The prophecy of Faunus in the Bucolic I by Calpurnius (I, 33–88)

Abstract

The article centres round the carved on the beech tree prophecy of Faunus in the Bucolic I by Calpurnius. The author draws attention to the uncommon way the extract is introduced to the audience and examines its peculiarities. She argues that the choice of the rustic god, Faunus, as a prophetic deity promising the Golden Age is reasonable and upholds the tradition. Some points showing Calpurnius’ emulation of Virgil are discussed. The problems concerning interpretation of the passage I, 84–88 are considered as well.

Keywords:

Calpurnius, Neronian poetry, bucolic, Golden Age, prophecy, Faunus, inscription, Virgil