Horace wants to honour his friend Lamia with a floral garland. What better form could it take than a poem, woven from the divine gifts of the muses and his own poetic skill?

Hear Horace’s original Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

Horace shows an older, cooler head using his wit and experience to keep the peace at an imaginary drinking-party that threatens to get out of hand.

Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

A respected Roman has died. Horace gives him due praise and reminds us that what can’t be remedied must be endured.

Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here.

See the illustrated blog post here.

Horace offers his friend and patron Maecenas friendship, simple wine and a memory of a cherished occasion. Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

Horace encounters a young woman whose attractions make him think again about his amorous days being over.

Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

The latest post moves away from epic poetry, but not from epic themes: as Paris and Helen elope to Troy, a sea-god foresees the wrath to come.

Hear Horace’s poem in Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

In Book 5 of the Aeneid, Aeneas holds games in honour of his father Anchises. The boxing match is in progress, with a great fighter, now far past his prime, taking on the current champion.

Hear Virgil’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

Aeneas’s divine mother, Venus, appears in splendour to remind him that the sight of Helen hiding in the burning city should not distract him from saving his family.

Hear Virgil’s Latin and follow in English here. See the illustrated blog post here.

Anger seizes Aeneas as he catches sight of Helen hiding in the dark as Troy Falls.

Hear Virgil’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.

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