public · Roman

Prayer to Sol and Apollo

O Sol, whose light embraces the world, you orbit inexhaustible, forever returning, your face glowing on each day, your horses harnessed as a team to drive your chariot, with manes braided pleasantly they rise high, passing over rose-red clouds as you rein their frothing fires. Already yet another year begins, measured by the footsteps of brothers, who as new consuls gladly offer their prayers and vows.

Commentarius · Commentary

The opening of Claudian's first Latin poem (AD 395), a panegyric for the brothers Olybrius and Probinus on their joint consulship.

It is a prayer that is essentially a stage direction. The Sun is asked to comb his horses' manes, to rise "more graciously", and to breathe rosy fire through foaming bits — because the day in question is the consuls' entry into office, and the universe is expected to dress for the occasion.

The device is standard in late-antique panegyric: nature is enlisted into the ceremonial alongside the senate and the crowd. Here it is pushed as far as it will go — the sun god is literally asked to look his best for a Roman magistrate's first morning.

The last two lines give away the occasion: "let the year now trace a new path for the brother consuls". A prayer to the Sun turns out to be the preface to praise of two very young men of the Anician house.

Fons · Source

AuthorClaudius Claudianus

WorkIn Olybii et Probini fratres Consules Panegyricus

Section1-7

Period4th-5th c. AD

Occasionnew year / consular inauguration

Classificatio · Taxonomy

CultureRoman

Formpublic

DeitiesSol, Apollo

FunctionsInvocation · Praise

SphereCivic