •
Nec dabunt quamvis redeant in aurum
Tempora priscum.
Concines laetosque dies et Urbis
Publicum ludum super impetrato
Fortis Augusti reditu forumque
Litibus orbum.
Tum meae si quid loquar audiendum
Vocis accedet bona pars et, O Sol
Pulcher ! o laudande ! canam, recepto
Caesare felix.
Teque dum procedis, io Triumphe!
Non semel dicemus, io Triumphe !
' Civitas omnis dabimusque divis
Thura benignis.
Te decem tauri totidemque vaccae,
Me tener solvet vitulus relicta
A.
5
30
40
4fi
86
CARMINUM
Matre qui largis juvenescit herbis
Ir. mea vota,
Eronte curvatos imitatus ignes
Tertium lunae referentis ortum,
Qua notam duxit niveus videri
Cetera fulvus.
C A R M E N III.
QUEM tu, Melpomene, semel
Nascentem placido lumine videris,
Illum non labor Isthmius
Clarabit pugilem, non equus impiger
Curru ducet Achaico
Victorem, neque res bellica Deliis
Ornatum foliis ducem, -
Quod regum tumidas contuderit minas,
Ostendet Capitolio:
Sed quae Tibur aquae fertile praefluunt
Et spissae memorum comae
Fingent Aeolio carmine mobilem.
Romae principis urbium
a. Dignatur suboles inter amabiles
Vatum ponere me choros,
Et iam dente minus mordeor invido.
, testudinis aureae
Dulcem quae strepitum, Pieri, temperas,
O mutis quoque piscibus
Donatura cycni, si libeat, sonum,
Totum muneris hoc tui est : -
Quod monstror digito praetereuntium
Romanae fidicem lyrae,
Quod spiro et placeo, si placeo, tuum est.
6C
10

15
920
LIB. IV. CARM. IV. 87
C A RMEN IV.
QUALEM ministrum fulminis alitem,
Cui rex deorum regnum in aves vagas
Permisit expertus fidelem
Juppiter in Ganymede flavo,
Olim juventas et patrius vigor 5
Nido laborum propulit inscium,
Vernique jam nimbis remotis
Insolitos docuere nisus
Venti paventem, mox in ovilia
Demisit hostem vividus impetus, n. 10
Nunc in reluctamtes dracones
Egit amor dapis atque pugnae :
Qualemve laetis caprea pascuis
Intenta fulvae matris ab ubere
Jam lacte depulsum leonem ^. 15
Dente novo peritura vidit:
Videre Raetis bella sub Alpibus
Drusum gerentem Vindelici ;—quibus
Mos unde deductus per omne
Tempus Amazonia securi - 20
Dextras obarmet quaerere distuli,
Nec scire fas est omnia ;—sed diu
Lateque victrices catervae
Consiliis juvenis revictae
Sensere quid mens rite, quid indoles 95
Nutrita faustis sub penetralibus
Posset, quid Augusti paternus
In pueros animus Nerones.
Portes creantur fortibus et bonis ;
Est in juvencis, est in equis patrum 30
Virtus, neque imbellem feroces
Progenerant aquilae columbam :
Doctrina sed vim promovet insitam,
Rectique cultus pectora roborant :

88
CARMINUM
Utcunque defecere mores
Indecorant bene mata culpae.
Quid debeas, o Roma, Neronibus,
Testis Metaurum flumen et Hasdrubal
Devictus et pulcher fugatis
Ille dies Latio temebris
Qui primus alma risit adorea,
Dirus per urbes Afer ut Italas
Ceu flamma per taedas vel Eurus
Per Siculas equitavit undas.
Post hoc secundis usque laboribus
. Romana pubes crevit et impio
Vastata Poenorum tumultu
Eama deos habuere rectos ;
Dixitque tandem perfidus Hannibal:
Cervi luporum praeda rapacium
Sectamur ultro quos opimus
Eallere et effugere est triumphus.
Gens quae cremato fortis ab Ilio
Jactata Tuscis aequoribus sacra
Natosque maturosque patres
Pertulit Ausonias ad urbes,
Duris ut ilex tonsa bipennibus
Nigrae feraci frondis in Algido,
Per damna, per caedes, ab ipso
Ducit opes animumque ferro.
Non hydra secto corpore firmior
Vinci dolentem crevit in Herculem,
Monstrumve submisere Colchi
Maius Echioniaeve Thebae.
Merses profundo, pulchrior evenit:
Luctere, multa proruet integrum
Cum laude victorem geretque
Proelia conjugibus loquenda.
Karthagini jam non ego nuntios
Mittam superbos: occidit, óccidit
Spes omnis et fortuna nostri
Nominis Hasdrubale interempto.
Nil Claudiae non perficient manus,
Quas. et benigno numine Juppiter
10
45
50.
55
70
1LIB. IV. CARM. V. 89 .
Defendit et curae sagaces 75
Expediunt per acuta belli.
C A R, ME N V.
DIVIS orte bonis, optime Romulae
Custos gentis, abes jam nimium diu ;
Maturum reditum pollicitus patrum
Sancto concilio redi.
Lucem redde tuae, dux bone, patriae:
Instar veris enim vultus ubi tuus
Affulsit populo, gratior it dies
Et soles melius nitent.
Ut mater juvenem, quem Notus invido
Elatu Carpathii trans maris aequora }{\
Cunctantem spatio longius annuo
Dulci distinet a domo,
Votis ominibusque et precibus vocat,
Curvo nec faciem litore demovet : «*
Sic desideriis icta fidelibus 15
Quaerit patria Caesarem.
Tutus bos etenim rura perambulat,
Nutrit rura Ceres almaque Faustitas,
Pacatum volitant per mare navitae,
• Culpari metuit Fides, 20
Nullis polluitur casta domus stupris,
Mos et lex maculosum edomuit nefas,
Laudantur simili prole puerperae,
Culpam poena premit comes.
Quis Parthum paveat, quis gelidum Scythem, 25
Quis Germania quos horrida parturit
Eetus, incolumi Caesare ? quis ferae
- Eellum curet Hiberiae ?
Condit quisque diem collibus in suis
Et vitem viduas ducit ad arbores ; 30
5
8 *
90
CARMINUM
Hinc ad vina redit laetus et alteris
Te mensis adhibet deum ;
Te multa prece, te prosequitur mero
I)efuso pateris, et Laribus tuum
Miscet numen, uti Graecia, Castoris
Et magni memor Herculis.
Longas O utinam, dux bone, ferias
Praestes Hesperiae ! dicimus integro
Sicci mane die, dicimus uvidi ù.
Cum Sol Oceano subest.
C A R M E N V I.
DIVE, quem proles Niobea magnae
Vindicem linguae Tityosque raptor
Sensit et Trojae prope victor altae
Phthius Achilles,
Ceteris major, tibi miles impar
Filius quamvis Thetidis mari
Dardanas turres quateret tremenda :
Cuspide pugnax.
Ille, mordaci velut icta ferro
Pinus aut impulsa cupressus Euro,
Procidit late posuitque collum in
Pulvere Teucro.
Ille non inclusus equo Minervae
Sacra mentito male feriatos
Troas et laetam Priami choreis
Palleret aulam ; •
Sed palam captis gravis, heu nefas heu,
Nescios fari pueros Achivis
Ureret flammis, etiam latentem *
Μatris in alvo, »
Ni tuis victus Venerisque gratae
Vocibus divom pater annuisset
40
10
15.
LIB. IV. CARM. VII. 91
Rebus Aeneae potiore ductos
Alite muros.
Doctor argutae fidicem Thaliae, 95
Phoebe, qui Xantho lavis amne crines,
Daumiae defende decus Camenae,
Levis Agyieu.
Spiritum Phoebus mihi, Phoebus artem
Carminis nomenque dedit poëtae. 30
Virginum primae puerique claris
Patribus orti,
Deliae tutela deae fugaces
Lyncas et cervos cohibentis arcu,
Lesbium servate pedem meique 35
Pollicis ictum, •
Rite Latonae puerum canentes,
Rite crescentem face Noctilucam,
Prosperam frugum celeremque pronos
Volvere menses. 40
Nupta jam dices: Ego dis amicum,
Seculo festas referente luces,
Reddidi carmen, docilis modorum
Vatis Horati.
C A R M E N VII.
DIFFUGERE nives, redeunt jam gramina campis
Arboribusque comae ;
Mutat terra vices et decrescentia ripas
Flumina praetereunt;
Gratia cum Nymphis geminisque sororibus audet 5
Ducere nuda choros.
Immortalia me speres monet annus et almum
Quae rapit hora diem.
Frigora mitescunt Zephyris, ver proterit aestas
Interitura simul 10
9
CARMINUM
Domifer Auctumnus fruges effuderit, et mox
Eruma recurrit iners.
Damna tamen celeres reparant caelestia lunae:
Nos ubi decidimus,
Quo pius Aeneas quo dives Tullus et Ancus
Pulvis et umbra sumus.
Quis scit an adjiciant hodiernae crastina summae
Tempora di superi ?
Cuncta manus avidas fugient heredis amico
Quae dederis amimo.
Cum semel occideris et de te splendida Minos
Fecerit arbitria,
Non, Torquate, genus, non te facundia, non te
Restituet pietas;
Infernis neque enim tenebris Diana pudicum
Liberat Hippolytum,
Nec Lethaea valet Theseus abrumpere caro
Vincula Pirithoo.
C A RMIEN VIII.
DONAREM pateras grataque commodus,
Censorine, meis aera sodalibus,
Donarem tripodas, praemia fortium
Graiorum, neque tu pessima munerum
Ferres, divite me scilicet artium
Quas aut Parrhasius protulit aut Scopas,
Hic saxo, liquidis ille coloribus
Sollers nunc hominem ponere, nunc deum.
Sed non haec mihi vis, non tibi talium
Res est aut animus deliciarum egens.
Gaudes carminibus ; carmina possumus
Donare et pretium dicere muneri.
Non incisa notis marmora publicis,
Per quae spiritus et vita redit bouis
%0
5
10
LIB. IV. CARM. IX. 93
Post mortem ducibus, non celeres fugae „15
Rejectaeque retrorsum Hannibalis minae,
Non incendia Karthaginis impiae,
Ejus qui domita nomen ab Africa
Lucratus rediit clarius indicant
Laudes, quam Calabrae Pierides : neque 90
Si chartae sileant quod bene feceris
Mercedem tuleris. Quid foret Iliae
Mavortisque puer si taciturnitas.
Obstaret meritis invida Romuli?
Ereptum Stygiis fluctibus Aeacum 25
Virtus et favor et lingua potentium
Vatum divitibus consecrat insulis.
Dignum laude virum Musa vetat mori :
Caelo Musa beat. Sic Jovis interest
Optatis epulis impiger Hercules, 30
Clarum Tyndaridae sidus ab infimis
Quassas eripiunt aequoribus rates,
Ornatus viridi tempora pampino
Liber vota bonos ducit ad exitus.
C A R M E N IX.
NE forte credas interitura quae
LOnge sonantem natus ad Aufidum
Non ante vulgatas per artes
Verba loquor socianda chordis:
Non si priores Maeonius tenet • 5
Sedes Homerus Pindaricae latent
Ceaeque et Alcaei minaces
Stesichorique graves Camenae ;
Nec si quid olim lusit Anacreom
Delevit aetas; spirat adhuc amor 10
Vivuntque commissi calores
Aeoliae fidibus puellae.
94
CARMINUM
Non sola comptos arsit adulteri
Crines, et aurum vestibus illitum
Mirata regalesque cultus
Et comites Helene Lacaena,
Primusve Teucer tela Cydonio
Direxit arcu ; non semel Ilios
Vexata ; non pugnavit ingens
Idomeneus Sthenelusve solus
Dicenda Musis proelia; non ferox
Hector vel acer Deiphobus graves
Excepit ictus pro pudicis
Conjugibus puerisque primus.
Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona
Multi; sed omnes illacrumabiles
Urgentur ignotique longa
t Nocte, carent quia vate sacro.
Paullum sepultae distat inertiae
Celata virtus. Non ego te meis
Chartis inornatum silebo,
Totve tuos patiar labores
Impune, Lolli, carpere lividas
Obliviones. Est animus tibi
Rerumque prudens et secundis
Temporibus dubiisque rectus,
Vindex avarae fraudis, et abstinens
Ducentis ad se cuncta pecuniae,
Consulque non unius anni
Sed quoties bonus atque fidus
Judex honestum praetulit utili,
Rejecit alto doma nocentium
Vultu, per obstantes catervas
Explicuit sua victor arma.
Non possidentem multa vocaveris
Recte beatum : rectius occupat
Nomen beati qui deorum
Muneribus sapienter uti
Duramque callet pauperiem pati,
Pejusque leto flagitium timet,
Non ille pro caris amicis
Aut patria timidus perire.
i5

20
40
LIB. IV. CARM. XI.
95
C A R. M E N X.
O CRUDELIS adhuc et Veneris muneribus potens,
Insperata tuae cum veniet pluma superbiae,
Et quae nunc humeris involitant deciderint comae,
Nunc et qui color est puniceae flore prior rosae
Mutatus Ligurinum in faciem verterit hispidam,
Dices heu quotiens te speculo videris alterum:
Quae mens est hodie, cur eadem non puer6 fuit?
Vel cur his animis incolumes non redeunt genae ?
C A R, M E N XI.
EsT mihi nonum superantis annum
Plenus Albani cadus; est in horto,
IPhylli, nectendis apium coronis;
Est hederae vis
Multa, qua crines religata fulges ;
Ridet argento domus; ara castis
Vincta verbemis avet immolato
Spargier agno;
Cuncta festinat manus, huc et illuc
Cursitant mixtae pueris puellae;
Sordidum flammae trepidant rotantes
Vertice fumum.
Ut tamen moris quibus advoceris
Gaudiis, Idus tibi sunt agendae,
Qui dies mensem Veneris marinae
Findit Aprilem ;
Jure sollemnis mihi sanctiorque
Paene natali proprio, quod ex hac
15
CARMINÜM
Luce Maecenas meus adfluentes
Ordinat, ammos. 90
Telephum, quem tu petis, occupavit
Non tuae sortis juvenem puella
Dives et lasciva, tenetque grata
Compede vinctum.
Terret, ambustus Phaëthon avaras 25
Spes, et exemplum grave praebet ales
Pegasus, terrenum equitem gravatus
Βellerophontem,
Semper ut te digna sequare et ultra
Quam licet sperare nefas putando 30
l)isparem vites. Age jam, meorum
Finis amorum—
Non enim posthac alia calebo
Femina — condisce modos amanda
Voce quos reddas ; minuentur atrae 35
Carmine curae.
C A R M E N XII. «*•
JAM veris comites quae mare temperant
Impellunt animae lintea Thraciae ;
Jam nec prata rigent nec fluvii strepunt
Hiberna nive turgidi.
Nidum ponit, Itym flebiliter gemens, 5
Infelix avis et Cecropiae domus
Aeternum opprobrium, quod male barbaras
Regum est ulta libidines.
Dicunt in tenero gramine pinguium
Custodes ovium carmina fistula, * 10
Delectantque deum cui pecus et nigri
Colles Arcadiae placent.
Adduxere sitim tempora, Virgili ;
Sed pressum Calibus ducere Liberum
LIB. IV. CARM. XIII.
97
Si gestis, juvenum nobilium cliens,
Nardo vina merebere.
Nardi parvus onyx eliciet cadum
Qui nunc Sulpiciis accubat horreis,
Spes donare novas largus amaraque
Curarum eluere efficax.
Ad quae si properas gaudia, cum tua
Velox merce veni: non ego te meis
Immunem meditor tingere poculis,
Plena dives ut in domo.
Verum pone moras et studium lucri,
Nigrorumque memor, dum licet, ignium
Misce stultitiam consiliis brevem :
Dulce est desipere in loco.
C A R M E N XIII.
AUDIvERE, Lyce, di mea vota, di
Audivere, Lyce : fis anus, et tamen
Vis formosa videri
Ludisque et bibis impudens
IEt cantu tremulo pota Cupidinem
Lentum sollicitas. Ille virentis et
Doctae psallere Chiae
Pulchris excubat in genis.
Importunus enim transvolat aridas
Quercus, et refugit te quia luridi
IDentes, te quia rugae
Turpant et capitis nives.
Nec Coae referunt jam tibi purpurae
Nec clari lapides tempora, quae semel
Notis condita fastis
Inclusit volucris dies.
Quo fugit venus, heu, quove color ? decens
Quo motus ? quid habes illius, illius,
10
15
98
CARMINU] M
Quae spirabat amores,
Quae me surpuerat mihi,
Eelix post Cinaram, notaque et artium
Gratarum facies ? Sed Cinarae breves
Annos fata dederunt,
Servatura diu parem
Cornicis vetulae temporibus Lycem,
Possent ut juvenes visere fervidi
Multo mom sine risu
Dilapsam in cineres facem.
C A R. M E N XIV.
QUAE cura patrum quaeve Quiritium
Plenis honorum muneribus tuas,
Auguste, virtutes in aevum
Per titulos memoresque fastos
Aeternet, o qua sol habitabiles
Illustrat oras maxime principum?
Quem legis expertes Latinae
Vindelici didicere nuper
Quid Marte posses. Milite nam tuo
Drusus Genaunos, implacidum genus,
Ereunosque veloces, et arces
Alpibus impositas tremendis
Dejecit acer plus vice simplici;
Major Neronum mox grave proelium
Commisit immanesque Raetos
Auspiciis pepulit secundis,
Spectandus in certamine Martio,
Devota morti pectora liberae
Quantis fatigaret ruinis ;
Indomitas prope qualis undas
Exercet Auster, Pleiadum choro
Scindente nubes, impiger hostium
ILIB. IV. CARM. XV.
99)
Vexare turmas et frementem
Mittere equum medios per ignes.
Sic. tauriformis volvitur Aufidus, C»
Qua regna Dauni praefluit Apuli,
Cum saevit horrendamque cultis
Diluviem meditatur agris,
Ut barbarorum Claudius agmina
Perrata vasto diruit impetu
Primosque et extremos metendo
Stravit humum sine clade victor,
Te copias, te consilium et tuos
Praebente divos. Nam tibi, quo die
Portus Alexandrea supplex
Et vacuam patefecit aulam,
Portuna lustro prospera tertio
Eelli secumdos reddidit exitus,
Laudemque et optatum peractis
Imperiis decus arrogavit.
Te Cantaber non ante domabilis
Medusque et Indus, te profugus Scythes
Miratur, o tutela praesens
Italiae dominaeque Romae.
Te fontium qui celat origines
Nilusque et Ister, te rapidus Tigris,
Te beluosus qui remotis
Obstrepit Oceanus Britannis,
Te non paventis funera Galliae
Duraeque tellus audit Hiberiae,
Te caede gaudentes Sigambri
Compositis venerantur armis,
C A R M E N X V.
PHOEBUs volentem proelia me loqui
Victas et urbes increpuit lyra,
30
3τ
40
4*
100
CARMINUM LIB. IV. CARM XV.
Ne parva Tyrrhenum per aequor
Vela darem. Tua, Caesar, aetas
Fruges et agris rettulit uberes
Et signa nostro restituit Jovi
Derepta Parthorum superbis
Postibus, et vacuum duellis
Janum Quirini clausit, et ordinem
Rectum evaganti frena, licentiae
Injecit, emovitque culpas,
Et veteres revocavit, artes
Per quas Latinum nomen et Italae
Crevere vires famaque et imperi
Porrecta majestas ad ortus
Solis ìb Hesperio cubili.
Custode 1erum Caesare non furor
Civilis aut vis exiget otium,
Non ira quae procudit enses,
Et miseras inimicat urbes.
Non qui profundum Danubium bibunt
Edicta rumpent Julia, non Getae,
Non Seres infidive Persae,
Non Tanain prope flumen orti.
Nosque et profestis lucibus et sacris
Inter jocosi munera Liberi
Cum prole matronisque nostris,
Rite deos prius apprecati,
Virtute functos more patrum duces
Lydis remixto carmine tibiis
Trojamque et Anchisen et almae
Progeniem Veneris canemus.
10
20
Q. HORATII FLACCI
C A R M E N S A E C U L A R E.
—•—
PHOEBE silvarumque potens Diana,
Lucidum caeli decus, o colendi
Semper et culti, date, quae precamur
Tempore sacro,
Quo Sibyllini monuere versus
Virgines lectas puerosque. castos
Dis quibus septem placuere colles
Dicere carmen.
Alme Sol, curru mitido diem qui
Promis et celas aliusque et idem 10
Nasceris, possis nihil urbe Roma ,
Visere majus.
Rite maturos aperire partus
Lenis, Ilithyia, tuere matres,
Sive tu Lucina probas vocari • 15
Seu Genitalis.
Diva, producas subolem patrumque
Prosperes decreta super jugandis
Peminis prolisque novae feraci
Lege marita, 90
Certus undemos decies per annos
Orbis ut cantus referatque ludos
Ter die claro totiesque grata
Nocte frequentes. " -
Vosque veraces cecinisse, Parcae, 25
Quod semel dictum est stabilisque rerum
Terminus servat, bona jam peractis
Jungite fata.
$
9 *
102
CARMEN SAECULARE.
Fertilis frugum pecorisque Tellus
Spicea donet Cererem corona ;
Nutriant fetus et aquae salubres
Et Jovis aurae.
Condito mitis placidusque telo
Supplices audi pueros, Apollo:
Siderum regina bicornis audi,
Luna, puellas.
Roma si vestrum est opus, Iliaeque
Litus Etruscum tenuere turmae,
Jussa pars mutare Lares et urbem
Sospite cursu,
Cui per ardentem sine fraude Trojam
Castus Aeneas patriae superstes
Liberum munivit iter, daturus
IPlura relictis :
Di, probos mores docili juventae,
Di, senectuti placidae quietem,
Romulae genti date remque prolemque
- Et decus omne ! -
Quaeque vos bubus veneratur albis
Clarus Anchisae Venerisque sanguis,
Impetret, bellante prior, jacentem
Lenis in hostem !
Jam mari terraque manus potentes
Medus Albanasque timet secures,
Jam Scythae responsa petunt, superbi
Nuper, et Indi.
Jam Fides et Pax et Honos Pudorquo
Priscus et neglecta redire Virtus
Audet, apparetque beata pleno
Copia cornu.
Augur et fulgente decorus arcu
Phoebus acceptusque novem Camenis,
Qui salutari levat arte fessos
- Corporis artus,
Si Palatinas videt aequus arces
IRemque Romanam Latiumque, felix
Alterum in lustrum meliusque semper
Proroget aevum.
40
CARMEN SAECULARE.
103
Quaeque Aventinum tenet Algidumque,
Quindecim Diana preces virorum
Curet et votis puerorum amicas
Applicet aures.
Haec Jovem sentire deosque cunctos
Spem bonam certamque domum reporto,
IDoctus et Phoebi chorus et Diar.ae
Dicere laudes.
75
Q. HORATII FLACCI
E P O D O N
LIBER.
—•>—
C A R M E N I.
IBIs Liburnis inter alta mavium,
Amice, propugnacula,
Paratus omne Caesaris periculum
Subire, Maecenas, tuo.
Quid nos, quibus te vita si superstite
Jucunda, si contra gravis ?
Utrumme jussi persequemur otium,
Non dulce ni tecum simul,
An hunc laborem mente laturi decet
Qua ferre non molles viros ?
Peremus et te vel per Alpium juga
Inhospitalem et Caucasum,
Vel Occidentis usque ad ultimum simum
Eorti sequemur pectore.
Roges tuum labore quid juvem meo,
Imbellis ac firmus parum ?
Comes minore sum futurus in metu,
Qui major absentes habet ;
Ut assidens implumibus pullis avis
Serpentium allapsus timet
Magis relictis, non, ut adsit, auxili
Latura plus praesentibus.
] {)
CARM. II.
105
Libenter hoc et omne militabitur
Bellum in tuae spem gratiae,
Non ut juvencis illigata pluribus
Aratra nitantur mea,
Pecusve Calabris ante sidus fervidum
Lucana mutet pascuis,
Neque ut superni villa candens Tusculi
Circaea tangat moenia.
Satis superque me benignitas tua
Ditavit: haud paravero
Quod aut avarus ut Chremes terra premam,
Discinctus aut perdam nepos.
C A R MIE N II.
EEATUS ille qui procul negotiis,
Ut prisca gens mortalium,
Paterna rura bobus exercet suis,
Solutus omni femore.
Neque excitatur classico miles truci,
Neque horret iratum mare,
Forumque vitat et superba civium
Potentiorum limina.
Ergo aut adulta vitium propagine
Altas maritat populos,
Aut in reducta valle mugientium
Prospectat errantes greges,
Inutilesque falce ramos amputans
Feliciores inserit,
Aut pressa puris mella condit amphoris,
Aut, tondet infirmas oves;
Vel cum decorum mºtibus pomis caput
Auctumnus agris extulit,
Ut gaudet insitiva decerpens pira,
Certantem et uvam purpurae,
3()
15
)iu)6 EPODON LIBER.
Qua muneretur te, Priape, et te, pate1
Silvane, tutor finium !
Libet jacere modo sub antiqua ilice,
Modo in tenaci gramine.
Labuntur altis interim ripis aquae, 95
Queruntur in silvis aves,
Eontesque lymphis obstrepunt manantibus,
Somnos quod invitet leves.
At cum tonantis annus hibernus Jovis
Imbres nivesque comparat, 30
Aut trudit acres hinc et hinc multa cane
Apros in obstantes plagas,
Aut amite levi rara tendit retia,
Turdis edacibus dolos,
IPavidumque leporem et advenam laqueo gruem 35
Jucunda captat praemia.
Quis non malarum quas amor curas habet
Haec inter obliviscitur ?
Quodsi pudica mulier in partem juvet
Domum atque dulces liberos, 40
Sabina qualis aut perusta Solibus
Pernicis uxor Apuli,
Sacrum vetustis exstruat lignis focum
Lassi sub adventum viri,
Claudensque textis cratibus laetum pecus 45
Distenta siccet ubera,
Et horna dulci vina promens dolio
Dapes imemptas apparet:
Non me Luerina juverint conchylia
Magisve rhombus aut scari, 50
Si quos Eois intonata fluctibus
Hiems ad hoc vertat mare ;
Non Afra avis descendat in ventrem meum,
Non attagen Ionicus
Jucundior, quam lecta de pinguissimis 55
Oliva ramis arborum
Aut herba lapathi prata amantis et gravi
Malvae salubres corpori,
Vel agna festis caesa Terminalibus,
Vel haedus ereptus lupo. 60
CARM. III. 107
Has inter epulas ut juvat pastas oves
Videre properantes domum,
Videre fessos vomerem imversum boves
Collo trahentes languido,
Fositosque vernas, ditis examem domus, 65
Circum renidentes Lares !
Haec ubi locutus fenerator Alphius,
Jam jam futurus rusticus,
Omnem redegit Idibus pecuniam,
Quaerit Kalendis ponere. 7{}
C A R, MEN III.
PARENTIS olim si quis impia manu
Senile guttur fregerit,
Edit, cicutis allium nocentius.
O dura messorum ilia !
Quid hoc veneni saevit in praecordiis? ô
Num viperinus his cruor
Incoctus herbis me fefellit ? an malas
Canidia tractavit dapes ?
Ut Argonautas praeter omnes candidum
Medea mirata est ducem, 10
Ignota tauris illigaturum juga
Perunxit hoc Jasonem ;
Hoc delibutis ulta donis pellicem
Serpente fugit alite.
Nec tantus umquam siderum insedit vapor 15
Siticulosae Apuliae,
Nec munus humeris efficacis Herculis
Inarsit aestuosius.
At si quid unquam tale concupiveris,
Jocose Maecenas, precor $0
Manum puella savio opponat tuo •^.,
Extrema et in sponda cubet.
108
EPODON LIBER.
C A R. M E N IV.
LUPIS et agnis quanta sortito obtigit,
Tecum mihi discordia est,
Hibericis peruste funibus latus
Et crura dura compede.
Licet superbus ambules pecunia,
Fortuna non mutat genus.
Videsne, Sacram metiente te viam
Cum bis trium ulnarum toga,
Ut ora vertat huc et huc euntium
Liberrima indignatio ?
Sectus flagellis hic triumviralibus
Praeconis ad fastidium
Arat Falerni mille fundi jugera
Et Appiam mannis terit,
Sedilibusque magnus in primis eques
Othone contempto sedet !
Quid attinet tot ora navium gravi
Rostrata duci pondere
Contra latrones atque servilem manum
Hoc, hoc tribuno militum ?
C A R M E N V.
AT, o deorum quidquid in caelo regit
Terras et humanum genus,
Quid iste fert tumultus? aut quid omnium
Vultus in unum me truces ?
Per liberos te, si vocata partubus
Lucina veris affuit,
{0
90
» CARM. V.
109
Per hoc inane purpurae decus precor,
Per improbaturum haec Jovem,
Quid ut moverca me intueris aut uti
Petita fepro belua?
Ut haec trementi questus ore constitit
Insignibus raptis puer,
Impube corpus quale posset impia
Mollire Thracum pectora,
Canidia brevibus implicata viperis
Crines et incomptum caput
Jubet sepulcris caprificos erutas,
Jubet cupressus funebres,
Et uncta turpis ova ranae sanguine,
Plumamque nocturnae strigis,
Herbasque quas Iolcos atque Hiberia
Mittit venenorum ferax,
Et ossa ab ore rapta jejunae canis
Elammis aduri Colchicis.
At expedita Sagama per totam domum
Spargens Avernales aquas
Horret capillis, ut marinus asperis
Echinus aut currens aper.
Abacta nulla Veia conscientia
Ligonibus duris humum
Exhauriebat ingemens laboribus,
Quo posset infossus puer
Longo die bis terque mutatae dapis
Inemori spectaculo,
Cum promineret ore quaiìtum exstant aqua
Suspensa mento corpora;
Exsucca uti medulla et aridum jecur
Amoris esset poculum,
Interminato cum semel fixae cibo
Intabuissent pupulae.
Nom. defuisse masculae libidinis
Ariminensem Foliam
Et otiosa credidit Neapolis
Et omne vicinum oppidum,
Quae sidera excantata voce Thessala
Lunamque caelo deripit.
2()
30
40
45
110
EPODON LIBER.
Hic irresectum saeva dente livido
Canidia rodens pollicem
Quid dixit aut quid tacuit ? O rebus meis
INon infideles arbitrae,
Nox et Diana quae silentium regis
Arcana cum fiunt sacra,
Nunc, nunc adeste, nunc in hostiles domos
Iram atque numen vertite!
Formidolosis dum latent silvis ferae
Dulci sopore languidae,
Senem, quod omnes rideant, adulterum
Latrent Suburanae canes
Nardo perunctum, quale non perfectius
Meae laborarint manus. —
Quid accidit ? Cur dira barbarae minus.
Venena Medeae valent ?
Quibus superbam fugit ulta pellicem,
NMagni Creontis filiam,
Cum palla, tabo munus imbutum, novam
Incendio nuptam abstulit.
Atqui nec herba nec latens in asperis
Radix fefellit me locis.
Indormit unctis omnium cubilibus
Oblivione pellicum. —
Ah ah ! solutus ambulat veneficae
Scientioris carmine.
Nom usitatis, Vare, potionibus,
O multa fleturum caput,
Ad me recurres, nec vocata mens tua
Marsis redibit vocibus :
Maius parabo, maius infundam tibi
Fastidienti poculum.
Eriusque caelum sidet inferius mari,
Tellure porrecta super,
Quam non amore sic meo flagres uti .
Eitumen atris ignibus. —
Sub haec puer jam non ut ante mollibus
Lenire verbis impias, ¢
Sed dubius unde rumperet silentium
Misit Thyesteas preces:
7()
7.5
CARM. VI.
111
Venena magnum fas nefasque non valent
Convertere humanam vicem;
Diris agam vos ; dira detestatio
Nulla expiatur victima.
Quin ubi perire jussus exspiravero
Nocturnus occurram Furor
Petamque vultus umbra curvis unguibus,
Quae vis deorum est manium,
Et inquietis assidens praecordiis
Pavore somnos auferam.
Vos turba vicatim hinc et hinc saxis petens
Contundet obscoenas amus;
IPost insepulta membra different lupi
Et Esquilinae alites ;
Neque hoc parentes heu mihi superstites
Effugerit spectaculum.
C A R. M E N VI.
QUID immerentes hospites vexas canis
Ignavus adversum lupos ?
Quin huc iuaues, si potes, vertis mimas
Et me remorsurum petis ?
Nam qualis aut Molossus aut fulvus Lacon,
Amica vis pastoribus,
Agam per altas aure sublata nives
Quaecunque praecedet fera:
Tu, cum timenda voce complesti nemus
Projectum odoraris cibum.
Cave, cave: namque in malos asperrimus
Parata tollo cornua,
Qualis Lycambae spretus infido gener
Aut acer hostis Bupalo.
An si quis atro dente me petiverit
Inultus ut flebo puer?
90
95
100
10
15
EPODON LIBER.
C»
C A R. M E N V II.
QUo, quo scelesti ruitis? aut cur dexteris
Aptantur enses conditi ?
IParumne campis atque Neptuno super
Eusum est Latini sanguinis,
Non ut superbas invidae Karthaginis
Romanus arces ureret,
Intactus aut Britannus ut descenderet
Sacra catenatus via,
Sed ut secundum vota Parthorum sua
Urbs haec periret dextera ?
Neque hic lupis mos nec fuit leonibus
Unquam nisi in dispar feris.
Eurorne caecus, an rapit vis acrior,
An culpa ? Responsum date.
Tacent et albus ora pallor inficit
Mentesque perculsae stupent.
Sic est: acerba fata Romanos agunt
Scelusque fraternae necis,
Ut immerentis fluxit in terram Remi
Sacer nepotibus cruor.
C A R, M E N VIII.
RoGARE longo putidam te seculo,
Vires quid enervet meas ! ¢
Cum sit tibi dens ater et rugis vetus
Frontem senectus exaret,
Hietque turpis inter aridas nates
Podex velut crudae bovis.
10
15
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CARM. IX. 113
Sed incitat me pectus et mammae putres,
Equina quales ubera,
Venterque mollis et femur tumentibus
Exile suris additum. 10
Esto beata, funus atque imagines
Ducant triumphales tuum,
Nec sit marita, quae rotundioribus
Onusta baccis ambulet.
Quid, quod libelli Stoici inter sericos 1 *
Jacere pulvillos amant :
Illiterati num minus nervi rigent,
Minusve languet fascinum ?
Quod ut superbo provoces ab inguine,
Ore allaborandum est tibi. 20
C A R M E N IX.
QUANDO repostum Caecubum ad festas dapes
Victore laetus Caesare
' Tecum sub alta— sic Jovi gratum — domo,
Eeate Maecenas, bibam
Sonante mixtum tibiis carmen lyra, 5
Hac Dorium, illis barbarum ?
Ut nuper, actus cum freto Neptunius
Dux fugit ustis: navibus,
Minatus Urbi vincla, quae detraxerat
Servis amicus perfidis. 1 }
JRomanus, — eheu, posteri negabitis—
Emancipatus feminae
Fert vallum et arma miles, et spadonibus
Servire rugosis potest,
Interque signa turpe militaria 15
Sol adspicit comopium. <-
At huc frementes verterunt bis mille equo
Galli, canentes Caesarem,
10 *
114
EPODON LIBER.
Hostiliumque navium portu latent
Puppes sinistrorsum citae.
Io Triumphe, tu moraris aureos
Currus et intactas boves ?
Io Triumphe, nec Jugurthino parem
Eello reportasti ducem,
Neque Africanum, cui super Karthaginem
Virtus sepulerum condidit.
Terra marique victus hostis pumico
Lugubre mutavit sagum.
Aut ille centum nobilem Cretam urbibus
Ventis iturus non suis,
Exercitatas aut petit Syrtes Noto,
Aut fertur incerto mari.
Capaciores affer huc, puer, scyphos
Et Chia vina aut Lesbia,
Vel, quod fluentem nauseam coërceat,
Metire nobis Caecubum :
Curam metumque Caesaris rerum juvat
Dulci Lyaeo solvere.
C A R, MIE N X.
MALA soluta mavis exit alite
Eerens olentem Maevium :
Ut horridis utrumque verberes latus,
Auster, memento fluctibus !
Niger rudentes Eurus inverso mari
Eractosque remos differat ;
Insurgat Aquilo quantus altis montibus
Erangit trementes ilices;
Nec sidus atra nocte amicum appareat
Qua tristis Orion cadit ;
Quietiore nec feratur aequore,
Quam Graia victorula manus,
20
30
1(J
CARM. XI. 115
Cum Pallas usto vertit iram ab Ilio
In impiam Ajacis ratem !
O quantus instat navitis sudor tuis, 15
Tibique pallor luteus ¥.
Et illa non virilis ejulatio
Preces et aversum ad Jovem,
Ionius udo cum remugiens sinus
Noto carinam ruperit ! 2ú
Opima quodsi praeda curvo litore
Projecta mergos juveris,
Libidinosus immolabitur caper
Et agna Tempestatibus.
C A R. M E N XI.
PETTI, nihil me sicut antea juvat
Scribere versiculos amore percussum gravi,
Amore qui me praeter omnes expetit
“Mollibus in pueris aut in puellis urere.
Hic tertius December, ex quo destiti 5
Inachia furere, silvis honorem decutit.
Heu me, per Urbem — nam pudet tanti mali —
Fabula quanta fui! Conviviorum et poenitet ;
In quis amantem et languor et silentium
Arguit et latere petitus imo spiritus. ]0
Contrane lucrum nil valere candidum
Pauperis ingenium ? querebar applorans tibi,
Simul calentis inverecundus deus
Fervidiore mero arcana promorat loco.
Quodsi meis inaestuat praecordiis 15
Libera bilis, ut haec ingrata ventis dividat
Eomenta vulnus nil malum levantia,
Desinet imparibus certare summotus pudor.
Ubi haec severus te palam laudaveram,
Jussus abire domum ferebar incerto pede 20
[16
EPODON LIBER.
Ad non amicos heu mihi postes et heu
Limina dura, quibus lumbos et infregi latus.
Nunc gloriantis quamlibet mulierculam
Vincere mollitie amor Lycisci me tenet,
Unde expedire non amicorum queant
Libera consilia nec contumeliae graves,
Sed alius ardor aut puellae candidae
Aut teretis pueri longam renodantis comam.
C A R. MIEN XII.

QUID tibi vis, mulier nigris dignissima barris?
Munera quid mihi,quidve tabellas
Mittis nec firmo juveni neque maris obesae ?
Namque sagacius unus odoror,
Polypus an gravis hirsutis cubet hircus in alis,
Quam canis acer ubi lateat sus.
Qui sudor vietis et quam malus undique membris
Crescit odor, cum pene soluto
Indomitam properat rabiem sedare ; neque illi
Jam manet humida creta colorque
Stercore fucatus crocodili, jamque subando
Tenta cubilia tectaque rumpit!
Vel mea cum saevis agitat fastidia verbis:
Inachia langues minus ac me ;
Inachiam ter nocte potes, mihi semper ad unum
Mollis opus. Pereat male quae te
Lesbia quaerenti taurum monstravit inertem,
Cum mihi Cous adesset Amyntas,
Cujus in indomito constántior inguine nervus
Quam nova collibus arbor inhaeret.
Muricibus Tyriis iteratae vellera lanae
Cui properabantur ? Tibi nempe,
Ne foret aequales inter conviva, magis quem
Diligeret mulier sua quam te.
1 0
2(!
CARM. XIV. • 117
O ego non felix, quam tu fugis ut pavet acres 25
Agma lupos capreaeque leones!
U A R, M E N XIII.
HORRIDA tempestas caelum contraxit et imbres
Nivesque deducunt Jovem ; nunc mare, nunc siluae
Threïcio Aquilone sonant : rapiamus, amici,
Occasionem de die, dumque virent genua
Et decet, obducta solvatur fronte senectus. 5
Tu vina Torquato move consule pressa meo.
Cetera mitte loqui: deus haec fortasse benigna
Reducet in sedem vice. Nunc et Achaemenio
Perfundi nardo juvat et fide Cyllenea
Levare diris pectora sollicitudinibus ; * 10
Nobilis ut grandi cecinit Centaurus alumno:
Invicte, mortalis dea nate puer Thetide,
Te manet Assaraci tellus, quam frigida parvi
Findunt Scamandri flumina lubricus et Simois,
Unde tibi reditum certo subtemine Parcae 15
Rupere, nec.mater domum caerula te revehet.
Illic omne malum vino cantuque levato,
Deformis aegrimoniae dulcibus alloquiis.
C A R, M E N X IV.
MoLLIs inertia cur tantam diffuderit imis
Oblivionem sensibus,
Pocula Lethaeos ut si ducentia somnos
Arente fauce traxerim,
118
EPODON LIBER.
Candide Maecenas, occidis saepe rogando:
Deus, deus nam me vetat
Inceptos, olim promissum carmen, iambos
Ad umbilicum adducere.
Non aliter Samio dicunt arsisse Bathyllo
Anacreonta Teium,
Qui persaepe cava testudine flevit amorem
Non elaboratum ad pedem.
Ureris ipse miser: quodsi non pulchrior ignis
Accendit obsessam Tliom,
Gaude sorte tua ; me libertina neque uno
Contenta Phryne macerat.
C A R, MIEN XV.
Nox erat et caelo fulgebat luna sereno
Inter minora sidera,
Cum tu magnorum numen laesura deorum
In verba jurabas mea,
Artius atque hedera procera adstrifigitur ilex,
Lentis adhaerens brachiis:
Dum pecori lupus et nautis infestus Orion
Turbaret hibernum mare,
Intonsosque agitaret Apollimis aura capillos,
Fore humc amorem mutuum.
O dolitura mea multum virtute Neaera !
Nam si quid in Flacco viri est,
Non feret assiduas potiori te dare noctes,
Et quaeret iratus parem,
Nec semel offensae cedet constantia formae,
Si certus intrarit dolor.
Et tu, quicunque es felicior atque meo nunc
Superbus incedis malo,
Sis pecore et multa dives tellure licebit
Tibique Pactolus fluat,
1â
20
CARM. XVI. 1 19
Nec te Pythagorae fallant arcana renati,
Eormaque vincas Nirea,
Eheu translatos alio maerebis amores:
Ast ego vicissim risero.
C A R, MIE N X V I.
ALTERA jam teritur bellis civilibus aetas,
Suis et ipsa Roma viribus ruit :
Quam neque finitimi valuerunt perdere Marsi
Minacis aut Etrusca, Porsenae manus,
Aemula nec virtus Capuae nec Spartacus acer 5
Novisque rebus infidelis Allobrox,
Nec fera caerulea domuit Germania pube
Parentibusque abominatus Hammibal,
Impia perdemus devoti sanguinis aetas,
Perisque rursus occupabitur solum. 10
Earbarus heu cineres insistet victor et Urbem
Eques Somante verberabit ungula,
Quaeque carent ventis et solibus ossa Quirini,
Nefas videre ! dissipabit insolens.
Porte quid expediat communiter aut melior pars 15
Malis carere quaeritis laboribus : ■
Nulla sit hac potior sententia, Phocaeorum
Velut profugit exsecrata civitas
Agros atque Lares patrios habitandaque fama
Apris reliquit et rapacibus lupis, 20
Ire pedes quocunque ferent, quocunque per undas
Notus vocabit aut protervus Africus.
Sic placet ? an melius quis habet suadere ? — Secunda
Ratem,occupare quid moramur alite ?
Sed juremus in haec: Simul imis saxa renarint 925
Vadis levata, ne redire sit nefas ;
Neu conversa domum pigeat dare lintea, quando
Padus Matina laverit cacumina,
120 EPODON LIBER.
In mare seu celsus procurrerit Apenninus,
Novaque monstra junxerit libidine 30
Mirus amor, juvet ut tigres subsidere cervis,
Adulteretur et columba miluo,
Credula nec ravos timeant armenta leones,
Ametque salsa levis hircus aequora. *•
Haec et quae poterunt reditus abscindere dulces 35
Eamus omnis exsecrata civitas,
Aut pars indocili melior grege ; mollis et exspes
Iaominata perprimat cubilia,
Vos quibus est virtus muliebrem tollite luctum
Etrusca praeter et volate litora. 40
Nos manet Oceanus circumvagus: arva, beata
Petamus arva divites et insulas,
Reddit ubi Cererem tellus inarata quotammis
Et imputata floret usque vinea,
Germinat et numquam fallemtis termes olivae, 45
Suamque pulla ficus ornat arborem,
Mella cava manant ex ilice, montibus altis
Levis crepante lympha desilit pede.
Illic injussae veniunt ad mulctra capellae,
Refertque tenta grex amicus ubera ; 50
Nec vespertimus circumgemit ursus ovile,
Neque intumescit alma viperis humus.
Pluraque felices mirabimur : ut neque largis
Aquosus Eurus arva radat imbribus,
Pinguia nec siccis urantur semina glebis, 5i)
Utrumque rege temperante caelitum.
Non huc Argoo contendit remige pimus,
Neque impudica Colchis intulit pedem,
Non huc Sidonii torserunt cornua nautae
Laboriosa nec cohörs Ulixei. 60
Nulla nocent pecori contagia, mullius astri
Gregem aestuosa torret impotentia.
Jupiter illa piae secrevit litora genti,
Ut inquinavit aere tempus aureum ;
Aere, dehinc ferro duravit secula: quorum 63,
Piis secunda vate me datur fuga.
CARM. XVII. 121
C A R. M E N X VII.
JAM jam efficaci do manus scientiae,
Supplex et oro regna per Proserpinae,
Per et Dianae non movenda numina,
Per atque libros carminum valentium
Refixa caelo devocare sidera, 5
Canidia, paree vocibus tandem Sacris
Citumque retro solve, solve turbinem.
Movit nepotem Telephus Nereium,
In quem superbus ordinarat agmina
Mysorum et in quem tela acuta torserat. 10
Unxere matres Iliae addictum feris
Alitibus atque canibus homicidam Hectorem,
Eostquam relictis moenibus rex procidit
Heu pervicacis ad pedes Achillei.
Setosa duris exuere peliibus 15
Laboriosi remiges Ulixei
Volente Circa membra ; tunc mens et sonus
Relapsus atque notus in vultus honor.
Dedi satis superque poenarum tibi,
Amata mautis multum et institoribus. 20
Eugit juventas et verecundus color
Reliquit ossa pelle amicta lurida ;
Tuis capillus albus est odoribus ;
INullum a, labore me reclinat otium ;
Urget diem nox et dies noctem, neque est 25
Levare tenta spiritu praecordia. »*
Ergo negatum vincor ut credam miser
Sabella pectus increpare carmina
Caputque Marsa dissilire memia.
Quid amplius vis? 0 mare, o terra, ardeo, 30
Quantum neque atro delibutus Hercules
Nessi cruore, nec Sicana fervida
Virens in Aetna flamma ; tu donec cimis
11
122
EPODON LIBER.
Injuriosis aridus ventis ferar
Cales venenis officina Colchicis.
Quae finis aut quod me manet stipendium ? .
Effare ; jussas cum fide poenas luam,
Paratus expiare, seu poposceris
Centum juvencos, sive mendaci lyra
Voles sonari: Tu pudica, tu proba
Perambulabis astra sidus aureum.
Infamis Helenae Castor offensus vicem
IFraterque magni Castoris victi prece
Adempta vati reddidere lumina.
Et tu, potes mam, solve me dementia,
O nec paternis obsoleta sordibus,
Neque in sepulcris pauperum prudens amus
Novemdiales dissipare pulveres.
Tibi hospitale pectus et purae manus,
Tuusque venter Pactumeius, et tuo
Cruore rubros obstetrix pannos lavit,
Utcunque fortis exsilis puerpera.
Quid obseratis auribus fundis preces ?
Non saxa, mudis surdiora navitis
Neptunus alto tundit hibernus salo.
Inultus ut tu riseris Cotyttia
Vulgata, sacrum liberi Cupidinis,
Et Esquilini Pontifex venefici
Impunè ut Urbem nomine impleris meo! .
Quid proderat ditasse Pelignas anus,
Velociusve miscuisse toxicum ?
Sed tardiora fata te votis manent :
Ingrata misero vita ducenda est in hoc
Novis ut usque suppetas*laboribus
Optat quietem Pelopis infidi pater,
Egens benignae Tantalus semper dapis,
Optat Prometheus obligatus aliti,
Optat supremo collocare Sisyphus
In monte saxum ; sed vetant leges Jovis.
Voles modo altis desilire turribus,
Modo ense pectus Norico recludere,
40 .
66
65
7(
CARM. XVII. 123
Erustraque vincla gutturi nectes tuo
Eastidiosa tristis aegrimonia.
Vectabor humeris tunc ego inimicis eques,
Meaeque terra cedet insolentiae. 75
An quae movere cereas imagines,
Ut ipse nosti curiosus, et polo
Deripere lumam vocibus possim meis,
Possim crematos excitare mortuos
Desiderique temperare pocula, 80
Plorem artis in te nil agentis exitus?
Q. HORATII FLACCI
S A T I R A R U M
LIBER PRIMUS.
— *©-
SATIRA I.
(JUI fit, Maecenas, ut nemo quam sibi sortem
Seu ratio dederit seu fors objecerit illa
Contentus vivat, laudet diversa sequentes ?
** O fortunati mercatores!” gravis annis
Miles ait multo jam fractus membra labore.
Contra mercator, mavem jactantibus Austris :
** Mi}itia est potior. Quid enim, concurritur: horae
IMomento cita mors venit aut victoria laeta.”
Agricolam laudat juris legumque peritus,
Sub galli cantum consultor ubi ostia pulsat.
Ille datis vadibus qui rure extractus in urbem est
Solos felices viventes clamat in urbe.
Cetera de genere hoc, adeo sunt multa, loquacem
Delassare valent Fabium. Ne te morer, audi
Quo rem deducam. Si quis Deus, ** En ego,” dicat,
“ Jam faciam quod yultis: eris tu, qui modo miles,
Mercator; tu, consultus modo, rusticus: hinc vos,
Vos hinc mutatis discedite partibus: Eia!
- Quid statis ?” nolint. Atqui licet esse beatis.
Quid causae est merito quin illis Juppiter ambas
Iratus buccas inflet, neque se fore posthac
Tam facilem dicat votis ut praebeat aurem ?
ę
SATIRARUM LIB. I. SAT. I.
125
Praeterea ne sic, ut qui jocularia, ridens
Percurram (quamquam ridentem dicere verum
Quid vetat ? ut pueris olim dant crustula blandi
Doctores, elementa velint ut discere prima);
Sed tamen amoto quaeramus seria ludo.
Ille gravem duro terram qui vertit aratro,
Perfidus hic caupo, miles, nautaeque per omne
Audaces mare qui currunt, hac mente laborem
Sese ferre, senes ut in otia tuta recedant,
Aiunt, quum sibi sint congesta cibaria: sicut
Parvula, nam exemplo est, magni formica laboris
Ore trahit quodcunque potest atque addit acervo,
Quem struit haud ignara ac nom incauta futuri.
Quae, simul inversum contristat Aquarius annum,
Non usquam prorepit et illis utitur ante
Quaesitis sapiens ; quum te neque fervidus aestus
Demoveat lucro, neque hiems, ignis, mare, ferrum,
Nil obstet tibi dum me sit te ditior alter.
Quid juvat immensum te argenti pondus et auri
Eurtim defossa timidum deponere terra ?
** Quod si comminuas vilem redigatur ad assem.”
At ni id fit quid habet pulchri constructus acervus ?
Milia frumenti tua triverit area centum,
Non tuus hoc capiet venter plus ac meus : ut si
Reticulum panis venales inter onusto
Eorte vehas humero, nihilo plus accipias quam
Qui nil portarit. Vel dic quid referat intra
Naturae fines viventi, jugera centum an
Mille aret ? ** At suave est ex magno tollere acervo.”
Dum ex parvo nobis tantundem haurire relinquas,
Cur tua plus laudes cumeris granaria nostris ?
Ut tibi si sit opus liquidi non amplius urna,
Vel cyatho, et dicas, ** Magno de flumine malim
Quam ex hoc fonticulo tantundem sumere.” Eo fit;
Plenior ut si quos delectet copia justo
Cum ripa simul avulsos ferat Aufidus acer.
At qui tantuli eget quanto est opus is neque limo
Turbatam haurit aquam neque vitam amittit in undis.
At bona pars hominum decepta cupidine falso,
“Nil satis est,” inquit ; ** quia tanti quantum habeas sis.'
40
4}
»
11*
126 SATIRARUM
Quid facias illi? Jubeas miserum esse iibenter
Quatenus id facit; ut quidam memoratur Athenis
Sordidus ac dives, populi contemnere voces
Sic solitus : ** Populus me sibilat ; at mihi plaudo
Ipse domi simul ac nummos contemplor in arca.”
Tantalus a labris sitiens fugientia captat
Elumina . . . . Quid rides ? mutato nomine de te
ITabula narratur: congestis undique saceis
Indormis inhians et tamquam parcere sacris
Cogeris aut pictis tamquam gaudere tabellis.
Nescis quo valeat nummus ? quem praebeat usum?
JPanis ematur, olus, vini sextarius, adde
Quis humana sibi doleat matura negatis.
Am vigilare metu exanimem, noctesque diesque
Eormidare mâlos fures, incendia, servos
Ne te compilent fugientes, hoc juvat? Horum
Semper ego optarim pauperrimus esse bonorum.
** At si condoluit tentatum frigore corpus,
Aut alius casus lecto te adfixit, habes qui
Adsideat, fomenta paret, medicum roget ut te
Suscitet ac gnatis reddat carisque propinquis.”
Nom uxor salvum te vult, non filius ; omnes
Vicini oderunt, moti, pueri atque puellae.
Miraris, quum tu argento post omnia ponas,
Si memo praestet quem non merearis amorem ?
An si cognatos, nullo natura labore
Quos tibi dat, retinere velis servareque amicos,
Infelix operam perdas ? ut si quis asellum
In Campo doceat parentem currere frenis.
Denique sit finis quaerendi, quumque habeas plus
IPauperiem metuas minus et finire laborem
Incipias, parto quod avebas, ne facias quod
Ummidius quidam ; non longa est fabula: dives
Ut metiretur nummos; ita sordidus ut se
Non unquam servo melius vestiret ; adusque
Supremum tempus, ne se penuria victus
Opprimeret metuebat. At hunc liberta securi
IDivisit medium, fortissima Tyndaridarum.
** Quid mi igitur suades ? ut vivam Maenius? aut sic
Ut Nomentanus ?” Pergis pugnantia secum
70
75
90
95
100
LIB. I. SAT. II.
2
;
Frontibus adversis componere : mon ego avarum
Quum veto te fieri vappam jubeo ac nebulonem.
Est inter Tanain quiddam socerumque Viselli.
[; modus in rebus, sunt certi denique ¤]
Quos ultra citraque nequit consistere rectum.
Illuc unde abii redeo, nemo ut avarus
Se probet ac potius laudet diversa sequentes,
Quodque aliena capella gerat distentius uber
Tabescat, meque se majori pauperiorum
Turbae comparet, hunc atque hunc superare laboret.
Sic festinanti semper locupletior obstat,
Ut, quum carceribus missos rapit ungula currus,
Instat equis auriga suos vincentibus, illum
Praeteritum temnens extremos inter euntem.
nde fit ut raro qui se vixisse beatum
Dicat, et exacto contentus tempore vita
<Qedat uti conviva satur, reperire queamus.
Jam satis est. Ne me Crispini scrimia lippi
Compilasse putes, verbum non amplius addam.
S A TIR A II.
AMBUBAIARUM collegia, pharmacopolae,
Mendici, mimae, balatrones, hoc genus omne
Maestum ac sollicitum est cantoris morte Tigelli.
Quippe benignus erat. Contra hic, ne prodigus esse
Dicatur metuens, inopi dare nolit amico
Frigus quo duramque famem propellere possit.
JHunc si perconteris avi cur atque parentis
1'raeclaram ingrata stringat malus ingluvie rem,
Omnia conductis coëmens obsonia nummis, *
Sordidus atque animi quod parvi nolit haberi,
Respondet. Laudatur ab his, culpatur ab illis.
Fufidius vappae famam timet ac nebulonis,
Dives agris, dives positis in fenore nummis:
Quimas hic capiti mercedes exsecat atque
Quanto perditior quisque est tanto acrius urget;
105
11 0
V2)
Â0
15
128 SATIRARUM
Nomina sectatur modo sumpta veste virili
Sub patribus duris tironum. Maxime, quis non,
Juppiter! exclamat simul atque audivit ? At in se
Pro quaestu sumptum facit hic. Vix credere possis
Quam sibi mom sit amicus, ita ut pater ille Terenti
Pabula quem miserum gnato vixisse fugato
Inducit non se pejus cruciaverit atque hic.
Si quis nunc quaerat, Quo res haec pertinet ? illuc :
Dum vitant stulti vitia in contraria currunt.
Maltinus tunicis demissis ambulat ; est qui
Inguem ad obscoenum subductis usque facetus ;
Pastillos Rufillus olet, Gargonius hircum.
Nil medium est. Sunt qui nolint tetigisse nisi illas
Quarum subsuta talos tegat instita veste ; '
Contra alius nullam nisi olenti in fornice stantem.
Quidam motus homo cum exiret formice, ** Macte
Virtute esto,” inquit sententia dia Catonis.
INam simul ac venas inflavit tetra libido
Huc juvenes aequum est descendere, non alienas
Βermolere uxores. “ Nolim laudarier,” inquit,
** Sic me,” mirator cunni Cupiennius albi.
Audire est operae pretium, procedere recte
Qui moechos non vultis, ut omni parte laborent ;
Utque illis multo corrupta dolore voluptas,
Atque haec rara, cadat dura inter saepe pericla.
.lHic se praecipitem tecto dedit; ille flagellis
Ad mortem caesus ; fugiens hic decidit acrem
Praedonum in turbam ; dedit hic pro corpore nummos;
IHume perminxerunt calones ; quin etiam illud
Accidit, ut quidam testes caudamque salacem
Demeteret ferro. Jure omnes ; Galba negabat.
Tutior at quanto merx est in classe secunda,
Libertimarum dico, Sallustius in quas
Non minus insanit quam qui moechatur. At hic si
Qua res, qua ratio suaderet, quaque modeste
Munifico esse licet, vellet bonus atque benignus
Esse, daret quantum satis esset nec sibi damno
Dedecorique foret. Verum hoc se amplectitur uno,
FIoc amat et laudat: “ Matronam nullam ego tango.”
Ut quondam Marsaeus, amator Originis ille,
20
30
40
50
LIB. I. SAT. II.
129
Qui patrium mimae donat fundumque laremque,
“Nil fuerit mi,” inquit, “ cum uxoribus unquam alienis.”
Verum est cum mimis, est cum meretricibus, unde
Eama malum gravius quam res trahit. An tibi abunde
Personam satis est, non illud quidquid ubique
Officit evitare ? Bonam deperdere famam, -
Rem patris oblimare, malum est ubicunque. Quid inter
Est in matrona, ancilla, peccesne togata?
Villius in Fausta Sullae gener, hoc miser uno
Nomine deceptus, poenas dedit usque superque
Quam satis est, pugnis caesus ferroque petitus,
Exclusus fore cum Longarenus foret intus.
Huic si mutonis verbis mala tanta videntis
Diceret haec animus: “ Quid vis tibi? numquid ego a te
Magno prognatum deposco consule cunnum
Velatumque stola mea, cum conferbuit ira ?”
Quid responderet ? “ Magno patre nata puella est.**
At quanto meliora monet pugnantiaque istis
Dives opis natura suae, tu si modo recte
Dispensare velis ac non fugienda petendis
Immiscere. Tuo vitio rerumne labores,
Nil referre putas? Quare ne poeniteat te
Desine matronas sectarier, unde laboris
Plus haurire mali est quam ex re decerpere fructus.
Nec magis huic inter niveos viridesque lapillos
(Sit licet hoc, Cerinthe, tuum) tenerum est femur aut crus
Rectius, atque etiam melius persaepe togatae est.
Adde huc quod mercem sine fucis gestat, aperte
Quod venale habet ostendit, nec si quid honesti est
Jactat habetque palam, quaerit quo turpia celet.
Regibus hic mos est: ubi equos mercantur opertos
Inspiciunt, ne si facies ut saepe decora
Molli fulta pede est emptorem inducat hiantem,
Quod pulchrae clunes, breve quod caput, ardua cervix.
Hoc illi recte: ne corporis optima Lyncei
Contemplere oculis, Hypsaea caecior illa
Quae mala sunt spectes. O crus ! o brachia ! Verum
Depugis, nasuta, brevi latere ac pede longo est.
Matronae praeter faciem nil cernere possis,
Cetera, mi Catia est, demissa veste tegentis.
70
75
80
85 .
90
130 SATIRARUM
Si interdicta petes, vallo circumdata (nam te
Hoc facit insanum), multae tibi tum officient res,
Custodes, lectica, ciniflones, parasitae,
Ad talos stola demissa et circumdata palla,
Plurima quae invideant pure apparere tibi rem.
Altera, nil obstat : Cois tibi paene videre est
Ut nudam, ne crure malo, ne sit pede turpi ;
Metiri possis oculo latus. Am tibi mavis
Insidias fieri pretiumque avellier ante
Quam mercem ostendi ? ** Leporem venator ut alta
In nive sectetur, positum sic tangere nolit,”
Cantat et apponit: “ Meus est amor huic similis; nam
Transvolat in medio posita et fugientia captat.”
Hiscime versiculis speras tibi posse dolores
Atque aestus curasque graves e pectore pelli?
Nonne cupidinibus statuat natura modum quem,
Quid latura sibi quid sit dolitura negatum,
Quaerere plus prodest et inane abscindere soldo?
Num tibi cum fauces urit sitis aurea quaeris
Pocula? num esuriens fastidis omnia praeter
1{}0
105
110
] 15
IPavonem rhombumque ? Tument tibi cum inguina, mum si
Ancilla aut verna est praesto puer impetus in quem
Continuo fiat malis tentigine rumpi ?
Non ego: namque parabilem amo venerem facilemque.
Illam, ** Post paulo,** ** Sed pluris,'° ** Si exierit vir,”
Gallis, hanc Philodemus ait sibi quae neque magno
Stet pretio neque cunctetur cum est jussa venire.
Candida rectaque sit ; mumda hactenus ut neque longa
Nec magis alba velit quam dat matura videri.
Haec ubi supposuit dextro corpus mihi laevum
Ilia et Egeria est: do nomen quodlibet illi,
Nec vereor ne dum futuo vir rure recurrat,
Janua frangatur, latret canis, undique magno
Pulsa domus strepitu resonet, vepallida lecto
Desiliat mulier, miseram se conscia clamet,
Cruribus haec metuat, doti deprensa, egomet mi.
Discincta tumica fugiendum est ac pede nudo,
Ne nummi pereant aut puga aut denique fama.
Deprendi miserum est; Fabio vel judice vincam.
{20
125
130
LIB. I. SAT. III. 131
S A T I R A III.
OMNIBUS hoc vitium est cantoribus, inter amicos
Ut numquam inducant animum cantare rogati,
' Injussi nunquam desistant. Sardus habebat
Ille Tigellius hoc : Caesar, qui cogere posset,
Si peteret per amicitiam patris atque suam non 5
Quidquam proficeret ; si collibuisset ab ovo
Usque ad mala citaret, Io Bacche ! modo summa
Voce, modo hac resonat quae chordis quattuor ima.
Nil aequale homini fuit illi ; saepe velut qui
Currebat fugiens hostem, persaepe velut qui 10
Junonis sacra ferret; habebat saepe ducentos,
Saepe decem servos; modo reges atque tetrarchas,
Omnia magna loquens; modo, “ Sit mihi mensa tripes et
Concha salis puri et toga quae defendere frigus
Quamvis crassa queat.” Decies centena dedisses 15
Huic parco paucis contento, quinque diebus
INil erat in loculis. Noctes vigilabat ad ipsum
Mane, diem totum stertebat ; nil fuit unquam
Sic impar sibi. — Nunc aliquis dicat mihi: “ Quid tu?
Nullame habes vitia?” Immo alia et fortasse minora. 20
Maenius absentem Novium cum carperet, “ Heus tu,”
Quidam ait, “ignoras te, an ut ignotum dare nobis
Verba putas?” “ Egomet mi ignosco,” Maenius inquit.
Stültus et improbus hic amor est dignusque notari.
Cum tua pervideas oculis mala lippus inunctis, 25
Cur in amicorum vitiis tam cernis acutum
Quam aut aquila aut serpens Epidaurius ? At tibi contra
Evenit, inquirant vitia ut tua rursus et illi.
Iracundior est paulo, minus aptus acutis
Naribus horum hominum; rideri possit eo quod 30
IRusticius tonso toga defluit et male laxus
In pede calceus haeret: at est bonus ut melior vir
Non alius quisquam, at tibi amicus, at ingenium ingens
Inculto latet hoc sub corpore. Denique te ipsum
Concute num qua tibi vitiorum inseverit olim $5
Natura, aut etiam consuetudo mala; namque
132 SATIRARUM
Neglectis urenda filix innascitur agris.
Illuc praevertamur, amatorem quod amicae
Turpia decipiunt caecum vitia, aut etiam ipsa haec
Delectant, veluti Balbinum polypus Hagnae.
Vellem im amicitia sic erraremus; et isti
Errori momen virtus posuisset honestum.
At pater ut gnati sic nos debemus amici
Si quod sit vitium non fastidire: strabonem
Appellat paetum pater, et pullum male parvus
Si cui filius est, ut abortivus fuit olim
Sisyphus; hunc varum distortis cruribus; illum
Palbutit scaurum pravis fultum male talis.
IParcius hic vivit, frugi dicatur. Ineptus
Et jactantior hic paulo est, concinmus amicis
Postulat ut videatur. At est truculentior atque
Plus aequo liber, simplex fortisque habeatur ;
Caldior est, acres inter numeretur. Opinor
Haec res et jungit junctos et servat amicos.
At nos virtutes ipsas invertimus, atque
Sincerum cupimus vas incrustare. Probus quis
Nobiscum vivit, multum demissus homo: illi -
Tardo cognomem pingui damus. Hic fugit omnes
Insidias nullique malo latus obdit apertum,
Cum gemus hoc inter vitae versetur ubi acris.
Invidia atque vigent ubi crimina, pro bene sano
Ac non incauto fictum astutumque vocamus.
Simplicior quis et est, qualem me saepe libenter
Obtulerim tibi, Maecenas, ut forte legentem
Aut tacitum impellat quovis sermone molestus,
Communi sensu plane caret, inquimus. Eheu,
Quam temere in nosmet legem sancimus iniquam !
Nam vitiis nemo sine nascitur ; optimus ille est
Qui minimis urgetur. Amicus dulcis ut aequum est
Cum mea compenset vitiis bona ; pluribus hisce
(Si modo plura mihi bona sunt) inclinet, amari
Si volet: hac lege in trutina ponetur eadem.
Qui me tuberibus propriis offendat, amicum
Postulat ignoscet verrucis illius ; aequum est
Peccatis veniam poscentem reddere rursus.
Denique, quatenus excidi penitus vitium irae
40
45
55
?
$
LIB. I. SAT. III.
133
Cetera item nequeunt stultis haerentia, cur non
Ponderibus modulisque suis ratio utitur, ac res
Ut quaeque est ita suppliciis delicta coërcet?
Si quis eum servum patinam qui tollere jussus
Semesos pisces trepidumque ligurierit jus
In cruce suffigat, Labeone insanior inter
Samos dicatur. Quanto hoc furiosius atque
Majus peccatum est : paullum deliquit amicus,
Quod nisi concedas habeare insuavis, acerbus:
Odisti et fugis ut Rusonem debitor aeris,
Qui nisi cum tristes misero venere Kalendae
Mercedem aut nummos unde unde extricat, amaras
Porrecto jugulo historias captivus ut audit.
Comminxit lectum potus mensave catillum
Evandri manibus tritum dejecit, ob hanc rem
Aut positum ante mea quia pullum in parte catini
Sustulit esuriens, minus hoc jucundus amicus
Sit mihi ? Quid faciam si furtum fecerit, aut si
Prodiderit commissa fide sponsumve negarit ?
Quis paria esse fere placuit peccata laborant
Cum ventum ad verum est ; sensus moresque repugnant
Atque ipsa utilitas, justi prope mater et aequi.
Cum prorepserunt primis animalia terris,
Mutum et turpe pecus, glandem atque cubilia propter
Unguibus et pugnis, dein fustibus, atque ita porro
Pugnabant armis quae post fabricaverat usus,
Donec verba quibus voces sensusque notarent
Nominaque invenere ; dehinc absistere bello,
Oppida coeperunt munire et ponere leges,
Ne quis fur esset, neu latro, neu quis adulter.
INam fuit ante Helenam cumnus teterrima belli
Causa, sed ignotis perierunt mortibus illi,
Quos vemerem incertam rapientes more ferarum
Viribus editior caedebat, ut in grege taurus.
Jura inventa metu injusti fateare necesse est,
Tempora si fastosque velis evolvere mundi.
Nec natura potest justo secernere iniquum,
Dividit ut bona diversis, fugienda petendis;
Nec vincet ratio hoc, tantumdem ut peccet idemque
Qui teneros caules sigi fregerit horti
85
1J0
105
110
1 15
134 SATIRARUM
Et qui nocturnus sacra divum legerit. Adsit
Regula peccatis quae poenas irroget aequas,
Ne scutica dignum horribili sectere flagello.
Nam ut ferula caedas meritum majora subire 12C
Verbera non vereor, cum dicas esse pares res
Eurta latrociniis et magnis parva mineris
Palce recisurum simili te, si tibi regnum
Permittant homines. Si dives qui sapiens est,
Et sutor bonus et solus formosus et est rex, 125
Cur optas quod habes ? Non mosti quid pater, inquit,
Chrysippus dicat : Sapiens crepidas sibi numquam
Nec soleas fecit, sutor tamen est sapiens. Qui ?
Ut quamvis tacet Hermogenes, cantor tamen atque
Optimus est modulator ; ut Alfenius vafer, omni 130
Abjecto instrumento artis clausaque taberna,
Sutor erat, sapiens operis sic optimus omnis
Est opifex solus, sic rex. Vellunt tibi barbam
Lascivi pueri;quos tu nisi fuste coërces
Urgeris turba circum te stante miserque 135
Rumperis et latras, magnorum maxime regum.
Ne longum faciam: dum tu quadrante lavatum
Rex ibis neque te quisquam stipator ineptum
Praeter Crispinum sectabitur, et mihi dulces
Ignoscent si quid peccaro stultus amici, 140
Inque vicem illorum patiar delicta libenter,
Privatusque magis vivam te rege beatus.
S A TIR A IV.
EUPOLIS atque Cratinus Aristophanesque poëtae,
Atque alii quorum comoedia prisca virorum est,
Si quis erat dignus describi quod malus ac fur,
Quod moechus foret aut sicarius aut alioqui
Eamosus, multa cum libertate notabant. {i
Hinc omnis pendet Lucilius, hosce secutus
Mutatis tantum pedibus numerisque, facetus,
Emunctae naris, durus componere versus.
LIB. I. SAT. IV.
135
Nam fuit hoc vitiosus: in hora saepe ducentos
Ut magnum versus dictabat stans pede in uno.
Cum flueret lutulentus erat quod tollere velles;
Garrulus atque piger scribendi ferre laborem,
Scribendi recete : nam ut multum nil moror. Ecce,
Crispinus minimo me provocat: “ Accipe, si vis
Accipiam tabulas; detur nobis locus, hora,
Custodes ; videamus uter plus scribere possit.”
“ Di bene fecerunt inopis me quodque pusilli
Pinxerunt animi, raro et perpauca loquentis.
At tu conclusas hircinis follibus auras,
Usque laborantes dum ferrum molliat ignis,
Ut mavis imitare.” Beatus Fannius ultro
Delatis capsis et imagine ; cum mea nemo
Scripta legat vulgo recitare timentis ob hanc rem,
Quod sunt quos genus hoc minime juvat, utpote plures
Culpari dignos. Quemvis media erue turba:
Aut ob avaritiam aut misera ambitione laborat.
Hic nuptarum insanit amoribus, hic puerorum ;
Hunc capit argenti splendor ; stupet Albius aere ;
Hic mutat merces surgente a sole ad eum quo
Vespertina tepet regio, quin per mala praeceps
Eertur uti pulvis collectus turbine, ne quid
Summa deperdat metuens aut ampliet ut rem.
Omnes hi metuunt versus, odere poëtas.
“ Foenum habet in cornu; longe fuge: dummodo risum
Excutiat sibi mon hic cuiquam parcet, amico ;
IEt quod cunque semel chartis illeverit omnes
Gestiet a furno redeuntes scire lacuque
Et pueros et anus.” Agedum, pauca accipe contra.
Primum ego me illorum dederim quibus esse poëti
Excerpam numero: neque enim concludere versum
Dixeris esse satis; neque si qui scribat uti mos
Sermoni propiora: putes hunc esse poëtam.
Ingenium cui sit, cui mens divinior atque os
Magna sonaturum, des nominis hujus honorem.
Idcirco quidam comoedia necne poëma
Esset quaesivere, quod acer spiritus ac vis
Nec verbis nec rebus inest, nisi quod pede certo
Differt sermoni sermo merus. At pater ardens
10
15
35
40
[36 SATIRARUM
Saevit, quod meretrice nepos insanus amica
Filius uxorem grandi cum dote recuset, 53
Ebrius et, magnum quod dedecus, ambulet ante
Noctem cum facibus. Numquid Pomponius istis
Audiret leviora, pater si viveret ? Ergo
Non satis est puris versum perscribere verbis,
Quem si dissolvas, quivis stomachetur eodem {5
Quo personatus pacto pater. His ego quae nunc,
Olim quae scripsit Lucilius, eripias si
Tempora certa modosque, et quod prius ordine verbum est
Posterius facias, praeponens ultima primis,
Non ut si solvas “ Postquam Discordia tetra 60
Belli ferratos postes portasque refregit *
Invenias etiam disjecti membra poëtae.
Hactenus haec : alias justum sit necne poëma,
Nunc illud tantum quaeram, meritone tibi sit
Suspectum genus hoc scribendi. Sulcius acer 65
Ambulat et Caprius rauci male cumque libellis,
Magnus uterque timor latronibus ; at bene si quis
Et vivat puris manibus contemnat utrumque.
Ut sis tu similis Caeli Birrique latronum,
Non ego sum Capri neque Sulci: cur metuas me ? 70
Nulla taberna, meos habeat neque pila libellos,
Quis manus insudet volgi Hermogenisque Tigelli;
Nec recito cuiquam nisi amicis, idque coactus,
Non ubivis coramve quibuslibet. In medio qui
Seripta foro recitent sunt multi quique lavantes: 75
Suave locus voci resonat conclusus. Inanes
Hoc juvat, haud illud quaerentes, num sine sensu,
Tempore num faciant alieno. ** Laedere gaudes,”
Inquit, “et hoc stüdio pravus facis.” Unde petitum
Hoc in me jacis? Est auctor quis denique eorum 80
Vixi cum quibus ? Absentem qui rodit amicum;
Qui non defendit alio culpante; solutos
Qui captat risus hominum famamque dicacis ;
Fingere qui non visa potest; commissa tacere
Qui nequit; hic niger est, hunc tu, Romane, caveto. . 85
Saepe tribus lectis videas coenare quaternos,
E quibus unus amet quavis adspergere cunctos
Praeter eum qui praebet aquam ; post hunc quoque potus,
LIB. I. SAT. IV.
137
Condita cum verax aperit praecordia Liber.
Hic tibi comis et urbanus liberque videtur,
Infesto nigris. Ego si risi quod ineptus
Pastillos Rufillus olet, Gargonius hircum,
Lividus et mordax videor tibi? Mentio si qua
De Capitolini furtis injecta Petilli
Te coram fuerit, defendas ut tuus est mos :
** Me Capitolinus convictore usus amicoque
A puero est causaque mea permulta rogatus
Fecit, et incolumis laetor quod vivit in urbe ;
Sed tamen admiror, quo pacto judicium illud
Fugerit.” Hic nigrae succus loligimis, haee est
Aerugo mera. Quod vitium procul afore chartis
Atque animo prius, ut si quid promittere de me
Possum aliud vere, promitto. Liberius si
Dixero quid, si forte jocosius, hoc mihi juris -
Cum venia dabis: insuevit pater optimus hoc me,
Ut fugerem exemplis vitiorum quaeque notando.
Cum me hortaretur, parce, frugaliter, atque
Viverem uti contentus eo quod mi ipse parasset:
“ Nonne vides Albi ut male vivat filius, utque
Βarrus inops ? Magnum documentum me patriam rem
Perdere quis velit.” A turpi meretricis amore
Cum deterreret: ** Scetani dissimilis sis.”
Ne sequerer moechas concessa cum venere uti
Possem : ** Deprensi non bella est fama Treboni,”
Aiebat. ** Sapiens vitatu quidque petitu
Sit melius causas reddet tibi : mi satis est si
Traditum ab antiquis morem servare tuamque,
Dum custodis eges, vitam famamque tueri
Incolumem possum ; simul ac duraverit aetas -
Membra animumque tuum mabis sine cortice.” Sic me
Eormabat puerum dictis ; et sive jubebat
Ut facerem quid: “ Habes auctorem quo facias hoc ; *
Unum ex judicibus selectis objiciebat;
Sive vetabat : ** An hoc inhonestum et inutile factu
Necme sit addubites, flagret rumore malo cum
Hic atque ille ? Avidos vicinum funus et aegros.
Exanimat, mortisque metu sibi parcere cogit;
Sic teneros uimq;iem opprobria saepe
100
105
110
] 15
120
125
138 • SATIRARUM.
Absterrent vitiis.” Ex hoc ego sanus ab illis }
Perniciem quaecumque ferunt, mediocribus et quis 130
Ignoscas vitiis teneor; fortassis et istinc
Largiter abstulerit longa aetas, liber amicus,
Consilium proprium ; meque enim cum lectulus aut me
Porticus excepit desum mihi. ** Rectius hoc est :
Hoc faciens vivam melius: Sic dulcis amicis • 135
Occurram : Hoc quidam non belle : numquid ego illi
Imprudens olim faciam simile ? * Haec ego mecum
Gompressis agito labris ; ubi quid datur oti
Iliudo chartis. Hoc est medioeribus illis
Ex vitiis unum ; cui si concedere nolis 140
Multa poëtarum veniat manus auxilio quae
Sit mihi (nam multo plures sumus), ac veluti te
Judaei cogemus in hanc concedere turbam.
S A T I R A V.
l (s
EGRESSUM magna me excepit Aricia Roma
* Hospitio modico; rhetor comes Heliodorus, qq
Graecorum longe doctissimus ; inde Forum Appi,
Differtum nautis cauponibus atque malignis.
Hoc iter ignavi divisimus, altius ac nos 5
IPraecinctis unum ; minus est gravis Appia tardis.
Hic ego propter aquam, quod erat deterrima, ventri
Indico bellum, coenantes haud animo aequo
Exspectans comites. Jam nox inducere terris
Umbras et caelo diffundere signa parabat ; 10
Tum pueri nautis, pueris convicia nautae
Ingerere. Huc appelle ! Trecentos inseris : ohe
Jam satis est ! Dum aes exigitur, dum mula ligatur,
Tota abit hora. Mali culices ranaeque palustres
Avertunt somnos, absentem ut cantat amicam •-* 15,
Multa prolutus vappa nauta atque viator
Certatim. Tandem fessus dormire viator
Incipit, ac missae pastum retinacula mulae
Nauta piger saxo religat stertitque supinus.
LIB. I. SAT. v.
139
Jamque dies aderat, nil cum procedere lintrem
Sentimus, donec cerebrosus prosilit unus
Ac mulae nautaeque caput lumbosque saligno
Puste dolat: quarta vix demum, exponimur hora.
Ora manusque tua lavimus, Fébániá, lympha.
Milia tum pransi tria repimus atque,subimus
Impositum saxis late candentibus Anxur.
Huc venturus erat Maecenas optimus atque
Cocceius, missi magnis de rebus uterque
Legati, aversos soliti componere amicos.
Hic oculis ego migra meis collyria lippus
Illinere. Interea Maecenas advenit atque
Cocceius Capitoque simul Fonteius, ad unguem
Pagtus homo, Antoni non ut magis alter amicus.
Fúbs Aufidio Luseo praetore libenter
Linquimus, insani ridentes praemia scribae,
Praetextam et latum clayum prunaeque batillum.
In Š lassi deinde urbe manemus,
Murena praebente domum, Capitone culinam.
IPostera lux oritur £g]? gratissima ; namque
Plotius et Varius Sifiúéssäe Virgiliusque
Occurrunt, animae quales neque candidiores
Terra tulit neque quis me sit devinctior alter.
O qui complexus et gaudia quanta fuerunt !
il ego contulerim jucundo sanus,amico.]
IProxima Campano ponti quae villüla, tectum
IPraebuit, et parochi quae debent ligna salemque.
Hinc muli Capuae elitellas tempore ponunt.
Lusum it Maecenas, dormitum ego Virgiliusque ;
Namque pila lippis inimicum et ludere crudis.
Hinc nos Cocceii recipit plenissima villa
Quae super est Caudi cauponas. Nunc mihi paucis
Sarmenti scurrae pugnam Messique Cicirrhi,
Musa, velim memores, et quo patre natus uterque
Contulerit lites. Messi clarum genus Osci;
Sarmenti domina exstat : ab his majoribus orti
Ad pugnam venere. Prior Sarmentus: “ Equi te
Esse feri similem dico.” Ridemus, et ipse
Messius ** Accipio,” caput et movet. ** 0, tua cornu
Ni foret exsecto frons,” inquit, ** quid faceres, cum

46
140 SATIRARUM
Sic mutilus miniteris?” At illi foeda cicatrix
Setosam laevi frontem turpaverat oris.
Campanum in morbum, in faciem permulta jocatus,
IPastorem saltaret uti Cyclopa rogabat:
Nil illi larva aut tragicis opus esse cothurnis.
Multa Cicirrhus ad haec : donasset jamne catenam
Ex voto Laribus, quaerebat ; Scriba quod esset,
Nihilo deterius dominae jus esse. Rogabat
Denique cur unquam fugisset, cui satis una
í. Earris libra foret gracili sic tamque pusillo.
IProrsus jueunde coenam produximus illam.
Tendimus hinc recta Beneventum, ubi sedulus hospes
Paene macros arsit dum turdos versat in igni:
Nam vaga per veterem dilapso flamma culinam
Vulcano summum properabat lambere tectum.
Convivas avidos coenam servosque timentes
Tum rapere, atque omnes restinguere velle videres.
Incipit ex illo montes Apulia motos
í Ostentare mihi, quos torret Atabulus et quos
Numquam erepsemus nisi nos vicina Trivici
Villa recepisset, lacrimoso non sine fumo,
Udos cum foliis ramos urente camino.
2/74 p„THi£ ego mendacem stultissimus usque puellam
Ad mediam noctem exspecto ; Somnus tamen aufert
„ Intentum veneri; tum immundo Somnia visu
0RA'f? Nocturnam vestem maculant ventremque supinumTJ
d ^^ ® Quattuor hinc rapimur viginti et milia rhedis,
Mansuri oppidulo quod versu dicere non est,
Signis perfacile est: venit vilissima rerum
Hic aqua; sed panis longe pulcherrimus, ultra
•. Callidus ut soleat humeris portare viator ;
Nam Canusi lapidosus, aquae non ditior urna
Qui locus a forti Diomede est conditus olim.
Flentibus hinc Varius discedit maestus amicis. .
}
Carpentes iter et factum corruptiüs imbri.
Postera tempestas melior, via pejor ad usque
Eari moenia piscosi ; dein Gnatia lymphis
Iratis exstructa dedit risusque jocosque,
Dum flamma sine thara liquescere limine sacro,
Inde Rubos fessi pervenimus utp9$e lengum vv- %-4
66
70
75
80
90
.…4 <^
LIB. I. SAT. VI. 141
Persuadere cupit. Credat Judaeus Apella, 100
om ego ; namque deos didici securum agere aevum,
Nec si quid miri faciat natura deos id
ristes ex alto caeli demittere tecto.
Erundusium longae finis chartaeque viaeque est.
S A T IIR A V I.
NoN quia, Maecenas, Lydorum quidquid Etruscos
Incoluit fines memo generosior est te, «•
Nec quod avus tibi maternus fuit atque paternus
Olim qui magnis legionibus imperitarent, -
Ut plerique solent, naso suspendi$ adunco 5
Ignotos, ut me libertino patre natum.
Cum referre negas quali sit quisque parente
Natus dum ingenuus, persuades hoc tibi vere,
Ante potestatem Tulli atque ignobile regnum
Multos saepe viros nullis majoribus ortos 10
Et vixisse probos amplis et honoribus auctos;
Contra Laevinum, Valeri genus unde superbus
Tarquinius regno pulsus fugit, unius assis
Non umquam pretio pluris Ę
Judice quo nosti populo, qui stulfus honores 15
Saepe dat indignis et famae servit ineptus,
Qui stupet in titulis et imaginibu$] Quid oportet
Nos facere a volgo longe longeque remotos ?
Namque esto populus Laevino mallet honorem
Quam Decio mandare noyo, censorque moveret £0
Appius ingenuo si non essem patre natus:
Vel merito quoniam im propria nom pelle quiessem.
“Sed fulgente trahit constrictos Gloria curru
on minus ignotos genero$.] Quo tibi, Tilli,
Sumere depositum clavum fierique tribuno ? 25
Invidia aecrevit privatQ quae minor esset.
Nam ut quisque insanu§ nigris medium impediit crus
Pellibus et latum demisit pectore clavum, `
Audit continuo: “Quis hómo hic est ? quo patre natus?”

*»
142 •SATIRARUM
Ut si qui aegrotet quo morbo Barrus, haberi
Ut cupiat formosus, eat quacunque puellis
Injiciat curam quaerendi singula, quali
Sit facie, sura, quali pede, dente, capillo:
Sic qui promittit cives, urbem sibi curae,
Imperium fore et Italiam, delubra deorum,
Quo patre sit natus, mum ignota matre inhonestus,
Omnes mortales curare quaerere cogit.
** Tune Syri, Damae aut Dionysi filius, audes
Dejicere e saxo cives aut tradere Cadmo ? **
** At Novius collega gradu post me sedet uno ;
Y 40
Namque est ille pater quod erat meus.** ** Hoc tibi Paullus
Et Messalla videris ? At hic, si plostra ducenta
Concurrantque foro tria funera magna, sonabit
Cornua quod vincatque tubas ; saltem tenet hoc nos.”
Nume ad me redeo libertino patre matum,
Quem rodunt omnes libertino patre natum,
Nunc, quia sum tibi, Maecenas, convictor ; at olim,
Quod mihi pareret legio Romana tribuno.
Dissimile hoc illi est ; quia non ut forsit honorem
Jure mihi invideat quivis ita te quoque amicum,
Praesertim cautum dignos assumere prava
Ambitione procul. Felicem dicere non hoc
Me possum casu quod te sortitus amicum;
Nulla etenim mihi te fors obtulit: optimus olim
Virgilius, post hunc Varius dixere quid essem.
Ut veni coram singultim pauca locutus,
Infans namque pudor prohibebat plura profari,
Non ego me claro natum patre, non ego circum
Me Satureiamo vectari rura caballo,
Sed quod eram narro. Respondes ut tuus est mos
Pauca: abeo; et revocas nono post mense jubesque
Esse in amicorum numero. Magnum hoc ego duco
Quod placui tibi qui turpi secernis honestum,
Non patre praeclaro sed vita et pectore puro.
Atqui si vitiis mediocribus ac mea paucis
Mendosa est natura alioqui recta, velut si
Egregio inspersos reprehendas corpore naevos;
Si neque avaritiam neque sordes aut mala lustra
Objiciet vere quisquam mihi, purus et insons .
45
50
LIB. I. SAT. VI. 1:43
(Ut me collaudem) si ot vivo garus amicis; 70
Causa fuit pater his, qui maero pauper agello
Noluit in Flavi ludum me mittere, magni
Quo pueri magnis e centurionibus orti,
Laevo suspensi loculos tabulamque lacerto,
Ibant octonis referentes Idibus aera ; 75
Sed puerum est ausus Romam portare docendum
Artes quas doceat quivis eques atque senator
Semet prognatos. Westem servosque sequentes,
In magno ut populo, si quis vidisset, avita y/
Ex ré praeberi sumptus mihi crederet illos. ;
Ipse mihi custos incorruptissimus omnes
Circum doctores aderat. Quid multa ? Pudicum,
Qui primus virtutis honos, servavit ab omni
Non solum facto verum opprobrio quoque turpi ;
Nec timuit sibi me vitio quis verteret olim 85
Si praeco parvas aut, ut fuit ipse, coactor
Mercedes sequerer ; neque ego essem questus: at hoc nunc
Laus illi debetur et a me gratia major.
Nil me poeniteat sanum patris hujus, eoque
Non, ut magna dolo factum negat esse suo pars 90
Quod non ingenuos habeat clarosque parentes,
Sic me defendam. Longe mea discrepat istis
Et vox et ratio: nam si natura juberet
A certis annis aevum remeare peractum
Atque alios legere ad fastum quoscumque parentes 95
Qptaret sibi quisque, meis contentu§, honestos
Fascibus et sellis mollem mihi sumere, demens
Judicio volgi, sanus fortasse tuo, quod
Nollem onus haud unquam solitus portare molestum.
Nam mihi continuo major quaerenda foret res 100}
Atque salutandi plures, ducendus et unus
Et comes alter uti me solus rusve peregreve
Exirem; plures calones atque caballi
Pascendi, ducenda petorrita. ( Nunc mihi curto
Ire licet mulo vel si libet usque Tarentum, J05
Mantica cui lumbos onere ulceret atque eques armos è
Objiciet nemo sordes mihi quas tibi, Tilli,
Cum Tiburte via praetorem quinque sequuntur
Te pueri, lasanum portantes oenophorumque.
80
144 SATIRARUM
Hoc ego commodius quam tu, praeclare senator, 11(!
Millibus atque aliis vivo. Quacunque libido est,
Incedo Solus, percontor quanti olus ac far ;
Pallacem Circum vespertinumque pererro
Saepe Forum; adsisto divinis; inde domum me
Ad porri et ciceris refero laganique catinum ; 115
Coena ministratur pueris tribus, et lapis albus
Pocula cum cyatho duo sustinet; adstat echinus
Vilis, cum patera guttus, Campana supellex.
Deinde eo dormitum, non sollicitus mihi quod cras
Surgendum sit mane, obeundus Marsya, qui se 120
Voltum ferre negat Noviorum posse minoris.
Ad quartam jaceo; post hanc vagor; aut ego, lecto
Aut scripto quod me tacitum juvet, ungor olivo,
Non quo fraudatis immundus Natta lucernis.
Ast ubi me fessum sol acrior ire lavatum • 125
Admonuit fugio Campum lusumque trigonem.
Pransus non avide, quantum interpellet imami
Ventre diem durare, domesticus otior. Haec est
Vita solutorum misera ambitione gravique ;
His me consolor victurum suavius ac si 130
Quaestor avus, pater atque meus patruusque fuisset
SATIR A VII.
PROSCRIPTI Regis Rupili pus atque venenum
Hybrida quo pacto sit Persius ultus, opinor
Omnibus et lippis notum et tonsoribus esse.
Persius hic permagna negotia dives habebat
Clazomenis, etiam lites cum Rege molestas, 5
Durus homo atque odio qui posset vincere Regem,
Confidens tumidusque, adeo sermonis amari
Sisemmas Barros ut equis praecurreret albis.
Ad Regem redeo. Postquam nihil inter utrumque
Convenit, (hoc etenim sunt omnes jure molesti : 1{J
Quo fortes quibus adversum bellum incidit : inter
Hectora Priamidem animosum atque inter Achillem

1,IB. I. SAT. VIII. 145
Ira fuit capitalis ut ultima divideret mors,
Non aliam ob causam nisi quod virtus in utroque
Summa fuit ; duo si discordia vexet inertes 15
Aut si disparibus bellum incidat, ut Diomedi
Cum Lycio Glauco, discedat pigrior ultro
Muneribus missis:) Bruto praetore tenente
Ditem Asiam Rupili et Persi par pugnat, uti non
Compositum melius cum Bitho Baéchius. In jus 20
Acres procurrunt, magnum spectaculum uterque.
Persius exponit causam ; ridetur ab omni
Conventu ; laudat Brutum laudatque cohortem:
Solem Asiae Brutum appellat, stellasque salubres
Appellat comites excepto Rege : canem illum, 25
Invisum agricolis sidus venisse; Ruebat
Flumen ut hibernum fertur quo rara securis.
Tum Praemestimus salso multoque fluenti
Expressa arbusto regerit convicia, durus
Vindemiator et invictus, cui saepe viator 30
Cessisset magna compellans voce cucullum. "
At Graecus, postquam est Italo perfusus aceto,
Persius exclamat: Per magnos, Brute, deos te
Oro qui reges consueris tollere, cur non
EHunc Regem jugulas ? Operum hóc, mihi crede, tuorum est,
S A T I R A V III.
OLIM truncus eram ficulnus, inutile lignum,
Cum faber, incertus scammum faceretne Priapum,
Maluit esse deum. Deus inde ego furum aviumque
Maxima formido: nam fures dextra coërcet
Obscoenoque ruber porrectus ab inguine palus ; 5
Ast importunas volucres in vertice arundo
Terret fixa vetatque novis considere in hortis.
Huc prius angustis ejecta cadavera cellis
Conservus vili portanda locabat in arca.
IHoc miserae plebi stabat commune sepulcrum, 10
Pantolabo scurrae Nomentanoque nepoti:
3
146 SATIRARUM
Mille pedes in fronte, trecentos cippus in agrum
Hic dabat: Heredes monumentum ne sequeretur.
Nunc licet Esquiliis habitare salubribus atque
Aggere in aprico spatiari, quo modo tristes
Albis informem spectabant Ossibus agrum ;
Cum mihi non tantum furesque feraeque, suëtae
Hunc vexare locum curae sunt atque labori,
Quantum carminibus quae versant atque venenis
Humanos animos. Has nullo perdere possum
Nec prohibere modo, simul ac vaga luna decorum
Protulit os, quin ossa legant herbasque nocentes.
Vidi egomet migra succinctam vadere palla
Canidiam pedibus mudis passoque eapillo,
Cum Sagama majore ululantem ; pallor utrasque
Fecerat horrendas adspectu. Scalpere terram
Unguibus et pullam divellere mordicus agnam
Coeperunt ; cruor in fossam confusus, ut inde
Manes elicerent, animas responsa daturas.
Lanea et effigies erat, altera cerea : major
Lanea, quae poenis compesceret inferiorem ;
Cerea suppliciter stabat servilibus, ut quae
Jam peritura modis. Hecatem vocat altera, saevam
Altera Tisiphonem: serpentes atque videres
Infernas errare cames, Lunamque rubentem
Ne foret his testis post magna latere sepulcra.
Mentior at si quid merdis caput inquiner albis
Corvorum, atque in me veniat mictum atque cacatum
Julius et fragilis Pediatia furque Voranus. -
Singula quid memorem ? quo pacto alterna loquentes
Umbrae cum Sagana resonarent triste et acutum,
Utque lupi barbam variae cum dente colubrae
Abdiderint furtim terris, et imagine cerea
Largior arserit ignis, et ut non testis inultus
Horruerim voces Furiarum et facta duarum.
Nam displosa sonat quantum vesica pepedi
Diffissa mate ficus ; at illae currere in urbem.
Canidiae dentes, altum Saganae caliendrum
Excidere atque herbas atque incantata lacertis
Vincula cum magno risuque jocoque videres.
I
5
2()
30
4Q
LIB. I. SAT. IX. 147
SATIRA IX.
IBAM Norte via Sacra, sicut meus est mos,
Nescio quid meditans nugarum, totus in illis:
Accurrit quidam notus mihi nomine tantum,
Arreptaque manu, ** Quid agis, dulcissime rerum ?”
“ Suaviter ut nunc est,” inquam, “et cupio omnia quae vis.” 5
Cum assectaretur: “ Num quid vis ?” occupo. At ille,
“ Noris nos,” inquit; ** docti sumus.” Hic ego, ** Pluris
Hoc,” inquam, ** mihi eris.” Misere discedere quaerens
Ire modo ocius, interdum consistere, in aurem
Dicere nescio quid puero, cum sudor ad imos 10
Manaret talos. O te, Bolane, cerebri
Felicem ! aiebam tacitus; cum quidlibet ille
Garriret, vicos, urbem laudaret. Ut illi
Nil respondebam, ** Misere cupis,” inquit, ** abire;
Jamdudum video ; sed nil agis ; usque tenebo; 15
Persequar: hinc quo nunc iter est tibi?” “ Nil opus est te
Circumagi ; quemdam volo visere non tibi motum ;
Trans Tiberim longe cubat is prope Caesaris hortos.”
** Nil habeo quod agam et non sum piger; usque sequar te.”
Demitto auriculas ut iniquae mentis asellus, - 20
Cum gravius dorso subiit onus. Incipit ille:
' ** Si bene me novi non Viscum pluris amicum,
Non Varium facies; mam quis me scribere plures
Aut citius possit versus ? quis membra movere
Mollius ? Invideat quod et Hermogenes ego canto.” 25
Interpellandi locus hic erat: “ Est tibi mater,
Cognati, quis te salvo est opus?” — ** Haud mihi quisquam.
Omnes composui.” — Felices! nunc ego resto.
Confice ; namque instat fatum mihi triste Sabella
Quod puero cecinit divina mota amus urna: 30
Hunc neque dira venena nec hosticus auferet ensis
Nec laterum dolor aut tussis nec tarda podagra :
Garrulus hunc quando consumet cunque ; loquaces
Si sapiat vitet simul atque adoleverit aetas.
Ventum erat ad Vestae, quarta jam parte diei 35
Praeteri'a, et casu tunc respondere vadato
148 SATIRARUM
Debebat, quod ni fecisset perdere litem.
** Si me amas,” inquit, ** paulum hic ades.” “Inteream si
Aut valeo stare aut novi civilia jura; .*
Et propero quo scis.” “ Dubius sum quid faciam,” inquit, 40
** Tene relinquam am rem.” “ Me sodes.” “ Non faciam” ille;
Et praecedere coepit. Ego ut contendere durum est
Cum victore sequor. ** Maecenas quomodo tecum?”
Hinc repetit ; ** paucorum hominum et mentis bene sanae;
Nemo dexterius fortuna est usus. Haberes * 45
Magnum adjutorem posset qui ferre secundas,
Hunc hominem velles si tradere ; dispeream ni
Submosses omnes.” “ Non isto vivimus illic
Quo tu rere modo; domus hac nec purior ulla est ¥
Nec magis his aliena malis; nil mi officit unquam, 50
Ditior hic aut est quia doctior ; est locus uni
Cuique suus.” “ Magnum narras, vix credibile!” “Atqui
Sic habet.” “ Accendis, quare cupiam magis illi
IProximus esse.” “ Welis tantummodo: quae tua virtus,
Expugnabis; et est qui vinci possit, eoque 55
Difficiles aditus primos habet.” “ Haud mihi deero:
Muneribus servos corrumpam ; non hodie si
Exclusus fuero desistam ; tempQra quaeram,
Occurram in triviis, deducam. UNil sine magno
Vita labore dedit mortalibus.') Haec dum agit, ecce 60
Puscus Aristius occurrit, mihi carus et illum
Qui pulchre nosset. Consistimus. Unde venis ? et
Quo tendis? rogat et respondet. Vellere coepi
Et prensare manu lentissima brachia, nutans,
Distorquens oculos, ut me eriperet. Male salsus 65
Ridens dissimulare: meum jecur urere bilis.
** Certe nescio quid secreto velle loqui te
, Aiebas mecum.” “ Memini bene, sed meliore
Tempore dicam ; hodie tricesima sabbata: vim tu
Curtis Judaeis oppedere ?” “ Nulla mihi, inquam, 70
Religio est.” “ At mi; sum paulo infirmior, unus
Multorum ; ignosces; alias loquar.” Huncine solem
Tam nigrum surrexe mihi ! Fugit improbus ac me
Sub cultro linquit. Casu venit obvius illi
Adversarius et: “ Quo tu turpissime ? ** magna 75
Inclamat voce ; et “ Licet antestari?” Ego vero
LIB. I. SAT. X. 149
Oppono uuriculam. Rapit in jus; clamor utrinque ;
Undique concursus. Sic me servavit Apollo.
SATIRA X.
NEMPE incomposito dixi pede currere versus
Lucili. Quis tam Lucili fautor inepte est
Ut non hoc fateatur ? At idem quod sale multo
Urbem defricuit charta laudatur eadem.
Nec tamen hoc tribuens dederim quoque cetera ; nam sic 5
Et Laberi mimos ut pulchra poëmata mirer.
Ergo non satis est risu diducere rictum
Auditoris (et est quaedam tamen hic quoque virtus).
Est brevitate opus, ut currat sententia neu se
Impediat verbis lassas onerantibus aures; 10
Et sermone opus est modo tristi saepe jocoso,
Defendente vicem modo rhetoris atque poëtae,
Interdum urbani, parcentis viribus atque
Extenuantis eas consulto. Ridiculum acri
Fortius et melius magnas plerumque secat res. 15
Illi scripta quibus comoedia prisca viris est
Hoc stabant, hoc sunt imitandi ; quos neque pulcher
Hermogenes unquam legit neque simius iste
Nil praeter Calvum et doctus cantare Catullum.
“ At magnum fecit quod verbis Graeca Latinis 20
Miscuit.” O seri studiorum ! quine putetis -
Difficile et mirum Rhodio quod Pitholeonti
Contigit ? ** At sermo limgua concinnus utraque
Suavior, ut Chio mota si commixta Falerni est.”
Cum versus facias, te ipsum percontor, an et cum 23
Dura tibi peragenda rei sit causa Petilli?
Scilicet oblitus patriaeque patrisque, Latine
Cum Pedius causas exsudet Poplicola atque
Corvinus, patriis intermiscere petita
Verba foris malis, Canusini more bilinguis ? 30
Atque ego cum Graecos facerem natus mare citra
Versiculos, vetuit me tali voce Quirinus,
13 *
150 SATIRARUM .'
Post mediam noctem visus cum somnia vera :
• ** In silvam non ligna feras insanius ac si
Magnas Graecorum malis implere catervas.”
Turgidus Alpinus jugulat dum Memnona, dumque
Defingit Rheni luteum caput, haec ego ludo,
Quae neque in aede sonent certantia judice Tarpa,
Nec redeant iterum atque iterum spectanda theatris.
Arguta meretrice potes Davoque Chremcta
IEludente senem comis garrire libellos
Unus vivorum, Fundani ; Pollio regum
Facta canit pede ter percusso ; forte epos acer
Ut nemo Varius ducit;. molle atque facetum
Virgilio annuerunt gaudentes rure Camenae.
Hoc erat, experto frustra Varrone Atacino
Atque quibusdam aliis, melius quod scribere possem,
Inventore minor ; neque ego illi detrahere ausim
Haerentem capiti cum multa laude coronam.
At dixi fluere hunc lutulemtum, saepe ferentem
IPlura quidem tollenda relinquendis. Age, quaeso,
Tu nihil in magno doctus reprehendis Homero ?
Nil comis tragici mutat Lucilius Acci ?
Non ridet versus Enni gravitate minores,
Cum de se loquitur mom ut majore reprensis ?
Quid vetat et nosmet Lucili scripta legentes
Quaerere, num illius, num rerum dura negarit;
Versiculos matura magis factos et euntes
Mollius ac si quis pedibus quid claudere senis,
Hoc tantum contentus, amet scripsisse ducentos
Ante cibum versus, totidem coenatus; Etrusci
Quale fuit Cassi rapido ferventius amni
Ingenium, capsis quem fama est esse librisque
Ambustum propriis ? Fuerit Lucilius, inquam
Gomis et urbanus, fuerit limatior idem -
Quam rudis et Graecis intacti carminis auctor,
Quamque poëtarum seniorum turba ; sed ille,
Si foret hoc nostrum fato dilatus in aevum,
Detereret sibi multa, recideret omne quod ultra
IPerfectum traheretur, et in versu faciendo -
Saepe caput scaberet vivos et roderet ungües.
Saepe stilum vertas iterum quae digna legi sint
40
* 45
50
70
LIB. I. SAT. X.
151
Scripturus, neque te ut miretur turba labores,
Contentus paucis lectoribus. An tua demens
Vilibus in ludis dictari carmina malis ?
Non ego: nam satis est equitem mihi plaudere, ut audax
Contemtis aliis explosa Arbuscula dixit.
Mem moveat cimex Pantilius, aut éruciet quod
Vellicet absentem Demetrius, aut quod ineptus
Famnius Hermogenis laedat conviva Tigelli?
Plotius et Varius, Maecenas Virgiliusque,
Valgius et probet haec Octavius optimus atque
Puscus, et haec utinam Viscorum laudet uterque!
Ambitione relegata te dicere possum,
Pollio, te, Messala, tuo cum fratre, simulque
Vos, Bibuli et Servi, simul his te, candide Furni,
Complures alios, doctos ego quos et amicos
Prudens praetereo; quibus haec, sint qualiacunque,
Arridere velim, doliturus si placeant spe
Deterius nostra. Demetri, teque, Tigelli,
Discipularum inter jubeo plorare cathedras.
I, puer, atque meo citus haec subscribe libello.
75
8{}
ô HORATII FLACCI
s A T I R A R U M
LIBER SECUNDUS.
— *©-
SATIR. A I.
** SUNT quibus in $atira videor nimis acer et ultra
Legem tendere opus ; sine nervis altera quidquid
Composui pars esse putat, similesque meorum
Mille die versus deduci posse* Trebati,
Quid faciam praescribe.” “ Quiescas.” “ Ne faciam, inquis, 5
Omnino versus ? ** ** Aio.** ** Peream male si non
Optimum erat : verum nequeo dormire.” “ Ter uncti
Transnanto Tiberim somno quibus est opus alto,
Irriguumque mero sub noctem corpus habento.
Aut si tantus amor scribendi te rapit aude 1()
Caesaris invicti res dicere, multa laborum
JPraemia laturus.” “ Cupidum, pater optime, vires
Deficiunt: neque enim quivis horrentia pilis
Agmina mec fracta pereuntes cuspide Gallos
Aut labentis equo describat vulnera Parthi.” 15
** Attamen et justum poteras et scribere fortem,
Scipiadem ut sapiens Lucilius.** ** Haud mihi deero
Cum res ipsa feret. Nisi dextro tempore Flacci
Verba per attentam non ibunt Caesaris aurem,
Cui male si palpere recalcitrat undique tutus.” 920
** Quanto rectius hoc quam tristi laedere versu
JPantolabum 8curram Nomentanwmque nepotem,
SATIRARUM LIB. II. SAT. I. - 153
Cum sibi quisque timet, quamquam est intactus, et odit !”
“ Quid faciam ? Saltat Milonius, ut semel icto
Accessit fervor capiti numerusque lucernis. 25
Castor gaudet equis, ovo prognatus eodem
Pugnis ; quot capitum vivunt, totidem studiorum
Millia : me pedibus delectat claudere verba
Lucili ritu nostrûm melioris utroque.
Ille velut fidis arcana sodalibus olim 30
Credebat libris, meque si male cesserat unquam
Decurrens alio, neque si bene ; quo fit ut omnis
Votiva pateat veluti descripta tabella
Vita senis. Sequor hunc, Lucamus an Apulus anceps:
Nam Venusinus arat finem sub utrumque colonus, 35
Missus ad hoc pulsis, vetus est ut fama, Sabellis,
Quo me per vacuum Romano incurreret hostis,
Sive quod Apula gens seu quod Lucania bellum
Imcuteret violenta. Sed hic stilus haud petet ultro
Quemquam amimantem et me veluti custodiet ensis 40
Vagina tectus ; quem cur distringere comer
Tutus ab infestis latronibus ? O pater et rex
Juppiter, ut pereat positum rubigine telum,
Nec quisquam noceat cupido mihi pacis! At ille
Qui me commorit,— melius mom tangere! clamo ; 45
Elebit et insignis tota cantabitur urbe. *
Cervius iratus leges minitatur et urnam,
Canidia Albuti quibus est inimica venenum,
Grande malum Turius, si quid se judice certes.
Ut quo quisque valet suspectos terreat, utque 50
Imperet hoc natura potens, sic collige mecum :
Dente lupus, cornu taurus petit : unde nisi intus
Monstratum ? Scaevae vivacem crede nepoti
Matrem ; nil faciet sceleris pia dextera: mirum,
Ut neque calce lupus quemquam neque dente petit bos; 55
Sed mala tollet anum vitiato melle cicuta.
Ne longum faciam: seu me tranquilla senectus
Exspectat, seu Mors atris circumvolat alis,
Dives, inops, Romae, seu fors ita jusserit, exsul,
Quisquis erit vitae scribam color.” “ O puer, ut sis 60
Vitalis metuo et majorum ne quis amicus
Frigore te feriat.” “Quid, cum est Lucilius ausus
154 vs e SATIRARUM
IPrimus in hunc operis componere carmina morem,
IDetrahere et pellem, nitidus qua quisque per ora
Cederet, introrsum turpis, num Laelius aut qui 65
Duxit ab oppressa meritum Karthagine nomen,
Ingenio offensi aut laeso doluere Metello
Famosisque Lupo cooperto versibus ? Atqui
IPrimores populi arripuit populumque tributim,
Scilicet uni aequus virtuti atque ejus amicis. 70
Quin ubi se a volgo et scena in secreta remorant
Virtus Scipiadae et mitis sapientia Laeli,
Nugari cum illo et discincti ludere donec
Decoqueretur olus soliti. Quidquid sum ego, quamvis
Infra Lucili censum ingeniumque, tamen me 75
Cum magnis vixisse invita fatebitur usque
Invidia, et fragili quaerens illidere dentem
Offendet solido ; nisi quid tu, docte Trebati,
Dissentis.” “ Equidem nihil hinc diffimdere possum.
Sed tamen ut monitus caveas, ne forte negoti 80
Incutiat tibi quid sanctarum inscitia legum :
Si mala condiderit in quem quis carmina, jus est
Judiciumque.” “ Esto, si quis mala ; sed bona si quis
Judice condiderit laudatus Caesare ? si quis
Opprobriis dignum latraverit, integer ipse ?” 85
** Solventur rfsu tabulae, tu missus abibis.”
SATIR A II.
QUAE virtus et quanta, boni, sit vivere parvo, .
Nec meus hic sermo est, sed quae praecepit Ofella
Rusticus abnormis sapiens crassaque Minerva,
Discite, non inter lances mensasque nitentes
Cum stupet insanis acies fulgoribus et cum ú
Acclinis falsis animus meliora recusat, -
Verum hic impransi mecum disquirite. Cur hoc ?
Dicam si potero. Male verum examinat omnis
Corruptus judex. Leporem sectatus equove
Lassus ab indomito, vel si Romana fatigat I0
LIB. II. SAT. II. - 155
Militia assuetum graecari, seu pila velox
Molliter austerum studio fallente laborem,
Seu te discus agit, pete cedentem aëra disco;
Cum labor extuderit fastidia, siccus, inanis
Sperne cibum vilem ; nisi Hymettia mella Falerno
Ne biberis diluta. Foris est promus et atrum
Defendens pisces hiemat mare: cum sale panis
Latrantem stomachum bene leniet. Unde putas aut
Qui partum? Non in caro nidore voluptas
Summa sed in te ipso est. Tu pulmentaria quaere
Sudando ; pinguem vitiis albumque neque ostrea
Nec scarus aut poterit peregrina juvare lagois.
Vix tamen eripiam posito pavone velis quin
Hoc potius quam gallina tergere palatum,
Corruptus vanis rerum, quia vemeat auro
Rara avis et picta pandat spectacula cauda;
Tamquam ad rem attineat quidquam. Num vesceris ista
Quam laudas pluma? Cocto num adest honor idem ?
Carne tamen quamvis distat nil, hac magis illam
Imparibus formis deceptum te petere! Esto:
Unde datum sentis lupus hic Tiberimus an alto
Captus hiet, pontesne inter jactatus an amnis
Ostia sub Tusci? Laudas, insane, trilibrem
Mullum in singula quem minuas pulmenta necesse est.
Ducit te species video: quo pertinet ergo
Proceros odisse lupos? Quia scilicet illis
Majorem natura modum dedit, his breve pondus.
Jejunus raro stomachus volgaria temnit.
“ Porrectum magno magnum spectare catino
Vellem,” ait Harpyiis gula digna rapacibus. At vos,
Praesentes Austri, coquite horum obsonia, — quamquam
Putet aper rhombusque recens, mala copia quando
Aegrum sollicitat stomachum, cum rapula plenus
Atque acidas mavolt inulas. Necdum omnis abacta
Pauperies epulis regum ; nam vilibus ovis
Nigrisque est oleis hodie locus. Haud ita pridem
Galloni praeconis erat acipensere memsa
Infamis. Quid, tunc rhombos minus aequora alebant ?
Tutus erat rhombus tutoque ciconia nido
Donec vos auctor docuit praetorius. Ergo .
15
30
40
45
156 SATIRARUM
Si quis nunc mergos suaves edixerit assos,
Parebit pravi docilis Romana juventus.
Sordidus a tenui victu distabit, Ofella
.Judice : nam frustra vitium vitaveris illud
Si te alio pravum detorseris. Avidiemus,
Cui Canis ex vero dictum cognomen adhaeret,
Quinquennes oleas est et silvestria corna,
Ac nisi mutatum parcit defundere vimum, et,
Cujus odorem olei nequeas perferre, licebit
Ille repotia matales aliosve dierum
Festos albatus celebret, cornu ipse bilibri
Caulibus instillat, veteris non parcus aceti.
Quali igitur victu sapiens utetur, et horum
Utrum imitabitur ? Hac urget lupus, hac canis, aiunt.
Mundus erit, qua non offendat sordibus, atque
In neutram partem cultus miser. Hic neque servis,
Albuti senis exemplo, dum munia didit
Saevus erit; nec sic ut simplex Naevius unctam
Convivis praebebit aquam : vitium hoc quoque magnum.
Accipe nunc victus tenuis quae quantaque secum
Afferat. In primis valeas bene : nam variae res
Ut noceant homini eredas memor illius escae
Quae simplex olim tibi sederit ; at simul assis
Miscueris elixa, simul conchylia turdis,
Dulcia se in bilem vertent stomachoque tumultum
Lenta feret pituita. Vides, ut pallidus omnis
Coena desurgat dubia ? Quin corpus onustum
Hesternis vitiis animum quoque praegravat una,
Atque affigit humo divinae particulam aurae.
Alter ubi dicto citius curata sopori -
Membra dedit vegetus praescripta ad munia surgit.
Hic tamen ad melius poterit transcurrere quondam,
Sive diem festum rediens advexerit annus,
Seu recreare volet tenuatum corpus, ubique
Accedent amni et tractari mollius aetas
Imbecilla volet ; tibi quidnam accedet ad istam
Quam puer et validus praesumis mollitiem, seu
Dura valetudo inciderit seu tarda senectus ?
Rancidum aprum antiqui laudabant, non quia nasus
Illis nullus erat sed credo hac mente, quod hospes
60
75
80
LIB. II. SAT. II.
157
Tardius adveniens vitiatum commodius quam
Integrum edax dominus consumeret. Hos utinam inter.
Heroas matum tellus me prima tulisset!
Das aliquid famae quae carmine gratior aurem
Occupet humanam: grandes rhombi patinaeque
Grande ferunt una cum damno dedecus; adde
Iratum patruum, vicinos, te tibi iniquum,
Et frustra mortis cupidum, cum deerit egenti
As laquei pretium. ** Jure,” inquit, **Trausius istis
Jurgatur verbis ; ego vectigalia magna
Divitiasque habeo tribus amplas regibus.” Ergo
Quod superat non est melius quo insumere possis ?
Cur eget indignus quisquam te divite? Quare
Templa ruunt antiqua deum ? Cur, improbe, carae
Non aliquid patriae tanto emetiris acervo?
Uni nimirum recte tibi semper erunt res.
O magnus posthac inimicis risus ! Uterne
Ad casus dubios fidet sibi certius? Hic qui
Pluribus adsuerit mentem corpusque superbum,
An qui eontentus parvo metuensque futuri
In pace ut sapiens aptarit idonea bello ?
Quo magis his credas, puer hunc ego parvus Ofellam
Integris opibus novi non latius usum
Quam mune accisis. Videas metato in agello
Cum pecore et gnatis fortem mercede colonum,
“ Non ego,” narrantem, ** temere edi luce profesta
Quidquam praeter olus fumosae cum pede pernae.
Ac mihi seu longum post tempus venerat hospes,
Sive operum vacuo gratus conviva per imbrem
Vicinus, bene erat non piscibus urbe petitis,
Sed pullo atque haedo; tum pensilis uva secundas
Et nux ornabat mensas cum duplice ficu.
Post hoc ludus erat culpa potare magistra,
Ac venerata Ceres ita culmo surgeret alto,
Explicuit vino contractae seria frontis.
Saeviat atque novos moveat Fortuna tumultus,
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
ῦuantum hinc imminuet ? Quanto aut ego parcius aut vos,
O pueri, nituistis ut huc novus incola venit ?
Nam propriae telluris herum matura neque illum
Nec me nec quemquam statuit: nos expulit ille;
130
158 SATIRARUM
Illum aut nequities aut vafri inscitia juris,
Postremum expellet certe vivacior heres.
Nunc ager Umbreni sub nomine, nuper Ofellae
Dictus, erit nulli proprius, sed cedet in usum
Nunc mihi nunc alii. Quocirca vivite fortes 135
Fortiaque adversis opponite pectora rebus.”
S A TIR A III.
** SIc raro scribis, ut toto non quater anno
Membranam poscas, scriptorum quaeque retexens,
Iratus tibi quod vini somnique benignus • •
Nil dignum sermone canas. Quid fiet ? At ipsis
Saturnalibus huc fugisti. Sobrius ergo [j
Dic aliquid dignum promissis: incipe. Nil est:
Culpantur frustra calami, immeritusque laborat
Iratis natus paries dis atque poëtis. • .
Atqui voltus erat, multa et praeclara minantis
Si vacuum tepido cepisset villula tecto. 10
Quorsum pertinuit stipare Platona Menandro,
Eupolim, Archilochum, comites educere tantos ?
Invidiam placare paras virtute relicta?
Comtemnere miser ; vitanda est improba Siren
Desidia, aut quidquid vita meliore parasti 15
Ponendum aequo animo.” “ Di te, Damasippe, deaeque
Verum ob consilium donent tonsore. Sed unde
Tam bene me nosti?” “ Postquam omnis res mea Janum
Ad medium fracta est aliena negotia curo,
Excussus propriis. Olim nam quaerere amabam, 20
Quo vafer ille pedes lavisset Sisyphus aere,
Quid sculptum infabre, quid fusum durius esset
Callidus huic signo ponebam millia eentum ;
[Hortos egregiasque domos mercarier unus
Cum lucro moram ; unde frequentia Mercuriale %
Imposuere mihi cognomen compita.” “ Novi,
Et miror morbi purgatum te illius. Atqui
LIB. II. SAT. III.
159 .
Emovit veterem mire novus, ut solet, in cor
Trajecto lateris miseri capitisve dolore,
Ut lethargicus hic cum fit pugil et medicum urget.
Dum ne quid simile huic esto ut libet.” “ O bone, ne te
Frustrere: insanis et tu stultique prope omnes,
Si quid Stertinius veri crepat, unde ego mira
Descripsi docilis praecepta haec, tempore quo me
Solatus jussit sapientem pascere barbam
Atque a Fabricio mon tristem ponte reverti.
Nam male re gesta cum vellem mittere operto
Me capite in flumem, dexter stetit et, Cave faxis
Te quidquam indignum : pudor, inquit, te malus angit,
Insanos qui inter vereare insanus haberi.
IPrimum mam inquiram quid sit furere : hoc si erit in te
Solo mil verbi pereas quin fortiter addam.
Quem mala stultitia et quemcunque inscitia veri
Caecum agit, insanum Chrysippi porticus et grex
Autumat. Haec populos, haec magnos formula reges
Excepto sapiente tenet. Nunc accipe quare
Desipiant omnes aeque ac tu qui tibi nomen
Insano posuere. Velut silvis ubi passim
JPalantes error certo de tramite pellit,
Ille sinistrorsum hic dextrorsum abit: unus utrique
Error, sed variis illudit partibus ; hoc te
Crede modo insanum, nihilo ut sapientior ille
Qui te deridet caudam trahat. Est genus unum
Stultitiae nihilum metuenda timentis, ut ignes,
Ut rupes fluviosque in campo obstare queratur ;
Alterum et huic varum et mihilo sapientius ignes
IPer medios fluviosque ruentis : clamet amica
Mater, honesta soror cum cognatis, pater, uxor:
“ Hic fossa est ingens, hic rupes maxima, serva!”
Non magis audierit, quam Fufius ebrius olim,
Quum Ilionam edormit, Catienis mille ducemtis,
Mater, te appello ! clamantibus. Huic ego vulgus
Errori similem cunctum insanire docebo.
Insanit veteres statuas Damasippus emendo :
Integer est mentis Damasippi creditor ? Esto.
Accipe quod nunquam reddas mihi si tibi dicam,
'Tune insanus eris si acceperis, an magis excors
30
4U
45
50
6U
160 SATIRARUM
Rejecta praeda quam praesens Mercurius fert?
Scribe decem Nerio; non est satis: adde Cicutae
Nodosi tabulas centum, mille adde catenas:
Effugiet tamen haec sceleratus vincula Proteus.
Cum rapies in jus malis ridentem alienis, -
Fiet aper, modo avis, modo saxum et cum volet arbor.
Si male rem gerere insani est, contra bene sani,
Putidius multo cerebrum est mihi crede, Perilli,
Dictantis quod tu nunquam rescribere possis.
Audire atque togam jubeo componere, quisquis
Ambitione mala aut argenti pallet amore,
Quisquis luxuria tristive superstitione
Aut alio mentis morbo calet; huc propius me,
Dum doceo insanire omnes, vos ordine adite.
Danda est ellebori multo pars maxima avaris;
Nescio am Anticyram ratio illis destinet omnem.
Heredes Staberi summam incidere sepulcro:
Ni sic fecissent gladiatorum dare centum
Damnati populo paria atque epulum arbitrio Arri,
Erumenti quantum metit Africa. Sive ego prave
Seu recte hoc volui, ne sis patruus mihi. Credo
Hoc Staberi prudentem animum vidisse. Quid ergo
Sensit cum summam patrimoni insculpere saxo
Heredes voluit? Quoad vixit credidit ingens
Eauperiem vitium et cavit nihil acrius, ut si
Eorte minus locuples uno quadrante perisset
Ipse videretur sibi nequior: omnis enim res,
Virtus, fama, decus, divina humanaque pulchris
Divitiis parent; quas qui construxerit ille
Clarus erit, fortis, justus. Sapiensne? Etiam, et rex,
Et quidquid volet. Hoc veluti virtute paratum
Speravit magnae laudi fore. Quid simile isti
Graecus Aristippus? qui servos projicere aurum
In media jussit Libya, quia tardius irent
Propter onus segnes. Uter est insanior horum?
Nil agit exemplum, litem quod lite resolvit.
Si quis emat citharas, emptas comportet in unurn,
Nec studio citharae nec Musae deditus ulli ;
Si scalpra et formas non sutor, nautica vela
Aversus mercaturis: delirus et amens
95
100
LIB. II. SAT. III.
161
Undique dicatur merito. Qui discrepat istis
Qui nummos aurumque recondit, nescius uti
Compositis metuensque velut contingere sacrum ?
Si quis ad ingentem frumenti semper acervum
Porrectus vigilet cum longo fuste, neque illinc
Audeat esuriens dominus contingere granum,
Ac potius foliis parcus vescatur amaris;
Si positis intus Chii veterisque Falerni
Mille cadis — nihil est, tercentum millibus, acre
Potet acetum ; age, si et stramentis incubet, unde-
Oetoginta annos natus, cui stragula vestis,
Elattarum ac tinearum epulae, putrescat in arca ;
Nimirum insànus paucis videatur, eo quod
Maxima pars hominum morbo jactatur eodem.
Filius aut etiam haec libertus ut ebibat heres,
Dis inimice senex, custodis ? — Ne tibi desit ?
Quantulum enim summae curtabit quisque dierum,
Ungere si caules oleo meliore caputque
Coeperis impexa foedum porrigine ? Quare,
Si quidvis satis est, perjuras, surripis, aufers
Undique ? Tum sanus? Populum si caedere saxis
Incipias servosve tuos, quos aere pararis,
Insanum te omnes pueri clamentque puellae:
Cum laqueo uxorem interimis matremque veneno,
110
11$
130
\\.j.
125
130
Incolumi capite es? Quid enim, meque tu hoc facis Argis,
Nec ferro ut demens genitricem occidis Orestes.
An tu reris eum occisa insanisse parente,
Ac non ante malis dementem actum Furiis quam
In matris jugulo ferrum tepefecit acutum ?
Quin ex quo est habitus male tutae mentis Orestes
Nil sane fecit quod tu reprehendere possis:
Non Pyladem ferro violare aususve sororem
Electram, tantum maledicit utrique vocando
Hanc Furiam, hunc aliud jussit quod splendida bilis.
Pauper Opimius argenti positi intus et auri,
Qui Veientanum festis potare diebus
Campana solitus trulla vappamque profestis,
Quondam lethargo grandi est oppressus, ut heres
Jam circum loculos et claves laetus ovansque
Curreret. Hunc medicus multum celer atque fidelis
135
145.
14*
162 . . SATIRARUM
Excitat hoc pacto: mensam poni jubet atque
Effundi saccos nummorum, accedere plures -
Ad numerandum ; hominem sic erigit; addit et illud: 150
Ni tua custodis avidus jam haec auferet heres.
Men' vivo ? Ut vivas igitur vigila. Hoc age! Quid vis ?
Deficient inopem venae te ni cibus atque
Ingens accedit stomacho fultura ruenti.
Tu cessas ? Agedum, sume hoc ptisanarium oryzae. 155.
Quanti emptae? Parvo. Quanti ergo ? Oetussibus. Eheu !
Quid refert, morbo an furtis pereamque rapinis? —
Quisnam igitur sanus ? Qui non stultus. ' Quid avarus ?
Stultus et insanus. Quid, si quis non sit avarus,
Continuo sanus ? Minime. Cur, Stoice ? Dicam. ]6t)
Non est cardiacus — Craterum dixisse putato—
Hie aeger: recte est igitur surgetque ? Negabit,
Quod latus aut renes morbo tentantur acuto.
Non est perjurus neque sordidus ; immolet aequis
Hic porcum Laribus: verum ambitiosus et audax ; ]65
Naviget Anticyram. Quid enim differt, barathrone
Dones quidquid habes, an nunquam utare paratis ?
Servius Oppidius Canusi duo praedia, dives
Antiquo censu, gnatis divisse duobus
Fertur et hoc moriens pueris dixisse vocatis 170
Ad lectum: Postquam te talos, Aule, nucesque
Ferre sinu laxo, donare et ludere vidi,
Te, Tiberi, numerare, cavis abscondere tristem ;
Extimui, me vos ageret vesania discors,
Tu Nomentanum, tu me sequerere Cicutam. 17:
Quare per divos oratus uterque Penates,
Tu cave me minuas, tu ne majus facias id
Quod satis esse putat pater et natura coërcet.
Praeterea me vos titillet gloria jure
Jurando obstringam ambo : uter aedilis fueritve jc^
Vestrum praetor, is intestabilis et sacer esto.
In cicere atque faba bona tu perdasque lupinis,
Latus ut in circo spatiere et aëneus ut stes,
Nudus agris, nudus nummis, insane, paternis ;
Scilicet ut plausus quos fert Agrippa, feras tu, 185
Astuta ingenuum vulpes imitata leonem ! —
Ne quis humasse velit Ajacem, Atrida, vetas cur ?
5
LIB. II. SAT. III. 163
Rex sum. -Nil ultra quaero plebeius. Et aequam
Rem imperito ; ac si cui videor non justus, inulto
Dicere quod sentit permitto. Maxime regum, 190
Di tibi dent capta classem deducere Troja !
Ergo consulere et mox respondere licebit ?
Consule. Cur Ajax, heros ab Achille secundus,
Putescit toties servatis clarus Achivis, -
Gaudeat ut populus Priami Priamusque imhumato, 1{}5
Per quem tot juvenes patrio caruere sepulcro?
Mille ovium insanus morti dedit, inclitum Ulixen
Et Menelaum una mecum se occidere clamans.
Tu cum pro vitula statuis dulcem Aulide natam
Ante aras spargisque mola caput, improbe, salsa, 2{}0
Rectum animi servas? Quorsum ? Insanus quid enim Ajax
Fecit eum stravit ferro pecus ? Abstinuit vim
Uxore et gnato ; mala multa precatus Atridis,
Non ille aut Teucrum aut ipsum violavit Ulixem.
Verum ego, ut haerentes adverso litore naves 205
Eriperem, prudens placavi sanguine divos.
Nempe tuo, furiose. Meo, sed non furiosus.
Qui species alias veris scelerisque tumultu
J'ermixtas capiet, commotus habebitur, atque
Stultitiane erret nihilum distabit an ira. - 210
Ajax immeritos cum occidit desipit agnos:
Cum prudens scelus ob titulos admittis inanes,
Stas animo et purum est vitio tibi, cum tumidum est, cor ?
Si quis lectica nitidam gestare amet agnam,
Huic vestem, ut gnatae, paret ancillas, paret aurum, 215.
Rufam aut Pusillam appellet fortique marito
Destinet uxorem ; interdicto huic omne adimat jus
IPraetor et ad sanos abeat tutela propinquos.
Quid ? si quis gnatam pro muta devovet agna
Integer est animi ? Ne dixeris. Ergo ubi prava 220
Stultitia hic summa est insania; qui sceleratus,
Et furiosus erit; quem cepit vitrea fama,
Hunc circumtonuit gaudens Belloma eruentis.
Nunc age luxuriam et Nomentanum arripe mecum:
Vincet enim stultos ratio insanire nepotes. 2:25
Hic simul accepit patrimoni mille talenta,
Edicit piscator uti, pomarius, auceps,
164 SATIRARUM
Unguentarius ac Tusci turba impia vici,
Cum scurris fartor, cum Velabro omne Macellum,
Mane domum veniant. Quid tum ? Venere frequentes. 23,
Verba facit leno: Quidquid mihi, quidquid et horum
Cuique domi est, id crede tuum et vel nunc pete vel cras.
Accipe quid contra juvenis responderit aequus :
In nive lucana dormis ocreatus ut aprum
Coenem ego; tu pisces hiberno ex aequore verris.
Segnis ego, indignus qui tantum possideam: aufer:
Sume tibi decies; tibi tantumdem ; tibi triplex
Unde uxor media currit de mocte vocata.
Pilius Aesopi detractam ex aure Metellae,
Scilicet ut decies solidum absorberet, aceto
Diluit insignem baccam: qui sanior ac si
Illud idem in rapidum flumen jaceretve cloacam ?
Quinti progenies Arri, par mobile fratrum,
Nequitia et mugis pravorum et amore gemellum,
Luscinias soliti impenso prandere coëmptas,
Quorsum abeant ? Sanin creta an carbone notandi ?
Aedificare casas, plostello adjungere mures,
Ludere par impar, equitare in arundine longa,
Si quem delectet barbatum amentia verset.
Si puerilius his ratio esse evincet amare, -
Nec quidquam differre utrumme in pulvere trimu
Quale prius ludas opus, an meretricis amore
Sollicitus plores, quaero faciasne quod olim
Mutatus Polemon ? pomas insignia morbi,
Fasciolas, cubital, focalia, potus ut ille
Dicitur ex collo furtim carpsisse coronas
Postquam est impransi correptus voce magistri ?
Porrigis irato puero cum poma recusat:
Sume, catelle ! negat ; si non des optet: amator
Exclusus qui distat agit ubi secum eat an non
Quo rediturus erat non arcessitus, et haeret
Invisis foribus ? Nec nunc cum me vocat ultro
Accedam ? An potius mediter finire dolores ?
Exclusit; revocat : redeam ? Non si obsecret. Ecce
Servus non paulo sapientior: O here, quae res
Nec modum habet neque consilium ratione modoque
Tractari non volt. In amore haec sunt mala, bellum,
235
240
245
255
260
LIB. II. SAT. III. 165
Pax rursum : haec si quis tempestatis prope ritu
Mobilia et caeca fluitantia sorte laboret;
Reddere certa sibi, nihilo plus explicet ac si 97€
lnsanire paret certa ratione modoque.
Quid, cum Picenis excerpens semina pomis
Gaudes si cameram percusti forte, penes te es ?
Quid, cum balba feris annoso verba palato,
Aedificante casas qui sanior ? Adde cruorem 275
Stultitiae atque ignem gladio scrutare. Modo, inquam,
Hellade percussa Marius cum praecipitat se
Cerritus fuit, an commotae crimine mentis
Absolves hominem et sceleris damnabis eundem,
Ex more imponens cognata vocabula rebus ? 280
Libertinus erat, qui circum compita siccus
Lautis mane senex manibus currebat et, Unum —
Quid tam magnum ? addens—, unum me surpite morti,
Dis etenim facile est ! orabat; sanus utrisque
Auribus atque oculis ; mentem, nisi litigiosus, 285
Exciperet dominus cum venderet. Hoc quoque volgus
Chrysippus ponit fecunda in gente Meneni.
Juppiter, ingentes qui das adimisque dolores,
Mater ait pueri menses jam quinque cubantis, ά
Prigida si puerum quartana relinquerit, illo 29(]
Mane die quo tu indicis jejunia nudus
In Tiberi stabit. Casus medicusve levarit
Aegrum ex praecipiti mater delira necabit
In gelida fixum ripa febrimque reducet ;
Quone malo mentem concussa ? Timore deorum. 2(j5
Haec mihi Stertinius, sapientum octavus, amico
Arma dedit, posthac ne compellarer inultus.
Dixerit insanum qui me totidem audiet atque
Respicere ignoto discet pendentia tergo.”
** Stoice, post damnum sic vendas omnia pluris, 3}0
Qua me stultitia, quoniam non est genus unum,
Insanire putas? ego nam videor mihi sanus.”
** Quid, caput abscissum demens cum portat Agave
Gnati infelicis, sibi tum furiosa videtur ? **
** Stultum me fateor, liceat concedere veris, 305
Atque etiam insanum; tantum hoc edissere, quo me
Aegrotare putes animi vitio?” “ Accipe: primum
166 SATIRARUM
Aedificas, hoc est, longos imitaris ab imo
Ad summum totus moduli bipedalis, et idem
Corpore majorem rides Turbonis in armis 310
Spiritum et incessum: qui ridiculus minus illo? •
An quodcunque facit Maecenas te quoque verum est
Tantum dissimilem et tanto certare minorem ? .
Absentis ranae pullis vituli pede pressis, -
Unus ubi effugit, matri denarrat, ut ipgens 315
IBellua cognatos eliserit. Illa rogare:
Quantane ? num tantum, sufflans se, magna fuisset ?
Major dimidio. Num tanto ? Cum magis atque
Se magis inflaret, Non si te ruperis, inquit,
Par eris. Haec a te non multum abludit imago. 320
Adde poëmata nunc, hoc est, oleum adde camino ;
Quae si quis sanus fecit sanus facis et tu.
Non dico horrendam rabiem. Jam desine.” Cultum
Majorem censu. Teneas, Damasippe, tuis te.
Mille puellarum, puerorum mille furores. 325
O major tandem parcas, insane, minori!
S A T I R A IV.
« UNDE et quo Catius ?” “ Non est mihi tempus aventi
Ponere signa movis praeceptis, qualia vincant
Pythagorân Anytique reum doctumque Platona.”
** Peccatum fateor cum te sic tempore laevo
Interpellarim ; sed des veniam bonus oro.
Quod si interciderit tibi nunc aliquid repetes mox,
Sive est maturae hoc sive artis, mirus utroque.”
** Quin id erat curae quo pacto cuncta temerem,
Utpote res tenues tenui sermone peractas.”
* Ede hominis nomen, simul et Romanus an hospes.” 10
** Ipsa memor praecepta eanam, celabitur auctor.
Longa quibus facies ovis erit illa memento,
Ut succi melioris et ut magis alba rotundis,
Ponere; namque marem cohibent callosa vitellum.
Caule suburbano qui siccis crevit in agris 13j
5
LIB. II. SAT. IV.
167"
Dulcior; irriguo nihil est elutius horto.
Si vespertimus subito te oppresserit hospes,
Ne gallina malum responset dura palato,
Doctus eris vivam mixto mersare Falerno:
Hoc teneram faciet. Pratensibus optima fungis
Natura est: aliis male creditur. Ille salubres
Aestates peraget qui nigris prandia moris
Finiet, ante gravem quae legerit arbore solem.
Aufidius forti miscebat mella Falerno,
Mendose, quoniam vacuis committere venis
Nil nisi lene decet: leni praecordia mulso
Prolueris melius. Si dura morabitur alvus,
Mitulus et viles pellent obstantia conchae
Et lapathi brevis herba, sed albo non sine Coo.
Lubrica nascentes implent conchylia lunae ;
Sed non omne mare est generosae fertile testae.
Murice Baiano melior Lucrina peloris,
Ostrea Circeiis, Miseno oriuntur echini,
Pectinibus patulis jactat se molle Tarentum.
Nec sibi coenarum quivis temere adroget artem,
Non prius exacta temui ratione saporum.
Nec satis est cara pisces avertere mensa
Ignarum quibus est jus aptius et quibus assis
Languidus in cubitum jam se conviva reponet.
Umber et iligna mutritus glande rotundas
Curvat aper lances carnem vitantis inertem :
Nam Laurens malus est, ulvis et arundine pinguis.
Vinea submittit capreas non semper edules.
Fecundae leporis sapiens sectabitur armos.
Piscibus atque avibus quae natura et foret aetas
Ante meum nulli patuit quaesita palatum.
Sunt quorum ingenium nova tantum crustula promit.
Nequaquam satis in re una consumere curam,
Ut si quis solum hoc mala ne sint vima laboret,
Quali perfundat pisces securus olivo.
Massica si éaelo suppones vina sereno
Nocturna si quid crassi est tenuabitur aura,
Et decedet odor nervis inimicus ; at illa
Integrum perdunt lino vitiata saporem.
Surrentima vafer qui miscet faece Falerna
<{{)
40
45
168 SATIRARUM
Vina columbino limum bene colligit ovo,
Quatenus ima petit volvens aliena vitellus.
Tostis marcentem squillis recreabis et Afra
Potorem cochlea: nam lactuca innatat acri
Post vinum stomacho ; perna magis ac magis hillis
Flagitat immorsus refici; quin omnia malit
Quaecumque immundis fervent allata popinis.
Est operae pretium duplicis pernoscere juris
Naturam. Simplex e dulci constat olivo,
Quod pingui miscere mero muriaque decebit,
Non alia quam qua Byzantia putuit orca.
Hoc ubi confusum sectis inferbuit herbis
Corycioque croco sparsum stetit, insuper addes
Pressa Venafranae quod baca remisit olivae.
Picenis cedunt pomis Tiburtia succo:
Nam facie praestant. Venucula convenit ollis ; .
Rectius Albanam fumo duraveris uvam.
Hanc ego cum malis, ego faecem primus et allec,
IPrimus et invenior piper album cum sale nigro
Incretum puris circumposuisse catillis.
Immane est vitium dare millia terna macello
Angustoque vagos pisces urgere catino.
Magna movet stomacho fastidia, seu puer unctis
Tractavit calicem manibus dum furta ligurit,
Sive gravis veteri craterae limus adhaesit.
Vilibus in scopis, in mappis, in scobe quantus
Consistit sumtus ? Neglectis flagitium ingens.
Tem lapides varios lutulenta radere palma
Et Tyrias dare circuminlutatoralia vestes,
Oblitum quanto curam sumtumque minorem
Haec habeant tanto reprehendi justius illis.
Quae nisi divitibus nequeant contingere mensis?
** Docte Cati, per amicitiam divosque rogatus,
Ducere me auditum perges quocunque memento.
Nam quamvis memori referas mihi pectore cuncta,
Non tamen interpres tantundem juveris. Adde
Vultum habitumque hominis, quem tu vidisse beatus
Non magni pendis quia contigit; at mihi cura
Non mediocris inest, fontes ut adire remotos
Atque haurire queam vitae praecepta beatae.**
60
70
;
5
80
8:
}í.}
90
LIB. II. SAT. V. 169
SATIRA V.
“ Hoc quoque, Tiresia, praeter narrata petenti
Responde, quibus amissas reparare queam res
Artibus atque modis. Quid rides ? ** ** Jamne doloso
Non satis est Ithacam revehi patriosque penates
Adspicere ?” “ O nulli quidquam mentite, vides ut 5
Nudus inopsque domum redeam, te vate, neque illic
Aut apotheca procis intacta est aut pecus; atqui
Et genus et virtus nisi cum re vilior alga est.”
** Quando pauperiem, missis ambagibus, horres,
Accipe qua ratione queas ditescere. Turdus 10
Sive aliud privum dabitur tibi, devolet illuc
Res ubi magna mitet domino sene ; dulcia poma
Et quoscunque feret cultus tibi fundus honores
Ante Larem gustet venerabilior Lare dives ;
Qui quamvis perjurus erit, sine gente, cruentus 15°
Sanguine fraterno, fugitivus, ne tamen illi
Tu comes exterior si postulet ire recuses.”
** Utne tegam spurco Damae latus ? Haud ita Trojae
Me gessi certans semper melioribus.” “ Ergo
Pauper eris.” “ Fortem hoc animum tolerare jubebo ; 20
Et quondam majora tuli. Tu protinus unde
Divitias aerisque ruam dic, augur, acervos.”
** Dixi equidem et.dico: eaptes astutus ubique
Testamenta senum, neu, si vafer unus et alter
Insidiatorem praeroso fugerit hamo, * 25
Aut spem deponas aut artem illusus omittas.
Magna minorve foro si res certabitur olim,
Vivet uter locuples sine natis, improbus, ultro
Qui meliorem audax vocet in jus, illius esto
Defensor; fama civem causaque priorem 30
Sperne, domi si natus erit fecundave conjux.
Quinte, puta, aut Publi, (gaudent praenomine molles
Auriculae,) tibi me virtus tua fecit amicum ;
Jus anceps novi, causas defendere possum;
Eripiet quivis oculos citius mihi, quam te 3$
Contemptum cassa nuce pauperet; haec mea cura est,
170 SATIRARUM
Ne quid tu perdas neu sis jocus. Ire domum atque
�
Pelliculam curare jube ; fi cognitor ; ipse
Persta atque obdura, seu rubra Canicula fimdet
Infantes statuas, seu pingui temtus omaso
Purius hibernas cana nive conspuet Alpes.
Nonne vides, aliquis cubito stantem prope tangens
Inquiet, ut patiens, ut amicis aptus, ut acer ?
Plures adnabunt thunni et cetaria crescent.
Si cui praeterea validus male filius in re
IPraeclara sublatus aletur, ne manifestum
Caelibis obsequium nudet te, leniter in spem
Adrepe officiosus, ut et scribare secundus
Heres et, si quis casus puerum egerit Orco,
In vacuum venias: perraro haec alea fallit.
Qui testamentum tradet tibi cunque legendum,
Abnuere et tabulas a te removere memento,
Sic tamen ut limis rapias quid prima secundo
Cera velit versu ; solus multisme coheres,
Veloci percurre oculo. Plerumque recoctus
Scriba ex quinqueviro corvum deludet hiantem,
Captatorque dabit risus Nasica Corano.**
** Num furis ? an prudens ludis me obscura canendo?”
** O Laërtiade, quidquid dicam aut erit aut mon :
Divinare etenim magnus mihi donat Apollo.”
** Quid tamen ista, velit sibi fabula, si licet, ede.”
** Tempore quo juvenis Parthis horrendus, ab alto
Demissum genus Aenea, tellure marique .
Magnus erit, forti nubet procera Corano
Eilia Nasicae metuentis reddere soldum.
Tum gener hoc faciet: tabulas socero dabit atque
Ut legat orabit ; multum Nasica negatas
Accipiet tandem et tacitus leget, invenietque
INil sibi legatum praeter plorare suisque.
Illud ad haec jubeo: mulier si forte dolosa
Libertusve senem delirum temperet, illis
Accedas socius ; laudes, lauderis ut absens.
Adjuvat hoc quoque, sed vincit longe prius ipsum
Expugnare caput. Scribet mala carmina vecors:
Laudato. Scortator erit : cave te roget; ultro
Penelopam facilis potiori trade.” “ Putasne ?
•
70
LIB. II. SAT. V.
17 1
Perduci poterit tam frugi tamque pudica,
Quam nequiere proci recto depellere cursu?”
“ Venit enim magnum donandi parca juventus,
Nec tantum veneris, quantum studiosa culinae.
Sic tibi Penelope frugi est, quae si semel uno
De sene gustarit tecum partita lucellum,
Ut canis a corio nunquam absterrebitur uncto.
Me sene quod dicam factum est : anus improba Thebis
Ex testamento sic est elata: cadaver
Unctum oleo largo nudis humeris tulit heres,
Scilicet elabi si posset mortua; credo
Quod nimium institerat viventi. Cautus adito:
Neu desis operae neve immoderatus abundes.
Difficilem et morosum offendet garrulus ultro;
Non etiam sileas. Davus sis comicus atque
Stes capite obstipo, multum similis metuenti.
Obsequio grassare ; mone, si increbuit aura,
Cautus uti velet carum caput ; extrahe turba
Oppositis humeris ; aurem substringe loquaci.
Importunus amat laudari; donec Ohe jam !
Ad caelum manibus sublatis dixerit, urge,
Crescentem tumidis infla sermonibus utrem.
Cum te servitio longo curaque levarit, -
Et certum vigilans, QUARTAE SIT PARTIS ULIXES,
Audieris, HEREs: Ergo nunc Dama sodalis -
Nusquam est ? Unde mihi tam fortem tamque fidelem ?
Sparge subinde, et, si paulum potes, illacrimare : est
Gaudia prodentem voltum celare. Sepulcrum
Permissum arbitrio sime sordibus exstrue ; funus
Egregie factum laudet vicinia. Si quis
Forte coheredum senior male tussiet, huic tu
Dic, ex parte tua seu fundi sive domus sit
Emptor, gaudentem nummo te addicere. Sed me
Imperiosa trahit Proserpina; vive valeque.”
ßß
100
105
110
172 SATIRARUM
SATIR. A VI.
Hoc erat in votis: modus agri non ita magnus,
Hortus ubi et tecto vicinus jugis aquae fons
Et paulum silvae super his foret. Auctius atque
Di melius fecere. Bene est. Nil amplius oro,
Maia mate, nisi ut propria haec mihi munera faxis.
Si neque majorem feci ratione mala rem
- Nec sum facturus vitio culpave minorem ;
Si veneror stultus mihil horum : “ O si angulus ille
Proximus accedat qui nunc denormat agellum !
O si urnam argenti fors quae mihi mofistret, ut illi
Thesauro invento qui mercenarius agrum
Illum ipsum mercatus aravit, dives amico
Hercule ! ** si quod adest gratum juvat, hac prece te oro :
Pingue pecus domino facias et cetera praeter
Ingenium, utque soles custos mihi maximus adsis.
Ergo ubi me in montes et in arcem ex urbe removi,
Quid prius illustrem satiris musaque pedestri ?
Nec mala me ambitio perdit nec plumbeus Auster
Auctumnusque gravis, Libitinae quaestus acerbae..
Matutime pater, seu Jane libentius audis,
Unde homines operum primos vitaeque labores
Instituunt, sic dis placitum, tu carminis esto
Principium. Romae sponsorem me rapis. Eja,
Ne prior officio quisquam respondeat, urge.
Sive Aquilo radit terras seu bruma nivalem
Interiore diem gyro trahit, ire necesse est.
Pòstmodo, quod mi obsit clare certumque locuto,
Luctandum in turba et facienda injuria tardis.
“ Quid vis, insane, et quas res agis?” improbus urget
Iratis precibus ; ** tu pulses omne quod obstat,
Ad Maecenatem memori si mente recurras ? **
' Hoc juvat et melli est; non mentiar. At simul atras
Ventum est Esquilias aliena negotia centum
Per caput et circa saliunt latus. ** Ante secundam
Roscius orabat sibi adesses ad Puteal cras.” -
“ De re communi scribae magna atque nova te
10
í5
ILIB. II. SAT. VI. 173
Orabant hodie meminisses, Quinte, reverti.”
“ Imprimat his cura Maecenas signa tabellis.”
Dixeris, ** Experiar: ** ** Si vis, potes,” addit et instat. -
Septimus octavo propior jam fugerit annus 4C
Ex quo Maecenas me coepit habere suorum ,
In numero ; dumtaxat ad hoc, quem tollere rheda
Vellet iter faciens et cui concredere nugas
Hoc genus: “ Hora quota est? Thrax est Gallina Syro par ?
Matutina parum cautos jam frigora mordent;” 45
Et quae rimosa bene deponuntur in aure.
Per totum hoc tempus subjectior in diem et horam
Invidiae noster. Ludos spectaverat uma,
Luserat in Campo : Fortunae filius ! omnes.
Frigidus a Rostris manat per compita rumor: 50
Quicumque obvius est me consulit: ** O bone, nam te
Scire deos quoniam propius contingis oportet;
Numquid de Dacis audisti ?** ** Nil equidem.** ** Ut tu
Semper eris derisor!” “ At omnes di exagitent me
Si quidquam.” “ Quid, militibus promissa Triquetra 55
Praedia Caesar am est Itala tellure daturus ? **
Jurantem me scire nihil mirantur ut unum
Scilicet egregii mortalem altique silenti.
Perditur haec inter misero lux non sine votis:
rus, quando ego te adspiciam ? quandoque licebit 60
Nunc veterum libris, nunc somno et inertibus horis
Ducere sollicitae jucunda oblivia vitae?
quando faba Pythagorae cognata simulque
Uncta satis pingui pomentur oluscula lardo ?
noctes coenaeque deumJ}quibus ipse meique 65
Ante Larem proprium vesgor vernasque procaces
Pasco libatis dapibus. Prout cuique libido est
Siccat inaequales calices conviva, solutus
Legibus insanis, seu quis capit acria fortis
Pocula seu modicis uvescit laetius. Ergo 7{}
Sermo oritur, non de villis domibusve alienis,
Nec male necne Lepos saltet ; sed quod magis ad nos
Pertinet et nescire malum est agitamus: utrumne
Divitiis homines am sint virtute beati ;
Quidve ad amicitias, usus rectumne, trahat nos ; '75
Et quae sit natura b9fi summumque quid ejus.
174 SATIRARUM
Cervius haec inter vicinus garrit aniles
Ex re fabellas. Si quis nam laudat Arelli
Sollicitas ignarus opes, sic incipit: “ Olim
Rusticus urbanum murem mus paupere fertur
Accepisse cavo, veterem vetus hospes amicum,
Asper et attentus quaesitis, ut tamen artum
Solveret hospitiis animum. Quid multa ? neque ille
Sepositi ciceris nec longae invidit avenae,
Aridum et ore ferens acimum semesaque lardi
Erusta dedit, cupiens varia fastidia coena
Vincere tangentis male singula dente superbo ;
Cum pater, ipse domus palea porrectus in horna
Esset ador loliumque, dapis meliora relinquens.
Tandem urbanus ad hunc: “ Quid te juvat,' inquit, * am
Praerupti memoris patientem vivere dorso ?
Vis tu homines urbemque feris praeponere silvis ?
Carpe viam, mihi crede, comes;ferrestria quando
Mortales animas vivunt sortita, fieque ulla est
Aut magno aut parvo leti fuga: quo, bone, circa,
Dum licet in rebus jucundis vive beatus ;
Vive memor quam sis aevi brevis.~] Haec ubi dicta
Agrestem. pepulere domo levis exsilit ; inde
Ambo propositum peragunt iter, urbis aventes
Moeniâ nocturni subrepere. Jamque tenebat
Nox medium caeli spatium cum ponit uterque
In locuplete domo vestigia, rubro ubi cocco. ,
Tincta super lectos canderet vestis eburnos,
Multaque de magna superessent fercula coena,
Quae procul exstructis inerant hesterna canistris.
Ergo ubi purpurea porrectum in veste locavit
Agrestem, veluti succinctus cursitat hospes
Continuatque dapes nec non verniliter ipsis
Pungitur officiis, praelambens omne quod affert.
Ille cubans gaudet mutata sorte bonisque
Rebus agit laetum convivam, cum subito ingens
Valvarum strepitus lectis excussit utrumque.
Currere per totum pavidi conclave, magisque
Exanimes trepidare, simul domus alta Molossis
Personuit canibus. Tum rusticus: * Haud mihi vita
Est opus hac,' ait, * et valeas; me silva cavusque
Tutus ab insidiis tenui solabitur ervo.??? y.
ice, 90
100
+
y^/ •
1 10
115,
I,IB. II. SAT. VII. 175
SATIRA VII.
** JAMDUDUM ausculto et cupiens tibi dicere servus
Pauca reformido.” “ Davusne?” “ Ita, Davus, amicum
M[ancipium domino et frugi quod sit satis, hoc est,
Ut vitale putes.” “Age, libertate Decembri,
Quando ita majores voluerunt, utere ; narra.” â
“ Pars hominum vitiis gaudet constanter et urget
Propositum; pars multa natat, modo recta capessens,
Interdum pravis obnoxia. Saepe notatus
Cum tribus amnellis, modo laeva Priscus inani,
Vixit inaequalis, clavum ut mutaret in horas, 10
Aedibus ex magnis subito se conderet, unde
Mundior exiret vix libertimus honeste ;
Jam moechus Romae, jam mallet doctus Athenis
Vivere, Vertumnis, quotquot sunt, natus iniquis.
Scurra Volamerius, postquam illi justa cheragra 15
Contudit articulos, qui pro se tolleret, atque
Mitteret in phimum talos, mercede diurna
Conductum pavit ; quanto constantior isdem
In vitiis, tanto levius miser ac prior illo,
Qui jam contento, jam laxo fune laborat.” 20
** Non dices hodie, quorsum haec tam putida tendant,
Rurcifer ? ** ** Ad te, inquam.” “ Quo pacto, pessime?”
** Laudas -
Portunam et mores antiquae plebis, et idem
Si quis ad illa deus subito te agat usque recuses,
Aut quia non sentis quod clamas rectius esse, 2;»
Aut quia non firmus rectum defendis, et haeres
Nequicquam coeno cupiens evellere plantam.
Romae rus optas, absentem rusticus urbem
Tollis ad astra levis. Si nusquam es forte vocatus
Ad coenam laudas securum olus ac, velut usquam 30
Vimetus eas, ita te felicem dicis amasque -
Quod nusquam tibi sit potandum. Jusserit ad se
Maecenas serum sub lumina prima venire
Convivam: * Nemom oléum fert ocius ? Ecquis
Audit ?” cum magno blateras clamore fugisque. 3;
Mulvius et scurrae tibi non referenda precati
176 SATIRARUM
Discedunt. Etenim fateor me, dixerit ille,
Duci ventre levem, masum nidore supinor,
Imbecillus, iners, si quid vis adde popino.
Tu,cum sis quod ego et fortassis nequior, ultro
Insectere velut melior verbisque decoris
Obvolvas vitium ? Quid, si me stultior ipso
Quingentis emto drachmis deprenderis ? Aufer
Me vultu terrere ; manum stomachumque teneto,
IDum, quae Crispini docuit me janitor edo.
Te conjux aliena capit, meretricula Davum :
Peccat uter nostrum cruce dignius ? Acris ubi me
Natura intendit, sub clara nuda lucerna
Quaecumque excepit turgentis verbera caudae,
Clunibus aut agitavit equum lasciva supinum,
Difmittit neque famosum neque sollicitum me
Ditior aut formae melioris meiat eodem.
Tu cum projectis insignibus, annulo equestri
Romanoque habitu, prodis ex judice Dama
Turpis, odoratum caput obscurante lacerna,
Nön es quod simulas ? Metuens induceris, atque
Altercante libidinibus tremis ossa pavore.
Quid refert uri, virgis ferroque necari
Auctoratus eas, an turpi clausus in arca,
Quo te demisit peccati conscia herilis,
Contractum genibus tangas eaput ? Estne marito
Matronae peccantis in ambo justâ potestas ?
In corruptorem vel justior ? Illa tamen se
Non habitu mutatve loco, peccatve superne.
Cum te formidet mulier neque credat amanti,
Ibis sub furcam prudens, dominoque furenti
Committes rem omnem et vitam et cum corpore famam.
Evasti, credo metues doctusque cavebis ;
Quaeres quando iterum paveas iterumque perire
Possis, o toties servus ! Quae bellua ruptis,
Cum semel effugit, reddit se prava catenis ?
Non sum moechus ais. Neque ego hercule fur ubi vasa
JPraetereo sapiens argentea: tolle periclum,
Jam vaga prosiliet frenis natura remotis.
Tune mihi dominus, rerum imperiis hominumque
Tot tantisque minor, quem ter vindicta quaterque
40
50
60
7G
. LIB. II. SAT. VII. 177
Imposita haud unquam misera formidine privet ?
Adde super dictis quod non levius valeat: nam
Sive vicarius est qui servo paret, uti mos
Vester ait, seu conservus ; tibi quid sum ego ? Nempe 80
Tu mihi qui imperitas alii servis miser atque
Duceris ut mervis alienis mobile lignum.
Quisnam igitur liber ? Sapiens sibi qui imperiosus,
Quem neque pauperies neque mors neque vincula terrent,
Responsare cupidinibus, contemnere honores 85
Portis, et in se ipso totus, teres, atque rotundus,
Externi ne quid valeat per leve morari,
In quem manca ruit semper fortuma. Potesne
Ex his ut proprium quid noscere ? Quinque talenta
Poscit te mulier, vexat foribusque repulsum 90
Perfumdit gelida, rursus vocat; eripe turpi
Colla jugo ; Liber, liber sum, dic age. Non quis;
Urget enim domimus memtem non lenis et acres
Subjectat lasso stimulos versatque negantem.
Vel gum Pausiaca torpes, insane, tabella, ' 95
Qui peccas minus atque ego, cum Fulvi Rutubaeque
Aut Pacideiami contento poplite miror
IProelia rubrica picta aut carbone, velut si
IRe vera pugnent, feriant, vitentque moventes •
Arma viri ? Nequam et cessator Davus ; at ipse 100
Subtilis veterum judex et callidus audis.
Nil ego si ducor libo fumamte : tibi. ingens
Virtus atque animus coenis responsat opimis
Obsequium ventris mihi perniciosius est cur ? ·*
Tergo plector enim. Qui tu impunitior illa ]
Quae parvo sumi nequeunt obsonia captas ?
Nempe inamarescunt epulae sine fine petitae.
Illusique pedes vitiosum ferre recusant
Corpus. An hic peccat, sub noctem qui puer uvam
Purtiva mutat strigili: qui praedia vendit, 110
Nil servile gulae parens habet ? Adde, quod idem
Non horam tecum esse potes, non otia recte
Ponere, teque ipsum vitas, fugitivus et erro,
Jam vino quaerens, jam somno fallere curam :
Frustra ; nam comes atra premit sequiturque fugacem.” 115
“ Unde mihi lapidem ?** — ** Quorsum est opus ?** —“ Unde .
sagittas?” •
05
178.
SATIRARUM
*• Aut insanit homo aut versus facit.” “ Ocius hinc te
Ni rapis, accedes opera agro nona Sabino.”
S A T I R. A VIII.
6* UT Nasidiemi juvit te coena beati ?
Nam mihi quaerenti convivam dictus here illic
De medio potare die.”
In vita fuerit melius.”
Quae prima iratum ventrem placaverit esca.”
** In primis Lucamus aper ; leni fuit Austro
Captus, ut aiebat coenae pater ; acria circum
Rapula, lactucae, radices, qualia lassum
IPervellunt stomachum, siser, allee, faecula Coa.
His ubi sublatis puer alte cinctus acernam
Gausape purpureo mensam pertersit, et alter
Sublegit quodcumque jaceret inutile quodque
IPosset coenantes offendere ; ut Attica virgo
Cum sacris Cereris procedit fuscus Hydaspes
Caecuba vima ferens, Alcon Chium maris expers.
Hic herus: Albanum, Maecenas, sive Falernum
Te magis appositis delectat, habemus utrumque.”
** Divitias miseras!
** Summus ego et prope me Viscus Thurinus et infra
** Sic ut mihi nunquam
** Da, si grave non est,
Sed quis coenantibus una,
Fundani, pulchre fuerit tibi, nosse laboro.”
Si memini Varius ; cum Servilio Balatrone
Vibidius, quas Maecenas adduxerat umbras.
Nomentanus erat super ipsum, Porcius infra
Ridiculus totas semel obsorbere placentas ;
Nomentanus ad hoc, qui si quid forte lateret
Indice monstraret digito: nam cetera turba,
Nos, inquam, coenamus aves, conchylia, pisces,
Longe dissimilem noto celantia succum ; •
Ut vel continuo patuit, cum passeris atque
Ingustata, mihi porrexerat ilia rhombi. {χΆ.
j
IPost hoc me docuit melimela rubere minorem
Ad lunam delecta.
Quid hoc intersit ab ipso
A} Y
10
15
20
LIB. II. SAT. VIII. 179
Audieris melius. Tum Vibidius Balatroni :
Nos nisi damnose bibimus moriemur inulti:
Et calices poscit majores. Vertere pallor 3j
Tum parochi faciem nil sic metuentis ut acres
Potores, vel quod male dicunt liberius vel
Eervida quod subtile exsurdant vina palatum.
Invertunt Allifanis vinaria tota
Vibidius Balatroque, secutis omnibus ; imi 40
Convivae lecti nihilum nocuere lagenis.
Affertur squillâ§*ifitér muraena matantes
In patina porrecta. Sub hoc herus: “ Haec gravida,' inquit,
* Capta est, deterior post partum carne futura. -
His mixtum jus est : oleo quod prima Venafri }
Pressit cella ; garo de succis piscis Hiberi;
Vino quinquenni, verum citra mare nato,
Dum coquitur — cocto Chium sic convenit, ut non
Hoc magis ullum aliud ; — pipere albo, non sine aceto, .
Quod Methymnaeam vitio mutaverit uvam. 50
Erucas virides, inulas ego primus amaras
Monstravi incoquere ; inlutos Curtillus echimos,
Ut melius muria quod testa marina remittat.'
Interea suspensa graves aulaea ruinas
In patinam fecere, trahentia pulveris atri $$
Quantum non Aquilo Campanis excitat agris.
Nos majus veriti postquam nihil esse pericli
Sensimus erigimur. Rufus posito capite, ut si
Eilius immaturus obisset, flere. Quis esset
Einis ni sapiens sic Nomentanus amicum 60
Tolleret: Y Heu, Fortuna, quis est crudelior in nos
Te deus? TJt semper gaudes illudere rebus
Humanis! ' jvarius mappa cQmpesgere risum
Vix poterat. Balatro suspendensTomnia naso,
? Haec est condicio vivendijTaiebat, * eoque • ôù
{esponsura tuo nunquam èst par fama labori.
Tene ut ego accipiar laute torquerier omni
Sollicitudine districtum, ne panis adustus,
Ne male conditum jus apponatur, ut omnes
Praecincti recte pueri comptique ministrent! 70
Adde hos praeterea casus, aulaea ruant si
Ut modo ; si patinam pede lapsus frangat agaso.
45
180 SATIRARUM LIB. II. SAT. VIII.
Sed convivatoris uti ducis ingenium res
Adversae nudare solent, celare secundae.*
Nasidienus ad haec : * Tibi di quaecumque preeeris
Commoda dent! Ita vir bonus es convivaque comis.
Et soleas poscit. ' Tum in lecto quoque videres
Stridere secreta divisos aure susurros.”
** Nullos his mallem ludos spectasse ; sed illa
Redde age quae deinceps risisti.** ** Vibidius dum
Quaerit de pueris num sit quoque fracta lagena,
Quod sibi poscenti non dantur pocula, dumque
Ridetur fictis rerum Balatrone secundo,
Nasidiene, redis mutatae frontis, ut arte,
Emendaturus fortunam ; deinde secuti
Mazonomo pueri magno discerpta ferentes
Membra gruis sparsi sale multo, non sine farre ;
Pinguibus et ficis pastum jecur anseris albae
Et leporum avolsos, ut multo, suavius, armos,
Quam si cum lumbis quis edit ; tum pectore adusto
Vidimus et merulas pomi et sine clune palumbes,
Suaves res, si nom causas narraret earum et
Naturas dominus ; quem nos sic fugimus ulti,
Ut nihil omnino gustaremus, velut illis
Canidia afflasset pejor serpentibus Afris.”
»
80
Q. HORATII FLACCI
E P I s T o L A R U M
LIBER PRIMUs.
———•-
IE P I S T O L A I.
IPRIMA dicte mihi, summa dicende Camena,
Spectatum satis et donatum jam rude quaeris,
Maecenas, iterum antiquo me includere ludo.
Non eadem est aetas, non mens. Veianius armis
Herculis ad postem fixis latet abditus agro,
Ne populum extrema toties exoret arena.
Est mihi purgatam crebro qui personet aurem :
Solve senescentem mature sanus equum, ne
Peccet ad extremum ridendus et ilia ducat. - •
Nunc itaque et versus et cetera ludicra pono, I0
Quid verum atque decens curo et rogo, et omnis in hoc sum; -
Condo et compono quae mox depromere possim.
Ac ne forte roges quo me duce, quo lare tuter,
Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri
Quo me cumque rapit tempestas, deferor hospes. 15
Nunc agilis fio et mersor civilibus undis,
Virtutis verae custos rigidusque satelles ;
Nunc in Aristippi furtim praecepta relabor,
Et mihi res non me rebus subjungere conor.
Ut nox longa quibus mentitur amica, diesque 20
Longa videtur opus debentibus, ut piger annus »
Pupillis quos dura premit custodia matrum ;
182 EPISTOLARUM
Sic mihi tarda fluunt ingrataque tempora, quae spem
Consiliumque morantur agendi naviter id quod
Aeque pauperibus prodest, locupletibus aeque,
Aeque neglectum pueris senibusque nocebit.
Restat, ut his ego me ipse regam solerque elementis.
Non possis oculo quantum contendere Lynceus,
Non tamen idcirco contemnas lippus inungi;
Nec quia desperes invicti membra Glyconis,
INodosa corpus nolis prohibere cheragra.
Est quadam prodire tenus si non datur ultra.
Eervet avaritia, miseroque cupidine pectus,
Sunt verba et voces quibus hunc lenire dolorem
Possis et magnam morbi deponere partem.
Laudis amore tumes, sunt certa piacula quae te
Ter pure lecto poterunt recreare libello.
Invidus, iracundus, iners, vinosus, amator,
Nemo adeo ferus est ut non mitescere possit,
Si modo culturae patientem commodet aurem.
Virtus est vitium fugere et sapientia prima
Stultitia caruisse. Vides quae maxima credis
IEsse mala, exiguum censum turpemque repulsam,
Quanto devites animi capitisque labore.
Impiger extremos curris mercator ad Imdos,
IPer mare pauperiem fugiens, per saxa, per ignes:
Ne cures ea quae stulte miraris et optas
Discere, et audire, et meliori credere non vis ?
Quis circum pagos et circum compita pugnax
Magna coronari contemnat Olympia, cui spes,
Cui sit condicio dulcis sine pulvere palmae ?
Vilius argentum est auro, virtutibus aurum.
** O cives, cives, quaerenda pecunia*primum est;
Virtus post nummos.” Haec Janus summus ab imo
Perdocet, haec recinunt juvenes dictata senesque,
Laevo suspensi loculos tabulamque lacerto.
Est animus tibi, sunt mores et lingua fidesque ;
Sed quadringentis sex septem milia desunt,
IPlebs eris. At pueri ludentes, ** Rex eris,” aiunt,
** Si recte facies.” Hic murus aëneus esto,
Nil conscire sibi, nulla pallescere culpa.
Roscia, dic sodes, melior lex an puerorum est
30
40;
55
LIB. I. EPIST. I. 18:}
• Nenia, quae regnum recte facientibus offert,
Et maribus Curiis et decantata Camillis ?
Isne tibi melius suadet qui rem facias, rem, 65
Si possis recte, si non quocunque modo rem,
Ut propius spectes lacrimosa poëmata Pupi,
Am qui Fortunae te responsare superbae
Liberum et erectum praesens hortatur et aptat?
Quodsi me populus Romanus forte roget, cur 70
Non ut porticibus sic judiciis fruar isdem,
Nec sequar aut fugiam quae diligit ipse vel odit,
Olim quod vulpes aegroto cauta leoni •
Respondit referam : Quia me vestigia terrent,
Omnia te adversum spectantia, nulla retrorsum. 75
Eelua multorum es capitum. Nam quid sequar aut quem ?
Ears hominum gestit conducere publica, sunt qui
Crustis et pomis viduas venentur avaras,
Excipiantque semes quos in vivaria mittant ;
Multis occulto crescit res femore. Verum 80
|Esto aliis alios rebus studiisque teneri : •
Idem eadem possunt horam durare probanteg?
Nullus in orbe sinus Baiis praelucet amoenis,
Si dixit dives, lacus et mare sentit amorem
Festinantis heri ; cui si vitiosa libido 85
Eecerit auspicium, ** Cras ferramenta Teanum
Tolletis, fabri.** Lectus genialis in aula est,
Nil ait esse prius, melius nil caelibe vita;
Si non est jurat bene solis esse maritis.
Quo teneam vultus mutantem Protea modo ? 90
Quid pauper ? Ride: mutat coenacula, lectos,
Ealnea, tonsores, conducto navigio aeque
Nauseat ac locuples quem ducit priva triremis.
Si curatus inaequali tonsore capillos
Occurri, rides; si forte subucula pexae 95
Trita subest tunicae vel si toga dissidet impar, .
Rides: quid, mea cum pugnat sententia secum,
Quòd petiit spernit, repetit quod nuper omisit,
Aestuat et vitae disconvenit ordine toto,
Diruit, aedificat, mutat quadrata rotundis ? 100
Insanire putas sollemnia me neque rides, -
Nec medici credis nec curatoris egere
184 EPISTOLARUM
A praetore dati, rerum tutela mearum
Cum sis et prave sectum stomacheris ób unguem
De te pendentis, te respicientis amici. . 105
Ad summam: sapiens uno minor est Jove, dives,
Liber, honoratus, pulcher, rex denique regum ;
Praecipue sanus, nisi cum pituita molesta est.
E P I s T o LA II.
TROJANI belli scriptorem, maxime Lolli,
Dum tu declamas Romae Praeneste relegi ;
Qui quid sit pulchrum, quid turpe, quid utile, quid non,
Planius ac melius Chrysippo et Crantore dicit.
Cur ita crediderim, nisi quid te detinet audi. 5
Fabula qua Paridis propter narratur amorem
Graecia Barbariae lento collisa duello
Stultorum regum et populorum continet aestus.
Antenor censét felli praecidere caussam: « ò
Quid Paris ? Ut salvus regnet vivatque beatus 10}
Cogi posse megat. Nestor componere lites
Inter Pelidem festinat et inter Atridem:
Hunc amor, ira quidem communiter urit utrumque.
Quidquid delirant reges plectuntur Achivi.
Seditione, dolis, scelere atque libidine et ira 15
Iliacos intra muros peccatur et extra.
ERursus quid virtus et quid sapientia possit
Utile proposuit nobis exemplar Ulixen,
Qui domitor Trojae multorum providus urbes
Et mores hominum inspexit, latumque per aequor, 20
Dum sibi dum sociis reditum parat, aspera multa
J'ertulit adversis rerum immersabilis undis.
Sirenum voces et Circae pocula nosti ;
Quae si cum sociis stultus cupidusque bibisset,
Sub domina meretrice fuisset turpis et excors, 25
Vixisset canis immundus vel amica luto sus. -
Nos numerus sumus et fruges consumere nati,
Sponsi Penelopae, nebulones, Alcinoique
ILIB. I. EPIST. II.
185
In cute curanda plus aequo operata juventus,
Cui pulchrum fuit in medios dormire dies et
Ad strepitum citharae cessatum ducere curam.
Ut jugulent homines surgunt de nocte latrones:
Ut te ipsum serves non expergisceris ? Atqui
Si moles sanus curres hydropicus ; et ni
Posces ante diem librum cum lumine, si non
Intendes animum studiis et rebus honestis,
Invidia vel amore vigil torquebere. Nam cur
Quae laedunt oculos festinas demere, si quid
Est animum differs curandi tempus in annum ?
Dimidium facti qui coepit habet: sapere aude;
Incipe. Qui recte vivendi prorogat horam
Rusticus exspectat dum defluat amnis ; at ille
Labitur et labetur in omne volubilis aevum.
Quaeritur argentum puerisque beata creandis
Uxor, et incultae pacantur vomere silvae:
Quod satis est cui contingit nil amplius optet.
Non domus et fundus, mom aeris acervus et auri
Aegroto domini deduxit corpore febres, .
Non animo curas. Valeat possessor oportet
Si comportatis rebus bene cogitat uti.
Qui cupit aut metuit juvat illum sic domus et res
Ut lippum pictae tabulae, fomenta podagram,
Auriculas citharae collecta sorde dolentes.
Sincerum est nisi vas quodcumque infundis acescit.
Sperne voluptates, nocet empta dolore voluptas.
Semper avarus eget: certum voto pete finem.
Invidus alterius macrescit rebus opimis:
Invidia Siculi non invenere tyranni
Majus tormentum. Qui non moderabitur irae
Infectum volet esse, dolor quod suaserit et mens,
IDum poenas odio per vim festinat inulto.
Ira furor brevis est : animum rege, qui nisi paret
Imperat: hunc frenis, hunc tu compesce catena.
Pingit equum tenera docilem cervice magister
Ire viam, qua monstret eques; venaticus, ex quo
Tempore cervinam pellem latravit in aula,
Militat in silvis catulus. Nunc adbibe puro
Pectore verba, puer, nunc te melioribus offer. *
30
40

16 *
186 - EPISTOLARUM
Quo semel est imbuta recens servabit odorem
Testa diu. Quodsi cessas aut strenuus anteis, - *0
Nec tardum opperior nec praecedentibus insto.
E P I S T O L A III.
JULI FLORE, quibus terrarum militet oris
Claudius Augusti privignus, scire laboro.
Thracane vos Hebrusque nivali compede vinctus,
An freta vicinas inter currentia turres,
An pingues Asiae campi collesque morantur ? 5
Quid studiosa cohors operum struit ? Hoc quoque curo.
Quis sibi res gestas Augusti scribere sumit?
IBella quis et paces longum diffundit in aevum?
Quid Titius Romana brevi venturus in ora ?
Pindarici fontis qui non expalluit haustus, 1{)
Fastidire lacus et rivos ausus apertos ?
Ut valet ? ut meminit nostri ? Fidibusne Latinis
Thebanos aptare modos studet auspice Musa,
An tragica desaevit et ampullatur in arte ?
Quid mihi Celsus agit ? monitus multumque monendus 15
IPrivatas ut quaerat opes, et tangere vitet
Scripta Palatinus quaecunque recepit Apollo,
Ne si forte suas repetitum venerit olim
Grex avium plumas moveat cornicula risum
Eurtivis nudata coloribus ? Ipse quid audes ? 20
Quae circumvolitas agilis thyma ? Non tibi parvum
Ingenium, non incultum est et turpiter hirtum.
Seu linguam caussis acuis seu civica jura
Respondere paras seu condis amabile carmen,
JPrima feres hederae victricis praemia. Quodsi 25
Erigida curarum fomenta relinquere posses
Quo te caelestis sapientia duceret ires.
Hoc opus, hoc studium parvi properemus et ampli
Si patriae volumus, si nobis vivere cari.
Debes hoc etiam rescribere, si tibi curae 30)
Quantae conveniat Munatius; an male sarta

LIB. I. EPIST. V. 187
Gratia nequicquam coit et rescinditur At vos
Seu calidus sanguis seu rerum inscitia vexat
Indomita cervice feros, ubicunque locorum
Vivitis, indigni fraternum rumpere foedus, &;
Pascitur in vestrum reditum votiva juvenca.
EPIS T O L A IV.
ALBI, nostrorum $ermonum candide judex,
Quid nunc te dicam facere in regione Pedana?
Scribere quod Cassi Parmensis opuscula vincat,
An tacitum silvas inter reptare salubres,
Curantem quidquid dignum sapiente bonoque est? 8)
Non tu corpus eras sine pectore. Di tibi formam,
Di tibi divitias dederunt artemque fruendi.
Quid voveat dulci nutricula majus alumno,
Qui sapere et fari possit quae sentiat, et cui
Gratia, fama, valetudo contingat abunde, 10
Et mundus vietus non deficiente crumena ?
Inter spem curamque, timores inter et iras,
Omnem crede diem tibi diluxisse supremum :
Grata superveniet quae non sperabitur hora.
Me pinguem et nitidum bene curata cute vises 15
Cum ridere voles Epicuri de grege porcum.
EPISTOLA V.
SI potes Archiacis conviva recumbere lectis
Nec modica coenare times olus omne patella,
Supremo te sole domi, Torquate, manebo.
Vina bibes iterum Tauro diffusa palustres
Inter Minturnas Sinuessanumque Petrinum. 5
Si melius quid habes, arcesse vel imperium fer.
Jamdudum splendet focus et tibi munda supellex.
188 EPISTOLARUM
Mitte leves spes et certamina divitiarum
Et Moschi causam : cras nato Caesare festus
Dat veniam somnumque dies ; impune licebit 16
Aestivam sermone benigno tendere noctem.
Quo mihi fortunam si non conceditur uti?
IParcus ob heredis curam nimiumque severus
Assidet insano ; potare et spargere flores •
Incipiam, patiarque vel inconsultus haberi. 1S .
Quid non ebrietas designat ? Operta recludit,
Spes jubet esse ratas, ad proelia trudit inertem ;
Sollicitis animis onus eximit, addocet artes,
Eecundi calices quem non fecere disertum ?
Contracta quem non in paupertate solutum ? 20
Haec ego procurare et idoneus imperor et non
Invitus, ne turpe toral, ne sordida mappa
Corruget mares, ne nom et cantharus et lanx
Ostendat tibi te, ne fidos inter amicos
Sit qui dicta foras eliminet, ut coëat par 93
Jungaturque pari. Butram tibi Septiciumque,
Et nisi coena prior potiorque puella Sabinum
IDetinet, assumam; locus est et pluribus “umbris:
Sed nimis arta premunt olidae convivia caprae.
Tu quotus esse velis rescribe, et rebus omissis 30
Atria servantem postico falle clientem.
EPISTOLA VI.
NIL admirari prope res est una, Numici,
Solaque quae possit facere et servare beatum.
Hunc solem et stellas et decedentia certis
Tempora momentis sunt qui formidine nulla
Imbuti speetent : quid censes munera terrae, 5
Quid maris extremos Arabas ditantis et Indos,
Ludicra quid, plausus et amici dona Quiritis ?
Quo spectanda modo, quo sensu credis et ore ?
Qui timet his adversa fere miratur eodem
Quo cupiens pacto; pavor est utrobique molestus, -10,
LIB. I. EPIST. VI. 189
Improvisa simul speëies exterret utrumque.
Gaudeat an doleat, cupiat metuatne, quid ad rem,
Si quidquid vidit melius pejusve sua spe A.
Defixis oculis animoque et corpore torpet?
Insani sapiens nomen ferat, aequus iniqui, ■*
Ultra quam satis est virtutem si petat ipsam.
I nunc, argentum et marmor vetus aeraque et artes
Suspice, cum gemmis Tyrios mirare colores ;
Gaude quod spectant oculi te mille loquentem ;
Navus mane forum et vespertinus pete tectum,
Ne plus frumenti dotalibus emetat agris
Mutus et, indignum quod sit, pejoribus ortus
Hic tibi sit potius quam tu mirabilis illi.
Quidquid sub terra est in apricum proferet aetas;
IDefodiet, condetque nitentia. Cum bene notum 925
Porticus Agrippae et via te conspexerit Appi,
Ire tamen restat Numa quo devenit et Ancus.
Si latus aut renes morbo tentantur acuto
Quaere fugam morbi. Vis recte vivere : quis non ?
Si virtus hoc una potest dare, fortis omissis 30
Hoc age deliciis. Virtutem verba putas ut
Lucum ligna: cave ne portus occupet alter,
Ne Cibyratica, ne Bithyna negotia perdas ;
Mille talenta rotundentur, totidem altera, porro et
Tertia succedant et quae pars quadret acervum. 35
Scilicet uxorem cum dote fidemque et amicos
Et genus et formam regina Pecunia donat,
Ac bene nummatum decorat Suadela Venusque.
Mancipiis locuples eget aeris Cappadocum rex :
Ne fueris hic tu. Chlamydes Lucullus, ut aiunt, 40
Si posset centum scenae praebere rogatus,
** Qui possum tot ?” ait ; ** tamen et quaeram et quot habebo
Mittam:* post paulo scribit sibi millia quinque
Esse domi chlamydum ; partem vel tolleret omnes.
Exilis domus est ubi non et multa supersunt
Et dominum fallunt et prosunt furibus. Ergo,
Si res sola potest facere et servare beatum,
Hoc primus repetas opus, hoc postremus omittas.
Si fortunatum species et gratia praestat,
Mercemur servum qui dictet nomina, laevum 50
320
45
190 - EPISTOLARUM
Qui fodicet latus et cogat trans pondera dextram
Porrigere. ** Hic multum in Fabia valet, ille Velina ;
Cui libet hic fasces dabit eripietque curule
Cui volet importunus ebur.” Frater, Pater, adde ;
Ut cuique est aetas ita quemque facetus adopta. 55
Si bene qui coenat bene vivit, lucet, eamus -
Quo ducit gula ; piscemur, venemur, ut olim
Gargilius, qui mane plagas, venabula, servos
Differtum transire forum populumque jubebat,
Unus ut e multis populo spectante referret 60
Emptum mulus aprum. Crudi tumidique lavemur,
Quid deceat, quid non, obliti, Caerite cera
Digni, remigium vitiosum Ithacensis Ulixei,
Cui potior patria fuit interdicta voluptas.
Si, Mimnermus uti censet, sine amore jocisque 65
Nil est jucundum, vivas in amore jocisque.
Vive, vale. Si quid novisti rectius istis
Candidus imperti; si non his utere mecum.
EPISTOLA VII.
QUINQUE dies tibi pollicitus me rure futurum,
Sextilem totum mendax desideror. Atqui
Si me vivere vis sanum recteque valentem,
Quam mihi das aegro dabis aegrotare timenti,
Maecenas, veniam, dum ficus prima calorque 6
Designatorem decorat lictoribus atris, -
Dum pueris omnis pater et matercula pallet,
Officiosaque sedulitas et opella forensis
Adducit febres et testamenta resignat. *.
Quodsi bruma nives Albanis illinet agris, 1Í]
Ad mare descendet vates tuus et sibi parcet
Contractusque leget ; te, dulcis amice, reviset
Cum Zephyris, si concedes, et hirundine prima.
Non quo more piris vesci Calaber jubet hospes
Tu me fecisti locupletem. “ Wescere sodes.” 1 •
** Jam satis est.” “At tu quantum vis tolle.” “ Benigne.*^
LIB. I. EPIST. VII
19]
“ Non invisa feres pueris munuscula parvis.”
** Tam teneor dono, quam si dimittar onustus.”
** Ut libet ; haec porcis hodie comedenda relinques.”
Prodigus et stultus donat quae spernit et odit ;
Haec seges ingratos tulit et feret omnibus annis.
Vir bonus et sapiens dignis ait esse paratus,
Nec tamen ignorat quid distent aera lupinis:
Dignum praestabo me etiam pro laude merentis.
Quodsi me noles usquam discedere, reddes
Eorte latus, nigros angusta fronte capillos,
Reddes dulce loqui, reddes ridere decorum et
Inter vina fugam Cinarae maerere protervae.
Porte per angustam tenuis vulpecula rimam
Repserat in cumeram frumenti, pastaque rursus
Ire foras pleno tendebat corpore frustra;
Cui mustela procul, ** Si vis,” ait, * effugere istinc,
Macra cavum repetes artum quem maera subisti.”
Hac ego si compellor imagine cuncta resigno;
Nec somnum plebis laudo satur altilium, nec
Otia divitiis Arabum liberrima muto.
Saepe verecundum laudasti, rexque paterque
Audisti coram, nec verbo parcius absens :
Inspice si possum donata reponere laetus.
Haud male Telemachus, proles patientis Ulixei:
** Non est aptus equis Ithace locus, ut neque planis
JPorrectus spatiis nec multae prodigus herbae ;
Atride, magis apta tibi tua dona relinquam.”
Parvum parva decent ; mihi jam non regia Roma,
Sed vacuum Tibur placet aut imbelle Tarentum.
Strenuus et fortis causisque Philippus agendis
Clarus ab officiis octavam circiter horam
Dum redit, atque Foro nimium distare Carinas
Jam grandis natu queritur, conspexit, ut aiunt,
Adrasum quendam vacua tonsoris in umbra
Cultello proprios purgantem leniter ungues.
** Demetri,” — puer hic non laeve jussa Philippi
Accipiebat — “abi, quaere et refer, unde domo, quis,
Cujus fortunae, quo sit patre quove patrono.”
It, redit et narrat, Volteium nomine. Menam,
Praeconem, tenui censu, sine crimine, notum
20 .
$0
40
45
50
19Z EPISTOI,ARUM
Et properare loco et cessare et quaerere et uti,
Gaudentem parvisque sodalibus ét lare certo
Et ludis et post deéisa negotia Campo.
“ Scitari libet ex ipso quodcumque refers; die 60
Ad coenam veniat.” Non sanè credere Mena,
Mirari secum tacitus. Quid multa? ** Benigne,”
Respondet. ** Neget ille mihi?” “ Negat improbus et te
Negligit aut horret.” Volteium mane Philippüs
Vilia vendentem tunicato scruta popello (i5
Occupat et salvere jubet prior. Ille Philippo
Excusare laborem et mercenaria vincla, .
Quod non mane domum venisset, denique quod non
Providisset eum. ** Sic ignovisse putâto •
Me tibi si coenas hodie mecum.” 3* Ut libet.” “ Ergo 70
Post nonam venies: nunc i, rem strenuus auge.”
Ut ventum ad coenam est, dicenda tacenda locutus
Tandem dormitum dimittitur. Hic ubi saepe .
Occultum visus decurrere piscis ad hamum
Mane cliens et jam certus conviva, jubetur 75
Rura suburbana indictis comes ire Latinis.
Impositus mannis arvum caelumque Sabinum
Non cessat laudare. Videt ridetque Philippus,
Et sibi dum requiem, dum risus undique quaerit,
Dum septem donat sestertia, mutua septem 80
Promittit, persuadet uti mercetur agellum.
Mercatur. ' Ne te longis ambagibus ultra
Quam satis est morer, ex nitido fit rusticus atque
Sulcos et vineta crepat mera ; praeparat ulmos,
Immoritur studiis et amore senescit habendi. 85
Verum ubi oves furto, morbo periere capellae,
Spem mentita seges, bos est enectus arando,
Offensus damnis media de nocte caballum
Arripit iratusque Philippi tendit ad aedes.
Quem simul adspexit scabrum intonsumque Phillippus, 90
“ Durus,” ait, * Voltei, nimis attentusque videris
Esse mihi.” “ Pol me miserum, patrone, vocares,
Si velles,” inquit, ** verum mihi ponere nomen!
Quod te per Genium dextramque deosque Penates
Obsecro et obtestor, vitae me redde priori.” 95
Qui semel adspexit quantum dimissa petitis
LIB. I. EPIST. IX. 193
Praestent, mature redeat repetatque relicta.
Metiri se quemque suo modulo ac pede verum est.
E PIS T O L A V I II.
CELSO gaudere et bene rem gerere Albinovano
Musa rogata refer, eomiti scribaeque Neronis.
Si quaeret quid agam, dic multa et pulchra minantem
Vivere nec recte nec suaviter: haud quia grando
Contuderit vites oleamque momorderit aestus, i. 5
Nec quia longinquis armentum aegrotet in agris ;
Sed quia mente minus validus quam corpore toto
Nil audire velim, nil discere, quod levet aegrum ;
Eidis offendar medicis, irascar amicis,
Cur me funesto properent arcere veterno ; 10
Quae nocuere sequar, fugiam quae profore credam ;
Romae Tibur amem ventosus, Tibure Romam.
Post haec ut valeat, quo pacto rem gerat et se,
Ut plageat juveni percontare utque cohorti.
Si dicet, Recte, primum gaudere, subinde 15
IPraeceptum auriculis hoc instillare memento:
Ut tu fortunam sic nos te, Celse, feremus.
IE P I S T O L A I X.
SEPTIMIUS, Claudi, nimirum intelligit unus
Quanti me facias: nam cum rogat et prece cogit
Scilicet ut tibi se laudare et tradere coner,
Dignum mente domoque legentis honesta Neronis
Munere cum fungi propioris censet amici, 5
Quid possim videt ac movit me valdius ip$o. &
Multa quidem dixi, cur excusatus abirem ;
Sed timui mea ne finxisse minora putarer,
Dissimulator opis propriae, mihi commodus uni.
17
194 IĘPIST0LARUM -
Sic ego majoris fugiens opprobria culpae 10
Frontis ad urbanae descendi praemia. Quodsi
Depositum laudas ob amici jussa pudorem,
Scribe tui gregis hunc et fortem crede bonumque.
E P I S T O L A X.
URBIS amatorem Fuscum salvere jubemus
Ruris amatores, hac in re scilicet una
Multum dissimiles, at caetera paene gemelli;
Praternis amimis, quidquid negat alter et alter;
Annuimus pariter vetuli notique columbi. 5
Tu nidum servas; ego laudo ruris amoeni
Rivos et musco circumlita saxa nemusque.
Quid quaeris ? Vivo et regno simul ista reliqui
Quae vos ad caelum fertis rumore secundo:
Utque sacerdotis fugitivus liba recuso; 10
Pane egeo jam mellitis potiore placentis.
Vivere naturae si convenienter oportet
Ponendaeque domo quaerenda est area primum,
Novistine locum potiorem rure beato ?
Est ubi plus tepeant hiemes, ubi gratior aura 15
Leniat et rabiem Canis et momenta Leonis,
Cum semel accepit solem furibundus acutum ?
Est ubi divellat somnos minus invida cura ?
IDeterius Libycis olet aut mitet herba lapillis ?
Purior in vicis aqua tendit rumpere plumbum 90
Quam quae per pronum trepidat cum murmure rivum ?
Nempe inter varias mutritur silva columnas,
Laudaturque domus longos quae prospicit,agros.
Naturam expellas furca, tamen usque rgcurret,
Et mala perrumpet furtim fastidia victrix. 25
Non qui Sidonio contendere callidus ostro
Nescit Aquinatem potantia vellera fucum
Certius accipiet damnum propiusque medullis,
Quam qui non poterit vero distinguere falsum.
Quem res plus nimio delectavere secundae, 30
LIB. I. EPIST. XI. 195
Mutatae quatìent. Si quid mirabere pones
Invitus. Fuge magna ; licet sub paupere tecto
Reges et regum vita praecurrere amicos.
Cervus equum pugna melior communibus herbis
Pellebat, donec minor in certamine longo 35
Imploravit opes hominis fremumque recepit;
Sed postquam victor violens discessit ab hoste
Non equitem dorso, non frenum depulit ore.
Sic qui pauperiem veritus potiore metallis
Libertate carot, dominum vehit improbus atque 41)
Serviet aeternum, quia parvo nesciet uti.
Cui non conveniet sua res, ut calceus olim,
Si pede major erit, subvertet, si minor uret.
Laetùs sorte tua vives sapienter, Aristi,
Nec me dimittes incastigatum ubi plura 45
Cogere quam satis est ac non cessare videbor.
Imperat aut servit collecta pecunia cuique,
Tortum digna sequi potius quam ducere funem.
Haec tibi dictabam post fanum putre Vacunae,
Excepto quod non simul esses caetera laetus. 5{}
() E P I S T O L A X I.
QUID tibi visa Chios, Bullati, notaque Lesbos,
Quid concinna Samos, quid Croesi regia Sardes,
Smyrna quid et Colophon ? Majora minorave fama,
Cunctane prae Campo et Tiberino flumine sordent ?
Am venit in votum Attalicis ex urbibus una, 5
An Lebedum laudas odio maris atque viarum ?
Scis Lebedus quid sit: Gabiis desertior atque
Eidenis vicus; tamem illic vivere vellem,
Oblitusque meorum obliviscendus et illis
Neptunum procul e terra spectare furentem. 10
Sed neque qui Capua Romam petit imbre lutoque
Adspersus volet in caupona vivere ; nec, qui
Frigus collegit furnos et balnea laudat
Ut fortunatam plene praestantia vitam.
196 EPISTOLARÜM
Nec, si te validus jactaverit Auster in alto, 15
Idcirco navem trans Aegaeum mare vendas.
Incolumi Rhodos et Mytilene pulchra facit quoá
Paenula solstitio, campestre nivalibus auris,
IPer brumam Tiberis, Sextili mense caminus.
Dum licet ac vultum servat fortuna benignum, 20.
Romae laudetur Samos et Chios et Rhodos absens.
Tu quamcumque deus tibi fortunaverit horam
Grata sume manu, neu dulcia differ in annum,
Ut quocunque loco fueris vixisse libenter
Te dicas: uam si ratio et prudentia curas, 95
Non locus effusi late maris arbiter aufert,
Caelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt.
Strenua nos exercet inertia ; navibus atque
Quadrigis petimus bene vivere. Quod petis hic est,
Est Ulubris, animus si te non deficit aequus. 30
EPISTOLA XII.
FRUCTIBUS Agrippae Siculis quos colligis, Icci,
Si recte frueris non est ut copia major
Ab Jove donari possit tibi. Tolle querelas:
Pauper enim non est cui rerum suppetit usus.
Si ventri bene, si lateri est pedibusque tuis, nil 5
Divitiae poterunt regales addere majus.
Si forte in medio positorum abstemius herbis
Vivis et urtica, sic vives protinus ut te
Confestim liquidus Fortunae rivus inauret: -
Vel quia naturam mutare pecunia nescit, 10
Vel quia cuncta putas una virtute minora.
Miramur si Democriti pecus edit agellos
Cultaque dum peregre est animus sine corpore velox;
Cum tu inter scabiem tantam et contagia lucri
Nil parvum sapias et adhuc sublimia cures: 15i
Quae mare compescant caussae, quid temperet annum,
Stellae sponte sua jussaene vagentur et errent,
Quid premat obscurum lumae, quid proferat orbem,
LIB. I. EPIST. XIII. 197
Quid velit et possit rerum concordia discors,
Empedocles an Stertinium deliret acumem. 20
Verum seu pisces seu porrum et caepe trucidas
Utere Pompeio Grospho, et si quid petet ultro
Defer: nil Grosphus nisi verum orabit et aequum.
Vilis amicorum est annona bonis ubi quid deest.
Ne tamen ignores quo sit Romana loco res: 5 *
Cantaber Agrippae, Claudi virtute Neronis
Armenius cecidit ; jus imperiumque Phraates
Caesaris accepit genibus minor ; aurea fruges
Italiae pleno defundit Copia cornu.
E P I S T OL A X III.
UT proficiscentem docui te saepe diuque
Augusto reddes signata volumina, Vini,
Si validus, si laetus erit, si denique poscet;
Ne studio nostri pecces odiumque libellis
Sedulus importes opera vehemente minister. {j
Si te forte meae gravis uret sarcina chartae,
Abjicito potius quam quo perferre juberis
Clitellas ferus impingas, Asinaeque paternum
Cognomen vertas in risum et fabula fias.
Viribus uteris per clivos, flumina, lamas; 10
Victor propositi simul ac perveneris illuc,
Sic positum 8ervabis onus, ne forte sub ala
Easciculum portes librorum ut rusticus agnum,
Ut vinosa glomus furtivae Pyrrhia lanae,
Ut cum pileolo soleas conviva tribulis. 15
Ne vulgo narres, te sudavisse ferendo
Carmina, quae possint oculos auresque morari
Caesaris ; oratus multa prece nitere porro.
Vade, vale, cave me titubes mandataque frangas.

17 *
198 EPISTOLARUM I
E P I S T O L A X I V.
VILLICE silvarum et mihi me reddentis agelli,
Quem tu fastidis habitatum quinque focis et
Quinque bonos solitum Variam dimittere patres,
Certemus spinas animone ego fortius an tu
Evellas agro, et melior sit Horatius an res.
Me quamvis Lamiae pietas et cura moratur
Eratrem maerentis, rapto de fratre dolentis
Insolabiliter, tamen istuc mens animusque
Eert et amat spatiis obstantia rumpere claustra.
Rure ego viventem, tu dicis in urbe beatum :
Cui placet alterius sua nimirum est odio sors.
Stultus uterque locum immeritum causatur inique :
In culpa est animus, qui se non effugit unquam.
Tu mediastinus tacita prece rura petebas,
Nunc urbem et ludos et balnea villicus optas;
Me constare mihi scis, et discedere tristem
Quandocunque trahunt invisa negotia Romam.
Non eadem miramur ; eo disconvenit inter
Meque et te : nam quae deserta et inhospita tesca
Credis amoena vocat mecum qui sentit, et odit
Quae tu pulchra putas. Fornix tibi et uncta popina
: Incutiunt urbis desiderium, video, et quod
Angulus iste feret piper et thus ocius uva,
Nec vicina subest vinum praebere taberna
Quae possit tibi, nec meretrix tibicina, cujus
Ad strepitum salias terrae gravis: et tamen urges
Jampridem non tacta ligonibus arva bovemque
Disjunctum curas et strictis frondibus exples ;
Addit opus pigro rivus, si decidit imber,
Multa mole docendus aprico parcere prato.
Nunc age quid nostrum concentum dividat audi.
Quem tenues decuere togae nitidique capilli,
Quem scis immunem Cinarae placuisse rapaci,
Quem bibulum liquidi media de luce Falerni,
Coena brevis juvat et prope rivum somnus in herba;
Nec lusisse pudet sed non incidere ludum.
10
15

30
LlB. I. E1'IST. . XV. 199
Non istic obliquo oculo mea commoda quisquam
Iimat, non odio obscuro morsuque venenat;
Rident vicini glebas et saxa moventem.
Cum servis urbana diaria rodere mavis ; 4(?
Horum tu in numerum voto ruis ; invidet usum
Lignorum et pecoris tibi calo argutus et horti.
Optat ephippia bos, piger optat arare caballus;
Quam scit uterque libens censebo exerceat artem.
E P I S T O L A XV.
QUAE sit hiems Veliae, quod caelum, Vala, Salerni,
Quorum hominum regio et qualis via, (nam mihi Baias
Musa supervacuas Antonius, et tamen illis
Me facit invisum, gelida cum perluor unda
Per medium frigus. Sane murteta relinqui 5
Dictaque cessantem nervis elidere morbum
Sulphura contemni vicus gemit, invidus aegris,
Qui caput et stomachum supponere fontibus audent
Clusinis Gabiosque petunt et frigida rura.
Mutandus locus est et deversoria nota 10
Praeteragendus equus. Quo tendis ? Non mihi Cumas
Est iter aut Baias, laeva stomachosus habena
Dicet eques; sed equi frenato est auris in ore.)
Major utrum populum frumenti copia pascat,
Collectosne bibant imbres puteosne peremnes 15i
Jugis aquae; (nam vina nihil moror illius orae;
Hure meo possum quidvis perferre patique,
Ad mare cum veni generosum et lene requiro,
Quod curas abigat, quod cum spe divite manet
In venas animumque meum, quod verba ministret, 920
Quod me Lucanae juvenem commendet amicae.)
Tractus uter plures lepores, uter educet apros,
Utra magis pisces et echinos aequora celent,
Pinguis ut inde domum possim Phaeaxque reverti,
Scribere te nobis, tibi nos accredere par est. %
Maenius, ut rebus maternis atque paternis .-
200 EPISTOLARUM
Rortiter absumptis urbanus coepit haberi,
Scurra vagus non qui certum praesepe teneret,
Impransus non qui civem dinosceret hoste,
Quaelibet in quemvis opprobria fingere saevus, 30
- Pernicies et tempestas barathrumque macelli,
Quidquid quaesierat ventri donabat avaro.
Hic ubi nequitiae fautoribus et timidis nil
Aut paulum abstulerat patinas coenabat omasi
Vilis et agminae, tribus ursis quod satis esset; 35
Scilicet ut ventres lamma candente nepotum
IDiceret urendos, correctus Bestius. Idem
Quidquid erat nactus praedae majoris ubi omne
Verterat in fumum et cinerem, Non hercule miror,
Aiebat, si qui comedunt bona, cum sit obeso 40
Nil melius turdo, nil vulva pulchrius ampla. -
Nimirum hic ego sum ; nam tuta et parvula laudo
Cum res deficiunt, satis inter vilia fortis;
Verum ubi quid melius contingit et unctius idem
Vos sapere et solos aio bene vivere, quorum 45
Conspicitur nitidis fundata pecunia villis.
EPISTOLA XVI.
NE perconteris fundus meus, optime Quinti,
Arvo pascat herum an baccis opulentet olivae,
Pomisne et pratis an amicta vitibus ulmo,
Scribetur tibi forma loquaciter et situs agri.
Continui montes ni dissocientur opaca
Valle, sed ut veniens dextrum latus adspiciat Sol,
Laevum discedens curru fugiente vaporet.
Temperiem laudes. Quid, si rubicunda benigni
Corna vepres et pruna ferant, si quercus et ilex
Multa fruge pecus multa dominum juvet umbra, 10}
Dicas adductum propius frondere Tarentum.
Fons etiam rivo dare nomen idoneus, ut nec
Erigidior Thracam nec purior ambiat Hebrus,
Infirmo capiti fluit utilis, utilis alvo.
LIB. I. EPIST. XVI. 201
PIae latebrae dulces, etiam si credis amoenae, 15.
Incolumem tibi me praestant Septembribus horis.
Tu recte vivis si curas esse quod audis.
Jactamus jampridem omnis te Roma beatum ;
Sed vereor me cui de te plus quam tibi credas,
Neve putes alium sapiente bonoque beatum, 20
Neu si te populus sanum recteque valentem
Dictitet occultam febrem sub tempus edendi
Díssimules, donec manibus tremor incidat unctis.
Stultorum incurata pudor malus ulcera celat.
Si quis bella tibi terra pugnata marique • 25
Dicat et his verbis vacuas permulceat aures:
** Tene magis salvum populus velit am populum tu
Servet in ambiguo qui consulit et tibi et urbi:
Juppiter ;*' Augusti laudes agnoscere possis:
Cum pateris sapiens emendatusque vocari, 30
Respondesne tuo dic sodes nomine ? Nempe
Vir bonus et prudens dici delector ego ac tu.
Qui dedit hoc hodie cras si volet auferet, ut si
Detulerit fasces indigno detrahet idem.
** Pone, meum est: ” inquit. Pono tristisque recedo. 35
Idem si clamet furem, neget esse pudicum,
Contendat laqueo collum pressisse paternum ;
Mordear opprobriis falsis mutemque colores ?
Falsus honor juvat et mendax infamia terret
Quem nisi mendosum et medicandum? Vir bonus est quis? 40
Qui consulta patrum, qui leges juraque servat,
Quo multae magnaeque secantur judice lites,
Quo res sponsore et quo causae teste tenentur.
Sed videt hunc omnis domus et vicinia tota
Introrsum turpem, speciosum pelle decora. 45
* Nec furtum feci nec fugi,” si mihi dicat
Servus, ** Habes pretium, loris non ureris,” aio.
** Non hominem occidi.” “ Non pasces in cruce corvos.”
“ Sum bonus et frugi.” “ Renuit negitatque Sabellus:
Cautus enim metuit foveam lupus accipiterque 57)
Suspectos laqueos et opertum miluus hamum.
Oderunt peccare boni virtutis amore;
Tu nihil admittes in te formidine poenae:
Sit spes fallendi, miscebis sacra profanis;
202 EPISTOLARUM .
.Nam de mille fabae modiis cum surripis unum, 55
IDamnum est non facinus mihi pacto lenius isto.”
Vir bonus, omne forum quem spectat et omne tribunal,
Quandocunque deos vel porco vel bove placat,
Jane pater! clare, clare cum dixit, Apollo!
Labra movet metuens audiri : ** Pulchra Laverna, 6C
Da mihi fallere, da justo sanctoque videri,
JNoctem peccatis et fraudibus objice nubem.”
Qui melior servo, qui liberior sit avarus,
In triviis fixum cum se demittit ob assem,
Non video ; nam qui cupiet metuet quoque ; porro, 65
Qui metuens vivet liber mihi non erit unquam.
Perdidit arma, locum virtutis deseruit, qui
Semper in augenda festimat et obruitur re.
Vendere cum possis captivum occidere noli;
Serviet utiliter : sine pascat durus aretque, - 70
Naviget ac mediis hiemet mercator in undis;
Annonae prosit ; portet frumenta penusque.
Vir bonus et sapiens audebit dicere : ** Pentheu,
Rector Thebarum, quid me perferre patique
Indignum coges?” “ Adimam bona.” “ Nempe pecus, rem,
Lectos, argentum : tollas licet.” “In manicis et 76
Compedibus saevo te sub custode tenebo.” •
“Ipse deus simul atque volam me solvet.” Opinor
Hoc sentit: “ Moriar ; mors ultima linea rerum est.”
EPISTOLA XVII.
QUAMVIS, Scaeva, satis per te tibi consulis, et scis
Quo tandem pacto deceat majoribus uti,
Disce, docendus adhuc, quae censet amiculus, ut si
Caecus iter monstrare velit ; tamen adspice si quid
Et nos quod cures proprium fecisse loquamur. è
Si te grata quies et primam somnus in horam
Delectat, si te pulvis strepitusque rotarum,
Si laedit caupona, Ferentinum ire jubebo;
Nam neque divitibus contingunt gaudia solis.
LIB. I. EPIST. XVII,
203
Nec vixit male qui natus moriensque fefellit.
Si prodesse tuis pauloque benignius ipsum
Te tractare voles, accedes siccus ad unctum.
** Si pranderet olus patienter regibus uti
Nollet Aristippus.” “ Si sciret regibus uti
Eastidiret olus qui me notat.” Utrius horum
Verba probes et facta doce, vel junior audi
Cur sit Aristippi potior sententia ; namque
Mordacem Cynicum sic eludebat, ut aiunt:
** Scurror ego ipse mihi, populo tu ; rectius hoc et
Splendidius multo est. Equus ut me portet, alat rex,
Officium facio: tu poscis vilia rerum,
Dante minor quamvis fers te mullius egentem.”
Omnis Aristippum decuit color et status et res,
Tentantem majora, fere praesentibus aequum.
Contra quem duplici panno patientia velat
Mirabor vitae via si conversa decebit.
Alter purpureum mon exspectabit amictum,
Quidlibet indutus celeberrima per loca vadet,
Personamque feret non inconcinnus utramque;
Alter Mileti textam came pejus et angui
Vitabit chlamydem, morietur frigore si non
Rettuleris pannum. Refer et sine vivat ineptus.
Res gerere et captos ostendere civibus hostes
Attingit solium Jovis et caelestia tentat: *
Principibus placuisse viris non ultima laus est.
Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum.
Sedit qui timuit ne non succederet. Esto!
Quid qui pervenit, fecitme viriliter ? Atqui
Hic est aut nusquam quod quaerimus. Hic onus horret,
Ut parvis animis et parvo corpore majus:
Hic subit et perfert. Aut virtus nomen inane est,
Aut decus et pretium recte petit experiens vir.
Coram rege suo de paupertate tacentes
Plus poscente ferent ; distat sumasne pudenter
An rapias. Atqui rerum caput hoc erat, hic fons.
“ Indotata mihi soror est, paupercula mater,
Et fundus nec vendibilis nec pascere firmus,”
Qui dicit, clamat, ** Victum date.” Succinit alter:
“ Et mihi dividuo findetur munere quadra.”
I0
15
2<)
35.
40
.204 IEPISTOLARUM
Sed tacitus pasci si posset corvus haberet
Plus dapis et rixae multo minus invidiaeque.
Brundisium comes aut Surrentum ductus amoenum,
Qui queritur salebras et acerbum frigus et imbres,
Aut cistam effractam et subducta viatica plorat,
Nota refert meretricis acumima, saepe catellam,
Saepe periscelidem raptam sibi flentis, uti mox
Nulla fides damnis verisque doloribus adsit.
Nec semel irrisus triviis attollere curat
Practo crure planum, licet illi plurima manet
Lacrima, per sanctum juratus dicat Osirim:
“ Credite mom ludo ; crudeles, tollite claudum.”
** Quaere peregrinum,'° vicinia rauca reclamat.
. EPISTOLA XVIII.
SI bene te novi metues, liberrime Lolli,
Scurrantis speciem praebere professus amicum.
Ut matrona meretrici dispar erit atque
Discolor, infido scurrae distabit amicus.
Est huic diversum vitio vitium prope majus,
Asperitas agrestis et inconcinna gravisque,
Quae se commendat tonsa cute, dentibus atris,
Dum vult libertas dici mera veraque virtus.
Virtus est medium vitiorum et utrimque reductum.
Alter in obsequium plus aequo pronus et imi
Derisor lecti sic mutum divitis horret,
Sic iterat voces et verba cadentia tollit,
Ut puerum saevo credas dictata magistro
Reddere vel partes mimum tractare secundas
Alter rixatur de lana saepe caprina,
Eropugnat nugis armatus: “ Scilicet ut non
Sit mihi prima fides, et vere quod placet ut non
Acriter elatrem ! Pretium aetas altera sordet.”
Ambigitur quid enim ? Castor sciat an Dolichos plus ;
Prundisium Minuci melius via ducat, am Appi.
Quem damnosa Venus, quem praeceps alea nudat,
;*• ** ; : •
û£
10

I,IB. I. EPIST. XVIII.
205
Gloria quem supra vires et vestit et ungit,
Quem tenet argenti sitis importuma famesque,
Juem paupertatis pudor et fuga, dives amicus
Saepe decem vitiis instructior odit et horret :
Aut si non odit regit, ac veluti pia mater
Plus quam se sapere et virtutibus esse priorem
Vult, et ait prope vera: “ Meae (contendere noli)
Stultitiam patiuntur opes ; tibi parvula res est :
Arta decet sanum comitem toga ; desine mecum
Certare.** Eutrapelus cuicumque nocere volebat
Vestimenta dabat pretiosa: beatus enim jam
Cum pulchris tunicis sumet nova consilia et spes,
Dormiet in lucem, scorto postponet honestum
Officium, mummos alienos pascet, ad imum
Thrax erit aut olitoris aget mercede caballum.
Arcanum neque tu scrutaberis illius unquam,
Commissumque teges et vino tortus et ira ;
Nec tua laudabis studia aut aliena reprendes,
Nec cum venari volet ille poëmata panges.
Gratia sic fratrum geminorum Amphionis atque
Zethi dissiluit, donec suspecta severo
Conticuit lyra. Fraternis cessisse putatur
Moribus Amphion : tu cede potentis amici
Lenibus imperiis, quotiesque educet in agros
Aetolis onerata plagis jumenta canesque,
Surge et inhumanae senium depone Camenae,
Coemes ut pariter pulmenta laboribus empta.
Romanis sollemne viris opus, utile famae
Vitaeque et membris, praesertim cum valeas et
Vel cursu superare canem vel viribus aprum
Possis. Adde virilia quod speciosius arma
Non est qui tractet: — scis, quo clamore coronae
Proelia sustineas campestria ; denique saevam
Militiam puer et Cantabrica bella tulisti
Sub duce qui templis Parthorum signa refigit
Nunc, et, si quid abest Italis adjudicat armis.
Ac, ne té retrahas et inexcusabilis absis,
Quamvis mil extra numerum fecisse modumque
Curas, interdum nugaris rure paterno;
Partitur lintres egitur ; Actia pugna
95
30
40
50
206 EPISTOLARUM
Te duce per pueros hostili more refertur;
Adversarius est frater, lacus Hadria, donec
Alterutrum velox Victoria fronde coronet.
Consentire suis studiis qui crediderit te,
Eautor utroque tuum laudabit pollice ludum.
Protinus ut moneam, si quid monitoris eges tu,
Quid de quoque viro et cui dicas saepe videto.
JPercontatorem fugito, nam garrulus idem est,
Nec retinent patulae commissa fideliter aures,
Et semel emissum volat irrevocabile verbum.
Non ancilla tuum jecur ulceret ulla puerve
Intra marmoreum venerandi limen amici,
Ne dominus pueri pulchri caraeve puellae
Munere te parvo beet aut incommodus angat.
Qualem commendes, etiam atque etiam adspice, ne mox
Incutiant aliena tibi peccata pudorem.
Eallimur et quondam non dignum tradimus : ergo
Quem sua culpa premet deceptus omitte tueri, '
Ut penitus motum, si tentent crimina, serves
Tuterisque tuo fidentem praesidio: qui
Dente Theonino cum circumroditur, ecquid
Ad te post paulo ventura pericula sentis ?
Nam tua res agitur paries cum proximus ardet,
Et neglecta solent incendia sumere vires.
Dulcis inexpertis cultura potentis amici;
Expertus metuit. Tu dum tua navis in alto est
Hoc age, ne mutata retrorsum te ferat aura.
Oderunt hilarem tristes tristemque jocosi,
Sedatum celeres, agilem navumque remissi ;
Potores bibuli media de nocte Falerni
Oderunt porrecta negantem pocula, quamvis
Nocturnos jures te formidare vapores.
Deme supercilio nubem: plerumque modestus
Occupat obscuri speciem, taciturnus acerbi.
Inter cuncta leges et percontabere doctos,
Qua ratione queas traducere leniter aevum ;
Num te semper inops agitet vexetque cupido,
Num pavor et rerum mediocriter utilium spes;
Virtutem doctrina paret, naturane donet ;
Quid minuat curas, quid te tibi reddat amicum ;
70
75
Q0
100
LIB. I. EPIST. XIX. 207 .
Quid pure tranquillet, honos am dulce lucellum,
An secretum iter et fallentis semita vitae.
Me quoties reficit gelidus Digentia rivus, 1 •
Quem Mandela bibit, rugosus frigore pagus, 105
Quid sentire putas ? quid credis, amice, precari ?
Sit mihi quod nunc est, etiam minus; et mihi vivam
Quod superest aevi, si quid superesse volunt di;
Sit bona librorum et provisae frugis in annum
Copia, neu fluitem dubiae spe pendulus horae. 110
Sed satis est orare Jovem quae donat et aufert : .
Det vitam, det opes, aequum mi animum ipse parabo.
*'*
E PIS T O L A XIX.
PRISCO si credis, Maecenas docte, Cratino,
Nulla placere diu nec vivere carmina possunt
Quae scribuntur aquae potoribus. Ut male sanos
Adscripsit [iber Satyris Faumisque poëtas
Vina fere dulces oluerunt mane Camenae. û
Laudibus arguitur vini vinosus Homerus ;
Ennius ipse pater nunquam nisi potus ad arma
Prosiluit dicenda. *Forum putealque Libonis
Mandabo siccis, adimam cantare severis:”
Hoc simul edixi mom cessavere poëtae 10
Nocturno certare mero, putere diurno.
Quid, si quis vultu torvo ferus et pede mudo
Exiguaeque togae simulet textore Catonem,
Virtutemne repraesentet moresque Catonis ?
Rupit Iarbitam Timagenis aemula lingua, 15
Dum studet urbanus tenditque disertus haberi.
Decipit exemplar vitiis imitabile : quodsi
JPallerem casu biberent exsangue cuminum.
O imitatores, servum pecus, ut mihi saepe
Bilem, saepe jocum vestri movere tumultus! 20
Libera per vacuum posui vestigia princeps,
Non aliena meo pressi pede. Qui sibi fidit
Dux reget examen. Parios ego primus iambos
208 EPISTOLARUM
Ostendi Latio, numeros animosque secutus
Archilochi, non res et agentia verba Lycamben. 25
Ac ne me foliis ideo brevioribus ornes
Quod timui mutare modos et carminis artem,
Temperat Archilochi Musam pede muscula Sappho,
Temperat Alcaeus, sed rebus et ordine dispar,
Nec socerum quaerit quem versibus oblinat atris, 30
Nec sponsae laqueum famoso carmine nectit.
Hunc ego non alio dictum prius ore Latinus
Vulgavi fidicen; juvat immemorata ferentem
Ingenuis oculisque legi manibusque teneri.
Scire velis mea cur ingratus opuscula lector 35
Laudet ametque demi, premat extra limen iniquus ?
Non ego ventosae plebis suffragia venor
Impensis coenarum et tritae munere vestis;
Non ego nobilium scriptorum auditor et ultor
Grammaticas ambire tribus et pulpita dignor: 10
Hinc illae lacrimae. ** Spissis indigna theatris «
Scripta pudet recitare et nugis addere pondus,”
Si dixi: “ Rides,” ait, ** et Jovis auribus ista
Servas; fidis enim manare poëtica mella
Te solum, tibi pulcher.” Ad haec ego naribus uti 45
Eormido, et luctantis acuto ne secer ungui,
** Displicet iste locus,” clamo, ** et diludia posco.”
Ludus enim genuit trepidum certamen et iram,
Ira truces inimicitias et funebre bellum.
EPISTOLA XX.
VERTUMNUM Janumque, liber, spectare videris,
Scilicet ut prostes Sosiorum pumice mundus. ę
Odisti claves et grata sigilla pudico;
Paucis ostendi gemis et communia laudas,
Non ita nutritus. Fuge quo descendere gestis. 5
Non erit emisso reditus tibi. ** Quid miser egi?
Quid volui ? ** dices ubi quis te laeserit; et scis
In breve te cogi cum plenus languet amator.
LIB. I. EPIST. XX.
209
Quodsi non odio peccantis desipit augur,
Caruis eris Romae donec te deserat aetas ;
Contrectatus ubi manibus sordescere vulgi
Coeperis, aut timeas pasces taciturnus inertes,
Aut fugies Uticam aut vinctus mitteris Ilerdam.
Ridebit monitor non exauditus, ut ille
Qui male parentem in rupes protrusit asellum
Iratus : quis enim invitum servare laboret ?
Hoc quoque te manet, ut pueros elementa docentem,
Occupet extremis in vicis balba senectus. -
Cum tibi sol tepidus plures admoverit aures,
Me, libertino natum patre et in tenui re,
Majores pennas nido extendisse loqueris,
· Ut quantum generi demas virtutibus addas ;
Me primis Urbis belli placuisse domique ;
Corporis, exigui, praecamum, solibus aptum,
Irasci celerem, tamen ut placabilis essem.
Forte meum si quis te percontabitur aevum,
Me quater undenos sciat implevisse Decembres
Collegam Lepidum quo duxit Lollius anno.
10
20
Q. HORATII rAcci
E P I S T O L A R U M
LIBER secuNDus.
— •—
EPISTOLA I.
CUM tot sustineas et tanta negotia solus, .
Res Italas armis tuteris, moribus ornes,
Legibus emendes, in publica commoda peccem
Si longo sermone morer tua tempora, Caesar. .
Romulus et Liber pater et cum Castore Pollux, §
Post ingentia facta deorum in templa recepti,
IDum terras hominumque colunt genus, aspera bella
Componunt, agros assignant, oppida condunt,
Ploravere suis non respondere favorem
Speratum meritis. Diram qui contudit hydram 10
Notaque fatali portenta labore subegit,
Comperit invidiam supremo fine domari.
[; rit enim fulgore suo qui praegravat :j
Infra se positas; exstinctus amabitur iuum._j
raesenti tibi maturos largimur honores, 15
Jurandasque tuum per nomen ponimus aras, •
Nil oriturum alias, nil ortum tale fatentes.
Sed tuus hic populus, sapiens et justus in uno,
Te nostris ducibus, te Graiis anteferendo,
Cetera nequaquam simili ratione modoque , 20
Aestimat, et nisi quae terris semota suisque
Temporibus defuncta videt, fastidit et odit ;
EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. EPIST. I.
211
Sic fautor veterum ut tabulas peccare vetantes
Quas bis quinque viri sanxerunt, foedera regum
Vel Gabiis vel cum rigidis aequata Sabinis,
Pontificum libros, annosa volumina vatum,
Dictitet Albano Musas in monte locutas.
Si quia Graecorum sunt antiquissima quaeque
Scripta vel optima Romani pensantur eadem
Scriptores trutina, non est quod multa loquamur;
Nil intra est oleam, nil extra est in nuce duri ;
Venimus ad summum fortunae; pingimus atque
Psallimus et luctamur Achivis doctius unctis.
Si meliora dies ut vina poëmata reddit,
Scire velim chartis pretium quotus arroget annus.
Scriptor abhinc annos centum qui decidit inter
Perfectos veteresque referri debet, an inter
Viles atque novos ? Excludat jurgia finis.
Est vetus atque probus centum qui perficit annos.
Quid, qui deperiit minor uno mense vel anno,
Inter quos referendus erit ? veteresne poëtas,
An quos et praesens et postera respuat aetas ?
Iste quidem veteres inter ponetur honeste
Qui vel mense brevi vel toto est junior anno.
Utor permisso caudaeque pilos ut equinae
JPaullatim vello, et demo unum, demo et item unum,
Dum cadat elusus ratione ruentis acervi
Qui redit in fastos et virtutem aestimat annis,
Ę ihil nisi quod Libitina sacravit.
ÉÉÉÉÉÉÉÉiens et fortis'ei: alter Homerus,
Ut critici dicunt, leviter curare É
Quo promissa cadant et somnia Pythagorea.
N ÄÈÉÊ mom est et iî haeret
Pene recens ? Adeo sanctum est vetus omne poëma.
Ambigitur quotiens uter utro sit prior, aufert
P. us dgcti famam senis, Accus alti,
Dicitur É$ convenisse ί§ 9-*jT0
Plaúíí'*d exempjar Siculi propgr §, Ęti,
vincere Caéiif gravitate, Ê, ÉÉ.
Hos ediscit et hos arto stipata theatro
Spectat Roma potens;habet hos numeratque poëtas
Ad nostrum tempus Livi scriptoris ab aevo.
TR \}}0 J Q \
30
40
50
5
5


60
212 EPISTOLARUM
Interdum vulgus rectum videt, est ubi peccat.
Si veteres ita miratur laudatque poëtas ę
Ut nihil anteferat, nihil illis comparet, errat : 65 .
Si quaedam nimis antique, si pleraque dure
Dicere credit eos, ignave multa fatetur,
Et sapit et mecum facit et Jove judicat aequo.
Non equidem insector delendaque carmina Livi
Esse reor, memini quae plagosum mihi parvo 70
Orbilium dictare ; sed emendata videri
Pulchraque et exactis minimum distantia miror ;
Inter quae verbum emicuit si forte decorum, et
Si versus paullo concinnior unus et alter,
Injuste totum ducit venditque poëma. e» 75
Indignor quidquam reprehendi, non quia crasse
Compositum illepideve putetur, sed quia nuper ;
Nec veniam antiquis sed honorem et Ę; yei
Recte necne crocum floresque perambulet ä
Fabula si dubitem, clament periisse pudorem . 80
Cuncti pene patres, ea cum reprehendere comer
Quae gravis Aesopus, quae doctus Roscius egit:
Vel quia nil rectum nisi quod placuit sibi ducunt,
Vel quia turpe putant parere minoribus, et quae
Imberbes didicere senes perdenda fateri. 85
Jam Saliare Numae carmen qui laudat,et illud
Quod mecum ignorat solus vult scire videri,
Ingeniis non ille favet plauditque sepultis,
Nostra sed impugnat, nos nostraque lividus odit.
Quod si tam Graecis novitas invisa fuisset 90
Quam nobis, quid nunc esset vetus ? aut quid haberet;
Quod legeret tereretque yiritim publicus usus ? A.
Ut primum positis nugari Graecia bellis Í
Coepit et in vitium fortuna labier aequa,
Nunc athletarum studiis,nunc arsit equorum, 05 .
- Marmoris aut eboris fabros aut aeris amavit,
Suspendit picta vultum mentemque tabella,
Nunc tibicinibus, nunc est gavisa tragoedis;
Sub nutrice puella velut si luderet infans,
Quod cupide petiit mature plena reliquit. J08
* Quid placet aut odio est quod non mutabile credas ? *
Hoc paces habuere bonae ventique secundi.
LIB. II. EPIST. I. 213
Romae dulce diu fuit et sollemne reclusa
Mane domo vigilare, clienti promere jura,
Cautos nominibus rectis expendere nummos, 105
Majores audire, minori dicere, per quae
Crescere res posset, minui damnosa libido.
Mutavit mentem populus levis et calet uno
Scribendi studio ; puerique patresque severi
Fronde comas vincti coenant et carmina dictant. 110
Ipse ego qui nullos me adfirmo scribere versus . •
Invenior Parthis mendacior, et prius orto
Sole vigil calamum et chartas et scrinia posco.
Navim agere ignarus navis timet ; abrotonum aegro
Non audet nisi qui didicit dare ; quod medicorum est , 115
Promittunt medici ; tractant fabrilia fabri:
Scribimus indocti doctique poëmata passim.
Hic error tamen et levis haec insania quantas
Virtutes habeat sic collige : vatis avarus
Non temere est animus ; versus amat, hoc studet unum ; 120
Detrimenta, fugas servorum, incendia ridet ;
Non fraudem socio puerove incogitat ullam
Pupillo ; vivit siliquis et pane secundo ;
Militiae quamquam piger et malus, utilis urbi,
Si das hoc parvis quoque rebus magna juvari. 195 ,
Os tenerum pueri balbumque poëta figurat,
orquet ab obscoenis jam nunc sermonibus aurem,
Mox etiam pectus praeceptis format amicis,
Asperitatis et invidiae corrector et irae ; '
Recte facta refert, orientia tempora notis - 130
Instruit exemplis, inopem solatur et aegrumj *&
Castis cum pueris ignara puella mariti
Disceret unde preces vatem ni Musa dedisset ?
T^oscit opem chorus et praesentia numina sentit,
Caelestes implorat aquas docta prece blandus, 135
Avertit morbos, metuenda pericula pellit,
Impetrat et pacem et locupletem frugibus annum.
£# di $uperi placantür, carmine Manes.]
gricolae prisci, fortes parvoque beati, '+
Condita post frumenta levantes tempore festo 140
Corpus et ipsum animum spe finis dura ferentem,
Cum sociis operum, pueris et conjuge fida,
214 EPISTOLARUM
Tellurem porco, Silvanum lacte piabant,
Floribus et vino Genium memorem brevis aevi.
Fescennina per hunc inventa licentia morem
Versibus alternis opprobria rustica fudit,
Libertasque recurrentes accepta per annos
Lusit amabiliter, donec jam saevus apertam
In rabiem coepit verti jocüs et per honestas
[re domos impune minax. Doluere cruento
Dente lacessiti; fuit intactis quoque cura
Condicione super communi; quin etiam lex
Poenaque lata malo quae nollet carmine quemquam
Describi ; vertere modum, formidine fustis
Ad bene dicendum delectandumque redacti.
Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit et artes
Intulit agresti Latio: sic horridus ille
Defluxit numerus Saturnius et grave virus
Munditiae pepulere ; sed in longum tamen aevum
Manserunt hodieque manent vestigia ruris. y
Serus enim Graecis admovit, acumina chartis,
Et post Punica bella quietus quaerere coepit
Quid Sophocles et Thespis et Aeschylus utile ferrent.
Tentavit quoque rem, si digne vertere posset,
Et placuit sibi, matura sublimis et acer:
Nam spirat tragicum satis et feliciter audet,
Sed turpem putat inscite metuitque lituram.
Creditur ex medio quia res arcessit habere
Sudoris minimum, sed habet comoedia tanto
Plus oneris quanto veniae minus. Adspice, Plautus
Quo pacto partes tutetur amantis ephebi,
Ut patris attenti, lenonis ut insidiosi;
Quantus sit Dossennus edacibus in parasitis,
Quam non adstricto percurrat pulpita socco ;
Gestit enim mummum in loculos demittere, post hoc
Securus cadat an recto stet fabula talo.
Quem tulit ad scenam ventoso Gloria curru
Exanimat lentus spectator, sedulus inflat:
Sic leve, sic parvum est, animum quod laudis avarum
Subruit aut reficit. Valeat res ludicra, si me
Palma negata magrum, donata reducit opimum.
Saepe etiam audacem fugat hoc terretque poëtam,
145
150
155
160
165
170
175
180
LIB. II. EPIST. I.
Quod numero plures, virtute et honore minores,
Indocti stolidique et depugnare parati
Si discordet eques, media inter carmina poscunt
Aut ursum aut pugiles: his nam plebecula plaudit.
Verum equitis quoque jam migravit ab aure voluptas
Omnis ad incertos oculos et gaudia vana. c£=
Quattuor aut plures aulaea premuntur in hóras,
Dum fugiunt equitum turmae peditumque catervae ;
Mox trahitur manibus regum fortuna retortis,
Esseda festinant, pilenta, petorrita, naves,
Captivum portatur ebur, captiva Corinthus.
Si foret im terris rideret Democritus, seu
Diversum confusa genus panthera camelo,
Sive elephas albus vulgi converteret ora;
Spectaret populum ludis attentius ipsis,
Ut sibi praebentem mimo spectacula plura ;
Scriptores autem narrare putaret asello
Fabellam surdo. Nam quae pervincere voces
Evaluere sonum referunt quem nostra theatra ?
Garganum mugire putes memus aut mare Tuscum,
Tanto cum strepitu ludi spectantur et artes
Divitiaeque peregrinae, quibus oblitus actor
Cum stetit in scena concurrit dextera laevae.
Dixit adhuc aliquid ? Nil sane. Quid placet ergo ?
Lama Tarentino violas imitata veneno. •
Ac ne forte putes me quae facere ipse recusem
Cum recte tractent alii laudare maligne ;
Ille per extentum funem mihi posse videtur
Ire poëta, meum qui pectus inaniter angit,
Irritat, mulcet, falsis terroribus implet,
Ut magus, et modo me Thebis,modo ponit Athenis.
Verum age et his qui se lectori credere malunt
Quam spectatoris fastidia ferre superbi
Curam redde brevem, si munus Apolline dignum
Vis complere libris et vatibus addere calcar,
Ut studio majore petant Helicona virentem.
Multa quidem nobis facimus mala saepe poëtae,
( Ut vineta egomet caedam mea,) cum tibi librum
Sollicito damus aut fesso ; quum laedimur unum
Si quis amicorum est ausus reprehendere versum ;
185
190
195
200
205
210
215
216 EPISTOLARUM
Cum loca jam recitata revolvimus irrevocati;
Cum lamentamur non apparere labores
Nostros et tenui deducta poëmata filo ; 225
Cum speramus eo rem venturam ut simul atque
Carmina rescieris.nos fingere commodus ultro -
Arcessas,et egere vetes,et scribere cogas.
Sed tamen est operae pretium cognoscere, quales
Aedituos habeat belli spectata domique 930
Virtus, indigno non committenda poëtae.
Gratus Alexandro regi Magno fuit ille
Chóerilus, incultis qui versibus et male natis
Rettulit acceptos, regale nomisma, Philippos
Sed veluti tractata motam labemque remittunt 235'
Atramenta, fere scriptores carmine foedo
Splendida facta, linunt. Idem rex ille poëma
Qui tam ridiculum tam care prodigus emit,
Edicto vetuit ne quis se praeter Apellen
Pingeret, aut alius Lysippo duceret aera * 940
Fortis Alexandri vultum simulantia. Quodsi
Judicium subtile videndis artibus illud
Ab libros et ad haec Musarum doma vocares,
Eoeotum in crasso jurares aëre natum.
At neque dedecorant tua de se judicia atque 245
Munera, quae multa dantis cum laude tulerunt
Dilecti tibi Virgilius Variusque poëtae ;
Nec magis expressi vultus per aënea signa,
Quam per vatis opus mores animique virorum
Clarorum apparent. Nec sermones ego mallem 250
Repentes per humum quam res componere gestas,
Terrarumque situs et flumina dicere,et arces
Montibus impositas,et barbara regna, tuisque
Auspiciis totum confecta duella per orbem,
Claustraque custodem pacis cohibentia Janum, 255
Et formidatam Parthis te principe Romam,
Si quantum cuperem possem quoque ; sed neque parvum
Carmen majestas recipit tua nec meus audet
Rem tentare pudor quam vires ferre recusent.
Sedulitas autem stulte quem diligit urget, 260
Praecipue cum se numeris commendat et arte :
Discit enim citius meminitque libentius illud
LIB. II. EPIST. II. * 217
Quod quis deridet, quam quod probat et veneratur.
Nil moror officium quod me gravat, ac neque ficto
In pejus vultu proponi cereus usquam, -. 265
Nec prave factis decorari versibus opto,
Ne rubeam pingui donatus munere, et una
Cum scriptore meo, capsa porrectus aperta,
Deferar in vicum vendentem thus et odores
Et piper et quidquid chartis amicitur ineptis. 270
EPIST O L A II.
FLORE, boho claroque fidelis amice Neroni,
Si quis forte velit puerum tibi vendere natum
Tibure vel Gabiis, et tecum sic agat: “ Hic et
Candidus et talos a vertice pulcher ad imos o •
Eiet eritque tuus nummorum millibus octo, {j
Verna ministeriis ad nutus aptus heriles,
Litterulis Graecis imbutus, idoneus arti
Cuilibet ; argilla quidvis imitaberis uda ;
Quin etiam canet indoctum sed dulce bibenti:
'Multa fidem promissa levant, ubi plenius aequo 10
Laudat venales qui vult extrudere merces.
Res urget me nulla : meo sum pauper in aere.
Nemo hoc mangonum faceret tibi ; non temere a me
Quivis ferret idem. Semel hic cessavit et, ut fit,
'In scalis latuit metuens pendentis habenae. - 15
Des nummos, excepta nihil te si fuga laedat;” —
Ille ferat pretium poenae securus, opinor ;
IPrudens emisti vitiosum; dicta tibi est lex :
Insequeris tamen hunc et lite moraris iniqua ?
IDixi me pigrum proficiscenti tibi, dixi 20
Talibus officiis prope mancum, ne mea saevus
Jurgares ad te quod epistola nulla rediret.
Quid tum profeci mecum facientia jura
Si tamen attentas ? Quereris super hoc etiam, quod
' Exspectata tibi non mittam carmina mendax. » Q5

Luculli miles collecta viatica multis
19
218 ' EPISTOLARUM
Aerumnis, lassus dum noctu stertit, ad assem
Perdiderat ; post hoc vehemens lupus et sibi et hosti
Iratus pariter, jejunis dentibus acer,
Praesidium regale loco dejecit, ut aiunt,
Summe munito et multarum divite rerum.
Clarus ob id factum donis ornatur honestis,
Accipit et bis dena super sestertia nummum.
Forte sub hoc tempus eastellum evertere praetor
Nescio quod cupiens, hortari coepit eundem
Verbis quae timido quoque possent addere mentem :
“ I, bone, quo virtus tua te vocat, i pede fausto,
Grandia laturus meritorum praemia. Quid stas ?”
Post haec ille catus, quantumvis rusticus : ** Ibit,
Ibit eo quo vis qui zonam perdidit,” inquit.
Romae nutriri mihi contigit atque doceri
Iratus Graiis quantum nocuisset Achilles.
Adjecere bonae paullo plus artis Athenae,
Scilicet.ut vellem curvo dignoscere rectum,
Atque inter silvas Academi quaerere verum.
Dura sed emovere loeo me tempora grato,
Civilisque rudem belli tulit aestus in arma
Caesaris Augusti non responsura lacertis.
Unde simul primum me dimisere Philippi,
Decisis humilem pennis inopemque paterni
Et laris et fundi, paupertas impulit audax,
Ut versus facerem ; sed quod non desit habentem
Quae poterunt unquam satis expurgare cicutae,
Ni melius dormire putem quam scribere versus ?
Singula de nobis anni praedantur euntes :
Eripuere jocos, venerem, convivia, ludum ;
Tendunt extorquere poëmata : quid faciam vis ?
Denique non omnes eadem mirantur amantque :
Carmine tu gaudes, hic delectatur iambis,
Ille Bioneis sermonibus et sale nigro.
Tres mihi convivae prope dissentire videntur,
Poscentes vario multum diversa palato.
Quid dem ? quid non dem ? renuis tu quod jubet alter ;
Quod petis id same est invisum acidumque duobus.
Praeter caetera, me Romaene poëmata censes
Scribere posse inter tot curas totque labores ?
�
35
40
6G
65
LIB. II. EPIST. II.
219
Hie sponsum vocat, hic auditum scripta relictis
Omnibus officiis ; cubat hic in colle Quirini,
Hic extremo in Aventino, visendus uterque ;
Intervalla vides humane commoda. Verum
Purae sunt plateae, nihil ut meditantibus obstet.
Restinat calidus mulis gerulisque redemptor,
Torquet nunc lapidem,nunc ingens machina tignum,
Tristia robustis luctantur funera plaustris,
Hac rabiosa fugit canis, hac lutulenta ruit sus :
I nunc et versus tecum meditare canoros.
Scriptorum chorus omnis amat nemus et fugit urbem,
Rite cliens Bacchi somno gaudentis et umbra :
Tu me inter strepitus nocturnos atque diurnos
Vis canere et contracta sequi vestigia vatum ?
Ingenium sibi quod vacuas desumpsit Athenas,
Et studiis anno septem dedit insenuitque
Libris et curis, statua taciturnius exit
Plerumque et risu populum* quatit: hic ego rerum
Fluctibus in mediis et tempestatibus urbis
Verba lyrae motura sonum connectere digner ?
Frater erat Romae consulti rhetor, ut alter
Alterius sermone meros audiret honores,
Gracchus ut hic illi, foret huic ut Mucius ille,
Qui minus argutos vexat furor iste poëtas ?
Carmina compono, hic elegos. ** Mirabile visu
Caelatumque novem Musis opus !” Adspice primum,
Quanto cum fastu, quanto molimine circum-
Spectemus vacuam Romanis vatibus aedem !
Mox etiam, si forte vacas, sequere et procul audi,
Quid ferat et quare sibi nectat uterque coronam.
Caedimur et totidem plagis consumimus hostem
Ivento Samnites ad lumina prima duello.
Discedo Alcaeus puncto illius ; ille meo quis ?
Quis nisi Callimachus ? Si plus adposcere visus,
Eit Mimnermus, et optivo cognomine crescit.
Multa fero ut placem genus irritabile vatum,
Cum scribo et supplex populi suffragia capto ;
Idem, finitis studiis et mente recepta,
Obturem patulas impune legentibus aures.
Ridentur mala qui componunt carmina ; verum
70
75
100
105
220 ` EPISTOLARUM
Gaudent scribentes et se venerantur, et ultro,
Si taceas, laudant quidquid scripsere beati.
At qui legitimum cupiet fecisse poëma
Cum tabulis animum censoris sumet honesti ;
Audebit quaecumque parum splendoris habebunt
Et sine pondere erunt et honore indigna ferentur
Verba movere loco, quamvis invita recedant
Et versentur adhuc intra penetralia Vestae.
Obscurata diu populo bomus eruet atque
' Proferet in lucem speciosa vocabula rerum,
Quae priscis memorata Catonibus atque Cethegis
Nunc situs informis premit et deserta vetustas ;
Adsciscet nova quae genitor produxerit usus.
'Vehemens et liquidus puroque simillimus amni
IFundet opes Latiumque beabit divite lingua ;
Luxuriantia compescet, nimis aspera sano
Levabit cultu, virtute carentia tollet,
Ludentis speciem dabit et torquebitur, ut qui
Nunc Satyrum, nunc agrestem Cyclopa movetur.
Praetulerim sGriptor delirus-inersque videri,
IDum mea delectent mala me vel denique fallant,
Quam sapere et ringi. Fuit haud ignobilis Argis,
Qui se credebat miros audire tragoedos,
Jn vacuo laetus sessor plausorque theatro ;
Caetera qui vitae servaret munia recto
More, bonus sane vicinus, amabilis hospes, ;
Comis in uxorem, posset qui ignoscere servis
Et signo laeso non insanire lagenae,
Posset qui rupem et puteum vitare patentem. , .
Hic ubi cognatorum opibus curisque refectus
Expulit helleboro morbum bilemque meraco
Et redit ad sese: “ Pol me occidistis, amici,
Non servastis,” ait, “ cui sic extorta voluptas
Et demptus per vim mentis gratissimus error.”
Nimirum sapere.est abjectis utile nugis, ,
Et tempestivum pueris concedere ludum ;
Ac non verba sequi fidibus modulanda Latinis,
Sed verae numerosque modosque ediscere vitae.
Quocirca mecum loquor haec tacitusque recorlor:
“ Si tibi nulla sitim finiret copia lymphae,
iis
115
120
125
1»
13$
140
145
LIB. II. EPIST. , II.
221
Narrares medicis: quod quanto plura parasti
Tanto plura cupis, nulline faterier audes ?
Si vulnus tibi monstrata radice vel herba
Non fieret levius, fugeres radice vel herba
Proficiente nihil curarier. Audieras, cui
Rem di donarent illi decedere pravam
Stultitiam ; et cum sis nihilo sapientior ex quo
Plenior es, tamen uteris monitoribus isdem ?
At si divitiae prudentem reddere possent,
Si cupidum timidumque minus te, nempe ruberes
Viveret in terris te si quis avarior umo.
Si proprium est quod quis libra mercatur et aere,
(Quaedam, si credis consultis, mancipat usus ;
Qui te pascit'ager tuus est, et villicus Orbi,
Cum segetes occat tibi mox frumenta daturas,
Te dominum sentit. Das nummos, accipis uvam,
Pullos, ova, cadum temeti: nempe modo isto
IPaullatim mercaris agrum fortasse trecentis
Aut etiam supra nummorum millibus emptum.
Quid refert vivas numerato muper an olim ?
Emptór Aricini quondam Veientis et arvi
Emptum coenat olus, quamvis aliter putat ; emptis
Sub noctem gelidam lignis calefactat aënum ;
Sed vocat usque suum, qua populus adsita certis
Limitibus vicina refugit jurgia: tamquam
Sit proprium quidquam, puncto quod mobilis horae
Nunc prece, nunc pretio, nunc vi, nunc morte suprema
Permutet dominos et cedat in altera jura.
'Sic quia perpetuus nulli datur usus, et heres
Heredem alterius velut unda supervenit undam,
Quid vici prosunt aut horrea ? quidve Calabris
Saltibus adjecti Lucani, si metit Oreus
Grandia cum parvis, non exorabilis auro ?
Gemmas, marmor, ebur, Tyrrhena sigilla, tabellas,
Argentum, vestes Gaetulo murice tinctas,
Sunt qui non habeant, est qui non curat habere.
Cur alter fratrum cessare et ludere et ungi
Praeferat Herodis palmetis pinguibus, alter
Dives et importunus ad umbram lucis ab ortu
Silvestrem flammis et ferro mitiget agrum,
- 19 * •
150
100
165
170
175
180
185
222 EPISTOLARUM LIB. II. EPIST. II.
Scit Genius, natale comes qui temperat astrum,
Naturae deus humanae, mortalis in unum
Quodque caput, vultu mutabilis, albus et ater.
Utar et ex modico quantum res poscet acervo
Tollam, nec metuam quid de me judicet heres,
Quod mon plura datis invenerit ; et tamen idem
Scire volam quantum simplex hilarisque nepoti
Discrepet et quantum discordet parcus avaro.
Distat enim spargas tua prodigus an neque sumptum
Invitus facias neque plura parare labores,
Ac potius, puer ut festis Quinquatribus olim,
Exiguo gratoque fruaris tempore raptim.
Hauperies immunda domu8 procul absit : ego, utrum
Nave ferar magna an parva, ferar unus et idem.
Non agimur tumidis velis aquilone secundo ;
Non tamen adversis aetatem ducimus austris,
Viribus, ingenio, specie, virtute, loco, re,
IExtremi primorum, extremis usque priores.
Non es avarus: abi; quid, caetera jam simul isto
Cum vitio fugere ? Caret tibi pectus inani
Ambitione ? Caret mortis formidine et ira ?
Somnia, terrores magicos, miracula, sagas,
Nocturnos lemures portentaque Thessala rides ?
Natales grate numeras ? Ignoscis amicis ?
Lenior et melior fis accedente senecta ?
Quid te exempta levat spinis de pluribus una ?
Vivere si recte nescis decede peritis. $
Lusisti satis, edisti satis atque bibisti ;
Tempus abire tibi est, me potum largius aequo
JRideat et pulset lasciva decentius aetas.”
100
195
200

210
•
Q. HORATII FLACCI
EPISTOLA AD P IsoNEs:
SIVE
DE ARTE POËTICA LIBER.
— *©—
HuMANO capiti cervicem pictor equinam
Jungere si velit, et varias inducere plumas
Undique collatis membris, ut turpiter atrum
Desinat in piscem mulier formosa superne,
Spectatum admissi risum teneatis, amici ?
Credite, Pisones, isti tabulae fore librum
Persimilem cujus, velut aegri somnia, vanae
Eingentur species, ut nec pes nec caput uni
Reddatur formae. Pictoribus atque poëtis
Quidlibet audendi semper fuit aequa potestas.
Scimus et hanc veniam petimusque damusque vicissim;
Sed non ut placidis coëant immitia, non ut
Serpentes avibus geminentur, tigribus agni.
Inceptis gravibus plerumque et magna professis
Purpureus, late qui splendeat, unus et alter
Assuitur pannus, cum lucus et ara Dianae
Et properantis aquae per amoenos ambitus agros,
Aut flumen Rhenum aut pluvius describitur arcus:
Sed nunc non erat his locus. Et fortasse cupressum
Scis simulare ; quid hoc, si fractis enatat exspes -
Navibus aere dato qui pingitur ? Amphora coepit
Institui : currente rota cur urceus exit ?
]0
15
9 }
224 ARS POËTICA.
Denique sit quidvis simplex duntaxat et unum.
Maxima pars vatum, pater et juvenes patre digni,
Decipimur specie recti. Brevis esse laboro,
Obscurus fio ; sectantem levia nervi
Deficiunt animique ; professus grandia turget;
Serpit humi tutus nimium timidusque procellae;
Qui variare cupit rem prodigialiter unam,
IDelphinum silvis appingit, fluctibus aprum.
In vitium ducit culpae fuga si caret arte.
Aemilium circa ludum faber unus et ungues
Exprimet et molles imitabitur aere capillos,
Infelix operis summa, quia ponere totum
Nesciet. Hunc ego me, si quid componere curem,
Non magis esse velim quam naso vivere pravo,
Spectandum nigris oculis nigroque capillo.
Sumite materiam vestris, qui scribitis, aequam
Viribus et versate diu quid ferre recusent,
Quid yaleant humeri. Cui lecta potenter erit res;—
Nec facundia deseret hunc nec lucidus ordo.
Ordinis haec virtus erit et venus, aut ego fallor,
Ut jam nunc dicat jam nunc debentia dici,
Pleraque differat et praesens in tempus omittat ;
3, Hoc amet, hoc spernat promissi carminis auctor.
? — [n verbis etiam teíüíô`cautusque serendis,
Dixeris egregie, notum si callida verbum
Reddiderit junctura novum. Si forte necesse est
Indiciis monstrare recentibus abdita rerum,
IFingere cinctutis non exaudita Cethegis
Continget,dabiturque licentia sumpta pudenter;
Et nova fictaque nuper habebunt verba fidem si
Graeco fonte cadant,parce detorta. . Quid autem
Caecilio Plautoque dabit Romanus ademptum
Virgilio Varioque ? Ego cur acquirere pauca
Si possum invideor, cum lingua Catonis et Enni
Sermonem patrium ditaverit et nova rerum
Nomina protulerit ? Licuit, semperque licebit
Signatum praesente nota producere nomen.
Ut silvae foliis pronos mutantur in annos,
Prima cadunt ; ita verborum vetus interit aetas,
Et juvemum ritu florent modo nata vigentque.
30
4!)
45
ARS POËTICA:. 225
Debemur morti nos nostraque : sive receptus
Terra Neptunus classes aquilonibus arcet, -
Régis opus, sterilisve diu palus aptaque remis 65
Vicinas urbes alit et grave sentit aratrum,
Seu cursum mutavit iniquum frugibus amnis
Doctus iter melius, mortalia facta peribunt,
Nedum sermonum stet honos et gratia vivax.
Multa renascentur quae jam cecidere, cadentque rO
[QUae nunc sunt in hónore vocabula, §IVOIetTisus,
Quem penes arbitrium est et jus et norma loquendi.
Res gestae regumque ducumque et tristia bella
Quo scribi possent, numero, monstravit Homerus, .i.
Versibus impariter junctis querimoniâ primuiíT. 1., '**,
Post etiam inclusa est voti sententia compos ; ì. j„**^
Quis tamen exiguos elegos emiserit auctor, *
Grammatici certant et adhuc sub judice lis est.
Archilochum proprio rabies armavit iambo: ' ' ; . . , , •
Hunc socci cépere pedem grandesque cothurni, .•' • • so
Alternis aptum sermonibus et populares - '
Vincentem strepitus et natum rebus agendis.
Musa dedit fidibus divos puerosque deorum
Et pugilem victorem et equum certamine primum. 3.**
Et juyenum curas et libera vina referre. _,.,*{»* . 86
Descriptas servare vïëé§ operumque colores, •
Cur ego si nequeo ignoroque poëta salutor ?
Cur nescire pudens prave quam discere malo ?
Versibus exponi tragicis res comica non vult;
Indignatur item privatis ac prope socco 90
I)ignis carminibus narrari coena Thyestae.
SIngula quaequ€T0gUmTteneant sortita decenter.
Interdum tamen et vocem comoedia tollit,
Iratusque Chremes tumido delitigat ore ; •
Et tragicus plerumque dolet sermone pedestri. 95
Telephus et Peleus, cum pauper et exsul uterque
Projicit ampullas et sesquipedalia verba,
Si curat cor spectantis tetigisse querela.
Non satis est pulchra esse poëmata ; dulcia sunto

i

***** ***w •ya.**a
Et quocunque volent animum auditoris agunto. 100
Ut ridentibus arrident, ita flentibus adsunt *
Humani vultus: si vis me flere dolendum est
226 ARS POËTICA.
Primum ipsi tibi ; tunc tua me infortunia laedent,
Telephe vel Peleu : male si mandata loqueris
Aut dormitabo aut ridebo. Tristia maestum 103
Vultum verba decent, iratum plena minarum,
Ludentem lasciva, severum seria dictu.
Format enim natura prius nos intus ad omnem
Eortunarum hábitú; juvat aut impellit ad iram,
Aut ad humum maerore gravi deducit et angit ; 110
Post effert animi motus interprete lingua.
Si dicentis erunt fortunis absona dicta
Romani tollent equites peditesque cachinnum.
Intererit multum divusne loquatur am heros,
Maturusne senex an adhuc florente juventa 115
Eervidus, et matrona potens an sedula nutrix,
Mercatorne vagus cultorne virentis agelli,
Colchus an Assyrius, Thebis nutritus an Argis.
[Aut famam sequere aut sibi convenientia finge. )
Scriptor honorâtum si forte reporiis Achillem, 120
( Impiger, iracundus, inexorabilis,,ag££J
Jura neget sibi nata, nihil non aífóíéÉ`armis.
Sit Meûea ferox invictaque, flebilis Ino,
Perfidus Ixion, Io vaga, tristis Orestes. *4
Si quid inexpertùm söenae commiffis et àudes 125
Personam formare novam, servetur ad imum ... . *, aw §
Qualis ab incepto processerit, et $ibi constet. , , , , .'**
Difficile est própriè communià diéêïë; fùque *
Rectius Iliacum carmen deducis in actus,
3uam si proferres ignota indictaque primus. - 13C
Publica materies privati juris erit, si
Non circa vilem patulumque moraberis orbem,
Nec verbo verbum curabis reddere fidus
Interpres, nec desilies imitator in arctum
Unde pedem proferre pudor vetet aut operis lex. s< 135
Nec sic incipies, ut scriptor cyclicus olim :
** Fortunam Priami cantabo et nobile bellum.”
Quid dignum tanto feret hic promissor hiatu ?
Parturiunt montes, nascetur ridiculus mus,
Juanto rectius hic, qui nil molitur inepte :
** Dic mihi, Musa, virum, captae post témpora Trojae
Qui mores hominum multorum vidit et urbes.”


t•'* uo
ARS POËTICA. 227 •
Non fumum ex fulgore seά ex fumo dare lucem , f, '
Cogifat, ut speciosa dehinc miracula promat, ' ' ' * '',
Antiphatem Scyllamque et cum Cyclope Charybdim. 145
Nec reditum Diomedis ab interitu Meleãgri,
Nec gemino bellum Trojanum orditur ab ovo ; • •
'.'..• -• A. Semper, ad eventum festimat et in medias res
Non séêüô ac notas auditorem rapit, et quae
Desperat tractata nitescere posse relinquit ; I5(]
Atque ita mentitur, sic veris falsa remiscet,
Primo me medium, medio ne discrepet imum.
Tu quid ego et populus mecum desideret, audi:
Si plausoris eges aulaea manentis et usque
Sessuri donec cantor * Vos plaudite * dicat, 155
Aetatis cujusque potandi sunt tibi mores,
Mobilibusque ìécör fiätüris dandus et annis.
Reddere qui voces jam scit puer et pede certo
Signat humum, gestit paribus colludere, et iram
Colligit ac ponit temere, et mutatur in horas. Ìt»0
Imberbis juvenis tandem custode remoto •*-
Gaudet equis canibusque et aprici gramine campi,
Cereus in vitium flecti, momitoribus asper,
Utilium tardus provisor, prodigus aeris,
Sublimis cùíåiisque et aimata relinquere pernix. 166
Conversis studiis aetas animusque virilis -
Quaerit opes et amicitias, inservit honori,
Commisisse gavet quod mox mutare laboret.
/ ę • •
Multa $emerfi circumveniunt incommoda, vel quod
£ ^r&•3•; � • œ • ę •
Quaériféí inventis miser abstinet ac timet uti, 170
Vel quod res omnes timide gelideque ministrat,
Dilator, spe longus, iners, avidusque futuri, A » , , :
, , , , ' Difficilis, querulus, laudator temporis acti
Se puero, castigator censorque minorum. -
Multa ferunt anni venientes commoda secum, 175
Multa recedentes adimunt. Ne forte seniles
Mandentur juveni partes pueroque viriles,
Semper in adjunctis aevoque morabimur aptis.
Aut agitur res in scenis, aut acta refertur.
Segnius irritant animos demissa per aurem, 180
Quam quae sunt oculis subjecta fidelibus,et quae
Ipse sibi est; re- non tamen intus
• * \^.\{.\
, , // '-' ■ '. , '
α ,!
• 228 ARS POËTICA.

Digna geri promes in scenam, multaque tolles
Ex ocuîis quae mox narret fáëïíåìåíåëåéhs. {a
Ne puero8 coram populo Medea trucidet, - 18â
Aut humana palam coquat exta nefarius Atreus, - ; , :
Aut in avem Progne vertatur, Cadmus in anguem.«}^^^*
Quodcumque ostendis mihi sic incredulus odi.
Neve minor meu sit quinto productior actu
Fabula, quae pósci vült et §péfata reponi; 190
Nec deus intersit nisi dignus vindice modus
Inciderit ; nec quarta loqui persona laboret. .
Actoris partes chorus offigiumque virile ^v«»*?
Defendat, neu quid medios intercinat actus
Quod non proposito conducat et haereat apte. 105
Ille bonis faveatque et consilietur amice,
Et regat iratos et amet peccare timentes ;
Ille dapes laudet mensae brevis, ille salubrem
Justitiam legesque et apertis otia portis ;
Ille tegat commissa deosque precetur et oret, 200
Ut redeat miseris, abeat fortuna superbis.
Tibia non ut nunc orichalco vincta tubaeque
Aemula, sed tenuis simplexque foramine pauco
Adspirare et adesse choris erat utilis atque
Nondum spissa nimis complere sedilia flatu ; 205
Quo sane p9pμlus numerabiljs, utpote parvus,
Et; 'Ä; fîftîé $#.); coibat.
Postquam coepit agros extendere victor, et urbes
+ : : . , ., • *-


s.!££9£ ]geti murus vinoque diurno
Ws * 1 §£ f. -» ę di b 6.
- 3Iaüariº Genius festis impune diebus, - - 210
Accessit numerisque modisque licentia major; zw/t;
Indoctus quid enim saperet liberque laborum
Rusticus urbano gonfusis, turpis honesto ?.,.y*z.^^-
Sic priscae fi8tiiiiqiie et luxuriem addidit arti
Tibicen traxitque vagus per pulpita vestem;, 215
Sic etiam fidibús voces crevefq §èyeris;*^^*'**
Et tulit eloquium insolitum É praeceps,
Utiliumque sagax rerum et divin £$ e
Sortilegis nom discrepuit ÉÉÉÉÉ;.
Carmine qui tragico vilem certavit ob hircum, 2:20
Mox etiam agrestes Satyros nudavit,et asper
Incolumi gravitate jocum tentavit, eo quod

ARS POËTACA. - 229
«*• «*•*
Illecebris erat et grata novitate morandus
Sgegtat£,jjpgjggggg Sacris et potus et exlex. -
Véríííííííí§öfé§,Tiíá'èommendare dicaces - 225
v. . . … e Conveniet Satyros, ita vertere seria ludo, v-*^
Ne quicunque deus, quicunque adhibebitur heros,
Regali conspegtus in aur9 nuper et Ostro,,
Migret in obséürä§ j;i fsefmone täßêáäs,
Aut dum vitat,hymum nubes et inania captet. // 230
Effutire leves iiidigiiä*Tragoedia versus, -
Ut festis matrona moveri jussa diebus,
Intererit Satyris paullum jùdibünda protervis. H
Non ego inornata et dominantia nomina solum , J ■ ' *
Verbaque, Pisones, Satyrorum scriptor amabö'; `? 23a
Nec sic emitar tragico differre colori
Ut nihil intersit Davusne loquatur et audax
Pythias emuncto lucrata Simone talentum,
Am custos famulusque dei Silenus alumni.
Ex noto fictum carmem sequar, ut sibi quivis #940
Speret idem, sudet multum frustraque laboret
Ausus idem : tantum series juncturaque pollet,
Tantum de medio sumptis accedit honoris.
Silvis deducti cavëant me judice Fauni,
Ne velut innati triviis ac paene forenses 245
Aut nimium teneris juvenentur versibus unquam,
Aut immunda crêpent ignominiosaque dicta:
Offenduntur enim quibus est equus et pater et res,
Nec, si quid fricti ciceris probat et nucis emptor,
Aequis accipiunt animis donantve corona. 250
Syllaba longa brevi subjecta vocatur iambus,
Pes citus ; unde etiam trimetris accrescere jussit
Nomen iambeis, cum senos redderet ictus
Primus ad extremum similis sibi. Non ita pridem, -
Tardior ut paulo graviorque veniret ad aures, 255
Spondeos stàbiles in jura paterna recepit *.
Commodus et patiens, non ut de sede secunda
Cederet aut quarta socialiter. Hic et in Acci
Nobilibus trimetris apparet rarus, et Enni
In scenam missos cum magno pondere versus 260
Aut operae celeris nimium curaque éarentis -
Aut ignoratae r;it artis crimine turpi.


230 ARS • POËTICA.
Non quivis videt immodulata poëmata judex,
Et data Romanis venia est indigna poëtis.
Idcircone vager scribamque licenter ? an omnes
Visuros peccata putem mea, tutus et intra
Spem veniae cautus ? Vitavi denique culpam,
Non laudem merui. Vos exemplaria Graeca
Nocturna versate manu, versate diurna.
At vestri proavi Plautinos et numeros et
Laudavere sales nimium patienter utrumque :
Ne dicam stulte mirati, si modo ego et vos
Scimus inurbanum lepido seponere dicto
Legitimumque sonum digitis callemus et aure.
Ignotum tragicae genus invenisse Camenae
IDicitur et plaustris vexisse poëmata Thespis,
Quae canerent agerentque peruncti faecibus ora.
IPost hunc personae pallaeque repertor honestae
Aeschylus et modicis instravit pulpita tignis
Et docuit magnumque loqui nitique cothurno.
Successit vetus his comoedia, non sine multa
Laude; sed in vitium libertas excidit et vim
Dignam lege regi: lex est accepta chorusque
Turpiter obticuit sublato jure nocendi. +\
Nil intentatum nostri liquere poëtae,
Nec minimum meruere decus vestigia Graeca
Ausi deserere et celebrare domestica facta,
Vel qui praetextas vel qui docuere togatas.
Nec virtute foret clarisve potentius armis
Quam lingua Latium, si non offenderet unum
Quemque poëtarum limae labor et mora. Vos, o
JPompilius sanguis, carmen reprehendite quod non
Multa dies et multa litura coërcuit, atque
Perfectum decies non castigavit ad unguem.
Ingenium misera quia fortunatius arte
Credit, et excludit sanos Helicone poëtas
IDemocritus, bona pars non ungues ponere curat,
Non barbam, secreta petit loca, balnea vitat.
Nanciscetur enim pretium nomenque poëtae,
Si tribus Anticyris caput insanabile nunquam
Tonsori Licino commiserit. O ego laevus,
Qui purgor bilem sub verni temporis horam !
265
270
275
280
290
ARS POETICA. 231
Non alius faceret meliora poëmata. Verum
Nil tanti est. Ergo fungar vice cotis, acutum
Reddere quae ferrum valet exsors ipsa secandi ; 305
Munus et officium, nil scribens ipse docebo,
Unde parentur opes, quid alat formetque poëtam ;
Quid deceat quid non; quo virtus, quo ferat error.
Scribendi recte sapere est et principium et fons :
Rem tibi Socraticae poterunt ostendere chartae, 310
Verbaque provisam rem non invita sequentur.
Qui didicit patriae quid debeat et quid amicis,
Quo sit amore parens, quo frater amandus et hospes,
Quod sit conscripti, quod judicis officium, quae -
Partes in bellum missi ducis, ille profecto 315
Reddere personae scit convenientia cuique. -
Respicere Å; vitae morumque jubebo ... --^^
Poetum imitat9rem e£yjyas hjpg gggere ygges, * * *
Interdum spéciósá'1oëîsîìóíáíäqüé féété********^
Pabula nullius veneris, sine pondere et arte, 320
Valdius oblectat populum meliusque moratur
Quam versus inopes rerum nugaeque canorae.
Graiis ingenium, Graiis dedit ore rotundo
Musa loqui, praeter laudem nullius avafis.
Romani pueri longis rationibus assem 325
Discunt in partes centum diducere. **Dicat
Filius Albini: Si de quincumce remota est
Uncia, quid superat ? Poteras dixisse.” “ Triens.** ** Eu !
Rem poteris servare tuam. Redit uncia, quid fit?”
** Semis.” At haec animos aerugo et cura peculi 330
Cum semel imbuerit, speramus carmina fingi
IPosse linenda cedro et levi servanda cupresso ?
Aut prodesse yolunt, aut delectare-poëtae, , j.
Aut $imul et jucunda et idonea dicére vitae. *7
Quidquid praécipies esto brevis, ut cito dicta 333
Percipiant animi dociles teneantque fideles:
Omne supervacuum pleno de pectore manat.
Picta voluptatis causa sint proxima veris,
Nec quodcunque volet poscat sibi fabula credi,
Neu pransae Lamiae vivum puerum extrahat alvo. 340
Centuriae seniorum agitant expertia frugis,
Celsi praetereunt austera poëmata, Ramnes:

232. ARS POËTICA..
Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci,
Lectorem delectando pariterque monendo.
EHic meret aera liber Sosiis; hic et mare transit
Et longum noto scriptori prorogat aevum.
Sunt delicta tamen quibus ignovisse velimus:

345
Nam neque chorda sonum reddit quem vult manus et mens,
Poscentique gravem persaepe remittit acutum ; *
Nec semper feriet, quodcumque minabitur, arcus.
Verum ubi plura mitent in carmine non ego paucis
Offendar maculis, quas aut incuria fudit
Aut humana parum cavit natura. Quid ergo est ?
Ut seriptor si peccat idem librarius usque,
Quamvis est monitus venia caret ; ut citharoedus
Ridetur chorda qui semper oberrat eadem :
Sic mihi, qui multum cessat fit Choerilus ille,
Quem bis terve bonum cum risu miror, et idem
Indignor quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus ;
(Verum operi longo fas est obrepere somnum.)
Ut pictura poësis : erit quae si propius stes,
Te capiat magis, et quaedam si longius abstes:
Haec amat obscurum, volet haec sub luce videri,
Judicis argutum quae'nom formidat acumen ;
Haec placuit semel, haec decies repetita placebit. .
`O major juvenum, quàmvis et voce paterna
Pingeris ad rectum et per te sapis, hoc tibi dictum
Tolle memor, certis medium et tolerabile rebus *
Recte coiicedi. Consultus juris et actor
Caussarum mediocris. abest virtute diserti
Messalae nec scit quantum Cascellius Aulus,
Sed tamen in pretio est ; mediocribus esse poëtis
Non homines, non di, non concessere columnae.
Ut gratas intéF mensas symphOIiià discórs •.
Et crassum unguentum et Sardo cum melle papaver
Offendunt, poterat duci quia coena sine istis ; .
Sic animis natum, inventumque poëma juvandis,
Si paulum summo decessit, vergit ad imum. '
Ludere qui nescit, campestribus abstinet armis,
Indoctusque pilae discive trochive quiescit,
Ne spissae risum tollant impune coronae :
Qui nescit versus tamen audet fingere.. Quidni ?..
350
355
365
370

ve* •
rej 4 Tò
380
ARS POËTICA. • 233
Liber et ingenuus, praesertim census equestrem
Summam nummorum vitioque remotus ab omni.
Tu nihil invita dices faciesve Minerva; Ss 385
Id tibi judicium est, ea mens. Si quid tamen olim
Scripseris in Maeci descendat judicis aures
Et patris et nostras, nonumque prematur in annum,
Membranis intus positis: delere licebit; •
Quod non edideris; nescit vox missa reverti. 33}0
Silvestres homines sacer interpresque deorum
Caedibus et victu foedo deterruit Orpheus,
Dictus ob hoc lenire tigres rabidosque leones ;
Dictus et Amphion, Thebanae conditor arcis,
Saxa movere sono testudinis et prece blanda 3{}5
Ducere quo vellet. Fuit haec sapientia quondam,
, * & f£ublica privatis secernere, sacra profanis,
°*Cöricubifu probibere vago, dare jüra maritis,
Oppida moliri, leges incidere ligno : -
Sic honor et nomen divinis vatibus atque 400
ACarminibus venit. Post hos insignis Homerus, -
„Tyrtaeusque mares animos in Martia bella
VÜìjì exacuit ; dictae per carmina sortes,
Et vitae monstrata via est; gt gratiâ, regum}: , , . .„,
Pieriis tentata modis; ludu${íé Š? : ' *; ** 405
Et longorum operum finis:, ne forte pudori . . ' . .
Sit tibi Musa lyrae sollers et cantor Apollo.
Natura fieret laudabile carmen am arte,
Quaesitum est; ego nec studium sine, divite venâ • "
Nec rude quid póssit yideo ingenium :TaIterius sic ' . . 410
AIterâ pos6it opem res et conjúrat amice. . . ,
Qui studet optatam cursu contingere metam . . .
Multa tulit fecitque puer, sudavit et alsit, . • • •
Abstinuit venere et vino ; qui Pythia cantat; -
Tibicen didicit prius extimuitque magistrum. 415
Nec satis est dixisse: “ Ego mira poëmate pango; :
Occupet extremum scabies ; mihi turpe yelinqui est .
Et quod non didici sane nescire fateri.** .
Ut praeco, ad merces turbam qui cogit emendas, -
Assentatores jubet ad lucrum ire poëta. . • . ' * ' 420'
Dives agris, dives positis in fenore nummis. -
Si vero est unctum qui recte ponere possit


20 *
234 ARS POËTICA.
Et spondere levi pro paupere et eripere atris
Litibus implicitum, mirabor si sciet inter-
Noscere mendacem verumque beatus amicum.
Tu seu donaris seu quid donare voles cui,
Nolito ad versus tibi factos ducere plenum
Laetitiae ; clamabit enim Pulchre! bene! recte*!
Pallescet super his, etiam stillabit amicis
Ex oculis rorem, saliet, tundet pede terram.
Ut qui conducti plorant in funere dicunt
Et faciunt prope plura dolentibus ex animo, sic
I)erisor vero plus laudatore movetur.
Reges dicuntur multis urgere culullis
Et torquere mero quem perspexisse laborant,
An sit amicitia dignus: si carmina condes
Nunquam te fallant animi süb vulpe latentes.
Quintilio si quid recitares, ** Corrige sodes
Hoc,” aiebat, ** et hoc : * melius te posse negares
IBis terque expertum frustra, delere jubebat,
Et male tornatos incudi reddere versus.
Si defendere delictum quam vertere malles,
Nullum ultra verbum aut operam insumebat inanem -
Quin sine rivali teque et tua solus amares.
Yir bonus et prudens,yefsug reprehendet inertes,
Culpabit duros, ÉÉÉÉ atrum
Traverso calamo signum, ambitiosa recidet ?
Ornamenta, parum claris lucem dare coget,
Arguet ambigue dictum, mutanda notabit,
Fiet Aristarchus; non dicet: “ Cur ego amicum
Offendam in nugis?” Hae nugae seria ducent
In mala derisum semel exceptumque sinistre.
Ut mala quem scabies aut morbu§ regius urget
Aut famaticus error et iracunda Diana,
Vesanum tetigisse timent fugiuntque poëtam '
Qui sapiunt; agitant pueri incautique sequuntur.
Hic, dum sublimis versus ructatur et errat,
Si veluti merulis intentus decidit auceps -
Im puteum foveamve, licet, “ Succurrite,” longu
Clamet, **Io cives !” non sit qui tollere curet.
Si curet quis opem ferre et demittere funem,
** Qui scis an prudens huc se projecerit atque
y \ *-^v '-'-
425
430
435
440
445
450
460
ARS POËTICA.
235
Servari nolit?” dicam, Siculique poëtae
Narrabo interitum. Deus immortalis haberi
Dum cupit Empedocles, ardentem frigidus Aetnam
Insiluit. Sit jus liceatque perire poëtis:
Invitum qui servat idem facit occidenti.
Nec semel hoc fecit, nec, si retractus erit jam
Eiet homo et ponet famosae mortis amorem.
Nec satis apparet cur versus factitet, utrum
Minxerit in patrios cineres, an triste bidental
Moverit incestus: certe furit ac velut ursus
Objectos caveae valuit si frangere clathros,
Indoctum doctumque fugat recitator acerbus ;
Quem vero arripuit tenet occiditque legendo,
Non missura cutem nisi plena cruoris hirudo.
/* 6 | |
465
, 470
475
N O T E S.
SATIRES. — B00K I. 409
a province or other territorial division ; but the title was not so limited in
práctice. It was a title originally confined to the pgfty pringes 9f Asia Mi-
hor; the Romans gave it to different, members of Herod's family, who suc-
ceeded to different parts of his dominions. *-*
18. mensa tripes]^ This was the simplest and most old-fashioned shape,
and the tables were small, only suited to a person dining by himself, or with
one or two companions. The wealthy Romams were very extravagant about
their tables. See S. ii. 2. 4, n. The salt-cellar was usually, except among
the poorest sort, of silver, and an heirloom. It stood in the middle of the
tablé, and had a sacred character. See C. ii. 16. 14. As to “concha,' see C.
ii. 8. 28, m. * Puri* means * cleam.' -
15. Decies centena] * A million of sesterces,' — a common way of express-
ing the largest number. The sestertium was a sum of money equal to 1,000
sestertii, eäch sestertius being of the value of twopence and a very small frac-
tion, of English money. After * centena * must be understood * millia.* On
the constrúction, see above, S. 1. 45, m. * Erat ' is used in am uncommon
way ; fjv äv would be the Greek equivalent. It is a loose, conversational
way of speaking.
i9. Nunc aliquis dicat mihi :] Here we leave Tigellius, and enter upon the
subject of mutual charity in judging of each other. •
20. Immo aliu.] Professor Key has given the precise meaning of * immo*
here (L. G. 1429): “.“ Immo' seems to have signified properly an assent
with àn important qualification.” This explanation is borne out by the ety-
mology of the word, which is compounded of * in * and * modo.* The quali-
fication is found in * et fortasse minora.' Horace means to say, he admits he
has his faults, though they may not be so glaring as those of Tigellius, and
he is not so selfish and foolish as Mænius (see S. l. 101 of this book), who
reviled the mam Novius behind his back, and, when told to look at his own
faults, said he made excuses for himself which he would not make for others.
Novius may be anybody: we know nothing about him. Whether he has
any connection with the Novius mentioned in the sixth Satire of this book, v.
40, the plebeian tribune, or the usurer in v. 121 of the same Satire, it is im-
possible to say. * Dare verba* means to give words in the place of facts, to
deceive. û
24. improbus] See C. iii. 24. 62, n. * Amor* means * self-love.' As to
* notari,' see S. 6. 14.
* 25. Cum tua pervideas] * While you see through your own faults, as well
as a blear-eyed man sees with his eyes smeared with ointment.'
27. serpens Epidaurius ?] The serpents of Epidaurus (on the Sinus Saron-
icus) were proverbial, in consequence Qf AEsculapius having been conveyed
in the form of a serpent from that place, where above others he was wor-
shipped, to Rome, to avert a pestilence._ (See Liv. Epit. lib. xi.)
29. Iracundior est paulo,] Horace is illustratimg here the tendency of those
quick-sighted critics of their neighbors' characters to magnify the faults thcy
find. The first instance is of a man who is sensitive under (* not suited for*)
the sharp judgment of the men of that day (* horum hominum *), men whò
had the keenness of a bloodhound's scent in finding out defects, and no doli-
cacy in proclaiming them. * Rusticus ' belongs to ° tonso,' and * defluit* is
absolute, * hangs down.' * Male' belongs to * laxus.* (See v. 45, and C. i.
17. 25, n.) To be slipshod (μeiço toù Toόδs ίττοδήμara φοpeîv, Theophr.
Char. 4) has always been the proverbial characteristic of a sloven. * Nec
vagus in laxa pes tibi pelle natet” (Ovid, A. A. i. 516). * At* is often re-
peated in the same way as here by Cicero.
84. hoc sub corpore.] * He speaks as ifthe man were before him.
35. Concute] The metaphor is probably dcrived from the shaking of a
cloak, or anything of that sort, to see if there is anything hid in it. It
85
410 • NOTES.
means *to 8earch,' as suspected persons are searched by the police. * Excu-
tio ' is used in that connection. See Phaedrus (Fab. v. 16):
“ Sic porcelli vocem est imitatus sua
Verum ut subesse pallio contenderent
Et excuti juberent.”
87. Neglectis urenda filiæ] ' This has the appearance of a proverb. Virgil
calls the ferm ** curvis invisam aratris.”
38. Illuc praevertamur,] * Before we go further, let us first turm our atten-
tion to this, namely, how lovers are blind to the faults of their mistresses.?
IBalbinus and Hagna are persons unknown. The former is a Romam name.
Hagna is derived from âyvij, * pure.' The first syllable of * polypus* is
always long, though derived from ττολὺs τοῦs, the Æolic form, 7ro\όs,
being followed rather than the Attic.
42. nomen virtus posuisset] The Romans used * ponere nomem,' after the
Greek övoμa τι6évat.
44. strabonem Appellat paetum] The difference between * strabo * and * pae-
tus * is one only of degree ; * strabo ' signifies * squinting* ; * paetus,' * a
slight cast of the eye,' which is by some considered a beauty, whence Venus
had the epithet * paeta* applied to her. Sisyphus was the name of a dwarf
Kept by M. Antonius. IDwärfs were kept by Tthe rich to amuse them and
play to them, for they were generally instructed im music. That * varus ' is
a soft term for those who have bent legs, and * scaurus ' for one whose ankles
are ricketty, we may gather from this passage. From *varus * is derived
* praevaricari,' * to shuffle.'
49. frugi] See S ii. 5. 77, n. *
Ineptus] This word signifies want of tact. Cicero thus defines the word
(De Or. ii. 4): “ Qui aut tempus quid postulet non videt, aut plura loquitur
aut se ostentat — aut denique in aliquo genere aut inconcinnus aut multus
est, is ineptus dicitur.” Such a man's failing is to be softened down, Horace
says, into a wish to make himself agreeable to his friends. * Truculentior*
means coarse and approaching to brutality in his belavior. * Acres* means
* high-spirited.'
56. Sincerum cupimus vas incrustare.] * We are ready and even anxious to
foul the cleam vessel.' This is the original meaming of * sincexus.'
57. multum demissus homo :] * Demissus ' is use d in a bad sense, * a very
abject fellow,' * a driveller.'^ Compare v. 147 of S. ii. 8, “ multum celer
atque fidelis”; ** multum similis metuenti” (S. ii. 5. 92). •
58. Tardo cognomen] * Amother because he is slow we call fat, lazy.' The
dative * pingui* is correct, as ** cui nunc cognomen Iulo Additur ” (Aen i.
267). It is the common construction, in prose as well as poetry, to put the
name in the dative.
59. malo] This is masculine : he lays himself open to no malignant per-
som, gives him no handle. * Iloc genus vitae ° means men who live on the
principles of the present day ; like T* horum hominum ' (v. 80).
63. Simplicior quis et est,] By * simplicior* Horacè meâns * unsophisti-
cated ' : one who in the simplicity of his feelings may perhaps sometimes ob-
trude himself upon those he likes, thinking hé must be welcome because he
is himself pleaséd to meet them. He says he has often acted in that way with
Mæcenas. -
65. impellat] * Impellere ' means here * to interrupt* or * intrude upon ' :
he breaks in upon oné when reading or meditating, with Some irrelevant talk.
* Common sense,' for which the Greeks had the expression δ κοινόs voùs, is
so called, not as being exercised upon common, every-day things, but as being
supposed to be common property, and not confined to the learned.
67. legem sancimus] * Sanciré legem * is properly to give full effect to a
law, by inserting aTpenalty for the breach of it. Seé Cic. de Am. c. 13
(Long): “ Haec igitur primia lex amicitiae sanciatur.”
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 411
70. Cum mea compenset vitiis bona;] * Cum ' belong8 to *vitiis.' * Com-
pensare ' is a legal térm. * Compensatio ' is a * set-off.'
72. trutina] This word applies equally to the * libra,' a balance with two
scales (* lances'), and to the * statera,' or steelyard, both of which were in
common use among the Romans. * In trutina ponetur eadem,' * he shall be
weighed in the same balance,' is amother, but not very exact, way of saying,
he shall be tried by the same standard, his character shall be estimated in the
same way. * Hac lege ' is * on this condition.'
76. quatenus excidi penitus] He now draws his conclusion from the preced-
ing remarks. *In short, inãsmuch as (C. iii. 24. 30) the vice of passiom and
all other vices that cleave to us fools cannot be entirely eradicated, we ought
to judge others as we judge ourselves, and visit each fault with no more tham
its due censure.' Literally, * Why does not our judgment use its own weights
and measures, and, according to the circumstances of each case, check faults
with their penalties ? * All were fools with the Stoics, who were not wise after
their fashiom. •
80. patinam] * Pisces patinarii* were boiled fish served up with sauce in
an opem dish.
82. In cruce suffigat,] Cicero has the expressions * in crucem sublatum *
(Verr. ii. 5. 8), * ad palum alligatos” (Ib. c. 6), which have the same mean-
ing. In the latter place he has the construction “ damnatis crucem servis
fixeras.” See Dict. Antt. art. * Crux,' for an account of the punishment by
crucifixion, which was only inflicted as a general rule upom slaves or the
worst sort of malefactors. A master might put his slave to death, or punish
him in any other way he pleased,
Labeone insanior] ' Different persons are identified with this Labeo, but it
is impossible to say who is meant.
84. paulum deliquit amicus,] * Say your friend has committed a small fault;
such that, if you do not excuse it, you must be looked upon as harsh ; you
hate him in your bitterness, and rum away from him.' * Concedo* is used in
this way by other writers. *
86. Rusonem] Ruso, whoever he was, seems to have made a stipulation
with his debtors that they should, besides paying interest, listen to his recita-
tions of his own writings. * Historias* means tales or narratives of some
sort. See C. iii. 7. 20.
87. tristes — Kalendae] See note on Epod. ii. 70. * Merces* is used only
by Horace in the sense of * usurae,' * interest” (S. 2. 14). It signifies money
paid for rent (see S. ii. 2. 115), or for the use of anything.
90. catillum Evandri manibus tritum] A plate that had been used by Evan-
der, the old king and ally of Æneas ; an exaggeration meant to heighten the
absurdity of the man.
92. Aut positum ante] The words are not very regularly placed. * Or be-
cause to the chicken sérved on my part of the dish he helps himself before
me, in the eagerness of his hunger.' The meats were cut up ong. side-table
by a slave called * structor,* and the guests helped themselvesTwith their
fingers, and threw the bones and remmants on the floor. The man who had
a dish before him, and fancied a particular part of it, might count it unmam-
merly if his neighbor stretched out his hand and took what he had set his
heart upQn.
95. fide] This is a form both of the gemitive and dative. See C. iii. 7. 4:
“ Constantis juvenem fide.” As to * sponsum,' see S. ii. 6. 23.
96. Quis paria esse fere] See Introduction. This commom doctrine of
the Stoics is noticed by Cicero (De Fin. iv. 19) and condemned on the prin-
eiples of common sense and truth, as here. * Laborant,' * they are in a
dilemma.'
98. justi prope mater] In making expediency the parent of justice, or
�
412 1NOTES.
something like it (* prope,' S. ii. 8. 32), Horace follows an Epicuream motiom,
One of the dogmas of Epicurus appears to have been, that justice was noth-
ing by itself, but merely a social compact, by which men boumd themselves to
abstain from injuring one another : Ta very marrow view of the case. The
Stoics had moré trué notions of Justice, whom they held to be the daughter
of Zeus.
99. Cum prorepserunt] He goes on to illustrate this doctrine, saying that
men lived at first like beasts, till expediency taught them to make laws.
102. usus,] Here this signifies * need.* It generally occurs (in this sense)
in combination with * est * or * vemit.?
103. Donec verba] * Verba nominaque ' embraces all the parts of speech,
like the Greek övöμaτa kaì Àfiuata. (A. P. 284.) * Notae * are symbols, as
in short-hand writing for instance ; and this line may perhaps be most accu-
rately rendered, * till they invented language, whereby they could give a
symbolical form to the sounds of their voice, and to their feelings.'
110. Viribus editior] * Superior in strength.' * Editus * is used for * ex-
alted,' * high.' It nowhere else appears in the sense Horace gives it here.
111. Jura inventa metu injusti] If this be admitted, as of course it must be,
then Injustice — amd, if so, Justice — was anterior to amy laws or social com-
- pact, express or implied; so that the doctrine above laid down falls to the
ground ; and that justice of which expediency is said to be the mother, turns
out to be mothing more than magistrates' justice, — the justice of statutes,
which may be just or unjust. -
112. evolvere] This word, which signifies * to read,' is taken from the un-
rolling of a parchment * usque ad umbilicum.* See Epod. xiv. 8, n. As to
* fastos,' see C. iii. 17. 4, n. Epp. ii. l 48, m.
114. bona diversis,] * Bona* means things which it is good to have and to
get, not virtues, but the gifts of fortune and such like.
115. Nec vincet ratio hoc,] * Nor will amy logic prove this? * Vincere
causam ' is an ordinary expression for winning a cause. * Idem ° is explained
by * tantundem,' the same in degree of guilt. •
117. sacra divum legerit.] * Legere * is not uncommonly used in the sense
of robbing. Hence our word * sacrilege.'
119. Ne scutica dignum] The epithet * horribili* belongs to * flagello,*
which was a severer instrument than the * scutica,' and was sometimes con-
structed with horrible cruelty, and fatal in its application. The * scutica*
had but one thong, of leather. * Ferula ' was a switch, usually from the vime.
The Latin derivatives from ακύτοs are short in the first syllable. There are
other instances (as * anchöra ' from äyküpa, * crépida* from xpmTis, etc.) in
which the quantity of the Greek vowel is'changed in the Latin.
120. ut ferula caedas] The rule in respect fó verbs of fearing is that « the
I.atin inserts a negatiye where the English has none, and vice öersa,” that is,
* vereor ne ' means * Ifear it will* ; * vereor ut,* * Ifear it will not.' Theré
is no deviation from the rule here; for the position of * ut' makes it imde-
pendent of 'vereor'. * For that you should beat,' or * as to your beating
§; â, switch one who deserves to undergo a severer flogging, öf this I havé
nO fear.
122. Furta latrociniis] This is not strictly a technical distinction, nor is
*latrocinium ' a technical term. All robbery was * furtum,' whether attended
with violence or not; but Horace means to distinguish. between thefts with-
out violence and robbery with violence (* rapina*). * Cum dicas,' * though
you do say.' .
124. Si dives qui sapiens est,] The word * regnum * turns the discourse to
amother doctrine of the Stoics not conneeted with the main subject of the
Satire, namely, that the sage is the only rich, capable, handsome man, and a
king. The absurdity of the doctrine, which i§ repéated in Epp. i. 1. 107,
« *
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 413
eonsists no3 so much in the statement that the wise man's intelligence con-
tains in itself the germ of all practical knowledge, and that such knowledge
is power, as in the limitation of wisdom to the pale of a sect, and the attempt
to give a practical application to a notion of this kind.
127. Chrysippus dicat:] The later Stoics looked to Chrysippus as the
founder of théir philosophy ; but he adhered, with little essehtiäf deviation,
to the doctrines taught him by his master Cleanthes, and Cleanthes was a de-
voted disciple of Zeno. He was born at a town in Cilicia, B. c. 280, and was
a very voluminous writer. * Inquit ' means that some Stoie says this, includ-
ing from * non nosti ' to * sapiens,' and after * qui ? * to * sic rex? (v. 133).
What he means to affirm in reply to the taunt “cur optas quod habes ? * i§,
that a man may be, in the Stoic sense, a king, and yet not be in a conditiom
to exercise authority, as an artisan or a singer may still be great in his call-
ing, even whem he has laid aside the practice of it.
crepidas — soleas] ' Crepida* (kpmTis) was a low shoe or slipper copied
from the Greeks and worn in undress : * solea* was a plain sanáäl fasténed
9ver the instep by a strap, and worn by mem as the *sandalium * was worn
by WQmen. The * soccus* was not mäterially different from the * crepida,'
and the * Gallica,' adopted from Gaul, was like the * solea.' None of these
were walking shoes (* calcei *) fit for wet or dirty roads, but were ordinarily
worm only in the house.
129. Hermogenes] This persom has been confounded with Tigellius, whose
death is mentioned in the sécond Satire, and whose character is described at
the beginning of this. Hermogenes is also called Tigellius in S. 4. 72 ; 10.
80, 90. But as he is always spoken of as alive, it is impossible he can be
Tigellius the Sardiniam, to whom there are mo grounds för giving the name
Hermogenes, though the Scholiasts give it him. Hermogenês Tigellius was
a teacher of music (S. 10. 90), and (whether ironically or not it is not easy
to say) Horace calls him a first-rate singer here, and implies as much in S. §.
25. But he had a contempt for him in other respects, as appears from S. 4.
72 ; 10. 17 (where he calls him a coxcomb); and 10. 79 (where he introduces
him with a fool for his friend or parasite). He may have had some private
pique against him. - -
130. Alfenius vafer,] Who Alfenius was, is very doubtful, and the read-
ing * sutor? is mot quite certain. Some editions have * tonsor.* From * erat *
it has been inferred that Alfenius was dead when the Satire was written. It
merely means, that, though he threw up his trade, he still continued to be a
* sutor.'
188. Vellunt tibi barbam] The Rofmans of this period did mot usually wear
beards. But those who affected philosophy let theirs grow, and may have
been hooted and insulted by the boys in the streets for doing so (see S. ii.
3. 17).
187. Ne longum faciam :] The chief subject of the Satire is a censorious
temper. . To this Horace returns, and says that, as long as he can live on
termis of mutual indulgence with his friends, the Stoics and their crabbed
doctrines are nothing to him : he will be happier than all the self-styled kings
in the world.
dum tu quadrante lavatum] * Quadrante lavari* (Juvenal, S. vi. 447) was
an expressiom equivalent to taking a public bath, because a * quadrans ' was
the ordinary fee paid by each visitor. TBut it may be inferred from Horace's
words, that they who pâid this sum were not the richer sort of bathers ; for he
seems to say, £While'you, a fine king as you are, go and bathe for a quad;
rans.* Thé rich may perhaps haveTpaidº more, and had more privacy and
better bathing and attendancé. The * quadrans,' which was the fourth of an
* as,' and therefore the sixty-fourth part of a * denarius,' after the reduction Gf
the * as* to one sixtegnth gf that Goin, was of the value of about half a far-
85 -
414 NOTE§.
thing of English money, taking the value of the * denarius' at 83d. The Ro-
mans were great bathers.
139. Crispinum] See S. i. 1. 120, m. The body-guards of kings were
called * stipatores.* Horace therefore uses the word ironically in that sense.
S A T IIR E I V.
HERE again Horace is at pains to defend himself from the charge of malev-
olence. This charge, mo doubt, was loudly brought against him by those
who were or thought themselves the objects of his satire ; and he- attributes
it, as well as the neglect his poems experienced compared with the inferior
poetry of the day amd the old poetry of Lucilius, to the jealousy and fears of
the multitude, every mam apprehending that he may be attacked next ; and
also in some measure to a false taste, which preferred a wordy, flowing style
to the terseness amd accuracy of his owm. His object is to contrast his own
style and pretensions with those of Lucilius and of the Crispinuses and Fan-
niuses of the day, as well as to quiet the apprehensions of his friends, and
disarm the malignity of his enemiies. Everybody must admire the way in
which he takes occasion, from the necessity of self-defence, to pay a tribute of
grateful affectiom to his father's memory ; amd it would be difficult to find a
more pleasing picture of paternal solicitude and sound sense, as applied to a
boy's educationi, tham Horâce has drawn in the latter part of this Satire.
1. Eupolis atque Cratinus Aristophanesque] He begins by describing the
charaeter of Lucilius as a satirist, and says he followed in thê steps of the old
Greek comedians. The Greek comedy was divided by the Alexandrine
grammarians into three periods, the Old, the Middle, and the New. The
three persons here named were the chief poets of the Old Comedy. Cratinus
was the eldest of the three, and died B, C. 422, when Aristophanes was a
young man. He was the last of that period. The other writers of the Old
Comedy, whom Horace alludes to with respect, are very little known to us.
Horace fixes om the Comoedia Prisca, beeause the subsequent phases of the
Greek Comic Drama were not of the same personally Satiricäl cast, the li-
cense granted to the old writers having beem taken away by law. The words
* poëtae* and * virorum * are used emphatically, as belöw in S. 10. 16: « Illi
scripta quibus comoedia prisca viris est.”
5. mulié cum libertate notabant.]. During the period of the Old Comedy, the
law of Athens did not interfere with the poet's liberty of speech, except'iipon
two occasion§, when, psephisms were passed prohibiting thé introductión upon
the stage of living characters as objects of satire by name, — a restrictioj, of
mo great force, since the substitution of a feigned name, slightly altered from
the true, would make the allusions equally intelligible and möre ridiculous.
Neither of these psephisms lasted more thám a couple of years. See S. i. 6.
14, n., om * motare.'
6. Hinc omnis pendet Lucilius,] * Hinc * means * upom them,' as « unde • is
elsewhere useíl with reference to persons. What Horace says of Lucilius is
briefly this: that his whole strength was laid out om the Satirizing of vice in
the persons of living characters ; that he especially imitated herein the writers
of the Old Comedy, only changing their métre ; that he was funny (*facetus?
and acute ('emiunctae maris'), but harsh in his style of versificatión; wordy
and sometimes vulgar, in consequence of the haste with which he wrote aná
his impatience of the trouble of correcting. He adds below (S. Io. 3), that
the mostjlolatrous admirer of Lucilius could not deny that hi§ style wás un-
couth. He there also adás, that Lucilius loved to mix up Greek words with
*
SATIRES. — I`00K I. 415
his own language (v. 20), that he was good-tempered, notwithstanding his
satirical veinT(v.T53), amd again that he was very unreserved and frank (S. ii.
1. 80—84). The fragments of Lucilius that have come down to us are too
short to förm a very accurate opinion upom, but in some points, at least, (such
as the absurd mixture of Greek and Latim,) they bear out Horace's state-
mentS.
7. Mutatis tantum pedibus] The writings of Lucilius appear to have been
very early divided by the grammarians into thirty books, of which two thirds
were Written in hexameter verse, and the rest in the iambic and trochaic
measures. That Lucilius imitated the comedians in all but their measures,
cannot be true. The character of their plays could not be transferred to
satirical poems like his, though some of their features might suit, as their
coarseness and personalities.
8. Emunctae naris,] * Emunctae naris? is one who has his mose well wiped,
• and is therefore no driveller. Phædrus explains it in his description of Aesop
(1. iii. f. 3, v. 14): —
“ Aesopus ibi stans naris emunctae senex,
Natura nunquam verba cui poterit dare.”
* Emungere ? is used by the comic writers for * cheating,” as among other
places (see A. P. 238) in the fragment from the Epiclerus of Cæcilius quoted
by Cicero de Am. 26. “ To wipe a man's nose for him, is to imply that he
is a driveller who cammot do it for himself, amd hemce it means to * outwit,*
and to * cheat* him.” (Long in loco). Others explain * emunctae maris * as
* keen-scented,' like a, hound, which is wrong. •
10. versus dictabat] See S. 10. 92, n. The words * stans pede in uno ?
meam with the utmost facility, or * standing at ease,' as we might say. Others
explain * stans pede in uno' to mean within the time a man could stand on
one foot. The other is right.
11. Cum flueret lutulentus] * Lutulentus * combines two notions, dirtiness
and obscurity. Lucilius may have imitated the obscenity of the old come-
dians ; and in this, as in other respects, his verse may have been like a mud-
dy stream. The word, no doubt, comprehends defects of taste as well as
style.
12. piger scribendi ferre laborem,] * Piger ferre* is a Greek construction,
commón in the Odes, but mot so in the language of the Satires. (See C. i.
1. 18, n.) In C. iv. 14. 22, we have * impiger* in the same construction.
14. Crispinus minimo], See § i. 1. 120, n. . * Minimo me provocat,' * he
offers me "the greatest "ödds,' literally, * he challenges me at the smallest
amount * to be staked om miy side, while he puts down a large one om his.
The mention of the negligent way im which Lucilius wrote, leads om to the
mention of small poets of the day, Crispinus and Fannius. See Introduc-
tiom.
15. Accipiam tabulas;] This is nothing more than a polite challenge to
see which could write miost, verses in a given time. * Take tablets if you
please, and I will take them too.” – The omission of the personal pronoum
before * accipiam * to express antithesis, is nothing in familiar talk, where
3; could be no mistake. * Custodes ' are umpires to see that there is mo
σul play.
18. raro et perpauca loquentis.] * The gods have done me a kindness in
making me of a poor and unpretending dispositiom, that speaks but seldom,
and very little at a, time.' This is Horace's reply to the challenge, which he
declimes.
19. At tu conclusas] Persius imitates this, S. v. 10. j*
21. Beatus Fannius] This Fannius is spoken of in amother place (S. i. 10.
80) as a contemptible persom, and a parasite of Hermogenes Tigellius (S. 3.
129, m.). It appears probable, from Horace's words, that he had his admir-
416 NOTES.
ers, ag rant and emptiness will always have, and that they made him a pres-
ent, by way of a testimonial as it is Called, of a set of handsome * capsae * amd
a bust. The * capsa* was a round box, suited to hold one or more rolled
volumes. The larger sort was called * scrinium.'
22. cum mea nemo] See Introduction. That Horace wrote many pieces
which have not been preserved, appears clear from this passage and v. .
71, sqq. ¢
$$ulgo recitare timentis] See note om y. 78. The usage which leaves
the personal pronoun to be inferred from the possessive, is common both in
Greék and Latin. (See C. iii. 22. 6.) Compare Ovid (Heroid. v. 45) : “ Et
flesti, et nostros vidisti flentis ocellos.” “ Timeo ? and * metuo* do not gov-
erm am infinitive mood in the prose-writings of Horace's day. * Vereor ? is
used in that construction.
24. sunt quos] * There are some who are by no meams pleased with this
sort of writing, as being for the most part worthy of censurethemselves.' As
to * sunt quos,' see C. i. 1. 3, n. He seems to have particular persons or
classes in view. .
26. Aut ob avaritiam] * Laborare ob * is an unusual construction, and the
sentence begins with one form of expressiom and ends with amother. * Am-
bitio * generally had am epithet of a strong kind applied to it. Horace has
* prava,' * inanis,' * mala,' * misera *; and Cicero (De Off. i. 26) says, “ Mi-
serrima est omnino ambitio honorumque contentio.” The practice, the re-
fore, seems to have been habitual, which, if we consider the evils that arose
out of personal ambitiom, and the eagerness with which places of honor were
sought at all times of the Republic, is not surprising.
28. Hunc capit argenti splendor;] Cups and other vessels curiously
wrought in silver and Corinthiam bronze, and very costly (such as Juvenál
describes, S. i. 76), were among the many oljects of extravagance at Rome.
The exaggerated admiration of the persons Horace alludes to, for such works
of art, might be comparatively harmless, if it did not lead them into dishonest
ways of acquiring them, and beggaring their families, as Albius did, of whom
we know nothing. His son is mentioned below (v. 108), as living in want
through his father's extravagance. * Stupet,' with the ablative, occurs below
(S. 6. 17); and * torpere,' an equally strong word, is used in the same con-
nection in S. ii. 7. 95.
29. Hic mutat merces] See C. i. 31. 12, n.
surgente a sole, etc.] This means from east to west (* ad ortus Solis ab
Hesperio cubili,” C. iv. 15. 15). * Mutare merces? can hardly be applied to
any but a mercator. * Mala* means dangers and hardships.
34. Foenum habet in cornu ;] A law of the XII. Tables gave an action to
any mam who was injured by a vicious animal. It became customary, there-
fore, that any ox or other animal of vicious propensities should be märked in
such a way as to warn passengers, and enable them to get out of its way.
Hence the proverb, * He has a wisp of hay on his horm.”
37. a furno] * Furnus * is the bakehouse, to which the lower sort of peo-
ple, old women and children, carried their bread to be baked. * Lacus* were
tanks distributed in all parts of the city, into which water was conveyed from
the aqueducts, and to which poorer persons resorted who could not afford to
have water laid om at their houses.
38. Agedum,] * IDum,' as an enclitic, signifies * awhile * ; * agedum,' * come
a moment.'
39. Primum ego me illorum] * Primum ? means * in the first place* ; before
Ibegin, let me dispose of the fallaey which classes writers like myself among
poets (the word assumed above, “ Omnes hi metuunt versus, odére poëtas,”
v. 33). This question occupies twenty-four verses, after which he réturns to
the main point, which is the odium attachimg to writers of Satire. The da-
SATIRES. — Book I. ' 417
tive is commonly used after * licet esse,' * datur esse,' etc. See S. i. 1. 19;
2. 51. A. P. 372.
40. concludere versum] This expressiom is repeated below (S. 10. 59: “ si
quis pedibus quid claudere senis **).
42. Sermoní propiora :] * Sermoni* means common conversation. Hence
the name * Sermones ' given to the Satires and Epistles.
43. os Magna sonaturum,] This form does not appear elsewhere in this
word. Cicero uses * praestaturus,' and Sall. (Jug. 47) * juvaturus.' Horace
has * intonata* in Epod. ii. 51. See Virg. (Georg. iii. 294): “ Nunc vene-
randa Pales, magno nunc ore sonandum.” The attributes of a poet, which
EHorace considers essential, are genius, inspiration, and dignified sentiments,
and language suited to high subjects.
45 Idcirco quidam] * In reference to this, certain persons have raised the
question whether a comedy was or was not a poem ': “ utrum comoedia esset
êma necne esset.” – This is a grammariam's questiom, and depends upon
the definition assumed for a poem, in which, however, imaginatiom is gen-
erally supposed to have a conspicuous place, and this would exclude the com-
edies of Plautus and Terence, and their Greek originals of the New Comedy,
from the title of poetry. But the same rule would exclude much more that,
has passed for poetry, with less pretension to the name even tham Horace's
Satires, or the Heautontimorumenos. * Quidam * signifies the grammarians
of Alexandria.
48. Diffèrt sermoni] * Discrepare,' * dissidere,' * distare,' * differre,' Horace
uses with the dative (see C. i. 27. 5, m.), but the two last also with the ab-
lative and * ab.' “ It must mot be supposed, however, that * from * can in amy
way be the signification of the dative,” which remark Professor Key appliés
to the analogous construction im use by the poets with verbs of taking away.
At pater ardens] Demea in the Adelphi of Terence, and Plautus's Théu-
ropides are instances in point. * At,' which usually im such places introduces
an objection, here seems to be the remark of one who supposed that the fury
and ranting of the enraged father in the comedy might be supposed to par-
take of the fire of poetry. But Horace disposes of the objection very easily.
Any father who had such a son as Pomponius, for instance, a dissolute youth
(of whom we know nothing more), would probably storm at him im much the
same terms that the mam om the stage uses. It was the aim of the New
Comedy, which the Romam writers followed, to put real life uipom the stage
by means of a plot natural and probable, and to represent men and women
as they were seem and heard every day, in which it differed essentially from
the Old Comedy, a mere vehicle for political and personal satire. -
54. puris — verbis,] * Puris * corresponds to “inornata* (A. P. 284). It
means plain language, free from any mixture of trope or other ornament.
See Terence (Heaut. Prol. 44): —
“ Si quae laboriosa est ad me curritur:
Si lenis est ad alium defertur gregem.
In hac est pura oratio.”
So Cicero (In Verr. ii. 4. 22) speaks of “ purum argentum,” plate with the
ornamental work taken off. He Says it is mot enough (to constitute a poem)
that it should be writtem throughout in plain language, which, if you take to
pieces, it will be found that any father in common life expresses his wrath in
the same terms as the father in the play.
56. His ego quae nunc,] * From these verses that I now write and Lucilius
wrote formérly, if you take away certaim times and measures (measures reg-
ulated by beating fime), and chamge the positiom of the words, you will not
(as you would ifyou broke up such a verse as the following, Postquam, etc.)
find' the members of the poet thus torn to pieces.' That is, his language
would be unintelligible, or there woull be mo more of the poet left.
418 NOTES.
60. Postquam Discordia trtra] The Scholiasts imply that this is a verse of
Ennius, buí they do mot say fioim what poem it is takeii. Virgil (Aen. i. 294)
has ** claudentiir belli portae.” As to the* position of * non,' See S. 6. l.
63. alias justum sit iiecue poena,] The question he has been discussing
since v. 88, hamely, whether he and such as he are Qr are not properly called
poets, is nòt resume d, though we may, pergeive that Horace does not consider
that fiis arguments have quite settled it. He goes on to show that the public
have mo reäsom to be afraid ofhim.
65. Sulcius acer Aniibulut et Caprius] These persons are said by the Scho-
liasts to have been public informers, or else * causidici,' * pleaders,' and Hor-
ace may meam that they have made themselves hoarse with roaring in the
courts. " The * libelli * they carried were their note-books. * Ambulat* sig-
nifies their strutting through the streets with the consciousness that men were
afraid of them. * Delatores,' * informers,' were more common in after years,
but they were sufficiently abundant in Horace's time. Cælius and Birrus are
said by Acrom to have been profligate youths, meaning probably that they
were young mem of fortune, who had run through their money and had takem
to robbing.
69. Ut sis] * Say that you are.' Horace says he is not like the informers,
going about seekihg whóm they may charge, and no one with cleam hands
meed be afraid of him.
71. Nulla taberna meos habeat] In the next place, he has mo wish to see his
books in the shops and thumbed by the vulgar. The * taberna* was some-
times under a porticus, in which case the titles of the books for sale withim
were hung upon the columns (* pilae *) in front. Horace alludes to this when
he says (A. P. 872), “ Mediocribus esse po3tis Non Dii, non homines, non
concessere colummae,” which means that indifferent poets would not be pat-
ronized by the booksellers. * Habeat* expresses a wish. On Hermogenes
Tigellius, see S. 3. 129, m.
73. Nec recito cuiquam] Nor does he go about reciting his works in pub-
lic. This practice grew to be an intolerable nuisance in the course of time.
Persons who had money and dabbled in literature inflicted their productions
upom their clients and others, whom they bribed to listen amd applaud them.
What Horace goes on to complain of are silly people reciting their owm
verses in public places (the forum and the baths) to chamce acquaintances, or
evem strahgers, ând annoying the neighbors while they gratified themselves.
Eound thé baths were spaces called * scholae.' On these, people sat or
walked about, and conceited authors could tease their acquaintanee and the
strangers that were compelled to listen to them, and in the act of bathing
they could do the same.
77. haud illud quaerentes,] * Illud* is thus used commonly to introduce
something about to be mentioned.
78. Laedere gaudes, Inquit,] Horace has said, that, evem if he does Write or
recite, it is only in a private way, and no one therefore need be afraid of him.
He now disposes of the charge of writing with malicious intent. * Studio ? is
used adverbially, * of set purpose in your malignity you do it.'
80. Est auctor quis denique eorum] * Quis ' may be takem as an interroga-
tive or an enclitic. It is not easy to decide. As to * auctor,' see C. i. 28.
14, n.
84. commissa tacere Qui nequit;] This, which is too commonly softened
into a weakness, the inability to keep a secret, Horace very justly marks as
one of the most prominent signs of a mischievous character. See C. iii. 2.
25, m. On * Romane,' see C. iii. 6. 2, n. - -
86. Saepe tribus lectis] Four persons on each * lectus tricliniaris * would be
am unusuälly large party at one table. - Three on each was the usual number
whem the table was full. Respecting the arrangement of the guests, see S.
ii. 8. 20, n.
*-*-.
SATIRES. — BOOK I. • 419
87. E quibus unus amet] * Amet° is used in the same sense as in « um.
bram hospitalem consociâre amant ” (C. ii. 8. 10). * Quavis* is ! qua ratione
vis.' .* Qui praebet aquam * is an uncommon expression, but it seems to bô
vsed for the host “ qui aquam temperat ignibus.** See C. iii. 19. 6, n. Tom.
£verax Liber,' see C. i. 18. 16; iii. 21. 16. Epod. xi. 14. Epp. i. 18. 88;
5. 16. A. P. 434.
92. Pastillos £ufillus olet,] This verse is quoted from a former Satire
(2. 27) only to show, the innocent subjects with which Horace's satire dealt,
and he goes on to sh9y that his satire has none of the malignity which i§
gommoti in $ociety. * Pastillus ' is a diminutive form of * panis? aiid signifies
£a smallfgll,'yhence in a derived sense it came to mean'smali balls öf per-
fume. Who Rufillus and Gargonius may have been, we cannot tell.
94. De Capitolini furtis] Petillius Capitolinus was charged, according to
§ome stQries, with stealing the golden crówn from the statué ofJupiter when
he yas in charge of the QapitoI. That he was tried on some serióus charge
and acquitted, and that the verdict did not escape scandal, is clear from tlie
context. See also S. 10. 26. The nature of tfie accusation must remain a.
matter of doubt. We may also gather that he was a person of influence from
y. 97, which he must have been, if he was acquitted, or supposed to have
been acquitted, through the corruption of the jufy.
95. ut tuus est mos:] * In your peculiar way,' that is, sarcastically.
99. Sed tamen admiror,] Theré is sarcasm in this, which Horace calls
* succus loliginis,' the dark secretion of the cnttle-fish, black and malignam:t.
* Aerugo mera,' nothing but copper-rust, that eats into character and de-
stroys it.
102. ut si quid] There is a little obscurity in the construction, but the
sense is plain. . * I promise, as I truly cam, if I cam promise of myself augl.t
else with truth.* * Promitto, ut vere possum si aliud quid vere de me pro-
mittere possum.”
104. hoc mihi juris] * So much liberty as this*; — * hoc jus * would mot do.
105. insuevit pater optimus hoc me,] * Suesco * and its compounds have an
active as well as a neuter signification, taking usually an accusative of the
persom and dative of the thing, which order is inverted in Virg. (Aen. vi.
833): “ Ne, pueri, ne tanta animis assuescite bella.” See below, S. ii. 2.
109: “ Pluribus assuerit mentem corpusque superbum.” Iam not aware of
any instances of a double accusative after * suesco * except this. The con-
struction is that of the Greeks, who said é6i(euv ti tuva. * Notando * has
something of the technical sense. The father taught his som to avoid vices,
and he did so by branding them in each instance by means of examples,
which he says was the origin of his tendency to satire. See S. i. 6. 14, n.,
om * notare.'
108. quod mi ipse parasset:] Horace's father had lived a life of frugal in-
dustry, and, in addition to any * peculium * he may have laid by as a * servus,'
he made enough money by his occupation of * coactor” (S. 6. 86) to purchase
a farm of no great value at Venusia, to pay for his son's education at Rome,
and enable him to continue it at Athens.
109. Albi ut male vivat filius,] See above, v. 28, n. This person, of whom
nothing is known, is to be distinguished from the coxcomb in the sixth Satire
(v. 80). Scetanius (otherwise Sectanius) is not more known than Barrus.
Trebonius was the name of a plebeian gens of some distinction, but which of-
them Horace alludes to, it is impossible to say.
115. Sapiens vitatu quidque petitu] ' The philosopher may give you good
reasoms as to what is best to be avoided and what tolhe sought; I am satisfied
if I cam maintain the practice of my fathers,* etc. Horace's father had no
mind to refime upom the foundation of morals, nor any pretension to a philo-
sophical view of these matters. He knew that right was right and wrong was
420 INOT£S.
wrong, and followed the beaten track, and would have his som dq the same.
Horaëé expresses the same below, S. 6. 82, sqq._ The whole of the passage
there should be compared with this. The elder Horace was no doubt a plain,
sensible man. As to * sapiens,' see C. i. 84. 2. ę •
121. Formabat] This is Horace's usual word for educatiom, .C. i. 10, 2:
« Qui feros cultu§ hominum recentum Voce formasti.” See G. iii. 24; 54, n.
i28. Unum ec judicibus selectis] It was the duty of the Prætor Urbanus
annually to selecî a certain number of persons whöse name$ were registered
in the Album Judicum Selectorum, and from whom were chosen by lot the
*judices* for each trial. It is uncertain whether at this time, or by a subse-
quent * lex* of Augustus, their functions were extended to civil as well as
criminal proceedings. The number of these *judices* varied. By the * lex
Servilia Glaucia Repetundarum * it was fixed at 450. The law that was in
force at the time Horace refers to was the * lex Aurelia,' by which the Judices
Selecti were made eligible from the Senators, Equites, and Tribuni Aerarii.
Horace's father, as plain men are wont, looked up with reverence to the body
im whom were vested such high functions ; but the office was not an enviable
one, nor always most purely exercised. See C. iv. 9. 39, n. As to * auctor,'
see above, v. 80. •
126. Avidos] This signifies * intemperate,' as in C. i. 18 11.
129. Ex hoc ego sanus] Horace says that, owing to his father's training
(* ex hoc '), he had been kept in a sound and healthy state, and preserved
from those vices which in their worst form bring destruction, but which in a
moderate degree may be overlooked. He implies that in this venial form he
is liable to such faults ; but even from this smaller measure, time, the candor
of friends, and reflection will deduct a good deal. The sentence is a little
irregular, but sufficiently intelligible. * Consilium proprium' is the counsel
a man takes with himself when he reviews his life, and is bent upon correct-
ing the errors of it. This sort of reflection a man may pursue, if he be in
earnest, either as he lies om his bed (see below, S. 6. 122, n.), or as he walks
abroad, alone among crowds. By * porticus* Horace means any one of the
public porticoes, covered walks, of which there were many at Rome, and
which were usually crowded by persons of all sorts, resortimg thither for exer-
cise, conversation, or business.
137. olim] See C. ii. 10. 17, n. .
139. Illudo chartis.] This means, * I put it dowm in my notes by way of
amusement.' As to * chartae,' see S. ii. 3. 2, n.
141. Multa poétarum veniat manus] Horace, in winding up his discourse,
stops the lips of his opponents with a sally of good humor, which they would
find it hard to resist. He says, if they will not make excuses for this little
sin of his (that of taking notes of his neighbors' vices), he will bring a host
of sinners (poets) as bad as himself, and, like the proselytizing Jews (S. 9.
69, n.), they will attack them till they have made converts and poets of them
all. * Plures* signifies any mumber more tham one, as in Epp. i. 5. 28, ** Lo-
cus est et pluribus umbris.” “ Multo plures sumus ' means * there are many
besides me.'
S A T IIR E V.
IN the spring of the year B. C. 37, M. Antonius brought over an army to
Italy, and a fleet of 300 ships (Plut. Ant. c. 35): ἐκ τινον διαβόλων παpo-
§vv6eìs Tpòs Kaíorapa, says Plutarch. He pretended, Diom says, to come
for the purpose of helping to put dowm Sextus Pompeius, his real object being
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 421
rather to see what was going on, than to take any active part. He came to
Βrundisium, but the people would not let him come into the harbor (accord-
ing to Plutarch), and he therefore went on to Tarentum. Negotiations were
carried on between the two rivals (Cæsar being at Rome) through agents
employed by both, but without effect, till Octavia undertook to mediate be-
tween Ther husband and brother, and was finally successful in reconciling
them. It has been supposed, with every probability, that the missiom which,
Horace accompanied was sent by Augustus to meet Antonius on his expected
arrival at Brundisium, on this occasion. -
Horace started from Rome with only one compamiom, Heliodorus the rhet-
oriciam (v. 2), and these two travelled together three days and one night,
about fifty-six miles, till they reached Tarracina or Anxur, where, by appoint-
ment, they were to meet the official members of their party. These were
Mæcenas and Cocceius, who had been employed in negotiating the first
reconciliation between Augustus and Antonius (B. C. 40), and Fonteius, am
intimate friend of the latter. Three days afterwards, they met at Sinuessa,
Horace's three most intimate friends, Plotius Tucca, Varius, and Virgil;
one of whom, Varius, kept them company only for six days, amd left them,
for reasons which are mot mentioned, at Canusium (v. 93). The rest of the
party went om together till they reached Brundisium, seventeen days after
Horace had left Rome. The route they took was mot the shortest or the
easiest, which lay through Venusia and Tarentum. They preferred taking
the mortheastern road, which strikes across the country from Beneventum,
and, reaching the coast at Barium, continues along the shore till it comes to
Brundisium. They were evidently not pressed for time, and probably took
the road they did because it passed through Canusium, whither one of the
party was bound. Mæcenas made his journey as agreeable as, under the
circumstances, it could be, by taking with him such companions; and they
all appear to great advantage in Horace's good-humored diary. There was
no restraint between the patron and his friends, and it is very pleasant to con-
template their affection for him and one amother.
It is probable that, before Horace returned to Rome, he visited Tarentum
and his native place, Venusia, through which he would naturally pass. He
seems to have had in mind the description by Lucilius of a journey he took
tO ç, of which three or four verses only have been preserved (see note
on W. 6). - .
l. Egressum magna me excepit Aricia] They left Rome by the Porta Ca-
pena, between Mons Aventinus and Möns Cælius, im the southern quarter of
the city. Aricia (La Riccia), one of the most ancient towns of Latium, was
sixteem miles from Rome. It was situated on the side of a hill, sloping down
to a valley called Wallis Aricina, through which the Appia Via passed. This
part of the road is still in good preservation. The citadel was placed on the
top of the hill (Strabo, v. p. 239), and on that spot stands the modern town.
Aricia was a considerable town in Horace's time, and for some centuries
after. ' Cicero calls it “ municipium — vetustate antiquissimum, splendore
municipum honestissimum ” (Phil. iii. 6). Its meighbórhood to Rome, and
accessible position, contributed to its prosperity, which was assisted by its
association with the worship of Diana Aricina, who had a temple among the
woods on the small lake (Lacus Nemorensis), a short way from the town,
probably on the site of the modern towm Nemi. The wealthy Romans had
villas in the neighborhood.
Ey * hospitio modico ' Horace means an indifferent inn ; but * hospitium ' is
not the Latin for am *inm,' which was called * caupona,' or * taberna,' or * di-
versorium,' and its keeper * caupo.* The inns at the different stages on the
great roads were never yery good, the chief reason being that travellers of
3
422 NOTES.
Ë importance usually found friends at the principal towns, who entertained
ΘΓΤl.
2. rhetor comes Heliodorus,] Horace jocularly exaggerates the merits of
this Greek. Nothing is known of him from other sources. Appii Forum
was thirty-nine miles from Rome, and was so called by Appius Claudius,
surnamed Cæcus, who in his censorship (A. U. c. 441) constructed the Via
Appia and the great aqueduct which bore his name. Some ruins of this
town are said by Walckenaer still to exist. Its modern name is Borgo
ILungo. The participle * differtus ' means * full,' and is formed-as from * dif-
ferció,' which verb is not found. ' Differtus * occurs below (Epp. i. 6. 59).
* Malignis * belongs to * cauponibus* in the same sense as * perfidus* (S i.
29). * Nautae ' were the boatmen who plied on the canal mentioned below
(v. 7, n.). It was to Appii Forum that some of the Christians, when they
Heard of St. Paul's approach, went, from Rome, to meet him. Others met him
at a place called Tres Tabernæ (La Castella), which was about sevem miles
from Aricia, and sixteen from Appii Forum. Horace must have passed
through this towm without stopping. It was a well-known place, and from it
a Christian bishop took his title, “ Felix a Tribus Tabernis.”
5. Hoc iter] i. e. the journey from Rome to Appii Forum, which was
usually made in one day, they took two to accomplish. * Praecinctus * is op-
posed to * discinctus,' and means * one well girt,' eù£ovos, and ready for active
exertiom, running, etc. Horace uses the word more literally, S. ii. 8. 70:
** ut omnes Praecincti recte pueri comptique ministrent.” The Asiatics tuck
up in their girdles their long garments, when they are preparing to rum or
walk quick. Hence such expressions as we meet, with in Scripture, “ Gird
up the loins of your mind.*' * Succinctus,* * tucked up,' is the more usual
word.
6. minus est gravis Appia tardis.] Horace means, that the Via Appia was
less fatiguing to the slow traveller than to the quick ; that it was a rough
road, over which the slower you went, the less umpleasant was the journey.
This road was constructed with a foundation of large squared blocks of basal-
tic stome, over which was laid a coating of gravel, until the Emperors Nerva
and Trajan laid it with silex, according to am inscription found on a mile-
stome in the neighborhood of Forum Appii. Horace speaks elsewhere of the
traveller ** qui Romam Capua petit imbre lutoque Adspersus” (Epp. i. ll.
11). In one of the verses of the Satire of Lucilius, mentioned in the Intro-
duction, he says, “ Praeterea omne iter est labosum atque lutosum.”
7. Hic ego propter aquam,] At Appii Forum they were to embark at night
in a boat that was to carry them by canal to Tarracima. A party were wait-
ing at the same inm to go with them, and Horace waited with impatience till
they had done supper. T These he means by * comites.' This canal was con-
structed by Augustus. There are still traces of it to be seen. It was nine-
teem miles long, and was called in consequence Decemmovium. The road
may have been defective hereabouts, as it was the general practice oftravel-
lers to exchange it for the canal, and to make the journey by night.
9. Jam nox inducere terris] This is a parody of the heroic style, unless it
be taken from some poet, as Ennius.
12. Huc appelle !] 7 “ Put in here, and take us on board ! ** cries a servant.
* How many more ? — you 'll swamp the boat ! ” says amother to the boat-
man, who wants to get as many as he can. The bank is crowded ; the pas-
sengers all want to be attended to at once. The collection of the fare and
putting-to the mule being accomplished, Horace goes on board. The boat
starts, and he lies down to sleep, disturbed much by the mosquitos and the
croaking of frogs. The boatman and one of the passengers, half drunk, sing
songs till tbe one drops off to sleep, and the other, having a mind to do the
same, stops the boat, turns the mule out to graze, lays himself down, and
SATIRES. — IOOXK I. 423
smores till the dawn of day, when one of the passengers wakes, starts up in a
passion, and falls foul of the boatmam amd the poor mule, who is put-to again,
and a little after the fourth hour they reach their destimation, a temple of Fe-
romia, about seventeen miles from the place where they embarked. * Cere-
brosus* is am old word signifying * choléric.* * Dolare ' is properly to trim a
piece of wood with am axe, * dolabra.* * He rough-hewed him with a cudgel.'
It is only here used in this semse. Feronia was a goddess, worshipped origi-
nally by the Sabines, On the site of the temple near which Horace and his
party disembarked, there now $tands an old tower, bearing the name Torre
Ottofacia. Horace says they only washed their hands and face, which would
be no little refreshment after a night spent im a canal-boat.
25. Millia tum pransi tria repinus] Three miles farther, on the top of a
steep ascent, stood the town of Tarracina (Terracina), which by the Vol-
scians was called Anxur, by which name it is always mentioned by the poets,
The winding of the road up the hill, and the difficulty of the ascent, explains
the word * répimus.' The old town of Tarracina was built on the top of the
hill, but this site was afterwards abandomed, and a new town built om the
lain below, close upom the shore, which is the site of the modern Terracina.
t was in Horace's day, and had been for a long time, and long continued to
be, a town of great importance, as it was one of great antiquity. The build-
ings of white marble, perhaps, gave it the appearance described in * late can-
dentibus.* The same appearance is observed still in the modern towm.
After leavimg the boat, the party lunched before they proceeded. The * pran-
dium * was a light meal, usually eaten about noon, but sometimes earlier, as
probably was the case in this instamce.
27. Huc venturus erat] See Introduction. L. Cocceius Nerva was a friemd
of M. Antonius, and was among those whom Augustus found in Perusia
when he took it (B. C. 41). He offered these persons no indignity, but made
friends of them, and Cocceius seems to have become especially intimate with
Augustus, without betraying his friendship for M. Antonius.
29. aversos soliti componere amicos] After the taking of Perusia, war was
threatened between Augustus and Antonius, which was averted by am ar-
rangement made through the medium of Mæcenas, om the part of Augustus,
and of Cocceius and Pollio, on the part of Antonius. This is what Horace
alludes to.
30. nigra meis collyria lippus] * Collyrium,' an ointment for sore eyes, was
composed of juices expressed from the poppy and various shrubs, as the
É glaucion, acacia, hypocystis, etc. The etymology of the word is not
OWIT.
32. Capitoque simul Fonteius,] Not much is known of C. Fonteius Capito.
IIe was deputed by Augustus on this occasion, as being a particular friend
of M. Antonius, who afterwards, as Plutarch relates (Anton 36), sent him,
while he was in Syria, to fetch Cleopatra thither from Egypt. The expres-
siom * ad unguem factus ' is taken from the craft of the sculptor, who tries the
surface of his statue by passing the mail overit : if the parts be put perfectly
together, and the whole work well finished, the mail passes over theTsurfacé,
and meets with no obstruction. See Persius, S. i. 64. Compare also A. P.
294. Below (S. ii. 7. 86) the perfect man is described as
“in se ipso totus, teres atque rotundus,
Extermi ne quid valeat per leve morari,**
which is like the description of the text, though the metaphor is not quite the
S8IT1€.
38. non ut magis alter] This is equivalent to * quam qui maxime * in
rOSe.
p 34. Fundos Aufidio Lusco praetore] They arrived at Tarracina about
noon, and there the principal personages met them At Tarracina they
424 NOTES.
slept, and proceeded next morning to Fundi (Fondi), sixteem miles farther t8
the northeast of Tarracina. Fundi was situated on the north shore of a lake,
which was callod after it Fundanus; and also Amyclanus, from an old Greek
towm Amyclæ, the existence of which was only traditional when Horace
wrote, but is occasionally mentioned by the poets. - Fundi was one of that
class of towns called * praefectura,' which, instead of having the administra-
tion of its own affairs, was governed by a * praefectus ' sent annually from
Eome by the Prætor Urbanus. At this time the * praefectus ' was one Aufi-
dius Luscus (not otherwise known), am upstart whom Horace calls Prætor
by way of ridicule. The officers of the other municipal towns were allowed ,
tó wear the * toga praetexta,' the * toga* with a purple border (Livy xxxiv. 7),
but the * praefecti* were not, and yet Luscus wore it. The * latus clavus *
was a broad purple stripe dowm the front of the tumic, and was a badge that
belonged only to senators. * Prumae batillum ' was a pan of hot coals, which
may have beem used for burning incense or otherwise in connection with sac-
rifice. But its use is uncertaim Aufidius, it appears, had been a * scriba ' or
clerk, probably in the prætor's office, — such a situation as Horace held at this
time in the quæstor's, Persons in that capacity had opportunities of pushing
their fortunes ifthey managed well, and the honors of Luscus are spoken of
as * praemia,' rewards of service rendered to his master.
87. In Mamurrarum] Disgusted with the officiousness of the promoted
scribe, the party moye on, in the course of the day, to Formiæ (Mola di-
Gaeta), about twelve miles farther, where the road, having taken an upward
bend from'Tarracina to Fundi, goes straight down from thence to the coast,
where Formiæ was situated at the head of the Simus Caietanus. Its supposed
identity with the Læstrygomia of Homer has been noticed before (C. iii 16.
34, n., and 17, Int.). As the scene of Cicero's frequent retirement; and his
death, it is a place of much interest Its wines Horace mentions more tham
once. He here calls it the city of the Mamurræ, — a family of respectability
in this town. When the party got to Formiæ, having travelled upwards of
twenty-five miles, they were tired, and resolved to pass the night there. Li-
cinius Murena (C. ii. 10, Int), having a house at this place, gave them the
use of it; but as he was not there himself, and probably had mo establishment
in the house suitable to the entertainment of such guests, Fonteius Capito
invited his fellow-travellers to dine with him. He therefore appears to have
had a, house at Formiæ likewise.
40. Sinuessae] Leaving Formiæ next day, the party set out for Sinuessa,
eighteen miles distant. The road crossed the Liris (C. i. 31 7) at Minturnæ,
and went down the coast till it reached Sinuessa, the most southerly of the
Latin towns. The site is mow called Monte Dragone (Cramer). It was om
the sea, and said to have been founded on the ruins of the Greek city Sinope.
Strabo (v. 234) derives its name from the Sinus Vescinus on which it stood.
Iplotius Tucca appears to have been a native of Cisalpine Gaul. He was
associated with L. Varius Rufus by Virgil, who loved them both, as the
executor of his will, and he was employed in the task of editing the Æmeid
after his death. Nothing more is known of him, but what we gather from
this passage and S. i. 10. 81, that he was one of Mæcenas's friends, and on
intimate terms with Horace. As to L. Varius, see C. i. 6 1. S. i. 10 44.
45. Proxima Campano ponti] After Sinuessa, the Appia Via continued to
take a southerly direction, amd crossed the Savo (Savone) about three miles
from that town, and just within the borders of Campania. That river was
crossed by a bridge bearing the name Pons Campanus, near which was a
small hoüse erected for the accommodation of persons travelling on public
business, where there were officers appointed to supply them with ordinary
necessaries. Hence they were called * parochi,' from the Greek trapéxeuv.
In this house the party passed the might. -
SATIRES. — B00K I. * 425.
47. Hinc muli Capuae] When it reached the right bank of the Vulturnus,
four miles below thé Savo, the Appia Via turned, striking inland along that
bank of the river, which it erossed at the town of Casilinum, where Hannibal
met with stout resistance from the Romans who garrisoned it after the battle
of Cammæ (Liv. xxiii. 17). This is perhaps the site of the modern Capua. '
About two miles farther on the road, which now took a southeasterly direc-
tion, lay Capua, on the site of which is the modern village Santa Maria di
Capoa. There the party arrived * betimes,' — in time probably for dinner,
after which meal Mæcenas and others of the party wemt to play at ball, while
Horace, whose sight, and Virgil, whose digestion, interfered with that amuse-
ment, went early to bed Virgil is said to have had uncertaim health, and to
have suffered frequently, either from toothache, headache, or complaints of
the stomach.
50. Hinc nos Cocceii] The road, continuimg in a southeast direction, '
passed through two small Campanian towns, Calatia (Le Galazze) and Ad
Novas (La Nova); but the usual halting-place after Capua was the town of
Caudium, which was the first Samnite town on the Appia Via, and was sit-
uated at the head of the pass called the Furcæ (or Fauces) Caudinæ, cele-
brated for the surprise and capture of the Roman army by C. Pontius, in the
Second Samnite war, B. c. 321. At Caudium, Cocceius had a handsome
house, and Horace marks its situation by saying it lay beyond the public
tavern. The town was twenty-one miles fiom Capua.
51. Nunc mihi paucis] Thè sccne ihat foliows represents a scurrilous con-
test between two parasites, wl.om Mæccnas carried with him for the enter-
tainment of himself and his party - The description begins with an invoca-
tion of the Muse, after the fashion of the Epic poets. I Sarmentus was an
Etruriam by birth, and originally a slave of M Favonius (well known in the
civil wars, and put to dcath by Augustus after the battle of Philippi). On
the confiscation of the property of Favonius, Sammentus passed by public
$ale into the hands of Mæcenas, who gave him his liberty. He then obtained
the office of *scriba* in the quæstor's department, and affected the position of an
IEques. He was brought £o trial for pretending to a rank he had no claim to
(perhaps under the law of Otl:o), and got off only by the favor of the judges,
amd by the accuser being put out of the way. When old, he was reduced to
great poverty through his licentiousness and extravagance, and was obliged
to sell his place as *scriba.* When persons tauntcd him with this, he showed
his ready wit by replying that he had a good memory ; by which probably he
meant that he had nò occasion to write anything dowm, for he could carry it
in his head. It appears that at the time Horace wrote he was free, and held
his scribe's office, though he continued to attend Mæcenas ; for his adversary
says, though he was a scribe, he was in fact only a runaway, and still be-
longed to his mistress, the widow of Favonius (v. 66), which is only a joke
that would amuse Mæcenas, who had bought and manumittcd Sarmentus.
When Horace says that Messius was of the noble blood of the Osci, he only
means, by way ofjoke, to say that he was of old and high descent Perhaps
he also alludes to the scar oii his temple, which indicated the disease callgd
Campaniam (the Campanians were of Oscan descent), of which we are to'l
that it consisted of great excrescenees over the temples like horns, which
used to be cut out, and left a scar. The Oscans also were the authors of the
* Atellanae fabulae,' which were full of broad raillery and coarse wit, which .
may have something to do with Horace's joke. * Cicirrhus ' is a nickmame
from kikufifios, which signifies, according to Hesychius, * a cock.* With these
explanations most of the allusioms will be intelligible.
58. Accipio, caput et movet.] Messius accept§ Sarmentus's joke as a chal-
lenge, and sháke§ his head fiércely at him, on which Sarmentus take§ him up
and pretends to be alarmed. The wild horse to which Messius is likened is
36 %
426 - NOTES.
É unicorn, an imaginary animal described by Pliny as a very terrible
ast.
63. Pastorem saltaret] That he should dance the Cyclops' dance, in which
the uncouth gestures of Polyphemus courting Galatea were represented.
See Epp. ii. 2. 125. Ovid (Trist. ii. 519) uses * salto* in the passive voice :
** Et mea sunt populo saltata poëmata saepe.”
64. larva] The Greek actors always wore masks on the stage suited to
the character they were performing. The Romans adopted them about B. c.
100. They were called ττρόσωπa by the Greeks, and * personae* or * larvae *
by the Romans. As to * cothurnus,* see C. ii. 1. 12, n.
65. Donasset jamne catenam] See Epp. i. 1. 4, n.
67. Nihilo deterius] * Nihilo ' is to Tbe pronounced as a dissyllable, like
** vehemens et liquidus ” (Epp. ii. 2. 120). ' .
68. una Farris libra] The allowance of * far* to each slave was four or
five * modii ' by the month, and it was served out to them monthly, or some-
times daily (Epp. i. 14. 40). That allowance would give three pints a day,
which Messius considers would be three times as much as Sarmentes could
possibly require ; so he could not better himself by running away. The
* far* was otherwise called * adoreum* 4C. iv. 4 41, n.), and seems to have
been the same as the Greek {etâ or άλvpa. The nature of this grain is not
exactly known. That two persons above the condition of slaves should be
found in waiting on any maii, great or otherwise, for the purpose of enter-
taining him with such low buffoonery as the above, seems surprising to us;
but we know that there was no personal degradation to which this class of
people, called * parasites* (diners out), would not demean themselves for the
pleasure of a good dinner and the company of the great. The entertainment
of these persons would serve to keep the conversation from turning upon
politics, which, as the deputies from both sides were now together, it was
desirable to avoid.
71. Beneventum,] The Appia Via took a northeast turn from Caudium,
for ten miles, till it «came to Beneventum (Benevento), a very ancient town,
by tradition said to have been founded by Diomed, and the mame of which
was originally, when the Samnites had it, Maleventum, or some name that
sounded so like Maleventum to a Latin ear that the Romans thought fit to
change it (for good luck) to Beneventum. Thither the party proceeded next
day, and put up at an inn, when the host nearly set fire to his house through
carelessness in roasting some indifferent thrushes for their dinmer. * Hospes
paene arsit,' * the host nearly got himself on fire,' means that he nearly burnt
the house down, as the context shows. The expression is the same as in
Aen. ii. 311: “Jam proximus ardet Ucalegon.” – The position of * macros*
is a little careless.
78. quos torret Atabulus] This was a cold wind, said to be peculiar to
Apulia. * Torret* is a word which applies to the effect of cold, as well as
heat. * Atabulus ' is generally looked upon by the commentators as the
Sirocco, a hot land wind. But it came directly off the sea from the east,
and Pliny speaks ofit as a winter wind.
79. §¤É erepsemus] This is ome of the mamy abbreviated forms Hor-
ace uses. See C. i. 36. 8, m., and to the examples there given add the present,
and also * surrexe,' * divisse,' * evasti.' * Vixet,' in Aen. xi. 118, is a like
contraction of the same tense as * erepsemus.' Horace says that they would
never have got out of these hills (the range that borders Samnium änd sep-
arates it from Apulia) had they not found am imn at the town of Trivicum
(Trevico), at which they were able to put up for the night. - He means that
the next stage, which was twenty-four miles farther om, would have been too
Iong ajourney. Horace had been familiar with these mountains in his early
ehiláhóod, för they overlooked his native town. * Notos ' refers to these
SATIRES. — 1B00K I. 427
early reminiscences. Trivicum was probably on a cross road (Cramer, ii.
259) which lay between the two branches of the Appia Via, one of which
took the most direct course from Beneventum through Venusia to Tarentum
and Brundisium, and the other took a more northerly course across the
Apennines, near Equus Tuticus ; and then, striking directly eastward till it
arrived very near the sea-coast, near Cannæ, proceeded down the line of coast
till it reached Brundisium.
81. camino.] See Epod. ii. 43, m.
86. rhedis,] See S. ii. 6. 42.
87. Mansuri oppidulo] It appears probable that the road on which Trivi-
cum lay, enterimg Apulia about tem miles from that towm, passed through or
near the Apuliam Asculum (Ascoli), and it is in that neighborhood that the
little town with the unrhythmical name, at which the party stopped after
Trivicum, is supposed to have stood. Of its name we must be content to be
ignorant.
91. Nam Canusi lapidosus,] In a plain between the hills and the right
bank of the Aufidus, about twelve miles from its mouth, stood the town of
Canusium (Canosa), one of the ancient Greek settlements of Apulia. This
town and others in Apulia (Venusia and Brundisium among them), and in
other parts ofEastern Italy, were represented to have been founded by Dio-
med, when, after the Trojam war, he was driven to the coast of Apulia, and
hospitably entertained and presented with land by Daunus, its king. His
name was retained by the islands now called Tremiti, but by the ancients
Diomedeæ. Many remains found among its ruins testify to the former im-
portance and wealth of Canusium. The present town stands on a height
where the citadel stood, and contains not above 800 houses. A supply of
good water was brought into this town by Hadriam, the emperor. That
Apulia was not well watered, has been observed before (Epod. iii. 16, n.).
The turbid waters of the Aufidus must have been unfit for drinking. The
bread of Camosa is described by modern travellers to be as bad as ever. It is
accounted for by the softness of the millstones. -
91. aquae non ditior urna] The only way of taking this regularly is to
make * ditior* agree with * locus,' * which place, being not richer in water
(tham the last) by a single pitcher, was built by brave Diomed.' So Orelli
takes it. The constructiom is not very agreeable ; but to avoid it we must
suppose great irregularity.
93. Varius] See above, v. 40, n.
94. Rubos] This town of the Peucetii retains its name under the form
Ruvo, and was thirty miles from Canusium. The road from Canusium was
called Via Egnatia, from the town it led to. A modern traveller describes
the remains of it for twelve miles from Canosa as paved with common rough
pebbles, and passing over,a pleasant down.
96. ad usque] See S. i. 1. 97, n.
97. Bari moenia piscosi;] Barium still retains its name Bari, occupying a
rocky peninsula of a triangular form, about a mile in circumference. It was
an important town on the coast, and a municipium. Its distance from Rubi
was twenty-two miles, “ a most disagreeable stony road through a vine
country,” and half-way there lay the town Butuntum (Bitonto). There was
a harbor here formerly, but there is scarcely any now.
Gnatia] This was perhaps the local way of pronouncing Egnatia. It was
amother seaport town, and thirty-sevem miles from Bariuim. TBetween them
lay formerly two small forts called Turris Juliana (Torre Pellosa) and Turris
Aureliana (Ripagnola), the first elevem miles and the second twenty miles
from Barium. ' Of Egnatia nothing important is recorded. Its ruins are still
in existenee near Torre d' Agnazzo, six miles from the town of Monopoli.
Eorace says it was built under the displeasure of the Nymphs, because the

428. - INOTES.
water was so bad, and it is so still according to the statements of travellers.
*Lymphae* and * Nymphae ' are essentialiy the same word, but Nymphs are
not elsewhere called Lymphæ. These Nymphs are the Naiades, who pro-
tected rivers and fountains. See C. i. 1. 22, n. -
100. Judaeus Apella,] The majority of the Jews at Rome were freedmen,
and * Apella* was a commom name for ' libertini.* Their creed was a super-
stition of the most contemptible kind, in the eyes of a Roman; and a Jew
was omly amother name for a credulous fool. The Jews returned their com-
tempt with hatred, which showed itself in a turbulent spirit that made them
very troublesome. Horace intimates that he had learmt from the school of
Epicurus that the gods were too happy to mind the small affairs of this
world, which he expresses in the words of Lucretius (vi. 57): ** Nam bene
qui didicere deos securum agere aevum.” See C. i. 34. 2, n., and the Intro-
duction to that Ode.
104. Brundisium] From this abrupt conclusion, we may judge that Horace
had got tired of his journal as well as his journey. Brundisium (Brindisi)
was for centuries the most importamt town on the eastern coast of Italy,
chiefly through the convenience of its position for communicating with
Greece, and the excellence of its harbor. Its distamce from Egnatia was
thirty-five miles. There was a station named Speluncæ (now Grotta Rosa)
midway, where the party may have halted one might, and which Horace,
having nothing he cared to tellus about it, has passed over in silence.
S A T IIR E V I.
IN addition to the obloquy brought upon him by his Satires, Horace, after
his intimacy with Mæcenas had begum to be known, had to meet the envy
such good fortune was sure to excite. _ His birth would furnish a handle fór
the emvious, and he was probably called am upstart, and hard names of that
sort. In this Satire, which is nothing but an epistle to Mæcenas, he spurns
• the idea of his birth being any objection to him, while, at the same time, he
argues sensibly against men trying to get beyond their owm legitimate sphere,
and aiming at honors which are only attended with inconvenience, fàtigue,
and ill-will. This Satire, besides the good sense and good feeling it contains,
is valuable as bearing upon Horace's life. His introduction to Mæcenas is
told concisely, but fully, and with much propriety and modesty; and nothing
can be more pleasing than the filial affection and gratitude shown in thosé
parts that relate to his father, and the educatiom he gave him. He takes
pleasure in referring whatever merits he might have to this good parent, as
1he did in the fourth Satire.
The Satire, then, may be supposed to have been written chiefly for the pur-
pose of disarming envy, by showing the modesty of the author's pretensions,
and the circumstances that led to his intimacy with Mæcenas. The views of
public life which it contains were no doubt sincere, and the daily routine
described at the end was better suited to Horace's habit of mind than the
fatigues and anxieties of office. There is not the least appearamce in any of
his writings of his having been spoiled by his good fortune and by his inter-
course, om terms of rare familiarity, with Augustus, Mæcenas, and others;
and probably malignity never attacked any one less deserving of attack than
Horace.
1. Lydorum quidquid Etruscos] On Mæcenas's connection with Etruria,
see C. i. 1. 1, n. The legend of the Lydian settlement of Etruria is first
mentioned by Herodotus (i. 94), as a tradition current among the Lydiams
SATIRES — BOOK I. 429
themselves. The tradition was, that om one occasion, when Lydia was suf-
fering from famine, the king, Atys, divided the people into two equal parts, of
whom one remained at home, and the other took ship and made the coast of
Etruria, and there settled, under Tyrrhenus, the son of Atys. Horace and
Virgil (Aen. ii. 781) both adopted this story, which was familiar to men of
learning, and perhaps believed by many. * Lydorum quidquid,' * all the
Lydians that ever inhabited,' etc., is liké Epod. v. 1: “ At, o deorum quid-
quid in caelo regit.”
3. avus tibi maternus] It seems from inscriptions to have been the practice
of the Etrurians for men to be distinguished by the name of their mother, as
well as their father
5. naso suspendis adunco] This the Greeks expressed by μυκrmpt£euv. It
is taken from that instinctive motion of the features which expresses con-
tempt. How to account for it may not be easy, though it is so common.
The expression * naso suspendere ' Horace may have invented. It occurs
mowhere else, except in Persius (S. i. 118) It is repeated below, S. ii. 8. 64:
“ Balatro suspendens omnia naso.” *Ut* occurring twice in these two lines
introduces confusion.' The second means * as for instance.'
6. libertino patre natum.] The difference between * libertus* and * liberti-
nus * is, that the latter expressed a man who had been manumitted, the for-
mer a freedmam im his relation to the master who had given him his freedom.
The son of a * libertimus,' born after his father's manumission, and all other
persons born free, were * ingenui '; and Horace says that Mæcenas, though
he would not take into his intimacy a freedman, made mo inquiry as to the
parentage of any one born free, but would make him his friend if he de-
served it. »
9. Ante potestatem Tulli] Horace here follows the legend which made
Servius Tullius the son of a slave-girl, and himself a slave in the palace of
IKing Tarquinius (see Livy, i. 89). On this account his reign wasTignoble,
while in true mobility it was surpassed by none of the others. Another legend
(which Ovid follows, Fast. vi. 627, sqq) makes Tullius the son of Vulcan;
but his wmother is there also a slave, having been taken captive at Cornicu-
lum, a city taken by Tarquinius Priscus.
12. Laevinum, Valeri genus] The Valeria gens was one of the most an-
cient in Rome, and embraced some of the most distinguished families, among
others that of Publicola, the earliest member of which mentioned in history is
Valerius Publicola, the colleague of Brutus after the expulsion of the kings.
The family of Iaevinus was amother distinguished branch of the same gens.
The Lævinus in the text is said to have been a man of abandoned charaeter,
so bad that even the populace, who were not easily deterred from conferring
their honors upon the vicious, could not be prevailed on by admiration of his
high ancestry to advance him beyond the quæstorship ; that is to say, he
never held a curule office. As to *gemus,' see C. i. 3. 27. On * unde,' which
is equivalent to * a quo,' see C. i. 12. 17, n. ; ii. 12. 7. * Fugit * is the historic
present, as it is called.
14. pluris licuisse,] * Licere ' is * to be put up for sale,' and its correlative
term is * liceri,' * to bid for an article at a sale by auction.* * Notare * is to
set a bad mark upon, to brand, and was technically applied to the censors
(see note on v. 20). * Judice quo nosti* is- an instanee of attraction, which
figure the Romans borrowed from the Greeks, but did not use so commonly.
17. titulis et imaginibus.] These were inscriptions and waxen busts, re-
cording the distinctioms of any member of a family who had borne a curule
office.
Quid oportet Nos facere] Horace means to say, that those who by educa-
tion and profession and experience were very far removed from the cómmon
people, ought to judge differently from them, and better. In this number he
430 INOTES.
places himself. * Longe longeque * is not an uncommon phrase. See Cicero
(De Fin. ii, 21), and Ovid (Met. iv. 325). The repetition is only analogous
to many others in the Latim language, as * etiam atque etiam,' * nimium ni-
miumque,' * magis magisque,' etc.
19. Namque esto] He goes on to show, that though the value set upom
titles and birth by the populace might be exaggerated, yet the other extreme
is not to be allowed; and that he who seeks to push himself beyond his
sphere, might be justly rebuked for his presumption. -
20. Quam Decio mandare novo,] P. Decius Mus, who devoted himself to
death for his country at the battle of Vesuvius, in the Latin war, B. c. 340,
was the first consul of his family. He held the office with T. Manlius Tor-
quatus in that year. After the curule magistracies were opened to the plebei-
ans, an order of mobility sprung up among themselves, básed upon the hold-
ing of these offices. Those families of which any member had ever held a
curule office were * nobiles,' the rest * ignobiles,' and he in whose persom such
dignity was first attained was called, originally no doubt through the con-
tempt of the patricians, but afterwards conventionally by all, * novus homo.'
The Decia gens was plebeian *
censorque moveret Appius] The Appius who is here takem as the type of
severe censorship is %#! Claudius Caecus, the constructor of the roàd and
aqueduct that bore his name (see S 5. 2). He was made Censor B. c. 312.
It was the province of the Censors, till that office was merged in the imperial
power, to supply vacancies in the senate from the list of those who were
eligible, who were all citizens of at least equestriam rank, of not less tham-a
certain age (which is not known exactly, but it was between thirty and forty),
and thosè persons who had served in the principal magistracies. But they
could also, in revising the list of senators at the beginning of their cénsorship,
degrade those who had previously been in the senate, as well as exclude suéh
as by their official rank were entitled to be senators. This they did, at their
own discretion, for various offences by which * ignomimia* was liable to be
incurred, or from the senator having been chosen improperly. Theyt effected
this exclusion merely by marking the name, and their mark was called * nota :
censoria,* and the act itself, * notare.” Horace, therefore, means that if he,
through the favor of Mæcenas or other means, sought as a freedman's son to
reachTthe dignity of a senator, and succeeded, the censors, if they did their
duty strictly, would degrade him. The censor Appius, however, is notorious
for his laxity in having chosen, for party purposes, the sons of freedmem, and
other unquàlified people, into the senate. But he was harsh and arbitrary in
the exercise of his office, and his name was proverbial in connection with the
censorship, which is enough to account for his appearance here. There was
no money qualification for the senate, but only one of rank. * Movere* is the
technical word for degrading a senator, and those who were degraded, or not
admitted, were called * praeteriti senatores * from the circumstance of their
being merely passed by when the lists were made out, and their names not
appearing, which would prevent them from acting.
22. in propria non pelle quiessem.] This is the old story of the ass in the
lion's skim.
28. Sed fulgente trahit] This verse may or may not be taken from some
heroic poem. T It is introduced humorously, and yet with a serious meaning.
* Let the populace set their hearts upom rank and descent, and let the censors
make that É standard for the senate, yet the humbly born may have their
honors as well'; that is, the honors that arise from virtue and génius. The
picture of Glory mounted on her ear is repeated in Epp. ii. 1. 177, where the
epithet * fulgente* is exchanged for * ventos9,' * fickle as the winds.'
24. Quo tibi, Tilli,] This person is said to have been a senator, and to
have been degraded by Julius Cæsar, as being of Pompeius's party, but rein-
SATIRES. — LOOK I. 431
stated after Cæsar's death, and made a military tribune Whether or no he
is different from the persom mentioned below, v. 107, it is not easy to say
25. fierique tribuno?] Each legion in the Romam army (the number varied
at different times, bui, at Philippi there were nimeteen on each side, each
legion consisting of about 6,000 men, rather less than more) had six tribunes
(the post Horace held in the army of Brutus), who were their principal
officers. The military tribunes of the first four legions were entitled to sit in
the senate. (See Epód. iv. 15, n.) As to the * latus clavus,' see note on the
34th verse of the last Satire. * Quo,' * to what purpose.' (See C. ii. 2. 9, n.)
27. Nam ut quisque insanus] The Senators'* calceus,” an out-door shoe,
was fastened by four thongs (* nigris pellibus *), two on each side, which went
spirally up to the calf of the leg (* medium crus '). These thongs were called
*corrigiae,' and were black. The shoe itself appears to have varied in color.
80. quo morbo Barrus,] His disease was a thirst for admiration among
women. He was a mam of bad passions, it is said. But we do not know
much about him. He need not be identified with the man in S. 4. 110. A
foul-mouthed person of the sane name occurs in the next Satire (v. 8).
84. Sic qui promittit] This refers to the promises of candidates for office,
and the three principal magistracies are implied: the city prætorship, in the
words * urbem sibi curae '; the consulship, in * imperium et Italiam '; and
the ædileship, in * delubra deorum,' becatise it was the duty of the ædile to
attend to thé temples and other public buildings.
38. Syri, Damiae, aut Dionysi] These were commom names of slaves.
The practice of executing criminals by throwing them from the Tarpeiam
Rock (part of the Mons Capitolimus) was not common in the latter period
of the republic. It was never applied to slaves, who were put to death,
chiefly by crucifixion, outside the city on the Esquiliæ. (See Epod. v. 99, n).
Cadmus is said to have been a public executioner of that day.
40. At Novius] The upstart who is supposed to be addressed in the pre-
vious lines, is a plebeian tribune, and he here affirms that, if his birth is low,
that of his colleague Novius (who may be anybody, see note on S. 3. 21) is
still lower. Freedmem, and persoms following low trades, were admitted into
the senate, and forced into high magistracies by Julius Cæsar, and it was not
till some years after this Satire was written that Augustus purged the senate
of these members. The words * gradu post me sedet uno * may be a metaphor
taken from the theatre, of which the first fourteem rows were assigned to the
Equites (Epod. iv. 15, n.).
41. Hoc tibi Paullus Et Messalla] These were names belonging to two of
the most distinguished families of Rome, the Æmilia and Valeria. Horace .
introduces the name Messalla probably out of compliment to his friend Cor-
vimus, for whom he wrote C. iii. 21. As to * hoc,' im the- sense of * propter
hoc,' see above, S. 1. 46, n. The same person who puts the question * tune
Syri, etc. ? * is here supposed to rejoin, saying, that, though this worthy trib-
une has a colleague a degree less illustrious tham himself, he need not think
himself a Paullus; and besides, though Novius be his inferior im one way, he
beats him in strength of lungs, ** and that is what we like,” where the speaker
ironically puts himself for the people.
• 43. Concurrantque foro*tria fitnera,] These would be public funerals, * fu-
nera indictiva,' $$$ corpse of the deceased was carried im procession
from his house, With the noise of trumpets and horns and fifes ; and women
(* praeficae ') singing dirges; and * mimi,' dancers and stage-players, who
recited passages suited to the occasion, and sometimes acted the part of mer-
ry-andrews, mixing mirth with woe ; and after these came men who repre-
sented the ancestors of the deceased, wearing masks suited to each character;
and them the corpse on am opem bier, which was followed by the relations and
friends, all dressed in black. They went thus in procession to the Forum,
* •
432 INOTES.
whem the bier was set down, and one of the relations pronounced a funeral
oration, after which the body was taken up again, and the procession went
on, with the same noisy accompaniments, tò the place without the city (intra-
mural burials were forbiddem by the laws of the Twelve Tables) where the
body was first to be burnt, and then buried. 'The idiom * magna sonabit *
occurs above, S. 4. 43, * os magna sonaturum.”
48. Quod mihi pareret] See above, on v. 25. :-.
49. forsit] This word is compounded of * fors sit.* Whether it occurs .
elsewhere, or whether the passages in which it is supposed to occur are cor-
rectly copied, is doubted. Horace says it might be that people had cause to
grudge him the honorable post of military tribune, because he was not quali-
ficd for it ; but no one could demy that he deserved the friendship of Mæce-
nas, because he was so particular in choosing only the deserving. * Prava
ambitione ' means low flattery, to which Mæcenas would mot listen. v.
52. Felicem dicere] * Felix* is * lucky.' Horace means he did not owe
his introduction to Mæcenas to his luck, but to his friends. As to * hoc,' see
above, v. 41, n.
55. Virgilius, post hunc Varuis] See S. 5. 40, n.
56. singultim] Catching his breath, as a nervous mam might.
59. Satureiano] A fine horse, bred in the pastures of Saturium in Calabria,
near Tarentum. ' The lengthening of the antepenult is required by the metre.
64. sed vita et pectore puro. * Not as being the som of a distinguished
father, but because my life and heart were pure.*
68. aut mala É * Bad haunts.' Horace repeatedly introduces * áut*
after * neque,' twice repeated. Other passages are C. iii. 23. 5; S i. 9. 31 ;
ii. l. 15; 2. 22. The construction with * nec * amd * et* is of the same kind,
and has been noticed before.
71. macro pauper agello] This small farm of his father's, at Venusia, was
confiscated during the time he was with the army of Brutus and Cassius.
72. Noluit in Flavi ludum] His father, who knew the value of a good edu-
catiom, and formed a right estimate of Horace's abilities, would not send him
to a small provincial school, kept by one Flavius, where nothing but arith-
metic was taught, but took him for his education to Rome, where, though
Horace complains that the teaching lay chiefly in figures, and the pursuits of
a practical life (Epp. ii. 1. 103, sqq. ; A. P. 325, sqq.), there were means of
acquiring a knowledge of literature and the arts, forthose who chose to take
advantage of them. Ovid in like manner was sent from Sulmo, his native
town, to Rome. (Trist. iv. 10. 16 ) * Magni,' * magnis,' may meam * big,*
* coarse,' contemptuously ; or they may meam * important,' as centurions and
their sons might be in a small municipal town.
74. Laevo suspensi loculos] This verse is repeated in Epp. i. l. 56. Each
boy went to school with a bag, in which he carried his books and pens, and
perhaps his * calculi,' or pebbles used in calculation. * Tabulam * probably
signifies the wooden tablet covered with wax, for writing upon. Thése couni-
try schoolboys did for themselves what at Rome was dome for boys of good
birth by slaves, * capsarii.' - -
75. Ibant octonis] The Ides were eight days (inclusive) after the Nones,
and hence I imagine the epithet * octonis.* * Aera* means the teacher's fee,
which appears to have been paid monthly. •
76. Sed puerum est ausus] ' At what age Horace was sent to Rome he does
not inform us, but it is probable he went when he was about twelve years
old.
77. Artes quas doceat] In the earlier days of Romam history, the educa-
tion of a boy was of the simplest kind, consisting chiefly of reading, writimg,
and arithmetic. * Calculator* and * notarius ' continued until the time of
Martial to be names for a schoolmaster; and, as observed before (v. 72, n.),

SATIRES. — BOOK I. 433
¢
the majority of boys learned little more than the aboye, even in Horace's
time. Whén Cicero was a boy, the learning of the Twelve Tables formed a
necessary part of education. ' Freer intercourse with Greece and the Greek
towns of Italy brought a more liberal class of studies to Rome, where Horace
says he studied Homer (Epp. ii. 2. 41, sq.). Rhetoric was a branch of study
much pursued by the young Romans ; poetry likewise, and the philosophy
of Greece. Their studies commenced at an early age, at first under the
teaching of their * paedagogi,' and afterwards (till they assumed the * toga
virilis,'and im somé cases longer) at the * ludi literarii,' private schools which
they attended as day scholars.
79. In magno ut populo,] * So far as one could see me in such a busy
crowd.' -
81. custos incorruptissimus] The * paedagogus* (* custos '), whose office was
of late growth at Rome, and borrowed from Greece, had the same functions
as the arauöayøyös among the Greeks, and was a slave, as there. He was
continually about the boy's person, and went with him to his masters. This
task Horace's father, who could have had but few slaves, and had nome whom
he could trust with such important duties, performed himself. Besides the
* paedagogus,' as observed above (v. 74, m.), other slaves went with the boy,
to carry his bag, etc., and to give him consequence.
86. praeco—coactor] The first of these functionaries was a crier, either at
auctioms (one of his duties being to induce persons to attend and buy, see A.
IP. 419), or in courts ofjustice, or the public assemblies. There was a * prae-
co* at all punishments and executions, to declare the crime of the offender
(Epod. iv. 12, n.); also town-criers, who cried lost property, as with us.
There were other kinds of criers. Which class Horace refers to, we cannot
tell. Nor is it decided what class of * coactores * his father belonged to.
There were persons employed by the * publicani* to collect the revenue, and
who were called * coactores.' The person who collected the money bid at
an auction, was also a * coactor,' and, generally, persons employed to collect
money bore that title. It is probable that the * coactores ' of the first class
made a good deal of money. Matthew the Apostle was one, and he was
rich. ItTis generally believed that the elder Horace belonged to the second
of the above classes, and some color is given to this by the association of the
word with * praeco.* But Suetonius, or the author of Horace's life attributed
to him, says that he was in the employ of the * publicani.' *
87. at hoc nunc] * Hoc,' in the sense of * propter hoc,' étri toûrq), is com-
monly used by Horace. See in this Satire, vv. 41 and 52. It is àlso com-
mon in Cæsar. -
89. Nil me poeniteat sanum] * I hope while I have my senses I may never
be ashamed.” – Horace uses this mode of expression elsewhere, as in the last
Satire, v. 44, and S. ii. 3. 322.
90. dolo] * Dolus ' is used like * fraus* in C. i. 28. 80, for a fault generally :
* dolo suo,' * by his own fault.*
93. Et vox et ratio:] * My language and my judgment.'
94. A certis annis] T* From any givem period.' He means that, at all times
from his cradle upwards, his father had been to him all that a father could
Be. * Legere ad fastum,' to choose with reference to ambition whatever
parents each mam might desire. We know nothing of Horace's mother,
whom he probably lost in very early life ; but he here intimates his respect
for her memory, as well as his father's.
97. Fascibus et sellis] The * fasces* were bundles of sticks, with or without
an axe in the middle, which were carried before the consuls and prætors by
lictors. The * sella, curulis* was a chair ornamented with ivory, the use of
which during the republic was confined to the consuls, prætors, curule ædiles,
and cen8ors. ,

37
434 «• NOTES.
98. fortasse] The Greeks used toros in this way, where a certain and not
a doubtful proposition is intended.
101. salutandi plures,] This means, that in order to preserve his position
he must sell his independence, bowing to persons he would not otherwise
notice, and paying visits Of ceremony earlyin the morning, — a trouble that
Horace would feel more than most mem. THe must also, he says, hire one or
two persons to go about with him in the character of clients ; he must buy a
number of horses and slaves of the lower sort.
103. plures calones] * Calones* were properly slaves who went with the
army, carrying the heavier part of the soldiers' âccoutrements But the word
was also applied to domestic slaves employed on menial work.
104. ducenda petorrita ] The * petorritum * was a four-wheeled carriage,
said to have been introduced from Gaul beyond the Alps.
curto Ire licet mulo] It is impossible to do more than conjecture what Hor-
ace means by * curto.* Probably a stout, short-bellied animal is intended, an
ugly beast.
105. usque %££} Along the most frequented of all the roads, the
Via Appia, and to the fàrthest part of Italy, carrying his portmanteau behind
him. Public officers could not go beyond a certáin distance from Rome,
without the permission of the senate.
107. Tilli,] See v. 24. - He appears to have been a parsimonious person,
going into the country with no company of friends, büt only five slaves to
attend him (see note on S. i. 3 11), carrying a jar of their master's cheap
wine. The Via Tiburtina left Rome by the Esquiline gate, and bore that
name as far as Tibur, whence the Via Valeria completed the communicatiom
with Aternum on the Hadriatic.
111. Millibus atque aliis] See note on S. ii. 8. 197.
112. quanti olus ac far;] Horace means that he lounges in the market and
talks freely to the market pcople, without fear of lowering his dignity, or
being remarked.
113. Fallacem Circum] The Circus Maximus was said to have been built
by Tarquinius Priscus for races and athletic exhibitions. Different writers
mention that fortune-tellers and other impostors resorted to the Circus, and
gave it a bad name ; but it was also frequented by prostitutes in vast numbers,
who hired the vaults under the * cavea,' and carried on their vile trade there,
and was surrounded with shops established for the benefit of the spectators.
The Circus Maximus was cailed Circus kat' é£oxfjv. When there were no
races orgames going om, it was probably frequented as a loumge by all man-
ner of people ; but probably menTof consequence did not care to be seen there
among the vulgar, at such times. The Forum was mot frequented in the
evening by theTricher class of people, who were then eating their dinner.
Horace liked to stroll out at that hour, and take his light meal afterwards,
and to stop and hear what the fortune-tellers had to say for themselves.
IRespecting these persons, see C. i. 11.
115. Ad porri et ciceris] This Pythagoream meal of leeks, pulse, and frit-
ters, was partly perhaps matter of choice, and partly of necessity. Horace
was poor at this time, and his health was indifferent. A vegetable diet was
and is much more common in Italy tham with us ; and probably the most
luxurious of the Romans, when by themselves, frequently abstaimed from
meat. A dish of * cicer,' ready boiled, was sold in É streets for an as, in
the time of Martial (i. 104. 10). * Laganus * is described by the Scholiasts as
a flat, thim cake, fried and eaten with condiments. It was sometimes fried
under roast meat or fowls, so as to get their dripping, and so would be like
our Yorkshire pudding. Horace had no doubt the plainer sort.
116. pueris tribus,] This number was the lowest, probably, that at that
time waited on any person who. had any slaves at all. (See above, om v.
SATIRES. - B00R I. 435
107.) *Iapis albus' was a small side-table of white marble. The wealthy
Romans had a great variety of tables of the handsomest sort in théir diming-
rooms, for exhibiting their plate. (See below, S. 2. 4, n. ; amd above, S. 3.
13, m.) All the plate Horace had to show was two cups and a cyathus (C.
iii. 19. 12), and these it is probable were usually empty. The * echinus * is a
vessel nowhere else mentioned by that mame, and is variously interpreted as
a salt-cellar (in the shape of an * echinus * or sea-hedgehog), a glass bottle, a
leather bottle, and a woodem bowl in which to wash the cups. * Paterae *
were broad, flat, saucer-shaped cups, and were much used im libations. * Gut-
tus* was a long, thin-necked bottle, from which wine or oil was poured very
slowly, drop by drop. It was also used in libations, and these two vessels,
as here joined, have reference to the practice of offering a libation at every
meal to the Lares. See C. iv. 5. 34, n. These were of the commonest eartheni-
ware which came from Campania. See S. ii. 8. 144.
120. obeundus Marsya,] Horace says he goes to bed without the nervous
feeling that he must be up early to go to the Forum, where a statue of Mar-
syas was erected near the Rostra. Marsyas was a fabulous person, who was
said to have challenged Apollo to play the lyre against his flute. Apollo,
having gained the victory, caused Marsyas to be flayed alive. Marsyas or
Silenus was the symbol of a city having the Jus Italicum, one part of which
was a free constitution of its own. It would therefore appear in the Forum
as the symbol of free jurisdiction. The only representations of Marsyas that
remain, exhibit him either in the agony of punishment, or in the suspense
that preceded it. Wherefore “ a Marsyas countenamce* was synonymous
with dejection and ill-humor ; and Horace seems to indicate that his face was
distorted, and ascribes it humorously to his detestation of the younger No-
vius, who is said to have been a usufer. .
122. Ad quartam jaceo ;] ' The first hour he considers late enough for any
mam to sleep (Epp. i. 17. 6). Sometimes he got up early and went out to
walk (S. 9); but as a general rule he remained in bed till the fourth hour,
after which he got up and took a stroll, as he had done the evening before;
or else, after reading and writing (or thinking, as he says S. 4. 133) by him-
self (* tacitum ') and in bed, as much as he felt inclined, he anointed himself
with oil, and went to the Campus Martius to get some exercise. The Ro-
mans rubbed oil on their limbs, either before swimming in the Tiber (C. iii.
12. 7, S. ii. 1. 8), or before their more violent exercises (C. i. 8. 8, sqq.).
The parsimonious Natta, who robbed the lamps to oil himself, was probably
a person of good family, that being the cognomen of the Pinaria gens, one of
the oldest patriciam families in Rome.
125. Ast ubi me fessum] When the sun begam to get hot about noon, and
Horace was tired with his game, he went to the public baths to bathe, which
was usual after playing, and then took a light luncheon (see above, S. 5. 25,
m.), after which he lounged at home till evening, whem he went out for his
stroll perhaps, and came home again to his supper, as he told us before.
* Lusum trigonem ' was a game of ball only mentioned elsewhere by Martial.
The players, as the mame implies, were three im mumber, and stood in a tri-
angle. Their skill appears to have been shown in throwing and catching the
ball with the left hand.
127. quantum interpellet] * As much as would prevent me from going all
day on am empty stomach.' The prose constructiom would be * interpellet
quin,' or * quominus,* or * ne durem.'
131. Quaestor] The office of * quaestor,' which was at one time a high
magistraey, when the * quaestores* had charge of the * aerarium * or public
treäsury, was at this time one of little weight. Its functions were not clearly
defined. Horace was a scriba in the quæstor's office, which perhaps leads
him to speak of a quæstor. The office was high enough for the occasion.
436 NoTEs.
S A T IIR E V II.
THE subject of this Satire is a dispute betweem Rupilius Rex, one of the
officers om the staff of Brutus, and a merchant named Persius, of Clazomenae
(a town on the gulf of Smyrna), arising, it may be supposed, out of some
momey transactions. Horace treats the matter much in the same way as the
dispute got up between the two parasites for the amusement of Mæcenas and
his friends at Caudium (S. 5. 51, sqq.). He no doubt had some reason for
disliking Rupilius, which the Scholiasts supply, whether with any sufficient
authority it is impossible to say. They tellus that this man's native place
was Præneste (which may be gathered from v. 28); that he was banished
from that town by his fellow-citizens; that he then served in Africa in the
army of Attius Varus, proprætor of Cn. Pompeius ; that he was received into
favor by Julius Cæsar and made Prætor ; that after Cæsar's death he was
proscribed by the Triumvirs, and joined the army of Brutus. Finally, that he
was disgusted at Horace, a man of low birth, being made a military tribune,
and continually insulted him, which indignities Horace retorted in this Satire.
Eersius, the Söholiasts say, was born of a Greek father and a Romam mother.
Eeyond this, which may or may not be true, we know nothing about him but
what we gather from this Satire, that he was a wealthy mam, and carried om
a large btisiness of some kind at Clazomenæ. The dispute arose when Bru-
tus and his army were in Asia Minor, which was in B. C. 43—44 (see note om
v. 18). How söon afterwards the Satire was written, it is impossible to say ;
mot long, probably. It may have been made on the spot, and shown to those
who would find most amusement in it, in the camp.
1. Proscripti Regis Rupili] The Rupilia gens was a plebeiam family of no
reat note in Rome. The only one of the name who was distinguished was
. Rupilius, consul in B. c. 182, and the following year proconsul in Sicily.
IHe was the intimate friend of Lælius and the Younger Scipio (Cic. de Amii-
cit. 27). As to Rupilius Rex and Persius, see Introduction. By * proscripti*
it is perhaps intended to compare this Rex with the last of the Reges, Tar-
quinius. If so, the play upon the name is repeated in the last line. See
InOte. -
2. Hybrida quo pacto sit Persius ultus,] ' Hybrida' applies to all cross-bred
animals, and was used for a man one of whose parents was a Romam and the
other a foreigner. .
3. Omnibus et lippis motum et tonsoribus] The apothecaries' and barbers*
shops were constantly crowded with idlers, who had nothing to do but to gos-
sip about the news of the hour. With the barbers it has been so in all âges
and countries. The Romans were commonly afflicted with weakness of the
eyes, and this caused the apothecary to be as much mixed up with idlers as
the barber.
7. Confidens tumidusque,] See C. iii. 4. 50, n. _
8. Sisennas Barros ut equis] Of Sisenna and Barrus nothing is known ;
but it may be conjectured, from this place, that their names were proverbial
for foul-miouthed, abusive persons. The plural number is used hère for the
singular, according to a usage common to all languages. So Virg. Georg.
ii. i69: “ Haec Décios, Marios, magnosque Camillos, Scipiadas durós bello.”
Cic. Cat. Maj. 6: “ Fabricii Curii Coruncanii.” – See also above, C. i. 12.
37, where Scauros is probably put for the best of that family, M. Æmilius.
* Equis albis' is equivalent to * fleet horses,' according to thât line of Virgil
in Which he describes the horses of Turnus, “ Qui eandore nives anteiremit,
cursibus auras” (Aen. xii. 84). The expression * equis praecurreret albis ' is
proverbial, * he would soon outstrip them.'
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 437
9. Postquam nihil inter utrumque Convenit,] When they found they could
not settle their quarrel privately, they went before the prætor (v. 18). The
digression that intervenes is a comparison between such disputants and the
warriors of the Iliad. Whem men fall out, says he, they fight after the fashion
of two brave heroes engaged in a deadly feud, even as Hector and Achilles,
who hated each other so mortally, and were so exceedingly brave, that they
could mot be separated when they came together in conflict till one or other
was killed ; or else they behave as when two cowards meet, and both are glad
to give way ; or as when the strong meets the weak, Diomed meets Glaucus,
and the weak gives in, and humbles himself before his enemy.
11. inter Hectora — atque inter Achillem] This repetition of * inter* is not
uncommon. See Cic. Lael. c. 25: “ Contio — judicare solet quid intersit
inter popularem civem, et inter constantem, severum, et gravem.” See Epp.
i. 2. 11. * Animosum * belongs to * Achillem,' * atque * being oftem put Tby
Horace after the first word of its clause. See Epod. xvii. 4. S. i. 5. 4;
6. ]31.
15. vexet] The meeting betweem Glaucus and Diomed, in which the former
loses heart and gives up his arms to his adversary, is related in Hom. Il. vi.
234, sqq. On * ultro,* see C. iv. 4. 51, n.
18. Bruto praetore tenente] Brutus was * praetor urbanus * in the year B. c.
44, whem Cæsar was killed; and in the course of the same year he left Rome
for the purpose of taking possession, as proprætor, of the two provinces of
Macedonia and Bithynia, which had been assigned him by the senate, wbo
revoked his appointment before he had reached his province, and assigned it
to M. Antonius, and he made it over to his brother Caius. Brutus, however,
in defiamce of the senate, took possessiom of the province of Macedonia, and
retained it after the formation of the coalition between Augustus and M. An-
tonius. Being then at war with the senate, he led his troops into Asia Minor
as into a foreign country, and overram Lycia, and dealt with Asia as his own
province. Proceeding through the country he probably held * conventus?
(see below, v. 22) at particular places, for the purpose of hearing disputes as
roprætor; and it was at such a gathering at Clazomenæ that this cause of
Ê and Rex was heard. Horace ealls Brutus * praetor,' though he was
mot entitled strictly to the name, particularly in respect to the province of
Asia, which had never beem assigned him. He called himself at this time
* imperator,' as appears from coins still existing.
20. Compositum melius cum Bitho Bacchius.] * Compositum ' agrees with
* par* understood, that word being used as a substantive for * a pair,' both in
the singular, as here, and the plural, as Cic. Lael. c. 4: “ Ex omnibus seculis
vix tria aut quattuor nominantur paria amicorum.” Bithus and Bacchius
are said to have been gladiators of great repute, who, after having in their
time killed many antagonists, finally killed each other. AS to * in jus,' see
S. 9. 77.
22. ridetur ab omni Conventu ;] * Ridetur* is used impersonally. * Conven-
tus ' was a meeting, at fixed times and places, of the inhabitants of a province
before the prætor or governor, for the purpose of settling disputes and trans-
acting business. The name was also applied to certain districts out of which
such meetings were composed. - -
23. laudatque cohortem :] The official staff of a provincial governor was
called his * cohors* and * comites.' See Epp. i. 3. 6; 8. 2, 14. The lower
officials, who did not belong to the * cohors,' but were a good deal about the
person of the governor, Cicero speaks of as those “ qui quasi ex cohorte prae-
toris appellari solent” (Ad Qu. Fr. 1. i. Ep. l. c. 4, wfiere see Long's note).
* Comés* was retained as a title of honor during the empire, and has survived
to the present day in the word * count.'
25. canem] The 'agger; as opposed to the * stellae salubres.' . * Ex-
3 -.
438 NOTES.
cepto Rege' shows that Rupilius belonged to the * cohors,' and therefore held
a post ofírust about Brutus, se e ę
27. fertur quo rara securis.] Between precipitous banks. coyered with trees,
-where'the axe seldom comes, from their inaccessible position. -
$§. Tiim Praenestinus] See Introduction. * Salso multoque fluenti' means,
as he went on with his bitterness, pouring on like a full stream. His abuse
is salt, the other man's vinegar. T. ę
29. Expressa arbusto] * Drawn from the vineyard.' The illustration Hor-
ace choosës for the abuise which the enraged Rupilius hurls back (* regerit')
upon his antagonist, is that which the vine-dresser retorts upom the passenger,
who provokeshim, in the first instance, by calling to him “ Cuckoo!” but who
is fain to retreat before the storm of foul language the vine-dresser returns
him, still however calling as he retires, ** Cuckoo, cuckoo !” He was con-
. sidered a tardy person who had not got his vines trimmed by the arrival of
the cuckoo, aridTthe joke consists in the passenger telling the vine-dresser that
the cuckoo was coming, and would fimd his trees unpruned, which was as
much as to call him a lazy fellow. The Greeks had a proverb to the same
effect, and modern travellers observe similar practices among the Neapolitan
peasantry now. Im 'vindemiator* the third syllable coalesces with the fourth.
See C. iii. 4. 41, and add S. i. 8. 43; 5. 67; ii. 2. 21 ; 3. 245. Epp. ii. 2. 120.
* Invictus* means one who could not be beatem with his own weapons of
abuse. -
32. Italo perfusus aceto,] * Pus,' * venenum,' * sal,' ' acetum,' are all words
well chosen for describing the poisonous character of these men's malice.
34. qui reges consueris tollere,] The mam plays upom the name of Brutus,
alluding to him whom the prætor claimed for his ancestor, L. Junius Brutus,
who helped to expel the last of the kings. See note on v. 1.
S A T I R E V III.
ON fhe outside of the city walls, in front of Mons Esquilinus, lay the
Campus Esquilinus, in which was a public burial-ground for the poorest of
the people, and the Sestertium or place of execution for slaves and others of
the Iower sort, whose bodies were left unburied, for the dogs and vultures to
prey upon (see Epod. v. 100). _ This place, which must always have been a.
public nuisance and a Source of malaria, was given (as some say) by a decree
of the senate to Mæcenas, or else purchased by him, cleared, drained, and
laid out in gardens, in which he afterwards built a handsome house. (See C.
iii. 29. Epod. ix. 3. S. ii. 8. 309.) His example was afterwards followed
by a member of the house of Lamia, in whose gardens Caligula was buried.
(Suet. Calig. c. 59.) The following Satire was suggested by a figure of
Eriapus set up in Mæcenas's garden. The god is represented as contrasting
the present state of the ground with what it once was, by which a compliment
is cónveyed to Mæcenas for his public spirit in ridding the city of such a
nuisance. Priapus is also made to complain of the trouble he has, in keep-
ing the ground clear of trespassers, but more particularly of the witches, who,
having formerly carried on their practices among the tombs and bones of the
dead, continued to haunt the scene of their iniquity. This is introduced for
the purpose of dragging in the woman whom Horace satirized under the
namé of Canidia (v. 23, sqq.). The description is in some parts very like
that of the fifth Epode, and the two may have been Writtem about the same
time.

u. inutile lignum,] The uselessness of the wood of the fig-tree was pro-
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 439
verbial. Hence σύκινοι ävöpes meant men fit for nothing. Priapus was a
rural divinity, borrowed by the Romans from the later mythglogy of thê
Greeks. Hé was the protector of tlocks, fields, and gardens, and symbolized
the fertility of mature generally. His images were made in a rough fashion,
and the anicients had 5ut little respect for him, unless it were tnose of the
'lowest sort; though Horace, who treats him so contemptuously here, speaks -
of him elsewhere (Epod. ii.), in conjunction With Silvamus, as receiving the
sacrifice due to him. ' No one coulu better have appreciated tham a Roman
of Horace's way of thinking, whether, in respect to this deity or any other,
the ironical desèription of the prophet Isaiah (xliv. 9-20), which may be re-
ferred to with advantage. There 1s no stroke in the whole of that description
more severe than Horace's “incertus scammum faceretne Priapum Maluit
esse deum.” The figures of Priapus were generally busts, but sometimes
they were full length, of the kind Horace describes. Usually they held a
sickle or a club in their right hand, by way of frightening thieves, and a wisp
of straw, or something of that sort, to frighten the birds.
6. importunas volucres] Virgil applies the same epithet to destructive birds :
“ Obscóenaeque canes importunaeque volucres” (Georg. i. 470). The word
is used with a variety of meamings, to reduce which to one character we must
know more tham we do ofits etymology. * , :
8. Huc prius angustus] See Introdüction. The poor people were buried '
in ill-dug graves, which had the name * puticuli,' probably a form of * putei.'
The mammer of their fumeral is lucre stated with painful satire. The poor
wretch is neglected by his master; and a fellow-slave, out of his * peculium,'
goes to the expense of hiring (* locabat*) *vespillones' (common corpse-
bearers, ve«poq)6povs) to carry him out on a bier to the public burial-ground,
where his corpse was tossed naked into a pit into which other corpses had
been tossed béfore. This scene could not have occurred in all its particulars
very often, since every master was bound by law to bury his slave, and if any
one did it for him, he was entitled to recover the cost of the funeral from the
master of the slave. The * vilis arca* was called * sandapila,' a bier of nar-
row dimensions. -
11. Pantolabo scurrae Nomentanoque nepoti :] As to these persons, see note
on S. 1. 101. In consequence of their extravagance, Priapus foretells they
will come to a pauper's funeral. •
12. Mille pedes in fronte,] _ This public burial-ground was 1,000 feet in
breadth and 300 im depth. * In fronte* means facing the public road, the Via
Tiburtina (6. 108), or the Via Praenestina, one of which, or both, must have
passed very close to it. (See Cæsar, B. G. ii. 8, and Mr. Long's note.) It
was usual' to engrave on monuments the following letters, H. M. H. N. s,
which stand for ** Hoc monumentum heredes non sequitur ** ; or H. M. AD
II. N. TRANs. The words were sometimes given at full length. Sometimes
Ex T. (ex testamento) were inscrted between II. and N. . Such sepulchres
were cálled * sepulcra familiaria '; those that were built for a mam and his
heirs were calléd * hereditaria.' Horace writes as if there were a stone
(* cippus*) which defined (* dabat*) the extent of this burial-ground, and
boré Tthe inscription usual on private monuments, H. M. H. N. s., which is
obviously only a satire. The words could only apply to a private place of
burial. * All he really means is, that a space of ground of the extent he men-
tioms was marked off for the burial of these poor people.
14. Nunc licet Esquiliis] The whole of the Esquiline or fifth regiom of
IRome was called Esquiliæ. This, from having been än eye-sore and a
plague-spot, became a healthy and pleasant residence. Suetonius tells us
íhat, Augustus, when he was ill, went to Mæcenas's house in the Esquiliæ, to
recruit (Octav. c. 72). The * agger* here referred to was a raised terrace,
commenced by Servius Tullius, and continued by Tarquinius Priscus, being
440 NOTES.
in all about twelve stadia in length, and about fifty feet in breadth. Here the
Romams walked in cold weather to get the sum, and had a full view of the
pestilent plain which Mæcenas converted into a paradise. Juvenal calls it
* ventosus” (S. yiii. 48). * Quo? is used in the sense of * ex quo.'
17. Cum mihi non taiitum] ' Cum ' is thus gonnected with What goes before.
Eriapus §ays the 19cality i$ now made, healthy, and the citizen§ may take
their walk withgut being sickenéd with the sight of bones bleaching upom the
plain, whereas his yexations still remain, — tiie driving away of tfiie$es and
Wild animals, which still frequented the spot, and, yet worse, the punishment
and scaring away of the witches, who there continuied to carry on their abom-
inable practices. We may suppose that, though the place $was cleared, the
witches still continued, from habit, to haunt the scene of their iniquities, and
that the “fures * and * ferae* are the depredators that came to rob the gardens
which were the god's particular care. There is no other instance of “suetus*
being used as a trisyllable. Lucretius so uses * suevit * (vi. 854): “ Qui ferri
quoque vim penetrare suevit.”
23. Vidi egomet nigra] The god proceeds to relate a scene that happened
before the tombs were cleared away (v. 36), in which the characters intro-
duced are the notorious Canidia, of whom we have seen enough in the Epodcs,
and Saganâ, who is associated with her in Epod. v. 25, sqq. Their appear-
ance and behavior are much the same as there.
nigra succinctam vadere palla] The * palla* was the upper garment worn
by women out of doors, as the men wore the toga. * (See S. 2. 29, n.) Here
* succinctam * signifies * expeditam,' * swift in her movements,' as in Epod. v.
25. It is equivalent to * praecinctis * in S. 5. 6, wlvere see mote. It occurs
again, S. ii. 6. 107. .
25. Cum Sagana majore] * Majore ' probably signifies that Sagana was
older tham Canidia.
27. pullam] Æneas offers a black lamb to Nox and Terra (Aen. vi. 249):
“Ipse atri velleris agnam Aeneas matri Eumenidum magnaeque sorori Ense
ferit.” Tibullus uses the same word as Horace (i. 2. 61): •
** Et me lustravit taedis et nocte serema
- Concidit ad magicos hostia pulla deos.”
28. confusus] ' Poured and stirred.' Compare Tibull. (i. 2. 45):
“ Haec cantu finditque solum, Manesque sepulcris
Elicit, et tepido devocat ossa rogo.”
29. Manes] See Epp. ii. 1. 138, n.
80. Lanea et effigies erat, altera cerea:] The meaming of the woollen image,
which was to punish the waxem one, is not very clear. The wax was Tto
melt, amd, as it melted, so was the lover to consume in the fires of love.
32. servilibus — modis.] There was Ę any imaginable form of cru-
elty to which slaves weré not liable, through the caprice of their owners, and
this of roasting or half-roasting alive may have happened to more tham one
poor wretch of this class.
84. serpentes — Infernas errare canes,] Snakes in her hair, round her waist,
and in her hand for a whip, are insignia always to be found in the representa-
tions ofTisiphone. Virgil mentions the infernal hounds as howling at the
approach of Hecate (Aem. vi. 257): “ Visaeque cames ululare per Jmbram,
Adventante Dea.” She was worshipped under three forms, as Luna in
heaven ; as Artemis (by the Greeks) 6r Diana (by the Romans) upom earth ;
and as Proserpina in Tartarus. In the first and last of these forms she was
invoked by witches. Here it is in her infernal character.
36. sepulcra.] These were great barrows formed by the burial of a' number
of corpses in one pit (v. 8, n.). •
39. TJulius et fragilis Pediatia] The connection between these persons,
Julius and Pediatius, is statedTto have been of a kind not mentionable.
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 441•
Julius may have been a freedmam of the dictator, C. Julius Cæsar, and the
other persón is said to have been a Romam eques. The feminime termination
is affixed to his name to indicate that he was addicted to the vilest practices.
Of Voranus nothing is known ; but he was some rfotorious thief.
41. resonarent triste et acutum,] This corresponds with Virgil's description
(Aen. vi. 492), “ pars tollere vocem Exiguam.”
43. cerea] ' Thé last two syllables coalesce. See S. 7. 30, n.
45. Furiarum], Horace calls the two witches Furies, by a way of speaking
common to all times since the decline of the reverential feeling which made
the Greeks shrink from mentioning the name of these orepwvai 6eai. Before
Euripides, mo writer would have made so free with the name of the Erinnyes.
He applies it to Helen (Orest. 1890, Trepyäμωv 'ATTo\\oviov 'Epivùv), and to
Medea (Med. 1260, ἐ$e\' oikov τάλauvav Φoviav τ' 'Epivùv ύττ' άλaorrópov).
48. caliendrum] This is variously stated to be a wig, or a cap, or some
ornament for the head. The etymology is uncertain. .
50. Vincula] These may meam love-knots, or long grass woven into chains
for refractory and faithless lovers.
S A T IIR E IX.
THIs Satire, which is justly popular for its humor and great dramatic
power, has an historical value as showing, undesignedly, but more clearly
than almost any description could do, the character of Horace. It puts the
mam before us as in a picture.
He represents himself as sauntering alone and early om the Sacra Via,
whem a person he knew no more than by name, a forward coxcomb, comes
up familiarly and falls into conversation with him, to his great annoyance,
for he wanted to be alone, and knew the fellow's character, which was prob-
ably notorious. Horace does his best to shake him of*, but he is too amiablé
to cope with the effrontery of his companion, whose object is to get, through
Horace, an introduction to Mæcenas. The man's vulgarity and want of tact
are conspicuous throughout the scene, while Horace exhibits in every part
good breeding and an amiable temper; and though he is tried to the utmost
by reflections on his patrom and his friends, he is incapable of saying a rude
word, is taken off his guard continually, and is amusingly conscious of his
inferiority to the mam of insolence on his own ground. The effect of this
picture is heightened by the introduction, towards the end of the scene, of Fus-
cus Aristius, an old friend of the poet, and a man of the world, who, like
Horace, understood character, but had that sort of moral courage and promp-
titude which his friemd wanted. The readiness with which he takes up the
joke and enters into Horace's absurd position, and the despair to which his
desertion reduces the poet, are highly ludicrous. After various ineffectual
attempts to get rid of the mam, Horace is at last delivered by one who seizes
upon the intruder and carries him off to appear before the prætor on some
suit he has against him.
1. Ibam forte via Sacra,] Horace does not mean that it was his custom to
stroll om the Sacra Via, especially at that hour in the morning, about eight
o'clock (v. 35); but that, when he walked, his mind generally diverted itself
with trifles, being of an easy turn, and having few anxieties to trouble it. Om
the Via Sacra, see Epod. iv. 7, n.; vii. 8, n.
4. Quid agis,] See Epp. i. 3. 15. - - •
5. Suaviter ut nunc est,] * Pretty well as times go* ; by which he means
nothing at all, not caring what he answers, but annoyed at the forwardness
- 442 NOTES.
of his assailant. * Cupio omnia quae vis ' is a common formula of polite-
I1€SS. -
6. Num quid vis? occupo] “Num quid vis quin abeam ? * * Is there any-
thing else I cam do for you before I go ? ' ' Professor Key (L. G. 1188)
quotes this phrase from Terence (Ad. ii. 2. 39), and adds in a note, “This
or a shorter form, * numquid vis ' ? was a civil mode of saying good-by.”
* Occupo* means * I anticipate him before he has time to speak.' .
10. Dicere nescio quid puero,] When the Romans walked, abroad even for
a stroll on the most ordinary occasions, they had one or more slaves with
them. They were a particular class in the * familia,' and called, from their
occupatiom, * pedisequi.'
11. O te, Bolane, cerebri Felicem !] The meaning of * cerebri* is seen in
the adjective * cerebrosus* noticed above (5. 21). Horace, rememberimg an
acquaintance of quick, strong temper, envies him that quality, for he is too
mild to shake off his companion. Who Bolanus was is unknown. It was a
cognomen of one at least of the families at Rome, and derived from Bola, a
town of the Æqui. -
18. Trans Tiberim — cubat is] * Cubat' means that his friemd is lyipg sick.
(See Sat. ii. 8. 289, and Epp. ii. 2. 68.) Julius Cæsar had some 'pléasure-
grounds, which he bequeathed to the Romam people, om the right bank of the
Tiber, a long way from the Sacra Via. -
22. non }í; pluris amicum,] Who Viscus was it is impossible to say
with certainty. The name occurs in S. 10. 83, where there are two ; and in
S. ii. 8. 20, where mention is made of Viscus of Thurii. The name is`always
associated with Varius, concerning whom see S. 5. 40, n.
25. Hermogenes] See S. 8. 129, n. -
28. Felices ! nunc ego resto.]_ This and what follows must be supposed to
have been uttered inwardly. He wishes himself dead. The witch's prophecy
is only an absurd notion suggested by his present position. * Conficé * means
* despatch me,' * finish me.' It is a technical word for the transactiom and
completion of business. As to the Sabine witches, see Epod. xvii. 28; and
om * urna,' see C. ii. 3. 25, n. As Fate, so the witch shakés her urn, and the
lot or name of this or that person falls out, om which she pronounces hor
prophecies. All the three words, * divina,' * mota,' * urna,* áre in the abla-
tive. * Quandocunque ' has sometimes, but rarely, the sense of * aliquando,'
* Some time or other,' which is its meaning here.
85. Ventum erat ad Vestae,] They had mow had an hour's walk, and, hav-
sing passed through the Forum, were approaching the Tiber, mot far' from
which, and to the west of Mons Palatinus, stood the temple of Vesta, with
the Atrium Numæ and Lucus Vestæ attached (C. i. 2. 16, n.). The temple
of Vesta was mear one of the courts of law where the man hâd to make his
appearance, or forfeit his * vadimonium.' It was now past the third hour,
when the business of the courts commemced. -
86. casu tunc respondere vadato] The expression *vadari aliquem * means
to require *vades,' ' sureties,' of a party. The corresponding térm is * vadi-
monium promittere,' which is said of him who gives * vades.” The « vadatus •
therefore was the plaintiffin an action, in which the hero of this Satire was
defendant. He had entered into am éngagement (* vadimonium*) to appear
On a certain day to answer to the action, and if he failed he would lo§6 his
cause, forfeit the amount of his *vadimonium,' and be liable to be arrested
in satisfaction of the remainder öf the debt, if that were not covered by the
* poena desertionis* deposited whem the *vadimonium * was entered 'into.
The amount, of this was sometimes equal to the sum in dispute, sometimes
only one half. * Litem ' means the amount claimed by the plaintiff, as in a
Ęl action it wa8 the amount of damages assessed undér a * lifis aesti-
Imà£lO.
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 443
38. Si me amas, — hic ades.] * * Adesse * is a word of technical use to ac-
company a person to court, there to give him your aid and advice.” (Long on
Cicero in Verr. ii. 2. 29.) * Hic ' shows they were within sight of the cóurt
to which the speaker points.
89. Aut valeo stare] * Stare* here means * to stop.?
40. quo scis.] See v. 18. - g»
41. Tene relinquam an rem.] On the use of * ne — an,' see Key's L. G.
§ 1423, b. * Res* is technically used here and elsewhere (in legal formulæ)
as am equivalent for * lis.”
48. Maecenas quomodo tecum ?] He asks abruptly, ** How do you and
Mæcenas get on together ? a shrewd mam, and does n't make himself com-
mon. No man ever made a better use of his opportunities. Could you not
introduce me to him ? . I should be very happy to play into your hands, and,
if I am not yery much mistaken, we should soon püsh asiüe your rivals.”
* Paucorum hominum ' means a mam of few acquàintances, as in Terence
(Eun. iii. l. 18): —
** Immo sic homo est
Herpaucorum hominum. Gn. Immo multorum arbitror
Si tecum vivit.”
46. Magnum adjutorem] * Ferre secundas ' and * adjutor* are scenic terms,
and are said, the first of the öevrepayovvoTfjs (see Epp. i. 18. 14), the other
of all the subordinate players. * Hunc hominem * is the Greek τόνδ' ävöpa.
' * Tradere * is a conventional term for introductions, and * submovere* for the
duty of the lictor in clearing the way (see C. ii. 16. 10).
48. Non isto vivimus] Horace indignantly declares that these are not the
terms om which they live with Mæcenas, intriguing and jostling one another :
to get the first place im his favor.
53. Sic habet.] This is a literal adaptation of ούτωs ëxev.
54. Velis tantummodo: quae tua virtus,] This is said ironically. * You
have only to desire it, and of course, such is your virtue, you will be sure to
' gain your point: and Mæcenas is a man who may be won, and for this rea-
son (because he likes to be won) he is difficult of access at first.* On the
construction * quae tua virtus,' see Key's L. G. 1131. •.
56. Haud mihi deero:] The man professes to suppose Horace is serious,
and takes 'him at his word. • ' -
59. deducam.] ** Haec enim ipsa sunt honorabilia quae videntur levia
atque communia, salutari, appeti, decedi, assurgi, deduci, reduci, consuli”
(Cic. de Senect. c. 18). ToTättend upon a person when he leaves home is
* deducere'; * reducere* to accompany him on his returm. Great men, when
they went out of doors, were usually àccompanied by friends, while numbers
of parasites and expectants followed their steps, and were eager to be seem
by them and to be known to have been in their company.
61. Fuscus Aristius] See Introduction, and C. i. 22.
62. Unde venis? et Quo tendis?] This was a common mode of salutation.
See S. ii. 4. 1, ** Unde et quo Catius ? *' Virg. Ecl. ix. 1, “ Quo te, Moeri,
pedes ? an, quo via ducit, in urbem ? **
64. lentissima brachia,] * Arms that had no feeling.” Fuscus pretends not
to perceive his friend's hints, pulling his toga, pressing his arm, nodding and
looking askance at him.
65. Male salsus] * The wieked wag,' as we should say. S.
69. tricesima sabbata :] It is probable that Aristius Füscus knew very little
about the Jews, and invénted the thirtieth Sabbath on the spot I do not find
that it is made out on any authority that the Jews had any Sabbath that they
called the thirtieth. The plural σάββara is commonly used by the writers
of the New Testament for the Sabbath day. But among many.superstitions
prevalent, especially among women and persons of nervous habit and of the

444 NOTES. .
lower orders (see S. ii. 8. 291, n.), curses denounced upon the transgressors
of the Sabbath, which the Jews, who were zealous in making proselytes, prop-
agated among them, were objects of terror to many.
72. Huncine solem Tam nigrum surrece] * Huncine * is compounded of the
promoum, the demonstrative enclitic * ce * (for * ecce,' * behold*), and the inter-
rogative enclitic * ne * (Key's L. G. 293). As to * surrexe,' see S. i. 5. 79;
and Terence (Ad. iv. 2. 22), “ Non tu eum rus hinc modo Produxe aiebas ? **
76. Licet antestari ?] This word signifies the calling a by-stander to witness
that there was nothing illegal in the conduct of the plaintiff in such a case as
the above, and that the Å had resisted, and that force was necessary.
The process was by touching the ear of the person whose testimomy was
asked, who could not be compelled to be a witness ; but after he had consented,
he was bound to appear and give evidence if required. Horace was only too
glad to help in the forcible removal of his persecutor, and gave his ear with
all readiness. The parties begin to wrangle : a crowd ofTidlers of course
forms round them, and Horace makes his escape. By * vero ' he means * in
good earnest.'
77. Rapit in jus ;] * In jus vocare * is a technical expression having refer-
emce to the first step in a civil action when both parties appeared before the
prætor or other magistratus having *jurisdictio,* with the view of fixing a day
for the commencement of the trial. On this occasiom the * vadimonium *.
above described was entered into. * Im jus vocare,' therefore, being the first
step, could not follow upon the neglect of the * vadimonium ' by Horace's
companion; and the * adversarius * in this case cannot be the plaintiff in the
other (v. 86), unless Horace is speaking loosely.
S A T I R E X.
THE line of self defence Horace took in the fourth Satire (see Introduction,
amd v. 6, n.) led him into a criticism of Lucilius, which gave a fresh handlé
to his adversaries, who professed an admiration for that poet, but admired
him for his Worst faults of taste, and especially for his combination of Greek
words with his mother tongue, — a practice the affectation of which no one
would more instinctively feel and condemn tham Horace. Horace adheres
to his criticism, and says, if Lucilius had lived, he would have been the first to
find faults in his own style, and to correct it.
I. Nempe incomposito] See Introduction.
8. At idem] *** At* denotes rather addition tham opposition. It is com-
monly employed after a concession ” (Key's L. G. 1445). The concession
here is in * nempe.* *You say, and I admit it, still in the same Satire I
praised him.'
4. defricuit] This word is nowhere else used in this sense. It means « to
give a hard rub,' as we say. There are other vulgarisms in our own lan-
guage akin to this expressiom.
6. Et Laberi mimos] Laberius was the most distinguished writer of this
particular kind of play that we know of. He died the`year before the battle
6f Philippi, A. U. c. 711, and therefore before this Satire was written. The
Romam mimes were, in the time of Laberius, represented in the theatres with
the regular drama. . They were a combination of grotesque dumb-show, of
ílances by men and women, of farcical representations in verse-dialogue, of
incidents in low and profligate life, and of grave sentiments and satirical al-
lusions interspersed with the dialogue. Augustus was a great patron of these
licentious representations. See Tac. Ann. i. 54.
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 445
•
9. Est brevitate opus,] The want of this quality in Lucilius he condemns
im S. 4. 9, sqq.
11. modo tristi] * Tristi' signifies * serious.'
12. Defendenté vicem] * Supporting the part,' like “fungar vice cotis” (A.
P. 804), and * Actoris partes chorus officiumque virile Defendat” (v. 193).
On * modo,' see S. 3. 12. The combination Horace commends is that of the
orator sternly or gravely rebuking vice, of the,humorous satirist (* poëtae *)
broadly ridiculingit, and of the polished wit, who, instead of throwing him-
self with all his strength upon his victim, substitutes sarcasm for invective,
and lets his power be rather felt than seen. Of these three, the gravity of
stern reproof Horace estimates lowest, saying that ridicule generally settles
questions, of however grave importance, better and „more decisively than se-
verity. - .
15. secat res.] * Secare ' is used in the sense of “decidere * in Epp. i. 16.
42. Cicero (De Or. ii. 58) says, “Est plane oratoris movere risum, — max-
ime quod tristitiam ac severum mitigat et relaxat odiosasque res saepe quas
argumentis dilui non facile est joco risuque dissolvit.”
16. Illi scripta quibus] See S. 4. 2, n. * Hoc stabant,' * stood om this
ground,' as * hinc pendet,' S. 4. 6.
18. Hermogenes] See S. 3. 129, n. * Simius iste ' probably means Deme-
trius, whom we meet with below (v. 79) as an abuserTof Horacé and (v. 90)
as a traimer of * mimae,' like Hermogenes, with whom he is associated. Wé
know nothing more of him. His only skill was to sing the love-songs of
Calvus and Catullus, who were favorite poets of the last generation, and great
friends.
20. quod verbis Graeca Latinis] This is a new fault in the style of Lucilius,
mot before mentioned. See the note on S. 4. 6.
21. Seri studiorum !] This phrase represents the Greek άγιμa6e7s. In
* quine putetis* the interrogative enclitic is somewhat redundänt, but not
more thám in many other instances, as S. ii. 2. 107, and 3. 295, 317.
22. Rhodio } Pitholeonti] This person is unknowm. His mame prob-
ably was Pithólaus ; if so, Horace changed that termination in conformity
with the Greek usage, as Tup6\aos and Tupu6\€¢»v, Mevé\aos and MevéÀeos,
&c., are different forms of the same word
24. ut Chio nota si] On * nota * see C. ii. 3. 8. Here the Chiam, a sweet
wine, would represent the Greek, as the rougher wine of Campania would
stand for the less polished Latin.
26. causa Petilli?] See S. 4. 94, m.
27. Scilicet oblitus] The sense of the passage from v. 25 to 30 is this :
“You say that the language is more elegant ifit be set off with Greek. But
Iask yoü yourself, is it only when you are writing poetry, or when you have
on hand a difficult cause, such as that of Petillius ? Would you then like-
wise, forgetting your country and your birth, while our great orators Pedius
and MessallaTare elaborating their speeches in their pure mother tongue
(* Latine '), — would you, I say, prefer mixing up a foreign jargon with your
native #£$? like a double-tongued mam of Canusium ? * I He puts the
composition of verses om such themes as Lucilius chose, on a level with the
gravity of forensic speaking, and asks why, if the man would not apply the
fule tò the latter, he should do so to the former. *
28. Cum Pedius causas] Who Pedius was, is quite uncertain; but he
must have been well knowm as an orator. It is also uncertain whether Pop-
licola belongs to Pedius or Corvinus, about whom see C. iii. 21. Quintilian
describes him (x. 1. 113) as * orator nitidus et candidus et quodammodo prae
se ferens in dicendo nobilitatem suam.” And Horace speaks again of his
eloquence, A. P. 870. His intimaey with Horace begam in the army of Bru-
tus, and continued unbroken till Horace's death. .
38
446 NOTES.
30. Canusini more bilinguis ?] As to Canusium, see S. 5. 91. It was one
of those Greek towns which remained longest and most purely the language
of its founders, as we may suppose from the text.
86. Turgidus Alpinus] This is supposed to be a bad poet named M. Fu-
rius Bibaculus, borm at Cremona B. c. 102 * Turgidus * refers to his person.
Horace describes him elsewhere as ** pingui tentus omaso ” (S. ii. 5. 40),
where a bombastic verse of his is quoted, which may account for his being
called famiiliarly, by his contemporaries, Alpinus. Horace speaks of his mur-
dering Memnon, and it is generally supposed that this refers to a translation
he made of the Aethiopis of Arctinus, one of the Cyclic poets, in which
Memnon was one of the principal heroes. -
37. Defingit Rheni luteum caput,] Horace says that Furius, like some rude
artist, had made a figure of Rhenus (the Rhine) with a head of clay, referring
to the statues by which the different river-gods were represented, and to some
description this poet had given of the Rhine, perhaps in a poem he is said to
have written on the Gallic war. * Defingo * is * to fashion out,' and differs
little from * fingo.'
38. Quae neque in aede sonent] Sp. Mæcius Tarpa was the officer who
licensed plays before they were acted. He is mentioned again in the Ars
Eoëtica (v. 387). His duties had previously formed part of the functions of
the ædiles, and it was not till political allusions became common, and the
position of affairs too critical to bear them, that this special censorship was
created. * Aedes' in the singular signifies * a temple.' Temples of Apollo and
the Muses are referred to by Juvenal (S. vii 37) as the resort of poets, and
other temples besides (see Ovid. Trist. iii. 1. 69) had buildings attached where
men of létters assembled. In one of these, therefore, or some building espe-
cially consecrated to the Muses, poets who had plays they wished to get rep-
reseiited recited them, probably in the presence of Tarpa.
42. Unus vivorum, Fundani;] Of this Fundanius, who Horace says was
the only man of the day who could write a comedy in the style of Menander
and that school, nothing whatever is known. He is the narrator of the scene
in S. ii. 8, the supper of Nasidiemus. Probably Horace exaggerated his mer-
its, as well as Pollio's, out of affection for the men. As to Pollio, see C. ii. 1,
Int., and v. 10, n. * Regum,' such as the ** sacra Pelopis domus” (C. i. 6.
8, n.). * Pede ter percusso * refers to the trimeter iambic, the common meas-
ure of tragedy.
44. Ut nemo Varius ducit ;] As to Varius, see the Ode last mentioned, vv.
8, 11, and S. 5. 40. The derived significations of * ducere * are various. As
applied to a poem, it is probably taken from the process of spinning. See
Epp. ii. 1. 225: “ tenui deducta poëmata filo.” See also S. ii. l. 4.
45. Virgilio] Whether Virgil had at this time published his Georgics or
not is quite umcertain, from the doubt that hangs over both the date of this
Satire and the publication of those poems. But, at any rate, Virgil had them
in hand, and his friends had probably heard a great part of them recited in
rivate. The Bucolics had been published some time, and they seem to
É been thought well of, though until the Aeneid had made somé progress
we have no reason to suppose that Virgil was classed by his contemporáries
with poets of the first rank. * Facetum ' signifies * elegant,' as in a coxcomb
it would be called * fine,' S. 2. 26. •
46. Hoc erat,] Horace says, * Fundanius may write comedy better than
any man living, Pollio tragedy,*Varius epics, Virgil pastorals: this (satire)
was what, after Varro and some others had tried it in vain, I was áble to
write better than they, though not equal to its inventor” (Lucilius). Who he
means by * some others,' it is impossible to say. .
Varrone Atacino] P. Terentius Varro was] a poet of the day some years
older than Horace. He was called Atacinus from the Atax, a river of Gallia
SATIRES. — BOOK I. 447
Narbonensis, to distinguish him from M. Terentius Varro, who is sometimes
called Reatinus. Different works are attributed to him. His attempts at
satire — in which Horace says, most probably with justice, that he had failed
— are nowhere noticed but here.
53. Nil comis tragici mutat Lucilius Acci?] See below, v. 65. Accius was
born B. c. 170, and was a writer of tragedies, chiefly from the Greek. Cicero
and Quintiliam speak very highly of him, and the popular judgment was in
his favor. See Epp. ii. i. 56, and A. P. 259.
55. non ut majore reprensis? * Not as if he were superior to those he finds
fault, with.'
59. Quid vetat et nosmet] Horace says he is at liberty to inquire whether
it is not a matural consequence of Lucilius's temperament, and the character
of his subjects, that he wrote verses not more polished amd smooth than
might be expected of a mam who was content with giving his lines the proper
number offeet, and took delight in stringing together a vast number of them
in the shortest possible time. * Pedibus quid claudere senis* explains * hoc,”.
* contented merely with this,* that is to say, comprising something (that he
calls a verse, for there is contempt in * quid *) in six feet.
61. Etrusci Quale fuit Cassi] TOf this Cassius we know nothing, and what
lHorace says of him is no more than a jocular invention that his writings
were so numerous and worthless that his funeral pile was made of them and
the boxes that contained them.
63. capsis] See S. 4. 22, n.
64. Fuerit] See S. i. 1. 45.
65. Comis et urbanus] * Agreeable amd refined.*
66. Quam rudis et Graecis] * Allow that he is more polished than the in-
ventor of a rude style of poetry unknown to the Greeks might be expected to
be, and tham the mass of the older poets certainly were ; still, if he had lived
to this our time, he would have corrected much that he had writtem.'
71. vivos et roderet ungues.] * And would bite his mails to the quick,' as
men sometimes.do when they are thinking very nervously.
72. Saepe stilum vertas] * Stilum vertere * means to érase what had been
written, one end of the iron pen (* stilus*) being broad like the end of a chisel,
for the purpose of obliterating the letters made upon the wax tablet by the
sharp end, which they called * acumen.'
75. Vilibus in ludis] Such schools as Flavius's, perhaps, if poetry was
ever taught there, or in those cheap schools in the back streets mentiomed in
Epp. i. 20. 18. The word * dictari* refers to the practice of the teâcher read-
ing out a passage for the pupil to repeat after him, one of the earliest steps in
education being accurate promunciation. The words * canere,' * cantare,”
which are frequently applied to the recitation of the pupil, show that the mod-
ulation of the voice was a primary consideration in teaching. To help this
most probably was one principal purpose of the master's reciting to his schoI-
ars, which was done quite at the beginning, and probably before the boys
could write ; whence Horace says (Epp. ii. 1. 126), “ Os tenerum pueri bal-
bumque poëta figurat.” It was a good preparation for their subsequent train-
img under the teacher of rhetoric. It is a practice which might be more gen-
erally revived, for nothing cam be worse than the way in which boys usually
read or repeat their lessons in our schools.
77. osa Arbuscula] This was a celebrated actress in Cicero's time.
As she, when she was hissed off the stage, said she cared nothimg for the rest
of the spectators, and was satisfied if she pleased the front benches (the
Equites), so Horace says he only wants t6 be read im the better sort of
schools, where that class of people sent their sons.
78. cimeae Pantilius,] This person, ifit be a real name, is quite unknown.
A more contemptible animal could not have been chosen to liken the mam to,
448 - -. NOTES.
whether for its odor, its skulking, or its sting. So that δήγμara «opéον,
Xa6póóakvau «dpees, seem to have been proverbial expressions for calumny.
79. Demetrius,] See above on v. 18; and as to Fannius, see S. 4. 21, n.
On Plotius, see S. 5. 40; and on Valgius, C. ii. 9, Int. He was consul in
E. c. 13. Who Octavius was, we cannot tell. Horace does not meam Augus-
tus, for, after the death of the dictator, Octavius became C. Julius Cæsar
Octavianus, and could not at this time be called Octavius. On Fuscus (to
whom the epithet * optimus” belongs), see C. i. 22, Int., and S. 9. 61, and
IEpp. i. 10.
£;? Viscorum laudet uterque!] If Viscus be the correct reading in S. 9. 22,
and S. ii. 8. 20, the persons there mentioned may be one or other or both of
these brothers. .
84. Ambitione relegata] ' Dismissing flattery.'
85. tuo cum fratre,] This may have been Gellius Poplicola, Messalla's
brother by adoption. He was with Brutus and Cassius in Asia Minor ; but
left them before the battle of Philippi, and joined M. Antonius, and com-
manded the right wing of his army at Actium. If therefore this be the per-
son Horace alludes to, his acquaintance with him begam in Brutus's camp.
He was consul in the year B. c. 36.
86. Vos, Bibule et Servi,] This Bibulus was probably the youngest son of
M. Calpurnius Bibulus, who was consul in B. c. 59, and of his wife Porcia,
who afterwards married M. Brutus. He wrote an account of his stepfather's
life, which Plutarch made use of. He- must have been still quite young.
Servius Sulpicius Rufus was a distinguished lawyer and friend of Cicero,
and he left a son mamed Servius. This son is perhaps the person Horace
refers to. Cicero was very fond of him, to judge by his letters to his father.
He must have beem older than Horace, and very much older tham Bibulus.
Eurnius was also the son of a friend and correspondent of Cicero, and was
a favorite with Augustus. The epithet * candidus ' applied to him by Horace
* shows that he deserved esteem. Shortly after the battle of Actium he got
Augustus to take his father, who had followed M. Antonius, into favor.
88. Prudens] * Designedly,' * on purpose.' -
• 91. Discipularum inter jubeo plorare cathedras.] Their pupils were chiefly
* mimae,' actresses, but some ladies ofbirth at this time learnt singing of prò-
fessors, and it was not counted much to their praise. * Jubeo ploraré* córre.
sponds to the Greek οίμόςeuv keXeùo, but * plorare* represents, not only the
above proyerbial expression, but the drawling of the singing-master teaching
his pupils sentimental or melancholy songs. ' * Cathedra* was an easy-chair
used chiefly by womem. «*
92. I, puer,] Authors did mot write themselves, but had slaves, called
* pueri a studiis,' or generally * librarii,' to whom they dictated. See S. 4. 10.
Epp. i. 10. 49; ii. 1. 110. We are to suppose that Horace extemporized this
anathema against Demetrius and Tigellius, and then told his amanuensis to
go before he forgot it and add it to the Satire as his * subscriptio* ; which in
letters was the word * vale,' or something civil of that sort.

SATIRES. — BOOK II. 449
S A T I R E S. — B O O K II.
S A T IIR E 1.
C. TREBATIUs TEsTA was a jurisconsult of eminence, and a mam of honor.
He was in the confidence of Augustus, and was consulted by him on legal
matters. Horace seems to have been well acquainted with him, though he
was many years younger than Trebatius.
Horacé pretends to lay before the old lawyer a case for his opinion, and
asks what he had better do to meet the malevolence ofhis enemies.^ Trebatius
advises him to cease from writing, which Horace says is impossible. He was
born to write, and must do it. He has no capacity for héroic subjects, and
has a passion for imitating Lucilius, to whom he páys a graceful compliment
by the way. Trebatius warns him that he runs the risk of being frozen to
death by his great friends, or of legal penalties for libel. But, trusting in the
goodness of his cause, he sets these dangers at defiance, and resolve§ to im-
dulge his inclination.
1. Sunt quibus — videor] Horage had undoubtedly in his mind those par-
ticular opponents, on some of whom he had retorted in S. 10 of the last
book, and, this being the case, the indicative mood is wanted, rather than the
subjunctive, after * sunt, quibus” (see C. i. 1. 8, n., and compare S. i. 4. 24).
Ey * tendere opus* Horace means he is charged with carrying his work, 6r
straining it, beyond the license properly allowed to satire. * Sine nervis ?
means * without vigor.* As to * deduci,' see S. i. 10. 44, n.
4. Trebati,] See Introduction. *
7. Optimum erat:] Here as below (v. 16) the imperfect indicative is used
where the subjunctive might be expected. The Greeks in similar cases some-
times used the imperfect indicative without äv, where the usual construction
required that word.
Ter uncti Transnanto Tiberim] See S. i. 6. 128, n. The language is a
little in the style of a * lex.* * Sub noctem ' means immediately äfter night-
fall. See Epod. ii. 44, n. S. ii. 7. 109. Epp. ii. 2. 169. It appears from
Cicero's letters to Trebatius that he was a great swimmer, and Cicero de^
scribes himself as having gone home, from his house one night “bene potus
seroque * (Ad Fam. vii. 22). He may therefore have lived pretty freely.
10. rapit] There is force in this word, * hurries you on like a torrent.'
13. quivis] This corresponds to ô rvXóv in Greek. •
14. fracta pereuntes cuspide] Plutarch, in his Life of Marius (c. 25), re-
lates how, on the occasion of a battle with the Cimbri, he altered the spears
of the soldiers in such a way that they could not be of use to the enemy. He
says that the spear-heads were formerly fastened to the shaft by two iron
nails, and that Marius, removing one, substituted for it a wooden peg, which
would give way when the spear struck the shield, where it would stick and
drag along the ground. From the year B. c. 39 to 81, Augustus was en-
gaged at different times in subduing the Gauls, and he included his victories .
over them in the first of his three days' triumphs, in B. c. 29. (See C. i. 2.
49. m.
i5. 'a- labentis equo] ' The Parthians falling under blows inflicted by the
arms of Augustu8, is a Ęre he draws from his own imagination, im antici-
38
450 NoTEs.
pation of future triumphs. But Augustus never engaged the Parthians in
the field. On * labentis equo,' see C. i. 2. 39, n.
16. poteras] See above, v. 7. As to * fortem,' see what is said of * Forti-
tudo ' on C. S. 57. Trebatius says, if Horace cannot write of the victores of
Augustus, he may of his virtues, his justice, and moral courage,
17. Scipiadam ut sapiens Lucilius] T Virgil uses this form (Georg. ii. 170),
“ Scipiadas duros bello.” As the élder Séipio had Ennius to praisè him (see
C. iv. 8), so the younger had Lucilius, who was his intimate friend, and who
served under him in the Numantiam war. There is no necessity for suppos-
mng that Lucilius wrote a separate poem on the exploits of Scipio, though it
is not improbable that he did so. * Sapiens? is applied to the poet as * doc-
tus ' is elsewhere. See note om C. i. 1. 29. * Haud mihi deero* Horace uses
above, S. i. 9. 56. -
18. dextro tempore] See below, S. 4. 4: “ Cum te sic tempore laevo Inter-
pellarim.”
20. Cui male si palpere] ' If you stroke him clumsily, he kicks out, and
protects himself om every side.
21. Quanto rectius hoc] Horace says that he may attempt those subjects,
hut he must wait for an opportunity. T And Trebatius continues, * How much
better is this, than with bitter verses to offend such wretched creatures as
Eantolabus and Nomentanus, by which he only excites the fears and hatred
of every one!'
22. Pantolabum] S. i. 8. 11.
24. Quid faciam ?] * What am Ito do ? ' says Horace. * Every mam has
his taste, and mine is to string verses together like Lucilius.' « -
Milonius,] This man 18 said to have been a * seurra,' a parasite, a low fel-
low who has no respect for himself, who lets himself out, at the price of a
dimmer, to entertain rich people and their guests with buffoonery and small
talk. Milonius, as soon as the wine got into his head, would get up and
dance before the company, the lowest proceeding in the eyes of a Romam
that could be imagined. * Icto,' in this sense of * wine-struck,' does mot occur
elsewhere. It is a Greek notion.
26. Castor gaudet equis,] This difference in the tastes of Castor and his
brother is expressed in one line of the Iliad (iii. 237), Käorropâ 6' iTTööap/ov
raì trì$ äya6öv IIoXvöeökea.
27. quot capitum vivunt,] Compare ** Quot homines tot sententiae : suus
cuique mos.” (Phormio, ii. 4 14.)
28. claudere] See S. i. 10. 59.
31. neque su male cesserat] * Never resorting to anything else, whether mat-
ters had gone ill with him or well.”
33, Votiva — tabella] On the practice of hamging up a picture in the tem-
ples to commemorate escape from shipwreck, see C. i. 5. 12, m. It was prob-
ably mot confined to sailors. -
34. Vita sens.] Lucilius, the date of whose death is not certain, but who
is said to have died in his forty-sixth year, B. c. 103, is here called old only in
point of time, as in Epp. ii. 1, 56, ** Aufert Pacuvius docti famam senis Ac-
cius alti*; and above (S. i. 10. 67), ** poëtarum seniorum turba *° ; and as
Aristophanes is called by Persius (i. 124), “ praegrandis senex”
Lucanus an Apulus anceps:] See C. iii. 4. 9, m. * Anceps * is neuter.
* Sub * signifies * close up to,' where * sub * has its original meaning * up,' and
“ the sense of* to ' belongs to the accusative termination, not to the preposi-
tion ** As to * colonus,' see C. ii. 14. 12, m. * Romano ' is used for the Ro-
mans, as in Epod. vii. 6, and Tac. Ann xii. 58.
The colonyof Venusia was formed in B. c. 291, the last year of the third
Samnite war, when L. Postumius Megellus and C. Junius Brutus Bubulcus
were consuls. The town, which was om the borders of Lucania and Apulia,
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 451
belonged to the Samnites, from whom it was taken by Q. Fabius. (Sabelli
was the name given by the Romans to all the tribes which issued from the
Sabine stock, of whom the Samnites were one ) Apulia and Lucania were,
at the beginning of this war, independent states in close alliance with the
Samnites, but after the first year they found it for their interest to desert
those allies, and joined the Romans, with whom they continued to unite their
forces till the end of the war. Horace's supposition that one or other of
those states was meditating or carrying on war with Rome, is not, therefore,
strictly accurate ; but they were always very doubtful allies, and were glad to
assist their old enemies the Greek cities in their resistance to Rome, when
they called in the help of Pyrrhus; and it was not till the fall of Tarentum,
E. c. 272, that these, in common with the other southern states of Italy, final-
ly acknowledged the supremacy of Rome, and accepted their freedom from
Hier. It was in consequence of the commanding position of Venusia, in refer-
ence to the three nations of the Samnites, Apulians, and Lucanians, that the
IRomans sent there in the above year (B. C. 291) a colony of twenty thousand
persons. This place was of great use to the Romans in the war with Pyr-
rhus. After their reverse at the battle of Heraclea, A. U. c. 474, the remmant;
of their army retreated to Venusia, and here many found refuge after the
defeat of Cannæ. The quantity of the second syllable in Venusinus, Horace
makes short here, and in C. i. 28. 26. Juvenal lengthens it (vi. 167):
** Malo Venusinam quam te, Cornelia, mater Gracchorum,” where, as here,
the humble inhabitant of Venusia is contrasted with the proud matron of
IRome. * Quo ne * (v. 37) is an unusual expression, in whieh * quo * is re-
dundant.
39. Sed hic stilus haud petet ultro] On this use of * sed,' see C. iv. 4 22, n.
* Ultro* means here * wantonly,' without provocation or cause. See C. iv.
4. 51, m. a - &
43. ut pereat] ' Ut ' is an imitation of the Greek use of òs, expressing a
wish. He hopes that his adversaries will let him alone, and leave his sword
(that is, his pen) to rust. FrQm * at ille ' the construction is a little irregular,
but the abruptness of the several clauses is well suited to the occasion : * but
for that man that provokes me, he had better not touch me, I cry ; he 'll
suffer if he does,' &c.
47. Cervius iratus — urnam,] Cervius appears to have been an informer.
He is not the mam mentioned in S. ii. 6. 77. * Urnam ' means either the urn
into which the judices put their tablets, or that into which their names were
put for drawing the jury. Either way it is equivalent to *judicium.'
48. Canidia Albuti quibus] Albutius was perhaps a person notorious for
having poisoned somebody, and * Albuti venenum * may have become pro-
verbial. 7 We meet with an Albutius below (S. 2. 67), who, from his charac-
ter, may have been the same as this.
49. Grande malum Turius,] Of this person we know nothing. He threat-
ens his adversary with an adverse judgment if he ever has a private suit tried
before him.
50. Ut quo quisque valet] In what follows it is Horace's purpose to show
that it is a law of nature that every one should use the means of defence that
are given him, and he is only acting on this law when he employs satire in
self-ilefence. * Unde * iní v. 52 belongs to * monstratum,' as, in the mext Sa-
tire, v. 81, ** Unde datum sentis,” * by what suggested if not from withim ? '
Of Scæva we know nothing. What Horace saysis, that he would, like other
animals, resort to the means most natural to him, which were not violence,
to which cowards have an aversion, but poison. •
64. Mirum, Ut neque] * Strange ! yes, as strange as that the wolf does not
kick, nor the ox bite.' • -
58. „seu Mors atris circumvolat alis,] This representatiom of death hovering
over a man with dark wings, may have been taken from a painting.
452 NOTES.
60. Quisquis erit vitae scribam color.] This loose collocation of words is not
uncommon in Horace. It ought not to be imitated. -
O puer, ut sis] See Introduction. This sentence illustrates the rule re-
specting verbs of fearing, that they ** have the subjunctive with * ne* if the
object be not desired, with * ut* ifit be desired* (Key's L. G. 1186), to which
the note is “ Observe that the Latin inserts a negative where the English has
none, amd vice versa * .-
64. Detrahere et pellem,] Compare Epp. i 16. 44. Each of the Scipiones
had a Lælius for his intimate companion. This is C. Laelius Sapiefis, the
friend of P. Scipio Africanus Minor, amd well known through Cicéro's trea-
tises * De Senectute ' and * De Amicitia,' in the former of which he is a listen-
er, in the latter the principal speaker. As to the following verse, see C. iv.
8. 18, n. Lucilius was on terms of close intimacy with thèse two friends.
67. Metello] Q Cæcilius Metellus had the cognomen Macedonicus given
him, for his successes against Andriscus, the pretender to the throne of Per-
seus, king of Macedonia. Horace means to say that Scipio and Lælius were
not offended at the wit of Lucilius, nor feared it might tuirn upom themselves,
whem they saw him attack Metellus. Why he did so is uncertain.
68. Lupo] Who Lupus was is nót certaim. His name appears in many
of the fragments of Lucilius. The most probable person is IL. Cornelius
Lentulus Lupus, who was consul B. C. 156. What he had done to provoke
Lucilius's satire we do not know, but Cicero (De Nat. Deor. i. 28) has pre-
served a verse of his in which Lupus is classed with the perjured amd prof-
ligate. -
*Â; Primores populi] * Atqui,' which is a form of * at quin,' means * but
he did, did he mot ? ' * Tributim,' throughout all the tribes • he attacked the
optimates and plebeians, and all without distinction. As to the tribes, see
Epp. i. 6. 52, n. * Aequus ' means * favorable to.' .
72. Virtus Scipiadae] On this form, see above, v. 17. See also S. i. 2.
32, n., om the expression * virtus Scipiadae.' Lælius, as above mentioned,
had the cognomen Sapiens given him, and any.one who reads Cicero's trea-
tise that bears his name will understand Horace's epithet * mitis.* One of
the Scholiasts relates a story of Lælius running round the dinner-table, and
Lucilius pursuing him with a napkin, to fog him. Lucilius was born B. C.
148, and Scipio died B. c. 129. He was therefore but a boy when he thus
played with these friends ; and if, as Horace's language implies, he wrote
satires in Scipio's lifetime, they were probably the mere intemperate sallies
of youth. But Horace may be mistaken. The fare of these great men was
of the simplest kind. (See note om S. i. 6. 115.)
75. Infra Lucili censum] Horace had before intimated (v. 84, n.) that he,
a poor man's son, born im a provincial town, was not to be compared with
Lucilius, a Romam citizem, who was rich, and had a fine house in the Forum.
78, nisi quid tu,] This is equivalent to saying, * This is what I think, Tre-
batius; but I shall be glad to defer to your opinion if you differ from me.'
79, nihil hinc diffindere possum.] The meaning of * diffindere* is not quite
clear. Perhaps it has the same sense as * secare ' above (S. i. 10. 15,Tand
IEpp. i. 16. 42); that is, * to decide.' If so, Trebatius says he cannot decide
the question from the premises Horace has put before him (* hinc *).
80. Sed tamen] By the XII. Tables, the writing' of scurrilous verses was
among the few offences that were punishable with death. See Dict. Antt.,
Art. *Injuria,' and compare Epp. ii. 1. 153. There was a “lex Cornelia de
injuriis,' which probably included the offence of writing scurrilous verses.
When Trebatius says there is *jus judiciumque,' he means that there is law,
and also there are legal proceedings, for this case. * Ne forte * is used as in
C. iv. 9, 1, where see note, and compare Epp. i. 1. 13 ; 18. 58 ; ii. l. 208.
* Sanctarum ' is a participle, * quae sanciuntur.' * Sancire legem * was to
affix the penalty toTa * lex,' and so give it effect. See Cic. de Am. c. 12.

SATIRES.— BOOK II. 453
85. lantraverit,] * Latro ' is used as a transitive verb in Epod. v. 58, and
Epp. i. 2. 66, and so it is here, * What if one barks at a man who deserves
rebuke, he himself being untainted ? '
86. Solventur risu tabulae,] The *tabulae * are the tablets (* tabellae judi-
ciariae *) by which the judices declared their votes, and Trebatius probably
means to say, that the votes of the judices will be decided by the amusement
of the scene, or else that the severity of their votes will be melted by it ; that
is, that the matter will be treated as unworthy of serious consideration ; the
judices will laugh at the joke, and acquit the defendant. .
S A T IIR E II.
THE object of this Satire is to teach the advantages of moderate eating.
Of Ofella, the persom into whose mouth Horace *puts the chief part of his
precepts, we know no more than we may gather from the Satire itself, — that
in Hörace's youth he was the owner of am estate near Venusia, and that his
property was taken from him and made over to one of the veteram soldiers,
named Umbremus (v. 133), and that he afterwards rented, as * colonus,* á
farm on that estate which was once his own. This transfer took place, im all
probability, when the troops returned to Italy after the battle of Philippi,
B. c. 42, at which time (among several other districts) the Venusinus áger
was distributed among the soldiers. It has been supposed that Horace visit-
ed his native place, and renewed his acquaintance with Ofella, on his return
from Brundisium. (See Introduction to S. i. 5, sub fin.) The old man, un-
changed by the reverses of fortune, industrious and uncomplaining, exhorting
his sons to frugality and contentment, is a pleasant picture, and helps by
contrast to illustrate the gluttonous and luxurious habits of the city.
2. quae praecepit Qfella] See Introduction.
8. abnormis sapiens, crassaque Minerva,] A man wise without rule, and of
plain mother wit. Cicero (De Amicit. c. 5) uses the expression “agamus
pingui Minerya* as a proverbial one. Minerva was the goddess of 'wisdom,
and * crassa Minerva ' therefore means, proverbially, a coarse kind of wisdom.
4.3nter lances mensasque nitentes] The wealthy Romans had already learned
tQ fill their rooms, with cQstly furniture, and to make a display of their plate,
whether in the shape of useful or ornamental vessels Véry much 6f thé
plate thus displayed Was offoreign manufacture, and very cosily, and much
of it was of great antiquity, and a good deal taken fronh Greek and Asiatic
temples, and brQught to Rome by various conquerors (Marcellus and Mum-
mius in particular), by extortionate governors, or by the travelling * merca-
fQres,'.Who thus brought home the proceeds of the goods they toók abroad.
The dishes of the rich were very generally of silver, §ó that thé « lances* here
menti9ned would be, not only thóse which appeared for show, but those also
in Whigh the viands were served. * Lances* *is here used as a generic name
for dishes ; but there were particular names, as * patina,' * catinus,* * scutula,*
“gabata,' * paropsis,' all of different shapes ând för différent uses.
There appears to have been no articlé in which the Romans showed more
extravagance than their tables ; and Pliny relates of Cicero that he gave a
million sesterces for a table of the sort called * orbes.' These consisted of
single slabs, sometimes of great diameter. \
9. Qorruptus juder.] Hörace likens the man whose judgment is biassed
by a fine table and good dinner, to a judex who has beeiï tampered with.
(See C. iv. 9. 39, n.) •
454 NOTES.
«*
Leporem sectatus equove] There is some confusion raised in this long sen-
tencé by the introduction of the words * pete cedentem aëra disco.* Horace
means àt first to say, ** When you have tired yourself with hunting the hare,
with riding an umbrokem horse, or (supposing the rougher sports are too
much for you) with ball-play or throwing the discus, and are dry and hungry,
then see if you will despise the commonest food, and call for rich mulsum.”
Instead of which he says: “ After hunting the hare or wearying yourself with
riding, or if (supposing you are only accustomed to Greek sports, and the
Roman are too much for you) ball-play occupies you or the discus, then
throw the discus; but when fatigue shall have banished fastidiousness, and
you are dry and hungry, then see if,” etc.
10. Romana — £ii;] This is a way of expressing Roman sports.
11. seu pila velox] The ball-play, which was so common an amsusement
in one shape or other among the Romans, was introduced from Greece,
though the Romans had varieties perhaps of their own invention.
18. Seu te discus agit,] The throwing of the discus likewise was of Greek
origin, and belonged to the heroic age. It had no resemblance to the quoit,
by which mame it is sometimes rendered, but was a round flat plate of metal
or stone, sometimes nearly a foot in diameter.
14. Cum labor eatuderit] * Extundo ' is nowhere else used in this sense,
but it is a very apt word for the occasion. Hunger beating fastidiousness
out of a man réprésents the power of the one, and the contemptible character
of the other, very well.
15. nisi Hymettia mella Falerno] This constituted the drink called * mul-
sum,' oivóμe\ι, which was commonly drunk at the preparatory course called
* gustus * or * promulsis* (see S. i. 3. 6, n.), the former name being takem
from the dishes that were eatem as a whet to the appetite, and the latter from
the mulsum that was taken with them. The use of the strong Falerniam
wine for this mixture, in which the usual proportion was four ofwine to one
of honey, is condemned below, S. 4. 25.
16. promus] This was one of the * ordinarii * or upper domestic slaves,
whose duty it was to take charge of the wine-cellar and larder. He was
hence called * cellarius,' also * procurator peni,' * steward of the provisions.'
Another name he bore was * condus,' because he had to take into store (* con-
dere *) the provisions that were left or brought in for consumption ; and, as
the same person who locked up also took out the provisions (* promere *)
both names were united im one, * conduspromus.'
17. hiemat mare:] * Hiemat ' is copied from the Greek Xeupdςerau. ę
18. Latrantem stomachum] Compare * iratum ventrem ' (S. ii. 8. 5). A
hungry man is vulgarly said to ** have a wolf in his belly,'* to this day.
19. `Qui partum ?] , The subject is only to be gathered from the éontext.
*Whemce do you suppose this appetite springs, or how is it obtained ? *
20. pulmentaria quaere] The Scholiasts tell us a story of Socrates, that,
when he was taking a long walk, he accounted for his activity by saying
övov ovväyo, * I am getting sauce for my dinner.* See Epp. i. 18. 48.
21. ostrea Nec scarus] These were all served up with the * gustus,' to stir
up the appetite. Oysters were eatem raw or dressed. The * scarus* was a
fish not known in these days. It was rare, even among the Romans, and
imported from the Ægean Sea. Martial says it was good for the stomach,
but of poor flavor. The * lagois ' is described by the Scholiast as * a bird of
the color of a hare '; beyond which we know nothing about it. * Ostrea* is
here used as a dissyllable. Qf the 9ther things of which the * promulsis'
usually consisted, some are given below (S. 8. 8, sq.). The peaêock was a
dish lätely introduced when Horace wrote.
í, posito pavone] * Ponere,' for putting on the table, occurs below (S.
4. 14).
»
SATIRES. — B00K II. 455
24. tergere palatum,] * To wipe the palate,' is a novel expression.
25. vanis rerum,] See C. iv. 12. 19, m.
28. Cocto num adest] The * m ° is pronounced with the following word, as
is common in Terence. -
80. deceptum te petere !] The infinitive * petere' expresses a feeling of in-
dignation. This infinitive is dependent on some such phrase as * credendum
est.' The sense is as follows : “ To think that, although in the quality of
the flesh there is no difference, you should prefer the pea-fowl to the other,
deluded by the superiority of its beauty.* * Hac * refers not to the bird last
mentioned, but to that which the speaker prefers, or is défending ; just as we
have * his ' and * illis* changing places below (86. 87).
81. Unde datum sentis] The sentence goes on thus: * Be it so : grant that
you may be taken in by the eye, in the matter of the bird with a fine tail;
but what sense can tell you whether such and such a fish was caught in the
Tiber or in the opem sea, between the bridges or at the mouth of the river? **
This is not a very well closem question. That part of the river which is
meant by * inter pontes * lay between the Pons Fabricius, which joined the
Insula Tiberina with the left bank, and the Pons Sublicius, and betweem
these bridges the Cloaca Maxima cmptied itself. Here the stream was more
than usually rapid, and *jactatus,' * tossed,' expresses this. It would not
require a very keem epicure to distinguish a fish caught in those waters ; amd
the fish taken at sea, if it was the same fish, would be out of season and
coarse. The * lupus * is said to have been of the pike kind.
33. Ostia sub Tusci?] * Sub * with the accusative, in phrases of place, seems
to have the meaming it has in phrases of time, * immediately after* (see Epod.
ii. 44, a.); so that * sub ostia* would be * immediately on entering the mouth.'.
Eut it usually in these phrases follows a verb of motiom, and means * close up
to * ; and if it be so understood here, the verb of motion must be supplied,
* as you approach close up to.* The Tiber is called * Tuscus amnis,' as (C.
i. 20. 5) it is said to be Mæcenas's * paternum flumen,' because it rises in
Etruria.
84. Mullum] The mullet was a fish in high estimation for a great number
of years. Martial speaks of one of two pounds as the least that should be
put upon a fine dish. This, Pliny says, was a size it rarely exceeded. Ju-
venalTtells a story of a mam who bought a mullet of six pounds, at a thou-
sand sesterces for each pound (iv. 15). The bearded mullet, as it was called,
was held in highest estéem. Horace says the mam is mad to admire a mullet
of three pounds, since to be served up it must be divided into as many sepa-
rate dishes (see Epp. i. 18. 48, n.).
86. Quia scilicet illis] *Illis* does not refer to the more remote object here,
but to the mearer, as in v. 29 (see note). * His* refers to the mullet.
40. At vos, Praesentes Austri,] * Now may ye, O potent south-winds.'
* At* is a particle of exclamatiofi, when a sudden emotion is expressed, as
mentioned above (Epod. v. 1). The winds are invoked as deities. As to
* praesens ' in this application, see C. i. 35. 2.
41. quamquam] *Though I need not invoke your help ; for the boar and
the fresh turbot lose their flavor, when the stomach is gorged and seeks stim-
ulants.'
42. rhombus] This fish, if it was the turbot, was not less esteemed by the
Romans than by ourselves. The finest were caught in the Hadriatic, near
Ravenna, whence the fish that caused such a sensation in Juvenal's story (iv.
37, sqq.) he calls “ Hadriaci spatium admirabile rhombi.” But it is not cer-
tain thàt we know what fish is meant by the * rhombus.' Respecting rapula*
and * inulae,' see below, S. 8. 51. On the use of eggs at the * promulsis,' §ee
S. i. 3. 6. The sense in which Horace uses the wörds * pauper' and *rex' is
nowhere more marked than here (see C. i. 1. 18, and C. i. 4. 14).
t* .
456 - NOTES.
47. Galloni praeconis erat acipensere] This person, who lived in the time
of Lucilius and was noticed by him, is said to have introduced the * aci-
penser,' which fish is said to be a sturgeon. In respect to * praeconis,' see S.
i. 6. 86, n.
60. auctor docuit praetorius.] It is said one Rufus was the first to bring
into fashion the eating of young storks. When he lived, it is impossible to
say. He must have served the office of prætor, from the epithet Horace gives
him. The stork went out of fashion, as Ofella predicts; and though gulls
did not take its place, cranes came into vogue. See S. ii. 8. 87. As to
* auctor,' see C. i. 28. 14, n. The word * edixerit* is a play upon the * edic-
tum * of the * praetor.'
52. pravi docilis] * Ever ready to learn what is bad.* The construction is
like * docilis modorum,' in C. iv. 6. 43. * Pravus ' signifies * crooked,' as op-
posed to * rectus,' * straight'; and so * pravum detorseris,' below (v. 55), is
literally * turn yourself awry.* * Pravis talis” (S. i. 8. 48) are * crooked
amkles.'
53. Sordidus a tenui] Horace goes on to show that moderation is not
meanness, and that propriety lies in a middle course.
55. Avidienus,] This man was a miser, but nothing more is known of
Ê He was * a dirty dog,' and so the name Canis was properly applied to
1ΓΠ. • .. •
58. defundere] * Diffumdere ' means, as mentioned before, to draw wine
from the * dolium * into the * amphora,' * testa,' or * cadus,' (all the same kind
of vessel,) in which it was kept till it was fit to drink. When poured thence
into the * crater,' to be mixed for drinking, it was said to be * defusum.”
• This miser's wine was of a poor kind, probably not fit to be bottled. in the
first instance, but only to be drunk from the * dolium.' He bottled it, and
did not produce it for consumption till it was turned (* mutatum *).
59. licebit Ille repotia] On * licebit,' see Epod. xv. 19. * Repotia* was a
* coena* sometimes given, the day after marriage, by the husband. I am not.
aware that any explanation of the custom is to be met with. The marriage- '
dimmer was given by the husband. As that was usually a scene of nothing
but unrestrained merriment, perhaps the religious ceremonies, required prop-
erly to inaugurate the new life of the married eouple, and to propitiate the
IPenates and Lares, were usually deferred to this day ; and the sobriety of
the * repotia* was probably designed to make amends for the licensc of the
* coena nuptialis.' The Romans observed their birthdays with religious accu-
racy. See note om C. iv. 11. 8.
61. albatus] They took care on every holiday to have their togas especially
cleam. The ordinary toga was not dyed. The natural whiteness of the woól
was increased by the process of cleaning, in which it was rubbed with differ-
ent kinds of fuller's earth (* creta fullonis '), and also exposed to steams of
sulphur, which removed staims of any kind. * Albatus,' therefore, signifies in
a toga which has just come from the * fullo.* It was usual for persons who
were camvassing for offices to have their toga unusually whitened with an
extra supply of * creta,' whence they were called * candidati.*
cornu ipse bilibri] The * cornu* was the horn vessel in which the oil was
Kept. Instead of having a cruet or small vessel suited to the dinner-table,
such as wealthy people usually had of silver and others of cheaper material,
he would bring down the big horn, and with his own hand (* ipse*), lest
others should be too liberal, drop the smallest quantity of oil upon the cab-
bage, while of his old vinegar, which would turn his guests, if he had any,
from the dish, he was free enough.
64. aiunt.] τὸ λεγόμevov, * as the saying is.' It was perhaps a common
proverb to express a dilemma, though mot now met with elsewhere.
65. Mundus erit qua non] * A man will be decent so far as (* qua') he
* *
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 457
$ not offend by meamness, and is on neither hand sordid in his way o?
1V1ng. -
67. Albuti senis] See S. ii. 1. 48, n. . The Scholiasts say the savage old
nam used to flog his slaves before they did wrong, “because,” said he,
“ when you do wrong I may not be at leisure to flog you.” “ Dido,' * to dis.
tribute,' is different im sense and etymology from * divido.* The latter is
connected with * iduo,' * idus * (C. iv. 11. 16, m.), the former with * do.* * Di-
do* is commonly used by Lucretius. -
68. ut simplex Naevius] Of Nævius nothing is known. * Simplex* is iron-
ical. _A story is told by Plutarch, in his Life of Julius Cæsar (c. 17), of Vale-
rius Leo, who put before the dictator some asparagus covered with ointment
instead of oil. ' Such * simplicity,' amounting to an indifference to the decem-
cies of life, and a want of consideration for others, which some people almost
look upon as a virtue, Horace very properly describes as a great vice.
70. Accipe nunc] Horace now goes qn to show the advantage of moderate
living, espécially as connected with health.
78. Quae simplex olim tibi sederit;] * Which, before you mixed it with other
things (while it was * simplex '), remained quiet upon your stomach.*
76. Lenta — pituita.] The tough mucus secreted by the intestines. The
first and third syllables of * pituita ' are long ; the second, therefore, here
coalesces with the third.
77. Coena — dubia ?] This expression is copied from Terence, and means
such a good dinner that you cannot tell what to eat first. Phorm. ii. 2. 28.
79. Atque affigit humo] Debauchery not only affects the body, but de-
presses the spirit, and unfits it for the duties of life. The expression * affigit
humo* reminds us of the words of David, “My soul cleaveth to the ground.”
The same sense, though in a different connection, is conveyed by Cicero's
words (De Senect. c. xxi.): “Est enim animus caelestis ex altissimo domi-
cilio depressus et quasi demersus in terram, locum divinae maturae aetermita-
tique contrarium,*' which serves also to illustrate * divinae particulam aurae.'
This expressiom may have been taken from some old writer.
82. ad melius poterit transcurrere] * May betake himself to better fare.* As
to * quondam,' see C. ii. 10. 17, n.
87. mollitiem,] * Indulgence,' which, as applied to youth, must be under-
stood in a bad sense; but to age or sickness in a good, as that which infirmity
or disease requires.
89. Rancidum aprum] What Horace means to say is, that their hospitable
forefathers, rather tham eat their boar by themselves, while.it was fresh, would
keep it till it was high, in case a stranger should drop in to eat ofit with them.
93. tellus me prima] See S. i. 3. 99.
94. Das aliqüid famiae] * I suppose you allow something to good report,
seeimg that more welcome than music it comes to the ear of man. If s6 (he
goes ón), consider that these luxuries are as discreditable as they are noxious.
Also, they leave you without friends, and will bring you to penury.'
95. ÄÈf The * patina* was a covered dish in which meats were
Σrought in hot from the kitchen. * Patruus ' was as proverbial a name for
tyranny on the male side of the family, as * noverca* on the female. See C.
iii. 12. 3. S. ii. 3. 87.
99. As laquei pretium.] This was a proverb, or became so after Horace.
Jure, inquit, Trausius] The glutton is supposed to answer, * This sort of
language is suited to Trausius: but to one who is as rich as I am, it does not
apply.*] Of Trausius the spendthrift, nothing is known. All we have to in-
fër is, that he lived profusely upon small means, and ruined himself, which
ùe speaker considers himself too rich everto do. * Vectigalia* is used for a
private fortune, in C. iii. 16. 40. Its use is appropriate here, in connection
with * regibus.' 9 -
3
458 - . . NOTES.
101. Ergo Quod superat] * But if you have more than you want, cannot
you find better objects to spend it on ? ' '
103. indignus] T This has the same sense as * immeritus ' (C iii. 6. 1, and
elsewhere), * innocent.' Forcell. gives other examples. As to the state of
the temples and their restoratiom, see C. ii. 15, Introduction, and note on
C. iii. 6. 1.
106. Uni nimirum] ** He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved, for
I shall never be in adversity ** (Ps. x. 6), is very like the argument Horace
puts in his rich man's mouth, — the mam whose fortune was large enough
for three kings. He argues that he is so rich that he never can be otherwise.
As to * nimirum,' see Epp. i. 9. 1, m.
107. Uterne Ad casus dubios] . On * ne,' see S. i. 10. 21, and with * dubios '
compare C. iv. 9. 36. - -
111. aptarit] * Has fitted on his armor,' as it were. -
112. Quo magis his credas,] He brings forward Ofella, as an instance, in
particular, of the way in which a man who has been frugal in prosperity can
meet the reverses of fortune.
113. latius] This word is used as * angustius * in the opposite sense. It
means * more profusely.' I am mot aware that it is so used anywhere else.
* Metato in agello * is the farm which has been marked out by the public sur-
veyor (* metator*), and assigned to Umbrenus. (See Introductiom.) This
participle is used passively in C. ii. 15. 15. * Fortem ' has been explained in
the note on C. S. 58, and for * colonum,' see C. ii. 14. 12, n. As * colonum '
signifies a tenant, * mercede * (* rent*) is only added to give additional force
to the contrast. It makes rather a clumsy sentence. Farms were held either
on payment of rent, or of a certain part of the produce of the lând ; but
* merces ' could not meam the latter. A * colonus ' who held on the latter
terms, was called * partiarius.* * Temere * signifies that which is done with-
out consideration, because habitually done. • •*; v.
116. luce profesta] * Profesti dies* were working-days, as opposed to * fesfi*
or * feriati” (S. 3. 144, sq.). * Profestis* is opposed to * sacris * in C. iv. 15. 25.
119. operum vacuo] Compare C. iii. 17. 16, “ operum solutis,” and A. P.
212, ** liberque laborum.”
120. bene erat] * We made ourselves happy.' See C. iii. 16. 43.
122. cum duplice ficu.] Some take this for a large coarse kind of fig (* ma-
risca *), double the size of an ordinary one. Others take it for a fig split in
two, and so dried. It is possible Horace may meam two figs.
123. Post hoc ludus erat] * After this we amused ourselves by drinking
with * culpa* for our * magister,' or * rex bibendi,' σνμττοσίapxos” (C. i. 4.
18, m.). It appears that they agreed between themselves as to some mode of
drinking, and established a penalty for the transgression of it, which trans-
gressiom (* culpa *) was to do that which at drinking parties, where a presi-
dent was appointed, he might do arbitrarily ; that is, either mulct a guest of a
cup of wine, or make him drink an extra cup, or anything else he chose, as a
fine for misbehavior. In short, Ofella means it was a quiet and primitive
sort of way of proceeding, unlike the new fashion introduced from Greece,
and q- in fine houses, of having a symposiarch to preside (S. ii. 6.
69, n.).
124. Ac venerata Ceres ita] On this use of * veneror,' see C. S. 49, n.
* Ita* introduces the object ofthe prayer. It is usually followed by * ut' in-
troducing a condition. But as with * sic,' that is not always the case. See
mote om C. i. 3. l. - -
127. parcius — nituistis] * Have ye been in worse condition, less sleek and
fat ? ' ' * Ut,' * ever since,* as ** Ut tetigi Pontum vexant insomnia” (Ovid,
Trist. iii. 8. 27). . * Propriae ' signifies one's own in perpetuity, as below (v.
134), “erit nulli proprius *°; and S. ii. 6. 5. Aen. (i. 73): “Connubio jum-
gam stabili propriamque dicabo.” - -
SATIRE$ — BOOK II. 459
' 131. vafri] The law was as plain as its subjects admitted, though to ig-
norant people it must oftem have appeared subtle, and that is the meaning of
* vafri.? -
133. Umbreni] See Introduction.
S A T IIR E III.
THIs Satire appears to have been written during the Saturnalia, in the
month of December, B. c. 32. The year before, Agrippa had been Ædile,
and his ædileship is alluded to in v. 185. It was writtem at Horace's coun-
try-house, not long, it may be supposed, after it was givem him. He was
improving the house at the time, as we may infer from v. 308. The Satire
is general, taking in the leading vices and follies of human nature, — ambi-
tion, avarice, extravagance, lust, superstition, which are brought together with
some ingenuity. A
One Damasippus, a man who had wasted a good fortune in speculating as
an amateur in all sorts of costly articles, particularly works of art, in which
he was held to be a commoisseur, is introduced in a new character, as a Stoic
philosopher, reproving Horace for his laziness, and urgimg him to write. He
relates the story of his own conversion to philosophy, which was this. When
he had lost all his fortune, and was hopelessly involved with money-lenders,
and found himself laughed at and called madman wherever he went, he grew
desperate, and was going to throw himself into the Tiber, when he was ar-
resfed by Stertinius, an oracle of the Stoics, who remonstrated with him and
consoled him, and at the same time armed him against his enemies (v. 297)
with a long homily, in the course of which he proved that all the world, but
the good ănd wise, were as mad as he was. In this discourse he enumerates
the Chief features of this universal madness, and this forms the bulk of the
Satire.
Of Damasippus very little is known. But he was a real person, though
perhaps a little before Horace's day. Why Horace should have chosen this
imam as the mouth-piece of his Satire does not appear. Damasippus says
himself, it is true, that, having ruined his own affairs, he had nothing to do
but to attend to the affairs of others ; which Horace interprets to meam, that
he had taken to giving advice when it was not asked (see v. 27, n.).
Stertinius appears to have been am authority among the Stoics of the day.
The Scholiasts tellus he wrote 220 books om the doctrines of that school.
Damasippus calls him (v. 296) “sapientum octavus.” His books, if he ever
wrote thém, have not rescued him from oblivion. Horace mentions him
again, in Epp. i. 12. 20, as the representative of the sect.
The discourse of Stertinius turns upon this dogma, that every mam in the
world, high or low, is mad, except the sage (see note on v. 46). Cicero has
argued the same doctrine of the Stoics in his Paradoxa (iii. ότι τάς άφρων
μatverau), but he does not go very deep into the subject, or throw much light
upon it.
2. Membranam poscas,] Horace speaks of parchment (* membrana *) only
twice (A. P. 389), * charta,' which means the Egyptiam papyrus, being his
usual équivalent for a book. From the thim coats of the papyrus the name
* liber* was derived, and parchment was less generally used in Horace's day
tham the papyrus ; though that material was also commonly employed.
* Texere chartam ' is a commom expression for putting the pieces of the
papyrus together. . * Retexere scripta,' therefore, means to take to pieces 9r
íeár up whät is writtem, or to take out leaves and substitute others, with dif-
ferent writings upom them.
460 NOTES.
' 3. vini somnique Š, This is a Greek construction: * freely indulg-
É in wine and sleep.* *IDignum sermone * means * worthy of being talked
about.' •
4. At ipsis Saturnalibus] The use of * at* im replies is common. ' * But,
say you, while the Saturiialia were going om, you ram away to this place (his
faimi); i. e. that he might write something worth reading. “ Well, then,'
IDamasippus proceeds, * since you have kept yourself sober, give us some-
thing equal to what you have led us to expect.' The Saturnalia was cele-
bratêd on the 17th of December, to represent the liberty of the golden age of
Saturn (S. ii. 7. 4, ** libertate Decembri*), and therefore one of its chief
features was the license granted, for the one day that the feast lasted, to
slaves. They had all the mockery of freedom for a few hours, which they
spent, like their betters, in rioting. The feast belonged more to the country
tham the town, and was properly a farmers' festival. But it was attended
with greater disturbances in the city ; and one who wanted to be quiet at that
time would be glad to retire to the country.
6. Nil est:] * It 's no use,' as if Horace were preparing an excuse.
7. ?} The reed used by the Romans for writing appears to have
been precisely the same as the * kulum * now used throughout the East. Like
the papyrus, it was chiefly brought from Egypt, and, when cut and ready for
use, differed 8carcely at all from the pens we employ. As the bad workmam
finds fault with his tools, the poet is supposed to get in a passion with his
pem and beat the wall by his bedside, because his ideas would not flow fast
enough. He who was unfortunate was said to have been born when the gods
ye; angry ; here Damasippus adds, * and the poets too.* Compare S. ii.
. 14. -
9. minantis] * Promising.* So the Greeks sometimes used âtre \eìv. And,
on the other hand, * promittere ? is used in the sense of * minari.'
10. tepido] Horace was delicate, and disliked the cold, and in the winter
* was glad to retreat to his country-house, where he could get plenty of wood
and a good fire. (See Epp. i. 7. 10, sq.) But his residence in the valley of
É Licenza was itself sheltered, and probably at some seasons warmer tham
OÎÎÎ6.
11. Quorsum pertinuit stipare Platona Menandro,] * Quorsum * is a contrac-
tiom of * quo versum,' * to what point turned or tending.' Plato was a comic
writer, and a rival of Aristophanes. As to Eupolis, see S. i. 4. 1, m., and for
Archilochus, see Epod. vi. 13, n. -
13. virtute relicta?] I have more tham onee had occasion to remark, that
the motion of persevèrance is involved in the Roman * virtus* (see C. S. 59),
amd it is so here, being opposed to * desidia* (v. 15). But it means more, for
it implies moral courage and a strong will, which were in great esteem among
the Romans. Damasippus supposes the poct tv be consulting his ease and
his cowardice at the same time; and says, if he thinks to silence jealousy by
ceasing to write, he will only find himself the object of contempt; and if he
means to be idle now, he must be content to .lose the reputation won in his
better days of energy. As to Siren, see Epp. i. 2. 23.
16. Damasippe,]' See Introduction. Horace prays, in the words of a com-
mon formula, that Heaven will send Damasippus, to reward him for his good
advice, a barber to shave his long beard. He may be supposed to have let
his beard grow long, with the affectation peculiar to those who called them-
selves philosophers; and Horace means that to be delivered from that folly
would be the best boom that could be bestowed upon him. (See below, v. 35,
and note on S. i. 8. 133.) ék τόyovos σοφοί was the Greek way of repre-
senting such persons, — mem whose wisdom lay in their beards.
18. Janum Ad medium] There appear to have been three. arches dedicated
to Janus in the Forum I{omanum, one at each end, and one in the centre,
SATIRES. - BOOK II. - 461
near to the Arcus Fabianus at the extremity of the Via Sacra. They are
alluded to again, Epp. i. l. 54: “ Haec Janus summus ab imo Perdocet ”;
i. e. the whole Forum. Near the middle arch were the * tabernae ° of thé
principal money-lenders.
20. Olim nam] This position of * nam * is peculiar to the poets. See be-
low, v. 41, and elsewhere. -
21. vqfer— lavisset Sisyphus aere,] Homer (Il. vi. 153) calls Sisyphus
képδιστοs àvôpôv. Damasippus says he used, before he lost all his money, to
employ himself in purchasing and reselling all kinds of valuable propérty;
among the rest, vessels of Corinthiam bronze (often, but improperly, callcd
brass), of such antiquity that Sisyphus, the founder of Corinth, might be sup-
posed to have used them for washing his feet. The rage for antiquated
pieces of furniture went on increasing, and appears to have gone to absurd
lengths during the empire.
22. infubre,] *In an unworkmanlike manner.' The reverse of this is.
* affabre,' used by Cicero (in Verr. Act. i. c. 5). The art of founding is of
great antiquity, though the earliest metal statues were beaten out ofTlumps
with the hammer. It was a process of much nicety, and the fitting of the.
parts required great skill.
24. unus] See S. ii. 6. 57. A. P. 32.
25. Mercuriale] Damasippus means that his skill in making bargains was
so well known, that he was called, all over the town, a ward of Mercury.
The more usual construction is with the dative. See below, v. 47, n. * Com-
.pita* were those spots where two or more streets converged to a point, or
crossed one another. At these places idlers lounged, and passengers stopped,
if they were so disposed, to offer a prayer to the Lares publici or Compitäles,
whose altars were erected there. (See below, v. 281, n.)
27. morbi purgatum] This genitive follows the Greek construction. Hor-
ace calls the man's mania for bargains a disease, and he is surprised how he
ever got over it. * But,' says he, * you have only exchanged that disorder
for amother (that of giving advice where it is not wanted), as the patient in a
lethargy has beem kmowm suddenly to jump up and assault the doctor. Pro-
vided, however, you don't follow his example, be it as you please.* * Tra-
jecto ' is a medical word. * Miser? is also said to be a medical word for * dis-
eased.* * Hic * means * any one,' * such a one.'
31. 0 bone, ne te Frustrere;] * My good sir, don't deceive yourself.* We
have * o bone' below (S. 6. 51). It is like the Greek δ 'ya6€.
32. prope omnes,] Stertinius would not allow of any exceptions to this
rule (see note om v. 44), and * prope ' therefore may be looked upon, mot as
limiting * omnes,' but perhaps as softening the expression a little. It is hard
to give the word a distimct meaning in C. iv. 14. 20, and below in the 268th
verse of this Satire (see note om the former passage). The Greek§ would usé
ês êtros eitreîv in the same way. -
38. Stertinius] See Introduction. * Crepo* is nowhere else used in a good
sense, and it is put into Damasippus's mouth ironically. * Unde * means
* from whom,' i. e. Stertinius.
35. pascere barbam] See above, v. 17, n. ToyovoTpoq)eîv is a term used
by the later Greek writers. The Pons Fabricius, from which Damasippus
was going to throw himself into the river after he became bankrupt, con-
nected thé Insula Tiberina with the left bank, and was just outside the walls,
facing the south end of the Mons Capitolinus. It had lately been rebuilt with
stone, having been formerly (as may be supposed) made of wood. There
are still ruinis of this bridge, which mow bears the mame Ponte di Quattro
Capi. The Fabricius who built it was Curator Viarum, as appears by an in-
scription upom one of the arches.
38. Cave faxis] The h;t syllable im * cave' used with the subjunctive.
39

462 NOTES.
(sometimes with and sometimes without * ut*) is always short. * Pudor ma-
lus' is what the French call * mauvaise honte? :
40. insanus haberi.] Those persons who called him a clever fellow as long
as he appeared to be succeeding, now that he had failed called him a mad-
mam, Success was their criteriom of wisdom, as it is with most people.
* Qui vereare,' * because you are afraid.' - - «
41. Primum nam inquiram] * Nam ' is sometimes used to introduce am ex-
planatiom, as here and in Epp. i. 1. 76. Compare Cæsar (B. G. iii. 28):
“ Morini Menapiique longe alia ratione ac reliqui Galli bellum gerere coepe-
runt. Nam quod intelligebant maximas nationes quae proelio contendissent,
pulsas superatasque esse, continentesque silvas ac paludes habebant, eo se
suaque omnia contulerunt.” (See Key's L. G. 1452.)
42. pereas quin fortiter] * Why you should not resolütely destroy yourself.'
44. Chrysippi porticus] This was the ατοά τοικίλm or picture-gallery at
Athens, in which Zeno first taught, and from which his followers derived
their name. The Stoics admitted no mean between perfect wisdom, or virtue,
and absolute folly, or vice. The fool, therefore, was a madmam, and he was
a fool who was ignorant of the truth ; and this maxim (* formula*) applies to
all men except the sage ; the sage, therefore, is he who is perfectly acquainted.
with the truth, which is the Stoics' equivalent for a virtuous man. This
theory of virtue led to the doctrine of punishments ridiculed by Horace in the
third Satire of the first book. The Stoics allowed mo gradations of virtue,
and therefore admitted ao gradations of punishment. Their notion of a sage
altogether was irrational, because no such being as they imagined a sage to
be ever existed, and they did not suppose it possible he should. Their inten-
tion was good, namely, to put before the world the highest standard of virtue,
wisdom, and self-control, and, by withholding all credit from any stage short
of perfection, to lead men on to desire perfection.
47. qui tibi nomen Insano] The dative is right. See above, v. 25, m.
50. utrique] Horace uses both the singular and plural of this word. -
51. hoc te Crede modo] * Believe yourself to be mad within this limit (or
to this extent), namely, that he who laughs at you is no wiser, and drags his
tail behind him (just as much as you do).'
53. caudam trahat ] Mischievóus boys play tricks upon half witted people.
in the streets, such as tying something behind them to make them look ridic-
ulous. In some such way the proverb may have arisem. .
Est genus unum] This is the first class of fools, those who are afraid where
no fear is: the second being those who care nothing for danger. Compare
• with this the language of Socrates in Xenophon (Mem. i. 1. 14), τὸν τε yàp
pauvop.£vov τοῦs μέν οὐδέ τά όeuvà òeòvévav, τοῦs òè kaì rà p. ) φο£epâ
q»o8eîor6au..
56. varum] It is mot certain whether *varum * or * varium ' is the proper
reading. * Varum ' signifies that which diverges. See S. i. 3. 47, n.
58. cum cognatis,] * Amica* agrees with * mater.' It is not a substantive.
The word * cognatis ' embraces all blood relations who can trace back their
origin to a common pair of ancestors.
59. serva!] * Take care!* a word common in the comic writers (see
Eorcell.).
60. Fufius] Nothing more is known of this actor and of Catienus than is
here mentioned. The ordinary story of Polydorus, the son of Priam, is that
which Euripides relates in the Hecuba, that he was intrusted to the care of
Polymestor, king of Thrace, and murdered by him for his gold. Another
legend (see Dict. Biog. * Polydorus*) makes him intrusted to the care of his
sister Ilione, who was wife of the above Polymestor. She, for some reasom,
put him in the place of her own som Deiphilus, and the latter was brought up.
as her brother. When the Greeks took Troy, they required Polymestor to
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 463
put Priam's som to death, and he aecordingly killed Deiphilus. Om this
story, Pacuvius founded a tragedy called Ilione, and in ome of the scenes the
ghost of Deiphilus is introduced in his mother's bed-chamber, calling upon
lier to give his body burial in these words (preserved in Cic. Tusc. Disp. i.
44): — - - •.
“ Mater, te adpello quae curam somno suspensam levas,
Neque te mei miseret; surge et sepeli matum.”
IFufius acted Ilione, and Catienus was Deiphilus. The former was so drunk
that, he fell fast asleep, and Horace says, if 200,000 Catienuses had screamed
in his ear, he would not have heard them. His part was to start up and ery
to the vanished ghost, like Hamlet, — * Age, adsta, mane, audi, iteradum
cademmet ista mihi ” (Cic. Acad. Prior. ii. 27). Cicero made a proverb of .
these words, * Mater, te appello,' using them im various illustrations. See his
speech Pro Sestio, G. 59. .
62. Huic ego vulgis] Stertinius goes on to prove that the gemerality of
men are as mad as the above persons. -
63. Errori similem] * Errorem * is understood, and it is governed by *im-
sanire * as a cognate accusative, * error ' being equivalent to * insania.* Com-
pare Epp. i. 1. 101. - •- -•
64. 1nsanit veteres] In the first place, says he, if Damasippus is mad for
buying old statues, is he less mad who trusts him ? -.
65. Esto!] eiev, * be it so,' a way of passing on to the disproving of the
proposition by a reductio ad absurdum. * If I offer you a purse of momey as
à free gift,' säys Stertinius, * are you mad if you accept it ? Is not he the
fool who rejects the treasure that Mercurius in his bounty offers, seeing he
may never be so kind again ? ' -
68. quam praesens Mercurius fert?] This notion appears to be taken from
a painfing. It is common, in ancient works of art, to see Mercurius repre-
sented with a purse in his hand, and his wings on his cap or fcet, offerimg the
former, as in haste, to some figure by him. .
69. Scribe decem Nerio;] These words, to y. 73, are an invective of the
money-lender Perillius against his slippery debtor Nerius. And the Stoic
replies to him in ver. 74 and the two following verses. The sense is this.
* Make an entry (says Perillius) often (minae, or anything else) lent to Ne-
rius; add by way of security a humdred such bonds as Cicuta employs, and
to this any mumber of fetters you please (that is, take what security of him.
you choose), still the rascal will escape.' To which the Stoic replies, * If he
is mad who ruins himself and cannot pay his debts, you are more mad for
lending him money which you haye no chamce of getting back agaim.* The
banker (* argentarius '), through whom the money was advanced, would make
an entry in his books, which entry was legal evidence of the debt; but Peril-
lius says that with such a slippery fellow it would not be sufficient. .
Nerius may stand for anybody of this character. Cicuta is said to be a
nickname givén to some notorious usurer, for his sour temper. Horace rep-
resents him as a shrewd person to have dealings with ; ome who, when he ad-
vanced momey, looked well to the security, and when he bound a debtor, tied
the knot tight.
71. Proteus.] For the story of Proteus, see Hom. Odyss. 410, sqq., 455,
sqq. (which Virgil has imitated, Georg. iv. 405, sqq.) Ovid, Fast. i. 869,
sqq.; A. A. i. 761 :— - -
** Utque leves Proteus modo se tenuabit in undas;
INumc leo, nunc arbor, nunc erit hirtus aper.” •
72. rapies in jus] See note on S. i. 9. 77. * Malis ridentem alienis* is a
proverbiàl way of expressing a hypocrite, who puts on a face not his owm.
The words are taken, without strict regard to Ttheir application, from the
Odyssey (xx. 847), oi δ' ήδn yva6μοίσι ye\oiov άλλοτρίοισι, where the
464 NOTES.
suitors of Penelope laugh when they would rather have cried, like “ Quin et
Ixion Tityosque vultu Risit invito * (C. iii. 11. 21). The Sense is, that this
cunning debtör, when his creditor sucs him, will put on all kinds of charac-
ters, tel1 all manner of lies, get out of the obligation, and laugh at his cred-
itor, let him do what he will to bind him. -
74. Si male rem gerere] See v. 40, n.
75. Putidius] This Forcellini explains, Ibelieve correctly, “insanius et
quasi corruptiús.” As * scribere ' significs to make an entry, * rescribere'
signifies to cancel the entry, which would be done when the debt was paid,
and not before. * Quod tu nunquam rescribere possis * therefore means
* what you cam mever recover.* * Dictare * is to dictate the form of bond for
the borrower to write out, or the sum to be entered* im his own books, amd
either way is equivalent to lending money. When the unjust steward in the
parable told his master's debtor to sit down quickly and write less than he
owed, he was said * dictare,' and the man was to write an acknowledgment in
the form of a bond. • -
77. togam jubeo componere,] This only means to sit down and composedly
attend to what he is going to say. He turms from Damasippus to am imagi-
nary mixed audience, and addresses four classes chiefly : that is to say, the
ambitious, the avaricious, the luxurious, and the superstitious. -
83. Nescio an Anticyram] . On the phrases * nescio an,' * haud scio an,' * I
incline to think it is so,' see IKey's L. G. 1421. Anticyra, was a town cf
JPhocis on the Sinus Corinthiacus, and was celebrated for the production of
Hellebore, a medicime used very generally in cases of madness. It would
seem probable, from ver. 166 and other places, that patients went to reside at
Anticyra sometimes. There were two other places of the name, one in Thes-
saly, another in Locris, each of which is said to have produced hellebore, but
see note on A. P. 300. * Destinare ' is a medical term for prescribing. Stcr-
tinius says that he rather thinks reason would prescribe the whole produce of
Anticyra for the covetous, whom he reckons the worst of the four. -
84. Staberi] This persom is unknown. The exhibition of gladiators was
originally a funeral ceremony, and so continued after the practice became
common as a popular entertainment. After the fumeral of a wealthy mam a
distribution of meat to the people (* visceratio *) was not unusual, and a pub-
lic banquet (* epulum *) was very common, to which persons of the highest
distinction that the friends could get to attend were imvited. The distribu-
'tion of corn (* frumentatio *) was also a common practice. This Staberius,
-who considered it a disgrace for any man to die poor, willed that the amount
of his property should be recorded on his tomb; Tand his heredes, if they did
not do this, were, by a condition in his testament, * damnati,' under a penalty,
to celebrate his funeral with gladiatorial shows and an epulum om a scale to
|be determined by Arrius, which would be a costly scale. *Damnati* is a
legal term, and penalties were common in Roman wills. We must infer from
the text that 200 pairs of gladiators were in Horace's day an extravagant
number, but in later times it would not have beem excessive.
86. arbitrio Arri,] Quintus Arrius (see below, v. 243) was well known in
his day. He was a man of low character and origin, and rose by timeserv-
ing to honor and wealth. On one occasion he gave am extravagant fumeral
entertainment.
C 87. Frumenti quantum metit Africa.] This is a proverbial expression. See
. i. 1. 10.
88. ne sis patruus mihi.] This is as much as to say, * I)om't dictate or lay
down the law for me.* As to * patruus,* see C. iii. 12. 3, and above, S. 2. 97.
89. prudentem] Cicero defines * prudentia * thus: “ Sapientis est providere,
a quo sapientia est appellata prudentia.” What Staberius provided foris re-
lated in what follows. -
SATIRES. — BOOK II. «- 465
90. summam patrimoni] It would seem from this as if he had not increased
the property his father had left him, since the amount of his patrimony was
the amount to be engraved on the tomb.
91. Quoad] This is to be pronounced as a monosyllable.
98. perisset] The pluperfect is properly joined with the impérfect in this
construction. T Compare S i. 6. 79, and Terence, Phorm. i. 2. 69, ** Non si
redisset ei pater veniam daret”; and Adelph. ii. 1. 24, “ Si attigisses ferres
infortunium.” “Nequior ' has irony in it. But Staberius's doctrine was that
goodness was measured by wealth, and that if he should die poorer by the
fourth part of an as, he would, in the same proportiom, be in his own esteem
a less virtuous man. -
97. Sapiensne? Etiam, et rex,] * Wise? say you. Ay, and a king to
boot, and anything he shall please.' But * etiam * in replies means * even so.'
99. Quid simile isti] * But what likeness,” says some one, *is there between
that person of yours and Aristippus ' ? If he is mad (the man means), surely
Aristippus is more mad. _
100. Graecuis Aristippus?] Aristippus of Cyrene professed to be the slave
of no passion, while he gratified all. He cared nothing for money, while he
used it for the purpose of sensual indulgence. The story Horace mentions is
derived with little variation from Diog. Laert. (ii. 77). See Epp. i. 1. 18, n.
103. litem quod lite resolvit.] Which settles one doubtful point by raising
another. It supposes that the conduct of Aristippus may by somé be con-
sidered noble.
104. Si quis emat citharas,] Sir Henry Halford relates an instance of
lunaey which illustrates this: “ In another well-known case which justified
the Lord Chancellor's issuing a writ * de lunatico inquirendo,' the insanity of
the gentlemam manifested itself in appropriating everything to himself and
parting with nothing. When strongly urged to put on a cleam shirt, he would
do it, but it must be over the dirty one ; nor would he put off his shoes when
he went to bed. He would agree to purchase anything that was to be sold,
but he would not pay for it. He was, in fact, brought up from the King's
Hench prison, where he had been committed for not paying for a pictüre
valued at £ 1,500 which he had agreed to buy ; and in giving my opinion to
the jury I recommended them to go over to his house in Portland Place,
where they would find £ 15,000 worth of property of every description ; this
picture, musical instruments, clocks, baby-houses, and bawbles, all huddlèd
in confusion together on the floor of his dining-room. I need not add, that
the jury found the gentlemam insane.” (Halford's Essays, p. 63.) «
106. formas] Here this signifies a shoemaker's last. It is used for moulds
in which castings are made, and would express any shape or block on which
anything is made. • * •
107. Aversus mercaturis :] The poets use the dative after verbs, participlcs,
and adjectives, which signify removal or difference. See Key's L. G. 987.
Compare C. ii. 4. 19: “ Tam lucro aversam.” “Istis? (v. 108) is the dative
under the same rule. This Latin use accounts for our owm * averse to.'
115. Chii veterisque Falerni] Pliny says, respecting the age, of Falernian,
** Falernum nec in novitate nec in nimia vetustate corpori salubre est. Media,
ejus aetas a quinto decimo anno incipit.” (N. H. xxiii. 20.)
116. nihil est,] * A thousand, — nay, that is nothing.* He might have said
*immo.' See S. i. 3. 20, n. Σ - I.
l 17. unde-Octoginta annos natus,] After he has completed seventy-nine
years, that is, in his eightieth year. -
118. stragula vestis,] The ancients had very expensive coverings for their
beds, which were called * stragula* or * stragulàe vestes.' They were usually
purple, wide, and sometimes iichly embroidered. · · .
121. morbo jactatur eodem.] That is, madness. The word *jactari* is ap-
plied medically to the tossing of the sick and writhing of those in pain.
466 NOTES,
123. Dis inimice sener,] This is an adaptation of 6eois éx6pös, a common
Greek expression.
127. pèrjuras,] * Pejerare ' is the common form of this word.
129. servosque tuos quos aere pararis,] * Quos aere pararis '. shows the folly
of the man who, having laid out his money in the purchase of slaves, em-
ploys himself in breaking their heads with stones. Such a man, says Sterti-
hius, would be counted Imad by acclamation. * Well, them,' he adds to the
miser, * are you not mad, who poison your mother or strangle your wife, to
get rid of thé expense of keeping them ? Of course not; for you do it, not
at Argos, but at Rome; not in the character of Orestes, but of a respectable
citizen. But do you not believe Orestes was mad before he killed his mother,
and when no one suspected it ? * As to * quid enim,' see note on S. i. 1. 7.
180. pueri clamentque puellae :] * * Que* in the poets is sometimes placed,
not after the second of the two words compared, but after a word which is
the common predicate of both clauses.” (Key's L. G. 1441.) Im a note, Pro-
fessor Key adds, ** A construction that probably began with a repetition of
the predicate, * pueri clament clamentque puellae.'* See below (v. 157),
“ furtis pereamque rapinis,'* and many other instances.
137. male tutae mentis] * Tutus ' was in medical language equivalent to
* sanus.' * Incolumis ' is used in the same sense (v. 132).
141. Hanc Furiam, hunc aliud] What Horace alludes to when he speaks
of Orestes calling Pylades names, is uncertain. In the Orestes of Euripides
(v. 264) he says to his sister:
μέθes* μί' ούσα τόν ἐμόν έρινύων
£αον μ' öxpá£eus, όs ßåÀùs és Täprapov.
splendida bilis.] * Splendida* is a redundant epithet. Persius, who imi-
tates Horace frequently, calls it * vitrea bilis* (iii. 8). Galem says, ** The black
bile is brighter than the blood itself, like the asphalt from the Dead Sea,
which they call Jewish asphalt.”
142. Opimius] This man, who was ' magnas inter opes inops* (C. iii. 16.
28) is quite unknown except from this description. On the wime of Veii see
note on C. i. 9. 7, and Persius (S. v. 147) : “ Veientanumque rubellum.”
On * Campana trulla,' see S. i. 6. 118. * Trulla,' which has the same ele-
ment as τρύβλιον, was a drinking-eup of some shape. It was not necessarily
of earthen-ware, as here. Cicero (in Verr. ii. 4. 27) mentions one made of a
single precious stone of enormous size, with a gold handle.
147. multum celer] See S. i. 8. 57.
155. Agedum, sume hoc ptisanarium oryzae.] On * agedum,' see S. i. 4. 38.
* Ptisanarium ' is a diminutive of * ptisana,' and means a little broth. Rice
was imported from Egypt. -
157. furtis pereamque rapinis ?] See note on S. i. 3. 122, and above, v. 130.
The wretched mam, whem he hears the price of his food, conjures up the no-
tion that everybody is conspiring to rob and plunder him.
158. Quisnam igitur sanus ?] These questions and answers are all carried
on by Stertinius himself. * Stultus et insanus * means * he is a fool, and
therefore mad* ; not * he is a fool, and moreover he is mad,' since folly and
madness have already been declared to be identical. •.
161. Craterum dixisse [?] Craterus was an eminent physiciam of that
day. Cicero speaks of him with confidence as attending the daughter of At-
ticus during her illmess, B. g. 45. He is mentioned by Persius many years
afterwards as representing the profession (S. iii. 65). * Cardiacus,' according
to Celsus's definition, is “ nothing else than excessive weakness of the body,
which, from the stomach having lost its tone, is wasted with immoderate
sweating.” •*
163. morbo tentantur acuto.] This whole verse is repeated, Epp. i. 6. 28.
® Morbus acutus,' * an acute disease,' is opposed to * longus,' * a chronic dis-
€£\S€.
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 467
165. porcum Laribus :] C. iii. 28. 4. * Let him offer a thanksgiving to his
Lares who have protectèd him from those vices.'
168. Servius Oppidius] This person is unknown, except from this passage.
He lived at Canusium, à towm of Apulia (see S. i. 5. 91, m.). Horâce säys
he was rich even with two farms, according to the standard of incomes in the
old times. As to the form * divisse,' see S. 1. 5. 79. This story serves to
connect the subject of avarice with that of ambition, which is the next form
of madness and profligacy which follows.
171. talos, — nucesque] The * talus ' was the knuckle-bone of Eome animal,
generally a sheep, the Greek name for which was dotpáya\os. The manner
of playing with it was the same among the Greeks amìd ihe Romans, and the
same bones are still used by boys in England. The ancicnts used them in
games of skill and of chance ; for the latter purpose they were marked as
dice, and throwm usually from a box callod * fritiilus,' * phimus,' etc. (Sec S.
ii. 7. 17, m.) Boys had also games of various kinds with nuts, as they have
now. Suetonius relates that Augustus uscd to amuse himself by playing
with little boys at these games. Oppidius observed that his son Aulus car-
ried about his bones and his nuts im a careless way in a lcose fold of his toga,
ready to give them away to any of his companions, or to lose thc m at play ;
while Tiberius always counted his carefully and hid thcm away, carrying a
serious face wherever he went ; and from these carly signs of character he
foresaw that one would prove a spendthrift, amd the other a miser. As to
Nomentanus, see S. i. 1. 102, m. ; and om Cicuta, see above, v. 69.
178. coërcet.] Keeps withim lounds, dcfines, limits.
179. Gloria] See S. i. 6. 28.
181. is intestabilis et sacer esto.] A person wl.o was * intestabilis,' as the
word implies, could not appear âs a witness bcfore a magistrate, and so lost
virtually much of his capacity for private rights. * Sacer ' was one condemned
fori some great crime, who might be put toTdcath by amybody, without charge
of murder. Thus Oppidius imprecatcs a curse upon his sons, if they should
ever aspire so high as to the office of am ædile or a prætor.
182. `In cicere atque faba] As if his sons were already seeking votes, he
says to each of theim (for “tu * must be so understood), ' So yQu would thygw
away your money in distributing largesses to the people (such as the ædiles
weré wont to give), in order that yóu may strut about in the Circus, and
have a bronze statue voted you, — that is `to say, that you may be loadcd
with the same honors as the great Agrippa, like à fox aping a liom.' It was
customary for the ædiles to distribute grain, or vegetables of the sort men-
tioned, to the common people, at the festival of the Floralia. See Pcrsius
v. 177). - -
( 183. Latus — spatiere] This is explained in the note on Epod. iv. 7. As
to * aëneus,' see C. iii. 3. 65, n. The form of expressiom * aëneus ut stcs ' is
like that in C. iv. 1. 19: “ Albanos prope te lacus Ponet marmoream ”; and
Virg. (Ecl. vii. 35):
“ Nunc te marmoreum pro tempore fecimus ; at tu
Si fetura gregem suppleverit aureus esto.”
The same way of speakingis comimon in Greek. Such statues as are here
supposed were usuâlly erécted in the Forum, and one had probably bgen
lafely placed there in honor of Agrippa. It may be observed that Oppidius
plaifily means the first part of his áddress, from * In cicere,' etc., to apply to
ihe careless, extravagafit Aulus, while the simile of the fox and lionis only
applicable to Tiberiùs, who, if he spends his money, will look for a substan-
tial return for it, in such honors amd rewards as he §aw Agrippa had wom.
185. quos fert Agrippa] Agrippa, after he had beem prætor and consul,
undertoök the ædileship, which wäs the lowest of the curule offices, in B. c,
33, to gratify Augustu§. IIis munificence was very great in the erection of
468 NOTES.
public buildings and the celebration of games on a splendid scale, and in
large domations to the people.
Ì86. Astuta ingenuum] This appears to be nothing but a suitable illustra-
tion invented by Horace. It is obvious enough, and we meed not suppose it
a proverb or a current fable of Aesop or any one else.
187. Ne quis humasse velit] This scene is taken from the remonstrance of
Ulysses with Agamemnon, in the Ajax of Sophocles (y. 1328, sqq.), after
Ajáx has destroyed himself. * Veto ' usually governs the infinitive mood.
Once more, as here, Horace uses it with * ne * and the subjunctive (Epp. ii. 1.
239), and once with the subjunctive, but without * ne* (C. iii. 2. 26). Tibul-
Ius has * veto* with * ut': “Illius ut verbis sis mihi lenta veto ** (ii. 6. 36).
* Atrida ? is the later form of the vocative. The Greek * Atride ' is used in
Epp. i. 7. 43. * Cur' is awkwardly placed, as it is in S. 7. 104. The con-
néction with what precedes lies in the extravagant and imperious conduct of
the king, as illustrating the excesses of pride, and proving that madness is
found in high places amd in the heart of kings. Stertinius, it must be re-
membered, is exposing the folly of ambition. The dialogue is supposed to
be betweem Agamemnon amd one of his soldiers, in view of the unburied
corpse of Ajax. * I am a king,' (* I am one of the commom sort, and dare
ask no more!” interposes the soldier humbly,) — * and moreover the thing is
just that I command.' There is a good deal of iromy here. The justice of
the command is secondary to the will of the despot, and his subject is ready,
with instinctive awe, to admit that it is so ; but the tyrant condescends to
justify his act ; and the man of low degree, not without trembling and doubt
and åstonishment at such condescension, ventures to ask that his reason may
be enlightenéd a little, in order that he may learn to acquiesce willingly.
Stephens quotes a Greek proverb, μωρό kaì ßagv\eì vóμοs äypaqpos, * Fools.
and kings are governed by an unwritten law.* Compare Juvénal, ** Sic volo
sic jubeo; stat pro ratione voluntas” (vi. 223).
191. Di tibi dent capta classem deducere Troja !] This is a version of the
words of Chryses to the king (Il. i. 18): -
ίμῖν μèv 6eo\ δοῖev 'O\ύμπιa δόμaτ' ἐχοντes
<kTéporal IIpuâμοιο ττόλιν, eô δ* οί«aò* ikéαθat.
* Consulere' is used humorously, as if the person addressed was a juriscon- .
sultus. On * respondere,' see C. S. 55, n.
194. Putescit] _The two forms * putrescere * and * putescere * are in use,
: there is no difference of meaming in them. * Pütrescat ? is used abové
v. 119). » -
195. Gaudeat ut populus Priami Priamusque] Comp. II. i. 255 : j «ey
fym6jora, IIpiaplos IIptâμοιό τ€ παῖδes.
197. Mille ovium] _ * * Milke * in the singular is commonly an adjective; in
the plural, perhaps always a substantive.''_An exception to the latter part
of this rule occurs above (S. i. 6. 111). * Morti dedit* is exactly equivalent;
to our * put to death.* * Do* means * to put* ; so its compounds'* abdo,* * to
put away' ; * addo,' * to put to ' ; * condo,' * to put together* ; * dedo,' * to
put down * (one's arms); * dido,' * to put asunder or distribute*; * edo,' * to
put forth ' ; * indo,' * to put on * ; * trado,' * to put across, to hand over,' etc.
198. mecum se occidere clamans.] See Soph. Aj. 42 : -
τί δήτa ττοίμvavs τήνδ* έτ€μττίπret ßäoruv ;
«- δοκóv èv ύμῖv Xeipa xpaiv€σθav φόνφ.
199. dulcem Aulide natam] Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnom, was
brought to the altar to be sacrificed to Artemis, when the Greek fleet was
detained in the port of Aulis, in Eubœa, Qn its way to Troy. But the god-
dess carried heroff to be her priestess in Tauri. es *
200. spargisque mola caput,] This is the * mola salsa,' the meal and salt
with which the head of the victim was sprinkled. (See C. iii. 23. 20, n.)
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 469
201. Quorsum ? — Insanus] * Quorsum ? * expresses a sudden and angry
interruption of the king, astonished at the man's boldmess, while he, being
warm, goes on without heeding Agamemnon's anger, *for mad as he was,
what did Ajax do ? ' -
203. Uxore et gnato ;] ' Tecmessa and Eurysaces.
204. Non ille] “Non * must not be separated from * ille.* The meaning is
* not even he,' οὐδ' ékeìvos. So in C. iii. 21. 9:
“ Non ille quanquam Socraticis madet
Sermonibus te negliget horridus.” •
205. adverso litore] The shore is called adverse because they wanted to
get away from it, and could not. Properly the winds were advérse, mot the
coast. But the transfer of the epithet from the wind to the shore is in accord-
ance with a common usage. - -
207. Meo, sed non furiosus.] This is a very polite reply, considering the
provocation. ' The colloquy ends here. Horâce, we miay presume, had
something before him to suggest what must appear to us a rather unnatural
and far-fetched scene.
208. Qui species alias veris] * He who shall entertaim fancies foreign to the
truth, and mixed up together by the confusion of his own wickedness, will be
accounted mad.'
2ll. cum occidit desipit agnos:] This is an irregular collocation of words;
but it is mot mended by the commas by which * desipit * is usually preceded
and followed. -
214. Si quis lectica] The * lectica' of the Romans and qùopeìov of the
Greeks were introduced from Asia, and differed very slightly from the palan-
quins in which, from time immemorial, the Asiatics have been carried.
217. interdicto huic omne adimat jus] The law of the XII. Tables assigned
the charge of persons who were *furiosi * to their relations in the male line,
* agnati,' and the prætor in later times chose the person who should act as
* curator* to the insane person. The same law applied to * prodigi,' notorious
spendthrifts. (See below, Epp. i. 1. 102, sq.) The story of Sophocles brought
before an Atheniam jury by his sons, and reading the celebrated chorus in his
CEdipus Coloneus to prove his sanity, is told by Cicero in his treatise on Old
Age, c. 7. * Omne jus ' means every legal right.
221. hic summa est insania ;] *Insania ' signifies unsoundness of mind
generally ; * furor,' the same, accompanied with violence. Horace's cli-
- Éi of madmen is the fool, the mam of crime, and the ambitious the worst
of all.
222. vitrea] This probably meams the glitter of fame. -
223. Hunc circumtonuit] This verse, which has a grand Epic tone, Orelli
thinks may be taken from Ennius. But Horace may have written it himself.
He resorts occasionally to travesty to heightem the force of his satire. The
worst stage of insanity is represented by one whom Bellona (the goddess of
war) hovers round, with a trumpet of thunder and her bloody scourge, and
urges on to madness. The Bellonarii, her priests, cut their own flesh to offer
the blood in sacrifice. a*
224. Nunc age] He now passes on to the third kind of madness, profligate
extravagance. • *
225. Vincet enim stultos ratio] See S. i. 3. 115, n. As to * talenta,' see S.
7. 89. -
228. Tusci turba impia vici,] The Vicus Tuscus was a street south of the
Forum, and is said to have received its name from a body of fugitives from
JPorsena's army, who were hospitably entertained by the Romans, and al-
lowed to occupy this street. It appears to have been filled with shops, some
apparently of the better sort.
229. Cum scurris fartor,] * Fartores* were persons whose business was to
40
470 INOTES.
fattem fowls. The * scurrae,' * parasites, were sent for to help to consume all
this quantity of provisions, andTto entertain the mew heir.
cum J'elabro] ' The Velabrum is said to have derived its name from the
verb * vehere,' because the ground was originally a swamp traversed by boats.
It was the name of that part of the city which lay betweén Mons Capitolinus
and Mons Aventinus, from the Tiber to the Circus Maximus. Here, too,
there appears to have been a collectiom of shops of the better sort.
omne macellum,] There were in earlier times different markets for the sale
of different provisions, as the * forum boarium ' for oxem, *olitorium * for veg-
etables, * piscarium ' and * piscatorium ' for fish, * cupedinis* for delicacies,
etc. These were afterwards (the time is. uncertain) all transferred to one
large market, on the site of the * forum cupedimis,' on the north side of the
Sacra Via, mot far from the Forum Romanum. This market was called
Macellum, the diminutive form of * maceria,' the wall with which it was sur-
rounded. V
232. vel nunc pete vel cras] This seems to meam * whenever you please.'
233. aequus:] This is ironical. The young mam, affecting to be just,
shows a wantom extravagance towards the most profligate persons.
234. In nive Lucana] It appears from this passage and S. 8. 6, that Lu-
canian boars were particularly prized. Martial mentions an Etruriam boar as
a great present he had received. Horace, in the next Satire (ver. 40), recom-
mends the Umbrian boar above the Laurentiam, or those found in the marshy
land on the coast of Latium, in the meighborhood of Laurentum, about six-
teem miles from the mouth of the Tiber. The same cause that gave the Um-
briam boar its superiority would give value to the Lucanian : both were fed
upon the acorns and chestnuts of the Apennines, which are still considered in
Italy the best food for hogs, wild and tame. The boar was usually served up
whole, at large tables, and formed the principal dish. The * ocrea* was a
leather gaiter that came up to the knee and round the calf like the soldier's
greaves, and was called from them.
235. verris.] * Verrere* is a word used for fishing: * to sweep the waters.'
See note on S. 4. 37.
237. tibi decies ;] * Decies centena (millia sestertium ': ten hundred thou-
sand sestertii, not much under nine thousand pounds. (See S. i. 3. 15.)
239. Filius Aesopi] Æsopus, the actor, amassed great wealth. The name
of his son who inherited it was Clodius, which was the father's name, given
him perhaps as a freedman of some one belonging to the Clodia gens. T Cæ-
cilia IMetella was the wife of P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, and was di-
vorced by him B. c. 45, in consequence of her intrigues, chiefly with Dola-
bella, Cicero's son-in-law, of whose profligacy Æsop's son appears to have
been a partner. The mad freak of Clodius is also (as is better known) re-
lated of Cleopatra. Æsopus, the actor, was not less extravagant than his
som, see below, v. 245, n. -
243. Quinti progenies Arri,] Of the father enough has been said above
(ver. 86, n.). Of the sons nothing is known.
245. Luscinias] The second syllable is long ; the third coalesces with the
last (see i. 7. 80, n.). A dish of nightingales would cost a large sum and
afford little* meat. Pliny mentions that Æsopus, the actor (see above, v.
239, n.), on one occasion had a dish of singing and talking birds, each of
which cost 6,000 sestertii, and the whole dish 100,000, on which Pliny re-
marks, the mam was worthy of his som, who melted the pearl and drank it. —
“Impenso* is nowhere else used absolutely for * impenso pretio,* which is a
common expression for a high price.
246. Sanin creta, an carbone notandi?]_ The distinction of days by white
and black marks has beem mentioned, C. i. 36. 10, n. Horace here' applies
them to the distinction of character. The meaming of the sentence is, T*Are
*~
S.ATIRES. — IB00]K II. 471
they as men of sound mind to be marked with a white mark, or (as unsound)
with a black ? * * Sanin * is a contraction of * sanime.' * Quorsum abeant ? '
* what is to become of them ? are they to be marked, &c. ? '
248. Ludere par impar,] A game fit only for children, in which one per-
son guessed whether the number of things another person held in his hand
was odd or even. The Greeks had the same game, and called it âpruâçeuv.
Stertinius goes om to speak of the man of pleasure, whose madness is no less
than that of the covetous, the ambitious, or the spendthrift. With the last he
is closely allied. -•
250. ratio esse evincet] See above, v. 225. He says, ** If reason convinces
you that all these symptoms of madness are no worse than whining after
women, is it not better to repent and lay aside such things ? *
251. trimus Quale prius] Such a game as you used to play at formerly,
when you were but three yéars old.
254. Mutatus Polemon ?] Polemom was a youth given to pleasures and bad
company. Passing the Academy with a garland on his head, and with a
band ofriotous companions, while Xenocrates was lecturing, he burst into the
school, but was so struck with what he heard, that, having gone in a thought-
less profligate, he came out serious and quite converted. He succeeded Xeno-
crates at the head of the Academy (B. c. 315). Xenocrates himself, whose
purity of life and sobriety of character are referred to in the word * impransi,'
became the head of the Platonic school on the resignation of Speusippus
(B. c. 339). He was the disciple of Plato, and accompanied him on his.
travels.
255. Fasciolas, cubital, focalia,] These are all articles of dress, worm only
by women, or by men who took great care of their person. * Fasciola* was
a bandage for the legs, * cubital ' a sleeve for the arm, * focale ° a bandage for
the throat. * Impransus ' stands for * sobrius,' because it was not usual for
abstemious men to take the midday meal (* prandium *). * Furtim * is a
happy touch of Horace's. It expresses the shame of the young mam, and his
instinctive reverence for the philosopher and the place he was in, better than
many sentences could have done. * Correptus * means * arrested, conscience-
smitten.'
258. Porrigis irato puero] The caprices of a spoilt child are no worse tham
those of lovers squabbling and making it up again.
259. Sume, catelle !] Such diminutives were expressions of endearment.
There is a collectiom of such in a scene of Plautus (Asin. iii. 3. 76):
“ Dic igitur me passerculum, gallinam, coturnicem,
Agnellum, haedillum me tuum dic esse vel vitellum ”;
and ver. 103 : «-»
“ Dic igitur me amaticulam, columbam, vel catellum,
Hirundinem, momedulam, passerculum putillum.”
260. agit ubi secum] With such a sceme as this the Eunuchus of Terence
opens, and a good deal is taken word for word from that scene. The lover's
iudecision is ;E; elsewhere, in Epod. xi. 19, sqq.
270. nihilo plus etplicet] * Explico ' signifies to gain à point or serve a pur-
pose. There is a like use of this word in Cæsar (B. G. viii. 4): “ Explican-
dae rei frumentariae causa.” It is also used in a peculiar sense in C. iv. 9.
44, where see note. • • •
272. Picenis excerpens semina pomis] The orchards of Picenum, the dis-
trict that lay between the country of the Sabines and the Hadriatic, appear to
have been celebrated. In the next Satire (ver. 70) Piceniam apples are said
to be superior to those ofTibur, and they are mentioned many years later by
Juvenal (xi. 74). The sport here alluded to is thus explained. ' Lovers were
wont to take the pips of apples between their finger and thumb and shoot
them up to the ceiling, and ifthey struck it, their wish would be accomplished.,
Some such games are common in our own murseries.
472 - NOTES.
273. si cameram percusti] * Camera,' which is from the Greek kapudpa, amd
is sometimes spelt with an^* a,' was am arched ceiling, as * lacunar* was flat.
The latter was so called from panels with raised sides, and so having each
the appearance of a * lacus ° or shallow reservoir, into which the ceiling was
sometimes divided. It was common in rich houses for the ceiling to be richly
ornamented. See C. ii. 18. 2. *ILaquear* is another form of * lacunar.'
Horace also uses the expression * laqueata tecta' (C. ii. 16. 12), which is
found in other writers.
penes te es ?] This seems to correspond to the Greek év éavró eivav, for a
man in his right mind: or it may mean to ask if the man is * suo jure,' which
one who was * furiosus ? would not be.
274. cum balba feris] * You strike your lisping words against your old
palate,' which means that he talks in a silly, childish way.
275. Adde cruorem Stultitiae] But childish monsenseTis not the worst of
this madness. Add bloodshed to folly and rum into the most violent excesses
of passion, and you will not do more than such lusts commonly lead to.
Such is the Stoic's meaning. * Ignem gladio. scrutare ' is a translation of a
Greek saying, πῦρ μaXaipq σκάλeÜeuv, * to stir the fire with the sword,' which
is attributedTto Pythagoras. To stir the fire of lust with the sword, is to stir
up strife and bloodshed in the indulgence of your lusts.
276. Modo, inquam, Hellade percussa] * To take a late instance,' seems to
be the meaning of * modo.* The story here referred to was probably well
Known at the time, but of the actors in it we know nothing.
278. Cerritus fuit, an commotae] * Cerritus* means * mad,' but its derivatiom
is uncertain. *Commotus ° is used for different degrees of mental excite-
ment. See v. 209, where the meaming is the same as here. Agrippina, who
was of a hasty temper, is called * commotior” by Tacitus (Ann. i. 33). * Cog-
nata vocabula, * means words which may differ in sound, but are one in
S€nSe.
281. Libertinus erat,] The next folly noticed is superstition. Stertinius
tells, by way of illustration, a story of an old *libertinus,' who went from
shrine to shrine erected in the * compita,' spots where two or more streets met,
praying to the Lares Compitales (for whom altars were built in such places,
see above, v. 26, n.) that they would grant him immortality. This he did
early in the morning, quite sober, and with hands washed, as became a seri-
ous worshipper. Now this man was sound in hearing and sight; but, says
Stertinius, if his former master had ever wanted to part with him, in putting
him up for sale he would have cautioned purchasers that he was not in his
right mind, unless he wanted to get into an action to rescind the bargain on
the ground of fraud. It was necessary for a persom selling a slave to inform
the buyer of any bodily or mental defect in him. To wash the hands and
feet before offering prayer or sacrifice was a custom with the Greeks and
IRomans. Hector says (Il. vi. 266):
Xepσι δ' ävirtoto iv Aii \eißeuv at6oTa oivov
\. "Agopal.
283. surpite] See C. i. 36. 8. •
287. in gente Meneni.] Of Menenius mothing is known. * Meneniae stul-
titiae * or *ineptiae * is spoken of as a proverb.
289. cubantis,] See note on S. i. 9. 18. * Illo die * may meam * die Jovis.'
The Jews fasted on Thursdays and Mondays (“I fast twice in the week,”
Luke xviii. 12), im commemoration, it is said, of the ascent of Moses into the
Mount on the fifth day of the week, and of his return on the second. The
practices of the Jews were the best illustrations of superstition in the eyes of
Horace and mem of the world, and their fast is here perhaps alluded to. See
note on S. i. 9. 69. On special occasions fasts were ordered at Rome. The
vow made by the mother for her sick child is, that, if he recovers, he shall
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 473
stand naked in the Tiber, to wash away his sins. - This is intended to repre-
sent another foreign superstition, as the Romans held it, that of bathing the
body in token of the purifying of the soul.
295. Quone malo] See S. i. 10. 21 on * quone.' * Timor deorum ' is equiv-
alent to öevoruδaupovia in its usual sense of superstition. * Deorum metus*
expresses a right fear or reverence of the gods. But the distinction was not
invariably observed.
296. sapientum octavus,] That is, he might take his place with the sevem
wise men of Greece.
297. ne compellarer inultus.] * Compellare * is sometimes used absolutely
and in a bad sense, that is to abuse, as here.
299. Respicere ignoto] This refers to Æsop's fable of the two wallets,
which is told, with its moral, in five lines by Phædrus (iv. 10):
** Peras imposuit Jupiter nobis duas : -
Eropriis repletam vitiis post tergum dedit,
Alienis ante pectus suspendit gravem.
Hac re videre nostra mala non possumus;
Alii simul delinquunt, censores sumus.”
300. sic vendas omnia pluris,] On * sic,' see C. i. 3. 1, m. * Pluris * is simply
put for * magno.* Horace quietly hints to Damasippus that he had better
leave off philosophy and return to his trade, in which he wishes him all
SU1CC€SS.
303. Agave] How she and the other Mænads tore her son Pentheus to
pieces for intruding upon the orgies, is related at length by Ovid. (Met. iii.
701, sqq.)
308. %dificas, hoc est,] * You are building, which is as much as to say,
you, who are a dwayf two feet high, are aping the airs of a giant; and yet
you laugh at Turbo (a gladiator of great courage, but small stature), swell-
ing with a spirit too big for his little body.' Horace may have been making
some additions to his Sabine house, and about this time Mæcenas built his
large house on the Esquiliæ. (See S. i. 8, Introduction.)
312. verum est] öixav6v éo tu ; * is.it right ? ' Compare Cæsar, B. G. iv. 8:
“ Neque verum ésse qui suos fines tueri non potuerint alienos occupare.” See
also Livy iii. 40.
313. Tantum dissimilem] A similar construction occurs immediately below
(ver. 817), *tantum magna.' * Multum similis” (S. ii. 5. 92), * multum dis-
similis' (Epp. i. 10. 8), are like phrases. * Tanto ' is the dative governed by
* certare.'
314. Absentis ranae] This fable is told by Phædrus (i. 24).
318. Major dimidio. Num tanto?] * Greater by half,' is a way of speaking
which must not be taken literally. 7 By * num tanto* the frog means to ask
whether the calf was so much bigger than her matural size as, by puffing, she
had made herself. * Is it so much bigger? * she says, blowing herself out to
proportions much greater than her own. -
320. abludit] This word occurs nowhere else. It means to be out of har-
mony with.
822. sanus] See A. P. 296: “ Excludit sanos Helicone poëtas Democri-
tus.” Theré is not much consistency in Damasippus urging Horace to write
:; the beginning of the Satire, and calling him mad for doing so at the end
of it.
323. horrendam rabiem.] This charge against himself need not be taken
seriously. We have no reason to beliéve Horace was an ill-tempered man.
He laments the facility of his temper on one occasiom. (S. i. 9. li.) But he
says he is irritable. (Epp. i. 20. 25.) - '•
Cultum majorem censu.] * Your living beyond your income.” Horace tries
to stop him, but the man ges on with one instanice of his folly after another.
40 .
474 NOTES.
324. Teneas, — tuis te.] * Mind your owm business.'
326. 0 major tandem] " The scene winds up with a pretended deprecation
of the severe truths of Damasippus, to whom the poet submits as the greater
nmadmam of the two, and humbles himself before him accordingly.
S A T I R E I V.
THIs Satire is am essay on good living, put in the form of precepts deliv-
ered to Horace at second hand by one Catius, who professes to have received
them from some sage more learned in the art, whom he does mot mame.
Horace meets him accidentally, as he is hurrying away from the Professor's
lecture, to think over what he had learnt, and to store it in his mind. Catius
recites what he has heard, from memory or from motes, and enters without
preface upon the questiom of the first course. The Professor may be sup-
posed tolhave carried his hearers through an entire dinner, * ab ovo usque
ad mala” (see S. i. 3. 6, n.). Catius only gives the heads of the lecture and
one or two of the sage's reflections. The precepts he delivers inflame Hor-
ace with a desire to see and hear the great man himself, and he prays Catius
to introduce him. It may be that Horace had some third persom in his eye,
but we have no means ofknowing who it was. If it be so, there were those,
no doubt, who would understand the allusiom at the time. As to the man
Catius himself, he appears to have been a well-known follower of the Epicu-
ream school, but he must have been dead mamy years before this Satire was
written. Probably, therefore, Horace only introduccs his mame as a handle
for ridiculing the Epicureans.
1. Unde et quo Catius?] On Catius, see Introduction. On the formula,
see S. i. 9. 62, n.
2. Ponere signa] The ancients practised methods for helping the memory.
The first * memoria technica* was said by tradition to have been invented by
Simonides of Ceos. * Signa* were more technically called * imagines,' ob-
jects which the person arranged so that his mind's eye could rest upon them,
and thus assist his memory. * Ponere signa ' seems also to have been com-
monly used in this sense. -.-
3. Anytique reum] Anytus was one of the three (Meletus and Lycon were
his associates) who got up and conducted the prosecution of Socrates.
4. tempore laevo] See above, S. ii. 1. 18: “ Nisi dextro tempore Flacci
Verba,” etc. a
6. Quod si] Horace apologizes for interrupting and detaining him; but,
he says, if he should thereby forget any part of his lesson for a moment, he
will presently recover it, he has such a wonderful memory, either by nature
or art, or both.
11. celabitur auctor.] See Introduction.
12. Longa quibus facies ovis erit] On * ova,' see S. i. 3 6, n. * Succus'
here is equivalent to * sapor.* Why Horace should make Catius say that
long eggs were more white tham round ones, or what is gained by the white-
mess of an egg, or by its containing a male rather tham a female chicken, is
mot clear. He puts any nonsense, it appears, into the man's mouth. * Po-
mere ' is to put upon the table, as * posito pavone * (S. ii. 2. 23). The motion
that from long eggs cocks were hatched, and from round, hens, appears to.
have been a vülgar error. * Callosa ' signifies *tough,' and belongs in sense,
though not in construction, to the yolk.
15. Caule suburbano] Artificial streams and fish-ponds were commonly
introduced into the gardens of rich people. Hence Catius says the vegetables
v
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 475
•
growm im the suburbs were not so pleasant as those grown in the country on
drier soil; meaning that they were insipid, from the quantity of water they
imbibed. .
17. vespertinus subito te oppresserit] On *vespertimus,' see Epod. xvi. 51;
* opprimere ' is to overtake or come upom one suddenly.
18. malum responset] * Responsare ' is used by Horace several times in the
sense of resistance. See below, S. 7. 85: “ Responsare cupidinibus, con-
temnere honores ” ; and Epp. i. 1. 68. * Malum respomset ' means * it disa-
grees with.'
19. vivam mirto mersare Falerno ;] * Mixto * means mixed with water.
20. Pratensibus optima fungis] e says the * fungi* that grew in the opem
meadows were more to be trusted than others, — that is, those which grew in
the shade. Truffles and different kinds of mushrooms were much eáten bv
the Romans, as they are still by the Italians. Of the latter there were anâ
are great varieties. The mushroom most highly esteemed was the boletus,
which was cultivated in gardens, and kept for the eating of the rich. But ali
such fungi had to be chosen with great care. Even the boletus served to
carry off an emperor. -
24. Aufidius] This may be M. Aufidius, who was remarkable as having
been the first at Rome who bred and fattened peacocks for sale, and derived
a large profit (as much as 600,000 sesterces a year) from that trade. As to
the composition of * mulsum,' see note on S. ii. 2. 15, n. Falerniam wine,
which Horace appears to have esteemed next to Cæcubam, is here called
* forte,' and elsewhere “severum * and * ardens* (C. i. 27. 9; ii. 11. 19). It
íi a very strong spirituous wine, and required long keeping to bécome
mellow.
27. morabitur] This may have been a medical word for costiveness. * Mi-
tulus,' the limpet, was am inferior sort of shell-fish. The Greeks called it
τ€λλίνm or £ιφύδριον. The * lapathus ' is mentioned above as a purgative
(Epod. ii. 57, m.). * Brevis ? refers to the size of the plant.
30. Lubrica nascentes implemt] That shell-fish weré best at the time of the
new moon, appears to have been generally believed among the ancients.
They had many fancies respecting the influence of the moon on various ob-
jects, in which, however, modern ignorance and superstition have perhaps
surpassed them. But in respect to shell-fish, modern observation is in com-
formity with that of the ancients.
32. [Murice Baiano] This shell-fish, from which a purple dye was obtained,
was found, it seems, in great abundance at Baiæ. It would seem not to have
been as useful for the table as for its dye. The * peloris,' which was found in
the Lacus Lucrinus, close to Baiæ, appears to have been am insipid fish,
though Catius says it is better than the murex. The rival oyster-beds were
in the Lacus Lucrinus and at Circeii, the opposite point of the bay which is
terminated by the promontory of that mame, in Latium, and the promontory
of Misenum, in Campania. Catius gives the preference to the oysters of
Circeii, which Pliny also says were unsurpassed (xxxii. 21). See note on
Epod. ii. 49. The best oysters, however, were found at Brundisium om the
other coast, whence the spawn was carried to stock the beds on the coast
of Campania and Latium. •
34. Pectinibus patulis] The shell-fish called * pecten,' it seems, was found
im greatest perfection at Tarentum. From the epithet * patulis * it must have
been one of the bivalved sort.
molle Tarentum.] The degenerate character of the Tarentines, which gained
their city the epithets * molle,' * imbelle* (Epp. i. 7. 45), dates from the death
of Archytas, ábout the middle of the fourth century B. c. Among other
symptoms of this degeneraey, it is recorded that their calendar contained
moré festivals than there were days in the year. For full two humdred years
476 - ' NOTES.
(some make it much more) bcfore the above period, they had flourished,
above all the colonies of Magna Græcia, in arms and commerce.
36. exacta] For this meaning of * exigere,' * to investigate,' see Forcell.
under * exigo ' and * exactus.'
37. cara pisces avertere mensa] * Mensa* means the fishmonger's board,
which is called dear, instead of the fish exposcd on it. * Avertere* is * to car-
ry off.' Compare Virgil (Aen. x. 78): “ Arva aliena jugo premere atque
avertere praedas.” It is commonly used with * praeda,' as in Cæsar, B. C.
iii. 59: “ Praedam omnem domum avertebant.** TIt may be applied humor-
ously in this sense here, the man making a booty of the fish hé loved. Om
* pisces patinarii ' (* quibus jus est aptius*) and * assi,' see note on S. i. 8. 81.
39. Languidus in 3Ä) Catius says it is of no use for a man to buy
expensive fish, if he does not know how to dress them ; that is, which should
be served up with sauce, and which, when fried, will tempt the guest, after he
has laid himself dowm tired of eating, to raise himself on his elbow, and begin
eating again.
41. Curvat aper] On * aper,' see above, S. 3. 234.
43. Vinea snbmittit] He says, without much sense, as it would seem, that
the flesh of wild deer fed in vineyards is not always eatable. The * caprea*
was a mountain goat, chamois, or some one of the deer kind. * Submittit ' is
equivalent to * suppeditat,' * supplies.' See C. iv. 4. 63: “ Monstrumve sub-
misere Colchi.”
44. Fecundae leporis] * Lepus ' is of commom gender. A modern epicure
would not choose the shoulder of a hare as the most delicate part. It is so
distinguished again, S. 8. 89.
51. [Massica si caelo suppones] The wine in the amphora required clearing,
before it could be drunk. One way of effecting this appears to have been
exposing the vessel for Some time to the opem air, which process also took off
some ofits strength. Catius mentions the yolk of pigeons' eggs as amother
means of precipitatimg the lees of the wine. ' White 6f egg was a more usual
agent. Pliny mentioms sulphur ; several insoluble materials, such as pounded
shells, gypsum, chalk, milk, etc., were used for the same purpose. But the.
commonest way was to strain the wine either through a * saccus,' a bag of fime
linem (which was apt to hurt the flavor), or through a metal sieve, “colum,*
these being in the hot weather filled with snow.
53. odor nervis inimicus;] This means what we call the bouquet, which
helped the wine in its intoxicating effects upom the brain. With the inferior
wines various aromatics were frequently introduced, for the purpose of giving.
them am agreeable perfume. - -
58. Tostis marcentem squillis] When the guest gets surfeited, or drinks so
much he cannot digest amy more, his appetite is to be tempted with fried
shrimps and snails, of which the best sort came from the coast of Africa, and
were called * Solitanae,' the derivation of which name is uncertain ; also with
bacon and sausages. The lettuce, Catius says, ought not to be taken for this.
purpose, becauseit does not settle on the stomach when it is irritated. * I,ac-
tuca* wa$ commonly eatem at the * gustatorium,' as an incentive to the appe-
tite. Cátius says the cloyed stomach would rather (* malit') have any coarse
dish, brought in from the cook-shop, to stimulate it, tham lettuce after drink-
ing wine, Which was a different thing from taking it before dinner.
61. Flagitat immorsus refici;] *Immorsus * agrees with ' stomachus,' and
;gt; stimulated, * pervulsus,' as ** qualia lassum pervellunt stomachum **
. 8. 9).
62. i-i. fervent allata popinis.] The * popinae* were the lowest sort.
of eating-houses, where meat wäs cooked and usually eaten on the premises,
but sometimes sent out. They were the same as the Greek xaTrj\eìa. They.
were a lower sort of * cauponae ' (see S. i. 5. 2, n.). Their keepers, * popae,'
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 477
were, as might be expected, usually persons of no credit. The shops were
dirty, and the company very low. I Compare Epp. i. 14. 21. There were
greät numbers of thése §hops about the city. They were also calleg * ther-
mopolia,' because there the Romans drank hot spiced wine and water,
* calda.'
68. duplicis pernoscere juris] Catius goes on to describe the sauces, of
which there aré two kinds ; one which he calls simple, but which was not en-
tirely so, being made of sweet olive-oil mixed with rich wine and * muria,'
whiéh is but *garum,* made from certain shell-fish (S. 8. 58). _ There was a
composite sauce which was made up of the above boiled with chopped herbs,
with a sprinkling of saffron, and, when it had stood to cool, the finest olive-
oil of Venafrum (C. ii. 6. 16, m.).
66. Byzantia putuit orca.] The * thynnus ' from which the best * garum ?
was made was found best in the neighborhood of Byzantium (Pliny ix. 20).
* Orca ' is ajar used for preserving sauces and pickles. As to the form * pu-
tuit,' see S. 8. 194, n. The * crocus * of Mons Corycus in Cilicia appears to
have been most celebrated. * Stetit* means * has ceased to-boil.'
69. Venqfranae] See C. ii. 6. 16, n. .
70. Picenis cedunt pomis Tiburtia] The apples of Tibur and Picenum have
been referred to before (C. i. 7. 14; S ii 8 272).
71. Venucula convenit ollis:] It is not known whence this grape derives
its name. The word is variously spelt. Grapes were dried and preserved
in jars for the winter. For drying in this way, Catius says the grape of the
Albam hills is best. His opinion is not supported by any extant authority,
as it is in the other instance.
73. Hanc ego cum malis,] Catius says he was the first to introduce Alba-
niam raisins at the second course, and likewise * faex* and * allec,' two pickles,
or two names for the same, being the lees of the * muria* (v. 63, n.). Catius
also claims the merit of introducing little dishes containing a mixture of salt
and white pepper. The object of all this, as well as the pickles, was to pro-
mote thirst, and add to the pleasure of drinking after dinner. White pepper
is milder than black. It is made by blamching the finer grains of the black,
and taking off the rind. The ancients must have got their pepper from the
East Indies. The best is grown om the Malabar coast.
75. Incretum] This comes from * incerno,' * to sift,* or * incernendo spar-
gere' (Forcell.), *to scatter with a sieve ' or * incerniculum.' It therefore
means that the pepper was sprinkled over the salt. * Catillus ' is a dimimu-
tive form of * catinus.?
76. millia terna macello] 3,000 scsterces (upwards of £ 26) for a dish of
fish is a large sum, but not perhaps exaggerated. Larger sums were givem
for dainties. As to * macellum,' see S. 3. 229, m. By * vagos pisces* he
means that it is a shame to confine in a narrow compass animals that have
had the freedom and range of the seas. The liberty of the bird is expressed
by the same epithet in C. iv. 4. 2. •*
79. calicem] The slave handing a drinking-cup (* calix ') to a guest, just
after he had been gatherimg and licking up the remains of the dishes, would
1eave the marks of his fingers upom it, and this would turn the stomachs of
the compamy, who would also be disgusted if they saw dirt upon the * cratera*
in which the wine and the water were mixed. The * calix* was the same as
the Greek κύλι£. Its shapes and sizes and materials all varied very much.'
There were woodem and earthen-ware * calices,' and others of common glass,
and others of greater value of colored glass ; but those that were most valued
of all were the * crystallina,' of a pure and highly transparent crystal glass.
The colored glass cups came principally from Alexandria. The Romans
were curious in collecting old vessels for their table (* veteres craterae *), as
observed before (S. 3. 21, m.). -
478 • NOTES.
81. Vilibus in scopis,] * Scopae* were besoms for sweeping the floors, warls,
and furniture of a room, usually made of the branches of the wild myrtle or
tamarisk. The palm seems also to have been used. * Mappae ' here meam
towels or dustersto cleam the furniture and walls. * Scobe ' is sawdust, with
which the floors were strewed. It was sometimes highly scented.
83. Ten lapides varios] * Tene ? ' is it for such as you ? * Tene decet ? '
The floors in the houses of the rich were laid with slabs of marble and mosaic-
work, and marble slabs were also introduced in the walls, though paintings
were more common. * Torus* meant properly a round pillow, as is shown
by its root * ter* (which appears in * tornus,' * torqueo,' etc. ; see C. i. 1. 28,
n.), and * toralia* probably means coverings for the cushions, which were put
over the rich * stragulae vestes * (see last Satire, v. 118, n.), as we put chintz
coverings over our furniture whem it is not in use, or on ordinary occasions.
Inviting his friend Torquatus to dinner, Horace tells him he will take care
** ne turpe toral, ne sordida mappa Corruget nares.” (Epp. i. 5. 22.)
85. Oblitum quanto] Catius says that the neglect of those matters which
cost little money and attention is more reprehensible than the absence of fur-
niture, which the rich only cam afford. The case he supposes is that of a mam
who combines dirt with finery, slovenliness with ostentation. *
88. Docte Cati,] Catius, having brought his discourse to an end with am
exhortation upon decency and order, Horace entreats him, wherever it is he
goes to get such. lessons he will take him with him, that he may drink wis-
dom at the fountain-head. Catius, he says, no doubt repeats accurately what
he has heard, but such precepts would be more highly commended í; the
aspect, bearing, voice, etc. of the teacher himself.
94. fontes ut adire remotos] Horace here parodies I.ucretius (i. 926): “Ju-
vat integros accedere fontes atque haurire.”
S A T I R E V.
IN this Satire, which has a good deal of humor in it, Horace takes up the
practice of will-hunting, of which, as of many other degrading vices that
afterwards pervaded Roman Society, he saw only the beginning. Describing
the rage for making money in Epp. i. 1. 77, he says:
** Pars hominum gestit conducere publica: sunt qui
Crustis et pomis viduas venentur avaras
Excipiantque senes quos im vivaria mittant.”
The practice was sufficiently common in Cicero's time, and Pliny connects it
with the growth of wealth, and the time when money begam to be the instru-
ment of ambition and the measure of respectability ; that is, he dates its birth
from the decline of the Republic.
Homer (Odyss. xi.) makes Ulysses go down to Hades and there meet
Teiresias, the Thebam prophet, who tells him of the hardships that awaited
lnim in his journey home, where however in the end he is destined to arrive.
Horace supposes a continuation of the interview, and makes Ulysses ask the
soothsayer how he is to repair his fortunes. when he gets home, and finds nis
property wasted by his wife's suitors, as the prophet told him it would be
(see note om v. 6). Teiresias, though he implies that the cunning Ulysses
would be at no loss in such a matter if he once got home, gives him his ad-
vice, which is to lay himself out for pleasing old men and women of fortune,
and getting named in their wills, for which he lays down a few ordinary
rules: of these, a persevering and coarse servility is the chief. Ulysses ap-
pears in as low a character as he cam, — an apt disciple, ready to bo the
shadow of a slave, and to prostitute his chaste Penelope if need be. The .
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 479
Ulysses of all poets after Homer is a contemptible personage, andit must be
said in favor of Horace that Penelope, whose character in the Odyssey is
feminine and pure, is by later writers represented as less chaste than Homer
has drawn her. Those who only know her as the virtuous wife and mother,
will not easily forgive the coarse allusions to her in this Satire.
3. Quid rides ?] These words are spoken by Ulysses. Teiresias may be
supposed to smile at Ulysses for asking advice in a matter in which his own
craftiness would help him better than any counsel he could receive. The
prophet's answer means, that, when he gets back to his home, his wits will
soon teach him how to repair his fortune. * Jamne ' means, * what, now I
have told you that you will get home ? '
6. te vate,] See Hom. Odyss. xi. 110. The dialogue is supposed to be a
continuationi of that which Homer relates, and takes place in Hades. See
Introduction.
7. apotheca] See C. iii. 8. 11, n. . e.
9. missis ambagibus,] The * ambages ' were Ulysses' fine words about
birth and merit, and Teiresias perhaps means, * Since you will have my ad-
vice, let us waste no words, but begin.' - -
10. Turdus] This bird, the fieldfare, if well fattened, was considered a
great delicacy by the Romans. In Epp. i. 15. 40, the glutton Mænius pro-
nounces that there is nothing better tham one of these birds, ** obeso nil me-
lius turdo *° ; and the host at Beneventum produced a dish of them in honor
of his visitors, but they were poor things, and he did not know how to dress
them (S. i. 5. 72). The fieldfare is still reckoned a delicate bird. * Privum *
means for your own private eating. •
14. Ante Larem] The first-fruits were offered to the Lares. See Tibull.
i. 1. 13:
** Et quodcunque mihi pomum novus educat annus
Libatum agricolae ponitur ante deo.” - -
No divinity was dearer to a Romam than his Lares, whose images stood in
his hall, who reminded him of his departed ancestors, and whom he invoked
and sacrificed to every day at his meals (see C. iv. 5. 84).
• 15. sine gente,] Suppose him to be a * libertimus,' and in former days to
have run away from his master, in which case he would be branded on the
forehead, and the shame of attending him would be greater. He would also
be * sine gente,' that is, he would belong to no * gens,' if he were a freedman
or the descendant of a freedman.
17. Tu comes exterior] Teiresias advises that, if the rich mam should call
upon him to attend him when he walks abroad, he should never refuse to go,
taking the least honorable place, which was by his patron's side, and usually
Between him and the road. The expressions * tegere latus,' * claudere latus,'
were common, and meant to take that side which was most exposed.
18. Utne tegam] This is a short way of saying * hortarisne me ut tegam ? '
* Damae * is used generally as a common name of slaves (see S. i. 6. 38).
* Spurcus ' is a word Lucilius used, as in that verse quoted by Cicero (Tusc.
ii. 17), “ Ergo hoc poterit * Samnis spureus homo vita illa dignus locoque ? * *
20. hoc] When Teiresias tells him he must be content to be poor, or do
as he bids him, Ulysses consents to the degradation rather than incur the pov-
erty, and makes a merit of doing so : he will bear the disgrace with his usual
magnanimity. The hero's language is a parody of that which Homer puts
into his mouth (Odyss. xx. 18): -
τάτλa6ι δ), «paòtn* kai kövrepov άλλο ποτ' ἐτλns.
And v. 223 : - -
ijôn yàp μάλα τάλλ' ἐτa6ov xaì TróXX' ἐμὸymora
Κῦμaori kai ττολέμφ* μ€τά και τόδe τοῖσι yevégéo.
480 £x • . NoTEs.
22. Divitias aerisque ruam] * Ruere* is * to get together.' Virgil uses the
word in a similar §ense (Georg. i. 105), “ cumulosque ruunt male pinguis
arenae.” . -
27. olim,] See C. ii. 10. 17, n. On * ultro,' C. iv. 4. 51; on * vocet in
jus,' S. i. 9. 74, n. -
32. Quinte, puta, aut Publi,] These names would be givem a slave at his
manumissiom.
38. Pelliculam curare jube;] This diminutive is frequently used without
any particular force. The expression is like that in Ep. i. 2. 29 :
- - ** In cute curanda plus aequo operata juventus”;
and 4. 15 : , «-*
** Me pinguem et nitidum bene curata cute vises,
Cum ridere voles Epicuri de grege porcum.”
* Corpus curare * is a common phrase, and Horace has “genium curare” (C.
iii. 17. 15, n.).
— fi cognitor ; ipse] * Cognitor* means am attorney, one who is authorized
to appear for another, either in maintaining or defending an action. He was
appóinted by and looked upom as the principal, and he was liable as such.
The obsequiousness of the will-hunter was not to be deterred by such a re-
sponsibility. Horace says: “ Become his cognitor, and let him go home,
.while yQu. yourself persévere, and hold out for him, whatever the weather
mav be.” *»
§. seu rubra Canicula] He means in the height of summer or the depth
of winter. The 41st verse, with ^the substitution of Furius for Juppiter, is
taken from Bibaculus; respecting whom, see S. i. 10. 36, n. Whether the
other expressions are so, or whether they are only a parody of his style, or
taken from some other poet, we cannot tell. The epithet * rubra* for the dog-
star, and * infantes * as an ornamental epithet to express the speechlessness of
the statues, are sufficiently absurd, and the hyperbole is mot in good taste;
there is vulgarity likewise in * conspuet.* * Omaso' signifies tripe, a vulgar
dish even among the Romans. (See Epp. i. 15. 34.)
44. Plures adnabunt thunni] The tummy-fish is found in large shoals at
particular seasons on either shore of the Mediterranean, into which it comes
from the Atlantic to deposit its spawm. Vast quantities were and still are
caught and salted. * Cetaria* were artificial preserves, into which the fish
were attracted and them taken. Salting-houses were built hard by. * Thun-
ni* here is put for the rich fools who would be caught by the servility of the
fortune-hunter. -
46. sublatus] This sense of * tollere,' to educate, bring up, is said to be
taken from the practice of fathers taking up in their arms immediately after
their birth such of their children as they wished to be reared, while the others
they left to be exposed. See Terence (Heaut. iv. 1. 18):
* So. Meministin' me esse gravidam, et mihi te maximo opero ediccre
Si puellam parerem nolle tolli?
“ Ch. Scio quid feceris,
Sustulisti.”
It is not to be supposed that the exposure of childrem, or infanticide in any
form, was lawful at Rome; but it is probable that it was practised to some
&xtemt even in late times.
47. Caelibis] * Caelebs* is applied to a widower as well as a bachelor.
* Nudare ' Horace uses in this sense of * exposing* in S. 8. 73.
48. ut et scribare secundus Heres] Wills were not necessarily written,
though latterly they generally were so, and in that case it was usually on
tablets of wax; hence below (v. 54) * cera* is used as synonymous with
* tabula.* When a man made his will, he commonly named a * secundus
heres,' or more tham one, who would succeed to the * hereditas,' if the first
SATIRES. — B00K II. 481
* heres' or ' heredes ? refused it, or had become disqualified, or had failed to
express his or their intention of accepting it within a time named in the will.
These were called * substituti.' He might also, if he pleased, make provision,
in the case of naming his children his * fieredes,' that, ifthey died 'impubères,'
another person or persons named by him should get the ° hereάitas.' This
was calléd * pupillâris substitutio,' and may be referred to by. Horace in this
place. * Vacua hereditas * was a common legal term for am * hereditas ' made
void by any of the above reasons, or any other.
49. puerum egerit Orco,] There is a little mock pathos in this. * Ago,'
with the dative, is not a prose construction. See C. i. 24. 18: “ Nigro com-
pulerit gregi.” &
53. ut limis rapias] * Oculis* is understood after * limis,' * with eye as-
Kance.* The advice givem is, that, if the testator should give the man his will
to read, he should affect indifference and put it from him, taking care first to
get a side-glance at its contents, and see if his name appears in the next line
after the testator's. A will was commonly written om three pages, which
were called severally * prima,' * secunda,' and * ima cera,' * cera* being equiv-
alent to * tabula,' the will being usually writtem om wax tablets. The testa-
tor's name appeared in the first lime of the first page, and after his came those
of the * heredes.* In the last page appeared the names of all but the * primi
heredes,' (that is, the * legatarii* and * substituti,' see note on v. 48,) together
with the general provisions of the will. * Solus heres * would be called * heres
ex asse '; if there were several * heredes,' they would be * heres ex dodrante,*
* ex quadrante,' etc., according to the proportiom of the estate devised to each,
which was described by the different divisions of the as.
55. Plerumque recoctus Scriba ex quinqueviro] * Plerumque* is used by Hor-
ace in the sense of * interdum ' here and elsewhere. (See A. P. v. 14 and 95.)
The * scribae,* of whom am example occurs above (S. i. 5. 35), were clerks in
public offices. These places were often got by purchase, amd the * scriba*
received public pay. Nevertheless the * quinqueviri ' appear from this pas-
sage to have ranked lower than the * scribae.* They were officers appointed
\ to relieve the other magistrates at night of the chárge of the city. T These
were the permanent * quinqueviri* ; but extraordinary commissions of five
were often appointed for various purposes. (See Dict. Antt.) * Recoctus *
seems to meam that he had beem aT* quinquevir* and was now a * scriba,' the
* re ' in * recoctus ' having no particular force. Teiresias means to say that
Coranus, who had got into a situation in yhich he had acquired a good deal
of money and some knowledge of business, was too wide awake to be caught
in the snare, saw through the attentions of the fortune-hunter, and laughed at
him. The * corvus hians ' is perhaps taken from Æsop's fable of the fox and
crow, copied by Phædrus (i. 13).
57. Captator] This word, amd * captare ' above (v. 23), are commonly
used for legacy-hunters. We know nothing more of the actors in this story,
Nasica and Coranus, but it appears likely they were living persons, and the
case well known. •
58. Num furis ?] Ulysses does not understand him, and asks if he is fren-
zied, as prophets were when inspired.
59. aut erit aut non :] This is a pompous way of stating a truism, put, by
way of keeping up the humor of the scene, into the prophet's mouth.
62. juvenis] 'See C. i. 2. 41, m. IBy his adoption into the Julia gens, Au-
gustus claipmed direct descent from Æneas. The Romans attached much
importance to the legend which derived their origin from the Trojans. See
C. iii. 3, Introductiom. On * genus,' see C. i. 3. 27, n.
64. forti nubet pro£era Corano] These epithets and the whole opening of
the speech are mock-heroic, and adapted to the character of the speaker.
Nasica owed moncy to Coramus, and gave him his handsome daughter by
41 •
'482 NOTES.
way of discharging the debt and getting am interest in his son-in-law's will.
Coramus understands him, and begs him to read his will. He coquets with
the proposal just as Teiresias advises his hearer to do, but allows his modesty
to be overcome, and on reading it through in silence finds no legacy left to
himself or his family. As to * plorare,' see S. i. 10. 91.
65. metuentis reddere soldum.] On * metuo,' see C. ii. 2. 7. He had neither
power nor will to pay. * Solidum ' means the entire debt, including principal
amd iiìterest. The contracted form is used before (S. i. 2. 111).
67. orabit;] The rich man is maliciously bent om seeing the disappoint-
ment of his father-in-law. - -
73. pincit longe prius] * It is better by a great deal first to take the head by
stOrm.
77. tam frugi] * Discreet* is the mearest English word perhaps correspond-
ing to * frugi,' and oröφpov in Greek.
79. magnum donaiidi parca] The suitors are once only mentioned as offer-
ing presents to Penelope, and their value was not great. (Odyss. xviii. 290,
sqq.) They were offered in consequence of the taunts of Penelope herself.
It is likely Horace had this passage in mind. •
80. studiosa culinae.] This corresponds with Homer's description. See,
among other places, Oúyss. ii. 55.
84. Tanus improba Thebis] * Improba* means * sly,' which we too call
* wicked.* See S. i. 9. 73. - -
87. Scilicet elabi si posset] * Of course it was to see whether she could es-
cape from him when dead,* or * in hopes that she might.* We are to suppose
she had made it a condition in her will, that, if he did not carry her without
Ietting her drop, he was to forfcit the inheritance. It is a strange story, per-
haps taken from some mimus or farce. * Scilicet ' is in reality a verb, and
signifies * you may know,' * you may be sure.' . -
89. neve — abundes.] * Don't overdo it.' , • -
90. ultro; Non etiam sileas.] * Garrulus ultro * means ome who speaks
much before he is spoken to. On * ultro,' see C. iv. 4. 51, m. It is a difficult
word to translate, and seems awkwardly placed liere. As to * non ' for * ne,*
compare Epp. i. 18. 72; and A. P. 460.
91. Davus sis comicus] Horace has introduced a Davus in this respectfw]
attitude in S. 7 of this book : ** Jamdudum auscultans et cupiens tibi dicere
servus Pauca reformido.”
92. Stes capite obstipo.] * Obstipo ' means stiff, unbending, or bent down-
wards, with the eyes fixed om the ground. As to * multum similis,' see S. i.
3. 57, m.
93. Obsequio grassare ;] * Grassor ' is a frequentative form of * gradior,'
and signifies to go om, advance. The expression in the text is like * grassarì
dolo * (Tac. Hist. iv. 16), and óther like phrases. Livy and Tacitus use tho
word oftem.
95. aurem substringe loquaci.] * Stringo ' meams to grasp in the hand ; * au-
rem substringe ° therefore may mean to hold up the ear, as we commonly do
when we wish to catch every word that is said. He was to pay the strictest
attention to the old man, let him be as garrulous as he would. -
96. donec Ohe jam !] If he is fond of flattery, ply him with it till even he
is forced to cry, * Höld, enough !* and blow him up with your fulsome breath
like a bladder. Though the old man might say he had had enough, he was
not to be takem at his word, but plied still harder, for he never could have too
much. * Importunus ' is one who does not easily rest, is not soon satisfied.
The expressiom * Ohe jam satis * is commom. See S. i. 5. 12.
100. Et certum vigilans,] Compare Ovid, Heroid. x. 9 :
“ Imcertum vigilans, a somno languida, movi
Thesea pressuras semisupina manus ”;
SATIRES. - BOOK II. 483
* Certum vigilans ' means * wide awake,' not confusedly, as those who are
half asleep. - • -
— Quajtae sit partis] The * heres ' of one fourth of the property would be
* ex quadrante * ór * ex terunci9. (See note om v. 58, abgye;) The formula
in wiils was such as this: “ Sola mihi uxor heres esto,” “ Sempronius ex
parte dimidia heres esto.' ę ę -
101. Duma] See v. 18, n. He is to throw im now and them (* sparge sub-
inde*) a whine for the dear mam that is gone, and squeeze out a tear if he
possibly can. . -
102. "Unde mihi tam fortem] This abrupt and elliptical way of speaking
occurs again below (S. 7. 116) : “ Unde mihi lapidem ? Quorsum est opus ?
Unde sagittas ? * * Parabo ' may be understood, or some such word.
103. est] This is equivalent to ἐeari.
105. Permissum arbitrio] A sum of money was generally named in the
will for the funeral expenses. Sometimes they appear to have been left ex-
pressly to the judgment and liberality of the * heres * or * heredes,' as here.
But ifno mention was made of this subject in the will, or if a man died intes-
tate, those who succeeded to the property were bound to provide all that was
decent for his interment. As to * fumus,' see mote on S. i. 6. 43. See C. i. 9.
9 : ** Permitte divis caetera.”
108. seu fundi sive domus sit Emptor,] * Fundus * is a landed estate together
with the buildings upon it. * Domus,' therefore, which is opposed to-* fun-
dus ' here, and im Epp. i. 2 47, may meam a towm-house. The advice is, that
ifone of the man's * coheredes,' who is old, and by a bad cough shows he is
near his end, expresses a wish to have an estate or house which forms part of
his share, he should declare himself delighted to make it over to him for a
nominal price, a single * sestertius.' This would be a bold game, but he
might hope that such generosity on his part would be remembered in the sick
man's will. - -
109. addicere.] This is a legal term used in selling, ** and signifies the
. declaration of him who sells as to the transfer of the thing to the buyer.”
(Long, Verr. ii. 2. 32.) It was u$ed in private bargains as here, and at pub-
lic auctioms it was the word used for declaring who was the purchaser.
S A T IIR E V I. .
IN this Satire, Horace dwells upon the inconveniences of a town life and
the delights of the country, the former as connected with the importunity of
people äsking for his influence with Mæcenas, or for informatiom upon public
affairs of which he knows mothing, though they will not believe it. ' The sub-
ject is illustrated by the story of a town and a country mouse. The town
mouse visits the country moüse, and, taunting him with his seclusion, tempts
him to accompany him to towm, and them entertains him at a rich man's
table. But the servants, coming in suddenly at daybreak, frightem them
both out of their wits, and the country mouse goes home agaim, resolving to
keep to his own quiet hole im the fields, and try the towm mo more.
1. non ita magnus,] Compare with these lines C. iii. 16. 29, sqq. * Mo-
dus ' is used for any quantity.
2. jugis aquae Έj * Jugis ' belongs to * aquae.' It signifies running
water, and a, good sprimg of this would be of great value to the property.
3. super his] * Besides these.' In this sense, * super* usually governs the
accusative. * Super * is used absolutely in this sensé of * more,' as in Epod.
i. 31 : “ Satis superque me benignitas tua Ditavit,” which passage may be
484 - NOTES.
compared with what follows : “ auctius atque Di melius fecere.” “Bene est*
occurs in C. iii. 16. 43, and is familiar im ine formula s. v. B. E. v. (si vales
bene est; valeo), which the Romans prefixed to their letters.
5. Maia nate,] Respecting Mercury, the god of luck and gain, the pro-
~tector of poets, and of Horace in particular, see S. ii. 3. 68; C. ii. 7. 13; ii.
17. 29. * Proprius ' signifies * permanent,' see S. 2. 129, n. As to the form
* faxim,' see S. ii. 3. 38, n. -
7. vitio culpave] * Culpa' is oftem used by the law-writers in the sense of
* negligence.* * Vitium ' appears to meam a defect of the nature, * culpa* of
the conduct.
8. Si veneror stultus nihil horum :] As to * veneror,' * to pray for,' see C. S.
49. This passage has been imitated by Persius (S. ii. 9). * Denormare ' is
* to disfigure,' * norma ' being the rule by which carpenters or masons keep
their work straight. * Mercenarius* is a free laborer who works for pay.
12. amico Hercule !] ' Though Hercules was especially a Greciam hero, and
was im no way connected historically with the Romans, he was held by them
in high esteem. He was associated with Mercury in various ways; among
others as the god of gain, as he is here. There are representations of the two
É in one, which combined form is called "Eppmpa«λῆs, and appears to
ave been very common. The notion seems to be that of combining strength
and cunning.
13. quod adest] See C. iii. 29. 32: “ Quod adest memento Componere
aequus.” It is an adaptation of the Greek τὸ πapöv. * Gratum juvat* may
eithgr meam * satisfies me, for I am grateful,' or * is welcome and satisfies
In€.
16. in montes et in arcem] See C. iii. 4. 21. By * arcem * he means his
house om the Sabine hills. T (See C. ii. 7. 21.)
17. Quid prius illustrem] * What subject should I take in preference to
this * ? that is, the country to which he retires. On * pedestri,' see C. ii. 12.
9, n.
18. plumbeus Auster] The south-wind is so called, as depressing the emer-
gies and spirits. The epithet is very expressive, * the leadem south.* Com-
pare C. ii. 14. 15; iii. 23. 8; Epp. i. 7. 5. Auster and Notus are not distin-
guished by the poets. They are invariably represented as bringing heavy
rains: “ Quid cogitet humidus Auster” (Georg. i. 462).
19. Libitinae quaestus acerbae.] The goddess Libitima was one of the old-
est Romam divinities. She presided over funerals and all things pertaining
to the dead. There were kept in her temple all manner of things required
at funerals, where the undcrtakers (hence called Libitimarii) might purchase
or hire thém. Also a register of fumerals was kept in the temple, and when
they were registered a fee was paid. From both the above sources the tem-
ple would derive increased revenues in a season of great mortality. Horace
twice uses the name of Libitina as equivalent to Mors. See C. iii. 30. 6, and
JEpp. ii. 1. 49 ; and Juvenal does the same (S. iv. 122): “ Nam si Libitinam
evaserit aeger Delebit Tabulas.”
20. Matutine pater,] Janus was a Latin divinity, and one of the oldest.
As he presided over the opening year, so he did also over the beginning of
every month and of every day. Sacrifices were offered to him om the first of
every month, as well as of his own (January), and prayer in the morning of
every day. Hemce he is called * Matutinus pater'; and hence he is Con-
founded with the Sum. * Pater* was the title by which he was commonly
addressed, and the two words were sometimes joined thus : * Januspater.'
See Epp. i. 16. 59. He was worshipped before the other gods, because he
was the medium through whom men got access to the others (Ovid, Fast. i.
171). * Jane * is put in the vocative ease by a sort of attraction. (See C. ii.
20. 6, m.) * Audire,' in the sense of * appellari,' äkoÜeuv, occurs again in S.
¢
*-
SATIRES. — 18OOK II. 485
- 7. 101; Epp. i. 7. 37, and 16, 17. The word is not commonly used in this
sense except with * bene * or * male.'
21. Unde] * From whom * (C. i. 12. 17). •
23. sponsorem me rapis.] * Sponsor '. was ome who became security for
another under the form of contract called * verborum obligatio,' the coiitract.
taking place by questigm and answer, * ex interrogatione et responsione.*
One asked the other, “ Dari spondes ? * and he answered, * Spondéo.” The
principals were called * stipulator,' he who asked the question ; and * pro-
missor,' he who answered. The sponsor was said * intercedere,' and to him
the same question was put, to which he returned the same answer. This ex-
plain8 * respondeat* in v. 24, and ** quod mi obsit clare certumque locuto,” v.
27. He answers “ spondeo * in a clear, distinct voice, and becomes liable,
possibly to his great detriment. . The words, * Eja, ne prior,' etc., Horace
means for Janus, to whom he attributes the prompting of his zeal.
26. Interiore diem gyro trahit,] The notion is that of the heavenly bodies
moving round a centre, in a series of orbits of which the diameters gradually
diminish, and im the winter solstice traversing the inmermost and shortest
circle. -
29. improbus urget Iratis precibus ;] * Improbus ' means here * hot-tempered,'
and * précibus * curses, as in Epod. v. 86. * Tu pulses * is an angry way of
speaking, * Are you the man tò knock down everything in your way ? * as in
the next Satire (v. 40). There is sarcasm im * memori,' as if he was mot
likely to forget his duty to the great mam. He says he feels an inward pleas-
ure at the testimony thus borne to his intimacy with Mæcenas. * Si recúrras ?
means in the hopes of getting back, to see if you cam get back. See S. 5.
87, m.
32. atras — Esquilias] See S. i. 8, Introduction. The former character
'of the place is expressed by * atras,' gloomy. He says, that as soom as he
gets near Mæcenas's house he begins to remember a hundred different com-
missions intrusted to him by his acquaintance. They flit about him like a
swarm of gnats, or anything else that is teasing. ' .
35. Roscius orabat] Roscius may be anybody. It appears he had pressed
Horace to meet him next day at the Puteal Libonis. This was some sort of
building in the Forum Romanum, erected by one of the Scribonia gens, and
therefore called * Scriboniamum.' The place or its neighborhood was the
resort of money-lenders. It was probably an enclosed place, opem at the
top, and took its name from the stone emclosures built round wells, * putei.'
What Roscius wanted with Horace at this place is not certain. It is said
that near the * puteal* the prætor held his court, and that he wanted Horace
to attend as his sponsor. IBut the prætor's court did not opem till the third
hour. -
36. De re communi scribae] The * scribae * were classed in * decuriae,' and
were a numerous body. They formed a guild or company, and though they
were employed in different branches of the public service, they had interests
in common, and must have held meetings to discuss questions that concerned
their body. As Horace had belonged to them, and was now known to have
a good deal of influence, they wished him to attend their meeting on some
particular occasiom ; so at least he puts it.
38. Imprimat his cura] While Augustus was absent in and after his last
war with Antonius, Mæcenas, at first singly and afterwards in conjunction
with M. Agrippa, was deputed to exercise those powers, in the city and in
Italy, which Aügustus himself would have exerciséd ifhe had beem there (see
Epód. 1, Introduction). The * tabellae? of the text may haye been a * di-
pfoma,' 8o called from its consisting of two leaves, by which priyileges of
$ome sort were to be granted. * §¤ * expressed any work sculptured or
engraved. Here it sigif; a seal, which was, usually set in the form of a
4l

486 NOTES.
ring. ' The practice of kings delivering their rings to those whom they de-
puted to represent their own authority, is of the highest antiquity. Pháraoh
delivered his ring to Joseph, and Ahasuerus to Mordecai. -
40. Septimus octavo propior] Horace was introduced to Mæcenas about the
beginming of the year B. c. 38, and this Satire was written B. C. 30.
42. quem tollere rheda] * Rheda* is the name for a travelling-carriage. The
shape probably varied, but it appears to have gone upom four wheels, and to
have been, sometimes at least, of capacious size, since Juvenal mentions a
whole family travelling in ome * rheda ' (S. iii. 10). The only other four-
wheeled carriage we read of, is the * petorritum,' mentioned above (S. i. 6.
104, n.). There were public * rhedae* on the great roads, for the benefit of
travellers, and Horace and his friends performed part of their journey to
Erundusium in these conveyances (S. i. 5. 86), and it appears from his lan-
guage, * hinc rapimur,' that they went pretty fast.
44. Thraae est Gallina Syro par?] * Thraces,' * secutores,' and * retiarii,'
were three different kinds of gladiatórs. The first had their name from being
armed like the Thracians, with a short sword and round shield, from which
they were sometimes called * parmularii.* Gallina was one of these, Syrus
was probably one of another sort. Mæcenas is supposed to ask Horace,
among other trifling questions, whether he has seem the famous gladiators,
and which is the better of the two. •
45. mordent;] * Mordere ' is said of both heat and cold. See Epp. i. 8.
.5. * Rimosa * does not occur in any such sense as this elsewhere. We use
* leaky* in the same way.
48. noster.] This is a familiar way of expressing * myself.* As to the
construction of the next sentence, see S. i. 1. 45. *Luserat ? refers to ball-
play. * Fortunae filius* was a conventional phrase. Sophocles uses it (Oed.
.Tyr. 1080), èyà δ' ἐμavròv Taìòa rijs τύχηs véμων.
50. Frigidus a Rostris] Suppose some bad news has been published in the
Eorum amd been circulated in the streets. The * rostra,' which Niebuhr
(i. 406, m.) describes as “ a stage of considerable length, with steps at each
end of it,'° originally separated the comitium, where the patricians met, from
the space where the plebeiam assemblies were held, which was properly the
Eorum, though that name was popularly applied to the whole. Herè persons
of all ranks met, and from this centre reports would naturally take their rise,
and then get disseminated in the city. The * rostra* had its plural name
from the beaks of vessels taken from the people of Antium (Liv. viii. 14),
with which the stage was ornamented. As to the * compita,' see note om S.
ii. 3. 25. -
53. Dacis] The Daci helped M. Antonius at Actium, B. c. 31, and the
following year M. Crassus was sent against them.
55. Triquetra] The veterans who fought at Actium, having beem sent back
to Italy, were discontented, and broke out into mutiny because they had no
reward. Augustus came from Asia to quell this mutiny, and gave inomey to
some of the soldiers, and to others he distributed lands in those parts that had
been favorable to Antonius. * Triquetra * signifies triangular, and is a name
for the island. of Sicily, called alsó Trinacria, from its [three promontories.
Cæsar describes Britaim also as “insula triquetra” (B. G. v. 13).
57. unum Scilicet — mortalem] The Greeks use eis áviip in this way, to
express a superlative.
62. Ducere] *To quaff the cup of oblivion.* See C. iii. 8. 84, m., Epod.
14. 3., amd Aen. vi. 714. -
63. faba Pythagorae cognata] The popular notion was, that Pythagoras
had taught his disciples to abstain, as from meat, so from beans, which Telass
of vegetables he connected somehow or other with the human species, in his
doctrine of metempsychosis. They were therefore forbidden fare to his dis-

SATIRES. — BOOK II. 487
ciples, under the fanciful notion that in eating them they might be devouring
their owm flesh and blood. Hence the expression * cognata,* and this is th6
allusion in Epp. i. 12. 21 : “ seu porrum et caepe trucidas.” As to Horace's
vegetable meals, see S. i. 6. 1 15.
66. Ante Larem proprium] See mote on Epod. ii. 66. * Libatis dapibus*
means that the master and his friends (* meiquc *) dined lightly, and left the
greater part of the dishes to his slaves. The master, in this instance, as well
as his Slaves, dined in the * atrium,' where the images of the Lares were
placed. * Libare * is to touch lightly. See Aen. v. 91 : * inter pateras ct
levia pocula serpens Libavitqae dapes.” The distribution of the remains of
the dimner to the slaves was a matter of course.
69. Legibus insanis,] See S. 2. 123, n. One of the strictest laws of a ban-
quet directed by a presiding symposiarch, would have rcference to the regu-
lation of the quantity of wine to be drunk by each guest at each round.
Horace's notion of liberty here is to be able to drink as much or as little as
he pleased, which is expressed by * inaequales calices.'
70. uvescit] * Uvescere' does not occur elsewhere, but it corresponds with
Horace's word * uvidus,' C. ii. 19. 18, and iv. 5. 39.
72. Nec male necne Lepos saltet ;] Lepos was a * pantomimus ' who was so
named from the grace with which he performed his part, as the mame implies.
The business of the * mimi,' as of the * mimae,' was to recite poetry, as well as
to act parts in the farces that bore the same name (S. i. 10. 6, m.). The
vvord * saltare ' was applied to all pantomimic acting, and the motion of the
limbs in dumb show. See S. i. 5. 63, where Messius calls upon Sarmentus to
act Polyphemus, — * Pastorem saltaret uti Cyclopa rogabat,” where * salta-
ret* is equivalent to * movetur' in “ Nunc Satyrum nunc pastorem Cyclopa
movetur” (Epp. ii. 2. 125).
75. usus rectumne] Cicero makes Lælius indignantly deny the doctrine
that makes utility the foundatiom of friendship, and he says, with much truth
and delicacy, “ non enim tam utilitas parta per amicum quam amici amor
ipse delectat” (Lael. c. xiv.). There is more in the same strain in c. viii.,
where he makes virtue the basis of friendship.
76. natura boni summumque] This subject is discussed at large in Cicero's
treatise * De Finibus Bonorum et Malorum,' and was a commonplace in
Horace's day, as it has been im all ages. * Summum ' represents the Greek
τέλοs, * the end proposed.*
77. Cervius] This was an old neighbor of Horace's. There is not the
smallest clew to his history or to that of Arellius, who, however, must have
been a rich man and careful about his money.
79. Olim] * Once upon a time ': a common way of beginning a story that
does not profess to be true.
82. attentus] This is a commom word for what we should call * close.'
See Epp. i. 7. 91 ; ii. 1. 172. * Ut tamen ' means * ita tamen ut.' Compare
S. 7. 4.
84. nec longae invidit avenae,] This construction is Greek: φθονεῖν τινί
tuvos. The Latin construction is with the accusative and dative, as S. i. 6.
49; Epp. i. 14. 41. The * avena* here is the cultivated oat, and * longae '
describes the size of its grain. The wild-oat Virgil distinguishes from this
by the epithet *sterilis* (G. i. 153), and couples it with the * lolium,' or tare,
with which the host on this occasion satisfied himself.
87. male] This goes with * tangentis,' and is equivalent to * vix.'
89. Esset ador] See C. iv. 4 41, n.
93. mihi crede] These words are parenthetical, as Ovid (Am. ii. 2. 9):
“ Si sapis, o custós, odium, mihi crede, mereri Desine.” The language that
follows is very like that of Hercules in the Alcestis of Euripides (782,
sqq.):
488 INOTES.
ßporoïs ätraoru kar6aveiv άφei\erat,
koùk éorru 6vrjróv δατιs é§etriotata,
τήν αύριον μέλλουσav ei 8ιδαerat. —
taῦτ' ούν άκούσas xaì μa6òv époù Tápa
eύφpauve oravròv, τῖve, τὸν ka6* ip/£pav
ßiov \oyi(ov σὸν, τά δ' άλλa rijs τύχηs.
98. pepulere] This is used absolutely in the sense of * movere.'
100. nocturni] See C. i. 2. 45, n.
103. canderet vestis eburnos,] On the * stragula vestis,' see S. 3. 118, n.
The sides of the couches were sometimes veneéred with ivory. Fire is said
* candere,' and the flaming drapery of the bed is here described by the same
word, which is not applied in this sense elsewhere. * Fércula* was the name
for the different courses, of which the * coena* usually consisted of three,
called * prima,' * secunda,' * tertia coena.' The word, like * feretrum,' con-
tains the root * fer* of * fero,* and so its first meaning may have been the tray
or dish on which the viands were brought. It here means the viands themi-
selves ; * many courses were left,* would meam nothing. * Procul* signifies
* hard by,' as in Epp. i. 7. 32. ' The remains of the evening's .* coena? had
been collected and put into baskets, and left in the * triclinium * till the morn-
ing, and the purple coverings were still exposcd, waiting till the servants
should cover them (S. 4. 84, n.).
107. veluti succinctus] * Like one tucked up,' as the slaves when on duty.
(See S. i. 5. 5, m.) The duties of the * struétor' are those the host is here
represented as performing. It was his province to arrange the dishes, and
see that they were properly served up. He runs about, puts one course after
another on the table (* continuatque dapes *), and tastes the dishes, to see if
they are properly seasoned. * Praegustátores* were regularly employed only
at the tables of the emperors. The custom was imitated from Eastern courts.
(See Xenoph. Cyrop. i. 8. 9.) -
112. Valvarum strepitus] The servants, coming in early to cleam the room,
interrupt the banqueters, and rouse the watch-dögs, whóse barking terrifies
them still further." There was a dog, or more tham one, kept in most houses,
in the * cella ostiarii,' the porter's chamber at the sideT of the * ostium.'
* Conclave* is the general term for any chamber or suit of chambers under
one lock or bolt. As to Molossis, see Epod. vi. 5.
S A T IIR E VII.
THE substance of this Satire Horace puts into the mouth of his slave Da-
vus, giving him liberty to express himself as he pleases, on the day of the
Saturnalia, when much license was granted to slaves in particular. IDavus
takes advantage of the permission givem him to abuse his master, and to
taunt the rich with a slavery (to their passions and to the world) harder and
more stupid than his own. He also taunts Horace with his instability and
weakness of purpose, which part of the Satire is the most natural and amus-
ing (see note on v. 23). The rest contains a great deal that is disagreeable,
and much that is commonplace. It may perhaps represent the habit of talk-
ing trash, under the name of philosophy, which those who pretended to be of
the Stoic school had established, and the humor would be more perceptible
to a Romam of the day than it is now.
1. Jamdudum ausculto] We may suppose Horace has been talking to a
friend upon subjects that have attracted his slave's attention, and give rise to
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 489
the points he argues. Or he may have been giving Dayus some good advice,
andThe offers him a homily in return, recommending him to practise what he
reaches.
p. 3. Mancipium] This word, which properly signifies the act of taking pos-
sessiom, * mianu capiendo,' is applied here to the * res mancipi,' the object of
* mancipium,' which, in this instance, is a slave. It is so used in Epp. i. 6.
39. As to * frugi,' see S. 5. 77, n.
4. Ut vitale putes.] * That you need not think him too good to live * (S. 6.
82). As to the Säturnalia, see S. 8. 5, n. The month of December waw
dedicated to Saturnus. Horace speaks of the license of that festival being a
custom handed down from their ancestors. The time of its institution is
quite unknown. •
6. Pars hominum] Davus avails himself, without preface, of his master's
permission, and begins to moralize on the instability of some mem, who never
know their own minds. This character he applies to his master in v. 23, sqq.
9. Cum tribus annellis,] This is mentioned as a large number. In latér
times the Romans wore a great profusion of rings om both hands. At this
time they were only worn on the left, because they were more likely to be in-
jured, and to be in the way, on the right hand. Priscus was a senator, and
therefore entitled to wear a gold ring, which privilege did not descend, at this
time, below the equestriam order. In later times it was conferred upon all
manner of persons by the emperors. Those who were not entitled to wear
rings of gold had them of iron, according to the most ancient practice ; and
such of the Romans of higher condition as adhered to the simplicity of earlicr
days continued to wear iron. -&
Priscus, as a senator, was emtitled to go abroad with the * latus clavus,'
which he would do sometimes; while at others he would appear only as an
* eques,' with the * angustus clavus.' He was rich enough to live in a fine
house, and did So; but would from caprice go and take am obscure lodging,
such as a poor mam might be ashamed of. He put on first one character and
them another: mow a mam about town, and now talking of going to Athens
as a philosopher. He was just such an unstable persom as Tigellius is de-
scribéd to be, in S. i. 3. 18: “ Nil fuit unquam Sic impar sibi.” He was
“ everything by turns, and nothing long.”
14. Vertumnis, quotquot sunt, natus iniquis.] Vertumnus, as his name indi-
cates, was the god who represented change. Horace says Priscus was. born
when Vertumnus was angry (see S. 3. 8, n., “Iratis natus paries dis atquo
poêtis**), and he strengthens it by saying, * all the Vertumni that are to bo
found ° ; as if every image of the god were a separate divinity, and all were
angry together, when this fickle man was born. <*
i5. Scurra Volanerius,] Nothing is known of this person. He had tho
gout, which Horace says he richly deserved, and was so given to gambling
(which was illegal, see C. iii. 24. 58, m.), that, when he could not handle thê
dice-box himself, he hired a boy to do it for him. * Phimus* was the Grcck
word for what the Romans called * fritillus.' From the shape it was also
called * turricula' or * pyrgus' (TÜgyos). As to * talos,' see S. 3. 171, n.
They were not always thrown from a box, but sometimes with the hand.
19. levius miser ac prior illo,] * I.evius miser* is an unusual expression.
* Prior illo* means better offitham that mam who is always changing his
character, one moment appearing strict, another loose, in his principles and
conduct. The superiority of the mam who is consistent in vice lies in his
indifference to virtue, and the quietness of his conscience arising from that
cause. In that sense he is better off, and less miserable, tham the other.
21. Non dices hodie,] * Hodie ' is equivalent to * statim,' * this moment.'
* Furcifer* means a slave who for some slight offence was obliged to go about
with a * furca* round his neck, a sort of collar shaped like a V, in which the
490 NOTES. '
hands also were inserted. The master begins to see that Davus is aiming a
stroke at him, and is getting angry. o s o • . • &
23. antiquae plebis,] * Plébs* hás not its distinctive meaning in this place.
(See C. iii. 14. 1, m.)' Horace is no doubt touching his own infirmity here.
He was fond of praising the simplicity of the olden time, but he was not the
mam to extricateThimself from thé degenerate habits of his own day (* nequic-
quam coeno cupiens evellere plantam,' which is taken from the Greek proverb
êkrös arn\où Trööa éxeuv). He had been but lately, perhaps, writing the
praises of a country Tife, and sighing for his farm (in the last Satire); but
whem there, we may believe he felt düll enough, and missed the society and
elegances of the city. Whatever his ordinary fare may have been, he had
mo objection to the tàbles of the rich, and was proud to be invited to the Es-
quiliæ. There is mueh humor in this part of the Satire. He is supposed to
be congratulating himself upon being suffered to dine quietly at home, when
he gets an unexpected invitätion from Mæcenas to a late diminer. He imme-
diafely shouts för his lantern, scolds the servants if they keep him waiting a
momént, and rums off as fast as he can, leaving in the lurch some persons to
whom he had promised a dinner, and who go away disappointed and mutter-
ingr abuse. -
$$. sub lumina prima] *Immediately after the lighting of the lamps.'
(See Epod. ii. 44, n.) The ordinary dinner-hour was earlier (see C. i. 1. 20,
n.), but Mæcenas's occupations prótracted his * solidus dies,' at the end of
which he was glad enough, mo- doubt, to get a cheerful companiom, like
Horace, to dine with him. * Blatero ' is to bawl, or more commonly to
babble and ta!k nonsense. * Mulvius* may be anybody, one of the mumer-
ous tribe of parasites. * Non referenda precati,' uttering curses which the
servants heard, but must not repeat. See last Satire, v. 30, “iratis precibus.”
37. dixerit ille,] Mulvius may be supposéd to mutter this, as Horace goes
off and leaves him without his expectcd dinner. * Nasum nidore supinor,'
* I snuff up my nose at the smell of a good dinner.' * Nidor* means * nidor
culinae,' as in Juv. v. 162: “ Captum te nidore suae putat ille culinae.”
39. si quid vis ad le popino.] * Popino* is not a common word. It means
an idle, dissolute fellow, a frequenter of * popinae,' cook-shops. (See above,
S. 4. 62, m.)
40. Tu — ultro Insectere] * Are you tho mam to come forward and attack ? '
that is, to be the first to do it. See S. 6. 30, and C. iv. 4, 51, m.
42. Quid, si me] Davus goes om in his own person. Five hundred drach-
mæ, reckoning the drachma and the denarius as nearly the same value (about
8}d.), which was the case about this time, amounts to 17l. 15s. of English
money, and this was a small price, only given for inferior slaves. The price
varied very widely, according to the beauty of the slaves (of either sex),
which enhanced their value more tham amything else, or according to their
'education, or skill in handicrafts, &c. -
43. Aufer Me— terrere;] Literally, * Away with that frightening me.'
'(See Epp. i. 7. 27, n.) It expresses alarm and haste, for Davus sees his
master frowning, and lifting his hand to strike him.
45. Crispini docuit me janitor] About Crispinus, see S. i. 1. 120, m. Davus
professes to have obtained at second hand, from the slave of this Stoic phi-
losopher, the arguments he is going to propound. They are put generally,
and he uses his owm name ; but the pronoun * te ' means any one. The
* janitor,' who was also called * ostiarius,' kept the door of the house. He
had a room on each side of the * ostium,' which was a space between the
outer and inner door. Crispinus's janitor may be supposed to have over-
heard what his master had said, from time to time, to his friends, while sit-
ting in the * atrium ' into which the inner door opened. *
* 76. minor,] ijororoov, a slave to (C. ii. 11. 11, n.).
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 491
quem ter vindicta quaterque] * Vindicta* is used for the * festuca,' or rod,
laid upon the shoulder of a slave by the prætor, in the act of giving him his
freedom. Davus says that manumission, repeatëd over and over agaim
(though that involves am absurdity), could not deliver his master, as ho
called himself, from the bondage he was under to the world.
78. Adde super dictis] * Dictis ' is governed by * adde,' and * super * is
used absolutely.
79. :} The property a slave might accumulate was called his * pc-
culium,' and among the rest he might have a * vicarius,' a slave to do his
duty or help him in it He was hcld to be * quasi dominus * in relation to
his * vicarius.' What Davus says is, whether you choose to call the slavc's
slave his * vicarius,' or substitute, as your law does, or his fellow-slave (as
strictly speaking he is, for, except by sufferance, a slave can hold no property
. independent of his master), what is my relation to you ? I am your slave;
you are the slave of your passions, which will pull you about as the strings
pull a puppet (which the Greeks called vevpöoTao-Tov). The ancients car-
ried their mechanical skill in the construction of automatom figures further,
perhaps, tham it has been carried since. Artists in this line were common
amQng the Greeks, and wcre called vevpöσπaorrat, aύτομarovpyoi. It ap-
pears from Herodotus (ii. 48) that âyâ\para vevpöστaorra, as he calls them,
were in use among the Egyptians.
83. sibi qui imperiosus,] | * IIe who has control over himself.* Before
Horace, mo writer uses this word with a caso after it.
85. Responsare cupidinibus,] * I{esponso ' is repeated in Epp. i. 1. 68.
“IFortunae responsáre superbae.” It seems to meam, to reply to on equal
terms, and so to be a match for, and to ovcrcomc. The construction of the
adjective and infinitivc is common in the Odes, but not in the Satires or Epis-
tles. See C. i. 1. 16, n. -
86. in se ipso totus, teres, alque rotundus,] * *In himself entire, smoothcd,
and roumded,' that is, perfect as a spheré, and, as the next line explains,
like a beautiful statue whose graces arô all in itself, which is perfectly finished
and polished. This is elsewhero expressed by * ad unguem factus homo'
(S. i. 5. 32, n.), the difference in the mode of éxpression being, that here it
is meant there are no inequalitics om the surface on which anything at all can
rest. The other expression has been explained in its place. _ * In se ipso
totus,' means one who wants nothing from without to set him off, and whose
resources, as well as his graces, are äll in himself. The mud through which
he passes as he goes through the world does not adhere to him (* externi ne
quid valeat per leve morari*); circumstances, prosperous or the reverse, do
not affect his character ; and, im all her assaults upon his happiness, Fortune
proves but feeble, not being able to make any impression upon it. * Mancus”
means lame in the hand, as * claudus * does in the foot. * Teres' is ex-
plained in a note on C. i. 1. 28. * Rotundus * is taken from the heavens,
which Plato (Tim. p. 83) says the Deity αφaupoevòès éropveύσato, as being
most after his own imagë.
_ 89. Quinque talenta] T The Attic drachma of this period was worth about
the same as the Roniam denarius, nearly 8}d. (See above, v. 43, m.) The
mina was equal to 100 drachmæ, and å tilent to 60 minæ. It was worth
therefore abóut 212l., and five talénts 1,060l. The caprice of the man's mi$-
treSs is described as beforo, S. 3. 260, sqq.
92. ' Non quis ;] This is the second pcrson of * queo.'
95. Pausiaca iorpes, insane, tabella,] ^ Pausias wäs a natiye of Sigyon, one
of the most celebráted schools of art, where there was a large collection qf
his pictures.' Many were sold by the Sicyonian government, to pay.thgir
debis, and most ofthese found thêir way to Rome. THis pictures were chicfy
small, * tabellae,' and among the most celebrated was the portrait of his
492 - NOTES.
mistress Glycera as a flower-girl, Σreq)avrjT\ökos. He flourished about the
middle of the fourth century B. c. *Torpes ' is a like expression to that in
S. i. 4. 28, “ stupet Albius aere *°; and 6. 17, “ Qui stupet in titulis et imagi-
mibus.” -
96. Fulvi Rutubaeque Aut Pacideiani] These are all names of gladiators,
as we may gather from the context. . Pliny tell§ us it was the practice, when
shows of gládiators were exhibited, for the exhibitor to set forth a picture of
the games, to inform the public, such as we see now of conjurors, circus, and
the like ; and these are what Davus alludes to. They were done, mo doubt,
roughly, as he describes. Cicero mentions repeatedly a gladiator mamed
Eacideiamus. Horace may have taken the name for any gladiator in conse-
quence of the celebrity of this man. * Contento poplite * represents the atti-
tude of the gladiators. The Scholiasts raise a doubt upon the point, think-
ing the words may apply to the spectator stretching himself on tiptoe to get
a, mea,rer VI€W.
101. callidus audis,] See S. 6. 20, n., and 3. 23: “ Gallidus huic signo
ponebam millia centum.”
103. coenis responsat opimis] * Responsat ' seems here to have the sense of
* corresponds to,* as * responsura * in S. 8. 66. What Davus says amounts
to this: * I am good for nothing, because I am attracted by a cake just hot
from the ovem ; you, forsooth, are virtuous and moble, because you feast upon
good things.' So the same opposition appears in these lines as in the two
before. * Libum ' was a coarse sort of cake made of pounded cheese, eggs,
and flour, all mixed together and baked. There was another sort used in
sacrifice, concerning which see Epp. i. 10. 10, m.
105. Qui tu impunitior] Persius has copied this way of speaking (v. 129):
“ Sed si intus et in jecore aegro
Nascuntur domini, qui tu impunitior exis
Atque hic quem ad strigiles scutiea et metus egit herilis ? *
110. Furtiva mutat strigili:] As to the construction with * muto,* see C. i.
17. 2. The * strigil,' which the Greeks called ατλeyyis, was a scraper of
bone or metal, of a curved form and with a sharp edge, with which the skim
was scraped after bathing, or exercise in the gymnasium.
112. Non horam tecum esse potes,] To a mam who has no resources in him-
self, or is afraid of his own conscience or his own thoughts, and resorts to
amusements or other means of distraction to divert his minid, these words ap-
ply. * Tecum habita,' inhabit your own breast, make that your home, isTa
like expressiom of Persius, S. iv. 52.
118. fugitivus et erro,] * Fugitivus* was a slave who ram away outright;
* erro* was an idle fellow, who skulked out of the way, to escape work or tó
amuse himself. There was the same distinction in the army between * dcser-
tor' and * emansor.* A * fugitivus ' was branded on the forehead, and hence
be was termed * literatus,' * notatus,' * inscriptus,' * stigmosus*; * stigma*
being the word to express the mark thus givem. See above, S. 5. 15. n.
116. Unde mihi lapidem ?] See above, S. 5. 102, n. Hörace is supposed
to get angry beyond endurance at this home-thrust of his slave, and cális out
for a stone, arrows, anything, to throw at his head. The mamiis bewildered
with fear, and thinks his master has gone mad, unless, which was as good,
he was making verses. He is, or affects to be, unconscious of the licerise hé
has given himself, and the force of the truths he has been telling.
118. accedes opera agro nong] This means, * I will semd you àway to work
with the other slaves (of whom therefore he appears to have had^eight), at
my farm.' It was a common punishment, as it is now in slave countiies, for
a slave to be turneg out 9f.the * familia urbana,' into the * familia rustica,'
and set to work in the fields. See Terence (Phorm. ii. 1. 19), where Geta
looks forward to being punished in the above manner:—
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 493
“Molendum est in pistrino, vapulandum, habendae compedes,
Opus ruri faciundum.”
S A T IR E V III.
This Satire represents a dinner given by a rich vulgar man to Mæcenas and
five of his friends. There is not so much to distinguish it in the way of hu-
mor as the subject admitted of. . Few subjects present more scope for face-
tiQus satire than the airs oflQW-bQrn men, lately become rich, apihg the ways
of the fashionable world, and making wealth their one passpor£ into what 'is
called good society. This is a very slight sketch, and some of the force ovem
of this is perhaps lost through our ignorance of little points of etiquette and
culinary refinements observed by the Romans of that day. . .
The host's name is Nasidienus Rufus. Who he was, it is impossible to
say.
Instead of telling the story himself, though it is probable from the tone of
the Satire that he writes from a scene he had witnessed, Horace puts it into
the mouth of his friend Fundanius, the comic writer mentioned in S. i. 10.
42, where see note.
1. Nasidieni] See Introduction. The third and fourth syllables coalesce.
* Beati* means wealthy and favored of fortune. See C. i. 4. 14, n.
2. here] * Heri ' is a dative form, * here * am ablative ; so we have * mani?
and ' mane' in the morning, “vesperi* and *vespere' in the evening. The
termination in * i? is the older of the two, and it would seem as if the usage
of the word was in a state of transition at this time. •
3. De medio potare die.] Nasidienus dimed early, to make the most of his
feast. But * medio die ' need not be taken quite literally. The * prandium *
was usually taken at noon. _ The dinner-hour was later. (See C. i. 1. 20, n.)
IBusy men, as we saw in S. 7. 33, sat down by candle-light. * De medio die?
is like * de nocte * in Epp. i. 2. 32, * media de luce,' Epp. i. 14. 34. * De ?
means * after,' that is, * de medio die ' means * after midday '; but it must
note proximity to midday, or it would have no meaning at all.
4. fuerit melius.] See S. 6. 4, n. * I never was better off in my life.' He
says this.ironically, or with reference to the amusement he had got from the
vulgarity of Nasidienus. -
a, si grave non est,] There is a like use of * dare * in Virgil (Ecl. i. 19),
** sed tamen iste Deus qui sit da, Tityre, nobis.” Terence also uses it :
“ Nunc quam ob rem has partes didicerim paucis dabo” (Heaut. Prol. 10).
Ég; the meaning of this word, * to put,' this application of it is easily dé-
ITlV€01.
5. iratum ventrem placaverit] Compare S. 2. 18: “Latrantem stomachum.”
Eoth passages put together suggest the idea of a sop thrown to an angry dog
É Ę him quiet. Perhaps that notion, or Something of the sort, suggested
this lime.
6. Lucanus aper;] See S. 3. 234; 4. 42, n. No mention is made of a
* promulsis” (S. i. 3. 6, m.), and the things of which it was usually in a great
measure composed were sent up in the same dish with the boar, which was
generally served whole, and was the chief dish, * caput coenae.* Turnips,
lettuces, radishes, parsnips, with pickles and sauces of various descriptions
(see S. 4. 78, n.), generally formed part of the * gustus * or * promulsis *
which preceded the *fercula,' or courses of which the regular * coena ' com-
sisted. T The boar was killed, the host (called * coenae pater* with a sort of
mock respect) informed his guests, when the south wind was not at its worst,
42
494 NOTES.
meaming, perhaps, that whem this wind (* sciroeco ') was blowing hard, the
meat would soom spoil, if he had amy meaning at all. But it was probably
some notion of his own.
10. His ubi sublatis] The narrator is inclined to make a short business of
the viands, but he is brought back to them afterwards. The meat being re-
moved, (and though he only mentions one course here, we may gather from
what comes presently that there was no lack of dishes, and therefore, proba-
bly, there were the usual courses,) a slave, with his clothes well tucked up,
* succinctus* (see S. 6. 107, n.), came and wiped the table with a handsome
purple towel, and amother gathered up whatever had fallen or had been thrown
om the floor, which at the same time he strewed with saw-dust, perhaps scent-
ed (see S. ii. 4. 81). * Gausape, -is ' (other forms of which are * gausapa,'
* gausape, -es,' * gausapum ') was a woollem cloth of foreign manufacture.
The table was of maple wood (see S. 2. 4, n.).
13. ut Attica virgo] When the litter is cleared away and the table wiped,
two slaves, one from the East and named after his native river, the other a
Greek, walk in with two amphoræ, one of Cæcuban, the other of Chian wine.
They are represented as coming in in a solemn and stately manner, like the
ravrjqúópoi who carried the baskets in procession at the festival of Ceres. See
S. i. 3. 11, n.
15. Chium maris expers.] Salt-water was mixed with the sweet wines im-
ported from the Greek isles. Whether Horace refers to this practice, and
means that the wine had not been prepared, and was of inferior quality, or
whether he means that this pretended Chiam had in fact never crossed the
seas, but had been concocted at home, is doubted. Orelli and most of the
commentators adopt the first opiniom, after the Scholiasts. I am more in-
clined to the latter. Compare Persius (vi. 39):
- “ Postquam sapere urbi
Cum pipere et palmis venit nostrum hoc maris expers,”
where he means a learning bred mot in Grcece, but at home.
18. Divitias miseras!] This exclamatiom is drawn from Horace by his
friend's description. It was money that had brought the man out of his
proper obscurity, and caused him all the petty shifts and anxieties that wait
upon the position he tricd to maintain.
19. pulchre fuerit] See above, v. 4, “Nunquam In vita fuerit melius.”
As to Fundanius, see Introduction. * Laboro ' is an amusing exaggeration,
* I am in paim to know.' •
20. Summus ego] The company consisted, as was usual, of nine persons,
who reclined om three couches. These were arranged so as to form three
sides of a square, with the table in the middle, the fourth end being opem,
as shown in the accompanying diagram.
On each couch were three persons. On the * summus,' Fundanius says he
himself, Viscus, and Varius reclimed. On the * medius lectus * were Maecenas
and the two uninvited friends he brought with him, Servilius Balatro, and
Vibidius. Om the middle seat of the * imus lectus * lay Nasidienus, above
him Nomentanus, who acted as nomenclator (see Epp. i. 6. 50, n.), and be-
low him Porcius, amother of his parasites. The place of honor was the cor-
ner-seat of the * medius lectus,' and next to that, on the first seat of the
*imus,' was usually the place of the host. But it appears that Nasidienus
resigned that placeto Nomentanus, probably because he supposed him better
able to entertain his guests than himself. The host usuiälly reserved the
* imus lectus * for himself and his family. If they were not present, their
places were usually occupied by dependents of the host (parasites), who filled
up the table, and helped to flatter the host and entertain the company. This
explains Epp. i. 18. i0, “imi Derisor lecti.* Sometimes these places were
occupied by * umbrae,' brought by the invited guests. By * summus ego?
SATIRES.— BOOK II. .495
Medius Lectus. - ^*

1 2 3
1 3
� g!
cû
t3 3
2 2
5 È
- :a
3 1

Eumdanius means that he occupied the farthest seat om the * summus lectus.'
The slaves in helping the wine begam from this point, and went round till
they came to the *imus,' or third place in the * imus lectus.'
îscus Thurinus] See S. i. 9. 22, m.; 10. 83, n. He appears to have been
a native of Thurii, in Lucania, which was made a Latin colony (B. c. 195),
and received the name of Copiæ. But its old name, given at its foundation
by the Athenians (B. c. 444), continued to be used as well as the new. Vis-
cus was highly esteemed by Horace. As to Varius, see S. i. 5. 40, n. Noth-
ing whatever is known of Servilius Balatro or Vibidius. The second sylla-
ble of Servilius appears from inscriptioms to be long ; the third, therefore,
coalesces with the last. Mæcenas had takem them with him as * umbrae,'
which means persons taken by guests without special invitation from the host.
See Epp. i. 5. 28, n. :
23. super ipsum,] This means on the seat above the host (see note om v.
20). As to Nomentamus, see S. i. 1. 102. Porcius seems to have been a no-
torious parasite. - Here he seems to be occupíed chiefly about filling his own
belly, while the host and his other parasité are looking after the guests and
doing the honors of the table.
24. obsorbere placentas ;] * Placentæ * were cakes, usually sweetened with
honey. _See Epp. i. 10. Il.
25. Nomentanus ad hoc, qui] *Nomentamus was there for this purpose, that
he might — * His businéss was that of nomenclator, to direct the attentiom
of the guest8 to any dainties they might have overlooked, and to explain to
them the mystery of each dish; for, as Fundanius says, the commonest viands
were so dressed up with sauces that they could hardly be recognized, or new.
sorts of dishes were put om the table, such as the entrails of different fish, tur-
bot and plaice, for instance. - .
26. Indice monstraret digito:] * Indice digito * is the forefinger: the middle
496. - NOTES.
finger was called * famosus.' This name is given to it as the finger of scorn.
The third finger was called * medicus * or ' medicinalis,' for the same reasom
probably that got it the name * annularis,' its supposed anatomical connec-
tion with the heart. By * cetera turba* Fundanius means the uninitiated,
Mæcenas and his party.
29. Ut vel continuo patuit,] The nature and importance of the duties of
Nomentanus were shown on that occasion, when he handed Fundanius a
dainty he had never tasted before, or perhaps heard of, and yet these gentle-
men knew what good living was. •
1 passeris] * Passer* was a flat fish, and is generally supposed to be the
81C€.
p. 31. melimela] These were a sweet sort of rosy apple. The derivation of
the name sufficiently marks their flavor. That they had a higher color when
' gathered at the wane of the Imoon, is am invention of the nomenclator. His
reasoning on the subject was so abstruse, that Fundanius does not pretend to
be able to recollect it. *
34. Nos nisi damnose bibimus] See Terence (Heaut. v. 4. 9):—
** Ch. At ego si me metuis mores cave esse in te istos sentiam.
C!. Quos ? Ch. Si scire vis ego dicam : gerro, iners, fraus, helluo, Ganeo,
damnosus.” -
Vibidius means, that ifthis stupid dinner is to be the death of them, they had
better have their revenge beforehand, and drink ruinously of the host's wine :
if they do not, they will die unavenged. * Moriemur inuiii* is borrowed from
the Epic style. See Aen. ii. 670 ; iv. 659.
35. Vertere pallor Tum parochi faciem] Fundanius gives two reasons why
the host turned pale when he heard his guests call för larger cups : because
when men have drank well they give a loose rein to their tongues, and because
wime spoils the palate by destroying the delicaey of its taste. He might prob-
ably have added a third, for it seems that in the midst of his ostentation the
man was a miggard. As to * parochi,' see S. i. 5. 46. The host is so called
as the man ** qui praebet aquam ” (S. i. 4. 88).
39. Invertunt Aljfanis vinaria tota] Allifae was a town of Samnium.
Erom the text we are led to suppose that cups were made there. * Vinaria*
is properly am adjective, and agrees with *vasa * understood. It means here
the * lagena* or * amphora,' which differed in shape, but not in use. Both
were vessels either of clay, or sometimes latterly of glass, in which the wino
was kept. Their contents were usually poured into a * crater* for the pur-
pose of being mixed with water. These persons helped themselves from the
* lagena,' and all followed their example, except the master and his two par-
asites (see above, v. 20). There was no * magister bibendi,' and the guests
drank as they pleased.
42. squillas inter muraena natantes] As to * Squillas,' see S. ii. 4. 58. * Mti-
raena* was a lamprey, and accounited a great delicacy by the Romans, who
appear to have sometimes kept them tame. They were brought chiefly from
thé coast of Sicily. The prawns were swimming in sauce, the composition
of which the host goes on to describe himself, as a matter of too much conse-
quence to be left to the explanation of his nomenclator. The materials were
Venafriam olive-oil (C. ii. 6. 16. n.); * garum,' a sauce made of the emtrails
and blood of fish, and here made from the scomber, perhaps the mackerel,
caught in greatest abundance off the coast of Spain ; some Italian wine
addéd while it was making, and some Chian when it was made ; white pep-
per (see above, 4. 74, m.), and vinegar made from sQur Lesbiam wine (C. i. 17.
21). ' Ofthe other ingredients Nasidienus boasts of having invented two him-
self; one was the * eruca,' which we call the rocket, and the * inula campa-
na,* * elecampane,' a plant that grows in meadows and damp ground. It is
used medicinally as a bitter. The last ingredient was the * echinus,' a prickly
SATIRES. — BOOK II. 497
shell-fish, thrown im without being washed, for the benefit of its saline quali,
ties; for which addition to the satice he gives credit to one Curtillus, whóever
he may have beem. The superiority of the * echinus * to * muria * (see S. ii.
4. 65, n.) is here said to consist in the fact of the former coming fresh from
the sea, and furnishing a more perfect brine.
54. aulaea] See C. iii. 29. 15, n. The host's dissertation was brought to
a suddem close by the falling of the tapestry from the ceiling, bringingTdown
among the dishes an immeuse cloud of dust. The guests fancy the house is
coming dowm, but when they find the extent of the damage, they recover them-
selves (* erigimur*). Rufus (Nasidienus) was so disturbed by this untoward
accident, that he put down his head and began to shed tears. Nomentanus
comforts him with an apostrophe to Fortune, complaining of her caprices, the
solemn hypocrisy of which makes Varius laugh so immoderately, that he is
obliged fo stuff his napkin into his mouth tò check himself. Bâlatro, who
has a sneer always ready (μυκτηρίζων, see S. i. 6. 5), begins a long sympa-
thetic and flattering speech, with which Nasidienus is highly pleased and com-
forted under his misfortune. A brilliant thought suddenly strikes him, and
he calls for his shoes and goes out, om which the guests begim to titter and to
whisper to one another, not wishing to give offence, or to speak out before the
parasites and the slaves (54 — 78).
72. agaso.] This was a groom or mule-driver, or otherwise connected with
the stables. Balatro intends a sneer at the establishment, the out-door slaves
being had in to wait at table and swell the mumber of attendants.
77. Et soleas poscit.] See S. i. 8. 127. The sandals were taken off before
they sat down to dimner, for whichr therefore * soleas demere, deponere,' were
common expressions, as * soleas poscere ' was for getting up. The Greeks
had the same custom and the same way of expressing themselves.
78. Stridere secreta] In this line an attempt seems to have been made to
convey the motion of whispering by the sound of the s repeated.
83. Ridetur fictis rerum] They pretemd to be laughing at something else
whem Nasidienus comes in. As to * fictis rerum,' see C. iv. 12. 19, n. * Ba-
latrone secundo* means that Balatro played öevrepayovvotijs, who support-
ed the principal actor, but was mot so prominent. (See Epp. i. 18. 14.) _ Ba-
latro was a wit and sarcastic. He supplied jokes and the others laughed.
86. Mazonomo] This was a large round dish, properly one from which
grain (μάςa) was distributed.
87. Membra gruis] Cranes became a fashionable dish with the Romans,
but not till after this time, when storks were preferred (see S. 2. 50, m.).
88. jecur anseris albae] The liver of a white goose fattened on figs, the
legs of a hare served ip separately, as being (aecording to the host) better
flavored when dressed without the Iloins, blackbirds burnt in roasting, and
wood-pigeons with the hinder parts, which were most sought after, removed
(perhaps from the ignorance of the host, who thought novelty was the best
recommendation of his dishes), — these composed the last * ferculum,' brought
in as special delicacies to make up for the late catastrophe. But the officious-
mess of the host destroyed the relish of his dishes, such as they were, and the
guests took their revenge by tasting nothing that he put before them, and
presently taking their leave.
95. Canidia afflasset] Here is this womam again, the last time we meet
with her, See Epodes iii., v., and xvii., and S. i. 8.

42*
498 - NOTES.
E PIsTLE s.— BOOK I.
IE P I S T IL E I.
SoME time after Horace had published his three books of Odes, and had,
as it appears, laid aside that sort of writing, it seems that Mæcenas, and
probabiy his other friends, begged him to refurn to it. That is the obvious
meamimg of the remonstrance with which the Epistle opens. He expresses
an earnest wish to retire into privacy, to abandon poetry, and to devote him-
self to the study of philosophy and virtue, which he recommends as the only
true wisdom. -
1. Prima dicte mihi,] This is an affectionate way of speaking._It has no
particular reference to anything Horace had written. It is like Virgil's ad-
dress to Pollio (Ec. viii. II): “ A te principium, tibi desinet **; or Nestor's
to Agamemnon (Il. ix. 96):
*ATpeiôn köδισre, äva£ àvòpòv 'Ayáμ€μvov,
'Ev σοι μέν λήζω, σέο δ' άρζομat.
2. Spectatum satis et donatum jam rude] When gladiators received their
discharge, they were presented by the * lanista,' orTthe * editor spectaculo-
rum,' who owned or hired them, with a * rudis,' which was a blunt wooden
instrument, some say a sword, others a cudgel. The name may have be-
longed to any weapon used in the * praelusio,' or sham fight that generally
preceded the real battle with sharp swords. The gladiators thus discharged
were called * rudiarii,' and, if they were freemen, * exauctorati.' * Specta-
tum ' is a technical term. Tickets, with the letters SP upom them, were
given to gladiators who had distinguished themselves. * Ludus ' means the
}*; where the training took place, and the gladiators were kept. (See A.
. 32, n.
4. Κhi- armis Herculis ad postem] Veianius was a * rudiarius,* and
whem he was discharged, he hung up his weapons in the temple of Hercules,
just as the man is made to hang up the arms of love in the temple of Venus,
when they had ceased to profit him, in C. iii. 26. 3; or as the slave hung up
his chaia to the Lares (see S. i. 5. 65, n ), to whom also boys dedicated their
* bulla ' when they assumed the * toga virilis *; and, generally, those who
gave up any trade or calling dedicated the instruments with which they had
followed it to the gods, and to that god, in particular, under whose patrónage
they had placed themselves. Hercules would naturally be chosen by a glad-
iator, or by a soldier.
• 6. Ne populum extrema] The gladiatorial shows at this time were exhib-
ited in the Circus. The arena was separated from the seats, which went
round the building, by a wall called the * podium,' near which a gladiator
would station himself to appeal to the compassion of the people, ät whose
requestit usually was that they got their freedom and the * rüdis.* We learn
from Juvenal, that the person§ of highest condition sat by the * podium,' and
to their influence the appeal would be more immediately madé. Veianius,
Horace says, retired into the country to escape the temptation to engagé
himself again, and to place himself in the position he had so often occupiéâ,
of a suppliant for the people's fayor. When they liked a mam, they weré not
easily persuaded to ask for his discharge.
7. Est mihi purgatam] He has a voice within him, he says, the office o£
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 499
which is to whisper in his attentive ear the precept that follows, the idea of
which is taken from Ennius, who takes it from the Circus. His words in
Cicero de Senect. (c. 5) are:
“ Sicut fortis equus spatio qui saepe supremo
Vicit Olympia, nunc senio confectu' quiescit.” •
* Purgatam aurem * means an ear purged from all that could obstruct the
entramce of the truth. , i
9. ilia ducat.] * Ilia trahere ' and * ducere ' are ordinary expressions for
panting ; they meam to contract the flanks, as is done in the act of recovering
the breath. ' The reverse is * ilia tendere.* See Virg. Georg. iii. 536,
“imaque longo Ilia singultu, tendunt.* * Ilia ducere ' here means to become
broken-winded. «…
10. et versus et cetera ludicra pono,] He did not keep his word, for he wrgte
much of the fourth Book of Odes, and the Carmen Saeculare, after this;"so
that he says of himself (Epp. ii. 1. 111): •
“Ipse ego qui nullos me affirmo scribere versus
Invenior Parthis mendacior.”
“Ludicra ' means the follies of light poetry, jokes, amours, &c. See Epp. ii.
2. 55.
13. quo lare tuter,] This is equivalent to * qua in domo,* respecting which
see C. i. 29. 14, n. ; and as to *jurare in verba,' see note omTEpod. xv. 4.
The metaphor is taken from the oath of the gladiator (* auctoramentum *),
by which he bound himself to the * lanista* to whom he hired himself, which
was a very stringent oath indeed.
16. Quo me cunque rapit] Horace says he follows no school and knows no
master, but, like a traveller always changimg his abode, he follows the breeze
that carries him hither and thither, just asThis temper happens to be, or his
judgment chances to be influenced; ** tossed to and fro, and carried about
with every wind of doctrine,” as St. Paul says, using the same sort of
in$e; *
16. Nunc agilis fio] That is, he agrees with the Stoics, whose virtue was
essentially a Romam virtue (see C. S. 58, n.), and lay in actiom. With them,
the perfection of virtue was the perfection of happiness, utility, wealth, power
(see below, v. 106, n.).
18. Nunc in Aristippi] After holding for a time to the rigid school of
virtue and the Stoics, he insensibly went over to the lax doctrines of the Cy- '
renaics, whose founder was Aristippus of Cyrene, one of the least worthy
disciples of Socrates. He held that every man should control circumstances,
and not be controlled by them. Hence he did not hesitate to expose-himself
to the greatest temptations. An instance of his indifference in another way
is givem above (S. ii. 3. 100). See Epp. 17. 23.
19. Et mihi re, * I try to bend circumstances to myself, mot myself*to
circumstances.' But Aristippus departed from his own theory, when he de-
parted from the rule of his teacher, and took money from his pupils. He
was the first of the Socratics that did so, and Xenophon is supposed to refer
to him when he says that some of the disciples of Socrates got for nothing a
little of his wisdom, and sold it at a high price to others (Mem. i. 2, § 60).
Those that took money from their disciples, Socrates said, sold themselves
into slavery, and he must therefore have held this opinion of Aristippus (Ib.
§ 6). His dialogue with Socrates (in Xen. Mem. ii. 1) throws light upom his
opinions as here stated by Horace. The word * subjungere * is taken from
putting the neck of beasts of burden under the yoke.
21. ut piger annus Pupillis] Every boy who had lost his father was under
a * tutor* or guardiam in respect of his property, while the care of his person
belonged to his mother, or, in the case óf fier death, to his mearest relatiom,
provided he was not a *pupillus* himself. This lasted till the age of puber-

500 • NOTES.
ty (fourteen). The boy was a * pupillus,' not in relation to his mother, but
to his tutor. Thus * tutela* and * custodia* were different things. * Tutela*
was a technical term, * custodia ' was mot.
25. locupletibus aeque,] * Aeque * is repeated, though not wanted, just as
* inter ' is repeated in S. i. 7, and elsewhere (see note). The Greek writers
used δμοίωs in the same way. •
27. Restat ut his] Horace says he is impatient, till he shall have reached
the perfection of active virtue and wisdom. But as he has not done so, it
only remains that he shall regulate and comfort his mind with such elemen-
tary knowledge of truth as he possesses, and be content with that; for, if he
cannot reach perfection, he may make some steps towards it. * His' means
that which he has at his command.
28. Non possis oculo] The keen sight of Lynceus, one of the Argonauts,
who, as the story goes, could from Lilybæum count the number of vessels in
a fleet coming out of the harbor of Carthage, has been proverbial in all ages.
30. invicti membra Glyconis,] This persom is said to have been an athlete
of prodigious strength. • »
31. Nodosa — prohibere cheragra.] The gout in the hand is called * nodosa?
from its twisting the joints of the fingers (S. ii. 7. 15). As to the construc-
tion of * prohibere,' see C. i. 27. 4.
32. Est quadam prodire tenus] Horace is probably indulging a little irony
at the expenses of the philosophers, in the implied comparison of their per-
ceptions and powers with those of Lynceus and Glycon, and in the humble
tone he takestowards them. * Tenus,' as a general rule, takes the ablative
of the singular, and is so used in the compound words * hactenus,' * eatenus,'
&c. The form * quadamtenus* is used occasionally by Pliny ; and the femi-
* nine gender appears in all the combinations of * tenus* with pronouns.
84. Sunt verba et voces] Compare Euripides (Hippol. 478):
eiorìv δ' ἐτφδaì xaì Àóyov 6e\κτήριοι •
q)avjorerai τι τήσόe φάρμακον vöαον.
Ehilosophy, Horace says, has remedies for every disease of the mind. The
remedies he means are the precepts of the wise, to be derived from books
(37). He also calls them * piacula ' (36), which is equivalent to * medica-
menta,' because, disease being attributed to the wrath of the gods, that which
should remove their wrath (* piaculum *) was the means of removing disease.
* Ter* is used by way of keeping up the religious notion (that number being
common in all religious ceremonies, see C. i. 28. 86, n.): * pure * is used imi
the same connection. The book must be read with a pure mind, as the body
must bé'washed before sacrifice or libation cam be offered. By * libello* I
understand Horace to meam any book that instructs the mind in virtue.
41. Virtus est vitium fugere] If you cannot all at omce attain perfection,
you may at least begin to learn, and the first step towards virtue is to put
away vice. What follows is an illustration of this. * You see what trouble
you take to escape from powerty, which you count the worst of all evils; but
if you will only give heed to instruction, you shall learn well to care about
it.' This is the sense. As to * repulsa,* see C. iii. 2. 17. He who would
secure an election, must have a command of money.
44. capitisque labore.] * Caput* is here put for the whole body. We do
mot use it so, but for the seat of intelligence, which the Romans placed in the
heart, not in the braim. On * per saxa, per ignes,* see C. iv. 14. 24; S. ii.
3. 56. -
47. Ne cures ea] *In order that you may cease to care for those thimgs
which you now so foolishly admire and long for, will you mot learn and lis-
tem, and trust the experience of a better man than yourself? * As to this
position of * ne,' see C. iv. 9. l.
EPISTLE3. — LOOX I. 501
49. Quis circum pagos] These were boxers, who went about the streets
and the country villages, and fought for the amusement of the inhabitants,
and for what they could pick up. * Coronari Olympia' is a Greek way of
speaking. Horace says, What boxer who goes about the country towns ex-
'hibiting, would despise the Olympic prizes, if he had a hope, still more a
promise, that he should be crowned without a struggle ? By this he means,
men strive after happiness in the shape of riches, &c. ; but if they will learm
wisdom, that shall give them all they can desire, without trouble or paim.
The world may judge otherwise, he proceeds to say, and make wealtfi the
stamdard of worth ; but the world is not to be listened to, — it is foolish
and inconsistent. * Sine pulvere ' seems to be taken from the Greek äkovvri,
and means without a struggle.
54. Janus summus ab imo] * See S. ii. 8. 18. * Perdocet* means it persists
in teaching, it emforces. Horace breaks out into the praises of virtue, and
says, that, as gold is more precious tham silver, virtue is more precious tham
gold ; whereas, from one end of the Forum to the other, the opposite doctrine
is insisted upom, and old and young go there to'learn it, as boys go to school,
and repeat it as schoolboys repeat their tasks dictated to them by the mas-
ter. Verse 56 is repeated from S. i 6. 74. As to * dictata,' see S. i. 10.
75, m. -
58. Sed quadringentis seae septem] * Suppose you lack six or seven thousand
out of 400,000 sesterces (which make an equestriam property), whatever your
genius, character, eloquence, and uprightness may be, you are put down for
one of the commom sort, and will not.be allowed, under Otho's law, to sit in
the front rows.' (See Epod. iv. 15, n.) ' Plebs* is not used in its regular
s nse, but contemptuously, * a common fellow.” The equestrian order con-
, sisted of all citizens who had the above income and were not senators; for
when a man became a senator, he ceased to be an *eqües.'
59. At pueri ludentes, Reae eris, aiunt,] See note on C. i. 36. 8. At Athens,
it appears, the boys had a game, at which they who threw or caught the ball
best were called kings, while they who were beaten were called asses. Some
such game must have been im use among the Romam boys, and their king-
making had become a proverb. The world may despise you, he says, be-
cause you are poor, but, according to the boys' rule, which makes the best
mam king, you shall be a king if you do well. As to * murus aëneus,' see
C. iii. 3. 65, n. For the different senses in which Horace uses * nenia,' see
Epod. xvii. 29, n. _ Here it sigmifies a sort of song of triumph.
64. Et maribus Curiis et decantata Camillis ?] On this plural, see S. i. 7. 8.
The persons referred to are M. Curius Dentatus, the conqueror of Pyrrhus,
and M. Furius Camillus, the man who saved Rome from the Gauls. The
contempt of money displayed by Curius is especially related by Cicero (De
Senect. c. 16), in terms which account for Horace's selecting him for an illus-
tration here. The boys” strain was ever in the mouths of these noble sol-
diers, giving honor to none but the worthy. * Mares* is used in this sense
in A. P. 402. We use * masculine * in the same way. -
67. lacrimosa poëmata Pupi,] Pupius appears to have been a writer of
tragedies, which Horace says were pathetic, but he says it with some con-
tempt. We know nothing more of him than this. T* Lacrimosa ° is used
ironically. As to * responsare,' see S. ii. 7. 85. * Praesens ' means stands
by you and urges you om, and teaches you to meet the insults of fortune
with am independent beart and erect bearing. * Aptat* is explained by
“pectus praeceptis format amicis” (Epp. ii. 1. 128), which province be-
longs, Horace says, to the poet. -
71. Non ut porticibus sic judiciis] As to * porticus,* see S. i. 4. 184. He
has said that the world are not fit guides, and he goes on to prove this by the
inconsistencies of men, both rich and poor (71 — 93). He says, if people ask
502 ' NOTES.
him why he mixes with them in the ordinary way of society, in the prome-
mades, etc., but does not form his judgment of things as they do, he answers
them as the fox answered the liom in Æsop's fable ; and the meaning of the
answer here is, that he found that, of all those who joined the world and made
money their chief pursuit, none had survived or recovered their right judg-
ment. • «*
76. Bellua multorum es capitum.] * The avarice of the world is like the
hydra with many heads; if you check it in one form, it springs up in another;
whom, them, or what, is one to take for one's guide? * On the use of * nam *
in this verse, see S. ii. 3. 41, m. As to * conducere,' see C. ii. 18. 17, m. Om
the subject of will-hunting, see S. ii. 5, and compare with * quos in vivaria
mittant ' v. 44 of that Satire: “ Plures adnabunt thunni et vivaria crescent.”
There the * captator” appears as a catcher of fish ; here as a hunter of game.
* Vivaria* are preserves. * Excipere * is the word used for catching the wild
boar in C. iii. 12. 12. * Occulto fenore ' means interest which was greater
tham the law allowed (see S. i. 2. 14, n.), and therefore privately agreed upon.
Of all the classes of money-seekers in Rome, Horace fixes as the most prom-
inent upom three, the * publicami,' those who ingratiate themselves with old
people in the hope of becoming their heirs, and extortionate usurers. * Pub-
liea* may referto public buildings and works.
80. Verum Esto alüs alios] But allow different mem their different tastes,
yet even this is of no use ; for the same men, when they get rich, get capri-
cious, and are always changing their minds. •
83. Nullus in orbe sinus] T If the rich man has set ùis heart upon building a
house at Baiæ, he does not brook a moment's delay ; the waters of the Lacus
Lucrinus on one side, and the sea om the other, are disturbed with the eager
preparations with which he begins to satisfy his desire. The allusiom is the
same as in C. ii. 18. 19, sqq., and iii. 1. 33, sqq., 24. 3, where see notes. Baiæ
was for several generations a favorite resort of the wealthy Romans. Julius
Cæsar had a house there, and also Cn. Pompeius.
84. lacus et mare] The Lucrinus lacus was an arm of the sea. Its basim
was filled up by the rising of the volcanic hill called Monte Nuovo, in the
middle of the sixteenth century.
85. vitiosa libido] This means a corrupt, capricious will, which is said
* facere auspicium,' to stand in the place of birds and other omens usually
consulted before new enterprises were undertaken.
86. Cras ferramenta Teanum] Teanum (now Teano) was a town belong-
ing to the Sidicini, an ancient people of Campania. It was situated on the
Via Latina, and about thirty miles from Baiæ. The whim for the coast hav-
ing vanished, and a desire to live inland, in a country town, having seized
upon the mam of money, he sends off the workmem with their tools to Tea-
num, at a day's notice.
87 Lectus genalis in aula est,] * Aula* means the * atrium,' the entrance-
room ; and * lectus genialis,' also called * adversus,' because it was opposite
the door, was the marriage-bed which was dedicated to the genii of théTbride
and bridegroom. The bed was a symbol of domestic love and peace, and
was placed at the entrance of the house for a good omen. Respecting the
genii, see below, Epp. i. 7. 94; ii. 2. 187.
90. Protea] See S. ii. 8. 71.
91. coenacula,] All the rooms above the ground floor were called * coena-
cula.* While the rich lived in their own houses, poorer persons (and it must
be remembered that * paupertas ' is comparative poverty, not want) took
single rooms in the upper story of houses which went by the name of * in-
sulae,' the inhabitants of which were called * coenacularii,' and they who kept
them were said * coenaculariam exercere.' Horace speaks of persons cham-
ging from caprice and aping the ways of the rich.
IEPISTLES. — BOOK I. 503
92. conducto navigio] * Navigium ' expresses the vulgar craft which the
poor mam hires imº imitation of the private yacht, as smartly built and well
found as a trireme belonging to the rich mam. He hires his boat, which he
cannot afford to do, and goes through the horrors of sea-sickness, that he may
have the honor of serving as a foil to the elegance of his wealthy neighbor.
94. Si curatus inaequali tonsore] He goes om to tax Mæcenas, good-hu-
moredly, with the prevailing inconsistency (94 — 105). * Capillos curare ' was
a common expression. l)omitiam wrote a book * de cura capillorum,' accord-
ing to Suetonius (c. 18), which , he addressed to a fìicmd who was bald, like
himself. * Subucula* was a second tunic worn under the * intusium,' which
was the upper tunic. * Pexae ' signifies a cloth of which the nap was not
closely shorn, and was still fresh. The upper tunic, therefore, would be mew,
while the under one was old and shabby. The * subucula* had sleeves,
which the * intusium * had not. Amy difference in the cloth, therefore, would
be very perceptible. Out of doors the toga would conceal both, but in doors
the toga was not worm. * Intusium * is from * induo.* * Subucula* is con-
mected with * duo' (that is, * do*) likewise. * IDisconvenit' is a word only
found in Horace. It occurs again, Epp. 14. 18.
100. mutat quadrata rotundis ?] Orélli says this looks like a proverbial
expression for one who did not know his own mind. It may be so, or it may
have reference to alterations Horace was making om his estate, in which ease
the whole would be only a joke against himself, or truth im jest, which Mæ-
cenas would understand. He appears to have begum building as soom as he
entered on his new property, if there is amy meaming in the scolding he gets
from Damasippus (S. ii. 8. 807)
102. nec curatoris egere] See S. ii. 3. 217, n. * Tutela' was the guardian-
ship of a * tutor,' the profector of an orphan's property till he came to the age
of puberty. * Curatela ' was the office of * curator,” who had the same rela-
tiom to the orpham, im a modified form, till he was twenty-five (see above, v.
22, n.). It was also that of the protector of insane persons. * Tutela,' there-
fore, is not the precise word to keep up the prcvious notion. Horace means
that Mæcenas looks after him anxiously, as if he was his * tutor,' and he
looks up to him as if he was his * pupillus,' but that his guardian had better
look to his greater faults, and correct those, than be put out by trifling de-
fects, such as negligence of dress, and so forth. What Horace says, is a rep-
etition in a different form of “ O et praesidium et dulce decus meum ” (C.
i. l. 2). .
105. respicientis] This word is much stronger tham our term * respect,'
which is derived from it.
106. Ad summum :] This is an ordinary formula, * to come to the point,'
* to conclude.' The pursuit of virtue and wisdom is the point from which he
started, and, having digressed a little, he returns suddemly, and concludes
with a definition of the sage, which is a repetition of S. i. 3. 124, sqq. Here
it is added that he is the only freemam, and inferior to Jove alone.
108. Praecipue sanus,] Horace says jocularly, that the Stoic above all his
other attributes is of course * samus,? except when his digestion is disturbed
and the phlegm troublesome ; * sanus * beâring a double application to the
body (from the pains of which no exemption was claimed for the Stoic sage,
though he did mot allow them to affect his will) and to the mind, the sanity
of which no one could lay claim to but the sage himself (see S. ii. 8. 44, m.).
As to * pituita,' see S. ii. 2. 73, m.
504 NOTES.
EIP I S T I, E II.
THE person to whom this Epistle and the eighteenth are writtem, was prob-
ably theºsom of M. Lollius, the consul, addressed in the minth Ode of the fourth
Eook. He was young, but had been with Augustus to the wars, as we learn
from the other Epistle (v. 55). When this Epistle was written, he was at
JRome, continuing his education, and Horace was at Præneste. He had
lately been reading Homer, and from the examples of the Iliad and Odyssey
he takes occasion to derive some advice for Lollius, whom he urges to the
study of philosophy.
1. maxime Lolli,] This is probably no more tham a familiar and good.
humored way of addressing the young man, * most noble Lollius.'
2. Dum tu declamas Romae] Horace writes to Lollius as to one familiar
with Homer's poems. He sáys of himself, referring to his early education at
IRome (Epp. ii. 2. 41): -
“ Romae nutriri mihi contigit atque doceri
Iratus Graiis quantum nocuisset Achilles.”
After the Romans had begum to expand the course of their sons' education,
(as mentioned in the note on S. i. 6. 77,) Homer was one of the first authors
a boy studied. Boys attended the schools of the rhetorical masters before
they put om the * toga virilis,' and there they learnt to declaim upon subjects
givem them from history. This practice was not introduced till the later
years of the republic. Young men continued studying declamation long
after they left school. They had teachers at home, who taught them the
higher principles of oratory.
IPraeneste relegi;] Præneste (Palestrina) was in Latium, about twenty-
three miles due east of Rome, on the edge of the Apennines. It was a cool
retreat, to which Horace appears sometimes to have gone in summer, even
whem he had a place of his own elsewhere. See C. iii. 4. 21, sqq.
4. Chrysippo et Crantore] As to Chrysippus the Stoic, see S. i. 3. 126, n.
JBoth he and Crantor were born at the Ciliciam town Soli. Crantor studied
philosophy in the Academia, under Xenocrates and with Polemo. (See S. ii.
3. 254, n.) They were both voluminous writers. But Horace says there is
more instructiom in the poems of Homer than in all they ever wrote, and that
it is more clearly conveyed. Horace takes a wrong view of Homer's poems,
which are not philosophical, nor meant to be so, but noble specimens of art
and poetical conception.
7. Barbariae] That is, Phrygia. (See Epod. ix. 6.) * Aestus* is a met-
aphor from the ebbing and flowing of the tide, and represents the passions
amd variableness of the princes and people.
9. Antenor censet] At a meeting of the Trojan chiefs after the combat of
Hector and Ajax, Antenor proposes to restore Helen to the Greeks, which
Paris flatly refuses, dvtukpù ò' ätröqìmpu yvvaìka plèv oùk átroόόσω (Il. vii.
362, sqq.).
12. %. Peliden — inter Atriden ;] See S. i. 7. 11, m. Epp. 1. 25, n.
13. Hunc amor,] From its positiom this seems to belong to * Atridem.'
The allusion. is to Nestor's attempt to mediate between Agamemnom and
Achilles, when the former angrily consents to restore Chryseis, whom he
loved above Clytemnestra his wife (Il. i. 113, sqq.).
19. domitor Trojae] The epithet Tro\i7rop6os is frequently applied to
lUlysses by Homer. The three first verses of the Odyssey are almost trans-
lated in these limes. a.
22. immersabilis] Compare C. iv. 4. 65: “ Merses profundo pulchrior
evenit.” -
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 505
23. Sirenum voces] How by the directions of Circe Ulysses eluded the
charming voice 0f tfie Sirens, is related in the twelfth book of the Odyssey,
165, sqq. ; and the way in which Circe poisoned his companions and changéd
them into swine, will be foumd in the tenth book, 230, sqq. The Sirens were
as proverbial with the ancients as with us. -
27. Nos numerus sumus] This expression is mot umcommon in the Greek
dramatists. It means a mere undistinguished heap, and * fruges consumere
mati* is an adaptation of Homer's oí äpoêpms kapTòv èòovori (Il. vi. 142).
* Nos ' means the common sort of men, among whom Horace places himself,
and all but the sage, who is like Ulysses, while the rest are no better than his
wife's suitors, gluttons, wine-drinkers, and lazy ; or the subjects of Alcinous,
king of Phæacia or Scheria (an island of which, if it had any existence, the
position is unknown), the host of Ulysses, to whom he relates his adventures
(Odyss. lib. ix. sqq.). The king describes his people thus: -
aìeì ò' iipwiv δais te qùàm, kt6apis te, xopoi re,
eiparâ r' é£mplotgà, \oetpâ re 6eppuà, kaì eìvat.
(Odyss. viii. 248.)
The Phæacians were proverbial in respect to good living. ' See Epp. i. 15.
24. Om * cute curanda,' see S. ii. 5. 88, n. -
31. cessatum ducere curam.] *IDuco,' as a verb of motion, takes the accusa-
tive of the verbal substantive to denote the object, just as * venio * and * mitto '
do. ** The accusative of the verbal in * tu * is oftem called the supine active,
and the ablative of the same the supine passive ; but there is nothing passivé
in the latter, and therefore the distinction is inappropriate.” “ Factu * is * im
the deing,' as * factum ' is * to the doing* ; so neither is passive.
32. Ut jugulent homines] From the above examples Tof virtue, especially
lUlysses, Horace urges his friend to the pursuit ofit, and asks whether, if the
robber cam rise before daylight to take away other men's lives, he will not
wake up to save his own (32—43). -
34. Si moles sanus curres hydropicus;] It appears that active exercise was
recommended by the ancient physicians for dropsical patients. Horace
means, that, if he will not learn wisdom while he is unharmed by the world,
he will have to do so when it has spoilt him. - -
39. in annum ?] So he says below (Epp. 11. 23), “ neu dulcia differ in
annum.” It is the habit of procrastinators to put off the work ofto-day till
to-morrow, of this week till next week, of this year till next year, and this is
Horace's meaning. *In annum ' is till next year. * Dimidium facti qui
coepit habet ' is an adaptation of the Greek saying âpxí ôé τοι ήμισυ πav-
tös, attributed variously to Hesiod and Pythagoras.
. 44. Quaeritur argentum] This is advanced as a reason why men put off
the day of reformatiou, that they are anxious to make themselves comfortable
and rich (44 — 54). -
47. Non domus et fundus,] See S. ii. 5. 108, n. * Deduxit,' in the next
line, is used like the aorist. -
52. fomenta podagram,] As to * fomenta* in a derived sense, see Epod. xi.
17, n. Horace means to say, that fomentations go a Small way towards cur-
ing the gout. Perhaps he means that they aggravate the pain.
55. Sperne voluptates,] This is part of the same subject. The pursuit of
sensual pleasure is connected with the pursuit of money, which is wanted for
it. Thé pursuit of money leads on to envy, and envy to wrath, so that all
these pithy sayings hang together. •
58. Tnvidia Siculi] Horáce probably alludes to the bull of Phalaris, ty-
rant of Agrigentum in Sicily. It was made of bronze. Persons were put
inside, and the metal was gradually heated till they were roasted to death.
Eut the tyrants of Sicily were proverbial.
43 -
506 • NOTES.
60. et mens,] * Mens ' signifies passion, puévos. -
61. poenas — festinat] * hurries after its revenge.' So Horace uses * pro-
erare,' in C. iii. 24. 62, ** pecuniam Heredi properet *'; and in the next
pistle (v. 28), “ Hoc studium parvi properemus et ampli.” It is like the
Greek στeὐδeuv, which takes an accusative. -
68. hunc tu compesce] In general precepts, emphasis is sometimes given
ty the insertion of the promoun * tu.* See C. i. 9. 16. N.
64. Fingit equum] Here he goes back to v. 40, “ sapere aude ; Incipe.”
lEor to be wise, he must learn, and put himself in the hands of those who
cam teach him. - s.
65. venaticus, eæ quo] * Catulus * is awkwardly placed at the end of the
sentemce. The practice of training dogs by means of stuffed animals was
perhaps common. * Latro* governs an accusative here and in Epod. v. 58.
Om * militat,' see S. ii. 2. 10, n. ^ ,
69. Quo semel est imbuta recens] * The testa keeps long the odor it imbibed
when mew.? So, he means, the good or evil imbibed in youth clings to the
mind for many years.
70. Quodsi cessas aut strenuus anteis,] Horace says he cannot wait for the
dilatory, or trouble himself to keep up with those who are in a great hurry
to get om. He means he shall go his own way in the pursuit of wisdom.
At the same time, he hints that young persons are apt to get on a little too
fast, and to mistake their own powers and attaimments. The conclusion is
abrupt, as Horace's conclusions oftem are.
IE P I S T IL E III.
IN B. c. 20 an embassy came from Armenia to Rome, expressimg the dis-
satisfaction of the people with their king, Artaxias, and praying that Augus-
tus would place upom the throne that king's younger brother, Tigranes, who
was then living in exile at Rome. Augustus assented, and sent Tiberius
with Tigranes to dethrone Artaxias. This Tiberius did, and with his own
hand crowned Tigranes. (See Epp. 12. 27, n.)
About his person Tiberius appears to have had a number of young men,
such as Titius, Celsus, and Munatius, mentioned in this Epistle, and Julius
IFlorus, to whom it is addressed. What little can be said about the first
three will be found in the notes. Florus, it appears from this Epistle (v 23),
was praetising to become an orator or a jurisconsultus, and wrote verses of
.the softer sort ; in the second Epistle of the second Book (v. 59) we have the
same information. -
Quintiliam (Inst. Orat. x. 3) tells an anecdote of one Julius Florus, whom
he calls the first man in Gaul for eloquence. This may be the person Horaee
addresses, and if so, he carried out successfully im Gallia the pursuit of which
Horace here supposes him to be beginning the practice. Horace had a great
regard for him, as appears not only from this, but from the other Epistle, in
which he makes his excuses to him for not haying sent him any poetry.
IFlorus was evidently a young man at this time, and all the persons named
were young. One of them (Celsus) was secretary to Tiberius. Whether
the others had any definite occupation, or were merely travelling to enlarge
their experience, and see the world, is mot stated. Horace assumes that they
are not wasting their time, but pursuing their studies and praetising their
pens. He inquires after his young friends in a way that shows his interest
in them, offers them such advice and encouragement as he thinks they need,
and especially begs Florus to be reconciled to Munatius, with whom he had
for some reason quarrellcd. This was probably Horace's chief design in
writing this Epistle. -
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. • 507
8. Thracane vos Hebrusque] The first of these is the Latin form of the
Greek epijkn. It has been observed before, that Horace generally uses the
Latin terminations in the Satires and Epistles, and the Greek in the Odes.
The Hebrus he elsewhere calls ** hiemis sodalem ” (C. i. 25. 19). Tiberius
passed through Macedonia and Thrace om bis way to Armenia. (See Intro-
ductiom.) -
4. vicinas inter currentia turres,] * Turris ' may meam a castle or fortified
place, and one of these that Horace mentions is probably Abydos, on the
Asiatic shore of the Hellespont. The other may have been Sestos, on the
European side. The strait takes, a bend to the northeast between the two
towns, and Abydos stood directly south of Sestos, at the distance of thirty
stadia. The current runs very strong between them, and this is expressed
' in the text ; notwithstanding which, there is a popular story that Leander, a
youth of Abydos, swam across repeatedly by night, to visit Hero, the priest-
ess of Venus, at Sestos. Ovid has two Epistles, supposed to have passed
between the lovers (Heroid. 18, 19); and Virgil (Georg. iii. 258, sqq.) refers
to the story. The same adventure was accomplished by Lord Byron and a
companion, in the year 1810, in the month of May. -
6. Quid studiosa cohors operum] As to * cohors,' see S. i. 7. 23, m. * Ope-
rum ' belongs to * quid,' and signifies * writings,' either prose or po-
et rV. -»
3. scribere sumit ?] Compare C. i. 12. 2, “ sumis celebrare.” “ Sumere *
is sometimes used in a bad sense, as we use * assume,' * presume '; but it is
not so here. It is the word Horace generally uses in this connection. See
A. P. 38. With * diffundit in aevum * compare C. iv. 14, init.
9. Quid Titius Romana] Of Titius the Scholiasts say, that he was a tragic
and lyric poet. According to Horace, he was not afraid to imitate Pindar.
This young man was more rash than Horace himself (C. iv. 2. 1). There is
mo one upòm record with whom the persom in the text can be identified,
though some suppose he may be the person Tibullus mentions (i. 4. 73),
“ Haec mihi quae canerem Titio Deus edidit ore.”
venturus in ora ?] This expression may have taken its rise from Ennius's
** volito vivu' per ora virum,” which Virgil has imitated once or twice.
10. expalluit] This is used as in C. iii. 27. 27, “ mediasque fraudes Pal-
luit audax.”
l 1. lacus et rivos ausus apertos.] These are opposed to the deep and hid-
den springs of Pindar's genius. - :
14. An tragica desaevit et ampullatur] The first of these words refers to the
passions represented in tragedy, the other to the pompous words employed
by inferior writers to express them. * Ampulla ' signifies a sort of bottle
with a big round belly, arid corresponds to the Greek \fjkv6os, which was
used to signify great, swelling words. Horace appears to have been the first
to substitute the Latin words * ampullari ' and * ampulla * (the first of which
he probably coined) for ληκυθίςeuv and λήκυθοs. See A. P. 97.
15. Quid mihi Celsus agit ?] * Quid agis ' is the common formula for
* How d' ye do ? * See S. i. 9. 4; Epp. i. 8. 3. Celsus is most probably
Celsus Albinovanus, to whom the eighth Epistle is addressed. We know
nothing of him, except that he was one of the staff of Tiberius, and his secre-
tary (*comiti scribaeque Neronis,” 8. 2). The advice Horace here sends
himi is, to write something original, and not confine himself to the ideas of
other authors, either in the way of translation or imitation. It has been men-
tioned before (C. i. 31, Introduction) that Augustus attached a Ę to the
temple he buiit for Apollo on the Mons Palatinus. _Æsop's fable 9fthe jack-
daw, who dressed himselfim the peacock's cast-off feathers, is told by Phæ-
drus (i. 8). Aiorάτιοs κολοιόs was a proverb.
21. Quae circumvolitas] This similitude of a bee gathering honey from
508 sores.
thyme, Horace applies to himself (C. iv. 2. 27, sqq.). As to * orator' and
, * respondere,' see`S. i. 1. 9, n., and on * hederae praemia,' see C. i. 1. 29.
23. seu civica jura Respondere] This is a singülar expressiom for the usual
*jus respondere;* or * dé jure réspondere,' which was said of the jurisconsul-
tus. (See S. i. 1. 9.)
26. Frigida curarüm fomenta] * Fomenta' here seems to meam honor,
riches, &c., by which care is sóught to be alleviated, but which, after all, are
but cold remédies, and ineffectual; * fomenta vulnus nil malum levantia,”
as Horace says (Epod. 11. 17, where see note).
28. parvi properemus et ampli] As to * properemus,' see Epp. 2. 61, n.,
and with the sentiment compare Epp. l. 25, “ Aeque pauperibus prodest,
locupletibus aeque.” •
30. si tibi curae] Horace says, “You must write me back word whether
you make as much of Munatius as he deserves, or whether your mutual re-
gard, like a wound ill-Sewn, refuses to unite, and is torn opem again.'' Mu-
natius has been mentioned before (C. i. 7, Introduction) as the son of Muna-
tius Plancus, the consul of B. c. 42. We know nothing more about him,
except that he was consul in A. D. 13, and that he was afterwards sent as one
of the commissioners from the senate to the mutinous German legions (Tac.
Anm. i. 39). It appears he and Florus had quarrelled; we are not told what
it was about; but Horace attributes it to youthful heat and ignoramce of the
world. He likens them to unbroke horses, and tells them that they ought to
make it up, and that when they come home they will find the fatted calf
ready for sacrifice. Compare C. i. 36, writtem on the return of Numida. It
is impossible to put the different parts of the sentence together so as to make
the construction regular and natural, but the sense is clear enough. Horace
frequently uses * dignus* with the infinitive. See C. iii. 21. 6, m. * Indignus'
he uses in the same way here, amd in A. P. 231, but in the usual prose con-
struction with * qui* and the subjunctive in S. ii. 8. 286. By * fraternum
foedus* Horace önly means that they were or had been, and ought to be,
“ paene gemelli Fraternis animis,” as he says below, Epp. 10, 3.
IE P I S T L E I V.
THIS Epistle is addressed to Albius Tibullus, the poet, to whom also C.
i. 33 is written. The letter only profèsses to be one to inquire after Tibul-
lus; but occasiom is taken to commend his fortunes and himself, and to bid
him live every day as if it were the last. Horace, writes to his friend (proba-
bly from Rome) at his place near Pedum, a town of Latium, not far from .
Eræmeste. There Tibullus had a good estate, inherited from his father,
which, before his death, he appears by some means to have diminished.
That his losses must have occurred after this Epistle was written, we may
perhaps infer from v. 7. He lived chiefly on his estate, in the quiet pursuits
Horace here supposes him to be engaged in ; though immediately after the
battle of Actium he accompanied Messalla into Gaul, and was absent about
a year, which, as far as we know, comprised all his active life. Horace,
amiong other blessimgs, assigns him good health; nevertheless he died young.
It appears that, while many disparaged Horace's writings, Tibullus judged
them kindly, and the affection the two poets bore one another cannot be mis-
taken. Tibullus was probably tem or twelve years younger than Horace.
Tibullus died the same year with Virgil (B. C. 20), or very soom after.
1. sermonum candide judex] See Introduction. The Satires must have
been published some time, and some of the Epistles may have been written
EPISTLES. — DOOK I. 509
and made knowm to Horace's intimate friends. Tho word * sermones * there-
fore applies probably (whether Horace published them with that title or not)
to thé Epistles as well as the Satires, and whatever Tibullus had seem hé
approved. -
2. ge Pedana ?] See Introduction.
3. Cassi Parmensis opuscula] Parma (Parma) was a town belonging to
the Boii, at the edge of the Macri Campi, in Cisalpine Gaul, om a river of the
same name, which runs into the Po about twelve miles north of the town.
The Via Æmilia passed through Parma. Cassius of Parma was one of the
murderers of Julius Cæsar, and a * tribunus militum * in the army of Brutus
and Cassius. He was therefore, in all probability, well known to Horace.
After following the fortunes of Sextus Pompeius, he joined M. Antonius, on
whose side he fought at the battle of Actium. After that battle he retired to
Athens, and there he was put to death by order of Augustus. What the
* opuscula * Horace refers to were, we do not know, but it is clear that he
thought well of them.
4. silvas inter reptare salubres] * Repto ' (frequentative of * repo *), which
contains the same root as ἐρτο, signifies to saunter, orgo ahout quietly ; and
JLucretius applies it to flocks of sheep grazing on downs (ii. 317). The woods
are called * salubres,' because their shade protects from the heat of the sum,
as Cicero says (Cat. M. c. 16): “ Ubi enim potest illa aetas (senectus) aut
calescere vel aprieatione melius vel igni, aut vicissim umbris aquisve refrige-
rari salubrius ? *? -
6. Non tu corpus eras sine pectore.] * Sine pectore ' is used twice by Ovid
(Met. xiii. 290), ** rudis et §ine peétore miles.” Heroid. xvi. 805:
** Hunccine tu speres hominem sine pectore dotes
IPosse satis formae, Tyndari, nosse tuae ? ** • ,
It means * intellect,' of which the ancients held the heart to be the seat.
There is a difficulty in * eras.* Terence uses * Tune eras ? ' for * Is it you ? *
The idiom is unlike anything of our own. The imperfect is used irregularly
in C. i. 27. 19, and 31. 4. *-*
6. fòrmam,] In an old biography of Tibullus he is called “ Eques Roma-
nus insignis forma cultuque corporis observabilis.”
7. dederunt] The poets mot uncommonly shortem the penult of the third
plural of this tense.
la 10. Gratia,] Tibullus was generally popular, and * gratia* means popu-
rity. -
11. mundus] This is explained by S. ii. 2. 65: “Mundus erit qui non
offendat sordibus.”
15. Me pinguem et nitidum] This corresponds to Suetonius's description
of Horace's person, ** Habitu corporis brevis fuit atque obesus.” Qm * bene
curata cute,'Tsee S. ii. 5. 38. Horace indulges his friend with a joke at his
own expense. He was getting sleek and in good keeping.
EPI st LE v.
As to Torquatus, the persom whom Horace in this Epistle invites to dine
with him, seé C. iv. 7, Introduction. The occasiom was the evening before
the birthday of Augustus, which was the 23d of September. The Epistie
eontains a good-tempered invitation to dinner, nothing more. .
1. Si potes Archiacis] These are said to be couehes, named afer their
maker, £ï. ę.
2. olus omne] The fare Horace offers would not be very inviting to a mod-
510 NOTES.
erm diner-out; but he seems to have lived chiefiy on the produce of the gar.
dem himself, amd * olus omne * may have beem a sort of salad, or other dish,
compounded of different vegetablés. The dimner is fixed at a rather late
hour for the time of year, to give Torquatus time to fimish his business. (See
S. ii. 7. 83, m.) * Patella* is the diminutive of * patina,' as * catillum ' of
* catimum * (S. i. 3. 90). .
4. Vina bibes iterum Tauro diffusa] T. Statilius Taurus was consul for the
second time B. G. 26. The age of the wine was usually noted by the consul-
ship in which it was bottled. See C. iii. 8. 12, n., and as to * diffusa,' see
C. iv. 5. 34, m., and S. ii. 2. 58. As to Minturnae and Sinuessa, see S. i. 5.
40, m. Petrinus was a hill overhanging Sinuessa, or a tract of land in its
neighborhood. The overflowings of the Garigliano (Liris), on which Mintur-
næ stood, still render the surrounding country damp, and it is very thinly
inhabited. The Falernus ager and Mons Massicus, with their celebrated
vineyards, were in the neighborhood of Sinuessa. It does not appear that
Horace's wine was of the best, but two vineyards close to each other may
produce wines of very different quality. t.
6. arcesse vel imperium fer.] * Fetch it, or else put yourself under my * im-
perium,'* as if he as master had the * imperium * at his own table. * Arces-
so* is compounded of * ar* (which is equivalent to * ad *) and * cesso,' which
involves the same root (* ci-') as * cieo.' • ,
7. Jamdudum splendet fòcus] See Epod. ii. 43, n. As it was summer, he
does not meam that the fire was burning, but that the * focus,' by which he
means that which stood in the Atrium, near the images of the Lares, and
which was probably of bronze, had been burnished and made gay for the oc-
casion. * Supellex* legally included all household furniture but such as was
of gold or silver, gilded or plated; that is, it included tables of all sorts,
chairs, benches, couches (even when they were ornamented with silver), with
their drapery, footstools, napkins, candelabra, lamps, and all sorts of vessels
of earthenware, glass, bronze, whether for eating or drinking. Wearing-ap-
parel was not included, nor perhaps ivory ornaments.
9. Et Moschi causam :] If we cam trust the Scholiasts, Moschus was a
famous rhetoriciam of Pergamum, who was charged with the crime of poison-
ing, and his cause was undertaken by Torquatus, and also by Asinius Pollio
(“insigne maestis praesidium reis,” C. ii. 1. 18).
cras nato Caesare] See Introduction. It happened that the 23d of Septem-
ber, Augustus's birthday, was one of those days in which the early part was
* nefastus *; that is, the prætor could mot hold his court till a later hour tham
usual. Hence it is marked in the Calendar N. P. (* Nefastus Prior*). So
that it was doubly a holiday for Torquatus, and he could lie in bed without
damaging his cause, and therefore might sit up late with his friend.
11.TAestivam] This word does not accurately apply, for the summer
ended and the autumn begam om the Ides of September. But in that month
the nights are particularly oppressive in hot climates.
12. `Quo mihî fòrtunam] This is an elliptical way of speaking, which must
be filled up according to the context. * Quo mihi fortunam dedit Deus ?
may do here. * Quo ' is * to what,' that is, * to what purpose,' as in C. ii.
3. 9, sqq., where there is an ellipse. Ovid has “ Quo mihi fortunam quae
nunquam fallere curet ? * (Am. ii. 19. 7).
14. Assidet insano :] As * dissidet ' is used to signify difference, Horace
uses * assidet * to signify resemblance. It is not so used elsewhere. The
guests not uncommonly wore wreaths of flowers on their heads, and carried
fhem in their hands ; and we cam understand their scattering them about the
table and floor, especially when they were merry. But it appears that the
slaves scattered flowers about, for the sake of their perfume. Horace says:
** Pareentes ego dexteras Qdi: sparge rosas ” (C. iii. 19. 21). Fresh flowers
were probably scattered at intervals during the dinner. •
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 511.
15. patiarque vel inconsultus haberi.] See C. ii. 7. 28; iii. 19. 18.
16. Quid non ebrietas designat ?] * Designat? is to do anything out of the
way, as in Terence (Adelph. i. 2. 6):
- ** quae facta sunt
Omitto : modo quid designavit. Mi. Quidnam id est ?
De. Fores effregit atque in aedes irruit.”
Horace says, * What strange things will not ebriety do ? * As to * operta re-
cludit,* compare C. i. 18. 16; iii. 21. 16; Epod. 11. 14; and thé places
quoted in the note on S. i 4. 87. &
18. addocet artes.] That is, more particularly, the art of speech mentioned
in the next line. * Addocet* is an uncommon word, and is like the Greek
ττροσδιδάσκev. * Fecundi calices? are full cups. * Contracta paupertas ?
corresponds to * angustam pauperiem ” (C. iii. 2. 1). .
21. Haec ego procurare] The * procurator* was one of the chief slaves;•
and general Steward. But the * promus* was also called * procurator peni*
(see S. ii. 2. 16), and Horace says he has undertaken or ordered himsélf to
arrange everything for the dinmer. * Haec ' refers to what follows. He says
he is * idoneus,' competent to the duty, and * non invitus,' he likes it. * Im-
peror* is nowhere else used as it is here. The proper construction is * impe-
ratur mihi.' So Horace alone uses * invideor” (A. P. 56). As to * toral*
and * mappa,' see S. ii. 4. 81. 84. * Corruget nares ' means to make the
guests turn up their noses in disgust.
25. eliminet,] This is an old word for * to turm out of doors.' Horace
applies it to telling tales out of doors. Of the guests nothing at all is known.
* Potior puella* means one who has more attractions tham Horace's dinmer.
28. locus est et pluribus utpbris :] Horace says there is room for several
* umbrae * (S. ii. 8. 22, n.), that is, four; for a full * triclinium * held nine
persons. But, considering the heat of the weather, he thinks it as well not
to have the full number. * Capra,' * caper,' * hircus,' are all used to signify
the smell from the arm-pits when they perspire. -
30. Tu quotus esse velis] He had only to say how many persons he wished
to have, amd. leave the rest to the host. Horace advises his friend not to
come out at the front door, * ostium,' or *janua atriensis,' for fear he should
find a client waiting to catch him, but at the back door, * posticum ostium,'
which the Greeks called yevöö6vpov, a false door.
IE P I S T L E VI.
WHo Numicius was, nobody can tell, and it is of no importamce. Any
other mame would have done as well. Nothing turns upom the character or
circumstances of the person nominally addressed.
As to the design of the Epistle, itis to support virtue, under the aspect of
a calm self-content as the chief good. The ordinary standards of happiness
are treated with contempt, and there is a strong vein ofironyrunning through
the greater part of the Epistle.
1. Nil admirari] It is self-control, or the power of keeping the mind in am
equable frame, that Horace says is the only means of making a mam happy
and keeping him so. * Nil admirari* can ömly be said to be necessary to this
rule whén ádmiratiom amounts to a stupid wonder, excessive fear, excitement,
or other effects by which the judgmenfis misled and the passions roused im-
juriously. As to * prope,' see S. ii. 8. 32, n. * ,
4. suiit qui fòrmidine nulla] * Formido'is here equivalent to öeuoruδaquovia,
512 NOTES.
a superstitious dread of the influences of the heavenly bodies, which acts upon
vulgar mimds. As to * sunt qui spectent,' see C. i. 1. 8, n.
6. Arabus ditantis et Indos,] Comp. C. iii. 24. 1. The treasures of the
sea, brought from the East, wêre chiefly pearls and coral. •
7. Ludicra quid, plausus] This refers to the exhibition of gladiatorial and
other shows, by which the favor of the people, and such rewards as they could
bestow, were sought. As to the singular * Quiritis,' see C. ii. 7. 8.
9. fêre] Thisis used much as * prope* is above. Horace says that fear
and desire are much on a par, both indicating the want of that equanimity
which he commends at starting. * Miratur * expresses the astonishment of
fear, as well as of admiration, and so does * stupet* frequently, and * exterret?
applies, like ékτλῆσαeuv, to either state of mind. * Torpet* does the same.
(See S. ii. 7. 95) •
* 15. Insani sapiens] Whether ironically, or carried away by an unusual fit
of enthusiasm, Horace maintains that a mam may seek virtue itself “ ultra
quam satis est.** What he means, or should meam, is, that excitement is to
be avoided in the pursuit of the chief good as well as of subordinate goods.
Put, by saying that virtue itself may be admired inordinately, he is able to
introduce with more contemptuous förce the vulgar objects of admiratiom that
follow, respecting which seé C. iv. 8. 2; S. i. 4. 28; ii. 3. 118; and other
places im the Satires. .
17. I nunc,] The general meaming is, * Now them, if you choose, go amd
rum after fine things and wealth, after what I have said about excitement and
excess.' - r^,
21. dotalibus emetat agris] This is equivalent to * metat ex agris dotalibus,'
as in S. ii. 2. 105 he says *emetiris acervo.' * Emefo ' is mot used elsewhere.
Who is meant by Mutüs, if anybody, is mot kmowm ; probably no one in par-
ticular is alluded to. The mame, though it occurs in inscriptions, and there-
fore is a Romam name, is perhaps adopted here by way of opposition to the
eloquent mam, who by his owm exertions was running an unequal race with
the other man's luck.
24. Quidquid sub terra est] This is like Sophocles (Aj. 646):
äTav6' δ μακρὸs kävapi6μητοs xp6vos
Φόev τ' άδηλa kaì φavévra kpötterat.
* In apricum * means * to the rays of the sum,* * to the light of day.* Horace
means by this reflectiom, that the mam need mot be im such a hurry to make
himself a name, since time would swallow it up, while it brought forward the
obscure.
26. Porticus Agrippae] In B. c. 25, Agrippa built the Pantheon near the
Campus Martius, to which a * porticus * was attached. He also built in the
same year, in commemoration of the naval victories of Augustus, a porticus,
to which he gave the name Porticus Argonautarum. Which of the two is
referred to, itis impossible to say ; perhaps the second is more likely to have
been called * Porticus Agrippae.”
As to the Via Appia, see Epod. iv. 14; S. i. 5. Most of the towns om this
road as far as Capua had country-houses belonging to wealthy Romans.
Their equipages, therefore, would frequently be seen on the Via Appia.
27. Numa quo devenit et Ancus.] This i§ a proverbial way ofT§peaking,
differing little from C. iv. 7. 15, where see note. -
28. Si latus aut remes] * If you are sick, take medicine ; if you want to live
properly, seek the proper meáns, virtue if you think virtué is the way, or
riches, or honors, or good eating.' This isthe connection of the parts that
follow, this advice being givem ironically, as observed in the Introdüction.
30. fortis omissis] * Be resolute, abamdon all self-indulgences, and set about
this work,' that is, the pursuit of virtue. On * fortis,* seé C. S. 58, n. * Hoc
age* means * set about this '; that is, the pursuit of virtue.
EPISTLES. — 1BOOK I. 513
31. Virtutem verba putas] Comp. * Aut virtus nomen inane est,** ete.
(Epp. 17. 41). * Lucus' is usually a grove dedicated to some divinity, and
Horace may meam that the man hâd no regard for what others held sacred,
but counted a consecrated grove no better tham amy other wood. Or, sincé
* lucus * was sometimes used indifferently for any wood, Horace may meam,
* if you think virtue consists only of words, as a grove does oftrees.'
32. cave ne portus occupet alter,] As to * occupo,' see C. ii. 12. 27, n. Hor-
ace says, “If you think lightly of virtue as the means of happiness, be active
and make money : see no one gets into harbor before you, to carry off the
business before you arrive.*' He supposes him a * negociator,' the business
of which class was chiefly that of banking and money-lending, but they also
engaged in mercantile transactioms, the difference between them and * merca-
tores * being, that the latter travelled with their own wares, while the * nego-
ciatores * did business in a general way.
33. Ne Cibyratica,] * Cibyra Major* was situated on a branch of the In-
dus, om the morthwest borders of Lycia. It was called * major,' to distinguish
it from a smaller town on the coast of Pamphylia. Twenty-five towns be-
longed to the conventus of Cibyra, and its commercial transactions were
probably large. As- to * Bithyna negotia,' see C. iii. 7. 3, n. * Negotia* is
commonly used for the business transactions of a * negociator,' as Cicero, in
his letter introducing Manlius Sosis to Acilius, procomsul of Sicily (Ad Fam.
xiii. 20), says, “ habet negotia vetera in Sicilia sua.” He had debts to get
in, and accounts of old standing to settle. • • .
84. Mille talenta rotundentur] ' On * talenta,' see S. ii. 7. 89, n. * Rotundo*
is not used in this sense elsewhere. The meaning is the same as ours when
we talk of a round number: it is a complete number, leaving out fractions,
* Porro? means * farther.* * Quadrat acervum,' * makes the fourth side of the
square,' as it were. In the next verse * fidem ' signifies * credit.'
37. regina Pecunia] * Pecunia ' is here persomified and made a royal lady,
and Juvenal apostrophizes her thus : p.
“ Funesta Pecunia, templo
' Nondum habitas, nullas nummorum ereximius aras.** (i. 113.)
IHorace here repeats in effect what he said in S. ii. 3. 94:
** Omnis enim res,
Virtus, fama, decus, divina humanaque pulchris
I)ivitiis parent.”
38. Suadela Venusque.] * Suadela* is another form of Suada, who repre-
sented the Greek divinity IIev6ó, Persuasiom. The name, Cicero tells us,
was Latinized by Ennius (Brut. 15). IIeu6ó was usually associated with
*Aqìpoόίτη, and their statues stood together at Athens, where it is pretty cer-
tain Horace must have seem them. I cannot find that Suada had any templo
or separate worship at Rome. She was supposed to assist Venus in presid-
ing at marriages, and she, the Graces, and Mercury were the acknowledged
companions of that goddess. Therefore Horace associates them here. Cicero
tellsTus (Cat. Maj. xiv. 50) that Ennius called the eloquent M. Cethegus
“ Suadae medullam,” * the marrow of persuasion.* (See Epp. ii. 2. 117, n.)
39. Mancipiis locuples] See S. ii. 7. 3, n. Cappadocia was governed by
its own kings from a very early period. The last was Archelaus, who was
appointed by M. Antonius, B. c. 36; Ariarathes VII., who represented the
lineal kings of Cappadocia, having been deposed and put to death. Arche-
laus was king at the time this Epistle was written, and he reigned fifty years.
At his death (A. D. 17) Cappadocia was reduced to the form of a Romam
province, in the third year of Tiberius (Tacitus, Ann. ii. 42). He had lands
and slaves om them, and property of that sort, but wanted the precious metal.
Ariobarzanes, who was king of Cappadocia when Cicero was governor of
Cilicia, is described by him as “rex perpauper” (Ad Att. vi. 3). * Nullum
514 INOTES.
aerarium, mullum vectigal habet. Nihil illo regno spoliatius, nihil rege egen-
tius” (vi. 1). M. Brutus had advanced him large sums of money at exórbi-
tant interest, which he was unable to pay, and Cicero, though he got 100
talents from him, was unable to extract all the debt. Cn. Pompeius too was
his creditor, and all he could get was a promissory bond for 200 talents, pay-
able in six months (vi. 3). Horace advises his man not to let himself be às
poor as this king. * Hic ' is an adverb, like évraî6a: it means * in this po-
sition.* (See Epp. 15. 42.)
40. Chlamydes Lucullus, ut aiunt,] L. Licinius Lucullus, being proconsul
in Cilicia, conducted the war against Mithridates and Tigranes, king of Ar-
menia, as related by Plutarch in his life, but being superseded in his com-
mand by Cn. Pompeius, he returned to Rome with great wealth accumulated
by himself in Asia, which he devoted to every sort of costly self indulgence.
Elutarch relates this anecdote of Horace's, with a little variation. A prætor
who wished to get up a public spectacle on an ambitious scale (φιλοτιμον-
pévov Tepi 6éas) applied to Lucullus to lend him some purple cloaks for a
chorus. Lucullus said he would inquire, and if he had any he would let him
have them. The next day he asked him how many he wanted, and when
the prætor said a hundred, Lucullus bade him take twice that number.
The * chlamys ' was an upper garment worn by the Greeks, a light sort of
shawl thrown loosely over the person in a variety of ways. The Romans did
not wear it till the time of the empire, and it was never more than an occa-
sional garment at Rome. Lucullus, it seems, had brought with him a large
mumber of a costly kind from Asia, where they were worn in the Greek cities.
What the represéntation may have been for which the prætor wanted these
* chlamydes ' is not certain, but Greek characters must have been introduced.
45. Erilis domus est] This is said ironically.
50. Mercemur servum] There was a class of slaves called * momenclatores *
or * fartores* (crammers), övoμaτολόγοι, whose office it was to accompany
their master when walking, or attend him at home at the hour of * salutatio*
(when, ifhe was a persom of consequcnce, people of all sorts came to pay him
their respects), and to remind him of the names and circumstances óf his
visitors, and anything else that it might be necessary for the master to rc-
member. If he was aiming at any office, he had to be particularly polite to
the citizens of all classes, and his * nomenclator,' if he were clever, would be
of good service to him in this matter. Horace's advice to the man who
thinks happiness depends on such things as show and popularity (* species et
gratia*) is, that he should hire a clever * nomenclator,' if he had nót one of
his own, to go with him through the streets, and nudge him whenever he
came to any one of influence, and remind him to shake hands and say some-
thing civil`to him, callimg him affectionately * my brother,' * my father,' ac-
cording to his age. * Nomenclatores ' were also employed to explain to the
guests the names and qualities of the dishes, and parasites sometimes took
this office upon themselves, as we have seen in S. ii. 8.
laevum Qui fodicet latus] As to * laevum latus,' see S. ii. 5. 17, n.
51. cogat trans pondera dextram Porrigere.] * Cogat* merely expresses the
energy of the nomenclator. * Pondera* means obstructions of various kinds,
which were common in the narrow streets of Rome, as Horace describes,
Epp. ii. 2. 72, sqq., and Juvenal (iii. 245). He was to stretch out his hand
to shake hands with the yoters. Cicero (Pro Planc.) speaks of P. Scipio
Nasica, when a candidate for the ædileship, shaking hands with some rotigh
voter, and asking him good-humoredly “ if he walked on his hands,” they
were so hard. ¥
52. Hic multum in Fabia valet,] Servius Tullius divided the Plebes into
thirty tribes, of which four were of the city and twenty-six were of the coun-
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 515
try. Of these twenty-six, tem appear to have been swallowed up by the con-
quests of Porsenna (see Epod. 16. 4), and of the remaining sixteen the Fabia
was one. The number was gradually increased from sixteen to thirty-one;
but it was not till B. c. 243, towards the end of the first Punic War, that the
Quirima and Velima were added, being composed of persons belonging to
Cures and Velimus in the Sabine territory. (Liv. Epit. xxx.) These were the
last tribes that were formed.
53. hic fasces dabit] On the * fasces' and curule chair, see S. i. 6. 97.
“Importunus* means * obstinate * or * ill-natured ' ; * facetus,' * polite.'
56. lucet, eamus Quo ducit gula ;] * The day has dawned, let Ius be off and
lay in our supplies; let us hunt and fish, as Gargilius hunted when he bought
a boar, and pretended he had caught it himself* ; that is to say, let us go- to
market. Who is meant by Gargilius, we have no means of knowing. The
mame is Roman. It occurs in inseriptions. He wanted to establish his repu-
tation as a huntsman : got up before daybreak and returmed to the city before
the morning was over, and passed through the Forum while it was full of
people, with nets, spears, amd mem, and a mule carrying a boar, which he had
mOt Ę but purchased.
58. plagas, venabula,] As to * plagae,' see C. i. 1. 28, n. They were too
large to be carried by mem, and were ladem on mules. (See Epp. 18. 46.)
They were sometimes of enormous extent, as stated in Epod. ii. 32. The
* venabulum ' was a long hunting-spear, with a barbed point. Virgil (Aen.
iv. 131), describing the hunting-party of Æneas and Dido, says:
** Retia rara, plagae, lato venabula ferro,
- Massylique ruunt equites et odora canum vis.”
They were used, not for throwing, but thrusting.
61. Crudi tumidique lavemur,] It would seem that some gluttons, with the
idea of renewing their appetite, went to bathe immediately after dinner, as
well as (which was the general practice) immediately before. Suddem death
was sometimes the effect of this folly. See Juvenal i. 142.
62. Caerite cera Digni,] Cære (Cervetri) was a very ancient town of Etru-
ria, about twenty-seven miles north of Rome. About B. c. 354, the people
of Tarquinii having taken up arms against the Romans, the Cærites were
accused of aiding them, and were threatened with punishment; but having
asked pardon, they obtained it at the expense of half their territory. . They
were also granted the Romam franchise, without the * suffragium * or right of
voting for magistrates. * Caeritum cerae,' or * tabulae,' would meam properly
a register of the inhabitants of Cære, who would be registered when they
came into the above relation to Rome. But it seems probable that, at this
time, the name applied to the registers of all those who were in the position
of * aerarii,' thatis, of the citizens of such towns as had not the perfect fran-
chise, and of those citizens who had for amy cause beem degraded from their
tribes. Thus Horace means, that they who took such a low view of life
were not worthy of being Romam citizenis, being more on an equality with the
crew of Ulysses, whom Circe turned to swine (Epp. 2. 23, n.), and who slew
and ate the kime sacred to the Sum, though they swore they would not, and
their return home depended on their oath being kept. See Odyss. xi. 105,
sqq.; xii. 303, sq.; 340, sqq. * Remigium ' is used for the rowers, as * man-
cipium,' * servitium,' are uised for a sláve, and many other words are used in
the same way.
65. Si, Mimnermus uti censet,] Horace was familiar, we may be sure, with
the writings of Mimnermus, the elegiac poet of Smyrna. HeTpreferred him
to Callimachus, as appears from Epp. ii. 2. 99, sqq. His poetry is of a mel-
ancholy cast, as far as we cam judge from the few fragments that have come
down to us: though love was their principal theme and the only remedy he
recognizes for the ills of life, it does not seém as if he was very happy in his
516 . INOTES.
experience of it. One fragment that has been preserveâ, bears 9ut what
Hörace says. He may havé had many such passages in his mind. It be-
1I1S :
£ τίς δε 3tos, τί δè repTvòv àrep xpvoréns 'Afpoòitns ;
re6vainv öre pot μηκέτι raùra μέλοι, κ. τ. λ. e
Horace adds 'jocisque,' as élsewhere he makes Jocus the companion ofVenus
C. i. 2. 34).
( 68. his i. mecum.] There is no difficulty in understanding that 'his'
refers to the rule laid down at the beginning, and taken up in V. 30:
• “ Si virtus hoc una potest dare fortis omissis
Hoc age deliciis ”;
for all that follows is oniy recommended ironically, and in such a way as to
hold up to contempt every rule of life but that of virtue.
IE P I S T IL E V II.
ON some occasiom Horace, having gone into the country for change of air
om account of his health, at the beginning of August, was tempted to stay
away the whole month ; and as he had promised Mæcenas to return in a few
day§, he had perhaps received a letter from his friend, reminding him of that
prömise, amd Tbegging him to come back. Mæcenas was a valetudinariam,
ând had probably some of the querulous selfishness that usually attends on
that condition. We may infer as much from that Ode (ii. 17) which begins,
“ Cur me querelis exanimas tuis ?” and he very likely felt the want of Hor-
ace's society at this time. - We eam only gather the tone of his letter or mes-
sage from the character of Horace's reply. He says he has mo mind to risk
a return of his sickness by going back durimg the autumn to Rome; indeed,
that he meant to be absent at some warm place on the coast through the
winter; that he was no longer as young and cheerful as he had been ; that he
was sure Mæcenas's liberality was bestowed upon him in a generous spirit,
and that he did not meam to compromise his independence; for if he could
suppose that was im danger, he would give up everything he had ever received
rather than forfeit his liberty. He illustrates his position by two stories, —
one that of the fox who got into a vessel of corn and grew so fat there that
he could not get out again (which Horace was determined to prove was not;
his case), and the other a splenetic trick played by L. Philippus upon a wor-
thy mam, whom he seduced into leaving his home and vocation and settling
on a farm in the country, the result of which unnatural change was the total
destructiom of his peace and independence. To this, too, Horace means to
say he will never let himself be brought.
1. Quinque dies] This is a conventional phrase to express any short time.
It occurs in S. i. 3. 16, “ quinque diebus Nil erat in loculis.”
2. Sextilem] In B. c. 8 this month first received the name of Augustus.
5. dum ficus prima calorque] See S. ii. 6. 18, n. , The * designätor* was
the mam who arranged the procession at the funeral of any important person,
and the 'lictores* were his attendants who kept order. (See S. i. 6. 43.)
8. Officiosaque sedulitas] That is, attending upon great people, and so
forth. It does not seem as if the diminutive form * opella* had any particu-
lar force. Horace uses diminutives when it suits the measure.
10. Quodsi bruma nives Albanis] * Si ' is used with reference to a future
event, even if it be not hypothetical, when any action depends upom that
event, as (S. ii. 3. 9), -
“multa et praeclara minantis
Si vacuum tepido cepisset villula tecto,”
EPISTLES.-BOOK I. 517
and elsewhere; so that it becomes nearly equivalent to * cum.* He says, as
soon as the snow begins to lie on the Albam hills, he shall go down to the
sea, whether to Tarentum or anywhere else, where it was milder tham at his
own place or at Rome. * Contractus ' expresses the attitude of a mam sitting
head and knees together, wrapped up by the fire to keep himself warm. Thé
west wind set in about the second week im February.
14. Calaber jubet hospes,] The man is made a Calabriam only to give the
story more point. - -
16. Benigne.] This is a polite way of declining the offer.. “You are very
good,* the refusal being expressed in action. (See below, v. 62.) It miglit
meam acceptance, just as the French say * merci,' meaming * yes* or * no,' ac-
cording to circumstances. -
22. dignis ait esse paratus,] * Dignis ' is masculine : he is ready to serve
those who are worthy, but he is no simpleton ; he knows the difference be-
tween true money and counterfeit. * Lupini* were a kind of beam used for
counters or sham-money on the stage ; ** comicum aurum ” as it is called in
IPlautus (Poen. iii. 2. 20).
24. Dignum praestabo me] Horace means to say that he will endeavor to
show himself worthy (referring to * dignis * above) im proportion to the excel-
lence of him (Maecenas) who has laid him under such obligatioms. He says,
in effect, that Mæcenas does not bestow his liberality stupidly, as one who
gave his friends what he was just as ready to throw to the pigs, or the fool
who does not know the value of his gifts. He only gave to the worthy, and
such Horace would try to prove himself.
26. angusta fronte] See C. i. 33. 5, n. *»
27. Reddes dulce loqui,] A similar instance, illustrating the nature of the
infinitive as a neuter substantive, occurs above (S. ii. 7. 43), ** Aufer Me
vultu terrere.” “In the Greek language this is so completely the case, that
the article may be prefixed to it in all its cases. - The English also treat
their infinitive as a substantive, when they place before it the preposition
ζ to.” » »
28. Cinarae] See C. iv. 1. 4, m.
29. vulpecula] A fox eating corn is a little absurd, but this animal's cun-
niag brings him frequently into stories of this sort. In this instance he over-
reaches himself. In respect to * cumera,' see S. i. 1. 53, m.
34. Hac ego si compellor] As to * compellor,' see S. ii. 3. 297. Horace
says, if he is taunted with this illustration, he is willing to resign everything;
hy which he means, if he is compared to the fox who had got into a store and
had become so fat he could not get out again; in other words, ifit was sup-
posed that, he had become lazy and self-indulgent, and that he could not as-
sert his own liberty till he should cast off the bounties of his patron, he was
willimg to give them up ; for he loved the peace that waits upon poverty, not
as those do who commend it at rich tables spread with dainties, but as one
who would not exchange his ease and liberty for the wealth of Arabia (re-
specting which, compare C. i. 21. 1 ; iii. 24. 1; Epp. i. 6. 6). * Altilia* were
fattened poultry and other birds, for which service there were particular per-
sons employed (* fartores,' σιτevrai).
87. rexque paterque Audisti coram,] * Rex,' which is generally used in a
bad sense (C. i. 4. 14, n.), is here used in a good. As to * audisti,' see S. ii.
6. 20, n. * Verecundum * means * reverential.' It expresses that feeling
which Cicero says is the greatest ornament of friendship, ** Nam maximum
ornamentum amicitiae tollit qui ex ea tollit verecundiam ” (Lael. xxii. 82).
Horace means to say that Maecenas had always found him full of affectionate
respect and gratitude, and what he was in his presence, he was no less in his
absence; but he must not think so ill of him as to suppose he only behaved
so because he wanted to keep his bounties ; or, if he thought so, let him see
44
518 . NOTES.
how willingly he could resign them all, even as rcadily as Telemachus de-
clined the horses of Menelaus (Odyss. iv. 601, sq.). -
45. vacuum Tibur] * Vacuum ' means * idle.' Whether Horace had a
house of his own at Tibur, or not, has béem a subject of much discussion; it,
is more probable that he had not.
46. Philippus] This was L. Marcius Philippus, who was tribunus plebis
E. c. 104, consul B. c. 81, and censor B. c. 76. He was a very distinguished
mam, an energetic supporter of the popular cause, a friend of Cn. Pompeius,
and a powerful orator. - ■
47. octavam circiter horam] The following is Martial's description of the
distribution of a Roman's day : — The first and second hours were given to
the * salutatio,' or reception of clients and visitors. At the third hour the
courts opemed and business went om for three hours. The sixth hour was
givem up to rest (and the * prandium*), the seventh to wimding up business,
the eighth to exercise, and with the ninth began dinner. (Mart. iv. 8.) In
the main this appears to have been the division of the day in Horace's time
likewise.
48. Foro nimium distare Carinas] The Carinæ was a collection of build-
ings on the north side of the. Via Sacra, under Mons Esquilinus. It com-
prised the houses of many persons of distinctiom, among whom was Philippus.
The farthest part of the Carinæ could not have been above three quarters of
a mile from the Forum Romanum ; but Philippus was old. Horace means
to show that he was inclined to be peevish, being tired with his, work in tho
IForum ; and im this splenetic humor, which, if this story be true, had become
habitual with him, he fell int with the mam Mena, whose easy enjoyment of
life made a strong impression upom him. It made him jealous, and he re-
solved to spoil his independence if he could.
50. Adrasum quendam] He had just been shaved, and was paring and
cleaning his mails leisurely for himself (* proprios purgantem ungues *); ho
did not employ the barber for this operation, as people were in the habit of
doing. The shop was empty, because those who would come for business
came early, and those who came to lounge came later (S. i 7. 8). * Umbra,*
which here means a shop, is used for different kinds of buildings by the poets,
as a * porticus * and a school. See Juvenal (vii. 173): “ Ad pugnam qui
rhetorica descendit ab umbra.” The shops were open, probably, as they are
in Italy now.
54. unde domo,] This phrase, which is equivalent to * a qua domo,' occurs
in Virgil (Aen. viii. 114): “ Qui genus ? unde domo ? * Philippus sends to
know who the man is, where he comes from, whether he is rich or poor; if
* ingenuus,' who is his father; if a freedman, who is his * patronus.'
55. Volteium nomine Menam,] This person is represented as a freedman
of some person of the Volteia gens, of which one or two are mentioned in the
IRomam writers. A freedmam took the Gentile name of his master on his
manumission. The name Menas is akin to Menodorus, as I)emas to Deme-
trius, Lucas to Lucanus, Silas to Sylvanus, Artemas to Artemius, etc.
56. sine crimine, notum Et] The description Menas gives of himself is, that
he is a crier of small means, of umblemished character, well known as a per-
son who could be active or quiet as the occasion required, and who enjoyed
what he got ; one who made himself happy in the company of humble péople,
in the possession of a house of his own, at the theatres and Circus, and with
the amusements of the Campus Martius. * Et quaerere et uti,' * to get and
to enjoy,' expresses the reverse of him who is * nescius uti Compositis? (S. ii.
3. 109). * Lare certo ' is opposed to a lodging, * coenaculum * (Epp. i. 1. 91,
n.). It appears (v. 65) that he transacted business as a seller; probably he
hâd some second-hand things of his owm to dispose of. But the * praeco 'was
not usually the person who managed an * auctio,' which was presided over by
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. . 519
am * argentarius,' and he employed a * praeco.' See S. i. 6. 86, m. * Certa^
Iare ' is a commom phrase, as Bentley himself has showm, as in Virgil (Georg.
iv. 155), “ Et patriam solae et certos novere penates ”; and (Aen. vi. 673),
“ Nulli certa domus ; lucis habitamus opacis.” Compare Epp. i. 15. 28:
“ Scurra vagus non qui certum praesepe teneret.”
61. Nqn sane credere Mena,] * Sané* is not commonly used in negativo
sentences. It is an adverb of emphasis. As to * benigne,' see above, v. 16,
and on the subjunctive * neget,' cómpare S. ii. 6. 31. “ What, he deny me ? *'
65. tunicatg scruta popello] To be without the toga in the streets was not
considered rêspectable. It was confined to the lowest sort of people, which
is expressed by the diminutive * popello.* This word is used only here and *
by Persius (iv. 15). * Scruta* signifies small wares, being derived from the
Greek ypûrm. As to * occupat,' see C. ii. 12. 28, n. *
67. mercenaria vincla,] The bonds (that is, the occupations) of buying and
selling. Mena offers these as his excuse for not having waited upon Philip-
pus in the morning, at his * salutatio,' as, after his attentiom of the previoüs
day, he would have felt boumd to do if he had had time.
71. Post monam venies;] See above, v. 47, n., and C. i. 1. 20, n.
72. dicenda tacenda locutus] This is a familiar adaptation of the Greek
ρητὸν äÄÄnröv τ' ἐτοs (Soph. Oed. Col. 1001), which was a conventional
phrase. It means all manner of things. Persius (iv. 5) has “ dicenda tacen-
daque calles.” Virgil (Aen. ix. 595), “ digna atque indigna relatu Vocife-
rans.” Horace means that Volteius was placed at his ease by his host, and,
being a simple mam, talked of what eame uppermost without waiting to see
if it was out of season or not. * Dimittere ' was a word of politeness used
among equals, as above, v. 18.
73. Hic ubi saepe] After he had broken the ice, Volteius was easily per-
suaded to repeat his visits, till at last he became am established guest and a
daily attendant at the rich man's morning receptions, till, om one occasion,
he was invited to accompany Philippus to his country-seat in the Sabine
country, during the * feriae Latinae.* This festival was of the highest an-
tiquity. Its proper name was Latiar. The holidays lasted six days, during
which all mamner offestivities went om, and business was suspended. They
were * feriae conceptivae,' that is, they were annual, but not held always at
the same seasom, which is what Horace means by calling them * indictae.'
The magistrates appointed the time of their celebration.
79. dum requiem, dum risus] Philippus, tired with his work, refreshed him-
self by getting amusement at other people's expense. He gave the man a
sum equivalent to about £ 60 of English money, and offered to lend him as
much more.
84. vineta crepat mera :] So Cicero says (Ad Att. ix. 12), “ Mera scelara
loquuntur.” (Ib. 13.) * Dolabella suis literis merum bellum loquitur.”
(iv. 7.) * Chaerippus mera monstra nuntiaret.”
87. Spem mentita seges,] See C. iii. 1. 30, n.
91. Durus — attentusque] Philippus means that he appears to be too hard-
working and anxious about his affairs. Compare S. ii. 6. 82, “ Asper et
attentus quaesitis *°; and Epp. i. 16. 70, ** sine pascat durus aretque.”
92. Pol me miserum,] Gellius (xi. 6) says, respecting oaths of this sort,
that women mever swore by Hercules, nor men by Castor, but both men and
women would swear by the temple of Pollux, *Aedepol,' and this, he says
on the authority of Varro, was only adopted by men in later times, whereas
it had always been used by women, who got it from the Eleusiniam mys-
teries.
94. Quod te per Genium] See Epp. ii. I. 144. This use of the relative
* quod* in entreaties is common, as in Virgil (Aen. vi. 868), and Terence
(Ândr. i. 5. 54). It was customary for slaves to pray to their masters by

520 - - . INOTES.
their genius. The Romans believed that every man had a genius, though
their notions om the subject were very confused apparently. Aeeording to
the mame (which involves the same element as yév-eorus, yi-voμal), it should
` be the attendant, on a man's birth, as it was believed to be the inseparable -
companiom of his life. It represented his spiritual identity, and the charaeter
of the genius was the eharacter of the man. Hence we understand.ywhy the
marriage-bed was sacred to the genius (Epp. i. 1. 87, n.). Hence Horace
speaks of “genium memorem brevis aevi” (Epp. ii. 1. 143), and offerings of
wine and flowers, and such like, were said to be presented to the genius when
a mam was indulging in that way himself (A. P. 209). This explains the
'expressions “genio indulgere” (Persius v. 151), ** genium suum defraudare”
(Terence, Phorm. i. 1. 10), “genium curare” (C. iii. 17, 14), Women had
their genii, but they were named Junones.
98. verum est,] See S. ii. 8. 312.
EPI s T LE VIII.
IRESPECTING the person to whom this Epistle was written, and the occa-
siom, see Ep. 8 of this Book, Introduction, and note om v. 15. Horace, it
appears, was mot in very good humor with himself when he wrote it. He.
describes himself as suffering less from bodily tham mental weakness, irrita-
bility, sluggishmess, perverseness, and caprice. He may use rather stronger
language than was necessary, but there cam be no doubt he felt a good deal
of what he says he felt. It shows that a man may give good advice to his
friends which he cannot steadily apply to himself, and it helps us to under-
stand the character of Horace, and his philosophical aspirations, described, .
probably about this time, in his Epistle to Mæcenas (i. 1).
2. comiti scribaeque Neronis] See S. i. 7. 28, n. The following words in
this Epistle have been referred to in former notes: * quid agam * (Epp. 3. 15),
* minantem* (S. ii. 8. 9), * momorderit* (S. ii. 6. 45), * cur* (C. i. 33. 3), * co-
horti ' (S. i. 7. 23). * Suaviter* occurs in the same connectiom in S. i. 9. 5.
* Multa et pulchra minantem ' refers to his philosophical aspirations and pro-
fessions. See Introduction.
6. longinquis armentum aegrotet in agris;] The pastures of Apulia, Calabria,
and Lucania, amd those of the basin of the Po, have been referred to before
(C. iii. 16. 35; Epod. i. 27).
10. properent arcere veterno;] As to the construction, see C. i. 27. 4, n.
* Veternus ' is a lethargy, here applied to the mind, and his faithful physicians
are the friends who would cheer and rouse him, though we may fake the
word * medicis * literally, and suppose he was under medical treatment. His
feelings probably arose out of the state of his health.
14. Ut placeat juveni] Tiberius was now in his twenty-third year. But om
I * juvenis,' see C. i. 2. 41. * -
EPISTLE Ix.
As to Septimius, on whose behalf this letter of introduction is addressed to
Tiberius, sée C. ii. 6, Introduction. The occasion was that journey into Ar-
menia which has been referred to twice before (Epp. 3 and 7). It is a weli-
considered and careful production. Horace would have writtem more warmly
EPISTLES. - BOOK I. 521
for sueh an intimate friend, if he could have ventured to do so ; but the char-
acter of/Tiberius did not admit of warmth, and he would not have responded
to any very earnest eulogy. Horace therefore satisfies himself with merely
naming his friend, and excusing his owm boldness in doing so.
1. nimirum] * Of course,' it would be strange ifit were otherwise. Horace
sometimes uses the word seriously, sometimes ironically, as in S. ii. 2. 106;
8. 120. He says, * Of course Septimius knows my influence with you better
tham anybody else does (* unus,' see S. ii. 6. 57, n.), and better than I do my-
self, and thinks that I stand to you in the relation of an intimate friemd, or
he would not press me for am introduction.' There is about the same amount
of ironical meaming in * scilicet * (v. 3) as in * nimirum.* * Tradere* is the
usual word for introductions. (S. i. 9. 47.)
4. Dignum mente domoque] Tacitus says of Tiberius, that his genuine char-
acter did not come out fully till after the fall of Sejanus. At this time he
was about twenty-two years of age, but even now was reserved and unpleas-
ant in his manners, so much so that even Augustus could hardly be cheerful
in his company. Horace speaks well of him, not only here, when he is writ-
ing to himself, but in Epp. ii. 2. l, writtem probably at a later time, to his
friend Julius Florus. The fourteenth Ode of the fourth Book was writtem in
homor of his successes, but there no great, amount of warmth is shown in his
favor. * Domo* means his family. T Tiberius was the som of T. Claudius
Nero, and the Nerones belonged to the patriciam gens Claudia, which num-
bered many consuls and other high magistrates, from the first establishment
of the family in B. c. 504. They were of Sabine origin. -
5. Munere cum fungi] This phrase is like * officium facio* below (Epp. 17.
21). It means tò discharge the duties of friendship, but generally expresses
the relation of an inferior to one above him in rank, and sometimes is used
in a bad sense, to signify servility. -
6. valdius] This comparative occurs again, in A. P. 321 : “ valdius ob-
lectat populum.”
11. TFrontis ad urbanae descendi praemia.] * Urbanae frontis ' seems to
meam am * impudent front,' such as one who had been bred in cities might
show. * Praemia* seems to be opposed to * opprobria,' and * descendere ' is
commonly used in connection with the arena. Horace may meam (taking
his metaphor from this Source), that, to avoid the discredit of a greater fault,
he has resolved to win the crown or prize of impudence, or something of that
SOrt.
13. Scribe tui gregis] This construction with the genitive is more eommon
in Greek. It occurs in C. iii. 13. 13 : “ Fies nobilium tu quoque fontium.”
As to * fortem bonumque,* see C. iv. 4. 29, n. - -
E PIS TIL E X.
THIS Epistle is addressed to Fuscus Aristius, whose name appears in C. i.
22; S. i. 9. 61 ; 10. 83. For such particulars as cam be stated about him, see
the Introduction to the above Ode. It appears that his habits inclined him
to a town life, He was making money in some way, and he was associated
with all Horace's literary andTother friends. Horaee praises the freedom,
the natural beauties, and the healthiness of the country, and shows that they
are natural to mem's tastés, from the attempts they make to get trees in their
town houses, and a prospeet over the fields. Hé follows this up with a few*
miscellameous remarks on the pursuit of wealth, how it blimds the eyes to the
distinction betweem truth gnd falsehood, and how prosperity only makes ad-
44 - - -
•,
522 NOTES.
versity more hard to bear, and disappointment more bitter, and subjects the
mind to a galling slavery. vs
8. Quid quaeris ?] * Why need you ask ? * This is only a formula equiv-
alent to * in short.'
9. fertis rumore secundo:] * Rumore secundo ' is a phrase which occurs in
various combinations. Virgil (Aen. viii. 90) has ** Ergo iter inceptum cele-
rant rumore secundo,” where Wagner applies it to the song of the rowers.
Tacitus, speaking of the honors conferred on Nero, says, “ ut haec secundo
rumore ità adversis animis acceptum, quod filio Claudii socer Sejanus desti-
naretur” (Amm. iii. 29). He uses * adverso rumore * in the opposite sense
(xiv. 11). Here it means with an unanimous assent, or loud assent.
10. fugitivus liba recuso;] He likens himself to the slave who ram away
from the priest, his master, because he fed him too much on the sweet cakes
offered in sacrifice. He got tired of them, and wanted plainer food. These
cakes, * liba,' which the Greeks called tré\avov, were made offlour sweetened
generally with honey, and sometimes made in the shape of animals as a sub-
Ę for more costly sacrifices. Horace appears to have had some story in
is mind. -
12. Vivere naturae] See S. i. 1. 49, m.: ** quid referat intra Naturae fines
viventi.” Horace considers the artificial state of society and mode of life in
large towns, as all must, to be a wider departure from the natural condition
of mam than a country life.
13. Ponendaeque domo] There are three forms of this dative, * domui,'
* domo,' * domi.* * Area * is am opem space, here for building on. The
technical meaming of it is givem om C. i. 9. 18. -
15. plus tepeant hiemes,] T See S. ii. 8. 10, n.
16. rabiem Canis et momenta Leonis,] See C. iii. 13. 8, n. ; 29. 18, n.
* Momenta* here seems to meam the violence of the heat that accompanies
this constellation.
19. Deterius Libycis olet] Horace asks whether the field, covered with
flowers, smells less sweet and looks less beautiful than marble floors, laid
with mosaic pictures and strewed with flowers, or other perfumes. Respect-
ing the Libyam and other marbles, see C. ii. 18. 3, n. By * lapillis * H6race
meams the small pieces of different marbles with which the floors were laid,
* tessellae ' or * crustulae,' as they were called. Such pavements, which aro
now so costly as only to be found in the richest houses, were formerly very
common in Italy. They were wrought in colored marbles, or the more or-
dinary ones in white and black.
20. aqua tendit rumpere plumbum] * Plumbum ' means leadem pipes, which
were called * fistulae.* Cisterns were called * castella,' and there were three
sorts : * publica,' which received the water intended for public purposes ;
* privata,' which were the common property of several persons who clubbed
together to build it, and laid on pipes to conduct the water to their * castella
domestica,' the cisterns they had in their owm houses. These pipes therefore
intersected the whole city. T As mentioned before (S. i. 4. 37, n.), those who
could not afford to have water laid on at their houses, resorted to the * lacus ?
or public tanks erected for their convenience, mostly by the liberality of indi-
viduals, in several parts of the town. n
21. trepidat cum murmure] Compare C. ii. 8. 11 : “ obliquo laborat Lym-
pha fugax trepidare rivo.”
' 22. nutritur silva columnas,] See mote on C. iii. 10. 5.
24. Naturam expellas furca] This was a common expression: * to toss
out with a pitchfork,' thatis, forcibly and with contempt.
25. mala — fastidia] * Weary vices,' such as occupy the dwellers in great
towns. -
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 523
26. Non qui Sidonio] Om the position of * non,' see S. i. 6. 1. * Not he
who knowsTnot skilfully to compare with Sidoniam purple the wool that
drinks the dye of Aquinum, shall suffer harm more certain or more deep
tham he who cammot tell truth from falsehood.' There is strong irony- im
these words, and they follow naturally on what goes before, as representing
the paltry objects with which the mind is employed in what is called fashion-
able life, to the destruction of the moral sense.
The foreign purples (enumerated om C. ii. 16. 36) were most esteemed,
and these were imitated by the Italians (see Epp. ii. l. 207). The * fucus ?
was a marime plant of some kind, which yielded a red juice used for coloring.
It was commonly used in imitatiom of the real dye. Hence it came to be
used for deception in general. Aquinum (Aquino), the birth-place of Juve-
nal, was a large town of Latium on the Via Latina, between Fregellae and
Venafrum.
31. Si quid mirabere] This maxim is consistent with the advice to Nu-
micius, Epp. 6. l.
34. Cervus equum pugna melior] Stesichorus is said to have spoken this
fable to the citizens of Himera, when they were preparing to confér absolute
power on Phalaris, and give him a body-guard. The fable is told by Phæ-
drus (iv. 4), with the substitution of a boar for the stag.
37. Sed postquam victor violens] * Violens * expresses the struggle with
which the horse won his victory and his servitude.
86. potiore metallis] The * vectigalia* from mines (* metalla*) were very
considerable at this time. The principal mines were the gold of Aquileia
and Ictimuli in the Alps, and the silver of Spain.
42. ut calceus olim,] " See S. i. 8. 31, n. * Olim * is used quite indefinitely,
as in S. i. 1. 25, “ ut pueris olim dant crustula blandi Doctores.” See C. ii.
10. 17, n.
48. Tortum digna sequi] The metaphor is taken from a prisoner, led with
a rope round his neck by his captor. -
49. Haec tibi dictabam] The imperfect tense is generally used in letters,
instead of the present, because the action is past to the person receiving the .
letter. As to * dictabam,' see S. i. 10. 92, n. The Fanum Vacunae was
about three miles from the confluence of the Digentia and the Anio, close to
the modern town Rocca Giovane. Vacuna was originally a Sabine goddess,
and seems to have been identical with Victoria.
E P I S T IL E XI.
THIs Epistle is addressed to one Bullatius, of whom we know nothing at
all. He •was travelling in the Ægean and in Asia Minor, and was absent
longer than Horace wished, or thought good for him ; and the object of this
letter is to induce him to return. ()
1. Quid tibi visa Chios,] The island of Chios was rugged and mountaim-
ous, but had, as it still has, an excellent climate and choice wines ; its
women also were very handsome : in all of which particulars ancient and
modern accounts agree. Its principal town, Chios, was a noble city, richly
adorned with buildings and works of art. Not a trace of anything re-
málm$.
notaque Lesbos,] From the Trojan war to the times of the Roman Empire,
when Tacitus calls it ** insula nobilis et amoena” (Ann. vi. 8), the fortumes
of Lesbos, its revolutioms and conquests, its connection with Athens, its tra-
ditiom of Orpheus, its poets and musicians amd statesmem, its cities and works
524 NOT£S.
of art, its fields and vineyards and. climate, all contributed to make it the
most conspicuous island im the Ægean.
2. concinna Samos,] Samos (the island) is rough, but the town is meant,
and it is called * concinna* from its buildings, of which a temple of Juno wa8
one of the most conspicuous. Outside and inside, this temple was adorned
with the fimest works of art. There was also a celebrated mole at Samos,
made to protect the harbor, which would be an object of interest to a trav-
eller. «
2. Croesi regia Sardes,] The town of Sardes (ai >äpöeus), or the greater
part of it, which was burnt to the ground in the revolt of the Ionians, B. c.
499, was originally built of slight materials, though it was the seat of enor-
mous wealth during the reigns of the Lydiam kings, and especially that of
Croesus, whose palace became the residenee of the Persiam Satraps and was
beautified by them, especially by Cyrus the younger, whose gardens are cele-
brated (Cic. de Senect. c. 17). * «
3. Smyrna quid et Colophon ?] , Alexander the Great found Smyrna in
ruins, and conceived the design of rebuilding it, being prompted by Nemesis
in a dream. He did not live to do so, but Antigonus begam and Lysimachus
finished a new town on a magnificent scale. Strabo speaks of it as one of
the most beautiful cities of Ionia. Among other objects of interest was a
temple erected to Homer, and called Homerium. The inhabitants claimed
him as their countryman, and showed a cave im which it was said he wrote
his poems.
Colophom, also in Ionia, on the Hales, was destroyed by Lysimachus, with
ILebedus (v. 6). Its chief attraction was its meighborhood to the shrine of the
Clariam Apollo. At present, only a few huts stand on the site of this town.
Majora minorave fama,] * Be they greater or less tham report makes them
out t6 be (I care not which), are they not all tame compared with the Cam-
pus Martius and the Tiber ? ' * Ve* is probably formed from * vel,' and had
much the same meaning, being chiefly used in poetry. When *vel* is used,
am indifference in the speaker's mind is implied as to which of the two cases
or objects be taken. * Ne,' being attached to * cuncta,' shows that the em-
phasis lies on that word.
5. Attalicis eae urbibus] One of the towns of the kingdom of Pergamum,
bequeathed by Attalus III. to the Roman people, and constituted a Roman
province on the defeat of Aristonicus, B.c. 129. The kingdom of Pergamum,
when it was handed over to the Romans, included Mysia, Lydia, Ionia, and
part of Caria, the principal cities of which (μητροττόλeus) were Ephesus,
IPergamum, Sardes, Smyrna, Lampsacus, Cyzicus. Other large towns were
Tralles, Adramyttium, Thyatira, &c., mearly all of which are showm, by the
ruins that remaim, to have been built and ornamented on a magnificent scale.
6. An Lebedum laudas] Lysimachus, after the battle of Ipsus (B.o. 301),
when he became master of the westerm part of Asia Minor, destroyed the
towns of Lebedus amd Colophom in Ionia, and transferred their inhàbitants
to Ephesus. Lebedus mever seems to have been rebuilt so as to recover any
of its former importance, and the ruins of the old town probably helped to
cause the desolate appearance described by Horace. He writes as if he knew
Lebedus, but did not know the other places he refers to before. He must
have seen this place, if at all, in his campaigning with Brutus.
7.. Gabiis desertior] Gabii was an ancient town of Latium, an Albam eolo-
ny, 100 stadia from Rome. Juvenal mentions it as a place of resort for peo-
ple in humble circumstances, and calls it “ Simplicibus Gabiis ? * (iii. 190).
In Horace's time, while cold bathing was the fashion under the advice of
Antonius Musa, it appears Gabii was resorted to, Horace may have been
there himself. See Epp. 15. 9.
8. Fidenis] Fidenæ was about five miles from Rome, in the Sabine terri-


EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 525
tory, and remains of it are still in existence near Castel Giubileo. In B. c.
425 the town was destroyed by Æmilius Mamercus (Liv. iv. 9), and it seems
never to have risen to any great importance again.
Gabii and Fidenæ were proverbially joined together (see Juv. S. x. 99).
Virgil mentioms them together as coloniies of Alba (Aen. vi. 778): —
** Hi tibi Nomentum, et Gabios, urbemque Fidenam,
Hi Collatinas imponent montibus arces ”;
where, it may be observed, Virgil shortens the first syllable, whereas Horace
and JuvenalTand Silius (xv. 91) make it long.
tamen illic vivere vellem,] Horace seems to mean that, though Lebedus was
a place deserted, he could enjoy living there, though it cut him off from all
'his friends, for the sake of the fine prospect it gave of the sea, which would
be an exaggerated way of speaking. He had probably in mind some occa-
sion when he had admired the sea from Lebedus, and the recollection came
upon him strongly as he wrote ; or Bullatius may have Said something in a
letter about the fine prospect, and Horace means that he agrees with him.
* But,' he goes on to say, * there is a time for all things. The traveller, when
he gets splashed, may be glad of a tavern to retire to and cleam himself, but
he would mot wish to stay there all his life ; and the mam who has got chilled
may be glad of a fire or hot bath, but he does not reckon fires andThot baths
the chief good of life ; and though you may have been glad to get on shore
in a foreign land, to escape from a storm. you will surely not think it neces-
sary to stay there for ever. If a man is in health, Rhodes and Mytilene are
not the places for him ; so come back again while you may, and if you must
praise those distant parts, praise them at home.” (vv. 11—21.) It appears
as if Bullatius had been a good while absent, and meant to remairi much
longer.
11. qui Capua Romam] The road Appius made (B.c. 812) extended only
as far as Capua. It was• afterwards extended to Beneventum, and them om
by two different branches to Brundisium (see S. i. 5. 79, n.).
12. nec qui Frigus collegit] * Colligere * is not used in this sense elsewhere.
The meaning is, he who has got chilled. * Furnos * may be bakers* ovens,
or any furnaces to which a man might go to warm himself.
17. Incolumi] See S. ii. 8. 137, n.
18. Paenula solstitio, campestre] The * paenula* was a thick outer mantle
worn in bad weather over the toga. The * campestre* was a linem cloth
worn round the loins, in games or exercises in which the body was otherwise
stripped, as also in swimming.
19. caminus.] See Epod. ii. 43, n.
23. in annum,] See Epp. i. 2. 38
26. effusi late maris arbiter] That is, a place which commands (as we say)
a wide prospect over the sea, such as Lebedus was described to be above.
The south wind is called * arbiter Hadriae ' in a different sense in C.
i. 3. 15.
28. Strenua nos exercet inertia :] This is a very happy expression, and has
become proverbial for a do-nothing activity, such exertions as tend to no
point and produce no fruits. * Navibus atque quadrigis * means * running
about by sea and land.' * Quadriga * is any carriage drawn by four horses
(abreast, two under the yoke attached to the pole, and two outside, * funales,'
fastened by traces), though the word is more generally used for a triumphal
or racing chariot than for a travelling carriage, of which there were various
kimds. * Rheda ' was the most general name for such a carriage on four
wheels (see S. ii. 6. 42, n.). * Petorritum * was another name, and a third
was * carruca,' a later name, not known in Horace's time. There were others,
each differing more or less from the rest: * cisium,' * essedum,' * carpentum,*
* pilentum,' * covinus.' •. - •
526 - - NOTES.
30. Est Ulubris,] All that we know of Ulubræ is that it was a small
town of Latium, not far from Velitræ, and that it was a place of no im-
portance. -
IE P I S T IL E XII.
Iccius, to whom this Epistle is addressed, has been mentioned, with all
that is known of him, in the Introduction to C. i. 29, and Pompeius Gros-
phus in C. ii. 16. It is a letter of introduction for Grosphus to Iccius, who
was employed in mamaging Agrippa's estates in Sicily. The Epistle begins
with some general remarks on the position and circumstances of Iccius, ex-
horting him to contentment, and commending his pursuit of philosophy in
the midst of common employments. It them passes om to the recommenda-
tiom of Grosphus, amd finishes with one or two items of public mews.
1. Fructibus Agrippae] From what Sources Agrippa derived his immemse
wealth we do not know. From this Epistle we learm that he had estates in
Sicily, probably given him after his successes against Sextus Pompeius. Hor-
ace means to say to Iccius, that he has got à good post, and ihay be ver
comfortable if he is careful. He probably got a percentage on what he col-
lected. He collected Agrippa's rents, * fructus.'
4. cui rerum suppetit usus] ' Rerum usus* here seems to meam the supply
of things needful. * Suppeto,' meaming * to be sufficient,' occurs in Epod.
xvii. 64. * Pauper* is here used more in the sense of privation than Horace
generally uses it.
7. positorum] * Pomere ' is the usual word for putting dishes on the table,
as observed om S. ii. 2. 23. Here fine dishes are meant, as we can tell by thé
context. The nettle, * urtica,' forms an ingredient in the broth of poor péople
im this country, and still more in Scotland. * Protinus ' means * rigfit ón,'
and is applied in various ways. Here it means * in am uninterrupted course,'
that is, * always.* * Ut ' means * even supposing,' as in Epod. i. 21. * Con-
festim,' * straightway,' has the same root as * festino.* T* Fortumae rivus?
seems, as Orelli says, to have been a proverbial expression. /
10. naturam mutare] Horace says the same in a different application else-
where (Epod. iv. 5):
- “Licet superbus ambules pecunia,
Eortuna non mutat genus.”
12. Miramur si Democriti] “Iam surprised that Democritus should have
allowed his sheep to eat the gorn off his fields, while his mind was wandering
in swift flight far away, leaving his body ; and yet you, in the midst of sucí
sordid work and the infection of money, are bent on wisdom, and that of mo
meam sort, and continue to study things sublime.” Democritus of Abdera
had a considerable patrimony, which he neglected for travel and study. It
seems his name had passed into a proverb.
20. Empedocles an Stertintum] Empedocles was born about B. c. 520, and
was a mam of wealth and station at Agrigentum in Sicily. He was a phi-
losopher, but his opinions are hard to trace. He pretended'to a divine nature.
(See A. P. 463, sqq.) His poems, of which fragments are extant, were much
read and admired by the Romans. Horace refers perhaps to a dogma im-
puted to Empedocles, to which Cicero alludes (De Amic vii.) when he says
“ Agrigentinum quidem doctum quendam virum carminibus'Graecis vatiöi-
natum ferunt, quae in rerum matura, totoque mundo constarent quaeque mo-
verentur, ea contrahere amicitiam, dissipare discordiam.”
Stertinius, of whom all that is known has been told in the Introduction to
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 597
S. ii. 8, is put again as the representative of the Stoics. * Stertinium ' is an
adjective formed like * Sulpiciis * in C. iv. 12. 18. * Stertinium acumen * is
an expressiom like * sententia Catonis * and others (see ii. l. 72, ";}; * Deli-
ret * i§ used, perhaps, by way of jocular allusiom to the Stoic theory no-
ticed in S. ii. 3.
21. Verum seu pisces] This is only a way of changing the subject, and
passing from Icciüs and his habits to that which was the chief purpose of the
Epistlé, the introduction of Grosphus. Murdering leeks and onions is a hu-
morous way of alluding to the notion of Pythagoras mentioned in S. ii. 6. 63,
and the same is extended to fishes perhaps, because Empedocles, who believed
in the metempsychosis, and held that to take life was against the universal
law, declared that he himself had once been a fish, among other things.
23. verum] See Epp. 7. 98.
24. Vilis dimicorum est annona] Horace meams to say, that good friends are
cheaply bought, because they do not ask more tham is right; they are reason-
able and modest in their demands, as Grosphus would be.
26. Cantaber Agrippae] See C. ii. 6. 2, n.
27. Armenius cecidit;] This is an exaggerated way of stating the case.
He refers to the completion of the mission of Tiberius, mentioned in the
Introduction to Ep. 8. At their own request, Augustus sent. Tigranes to
the Armenians, he having been for some time living in exile at Rome.
They put the reigning king, Artaxias, to death, and received Tigranes, be-
cause they had chosen to hâve him for their king. Nevertheless, a coin was
struck for the occasion, with the inscription ARMENIA CAPTA.
— jus imperiumque Phraates] What Horace says is, that Phraates, king
of thé Parthians, äccepted or put himself under the law and * imperium ' of
Augustus, prostrating himself at his knees (* genibus minor*), — a ridiculous
exaggeration. (See Int. to C. iii. 5.) Ovid is nearly as strong (Trist. ii.
227) :
“Nunc petit Armenius pacem ; nunc porrigit arcus
Earthus eques timida captaque signa manu.”
29. Copia cornu.] See C. S. 60, n., and compare the expressions in C. iv.
5. 17, sqq., and 15. 4, sq. •
IE P I S T IL E XIII.
THIs letter professes to be written by Horace to one Vinius Asella, the
bearer of certain volumes of his to Augustus at Rome, Horace being probably
at his own estate. He writes as if he had given his friend particular and
anxious instructions, when he started, as to how he was to behave, and as if
this was to be semt after him, to overtake him om the road, in order to impress
those instructions upon his memory. It is probable that some such jokes
may have passed between Horace and his messenger when he started, and
that he amused himself afterwards by putting them into the form of this
Epistle. The person is assumed to be ignorant of the world, and therefore
liable to make mistakes in the execution of his mission ; to intrude at an
unseasonable time; in the eagerness of his affection for Horace, to be too
officious ; to carry the books awkwardly, so as to draw attention, or to stop
in the streets in order to tell his curious friends what important business he
was upon. The persom addressed is called Vinius, and the allusion in v. 8
leads to the inference that his cognomen was Asellus, or Asina, or Asella,
'which belonged to different Romam families.
What the volumes were that Horace was sending to Augustus, it is impos-
sible to say for certain.
528 NoTEs.
2. signata volumina,] The mumber of volumes would ílepend upom the
number of books int6'which the work was divided, as each book, if it was
not very long, would be rolled on one stick. (See Ep9d. 14. 8, n.) Round
each wóuld be wrapped a piece of parchment, and to this Horace's Bealwould
be affixed. -
8. Si validus,] Augustus had very uncertain health.
6. chartae,] See S. ii. 3. 2, m.
9. fabula j*] Compare Epod. xi. 8: “fabula quanta fui.”
, 10. lamas;] This is à rare yord, signifying bogs. Horace Writes as ifthe
man was going some arduous journey over hills and rivers and bogs, whereas
he had but thirty miles, or théreaboüts, to go, along a good road, the Via
Valeria, which passed very near the valley of the Digentia.
14. glomus fürtivae Pyrrhia lanae,] Pyrrhia is said to be the name of a
slave in a play of Titinius, who stolé some wool, and carried it away so clum-
sily that she was detected. Titinius was a writer of comedies who lived
before Terence. Pyrrhia is formed from Pyrrha, the name of a town im
Lesbos, like Lesbia, Delia, &c. * Glomus * is the singular number and
1neuter gender. It means a clew or ball of wool.
15. Ut cum pileolo soleas] The notion here is of a person of humble sta-
tion invited to the table of a great man of his own tribe, who perhaps wanted
his vote and influence. Having no slave to carry them for him, as was usual,
he comes with his cap and slippers under his arm in an awkward manner,
not being accustomed to the ways of fine houses. * Pileus ' was a skull-cap,
made offelt, and worm at night or in bad weather. The man would bring
it with him, to wear on his way home from the dinner-party. The * solea*
was the slipper, worn in the house, as * calceus ' was the walking shoe.
(See S. i. 3. 127, m.)
16. Ne vulgo narres] * Do n't tellit to all the town, that you are the bearer
of poems from Horace to Augustus; and though they should stop you, and
entreat you to tell them your business, press on.” Horace, by way of keep-
ing up the joke, supposes his messenger to arrive, hot from his journey, and
É be besieged by inquisitive people, wanting to know what brings him to
Omne.
19. cave ne titubes] This is perhaps amother jocular allusiom to his name,
and, as an ass stumbling might chance to break what he was carrying, he
adds, * mandataque frangas.* In plain prose it means, * Take care you make
no mistake, mor neglect to deliver your charge.'
E P I S T L E X I V.
HoRAcE appears to have had a discontented * villicus,' or steward of his
property, whoim he had promoted to that post from having been originally
one of the lower sort of slavés in the town establishment. While in that
position, he sighed for what he thought must be the superior freedom of the
country ; but as soon as he had reached the highest place he could be trusted
with on the farm, he begam to regret the former days when he could get ac-
cess to the tavern and cook-shop, forgetting, as is common, the vexations that
had made him long for deliverance before. This man's discontent suggested
to Horace this Epistle. - It is such only im form, for we are not to suppose
it was ever sent to the villicus. Horace means to describe his own feelings
in respect to the country, and the change in his habits and character, and at
the same time to draw a moral from his slave's conduct as to the temper of
Ę? who never know what they want, who are envious, discontented, and
azy. «- -
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 529
1. Villice silvarum] The * villicus ' was one of the principal slaves in the
*familia rustiéa,' who had the superintendence of a man's farm and * villa rus-
tica.* He collected his rents, looked after his slaves, and had charge of every-
thing but the cattle, of which there was a separate superintendent. Horaëe
says his woods and fields restored him to himself; that is, they gave him
liberty and enjoyment of life.
2. habitatum quinque focis] * Focis * is put for 'families.' Horace says
there lived on his estate five families, the heads of which were good men,
who went up from time to time to the neighboring town of Varia. Somé
suppose they were * coloni” (C. ii. 14. 11, n.), lessees who farmed different
parts of the estate. Varia was thirty miles from Rome, and ten from Tibur,
om the Via Valeria. It was four miles from Horace's farm. Its moderni
name is Vico Varo.
5. an res.]_ His land. * Praedia* were * res mancipi.'
6. Lamiae] See Introd. to C. iii. 17. * Insolabiliter? occurs nowhere else.
9. rumpere claustra.] At the end of the Circus were stalls (* carceres?), in
which the chariots remained till the race was ready to begin. They Were
then brought out, and ranged side by side behind a fope called * alba'linea?
or * calx,' which was stretched across the course, and formed a barrier, be-
yond which the chariots could not advance till the signal was given and the
rope withdrawn. It is from this obstruction, or from the * carceres,' that the
metaphor in the text is taken.
13. se non effugit unquam.] Compare C. ii. 16. 19. . `
14. Tu mediastinus.] HeThad been ome of the lowest slaves, used for all
manner of work in the * familia urbama,' and by his pitiful countenance (for
he was afraid perhaps to speak) had shown how much he wished to be de-
livered from tfiat conditioni, and to be sent to work on the farm, though that
was generally considered to be the greatest punishment (see S. ii. 7. li8, n.).
When there, he had risen, it may be supposed, to be villicus. * Mediastinus *
was the name for the lowest sort of slave, both in the town and country es-
tablishment. It is derived from * medius,' from his standing in the miidst,
and being at every one's call. • •*
tacita prece] See Epp. i 16 59, n.
18. eo disconvenit] *To this comes the difference between me and you.*
19. tesca] * Tesca' means any rough wilderness. It is a rare word.
21. uncta popina] As to * popina ' lwhich Horace calls * uncta,' because
of the greasy viands cooked there), see S. ii. 4. 62, m.
23. Angulus iste feret] Horace writes as if he were repeating the contempt-
uous language of the villicus * That little nook of yours would produce
pepper and frankincense (which of course was impossible) sooner than
grapes.' The grapes grown on the farm he did not think worthy of the
name. That Horacè made his own wine, and that it was not too bad to put
before Mæcenas, we know from C. i. 20. Pepper the ancients must hâve
obtained, through some channel, from India. - * Thus * or * tus olibanum,'
which is a gum-resim, extracted from a tree called now the Boswellia Thuri-
fera, was brought chiefly from Arabia. See Virgil (Georg. i. 57): “India
mittit ebur, molles sua tura Sabaei.” -
25. meretriae tibicina,] The * tibia* was played by women as well as mem,
and chiefly by women at meals.
26. et tamen urges] This is said with a sort of mock compassiom : * And
yet, poor mam ! (though you have none of these comforts to help you on
your way,) you have to go qn turning up the rough soil, feeding the oxen,
looking out for floods, and all that.' T*Jämpridem non tacta' implies that
Horace's property had been neglected before it came into his possession.
Mæcenas had probably never resided there, and perhaps he had not been
long owner of it when he gave it to Horace. One óf the duties the *villicus*
è-
45 .
530 NOTES.
*
had to attend to, was looking to the banks of the river (Digentiaj, which it
was apt to burst or overflow when the rains came dowm heavily. Horace
has * docere ' again in this connection (A. P. 67).
31. quid nostrum concentum dividat] * What disturbs our harmony,' or pre-
vents us from agreeing in opiniom ; which is, that whereas I cam look back
upon my past enjoyments with pleasure, and am glad to quit them, now that
my time of life requires it, to retire to the country, where I am freé from
jeàlousies and yexations, you are longing to get back to your former life and
give up the country, which many a poor slave in the town envies you. So
the, ox envies the horse, and the horse envies the ox, but my judgment is,
that each should do the work he is best fitted for (31 — fin.). -
82. tenues decuere togae] The toga was generally made of a thick woollen
cloth, but there were lighter and finer sorts for summer. These were called
* rasae,' because the nap was clipped close. * Nitidi capilli * refers to the
amointing of the head at meals. See C. ii. 7. 28, n.
33. immunem Cinarae] Though Cinara loved momey, and he had none to
give, yet she was fond of him. As to this womam, see C. iv. 1. 3, n. -
34. media de luce] * Soon after noon * (see S. ii. 8. 3, m.). It need not be
taken too literally. Their drinking was not uncommonly carried on from
three or four o'clock till past midnight, but with idle people, or on particular
occasions, it begam earlier. * Bibulum ' depends upom * scis.* As to Falerni,
see C. i. 20. 10, n. *
36. sed non incidere ludum.] * I am not ashamed to amuse myself some-
times, but I am ashamed never to break off or interrupt my amusements.”
He liked relaxation, but thought it shame to be always idle.
40. urbana diaria] See S. i. 5. 69.
42. calo argutus] The word * calo* was applied to the menial slaves in
eneral, though it is not a generie title for such, like * mediastinus ' (v. 14).
ee S. i. 6. 103, n. The meaning of * argutus * here is doubtful. It may
meam * sharp,' or it may meam * moisy.'
43. ephippiu] * Ephippium ' was a saddle, which the Romans appear to
have used, having copied it from the Greeks. It did not differ materially
from ours, except that it had no stirrups. A saddle-cloth was worm under
it, sometimes highly ornamented.
E P I S T L E XV.
NoTHING is known of the person to whom this Epistle was written. He
is called, in the MSS. inscriptioms, C. Numonius Vala. It appears that he
was acquainted with the southern coast of Italy, and Horace, who had been
recommended by his physician no longer to go (as he had been wont) to
Baiæ, had a mind to try one of the southerm ports ; and he writes to Vala
for information about them. It is an unconnected sort of Epistle, with a long
digression upom the lament of Baiæ at the loss of her invalids, and another
upon wines, and a third, which occupies half the Epistle, upon the profligacy
of one Mænius, who squandered ail his money om good living,Tand them
turned to living at the expense of others. When he had nothing better, he
ate tripe, and abused all spendthrifts ; and as soon as he had got ány money,
he spent it in the same way again. Such am I, says Horace ; when I am
short of money, I commend the serenity of a humble life ; whem a windfall
drops in, I am ready to be as extravagant as you please.
All this has not much connection with the professed object of the letter.
1. Quae sit hiems Veliae] Velia or Elea, famous as the residence of
Xenophanes, the founder of*the Eleatic school of philosophy, and the birth-
EPISTLES.— EooR I. 531
place of Parmenides and Zeno, was a town of Lucania, mear the mouth of
the river Heles or Elees (Alento). Salernum in Campania was situated at
the head of the bay of Pæstum, now the gulf of Salerno, on the heights
above the moderm town, which is elose to the sea. These places were not
very much frequented, it would seem, at this time, but a new doctor was
bringing them into fashion.
2. qualis: via,] Salernum was situated on a very good road, the Via
Aquilia, of. which there was a branch from Picenum Tas far as Pæstum.
Thence to Velia, about twenty miles, there was no Romam road.
Baias] The atmosphere of Baiæ appears to have beem clear, and the
place attractive. (Horace calls it * liquidae,' C. iii. 4. 24, and * amoenae,'
Epp. i. 1. 83.) This made it the most favorite resort of wealthy Romans,
To invalids there was the additional attraction of hot sulphurous springs.
Horace had been in the habit of going to Baiæ, as we may infer from his
connecting it ' with the Sabine hills, Præneste, and Tibur, in C. iii. 4; but it
appears he was now advised to try a different treatment, and seek some
other climate. * Supervacuus ' means * useless '; the place would do hiim
no good. As to the form of the word, see C. ii. 20, 24.
3. Musa — Antonius] This physician was a freedman of Augustus, and
came into notice chiefly through curing him of a bad illness he contracted in
the Cantabriam expeditiom. Having found cold bathing successful with the
emperor, Musa appears to have made that his general principle of treatment.
At any rate, he recommended it to Horace, and he followed his advice, not
without reluctance, as it would seem from this Epistle. The death of Mar-
cellus may have contributed to making Baiæ unpopular for a time, but it
soon recovered its character (see above, Epp. 1. 83). There are some frag-
ments of medical works by Musa still extant, and he is frequently referred to
as an authority by Galen. The order of the names is inverted, as in C. ii.
2. 3; 11. 2.
et tamen illis Me facit invisum,] The sentence is this: “ Antonius Musa
mnkes out that Baiæ is useless for me, and yet he makes Baiæ hate me, be-
cause I am dremching myself with cold water in the middle of winter.”
Horace goes on to say that the town is angry with all the patients for de-
serting it. -
5. §i. murteta relinqui] * Murteta ' means groves in which houses were
erected over sulphur springs for vapor baths.
8. Qui caput et stomachum] A douche bath on the head or stomach would
now be thoüght a strong remedy even by hydropathists; but it is one of
those which ancient physicians recommended.
9. Clusinis Gabiosqué] Clusium (Chiusi) was one of the chief towns of
Etruria, the capital 6f Porsenna, and the place where the Gauls received that
insult which led to their siege of Rome (Liv. v, 33). It was situated on the
Via Cassia, about one humdred miles north of Rome. Strabo (v. 3) men-
tions several cold streams at this place, called τὰ "Aλβουλa, which were use-
ful in many complaints both for bathing and drinking.
, 10. deversoria] Seè S. i. 5. 2, n. There was a branch of the Via Appia
at Sinuessa, leading to Cumæ, called the Via Domitiana; but that, as the
mame shows, was not constructed at this time, and probably the traveller
would have to continue along the Via Appia till he came to Capua, from
whence the Via Campana went to Cumæ to the right, and the Via Aquilia
went straight om to Salernum, and the Appia branched off through Caudium
to Beneventum. (See S. i. 5. 50. 71.) This explains * laeva habema.' The
horse would turn to the right as usual to go to Cumæ (whence the roàd was
continued to the Lucrine Lake and to Bauli and Baiæ, about four or five
miles from Cumæ).
16. vina nihil moror illius orae ;] The mearest place to Salernum spokem
532 • NOTES.
* *
of as growing wines is Surrentum (Sorrento), at the end of the promontory
that bears its name, and forms the southerm boundary of the bay of Naple§.
This wine is mentioned in S. ii. 4. 55. Horace had no high opinion 6f it.
É did mot think it worth while to ask about the wine, which he knew was
ad. .
17. perferre patique,] This pleomasm occurs again in the next Satire, v.
74. It serves to make up a verse.
21. Lucanae] This supposes he was going to Velia.
24. Phaeaxque reverti,] ISee Epp. i. 2. 28.
26. Maenius,] See S. i. 1. 10i, n. ' Fortiter* is used ironically. * Ur-
banus ' means * witty.' * Scurra vagus ' means a parasite who was ready to
dine anywhere, paying for his dinner with his jokes. -
31. Pernicies et tempestas barathrumque] All these words belong to * ma-
celli,' as to which see S. ii. 8. 229, n. He was a plague that wasted, a
Ę that swept, a gulf that swallowed up, the whole contents of the
market.
87. corrector Bestius.] The meaning is, that Mænius, whenever he could
not get a good dinner from one of thosé who patronized or were afraid ofhim,
would dine prodigiously off tripe and coarse muttom, and them declare all
good livers ought to bè branded on the belly : a censor as strict as Bestius,
who was, no doubt, some persom well known at the time, perhaps as a spare
liver or reprover of profligate living, though nothing is known of him now.
* Corrector * is here used for a reformer of morals, as in Epp. ii. 1. 129 it is
applied to poets.
.] 39. Verterat in fumum et cinerem,] This was evidently an ordinary way
of ;r;js. He got rid of all the plunder he made from fools who patroni-
ized him. - -
41. Nil melius turdo, nil vulva] As to * turdus,' see S. ii. 5. 10, m. The
womb and breast (* sumen *) of a sow, especially after her first litter, were
considered great delicacies. -
42. Nimirum hic ego sum ;] Compare Epp. 6. 40: ** ne fueris hic tu.”
êvraú6' eip/i is a common expression with the Tragedians. * Nimirum,' * of
course, as is natural: how could anything better be expected of me ? * (See
JEpp. 9. 1.) He means to say, that of course, like his neighbors, he professes
love for poverty while he is poor, but as soom as he gets amy money he is
ready for any extravagance.
46. nitidis fundata pecunia villis.] * Villa ' was a country house, as opposed
to * aedes,' a town house. There were * villae rusticae,' farm-houses, and
.* villae urbanae,' houses in the neighborhood of towns (to which sense we
limit the word in our use of it) or in the country, but built in many respects
after the fashiom of town houses. The * urbanae villae *. were oftem built at
great expense, with much marble about them, which is referred to in * nitidis.*
* Fundata* means * invested.' It is not so used elsewhere.
«- ¢»
•
EPI s T LE XVI.
QUINTIUs, to whom this Epistle is addressed, cannot be identified with
any known person. The same name is connected with the eleventh Ode of
thé second Book; but there is no reason to suppose them to belong to one
person. There is no more reason in the Epistle tham in the Ode why a name
should appear at all; for the subject is general, being the liability of men to
be deceived in respect to thcir own goodness and that of others by the judg-
ment of the multitude. This discourse is appended, rather abruptly, to a.
IEPISTLES. - BOOK I. 533
short descriptiom of Horace's residence, im anticipation of the inquiries he
supposes Quintius might make on that subject. -
1. fundus] See S. ii. 5. 108, m. -
2. Arvo pascat herum] Horace had some of his land under his own culti-
vation ; but it was no great quantity, as we may infer from the number of
slaves employed upom it (S. ii. 7. 118). The rest he seems to have let (Epp.
14. 2, n.). Part of his land was arable, and part of it meadow (Epp. 15.
26—80, and C. iii. 16. 80, “ segetis certa fides meae *). He had a garden
(Epp. 14. 42). He must also have had vines (23, n.). In short, it was an
ordinary farm on a Small scale. In the second and third verses Horace re-
counts the different productions of his farm, while he supposes Quintius to
ask about them.
2. opulentet] This is a rare word, and does not occur in any earlier writer.
8. an amicta vitibus ulino,] See C. ii. 15. 5: “ platanusque caelebs Evincet
ulmos.”
5. Continui montes] The valley of the Licenza is the only valley which
cuts the range of mountaims extending from the Campagna above Tibur to
Carseoli, about forty-five miles from Rome. Without this valley this, im-
mense body would be a continuous mass. It lies nearly north amd south,
which corresponds with the description of the text. See C. i. 17. 1, n.
8. Temperiem laudes.] The position of the valley keeps it cool in summer
and warm in winter, the latter by the exclusiom of the north wind (Tramon-
tana). ' The Scirocco (* plumbeus Auster') is modified in its strength and
character as it penetrates the mountains. `. . •
Quid, si rubicunda] * Why, if I tell you that my thorns bear abundantly
the red cornel and the plum, that my oaks and my ilexes delight my pigs
with plenty of acorns, and their master with plenty of shade, you may say it
is the woods of Tarentum, brought mearer to Rome.* * Fruge * is nowhere
else used for acorns, the common food for pigs.
12. Fons etiam] There are two small streams which feed the Licenza in
this valley, which that river mearly bisects. Either of these rivulets may be
the one Horace alludes to. -
14. fluit utilis,] See note on v. 8 of the last Epistle. -
15. dulces, etiam si credis amoenae,] A place may be * dulcis” from associ-
ation or other causes: it can only be * amoenus * from its climate, its beauties,
and so forth. As to * Septembribus horis,' see S. ii. 6. 18, n., and for * audis*
see note om v. 20 of the same Satire.
17. Tu recte vivis] He goes on to compliment and advise his friend:
* Your life is what it should be, if you are careful to be what you are ac-
counted. For all Rome has long spoken of you as a happy mam. But I am
afraid lest you should trust the judgment of others about you, rather tham
your own.'
24. pudor malus] See S. ii. 3. 39, n. He says it is a false shame that
would induce a patient to conceal his sores from the physician ; and so it is
for a mam to hide his defects, rather than bring them to the wise to cure.
25. Si quis bella tibi] “Tibi* depends on “pugnata,' which is joined with
* bella* in C. iii. 19. 4. See note" on C. ii. 6. 1 1. Quintius had no doubt
seen service ; but, says Horace, if any one were to speak of your campaign-
ing in such language as this (then he quotes two linés, said tò be taken from
thè panegyric öf Varius om Augustus, referred to on C. i. 6. 11), you would
recognizeit as meant, not for yöu, but for Cæsar. But if you allow yourself
to be called wise and correct, does your life correspond to that name amy
more tham your military expioits to'the above encomium ? Literally, * Do
you answer in your own name,' or * on your owm account ? ' . *Vaguas
aures ' are ears which, Ęg unoccupied, aré ready to receive what is spoken.
45
\—--—--— - - - ..
534 NOTES.
27. Tene magis — populum] * Whether thy people care for thy safety more,
or thou for theirs, may Jove ever doubtful' keep, he who watches over both
thee and Rome.* The meaning of this is, * May thy country ever care for
thee, and thou for thy country, with an equal affection.'
30. Cum pateris sapiens] See C. i. 2. 43, n. t ;
31. Nempe Vir bonus] Quintius is supposed to answer, * Yes, surely, I
like to be called good and wise, and so do you.* * Nay,' replies Horace,
* such praise as this is givem one day, and may be withdrawn the next ; and
you are obliged to resign your claim, because you know you do not deserve
it. But if a mam attacks me with charges I know I am innocent, of, is that
to affect me and make me blush ? ' - -
40. Vir bonus est quis ?] The answer is to this effect: “ In the eyes of the
people the good man is he who never transgresses the laws ; who is seem act-
ing as *judex * in important causes, and has never been known to be corrupt;
whom men choose as their sponsor, and whose testimony carries weight in
court; but all the while the man's own neighborhood and family may know
him to be foul withim, though fair enough without.” - -
41. Qui consulta patrum,]I Of the component parts of the Romam civil law
Horace mentions three. * Jura ' signifies legal rights and rules of law. It
has the latter meaming here. * Leges,' properly so called, were laws passed
in the * comitia centuriata.' They were first approved by the senate, and
them proposed to the comitia by a magistratus of sematorial rank. * Plebis-
cita,' laws passed by the plebs in their comitia tributa, were made binding om.
the whole people by the * lex Hortensia,* passed B. c. 288, and themceforward
they had the force of leges. * Senatus-consulta * (* consulta patrum *) appear,
in some instances, to have had the force of law during the republic ; under
the empire, they superseded the legislation of the comitia. Horace might
have added other parts of law, and more particularly * mores,' which were all
those laws that sprang from immemorial usage. -
42. secantur] See S. i. 10. 15, n. * Tenere,' in the sense of gaining a
cause, is not eommon. It is used by Cicero (Pro Caecina, c. 24) : “ Seaevola
causam apud centumviros non tenuit.”
43. Quo res sponsore] See S. ii. 6. 23, m. Horace means a mam whose
credit is good as a sponsor and a witmess.
46. Nec furtum feci] There are some who think themselves very good,
who would be bad if they dared. To such a ome Horace answers as he am-
swered his slave, when he boasted of his goodmess. Vv. 46—56 are a dia-
logue between the slave and his master ; the applicatiom, being easily made,
is not expressed. Not to be very wicked does not make a man good ; nor is
it sufficient to abstain from crime through fear of panishment: our motive
should be the love of virtue for her own 8ake. * Sabellus ' may meam the
* villicus,' or it may be taken for any plain judging mam. Many suppose
Horace means himself. Orelli does so. * Frugi* is explained on S. ii 5. 77.
57. Vir bonus, omne forum] He whom the people believe to be good, whom
everybody turns to look at as he walks through the Forum, and looks up to
when he speaks in the courts. ** Gaude quod spectant oculi te mille loquen-
tem.** (Epp. 6. 19.) There were three principal * fora* in Rome, in which
judicia} and other public (as well as mercantile) business was carried on.
The Forum Romanum was simply caìied Forum, because it was the largest;
and till the time of Julius Cæsar it was the only one. The dictator begam
the erection of another, adjoining the Forum Romanum, and it was calledt
after him. It was finished by Augustus. Afterwards Augustus built a smalk
forum in the same meighborhood, wherein none but judicial business was
transacted. It was partially destroyed by fire, and restored by Hadriam.
Other * fora* were afterwards erected by different emperors (Nerva, Trajam,
Vespasian). In every * forum ' there was a *basilica* (or more than oné), à
IEPISTLES. — BOOK I. 535
building devoted to the joint purposes of judicial and commercial business.
At the emd of the building was a part called * tribunal,' devoted to law.
58. vel porco vel bove] The animals most commonly sacrificed by the Ro-
mans were sheep, pigs, and oxen. On public occasioms these three were sac-
rificed together, and the sacrifice was called * suovetaurilia,' being a combina-
tion of the three names. Private persons would only sacrifice the three on
great occasions, and on some there would be several of each or any of them
offered together. Ordimarily they sacrificed but one, according to their
meams or their zeal.
59. Jane pater!] See S. ii 6. 20, n. Silent devotion was mot practised or
understood by the amcients, amy more than it is by the heathem ór Mahome-
tans now: μerà qùovijs eôxeor6av ôeî is reported to have been a saying of
Pythagoras. Silent prayers were supposed to be a veil either for impróper
petitions, or magical incantations, or something wrong. To speak with men
as if the gods were listening, and with the gods so as men might overhear, is
a rule found in more than one writer.
60. Pulchra Laverna,] Laverna was a goddess associated with Mercurius,
as the god who presided over thieving. The derivation of the word is umcer-
tain. v •
64. In triviis firum] Persius, speaking of a man who was above sordid
ways, says (v. 110), ** Inque luto fixum possis transcendere nummum,”
where there is a Scholium which says that boys used to fastem an asto the
pavement, and amuse themselves with watching people stop to pick it up.
Whether this is referred to by Horace, or whether any such practice existed,
is doubtful. It is very likely Horace means no more than a man stoopimg to
pick up an as from the mud. -
65. qui cupiet metuet quoque;] Horace joins fear and desire in Epp. i. 2. 51,
and ii. 2. 155. .
67. Perdidit arma,] The mam who is êver hurrying aftcr money, and
swallowed up in love of it, has cast away his arms, and run away from the
ranks of virtue. If you catch him, do not put him to death, but seli him for
a slave, which is all he is fit for. He may do good service in keeping cattle,
or ploughing, or going with his master, the mercator, to sea, replemishing tho
market, and so forth.
69. Vendere cum possis] One of tho principal sources from which the Ro-
mans got their slaves, in earlicr times, was the prisoners of war. Dealers
always accompanied the camp for the purpose of purchasing them. They
were sold om the spot. by âuction, * sub corona,' that is, with a chaplet om their
head to mark them for sale. ' See Cæsar (B. G. iii. 16). Captives reserved
to follow the triumph of the commander were put to death when the proces-
sion was over (see Epod. 7. 8, m.). The law-writers derive * servus? from
* servare,' as prisoners kept for slavery were not put to death. * Annona*
properly signifies the year's supply of provisions from the harvest. * Penus *
signifies provisions of all sorts; here it means all sorts of imported provisions,
preserves, etc. * Penus * is of two declensions, the second and third.
78. Vir bonus et sapiens] * The virtuous and wise man can speak to For-
tune as Dionysus did to Pentheus.' The scene abluded to is that in the Bac-
chæ of Euripides (489, sqq.). Vv. 495, 496 are almost literally translated in
vv. 77, 78. Penthetis, king of Thebcs, hearing that a young stranger ha§
come to his country, giving himself out to be Dionysus, änd has tempted all
the women to go out and do honor to him, sends his servants to appréhend
him. The god állows himself to be takem, and, when brought before the
King, describes himsehf as the servant of H)ionysus. Then folkows a dialogue,
of which the verses above referred to form part. The applicátiom is obvious.
The good mam cam bid defiânce to the rcverses of Fortune, simce at any timé
he wishes he cam call death to his assistanco, — a bad doctrine for good merì.
536 - NOTES.
Cicero did not approve ofit. He says, “vetat Pythagoras injussu imperato-
ris, id est Dei, de praesidio et statione vitae decedere” (Cat. Maj. c. 20).
The ancients had very loose notions on suicide. •
79. mors ultima linea rerum est] This refers to the * alba linea * mentioned
om Epp. 14. 9, which was the goal as well as starting-point in the chariot-
ITà,C€S.
� - E PI S T IL E X V II.
WHo Scæva was there are no means of determining, and it is quite im-
material. He bears no part in the Epistle, which might have beem addressed
to amybody of his age. Its professed purpose is to instruct a young mam how
to rise in the world by paying court to great people, which is declared to be
an art of no small merit. The chief secret of this art is said to be a well-
affected modesty, and a tact in lettimg your wants be rather felt than heard by
your patron, and this is the only advice that is offered. The Epistle ends
abruptly, and is a mere fragment.
8. docendus adhuc,] He was young, and had yet much to learn. * Amicu-
lus ' is a diminutive expressing endeárment.
4. Caecus iter monstrare velit;] Erasmus quotes as a proverb μήτe rvq)\òv
öömyóv, μήτe ékvδητον σύμ$ov\ov. Our Lord twice used it in instruéting
his disciples (Matt. xv. 14, Luke vi. 39).
8. Ferentinum] This was a municipium on the Via Latina, about forty-
six miles from Rome, in the country of the Hernici. It still retains its namie
IFerentino. It appears not to have been much frequented, and Horace recom-
mends his friend to go there, if the object of his wishes is to avoid the noise
of the town, and to lead a quiet life, which he says is not without its recom-
mendations.
10. moriensque fèfèllit.] Horace uses *fallere * as the Greeks used \av6dvetv
(seé C. iii. 16. 32, n.). TBut it is only used absolutely here and in the next
Epistle (v. 103). Horace takes his expressiom from the Greek proverb
Xd6e 8ιόoras, which appears to have been used by the Epicureans and
Cyrenaics. -
11. Si prodesse tuis] Horace's argument for servility is, that it is neces-
sary, if a man wants to be of use tò his friends, and to make himself com-
fortable.
12. siccus ad unctum.] As a poor mam to the rich. * Siccus* means poor,
as one who cannot command a dinner, or cam only command a dryone ;
and * unctus ' means a rich mam who fares sumptuously. The Cynics werc
called £mpδφayov from their abstinence, and £mpoq)ayia among the early
Christians was a fast.
18. Si pranderet olus patienter] There is a story of Aristippus, that he was
one day passing Diogenes, the, Cynic, while he was washing some vegetables
for his dinner, and he was accosted thus: “If you had learnt to put up with
this, you would not have been a slave in the palace of kings,” alluding to
his having been the guest of Dionysius of Syracuse. The answer of Aris-
tippus was: “ And if you knew how to associate with your fellows, you
would not. now be washing herbs.”
15. qui me notat.] * Notare* is used in a bad sense (see S. i. 6. 20, n.).
18. Mordacem Cynicum] The Cynics received their name from the place
where Antisthenes taught, the Cynosarges, a gymnasium at Athens. The
popular notiom of a Cynic (expressed by * mordacem,' * biting *) is derived
rather from the conduct of the followers (of whom Diogenes was one) than
of the founder of the school.
EPISTLES. — 1B0OK I. 537-
19. Scurror ego ipse mihi,] This verb does not occur elsewhere. The par-
ticiple is used in the next Epistle (v. 2). Aristippus is supposed to pârry
the blow (* eludere,' a metaphor taken from the gladiators) of Diogenes by
admitting, for the sake of argument, that he acted parasite to a king ; yet it
was for his own advantage ; whereas the Cynic acted parasite to the popu-
lace for their amusement ; he begged their dirty provisions, and gave Tthem
snarling jests in return ; and by accepting their alms, he acknowledged
himself their inferior, and this though he professed to want nothing of tliem
or any one else. * Hoc* refers to the remoter object, as in S. ii. 2, where see
note om v. 30.
20. Equus me portet, alat rex,] The Greeks had a proverb, ἐπτος μe φέρει,
3aai\eÜs pe tpéφει, which words are said to have been first uttered by a
soldier of Philip of Macedon to his mother, who entreated him to ask exemp-
tion from service.
21. Officium facio :] * Officium * is commonly applied to attendance on
great people; and the most servile are wont to say they are only * doing their
duty ' by their betters. As to * vilia rerum,' see C. iv. 12. 19, n. ;TS. ii.
8. 83. •
23. Omnis Aristippum decuit color] See Epp. i. 1. 18, n. * Color ? is * color
vitae ' (S. ii. 1. 60), and corresponds to * vitae via* below (v. 26). We use
* complexion* in the same double sense. Horace means that, while Aristip-
pus paid court to the rich, he could do without them, if necessary. * On the
other hand,' he says, * he who, on the principle of endurance, puts on his
double- cloak, I should be surprised if a change of life would suit him ' ; that
is, he is more the creature of habit than the man Jhe condemns.
25. duplici panno] The asceticism of Diogenes was his way of carrying
out the principle ofendurance, which was a chief feature in his teacher's sys-
tem. A coarse * abolla,' a garment thrown loosely over the person, served
him for his dress, without tunic. He is said to have been the first to wear it
double and to have slept in it, and those who followed him, adopting the
same practice, were called διττλοeiparov and âxirooves. Juvenal says the
Sioics differed from the Cynics only in the use of the tunic (S. xiii. 121).
28. celeberrima per loca] See C. ii. 12. 20, n. -
30. Alter Mileti textam] The purple and wool of Miletus wero held in
great esteem by the Greeks. As to * chlamys,' see Epp. i. 6. 40, n. It ap-
pears that there were several stories current among the ancients about the
indifference of Aristippus to dress. * Cane pejus et angui ' is a proverbial
way of speaking. * Pejus ' occurs in the same connection, C. iv. 9. 50,
“ Pejusque leto flagitium timet.”
33. Res gerere et captos] He says triumphs are fine things (they reach the
throne of Jove amd affect the skies), but there is no small merit in pleasing
the great, and it is not everybody who can do it.
36. Non cuivis homini] Où Travròs ävöpös eis Kópuv6ov ἐσθ' δ πλοῦs.
There are various explanations given of this proverb, but none cam safely
be relied upon. * To go to Corinth ' involved a difficulty in some sense or
other, and so the proverb applies to anything that is difficult and requires
unusual clearness. ra
37. Sedit qui timuit] The perfect is used as the aorist. * He sits idle who
is afraid he shall not succeed. Esto ! Be it so (let him pass): but what of
him who succeeds ? Has he not done manfully 3 *
41. Aut virtus nomen inane est,] * Either virtue is an empty name, or the
active man does well to look for his crown and his reward.'
42. experiens vir.] This means am active mam, who tries every means of
SuCCeSS. - 4 •
• 45. caput hoc erat,] He means that modesty and the absence of importu-
nity is the bgst way of succeeding with the great ; not to be cager to ask,

538 NOTE8.
but to be modest, and take what is offered (see Int.). ' Erat * seems to
meam * this is the point I was coming to.' But see C. i. 37. 4, n.; Epp. i.
4. 6, n.
4i.Tiec vendibilis nec pascere firmus,] * Not salable (because worth noth-
ing) mor sufficient for ouir support.' * Firmus * with the infinitive mood is the
cohstruction found so frequently in the Odes. See C. i. l. 18, n.
48. clamat,] He does'as göod as cry, * Give me food ! ' and the conse-
quence is another chimes in with, *The boom must be divided, and a part
Cut off for me.' -
49. dividuo findetur munere quadra.] * Dividuus* is used in the sense of
* divisus”: * qüadra,' a fourth part, is put for any fragment. See Forcell. .
for several examples. -
50. Sed tacitus pasci] If the greedy fellow could only have been quiet, he
might have kept it all to himself. A crow cawing over the morsel luck or
thieving has thrown in his way, and thereby attracting the attention and envy
of his brethren, applies to many a knave who loses his ill-gotten gains through
his own folly in parading them.
52. Brundisium comes aut Surrentum] To Brundisium a mam might go om
business; to Surrentum (Sorrento) for the climate and scemery, which are
still very healthy and beautifuI. Surrentum was made a Romam colony
about this time. We do not hear much of it as a place of resort, though
from this passage we. may infer that it was one of the pleasant spots on the
Campaniam coast to which the wealthy Romans went for change of air. Its
wines were celebrated (see Epp. 15. 16, m.). In mentioning Brundisium,
Horace may have been thinking of his journey with Mæcenas. He says, if
a mam, going into the country with his great friend, talks of the roughness of
the roads, the bitterness of the cold, the loss of his purse, and so om, in order
to get money from his patron, he is like the woman who is always crying for
the pretended loss of a trinket, in hopes her lover will give her more, till at
last she is no longer believed ; or the man who pretended he had broken his
leg in order to get a ride, but when he broke his leg in earnest, no ome
would listen to him.
54. viatica] See Epp. ii. 2. 26, n.
55. catellam,] This is a diminutive form of * catena,' and is used for a
bracelet or necklace : * periscelis * appears to be an anklet, such as women,
and young childrem of both sexes, in the East, wear universally. * Nota
acumina' means * the hackneyed tricks.' -
59. Fracto crure planum,] The Romans adopted the Greek word ττλdvos
for a vagabond and impostor. As to * plurima,' see C. i. 7. 8, n. Horace
makes the man swear by the Egyptiam Osiris, as ifthat were the most sacred
9f oaths. Among other new superstitions, the worship of Isis had been
lately introduced into Rome. . Efforts were made, from time to time, to put
it dowm, and Augustus forbade its being exercised in the city. But under
later emperors it became established, with the encouragement of the govern-
- ment, in conjunction With that of Serapis. Qsiris yas mot worshipped sepa-
rately, but shared, perhaps, the reverence paid to his wife (I;i3).
E P I S.TIL E X V III.
THIs Epistle contains some more advice to a young mam begi;ining life,
as to how he should wim the favor of the great. The person addressed is
young Lollius, respecting whom see the Introduction to Epp. 2 of this book,
which is also addressed to him. The counsel Horace gives is mot creditable
to himself or the age he lived in. \
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 539
1. liberrime Lolli,] * My frank Lollius.* See Introduction. On * metues,'
see C. ii. 2. 7; and as to * scurrantis,' see last Ep., ver. 19.
4. Discolor,] This means no more than * différent.?
5. prope majus,] See C. iv. 14. 20; S. ii. 3. 32.
6. Asperitas] A roughness, clownish, uncouth, and disgusting.
7. tonsa cute,] With the hair cut short down to the veryskim, which would
show a want óf regard to appearances. «
9. Virtus est medium vitiorüm] See C. ii. 10. 5, n.
10. imi Derisor lecti] See S. ii. 8. 20, n. * Derisor* means a parasite
whose business it was to keep the company amused with jokes, such as the
man described in S. i. 4. 87, sq.
13. dictata magistro] See S. i. 10. 75, n.
14. partes mimum tractare secundus.] * Secundas agere' is a phrase taken
from the stage. It applied to all the actors, except the chief. In the * mimi,'.
which consisted ghiefly of dumb show, the inferior parts were all arranged,
and the actors playeâ, so as to support the principal character. In iiiost
cases one of the parts was that of a parasite. The subordinates were also
called * adjutores.* (See S. i 9. 45, n.; A. P. 192, n.)
15. de lana saepe caprina,] To quarrel about goats' wool is plainly equiv-
alent to quarrellimg about nothing at all.
* 16. Scilicet ut non] * Forsooth, that I should not be believed before amy-
body else, and boldly bark out what I know to be true ! Why, a second life
would be a poor return* (for such an indignity). -
19. Castor sciat an Dolichos plus ;] This is the same sort of gossip that
Mæcenas is represented as discussing with Horace (S. ii. 6. 44, sqq.). If
Dolichos be right, the name is that ofTa Greek slave, derived from Doliche,
a town of Thessaly.
20. Brundisium Minuci] This road is only once more mentioned by any
classical writer (Cic. ad Aft ix. 6), and it is impossible to say anything
about it with certainty, except that it passed by the town of Alba. There
was a Porta Minutia leading out of Rome, the site of which is unknown ;
but it is probable that this road led from that gate, and that it was in the
southern part of the city.
22. Gloria quem — vestit] See S. i. 6. 23, m.
25. decem vitiis instructior] * Furnished with ten times as many defects.'
26. veluti pia mater] Like a fond mother who wishes her child to be wiser
and better tham herself, the patrom advises his client.
30. Arta decet sanum comìtem toga ;] * A narrow toga suits my humble
friend if he be wise.' The size and shape of the toga are referred to on
IEpod. iv. 8. * ey
31. Eutrapelus] Aristotle defines eûtpatre\ia as retravêevpévm Üßpus, a
refimed impertinence. It appears that for his wit this name was givem to P.
Volumnius, an eques, and friend of M. Antonius, to whom are addressed
two of Cicero's letter§ (Ad Fam. vii. 32, 83). From the way Horace writes,
he must have been dead at this time.
34. honestum Qfficium,] This means the calls of duty, in a better sense
than in the last Epistle (v. 21). See Epp. ii. 2. 68.
86. Thrax erit] See S ii. 6. 44. Horace says he will get into debt, and
be reduced to hire himself as a gladiator, or drive a costermonger's hack.
* Ad imum* is not elsewhere uséd as * ad extremum,' but it means * when
he has got to the lowest point.' As to * nummos alienos,* See Epp. ii.
2. 12, n. �
37. Arcanum neque tu] He must not be inquisitive about his patron's
secrets, or betray them, fior praise his own tastes at the expense of the great
man's, mortake to his books when he wants him to go humting.
• 88. viiiö tortus] This expression is repeated in A. P. 435.
•
540 NOTES.
41. Amphionis atque Zethi] These fabulous brothers, the sons of Antiope
by Zeus, Were different in their dispositions, the one being given to music,
ahd the other to country pursuits. [Zethus, it appears, had a contempt for
Amphion's lyre, and advised him roughly to throw it away, and take to
arms, and to useful pursuits, like his own.
46. Aetolis onerata plagis] See Epp. i. 6. Ætolian toils are toils fit for
Meleager, the king of Ätólia, and the destroyer of the Calydoniam boar.
With * senium * compare * senectus ' (Epod. xiii. 5).
48. pulmenta laboribus empta ;] ' Compare S. ii. 2. 20: “Tu pulmentaria
quaere Sudando.” “ Pulmentum * originally signified amything eatem with
*puls,' porridge or gruel (a commom dish with the early Romans), to give it
a flavor. It came afterwards to signify any savory dish.
54. Proelia sustineas campestria;] Compare A. P. 379. The allusion is
to the games on the Campus Martius.
55. Cantabrica bella] See C. ii. 6. 2.
56. Parthorum signa] See C. iii. 5, Introduction. -
57. et si quid abest] This is mere flattery, like that about the standards.
Augustus had mo intention of extending the Romam empire at this time. No
further conquest was attempted till B. c. 15, whem some of the Alpine tribes
were beatem by Drusus and Tiberius, and their country made into a province.
(See C. iv. 4, Introduction.) ú
58. Ac, ne te retrahas] Horace adds another reason why he should not
refuse to join the amusements of his patron, that he cannot say he has no
turn for that sort of thing, for he is wont to amuse himself at homo with such
sports as sham-fights, though Horace does mot meam to say he is given to
wasting his time on such matters. - • .
59. extra numerum — modumque] This is, literally, * out of time and tune.'
60. rure paterno;] Where the estates of the elder Lollius lay, or who was
his other son, is not known. The two brothers, it appears, got up a repre-
sentation of the battle of Actium, om a pond perhaps in their father's grounds,
and they made the slaves (* pueros*) act the soldiers and sailors, while they
took thé principal characters themselves, the elder acting Augustus, and his
brother M. Antonius.
64. velox Víctoria fronde coronet.] Victoria is always represented as a
young female, with wings, and with a palm-branch or a Wreath in her hand,
or both.
66. Fautor utroque — pollice] In the fights of gladiators, the people ex-
pressed their approbation by turmimg their thumbs down, and the reverse by
uplifting them. When a gladiator had got his adversary dowm, or disarmed
him, he looked to the spectators for this signal, and according as the thumb
was up or down he despatched or spared the man. Thus * fautor utroque
pollicé? is a proverbial way of speaking. See Juvenal (iii. 36).
, 68. Quid de quoque viro et cui] T * Quoque ' is from * quisque,' * every mian.'
* Percontator* is a gossip who is always asking questions in order to retail
the answers, generally in T a perverted form. His ears are always open to
pick up remarks (* pâtulae *), and his tongue always active to repeat them.
72. Non ancilla tuum] See S. ii. 5. 91, n. as to the use of ' non* for * ne.'
75. Munere te parvo beet] *Lest he be generous, and make you happy with
this trumpery present, or be cruel and refuse it you.' This seems to be the
meaning; that is to say, the patron may take it into his head to gratify his
dependant with a present of the slave he admires, and then think hé has done
enough for him, or he may refuse to make him the present, and this would
give him paim.
78. quondam] See C. ii. 10. 17, n. S. ii. 2. 82. -.
79. deceptus omitte tueri,) * When once you have found yourself deceived,
do not take him under your protection, but reserve your influence for one
&
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. . 541
you thoroughly know, that, if need be, you may be able to shelter him from
calumny ; for when the good are slandered, what do you suppose may not
happen' to yourself ? ' The Scholiasts say that Theon was a mam of malig-
nant wit in Horace's time, and that he was a * libertinus ' who provoked his
* patronus,' and was turned out.of his house with the present of a * quadrans,'
amd told to go and buy a rope to hang himself. This is all we know of him,
and this is very uncertain.
91. media de nocte] See S. ii. 8. 8, m.
93. Nocturnos — vapores.] This must be taken to signify the feverish heats
that come on after much drinking.
95. obscuri] * Reserved.' *
100. Virtutem doctrina paret,] Whether virtue is a science (èruorrfipum)
amd capable of being taught (διδaxrii), was discussed by Socrates, who held
that it was so, in a certain sense. The question was a common rhetorical
theme in Horace's day.
103. fallentis semita, vitae.] See Epp. 17. 10, n., and compare Juvenal
(x. 363): ** semita certe Tranquillae per virtutem patet unica vitae.”
104. gelidus Digentia rivus,] The Digentia (Licenza), rising near Horace's
house (see Epp. 16. 12, n.), after a course of about six miles emptied itself
into thè Anio, about half a mile beyond the Via Valeria, which crossed it.
105. Quem Mandela bibit,] There is a village called Bardela, which prob-
ably stands on the site of Mandela. From its position at the head of the
valley, and the winds that blow upon it from the northeast, it was colder
than Horace's residence, higher up the valley, which accounts for the de-
scription * rugosus frigore pagus * as compared with * temperiem laudes * in
Epp. 16. 8. The expression may be suggested by pictures and other repre-
sentations of Hiems, who is exhibited as a wrinkled old mam, as Ovid de-
scribes him, apparently from a picture also : “ Inde senilis Hiems tremulo
venit horrida passu ” (Met. xv. 212).
111. Sed satis est] Horace prays for a good supply of books and pro-
visions, and a quiet mind ; but retracts the last, and says he will pray to
;ove for what he can give and take away, but a quiet mind he will securo
imself.
IE P I S T IL E XIX.
IT would appear that Horace had imitators among those who abused him ;
and if we are to understand him to meam what he says, there were those who
took his convivial odes literally, and, coupling them with the example of the
old Greek poets, conceived that the way to write verses was to propitiate
Eacchus and driak a great deal of wine. Or else he means that they took
to writing in the same straim, all about wine and driving dull care away, and
so forth, which at second hand would be very poor stuff. Such servile im-
itators he speaks of with great disgust; and, while he exposes their shallow-
ness, he accounts for their malevolence towards himself by the fact of his not
having sought their company or hired their applause. He at the same time
claims to have been the first to dress the lyric measures in the Latin language,
while he defends himself for having adopted the metres of another, bypoint-
ing to the examples of Sappho and Alcæus, and tákes credit for having
avoided the virulence of Archilochus, while he imitated his verse. This is
introduced by the way, the chief purpose of the Epistle being to show the
folly of his calumniators and the cause of their abuse.
• 1. Maecenas docte, Cratino,] He addresses Maecenas elsewhere as “ doctus
46
542 1\OTES.
uitriusque linguae ” (C. iii. 8. 5). Cratinus, though he lived to a good old
age, and kept his powers to the last, as we have' seen (S. i. 4. 1, n.), was a
proverbial drunkard. •
4. Adscripsit Liber] * Adscribere ' is a military term, As to Liber's at-
tendants, the Fauns, Pans, and Satyrs, see note on C. ii. 19. 4. The poets
immediately under the protection of Dionysus were the lyric, the dithyramb
having been performed first at the Dionysia. . Compare C. i. 1. 31. So the
oet is called * cliens Bacchi ” (Epp. ii. 2. 78). ILiber, the Latin divinity, is
ere, as elsewhere, confounded with the Greek Bacchus or Dionysus, with
whom he had only this in common, that he presided over vines. * Ut* means
* ever since ' (C. iv. 4. 42).
5. Vina fere dulces] The ancients did not spare the reputation of their
poets in this matter; for besides the fame of Cratinus mientioned above,
Alcæus, Anacreon, Æschylus, Aristophames, and many others, have the
credit of indulging freely im wine. As to Homer, there is no foundation
in his poetry for Horace's libel, which is simply absurd. David might as
well be charged with excess because he speaks of wine as making glád the
heart of man. Ennius said of himself that he only wrote when he had got
the gout: “ Numquam poëtor nisi podager.” - *
8. Forum putealque Libonis] See S. ii. 6. 35, n. Horace speaks as if he
had delivered an ° edictum ' that the business of the Forum Was only fit for
the sober and dull, who had nothing to do with poetry ; whereupon all that
would be thought poets took to drinking day and night. * Putere ? is a
stronger word for * olere,' used above, v. 5.
12. Quid, si quis vultu torvo] Cato of Utica is here referred to, of whom,
IPlutarch says, that from his childhood he showed in his voice and counte-
nance, and also in his amusements, an immovable, umimpressive, and firm
temper. He seldom laughed, or evem Smiled ; and though not passionate,
when his anger was roused it was not easy to pacify him. He set himself
against the fashions of the times, in dress as in other things, and often went
out of doors after dinner without his shoes and tunic ; and the fashiom being
to wear a “lacerna ' of bright color, he chose to wear a dark one. (Cat. c.
1. 6.) He may have worn his toga of smaller dimensions tham other people,
from the same dislike to the usages of the day. For * textore ' we should
expect * textura, * in this place. -
15. Rupit Iarbitam Tirnagemis] It appears that the person here called
Iarbitas (from Virgil's Numidian king, Iarbas) was a Mäuritanian by birth,
and that his Roman name was Cordus or Codrus. Timagenes was à nativé
of Alexandria, where he was takem prisoner by A. Gabinius, and sold as a
slave. He was sent to Rome, and bought ? Eaustus, the son of Sulla, who
gave him his freedom. He afterwards taught rhetoric, amd became famous.
It seems that Cordus, endeavoring to imitate Timagenes, and failing, broke
his heart with envy. - »
18. biberent exsangue cuminum.] The fruit of this plant, which is a pleasant
condiment, is described by Pliny (xx. 15).as giving a pallid hue to fhe com-
plexion. It is a plant of Eastern origin. We are familiar with it through
the proverbial use of the name by our Lord in his denunciation of the Phari-
sees, who gaye tithes of mint, anige, and cumia, but neglected the weightier
matters of the law. It was used to express littleness or meanness iii any
shape. Horace says, if he happened to look pale by any chance, his imi-
itators would eat cumfn-seeds to make themselves look intéresting and poet-
ical like him. • ' * - -
23. Parios ego primus: iambos] The iambics of Archilochus of Paros. As
to his attacks upon Lycambes, see Epod. vi. 18, n. -
26. ne me foliis] * And that you may not crown me with less noble
Wreath.' As- to this position of * me,' see C. iv. 9. 1, n. Horace says: he is
EPISTLES. — BOOK I. 543
miot to be blamed för imitafing Archilochus in his mieasuré and the $tructure,
of his verse, for Aleæus and Sappho (he says, and we must take his word for
it) did the same ; they termpered their Musé with the measure of Archilochus.
The iambies of Archilochus are imitáted by Horace ia the Epodes. Other
measures of his he has imitated in the Odes. There is little left of Archi-
lochus but his iambics. The vigorous style of Sappho's fragments shows :
the reason why Horace calls her * mascula.* See C. ii. 13. 24, n.
32. Hunc ego non alio dictum] Compare C. iv. 9. 3 :
“ Non ante vulgatas per artes
Verba loquor socianda chordis ”;
and 3. 28: “ Romanae fidicem lyrae.* * Hunc* Orelli refers to Alcæus,
comparing C. iii. 30. 13 :
“ Princeps Aeolium carmen ad Italos;
JDeduxisse modos.”
It may refer to Archilochus. I do mot feel certaim about it. Forcellini only
mentions one other example of * immemoratus ' from Ausonius. * Ingenuis?
means * candid * or * uncorrupted.'
35. ingratus] He means that the reader is ungrateful who gets gratifica-
tion from his poems at home, and yet abuses them abroad. * Ingratus *
belongs to the second clause as well as * iniquus.' The reason Horace gives,
is, that he does not go about seeking the good opinion of vulgar eritics, giving
them dinners and cast-off clothes, and so om, but keeps himself to the com-
pany of respectable authors, listening to their writings and getting them to
listen to his own. The language is taken from the notion of canvassing for
votes at an election.
39. auditor et ultor] These words are reciprocal. The man who listens to.
a stupid recitation has his revenge when he recites in return. Here it is
meant in a, good-humored way. Juvenal's first Satire begins, “ Semper ego
auditor tantum ? numquamne reponam ? ** As to the practice of recitation
among friends and in public, see C. ii. 1, Int., and S. i. 4. 73, n.
40. Grammaticas ambire tribus] Those who made a profession of literature
were called * literati,' * eruditi,* or * grammatici.* The last name was applied.
principally to those who kept schools or.gave lectures, of whom there were a
great mamy at this time at Rome. Inferior writers would give a good deal
for their favorable opinion, which would help their books into demand among
their scholars. Horace calls them * critici * elsewhere (A. P. 78). * Pulpi-
tum * meant any raised platform from which speeches were delivered. Here
it applies to that from which the teachers delivered their lectures.
41. Hinc illae lacrimae.] This became a common way of speaking after
Terence (Andr. i. 1. 99): ** Atat hoc illud est : Hinc illae lacrimae, haec
illa est misericordia.”
Spissis indigna theatris] * Theatra* here means any audience before which
recitations of this kind might take place, though the poetry of popular writers
was recited in the theatres by * mimi* and * mimae.*
43. Jovis aurìbus] This is the same sort of expression as S. ii. 6. 52: “deos
quoniam propius contingis.” “ Manare * is mot commonly used as a transitive
verb. In this construction we find the like words, * flere,' * pluere,'* stillare,'
* rorare,' &c. The expressions * nugis,' * poëtica mella,* *tibi pulcher,' all
seem to apply rather tò the lyrical cómpositions than to the Satires, and the
former appear to haye been the objects of all this servile imitation.
45. naribus utí] See S. i. 6. 5, n., and Persius (i. 40): “nimis uncis Nari-
bus indulges.” * . - -
47. dilùdia posco.] This word occurs nowhere else. It means, in the first
instance, an intervâl allowed to gladiators between their contest8. *Iste;
locus* must mean the * pulpita * ór * spissa theatra* above mentioned. It
geems as ifthe speaker meant to gain time, and, without-declining the con*
544 • ; INOTES.
test, made objections to the ground, and asked for a postponement, the lan-
guage of the arena or palæstra being kept up. The meaning, in plain terms,
is, that he does not wish to be brought into competition with others in the way
of public recitations or criticism, because such matters, though they may be-
gin in good temper, generally issue in strife and bad passions. * Iste ' ex-
presses * that plaee which you propose.'
IE P I S T IL E X X.
WITH this composition addressed to his beok (which can hardly be any
other than this collection of Epistles) Horace sends it forth to take ifs chance
in the world. He addresses it as a young and wanton maidem, eager to es-
cape from the retirement of her home and to rush into dangers she knows
nothing of. He tells her it will be too. late to repair herTerror when she
discovers it; that she will be caressed for a time and then thrown away, and,
when her youth and the freshness of her beauty are gone, she will end her
days in miserable drudgery and obscurity. He concludes with a description
of himself, his person, his character, and his age.
1. Vertumnum Janumque,] The Vicus Thurarius, in which the Scholiasts
say Vertumnus had a temple, was part of the Vicus Tuscus (S. ii. 3. 228),
and the Argiletum was a street leading out of that street. In the Argiletum
Janus had a temple. - The Sosii were Horace's booksellers (see A: P. 345),
and their shop may have stood near temples of Vertumnus and Janus, ät
which Horâce says his book is casting longing glances. The Scholiasts say
they were brothers. The outside skin of the parcbment-rolls were polished
with pumice-stone, to make them look well.
8. Odisti claves] The * capsae * or * scrinia ” (S. i. 4. 21, n.) were locked,
or sealed, or both ; and women and young persons were locked or sealed up
in their chambers, that they might not get into mischief, which restraint Hor-
ace says they liked, if they were chaste. He professes to reproach his book
for being tired of staying at home, and being shown only to his friends, and
wanting to go out to be exposed for Sale, to which purpose he had not trained
it. There can be no doubt that what is here distinctly said of the Epistles is
true of the other works of Horace, that they were shown to his friends, and
circulated privately before they were collected and published.
8. In breve te cogi] As applied to the book, this means that it will be rolled
up and put into a case, and not taken out again. The metaphorical languago
is kept up in the following words, in * peccantis,' and in the notion of its
being thrown aside when the freshness of youth shall have left it.
9. Quodsi non odio peccantis] * But if the prophet is not blinded by his
aversion to the offender,' that, is, if I am not led by my aversion to your
wantonmess to prophesy too harshly of your fate. * Aetas * is used for any
time of life, according to the context ; but more frequently for old age than
outh. - .
y 13. Aut fugies Uticam] You will be shipped offto Utica (in Libya), or to
Ilerda (Lerida) in Spain, or anywhere else in the remote provinces, tied up
as a bundle of goods (* vinctus*), and I shall laugh, for what is the use df
trying to save such a wilful thing ? as the driver said, when his ass would go
too near the edge of the precipice, and he drove him over in a passion. It
is not known where this fable comes from. Compare A. P. 467.
18. balba senectus.] This keeps up the image in v. 10. Horace says his
book will be reduced in its old age to the poor people's schools in thé back
IEPISTLES..— BOOK II. . 545
streets (see S. i. 10. 75, m.). _ His writings came very soon to take their place
with Homer and Virgil in all the schools. See Juvenal (vii. 226):
“ Quot stabant pueri, cum totus decolor esset
. Elaccus, et haereret nigro fuligo Maroni.”
19. Cum tibi sol tepidus] In the heat of the day, and before dinmer in the
baths, people read to themselves or one another. It is mot easy to see the
connection of this line with what goes before. It is something of a contra-
diction. But he supposes the book may perhaps be popular for a time.
20. Me, libertino natum patre] Compare S. i. 6. 6, 46, 47.
23. Me primis Urbis] This he considers no small praise. See Epp. i. 17.
35, and S. ii. 1. 75. He does mot mind at this time referring to his old gen-
erals, Brutus and Cassius. The description he gives of himself corresponds
with that we find in his biographer. See also C. ii. 11. 15. Epp. i. 4. 15.
24. solibus aptum,] This means that he liked warm weather. T See S. ii. 8.
10, n. -
28. Collegam Lepidum] Horace was borm on the 8th of December, B. c. 65,
in the year of the consulship of L. Manlius Torquatus and L. Aurelius Cotta.
EHe completed his forty-fourth year, therefore, in December, B. c. 21. In that
year M. Lollius (to whom C. iv. 9 is addressed) amd Q. Æmilius Lepidus
were consuls. * Duxit* merely means that he fiad Lepidus for his colleâgue.
Why Horace should be so particular in letting the world know his present
age in the above year I cannot tell. He was in a communicative mood
when he wrote, and tells us in a few words a good deal about himself.
EPISTLE s.— Book II.
E PIS TI, E I.
AMoNG other anecdotes connected with Augustus, Suetonius, in his Life of
Horace, says that he complained, after reading the Epistles, that he had not
written one to him, whereupon Horace wrote the following Epistle to the
IEmperor.
The parts of the Epistle do not hang together very closely, especially after
the first ninety lines. They consist 6f cómplimenfs to Augustus ; a remon-
strance about the patronage bestowed on the old poets ; a description of the
rapid growth of art in Greece after the Persian wär; a complaint that every-
body at Rome has taken to writing verses, whether they cam or mo; a com-
mendation of poets as good and useful citizens and contributors to the na-
tional piety; a history of the growth of poetry in Italy ; a comparison between
: tragedy and comedy ; an account of thé troubles of dramatic authors through
the caprices and bad taste of their audiences, which at that time is stated to
have been especially depraved; an appeal to Augustus on behalf of the poets
of the day ; and a reproof to such poets as are umreasonable or officious, and
attempt themes too exalted for them.
There is much polish in the versification of this Epistle. The flattery with
which it opens is Tcleverly written, and the verses towards the end, in which
Horace compendiously states the military successes of Augustus, are terse
and elegant. His commendation of the poet is a fair tributé to his own pro-
fession. The description gf the vulgar taste for spectacles is natural, and re-
46 *
546 . NOTES.
minds iis of our owii times; and there is eiiough in the Epistle to account for
the high estimation it is held in by the general reader. -
2. moribus ornes,] See Introduction to C. ii. 15, and the Odes there re-
ferred to. -
8. Legibus emendes,] The principal laws passed in the time of Augustus
are givem in Smith's Dict. Antt., under the head * Juliae Leges.' See C. iii.
24. 33, n.
5. Romulus et Liber pater] All the$e heroes are joined, in C. iii. 8. 9, sqq.
As to “Liber,' see Epp. i. 19. 4, n. There is additional confusion here by
the Latin adjunct * pater* being affixed to his name. Dionysus, Hercules,
0astor, and Pollux were the favorite heroes of the Greeks, who attributed
chiefly to their labors the eivilization of the world, and to their care its pres-
ervation. -
11. fatali] The labors of Hercules are called * fatales,' because thereby he
fulfilled his destiny. Virgil so describes them in Aen. viii. 291.
12. Comperit invidiam] ' See C. iii. 24. 31, sq. •
13. Urit enim fulgore suo] * For that mam scorches with his brightness who
overpowers eapacities inferior fo his owm * ; that is, inferior minds are galled
by the eonsciousness of their inferiority, and extinguished by his greatness.
* Artes* here probably means attainments of any kind. -
15. Praesenti tibi maturos] See note om C. iv. 5. 29, sqq., and C. iii. 5. 1,
sqq. Augustus during hi$ life refused to receive the honor of a temple at
Βome, and in the provinces he would only have them if the name of Rome.
was coupled with his own. He had two of this sort in Asia Minor, and one
built by Herod the Great at Cæsarea. A temple in the provinces was am
honor which the governors often enjoyed. During his life, Augustus desired
to be accounted the son of Apollo, and was represented on coins in the char-
acter of that god playing on a harp. After his death, several temples were
erected to him, and his worship was regularly established, but the altars Hor-
ace speaks of were those which were raised in the provinces, like that below.
16. Jurandasque tuum per nomen] The person who swore by the altar laid
his hand upom it, and invoked the name of the divinity to whom it was con-
secrated. «
17. Nil oriturum alias,] This is a repetition of C. iv. 2. 37.
18. Sed tuus hic populüs,] They who áre wise in honorimg you while among
them, are not wise in their excessive admiratior for all other things that aré
old and gone, and contempé for things moderm. -
20. simili ratione modoque] This is the third time Horace uses this combi-
nation. See S. ii. 3. 266, 271.
23. Sic futitor veterum] Augustus was particularly simple in his language,
and had a contempt for affectatiom of ány kind. ' He would thereföre, as
Orelli says, be pleased with these remarks of Horace. *
24. Quas bis quinque viri sanxerunt,] In B. c. 452 ten patricians were ap-
pointed, with absolute powers for one year, to draw up a code of laws, of
which the greater part was finished in that year, arid engraved upon ten
tables ofivory or bronze. In the following year the decemvirate was renewed,
with the difference that three plebeians were elected among £hem, and two
more tables were added. These tables eontained the fündamental principles
of Roman law to the latest times. Down to Cicero's time they were com-
mitted to memory by boys at school. As to * sanxerunt,' see S. ii. 1. 81, n.
fòedera regum] – A story is told by Livy (i. 58, sqq.) respecting the way in
which Gabii (Epp. i. 11. 7, n.) came imto the hands of the Romanis. Another
historiam mention§ having seem a treaty made on that occasion. * Gabiis*
and * Sabinis * are both governed by * cum.' Compare C. iii. 25. 2, * quae
nemora aut quos agor in specus.” A8 to * rigidis Sabinis,' see C. iii. 6? 88.
*•
EPISTLES. — BOOK II. 547
The treaty Horace alludes to may be that between Romulus and Tatius, king
of the Sabines, by which the two nations became one (Livy i. 13). * Aequá-
tus,' in this sense of treaties or agreements made on equal terms, does not,
occur elsewhere.
26. Pontíficum libros,] The College of Pontiffs had books containing the
regulations by which they were guided, and all matters pertaining to their
office, and thé worship of the gods, the general supervision of which was their
principal duty. The original books were, according to tradition, givem to
them by Numa at their first creation; but they were added te from time to
time, and they must have been fiumerous when Horace wrote. Some parts
were no doubt very antiquated in expressiom and ideas.
annosa volumina vatum,] Not long after this Epistle was writtem, Augustus
caused a multitude of books professing to be Sibylline oracles, and others of
a prophetic character, to be burnt (see C. 9. 5, m.). Those that were counted
genuine he preserved in the Capitol. • -
27. Dictitet AJbano] There is force in * dictitet,* * would persist in affirm-
ing,' that the Muses themselves had uttered them (not om Parnassus, but) om.
#* Albam Mount; that the Muses had changed their habitation to dwell in
atium.
29. pensantur eadem Scriptores trutina,] See S. i. 3. 72, n. -
31. Nil intra est oleam,] This may be a proverb, meanimg we may believe
any absurdity, or disbelieve our senses; if because the oldest poets of Greece
are the best, therefore Roman poets must be weighed in the same seale, why
them the olive is hard without and the nut is soft; we are at the height of
good fortune ; we paint, we sing, we wrestle, better than the Greeks ; which
every one knows is not the case. .
35. quotus arroget annus.] See C. iv. 14. 40, m. Horace uses * decidere *
(v. 36) in the same sense in C. iv. 7. 14.
45. caudaeque pilos ut equinae] Whem the soldiers of Sertorius insisted on
attacking the enemy against his wish, and were beaten, he took the following
means of showing them their error and the policy he chose to pursue. He
put before them two horses, one old and infirm, the other young and fresh,
with a remarkably fine tail. A strong man stood by the old horse, a small
mam by the young one. They were desired to pull the hair out of the tails of
the animials, and the strong mam pulled at his with great force, while the little
mam proceeded to pull out the hairs of the other, one by one. The weak mam
soom accomplished his work, while the strong man of course failed. (Plu-
tarch, Vit. Sert. c. 16.) Horace appears to refer to this story, which was
probably well knowm. The applieation here is plain, though it has mo very
close analogy to the original. •
46. demo et item] Terence uses * et item.' Andria (i. I. 49): “ Seά post-
quam amans accessit pretium pollicens Unus et item alter”; and Eucretius
(iv. 553): -
- “Asperitas autem vocis fit ab asperitate
IPrincipiorum, et item levor levore creatur.”
47. ratione ruentis acervi] The Greeks had à logical term called oropirns
from σωρὸs, * ácervus,' a heap), signifying a series of propositions linked
fogether and depénding each upom the one before it, till a comiclusion is come
to which connects the first proposition with the last; but it may go om for
ever without any conclusion at all. The inventiom of the ordopirrjs is attrib-
uted to Chrysippus the Stoic. • • + -
48. Qui redit in fastos] The word * fasti,' as applied to records, belonged
properly to the sacred books or tables in which the"* fasti* and * nefasti dies*
verè distinguisbed, that is, the Calendar. When these were made public
(Livy ix. 46), calendars became cómmon, and in these (which were usúally
èngràved omi tables of stone) remarkable events were insérted, s6 that they

548 • NOTES.
hecame a source of historical information. There were also con$ular annals,
or registers of the consuls and other chief magistrates, kept among the records
of the state, and these were also called * fasti,' or * annales,' either of which
words came, in consequence, to be used generally for historical registers of
any kind, particularly by the poets. Horace applies it to the family geneal-
ogies of the Lamia family (C. iii. 17. 4). See also C. iv. 13. 15; 14. 4; and
S. i. 3. 112, where it is applied in the most general way to the history of the
world. -
49. Libitina] See S. ii. 6. 19, n.
50. Ennius et sapiens] Emnius was born at Rudiæ, in Calabria, B. c. 239.
IHe followed the opinions of Pythagoras, holding the doctrine of the transmi-
gration of souls ; and in the beginning of his epic poem, called * Annales,* he
declared that the spirit of Homer had passed info his body, having mean-
while inhabited, among others, that of a. peacock. This is'what Horace al-
ludes to in * somnia Pythagorea.* He says, however, that Ennius need not
mind what was thought of his professions and his dreams, simce he was cer-
tainly worshipped as if he were a second Homer. As to * critici,' see Epp. i.
19. 40, n. Ennius is called * fortis,* not for his personal bravery (though he
saw some service), but for the boldness of his style.
53. Naevius in manibus non est] Cn. Nævius was born about the middle of
the third century B. c., and wrote plays and am epic poem on the first Punic
war, in which he served. To the latter poem Virgil seems to have owed
some of his ideas. Terence ranks him, with Plautus and Ennius, as one of
his models. Naevius was perhaps rather the oldest of the three. Cicero oftem
has * non est ' in interrogative sentemces. -
54. Paene recens?] * As if he were almost modern.'
56. Pacuvius docti famam senis,] Pacuvius was nephew to Ennius, and
was born, like his uncle, in Calabria, about B. c. 220. His cbief compositions
were tragedies, and they were nearly all translated from the Greek. A scene
from his Orestes is referred to by Cicero (De Amicit. c. 7), and he elsewhere
places him at the head of the Romam tragedians. -
In respect to Accius, see S. i. 10. 53, m.
As to * semis,' see S. ii. l. 34, m.
57. Dicitur Afrani toga] Comedies writtem after a Greek model, with
Greek scenes and charaeters, were called * palliatae *; those of which the in-
cidents and persons were Roman were called * togatae,' from the dress of the
actors, the Greek * pallium * corresponding to the Romam * toga.' Afranius
wrote principally * togatas,' and Horace says that, according to the judgment
of the critics, his toga would have suited Menander ; that is, Menander need
not have been ashamed of his plays. Afranius was some years younger than
Cæcilius and Terence.
Of Menander, who flourished at Athens during the latter part of the fourth
century B. c., mention has been made on S. i. 4. 1. Horace seems to have
studied Menander. (See S. ii. 3. 11, n.)
58. Plautus ad exemplar Siculi properare Epicharmi,] As to Horace's
opinion of Plautus, see below (170, sqq.). What his critics meant, when
they said what Horace here attributes to them, I do mot know ; and since we
have no means of comparing the writings of Plautus and Epicharmus, I do
not see how the question can be decided. Epicharmus, a native of Cos, lived
from B. c. 540 to the age of ninety. The chief part of his- literary life was
spemt at the court of Gelon and his successor Hiero, at Syracuse, with Pin-
dar, Æschylus, ahd other poets.who were patronized at that court, where he
composed comedies, thirty-five öf which are known by their titles and some
by fragments. He is commonly called the inventor of comedy, the fact being,
perhaps, that his were the first that were written.
59.T Vincere Caecilius gravitate,] This comic poet was borm at Mediolanum
<,
IEPISTLES. — BOOK II. 549
(Milan). He was a slave, but afterwards received his freedom. He died
B. c. 168, the year after Ennius. His contemporaries held him in high estima-
tion. Cicero places him at the head of the comic poets, but speaks ill of his
Latin. What is meant by * gravitate * is as uncertain as * properare* in the
verse before, and for the same reasom.
Terentius arte.] The exact sense in which Horace meant this word is
equally uncertain with the others ; perhaps it has reference to the elegance
ofTerence's language, or the skill with which he draws real life in his plays.
There are few like him now. His name was P. Terentius Afer. He was a
slave im the family of one P. Terentius Lucanus, whose prænomen and gen-
tile name he took, on his manumission, retaining as a cognomen the name
which he derived from the place of his birth, Carthage. The plays we have
of his are all * palliatae,' derived more or less from the Greek, chiefly of
Menander
60. arcto stipata theatro] The plays of Terence and all the earlier and
more celebrated poets were performed, at first, either on scaffoldings erected
in the Circus, and afterwards taken down, or in temporary woodem theatres,
usually on a very large scale ; the notion being that a systematie encourage-
ment of plays, by the erection of permanent buildings, was injurious to pub-
lic morals. ' The first permanent stone theatre at Rome (for they had them
in the country towns some time before) was built by Cn. Pompeius, after the
Mithridatic war, outside the walls, near the Campus Martius.
62. Livi scriptoris ab aevo.] T. Livius Andronicus is spoken of by Quin-
tilian as the first Roman poet. The date of his birth is uncertain, but he
died B. c. 221, or thereabouts. He wrote a translation of the Odyssey, and
plays. These were all, as far as we know, * palliatae,' from the Greek.
Cicero says they were not worth a second reading.
68. Interdum vulgus] The multitude, he means, are not altogether blind
to the defects of these old writers, though many think there is nothing like
them. *
66. dure — ignave] The first represents the harshness of the style, the
second its carelessness. Compare A. P. 445. * Jove aequo ' is the opposite
of * Jove non probante ' (C. i. 2. 19).
70. plagosum mihi parvo Orbilium dictare;] Orbilius Pupillus was a native
of Beneventum. In his fiftieth year (B. c. 63) he came to Rome and set up
§ school. He seems to have held the rod as the principle of school govern-
ment. He lived in great poverty, in a garret, to nearly a hundred years of
age, having long lost his memory. His townspeople were proud of him,
and erected a marble statue to his memory. Orbilius was in his forty-eighth
year when Horace was born. He was therefore not young when the poet
went to his school. As to * dictare,' see S. i. 10. 75, n.
78. verbum emicuit] * If a decent word starts up.'
75. ducit venditque poéma.] * It brings forward and gives a value to the
whole poem.* Compare Juvenal (vii. 185): “ Purpura vendit Causidicum,
vendunt amethystina.”
79. crocum floresque perambulet Attae Fabula] Atta was a writer of come-
dies (* togatae *), of which a few fragments remain. He died B. c. 78. It is
mot clear that Horace had any particular play in mind, but it may have been
am affectation of Atta's to have flowers scattered on the stage, on which it
was usual to sprinkle a perfume extracted from the crocus. The perfumè
was mixed with water and thrown up through pipes, so as to sprinkle not
only the stage, but the spectators. The most famous crocus was that of
Mount Corycus, in Cilicia (see S. ii. 4. 68, n.).
82. Quae gravis Aesopus,] Claudius Æsopus, the tragic actor, was am im-
timate friend of Cicero's, and most of the distinguished mem of that time.
He was older tham Cicero, though the date of his birth is not known, or that

550 - NOTES.
of his death. He was a freedman of some persom belonging to the Clodia
gens. * Gravis ' is a good epithet for a tragic actor.
82. quae doctus Roscius egit :] Q. Roscius, the comic aetor, was also an
intimate friend of Cicero, who often speaks of him, and pleaded a cause for
him in a speech still in part extant. The meaning of * doctus ' can only be
explained by the study he gave to his profession, and the accurate knowledge
he acquired of the principles of his art. He died about B. C. 62, and was
enormously rich, like Aesopus, whose wealth has been referred to on S. ii.
3. 239.
86. Jam Saliare Numae carmen] See C. iv. 1. 28, n. The hymns of the
Salii appear to have been very obscure ; but there were those who thought
themselves elever enough to make them out, which Horace takes leave to
doubt. It may be that popular belief attributed the composition of these
verses to Numa, who established the Salii of Mars.
93. Ut primum positis] Here follows a descriptiom of the Athenians, as
they quickly became after the Persiam war (B. c. 480), and especially under
the administration of Pericles and afterwards. It is only to Athens that
Horace's language will accurately apply. On this subject the student may
refer to Thirlwall's Greece, Vol.III. 62, sq., 70, sq.; IV. 256. .
95. athletarum studiis,] The term â6λητῆs (from â6Aa, the prizes of vie-
tory) was applied by the Greeks only to those who contended in the great
games (the Olympiam, Isthmiam, Nemeam, and Pythian) for prizes in exer-
cises of personal strength, as wrestlimg, running, boxing, leaping, throwing
the disciis orjavelim. The honor thaïwas paidto succéssful * atfiletae* wä§
enormous. They were introduced at Rome about two centuries B. c., and
under the emperors were a privileged class, and formed a * collegium.'
96. Marmoris aut eboris fabros aut aeris] All the great artists of this period,
as Pheidias, Polycleitus, Myron, wrought in bronze as well as marble, and
were scarcely less distinguished for engraving and chasing, tham in the higher
departments of art. The most celebrated works in ivory were the statues of
Jupiter Olympius at Elis, and of Minerva in the Parthenom at Athens, execut-
ed by Pheidias.
101. Quid placet aut odio est] Horace introduces the example of Athens to
show that greatness was reaclied by their love, not of what was old, but what
was new. Peace and prosperity brought with it tastes and elegances of a,
high order; and though, no doubt, there was fiekleness in the pursuit of thesé
things, this was to be expected, says he, and may be excused, seeing what
human nature is.
104. Mane domo vigilare,] See S. i. 1. 10, n. Horace goes om to compare
the change which had comé upon the character of the Romans through their
mew taste for poetry, with that which passed upom the Athenians whem they
turned from arms to the arts of peaee, and he justifies the change (103—167).
105. Cautos nominibus rectis] To lend money on security to good debtors.
* Expendere ? is equivalent to * expensum referre,' which means to debit a
person in one's books with money lent (see S. ii. 3. 69, n.). * Cavere ? is the
usual word for giving or taking security. * Nomen ' signifies an item or
entry in a book of accounts, and * referre nomina* to make such entries. It
also is used for a debt, and * nomen solvere * is to pay a debt ; * nomen fa-
cere,' either to incur a debt or to lend money ; for'* facere * is used in both
senses : but * nomen ' is also used for the debtor himself.
110. carmina ££!;] * Dictare ' is equivalent to * scribere,' because they
did not usually write themselves, but dictated to a slave who wrote. See S.
i. 10. 92, n.
112. Parthis mandaeior,] This expression, which seems as if it were
proverbial, savors of the jealousy the Romans of that day felt towards
the Parthians, Elsewhere Horace calls them * infidi,' C. iv. 15. 23. As

1EPISTLES. — BOOK II. 551
te * calamus * and * charta,' see S. ii. 3. 2. 7, and for * scrinia,' see S. i.
4. 2l. m.
iiÄ. abrotonum] This is the plant which we call southern-wood, which is
still used for medicinal purposes.
117. indocti doctique] I See C. i. 1. 29, n.
119. avarus Non temere est animus ;] * Not readily given to avarice.* In
S. ii. 2. 116 he says, “Nom temere edi luce profesta Quidquam praeter olus **
(see note), and in Epp. ii. 2. 18, “Non temere a me Quivis ferret idem,”
where thè sense is much the same as here.
122. Non fraudem socio puerove] See C. iii. 24. 60, n., and as to * pupillo,'
see Epp. i. 1. 21, n.
123. siliquis et pane secundo ;] * Siliqua* is the pod or husk of any legu-
minous vegetable ; but it was applied particularly to a plant, the *siliqua
• Graeca,' which is still found in Italy and Spain. It has mo English name.
* Panis secundus,' or * secundarius,' is bread made from inferior flour.
127. jam nunc] See C. iii. 6. 23, n. As to * formo,' see C. iii. 24. 54; S.
i. 4. 12i; A. P. 307, and other places. For * corrector,' see Epp. i. 15. 87.
* Orientia tempora* means the time of youth ; as we say, the dawn of life.
132. Castis cum pueris] The Carmen Saeculare was sung by a choir con-
sisting of twenty-sevem boys, and as many girls, of noble birth (see Introduc-
tion); and such choruses were usual on special occasions of that sort.
138. Disceret unde preces] The vestal virgins ' addressed their prayers to
their goddess, * doctâ prece,' the equivalent for which is * carmine.* See C.
i. 2. 26, where * prece * is opposcd to * carmina,' though the latter too were
prayers, and perhaps in verse, but in a set form, * doctae preces.'
138. carmine Manes.] The great annual festival at which the Manes, the
souls of the departed, were worshipped, was the Lemuria, which was cele-
brated in May, om the 9th, llth, and 13th days of the month. They were
also worshipped shortly after a funeral at the * feriae denicales,' whem the
family of the deceased went through a purification. The Lares being also
the spirits of the dead, differed only im name from the Manes, which were
ordinarily inserted in sepulchral inscriptions, as the Dii Manes of the depart-
ed. The name is derived from a root sigmifying * good,' for none but the
good could become Manes. Their existence was à matter of some scepti-
cism, as observed om C. i. 4, 16. Here the name seems to embrace all the
infernal deities, as Dis, Proserpina, Tellus, the Furiæ, &c., as well as the
spirits of the dead.
143. Tellurem porco,] The temple of Tellus im the Carinæ has beem men-
tioned before, Epp. i, 7. 48, n. She was worshipped among the * dii inferi,'
or Manes. Her annual festival, the Fordicidia, was celebrated on the 15th
of April. ' Forda* in the old language signified a cow. See Ovid, Fast. iv.
629, sqq. But it appears that sacrifices were also offered after harvest, and
that the victim was a, hog, which was commonly offered to the Lares. (C. iii.
23, 4, where the feminine is used; S. ii. 3. 165: C. iii. 17. 5; Epp. i. 16. 58.)
Silvanum lacte piabant,] In Epod ii, 22 the offerimgs to Silvanus are fruits,
and there he is spoken Tof as * tutor finium * : in Tibullus (i. 5. 27) he is
called * deus agricola,' and the offerings are different for wine, corn, and
flocks, all of which he protected :
“Illa deo sciet agricolae pro vitibus uvam,
IPro segete spicas, pro grege ferre dapem.”
Juvenal (vi. 447) mentions a hog as an-óffering to this god, to whom women
were not allowed to sacrifice, as appears from that passage. -
144. Genium memorem brevis aevi] See Epp. i. 7. 94, m. .
145. Fescennina per hune inventa licentia] There was a sort of rude jesting
dialogue carried om in extempore verse at these rustic festivals, full of good-
tempered raillery and coarse humor. These were called * Fescennima car-
552 NOTES.
mima,' as is generally supposed from the town Fescennia or Fescennium,
belonging to the Falisci. Erom these verses others took their name, which
were more licentious and scurrilous, and satires got the same name, but the
sort of poetry with which it originated was harmless, as Horace says. Com-
pare Virgil, Georg. ii. 385, sqq.
152. quin etiam lex Poenaque lata] See S. ii. 1. 80, n. *Lata ' properly
belongsto * lex.* When a. penalty was inserted in the * lex,' it was * lex
sancta,' as stated in the note just referred to.
154. Describi;] This is used in the same sense in S. i. 4. 3: “ Si quis
erat dignus describi.” “ Fustuarium ' was a mode of putting to death by
beating with sticks and stoming, usually, but mot only, as the passage shows,
inflicted on soldiers. (See Dict. Antt.)
156. Graecia capta ferum victorem cepit] The taking of Syracuse by Mar-
cellus, B. c. 212, the seventh year of the second Punic war, led to the intro-
duction into Rome of a taste for Greek art, many fine works being at that
time first made known to the Romans. In B. C. 146, the last year of the
third Punie war, Corinth was taken by Mummius, and Southerm Greece was
formed into the Roman province of Achaia. Horace had probably both
these periods in his mind, as well as the conquest of Southern Italy, in the
towns of which were some of the finest works of Greciam art. The first play
copied from the Greek was not exhibited at Rome till after the first Punic
war, which ended in B. c. 241. It was by Livius. See v. 62, n.
158. Defluxit numerus Saturnius] The Saturniam verse, according to Nie-
buhr (i. 259, n.), continued in use till about B. c. 100. Horace says traces
of the old rudeness remained in his day, probably in the less polished
* mimes,' and im the * Fescennina carmina,' which were not extinct.
161. Serus enim] * Romanus must be understood here.
163. Quid Sophocles et Thespis et Aeschylus] Thespis is here introduced as
being the reputed founder of Greek tragedy. It is doubtful whether any of
his plays were translated by or known to the Romam tragedians, of whom
Horace has mentioned Livius, Ennius, Nævius, Pacuvius, and Accius. We
know of^no others earlier tham Accius, the last of these; and the number of
tragedies by these writers, the titles of which have been preserved, is one
hundred and nineteen. As to Thespis, see A. P. 275, n.
167. metuitque lituram.] * But ignorantly thinks an erasure discreditable,
and shuns it.' That is, they were bold enough in their style, and had the
spirit of tragedy in them, but they did not look sufficiently to the correction
and polishing of their languagé; they admitted words which were out of
taste, and thought too much care in composition beneath them. This is
pretty much what he says of Lucilius (S. i. 10. 56, sqq.).
168. arcessit] See Epp. i. 5. 6, n. * Ex medio ' is from common life.
Horace says comedy is supposed to be very easy, because the matter is com-
mon; but, in fact, it gives more trouble in proportion to the readiness with
which it is criticised and faults are detected and condemned. The followimg
' remarks on the stage grew out of the allusiom to the Greek writers, but they
are not closely connected with what is passed. They are introduced for the
purpose of deprecating the excessive admiration and support bestowed on the
drama at the expense of other poetry (168—213).
170. Plautus] It appears that Horace had no great opinion of Plautus,
all whose. greatness, he says, lay in the drawing of small parts. Niebuhr
judges otherwise : he calls him one of the greatest poetical geniuses of an-
tiquity. The language of Plautus would be rough to the ears of Horace,
and his jokes amd allusions, drawn principally from the lower orders, ortaken
from thê Greek and adapted to the common sort of people, did mot interest
him.
173. Quantus sit Dossennus] This person, who is not mentioned elsewhere,
must have been a comic writer of the day.
EPISTLES. — BOOK II. 553
174. percurrat pulpita socco;] • The front part of the stage where the actors
spoke was called * pulpitum,' by the Greeks \oyeiov. As to * soccus,' see S.
i. 3. 127, m. It wäs worn by comic actors, as being a less dignified order of
covering for the feet than the * cothurnus.' A good representation of it will
be found in the Dictionary of Antiquities. Other slioes worn in comedy were
* baxeae * and * crepidae,' for the same reason, each being a loose sort of
slipper, and the lafter not materially different from the * soccus.' Horace
méans that Dossennus is careless in the composition of his plays, which he
expresses by his running about the stage with loose slippers. His only care,
he says, is to make money.
177. ventoso Gloria curru] See S. i. 6. 23, n.
185. Si discordet eques,] | See S. i. 10. 76, n.
186. Aut ursum aut pugiles;] Augustus himself had a liking for boxers, as
mentioned on Epp. i. l. 49. The interruptions to the regular drama which
Horace here mentions appear to have been of common occurrence. Though
the acting of plays was in Horace's time carried om in a theatre (v. 60, n.)
erected for this special purpose, it appears the people insisted sometimes om
having a bear-bait or a boxing-match there to amuse them, in spite of the
remonstrances of the equites in the front rows, who, however, Horace says,
were themselves takem too much with processions and shows that appealed
more to the eye than to the ear.
187. Verum equitis] * But with the eques, too, all his pleasure was shifted
from the ear to the erring eye and vaim delights.' He means that the eye is
easily dazzled and deluded. The ear takes in what it receives, and conveys
it to the mind without error. -
189. aulaea premuntur] At the back of the stage was the * scena,' or wall
on which was painted some scene suitable to the performance. Before this
* scena ? was a curtain, which was let down below the stage when the acting
begam, and raised when it was over. This curtain was called * aulaeum.'
The raising of the curtain at the end of the play is referred to in A. P.
154, sq.
;;;j*! regum fortuna] This is equivalent to * fortunati reges.' The expression
is like those noticed at S. i. 2. 32; ii. 1. 72.
192. Esseda festinant,] The * essedum ' was originally the mame of a Brit-
ish or Gaulish war-chariot, derived from a Celtic root. The name came to
be applied to a travelling carriage om two wheels and drawn by two horses.
The * pilentum ' was a carriage used in processions, and appears to have been
usually of a luxurious kind, with well-stuffed cushions, and used by women.
It was also a travelling carriage. As to * petorritum,' see S. i. 6. 104, n.,
and Epp. i. 11. 28, n.
193. captiva Corinthus.] The taking of Corinth may have beem represented
by spoils of Corinthiam bronze.
194. Democritus,] See Epp. i. 12. 12, n. Democritus had the character of
a laughing philosopher, one who turned things habitually into ridicule.
196. Sive elephas albus] The king of Ava has for one of his many titles
the Lord of the White Elephant; and it has been usual for the British gov-
ernment, whem an elephant of this color was caught in their territories, to
send it with due ceremony as a present to his Majesty. White elephants are
merely lusus naturae: they are not a distinct species, as some have supposed.
They have pink eyes, like other albinos, but do not differ from the brown
animal in other respects. They are not commom. -
198. mimo] See S. i. 10. 6, n.
202. Garganum mugire putes] See C. ii. 9. 7.
207. Lana Tarentino] The different shades of the purple dye were obtained
by different mixtures of the juice of the * murex ' with that of the * purpura,'
hoth of which were si;^m, found in great abundance om both coasts of Italy.
4
554 • . NOTES.
-Those of Baiæ were most celebrated on the west coast (S. ii. 4. 32), and those
of Tarentum on the east. The violet color was much in fashion at this time,
together with the scarlet peculiar to Tarentum. The Tarentines imitated all
the foreign varieties. But these imitations, whether made from the fish or
the * fucus,' never came up to the original dyes, and werè easily detected.
(See Epp. i. 10. 26, n.) -
208. quae facere ipse recusem] That is, what his nature refuses to do, what
he has no capacity for. Horace denies that he is disposed to detract from
the merits of good dramatic poets ; om the contrary, he considers that he who
could succeed in exciting his feelings with fictitious griefs and fears, and
transport him in imagination to distant places, could do anything he chose to
try, dance on a tight rope if he pleased, in which there is a little jocular irony
perhaps. Dancing om the tight rope was carried, it seems, to great perfectiom
among the anciemts. The Greek name for a rope-dancer was αχοινοβάτηs,
the Latin * funambulus '; those who exhibited at Rome were usuälly Greeks.
216. Curam redde brevem,] * Reddere ? is * to pay,' and * curam redde bre-
vem ' is * pay a slight, passing attention.* * Munus Apolline dignum,' * am
offering worthy of Apollo,' means the library mentioned, C. i. 31, Introduc-
tion.
220. Ut vineta egomet caedam mea,] The man who damages his own vines
hurts himself more than any one elsé, and this is the meaning of the proverb.
Horace goes on jocularly tò relate many offences of poets arising out of their
want of tact and knowledge of the world. • -
223. revolvimus irrevocati;] The compounds of * volvo * are used for read-
ing, from the shape of the books rolled up. * Revolvere' is to read again.
One of the ways that he says authors get themselves into trouble is by read-
ing over again and agaim passages they think very fine, but which their patron
has not taken the trouble to ask for agaim.
225. d. ducta poémata filo;] See S. i. 10. 44, m.
230. Aedituos] This word means the keeper of a temple. Horace says, it
is worth while to see what kind of persons sbould be intrusted with the keep-
ing of the fame of Augustus, what poets should be allowed to tell of it, —
and with this subject he concludes.
233. Choerilus,] Choerilus of Iasos was a poet who accompanied Alexan-
der and wrote verses on his battles. They were very poor, according to
Horace. This poet has been confounded with a mative of Samos, who was
in the pay of Xerxes. He is mentioned again, A. P. 357. * Male natis ver-
sibus * means verses made by a poet who was mot born such, seeing that
* poëta nascitur non fit.'
234. Rettulit acceptos,] See note om S. ii. 3. 69. * Philippi * were gold
coins with Philip's head on them, the Maccdonian * stater,' of which miany
specimens are in existence. . Its value is reckoned at £l 3s. 6d. of English
money. (See Dict. Antt.)
236. Atramenta,] Ink was used by the ancients. The Greeks called it
μéÀav, the Romans * atramentum scriptorium * or * librarium,' to distinguish
it from shoemaker's dye, also called * atramentum,' and a paint which had
the same name. See I)ictionary of Antiquities. Horace says it is a com-
mon thing for poets to defile great deeds with bad verses, as the fingers are
defiled when they handle ink. -
239. ne quis se praeter Apellen] Apelles flourished during the latter half of
the fourth century B. c., at the court of Philip and in the camp of Alexander.
This story — that Alexander would not suffer himself to he painted by any
hut Apelles — is referred to by Cicero, Pliny, and Plutarch (Alex. c. 4).
His reputation as a painter stood higher tham any other of antiquity.
240. alius Lysippo] Lysippus was a younger contemporary of Apelles,
and a native of Sicyon. He wrought almost entirely in bronze. HeTmade
EPISTLES. — BOOK II. 555
several statues of Alexander, whom he appears, like Apelles, to have fol-
lowed into Asia. • -
244. Boeotum in crasso] The dulmess amd sensuality of the Boeotians were
proverbial. The cause it is not easy to assign. Polybius says it was unpar-
alleled in Greciam history.
245. tua de se judicia atque Munera,] Respecting Virgil and Varius, see
S. i. 5 40, m. Augustus had an affection for them both, and a Scholiast says
he made each of them a present of a milliom sesterces. -
248. aénea signa,] The word * signum ' applies generally to all carved or
cast figures, while * statua' applies only to full-length figures.
251. Repentes per humum] This is expressed by * pedestris.* See C. ii. 12.
9, m. -
252. arces Montibus impositas,] See C iv. 14. 12, and 33, n. This descrip-
tion would especially apply to the conquest of the Cantabri, and the Illyriän
and Alpine tribes.
254. Auspiciis] See C. i. 7. 27, n. •
255. Claustraque custodem pacis cohibentia] That which is commonly called
the Temple of Janus was a passage enclosed between two gates leading out
of the city. A statue of Janus was placed there, and fromºthis and the two
gates the place was called Janus Geminus. It was built, according to tra-
dition, by Numa (Livy i. 19). The gates were opem in war and closed in
peace. Horace's explanation is, that the gates werè shut during peace to pre-
vent its guardian from leaving the city. The first time the gâtes were shut
during the Republic was B. c. 285. | By Augustus they were closed three
times (see C. iv. 15. 9, n.), after the battle of Actium and taking of Alexan-
dria, A. U. c. 725, and after the Cantabriam war, A. U. c. 729. The third
occasion is not known.
256. Et formidatam Parthis] See Epp. i. 12. 27, n.
262. Discit enim citius] * Quis * belongs both to * discit' and to * deridet.'
Horace says men are more apt to remiember what is ridiculous than that
which is good and serious ; and therefore it is mot pleasant to have one's
name associated with silly verses or an ugly wax image, such as the admirers
of publie men might think to honor them with. Busts of literary and other
distimguished men were put up in the public libraries (see S. i 4. 21, n.), and
were probably multiplied for sale. They were sometimes made of wax, of
§¤ material were made the family busts preserved in the atria of private
lOUlS€S. «…
268. capsa porrectus aperta,] As to * capsa,' see the note last referred to.
Horace speaks of being stretched out in an open box as if he were a corpse
being carried on a * vilis arca* (S. i. 8. 9, n.) to the commom burial-ground,
that is, to the grocer's shop * Vicum * may meam the * Vicus Thurarius,'
which was a part of the Vicus Tuscus mentioried S. ii. 3. 228. * Porrectus *
is used commonly for corpses. * Aperta* keeps up the notion of a * sanda-
pila,' or common bier, on which the poor were carried out to burial. In plaim
language, Horace says he might expect his panegyrist's verses to be carried
to the grocer (to whom and the trunk-maker waste paper goes still), and him-
self to be held up to ridicule with the author. *
EPISTLE II.
THIs Epistle is addressed to Julius Florus, to whom also the third of the
first Book was written. (See Introduction.) Its professed purpose is to
excuse Horace for not having sent Florus any verses. He says he had
- warned him before he went that he should mot be able to write ; that he had
556 + NOTES.
grown lazy. He reminds him, too, that he had originally only written verses
to bring himself into notice because he was poor, and now he had not the
same stimulus. Besides, he was getting on in years, and people's tastes were
so various, and the noises and engagements of the town so distracting, and
the trouble of giving and receiving compliments so great, that he had aban-
doned poetry in disgust. It was better to study philosophy, in respect to
which he reasons with himself through nearly a hundred lines, the substance
of which is that he had better be content with what he has got by his profes-
sion, set to work to purge his mind, and leave jests and wantomness to
younger men. -
This Epistle furnishes materials for a considerable part of Horace's biog-
raphy, and makes us acquainted with his poetical career in particular.
It is probable that Florus continued attached to Tiberius, and was with
him when he was campaigning with Augustus some years after the Arme-
miam expedition, on which they were engaged whem the other Epistle was
writtem. -
1. Flore, bono claroque] See Introduction ; and as to the character of Tibe-
rius, see Epp. i. 9. 4, n. His name was that of his father, Tiberius Claudius
Nero, till his adoptiom by Augustus, A. D. 4, whem he became Tiberius
Claudius Nero Cæsar.
2. natum Tibure vel Gabiis,] That is, * anywhere you please.' The poets
like to give reality to their illustrations by being specific. This is Dillen-
burger's remark. As to Gabii, see Epp. i. 1 1. 7, n.
5. nummorum millibus octo,] 8,000 sesterces, * nummus * being used as an
equivalent, for * sestertius.' This sum was about 65l. sterling. Much larger
sums were given for handsome slaves, and this, boy's accomplishments, if they
were real, would make him worth a good price. There would be reason,
therefore, to suspect, in such a case, that the owner was anxious to get rid of
him. See S. ii. 7. 42, n.
7. Litterulis Graecis] The *literati* were a separate class in the slave
family, and were subdivided into * anagnostae * or * lectores * (who read to
their masters, chiefly at their meals, or, if their masters were authors, they
read their productións aloud for the benefit of the guests), and *librarii* or
* scribae,' used for writimg from dictation, taking care of the library, keeping
accounts, etc., and hemce called pueri or servi * a studiis,' * ab epistolis,* * á
bibliotheca,' * notarii,' ete. There were also architects, seulptors, painters,
engravers, and other artists, who all came under the same general Thead of
* literati.' The boy in this place might also be put among the * cantores* or
* symphoniaci,* the choir or band §ìò sang and played to their master at
méals. Im short, he was fit for any of the above employments, according to
his owner's estimate ; which he professes to put in a modest way, for fear he
should seem to be puffing his property, and so depreciate its value. The
diminutive * litterulis* is used with this design. - -
12. meo sum pauper in aere.] * Aes alienum ' is used for a debt, and * aes
proprium,' * suum,' etc. is therefore money not borrowed: The man here
says he is not rich, but what he has is his own. “Iam poor, (but live) om
my own means.” -
13. Nemo hoc mangonum faceret tibi;] He professes to deal as a friend.
The * mangones* were slave-dealers, a class in no favor, but often very rich.
The name is derived from the Greek μάyyavov, μayyaveÜø, to juggle, cheat.
They were distinguished from * mercatores,' being called *venaliciarii,' * ve-
nales ' signifying slaves._ The way of * raising' slaves for the market and
selling thêm différed but little from the practicé in modern times.
14. ISemel hic cessavit] He onee was behind his time, and hid himself under
or on the staircase for fear of a flogging. * Cessator' and * erro* were synon-
1EPISTLES. — BOOK II. 557
ymous words. (See §. ii. 7. 100, 118, n.) The stairs may have been dark
$ometimes, and, as in most höuses the principal accommodation was om the
ground floor, it is probable that so much regard was not had to the lighting
of the 8taircase a8 we pay now, It appears a whip was hung up in somé
conspicuous place.
17. poenae securus,] Among the faults the 8eller of a slave was bound to
tell was running away. See S, ii. 8. 285, .
21. ne mea saevus Jurgares] 'Mea' belongs to “epistola.* *Jurgo* is im-
transitive. * Do not be cruel, and complain because I sent you no letter in
reply.* Florus had writtem, probably, more than once, expostulating with him
on his silence, and had got no answer.
24. Si tamen attentas ?] * Attentare ' is to attack, or attempt to overthrow.
* Mecum facientia ' means that they are on his side.
super hoc] It is doubtful whether this means * besides this,' as in S. ii. 6. 8,
“Et paulum silvae super his ** (see note), or * about this,' as ** Pallescet su-
per his” (A. P. 429). Orelli takes it the former way.
25. non mittam carmina] * Carmina ' means lyric verses, which Florus
seems to have asked for.
26. Luculli miles collecta viatica] As- to Lucullus, see Epp. i. 6. 40, n.
Whatever groundwork of truth there may be in this story, Horace has evi-
dently altered it to suit his purpose. * Viatica* would include money as well
as baggage. Cicero uses the word metaphorically for money (Cat. Maj. c.
18): “Avaritia senilis quid sibi velit mom intelligo. Potest enim quidpiam
esse absurdius quam quo minus viae restat eo plus viatici quaerere ? *'
80. Praesidium regale] This would be a fortress in which Mithridates kept
some part of his treasures.
38. Ibis dena super sestertia] The * sestertium ' (1,000 sestertii) was a sum
equal to about 8l. 17s. of English money, twenty of which (166l. 13s. 4d.)
would not be a large sum for an officer of rank. But he must be supposed,
from his exploits, to have held some command.
84. Forte sub hoc tempus] * Soom after this time' (see Epod. 2. 44, n. in
respect to * sub * with am accusative in phrases of time). Lucullus had the
title of * proconsul* of Cilicia. But he is here called * praetor.* He had
been * praetor urbamus,' but went into Asia at the expiration of bis consul-
ship, and therefore with the title of * proconsul.' A * praetor* taking a
gig* went with the title of * propraetor,' as Brutus did into Macedonia.
ee S. i. 7. 18.)
( 40. qui zonam perdidit,] The Romans wore a girdle when walking or
actively occupied, to hold up the end of their tunic. Hence the expressions
* praecinctus,' * succinctus,' `for those who were hastening or engaged in
active work. (See S. i. 5. 6, n.) In this girdle (* zona* or * cingulum ')
they often carried their money. Hence * zona* came to be used generally
fora purse. The more common word * crumena ' was a bag, generally of
leather, hung on the arm or round the neck, or sometimes perhaps to the
*Zona. •-
42. Iratus Graiis] See Epp. i. 2. 2, n.
48. Adjecere bonde] The knowledge acquired at Athens was not only
philosophy in all its branches, but Greek literature, with which Horace be-
came fàmiiliar, especially with the lyric poets, whose works were probabl
never taught in the schools at Rome. Bút he here only refers to his dialecti-
cal studies, which he pursued in the school of the Aeademy, the head of
which at this time was Theomnestus, whose lectures Brutus attended (Plut.
Brut. c. 24). Academus was an Attic hero, and there was a spqt of ground
about three quarters of a mile from the city, on the banks of the Cephisu$,
which was dedicated to him and planted with olives, and called after his
name, Academia. . He;;ato taught, and hence his school was mamed. .
- 4
558 NOTES.
44. curvo dignoscere rectum,] * Curvum ' is gsed here like * pravum,' for
* falsehood.'
48. non responsura Ę Not destined to match the strength of Augus-
tus. (See S.Tii. 7. 85, n.) In the first engagement at Philippi (A. U. C. 712),
Erutus defeated the forces of Augustus, and got possessiom of his camp,
while M. Antonius on the other hând defeated Cassius, who destroyed him-
self. But twenty days afterwards a second engagement went against Brutus,
and he likewisé put an end to himself. Brutus attached to his cause the
young Romans studying at Athens, and the battles and wanderings he led
them through are related by Plutarch in his Life (c. 24, sqq.).
51. Et laris et fundi,] * Laris * is equivalent to * domus.* As to the differ-
ence between * domus ' and * fundus,' see S. ii. 5. 108, m. Horace's patri-
mony was forfeited because he was of the republicam party. He says nothing
of the scribe's place which Suetonius says he bouight (with what means does
not appear), nor does he mention how he got his pardon and permission to
returnto Rome. He only says he was driven by poverty to write verses,
which therefore he first wrote for fame, that is, to bring himself into the
notice of those who were able to relieve his wants, as Mæcenas did. It is
impossible to tell what he wrote at first. It is probable that he suppressed
much of his early poetry.
53. Quae poterunt unquam] The * cicuta,' követov, hemlock, was used as
am antifebrile medicine. Horace asks what amount of * cicuta ' would be
sufficient to cool his veins, if he were so feverishly bent upom writing as to
do so whem he could live without it.
60. Ille Bioneis sermonibus] Bion was born on the Borysthenes, and was
hence called Borysthenites. He flourished about the middle of the third cen-
tury B. C. He studied philosophy at Athens, and, after passing through
various sects, became at last a Peripatetic. It is said he wrote certain
- books on the follies of mamkind of a very bitter character. As * sal* is put
for wit (S. i. 10. 3), * sale nigro ' means coarse wit.
61. Tres mihi convivae] He treats his friends, all asking him for different
sorts of verse, as guests at a dinner each liking different fare, so that he does
mot know what to give them.
67. Hic sponsum £*? This is a repetition of S. ii. 6. 23.
68. cubat hic in colle Quirini,] As to * cubat,' see S. i. 9. 18, n. Mons
Quirinalis was in the sixth, or most northern division of the city ; Moms
Aventinus, in the opposite quarter, the thirteenth region.
70. Intervalla vides humane commnoda.] * A pretty convenient distance, you
see.* * Humane ' is not used in this ironical way elsewhere. *
71. Purae sunt plateae,] This is a supposed answer, the rejoinder to which
is in v. 72. * Platea ' is a less general mame tham * vicus.” – It applies only
to the broader streets. The word, being derived from the Greek ττλareía,
would properly have its penult long. It suits Horace to shortem it. As to
the obstructions in the streets of Rome, the best of which were but narrow,
see Epp. i. 6. 51, n. * Purae ' means unobstructed.
72. redemptor,] See C. ii. 18. 18, n. ; iii. 1. 35, n. * Calidus ' only strength-
ens * festinat,' he is in hot haste : the substantives are in the ablative, * cum ?
heing omitted.
73. machina] Probably a pulley raising a large stone or beam for the
upper part of a building, and swinging it over the heads of the passengers.
As to * funera,' see S. i. 6. 48, n.
77. amat nemus] See C. i. 1. 30, m. Compare Juvenal (vii. 53, sqq.).
80. contracta sequi vestigia] * To follow the confined steps of the poets,'
by which he means that the poets walk in a path narrowed by fixed rules ;
and that it requires thought and diligence to tread in their steps.
81. vacuas desumpsit Athenas,] See Epp. i. 7. 45, n. for * vácuas.' Horace
EPISTLES. — BOOK II. - 559
says the mam who has retired to study, as he had done at Athens, and has
shut himself up for several years, and got dull over his books and his medi-
tations, cannot open his lips when he gets to Rome, and is only laughed at
by the people för his sofiriety. This is an odd defence for óne who had
writtem so much as he had done at Rome. It is meant for a joke. * Septem
annis * is mot to be taken literally, as if Horace had beem sevem years at
Athens, which is very improbablé, but for any considerable mumber. He
was only twenty-two when he joined Brutus, A. U. c. 71 1. «*
87. Frater erat Romae] Who these brothers were Horace does not tell us,
and it does not matter. One was a jurisconsultus (see S. i. l. 9, n.), and the
9ther a teacher of rhetoric. The lawyer said the rhetorician was a perfect
Gracchus for eloquence, and he returnied the compliment by declarinig that
his brother was a second Scævola for legal learnifig. And this sort of mu-
tua! flattery goes om, Horace says, among poets, and he cannot keep pace
with their passion for praise. Tiberius Gracchus and his brother Caiuis were
both, in Cicero's opinion, great orators. We need not therefore attempt to
decide which Horace means us to understand here. Q. Mucius Scævola the
augur, son-in-law of C. Lælius, and am early instructor of Cicero (Lael. e. 1),
Was learned in the law ; but his namesake and younger contemporary, the
IPontifex Maximus (mentioned in the same treâtise), was more celebrated
still. This name, therefore, like that of Gracchus for oratory, stands for a
consummate jurist. -
88. meros audiret honores,] Compare Epp. i. 7. 84, “vineta crepat mera.”
90. argutos] Compare iv. 6. 25: “ Doétor argutae fidicem Thaliae.” It
means melodious, and is a sort of mock compliment.
92. Caelatumque novem Musis opus] It is likened to a perfect piece of
carved work, in which all the Muses had a hand. -
93. quanto molimine] This expresses the pompous strut with which they
pass the library of Apollo, in which they take it for granted a place is re-
served for them. As to * aedem,' see S. i. 10. 38.
95. procul] This word signifies any distance, great or small. Here it
means hard by, as in S. ii. 6. 105; Epp. i. 7. *Quid ferat * means what
each has to say.
97. Caedimur et totidem plagis] They carry on such a contest of mutual
flattery, that they are like two gladiators, each trying to get the better of the
other. * Samnites ' were a particular class of gladiators, so called because.
they wore the same arms as that people, particularly am oblong shield. See
S. ii. 6. 44, n. * Ad lumina prima* would be usually till the second course,
whem the lights were brought im. Among the amusements that rich men had
at their dinners were gladiators who fought with blunt weapons; and here
the contest is said to be protracted (* lento *) till the lights came in. It was
a long trial of skill.
99. puncto illius ;] In his judgment or by his vote. . Whem an election
took place, there were certain persons called * custodes ' appointed to take
the votes and prick off the number given for each candidate. From this
process votes came to be called * puncta.” See A. P. 343, m.
101. Fit Mimnermus] See Epp. i. 6. 65, m. Horace seems to think him
superior to Callimachus, who was a grammariam and voluminous prose-
writer as well as a poet, a native of Cyrene, and established at Alexandria
in the reigns of the Ptolemies, Philadelphus and Euergetes, in the third cen-
tury B. c. * Optivo,' signifying * desired,' does not occur elsewhere.
105. impune legentibus] He says, when he has done writimg and recovered
his senses (which was the same thing), he should stop his ears, and they
might recite without fear of reprisals. ISee Epp. i. 19. 39.
I13. Verba movere loco,] The notion of the censor is kept up. See note
* om S. i. 6. 20.

560 - NOTES.
114. Et versentur adhuc] This is a way of saying that the verses, though
they may be expunged, still are kept in the author's desk, because he has a
regard för them, and camnot make up his mimd to destroy them._ The sanc-
tuáry of Vesta could only be entered by her own priestesses, and Horace calls
his desk * penetralia Vestae * because it was private.
116. speciosa vocabula rerum,] * Expressive terms* ; words which make
themselves intelligible at omce. So in A. P. 319 a play is said to be * speci-
osa locis,' that is, * plain in its points,' its commonplaces or sentiments
clearly put. e
117. Öatonibus atque Cethegis] As to the use of the plural mumber, see
note on S. i. 7. 8. M. Porcius Cato Censorius was born about B. C. 234,
and was therefore contemporary with Ennius, with whom he is associated,
A. P. 56, as successfully importing new words into the language. Fragments
remain 6f his treatise De Re Rustica, embracing a variety of instructions om
husbandry and subjects connected with domestic economy ; amd of his Ori-
gines, an'account of the early history of Italy. There are also fragments of
his orations, which Cicero appears tò have studied. (Brutus, c. 17). _ He had
the highest opinion of Cato, and complains that he was not studied enough
even in his dày. M. Cornelius Cethegus was older tham Cato, since he was
curule ædile when Cato was no more than twenty. His eloquence was such
that Ennius called Cethegus ** Suadae medulla, orator suaviloquenti ore.”
(Cic. Brut. c. 15; Cat. Maj. c. 14; see Epp. i. 6. 36, n.) But it does not
appear that any of his orations were extant in Cicero's time, for he only
méntions them om the authority of Ennius, who had heard him speak. His
reputation was sufficient at the time Horace wrote, for him to name him twice
as an authority on the language (see A. P. 50, m.).
119. quae génitor producerit usus.] * Usus * is * custom,' which has always
been the parent of novelties in language. Compare A. P. 70, sqq. -
S 120. Vehemens] The first two syllables-are pronounced as one. Comparo
. i. 5. 67. ¢
123. virtute carentia tollet,] * He will remove what lacks merit.' He will
work hard to produce a result which shall appear playful and easy, the turns
being as easy as those of the * mimus,* who dances either the light measure
of the nimble Satyr, or the clumsy dance of the Cyclops (om which see S. i.
5. 63, n.). The poet's art is to conceal his art, and to make that appear
easy which has cost him a good deal of trouble.
126. Praetulerim scriptor] This is supposed to be the remark of one who
would be a poet without the necessary trouble. He would rather be pleased
with his own bad verses, even though he might be deceiving himself, tham be
so learned and be perpetually vexed with himself. * Ringere* is properly
applied to the grinning of a dog whem it smarls.
128. Fuit haud ignobilis Argis,] Sir Henry Halford furnishes a parallel
story (Essays, p. 61): “ One case, that of the gentlemam of Argos, whose
delusiom led him to suppose that he was attendimg the representation of a
play, as he sat in his bedchamber, is so exact, that I saw a persom of
exalted rank (George III.) under those very circumstances of delusion,
and heard him call upon Mr. Garrick to exert himself in the performance
of Hamlet.”
f'ì; „Caetera qui vitae servaret] “Though he observed all the other duties
of life.
184. Et signo laeso] The ° amphorae * or * lagenae ' were sealed with the
owner's seal when they were filled. Horace says that the man was not one
who would get furious if he found the slaves had opemed a * lagena,' and
drumk the contents. See C. iii. 8. 11. 12.
135. puteum vitare patentem.] Wells were usually surrounded with a wall
(* puteal*) two or three feet high. See Dict. Antt. &*
EPISTLES. — BOOK II. 561
-
136. atorum opibus] See S. ii. 3. 217, n., and as to * elleborum,' see
v. 83 of that Satire.” “ Meracus ' is generally applied only to wine.
141. Nimirum sapere est] See Introduction.
158. quod quis libra mercatur et aere,] There was a mode of sale which
was called * per aes et libram.* A third persom held a pair of scales (* libra*),
which the pürchaser touched with a piece of money, at the same time laying
his hand öm the thing purchased. ' According to a set form of words he
claimed the thing as his owm, and handed the money to the seller as a token
of the sum agr€ed upom. This form of purchase was called * mancipatio.'
The seller was said * mancipio dare ' (to which * mancipare * in this place is
equivalent), and the purchaser was said * mancipio accipere.' A mam might
become owner of * res mancipii* by having been in possession for a certain
time, as much as if he had received it by * mancipatio.' Hence * usus ' is
said * mancipare,' because the effect is the same whether a man got his
ownership by * usus,' that is, possession, or by * mancipatio.* * Usus * here
means that sort of possession which consists in the enjoyment of the fruits by
paying for them. Before * quaedam,' * si* must be supplied again.
160. villicus Orbi,] Who is meant by Orbius, if anybody, it is impossible
to say. He had landed property and sold the produce. As to * villicus,'
see Epp. i. 14. 1, n.
163. cadum temeti :] * Temetum ' is am old word signifying * wine.' See
JForcell. •
164. trecentis — nummorum millibus] * Three humdred sestertia.' Taking
the value of the * sestertium ' at 8l. 17s. ld., this sum would be 2,656l. 5s. of
English money. -
167. Emptor Aricini quondam] * Emptor quondam,' as Orelli says, is
equivalent to * is qui quondam emit,' * he who buys at any time.* As to
Aricia, see S. i. 5. 1, m. The old Veii had long ceased to exist. It had
'been replaced (whether om the same site or not is uncertain) by a new city,
which again fell into ruin in the civil wars. Julius Cæsar divided its lamds
among his soldiers. It appears, however, that Augustus restored it, and
made it a municipium. -. •
170. qua populus adsita certis Limitibus] * Usque ' im this verse is an ad-
verb of place, not of time. It means * all the way up to where the poplar
stands.' There were many different kinds of private boundaries, as, for in-
stance, a stone or am image of the god Terminus, with a tree or a clump
planted mear it, such as Horace alludes to. A ditch or a hedge, a stream or
path, and many other marks, were sufficient to define the limits of property,
and prevent neighbors from quarrelling (* vicina refugit jurgia *).
177. Quid vici, prosunt] *Vicus * is used for amy collection of houses.
* Vicus urbanus ' was a street in the city ; * vicus rusticus,' a village. Here
it appears to meam a villa with the adjoining cottages.
'alabris Saltibus adjecti Lucani,] * Saltus * expresses * pastures,' woodc(l
or otherwise, om hills or in valleys and plains. Those of Calabria were low
and without wood ; those of Lücania were among the hills. See Epod. 1.
27, n. '
180. Tyrrhena sigilla,] Small images of the gods, of Etruriam workman-
ship, in bronze.
181. Gaetulo murice] See C. ii. 16. 35, n.
182. Sunt qui non habeant,] See C. i. 1. 8, n. -
184. Herodis palmetis pingüibus,] Herod the Great derived a large revenue
from the woods'of palm'which abóunded in Judæa. They were móst thickly
planted about Jericho and on the banks of the Jordam. The date-palm is
that which most aboumded there. -
187. Scit Genius] See Epp. i. 7. 94, m. * Albus et ater? signifies * cheer-
ful and gloomy.' .a-*
562 - NOTES.
192. Quod non plura datis] * Because he finds that I have nqt left him
more '; lit. * becaùse he finds not more than what Ihave left him '; in short,
he gets less than he expected.
i98. simplex hilarisqüe] * A guileless cheerful mam,' and so liberal. He
says he is ànxious tolearn the difference between such a one and a prodigal,
anid between the thrifty and covetous, and of course to act the part of the
former of the two in either case. * Plura ' means * more than eiuough.'
197. festis Quinquatribus olim,] The Quinquatria was a festival in honor
of Minérva, held on the 19th of March and four following days. ' Boys had
holidays during this festival, that they might pay their devotions to Minerva,
the goddess of learning. • *-
199. domus] This word is omitted, and an imperfect verse givem in some
MSS. . It has mo meaning here. The best MSS. vary, amd the commenta-
tors seem agreed to giveTit up without being able to find out what Horace
really wrote. (See note om C. iv. 6. 17)
205. Non es avarus : abi ig * You are no miser : go to ; what, do all your
faults vanish with that ? * See Forcell. for a variety of uses of * abi.'
209. Nocturnos.lemures] The belief in ghosts was as common with the
ancients as with the supérstitious among ourselves. The spirits of the dead
were worshipped as Manes, Lares, Lemures, and Larvæ. Under the two
former namés were recognized the spirits of the good (see Epp. ii. l. 138, n.);
the other two represented cruel spirits coming up to terrify and torment the
living. The Thessalians had the credit of extraordinary power in magic and
drugs. (See C. i. 27. 21; Epod. 5. 45.) - ;
2I0. Natales grate nuneras ?] * Are you happy when you count up your
birthdays ? * thät is, * Are you content to see yourself advancing in life and
drawing near the end of it ? * As to * natales,' see S. ii. 2. 60, m.; C. iv.
ll. 8, n. . -
213. decede peritis.] * If you do not know how to live properly, go off the
stage and give place to those that do.' *•
216. lasciva decentius aetas.] * A time of life which may be wanton with
less indecency * ; that is, youth, to which it is more natural. •
T H E A R T O F P O E T R Y.
THERE are no internal evidences, at all fit to be trusted, of the time whem
this poem was written, or of the persons to whom it is addressed. They are
three in number, a father and two sons.
The poem professes to contain a history of the progress of poetry, and
rules for composition, with criticisms of different authors and différent styles.
The rules are miscellaneous, and have little or no method, and the history
is more fanciful than real. It is impossible to look upon it as a finished
poem. -
1. Humano capiti] The picture supposed is monstrous enough ; a woman's
head and a fish's tail, with a horse's neck, limbs from all mánner of beasts,
and feathers from all sorts of birds. This portentous medley (invented of
course by himself, for we are not bound to suppose he had ever seem a pic- '
THE ART OF POETRY. 563
torial monster of this kind), Horace considered a good illustration of some of
the poetry of his day, in which figures and images were thrown together with-
out order or purpose.
9. Pictoribus atque poétis] This is a supposed reply, that painters and
poets have always been privileged people, which Horace admits, but withim
ccrtain limits. They must mot outrage common sense, nor should they patch
their verses with images which, however pretty, have nothing to do with the
matter in hand.
18. flumen Rhenum] This is the same form as “ Metaurum flumem ” (C.
iv. 4. 38).
19. fortasse cupressum Scis simulare :] The Scholiasts all agree in saying
this refers to a Greek proverb, pii tu kai kvTrapiororov 6€λειs ; the origim of
which was am answer givem by a bad painter to a shipwrecked sailor, who
asked him for a picture of his wreck (see C. i. 5. 13, n.). The man con-
sidered himself clever at drawing a cypress, and asked the sailor if he should
introduce him one in his picture.
21. Amphora coepit Institui ;] Of the * amphora,' * diota,' * cadus,* * testa,'
* lagena,' (all which names represent the same kind of vessel for keeping
wine, oil, honey, &c.,) drawings will be found in the Dictionary of Antiqui-
ties. It was usually of clay, but sometimes of glass. * Urceus * was the
name for a jug of earthenware or glass, of which specimens of mamy different.
shapes have been found at Pompeii. As to the * rota figularis * and other
matters connected with the art of poetry as practised by the ancients, all
necessary information will be found in the Dictionary of Antiquities.
24. pater et juvenes patre digni,] See Introduction. Horace passes on to
say that there are those who are led into error by some standard of correct-
ness that they have set themselves, some rule to which they adhere at all
costs. One man thinks brevity the right thing, amother smoothness of versi-
fication, another grandiloquence, another caution, amother vanity, and to
avoid the opposites of these they rum into the excess of them.
29. Prodigialiter] . * Monstrously.* This belongs to *variare.'
32. Aemilium circa ludum] This illustrates the case of those who cam
invent details, but cannot compose am entire poem. The * Aemilius ludus,'
near which this artist lived, is said to have. been a gladiator's school, built by
JEmilius Lepidus, but by which of those who bore that name is unknown.
There were many celebrated persons so called. * Unus * means * singular,'
surpassing all others ; which sense it bears in S. i. 10. 42 ; ii. 3. 24; 6. 57
(where see note).
38. Sumite materiam] The next consideratiom is the choice of a subject,
which should be wellºweighed with reference to the powers of the writer
(* potenter,' katà δύvapuv, v. 40).
42. Ordinis haec virtus] Having said that, if a man chooses his subject
well, he will be at no loss to arrange his poem, Horace proceeds to explain
what arrangement consists in, which is, saying everything in its right place
and time. -
45. promissi carminis] A poem he is known to have in hand, and which
the public are expecting.
46. tenuis cautuisque serendis,] * Judicious and careful in planting his words.'
* Tenuis ' signifies a nice discérnment. The use of words is the next point
noticed, — skill in giving by its connection new force to am old wQrd, or in
the introduction of`new íerms sometimes borrowed from the Greek, for the
fashion of words is conventional and liable to change.
49. Indiciis] This means words, as being the signs by which things are
made knowm. As to * abdita rerum,' see C. iv. 12. 19, n.
50. Cethegis] See Epp. ii. 2. 117, n. * Cinetutus' means one that is only
girt about thelower parf of his body, having the arms free from the encum-
564 NOTES.
brance of the tunic-sleeves. The use of the tunic by the Romans was intro-
duced, with other indulgences, from Greece and the Greek colonies, the an-
cients having worn only the toga. •
54. Caecilio Plautoque] See Epp. ii. 1. 59. 170. As to * Romanus,' see C.
iii. 6. 2, n. * Virgilio Varioque,' S. i. 5. 40, m. * Catonis et Emmi,' Epp. ii.
2. 117, n.
55. Ego cur] The words which Horace appears to have used for the first
time have been observed in the course of these notes. Those which do not
appear in any other author are mentioned on C. iii. 11. 10. The construction
he here employs is unusual, and so illustrates what he is saying. * Ego in-
videor' should, according to usage, be * mihi invidetur,' as * ego imperor'
should be * mihi imperatur' (Epp. i. 5. 21, where see note).
59. Signatum praesente nota producere] To give currency to a word. stamped
with a modern mark, a metaphor taken from the coinage of the mint, respect-
ing which see Dict. Antt., art. * Moneta *
60. Ut silvae foliis] * As woods in respect of their leaves at the close of the
year are changed, yea they are the first to fall.' There is a little irregularity
in the construction, but the meaning is clear.
63. Debemur morti nos nostraque ;] Horace probably remembered very well
the verses of Simonides :
Xaipet tus eedδωpos érreì 6dvev • άλλος έττ' αὐτό
Xaupfforet • 6avátq) Tâvres άφeυλόμ€6a.
receptus Terra Neptunus] The * lacus Lucrinus ' was separated from the
bay of Baiæ by a narrow causeway, the constructiom of which tradition at-
tributed to Hercúles. Beyond the Lucrinus lay the Avernus lacus (lago
d'Averno), a basin without amy outlet, about a mile and a half im circum-
ference, and fed by streams from Mons Gaurus (Monte Barbaro). The space
between the two lakes was covered with wood. In the war with Sextus
J*ompeius, B. C. 37, Augustus, advised by Agrippa, to whom he had en-
trusted the task of reforming his fleet, opened a communication between the
lakes, and between lacus Avernus and the sea, whereby he made a harbor
in which he was able to praetise his ships. This he ealled * portus Julius.'
This is the work Virgil alludes to (Georg. ii. 161). The basim of the Lucrine
lake has been filled up by the rising of a volcanic hill (Monte Nuovo), and is
mow a swamp.
65. Regis opus,] This (like * regiae moles,' C. ii. 15. 1) means a work
worthy of a king.
Sterilisve diu palus] What work Horace here alludes to is very doubtful.
The Scholiasts say that Augustus drained the Pomptine marshes. That
Julius Cæsar contemplated such a work we learn from Suetonius (Caes. 44),
and Plutarch (Caes. 58). That Augustus may have contemplated it liké-
wise, and made the canal mentioned on S. i. 5. 7, while that design was in
his mind, is possible. The canal extended from Forum Appii to Terracina,
which is said to have been the length of the marshes at that time. Horace
appears to be speculating upon a work which, though often attempted, has
mever succeeded.
67. Set cursum mutavit] Suetonius tells us that Augustus, to put an end
to the inundations of the Tiber, cleared out its bed, whiéh had got filled with
rubbish. To some sugh work as this Horace probably refers, in language a
little exaggerated. a*
68. Doctus iter melius,] So it is said of the river in Epp. i. 14. 29 : ** rivus
si decidit imber Multa mole docendus aprico parcere präto.”
69. Nedum sermonum stet honos] This construction is explained by sup-
posing the verb * existumes ' understood for the sake of brevity. * Nédumi*
is * not for a moment ' or * not ever so'little.' .
71. si volet usus,] See Epp. ii. 2. 119, n. Horace uses the words in the
THE ART OF POETRY. 565
next verse without reference to their tcchnical distinctiom. * Arbitrium ' was
the judgment of am arbitrator, as * judicium * was that of a judex. * Jus,' in
one of its senses, was a rule of law (Epp. i. 16. 41). * Norma,' a carpenter's
or mason's square. The deciding, ordering, and shaping of words is all that
Horace means. .
73. Res gestae] Here Horace begins a sort of history of different kinds of
poetry, which is Tdropped at v. 85, and takem up again at v. 202.
75. Versibus .impariter junctis querimonia] * Impariter ' is not used elso-
where. What Horace here calls * querimonia' is é\eyeia 6pmvmrukij, mourn-
ing for the dead. The earliest writers of elegy were Callinus of Ephesus,
Tyrtæus of Attica, Archilochus of Paros, angl Asius of Samos, all in the
seventh century B. c. It was therefore of Ioniam origin, whichever of these
poets first employed it. That question, which was not settled im Horace's
day, is not likely to be settled now.
78. Grammatici certant] See Epp. i. 19. 40, n. -
79. Archilocum proprio rabies] See Epp. i. 19. 23, m.; Epod. vi. 13. The
principal Iambic writers who followed Archilochus were Simonides of Amor-
gus, a younger contemporary of Solon, and Hipponax of Ephesus (B. c. 540).
80. Hunc socci cepere pedemn] In respect to * soccus * and * cothurnus,* às
the characteristics of comedy and tragedy, see Epp. ii. 1. 174, n. The metre
most used in the dialogue of the earliest Greek tragedies was the trochaic
tetrameter, which metre is used in many passages of the Persae of Æschylus.
Eut the iambic trimeter appears to have been used by Phrynicus.
81. Alternis aptum sermonibus] By * alternis sermonibus * Horace means
dialogue generally ; not those dialogues in, which verse answers to verse,
ατιχομv6ia.
82. Vincentem strepitus] Whem he says that the iambic overcomes tho
noise of the theatre, it may be that he refers to the clear intonation which
that metre admits of, or to its engaging the popular attention from its adap-
tation to the understandings of all.
Natum rebus agendis] This means, that the metre suits the language of
action. -
83. Musa dedit fidibus] As to * fidibus,' see C. iii. 11. 3. Though the flute
(* tibia *) came very early into use as an accompaniment to lyric poetry, it
has always retained the name it originally derived from the lyre. I Thé de-
scription of Horace includes the choral lyric of the Doric school, and the
poetry of the Æolic school. The former was adapted to a choir, the latter
only to a single voice. The former was so called, because it was cultivated
by the Dorians of the Peloponnesus and Sicily ; the latter flourished among
the Æolians of Asia Minor, and particularly in the island of Lesbos. The
one celebrated gods and heroes or renowned citizens, and was used at public
festivals or at marriages and funerals; the other expressed individual thoughts
amd feelings. Alcæus and Sappho are the chief representatives of the latter
school ; of the former, Alcmam and Stesichorus, Ibycus, Simonides, Bacchy-
lides, and Pindar. Stesichorus and Ibycus were most celebrated for their
poems on mythological subjects (* divos puerosque deorum *), while Simon-
ides and Pindar were the greatest in éftuvixua, hymns in honor of the victors
at public games (* et pugilem victprem et equum certamine primum *), and
the poets ofwine and passiom ('juvenum curas et libera vina *) were Alcæus,
Sappho, Simonides, and Bacchylides. Horace does not mentiom one class
of lyric poems, the threnes or dirges for the dead, of which Simonides was
the greatest master. -
As to * libra vina,' see S. i. 4. 87, n. » .
86. Discriptas servare vices] He passes on to style (having alluded to
various sorts of poetry), and says a man camnot be called à poet unless he
cam observe the characteristics of each style. This question involves the
48 - -
566 NOTES.
language, the characters, the plot, and the suljects handled. But the drama
is the sort of poetry chiefly nötiged hemceforward. * Vices * are the parts (S.
i. 10. 12, * defendente vicem *), and with * discriptas ' it means the parts as-
signed to each class of poetry. * Operum colores,' * the coloring of poems.'
p. pudens prave] “Thröugh a false shame,' * pudor malus” (Epp. i. 16.
24).
90. privatis] * The language of common daily life.'
91. coena Thaestae] See C. i. 6. 8, n.
94. Iratusque Chremes] * Chremes ? is put generally for any father in a
comedy. The intensive compound of * litigo ' does not occur elsewhere. As
to * plerumque,' in the sense Qf * interdum,' see S. ii. 5. 55, n., and on * pe-
destri,' see C. ii. 12. 9, n. ę
96. Telephus et Peleus,] These persons were the subjects of many trage-
dies. Each of the three tragedians wrote upom them, and fragments of their
plays are extant. Telephus's ahject conditiom, when he wentto seek for one
to cure him of his wound (see Epod. xvii. 8, n.), and Peleus, driven from
Aegina, and wandering in quest of a purifier for the murder of his brother
IPhocus, appear to have been the points in the history of these persons chiefly
dwelt upon. As to * ampullas,' see Epp. i. 3. 14, ni. * Sesquipedalia * (* pes
semisque *), * a foot and a half long ? -
99. Non satis est pulchra esse] * Pulchra,' as opposed to * dulcia,' describes
that sort offaultless beauty which fails to make an impression on the feelings.
Of the accidental rhyme that occurs in these two verses, Orelli has collectcd
several parallel instances from Virgil and Homer. .•
104. male si mandata loqueris] T* Male * belongs to * mandata ? : * words
improperly assigned you,' that is, not suited to your character (see v. 177).
105. Tristia maestum] Horace says there is a voice of nature withim us
which adapts itselfto every phase of öur fortunes, and speaks out in language
expressing the emotions that belong to each.
118. equites peditesque] ' This is à comprehcnsive way of expressing all the
citizens of Rome, with reference to their division by Sérvius Tullius (Livy i.
43). When the census was completed, the king issued a proclamation, * Ut
Qmnes cives Romani equites peditesque in suis quisque centuriis in Campo
Martio prima luce adessent.” -
114. divusne loquatur am heros,] The Scholiasts are divided betweem * di-
vus ' and 'IDavus '; the MSS. are also at variance, * Deus ' and * heros ? are
brought together below (v. 227): “Ne quicunque deus, quicumque adhibebi-
tur heros.”
116. matrona potens] This epithet seems to have the same meaning as its
kindred word τόrvua, so common in Homer and the Tragedians, The
officious nurse has always been a favorite character om the stage, We find it
in Æschylus (Choéphoroe), in Sophocles (Trachiniae), and Euripides (Hip-
polytus). An ἐμποpos (* mercator*) is introduced in the Philoctetes of Soph-
ocles, and the prologue of the Electra (Euripides) is spoken by an aùtovp-
yös (* cultor agelli*).
118. Colchus an Assyrius,] The Colchiam may be put perhaps for any of
the barbarous tribes on the shores of the Euxine, and the Assyriam for any of
the Eastern nations. (See C. i. 2. 21, n., and C. ii. 11 16, n.) The oppo-
sition between Thebes and Argos has reference partly perhaps to the play of
AEschylus, Sept. c. Thebas, in which Polynices comes with an Argivé army
to get possession of the crown of Thebes, or to the Supplices of Euripides,
which turns om the burial of the seven leaders who formed that expeditiom.
But Horace may have had in mind many other plays of which the scene lay
either at Argos or Thebes, in connection with CEdipus, the quarrel of his
sons, the expedition of the Epigoni, etc.
119. Aut famam sequere] *Either you should follow tradition and common

THJE ART OF POETIBY. 567
belicf, or at least, if you invent, your inventions should be consistent with
themselves.'
120. Scriptor honoratum si forte reponis] * Honoratus ' is only an ornamen-
tal epithet, corresponding to Homer's k\vrös, etc. * Reponis ' means * put
upon the stage again.' The word is used in a different sense, v. 190: “ Fa-
bula, quae posci vult et spectata reponi.”
122. nihil non arroget armis.] * Let him claim everything for arms,' that is,
let him make arms his one appeal.
123. flebilis Ino,] There are several fragments remaining of a play by
Euripides bearing the name of Ino, the daughter of Cadmus, and wife óf
Athamas, who threw herself into the sea with her son Melicerta, and went;
through various sorrows through the wrath of Here, and the rivalry of her
husband's other wives, Nephele and Themisto. She was worshipped after
her death as Leucothea, or Matuta Mater.
124. Perfidus Iacion, Io vaga,] Æschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides each
wrote a tragedy entitled * Ixion,' of which fragments remaim. See C. iii. 11.
2l. The wanderings of Io, the daughter of Inachus, king of Argos, in the
form of a cow (whose passage across the strait that separates the Propontis
from the Euxine gave it the nam3 of Bosporus), are related in many ways.
The most remarkable passage on this subject is contained in the Prometheus
of Æschylus, in a scene in which she is herself introduced.
128. Difficile est proprie communia ducere :] * Communia* means here what
everybody knows, or what is common property, as opposed to fictions of one's
own creating, and * proprie dicere * is to tell it so as to make it one's own.
131. Publica materies privati juris erit,] * Public materials will become
private property.' Horace uses (without strict accuraey) terms which have
distinct legal significations. * Proprie communiá dicere,' above, is the same
as making that which is * publica materies * * privati juris.* * Communia * is
usual in the sense of partnership property, and is different from * publica ';
but here they have the sam3 menning. Horace seems to have followed a
Greek proverb, Xa\eTòv τὰ κοινὰ ἰδιδα'av. As to * deducis,' see S. i. 10.
44, m. i.
132. vilem patulumque moraberis orbem,] * If you linger not about the vulgar
and wide round.' What Horace means, is the hackneyed round of subjects,
phrases, and illustrations, ground which anybody may tread, and many have
trod already. * Patulus * is opposed to * arctus * (v. 183); the latter means
difficult, narrow ground, in which it is not easy to move except by treading pre-
eisely in the steps of him whom you are following, * out of which diffidence
or the plan of the work forbids you to advance,' that is, hampers your steps,
and prevents you from showing any originality.
136. ut scriptor cyclicus olim :] A class of Epic poets arose some time after
Homer, who, perháps from the habit of reciting as rhapsodists the Iliad and
Odyssey, were led to adopting subjects akin to Homer's, and connecting their
poems with his; and their design appearing to haye beem to form their poems
and Homer's into one cycle, embracing the whole history of the Trojan times,
they came to be called by the grammarians Cyclic poets, Of these the oldest
was Arctinus of Miletus, whose poem was a continuation of the Iliad, and
nearly as long. One of them, Lesches, a Lesbian contemporary with Archi-
lochus, wrote a poem known as the Mukpâ 'I\tás. It opened with these two
lines, which Horace may or may not have had in mind :
"Iλιον áeíôø kai Aap8avinv eùrro\ov,
ijs trépu τολλά τάθον Aavaoi 6epátrovres "Apnos.
139. Parturiunt montes,] * Parturio* has the same relation to * pario * that
*esurio * has to *edo,' meaning the effort or desire to bring forth, the being in
labor. Porphyrion quotes the proverb on which this and the fable that Phæ-
568 NOTES.
drus has imitated (iv. 22) of the mountain in labor, are founded: άδιvev
oόpos, eíra μῦv ärréxrexev, which in Athenæus (xiv. 6) is quoted a little dif-
ferently : άδιvev öpos, Zeùs δ' ἐφοßeîro, τὸ δ' ἐrekev μύν.
141. Dic mihi, Musa, virum] '1'his is a versiom of the opening verses of the
Odyssey._ Compare Epp. i. 2. 19, sq.
143. Non fumüm eae fulgore] Horace says of Homer, that he does not begim
with a flash which ends in smoke, but with him out of smoke comes a bright
light; that is, out of a modest beginning the reader is led om to beauties and
objects of interest; and he is carried rapidly forward, instead of being detained
over matters preliminary amd irrelevant. It is obvious that * fumo ' in the
second clause is out of place, and is only used to maintain a verbal amtith-
esis ; and the beauties selected (' speciosa miracula,' * striking marvels ') are
not the most striking.
145. Antiphaten $ylamque] These are all stories from the Odyssey.
Antiphates was king of the Læstrygones, a gigantic race in Sicily, who de-
voured three of theTcompanions of Ulysses, and destroyed his ships (x. 80,
sqq.). The adventure with Polyphemus, the Cyclops, forms the leading
evénit of the minth book. The description of Scylla and Charybdis is con-
tained in the twelfth book (vv. 85, sqq.).
146. Nec reditum Diomedis] This was related in a Cyclic poem called
Nöorrou. Meleager, who was one of the Argonauts, and was still more famous
for the destruction of the boar sent by IDiana to vex the inhabitants of Caly-
dom in Ætolia, was uncle to Diomed, being biother to Tydeus. The cause
of his death is variously related. According to Homer, he was cursed by his
mother, Althæa, for the slaughter of her two brothers (Il. ix. 567, sqq.), and
her Erinnys pursued him to his death. But as this was before the Trojam
war, and had nothing to do with it, to begim an account of Diomed's return
with an account of his uncle's death would be absurd enough. It wouid
seem as if some poet had been guilty of this absurdity.
147. gemino — ab ovo;] That is, from the birth of Helen, who was born
from one of the eggs brought forth by Leda, while Castor and Pollux issued
from the other. (See S. ii. 1. 26, “ ovo prognatus eodem.**) This introduc-
tory matter was handled in the poem Körpta of Stasinus, a Cyclic poet, of
which the following fragment has been preserved:
τοῖς δέ μerà rpirárrjv 'EÀévmv réke, 6aúpla 8poroîori,
τήν τοτε κa\λίκομos Néμ€σus q\i\ότητι μιyeìora
Zmvi, 6eóv ßaori\ju, réke xpaTepijs ÜT' áváykns.
148. in medias res] The ancients appear particularly to have remarked
this quality of Homer's poems. See Quintil. vii. 10. 11 : ** ubi ab initiis in-
cipiendum, ubi more Homerico e mediis vel ultimis ?”
151. Atque ita mentitur, sic veris] *** Ita,' * so,' (the oldest form of. tho
neuter promoum * id,') differs from * sic,' * so,' as the logical * i* or * eo,' * this,'
differs from the demonstrative * ho,' * this.'” “Ita,' therefore, is the usual
word with * ut' following. But the poets (and sometimes evem the prose-
writers) use * sic * in the same constructiom, and in others in which *ita* is
more usual. Compare C. i. 8. 1, “Sic te Diva potens Cypri”; and Epp. i.
7. 69, “Sic ignovisse putato.”
154. aulaea manentis] See Epp. ii. 1. 189. In the next verse * canto ? is
used for the actor. Cicero uses it in the same sense. (See Forcellini.)
* Vos plaudite * were the words with which a play usually concluded.
157. Mobilibusque decor naturis] Horace means that men's characters shift
and change with the different stages of life, and that these changes must be
attended to. He goes on to explaim them in a clear and elegant manner.
161. custode remoto] This means the * paedagogus,' as in S. i. 6. 81, where
see note. This persom's functions ceased whem the boy assumed the * toga
virilis.' * Campi,' as elsewhere, means the Campus Martius.


}
THE ART OF POETRY. 569
165. Sublimis cupidusque] * Soaring and ambitious.'
172. spe longus,] * Slow to hope.' T* Avidus futuri* means * eager to live
longer,' or * greedy of life.' Both these expressions are unusual.
175. Multa ferunt anni] See C. ii. 5. 14, n., and Epp. ii. 2. 55. The re-
mark seems to be drawn forth by the dark picture of old age contained in the
preceding verses. It has not much otherwise to do with the subject.
178. adjunctis aevoque morabimur aptis.] Both * adjunctis * and * aptis ' go
with * aevo,' *we shall dwell upon that which attaches and is fitted to the age
we have im-hand.'
180. Segnius irritant animos] When Candaules proposes to exhibit his
wife's beauty to Gyges, Herodotus (i. 8) makes him say όra yàp rvyxâve,
dv6póτοισι éóvra áttuorrörepa δφ6a\μóv, and Seneca (Epp. vi.) has a like
saying, “ Homines amplius oculis quam auribus credunt.” .
184. facundia praesens,] An eyewitness, who tells the spectators what ho
has seem, and does it in the flow 6f a long, set speech. This is the part of
the messengers and heralds, of which one or more appears in every Greek
tragedy. * Praesens* means * before the audience.'
186. coquat exta nefarius Atreus,] See C. i. 6. 8, n. ; and as to Procne, sco
C. iv. 12. 5, n. Short fragments of the Atreus of Sophocles and Cadmus of
Euripides are extant. The story of Cadmus and his wife Harmonia changed
into snakes is told by Ovid (Met. iv. 563, sqq.). Such barbarities and mirac-
ulous changes, Horace says, may answer in narration, but if represented on
the stage are both incredible and disgusting. He may have had some in-
stance of this kind in view. See C. i. 6. 8, n. ; ii. 1. 10, n. ; S. i. 10. 42, n.
191. nec deus intersit] It was a reproach against the tragedians, that, when
they did not kmow how to bring their plot to a close, they had recourse to a
god. The gods were introduced on a platform above. Hemce the proverb,
“ Deus ex machina,” for any summary way of winding up a plot, or extii-
cating one's self from a difficulty. * Dignus vindice* means worthy of such
intervention.
192. nec quarta loqui persona laboret.] Thespis first introduced a single
actor on the stage, who perhaps told a story and served to relieve the chorus.
Æschylus introduced a second, and so brought regular dialogue into the
drama. Sophocles added a third, and this number was rarely if ever ex-
ceeded. (See Epp. i. 18. 14, n.) The Romans observed mo such restrictiom,
but it must always be the case, if more than three actors are om the stage at
onee, that some of them cam have but little to say.
193. Actoris partes chorus] The chorus should sustain in its place, and to
the best of its power, the pärt of am actor; that is, instead of singing what is
irrelevant to the plot, it ought to carry on the action. * Officiumque virile
defendat* is a way of expressing, * it must sustain a strenuous part,' or * do
its duty strenuou$ly.' Horace uses the expréssion * defendente vicem * in the
same sense (S. i. 10. 12).
196. Ille bonis faveatque] The chorus is to utter semtiments showing favor
to the good, and giving them friendly counsel, tempering the wrath of tl;e
passionate, and affectionate to. the virtuous (wbich is in some degree a repc-
tition of the first clause), commending temperance, justice, laws, and peaee.
The business of the chorus was to utter such reflections as amy indiffercnt
persons might conceive on the action before it, and to address those reflee-
tions to the characters represented, as one might address them to real persons
under the same circumstances.
198. mensae brevis] Compare Epp. i. 14. 85, ** coena brevis juvat”; and
with ** apertis otia portis,” comparêTC. iii. 5. 23, “portasque non clausas,”
representing a picture of nationäl security and peace. The chorus, to whom
the principal pèrsons communicated their interjdcd crimes and deepest plots,
were held to secrecy as a Rime duty. Thus, Medea tells the chorus her in-
48 .^
570 ' NOTES.
tentiom to murder her childrem and her rival, and reckons upom their secrecy
as a matter of course. Other instances are numerous.
202. Tibia non ut nunc orichalco vincta] The * tibia* was an instrument
originally made of a hollow reed (Pliny, xvi. 36. 66), or a boxwood pipe
(Ovid, Fast. vi. 697), or the shin-bone of some animal, from which the name
is derived. Afterwards it was brought to greater perfection, and was made
of ivory sometimes. It resembled the flageolet or clarionet. It was usual to
play two * tibiae * together, as observed on C. i. 1. 32, where see note. Those
in the British Museum have six holes. Probably in the days of Horace they
had more. The metal which the ameients called. * orichalcum ' is unknown.
It was not to be found even in Pliny's time. The probable derivatiom is from
ôpos and Xa\kös, the meanmg being * mountaim-bronze.* With this the parts
of the * tibia,' which took to pieces as our flutes do, were bound at the join-
ings. Horace says that in simpler days the * tibia ' served for an accompani-
ment to the chorus, but afterwards it came to drown it. In those days the
population of the city was smaller, the theatres less crowded. and the audi-
ence more reverential and attentive. What times Horace alludes to, it is diffi-
cult to say. Orelli thinks his history of choral music is a fanciful account,
fluctuating wonderfully between the practice of the Greeks, that of the Ro-
mans, amd that which his own imagination has drawn ; and this is perhaps
the case.
208. Postquam coepit agros] That is, “post Punica bella” (see Epp. ii. 1.
162, n.) if we take the Romans, and the Persiam war if we suppose the
Greeks to be meant (See v 93 of the same Epistle.) As to * placari Ge-
nius,' see Epp. ii. 1. 144, and i. 7. 94, n.
211. numerisque modisque] This combination occurs above, Epp. ii. 2. 144.
* Liber laborum * is a poetical construction like “operum solutis” (C. iii. 17.
16) and ** operum vacuo ” (S. ii. 2. 119). \
215. traxitque vagus per pulpita vestem ;] * The * palla* worn by tragic
actors had a train called * syrma,' from αὐpetv, because it swept the stage.
This is what Horace alludes to. The Roman dress was probably not so
splendid as the Greek. As to * pulpita,' see Epp. ii. 1. 174.
216. Sic etiam fidibus voces crevere severis,] See above, v. 83, n. The se-
date and serious Doric style would be expressed by * fidibus severis '; but
Horace is speaking generally, and probably from his own imaginatiom, whem
he says that in the course of time the grave style of music to which the cho-
ruses were once sung gave way, to a more vehement style, as the eloquence
of the chorus grew more impetuous, and it begam to speak in language
obscure, prophetic, and oracular. There is no historical accuracy in this
account, though in respect to the obscurity of some of the Greek choruses
Horace wrote from what he knew of them.
220. Carmine qui tragico] Horace here passes on to the Satyric Drama
of the Greeks. A goat was the prize contended for in the compositiom of the
choral songs or dithyrambs to which the name Tpayqyöta first belonged.
The name may have been derived from the prize. È; below, v. 275, n.)
The chorus appeared in the charaeter of Satyrs as attendants on Dionysus,
at whose festival they performed. Their subjects were originally confined to
the adventures, serious and sportive, of that god, and therefore were a mix-
ture of mirth and gravity. Choerilus, an older contemporary of Æschylus,
seems to have laid the foundation of an independent Satyric Drama, the
entire separation of which from trageåy, as we now understand the word,
was effected a few years later by Pratinas of Phlius in Argolis, about B. c.
500: thenceforwardit was usual for the tragic poets to exhibit four plays at
a time (tetralogies), of which the fourth was a Satyric Drama, such as the
Cyclops of Euripides.
224. potus et eacleae.] This expresses the freedom which attended the
Dionvsiac festivals after the sacrifices were over.
THE ART OF POETRY. 571
228. auro nuper et ostro,] * He who but now came forward in gold and
urple (which ormaments gods and heroes wove), let him not pass into low
anguage, as if he were â frequenter of taverns,' — which were commonly
vaults under ground, and are therefore called * obscuras.'
230. nubes et inania captet.] As to the construction with * indigna * in the
next verse, see C. iii. 21. 6, m., and Epp. i. 3. 35, n.
234. dominantia nomina solum Verbaque,] As to * nomina verbaque,' see
S. i. 3. 103, n. * Dominantia nomina* is an adaptation of the Greek köpua
êvδμaτa; that is, literal words as opposed to figurative. Horace says he
shall not confine himself to these if heTever takes to writing Satyric Dramas.
236. tragico differre colori] As to * differre* with the dative, see S. i. 4.
48, m.
238. Pythias emuncfo] This seems to be the mame of a slavc-girl who got
money out of her master, Simo. As to * emuncto,' see S. i. 4. 8, n.
239. Silenus] This god is said to have educated Bacchus. He represented
the * crassa Minerva' of the ancients, * wisdom under a rough exterior,' and
it is in his graver character that Horace here views him. All ancient repre-
sentations of Silenus exhibit him as a gross impersonation of sensuality and
low fum, usually drunk, and riding upón an ass, with Fauns dancing about
him. Modern ideas have confounded him with Bacchus, his foster-child.
240. Ex noto fictum carmen sequar,] . * Ex noto ' perhaps means that the
subject must be familiar.
244. Fauni,] See C. ii. 19. 4, n. Horace says that these rough bcings
introduced from the woods should not talk as if they had been borm in tho
city and were loungers in the Forum, or languish in love-verses like a siily
youth ; but neither should low language be put into their mouth, for this is
sure to offend the refined part of the audience, evem if the vulgar.applaud it.
* Juvenor ' is a word not found elsewhere : it is adapted from the Greek
veavteûeor6av.
248. et pater] * Those who had a father * means * ingenui,' those who
were born free amd of lawful wedlock, since none others were * in patria po-
testate.' As to * cicer,' see S. i. 6. 115, n.
251. Syllaba longa brevi] As to the * iambus,' see above, v. 79, sq. Horace
here calls it * pes citus,' a rapid foot, as elsewhere (C. i. 16. 24) he speaks of
* celeres iambos.' He says the rapidity of the foot caused the division of the
verse into the form of a trimeter, whereas it was a * senarius,' having six
distinct iambic feet. The admission of a spondee in the odd feet, he says,
was an after inventiom, in order to give more weight to the measure. * Non
ita pridem ' means comparatively lately ; but the verses of Archilochus had
spondees in them. The history is not very accurate. Horace has himself
imitated the pure iambic measure in the alternate verses of Epod. 16. * In
jura paterna recepit* is to be rendered * gave a share of its patrimony.' The
meaning is clear enough from the context. The politeness of the *iambus*
in making way for the spondee, and giving up some of its just rights, but not
disposed to be so accommodating as to give up the even places in the verse,
seems rather a heavy joke. * Socialiter,' * in a friendly way,' does not occur
elsewhere.
258. Hic et in Acci] See Epp. ii. 1. 50. 56. The iambus, Horace says, is
not commonly used in the verses of Accius and Ennius. Those of the for-
mer he calls noble trimeters, by which he means famed. He was no great
admirer of them himself. The great weight he attributes to the verses of
Ennius arose from the gravity of the measure, consisting, as v. 260 does,
chiefly of spondees. But the absence of the iambus, in the opinion of Horace,
convicts him either of slovenly writing, or of ignorance of his art. * Hic '
governs * premit* (v. 262), as it docs * apparet.* * This,' that is, * the ab-
sence of this.'
572 _. NOTES.
265. an omnes] Horace says it is not every critic that can tell a rhythmi-
cal verse from am unrhythmicâl, amd so am indulgence they do not deserve is
accorded to our poets. * But am I om this account to take all manner of
liberties ? Or, om the other hand, am I to suppose that every one will see
my faults, and keep safely and cautiously withim the limits of forgiveness ?
Why, if I do this, I may have avoided a fault, but I shall have earned no
TalSe, <,
p. 270. Plautinos et numeros et Laudavere sules :] See Epp. ii.' 1. 170, n.
* But, you will say, your fathers praised Plautus both for his numbers and
his wit. Yes, they admired too patiently, not to say stupidly, both the one
and the other.* Horace mever has a good word to say for Plautus, and he here
depreciates his wit as well as his versificatiom. Both mo doubt wanted polish ;
and Horace does not scruple to insinuate (in the above place) that it was
only through haste to get paid that he turned out his works so unfinished.
IBut his style and his defects were incidental to the period and manner of his
life ; his simplicity and drollery were given him by nature. If Horace did
not admire Plautus, more learned men did, and Varro was ome of them, and
Cicero another.
275. Ignotum tragicae] The first representation of a play at Thespis was
in B. c. 535. The name Tpay®8ta belonged, as observed above (on v. 220),
to the dithyrambic songs of thè Bacchic festivals, and these are of uncertain
origin, but of great antiquity. The extent to which Thespis can be consid-
ered the author of tragedy is, that he introduced am actor independent of the
chorus, who sustained various parts under the disguise of a linem mask. (See
v. 192, n.) This account, therefore, of the invention of tragedy at the vint-
age, the faces smeared with lees of wine, the wagon with which Thespis
went round Attica, and so forth, may be rejected.
278. Post hunc personae pallaeque] ' Horace makes Æschylus the inventor
of the mask and tragic dress (v. 215, m.). But there can be no doubt that
he who first put an actor upon the stage, if he, as most suppose, gave him
various parts to sustain, must have employed masks suited to the different
characters. There were symbolical masks for different ages and classes, and
there were descriptive masks for different persons, representing peculiarities
By which they would be known. The derivation of * persona* is unknown.
IRoscius first introduced masks on the Romam stage about B. c. 100. The
garment Horace means by * palla* was an upper dress, which had a train
to it (see y. 215, n.). For the proper meaning of * palla,' see S. i. 8. 23, n. .
As to * pulpita * and * cothurnus,' see Epp. ii. 1. 174, n. Æschylus may have
made improvements in what is called among us the property of a theatre,
but there is no reason to suppose that he invented any of the above things.
* Magnum loqui* means thaf he taught the actor how to articulate loudly.
281. Successit vetus his comoedia,] Horace takes no account of the eariiest
form of comedy, from which its name is derived, the song of the revellers
(κόμos) at the Dionysia; or of the labors of Susarion, who as early at least
as Thespis, at Icaria, a village in Attica, contended with a comic chorus for
a prize." That which was before composcd ofjests and obscenities connected
with the worship of Bacchus had now added to it personal ribaléry and po-
litical jokes, the former levelled at the spectators or against public men.
Eetween Susariom and the period of the old comedy there were several distin-
gnished writers, as Chionides, Magnes, Ecphantines, and others. The earli-
ést writer of the old comedy was Cratinus. See S. i. 4. 1, n.
288. Vel qui praetextas] * Fabulae praetextae,' or * praetextatae,' were
tragedies, as * tógatae* were comedies, with plots connected with Roman
stories and mammers. (See Epp. ii. l. 57, sqq.) The Greek tragedies to
which * praetextae * were opposed, were called by the Romans * crépidatae.*
* Docere? is used as the Greeks used διδάσκ€uv, for exhibiting a play, because
the poet also trained the chorus as Xopoόιδάσκαλοs.
THE ART OF POETRY. 573
292. Pompilius sanguis,] The * Calpurnia gens,' to which the Pisones
belonged, claimed descent from Calpus, som of Numa Pompilius. '
294. ad unguem] See S. i. 5. 32, n.
295. Ingenium misera] The following verses to 308 have little connection
with what goes before. Horace says, because genius is above art, amd all
poets, according to Democritus, are mad, mamy neglect their persons and let
their nails and their beards grow, affecting insanity. The question about
education and mature in connection with poetry is taken up again at v. 408.
We are accustomed to subscribe to , the doctrine ** poeta nascitur, non fit.”
The ancients were divided on that point, some assigning more to education,
others to natural gifts. Cicero more than once alludes to the opinion of
Democritus, that no man could be a poet without inspiration.
300. Si tribus Anticyris] There were three places of this name, each of
which is assumed from this passage to have produced hellebore, a very im-
probable coincidence. Horace puts * tribus * as we might say a dozem, or
any other indefinite number. (See S. ii. 3. 83.)
801., Tonsori Licino commiserit.] This name was probably that of a well-
known'barber of the day. (See S. ii. 3 16. 35, n.)
302. Qui purgor bilem] The hellebore which the ancients used in cases of
madness is a violent purgative, and they tried to act on the brain by relieving
the stomach. Horace says he must be a fool, since madness is essential to
poetry, for taking medicines to keep his stomach in order.
304. fungar vice cotis,] As to * vice,' see above, v. 86, and S. i. 10. 12.
Horace says if he only kept the bile from escapiiig, he would beat them all at
poetry. However, it does not matter, he goes on ; he will act as the grind-
stone which whets the irom, though its own office is not to cut (exsors ipsa
secandi). This is said to be a proverbial way of speaking. -.
310. Rem tibi Socraticae — chartae,] The writings of Socrates's disciples,
such as Plato, Xenophom, Æschines, Antisthenes, Aristippus, will supply
matter for the true (dramatic) poet, by teaching him the science and duties
of human life.
314. Quod sit conscripti,] After the expulsion of the kings, the senate hav-
ing lost many of its number under the last of them, the vacancies were filled
up from the * equites,' who were called * conscripti senatores.* The others
were * patres '; and the whole body thus constituted was called collectively
* patres et conscripti,' or shortly * patres conscripti.* Horace here uses * con-
scriptus ' as equivalent to * senator.* It is nowhere else soTused. As to
* judicis,' see S. i. 4. 123, n.
818. vivas hinc ducere voces.] IJiving words are those that represent nature
to the life, or which convey a vivid sense to the understanding.
319. speciosa locis] Full of telling commomplaces, sentiments, examples,
and so om. ^• .
323. Graiis ingenium,] He says the Greeks had a natural taste for poetry,
and cultivated it from an ambition to excel and thirst for praise. But this
comparison of the Greeks and Romans does not appear to be connected with
the subject that goes before, or the rules that follow from v. 333.
325. Romani pueri] See S. i. 6. 72, 77, n. The * as * was divided into
twelve parts, * unciae,' of which the * quincunx ' contained five, and the
* triens ' four, being one third of the whole, whence the mame. The * semis*
(8emi-as) contained six, being half an as. Albinus is said to have been the
name of a usurer. Horacé is representing a scene in a boys” school.
“ Master: Let the son of Albinus tefl me : ifyou take an uncia from a quin-
cunx, how much remains ? (The boy hesitatés.) You used to know. Boy:
A triens. _ Master : Very well. You will know how to take care of your
money. _ Now add. an uncia : what is the'sum ? Boy : A semis.”
382. linendra cedro] Books were smeared with oil of cedar to keep them
574 NOTES.
from the insects. * Capsae cupressimae,' * book-cases of cypress-wood,' were
costly, and would only be used for valuable books.
333. Aut prodesse volunt] * Poets wish either to profit or to please, or to
join both these together,' on which assumption several miscellaneous rules
. are founded. -
337. Omne supervacuum] * All that is superfluous flows away from a mind
that is full,' that is, when the mind is full,Tit discards all supérfluous words,
it has no room for superfluities ; as in a vessel that is full, if you pour more,
it runs over and escapes. As to * supervacuus,' see C. ii. 20. 24, m.
840. Neu pransae Lamiae] * Lamiae ' were hags, ogresses, who had the
reputation of devouring children. _ .
341. Centuriae seniorum] This language is taken from the * classes* or
* centuriae ' of Servius Tullius. Those who were more than forty-five were
classed with the * seniores.' The grave seniors like mo poetry that has mot
something profitable and instructive in it. The Ramnes were the highest of
the three centuries of equites which Romulus is said to have formed. They
were patricians, and Horace calls them * celsi,' * proud.' The distinction of
the original tribes had ceased to exist ; the Ramnes are mentioned in oppo-
sition to the * centuriae seniorum,' as young men to old, the reason of which
is mot plain.
343. Omne tulit punctum] * He carries every vote.' See Epp. ii. 2. 99, m.;
and as to the Sosii, see Epp. i. 20. 2, n.
347. Sunt delicta tamen] - He means perfection must not be looked for, and
allowance must be made for occasional blots.
353. Quid ergo est ?] * What are we to say them ? ' The expression oc-
curs in Cicero sometimes, as in the speech Pro P. Quintio, c. 18.
354. scriptor — librarius] * Scriptor* is the * scriba.' See Epp. ii. 2. 5, n;
857. fit Choerilus ille,] See Epp. ii. 1. 232 n. 2.?»?
36l. erit quae] See C. i. l. 3, n.
366. O major juvenum,] There were two sons, and both * juvenes '; both
must have taken the * toga virilis.* Horace goes on to tell them, that medi-
ocrity, though tolerable in some things, is intolerable in poetry.
369. Consultus juris.et actor Causarum] See S. i. 1. 9, n. As to Messalla,
see C. iii. 21. A. Cascellius was a jurisconsultus. Little is known of him.
He must have been alive when this poem was written, but very old. The
names are inverted.
373. non concessare columnae.] That is, the booksellers' stalls. See S. i.
4. 71, m. «
375. Sardo cum melle] Sardiniam and Corsicam honeys appear to have
been of inferior quality. See S. ii. 2. 15, m. Poppy-seeds roasted and mixed
with honey were served in early times at the second course.
377. Sic animis] * So poetry, which was born and invented only to give
pleasure to the soul, if it fail but a little of the highest point, inclines to the
lowest.* He says, as at a pleasant supper, bad music, bad ointment, and bad
honey are worsè than none at all, (for the meal can go om very well without
them,) so a poem must either be extremely good, or it will be very bad, and
had better not be written.
380. pilae discive trochive] See S. ii. 9, n. * Coronae ' are the crowds of
spectators standing round to watch the games.
382. Quidni ?] This is ironical. * Why not ? ' He is a free mam, and
born free, and has a good property, and is a good man ; why then should he
not write ? -
383. census equestrem Summam] * Census * is a participle. His property
was not less thám 400,000 sesterces. See Epod. 4. 15, n. ; Epp. i. 1. 57, n.
385. Tu nihil invita — Minerva ;] See S. ii. 2. 3. The expression is pro-
verbial. Cicero explains it: “ Invita ut aiunt Minerva; id est adversante et
TIIE ART OF POETRY.' 575
repugnante natura ” (De Off. i. 31). * Tu ' is emphatic : “ You are too sen-
subleto judge thus, or to try and write against the grain.” «e
387. in Maeci descendat judicis aures] T As to Sp. Mæcius Tarpa, see S. i.
10. 38, m.
391. Silvestres homines] Horace goes on to ascribe the noblest results to
the cultivation of true poetry ; the civilization of mankind (represented under
the legend of Orpheus taming wild beasts), the building of cities, the emact-
ment 6f laws, and the ordering of society. Of Orpheus, the Thraciam poet,
the traditions are vague, and though there are fragments still extant that
bear his mame, he must be looked upon more as the representative of the
earliest poetry, and music of Greece, than in the light of an historical person-
age. Compare C. i. 12. 7, sqq. : -
394. Amphion, Thebanae conditor arcis,] This legend is mentioned in C.
iii. 11. 2: “ Movit Amphion lapides camendo.” It is not noticed by Homer,
who only knew Cadmus as the founder of Thebes. See Epp. i. 18. 41, n.
397. Publica privatis — sacra prqfanis,] This is a fundamental divisiom of
things (* res ') in the Romam law.
399. leges incidere ligno :] Plutarch says of Solon's laws, that they were
inscribed on woodem tables, called ä£oves or kúpßeus, and that fragments
were in existence in his day in the Prytaneum (Vit. Sol. c. 25).
400. divinis vatibus] Eumolpus, Orpheus, Musæus, Pamphus, Thamyris,
are the principal names associated with the origin of Greciam poetry, and they
are all called Thraciam (see below, v. 405, n.). They are called * divine,* not
merely from the quality of thcir art, but from their connection with the wor-
ship of Apollo, Demeter, and Dionysus, whence above (v. 391) Orpheus is
called ** sacer interpresque deorum.”
• 402. Tyrtaeusque mares animos] Tyrtæus, as mentioned before (v. 75, n.),
was a native of Attica, and wroté in the elegiac measure. He left Attica and
took up his abode at Sparta during the second war between the Spartans and
Messenians, which begam B. c. 685. His verses were chiefly exhortations to
bravery addressed to the Spartans. There are three fragments, amounting
in the aggregate to upwards of a humdred verses, which have a great deal of
vigor and feeling in them, corresponding to Horace's description.
405. Pieriis tentata modis ;] The country of Pieria lay between Macedonia
and Thessalia, morth of the range of Olympus, and on the coast of the Sinus
Thermaicus. This accounts för the Muses being both Pieriam and Olym-
piam ; and as by the southerm Greeks all the north went by the name of
Thrace, this may account for the traditions which assigned the birth of poetry
to bards of Thrace (v. 400, n.), a country of which the language was pro-
nounced barbarous by the civilized Greeks.
406. Et longorum operum finis :] The rural Dionysia (v. 275, n.), called
τà kat' äypoös, or rà μικρὰ, took place at the end of the year, in the month
IIoorevòéov, when the labors of the vintage were over.
408. Natura fieret laudabile] See v. 295, m.
413. Multa tulit fecitque puer,] * He takes great pains when he is young,'
* puer* being emphatic, as in C. i. 9. 16.
414. qui Pythia camtat Tibicen] At the Pythiam games there was a musi-
cal contest in which flute-players and harp-players took part, the subject being
the contest of Apollo with the serpent Pytho. The name given to this music
was vópuos IIv6ukös.
417. Occupet ertremum scabies ;] The Scholiasts say this expression was
used by boys in their races. ¢
fl 419. Ut praeco,] See S. i. 6. 86, n. The rich poet, he goes om, purchases
attery.
422. unctum qui recte ponere possit] * Who cam put a go9d dinner before
one handsomely.* As to * spónderé,' see S. ii. 6. 28, n. T* Levi paupere ' is
576 NOTES.
* a poor man without weight,' whose name has as little weight as his purse.
* Atris ' is * melancholy,' as ** minuentur atrae Carmine curae ” (C. iv. ll.
35). As to * beatus,' see C. i. 4. 14, n.
431. Ut qui conducti] See S. i. 6. 43, m.
434. culullis] ThisTthe Scholiasts (on C. i. 31. 11) say was the name of
earthen-ware cups used by the pontifices and Vestal Virgins. It was after-
yards used generally for drinking-eups. With * torquere mero ' compare
Epp. i. 18. 38, * et vino tortus et ira.”
437 animi sub vulpe latentes ] * If you ever write poetry, do not be taken
in by flatterers, who have a bad heart under a cunning face.'
438. Quintilio] See C. i. 24, Introductiom. •*
441. Et male tornatos incudi reddere] The metaphors of the turning-lathe
and the anvil are common enough for the composition of verses. The lathe
was used by the ancients in the polishing and turning of metals, as well as of
wood and ivory.
450. Fiet Aristarchus;] Aristarchus, whose name was proverbial among
the ancients as a critie, was borm in Samothracia about B. c. 230. He passed
the greater part of his life at Alexandria, under the patronage of Ptolemæus
Ehilopator, Epiphanes, and Philometor, the second of whom he educated.
453. morbus regius] This, which is otherwise called * arquatus morbus,'
* aurugo,' and by the Greeks tkrepos, is the jaundice. Celsus says it is so
called because the remedies resorted to were chiefly amusements and indul-
gences to keep up the spirits, such as nome but the rich could afford. No
disorder depresses the spirits more tham jaundice. Here it is supposed to be
infectious, which it is not. 4»
454. Aut fanaticus error] * Famaticus ? (from * fanum *) was properly ap-
plied to the priests of Bellona. See S. ii. 3. 223, n., and Juvenal iv. 123,
** famaticus oestro Percussus, Bellona, tuo.” Juvenal also applies it to the
priests of Cybele (ii. 112), ** crine senex fanaticus albo, Sacrorum antistes.”
The influence of the moon (* iracunda I)iana *) in producing mental derange-
ment is one of the earliest fallacies in medicine. The Greeks called persons
supposed to be so affected ore\ηνιακοt.
455. tetigisse timent] * The wise avoid him, as if he were infectious ; fools
rum after him, like children after a crazy mam in the streets.” -
459. longum Clamet,] This is like Homer's pa«pòv äîore (Il. iii. 81).
464. Deus immortalis haberi] See Epp. i. 12. 20. There are various mar-
vellous stories told of the death of Empedocles, suitcd to the character he
bore in his life, of a magiciam, a controller of the elements, &c. This story
of his throwing himself into Ætna is supported by very insufficient authority.
467. Invitum qui servat] See Epp. i. 20. 15, n. This is apparently a prov-
erb. The construction of * idem occidenti ' is Greek, raùτὸ τό άποκreivovrv.
Orelli observes that this is the only spondaic hexameter in Horace.
469. Fiet homo] He keeps up the allusion to Empedocles, saying that the
frenzied poet is as resolved to rush to his fate (that is, into verse) as the
philosopher was, and if you save him he will not drop his pretensiom to in-
spiration. -
470. Nec satis apparat] The crime for which he has been thus sent mad
does not appear ; whether it be for fouling his father's grave, or setting foot
mpom polluted ground. * Bidental* was a spot struck by lightning, so called
$rom the sacrifice offered upom it for expiation. I agree with Orelli in taking
* moverit * in the sense of * violaverit,' as in ** Dianae non movenda numina*
[Epod. xvii. 3). Some take it to meam the removal of the mark placed on
he spot.
AN
INTRODUCTION
IM E T R E S 0]F H 0 R A C E.
BY
CHARLES BECK, P. D.
professoa of lAtin in HARvARD University, caMeriDgr.
49
ij IN T R O D U C T I O N
TO TEIE
MIIETIR, ES OIF HIOIR A C E.
I. OF SEVERAL TECHNICAL TERMS.
1. Foot. — A foot is a combination of a certain number of syllables of a
certain quantity.
2. Verse. — A verse is the regular series of a certain number of feet.
3. Basis.— A basis is a foot of two or three syllables preceding a verse.
4. Stanza or Strophe. — A stanza or strophe is the successiom of several
verses in a certain örder, which order is preserved through the poem.
If the stanza consists of two verses, the poem is diströphon (δίστροφον);
if of three, triströphon (tpioTpoq)ov); if offour, tetraströphon (rerpäorpo@ov);
and if of one, monoströphon (μονάστροφον).
If one kind of verse only is employed in the composition of the poem, the
latter is called monocölon (μονόκωλον); if two kinds of verse, dicölon (δίκω-
Xov); and if three, tricölon (tpikøλον).
5. Caesura. — A cæsura (from the Latin verb cædo, to cut, sever) is the in-
terruption or inter$ection of a foot by the emding of a word.
6. Dipodia.—The feet of two syllables, especially the iambuses and tro-
chees, are not numbered singly, but two by two, and two feet thus united are
called a metrum or dipodia (διποδία). One dipodia or two feet are called a
monomêter (μονόμerpos); two dipodiæ or four feet, a dimëter (δίμerpos);
three dipodiæ or six feet, a trîmëter ; four dipodiæ or eight feet, a tetramëter.
Eut the dactyls, choriambuses, and other feét, are numbered singly, so that
two of themare called a dimeter, three a trimeter, four a tetrameter, etc.
7. Versus catalectus or catalecticus (σrixos karáÀnkros or kara\nkrukös)
is a verse, the last foot of which wants one or several syllables. If one sylla-
ble is remaining, it is called versus catalecticus in syllabam ; if two, catalecticus
in dissvllabum.
8. Versus brachycatalectus is am iambic or trochaic verse (which are meas-
ured by dipodiæ) the last foot of which is wanting.*
9. Versus acatalectus is a verse which is complete.
10. Versus hypercatalectus is a verse which has one syllable too much.
* Sometimes this verse is comprehended under the preceding name, versus catalectus.
5S0 BECK's METRES.
II. OE FEET.
The feet, of which the verses in the various metres of Horace are con-
structed,* are, —
1. Iambus J — 6. Bacchius J — —
2. Trochaeus — J 7. Dactjlus — J J
8. Pyrrhichius J J <a 8. Choriambus _ _ _ —
4. Spondeus — — 9. Ionicus a minore J J — —
5. Amphibráchys — — _
III. OF VERSES.
a. Jambic Verses.
The first syllable of an iambic dipodia, mot being capable of being meas-
ured accurately, may be long, and thus a spondee may stand in the place of
an iambus, or the solutions of the spondee, the anapaest and dactyl. The
same changes may be made in the third, fifth, and seventh places. ' For the
second, fourth, and sixth iambus, a tribrachys alome cam bé substituted; so
that iambic verses admit of these changes : —–
*-* *-* «-e
— -!
*-* • •
f
es-* *è-* ®-*
[/
•-* ^-* &*-•
It is to be observed that Horace, very moderate in the use of this liberty,
uses sometimes in the even places' the tribrachys, and in the odd places the
spondee, but seldom the anapaest or dactyl.
1. Versus iambìcus dimeter acatalectus, or versus iambicus quaternarius:—
* - *
ve-* • • •* • • �-* • * • * •
fharisit ae|stio|sius. Epod 3. 18.
Forti | seque|mur pe|ctore. Epod. 1. 14.
Vide[re prope|rantes | domum. Epod. 2. 62.
2. Versus iambicus trimeter catalectus: —
•-* •-• *•* • - • * • • • • • -*• •-• • sæ- *
Satis | bea|tis Ti]nicis ] Sabinis. ii. 18. 14,
Regum [què pue[ris, nec | satel|les Or]ci. ii. 18. 84.
3. Versus iambicus trimeter acatalectus, or versus iambicus senarius ; with a
cæsura after the first syllable of the third foot:—
*-*
• •- • • • • • * — • • • • • • • \ • …
*-*
sæ* •-• g-w* * *-* <-e
*-**-* •-*• *-* *• *-* e-s �-**-*
Paren|tibus[que abolmina]tus Ham|nibal. , Epod. 16.8.
Postqüam |'reli[ctis | moe|nibus | rex pro|cidit. _Epod. 17. 13.
IDeripe[re Lu|nam | vo|cibus | possim | meis. Epod. 17. 78.
Optât | quie|tem | Pelo|pis in|fidi | pater. Epod. 17. 65.
* The An$pæst, ~ - — and the Tribráchys ~ ~ ~ occur only as solutions of the Spon-
dee and IambuR
IBECK's METRES. 581
b. Trochaic Verses.
The last syllable of a trochaic dipodia being doubtful, in the second, fourth,
amd sixth places the spoadee, anapæst, or dactyl may be substituted for the
trochee, and the tribrachys in any place. .•
4. Versus Ithyphallicus, which is a versus trochaicus dimeter brachycatalec-
tus : —
• • • •* w-
veri$ et Éåýòî. i. 4. 1.
This verse is used omce by Horace, so as to form the termination of another
' (see No. 19), and is cQnstructed throughout in its pure and regular form.
5. Versus trochaicus dimeter catalectus: —
Non ebur neque aureum. ii. 18. 1.
fIorace does mot use the spondee in the second place.
c. Choriambic Verses.
Entire verses are not formed of choriambuses, but one or several choriam-
wases are preceded or succeeded by different feet.
6. Versus Pherecratius, which is a versus choriambicus monometer hyper-
.a:a\&ctus, with a basis, which in Horace is always a spondee : —
¢ (, *-*
•_• •_• •_• • •
… Ρortiim. Nonïé vides, Ut. i. 14. 8.
7. Vèrsus Glyconicus, which is a versus choriambicus dimeter catalectus in
pyrrhich&m aut iambum, with a basis, which in Horaceis always a spondee:—
(/ I. • •
Heddas incolumem, precor. i. 3. 7.
8. Versus Asclepiadeus minor, which is a versus choriambicus trimeter cat-
alectus in pyrrhichium aut iambum, with a basis, which in Horace is always
a spondee, au_d a cæsura after the first choriambus:—
! |
[]
Maece|nas atavis | edite re|gibus. i. 1. 1.
Horace neglects the cæsura in two instances. One occurs in this book: —
INon incendia Car[thaginis impiæ. iv. 8. 17.
Mitscherlich very properly questions the genuimeness of this verse. In ome
instance the first choriambu$ is changed into a pæon primus (_ _ _ _):—
Quam si, | quidquid arât I impiger Apulus. iii. 16. 26.
9. Versus Asclepiadeus major, which is a versus choriambicus tetrameter cat-
alectus in pyrrhichium aut iambum, with a basis, which in Horace is always
a spondee, and wo cæsuras, after the first and second choriambus:—
~ -l- i| -|- - ~ 1 1 1 ~~ 4- ~ -
Qiis post ] viâ gravem l| militiam aut || pauperiem erepst ? i. 18. 5.
49 * •
582 BECK's METRES.
In one instance the second cæsura is neglected:—
Arca|nique Fides | prodiga, per|lucidior | vitro. i. 18. 16.
10. Versus Aristophanicus, which is a versus choriambicus dimeter catalec-
tus in amphibrachym aut bacchium : —
(!
L§áí die, | pér omnes. i. 8. 1.
11. Versus Sapphicus minor, which is the preceding verse preceded by a tro-
chaic dipodia (_ _ _ _) or Epitritus secundus, with a cæsura after the first
syllable of the choriambus: —
- - — ~ — — -1 l - ~ 4 ~ — =*
Eluminum la|psus | celeres|que ventos. i. 12. 10.
Several times the last word is divided, a part of it belonging to the follow-
ing line : — i. 2. 19; ii. 16. 7.
12. Versus Sapphicus major, which has 9ne more choriambus than the pre-
ceding verse, with a second cæsura after the first choriambus: —
-1 l -~ 1 || 4 — > -1 — —
óåéí cam|pum, | patiens | pulveris at|que solis ? i. 8. 4.
d. Dactylic Verses.
13. Versus Adonicus,* which is a versus dactylicus dimeter catalectus : —
Tempiaqúe | vestae. i. 2. 16.
14. Versus Archilochius minor, which is a versus dactylicus dimeter hyper-
catalectus, or trimeter catalectus in syllabam : —
Flumina | praeterelùnt. iv. 7. 4.
15. Versus dactylicus tetrameter catalectus, or versus tetrameter heroicus.. A.
spondee may be üsed instead of a dactyl in the first, and second places, sel-
dom in the third ; a cæsura occurs after the first syllable of the Second or
third foot : —
*- *
• • • • • •_• • • • • •-• e-e «*-*-»
Carmine | perpetu|o | cele|brare et. i. 7. 6.
Tristiti|am || vi|taeque la]bores. i. 7. 18.
O for|tes | pe|joraque | passi. i. 7. 30.
Mensö|rem II cohilbent, Arjchyta. i. 28. 2. -
16. Versus Alcmanius (see No. 19), which is a versus dactylicus tetrameter
acatalectus, with a cæsura after the first syllable of the third foot; spondees
are- used in the first three feet: — •
Nunc decet | aut viri|di || niti|dum caput. i. 4. 9.
Alter|no ter[ram || quati|unt pede. i. 4. 7.
17. Versus hexameter heroicus, which is a versus dactylicus hexameter cata-
lectus, with a principal cæsura after the first syllable of the third foot
(rev6npapepfis), or after the first syllable of the fourth foot (ἐφθημιμepfis),
and fréquently one or more subordinate cæsuras; instead of the dactyl. the
spondeé may be used in all places except the fifth ; in a few instances a
* This versemay also be consideredasa versus choriambicus monometer hypercatalectus:
Témpläqüe Vês] tê.
BECK's METRES. - 583
spondee is used even in the fifth place, and such a verse is them called versus
spondaicus:— - -»
Tiburis | umbra tu|i. | Teu|cer Sala]mina pa|tremque. . i. 7. 21.
Nil de]speran|dum | Teu|cro duce et | auspice | Teucro. i. 7. 27.
Ambigu]am tel|lure no|va || Sala|mina fulturam. i. 7. 29.
Me quioque | deve|xi | rapi|dus comes | Ori|onis. i. 28. 2l.
e. Logaoedie Verses.
Logaoedic verses (\oyaovóukoi, i. e. verses combining the rhythm of prose
and verse) are those in which a series of dactyls is succeeded by a series of
trochees.
18. Versus Alcaicus decasyllabus, composed of two dactyls and two tro-
chees : — . • * • • • • • •_• • • • -
- Sardini|ae sege|tes fe]races. i. 31. 4.
19. Versus Archilochius major, composed of the versus Alcmanius, or , four
dactyls (see No. 16), and three trochees (see No. 4), with two cæsuras, one
after the first syllable of the third dactyl, the other after the fourth dactyl.
Many, especially older, editions have this verse divided into two, the first
containing the dactyls, the second the trochees:—
Jam Cythelrea Gho|ros | dilcit Venus i immi|nente | Luna. i. 4. 5.
f. Versus Asynartéti.
Versus asynarteti (äorvvåprjrov), that is, unconnected verses, are those
which consist of two or more members, connected, however, as loosely as
one verse with another. The first and last syllables, therefore, of each miem-
ber are doubtful, and no elisiom takes place, in case the last letter of one
member and the first of the other are vowels. Many are of opinion that
these verses, being in effect separate verses, should be printed as such.
20. Versus iambelègus, consisting of a versus iambicus dimeter acatelectus
(see No. 1), and a versus Archilochius minor (see No. 14): —
Tu vi|na Tor|quafo | move | consule | pressa me|o. Epod. 13. 6.
Leva]re di|ris pec|tora | sollici|tudini|bus. Epod. 13. 10. •
21. Versus dactyliambicus, consisting of a versus Archilochius minor (see
No. 14), and a vérsus iambicus dimeter acatelectus (see No. 1): —
- *- *
Scribere | versicu|ios || Aiiolre per|cissim | gravi. Epod. 11. 2.
g. Verses qf Different Feet.
22. Versus Alcaicus hendecasyllabus, consisting of an iambus, bacchius, and
two dactyls, with a cæsura after the bacchius ; a spondee is generally used
instead of am iambus: — . - -
•• I. '• * 1- £- e-io • • • • • * *
Dilce et | decorum est || pro patrila mori. iii. 2. 18.
'Tumul|tuosum | solliciltat mare. iii. 1. 2C.
584 - BECK's METRES.
The cæsura is neglected in i. 16. 21 ; i. 87. 5 amd 14; ii. 17. 21 ; iii. 2. 5;
iv. 14. 17. In ii. 20. 18 is a hiatus in the cæsura. •
23. Versus Alcaicus enneasyllabus, consisting of am iambus, bacchius, and
two trochees. A spondee is generally substituted for the iambus.—
- - 4
Aedem|que votilvam me]mento. ii. 17. 81.
In ii. 3. 27; elisiom takes place betweem the last syllable and the first of the
succeeding verse, thus removing the syllable apparently superabundant.
24. Versus Ionicus a minore dimeter acatalectus : —
25. Versus Anacreonticus, which is a versus Ionicus a minore tetrameter acat-
�
ctus : — • •_• •_• • •-• •-• — •• •-• •_• • • • • •_• •_• • • • •
v
IV. OF METRES.
Of these various verses, nineteen metres or systems are formed by Horace.
I. Metrum Asclepiadeum primum, μονόκωλον μονάστροφον, consisting of a
versus Asclepiadeus minor (see No. 8) : —
— •— •— •-• •-• — Il — •-• • — -• >-^
i. 1 ; iii. 30; iv. 8. •-*
II. Metrum Asclepiadeum secundum, δίκωλον δίατροφον, consisting of a
versus Glyconicus (see No. 7), anda versus Asclepiadeus minor (see No. 8): —
«-» g-s • • •-• •-• •-• •-• >-^ o
V\-*
i. 3, 13, 19, 36 ; iii. 9, 15, 19, 24, 25, 28; iv. 1, 3.
III. Metrum Asclepiadeum tertium, δίκωλον τerpäoTpoq)ov, consisting of
three versus Asclepiadei minores (see No. 8), and a vérsùs Glyconicus (see
• • • • • • •-* • • • * • • • • • • •_• • •
:
i. 6, 15, 24, 33; ii. 12; iii. 10, 16; iv. 5, 12. -
IV. Metrum Asclepiadeum quartum, tpikøλον retpdaTpoq)ov, consisting of
two versus Asclepiadei minores (see No. 8), a versus Pherecratius (see No. 6),
and a versus Glyconicus (see No. 7): — ' -
=
ç-
3
•*-* • • • •-• •-•
S-
• — • • * • • • w •
'•-*
i. 5, 14, 21, 28; ii. 7; iii. 7, 18; iv. 18.
V. Metrum Asclepiadeum majus, μονόκωλον μονάστροφον, consisting of a
versus Asclepiadeus major (see No. 9): — •
i. 11, 18; iv. 10. •
q.
VI. Metrum Sapphicum minus, δίκωλον rerpdorpo@ov, consisting of three
versus Sapphici miinores (see No. 11), and a vérsus Adonicus (see No 18): —
BECK's METRES. 585
=
•_• •_• • • • • • • •-• •_• • • • • • •
•_• • • •-• • • _.
i. 2, 10, 12, 20, 22, 25, 30, 32, 38; ii. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 16 ; iii. 8, 11, 14, 18, 20,
22, 27; iv. 2, 6, 11. Carmen Saeculare.
VII. Metrum Sapphicum majus, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a versus
Aristophanicus (see No. 10) and a versus Sapphicus major (see No. 12): —
*.-*
i. 8. • • • • • _• •_• • • • I •_• •_• • • I • • •-• •-• • • •-• • •
VIII. Metrum Alcaicum, tpixo\ov retpäorpo@ov, consisting of two versus
Alcaici hendecasyllabi (see No. 22), a versus Alcaicus ennéasyllabus (see
No. 23), and a versus Alcaicus decasyllabus (see No. 18): —
*~^ — •-• — • — | • • •-• • • • •-• •_•
•-*
•-*
• • •-• • • • • • •_• •_• • • •-•
i 9, 16, 17, 26, 27, 29, 31, 34, 35, 37; ii. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 19,
20; iii. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 17, 21, 23, 26, 29 ; iv. 4, 9, 14, 15.
IX. Metrum Archilochium primum, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a ver-
sus hexameter heroicus (see No. 17) and a versus Archilochius minor (see
• • •-* • e • • * •-• • • ~ ~ — ~ ~ - ~ ~ — >^.
•_• - • • _• - s- -•
• • >^
iv. 7.
X. Metrum Archilochium secundum, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a ver-
sus hexameter heroicus (see No. 17) and a versus iambelegus (see No. 20):—
\_*
• • •-• •-• • • • * •-• • • �-* •-• • • •-* *-* •_• • * •-• • •
- •-•
•- «- - •-• •-• •-•
•
Epod. 18. T
XI. Metrum Archilochium tertium, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a versus
iambicus trimeter acatalectus (see No. 3) and a versus dactyliambicus (see
No. 21) : —
•_• •_• •_• •_• •_• •_• •_• •_• •_• •_•
•-• •_••_• •_• • •-• — '
É
E
•-• •-• — •_••_•
•_• •_• •_• • • •_• •_• •-• •-• • • • • • • •-• • • •
Epod. 11.
XII. Metrum Archilochium quartum, δίκαλον δίστροφον, consisting of a
versus Archilochius major (seé No. 19) and a versus iambicus trimeter cata-
lectus (see No. 2): —
-
• • -*
•-* -• •-• - • - *• -* •-* s- • • "
- - -
586 BECK's METRES.
XIII. Metrum Alcmanium, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a versus hex-
ameter heroicus (see No. 17) and a versus tetrâmeter heroicus (see No. 15): —
• •_• _, • •_• •_• •_• • • • *- •_• •_• •_• •_• •_• _* …
«s-s es-e «-» - » s-* •- • *-* *-*
i. 7, 28; Epod. 12.
XIV. Metrum Iambicum primum, μονό«ολον μονάστροφον, consisting of a
versus iambicus senarius (see No. 8): —
•-• • • • • • • * • • • • * •-• •-* • •_•
eâ- tj*-*
«-*
«-* ç* «-
Epod. 17.
XV. Metrum Iambieum secundum, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of aversus
iambicus senarius (see No. 3) and aversus iambicus quaternarius (see No. 1):—
ç-
e-* « -* *-* sæi, e • •
•-* •_• • • *
e-» • •_• • •
*-* «-*-» sæ e-*
Epod. 1 — 10.
XVI. Metrum Pythiambicum primum, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a
versus hexameter heroicus (see No. 17) and a versus iambicus dimeter acata-
lectus (see No. 1): —
• • • • • • è-• • • • • •-• •-• — •-• •-• — • • — >^
«-* «-s «-* s-s -* e-• e- «-
•_• • • •-• • • • • • • • •
IEpod. 14, 15.
XVII. Metrum Pythiambicum secundum, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a
versus hexameter héroicus (see No. 17) and a versus iambicus senarius (see
No. 8) : —
*-*
•-• • * ■ • * •
*-*
e-s e-*
«-*• • * • *-* « *
I ~ ~ — ~~ — ~ — —
• — * •-* • • • • •— •-• • • • • _,
s-
<
IEpod. 16.
XVIII. Metrum Trochaicum, δίκωλον δίστροφον, consisting of a versus
trochaicus dimeter catalectus (see No. 5) and a versus iambicus trimeter cat-
alectus (see No. 2): —
* * '• *-* ^- * s -• *-*
<-»
*«$
=
•_• • • •_• • • • • • • •— • ? • •

Some consider this metre as μονόκωλον μονάστροφον, in which case it is
a versus trochaicus pentameter brachycatalectus; but, the last syllable of the
trochaic line being evidently doubtful, we must consider the metre as
δίστροφον, or at least as a versus asynartetus.
ii. 18.
XIX. Metrum Ionicum a minore, δίκωλον rpiorrpoq)ov, consisting of two
versus Ionici a minore tetrameter acatalecti (see No. 25) and one versus Ioni-
cus a minore dimeter acatalectus (see No. 24): —
•_• •_• — — _ •_• •_• •_• — - •-• •-• —• • • • _ • • • • —•
•-• •-• • • • * • ' ' • *• * • • • —• •-• •-* • • • • • •-* •-• •=• •—•
iii. 12.
587
w „*
Lib. II.—od'i.
LIST OF THE ODES,
YVITBI THEIR, METRES.
Metr. I. ] JLib. II.— Oά. 3.
VI. 4.
II. 3.
XII. *6.
IV. 7.
III. 8.
XIII. 9.
VII. 'l€9.
*VIII. ll.
VI. i &l2.
V. * ál 8.
VI. Ül%.
II. 15.
IV. ál6.
III. ûl57.
VIII. 18.
VIII. §l9.
V.
II. | Lib.III.— Od. 1.
VI. & 2.
§IV. ! 3.
VI, ; £.
IV. ! 5.
III. ' (6.
VI. ; £7.
VIII. &.
VIII. ' 9.
XIII. . 10.
VIII. £11.
VI. 12.
VIII. * $13.
VI. {14.
III. 15.
VIII., il6.
VIII. 17.
II. ; 18.
VIII. 19.
VI. 320.
VIII. 21.
VI. 22.
588
BECK's METRES.
Lib. III. — Od. 23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30
Liv. IV. — Od. 1.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Metr. VIII. | Lib. IV. — Od. 9.
10.
11. •
12.
13.
14.
15.
1 — 10.
1 1.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Carmen Saeculare.
Epod.
TEIE ENID.
IMetr. VIII.