Horace, Ofellus and Philodemus of Gadara in Sermones 2.2

Abstract

This paper examines Horace’s portrayal inSermones2.2 of Ofellus, the poet’s rustic spokesman whose recent loss of property provides the opportunity for an ethical discourse on wealth administration. More specifically, it considers his advice on how to manage wealth within the context of Epicurean ethical doctrines, particularly those of Philodemus of Gadara, who was Horace’s contemporary in Italy and who authored relevant treatises with the concerns of Roman landowners in mind. These concerns involve not only the proper acquisition and use of revenue, which is based on the Epicurean doctrine of observing a “measure of wealth” in connection with the pleasure calculus, but also advice on how to endure financial crises by drawing on the support of a network of close friends, all of which contributes to Ofellus’ own equanimity in the face of misfortune.