and Mediolánum. After completing his education he retired to his
paternal estate. In the division of land among the soldiers after the
battle of Philippi (42), he was deprived of his property, which was
subsequently restored to him by Augustus. He lived partly at Rome,
partly in Campania. His health was never good, and he died in his
fifty-second year (22 September, 19 B. C.).

Virgil had neither original nor creative genius. Though he mainly
imitated Greek poetry, his style is graceful and eloquent, his tone
inspiring and elevating.

In disposition he was childlike, innocent, and amiable,--a good son, a
faithful friend, honest, and full of devotion to persons and ideal
interests. He was not, however, fitted to grapple with the tasks and
difficulties of practical life.

In his fortunes and friends he was a happy man. Munificent patronage
gave him ample means of enjoyment and leisure; and he had the
friendship of all the most accomplished men of his day, among whom was
Horace, who entertained a strong affection for him. His fame, which
was established in his lifetime, was cherished after his death as an
inheritance in which every Roman had a share; and his works became
school-books even before the death of Augustus, and have continued
such ever since.

HORACE (65-8 B. C.) was born at Venusia, but received his education at
Rome and Athens. He was present at the battle of Philippi (42), where
he fought as Tribune under Brutus. His first writings were his
_Satires_. These he read to his friends, and their merit was at
once recognized. His great patron was MAECÉNAS, who introduced him to