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Chapter 5 Section 3
Roman Literature
World History
“Let others fashion from bronze more lifelike breathing images—For so they shall—
and evoke living faces from marble; Others excel as orators, others track with their
instruments the planets circling in heaven and predict when stars will appear. But,
Romans, never forget that government is your medium! Be this your art: to practice
men in the habit of peace, generosity to the conquered, and firmness against
aggressors.”
-Aeneid by Virgil (Translation by C. Day Lewis, 1952)
1. The use of the word medium by Virgil means as a way of doing something. What
does Virgil claim to be the Roman medium?
2. What 3 things does Virgil want Romans to do?
3. What are some different types of occupations that Romans held, according to
Virgil?
“Everybody, says Horace, is discontented with his lot and envies his neighbor. Yet, if
some god were to give men a chance to change places, they would all refuse. The
cause of this restlessness is the longing for wealth. Men will assure you that the only
reason why they toil unceasingly is that they may secure a competence and then
retire. They claim to be like the ant, which provides so wisely for the future; but the
ant enjoys its store when winter comes, whereas the money-seeking man never
ceases from his labors, so long as there is one richer than himself”
-Satires by Horace
1. What are all men unhappy with, according to Horace?
2. What is the main cause of this unhappiness?
3. What does Horace compare the workingman to?
4. Will a man ever be happy with his “lot”? Why or why not?
Chapter 5 Section 3
Roman Literature
World History
“The study of history is the best medicine for a sick mind; for in history you have a
record of the infinite variety of human experience plainly set out for all to see; and
in that record you can find for yourself and your country both examples and
warnings: fine things to take as models, base things, rotten through and through, to
avoid.”
-The Early History of Rome by Livy
1. What does Livy suggest the best medicine is for a sick mind?
2. What types of things does history set out for oneself and ones country?
3. According to Livy, fine things should be used as what? What should you do with
base things?
4. What is one “fine thing” from the history of Rome that the United States uses
today?
“A delegation from the city found him at work on his land—digging a ditch, maybe,
or ploughing. Greetings were exchanged, and he was asked . . . to put on his toga and
hear the Senate’s instructions . . . he told his wife to run to their cottage and fetch his
toga . . . and wiping the grimy sweat from his hands and face he put it on; at one the
envoys from the city saluted him, with congratulates, as Dictator . . . “
-The Early History of Rome by Livy
1. What occupation did the man hold in the beginning of the passage?
2. What occupation did the man old by the end of the passage?
3. How accurately do you think Livy told this story? Very accurate, this is exactly
what happened? OR Livy most likely fabricated the details to make an engaging
story.
4. Are Livy’s histories important for understanding Roman History?