P.Oxy. 4711 And The Poetry Of Parthenius

Abstract

Abstract: P.Oxy. 4711 (from a papyrus codex of the sixth century AD) contains elegiacs with at least three metamorphosis myths (Adonis, Asterie, Narcisssus). In this article I argue against the suggestion by (among others) the first editor of this papyrus that the verses might be by Parthenius. I do so by examining the evidence for Parthenian authorship (especially the presumed imitations by Ovid and Gregory of Nazianzus) and by comparing the style of the new piece with what we actually possess of Parthenian poetry (especially withfr. 28 Lightfoot, which might come from theMetamorphoseis). Instead I suggest a late date of composition and would regard the fragments as a collection of the-matically arranged διηέματα in verse which are related to the production of progymnasmata in schools.

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