Abstract

In Silv. 4.4 Statius pays homage to Vitorius Marcellus, the young dedicatee of the poem, praising his skills as an orator and foreseeing a brilliant military career for him. The last point is highlighted in a brief portrait of Marcellus as a perfect foot soldier and horseman :… nec enim tibi sola potentiseloquii uirtus: sunt membra accommoda bellis 65quique grauem tarde subeant thoraca lacerti.seu campo pedes ire pares, est agmina supranutaturus apex, seu frena sonantia flectes,seruiet asper equus.