Source edition
Horace. The Works of Horace. Vol. II. Smart, Christopher, editor. Philadelphia: J. Whetham, 1836.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This collection of satirical poems in two books depicts the various follies, greed, hypocrisy, and subtleties of daily life in Roman society with light humor and keen observation. The poet himself serves as the primary narrator, portraying vivid human relationships through his bonds with his patron Maecenas and his beloved father, as well as through humorous dialogues with friends and slaves. Book 1 advocates for the importance of moderation and mutual tolerance, while sharing comical daily encounters—such as being stalked by a chatterbox—and discussing the artistic definition of the satire genre. Book 2 contrasts the virtues of a simple country life with the hassles of the city through the famous fable of the town mouse and country mouse, while ironically exploring Stoic paradoxes, legacy-hunting schemes, and a disastrous dinner party. Avoiding malicious personal attacks, the work reflects on the poet's own flaws and invites readers to embrace contentment by abandoning excessive ambition.
Contents
30 chunks
Cited by book.poem.line
- §1.1.1-1.1.58
- §1.1.59-1.1.121
- §1.2.1-1.2.68
- §1.2.69-1.2.134
- §1.3.1-1.3.70
- §1.3.71-1.3.142
- §1.4.1-1.4.72
- §1.4.73-1.4.143
- §1.5.1-1.5.104
- §1.6.1-1.6.65
- §1.6.66-1.6.131
- §1.7.1-1.7.35
- §1.8.1-1.8.50
- §1.9.1-1.9.78
- §1.10.1-1.10.92
- §2.1.1-2.1.86
- §2.2.1-2.2.68
- §2.2.69-2.2.136
- §2.3.1-2.3.81
- §2.3.82-2.3.163
- §2.3.164-2.3.243
- §2.3.244-2.3.326
- §2.4.1-2.4.95
- §2.5.1-2.5.53
- §2.5.54-2.5.110
- §2.6.1-2.6.56
- §2.6.57-2.6.117
- §2.7.1-2.7.60
- §2.7.61-2.7.118
- §2.8.1-2.8.95