From Catullus to

Claudian

AN EASY READER

Chosen by

C. E. FREEMAN

SOMETIME ASSISTANT MASTER AT WESTMINSTER

OXFORD

AT THE CLARENDON PRESS

PREFACE

THIS volume of extracts from nine Latin poets is mainly intended for those who have some knowledge of Virgil and Ovid, but who have not at present much opportunity for more general reading. They may be interested in making the acquaintance of other writers even on a small scale, and gaining at the same time a very useful experience.

My object has been to choose passages which are easy as well as beautiful, or which, at any rate, contain no difficulties that cannot be removed by a very simple explanation. I have avoided discussion of any kind in the notes, as they are only meant to save time spent in referring to other books, or to clear away any obscurity that might baffle the reader. I set out with a determination to make them short, and I regret that I have not succeeded in making them shorter than they are. It is hoped that, with the Introductions prefixed to each poet, they may give all necessary information.

I have again to thank Mr. M. T. Tatham for some kind and useful criticism.

OXFORD, 1919. 418729

C. E. FREEMAN.