LYRIC DOUBLE TALK IN HORACE'S ROMAN ODES (ODES 3.1-6)

Abstract

Traditionally Horace's Roman Odes have been read as odes expressing what Santirocco has called a "major political statement".' That this major political statement has not always sat easily on the lyric vehicle chosen to convey it has also been clear.2 Horace, more than most, probably realised that individual freedom and opportunities, to a large extent depend on a stable framework of government.3 After all, Horace's and Vergil's generation had reason to appreciate fully the benefits brought about by Augustan political change.4 At the same time Horace's Roman Odes cannot be taken at face value only.s All the odes together including the Roman Odes, are an expression of a lyric poet's true genius.6 Even at his most solemn, as a supportive citizen of Rome and Augustus, Horace should be read with this larger perspective in mind.