Lucretius in Roman Biography

Lucretius, lu-kree'she^s, [Fr. Lucrece, Ki'kRjss'; It. Lucrezio, loo-kReYse-o; Sp. Lucrf.chi, loo-kRa'- theo,] or, to give his full name, Ti'tus Lucre'tius Ca'rus, one of the greatest Latin poets, was born in Italy in 95 B.C., and was contemporary with Cicero. The records of antiquity throw scarcely any light on his life, which was probably passed in studious retirement. It is not known whether he ever visited Greece ; but it is evident from his writings that he had profoundly studied the language, philosophy, and manners of that people. A doubtful tradition asserts that he was subject to insanity caused by a love-potion ; and the statement that he committed suicide in his forty-fourth year is generally credited. He left only one work,-a philosophic and didactic poem, in six books, entitled "De Return Natur3," (" On the Nature of Things,") in which lie expounds and illustrates the physical and ethical doctrines of Epicurus, of whom he was a disciple. From such abstruse speculations and intractable subjects he has produced one of the most admirable poems in the language. Although his system is erroneous and incoherent, his reasoning is remarkably clear and close. Probably no other work so amply demonstrates the power of the Latin language to utter the sublimest conceptions with a sustained majesty and harmony. "A great atheistic poet," says Villemain, "is surely a surprising phenomenon. His genius finds sublime accents to attack all the inspirations of genius. He renders even nothingness poetic; he insults glory; he enjoys death. Out of the abyss of skepticism he sometimes soars to a height of enthusiasm which is rivalled only by the sublimity of Homer." Referring to this work, Macaulay remarks, "The finest poem in the Latin language-indeed, the finest didactic poem in any language-was written in defence of the silliest and meanest of all systems of natural and moral philosophy." Ovid appears to be the only contemporary writer who fully appreciated the genius of Lucretius. See the article on Lucretius, bv Vili.emain, in the " Paographia Universelle ;" Sellar, " Roman Poets of the Republic ;" Carl F. Sciimid, "Dissertatio de T. Lucretio Cam," 1768; J. Sieiikiis, "QuaistionesLucrettanai," 1844 ; J. I.egris, Rome, ses Novateurs, M Onst-rvateurs, etc. E"tudes hisforiques surl.ucrece, Catulle," etc., 1846: Farricics, "fiibliotheca Latina :" Smith, "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography ;" " Edinburgh Review" for April, 1807.