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 MAECENAS, who introduced him to the Emperor, and gave him a fine country seat near Tivoli, among the Sabine Mountains.
He died the same year as his patron, and was buried beside him at the Esquiline Gate.
The poems of Horace give us a picture of refined and educated life in the Rome of his time.

They are unsurpassed in gracefulness and felicity of thought.