Eclogue IX

[John Schaeffer]

Colleagues:

 

I am new to the list, and I need some help. Is there any consensus about to whom the "ipse" in the last line of Ec. IX refers? I can't imagine that it refers to the new master, the "advena" who is coming to seize the farm, although that seems to be how some translators view it. Is it Caesar?. Is it a messianic reference analogous to Ec. IV? If there is no consensus, is there a majority opinion, or even likely probabilities?

 

I will greatly appreciate any help that can point me in the right direction--or just some direction.

 

Sincerely,

 

John D. Schaeffer

Northern Illinois University

 

 

[falmouth]

Primarily, at least, it is Menalcas, I would think (who taught Moeris
and Lycidas their imperfectly remembered songs) - when he arrives, the
songs will be better. Thus "ipse" (9.67) picks up "ipse" (9.16).

Wider, allegorical readings are doubtless possible, encouraged even.

[John Schaeffer]

Thanks for the help. Your interpretation seems the most probable.

 

John Schaeffer

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