_Alcoeus and Sappho_. Two of the early lyric poets of Greece.


_A work outlasting monumental brass_. This line is suggested by one of
Horace, when he describes his work as "a monument more lasting than
brass."


_The Julian star, and great Augustus here_. Referring to the Imperial
house and its representative, Augustus, Horace's chief patron.


_Stagyrite_. Aristotle, the great philosopher of Greece (384-322 B.C.),
born at Stagira. Pope here shortens the second syllable by a poetical
licence.


_Tully_. Marcus Tullius Cicero, the great orator, statesman, and writer
of Rome. For saving the city from the conspiracy of Catiline, he was
honoured with the title of "Father of his country."


_Narrative old age_. Talkative old age.


_Unlike successes equal merits found_ = The same desert found now
success, now failure.]