Paulinus von Nola ‒ Carmen 18

The Carmina natalicia of Paulinus of Nola is, from the fourth poem (c. 15 as based on the numbering in the collected poetical oeuvre in CSEL 30), devoted to the life and deeds of S. Felix of Nola. Within this metrical biography, c. 18 (the sixth poem of the Carmina natalicia) holds a key position, marking the transition from the Saint’s earthly to heavenly existence and his miraculous powers: in two sections of more or less equal length, Paulinus first focuses on Felix’s funeral and his heavenly ascent, and then recounts an exemplary miracle performed by the saint after his death. The present commentary offers a detailed analysis of this poem in view of its linguistic, stylistic, poetic and historical literary aspects. Attention has been given to an analysis of Paulinus’ use of classical, biblical and patristic sources and models, as well as his adaptation of traditional literary genres. This is followed by an explanation of the poem in its entirety as well as its position within the context of the Carmina natalicia.