# Aulus Persius Flaccus explained — Essays

> Chapter companion for Essays by Henry David Thoreau.

## What happens

Thoreau critiques the satires of Persius, arguing they lack the inspired music of true poetry and are instead a chosen, imposed subject. He contrasts Persius with Virgil and Horace, and explores themes of truth, virtue, and the extemporaneous life of the wise man, emphasizing that the universe is the only sanctum for the virtuous and that true genius moves from complaint to plaint to love.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Role of the Poet and Writer

Thoreau distinguishes between inspired poetry and mere satire, arguing that the true poet must sing with the Muse's rhythm and not merely complain about follies.

### Individualism and Self-Reliance

The wise man lives extemporaneously, secure in his own virtue, and does not rely on external creeds or the approval of others.

## Character check-ins

### Aulus Persius Flaccus

Subject of the chapter; Thoreau analyzes his satires, finding them unmusical and lacking the interior dignity of Virgil or the elegance of Horace.

### Homer

Mentioned as one of the great poets whose works are but 'rustling of leaves' compared to the Muse's true song.

### Shakespeare

Listed alongside Homer and Milton as poets whose works are not yet the full voice of the Muse.

### Milton

Referenced as a poet whose work is like 'rustling of leaves' before the Muse's true singing.

### Wordsworth

Included in the list of poets whose works are preliminary to the Muse's full expression.

## Key lines

> Haud cuivis promptum est, murmurque humilesque Tollere susurros de templis; et aperto vivere voto.

It is not easy for everyone to lift murmurs and low whispers from the temples and to live with an open vow.

_Thoreau uses this line to contrast the virtuous man, for whom the universe is the only sanctuary, with those who seek secret commerce with the gods._

> Stat contrà ratio, et recretam garrit in aurem. Ne liceat facere id, quod quis vitiabit agendo.

Reason stands opposite and chatters in the ear, warning that one should not do what one will spoil by doing.

_Thoreau interprets this as a warning to bungle less, not as an excuse for inaction, since all deeds fall imperfect from our hands._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/essays_2_se/chapters/aulus-persius-flaccus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/essays_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/essays_2_se/chapters