Today’s new poem finds Horace in party mood. See and hear the poem here and see the blog post with an ancient Roman illustration here.
Another war against the Parthians looks in the offing and the outcome of the last one does not reflect well on Roman military pride and moral fibre. An inspiring example is needed. Step forward Regulus, who long ago persuaded the Senate to reject a deal with the Carthaginians which would have saved his own life. Hear the Regulus Ode here.
Here is a selection of poetry about the Gods – in a variety of moods. First, Jupiter, King of the Gods, in the mood for love as Europa’s bull. After Continue Reading
10 October is Fontinalia, the Roman festival of springs and fountains. See Horace’s celebration poem, O Fons Bandusiae, here. Photo by Halcyoon.
Virgil is bound for Athens. His friend, Horace, wishes him a voyage watched over by the Gods, and a safe return. In a bravura performance on a conventional theme, he goes on to marvel at the presumption of those who step over the divinely-ordained boundaries of the natural world by hazarding an ocean voyage.
Hear Horace’s Latin and follow in English here.