HORACE: Odes 3.14: Augustus Returns Flashcards
O citizens…
O citizens, conquering Caesar is home
Who, like…
Who, like Hercules, now was said to be seeking that laurel
May his wife…
May his wife rejoice in a matchless husband
Having sacrificed to…
Having sacrificed to true gods, appear now, all dressed in holy ribbons
O you boys…
O you boys and you young girls who are still without husbands, spare us any of your ill-omened words
I’ll not fear…
I’ll not fear civil war, nor sudden death by violence, while Caesar has command of the earth
A jar that’s…
If any of…
A jar thats old as the Marsian War
If any of them have managed to escape Spartacus’ eyes
If her hateful…
If her hateful doorkeeper causes delay, come away
When was this poem written?
23BC
What is the main message of this poem?
- From 27-24BC, Augustus was in Spain conquering the North-West
- He suffered a serious illness whilst there- this poem celebrates his return
O citizens, conquering Caesar is home:
- Horace acts as a herald, relaying the news that Augustus is returning
Who, like Hercules:
- Hercules was particularly revered by those in the military
- When he was still a mortal man, Hercules had visited the site of Rome and defended it against a monster Cacus, so he was seen as a protector of Italy and a civilising force
May his wife rejoice in a matchless husband:
- Presents Augustus as Pater Patriae
- Emphasises his family role and shows that his family model traditional morality
Having sacrificed to true gods, appear now, all dressed in holy ribbons:
- In Roman religious practice, worshippers would often dress in special clothes (which frequently included ribbons) as a mark of respect to the gods
- Livia is explicitly linked with the practice of Roman religion as she’s been participating in a ritual sacrifice. Augustus can trust in Livia as she’s been maintaining the household and honouring the gods whilst he’s away
O you boys and you young girls who are still without husbands, spare us any of your ill-omened words
- Reference to the Leges Juliae and how those who weren’t married were excluded from certain events
