Book 3, Chapter 43

LIBER III

CAPUT XLIII

Quintus Maecenati commendatur - Quintus is introduced to Maecenas

A few months later, Quintus was sitting in the garden thinking over a poem, when Virgil came in very excited. "Quintus," he said, "come with me, hurry; Maecenas is waiting for you. I've told him that you compose excellent poems; I've recited most of your poems for him, which have pleased him so much that he now wants to get to know you."

Maecenas was a dignified man, an old friend of Octavian; he was noble and rich, and used to say that he originated from Etruscan royalty (kings of Etruria). He'd never sought honours, but, although he was only an equestrian, Octavian regarded him so highly that he always used to consult him on matters of great importance. He used to study literature, and to honour the muses. He had assisted many poets, a few of whom he had received into his circle of friends.

Quintus, having followed Virgil, quickly arrived at Maecenas' estate. When he had entered the study, Maecenas was sitting at the table reading a book. He was fat and of short stature; he was not wearing a toga, but a loose tunic.

Virgil approached him and said, "Maecenas, I should like to introduce my friend Quintus Horatius Flaccus. He is the witty poet that I spoke of to you, whom you know." He, looking kindly at Quintus' face, said, "hello, Horace. Virgil has been speaking to me so often of you, that I've been wanting to know you for a long time. Tell me a bit about your parents, and of the course of your life."

Quintus was so shy that he could hardly speak. However, after having stammered a few words, he didn't say that he was born of a famous father, but told the truth. He gave Quintus a few answers and soon dismissed him.

Quintus was upset that he had shown himself unworthy of such a great man's friendship.

Eight months passed. Maecenas had not called him back. Quintus thought that he had displeased Maecenas; but Virgil said that Maecenas loved him and approved of his poems, but he was so busy with his affairs that he was neglecting his friends, had been a long time away from Rome, and without doubt would call Quintus back.

On the ninth month, Maecenas called Quintus back and brought him into the circle of his friends.

Exercise 43.1

1. Maecenas was so prudent that Octavian always confided in him.

2. He used to study letters to such an extent that he assisted many poets.

3. He reckoned Virgil so highly that he let him into the circle of his intimate friends.

4. Virgil so often had spoken to Maecenas about Quintus that he wished to get to know Quintus.

5. When Virgil had commended Quintus to Maecenas, he was so shy that he was unable to talk.

6. Quintus used to think that Maecenas despised him.

7. But Virgil said that Maecenas liked him and had been pleased by his poems.

8. At last, Maecenas, having recalled Quintus, told him to be one of his intimate friends.

Exercise 43.2

1. multi homines tam stulti erant ut Quintum contemnerent quod ille filius liberti erat.

2. sed Maecenas omnes aestimabat ingeniosi fuisse.

3. non rogavit utrum filii libertorum an nobili genere nati sint.
4. Maecanas tam negotiis occupatus est ut Quintum statim non revocaret.
5. sed mense nono eum revocatum iussit in numero amicorum suorum esse.
6. dixit se carminibus Quinti delectatum esse; promisit eum adiuturus esse.