BACCHUM… CARMINA… VIDI DOCENTEM…
BACCHUM… CARMINA… VIDI DOCENTEM…

Summary/Abstract: Analysing the Bacchus-ode of Horace, the unusual phrase Bacchum … docentem turns our attention to that level of understanding which does not seem obvious at the first reading. Horace’s ability for ciphering and his unequalled fidelity to his silenced friends enable him to work „wonders”. He pays hommage to Bacchus so that he conceals behind him Cornelius Gallus, teaching poetry and initiating into poesy who got out of the circle of his friends because of his political bravery and who had even to decease at the will of the princeps. Horace provides his Bacchus with linguistic and real fancy dress. The „word dresses” of the analysed poems make recognizable the teaching poet, condemned to disappearance and silence. Thus the correctness of this interpretation is proved by both linguistic means and authentic historical events.

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