Horace

Quintus Horatius Flaccus (65-8 BC), the self-styled Roman Alcaeus, author of satires, epodes, odes, and epistles, friend of Maecenas, staunch supporter of Augustus. (Partisans of Mark Antony and/or Propertius swipe left.) In his misguided youth he joined Brutus against Caesar at the Battle of Philippi, but even then had the wisdom, following sound literary precedent, to throw down his shield and flee. (He was so much older then.) Now he lives in his Sabine farm near Licenza about 30 miles from Rome (thanks, Maecenas!), where he enjoys eating, drinking, sex, and poetry, not necessarily in that order. His poems have been published and translated widely.