Ancient receptions of Horace
Richard Tarrant|S. J. Harrison
The immediate impact of Horace’s poetry, especially Odes 1-3 and Epistles 1, can be measured by the reactions his two most creative younger contemporaries. Propertius was acutely sensitive to new developments in Latin third collection elegies, which probably appeared within a year or 1-3, eagerly responds this literary phenomenon. In opening lines he recalls self-characterisation 3.1.3 as 'priest Muses' (Musarum sacerdos) claim 3.30.13-14 have first adapted Greek lyric Roman verse, cheekily applies both attributes himself an elegist; following elegy continues appropriate material from 3.1 3.30, obviously comparing immortality won poetry such ephemeral monuments Pyramids (3.2.19-26). assertion 3.30 also evoked Ovid at pivotal points poetic career, final Amores 1.15 (perhaps originally coda fifth last book Amores), then end Remedia Amoris (811), signalling Ovid’s move away lighter larger forms mature years, Fasti Metamorphoses, explicitly epilogue Metamorphoses (15.871-8), where words si quid habent ueri uatum praesagia, 'if there is any truth prophecies poets', are intended signal allusion another poet’s prediction.
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