Il porco e la maggiorana. Per una lettura epicurea del carme 13 di Catullo

Abstract

In addition to a reminiscence of some epigrams written by the Epicurean Philodemus of Gadara, in Catullus 13 we can also recognize an allusion to some verses of Lucretius (6.973‑8), in which the marjoram unguentum is placed alongside the image of the pig that shuns it. This allusion could be explained by the custom of comparing the followers of Epicurus precisely to pigs, as indicated even by Lucretius’ contemporary Cicero. The invitation to Fabullus, in an atmosphere of playful Epicurean lightheartedness, would therefore induce his friend not to flee from the precious unguentum donated by Veneres Cupidinesque, since he could, thanks to his venustas, enjoy its sweet and refined perfume to the full.