University of Virginia Library

This Ode, one of the most Pindarick in Horace, was written at the Command of Augustus, to celebrate the Victory of his Son-in-law Drusus over the Rhæti Vindelici, a Nation at the Foot of the Alps, between the Leck and the Inn. After two noble Comparisons, extremely in the Manner of Pindar, the Poet introduces a Compliment to Augustus, under whose Tuition Drusus and his Brother Tiberius were bred; and then takes occasion (as the Greek Poet generally does) to make an Encomium upon the Country and Family of his Hero; particularly upon that of Claudius Nero who conquered Asdrubal on the Banks of the River Metaurus; the Praise of which Action, together with that of the whole Roman People, he much enlivens and raises, by putting it into the Mouth of Hannibal, whom he introduces complaining of his Brother's Defeat and Death. This artful Panegyrick is a beautiful

Instance of the Judgment of Horace, who was in that Quality superior to Pindar; though in Sublimity and Fire of Genius he was perhaps inferior to him, as he modestly confesses himself.