Leno Poeta: Tibullus’s Poem 1.5

Abstract

abstract:This article provides a different reading to Tibullus’s poem 1.5. The focus is mainly on verses 31–34 and 61–66. The poet presents himself as Delia’s pimp, offering her to his powerful patron, Messalla, and to other secret lovers. Simultaneously, he offers “Delia,” that is, the first book of his elegies, to his powerful friend. Through this double entendre, Tibullus intends to produce humor, to mock the political relationship between patrons and clients (clientelae), and to declare his poetical beliefs.