Lays of Ancient Rome

Thomas Babington Macaulay's excellent compendium of Roman narrative poetry consists of works both tragedian and dramatic, which were popular for centuries in Ancient Rome.

An acclaimed compilation which has seldom left print since it was first published in 1842, Lays of Ancient Rome refers to the 'lay' - another term for a narrative poem. A total of four lengthy poems are present in this edition, together with a scholarly introduction by the author himself, who also translated the poems. All are dramatizations of events, or popular myths, set during the time of the early Roman Republic.

The first poem is Horatius, which describes a heroic defense of the strategically important Sublican bridge against an Etruscan army possessed of superior numbers and strength.

The second work is The Battle of the Lake Regillus, which tells of a fierce battle versus the Latin League. Although the Romans eventually emerge victorious, the combat is bloody; it is only divine intervention from the Gods Castor and Pollux that delivers the decisive blow for Rome.

The third entry is Virginia, which describes the life of a young woman from a poor farming family. Her beauty captivates a corrupt official named Appius Claudius, who schemes to make her his wife through manipulation of the legal system. Virginia's father Virginius however strives to save her daughter from the conniving Appius at any cost.

Lastly, we find The Prophecy of Capys. Capys is the elderly grandfather of the young brothers Romulus and Remus. Falling into an intense trance, he foretells many of the victories that set Rome on the road to becoming a great power.

Wonderful for their insight into Roman society and dramatic lore, Lays of Ancient Rome has for years been a supplementary text in classics and literature school courses. Although generally martial in subject matter, the poems emphasize virtues such as courage, self-sacrifice, and a commitment to justice.

Thomas Babington Macaulay, the great historian of England, was born at Rothley, near Leicester, in 1800, and was named Thomas Babington after his uncle. Macaulay was a member of Parliament first for Colne, then for Leeds. In 1842 he gave to the world his spirited "Lays of Ancient Rome." Lord Macaulay excelled as a poet and essayist, but he is chiefly illustrious as a historian. During later years his health made work increasingly difficult for him. He died in December 1859 at the age of 59.