This ode takes the form of an invocation to Venus, the Goddess of love – and sex. Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.
Horace pokes fun at Iccius, who sets himself up as a student of philosophy, for abandoning it to seek a profit from military service. Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here; see the illustrated blog post here.
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 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.
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.