The Works of Horace, By Horace

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Title:TheWorksofHorace

Author:Horace

ReleaseDate:November11,2004[EBook#14020]

Language:English

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THEWORKSOFHORACE

_TRANSLATEDLITERALLYINTOENGLISHPROSE_

ByC.Smart,A.M.

OfPembrokeCollege,Cambridge

_ANEWEDITION_

REVISEDBY

TheodoreAloisBuckleyB.A.OfChristChurch

THEFIRSTBOOKOFTHEODESOFHORACE.

ODEI.



TOMAECENAS.

Maecenas,descendedfromroyalancestors,Obothmyprotectionandmydarlinghonor!TherearethosewhomitdelightstohavecollectedOlympicdustinthechariotrace;and[whom]thegoalnicelyavoidedbytheglowingwheels,andthenoblepalm,exalts,lordsoftheearth,tothegods.

Thisman,ifacrowdofthecapriciousQuiritesstrivetoraisehimtothehighestdignities;another,ifhehasstoredupinhisowngranarywhatsoeverissweptfromtheLibyanthrashingfloors:himwhodelightstocutwiththehoehispatrimonialfields,youcouldnevertempt,forallthewealthofAttalus,[tobecome]atimoroussailorandcrosstheMyrtoanseainaCyprianbark.Themerchant,dreadingthesouth-westwindcontendingwiththeIcarianwaves,commendstranquilityandtheruralretirementofhisvillage;butsoonafter,incapableofbeingtaughttobearpoverty,herefitshisshatteredvessel.Thereisanother,whodespisesnotcupsofoldMassic,takingapartfromtheentireday,onewhilestretchedunderthegreenarbute,anotherattheplacidheadofsomesacredstream.

Thecamp,andthesoundofthetrumpetmingledwiththatoftheclarion,

andwarsdetestedbymothers,rejoicemany.

Thehuntsman,unmindfulofhistenderspouse,remainsinthecoldair,whetherahartisheldinviewbyhisfaithfulhounds,oraMarsianboarhasbrokenthefine-wroughttoils.

Ivy,therewardoflearnedbrows,equalsmewiththegodsabove:thecoolgrove,andthelightdancesofnymphsandsatyrs,distinguishmefromthecrowd;ifneitherEuterpewithholdsherpipe,norPolyhymniadisdainstotunetheLesbianlyre.But,ifyourankmeamongthelyricpoets,Ishalltowertothestarswithmyexaltedhead.

*****

ODEII.

TOAUGUSTUSCAESAR

EnoughofsnowanddreadfulhailhastheSirenowsentupontheearth,andhavinghurled[histhunderbolts]withhisredrighthandagainstthesacredtowers,hehasterrifiedthecity;hehasterrifiedthenations,lestthegrievousageofPyrrha,complainingofprodigiestillthenunheardof,shouldreturn,whenProteusdroveallhis[marine]herdto

visittheloftymountains;andthefishyracewereentangledintheelmtop,whichbeforewasthefrequentedseatofdoves;andthetimorousdeerswamintheoverwhelmingflood.WehaveseentheyellowTiber,withhiswavesforcedbackwithviolencefromtheTuscanshore,proceedtodemolishthemonumentsofking[Numa],andthetemplesofVesta;whilehevauntshimselftheavengerofthetoodisconsolateIlia,andtheuxoriousriver,leavinghischannel,overflowshisleftbank,notwithstandingthedisapprobationofJupiter.

Ouryouth,lessnumerousbythevicesoftheirfathers,shallhearof



thecitizenshavingwhettedthatsword[againstthemselves],withwhichithadbeenbetterthattheformidablePersianshadfallen;theyshallhearof[actual]engagements.Whomofthegodsshallthepeopleinvoketotheaffairsofthesinkingempire?WithwhatprayershallthesacredvirginsimportuneVesta,whoisnowinattentivetotheirhymns?TowhomshallJupiterassignthetaskofexpiatingourwickedness?Dothouatlength,propheticApollo,(wepraythee!)come,vailingthyradiantshoulderswithacloud:orthou,ifitbemoreagreeabletothee,smilingVenus,aboutwhomhoverthegodsofmirthandlove:orthou,ifthouregardthyneglectedraceanddescendants,ourfounderMars,whomclamorandpolishedhelmets,andtheterribleaspectoftheMoorishinfantryagainsttheirbloodyenemy,delight,satiatedatlengthwiththysport,alas!oftoolongcontinuance:orifthou,thewingedsonofgentleMaia,bychangingthyfigure,personateayouthuponearth,submittingtobecalledtheavengerofCaesar;latemayestthoureturntotheskies,andlongmayestthoujoyouslybepresenttotheRomanpeople;normayanuntimelyblasttransporttheefromus,offendedatourcrimes.Heremayestthouratherdelightinmagnificenttriumphs,andtobecalledfatherandprince:norsuffertheParthianswithimpunitytomakeincursions,you,OCaesar,beingourgeneral.

*****

ODEIII.

TOTHESHIP,INWHICHVIRGILWASABOUTTOSAILTOATHENS.

SomaythegoddesswhorulesoverCyprus;somaythebrightstars,thebrothersofHelen;andsomaythefatherofthewinds,confiningallexceptIapyx,directthee,Oship,whoartintrustedwithVirgil;myprayeris,thatthoumayestlandhimsafeontheAthenianshore,andpreservethehalfofmysoul.Surelyoakandthree-foldbrasssurroundedhisheartwhofirsttrustedafrailvesseltothemercilessocean,norwasafraidoftheimpetuousAfricuscontendingwiththenorthernstorms,

norofthemournfulHyades,noroftherageofNotus,thanwhomthereisnotamoreabsolutecontrolleroftheAdriatic,eithertoraiseorassuageitswavesatpleasure.Whatpathofdeathdidhefear,whobeheldunmovedtherollingmonstersofthedeep;whobeheldunmovedthetempestuousswellingofthesea,andtheAcroceraunians--ill-famedrocks?

InvainhasGodinhiswisdomdividedthecountriesoftheearthbytheseparatingocean,ifneverthelessprofaneshipsboundoverwatersnottobeviolated.Theraceofmanpresumptuousenoughtoendureeverything,rushesonthroughforbiddenwickedness.

ThepresumptuoussonofIapetus,byanimpiousfraud,broughtdownfire

intotheworld.Afterfirewasstolenfromthecelestialmansions,consumptionandanewtrainoffeverssettledupontheearth,andtheslowapproachingnecessityofdeath,which,tillnow,wasremote,accelerateditspace.Daedalusessayedtheemptyairwithwingsnotpermittedtoman.ThelaborofHerculesbrokethroughAcheron.Thereisnothingtooarduousformortalstoattempt.Weaimatheavenitselfinourfolly;neitherdowesuffer,byourwickedness,Jupitertolayasidehisrevengefulthunderbolts.

*****



ODEIV.

TOSEXTIUS.

Severewinterismeltedawaybeneaththeagreeablechangeofspringandthewesternbreeze;andengineshauldownthedryships.Andneitherdoesthecattleanylongerdelightinthestalls,northeploughmaninthefireside;norarethemeadowswhitenedbyhoaryfrosts.NowCythereanVenusleadsoffthedancebymoonlight;andthecomelyGraces,inconjunctionwiththeNymphs,shakethegroundwithalternatefeet;whileglowingVulcankindlesthelaboriousforgesoftheCyclops.Nowitisfittingtoencircletheshiningheadeitherwithverdantmyrtle,orwithsuchflowersastherelaxedearthproduces.NowlikewiseitisfittingtosacrificetoFaunusintheshadygroves,whetherhedemandalamb,orbemorepleasedwithakid.Paledeathknocksatthecottagesofthepoor,andthepalacesofkings,withanimpartialfoot.OhappySextius!Theshortsumtotaloflifeforbidsustoformremoteexpectations.Presentlyshalldarkness,andtheunrealghosts,andtheshadowymansionofPlutooppressyou;where,whenyoushallhaveoncearrived,youshallneitherdecidethedominionofthebottlebydice,

norshallyouadmirethetenderLycidas,withwhomnowalltheyouthisinflamed,andforwhomerelongthemaidenswillgrowwarm.

*****

ODEV.

TOPYRRHA.

Whatdaintyyouth,bedewedwithliquidperfumes,caressesyou,Pyrrha,

beneaththepleasantgrot,amidaprofusionofroses?Forwhomdoyoubindyourgoldenhair,plaininyourneatness?Alas!howoftenshallhedeploreyourperfidy,andthealteredgods;andthroughinexperiencebeamazedattheseas,roughwithblackeningstormswhonowcredulousenjoysyouallprecious,and,ignorantofthefaithlessgale,hopesyouwillbealwaysdisengaged,alwaysamiable!Wretchedarethose,towhomthouuntriedseemestfair?Thesacredwall[ofNeptune'stemple]demonstrates,byavotivetablet,thatIhaveconsecratedmydroppinggarmentstothepowerfulgodofthesea.

*****

ODEVI.

TOAGRIPPA.

YoushallbedescribedbyVarius,abirdofMaeonianverse,asbrave,andasubduerofyourenemies,whateverachievementsyourfiercesoldieryshallhaveaccomplished,underyourcommand;eitheronship-boardoronhorseback.Wehumblewriters,OAgrippa,neither



undertakethesehighsubjects,northedestructivewrathofinexorableAchilles,northevoyagesofthecraftyUlysses,northecruelhouseofPelops:whilediffidence,andtheMusewhopresidesoverthepeacefullyre,forbidmetodiminishthepraiseofillustriousCaesar,andyours,throughdefectofgenius.WhowithsufficientdignitywilldescribeMarscoveredwithadamantinecoatofmail,orMerionesswarthywithTrojandust,orthesonofTydeusbythefavorofPallasamatchforthegods?We,whetherfree,orourselvesenamoredofaught,lightasourwont,singofbanquets;we,ofthebattlesofmaidsdesperateagainstyoungfellows--withparednails.

*****

ODEVII.

TOMUNATIUSPLANCUS.

OtherpoetsshallcelebratethefamousRhodes,orMitylene,orEphesus,orthewallsofCorinth,situatedbetweentwoseas,orThebes,illustriousbyBacchus,orDelphibyApollo,ortheThessalianTempe.Therearesome,whoseonetaskitistochantinendlessversethecity

ofspotlessPallas,andtoprefertheoliveculledfromeveryside,toeveryotherleaf.Manyaone,inhonorofJuno,celebratesArgos,productiveofsteeds,andrichMycenae.NeitherpatientLacedaemonsomuchstruckme,norsomuchdidtheplainoffertileLarissa,asthehouseofresoundingAlbunea,andtheprecipitatelyrapidAnio,andtheTiburniangroves,andtheorchardswateredbyductilerivulets.Astheclearsouthwindoftenclearsawaythecloudsfromaloweringsky,nowteemswithperpetualshowers;sodoyou,OPlancus,wiselyremembertoputanendtogriefandthetoilsoflifebymellowwine;whetherthecamp,refulgentwithbanners,possessyou,orthedenseshadeofyourownTiburshalldetainyou.WhenTeucerfledfromSalamisandhisfather,heisreported,notwithstanding,tohaveboundhistemples,bathedinwine,withapoplarcrown,thusaccostinghisanxiousfriends:

"Oassociatesandcompanions,wewillgowhereverfortune,morepropitiousthanafather,shallcarryus.NothingistobedespairedofunderTeucer'sconduct,andtheauspicesofTeucer:fortheinfallibleApollohaspromised,thataSalamisinanewlandshallrenderthenameequivocal.Ogallantheroes,andoftenmyfellow-sufferersingreaterhardshipsthanthese,nowdriveawayyourcareswithwine:to-morrowwewillre-visitthevastocean."

*****

ODEVIII.

TOLYDIA.

Lydia,Iconjuretheebyallthepowersabove,totellmewhyyouaresointenttoruinSybarisbyinspiringhimwithlove?Whyhateshethesunnyplain,thoughinuredtobearthedustandheat?Whydoesheneither,inmilitaryaccouterments,appearmountedamonghisequals;normanagetheGallicsteedwithbittedreins?WhyfearshetotouchtheyellowTiber?Whyshunshetheoiloftheringmorecautiouslythan



viper'sblood?Whyneitherdoeshe,whohasoftenacquiredreputationbythequoit,oftenbythejavelinhavingclearedthemark,anylongerappearwitharmsallblack-and-bluebymartialexercises?Whyisheconcealed,astheysaythesonofthesea-goddessThetiswas,justbeforethemournfulfuneralsofTroy;lestamanlyhabitshouldhurryhimtoslaughter,andtheLyciantroops?

*****

ODEIX.

TOTHALIARCHUS.

YouseehowSoractestandswhitewithdeepsnow,norcanthelaboringwoodsanylongersupporttheweight,andtheriversstagnatewiththesharpnessofthefrost.Dissolvethecold,liberallypilingupbilletsonthehearth;andbringout,OThaliarchus,themoregenerouswine,fouryearsold,fromtheSabinejar.Leavetheresttothegods,whohavingoncelaidthewindswarringwiththefervidocean,neitherthecypressesnortheagedashesaremoved.Avoidinquiringwhatmayhappentomorrow;andwhateverdayfortuneshallbestowonyou,scoreitupfor

gain;nordisdain,beingayoungfellow,pleasantloves,nordances,aslongasill-naturedhoarinesskeepsofffromyourbloomingage.NowletboththeCampusMartiusandthepublicwalks,andsoftwhispersattheapproachofeveningberepeatedattheappointedhour:now,too,thedelightfullaugh,thebetrayerofthelurkingdamselfromsomesecretcorner,andthetokenravishedfromherarmsorfingers,pretendinglytenaciousofit.

*****

ODEX.

TOMERCURY.

Mercury,eloquentgrandsonofAtlas,thouwhoartfuldidstfromthesavagemannersoftheearlyraceofmenbyoratory,andtheinstitutionofthegracefulPalaestra:Iwillcelebratethee,messengerofJupiterandtheothergods,andparentofthecurvedlyre;ingenioustoconcealwhateverthouhastamindto,injocosetheft.WhileApollo,withangryvoice,threatenedyou,thenbutaboy,unlessyouwouldrestoretheoxen,previouslydrivenawaybyyourfraud,helaughed,[whenhefoundhimself]deprivedofhisquiver[also].Moreover,thewealthyPriamtoo,onhisdeparturefromIlium,underyourguidancedeceivedtheproudsons

ofAtreus,andtheThessalianwatch-lights,andthecampinveterateagaistTroy.Yousettlethesoulsofgoodmeninblissfulregions,anddrivetogethertheairycrowdwithyourgoldenrod,acceptablebothtothesupernalandinfernalgods.

*****

ODEXI.



TOLEUCONOE.

Inquirenot,Leuconoe(itisnotfittingyoushouldknow),howlongatermoflifethegodshavegrantedtoyouortome:neitherconsulttheChaldeancalculations.Howmuchbetterisittobearwithpatiencewhatevershallhappen!WhetherJupiterhavegrantedusmorewinters,or[thisas]thelast,whichnowbreakstheEtrurianwavesagainsttheopposingrocks.Bewise;rackoffyourwines,andabridgeyourhopes[inproportion]totheshortnessofyourlife.Whileweareconversing,enviousagehasbeenflying;seizethepresentday,notgivingtheleastcredittothesucceedingone.

*****

ODEXII.

TOAUGUSTUS.

Whatman,whathero,OClio,doyouundertaketocelebrateontheharp,

ortheshrillpipe?Whatgod?Whosenameshallthesportiveechoresound,eitherintheshadybordersofHelicon,oronthetopofPindus,oroncoldHaemus?WhencethewoodsfollowedpromiscuouslythetunefulOrpheus,whobyhismaternalartretardedtherapidcoursesofrivers,andthefleetwinds;andwassosweetlypersuasive,thathedrewalongthelisteningoakswithhisharmoniousstrings.ButwhatcanIsingpriortotheusualpraisesoftheSire,whogovernstheaffairsofmenandgods;who[governs]thesea,theearth,andthewholeworldwiththevicissitudesofseasons?Whencenothingisproducedgreaterthanhim;nothingspringseitherlikehim,oreveninaseconddegreetohim:nevertheless,Pallashasacquiredthesehonors,whicharenextafterhim.

NeitherwillIpasstheebyinsilence,OBacchus,boldincombat;northee,OVirgin,whoartanenemytothesavagebeasts;northee,OPhoebus,formidableforthyunerringdart.

IwillsingalsoofHercules,andthesonsofLeda,theoneillustriousforhisachievementsonhorseback,theotheronfoot;whoseclear-shiningconstellationassoonasithasshoneforthtothesailors,thetroubledsurgefallsdownfromtherocks,thewindscease,thecloudsvanish,andthethreateningwavessubsideinthesea--becauseitwastheirwill.Afterthese,IamindoubtwhomIshallfirstcommemorate,whetherRomulus,orthepeacefulreignofNuma,orthesplendidensignsofTarquinius,orthegloriousdeathofCato.Iwillcelebrate,outofgratitude,withthechoicestverses,Regulus,andthe

Scauri,andPaulus,prodigalofhismightysoul,whenCarthageconquered,andFabricius.

Severepoverty,andanhereditaryfarm,withadwellingsuitedtoit,formedthisherousefulinwar;asitdidalsoCuriuswithhisroughlocks,andCamillus.ThefameofMarcellusincreases,asatreedoesintheinsensibleprogressoftime.ButtheJulianconstellationshinesamidthemall,asthemoonamongthesmallerstars.OthousonofSaturn,authorandpreserverofthehumanrace,theprotectionofCaesariscommittedtothychargebytheFates:thoushaltreignsupreme,with



Caesarforthysecond.WhetherheshallsubduewithajustvictorytheParthiansmakinginroadsuponItaly,orshallrendersubjecttheSeresandIndiansontheEasterncoasts;heshallrulethewideworldwithequity,insubordinationtothee.ThoushaltshakeOlympuswiththytremendouscar;thoushalthurlthyhostilethunderboltsagainstthepollutedgroves.

*****

ODEXIII.

TOLYDIA.

OLydia,whenyoucommendTelephus'rosyneck,andthewaxenarmsofTelephus,alas!myinflamedliverswellswithbiledifficulttoberepressed.Thenneitherismymindfirm,nordoesmycolormaintainacertainsituation:andtheinvoluntarytearsglidedownmycheek,provingwithwhatlingeringflamesIaminwardlyconsumed.Iamonfire,whetherquarrelsrenderedimmoderatebywinehavestainedyourfairshoulders;orwhethertheyouth,inhisfury,hasimpressedwithhisteethamemorialonyourlips.Ifyouwillgivedueattentiontomy

advice,neverexpectthathewillbeconstant,whoinhumanlywoundsthosesweetkisses,whichVenushasimbuedwiththefifthpartofallhernectar.Othriceandmorethanthricehappythose,whomanindissolubleconnectionbindstogether;andwhoselove,undividedbyimpiouscomplainings,doesnotseparatethemsoonerthanthelastday!

*****

ODEXIV.

TOTHEROMANSTATE.

Oship,newwaveswillbearyoubackagaintosea.Owhatareyoudoing?Bravelyseizetheport.Doyounotperceive,thatyoursidesaredestituteofoars,andyourmastwoundedbytheviolentsouthwind,andyourmain-yardsgroan,andyourkeelcanscarcelysupporttheimpetuosityofthewaveswithoutthehelpofcordage?Youhavenotentiresails;norgods,whomyoumayagaininvoke,pressedwithdistress:notwithstandingyouaremadeofthepinesofPontus,andasthedaughterofanillustriouswood,boastyourrace,andafamenowofnoservicetoyou.Thetimoroussailorhasnodependenceonapaintedstern.Looktoyourself,unlessyouaredestinedtobethesportofthewinds.Othou,solatelymytroubleandfatigue,butnowanobjectof

tendernessandsolicitude,mayestthouescapethosedangerousseaswhichflowamongtheshiningCyclades.

*****

ODEXV.

TOPARIS.



Whentheperfidiousshepherd(Paris)carriedoffbyseainTrojanshipshishostessHelen,Nereussuppressedtheswiftwindsinanunpleasantcalm,thathemightsingthedirefates."Withunluckyomenartthouconveyinghomeher,whomGreecewithanumerousarmyshalldemandbackagain,havingenteredintoaconfederacytodissolveyournuptials,andtheancientkingdomofPriam.Alas!whatsweattohorses,whattomen,isjustathand!WhatadestructionartthoupreparingfortheTrojannation!EvennowPallasisfittingherhelmet,andhershield,andherchariot,andherfury.Invain,lookingfiercethroughthepatronageofVenus,willyoucombyourhair,andrundivisionsupontheeffeminatelyrewithsongspleasingtowomen.Invainwillyouescapethespearsthatdisturbthenuptialbed,andthepointoftheCretandart,andthedin[ofbattle],andAjaxswiftinthepursuit.Nevertheless,alas!thetimewillcome,thoughlate,whenthoushaltdefilethineadulteroushairsinthedust.DostthounotseethesonofLaertes,fataltothynation,andPylianNestor,SalaminianTeucer,andSthenelusskilledinfight(oriftherebeoccasiontomanagehorses,notardycharioteer),pursuetheewithintrepidity?Merionesalsoshaltthouexperience.Behold!thegallantsonofTydeus,abettermanthanhisfather,glowstofindyouout:him,asastagfliesawolf,whichhehasseenontheoppositesideofthevale,unmindfulofhispasture,shallyou,effeminate,fly,grievouslypanting:--notsuchthepromisesyoumade

yourmistress.ThefleetoftheenragedAchillesshalldeferforatimethatday,whichistobefataltoTroyandtheTrojanmatrons:but,afteracertainnumberofyears,GrecianfireshallconsumetheTrojanpalaces."

*****

ODEXVI.

TOAYOUNGLADYHORACEHADOFFENDED.

Odaughter,morecharmingthanyourcharmingmother,putwhatendyoupleasetomyinsultingiambics;eitherintheflames,or,ifyouchooseit,intheAdriatic.NorCybele,norApollo,thedwellerintheshrines,soshakesthebreastofhispriests;Bacchusdoesnotdoitequally,nordotheCorybantessoredoubletheirstrokesonthesharp-soundingcymbals,asdirefulanger;whichneithertheNoricswordcandeter,northeshipwreckingsea,nordreadfulfire,notJupiterhimselfrushingdownwithawfulcrash.ItisreportedthatPrometheuswasobligedtoaddtothatoriginalclay[withwhichheformedmankind],someingredienttakenfromeveryanimal,andthatheappliedthevehemenceoftheragingliontothehumanbreast.ItwasragethatdestroyedThyesteswithhorribleperdition;andhasbeenthefinalcausethatloftycitieshave

beenentirelydemolished,andthataninsolentarmyhasdriventhehostileplowshareovertheirwalls.Composeyourmind.Anardorofsoulattackedmealsoinbloomingyouth,anddrovemeinaragetothewritingofswift-footediambics.NowIamdesirousofexchangingseverityforgoodnature,providedthatyouwillbecomemyfriend,aftermyhavingrecantedmyabuse,andrestoremeyouraffections.

*****



ODEXVII.

TOTYNDARIS.

ThenimbleFaunusoftenexchangestheLycaeanmountainforthepleasantLucretilis,andalwaysdefendsmyshe-goatsfromthescorchingsummer,andtherainywinds.Thewanderingwivesoftheunsavoryhusbandseekthehiddenstrawberry-treesandthymewithsecuritythroughthesafegrove:nordothekidsdreadthegreenlizards,orthewolvessacredtoMars;whenever,myTyndaris,thevalesandthesmoothrocksoftheslopingUsticahaveresoundedwithhismelodiouspipe.Thegodsaremyprotectors.Mypietyandmymuseareagreeabletothegods.Hereplenty,richwithruralhonors,shallflowtoyou,withhergeneroushornfilledtothebrim.Here,inasequesteredvale,youshallavoidtheheatofthedog-star;and,onyourAnacreonticharp,singofPenelopeandthefrailCircestrivingforonelover;hereyoushallquaff,undertheshade,cupsofunintoxicatingLesbian.NorshalltheragingsonofSemeleenterthecombatwithMars;andunsuspectedyoushallnotfeartheinsolentCyrus,lestheshouldsavagelylayhisintemperatehandsonyou,whoarebynomeansamatchforhim;andshouldrendthechapletthatisplattedinyourhair,andyourinoffensivegarment.

*****

ODEXVIII.

TOVARUS.

OVarus,youcanplantnotreepreferabletothesacredvine,aboutthemellowsoilofTibur,andthewallsofCatilus.ForGodhathrenderedeverythingcrosstothesober;nordobitingcaresdisperseanyotherwise[thanbytheuseofwine].Who,afterwine,complainsofthe

hardshipsofwarorofpoverty?Whodoesnotrather[celebrate]thee,FatherBacchus,andthee,comelyVenus?Nevertheless,thebattleoftheCentaurswiththeLapithae,whichwasfoughtintheircups,admonishesusnottoexceedamoderateuseofthegiftsofBacchus.AndBacchushimselfadmonishesusinhisseveritytotheThracians;whengreedytosatisfytheirlusts,theymakelittledistinctionbetweenrightandwrong.ObeauteousBacchus,Iwillnotrousetheeagainstthywill,norwillIhurryabroadthy[mysteries,whichare]coveredwithvariousleaves.Ceaseyourdirecymbals,togetherwithyourPhrygianhorn,whosefollowersareblindSelf-loveandArrogance,holdinguptoohighheremptyhead,andtheFaithcommunicativeofsecrets,andmoretransparentthanglass.

*****

ODEXIX.

TOGLYCERA.

ThecruelmotheroftheCupids,andthesonoftheThebanGemele,and



lasciviousease,commandmetogivebackmymindtoitsdesertedloves.ThesplendorofGlycera,shiningbrighterthantheParianmarble,inflamesme:heragreeablepetulance,andhercountenance,toounsteadytobebeheld,inflameme.Venus,rushingonmewithherwholeforce,hasquittedCyprus;andsuffersmenottosingoftheScythians,andtheParthian,furiouswhenhishorseisturnedforflight,oranysubjectwhichisnottothepresentpurpose.Here,slaves,placemealiveturf;here,placemevervainsandfrankincense,withaflagonoftwo-year-oldwine.Shewillapproachmorepropitious,afteravictimhasbeensacrificed.

*****

ODEXX.

TOMAECENAS.

MydearknightMaecenas,youshalldrink[atmyhouse]ignobleSabinewineinsobercups,whichImyselfsealedupintheGreciancask,storedatthetime,whensoloudanapplausewasgiventoyouintheamphitheatre,thatthebanksofyourancestralriver,togetherwiththe

cheerfulechooftheVaticanmountain,returnedyourpraises.You[whenyouareathome]willdrinktheCaecuban,andthegrapewhichissqueezedintheCalenianpress;butneithertheFalernianvines,northeFormianhills,seasonmycups.

*****

ODEXXI.

ONDIANAANDAPOLLO.

Yetendervirgins,singDiana;yeboys,singApollowithhisunshornhair,andLatonapassionatelybelovedbythesupremeJupiter.Ye(virgins),praiseherthatrejoicesintherivers,andthethickgroves,whichprojecteitherfromthecoldAlgidus,orthegloomywoodsofErymanthus,orthegreenCragus.Yeboys,extolwithequalpraisesApollo'sDelos,andhisshoulderadornedwithaquiver,andwithhisbrotherMercury'slyre.He,movedbyyourintercession,shalldriveawaycalamitouswar,andmiserablefamine,andtheplaguefromtheRomanpeopleandtheirsovereignCaesar,tothePersiansandtheBritons.

*****

ODEXXII.

TOARISTIUSFUSCUS.

Themanofuprightlifeandpurefromwickedness,OFuscus,hasnoneedoftheMoorishjavelins,orbow,orquiverloadedwithpoisoneddarts.WhetherheisabouttomakehisjourneythroughthesultrySyrtes,or



theinhospitableCaucasus,orthoseplaceswhichHydaspes,celebratedinstory,washes.Forlately,asIwassingingmyLalage,andwanderedbeyondmyusualbounds,devoidofcare,awolfintheSabinewoodfledfromme,thoughIwasunarmed:suchamonsterasneitherthewarlikeApulianourishesinitsextensivewoods,northelandofJuba,thedry-nurseoflions,produces.Placemeinthosebarrenplains,wherenotreeisrefreshedbythegenialair;atthatpartoftheworld,whichcloudsandaninclementatmosphereinfest.Placemeunderthechariotofthetooneighboringsun,inalanddeprivedofhabitations;[there]willIlovemysweetly-smiling,sweetly-speakingLalage.

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ODEXXIII.

TOCHLOE.

Youshunme,Chloe,likeafawnthatisseekingitstimorousmotherinthepathlessmountains,notwithoutavaindreadofthebreezesandthethickets:forshetremblesbothinherheartandknees,whetherthearrivalofthespringhasterrifiedbyitsrustlingleaves,orthegreen

lizardshavestirredthebush.ButIdonotfollowyou,likeasavagetigress,oraGaetulianlion,totearyoutopieces.Therefore,quityourmother,nowthatyouarematureforahusband.

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ODEXXIV.

TOVIRGIL.

Whatshameorboundcantherebetoouraffectionateregretforsodearaperson?OMelpomene,onwhomyourfatherhasbestowedaclearvoiceandtheharp,teachmethemournfulstrains.DoesthenperpetualsleepoppressQuinctilius?Towhomwhenwillmodesty,anduncorruptfaiththesisterofJustice,andundisguisedtruth,findanyequal?Hediedlamentedbymanygoodmen,butmorelamentedbynonethanbyyou,myVirgil.You,thoughpious,alas!invaindemandQuinctiliusbackfromthegods,whodidnotlendhimtousonsuchterms.What,thoughyoucouldstrikethelyre,listenedtobythetrees,withmoresweetnessthantheThracianOrpheus;yetthebloodcanneverreturntotheemptyshade,whichMercury,inexorabletoreversethefates,haswithhisdreadfulCaduceusoncedriventothegloomythrong.Thisishard:butwhatitisoutofourpowertoamend,becomesmoresupportableby

patience.

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ODEXXV.

TOLYDIA.



Thewantonyouthslessviolentlyshakethyfastenedwindowswiththeirredoubledknocks,nordotheyrobyouofyourrest;andyourdoor,whichformerlymoveditsyieldinghingesfreely,nowstickslovinglytoitsthreshold.Lessandlessoftendoyounowhear:"MyLydia,dostthousleepthelive-longnight,whileIyourloveramdying?"Nowyouareanoldwoman,itwillbeyourturntobewailtheinsolenceofrakes,whenyouareneglectedinalonelyalley,whiletheThracianwindragesattheInterlunium:whenthathotdesireandlust,whichiswonttorenderfuriousthedamsofhorses,shallrageaboutyourulcerousliver:notwithoutcomplaint,thatsprightlyyouthrejoiceratherintheverdantivyandgrowingmyrtle,anddedicatesaplessleavestoEurus,thecompanionofwinter.

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ODEXXVI.

TOAELIUSLAMIA.

AfriendtotheMuses,Iwilldeliverupgriefandfearstothewanton

winds,towaftintotheCretanSea;singularlycareless,whatkingofafrozenregionisdreadedunderthepole,orwhatterrifiesTiridates.Osweetmuse,whoartdelightedwithpurefountains,weavetogetherthesunnyflowers,weaveachapletformyLamia.Withoutthee,mypraisesprofitnothing.Torenderhimimmortalbynewstrains,torenderhimimmortalbytheLesbianlyre,becomesboththeeandthysisters.

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ODEXXVII.

TOHISCOMPANIONS.

Toquarreloveryourcups,whichweremadeforjoy,isdownrightThracian.Awaywiththebarbarouscustom,andprotectmodestBacchusfrombloodyfrays.HowimmenselydisagreeabletowineandcandlesisthesabreoftheMedes!Omycompanions,repressyourwickedvociferations,andrestquietlyonbendedelbow.WouldyouhavemealsotakemyshareofstoutFalernian?LetthebrotherofOpuntianMegillathendeclare,withwhatwoundheisblessed,withwhatdartheisdying.--What,doyourefuse?Iwillnotdrinkuponanyothercondition.Whateverkindofpassionrulesyou,itscorchesyouwiththeflamesyouneednotbeashamedof,andyoualwaysindulgeinanhonorable,aningenuouslove.

Come,whateverisyourcase,trustittofaithfulears.Ah,unhappy!inwhataCharybdisartthoustruggling,Oyouth,worthyofabetterflame!Whatwitch,whatmagician,withhisThessalianincantations,whatdeitycanfreeyou?Pegasushimselfwillscarcelydeliveryou,soentangled,fromthisthree-foldchimera.

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ODEXXVIII.

ARCHYTAS.

The[wantofthe]scantypresentofalittlesandneartheMantinianshore,confinesthee,OArchytas,thesurveyorofseaandearth,andoftheinnumerablesand:neitherisitofanyadvantagetoyou,tohaveexploredthecelestialregions,andtohavetraversedtheroundworldinyourimagination,sincethouwasttodie.ThusalsodidthefatherofPelops,theguestofthegods,die;andTithonuslikewisewastranslatedtotheskies,andMinos,thoughadmittedtothesecretsofJupiter;andtheTartareanregionsarepossessedofthesonofPanthous,oncemoresentdowntothereceptacleofthedead;notwithstanding,havingretakenhisshieldfromthetemple,hegaveevidenceoftheTrojantimes,andthathehadresignedtogloomydeathnothingbuthissinewsandskin;inyouropinion,noinconsiderablejudgeoftruthandnature.Butthegamenightawaitsall,andtheroadofdeathmustoncebetravelled.TheFuriesgiveupsometothesportofhorribleMars:thegreedyoceanisdestructivetosailors:themingledfuneralsofyoungandoldarecrowdedtogether:notasinglepersondoesthecruelProserpinepassby.Thesouthwind,thetempestuousattendantonthesettingOrion,hassunkmealsointheIllyrianwaves.Butdonotthou,Osailor,malignantlygrudgetogiveaportionofloosesandtomybonesandunburiedhead.

So,whatevertheeastwindshallthreatentotheItaliansea,lettheVenusinianwoodssuffer,whileyouareinsafety;andmanifoldprofit,fromwhateverportitmay,cometoyoubyfavoringJove,andNeptune,thedefenderofconsecratedTarentum.Butifyou,bychance,makelightofcommittingacrime,whichwillbehurtfultoyourinnocentposterity,mayjustlawsandhaughtyretributionawaityou.Iwillnotbedesertedwithfruitlessprayers;andnoexpiationsshallatoneforyou.Thoughyouareinhaste,youneednottarrylong:afterhavingthricesprinkledthedustoverme,youmayproceed.

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ODEXXIX.

TOICCIUS.

OIccius,younowcovettheopulenttreasuresoftheArabians,andarepreparingvigorousforawaragainstthekingsofSaba,hithertounconquered,andareformingchainsfortheformidableMede.Whatbarbarianvirginshallbeyourslave,afteryouhavekilledherbetrothedhusband?Whatboyfromthecourtshallbemadeyourcup-bearer,withhisperfumedlocks,skilledtodirecttheSericarrowswithhisfather'sbow?Whowillnowdenythatitisprobablefor

precipitateriverstoflowbackagaintothehighmountains,andforTibertochangehiscourse,sinceyouareabouttoexchangethenobleworksofPanaetius,collectedfromallparts,togetherwiththewholeSocraticfamily,forIberianarmor,afteryouhadpromisedbetterthings?

*****



ODEXXX.

TOVENUS.

OVenus,queenofGnidusandPaphos,neglectyourfavoriteCyprus,andtransportyourselfintothebeautifultempleofGlycera,whoisinvokingyouwithabundanceoffrankincense.Letyourglowingsonhastenalongwithyou,andtheGraceswiththeirzonesloosed,andtheNymphs,andYouthpossessedoflittlecharmwithoutyouandMercury.

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ODEXXXI.

TOAPOLLO.

WhatdoesthepoetbegfromPhoebusonthededicationofhistemple?Whatdoesheprayfor,whilehepoursfromtheflagonthefirstlibation?NottherichcropsoffertileSardinia:notthegoodlyflocksofscorchedCalabria:notgold,orIndianivory:notthosecountries,

whichthestillriverLiriseatsawaywithitssilentstreams.LetthosetowhomfortunehasgiventheCalenianvineyards,prunethemwithahookedknife;andletthewealthymerchantdrinkoutofgoldencupsthewinesprocuredbyhisSyrianmerchandize,favoredbythegodsthemselves,inasmuchaswithoutlosshevisitsthreeorfourtimesayeartheAtlanticSea.Meolivessupport,mesuccoriesandsoftmallows.OthousonofLatona,grantmetoenjoymyacquisitions,andtopossessmyhealth,togetherwithanunimpairedunderstanding,Ibeseechthee;andthatImaynotleadadishonorableoldage,noronebereftofthelyre.

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ODEXXXII.

TOHISLYRE.

Wearecalledupon.Ifever,Olyre,inidleamusementintheshadewiththee,wehaveplayedanythingthatmayliveforthisyearandmany,comeon,beresponsivetoaLatinode,mydearlyre--firsttunedbyaLesbiancitizen,who,fierceinwar,yetamidarms,orifhehadmadefasttothewateryshorehistossedvessel,sungBacchus,andtheMuses,andVenus,andtheboy,herever-closeattendant,andLycus,lovelyforhis

blackeyesandjettylocks.OthouornamentofApollo,charmingshell,agreeableevenatthebanquetsofsupremeJove!Othousweetalleviatorofanxioustoils,bepropitioustome,wheneverdulyinvokingthee!

*****

ODEXXXIII.



TOALBIUSTIBULLUS.

Grievenottoomuch,myAlbius,thoughtfulofcruelGlycera;norchantyourmournfulelegies,because,asherfaithbeingbroken,ayoungermanismoreagreeable,thanyouinhereyes.AloveforCyrusinflamesLycoris,distinguishedforherlittleforehead:CyrusfollowstheroughPholoe;butshe-goatsshallsoonerbeunitedtotheApulianwolves,thanPholoeshallcommitacrimewithabaseadulterer.SuchisthewillofVenus,whodelightsincruelsport,tosubjecttoherbrazenyokespersonsandtempersillsuitedtoeachother.Asformyself,theslave-bornMyrtale,moreuntractablethantheAdriaticSeathatformstheCalabriangulfs,entangledmeinapleasingchain,attheverytimethatamoreeligiblelovecourtedmyembraces.

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ODEXXXIV.

AGAINSTTHEEPICURIANS.

Aremissandirregularworshiperofthegods,whileIprofessedtheerrorsofasenselessphilosophy,Iamnowobligedtosetsailbackagain,andtorenewthecoursethatIhaddeserted.ForJupiter,whousuallycleavesthecloudswithhisgleaminglightning,latelydrovehisthunderinghorsesandrapidchariotthroughtheclearserene;whichthesluggishearth,andwanderingrivers;atwhichStyx,andthehorridseatofdetestedTaenarus,andtheutmostboundaryofAtlaswereshaken.TheDeityisabletomakeexchangebetweenthehighestandthelowest,anddiminishestheexalted,bringingtolighttheobscure;rapaciousfortune,withashrillwhizzing,hasborneofftheplumefromonehead,anddelightsinhavingplaceditonanother.

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ODEXXXV.

TOFORTUNE.

OGoddess,whopresidestoverbeautifulAntium;thou,thatartreadytoexaltmortalmanfromthemostabjectstate,ortoconvertsuperbtriumphsintofunerals!Theethepoorcountrymansolicitswithhisanxiousvows;whosoeverplowstheCarpathianSeawiththeBithynianvessel,importunestheeasmistressoftheocean.TheetheroughDacian,

theethewanderingScythians,andcities,andnations,andwarlikeLatiumalso,andthemothersofbarbariankings,andtyrantscladinpurple,fear.Spurnnotwithdestructivefootthatcolumnwhichnowstandsfirm,norletpopulartummultrousethose,whonowrestquiet,toarms--toarms--andbreaktheempire.Necessity,thyminister,alwaymarchesbeforethee,holdinginherbrazenhandhugespikesandwedges,noristheunyieldingclampabsent,northemeltedlead.TheeHopereverences,andrareFidelityrobedinawhitegarment;nordoessherefusetobeartheecompany,howsoeverinwraththouchangethyrobe,andabandonthehousesofthepowerful.Butthefaithlesscrowd[of



companions],andtheperjuredharlotdrawback.Friends,toofaithlesstobearequallytheyokeofadversity,whencasksareexhausted,verydregsandall,flyoff.PreservethouCaesar,whoismeditatinganexpeditionagainsttheBritons,thefurthestpeopleintheworld,andalsothenewlevyofyouthstobedreadedbytheEasternregions,andtheRedSea.Alas!Iamashamedofourscars,andourwickedness,andofbrethren.Whathavewe,ahardenedage,avoided?Whathaveweinourimpietyleftunviolated!Fromwhathaveouryouthrestrainedtheirhands,outofreverencetothegods?Whataltarshavetheyspared?OmayestthouforgeanewourbluntedswordsonadifferentanvilagainsttheMassagetaeandArabians.

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ODEXXXVI.

Thisisajoyfuloccasiontosacrificebothwithincenseandmusicofthelyre,andthevotivebloodofaheifertothegods,theguardiansofNumida;who,nowreturninginsafetyfromtheextremestpartofSpain,impartsmanyembracestohisbelovedcompanions,buttononemorethanhisdearLamia,mindfulofhischildhoodspentunderoneandthesame

governor,andofthegown,whichtheychangedatthesametime.LetnotthisjoyfuldaybewithoutaCretanmarkofdistinction;letusnotsparethejarbroughtforth[fromthecellar];nor,Salian-like,lettherebeanycessationoffeet;norletthetopingDamalisconquerBassusintheThracianAmystis;norletthereberoseswantingtothebanquet,northeever-greenparsley,northeshort-livedlily.AllthecompanywillfixtheirdissolvingeyesonDamalis;butshe,moreluxuriantthanthewantonivy,willnotbeseparatedfromhernewlover.

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ODEXXXVII.

TOHISCOMPANIONS.

Now,mycompanions,isthetimetocarouse,nowtobeatthegroundwithalightfoot:nowisthetimethatwastodeckthecouchofthegodswithSaliandainties.Beforethis,itwasimpioustoproducetheoldCaecubanstoredupbyyourancestors;whilethequeen,withacontaminatedgangofcreatures,noisomethroughdistemper,waspreparinggiddydestructionfortheCapitolandthesubversionoftheempire,beingweakenoughtohopeforanything,andintoxicatedwithherprosperingfortune.Butscarcelyasingleshippreservedfromtheflames

batedherfury;andCaesarbroughtdownhermind,inflamedwithEgyptianwine,torealfears,closepursuingherinherflightfromItalywithhisgalleys(asthehawkpursuesthetenderdoves,orthenimblehunterthehareintheplainsofsnowyAemon),thathemightthrowintochainsthisdestructivemonster[ofawoman];who,seekingamoregenerousdeath,neitherhadaneffeminatedreadofthesword,norrepairedwithherswiftshiptohiddenshores.Shewasablealsotolookuponherpalace,lyinginruins,withacountenanceunmoved,andcourageousenoughtohandleexasperatedasps,thatshemightimbibeinherbodythedeadlypoison,beingmoreresolvedbyhavingpre-meditatedherdeath:



forshewasawomanofsuchgreatnessofsoul,astoscorntobecarriedoffinhaughtytriumph,likeaprivateperson,byroughLiburnians.

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ODEXXXVIII.

TOHISSERVANT.

Boy,IdetestthepompofthePersians;chaplets,whicharewovenwiththerindofthelinden,displeaseme;giveupthesearchfortheplacewherethelatterroseabides.Itismyparticulardesirethatyoumakenolaboriousadditiontotheplainmyrtle;formyrtleisneitherunbecomingyouaservant,norme,whileIquaffunderthismantlingvine.

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THESECONDBOOKOFTHEODESOFHORACE.

ODEI.

TOASINIUSPOLLIO.

Youaretreatingofthecivilcommotion,whichbeganfromtheconsulshipofMetelius,andthecauses,andtheerrors,andtheoperationsofthewar,andthegamethatfortuneplayed,andtheperniciousconfederacyof

thechiefs,andarmsstainedwithbloodnotyetexpiated--aworkfullofdangerandhazard:andyouaretreadinguponfires,hiddenunderdeceitfulashes:letthereforethemusethatpresidesoverseveretragedy,beforawhileabsentfromthetheaters;shortly,whenthouhastcompletedthenarrativeofthepublicaffairs,youshallresumeyourgreatworkinthetragicstyleofAthens,OPollio,thouexcellentsuccortosorrowingdefendantsandaconsultingsenate;[Pollio,]towhomthelaurelproducedimmortalhonorsintheDalmatiantriumph.Evennowyoustunourearswiththethreateningmurmurofhorns:nowtheclarionssound;nowtheglitterofarmsaffrightstheflyingsteeds,anddazzlesthesightoftheriders.NowIseemtohearofgreatcommandersbesmearedwith,gloriousdust,andthewholeearthsubdued,exceptthestubbornsoulofCato.Juno,andeveryothergodpropitioustothe

Africans,impotentlywentoff,leavingthatlandunrevenged;butsoonofferedthedescendantsoftheconquerors,assacrificestothemanesofJugurtha.Whatplain,enrichedbyLatinblood,bearsnotrecord,byitsnumeroussepulchres,ofourimpiousbattles,andofthesoundofthedownfallofItaly,heardevenbytheMedes?Whatpool,whatrivers,areunconsciousofourdeplorablewar?WhatseahavenottheDaunianslaughtersdiscolored?Whatshoreisunstainedbyourblood?Donot,however,rashmuse,neglectingyourjocosestrains,resumethetaskofCaeanplaintivesong,butratherwithmeseekmeasuresofalighterstylebeneathsomelove-sequesteredgrotto.



*****

ODEII.

TOCRISPUSSALLUSTIUS.

OCrispusSallustius,thoufoetobullion,unlessitderivessplendorfromamoderateenjoyment,thereisnolusterinmoneyconcealedintheniggardearth.Proculeiusshallliveanextendedage,conspicuousforfatherlyaffectiontobrothers;survivingfameshallbearhimonanuntiringwing.Youmaypossessamoreextensivedominionbycontrollingacravingdisposition,thanifyoucoulduniteLibyatothedistantGades,andthenativesofboththeCarthagesweresubjecttoyoualone.Thedirefuldropsyincreasesbyself-indulgence,norextinguishesitsthirst,unlessthecauseofthedisorderhasdepartedfromtheveins,andthewaterylanguorfromthepallidbody.Virtue,differingfromthevulgar,exceptsPhraatesthoughrestoredtothethroneofCyrus,fromthenumberofthehappy;andteachesthepopulacetodisusefalsenamesforthings,byconferringthekingdomandasafediademandtheperpetuallaureluponhimalone,whocanviewlargeheapsoftreasure

withundazzledeye.

*****

ODEIII.

TOQUINTUSDELLIUS.

ODellius,sincethouartborntodie,bemindfultopreserveatemperofmindevenintimesofdifficulty,aswellanrestrainedfrominsolent

exultationinprosperity:whetherthoushaltleadalifeofcontinualsadness,orthroughhappydaysregalethyselfwithFalernianwineoftheoldestdate,atcasereclinedinsomegrassyretreat,wheretheloftypineandhoarypoplardelighttointerweavetheirboughsintoahospitableshade,andtheclearcurrentwithtremblingsurfacepurlsalongthemeanderingrivulet.Hitherorder[yourslaves]tobringthewine,andtheperfumes,andthetooshort-livedflowersofthegratefulrose,whilefortune,andage;andthesablethreadsofthethreesisterspermitthee.Youmustdepartfromyournumerouspurchasedgroves;fromyourhousealso,andthatvilla,whichtheyellowTiberwashes,youmustdepart:andanheirshallpossessthesehigh-piledriches.ItisofnoconsequencewhetheryouarethewealthydescendantofancientInachus,orwhether,poorandofthemostignoblerace,youlivewithouta

coveringfromtheopenair,sinceyouarethevictimofmercilessPluto.Wearealldriventowardthesamequarter:thelotofallisshakenintheurn;destinedsoonerorlatertocomeforth,andembarkusin[Charon's]boatforeternalexile.

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ODEIV.



TOXANTHIASPHOCEUS.

Letnot,OXanthiasPhoceus,yourpassionforyourmaidputyououtofcountenance;beforeyourtime,theslaveBriseismovedthehaughtyAchillesbyhersnowycomplexion.ThebeautyofthecaptiveTecmessasmotehermaster,theTelamonianAjax;Agamemnon,inthemidstofvictory,burnedforaravishedvirgin:whenthebarbariantroopsfellbythehandsoftheirThessalianconqueror,andHector,vanquished,leftTroymoreeasilytobedestroyedbytheGrecians.YoudonotknowthatperchancethebeautifulPhyllishasparentsofconditionhappyenoughtodohonortoyoutheirson-in-law.Certainlyshemustbeofroyalrace,andlamentstheunpropitiousnessofherfamilygods.Beconfident,thatyourbelovedisnotoftheworthlesscrowd;northatonesotrue,sounmercenary,couldpossiblybebornofamothertobeashamedof.Icancommendarms,andface,andwell-madelegs,quitechastely:avoidbeingjealousofone,whoseageishasteningonwardtobringitseighthmastrumtoaclose.

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ODEV.

Notyetisshefittobebrokentotheyoke;notyetissheequaltothedutiesofapartner,norcanshesupporttheweightofthebullimpetuouslyrushingtoenjoyment.Yourheifer'ssoleinclinationisaboutverdantfields,onewhileinrunningstreamssoothingthegrievousheat;atanother,highlydelightedtofriskwiththesteerlingsinthemoistwillowground.Suppressyourappetitefortheimmaturegrape;shortlyvariegatedautumnwilltingefortheetheliridclusterswithapurplehue.Shortlysheshallfollowyou;forherimpetuoustimerunson,andshallplacetoheraccountthoseyearsofwhichitabridgesyou;shortlyLalagewithawantonassurancewillseekahusband,belovedina

higherdegreethanthecoyPholoe,orevenChloris;shiningasbrightlywithherfairshoulder,asthespotlessmoonuponthemidnightsea,oreventheGnidianGyges,whomifyoushouldintermixinacompanyofgirls,theundiscernibledifferenceoccasionedbyhisflowinglocksanddoubtfulcountenancewouldwonderfullyimposeevenonsagaciousstrangers.

*****

ODEVI.

TOSEPTIMUS.

Septimus,whoartreadytogowithme,eventoGades,andtotheCantabrian,stilluntaughttobearouryoke,andtheinhospitableSyrtes,wheretheMauritanianwaveperpetuallyboils.OmayTibur,foundedbyaGreciancolony,bethehabitationofmyoldage!Therelettherebeanendtomyfatiguesbysea,andland,andwar;whenceifthecruelfatesdebarme,IwillseektheriverofGalesus,delightfulforsheepcoveredwithskins,andthecountriesreignedoverby



LacedaemonianPhalantus.Thatcorneroftheworldsmilesinmyeyebeyondallothers;wherethehoneyyieldsnottotheHymettian,andtheoliverivalstheverdantVenafrian:wherethetemperatureoftheairproducesalongspringandmildwinters,andAulonfriendlytothefruitfulvine,enviesnottheFalerniangrapes.Thatplace,andthoseblestheights,solicityouandme;thereyoushallbedewtheglowingashesofyourpoetfriendwithateardue[tohismemory].

*****

ODEVII.

TOPOMPEIUSVARUS.

Othou,oftenreducedwithmetothelastextremityinthewarwhichBrutuscarriedon,whohasrestoredtheeasaRomancitizen,tothegodsofthycountryandtheItalianair,Pompey,thoufirstofmycompanions;withwhomIhavefrequentlybrokenthetediousdayindrinking,havingmyhair,shiningwiththeSyrianmaiobathrum,crowned[withflowers]!TogetherwiththeedidIexperiencethe[battleof]Phillippiandaprecipitateflight,havingshamefullyenoughleftmyshield;whenvalor

wasbroken,andthemostdaringsmotethesqualidearthwiththeirfaces.ButMercuryswiftconveyedmeaway,terrifiedasIwas,inathickcloudthroughthemidstoftheenemy.Theethereciprocatingsea,withhistempestuouswaves,borebackagaintowar.WhereforerendertoJupitertheofferingthatisdue,anddeposityourlimbs,weariedwithatediouswar,undermylaurel,andsparenotthecasksreservedforyou.Fillupthepolishedbowlswithcare-dispellingMassic:pourouttheperfumedointmentsfromthecapaciousshells.Whotakescaretoquicklyweavethechapletsoffreshparselyormyrtle?WhomshalltheVenuspronouncetobemasteroftherevel?InwildcarouseIwillbecomefranticastheBacchanalians.'Tisdelightfultometoplaythemadman,onthereceptionofmyfriends.

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ODEVIII.

TOBARINE.

Ifanypunishment,Barine,foryourviolatedoathhadeverbeenofprejudicetoyou:ifyouhadbecomelessagreeablebytheblacknessofasingletoothornail,Imightbelieveyou.Butyounosoonerhaveboundyourperfidiousheadwithvows,butyoushineoutmorecharmingbyfar,

andcomeforththepubliccareofouryouth.Itisofadvantagetoyoutodeceivetheburiedashesofyourmother,andthesilentconstellationsofthenight,togetherwithallheaven,andthegodsfreefromchilldeath.Venusherself,Iprofess,laughsatthis;thegood-naturednymphslaugh,andcruelCupid,whoisperpetuallysharpeninghisburningdartsonabloodywhetstone.Addtothis,thatallourboysaregrowingupforyou;anewherdofslavesisgrowingup;nordotheformeronesquitthehouseoftheirimpiousmistress,notwithstandingtheyoftenhavethreatenedit.Thematronsareindreadofyouonaccountoftheiryoungones;thethriftyoldmenareindread



ofyou;andthegirlsbutjustmarriedareindistress,lestyourbeautyshouldslacken[theaffectionsof]theirhusbands.

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ODEIX.

TOTITUSVALGIUS.

Showersdonotperpetuallypourdownupontheroughfields,nordovaryinghurricanesforeverharasstheCaspianSea;nor,myfriendValgius,doesthemotionlessiceremainfixedthroughoutallthemonths,intheregionsofArmenia;nordotheGarganianoaks[always]laborunderthenortherlywinds,noraretheash-treeswidowedoftheirleaves.ButthouartcontinuallypursuingMystes,whoistakenfromthee,withmournfulmeasures:nordotheeffectsofthyloveforhimceaseattherisingofVesper,orwhenhefliestherapidapproachofthesun.Buttheagedmanwholivedthreegenerations,didnotlamenttheamiableAntilochusalltheyearsofhislife:nordidhisparentsorhisTrojansistersperpetuallybewailthebloomingTroilus.Atlengththendesistfromthytendercomplaints;andratherletussingthefresh

trophiesofAugustusCaesar,andtheFrozenNiphates,andtheriverMedus,addedtothevanquishednations,rollsmorehumbletides,andtheGeloniansridingwithinaprescribedboundaryinanarrowtractofland.

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ODEX.

TOLICINIUSMURENA.

OLicinius,youwillleadamorecorrectcourseoflife,byneitheralwayspursuingthemainocean,nor,whileyoucautiouslyareindreadofstorms,bypressingtoomuchuponthehazardousshore.Whosoeverlovesthegoldenmean,issecurefromthesordidnessofanantiquatedcell,andistooprudenttohaveapalacethatmightexposehimtoenvy,iftheloftypineismorefrequentlyagitatedwithwinds,andhightowersfalldownwithaheavierruin,andlightningsstrikethesummitsofthemountains.Awell-providedbreasthopesinadversity,andfearsinprosperity.'TisthesameJupiter,thatbringsthehideouswintersback,andthattakesthemaway.Ifitisillwithusnow,itwillnotbesohereafter.Apollosometimesrousesthesilentlyricmuse,neitherdoeshealwaysbendhisbow.Innarrowcircumstancesappearinhighspirits,andundaunted.Inthesamemanneryouwillprudentlycontract

yoursails,whichareapttobetoomuchswolleninaprosperousgale.

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ODEXI.

TOQUINTIUSHIRPINUS.



OQuintiusHirpinus,forbeartobeinquisitivewhattheCantabrian,andtheScythian,dividedfromusbytheinterposedAdriatic,ismeditating;neitherbefearfullysolicitousforthenecessariesofalife,whichrequiresbutafewthings.Youthandbeautyflyswiftaway,whilesaplessoldageexpelsthewantonlovesandgentlesleep.Thesameglorydoesnotalwaysremaintothevernalflowers,nordoestheruddymoonshinewithonecontinuedaspect;why,therefore,doyoufatigueyoumind,unequaltoeternalprojects?Whydowenotrather(whileitisinourpower)thuscarelesslyrecliningunderaloftyplane-tree,orthispine,withourhoarylocksmadefragrantbyroses,andanointedwithSyrianperfume,indulgeourselveswithgenerouswine?Bacchusdissipatespreyingcares.Whatslaveishere,instantlytocoolsomecupsofardentFalernianinthepassingstream?WhowilltemptthevagrantwantonLydefromherhouse?Seethatyoubidherhastenwithherivorylyre,collectingherhairintoagracefulknot,afterthefashionofaSpartanmaid.

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ODEXII.

TOMAECENAS.

DonotinsistthatthelongwarsoffierceNumantia,ortheformidableAnnibal,ortheSicilianSeaimpurpledwithCarthaginianblood,shouldbeadaptedtothetenderlaysofthelyre:northecruelLapithae,norHylaeusexcessiveinwineandtheearthbornyouths,subduedbyHerculeanforce,fromwhomthesplendidhabitationofoldSaturndreadeddanger.Andyouyourself,Maecenas,withmoreproprietyshallrecountthebattlesofCaesar,andthenecksofhaughtykingsledintriumphthroughthestreetsinhistoricalprose.Itwasthemuse'swillthatIshouldcelebratethesweetstrainsofmymistressLycimnia,thatIshouldcelebrateherbrightdartingeyes,andherbreastlaudably

faithfultomutuallove:whocanwithagraceintroduceherfootintothedance,or,sporting,contendinraillery,orjoinarmswiththebrightvirginsonthecelebratedDiana'sfestival.Wouldyou,[Maecenas,]changeoneofLycimnia'stressesforalltherichAchaemenespossessed,ortheMygdonianwealthoffertilePhrygia,orallthedwellingsoftheArabiansrepletewithtreasures?Especiallywhensheturnshernecktomeetyourburningkisses,orwithagentlecrueltydenies,whatshewouldmoredelighttohaveravishedthanthepetitioner--orsometimeseagerlyanticipatestosnatchthemherself.

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ODEXIII.

TOATREE.

Otree,heplantedtheeonanunluckydaywhoeverdiditfirst,andwithanimpioushandraisedtheeforthedestructionofposterity,andthescandalofthevillage.Icouldbelievethathehadbrokenhisownfather'sneck,andstainedhismostsecretapartmentswiththemidnight



bloodofhisguest.HewaswonttohandleColchianpoisons,andwhateverwickednessisanywhereconceived,whoplantedinmyfieldthee,asorrylog;thee,readytofallontheheadofthyinoffensivemaster.Whatweoughttobeawareof,nomanissufficientlycautiousatallhours.TheCarthaginiansailorthoroughlydreadstheBosphorus;nor,beyondthat,doeshefearahiddenfatefromanyotherquarter.ThesoldierdreadsthearrowsandthefleetretreatoftheParthian;theParthian,chainsandanItalianprison;buttheunexpectedassaultofdeathhascarriedoff,andwillcarryoff,theworldingeneral.HownearwasIseeingthedominionsofblackProserpine,andAeacussittinginjudgment;theseparateabodesalsoofthepious,andSapphocomplaininginherAeohanlyreofherowncountrydamsels;andthee,OAlcaeus,soundinginfullerstrainsonthygoldenharpthedistressesofexile,andthedistressesofwar.Theghostsadmirethemboth,whiletheyutterstrainsworthyofasacredsilence;butthecrowdedmultitude,pressingwiththeirshoulders,imbibes,withamoregreedyear,battlesandbanishedtyrants.Whatwonder?Sincethemanyheadedmonster,astonishedatthoselays,hangsdownhissableears;andthesnakes,entwinedinthehairofthefuries,aresoothed.Moreover,PrometheusandthesireofPelopsaredeludedintoaninsensibilityoftheirtorments,bythemelodioussound:norisOrionanylongersolicitoustoharassthelions,orthefearfullynxes.

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ODEXIV.

TOPOSTUMUS.

Alas!myPostumus,myPostumus,thefleetingyearsgildeon;norwillpietycauseanydelaytowrinkles,andadvancingoldage,andinsuperabledeath.Youcouldnot,ifyouweretosacrificeeverypassingdaythreehundredbulls,renderpropitiouspitilessPluto,whoconfinesthethrice-monstrousGeryonandTityuswiththedismalStygianstream,

namely,thatstreamwhichistobepassedoverbyallwhoarefedbythebountyoftheearth,whetherwebekingsorpoorninds.InvainshallwebefreefromsanguinaryMars,andthebrokenbillowsofthehoarseAdriatic;invainshallwebeapprehensiveforourselvesofthenoxiousSouth,inthetimeofautumn.TheblackCocytuswanderingwithlanguidcurrent,andtheinfamousraceofDanaus,andSisyphus,thesonoftheAeolus,doomedtoeternaltoil,mustbevisited;yourlandandhouseandpleasingwifemustbeleft,norshallanyofthosetrees,whichyouarenursing,followyou,theirmasterforabriefspace,exceptthehatedcypresses;aworthierheirshallconsumeyourCaecubanwinesnowguardedwithahundredkeys,andshallwetthepavementwiththehaughtywine,moreexquisitethanwhatgracespontificalentertainment.

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ODEXV.

AGAINSTTHELUXURYOFTHEROMANS.

Thepalace-likeedificeswillinashorttimeleavebutafewacresfor



theplough;pondsofwiderextentthantheLucrinelakewillbeeverywheretobeseen;andthebarrenplane-treewillsupplanttheelms.Thenbanksofviolets,andmyrtlegroves,andallthetribeofnosegaysshalldiffusetheirodorsintheoliveplantations,whichwerefruitfultotheirprecedingmaster.Thenthelaurelwithdenseboughsshallexcludetheburningbeams.ItwasnotsoprescribedbytheinstitutesofRomulus,andtheunshavenCato,andancientcustom.Theirprivateincomewascontracted,whilethatofthecommunitywasgreat.Noprivatemenwerethenpossessedofgalleriesmeasuredbyten-feetrules,whichcollectedtheshadynorthernbreezes;nordidthelawspermitthemtorejectthecasualturf[fortheirownhuts],thoughatthesametimetheyobligedthemtoornamentinthemostsumptuousmanner,withnewstone,thebuildingsofthepublic,andthetemplesofthegods,atacommonexpense.

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ODEXVI.

TOGROSPHUS.

OGrosphus,hethatiscaughtinthewideAegeanSea;whenablacktempesthasobscuredthemoon,andnotastarappearswithsteadylightforthemariners,supplicatesthegodsforrepose:forrepose,Thracefuriousinwar;thequiver-gracedMedes,forreposeneitherpurchasablebyjewels,norbypurple,norbygold.Forneitherregaltreasuresnortheconsul'sofficercanremovethewretchedtumultsofthemind,northecaresthathoveraboutsplendidceilings.Thatmanliveshappilyonalittle,whocanviewwithpleasuretheold-fashionedfamilysalt-cellaronhisfrugalboard;neitheranxietynorsordidavaricerobshimofgentlesleep.Whydowe,braveforashortseason,aimatmanythings?Whydowechangeourownforclimatesheatedbyanothersun?Whoever,bybecominganexilefromhiscountry,escapedlikewisefromhimself?Consumingcareboardsevenbrazen-beakedships:nordoesit

quitthetroopsofhorsemen,foritismorefleetthanthestags,morefleetthanthestorm-drivingeastwind.Amindthatischeerfulinitspresentstate,willdisdaintobesolicitousanyfurther,andcancorrectthebittersoflifewithaplacidsmile.Nothingisonallhandscompletelyblessed.AprematuredeathcarriedoffthecelebratedAchilles;aprotractedoldageworedownTithonus;andtimeperhapsmayextendtome,whatitshalldenytoyou.Aroundyouahundredflocksbleat,andSicilianheiferslow;foryourusethemare,fitfortheharness,neighs;wooldoublydippedintheAfricanpurple-dye,clothesyou:onmeundeceitfulfatehasbestowedasmallcountryestate,andtheslightinspirationoftheGrecianmuse,andacontemptforthemalignityofthevulgar.

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ODEXVII.

TOMAECENAS.

Whydostthotikillmewiththycomplaints?'Tisneitheragreeableto



thegods,nortome,thatthoushouldestdepartfirst,OMaecenas,thougrandornamentandpillarofmyaffairs.Alas!ifanuntimelyblowhurryawaythee,apartofmysoul,whydoItheothermoietyremain,myvaluelost,noranylongerwhole?That[fatal]dayshallbringdestructionuponusboth.Ihavebynomeanstakenafalseoath:wewillgo,wewillgo,wheneverthoushaltleadtheway,preparedtobefellow-travelersinthelastjourney.MenorthebreathofthefieryChimaera,norhundred-handedGyges,werehetoriseagain,shallevertearfromthee:suchisthewillofpowerfulJustice,andoftheFates.WhetherLibraormalignantScorpiohadtheascendantatmynatalhour,orCapricontherulerofthewesternwave,ourhoroscopesagreeinawonderfulmanner.TheethebenignprotectionofJupiter,shiningwithfriendlyaspect,rescuedfromthebalefulinfluenceofimpiousSaturn,andretardedthewingsofprecipitatedestiny,atthetimethecrowdedpeoplewithresoundingapplausesthricehailedyouinthetheatre:methetrunkofatree,fallinguponmyskull,wouldhavedispatched,hadnotFaunus,theprotectorofmenofgenius,withhisrighthandwardedofftheblow.Bethoumindfultopaythevictimsandthevotivetemple;Iwillsacrificeanhumblelamb.

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ODEXVIII.

AGAINSTAVARICEANDLUXURY.

Norivory,norafrettedceilingadornedwithgold,glittersinmyhouse:noHymettianbeamsrestuponpillarscutoutoftheextremepartsofAfrica;nor,apretendedheir,haveIpossessedmyselfofthepalaceofAttalus,nordoladies,mydependants,spinLaconianpurpleformyuse.Butintegrity,andaliberalveinofgenius,aremine:andthemanoffortunemakeshiscourttome,whoambutpoor.Iimportunethegodsnofurther,nordoIrequireofmyfriendinpoweranylargerenjoyments,sufficientlyhappywithmySabinefarmalone.Dayisdriven

onbyday,andthenewmoonshastentotheirwane.Youputoutmarbletobehewn,thoughwithonefootinthegrave;and,unmindfulofasepulcher,arebuildinghouses;andarebusytoextendtheshoreofthesea,thatbeatswithviolenceatBaiae,notrichenoughwiththeshoreofthemainland.Whyisit,thatthroughavariceyouevenpluckupthelandmarksofyourneighbor'sground,andtrespassbeyondtheboundsofyourclients;andwifeandhusbandareturnedout,bearingintheirbosomtheirhouseholdgodsandtheirdestitutechildren?Nevertheless,nocourtmorecertainlyawaitsitswealthylord,thanthedestinedlimitofrapaciousPluto.Whydoyougoon?Theimpartialearthisopenedequallytothepoorandtothesonsofkings;norhasthelife-guardferrymanofhell,bribedwithgold,re-conductedtheartfulPrometheus.HeconfinesproudTantalus;andtheraceofTantalus,hecondescends,

whetherinvokedornot,torelievethepoorfreedfromtheirlabors.

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ODEXIX.

ONBACCHUS.



ADITHYRAMBIC,ORDRINKINGSONG.

IsawBacchus(believeit,posterity)dictatingstrainsamongtheremoterocks,andthenymphslearningthem,andtheearsofthegoat-footedsatyrsallattentive.Evoe!mymindtrembleswithrecentdread,andmysoul,repletewithBacchus,hasatumultuousjoy,Evoe!spareme,Bacchus;spareme,thouwhoartformidableforthydreadfulthyrsus.ItisgrantedmetosingthewantonBacchanalianpriestess,andthefountainofwine,andrivuletsflowingwithmilk,andtotellagainofthehoneysdistillingfromthehollowtrunks.Itisgrantedmelikewisetocelebratethehonoraddedtotheconstellationsbyyourhappyspouse,andthepalaceofPentheusdemolishedwithnolightruin,andtheperditionofThracian.Lycurgus.Youcommandtherivers,youthebarbariansea.You,moistwithwine,onlonelymountain-topsbindthehairofyourThracianpriestesseswithaknotofviperswithouthurt.You,whentheimpiousbandofgiantsscaledtherealmsoffatherJupiterthroughthesky,repelledRhoetus,withthepawsandhorriblejawofthelion-shape[youhadassumed].Thou,reportedtobebetterfittedfordances,andjokesandplay,youwereaccountedinsufficientforfight;yetitthenappeared,you,thesamedeity,wasthemediatorofpeaceandwar.Uponyou,ornamentedwithyourgoldenhorn,Orberusinnocentlygazed,gentlywagginghistail;andwithhistripletonguelickedyourfeetandlegs,asyoureturned.

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ODEXX.

TOMAECENAS.

I,atwo-formedpoet,willbeconveyedthroughtheliquidairwithnovulgarorhumblewing;norwillIloiteruponearthanylonger;andsuperiortoenvy,Iwillquitcities.NotI,evenI,thebloodoflow

parents,mydearMaecenas,shalldie;norshallIberestrainedbytheStygianwave.Atthisinstantaroughskinsettlesuponmyankles,andallupwardsIamtransformedintoawhitebird,andthedownyplumagearisesovermyfingersandshoulders.Now,amelodiousbird,moreexpeditiousthantheDaepaleanIcarus,IwillvisittheshoresofthemurmuringBosphorus,andtheGzetuleanSyrtes,andtheHyperboreanplains.MetheColchianandtheDacian,whohideshisfearoftheMarsiancohort,landtheremotestGelonians,shallknow:methelearnedSpaniardshallstudy,andhethatdrinksoftheRhone.Lettherebenodirges,norunmanlylamentations,norbewailingsatmyimaginaryfuneral;suppressyourcrying,andforbearthesuperfluoushonorsofasepulcher.

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THETHIRDBOOKOFTHEODESOFHORACE.

ODEI.



ONCONTENTMENT.

Iabominatetheuninitiatedvulgar,andkeepthematadistance.Preserveareligioussilence:I,thepriestoftheMuses,singtovirginsandboysversesnotheardbefore.Thedominionofdreadsovereignsisovertheirownsubjects;thatofJupiter,gloriousforhisconquestoverthegiants,whoshakesallnaturewithhisnod,isoversovereignsthemselves.Ithappensthatoneman,arrangestrees,inregularrows,toagreaterextentthananother;thismancomesdownintotheCampus[Martius]asacandidateofabetterfamily;anothervieswithhimformoralsandabetterreputation;athirdhasasuperiornumberofdependants;butFate,bytheimpartiallawofnature,isallottedbothtotheconspicuousandtheobscure;thecapaciousurnkeepseverynameinmotion.Siciliandaintieswillnotforceadeliciousrelishtothatman,overwhoseimpiousneckthenakedswordhangs:thesongsofbirdsandthelyrewillnotrestorehissleep.Sleepdisdainsnotthehumblecottagesandshadybankofpeasants;hedisdainsnotTempe,fannedbyzephyrs.Him,whodesiresbutacompetency,neitherthetempestuoussearendersanxious,northemalignviolenceofArcturussetting,oroftherisingKid;nothisvineyardsbeatendownwithhail,andadeceitfulfarm;hisplantationsatoneseasonblamingtherains,atanother,theinfluenceoftheconstellationsparchingthegrounds,at

another,theseverewinters.Thefishesperceivetheseascontracted,bythevastfoundationsthathavebeenlaidinthedeep:hithernumerousundertakerswiththeirmen,andlords,disdainfuloftheland,senddownmortar:butanxietyandthethreatsofconscienceascendbythesamewayasthepossessor;nordoesgloomycaredepartfromthebrazen-beakedgalley,andshemountsbehindthehorseman.SincethennorPhrygianmarble,northeuseofpurplemoredazzlingthanthesun,northeFalernianvine,northePersiannard,composesatroubledmind,whyshouldIsetaboutaloftyedificewithcolumnsthatexciteenvy,andinthemoderntaste?WhyshouldIexchangemySabinevaleforwealth,whichisattendedwithmoretrouble?

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ODEII.

AGAINSTTHEDEGENERACYOFTHEROMANYOUTH.

Lettherobustyouthlearnpatientlytoendurepinchingwantintheactiveexerciseofarms;andasanexperthorseman,dreadfulforhisspear,lethimharassthefierceParthians;andlethimleadalifeexposedtotheopenair,andfamiliarwithdangers.Him,theconsortandmarriageablevirgin-daughterofsomewarringtyrant,viewingfromthe

hostilewalls,maysigh---Alas!letnottheaffiancedprince,inexperiencedasheisinarms,provokebyatouchthisterriblelion,whombloodyragehurriesthroughthemidstofslaughter.Itissweetandglorioustodieforone'scountry;deathevenpursuesthemanthatfliesfromhim;nordoeshesparethetremblingkneesofeffeminateyouth,northecowardback.Virtue,unknowingofbaserepulse,shineswithimmaculatehonors;nordoessheassumenorlayasidetheensignsofherdignity,attheveeringofthepopularair.Virtue,throwingopenheaventothosewhodeservenottodie,directsherprogressthroughpathsofdifficulty,andspurnswitharapidwinggrovellingcowardsandthe



slipperyearth.Thereislikewiseasurerewardforfaithfulsilence.Iwillprohibitthatman,whoshalldivulgethesacredritesofmysteriousCeres,frombeingunderthesameroofwithme,orfromsettingsailwithmeinthesamefragilebark:forJupiter,whenslighted,oftenjoinsagoodmaninthesamefatewithabadone.Seldomhathpunishment,thoughlame,offoot,failedtoovertakethewicked.

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ODEIII.

ONSTEADINESSANDINTEGRITY.

Nottherageofthepeoplepressingtohurtfulmeasures,nottheaspectofathreateningtyrantcanshakefromhissettledpurposethemanwhoisjustanddeterminedinhisresolution;norcanthesouthwind,thattumultuousruleroftherestlessAdriatic,northemightyhandofthunderingJove;ifacrushedworldshouldfallinuponhim,theruinswouldstrikehimundismayed.BythischaracterPollux,bythisthewanderingHercules,arrivedatthestarrycitadels;amongwhomAugustushasnowtakenhisplace,andquaffsnectarwithempurpledlips.Thee,O

FatherBacchus,meritoriousforthisvirtue,thytigerscarried,drawingtheyokewithintractableneck;bythisRomulusescapedAcherononthehorsesofMars--Junohavingspokenwhatthegodsinfullconclaveapprove:"Troy,Troy,afatalandlewdjudge,andaforeignwoman,havereducedtoashes,condemned,withitsinhabitantsandfraudulentprince,tomeandthechasteMinerva,eversinceLaomedondisappointedthegodsofthestipulatedreward.NowneithertheinfamousguestoftheLacedaemonianadulteressshines;nordoesPriam'sperjuredfamilyrepelthewarlikeGreciansbytheaidofHector,andthatwar,spunouttosuchalengthbyourfactions,hassunktopeace.Henceforth,therefore,IwillgiveuptoMarsbothmybitterresentment,andthedetestedgrandson,whomtheTrojanprincesbore.HimwillIsuffertoenterthebrightregions,todrinkthejuiceofnectar,andtobeenrolledamong

thepeacefulorderofgods.AslongastheextensivesearagesbetweenTroyandRome,letthem,exiles,reignhappyinanyotherpartoftheworld:aslongascattletrampleuponthetombofPriamandParis,andwildbeastsconcealtheiryoungonestherewithimpunity,maytheCapitolremaininsplendor,andmaybraveRomebeabletogivelawstotheconqueredMedes.Tremendousletherextendhernameabroadtotheextremestboundariesoftheearth,wherethemiddleoceanseparatesEuropefromAfrica,wheretheswollenNilewaterstheplains;morebraveindespisinggoldasyetundiscovered,andsobestsituatedwhilehiddenintheearth,thaninforcingitoutfortheusesofmankind,withahandreadytomakedepredationsoneverythingthatissacred.Whateverendoftheworldhasmaderesistance,thatletherreachwithherarms,joyfullyalerttovisit,eventhatpartwherefieryheatsragemadding;

thatwherecloudsandrainsstormwithunmoderatedfury.ButIpronouncethisfatetothewarlikeRomans,uponthiscondition;thatneitherthroughanexcessofpiety,norofconfidenceintheirpower,theybecomeinclinedtorebuildthehousesoftheirancestors'Troy.ThefortuneofTroy,revivingunderunluckyauspices,shallberepeatedwithlamentabledestruction,I,thewifeandsisterofJupiter,leadingonthevictoriousbands.Thrice,ifabrazenwallshouldarisebymeansofitsfounderPhoebus,thriceshoulditfall,demolishedbymyGrecians;thriceshouldthecaptivewifebewailherhusbandandherchildren."Thesethemesillsuitthemerrylyre.Whither,muse,areyou



going?--Cease,impertinent,torelatethelanguageofthegods,andtodebasegreatthingsbyyourtriflingmeasures.

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ODEIV.

TOCALLIOPE.

Descendfromheaven,queenCalliope,andcomesingwithyourpipealengthenedstrain;or,ifyouhadnowrather,withyourclearvoice,orontheharporluteofPhoebus.Doyehear?ordoesapleasingfrenzydeludeme?Iseemtohear[her],andtowander[withher]alongthehallowedgroves,throughwhichpleasantrivuletsandgalesmaketheirway.Me,whenachild,andfatiguedwithplay,insleepthewoodlanddoves,famousinstory,coveredwithgreenleavesintheApulianVultur,justwithoutthelimitsofmynativeApulia;sothatitwasmatterofwondertoallthatinhabitthenestofloftyAcherontia,theBantineForests,andtherichsoiloflowFerentum,howIcouldsleepwithmybodysafefromdeadlyvipersandravenousbears;howIcouldbecoveredwithsacredlaurelandmyrtleheapedtogether,thoughachild,not

animatedwithoutthe[inspirationofthe]gods.Yours,Oyemuses,Iamyours,whetherIamelevatedtotheSabineheights;orwhetherthecoolPraeneste,ortheslopingTibur,orthewateryBaiaehavedelightedme.Me,whoamattachedtoyourfountainsanddances,notthearmyputtoflightatPhilippi,nottheexecrabletree,noraPalinurusintheSicilianSeahasdestroyed.WhileyoushallbewithmewithpleasurewillI,asailor,daretheragingBosphorus;or,atraveler,theburningsandsoftheAssyrianshore:IwillvisittheBritonsinhumantostrangers,andtheConcaniandelighted[withdrinking]thebloodofhorses;IwillvisitthequiveredGeloni,andtheScythianriverwithouthurt.YouentertainedloftyCaesar,seekingtoputanendtohistoils,inthePieriangrotto,assoonashehaddistributedintownshistroops,weariedbycampaigning:youadminister[tohim]moderate

counsel,andgraciouslyrejoiceatitwhenadministered.Weareawarehowhe,whorulestheinactiveearthandthestormymain,thecitiesalso,andthedrearyrealms[ofhell],andalonegovernswitharighteousswaybothgodsandthehumanmultitude,howhetookofftheimpiousTitansandthegigantictroopbyhisfallingthunderbolts.Thathorridyouth,trustingtothestrengthoftheirarms,andthebrethrenproceedingtoplacePelionuponshadyOlympus,hadbroughtgreatdread[even]uponJove.ButwhatcouldTyphoeus,andthestrongMimas,orwhatPorphyrionwithhismenacingstatue;whatRhoetus,andEnceladus,afiercedarterwithtreesuptorn,avail,thoughrushingviolentlyagainstthesoundingshieldofPallas?AtonepartstoodtheeagerVulcan,atanotherthematronJuno,andhe,whoisneverdesiroustolayasidehisbowfromhisshoulders,Apollo,thegodofDelosandPatara,whobathes

hisflowinghairinthepuredewofCastalia,andpossessesthegrovesofLyciaandhisnativewood.Force,voidofconduct,fallsbyitsownweight;moreover,thegodspromotediscreetforcetofurtheradvantage;butthesamebeingsdetestforces,thatmeditateeverykindofimpiety.Thehundred-handedGygesisanevidenceofthesentimentsIallege:andOrion,thetempterofthespotlessDiana,destroyedbyavirgindart.Theearth,heapedoverherownmonsters,grievesandlamentsheroffspring,senttomurkyHadesbyathunderbolt;nordoestheactivefireconsumeAetnathatisplacedoverit,nordoesthevulturedeserttheliverofincontinentTityus,beingstationedthereasanavengerof



hisbaseness;andthreehundredchainsconfinetheamorousPirithous.

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ODEV.

ONTHERECOVERYOFTHESTANDARDSFROMPHRAATES.

WebelievefromhisthunderingthatJupiterhasdominionintheheavens:AugustusshallbeesteemedapresentdeitytheBritonsandterribleParthiansbeingaddedtotheempire.What!hasanysoldierofCrassuslived,adegradedhusbandwithabarbarianwife?Andhas(O[corrupted]senate,anddegeneratemorals!)theMarsianandApulian,unmindfulofthesacredbucklers,ofthe[Roman]nameandgown,andofeternalVesta,grownoldinthelandsofhostilefathers-in-law,Jupiterandthecitybeinginsafety?TheprudentmindofRegulushadprovidedagainstthis,dissentingfromignominiousterms,andinferringfromsuchaprecedentdestructiontothesucceedingage,ifthecaptiveyouthwerenottoperishunpitied.Ihavebeheld,saidhe,theRomanstandardsaffixedtotheCarthaginiantemples,andtheirarmstakenawayfromoursoldierswithoutbloodshed.Ihavebeheldthearmsofourcitizensboundbehind

theirfree-bornbacks,andthegates[oftheenemy]unshut,andthefields,whichweredepopulatedbyourbattles,cultivatedanew.Thesoldier,tobesure,ransomedbygold,willreturnabraverfellow!--No--youaddlosstoinfamy;[for]neitherdoesthewooloncestainedbythedyeofthesea-weedeverresumeitslostcolor;nordoesgenuinevalor,whenonceithasfailed,caretoresumeitsplaceinthosewhohavedegeneratedthroughcowardice.Ifthehind,disentangledfromthethicksettoils,everfights,thenindeedshallhebevalorous,whohasintrustedhimselftofaithlessfoes;andheshalltrampleupontheCarthaginiansinasecondwar,whodastardlyhasfeltthethongswithhisarmstiedbehindhim,andhasbeenafraidofdeath.He,knowingnootherwaytopreservehislife,hasconfoundedpeacewithwar.Oscandal!OmightyCarthage,elevatedtoahigherpitchbyItaly's

disgracefuldownfall!He_(Regulus)_isreportedtohaverejectedtheembraceofhisvirtuouswifeandhislittlesonslikeonedegraded;andtohavesternlyfixedhismanlycountenanceontheground,until,asanadviser,byhiscounselheconfirmedthewaveringsenators,andamidhisweepingfriendshastenedaway,agloriousexile.Notwithstandingheknewwhatthebarbarianexecutionerwasprovidingforhim,yethepushedfromhisopposingkindredandthepopulaceretardinghisreturn,innoothermanner,thanif(afterhehadquittedthetediousbusinessofhisclients,bydeterminingtheirsuit)hewasonlygoingtotheVenafrianplains,ortheLacedaemonianTarentum.

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ODEVI.

TOTHEROMANS.

Thoushaltatone,ORoman,forthesinsofyourancestors,thoughinnocent,tillyoushallhaverepairedthetemplesandtotteringshrinesofthegods,andtheirstatues,defiledwithsootysmoke.Thouboldest



sway,becausethoubearestthyselfsubordinatetothegods;tothissourcerefereveryundertaking;tothis,everyevent.Thegods,becauseneglected,haveinflictedmanyevilsoncalamitousItaly.AlreadyhasMonaeses,andthebandofPacorus,twicerepelledourinauspiciousattacks,andexultsinhavingaddedtheRomanspoilstotheirtrivialcollars.TheDacianandEthiopianhavealmostdemolishedthecityengagedincivilbroils,theoneformidableforhisfleet,theothermoreexpertformissilearrows.Thetimes,fertileinwickedness,haveinthefirstplacepollutedthemarriagestate,and[thence]theissueandfamilies.Fromthisfountainperditionbeingderived,hasoverwhelmedthenationandpeople.ThemarriageablevirgindelightstobetaughttheIonicdances,andevenatthistimeistrainedupin[seductive]arts,andcherishesunchastedesiresfromherveryinfancy.Soonaftershecourtsyoungerdebaucheeswhenherhusbandisinhiscups,norhassheanychoice,towhomsheshallprivatelygrantherforbiddenpleasureswhenthelightsareremoved,butatthewordofcommand,openly,notwithouttheknowledgeofherhusband,shewillcomeforth,whetheritbeafactorthatcallsforher,orthecaptainofaSpanishship,theextravagantpurchaserofherdisgrace.Itwasnotayouthbornfromparentslikethese,thatstainedtheseawithCarthaginiangore,andslewPyrrhus,andmightyAntiochus,andterrificAnnibal;butamanlyprogenyofrusticsoldiers,instructedtoturntheglebewithSabinespades,andtocarryclubscut[outofthewoods]atthepleasureofarigidmother,whattimethesunshiftedtheshadowsof

themountains,andtooktheyokesfromtheweariedoxen,bringingonthepleasanthourwithhisretreatingchariot.Whatdoesnotwastingtimedestroy?Theageofourfathers,worsethanourgrandsires,producedusstillmoreflagitious,us,whoareabouttoproductamoffspringmorevicious[eventhanourselves].

*****

ODEVII.

TOASTERIE.

Why,OAsterie,doyouweepforGyges,ayouthofinviolableconstancy,whomthekindlyzephyrswillrestoretoyouinthebeginningoftheSpring,enrichedwithaBithyniancargo?DrivenasfarasOricumbythesouthernwinds,after[therising]oftheGoat'stempestuousconstellation,hesleeplesspassesthecoldnightsinabundantweeping[foryou];buttheagentofhisanxiouslandladyslylytemptshimbyathousandmethods,informinghimthat[hismistress],Chloe,issighingforhim,andburnswiththesamelovethatthouhastforhim.HeremonstrateswithhimhowaperfidiouswomanurgedthecredulousProetus,byfalseaccusations,tohastenthedeathoftheover-chasteBellerophon.HetellshowPeleuswasliketohavebeengivenuptothe

infernalregions,whileoutoftemperanceheavoidedtheMagnesianHippolyte:andthedeceiverquoteshistoriestohim,thatarelessonsforsinning.Invain;for,heart-wholeasyet,hereceiveshiswordsdeaferthantheIcarianrocks.Butwithregardtoyou,haveacarelestyourneighborEnipeusprovetoopleasing.Thoughnootherpersonequallyskillfultoguidethesteed,isconspicuousinthecourse,nordoesanyonewithequalswiftnessswimdowntheEtrurianstream,yetsecureyourhouseattheveryapproachofnight,norlookdownintothestreetsatthesoundofthedolefulpipe;andremaininflexibletowardhim,thoughheoftenupbraidtheewithcruelty.



*****

ODEVIII.

TOMAECENAS.

OMaecenas,learnedinbothlanguages,youwonderwhatI,asingleman,havetodoonthecalendsofMarch;whattheseflowersmean,andthecenserrepletewithfrankincense,andthecoalslaidupontheliveturf.Imadeavowofajoyousbanquet,andawhitegoattoBacchus,afterhavingbeenatthepointofdeathbyablowfromatree.Thisday,sacredintherevolvingyear,shallremovethecorkfastenedwithpitchfromthatjar,whichwassettoinhalethesmokeintheconsulshipofTullus.Take,myMaecenas,ahundredcupsonaccountofthesafetyofyourfriend,andcontinuethewakefullampseventoday-light:allclamorandpassionbefaraway.Postponeyourpoliticalcareswithregardtothestate:thearmyoftheDacianCotisonisdefeated;thetroublesomeMedeisquarrelingwithhimselfinahorrible[civil]war:theCantabrian,ouroldenemyontheSpanishcoast,issubjecttous,thoughconqueredbyalong-disputedvictory:now,too,theScythiansare

preparingtoquitthefieldwiththeirimbentbows.Neglectful,asaprivateperson,forbeartobetoosolicitouslestthecommunityinanywisesuffer,andjoyfullyseizetheboonsofthepresenthour,andquitseriousaffairs.

*****

ODEIX.

TOLYDIA.

HORACE.AslongasIwasagreeabletothee,andnootheryouthmorefavoredwaswonttofoldhisarmsaroundthysnowyneck,IlivedhappierthanthePersianmonarch.

LYDIA.Aslongasthouhadstnotagreaterflameforanyother,norwasLydiabelowChloe[inthineaffections],ILydia,ofdistinguishedfame,flourishedmoreeminentthantheRomanIlia.

HOR.TheThracianChloenowcommandsme,skillfulinsweetmodulations,andamistressofthelyre;forwhomIwouldnotdreadtodie,ifthefateswouldspareher,mysurvivingsoul.

LYD.Calais,thesonoftheThurianOrnitus,inflamesmewithamutualfire;forwhomIwouldtwiceenduretodie,ifthefateswouldsparemysurvivingyouth.

HOR.What!ifourformerlovereturns,andunitesbyabrazenyokeusonceparted?WhatifChloewithhergoldenlocksbeshakenoff,andthedooragainopentoslightedLydia.

LYD.Thoughheisfairerthanastar,thouofmorelevitythanacork,andmorepassionatethantheblusteringAdriatic;withtheeIshould



lovetolive,withtheeIwouldcheerfullydie.

*****

ODEX.

TOLYCE.

OLyce,hadyoudrunkfromtheremoteTanais,inastateofmarriagewithtomebarbarian,yetyoumightbesorrytoexposeme,prostratebeforeyourobduratedoors,tothenorthwindsthathavemadethoseplacestheirabode.Doyouhearwithwhatanoiseyourgate,withwhat[anoise]thegrove,plantedaboutyourelegantbuildings,rebellowstothewinds?AndhowJupiterglazesthesettledsnowwithhisbrightinfluence?Layasidedisdain,offensivetoVenus,lestyourropeshouldrunbackward,whilethewheelisrevolving.YourTyrrhenianfatherdidnotbegetyoutobeasinaccessibleasPenelopetoyourwooers.Othoughneitherpresents,norprayers,northeviolet-tincturedpalenessofyourlovers,noryourhusbandsmittenwithamusicalcourtezan,bendyoutopity;yet[atlength]spareyoursuppliants,youthatarenotsofterthanthesturdyoak,norofagentlerdispositionthantheAfrican

serpents.Thisside[ofmine]willnotalwaysbeabletoendureyourthreshold,andtherain.

*****

ODEXI.

TOMERCURY.

OMercury,forunderthyinstructiontheingeniousAmphionmovedrocks

byhisvoice,youbeinghistutor;andthoughmyharp,skilledinsounding,withsevenstrings,formerlyneithervocalnorpleasing,butnowagreeablebothtothetablesofthewealthyandthetemples[ofthegods];dictatemeasurestowhichLydemayinclineherobstinateears,who,likeafillyofthreeyearsold,playsandfrisksaboutinthespaciousfields,inexperiencedinnuptialloves,andhithertounripeforabriskhusband.Youareabletodrawafteryourtigersandattendantwoods,andtoretardrapidrivers.Toyourblandishmentstheenormousporterofthe[infernal]palaceyielded,thoughahundredserpentsfortifyhishead,andapestilentialsteamandaninfectiouspoisonissuefromhistriple-tonguedmouth.Moreover,IxionandTityussmiledwithareluctantaspect:whileyousoothethedaughtersofDanauswithyourdelightfulharmony,theirvesselforsometimeremaineddry.Let

Lydehearofthecrime,andthewell-knownpunishmentofthevirgins,andthecaskemptiedbythewaterstreamingthroughthebottom,andwhatlastingfatesawaittheirmisdeedsevenbeyondthegrave.Impious!(forwhatgreaterimpietycouldtheyhavecommitted?)Impious!whocoulddestroytheirbridegroomswiththecruelsword!Oneoutofthemany,worthyofthenuptialtorch,wasnoblyfalsetoherperjuredparent,andamaidenillustrioustoallposterity;she,whosaidtoheryouthfulhusband,"Arise!arise!lestaneternalsleepbegiventoyoufromahandyouhavenosuspicionof;disappointyourfather-in-lawandmywickedsisters,who,likelionesseshavingpossessedthemselvesof



calves(alas)!teareachofthemtopieces;I,ofsoftermoldthanthey,willneitherstrikethee,nordetaintheeinmycustody.Letmyfatherloadmewithcruelchains,becauseoutofmercyIsparedmyunhappyspouse;lethimtransportmeeventotheextremeNumidianplains.Depart,whitheryourfeetandthewindscarryyou,whilethenightandVenusarefavorable:departwithhappyomen;yet,notforgetfulofme,engravemymournfulstoryonmytomb."

*****

ODEXII.

TONEOBULE.

Itisforunhappymaidensneithertogiveindulgencetolove,nortowashawaycareswithdeliciouswine;ortobedispiritedoutofdreadofthelashesofanuncle'stongue.ThewingedboyofVenus,ONeobule,hasdeprivedyouofyourspindleandyourwebs,andthebeautyofHebrusfromLiparaofinclinationforthelaborsofindustriousMinerva,afterhehasbathedhisanointedshouldersinthewatersoftheTiber;abetterhorsemanthanBellerophonhimself,neitherconqueredatboxing,

norbywantofswiftnessintherace:heisalsoskilledtostrikewithhisjavelinthestags,flyingthroughtheopenplainsinfrightenedherd,andactivetosurprisethewildboarlurkinginthedeepthicket.

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ODEXIII.TOTHEBANDUSIANFOUNTAIN.

OthoufountainofBandusia,clearerthanglass,worthyofdeliciouswine,notunadornedbyflowers;to-morrowthoushaltbepresentedwitha

kid,whoseforehead,poutingwithnewhorns,determinesuponbothloveandwarinvain;forthisoffspringofthewantonflockshalltingethycoolingstreamswithscarletblood.Thesevereseasonoftheburningdog-starcannotreachthee;thouaffordestarefreshingcoolnesstotheoxenfatiguedwiththeplough-share,andtotherangingflock.Thoualsoshaltbecomeoneofthefamousfountains,throughmycelebratingtheoakthatcoversthehollowrock,whencethyprattlingrillsdescendwithabound.

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ODEXIV.

TOTHEROMANS.

AugustusCaesar,Oyepeople,whowaslatelysaid,likeanotherHercules,tohavesoughtforthelaureltobepurchasedonlybydeath,revisitshisdomesticgods,victoriousfromtheSpanishshore.Letthematron(_Livia_),towhomherhusbandaloneisdear,comeforthinpublicprocession,havingfirstperformedherdutytothejustgods;and



(_Octavia_),thesisterofourgloriousgeneral;themothersalsoofthemaidensandoftheyouthsjustpreservedfromdanger,becominglyadornedwithsupplicatoryfillets.Ye,Oyoungmen,andyoungwomenlatelymarried,abstainfromill-omenedwords.Thisday,tomearealfestival,shallexpelgloomycares:Iwillneitherdreadcommotions,norviolentdeath,whileCaesarisinpossessionoftheearth.Go,slave,andseekforperfumeandchaplets,andacaskthatrememberstheMarsianwar,ifanyvesselcouldeludethevagabondSpartacus.AndbidthetunefulNeaeramakehastetocollectintoaknotherauburnhair;_but_ifanydelayshouldhappenfromthesurlyporter,comeaway.Hoaryhairmollifiesmindsthatarefondofstrifeandpetulantwrangling.Iwouldnothaveenduredthistreatment,warmwithyouthintheconsulshipofPlancus.

*****

ODEXV.

TOCHLORIS.

YouwifeoftheindigentIbycus,atlengthputanendtoyour

wickedness,andyourinfamouspractices.Ceasetosportamongthedamsels,andtodiffuseacloudamongbrightconstellations,nowonthevergeofatimelydeath.IfanythingwillbecomePholoe,itdoesnotyouChloris,likewise.Yourdaughterwithmoreproprietyattackstheyoungmen'sapartments,likeaBacchanalianrousedupbytherattlingtimbrel.TheloveofNothusmakesherfriskaboutlikeawantonshe-goat.ThewoolshornnearthefamousLuceriabecomesyounowantiquated:notmusicalinstruments,orthedamaskfloweroftherose,orhogsheadsdrunkdowntothelees.

*****

ODEXVI.

TOMAECENAS.

Abrazentower,anddoorsofoak,andthemelancholywatchofwakefuldogs,hadsufficientlydefendedtheimprisonedDanaefrommidnightgallants,hadnotJupiterandVenuslaughedatAcrisius,theanxiouskeeperoftheimmuredmaiden:[fortheywellknew]thatthewaywouldbesafeandopen,afterthegodhadtransformedhimselfintoabribe.Golddelightstopenetratethroughthemidstofguards,andtobreakthroughstone-walls,morepotentthanthethunderbolt.ThefamilyoftheGrecian

augurperished,immersedindestructiononaccountoflucre.ThemanofMacedoncleftthegatesofthecitiesandsubvertedrivalmonarchsbybribery.Bribesenthrallfiercecaptainsofships.Care,andathirstforgreaterthings,istheconsequenceofincreasingwealth.Therefore,Maecenas,thougloryofthe[Roman]knights,Ihavejustlydreadedtoraisethefar-conspicuoushead.Asmuchmoreasanymanshalldenyhimself,somuchmoreshallhereceivefromthegods.NakedasIam,Iseekthecampsofthosewhocovetnothing;andasadeserter,rejoicetoquitthesideofthewealthy:amoreillustriouspossessorofacontemptiblefortune,thanifIcouldbesaidtotreasureupinmy



granariesallthattheindustriousApuliancultivates,pooramidabundanceofwealth.Arivuletofclearwater,andawoodofafewacres,andacertainprospectofmygoodcrop,areblessingsunknowntohimwhoglittersintheproconsulshipoffertileAfrica:Iammorehappilycircumstanced.ThoughneithertheCalabrianbeesproducehoney,norwineripenstoageformeinaFormiancask,norrichfleecesincreaseinGallicpastures;yetdistressfulpovertyisremote;nor,ifIdesiredmore,wouldyourefusetograntitme.Ishallbebetterabletoextendmysmallrevenues,bycontractingmydesires,thanifIcouldjointhekingdomofAlyattestothePhrygianplains.Muchiswantingtothosewhocovetmuch.'TiswellwithhimtowhomGodhasgivenwhatisnecessarywithasparinghand.

*****

ODEXVII.

TOAELIUSLAMIA.

OAelius,whoartnoblydescendedfromtheancientLamus(forasmuchastheyreport,thatboththefirstoftheLamianfamilyhadtheirname

hence,andalltheraceofthedescendantsthroughfaithfulrecordsderivesitsoriginfromthatfounder,whoissaidtohavepossessed,asprince,theFormianwalls,andLirisglidingontheshoresofMarica--anextensivepotentate).To-morrowatempestsentfromtheeastshallstrewthegrovewithmanyleaves,andtheshorewithuselesssea-weed,unlessthatoldprophetessofrain,theraven,deceivesme.Pileupthedrywood,whileyoumay;to-morrowyoushallindulgeyourgeniuswithwine,andwithapigoftwomonthsold,withyourslavesdismissedfromtheirlabors.

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ODEXVIII.

TOFAUNUS.

AHYMN.

OFaunus,thouloveroftheflyingnymphs,benignlytraversemybordersandsunnyfields,anddepartpropitioustotheyoungoffspringofmyflocks;ifatenderkidfall[avictim]totheeatthecompletionoftheyear,andplentyofwinesbenotwantingtothegoblet,thecompanionofVenus,andtheancientaltarsmokewithliberalperfume.Allthecattle

sportinthegrassyplain,whenthenonesofDecemberreturntothee;thevillagekeepingholidayenjoysleisureinthefields,togetherwiththeoxenfreefromtoil.Thewolfwandersamongthefearlesslambs;thewoodscattersitsruralleavesforthee,andthelaborerrejoicestohavebeatenthehatedgroundintripledance.

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ODEXIX.

TOTELEPHUS.

HowfarCodrus,whowasnotafraidtodieforhiscountry,isremovedfromInachus,andtheraceofAeacus,andthebattlesalsothatwerefoughtatsacredTroy--[thesesubjects]youdescantupon;butatwhatpricewemaypurchaseahogsheadofChian;whoshallwarmthewater[forbathing];whofindsahouse:andatwhathourIamtogetridofthesePeligniancolds,youaresilent.Giveme,boy,[abumper]forthenewmooninaninstant,givemeoneformidnight,andoneforMurenatheaugur.Letourgobletsbemixedupwiththreeorninecups,accordingtoeveryone'sdisposition.Theenrapturedbard,whodelightsintheodd-numberedmuses,shallcallforbrimmersthricethree.EachoftheGraces,inconjunctionwiththenakedsisters,fearfulofbroils,prohibitsupwardofthree.Itismypleasuretorave;whyceasethebreathingsofthePhrygianflute?Whyisthepipehungupwiththesilentlyre?Ihateyourniggardlyhandfuls:strewrosesfreely.LettheenviousLycushearthejovialnoise;andletourfairneighbor,ill-suitedtotheoldLycus,[hearit.]TheripeRhodeaimsatthee,Telephus,smartwiththybushylocks;atthee,brightasthecleareveningstar;theloveofmyGlyceraslowlyconsumesme.

*****

ODEXX.

TOPYRRHUS.

Doyounotperceive,OPyrrhus,atwhathazardyonaretakingawaythewhelpsfromaGutulianlioness?Inalittlewhileyou,atimorousravisher,shallflyfromthesevereengagement,whensheshallmarchthroughtheopposingbandofyouths,re-demandingherbeauteous

Nearchus;agrandcontest,whetheragreatershareofbootyshallfalltotheeortoher!Inthemeantime,whileyouproduceyourswiftarrows,shewhetsherterrificteeth;whiletheumpireofthecombatisreportedtohaveplacedthepalmunderhisnakedfoot,andrefreshedhisshoulder,overspreadwithhisperfumedlocks,withthegentlebreeze:justsuchanotherwasNireus,orhethatwasravishedfromthewateryIda.

*****

ODEXXI.

TOHISJAR.

Othougoodlycask,thatwastbroughttolightatthesametimewithmeintheconsulshipofManlius,whetherthoucontainesttheoccasionofcomplaint,orjest,orbroilsandmaddeningamours,orgentlesleep;underwhatevertitlethoupreservestthechoiceMassic,worthytoberemovedonanauspiciousday;descend,Corvinusbidsmedrawthemellowestwine.He,thoughheisimbuedintheSocraticlectures,will



notmoroselyrejectthee.ThevirtueevenofoldCatoisrecordedtohavebeenfrequentlywarmedwithwine.Thouappliestagentleviolencetothatdisposition,whichisingeneraloftheroughercast:Thourevealestthecaresandsecretdesignsofthewise,bytheassistanceofmerryBacchus.Yourestorehopeandspirittoanxiousminds,andgivehornstothepoorman,whoafter[tasting]youneitherdreadsthediademsofenragedmonarchs,northeweaponsofthesoldiers.TheeBacchus,andVenus,ifshecomesingood-humor,andtheGraceslothtodissolvetheknot[oftheirunion],andlivinglightsshallprolong,tillreturningPhoebusputsthestarstoflight.

*****

ODEXXII.

TODIANA.

Ovirgin,protectressofthemountainsandthegroves,thouthree-formedgoddess,whothriceinvoked,hearestyoungwomeninlabor,andsavestthemfromdeath;sacredtotheebethispinethatovershadowsmyvilla,whichI,atthecompletionofeveryyear,joyfulwillpresentwiththe

bloodofaboar-pig,justmeditatinghisobliqueattack.

*****

ODEXXIII.

TOPHIDYLE.

MyrusticPhidyle,ifyouraiseyoursupplianthandstoheavenatthenewmoon,andappeasethehouseholdgodswithfrankincense,andthis

year'sfruits,andaraveningswine;thefertilevineshallneitherfeelthepestilentialsouth-west,northecornthebarrenblight,oryourdearbroodthesicklyseasoninthefruit-bearingautumn.Forthedestinedvictim,whichispasturedinthesnowyAlgidusamongtheoaksandholmtrees,orthrivesintheAlbanianmeadows,withitsthroatshallstaintheaxesofthepriests.Itisnotrequiredofyou,whoarecrowningourlittlegodswithrosemaryandthebrittlemyrtle,topropitiatethemwithagreatslaughterofsheep.Ifaninnocenthandtouchesaclear,amagnificentvictimdoesnotpacifytheoffendedPenatesmoreacceptably,thanaconsecratedcakeandcracklingsalt.

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ODEXXIV.

TOTHECOVETOUS.

Though,morewealthythantheunrifledtreasuresoftheArabiansandrichIndia,youshouldpossessyourselfbyyouredificesofthewholeTyrrhenianandApulianseas;yet,ifcruelfatefixesitsadamantine



grapplesuponthetopmostroofs,youshallnotdisengageyourmindfromdread,noryourlifefromthesnaresofdeath.TheScythiansthatdwellintheplains,whosecarts,accordingtotheircustom,drawtheirvagranthabitations,liveinabettermanner;and[sodo]theroughGetae,whoseuncircumscribedacresproducefruitsandcornfreetoall,norisalongerthanannualtillageagreeable,andasuccessorleaveshimwhohasaccomplishedhislaborbyanequalright.Theretheguiltlesswifespareshermotherlessstep-children,nordoestheportionedspousegovernherhusband,norputanyconfidenceinasleekadulterer.Theirdoweristhehighvirtueoftheirparents,andachastityreservedfromanyothermanbyasteadfastsecurity;andit,isforbiddentosin,ortherewardisdeath.Oiftherebeanyonewillingtoremoveourimpiousslaughters,andcivilrage;ifhebedesiroustobewrittenFATHEROFTHESTATE,onstatues[erectedtohim],lethimdaretocurbinsuperablelicentiousness,andbeeminenttoposterity;sincewe(Oinjustice!)detestvirtuewhileliving,butinvidiouslyseekforheraftersheistakenoutofourview.Towhatpurposeareourwoefulcomplaints,ifsinisnotcutoffwithpunishment?Ofwhatefficacyareemptylaws,withoutmorals;ifneitherthatpartoftheworldwhichisshutinbyferventheats,northatsidewhichbordersuponBoreas,andsnowshardenedupontheground,keepoffthemerchant;[and]theexpertsailorsgetthebetterofthehorribleseas?Poverty,agreatreproach,impelsusbothtodoandtosufferanything,anddesertsthepathofdifficultvirtue.Letus,then,castourgemsand

preciousstonesanduselessgold,thecauseofextremeevil,eitherintotheCapitol,whithertheacclamationsandcrowdofapplauding[citizens]callus,orintotheadjoiningocean.Ifwearetrulypenitentforourenormities,theveryelementsofdepravedlustaretobeerased,andthemindsoftoosoftamoldshouldbeformedbysevererstudies.Thenobleyouthknowsnothowtokeephisseatonhorsebackandisafraidtogoahunting,moreskilledtoplay(ifyouchooseit)withtheGreciantrochus,ordice,prohibitedbylaw;whilethefather'sperjuredfaithcandeceivehispartnerandfriend,andhehastenstogetmoneyforanunworthyheir.Inaword,iniquitouswealthincreases,yetsomethingiseverwantingtotheincompletefortune.

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ODEXXV.

TOBACCHUS.

ADITHYRAMBIC.

Whither,OBacchus,artthouhurryingme,repletewithyourinfluence?Intowhatgroves,intowhatrecessesamIdriven,actuatedwithuncommonspirit?Inwhatcaverns,meditatingtheimmortalhonorofillustrious

Caesar,shallIbeheardenrollinghimamongthestarsandthecouncilofJove?Iwilluttersomethingextraordinary,new,hithertounsungbyanyothervoice.ThusthesleeplessBacchanalisstruckwithenthusiasm,castinghereyesuponHebrus,andThracebleachedwithsnow,andRhodopetraversedbythefeetofbarbarians.HowamIdelightedinmyrambles,toadmiretherocksandthedesertgrove!OlordoftheNaiadsandtheBacchanalianwomen,whoareablewiththeirhandstooverthrowloftyash-trees;nothinglittle,nothinglow,nothingmortalwillIsing.Charmingisthehazard,OBacchus,toaccompanythegod,whobindshistempleswiththeverdantvine-leaf.



*****

ODEXXVI.

TOVENUS.

Ilatelylivedaproperpersonforgirls,andcampaigneditnotwithouthonor;butnowthiswall,whichguardstheleftsideof[thestatue]ofsea-bornVenus,shallhavemyarmsandmylyredischargedfromwarfare.Here,here,deposittheshiningflambeaux,andthewrenchingirons,andthebows,thatthreatenedtheresistingdoors.Othougoddess,whopossessesttheblissfulCyprus,andMemphisfreefromSithoniansnow,Oqueen,givethehaughtyChloeonecutwithyourhigh-raisedlash.

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ODEXXVII.

TOGALATEA,UPONHERGOINGTOSEA.

Lettheomenofthenoisyscreech-owlandapregnantbitch,oratawnywolfrunningdownfromtheLanuvianfields,orafoxwithwhelpconducttheimpious[ontheirway];maytheserpentalsobreaktheirundertakenjourney,if,likeanarrowathwarttheroad,ithasfrightenedthehorses.WhatshallI,aprovidentaugur,fear?Iwillinvokefromtheeast,withmyprayers,theravenforbodingbyhiscroaking,beforethebirdwhichpresagesimpendingshowers,revisitsthestagnantpools.Mayestthoubehappy,OGalatea,wheresoeverthouchoosesttoreside,andlivemindfulofmeandneithertheunluckypyenorthevagrantcrowforbidsyourgoingon.Butyousee,withwhatanuproartheproneOrion

hastenson:IknowwhatthedarkbayoftheAdriaticis,andinwhatmannerIapyx,[seemingly]serene,isguilty.Letthewivesandchildrenofourenemiesfeeltheblindtumultsoftherisingsouth,andtheroaringoftheblackenedsea,andtheshorestremblingwithitslash.ThustooEuropatrustedherfairsidetothedeceitfulbull,andboldasshewas,turnedpaleattheseaaboundingwithmonsters,andthecheatnowbecomemanifest.She,wholatelyinthemeadowswasbusiedaboutflowers,andacomposerofthechapletmeetfornymphs,sawnothingintheduskynightputstarsandwater.WhoassoonasshearrivedatCrete,powerfulwithitshundredcities,criedout,overcomewithrage,"Ofather,nameabandonedbythydaughter!Omyduty!Whence,whitheramIcome?Onedeathistoolittleforvirgins'crime.AmIawake,whileIdeploremybaseoffense;ordoessomevainphantom,which,escapingfrom

theivorygate,bringsonadream,imposeuponme,stillfreefromguilt.Wasitbettertotraveloverthetediouswaves,ortogatherthefreshflowers?Ifanyonenowwoulddeliveruptomeinmyangerthisinfamousbull,Iwoulddomyutmosttotearhimtopieceswithsteel,andbreakoffthehornsofthemonster,latelysomuchbeloved.AbandonedIhaveleftmyfather'shouse,abandonedIprocrastinatemydoom.Oifanyofthegodshearthis,IwishImaywandernakedamonglions:beforefouldecayseizesmycomelycheeks,andmoistureleavesthistenderprey,Idesire,inallmybeauty,tobethefoodoftigers.""BaseEuropa,"thyabsentfatherurges,"whydoyouhesitatetodie?you



maystrangleyournecksuspendedfromthisash,withyourgirdlethathascommodiouslyattendedyou.Orifaprecipice,andtherocksthatareedgedwithdeath,pleaseyou,comeon,commityourselftotherapidstorm;unlessyou,thatareofblood-royal,hadrathercardyourmistress'swool,andbegivenupasaconcubinetosomebarbariandame."Asshecomplained,thetreacherously-smilingVenus,andherson,withhisbowrelaxed,drewnear.Presently,whenshehadsufficientlyralliedher,"Refrain(shecried)fromyourrageandpassionatechidings,sincethisdetestedbullshallsurrenderhishornstobetorninpiecesbyyou.Areyouignorant,thatyouarethewifeoftheinvincibleJove?Ceaseyoursobbing;learndulytosupportyourdistinguishedgoodfortune.Adivisionoftheworldshallbearyourname."

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ODEXXVIII.

TOLYDE.

WhatcanIdobetteronthefestaldayofNeptune?Quicklyproduce,Lyde,thehoardedCaecuban,andmakeanattackuponwisdom,everonher

guard.Youperceivethenoontideisonitsdecline;andyet,asifthefleetingdaystoodstill,youdelaytobringoutofthestore-housetheloiteringcask,[thatbearsitsdate]fromtheconsulBibulus.Wewillsingbyturns,Neptune,andthegreenlocksoftheNereids;you,shallchant,onyourwreathedlyre,LatonaandthedartsofthenimbleCynthia;attheconclusionofyoursong,shealso[shallbecelebrated],whowithheryokedswansvisitsGnidos,andtheshiningCyclades,andPaphos:thenightalsoshallbecelebratedinasuitablelay.

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ODEXXIX.

TOMAECENAS.

OMaecenas,thouprogenyofTuscankings,therehasbeenalongwhileforyouinmyhousesomemellowwineinanunbroachedhogshead,withrose-flowersandexpressedessenceforyourhair.Disengageyourselffromanythingthatmayretardyou,norcontemplatetheevermarshyTibur,andtheslopingfieldsofAesula,andthehillsofTelegonustheparricide.Leaveabundance,whichisthesourceofdaintiness,andyonpileofbuildingsapproachingneartheloftyclouds:ceasetoadmirethesmoke,andopulence,andnoiseofflourishingRome.Achangeis

frequentlyagreeabletotherich,andacleanlymealinthelittlecottageofthepoorhassmoothedananxiousbrowwithoutcarpetsorpurple.NowthebrightfatherofAndromedadisplayshishiddenfire;nowProcyonrages,andtheconstellationoftheraveningLion,asthesunbringsroundthethirstyseason.Nowthewearyshepherdwithhislanguidflockseekstheshade,andtheriver,andthethicketsofroughSylvanus;andthesilentbankisfreefromthewanderingwinds.Youregardwhatconstitutionmaysuitthestate,andareinananxiousdreadforRome,whatpreparationstheSeresandtheBactrianssubjecttoCyrus,andthefactiousTanaisaremaking.Awisedeityshroudsin



obscuredarknesstheeventsofthetimetocome,andsmilesifamortalissolicitousbeyondthelawofnature.Bemindfultomanagedulythatwhichispresent.Whatremainsgoesoninthemanneroftheriver,atonetimecalmlyglidinginthemiddleofitschanneltotheTuscanSea,atanother,rollingalongcorrodedstones,andstumpsoftrees,forcedaway,andcattle,andhouses,notwithoutthenoiseofmountainsandneighboringwoods,whenthemercilessdelugeenragesthepeacefulwaters.Thatmanismasterofhimselfandshalllivehappy,whohasitinhispowertosay,"Ihavelivedto-day:to-morrowlettheSireinvesttheheaven,eitherwithablackcloud,orwithclearsunshine;nevertheless,heshallnotrenderineffectualwhatispast,norundoorannihilatewhatthefleetinghourhasoncecarriedoff.Fortune,happyintheexecutionofhercrueloffice,andpersistingtoplayherinsolentgame,changesuncertainhonors,indulgentnowtome,byandbytoanother.Ipraiseher,whilesheabidesbyme.Ifshemovesherfleetwings,Iresignwhatshehasbestowed,andwrapmyselfupinmyvirtue,andcourthonestpovertywithoutaportion.Itisnobusinessofmine,ifthemastgroanwiththeAfricanstorms,tohaverecoursetopiteousprayers,andtomakeabargainwithmyvows,thatmyCyprianandSyrianmerchandizemaynotaddtothewealthoftheinsatiablesea.ThenthegaleandthetwinPolluxwillcarrymesafeintheprotectionofaskiffwithtwooars,throughthetumultuousAegeanSea."

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ODEXXX.

ONHISOWNWORKS.

Ihavecompletedamonumentmorelastingthanbrass,andmoresublimethantheregalelevationofpyramids,whichneitherthewastingshower,theunavailingnorthwind,noraninnumerablesuccessionofyears,andtheflightofseasons,shallbeabletodemolish.Ishallnotwhollydie;butagreatpartofmeshallescapeLibitina.Ishallcontinualybe

renewedinthepraisesofposterity,aslongasthepriestshallascendtheCapitolwiththesilent[vestal]virgin.WheretherapidAufidusshallmurmur,andwhereDaunus,poorlysuppliedwithwater,ruledoverarusticpeople,I,exaltedfromalowdegree,shallbeacknowledgedashavingoriginallyadaptedtheAeolicversetoItalianmeasures.Melpomene,assumethatpridewhichyourmeritshaveacquired,andwillinglycrownmyhairwiththeDelphiclaurel.

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THEFOURTHBOOKOFTHEODESOFHORACE.

ODEI.

TOVENUS.

Afteralongcessation,OVenus,againareyoustirringuptumults?



Spareme,Ibeseechyou,Ibeseechyou.IamnotthemanIwasunderthedominionofgood-naturedCynara.Forbear,Ocruelmotherofsoftdesires,tobendoneborderinguponfifty,nowtoohardenedforsoftcommands:go,whitherthesoothingprayersofyouths,invokeyou.MoreseasonablymayyourevelinthehouseofPaulusMaximus,flyingthitherwithyoursplendidswans,ifyouseektoinflameasuitablebreast.Forheisbothnobleandcomely,andbynomeanssilentinthecauseofdistresseddefendants,andayouthofahundredaccomplishments;heshallbeartheensignsofyourwarfarefarandwide;andwhenever,moreprevailingthantheamplepresentsofarival,heshalllaugh[athisexpense],heshallerecttheeinmarbleunderacitrondomeneartheAlbanlake.Thereyoushallsmellabundantfrankincense,andshallbecharmedwiththemixedmusicofthelyreandBerecynthianpipe,notwithouttheflageolet.Theretheyouths,togetherwiththetendermaidens,twiceadaycelebratingyourdivinity,shall,Salian-like,withwhitefootthriceshaketheground.Asforme,neitherwoman,noryouth,northefondhopesofmutualinclination,nortocontendinwine,nortobindmytempleswithfreshflowers,delightme[anylonger].Butwhy;ah!why,Ligurinus,doestheteareverynowandthentrickledownmycheeks?Whydoesmyfluenttonguefalterbetweenmywordswithanunseemlysilence?TheeinmydreamsbynightIclasp,caught[inmyarms];theeflyingacrosstheturfoftheCampusMartius;theeIpursue,Ocruelone,throughtherollingwaters.

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ODEII.

TOANTONIUSIULUS.

Whoeverendeavors,OIulus,torivalPindar,makesaneffortonwingsfastenedwithwaxbyartDaedalean,abouttocommunicatehisnametotheglassysea.Likeariverpouringdownfromamountain,whichsuddenrainshaveincreasedbeyonditsaccustomedbanks,suchthedeep-mouthed

Pindarragesandrushesonimmeasurable,suretomeritApollo'slaurel,whetherherollsdownnew-formedphrasesthroughthedaringdithyrambic,andisborneoninnumbersexemptfromrule:whetherhesingsthegods,andkings,theoffspringofthegods,bywhomtheCentaursperishedwithajustdestruction,[bywhom]wasquenchedtheflameofthedreadfulChimaera;orcelebratesthosewhomthepalm,[intheOlympicgames]atElis,bringshomeexaltedtotheskies,wrestlerorsteed,andpresentsthemwithagiftpreferabletoahundredstatues:ordeploressomeyouth,snatched[bydeath]fromhismournfulbride--heelevatesbothhisstrength,andcourage,andgoldenmoralstothestars,andrescueshimfromthemurkygrave.AcopiousgaleelevatestheDirceanswan,OAntonius,asoftenashesoarsintotheloftyregionsoftheclouds:butI,afterthecustomandmanneroftheMacinianbee,thatlaboriously

gathersthegratefulthyme,I,adiminutivecreature,composeelaborateversesaboutthegroveandthebanksofthewateryTiber.You,apoetofsublimerstyle,shallsingofCaesar,whenever,gracefulinhiswell-earnedlaurel,heshalldragthefierceSygambrialongthesacredhill;Caesar,thanwhomnothinggreaterorbetterthefatesandindulgentgodseverbestowedontheearth,norwillbestow,thoughthetimesshouldreturntotheirprimitivegold.Youshallsingboththefestaldays,andthepublicrejoicingsonaccountoftheprayed-forreturnofthebraveAugustus,andtheforumfreefromlaw-suits.Then(ifIcanofferanythingworthhearing)aconsiderableportionofmy



voiceshalljoin[thegeneralacclamation],andIwillsing,happyatthereceptionofCaesar,"Ogloriousday,Oworthythoutobecelebrated."Andwhile[theprocession]movesalong,shoutsoftriumphwewillrepeat,shoutsoftriumphthewholecity[willraise],andwewillofferfrankincensetotheindulgentgods.Theetenbullsandasmanyheifersshallabsolve;me,atendersteerling,that,havinglefthisdam,thrivesinspaciouspasturesforthedischargeofmyvows,resembling[bythehornson]hisforeheadthecurvedlightofthemoon,whensheappearsofthreedaysold,inwhichparthehasamarkofasnowyaspect,beingofaduncolorovertherestofhisbody.

*****

ODEIII.

TOMELPOMENE.

Him,OMelpomene,uponwhomathisbirththouhastoncelookedwithfavoringeye,theIsthmiancontestshallnotrendereminentasawrestler;theswifthorseshallnotdrawhimtriumphantinaGreciancar;norshallwarlikeachievementshowhimintheCapitol,ageneral

adornedwiththeDelianlaurel,onaccountofhishavingquashedtheproudthreatsofkings:butsuchwatersasflowthroughthefertileTiber,andthedenseleavesofthegroves,shallmakehimdistinguishedbytheAeolianverse.ThesonsofRome,thequeenofcities,deigntorankmeamongtheamiablebandofpoets;andnowIamlesscarpedatbythetoothofenvy.Omuse,regulatingtheharmonyofthegildedshell!Othou,whocanstimmediatelybestow,ifthouplease,thenotesoftheswanuponthemutefish!ItisentirelybythygiftthatIammarkedout,asthestringeroftheRomanlyre,bythefingersofpassengers;thatIbreathe,andgivepleasure(ifIgivepleasure),isyours.

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ODEIV

THEPRAISEOFDRUSUS.

Likeasthewingedministerofthunder(towhomJupiter,thesovereignofthegods,hasassignedthedominionoverthefleetingbirds,havingexperiencedhisfidelityintheaffairofthebeauteousGanymede),earlyyouthandhereditaryvigorsaveimpelledfromhisnestunknowingoftoil;andthevernalwinds,theshowersbeingnowdispelled,taughthim,stilltimorous,unwontedenterprises:inalittlewhileaviolent

impulsedispatchedhim,asanenemyagainstthesheepfolds,nowanappetiteforfoodandfighthasimpelledhimuponthereluctantserpents;--orasashe-goat,intentonrichpastures,hasbeheldayounglionbutjustweanedfromtheudderofhistawnydam,readytobedevouredbyhisnewly-growntooth:suchdidtheRhaetiandtheVindelicibeholdDrususcarryingonthewarundertheAlps;whencethispeoplederivedthecustom,whichhasalwaysprevailedamongthem,ofarmingtheirrighthandswiththeAmazonianax,Ihavepurposelyomittedtoinquire:(neitherisitpossibletodiscovereverything.)Butthosetroops,whichhadbeenforalongwhileandextensivelyvictorious,





fierceSpain?Everymanputsaperiodtothedayamidhisownhills,andwedsthevinetothewidowedelm-trees;hencehereturnsjoyfultohiswine,andinvitesyou,asadeity,tohissecondcourse;thee,withmanyaprayer,theehepursueswithwinepouredout[inlibation]fromthecups;andjoinsyourdivinitytothatofhishouseholdgods,inthesamemannerasGreecewasmindfulofCastorandthegreatHercules.Mayyou,excellentchieftain,bestowalastingfestivityuponItaly!Thisisourlanguage,whenwearesoberattheearlyday;thisisourlanguage,whenwehavewelldrunk,atthetimethesunisbeneaththeocean.

*****

ODEVI.

HYMNTOAPOLLO.

Thougod,whomtheoffspringofNiobeexperiencedasavengerofapresumptuoustongue,andtheravisherTityus,andalsotheThessalianAchilles,almosttheconquerorofloftyTroy,awarriorsuperiortoallothers,butunequaltothee;though,sonofthesea-goddess,Thetis,heshooktheDardaniantowers,warringwithhisdreadfulspear.He,asit

wereapinesmittenwiththeburningax,oracypressprostratedbytheeastwind,fellextendedfar,andreclinedhisneckintheTrojandust.Hewouldnot,bybeingshutupina[wooden]horse,thatbeliedthesacredrightsofMinerva,havesurprisedtheTrojansrevelinginanevilhour,andthecourtofPriammakingmerryinthedance;butopenlyinexorabletohiscaptives,(ohimpious!oh!)wouldhaveburnedspeechlessbabeswithGrecianfires,evenhimconcealedinhismother'swomb:hadnotthefatherofthegods,prevaileduponbythyentreatiesandthoseofthebeauteousVenus,grantedtotheaffairsofAeneaswallsfoundedunderhappierauspices.ThoulyristPhoebus,tutoroftheharmoniousThalia,whobathestthylocksintheriverXanthus,OdelicateAgyieus,supportthedignityoftheLatianmuse.Phoebusgavemegenius,Phoebustheartofcomposingverse,andthetitleofpoet.Ye

virginsofthefirstdistinction,andyeyouthsbornofillustriousparents,yewardsoftheDeliangoddess,whostopswithherbowtheflyinglynxes,andthestags,observetheLesbianmeasure,andthemotionofmythumb;dulycelebratingthesonofLatona,duly[celebrating]thegoddessthatenlightensthenightwithhershiningcrescent,propitioustothefruits,andexpeditiousinrollingontheprecipitatemonths.Shortlyabrideyouwillsay:"I,skilledinthemeasuresofthepoetHorace,recitedanodewhichwasacceptabletothegods,whenthesecularperiodbroughtbackthefestaldays."

*****

ODEVII.

TOTORQUATUS.

Thesnowsarefled,theherbagenowreturnstothefields,andtheleavestothetrees.Theearthchangesitsappearance,andthedecreasingriversglidealongtheirbanks:theelderGrace,togetherwiththeNymphs,andhertwosisters,venturesnakedtoleadoffthe



dance.Thatyouarenottoexpectthingspermanent,theyear,andthehourthathurriesawaytheagreeableday,admonishus.Thecoldsaremitigatedbythezephyrs:thesummerfollowscloseuponthespring,shortlytodieitself,assoonasfruitfulautumnshallhavesheditsfruits:andanonsluggishwinterreturnsagain.Neverthelessthequick-revolvingmoonsrepairtheirwaningsintheskies;butwhenwedescend[tothoseregions]wherepiousAeneas,whereTullusandthewealthyAncus[havegonebeforeus],webecomedustandamereshade.Whoknowswhetherthegodsabovewilladdtothisday'sreckoningthespaceofto-morrow?Everything,whichyoushallindulgetoyourbelovedsoul,willescapethegreedyhandsofyourheir.Whenonce,Torquatus,youshallbedead,andMinosshallhavemadehisawfuldecisionsconcerningyou;notyourfamily,notyoueloquence,notyourpietyshallrestoreyou.ForneithercanDianafreethechasteHippolytusfrominfernaldarkness;norisTheseusabletobreakofftheLethaeanfettersfromhisdearPirithous.

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ODEVIII.

TOMARCIUSCENSORINUS.

OCensorinus,liberallywouldIpresentmyacquaintancewithgobletsandbeautifulvasesofbrass;Iwouldpresentthemwithtripods,therewardsofthebraveGrecians:norwouldyoubearoffthemeanestofmydonations,ifIwererichinthosepiecesofart,whicheitherParrhasiusorScopasproduced;thelatterinstatuary,theformerinliquidcolors,eminenttoportrayatonetimeaman,atanotheragod.ButIhavenostoreofthissort,nordoyourcircumstancesorinclinationrequireanysuchcuriositiesasthese.Youdelightinverses:versesIcangive,andsetavalueonthedonation.Notmarblesengravedwithpublicinscriptions,bymeansofwhichbreathandlifereturnstoillustriousgeneralsaftertheirdecease;nottheprecipitate

flightofHannibal,andhismenacesretorteduponhisownhead:nottheflamesofimpiousCarthage****moreeminentlysetforthhispraises,whoreturned,havinggainedanamefromconqueredAfrica,thantheCalabrlanmuses;neither,shouldwritingsbesilent,wouldyouhaveanyrewardforhavingdonewell.WhatwouldthesonofMarsandIliabe,ifinvidioussilencehadstifledthemeritsofRomulus?Theforce,andfavor,andvoiceofpowerfulpoetsconsecrateAecus,snatchedfromtheStygianfloods,totheFortunateIslands.Themuseforbidsapraiseworthymantodie:themuse,confersthehappinessofheaven.ThuslaboriousHerculeshasaplaceatthelonged-forbanquetsofJove:[thus]thesonsofTyndarus,thatbrightconstellation,rescueshatteredvesselsfromthebosomofthedeep:[andthus]Bacchus,histemplesadornedwiththeverdantvine-branch,bringstheprayersofhisvotaries

tosuccessfulissues.

*****

ODEIX.

TOMARCUSLOLLIUS.



Lestyouforamomentimaginethatthosewordswillbelost,whichI,bornonthefar-resoundingAufidus,uttertobeaccompaniedwiththelyre,byartshithertoundivulged--IfMaeonianHomerpossessesthefirstrank,thePindaricandCeanmuses,andthemenacingstrainsofAlcaeus,andthemajesticonesofStesichorus,arebynomeansobscure:neither,ifAnacreonlongagosportfullysunganything,hastimedestroyedit:evennowbreathestheloveandlivetheardorsoftheAeolianmaid,committedtoherlyre.TheLacedaemonianHelenisnottheonlyfair,whohasbeeninflamedbyadmiringthedelicateringletsofagallant,andgarmentsembroideredwithgold,andcourtlyaccomplishments,andretinue:norwasTeucerthefirstthatleveledarrowsfromtheCydonianbow:Troywasmorethanonceharassed:thegreatIdomeneusandStheneluswerenottheonlyheroesthatfoughtbattlesworthytoberecordedbythemuses:thefierceHector,orthestrenuousDeiphobuswerenotthefirstthatreceivedheavyblowsindefenseofvirtuouswivesandchildren.ManybravemenlivedbeforeAgamemnon:butallofthem,unlamentedandunknown,areoverwhelmedwithendlessobscurity,becausetheyweredestituteofasacredbard.Valor,uncelebrated,differsbutlittlefromcowardicewheninthegrave.Iwillnot[therefore],OLollius,passyouoverinsilence,uncelebratedinmywritings,orsufferenviousforgetfulnesswithimpunitytoseizesomanytoilsofthine.Youhaveamindeverprudentintheconductofaffairs,andsteadyalikeamidsuccessandtrouble:youareanavengerofavaricious

fraud,andproofagainstmoney,thatattractseverything;andaconsulnotofoneyearonly,butasoftenasthegoodanduprightmagistratehaspreferredthehonorabletotheprofitable,andhasrejectedwithadisdainfulbrowthebribesofwickedmen,andtriumphantthroughopposingbandshasdisplayedhisarms.Youcannotwithproprietycallhimhappy,thatpossessesmuch;hemorejustlyclaimsthetitleofhappy,whounderstandshowtomakeawiseuseofthegiftsofthegods,andhowtobearseverepoverty;anddreadsareproachfuldeedworsethandeath;suchamanasthisisnotafraidtoperishinthedefenseofhisdearfriends,orofhiscountry.

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ODEX.

TOLIGURINUS.

Ocruelstill,andpotentintheendowmentsofbeauty,whenanunexpectedplumeshallcomeuponyourvanity,andthoselocks,whichnowwantononyourshoulders,shallfalloff,andthatcolor,whichisnowpreferabletotheblossomofthedamaskrose,changed,OLigurinus,shallturnintoawrinkledface;[then]willyousay(asoftenasyouseeyourself,[quite]anotherpersoninthelookingglass),Alas!why

wasnotmypresentinclinationthesame,whenIwasyoung?Orwhydonotmycheeksreturn,unimpaired,tothesemypresentsentiments?

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ODEXI.

TOPHYLLIS.



Phyllis,IhaveacaskfullofAbanianwine,upwardofnineyearsold;Ihaveparsleyinmygarden,fortheweavingofchaplets,Ihaveastoreofivy,withwhich,whenyouhaveboundyourhair,youlooksogay:thehouseshinescheerfullyWithplate:thealtar,boundwithchastevervain,longstobesprinkled[withtheblood]ofasacrificedlamb:allhandsarebusy:girlsmingledwithboysflyaboutfromplacetoplace:theflamesquiver,rollingontheirsummitthesootysmoke.Butyet,thatyoumayknowtowhatjoysyouareinvited,theIdesaretobecelebratedbyyou,thedaywhichdividesApril,themonthofsea-bornVenus;[aday,]withreasontobesolemnizedbyme,andalmostmoresacredtomethanthatofmyownbirth;sincefromthisdaymydearMaecenasreckonshisflowingyears.ArichandbuxomgirlhathpossessedherselfofTelephus,ayouthaboveyourrank;andsheholdshimfastbyanagreeablefetter.ConsumedPhaetonstrikesterrorintoambitioushopes,andthewingedPegasus,notstomachingtheearth-bornriderBellerophon,affordsaterribleexample,thatyououghtalwaystopursuethingsthataresuitabletoyou,andthatyoushouldavoidadisproportionedmatch,bythinkingitacrimetoentertainahopebeyondwhatisallowable.Comethen,thoulastofmyloves(forhereafterIshallburnfornootherwoman),learnwithmesuchmeasures,asthoumayestrecitewiththylovelyvoice:ourgloomycaresshallbemitigatedwithanode.

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ODEXII.

TOVIRGIL.

TheThracianbreezes,attendantsonthespring,whichmoderatethedeep,nowfillthesails;nowneitherarethemeadowsstiff[withfrost],norroartheriversswollenwithwinter'ssnow.Theunhappybird,that

piteotislybemoansItys,andistheeternaldisgraceofthehouseofCecrops(becauseshewickedlyrevengedthebrutallustsofkings),nowbuildshernest.Thekeepersofthesheepplaytunesuponthepipeamidthetendarherbage,anddelightthatgod,whomflocksandtheshadyhillsofArcadiadelight.Thetimeofyear,OVirgil,hasbroughtonadrought:butifyoudesiretoquaffwinefromtheCalenianpress,you,thatareaconstantcompanionofyoungnoblemen,mustearnyourliquorby[bringingsome]spikenard:asmallboxofspikenardshalldrawoutacask,whichnowliesintheSulpicianstore-house,bounteousintheindulgenceoffreshhopesandefficaciousinwashingawaythebitternessofcares.Towhichjoysifyouhasten,comeinstantlywithyourmerchandize:Idonotintendtodipyouinmycupsscot-free,likeamanofwealth,inahouseaboundingwithplenty.Butlayasidedelay,

andthedesireofgain;and,mindfulofthegloomy[funeral]flames,intermix,whileyoumay,yourgravestudieswithalittlelightgayety:itisdelightfultogivealooseonaproperoccasion.

*****

ODEXIII.



TOLYCE.

Thegodshaveheardmyprayers,OLyce;Lyce,thegodshaveheardmyprayers,youarebecomeanoldwoman,andyetyouwouldfainseemabeauty;andyouwantonanddrinkinanaudaciousmanner;andwhendrunk,solicittardyCupid,withaquiveringvoice.HebasksinthecharmingcheeksofthebloomingChia,whoisaproficientonthelyre.Theteasingurchinfliesoverblastedoaks,andstartsbackatthesightofyou,becausefoulteeth,becausewrinklesandsnowyhairrenderyouodious.NowneitherCoanpurplesnorsparklingjewelsrestorethoseyears,whichwingedtimehasinsertedinthepublicannals.Whitherisyourbeautygone?Alas!orwhitheryourbloom?Whitheryourgracefuldeportment?Whathaveyou[remaining]ofher,ofher,whobreathedloves,andravishedmefrommyself?HappynexttoCynara,anddistinguishedforanaspectofgracefulways:butthefatesgrantedafewyearsonlytoCynara,intendingtopreserveforalongtimeLyce,torivalinyearstheagedraven:thatthefervidyoungfellowsmightsee,notwithoutexcessivelaughter,thattorch,[whichoncesobrightlyscorched,]reducedtoashes.

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ODEXIV.

TOAUGUSTUS.

Whatzealofthesenators,orwhatoftheRomanpeople,bydecreeingthemostamplehonors,caneternizeyourvirtues,OAugustus,bymonumentalinscriptionsandlastingrecords?Othou,whereverthesunilluminatesthehabitableregions,greatestofprinces,whomtheVindelici,thatneverexperiencedtheRomansway,havelatelylearnedhowpowerfulthouartinwar!ForDrusus,bymeansofyoursoldiery,hasmorethanoncebravelyoverthrowntheGenauni,animplacablerace,andtherapid

Brenci,andthecitadelssituatedonthetremendousAlps.TheelderoftheNerossoonafterfoughtaterriblebattle,and,underyourpropitiousauspices,smotetheferociousRhoeti:howworthyofadmirationinthefieldofbattle,[tosee]withwhatdestructionheoppressedthebrave,heartsdevotedtovoluntarydeath:justasthesouthwindharassestheuntameablewaves,whenthedanceofthePleiadescleavestheclouds;[soishe]strenuoustoannoythetroopsoftheenemy,andtodrivehiseagersteedthroughthemidstofflames.Thusthebull-formedAufidus,whowashesthedominionsoftheApulianDaunus,rollsalong,whenheragesandmeditatesanhorribledelugetothecultivatedlands;whenClaudiusoverthrewwithimpetuousmight,theironranksofthebarbarians,andbymowingdownbothfrontandrearstrewedtheground,victoriouswithoutanyloss;throughyousupplyingthemwith

troops,youwithcouncils,andyourownguardianpowers.Foronthatday,whenthesuppliantAlexandriaopenedherports,anddesertedcourt,fortune,propitioustoyouinthethirdlustrum,hasputahappyperiodtothewar,andhasascribedpraiseandwished-forhonortothevictoriesalreadyobtained.OthoudreadguardianofItalyandimperialRome,theetheSpaniard,tillnowunconquered,andtheMede,andtheIndian,theethevagrantScythianadmires;theeboththeNile,whoconcealshisfountainheads,andtheDanube;theetherapidTigris;theethemonster-bearingocean,thatroarsagainsttheremoteBritons;theetheregionofGaulfearlessofdeath,andthatofhardyIberiaobeys;



theetheSicambrians,whodelightinslaughter,layingasidetheirarms,revere.

*****

ODEXV.

TOAUGUSTUS,ONTHERESTORATIONOFPEACE.

Phoebuschidme,whenIwasmeditatingtosingofbattlesAndconqueredcitiesonthelyre:thatImightnotsetmylittlesailsalongtheTyrrhenianSea.Yourage,OCaesar,hasbothrestoredplenteouscropstothefields,andhasbroughtbacktoourJupiterthestandardstornfromtheproudpillarsoftheParthians;andhasshutup[thetemple]ofJanus[foundedby]Romulus,nowfreefromwar;andhasimposedaduedisciplineuponheadstronglicentiousness,andhasextirpatedcrimes,andrecalledtheancientarts;bywhichtheLatinnameandstrengthofItalyhaveincreased,andthefameandmajestyoftheempireisextendedfromthesun'swesternbedtotheeast.WhileCaesarisguardianofaffairs,neithercivilragenorviolenceshalldisturbtranquillity;norhatredwhichforgesswords,andsetsatvarianceunhappystates.Not

those,whodrinkofthedeepDanube,shallnowbreaktheJulianedicts:nottheGetae,nottheSeres,northeperfidiousPersians,northosebornupontheriverTanais.Andletus,bothoncommonandfestaldays,amidthegiftsofjoyousBacchus,togetherwithourwivesandfamilies,havingfirstdulyinvokedthegods,celebrate,afterthemannerofourancestors,withsongsaccompaniedwithLydianpipes,ourlatevaliantcommanders:andTroy,andAnchises,andtheoffspringofbenignVenus.

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THEBOOKOFTHEEPODESOFHORACE.

ODEI.

TOMAECENAS.

Thouwiltgo,myfriendMaecenas,withLiburiangalleysamongthetoweringfortsofships,readyatthineown[hazard]toundergoanyofCaesar'sdangers.WhatshallIdo?Towhomlifemaybeagreeable,ifyousurvive;but,ifotherwise,burdensome.WhethershallI,atyour

command,pursuemyease,whichcannotbepleasingunlessinyourcompany?OrshallIendurethistoilwithsuchacourage,asbecomeseffeminatementobear?Iwillbearit?andwithanintrepidsoulfollowyou,eitherthroughthesummitsoftheAlps,andtheinhospitableCaucus,ortothefurthestwesternbay.YoumayaskhowI,unwarlikeandinfirm,canassistyourlaborsbymine?WhileIamyourcompanion,Ishallbeinlessanxiety,whichtakespossessionoftheabsentinagreatermeasure.Asthebird,thathasunfledgedyoung,isinagreaterdreadofserpents'approaches,whentheyareleft;--notthat,ifsheshouldbepresentwhentheycame,shecouldrendermorehelp.Notonly





hadsaidthis,hecollectedinallhismoneyontheIdes;andendeavorstoputitoutagainattheCalends.

*****

ODEIII.

TOMAECENAS.

Ifanypersonatanytimewithanimpioushandhasbrokenhisagedfather'sneck,lethimeatgarlic,morebanefulthanhemlock.Oh!thehardybowelsofthemowers!Whatpoisonisthisthatragesinmyentrails?Hasviper'sblood,infusedintheseherbs,deceivedme?OrhasCanidiadressedthisbalefulfood?WhenMedea,beyondallthe[other]argonauts,admiredtheirhandsomeleader,sheanointedJasonwiththis,ashewasgoingtotietheuntriedyokeonthebulls:andhavingrevengedherselfon[Jason's]mistress,bymakingherpresentsbesmearedwiththis,sheflewawayonherwingeddragon.NeverdidthesteaminginfluenceofanyconstellationsoragingasthisrestuponthethirstyAppulia:neitherdidthegift[_ofDejanira_]burnhotterupontheshouldersoflaboriousHercules.Butifever,facetiousMaecenas,you

shouldhaveadesireforanysuchstuffagain,Iwishthatyourgirlmayopposeherhandtoyourkiss,andlieatthefurthestpartofthebed.

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ODEIV.

TOMENAS.

Asgreatanenmityasisallottedbynaturetowolvesandlambs,[so

greataone]haveItoyou,youthataregalledatyourbackwithSpanishcords,andonyourlegswiththehardfetter.Though,purse-proudwithyourriches,youstrutalong,yetfortunedoesnotalteryourbirth.Doyounotobservewhileyouarestalkingalongthesacredwaywitharobetwicethreeellslong,howthemostopenindignationofthosethatpassandrepassturnstheirlooksonthee?Thisfellow,[saythey,]cutwiththetriumvir'swhips,eventillthebeadlewassickofhisoffice,plowsathousandacresofFalernianland,andwearsouttheAppianroadwithhisnags;and,indespiteofOtho,sitsinthefirstrows[ofthecircus]asaknightofdistinction.Towhatpurposeisit,thatsomanybrazen-beakedshipsofimmensebulkshouldbeledoutagainstpiratesandabandofslaves,whilethisfellow,thisisamilitarytribune?

*****

ODEV.

THEWITCHESMANGLINGABOY.



Butoh,byallthegodsinheaven,whoruletheearthandhumanrace,whatmeansthistumult?Andwhatthehideouslooksofallthese[hags,fixed]uponmealone?Iconjuretheebythychildren(ifinvokedLucinawaseverpresentatanyrealbirthofthine),I[conjure]theebythisemptyhonorofmypurple,byJupiter,whomustdisapprovetheseproceedings,whydostthoulookatmeasastep-mother,orasawildbeaststrickenwithadart?Whiletheboymadethesecomplaintswithafalteringvoice,hestoodwithhisbandagesofdistinctiontakenfromhim,atenderframe,suchasmightsoftentheimpiousbreastsofthecruelThracians;Canidia,havinginterwovenherhairanduncombedheadwithlittlevipers,orderswildfig-treestornupfromgraves,ordersfuneralcypressesandeggsbesmearedwiththegoreofaloathsometoad,andfeathersofthenocturnalscreech-owl,andthoseherbs,whichlolchos,andSpain,fruitfulinpoisons,transmits,andbonessnatchedfromthemouthofahungrybitch,tobeburnedinColchianflames.ButSagana,tuckedupforexpedition,sprinklingthewatersofAvernusalloverthehouse,bristlesupwithherroughhairlikeasea-urchin,oraboarinthechase.Veia,deterredbynoremorseofconscience,groaningwiththetoil,dugupthegroundwiththesharpspade;wheretheboy,fixedin,mightlongbetormentedtodeathatthesightoffoodvariedtwoorthreetimesinaday:whilehestoodoutwithhisface,justasmuchatbodiessuspendedbythechin[inswimming]projectfromthewater,thathisparchedmarrowanddriedlivermightbeacharmforlove;whenoncethepupilsofhiseyeshadwastedaway,fixedonthe

forbiddenfood.BoththeidleNaples,andeveryneighboringtownbelieved,thatFoliaofAriminum,[awitch]ofmasculinelust,wasnotabsent:she,whowithherThessalianincantationsforcesthecharmedstarsandthemoonfromheaven.HerethefellCanidia,gnawingherunpairedthumbwithherlividteeth,whatsaidshe?orwhatdidshenotsay?Oyefaithfulwitnessestomyproceedings,NightandDiana,whopresidestoversilence,whenthesecretritesarecelebrated:now,nowbepresent,nowturnyourangerandpoweragainstthehousesofourenemies,whilethesavagewildbeastsliehidinthewoods,dissolvedinsweetrepose;letthedogsofSuburra(whichmaybematterofridiculeforeverybody)barkattheagedprofligate,bedaubedwithointment,suchasmyhandsnevermadeanymoreexquisite.Whatisthematter?Whyarethesecompositionslessefficaciousthanthoseofthebarbarian

Medea?bymeansofwhichshemadeherescape,afterhavingrevengedherselfon[Jason's]haughtymistress,thedaughterofthemightyCreon;whenthegarment,agiftthatwasinjectedwithvenom,tookoffhisnewbridebyitsinflammatorypower.Andyetnoherb,norroothiddenininaccessibleplaces,everescapedmynotice.[Nevertheless,]hesleepsintheperfumedbedofeveryharlot,fromhisforgetfulness[ofme].Ah!ah!hewalksfree[frommypower]bythecharmsofsomemoreknowingwitch.Varus,(ohyouthatwillshortlyhavemuchtolament!)youshallcomebacktomebymeansofunusualspells;norshallyoureturntoyourselfbyallthepowerofMarsianenchantments,Iwillprepareastrongerphilter:Iwillpourinastrongerphilterforyou,disdainfulasyouare;andtheheavenshallsubsidebelowthesea,withtheearthextendedoverit,soonerthanyoushallnotburnwithloveforme,in

thesamemannerasthispitch[burns]inthesootyflames.Atthesewords,theboynolonger[attempted],asbefore,tomovetheimpioushagsbysoothingexpressions;but,doubtfulinwhatmannerheshouldbreaksilence,utteredThyesteanimprecations.Potions[saidhe]haveagreatefficacyinconfoundingrightandwrong,butarenotabletoinverttheconditionofhumannature;Iwillpersecuteyouwithcurses;andexecratingdetestationisnottobeexpiatedbyanyvictim.Moreover,whendoomedtodeathIshallhaveexpired,Iwillattendyouasanocturnalfury;and,aghost,Iwillattackyourfaceswithmyhookedtalons(forsuchisthepowerofthosedivinities,theManes),



and,broodinguponyourrestlessbreasts,Iwilldepriveyouofreposebyterror.Themob,fromvillagetovillage,assaultingyouoneverysidewithstones,shalldemolishyoufilthyhags.Finally,thewolvesandEsquilinevulturesshallscatterabroadyourunburiedlimbs.Norshallthisspectacleescapetheobservationofmyparents,who,alas!mustsurviveme.

ODE.VI.

AGAINSTCASSIUSSEVERUS.

Ocur,thoucowardagainstwolves,whydostthoupersecuteinnocentstrangers?Whydoyounot,ifyoucan,turnyouremptyyelpingshither,andattackme,whowillbiteagain?For,likeaMolossian,ortawnyLaconiandog,thatisafriendlyassistanttoshepherds,Iwilldrivewitherectedearsthroughthedeepsnowseverybrutethatshallgobeforeme.You,whenyouhavefilledthegrovewithyourfearfulbarking,yousmellatthefoodthatisthrowntoyou.Haveacare,haveacare;for,verybitteragainstbadmen,Iexertmyreadyhornsuplift;likehimthatwasrejectedasason-in-lawbytheperfidiousLycambes,orthesharpenemyofBupalus.What,ifanycurattackmewithmalignant

tooth,shallI,withoutrevenge,blubberlikeaboy?

*****

ODEVII.

TOTHEROMANPEOPLE.

Whither,whither,impiousmenareyourushing?Orwhyaretheswordsdrawn,thatwere[solately]sheathed?IstheretoolittleofRoman

bloodspilleduponlandandsea?[Andthis,]notthattheRomansmightburntheproudtowersofenviousCarthage,orthattheBritons,hithertounassailed,mightgodownthesacredwayboundinchains:butthat,agreeablytothewishesoftheParthians,thiscitymayfallbyitsownmight.Thiscustom[ofwarfare]neverobtainedevenamongeitherwolvesorsavagelions,unlessagainstadifferentspecies.Doesblindphrenzy,oryoursuperiorvalor,orsomecrime,hurryyouonatthisrate?Giveanswer.Theyaresilent:andwanpalenessinfectstheircountenances,andtheirstrickensoulsarestupefied.Thisisthecase:acruelfatalityandthecrimeoffratricidehavedisquietedtheRomans,fromthattimewhenthebloodoftheinnocentRemus,tobeexpiatedbyhisdescendants,wasspilledupontheearth.

*****

ODEVIII.

UPONAWANTONOLDWOMAN.

Canyou,grownrankwithlengthenedage,askwhatunnervesmyvigor?



Whenyourteethareblack,andoldagewithersyourbrowwithwrinkles:andyourbacksinksbetweenyourstaringhip-bones,likethatofanunhealthycow.But,forsooth!yourbreastandyourfallenchest,fullwellresemblingabroken-backedhorse,provokeme;andabodyflabby,andfeeblekneessupportedbyswollenlegs.Mayyoubehappy:andmaytriumphalstatuesadornyourfuneralprocession;andmaynomatronappearinpublicaboundingwithricherpearls.Whatfollows,becausetheStoictreatisessometimeslovetobeonsilkenpillows?Areunlearnedconstitutionsthelessrobust?Oraretheirlimbslessstout?Butforyoutoraiseanappetite,inastomachthatisnice,itisnecessarythatyouexerteveryartoflanguage.

*****

ODEIX.

TOMAECENAS.

When,OhappyMaecenas,shallI,overjoyedatCaesar'sbeingvictorious,drinkwithyouunderthestatelydome(forsoitpleasesJove)theCaecubanreservedforfestalentertainments,whilethelyreplaysa

tune,accompaniedwithflutes,thatintheDoric,theseinthePhrygianmeasure?Aslately,whentheNeptunianadmiral,drivenfromthesea,andhisnavyburned,fled,afterhavingmenacedthosechainstoRome,which,likeafriend,hehadtakenofffromperfidiousslaves.TheRomansoldiers(alas!ye,ourposterity,willdenythefact),enslavedtoawoman,carrypalisadoesandarms,andcanbesubservienttohaggardeunuchs;andamongthemilitarystandards,ohshame!thesunbeholdsan[Egyptian]canopy.IndignantatthistheGaulsturnedtwothousandoftheircavalry,proclaimingCaesar;andtheshipsofthehostilenavy,goingofftotheleft,liebyinport.Hail,godoftriumph!Dostthoudelaythegoldenchariotsanduntouchedheifers?Hail,godoftriumph!Youneitherbroughtbackageneralequal[toCaesar]fromtheJugurthinewar;norfromtheAfrican[war,him],whosevalorraisedhimamonument

overCarthage.Ourenemy,overthrownbothbylandandsea,haschangedhispurplevestmentsformourning.HeeitherseeksCrete,famousforherhundredcities,readytosailwithunfavorablewinds;ortheSyrtes,harassedbythesouth;orelseisdrivenbytheuncertainsea.Bringhither,boy,largerbowls,andtheChianorLesbianwine;or,whatmaycorrectthisrisingqualmofmine,fillmeouttheCaecuban.ItismypleasuretodissipatecareandanxietyforCaesar'sdangerwithdeliciouswine.

*****

ODEX.

AGAINSTMAEVIUS.

ThevesselthatcarriestheloathsomeMaevius,makesherdepartureunderanunluckyomen.Bemindful,Osouthwind,thatyoubuffetitaboutwithhorriblebillows.Maythegloomyeast,turningupthesea,disperseitscablesandbrokenoars.Letthenorthariseasmightyaswhenberivesthequiveringoaksontheloftymountains;norletafriendlystar



appearthroughthemurkynight,inwhichthebalefulOrionsets:norlethimbeconveyedinacalmersea,thanwastheGrecianbandofconquerors,whenPallasturnedherragefromburnedTroytotheshipofimpiousAjax.Ohwhatasweatiscominguponyoursailors,andwhatasallowpalenessuponyou,andthateffeminatewailing,andthoseprayerstounregardingJupiter;whentheIonianbay,roaringwiththetempestuoussouth-west,shallbreakyourkeel.Butif,extendedalongthewindingshore,youshalldelightthecormorantsasadaintyprey,alascivioushe-goatandanewe-lambshallbesacrificedtotheTempests.

*****

ODEXI.

TOPECTIUS.

Itbynomeans,OPectius,delightsmeasheretoforetowriteLyricverses,beingsmittenwithcruellove:withlove,whotakespleasuretoinflamemebeyondothers,eitheryouthsormaidens.ThisisthethirdDecemberthathasshakenthe[leafy]honorsfromthewoods,sinceIceasedtobemadforInachia.Ahme!(forIamashamedofsogreata

misfortune)whatasubjectoftalkwasIthroughoutthecity!Irepenttoooftheentertainments,atwhichbothalanguishingandsilenceandsighs,heavedfromthebottomofmybreast,discoveredthelover.Assoonastheindelicategod[Bacchus]bytheglowingwinehadremoved,asIgrewwarm,thesecretsof[myheart]fromtheirrepository,Imademycomplaints,lamentingtoyou,"Hasthefairestgeniusofapoormannoweightagainstwealthylucre?Wherefore,ifagenerousindignationboilinmybreast,insomuchastodispersetothewindsthesedisagreeableapplications,thatgivenoeasetothedesperatewound;theshame[ofbeingovercome]ending,shallceasetocontestwithrivalsofsuchasort."WhenI,withgreatgravity,hadapplaudedtheseresolutionsinyourpresence,beingorderedtogohome,Iwascarriedwithawanderingfoottoposts,alas!tomenotfriendly,andalas!obdurategates,

againstwhichIbruisedmyloinsandside.NowmyaffectionsforthedelicateLyciscusengrossallmytime;fromthemneithertheunreservedadmonitions,northeseriousreprehensionsofotherfriendscanrecallme[tomyformertasteforpoetry];but,perhaps,eitheranewflameforsomefairdamsel,orforsomegracefulyouthwhobindshislonghairinaknot,[maydoso].

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ODEXII.

TOAWOMANWHOSECHARMSWEREOVER.

Whatwouldyoubeat,youwomanfitterfortheswarthymonsters?Whydoyousendtokens,whybillet-douxtome,andnottosomevigorousyouth,andofatastenotnice?ForIamonewhodiscernsapolypus,orfetidramminess,howeverconcealed,morequicklythanthekeenestdogthecovertoftheboar.Whatsweatiness,andhowrankanodoreverywhererisesfromherwitheredlimbs!whenshestrivestolayherfuriousragewithimpossibilities;nowshehasnolongertheadvantageofmoist



cosmetics,andhercolorappearsasifstainedwithcrocodile'sordure;andnow,inwildimpetuosity,shetearsherbed,bedding,andallshehas.Sheattacksevenmyloathingsinthemostangryterms:--"YouarealwayslessdullwithInachiathanme:inhercompanyyouarethreefoldcomplaisance;butyouareeverunpreparedtoobligemeinasingleinstance.Lesbia,whofirstrecommendedyou--sounfitahelpintimeofneed--mayshecometoanillend!whenCoanAmyntaspaidmehisaddresses;whoiseverasconstantinhisfairone'sservice,astheyoungtreetothehillitgrowson.ForwhomwerelaboredthefleecesoftherichestTyriandye?Foryou?Evensothattherewasnotoneincompany,amonggentlemenofyourownrank,whomhisownwifeadmiredpreferablytoyou:oh,unhappyme,whomyoufly,asthelambdreadsthefiercewolves,ortheshe-goatsthelions!"

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ODEXIII.

TOAFRIEND.

Ahorribletempesthascondensedthesky,andshowersandsnowsbring

downtheatmosphere:nowthesea,nowthewoodsbellowwiththeThracianNorthwind.Letus,myfriends,takeoccasionfromtheday;andwhileourkneesarevigorous,anditbecomesus,letoldagewithhiscontractedforeheadbecomesmooth.Doyouproducethewine,thatwaspressedintheconsulshipofmyTorquatus.Forbeartotalkofanyothermatters.Thedeity,perhaps,willreducethese[presentevils],toyourformer[happy]statebyapropitiouschange.NowitisfittingbothtobebedewedwithPersianperfume,andtorelieveourbreastsofdirevexationsbythelyre,sacredtoMercury.LikeasthenobleCentaur,[Chiron,]sungtohismightypupil:"Invinciblemortal,sonofthegoddessThetis,thelandofAssaracusawaitsyou,whichthecoldcurrentsoflittleScamanderandswift-glidingSimoisdivide:whencethefatalsistershavebrokenoffyourreturn,byathreadthatcannotbe

altered:norshallyourazuremotherconveyyoubacktoyourhome.There[then]bywineandmusic,sweetconsolations,driveawayeverysymptomofhideousmelancholy."

*****

ODEXIV.

TOMAECENAS.

Youkillme,mycourteousMaecenas,byfrequentlyinquiring,whyasoothingindolencehasdiffusedasgreatadegreeofforgetfulnessonmyinmostsenses,asifIhadimbibedwithathirstythroatthecupsthatbringonLetheanslumbers.Forthegod,thegodprohibitsmefrombringingtoaconclusiontheversesIpromised[you,namelythose]iambicswhichIhadbegun.InthesamemannertheyreportthatAnacreonofTeiosburnedfortheSamianBathyllus;whooftenlamentedhislovetoaninaccuratemeasureonahollowlyre.Youareviolentlyinloveyourself;butifafairerflamedidnotburnbesiegedTroy,rejoiceinyourlot.Phryne,afreed-woman,andnotcontentwithasingleadmirer,



consumesme.

*****

ODEXV.

TONEAERA.

Itwasnight,andthemoonshoneinasereneskyamongthelesserstars;whenyou,abouttoviolatethedivinityofthegreatgods,swore[tobetrue]tomyrequests,embracingmewithyourpliantarmsmorecloselythantheloftyoakisclaspedbytheivy;thatwhilethewolfshouldremainanenemytotheflock,andOrion,unpropitioustothesailors,shouldtroublethewinterysea,andwhiletheairshouldfantheunshornlocksofApollo,[solongyouvowed]thatthisloveshouldbemutual.ONeaera,whoshallonedaygreatlygrieveonaccountofmymerit:for,ifthereisanythingofmanhoodinHorace,hewillnotendurethatyoushoulddedicateyournightscontinuallytoanother,whomyouprefer;andexasperated,hewilllookoutforonewhowillreturnhislove;andthoughanunfeignedsorrowshouldtakepossessionofyou,yetmyfirmnessshallnotgivewaytothatbeautywhichhasoncegiven

medisgust.Butasforyou,whoeveryoubewhoaremoresuccessful[thanme],andnowstrutproudofmymisfortune;thoughyouberichinflocksandabundanceofland,andPactolusflowforyou,northemysteriesofPythagoras,bornagain,escapeyou,andyouexcelNireusinbeauty;alas!youshall[hereafter]bewailherlovetransferredelsewhere;butIshalllaughinmyturn.

*****

ODEXVI.

TOTHEROMANPEOPLE.

Nowisanotheragewornawaybycivilwars,andRomeherselffallsbyherownstrength.WhomneithertheborderingMarsicoulddestroy,northeEtrurianbandofthemenacingPorsena,northerivalvalorofCapua,northeboldSpartacus,andtheGaulsperfideouswiththeirinnovations;nordidthefierceGermanysubduewithitsblue-eyedyouth,norAnnibal,detestedbyparents;butwe,animpiousrace,whosebloodisdevotedtoperdition,shalldestroyher:andthislandshallagainbepossessedbywildbeasts.Thevictoriousbarbarian,alas!shalltrampleupontheashesofthecity,andthehorsemenshallsmiteitwiththesoundinghoofs;and(horribletosee!)heshallinsultinglydispersethebonesof

Romulus,which[asyet]arefreefromtheinjuriesofwindandsun.Perhapsyouallingeneral,orthebetterpartofyou,areinquisitivetoknow,whatmaybeexpedient,inordertoescape[such]dreadfulevils.Therecanbenodeterminationbetterthanthis;namely,togowhereverourfeetwillcarryus,whereverthesouthorboisteroussouth-westshallsummonusthroughthewaves;inthesamemannerasthestateofthePhocaeansfled,afterhavingutteredexecrations[againstsuchasshouldreturn],andlefttheirfieldsandproperdwellingsandtemplestobeinhabitedbyboarsandravenouswolves.Isthisagreeable?hasanyoneabetterschemetoadvise?Whydowedelaytogo



onship-boardunderanauspiciousomen?Butfirstletussweartotheseconditions--thestonesshallswimupward,liftedfromthebottomofthesea,assoonasitshallnotbeimpioustoreturn;norletitgrieveustodirectoursailshomeward,whenthePoshallwashthetopsoftheMatiniansummits;ortheloftyApennineshallremoveintothesea,oramiraculousappetiteshallunitemonstersbyastrangekindoflust;Insomuchthattigersmaydelighttocouplewithhinds,andthedovebepollutedwiththekite;northesimpleherdsmaydreadthebrindledlions,andthehe-goat,grownsmooth,maylovethebrinymain.Afterhavingsworntothesethings,andwhateverelsemaycutoffthepleasing:hopeofreturning,letusgo,thewholecityofus,oratleastthatpartwhichissuperiortotheilliteratemob:lettheidleanddespairingpartremainupontheseinauspicioushabitations.Ye,thathavebravery,awaywitheffeminategrief,andflybeyondtheTuscanshore.Theoceanencirclingthelandawaitsus;letusseekthehappyplainsandprosperingIslands,wheretheuntilledlandyearlyproducescorn,andtheunprunedvineyardpunctuallyflourishes;andwherethebranchofthenever-failingoliveblossomsforth,andthepurplefigadornsitsnativetree:honeydistillsfromthehollowoaks;thelightwaterboundsdownfromthehighmountainswithamurmuringpace.Theretheshe-goatscometothemilk-pailsoftheirownaccord,andthefriendlyflockreturnwiththeiruddersdistended;nordoesthebearateveninggrowlaboutthesheepfold,nordoestherisinggroundswellwithvipers;andmanymorethingsshallwe,happy[Romans],viewwith

admiration:howneithertherainyeastlayswastethecorn-fieldswithprofuseshowers,noristhefertileseedburnedbyadryglebe;thekingofgodsmoderatingboth[extremes].ThepinerowedbytheArgonautsneverattemptedtocomehither;nordidthelascivious[Medea]ofColchissetherfoot[inthisplace]:hithertheSidonianmarinersneverturnedtheirsail-yards,northetoilingcrewofUlysses.Nocontagiousdistempershurttheflocks;nordoesthefieryviolenceofanyconstellationscorchtheherd.Jupitersetaparttheseshoresforapiouspeople,whenhedebasedthegoldenagewithbrass:withbrass,thenwithironhehardenedtheages;fromwhichthereshallbeahappyescapeforthegood,accordingtomypredictions.

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ODEXVII.

DIALOGUEBETWEENHORACEANDCANIDIA.

Now,nowIyieldtopowerfulscience;andsuppliantbeseechtheebythedominionsofProserpine,andbytheinflexibledivinityofDiana,andbythebooksofincantationsabletocalldownthestarsdisplacedfromthefirmament;OCanidia,atlengthdesistfromthineimprecations,andquicklyturn,turnbackthymagicalmachine.Telephusmoved[with

compassion]thegrandsonofNereus,againstwhomhearrogantlyhadputhistroopsofMysiansinbattle-array,andagainstwhomhehaddartedhissharpjavelins.TheTrojanmatronsembalmedthebodyoftheman-slayingHector,whichhadbeencondemnedtobirdsofprey,anddogs,afterking[Priam],havingleftthewallsofthecity,prostratedhimself,alas!atthefeetoftheobstinateAchilles.ThemarinersoftheindefatigableUlysses,putofftheirlimbs,bristledwiththehardskins[ofswine],atthewillofCirce:thentheirreasonandvoicewererestored,andtheirformercomelinesstotheircountenances.Ihavesufferedpunishmentenough,andmorethanenough,onthyaccount,Othou



sodearlybelovedbythesailorsandfactors.Myvigorisgoneaway,andmyruddycomplexionhasleftme;mybonesarecoveredwithaghastlyskin;myhairwithyourpreparationsisgrownhoary.Noeaserespitesmefrommysufferings:nightpressesuponday,anddayuponnight:norisitinmypowertorelievemylungs,whicharestrainedwithgasping.Wherefore,wretchthatIam,Iamcompelledtocredit(whatwasdenied,byme)thatthecharmsoftheSamnitesdiscomposethebreast,andtheheadsplitsinsunderattheMarsianincantations.Whatwouldstthouhavemore?Osea!Oearth!IburninsuchadegreeasneitherHerculesdid,besmearedwiththeblackgoreofNessus,northefervidflameburningIntheSicilianAetna.Yetyou,alaboratoryofColchianpoisons,remainonfire,tillI[reducedto]adryember,shallbewaftedawaybytheinjuriouswinds.Whatevent,orwhatpenaltyawaitsme?Speakout:Iwillwithhonorpaythedemandedmulct;readytomakeanexpiation,whetheryoushouldrequireahundredsteers,orchosetobecelebratedonalyinglyre.You,awomanofmodesty,you,awomanofprobity,shalltraversethestars,asagoldenconstellation.CastorandthebrotherofthegreatCastor,offendedattheinfamybroughton[theirsister]Helen,yetovercomebyentreaty,restoredtothepoethiseyesthatweretakenawayfromhim.Anddoyou(foritisinyourpower)extricatemefromthisfrenzy;Oyou,thatareneitherdefiledbyfamilymeanness,norskillfultodispersetheashesofpoorpeople,aftertheyhavebeenninedaysinterred.Youhaveanhospitablebreast,andunpollutedhands;andPactumeiusisyourson,andtheethemidwifehas

tended;and,wheneveryoubringforth,youspringupwithunabatedvigor.

CANIDIA'SANSWER.

Whydoyoupourforthyourentreatiestoearsthatarecloselyshut[againstthem]?Thewinteryocean,withitsbrinytempests,doesnotlashrocksmoredeaftothecriesofthenakedmariners.What,shallyou,withoutbeingmadeanexampleof,deridetheCotyttianmysteries,sacredtounrestrainedlove,whichweredivulged[byyou]?Andshall

you,[assumingtheoffice]ofPontiff[withregardtomy]Esquilianincantations,fillthecitywithmynameunpunished?WhatdiditavailmetohaveenrichedthePaligniansorceress[withmycharms],andtohavepreparedpoisonofgreaterexpedition,ifaslowerfateawaitsyouthanisagreeabletomywishes?Anirksomelifeshallbeprotractedbyyou,wretchasyouare,forthispurpose,thatyoumayperpetuallybeabletoendurenewtortures.Tantalus,theperfidioussireofPelops,evercravingaftertheplenteousbanquet[whichisalwaysbeforehim],wishesforrespite;Prometheus,chainedtothevulture,wishes[forrest];Sisyphuswishestoplacethestoneonthesummitofthemountain:butthelawsofJupiterforbid.Thusyoushalldesireatonetimetoleapdownfromahightower,atanothertolayopenyourbreastwiththeNoricsword;and,grievingwithyourtediousindisposition,shalltie

noosesaboutyourneckinvain.Iatthattimewillrideonyourodiousshoulders;andthewholeearthshallacknowledgemyunexampledpower.WhatshallIwhocangivemotiontowaxenimages(asyouyourself,inquisitiveasyouare,wereconvincedof)andsnatchthemoonfromheavenbymyincantations;I,whocanraisethedeadaftertheyareburned,anddulypreparethepotionoflove,shallIbewailtheeventofmyarthavingnoefficacyuponyou?

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THESECULARPOEMOFHORACE.

TOAPOLLOANDDIANA.

Phoebus,andthouDiana,sovereignofthewoods,yeillustriousornamentsoftheheavens,oheverworthyofadoration,andeveradored,bestowwhatweprayforatthissacredseason:atwhichtheSibyllineverseshavegivendirections,thatselectvirginsandchasteyouthsshouldsingahymntothedeities,towhomthesevenhills[ofRome]areacceptable.Ogenialsun,whoinyoursplendidcardrawforthandobscuretheday,andwhoariseanotherandthesame,mayitneverbeinyourpowertobeholdanythingmoregloriousthanthecityofRome!OIlithyia,oflenientpowertoproducethetimelybirth,protectthematrons[inlabor];whetheryouchoosethetitleofLucina,orGenitalis.Ogoddessmultiplyouroffspring;andprosperthedecreesofthesenateinrelationtothejoiningofwomeninwedlock,andthematrimoniallawabouttoteemwithanewrace;thatthestatedrevolutionofahundredandtenyearsmaybringbackthehymnsandthegames,threetimesbybrightdaylightrestoredtoincrowds,andasofteninthewelcomenight.Andyou,yefatalsisters,infallibleinhavingpredictedwhatisestablished,andwhatthesettledorderof

thingspreserves,addpropitiousfatestothosealreadypast.Lettheearth,fertileinfruitsandflocks,presentCereswithasheafycrown;maybothsalubriousrainsandJove'saircherishtheyoungblood!Apollo,mildandgentlewithyoursheathedarrows,hearthesuppliantyouths:Omoon,thouhornedqueenofstars,hearthevirgins.IfRomebeyourwork,andtheTrojantroopsarrivedontheTuscanshore(thepart,commanded[byyouroracles]tochangetheirhomesandcity)byasuccessfulnavigation:forwhompiousAeneas,survivinghiscountry,securedafreepassagethroughTroy,burningnotbyhistreachery,abouttogivethemmoreamplepossessionsthanthosethatwereleftbehind.Oyedeities,granttothetractableyouthprobityofmanners;tooldage,yedeities,grantapleasingretirement;totheRomanpeople,wealth,andprogeny,andeverykindofglory.Andmaytheillustriousissueof

AnchisesandVenus,whoworshipsyouwith[offeringsof]whitebulls,reignsuperiortothewarringenemy,mercifultotheprostrate.NowtheParthian,byseaandland,dreadsourpowerfulforcesandtheRomanaxes:nowtheScythiansbeg[toknow]ourcommands,andtheIndiansbutlatelysoarrogant.Nowtruth,andpeace,andhonor,andancientmodesty,andneglectedvirtuedaretoreturn,andhappyplentyappears,withherhornfulltothebrim.Phoebus,thegodofaugury,andconspicuousforhisshiningbow,anddeartotheninemuses,whobyhissalutaryartsoothestheweariedlimbsofthebody;ifhe,propitious,surveysthePalatinealtars--mayheprolongtheRomanaffairs,andthehappystateofItalytoanotherlustrum,andtoanimprovingage.AndmayDiana,whopossessesMountAventineandAlgidus,regardtheprayersoftheQuindecemvirs,andlendagraciouseartothesupplicationsof

theyouths.We,thechoirtaughttosingthepraisesofPhoebusandDiana,bearhomewithusagoodandcertainhope,thatJupiter,andalltheothergods,aresensibleoftheseoursupplications.

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THEFIRSTBOOKOFTHESATIRESOFHORACE.



SATIREI.

_Thatall,butespeciallythecovetous,thinktheirownconditionthehardest_.

Howcomesittopass,Maecenas,thatnoonelivescontentwithhiscondition,whetherreasongaveithim,orchancethrewitinhisway[but]praisesthosewhofollowdifferentpursuits?"Ohappymerchants!"saysthesoldier,oppressedwithyears,andnowbrokendowninhislimbsthroughexcessoflabor.Ontheotherside,themerchant,whenthesouthwindstosshisship[cries],"Warfareispreferable;"forwhy?theengagementisbegun,andinaninstanttherecomesaspeedydeathorajoyfulvictory.Thelawyerpraisesthefarmer'sstatewhentheclientknocksathisdoorbycock-crow.Hewho,havingenteredintoarecognizance,isdraggedfromthecountryintothecity,cries,"Thoseonlyarehappywholiveinthecity."Theotherinstancesofthiskind(theyaresonumerous)wouldwearyouttheloquaciousFabius;nottokeepyouinsuspense,heartowhatanissueIwillbringthematter.Ifanygodshouldsay,"Lo!Iwilleffectwhatyoudesire:you,thatwerejustnowasoldier,shallbeamerchant;you,latelyalawyer[shallbe]

afarmer.Doyedepartoneway,andyeanother,havingexchangedtheparts[youaretoact]inlife.Hownow!whydoyoustand?"Theyareunwilling;andyetitisintheirpowertobehappy.Whatreasoncanbeassigned,butthatJupitershoulddeservedlydistendbothhischeeksinindignation,anddeclarethatforthefuturehewillnotbesoindulgentastolendaneartotheirprayers?Butfurther,thatImaynotrunoverthisinalaughingmanner,likethose[whotreat]onludicroussubjects(thoughwhathindersonebeingmerry,whiletellingthetruth?asgood-naturedteachersatfirstgivecakestotheirboys,thattheymaybewillingtolearntheirfirstrudiments:railery,however,apart,letusinvestigateseriousmatters).Hethatturnstheheavyglebewiththehardploughshare,thisfraudulenttavern-keeper,thesoldier,andthesailors,whodauntlessrunthrougheverysea,professthattheyendure

toilwiththisintention,thatasoldmentheymayretireintoasecurerestingplace,whenoncetheyhavegottentogetherasufficientprovision.

Thusthelittleant(forsheisanexample),ofgreatindustry,carriesinhermouthwhateversheisable,andaddstotheheapwhichshepilesup,bynomeansignorantandnotcarelessforthefuture.Which[ant,nevertheless],assoon,asAquariussaddensthechangedyear,nevercreepsabroad,butwiselymakesuseofthosestoreswhichwereprovidedbeforehand:whileneithersultrysummer,norwinter,fire,ocean,sword,candriveyoufromgain.Yousurmounteveryobstacle,thatnoothermanmaybericherthanyourself.Whatpleasureisitforyou,tremblingtodepositanimmenseweightofsilverandgoldintheearthdugupby

stealth?Becauseifyoulessenit,itmaybereducedtoapaltryfarthing.

Butunlessthatbethecase,whatbeautyhasanaccumulatedhoard?Thoughyourthrashing-floorshouldyieldahundredthousandbushelsofcorn,yourbellywillnotonthataccountcontainmorethanmine:justasifitwereyourlottocarryonyourloadedshoulderthebasketofbreadamongslaves,youwouldreceivenomore[foryourownshare]thanhewhoborenopartoftheburthen.Ortellme,whatisittothepurposeofthatman,wholiveswithinthecompassofnature,whetherhe



plowahundredorathousandacres?

"Butitisstilldelightfultotakeoutofagreathoard."

Whileyouleaveustotakeasmuchoutofamoderatestore,whyshouldyouextolyourgranaries,morethanourcorn-baskets?Asifyouhadoccasionfornomorethanapitcherorglassofwater,andshouldsay,"Ihadratherdraw[somuch]fromagreatriver,thantheverysamequantityfromthislittlefountain."Henceitcomestopass,thattherapidAufiduscarriesaway,togetherwiththebank,suchmenasanabundancemorecopiousthanwhatisjustdelights.Buthewhodesiresonlysomuchasissufficient,neitherdrinkswaterfouledwiththemud,norloseshislifeinthewaves.

Butagreatmajorityofmankind,misledbyawrongdesirecry,"Nosumisenough;becauseyouareesteemedinproportiontowhatyoupossess."Whatcanonedotosuchatribeasthis?Why,bidthembewretched,sincetheirinclinationpromptsthemtoit.Asacertainpersonisrecorded[tohavelived]atAthens,covetousandrich,whowaswonttodespisethetalkofthepeopleinthismanner:"Thecrowdhissme;butIapplaudmyselfathome,assoonasIcontemplatemymoneyinmychest."ThethirstyTantaluscatchesatthestreams,whicheludehislips.Whydoyoulaugh?Thenamechanged,thetaleistoldofyou.Yousleepuponyourbags,heapeduponeveryside,gapingoverthem,andareobligedto

abstainfromthem,asiftheywereconsecratedthings,ortoamuseyourselfwiththemasyouwouldwithpictures.Areyouignorantofwhatvaluemoneyhas,whatuseitcanafford?Bread,herbs,abottleofwinemaybepurchased;towhich[necessaries],add[suchothers],as,beingwithheld,humannaturewouldbeuneasywithitself.What,towatchhalfdeadwithterror,nightandday,todreadprofligatethieves,fire,andyourslaves,lesttheyshouldrunawayandplunderyou;isthisdelightful?Ishouldalwayswishtobeverypoorinpossessionsheldupontheseterms.

Butifyourbodyshouldbedisorderedbybeingseizedwithacold,oranyothercasualtyshouldconfineyoutoyourbed,haveyouonethatwillabidebyyou,preparemedicines,entreatthephysicianthathe

wouldsetyouuponyourfeet,andrestoreyoutoyourchildrenanddearrelations?

Neitheryourwife,noryourson,desiresyourrecovery;allyourneighbors,acquaintances,[naythevery]boysandgirlshateyou.Doyouwonderthatnoonetendersyoutheaffectionwhichyoudonotmerit,sinceyoupreferyourmoneytoeverythingelse?Ifyouthinktoretain,andpreserveasfriends,therelationswhichnaturegivesyou,withouttakinganypains;wretchthatyouare,youloseyourlaborequally,asifanyoneshouldtrainanasstobeobedienttotherein,andrunintheCampus[Martius].Finally,lettherebesomeendtoyoursearch;and,asyourrichesincrease,beinlessdreadofpoverty;andbegintoceasefromyourtoil,thatbeingacquiredwhichyoucoveted:nordoas

didoneUmidius(itisnotediousstory),whowassorichthathemeasuredhismoney,sosordidthatheneverclothedhimselfanybetterthanaslave;and,eventohislastmoments,wasindreadlestwantofbreadshouldoppresshim:buthisfreed-woman,thebravestofallthedaughtersofTyndarus,cuthimintwowithahatchet.

"Whatthereforedoyoupersuademeto?ThatIshouldleadthelifeofNaevius,orinsuchamannerasaNomentanus?"

Youaregoing[now]tomakethingstally,thatarecontradictoryin



theirnatures.WhenIbidyounotbeamiser,Idonotorderyoutobecomeadebaucheeoraprodigal.ThereissomedifferencebetweenthecaseofTanaisandhisson-in-lawVisellius,thereisameaninthings;finally,therearecertainboundaries,oneithersideofwhichmoralrectitudecannotexist.IreturnnowwhenceIdigressed.Doesnoone,afterthemiser'sexample,likehisownstation,butratherpraisethosewhohavedifferentpursuits;andpines,becausehisneighbor'sshe-goatbearsamoredistendedudder:norconsidershimselfinrelationtothegreatermultitudeofpoor;butlaborstosurpass,firstoneandthenanother?Thustherichermanisalwaysanobstacletoonethatishastening[toberich]:aswhenthecourserwhirlsalongthechariotdismissedfromtheplaceofstarting;thecharioteerpressesuponthosehorseswhichoutstriphisown,despisinghimthatisleftbehindcomingonamongthelast.Henceitis,thatwerarelyfindamanwhocansayhehaslivedhappy,andcontentwithhispastlife,canretirefromtheworldlikeasatisfiedguest.Enoughforthepresent:norwillIaddonewordmore,lestyoushouldsuspectthatIhaveplunderedtheescrutoireoftheblear-eyedCrispinus.

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SATIREII.

_Badmen,whentheyavoidcertainvices,fallintotheiroppositeextremes._

Thetribesoffemaleflute-players,quacks,vagrants,mimics,blackguards;allthissetissorrowfulanddejectedonaccountofthedeathofthesingerTigellius;forhewasliberal[towardthem].Ontheotherhand,thisman,dreadingtobecalledaspendthrift,willnotgiveapoorfriendwherewithaltokeepoffcoldandpinchinghunger.Ifyouaskhimwhyhewickedlyconsumesthenobleestateofhisgrandfatherandfatherintastelessgluttony,buyingwithborrowedmoneyallsortsofdainties;heanswers,becauseheisunwillingtobereckonedsordid,or

ofameanspirit:heispraisedbysome,condemnedbyothers.Fufidius,wealthyinlands,wealthyinmoneyputoutatinterest,isafraidofhavingthecharacterofarakeandspendthrift.Thisfellowdeducts5percent.Interestfromtheprincipal[atthetimeoflending];and,themoredesperateinhiscircumstancesanyoneis,themoreseverelybepincheshim:hehuntsoutthenamesofyoungfellowsthathavejustputonthetogavirilisunderrigidfathers.Whodoesnotcryout,OsovereignJupiter!whenhehasheard[ofsuchknavery]?But[youwillsay,perhaps,]thismanexpendsuponhimselfinproportiontohisgain.Youcanhardlybelievehowlittleafriendheistohimself:insomuchthatthefather,whomTerence'scomedyintroducesaslivingmiserableafterhehadcausedhissontorunawayfromhim,didnottormenthimselfworsethanhe.Nowifanyoneshouldask,"Towhatdoesthis

mattertend?"Tothis:whilefoolsshun[onesortof]vices,theyfallupontheiroppositeextremes.Malthinuswalkswithhisgarmentstrailingupontheground;thereisanotherdrollfellowwho[goes]withthemtuckedupeventohismiddle;Rufillussmellslikeperfumeitself,Gorgoniuslikeahe-goat.Thereisnomean.Therearesomewhowouldnotkeepcompanywithalady,unlesshermodestgarmentperfectlyconcealherfeet.Another,again,willonlyhavesuchastaketheirstationinafilthybrothel.Whenacertainnotedsparkcameoutofastew,thedivineCato[greeted]himwiththissentence:"Proceed(sayshe)inyourvirtuouscourse.For,whenoncefoullusthasinflamedtheveins,itis



rightforyoungfellowstocomehither,incomparisonoftheirmeddlingwithothermen'swives."Ishouldnotbewillingtobecommendedonsuchterms,saysCupiennius,anadmirerofthesilkenvail.

Ye,thatdonotwishwelltotheproceedingsofadulterers,itisworthyourwhiletohearhowtheyarehamperedonallsides;andthattheirpleasure,whichhappenstothembutseldom,isinterruptedwithagreatdealofpain,andofteninthemidstofverygreatdangers.Onehasthrownhimselfheadlongfromthetopofahouse;anotherhasbeenwhippedalmosttodeath:athird,inhisflight,hasfallenintoamercilessgangofthieves:anotherhaspaidafine,[toavoid]corporal[punishment]:thelowestservantshavetreatedanotherwiththevilestindignities.Moreover,thismisfortunehappenedtoacertainperson,heentirelylosthismanhood.Everybodysaid,itwaswithjustice:Galbadeniedit.

Buthowmuchsaferisthetrafficamong[women]ofthesecondrate!Imeanthefreed-women:afterwhichSallustiusisnotlessmad,thanhewhocommitsadultery.Butifhehadamindtobegoodandgenerous,asfarashisestateandreasonwoulddirecthim,andasfarasamanmightbeliberalwithmoderation;hewouldgiveasufficiency,notwhatwouldbringuponhimselfruinandinfamy.However,hehugshimselfinthisone[consideration];thishedelightsin,thisheextols:"Imeddlewithnomatron."JustasMarsaeus,theloverofOrigo,hewhogiveshispaternal

estateandseattoanactress,says,"Inevermeddlewithothermen'swives."Butyouhavewithactresses,youhavewithcommonstrumpets:whenceyourreputationderivesagreaterperdition,thanyourestate.What,isitabundantlysufficienttoavoidtheperson,andnotthe[vice]whichisuniversallynoxious?Toloseone'sgoodname,tosquanderafather'seffects,isinallcasesanevil.Whatisthedifference[then,withregardtoyourself,]whetheryousinwiththepersonofamatron,amaiden,oraprostitute?

Villius,theson-in-lawofSylla(bythistitlealonehewasmisled),suffered[forhiscommerce]withFausta,anadequateandmorethanadequatepunishment,bybeingdrubbedandstabbed,whilehewasshutout,thatLongarenusmightenjoyherwithin.Supposethis[youngman's]

mindhadaddressedhiminthewordsofhisappetite,perceivingsuchevilconsequences:"Whatwouldyouhave?DidIever,whenmyardorwasatthehighest,demandawomandescendedfromagreatconsul,andcoveredwithrobesofquality?"Whatcouldheanswer?Why,"thegirlwassprungfromanillustriousfather."Buthowmuchbetterthings,andhowdifferentfromthis,doesnature,aboundinginstoresofherown,recommend;ifyouwouldonlymakeaproperuseofthem,andnotconfoundwhatistobeavoidedwiththatwhichisdesirable!Doyouthinkitisofnoconsequence,whetheryourdistressesarisefromyourownfaultorfrom[arealdeficiency]ofthings?Wherefore,thatyoumaynotrepent[whenitistoolate],putastoptoyourpursuitaftermatrons;whencemoretroubleisderived,thanyoucanobtainofenjoymentfromsuccess.Norhas[thisparticularmatron],amidherpearlsandemeralds,asofter

thigh,or-limbsmeredelicatethanyours,Cerinthus;nay,theprostitutesarefrequentlypreferable.Addtothis,that[theprostitute]bearsabouthermerchandizewithoutanyvarnish,andopenlyshowswhatshehastodisposeof;nor,ifshehasaughtmorecomelythanordinary,doessheboastandmakeanostentationofit,whilesheisindustrioustoconcealthatwhichisoffensive.Thisisthecustomwithmenoffortune:whentheybuyhorses,theyinspectthemcovered:that,ifabeautifulforehand(asoften)besupportedbyatenderhoof,itmaynottakeinthebuyer,eagerforthebargain,becausethebackishandsome,theheadlittle,andtheneckstately.Thistheydo



judiciously.Donotyou,[therefore,inthesamemanner]contemplatetheperfectionsofeach[fairone's]personwiththeeyesofLynceus;butbeblinderthanHypsaea,whenyousurveysuchpartsasaredeformed.[Youmaycryout,]"Owhataleg!O,whatdelicatearms!"But[yousuppress]thatsheislow-hipped,short-waisted,withalongnose,andasplayfoot.Amancanseenothingbutthefaceofamatron,whocarefullyconcealsherothercharms,unlessitbeaCatia.Butifyouwillseekafterforbiddencharms(forthe[circumstanceoftheirbeingforbidden]makesyoumadafterthem),surroundedastheyarewithafortification,manyobstacleswillthenbeinyourway:suchasguardians,thesedan,dressers,parasites,thelongrobehangingdowntotheankles,andcoveredwithanuppergarment;amultiplicityofcircumstances,whichwillhinderyoufromhavingafairview.Theotherthrowsnoobstacleinyourway;throughthesilkenvestyoumaydiscernher,almostaswellasifshewasnaked;thatshehasneitherabadleg,noradisagreeablefoot,youmaysurveyherformperfectlywithyoureye.Orwouldyouchoosetohaveatrickputuponyou,andyourmoneyextorted,beforethegoodsareshownyou?[ButperhapsyouwillsingtometheseversesoutofCallimachus.]Asthehuntsmanpursuesthehareinthedeepsnow,butdisdainstotouchitwhenitisplacedbeforehim:thussingstherake,andappliesittohimself;myloveisliketothis,foritpassesoveraneasyprey,andpursueswhatfliesfromit.Doyouhopethatgrief,anduneasiness,andbitteranxieties,willbeexpelledfromyourbreastbysuchversesasthese?WouldItnotbemoreprofitabletoinquirewhat

boundarynaturehasaffixedtotheappetites,whatshecanpatientlydowithout,andwhatshewouldlamentthedeprivationof,andtoseparatewhatissolidfromwhatisvain?What!whenthirstparchesyourjaws,areyousolicitousforgoldencupstodrinkoutof?What!whenyouarehungry,doyoudespiseeverythingbutpeacockandturbot?Whenyourpassionsareinflamed,andacommongratificationisathand,wouldyouratherbeconsumedwithdesirethanpossessit?Iwouldnot:forIlovesuchpleasuresasareofeasiestattainment.Butshewhoselanguageis,"Byandby,""Butforasmallmattermore,""Ifmyhusbandshouldbeoutoftheway."[isonly]forpetit-maitres:andforhimself,Philodemussays,hechoosesher,whoneitherstandsforagreatprice,nordelaystocomewhensheisordered.Letherbefair,andstraight,andsofardecentasnottoappeardesirousofseemingfairerthannaturehasmade

her.WhenIaminthecompanyofsuchanone,sheismyIliaandAegeria;Igiveheranyname.NoramIapprehensive,whileIaminhercompany,lestherhusbandshouldreturnfromthecountry:thedoorshouldbebrokenopen;thedogshouldbark;thehouse,shaken,shouldresoundonallsideswithagreatnoise;thewoman,pale[withfear],shouldboundawayfromme;lestthemaid,conscious[ofguilt],shouldcryout,sheisundone;lestsheshouldbeinapprehensionforherlimbs,thedetectedwifeforherportion,Iformyself:lestImustrunawaywithmyclothesallloose,andbare-footed,forfearmymoney,ormyperson,or,finallymycharactershouldbedemolished.Itisadreadfulthingtobecaught;Icouldprovethis,evenifFabiuswerethejudge.

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SATIREIII.

_Wemighttoconniveatthefaultsofourfriends,andalloffencesarenottoberankedinthecatalogueofcrimes_.



Thisisafaultcommontoallsingers,thatamongtheirfriendstheyneverareinclinedtosingwhentheyareasked,[but]unasked,theyneverdesist.Tigellius,thatSardinian,hadthis[fault].HadCaesar,whocouldhaveforcedhimtocompliance,besoughthimonaccountofhisfather'sfriendshipandhisown,hewouldhavehadnosuccess;ifhehimselfwasdisposed,hewouldchantloBaccheoverandover,fromthebeginningofanentertainmenttotheveryconclusionofit;onewhileatthedeepestpitchofhisvoice,atanothertimewiththatwhichanswerstothehigheststringofthetetrachord.Therewasnothinguniforminthatfellow;frequentlywouldherunalong,asoneflyingfromanenemy;morefrequently[hewalked]asifhebore[inprocession]thesacrificeofJuno:hehadoftentwohundredslaves,oftenbutten:onewhiletalkingofkingsandpotentates,everythingthatwasmagnificent;atanother--"Letmehaveathree-leggedtable,andacellarofcleansalt,andagownwhich,thoughcoarse,maybesufficienttokeepoutthecold."Hadyougiventenhundredthousandsestercestothismoderatemanwhowascontentwithsuchsmallmatters,infivedays'timetherewouldbenothinginhisbags.Hesatupatnights,[even]today-light;hesnoredoutalltheday.Neverwasthereanythingsoinconsistentwithitself.Nowsomepersonmaysaytome,"Whatareyou?Haveyounofaults?"Yes,others;butothers,andperhapsofalessculpablenature.

WhenMaeniusrailedatNoviusinhisabsence:"Harkye,"saysacertainperson,"areyouignorantofyourself?ordoyouthinktoimpose

yourselfuponusapersonwedonotknow?""Asforme,Iforgivemyself,"quothMaenius.Thisisafoolishandimpiousself-love,andworthytobestigmatized.Whenyoulookoveryourownvices,winkingatthem,asitwere,withsoreeyes;whyareyouwithregardtothoseofyourfriendsassharp-sightedasaneagle,ortheEpidaurianserpent?But,ontheotherhand,itisyourlotthatyourfriendsshouldinquireintoyourvicesinturn.[Acertainperson]isalittletoohastyinhistemper;notwellcalculatedforthesharp-wittedsneersofthesemen:hemaybemadeajestofbecausehisgownhangsawkwardly,he[atthesametime]beingtrimmedinaveryrusticmanner,andhiswideshoehardlystickstohisfoot.Butheissogood,thatnomancanbebetter;butheisyourfriend;butanimmensegeniusisconcealedunderthisunpolishedpersonofhis.Finally,siftyourselfthoroughly,whethernaturehas

originallysowntheseedsofanyviceinyou,orevenanill-habit[hasdoneit].Forthefern,fit[only]tobeburned,overrunstheneglectedfields.

Letusreturnfromourdigression.Ashismistress'sdisagreeablefailingsescapetheblindedlover,orevengivehimpleasure(asHagna'swendoestoBalbinus),Icouldwishthatweerredinthismannerwithregardtofriendship,andthatvirtuehadaffixedareputableappellationtosuchanerror.Andasafatheroughtnottocontemnhisson,ifhehasanydefect,inthesamemannerweoughtnot[tocontemn]ourfriend.Thefathercallshissquintingboyaprettyleeringrogue;andifanymanhasalittledespicablebrat,suchastheabortiveSisyphusformerlywas,hecallsitasweetmoppet;this[child]with

distortedlegs,[thefather]inafondlingvoicecallsoneoftheVari;andanother,whoisclub-footed,hecallsaScaurus.[Thus,does]thisfriendofyourslivemoresparinglythanordinarily?Lethimbestyledamanoffrugality.Isanotherimpertinent,andapttobragalittle?Herequirestobereckonedentertainingtohisfriends.But[another]istoorude,andtakesgreaterlibertiesthanarefitting.Lethimbeesteemedamanofsincerityandbravery.Ishetoofiery,lethimbenumberedamongpersonsofspirit.Thismethod,inmyopinion,bothunitesfriends,andpreservestheminastateofunion.Butweinverttheveryvirtuesthemselves,andaredesirousofthrowingdirtuponthe



untaintedvessel.Doesamanofprobityliveamongus?heisapersonofsingulardiffidence;wegivehimthenameofadullandfat-headedfellow.Doesthismanavoideverysnare,andlayhimselfopentonoill-designingvillain;sinceweliveamidsucharace,wherekeenenvyandaccusationsareflourishing?Insteadofasensibleandwaryman,wecallhimadisguisedandsubtlefellow.Andisanyonemoreopen,[andlessreserved]thanusualinsuchadegreeasIoftenhavepresentedmyselftoyou,Maecenas,soasperhapsimpertinentlytointerruptapersonreading,ormusing,withanykindofprate?Wecry,"[thisfellow]actuallywantscommonsense."Alas!howindiscreetlydoweordainaseverelawagainstourselves!FornooneIsbornwithoutvices:heisthebestmanwhoisencumberedwiththeleast.Whenmydearfriend,asisjust,weighsmygoodqualitiesagainstmybadones,lethim,ifheiswillingtobebeloved,turnthescaletothemajorityoftheformer(ifIhaveindeedamajorityofgoodqualities),onthiscondition,heshallbeplacedinthesamebalance.Hewhorequiresthathisfriendshouldnottakeoffenceathisownprotuberances,willexcusehisfriend'slittlewarts.Itisfairthathewhoentreatsapardonforhisownfaults,shouldgrantoneinhisturn.

Uponthewhole,forasmuchastheviceanger,aswellasothersinherentinfoolish[mortals],cannotbetotallyeradicated,whydoesnothumanreasonmakeuseofitsownweightsandmeasures;andsopunishfaults,asthenatureofthethingdemands?Ifanymanshouldpunishwiththe

cross,aslave,whobeingorderedtotakeawaythedishshouldgorgethehalf-eatenfishandwarmsauce;hewould,amongpeopleintheirsenses,becalledamaddermanthanLabeo.Howmuchmoreirrationalandheinousacrimeisthis!Yourfriendhasbeenguiltyofasmallerror(which,unlessyouforgive,yououghttobereckonedasour,ill-naturedfellow),youhateandavoidhim,asadebtordoesRuso;who,whenthewofulcalendscomeupontheunfortunateman,unlessheprocurestheinterestorcapitalbyhookorbycrook,iscompelledtohearhismiserablestorieswithhisneckstretchedoutlikeaslave.[Shouldmyfriend]inhisliquorwatermycouch,orhashethrowndownajarcarvedbythehandsofEvander:shallheforthis[trifling]affair,orbecauseinhishungerhehastakenachickenbeforemeoutofmypartofthedish,bethelessagreeablefriendtome?[Ifso],whatcouldIdoifhe

wasguiltyoftheft,orhadbetrayedthingscommittedtohiminconfidence,orbrokenhisword.Theywhoarepleased[torankall]faultsnearlyonanequality,aretroubledwhentheycometothetruthofthematter:senseandmoralityareagainstthem,andutilityitself,themotheralmostofrightandofequity.

When[rude]animals,theycrawledforthuponthefirst-formedearth,themuteanddirtyherdfoughtwiththeirnailsandfistsfortheiracornandcaves,afterwardwithclubs,andfinallywitharmswhichexperiencehadforged:tilltheyfoundoutwordsandnames,bywhichtheyascertainedtheirlanguageandsensations:thenceforwardtheybegantoabstainfromwar,tofortifytowns,andestablishlaws:thatnopersonshouldbeathief,arobber,oranadulterer.ForbeforeHelen'stime

thereexisted[many]awomanwhowasthedismalcauseofwar:butthosefellbyunknowndeaths,whompursuinguncertainvenery,asthebullintheherd,thestrongestslew.Itmustofnecessitybeacknowledged,ifyouhaveamindtoturnovertheaerasandanualsoftheworld,thatlawswereinventedfromanapprehensionofthenaturalinjustice[ofmankind].Norcannatureseparatewhatisunjustfromwhatisjust,inthesamemannerasshedistinguisheswhatisgoodfromitsreverse,andwhatistobeavoidedfromthatwhichistobesought,norwillreasonpersuadementothis,thathewhobreaksdownthecabbage-stalkofhisneighbor,sinsinasgreatameasure,andinthesamemanner,ashewho



stealsbynightthingsconsecratedtothegods.Lettherebeasettledstandard,thatmayinflictadequatepunishmentsuponcrimes,lestyoushouldpersecuteanyonewiththehorriblethong,whoisonlydeservingofaslightwhipping.ForIamnotapprehensive,thatyoushouldcorrectwiththerodonethatdeservestosuffersevererstripes:sinceyouassertthatpilferingisanequalcrimewithhighwayrobbery,andthreatenthatyouwouldpruneoffwithanundistinguishinghooklittleandgreatvices,ifmankindweretogiveyouthesovereigntyoverthem.Ifheberich,whoiswise,andagoodshoemaker,andalonehandsome,andaking,whydoyouwishforthatwhichyouarepossessedof?YoudonotunderstandwhatChrysippus,thefather[ofyoursect],says:"Thewisemannevermadehimselfshoesnorslippers:nevertheless,thewisemanisashoemaker."Howso?Inthesamemanner,thoughHermogenesbesilent,heisafinesinger,notwithstanding,andanexcellentmusician:asthesubtle[lawyer]Alfenus,aftereveryinstrumentofhiscallingwasthrownaside,andhisshopshutup,was[still]abarber;thusisthewisemanofalltrades,thusisheaking.Ogreatestofgreatkings,thewaggishboyspluckyoubythebeard;whomunlessyourestrainwithyourstaff,youwillbejostledbyamoballaboutyou,andyoumaywretchedlybarkandburstyourlungsinvain.Nottobetedious:whileyou,myking,shallgotothefarthingbath,andnoguardshallattendyou,excepttheabsurdCrispinus;mydearfriendswillbothpardonmeinanymatterinwhichIshallfoolishlyoffend,andIinturnwillcheerfullyputupwiththeirfaults;andthoughaprivateman,Ishall

livemorehappilythanyou,aking.

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SATIREIV.

_Heapologizesforthelibertiestakenbysatiricpoetsingeneral,andparticularlybyhimself_.

ThepoetsEupolis,andCratinus,andAristophanes,andothers,whoare

authorsoftheancientcomedy,iftherewasanypersondeservingtobedistinguishedforbeingarascalorathief,anadultereroracut-throat,orinanyshapeaninfamousfellow,brandedhimwithgreatfreedom.Uponthese[models]Luciliusentirelydepends,havingimitatedthem,changingonlytheirfeetandnumbers:amanofwit,ofgreatkeenness,inelegantinthecompositionofverse:forinthisrespecthewasfaulty;hewouldoften,asagreatfeat,dictatetwohundredversesinanhour,standinginthesameposition.Asheflowedmuddily,therewas[always]somethingthatonewouldwishtoremove;hewasverbose,andtoolazytoendurethefatigueofwriting--ofwritingaccurately:for,withregardtothequantity[ofhisworks],Imakenoaccountofit.See!Crispinuschallengesmeevenforeversolittleawager.Take,ifyoudare,takeyourtablets,andIwilltakemine;lettherebea

place,atime,andpersonsappointedtoseefairplay:letusseewhocanwritethemost.Thegodshavedoneagoodpartbyme,sincetheyhaveframedmeofanhumbleandmeekdisposition,speakingbutseldom,briefly:butdoyou,[Crispinus,]asmuchasyouwill,imitateairwhichisshutupinleathernbellows,perpetuallyputtingtillthefiresoftenstheiron.Fanniusisahappyman,who,ofhisownaccord,haspresentedhismanuscriptsandpicture[tothePalatineApollo];whennotasoulwillperusemywritings,whoamafraidtorehearseinpublic,onthisaccount,becausetherearecertainpersonswhocanbynomeansrelishthiskind[ofsatiricwriting],asthereareverymanywho



deservecensure.Singleanymanoutofthecrowd;heeitherlaborsunderacovetousdisposition,orunderwretchedambition.Oneismadinlovewithmarriedwomen,anotherwithyouths;athirdthesplendorofsilvercaptivates:Albiusisinraptureswithbrass;anotherexchangeshismerchandizefromtherisingsun,eventothatwithwhichthewesternregionsarewarmed:butheisburriedheadlongthroughdangers,asdustwrappedupinawhirlwind;indreadlestheshouldloseanythingoutofthecapital,or[inhope]thathemayincreasehisstore.Alltheseareafraidofverses,theyhatepoets."Hehashayonhishorn,[theycry;]avoidhimatagreatdistance:ifhecanbutraisealaughforhisowndiversion,hewillnotspareanyfriend:andwhateverhehasonceblotteduponhispaper,hewilltakeapleasureinlettingalltheboysandoldwomenknow,astheyreturnfromthebakehouseorthelake."But,comeon,attendtoafewwordsontheothersideofthequestion.

Inthefirstplace,IwillexceptmyselfoutofthenumberofthoseIwouldallowtobepoets:foronemustnotcallitsufficienttotagaverse:norifanyperson,likeme,writesinastyleborderingonconversation,mustyouesteemhimtobeapoet.Tohimwhohasgenius,whohasasoulofadivinercast,andagreatnessofexpression,givethehonorofthisappellation.Onthisaccountsomehaveraisedthequestion,whethercomedybeapoemornot;becauseananimatedspiritandforceisneitherinthestyle,northesubject-matter:batingthatitdiffersfromprosebyacertainmeasure,itismereprose.But[one

mayobjecttothis,thatevenincomedy]aninflamedfatherrages,becausehisdissoluteson,madafteraprostitutemistress,refusesawifewithalargeportion;and(whatisanegregiousscandal)ramblesaboutdrunkwithflambeauxbyday-light.YetcouldPomponius,werehisfatheralive,hearlessseverereproofs!Whereforeitisnotsufficienttowriteversesmerelyinproperlanguage;whichifyoutaketopieces,anypersonmaystorminthesamemannerasthefatherintheplay.IffromtheseverseswhichIwriteatthispresent,orthosethatLuciliusdidformerly,youtakeawaycertainpausesandmeasures,andmakethatwordwhichwasfirstinorderhindermost,byplacingthelatter[words]beforethosethatpreceded[intheverse];youwillnotdiscernthelimbsofapoet,whenpulledinpieces,inthesamemannerasyouwouldwereyoutotransposeeverso[theselinesofEnnius]:

Whendiscorddreadfulburststhebrazenbars,Andshattersironlockstothunderforthherwars.

Sofarofthismatter;atanotheropportunity[Imayinvestigate]whether[acomedy]beatruepoemornot:nowIshallonlyconsiderthispoint,whetherthis[satiric]kindofwritingbedeservedlyanobjectofyoursuspicion.Sulciusthevirulent,andCapriushoarsewiththeirmalignancy,walk[openly],andwiththeirlibelstoo[intheirhands];eachofthemasingularterrortorobbers:butifamanliveshonestlyandwithcleanhands,hemaydespisethemboth.Thoughyoubelikehighwaymen,CoelusandByrrhus,Iamnot[acommonaccuser],likeCapriusandSulcius;whyshouldyoubeafraidofme?Noshopnorstall

holdsmybooks,whichthesweatyhandsofthevulgarandofHermogenesTigelliusmaysoil.Irepeattonobody,exceptmyintimates,andthatwhenIampressed;noranywhere,andbeforeanybody.Therearemanywhorecitetheirwritingsinthemiddleoftheforum;andwho[doit]whilebathing:theclosenessoftheplace,[itseems,]givesmelodytothevoice.Thispleasescoxcombs,whoneverconsiderwhethertheydothistonopurpose,oratanunseasonabletime.Butyou,sayshe,delighttohurtpeople,andthisyoudooutofamischievousdisposition.Fromwhatsourcedoyouthrowthiscalumnyuponme?Isanyonethenyourvoucher,withwhomIhavelived?Hewhobackbiteshis



absentfriend;[naymore,]whodoesnotdefend,atanother'saccusinghim;whoaffectstoraiseloudlaughsincompany,andthereputationofafunnyfellow,whocanfeignthingsheneversaw;whocannotkeepsecrets;heisadangerousman:beyou,Roman,awareofhim.Youmayoftenseeit[evenincrowdedcompanies],wheretwelvesuptogetheronthreecouches;oneofwhichshalldelightatanyratetoaspersetherest,excepthimwhofurnishesthebath;andhimtooafterwardinhisliquor,whentruth-tellingBacchusopensthesecretsofhisheart.Yetthismanseemsentertaining,andwell-bred,andfranktoyou,whoareanenemytothemalignant:butdoI,ifIhavelaughedbecausethefopRufillussmellsallperfumes,andGorgonius,likeahe-goat,appearinsidiousandasnarlertoyou?IfbyanymeansmentionhappentobemadeofthetheftsofPetilliusCapitolinusinyourcompany,youdefendhimafteryourmanner:[asthus,]Capitolinushashadmeforacompanionandafriendfromchildhood,andbeingappliedto,hasdonemanythingsonmyaccount:andIamgladthathelivessecureinthecity;butIwonder,notwithstanding,howheevadedthatsentence.Thisistheveryessenceofblackmalignity,thisismeremaliceitself:whichcrime,thatitshallbefarremotefrommywritings,andpriortothemfrommymind,Ipromise,ifIcantakeuponmetopromiseanythingsincerelyofmyself.IfIshallsayanythingtoofreely,ifperhapstooludicrously,youmustfavormebyyourindulgencewiththisallowance.Formyexcellentfatherinuredmetothiscustom,thatbynotingeachparticularviceImightavoiditbytheexample[ofothers].Whenhe

exhortedmethatIshouldlivethriftily,frugally,andcontentwithwhathehadprovidedforme;don'tyousee,[wouldhesay,]howwretchedlythesonofAlbiuslives?andhowmiserablyBarrus?Astronglessontohinderanyonefromsquanderingawayhispatrimony.Whenhewoulddetermefromfilthyfondnessforalightwoman:[takecare,saidhe,]thatyoudonotresembleSectanus.ThatImightnotfollowadulteresses,whenIcouldenjoyalawfulamour:thecharactercriedhe,ofTrobonius,whowascaughtinthefact,isbynomeanscreditable.Thephilosophermaytellyouthereasonsforwhatisbettertobeavoided,andwhattobepursued.Itissufficientforme,ifIcanpreservethemoralitytraditionalfrommyforefathers,andkeepyourlifeandreputationinviolate,solongasyoustandinneedofaguardian:sosoonasageshallhavestrengthenedyourlimbsandmind,

youwillswimwithoutcork.Inthismannerheformedme,asyetaboy:andwhetherheorderedmetodoanyparticularthing:Youhaveanauthorityfordoingthis:[then]heinstancedsomeoneoftheselectmagistrates:ordidheforbidme[anything];canyoudoubt,[sayshe,]whetherthisthingbedishonorable,andagainstyourinteresttobedone,whenthispersonandtheotherisbecomesuchaburningshameforhisbadcharacter[ontheseaccounts]?Asaneighboringfuneraldispiritssickgluttons,andthroughfearofdeathforcesthemtohavemercyuponthemselves;soothermen'sdisgracesoftendetertendermindsfromvices.Fromthis[methodofeducation]Iamclearfromallsuchvices,asbringdestructionalongwiththem:bylighterfoibles,andsuchasyoumayexcuse,Iampossessed.Andevenfromthese,perhaps,amaturerage,thesincerityofafriend,ormyownjudgment,maymake

greatreductions.ForneitherwhenIaminbed,orinthepiazzas,amIwantingtomyself:thiswayofproceedingisbetter;bydoingsuchathingIshalllivemorecomfortably;bythismeansIshallrendermyselfagreeabletomyfriends;suchatransactionwasnotclever;what,shallI,atanytime,imprudentlycommitanythinglikeit?ThesethingsIresolveinsilencebymyself.WhenIhaveanyleisure,Iamusemyselfwithmypapers.Thisisoneofthoselighterfoibles[Iwasspeakingof]:towhichifyoudonotgrantyourindulgence,anumerousbandofpoetsshallcome,whichwilltakemypart(forwearemanymoreinnumber),and,liketheJews,wewillforceyoutocomeovertoour



numerousparty.

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SATIREV.

_HedescribesacertainjourneyofhisfromRometoBrundusiumwithgreatpleasantry_.

HavingleftmightyRome,Ariciareceivedmeinbutamiddlinginn:Heliodorustherhetorician,mostlearnedintheGreeklanguage,wasmyfellow-traveller:thenceweproceededtoForum-Appi,stuffedwithsailorsandsurlylandlords.Thisstage,butoneforbettertravellersthanwe,beinglaggardwedividedintotwo;theAppianwayislesstiresometobadtravelers.HereI,onaccountofthewater,whichwasmostvile,proclaimwaragainstmybelly,waitingnotwithoutimpatienceformycompanionswhileatsupper.Nowthenightwaspreparingtospreadhershadowsupontheearth,andtodisplaytheconstellationsintheheavens.Thenourslavesbegantobeliberaloftheirabusetothewatermen,andthewatermentoourslaves."Herebringto.""Youarestowinginhundreds;hold,nowsurethereisenough."Thuswhilethe

fareispaid,andthemulefastenedawholehourispassedaway.Thecursedgnats,andfrogsofthefens,driveoffrepose.Whilethewatermanandapassenger,well-soakedwithplentyofthickwine,viewithoneanotherinsingingthepraisesoftheirabsentmistresses:atlengththepassengerbeingfatigued,beginstosleep;andthelazywatermantiesthehalterofthemule,turnedouta-grazing,toastone,andsnores,lyingflatonhisback.Andnowthedayapproached,whenwesawtheboatmadenoway;untilacholericfellow,oneofthepassengers,leapsoutoftheboat,anddrubstheheadandsidesofbothmuleandwatermanwithawillowcudgel.Atlastwewerescarcelysetashoreatthefourthhour.Wewashourfacesandhandsinthywater,OFeronia.Then,havingdinedwecrawledonthreemiles;andarriveunderAnxur,whichisbuiltuponrocksthatlookwhitetoagreatdistance.

Maecenaswastocomehere,aswastheexcellentCocceius.Bothsentambassadorsonmattersofgreatimportance,havingbeenaccustomedtoreconcilefriendsatvariance.Here,havinggotsoreeyes,Iwasobligedtousetheblackointment.InthemeantimecameMaecenas,andCocceius,andFonteiusCapitoalongwiththem,amanofperfectpolish,andintimatewithMarkAntony,nomanmoreso.

WithoutregretwepassedFundi,whereAufidiusLuscuswaspraetor,laughingatthehonorsofthatcrazyscribe,hispraetexta,laticlave,andpanofincense.Atournextstage,beingweary,wetarryinthecityoftheMamurrae,Murenacomplimentinguswithhishouse,andCapitowithhiskitchen.

Thenextdayarises,bymuchthemostagreeabletoall:forPlotius,andVarius,andVirgilmetusatSinuessa;soulsmorecandidonesthanwhichtheworldneverproduced,noristhereapersonintheworldmoreboundtothemthanmyself.Ohwhatembraces,andwhattransportswerethere!WhileIaminmysenses,nothingcanIprefertoapleasantfriend.Thevillage,whichisnextadjoiningtothebridgeofCampania,accommodateduswithlodging[atnight];andthepublicofficerswithsuchaquantityoffuelandsaltastheyareobligedto[bylaw].Fromthisplacethemulesdepositedtheirpack-saddlesatCapuabetimes[inthemorning].Maecenasgoestoplay[attennis];butIandVirgiltoour





Brundusiumendsbothmylongjourney,andmypaper.

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SATIREVI.

_Oftruenobility_.

NotMaecenas,thoughofalltheLydiansthateverinhabitedtheTuscanterritories,nooneisofanoblerfamilythanyourself;andthoughyouhaveancestorsbothonfather'sandmother'sside,thatintimespasthavehadthecommandofmightylegions;doyou,asthegeneralityarewont,tossupyournoseatobscurepeople,suchasme,whohas[only]afreed-manformyfather:sinceyouaffirmthatitisofnoconsequenceofwhatparentsanymanisborn,sothathebeamanofmerit.Youpersuadeyourself,withtruth,thatbeforethedominionsofTullius,andthereignofonebornaslave,frequentlynumbersofmendescendedfromancestorsofnorank,havebothlivedasmenofmerit,andhavebeendistinguishedbythegreatesthonors:[while]ontheotherhandLaevinus,thedescendantofthatfamousValerius,bywhosemeans

TarquiniusSuperbuswasexpelledfromhiskingdom,wasnotafarthingmoreesteemed[onaccountofhisfamily,even]inthejudgmentofthepeople,withwhosedispositionyouarewellacquainted;whooftenfoolishlybestowhonorsontheunworthy,andarefromtheirstupidityslavestoaname:whoarestruckwithadmirationbyinscriptionsandstatues.Whatisitfittingforustodo,whoarefar,veryfarremovedfromthevulgar[inoursentiments]?Forgrantit,thatthepeoplehadratherconferadignityonLaevinusthanonDecius,whoisanewman;andthecensorAppiuswouldexpelme[thesenate-house],becauseIwasnotsprungfromasireofdistinction:andthattoodeservedly,inasmuchasIrestednotcontentinmyowncondition.Butglorydragsinherdazzlingcartheobscureascloselyfetteredasthoseofnoblerbirth.Whatdiditprofityou,OTullius,toresumetherobethatyou[were

forced]tolayaside,andbecomeatribune[again]?Envyincreaseduponyou,whichhadbeenless,ityouhadremainedinaprivatestation.Forwhenanycrazyfellowhaslacedthemiddleofhislegwiththesablebuskins,andhasletflowthepurplerobefromhisbreast,heimmediatelyhears:"Whoisthisman?Whosesonishe?"Justasiftherebeanyone,wholaborsunderthesamedistemperasBarrusdoes,sothatheisambitiousofbeingreckonedhandsome;lethimgowherehewill,heexcitescuriosityamongthegirlsofinquiringintoparticulars;aswhatsortofface,leg,foot,teeth,hair,hehas.Thushewhoengagestohiscitizenstotakecareofthecity,theempire,andItaly,andthesanctuariesofthegods,forceseverymortaltobesolicitous,andtoaskfromwhatsireheisdescended,orwhetherheisbasebytheobscurityofhismother.What?doyou,thesonofaSyrus,aDana,ora

Dionysius,daretocastdownthecitizensofRomefromthe[Tarpeian]rock,ordeliverthemuptoCadmus[theexecutioner]?But,[youmaysay,]mycolleagueNoviussitsbelowmebyonedegree:forheisonlywhatmyfatherwas.AndthereforedoyouesteemyourselfaPaulusoraMessala?Buthe(Novius),iftwohundredcarriagesandthreefuneralsweretomeetintheforum,couldmakenoiseenoughtodrownalltheirhornsandtrumpets:this[kindofmerit]atleasthasitsweightwithus.

NowIreturntomyself,whoamdescendedfromafreed-man;whomevery



bodynibblesat,asbeingdescendedfromafreed-man.Now,because,Maecenas,Iamaconstantguestofyours;butformerly,becauseaRomanlegionwasundermycommand,asbeingamilitarytribune.Thislattercaseisdifferentfromtheformer:for,thoughanypersonperhapsmightjustlyenvymethatpostofhonor,yetcouldhenotdosowithregardtoyourbeingmyfriend!especiallyasyouarecautioustoadmitsuchasareworthy;andarefarfromhavinganysinisterambitiousviews.Icannotreckonmyselfaluckyfellowonthisaccount,asifitwerebyaccidentthatIgotyouformyfriend;fornokindofaccidentthrewyouinmyway.Thatbestofmen,Virgil,longago,andafterhim,Varius,toldyouwhatIwas.WhenfirstIcameintoyourpresence,Ispokeafewwordsinabrokenmanner(forchildishbashfulnesshinderedmefromspeakingmore);IdidnottellyouthatIwastheissueofanillustriousfather:Ididnot[pretend]thatIrodeaboutthecountryonaSatureianhorse,butplainlywhatIreallywas;youanswer(asyourcustomis)afewwords:Idepart:andyoure-invitemeaftertheninthmonth,andcommandmetobeinthenumberofyourfriends.IesteemitagreatthingthatIpleasedyou,whodistinguishprobityfrombaseness,notbytheillustriousnessofafather,butbythepurityofheartandfeelings.

Andyetifmydispositionbeculpableforafewfaults,andthosesmallones,otherwiseperfect(asifyoushouldcondemnmolesscatteredoverabeautifulskin),ifnoonecanjustlylaytomychargeavarice,nor

sordidness,norimpurehaunts;if,infine(tospeakinmyownpraise),Iliveundefiled,andinnocent,anddeartomyfriends;myfatherwasthecauseofallthis:whothoughapoormanonaleanfarm,wasunwillingtosendmetoaschoolunder[thepedant]Flavius,wheregreatboys,sprungfromgreatcenturions,havingtheirsatchelsandtabletsswungovertheirleftarm,usedtogowithmoneyintheirhandstheverydayitwasdue;buthadthespirittobringmeachildtoRome,tobetaughtthoseartswhichanyRomanknightandsenatorcanteachhisownchildren.Sothat,ifanypersonhadconsideredmydress,andtheslaveswhoattendedmeinsopopulousacity,hewouldhaveconcludedthatthoseexpensesweresuppliedtomeoutofsomehereditaryestate.Hehimself,ofallothersthemostfaithfulguardian,wasconstantlyabouteveryoneofmypreceptors.WhyshouldImultiplywords?Hepreservedme

chaste(whichisthefirsthonororvirtue)notonlyfromeveryactualguilt,butlikewisefrom[every]foulimputation,norwasheafraidlestanyshouldturnittohisreproach,ifIshouldcometofollowabusinessattendedwithsmallprofits,incapacityofanauctioneer,or(whathewashimself)atax-gatherer.Nor[hadthatbeenthecase]shouldIhavecomplained.Onthisaccountthemorepraiseisduetohim,andfrommeagreaterdegreeofgratitude.AslongasIaminmysenses,Icanneverbeashamedofsuchafatherasthis,andthereforeshallnotapologize[formybirth],inthemannerthatnumbersdo,byaffirmingittobenofaultoftheirs.Mylanguageandwayofthinkingisfardifferentfromsuchpersons.Forifnatureweretomakeusfromacertaintermofyearstogooverourpasttimeagain,and[sufferus]tochooseotherparents,suchaseverymanforostentation'ssakewould

wishforhimself;I,contentwithmyown,wouldnotassumethosethatarehonoredwiththeensignsandseatsofstate;[forwhichIshouldseem]amadmanintheopinionofthemob,butinyours,Ihopeamanofsense;becauseIshouldbeunwillingtosustainatroublesomeburden,beingbynomeansusedtoit.ForImust[then]immediatelysetaboutacquiringalargerfortune,andmorepeoplemustbecomplimented;andthisandthatcompanionmustbetakenalong,sothatIcouldneithertakeajauntintothecountry,orajourneybymyself;moreattendantsandmorehorsesmustbefed;coachesmustbedrawn.Now,ifIplease,IcangoasfarasTarentumonmybob-tailmule,whoseloinsthe



portmanteaugallswithhisweight,asdoesthehorsemanhisshoulders.Noonewilllaytomychargesuchsordidnessashemay,Tullius,toyou,whenfiveslavesfollowyou,apraetor,alongtheTiburtianway,carryingatravelingkitchen,andavesselofwine.ThusIlivemorecomfortably,Oillustrioussenator,thanyou,andthanthousandsofothers.WhereverIhaveafancy,Iwalkbymyself:Iinquirethepriceofherbsandbread;Itraversethetrickingcircus,andtheforumoftenintheevening:Istandlisteningamongthefortune-tellers:thenceItakemyselfhometoaplateofonions,pulse,andpancakes.Mysupperisservedupbythreeslaves;andawhitestoneslabsupportstwocupsandabrimmer:nearthesalt-cellarstandsahomelycruetwithalittlebowl,earthen-warefromCampania.ThenIgotorest;bynomeansconcernedthatImustriseinthemorning,andpayavisittothestatueofMarsyas,whodeniesthatheisabletobearthelookoftheyoungerNovius.Iliea-bedtothefourthhour;afterthatItakearamble,orhavingreadorwrittenwhatmayamusemeinmyprivacy,Iamanointedwithoil,butnotwithsuchasthenastyNacca,whenherobsthelamps.Butwhenthesun,becomemoreviolent,hasremindedmetogotobathe,IavoidtheCampusMartiusandthegameofhand-ball.Havingdinedinatemperatemanner,justenoughtohindermefromhavinganemptystomach,duringtherestofthedayItrifleinmyownhouse.Thisisthelifeofthosewhoarefreefromwretchedandburthensomeambition:withsuchthingsastheseIcomfortmyself,inawaytolivemoredelightfullythanifmygrandfatherhadbeenaquaestor,andfatheranduncletoo.

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SATIREVII.

_HehumorouslydescribesasquabblebetwixtRupiliusandPersius._

InwhatmannerthemongrelPersiusrevengedthefilthandvenomofRupilius,surnamedKing,isIthinkknowntoalltheblindmenandbarbers.ThisPersius,beingamanoffortune,hadverygreatbusiness

atClazomenae,and,intothebargain,certaintroublesomelitigationswithKing;ahardenedfellow,andonewhowasabletoexceedevenKinginvirulence;confident,blustering,ofsuchabitternessofspeech,thathewouldoutstriptheSisennaeandBarri,ifeversowellequipped.

IreturntoKing.Afternothingcouldbesettledbetwixtthem(forpeopleamongwhomadversewarbreaksout,areproportionablyvexatiousonthesameaccountastheyarebrave.ThusbetweenHector,thesonofPriam,andthehigh-spiritedAchilles,theragewasofsocapitalanature,thatonlythefinaldestruction[oneofthem]coulddetermineit;onnootheraccount,thanthatvalorineachofthemwasconsummate.Ifdiscordsetstwocowardstowork;orifanengagementhappensbetweentwothatarenotofamatch,asthatofDiomedandthe

LycianGlaucus;theworstmanwillwalkoff,[buyinghispeace]byvoluntarilysendingpresents),whenBrutusheldaspraetorthefertileAsia,thispair,RupiliusandPersius,encountered;insuchamanner,that[thegladiators]BacchiusandBithuswerenotbettermatched.Impetuoustheyhurrytothecause,eachofthemafinesight.

Persiusopenshiscase;andislaughedatbyalltheassembly;heextolsBrutus,andextolstheguard;hestylesBrutusthesunofAsia,andhisattendantshestylessalutarystars,allexceptKing;thathe[hesays,]camelikethatdog,theconstellationhatefultohusbandman:hepoured



alonglikeawinteryflood,wheretheaxseldomcomes.

Then,uponhisrunningoninsosmartandfluentamanner,thePraenestine[king]directssomewitticismssqueezedfromthevineyard,himselfahardyvine-dresser,neverdefeated,towhomthepassengerhadoftenbeenobligedtoyield,bawlingcuckoowithroaringvoice.

ButtheGrecianPersius,assoonashehadbeenwellsprinkledwithItalianvinegar,bellowsout:OBrutus,bythegreatgodsIconjureyou,whoareaccustomedtotakeoffkings,whydoyounotdispatchthisKing?Believeme,thisisapieceofworkwhichofrightbelongstoyou.

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SATIREVIII.

_PriapuscomplainsthattheEsquilianmountisinfestedwiththeincantationsofsorceresses_.

FormerlyIwasthetrunkofawildfig-tree,anuselesslog:whentheartificer,indoubtwhetherheshouldmakeastooloraPriapusofme,

determinedthatIshouldbeagod.HenceforwardIbecameagod,thegreatestterrorofthievesandbirds:formyrighthandrestrainsthieves,andabloody-lookingpolestretchedoutfrommyfrightfulmiddle:butareedfixeduponthecrownofmyheadterrifiesthemischievousbirds,andhindersthemfromsettlinginthesenewgardens.Beforethisthefellow-slaveboredeadcorpsesthrownoutoftheirnarrowcellstothisplace,inordertobedepositedinpaltrycoffins.Thisplacestoodacommonsepulcherforthemiserablemob,forthebuffoonPantelabus,andNomentanustherake.Hereacolumnassignedathousandfeet[ofground]infront,andthreehundredtowardthefields:thattheburial-placeshouldnotdescendtotheheirsoftheestate.NowonemayliveintheEsquiliae,[sinceitismade]ahealthyplace;andwalkuponanopenterrace,wherelatelythemelancholypassengersbeheld

thegroundfrightfulwithwhitebones;thoughboththethievesandwildbeastsaccustomedtoinfestthisplace,donotoccasionmesomuchcareandtrouble,asdo[thesehags],thatturnpeople'smindsbytheirincantationsanddrugs.TheseIcannotbyanymeansdestroynorhinder,butthattheywillgatherbonesandnoxiousherbs,assoonasthefleetingmoonhasshownherbeauteousface.

ImyselfsawCanidia,withhersablegarmenttuckedup,walkwithbarefeetanddisheveledhair,yellingtogetherwiththeelderSagana.Palenesshadrenderedbothofthemhorribletobehold.Theybegantoclawuptheearthwiththeirnails,andtotearablackewe-lambtopieceswiththeirteeth.Thebloodwaspouredintoaditch,thatthencetheymightcharmouttheshadesofthedead,ghoststhatweretogive

themanswers.Therewasawooleneffigytoo,anotherofwax:thewoolenonelarger,whichwastoinflictpunishmentonthelittleone.Thewaxenstoodinasuppliantposture,asreadytoperishinaservilemanner.OneofthehagsinvokesHecate,andtheotherfellTisiphone.Thenmightyouseeserpentsandinfernalbitcheswanderabout,andthemoonwithblusheshidingbehindtheloftymonuments,thatshemightnotbeawitnesstothesedoings.ButifIlie,evenatittle,maymyheadbecontaminatedwiththewhitefilthofravens;andmayJulius,andtheeffeminateMissPediatous,andtheknaveVoranus,cometowateruponme,andbefoulme.WhyshouldImentioneveryparticular?viz.inwhat



manner,speakingalternatelywithSagana,theghostsuttereddismalandpiercingshrieks;andhowbystealththeylaidintheearthawolf'sbeard,withtheteethofaspottedsnake;andhowagreatblazeflamedforthfromthewaxenimage?AndhowIwasshockedatthevoicesandactionsofthesetwofuries,aspectatorhoweverbynomeansincapableofrevenge?Forfrommycleftbodyoffig-treewoodIutteredaloudnoisewithasgreatanexplosionasaburstbladder.Buttheyranintothecity:andwithexceedinglaughteranddiversionmightyouhaveseenCanidia'sartificialteeth,andSagana'stoweringteteoffalsehairfallingoff,andtheherbs,andtheenchantedbraceletsfromherarm.

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SATIREIX.

_Hedescribeshissufferingsfromtheloquacityofanimpertinentfellow._

IwasaccidentallygoingalongtheViaSacra,meditatingonsometrifleorother,asismycustom,andtotallyintentuponit.Acertainperson,knowntomebynameonly,runsup;and,havingseizedmyhand,"Howdo

youdo,mydearestfellow?""Tolerablywell,"sayI,"astimesgo;andIwishyoueverythingyoucandesire."Whenhestillfollowedme;"Wouldyouanything?"saidItohim.But,"Youknowme,"sayshe:"Iamamanoflearning.""Uponthataccount,"saysI:"youwillhavemoreofmyesteem."Wantingsadlytogetawayfromhim,sometimesIwalkedonapace,nowandthenIstopped,andIwhisperedsomethingtomyboy.Whenthesweatrandowntothebottomofmyankles.O,saidItomyself,Bolanus,howhappywereyouinahead-piece!Meanwhilehekeptpratingonanythingthatcameuppermost,praisedthestreets,thecity;and,whenImadehimnoanswer;"Youwantterribly,"saidhe,"togetaway;Iperceiveditlongago;butyoueffectnothing.Ishallstillstickclosetoyou;Ishallfollowyouhence:Whereareyouatpresentboundfor?""Thereisnoneedforyourbeingcarriedsomuchabout:Iwanttoseea

person,whoisunknowntoyou:helivesagreatwayoffacrosstheTiber,justbyCaesar'sgardens.""Ihavenothingtodo,andIamnotlazy;Iwillattendyouthither."Ihangdownmyearslikeanassofsurlydisposition,whenaheavierloadthanordinaryisputuponhisback.Hebeginsagain:"IfIamtolerablyacquaintedwithmyself,youwillnotesteemViscusorVariusasafriend,morethanme;forwhocanwritemoreverses,orinashortertimethanI?Whocanmovehislimbswithsoftergrace[inthedance]?AndthenIsing,sothatevenHermogenesmayenvy."

Heretherewasanopportunityofinterruptinghim."Haveyouamother,[orany]relationsthatareinterestedinyourwelfare?""NotonehaveI;Ihaveburiedthemall.""Happythey!nowIremain.Dispatchme:for

thefatalmomentisathand,whichanoldSabinesorceress,havingshakenherdiviningurn,foretoldwhenIwasaboy;'Thischild,neithershallcruelpoison,northehostilesword,norpleurisy,norcough,northecripplinggoutdestroy:ababblershallonedaydemolishhim;ifhebewise,lethimavoidtalkativepeople,assoonashecomestoman'sestate.'"

Onefourthofthedaybeingnowpassed,wecametoVesta'stemple;and,asgoodluckwouldhaveit,hewasobligedtoappeartohisrecognizance;whichunlesshedid,hemusthavelosthiscause."Ifyou



loveme,"saidhe,"stepinherealittle.""MayIdie!ifIbeeitherabletostanditout,orhaveanyknowledgeofthecivillaws:andbesides,Iaminahurry,youknowwhither.""IamindoubtwhatIshalldo,"saidhe;"whetherdesertyouormycause.""Me,Ibegofyou.""Iwillnotdoit,"saidhe;andbegantotaketheleadofme.I(asitisdifficulttocontendwithone'smaster)followhim."HowstandsitwithMaecenasandyou?"Thushebeginshisprateagain."Heisoneoffewintimates,andofaverywisewayofthinking.Nomanevermadeuseofopportunitywithmorecleverness.Youshouldhaveapowerfulassistant,whocouldplayanunderpart,ifyouweredisposedtorecommendthisman;mayIperish,ifyoushouldnotsupplantalltherest!""Wedonotlivethereinthemanneryouimagine;thereisnotahousethatisfreerormoreremotefromevilsofthisnature.Itisneverofanydisservicetome,thatanyparticularpersoniswealthierorabetterscholarthanIam:everyindividualhashisproperplace.""Youtellmeamarvelousthing,scarcelycredible.""Butitisevenso.""Youthemoreinflamemydesirestobenearhisperson.""Youneedonlybeinclinedtoit:suchisyourmerit,youwillaccomplishit:andheiscapableofbeingwon;andonthataccountthefirstaccesstohimhemakesdifficult.""Iwillnotbewantingtomyself:Iwillcorrupthisservantswithpresents;ifIamexcludedto-day,Iwillnotdesist;Iwillseekopportunities;Iwillmeethiminthepublicstreets;Iwillwaituponhimhome.Lifeallowsnothingtomortalswithoutgreatlabor."Whilehewasrunningonatthisrate,lo!FuscusAristiuscomesup,adearfriendofmine,and

onewhoknowsthefellowwell.Wemakeastop."Whencecomeyou?whitherareyougoing?"heasksandanswers.Ibegantotwitchhim[bytheelbow],andtotakeholdofhisarms[thatwereaffectedly]passive,noddinganddistortingmyeyes,thathemightrescueme.Cruellyarchhelaughs,andpretendsnottotakethehint:angergalledmyliver."Certainly,"[saidI,"Fuscus,]yousaidthatyouwantedtocommunicatesomethingtomeinprivate.""Irememberitverywell;butwilltellityouatabetteropportunity:to-dayisthethirtiethsabbath.WouldyouaffrontthecircumcisedJews?"Ireply,"Ihavenoscruple[onthataccount].""ButIhave:Iamsomethingweaker,oneofthemultitude.Youmustforgiveme:Iwillspeakwithyouonanotheroccasion."Andhasthissunarisensodisastrousuponme!Thewickedroguerunsaway,andleavesmeundertheknife.Butbyluckhisadversarymethim:and,

"Whitherareyougoing,youinfamousfellow?"roarshewithaloudvoice:and,"Doyouwitnessthearrest?"Iassent.Hehurrieshimintocourt:thereisagreatclamoronbothsides,amobfromallparts.ThusApollopreservedme.

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SATIREX.

_HesupportsthejudgmentwhichhehadbeforegivenofLucilius,andinterspersessomeexcellentpreceptsforthewritingofSatire._

TobesureIdidsay,thattheversesofLuciliusdidnotrunsmoothly.WhoissofoolishanadmirerofLucilius,thathewouldnotownthis?ButthesamewriterisapplaudedinthesameSatire,onaccountofhishavinglashedthetownwithgreathumor.Neverthelessgrantinghimthis,Iwillnotthereforegiveuptheother[considerations];foratthatrateImightevenadmirethefarcesofLaberius,asfinepoems.Henceitisbynomeanssufficienttomakeanauditorgrimwithlaughter:andyetthereissomedegreeofmeriteveninthis.Thereisneedofconciseness



thatthesentencemayrun,andnotembarrassitselfwithverbiage,thatoverloadsthesatedear;andsometimesagrave,frequentlyjocosestyleisnecessary,supportingthecharacteronewhileoftheoratorand[atanother]ofthepoet,nowandthenthatofagracefulrallierthatcurbstheforceofhispleasantryandweakensitonpurpose.Forridiculeoftendecidesmattersofimportancemoreeffectuallyandinabettermanner,thanseverity.Thosepoetsbywhomtheancientcomedywaswritten,stooduponthis[foundation],andinthisaretheyworthyofimitation:whomneitherthesmooth-facedHermogeneseverread,northatbaboonwhoisskilledinnothingbutsinging[thewantoncompositionsof]CalvusandCatullus.

But[Lucilius,saythey,]didagreatthing,whenheintermixedGreekwordswithLatin.Olate-learneddunces!What!doyouthinkthatarduousandadmirable,whichwasdonebyPitholeotheRhodian?But[stilltheycry]thestyleelegantlycomposedofbothtonguesisthemorepleasant,asifFalernianwineismixedwithChian.Whenyoumakeverses,Iaskyouthisquestion;wereyoutoundertakethedifficultcauseoftheaccusedPetillius,wouldyou(forinstance),forgetfulofyourcountryandyourfather,whilePedius,Poplicola,andCorvinussweatthroughtheircausesinLatin,choosetointermixwordsborrowedfromabroad,likethedouble-tonguedCanusinian.Andasformyself,whowasbornonthissidethewater,whenIwasaboutmakingGreekverses;Romulusappearingtomeaftermidnight,whendreamsaretrue,forbademein

wordstothiseffect;"Youcouldnotbeguiltyofmoremadnessbycarryingtimberintoawood,thanbydesiringtothronginamongthegreatcrowdsofGrecianwriters."

WhilebombasticalAlpinusmurdersMemnon,andwhilehedeformsthemuddysourceoftheRhine,Iamusemyselfwiththesesatires;whichcanneitherberecitedinthetemple[ofApollo],ascontestingfortheprizewhenTarpapresidesasjudge,norcanhavearunoverandoveragainrepresentedinthetheatres.You,OFundanius,ofallmenbreathingarethemostcapableofprattlingtalesinacomicvein,howanartfulcourtesanandaDavusimposeuponanoldChremes.Polliosingstheactionsofkingsiniambicmeasure;thesublimeVariascomposesthemanlyepic,inamannerthatnoonecanequal:toVirgiltheMuses,

delightinginruralscenes,havegrantedthedelicateandtheelegant.Itwasthiskind[ofsatiricwriting],theAticinianVarroandsomeothershavingattempteditwithoutsuccess,inwhichImayhavesomeslightmerit,inferiortotheinventor:norwouldIpresumetopulloffthe[laurel]crownplaceduponhisbrowwithgreatapplause.

ButIsaidthatheflowedmuddily,frequentlyindeedbearingalongmorethingswhichoughttobetakenawaythanleft.Beitso;doyou,whoareascholar,findnofaultwithanythinginmightyHomer,Ipray?DoesthefacetiousLuciliusmakenoalterationsinthetragediesofAccius?DoesnotheridiculemanyofEnnius'verses,whicharetoolightforthegravity[ofthesubject]?Whenhespeaksofhimselfbynomeansassuperiortowhatheblames.Whatshouldhindermelikewise,whenIam

readingtheworksofLucilius,frominquiringwhetheritbehis[genius],orthedifficultnatureofhissubject,thatwillnotsufferhisversestobemorefinished,andtorunmoresmoothlythanifsomeone,thinkingitsufficienttoconcludeasomethingofsixfeet,befondofwritingtwohundredversesbeforeheeats,andasmanyaftersupper?SuchwasthegeniusoftheTuscanCassius,moreimpetuousthanarapidriver;who,asitisreported,wasburned[atthefuneralpile]withhisownbooksandpapers.Letitbeallowed,Isay,thatLuciliuswasahumorousandpolitewriter;thathewasalsomorecorrectthan[Ennius],theauthorofakindofpoetry[notyet]wellcultivated,norattempted



bytheGreeks,and[morecorrectlikewise]thanthetribeofouroldpoets:butyethe,ifhehadbeenbroughtdownbytheFatestothisageofours,wouldhaveretrenchedagreatdealfromhiswritings:hewouldhaveprunedoffeverythingthattransgressedthelimitsofperfection;and,inthecompositionofverses,wouldoftenhavescratchedhishead,andbithisnailstothequick.

Youthatintendtowritewhatisworthytobereadmorethanonce,blotfrequently:andtakeno-painstomakethemultitudeadmireyou,contentwithafew[judicious]readers.What,wouldyoubesuchafoolastobeambitiousthatyourversesshouldbetaughtinpettyschools?Thatisnotmycase.Itisenoughforme,thattheknight[Maecenas]applauds:asthecourageousactress,Arbuscula,expressedherself,incontemptoftherestoftheaudience,whenshewashissed[bythepopulace].What,shallthatgrubwormPantiliushaveanyeffectuponme?Orcanitvexme,thatDemetriuscarpsatmebehindmyback?orbecausethetriflerFannius,thathanger-ontoHermogenesTigellius,attemptstohurtme?MayPlotiusandVarius,MaecenasandVirgil,ValgiusandOctaviusapprovetheseSatires,andtheexcellentFuscuslikewise;andIcouldwishthatboththeVisciwouldjoinintheircommendations:ambitionapart,Imaymentionyou,OPollio:youalso,Messala,togetherwithyourbrother;andatthesametime,you,BibulusandServius;andalongwiththeseyou,candidFurnius;manyotherswhom,thoughmenoflearningandmyfriends,Ipurposelyomit--towhomIwouldwishtheseSatires,

suchastheyare,maygivesatisfaction;andIshouldbechagrined,iftheypleasedinadegreebelowmyexpectation.You,Demetrius,andyou,Tigellius,Ibidlamentamongtheformsofyourfemalepupils.

Go,boy,andinstantlyannexthisSatiretotheendofmybook.

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THESECONDBOOKOFTHESATIRESOFHORACE.

SATIREI.

_HesupposeshimselftoconsultwithTrebatius,whetherheshoulddesistfromwritingsatires,ornot_.

TherearesomepersonstowhomIseemtooseverein[thewritingof]satire,andtocarryitbeyondproperbounds:anothersetareofopinion,thatallIhavewrittenisnerveless,andthatathousandverseslikeminemaybespunoutinaday.Trebatius,givemeyouradvice,whatshallIdo.Bequiet.Ishouldnotmake,yousay,versesat

all.Idosayso.MayIbehanged,ifthatwouldnotbebest:butIcannotsleep.Letthose,whowantsoundsleep,anointedswimthriceacrosstheTiber:andhavetheirclaywellmoistenedwithwineover-night.Or,ifsuchagreatloveofscribblinghurriesyouon,venturetocelebratetheachievementsoftheinvincibleCaesar,certainofbearingoffamplerewardsforyourpains.

DesirousIam,mygoodfather,[todothis,]butmystrengthfailsme,norcananyonedescribethetroopsbristledwithspears,northeGaulsdyingontheirshivereddarts,northewoundedParthianfallingfromhis



horse.Neverthelessyoumaydescribehimjustandbrave,asthewiseLuciliusdidScipio.Iwillnotbewantingtomyself,whenanopportunitypresentsitself:noversesofHorace's,unlesswell-timed,willgaintheattentionofCaesar;whom,[likeageneroussteed,]ifyoustrokeawkwardly,hewillkickuponyou,beingatallquartersonhisguard.Howmuchbetterwouldthisbe,thantowoundwithseveresatirePantolabusthebuffoon,andtherakeNomentanus!wheneverybodyisafraidforhimself,[lestheshouldbethenext,]andhatesyou,thoughheisnotmeddledwith.WhatshallIdo?Miloniusfallsadancingthemomenthebecomeslight-headedandwarm,andthecandlesappearmultiplied.Castordelightsinhorsemanship:andhe,whosprangfromthesameegg,inboxing.Asmanythousandsofpeople[asthereareintheworld],somanydifferentinclinationsarethere.Itdelightsmetocombinewordsinmeter,afterthemannerofLucilius,abettermanthanbothofus.Helongagocommunicatedhissecretstohisbooks,astofaithfulfriends;neverhavingrecourseelsewhere,whetherthingswentwellorillwithhim:whenceithappens,thatthewholelifeofthisold[poet]isasopentotheview,asifithadbeenpaintedenavotivetablet.HisexampleIfollow,thoughindoubtwhetherIamaLucanianoranApulian;fortheVenusinianfarmersplowupontheboundariesofbothcountries,who(astheancienttraditionhasit)weresent,ontheexpulsionoftheSamnites,forthispurpose,thattheenemymightnotmakeincursionsontheRomans,throughavacant[unguardedfrontier]:orlesttheApuliannation,orthefierceLucanian,shouldmakean

invasion.Butthispenofmineshallnotwillfullyattackanymanbreathing,andshalldefendmelikeaswordthatissheathedinthescabbardwhichwhyshouldIattempttodraw,[whileIam]safefromhostilevillains?OJupiter,fatherandsovereign,maymyweaponlaidasidewearawaywithrust,andmaynooneinjureme,whoamdesirousofpeace?Butthatmanshallprovokeme(Igivenotice,thatitisbetternottotouchme)shallweep[hisfolly],andasanotoriouscharactershallbesungthroughallthestreetsofRome.

Cervius,whenheisoffended,threatensonewiththelawsandthe[judiciary]urn;Canidia,Albutius'poisontothosewithwhomsheisatenmity,Turius[threatens]greatdamages,ifyoucontestanythingwhileheisjudge.Howeveryanimalterrifiesthosewhomhesuspects,with

thatinwhichheismostpowerful,andhowstrongnaturalinstinctcommandsthis,thusinferwithme.--Thewolfattackswithhisteeth,thebullwithhishorns.Fromwhatprincipleisthis,ifnotasuggestionfromwithin?IntrustthatdebaucheeScaevawiththecustodyofhisancientmother;hispioushandwillcommitnooutrage.Awonderindeed!justasthewolfdoesnotattackanyonewithhishoof,northebullwithhisteeth;butthedeadlyhemlockinthepoisonedhoneywilltakeofftheolddame.

ThatImaynotbetedious,whetheraplacidoldageawaitsme,orwhetherdeathnowhoversaboutmewithhissablewings;richorpoor,atRomeor(iffortuneshouldsoorderit)anexileabroad;whateverbethecomplexionofmylife,Iwillwrite.Omychild,Ifearyoucannotbe

long,lived;andthatsomecreatureofthegreatoneswillstrikeyouwiththecoldofdeath.What?whenLuciliushadthecouragetobethefirstincomposingversesafterthismanner,andtopulloffthatmask,bymeansofwhicheachmanstruttedinpublicviewwithafairoutside,thoughfoulwithin;wasLaelius,andhewhoderivedawelldeservedtitlefromthedestructionofCarthage,offendedathiswit,orweretheyhurtatMetellusbeinglashed,orLupuscoveredoverwithhislampoons?Buthetooktotasktheheadsofthepeople,andthepeoplethemselves,classbyclass;inshort,hesparednonebutvirtueandherfriends.Yet,whenthevalorousScipio,andthemildphilosophical



Laelius,hadwithdrawnthemselvesfromthecrowdandthepublicscene,theyusedtodivertthemselveswithhim,andjokeinafreemanner,whileafewvegetableswereboiled[forsupper].OfwhateverrankIam,thoughbelowtheestateandwitofLucilius,yetenvymustbeobligedtoownthatIhavelivedwellwithgreatmen;and,wantingtofastenhertoothuponsomeweakpart,willstrikeitagainstthesolid:unlessyou,learnedTrebatius,disapproveofanything[Ihavesaid].Formypart,Icannotmakeanyobjectiontothis.Buthowever,thatforewarnedyoumaybeuponyourguard,lestinignoranceofoursacredlawsshouldbringyouintotrouble,[besureofthis]ifanypersonshallmakescandalousversesagainstaparticularman,anactionlies,andasentence.Granted,iftheyarescandalous:butifamancomposesgoodones,andispraisedbysuchajudgeasCaesar?Ifamanbarksonlyathimwhodeserveshisinvectives,whilehehimselfisunblamable?Theprocesswillbecanceledwithlaughter:andyou,beingdismissed,maydepartinpeace.

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SATIREII.

_OnFrugality_.

Whatandhowgreatisthevirtuetoliveonalittle(thisisnodoctrineofmine,butwhatOfellusthepeasant,aphilosopherwithoutrulesandofahome-spunwit,taughtme),learn,mygoodfriends,notamongdishesandsplendidtables;whentheeyeisdazzledwiththevainglare,andthemind,intentuponfalseappearances,refuses[toadmit]betterthings;buthere,beforedinner,discussthispointwithme.Whyso?Iwillinformyou,ifIcan.Everycorruptedjudgeexaminesbadlythetruth.Afterhuntingthehare,orbeingweariedbyanunrulyhorse,or(iftheRomanexercisefatiguesyou,accustomedtoacttheGreek)whethertheswiftball,whileeagernesssoftensandpreventsyourperceivingtheseverityofthegame,orquoits(smitetheyieldingair

withthequoit)whenexercisehasworkedofsqueamishness,dryandhungry,[thenletmeseeyou]despisemeanviands;anddon'tdrinkanythingbutHymettianhoneyqualifiedwithFalernianwine.Yourbutlerisabroad,andthetempestuousseapreservesthefishbyitswinterystorms;breadandsaltwillsufficientlyappeaseanimportunatestomach.Whencedoyouthinkthishappens?andhowisitobtained?Theconsummatepleasureisnotinthecostlyflavor,butinyourself.Doyouseekforsaucebysweating.Neitheroysters,norscar,northefar-fetchedlagois,cangiveanypleasuretoonebloatedandpalethroughintemperance.Nevertheless,ifapeacockwereservedup,Ishouldhardlybeabletopreventyourgratifyingthepalatewiththat,ratherthanapullet,sinceyouareprejudicedbythevanitiesofthings;becausethescarcebirdisboughtwithgold,anddisplaysafinesightwithits

paintedtail,asifthatwereanythingtothepurpose."What;doyoueatthatplumage,whichyouextol?orhasthebirdthesamebeautywhendressed?"Sincehoweverthereisnodifferenceinthemeat,inonepreferablytotheother;itismanifestthatyouareimposeduponbythedisparityoftheirappearances.Beitso.

Bywhatgiftareyouabletodistinguish,whetherthislupus,thatnowopensitsjawsbeforeus,wastakenintheTiber,orinthesea?whetheritwastossedbetweenthebridgesoratthemouthoftheTuscanriver?Fool,youpraiseamullet,thatweighsthreepounds;whichyouare



obligedtocutintosmallpieces.Outwardappearancesleadyou,Isee.Towhatintentthendoyoucontemnlargelupuses?Becausetrulythesearebynaturebulky,andthoseverylight.Ahungrystomachseldomloathescommonvictuals.OthatIcouldseeaswingeingmulletextendedonaswingeingdish!criesthatgullet,whichisfitforthevoraciousharpiesthemselves.ButO[sayI]yesouthernblasts,bepresenttotaintthedelicaciesofthe[gluttons]:thoughtheboarandturbotnewlytakenarerank,whensurfeitingabundanceprovokesthesickstomach;andwhenthesatedguttlerprefersturnipsandsharpelecampane.However,all[appearanceof]povertyisnotquitebanishedfromthebanquetsofournobles;forthereis,evenatthisday,aplaceforpaltryeggsandblackolives.Anditwasnotlongago,sincethetableofGallonius,theauctioneer,wasrenderedinfamous,byhavingasturgeon,[servedwholeuponit].What?wastheseaatthattimelessnutritiveofturbots?Theturbotwassecureandthestorkunmolestedinhernest;tillthepraetorian[Sempronius],theinventor,firsttaughtyou[toeatthem].Therefore,ifanyoneweretogiveitoutthatroastedcormorantsaredelicious,theRomanyouth,teachableindepravity,wouldacquiesce,init.

InthejudgmentofOfellus,asordidwayoflivingwilldifferwidelyfromfrugalsimplicity.Foritistonopurposeforyoutoshunthatvice[ofluxury];ifyouperverselyflytothecontraryextreme.Avidienus,towhomthenicknameofDogisappliedwithpropriety,eats

olivesoffiveyearsold,andwildcornels,andcannotbeartorackoffhiswineunlessitbeturnedsour,andthesmellofhisoilyoucannotendure:which(thoughclothedinwhitehecelebratestheweddingfestival,hisbirthday,oranyotherfestaldays)hepoursouthimselfbylittleandlittlefromahorncruet,thatholdstwopounds,uponhiscabbage,[butatthesametime]islavishenoughofhisoldvinegar.

Whatmanneroflivingthereforeshallthewisemanputinpractice,andwhichoftheseexamplesshallhecopy?Ononesidethewolfpresseson,andthedogontheother,asthesayingis.Apersonwillbeaccounteddecent,ifheoffendsnotbysordidness,andisnotdespicablethrougheitherextremeofconduct.Suchamanwillnot,aftertheexample,ofoldAlbutius,besavagewhileheassignstohisservantstheir

respectiveoffices;nor,likesimpleNaevius,willheoffergreasywatertohiscompany:forthistooisagreatfault.

Nowlearnwhatandhowgreatbenefitsatemperatedietwillbringalongwithit.Inthefirstplace,youwillenjoygoodhealth;foryoumaybelievehowdetrimentaladiversityofthingsistoanyman,whenyourecollectthatsortoffood,whichbyitssimplicitysatsowelluponyourstomachsometimeago.But,whenyouhaveoncemixedboiledandroasttogether,thrushesandshell-fish;thesweetjuiceswillturnintobile,andathickphlegmwillbringajarringuponthestomach.Donotyousee,howpaleeachguestrisesfromaperplexingvarietyofdishesatanentertainment.Besidethis,thebody,overloadedwiththedebauchofyesterday,depressesthemindalongwithit,anddashesto

theearththatportionofthedivinespirit.Anotherman,assoonashehastakenaquickrepast,andrendereduphislimbstorepose,risesvigoroustothedutiesofhiscalling.However,hemaysometimeshaverecoursetobettercheer;whetherthereturningyearshallbringonafestival,orifhehaveamindtorefreshhisimpairedbody;andwhenyearsshallapproach,andfeebleagerequiretobeusedmoretenderly.Butasforyou,ifatroublesomehabitofbody,orcreepingoldage,shouldcomeuponyou,whatadditioncanbemadetothatsoftindulgence,whichyou,nowinyouthandinhealthanticipate?



Ourancestorspraisedaboarwhenitwasstalenotbecausetheyhadnonoses;butwiththisview,Isuppose,thatavisitorcominglaterthanordinary[mightpartakeofit],thoughalittlemusty,ratherthanthevoraciousmastershoulddevouritallhimselfwhilesweet.Iwishthattheprimitiveearthhadproducedmeamongsuchheroesasthese.

Haveyouanyregardforreputation,whichaffectsthehumanearmoreagreeablythanmusic?Greatturbotsanddishesbringgreatdisgracealongwiththem,togetherwithexpense.Addtothis,thatyourrelationsandneighborswillbeexasperatedatyou,whileyouwillbeatenmitywithyourselfanddesirousofdeathinvain,sinceyouwillnotinyourpovertyhavethreefarthingslefttopurchasearopewithal.Trausius,yousay,maywithjusticebecalledtoaccountinsuchlanguageasthis;butIpossessanamplerevenue,andwealthsufficientforthreepotentates,Whythenhaveyounobettermethodofexpendingyoursuperfluities?Whyisanyman,undeserving[ofdistressedcircumstances],inwant,whileyouabound:Howcomesittopass,thattheancienttemplesofthegodsarefallingtoruin?Whydonotyou,wretchthatyouare,bestowsomethingonyourdearcountry,outofsovastahoard?What,willmattersalwaysgowellwithyoualone?Othou,thathereaftershaltbethegreatderisionofthineenemies!whichofthetwoshalldependuponhimselfinexigenceswithmostcertainty?Hewhohasusedhismindandhigh-swollenbodytoredundancies;orhewho,contentedwithalittleandprovidentforthefuture,likeaWiseman

intimeofpeace,shallmakethenecessarypreparationsforwar?

Thatyoumaythemorereadilygivecredittothesethings:Imyself,whenalittleboy,tooknoticethatthisOfelluadidnotusehisunencumberedestatemoreprofusely,thanhedoesnowitisreduced.Youmayseethesturdyhusbandmanlaboringforhireintheland[oncehisown,butnow]assigned[toothers],withhiscattleandchildren,talkingtothiseffect;Ineverventuredtoeatanythingonawork-dayexceptpot-herbs,withahockofsmoke-driedbacon.Andwhenafriendcametovisitmeafteralongabsence,oraneighbor,anacceptableguesttomerestingfromworkonaccountoftherain,welivedwell;notonfishesfetchedfromthecity,butonapulletandakid:thenadriedgrape,andanut,withalargefig,setoffoursecondcourse.After

this,itwasourdiversiontohavenootherregulationinourcups,savethatagainstdrinkingtoexcess;thenCeresworshiped[withalibation],thatthecornmightariseinloftystems,smoothedwithwinethemelancholyofthecontractedbrow.Letfortunerage,andstirupnewtumultswhatcanshedomoretoimpairmyestate?HowmuchmoresavinglyhaveeitherIlived,orhowmuchlessneatlyhaveyougone,mychildren,sincethisnewpossessorcame?Fornaturehasappointedtobelordofthisearthlyproperty,neitherhim,norme,noranyone.Hedroveusout:eitheriniquityorignoranceinthequirksofthelawshall[dothesame]him:certainlyintheendhislonglivedheirshallexpelhim.NowthisfieldunderthedenominationofUmbrenus',latelyitwasOfellus',theperpetualpropertyofnoman;foritturnstomyuseonewhile,andbyandbytothatofanother.Wherefore,liveundaunted;andoppose

gallantbreastsagainstthestrokesofadversity.

*****

SATIREIII.

_Damasippus,inaconversationwithHorace,provesthisparadoxoftheStoicphilosophy,thatmostmenareactuallymad_.



Youwritesoseldom,asnottocallforparchmentfourtimesintheyear,busiedinreformingyourwritings,yetareyouangrywithyourself,thatindulginginwineandsleepyouproducenothingworthytobethesubjectofconversation.Whatwillbetheconsequence?Butyoutookrefugehere,itseems,attheverycelebrationoftheSaturnalia,outofsobriety.Dictatethereforesomethingworthyofyourpromises;begin.Thereisnothing.Thepensarefoundfaultwithtonopurpose,andtheharmlesswall,whichmusthavebeenbuiltunderthedispleasureofgodsandpoets,suffers[tonoend].Butyouhadthelookofonethathadthreatenedmanyandexcellentthings,whenonceyourvillahadreceivedyou,freefromemployment,underitswarmroof.TowhatpurposewasittostowPlatouponMenander?Eupolis,Archilochus?Forwhatenddidyoubringabroadsuchcompanions?What?areyousettingaboutappeasingenvybydesertingvirtue?Wretch,youwillbedespised.ThatguiltySiren,Sloth,mustbeavoided;orwhateveracquisitionsyouhavemadeinthebetterpartofyourlife,mustwithequanimitybegivenup.Maythegodsandgodnesses,ODamasippus,presentyouwithabarberforyoursoundadvice!Butbywhatmeansdidyougetsowellacquaintedwithme?Sinceallmyfortunesweredissipatedatthemiddleoftheexchange,detachedfromallbusinessofmyown,Imindthatofotherpeople.ForformerlyIusedtotakeadelightininquiring,inwhatvasethecraftySisyphusmighthavewashedhisfeet;whatwascarvedinanunworkmanlike

manner,andwhatmoreroughlycastthanitoughttobe;beingaconnoisseur,Iofferedahundredthousandsestercesforsuchastatue;Iwastheonlymanwhoknewhowtopurchasegardensandfineseatstothebestadvantage:whencethecrowdedwaysgavemethesurnameofMercurial.Iknowitwell;andamamazedatyourbeingcuredofthatdisorder.Whyanewdisorderexpelledtheoldoneinamarvelousmanner;asitisaccustomedtodo,whenthepainoftheafflictedside,orthehead,isturneduponthestomach;asitiswithamaninalethargy,whenheturnsboxer,andattackshisphysician.Aslongasyoudonothinglikethis,beitevenasyouplease.Omygoodfriend,donotdeceiveyourself;youlikewisearemad,anditisalmost"foolsall,"ifwhatStertiniusinsistsuponhasanytruthinit;fromwhom,beingofateachabledisposition,Iderivedtheseadmirableprecepts,atthevery

timewhen,havinggivenmeconsolation,heorderedmetocultivateaphilosophicalbeard,andtoreturncheerfullyfromtheFabricianbridge.Forwhen,myaffairsbeingdesperate,Ihadamindtothrowmyselfintotheriver,havingcoveredmyhead[forthatpurpose],hefortunatelywasatmyelbow;and[addressedmetothiseffect]:Takecare,howdoanythingunworthyofyourself;afalseshame,sayshe,afflictsyou,whodreadtobeesteemedamadmanamongmadmen.Forinthefirstplace,Iwillinquire,whatitistobemad:and,ifthisdistemperbeinyouexclusively,Iwillnotaddasingleword,topreventyoufromdyingbravely.

TheschoolandsectofChrysippusdeemeverymanmad,whomviciousfollyortheignoranceoftruthdrivesblindlyforward.Thisdefinitiontakes

inwholenations,thisevengreatkings,thewiseman[alone]excepted.Nowlearn,whyallthose,whohavefixedthenameofmadmanuponyou,areassenselessasyourself.Asinthewoods,whereamistakemakespeoplewanderaboutfromtheproperpath;onegoesoutofthewaytotheright,anothertotheleft;thereisthesameblunderonbothsides,onlytheillusionisindifferentdirections:inthismannerimagineyourselfmad;sothathe,whoderidesyou,hangshistailnotonejotwiserthanyourself.Thereisonespeciesoffolly,thatdreadsthingsnotintheleastformidable;insomuchthatitwillcomplainoffires,androcks,andriversopposingitintheopenplain;thereisanother



differentfromthis,butnotawhitmoreapproachingtowisdom,thatrunsheadlongthroughthemidstofflamesandfloods.Letthelovingmother,thevirtuoussister,thefather,thewife,togetherwithalltherelations[ofamanpossessedwiththislatterfolly],cryout:"Hereisadeepditch;hereisaprodigiousrock;takecareofyourself:"hewouldgivenomoreattention,thandidthedrunkenFufiussometimeago,whenheoversleptthecharacterofIlione,twelvehundredCatieniatthesametimeroaringout,_Omother,Icallyoutomyaid_.Iwilldemonstratetoyou,thatthegeneralityofallmankindaremadinthecommissionofsomefollysimilartothis.

Damasippusismadforpurchasingantiquestatues:butisDamasippus'creditorinhissenses?Well,supposeIshouldsaytoyou:receivethis,whichyoucanneverrepay:willyoubeamadman,ifyoureceiveit;orwouldyoubemoreabsurdforrejectingabooty,whichpropitiousMercuryoffers?Takebond,likethebankerNerius,fortenthousandsesterces;itwillnotsignify:addtheformsofCicuta,soversedintheknottypointsoflaw:addathousandobligations:yetthiswickedProteuswillevadealltheseties.Whenyoushalldraghimtojustice,laughingasifhischeekswerenoneofhisown;hewillbetransformedintoaboar,sometimesintoabird,sometimesintoastone,andwhenhepleasesIntoatree.Iftoconductone'saffairsbadlybethepartofamadman;andthereverse,thatofamanwellinhissenses;brainofPerillius(believeme),whoordersyou[thatsumofmoney],whichyoucannever

repay,ismuchmoreunsound[thanyours].

Whoevergrowspalewithevilambition,ortheloveofmoney:whoeverisheatedwithluxury,orgloomysuperstition,oranyotherdiseaseofthemind,Icommandhimtoadjusthisgarmentandattend:hither,allofye,comenearmeinorder,whileIconvinceyouthatyouaremad.

Byfarthelargestportionofhelleboreistobeadministeredtothecovetous:Iknownot,whetherreasondoesnotconsignallAnticyratotheiruse.TheheirsofStaberiusengravedthesum[whichheleftthem]uponhistomb:unlesstheyhadactedinthismanner,theywereunderanobligationtoexhibitahundredpairofgladiatorstothepeople,besideanentertainmentaccordingtothedirectionofArrius;andasmuchcorn

asiscutinAfrica.WhetherIhavewilledthisrightlyorwrongly,itwasmywill;benotsevereagainstme,[criesthetestator].IimaginetheprovidentmindofStaberiusforesawthis.Whatthendidhemoan,whenheappointedbywillthathisheirsshouldengravethesumoftheirpatrimonyuponhistomb-stone?Aslongashelived,hedeemedpovertyagreatvice,andnothingdidhemoreindustriouslyavoid:insomuchthat,hadhediedlessrichbyonefarthing,themoreIniquitouswouldhehaveappearedtohimself.Foreverything,virtue,fame,glory,divineandhumanaffairs,aresubservienttotheattractionofriches;whichwhoevershallhaveaccumulated,shallbeillustrious,brave,just--What,wisetoo?Ay,andaking,andwhateverelsehepleases.Thishewasinhopeswouldgreatlyredoundtohispraise,asifithadbeenanacquisitionofhisvirtue.InwhatrespectdidtheGrecianAristippus

actlikethis;whoorderedhisslavestothrowawayhisgoldinthemidstofLibya;because,encumberedwiththeburden,theytraveledtooslowly?Whichisthegreatermadmanofthesetwo?Anexampleisnothingtothepurpose,thatdecidesonecontroversybycreatinganother.Ifanypersonweretobuylyres,and[whenhehadboughtthem]tostowtheminoneplace;thoughneitheraddictedtothelyrenortoanyonemusewhatsoever:ifamanwere[tobuy]paring-knivesandlasts,andwerenoshoemaker;sailsfitfornavigation,andwereaversetomerchandizing;heeverywheredeservedlybestyleddelirious,andoutofhissenses.Howdoeshedifferfromthese,whoboardsupcashandgold[and]knows



nothowtousethemwhenaccumulated,andisafraidtotouchthemasiftheywereconsecrated?Ifanypersonbeforeagreatheapofcornshouldkeepperpetualwatchwithalongclub,and,thoughtheownerofit,andhungry,shouldnotdaretotakeasinglegrainfromit;andshouldratherfeeduponbitterleaves:ifwhileathousandhogsheadsofChian,oroldFalernian,isstoredupwithin(nay,thatisnothing--threehundredthousand),hedrinknothing,butwhatismeresharpvinegarsagain--if,wantingbutoneyearofeighty,heshouldlieuponstraw,whohasbed-clothesrottinginhischest,thefoodofwormsandmoths;hewouldseemmad,belike,buttofewpersons:becausethegreatestpartofmankindlabors,underthesamemalady.

Thoudotard,hatefultothegods,dostthouguard[thesepossessions],forfearofwantingthyself:totheendthatthyson,oreventhefreedmanthyheir,shouldguzzleitallup?Forhowlittlewilleachdaydeductfromyourcapital,ifyoubegintopourbetteroiluponyourgreensandyourhead,filthywithscurfnotcombedout?Ifanythingbeasufficiency,whereforeareyouguiltyofperjury[wherefore]doyourob,andplunderfromallquarters?Areyouinyoursenses?Ifyouweretobegintopeltthepopulacewithstones,andtheslaves,whichyoupurchasedwithyourmoney;allthe:veryboysandgirlswillcryoutthatyouareamadman.Whenyoudispatchyourwifewitharope,andyourmotherwithpoison,areyourightinyourhead?Whynot?YouneitherdidthisatArgos,norslewyourmotherwiththesword,asthemadOrestes

did.What,doyouimaginethatheran?madafterhehadmurderedhisparent;andthathewasnotdrivenmadbythewickedFuries,beforehewarmedhissharpsteelinhismother'sthroat?Nay,fromthetimethatOrestesisdeemedtohavebeenofadangerousdisposition,hedidnothinginfactthatyoucanblame;hedidnotdaretoofferviolencewithhisswordtoPylades,nortohissisterElectra;heonlygaveilllanguagetobothofthem,bycallingheraFury,andhimsomeother[opprobriousname],which,hisviolentcholersuggested.

Opimius,pooramidsilverandgoldhoardedupwithin,whousedtodrinkoutofCampanianwareVeientinewineonholidays,andmeredregsoncommondays,wassometimeagotakenwithaprodigiouslethargy;insomuchthathisheirwasalreadyscouringabouthiscoffersandkeys,

injoyandtriumph.Hisphysician,amanofmuchdispatchandfidelity,raiseshiminthismanner:heordersatabletobebrought,andthebagsofmoneytobepouredout,andseveralpersonstoapproachinordertocountit:bythismethodhesetsthemanuponhislegsagain.Andatthesametimeheaddresseshimtothiseffect.Unlessyouguardyourmoneyyourravenousheirwillevennowcarryoffthese[treasures]ofyours.What,whileIamalive?Thatyoumaylive,therefore,awake;dothis.Whatwouldyouhavemedo?Whyyourbloodwillfailyouthataresomuchreduced,unlessfoodandsomegreatrestorativebeadministeredtoyourdecayingstomach.Doyouhesitate?comeon;takethisptisanmadeofrice.Howmuchdiditcost?Atrifle.Howmuchthen?Eightasses.Alas!whatdoesitmatter,whetherIdieofadisease,orbytheftandrapine?

Whothenissound?He,whoisnotafool.Whatisthecovetousman?Bothafoolandamadman.What--ifamanbenotcovetous,isheimmediately[tobedeemed]sound?Bynomeans.Whyso,Stoic?Iwilltellyou.Suchapatient(supposeCraterus[thephysician]saidthis)isnotsickattheheart.Ishethereforewell,andshallhegetup?No,hewillforbidthat;becausehissideorhisreinsareharassedwithanacutedisease.[Inlikemanner],suchamanisnotperjured,norsordid;lethimthensacrificeahogtohispropitioushouseholdgods.Butheisambitiousandassuming.Lethimmakeavoyage[then]toAnticyra.Forwhatisthedifference,whetheryouflingwhateveryouhaveintoagulf,ormakeno



useofyouracquisitions?

ServiusOppidius,richinthepossessionofanancientestate,isreportedwhendyingtohavedividedtwofarmsatCanusiumbetweenhistwosons,andtohaveaddressedtheboys,calledtohisbed-side,[inthefollowingmanner]:WhenIsawyou,Aulus,carryyourplaythingsandnutscarelesslyinyourbosom,[and]togivethemandgamethemaway;you,Tiberius,countthem,andanxioushidetheminholes;Iwasafraidlestamadnessofadifferentnatureshouldpossessyou:lestyou[Aulus],shouldfollowtheexampleofNomentanus,you,[Tiberius],thatofCicuta.Whereforeeachofyou,entreatedbyourhouseholdgods,doyou(Aulus)takecarelestyoulessen;you(Tiberius)lestyoumakethatgreater,whichyourfatherthinksandthepurposesofnaturedeterminetobesufficient.Further,lestgloryshouldenticeyou,Iwillbindeachofyoubyanoath:whicheverofyoushallbeanaedileorapraetor,lethimbeexcommunicatedandaccursed.Wouldyoudestroyyoureffectsin[largessesof]peas,beans,andlupines,thatyoumaystalkinthecircusatlarge,orstandinastatueofbrass,Omadman,strippedofyourpaternalestate,strippedofyourmoney?Totheend,forsooth,thatyoumaygainthoseapplauses,whichAgrippagains,likeacunningfoximitatingagenerouslion?

OAgamemnon,whydoyouprohibitanyonefromburyingAjax?Iamaking.I,aplebeian,makenofurtherinquiry.AndIcommandajustthing:but,

ifIseemunjusttoanyone,Ipermityoutospeakyoursentimentswithimpunity.Greatestofkings,maythegodsgrantthat,afterthetakingofTroy,youmayconductyourfleetsafehome:mayIthenhavethelibertytoaskquestions,andreplyinmyturn?Ask.WhydoesAjax,thesecondheroafterAchilles,rot[aboveground],sooftenrenownedforhavingsavedtheGrecians;thatPriamandPriam'speoplemayexultinhisbeingunburied,bywhosemeanssomanyyouthshavebeendeprivedoftheircountry'sritesofsepulture.Inhismadnesshekilledathousandsheep,cryingoutthathewasdestroyingthefamousUlyssesandMenelaus,togetherwithme.WhenyouatAulissubstitutedyoursweetdaughterintheplaceofaheiferbeforethealtar,and,Oimpiousone,sprinkledherheadwiththesaltcake;didyoupreservesoundnessofmind?Whydoyouask?WhatthendidthemadAjaxdo,whenheslewthe

flockwithhissword?Heabstainedfromanyviolencetohiswifeandchild,thoughhehadimprecatedmanycursesonthesonsofAtreus:heneitherhurtTeucer,norevenUlysseshimself.ButI,outofprudence,appeasedthegodswithblood,thatImightloosetheshipsdetainedonanadverseshore.Yes,madman!withyourownblood.Withmyown[indeed],butIwasnotmad.Whoevershallformimagesforeignfromreality,andconfusedinthetumultofimpiety,willalwaysbereckoneddisturbedinmind:anditwillnotmatter,whetherhegowrongthroughfollyorthroughrage.IsAjaxdelirious,whilehekillstheharmlesslambs?Areyourightinyourhead,whenyouwillfullycommitacrimeforemptytitles?Andisyourheartpure,whileitisswollenwiththevice?Ifanypersonshouldtakeadelighttocarryaboutwithhiminhissedanaprettylambkin;andshouldprovideclothes,shouldprovidemaidsand

goldforit,asforadaughter,shouldcallitRufaandRufilla,andshoulddestineitawifeforsomestouthusband;thepraetorwouldtakepowerfromhimbeinginterdicted,andthemanagementofhimwoulddevolvetohisrelations,thatwereintheirsenses.What,ifamandevotehisdaughterinsteadofadumblambkin,isherightofmind?Neversayit.Therefore,whereverthereisafoolishdepravity,therewillbetheheightofmadness.Hewhoiswicked,willbefrantictoo:Bellona,whodelightsinbloodshed,hasthunderedabouthim,whomprecariousfamehascaptivated.



Now,comeon,arraignwithmeluxuryandNomentanus;forreasonwillevincethatfoolishspendthriftsaremad.Thisfellow,assoonashereceivedathousandtalentsofpatrimony,issuesanorderthatthefishmonger,thefruiterer,thepoulterer,theperfumer,andtheimpiousgangoftheTuscanalley,sausage-maker,andbuffoons,thewholeshambles,togetherwith[all]Velabrum,shouldcometohishouseinthemorning.Whatwastheconsequence?Theycameincrowds.Thepandermakesaspeech:"WhateverI,orwhatevereachofthesehasathome,believeittobeyours:andgiveyourorderforiteitherdirectly,orto-morrow."Hearwhatreplytheconsiderateyouthmade:"YousleepbootedinLucaniansnow,thatImayfeastonaboar:yousweepthewintryseasforfish:Iamindolent,andunworthytopossesssomuch.Awaywithit:doyoutakeforyoursharetenhundredthousandsesterces;youasmuch;youthricethesum,fromwhosehouseyourspouseruns,whencalledfor,atmidnight."ThesonofAesopus,[theactor](thathemight,forsooth,swallowamillionofsestercesatadraught),dissolvedinvinegarapreciouspearl,whichhehadtakenfromtheearofMetella:howmuchwiserwashe[indoingthis,]thanifhehadthrownthesameintoarapidriver,orthecommonsewer?TheprogenyofQuintiusArrius,anillustriouspairofbrothers,twinsinwickednessandtriflingandtheloveofdepravity,usedtodineuponnightingalesboughtatavastexpense:towhomdothesebelong?Aretheyintheirsenses?AretheytobemarkedWithchalk,orwithcharcoal?

Ifan[agedperson]withalongbeardshouldtakeadelighttobuildbaby-houses,toyokemicetoago-cart,toplayatoddandeven,torideuponalongcane,madnessmustbehismotive.Ifreasonshallevince,thattobeinloveisamorechildishthingthanthese;andthatthereisnodifferencewhetheryouplaythesamegamesinthedustaswhenthreeyearsold,orwhineinanxietyfortheloveofaharlot:Ibegtoknow,ifyouwillactasthereformedPolemondidofold?Willyoulayasidethoseensignsofyourdisease,yourrollers,yourmantle,yourmufflers;asheinhiscupsissaidtohaveprivatelytornthechapletfromhisneck,afterhewascorrectedbythespeechofhisfastingmaster?Whenyouofferapplestoanangryboy,herefusesthem:here,takethem,youlittledog;hedeniesyou:ifyoudon'tgivethem,hewantsthem.Inwhatdoesanexcludedloverdiffer[fromsuchaboy];

whenheargueswithhimselfwhetherheshouldgoornottothatveryplacewhitherhewasreturningwithoutbeingsentfor,andcleavestothehateddoors?"WhatshallInotgotohernow,whensheinvitesmeofherownaccord?orshallIratherthinkofputtinganendtomypains?Shehasexcludedme;sherecallsme:shallIreturn?No,notifshewouldimploreme."Observetheservant,notalittlewiser:"Omaster,thatwhichhasneithermoderationnorconduct,cannotbeguidedbyreasonormethod.Inlovetheseevilsareinherent;war[onewhile],thenpeaceagain.Ifanyoneshouldendeavortoascertainthesethings,thatarevariousastheweather,andfluctuatingbyblindchance;hewillmakenomoreofit,thanifheshouldsetaboutravingbyrightreasonandrule."What--when,pickingthepippinsfromthePicenianapples,yourejoiceifhaplyyouhavehitthevaultedroof;areyou

yourself?What--whenyoustrikeoutfalteringaccentsfromyourantiquatedpalate,howmuchwiserareyouthan[achild]thatbuildslittlehouses?Tothefolly[oflove]addbloodshed,andstirthefirewithasword.Iaskyou,whenMariuslately,afterhehadstabbedHellas,threwhimselfdownaprecipice,washeravingmad?Orwillyouabsolvethemanfromtheimputationofadisturbedmind,andcondemnhimforthecrime,accordingtoyourcustom,imposing,onthingsnamedthathaveanaffinityinsignification?

Therewasacertainfreedman,who,anoldman,ranaboutthestreetsin



amorningfasting,withhishandswashed,andprayedthus:"Snatchmealonefromdeath"(addingsomesolemnvow),"mealone,foritisaneasymatterforthegods:"thismanwassoundinbothhisearsandeyes;buthismaster,whenhesoldhim,wouldexcepthisunderstanding,unlesshewerefondoflaw-suits.ThiscrowdtooChrysippusplacesinthefruitfulfamilyofMenenius.

OJupiter,whogivestandtakestawaygreatafflictions,(criesthemotherofaboy,nowlyingsickabedforfivemonths),ifthiscoldquartanagueshouldleavethechild,inthemorningofthatdayonwhichyouenjoyafast,heshallstandnakedintheTiber.Shouldchanceorthephysicianrelievethepatientfromhisimminentdanger,theinfatuatedmotherwilldestroy[theboy]placedonthecoldbank,andwillbringbackthefever.Withwhatdisorderofthemindisshestricken?Why,withasuperstitiousfearofthegods.

ThesearmsStertinius,theeighthofthewisemen,gavetome,astoafriend,thatforthefutureImightnotberoughlyaccostedwithoutavengingmyself.Whosoevershallcallmemadman,shallhearasmuchfromme[inreturn];andshalllearntolookbackuponthebagthathangsbehindhim.

OStoic,somayyou,afteryourdamage,sellallyourmerchandisethebetter:whatfolly(for,[itseems,]therearemorekindsthanone)do

youthinkIaminfatuatedwith?FortomyselfIseemsound.What--whenmadAgavecarriestheamputatedheadofherunhappyson,doesshethenseemmadtoherself?Iallowmyselfafool(letmeyieldtothetruth)andamadmanlikewise:onlydeclarethis,withwhatdistemperofmindyouthinkmeafflicted.Hear,then:inthefirstplaceyoubuild;thatis,thoughfromtoptobottomyouarebutofthetwo-footsizeyouimitatethetall:andyou,thesameperson,laughatthespiritandstrutofTurboinarmor,toogreatforhis[little]body:howareyoulessridiculousthanhim?What--isitfittingthat,ineverythingMaecenasdoes,you,whoaresoverymuchunlikehimandsomuchhisinferior,shouldviewithhim?Theyoungonesofafrogbeinginherabsencecrushedbythefootofacalf,whenoneofthemhadmadehisescape,hetoldhismotherwhatahugebeasthaddashedhisbrethrento

pieces.Shebegantoask,howbig?Whetheritweresogreat?puffingherselfup.Greaterbyhalf.What,sobig?whenshehadswelledherselfmoreandmore.Ifyoushouldburstyourself,sayshe,youwillnotbeequaltoit.Thisimagebearsnogreatdissimilitudetoyou.Nowaddpoems(thatis,addoiltothefire),whichifeveranymaninhissensesmade,whysodoyou.Idonotmentionyourhorridrage.Atlength,havedone--yourwayoflivingbeyondyourfortune--confineyourselftoyourownaffairs,Damasippus--thosethousandpassionsforthefair,theyoung.Thougreatermadman,atlast,sparethyinferior.

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SATIREIV.

_HeridiculestheabsurdityofoneCatius,whoplacedthesummitofhumanfelicityintheculinaryart_.

Whence,andwhither,Catius?Ihavenottime[toconversewithyou],beingdesirousofimpressingonmymemorysomenewprecepts;suchasexcelPythagoras,andhimthatwasaccusedbyAnytus,andthelearned



Plato.Iacknowledgemyoffense,sinceIhaveinterruptedyouatsounluckyajuncture:butgrantmeyourpardon,goodsir,Ibeseechyou.Ifanythingshouldhaveslippedyounow,youwillpresentlyrecollectit:whetherthistalentofyoursbeofnature,orofart,youareamazinginboth.Nay,butIwasanxious,howImightretainall[theseprecepts];asbeingthingsofadelicatenature,andinadelicatestyle.Tellmethenameofthisman;andatthesametimewhetherheisaRoman,oraforeigner?AsIhavethembyheart,Iwillrecitetheprecepts:theauthorshallbeconcealed.

Remembertoserveupthoseeggsthatareofanoblongmake,asbeingofsweeterflavorandmorenutritivethantheroundones:for,beingtough-shelled,theycontainamaleyelk.Cabbagethatgrowsindrylands,issweeterthanthatabouttown:nothingismoreinsipidthanagardenmuchwatered.Ifavisitorshouldcomeunexpectedlyuponyouintheevening,lestthetougholdhenprovedisagreeabletohispalate,youmustlearntodrownitinFalernianwinemixed[withwater]:thiswillmakeittender.Themushroomsthatgrowinmeadows,areofthebestkind:allothersaredangerouslytrusted.Thatmanshallspendhissummershealthywhoshallfinishhisdinnerswithmulberriesblack[withripeness],whichheshallhavegatheredfromthetreebeforethesunbecomesviolent.AufidiususedtomixhoneywithstrongFalernianinjudiciously;becauseitisrighttocommitnothingtotheemptyveins,butwhatisemollient:youwill,withmorepropriety,washyourstomach

withsoftmead.Ifyourbellyshouldbehardbound,thelimpetandcoarsecockleswillremoveobstructions,andleavesofthesmallsorrel;butnotwithoutCoanwhitewine.Theincreasingmoonsswellthelubricatingshell-fish.Buteveryseaisnotproductiveoftheexquisitesorts.TheLucrinemuscleisbetterthantheBaianmurex:[Thebest]oysterscomefromtheCircaeanpromontory;cray-fishfromMisenum:thesoftTarentumplumesherselfonherbroadescalops.Letnoonepresumptuouslyarrogatetohimselfthescienceofbanqueting,unlessthenicedoctrineoftasteshasbeenpreviouslyconsideredbyhimwithexactsystem.Norisitenoughtosweepawayaparceloffishesfromtheexpensivestalls,[whileheremains]ignorantforwhatsortstewedsauceismoreproper,andwhatbeingroasted,thesatedguestwillpresentlyreplacehimselfonhiselbow.LettheboarfromUmbria,andthatwhich

hasbeenfedwiththeacornsofthescarletoak,bendtherounddishesofhimwhodislikesallflabbymeat:fortheLaurentianboar,fattenedwithflagsandreeds,isbad.Thevineyarddoesnotalwaysaffordthemosteatablekids.Amanofsensewillbefondoftheshouldersofapregnanthare.Whatistheproperageandnatureoffishandfowl,thoughinquiredafter,wasneverdiscoveredbeforemypalate.Therearesome,whosegeniusinventsnothingbutnewkindsofpastry.Towasteone'scareupononething,isbynomeanssufficient;justasifanypersonshoulduseallhisendeavorsforthisonly,thatthewinebenotbad;quitecarelesswhatoilhepoursuponhisfish.IfyousetoutMassicwineinfairweather,shouldtherebeanythingthickinit,itwillbeattenuatedbythenocturnalair,andthesmellunfriendlytothenerveswillgooff:but,iffiltratedthroughlinen,itwillloseits

entireflavor.He,whoskillfullymixestheSurrentinewinewithFalernianlees,collectsthesedimentwithapigeon'segg:becausetheyelksinkstothebottom,rollingdownwithitalltheheterogeneousparts.YoumayrousethejadedtoperwithroastedshrimpsandAfricancockles;forlettuceafterwinefloatsuponthesouredstomach:byhampreferably,andbysausages,itcravestoberestoredtoitsappetite:nay,itwillprefereverythingwhichisbroughtsmokinghotfromthenastyeating-houses.Itisworthwhiletobeacquaintedwiththetwokindsofsauce.Thesimpleconsistsofsweetoil;whichitwillbepropertomixwithrichwineandpickle,butwithnootherpicklethan



thatbywhichtheByzantinejarhasbeentainted.Whenthis,mingledwithshreddedherbs,hasboiled,andsprinkledwithCoryciansaffron,hasstood,youshalloverandaboveaddwhatthepressedberryoftheVenafranoliveyields.TheTiburtianyieldtothePicenianapplesinjuice,thoughtheyexcelinlook.TheVenusiangrapeisproperfor[preservingin]pots.TheAlbanianyouhadbetterhardeninthesmoke.Iamfoundtobethefirstthatservedupthisgrapewithapplesinneatlittleside-plates,tobethefirst[likewisethatservedup]wine-leesandherring-brine,andwhitepepperfinelymixedwithblacksalt.Itisanenormousfaulttobestowthreethousandsestercesonthefish-market,andthentocramptherovingfishesinanarrowdish.Itcausesagreatnauseainthestomach,ifeventheslavetouchesthecupwithgreasyhands,whilehelicksupsnacks,orifoffensivegrimehasadheredtotheancientgoblet.Intrays,inmats,insawdust,[thatareso]cheap,whatgreatexpensecantherebe?But,iftheyareneglected,itisaheinousshame.What,shouldyousweepMosaicpavementswithadirtybroommadeofpalm,andthrowTyriancarpetsovertheunwashedfurnitureofyourcouch!forgetting,thatbyhowmuchlesscareandexpensethesethingsareattended,somuchthemorejustlymay[thewantofthem]becensured,thanofthosethingswhichcannotbeobtainedbutatthetablesoftherich?

LearnedCatius,entreatedbyourfriendshipandthegods,remembertointroducemetoanaudience[withthisgreatman],wheneveryoushallgo

tohim.For,thoughbyyourmemoryyourelateeverythingtome,yetasarelateryoucannotdelightmeinsohighadegree.Addtothisthecountenanceanddeportmentoftheman;whomyou,happyinhavingseen,donotmuchregard,becauseithasbeenyourlot:butIhavenosmallsolicitude,thatImayapproachthedistantfountain-heads,andimbibethepreceptsof[such]ablessedlife.

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SATIREV.

_InahumorousdialoguebetweenUlyssesandTiresias,heexposesthoseartswhichthefortunehuntersmakeuseof,inordertobeappointedtheheirsofricholdmen_.

Besidewhatyouhavetoldme,OTiresias,answertothispetitionofmine:bywhatartsandexpedientsmayIbeabletorepairmyruinedfortunes--whydoyoulaugh?Doesitalreadyseemlittletoyou,whoarepracticedindeceit,tobebroughtbacktoIthaca,andtobehold[again]yourfamilyhouseholdgods?Oyouwhoneverspeakfalselytoanyone,youseehownakedanddestituteIreturnhome,accordingtoyourprophecy:noriseithermycellar,ormycattlethere,unembezzledbythesuitors[ofPenelope].Butbirthandvirtue,unless[attended]withsubstance,

isvilerthanseaweed.

Since(circumlocutionsapart)youareindreadofpovertyhearbywhatmeansyoumaygrowwealthy.Ifathrush,orany[nice]thingforyourownprivate[eating],shallbegivenyou;itmustwingwaytothatplace,whereshinesagreatfortune,thepossessorbeinganoldman:deliciousapples,andwhateverdaintiesyourwell-cultivatedgroundbringsforthforyou,lettherichman,asmoretobereverencedthanyourhouseholdgod,tastebeforehim:and,thoughhebeperjured,ofnofamily,stainedwithhisbrother'sblood,arunaway;ifhedesireit,do



notrefusetogoalongwithhim,hiscompanionontheouterside.What,shallIwalkcheekbyjolewithafilthyDamas?IdidnotbehavemyselfinthatmanneratTroy,contendingalwayswiththebest.Youmustthenbepoor.Iwillcommandmysturdysoultobearthisevil;Ihaveformerlyenduredevengreater.Dothou,Oprophet,tellmeforthwithhowImayamassrichesandheapsofmoney.IntrothIhavetoldyou,andtellyouagain.Useyourcrafttolieatcatchforthelastwillsofoldmen:nor,ifoneortwocunningchapsescapebybitingthebaitoffthehook,eitherlayasidehope,orquittheart,thoughdisappointedinyouraim.Ifanaffair,eitheroflittleorgreatconsequence,shallbecontestedatanytimeatthebar;whicheverofthepartieslivewealthywithoutheirs,shouldhebearogue,whodaringlytakesthelawofabetterman,bethouhisadvocate:despisethecitizen,whoissuperiorinreputation,and[thejustnessof]hiscause,ifathomehehasasonorafruitfulwife.[Addresshimthus:]"Quintus,forinstance,orPublius(delicateearsdelightintheprefixedname),yourvirtuehasmademeyourfriend.Iamacquaintedwiththeprecariousquirksofthelaw;Icanpleadcauses.Anyoneshallsoonersnatchmyeyesfromme,thanheshalldespiseordefraudyouofanemptynut.Thisismycare,thatyoulosenothing,thatyoubenotmadeajestof."Bidhimgohome,andmakemuchofhimself.Behissolicitoryourself:persevere,andbesteadfast:whethertheglaringdog-starshallcleavetheinfantstatues;orFurius,destinedwithhisgreasypaunch,shallspuewhitesnowoverthewinteryAlps.Donotyousee(shallsomeonesay,joggingtheperson

thatstandsnexttohimbytheelbow)howindefatigableheis,howserviceabletohisfriends,howacute?[Bythismeans]moretunniesshallswimin,andyourfish-pondswillincrease.

Further,ifanyoneinaffluentcircumstanceshasrearedanailingson,lestatooopencomplaisancetoasinglemanshoulddetectyou,creepgraduallyintothehope[ofsucceedinghim],andthatyoumaybesetdownassecondheir;and,ifanycasualtyahoulddispatchtheboytoHades,youmaycomeintothevacancy.Thisdieseldomfails.Whoeverdelivershiswilltoyoutoread,bemindfultodeclineit,andpushtheparchmentfromyou:[doit]howeverinsuchamanner,thatyoumaycatchwithanobliqueglance,whatthefirstpageintimatestobeinthesecondclause:runoverwithaquickeye,whetheryouaresoleheir,or

co-heirwithmany.Sometimesawell-seasonedlawyer,risenfromaQuinquevir,shalldeludethegapingraven;andthefortune-hunterNasicashallbelaughedatbyCoranus.

What,artthouina[prophetic]raving;ordostthouplayuponmedesignedly,byutteringobscurities?OsonofLaertes,whateverIshallsaywillcometopass,oritwillnot:forthegreatApollogivesmethepowertodivine.Then,ifitisproper,relatewhatthattalemeans.

AtthattimewhentheyouthdreadedbytheParthians,anoffspringderivedfromthenobleAeneas,shallbemightybylandandsea;thetalldaughterofNasica,aversetopaythesumtotalofhisdebt,shallwedthestoutCoranus.Thentheson-in-lawshallproceedthus:heshall

deliverhiswilltohisfather-in-law,andentreathimtoreadit;Nasicawillatlengthreceiveit,afterithasbeenseveraltimesrefused,andsilentlyperuseit;andwillfindnootherlegacylefttohimandhis,exceptleavetolament.

Tothese[directionsIhavealreadygiven],Isubjointhe[following]:ifhaplyacunningwomanorafreedmanhavethemanagementofanolddriveler,joinwiththemasanassociate:praisethem,thatyoumaybepraisedinyourabsence.Thistooisofservice;buttostorm[thecapital]itselfexcelsthismethodbyfar.Shallhe,adotard,scribble



wretchedverses?Applaudthem.Shallhebegiventopleasure?Takecare[youdonotsufferhim]toaskyou:ofyourownaccordcomplaisantlydeliverupyourPenelopetohim,aspreferable[toyourself].What--doyouthinksosoberandsochasteawomancanbebroughtover,whom[somany]wooerscouldnotdivertfromtherightcourse.Because,forsooth,aparcelofyoungfellowscame,whoweretooparsimonioustogiveagreatprice,norsomuchdesirousofanamorousintercourse,asofthekitchen.SofaryourPenelopeisagoodwoman:who,hadsheoncetastedofoneold[dotinggallant],andsharedwithyoutheprofit,likeahound,willneverbefrightedawayfromthereekingskin[ofthenewkilledgame].

WhatIamgoingtotellyouhappenedwhenIwasanoldman.AwickedhagatThebeswas,accordingtoherwill,carriedforthinthismanner:herheirborehercorpse,anointedwithalargequantityofoil,uponhisnakedshoulders;withtheintentthat,ifpossible,shemightescapefromhimevenwhendead:because,Iimagine,hehadpresseduponhertoomuchwhenliving.Becautiousinyouraddresses:neitherbewantinginyourpains,norimmoderatelyexuberant.Bygarrulityyouwilloffendthespleneticandmorose.Youmustnot,however,betoosilent.BeDavusintheplay;andstandwithyourheadononeside,muchlikeonewhoisingreatawe.Attackhimwithcomplaisance:iftheairfreshens,advisehimcarefullytocoveruphisprecioushead:disengagehimfromthecrowdbyopposingyourshoulderstoit:closelyattachyoureartohimifchatty.

Isheimmoderatelyfondofbeingpraised?Payhimhome,tillheshallcryout,withhishandslifteduptoheaven,"Enough:"andpuffuptheswellingbladderwithtumidspeeches.Whenheshallhave[atlast]releasedyoufromyourlongservitudeandanxiety;andbeingcertainlyawake,youshallhear[thisarticleinhiswill]?"LetUlyssesbeheirtoonefourthofmyestate:""isthenmycompanionDamasnownomore?whereshallIfindonesobraveandsofaithful?"Throwout[somethingofthiskind]everynowandthen:andifyoucanalittle,weepforhim.Itisfittodisguiseyourcountenance,which[otherwise]wouldbetrayyourjoy.Asforthemonument,whichislefttoyourowndiscretion,erectitwithoutmeanness.Theneighborhoodwillcommendthefuneralhandsomelyperformed.Ifhaplyanyofyourco-heirs,beingadvancedinyears,shouldhaveadangerouscough;whetherhehasamindtobea

purchaserofafarmorahouseoutofyourshare,tellhim,youwill[cometoanytermsheshallpropose,and]makeitovertohimgladlyforatriflingsum.ButtheImperiousProserpinedragsmehence.Live,andprosper.

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SATIREVI.

_Hesetstheconveniencesofacountryretirementinoppositiontothetroublesofalifeintown_.

Thiswas[ever]amongthenumberofmywishes:aportionofgroundnotoverlarge,inwhichwasagarden,andafountainwithacontinualstreamclosetomyhouse,andalittleWoodlandbesides.Thegodshavedonemoreabundantly,andbetter,forme[thanthis].Itiswell:OsonofMaia,Iasknothingmoresavethatyouwouldrenderthesedonationslastingtome.IfIhaveneithermademyestatelargerbybadmeans,noraminawaytomakeitlessbyviceormisconduct;ifIdonotfoolishlymakeanypetitionofthissort--"Ohthatthatneighboringangle,which



nowspoilsthe;regularityofmyfield,couldbeadded!Ohthatsomeaccidentwoulddiscovertomeanurn[full]ofmoney!asitdidtohim,whohavingfoundatreasure,boughtthatverygroundhebeforetilledinthecapacityofanhiredservant,enrichedbyHercules'beinghisfriend;"ifwhatIhaveatpresentsatisfiesmegrateful,Isupplicateyouwiththisprayer:makemycattlefatfortheuseoftheirmaster,andeverythingelse,exceptmygenius:and,asyouarewont,bepresentasmychiefguardian.Wherefore,whenIhaveremovedmyselffromthecitytothemountainsandmycastle,(whatcanIpolish,preferablytomysatiresandprosaicmuse?)neitherevilambitiondestroysme,northeheavysouthwind,northesicklyautumn,thegainofbalefulLibitina.

Fatherofthemorning,orJanus,ifwithmorepleasurethouhearestthyself[calledbythatname],fromwhommencommencethetoilsofbusiness,andoflife(suchisthewillofthegods),bethouthebeginningofmysong.AtRomeyouhurrymeawaytobebail;"Away,dispatch,[youcry,]lestanyoneshouldbebeforehandwithyouindoingthatfriendlyoffice:"Imustgo,atallevents,whetherthenorthwindsweeptheearth,orwintercontractsthesnowydayintoanarrowercircle.Afterthis,havingutteredinaclearanddeterminatemanner[thelegalform],whichmaybeadetrimenttome,Imustbustlethroughthecrowd;andmustdisobligethetardy."Whatisyourwill,madman,andwhatareyouabout,impudentfellow?"Sooneaccostsmewithhispassionatecurses."Youjostleeverythingthatisinyourway,ifwith

anappointmentfullinyourmindyouareawaytoMaecenas."Thispleasesme,andislikehoney:Iwillnottellalie.ButbythetimeIreachedthegloomyEsquiliae,ahundredaffairsofotherpeople'sencompassmeoneveryside:"Rosciusbeggedthatyouwouldbewithhimatthecourt-houseto-morrowbeforethesecondhour.""Thesecretariesrequestedyouwouldremember,Quintus,toreturnto-dayaboutanaffairofpublicconcern,andofgreatconsequence.""GetMaecenastoputhissignettothesetablets."Shouldonesay,"Iwillendeavoratit:""Ifyouwill,youcan,"addshe;andismoreearnest.Theseventhyearapproachingtotheeighthisnowelapsed,fromthetimethatMaecenasbegantoreckonmeinthenumberofhisfriends;onlythusfar,asonehewouldliketotakealongwithhiminhischariot,whenhewentajourney,andtowhomhewouldtrustsuchkindoftriflesasthese:"What

isthehour?""IsGallina,theThracian,amatchfor[thegladiator]Syrus?""Thecoldmorningairbeginstopinchthosethatareillprovidedagainstit;"--andsuchthings-asarewellenoughintrustedtoaleakyear.Forallthistime,everydayandhour,Ihavebeenmoresubjectedtoenvy."Oursonoffortunehere,sayseverybody,witnessedtheshowsincompanywith[Maecenas],andplayedwithhimintheCampusMartius."Doesanydishearteningreportspreadfromtherostrumthroughthestreets,whoevercomesinmywayconsultsme[concerningit]:"Goodsir,haveyou(foryoumustknow,sinceyouapproachnearerthegods)heardanythingrelatingtotheDacians?""Nothingatallformypart,"[Ireply]."Howyoueverareasneerer!""Butmayallthegodstortureme,ifIknowanythingofthematter.""What?willCaesargivethelandshepromisedthesoldiers,inSicily,orinItaly?"AsIam

swearingIknownothingaboutit,theywonderatme,[thinking]me,tobesure,acreatureofprofoundandextraordinarysecrecy.

Amongthingsofthisnaturethedayiswastedbyme,mortifiedasIam,notwithoutsuchwishesasthese:Oruralretirement,whenshallIbeholdthee?andwhenshallitbeinmypowertopassthroughthepleasingoblivionofalifefullofsolicitude,onewhilewiththebooksoftheancients,anotherwhileinsleepandleisure?OwhenshallthebeanrelatedtoPythagoras,andatthesametimeherbswelllardedwithfatbacon,besetbeforeme?Oevenings,andsuppersfitforgods!with



whichIandmyfriendsregaleourselvesinthepresenceofmyhouseholdgods;andfeedmysaucyslaveswithviands,ofwhichlibationshavebeenmade.Theguest,accordingtoeveryone'sinclination,takesofftheglassesofdifferentsizes,freefrommadlaws:whetheroneofastrongconstitutionchoosesheartybumpers;oranothermorejoyouslygetsmellowwithmoderateones.Thenconversationarises,notconcerningotherpeople'svillasandhouses,norwhetherLeposdanceswellornot;butwedebateonwhatismoretoourpurpose,andwhatitisperniciousnottoknow--whethermenaremadehappierbyrichesorbyvirtue;orwhatleadsusintointimacies,interestormoralrectitude;andwhatisthenatureofgood,andwhatitsperfection.Meanwhile,myneighborCerviuspratesawayoldstoriesrelativetothesubject.For,ifanyoneignorantlycommendsthetroublesomerichesofAurelius,hethusbegins:"Onatimeacountry-mouseisreportedtohavereceivedacity-mouseintohispoorcave,anoldhost,hisoldacquaintance;abluntfellowandattentivetohisacquisitions,yetsoashecould[onoccasion]enlargehisnarrowsoulinactsofhospitality.Whatneedofmanywords?Heneithergrudgedhimthehoardedvetches,northelongoats;andbringinginhismouthadryplum,andnibbledscrapsofbacon,presentedthemtohim,beingdesirousbythevarietyofthesuppertogetthebetterofthedaintinessofhisguest,whohardlytouchedwithhisdelicatetooththeseveralthings:whilethefatherofthefamilyhimself,extendedonfreshstraw,ateaspeltanddarnelleavingthatwhichwasbetter[forhisguest].Atlengththecitizenaddressinghim,

'Friend,'sayshe,'whatdelighthaveyoutolivelaboriouslyontheridgeofaruggedthicket?Willyounotprefermenandthecitytothesavagewoods?Takemyadvice,andgoalongwithme:sincemortallivesareallottedtoallterrestrialanimals,noristhereanyescapefromdeath,eitherforthegreatorthesmall.Wherefore,mygoodfriend,whileitisinyourpower,livehappyinjoyouscircumstances:livemindfulofhowbriefanexistenceyouare.'Soonasthesespeecheshadwroughtuponthepeasant,heleapsnimblyfromhiscave:thencetheybothpursuetheirintendedjourney,beingdesiroustostealunderthecitywallsbynight.Andnowthenightpossessedthemiddleregionoftheheavens,wheneachofthemsetfootinagorgeouspalace,wherecarpetsdyedwithcrimsongrainglittereduponivorycouches,andmanybasketsofamagnificententertainmentremained,whichhadyesterday

beensetbyinbasketspiledupononeanother.Afterhehadplacedthepeasantthen,stretchedateaseuponasplendidcarpet;hebustlesaboutlikeanadroithost,andkeepsbringinguponedishcloseuponanother,andwithanaffectedcivilityperformsalltheceremonies,firsttastingofeverythingheservesup.He,reclined,rejoicesinthechangeofhissituation,andactsthepartofabooncompanioninthegoodcheer:whenonasuddenaprodigiousrattlingofthefoldingdoorsshookthembothfromtheircouches.Terrifiedtheybegantoscamperallabouttheroom,andmoreandmoreheartlesstobeinconfusion,whiletheloftyhouseresoundedwith[thebarkingof]mastiffdogs;uponwhich,saysthecountry-mouse,'Ihavenodesireforalifelikethis;andsofarewell:mywoodandcave,securefromsurprises,shallwithhomelytarescomfortme.'"

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SATIREVII.

_OneofHorace'sslaves,makinguseofthatfreedomwhichwasallowedthemattheSaturnalia,rateshismasterinadrollandseveremanner_.



Ihavealongwhilebeenattending[toyou],andwouldfainspeakafewwords[inreturn;but,being]aslave,Iamafraid.What,Davus?Yes,Davus,afaithfulservanttohismasterandanhonestone,atleastsufficientlyso:thatis,foryoutothinkhislifeinnodanger.Well(sinceourancestorswouldhaveitso),usethefreedomofDecemberspeakon.

Onepartofmankindarefondoftheirviceswithsomeconstancyandadheretotheirpurpose:aconsiderablepartfluctuates;onewhileembracingtheright,anotherwhileliabletodepravity.Priscus,frequentlyobservedwiththreerings,sometimeswithhislefthandbare,livedsoirregularlythathewouldchangehisrobeeveryhour;fromamagnificentedifice,hewouldonasuddenhidehimselfinaplace,whenceadecentfreedmancouldscarcelycomeoutinadecentmanner;onewhilehewouldchoosetoleadthelifeofarakeatRome,anotherwhilethatofateacheratAthens;bornundertheevilinfluenceofeveryVertumnus.Thatbuffoon,Volanerius,whenthedeservedgouthadcrippledhisfingers,maintained[afellow]thathehadhiredatadailyprice,whotookupthediceandputthemintoaboxforhim:yetbyhowmuchmoreconstantwasheinhisvice,bysomuchlesswretchedwashethantheformerperson,whoisnowindifficultiesbytooloose,nowbytootightarein.

"Willyounottellto-day,youvarlet,whithersuchwretchedstuffasthistends?""Why,toyou,Isay.""Inwhatrespecttome,scoundrel?""Youpraisethehappinessandmannersoftheancient[Roman]people;andyet,ifanygodwereonasuddentoreduceyoutotothem,you,thesameman,wouldearnestlybegtobeexcused;eitherbecauseyouarenotreallyofopinionthatwhatyoubawlaboutisright;orbecauseyouareirresoluteindefendingtheright,andhesitate,invaindesiroustoextractyourfootfromthemire.AtRome,youlongforthecountry;whenyouareinthecountry,fickle,youextoltheabsentcitytotheskies.Ifhaplyyouareinvitedoutnowheretosupper,youpraiseyourquietdishofvegetables;andasifyouevergoabroaduponcompulsion,youthinkyourselfsohappy,anddosohugyourself,thatyouareobligedtodrinkoutnowhere.ShouldMaecenaslayhiscommandsonyoutocomelate,

atthefirstlightingupofthelamps,ashisguest;'Willnobodybringtheoilwithmoreexpedition?Doesanybodyhear?'Youstutterwithamightybellowing,andstormwithrage.Milvius,andthebuffoons[whoexpectedtosupwithyou],depart,afterhavingutteredcursesnotpropertoberepeated.Anyonemaysay,forIown[thetruth],thatIameasytobeseducedbymyappetite;Isnuffupmynoseatasavorysmell:Iamweak,lazy;and,ifyouhaveamindtoaddanythingelse,Iamasot.ButseeingyouareasIam,andperhapssomethingworse,whydoyouwillfullycallmetoanaccountasifyouwerethebetterman;and,withspeciousphrases,disguiseyourownvice?What,ifyouarefoundouttobeagreaterfoolthanme,whowaspurchasedforfivehundreddrachmas?Forbeartoterrifymewithyourlooks;restrainyourhandandyouranger,whileIrelatetoyouwhatCrispinus'portertaughtme.

"Anotherman'swifecaptivatesyou;aharlot,Davus:whichofussinsmoredeservinglyofthecross?Whenkeennatureinflamesme,anycommonwenchthatpicksmeup,dismissesmeneitherdishonored,norcaringwhetheraricherorahandsomermanenjoyshernext.You,whenyouhavecastoffyourensignsofdignity,yourequestrianringandyourRomanhabit,turnoutfromamagistrateawretchedDama,hidingwithacapeyourperfumedhead:areyounotreallywhatyoupersonate?Youareintroduced,apprehensive[ofconsequences];and,asyouarealtercatingWithyourpassions,yourbonesshakewithfear.Whatisthedifference



whetheryougocondemned[likeagladiator],tobegalledwithscourges,orslainwiththesword;orbeclosedupinafilthychest,where[themaid],conciousofhermistress'crime,hasstowedyou?Hasnotthehusbandoftheoffendingdameajustpoweroverboth;againsttheseducerevenajuster?Butsheneitherchangesherdress,norplace,norsinstothatexcess[whichyoudo];sincethewomanisindreadofyou,norgivesanycredittoyou,thoughyouprofesstoloveher.Youmustgoundertheyokeknowingly,andputallyourfortune,yourlife,andreputation,togetherwithyourlimbs,intothepowerofanenragedhusband.Haveyouescaped?Isuppose,then,youwillbeafraid[forthefuture];and,beingwarned,willbecautious.No,youwillseekoccasionwhenyoumaybeagaininterror,andagainmaybelikelytoperish.Osooftenaslave!Whatbeast,whenithasonceescapedbybreakingitstoils,absurdlytrustsitselftothemagain?Yousay,"Iamnoadulterer."Nor,byHercules,amIathief,whenIwiselypassbythesilvervases.Takeawaythedanger,andvagrantnaturewillspringforth,whenrestraintsareremoved.Areyoumysuperior,subjectedasyouare,tothedominionofsomanythingsandpersons,whomthepraetor'srod,thoughplacedonyourheadthreeorfourtimesover,canneverfreefromthiswretchedsolicitude?Add,towhathasbeensaidabove,athingofnolessweight;whetherhebeanunderling,whoobeysthemaster-slave(asitisyourcustomtoaffirm),oronlyafellow-slave,whatamIinrespectofyou?You,forexample,whohavethecommandofme,areinsubjectiontootherthings,andareledabout,

likeapuppetmovablebymeansofwiresnotitsown.

"Whothenisfree?Thewiseman,whohasdominionoverhimself;whomneitherpoverty,nordeath,norchainsaffright;braveinthecheckingofhisappetites,andincontemninghonors;and,perfectinhimself,polishedandroundasaglobe,sothatnothingfromwithoutcanretard,inconsequenceofitssmoothness;againstwhommisfortuneeveradvancesineffectually.Canyou,outofthese,recognizeanythingapplicabletoyourself?Awomandemandsfivetalentsofyou,plaguesyou,andafteryouareturnedoutofdoors,bedewsyouwithcoldwater:shecallsyouagain.Rescueyourneckfromthisvileyoke;come,say,Iamfree,Iamfree.Youarenotable:foranimplacablemasteroppressesyourmind,andclapsthesharpspurstoyourjadedappetite,andforcesyouon

thoughreluctant.Whenyou,madone,quitelanguishatapicturebyPausias;howareyoulesstoblamethanI,whenIadmirethecombatsofFulviusandRutubaandPlacideianus,withtheirbendedknees,paintedincrayonsorcharcoal,asifthemenwereactuallyengaged,andpushandparry,movingtheirweapons?Davusisascoundrelandaloiterer;butyouhavethecharacterofanexquisiteandexpertconnoisseurinantiquities.IfIamalluredbyasmokingpasty,Iamagood-for-nothingfellow:doesyourgreatvirtueandsoulresistdelicateentertainments?Whyisatendernessformybellytoodestructiveforme?Formybackpaysforit.Howdoyoucomeoffwithmoreimpunity,sinceyouhankeraftersuchdaintiesascannotbehadforalittleexpense?Thenthosedelicacies,perpetuallytaken,palluponthestomach;andyourmistakenfeetrefusetosupportyoursicklybody.Isthatboyguilty,whoby

nightpawnsastolenscraperforsomegrapes?Hashenothingservileabouthim,whoinindulgencetohisgutssellshisestates?Addtothis,thatyouyourselfcannotbeanhourbyyourself,nordisposeofyourleisureinarightmanner;andshunyourselfasafugitiveandvagabond,onewhileendeavoringwithwine,anotherwhilewithsleep,tocheatcare--invain:forthegloomycompanionpressesuponyou,andpursuesyouinyourflight.

"WherecanIgetastone?""Whatoccasionisthereforit?""Wheresomedarts?""Themaniseithermad,ormakingverses.""Ifyoudonottake



yourselfawayinaninstant,youshallgo[andmake]aninthlaboreratmySabineestate."

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SATIREVIII.

_Asmartdescriptionofamiserridiculouslyactingtheextravagant._

HowdidtheentertainmentofthathappyfellowNasidienuspleaseyou?foryesterday,asIwasseekingtomakeyoumyguest,youweresaidtobedrinkingtherefrommid-day.[Itpleasedmeso],thatIneverwashappierinmylife.Say(ifitbenottroublesome)whatfoodfirstcalmedyourragingappetite.

Inthefirstplace,therewasaLucanianboar,takenwhenthegentlesouthwindblew,asthefatheroftheentertainmentaffirmed;arounditsharprapes,lettuces,radishes;suchthingsasprovokealanguidappetite;skirrets,anchovies,dregsofCoanwine.Theseonceremoved,oneslave,tuckedhighwithapurplecloth,wipedthemapletable,andasecondgatheredupwhateverlayuseless,andwhatevercouldoffendthe

guests;swarthyHydaspesadvanceslikeanAtticmaidwithCeres'sacredrites,bearingwinesofCaecubum;AlconbringsthoseofChios,undamagedbythesea.Herethemaster[cries],"Maecenas,ifAlbanorFalernianwinedelightyoumorethanthosealreadybrought,wehaveboth."

Ill-fatedriches!But,Fundanius,Iamimpatienttoknow,whoweresharersinthisfeastwhereyoufaredsowell.

Iwashighest,andnextmewasViscusThurinus,andbelow,ifIremember,wasVarius;withServiliusBalatro,Vibidius,whomMaecenashadbroughtalongwithhim,unbiddenguests.Above[Nasidienus]himselfwasNomentanus,belowhimPorcius,ridiculousforswallowingwholecakesatonce.Nomentanus[waspresent]forthispurpose,thatifanything

shouldchancetobeunobserved,hemightshowitwithhispointingfinger.Fortheothercompany,we,Imean,eat[promiscuously]offowls,oysters,fish,whichhadconcealedinthemajuicefardifferentfromtheknown:aspresentlyappeared,whenhereachedtometheentrailsofaplaiceandofaturbot,suchashadneverbeentastedbefore.Afterthisheinformedmethathoney-applesweremostruddywhengatheredunderthewaningmoon.Whatdifferencethismakesyouwillhearbestfromhimself.Then[says]VibidiustoBalatro;"Ifwedonotdrinktohiscost,weshalldieinhisdebt;"andhecallsforlargertumblers.Apalenesschangedthecountenanceofourhost,whofearsnothingsomuchasharddrinkers:eitherbecausetheyaremorefreelycensorious;orbecauseheatingwinesdeafenthesubtle[judgmentofthe]palate.VibidiusandBalatro,allfollowingtheirexample,pourwholecasksinto

Alliphanians;theguestsofthelowestcouchdidnohurttotheflagons.Alampreyisbroughtin,extendedinadish,inthemidstoffloatingshrimps.Whereupon,"This,"saysthemaster,"wascaughtwhenpregnant;which,afterhavingyoung,wouldhavebeenlessdelicateinitsflesh."Fortheseasauceismixedup;withoilwhichthebestcellarofVenafrumpressed,withpicklefromthejuicesoftheIberianfish,withwineoffiveyearsold,butproducedonthissidethesea,whileitisboiling(afteritisboiled,theChianwinesuitsitsowell,thatnootherdoesbetterthanit)withwhitepepper,andvinegarwhich,bybeingvitiated,turnedsourtheMethymneangrape.Ifirstshowedtheway





Maecenas,thesubjectofmyearliestsong,justlyentitledtomylatest,dostthouseektoengagemeagainintheoldlists,havingbeentriedsufficiently,andnowpresentedwiththefoils?Myageisnotthesame,norismygenius.Veianius,hisarmsconsecratedonapillarofHercules'temple,livessnuglyretiredinthecountry,thathemaynotfromtheextremityofthesandyamphitheatersooftensupplicatethepeople'sfavor.Someoneseemsfrequentlytoringinmypurifiedear:"Wiselyintimedismisstheagedcourser,lest,anobjectofderision,hemiscarryatlast,andbreakhiswind."NowthereforeIlayasidebothverses,andallothersportivematters;mystudyandinquiryisafterwhatistrueandfitting,andIamwhollyengagedinthis:Ilayup,andcollectruleswhichImaybeablehereaftertobringintouse.Andlestyoushouldperchanceaskunderwhatleader,inwhathouse[ofphilosophy],Ientermyselfapupil:addictedtoswearimplicitlytotheipse-dixitsofnoparticularmaster,wherevertheweatherdrivesme,Iamcarriedaguest.OnewhileIbecomeactive,andamplungedinthewavesofstateaffairs,amaintainerandarigidpartisanofstrictvirtue;thenagainIrelapseinsensiblyintoAristippus'maxims,andendeavortoadaptcircumstancestomyself,notmyselftocircumstances.Asthenightseemslongtothosewithwhomamistresshasbrokenherappointment,andthedayslowtothosewhoowetheirlabor;astheyearmoveslazywithminors,whomtheharshguardianshipoftheirmothersconfines;soallthattimetomeflowstediousanddistasteful,which

delaysmyhopeanddesignofstrenuouslyexecutingthatwhichisofequalbenefittothepoorandtotherich,whichneglectedwillbeofequaldetrimenttoyoungandtoold.Itremains,thatIconductandcomfortmyselfbytheseprinciples;yoursightisnotsopiercingasthatofLynceus;youwillnothoweverthereforedespisebeinganointed,ifyouaresore-eyed:norbecauseyoudespairofthemusclesoftheinvincibleGlycon,willyoubecarelessofpreservingyourbodyfromtheknottygout.Thereissomepointtowhichwemayreach,ifwecangonofurther.Doesyourheartburnwithavarice,andawretcheddesireofmore?Spellsthereare,andincantations,withwhichyoumaymitigatethispain,andridyourselfofagreatpartofthedistemper.Doyouswellwiththeloveofpraise?Therearecertainpurgationswhichcanrestoreyou,acertaintreatise,beingperusedthricewithpurityof

mind.Theenvious,thecholeric,theindolent,theslavetowine,towomen--noneissosavagethathecannotbetamed,ifhewillonlylendapatienteartodiscipline.

Itisvirtue,toflyvice;andthehighestwisdom,tohavelivedfreefromfolly.Youseewithwhattoilofmindandbodyyouavoidthosethingswhichyoubelievetobethegreatestevils,asmallfortuneandashamefulrepulse.Anactivemerchant,youruntotheremotestIndies,fleeingpovertythroughsea,throughrocks,throughflames.Andwillyounotlearn,andhear,andbeadvisedbyonewhoiswiser,thatyoumaynolongerregardthosethingswhichyoufoolishlyadmireandwishfor?WhatlittlechampionofthevillagesandofthestreetswouldscornbeingcrownedatthegreatOlympicgames,whohadthehopesandhappy

opportunityofvictorywithouttoil?Silverislessvaluablethangold,goldthanvirtue."Ocitizens,citizens,moneyistobesoughtfirst;virtueafterriches:"thisthehighestJanusfromthelowestinculcates;youngmenandoldrepeatthesemaxims,havingtheirbagsandaccount-bookshungontheleftarm.Youhavesoul,havebreeding,haveeloquenceandhonor:yetifsixorseventhousandsestercesbewantingtocompleteyourfourhundredthousand,youshallbeaplebeian.Butboysatplaycry,"Youshallbeking,ifyouwilldoright."Letthisbea[man's]brazenwall,tobeconsciousofnoill,toturnpalewithnoguilt.Tellme,prayistheRoscianlawbest,ortheboy'ssongwhich



offersthekingdomtothemthatdoright,sungbythemanlyCuriiandCamilli?Doesheadviseyoubest,whosays,"Makeafortune;afortune,ifyoucan,honestly;ifnot,afortunebyanymeans"--thatyoumayviewfromanearerbenchthetear-movingpoemsofPuppius;orhe,whostillanimatesandenablesyoutostandfreeandupright,amatchforhaughtyfortune?

IfnowperchancetheRomanpeopleshouldaskme,whyIdonotenjoythesamesentimentswiththem,as[Idothesame]porticoes,norpursueorflyfromwhatevertheyadmireordislike;Iwillreply,asthecautiousfoxonceansweredthesicklion:"Becausethefoot-marksalllookingtowardyou,andnonefromyou,affrightme."Thouartamonsterwithmanyheads.ForwhatshallIfollow,orwhom?Onesetofmendelighttofarmthepublicrevenues:therearesome,whowouldinveiglecovetouswidowswithsweet-meatsandfruits,andinsnareoldmen,whomtheywouldsend[likefish]intotheirponds:thefortunesofmanygrowbyconcealedusury.Butbeit,thatdifferentmenareengagedindifferentemploymentsandpursuits:canthesamepersonscontinueanhourtogetherapprovingthesamethings?Ifthemanofwealthhassaid,"NobayintheworldoutshinesdelightfulBaiae,"thelakeandtheseapresentlyfeeltheeagernessoftheirimpetuousmaster:towhom,ifavicioushumorgivestheomen,[hewillcry,]--"to-morrow,workmen,yeshallconveyhenceyourtoolstoTeanum."Hasheinhishallthegenialbed?Hesaysnothingispreferableto,nothingbetterthanasinglelife.Ifhehas

not,heswearsthemarriedonlyarehappy.WithwhatnoosecanIholdthisProteus,varyingthushisforms?Whatdoesthepoorman?Laugh[athimtoo]:ishenotforeverchanginghisgarrets,beds,baths,barbers?Heisasmuchsurfeitedinahiredboat,astherichmanis,whomhisowngalleyconveys.

IfImeetyouwithmyhaircutbyanunevenbarber,youlaugh[atme]:ifIchancetohavearaggedshirtunderahandsomecoat,orifmydisproportionedgownfitsmeill,youlaugh.What[doyoudo],whenmyjudgmentcontradictsitself?itdespiseswhatitbeforedesired;seeksforthatwhichlatelyitneglected;isallinaferment,andisinconsistentinthewholetenoroflife;pullsdown,buildsup,changessquaretoround.Inthiscase,youthinkIammadinthecommonway,and

youdonotlaugh,norbelievethatIstandinneedofaphysician,orofaguardianassignedbythepraetor;thoughyouarethepatronofmyaffairs,andaredisgustedattheill-parednailofafriendthatdependsuponyou,thatreveresyou.

Inaword,thewisemanisinferiortoJupiteralone,isrich,free,honorable,handsome,lastly,kingofkings;aboveall,heissound,unlesswhenphlegmistroublesome.

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EPISTLEII.

TOLOLLIUS.

_HeprefersHomertoallthephilosophers,asamoralwriter,andadvisesanearlycultivationofvirtue_.

Whileyou,greatLollius,declaimatRome,IatPraenestehaveperusedoveragainthewriteroftheTrojanwar;whoteachesmoreclearly,and



betterthanChrysippusandCrantor,whatishonorable,whatshameful,whatprofitable,whatnotso.Ifnothinghindersyou,hearwhyIhavethusconcluded.Thestoryiswhich,onaccountofParis'sintrigue,Greeceisstatedtobewastedinatediouswarwiththebarbarians,containsthetumultsoffoolishprincesandpeople.Antenorgiveshisopinionforcuttingoffthecauseofthewar.WhatdoesParis?Hecannotbebroughttocomply,[thoughitbeinorder]thathemayreignsafe,andlivehappy.NestorlaborstocomposethedifferencesbetweenAchillesandAgamemnon:loveinflamesone;ragebothincommon.TheGreekssufferforwhattheirprincesactfoolishly.WithinthewallsofIlium,andwithout,enormitiesarecommittedbysedition,treachery,injustice,andlust,andrage.

Again,toshowwhatvirtueandwhatwisdomcando,hehaspropoundedUlyssesaninstructivepattern:who,havingsubduedTroy,wiselygotaninsightintotheconstitutionsandcustomsofmanynations;and,whileforhimselfandhisassociatesheiscontrivingareturn,enduredmanyhardshipsonthespacioussea,nottobesunkbyallthewavesofadversity.YouarewellacquaintedwiththesongsoftheSirens,andCirce'scups:ofwhich,ifhehadfoolishlyandgreedilydrunkalongwithhisattendants,hehadbeenanignominiousandsenselessslaveunderthecommandofaprostitute:hehadlivedafilthydog,orahogdelightinginmire.

Weareamerenumberandborntoconsumethefruitsoftheearth;likePenelope'ssuitors,uselessdrones;likeAlcinous'youth,employedabovemeasureinpamperingtheirbodies;whoseglorywastosleeptillmid-day,andtolulltheircarestorestbythesoundoftheharp.Robbersrisebynight,thattheymaycutmen'sthroats;andwillnotyouawaketosaveyourself?But,ifyouwillnotwhenyouareinhealth,youwillbeforcedtotakeexercisewhenyouareinadropsy;andunlessbeforedayyoucallforabookwithalight,unlessyoubraceyourmindwithstudyandhonestemployments,youwillbekeptawakeandtormentedwithenvyorwithlove.Forwhydoyouhastentoremovethingsthathurtyoureyes,butifanythinggnawsyourmind,deferthetimeofcuringitfromyeartoyear?Hehashalfthedeeddone,whohasmadeabeginning.Boldlyundertakethestudyoftruewisdom:beginitforthwith.Hewho

postponesthehouroflivingwell,likethehind[inthefable],waitstill[allthewaterin]theriverberunoff:whereasitflows,andwillflow,everrollingon.

Moneyissought,andawifefruitfulinbearingchildren,andwildwoodlandsarereclaimedbytheplow.[Towhatendallthis?]He,thathasgotacompetency,lethimwishfornomore.Notahouseandfarm,noraheapofbrassandgold,canremovefeversfromthebodyoftheirsickmaster,orcaresfromhismind.Thepossessormustbewell,ifhethinksofenjoyingthethingswhichhehasaccumulated.Tohimthatisaslavetodesireortofear,houseandestatedojustasmuchgoodaspaintingstoasore-eyedperson,fomentationstothegout,musictoearsafflictedwithcollectedmatter.Unlessthevesselbesweet,whatever

youpourintoitturnssour.Despisepleasures,pleasureboughtwithpainishurtful.Thecovetousmaniseverinwant;setacertainlimittoyourwishes.Theenviouspersonwastesatthethrivingconditionofanother:Siciliantyrantsneverinventedagreatertormentthanenvy.Hewhowillnotcurbhispassion,willwishthatundonewhichhisgriefandresentmentsuggested,whileheviolentlyplieshisrevengewithunsatedrancor.Rageisashortmadness.Ruleyourpassion,whichcommands,ifitdonotobey;doyourestrainitwithabridle,andwithfetters.Thegroomformsthedocilehorse,whilehisneckisyettender,togothewaywhichhisriderdirectshim:theyounghound,fromthetimethathe



barkedatthedeer'sskininthehall,campaignsitinthewoods.Now,whileyouareyoung,withanuntaintedmindImbibeinstruction:nowapplyyourselftothebest[mastersofmorality].Acaskwilllongpreservetheflavor,withwhichwhennewitwasonceimpregnated.Butifyoulagbehind,orvigorouslypushonbefore,Ineitherwaitfortheloiterer,norstrivetoovertakethosethatprecedeme.

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EPISTLEIII.

TOJULIUSFLORUS.

_AfterinquiringaboutClaudiusTiberiusNero,andsomeofhisfriends,heexhortsFlorustothestudyofphilosophy_.

Ilongtoknow,JuliusFlorus,inwhatregionsoftheearthClaudius,thestep-sonofAugustus,iswagingwar.DoThraceandHebrus,boundwithicychains,orthenarrowsearunningbetweentheneighboringtowers,orAsia'sfertileplainsandhillsdetainyou?Whatworksisthe

studioustrainplanning?InthistooIamanxious--whotakesuponhimselftowritethemilitaryachievementsofAugustus?Whodiffusesintodistantageshisdeedsinwarandpeace?WhatisTitiusabout,whoshortlywillbecelebratedbyeveryRomantongue;whodreadednottodrinkofthePindaricspring,daringtodisdaincommonwatersandopenstreams:howdoeshedo?Howmindfulisheofme?DoesheemployhimselftoadaptThebanmeasurestotheLatinlyre,underthedirectionofhismuse?Ordoeshestormandswellinthepompousstyleoftrafficart?WhatismyCelsusdoing?Hehasbeenadvised,andtheadviceisstilloftentoberepeated,toacquirestockofhisown,andforbeartotouchwhateverwritingsthePalatineApollohasreceived:lest,ifitchancethattheflockofbirdsshouldsometimeorothercometodemandtheirfeathers,he,likethedawstrippedofhisstolencolors,beexposedto

ridicule.Whatdoyouyourselfundertake?Whatthymeareyoubusyhoveringabout?Yourgeniusisnotsmall,isnotuncultivatednorinelegantlyrough.Whetheryouedgeyourtonguefor[pleading]causes,orwhetheryoupreparetogivecounselinthecivillaw,orwhetheryoucomposesomelovelypoem;youwillbearoffthefirstprizeofthevictoriousivy.Ifnowyoucouldquitthecoldfomentationsofcare;whithersoeverheavenlywisdomwouldleadyou,youwouldgo.Letus,bothsmallandgreat,pushforwardinthiswork,inthispursuit:iftoourcountry,iftoourselveswewouldlivedear.

Youmustalsowritemewordofthis,whetherMunatiuaisofasmuchconcerntoyouasheoughttobe?Orwhethertheill-patchedreconciliationinvaincloses,andisrentasunderagain?But,whether

hotblood,orinexperienceinthings,exasperatesyou,wildascourserswithunsubduedneck,inwhateverplaceyoulive,tooworthytobreakthefraternalbond,adevotedheiferisfeedingagainstyourreturn.

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EPISTLEIV.



TOALBIUSTIBULLUS.

_Hedeclareshisaccomplishments;and,afterproposingthethoughtofdeath,convertsitintoanoccasionofpleasantry_.

Albius,thoucandidcriticofmydiscourses,whatshallIsayyouarenowdoinginthecountryaboutPedum?WritingwhatmayexceltheworksofCassiusParmensis;orsaunteringsilentlyamongthehealthfulgroves,concerningyourselfabouteverythingworthyawiseandgoodman?Youwerenotabodywithoutamind.Thegodshavegivenyouabeautifulform,thegods[havegiven]youwealth,andthefacultyofenjoyingit.

Whatgreaterblessingcouldanursesolicitforherbelovedchild,thanthathemightbewise,andabletoexpresshissentiments;andthatrespect,reputation,healthmighthappentohiminabundance,anddecentliving,withanever-failingpurse?

Inthemidstofhopeandcare,inthemidstoffearsanddisquietudes,thinkeverydaythatshinesuponyouisthelast.[Thus]thehour,whichshallnotbeexpected,willcomeuponyouanagreeableaddition.

Whenyouhaveamindtolaugh,youshallseemefatandsleekwithgoodkeeping,ahogofEpicurus'herd.

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EPISTLEV.

TOTORQUATUS.

_Heinviteshimtoafrugalentertainment,butacleanlyandcheerfulone_.

IfyoucanreposeyourselfasmyguestuponArchias'couches,andarenotafraidtomakeawholemealonallsortsofherbsfromamoderatedish;Iwillexpectyou,Torquatus,atmyhouseaboutsunset.YoushalldrinkwinepouredintothevesselinthesecondconsulshipofTaurus,producedbetweenthefennyMinturnaeandPetrinumofSinuessa.Ifyouhaveanythingbetter,sendforit;orbringyourcommands.Brightshinesmyhearth,andmyfurnitureiscleanforyoualready.Dismissairyhopes,andcontestsaboutriches,andMoschus'cause.To-morrow,afestaldayonaccountofCaesar'sbirth,admitsofindulgenceandrepose.Weshallhavefreelibertytoprolongthesummereveningwithfriendlyconversation.TowhatpurposehaveIfortune,ifImaynotuseit?Hethatissparingoutofregardtohisheir,andtooniggardly,isnextneighbortoamadman.Iwillbegintodrinkandscatterflowers,

andIwillendureeventobeaccountedfoolish.Whatdoesnotwinefreelydrunkenenterprise?Itdisclosessecrets;commandsourhopestoberatified;pushesthedastardontothefight;removesthepressurefromtroubledminds;teachesthearts.Whomhavenotplentifulcupsmadeeloquent?Whomhavetheynot[made]freeandeasyunderpinchingpoverty?

I,whoamboththeproperpersonandnotunwilling,amchargedtotakecareofthesematters;thatnodirtycoveringonthecouch,nofoulnapkincontractyournoseintowrinkles;andthatthecupandthedish



mayshowyoutoyourself;thattherebenoonetocarryabroadwhatissaidamongfaithfulfriends;thatequalsmaymeetandbejoinedwithequalsIwilladdtoyouButra,andSepticius,andSabinus,unlessabetterentertainmentandamistressmoreagreeabledetainhim.Thereisroomalsoformanyintroductions:butgoatyramminessisoffensiveinover-crowdedcompanies.

Doyouwriteword,whatnumberyouwouldbe;andsettingasidebusiness,throughtheback-doorgivethesliptoyourclientwhokeepsguardinyourcourt.

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EPISTLEVI.

TONUMICIUS.

_Thatawisemanisinlovewithnothingbutvirtue_.

Toadmirenothingisalmosttheoneandonlything,Numicius,whichcanmakeandkeepamanhappy.Therearewhoviewthissun,andthestars,

andtheseasonsretiringatcertainperiods,untaintedwithanyfear.Whatdoyouthinkofthegiftsoftheearth?Whatofthesea,thatenrichestheremoteArabiansandIndians?Whatofscenicalshows,theapplauseandfavorsofthekindRoman?Inwhatmannerdoyouthinktheyaretobelookedupon,withwhatapprehensionsandcountenance?Hethatdreadsthereverseofthese,admiresthemalmostinthesamewayashethatdesiresthem;fearalikedisturbsbothways:anunforeseenturnofthingsequallyterrifieseachofthem:letamanrejoiceorgrieve,desireorfear;whatmattersit--if,whateverheperceivesbetterorworsethanhisexpectations,withdowncastlookhebestupefiedinmindandbody?Letthewisemanbearthenameoffool,thejustofunjust;ifhepursuevirtueitselfbeyondproperbounds.

Gonow,lookwithtransportuponsilver,andantiquemarble,andbrazenstatues,andthearts:admiregems,andTyriandyes:rejoice,thatathousandeyesarefixeduponyouwhileyouspeak:industriousrepairearlytotheforum,latetoyourhouse,thatMutusmaynotreapmoregrain[thanyou]fromhislandsgainedindowry,and(unbecoming,sincehesprungfrommeanerparents)thathemaynotbeanobjectofadmirationtoyouratherthanyoutohim.Whateverisintheearth,timewillbringforthintoopendaylight;willburyandhidethings,thatnowshinebrightest.WhenAgrippa'sportico,andtheAppianway,shallhavebeheldyouwellknown;stillitremainsforyoutogowhereNumaandAncusarearrived.Ifyoursideoryourreinsareafflictedwithanacutedisease,seekaremedyfromthedisease.Wouldyoulivehappily?Whowouldnot?Ifvirtuealonecanconferthis,discardingpleasures,

strenuouslypursueit.Doyouthinkvirtuemerewords,asagroveistrees?Beityourcarethatnootherentertheportbeforeyou;thatyoulosenotyourtrafficwithCibyra,withBithynia.Lettheroundsumofathousandtalentsbecompleted;asmanymore;further,letathirdthousandsucceed,andthepartwhichmaysquaretheheap.Forwhy,sovereignmoneygivesawifewitha[large]portion,andcredit,andfriends,andfamily,andbeauty;and[thegoddesses],PersuasionandVenus,gracedthewell-moneyedman.ThekingoftheCappadocians,richinslaves,isinwantofcoin;benotyoulikehim.Lucullus,astheysay,beingaskedifhecouldlendahundredcloaksforthestage,"How



canIsomany?"saidhe:"yetIwillsee,andsendasmanyasIhave;"alittleafterhewritesthathehadfivethousandcloaksinhishouse;theymighttakepartofthem,orall.Itisascantyhouse,wheretherearenotmanythingssuperfluous,andwhichescapetheowner'snotice,andarethegainofpilferingslaves.Ifthenwealthalonecanmakeandkeepamanhappy,befirstinbeginningthiswork,belastinleavingitoff.Ifappearancesandpopularitymakeamanfortunate,letaspurchaseaslavetodictate[tous]thenames[ofthecitizens],tojogusontheleft-side,andtomakeusstretchourhandoverobstacles:"ThismanhasmuchinterestintheFabian,thatintheVelinetribe;thiswillgivethefascestoanyone,and,indefatigablyactive,snatchthecuruleivoryfromwhomhepleases;add[thenamesof]father,brother:accordingastheageofeachis,socourteouslyadopthim.Ifhewhofeastswell,liveswell;itisday,letusgowhitherourappetiteleadsus:letusfish,letushunt,asdidsometimeGargilius:whoorderedhistoils,hunting-spears,slaves,earlyinthemorningtopassthroughthecrowdedforumandthepeople:thatonemuleamongmany,inthesightofthepeople,mightreturnloadedwithaboarpurchasedwithmoney.Letusbathewithanindigestedandfull-swollenstomach,forgettingwhatisbecoming,whatnot;deservingtobeenrolledamongthecitizensofCaere;likethedepravedcrewofUlyssesofIthaca,towhomforbiddenpleasurewasdearerthantheircountry.If,asMimnermusthinks,nothingispleasantwithoutloveandmirth,liveinloveandmirth.

Live:behappy.Ifyouknowofanythingpreferabletothesemaxims,candidlycommunicateit:ifnot,withmemakeuseofthese.

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EPISTLEVII.

TOMAECENAS.

_HeapologizestoMaecenasforhislongabsencefromRome;andacknowledgeshisfavorstohiminsuchamannerastodeclareliberty

preferabletoallotherblessings_.

HavingpromisedyouthatIwouldbeinthecountrybutfivedays,falsetomyword,IamabsentthewholeofAugust.But,ifyouwouldhavemelivesoundandinperfecthealth,theindulgencewhichyougrantme,Maecenas,whenIamill,youwillgrantme[also]whenIamafraidofbeingill:while[thetimeof]thefirstfigs,andthe[autumnal]heatgracestheundertakerwithhisblackattendants;whileeveryfatherandmotherturnpalewithfearfortheirchildren;andwhileover-acteddiligence,andattendanceattheforum,bringonfeversandunsealwills.But,ifthewintershallscattersnowupontheAlbanfields,yourpoetwillgodowntotheseaside,andbecarefulofhimself,andread

bundledup;you,dearfriend,hewillrevisitwiththezephyrs,ifyouwillgivehimleave,andwiththefirstswallow.

Youhavemademerich,notinthemannerinwhichtheCalabrianhostbids[hisguest]eatofhispears."Eat,pray,sir.""Ihavehadenough.""Buttakeawaywithyouwhatquantityyouwill.""Youareverykind.""Youwillcarrythemnodisagreeablepresentstoyourlittlechildren.""Iamasmuchobligedbyyouroffer,asifIweresentawayloaded.""Asyouplease:youleavethemtobedevouredto-daybythehogs."Theprodigalandfoolgivesawaywhathedespisesandhates;the



reapingoffavorslikethesehasproduced,andeverwillproduce,ungratefulmen.Agoodandwisemanprofesseshimselfreadytodokindnesstothedeserving;andyetisnotignorant,howtruecoinsdifferfromlupines.Iwillalsoshowmyselfdeservingofthehonorofbeinggrateful.Butifyouwouldnothavemedepartanywhither,youmustrestoremyvigorousconstitution,theblacklocks[thatgrew]onmynarrowforehead:youmustrestoretomethepoweroftalkingpleasantly:youmustrestoretometheartoflaughingwithbecomingease,andwhiningovermyliquoratthejiltingofthewantonCynara.

Athinfield-mousehadbychancecreptthroughanarrowcrannyintoachestofgrain;and,havingfeasteditself,invainattemptedtocomeoutagain,withitsbodynowstuffedfull.Towhichaweaselatadistancecries,"Ifyouwouldescapethence,repairleantothenarrowholewhichyouenteredlean."IfIbeaddressedwiththissimilitude,Iresignall;neitherdoI,satedwithdelicacies,cryupthecalmreposeofthevulgar,norwouldIchangemylibertyandeasefortherichesoftheArabians.Youhaveoftencommendedmeforbeingmodest;whenpresentyouheard[frommetheappellationsof]kingandfather,noramIawordmoresparinginyourabsence.TrywhetherIcancheerfullyrestorewhatyouhavegivenme.Notamiss[answered]Telemachus,sonofthepatientUlysses:"ThecountryofIthacaisnotproperforhorses,asbeingneitherextendedintochampaignfields,noraboundingwithmuchgrass:Atrides,Iwillleavebehindmeyourgifts,[whichare]moreproperfor

yourself."Smallthingsbestsuitthesmall.NolongerdoesimperialRomepleaseme,butunfrequentedTibur,andunwarlikeTarentum.

Philip,activeandstrong,andfamedforpleadingcauses,whilereturningfromhisemploymentabouttheeighthhour,andnowofagreatage,complainingthattheCarinaeweretoofardistantfromtheforum;spied,astheysay,apersoncleanshaveninabarber'semptyshed,composedlyparinghisownnailswithaknife."Demetrius,"[sayshe,](thisslavedexterouslyreceivedhismaster'sorders,)"goinquire,andbringmewordfromwhathouse,whoheis,ofwhatfortune,whoishisfather,orwhoishispatron."Hegoes,returns,andrelates,that"heisbyname,VulteiusMaena,anauctioneer,ofsmallfortune,ofacharacterperfectlyunexceptionable,thathecoulduponoccasionply

busily,andtakehisease,andget,andspend;delightinginhumblecompanionsandasettleddwelling,and(afterbusinessended)intheshows,andtheCampusMartius."

"Iwouldinquireofhimhimselfallthis,whichyoureport;bidhimcometosupwithme."Maenacannotbelieveit;hewonderssilentlywithinhimself.Whymanywords?Heanswers,"Itiskind.""Canhedenyme?""Therascaldenies,anddisregardsordreadsyou."InthemorningPhilipcomesunawaresuponVulteius,asheissellingbrokery-goodstothetunic'dpopulace,andsaluteshimfirst.HepleadstoPhiliphisemployment,andtheconfinementofhisbusiness,inexcusefornothavingwaiteduponhiminthemorning;andafterward,fornotseeinghimfirst."ExpectthatIwillexcuseyouonthiscondition,thatyousup

withmeto-day.""Asyouplease.""Thenyouwillcomeaftertheninthhour:nowgo:strenuouslyincreaseyourstock."Whentheywerecometosupper,havingdiscoursedofthingsofapublicandprivatenature,atlengthheisdismissedtogotosleep.Whenhehadoftenbeenseen,torepairlikeafishtotheconcealedhook,inthemorningaclient,andnowasaconstantguest;heisdesiredtoaccompany[Philip]tohiscountry-seatnearthecity,attheproclaimingoftheLatinfestivals.Mountedonhorseback,heceasesnottocryuptheSabinefieldsandair.Philipseesit,andsmiles:and,whileheisseekingamusementanddiversionforhimselfoutofeverything,whilehemakeshimapresent



ofseventhousandsesterces,andpromisestolendhimseventhousandmore:hepersuadeshimtopurchaseafarm:hepurchasesone.ThatImaynotdetainyouwithalongstorybeyondwhatisnecessary,fromasmartcithebecomesadownrightrustic,andpratesofnothingbutfurrowsandvineyards;prepareshiselms;isreadytodiewitheagerdiligence,andgrowsoldthroughapassionatedesireofpossessing.Butwhenhissheepwerelostbytheft,hisgoatsbydistemper,hisharvestdeceivedhishopes,hisoxwaskilledwithplowing;frettedwiththeselosses,atmidnighthesnatcheshisnag,andinapassionmakeshiswaytoPhilip'shouse.WhomassoonasPhilipbeheld,roughandunshaven,"Vulteius,"saidhe,"youseemtometobetoolaboriousandearnest.""Intruth,patron,"repliedhe,"youwouldcallmeawretch,ifyouwouldapplytomemytruename.Ibeseechandconjureyouthen,byyourgeniusandyourrighthandandyourhouseholdgods,restoremetomyformerlife."Assoonasamanperceives,howmuchthethingshehasdiscardedexcelthosewhichhepursues,lethimreturnintime,andresumethosewhichherelinquished.

Itisatruth,thateveryoneoughttomeasurehimselfbyhisownproperfootandstandard.

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EPISTLEVIII.

TOCELSUSALBINOVANUS.

_Thathewasneitherwellinbody,norinmind;thatCelticsshouldbearhisprosperitywithmoderation_.

Mymuseatmyrequest,givejoyandwishsuccesstoCelsusAlbinovanus,theattendantandthesecretaryofNero.Ifheshallinquire,whatIamdoing,saythatI,thoughpromisingmanyandfinethings,yetliveneitherwell[accordingtotherulesofstrictphilosophy],nor

agreeably;notbecausethehailhascrushedmyvines,andtheheathasnippedmyolives;norbecausemyherdsaredistemperedindistantpastures;butbecause,lesssoundinmymindthaninmywholebody,Iwillhearnothing,learnnothingwhichmayrelieveme,diseasedasIam;thatIamdispleasedwithmyfaithfulphysicians,amangrywithmyfriendsforbeingindustrioustorousemefromafatallethargy;thatIpursuethingswhichhavedonemehurt,avoidthingswhichIampersuadedwouldbeofservice,inconstantasthewind,atRomeaminlovewithTibur,atTiburwithRome.Afterthis,inquirehowhedoes;howhemanageshisbusinessandhimself;howhepleasestheyoungprinceandhisattendants.Ifheshallsay,well;firstcongratulatehim,thenremembertowhisperthisadmonitioninhisears:Asyou,Celsus,bearyourfortunes,sowillwebearyou.

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EPISTLEIX.

TOCLAUDIUSTIBERIUSNERO.

_HerecommendsSeptimiustohim_.



OfallthemenintheworldSeptimiussurely,OClaudius,knowshowmuchregardyouhaveforme.Forwhenherequests,andbyhisentreatiesinamannercompelsme,toundertaketorecommendandintroducehimtoyou,asoneworthyoftheconfidenceandthehouseholdofNero,whoiswonttochoosedeservingobjects,thinkingIdischargetheofficeofanintimatefriend;heseesandknowsbetterthanmyselfwhatIcando.Isaidagreatdeal,indeed,inorderthatImightcomeoffexcused:butIwasafraid,lestIshouldbesuspectedtopretendmyinterestwaslessthanitis,tobeadissemblerofmyownpower,andreadytoservemyselfalone.So,avoidingthereproachofagreaterfault,Ihaveputinfortheprizeoftown-bredconfidence.Ifthenyouapproveofmodestybeingsupersededatthepressingentreatiesofafriend,enrolthispersonamongyourretinue,andbelievehimtobebraveandgood.

EPISTLEX.

TOARISTIUSFUSCUS.

_Hepraisesacountrybeforeacitylife,asmoreagreeabletonature,andmorefriendlytoliberty_.

We,wholovethecountry,saluteFuscusthatlovesthetown;inthispointalone[being]muchunlike,butinotherthingsalmosttwins,ofbrotherlysentiments:whateveronedeniestheothertoo[denies];weassenttogether:likeoldandconstantdoves,youkeepthenest;Ipraisetherivulets,therocksovergrownwithmoss,andthegrovesofthedelightfulcountry.Doyouaskwhy?Iliveandreign,assoonasIhavequittedthosethingswhichyouextoltotheskieswithjoyfulapplause.And,likeapriest's,fugitiveslaveIrejectlusciouswafers,Idesireplainbread,whichismoreagreeablenowthanhoniedcakes.

Ifwemustlivesuitablytonature,andaplotofgroundistobefirst

soughttoraiseahouseupon,doyouknowanyplacepreferabletotheblissfulcountry?Isthereanyspotwherethewintersaremoretemperate?whereamoreagreeablebreezemoderatestherageoftheDog-star,andtheseasonoftheLion,whenoncethatfurioussignhasreceivedthescorchingsun?Isthereaplacewhereenviouscarelessdisturbsourslumbers?IsthegrassinferiorinsmellorbeautytotheLibyanpebbles?Isthewater,whichstrivestobursttheleadinthestreets,purerthanthatwhichtremblesinmurmursdownitsslopingchannel?Why,treesarenursedalongthevariegatedcolumns[ofthecity];andthathouseiscommended,whichhasaprospectofdistantfields.Youmaydriveoutnaturewithafork,yetstillshewillreturn,and,insensiblyvictorious,willbreakthrough[men's]improperdisgusts.

NothewhoisunabletocomparethefleecesthatdrinkupthedyeofAquinumwiththeSidonianpurple,willreceiveamorecertaindamageandnearertohismarrow,thanhewhoshallnotbeabletodistinguishfalsefromtrue.Hewhohasbeenoverjoyedbyprosperity,willbeshockedbyachangeofcircumstances.Ifyouadmireanything[greatly],youwillbeunwillingtoresignit.Avoidgreatthings;underameanroofonemayoutstripkings,andthefavoritesofkings,inone'slife.

Thestag,superiorinfight,drovethehorsefromthecommonpasture,



tillthelatter,worstedinthelongcontest,imploredtheaidofmanandreceivedthebridle;butafterhehadpartedanexultingconquerorfromhisenemy,hecouldnotshaketheriderfromhisback,northebitfromhismouth.Sohewho,afraidofpoverty,forfeitshisliberty,morevaluablethanmines,avariciouswretch,shallcarryamaster,andshalleternallybeaslave,fornotknowinghowtousealittle.Whenaman'sconditiondoesnotsuithim,itwillbeasashoeatanytime;which,iftoobigforhisfoot,willthrowhimdown;iftoolittle,willpinchhim.[Ifyouare]cheerfulunderyourlot,Aristius,youwilllivewisely;norshallyouletmegouncorrected,ifIappeartoscrapetogethermorethanenoughandnothavedone.Accumulatedmoneyisthemasterorslaveofeachowner,andoughtrathertofollowthantoleadthetwistedrope.

TheseIdictatedtotheebehindthemolderingtempleofVacuna;inallotherthingshappy,exceptthatthouwastnotwithme.

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EPISTLEXI.

TOBULLATIUS.

_EndeavoringtorecallhimbacktoRomefromAsia,whitherhehadretreatedthroughhiswearinessofthecivilwars,headviseshimtoeasethedisquietudeofhismindnotbythelengthofhisjourney,butbyforminghismindintoarightdisposition_.

What,Bullatius,doyouthinkofChios,andofcelebratedLesbos?WhatofneatSamos?WhatofSardis,theroyalresidenceofCroesus?WhatofSmyrna,andColophon?Aretheygreaterorlessthantheirfame?AretheyallcontemptibleincomparisonoftheCampusMartiusandtheriverTiber?DoesoneofAttalus'citiesenterintoyourwish?OrdoyouadmireLebedus,throughasurfeitoftheseaandoftraveling?Youknow

whatLebedusis;itisamoreunfrequentedtownthanGabiiandFidenae;yettherewouldIbewillingtolive;and,forgetfulofmyfriendsandforgottenbythem,viewfromlandNeptuneragingatadistance.ButneitherhewhocomestoRomefromCapua,bespatteredwithrainandmire,wouldwishtoliveinaninn;nordoeshe,whohascontractedacold,cryupstovesandbagniosascompletelyfurnishingahappylife:nor,iftheviolentsouthwindhastossedyouinthedeep,willyouthereforesellyourshipontheothersideoftheAegeanSea.OnamansoundinmindRhodesandbeautifulMitylenehavesuchaneffect,asathickcloakatthesummersolstice,thindrawersinsnowyweather,[bathingin]theTiberinwinter,afireinthemonthofAugust.Whileitispermitted,andfortunepreservesabenignaspect,letabsentSamos,andChios,andRhodes,becommendedbyyouhereatRome.Whateverprosperous;hour

Providencebestowsuponyou,receiveitwithathankfulhand:anddefernot[theenjoymentof]thecomfortsoflife,tillayearbeatanend;thatinwhateverplaceyouare,youmaysayyouhavelivedwithsatisfaction.Forifreasonanddiscretion,notaplacethatcommandsaprospectofthewide-extendedsea,removeourcares;theychangetheirclimate,nottheirdisposition,whorunbeyondthesea:abusyidlenessharrassesus:byshipsandbychariotsweseektolivehappily.Whatyouseekishere[athome],isatUlubrae,ifajusttemperofmindisnotwantingtoyou.



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EPISTLEXII.

TOICCIUS.

_Leadertheappearanceofpraisingtheman'sparsimony,hearchlyridiculesit;introducesGrosphustohim,andconcludeswithafewarticlesofnewsconcerningtheRomanaffairs_.

OIccius,ifyourightlyenjoytheSicilianproducts,whichyoucollectforAgrippa,itisnotpossiblethatgreateraffluencecanbegivenyoubyJove.Awaywithcomplaints!forthatmanisbynomeanspoor,whohastheuseoreverything,hewants.Ifitiswellwithyourbelly,yourback,andyourfeet,regalwealthcanaddnothinggreater.Ifperchanceabstemiousamidprofusionyouliveuponsaladandshell-fish,youwillcontinuetoliveinsuchamanner,evenifpresentlyfortuneshallflowuponyouinariverofgold;eitherbecausemoneycannotchangethenaturaldisposition,orbecauseitisyouropinionthatallthingsareinferiortovirtuealone.Canwewonderthatcattlefeeduponthemeadowsandcorn-fieldsofDemocritus,whilehisactivesoulisabroad

[traveling]withouthisbody?Whenyou,amidsuchgreatimpurityandinfectionofprofit,havenotasteforanythingtrivial,butstillmind[only]sublimethings:whatcausesrestrainthesea,whatrulestheyear,whetherthestarsspontaneouslyorbydirectionwanderaboutandareerratic,whatthrowsobscurityonthemoon,andwhatbringsoutherorb,whatistheintentionandpowerofthejarringharmonyofthings,whetherEmpedoclesorthecleverStertiniusbeinthewrong.

However,whetheryoumurderfishes,oronionsandgarlic,receivePompeiusGrosphus;and,ifheasksanyfavor,grantithimfrankly:Grosphuswilldesirenothingbutwhatisrightandjust.Theproceedsoffriendshiparecheap,whengoodmenwantanything.

ButthatyoumaynotbeignorantinwhatsituationtheRomanaffairsare;theCantabrianshavefallenbythevalorofAgrippa,theArmeniansbythatofClaudiusNero:Phraateshas,suppliantonhisknees,admittedthelawsandpowerofCaesar.GoldenplentyhaspouredoutthefruitsofItalyfromafullhorn.

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EPISTLEXIII.

TOVINNIUSASINA.

_HoracecautionshimtopresenthispoemstoAugustusataproperopportunity,andwithduedecorum_.

AsonyoursettingoutIfrequentlyandfullygaveyouinstructions,Vinnius,thatyouwouldpresentthesevolumestoAugustussealedupifheshallbeinhealth,ifinspirits,finally,ifheshallaskforthem:donotoffendoutofzealtome,andindustriouslybringanodiumuponmybooks[bybeing]anagentofviolentofficiousness.Ifhaplythe



heavyloadofmypapershouldgallyou,castitfromyou,ratherthanthrowdownyourpackinaroughmannerwhereyouaredirectedtocarryit,andturnyourpaternalnameofAsinaintoajest,andmakeyourselfacommonstory.Makeuseofyourvigoroverthehills,therivers,andthefens.Assoonasyouhaveachievedyourenterprise,andarrivedthere,youmustkeepyourburdeninthisposition;lestyouhappentocarrymybundleofbooksunderyourarm,asaclowndoesalamb,orasdrunkenPyrrhia[intheplaydoes]theballsofpilferedwool,orasatribe-guesthisslipperswithhisfuddling-cap.Youmustnottellpublicly,howyousweatedwithcarryingthoseverses,whichmaydetaintheeyesandearsofCaesar.Solicitedwithmuchentreaty,doyourbest.Finally,getyougone,farewell:takecareyoudonotstumble,andbreakmyorders.

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EPISTLEXIV.

TOHISSTEWARD.

_Heupbraidshislevityforcontemningacountrylife,whichhadbeenhischoice,andbeingeagertoreturntoRome_.

Stewardofmywoodlandsandlittlefarmthatrestoresmetomyself,whichyoudespise,[thoughformerly]inhabitedbyfivefamilies,andwonttosendfivegoodsenatorstoVaria:letustry,whetherIwithmorefortitudepluckthethornsoutofmymind,oryououtofmyground:andwhetherHoraceorhisestatebeinabettercondition.

ThoughmyaffectionandsolicitudeforLamia,mourningforhisbrother,lamentinginconsolablyforhisbrother'sloss,detainme;neverthelessmyheartandsoulcarrymethitherandlongtobreakthroughthosebarriersthatobstructmyway.Ipronouncehimthehappymanwhodwellsinthecountry,youhim[wholives]inthecity.Hetowhomhis

neighbor'slotisagreeable,mustofconsequencedislikehisown.Eachofusisafoolforunjustlyblamingtheinnocentplace.Themindisinfault,whichneverescapesfromitself.Whenyouwereadrudgeateveryone'sbeck,youtacitlyprayedforthecountry:andnow,[beingappointed]mysteward,youwishforthecity,theshows,andthebaths.YouknowIamconsistentwithmyself,andlothtogo,wheneverdisagreeablebusinessdragsmetoRome.Wearenotadmirersofthesamethings:henoeyouandIdisagree.Forwhatyoureckondesertandinhospitablewilds,hewhoisofmywayofthinkingcallsdelightfulplaces;anddislikeswhatyouesteempleasant.Thebagnio,Iperceive,andthegreasytavernraiseyourinclinationforthecity:andthis,becausemylittlespotwillsooneryieldfrankincenseandpepperthangrapes;noristhereatavernnear,whichcansupplyyouwithwine;nor

aminstrelharlot,towhosethrummingyoumaydance,cumbersometotheground:andyetyouexercisewithplowsharesthefallowsthathavebeenalongwhileuntouched,youtakeduecareoftheoxwhenunyoked,andgivehimhisfillwithleavesstripped[fromtheboughs].Thesluicegivesanadditionaltroubletoanidlefellow,which,ifashowerfall,mustbetaughtbymanyamoundtosparethesunnymeadow.

Comenow,attendtowhathindersouragreeing.[Me,]whomfinegarmentsanddressedlocksadorned,whomyouknowtohavepleasedvenalCynarawithoutapresent,whom[youhaveseen]quaffflowingFalernianfrom



noon--ashortsupper[now]delights,andanapuponthegreenturfbythestreamside;norisitashametohavebeengay,butnottobreakoffthatgayety.Therethereisnoonewhoreducesmypossessionswithenviouseye,norpoisonsthemwithobscuremaliceandbitingslander;theneighborssmileatmeremovingclodsandstones.Youhadratherbemunchingyourdailyallowancewiththeslavesintown;youearnestlypraytobeofthenumberofthese:[whilemy]cunningfoot-boyenviesyoutheuseofthefiring,theflocksandthegarden.Thelazyoxwishesforthehorse'strappings:thehorsewishestogotoplow.ButIshallbeofopinion,thateachofthemoughtcontentedlytoexercisethatartwhichheunderstands.

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EPISTLEXV.

TOC.NEUMONIUSVALA.

_PreparingtogotothebathseitheratVeliaorSalernum,heinquiresafterthehealthfulnessandagreeablenessoftheplaces_.

Itisyourpart,Vala,towritetome(andminetogivecredittoyourinformation)whatsortofawinterisitatVelia,whattheairatSalernum,whatkindofinhabitantsthecountryconsistsof,andhowtheroadis(forAntoniusMusa[pronounces]Baiaetobeofnoservicetome;yetmakesmeobnoxioustotheplace,whenIambathedincoldwatereveninthemidstofthefrost[byhisprescription].Intruththevillagemurmersattheirmyrtle-grovesbeingdesertedandthesulphurouswaters,saidtoexpellingeringdisordersfromthenerves,despised;envyingthoseinvalids,whohavethecouragetoexposetheirheadandbreasttotheClusiansprings,andretiretoGabiiand[such]coldcountries.Mycoursemustbealtered,andmyhorsedrivenbeyondhisaccustomedstages.Whitherareyougoing?willtheangryridersay,pullingintheleft-handrein,IamnotboundforCumaeorBaiae:--but

thehorse'searisinthebit.)[Youmustinformmelikewise]whichofthetwopeopleissupportedbythegreatestabundanceofcorn;whethertheydrinkrainwatercollected[inreservoirs],orfromperennialwellsofnever-failingwater(forastothewineofthatpartIgivemyselfnotrouble;atmycountry-seatIcandispenseandbearwithanything:butwhenIhavearrivedatasea-port,Iinsistuponthatwhichisgenerousandmellow,suchasmaydriveawaymycares,suchasmayflowintomyveinsandanimalspiritswitharichsupplyofhope,suchasmaysupplymewithwords,suchasmaymakemeappearyoungtomyLucanianmistress).Whichtractoflandproducesmosthares,whichboars:whichseasharborthemostfishesandsea-urchins,thatImaybeabletoreturnhomethenceingoodcase,andlikeaPhaeacian.

WhenMaenius,havingbravelymadeawaywithhispaternalandmaternalestates,begantobeaccountedamerryfellow--avagabonddroll,whohadnocertainplaceofliving;who,whendinnerless,couldnotdistinguishafellow-citizenfromanenemy;unmercifulinforginganyscandalagainstanyperson;thepest,andhurricane,andgulfofthemarket;whateverhecouldget,hegavetohisgreedygut.Thisfellow,whenhehadextortedlittleornothingfromthefavorersofhisiniquity,orthosethatdreadedit,wouldeatupwholedishesofcoarsetripeandlamb'sentrails;asmuchaswouldhavesufficedthreebears;thentruly,[like]reformerBestius,wouldhesay,thatthebelliesofextravagant



fellowsoughttobebrandedwithared-hotiron.Thesameman[however],whenhehadreducedtosmokeandasheswhatevermoreconsiderablebootyhehadgotten;'Faith,saidhe,Idonotwonderifsomepersonseatuptheirestates;sincenothingisbetterthanafatthrush,nothingfinerthanalagesow'spaunch.Infact,Iamjustsuchanothermyself;for,whenmattersarealittledeficient,Icommend,thesnugandhomelyfare,ofsufficientresolutionamidmeanprovisions;but,ifanythingbeofferedbetterandmoredelicate,I,thesameindividual,cryout,thatyearewiseandalonelivewell,whosewealthandestateareconspicuousfromtheeleganceofyourvillas.

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EPISTLEXVI.

TOQUINCTIUS.

_HedescribestoQuinctiustheform,situation,andadvantagesofhiscountryhouse:thendeclaresthatprobityconsistsintheconsciousnessofgoodworks;liberty,inprobity_.

Askmenot,mybestQuinctius,whethermyfarmmaintainsitsmasterwithcorn-fields,orenricheshimwitholives,orwithfruits,ormeadowland,ortheelmtreeclothedwithvines:theshapeandsituationofmygroundshallbedescribedtoyouatlarge.

Thereisacontinuedrangeofmountains,exceptwheretheyareseparatedbyashadowyvale;butinsuchamanner,thattheapproachingsunviewsitontherightside,anddepartinginhisflyingcarwarmstheleft.Youwouldcommenditstemperature.What?Ifmy[very]briersproduceinabundancetheruddycornelsanddamsens?Ifmyoakandholmtreeaccommodatemycattlewithplentyofacorns,andtheirmasterwithacopiousshade?YouwouldsaythatTarentum,broughtnearer[toRome],shoneinitsverdantbeauty.Afountaintoo,deservingtogivenametoa

river,insomuchthatHebrusdoesnotsurroundThracemorecoolormorelimpid,flowssalubrioustotheinfirmhead,salubrioustothebowels.Thesesweet,yeanow(ifyouwillcreditme)thesedelightfulretreatspreservemetoyouinastateofhealth[even]intheSeptemberseason.

Youlivewell,ifyoutakecaretosupportthecharacterwhichyoubear.Longago,allRomehasproclaimedyouhappy:butIamapprehensive,lestyoushouldgivemorecreditconcerningyourselftoanyonethanyourself;andlestyoushouldimagineamanhappy,whodiffersfromthewiseandgood;or,becausethepeoplepronounceyousoundandperfectlywell,lestyoudissemblethelurkingfeveratmeal-times,untilatremblingseizeyourgreasedhands.Thefalsemodestyoffoolsconcealsulcers[ratherthanhavethemcured].Ifanyoneshouldmentionbattles

whichyouhadfoughtbylandandsea,andinsuchexpressionsastheseshouldsootheyourlisteningears:"MayJupiter,whoconsultsthesafetybothofyouandofthecity,keepitindoubt,whetherthepeoplebemoresolicitousforyourwelfare,oryouforthepeople's;"youmightperceivetheseencomiumstobelong[only]toAugustuswhenyousufferyourselftobetermedaphilosopher,andoneofarefinedlife;say,pr'ythee,wouldyouanswer[totheseappellations]inyourownname?Tobesure--Iliketobecalledawiseandgoodman,aswellasyou.Hewhogavethischaracterto-day,ifhewill,cantakeitawayto-morrow:asthesamepeople,iftheyhaveconferredtheconsulshiponanunworthy



person,maytakeitawayfromhim:"Resign;itisours,"theycry:Idoresignitaccordingly,andchagrinedwithdraw.Thusiftheyshouldcallmerogue,denymetobetemperate,assertthatIhadstrangledmyownfatherwithahalter;shallIbestung,andchangecoloratthesefalsereproaches?Whomdoesfalsehonordelight,orlyingcalumnyterrify,excepttheviciousandsickly-minded?Whothenisagoodman?Hewhoobservesthedecreesofthesenate,thelawsandrulesofjustice;bywhosearbitrationmanyandimportantdisputesaredecided;bywhosesuretyprivateproperty,andbywhosetestimonycausesaresafe.Yet[perhaps]hisownfamilyandalltheneighborhoodobservethisman,speciousinafairoutside,[tobe]pollutedwithin.Ifaslaveshouldsaytome,"Ihavenotcommittedarobbery,norrunaway:""Youhaveyourreward;youarenotgalledwiththelash,"Ireply."Ihavenotkilledanyman:""Youshallnot[therefore]feedthecarrioncrowsonthecross."Iamagoodman,andthrifty:yourSabinefrienddenies,andcontradictsthefact.Forthewarywolfdreadsthepitfall,andthehawkthesuspectedsnares,andthekitetheconcealedhook.Thegood,[onthecontrary,]hatetosinfromtheloveofvirtue;youwillcommitnocrimemerelyforthefearofpunishment.Lettherebeaprospectofescaping,youwillconfoundsacredandprofanethingstogether.For,whenfromathousandbushelsofbeansyoufilchone,thelossinthatcasetomeisless,butnotyourvillainy.Thehonestman,whomeveryforumandeverycourtofjusticelooksuponwithreverence,wheneverhemakesanatonementtothegodswithawineoranox;afterhehaspronouncedina

cleardistinguishablevoice,"OfatherJanus,OApollo;"moveshislipsasoneafraidofbeingheard;"OfairLavernaputitinmypowertodeceive;grantmetheappearanceofajustanduprightman:throwacloudofnightovermyfrauds."Idonotseehowacovetousmancanbebetter,howmorefreethanaslave,whenhestoopsdownforthesakeofapenny,stuckintheroad[forsport].Forhewhowillbecovetous,willalsobeanxious:buthethatlivesinastateofanxiety,willneverinmyestimationbefree.Hewhoisalwaysinahurry,andimmersedinthestudyofaugmentinghisfortune,haslostthearms,anddesertedthepostofvirtue.Donotkillyourcaptive,ifyoucansellhim:hewillserveyouadvantageously:lethim,beinginuredtodrudgery,feed[yourcattle],andplow;lethimgotosea,andwinterinthemidstofthewaves;lethimbeofusetothemarket,andimportcorn

andprovisions.Agoodandwisemanwillhavecouragetosay,"Pentheus,kingofThebes,whatindignitieswillyoucompelmetosufferandendure.'Iwilltakeawayyourgoods:'mycattle,Isuppose,myland,mymovablesandmoney:youmaytakethem.'Iwillconfineyouwithhandcuffsandfettersunderamercilessjailer.'Thedeityhimselfwilldischargeme,wheneverIplease."Inmyopinion,thisishismeaning;Iwilldie.Deathistheultimateboundaryofhumanmatters.*****

EPISTLEXVII.

TOSCAEVA.

_Thatalifeofbusinessispreferabletoaprivateandinactiveone;thefriendshipofgreatmenisalaudableacquisition,yettheirfavorsareevertobesolicitedwithmodestyandcaution_.

Though,Scaeva,youhavesufficientprudenceofyourown,andwellknowhowtodemeanyourselftowardyoursuperiors;[yet]hearwhatarethesentimentsofyouroldcrony,whohimselfstillrequiresteaching,just



asifablindmanshouldundertaketoshowtheway:howeversee,ifevenIcanadvanceanything,whichyoumaythinkworthyourwhiletoadoptasyourown.

Ifpleasantrest,andsleeptillseveno'clock,delightyou;ifdustandtherumblingofwheels,ifthetavernoffendyou,IshallorderyouoffforFerentinum.Forjoysarenotthepropertyoftherichalone:norhashelivedill,whoathisbirthandathisdeathhaspassedunnoticed.Ifyouaredisposedtobeofservicetoyourfriends,andtotreatyourselfwithsomewhatmoreindulgence,you,beingpoor,mustpayyourrespectstothegreat.Aristippus,ifhecoulddinetohissatisfactiononherbs,wouldneverfrequent[thetables]ofthegreat.Ifhewhoblamesme,[repliesAristippus,]knewhowtolivewiththegreat,hewouldscornhisvegetables.Tellme,whichmaximandconductofthetwoyouapprove;or,sinceyouaremyjunior,hearthereasonwhyAristippus'opinionispreferable;forthus,astheyreport,hebaffledthesnarlingcynic:"Iplaythebuffoonformyownadvantage,you[toplease]thepopulace.This[conductofmine]isbetterandfarmorehonorable;thatahorsemaycarryandagreatmanfeedme,paycourttothegreat:youbegforrefuse,aninferiortothe[poor]giver;thoughyoupretendyouareinwantofnothing."AsforAristippus,everycomplexionoflife,everystationandcircumstancesatgracefullyuponhim,aspiringingeneraltogreaterthings,yetequaltothepresent:ontheotherhand,Ishallbemuchsurprised,ifacontrarywayoflife

shouldbecome[thiscynic],whomobstinacyclotheswithadoublerag.Theonewillnotwaitforhispurplerobe;butdressedinanything,willgothroughthemostfrequentedplaces,andwithoutawkwardnesssupporteithercharacter:theotherwillshunthecloakwroughtatMiletuswithgreateraversionthan[thebiteof]dogorviper;hewilldiewithcold,unlessyourestorehimhisraggedgarment;restoreit,andlethimlivelikeafoolasheis.Toperformexploits,andshowthecitizenstheirfoesinchains,reachesthethroneofJupiter,andaimsatcelestialhonors.Tohavebeenacceptabletothegreat,isnotthelastofpraises.Itisnoteveryman'slottogainCorinth.He[prudently]satstillwhowasafraidlestheshouldnotsucceed:beitso;whatthen?Wasitnotbravelydonebyhim,whocarriedhispoint?Eitherheretherefore,ornowhere,iswhatweareinvestigating.Theone

dreadstheburden,astoomuchforapusillanimoussoulandaweakconstitution;theotherundertakes,andcarriesitthrough.Eithervirtueisanemptyname,orthemanwhomakestheexperimentdeservedlyclaimsthehonorandthereward.

Thosewhomentionnothingoftheirpovertybeforetheirlord,willgainmorethantheimportunate.Thereisagreatdifferencebetweenmodestlyaccepting,orseizingbyviolenceButthiswastheprincipleandsourceofeverything[whichIalleged].Hewhosays,"Mysisteriswithoutaportion,mymotherpoor,andmyestateneithersalablenorsufficientformysupport,"criesout[ineffect],"Givemeamorselofbread:"anotherwhines,"Andlettheplatterbecarvedoutformewithhalfashareofthebounty."Butifthecrowcouldhavefedinsilence,he

wouldhavehadbetterfare,andmuchlessofquarrelingandofenvy.

Acompaniontaken[byhislord]toBrundusium,orthepleasantSurrentum,whocomplainsoftheruggednessoftheroadsandthebittercoldandrains,orlamentsthathischestisbrokenopenandhisprovisionsstolen;resemblesthewell-knowntricksofaharlot,weepingfrequentlyforhernecklace,frequentlyforagarterforciblytakenfromher;sothatatlengthnocreditisgiventoherrealgriefsandlosses.Nordoeshe,whohasbeenonceridiculedinthestreets,caretoliftupavagrantwitha[pretended]brokenleg;thoughabundanttearsshould



flowfromhim;though,swearingbyholyOsiris,hesays,"Believeme,Idonotimposeuponyou;Ocruel,takeupthelame.""Seekoutforastranger,"criesthehoarseneighborhood.

*****

EPISTLEXVIII.

TOLOLLIUS.

_Hetreatsatlargeuponthecultivationofthefavorofgreatmen;andconcludeswithafewwordsconcerningtheacquirementofpeaceofmind_.

IfIrightlyknowyourtemper,mostingenuousLollius,youwillbewareofimitatingaflatterer,whileyouprofessyourselfafriend.Asamatronisunlikeandofadifferentaspectfromastrumpet,sowillatruefrienddifferfromthetoad-eater.Thereisanoppositevicetothis,ratherthegreater[ofthetwo];aclownish,inelegant,anddisagreeablebluntness,whichwouldrecommenditselfbyanunshavenfaceandblackteeth;whileitdesirestobetermedpurefreedomandtruesincerity.Virtueisthemediumofthetwovices;andequallyremote

fromeither.Theoneisover-pronetocomplaisance,andajesterofthelowest,couch,hesoreverencestherichman'snod,sorepeatshisspeeches,andcatchesuphisfallingwords;thatyouwouldtakehimforaschool-boysayinghislessontoarigidmaster,oraplayeractinganunderpart;anotheroftenwranglesaboutagoat'shair,andarmedengagesforanytrifle:"ThatI,truly,shouldnothavethefirstcredit;andthatIshouldnotboldlyspeakaloud,whatismyrealsentiment--[uponsuchterms],anotherlifewouldbeofnovalue."Butwhatisthesubjectofthiscontroversy?Why,whether[thegladiator]CastororDolichosbetheclevererfellow;whethertheMinucian,ortheAppian,bethebetterroadtoBrundusium.

Himwhomperniciouslust,whomquick-dispatchingdicestrips,whom

vanitydressesoutandperfumesbeyondhisabilities,whominsatiablehungerandthirstaftermoney,Whomashameandaversiontopovertypossess,hisrichfriend(thoughfurnishedwithahalf-scoremorevices)hatesandabhors;orifhedoesnothate,governshim;and,likeapiousmother,wouldhavehimmorewiseandvirtuousthanhimself;andsayswhatisnearlytrue:"Myriches(thinknottoemulateme)admitofextravagance;yourincomeisbutsmall:ascantygownbecomesaprudentdependant:ceasetoviewithme."WhomsoeverEutrapelushadamindtopunish,hepresentedwithcostlygarments.Fornow[saidhe]happyinhisfineclothes,hewillassumenewschemesandhopes;hewillsleeptilldaylight;preferaharlottohishonest-calling;runintodebt;andatlastbecomeagladiator,ordriveagardener'shackforhire.

Donotyouatanytimepryintohissecrets;andkeepclosewhatisintrustedtoyou,thoughputtothetorture,bywineorpassion.Neithercommendyourowninclinations,norfindfaultwiththoseofothers;nor,whenheisdisposedtohunt,doyoumakeverses.ForbysuchmeanstheamityofthetwinsZethusandAmphion,brokeoff;tillthelyre,dislikedbytheausterebrother,wassilent.Amphionisthoughttohavegivenwaytohisbrother'shumors;sodoyouyieldtothegentledictatesofyourfriendinpower:asoftenasheleadsforthhisdogsintothefieldsandhiscattleladenwithAetoliannets,ariseandlayasidethepeevishnessofyourunmannerlymuse,thatyoumaysuptogether



onthedeliciousfarepurchasedbyyourlabor;anexercisehabitualtothemanlyRomans,ofservicetotheirfameandlifeandlimbs:especiallywhenyouareinhealth,andareableeithertoexcelthedoginswiftness,ortheboarinstrength.Add[tothis],thatthereisnoonewhohandlesmartialweaponsmoregracefully.Youwellknow,withwhatacclamationsofthespectatorsyousustainthecombatsintheCampusMarcius:infine,asyetaboy,youenduredabloodycampaignandtheCantabrianwars,beneathacommander,whoisnowreplacingthestandards[recovered]fromtheParthiantemples:and,ifanythingiswanting,assignsittotheRomanarms.Andthatyoumaynotwithdrawyourself,andinexcusablybeabsent;thoughyouarecarefultodonothingoutofmeasure,andmoderation,yetyousometimesamuseyourselfatyourcountry-seat.The[mock]fleetdividesthelittleboats[intotwosquadrons]:theActiansea-fightisrepresentedbyboysunderyourdirectioninahostileform:yourbrotheristhefoe,yourlaketheAdriatic;tillrapidvictorycrownstheoneortheotherwithherbays.Yourpatron,whowillperceivethatyoucomeintohistaste,willapplaudyoursportswithbothhishands.

Moreover,thatImayadviseyou(ifinaughtyoustandinneedofanadviser),takegreatcircumspectionwhatyousaytoanyman,andtowhom.Avoidaninquisitiveimpertinent,forsuchaoneisalsoatattler,nordoopenearsfaithfullyretainwhatisintrustedtothem;andaword,oncesentabroad,fliesirrevocably.

Letnoslavewithinthemarblethresholdofyourhonoredfriendinflameyourheart;lesttheownerofthebeloveddamselgratifyyouwithsotriflingapresent,or,mortifying[toyourwishes],tormentyou[witharefusal].

Lookoverandoveragain[intothemeritsof]suchaone,asyourecommend;lestafterwardthefaultsofothersstrikeyouwithshame.Wearesometimesimposedupon,andnowandthenintroduceanunworthyperson.Wherefore,oncedeceived,forbeartodefendonewhosuffersbyhisownbadconduct;butprotectonewhomyouentirelyknow,andwithconfidenceguardhimwithyourpatronage,iffalseaccusationsattackhim:whobeingbittenwiththetoothofcalumny,doyounotperceive

thatthesamedangeristhreateningyou?Foritisyourownconcern,whentheadjoiningwallisonfire:andflamesneglectedarewonttogainstrength.

Theattendingoftheleveeofafriendinpowerseemsdelightfultotheunexperienced;theexperienceddreadsit.Doyou,whileyourvesselisinthemain,plyyourbusiness,lestachanginggalebearyoubackagain.

Themelancholyhatethemerry,andthejocosethemelancholy;thevolatile[dislike]thesedate,theindolentthestirringandvivacious:thequaffersofpureFalernianfrommidnighthateonewhoshirkshisturn;notwithstandingyouswearyouareafraidofthefumesofwineby

night.Dispelgloominessfromyourforehead:themodestmangenerallycarriesthelookofasullenone;thereserved,ofachurl.

Ineverythingyoumustreadandconsultthelearned,bywhatmeansyoumaybeenabledtopassyourlifeinanagreeablemanner:thatinsatiabledesiremaynotagitateandtormentyou,northefearandhopeofthingsthatarebutoflittleaccount:whetherlearningacquiresvirtue,ornaturebestowsit?Whatlessenscares,whatmayendearyoutoyourself?Whatperfectlyrendersthetempercalm;honororenticinglucre,orasecretpassageandthepathofanunnoticedlife?



Formypart,asoftenasthecoolingrivuletDigentiarefreshesme(Digentia,ofwhichMandeladrinks,avillagewrinkledwithcold);what,myfriend,doyouthinkaremysentiments,whatdoyouimagineIprayfor?Why,thatmyfortunemayremainasitisnow;oreven[ifitbesomething]less:andthatImaylivetomyself,whatremainsofmytime,ifthegodswillthataughtdoremain:thatImayhaveagoodstoreofbooks,andcornprovidedfortheyear;lestIfluctuateinsuspenseofeachuncertainhour.ButitissufficienttosueJove[fortheseexternals],whichhegivesandtakesaway[atpleasure];lethimgrantlife,lethimgrantwealth:Imyselfwillprovideequanimityoftemper.*****

EPISTLEXIX.

TOMAECENAS.

_Heshowsthefollyofsomepersonswhowouldimitate;andtheenvyofotherswhowouldcensurehim_.

OlearnedMaecenas,ifyoubelieveoldGratinus,noverseswhichare

writtenbywater-drinkerscanplease,orbelong-lived.EversinceBacchusenlistedthebrain-sickpoetsamongtheSatyrsandtheFauns,thesweetmuseshaveusuallysmeltofwineinthemorning.Homer,byhisexcessivepraisesofwine,isconvictedasabooser:fatherEnniushimselfneversalliedforthtosingofarms,unlessindrink."Iwillcondemnthesobertothebarandtheprater'sbench,anddeprivetheabstemiousofthepowerofsinging."

Assoonashegaveoutthisedict,thepoetsdidnotceasetocontendinmidnightcups,andtosmellofthembyday.What!ifanysavage,byasterncountenanceandbarefeet,andthetextureofascantygown,shouldimitateCato;willherepresentthevirtueandmoralsofCato?ThetonguethatimitatedTimageneswasthedestructionoftheMoor,

whileheaffectedtobehumorous,andattemptedtoseemeloquent.Theexamplethatisimitableinitsfaults,deceives[theignorant].Soh!ifIwastogrowuppalebyaccident,[thesepoetasters]woulddrinktheblood-thinningcumin.Oyeimitators,yeservileherd,howoftenyourbustlingshavestirredmybile,howoftenmymirth!

Iwastheoriginal,whosetmyfreefootstepsuponthevacantsod;Itrodnotinthestepsofothers.Hewhodependsuponhimself,asleader,commandstheswarm.IfirstshowedtoItalytheParianiambics:followingthenumbersandspiritofArchilochus,butnothissubjectandstyle,whichafflictedLycambes.Youmustnot,however,crownmewithamoresparingwreath,becauseIwasafraidtoalterthemeasureandstructureofhisverse:forthemanlySapphogovernshermusebythe

measuresofArchilochus,sodoesAlcaeus;butdifferingfromhiminthematerialsanddisposition[ofhislines],neitherdoesheseekforafather-in-lawwhomhemaydefamewithhisfatallampoons,nordoeshetiearopeforhisbetrothedspouseinscandalousverse.Himtoo,nevercelebratedbyanyothertongue,ItheRomanlyristfirstmadeknown.Itdelightsme,asIbringoutnewproductions,tobeperusedbytheeyes,andheldinthehandsoftheingenuous.

Wouldyouknowwhytheungratefulreaderextolsandisfondofmanyworksathome,unjustlydecriesthemwithoutdoors?Ihuntnotafterthe



applauseoftheinconstantvulgar,attheexpenseofentertainments,andforthebribeofaworn-outcolt:Iamnotanauditorofnoblewriters,noravindictivereciter,norcondescendtocourtthetribesanddesksofthegrammarians.Hencearethesetears.IfIsaythat"Iamashamedtorepeatmyworthlesswritingstocrowdedtheatres,andgiveanairofconsequencetotrifles:""Youridiculeus,"says[oneofthem],"andyoureservethosepiecesfortheearsofJove:youareconfidentthatitisyoualonethatcandistillthepoetichoney,beautifulinyourowneyes."AtthesewordsIamafraidtoturnupmynose;andlestIshouldbetornbytheacutenailsofmyadversary,"Thisplaceisdisagreeable,"Icryout,"andIdemandaprorogationofthecontest."Forcontestiswonttobegettremblingemulationandstrife,andstrifecruelenmitiesandfunerealwar.

*****

EPISTLEXX.

TOHISBOOK.

_Invainheendeavorstoretainhisbook,desirousofgettingabroad;tellsitwhattroubleitistoundergo,andimpartssomethingstobe

saidofhimtoposterity._

Youseem,mybook,tolookwistfullyatJanusandVertumnus;totheendthatyoumaybesetoutforsale,neatlypolishedbythepumice-stoneoftheSosii.Youhatekeysandseals,whichareagreeabletoamodest[volume];yougrievethatyouareshownbuttoafew,andextolpublicplaces;thougheducatedinanothermanner.Awaywithyou,whitheryouaresosolicitousofgoingdown:therewillbenoreturningforyou,whenyouareoncesentout."WretchthatIam,whathaveIdone?WhatdidIwant?"--youwillsay:whenanyonegivesyouilltreatment,andyouknowthatyouwillbesqueezedintosmallcompass,assoonastheeagerreaderissatiated.But,iftheaugurbenotprejudicedby

resentmentofyourerror,youshallbecaressedatRome[only]tillyouryouthbepassed.When,thumbedbythehandsofthevulgar,youbegintogrowdirty;eitheryoushallinsilencefeedthegrovellingbook-worms,oryoushallmakeyourescapetoUtica,orshallbesentboundtoIlerda.Yourdisregardedadvisershallthenlaugh[atyou]:ashe,whoinapassionpushedhisrefractoryassovertheprecipice.Forwhowouldsave[anass]againsthiswill?Thistooawaitsyou,thatfalteringdotageshallseizeonyou,toteachboystheirrudimentsintheskirtsofthecity.Butwhentheabatingwarmthofthesunshallattractmoreears,youshalltellthem,thatIwasthesonofafreedman,andextendedmywingsbeyondmynest;sothat,asmuchasyoutakeawayfrommyfamily,youmayaddtomymerit:thatIwasinfavorwiththefirstmeninthestate,bothinwarandpeace;ofashortstature,gray

beforemytime,calculatedforsustainingheat,pronetopassion,yetsoastobesoonappeased.Ifanyoneshouldchancetoinquiremyage;lethimknowthatIhadcompletedfourtimeselevenDecembers,intheyearinwhichLolliusadmittedLepidusashiscolleague.

*****



THESECONDBOOKOFTHEEPISTLESOFHORACE.

EPISTLEI.

TOAUGUSTUS.

_Hehonorshimwiththehighestcompliments;thentreatscopiouslyofpoetry,itsorigin,character,andexcellence_.

Sinceyoualonesupportsomanyandsuchweightyconcerns,defendItalywithyourarms,adornitbyyourvirtue,reformitbyyourlaws;Ishouldoffend,OCaesar,againstthepublicinterests,ifIweretotrespassuponyourtimewithalongdiscourse.

Romulus,andfatherBacchus,andCastorandPollux,aftergreatachievements,receivedintothetemplesofthegods,whiletheywereimprovingtheworldandhumannature,composingfiercedissensions,settlingproperty,buildingcities,lamentedthattheesteemwhichtheyexpectedwasnotpaidinproportiontotheirmerits.HewhocrushedthedireHydra,andsubduedtherenownedmonstersbyhisforefatedlabor,foundenvywastobetamedbydeath[alone].Forheburnsbyhisvery

splendor,whosesuperiorityisoppressivetotheartsbeneathhim:afterhisdecease,heshallbehadinhonor.Onyou,whilepresentamongus,weconfermaturehonors,andrearaltarswhereyournameistobeswornby;confessingthatnothingequaltoyouhashithertorisen,orwillhereafterrise.Butthisyourpeople,wiseandjustinonepoint(forpreferringyoutoourown,youtotheGrecianheroes),bynomeansestimateotherthingswithlikeproportionandmeasure:anddisdainanddetesteverything,butwhattheyseeremovedfromearthandalreadygoneby;suchfavorersaretheyofantiquity,astoassertthattheMuses[themselves]uponMountAlba,dictatedthetwelvetables,forbiddingtotrangress,whichthedecemviriratified;theleaguesofourkingsconcludedwiththeGabii,ortherigidSabines;therecordsofthepontifices,andtheancientvolumesoftheaugurs.

If,becausethemostancientwritingsoftheGreeksarealsothebest,Romanauthorsaretobeweighedinthesamescale,thereisnoneedweshouldsaymuch:thereisnothinghardintheinsideofanolive,nothing[hard]intheoutsideofanut.Wearearrivedatthehighestpitchofsuccess[inarts]:wepaint,andsing,andwrestlemoreskillfullythantheannointedGreeks.Iflengthoftimemakespoemsbetter,asitdoeswine,Iwouldfainknowhowmanyyearswillstampavalueuponwritings.Awriterwhodiedahundredyearsago,ishetobereckonedamongtheperfectandancient,oramongthemeanandmodernauthors?Letsomefixedperiodexcludealldispute.Heisanoldandgoodwriterwhocompletesahundredyears.What!onethatdiedamonthorayearlater,amongwhomishetoberanked?Amongtheoldpoets,or

amongthosewhomboththepresentageandposteritywilldisdainfullyreject?Hemayfairlybeplacedamongtheancients,whoisyoungereitherbyashortmonthonly,orevenbyawholeyear.Itaketheadvantageofthisconcession,andpullawaybylittleandlittle,as[iftheywere]thehairsofahorse'stail:andItakeawayasingleoneandthenagainanothersingleone;till,likeatumblingheap,[myadversary],whohasrecoursetoannalsandestimatesexcellencebytheyear,andadmiresnothingbutwhatLibitinahasmadesacred,fallstotheground.



Enniusthewise,thenervous,and(asourcriticssay)asecondHomer,seemslightlytoregardwhatbecomesofhispromisesandPythagoreandreams.IsnotNaeviusinpeople'shands,andstickingalmostfreshintheirmemory?Sosacrediseveryancientpoem.Asoftenasadebatearises,whetherthispoetortheotherbepreferable;Pacuviusbearsawaythecharacterofalearned,Accius,ofaloftywriter;Afranius'gownissaidtohavefittedMenander;Plautus,tohurryafterthepatternoftheSicilianEpicharmus;Caecilius,toexcelingravity,Terenceincontrivance.ThesemightyRomelearnsbyheart,andthesesheviewscrowdedinhernarrowtheater;thesesheesteemsandaccountsherpoetsfromLivythewriter'sagedowntoourtime.Sometimesthepopulaceseeright;sometimestheyarewrong.Iftheyadmireandextoltheancientpoetssoastoprefernothingbefore,tocomparenothingwiththem,theyerr;iftheythinkandallowthattheyexpresssomethingsinanobsolete,mostinastiff,manyinacarelessmanner;theyboththinksensibly,andagreewithme,anddeterminewiththeassentofJovehimself.NotthatIbearanill-willagainstLivy'sepics,andwoulddoomthemtodestruction,whichIrememberthesevereOrbiliustaughtmewhenaboy;buttheyshouldseemcorrect,beautiful,andverylittleshortofperfect,thisIwonderat:amongwhichifbychanceabrightexpressionshinesforth,andifonelineortwo[happentobe]somewhatterseandmusical,thisunreasonablycarriesoffandsellsthewholepoem.Iamdisgustedthatanythingshouldbefoundfaultwith,notbecauseitisalumpishcompositionorinelegant,butbecauseitis

modern;andthatnotafavorableallowance,buthonorandrewardsaredemandedfortheoldwriters.ShouldIscruple,whetherornotAtta'sdramatrodthesaffronandflowersinapropermanner,almostallthefatherswouldcryoutthatmodestywaslost;sinceIattemptedtofindfaultwiththosepieceswhichthepatheticAesopus,whichtheskillfulRosciusacted:eitherbecausetheyesteemnothingright,butwhathaspleasedthemselves;orbecausetheythinkitdisgracefultosubmittotheirjuniors,andtoconfess,nowtheyareold,thatwhattheylearnedwhenyoungisdeservingonlytobedestroyed.NowhewhoextolsNuma'sSalianhymn,andwouldaloneseemtounderstandthatwhich,aswellasme,heisignorantof,doesnotfavorandapplaudtheburiedgeniuses,butattacksours,enviouslyhatingusmodernsandeverythingofours.WhereasifnoveltyhadbeendetestedbytheGreeksasmuchasbyus,

whatatthistimewouldtherehavebeenancient?Orwhatwhatwouldtherehavebeenforcommonusetoreadandthumb,commontoeverybody.

WhenfirstGreece,herwarsbeingover,begantotrifle,andthroughprosperitytoglideintofolly;sheglowedwiththelove,onewhileofwrestlers,anotherwhileofhorses;wasfondofartificersinmarble,orinivory,orinbrass;hungherlooksandattentionuponapicture;wasdelightednowwithmusicians,nowwithtragedians;asifaninfantgirlshesportedunderthenurse;sooncloyed,sheabandonedwhat[before]sheearnestlydesired.Whatistherethatpleasesorisodious,whichyoumaynotthinkmutable?Thiseffecthadhappytimesofpeace,andfavorablegales[offortune].

AtRomeitwaslongpleasingandcustomarytobeupearlywithopendoors,toexpoundthelawstoclients;tolayoutmoneycautiouslyupongoodsecurities:toheartheelder,andtotelltheyoungerbywhatmeanstheirfortunesmightincreaseandperniciousluxurybediminished.Theinconstantpeoplehavechangedtheirmind,andglowwithauniversalardorforlearning:youngmenandgravefatherssupcrownedwithleaves,anddictatepoetry.Imyself,whoaffirmthatIwritenoverses,amfoundmorefalsethantheParthians:and,awakebeforethesunisrisen,Icallformypenandpapersanddesk.Hethatisignorantofashipisafraidtoworkaship;nonebuthewhohaslearned,daresadminister



[even]southernwoodtothesick;physiciansundertakewhatbelongstophysicians;mechanicshandletools;butwe,unlearnedandlearned,promiscuouslywritepoems.

Yethowgreatadvantagesthiserrorandthisslightmadnesshas,thuscompute:thepoet'smindisnoteasilycovetous;fondofverses,hestudiesthisalone;helaughsatlosses,flightsofslaves,fires;hecontrivesnofraudagainsthispartner,orhisyoungward;helivesonhusks,andbrownbread;thoughdastardlyandunfitforwar,heisusefulathome,ifyouallowthis,thatgreatthingsmayderiveassistancefromsmallones.Thepoetfashionsthechild'stenderandlispingmouth,andturnshisearevenatthistimefromobscenelanguage;afterwardalsoheformshisheartwithfriendlyprecepts,thecorrectorofhisrudeness,andenvy,andpassion;herecordsvirtuousactions,heinstructstherisingagewithapprovedexamples,hecomfortstheindigentandthesick.Whenceshouldthevirgin,strangertoahusband,withthechasteboys,learnthesolemnprayer,hadnotthemusegivenapoet?Thechorusentreatsthedivineaid,andfindsthegodspropitious;sweetinlearnedprayer,theyimplorethewatersoftheheavens;avertdiseases,driveoffimpendingdangers,obtainbothpeaceandyearsenrichedwithfruits.Withsongthegodsaboveareappeased,withsongthegodsbelow.

Ourancientswains,stoutandhappywithalittle,afterthegrainwaslaidup,regalinginafestivalseasontheirbodiesandeventheir

minds,patientofhardshipsthroughthehopeoftheirending,withtheirslavesandfaithfulwife,thepartnersoftheirlabors,atonedwithahog[thegoddess]Earth,withmilkSilvanus,withflowersandwinethegeniusthatremindsusofourshortlife.Inventedbythiscustom,theFemmininelicentiousnesspouredforthitsrustictauntsinalternatestanzas;andthisliberty,receiveddownthroughrevolvingyears,sportedpleasingly;tillatlengththebitterraillerybegantobeturnedintoopenrage,andthreateningwithimpunitytostalkthroughreputablefamilies.They,whosufferedfromitsbloodytoothsmartedwiththepain;theunhurtlikewisewereconcernedforthecommoncondition:furtheralso,alawandapenaltywereenacted,whichforbadethatanyoneshouldbestigmatizedinlampoon.Throughfearofthebastinado,theywerereducedtothenecessityofchangingtheirmanner,

andofpraisinganddelighting.

CaptiveGreecetookcaptiveherfierceconqueror,andintroducedherartsintorudeLatium.ThusflowedofftheroughSaturniannumbers,anddelicacyexpelledtherankvenom:butforalongtimethereremained,andatthisdayremaintracesofrusticity.Forlate[theRomanwriter]appliedhisgeniustotheGrecianpages;andenjoyingrestafterthePunicwars,begantosearchwhatusefulmatterSophocles,andThespis,andAeschylusafforded:hetried,too,ifhecouldwithdignitytranslatetheirworks;andsucceededinpleasinghimself,beingbynature[ofagenius]sublimeandstrong;forhebreathesaspirittragicenough,anddaressuccessfully;butfearsablot,andthinksitdisgracefulinhiswritings.

Comedyisbelievedtorequiretheleastpains,becauseitfetchesitssubjectsfromcommonlife;butthelessindulgenceItmeetswith,themorelaboritrequires.SeehowPlautussupportsthecharacterofaloverunderage,howthatofacovetousfather,howthoseofacheatingpimp:howDossennusexceedsallmeasureinhisvoraciousparasites;withhowlooseasockherunsoverthestage:forheisgladtoputthemoneyinhispocket,afterthisregardlesswhetherhisplaystandorfall.

Him,whomgloryinherairycarhasbroughtuponthestage,thecareless



spectatordispirits,theattentiverendersmorediligent:soslight,sosmallamatteritis,whichoverturnsorraisesamindcovetousofpraise!Adieutheludicrousbusiness[ofdramaticwriting],ifapplausedeniedbringsmebackmeagre,bestowed[makesme]fulloffleshandspirits.

Thistoofrequentlydrivesawayanddetersevenanadventurouspoet?thattheywhoareinnumbermore,inworthandrankinferior,unlearnedandfoolish,and(iftheequestrianorderdissents)readytofalltoblows,inthemidstoftheplay,callforeitherabearorboxers;forinthesethemobdelight.Nay,evenallthepleasuresofourknightsisnowtransferredfromtheeartotheuncertaineye,andtheirvainamusements.Thecurtainsarekeptdownforfourhoursormore,whiletroopsofhorseandcompaniesoffootfleeoverthestage:nextisdraggedforwardthefortuneofkings,withtheirhandsboundbehindthem;chariots,litters,carriages,shipshurryon;captiveivory,captiveCorinth,isbornealong.Democritus,ifhewereonearth,wouldlaugh;whetherapantheradifferentgenusconfusedwiththecamel,orawhiteelephantattractedtheeyeofthecrowd.Hewouldviewthepeoplemoreattentivelythanthesportsthemselves,asaffordinghimmorestrangesightsthantheactor:andforthewriters,hewouldthinktheytoldtheirstorytoadeafass.Forwhatvoicesareabletooverbearthedinwithwhichourtheatresresound?YouwouldthinkthegrovesofGarganus,ortheTuscanSea,wasroaring;withsogreatnoiseareviewed

theshowsandcontrivances,andforeignriches:withwhichtheactorbeingdaubedover,assoonasheappearsuponthestage,eachrighthandencounterswiththeleft.Hashesaidanythingyet?Nothingatall.Whatthenpleases?Theclothimitating[thecolorof]violets,withthedyeofTarentum.

And,thatyoumaynotthinkIenviouslypraisethosekindsofwritingwhichIdeclineundertaking,whenothershandlethemwell:thatpoettomeseemsabletowalkuponanextendedrope,whowithhisfictionsgrievesmysoul,enrages,soothes,fillsitwithfalseterrors,asanenchanter;andsetsmenowinThebes,nowinAthens.

Butofthosetoo,whohadrathertrustthemselveswithareader,than

bearthedisdainofanhaughtyspectator,usealittlecare;ifyouwouldfillwithbooks[thelibraryyouhaveerected],anofferingworthyofApollo,andaddanincentivetothepoets,thatwithgreatereagernesstheymayapplytoverdantHelicon.

Wepoets,itistrue(thatImayhewdownmyownvineyards),oftendoourselvesmanymischiefs,whenwepresentaworktoyouwhilethoughtfulorfatigued;whenwearepained,ifmyfriendhasdaredtofindfaultwithoneline;when,unasked,wereadoveragainpassagesalreadyrepeated:whenwelamentthatourlaborsdonotappear,andwarpoems,spunoutinafinethread:whenwehopethethingwillcometothis,thatassoonasyouareapprisedwearepenningverses,youwillkindlyofyourselfsendforusandsecureusfromwant,andobligeustowrite.

Butyetitisworthwhiletoknow,whoshallbethepriestsofyourvirtuesignalizedinwarandathome,whichisnottobetrustedtoanunworthypoet.AfavoriteofkingAlexandertheGreatwasthatChoerilus,whotohisuncouthandill-formedversesowedthemanypieceshereceivedofPhilip'sroyalcoin.But,asinkwhentouchedleavesbehinditamarkandablot,sowritersasitwerestainshiningactionswithfoulpoetry.Thatsameking,whoprodigallyboughtsodearsoridiculousapoem,byanedictforbadethatanyonebesideApellesshouldpainthim,orthatanyotherthanLysippusshouldmoldbrassforthelikenessofthevaliantAlexander.Butshouldyoucallthatfaculty



ofhis,sodelicateindiscerningotherarts,to[judgeof]booksandofthesegiftsofthemuses,youwouldswearhehadbeenborninthegrossairoftheBoeotians.YetneitherdoVirgilandVarius,yourbelovedpoets,disgraceyourjudgmentofthem,andthepresentswhichtheyhavereceivedwithgreathonortothedonor;nordothefeaturesofillustriousmenappearmorelivelywhenexpressedbystatuesofbrass,thantheirmannersandmindsexpressedbytheworksofapoet.NorwouldIrathercomposesuchtractsasthesecreepingontheground,thanrecorddeedsofarms,andthesituationsofcountries,andrivers,andfortsreareduponmountains,andbarbarouskingdoms,andwarsbroughttoaconclusionthroughthewholeworldunderyourauspices,andthebarriersthatconfineJanustheguardianofpeace,andRometreadedbytheParthiansunderyourgovernment,ifIwerebutabletodoasmuchasIcouldwish.Butneitherdoesyourmajestyadmitofhumblepoetry,nordaresmymodestyattemptasubjectwhichmystrengthisunabletosupport.Yetofficiousnessfoolishlydisguststhepersonwhomitloves;especiallywhenitrecommendsitselfbynumbers,andtheart[ofwriting].Foronelearnssooner,andmorewillinglyremembers,thatwhichamanderides,thanthatwhichheapprovesandvenerates.Ivaluenotthezealthatgivesmeuneasiness;nordoIwishtobesetoutanywhereinwaxwithafaceformedfortheworse,nortobecelebratedinill-composedverses;lestIblush,whenpresentedwiththegrossgift;and,exposedinanopenboxalongwithmyauthor,beconveyedintothestreetthatsellsfrankincense,andspices,andpepper,andwhateveris

wrappedupinimpertinentwritings.

*****

EPISTLEII.

TOJULIUSFLORUS.

_Inapologizingfornothavingwrittentohim,heshowsthatthewell-orderingoflifeisofmoreimportancethanthecompositionofverses_.

OFlorus,faithfulfriendtothegoodandillustriousNero,ifbychanceanyoneshouldoffertosellyouaboybornatTiburandGabii,andshouldtreatwithyouinthismanner;"This[boywhois]bothgood-naturedandwell-favoredfromheadtofoot,shallbecomeandbeyoursforeightthousandsesterces;adomesticslave,readyinhisattendanceathismaster'snod;initiatedintheGreeklanguage,ofacapacityforanyart;youmayshapeoutanythingwith[such]moistclay;besides,hewillsinginanartlessmanner,butyetentertainingtoonedrinking.Lavishpromiseslessencredit,whenanyonecriesupextravagantlythewareshehasforsale,whichhewantstoputoff.Noemergencyobligesme[todisposeofhim]:thoughpoor,Iaminnobody's

debt.Noneofthechapmenwoulddothisforyou;norshouldeverybodyreadilyreceivethesamefavorfromme.Once,[indeed,]he[loiteredonanerrand];and(asithappens)absconded,beingafraidofthelashthathangsinthestaircase.Givemeyourmoney,ifthisrunawaytrick,whichIhaveexpected,doesnotoffendyou."Inmyopinion,themanmaytakehisprice,andbesecurefromanypunishment:youwittinglypurchasedagood-for-nothingboy:theconditionofthecontractwastoldyou.Neverthelessyouprosecutethisman,anddetainhiminanunjustsuit.

Itoldyou,atyoursettingout,thatIwasindolent:ItoldyouIwas



almostincapableofsuchoffices:thatyoumightnotchidemeinangrymood,becausenoletter[fromme]cametohand.WhatthenhaveIprofited,ifyouneverthelessarraigntheconditionsthatmakeforme?Onthesamescoretooyoucomplain,that,beingworsethanmyword,Idonotsendyoutheversesyouexpected.

AsoldierofLucullus,[havingrunthrough]agreatmanyhardships,wasrobbedofhiscollectedstocktoapenny,ashelaysnoringinthenightquitefatigued:afterthis,likearavenouswolf,equallyexasperatedathimselfandtheenemy,eager,withhishungryfangs,hebeatoffaroyalguardfromapost(astheyreport)verystronglyfortified,andwellsuppliedwithstores.Famousonaccountofthisexploit,heisadornedwithhonorablerewards,andreceivestwentythousandsestercesintothebargain.Ithappenedaboutthistimethathisofficerbeinginclinedtobatterdownacertainfort,begantoencouragethesameman,withwordsthatmightevenhavegivencouragetoacoward:"Go,mybravefellow,whitheryourvalorcallsyou:gowithprosperousstep,certaintoreceiveamplerewardsforyourmerit.Whydoyouhesitate?"Uponthis,hearch,thougharustic:"Hewhohaslosthispurse,willgowhitheryouwish,"sayshe.

ItwasmylottohaveRomeformynurse,andtobeinstructed[fromtheIliad]howmuchtheexasperatedAchillesprejudicedtheGreeks.GoodAthensgivemesomeadditionallearning:thatistosay,tobeableto

distinguisharightlinefromacurve,andseekaftertruthinthegrovesofAcademus.Butthetroublesometimesremovedmefromthatpleasantspot;andthetideofacivilwarcarriedmeaway,unexperiencedasIwas,intoarms,[intoarms]notlikelytobeamatchforthesinewsofAugustusCaesar.Whence,assoonas[thebattleof]Philippidismissedmeinanabjectcondition,withmywingsclipped,anddestitutebothofhouseandland,daringpovertyurgedmeontothecompositionofverses:butnow,havingmorethaniswanted,whatmedicineswouldbeefficaciousenoughtocuremymadness,ifIdidnotthinkitbettertorestthantowriteverses.

Theadvancingyearsrobusofeverything:theyhavetakenawaymymirth,mygallantry,myrevelings,andplay:theyarenowproceedingto

forcepoetryfromme.Whatwouldyouhavemedo?

Inshort,allpersonsdonotloveandadmirethesamethings.Yedelightintheode:onemanispleasedwithiambics;anotherwithsatireswritteninthemannerofBion,andvirulentwit.Threeguestsscarcelycanbefoundtoagree,cravingverydifferentdisheswithvariouspalate.WhatshallIgive?WhatshallInotgive?Youforbid,whatanotherdemands:whatyoudesire,thattrulyissouranddisgustfultothe[other]two.

Besideother[difficulties],doyouthinkitpracticableformetowritepoemsatRome,amidsomanysolicitudesandsomanyfatigues?Onecallsmeashissecurity,anothertohearhisworks,allbusinesselse

apart;onelivesonthemountofQuirinus,theotherintheextremityoftheAventine;bothmustbewaitedon.Thedistancesbetweenthem,yousee,arecharminglycommodious."Butthestreetsareclear,sothattherecanbenoobstacletothethoughtful."--Abuilderinheathurriesalongwithhismulesandporters:thecranewhirlsaloftatonetimeastone,atanotheragreatpieceoftimber:thedismalfuneralsdisputethewaywiththeunwieldycarriages:hererunsamaddog,thererushesasowbegrimedwithmire.Gonow,andmeditatewithyourselfyourharmoniousverses.Allthewholechoirofpoetslovethegrove,andavoidcities,duevotariestoBacchusdelightinginreposeandshade.



Wouldyouhaveme,amidsogreatnoisebothbynightandday,[attempt]tosing,andtracethedifficultfootstepsofthepoets?AgeniuswhohaschosenquietAthensforhisresidence,andhasdevotedsevenyearstostudy,andhasgrownoldinbooksandstudy,frequentlywalksforthmoredumbthanastatue,andshakesthepeople'ssideswithlaughter:here,inthemidstofthebillowsandtempestsofthecity,canIbethoughtcapableofconnectingwordslikelytowakethesoundofthelyre?

AtRometherewasarhetorician,brothertoalawyer:[sofondofeachotherwerethey,]thattheywouldhearnothingbutthemerepraisesofeachother:insomuch,thatthelatterappearedaGracchustotheformer,theformeraMuciustothelatter.Whyshouldthisfrenzyaffecttheobstreperouspoetsinalessdegree?Iwriteodes,anotherelegies:aworkwonderfultobehold,andburnishedbytheninemuses!Observefirst,withwhatafastidiousair,withwhatimportancewesurveythetemple[ofApollo]vacantfortheRomanpoets.Inthenextplaceyoumayfollow(ifyouareatleisure)andhearwhateachproduces,andwhereforeeachweavesforhimselfthecrown.LikeSamnitegladiatorsinslowduel,tillcandle-light,wearebeatenandwasteouttheenemywithequalblows:IcameoffAlcaeus,inhissuffrage;heismine,who?WhywhobutCallimachus?Or,ifheseemstomakeagreaterdemand,hebecomesMimnermus,andgrowsinfamebythechosenappellation.MuchdoIendureinordertopacifythispassionateraceofpoets,whenIam

writing;andsubmissivecourttheapplauseofthepeople;[but,]havingfinishedmystudiesandrecoveredmysenses,Ithesamemancannowboldlystopmyopenearsagainstreciters.

Thosewhomakebadversesarelaughedat:buttheyarepleasedinwriting,andreverencethemselves;andifyouaresilent,they,happy,falltopraisingoftheirownaccordwhatevertheyhavewritten.Buthewhodesirestoexecuteagenuinepoem,willwithhispapersassumethespiritofanhonestcritic:whateverwordsshallhavebutlittleclearnessandelegance,orshallbewithoutweightandheldunworthyofestimation,hewilldaretodisplace:thoughtheymayrecedewithreluctance,andstillremaininthesanctuaryofVesta:thosethathavebeenlonghiddenfromthepeoplehekindlywilldragforth,andbringto

lightthoseexpressivedenominationsofthingsthatwereusedbytheCatosandCethegiofancienttimes,thoughnowdeformeddustandneglectedagepressesuponthem:hewilladoptnewwords,whichuse,theparent[oflanguage],shallproduce:forcibleandperspicuous,andbearingtheutmostsimilitudetoalimpidstream,hewillpourouthistreasures,andenrichLatiumwithacomprehensivelanguage.Theluxurianthewilllop,thetooharshhewillsoftenwithasensiblecultivation:thosevoidofexpressionhewilldiscard:hewillexhibittheappearanceofoneatplay;andwillbe[inhisinvention]ontherack,like[adanceronthestage],whoonewhileaffectsthemotionsofasatyr,atanotherofaclumsycyclops.

Ihadratherbeesteemedafoolishanddullwriter,whilemyfaults

pleasemyself,oratleastescapemynotice,thanbewiseandsmartforit.TherelivedatArgosamanofnomeanrank,whoimaginedthathewashearingsomeadmirabletragedians,ajoyfulsitterandapplauderinanemptytheater:who[nevertheless]couldsupporttheotherdutiesoflifeinajustmanner;atrulyhonestneighbor,anamiablehost,kindtowardhiswife,onewhocouldpardonhisslaves,norwouldraveatthebreakingofabottle-seal:onewho[hadsenseenough]toavoidaprecipice,oranopenwell.Thisman,beingcuredattheexpenseandbythecareofhisrelations,whenhehadexpelledbythemeansofpurehelleborethedisorderandmelancholyhumor,andreturnedtohimself;



"ByPollux,myfriends(saidhe),youhavedestroyed,notsavedme;fromwhommypleasureisthustakenaway,andamostagreeabledelusionofmindremovedbyforce."

Inaword,itisofthefirstconsequencetobewiseintherejectionoftrifles,andleavechildishplaytoboysforwhomitisinseason,andnottoscanwordstobesettomusicfortheRomanharps,but[rather]tobeperfectlyanadeptinthenumbersandproportionsofreallife.ThusthereforeIcommunewithmyself,andponderthesethingsinsilence:"Ifnoquantityofwaterwouldputanendtoyourthirst,youwouldtellittoyourphysicians.Andistherenonetowhomyoudareconfess,thatthemoreyougetthemoreyoucrave?Ifyouhadawoundwhichwasnotrelievedbyaplantorrootprescribedtoyou,youwouldrefusebeingdoctoredwitharootorplantthatdidnogood.Youhaveheardthatviciousfollylefttheman,onwhomthegodsconferredwealth;andthoughyouarenothingwiser,sinceyoubecomericher,willyouneverthelessusethesamemonitorsasbefore?Butcouldrichesmakeyouwise,couldtheymakeyoulesscovetousandmean-spirited,youwellmightblush,iftherelivedonearthonemoreavariciousthanyourself."

Ifthatbeanyman'sproperty,whichhehasboughtbythepoundandpenny,[and]therebesomethingstowhich(ifyougivecredittothelawyers)possessiongivesaclaim,[then]thefieldthatfeedsyouisyourown;andOrbius'steward,whenheharrowsthecornwhichissoonto

giveyouflour,findsyouare[ineffect]thepropermaster.Yougiveyourmoney;youreceivegrapes,pullets,eggs,ahogsheadofstrongwine:certainlyinthismanneryoubylittleandlittlepurchasethatfarm,forwhichperhapstheownerpaidthreehundredthousandsesterces,ormore.Whatdoesitsignify,whetheryouliveonwhatwaspaidfortheotherday,oralongwhileago?HewhopurchasedtheAricinianandVeientinefieldssometimesince,supsonboughtvegetables,howeverhemaythinkotherwise;boilshispotwithboughtwoodattheapproachofthechillevening.Buthecallsallthathisown,asfaraswheretheplantedpoplarpreventsquarrelsamongneighborsbyadeterminatelimitation:asifanythingwereaman'sproperty,whichinamomentofthefleetinghour,nowbysolicitations,nowbysale,nowbyviolence,andnowbythesupremelot[ofallmen],maychangemastersandcome

intoanother'sjurisdiction.Thussincetheperpetualpossessionisgiventonone,andoneman'sheirurgesonanother's,aswaveimpelswave,ofwhatimportancearehouses,orgranaries;orwhattheLucanianpasturesjoinedtotheCalabrian;ifHades,inexorabletogold,mowsdownthegreattogetherwiththesmall?

Gems,marble,ivory,Tuscanstatues,pictures,silver-plate,robesdyedwithGetulianpurple,therearewhocannotacquire;andthereareothers,whoarenotsolicitousofacquiring.Oftwobrothers,whyonepreferslounging,play,andperfume,toHerod'srichpalm-treegroves;whytheother,richanduneasy,fromtherisingofthelighttotheeveningshade,subdueshiswoodlandwithfireandsteel:ourattendantgeniusknows,whogovernstheplanetofournativity,thedivinity[that

presides]overhumannature,whodieswitheachindividual,ofvariouscomplexion,whiteandblack.

Iwilluse,andtakeoutfrommymoderatestock,asmuchasmyexigencedemands:norwillIbeunderanyapprehensionswhatopinionmyheirshallholdconcerningme,whenheshall,find[Ihavelefthim]nomorethanIhadgivenme.AndyetI,thesameman,shallbeinclinedtoknowhowfaranopenandcheerfulpersondiffersfromadebauchee,andhowgreatlytheeconomistdiffersfromthemiser.Forthereissomedistinctionwhetheryouthrowawayyourmoneyinaprodigalmanner,or



makeanentertainmentwithoutgrudging,nortoiltoaccumulatemore;orrather,asformerlyinMinerva'sholidays,whenaschool-boy,enjoysbystartstheshortandpleasantvacation.

Letsordidpovertybefaraway.I,whetherborneinalargeorsmallvessel,letmebeborneuniformandthesame.Iamnotwaftedwithswellingsailbeforethenorthwindblowingfair:yetIdonotbearmycourseoflifeagainsttheadversesouth.Inforce,genius,figure,virtue,station,estate,thelastofthefirst-rate,[yet]stillbeforethoseofthelast.

Youarenotcovetous,[yousay]:--goto.--Whatthen?Havetherestofyourvicesfledfromyou,togetherwiththis?Isyourbreastfreefromvainambition?Isitfreefromthefearofdeathandfromanger?Canyoulaughatdreams,magicterrors,wonders,witches,nocturnalgoblins,andThessalianprodigies?Doyounumberyourbirth-dayswithagratefulmind?Areyouforgivingtoyourfriends?Doyougrowmilderandbetterasoldageapproaches?Whatprofitsyouonlyonethorneradicatedoutofmany?Ifyoudonotknowhowtoliveinarightmanner,makewayforthosethatdo.Youhaveplayedenough,eatenanddrunkenough,itistimeforyoutowalkoff:lesthavingtippledtooplentifully,thatagewhichplaysthewantonwithmorepropriety,anddriveyou[offthestage].

*****

HORACE'SBOOKUPONTHEARTOFPOETRY.

TOTHEPISOS.

Ifapaintershouldwishtouniteahorse'snecktoahumanhead,andspreadavarietyofplumageoverlimbs[ofdifferentanimals]takenfromeverypart[ofnature],sothatwhatisabeautifulwomanintheupper

partterminatesunsightlyinanuglyfishbelow;couldyou,myfriends,refrainfromlaughter,wereyouadmittedtosuchasight?Believe,yePisos,thebookwillbeperfectlylikesuchapicture,theideasofwhich,likeasickman'sdreams,areallvainandfictitious:sothatneitherheadnorfootcancorrespondtoanyoneform."Poetsandpainters[youwillsay]haveeverhadequalauthorityforattemptinganything."Weareconsciousofthis,andthisprivilegewedemandandallowinturn:butnottosuchadegree,thatthetameshouldassociatewiththesavage;northatserpentsshouldbecoupledwithbirds,lambswithtigers.

Inpompousintroductions,andsuchaspromiseagreatdeal,itgenerallyhappensthatoneortwoversesofpurplepatch-work,thatmaymakea

greatshow,aretaggedon;aswhenthegroveandthealtarofDianaandthemeanderingofacurrenthasteningthroughpleasantfields,ortheriverRhine,ortherainbowisdescribed.Butheretherewasnoroomforthese[finethings]:perhaps,too,youknowhowtodrawacypress:butwhatisthattothepurpose,ifhe,wheispaintedforthegivenprice,is[toberepresentedas]swimminghopelessoutofashipwreck?Alargevaseatfirstwasdesigned:why,asthewheelrevolves,turnsoutalittlepitcher?Inaword,beyoursubjectwhatitwill,letitbemerelysimpleanduniform.



Thegreatmajorityofuspoets,father,andyouthsworthysuchafather,aremisledbytheappearanceofright.Ilabortobeconcise,Ibecomeobscure:nervesandspiritfailhim,thataimsattheeasy:one,thatpretendstobesublime,provesbombastical:hewhoistoocautiousandfearfulofthestorm,crawlsalongtheground:hewhowantstovaryhissubjectinamarvelousmanner,paintsthedolphininthewoods,theboarinthesea.Theavoidingofanerrorleadstoafault,ifitlackskill.

AstatuaryabouttheAemilianschoolshallofhimself,withsingularskill,bothexpressthenails,andimitateinbrasstheflexiblehair;unhappyyetinthemain,becauseheknowsnothowtofinishacompletepiece.Iwouldnomorechoosetobesuchaoneasthis,hadIamindtocomposeanything,thantolivewithadistortednose,[though]remarkableforblackeyesandjettyhair.

Yewhowrite,makechoiceofasubjectsuitabletoyourabilities;andrevolveinyourthoughtsaconsiderabletimewhatyourstrengthdeclines,andwhatitisabletosupport.Neithereleganceofstyle,noraperspicuousdisposition,shalldeserttheman,bywhomthesubjectmatterischosenjudiciously.

This,orIammistaken,willconstitutethemeritandbeautyofarrangement,thatthepoetjustnowsaywhatoughtjustnowtobesaid,

putoffmostofhisthoughts,andwaivethemforthepresent.

Inthechoiceofhiswords,too,theauthoroftheprojectedpoemmustbedelicateandcautious,hemustembraceoneandrejectanother:youwillexpressyourselfeminentlywell,ifadexterouscombinationshouldgiveanairofnoveltytoawell-knownword.Ifithappentobenecessarytoexplainsomeabstrusesubjectsbynewinventedterms;itwillfollowthatyoumustframewordsneverheardofbytheold-fashionedCethegi:andthelicensewillbegranted,ifmodestlyused:andthenewandlately-formedwordswillhaveauthority,iftheydescendfromaGreeksource,withaslightdeviation.ButwhyshouldtheRomansgranttoPlutusandCaeciliusaprivilegedeniedtoVirgilandVarius?WhyshouldIbeenvied,ifIhaveitinmypowertoacquirea

fewwords,whenthelanguageofCatoandEnniushasenrichedournativetongue,andproducednewnamesofthings?Ithasbeen,andeverwillbe,allowabletocoinawordmarkedwiththestampinpresentrequest.Asleavesinthewoodsarechangedwiththefleetingyears;theearliestfallofffirst:inthismannerwordsperishwitholdage,andthoselatelyinventednourishandthrive,likemeninthetimeofyouth.We,andourworks,aredoomedtodeath:WhetherNeptune,admittedintothecontinent,defendsourfleetfromthenorthwinds,akinglywork;orthelake,foralongtimeunfertileandfitforoars,nowmaintainsitsneighboringcitiesandfeelstheheavyplow;ortheriver,taughttoruninamoreconvenientchannel,haschangeditscoursewhichwassodestructivetothefruits.Mortalworksmustperish:muchlesscanthehonorandeleganceoflanguagebelong-lived.Manywordsshallrevive,

whichnowhavefallenoff;andmanywhicharenowinesteemshallfalloff,ifitbethewillofcustom,inwhosepoweristhedecisionandrightandstandardoflanguage.

Homerhasinstructedusinwhatmeasuretheachievementsofkings,andchiefs,anddirefulwarmightbewritten.

Plaintivestrainsoriginallywereappropriatedtotheunequalnumbers[oftheelegiac]:afterward[loveand]successfuldesireswereincluded.Yetwhatauthorfirstpublishedhumbleelegies,thecriticsdispute,and



thecontroversystillwaitsthedeterminationofajudge.

RagearmedArchilochuswiththeiambicofhisowninvention.Thesockandthemajesticbuskinassumedthismeasureasadaptedfordialogue,andtosilencethenoiseofthepopulace,andcalculatedforaction.

Tocelebrategods,andthesonsofgods,andthevictoriouswrestler,andthesteedforemostintherace,andtheinclinationofyouths,andthefreejoysofwine,themusehasalottedtothelyre.

IfIamincapableandunskilfultoobservethedistinctiondescribed,andthecomplexionsofworks[ofgenius],whyamIaccostedbythenameof"Poet?"Why,outoffalsemodesty,doIpreferbeingignoranttobeinglearned?

Acomicsubjectwillnotbehandledintragicverse:inlikemannerthebanquetofThyesteswillnotbeartobeheldinfamiliarverses,andsuchasalmostsuitthesock.Leteachpeculiarspecies[ofwriting]fillwithdecorumitsproperplace.Neverthelesssometimesevencomedyexaltshervoice,andpassionateChremesrailsinatumidstrain:andatragicwritergenerallyexpressesgriefinaprosaicstyle.TelephusandPeleus,whentheyarebothinpovertyandexile,throwasidetheirrantsandgiganticexpressionsiftheyhaveamindtomovetheheartofthespectatorwiththeircomplaint.

Itisnotenoughthatpoemsbebeautiful;letthembetenderandaffecting,andbearawaythesouloftheauditorwhithersoevertheyplease.Asthehumancountenancesmilesonthosethatsmile,sodoesitsympathizewiththosethatweep.Ifyouwouldhavemeweepyoumustfirstexpressthepassionofgriefyourself;then,TelephusorPeleus,yourmisfortuneshurtme:ifyoupronouncethepartsassignedyouill,Ishalleitherfallasleeporlaugh.

Patheticaccentssuitamelancholycountenance;wordsfullofmenace,anangryone;wantonexpressions,asportivelook;andseriousmatter,anaustereone.Fornatureformsusfirstwithintoeverymodificationofcircumstances;shedelightsorimpelsustoanger,ordepressesusto

theearthandafflictsuswithheavysorrow:thenexpressesthoseemotionsofthemindbythetongue,itsinterpreter.Ifthewordsbediscordanttothestationofthespeaker,theRomanknightsandplebianswillraiseanimmoderatelaugh.Itwillmakeawidedifference,whetheritbeDavusthatspeaks,orahero;amanwell-strickeninyears,orahotyoungfellowinhisbloom;andamatronofdistinction,oranofficiousnurse;aroamingmerchant,orthecultivatorofaverdantlittlefarm;aColchian,oranAssyrian;oneeducatedatThebes,oroneatArgos.

You,thatwrite,eitherfollowtradition,orinventsuchfablesasarecongruoustothemselves.IfaspoetyouhavetorepresenttherenownedAchilles;lethimbeindefatigable,wrathful,inexorable,courageous,

lethimdenythatlawsweremadeforhim,lethimarrogateeverythingtoforceofarms.LetMedeabefierceanduntractable,Inoanobjectofpity,Ixionperfidious,Iowandering,Orestesindistress.

Ifyouoffertothestageanythingunattempted,andventuretoformanewcharacter;letitbepreservedtothelastsuchasitsetoutatthebeginning,andbeconsistentwithitself.Itisdifficulttowritewithproprietyonsubjectstowhichallwritershaveacommonclaim;andyouwithmoreprudencewillreducetheIliadintoacts,thanifyoufirstintroduceargumentsunknownandnevertreatedofbefore.Apublicstory





norletProguebemetamorphosedintoabird,Cadmusintoaserpent.Whateveryoushowtomeinthismanner,notabletogivecreditto,Idetest.

Letaplaywhichwouldbeinquiredafter,andthoughseen,representedanew,beneithershorternorlongerthanthefifthact.Neitherletagodinterfere,unlessadifficultyworthyagod'sunravelingshouldhappen;norletafourthpersonbeofficioustospeak.

Letthechorussustainthepartandmanlycharacterofanactor:norletthemsinganythingbetweentheactswhichisnotconduciveto,andfitlycoherentwith,themaindesign.Letthembothpatronizethegood,andgivethemfriendlyadvice,andregulatethepassionate,andlovetoappeasethosewhoswell[withrage]:letthempraisetherepastofashortmeal,andsalutaryeffectsofjustice,laws,andpeacewithheropengates;letthemconcealwhatistoldtotheminconfidence,andsupplicateandimplorethegodsthatprosperitymayreturntothewretched,andabandonthehaughty.Theflute,(notasnow,begirtwithbrassandemulousofthetrumpet,but)slenderandofsimpleform,withfewstops,wasofservicetoaccompanyandassistthechorus,andwithitstonewassufficienttofilltherowsthatwerenotasyettoocrowded,whereanaudience,easilynumbered,asbeingsmallandsober,chasteandmodest,mettogether.ButwhenthevictoriousRomansbegantoextendtheirterritories,andanamplerwallencompassedthecity,and

theirgeniuswasindulgedonfestivalsbydrinkingwineintheday-timewithoutcensure;agreaterfreedomaroseboth,tothenumbers[ofpoetry],andthemeasure[ofmusic].Forwhattastecouldanunletteredclownandonejustdismissedfromlaborshave,whenincompanywiththepolite;thebase,withthemanofhonor?Thusthemusicianaddednowmovementsandaluxuriancetotheancientart,andstruttingbackwardandforward,drewalengthoftrainoverthestage;thuslikewisenewnoteswereaddedtotheseverityofthelyre,andprecipitateeloquenceproducedanunusuallanguage[inthetheater]:andthesentiments[ofthechorus,then]expertinteachingusefulthingsandprescientoffuturity,differhardlyfromtheoracularDelphi.

Thepoet,whofirsttriedhisskillintragicverseforthepaltry

[prizeofa]goat,soonafterexposedtoviewwildsatyrsnaked,andattemptedraillerywithseverity,stillpreservingthegravity[oftragedy]:becausethespectatoronfestivals,whenheatedwithwineanddisorderly,wastobeamusedwithcaptivatingshowsandagreeablenovelty.Butitwillbeexpedientsotorecommendthebantering,sotherallyingsatyrs,sototurnearnestintojest;thatnonewhoshallbeexhibitedasagod,nonewhoisintroducedasaherolatelyconspicuousinregalpurpleandgold,maydeviateintothelowstyleofobscure,mechanicalshops;or,[onthecontrary,]whileheavoidstheground,effectcloudymistandemptyjargon.Tragedydisdainingtoprateforthtrivialverses,likeamatroncommandedtodanceonthefestivaldays,willassumeanairofmodesty,eveninthemidstofwantonsatyrs.Asawriterofsatire,yePisos,Ishallneverbefondofunornamentedand

reigningterms:norshallIlabortodiffersowidelyfromthecomplexionoftragedy,astomakenodistinction,whetherDavusbethespeaker.AndtheboldPythias,whogainedatalentbygullingSimo;orSilenus,theguardianandattendantofhispupil-god[Bacchus].Iwouldsoexecuteafictiontakenfromawell-knownstory,thatanybodymightentertainhopesofdoingthesamething;but,ontrial,shouldsweatandlaborinvain.Suchpowerhasajustarrangementandconnectionoftheparts:suchgracemaybeaddedtosubjectsmerelycommon.InmyjudgmenttheFauns,thatarebroughtoutofthewoods,shouldnotbetoogamesomewiththeirtenderstrains,asiftheywereeducatedinthe



city,andalmostatthebar;nor,ontheotherhand;shouldblunderouttheirobsceneandscandalousspeeches.For[atsuchstuff]allareoffended,whohaveahorse,afather,oranestate:norwilltheyreceivewithapprobation,norgivethelaurelcrown,asthepurchasersofparchedpeasandnutsaredelightedwith.

Alongsyllableputafterashortoneistermedaniambus,alivelymeasure,whencealsoitcommandedthenameoftrimeterstobeaddedtoiambics,thoughityieldedsixbeatsoftime,beingsimilartoitselffromfirsttolast.Notlongago,thatitmightcomesomewhatslowerandwithmoremajestytotheear,itobliginglyandcontentedlyadmittedintoitspaternalheritagethesteadfastspondees;agreeinghowever,bysocialleague,thatitwasnottodepartfromthesecondandfourthplace.Butthis[kindofmeasure]rarelymakesitsappearanceinthenotabletrimetersofAccius,andbrandstheverseofEnniusbroughtuponthestagewithaclumsyweightofspondees,withtheimputationofbeingtooprecipitateandcareless,ordisgracefullyaccuseshimofignoranceinhisart.

Itisnoteveryjudgethatdiscernsinharmoniousverses,andanundeservedindulgenceis[inthiscase]grantedtotheRomanpoets.ButshallIonthisaccountrunriotandwritelicentiously?OrshouldnotIrathersuppose,thatalltheworldaretoseemyfaults;secure,andcautious[nevertoerr]butwithhopeofbeingpardoned?Though,

perhaps,Ihavemeritednopraise,Ihaveescapedcensure.

Ye[whoaredesiroustoexcel,]turnovertheGrecianmodelsbynight,turnthembyday.ButourancestorscommendedboththenumbersofPlautus,andhisstrokesofpleasantry;tootamely,Iwillnotsayfoolishly,admiringeachofthem;ifyouandIbutknowhowtodistinguishacoarsejokefromasmartrepartee,andunderstandthepropercadence,by[using]ourfingersandears.

Thespisissaidtohaveinventedanewkindoftragedy,andtohavecarriedhispiecesaboutincarts,which[certainstrollers],whohadtheirfacesbesmearedwithleesofwine,sangandacted.AfterhimAeschylus,theinventorofthevizardmaskanddecentrobe,laidthe

stageoverwithboardsofatolerablesize,andtaughttospeakinloftytone,andstrutinthebuskin.Tothesesucceededtheoldcomedy,notwithoutconsiderablepraise:butitspersonalfreedomdegeneratedintoexcessandviolence,worthytoberegulatedbylaw;alawwasmadeaccordingly,andthechorus,therightofabusingbeingtakenaway,disgracefullybecamesilent.

Ourpoetshaveleftnospecies[oftheart]unattempted;norhavethoseofthemmeritedtheleasthonor,whodaredtoforsakethefootstepsoftheGreeks,andcelebratedomesticfacts;whethertheyhaveinstructedusintragedy,ofcomedy.NorwouldItalyberaisedhigherbyvalorandfeatsofarms,thanbyitslanguage,didnotthefatigueandtediousnessofusingthefiledisgusteveryoneofourpoets.Doyou,thedecendants

ofPompilius,rejectthatpoem,whichmanydaysandmanyablothavenottentimessubduedtothemostperfectaccuracy.BecauseDemocritusbelievesthatgeniusismoresuccessfulthanwretchedart,andexcludesfromHeliconallpoetswhoareintheirsenses,agreatnumberdonotcaretopartwiththeirnailsorbeard,frequentplacesofsolitude,shunthebaths.Forhewillacquire,[hethinks,]theesteemandtitleofapoet,ifheneithersubmitshishead,whichisnottobecuredbyeventhreeAnticyras,toLiciniusthebarber.WhatanunluckyfellowamI,whoampurgedforthebileinspring-time!Elsenobodywouldcomposebetterpoems;butthepurchaseisnotworththeexpense.ThereforeI



willserveinsteadofawhetstone,whichthoughnotableofitselftocut,canmakesteelsharp:soI,whocanwritenopoetrymyself,willteachthedutyandbusiness[ofanauthor];whencehemaybestockedwithrichmaterials;whatnourishesandformsthepoet;whatgivesgrace,whatnot;whatisthetendencyofexcellence,whatthatoferror.

Tohavegoodsense,isthefirstprincipleandfountainofwritingwell.TheSocraticpaperswilldirectyouinthechoiceofyoursubjects;andwordswillspontaneouslyaccompanythesubject,whenitiswellconceived.Hewhohaslearnedwhatheowestohiscountry,andwhattohisfriends;withwhataffectionaparent,abrother,andastranger,aretobeloved;whatisthedutyofasenator,whatofajudge;whatthedutiesofageneralsentouttowar;he,[Isay,]certainlyknowshowtogivesuitableattributestoeverycharacter.Ishoulddirectthelearnedimitatortohavearegardtothemodeofnatureandmanners,andthencedrawhisexpressionstothelife.Sometimesaplay,thatisshowywithcommon-places,andwherethemannersarewellmarked,thoughofnoelegance,withoutforceorart,givesthepeoplemuchhigherdelightandmoreeffectuallycommandstheirattention,thanversevoidofmatter,andtunefultrifles.

TotheGreeks,covetousofnothingbutpraise,themusegavegenius;totheGreeksthepowerofexpressingthemselvesinroundperiods.TheRomanyouthlearnbylongcomputationtosubdivideapoundintoan

hundredparts.LetthesonofAlbinustellme,iffromfiveouncesonebesubtracted,whatremains?Hewouldhavesaidthethirdofapound.--Bravelydone!youwillbeabletotakecareofyourownaffairs.Anounceisadded:whatwillthatbe?Halfapound.Whenthissordidrustandhankeringafterwealthhasoncetaintedtheirminds,canweexpectthatsuchversesshouldbemadeasareworthyofbeinganointedwiththeoilofcedar,andkeptinthewell-polishedcypress?

Poetswisheithertoprofitortodelight;ortodeliveratonceboththepleasuresandthenecessariesoflife.Whateverpreceptsyougive,beconcise;thatdocilemindsmaysooncomprehendwhatissaid,andfaithfullyretainit.Allsuperfluousinstructionsflowfromthetoofullmemory.Letwhateverisimaginedforthesakeofentertainment,

haveasmuchlikenesstotruthaspossible;letnotyourplaydemandbeliefforwhatever[absurdities]itisinclinable[toexhibit]:nortakeoutofawitch'sbellyalivingchildthatshehaddinedupon.Thetribesoftheseniorsrailagainsteverythingthatisvoidofedification:theexaltedknightsdisregardpoemswhichareaustere.Hewhojoinstheinstructivewiththeagreeable,carriesoffeveryvote,bydelightingandatthesametimeadmonishingthereader.ThisbookgainsmoneyfortheSosii;thiscrossesthesea,andcontinuestoitsrenownedauthoralastingduration.

Yettherearefaults,whichweshouldbereadytopardon:forneitherdoesthestring[always]formthesoundwhichthehandandconception[oftheperformer]intends,butveryoftenreturnsasharpnotewhenhe

demandsaflat;norwillthebowalwayshitwhatevermarkitthreatens.Butwhenthereisagreatmajorityofbeautiesinapoem,Iwillnotbeoffendedwithafewblemishes,whicheitherinattentionhasdropped,orhumannaturehasnotsufficientlyprovidedagainst.Whattherefore[istobedeterminedinthismatter]?Asatranscriber,ifhestillcommitsthesamefaultthoughhehasbeenreproved,iswithoutexcuse;andtheharperwhoalwaysblundersonthesamestring,issuretobelaughedat;sohewhoisexcessivelydeficientbecomesanotherChoerilus;whom,whenIfindhimtolerableintwoorthreeplaces,Iwonderatwithlaughter;andatthesametimeamIgrievedwheneverhonestHomergrowsdrowsy?



Butitisallowable,thatsleepshouldstealupon[theprogressof]akingwork.

Asispainting,soispoetry:somepieceswillstrikeyoumoreifyoustandnear,andsome,ifyouareatagreaterdistance:onelovesthedark;another,whichisnotafraidofthecritic'ssubtlejudgment,choosestobeseeninthelight;theonehaspleasedonce,theotherwillgivepleasureiftentimesrepeated.

Oyeelderoftheyouths,thoughyouareframedtoarightjudgmentbyyourfather'sinstructions,andarewiseinyourself,yettakethistruthalongwithyou,[and]rememberit;thatincertainthingsamediumandtolerabledegreeofeminencemaybeadmitted:acounselorandpleaderatthebarofthemiddlerateisfarremovedfromthemeritofeloquentMessala,norhassomuchknowledgeofthelawasCasseliusAulus,butyetheisinrequest;[but]amediocrityinpoetsneithergods,normen,nor[even]thebooksellers'shopshaveendured.Asatanagreeableentertainmentdiscordantmusic,andmuddyperfume,andpoppiesmixedwithSardinianhoneygiveoffense,becausethesuppermighthavepassedwithoutthem;sopoetry,createdandinventedforthedelightofoursouls,ifitcomesshorteversolittleofthesummit,sinkstothebottom.

Hewhodoesnotunderstandthegame,abstainsfromtheweaponsofthe

CampusMartius:andtheunskillfulinthetennis-ball,thequoit,andthetroqueskeepshimselfquiet;lestthecrowdedringshouldraisealaughathisexpense:notwithstandingthis,hewhoknowsnothingofversespresumestocompose.Whynot!Heisfree-born,andofagoodfamily;aboveall,heisregisteredatanequestriansumofmoneys,andclearfromeveryvice.You,[Iampersuaded,]willneithersaynordoanythinginoppositiontoMinerva:suchisyourjudgment,suchyourdisposition.Butifeveryoushallwriteanything,letitbesubmittedtotheearsofMetius[Tarpa],whoisajudge,andyourfather's,andmine;andletitbesuppressedtilltheninthyear,yourpapersbeingheldupwithinyourowncustody.Youwillhaveitinyourpowertoblotoutwhatyouhavenotmadepublic:awordicesentabroadcanneverreturn.

Orpheus,thepriestandInterpreterofthegods,deterredthesavageraceofmenfromslaughtersandinhumandiet;oncesaidtotametigersandfuriouslions:Amphiontoo,thebuilderoftheThebanwall,wassaidtogivethestonesmoonwiththesoundofhislyre,andtoleadthemwhithersoverhewould,byengagingpersuasion.Thiswasdeemedwisdomofyore,todistinguishthepublicfromprivateweal;thingssacredfromthingsprofane;toprohibitapromiscuouscommercebetweenthesexes;togivelawstomarriedpeople;toplanoutcities;toengravelawson[tablesof]wood.Thushonoraccruedtodivinepoets,andtheirsongs.Afterthese,excellentHomerandTyrtaeusanimatedthemanlymindtomartialachievementswiththeirverses.Oraclesweredeliveredinpoetry,andtheeconomyoflifepointedout,andthefavorofsovereign

princeswassolicitedbyPieriandrains,gameswereinstituted,anda[cheerful]periodputtothetediouslaborsoftheday;[thisIremindyouof,]lesthaplyyoushouldbeashamedofthelyricmuse,andApollothegodofsong.

Ithasbeenmadeaquestion,whethergoodpoetrybederivedfromnatureorfromart.Formypart,Icanneitherconceivewhatstudycandowithoutarich[natural]vein,norwhatrudegeniuscanavailofitself:somuchdoestheonerequiretheassistanceoftheother,andsoamicablydotheyconspire[toproducethesameeffect].Hewhois



industrioustoreachthewished-forgoal,hasdoneandsufferedmuchwhenaboy;hehassweatedandshiveredwithcold;hehasabstainedfromloveandwine;hewhosingsthePythianstrains,wasalearnerfirst,andinaweofamaster.But[inpoetry]itisnowenoughforamantosayofhimself:"Imakeadmirableverses:amurrainseizethehindmost:itisscandalousformetobeoutstripped,andfairlytoAcknowledgethatIamignorantofthatwhichIneverlearned."

Asacrierwhocollectsthecrowdtogethertobuyhisgoods,soapoetrichinland,richinmoneyputoutatinterest,invitesflattererstocome[andpraisehisworks]forareward.Butifhebeonewhoiswellabletosetoutaneleganttable,andgivesecurityforapoorman,andrelievewhenentangledinglaomylaw-suits;Ishallwonderifwithhiswealthhecandistinguishatruefriendfromfalseone.You,whetheryouhavemade,orintendtomake,apresenttoanyone,donotbringhimfullofjoydirectlytoyourfinishedverses:forthenhewillcryout,"Charming,excellent,judicious,"hewillturnpale;atsomepartshewillevendistillthedewfromhisfriendlyeyes;hewilljumpabout;hewillbeattheground[withecstasy].Asthosewhomournatfuneralsforpay,doandsaymorethanthosethatareafflictedfromtheirhearts;sotheshamadmirerismoremovedthanhethatpraiseswithsincerity.Certainkingsaresaidtoplywithfrequentbumpers,andbywinemaketrialofamanwhomtheyareseduloustoknowwhetherhebeworthyoftheirfriendshipornot.Thus,ifyoucomposeverses,letnotthefox's

concealedintentionsimposeuponyou.

IfyouhadrecitedanythingtoQuintilius,hewouldsay,"Alter,Ipray,thisandthis:"ifyoureplied,youcoulddoitnobetter,havingmadetheexperimenttwiceorthriceinvain;hewouldorderyoutoblotout,andoncemoreapplytotheanvilyourill-formedverses:ifyouchooserathertodefendthancorrectafault,hespentnotawordmorenorfruitlesslabor,butyoualonemightbefondofyourselfandyourownworks,withoutarival.Agoodandsensiblemanwillcensurespiritlessverses,hewillcondemntherugged,ontheincorrecthewilldrawacrossablackstrokewithhispen;hewilllopoffambitious[andredundant]ornaments;hewillmakehimthrowlightonthepartsthatarenotperspicuous;hewillarraignwhatisexpressedambiguously;hewill

markwhatshouldbealtered;[inshort,]hewillbeanAristarchus:hewillnotsay,"WhyshouldIgivemyfriendoffenseaboutmeretrifles?"Thesetrifleswillleadintomischiefsofseriousconsequence,whenoncemadeanobjectofridicule,andusedinasinistermanner.

Likeonewhomanodiousplagueorjaundice,fanaticphrensyorlunacy,distresses;thosewhoarewiseavoidamadpoet,andareafraidtotouchhim;theboysjostlehim,andtheincautiouspursuehim.If,likeafowlerintentuponhisgame,heshouldfallintoawelloraditchwhilehebelchesouthisfustianversesandroamsabout,thoughheshouldcryoutforalongtime,"Cometomyassistance,Omycountrymen;"notonewouldgivehimselfthetroubleoftakinghimup.Wereanyonetotakepainstogivehimaid,andletdownarope;"Howdoyouknow,buthe

threwhimselfinhitheronpurpose?"Ishallsay:andwillrelatethedeathoftheSicilianpoet.Empedocles,whilehewasambitiousofbeingesteemedanimmortalgod,incoldbloodleapedintoburningAetna.Letpoetshavetheprivilegeandlicensetodie[astheyplease].Hewhosavesamanagainsthiswill,doesthesamewithhimwhokillshim[againsthiswill].Neitherisitthefirsttimethathehasbehavedinthismanner;nor,werehetobeforcedfromhispurposes,wouldhenowbecomeaman,andlayasidehisdesireofsuchafamousdeath.Neitherdoesitappearsufficiently,whyhemakesverses:whetherhehasdefiledhisfather'sashes,orsacrilegiouslyremovedthesadenclosureofthe



vindictivethunder:itisevidentthatheismad,andlikeabearthathasburstthroughthegatesclosinghisden,thisunmercifulrehearserchasesthelearnedandunlearned.Andwhomsoeverheseizes,hefastensonandassassinateswithrecitation:aleechthatwillnotquittheskin,tillsatiatedwithblood.

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