person
Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus
Messalla
Statesman, general, and celebrated literary patron (64 BC–AD 8), kinsman and likely guardian of Sulpicia, whose circle included Tibullus. Sulpicia addresses him with a mix of affection and exasperation over a country birthday.
Reading notes
- The Elegies §14 Messalla
Marcus Valerius Messalla Corvinus (64 BC–8 AD), statesman, general, and celebrated patron of poets; he was Sulpicia's kinsman (propinquus) and likely her guardian. He led the literary circle that included Tibullus, under whose name Sulpicia's poems have been transmitted. Sulpicia addresses him with a mixture of affection and exasperation.
- The Elegies §14 kinsman
The Latin 'propinquus' (kinsman, relative) confirms Messalla's family relationship to Sulpicia, likely as uncle or close male guardian responsible for her person and reputation in the absence of her father.