<I>La singolare preghiera di Orazio ad Apollo nell'ode I 31</I>

Abstract

In Ode I 31 Horace, addressing Apollo at the dedication of his temple, begs to give him physical and mental health and intact poetic abilities even in old age. In his prayer he wants to oppose the requests for wealth and superfluous goods that others may address to the god. We are struck by the gap between the initial solemnity and private demand: Horace, who, as a vates, should be the interpreter of Roman people's feelings, and show Apollo gratitude for Octavian's victory at Actium and the consequent construction of his magnificent Temple on the Palatine, addresses Apollo medicus and citharoedus as protector of health and God of measure and poetic and musical harmony. We can ask ourselves how much this prayer has been influenced by Apollinean worship in the ancient temple of prata Flaminia, which in the years after the Battle of Actium was rebuilt and dedicated by Gaius Sosius on behalf of Augustus.