This Life, which is greatly abridged in the form in which it
survives, is attributed to Suetonius.
"THEE too, Tibullus, companion of Vergil, envious death sent
in youth to the Elysian fields, that there might be no one to
mourn tender loves in elegy, or sing the wars of kings in heroic
verse." - [Written by Domitius Marsus]
Albius Tibullus, a Roman knight, remarkable for his good looks
and conspicuous for his personal elegance, was devoted above all
others to Messala Corvinus the orator. He was his tent companion
in the war in Aquitania and was given military prizes. In the
judgment of many men he holds the first place among writers of
elegy. His amatory letters, too, though short are very useful.'
He died in youth, as is indicated by the epigram written above.
Source.
From: Suetonius: The Life of Tibellus (attrib), Loeb Translation, 1913]
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© Paul Halsall, 2023
