Gallus in Roman Biography

Gallus, (Caius Cornelius,) an eminent Roman poet and courtier, was born at Forum Julii (Frejus) about 66 B.C. He served in the army under Octavius, who received him into his favour and confidence and gave him a high command in the war against Antony. After the death of Antony, about 30 B.C., Augustus appointed Gallus Governor of Egypt, which he ruled at first with success. But afterwards, being accused of oppression and peculation, he was condemned to perpetual banishment, and killed himself in 25 or 26 B.C. His Elegies, which were much admired, are all lost. Like his friend Maecenas, he patronized literary men, especially Virgil, who was his intimate friend, and who has gracefully commemorated his name and merit in his sixth and tenth eclogues. See Dion Cassius, books 1., liii. ; Quintilian, books i., x. ; Suetonius, "De illustribusGrammaticis;" Voi.ker, " Commentatio de C. C. Galli Vita et Scriptis," 1840-44; "Nouvelle Biographie G^neVale."