Satires 2.5 (Horace)

Satires 2.5 is the fifth satire within the second book of satires written by the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus). This satire takes the form of a dialogue between Ulysses (Odysseus) and the prophet Tiresias, and explores the theme of legacy hunting ( captatio) and the pursuit of wealth through manipulating the elderly and childless.

The satire unfolds on the shores of the underworld, where Ulysses seeks advice from Tiresias on how to quickly restore his fortune. Tiresias, in a didactic manner, proceeds to instruct Ulysses on the art of legacy hunting. He details specific techniques for ingratiating oneself with wealthy, childless individuals, suggesting flattery, attentiveness to their needs, and strategically timed gifts. He emphasizes the importance of feigning illness or a lack of interest in financial gain to appear more trustworthy and appealing to potential benefactors.

Horace uses the voices of Ulysses and Tiresias to satirize the avarice and moral decay prevalent in Roman society. While Ulysses represents the ambitious and opportunistic seeker, Tiresias embodies the cynical wisdom of the world, offering a pragmatic, albeit morally questionable, path to wealth. The satire critiques the manipulative tactics employed by legacy hunters and implicitly condemns the susceptibility of the wealthy elderly to such schemes. It highlights the ethical compromises made in the pursuit of financial gain and the societal ill of exploiting vulnerable individuals for personal enrichment. Ultimately, the satire questions the value of wealth acquired through deceit and manipulation.