In the history of versification did anyone ever juggle so wildly well with iambics, sapphics, dactylics, anapestics, and all the rest? He fabricated verses most ingeniously, most enthusiastically. His virtuosity is amazing. Almost every line he wrote was a tour de force. And in spite of all this highly self-conscious technical facility he managed occasionally to write poetry.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The quote praises a poet's extraordinary skill in handling various classical meters while still managing to write genuine poetry despite the technical showmanship.
- In plain terms
- He mastered many poetic styles so well that his work was impressive, yet he could still create real art.
- What can you take from it?
- Technical skill should serve the art, not overshadow it.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can technical perfection coexist with authentic expression?
- How do you judge poetry that relies heavily on form?
Another view
The quote assumes technical variety equates to quality, which may not always be true.
More from Ausonius
The poetical fame of Ausonius condemns the taste of his age.
Permalink to quote #10 Ausonius must be read to be believed! As poet, no subject is too trivial for him; as courtier, no flattery too excessive.
Permalink to quote #12 Iniurium est de poeta male sobrio lectorem abstemium iudicare.
Permalink to quote #9
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