Meropius Pontius Paulinus (c. 352/353–431 CE) was born to an aristocratic Roman family in the Gallic provinces. He enjoyed the benefits that attended such elite status, including an extensive education with Ausonius in Bordeaux (Ausonius of Bordeaux), one of the leading teachers of the 4th century CE. Paulinus’ relationship with his teacher was deep and lasting, despite their eventual parting of ways concerning classical and Christian literary models (Paul. Carm. 10; Ep. 16). Following his educ…