4.2) Horace Epistle 1.9: Intro
1 Leave a comment on paragraph 1 0 This interesting little poem acts as a letter of recommendation for Septimius, who wants to be part of Tiberius’ cohort in his campaigns in the East. Horace carefully places himself at the service of his friend, while implying that he does not really have the power to influence a great man like Tiberius. One might question just how heartfelt or sincere Horace is – when he finally gets around to claiming Septimius is a “brave and good man” (13), it seems rather underwhelming. The letter does allow Horace to cast a light on the mechanism of such “recommendations” from friends to those of a higher social level. Although Horace would have access to Augustus and his extended family through his relationship with Maecenas, it is clear he is uncomfortable taking advantage of such clout. Horace does reveal himself to have some credibility and insinuates that this could be useful to Tiberius in the future. As Oliensis states, “The letter is itself, moreover, a specimen of the kind of service the poet is capable of rendering Tiberius. Relaxed but respectful, deferential but not insultingly flattering, the letter projects an addressee to match, an imperial grandee who radiates an envy-disarming blend of eminence and affability” (1998:185). A companion piece is Epistle 1.13 where he encourages his courier to be sure Augustus is in a receptive mood when he delivers his poems to him.