Thomas Babington Macaulay's excellent compendium of Roman narrative poetry consists of works both tragedian and dramatic, which were popular for centuries in Ancient Rome. An acclaimed compilation which has seldom left print since it was first published in 1842, Lays of Ancient Rome refers to the 'lay' - another term for a narrative poem. A total of four lengthy poems are present in this edition, together with a scholarly introduction by the author himself, who also translated the poems. All are dramatizations of events, or popular myths, set during the time of the early Roman Republic. Wonderful for their insight into Roman society and dramatic lore, Lays of Ancient Rome has for years been a supplementary text in classics and literature school courses. Although generally martial in subject matter, the poems emphasize virtues such as courage, self-sacrifice, and a commitment to justice.