The works of Horace : with English notes, critical and ... - Cristo Raul

LIFE OP HOKACE. I'l
Horace will have a more perfect and accurate knowledge of the Koman
manners and Roman mind than the most diligent and laborious
investigator of the Roman antiquities.
The same year (XJ.C. 746, B.C. 8) witnessed the death of MiBoenas
and of Horace. The poet wsis buried near his friend, on the
verge of the Esquiline Hill. MeBcenas died toward the middle of
the year, Horace in the month of November, having nearly completed
his 57th year. His last illness was so sudden and severe
that he had not strength to sign his will ; according to the usage of
the time, he declared the emperor his heir.
Horace has described his own person {Epist. i., 20, 24). ,He
was of short stature, with dark eyes and dark hair {Art. Poet., 37),
but early tinged with gray {Carm. iii., 14, 25). In his youth he
was tolerably robust (Epist. i., 7, 26), but suffered from a complaint
m his eyes {Sat. i., 5, 20). In more advanced age he grew fat, and
Augustus jested about his protuberant belly {jlug., Epist. Fragm.
aptui Sueton. in Vita). His health was not always good; he was
not only weary of the fatigue of war, but unfit to bear it {Carm. ii.,
6, 7 ; Epod. i., 15) j and he seems to have inclined to valetudinarian
habits {Epist. i., 7, 3). When young, he was irascible in temper,
but easily placable {Carm. i., 16, 22, &o. ; iii., 14, 27 ; Epist. i.,
20, 25). In dress he was somewhat careless {Epist. i., 1, 94).
His habits, even after he became richer, were generally frugal and
abstemious ; though, on occasions, both in youth and in mature age,
he indulged in free conviviality. He liked choice v^ine, and, in the
ooiety of friends, scrupled not to enjoy the luxuries of his time.